A compleat history of the most remarkable providences both of judgment and mercy, which have hapned in this present age extracted from the best writers, the author's own observations, and the numerous relations sent him from divers parts of the three kingdoms : to which is added, whatever is curious in the works of nature and art / the whole digested into one volume, under proper heads, being a work set on foot thirty years ago, by the Reverend Mr. Pool, author of the Synopsis criticorum ; and since undertaken and finish'd, by William Turner...

Wonders of Nature, PART II.

NAture (says Dr. Barrow) offereth her self, and her inexhaustible Store of Appear∣ances, to our Contemplation; we may without any Harm, and with much De∣light, survey her rich Varieties, examine her Proceedings, pierce into her Secrets; every kind of Animals, of Plants, of Minerals, of Meteors, presenteth Matter, wherewith innocently, pleasantly, and profitably, to entertain our Minds: There are many Noble Sciences, by applying our Minds to the Study whereof, we may not only Divert them, but Improve and Cultivate them, &c. To do this, we have an Unquestionable Right, and by it we shall obtain vast Benefit.

[Thus far Dr. Barrow, in his Sermons against Evil Speaking.] We shall therefore here (for Method-sake) first relate the Wonders of Nature, and then proceed to the Wonders of Art. In relating the Wonders of Nature, we shall first begin with Instances of Sympathy.

CHAP. I Instances of Sympathy.

THE Sympathy of the Simple Qualities, and the Elements wherein they are found, (say the Vir∣tuosi of France,) are the Causes of the Temperament of mix'd Bodies, as Antipathy of their Dis∣solution: 'Tis they who unite and disunite those Compounds, and by approximating or removing them one from another, cause all their Motions. When these Causes are apparent, we take upon us to impute them to certain Qualities, and discourse upon them with some Skill and Confidence; but where we cannot by searching find out the Cause, we fly to Occult Qualities, that is, Sympathy or Antipathy, for a Refuge and Honourable Sanctuary for our Ignorance; of which sort may be these that follow.

1. Coral stays Bleeding, Amber draws Straws, the Loadstone Iron; Garlick is a Friend to the Rose and Lilly, increasing one the others Odour; a Man's Fasting-Spittle kills the Viper, Eels drown'd in Wine make the Drinker thenceforward hate it, Betony strengthens the Brain, Suc∣cory is proper to the Liver, Bezoar a Friend to the Heart. The Lungs of a Fox are useful to such as are Phthisical, the Intestines of the Wolf is good for the Colick, Eyebright for the Eye, Solomon's-Seal for the Rupture, the Black Decoction of Sena for Melancholy, Yellow Rhubarb for Choler, White Agaric for Phlegm. The Lote-Tree follows the Motion of the Sun. Philos. Confer. of the Virtuosi of France, p. 122.

2. There is observed a Sympathy between the Feet and the Head, the one taking cold, the other is affected; between the Mouth and the Stomach; between the Heart, and the Hands or Wrists: So that Medicines are often applied to the one for the Cure of the other. There is a Sym∣pathy between the Light, and the Spirits of Men; the Green Colour, and the Eyes: All Cor∣dials have a Sympathy with the Heatt, as Pearls and precious Stones; Male-Peony with the Brain; the Blood-stone with the Blood: The Dog knows the Dog-killer. I Query here, What is to be thought of the Lions in the Tower dying at the Smell of a Handkerchief dipt in the Blood of King Charles the First.

3. I would have it throughly enquired, (saith Sir Francis Bacon,) whether there be not some secret Passages of Sympathy between Persons of near Blood, as Parents, Children, Brothers, Sisters, Nurse-Children, Husbands, Wives, &c. There be many Reports in History, that upon the Death of Persons of such Nearness, Men have and an inward Feeling of it. I my self re∣member, that being at Paris, and my Father dying in London, two or three days before my Fa∣ther's Death, I had a Dream, which I told to divers English Gentlemen, that my Father's House in the Country was plaister'd all over with Black Mortar. There is an Opinion, that loving and kind Husbands have a Sense of their Wives Breeding-Child by some Accident in their own Body. Bacon's Natural Hist. Cent. 10. p. 211.

4. Hither also may be referred the Effects of Imagination, of which, Authors have said so much. A Sister of mine, saith Gaffarella, had the Figure of a Fish upon her left Leg, caused by the De∣sire my Mother had to eat Fish, when she was great; and it is represented with so much Perfe∣ction and Rarity, that you would take it to be drawn by some excellent Master. Now that, wherein the Wonder lies, is this, That when ever the Girl eat any Fish, that upon her Leg put her to a sensible Pain. And I had a Friend that had a Mulberry growing upon his Forehead, caused likewise by his Mother's longing after them; and he never eat Mulberries, but that on his Forehead put him to Pain by its extraordinary Beating. This other Story, which I shall now relate, (saith he,) is very well known to all in Paris, that are curious Inquirers into these Things: The Hostess of the Inn in the Suburbs of St. Michael, at Bois de Vincenne, who died about two Years since, had likewise a Mulberry growing upon a Lower Lip; which was smooth and plain all the Year long, till the time that Mulberries begin to ripen; at which time hers also began to

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be red, and to swell more and more, observing exactly the Season and Nature of other Mulber∣ries. Gaffar, unheard-of Curios. par. 2. ch. 6.

5. Oysters taken out of Water, will open against the Flood-time, and close upon the Ebb, Britan. Bacon. p. 18.

6. All Concords of Musick are Sympathies; And 'tis observed, that if a Lute or Viol be laid upon the Back with a small Straw upon one side of the Strings, and another Lute or Viol be laid by it, the Unison of one being struck will make the String move, and the Straw fall off. Bacon's Nat. Hist. cent. 4.

7. There is a Sympathy between the Ear and Sounds, between the Spirit and the Ear; inso∣much that, according to the Variety of Notes and Tones, and Tunes, the Mind is diversly affe∣cted; wild Creatures are tamed, Soldiers are provoked to Courage, some moved to Fear and Sadness by this means. The Voice of an Orator or Preacher hath a great Influence upon the Hearers, according to the Sweetness, Harshness, Lowness, Loudness, Mournsulness, &c. of it.

8. The Sympathetic Powder and Weapon-Salve, magnified by Sir Francis Bacon and Sir Kenelm Digby, &c. is laugh'd at by Mr. Hales of Eaton, and look'd upon as a fond Conceit.

9. The Sympathy of Affections, and Strength of Imagination is admirable, when the Mind is able to presage the Death or Dangers of a Friend, tho a great way off. This also I found in my self: For once I suddenly fell into a Passion of Weeping, upon the Apprehension I took that my dear Friend was dead, whom I exceedingly loved for his Virtues, and it fell out accordingly as I pre∣saged; for he died about that same Hour that I fell into that Weeping Fit, and we were at that time 60 Miles asunder; nor could I tell certainly, that he was dead, till two Days after. Thus to some, the Death of Friends is presaged by bleeding at the Nose, and sudden Sadness, by Dreams, and divers other ways, which the Learned Poet was not ignorant of, when he saith, Agnovit longe gemitum praesagia mali mens; Aen. 1.10. So by the Greek Poet the Soul is called 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, A Southsayer of Evil: The Cause of this the Gentiles ascribed to the Sun, which they held to be the Soul; and our Souls, Sparks of that great Lamp. A Platonical Conceit, which he thought Men's Souls to be material; we were better to ascribe this to the Information of that Angel which attends us. Rosse Arcan. Microcosin.

10. One Faber of Buxovil in Alsatia constantly acted the Part of his pregnant Wife, being taken with Vomitings, and suffered those inordinate Longings that usually attend Women in that Condition, his Wife all the while suffering no such Inconveniencies. Miscelan. Curios. Med. Phys. Germ. An. 2. Observ. 215.

11. That this hath happen'd to some Persons in Oxford is very certain, and that to knowing Ones too, very unlikely to be deceived, and of unquestionable Veracity; whereof one of them told me, That they came upon him when he little thought of his Wife, and that the Pangs were very odd ones, such as he never felt in his Life; not like any Griping in the Guts, but lying in the Muscles of the abdomen, which yet he should never have thought to have had relation to his Wife, had they not suddenly, and beyond expectation, ceased as soon as his Wife began to be in Labour. Thus far Dr. Plot, in his Nat. Hist. of Oxfordshire, p. 193.

CHAP. II. Instances of Antipathy.

THIS is the Opposite of Sympathy, arising from the Contrariety of innate and undiscoverable Quali∣ties, a secret Ʋnsuitableness in the Nature of one Thing to that of another; where the Properties clash together, and bid Battle, upon a near approach of one to the other. As of the Horse and Camel, Elephant and Swine, Lion and Cock, Bull and Fig-Tree, Naked Man and Adder, Ape and Tortoise, Ape and Eel, Cantharides and the Bladder, Plague and Quick-silver, Plague and Arsnic, Birds and Scare-Crows; Things alive and Things dead and corrupted, as Man and Man's Carcass, Beast and Beast's Blood, &c. But I shall especially Instance in the Antipathies of Mankind against some particular Things.

1. Cardinal Don Henrique de Cardona would fall into a Swoon upon the Smell of a Rose, (saith Ingrassia;) and Laurentius, Bishop of Ʋratislavia, was done to Death by the Smell of them. Schenk. Obs. Med. l. 7. p. 891.

2. Cardinal Oliverius Caraffa, during the Season of Roses, used to inclose himself in a Cham∣ber, not permitting any to enter his Palace, nor come near him that had a Rose about him. Idem Obs. Med. l. 7. p. 891.

3. The Smell of a Rose, or Sight of it at a distance, would cause a Noble Venetian, of the Family of Barbarigi, to swoon, and become like a dead Man. Donat, H. M. c. 3. p. 305.

4. I know a stout Soldier, saith Donatus, who was never able to bear the Smell or Sight of the Herb Rue, but would evermore betake himself to flight at his first Notice of its Presence. Do. His. Med. l. 6. c. 3. p. 307.

5. Johannes è Querceto, Secretary to Francis the First, King of France, was forced to stop his Nostrils with Bread when there were any Apples at Table; and so offensive was the Smell of them to him, that if an Apple had been near his Nose, he would fall a bleeding. Donat. Hist. Med. Mir. l. 6. c. 3. p. 307.

6. I have seen, saith Brassavolus, the younger Daughter of Frederick, King of Naples, that could not eat any kind of Flesh, nor so much as taste of it; and as oft as she put any bit of it into her Mouth, she was seised with a vehement Syncope, and falling to the Earth, and rolling her self thereupon, would lamentably shriek out: This she would continue to do for the space of half an Hour, after she was returned to her self. Schenk l. 7. p. 890.

7. Guainerius tells us of himself, That Hogs Flesh was so very great an Enemy to him, that it produced the same Accidents in him that Poison would have done, altho he used but any part of it in Sawces: As also, that when his Mother (who was desirous to accustom her Son to all kinds of Meats) had prepared for him (without his knowledge) a Dish of that Flesh, minced into small bits, and offered it to him to eat; within an Hour after he fell into a Palpitation of the Heart, and thence into a Syncope, thence into a Vomiting, in which he brought up pure Blood; so that they looked for no Life of him. Zach. Quest. Med. l. 2. Tit. 2. p. 73.

8. Olaterius tells us, of a French Boy tabling with his Father, that would eat nothing that was roasted, boiled, or fried, eating only Bread, Fruits and Milk; nor could he eat the finer sort of Bread, but such only as had course Brans in it; his Milk also must be cold, for he could eat no∣thing hot; yet he was of good Habit of Body, fresh, and well coloured. Plot. Obs. l. 1. p. 238.

9. Horstius saith, He saw a Noble Countess tasting of an Udder of Beef, had her Lips sud∣denly swell'd thereby; and the Count told him, That as often as she did eat of it, she was trou∣bled in that manner, the Cause whereof they were ignorant. Sche. Obs. Med. l. 7. p. 891.

10. A Learned Person told the same Author, of a Man at Antwerp that would immediately swoon as oft as a Pig was set before him. Sch. Obs. Ibid.

11. Another tells of a Man of Quality, who at the sight of an Eel is presently cast into a Swoon; yea thô inclosed in a Pie, yet falls he down dead, and so continues till the Eel be take•• off from the Table. Hen. ab Heers. Obs. Med. l. 1. Ob. 29. p. 247.

12. Johan, Heurnicus, as oft as he eat Pepper or Rhadish, was tortured with the cruel Pains of the Cholick. Hen. ab. Heers. Obs. Med. l. 1. obs. 27. p. 249.

13. The mildest Medicines vehemently disturb some Persons, as twas observed in an illu∣strious Lady; for if purged with Manna, she was suddenly taken with Torments, Loathings, Belchings, &c. yet with stronger ones, she was purged without Trouble. Also her Nephew (tho of a bilious Temperament) could never be purged with Manna, so that it seemed a pe∣culiar Property of that Family: Schenck Obs. Med. l. 7. p. 891.

14. A whole Family (saith Donatus) were never able to bear Diaphoenicon, tho never so pri∣vately minced with other Medicines, but would straight reject it by Vomit. Donat. Hist. Med. Mir. l. 6. c. 3. p. 308.

15. Scaliger tells of a whole Family that would die at the taking of a little Cassia Fistula. Scal. de Subtil. ad Card. Exercit. 153. p. 531.

16. A Noble Man had such an Antipathy to Oyl-Olive, that all kind of Sawces that were prepared with it, and set in the Room where he was, must suddenly be taken thence, or else he would fall into deadly Faintings. Schen. Obs. l. 7. p. 891.

17. To another, all sweet Things were Poison, as Honey, Sugar; neither could he eat Grapes, Figs, nor Pears, Quinces, &c. Of all kind of Fruits, he only eat Nuts, Almonds, and Pine-Kernels: He delighted in Vinegar, sowre Sawces, and salt Things: And his usual Drink was Water. Schenck. Obs. Med. l. 7. p. 891.

18. Dr. Christianus Ostenfeld having prepared an Infusion of Antimony for a very melancholy Person, the Party upon the sight of it immediately found such a Loathing arise, that he be∣sought him to take away the Medicine, and soon after such an abundance of Humours were voided by him upwards and downwards, that in a short time after he was cured. Bar. H. Anat. Cent. 5. H. 64. p. 134.

19. Rondeletius saith, he knew a Bishop by no means able to take any Physick, but when he had need, he prepared for him a great quantity, which he poured hot into a clean Basin, where he used to stir it to and fro, and to hold his Mouth and Nostrils over the Steam of it, by which he was purged as plentifully, as if he had taken any convenient Medicine for that purpose. Schenck. Obs. Med. l. 3. obs. 3. p. 384.

20. Fallopius prescribed to a certain Abbess Pills, which she never swallowed, but crushed them flat, and so applied them to the Region of the Ventricle, binding them on with a Swathing-Band; and in the space of 4 or 5 Hours she would be as well purged, as if she had swallowed down the Pills. Sch. Obs. Med. Ibid.

21. Donatus tells of a Boy, that if at any time he eat of an Egg, his Lips would swell, his Face would rise with Purple and Black Spots, and he would froth at Mouth after the same man∣ner, as if he had swallowed Poison. Don. Hist. Med. Mir. l. 6. c. 3. p. 305.

22. Schenckius tells of a Norman, who had never tasted Bread, Flesh or Fish, but fed only upon Eggs, and was therefore called The Weasel. Sch. l. 7. p. 889.

23. Brugerinus saith, he was an Eye-witness of a Maid, who being more than 16 Years of Age, had been brought up only with Milk, without any other Food, for she could not so much as endure the smell of Bread; and if the smallest Particle of it was put into her Milk, she would discover it by the Smell at a distance. Sch. l. 7. p. 890. Who tells in the same Page of Jac. Foro-••viensis, that if at any time he eat Garlick, he was no less tormented, than if he had drank Poison.

24. A certain Spaniard, who had never tasted any sort of Fish, when a Friend of his had in∣vited him to a Supper, and had on purpose given him Fish wrapt in Eggs, he immediately fell into fainting Pressures of the Heart, and Vomitings, &c. so that little wanted but that he had died upon it. Schenck. l. 7. p. 890.

25. Germanicus could not endure the Voice or Sight of a Cock; and the Persian Magi were possessed with an extream Hatred to Mice. Sch. l. 7. p. 889.

26. Another was not able to bear, that an old Woman should look upon him, and being forced to look upon one, intended for Merriment as to him, ended in his Death. Ibid.

27. Another at the sight of a Dog, is not only affrighted, but seized with Convulsions, Bart. Hist. Anat. Cent. 3 Hist. 28. p. 65.

28. A young Lady of Namur, as often as she heard the sound of a Bell, or any loud Voice, so often was she cast into a Swound, so as that she differed not from one dead, Hen. ab. H. 61. Obs. 29. p. 253.

29. A Nun in the Monastery of St. Clare, would be strangely affrighted at the sight of a Bee∣tle; it fell out that some young Girls, cast a Beetle into her Bosom, betwixt her Breasts, which when perceived, she presently fell into a Swound to the Earth, deprived of all Sense, and re∣mained four hours in Cold Sweats; when she came to her self, yet she recovered not her former strength in many days after. Zach. Quest. Med. l. 2. tit. 2. p. 61.

30. A Noble Man of Mantua, would fall in a Syncope, and Cold Sweats, at the sight of an Hedge-hog. Donat. Hist. Med. Mir. l. 6. c. 3. p. 306.

30. A German coming in Winter time into an Inn to Sup, the Woman of the House know∣ing his Temper, hid her young Cat in a Chest, in the same Room where he was to Sup, but though he had neither seen, nor heard it, yet after some time that he had suckt in the Air, in∣fected by the Cats breath, he Sweat and a sudden paleness came on his Face; he cry'd out, that in some corner or other of the Room, there lay a Cat hid. Sch. l. 7. p. 889.

32. A Lady, as oft as she tasted any Raisons, or Sugar, or any other sweet thing, was afflict∣ed with intolerable pain in her Teeth, nor was she freed from it, till she had Eaten something bitter or sharp. Henric. ab Heers. Obs. Med. l. 1. Obs 29. p. 254.

33. Mr. Baker, an ancient Minister in London, was not able to indure the sight of a Cat.

CHAP. III. Examples of Superfoetation.

THere are some Mysteries in the Anomalies of Nature, which we cannot solve; and this is one, which for the Difficulty of it, I do not care to play the Philosopher upon; the Recesses of the Ope∣ration are so Secret, and the Acts themselves so Sublime, that 'tis impossible for material Eyes to find out, by the most accurate Disquisition, or meer Reason, to give a perfect Rational upon. I must ma∣num de Tabulâ, and leave it to the Studies of the Schools.

1. . . . . Palmer, Esq; of West-Angmering in Sussex: It happened, that his Wife were a full Fortnight inclusively in Labour, and was on Whitsunday delivered of . . . . . her Eldest Son; on Sunday following, of . . . . her Second Son; and the Sunday next after, of . . . . her Third Son. These Three were Knighted for their Valour and Success, (as in their Nativities), by King Henry the Eighth.

2. Anno 1584. Died the Noble Lord, Philip Lewis of Hirshorn, at his Mansion-house in the Palatinate, three miles from Heydelberg; he left no Heir, but his Lady was with Child; his Kindred forthwith enters upon the Rents and Royalties, and to gain the more full and perfect knowledge of them, (soon after the death of her Lord), they pluckt from her Waste, the Keys of all private Places, (and that not without Violence) the better to inable them for the search they intended. This Outrage redoubled the Grief of the Lady, so that within few days after, she fell in Travel, and brought forth a Son, but dead and wanting the Scull. Now were the next Heirs of the Deceased Noble Man, exceeding Jocund, as having attained to their utmost hopes, and therefore now used the Estate as their own; but it pleased God to raise up a Son to that desolate and disconsolate Widow; for though she was not speedily delivered of him, after the first, yet she remain'd somewhat Big after her delivery, suspecting nothing, but that it was some praeternatural Humour, or some Disease that was remaining in her Body; she therefore consulted the Physicians, who all thought any thing rather to be the cause of the Disease, then that in the least they suspected, a second Birth, so long after the first. They therefore advised her to go to the Baths by the Rhine; she accordingly did, as a sad and comfortless Widow, at∣tended only with one Maid, came thither July, 1584 where (••t so fell out) she found Augustus, the Elector of Saxony, together with the Princess his Wife, as also many other Princes and their Ladies; by which means, all Lodgings were so taken up, that she could not find Entertainment in any Inn, especially being not known of what Quality she was, coming thither with so pri∣vate a Retinue as a Maid. At last, discovering to the Governor of the place, who she was, and her last Misfortunes, she procured Lodging in his House for that Night, when it was the tenth Week from her former delivery; it pleased God to send her (in her Affliction, and amongst Strangers), a lovely Boy, the Fame of which came to the Ears of the Illustrious Princes, who were then in Town. The Elector of Mentz made her a Noble Provision for her lying in. The Elector of Saxony also sent her by way of present, 1000 Dollars; also all the Rents and Royalties before seized upon, were restored to this Lawful Heir of her Husbands, and Child of hers, who was then alive; saith Caspar Bauhinus. Schenck. Obs. Med. Obs. 1. p. 542.

A Dutch Woman in Southwark, having invited divers of her Neighbours to her upsitting, found her self not well on a sudden, and rising from the Table, was forthwith brought to Bed of another. This falling on a time into Discourse, one then present reported, that the like be∣fell a Sister of his who three Months after the Birth of her first Son, was delivered of a second Sandys, on Ovid Metam. l. 11. p. 215.

4. Doctor Plot, tells of a Cow of Mrs. Dunches, of Newington near Dorchester, that whil'st a Calf, before she was 11 Months old, produced another; which Animals, carrying their bur∣then no less then 9 Months, we must either admit, that she took Bull at about 10 or 11 Months

old, or that the Cow her self was first brought forth pregnant of another. Nat. Hist. Oxfordsh. p. 189.

5. An. 1633. David Spilinbergerus, Physician of Leutschovia, tells us of a Cow in Hungary, that brought forth a Calf with a great Belly, wherein was found another Calf, with all its Limbs perfect, ibid. Bartholin tells us of a Female still-born Child, pregnant, with another Female, du∣ly plac'd in the Womb, about a span in length, ibid. The same Author met with an Egg at Wit∣ney, containing another imperfect one in it; like that Ovum in Ovo, of Doctor Harvey's, or that kept in the King of Denmarks Repository, or the other Bartholin saw, 1669, or which Schastin Jungius saw, 1671. ibid.

CHAP. IV. Examples of the Fruitfulness of some Women.

HE whose Wife is as a Fruitful Vine by the sides of his House, and his Children like Olive Plants, round about his Table, is by the Psalmist pronounced a happy Man, supposing, that he be withal one that fears the Lord: Let Goodness and Fruitfulness go together, and they will Terminate in Blessed∣ness; every Vertuous Child being a Crown of Glory, and a particular Comfort to his Parents. But Ill Fruit is certainly a Curse, and the more in number, the more Reproachful and Burthensome; however they prove, when he that carries the Keys of the Womb, opens so wide, and pours out so plentifully; let none Fault the Supreme Governor for his Dispensations, but attend diligently his own Office, in the Nur∣ture and Education.

1. One of the Maid-servants of Augustus the Emperor, was delivered of five Children at a Birth; the Mother together with her Children, were buried in the Laurentine-way, with an In∣scription upon them, by the Order of Augustus, relating the same Gell. Noct. Attic. l. 1 c. c. 3. p. 249.

2. Also Serapia, a Woman of Alexandria, brought forth five Children at one Birth. Cael. Rhod. Antiq. lect. l. 4. c. 23. p. 180.

3. Doctor Fuller, out of Ausonius, speaks of a Roman Matron called Callicrate, and thus Tran∣slateth her Epitaph, as speaking in her own Person.

Twenty Nine Births, Callicrate I told; And of both Sexes, saw none sent to Grave, I was an Hundred and Five Summers Old, Yet stay from staff, my Hands did never crave.

A rare instance, which yet in the former respects, you will find surpassed in what follows. Fullers Worth, p. 138.

4. A Woman of Dunstable, who, as her Epitaph in the Church testifies, bore at three several times, three Children at a Birth, and five at a Birth two other times. Haker. Ap. p. 224.

5. Elionera Salviata, the Wife of Frescobald, a Citizen of Florence, was delivered of 52 Chil∣dren, never less then three at a Birth. Fullers Worth. p. 119.

6. Anno 1553. The Wife of John Gissinger, a Tigurine, was delivered of Twins, and before the Year was out, brought at once five more, three Sons and two Daughters. Schenck. Ob. 1 p. 563.

7. Julius Sentinarius, of Bononia, came into the World with six Births, and was himself the seventh. Schenck. Obs. 1. p. 563.

8. Jane Pancica, Wife to Bernard, a Sicilian of Agrigentum, was so fruitful, that in 30 Births, she was delivered of 73 Children. Camer. Hor. Subcis. Cent. 2. c. 66. p. 273.

9. The famous Story of the Welfs, is this; Irmentrudes, the Wife of Isenbbard, Earl of Altorf, had unadvisedly accused of Adultery, a Woman that had three Children at a Birth, being not able to believe that one Man could at one time get so many Children; adding, that she deserved to be sowed up in a Sack, and thrown into the River; and accusing her to her Husband, the Earl. It happened that the next Year, the Countess felt her self with Child, and (the Earl being from Home), she was brought to Bed of 12 Male Children, but all of them very little: She fearing the reproach of Adultery, whereof yet she was not Guilty, commanded that 11 of them should be taken and cast into a River, not far from the House, and one only brought up; it so fell out, that Isenbard met the Woman, that was carrying the little Infants to their Death, and asking her whither she went with her Pail, she reply'd, she was going to drown a few Whelps, in the River of Scherk. The Earl came to her, and in despite of her resistance, would see what was there; and discovering the Children, pressed her in such wise, that she told him all the matter. He caused them to be secretly Educated; and so soon as they were grown great, and brought home to him, he set them in the Hall, by him whom his Wife had brought up. Be∣ing thus by their Faces all known to be Brethren, their Mother mov'd in Conscience, confessed the Fact, and obtained Pardon for her Fault; in remembrance whereof, the Honourable Race of Wolfs (that is Whelps) got their Name. Camer. ibid. p. 274.

10. John Francis, Earl of Mirandula, tells of one Dorothy, who at two several Births, brought forth 20 Sons, 9 at the one, and 11 at the other; while she went with this burthen, by reason of the mighty weight: she was wont to tie a swathing-band about her Neck and Shoulders, and with that to bear up her swolen Belly, which fell down to her very Knees. Schenck. Obs. Med. l. 4. Obs. 1. p. 563.

11. Matthias Golancevius, Bishop of Ʋladislavia, in Poland; it is said of his Mother, that she was delivered of 12 Sons at once, and that of all these, he only lived, the rest dying as soon as they were born, ibid.

12. Alexander de Campo Fregosa, Bishop of Ventimilium, attested upon his Faith, that at Lamaia, a Noble-woman brought forth 16 Humane Births of the bigness of a Man's Palm all which had motion; and that besides these 16, which had Humane likeness, she brought forth at the same time, a Creature in the likeness of a Horse, which had all motion; all the 17 were wrap'd in one and the same Secondine, which is monstrous, ibid. p. 164.

13. Anno 1217. Upon the 20th of January, the Lady Margaret, Wife to the Earl Virloslaus, was, in the Country of Cracovia, brought to Bed of 30 living bodies, all at once, ibid.

14. Matilda, some say Margaret, (Wife to Count Herman of Henneberg), did see a poor Wi∣dow Woman, begging her Bread for God's sake, having in either Arm a Child, which she had at one Birth; this poor Woman craving her Alms, the Countess rejected her, saying, That it was against Nature for a Woman that was Honest, to conceive by her Husband, two Children of one birth; the poor Woman prayed to God, that in Vindication of her Innocency, he would send the Lady at one burden, so many Children as there are Days in a Year; a while after, the Lady was brought to bed, on the Friday before Palm-Sunday, Anno 1276 and was delivered of 365 Children, half Sons and half Daughters, the odd one found to be a Hermophradite: These were laid in two Basons, and Baptized by Guido, Suffragan Bishop of Utrict; the Sons Named John, and the Daughters Elizabeth, who presently died. Heylins Cosmogr. p. 384. Grimstons Hist. Nethel. l. 1. p. 52. Camerar. Hor. Subcis. cent. 2. c. 66.

CHAP. V. Examples of the Numerous Issue of some Persons.

BE Fruitful and Multiply, was a Blessing bestowed not only upon the rest of the Animal World at the Creation, but upon Mankind, especially, and afterwards upon the Jewish Church, more then others; and 'tis certain, the more excellent any Being is, the more desirable is its Increase, and the Multiplication of its Species: We are pleased with profitable Cattle, and love to see our Orchards, and Fields of Corn, Fruitful. Is it the glory of Man and Woman, only to be barren? Or should we not have some Zeal to fill up the vacant spaces in the Church of God, Militant first, and Triumphant after∣wards? And then happy they, who produce most Fruit for Heaven.

1. In the History of the Acts of Augustus Caesar, it is Recorded, that in his 12th Consulship, upon the 11th day of April, C. Crispinus Hilarius, a Gentleman of Fesule, came with a solemn Pomp into the Capitol, attended upon with his 9 Children, 7 Sons, and two Daughters, with 27 Grand-Children, that were the Sons of his Children; and 39 more, who were his great Grand-Children, the Sons of his Sons Sons; and besides these, with 12 Females, that were his Childrens Daughters, and with all these, he solemnly Sacrificed. Plin. l. 7. p. 162.

2. There was a Noble Lady of the Family of the Dalburges, who saw of her own Race, even to the sixth degree; whereof the Germans have made this Distict.

Mater ait Natae, dic Natae, Filia, Natam Ʋt moneat Natae, plangere Filiolam. Thus Englished by Hakwell. Apolog. l. 3. c. 5. p. 224.

The Aged Mother, to her Daughter spake. Daughter, said she, arise; Thy Daughter to thy Daughter take, Whose Daughter's, Daughter Cries.

3. Vives speaks of a Village in Spain, that had above a Hundred Houses, whereof all the In∣habitants were issu'd from one certain Old Man, who then liv'd; when as that Village was so Peopled: The Name of Propinquity, how the youngest should call him, could not be given, for the Spanish affords not a Name above the great Grand-Fathers Father. Vives in comment. Sup. lib. de Civit. Dei. l. 1. 8. c. 15.

4. In the Burrough of Leicester, in the Church of St. Martins, is a very remarkable Epitaph, viz.

Here lyeth the Body of John Heyrick, of this Parish, who departed this Life the second of April, 1589, being about the Age of 76 years; he did Marry Mary the Daughter of John Bond, of Wardend, in the County of Warwick, Esq; he lived with the said Mary in one House, full 52 years; and in all that time, never buried Man, Woman, nor Child, though they were sometimes 20 in Houshold. He had Issue by the said Mary, 5 Sons, and 7 Daugh∣ters;

the said John was Mayor of the Town, 1559. and again, Anno 1572, the said Mary lived to 97 years, and departed the 8th of December, 1611. She did see before her departure, of her Children, and Childrens Children, and their Children, to the number of One Hundred Forty and two. ibid.

5. In St. Innocents Church-yard, in the City of Paris, is to be seen the Epitaph of Yeoland Baily, which doth shew, that she had lived 84 years, and might have seen 288 Verstegan saith, 295 of her Children. and Childrens Children; she died on the 17th of April, 1514. Hakewel ibid. p. 234. Versteg. Restit. decay'd Int. 1. p. 3.

6. In Markshal-Church, in Essex, on Mrs. Honywoods Tomb, is this Inscription.

Here lieth the body of Mary Waters, the Daughter and Co-heir of Robert Waters, of Lenham, in Kent. Esq;

Wife of Robert Honywood, of Charing, in Kent, Esq; her only Husband, who had at her decease, lawfully descended from her 367, 16 of her own body, 114 Grand-Children, 228 in the third Generation,

and 9 in the fourth. She liv'd a most Pious Life, and in a most Christian manner, died here at Markshall, in the 93 year of her Age, and in the 44th of her Widowhood, May 11th 1620. Wanly. Hist, of Man. p. 41.

7. Dame Ester Temple, Daughter to Miles Sands, Esq; was born at Latmos, in Buckingham∣shire, and was marryed to Sir Thomas Temple of Stow, Baronet; she had 4 Sons, and 9 Daugh∣ters, which liv'd to be marry'd; and so exceedingly multiplied, that this Lady saw 700 ex∣tracted from her Body. Doctor Fuller saith, he bought the Truth hereof by a Wager he lost; besides there was a new Generation of Marriageable Females just at her Death. Had the Off∣spring of this Lady been contracted into one place, they were enough to have peopled a City of a competent proportion. The Lady Temple died Anno 1656. Fullers Worthies. p. 138. Buck∣inghamshire.

8. We read, saith Mr. Ricaut, that the Eastern Parts of the World have abounded with Chil∣dren of diver; Mothers, and but one Father; and that ordinarily, as great Personage in Egypt, hath been attended with 100 lusty Sons in the Field, proceeding from his own Loins, well Armed, and daring in all Attempts of Was. Paul Ricaut, Esq; present State of the Ottoman Em∣pire. p. 292.

A Woman in Delph, three several days, voided three Worms out of her Navel, and not long after, was delivered of a Boy; and then seven days after that of another. Forest. 17. Obs. 35.

10. I have heard the Reverend dr. Annesley, has had 25 Children, for Dr. Manton baptizing one of them, was asked, how many children the Doctor had, to whom he return'd this An∣swer, That he was not certain how many, but believ'd 'twas Two Dozen, or a Quarter of an Hundred.

CHAP. VI. Children crying in the Womb.

'TIS common for Infants, at their first Exit out of their Mothers Womb, to give some Significations of their resentment of the Change; but to do it before they come into the common Air of this World, is more rare and strange; one would think it time enough for them to Cry, when they are born, and arrived at the brink of Troubles; but some, whether through the Strength of Nature, or some pre∣mature Eruption of the Amnion, or other Accident in the Womb, or an extraordinary Sagacity in pro∣vident Nature, and foresight of the Evils to come, Anticipate their time, and are heard to Cry, before either the Mother or Midwife, go about to disturb them in their little Mansions.

1. At Heyford Purcel, there was a Child that Cyred very Audibly in its Mothers Womb, some∣time before the Birth. The People being frighted with it, and expecting some Calamity should soon attend such a Prodigy, pernicious (forsooth) not only to the place where heard, but to the state it self; whereas the Learned Bartholin more rightly Notes, that the Ruin of Kingdoms de∣pends rather upon the Wickedness of People, than any such Vagitus. Dr. Plot. Nat. Hist. Oxf. p. 192.

2. Anno 1648. There was a Woman, the Wife of a Seaman, near to the Church of Holmi∣ana, who had been big for 8 Months, she was of a good habit of body, and nor Old; this Wo∣man upon the Eve of Christmas-day, upon the Calends in the year following, and in Epiphany, all those several times, heard the Child that was in her Womb, who Cry'd with that noise, that it was heard by the Neighbours; they Throng'd together in great Numbers, to hear so unusual a Crying, both such as knew the Woman, and such as knew her not. The Magistrates in the mean time, caused the Woman to be carefully watch'd, that afterwards, the birth of that Cryer might be the more certain. Divers spent their Judgments before hand, of what shap'd Monster she should be delivered; but at last, the Woman was safely brought to Bed of a perfect Female Chlid, Bartholin, took this Relation from the Mothers Mouth. Hist. Anat. c. 1. p. 4.

3. A Noble Lady in Cheshire, sitting after Meat in the Dining-room, with her Husband, their Domestick Chaplain, and divers others; She was sensible of an extraordinary stirring in her Belly; which so lift up her Cloaths, that it was easily discernable to those that were present, (she was then with Child, and it was the seventh Month), upon the sudden, there was a voice heard, but whence it should come, they were not able to Conjecture; this was uttered a second and third time, to the great Amazement of the Persons present; the third time it was so manifest, that the Cry came from her Womb; that they doubted no longer of it. The Girl was living at the Relation, which was made by the Lady her self to Dr. Walter Needham, Disquisit Anat. c. 3 p. 84.

4. Anno 1640. In Belgia, a Woman near Vessalia, who then had gone 3 years entire big with a Child; that Child of hers, was heard to Cry by many Persons worthy of Credit. Barth. Hist. Anat. c. 1. Hist. 1 p. 3.

5. Bartholin tells of another at Wittenberg, Anno 1632. Another at Leyden, a third near Ar∣gentina; all which had Children that Cryed in their Wombs. ibid. p. l. 1, 2, 3.

6. Schenckius, tells of another at Rath-stad, in the Noric Alpes; Wanrichius, of one in the Ci∣ty of Brescia; Sennertus, of one in his own Town, Anno 1596, whose Child Cryed once, the 42d day before its birth; the Mother dying in Travel, but the Daughter living. The Author of the History of the Netherlands, tells of a Child in Holland, that Cryed 15 days before its Birth. Wanleys Wonders, p. 1, 2.

I Query, whether any Males have been observed to Cry thus? For all, that I can come to the knowledge of, have been Female Children.

CHAP. VII. Monstrous Births and Conceptions of Mankind.

SO long at Nature deviates on the plausible or less dishonourable Side, we can bear with some Patience; but when the Aberrations are Opprobrious, and carry some notable Deformity and Reproach in their Face; they are Affrightful and Stupefactive; we stand and wonder at the Product, and enquire with some Concernedness of Spirit, what God means by such an angry and partial or imperfect Concurrence of his Providence, and the Exercise of his Divine Attributes. And certainly it is every one's Duty in such Cases to make use of his Intellectuals, and enquire seriously, whether he hath done his part with that Pru∣dence and Piety as he ought, since the Almighty hath not co-operated with the same Wisdom, and Kind∣ness or Power, as he commonly useth.

1. Buchanan tells of one, having beneath the Navel one Body, but above it two distinct ones; when hurt beneath the Navel, both Bodies felt the Pain; if above, that Body only felt that was hurt. These two would sometimes differ in Opinions, and Quarrel; the one dying before the other, the Surviving pined away by degrees. It lived 28 Years, could speak divers Languages, and was by the King's Command taught Musick. Sandys on Ovid. Metam. l. 9. p. 173.

2. Anno 1538, there was one born that grew up to the Stature of a Man, he was double as to the Head and Shoulders, in such a manner, as that one Face stood opposite to the other; both were of a Likeness, and resembled each other in the Beard and Eyes; both had the same Appe∣tite, and both hungred alike; the Voice of both was almost the same, and both loved the same Wife. Sch. Obs. Med. l. 1. obs. 1. p. 7.

3. Bartholinus tells of a Genean, which he saw then 28 Years of Age, who had a little Brother growing out at his Breast, who was in that Posture born with him, the Bone (as he thought) called Xyphoides, in both of them grew together; his lest Foot alone hung downwards; he had two Arms, only three Fingers upon each Hand: Some appearance there was of the Secret Parts; he moved his Hands, Ears, and Lips, and had a little beating in the Breast. This little Brother voided no Excrements but by the Mouth, Nose, and Ears, and is nourished by that which the greater takes: He has distinct Animal and Vital Parts from the greater; since he sleeps, sweats, and moves when the other wakes, rests, and sweats not. Both received their Names at the Font, the greater that of Lazarus, the lesser Johannes Baptista. The Natural Bowels, as to Liver, Spleen, &c. are the same in both; Johannes hath his Eyes for the most part shut; his Breath small, so that holding a Feather at his Mouth, it scarce moves; but holding the Hand there, we find a small and warm Breath; his Mouth is usually open, and always wet with Spittle; his Head is bigger than that of Lazarus, but deformed; his Hair hanging down while his Face is in an upward Posture. Lazarus is of a just Stature, a decent Body, courteous Deportment, and gallantly Attired; he covers the Body of his Brother with his Cloak: Nor could you think a Monster lay within at your first Discourse with him. Barth. Hist. Anat. Cent. 1. Hist. 66. p. 103.

4. Lemnius tells of a Monster that a certain Woman was delivered of, which at the appearing of the Day, filled all the Chamber with roaring and crying, running all about to find some Hole to creep into; but the Women at length stifled and smother'd it with Pillows. Lem. de Nat. Mir. l. 1. c. 8. p. 38.

5. A Noble Polonian tells Bartholin, That he had seen two little Fishes without Scales which were brought forth by a Woman, and as soon as they came out of her Womb, did swim in the Water as other Fish. Bar. Hist. Anat. Cent. 1. Hist. 10. p. 20.

6. There lived a Woman at Elsingorn, who prepared all Things for Child-birth; her time of Travail being come, she was delivered of a Creature very like unto a Dormouse, of the greater size, which (to the amazement of the Women present) with marvelous Celerity sought out, and found a Hole in the Chamber, into which it crept, and was never more seen. Barth. Hist. Anat. Cent. 1. Hist. 10. p. 19.

7. Anno 1639, Norway afforded an unheard-of Example of a Woman, who having often be∣fore been delivered of Humane Births; and again big, after strong Labour, was delivered of two Eggs; one of them was broken, the other was sent to Dr. Olaus Wormius, in whose Study it is reserved to be seen of as many as please. This Relation is attested by many Religious Persons whose Names follow; Ericus Westergard, Rotalph Rakestat, and Thor. Venes, Coadjutors of the Pastor in the Parish of Niaess. That Anno 1639, upon the 20th Day of May (by Command of the Lord President in Remerigi, the Lord Paulus Tranius Pastor in Niaess,) we went to receive an Ac∣count of the monstrous Birth in Sundby, brought forth by an honest Woman, Anna the Daughter of Amandus, the Wife of Gandbrandus Erlandsonius, who had already been the Mother of Eleven, Children, the last of which she was delivered of upon March 4. 1638. This Anna, in the Year 1639, upon the 7th of April, began to grow ill, and being in great Pains in her Belly, her Neighbours were called; the same Day at Evening, in the presence of her Neighbours, she brought forth an Egg, in all respects like that of an Hen, which being broken by the Women then present, Anna Grim, Elen Rudstad, Gyro Rudstad, and Catharina Sundby, they found that in the Yolk and White it answered directly to a common Egg. Upon the 18th Day of April, about Noon, in the Presence of the same Persons, she was delivered of another Egg, which in Figure differed nothing from the former. This was the Confession, as well of the Mother, as of them that were present, we do Artest by our Seals in the Presence of the Lord President, in the Parish of Niaess, the Day and Year abovesaid. Bar. Hist. Anat. c. 1. n. 4. p. 10.

8. Anne Tromperin was delivered of a Boy and two Serpents upon St. John's Day, Anno 1576. She said, That in a very hot Day she had drunk of a Spring, where she suspected that she had drank of the Sperm of Serpents: The Child was so lean, as that he was scarce any thing but Bones. The Serpents were each of them an Ell in length, and thick as the Arm of an Infant; both which, alive as they were, were buried by the Midwife in the Church-yard. Sennert Pract. Med. l. 4. par. 2. sect. 4. cap. 10. p. 327.

9. The Concubine of Pope Nicholas the Third was delivered of a Monster, which resembled a Bear: Martin the Fourth, in the First Year of his Popedom, entertained this Lady, and fear∣ing lest she should bring forth other Bear-Whelps, he caused all the Bears which were painted or carved in the Pope's Palace, whilst the Family of Ʋrsini bore sway in Rome, to be blotted out and removed. Camer. Hor. Subs. Cen.

10. At a Procession in Bois le Duc in Brabant, some of the Citizens were disguised according to the Custom of the Place; (some in the Habit of Angels, and others in the Shape of Devils as they are painted: One of these Devils ran home to his House in that Attire, took his Wife, and threw her upon a Bed, saying, He would get a young Devil upon her. He was not much de∣ceived, for his Wife bore a Child in that Shape, which, at his coming into the World, began to run and skip up and down all over the Chamber. Ibid.

11. Anno 1678, upon the 17th Day of January, at Eight of the Clock after Noon, there was (at the Town of Quiro) an honest Matron, who was then deliver'd of a Child, which had upon its Head five Horns opposite each to the other, and like unto those of a Ram; also from the upper part of his Forehead there hung backward a very long piece of Flesh that covered most part of his Back, in Form like a Woman's Head-Tire; about his Neck there was a double Row of Flesh like the Collar of an Horse; at the end of his Fingers were Claws, like to those Tal∣lons in Birds of Prey; his Knees were in the hinder part of his Leg; his Right Leg and Foot were of a shining red Colour; the rest of his Body all swarthy. He is said to come into the World with a great Cry, which so frighted the Midwife and the Women present, that they ran immediately out of the House. Paraeus de Mons. l. 24.

12. Lithgow tells of a Monster, that below the Middle Part there was but one Body, and above the Middle there were two living Souls, the one separated from the other with several Members, their Heads both of one bigness, the belly of the one join'd with the Posterior Part of the other, and their Faces looked both one way, as if the one had carried the other on his Back. Their Eyes were exceeding big, and their Hands greater than an Infant of three times their Age. The Excrements of both issued forth at one place; and their Thighs and Legs were of a great Growth, not agreeable to their Age, which was but 36 Days. Their Feet like the Foot of a Camel, round and cloven in the midst. They eat insatiably, and continually mourn'd; when one slept, the other waked. Lithg. par. 2. p. 52.

13. A Woman at Prague having felt a Commotion in her Bowels, while the Inwards of a Calf were taking out, brought forth a Boy, whose Liver, Intestines, Stomach, and Spleen, with the greatest part of the Mesentery, hung out beyond the Navel. Fabrit. Obs. Chir. Cen. 3. Obs. 55. p. 239.

14. At Cracovia was born a Child, terrible to behold, with flaming and shining Eyes; the Mouth and Nostrils were like to those of an Ox; it had long Horns, and a Back hairy like a Dog's It had the Faces of Apes in the Breast where the Teats should stand; it had Cats Eyes under the Navel, fasten'd to the Hypogastrium, and they looked hideously. It had the Heads of Dogs up∣on both Elbows, and at the Whire-Bones of each Knee, looking forwards. It was Splay-footed and Splay-handed; the Feet like Swans Feet, and a Tail turn'd upwards, that crook'd up back∣wards about half an Ell long. It lived four Hours from its Birth; and near its Death, it spake thus, Watch, for the Lord your God comes. This was Anno 1543. Lycosten. de Prod, p. 582.

15. Anno 1573, at St. Lawrence in the West-Indies, was a Child born, that had two Horns on the Head like those of Kids, long Hair on the Body, a Fleshy Girdle about his Middle double, from whence hung a piece of Flesh like a Purse, and a Bell of Flesh in his Left Hand; white Boots of Flesh on its Legs, doubled down. In brief, the whole Shape was horrid and diabolical, and conceived to proceed from some Fright taken from the Antick Dance•• of the In∣dians, among whom the Devil sometimes appears. Dr. More's Immortality of the Soul, l. 3. c. 7. p. 173.

16. At Boston in New-England, Anno 1637, Mrs. Dyer was delivered of a Monster which had no Head, the Face on the Breast, the Ears like Apes Ears growing on the Shoulders, the Eyes and Mouth stood far out, the Nose hooking upward, the Breast and Back full of Prickles, the Navel and Belly where the Hips should have been; in stead of Toes, it had on each Foot three Claws; upon the Back it had two great Holes like Mouths; above the Eyes it had four Horns, and was of the Female Sex. The Father and Mother of it were great Familists. Clark's Mir. c. 63. p. 249.

CHAP. VIII. Persons of a wonderful Strength.

STrength of Body is such an Endowment, that we ought not indeed to be proud of, •• if it were owing to our own Wit and Care for the procuring of it; but we ought certainly to admire the Wisdom of God, and his Goodness to us, in making such a slender Structure of Dust moulded into Flesh and

Blood, and Bones, and ty'd together with small Ligaments, able to do such great matters and excellent Feats.

1. Julius Valens, a Centurion of the Guard of Soldiers, about the body of Augustus Caesar, was wont to bear up a Waggon laden with Hogs-heads, or a Butt of Wine, until it was discharged thereof, and the Wine drawn out of it; he would take up a Mule upon his back, and carry it away; also he used to stay a Chariot against all the force of the Horses striving or straining to the contrary; and other wonderful Mysteries, which are to be seen Engraven upon his Tomb∣stone, says Pliny. lib. 7. cap. 20. p. 166.

2. Fusius Salvius, having an Hundred Pounds weight at his Feet, as many in his Hands, and twice as much on his Shoulders, went with all this up a pair of Stairs, or Ladder. ibid. p. 166.

3. My self have seen, says Pliny, one athanatus do wonderful strange matters, in the open view and face of the World, he would walk upon the Stage, with a Cuirace of Lead, weighing Five hundred Pounds, and booted besides, with a pair of Greaves upon his Legs, of the same weight.

4. Milo the great Wrestler of Crotona, was of that strength, that he-carried a whole Ox, the length of a Furlong; when he stood firm on his Feet, no Man could thrust him off from his standing; or if he grasped a Pomegranate in his Hand, no Man was able to stretch a Finger of his, and force it out at length. Pliny. ibid. p. 166.

5. Venetianello was of that strength and firmness, that he broke the thick Shank-bones of Oxen upon his Knee, three Pins of Iron as thick as a Man's Finger, wraping them about with a Nap∣kin, he would twist and writh, as if they were softened by Fire: A Beam of 20 Foot long, and a Foot thick, laid upon his Shoulders, sometimes set on end there, he would carry without use of his Hands, and shift from one Shoulder to another; my Son was an Eye witness. Wier••de praestig. daem. lib. 1. c. 18. p. 57.

6. There lived in Messina, in Thuring, Nicholas Klumber, Provost of the great Church, who was so strong, as without Cable or Pulley, or any other help, he fetched up out of a Cellar a Pipe of Wine, carried it out of Doors, and laid it upon a Cart. Hakewell, Ap. l. 3. c. 5. s. 4. p. 214.

7. Mayolus, an Italian Bishop, speaks of a Man, who in the Presence of the Marquiss of Pescara, handed a Pillar of Marble three Foot long, and one foot in Diameter, the which, he cast high in the Air, then received it again in his Arms, then lasht it up again, sometimes after on Fashion, some∣times after another, as easily as if he had been playing with a Ball, or such like thing. Hakewell, ibid.

8. The same Author speaks of one at Mantua, called Rodomas, so strong, that he brake a Cable as big as a Man's Arm. Mounted upon a Horse, and leading another by the Bridle, he would run a full Career, and stop in the midst of his Course, or when it liked him. ibid.

9. He says, that Frogsard reports of Ornando Burg, a Spaniard, who was Companion to the Earl of Foix; who lift up an Ass laden with Wood, upon his Shoulder, and carried him into a Room, Ascended by 24 Steps, and cast both the Ass and Wood into the Fire together. ibid.

10. George of Fransberg, Baron of Mindleheim, was able with the middle Finger of his Right Hand, to remove a very strong Man out of his place, sate he never so sure; he stopp'd a Horse suddenly, that ran in a full Career, by only touching the Bridle; and with his Shoulder, would he easily shove a Canon, whither he Listed. His Joynts seemed to be made of Horn, and he wrested twisted Ropes and Horse-shoes in sunder, by his bare Hands. Camer. Cent. c. 82. p. 380.

11. Cardan writes, that himself saw one dancing with two in his Arms, two upon his Shoul∣ders, and one hanging about his Neck. Fullers Worth. p. 215.

12. Mr. Carew of Cornwal, assures us, that one John Bray, his Tenant, carried upon his back at one time, a good space, six Bushels of Wheaten Meal, reckoning fifteen Gallons to the Bushel, and the Miller, a Lubber of 24 years of Age. Upon the whole — he addeth, that John Ro∣man, of the same Shire, a short Clownish Grub, would bear the whole Carcass of an Ox. Fullers Worth. p. 205 Cornwal.

13. Scanderbeg, is said to have slain 2 or 3000 Men with his own Hand, never giving but one blow, cleaving asunder whom he met with, or cutting them in two by the Waste, cleaving Steel Helmets, &c. Jovius, &c.

CHAP. IX. Wonderful Eaters.

THE faculty of Eating or taking in much Food, and turning it to Chyle and Nutriment, so as quite to alter the whole Mass, and Assimulate part of it to the body, by such little curious Veins and Vessels and Humours as are within us, and this by several distinct Offices and Operations, is very strange and astonishing, and enough to make us look up with Praise and Wonder at him that made us.

1. There was a Woman, Athenaeus speaks of, who eat 12 pound of Flesh, about 12 pounds of Bread, and drank above a Gallon of Wine at a Meal. Maximinus the Emperor, would drink often in one day 9 Gallons of Wine, and eat 40 pound of Flesh.

2. One Phagon in Vopiscus, devoured in one day, a whloe Bore, a Hundred Loaves, a Wether, and a young Hog; and drank more then 9 Gallons of Wine. Capitolin writes that Claudius Al∣binus the Emperor, devoured 500 dried Figs, and 100 Peaches, and 10 Melons, and 20 pound of Grapes, and 100 Gnatsappers, and 400 Oysters for a Breakfast. Johnston. p. 311.

3. Ʋguccio Fagiol, an old Man, told Scaliger, that when he was young, he eat 4 fat Capons, and so many Patridges, and the roasted hinder part of a Kid, and a breast of Veal stuft, besides

salt Fish at one Supper. Caesar Maximilian, tells of one that eat a raw Calf and a Sheep at one Meal. Suidrigellus Duke of Lithuania, sate 6 hours at Supper, and fed on 130 Dishes. Sylv. l. 2. Com. in Panormit. ibid.

4. Gemma Frisius, tells of a Woman that could not live one moment without eating; he gives for Cause the greatness and peculiar Temperament of her Liver; for her Fat being increased unmeasurably, and her heat choaked, her belly was opened, and about 20 pounds of Fat were taken out; her Liver was found to be sound, swelling with blood and spirits, but extream red, and huge great, ibid.

5. King Hardiknute, his Tables were spread every day four times, and furnish'd with all kinds of curious Dishes, as delighting in nothing else but gormandizing and swilling; but in a solemn Banquet, Reveling and Carousing, he suddenly fell down without Speech or Breath. Bakers Chron. p. 25.

6. Schenckius, tells of a Man of 50 years of Age, who, from his Youth, with a strange kind of greediness, was wont to eat all sorts of Food, and as speedily to eject them; but his strong Appetite lasted not above 20 days, and for so many days after, he had a loathing of all things; and for the rest of the year, eat sparingly. p. 304.

7. Nicholas Wood, of Harrison, in the County of Kent, Yeoman; did with ease eat a whole Sheep of 16 s. Price, and that raw, at one meal; another time, he eat 30 dozen of Pidgeons. At Sir William Sidleys, he eat as much as would have sufficed 30 Men; at the Lord Wottons in Kent, he eat at one meal, Fourscore and four Rabbets, which number would have sufficed 168 Men, allowing to each, half a Rabbet; he suddenly devoured 18 yards of black-pudding; and when at once he had 60. pound weight of Cherries, he said they were but wash-meat; he made an end of a whole Hog at once, and after it for Fruit, swallowed three Pecks of Damsons. After he had broken his Fast, having, as he said, eaten one Pottle of Milk, one Pottle of Pottage, with Bread, Butter, and Cheese; he eat in my presence, saith Taylor, 6 penny wheaten Loaves, 3 six penny Veal Pies, one Pound of sweet Butter, one good Dish of Thornback, and a shiver off a Peck Houshold Loaf of an Inch thick, and all this in the space of an Hour, the House yielding no more, he departed unsatisfied. One John Dale was too hard for him, he laid a Wager, he would fill Woods belly with wholsom Victuals, for two Shillings; another Wagered, that when he had eaten Dales two shillings, he should forthwith eat up a good Sir-loin of Beef: Dale bought six Pots of mighty Ale, and twelve new penny white Loaves, which he sop'd in the Ale; the powerful Fume whereof, Conquer'd this Conqueror, and laid him in a Sleep, to the preservation of the Roast-beef; and un-expected winning of the Wager. He spent all his Estate to provide for his Belly, and though a Landed Man, and true Labourer, died Poor about 1630. Wanleys Wonders, Book 4. p. 390.

8. Not long ago, there was here in England, a private Soldier, very famous for digesting of Stones, and a very inquisitive Man assures me, that he knew him familiarly, and had the curio∣sity to keep in his Company for 24 hours together, to watch him, and not only observed that he eat nothing but Stones in that time: but also, that his grosser excrement consisted chiefly of a Sandy substance, as if the devoured Stones had been in his body dissolved and crumbled into Sand. Mr. Boyles Exp. philo. par 2. Essay 3. p. 86.

9. Dr. Bulwer saith, he saw the Man, and that he was an Italian, Francis Battalia by name, at that time, about 30 years of Age; and that he was born with two stones in one hand and one in the other; which the Child took for his first Nourishment, upon the Physicians Advice; and after∣wards nothing else, but 3 or 4 pebbles in a spoon, once in 24 hours, and a draught of Beer after them; and in the interim, now and then a pipe of Tobacco, for he had been a Souldier in Ire∣land, and particularly at the Siege of Limerick; and upon his return to London, was confined for some time upon suspicion of imposture, and falseness of pretence. Bulwer's Anthropometamorphosis p. 307. He eat about half a peck of Stones daily.

CHAP. X. Persons of Wonderful Shapes, Figures, Members, Entrails, &c.

IF we consider our Bodies according to their ordinary Form and Temper, we must acknowledge (with the Psalmist), that they are curiously wrought in the Womb, and Fearfully and Wonderfully made; but the commonness of our Natural Composition, looseth much its Remarkableness and Wonder, upon that very score, because 'tis common; and therefore the God of Nature doth sometimes remove his Footsteps, and vary his Methods, and go out of his ordinary way, as if on purpose to awaken Men into a more attentive and thinking Posture; that they may be astonish'd into a serious Meditation of his Wisdom and Power and Goodness; who is able, when he pleaseth, to shuffle his Counsels at this rate, and do, even what he pleas∣eth, in the Structure of his Creatures.

I. The BRAIN, HEAD and SCƲLL.

• 1. Nicolaus Ricardius, an Italian, had an Head unreasonably big, his Scull so hard, that he would often break Nuts, or Peach-stones, with one blow of it. Jan. Nicii Pinacoth. 1. p. 43.
• 2. Some time after the Battel of Plataea, when the Bones were freed of the Flesh, the Platae∣ans found a Scull without any Suture. Herod. l. 9. p. 544.
• 3. Bartholinus speaks of another. whose Scull was so firm, it was able to endure Coach-wheels to pass over it. Hist. Anat. Cen. 5. Hist. 44.
• 4. Albertus Marquis of Brandenburg, and Cardinal Ximenes had no Sutures. Korman. de Mir. Mort. l. 4. c. 78. p. 32.

• 5. The Head of a Giant amongst the rarities of Pope Paul the Fourth, had the lower Jaw conjoined to the Head, so fast, that it could never move. Columb. Anar. l. 15. p. 484.
• 6. Zacutus, tells of a Man with a straight Horn in his Forehead, a span broad at the Root. Prax. Adm. Hildauus of one, with a Horn like that of a Ram. Prax. Adm. l. 3. Obs. 93.
• 7. Pfeil the Physician, found in a Patients Brain, a Stone as big as a Mulbetry, the eating of which Fruit, brought his Disease. Melch. Adm. in Vit. Germ. Medic. p. 41.

II. The HAIR.

1. Cardan speaks of one, that when he Comb'd his Head, sparks of Fire flew out of his Hair; Scaliger tells of a Lady, whose Hair did the same thing. St. Augustine speaks of some that would move all the Hair of their Heads forwards and backwards, without moving of their Heads. Schot, Phis. curios. l. 3. c. 34. p. 573. This is common.

2. Tamberlane wore his Hair long and Curl'd, contrary to the Tartars, who shave their Hair, they believing, that in those long Hairs, there was some fatal Destiny known. Among the Indi∣ans, the King causeth the Hair of the greatest Malefactors to be cut; the Persian and Canarian Women, cut their Hair at the Funeral of their Friends. The People of Brasil, when they are Angry, let their Hair grow long, and when they mourn, they Cut it. The Maxies wear their Hair long, on the right side of the Head, and save the left side. The Sasquesahanoughs, a Giant-like People of Virginia, wear the Hair on the one side long, on the other short and close, with a Ridge over their Crowns like a Cock's-comb. Man Transform'd. p. 54.

III. The BEARD.

1. Thirty Miles from Madrid, the King of Spains Court, was a Woman aged 60 years, she had a Beard from her youth, which she suffered to grow, so that in her Age it reach'd to the Pit of her Stomach. Zacut. Lusitan. l. 3. Obs 92. p. 394. Francis Alvares, a Father of the Jesuits; Pro∣curator of China, upon his return to Rome, had a Beard that reached down to his Feet, he used to have it girt about with a Girdle. Bartho. Hist Anat. Cent. 1 Hist. 43. p. 61.

2. I my self saw a Dutch Woman of about 40 years Old at Oxford, with a great Beard: She was carried about to be seen.

IV. The TEETH.

1. In the Reign of Christian the Fourth, King of Denmark, was brought to Copenhagen a Green∣lander, that had but one continued Tooth, which reached from the one end of the Jaw to the other. Barth. Hist. Anat. Cent. 1. Hist. 35. p. 48.

2. Lewis the XIII. King of France, had a double row of Teeth in one of his Jaws; (and Lewis the XIV. was born with Teeth in his Mouth). Barth. ibid.

3. A Nobleman being above 90 years of Age, cast his Teeth and had a New Set in the place of those that were fallen out. Korm. de mir. viv. p. 92. This is pretty common.

V. The TONGƲE, VOICE and SPEECH.

1. Maximilian, Son of the Emperour Ferdinand III. was Mute and Dumb till the 9th year of his Age; but afterwards he spake very Eloquently. Schenck. Obs. Med. l. 1 Obs. 4. p. 180.

2. John the Dumb, being taken by the Turks, they cut off the rolling part of his Tongue, and by that means deprived him of his Speech, and so he continued three years; when being frighted with Lightning, which so affected his fearful mind, that it freed his Tongue, that he recovered his Speech. Nich. Tulp. Obs. Med. l. 1. c. 4. p. 77.

VI. The EYE.

1. Caesar Borgia, his Eyes were so Fiery and Sparkling; that his very Friends were not able to look upon them; though when sporting among Ladies, he could convert his cruel looks into Lenity. Jov. Elog. l. 4. p. 4. p. 201. Luther had so vivacious an Eye, that Men could not look directly on him; and one being sent to Pistol him, was so amazed and affrighted with the vigour of his Eyes that he fled from him. Zuing. Theat. Vol. 2. l. 2. p. 295.

2. The Brasilians have, some of them, but one Eye. Petr. Appian. Descript. Ind. Occid.

3. About blesgithea, near the Caspian Sea, there is an one Ey'd Nation. Solinus, &c.

VII. The NOSE.

The Tartarian Women cut and pare their Noses between their Eyes, that they may seem more feat and saddle-Nosed, leaving themselves no Noses at all in that place, anointing the place with a black Oyntment, which makes them look most ugly, the Queen her self is so. Purchas. Pilq. 3. l. 1. Cyrus had an Aquiline or Hawks-Nose, and the Persians suffer none to Reign over them, but Princes with such Imperial Noses; and they use Art to the young Princes to shape them so. Mer∣cur. l. de Decor. The Antient Romans loved a prominent Nose, thence called a Roman Nose, and the Austrian Nose bears sway now in Germany. ibid.

VIII. The EARS.

Some Indians, are said to have Ears hanging to the Ground. Strabo calls them, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, because they use their Ears for a Couch to sleep on. Strab. Geogr. l. 15. Solinus speaks of such a Nation likewise, called fanasii. So doth Pliny, Munster, Cosmogr. l. 5. c. 126. Isidore, Petrus Si∣mon, Ant. Daca. Maximel. Transylvanus, Purchas, &c. Bulver's Anthropometamorph. p. 142.

IX. The LIPS.

The Indians have, many of them holes in their Lips, beset with Precious Stones; some wear Crystal, others Iron Rings there, hoops of Brass, Turquoises, Emeralds, small Bones, ibid. p. 180 The Negroes have generally great Lips by Nature.

X. The FACE.

1. The Caraqui in Pervacus, want an Occiput and Sinciput, with a most broad Face; for as soon as the Children are born, they shut in their Heads behind, and before in boards, on purpose to di∣late the Face, and make it plain; this is reported by divers Authors, as Pet. Martyr. Decad. 8. Korn. de mirac. vivorum, &c.

2. They have flat Faces in Java Major, saith Scaliger, and Linschot. l. 1. c. 10. in Zanfera

and Norimbega, saith Leo, Hist, de Afric. &c. In the Island D••dya, saith Sir John Mande••ile, Ful∣wer's Anthrop. p. 240.

3. In some Countreys, as Cumana, they have long and thin Cheeks; in China square, as also in the Province of Old-Port; in Peugniu, some have Faces like Dogs. ibid.

XI. The SHOƲLDERS.

1. Plato was broad Shoulder'd, and Cresollius saith in imitation of him, the Italians bombasted their Doublets, that they might appear so; as the Women in Ovid's time did, adhibere analectides, use Bolsters or Pillows for that purpose. But Purchas saith, the Wywapanami in the West-Indies, had Shoulders higher then their Heads, and Bulwer saith, in all the parts of Tartaria, the Men are naturly broad Shoulder'd. ibid. p. 280.

2. Franciscus Fernandus in his Manuscript reports, of certain Nations in India, that are all bunch-back'd. ibid. p. 283.

XII. The HANDS.

I pass by all the Histories of Monstrosities in Nature, as of infants born with four, three, or one Hand, &c. In Tartary. some are born with one Leg and Foot; some have been born with∣out any Hands. My fast cited Author speaks of a Young Man in his time, born near Abington, named John Simon, born without Arms, Hands, Thighs or Knees, with only one continued bone from his Hip unto his Foot. ibid. p. 302. and we have seen, saith Alex. Benedictus, a Woman born without Arms, that could Spin and Sow with her Feet, ibid.

XIII. ENTRAILS, HEART, and GƲTS, &c.

The Pancrea•• hath a Passage spread sometimes in a strait, sometime in a crooked Line; the Li∣ver is sometime swelled, and causeth shortness of breath; sometime 'tis undivided and entire, with a little lob of softer Flesh, covered with a thin membrane; 'tis bigger then ordinary, in bodies of a cold Complexion, great Eaters, and fearful Persons, and some Consumptive Persons; some∣time 'tis consumed, or very small, and yet at the same time a great Spleen; sometimes Worms are found in the Membranes of the Liver. The Spleen is for the most part only one, sometimes two, sometimes three, sometimes none at all, as Bartholinus, Schenckius, and Laurentius tells us; sometimes instead of Lungs, there hath been found only a bladder. The Kidneys have been found to rest upon the back-bone of the Loins. Pliny, and valerius Maximus tell of Aristomenes, who had a Heart rough with Hair; Caelius, Rhodiginus, Benevenius, Zacutus, Lusitanus and Murelus affirm, that they saw such hairy Hearts, in certain famous Thieves; Aemilius, Parisanus, Veslin∣gius, &c. have observed three Ventricles in the Hearts of some; sometimes Fat, and sometimes Particles of Flesh have been found in the Heart; Salvius hath observed Worms, and so hath Horstius at Confl••cntia; May, a Twibladed Snake, at London; and Severinus, the like at Naples; Hollerius, Stones; Gemma, and Riolanus, Bones, &c. Riolanus, tells of a Child, well shap'd and as long as a Man's Finger, voided by the Mouth, and conceived in the Stomach, of a young Wo∣man, an abominable Taylors Wife. Sometimes the Testicles are Treble, sometimes the Pains double; &c.

CHAP. XI. Of Pigmies.

PIgmies are a kind of Dwarfs, but by Report of Authors, there is a whole Nation, and Race of them; and why Mankind may not be shriveled through the Propriety of the Climate, into a Degenerous and Small Dwarfish Stature, as well as Horses, Kine, Trees, &c. It will not be very casie to assign a Reason.

That there is such a Nation as Pigmies, Authors, ancient and modern affirm, as Philostratus, out of Apollonius, Homer, Aristotle; Sir John Mandevile in his Travels, cap. 64. Jovius in Musco∣vitâ legatione; Olaus de Gent. Septent. lib. 2. The Portugals have discovered many Dwarfs in Tartary. Neiremb, in Hist. Nat. Odoricus de rebus Indicis, says, he found among the Indians Pigmies of three Palms high. Delrio saith, that Anno 1600, in Peruvio, there was found a Province of Dwarfs. Gemma Frisiu••, writes of a Boat of Pigmies that were seen, being driven by a Tempest, to the Kingdom of Norway. Photius out of Cresias saith, there are Negroes in the midst of India, whom he calls Pigmies, who are at the most but two Cubits high, and most of them, but one Cubit long; few exceeding the Altitude of one Cubit and an half; of which the King of that Coun∣trey entertaineth 3000 for his Guard. They are very Just, and use the same Laws, as the In∣dians do. They Hunt Hares and Foxes, not with Dogs; but with Crows, Kites, Rooks and Eagles. Jonston. p. 226.

CHAP. XII. Of Dwarfs, &c.

ALL Extremes are Wonderful, but those of Littleness or Defect, do oftentimes dispose to Contempt and Ridicule; as if Nature had bestowed her Operations and Favours; in too sparing and niggard∣ly, a manner; yet even in this case, the want of Stature is often supplied with a Compensation, by in∣ward Endowments; which are quicken'd and made more intense, by a kind of Antiperistasis, like the Sun∣beams, contracted in a Burning-glass, or (which comes nearer to purpose), like the Animal Faculties in a little Ant or Bee, or Wasp, or Spider.

1. Julia the Neice of Augustus, had a Dwarf called Canopas, he was not above two Foot and an Hands breadth in height; and she had a freed Maid of the same height. Plin. l. 7. cap. 16. p. 165.

2. Marcus Varro, reporteth, that Marius Maximus, and Marcus Tullius, were both but two Cu∣bits high, and yet were both Gentlemen and Knights of Rome; and Pliny testifies, that he saw their Bodies embalmed. Pliny. l. 7. p. 165.

3. In the time of Theodosius, there was seen in Egypt, a Pigmey, so small of body, that he re∣sembled a Partridge, yet did he exercise all the Functions of a Man, and could Sing Tuneably; he lived to the Age of 25. Niceph. Hist. Ecclesiast. lib. 12. cap. 37. p. 379.

4. John de Estrix of Mechlen, was brought to the Duke of Parma in Flanders, Anno 1592. he was Aged 35, he had a long Beard, and was no more then 3 Foot high; he could not go up Stairs, much less, could he get up a Form, but was always lift up by a Servant; he was skilled in three Tongues, Ingenious, Industrious, and play'd well at Tables. Plater. Obs. l. 3. p. 581.

5. There was a Dwarf at the Court of Wirtemberg, at the Nuptials of the Duke of Bavaria; the little Gentleman armed Cap-a-pee, girt with a short Sword, and with the like Spear in his Hand, was put into a Pie, that he might not be seen, and the Pie set upon the Table; at last raised the Lid, and breaking loose thence, he stepped out, drew his Sword, and after the manner of a Fencer, Traversed his Ground upon the Table, to the equal Wonder and Laughter of them that were present. ibid.

6. Anno 1610. John Ducker, an English-man, who was about 45 years of Age, had a long Beard, and was only two Foot and a half high, he was of streight and thick Limbs, and well proporti∣oned. ibid. 582.

7. Augustus exhibited in his Plays, one Lucius, a young Man, he was not full two Foot high; he weighed but 17 Pounds, yet had he a great and strong Voice Sucton, p. 81. in Augusto.

8. In the time of Jamblicus, lived Alipius of Alexandria, a most excellent Logician, and a fa∣mous Philosopher, but of so small and little a body, that he little exceeded the Stature of those Pigmeys, who are said to be but a Cubit high; such as beheld him, thought he was scarce any thing but Spirit and Soul, so little grew that part of him that was syable to Corruption, that it seemed to be consumed into a kind of Divine Nature. Zuing. Vol. 2. p. 278.

9. Caracus was a Man of exceeding small Stature, yet was he the Wisest Counsellor, that was about Saladine, that great Conqueror of the East. ibid.

10. Anno 1306. Ʋladislaus Cubitalis, that Pigmey King of Poland, Reigned and Fought more Battels, and obtained more glorious Victories therein, then any of his long-shank'd Predecessors. Vertue refuseth no Stature, but commonly vast Bodies, and extraordinary Statures, have sottish, dull, and leaden Spirits. Burtons Melan. p. 2. sect. 3. p. 290.

11. Cardan says, that he saw a Man in Italy, not above a Cubit high, carried about in a Parrots Cage. And a Gentleman of good. Reputation, told Mr. Sandys, that he saw a Man at Siena, not exceeding the same Stature; he was a French-man, of the Countrey of Limosins, with a formal Beard, who was also shewn in a Cage for Money, at the end whereof, was a little hutch, into which he retired; and when the Assembly was full, came forth and played on an Instrument. Sand. in Ovid. Met. lib. 6. p. 114.

12. Philippa French, born at Milcomb in Oxfordshire, Aged 36 or 37 years, of perfect Symme∣try and Parts, wanted half an Inch of a yard in height, being then married, &c. Dr. Plot, in his Nat. Hist. of Oxfordsh. p. 195. One of much the same Stature is to be seen by all Travellers that pass that way, at the upper end of Guilford, in Surrey.

13. There was one Hans, a Swiss, brought over into England, but a few years since, Aged 38, but two Foot and 7 Inches high.

14. A little Woman was here at Chichester in Sussex, lately, whom I saw my self, not above two Cubits in height; but her Legs were not very perfect.

CHAP. XIII. Persons of a Wonderful Stature, Giants.

WE are apt in the Ideas and Conceptions we frame to our selves, of Natural Bodies, to set and pre∣scribe certain bounds to them, beyond which, they may not exceed; not considering, that there are many Reasons, for which Nature may extend her Dimensions, and stretch her Lines in the Structure or Augmentation of Bodies, beyond the Reach of our common Apprehensions; either in the first Seeds of Generation, or the Food and Aliment they are Nourished with, or the Climate and present Constitution of the Air, or some uncommon Distemperature, or some particular Design of Providence.

1. To mention the Giant spoken of by Solinus, might seem incredible, of the length of 33 Cu∣bits; yet he says, that Lucius Flaccus, the Legate, and Metellus himself, allured with the Novelty of the Report, went on purpose to the place, to sake view of it, and there saw with their Eyes, that which upon hear-say, they had refuted as a Fable. Solin. c. 5. p. 188.

2. Artachaees, of the Family of the Achaemenidaes, a Person in great favour with Xerxes, was the Tallest Man of all the rest of the Persians; for he lacked but the breadth of 4 Fingers, of full 5 Cubits, by the Royal Standard. Herodot. l. 7. p. 4. 419.

3. The Talest Man that had been seen in Plinies time, was Gabara, who in the Days of Claudi∣us, was brought out of arabia; he was 9 Foot and 9 Inches. Plin. l. 7. c. 16. p. 165.

4. Jovinianus the Emperor, was of a vast and huge Stature, so that of a long time, there was no Royal Robe that was found to answer the height of his Body. Zuing Theat. Volum. 2. l. 2. p. 276.

5. Maximinus the Emperour was 8 Foot and a half in height; he used the Bracelet or armlet of his Wife for a Ring for his Thumb. Zuing. Vol. 2. l. 2. p. 276.

6. There were in the time of Augustus Caesar two Persons called Iducio and Secundilla, each of them was 10 Foot high and more; their Bodies were kept within the Salustian Gardens. Plin. l. 7. c. 16. p. 165.

7. There was a young Man carried about Germany to be seen Anno 1613, he was then 22 Years of Age, beardless as yet, that was 8 Foot high compleat; his Foot was one Foot and one Third long. Plat. Obs. l. 3. p. 582.

8. Anno 1572, Delricus saw a Giant, full 9 Foot high. Del. Disq. Magic.

9. Walter Parsons, born in Staffordshire, when Prentice to a Smith, a Hole was made for him in the Ground to stand therein up to the Knees, to make him adequate with his Fellow-Workmen; he was afterwards Porter to King James. He was proportionable in all Parts, and had Strength equal to his Height, Valour to his Strength, Temper to his Valour. He would make nothing to take two of the tallest Yeomen of the Guard (like the Gizard and Liver) under his Arms at once, and order them as he pleased. Fuller's Worthies, p. 48. Staffordshire.

10. William Evans, born in Monmouthshire, two Yards and a half in height; he was Porter to King Charles the First, exceeded Walter Parsons two Inches in height. At an Antimask at Court he drew little Jeffery the Dwarf out of his Pocket, first to the Wonder, then to the Laughter, of the Beholders. Ibid. Wales, p. 54. Monm.

11. Magellan came to the Country of the Patagons, two of them he made his Prisoners by Po∣licy, who thereupon roared like Bulls: Their Feeding was answerable to their vast Bulks; (they were of such a Stature, that the Spaniards Heads reached but to their Wasts.) One of them did eat at a Meal a whole Basket of Biskets, and drank a great Bowl of Water at each Draught. Purch. Pilg. Vol. p. 35.

12. Thuanus tells of a Tartar slain by a Polander, Anno 1575, of a prodigious Bulk; his Fore∣head was 24 Inches in breadth, and the rest of his Body of that magnitude, that the Carcass, as it lay upon the Ground, would reach to the Navel of any ordinary Person that stood by it. Thu. Hist. l. 61. Anno 1575.

13. Manley tells of one Mr. Thomas Brittle, a Cheshire Man, that he saw, Anno 1671, that was about 7 Foot high; his Father (he said) was a Man of moderate Stature, his Mother was near 2 Yards high; and he himself hath a Daughter, who being 16 Years of Age, is arrived already to the height of 6 Foot complea••. Manley, p. 36.

CHAP. XIV. Of such Persons as have changed their Sex.

I Confess, in my Opinion, this is one of the hardest Chapters I have undertaken, not only in respect of my own Faith, but perhaps of my Reader's too; however, I will not obtrude it morosely upon any one: But I am of Opinion, it is the most likely to find Credit with Physicians and Anatomists, whose Profession it is to pry more into the Secrets of Nature than other Persons, and can solve such Phaenomena some∣times, as appear incredible to Persons of but common Improvements.

1. Pliny, in his Natural History, l. 7. c. 4. p. 158. and Livy, Hist. l. 4. and other ancient Authors, do tell us of Women amongst the Romans turn'd into Men.

2. Fulgosus saith, that when Ferdinand the First was King of Naples, Ludovicus Guarna, a Citi∣zen of Salerne, had five Daughters; of which, the two eldest were called Francisca and Carola, both which, at 15 Years of Age, found such alteration in themselves, that they changed their Feminine Habits and Names also, the one being called Fanciscus, and the other Carolus. Ful. l. 1. Ob. p. 187.

3. A Noble Portuguese, named Maria Pachecha, by a like Accident with the former, proving to be a young Man, changed her Habit, and called her self Manuel Pachecha, who after made a Voyage into the Indies, became a valiant Soldier, attained to much Wealth and Honour, and returning, married a Lady of a Noble Family, but never attained to have Issue. Amat. Lusit, Cons. Med. Cent. 2. Curat. 39.

4. In the City of Rhemes in France, Anno 1560, there was a Man, ever reputed a Female to the 14th Year of her Age; at which time it fell out, that wantoning in Bed with a Maid that lay with her, the Signs broke out of her; which when her Parents were informed of, by the interposition of Ecclesiastical Authority, her Name was changed from Joan to John, and from thenceforth she wore the Habit of a Man. Paraeus, l. 4. c. 5. p. Sch. Obs. l. 4. p. 503.

5. At Vitriac in France was a Man called German Garnier, by some Gernd. Maria, who was taken for a Virgin till the 15th Year of his Age, at which time running after Hogs, (which had got∣ten into the Corn,) and leaping over a Ditch with great Violence, it came to pass that the Mem∣branes being broke, the hidden Evidences of a Man suddenly descended, and discovered them∣selves, not without Pain. returning to the Cottage, with Tears complained to her Mother, that her Bowels fell out; at which Spectacle her Mother astonished, (consulting with Chirur∣geons,) was informed, that her Daughter was become a Man. The whole Matter being repre∣sented to the Cardinal Bishop of Lenuncurium, he called an Assembly, where he received the Name and Habit of a Man. Paraeus, ibid. Schenck. ibid.

6. Donatus tells, that Anno 1574, in the City of Spoleto, a Girl of 18 Years of Age was changed into a Man, as divers of that Place can witness. De Hist. Mir. l. 6. p. 298.

7. Cuelmanus tells of one at Corbeil in France, who for 14 Years had been educated among the Maids, and habited as they; yet about that Age she had such Testimonies about her, that pleaded she was no longer a Woman; that she thereupon altered her Name and Apparel into those of a Man. Cuelmanus relates this upon the Credit of a Physician in the Lecture of Anatomy, Cella∣rius and Wolphius, eminent Physicians, being present. Sch. Obs. Med. l. 4. obs. 6. p. 503.

8. That is wonderful which is told by Pontanus, of a Woman, who, after she had been deliver'd of a Son, became a Man, which yet he confirms by the Testimony of Antonius Colotius the Ʋm∣brian; and (saith he) this fell out about Anno 1496. Donat. Hist. Mirab. l. 6. c. 2. p. 297.

9. Antonius Diuna tells of a Nun of St. Dominick's Order, in the City of Ʋbeda, her Name was Magdalena Magnoz: This Woman in the 7th Year after she had taken upon her the Profes∣sion of a Nun, was from a Woman turned into a Man. Being hereupon expelled the Nunnery, she put on Man's Clothes; a Beard grew upon her Chin, and she was called Franciscus Magnoz. This very Francis (saith he) was my Client, and I pleaded for him in a Cause of Rape; for a certain Woman accused him, that she was known by him by Violence, and got with Child. John Choker. Fax. Hist. cent. 1. cap. 23.

10. Ausonius tells of a Boy at Beneventum, who suddenly became a Girl.

11. Bartholinus discourseth more upon this Point, and shews the Possibility of it in his Ana∣tomy.

12. Dr. Burnet, in his Letters, relates a Story which he had from Cardinal Howard at Rome, of two Nuns which were in a few Years converted into the Masculine Gender; but having not the Book by me, I must leave it to my Reader's further Inquiry for the Particulars.

CHAP. XV. Instances of Skill in Physiognomy.

WHen Socrates was told by a Physiognomist his natural Inclinations to Vice, and some of the Com∣pany that were then present laugh'd at the Error; he very ingenuously rebuked them, saying, That there was more Truth in it, than they were sensible of; Nature disposing him strongly to those Immorali∣ties, which he had by Culture, and his own Improvements, conquered in great measure, and corrected. There is certainly somewhat in the Faces and Gestures, and Aspects of Persons, that may be an Index of the Mind; according to that Proverbial Saying, Ex Oculo, Poculo, Loculo, cognosciter Homo; but especially, Oculus est Animi fenestra.

1. Gregory Nazianzen, by observing Julian's Physiognomy when he was at Athens, his run∣ning Head, wagging Shoulders, rolling Eyes, staring Countenance, sliding and limping Pace, scornful Visage, immoderate Laughter, &c. declared, That he saw not one good Sign in him, but cried out, Good God, what a Monster the Empire of Rome doth nourish! When I uttered these Words, saith he, I desired of God, that in this Matter I might be found a Lyar. Clark's Mar, of Eccl. Hist.

2. Gaffarel tells us, if a Man endeavour to counterfeit any other Man's Countenance, and that he fancy himself to have his Hair, Eyes, Nose, Mouth, and all other Parts like him; he may by this means come to know, what his natural Inclinations, and what his Thoughts are, by what he finds in himself during the time of his making of Faces. This Opinion, saith he, is grounded upon the Experience of Campanella, who expresseth himself in these Words: Cum quis hominem videt, statim imaginari oportet, se nosum habere, ut alter hebet, & pilum, & vnltum, & frontem, & locutionem: Et tunc qui affectus & cogitationes in hac cogitatione illi obrepunt, judicat homini illi esse proprios, quem ita imaginando contuetur; hoc non absque ratione & experientià. Spi∣ritus enim format corpus, & juxta affectus innatos ipsum fingit, exprimitque. I always thought, (saith Gaffarel) that the Opinion of Campanella was, That a Man should only imagine himself to have the same Countenance with the other; as his Words seem to mean: But when I was at Rome, understanding that he was brought into the Inquisition, I did, out of Cariosity to be sa∣tisfied in this Particular, take the Pains to visit him there. Being therefore in Company of some Abbots we were brought to the Chamber where he was; who as soon as he perceived us, came to us, and entreated us to have a little Patience, till he had ended a little Note, which he was writing to Cardinal Magaloti. When we were sate down, we observed him oftentimes to make certain wry Faces; which we conceived to proceed either from Folly, or else from some Pain, that the Violence of the Torments which he had endured, put him to: The Calves of his Legs being all beaten black and blue, and his Buttocks having hardly and Flesh on them; it ha∣ving been torn from him by piece-meal, to make him confess what he was accused of. One of our Company asked, If he felt no Pain? He smiling, answered, No. And supposing, that we had been something troubled at the wry Faces which he made, he told us. That, at our coming in, he fancied himself to be Cardinal Magalotti, as he bad heard him described: And he asked us withal, If he were not a hairy Man. So far my Author Gaffarel's unheard of Curiosities, par. 2. ch. 6.

3. One Mrs. Powel, Wife to Mr. Powel of Forrest-Hill, near Oxford, (a Justice of Peace at that time) told me about Five and twenty Years ago, when I preached in the Parish, That a young lusty Fellow coming to her Door for an Alms; she looking sharply upon him, told him, He was a guilty Person; upon which, the Fellow run away from her to the Gate: But she calling upon him to stay, he turned back again, and asked her, In the Name of Christ, who told you so? She making Answer, Christ, whom you have Offended by your ill Actions; and therefore turn back again, make an ingenuous Confession of thy Crime, and, upon my Reputation, I'll make no Discovery of it to thy Hurt, &c.

Upon which, he returned in a very submissive manner, and acknowledged, That he was (as I remember) a Devonshire-man, and coming one Night in Drink from a Fair, and asking a Fellow, that he met, Which was the way to such a Place? he answering, He should follow his Nose: Upon that they went to hard Words, and thence to Blows, till at last he kill'd the Man; for which he was upon Suspicion committed to Prison, but sufficient Evidence being wanting, he was discharged. Whereupon she advised him to this purpose; Well! thou art un∣easie under the Remorse of a guilty Conscience at home, and therefore thinkest to allay thy Troubles abroad; Assure thy self, thou wilt be in danger of ill Company, and fresh Tempta∣tions, and more guilty by Travel; and therefore do take my Advice, return home, use thy En∣deavour to get an honest Livelihood, and shew thy self as kind as possible to the surviving Re∣lations of the murder'd Person: And if thou wilt promise so to do, I will give thee somewhat towards bearing thy Charges, and accordingly she gave him a Crown. Another Story of the like Nature she told me.

CHAP. XVI. Great Sleepers.

THE Essence of Sleep (according to Dr. Willis) consists in this, That the Corporeal Soul withdraw∣ing it self a little, and contracting its Irradiation into a narrower Sphere, leave•• the Cortex of the Brain for some time destitute, and in the mean while the Nervous Liquor distilled from the Blood, rushes in for new Supplies. In Natural Sleep, he saith, these two Causes conspire together by some mutual Com∣pact of Nature, viz. at the same time the Spirits recede, and the Nervous Humour enters. In Non-natural or Extraordinary Sleep, sometimes this Cause, sometimes that, is first: But in Praeternatural or Insatiable Sleep, there is a greater Energy of the same Causes, so that the Brain is flooded with the Influx of Nervous, Serous, and other Vicious Humours.

1. Timon's Nurse, used Yearly, after the manner of some wild Beasts, to lie hid for two Months together, without any other evidence of Life all that while, save only that she breathed. Plut. Symp. l. 8. qu. 9. p. 780.

2. Epimenides of Creet, when he was a Boy, being wearied with Heat and Travel, laid him down in a certain Cave, and there slept 57 Years; being awaked, he returned home, wondring at the Changes he found in the World, and was at last difficultly known by his younger Brother growing old. It is said, that he lived in all 175 Years: And from him it was, that the Sleep of Epimenides became a Proverb. Plin. Nat. Hist. l. 7. c. 52. p. 184. But this Story I offer rather for the sake of its Antiquity, than Credibility.

3. Platerus tells of one that slept three Days and three Nights together, upon foregoing weari∣ness, without the occasion of precedent Drunkenness, or the taking of any Soporiferous Medi∣cine. Plat. Obs. l. 1. p. 6.

4. William Foxly, Potmaker for the Mint in the Tower of London, fell asleep on Tuesday in Easter Week, and could not be waked with pinching or burning till the First Day of the next Term, which was full 14 Days; and when he was then awaked, he was found in all points as if he had slept but one Night. He lived 40 Years after. This Matter fell out in the 37th Year of King Henry the Eighth's Reign. Baker's Chron.

5. Crantzius tells of a young Scholar of Lubeck, who (that he might sleep without Distur∣bance) betook himself to a Chest: There passed 7 Years from the time of his lying down there till that one determined to see what was in the Chest, where he found this young Man asleep there, whom he shook with such Violence, that he awaked him. His Face was without change, he was easily known to his Acquaintance, who were amazed at what had passed; he supposing that he had slept but one Night, and some part of a Day. Cran. V••ndal. l. 8. c. 39. Donat. Hist. Mir. l. 4. c. 12. p. 214.

6. M. Damascen speaks of one that slept a whole Autumn and Winter under a Rick of Hay, and then arose as a Man half dead and distracted, Zuing. Theat. Vol. 2. l. 5. p. 415.

7. The Lucomorians, in the further part of Samaria, are reported to die, as it were, in the manner of Swallows and Frogs, from the 27th of November, to the 24th of April following; and then again awake and arise. This was witnessed to Henry the Third, when in Poland, by several Princes worthy of Credit; divers Nobles of France, many Physicians of the Court, particularly the famous Pid••xius, being present, 'Tis related also by Alex. Guagninas of Verona, Colonel of Foot in the Castle of Vitelaska, in the Frontiers of Muscovy, in his Description of Muscovy. Mers. Qu. & Com. in Gen Qu. 30. p. 1222. Joh. Licat. l. 1. c. 6. Hen. Kornman. de Mirac. Mort. par. 2. c. 41. Delr. Disq. Mag. &c. Zacch. Qu. Mad. Leg. l. 4. tit. 1. qu 11. p. 241. Treas. l. 6. c. 10. p. 565. Schot. Phys. Curios. l. 1. c. 36. p. 176.

8. The Story of the Seven Sleepers, who, to avoid Martyrdom, fled into a Cave, and slept from the Reign of Decius, till the 30th Year of Theodosius the Younger, i. e. 196 Years, will seem incre∣dible; and yet 'tis mentioned by Nicephorus, Eccl. Hist. l. 14. c. 45. By Lonicer. Theatr. p. 230. Schot. Phys. Curros. l. 3. &c. As also by Mahomet, in his worshipful Alcoran, tho with some Addi∣tion and Variation; for he saith, they slept 300 Years.

CHAP. XVII. Instances of such as have used to walk and perform strange things, in their Sleep.

'TWas the Opinion of some of the Ancient Philosophers, that our Natural Life was but a Sleep, and all our Actions are perform'd in a Dream; and that we did not awake, till Death came and pluck'd our Souls out of the Cradle, and sent us rubbing up our Intellectuals, and shaking our Spirits into the other World. And surely such instances as follow here, seem to make a fit Emblem for such an Hypothesis, where Men Sleep by halves, and employ at the same time, some of the Animal Spirits, as Cursitors of the Brain, to move and act, and discharge their Functions, whilst ••hers of them sleep, and rest, and refresh themselves.

1. A young Man, arose from his sleep, took a Sword, opened the Doors, and muttering to him∣self, went into the Street, where he quarreled alone, and fancying that he was in Fight with his Enemy, he made divers passes, till he fell down, and through an unhappy slip of his Sword, gave himself such a Wound on his Breast, that was like to be his Death. Hereupon being awaked and affrighted, and dreading greater dangers, he sent for me to be his Physician, and was cured, saith, Zacutus Lusitan, in his Prax. admirand. l. 1. Obs. 43. p. 33, &c.

2. John Poultney, would in his sleep, usually rise out of his Bed, dress him, open the Doors, walk about the Fields, and return to his Bed not awaked; he would rise in his sleep, take a Staff, Fork, or other Weapon, and therewith lay about him, now striking, now defending him∣self, as if charged with an Enemy, ot knowing when awaked, what had passed. He was of Leicestershire. Fullers Work. p. 133. Leicestershire.

3. Henricus ab Heeres saith, he knew a young Student, who having certain Verses to finish while awake, rising in the Night, hath opened his Desk, he hath writ, and often read over, what he hath written; which done, he hath applauded himself with Laughter, called to his Chamber-fell∣ow to praise him also, then putting off his Shooes and Cloaths, shutting his Desk, and laying up his Papers, he returned to his Bed and slept, till called up, utterly Ignorant what he had done in the Night. In the Morning returning to his Studies, not having yet seen his Papers, and being careful how to fill up the Gap in his Verses, taking his Papers, when he found them supplied to his desire, and that with his own hand, he hath been strangely amazed, and would not believe his Companions, who waking, had seen what he did. The Night after, his Companions after his waking, led him to another Bed, lay his Head on a Pillow, on the Beds-feet, and in his Gown, they commit him to his Rest; when he waked, in the Morning they stood by him, and when he denied that he had risen, and read, and written such things, they convinced him by so many cir∣cumstances. 'Tis wonderful that he remembred nothing that he read and writ in his Sleep; he saith, he observed him for 3 or 4 hours at a time, walking in the Night, reading and writing, and which was more wonderful, his Pronounciations was the same as in the day: Having left the Schools a long time, he married a Vertuous Wife, yet concealed it from her; he would rise, take his Child, walk about his House, his Wife, following him, being asked by her, he would answer to her demands, and discover the Secrets of his Heart with exact Truth, &c. Henab. Heers. Obs. Med. l. 1. Obs. 2. p. 32. 33.

4. Platerus saith, that Johan. Oporinus, (an excellent Printer), Night growing on, was shut out of the City, together with his Father, and that they might pass the Night the better, they set upon the Correction of a Greek Copy. Opirinus read the Text, and though falling asleep, yet ••••e continued reading; being afterwards awaked, he remembred nothing that he had read, although it was an intire Page. Plater. Obs. l. 1. p. 12.

5. Horstius writes of one in his Sleep, that rose up in his Cloaths, Boots, and Spurs, got up in∣to the Window, where he sate stradling, smiting the Walls with his Spurs, till he awaked. Schenck. Obs. l. 1. p. 65.

6. Schenchius writes of a Man at Helmestadt, who rose in his Sleep, went down the Stairs into a Court, from thence towards the Kitchin, near which there was a deep Well, into this he went down, holding fast to the Stones by his Hands and Feet; but when he touched the Water, with the Cold thereof, he was awaked, and finding in what danger he was, made a pitiful Out-cry, which awaked those in the House, who having found him, got him out, and brought him into his Bed, where he lay many days Speechless and immoveable, being extreamly weakned with Fear, Cold, and Crying. ibid.

7. Strange is the Story of a young Gentleman, who in his sleep arose Naked, carrying his Shirt in his Hand, and by the help of a Rope, clambered up to a high Turret in the Castle, where he was at that time; here he found a Nest of Magpies, which he Robbed and put the young ones into his Shirt, and so by the same Rope descended and returned to his Bed. The next morning being awaked, he told his Brother, how he dreamed, that he had Robbed a Pies Nest, and withal wondred, what was become of his Shirt, rose, and found it at his Beds-feet, with the young-ones wrapt up in it. Schenck. Obs. l. 1. Obs. 1. p. 65.

8. Horstius tells of a Kinsman that dwelt with him at Wittenberg, who came home in the Even∣ing somewhat in Drink; to bed he went, slept till Midnight, then he got up in his Sleep, walked to and fro for a while, then hastily went to the Window, and got out. He lying in the same Chamber awoke, called his Servant, and asked him, if the young-man was in Bed with him; who replying, no, they got up, went to the Window, hoping to have found him sticking there, and to have pulled him back; but just as they came, he fell into the Paved Street below, 14 Ells high, where he lay for sometime, Speechless and Immoveable, and though much hurt, yet after sometime he was recovered. Fabrit. Obs. Chirurg. t. 2. Obs. 84. p. 159.

CHAP. XVIII. Persons, remarkable for Waking long.

HEre certainly the Causes must be contrary to those of the foregoing Chapter, and therefore there is less necessity of Descant and Commentary; for Opposites set one against the other, give a mutual Il∣lustration one to the other, and methinks, this may suggest to us an occasion of Complaining, that we spend too much of our Life in unnecessary repose; Nature certainly would be content with much less, than we take. Lust is a Great Tyrant, and an unmerciful Devourer of our Time and Spirits.

1. Fernelius, speaks of one, who lived without sleep 14 Months; but this Man was possest with Madness, and his Brain, it should seem, being heated with Melancholy, did beget Animal Spirits without much wasting of them. Schenck. Obs. Med. l. 1 p. 64.

2. Arsenius, the Tutor of Arcadius, and Honoricus the Emperours, being made a Monk, did sa∣tisfie Nature with so short a sleep, that he was used to say, that for a Monk it was enough, if he slept but one hour in a Night. Zuing. Tha. Vol. 2. l. 5. p. 415.

3. George Castriot, called Scanderberg, was content with so little sleep, that it is reported of him, that for the whole time he Governed Epirus, he never slept above two hours in one Night, yet he died in the 63 year of his Age. ibid.

4. Seneca reports of Maecanas, Augustus's Favourite, that he lived three years entire without sleep, and was at last cured of the Distemper by Musick. Sen. de Providentiâ.

5. It is reported of Nizolus, the Treasurer of Ciceroes Words and Phrases, that he lived 10 years without sleep Schenck. Obs. l. 1. p. 64. Heurinus prax. l. 2. c. 7. Ross. arcan. Microcosm. p. 99.

6. We Read of a Noble Lady, (saith Schenkius), that for 35 years, lived without sleep, and in good Health. as her Husband and Family could and did Witness, but we leave this to the Faith of the Reader, who may take his liberty. ibid.

CHAP. XIX. Abstainers from Drink.

THE two Grand Precepts of the Stoick Philosophers were 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, Sustine Abstine, ••ea•• and forbear, or abstain; certainly 'tis worthy of Remark, how far Powers of Nature and ••••••∣will, will go with a Man, even upon the Stock of Common G••ace. The Government of the Sensitive Ap∣petite, especially in respect of Drinks, is none of the easiest ••asks incumbent upon Humane Nature, and yet we shall find some in this respect, commanding themselves to Admiration; thô sometime, it must be confest, the very Texture and Mixtion of Humours with their Constitutions, gives an Advantage, and sometimes fear of some imminent Danger, adds a Sp••r to their Nature.

1. A Noble Man of Piedmont, being Sick of the Dropsie, sent for Doctor Albertus Roscius, who finding the Dropsie confirmed, and the Patient averse from all Remedies; he told him that he must abstain from all Liquors: The Nobleman at the hearing of this, did so far abstain from all kind of Drinks, that he did not so much as tast of any thing that was Liquid for a Month's time, by which means he was restored to his former Health. Fab. Obs. Chirurg. Cent. 4. Obs. 41. p. 319.

2. It is said of Abraames Bishop of Carras, that he drank not, nor made use of Water, wherein to boil his Herbs, but his manner was to feed on Endive, Lettuce, and Frui••; and from these also he used to abstain till the Evening, yet was he a Person of great Liberalit to others. Drex. Oper. Tom. ••. p. 796.

3. Theophrastus tells of one Philinus, who in the whole course of his Life, never made use of any manner of Drink, or Food, except Milk only. Celi. Rhod. l. 11. c. 13. p. 500.

4. Pontanus writes of a Woman, who in all her Life time did never Drink either Wine or Water; and being once inforced to Drink Wine by the Command of Ladislaus King of Naples, she received much hurt thereby. Bow. Hist. Med. Mir. l. 6. c. 3. p. 306.

5. There was one in Naples, of the Family of Fernacelli, that never Drank. c. Rhod. l. 13 p. 309.

CHAP. XX. Immoderate Drinkers.

'TIS strange to observe, how a Continuation of Acts begets a Habit, and that Habit by Custom be∣comes so fixt and in••eterate, that Nature it self seems at length to Challenge it as her own; for which Reason, the Wise Solomon forbids us to look upon Wine, when it is Red, when it sparkles in the Cup; and Moralists to give the least Countenance to the first Principles and beginnings of any Vice: for 'tis much easier to Prohibit the first entrance of a fore-seen Disease, and shut the Door against a Rude Guest, then to Cure the Disease, when it hath seized us, or restrain the Exorbitant Humours of an Ill Guest, when he is entred.

1. In that Publick drinking before Alexander, one Promachus drank 4 Congii, that is 40 pound; we Read the same of Protcus of Macedonia, in Athanaeus. Nov. Torquatus of Milan, drank 30 Pints at one Draught; Tiberius the Emperor stood by to see the Wonder. Pliny says, that he never fail∣ed of his Speech, nor did he Vomit, nor did he Sleep; he drank most at one Draught, and drank many more little ones. Bonaesus, as Spartianus says, drank more then any Man. Aurelianus said of him, he was not born to live, but to drink: Yet he Honoured him for military Affairs. He drank with barbarous Ambassadours to make them drunk, and so would know their Secrets; he drank what he pleased, and was always Sober. A certain Man drank 6 Gallons at a No∣bleman's Marriage, in the days of Lipsius: Jobnst. Clas. 10. p. 312.

2. Maximinus often drank in one day an Amphora of the Capitol, which is 9 Gallons our mea∣sure Capitolin. p. 602.

3. Lipsius tells of one at a Noble Bavarian's Wedding, that to exhilarate the Guests, drank lit∣tle less then 6 Congies in a short space, that is 60 pound. Lips. Epist. Misc. Ep. 51. p. 456.

4. The Son of Marcus Tullius Cicero would ordinarily fetch off the quantity of two Congies at once, that is to say 2 Gallons and a Quart, Din. Mem. l. 6. p. 448.

5. Bartholinus tells of one P••••••us of Malta who from place to place made Tryal of his Artifice, he having drank 20 or 30 Cups of Water, at the pleasure of the Spectators, he would suddenly restore them all by Vomit; and Water running out of a Fountain, he would orderly fill up the Cu••s as he drank them off; at other times he would suddenly spout out the whole quantity, at the distance of 20 Foot or more; besides, if the Company desired it, he would not only restore the clear Water, but so as that it should be of different both Colour and Taste; one while Rose∣water, another, Spirit of Wine, Sack, Claret, White wine, &c. and thus he filled several Cups, with several sorts of drinks at the same time. He confessed that he could do this with the most ease, when he was Pasting, and his Stomach empty; for if soon after Dinner he was called by great Persons to see this T••yal, he used to Vomit up his Meat before his Ventricle would be right∣ly disposed for the Reception of such a quantity of Water; when he was to discharge himself of the Liquor he had drunk up, he performed it, only with the pressure of his Hand, on his Sto∣mach or Breast, that he might not be suspected of Magick; and to obtain Licence of shew his Art Publickly, he revealed his Secret to Pope Ʋrban VIII. at Rome, to Cardinal Richelieu, at Paris, and to the Prince of Orange at the Hague, when some suspected, that the Glasses gave the several Colours, he caused them first to be clearly washed with Water, and to shew he had no such Fraud, he not only received Glasses at the Hand of the Spectators themselves; but also offered his seve∣ral Vomits, as well to the Taste, as to the Eye of any, that desired to make the Experiment. Bar••h. Hist. Anat. Cent. 1. Hist. 39. p. 54, 55.

6. And Aelian tells of a Woman too much addicted to this desire of drinking, to her Eternal In∣famy, that not only she used to contend with her own Sex in drinking, but also used to provoke Men thereunto; with such success in her Bestiality, that she was known to be able to drink, and bear away a greater quantity of drink, then any Man she could meet with Ael. var. His. l. 2. c. 41 p. 82.

CHAP. XXI. Great Fasters.

MR. Reynold's well observes, that the long Finger of Powerful Providence is to be observed in these wonderful Effects, and Doctor Willis, that the Parent of Nature, orders Natural Principles, as to their Quantity, Mixture, and Operations; and 'tis as evident, when higher Causes put asunder, what Nature hath joyned together, very astonishing results appear upon the Stage of Humane Nature. Now to supply the Defect of Aliment, it is observable, that at such Times and Cases a•• these are, the Expences of the ••••crocosm by Stool, Ʋrine, Spittle, Menses, (and it may be Transpiration), are in great mea∣sure Retrench'd•• the Igneous Parts of the Body restrained from Excursion, and a fresh supply made by the continual entrance of Breach and Air, together with Pituitous Humours, and a Viscous Oyl produced by a Colliquation of the Emaciated Parts; but I leave it to my Reader to judge of.

1. In St. Austin's days, one lived 40 days without eating any thing; another in the time of Olimpiodorus the Platonish, for so long as he lived, he neither slept nor fed, but only stood in the Sun to refresh himself, The Daughter of the Emperor Cloturius, fasted eleven years. Petrus Apo∣nus, saw one fasted 18 years; Rondeletius, saw one fasted 10, and afterwards became a fruitful Mother. Hermolus knew a Priest, who lived in Health 40 years, without any thing, but by sucking in the Air. One Nicholaus Helvetius, Anno 1640. after that he had 5 Children by his Wife, lived a solitary life, and neither eat nor drank in 15 years; he predicted several things that came to pass, and by his austere Life, made the belief of his fasting unquestionable: Certain it is, that the Bishop of Constantia, in whose Diocess he lived, went to him on purpose to see him, and after diligent Observation, confirmed the Truth of his Report by his Letters; and for the greater certainty compel'd him to taste some food, thô very little, which caused him to have ex∣tream Pain in his Stomach, for 3 days after, the which Nicholaus told him before-hand was his fear; diverse Princes of France and Germany went to him, and found it accoringly. Zach. Quest. Med. leg. l. 4. tit. 1. p. 218. Johnston. Nat. Hist. c. 10. p. 316.

2. Anno 1595. A Maid of about 13 years of Age, was brought to Cologne, whose Parents af∣firmed, that she had lived without any kind of food or drink, for the space of three years; she was of a Melancholy Countenance, her whole body was fleshy, except only her belly. As for Ex∣crements, she voided none; she immediatly swounded at the Taste of a little Sugar; yet this Maid

walked up and down, played with other Girls, danced, and did all other things that are done by Girls of her Age, neither had she any difficulty of Breath. Fabric. Obs. Chirurg. Cent. 2. Obs. 40. p. 116.

3. Paulus Lentulus, tells of a Maid of the Canton of Hearn, in Swisserland, who was by the Command of the Magistrates, strictly Guarded, and all kinds of Tryals put in Practice, for the discovery of any kind of Collusion in the business; they found none, but dismissed her fairly; in the first year of her fasting she slept very little, in the second, nto at all, and so continued for a long time after. Schenck Obs. l. 3. p. 306.

4. Anno 1539. A Girl of about Ten years of Age, born near Spires, began to abstain from all kind of sustenance; and so continued for three years, walking, and talking, and laughing, and sporting as other Children use to do, yet was she narrowly observed by the Command of the Emperour Maximilian, and at the end of 12 days, finding that there could be no jugling in the business, he gave her leave to return to her Friends, not without great Admiration and Princely Gifts. ibid. Horstius in Donat. l. 7. c. 1. p. 646.

5. Anno 1585. We have the like Narration of Katharine Binder, born in the Palatinate, com∣mitted to the search of a Divine, Statesman, and two Doctors of Physick; she is said to have fed only upon Air for the space of 9 years and more. Schenck obs. l. 3. p. 306. Zacch. Qu. Med. legal l. 4. tit. 1. p. 217.

6. Doctor Hakewell, speaks of Eve Fleigen, who being born at Meurs, is said to have taken no kind of sustenance, by the space of 14 years together, that is, from the year of her Age, 22 to 36, and from the year 1597, to 1611, and this we have confirmed by the Magistrates of the Town of Meurs; as also by the Minister, who made Tryal of her in his House 13 days together, by all the means he could devise, but could detect no Imposture. Hakew. Apol. adv. 3. p. 6. Horst. ad Don. l. 7. p. 654.

7. Melancthon wondred at Luther, who being large of body, and strong withal, that he could live with so little Food; for he saith, that when he was in good Health, he has continued 4 days together without eating or drinking any thing at all, and many days together with a little bread and one single Herring. Mel. in vit. Lutheri.

8. Anno 1639. A Scot being overthrown in a Suit at Law, took Sanctuary in Halyrood House, where out of discontent, he abstained from all Meat and Drink, by the space of 30 or 40 days together; the King hearing of it, caused him to be shut up in Edenburgh Castle, where he fasted 32 days; upon this he was dismissed, and after a short time, he went to Rome, where he gave the like Proof of his Fasting, to Pope Clement, VII. from whence he went to Venice, carrying with him a Testimony under the Popes Seal, and there he gave the like proof thereof, and returning into England, he inveighed bitterly against King Henry VIII. whereupon he was thrust into Prison, where he continued Fasting for the space of 50 days; his Name was John Scot. Spotswood's Hist. ch. of Scotland. l. 2. p. 69. Clarks Mir. c. 104. p. 505.

9. Joan the Daughter of John Balaam, of the City of Constance in France, Anno 159••. was seized with great Sickness, after that grew Speechless for 24 days; then her Speech returned, but the passage for Meat and Drink was resolved; nor could the Girl be perswaded to take any Food; the parts of her belly were contracted and clung together, other parts of her body remaining in good plight. The Maid continued thus Fasting for almost 3 years entire, and afterwards by degrees returned to her Food, and to a laudible habit of body. Fra. Citesius op. Med. p. 64. Horstii ad Donat. l. 7. c. 1. p. 648. Tr. oft Times l. 6. p. 550.

10. Febritius tells of a Maid, that lived 15 years without either Meat or Drink, and was living in Anno 1612. Fab. Obs. Cent. 4. Obs. 29. p. 310.

11. Doctor Plot, in his Natural History of Oxfordshire, relates a strange Accident that befell one Rebeccah Smith, the Servant Maid of one Thomas White, of Minster Lovel, who being of a Robust Constitution, though she seldom eat Flesh, (it scarce agreeing with her,) and about to years of Age; after she came from the Communion on Palm-Sunday, April 16, 1671, was taken with such a Dryness in her Throat, that she could not swallow her Spittle, nor any thing else, to supply the decays of Nature; and in this Case, she continued without eating or drinking, to the Amazement of all, for about 10 Weeks, viz. to the 29th of June, being both St. Peters day, and Witney-fair-day; by which time being brought very low her Master enquired and found out a Person who gave him an Amulet, (for it was supposed she was bewitch'd,) against this evil, after the Application whereof, within two or three days time, (though it is not to be supposed, that there was any dependance between the medicine and Disease,) she first drank a little Water, then warm broths, in small quantities at a time, and nothing else till Palm-Sunday again 12 Months after, when she began to eat bread, and other Food again, as formerly she had done, and was at the ••••••e of the Relation, about the Age of 60, and then living at the same place, ready to testifie the Truth of the thing, as well as Tho. White and his Wife, who were all that lived in the House with her, and did confidently assert (for they carefully observed,) that they believed, she never took any thing in those 10 Weeks time, nor any thing more all the year following, but what, was above-mentioned; wherein he believes, they may the rather be credited, because there was never any advantage made of this Wonder, which Argues it clear of all Juggle or Design. Nat. Hist. of Ox∣fordshire. p. 196.

12. Sennertus tells of 3 Persons, that fasted each of 'em two years; one 3 years, another 4, one 7, another 15, another 18, another 20, another 28, another 30, another 36, and another 40 years. Sennert. Pract. l. 3. Part, 1. Sect. 2. c. 2. de longâ abstin.

13. Martha Taylour, of Bakewell in Darbyshire, who upon the occasion of a blow on her back from a Miller, Anno 1667, fasted a Twelve Month; is no Wonder, in comparison with the former Stories; nor that of the Shropshire Maid, whose Mother I was acquainted with, who fasted as ••ong, mentioned in the former part of this Book.

CHAP. XXII. Children Petrified in the Womb.

THE Story of Niobe turned into a Marble Statue, is a Fable: Children are often converted into Stones in the Womb; and I would to God, Men were not so in their ripe Age, at least in a Metaphorical Sense; but as to the Petrification of Infants, it is not much more strange, that a Juyce fit for Concretion should be carried to the Womb, than to the Reins or Bladder, or that a Spiritus Lapidificus should pre∣vail in the one, and never in the other.

1. Columba Chatry, of Sens in Burgundy, Wise to Ludovicus Chatry, by the report of Mr. John Alibaux an Eminent Physicians, and who also was present at the Dissection of her, went 28 years with a Dead Child in her Womb: When she was dead, and her Belly opened, there was found a Stone, having all the Limbs, and exact proportion of a Child of 9 Months old. This happened Anno 1582. Sennertus confesses this accident so rare, that he never met with the like instance in the whole History of Physick. Sennert. Prax. Med. l. 4. par. 2. Sect. 4. c. 7. p. 311.

2. Horstius tells of a Woman, aged 37. at the time of his Writing, whose Womb was all turned to Stone, to the weight of 7 pound: Her Spleen Globular, her Bladder Stony, and her Perito∣naeum so very hard, that it could scarce be cut with a Knife; and yet this Woman lived with∣out any manifest sign of Sickness all her life time. Addit. ad Donat. per Greg. Horst. l. 7. c. 2. p. 663.

3. Hearnius affirms, That he saw at Padua, a Woman, whose Breast was turn'd into Stone; by this means, as she lay dead, that Breast of hers lay covered in the Water of a certain Spring there Ibid. p. 664.

4. Pompilius Placentinus, tells of a Venetian Woman, who being Poisoned by an Apple, when Dead, she grew so stiff and congealed, that she seemed to be transformed into a Statute of Stone, nor could they cut open her Belly by Knife or Sword. Zacch. qu. Medico-Legal. c. 4. Tit. 1. p. 235.

5. The Body of a Man that was killed and cast into the River Anien, having lain some time at the Root of a Tree that grew upon the Bank-side; when it was found and taken up, it was turn'd into Stone. Titus Celsus a Patrician of Rome, affirmed that he had seen it. Cornman. de Mir. Morc. par. 3. cap. 36. p. 18.

6. I my self saw a Maid, born in Ireland, exposed to view at Arundel in Sussex, a few years ago, who besides strange Moles upon her Body, had a great Excressence growing between her Legs, hard as Stone, very bulky and weighty, so that was not able to carry it about without a Truss.

CHAP. XXIII. Accidents upon Persons Birth-Days, &c.

I Am not sure, that the Matter of Fact in all the Cases hearafter mentioned was in right Judgment so remarkable, as is pretended: Perhaps Persons may sometimes be too fond in the Observation of such Days, out of a peculiar respect to them; and at the same time pass over a hundred Accidents more worthy of Note upon other days of their Life. See what follows in the end of the Chapter.

1. The Poet Antipater Sidonius, every year upon his Birth-day, was seized with a Fever; and when he had liv'd to a great Age, he Died upon his Birth-Day. Schenck. Obs. Med. 1.6. Obs. 1. p. 721.

2. The like befel Johan. Architectus, who, spent with Age, Died upon his Birth-Day. Ibid.

3. Elizabeth Wife of King Henry VII. Died in Child-Bed, the 11th of February, the very day of her Birth. Bak. Chron.

4. Amatu•• Lisitanus tells of one who every year on his Birth-Day, was seized with a Fit of a Fever. Thom. a Veiga of another, who every year had a Fever for three days and no longer. Schenck. Ibid. p. 721.

5. Alexander the Great was Born upon the 6th day of February, and Died on the 6th day of February, Alex. l. 4. c. 20, fol. 233.

6. Attalus King of Pergamum, and Pompeins the Great, both Died on their Birth-Days. Plut. in Camilo. p. 135.

7. Julius Caesar was Born and Slain on the Ides of March. Sabel. l. 9. c. 4. Zuin. Thaat. p. 561.

8. Antonius Caracalla the Emperor, was Slain at Carris on the 6th of the Ides of April, being his Birth-Day. Zuin. Ibid.

9. Pope Gregory the Great, was Born, and Died on the 4th of the Ides of March. Zuin. Theat. Ibid.

10. Garsias, Great Grand-Father to Petrarch, having lived 104 years, died (as also did Plato) on his Birth-Day, and in the same Chamber where he was Born. Zuin. Theat. vol. 2. l. 7. p. 561.

11. The Emperor Charles the Great was Buried at Aquisgrane on his Birth-Day, Anno 810. Ibid.

12. Ph. Melancthon, Died Anno 1560. in the 63th year of his Age, and on his Birth-Day, be∣ing 13 Cal. May. Ibid.

13. The Emperor, Charles V. was Born on St. Matthias's Day; on which day also (in the course of his Life) was King Francis taken by him in Battel; and the Victory likewise won at Bic••••que, he was also Elected, and Crowned Emperor on the same day, and many other great Fortunes

befel him still on that day. Treasury of Ancient and Modern times, l. 4. c. 12. p. 330.

14. Augustus had certain Anniversary Sicknesses, which did return at a stated and certain time. He commonly languished at the time of his Birth, which was the 9th of the Calends of October, a little before Sun-rise. Sweton in August. p. 55. 105.

15. Timoleon obtained most of his Victories on his Birth-Day, which was therefore Celebrated Annually by the Syracusans. Alex. ab Alex, de Gen. l. 4. c. 20.

16. Philip King of Macedon had a Triplicity of Good Tidings on his Birth-Day; That he was Victor in the Olympicks, that Parmenio his General had gain'd a Conquest, and that his Queen was Delivered of Alexander. Ibid.

17. Baudinus, an Abbot and Citizen of Florence, Died upon his Birth-Day. Coman. de Mir. Mort.

18. On Wednesday, Pope Sixtus V. was Born, made Monk, General of his Order, Cardinal, Pope, and Inaugurated. Heyl. Geogr.

19. On Thursday, Henry VIII. Died, Edward VI. Queen Mary, and Queen Elizabeth.

20. Friday was observed to be fortunate to the Great Captain Gonsalvo; and Saturday to Henry VII. &c.

CHAP. XXIV. Children mark'd in the Womb.

WHEN we read the Story in Genesis of Jacob's Success in his Pastoral Office, by the help of his straked, striped hazels and poplars, &c. we wonder at the effects, and are puzzled in quest of the Cause: Certainly, tho' there was a special Providence concerned in the Fact, yet there seems too a con∣currence of inferior Nature in the Agency. Imagination is strong and operative even in Bruits, but much more in Mankind, where Reason gives a vigour and energy to it, beyond common Sense.

1. Marinus Barl••tins reports of Scanderberg, That he brought with him into the World, a not∣able mark of Warlike Glory; for he had upon his Right Arm, a Sword so well set on, as if it had been drawn with the Pencil of the most curious and skillful Painter in the World. Camer. Hor. Subscis. l. 1. c. 60. p. 308.

2. Camerarius saith, that he always heard it reported, That the Counts of Habsburg have each of them (from the Womb) a Golden Cross upon his Back, viz. certain Hairs after a wonderful manner formed into the Figure of a Cross. Ibid. l. 3. c. 42. p. 145.

3. M. Venetus, in his 45 years Itinerary in Asia, reports, That the Kings of Corzani boast of a Nobility beyond that of all other Kings of the Earth; upon this account, that they are Born into the World with the Impress of a Black Eagle upon their Shoulder, which continues with them to their Deaths. Ibid.

4. Camerarius saith, that it was related, That King James I. brought with him from his Mo∣ther's Womb, certain Royal Signatures; for, at his Birth there was beheld imprinted on his Body, a Lion and Crown, and some also add, a Sword. Ibid.

5. Abraham Buckoltzerus saith, That John Frederick Elector of Saxony, who was Born June 30. Anno 1503. brought with him from his Mother's Womb, an Omen of his future State: For he was Born with a Cross of a splendid and golden Colour on his Back; upon the sight of which, a pious and ancient Priest was sent for by the Ladies of the Court, who thereupon said, This Child shall carry a Cross conspicuous to all the World; the Emblem of which is thus apparent in his Birth. The Event did declare and confirm the Truth of the Presage. Camerur. Ibid. p. 146.

6. Gaffarel tells of his Sister born with a Fish on her Leg, (caused by the desire of his Mother when Pregnant) that it was drawn with so much perfection and rarity, as if drawn by some ex∣cellent Master; and the wonder was, that when the Girl eat Fish, that on her Leg put her to sen∣sible pain. Gaff. Curiosities, c. 5. p. 143.

7. The Hostess of the Inn in the Suburbs of St. Mich. at Bois de Vicenne, had a Mulberry growing upon her Nether Lip, which was smooth till the time that Mulberries began to ripen, at which time hers began to be red, and to swell, observin the Season, and Nature of other Mulberries till it came to their just bigness and redness. Ibid. p. 144.

8. A Woman in the seventh Month of her Pregnancy, longed to Eat Rosebuds, which being difficult to be procured, at last a Bough of them was found; she greedily devoured the green Buds of two Roses, and kept the rest in her Bosom. In the ninth Month, being delivered of a Boy, upon his Ribs there appeared the likeness of three Roses very red; upon his Forehead and either Cheek he had also he resemblances of a red Rose. He was therefore commonly called, the Rose-Boy. Zasut. Lusit. adm. l. 2. Obs. 133.

CHAP. XXV. Childen abiding in the Womb beyond their time.

THere is not one of the Actions of Nature, that I can think of, which is not subject to Anomaly and Disorder. Sometimes our Tongue stammers, our Eyes fail us, our Memory is deficient, our Feet stumble: Sometimes there is a fault in Conception, sometimes in Parturition: One while the Infant comes too soon, before its Natural time into the World, another while it is detain'd a prisoner too long,

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and cannot be set at liberty for many years, and it may be the Soul go into another World, before the Body can be admitted into this; and sometimes the Womb that bore it, must be the Grave to bury it, a mise∣rable case, and unhappy for Mother and infant both.

1. Catherine the Wife of Michael de Menne, a poor Conntryman, for 12 years together carried a dead Child, or rather the Skeleton of one in her Womb. It was manifest to the touch, saith Aegidius de Hertoge, who with many other, both Men and illustrious Women are witnesses hereof; Henricus Cornelius Mathisius, Domestick Physician to the Emperor Charle V. who having handled the Woman both standing and lying, by touch, easily distinguished all the Bones of the Dead In∣fant, in a great Amazement cried out, nothing is impossible to God and Nature. She Conceived of this Child, Anno 1549. Schenck. Obs. l. 4. p. 575.

2. In the Town of Sindelfingen, a Woman of 30 years or thereabouts, being with Child, 6 or 7 weeks before her expected Delivery, upon occasion of a, fall on the Ice, never afterwards felt her Child to stir: After which, she Conceived twice or thrice, and hath been as often Delivered; yet still the usual bigness of her Belly continued, and the Dead Child was supposed to continue in her Womb. Ibid. p. 577.

3. Anno 1545. Margarita Carlinia, Wife of Geo. Volzerus of Vienna, in her Travel, perceiving somewhat to Crack within her, and never after feeling her Child to stir, for four years after∣wards she lived with much pain, till at length, Anno 1549. an Ulcer appearing about her Navel, and the Bone of the Child's Elbow at the Orifice, she was by Incision Delivered of a Male Child half Putrid, which was drawn out thence piece-meal, and afterwards happily Cured. Zuing. Theat. vol. 2. l. 4. p. 357. Donat. Hist. Med. Mir. l. 2. c. 22. p. 239.

4. Zacutus Lusitanus hath set down the History of a Woman of mean Fortune, and 16 years of Age, who being with Child, and the time of her Travail come, could not be delivered by reason of the narrowness of her Womb; the Chirurgions advised Section, which they said was ordinary in such Cases, but she refused it; the Dead Child therefore Putrified in her Womb? After three years the smaller Bones of it came from her, and so by little and little for ten years together, there came forth pieces of corrupted Flesh, and Fragments of the Skull: At last, in the twelfth year, there issued forth piecemeal the greater Bones, and then her Belly fell; and after some years she Conceived again, and was happily delivered of a living Boy. Zacut. Lusit. praxis Med. Admir. lib. 2. Obs. 357. p. 276.

5. Donatus tells of one Paula, the Wife of Mr. Naso an Innkeeper in the Street of Pont Merlian in Mantua, who voided by way of Siege, a Dead Child, with a great deal of Pain; the Bones coming forth by piecemeal for several months and years together. Donat. Hist. Med. Mir. l. 2. c. 22. p. 241. For this, the Author cites the Testimony of Hippolitus Genifortus, a Chirurgeon, and Joseph Arancus, a Physician.

CHAP. XXVI. Children Born Preternaturally.

THAT the Births of Children are sometimes attended with strange, either precedent, or concomitant, or consequent Symptoms or Accidents, may be attributed to variety of infetiour and natural Causes, as in the following Examples: But surely there is a Finger of Omnipotence that over-rules Nature in these and all other Operations; which ought to attract our Thoughts to particular Disquisitions and Meditations, especially in Cases where we our selves are more nearly concerned.

1. Zoroastres, Laughed the same day wherein he was Born; his Brain also did pant and beat, that it would bear up their Hands that laid them on his Head. Solinus. cap. p. 181.

2. M. Tullius Cicero, is said to have been Born without any of those Pangs usual in Child-bearing Plut. par in Cicerone.

3. Nero was Born with his Feet forwards. Plin. Nat. Hist. l. 7. c. 8. p. 160.

4. M. Curius Dentatus, and Cn•• Papyrius Carbo, were Born with Teeth in their Mouths. Ibid.

5. Scipio Affricanus, was cut out of his Mother's Womb: So was Julius Caesar. Thus (saith Schenck.) was that Manlius Born, who entred Cartbage with an Army; And so was that Mackduff Earl of Fife, who slew Mackbeth the Usurper of Scotland. Edward VI. of England, is said by Baker to be so, but that's doubtful. Also Buchardus, Earl of Lintsgow. &c. Anno 959. Also Gebbardus, Son of Otho, Earl of Brigentz, Anno 1001. Cornelius Gemma saith, He hath cut out of the Womb six living Children. Schenck Obs. Med. p. 580.

6. I saw, saith Horatius Augonius, a poor Woman of a fleshy and good habit of Body, who for nine months had an Exulceration of the Ventricle, and for twenty days together Vomited up all she took, and so Died; a living Boy being taken out of her Womb afterwards. Ibid.

7. When Spinola Besieged Bergopsoma, a Woman near her Reckoning going forth to draw Water, was taken off in the middle by a Cannon Bullet, so that the lower part of her fell into the Water; those that were by, ran to her, and saw there a Child moving it self in the Bowels of the Mo∣ther; which was afterwards Baptized by the Infanta Isabella at Antwerp, by the name of Alb. Am∣brosius, one of her Fathers Captains. Barth. Hist. Anat. Cer. 2. Hist. 8. p. 159.

8. Lewis the 9th King of Hungary, &c. was Born without a Skin, Crown'd in his second year, Married a Wife at nine, took upon him the Government at ten, had a Beard before his time, was Grey before eighteen, and Slain at twenty, Anno 1526. Camerar. Hor. Subscis. Cen. 1. c. 55. p. 241.

9. Anno. 1647. Jacob Egh in the City of Sarda in Belgia, had a Bull which he fed, tying him in a Close near his House; but provoked by the Boys, he brake his Bonds, and ran to the Cows,

the Herdsman endeavoured with his Staff to return him to his former place; The Bull ••ing incens'd with his blows, ran upon him, and with his Horns born him to the ground: His 〈◊〉〈◊〉 being now in the last month of her Count, seeing the danger of her Husband, ran into his assi∣stance: The Bull with his Horns hoisted her up into the Air, the heighth of one Story, and tore the Belly of the Woman: From the Wound in her Belly forthwith came the Birth with its Se∣condine; and was thrown at some distance upon a soft place, was carried home, diligently lookt after by a Midwife; and was Baptized, and lived to be a Man. Bartholin. Ibid. Cent. 2. Hist. 8. p. 157.

9. Gorgias, a Gallant Man of Epirus, is said to be Born in the Coffin while his Mother was carrying to the Grace. Val. Max. l. 1. c. 8. p. 20.

10. Carsias, King of Navarre, being with Ʋrracha his Queen at Larumbe, was surprized by Moors and Slain; they wounded the Queen in the Belly with a Lance; who being put to flight; The Queen at the wound was delivered of a Son and Died; the Child to all Men's wonder was safe, and was named Sasias Garsia, who succeeded his Father in the Kingdom, Anno 918. Zuing. Theat. vol. 2. l. 1. p. 270.

11. Schenckius speaks of a Woman that voided a Child a Finger long at her Mouth.

CHAP. XXVII. Monstrous Animals.

I Do not pretend here to give a new Edition of Aldrovandus, nor write a large Voluminous Treatise of of all the Monsters within ken of a well-read Historian, but to give a few of the latest Instances of the greatest Errors of Nature in this kind, that I could meet with; just enough to awaken, and put a man's Brains into Fermentation, and dispose him to some Gravity and Seriousness, and Sublimity of Thought.

1. At Rome, in the River of Tyber, a Monster was found with a Man's Body, an Ass's Head, one of whole Hands was like a Mans, but the other like an Elephants Foot, one of his Feet was as the foot of an Eagle, the other resembled another Beast: He had a Womans Belly trimly set out with Breasts, and his Body was covered all over with Scales, except his Belly and Breast, having in his hinder parts an old Man's Head bearded, and another besides spitting out Flames like a Dragon. Doom's Warning to Judgment, p. 288. This happened, Anno 1496.

2. Anno 1530. in January, a Monstrous Serpent, with seven Crowned Heads like a Dragon, was brought out of Turkey to Venice, and afterwards given to Francis the French King, and for the rareness was valued at 6000 Ducats. Batmans Doom, p. 312.

3. A Butcher having killed a Cow at Limington in Hampshire, found she was big with a Calf which began to be hairy; its hind Legs had no joints, and its feet were divided like the Claws of a Dog, his Tongue was tripple, and after the manner that Cerberus's is described, one in the middle of its Mouth, and two others on the sides: Between the fore and hind Feet, there was a great Stone upon which it was laid: This Stone weighed 20 pound and a half; its colour was greyish, like to a cut Stone, which is commonly called the Grison; the Superficies thereof was unequal, and full of little Cavilia's: When it was broken, they perceived small Grains of Stone of an Oval Figure, and its colour was mixed with yellow and black Veins, which are all over it. Dr. Haughton of Salisbury keeps this Stone, of which he hath sent a part to Mr. Boyle, who com∣municated it, together with a Letter, to the Royal Society. The Young Students Library, p. 210.

4. At Burdham near Chichester in Sussex, about 23 years ago, there was a Monster found upon the Common, having the Form and Figure of a Man in the fore-part, having two Arms and Hands, and a human visage, with only one Eye in the middle of the Forehead; the hinder part was like a Lamb. A young Man of the Neighbourhood was supposed to have Generated this Monster by a Bestial Copulation, and that the rather, because he was afterwards found in the like Beastly Act with a Mare; upon discovery whereof, he fled out of the Country. This young Monster was nailed up in the Church-Porch of the said Parish, and exposed to publick view a long time, as a Monument of Divine Judgment. Attested by Henry Read of Barnham, an Eye witness.

5. Anno 1511. At Ravena, a Monster was Born with a Horn on his Head; He had Wings, no Arms, one Foot as a Bird of Prey, an Eye on his Knee, and both Kinds Ypsilon amidst his Breast, and the form of a Cross. This I have read, (saith my Author) in John Multi Vallis, and Gasper Hedio, in the History Synopsis after Sabellicus. I have seen another Portracture of the like Monster, but somewhat differing, and not answering the first in all Points, with the Inter∣pretation set out in Verse. Batman's Doom, p. 294.

6. Anno 1531. At Ausburg, a Woman brought forth three Monsters, first a Man's Head wrapt in a Caul; secondly, a Serpent with two Legs, which had a great Head like unto a Pike, the Body and Feet of a Frog, and the Tail of a Lizard; thirdly, a Pig whole in all Parts. Batman's Doom, p. 315.

7. In the same year, a horrible Monster, very wild, having four Feet, a Man's Head Bearded and Combed, Eagles Feet, Hands almost like a Lions Paws, a Dogs Tail, and his Body of a dark yellow colour somewhat shining, was taken in the Lordship of the Bishop of Saltsburg in the Forest of Hanesberg: He did fly Men's sight, and hid himself in dark Corners; and length, when he could be neither compelled nor allured to Eat, he Died for Hunger. Ibid. 316.

8. Anno 1540. At Milan, a Cow brought forth a Calf with two perfect Heads, with Tongue, Teeth, Eyes, and Ears, but the Heads were joined together in the Nap, the one a Bull's Head, the other a Cow's Head. Idem, ex Cardan. l. 14. c. 37.

9. Anno 1543. in Flanders, upon the day of St. Paul's Conversion, (others write at Cracovia.) their was Born a Child of honest and gentile Parents, very hideous and horrible to behold, with turning and sparkling Eyes, having a Mouth and Nostrils standing out with the form of a Horn, and a Back rough with Dog's Hair, Ape's Faces appearing on his Breast where his Dugs should stand, Cats Eyes under the Navel, cruel and currish Dog's Heads at both Elbows and Knees, looking forward, the form of Toads Feet, a Tail bending upward, and turning again crooked of an Ell long; he is said to have lived four hours after he was Born, and at length, (after he had uttered these words, Vigilate, Dominus Deu; vester advenit, that is, Watch, your Lord is a coming) to have Died. Batman, ibid. p. 537. Out of Gasper Pucer and Munster's Cosmography.

10. Anno 1546. At Bitterfield, a Calf was found in the Field, with Man's Eyes, Nostrils and Ears, having his Head shaven, and as it were covered with Vermilion, in Mouth and Breast like a Calf; his fore Legs like a Calf, and his hinder like a Man and very short, but both were partly Hoved like a Calf, and partly Toed and Fingered like a Man, which Fingers were under the Hoof, and hung out severally. This Monster Gasper Pucerus describeth in his Book Teratascopia, Ibid. p. 346.

11. The same Author writeth, That he saw in the year 1553. a Calf fearful and horrible to behold, looking like a Cat, having a great swelling hanging from under his Jaw, long like a Bladder, white and soft; his Hair was black like a Dogs; his Stones were of no common great∣ness, like unto them of a Ram, double Codded. Ibid. p. 36.

12. Anno 1534. At Stetin a Monster was Born having this Form: In the place of his Head was a deformed lump moveable, as the Intrails of a Sheep; in the place of one of his Ears stood an Arm; in the place of the Face, curled Locks like to Cats Hair, and sticking thereon like the Spawn of a Pike, through which, beneath, there appeared glassy bright little Eyes; his Mouth was a very small hole without Lips; his Nose little, and without a Neck; The other Arm grew out of his side, but there was no likeness of Breast nor Back: He was of no Kind, his Arms and long Feet had Houghs, whole Bone through, without Joints, Elbows; and Hams; his Hands and Feet tender, and hanging down as it were twice broken, like unto crooked and bending Claws. Batman. Ibid. Ex Fincelio.

13. Anno 1551. Febr. 18. A Lamb was yeaned at Halberstadt with a round Head, and with three Eyes, three Mouths, two Noses, with his Ears hanging to his back ward, like to Dogs Ears, (but which is to be accounted a great Prodigy) in his three Mouths he had a great Eye greater than the other, and there he put forth a long Tongue; He lived one day with continual crying. Ibid. Ex Fincelio, p. 372.

14. Anno 1554. In Marchia, not far from Regemont, a Mare brought forth a Monstrous Colt, having the Skin gagg'd every where, hanging Breeches and Dublet cut, like to the fashion of the Lance Knights. Batman, p. 373. Ex Fincelio.

15. Anno 1556. The day before the Nones of January, in Germany, at a Village belonging to the Bishop of Dilling, called Overhassen, a Cow brought a Calf that had but two hinder Feet, yet of so great swiftness, that running with the Body upright, he surpassed all other Calves on foot Batman's Doom, p. 375.

16. The same year, July 24. at Clesdorf, 3 miles from Pabenberg, a Cow brought forth a Calf, with a Man's-head, a black Beard, two Mens Ears, indifferently well haired; likewise a Man's Breast with Dugs. Idem. ex Fincelio.

17. The same year a Child was Born of a Woman, by Copulation with a Dog, having a Man's shape in the upper part, but in the lower the full form of a Dog; and to purge the Sin he was brought to the Pope. Cardan. de Varietate Rerum, l. 14. c. 64.

18. Anno 1563. A monstrous Fish was cast on shore at Grimsby in Lincolnshire, in length 19 yards, his Tail 15 Foot long, and 6 yards between his two Eyes, Batmans Doom, p. 391. out of Dr. Coopers Chron.

19. Anno 1577. in June, was seen in London, a Mare having a Colt, brought from the Parish of Emeley in Worcestershire, the Mare was 22 years old, and Foaled such a Colt as forthwith gave Milk, which my Author saith, he saw; adding, that one Mrs. Dawson endeavouring to take away the House of the Poor Man, and the Man having spent almost all that he had in defence of his own Right, this abundance of Milk continually flowing from the Colt, was for the time, a great cherishing to him. Ibid. p. 403.

20. Anno 1581. Feb. 1. One Annis Fig, an Adultress of Chichester in Sussex, brought forth a monstrous Child of little shape of Body, trussed together, the Head very great, bigger than the Body; the Body in compass 9 Inches, the Arm an Inch long, and two Inches about the Face; on the Cheek and Chin the likeness of a black Beard, the Legs wanted Thighs, the Toes crooked. Idem. p. 415.

21. Anno 1680. May 19. in Somersetshire near Taunton Dean, a Woman was brought to Bed of two Children: They grew together side to side from the Armpits to the Hip Bone; they had two Fundaments whereby to avoid their Excrements; they had also two passages for their Urine, yet had they but one Navel, by which both were nourished while in the Womb; both Suck together, or are both equally desirous of Nourishment together: They were Christned by the Names of Aquila and Priscilla. See the Printed Relation.

22. Anno 1691. March 25. There was Calved about 8 miles from Bath in Somersetshire, a Calf, having the resemblance of a Woman's Head-dress, call'd a Commode, near half a yard in height growing on its Head, which hath been exposed to publick view in the Tower of London.

CHAP. XXVIII. Instances of an Early, or rather Ripe Wit.

THere is something in earliness of Parts, that pleaseth mightily; whether it be the preciousness of time, much whereof is saved by this means; or the hopes it gives of growing apace towards an Ex∣cellency and Perfection; or the security of a present improvement, which future A••cidents of Life cannot endanger: Whatever 'tis, it delighteth and obligeth, and allureth both Eye, Admiration, and Af∣fection. And I was the more willing to insert this Chapter, and muster up these instances, for a spur to Childhood and Youth, to provoke tender years to a virtuous Emulation; and to make dull Flegmatick Souls that are overtaken with the Noon-Sun, before they have done any thing of any value, Ashamed and Penitent.

1. Salmasius interpreted Pindar very exactly in the 10th year of his Age. L. Ant. Clement. de ejus Laud. & Vitâ.

2. Avicenna, (born at Bochara), at 10 understood human Sciences, and the Alchoran; and went through all the Encyclopedia before 18: during which time he slept not one whole night, and minded nothing but Reading. In and difficulty he went to the Temple and Prayed. Hottinger.

3. Thomas Aquinas is reported, when a Child, to take his Book always to Bed with him. Pon∣tan. Attic. Bellar.

4. Cardinal Bellarmine, whilst at School, Interpreted publickly Cicero's Oration pro Milone; at 16 began to Preach, and openly Read the Grounds of Divinity. Author of the Education of Young Gentlemen.

5. Torquato Tasso spoke plain at 6 months old, at 3 years went to Schook, at 7 he understood Latin and Greek, and made Verses; before 12 he finished his Course of Rhetorick, Poetry, Lo∣gick, and Ethicks: At 17 he received his Degrees in Philosophy, Laws and Divinity; and then printed his. Rinaldo. Idem.

6. Cardinal du Perron, Read over all the Almagest of Ptolomy in 13 days, before he was 18 years old. Ibid.

7. Augustus, at 19, contrary to the Advice of his Friends, put himself upon the Management of Affairs, claimed his Fathers Inheritance, and Succession of his Uncle Julius. Ibid.

8. Cosmo Medici took upon him the Government of Florence at 17. Ibid.

9. Vesalius, when a Child, began to cut up Rats and Mice. Ibid.

10. Mich. Angelo, when a Child, began to draw Figures. Ibid.

11. Galen, when a Child, began to compose Medicines. Ibid.

12. Joha. P.c. Mirandula, out-went his Teachers: The 900 Conclusions, which he proposed to Defend against all Opposers, he being but 21 years of Age, shew what he was; and he never retired till his Death. Ibid.

13. Jos. Sealiger, all the time he lived with his Father in his Youth, ever day Declaimed, and before 17 he made his Tragedy of Oedipus. Ibid.

14. Grotius, at 8 years old, made Verses, and performed his publick Exercises in Philosophy; before 15, he put forth his Comment upon Martianus Capella; at 16 he pleaded Causes; and at 17, he put forth his Comment upon Aratus. Idem. See his Life.

15. Lipsius writ his Books Variarum Lectionum, at 18 years old, Ingenium habuit Docile & om∣nium capax praeter Musices. Ibid.

16. Sir Philip Sidney, (saith Sir Foulk Grevill) though I knew him from a Child, yet I never knew him other than a Man, with such staidness of Mind, and early and familiar Gravity, as carried Grace and Reverence above greater years. Lanquet, and William Prince of Orange, kept a Correspondence with him, when a Boy.

17. Calvin Printed his Iustitutions before he was 25.

18. Tostatus learned all the Liberal Sciences without being Taught, and writ in the 40 years he lived, as much as most in that time can Read: And yet at the same time, he was Councellor to the King, Refendary Major of Spain, and Professor of Philosophy, Divinity, and Law, in Salamanca.

19. Chreighton the Scotch-man, at 21. understood 12 Languages, and had Read over all the Poets and Fathers, disputed de omni Scibili, and answered ex tempore in Verse.

20. Monsieur Pascal, observing the Sound of an Earthen Dish at Table, enquired the Reason, and presently after made a Treatise concerning Sounds, about 11 years of Age: At 12, he read and comprehended Euclid's Elements with great Facility, without and Master: At 16 he com∣posed a Treatise of Conics: At 19 he invented that Instrument of Arithmetick, now in Print: At 23, he added a great number of Experiments to those of Torricelli.

21. Mr. J. Janeway, (of Hertfordshire, born Anno 1633.) at 11 years of Age took a great fancy to Arithmetick, and the Hebrew Tongue; Before he was 13, he read over Oughtred with un∣derstanding; whilst a Scholar at Eaton, he made an Almanack; at 17 was chosen Fellow of King's Colledge, Cambridge. See his Life.

22. King Edward VI. with his Sister Elizabeth, in his tender years, was committed to the Tuition of Dr. Cox and Sir John Cheek, wherein he profited to Admiration; having in a short time attained to speak most usual Languages, as Greek, Latin, French, Italian, Spanish, and Dutch; and also to know many other Sciences; that he seemed rather to be Born, than Brought up to them: Nor was he ignorant in Logick, Natural Philosophy, or Musick; and as he want∣ed not Happiness of Wit, Dexterity of Nature, nor good Instructions; so neither was he him∣self wanting in Diligence to receive their Instructions; for in the midst of his Recreations, he

would always be sure to observe his hours for Study; where he was serious and intent during that time; and would then return to his Pastime again. Bishop Cranmer observing his readiness in the Greek and Latin Tongues, declared to Dr. Cox, That he could never have thought that to have been in him if he had not seen it himself.

When he was not above 7 years of Age, he wrote two Letters to his Godfather, Archbishop Cranmer, in Latin: Thus Englished.

Most Reverend Father, and my most Dear God-Father,

I Wish you all Health and Happiness; having been a good while from you, I should be glad to hear of your good Health; however, my Prayers are continually for you, that you may live long, and may go on to promote the Gospel of God. Farewell.

Your Son in Christ, Edward Prince.

Another Letter of King Edward's, to Archbishop Cranmer, written in Latin; which is thus Englished.

Most Reverend God-Father,

ALthough I am but a Child, yet I am not altogether insensible or unmindful of your great love and kindness towards me, and of your daily care for promoting my Good and Benefit. Your kind and loving Letters came not to my hands till the Eve of St. Peter; and the reason that I did not answer them all this while, was not because I forgot or neglected them, but that I might have the daily happiness of meditating upon them; and might so imprint them in my Mind and Memory, that I might after∣wards answer them with all the Power and Skill I have: I do therofore joyfully observe and honour that tender and fatherly Affection which you do therein express towards me; and do beseech God that you may live many years, and that you would still continue as my Godly Father to instruct me with your wholesome and godly Counsel and Advice; for I desire to embrace Religion and Godliness above all other things; for St. Paul saith, That Godliness is profitable for all things. I wish your Fatherhood many years of Health and happiness.

Your well-affected Son, Edward Prince.

He had a particular Reverence for the Scriptures; For he took it very ill, when one about him laid a great Bible on the Floor, to step upon, for somewhat that was out of his reach. He at 8 years old writ Latin Letters frequently to his Father King Henry VIII. and to Queen Kathe∣rine Parre, and his Uncle the Earl of Hartford, &c. Young Man's Calling, p. 204. Dr. Burnet's Abridgment Hist. Ref. Book 2. p. 2.

23. Queen Elizabeth writ a good hand before she was 4 years old, and understood Italian; for there are Letters extant written by her in that Language to Queen Jane when she was with Child, in which she subscribed, Daughter. Ibid.

24. Zebertus Th. D. testifies, That Delrius, at 19 years of Age, quoted 1100 divers Authors in divers Languages, with very great Labour and Judgment in his Adversaria, which he published for the Illustration of Seneca. Drexel. Aurif.

CHAP. XXIX. Instances of An Extraordinary Memory.

WIsdom is the Daughter of Experience, Memory the Repository of Experiences; certainly then those have an Advantage by Nature above others, who excel in this Faculty; and 'tis very strange, that a little Cell or Apartment of Brain should be able to receive so many Ideas of Things, and histories of Life, without disorder and confusion, as would be enough to fill a Volume of the largest Folio; and yet such there are, Persons of a good Commixture of Humours, and a dry Brain, that can carry in their Heads more than some can take in.

1. Avicenna, could repeat Aristotle's Metaphysicks without Book, Zuin. Theat. vol. 1. lib. 1. pag. 34.

2. Cineas, the Ambassador of King Pyrrhus. the very next day after he came to Rome, both knew, and also saluted by their Names, all the Senate, and the whole Order of the Gentlemen in Rome. Solinus, c. 7. p. 195.

3. Hortensius, sitting at Rome in the Market-place for a whole day together, recited in order all the things that were sold there, their Price, and the Names of the Buyers.

4. Lucius Lucullus, a great Captain and Philosopher, was able to give a ready account of all Affairs at home and abroad. Cicero Commends Hortensius's Memory for Words, Lucullus's for Things. Zuing. v. 1. l. 1. p. 34. &c.

5. Carneades, a Grecian, is Celebrated for his singular Memory, by Pliny, l. 7. c. 24. So is Pertius Latro by Seneca and Zuinger, &c.

6. Antheny Walleus, in 6 months learn'd by heart the whole Epitome of Pagnine. Clarks Mar. of Eccles. Hist.

7. Antonius the Egyptian Eremite, without knowledge of Letters, had the whole Scriptures without Book. Zuing. v. 1. l. 1. p. 33. Ex Aug. de Dectr. Christ.

8. Cardulus was able to write two Pages entire, which any other man should read, in due order; or, if they pleased, repeat them backwards. Ibid. p. 34.

9. J. Lipsius, offered in the presence of a German Prince thus, Set one here with a Poynard, and if in repeating of Tacitus all over, I shall miss but in one Word, let him Stab me, and I will freely open my Breast or Thorat for him to strike at. Jani Nicii pina Coth. 2. Imag. 1. pag. 2.

10. Pomp Gariglianus, could repeat on occasion any Sentence of Plato, Aristotle, Hippocrates, Galen, Theinistius, Tho. Aquinas, &c. Ibid. p. 69.

11. I could repeat, saith Seneca, 2000 Names in the same Order as they were spoken, and when as my Masters Scholars (above 200 in all) brought each of them several Verses to him, beginning at the last, I could recite them orderly unto the first, &c. Senec. Controv. l. 1. Proaemio.

12. Joseph Scaliger, in 21 days, committed all Homer to his Memory. Wanley's Wonders, l. 2. c. 2.

13. Mr. Humphry Burton of Coventry, aged 83. Anno 1676. could give the sum of any Chapter in the New Testament, and of the Chapters in divers Books of the Old Testament, in a Latin Distich, with great readiness. Ibid.

14. Pontanus of Spoleto, a Lawyer, could recite not only the Titles, but the entire Bodies of the Laws. Hakew. Apol. l. 3. c. 6. Sect. 1. p. 226.

15. Fr. Suarez, had St. Augustine ready by heart, alledging every where, as there was occa∣sion, fully and faithfully his Sentences, and, which is very strange, his Words. Strada prolus. Acad. l. 1. Prolus. 1. p. 7.

16. Dr. Raynold's excelled this way, to the astonishment of all that were inwardly acquainted with him, not only for St. Augustine's Works, but also all Classical Authors. Hakew. Apol. l. 3. c. 6. Sect. 1. p. 226.

17. Bishop Jewel, was raised by Art and Industry to the highest pitch of human possibility: for he could readily repeat any thing that he had Penn'd after once Reading: And therefore usually at the Ringing of the Bell, he began to commit his Sermons to Heart, and kept what he had learn'd so firmly, that he used to say, That if he were to make a Speech premeditated, be∣fore a thousand Auditors, shouting or fighting all the while, yet could he say whatsoever he had provided to speak. Many barbarous and hard Names out of a Kalendar, and 40 strange words, Welsh, Irish, &c. after once or twice Reading, and short Meditation, he could repeat both for∣wards and backwards without any hesitation. Sir Fr. Bacon reading to him only the last Clauses of ten lines in Erasmus his Paraphrase in a confused and dismembred manner, he after a small pause rehearsed all those broken parcels of Sentences the right way, and the contrary, without stumbling. clark's Mirror, c. 81. p. 356.

18. Murctus tells of a young Man of Corsica, Student in the Civil Law at Padua, who could repeat 36000 Latin, Greek, or barbarous Words, significant or insignificant, upon once hearing, without any Hesitation, in what order so ever a Person pleased. Muretus saith, he made trial of him several times, and avers it to be true. Murct. Variar. lect, l. 3. c. 1. p. 54. &c.

19. Francis King of France, Jerome of Prague, Longolius Matochites, &c. are mentioned as Persons of an excellent Memory by Zuinger: As was also Dr. Fuller. Ve ejus vitâ.

CHAP. XXX. Instances of extraordinary Fatness, &c.

EVery thing in the extremes (in natural Bodies) is an irregularity and distemper, whether it be ex∣cess or defect, a due nutriment and augmentation is decent and salutary, and conducive to action, and the proper offices of nature; but either a Redundancy or Deficiency are hurtful and obstructive. Extraordinary fatness on the one hand, devours up or overwhelms the Animal Spirits, so that they must move, like Travellers in the Wilds of Kent and Sussex: Leanness impoverishes Nature, and sets her upon a poor Horse that's hardly able to carry himself.

1. Zacutus speaks of a young Man so fat, that he could scarce move himself, or go, or set one step forward, but continually sate in a Chair, in perpetual fear of being Choaked. Zacutus cured him. Zacut. prox. Adm. l. 3. Obs. 108. p. 416.

2. Dionisius, Son of Clearchus the Tyrant of Heraclea, was by reason of his Fat, pressed with diffi∣culty of Breathing and fear of Suffocation: He could no feel very long and sharp Needles prick'd into his Sides and Belly, (upon adivce of his Physicians) whilst they passed through the Fat, till they touched upon the sensible Flesh. Athenaeus, l. 12. c. 12. p. 549.

3. Vitus a Matera, a Learned Philosopher and Divine, was so Fat, that he was not able to get up a pair of Stairs: He breathed with great difficulty; nor could he Sleep lying along, without danger of Suffocation, Donat. Hist. Mirab. l. 5. c. 2. p. 274.

4. I have seen, saith the same Author, ayoung Englishman carried through all Italy to be seen for Money; who was of that monstrous Fatness and Thickness, that the Duke of Mantua and Mountferrat commanded him to be Pourtray'd naked to the Life. Ibid.

5. Anno 1520. a Nobleman born in Diethmarsia, but sometimes living in Stockholme, being sent to Prison by the Command of Christiern II. could not be thrust in at the Prison Door by reason of his extream Corpulency; but was thrown aside into a Corner near it. Zuing. Theat. v. 2. l. 2. p. 279.

6. Pope Leo X. was Fat to a Proverb. Ibid.

7. Polyeusus Sphettius, an Athenian, mentioned by Plutarch in Photion; Ptolomeus Energes Magan, who reigned 50 years in Cirene, &c. are taken notice of by Authors for their Extraordinary Cor∣pulency.

CHAP. XXXI. Instances of extraordinary Leanness.

1. CYnesias called Philyrinus, because he girt himself round within boards of the Wood Philyra least through his exceeding Talness and Slenderness, he should break in the Waste. Athen, l. 12. c. 13. p. 551.

2. Panaretus was exceeding lean and thin, notwithstanding which, he passed his whole Life in a most entire and perfect Health. Ibid. p. 562.

3. Philetas of Coos, was an Excellent Critick and Poet, in the time of Alexander the Great, but withal, he had a body of that exceeding leaness and lightness, that he commonly wore Shoes of Lead, and carried Lead about him, least at sometime or other, he should be blown away by the Wind. Ibid. p. 552.

CHAP. XXXII. Persons Long-liv'd.

'TIS reported of Paracelsus, that he would undertake, if he had the Nurture of a Well-humour'd and Complexien'd Infant from his Nativity, to put him in a way of living Everlastingly; but that was a brag, fit only for such a bold Thrasonical Smatterer in Chymistry and Magick, as he was; no doubt, but Old Age and Death, might be retarded and kept off much longer, then they are in the Cases of some Persons, where Nature hath given a due Contexture, a fit Complexion of Humours, with the Ob∣servation of a suitable Diet; and where Divine Providence, doth not resist.

1. There is a Memorial entred upon the Wall of the Cathedral of Peterborough, for one, who being Sexton thereof, Interred two Queen's therein, Katherine Dowager, and Mary of Scotland, more then 50 years interceeding betwixt their several Sepultures. this Vivacious Sexton, also buried two Generations, or the People on that place twice over. Fullers Worthies. p. 293. Northamp.

2. Richard Chamond, Esq; served in the Office of Justice of Peace, almost 60 years; he saw above 50 several Judges of the Western Circuit; was Unkle and great Unkle to 300 at the least, and saw his youngest Child above 40 years of Age. Fullers Worth. p. 211. Cornwal. Carew's Survey of Cornwal. p. 18.

3. In Herefordshire, (saith my Lord St. Albans,) there was a Morrice Dance of 8 Men, whose years put together, made up 800, that which was wanting in one, superabounded in others. Ve∣rulam Hist. Life and Death. p. 135.

4. William Paulet, Marques of Winchester, and Lord Treasurer of England 20 years together, (who died in the 10th year of Queen Elizabeth,) was born in the last years of Henry VI. He liv∣ed in all, 106 years, and three Quarters and odd days, during the Reign of 9 Kings and Queens of England. He saw the Children of his Childrens Children, to the number of 103, and died 1572. Bakers Chron. p. 502. fullers Worth. Hantshire. p. 8.

5. One Polezew, saith Mr. Carew of Cornwal, reached to 130 years; one Beauchamp, to 106. And in the Parish where himself dwelt, he professed to have remembred the Decease of 4, within 14 Weeks space, whose years added together, made up the Sum of 340; the same Gentleman made this Epitaph upon one Brawne an Irishman, but Cornish Beggar.

Here Brawne, the Quondam Beggar lies, who counted by his Tale, Some Sixscore Winters and above, Such Vertue is in Ale. Ale, was his Meat, his Drink, his Cloth, Ale did his Death reprieve; And could he still have drank his Ale, he had been still Alive.

6. Democritus of Abdera, a most Studious and Learned Philosopher, who sent all his Life in the Contemplation and Investigation of things, who lived in great Solitude and Poverty, yet did arrive to 109 years. Fulgos. l. 8. c. 14. p. 1095.

7. Simeon the Son of Cleophas. called the Brother of our Lord, and Bishop of Jerusalem, lived 120 years, though he was cut short by Martyrdom.

8. Aquila and Priscilla, first St. Paul's Hosts, and afterwards, his fellow Labourers, lived toge∣ther in Wedlock, at least 100 years a piece. Verulam. p. 116.

9. Johannes Summer Matterus, (saith Platerus,) my great Grand-father by the Mother's side, of an ancient Family, after the Hundredth year of his Age, Marryed a Wife of 30 years, by whom he had a Son; at whose sedding, which was 20 years after, the Old man was present, and liv'd 6 years after that; so that he compleated 126 years. Plateri. Obs. l. 1. p. 233.

10. Galen, the great Physician, who flourished about the Reign of Antoninus the Emperour, is said to have lived 140 years; from the time of his 28th year, he was never seized with any Sick∣ness, save only a Feaver for one day only. Fulgos. l. 8. c. 14. p. 1096.

11. James Sands, near Brimingham in Seaffordshire, lived 140 years, and his Wife 120. He out-liv'd 5 Leases of 21 years a piece, made unto him after he was Married. Fullers Engl. Worth. p. 47.

12. Sir Walter Rawleigh, knew the Old Countess of Desmond, who liv'd in the year 1589, and many years since, who was Marryed in Edward IV's. time, and held her Joynture from all the Earls of Desmond since them. The Lord Bacon casts up her Age to be 140 at least; adding withal, that she recovered her Teeth (after casting them) 3 several times. Rawleigh Hist. World. l. 1. c. 5. p. 166. Fuller. p. 310

13. Garsius Aretinus, lived to 194 years in good state of Health, and deceased without being seized with any apparent Disease, only perceiving this Strength somewhat weakned. Thus writes Petranch of him, to whom Garsias was great Grandfather by the Fathers side. Fulgos. l. 8. c. 14. p. 1096.

14. Thomas Parre, Son of John Parre, born at Alderbury, in the Parish of Winninton in Shropshire, he was born in the Reign of King Edward IV. Anno 1483. at 80 years, he marryed his first Wife Jane; and in the space of 32 years, had but two Children by her, both of them short lived; the one lived but a Month, the other but a few years, being Aged 120, he fell in Love with Katherine Milton, and got her with Child. He lived to above 150 years; two Months be∣fore his Death, he was brought up by thomas Earl of Arundel, to Westminster; he slept away most of his time, and is thus Characterised by an Eye Witness of him;

From Head to Heel, his body had all over A Quick set, Thick set, Natural Hairy Cover.

change of Air and Dyet, are conceived to Accelerate his Death, which happened November 15, Anno 1634, and was buried in the Abby Church at Westminster. Fullers Worthies. p. 11. Shrop∣shire.

15. John of Times, was Armour-bearer to Charles the Great, by whom he was also made Knight: being a Man of great Temperance, Sobriety, and Contentment of Mind in his Condi∣tion of Life, lived unto the 9th year of the Emperor Conrade, and died at the Age of 361 years, Anno 1128. (1146, saith Fulgosus.) Bakers Chron. p. 73.

16. Guido Bonatus, a Man of great Learning, saith, he saw a Man whose name was Richard, Anno 1223, who told him, that he was a Soldier under Charlemain, and that he had now lived to the 400th year of his Age. Fulgos. l. 8. c. 14. p. 1098.

CHAP. XXXIII. Examples of a Vegete and Healthful Old Age.

I have often look'd upon Old Age, as the very Dregs of Life, the Sediment of our Natural Humour's a Complex of Infirmities; but the following Instances would tempt one to love Temperance for Lifes sake, and Life for it self; for no doubt, but the Sweetness of Life consists much in the Healthful and Vegete Temper of our Bodies, and a Virtuous course of Life, and due Abstinence Conduceth much thereto; when the Debauch'd Sensualist lies down under the Burden of his Carelesness, and the Sins of his Youth, never able to retrieve the Damages of his former Lusts.

1. Sir Walter Rawleigh, in his Discovery of Guiana, reports of the King of Aromaia, being 110 years Old, came in a Morning on foot to him, from his House, which was 14 English Miles, and re∣turned on foot the same day. Hakew. Apolog. l. 3. c. 1. p. 166.

2. Buchanan in his Scottish History, speaks of one Lawrence, who dwelling in one of the Or∣cades, marryed a Wife after he was 100 years of Age and more; and that when he was 140 years old, he doubted not to go a Fishing alone, in his little Boat, though in a rough and Tem∣pestuous Sea. Camor. Hor Subs. c. 2. cap. 68. p. 277.

3. Sigismemd Polcastrus, a Physician and Philosopher of Padua, Read there 50 years; in his Old Age, he buried 4 Sons in a short time; at 70 years of Age, he married again, and by his second Wife, he had 3 Sons, the eldest of which called Anronius, he saw dignified with a Degree in both Laws. Jerome, another of his Sons, had his Cap set upon his Head, by his Aged Father, who Trembled and Wept for Joy; not long after which, the Old Man died, Aged 94 years, Schenck. p. 539.

4. Platerus, tells of Thomas Platerus His Father, upon the Death of his first Wife, Anno 1572. and the 73 year of his Age, married a second time (within the compass of 10 years) he had 6 Children by her, 2 Sons and 4 Daughters; the youngest of his Daughters was born in the 81 year of his Age, two years before he died, J Foelix was born, Anno 1536, and my Brother Tho∣mas, 1574; the distance between us being 38 years; and yet my Brother is all Gray, and seems Elder then my self; possibly, because he was gotten when my Father was stricken in years. Pl. Obs. p. 275.

5. M. Valerllus Corvinus, attained to the fulfilling of 100 years; betwixt whose first and sixth Consulship, there was the distance of 47 years, yet was he sufficient (in respect of the entireness of his bodily Strength,) not only for the most important Matters of the Common-wealth, but also for the exactest Culture of his Fields; a Memorable Example. Val. Max. l. 8. c. 13. p. 236.

6. Metellus, equalled the length of his Life, and in extream Age was created Pontiffe, for 22 years he had the ordering of the Ceremonies; in all which time, his Tongue never faultred in Solemn Prayers, nor did his Hand tremble in the Offering of the Sacrifices. Val. Max. ibid. p. 238.

7. Nicholaut Leonicenus, was in the 96 year of his Age, when Langius heard him at Ferrara, where he had Taught more then 70 years; he used to say, that he enjoyed a Green and Vegete

Age, because he had delivered up his Youth chast, unto Man's Estate. Melch. Adam in Vit. Germ. Med. p. 141.

8. Massanissa was the King of Numidia for 60 years together, and excelled all other Men, in respect of Strength, and of an admirable Old Age; that for no Rein or Cold he would be induced to cover his Head; they say of him, that when he was on Horseback, he would lead his Army for the most part, both a compleat day, and the whole Night also; nor would he in extream Age omit any thing of that, which he had accustomed to do when young; and after the 86th year of his Age, he begat a Son; and whereas his Land was was waste and desert; he left it fruitful by his continual Endeavours, in the Cultivation of it; he lived till he was above 90 years of Age. Val. M. p. 236.

9. Cornarus the Venetian, was in his Youth of a Sickly body, began to eat and drink, first by measure, to a certain weight, thereby to recover his Health; this Cure turned by use into a Diet, that Diet into an extraordinary long Life, even of 100 years and better, without any decay of his Senses, and with a constant, enjoyment of Health Verulam's Hist. of Life and Death. p. 134.

10. Appius Claudius Coecus, was blind for the space of very many years; yet notwithstanding, he was burden'd with this mischance, he govern'd 4 Sons, and five Daughters, very many Depen∣dants upon him; yea, and the Common-wealth it self, with abundance of Prudence and Magna∣nimity; when he had lived so long, that he was even tired with living, caused himself to be car∣ried to the Senate for no other purpose, then to perswade them from making a Dishonourable Peace with King Pyrrhus. Val Mar. l. 8. c. 13. p.c 236.

11. Gorgias Leontinus, the Master of Isocrates, when he was in the 107 year of his Age, being asked, why he would tarry solong in this Life? because, saith he, I have nothing whereof I can accuse my Old Age Val. Max. l. 8. c. 13. p. 237.

12. Lemnius tells of one at Stockholm in Sweden, who at the Age of 100, married a Wife of 30 years, and begat Children of her, this Man was of so fresh and green Old Age, that he scarce seemed to have reached more then 50 years. Cam. Hor. Sub. Cent. 2. p. 277.

13. Isocrates, in the 94th year of his Age, put forth his Book, Intituled, Panathenaicus; he lived 15 years after it, and in that extream Age of his, he was sufficient for any work he undertook, both in Strength, Judgment, and Memory. Zuin. Theat. Vol. 2. l. 4. p. 337.

14. Agesilaus, King of Sparta, though he had attained to a very great Age, yet was often seen to walk without Shooes on his Feet, or Coat on his back, in Frost and Snow, and this for no other cause, then that being now an Old Man, he might give those that were young, and Example of Pa∣tience and Tolerance. Ibid.

15. Asclepiades the Prusian, gave it out Publickly; that no Man should esteem him as a Physician, if ever he should be Sick of any Disease whatsoever; and ideed he credited his Art, for having lived to Old Age, without Alteration in his Health, he at last fell down a pair of Stairs, and died of the fall. Ibid.

16. Mithridates King of Pontus, who for 40 years, managed a War against the Romans, enjoyed a prosperous Health, to the last of his Life, used to Ride, to throw Javelins, and on Horses disposed at several Stages, Rode 1000 Furlongs in one day; and also could drive a Chariot, that was drawn with 16 Horses. Cel. Rhod. Ant. lect. l. 29. c. 17. p. 1365.

17. Mr. Patrick Wian, Minister of Lesbury, Read the Divine Service, David's Psalms, one Chapter out of the Old Testament, and one out of the New; without the use of Spectacles; he had two New Teeth, his Sight much decayed, was restored unto him, about the 110th year of his Age; Hair was restored to his bald Scull, and he could Preach a Sermon without the help of Notes; he gave this Accunt of himself, October 19. 1657.

18. A certain German, living in Italy, had at 60 years of Age recovered his Teeth and black Hair, and had extended his Life to a great many years, with the only use of black Helebore, White-Wine and Roses. Bartholin. Hist. Anat. cent. 5. Hist. 28. p. 51.

19. At Tarenturn, there lived an Old Man, who at the Age of 100 years, was grown young again; he had changed his Skin like unto a Snake, and had recovered a New Being; withal, he was be∣come so young and fresh, that hose who had seen him before, could then scarce believe their own Eyes; and having continued above 50 years in this Estate, he grew at length to be so Old, as he seemed to be made of Barks of Trees. Hakewell's Apol. l. 3. c. 1. p. 167.

20. in Anno 1536. No••nio de Cugne, being Vice-Roy of the Indies, for the King of Portugal, it was averred by good Proofs, and sufficient Testimony, that an Indian brought unto him, was 340 years Old. he had grown young again 4 times, changing his white Hair, and recovering his New Teeth; when the Vice-Roy did see him, he then had the Hair of his Head and Beard black. This Man was born in the Realm of Bengala, and did affirm, that he at times, 700 Wives, whereof some were dead, and some were put away. The King of Portugal being advertised of this wonder, did often enquire, and had Yearly News of him by the Fleet, which came from thence. He lived about 370 years. Camerar. Hor. Subs. c. 2. cap. 68. p. 278.

22. An Old Abbatess, being decrepit, suddenly became Young, her Monthly Courses returned, her rugged and wrinkled Skin grew smooth, her hoary Hairs grew black, and New Teeth in her Head, and Paps swelled after the manner of Virgins. Donat. Hisi. Med. Mir. l. 6. c. 2. p. 300.

21. Mr. John Craig of Scorland, a great Divine, and excellent Preacher, sincere, and inclining to no Faction; lived 88 years, thô he endured many Toffings, Troubles, and Dangers in his Life time; after many Troubles for his Religion, in his own Countrey, he went to France, and from thence to Rome; where by the favour of Cardinal Pool, he was received among the Dominions of Bononia, he was employed in all their Affairs throughout Italy, and was sent in Commission to Chios, where he behaved himself so well, that at his return, he was made Rector of their School, where having access to their Libraries, he met with Calvin's Institutions, by which, and the Advice of a Reverend Old Man, he was confirmed in the Opinion he had entertain'd, for

which being accused of Heresie, and sent to Rome, where after 9 Months Miserable Imprison∣ment, he was condemned to be burnt the next Day. But the same Night Pope Paul the Fourth died, upon the Noise whereof, the People in a Tumult broke open the Prisons, by which means Mr. Craig had his Liberty: As he sought to escape, he met with one of the Banditi, who re∣membring a Charity received from him, gave him Money to bear his Charge to Bononia, trust∣ing to find Friendship from his Acquaintance, but fearing to be intrapt, fled from thence. And being in a wild Desart, Pensive and without Money, a Dog with a Purse in his Teeth fawned upon him, and gave it him: From thence he came to a Village, and meeting Travellers to Vienna, he went with them; whilst at Vienna, professing to be a Dominican, he was brought to preach before the Emperour Maximilian the Second, from whence Pope Pius the Third sent for him, but the Emperour sent him away with Letters of safe Conduct, so returning to Scotland, where he preached painfully many Years, till spent with Age, he died in Peace, Anno 1600. Arch-Bishop Spotswood's Hist. Church of Scotland, p. 461.

22. The Reverend Dr. Annesley appeared of a hale and hardy Constitution of Body, which was such, as to endure the coldest Weather without Hat, Gloves, or Fire. For many Years he seldom drank any thing besides Water; His Sight so strong, that to his Death he read the smallest Print without Spectacles; and in a Life lengthen'd do his 77th Year, he was rarely Sick; His Natural Capacity was good, and his Temper vigorous and warm, which his Grace over-ruled (mostly) to undertake those most excessive Labours, and sustain the Difficulties, which, without a Body and Mind so fashioned, had been impossible in so long a course of Service. And this Vigour he so retain'd to his very Death, as if God would give an Instance, that the Fervour of some Men's Souls in his Work were either in dependent on the Body, or their Bodies (with Moses) were still repaired even to old Age, when he designeth extraordinary Services by them. Dr. Annesley's Funeral Sermon preached by Mr. Daniel Williams.

CHAP. XXXIV. Persons reviving after a supposed Death.

I Expect this Title will be quarrelled at, both by Naturalists and Divines; the former will object the Impossibility of a habit returning into the subject after a perfect Privation; the latter will fetch an Argument from the Decree of the Almighty, and alledge the Determination of the Immortal Soul im∣mediately after a Dissolution and Separation to its Eternal State and Abode. To both which I make only this short Answer, That I conceive, that in some of the Cases hereafter mentioned, the Privation was not perfect, in others the Return was not Natural.

1. Anno 1537, when the Plague raged at Colen, one Richmet Adolick, a Noble Lady, died in Appearance, and, as the Fashion was then, had her Rings and Jewels buried with her, of which the covetous Sexton having notice, came with a Companion of his to dig her up; that being done, they opened the Coffin, and going about to pull off her Rings, she rose up in her Shroud, at which the Sacrilegious Villains being conscious of Guilt, and oppressed with Fear, fled, and for haste left the Lanthorn and the Church Door open, so that the Lday loosing her self, took up the Lanthorn and went home; her Husband hearing her Voice, was as much terri∣fied as the others had been, but by degrees lessening his Fears, he received her with Joy, when he perceived she was a living Corps, and not a Ghost or Spectre; and she confessed to him, that she had all that time been as one in a Sleep, till two Men came rudely and waked her, but when she was made sensible that she had been buried, she started, and then praised GOD that those Men's Evil Purposes had been the Means of her Safety; and being thereupon taken great Care of, she recovered her Health, and lived to have three Sons afterwards, as appears by her Monument erected in Memory of so strange a Deliverance, and standing now in the Entrance of the Apostle's Church in Colen. The Ladies Dictionary, p. 491.

2. In the same City John Duns, called Scotus, falling into an Apoplexy, was buried alive, but had not the good Fortune as the other to be timely relieved, for before he could be taken up, he had beat his Brains against the Grave-Stone. Ibid.

3. Anno 1661, (to the Knowledge of many Hundred about London) one Lawrence Cawthorn a Butcher in St. Nicholas Shambles, who having provided all Things to his Marriage, it is doubtful, whether too much Strong-Waters, or Opium given him by his Landlady, who aimed at what Mo∣neys he had got, and knew she should not be the better for it if he married, cast him into a pro∣found Sleep, so sleeping all that Night, and all the next Day, she got some of her Confederates to give out he was dead, so buried him; but the next Day being Sunday, as the People passed to Church they heard a strange Groaning in the Ground, but for a time could not tell what to make of it, growing louder, thô a kind of hollow Sound, they informed the Churchwardens of it, who only flouted at it as a Delusion of the Senses; but the next Day being better informed, and all Circumstances considered, this new Grave was opened, and the Body found warm, thô dead with the stifling Vapours and violent Beatings against the Sides of the Coffin; upon News of which the barbarous old Woman fled, and we do not hear she ever was found agains Ibid.

4. The Story of Anne Green hanged at Oxford, and returning to Life again, is already related in the former part of this Book.

5. Anno 1658, Elizabeth, the Servant of one Mrs. Cope of Magdalen Parish in Oxford, was in∣dicted at the City Sessions for killing her Bastard-Child, and putting it in the House of Office; of which being convicted, she was condemned to die, and accordingly was hanged at Green-Ditch,

the place appointed for the Execution of the City-Malefactors, where she hung so long, that one of the By-standers scrupled not to say, If she were not dead, he would be hanged for her: Being out down, put into a Coffin, and brought to the George Inn, Life was found in her; and after breathing a Vein, being put to bed with another young Wench by her, she came quickly to her self; but was the Night following barbarously carried to Glocester-Green, and there hanged a second time. Dr. Plot's Nat. Hist. of Oxford, ch. 8. p. 119.

6. I have a Relation by me from Coventry well attested, concerning a young Damosel who was given for dead by her Parents, laid forth, and Cakes baked for her Funeral, and other Prepara∣tions made for the Solemnity; yet afterwards returned to Life again. But having misplaced the Paper, and not being able to find it presently, I cannot be exact in Particulars. Mr. Richard Har∣ris, who lives there, and is employed commonly in dispersing and collecting Letters Patents in several Counties of England, is by Marriage related to the Family.

7. I have mentioned another Example out of Dr. Marc Casauben, of a Person who revived again before he was buried, on purpose to discover a Murder of a former Wife.

8. Mrs. Anna Atherton being about 14 Years of Age, fell sick in November, 1669; whereupon several Physicians were called to her Assistance, who consulted about her Distemper, and judged it to be something of an Ague, thô the Symptoms thereof were somewhat different from those that were usual in that Distemper.

Her Disease proved too hard for their Skill and Medicines, and brought the Patient to a thin∣ness of Body, paleness of Countenance, and stupidness to any thing but her Devotions. She was before of a full habit of Body, of a brisk and lively Temper, and prone to all kind of Exer∣cise befitting her Age.

Under this strong Alteration she continued till the beginning of February ensuing, when by little and little she felt a sensible Decay of her whole Body, which daily encreasing, prevailed at length upon all the Organs of Life and Motion, so that in appearance she lay void of either; whereupon she was concluded to be really dead.

The Women who came to do their last Office to her Body, perceived more heat and warmth in her than they thought to be usual in dead Bodies, upon which they desisted a while; and be∣cause the Room was close, and a Fire had been always in it, (thinking the usual Warmth might proceed from thence) they opened the Casements to let in what Air they could, and put out the Fire, and then left her sometime to her self.

But returning, they found the same warmth to continue; then they left her in this manner one whole Day, yet could find no Alteration; whereupon they applied a Looking-glass to her Mouth, but not the least Cloud appeared: They put live Coals to her Feet, which discovered not the least sign of Life or Sense.

Notwithstanding her Mother was very timorous, which made her delay her Burial, and kept her uncoffin'd till seven Days were expired; at the end of which time, her Heat, which was before so languid and obscure that it could scarcely be discerned, began more manifestly to disco∣ver it self.

Upon which, Rubbings and other artificial Helps were used, which proved so effectual, that in a short time they found a trembling Vibration of the Pulse; afterwards she began to breathe, and so at last gradually recovered all her Senses. The first Thing she spake of was, that she desired to see her Mother, who coming to her, she thus uttered her Mind.

O Mother! since I was absent from you, I have been in Heaven, and Angel went before me to conduct me thither; I passed through three several Gates, and at length I came to Heaven Gate, where I saw Things very Glorious and Ʋnutterable, as Saints, Angels, and the like in glorious Apparel, and heard unparallell'd Musick, Divine Anthems and Hallelujahs.

I would fain have entred that glorious Place, but the Angel that went before me withstood me, yet I thought my self half in; but he told me, I could not be admitted now, but I must go bacik and take leave of my Friends, and after some short time I should be admitted.

So he brought me hither again, and is now standing at the Bed's-feet; Mother! you must needs see him, he is all in White. Her Mother told her,

It was but a Dream or Fancy, and that she knew not what she said.

Whereupon she answered with a great deal of Vehemency, that it was as true as that she was there at present. She took notice also of several Persons in the Room by their Names, to shew she did not Dream, but spoke with Understanding.

But for the greater Confirmation, she told them of three or four Persons that were dead since she was deprived of her Senses, and named each Person; (one of them was dead, and they knew not of it before they sent to enquire:) She said, she saw them passing by her, while she stood at the Gate.

One whom she named was reputed a vicious Person, came as far as the Gate, but was sent back again another way. All the Persons she named, died in the time she lay in this Trance.

She lived about two Years after this, enjoying a perfect Health, and then died in great Assu∣rance of her Salvation; speaking comfortable Words, and giving wholsome Instructions to all who came to Visit her.

It is worthy Observation, That during the whole time of her first Sickness, which was about a quarter of a Year, she neither eat nor drank any thing besides the Juice of an Orange, and the Yolk of an Egg. Attested by her Brother, Dr. Atherton, Physician of Caermarthen,

9. Mrs. Lydiah Dunton (Wife to Mr. John Dunton, then Rector of Graffham in Huntingdon∣shire,) was laid out for dead several Days, yet came to Life again, to the great Admitation of all that saw her in that Condition. This Passage was related by her Husband to a Friend of mine.

CHAP. XXXV. Women Excellent in the Arts.

WHen Amesia stood forth to plead her own Cause in the Senate, the Romans sent to the Oracle, to enquire what it protended to the State; as if Females were no Relation to the Muses, or Minerva, or capable of those Improvements in Literature, and the Sciences, as Men are. Whether they are or no, I desire my Reader not to judge, till he hath first perused the few. Examples which follow.

1. Gilberta Anglica, born in Mentz in Germany, where she was beloved of a young Scholar, for whose sake, lest the Love should come to the Ears of her Parents, all Modesty set aside, she put her self into a young Man's Habit; fled from her Father's House, and came into England with her Paramour, where she gave her self to Study. At length the young Man dying, (finding her self entred into some Knowledge, and desirous of more.) she continued her Habit and Study, as well in the Scriptures, as in Humane Learning. At length coming to Rome, she read publickly in the Schools, where she had a frequent Auditory; and besides her singular Wisdom, being much ad∣mired for her Sanctity, and Austerity of Life, she was, after the Death of Leo the Fifth, elected and confirmed in the Papal Dignity, and is commonly called by the Name of Pope Joan. Platin.

2. Constantia, the Wife of Alexander Sforza, had so improved her self in Learning by her indefatigable Industry, that upon the sudden, without any Premeditation, she was able sufficient∣ly to discourse upon any Subject. either of Divinity or Philosophy; besides, she was well seen in the Works of Hierom, Ambrose, Gregory, Lactantius, and Cicero. Heymond.

3. ••osuida was born in Germany, and a Saxon by Nation; she lived under Lotharius the First in the Diocess of Hildesheim: She was Eloquent in the Greek and Latin Tongues, and practised in all good Arts. She composed many Books, not without great Commendations from the Readers; one especially to her Fellow-Nuns, exhorting them to Chastity, Virtue, and Divine Worship. She published six Comedies, besides a Noble Poem in Hexameter Verse, of the Books and Noble Acts done by the other Caesars. She wrote the Lives of Holy Men but chiefly a Divine Work of the Pious and Chast Life of the Blessed Virgin. Fulgos. l. 8. c. 3.

4. The Lady Jane Gray, Daughter to the Duke of Suffolk, a Lady of incomparable Peity, and, for her Years, of incomparable Learning; for being not past 17 Years of Age, she understood perfectly the Greek and Latin Tongues, and was so ready in Points of Divinity, as if she knew them by Inspiration, rather than by Instruction, Baker's Chron.

When her Master came to take his Leave of her, finding her busie in reading of a Greek Poet; he asked her, How she could contain her self at such Studies, when her Father, with other Persons of Quality and Ladies, were following their Game and Pleasures in the Park?: Sir, (said she) they do not know what true Pleasure means: I find more Satisfaction and Delight in one Page of this Book, than they in all their Sports. During her Imprisonment, the writ upon the Walls these Verses.

Non aliena Putes, homini quae obtingere possunt; Sors hodlerna mihi, cras erit illa tibi.

In English thus:

Think nothing strange, chance happens unto all; My Lot's to Day, to morrow thine may fall.

And again:

Deo juvante, nil nocet livor malus, Et non juvante, nil juvat Labor grav••: Post tenebras spero lucem.

In English thus:

If God protect, no Malice can offend; Without his Help there's nothing can descend.

This Distich was made upon her:

Miraris Janam Graio sermone locutam? Quo primum nata est tempore Graia fuit. Dr. Fell.

5. Concerning Queen Elizabeth, we have spoke already in the Chapter of Rath-rip: Wits: I shall add no more here, save only, that when Mr. Doddington of Trinity-College, and Greek Pro∣fessor at Cambridge, had entertained her with a Greek Oration, and offered (in Latin after∣wards) to speak it in Latin, if she pleased; she made answer, Ego intelligo, non op•••• esr. 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉.

6. Mrs. Walker of Geneva was a very extraordinary Person; her Father is of Shaff-house; she lost her Sight when she was but a Year old, by being too near a Stove that was very hot. There rests in the upper part of the Eye so much Sight, that she distinguishes Day from Night; and when any Person stands between her and the Light, she will distinguish by the Head and its Dress a Man from a Woman; but when she turns down her Eyes, she sees nothing. She

hath a vast Memory; besides the French, that is her natural Language, she speaks both High-Dutch, Italian, and Latin. She hath all the Psalms by Heart, in French, and many of them in Dutch and Italian. She understands the Old Philosophy well, and is now studying the New. She hath studied the Body of Divinity well, and hath the Text of the Scriptures very ready; on all which matters I had long Conversation with her: She not only Sings well, but she plays rarely on the Organ; and I was told, she played on the Violin, but her Violin was out of order. But that which is most of all, is, she writes legibly. In order to her Learning to write, her Father, who is a worthy Man, and hath such tenderness for her, that he furnisheth her with Masters of all sorts; Ordered Letters to be Carved in Wood, and she, by feeling the Letters, formed such an Idea of them, that she writes with a Crayon so distinctly, that her Writing can be well Read, of which I have several Essays I saw her write; she doth it more nimbly than can be imagined: She hath a Machine that holds the Paper, and keeps her always in Line. But that which is above all the rest, she is a Person of extraordinary Devotion, great Resig∣nation to the Will of God, and a profound Humility. Dr. Burnet's Letters, p. 121.

7. The Lady, Donna Olivia Sabuco, being abundantly furnished with more of the Mas∣culine Wit and Understanding, couragiously imployed both her Brains and Mind in the In∣vestigation of the Natural things; and advancing in her Studies, she set her Wits upon things of great use; and to the end, Spain, and the whole World might receive some benefit thereby, she wonderfully gave beginning to a new and most ingenious way of Curing. And Writing a Letter to Philip II. she thus displays her Wit: It is as plain as the Light of the Sun, That the Antient Physick was in an Errour, according as it is Read and Pra∣ctised in its principal Fundamentals, for that the Antient Philosophers and Physicians neither understood nor reach'd the true Nature upon which Physick is founded, and from whence it draws its Original; of which, not only the understanding Christian Physicians may be Judges, but also those that have any prospect into other Faculties, being Persons of Wit and Judgment. And a little after; He that cannot comprehend or understand it, let him leave it to others that are to come, or let him believe Experience, and not the Antient Physick. Therefore my Petition is just, that these my Followers may be approved for one year, since they have tried the Rules of Galen and Hippoorates for these 2000 Years, and have found the effect so inconsiderable, and the ends so uncertain, as it is to be seen every day, and was late∣ly observed in the past Epidemic Catarrhs, Spotted Fevers, Small-Pox, and Pestilences, &c. in the Cure of which, that sort of Physick is so ineffectual, &c. Leonardo di Capoa's Ʋncertainy of the Art of Physick, p. 97.

8. A Woman of Kenly in Shropshire, known generally by the Name of Nurse Corfield, was so famed about twenty years ago for her Skill in Chirurgery and Physick, that it gave occasion for a great Confluence of Persons and Patients to the Town where she lived: Many People, not only of the meaner sort, but of the Gentry likewise, for thirty or forty miles distance made their application to her; insomuch, that the Inns were filled with Guests, and the Town turned into a Hospital; and her Fame exceeded that of any other Physicians in those parts that I know of; yet there were many eminently skillful and learned in that Profession. I know not whether she may not be yet living in those parts.

9. I say nothing of those famous Prophetesses, Mary the Sister of Moses, Deborah, Anna, Elizabeth, the four Daughters of Philip, St. Bridget, Hildegardis, Cassandra, the Sybils, &c. Nor of those famous She-Philosophers, Theano the Wife of Pythagoras, and his Daughter Dama, skillful in the Exposition of her Fathers dark Sentences; Aspasia and Diotima, the Scholars of Socrates; Mantinca, and Philesia-Axiochia, both Scholars of Plato: Nor of Ge∣mina and Amphiclea, extoll'd by Plotinus; Themistis by Lactantius. The Church of Rome re∣joices in her Catherine, which Maid alone did far excel all the Learning of Wife Men in that Age. Zenobia the Queen, and Scholar of Longinus the Philosopher, for her abundant and excellent skill in Literature obtained the Name of Ephinissa, whose Holy Works Nico∣machus hath turned into the Greek Tongue. In Oratory and Poetry, Armesia, sirnamed An∣drogenia, was famed; so were Sappho, Hortensio, Lucria, Valeria, Capiola, Corinna, Cornificia Romana, and Erimna Telia, which were accounted Epigrammatists. And in Salust, Sempronia, and Calphurnia, among the Lawyers, &c. Nor do I stay to insist upon that late learned Countess of our own Nation, who hath left a Specimen of her Learning and Ingenuity be∣hind her, in a whole Volume of Poems and Comedies: Nor of that other famous Countess, (of Warwick) whose Ingenious. Meditations upon sundry subjects, composed in Solitude, for the the help of her own Devotion, have been since Printed: Nor the Lady Morton's Devotions, published in a Volume by themselves: Nor Mrs. Josceline's Mother's Blessing: Nor Mrs. Ʋr∣sula Quarles, who hath in short, but handsomely pen'd her Husband's Life. Nor would it be proper to say much of one Dorothy Lillingstone, who hath left behind her a short account of her own wicked Life and Penitential Death, (being Executed, April 7, 1679. at Kennington for Murdering her Bastard Child) and published at earnest Request.

CHAP. XXXVI. Wonderful Distempers.

THat wild computation of the Poet, Mille modi mortis, &c. doth not reach the number of Diseases, tho' it seems to be a great Hyperbole. Common Diseases are many, and some of them strange enough; but there are others which admit at their first appearance of no Diagnosis; the Symptoms are so new; or strange; or complicated, that they put all the Art of Physick to a stand, and the Physicians to ashonishment, and the Patients to surprising fears and apprehensions of Danger. If Men had once got the knowledge of all Distempers, they would be in hopes of baffling in time all the menaces of Mortality.

1. Anno. 1577. July the 5th and 6th, an Assizes was held at Oxford, where was Condemned one Rowland Jenkins, Bookbinder of Oxford, for Seditious Words; who being there Arraigned, many came to bear his Cause tried, and as soon as Judgment proceeded against him there arose among the People such a Damp or Mist, that so filled their Heads, that the greatest part of them seemed to be smother'd. The Jurors died; and presently the Lord Baron Sir Roger Bell, Mr. Wrinemen. Sir William Babington a Justice of the County; Mr. Serjeant, Barbam Justice of the Assize, Mr. Dolley High-Shcriff, Mr. Hart Under-Sheriff, with divers others, sickned there. Three of the Persons died at Oxford, and in several other places about 200, many of them. Bleeding to death. Batman's Doom, p. 405.

2. Schenckius tells us of several Persons, who thorow sudden fear have turned perfectly Grey. doth Vives, Hildanus, and many other Physicians.

3. One Jacob Heitzman contracted a Hoariness of his Beard from his Mothers Womb, she being affrighted by occasion of a Neighbours House being on Fire. Schenck Obs. Med. l. 1. p. 3.

4. We have known two Brothers bald by Nature, the one a Toll-gatherer, the other a Hus∣bandman, dwelling in Ʋngnrscheim. Johan. Stadlerus de Obs.

5. We have already spoken of a Distemper that began in Poland, and afterwards spread it, self in Germany and other parts, wherein the Hairs of the Head were turn'd into a kind of Snakes and living Vermin.

6. Haly Rhod••han saw one that was Born with a Beard and Hair. Com. ad Tex. 177. Tech. Galeni, Wolfius observed an Infant, with as much Hair on his Breast as one of 30 years of Age. Wolf. Lect. Memorab. Tom. 2. p. 540. And another Bristled like a Swine.

7. Many Women have been seen with great Beards: Albertus Duke of Bavaria kept one in his House; and I my self, when a young man, saw one at Oxford, that was carried about for a show.

8. Tincelius tells us of an Infant afflicted with a Hydrocephalon, or a Watrish Tumour of the Head, insomuch, that when 14 days old, the circumsluous Flesh had quite covered his Eyes. Fincel. l. de Miraculis.

9. Albucacis tells of another whose Head was grown so big, that the Boy, neither standing nor sitting, could bear it upon his Shoulders, so that in few days he died. Albuc. l. 2. c. 1. Chirurg.

10. Vesalius tells of a Girl, of two years of Age at Ausburg, our of whose Head was taken almost nine pounds of Water. Vesal. l. 1. c. 5. de hum. corp. fabrica.

11. Many have been Born with Horns upon their Head, which I pass over as not very perti∣nent in this place.

12. Johan. Baptista Modoctiensix used to be seized with a Pain of his Head every morning at Sun-rising, which continued increasing till mid-day, and then abated by degrees. Carl. l. 8. c. 44. de Varietat. Gesner and Wolfius report a Story of another of the like Nature: With some the like Pain hath increased so, that by Noon the Persons have been Mad.

13. A certain Hungarian Merchant, who had been troubled many years with a heavy Pain in the forepart of his Head; and at length, with a strong blowing of his Nose, drew out a Stone as big as a Bean. and so hard, that no Knife could cut it, Schenck. Obs. Med. l. 1. p. 49.

14. In the Hungarian Fever, call'd Theriodes, it hath been observed often that Worms have crept out of the Brains of those Persons who have died. Corad. c. 10. Febr. Miscellan Hungar. Thercod.

15. A certain rich Nobleman, aged 22, who died of an Epidemical Distemper, Anno 1571. in the Town of Albourg St. Sepulchre, in the Marches of Ancona; being opened by the Physicians, whereof the famous Nicholas St. Michael was one, and Schenckius himself another, there was found in his Brain, a red Worm, as long as ones Finger, with a sharp mouth, a long black and hairy Neck, rolling it self divers ways, touching the very Basis of his Head, Schenck. Obs. Med. l. 1. p. 50.

16. One of Galen's School-fellows was taken at his Study with a Catochus or Catalepsis, ly∣ing like a Log of Wood, stiff and unflexible, looking upon those that came near him with open Eyes, not so much as winking, being neither able to speak or move any part, yet hearing and remembring some things that were spoken. Galen, Comment. 2. in 1. pro Rhet. Hipp. c. 56.

17. Fernclius tells us of one who was suddenly struck with this Distemper at his Studies, so stiff, that keeping his Seat, and holding his Pen in his Hand, with his Eyes cast down upon his Book, he seemed still intent upon his Study, till being called and pull'd he was found to want all Sense and Motion. Fernel. l. 5. c. 2. Patholog.

18. Jacotius speaks of another that he saw, an old man, very thin and juiceless, sitting at Table with open Eyes, and erect Body, and his Hand reaching to the Dish, as if you had seen a dead man feeding, but so stiff that I could scarce move his Neck, saith he. Jacotius Comment. ad Aplor. 7. l. 2. Coaz. Hipp.

19. I saw, saith my Author, a certain Epileptical Man, who first of all was whitled about se∣veral times as it were in a Circle, and then fell into his Fits. O••thaeus l. Obs. preper.

20. A certain man, aged 30. from his Childhood was wont, when he had gone 2 or 3 paces, to turn himself about as it were in a Circle, and he could not forbear doing so continually from the time that he heard the Bell ring first in the morning, till he heard the Bell ring the second time at night, in that time wholly al••••aining from all Meat and Drink: At last, he was seized with Epileptical Fits, in a most violent manner; from which Vertiginous Motion, and the other direct Fit of the Falling Sickness, he was after some time delivered. Schenck. Obs. Med. l. 1. p. 103. ex Moccio.

21. A Schoolmaster's son of Drogheda, not very far from Dublin, as often as Epileptical Fits assailed him, was so hurried with a direct motion, that he went strait forward till he met with some insuperable Obstacle that stopt him; otherwise, neither Fire, nor Water, nor the steepest Precipice would hinder his course. Arnoldi Boot, c. 6.

22. A certain Nun of St. Vincents of Mantua, by Name Monica Grignana, for several years was afflicted with these Convulsive Motions; She was forced to lie in Bed, sitting day and night with her Head, Neck, and Arms tossed about forward and backward, and to move them continually as she was Eating and Drinking; and if any stander by endeavoured to hold them still, she fell into a Swoon. Schenck. Obs. Med. l. 1. p. 120.

23. Platerus speaks of some, particularly an Abbor, who without any hurt of his Mind, was forced involuntarily to Laugh and toss himself about even to the utter spending of his strength. Plater. de Observ. propr. Which puts me in mind of a Story related by Henry Stephens in his World of Wonders, of a Man, who being at church, and seeing a Woman fall down off her Seat while she was sleeping before him, fell into so great a Fit of Laughter, that he continued 3 days and 3 nights without giving over.

24. The Dance of St. Vitas is very wonderful, and hardly credible, which was a certain spe∣cies of Madness raging a long time especially in Germany, wherewith Persons of all Conditions, but mostly the Commonalty, were seized: Shoomakers, Taylors, and Country-fellows, throw∣ing aside their Shooes, their Garments, and their Ploughs, being seized with a horrid fury, and meeting together in certain places, without any lying down, would carry on their Dances so long till their very Breach failed them, unless they were restrained by force; for oftentimes they proceeded to such a degree of fury, if there were not care taken, that they offered violence to themselves: Sometimes they would Dance upon high Precipices of Rocks till they threw them∣selves down and brake their Necks; and sometimes upon the Banks of the Rhine, and other Ri∣vers into which they would precipitate and drown themselves: They would run hooting about, and bawling and dancing, with geminated Clamours, truculent Aspect, and foaming Mouths, that their Friends were fain to lay high Forms and Seats in their way on purpose for them to leap over. Women with Child did not escape this fury, but ran about up and down in the Dance without any inconvenience to their Burthen. The Magistrates were fain to appoint Mu∣sicians and Drumers, and the stoutest Fellows they could get, to lead and assist them in their Dances, out of the publick Treasury, till their furious Fits expired. They betook themselves by Prayer to St. Vitus, or John Baptist, in hopes of recovering their Health. See more of this in Schenck Obs. Med. l. 1. p. 144. also in Camerar. Syllog. Memorah. Cent. 11. p. 84. Bodin. l. 5. de Repub. cap. 1. &c.

25. Schenckius tells of a Nobleman's Son, who playing with a couple of Cherry-Stones, to shew some Tricks, put one of them into his Ear to make a shew ••ow speedily he could convey it from the one Ear to the other, but put it so far in, that it could not be got out again, no not by the help of Physicians; till at last, by the help of Nature, the Stone began to germinate with the warmth and moisture of the Ear, and being cleft in two parts, it was by a small pair of Pinchers got out. Schenck. Ibid. p. 178.

26. Donatus tells the like Story of one Bonardus, who had got a Karobe Seed in his Ear, and at last, by the help of an Aposthume which it caused in the place, the Seed sprouted forth, and so was drawn out. Donat. Flist. Mirab. l. 2. c. 12.

27. A certain Nobleman of Venice, aged 46. whose smelling and spitting was hindred, being dead, had his Brain Diffected, and therein was found a Stone near the Basis; his Bowels being opened, his Liver was found hard and stony, and the Blood contained in it as black as Ink. Ibid.

28. Physicians tell us of some Prodigious Haemorrhagies, wherein sometimes 18, sometimes 20. and sometimes 40 pounds of Blood hath flowed forth.

29. Hollerius tells of a Girl, who on the 9th of April, Anno 1553, at St. James's-Gate, voided a large white Worm, thick, and longer than a Span, at her Nostrils, without any cough or Vomiting going before. And Trincavel tells of a Noble Venetian, who in a Fever voided at his Nose, a Worm almost four Fingers long. Ibid.

30. Scaliger tells us of a Man whose Tongue was so big, that he durst nor declare in particular how large it was for fear he should be suspected of a Lye. Scal. Exercitat. 199. c. 2. Many other of portentous Tumours in this part we have from other Physicians.

31. Lusitanus relates, how one Jacob Offlood had great Hairs growing on his Tongue; and he guessed that he had them in his Heart too. Stones are often found to breed under the Tongue, and so are Worms too, and sometimes Warts.

32. I saw a man, whose Gums, by daily vomiting of an acid Humour, grew so big that they covered all his Teeth. Cardan. l. 12. de Subtil.

33. A Periodical Flux of Blood out of the Gums have been sometimes observed by Physicians, particularly in the late famous Archbistop Ʋsher, who had such a Flux twice or thrice a year, which in his younger years was so great, that it put him sometimes in danger of Life, but af∣terwards more sparing and by drops, yet without any intermission day or night, for one Natu∣ral Day, sometimes two or more together, Arnold. Bo••••. c. 7.

34. Some have been Born with Teeth; some have had 26 in number, others 28, others 32; in some saith Columbus, there is a double Row, yet in my Son Ph••hus there are 3 Rows. Columb. Anatom. Some have had only one Bone instead of Teeth, others have had Teeth breed in the Pallat of their Mouths, as both Alexander de Benedictus, Eustachius, &c. do testifie.

35. Columbus found Bones in the Lungs of one Francis Capellus, l. 15. Anat. Some by Cough∣ing have Spit up Gravel. Gabriel Falopius found in the Lungs of a young man that he Dissected at Padua, Anno 1565. 4 Stones, each of them as big as a large Bean, &c. Physicians mention Flies, Worms, and other little Animals, as generated in the Lungs, the rough Artery, and the Region of the Vital Instruments.

36. Nicolaus de Podio had an Asthma every Friday. Nicol. Serm. 4. Tract. 2. c. 25.

37. One Daniel Bonricius, on the 8th of January 1559. spit Blood mixt with Phlegm; the next day a Vein being opened, he continued to Spit Bloody, his difficulty of Breathing increased, so that he continued Waking some Nights together; Blood perpetually issued forth out of his No∣strils, (yet without any Cough) in great plenty: In a Twelve-month, besides Blood, he Spit out a great deal of Phlegm, black, and not deep, and yet without any mixture of Blood: The same day a light Cough seized him, and a greater difficulty of Breathing, and his Spittle was more bloody: Not long after he grew very cold, sweat, breathed hard, and his Voice was intercepted: Upon taking of the Antidote of Diamose, he grew warm again, slopt, and breathed more easily, and promised recovery; the next night, his watching, difficulty of breathing, phlegma∣tick, black, and bloody Spittle, returned in great plenty, and so continued till he died. Cardanus.

38. A young Gentleman of Arles, Caesar sa Sata, being wounded in his Back and Sides by a clownish Servant of the Family, after two days died; his Body being opened upon the com∣mand of his Parents, and the Magistrate, there was so great plenty of Phlegm found in his Breast, as amounted to 20 Sextarii, I know not whether he means the Greek of the Roman Measure, Quarts of Pints. Valeriola l. 4. Obs. 7. Nicolaus tells us, That he saw a Woman distempered with an Empyema, that Spit 8 pounds every day, and continued so for 6 days together. Jaco∣bus Comm. 1. ad Aph. 5. Sect. 2. l. 6. Coact. Hipp.

39. Campejus saw at Lunevil, a little Town of Lotharingia, two young men begotten by the same Father; so extenuated and dried with a Consumption, that the very Skin being chapt, re∣presented the Bones naked, and exposed them to sight; the Skin was married to the Bones with so close a conjunction, that their Bodies seemed all Boney, and tied together only with Nerves; truly saith he, you would have taken them for the very Images of Death: The Youn∣ger of them walked well enough, for he seemed not much unlike an Ape; yet in walking, the Bones cracket together, very like the dry shells of Nuts. Their Father continually attended the Furnace. Symph. Campej. l. 4. c. 13. c Narat. Histor. Galeni.

40. Worms have been found sometimes breed in the Heart, which hath caused Palpitation, and the Lunatick Passion, and consquently Death.

41. Arculanus relates, that he saw a sharp Bone that stuck in the Throat of one, at two months end come out through the Skin. Forest. l. 15. &c.

42. A certain Student in the Colledge of Preleum, who had swallowed down a branch of Grass, voided it afterwards whole through the intercostal space. Parcus. l. 24. c. 19.

43. A certain Shepherd being forced to swallow a Knife with a Horn handle, half a Foot long, after a fortnights space, and much pain upon an Aposthume breaking out of his Groins, voided it there. Idem. Dr. Brown tells us, That either this Knife, or another, is to be seen in the Em∣peror of Germany's Library; I say this or another, for there is the like Story of a Boy in Prussia, that swallowed his Knife, and had it taken out again by a Chirurgion Several Persons have swallowed Pins, most of which they have voided again by Urine. One Mrs. Sk••ymsher of Aqua∣lat in Shropshire, near Newport, as it was related to my Lord Paget, in my hearing, after she had swallowed down a Pin, took it out of her Arm many years.

44. Sudor Anglicus, or the Sweating-sickness, was a Pestilent kind of Fever, which either killed or delivered the Patient in a day or two, mostly peculiar to England, but by its Contagion com∣municating it self sometimes to Holland; it ended commonly in Sweating, and there was hopes of Recovery by no other Medicines but Sudorificks. This arose first of all, Anno 1486. in the Summer time, and in one day, with an excessive Flux of Sweat, would carry away many thousands: They that were seized with it would be Sowed presently up in the Sheets and Blankets, and earnestly intreat their Friends not to leave them till their 24 hours were out; which Friends perhaps being seized presently after, and thrust into the same Bed to them where being mightly covered with heaps of Cloaths, they cried out wretchedly, earnestly imploring the Favour of God and Man. Gemma. Cosmo. l. 1. c. 8.

45. Lues Pannoniae, or the Hungarian Fever, (Theriodes) vulgarly the worm of the Brain, be∣gan in the Expedition of the Emperor Maximilian II. against Soliman the Turkish Emperor, Anno 1566. in Hungary, and carried away a vast number of People, insomuch that you might see dead Bodies lie in the Streets of Vienna, whither the Army hastned daily. First they were taken with a light rigour and coldness; within less than an hour with extream heat and pain of the Head and Breast, and unsatiable Thirst, so that you might see them out of their Tents, at Pitchers and Bowls of cold Water, drinking till they had Breathed their last. The 2d, or at most the 3d day, they grew Delirious; sometimes there was attending a Disentary or Flux of the Liver, sometimes the Colick and pain of their sides; Matter thrown out by Stool, or out of the

Head into either Ear causing Deafness, gave hopes of Recovery. They all had spots like Flea-bitings upon their Body, especially their Breast and Back, Arms and Shoulders. Jordanus de Pestis Phaenomini. c. 19. Tract. 1.

46. Febris Stigmatica, otherwise called Lenticula, or Punticula, appeared first, Anno 1505. and 1528. in Italy, especially Cyprus, and the Neighbouring Islands, it was contagious upon contact; at first it was easie and pleasant enough, but afterwards was attended with uneasiness and weari∣ness of Body, heaviness of the Head, or dulness of the Senses, Delirium, redness of Eyes, Tal∣kativeness, red Spots about the seventh day in the Arms, Back, and Breast, little or no Thirst, &c. few Women were taken with this Fever, very sew old Men, almost no Jews, &c. Tracaster. l. 2, 3. c. 6, 7. de Contag. Morb.

47. Morbus Gallicus, was brought first by the Spaniards out of the Indies, and shewed it self first in the Camp of Charles V. at Naples; it spared none of what degree so ever, Kings, Lords, or Ladies, infected the Head, Eyes, Nose, Pallat of the Mouch, Skin, Flesh, Bones, Ligaments, and inward parts of the Body; produced a lumpish heaviness in the Members, wandring Pains, faint Complexions, Sadness, Tumours, Pustules, Ulcers, Buboes, &c. Barrow's method of Physick, l. 6. c. 1, 2, 3.

48. Brunnae Lues, of Lues Nova Moraviae, not very mortal, yet of an unusual form, and strange Symptoms, and very Contagious; it began about Anno 1577. upon occasion of going into the Baths near Brunna: The hurt did not appear until a formight or a month after. Afterwards, these Symptoms followed, sluggishness, and torture of Body, a dejected Mind, a sad Counte∣nance, pale Face, a brown Circle about the Eyes, a frowning Forehead, an extraordinary heat in such places where they had used Cupping glasses in the day, it produced Ulcers, and much Corruption, sometimes a kind of Scab all over the Body like the Small-Pox, Callouses in the Head, which broke and run, pricking Pains all over the Body, no rest, perpetual crying out, roaring, tears, avoiding all Conversation and sight of Men, &c. Jordanus de Lue Nova Mo∣raviae.

CHAP. XXXVII. Strange Birds.

I Do not intend to present my Reader here with a Complete Aviary, or to tell him only what he knows already; though perhaps the Book may fall into the hands of some, who know more than I can tell them; but only to speak of some of those Inhabitants of the Airy Region, these Winged People of the Sky, that common Eyes are least acquainted with, and which we do not see every day, whereof there is so great a variety, and wherein there is such a pleasant sight of the Creator's Infinite Wisdom and Work∣manship, as is enough to allure our Eyes to a further Prospect and Disquisition of what there is above these.

1. The Eagle is justly esteemed King of Birds: The right Foot is reported greater than the left; the Brain is so hot, that mingled with Hemlock Juice, and drank in Powder, it will make one Mad. It drinks not, because the Blood of what it Preys upon, sufficeth it: But in old Age, when the Beak is crooked with dryness, it preserves it self by drinking. Aelian. They have been seen a Cubit in largeness, and some young ones, whose Wings stretched out would reach 7 Ells▪ the Claws were bigger than a great Man's Fingers, and the Thighs greater than a Lions. When the young ones are hatcht, she holds them in her Talons against the Sun; and having proved them to be Legitimate, she takes them on her Wings and carries them; the strongest of them, when she hath them aloft, she lets them fall, and then she flies and meets them, and takes them up again. When they are old enough, she drives them out of her Nest and Quarter. The Fe∣male is so salacious, that being trod 30 times in a day, if the Male come to her again she will run to him. She is so quick-sighted, that flying over the Sea, out of man's view, she will dis∣cern the smallest Fish; and smells Carcasses 500 miles distant. When she is become extream hot. she plunges into the Water, then she flies to her Nest, grows fevorish, casts her Feathers, is fed by her young ones, and renews her self, but sooner if she can find Serpents to feed on. Jonston. Hist. Nat. p. 168.

2. The Hawk is of divers Magnitudes according to its Sex and Country, the Females are the greater, it casts its Feathers four times; it is so venerious, that the Female will return 30 times a day. She flies from Carrion. In the Air she will turn on her Back, and stretch out her Tail, Back, and Wings, and lies upon them. She seems to lament the Death of a Man, and will cast Earth on his Eyes: The Thigh Bone of it pat towards Gold; doth draw it to it with Delight; Pigeous so soon as they hear its noise, fly away; Hens Eggs; if they sit, will be spoiled; Small Birds are so frighted at the sight of her, that you may take them off the Hedge with your hands. Ibid.

3. The Manucodiatae, or Birds of Paradise, are said by Aldrovandus, to be of five Kinds; Their Bodies not being much bigger than a Swallow, and their Heads like to them, They are said to live always in the Air, and to rest firm without any but a Tonick Motion, for they want Feet and never come to the Ground, but when they are Dead. This is a Fable; for they could hardly sleep there, when their Senses are bound up; for all their exercise is in a Tonick Motion. It is likely, that there is a hole in their Back in the Muscles, where the Female that hath a hol∣low Belly lays her Eggs. Aldrovandus, who saw these Manucodiatae, never found any such thing. The Mahumetans are perswaded, that they came from Pardise, as tokens of the delights of that place. Johnston's Hist. of Nat. Class. 6. p. 184. Our later Writers say, that they have found these

Birds on the Ground dead, and their Legs eaten off with some Vermin, which is supposed to give occasion to the aforesaid fabulous Tradition.

4. The Ostrich hath a small Head like a Goose, not covered with Feathers, with cloven Feet, he is too big to flie, yet sometimes he runs swiftly, the Wind entring under his Wings, and ex∣tending them like sails; he will out-run a Man on Horseback, he will swallow pieces of Iron; he makes a Nest of Sand that is low and hollow, and fenceth it against the Rain: She lays above 80 Eggs, yet the Young ones are not hatcht all at one time; the Eggs are as big as a Young Childs Head, weighing about 15 pounds, and are extream hard; the Young are bred of them, by heat of the Sun; she is wonderful simple; when she hides her Neck in a Bush, she thinks she is all hid. Ibid. Class. 6. cap. 32.191.

5. The Heron, if they dung upon a Hawke, they burn and corrupt its Feathers; they swallow Shell-fish, shells and all; but when they think their heat hath opened them, they cast them up again, and eat the Fish. They lie in wait to catch Fish cunningly, for they stand so against the Sun-beams, that their shadow may not be seen to drive them away; some say, they have such a force, that if they put but a foot into the Water, they will draw the Fish to them as with a bait. Ibid. p. 169.

6. The King's Fisher, is reported to build their Nests of the hardest Fish-bones, and to breed about the middle of Winter. Wherefore, when it is a calm Winter, they call it Halcyon days; the Nest is made like a Pine Apple, it is so Artificially made, that it cannot be easily cut with a Sword. That the Water may not enter into it, she makes her hole of a spungy matter, that will swell, and the swelling shuts up the entrance; when they go in, they press against it, and so press out the Water and find passage. Johnston's Class. 6. p. 171.

7. The Cranes are great Travellers, when they flie they keep a Triangular sharp-angled Fi∣gure, that they may the easilier pierce through the Air; when they light on the Earth to feed, the Captain of them holds up his Head, to keep watch for the rest, and they feed securely; be∣fore they take rest; they appoint another Centinel, who may stand and ward with his Neck stretch∣ed forth, whilst the rest are asleep, with their Heads under their Wings, and standing upon one Leg; the Captain goes about the Camp, and if there be any danger he claries. Lest they should sleep too soundly, they stand upon one foot, and hold a Stone in the other, above Ground, that if at any time being weary, they should be oppressed with sleep, the Stone falling, might awaken them. Johnston's Hist. Nat. Class. 6. cap. 18. p. 180.

8. Swallow's, where they live in Winter, is diversly described; some say, that in hollow Trees many lying close together; they preserve themselves by mutual heat. But Olaus Magnus Episcop. Ʋpsal. saith, that in the Northern Parts, where Men die of Cold in Winter, the Swallows live in the Water, yet in these parts Swallows are often drawn up by Fishermen by accident, like a congeal'd Mass, and then have united themselves together, bill to bill, foot to foot, wing to wing; after the beginning of Autumn, to go amongst the Reeds, &c. When that Mass is drawn forth and put into a Hot-house, the Swallows are thawed by heat coming to them, and so begin to flie; but they last but a very short time, because they are not made free, but Captives, by being taken too soon. Johnston's Hist. Nat. Class. 6. c. 20. p. 182.

9. The Ospreys, or Sea Eagles, are said to have one foot like an Engle, and hooked; the other, plain like a Goose, to swim withal; that it hath also a costly Fat in his Tail, and that he flies in the Air, and hangs there as it were, and lets drop some of this Fat into the Water, whereby the Fish are astonished, that they turn upon their back, and so he catcheth them. Ibid. p. 183.

10. The Ibis, is a Bird so loving to Egypt, that it will live no where else; so soon as it is hatcht, if it be weighed, it weighs two drams. Plutarch. de avib. l. 4. c. 9. The Heart is greater then is proportionable to the body. The Gut is 96 Cubits long, and that in the Wain of the Moon of pressed together, till the Light of it increaseth again, saith Gaudentius Merula. The Lakes of Arabia send forth Multitudes of winged Serpents; these Birds by a kind of foresight, are stirred up, and flie forth in Troops, and meet these pestilent Multitudes in the Air, before they waste their Coasts. Marcel. Ibid.

11. The Chough, peculiar to Cornwal, haunts the Seas, but feeds not upon Fish; his bill is sharp, long, and red, his Legs red, and his Feathers black. It is a very unlucky Bird, (and mischie∣vous like a Pie,) for he will hide Money, and other little things, and will carry Sticks of Fire about, and will set Barns, Stacks, &c. on Fire; he is frequent about the Alps; Quere, if he be not in the Clifts of Isle of Wight.

CHAP. XXXVIII. Strange Beasts.

FOR the sake of those People that never Travell'd either with their Legs or Intellectuals beyond the narrow Horizon of their own Countrey, I have here Collected a short Catalogue and Description of such strange Beasts, as are bred only in Foreign Parts, or, but rarely in our own; still with the same Design to Illustrate the Power and Wisdom, both of the Divine Creation and Providence. Yet I dare not say, that I have all here, that were in Noah's Ark; nor have I searched all the Desarts of Arabia, and wide Wildernesles of the World; sor so I might have lost my self.

1. The Lions bones have no Marrow in them, they have Teeth like Saws, their Neck is made of one stiff bone. without any Vertebrae; they have 5 Claws on their Fore-feet, and but 4 on their Hinder feet; the Balls of their Eyes are black, Arist. They sleep but little, and when they do Sleep, their Eyes are half open; Aristotle says, they eat and drink but once in two days;

he is mild to them that yield; he will scarce hurt those that lie down; and when he is not Hun∣gry, he will seize on Men, rather then Women, but not upon Children, unless he be extream Hungry; they are frighted with Coach Wheels running round, and with the Combs and crow∣ing of Cocks, but chiefly by Fire. Johnston. Hist. Nat. Clas. 7. cap. 22. p. 223.

2. The Elephant is the greatest of all Land Creatures; it is certain, that in Old time, they carried Castles of armed Men into the Field. Aldrovandus tells of one of their Teeth, sold for 36 Ducars, it was 14 spans long, and 4 spans thick; so heavy, that he could not take it up from the Ground, and in his Heart he hath a Bone wonderful big, that he saw in one that was killed. Johnston Hist. Nat. Clas. 7. p. 219.

Some of the Indian Elephants are reported by Aelian, to be 9 Cubits high, 9 long, and 5 broad or thick.

3. The Crocodiles lay one Egg as big as a Goose Egg, yet from this small beginning, they grow to a vast bigness; sometimes they are more then 18 Cubits long; Aristotle says, their Tongue sticks all fast. When Nilus runs back to its Channel, the Crocodiles will lie hid in the Mud, watching to satisfie their Hunger; and they strike those that come, and Strangle them with their Tails. The Trochilus is his Guard, and the Tentyritae are his Enemies; he awakes him when the Ichneumon is like to do him hurt, and entring into his wide Jaws, he pulls out Flesh from amongst his rows of Teeth, with his beak; when he flies away, he warns to close up his upper Chap; but these swim in the River, and getting upon their Backs as if they rid, they thrust a Bough into their Mouths, and compell them to Vomit up the Bodies they have Newly de∣vo••red. Johnston's Hist. Nat. Clas. 7. p. 217.

4. The Ichneumon, is a Creature in Egypt, with a long Tail like to a Serpent's Oppian; with∣out the Chin he hath an Excreesence beset with Hair; when it is hot, it openeth that, his Mouth being shut; they will catch Mice as Cats: When he observes the Crocodile Sleeping, he rolls himself in Clay, and goes into his Mouth, and so into his Belly, and eats his Liver, and then leaps forth again. Johnston's Hist. Nat. p. 223.

5. The Chamaeleon, he changeth his colour oft-times, both in his Eyes, his Tail, and his whole Body; and he changeth like that thing he next toucheth, except Red and White; when dead, he is pale. It is certain, that sometimes he lives by the Air, for he will suffer Hunger a whole years some say, that he turns to the Sun, and draws in the Sun-beams, and follows them with open Mouth. Zandius says, he will hunt Flies; who saith, he dissected the Tongue of one that was as long as one Hands breadth, hollow and empty; in the top, was a Hole, with Snivel in it, with which he catcht his Prey. Johnston's Hist. Nat. Clas. 7. cap. 13. p. 216.

6. The Panther smells so sweet, that it will allure all the Wild Beasts; but the frowning Coun∣tenance it hath, frights them; wherefore he hides his Head, and so they come and are caught. In the Right Shoulder, they have a Mark, like the Moon; and as that increaseth, this increaseth and decreaseth, Albert. Demetrius Physicus writes, that one of them lay in the way waiting for a Man, and suddenly appeared to him; he was frighted, and began to run away, but the Panther came and tumbled before him, and was grieved at it; for she had littered, and her Whelps were fallen into a Pit; she gently laying her Claws, and drawing him by the Garments; and he had his Life for a reward, for taking out her Whelps; and she having got her young ones again, guarded him out of the Desart, and she was jocund and merry, that it might easily appear, how grateful she was, and not to wrong him for his good deeds, which is a rare thing in a Man. John∣ston's Hist. Nat. Clas. 7. p. 230.

7. The Rhinoceros, is a Beast as big as an Elephant, he hath one Horn in his Nose; it is mo∣deratly bent, and so sharp, that it will pierce Stones and Iron; his Skin is very thick, with Scaly Crusts, in Colour and Figure, like a Tortoise-shell; it is so fast, that a Dart can hardly enter it. He is the Elephants Enemy, when he Fights with him, he whets his Horn on a Stone; then puts his Horn under the Elephant's Belly, where it is softest, he rends him. Johnston's Hist. Nat. Clas. 7. cap. 32. p. 232.

8. The Camel, Puddle Water is sweet to him, nor will he drink river Water, till he have troubled it with his Foot; they serve the Indians to Travel with, and will go hundred Miles a day, for eight days together, with very little Meat; they never couple with their Dams; they are very docil; when they are longer in their Journey than ordinary between Ethio∣pia and Barbary; they do not whip them forward, but they sing to them, whereby they will run so fast, that Men can hardly follow them. At Alcair, they dance at the sound of a Taber, being Taught by a strange Art; for when they are young, they are brought into a Stove, the Pave∣ment being very hot; one plays on a Taber at the Dore, they because of the heat lifts up their Feet; they continue their Exercise, and use them to it a whole Year so, that coming in publick, re∣membring the hot Pavement, when one plays on the Taber, they will lift up their Feet, and dance. The swiftest kind are called by the Affricans, Ragnail, Johnston. Hist. Nat. Class. 7. cap. 6. p. 209.

9. The Beaver is a most strong Creature to bite, his hinder-feet are like a Gooses, and his fore-feet like an Apes; his fat Tail is covered with a scaly Skin, and he useth it for a Rudder, when he pursues Fish; he comes forth of his Holes in the Night, and biting off boughs of Trees about the Rivers, he makes his Houses with an upper loft, and when the Water riseth, he lies there, Johnston. p. 211.

10. The Bear, when he is Hunted, will send forth a Breath, that will corrupt the Flesh of of the Hunters; and if they come nearer, they will cast a Flegm out of their Mouths, that kills or blind Dogs and Men. Aristot. de Mirab. she brings forth her Young, somewhat bigger then a Rat, that is both anked and unformed in its parts, a rude Mass. When he is Fat, he creeps into his Den on his back, and so takes away his Footsteps, that the Hunters may not perceive them. In this Den, he will grow lean in 40 days; and he will keep himself alive, lying still and

sucking his right Foot, 14 days. Johnston. p. 237. In Brasil, is the Ant Bear as big as a g reat Dog the Tail twice as long as the Body, and so full of Hair, that under it he shelters himself from Rain, Heat, Cold, and Wind, his Tongue 3 quarters of a Yard long, which he thrusts into Ant hills, upon which they run, and when full, he licks them in. Pur. Pilgr. Vol. 4. v. 1301.

11. Whether the Ʋnicorn be? Authors are of divers Opinions, some affirm it, and some deny it. Ludovicus Vartomanus saith, that he saw two of them sent to the Sultan at Mecha, out of Ethi∣opia, they were shut up in Lattises, and were not fierce; the Horns of this Creature are shewed in many places; at the Monastery of St. Dennis; there is one also at St. Mark's Church in Venice, and another at Rome. Cardan describes it, That it is a rare Creature, as big as an Horse, a Head like a Stag, that hath one Horn growing on it, 3 Cubits long; it stands in the middle of the Forehead, it is straight, and is broad at the bottom; it hath a short Neck, a thin Mane, with Feet like a Goat. A Portuguese affirms, that he saw them in the Abyssine Empire, as large as a handsome Horse, of a dark brown Colour, with the Mane and Tail black, with a fair beautiful Horn in the Forehead, 5 palms long, the Colour inclining to white; they live in close Woods and Thickets, sometimes venture into the Champion, not often seen, being timerous, are not many, and those conceal'd in the Woods. A Portuguese Captain, with 20 Soldiers in Company, de∣signing to breastfast, while their Horses graz'd; a Ʋnicorn described as before, sprang among the Horses; the Spectators had sufficient time to see and observe him. See the Relation Printed by the Order of the Royal Society. Anno 1669. by Sir Peter Wyche.

12. The Baboon is a Creature with a Head like a Dog, But in shape like a Man, he will Fish cunningly; for he will dive all day, and bring forth Fish abundantly; he takes wonderful de∣light to wear a Garment; he hurts no Man; he understands the Indians, he will gently feed Sheep for their Milks sake. Pliny. l. 7. c. 7. Strabo. l. 15. Two things are most wonderful in him, that in the two Equinoctials, 12 times a Day, he will make Water once every Hour, and doth the same at Night; hence the Egyptians had the Picture of a Baboon Pissing upon their Dials. The second is, that when the Moon hath been sometimes in Coniunction with the Sun, and loseth her Light, the Male will not look not feed, but holds down his Face to the Earth; nor will the Female move her Eyes any way, casting withal, her Sperm forth; therefore are they held Sacred, and fed unto this day, that by them the set time of the Moon's Conjunction with the Sun may be known by them. Johnston's Nat. Hist. Clas. 7. c. 13.

13. The marmaset, is a larger kind of Monkey, the Tail 5 Cubits long, his Hair hanging down from his Forehead; by their Legs, Face, Genitals, they look like Countrey Men, they are else∣where all over Hairy; they love Children and Women, and desire to embrace them, saith Cardan. When they eat up the Ears of Corn, one of them lies perdue in the Field, and makes an out cry when he spies a Countrey-man; the rest flie. They so hate a Crocodile, that they can't endure to see his Skin at a g reat distance; In the Borders of Cariai, there are some will leap from bough to bough, as if they flew. Ibid.

14. The Cocus is a 4 footed wild Beast in Slythia and Sarmatia, for greatness between a Stag and a Ram, white and very swift; drinking with their Nostrils, and bearing it for some days; so that they will feed well enough in Pastures, where no Water is. Strabo. l. 7. About About Easter you may see 2000 together; upon eating a Venerious Herb in March, they lie for a day as half dead. Johnston. Ibid. out of Gesner.

15. The Buff, is bigger then an Ox, with a bunch on his Back, with a very large Forehead, curled with Hair, that smells like Musk; the Flesh fattest in Summer, but tasting of Garlick, that it feeds on; so strong, it will take up a Horse and his Rider: The Blood, redder then Pur∣ple; so hot, that it will soften the Iron of the Hunters Spear, and in the greatest Cold, it will Corrupt in two hours. In the Scotch Woods, they will not touch the Shrubs that Men have touched for many days; being taken by Art, they will die for Grief. Camd. in Scotia.

16. The Haut, or Cercopithecus, is a Creature in America, mighty Ill-favoured, as big as a Mon∣key, his Belly touching the Ground, his Head and Face like a Child, and when taken, he Sighs like a Child. Three Claws hang to his hinder-feet, like the great prickly Bones of a Carp, and by these he creeps up upon Trees; when tame, he will love a Man, and climb upon his Shoul∣ders. Thevet lift one in the open Air, which yet was never wet. Johnston. Nat. Hist. chap. 7. c. 3.

17. The Elk, is a 4 Footed Beast, commonly found in Scandinavia, in Summer, of an Ash co∣lour almost, in Winter, enclining to black; his Horns fit for Footstools, each of them 12 pound weight, and two Foot long; his upper Lip hangs out so long, that he cannot eat, but going back∣wards. He will run as much Ground in one day, as a Horse in three; a strong blow with his Foot, will kill the Hunter. Ibid. ch. 1.

18. Bonasus is a kind of Bugle, which dungs extream hot, when the Hunter follows him. Phi∣lip King of Macedon, kill'd one with a Dart at the foot of Mount Orbclus: The Horns whereof were 16 handful, consecrated afterwards to Hercules. Ibid. ch. 5.

19. The Catoblepas is like a Bull, very terrible, with blood-shot Eyes, looking downward; from the Venemous Herbs that it feeds on lifting up its Mane, with open Lips it roars terribly, sending such a Stream out of the Throat, that the Air will be infected, and make others dumb that draw it in, causing Mortal Convulsions, Ibid. ch. 12.

20. The Sheep of Mexico, are Beasts of the greatest Profit and least Charge that are; for from them they draw Meat and Cloathing; they use them also to carry all their burthens, having need neither of Shooes nor Saddles, nor yet of any Oats, so that they serve their Masters for nought, feeding only on Grass which they find in the Fields. There are two kinds of them, the one bearing Wool, the other are bare, which are the better for burthen; they are bigger then great Sheep, and less then Calves, they have long Necks like a Camel; they are of divers Colours, some white, some black, and others grey, or spotted; their Flesh is good Meat, but that of their Lambs is better; of their Wool, the Indians make Cloth, some courser, others finer, like half

Silk; upon these the Spaniards carry their bars of Silver, one of them carrying about 150 pound weight. In the Stomach of these Beasts, is found the Bezar's Stone; sometimes one alone, some∣times two, three, or four; they are different in form, greatness, and colour, some like Filberds others like Walnuts, some as big as Pidgeon's Eggs, others as big as Hen's Eggs; some white, some dark, green, some black, and some as if they had been gilded; they are all made of divers Films and Skins one upon another. Purch. Pilgr. Vol. 3. p. 969.

In Socotira, are Sheep, whose Tails weigh 28 pound apiece. Ibid.

21. The Armadillo, is of the bigness of a Pig, and of a white Colour, a long Snout, and the Bo∣dy covered with Shells like Plates, they are so hard, that no Arrow will pierce them, except in the Flanks, where they are softer; they lie in the Ground. Ibid.

22. The Porcupine hath bristles, or Quills, white and black, of a span and a half long, which they can cast; and they are of this quality, that where one of these bristles enters into the Flesh, if it be not pull'd out presently, it will work it self quite through, they are of good Flesh and raste. Ibid.

23. The Civet Cat exceeds the Castor for bigness, her Head is little, her Eyes clear; hath a long Muzzle, sharp and offensive Teeth; her Hair is party-coloured, harsh, and bristly, yellow above, and whiter underneath; the Pocket wherein the Civet is bred, is near the Genitory, which is taken forth with a Spoon or a Stick, saith Purchas. It hath Mustachioes, and a long bushy Tail. There is great plenty of them in Ethiopia, where the Jews keep them in wooden Cages, feeding them with raw Mutton and Beef, cut in small pieces. Civet is the Sweat of this Beast, which they make go back with a Stick, which they thrust in betwixt the Bars of the Cage, and catch hold of his Tail; they take hold also of his two hind Legs, pulling him half out of the Cage by the Door, which falls down upon his back, and keeps him fast there; then another opens a cer∣tain Cod of Flesh, which is shap'd like a split Gizzard, and scrapes all the sweat off it within. The Males have it between their Stones and Yard; the Females have it betwixt their Fundament and Privities; 'tis emptied of the Sweat twice a Weck, each Beast yielding a Drachm at a time. It is first of a whitish Gray, which afterwards turns to a very brown Colour. Dr. Stubbs saith, they will live a Month without drinking, and if they drink once a Month, they will then yield the more Civet. Sir Thomas Pope Blunt. Nat. Hist. p. 9.

24. The Musk Cat; Monsieur Thevenot tells us, That in the great Mogul's Countrey, there is a Beast, like a Fox in the Snout, which is no bigger then a Hare; the Hair of a Stags Colour, Teeth like a dog, it yields most excellent Musk; for, at the Belly it hath a Bladder full of cor∣rupt Blood, which they take from it, which is the Musk, but after this Operation is made, the Beast is not long liv'd: None of them have above one bladder, no bigger then a Hen's Egg, which will yield about an Ounce of Musk. Ibid. p. 1.

25. The Cows of Mexcio, have Bunches on their Backs, about the bigness of our Bulls, hav∣ing little Horns, more Hair on the foreparts then behind, which is like Wool; on the Back-bone having Manes like Horses, and long Hair from their Knees downwards, with much on their Throats. They are Meat and Drink, Shooes, Houses, Fire, Vessels, and their Masters whole substance Purch. Pilgr. Vol. 2. p. 1003.

26. The Possown of Virginia, hath a Bag under her Belly, from whence she letteth forth her Young ones, and taketh them in again at her pleasure. Idem. Vol. 4. p. 1772.

27. The Camelopardus, is the highest of Beasts, so that a Man on Horseback may ride up∣right under his Belly, his Neck is long, so that he usually feedeth upon the Leaves of Trees, his Colour is white and speckled; his hinder Legs are shorter then his former, so that he cannot graze, but with difficulty; he is also called a Jaraff. Idem. p. 1469.

28. I shall conclude this Chapter with a Description, which Dr. Brown gives of the Elector's Hunting House at Dresden. The Hunting-house is in the Old Town, and therein are 15 Bears very well provided for, and looked unto; they have Fountains and Ponds, to wash in, and near to the Pond, ragged Posts or Trees, set for the Bears to climb up, and Scaffolds made at the Top, to Sun and dry themselves; where they will also sleep, and come and go as the Keeper calls them; in the House for wild Beasts, I took Notice (saith he) of a Marian, which is a four footed Beast, that hangs upon Trees by the Tail; also a wild or Mountain Cat, of a large size, 5 Young Bears, 5 Old black Bears, a white Bear, very large, the Feet, Head, and Neck whereof, are long then those of the black; two Lions, 10 Luckses, (perhaps he means Lynxes,) very fine Beasts; in Bigness, Colour, and Shape, between a Tyger and a wild Cat; the Tips of their Ears and Tail are black, their Eyes lively, their Skin Lyon-colour and spotted, especially about their Eyes. Dr. Edw. Brown's Trav. in his Description of Vienna.

Whereas I have spoke before of Ʋnicorns, I desire my Reader to take Notice, that Dr. Edward Brown, speaking of 3 Unicorn's Horns, which were shewed him at Ʋtrecht, little differing in length, the longest being 5 Foot and a half, out of one whereof, being made hollow, and tipt with Silver, he drank, gives us his Judgment thus: These (saith he,) were of the Sea Unicorn, or the Horn or long wreathed Tooth of some Sea Animal, taken in the Notthern Sea; of which I have seen many, both in publick Repositories, and in private Hands; two such as these, the one 10 foot long, were presented not long ago to the King of Denmark being taken near Nova Zem∣bla; and I have seen some full 15 foot long, some wreath'd very thick, some not so much, others almost plain; some largest and thickest at the End, near the Head, others are largest at some distance from the Head; some very sharp at the end or point, others blunt. My Honoured Fa∣ther, Sir Tho. Brown, had a very fair piece of one, which was formerly among the Duke of Cur∣land's Rarities. I have seen a Walking Staff, a Scepter, a Scabbard for a Sword, Boxes, and other Curiosities made out of this Horn, &c. But of these Unicorns, the King of Denmark and his Fa∣ther had so many, that he was able to spare a great number of them, to build a Magnificent Throne out of Unicorn's Horns. Dr. Browns Trav. p. 101. &c.

CHAP. XXXIX. Strange Fish.

I remember, when I was a little Boy, and went first a Angling, I brought home two or three small Dace and Breams, with no little Joy, and a secret promise of Applause to my self, for my Success in the Game; but my Mother with some Indignation, refused to give her consent fro the Dressing of them, I have not served my Reader so here; No, the Watry Element is so stored with such abundance of these Animals, and the Sea takes up so great a part of this lower World, that I have passed by all the common Species, and present my Reader with the Huge Leviathan, the Loving Dolphin, the great Manaty, and others, strange and admirable for some Property or other, that I promise my self, my Reader will not serve me now, as my Mother did then.

1. The Whale is the greatest and chief of all Fishes. That Whale taken in the Scheld, 10 Miles from Antwerp. Anno 1677, was of a blackish blue colour, he had a Snout on his Head, where∣with he belch'd up Water, with great force; he was 58 foot long, 16 foot high, his Tail was 14 foot broad; from his Eye to the tip of his Nose, 16 foot; his lower Chap 6 foot, of each side, armed with 25 Teeth, and there were as many holes in the Upper Chap, where Teeth had been, the longest of his Teeth 6 Thumbs long. A Whale taken at Sceveling, near the Hague, was 60 foot long. Johnston. Class. 9. cap. 3. p. 290. In the 6th year of Queen Elizabeth, in the Month of December, at Grimsby in Lincolnshire, was driven on shoar, a Monstrous Fish, in length 19 Yards, his Tail 15 foot broad, and 6 yards between the Eyes; 12 Men stood upright in his Mouth, to get out the Oyl. In the 17th Year, a vast Whale was cast upon Thanet Isle in Kent, 20 Ells long, and 13 foot broad, from the Belly to the Back-bone, and 11 foot between the Eyes; one of his Eyes being taken out of his Head, was more then 2 Cart with 6 Horses could draw; the Oyl being boiled out of his Head was Parmacittee. Bakers Chron.

The ordinary Dimension of the Whale is 36 Cubits in length, and 8 in thickness; yet Nearchus in Arianus, is said to have measured one in the Indian Seas, 50 Cubits long, and proportionably broad. Pliny exceeds all bounds of Credibility, when he tells of some 960 foot, or 4 Acres long Heylin's Cosmogr. p. 876.

2. The Dolphins are so swift, that they swim faster then a Shp under Sail, before the Wind, saith Bellonius; when they play on the calm Sea, they foreshew which way the Wind will blow, and when they cast up Water, the Sea being troubled, they foreshew a Calm. Thomas thinks, that Exhalations rising from the bottom of the Sea, when a Storm is at hand in Winter, is the cause of it; and he thinks that the Dolphin feels heat thereby, and so breaks forth the oftner; but Rondeletius thinks, they are affected in the Water with the motion of the Air, as those that are Sick, are wont to be, when the South Wind begins to blow. Johnston. p. 294.

The last Year of King Edward VI. was taken at Quinborough, three Dolphins, and at Blackwall, 6 more, the last of which was bigger then a Horse. Baker.

3. The Manaty is a great Fish, taken in the Rivers of Hispaniola; his Head is like an Ox-head, or bigger; his Eyes, in respect of his body, are small; he hath two thick Feet, like Wings, in the place of Gills, with which he swims, he hath a thick Skin and no Scales. He is so great, that there needs a Yoke of Oxen to carry him; sometimes he is 14 or 15 foot long, and 8 hands thick; he hath two stones, or rather bones in his Head, so great as little hand-balls; he wants Ears, but in their place he hath small holes, by which he hears. His Skin is like the Skin of a shrevell'd Ox, a Finger thick, Ash colour, and thin of Hairs, the Tail is all Nervous, which being boiled or fryed, it resolves into fat. Johnston. p. 296.

4. The Swordfish hath a beck on both Chaps, but the lower of them is short and triangular; the upper is more bony and harder, and far longer, sometimes two Cubits long. In the Indian Sea, they grow so great, that they will pierce the sides of the strongest Ship, a hand and a half in thick∣ness sometimes. Gesner writes, that a faithful Friend of his, saw a Man, when he sailed to Syria, thar swam by the Ships side, and he was cut in the middle, by the beck of this Fish. Johnston. p. 304.

5. The Torpedo, has his name because he benums the Hands, and he doth this so effectually, that before he is taken, he will do it by the Net, or the Rod. Johnston. p. 303.

6. The ••unies, are chiefly caught about Constantinople, for when they are past Chalcedon, a cer∣tain white Rock appears to them, and so terrifies them, that immediatly they put over to the far∣thest Bank, and being taken by the swift Current of the Waters, turns their course to Constantino∣ple, so that they are tkane in their Snares in great numbers; they are bred in the Lakes of Maeotis.

9. The Remora, is said to stay Ships. Petrus Melaras of Bononia reports, That the Ship of Fran∣cis, Cardinal of Troas, when he went by Sea out of France, was held frst in the swiftness of its course. Many have sought the cause, but no Man hath certainly found it. Saith Johnston. Hist. Nat. Class. 9. c. 7. p. 331.

8. Tritons, or Fishes having the Face, Lineaments, and shape of Man's body; one was seen in the days of Tiberius, another in the time of Augustus, a third, under Nero; Aelian, Theodor. Gaza, Trapezuntius, Alex. ab Alex. Scaliger and divers others affirm the Truth of this; yet these Tritons or Ne∣reides, cannot be called, nor are they Men, though they have the outward shape; for it is not the matter, nor outward Lineaments, but the form that gives Essence and Denomination. Ross. Ar∣cana Microcosin. l. 2. p. 18.

In King John's Reign, such a Fish was taken near Orford in Suffolk, in all parts like a Man, and for 6 Months was kept in the Castle, whence after he escaped, and went again to the Sea. Others do add, that he was kept with raw Flesh and Fish, and because he could not speak, was thrown into the Sea again. Bakers Chron.

He uttered not any Speech, though to try him he was hung by the Heels, and grievously Torment∣ed; he would get him to his Couch as Sun-set, and rise again at Sun-rising; one day they brought him to the Haven, and let him go into the Sea, but to prevent his escape, they set 3 rows of very strong Nets before him, to catch him again at pleasure; but he diving to the bottom, crept un∣der their Nets, and shewed himself again to them, and so often diving, he still came up, and as it were mocked them; at length, he came back to them of his own accord, and remain'd with them two Months after. But afterwards, being not carefully lookt to, he went to the Sea, and was never after seen, or heard of. Fabians Chron.

Anno Christi, 1404. Some Women of Edom in the Low-Counties, as they were going in their Barks to their Cattel in Purmer-meer, they often saw at the Ebbing of the Water, a Sea-Woman playing up and down, where at the first they were afraid, but after a while, encouraging one ano∣ther, they made with their Boats towards her, and the Water at that time being not deep enough for her to dive in, they took her by force, and drew her into the Boat, and so carried her to Edam, where in time she grew familiar, and fed of ordinary Meats; and being sent from thence to Harlem, she lived about 15 Years, but never spake, seeking often to get away to the Waters. Belg. Common Wealth. p. 102,

Captain Richard Whithurn, in his Description of Newfoundland, writes: That Anno Christi, 1610. early in the Morning, as he was standing by the Water side, in the Harbour of St. John's, he espied a strong Creature swimming very swiftly towards him, like a Woman, looking chearfully upon him, her Face, Eyes, Nose, Mouth, Chin, Ears, Neck, and Forehead, were like a Wo∣man; it was very beautiful, and in those parts well proportioned, having Hair hanging down round about the Head; he seeing it come within a Pikes length of him, stepped back, where∣upon it dived under the Water, swimming to another place, whereby he beheld the Shoulders, and back down to the middle, which was as square, white, and smooth, as the back of a Man; from the middle to the hinder part, it pointed in proportion like a broad hooked Arrow: after∣wards it came to Boat, wherein some of his Men were, attempting to come in to them, till one of them struck it a full blow on the Head; others of them saw it afterwards also, Clark's Geogr. p. 208. Purchas saith, many Meer-maids and Women are seen about Brasile, who sometimes catch, embrace, kiss, and crush the Indians to death. Vol. 4. p. 1315.

Purchas adds, that many Women-Fishes are found near Soffala, which from the Belly to the Neck, are very like Women; from the Belly downward, they are like Dolphins.

I my self, when a Young Man at Oxford, saw a couple of such Fishes as these, taken, as was reported by them who brought them, singing upon a Rock in the Irish Seas.

9. The River-Horse, Hippotamus, the Morse, found in Soffala, is as big as two of our Horses, living in the Water, but feeding on Grass by Land, with thick and short hinder Legs, five Claws on each fore-foot, and four on the hinder; the Mouth wide, and full of Teeth, 4 of which are above two spans long apiece, the two lower stand upright, the two upper turned like Bears Tushes; they have Teats, thick Hides, are of an Ash-colour, with white Strakes on their Faces, or Stars in their Fore-heads. Purch. Pilgr. Vol. 2. p. 1544.

10. The Dog-Fish, found in the River of Goa, big as a Cur-dog, hath a Snout like a Hog, small Eyes, two holes for Ears, 4 feet like an Elephant; flat Tail, Body, Head, Tail, and Legs, co∣vered with broad Scales, as hard as Iron, snorting like a Hog, and rolling himself round like an Urchin. Ibid. p. 1774.

11. Toad-Fishes, are about a span long, Painted, with fair Eyes, snorting and swelling much out of the Water; the Poysonous Skin being flayed off, the Indians eat them. Ibid. p. 1314.

12. Cuttle-Fish, hath a Hood always full of black Water, like Ink, which when she is pursued by other Fishes that would devour her, she casts forth, and so darkens the Water, that she thereby escapeth. Ibid.

13. The Flying-Fish, hath Fins instead of Wings, and a delicate Skin, interlaced with fine bones; they are like Pitchards, only a little rounder and bigger; they flie best with a side Wind, but no longer then their Wings are wet, seldom above a quarter of a Mile. The Dolphins and Bo∣nitoes, do continually hunt after them by Water, and the Alcatrace, a Fowl, much like a He∣ron, hovers in the Air, to seize upon them.

14. The Eagle-Fish, found in the Indian Sea, hath Eyes 5 quarters asunder, from the end of one Fin to the end of the other, are above 4 yards; its Mouth and Teeth resemble a Porcullise; has a small Tail, and its rather wondred at then eaten.

15. The Carvel, comes of the Fome of the Sea; is a kind of a Sea-Spider, of a round form, floating upon the surface of the Ocean, throwing abroad her string like so many lines, to Angle for small Fishes: When she sees her Web too weak, she can blow a deadly infectious Breath, or put forth such a Sting as if she had borrowed it from a Scorpion. Herb. Trav.

16. A. Shark taken by Mr. Herbert's Men in his East-India Voyage, was 9 foot and a half long; they found in her Paunch 55 young ones, each of them a foot in length, all which go out and in at their pleasures; she was armed with a double row of Venemous Teeth; and is guided in her Prey by a little Musculus, or Pilot-Fish, that she sends to and fro do bring Intelligence; the Shark for its kindness suffering it to Suck at pleasure. Herb. Trav. p. 26.

17. A certain Fish, or Sea-Monster, (in le Maire's Voyage) with a Horn struck against the Ship with such violence that it shook it; whereupon the Master looking over-board, saw the Sea all Bloody, but knew not what should be the cause, till coming into Port Desire, where they cleansed and trimed their Ship, they found 7 foot under water, a Horn sticking in the Ship, for bigness and fashion, like an Elephants Tooth, yet not hollow, but all of solid hard Bone, which had pierced through three double Planks, and was entered into a Rib of the Ship; it stuck above half a foot deep into the Ship, and by great force was broken off, which caused the Monster to bleed so much as discoloured the Water. Purch. Pilgr, vol. 1. p. 90.

18. Dr. Edward Brown, in his Description of Vienna, speaking of the Danube, saith, it affords extraordinary Carps, Trouts, Tenches, Pikes, &c. There is that substantial large Fish called Scheiden, or Silurus Gesneri, larger than Pike, Salmon, or any of our River Fishes, but the great Fishes called Hausons, or Husons, in Jonston, for largeness exceeds all others, some being 20 foot long: Some think this to be the Fish which Aelian names Antacetus, and speaks largely of the Fishing for them in Ister. I was (saith he) at the Fishing places, for Hausons in Schiit Island, be∣tween Presburg and Comora, for they come not usually higher, especially in Shoals, and it is much that they come so high, for they are perceived to come up the Stream out of the Euxine Sea. They Eat them both fresh and salted: they taste most like Sturgeon. It is a Cartilagi∣nous Fish, consisting of Gristles, and they have a hollow nervous chord the down the Back, which being dried, serves for a Whip. When they Fish for them, they blow a Horn or Trumpet and know where they go by the moving of the Water. Dr. Browns Trav. p. 154.

19. Chatagne de Mer, or Sea Chest-Nuts, found in Canada of New France, are the most delicious Fish that possibly can be. Nova Francia, p. 265.

CHAP. XL. Strange Serpents.

THere is no kind of living Creature, that we have a greater Antipathy against, then this of Serpents; and the Reason will easily appear to the Reader upon perusal of this Chapter; so that they seem to me very fit Emblems of Satans Malice and Cunning, and fit Engines for that Evil Spirit to make use of in the Delusion and Destruction of Human Nature; insomuch, that a due consideration of the Re∣semblance will serve pretty well to solve the difficulty of the History of our Fall.

1. The Asp: Their Poison is so great that they are not used in Medecines: That of Chalido∣nia is the most Poisonous, Death straight-way following. The Cure of their Poison, is by Inci∣sion, Cauteries, Cuppings, and Cocks Rumps applied, &c. It is like to a Land-Snake, but broader on the Back; their Teeth are long and full of holes, which are covered with a Skin that slides up when they Bite, letting out their Poison. Salmons Dispensatory, p. 247.

2. The Ammodite, its Poison is not inferiour to that of the Asp, some dying within 3 hours after the Wound received, none living above 7 days: The Biting of the Female is most Vene∣mous. It is a kind of Viper of a Cubit long, having black spots on the Skin. small lines on the Back, and hard Wart like a Horn on the upper Chap, and very fierce. Ibid.

3. Amphisbaena, It is a venemous Serpent, making a Wound so small, that it can scarce be discerned, causing Inflammation, and a lingring Death. Its Body is of an equal thickness; the Eyes commonly shut; the Skin rough, hard, spotted, and of an Earthly colour: They go both ways. Ibid.

4. The Boa, It is a Serpent which goes upon its Belly, and grows to be above an hundred foot long: It kills not Cattle till their Milk is dried up, and then it Eats them, destroying Herbs. Its Poison causes Tumours, Swellings, and Iastly Death. Ibid. 248.

5, Caecilia; The Slow-Worm is a Creature which has a very strong Poison. If their Wound swell, prick, and apply a Cataplasm of Fullers Earth and Vinegar. It is called the Blind-Worm, but it hurts not unless provoked. Ibid.

6. Cenchrus, the Millet, It is a Serpent about two Cubits long, of a dark colour, spotted like the Millet-Seed; They go strait, and are avoided by an oblique Motion. It is a dangerous and strong Beast; when it seizes its Prey, it sucks the Blood, whilst it beats the Body with its Tail. Ibid.

7. Cerastes, the Horned Serpent; 'Tis a yard long, of a sandy colour, with two Horns and Teeth like a Viper, its Poison is deadly. It make the patient made, Eyes dim, Nerves immove∣able, causes a pricking like Needles. Ibid.

8. Chelidrus, Druina, Hicinus, Querculus, Cheresidial, the Druin: its among the first Ranks of Serpents for Poison; 'Tis about a yard long, full of Scales, under which breed a sort of Flies which destroy it: The Back is blackish, Head broad and flat: Their Captain hath a white Crown or Comb on his Head. Its very smell stupifies, and almost strangles. Ibid.

9. Coluber, the Adder, is a hotter Serpent than a Snake, of a dark blacker colour, of about a Cubit long: Their Biting causes Swelling, Paleness, and Swounding. The Cure is Venice-Treacle or Mithredate, with Wine or Juice of Rice, &c. Ibid.

10. Dipsas, Ammoatis, Situla, Melanurus, Causon: It is a burning fiery Serpent, insomuch, that they that are bit, thirst most intolerably, and drink so much till they burst: It is less than a Viper, (but kills sooner) about a Cubit long; the Head and Tail are very little, small, and black; the other parts whitish, with black and yellow sports. Ibid. p. 249.

11. Draco, the Dragon: It hurts more by its Biting and Tail, than by its Poison.

12. The Haemorrhe, (Affodius, Sabrine) is about a Foot long, of a sandy colour, spotted all over with black, flaming Eyes, small Head, with the appearance of Horns, having Scales rough and sharp, making a noise as he goes. Its biting causes a continual bleeding sweat, violent tor∣ture, Pain in the Stomach, difficulty of Breathing, Convulsions, &c. The Cure is by Scarifica∣tion, &c. Ibid.

13. Lacerta, the Lizard, is of a changeable colour, and an Enemy to the Spider and Toad. The Eggs kill speedily, except a sudden remedy be exhibited, made of Falcons Dung and Wine. If they Bite, they leave their Teeth behind them, which cause continual aking till taken out. The Green Lizard living in Meadows are not Venomous. Ibid.

14. Lacerta Aquatica, the Neute, is Venemous, and hardly dies by blows, but Salt kills them presently: Their Eggs are about the bigness of Pease: If provoked, they shut the Mouth, and stand upon their hinder Legs, till their Body be all white or pale, by which is shown their ill Nature. Ibid.

15. Pelias, by Biting causes Putrification, but such as is easily Cured by drinking Poisan with Oil, and anointing with Balm of Perue. Ibid.

16. Prester, That which Junius and Tremelius think to be the fiery Serpent in the Wilderness, is a hot and fiery Beast, and goes panting with open Mouth, of a very malignant Poison. The Cure is by the Juice of Pursley and Castorcum, Drunk with Opoponax and Juice of Rue in Canary. Ibid.

17. Plyas, the most Poisonous Asp, kills by Spitting, Touch, or Smell, wounding almost in∣visibly: They Prick not much bigger that the stinging of a Bee, without swelling; it causes heaviness of the Eyes, pain of the Body, with some kind of Pleasure, Stupidity, Deafness, Con∣vulsion, Vomiting, and Death. 'Tis about a yard long, ash-colour, flaming, and greenish.

18. Regulus, Sibulus, Basiliscus, the Cockatrice, is the King of al Serpents, infecting the Air round about, so that no Creature can live near it: It is said that he kills both by touching and sight, casting forth a burning Fume, whereby the Beams of the Eyes they corrupt the Visive Spirit. They go half upright, and have a Comb like a Cock, fear'd by all other Serpents if seen or heard; but they themselves fear the Weasel. Ibid.

19. Sagitta Jacularis, Serpens volens, the Dart so called, because he will leap or shoot himself at least 10 yards; he is about 3 or 4 foot long: Its Poison is present Death; scarce Curable. Ibid.

20 The Salamander is a four footed Creature, a kind of a Lizard, black and full of yellow specks, with a great Head: It is a bold Creature, delights in moist places, and clear Springs. They are reported to live in Fire, but that is a Story; for they no otherwise live there, but by quenching it. by a cold moist humour which issues from them; when that is exhausted, if the Fire continues, they are subject to destruction: They have as many Venoms as colours. If they once Bite they never let go. The Cure is by Decoction of Frogs, drink Milk, &c. Ibid.

21 Seps, Sepidon, Selsi••, has a broad Head, slender Tail, of many colours, about a yard long: He causes the part to Rot which he bites. For the Cure, wash with Vinegar and Oxi∣mel. Ibid.

22. The Serpent, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, is a kind of Snake, a crafty Creature, lying all the Winter under the Earth, or Roots of Birch or Hasel; casting its Skin every Spring and Autumn: They are best in the Spring when they have cast their Skins, and recruited their Flesh with Food. The Head, Gall, and Tail, and to be cast away: The Heart, Liver, Flesh and Bones, are a precious Treasure in Physick; concerning which, see more in Salmon's Dispensatory, l. 2. c. 5. p. 252.

23. The Snake, Anguis, Chersydrus, (the Water Snake) their Poison is not inferiour to that of other Serpents; when they Bite, there ensueth great Pain, Inflammation, blackness in the Wound, the Vertigo and Death within four days. The Water Snake has a fiery Poison, which disperses it self over the whole Body, which when it comes to the Heart, the Creature immediately falls down dead. Therefore it is best, if a part be bitten, presently to cut it off, otherwise to apply Organy, beaten with Oil of Tartar and Oil Olive or Oak-Ashes, mixt with Barly-Meal, Pitch, Water and Honey, boiled to Poultis. 1. The Liver of a Snake breaks the Stone in the Blad∣der. 2. The Flesh eaten, cures the Leprosie and Pox; applied, it helps Wounds, 3. The Skin boiled in Wine, and that Wine Dropt into the Ears, easeth the Pains of them. Ibid. p. 247.

24. The Viper, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, is a Creature that brings forth alive, exceeding other Serpents in Venom, sleeping all the Winter under the Earth in Rocks. The young Females are the best, being taken in the Spring. Vipers have stronger Virtues than Serpents, and they have also the same preparation. In the Viper there is nothing Venemous but the Head and Gall. Concern∣ing its excellent Virtues in Physick, See Salmon's Dispensatory, p. 253.

Having given this Account of the Particular Species of Serpents out of Mr. Salmon, we will conclude with some general Remarks out of Jo. Jonston's History of the wonderful things of Nature.

In the Province of Caraia, under the King of Tartary, some Serpents are 10 yards long, and 10 hands broad; some want fore feet, but have Claws in the room of them; their Eyes are as great as two small Loaves; for which he cites Paul Venetus.

Americus Vespasius, saw some in the Indies which Men did Eat, as big as Kids, a yard and an half long, with long feet, strong claws, of divers colours, nosed like Serpents, having from the Ears to the Tail, a certain Bristle going quire through the Back. Ludovic. Rom.

Sais Calicut breeds the like, as great as Boars, with fore-feet, no Venom, yet biting dange∣rously.

Anno 1543. there appeared four footed Beasts in the Borders of Germany, near to Styria, like Lizards, with Wings, whose Biting was incurable.

Anno 1550. about St. Margarets-Day, in Hungary, near Zisca, about the River Theysse, they were found in the Bodies of many; They killed about three thousand men: Some came out of Men's mouths, but they went in again: It is almost incredible what is reported of those places; that multitudes of them were found in piles or handfuls of Wheat, and when the Countrymen thought to burn them, there came a great many more forth, and charged them with Man's Voice, to forbear, saying, That they were not bred naturally, but sent by God to punish Men for their Sins. Johnston's Nat. Hist. Class. 7. c. 33.

This puts me in mind of a Story related by Matt. Paris, which is this: Anno 1234. Walter Grey, Archbishop of York, having 5 years Corn under hand, would not thresh it out for the Re∣lief of the Poor in three year Famine, hoping still that the price would encrease, being told by his Officers it was greatly to be fear'd, least the Corn were consumed by Mice, he willed them to deliver it to Husbandmen who dwelt in his Mannor, upon Condition they should pay him as much new for it after Harvest. They attempting to take down a great Mow of Corn, which he had at Rippon, saw the heads of many Snakes, Toads, and other Venemous Crea∣tures, peering out at the end of the Sheaves. The Bishop hereupon forces certain poor Men to go up with Ladders; they were scarcely up, when they saw a great Smoak rising out of the Corn, and felt withall a loathsome Stink, which compelled them with all haste possible to hasten down again: Moreover, they heard an unknown Voice, saying unto them, Let the Corn alone for the Archbishop, and all that he has belongs to the Devil. In fine, (saith the Story) they were fain to build a Wall about the Corn, and then set it on Fire, fearing least such a huge number of Ve∣nemous Creatures should impoison or annoy the whole Country. Charles Fitz-Jeffery's Curse of Corn-holders, p. 24.

Schiltbertus a Hollander, tells a Story of a Combat between Sea and Land Serpents, thus: In the Kingdom of Genyck, there is a City called Sampson, where Water-Snakes and Land Ser∣pents innumerable did surround it for a Mile about: These came forth of the Woods which are many in the Countries adjoyning, and these forth of the Sea. Whilst these met, for 9 days no man for fear durst stir forth; yet they hurt neither Man nor any other living Creature. On the 10th day, these two kinds of Serpents began to fight early in the morning, and continued till Sun-set, and then the Water-Serpents yielded to the Land-Serpents; the next day 8000 of them were found dead. It is most certain, that there are Serpents in the Sea; Aristotle says, they will overthrow Gallies, and kill Men. Olaus Magnus writes, That about Norway, when the Sea is Calm, Serpents will shew themselves that are an hundred or two hundred foot long, and sometimes will catch Men from their Ships. Johnst. Nat. Hist. c. 9. c. 18.

Jacob Hollerius writes, that by the frequent smelling of the Herb Basil, an Italian had a Scor∣pion that bred in his Brain. Hol. de Morb. intern. l. 1. c. 1.

Camerarius, tells a Young Nobleman in Germany, who, being in a Mortal Disease, was de∣sired to leave his Effigies Painted or Engraven to Posterity, because of his Beauty, refused; but gave them leave after a few days, to open his Tomb, and as they found his Body then, to have it pourtray'd' but when they opened it, they found his Carkass half consumed with Worms, and many Serpents about his Diaphragma, and back-bone. His Monument it yet to be seen in Genti∣litio Sacelio, saith Camerarius, who himself was an Eye-witness. It a Natura quasi-digito antorem Calamitatum nostrarum & Corruptionum monstrat, scilicet Serpentem.

CHAP. XLI. Strange Insects.

IF, saith Lessius, Pythagoras finding out a Demonstration in Mathematicks, did so immoderately rejoyce, that for the time he did not perfectly enjoy himself; then how much Joy would so clear Know∣ledge of so many and great Mysteries bring, which are in themselves discoverable, in making of the least Fly! such as may entertain a most sweet and serious Speculation of them for the space of many Years. And I remember, Gazeus, in his Pia Hilaria, spends a whole Poem in admiring and describing the Singing of a Grashopper near one of their Saints Cells, concluding the whole with this short Epipho∣nema, O quam magnus est in parvis Deus! (viz.) Oh! how great is God in little Things!

1. Apis, the Bee, is of a protuberant Oval Figure, black, and drilled full of innumerable Holes like a Grater or Thimble, only the Holes are of a square Figure like an Honey-comb, and stuff'd full of small Hairs: If you divide the Bee near the Neck, the Heart, which is a white pulsing Vesicle, may be seen without a Glass to beat most lively. The Sting in all Bees are hollow and tubulous, (like a Shoemaker's Punch,) so that when they prick the Flesh, they do also, through that Channel, transfuse the Poison into it: For if you take a Bee, Wasp, or Hum∣ble-Bee especially, and gently squeeze her Tail, so that you may see the Sting, you shall perceive a drop of Diaphanous Liquor at the very end of it, which if you wipe off, you shall distinctly see it renewed again, that Humour passing down the Cavity into the end thereof. The Sting of a Bee seems to be a Weapon of Offence, and is as great an Instance, that Nature did really in∣tend Revenge as any; and that, 1. Because there seems to be no other use of it; 2. By reason of its admirable Shape, which seems to be designed for that very end; 3. From the Virulency of the Liquor it ejects, and the sad Effects that follow it. Through the Microscope it appears to consist of two Parts, a Sheath, and a Sword or Dart: The Sheath without a Chape or Top, almost like the Holster of Pistol, hollow, of several Joints, armed near the Top with several Crooks, like Cats Claws: The Sting or Sword appears quite through at the smaller End, sharp pointed, armed likewise with Claws as the Sheath: These Crooks or Claws can be closed up, or laid flat to the sides of the Sword when drawn into the Scabard, and serves for drawing in, and holding the Sting in the Flesh. They seem to sting thus: 1. They enter the Crooks, and lay hold on the Skin on either side, which keeps the Sheath from sliding back, and then throughout the top of the Sting by an alternate and successive retracting, and emitting it out of the Sheath; and thereby also, perhaps, does force out the poisonous Liquor, and make it hang at the end of the Sheath in a Drop. The Crooks are supposed to the cause why these angry Creatures, be∣ing in haste, leave then Sting behind. Hook's Microg. p. 163, 164.

In windy Weather Bees often hold a little Stone in their hinder Feet for Ballast. Mouf. de Insect. c. 1.

The Honey-Bag is the Stomach, which they always fill to satisfie and to spare, vomiting up the greater part to be kept against Winter. They have a King, who is so much honoured, that he never goes forth but they all attend him; when he cannot fly, they carry him, saith Aristotle.

They are so Chaste, that they will sting those that smell of Copulation, and love to stall them∣selves in Virgins Sepulchres, saith Plutarch.

Augustinus Gallus saith, That at Verona they crept into the Sepulchre of two Sisters that were Virgins, they made abundance of Combs in the dead Bodies of them both. The Matter two Years after their Burial was made manifest by the fall of Thunder, without any hurt to the Carcases of the Bees and Combs. There were some found also in the Tomb of Hippo∣crates.

2. Araneus, the Spider, is a poisonous Insect, which hurts by Stinging, being of divers sorts, as the Asterius, Caeruleus, Lyeos, Myrmerion, Phalangium, and Tarantula. 1. They that are hurt by the Asterius, presently rage, are heavy and sleepy and have a Relaxation of the Nerves. 2. The Ceruleus causeth a Pain at the Heart, deep Sleep and Vomiting. 3. The Myrmerion causeth a Swelling in the Wound by Pain, and want of Breath. 4. The Phalangium affects the whole Body by Heat, Cold, Horror, Tumor, Inflamation, Trembling, and a Diabetes. 5. The Tarantulus causeth Singing, Trembling, Fear, Phrenzy and Madness. The Cure is done by bathing with Deco∣ction of Stinking Trefoil and Oil, fomenting the Parts with a Sponge dipt in Vinegar, &c. Against the Tarantula, some use Musick. Salmon's Dispen. p. 257.

Spiders have six or eight Eyes, eight Feet, are Insects of Prey, hairy, of thirty sorts in England; in projecting a Thread cross a Room in plano Horizontalis, raise themselves on their Legs, and turning themselves up on their hinder Parts, shoot out a Thread at a great distance.

3. Asellus, Millipedes, Multipedes, Tilus, Sows or Hog-Lice; they breed in most Places under Stones, &c. any being touched gather themselves up round. They are of thin Volatile Parts, digesting, cleansing, opening, and a great Resolver of all Tartarious Matter; of great Use in Physick for the Stone, all Obstructions especially of the Urine, Jaundice, &c. Ibid.

4. Auricularia, Forficula, Mordella, Vellicula, Fallo, the Earwig; in Powder with Hare's Urine cures Deafness Ibid.

5. Blatta, Tinea, the Moth, hurts Books, Bee-hives, and Woolen Clothes; and may be ga∣thered together by Moth Mullen. Ibid.

6. Bombyx, the Silkworm, differs not from the Caterpillar, save that the Caterpillar is a little hairy, and the Silkworm is stronger than the Web of the Caterpillar, and of another Colour; but as to the Figure and Bulk, there is little difference between them. Whereto may be added, that their Production is much at one, as being, as it were, hatched of certain Eggs living on Leaves, inclosing themselves in certain Webs, out of which they make their way; after which they become a kind of Butterflies by a strange Metamorphosis, which forces them from one Ex∣tremity to another, i. e. from the Nature of Reptiles, to that of Volatiles: Which Transfor∣mation is such, as might be placed among the Miracles of Nature, considering the great diffe∣rence there is between those two Forms. Which makes a Question, Whether the Silkworm becoming a Butterfly, did not change its Species? As certainly it would, were it not that every Thing produces its like; and the Silkworm deriving its Birth from the Seed of the Butterfly, it is an Argument that both are of the same species. The Seeds of these Worms are like Pins Heads, but black and flat; put between two warm Pillows, or in the Sun in April, Worms are produced, black, but small, which pass through certain little Holes made in a Paper wherewith they are covered, and fasten themselves on the Mulberry Leaves, which are also placed on the same Paper full of little Holes, upon which Leaves the best Seeds being hatch'd, within five or six Days go creeping after the first Worm that gets out of her Shell; these laid upon little Boards in a temperate Place, a spacious and lightsome Room, are entertained with fresh Leaves twice a Day; White Mulberry makes finer Silk than the black; in want of them, Rose-Bush Leaves and Lettice are used. In 40 Days it becomes grey, and changes Colour four times, not eating for some Days before its Change. The Worm is subject to certain Diseases; the Cure is, removal into another Room, Perfume, Vinegar, Wine, the smell of dried Bacon, &c. They are to be kept clean from Flies and Pismires on Boards rubb'd with Wormwood Leaves, or sprinkled with Wine. All Moisture, harsh Sounds, as of Bells, Muskets, &c. and strong Breaths, destroy them. When the Time of their Spinning draws nigh, which is about 6 Weeks after their being first alive, at which time they are about the bigness of a Man's Little Finger, more transparent than they use to be, and the Little Snout so lengthened, as that it represents the form of Nose; the Animal by extraordinary Motion expresses the Inconvenience it endures by reason of its Burthen: Then it is cleansed oftner, and there is much less given it to eat, and afterward dried Branches of Birch, Heath, Broom, or Vines, are set on the Boards. Then they fasten their first Threads, which are course, and afterwards finer, in one continued Thread, accompanied with the Gum which makes it stick one to another, shutting her self at last up in the Clue, there stayeth 15 Days, till the Skin is broken: Then the Silkworm breaks through its Web, and comes out in the form of a white-horned Butterfly: Then the Male coupling with the Female, which is bigger, the Latter sheds her Seed upon a clean Paper spread under her. The Seed is either kept in a Box for the next Year, or sold by the Ounce. The Webs, about 15 Days after they are compleated, are cast into warm Water, and there stirr'd with a Handful of Birch, till they have fastened on 7 or 8 Ends of Silk; which done, they wind it up into Skains, and that's the Raw Silk. Philos. Confer. of the Virtuosi of France, Vol. 2. p. 402, 403, &c.

Moufet affirms, that in the Transmutation of the Worm into a Fly, the Tail of the Fly is made of the Head of the Worm; but that's not likely. One of the Oval Cases drawn out in∣to all the Silken Wire it was made up of, appeared to be by Measure above 300 Yards, and yet weighed but two Grains and a half. Rob. Boyle of Effluv. p. 11.

7. Buprestis, Eulprestis, the Burn Cow; it is of the Nature of the Cantharides, causing Heat and Exulceration. They cause Lust, being drunk; and are good against Leprosie, Ringworm and Canker, Salmon's Dispens. p. 258.

8. Cantharides, the Spanish Fly, is produced from a Worm like Eruca; they are Hot and Dry in the fourth Degree, being Caustick: Whereby they Corrode, and draw Blisters; are Diure∣tick, and kill Worms. They are bred from a Worm in a spungy Substance, especially of the Sweet-brier, Fig-tree, but most fruitfully in the Ash. Their Venom is most tart. Johnston's Nat. Hist. a. 8. c. 5. p. 248, &c. Salmon's Dispens. p. 258.

Their Antidote is Milk or Oil, and Clysters with fat Broth.

8. Cicada, the Grashopper; is a Creature having no Mouth, only a Pipe in the Breast, by which it sucks in Dew, of which it lives, and of which it seems to be bred; for in those little Dobs of Frothy Dew, which appear upon Bushes and Leaves in the beginning of Summer, (which are commonly called Cuckow-Spit,) you shall find them always in Fieri, or Generation. The Ancients used to eat them.

10. Cicindela, Noctiluca, Nitedula, Noctuvigila, the Glow-worm, hath Wings, and shines in the Dark; their Light is under their Wings; and they likewise are said to be generated of Dew It hath a Belly with Roundles, divided with many Segments, in the end whereof are two Spots very light, like to Fire, shining most when her Belly is pressed. Adrianus Junius, when in Bononia, drew the Liquor of them upon Paper, that shined like Stars; what is writ therewith in the Day, may be read in the Night. The way to do it is, by cutting their Tails from their Bodies, and taking care that nothing mingle with the shining Parts; and then grinding it on a Porphyry-Stone, bury it for it for 15 Days in a Glass Vessel under Dung, the Parts of the Worm hanging in the Vessel, and not touching the Sides: Then take the Glass and put it in a hot Oven, or hot Water, receive the distilled Water underneath, and keep it in a fine Chrystal-Glass, hanging it in your Room or Chamber, and it will so enlighten the Air, that you may see by it. Johnston's Nat. Hist. cl. 8 c. 5. our of Bapt. Porta.

11. Cochinila, the Lady-Bird, is the delicate little Bird with red hard Wings, and black Spots, which Children play with, and is an excellent Cordial, a wonderful Alexipharmic and Anti∣febrifick, curing the most malignant Feavers, Small-Pox, &c. The Powder of its Body is a deep Purple, and omits its Tincture into Water, Wine, and Spirit of Wine, not inferior to Saf∣fron, &c. Dose, a Grain, v, ad xv, vel xx. Salm. Dispens. p. 259.

12. Cochlea, Limax, the Snail: They have Eyes in the Top of their Horns, and pull them in when any thing comes near them, and put their Horns into their Heads, and their Heads into their Bodies.

13. Cimex, the Chink, Wall-Louse, Wood-Louse, or Bugg; haunts Beds, is flat, red and stink∣ing, and sucks Man's Blood greedily; but is used in Physick.

14. Crabro, the Hornet, is said to breed out of the harder Parts of Horse-Flesh, as Wasps out of the softer: The very Decoction of them dropt on the Skin makes it swell. The Cure for the Sting is Venice-Treacle inwardly, and Cow-Dung with Fasting-Spittle outwardly. Salmon, Ibid.

15. Culex, the Gnat, ariseth of Putrefaction, is useless in Physick, and is driven away by the Fume of Wormwood, Fleabane, or Sulphur.

16. Eruca, Brucus, Tinea Agrestis, the Catterpillar or Canker-Worm: They are destroyed by the Fume of Brimstone.

17. Gryllus, Acheta, the Cricket: It is a Winged Insect like a Locust or Grashopper, lives in Chimneys and warm Places, and sings almost continually.

18. ••••mica, Murmos, the Pismire or Ant. It is a small, but wise Creature, gathering its Food in Summer in the Full Moons, and resting in the New Moons: They are like a Commonwealth, and gather Corn, which they dry, and bite at both Ends, that they may not grow; they wear away Stones by their Assiduity, and make beaten Road-ways; they help one another in drawing their Burthens, dam out Water, and bury their Dead. The Greater lead the way, and the Lesser drag the Corn; and when dirty, they cleanse themselves before they enter into their Habita∣tions. They teach their Young to labour, but expel the Idle; and when they carry their Grain, it is said to be a sign of foul Weather. They cast up the Earth over the Mouths of the Caves, (that the Water may not enter in,) wherein they have three Cells; in the first, they live; in the second; they breed and bury; and in the third, they keep their Corn. They generate in Winter, bring forth Eggs, which in Spring are Ants; when old, they grow Winged, and then suddenly after die. Salmon's Disp. l. 2. p. 260.

19. Hirudo, Sanguisuga, the Horse-Leach; The Great are best, with a Line on their Back. They are used to draw Blood with; but they ought fisrt to be cleansed of purged with clean Water, and then applied to the Part, it being first rubbed with Sal Nitre, Blood, Milk, Clay or Honey, then apply them: To remove them, cast upon their Mouth, Salt, Ashes, Aloes, Vine∣gar. &c. and they will fall off. In the River of Mauretania they are said to be seven Cubits long.

20. Julus, Centumpeda, the Gally-Worm. They are a short kind of Scolopendra's, exceeding in number of Feet all other Insects.

21. Locusta. It was formerly used as a Food in the Eastern Countries, and John Baptist fed upon them. It is an Insect which has a Head like a Horse, six Legs, and Wings, being of di∣vers Colours, Anno 852, they wasted France 20 Miles in one Day, going in Troops, the Leaders

with a few more went before to take up Quarters; the next Day at the same Hour they all ar∣rived. In the Sixth Year of the Emperour Argyropolus, they drove the Inhabitants of certain Provinces of the East to such Necessity, that they sold their Children, and passed into Thrace; next Year they returned again, and having spoiled the Provinces three Years, perished at Per∣gamos. In some Places the Magistrate appoints them to be killed thrice a Year, and he that re∣fuseth is punished. Johnston's Nat. Hist. p. 254.

22. Musca, the Fry.

23. Papilio, Compilo, Avicula Isiodori, the Butterfly: They generate in May, June, and July, and lay Eggs.

24. Pediculus, the Louse; breeds first in the Skin of the Head, and abounds in Hectick Fea∣vers, not so in Putrid Feavers: It leaves those that are dead. Eating of Figs is said to produce them; but 'tis certain, it breeds Warts on the Skin. Johnston.

25. Pulex, the Flea; they are generated by Dust, as also of putrified Sweat: The only Re∣medy to destroy them, is the Pulp or Decoction of Coloquintida. Salmon. Some say, Silk-Yarn put into the Bed will gather them together into it.

26. Ricinus, Redivivus, the Tike; is a filthy Creature, or kind of Louse, that troubles Oxen, Goats, Sheep, Dogs, &c.

27. Scarabeus, the Beetle; the smell of Roses is said to kill them.

28. Scincus, the Sea-Skink.

29. Scolopendra; they differ from a Galley-Worm, as a Lobster from a Crevise: They are Poisonous, and their Poison causes Putrifaction.

30. Scorpio; it is almost like a Craysish, having little Eyes, Oval form, eight Feet, and two Arms. Of great use in Physick, especially for the Stone and Gout.

31. Stella Mariana, or the Sea-Pad, is of great use in Physick.

32. Tabanus, Asilus, Musca Caballonia, the Ox-Fly.

33. Teredo, the Wood-Worm, breeds and feeds in many Trees, except the Oak, and some others. The Frygians are said to eat of them. thence called Xylophagi. Elian writes, that the King of the Indies used for a second Course a Worm breeding in Plants, which was broiled at the Fire. Johnst. Nat. Hist. p. 263.

34. Vespa, the Wasp, breeds most, when Wolves kill Horses or Oxen: Sometimes they are found in a Stags Head. One brought one of these formed Wasp-Houses wonderfully made to Pierius Valerianus at Belunum, from some Wood in a Desart; which he describes thus: There are seven Rounds one above another, at two Fingers distance, distinguished by little Pillars be∣tween, that every one might have space enough to go and come to his House; the Diameter of the Rounds unto the fifth, was about 12 Digits; the others narrowed by degrees. The first Round or Chamber was hanged to a Bough of an old Tree, guarded with a Crust against Wind and Weather; beneath were six angled Cells close together, so that the other Chambers were all overcast with the same Crust, &c. All these Creatures flew out of the upper Stations, those in the lowest Rooms seemed like to Embrio's, &c. part their Belly from their Breast, and they will live long, and will sometimes prick one that touches their Sting an Hour after. A Swarm of Wasps among the Romans was accounted an ill Omen. Johnst. Nat. Hist. p. 267.

35. We will conclude this Chapter with a general Discourse of Worms, especially such as are bred in living Creatures; for they are found in Cattle, and in Men, as well as Plants, or in the Earth. Anno 1549, there were many Men about the River Thaysa, in whose Bodies were found Creatures called Lutrae, and Lizards. Wierus saw a Country-man that voided a Worm 8 Foot long, with Mouth and Head like a Duck. Wier. de Praestig. Daemon. l. 3. c. 15.

A Maid at Lovain (saith Cornelius Gemma) voided many prodigious Creatures, amongst the rest, a living Creature a Foot and half long, thicker than a Man's Thumb, like an Eagle, but the Tail hairy.

Forestus out of Hostim (Obs. Med. p. 1. obs. 2.) shews, that at beneventum in Italy there was a great Mortality, which much troubled the Physicians, not knowing the Cause thereof, till they opened one of the dead Bodies, in whose Brain they found a red Worm yet alive; this they tried to kill by divers Medicaments, but nothing was effectual: At last they boiled some slices of Rhadish in Malaga Wine, and with this it was killed. He shews also, that one being cured of the french Malady, was still tormented with the Head-ach, till his Skull by Advice was open'd; under which, upon the Dura Mater, was found a black Worm, which being taken out and killed, he was cured.

Brassavola records, (in 16 Aphorism. l. 3. Hippocr.) that an old Man of 82 Years, by a Potion made of Scordium and Sea-Moss, voided 500 Worms.

Alexander Benedict speaks of a young Maid, who lay speechless 8 Days with her Eyes open, and upon the voiding of 42 Worms, recovered her Health. Alexand. Bened. lib. de Verit. Re••um.

Cardan records, that Erasmus saw an Italian, who spoke perfect Dutch, which he never learned, so that he was thought to be possessed; but being rid of his Worms, recovered, not knowing that he ever spake Dutch.

Ambrose Parry (l. 19. c. 3) shews, that a Woman voided out of an Impostume in her Belly a multitude of Worms, about the bigness of ones Finger, with sharp Heads, which had pierced her Intestines.

A Woman in Delph in three several Days voided three great Worms out of her Navel, and not ••••ng after was delivered of two Boys, 7 Days one after another. But of this, Mention is made already.

Thed. D••nus speaks of a Switzer Woman, who voided a piece of a Worm 5 Ells long, with∣out Head and Tail, having Scales like a Snake; after this she voided another, bred in her

Bowels, above 20 Ells long. This poor Woman was tortured so long as she was fasting; but when she eat, she had some ease. Rosse arcan. Microcosm. p. 103.

I could set down, saith the same Author, many other Stories of Worms voided out of Mens Bodies, some like Lizards, some like Frogs, some Hairy, and full of Feet, some voided by the Eyes, Ears, Vomiting, Stool, some by Urine; but this may suffice to let us know, of what Ma∣terials this Body of ours, which we so much pamper, is composed; and how little Cause we have to be sollicitous for the Back and Belly; and withal, let us stand in awe of God, who, when he pleaseth, can for our Sins plague us with vermin in our Bodies whilst we are yet alive. Ibid.

CHAP. XLII. Strange Vegetables, Trees, Plants, &c.

ADam, when he was innocent, was placed in a Garden, and after he had sinned, was turned out into the wide and wild World; most of his wiser Posterity, after they have sinned away a great part of their Life, and rambled about through the Bustle and Cares of the World, desire to make a Garden the place of their Retreat, as suitable for Retirement, Meditation and Devotion. For such Purposes this Chapter will be serviceable, wherein I take not upon me to mention every Vegetable, and, as Solomon, to give the Natural History of all Plants, from the Tall Cedars of Lebanus, to the Hysop upon the Wall; nor read particular Lectures upon any of them, as our Saviour, when he sends us to consider the Lillies of the Field, to learn the Duty of Contentment; but I expose to publick View, a Collection of some of the choicest vegetables in the Garden of God, enough to furnish a Man of Me∣thusalem's Age with Subject enough to Philosophize and Meditate devoutly upon; for me may tread and read all the way to our Graves.

1. The Boramet, which grows in Scythia, is said to have the perfect resemblance of a Lamb, with the Head, Eyes, Ears, Teeth, and the rest of the Parts of the Body proportionable: This Plant is reported to crop and feed upon all the Grass that grows round about it; and when there is no more left, it dies with Famine. You may have the Story of it, saith my Author, in Sigis∣mundus, Cardan, Scaliger, Vigenerius, Rovillius, Duret, and one of the most Excellent of the French Poets:

Tels que les Boramets, &c.

Englished by Silvester thus:

Such as those Boramets in Scythia bred, Of slender Seeds, and with green Fodder fed: Althô their Bodies, Noses, Mouths and Eyes, Of new-yean'd Lambs have full the Form and Guise. Gaff. Cur. p. 2. c. 5.

2. There is now at this instant shewed in my House a couple of Mandrakes, found in a Field called the Shoulder of Mutton Field, between Croydon and London, in Mr. Anderson's Grounds in August 1695, of a Form very much resembling the Humane Shape, with distinction of Sexes, the Female with Hair much longer than the Man, the Man with Beard, Mustachoes, and all other Parts answerable. It is now living, and shoots forth Leaves: At first it was found in a Wheat-Field, out of which Wheat was carried but three Days before, and then no appearance of any such Plant; yet at the first discovery the Leaves were near upon as broad as a Woman's Apron; of a pale Green, and narrow pointed, with Apples like Oranges. Yet this is almost al∣together Imposture; for as Johnston tells us, there are Counterfeits made of Reeds and Briony Roots. Matth. l. 4. Discor. c. 7. sheweth the Way and Imposture used to make one. They carve in these the Images of both Men and Women, sticking the Grains of Barly and Millet in the places where they will have Hair come forth; then making a Hole in the ground, they cover it with thin Sand, so long till these Grains shoot forth, which will be in 20 Days at least: then they take them up again, and cut the Roots where the Grains grow to them with a very sharp Knife, and they fit them so, that they represent the Hairs of the Head, the Beard, and other Parts that are Hairy. John. Nat. Hist. a. 5. c. 29. p. 148.

3. The Palm-Tree accounted the most excellent, both for Use and Ornament, takes no Repose, but every Month in the Year presents new Fruit: A beautiful Cluster of thirty, forty, sometimes more Cocoes or Nuts monthly appearing; and thô not above seven, twelve at the most, come to be ripe, and attain the last Perfection; yet it is questionless, that the Palm-Tree by her Fruitful∣ness was by God peculiarly created for the Advantage of Mankind. Some think rev. 22.2. is an Allusion to it; this being a Tree of Life on Earth, as that is in Heaven. It grows mostly in Asia, particularly India, and best nearest the Sea side. Of this Tree, there are many kinds.

• I. The Coco-Tree, which bears Coco Nuts, whereof some are wild, some excellent, called Barcaes, very sweet, refreshing and wholsome.
• II. The Casuri, which bears Dates, thô in India it yields none, but a certain Liquor which they distil and make a Wine of.
• III. The Trefulim, which bears a Fruit called Arequ••ira, of whose Leaves are made Ʋm∣brellaes, large enough to shelter two Men from Sun or Rain, without which they cannot travel.

• IV. A fourth Species (which is Nameless) produces the Fruit called De Raposa, (i. e.) Foxes Fruit, a kind of Wild Date, of no good Taste, and never coming to Maturity.
• V. The Berline, which bears no Fruit, only used for adorning Churches, and of a fit size for that use.
• VI. The Macomeira, whose Fruit is in Clusters of Thirty or more, every one as big as an ordinary Apple; when ripe, of a Date-colour, and very grateful; the Rhind, as hard Tow, oftner suck'd, than eaten; if swallowed, of very hard Digestion: The Stone green and hard, yet Sovereign against many Diseases.

These are the Real Estates in India, as Vineyards and Oliveyards in Europe: They are planted by sowing the Cocoes or Nuts in a Bed, afterwards transplanted and ranked at a fit distance, afford a beautiful Prospect to the Eye: They bear Fruit at five Years, sometimes not till seven; in some part of Ceilon at two Years. Some of the Nuts falling off, Nature supplies the lost ones, by immediately putting forth another Cluster; and this it does from Month to Month, so that some are Ripe, when others are in the Blossom. The Coco Fruit is very extraordinary, making a good Drink called Lanha while the Nut is green; arrived to a greater Consistence, they eat it with Spoons, and call it Cosanha; come to the last Perfection, it is eaten, and is sa∣voury and well tasted, but some part of it hot and unwholsome. The thin Rind that covers the Kernel is Medicinal; a kind of Meat called Cuscus is made of the Nut grated: The Gra∣tings steeped in Water, and squeezed, make a delicious Broth. Much more might be said of the Fruit of this Tree, for they make an Oil of the dried Kernel, &c.

The utmost Rind called Cairo, well macerated and drawn into Threads, afford all sorts of fine Thread, and Ropes big enough for the greatest Ships, which will not rot in Salt-water. The second Rind, when green, is eaten like Chardons; when ripe, 'tis called Charetta, and made up for divers Uses; charked, it admirably tempers Iron. In short, the Palm-Tree alone is suffi∣cient to build, rig, and freight a Ship with Bread, Wine, Water, Oil, Vinegar, Sugar, &c. I have sailed in Vessels, (says my Author,) where the Bottom, and the whole Cargo, hath been from the Munificence of the Palm-Tree. Relation of the River Nile, &c. Translated into English by Sir Peter Wyche, p. 70, 71, &c.

4. The Cabbage-Tree growing in the Caribbe-Islands, is, as Dr. Stubbs assures us, a sort of Palm-Tree: All that Part that is eaten as the Cabbage, is what sprouted out the Year, and so is tender. If eaten raw, it is as good as new Almonds; and if boiled, it excels the best Cab∣bage. When that Top is cut off, the Tree dies. The Doctor saith, There was one of those Trees at Barbadoes above 300 Foot high. This Tree will never rot, and when 'tis dried, grows so hard, that you cannot drive a Nail into it. Sir Thomas Pope Blount's Nat. Hist. p. 357.

5. The Stinking-Tree, growing in the East-Indies, naturally smells like the strongest Humane Excrements, especially as upon the emptying of a House of Office. Sir Philberto Vernatti sent an Arm of this Tree of the Royal Society at Gresham-College; where, thô it hath now been preser∣ved many Years, yet seems to give as full and quick a Scent as ever: Yet in burning, it yields no Smell. 'tis ponderous, hard, and of the Colour of English Oak; and, as that, hath large Air-Vessels, yet but few. Ibid. p. 356.

6. The Cocao-Tree; the Bodies of the largest are in Bigness, thô not in Tallness, equal to our English Plum-Trees: They are in every part smooth, and much resemble our Heart-Cherry-Tree; there is little difference in their Leaves, these being pointed, but smoother on the Edges, and of a darker Green, more like the Leaves of an Orange-Tree. It bears Fruit every Year twice; delights in the Shade: The Fruit called the Cacao-Nut shaped like a Cucumber, about four or five Inches long, and two broad; chiefly used in making Chocolate. Those Trees grow in America: A Bearing-Tree yielding from two to eight Pound of Nuts a Year, and each Cod twenty or thirty Nuts. The Cods grow only out of the Body, or great Limbs; and at the same time there are Blossoms, Young, and Ripe Fruit. These Kernels being well pounded in a Mortar with Sugar and Spices, are commonly made up in Cakes or Rolls, and so brought Spain, and other Parts. Dr. Stubbs is of Opinion, that 'tis the best Diet for Hypochondriacal and Chronical Distempers, Scurvey, Gout, Stone, Women lying in, and Children new born, &c. Sir Tho. Pope Blout's Nat. Hist. p. 91, &c.

7. Thee, or Tea, is a Shrub growing in most Parts of China and Japan; it is about the bigness of our Garden Rose, and Currant-Trees: The Roots are Fibrous, and spread, near the Surface of the Earth; the Flowers are like those of Rosa Sylvestris; the Seeds are round and black, which being sow'd, come to perfection in three Years time, but that Crop is little valued: the great and only Virtue of this Plant consisting in the Leaves; of which, there are five sorts; the largest at Bottom being sold at a Penny-halfpenny the Pound; the smallest at the Top, for Fifty or a Hundred, Crowns the Pound. 'Tis supposed, of Virtue to rectifie the Ferment of the Blood, and to strengthen and confirm the Tone of the Parts, in assisting Nature in her Operations. Warm Water is lookt upon as the best Vehicle for it. Ibid. p. 100.

8. Coffee, or Cauphe, grows in Arabia Faelix, like our Cherry-Trees, but scarce so big: It bears a Berry about the bigness of a small Bean, used much in Turkey, in the City of Cairo, Barbary, &c. Monsieur Thevenot says, If it be drank very hot it clears the Head of Vapours, moderately hot it binds, and cold it is laxative. The Lord Bacon says, it comforts the Brain and Heart, and helps Digestions. Dr. Willis confirms the same, but saith, it disposes to the Palsie. The Persians think it allays the Natural Heat, and hinders Procreation. Ibid. &c. p. 110.

9. Lignum Aloes, is most in Malacca, in the Islands Sumatra, Camboia, Siam, and the Adjoyning Countries; the Trees are like Oliver Trees, but larger; the drier the Wood is, the better it smells; the innermost part of the Wood is the best; the finest is called Columba, and the other,

Palo d'Aquilla. The Wood that is very heavy, with black and brown Veins, and yieldeth much Oyl, (which is found by the Fire,) is the best, and the greater and thicker, the better it is. Of this Wood they make many costly things, and it hath so curious a smell, that it is greatly esteemed; the Calamba if good, is sold by weight against Silver and Gold; the Palo D'aquilla is next ac∣counted of. There is another kind called Aquilla Brava, the Indians use to burn therewith, the bodies of their Bramen's, and Men of account; this Wood beaten to Powder, and taken in Broth or Wine, fortifies the Stomach, stays Vomiting, and Cures the Plurisie, and Bloody-Flux, &c. Ibid. p. 70.

10. The Lentisk-Tree, bears the Mastick, which is a Gummy Rosin, of a whitish yellow, well scented, and in Grains, the best comes from Chio: three Leagues from that Island, upon a Moun∣tain to the South, there grows a peculiar sort of Trees; the Leaves are like Myrtle, their Branches so long, that they creep on the Ground, but, which is wonderful, that when they are down, they rise again of themselves. From the beginning of May, to the end of June, the In∣habitants take great care to keep the Earth under the Tree, very clean; for during those two Months, there Issues out a certain Gum from the Joints of the Branches, which drops upon the Ground; this is that we call Mastick, and the Turks, Sakes, according to the Islands Name. Here grows great store of this Mastick, which in the Seraglio of Constantinople, the Women continu∣ally chew it, to cleanse and keep their Teeth white. At Chio they prick those Trees in August and September, and the Mastick, which is their Gum, sweating out of the Holes they have made in the Bark, runs down the Tree, and falls upon the Ground, where it congeals into flat pieces, which sometime after they gather, then dry them in the Sun, then sift them to separate the Dust from them. Ibid. p. 65. &c.

11. The Cinnamon-Tree grows in the Island Ceylan. It is much like the Willow, and has three Barks; they never take off but the first and second, which is accounted the best, but should the Knife enter the third, the Tree would die, which Art they learn from their Youth. The King of Ceylan being an Enemy to the Hollanders, sends his Forces with Intention to surprize them, when they gather their Cinnamon, so that they are forced to bring 7 or 800 Men together, to de∣fend as many more that are at work. There grows upon this Tree, a Fruit like an Olive, of which the Portugals made a Past, like white Wax, of which they made Tapers, which as soon as lighted, did Perfume their Churches. Monsieur Thevenot says, the Tree is like an Oliver-Tree; that it bears a white Flower, of an excellent scent, and the Fruit of it is round; they take of the Bark in Summer-time, and when they cut it, the smell is so strong, that the Soldiers fall al∣most Sick upon't; the best dried is Reddish. Sir Tho. Pope Blunt. p. 37. &c.

12. The Nutmeg-Tree grows in the Molucca Islands, Zeilan and the Isle of Bunda in the East-Indies; the Tree is somewhat like a Peach; the Fruit consisteth of 4 parts, the first is a thick covering like a Walnut. The second Coat is Mace. The third a harder Shell under the Mace. The Fourth a Kernel, included in the Shell, which is the Nutmeg. Tavernier says, that the Nut∣meg being ripe, several Birds come from Isles towards the South, and devour it whole, but are forc'd to throw it up again, before it be digested; that the Nutmegs then besmear'd with a Vis∣cous Matter, falling to the Ground, takes Root; and produces a Tree, which would never thrive, were it Planted. These Birds of Paradise come in flights to gorge themselves with this pleasing Spice, but are so intoxicated therewith, that they fall dead drunk on the Ground, where the Em∣mets in a short time eat off their Legs; Thevenot says, these Birds are shap'd like Cuckoes. Ibid. p. 44. And Tavernier of the Commod. of the Domin. of the G. Mogul. Thevenot's Trav. into the In∣dies. p. 109.

13. The Pepper-Plant, is of three sorts; that which bears the black Pepper grows up like a Vine Naturally; is sometimes sown at the bottom of some Three to support it; the Leaves few, some∣what like an Ivy. That which bears white Pepper, is much like the other, but only in the Co∣lour of the Fruit. That which bears Long-Pepper, differs from the two former, and grows in another Countrey. Gerrard's Herbal.

Tavernier speaks of two sorts of Pepper, small and great; the larger from Malavare, the other from Bantam, &c. Baldeus says, it grows best in shady places, having on each Branch common∣ly 6 Clusters, each a foot long, in colour like unripe Grapes; gather'd green in October and No∣vember, and then dried in the Sun.

The Red Pepper, is said by Ligon, to be of two sorts, one like a Child's Coral, 2 Inches long, and shining, the other of the same colour, but shaped like a large Cloak-button, both so violently strong, that at garbling of them, they never cease Coughing. Spaniards use it in all the Meat that they would have pickant; for a greater Haut-goust, is not in the World, It grows on a little Shrub like a Goosberry-bush. Ligon's Hist. of Barbadoes. p. 79.

Guiny Pepper is said by Piso to grow in Brasile, there called Quiya, of 9 or 10 sorts; a great Sto∣machick, and good Sawce. Grew's Mus. Regal. Societ. p. 231.

Jamaica or sweet scented Pepper, grows much like the East-India Pepper. Sir Tho. Pope Blunt's Nat. Hist. p. 53.

14. The Clove-Tree grows in the Molucca's, much like our Bay-Tree; the Clove grows 10 and and 20 together, among the Leaves; the blossoms first White, then Green, and at last Red and Ripe; the Leaf, Bark, and Wood, as strong as the Clove; when the blossoms are Green, they are the pleasantest smell in the World. The Cloves are gathering from September to March, by beating the Tree, as we do Walnuts; the Fruit falling grows, and after 7 years, bears fruit for 100 years together; but barrens all the Ground about it, suffering neither Grass nor Weed to grow near it. At cleansing of the Cloves, they will drink up in two Days a whole Vessel of Wa∣ter plac'd near them. Purch. Pilgr. Vol. 2. p. 1783.

15. Ginger is the Root of a Plant much like a Reed, growing in many parts of India, taken up in December and January; the outward skin scraped off, to kill the Spirit, and then covered

with Pot-Earth to stop the Holes, and keep it fresh; it is much eaten in India, green for Sallads, as also sod in Vinegar; the blossom of a Scarlet colour. Sir Tho. Pope Blunt's Nat. Hist. p. 57.

16. Indigo, grows in the Great Mogull's Countrey, sown every Year like our Hemp, Cut three several times, the first best, which makes a Violet blue; the Herb bring cut and thrown into Limepits half full of Water, and there Jumbled together, till it become like a thick Mud, and there left to settle for some days; the Water is all drained out, several Baskets fill'd with the Slime, several Men in a plain Field, fall to work, making p little pieces of Indigo, flat at the bottom, sharp like an Egg, at the top, The Flower the Plant bears, is like that of Thistles; whilst they sift the Powder, they are fain to keep a Linnen Cloth before their Faces, and stop their Nostrils, leaving only two little holes for their Eyes, and drink Milk every half hour; and yet after long employment about this work, their Spittle is apt to be blewish. Tavernier saith, that one Morning he laid an Egg among the Sifters, and breaking it in the Evening, it was all blue within. Ibid. p. 80.

17. The Sugar-Cane is a kind of Reed, both pleasant and profitable, having long Stalks, about 6 or 7 foot high, jointed or knotted much like the Great Cane; the Leaves come out of every Joint on each side of the Stalk, long, narrow, and sharp-pointed, much like unto some Flags, but not so broad, but of a more blewish green colour, much like a Willow-green. These Canes are not hollow, but the Stalk is stuft with a Porous substance, moist and sweet in taste. From the Root spring young Suckers, which are cut away, and serve to Plant elsewhere for Increase. The Sugar-Canes grow in both the Indies, the Canary-Islands, Portugal, Spain, Sicily; Creet, and Cyprus. The Maderaes Sugar is the best, the Canaries next, Malta next; then Barbadoes, Virginia, St. Tho∣mas, &c. Dr. Willis lays the cause of the Increase of the Scurvy, on the too much use of Sugar; and in Portugal 'tis observed of those who work much in the Sugar-houses, that they are very subject to the Scurvey, and their chief Distemper is a Consumption. Ibid. p. 136.

18. The Soap-Tree grows in Jamaica, the Berries whereof, (as big as Musquet Bullets,) wash better then any Castle-Soap, but they rot the Linnen in time; the Negroes use them. Dr. Stubbs. Ibid. p. 357.

19. The Poison-Tree grows in Barbadoes, its Leaves are as large and beautiful as the Laurel, and so like, as not to be known asunder. If any of its Sap fly into the Eyes of the Workmen, they become blind; they wear Cypres over their Eyes: Yet of this Timber they make the Pots they cure their Sugar in; for being sawed, and the Boards dried in the Sun, the Poison vapours out. Ibid. p. 358.

20. The Poisonous-Cane grows there also, so like the Sugar-Cane, as hardly to be discerned the one from the other. Whosoever chews this Plant, and sucks in any of the Juice, will have his Tongue, Mouth and Throat so swelled, as to take away his Speech for two Days, and no Re∣medy but Patience. Ibid. p. 357.

21. Arbor Tristis grows in Malacca, bears Flowers after Sun-set, and sheds them so soon as the Sun rises, and this every Night in the Year. R. Morden's Geogr. p. 413.

22. The Sensitive Plant, called by some the Bashful Plant, contracts it self if any one puts his Hand to it; and upon pulling back of the Hand, it recovers it self again. Much of this Nature is that Tree in the Island Simbubon, whose Leaves being like the Mulberry, and having somewhat like two little Feet on both sides, when they fall upon the Ground, do move and creep. One of them kept eight Days in a Dish, lived and moved so oft as one touched it. Jul Scalig. Exerc. 112.

23. The Trawberry-Tree Flowers in July; the Buds hang so together, that they are joined in Clusters at the utmost end, each of them like a long Myrtle-Berry, and as great, without Leaves; hollow as an Egg, with the Mouth open. Thuphrast. de Plant. l. 3. c. 16.

24. The Todda-Tree growing in the Province of Sutan in India, is supposed to be that Tree which yields that excellent Rarity called Linum Asbestinum, or Incombustible Cloth. Mr. Nich. Waite, Merchant of London, having procured a piece of it, gives this Account thereof in a Letter to Dr. Plot.

He says, He received it from one Conco, a Natural Chinese, resident in the City of Batavia, in the North-East Parts of India; who, by means of Keayarear Sukradana, (likewise a Chinese, and formerly chief Customer to the old Sultan of Bantam) did, after several Years Diligence, pro∣cure from a great Mandarin in Lanquin (a Province of China) near a quarter of a Yard of the said Cloth; and declared, that he was credibly informed, that the Princes of Tartary, and others adjoyning to them, did use it in burning their Dead; and that it was said and believed by them, to be made of the Under Part of the Root of this Tree growing in the Province of Sutan; and that of the Upper Part of the said Root, near the Surface of the Ground, was made a finer sort, which is three or four times burning, the said Mr. Waite saith, he hath seen diminished almost half. They report also, That out of the said Tree distils a Liquor, which not consuming, is used with a Week made of the same Material with the Cloth, to burn in their Temples to Posterity, Mr. Waite shewed an Handkerchief of this Cloth to the Royal Society, nine Inches long between the Fringe or Tassels. There are two Proofs of its resisting Fire at London; one privately on Aug. 20. 1684. with Oil, and then it lost 2 Drams 5 Grains: The second, publick before the Royal Society on Nov. 12. in a clear Charcoal Fire, and then it lost 1 Dram 6 Grains. Philosoph. Transact. Numb. 172. This Linnen is mentioned by Pliny, Caelius Rhodiginus, and Paulus Venetus, who says, the Emperour sent a piece of it to Pope Alexander out of Tartary, &c. Mr. Ray was shewed a Purse of it by the Prince Palatine at Heidelberg. Signior Bocconi sent a long Rope of it to the French King, which is kept by Monsieur Marchand in the King's Gardens at Paris. And now we have seen a piece of it pass the Fiery Trial both at London and Oxford. Dr. R. Plot's Philos. Transact. Numb. 172.

25. The Balsom-Tree, growing formerly in Judea, now mostly in Grand Cairo, and other Parts of Egypt, bearing Leaves like Rue, always green; yielding a Gum pon Incision, or boiling of the Chips with Water, which they collect in little Horns, &c. See more in the Chapter of Gums.

26. Betel-Trees so called from a River of the Name near Cambaia, are Plants that are wrapt with others, and want propping, having neither Flower nor Juice, The Indians sprinkle it with Water made of Lime from Shells of Fishes, and then eat in when they are at leisure, (I mean, the Leaves,) which make their Lips red, and Teeth black; too much disturbs the Mind. Ma∣thil. l. 4. Scalig. Exere. 1.46. Sect. 2.

27. Cedar-Trees, growing formerly in libanus abundantly, are wonderful for Height and Thickness; the Body so great, that three Men cannot fathom it: They are said to kill Moths and Worms, and to preserve Dead Bodies from Corruption. Johnst. Nat. Hist. p. 135.

28. The Indian Fig-Tree, or Arbor de Ran, so called, because it spreads forth vast Boughs, which bending to the Earth again, in a Year's space take Root, and grow up with new Branches ro•••••••• about their Parents like to Arbors; so that seven Shepherds may Summer under it, being 〈…〉〈…〉 and fenced about the the Tree, and from far it seems an Arched Circumference. 〈…〉〈…〉 ••••••per Boughs put forth very high, and in abundance, that many of them make a Round of 60 Paces, and they will cast a Shade 2 Furlongs. Johnst. Ibid.

29. The Brasil-Trees, so called from the Country where they grow, used in dying Cloth, are of that incredible greatness, that whole Families live on an Arm of one of them. Dr. Heyl. Cosm. p. 1079.

30. The Dragon-Tree, so called, because its Fruit much resembles a Dragon, yielding a Juice called Dragons Blood. Ross's Arcan. Micro. p. 143.

31. The Olive-Tree flowers in July, the Fruit is ripe in November; first dried, and then pressed with a Milstone, pouring scalding Water on to get out the Oil.

32. Turpentine-Trees are Male and Female, the latter only bearing Fruit, first Green, then Red, afterwards Black.

33. The Frankincense-Tree in Arabia, engrossed by a certain number of Families, who keep it by Succession.

Guaiacum, China, the Pomegranate, Mulberry, the Lote-Tree, and some others, we pass over, as not so strange and unknown to the present Age. Tulip-Trees are to be seen in Eng∣land.

34. The Cotton Plant is a Shrub like a Rose-Bush, planted of a Seed: It blows first into a yellow Blossom, which falling off, there remains a Cod about the bigness of a Man's Thumb, in which the substance is moist and yellow, but as it ripens it swells bigger, till it breaks the Cod, and in short time becomes as white as Snow, and then they gather it. Purch. Pilgr. vol. 2. p. 1470.

35. Gum-lac, comes from Trees like Plum-Trees, out of which Trees comes a certain Gum, which Pismires suck up, and then they make the Lac round about the Branches of the Tree, as Bees make Wax; and when it is full, the Owners come, and breaking off the Branches, lay them to dry, and being dry, the Branches shrink out, and the Lac remains: It comes from Pegu. Id. p. 1783.

36. The Herb Addad is bitter, and the Root of it so Venemous, that one drop of the juice will kill a Man within the space of one hour. Ibid, p. 850.

37. Sponges grow on the sides of Rocks, 15 Fathom under water, about the bottom of the Streights of Gibraltar. Ibid.

38. The Resurrection-Tree grows in Manica, which for the greatest part of the year is without a Leaf or Greeness, but if one cut off a Bough; and put it into the Water, in the space of 10 hours it springs and flourisheth with Green Leaves, but draw it out of the Water, and as soon as it is dry it remains as it was before. Ibid. p. 1537.

39. A Tree as big as an Oak of a middle size, the Bark white like Horn-beam, 6 or 7 yards high, with ragged Boughs, Leaf like the Bay-Leaf. It beans neither Fruit nor Flower; it stands on the side of an Hill; in the day time it is withered, and drops all night, (a Cloud hanging thereon) so that it yields Water sufficient for one of the Gatary Islands, wherein are 8000 Souls, and above 100000 Cammels, Mules, and Goats, &c. The Water falls into a Pond made of Brick, payed with Stone; from whece it is conveyed into several Ponds, through the whole Island; for they have no other Water there except Rain Water. The Pond hold 20000 Tun of Water, and is filled in one night. Many of our English that have been there attest the Truth thereof. Idem. p. 1369.

40. About Saffron-Walden in Essex, grows great store of Saffron, first brought into England in the Reign of Edward III. This in the month of July every third year; being plucked up, and after 20 days, having the Root split, and set again in the Earth, about the end of September it putteth forth a whitish blue Flower, out of the midst whereof comes •• Chives, which are ga∣thered in the morning before Sun-rising, and being plucked out of the Flower, are dried by a sort Fire; and so great is the increase that cometh thereof, that out of every Acre of Ground are made 80 or 100 pound weight of Saffron whilst it is most, which being dried, yield about 20 pound weight. Cambd. Brit. p. 453.

41. The Assa-Fatida Tree is like our Brier in height, the Leaves resemble Fig-Leaves, the Root is like 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Radish-Root; though the smell be 〈◊〉〈◊〉 pa••e, yet the taste is so pleasing, that no Meat, no Sauce, no Vessel is pleasing to the Gusarat's Pallats where it grows, except it relish of it. Herbert's Travels.

42. The Benjamin Gum issues from a high Tree, smell, and furnished with fruitless Branches, the Leaves are not unlike to those of the Olive: Pegu and Siam yield the best. Clarks of Tree, &c. p. 199.

43. The Plantan-Tree is of a reasonable height, the Body about the bigness of a Mans Thigh, compacted of many Leaves, wrapped one upon another, adorned with Leaves instead of Boughs from the very ground, which are for the most part about two Ells long, and an Ell broad, ha∣ving a large Rib in the middle thereof. The Fruit is a Bunch of 10 or 12 Plantans, each a Span long, and as big almost as a Man's Wrist: The Rind being stripped off, the Fruit is yel∣lowish, and of a pleasant Taste. purch. Pilgr. p. 416.

44. The Palmeta-Tree yields a sweet and wholsome Wine by cutting, or boring Holes in the Body of the Tree, into which a Cane is put that receives the Sap, and conveys it into Gourds: It tasts like Whitewine, but it ill not last above 24 Hours. Purch. Pilgr. vol. 2. p. 1500. Vide more, Numb. 52.

45. The Tonal-Tree grows in New-Spain, in whose Leaves breed certain smell Worms, at first no bigger than a Flea, at greatest about the bigness of our Lady Cows which they resemble; which feeding on the Leaves, are gathered by the Natives twice a year, stifled with Ashes, or Water, and dried to Powder in the Shade. Some call this Tree Tuna, other the Prickle Pear, bearing a Leaf of a slimy Nature, and a Fruit blood-red, and full of Seeds, which give 〈…〉〈…〉 like to Brasiletto Wood, that will perish in a few days by the Fire: But this Infect gives 〈…〉〈…〉 ••••••∣manent Tincture, and is Cochineel. Sir Tho. Pope Blunt, p. 75, 76, &c. Clark, of Trees 〈…〉〈…〉. pag. 201.

46. A Berry grows in Bermudas and New-England, from a Plant called Red-Weed, which is as Red as the Prickle Pear, giving much the like Tincture; out of which Berry come out first Worms, which afterwards turn into Flies somewhat bigger than the Cochineel-Fly, feeding on the same Berry; in which we read, there hath been found a colour no whit inferiour to that of the Cochineel-Fly, and as to Medicinal Virtues, much exceeding it. Idem, Sir Tho. Pope Blunt.

47. Manguey grows in New-Spain: it hath great and large Leaves, at the end whereof is a strong and sharp point, which they use for Pins and Needles, and out of the Leaf they draw a kind of Thread which they use much to Sew with. The Body of the Tree is big, which, when it is tender, they cut, and out of the hole proceeds a Liquor which they drink like Water, being fresh and sweet. This Liquor, being sodden, becomes Wine, which being kept till sower, makes good Vinegar: Boil it a little more than for Wine, and it makes a fine Syrup; and Boil it till thick, and it makes Honey. Purch. Pisgr. v. 3. p. 957.

48. The Papiri, Sedgie-Reeds grow in the Marines of Egypt, whereof formerly they made Paper, and from whence ours that is made of Rags assumed that Name. They divide it into think flakes, whereinto it naturally parteth; then laying them on a Table, and moistening them with the Glutinous Water of Nilus, they press them together, dry them in the Sun, and then they are fitted for use. Idem. v. 2. p. 898.

49. Ananas ariseth from a Root like an Artichoke; when they are ripe they shew them∣selves, and are not above two foot high: Without, it is covered with a dry Rind, hard, and scaly; within, it is wholsom and pleasant, and though a little of it seems to satiate the Appe∣tite, yet the Stomack likes it well, and its easie of Digestion. Idem.

50. The Duroyen is in shape round; at first opening it hath an unpleasant smell: The Meat is whitish, and divided into a Dozen Cells, filled with Stones as big as Chesnuts, white and cordial, It's a Fruit, nutritive and dainty, and may be called, an Epitome of all the best and rarest Fruits in the Orient. Clark of Plants, &c. p. 201.

51. The Aree-Tree is almost as high as a Cedar, but more like the Palmetto: It is of fuzzy hollow substance, adorned at every top with Plumes, wherein the Fruit hangs in clusters; It is in shape and bigness like a Walnut; white, and hard within; hath neither taste nor smell: They never Eat it alone, but wrap it in a Leaf of Bettle, and are frequently chawing of it: Some add to it a kind of Lime made of Oyster-shells: It cures the Chollick, removes Melancholly, kills Worms, provokes Lust, purges the Stomach, and prevents Hunger. It's much used in the East-Indies. Ibid.

52. The Palmeto-Tree is long, straight, round, and soft, without Leaf, Bough, or Branch, save at the top, and those are few, green, and sedgie; under which Branches there appear cer∣tain codded Seed, &c. Ibid.

53. Dr. Edward Brown in his Discription of Larissa in Thessaly, saith, the Country produceth very large, fair, and delicious Figs, Water-Melons, the largest and most pleasant I have tasted; as also fair and delicate Pomegranates, Oranges, Lemons and Citrons, Vines which are low, and not supported; but the Branches and Clusters great, and the Grapes as big as good Damsons, and of a delicious taste. The Wine of the Country is rich, but hath a resinous taste or tang of the Boracho. They Plant Tobacco, and esteem it better than what is brought from other Parts, as being more strong and pungent. The Fields are spread with Sefamum and Cotton-Trees; but the Trees grow low, yet make a fair show. The Country abounds in Almonds and Olives; 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Greeks delight most in ripe Olives pickled, as we in the green. Dr. Brown's Trav. p. 41.

54. The Gourds in the Hedges, with their large yellow Flowers, and the many sorts of green Thorns, and ever-green Oaks, make the ways pleasant. Idem.

55. The Hex Coccifera, and Chermes-berry, or the Excretion, serving for Dying, and making the Confection of Alchermes growing plentifully in these Countries.

56. Garlick, they use in most of their Dishes, and their Onions are extraordinary, as large as two or three fair ones with us, and of a far better taste; being sharp, quick, and pleasantly pungent, and without any offensive smell: Though I were no lover of Onions before, yet I found these exceeding pleasant and comfortable to the Stomach. They are used at most Colla∣tions, and eaten with Bread in great quantity. I asked a Chiaus, then with us, who had Tra∣vell'd through most of the Turkish Dominions, Whether he had any where met with so good Chions as those of Thessaly? who answered me, That the Onions of Egypt were better, which

was the first time I sensibly understood the Expression in the Scripture, and ceased to wonder why the Israelites lingred after the Onions of that Country. Ibid. p. 42.

57. Coral grows like a Tree in the bottom of the Sea, green when under Water, and bearing a white Berry, and when out, turns red. There is also a black and yellow kind of Coral. Lindschot says, That at the Cape of Good Hope there are Rocks on which Coral grows of all co∣lours. In the Mediterranean, they gather great quantity of it; and those of Massilia go yearly to Fish for it, and draw it from the bottom of the Sea with Nets. The Places for this Fishery, are, Arguiril near Sardinia, Bosa near the Island of St. Peter, and near the Bastion of France, &c. The times for this Fishery, are from April to the end of July; to which purpose there are im∣ployed 200 Vessels (more ot less) yearly. They never Fish above 40 miles from the Land, where they think there are Rocks, for fear of the Pirates. Tavern, Trav. in India.

In the East and West-Indies they Fish with two big Beams of Wood, laid cross-wise, with a good piece of Lead in the middle to make it sink, casting about it course Hemp, carelesly twisted, and tying this Wood to two Ropes, whereof one hangs at the Stern, and the other at the forepart of the Boat. The common Opinion, That Coral is soft under Water, is confuted by John Baptista de Nichole, Overseer of the Gathering of Coral in the Kingdom of Tunis: Yet Mr. Boyle affirms, That whilst it grows, it is often found soft and succulent, and propa∣gates its Species. Georgius de Sepibus, Kircher, Wormius, and Tavernier, are of the same Opinion. Ser Tho. Pope Blunt, Nat. Hist. p. 23. it is otherwise called the Stone-Tree.

CHAP. XLIII. Strange Minerals.

Now we are going to draw off the very Skin and Surface of the Earth, and Anatomize the very Sediment of the Creation; and even there we shall find the Footsteps of the Almighty, and Trace the print of his Divine Atributes. For whither can we go from his presence? he not only sits upon the Circle of the Earth, but if we ascend up to Heaven, he is there; if we go down into the lower parts of the Earth, he is there also: Even the Materials that the Earth is made of, are full of Wonder, and very useful for the wants of Men.

1. Lime is no more than Chalk burnt, (of which heareafter;) it is a king of Earth drier than a Stone, which after it is burnt, is made more intense with Water, and extinguished with Oil: 'Tis called Quick-Lime, because it contains an occult Fire within it. Stier. Phys. pars specialls Tract. 4. c. 5.

2. Gypsum, is a kind of Playster or Mortar, viz. a white Earth, clammy and light, a-kin to Chalk, but not so hot, dug ot of the upper part of the Earth.

4. Creta, Chalk, is white Earth, chiefly dug in the Isle of Crete or Candy, but there is much of it in other parts. It kills Worms in Children, and is good against Heart-Burnings, and dries up Wounds.

4. Oaker, (Ochra), a light kind of Clay, of which being burnt in new Pots bedawbed with Clay is made Ruddle. It is naturally yellow, discusses hard Tumours, dried and binds.

5. Argilla, a kind of Potters Earth, fat and clammy, of which are made Earthen Vessels. It is cold, drying, binding, and abstersive.

6. Terra Lemnia, otherwise called Sigillata, or sealed Earth, because Diana's Priest, taking upon him for the Honour of his Country, offering for Expiation Wheat and Barley, brought this into the City, soked with Water, and making it like Clay, he dried it that it might be like soft Wax, and when it was become so, he sealed it with the sacred Seal of Diana, Gal. l. 9. Simpl. Now it is digged up yearly not without Superstition, on the 6th day of August only. They that dig are Greeks, the Pit sends forth a sweet smell. It is digged after Sun-rising for 6 hours, it is laid up in one Lump, and it must see no light till a year be expired. Then it is taken out and washt, being washt it is put into a Bag; it is mingled with hands, it is made into round Cakes, and marked with the Emperor's Seal. Then it is dried, and put into a Sealed Cabinet, and sent away to the Emperour to Constantinople. It is good against deadly Poison. 'Tis called otherwise, Terra Silesiaca, Sphragis, Terimachum, Terra Samia, Melia, Trigensis, and Turkish Earth. The best is known, first, by the sticking to the Tongue, secondly, by making Bubbles in the Water. It is drying, binding, sudorifick, and ••••lexipharmick, resisting Plague, Poison, Putrefaction, and all kind of Malignity and Venom. It is chiefly used against the Plague, Ma∣lignant Fevers, Diarrhaea, Dysenteria, and Bitings of Venemous Beast. It powerfully diffolves congealed Blood. Johnston, Nat. Hist. cl. 4. c. 3. Salmon, l. 3. c. 14.

7. Terra-Armenia, or Role Armeniack, so called, because it comes from Armenia, but it is also found in Germany; it is a pale red Earth, impregnated chiefly from Vapours. It is very dry, astringent, and strengthening; good to stop Fluxes, thicken Humours, resist Putrifaction, expel Poyson; and therefore it is excellent against the Diarrhaea, Dysenteria, Flux of the Terms, Ca∣tarrhs, spitting of Blood, Bleeding at Nose, and Wounds, &c. Often used outwardly in strengthening Cataplasms, and binding Powders; the best is that which is free from Sand, clear and smooth; being tasted, sticks to the Tongue, melts in the Mouth, like Butter, and when moift∣ened doth bubble. Salmon. l. 3. c. 14.

There are other sorts of Earth of good use, as Fullers-Earth, Japonian-Earth, good for drying up Catarrh's; Alanian Earth, used by Goldsmiths; Marle, a Fat kind of Earth, used in Agriculture for the Enriching of Grounds, and in Physick, for drying, binding, and healing; Selenusian and Chian Earth, used as Cosmaticks.

8. Salt is either made, or else it grows; it is made of Salt Fountains, the Water whereof boyled long, at length is turned to Salt. It breeds many ways; it is dryed in the Lake Tarenti∣num, by Summer Suns, and the whole Lake turns to Salt; in some places it is moderated, not above Knee up. In Bactria, two Lakes very large, one towards the Scythians, the other towards the Arii, boyl with Salt; also, the Tops of some Rivers, are condensed into Salt; the rest of the Rivers running as it were under Ice, as at the Caspian Mouth, that are called Rivers of Salt. Oxo∣menus in India, saith, there are also natural Salt Mountains, where it is cut out of Quarries and grows again; and the Custom of it is more to their King's, then Gold and Pearls. Between Egypt and Arabia, it is found under the Sands, and in the Desarts of Africa, so far as the Oracle of Ammon, Johnston's Nat. Hist. cl. 4. ch. 4.

Near Epries in Ʋpper-Hungary, there is a Salt-mine of great Note, from the first place of des∣cent unto the bottom, it is about 180 Fathoms deep. Into this the Miners descend first by Ropes, and at last by Ladders into the lower parts. The Veins of Salt are large, and there are pieces to be found of 10000 pound weight; they commonly hew out the Salt into long square pieces of two foot in length, and one in thickness, and for use, it is broken and Grinded between two Grind Stones. The Mine is cold and moist, but the Salt being a Stone Salt, is not easily dissolved, or at least, in any great quantity by dampness or moisture; yet much of the Water of the Mine is impregnated with Salt, in such sort, that being drawn out in large uckets, and afterwards boiled up, it affords a blackish Salt, which they give to their Cattle in that Countrey; the co∣lour of it is not very white, but somewhat gray, yet being broken and Grinded to Powder, it becomes as white as if it were refin'd, and this Salt consists of pointed parts, or Fossets. Ano∣ther sfort there is, which consists of Squares and Tables; and a third of somewhat stirious or long shoots. The Salt of this Mine is of divers colours; that which is mixed with the Earth, receives some colour from it; and the most pure that resembles Chrystal, doth often receive Tinctures of several colours; in the middle of a Chrystal Salt, I have seen a delicate blue, and in Vienna I have seen a large piece of fair transparent yellow. There are some pieces so clear and hard, that they carve them into divers Figures, as if they were Chrystal it self. Dr. Ed. Brown's Trav. p. 70, 71.

The greatest part of Africa hath no ohter Salt, but such as is digged out of Quarries and Mines, Barbary aboundeth with Salt; but the Land of the Negroes, and especially the inner part of Ethio∣pia, is so destitute thereof, that a pound of Salt is there sold for half a Ducat. And the People there use not to set Salt upon their Tables; but holding a Crumb of Salt in their Hands, they lick the same at every Morsel of Meat which they put in their Mouths. The Principal Salt Mines are in Poland and Calabria; in the lesser Poland are some pieces of Salt as big as huge Stones, so hard, that whole Towns are built with them. Near Cracovia are the SAL-GEMME Mines, 200 Fathom deep. Out of these Mines they dig 3 sorts of Salt. 1. Is common, course, and black. 2. Finer and whiter; the 3d very white and clear, like Chrystal. The Course Salt is cut out in great pieces, 3. Ells long, and one thick, which cost from 50 to 70 Florins. Salt in one of the best Royal Revenues, there being 1000 Men constantly employed in these Mines; the Provision of Salt there was valued at two Millions. Sit Tho. Pope Blunt. Nat. Hist. p. 220.

300000 Weights of Salt are computed to be made in England Yearly.

9. Sal Ammonia, so called from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Sand, wa•• anciently a Native at the Lybic Sea; ours is Artificial, boiled from the Ashes of Minerals, Vege••••bles and Animals; Salt of Soot-Common, Salt and Sal Gemme. The best comes from Venice and Antwerp; 'tis of the greatest Vertue, but the scarcest of all the Salts that Nature alone produceth; it is sometimes found under the Sand of the Sea-shore, congeal'd in little pieces. by its own heat, or the continual burning of the Sun, baked so much, that it is the bitterest of any Salt. Goldsmiths use it to cleanse and colour Gold, and put it in to the Composition of that Aqua Fortis that dissolves it. Alonso Barba of Metals, Transl. ch. 8.

Borellus in his Historia & Meteorologia Incendii Aetne, Anno 1669. takes particular notice of the great abundance of Sal Armoniac, that was found in all the Holes and Vents of the Ground, and in the Clefts of Stones; and of this Salt he affirms, that there had been sublimed so great Store, that many Thoussands of Pounds might be gathered, adding, that a whole Year after the Extinction of the Fire in the Mouth of Aetna, there were found remaining, divers vents about Catania, exhaling store, of smoke, which had the like Sal Armoniac, sticking in the sides and edges of the Stones. Sir Tho. Pope Blunt. Nat. Hist. p. 210. &c.

10. True Nitre, is now little known, which was anciently made of the Water of the River Ni∣lus, Albertus Magnus saith, that in Goselaria was a Mountain, that contained a very Rich Mine of Copper, and that the Water that issued out at the bottom of it, being dried, became Nitre; we know little also of Aphronitrum, which is as it were the Froth of Nitre. It is bitterer then Salt, but less Salt. Ibid. The Egyptians strowed their Rhadishes with Nitre, as we with Salt.

11. Salt-Peter is the means between them two, and consists of very dry ad subtle parts; it grows on the Walls of Old Houses, and in Stables, Cow-houses, and Pidgeon-houses, it will grow again in the same Earth it was taken out of, if that Earth be thrown into Earth and not stirred, and taken care of; the use of it is well known in making Gun-powder; Aqua Fortis, it is used also in melting Mettle. Ibid.

It is disputed variously, whether the Nitre of the Ancients be of the same Species with our Salt-Peter. Ibid.

12. Alom is either Congeal'd or Liquid; the Congeal'd is of many Figures; that which is called Scissum, is the Flower of Alom in Clods, and is prest together like Plank, or it flourishes severally like Gray-hairs; round Alom like Bubbles, or is like a Sponge, by reason of the holes in it; the Liquid Alom send out of it self such a Vapour, that smells like Fire, as Sones when rubb'd toge∣ther, to cause Fire; when burnt, it swells into bubbles, and loseth something of its substance, Johnston's Nat. Hist. Clas. 4 c. 5.

13. Amber has been reputed by some a Gum, by others, the Sperm or Dung of Whales, hardned by the Sea; but Dr. Heylin affirms it to be the juice of a Stone, growing like a Coral in Poland,

in a Mountain of the North-Sea, clean covered with Water, and rent thence in the Winter, and so cast into the Neighbouring Havens, hardening like Coral, when taken out of the Water; burn∣ing like Pitch, attracting Straws and Iron, good for stopping the Blood, Agues, &c. Tavernier saith, that 'tis a certain Congelation, found only upon the Coast of Prussia in the Baltick Sea, Farm'd out by the Elector of Brandenbourg for 20000 Crowns a Year, or more. Hevelius in a Letter to Mr. Oldenbourg, from Dantzick July 5. 1670, saith, he had received a piece of Amber so soft, that he had Printed his Seal on it; yellowish, transparent, and burning as other Amber, but of a stronger seent, yet had been cast up from the Baltick, the year before. In China, their great Lords at their Feasts, throw a vast quantity of Amber into persuming Pots, set upon the Table, burning it partly for the scent, and partly because they adore the Fire; there are several sorts of Amber, pale, black, spotted, &c. The Shops know only the white, which is best, and the yellow. Sir Tho Pope Blunts Nat. Hist. p. 13.

24. Jet, Gagates Obsidianus, is a black Bitumen, hardned in the Sea, which the Floods use to cast upon the Shores of the Estyii with Amber. Earthen Vessels that are glased with it, are not defaced. lin. l. 36. c. 19. When burnt, it smells like Brimstone; it kindles with Water, but is extinguished with Oyl; it is found great and of a pale colour, at the Town of Ganges in Licia. Strabo saith, creeping things flie from the scent of it; it is called Earthy Bitumen, otherwise burning Stone, because it will flame; it is called Ampelitis, because it kills little Worms called Enipaes; it is dug up in Scotland, and in the Jurisdictions of Leids, they make Chaplets of it to say their Prayers upon. In Collaum, a Province of Peru, there is a place all bare; not Tree, nor Plant upon it, the Earth being Bituminous, out of which the Indians extract a Liquor, good for many Diseases; the way this, they cut the Ground into Turss, lay it upon Rods or great Reeds, putting Vessels under it to receive it; the Sun Melts this Bitumen, and the dry Turfs are fit to make Fires.

15. Coal, or Sea-Cole, so called, because carryed by Sea from several places, as Wales and New-Castle, to other Parts, for Fewel, is dug out of Pits or Mines, where it is found in manner of a continued Black-Rock, or hard Bitumen, well known in England, there being no less then 50000000 Chaldrons yearly gotten in the Nation; the greatest remarkable concerning them is, that there is a Species of it in Cheshire, and some other Parts, of a more Fat and Unctuous substance, called Cannal-Coal, which gives a pleasant flaming Light in the Burning, like a Lamp or C••n∣dle. But there are often found in these subterrauean Vaults, such Stagnations of Vapours, that for want of a due Ventilation, produce very strange and dangerous Damps; of which we shall speak more hereafter; 'tis called Carbo petrae, Lithanthaeax, or New-Castle Coal, the chief Fewel in England and Germany; the Chymical Spirit or Oyl, is no ways inferior to that of Amber, healing Wounds, softning Tumours, &c.

16. Sulphur or Brimstone, is dug up in an Island by the Mountain Hecla, and that without Fire. It is yellow that is digged out of the Plain of Brimstone, which is called in Campania, Virgin-Brimstone, because Women Paint their Faces with it. It is so Friendly to Fire, that pieces of it laid about the Wood will draw the Fire to it; put into Fire, it will by the Scent discover the Falling-Sickness. Johnston's Nat. Hist. Clas. 4. c. 13.

Mr. Salmon makes 5 kinds of Mineral Sulphures, Brimstone, Arsnick or Orpiment, Amber-Grease, Amber, and Bitumen; Sulphur Vive, is a Resinous Fatness of the Earth, full of a Vitrio∣lick Acidity, being Gray or Greenish, inflamable with a Blue and Suffocating Fume. An Arti∣ficial is made of Sulphur Vive, being Porous and Yellow, or boyled out of Sulphurous Water; the Foeces of either of which is the Sulphur Cabaline, or Horse-Brimstone; besides which, there are other Artificial Brimstones, drawn out of Copper, Cinnaber, and Vitriol.) which as it is rarer, so it is better. For in Chimneys where Vitriol is commonly boyled, you may find Flower of Sul∣phur elevated; all Sulphur of Brimstone is hot and dry, Aperitive, Cutting, Discussive, &c.

17. Arsnick is a Mineral coagulated Juice, or Fat made of Combustible Sulphur, and corro∣sive Salts, being Natural or Artificial; the Natural is either yellow or red; the yellow is called Orpiment; the red is called Risgalum, Real-gal, and Sandaracha; the Artificial is white, and is made of the yellow, sublimed with Salt, of each equal quantities; and this is that which is pro∣perly called Arsnick, which being pure, hard, heavy and white, like Milk or Chrystal, is good. Unprepated it is one of the greatest Poysons, and a perfect: Enemy to the Balsom of Life, causing Heat, Thirst, Torment, Corrosion, Vomitting, Palpitation, Cold Sweats, Intollerable burning Pains, Convulsions, and Death. Outwardly, it is used in Amulets and Cauteries, with good Success; it eats away proud and dead Flesh, takes off Hair. Salmon. Disp. p. 400.

Spirit and Butter of Arsnick, the thin Spirit is a Dissolvent of Iron; and the Butter is an ex∣cellent thing against Cancers Ulcerated, being mixt with an equal quantity of Opium, (to take away the Sense of Pain, and applied with proper Defensatives. Ibid.

18. Bitumen, is properly Oyl of Fat of the Earth embodied; Mr. Salmon makes 7 Species of it, of which Sea-Coal and Jet are two of them, (of which we have spoke already;) the others are these Napheth, Petrolaeum, Terroloeum, and Sperma Ceti; that which is by way of Excellence called Bitumen, is otherwise called Asphaltos, and it is either Natural or Factitious; the Natural is of the Nature of Sulphur, black as Pitch, and hard; it discusses, contracts, glutinates, and binds; being drunk, it dissolves clodded blood, it mollifies and warms the Nerves, and glews them toge∣ther if Cut; the Jewish, which shines like Purple, is heavy and of a strong Scent, is the best; then the Babylonian; the black is naught. Salmon Ibid.

19. Naphtha is Liquid, and burns violently, being the straining of the Babylonian Bitumen, white in colour, and of an exceeding strong Scent, but there is some that is black also; it hath all the Veroues of Asphaltos, and much more powerful to the intention, as being the most pure part thereof. Ibid.

20. Petroloeum, or Rock-Oyl, is a Liquamen, or Fat, flowing from Rocks and Stones; it is not and dry, digests, dissolves, is Cephalick, Arthritick, Anodine, and of thin parts; it Com∣forts the Nerves and Brain, consolidates Wounds, and heals them. That which is found in Italy, is white and red; it swims on Springs in Sicily; the Babylonian is said to burn in its Fountain, Ibid.

21. Trro••aemn, or Oyl of the Earth, is two sold, either red or black; the red comes from the East Indies, and is clear strong Scented like Petrolaeum, but sweeter and more pleasant; it is hot and dry, consumes all cold matter in any part of the body; it Cures Convulsions, Palsies, Epi∣lipsies, &c. The black comes from the West-Indies, and Barbadoes, and is called Pisselaeum Indi∣cum, or Baroadoes Tarr. Ibid.

22. Sperma Ceti, Flos Salis, Flos Maris, is gathered from the Sea, upon which it floats like froth; some taking it to be the Seed of a Whale, which is denied by others, because it is found in places where Whales are never taken. Its chiefest use is in Physick. Ibid.

23. Vitriol is a Gross Terrestrial, Universal Salt, acording to the Nature of the Mine, from whence it is digged, and is called Calcanthum; it is three fold, Saphytine, or Skie coloured, coa∣gulated like Sugar-Candy, dry in touching, and this comes either from Hungary or Cyprus. Gree∣nish, which is more granulated like common Salt, and unctuous, as the Swethland Gas••arian Vi∣triol; and lastly, the white and dry, made like small Loaves. Vitriol is either Native or Facti∣tious; the Native is taken out of the Earth, either in its own form, or in Water. The Factiti∣ous is made out of Copper, or Iron, severally or both, of which the Roman is chief. That which hath most Copper in it is the best, and particularly the Hungarian. Paracelsus accounts it for a third part of Physick, and saith, that a whole Shop is contained therein.

24. Borax, is either Natural or Facticious. Natural cleanses Ulcers, hinders proud Flesh, and makes the Body clean. The Factitious is either simple or compound; the Simple is made of Boys Urine and Nitre, mixed and coagulated; the Compound is thus made, Recipe, Salt of Tar∣tar, Sal Armoniack, Nitre, A one Ounce and a Dram; Mastick, Roch Allum, one Oune and a half, Powder all a part, mix, dissolve all in Boys Urine, filter and coagulate by boyling to a Salt.

CHAP. XLIV. Mettals, Gold, Silver, Copper, &c.

THis at first sight appears to be one of the most pleasant Subjects I have treated of yet; but to my mind 'tis as barren as any, like the Ground that the Gold grows under; excepting only the Value which Man himself hath put upon Gold, and some Physical uses it serves for, the Excellency is not great; but however there are many other Metals very useful and commodious, and such as we cannot well live without, and such as we are willing to rifle the Secrets of Nature for; but which is remarkable, where∣as our God is above, Man is such an Earthly Creature, that he commonly seeks for him below; and consequently sinks down in his Soul and Affections beneath his own Orb, when he ought to soar upward and flie above the Skies.

1. Gold, is the most perfect of all inanimate Bodies, out of the Power of any of the Elements, to corrupt or destroy, and the greatest Cordial in the World; an excellent Medicine against Me∣lancholy. It hath the least variety of regular Figure in the Ore, of any Metal. 'Tis a rare Spe∣cimen, mentioned by Georgius de Septibus, which calls Aurum Ramescens.

The Ductility of Gold is admirable; one Grain, in Leaves, is extended to above 50 Inches square; and one Ounce employed in Gilding small Hair-Wire, will be extended to almost an Hundred, Miles in length, as Mr. Boyle hath observed. The uses of gold for Vessels, Coins, Ar∣mour, Garments, &c. are infinite. Some Painters hang plated Gold over Vinegar, whereby is produced a pure blue. Galienus the Emperor, Powdered his Hair with Gold dust. The Prin∣cipal use of it in Physick is, to Correct Mercurial Medicines. At Tockay in Hungary, where there are Mines of Gold, the very Kernals of the Grapes appear Gilt over, as if it were with Leaf-Gold. Robt. Boyl, of the Insalubrity and Salubrity of the Air. p. 44.

At Cremnitz, in Hungary, there is a Gold-Mine, in which they have worked these 950 years; the Mine is about 9 or 10 English Miles in length, and there is one Cuniculus or Horizontal passage, which is 800 Fathoms long, called the Erbstal; the depth of it above 170 Fathoms; into this Mine they are let down by a Cable and Sling, or Seat of Leather; there are 6 of these Schachts or Perpendicular Pitts, known by their proper Names. The Cable is fastned to a large Wheel, by the taining of which, they make a descent. Of the Gold Ore, some is white, black, red, yellow; that with black spots in white, is esteemed the best; there have been pieces of Virgin Gold found here. Where they Pound the Gold Ore, they lay a Foundation three yards deep of Wood, upon which they pace the Ore. over which there are 24 Beams, armed at the bettom with Iron, which break and grind the Ore, it being covered all the while with Water, These Beans are moved by 4 Wheels 1. Wheel to 6 Beams the Water which cometh out from the Pounded Ore, is let into little Pits or Chests, commonly 7 or 8 one after another, and after∣wards into a large Pit of almost half an Acre of Ground, and then after setling, let out. The Gold Ore Pounded, is called Slick. of which that is the Richest, which is nearest to the Beams, where it is first Pounded. They work thus day and night continually, making use of Fir-Wood for Candles. They wash the Slick so long, as perhaps in 100 pound weight, there may be half an Ounce or an Ounce of Gold or Silver, the greatest part ordinary Gold. To this Slick they add Limestone and Slacken, and melt them together in the Melting Furnace; the first Melting produces a Substance called Lech; this Lech they burn with Charcole, to make it lighter and

more porous, and then it is called Rost; to the Rost they add Sand as they see occasion, and melt it again in the Furnace, and then let it out into the Pan, and proceed as in the Melting of Silver. Brown's Trav. in Hungaria, &c. p. 98. &c.

In some places they Fish for Grains of Gold in Rivers, which are carryed down thither from the Hills, by the great Rains; in other places they dig for it in Mines; these Mines are either pendant in the Tops of Hills, or settled in the bottom upon plain firm Ground. The places where Gold is found are generally naked and bare, without any verdure; here they first wash the place very clean, then dig about 8 or 10 foot in depth, and as much in length and breadth; then in a certain Vessel they still wash the Earth, as it is digged up; if thus by washing they find any Gold, they continue digging deeper, till they find out the Rock, which they break and pierce through with their Instruments, Vaulting it as they go on with Engines of Wood, that the Earth or Stones may not fall upon them. In the Water, the Slaves stand up above the Knees, washing the Earth, as it is brought unto them, in Sieves or Sierces, the Earth glides away, and the Gold remaining behind in the Sieve, &c. Sometimes Gold in Grains is found in Rivers. Treat. of Anc. and Mod. times. l. 8. c. 30.

2. Silver, the most perfect Mettle next to Gold, therefore Silver may be turned into Gold, be∣cause the Colour only being wanting, the Fire and Artificial Concoctions can supply that, where∣of there be many Experiments. It endures the Fire with little waste, and is tough and mallea∣ble, and endures the drawing out into very thin Leaves, and smal Wyre; an Ounce of Silver may be drawn out into Fourteen Hundreds yards of Wyre, and all that shall be made Gilt Wyre, with only 6 Grains of Gold; so that although Silver can be extended to admiration, yet gold is an Hundred times more ductile than it. Barba of Mettals, ch. 27.

The Silver Mines of Potezi, discovered Anno. 1545, the fifth of which payable into the King of Spains Exchequer, amounted in 40 years to One hundred and eleven Millions of Pezoes, every Pezo being valued at 6 s.6 d., and yet a third part of the whole was discharged of that Payment. Peter Heylin.

The Ore, is as hard as a Stone, is cut out with Pick-axes, beaten in pieces with an Iron Crow, and carryed upon their Backs on Ladders made of Leather, each Ladder hath 3 fastnings about the thickness of a Cable, stretched out by Sticks, so that one goes up on one side, while another comes down on the other, each Ladder being 10 Fathom long; the Labourers carry the Ore in Bags, fastned before on their Breasts, and falling back over their Shoulder, three and three to∣gether, therefore, most whereof ties a Lighted Candle to his Thumb, and thus they help them∣selves with both Hands; Thus the Peruvians scramble up and down, continually 150 Fathom, The Silver runs for the most part between two Rocks, of which one side is as hard as Flint, and the other much softer; it is of different value; the best called Cacilla, or Tacana, resembles Am∣ber in colour; the worser sort are blackith, and sometimes of an Ash-colour. The pieces of Ore are carryed on the backs of the Sheep Pacos, to the Mill, where being ground to Powder, they are put into Furnaces to Melt: Of which there were once above 6000 on the Top of Potozi, but since the Quick-Silver was found to cleanse the same, not a third part remains, Ogilby's Ame∣rica. p. 464, 465.

Silver is dug out of several places in Germany; so much was dug out of the Mine at Sueberg as was worth 2000000 Rhevish Nobles, that at Abertham 150000. Agricol. &c.

3. Quick-silver, Mercury, is either Natural, or Artificial: The Natural is a Volatile Mineral Juice, greedily cleaving to, and devouring Metals, principally Gold: The Artificial is drawn out of Metals, and is called The Mercury of Bodies. the best is that which is taken from Mines near Gold or Silver; for which Cause, the Spanish and Hungarian Quick-silver is counted the best, having less of Antimony, Cadmia, Arsnick Lead, or other Poisonous Matter; by means of which Things also it is adulterated. Salm. Disp. l. 3. p. 298.

If it be in the Body, 'tis drawn forth by drinking of Gold. Silver can't be gilded without it. If one be anointed for the French Pox, a Gold Ring rolled up and down the Mouth will draw all the Quick-silver to it, which being taken out like Silver, is recovered by putting of it into the Fire. Lemn. de Occult. l. 2.35.

When all other Things swim upon it, only Gold sinks into it. It so flies the Fire, that if it cannot go downwrd, it will fly upward; and being shut in, it breaks the Cover. Ʋnzer. l. de Marc. c. 1.

Put into a Ring, and put to the Fire, it makes it leap. Bread in the Oven, Pease in the Pot, Eggs at the Fire, touched with a Drop of it, will dance so as to provoke Laughte••, Water wherein Quick-silver hath been infused, being strained and drank, wonderfully drives forth Worms. Johnst. Nat. Hist. clas. 4. ch. 28.

4. Copper, Cuprum, Aes, Orichalcum, Venus, is one of the Base Metals, which consists, accord∣ing to the Opinion of Paracelsus, of a yellow Mercury, Purple Sulphur, and a Red Salt. It is refined thus: Lay Flakes of Brass in an Earthen Vessel, putting Salt or Sulphur between them, and so lay them Flake upon Flake; burn them throughly, and wash the Ashes with warm Wa∣ter till they be sweer. Salnton's Disp. l. 3. c. 3.

Copper is found in several places of Cornwal, and Pure Brass is found both in its own Mines, and amongst Silver Mines. The Lumps are dug forth of divers fashions, like Ice-Sickles, Globes, Rods. In Shops, where they separate Brass from Silver, it is Yellow and Red, which they call Regular; Duskish Red they call Cauldrons Metal, that is softer, and may be dilated, and not melted only; this will melt, but not be drawn: With the Tincture of C••dmia it will look like Gold, and is called Alchymy. It melts and runs in the Fire, but in a great Crucible it will not endure the force of Fire. Johnst. Nat. Hist. cl. 4. ch. 29.

5. Iron, or Mars, purified much in the same manner as Copper, is called Steel; is dug-up in a Mountain of Cantabria, Sicily, Lusatia, &c. The Mine is the greatest of all Metals; in some places it is said to grow again, and the Earth and Stocks of Trees become Iron. First, it is like

a thick Liquor, and by degrees it grows hard; when it is boiled, it becomes moist like Water, afterwards is broke into Sponges. The more tender Iron Instruments are steeped in Oil to quench them; Water makes them too hard and brittle. Plunged fiery hot in Vinegar, it will endure no Hammering, but will sooner break than draw. In Furnaces, where they make it into Bars, there rise such Vapours from it in the Hammering, that certain Powder sticks to the Walls. Ibid.

6. Tin, Stannum, Plumbum Album, or Jupiter, is found and discovered in Cornwal by certain Tin Stones, which are somewhat round and smooth, lyng on the Ground, which they call Shoad. If the Load of the Tin lie right down, the Tinners follow it sometimes 40 or 50 Fathoms; their Labour is so redious, that they cannot work above four Hours in the Day. A good Work∣man will scarce be able to hew above a Foot of hard Rock in a Week.

The Tin Stone being brought above ground out of the Work, is broken in pieces with Ham∣mers, and then stamped in a Mill into smaller Pieces, and then it is ground into fine Sand. Then this Sand being laid in Water that runs over it, hath all the Earth washed from it, and then it is called Black Tin, which is carried to the Blowing-House, where it is melted by Charcoal-Fire, blown by a great pair of Bellows moved by a Water-Wheel, and then it is coined. There is Hard Tin and Soft, but the Soft is most worth: A Foot of Black Tin is in Measure two Gal∣lons, and is in Weight according to its Goodness. A Foot of good Moor Tin will weigh about 80 Pounds; a Foot of Mine Tin 52 Pounds; of the worst 50. Two Pounds of Black Tin melted will yield one Pound of White. Britan. Baconica, Cornwal. p. 8.

7. Lead, Plumbum Nigrum, or Saturn. In the Peak of Darbyshire, Lead Stones lie but just within the Ground, next to the upper Crust of the Earth. Ibid.

It is heavier than Silver, yet will swim upon it being melted. When Silver is boiled out of it, Fire consumes it all.

8. Antimony, or Stibium, is a Mineral Body, consisting of, 1. A Mineral Sulphur, partly Golden, partly Combustible. 2. An undigested Mercury of the Nature of Lead, being more concocted than Quick-silver. 3. Of a Saline and Earthly Substance. It is found in Germany, but the Hungarian and Transilvanian is the best, having a Golden Ore in it of an obscure Red, (from the great quantity of Sulphur,) with bright long Flakes. This has divers Names; Basil calls it Oriental; Paracelsus, the Red Lion; Some, a Wolf, because it devours all Metals but Gold; some, Proteus, because it changes it self into all Colours by Fire; others, the Philosophers Saturn, because like Lead. The crude Antimony is drying and binding; Medicines are made of it of excellent Use.

9. To these might be added, the Native Excrements of Metals, as Chalcilis, Cobalt, Marcasite, Misy and Sory: The Artificial Excrements of Metals, as Litharge, Plumbage, Ceruse and Minium of Lead, Diaphryges, Cadmy, Tuty, Pompholix, and Spodium: Which I mention only, to present the Reader with a General Scheme and Idea, not to satisfie the curious Inquisitor into Natural History.

CHAP. XLV. Precious Stones.

I Take these, much more than Metals, to be the very Flowers of the Earth, the Quintessences of Me∣tals, the Virtue of Terrene Matter concocted and contracted into Epitome: Thô I am not so fond as the Ancient Naturalists, who attributed almost all the Properites of the Deity to them, as if they were effectual Preservatives against Danger, Cordials against Griefs, Antidotes against Poison, Amulets against Witcheraft and the Malice of Devils, &c.

1. Achates, Sardocates, Haemacates, the Agate, is of several kinds, as the Black, Coral-like, In∣dian, and that of Crete; Veins and Spots do so run up and down it, that represents several Forms, as of a Turtle, a Horn, a Tree, &c. In the Agate of King Pyrrhus, there were the Nine Muses naturally with Apollo. Johnst. Nat. Hist. cl. 4. c. 23. It is so called from the River Achates in Si∣cily, near which it was first found; 'tis the hardest of Semiperspicuous Gems; and grows in India, Germany, and Bohemia; used for Sword-Hilts, Knife-Hafts, Beads, Cups, &c. Grew's Muss. Reg. Soc. p. 287.

2. Adamas, the Diamond, is the most precious and hard of all Gems. There are several kinds of it, the Indian, the Arabian, and Cenchros: It is never given inwardly, but only worn as in Rings, &c. and so it's said to take away Fears and Melancholy. The principal Diamond Mines are in the Indies, sometimes above Sixty thousand Men, Women and Children, are at work in one of them. Sometimetimes they are found in the Sand of the River. Some of them will take up Straws like Amber; and Mr. Boyle had one, which by Water (made little more than luke∣warm) he could bring to shine in the dark. Boyl of Gems. p. 112.

'Tis the property of all true Diamonds to unite the Foyle (a mixture of Mastick and burnt Ivory) closely and equally to it self, and thereby better augment its Luster than any other Gem. The Great Duke of Tuscany's Diamond weighing 139 Carats, clean and well shaped, cut in Fa∣cets every way, is valued by Tavernier at 2608335 Livres. That of the Great Mogul weigh∣ing 279 Carats, is valued at 11723278 Livres. Tavernier's Travels in India, Part 2. l. 2. c. 12.

3. The Amethyst, Gemma Veneris, is brought from India, Arabia, Armenia, and Egypt, and is of an Attractive Nature; the best are those of a Purple Colour, shining and sparkling; those of India are of an exact Phaenician Purple.

4. The Beryl, is either Common or Golden, but the best are of a Sea-green Colour. They fortifie Nature, and are useful in Physick.

5. The Calcedony, is both Male and Female; the Male best and brightest, having as it were, shining Stars within it.

6. The Chrysolite, a Gem of a Golden Colour, is either Oriental, or Occidental; the Oriental is the best, which being laid together with Gold, makes it look like Silver. It is of a Solar Na∣ture, and is though to expel fearful Dreams, and Melancholy. The Occiedenal is found in Bohemia.

7. The Chrysophrase is of Fiery Gold-like Colour, and is reported to be of a Pale Colour by Day, but Glorious by Night.

8. The Crystal, is so called from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, and 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, because supposed to be only Water con∣densed with Cold, and is found in India, Scythia, Spain, Germany, and Asia; the softest of all Gems, except the Turquois, most usually of a Sexangular Figure. There is a massy piece of it now in possession of the Royal Society, of a roundish Figure, near a Yard in compass, weighing more than 39 Pounds. It is of a binding Nature, good against Diarrhoea's.

9. The Cornelian come from Malabar, Narsinga, and Cochinchina; called in Latin Sardius, Cor∣neolus, Corperina; It is of various Colours, Red, Fleshy, Yellowish Red. The Babylonish, and those found in Sardinia, are the best.

10. The Granate is a shining transparent Gem, of a Yellow Red, almost like Fire, or Minium. They are brought out of Ethiopia, Spain, and Silesia.

11. The Hyacinth, or Jacinth, is transparent, of a Yellow Red, found near the River Isera, and in the Indies. It is a great Cordial, and Alexipharmick.

12. The Jasper is Green, sometimes Sky-coloured, White and Red, &c. brought out of India, Persia, &c.

13. The Ligure is a kind of Jacinth, and hath the same Physical Virtues.

14. Margarita, Ʋnio, Lapis Erythraeus, the Pearl, is found in Sea-Shelfish near the Persian or In∣dian Ocean; and upon the Coast of Silesia, Scotland, &c. They are cold and dry, strengthen the Heart, cleanse the Eyes, &c.

15. The Onyx-Stone hath the Colour of the Nail of a Man's Hand, better known to the An∣cients, that to us. Some take the Alabaster for it.

16. The Opal is of divers Colours, representing the Carbuncle, the Amethyst, and Emerald, all very strongly and curiously mixed, with incredible Light or Shining. Horstius saith, no Gem can be more Glorious, and hath the Virtues of all together.

17. The Ruby, or Carbuncle, is either White or Red, the ripest as Red as Blood. The best come from Ceitan and Pegu, and are the hardest and coldest, which you may perceive by your Mouth and Tongue; and shining in the Dark, steep'd in Vinegar they shine clearer. Lapidaries can easily counterfeit them. They are found in Hungary in the midst of Flints. Tavernier's Travels in India.

18. The Sapphire is of a glorious, clear, transparent Blue, or Sky-colour, which is called the Male: The Female is White, and Unripe. They are found in the East-Indies, and in Silesia and Bohe∣mia; and are of good use in Physick.

19. The Sardonyx is of many Colours, white, Blackish, cloudy, some resembling the Rain-Bow. It is brought out of the Indies and Arabia.

20. Smaragdus Prasinus, the Emerald, is a clear transparent Gem of a very beautiful and glorious green, found in Scythia, Egypt, Cyprus, &c. They grow in Stones, forming a Vein, in which they are by little and little refined and thickned. Dr. Grew saith, One in Gresham-Col∣ledge being heated red-hot, shines for a confiderable time.

21. The Topaz is a Stone found in Zeilan and Arabia, a kind of Ruby, shining in the Night; exceeding, as Berchorius saith, all Jewels in brightness; and as Pliny saith, all Jewels in bigness.

22. The Turcois is of a dark sky-colour, sometimes greenish or blueish, found no where but in in Persia: It loseth its colour by Oil, Ointment, or Wine; and is easily counterfeited with Glass.

23. The Loadstone, Magnes; from Magnesia in Greece, where, though to be first found. Of an Iron colour, tending to blue, the Male; if black, the Female. Of a Metallick or Iron matter, found in Germany, Norway, Italy, &c. about Iron Mines sometimes in Devonshire. it at∣tracteth Iron according to its Poles, and communicateth to Iron the same attractive power, and a verticity to the North-Pole; for which Reason 'tis applied to Navigation, and used by Tra∣vellers in the vast Desarts of Arabia. It will suspend sometimes 60, sometimes 80 times its own weight. But the best Load-stone in time, loses very much of its strength; which is recovered by application of more weight to it, and this repeated at several Periods; for which Reason it is said to be fed with Iron. It does not lose its attractive Virtue altogether by being cast into the Fire, but in part. One give by Dr. Cotton to the Royal Society, weighting 60 pounds, found in Devonshire, takes up no great weight indeed, yet moves a Needle 9 foot distance. Sir Tho. Pope Blunt Nat. Hist. p. 182.

CHAP. XLVI. Stone less Precious.

1. ALablaster, our Moderns call this the Onyx, but 'tis certain 'tis not the Onyx of the Ancients. It is a kind of Marble, indigested and soft: it is so soft as to be cut, it is called Gypsum. It is brought out of India and Egypt.

2. Amianth, or Plumous Allum. It differs not from Allum in form, but it wants the taste of Allum, nor will it burn like Allum.

3. Arenosus Lapis, Tophus, the Sand-Stone. It is very dry, and sticks to the Tongue like Bole-Armenick, and may be used instead thereof.

4. Armenius Lapis, is found in the Silver Mines in Armenia, but is now found in Germany: It is full of spots, green, sky-colour'd, and blackish like the Lapis Lazuli, with golden spots and Veins, differing from it but only in ripeness, save Lapis Lazuli is found in Gold Mines, and this is Silver; that which is sky-coloured is best.

5. Aetites, the Eagle-Stone, is almost like the Bezoar-stone, having another Stone that rattles within it: Oriental or Occidental; The Oriental is rough, of divers colours, commonly black, having within it anothter Stone called Collimus, about the bigness of Damlon. The Occiden∣tal, which are two forts, are found in Germany; one kind of them has Clay or Marle within it, being smooth, and of an ash colour; the other kind has Earth within it; both sorts are often found as big as a Goose's Egg. It is called the Eagle-Stone, because found in Eagles Nests, of which there are two kinds, viz. Male and Female, without which they bring not forth.

6. Bezoar.

7. Calaminaris Lapis, Cathimia, Climea, Cadmia, Lapidosa Calaminare, is a yellow Stone, not hard, which when burning, gives a yellow Fume; found in Mettalick Mines: Of this, Copper-Smiths make Brass. It is the most perfect Remedy for Sore, Running, and Rheumatick Eyes, that is yet known.

8. Calcarius, Lime-stone, is of grey colour, almost like Marble, which burnt, is Quick-Lime.

9. Chalcedonius, Chalcedony, shineth, and hath as it were bright Stars within them.

10. Cos, Acone, Lapis Naxius, the Whet-stone.

11. Fe••otrope, it is a Solar-Stone, a kind of Jasper, being of a greenish colour, with red spots upon it; Some take this for the true Blood-Stone.

12. Haematites, Scedenigni, the Blood-Stone. It is found in Iron-Mines in Germany, of a black, yellowish, or iron colour: The best is like Cinnabar. It cools, drys, astringes, mixt with Wo∣mans Milk it helps Blear Eyes.

13. Hibernicus Lapis, Irish Salt, growing in Ireland and England, is often used against Bruises, instead of Sperma Ceti.

14. Judaicus Lapis, Tecolinthus, Phenicites, Syrincus, Jews-Stone, comes from Judea and Silesia, roundish almost like an Olive, tender and brittle, with flakes the long way, at equal distances, as if done by a Turner. It is sometimes as long as ones little Finger, and is a Specifick against the Stone.

15. Lapis Lazuli, Cyanaeus, Coeruleus, Stellans, Azurus, the Azure-Stone, is found in Gold, Silver, and in Copper-Mines, and is like a Saphir, or the flowers of Blue-Bottles, with Golden Veins, somewhat harder than the Armenian Stone; found in Germany, and in the Indies: It purges Me∣lancholly, and is excellent for Fevers, and the Gout.

16. Lincis Lapis, Belemites, Dactylus Idaeus, the Lynx-Stone, said to be generated of a Lynx's Urine, like to an Arrow, or the Idaean Date, shines almost like Amber, and is found in Germany, &c. an excellent Lithontriptic and Vulnerary.

17. Lapis Humanus, or the Stone found in the Reins or Bladder of a Man, open Obstructions, and expels the Stone, &c.

18. Marcasita, Lapis Moralis, the Mill-Stone, in Powder with Rosin, drys up Milk in Wo∣mens Breasts.

19. Marble, is either white, black, green, red, &c. Alablaster, Ophites, and Porphyrites, are certain Species of it. 'Tis good for the stone, Cholick, Pleurisie, &c.

20. Nephritic-Stone, is green, sometimes whitish green, yellowish, pale; found in Spain and B••hemia: The Superficies always sweats with Fat, and is good against the Stone, and pain of the Reins.

21. The Ophite, is a kind of very hard Marble, of a dark green, having spots like a Serpent, eminently good against Head-aches, and stinging of Serpents.

22. Ostiocolla, Ossifragus, Sabulosus, the Bone-Binder, is almost like a Bone, white, or ash-co∣loured, and sometimes like Coral, found in Germany, &c. speedily Knitts Bones together.

23. Phrygice Lapis, the Phrygian Stone, mixed with Wax, it helps burning, and is profitable against putried Ulcers, used as Cadmia.

24. Porph••ry-Stone. or Red-Marble, taken inwardly, breaks and expels the Stone, &c

25. Pumex, Lapis Bibulus, the Pumice Stone. It is a white, light, dry, spongey, porous Stone, full of holes, easily broken, and free from Sand, found chiefly in Germany. It cools drys, cleanses Uclers, Incarnates, and Skins: The Clax is used in Eye-Medicines, &c.

26. Pyrites, Lapis Luminis, Lapis Aera••ius, it is two-fold, viz. a Golden or Silver colour: doth heat, dry, discuss Humours, and soften Swellings: Is found in Persia, Cypus, G••slaria.

27. Samnius Lapis, the Samian-Stone; the best is hard and white, is good to polish Gold. Is cold and astringent; being Drunk, it helps them which cannot digest their Food, but Vomit it up again.

28. Schistus, Iscistus Isidori, the Cleaving-Stone 'tis a king of Talc, of the Nature of the Blood-Stone; it is brought to us out of Germany.

29. Silex, Lapis Tiliceus, and Vivus, the Flint, is harder than Marble, some black, some cloudy, some white; and some with a thick, white, crusty out-side, which when broken, have been as transparent as Crystal. Flints are hot and dry, discussive, digestive and resolutive: They open Obstuctions, and dissolve the Stone and Tartarous Humours; outwardly they cleanse the Teeth.

30. Smyris, (a Stone which Glasiers use to cut Glass) is found in the Earth of Samot; the Powder of it serves to polish Gems withal.

31. Spongites, the Spunge Stone, breaks the Stone in the Reins and Bladder, and discusses Tu∣mours of the Kings-Evil, mixt with Sal, Gem and Tartar, and Drunk in a Man's Urine every morning Fasting.

32. Talcum, Phengites, Stella-Terrae, Talc is brought from Muscovy and Venice; and is almost like the specular Stone, but thinner, scaly, greenish, resisting Fire, and fixed: That which is greenish is best. Its used for a Fucus for the Face.

33. Ʋnicorn Stone, is of the colour, smoothness, and form of an Horn, found in Germany, &c. It has been often found so great and thick, as could never be produced from an Animal: Sometimes hard, sometimes soft, always stoney, brittle, close, without pores, sticking to the Tongue, and of a pleasant scent. It is drying, binding, cardiac, and sudorifick.

CHAP. XLVII. Strange Stones, and of Admirable Figures, or Signatures.

As the Psalmist saith of the Heavens, That they declare the Glory of God, and the Firmament shews his handy-work; —there is neither Speech nor Language where their Voice is not heard; So I may say of the very Stones of the Earth, that if all the other Preachers of Nature were suspended from their Office, and commanded to be silent, the very Stones would speak and declare the Wisdom and Power of their Creator: And it is not in my opinion credible, that the variety which appears in these works of Nature is altogether accidental or f••rtuitous, but the effect of a wise Pro∣vidence, which leads on all things to their end; and which makes nothing, but to some purpose.

I shall take notice of their Figures, called by some Gamahes, from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Chamai••u, from 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 Chemaia, as Gaffarel thinks, signifying, as the waters of God; because, saith he, you shall see some Agats streaked in such a manner, as that they perfectly represent the figure of Waters: The Word God being added according to the Hebrew Idiotisim, which speaking of any thing excellent, usually add the Holy Name after it, as the Paradise of God for an excellent Garden; the Army of the Lord, for a great Army; the Cedars of God, for tall Cedars, &c. Some of these Figures or Gamahes are Natural, others Accidental, others Artificial: The two former ate either embossed, (rising up) or hollowed, (engraved) or only painted.

Among the Painted ones, the Agats are well known. That of King Pyrrhus, where the nine Muses richly apparell'd were represented Dancing with Apollo in the midst of them, playing upon a Harp, seems mighty strange, and served to puzzle Cardan; and yet is swallowed glibly by Gaffarel. Card. de Subl. 1.7. Gaffarel, unheard of Curios. part. 3. c. 5. That which M. de Brev••s reports, That he saw in his Voyages into the Levant, of a Crucisix represented on a Marble-Stone; and the other at St. George's in Venice, where the Figure of a Crucifix was represented on Marble, with so much Life, as that you might distinguish in it, the Nails, Wounds, and drops of Blood, and in a word, all the particulars, that the most curious Painter could have expressed: As also another of a Death's-Head, so exactly drawn upon an Altar of Jasper, co∣loured Marble, in the same Church at Venice; seem to me to have been made by the Art of the Painter; though Gaffarel believes them to be meerly Natural; and therefore breaks out, upon the mention of them, into those Words, How prodigiously full of Wonder the Effects of Na∣ture are, which shews herself admirable in all her Ways! Gaffar. Ibid.

I dare hardly impose upon my Readers Faith, that which he relates afterwards of a kind of Stones found in Mauritania, which naturally represent all the Words of the Ave-Maria, written at length: As for Example, In one you shall have Ave-Maria, in another Gratia Plena, in others Dominus Tecum. That is more Credible, which he reports of a company of little Flint-Stones, that had been presented to the late King of France, that by the Letters naturally figured on them, did make up his Name at large. Ibid.

In the Imperial Repository at Vienna, is a large Stone of Agate on the outside, and a Bed of large Amethysts naturally in the middle of it, which is an extraordinary and pleasant Rarity. Dr. Brown's Trav. p. 148.

Selenites, the Moon-Stone, represent the Image of the Moon in all its Phases.

Asteria, or Star-Stone, is formed like a Star, the Thunderstone, &c.

CHAP. XLVIII. Strange Hills.

THO' the Earth of late Ages be acknowledged to be a round Globular Figure, yet the unevennesses of it, and the strutting forth of some large Mountains seem to make against it; but indeed, the Objection amounts to no more, than the little small knobs of an Egg, or the little silver Pins that a Watch-Case is studded with, against the Oval Figure of the one, or the Roundness and Sphericalness of the other. Mountains are useful in their places, formerly among Jews and Gentiles, chosen for Devo∣tion; now in their Natural Consideration, they serve for the Boundaries and Bulwarks of Nations, the Generation of Metals and Minerals, for deriving a fruitfulness upon the lower Grounds, breaking the Winds, pleasantness and variety, &c.

Some have thought, that Mountains, and all other Irregularities in the Earth, have risen from Earthquakes; others from the Universal Deluge; from the great Agitation of Wa∣ters which broke the Ground into this rude and unequal Form: Both these seem very incom∣petent and insufficient. It is most probable, that at the General Deluge, as all those parts that flood above the Water made Dry-Land, or the present Habitable Earth, so such parts of the Dry-Land as stood higher than the rest, made Hills and Mountains; and this is the first and general account of them, and of all the Inequalities of the Earth. Tho. Burnet's Theory of the Earth. l. 1. c. 11.

The highest Mountain in the World is not found to be five direct miles in height, taking their Altitude from the Plain they stand upon.

1. Olympus, whose height is so extoll'd by the Poets, that it is said to exceed the Clouds; yet Plutarch tells us, That Xenagoras measured it, and found it not to exceed a Mile and an half Perpendicular, and about 70 Paces. Much about the same height, Pliny saith, That Dicoarchus found the Mountain Pelion to be.

2. Mount Athos is supposed of extraordinary height, because it cast it's shadow into the Isle of Lemnos, which according to Pliny, was eighty seven miles; yet Gassendus allows it but two miles in height; but Isaac Vossius allows it but ten or eleven furlongs at most.

3. Caucasus, by Ricciolus, is said to be fifty one miles in height; Gassendus conceives it not above three or four miles at most; but Vossius will not yield it above two miles per∣pendicular, for which he gives this Reason: Polybius affirms, that any Mountain in Greece may be ascended in a days time, and makes the highest Mountain there not to exceed ten Furlongs; which V••ssius saith, is scarce possible, unless a Mountaineer, another will scarce be able to ascend above six Furlongs perpendicular; but if we do allow eight Furlongs for a days ascent, yet thereby it will appear that the highest Mountains in the World are not above twenty four Furlongs in height, since they may be ascended in three days time: And it is affirmed of the Top of Mount Caucasus, that it may be ascended in less than the compass of three days, and therefore cannot be much above two miles in height.

4. The Pike of Teneriffe, reputed the highest Mountain in the World, which the Inhabi∣tants called Pica de Terraria, may be ascended in three days time; For in the months of July and August, (which are the only Months in which Men can ascend it, because all other times of the year Snow lies upon it, although neither in the Isle of Teneriffe, nor any other of the Canary Islands, there be Snow ever seen) the Inhabitants then ascend to the top of it in three days time, which top of it is not Pyramidal but plain, from whence they gather some Sulphurous Stones, which are carried in great quantities into Spain. So that ac∣cording to the proportion of eight Furlongs to a days Journey, this Pike will not ex∣ceed the height of a German Mile Perpendicular, as Varenius confesses, who thinks no Mountain in the World to be higher; and the Alpes, in a Perpendicular Line, comes not near the height of a German Mile. Dr. Stillingfleet's Orig. Sacr. lib. 3. cap. 4. p. 544. &c.

5. In the County of Hereford, Marclay-Hill, Anno 1571. roused it self up, and for the space of three days together, moving and shewing its self with roaring noise in a fearful sort, and overturning all things that stood in its way, advanced it self forward to the wondrous astonish∣ment of the Beholders, Camb. Brit. p. 620.

6. In Glamorgan-shire, in Cliff by the Sea-side, there appeareth a very little Chink, unto which, if you lay your Ear, you shall hear a noise as if it were Smiths at Work; one while the blowing of Bellows, another while the striking of the Sledge and Hammer; some∣times the sound of the Grind-Stone, and Iron-Tools rubbing against it; the hissing Sparks of Steel-Gads, within holes as they are beaten also, and the puffing noise of the Fire burning in the Furnace. This is called Merlin's Cave. Camb. Brit. p. 643.

7. Crowborough-Hill, about eight miles from Timbridge-Wells, is so very high, that in a clear day Ships may be seen under Sail: There is also an unlimited prospect on this Hill, which renders it the more delightful.

CHAP. XLIX. Vulcanoes.

VƲlcanoes are nothing but the Vent-holes or Funnels of Nature, to give vent to the Superflnous choak∣ing Fumes, and smoaky Vapours of the Earth, which flie upwards, and make way and free Passage for the Vehemency of the burning within the Bowels of the Earth; and for the Attraction and free ad∣mission of the Friendly Air, to cherish and ventilate those Suffocating Flames, least they should continu∣ally shake the Foundations of the Ground, with Intolerable Commotions and Earthquakes; for Earth∣quakes are the proper effects of Subterrestrial Combustions; and so the Fire is both discharged of its Su∣perfluous Clog through these wide mouth'd Orifices, and cherished also with the reviving Air. Of these Vent∣holes or Chimneys, there are such a Multitude and variety, than there is hardly any Region in the World without them.

1. Asia hath them every where, in Persia, Armusia, Zeilan, Media, in the Mogul's Countrey, and China; the Molucca and Philippine Islands, Japan, New Guiny, in the Indian Ocean every where, the Shoats of North Tartary, and in all the Ocean and Islands almost, &c.

2. Africa hath two famous ones in Monamotopa; 4 in Angola, Congus, and Guiney; one in Lybia, one in Abassia; besides innumerable Craters and Sulphurous Dens, every where obvious; the Atlantick Sea so abounds with subterraneous Fires, that Platoes Land called Atlantis, seems to have been swallowed up by them. The Terzeras can scarce be inhabited for the Vehemency of Fires; and in them the Pico, equal to Teneriffe, belches forth Flames to this very day, &c.

3. America may be called Vulcan's Kingdom; In the Andes alone, in the Kingdom of Chile, are 15 Vulcanoes; in Peru as many, 6 of inaccessible height, besides innumerable Vulcanian Ditches, Pits, and Jakes. In Carappa, a Province of Popagon, is a Mountain raging with Smoake and Flames; the City Paruquipa, has a Mountain near it, casting forth continually Sulphurous Fires. At the Valley of Peru, called Mulahallo, is another Vulcano; to these may be added the Southern part of the Magellanic Sea, continually belching forth its Flames, called therefore Terras de Fuego. In the Northern America, are observed 7 formidable Vulcanoes, three in New-Spain, one in Nicaragua, three in Callifornia.

4. In Europe, 5 chief ones are noted, viz. Aetna in Sicily, by the Monuments of all Writers, most famous. Strongulus (and some other of the Liparitan Islands, not very remote from Sicily, especially that Notorious Vulcana, to which is adjoyned another called Vuleanilla,) said all to have burnt heretofore, called the Vulcanian Islands. The Mountain Hecla in Izland, is the furthest North, and Chimer a in Greece, besides many others in each particular Country; at least, Fire, Wells, Pits, and Orifices, &c. Among all which, Italy, throughout all Ages, is the most Notori∣ous for such under-ground Hearths and Aestuaries.

Neither are Germany, France, Spain, and other Countreys wholy destitute of theirs; where, though there be none answerable to the other, yet the frequent Sulphurous Craters, Vomiting forth Smo•••• and Flames; and the innumerable multitude of hot Bathes and Wells every where, do betray some Store and Work-houses of Subterraneous Fire, creeping between the Conservatories and Abysses of Water. In Misnia in Germany, the Mountain Carbo, ever and anon, rages with Fume and Fire, &c. In the farthest Tracts of the North, toward the Poles, in the Region of Tinsci in Tartary, are reckoned four. In Lapland, high Mountains belch forth Flames like Aetna. In Izeland, the Famous Hecla, and in Greenland next to the Pole, is a huge Vulcanian Moun∣tain, &c.

Not to mention the particular Eruptions of other Vulcanoes, we will take notice only of the Burnings of Aetna. It is said to have broke forth, A. M. 2600, witness Berosus; afterwards in the time of Janigena. In the time of the Arganauts, A. M. 2714. In the time of Aeneas his ex∣pedition, A. M. 2768, again about A. 3180, till near 3600, Witness Thucidides, who lived at that time. In the time of the Roman Consuls, there were four remarkable Burnings; that about 3830. was prodigious; another in the time of Julius Caesar; another in the time of Caligula; another in the time of St. Agatha the Martyr, other in these following years, A. C. 812, 1160, 1284, 1329, 1408, 1444, 1536, 1554, 1633, 1650, 1669, 1687.

CHAP. L. Strange Winds and Hurricanes.

BEing got upon the Tops of Hills, the next thing that presents before us, is the Wind which blowern, (as our Saviour saith,) where it listeth, but mostly upon the highest Grounds, and greatest Plains, whether of Earth or Sea, and this Meteor is so strong sometimes, so strange, so always invisible, that is may well go for one of the Wonders of Nature, enough to astonish and terrifie.

When the Sun by some particular Occurent, raiseth great Multitudes of Atoms from some one place, and they either by the Attraction of the Sun, or some other occasion, take their course a certain way; the Motion of those Atoms we call a Wind, which according to the continuance of the Matter from whence these Atoms arise, end••re a longer or shorter time, and goeth a longer or shorter way; like a River, or those Eruptions of Waters they call in the Northern part of England, Gypsies, which flow out at certain times, upon uncertain Causes, and with an uncertain duration.

1. In some of the Caribbe Islands, the word Hurrica, signifies the Devil, whence Hurricanes took its Name, it being commonly called in Latine, Tempestas Diabolica; we seldom hear of any Hurricanes but between the Tropiques, and within the Jurisdiction of the General or Trade Wind; which blowing perpetually from the Eastern Points, if it chance to be repell'd by a Land Breeze, or any contrary Wind from the West; this must needs occasion strange Conflicts and Sedi∣tions in the Air; and, were our Senses fine enough to discern the invisible Commotions of the Atmosphere, we shou'd see it oftentimes disturbed and Fluctuating, no less then the most Tem∣pestuous Seas. Hurricanes are most Terrible near high Shoars and Islands, that lie Eastward from the Continent, so that they infest the Philippine and Caribbe Islands, more then any other part of the Habitable World. 'Tis strange, that they should be so dreadful in some of the Caribbes, that Mevis and St. Christophers, have several times been almost depopulated by them, when they never reach to Jamaica on the one side, nor on the other, beyond Barbadoes, where they have seldom more then the Tail of an Hurricane.

We have most Incredible Relations of the Storms in the way to Japan, which have carried Ships a considerable distance from the Sea, up the dry Land; some have been miserably Wrackt, and buryed in the Waves, others split in a Thousand pieces against the Rocks, that scarce one Ship in five escapes these Disasters, in the Tempestuous Months about Autumn, or at the Change of the Monsoons. Bohun's disc. of the Orig. and Prop. of Wind. p. 255.

Hurricanes are the True Images of the last Conflagration of the World, formerly happening one in five or seven years, now more frequent: the manner thus, ordinarily the Sea becomes Calm on a sudden, and smooth as Glass; then presently after the Air is darkned, and fill'd with thick and gloomy Clouds, after which, it is all (as it were) on a Fire, and opens on every side with dreadful Lightnings, that last a considerable time, after which follow wonderful Claps of Thunder, that seem as if the Heaven were rent asunder. The Earth trembles in many places, and the Wind blows with so great an Impetuosity, that it Roots up the Tallest and the greatest Trees which grow in the Woods; beats down almost all the Houses, and tears up the Vegetables, destroying every thing that grows upon the Earth, and very often compells Men, whilst this dreadful Tempest lasts, to catch hold of the Trunks of Trees, to secure themselves from being carryed away with the Winds; some lie in the Caves of the Rocks, or retire into the Hutts of the Negroes, and Caribbians, which are built exceeding low, on purpose to elude the Shocks of these Tempests. But that which is most dangerous of all, and which causes the greatest Mischief, is, that in 24 hours, and sometimes in less space, it makes the whole Circle of the Compass, lea∣ving neither Road nor Haven secure from its raging Force; so that all the Ships that are at that time on the Coast, do Perish most Miserably. At St. Christophers, several Ships being Laden with Tobacco, were all cast away by an Hurricane; and afterwards, the Tobacco Poisoned most of the Fish on their Coasts.

When these Storms are over, a Man may behold the saddest Spectacles that can be imagined. There may be seen pieces of Mountains shaken by the Earthquakes, and Forrests overturn'd; Houses beaten down by the Winds, many People undone by the Loss of their Goods and Mer∣chandise, of which they can save but little; there may you see poor Seamen drowned, and Row∣ling in the Waves, with many brave Ships broken in pieces, and batter'd against the Rocks; 'tis a thing so Woful and Deplorable, that should it happen often, none would be so confident as to go to the Indies. Ibid. p. 280. &c.

2. The Tornadoes or Travadoes, in Greek Ecnephias, have for their Prognostick, a thick Cloud, suddenly rising above the Horizon, which is easily visible in those Countreys, where the Air is ge∣nearlly defecate and Serene; the Cloud for its smalness at first, called the Bulls-Eye, diffuses it self by degrees, and at last, covering the whole Face of the Heavens with a Canopy of Darkness, causes horrible Storms, Thunder and Lightning, swells the Raging Seas up to the Clouds, which pour them down in Deluges of Rain, falling rather in huge Cascades, and by Buckets full, then drops; sometimes with Hail-stones of Prodigious Bulk, commonly shifting all the Points of the Compass, in the space of an Hour, and blowing in such sudden and impetuous Gusts, that Ship which was ready to overset on one side, is no less assaulted on the other; sometimes shifting with∣out intermission, and otherwhile blowing in Starts; you shall be alarm'd with many of them in the same day; most toward the Coast of Africk, for half an hour or three quarters at a time, our Seamen commonly meet with them from 10th, 11th, or 12th Degree of Northern Latitude, likewise in the Tropic of Capricorn, near the Promontory of Cape bon Esperance. Sometimes they are attended with much Thunder and Lightning, and extream Rain, so noiso••, that they will make their Cloaths who stir much in in it, stink upon their Backs. Sir Tho. Pope Blunt's Nat. Hist. p. 434.

3. Whirlwinds are very strange; we will here present the Reader with an account of one which happened in Cambridge in New-England, July 8. 1680. One Samuel Stone having about two of the Clock in the Afternoon been in the Field, the Wind then Southerly, he observed a Cloud in the North-west, in opposition to the Wind, which caused a Singing Noise in the Air, and the Wind increased, till the Whirl-wind came, which began in the Meadow, near where he was, though it was not so violent as it proved afterwards, as it passed by him, it suckt up and whirl'd about the Hay that was within the Compass of it; it passed from him towards his House, over an Hill, tearing down several Trees as it went along, and coming to his Barn, carryed off a considerable part of the Roof, (about 24 foot one way, and 30 the other, full near the Dwelling house, where People were, yet could not its fall be heard of them, (yet was it so great, that it was heard by some a Mile of,) by reason of the great rushing noise of the Wind. Afterwards as it pressed to∣wards his Neighbours House, it tore down some Trees and Indian Corn, and there rose up in the Air for the space of a quarter of a Mile, afterwards it came down up 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Earth, in a more vio∣lent manner; Matthew Bridge his Neighbour, who was an Eye-witness of what happened, de∣clares,

that he observed a thick Cloud coming along his Fathers Field, before his House, as to ap∣pearance very black; in the inside of the Cloud as it passed over him, there seemed to be a light Pillar, as he judged to be about 8 or 10 foot Diameter, which seemed to him like a Skrew or solid body; its motion was continually circular, which turned about the rest of the Cloud; it passed along upon the Ground, tearing all before it, Bushes by the Roots, yea, the Earth it self; removing Old Trees as they lay along on the Earth, and Stones of a great Magnitude; great Trees were twisted and torn down, and carryed a distance from the place where they were; Branches of Trees, containing about a Load of Wood, were blown 40 yards or more. The Cloud it self was fill'd with Stones, Bushes, Boughs, &c. so that the Cloud seemed like a Green Wood, it went a Mile and a half before it shattered, bearing down the Trees before it, and lay∣ing all flat to the Ground; passing through a New Planted Orchard, it pull'd up some of the Trees by the Roots, and broke off others in the Bodies, as if shot off. Matthew Bridge and his Boy were necessitated to lie flat upon the Ground, and this Cloud and Pillar passed so near them, as almost to touch their Feet, bending the Bushes down over them, and yet their Lives were pre∣served. John Robins a Servant man, was suddenly slain by this Storm; his Body bruised, and many Bones broken. Inc. Mathers, Remark, Provid. p. 313, &c.

To speak of other Winds and Tempests in other parts of the World, would be too tedious, only one we shall relate, which happened in England lately.

October 30, 1669, betwixt 5 and 6 a Clock in the Evening, the Wind We••••erly, at Ashley in Northamptonshire, happened a formidable Hurricane, scarce bearing 60 yards in breadth, and spending it self in about 7 Minutes of time. Its first discern'd assault was upon a Milk-maid, taking her Pail and Hat from off her Head, and carrying it many scores of yards from her, where it lay undiscern'd for some days; next it storm'd the Yard of one Sprigge, dwelling in West-thorp, where it blew a Waggon's body off of the Axel-trees, breaking the Wheels, and Axel-trees in pi∣ces, and blowing three of the Wheels so shatter'd, over a Wall. The Waggon stood somewhat cross to the Passage of the Wind; another Waggon of Mr. Salisburies, matched with great speed upon its Wheels against the side of his House, to the astonishment of the Inhabitants; a Branch of an Ash-tree, of the bigness that two lusty Men could scarce lift it, blew over Mr. Salisburies House without hurting it, and yet this Branch was torn from a Tree an Hundred yards distant from that House. A Slate was found upon a Window of the House of Samuel Templer, Esq; which very much bent an Iron Bar in it and yet 'tis certain, that the nearest place, the Slate was at first forced from. was near 200 yards; not to take notice of its stripping of several Houses; one thing is remarkable, which is that at Mr. Maidwell's Senior, it forced open a Door, breaking the Latch, and thence marching through the Entry, and forcing open the Dairy Door, it overturn'd the Milk-Vessels, and blew out three Panes or Lights in the Window; next it mounted the Cham∣bers, and blew out nine Lights more; from thence it proceeded to the Parsonage, whose Roof is more then decimated; then crosseth the narrow Street, and forcibly drives a Man Head-long in the Doors of Tho. Briggs; then it passed with a Cursory salute at Tho. Marsones, down to Mr. George Wignils, at least a Furlong distance from Marston's, and two Furlongs from Sprigges, where it plaid Notorious Exploits, blowing a large Hovel of Pease from its supporters, and set∣tling it cleaverly upon the Ground, without any considerable damage to the Tharch. Here it blew a Gate Post, fixed two foot and an half in the Ground, out of the Earth, and carryed it into the Fields, many yards from its first abode. Mathers Remarkable Providences. p. 320.

Anno 1401. The Devil appeared at Danbury in Essex, upon the Day called Corpus Christi, in the likeness of a Gray-Fryar, who entring the Church, raged very insolently, whereby the Parish∣oners were marvellously feared; the same Hour with a Tempest of Whirl-wind and Thunder, the Top of the Steeple was broken down, half the Chancel shaken and scattered abroad; shortly after, Sir Roger Clarendon, Knight, the Bastard Son (as it was said,) of Edward the Black Prince, and with him his Squire, and a Young-man were beheaded, and 8 Fryars were brought to open Judgment, were Condemn'd and Hanged, that Published King Richard to be alive. The Doc•• warning to Judgment. p. 262.

CHAP. LI. Damps.

DR. Plot reduces Damps either to Supernatural, or Subterraneal; both which, he takes to proceed from Stagnations into the Subterraneal Vaults of the Earth, for want of due Ventilations and Com∣merce between the Superior and Inferior Air. The Material causes, saith the Doctor, may be various, cither Simple or Compound; as the Meer Corruption of the Simple Air alone, upon a long Stagnation in the Coal-Rooms, and the Rifts and Clifts of the Rock of Coal it self, may be its material Causes indeed; but the chief Cause of a Daemp, he takes to be the want of motion in those Cavities, without which, the Air would never have Corrupted, no more then Water which never Corrupts till it Stagnate:, when in∣deed like the Air, it becomes Poysonous, tho possibly not to that Degree; the Air being a Body much finer, and convey'd to the more tender parts of the Body; whence it is, that in Old Works, wherein there has been no digging for a long time, no laving, drawing, or pumping of Water, all which keeps the Air in mo∣tion, and the Waters from Canckering, these Damps are most frequent and most dangerous: whence i••••s too, that the Works where the Bed of Coal is thin, and admits but of few or no sach Rifes, for the Air to Stagnate or Corrupt in, are seldom or never troubled with them. Ʋpon which account 'tis likewise, that thô a Bed of Coal have many of these Rifts; and large ones too, yet as long as there is a Profluence of Wa∣ter through them, there is no danger of their Entertaining such Damps, which as soon as made dry by a

Sough or Free-Level, the same Mine shall become much more liable to them; the wholsore Air that was in them, whilst kept in motion by the Flux of the Water, now Stagnating and Corruping to that de∣gree, that it not only extinguishes the Glowing heat of Coals, and the Flame of Candles, Torches, &c. but the Flammula Vitae, too in most living Creatures, so that the Animal that respires it, sometimes expires with is too. Plot's Hist. of Staffordshire, p. 133, 134.

1. Mr. Jessop says, there are 4 sorts of Damps common in those Parts. The first, is known ever where; the External Signs of its approach, are the Candles burning Orbicular, and the Flames lessening by degrees, until it quite extinguish; the Intenral, shortness of Breath; those which escape swooning, receive no great Inconvenience; those that swoon away and escape an absolute Suffocation, are at their first recovery tormented with violent Convulsions, the Pain whereof, when they begin to recover their Senses, cause them to roar exceedingly. The Reme∣dy is to dig a Hole in the Earth, and lay them on their Bellies, with their Mouths in it; if that fail, they Tun them full of good Ale: but if that fail, they conclude them in a desperate Con∣dition.

2. The second sort is called the Pease-bloom Damp, because it smells like it. It always comes in the Summer-time, and that those Groves are not free, which are never troubled with any other sort of Damps; he never heard it was Mortal, the Scent perhaps freeing them from the Danger of a Surprize. Dr. Plot, takes this kind to be the most common Damp in the Countrey, it makes their Ca••dles first to diminish, to burn round, and at length to go out, perfuming the Stauls with a Faint sweet smell, and are said to be sometimes visible, shewing like a thin Smoak, which may be seen fuming out of the Top of the Pit; it is thought to arise from the Workmen's Breath and Sweat, mixt with the Steams of the Golden Marchasite.

3. The third sort of Damp is said to be the most strange and most Pestilential of any; those who pretend to have seen it, describe it thus: In the highest part of the Roof of those Passages, which branch out from the main Grove, they often see a round thing hanging, about the bigness of a Football, covered with a Skin of the Thickness and Colour of a Cob-web; this they say, if by any accident it be broken, immediatly disperseth it self, and Suffocates all the Company; therefore to prevent Casualties, as soon as ever they espie it; they say, they have a way, by the help of a Stick and long Rope, of breaking it at a distance, which done, they Purifie the place with Fire, before they dare enter in again.

4. The fourth, which they also call a Damp, is that Vapour, which being touched by their Candle, presently takes Fire, and giveth a Crack like a Gun, produceth the like Effects, or ra∣ther those of Lightning; hence it is commonly called the Fulminating Damp, Philos. Transact Numb. 117. p. 391.

Mr. Jessop further observes, that Damps most generally come in the latter end of May, and to continue during the heat of Summer, and in those places, which have Damps all the Year long; yet they are most violent at that Season, although it be certain, they do often return in the same Summer.

He also observes, there are some Damps that will quite extinguish all those Fires that are let down into them, be they never so many, successively, or never so great; and Fire is observed to be so far from Cuting, that it often creates Damps in places not otherwise subject to them. Ibid. p. 453.

Mr. George Sinclar says, That the Fire of Fulminating Damps is in Scotland, near Leith, which they there call Wild Fire. They do there prevent this Damp by a Person that enters before the Workmen, who, being covered with wet Sackcloth, when he comes near the Coal-wall, where the Fire is feared, he creeps on his Belly with a long Pole before him, having a lighted Candle on the Top on'••, with whose Flame the Wild-Fire meeting, it breaketh with Violence, and run∣ning along the Roof, goeth out with a Noise at the Mouth of the Sink; the Person that gave Fire escaping by creeping on the Ground, and keeping his Face close to it, till it be over-past. George Sinclar's Miscell. Obs. p. 292.

Dr. Plot, in his Natural Histoty of Oxfordshire, tells, that in North Leigh in that County, two Men of that place being employed to dig a Well, first Sickned, and wisely withdrew from the Work; whereupon it was undertaken by two others of Woodstock, who before they could do any thing confiderably in it, sunk down and irrecoverably died in the Well; which being perceived by a Woman above, a Miller hard by was called to their assistance, who also suddenly fell down upon them, and dyed; to whom, after some deliberation taken, another Ventures down with a Rope about his middle, but he fell from the Ladder, in just the same manner, and though pre∣sently drawn up by the People above, yet was scarcely recovered in an Hour or more.

And on the 20th of Augusst, 1674, upon a Buckets falling casually into a Well, on the South∣side of the said Town, about a Furlong from the former, a Woman calls her Neighbour, a lusty strong Man, to go down by a Ladder to fetch up her Bucket, who also unmindful of the for∣mer accident, soon granted her unhappy request, for by that time he came half way down, he fell dead from the Ladder into the Water; the Woman amazed, calls another of her Neighbours, a Lusty young Man about 28, who hastily descending to give his assistance, much about the same place also, fell down from the Ladder, and dyed, without giving the least sign of his Change; so suddenly Mortal are the Damps of that place. Dr. Plots Nat. Hist. of Oxfordshire. p. 61.

The Doctor advises all such as are to go down into any deep Well, that may be suspected to have any Malignant, noxious Steams, or Vapours, first to throw down into them, a Peck of good Lime, which slaking in the Water, and fuming out the Top, will so effectually dispel all such Poysonous Vapours, that they may safely go down, and stay sometime unhurt. Ibid. p. 63.

CHAP. LII. Rain, Hail, Snow, Frosts, &c.

THE Governor of the World; to shew his Wisdom, and make his power known, hath set the Sun in the Firmament, (among other Offices) to exhale and draw up the Vapours and moisture from the Earth into the Ʋpper Regions of the Air, and when they are condensed into Clouds, he hath the Winds ready to carry them about from place to place, and when they are Sunn'd and Fann'd sufficiently there, and made pure and fit for our use; he doth again either dissolve or congeal them, and send them down to us in the several Species of Rain, Hail, Snow, &c. O Lord, our Governor, how excellent is thy Name in all the Earth!

1. The 30th of July, Anno 1662. was a very stormy and tempestuous day in Cheshire and Lancashire. At Ormskerk there was such a Storm of Hail, as brake the Glass-Windows, and did much hurt to the Corn. Mr. Heywood the Minister, measured an Hail-Stone, after some of it was wasted, and found it 4 Inches about, others were judged to be greater.

2. The 13th of October, Anno 1666. there was in Lincolnshire, a dreadful Storm of Thunder and Hail-Stones, much bigger than Pidgeons Eggs, and some fell as large as Pullets Eggs. Ibid.

3. The 26th of June, Anno 1682. in New England there were the most amazing Lightnings that had been known, grievous Hail falling with it. At Springfield it was most dreadful, where great pieces of Ice, some 7, some 9 Inches about, fell down from the Clouds with such violence, that the Shingles upon some Houses were broken thereby, and holes beat into the Ground that a Man might put his Hand in. Several Acres of Corn were beat down and destroyed by the Hail, &c. Mather's Remarkable Providences, p. 318.

4. In the 23th year of King Henry II. a shower of Blood rained in the Isle of Wight, which continued two hours together. Clark's Examples, p. 571.

5. In June, Anno 1653. a black Cloud was seen over the Town of Pool, which a while after was dissolved into a shower of Blood, that fell warm upon Men's hands: Some green Leaves, with those drops of Blood upon them, were sent to London; attested by Eye-witnesses. Clark's Mirr. p. 484.

6. Before Caesar's Death, no only drops of Blood fell from Heaven, but also Pitts and Pools flowed with Blood. Plutarch.

7. Anno 1620. it Rained Blood in Poland so abundantly, that the drops fell very fast from the tops of the Houses: Soon after, the Tartars, with 40000 Men invaded Poland, exercising in∣credible cruelty, killing in one place above 3000 Polanders: And the Turks, with 90000 men, fell into Walslady, where they had a bloody Encounter with 12000 Poles, led by the Great Chancellor of the Kingdom, who himself with the whole Army were slain, few or none escaping, Burtons, Surp. Mir. of Nature, p. 99.

8. The 16th of July, Anno 1622. in the Dukedom of Wittenburg, it Rained Blood on the Hands and Clothes of Labouring-men; and likewise upon Trees, Stones, and other places in the Fields: In these parts at Noringen many thousands were slain. Ibid. p, 101.

9. The 29th of June, Anno 1625. at Constantinople, began a most terrible Tempest, with Thunder and Lightning, that all the City shewed as if it had been on Fire; at the end where∣of, fell a Storm of Hail that brake Tiles and Glasses, so that Stones were taken up of 150 Drams, and the next morning some of them being weighed, they were about 7 and 8 Ounces a piece, wherewith they were sore wounded; and the 3d of July after, fell another Tempest of Thunder and Lightning, which burned a Woman and Child, and slew much Cattle in the Field. Clarks Example, c. 103. p. 490.

10. Anno 763. when the Turks first brake forth from about the Caspian Sea, there was such an extraordinary cold Winter, that the Euxine Sea was frozen 30 foot thick, Men walked upon the Ice for 100 miles into the Sea; yea, all the Country from Lycia to Denubius, and on the other side, as far as Euphrates, were so associated by the Frost, as if they had been all one Country. Some pieces of Ice, like unto Mountains, fell upon and beat down the Walls of seve∣ral Cities. Ibid.

11. In the Reign of King John, were great Thunders and Lightning, and Showers, with Hail-Stones, some as big as Goose Eggs. Clark's Mirr. p. 571.

12. Anno 1568 upon All-Saints Eve, the Sea excessively swelling, in some places over-flowing, and in others bearing down the Banks, such a prodigious and unheard of Deluge covered cer∣tain Islands of Zealand, with a great part of the Sea-Coast of Holland, and almost all Friezeland, as destroyed much Land and many Men. In Friezeland alone, were 20000 Persons drowned, whose Bodies, with the Carcasses of Cattle, Houshold Goods, and broken Ribs of Ships floated all over the Fields, the Land being indistinguishable from the Sea. Many were saved from the tops of Hills, and Trees, being ready to starve, by Boats. Strada, Clarks Examples, p. 490.

13. Anno 1586. it Rained Locusts in Thracia, and Ducks and Geese in Croatia, as Leonclavius testifies, who was an Eye witness of it. The Locusts fell in such multitudes, that they devoured all the Country: And on the contrary, the Ducks and G••ese fed and nourished many. Cluverius Hist. Mundi. p. 742. Clark. Ibid.

14. Anno 1608. a Frost began in December, and continued till the April following, with such violence, that not only the Thames was so frozen, that loaded Carts were driven over it, as on dry Land, but many Fowls and Birds perished, and Herbs in Gardens were killed. Cark. Mir. p. 578.

CHAP. LIII. Concerning Thunderbolts or Thunderstones.

THunderbolts and Thunderstones are nothing else but the foeculent matter of those Vapours and Exha∣lations, which are the material cause of the Thunder and Lighening; for we sea by experience, that even our Ʋrine has always some such concreted dregs belonging to it; and sometimes perfect Stones made out of it, either in the Reins or Ʋreters or Bladder; and why there may not be a p••trification in this case, I know no Reason.

1. Avicenna saith, That he saw a Thunderbolt which fell at Corduba in Spain, and that it had a Sulphurous smell, and was like Armoniac. It is possible, that not only Sulphurous and Bitu∣minous, but stony substances may be generated in the Clouds with the Lightning. George Agri∣cela writeth, That near Lurgia, a Mass of Iron, being 50 pound in weight, fell from the Clouds, which some attempted to make Swords of, but the Fire could not melt it, nor Hammers bring it into Form, Anno 1492.

2. At Ensisheimiun, a Stone of 300 pound weight fell from the Clouds, which is kept in a Mo∣nument in the Temple there. Anno 1581, a Stone came out of the Clouds in Thuringia, which was so hot, that it could not be touched, with which one might strike fire as with a Flint. There is now to be seen at Dresden, a Stone which descended out of a Cloud, and is reserved amongst the Am••anda belonging to the Elector of Saxony; some lately living were present at the sall of that Stone. Anno 1618, in Bobemia, a considerable quantity of Brass Mettal fell from the Clouds.

3. May 28, 1677, at a Village near Hana in Germany, there was a Tempest of Lightning, and a great multitude of Stones of Green and partly Caerulean Colour fell therewith, and a considera∣ble Mass of Mineral Matter, in traste like Vitriol, being ponderous and friable, having also Me∣tallick sparks like Gold Intermixt. Gesner saith, that a Gentleman gave him one of those Stones, supposing it to be a Thunderbolt, and that it was 5 digits in length, and 3 in breadth. This sort of Stone is usually in form like unto an Iron Wedge, and has an hole quite through it. Boetius reports, that many Persons worthy of Credit, affirmed, that when Houses or Trees had been broken with the Thunder, they did by digging, find such Stones in the places where the Stroke was given; nevertheless, that fulminous Stones or Thunberbolts, do always descend out of the Clouds, when such breaches are made by the Lightning, is a Vulgar Error. M••ther's remark. Prov. p. 113.

CHAP. LIV. Comets, Blazing-Stars.

I am no Prophet, nor Prophet's Son, nor Astrologer, to pretend any skill in the particular Significations of these fiery Meteors; and they that make a Profession that way, I do humbly conceive, had need to be very modest: All that I can assert with any Confidence in such Cases, is, that Comets are, as it were, Colours hung forth, or a Hand stretched out, at the Windows of Heaven, to signifie the Indignation of the Almighty, that he is frowning and bending his Bow, and making his Quiver ready, to shoot at the Inhibitants of the Earth; and that they had best consider and examine, and prepare themselves to meet him in the Way of his Judgments.

1. Before the last Destruction of Jerusalem, a Comet in the likeness of a Fiery Sword, hung over the City for a year together; also at the ••east of Passover, a great Light appeared about the Altar at Midnight, which continued half an hour; also a Cow that was led to be Sacrificed at the Altar, brought forth a Lamb, &c. Also a little before Sun-set, were seen in the Air, Iron Chariots, and an Army in Battle-Array, as it were begitting the City. Joseph. Hist.

2. Before the Peloponesian Wars, there was a Comet, which continued 57 days together; there was also so great an Eclipse of the Sun, the Stars appeared at Noon-day, Idem.

3. The same Year that Nero was adopted by Claudius, there appeared three Suns. Ibid.

4. Irone the Empress, r••ling in Constantinople after the Murder of her Son Constantine, the Sun was darkned for 17 days together. Isac. Chron. p. 276

5. In Flanders, Anno 1088, was seen a Fiery Dragon, flying in the Air, casting out Flames from his Mouth, Ibid. p. 315.

9. The ••cast of Baster, before the coming of the Normans into this Kingdom, there was seen for a Week together, a Blazing-Star of an••hideous and fearful Form. Camb. Brit.

7. Anno 1698. While a Battle was Fought between the English and Scots, the Sun appeared as red as Blood, so long as the battle continued. Camb. Brit. Irel. p. 162.

8. Anno 1342. October 11, the Moon being 11 days old, there was seen two Moons at Dublin, the one in the East, the other in the West. Ibid. Ir. p. 188.

9. Anno 1406, in the Time of the Holy War, there appeared in Judea, a Comet for 50 days; also three Suns, one on each side of the True, but smaller; a great white Circle environing them and in it a Rainbow of four Colours the Bow towards the Sun and reaching to the two other Suns. Purch's Pilg. v. 2. p. 1287.

10. Anno 1611, Three Suns were seen in the Firmament over Vienna. Turk, Hist. p. 1311.

11. Anno 1618, there appeared in the Night over Constantinople a Comet in the form of a crooked Sword, it was of a vast bigness; at the first appearing it was whitish, but as it rose, the redder it was, and like unto Blood. Ibid, p. 1379.

12. In March following, 1650. three Glorious Suns were seen at once in Cumberland, to the Astonishment of many Thousands that beheld them. Clark's Mir. p. 483.

13. Anno 1648, Mr. Clark saith, That in January, the Week before the Beheading of King Charles the First, there was seen a fiery Meteor in the Air near Bristol, on the South-side of the City, for divers Nights together, in Form long, with fiery Streams shooting out East and West. Ibid.

14. Anno 1572, in November, there appeared a new Star in Cassiopeia which continued sixteen Months; soon after which, Charles the Ninth, King of France, (who was the Author of the Parisean Massacre) died of exceeding Bleeding from divers parts of his Body, Cursing and Swearing; saith Camb. in his Elizabetha.

15. A while after Charles the Fifth sickended, whereof he died, there was seen a Blazing-Star in Spain, at first somewhat dim, but as his Disease increased, so it grew in brightness, at last shooting its fiery Hair point-blank against the Monastery where he lay, in the very Hour that the Emperour died the Comet vanished, which was Sept. 21. 1558. Strada.

16. The new Star in Cassiopeia is supposed to be set as a sign of the Reformation and the Re∣novation of the Gospel-Light, after a long interval of Darkness.

CHAP. LV. Lightnings and Thunder.

I Know not well, whether the Philosophical Account of Lightnings and Thunder will be accepted of in this Disputing Age, viz. That they are a Congestion of Vapours or Exhalations in the Clouds, in∣kindled there by an Antiperistasis, and so moving and diffusing themselves till they burst the Clouds, and break forth with a loud Eruption, and quickness of Flame, to the Astonishment of us who live beneath. But sure I am with the Psalmist, They are the Voice of the Lord, and bring mighty Things to pass, some∣times to our Terrour and Amazement.

1. In the time of Marcus Antonius the Philosopher we read, that the Quadi his Enemies were stricken with Thunder at the Prayers of the Christian Soldiers, whence the Christian Legion was called The Thundering Legion; presently (saith the Emperour of them in that Epistle) as they lay upon their Faces and prayed to God, I know not whom, a cold Shower fell upon us; but upon our Enemies, Hail mingled with Thunder, that we found immediately that the Hand of the mighty God affisted us. Johnst. Nat. Hist. cl. 3. c. 5. p. 79.

2. About Anno 105, in the Reign of Trajan, who raised the 3d Persecution Octob. 22 there arose furious and violent Winds, which tore up Trees by the Roots, uncovered and overthrew many Houses &c. Then followed Thunder and Lightnings, which made the Night like Noon-Day; then fearful Thunderbolts, which brake down stately Buildings, and slew many Men; &c. Clark's Mir. p. 489. Dion.

3. July 1654, at Salisbury in New-England, one Partridge was killed by Thunder and Lightning, his House being set on Fire thereby, himself with others endeavouring to quench it, by a second Crack was struck dead, and never spoke more. Ten others were struck, and lay for dead, but they all revived except Partridge, in whose Clothes and Skin were Holes found like Shot-holes. Remarkable Providences, p. 73.

4. Octob. 21. Anno 1638, at Withycomb in Devonshire, being Sabbath-day, whilst the People were attending the Publick Worship of God, a black Cloud coming over the Church, there was suddenly an amazing Clap of Thunder, and with it a Ball of Fire came in at the Window, whereby the Church was much damnified, and many of the People struck down. Some of the Seats in the Body of the Church were turned upside down, yet they that sate in them received no hurt. One Mr. Hill sitting in his Seat by the Chancel, had his Head suddenly smitten against the Wall, by which Blow he died that Night. Another had his Head cloven, his Skull rent in three pieces, and his Brains thrown on the Ground whole: The Hair of his Head by the Vio∣lence of the Blow stuck fast to the Pillar that was near him. A Woman attempting to run out of the Church, had her Clothes set on fire; and her Flesh on her Back torn almost t the very Bone. Clark's Examples, Vol. 1. ch. 104. p. 501.

5. Anno 1613, June 26, in the Parish of Christchurch in Hampshire, one John Hitchell, a Car∣penter, lying in Bed with his Wife, and a young Child by them, was himself, with his Child, burnt to Death by a Flash of Lightning, no Fire appearing outwardly upon him, and yet lay burning for the space of three Days, till he was quite consumed to Ashes. Clark's Prodigies, p. 579.

6. Anno 1665, in February, there was a great Tempest, accompanied with Thunder and Light∣ning in divers places; at which time the stately Spire of Coventry fell, and beat down a great part of the Church, killing one Man. And in Hampshire, a Justice of the Peace riding by t the way, was slain and burnt by Lightning. Ibid. p. 570.

7. Dr. Beard saith, That a Man travelling between two Woods in a great Tempest of Thun∣der and Lightning, rode under an Oak to shelter himself; but his Horse would by no means stay under that Oak, but whither his Master would or no, went from that Tree, and stayed very quietly under another Tree not far off; he had not been there many Minutes before the

first Oak was torn all to fitters with a fearful Clap of Thunder and Lightning. Beard's Theat. p. 443.

8. Acosta saith, That it seldom Thunders about Brasil; but such Lightnings are frequent there, as make the Night appear brighter than the Noon-day. On some Snowy Mountains in Africa, the Cracks of Thunder are so loud, that they are heard 50 Miles off at Sea. Mather's Remarkable Prov p. 131.

9. An Adversary of Mr. Bolton's riding abroad when it Thundred very dreadfully, observing that his Wife, a Pious Woman, was not at all afraid, (when he himself trembled greatly) an∣swering, That it was the Voice of her Heavenly Father, &c. Thereupon went to Mr. Bolton, begg'd his Pardon and Prayers for the Wrong he had done him, and desired to know what he should do to be saved. Upon which, he became a very reformed Man. Ibid.

10. Meurerus (in Comment, Meteorolog.) speaks of a Man, that, going between Lipsia and Tor∣ga, was suddenly carried out of sight by a Thunder-storm, and never seen more. Ibid. p. 128.

When Matthew Cole was killed with the Lightning at Northampton, the Demons, which disturbed his Sister Anne Cole (40 Miles distant) in Hartford, spoke of it, intimating their Concurrence in that terrible Accident. Ibid.

CHAP. LVI. Earthquakes.

OUR Saviour hath told us, That one jot of his Word shall not perish, till all be fulfilled; that Heaven and Earth shall sooner pass away: And we have reason to suspect it, when we find the Pillars of the Earth shake so terribly, as sometimes they do, and the Earth we tread upon (which one would think firm in its Foundations) tossed with such frequent, and sometimes very dreadful Concussion̄s. What Lesson, methinks, so natural in this Case, as, Arise, let us go hence: Let us cast Anchor within the Veil, and place our Treasures in that City which hath lasting Foundations.

1. Before the Birth of our Savour, Plato mentions a wonderful Earthquake, whereby in a Day and Night a vast Island without the Stroights of Gibralter called Atlantis, and bigger than Asia and Africa together, was wholly overwhelmed, and afterward covered by a great Inunda∣tion of Water. He also writes, that by another terrible Earthquake the Continent of Africa was rent asunder from Europe and Asia, as it is at this Day, being not only contracted by a little Neck of Land at the Red Sea. The famous Isle of Sicily was likewise formerly a part of Italy, and by an Earthquake divided from it. And our Island of Great-Britain is supposed to be broken off from the Centinent of France by that means. Herodotus saith, that Egypt in ancient time was a Gulph of the Sea, and by an Earthquake made dry Land. The River Indus in Asira, which receives Fifteen other Rivers into it, altered its Channel, and the Neighbouring Country turned into a Wilderness by a lamentable Earthquake. The Isle of Delphos, famous for the Oracle and Temple of Apollo, was wholly ruined by an Earthquake. Strabo mentions a City situate about Sydon, that was wholly swallowed up thereby. Pliny writes of twelve Cities ruined in in one Night; and St. Augustine is cited for what is more strange, That in an Earthquake an hundred Cities in Lybia were destroyed. tit. Livius. Hist. Josephus records, that about 29 Years after the Birth of Christ, there happened a tremendous Earthquake in the Country of Judea, whereby divers Beasts were slain, many People overwhelmed in the Ruins of their Houses, and perished to the number of about 30000.

2. To relate those Earthquakes that have happened since our Saviour's Birth, as I find them mentioned by several Authors; of which, that which happened at his Crucifixion is said to be the greatest that ever was, which shook not only one part of the Earth as in other Cases, but the whole World trembled at once, if famous Authors may be credited. In the tenth Year of Christ was a great Earthquake in Cyprus, which overthrew many Cities; and in the 17th Year, thir∣teen Cities in Italy were destroyed, and the River Tyber overflowed Rome. In the Year 59, was a great Earthquake in Rome, at which time Nero's Supper was burned with Lightning.

3. In the Reign of Trajan the Emperour, Anno 105, there happened a most terrible Earth∣quake at Antioch, which destroyed many Cities and People, and extended it self very far; with fearful Lightnings which made the Night as light as Day, preceded with dreadful Thunder∣bolts that threw down stately Buildings, killed many People, strong and unusual Storms of Wind, the Sea wrought, the Waves swelled, the Earth shaken, Trees pluck'd up by the Roots, multi∣tudes buried in the Ruins of their own Houses. In Anno 107, a very great Earthquake hap∣pened in Asia, with many prodigious Sights in the Air, as fighting of Men, &c. Another in Galatia and Rome, where Lightning from Heaven consumed the Temple of their Gods, with strong Winds, and horrible Noises in the Earth. In Anno 120, an Earthquake in Nice, and two terrible Ones in Palestina. In Anno 162, was a very great Earthquake in Bithynia; the Waves of the Mediterranean Sea in a Calm elevated themselves to the top of a Mountain far distant from it, and cast the Foam a great way upon the main Land.

4. In Anno 244, the Sun was totally Eclipsed, and there was so horrid an Earthquake, that certain Cities together were swallowed up, and exceeding great Darkness happened for many Days together. In the Year 300, there were great Earthquakes, by one whereof 13 Cities in Campania were overthrown, and another in Asia. Many Cities in the East fell to the Ground by an Earthquake; and Neo Caesarea was overturned, and all its Inhabitants perished, except only such as were saved with the Bishop in the Church. Dyracchium was demolished by an Earth∣quake;

Rome trembled for three Days and three Nights successively: And indeed it was to Ge∣neral, that all Europe and Asia were shaken at once.

5. In the Year 366, in the Reign of Julian the Emperour, who was first a Christian, and after revolted to Paganism, for which he was hamed the Apostate; in despight and contempt of our blessed Saviour, who had prophesied the Temple of Jerusalem should be destroyed, and ne∣ver rebuilt, he impiously resolved to invalidate the same, and designed to build it magnificently with excessive Cost and Charges; when they had digged up the Remainders of the old Build∣ings from the lowest Foundation, and had cleared the Ground, so that there was not a Stone left upon a Stone, according to our Blessed Saviour's Prediction: The next Day coming to the Place there was a great Earthquake, insomuch that the Stones were cast out of the Foundation, so that many of the Workmen were slain. The publick Buildings which were nearest the Temple were likewise loosen'd, and falling down with great Violence, buried those who were in them in their Rains, some who attempted to fly away were found half dead. The Earthquake was scarce over, but those who remained fell to work again; but when they attempted it the second time, sudden Flashes of Fire came violently out of the Foundations, and other Fire fell furiously from Heaven, and destroyed more than before, the Flame continuing a whole Day together.

6. In the Year 367, in the Reign of Valens and Valentinian, Emperours of Rome, there hap∣pened such horrible Earthquakes throughout the Western Empire. A little after the Day-dawn∣ing there was a great Tempest of Thunder and Lightning, which was followed by such a dreadful trembling of the Earth, that the Sea was shaken therewith, and deserted the Shore, and its ancient Bounds for a great space; many Ships were left on dry Ground, and swarms of Peo∣ple flew thither to catch Fish; when suddenly the Sea, as disdaining to be imprisoned, returned to its former Station with such Impetuosity, that it over-ran its former Bounds, and, with the Fury thereof, overthrew a multitude of Towns and Houses, with many Thousands of People.

7. In the Year 430, a great Earthquake reged in divers places, and overturned many Cities; some Authors affirm, it was so terrible, as to affect almost the whole World, the Earth gaped and swallowed up many Villages, Fountains were dried up, and Waters brake forth in places formerly dry. Great Trees were torn up by the Roots; heaps of Trees were so shaken toge∣ther, that they were raised into Mountains. The Sea threw up dead Fishes; many Islands sunk, and overwhelmed; Ships sailing on the Sea, were suddenly left on the dry Ground: In short, many places in Bythinia, the Hellespont, and both the Phrygia's, were distressed thereby. This continued six Months without intermission, and the People of Constantinople not daring to stay in the City for fear of the fall of their Houses, continued together with their good Empe∣rour, and their Patriarch, in the Fields instant in Prayers to the Almighty for the Removel of so dreadful a Judgment.

8. In the Year 454, a great Earthquake at Rome, another at Vienna, Wolves and other Beasts wander all the Year through the City, and devour Men. An Earthquake in Russia, and at Con∣stantinople, with two wonderful Blazing-Stars. In the Year 458, a great Earthquake happened at Antioch, which the Citizens had cause to remember: Before it began, some of the Inhabi∣tants were seized with extraordinary Madness, such as seemed to exceed the Fury of Wild Beasts, and to be the Presage of that Calamity which followed soon after: For about the fourth Hour of the Night, in September, almost all the Buildings of the new City were overturned, which was well People, and none of it forsaken, or empty, being curiously built by the Magnificence of divers Emperours, who strove to Excel each other in the Adornment of it.

9. In the First Century was a terrible Earthquake in Arabia, another in Palestina, and a third at Constantinople, six Weeks together.

10. In the sixth, seventh, and eighth Centuries, an Earthquake at Antioch; another at Pale∣stina; another in England and Normandy; and divers dreadful Prodigies. About the same time, there was a violent Earthquake in Constantinople, which lasted many Days; and every Hour the City suffered extraordinary Shocks. Many Houses were thrown down, but the People betook themselves to Prayer, Fasting and Repentance; and the Almighty had Compassion on them: Many Cities in the East were ruined by it; and the City of Alexandria was sore shaken there∣with, which was the more Astonishing, because it seldom happens in those Parts. Some Years after, Constantinople was shaken so violently, that not only the Walls and Churches, but all Greece trembled therewith. In the Year 801, whilst Charles the Great was in Italy, there was an Earth∣quake with great Noises, which shook all France and Germany, but especially Italy: It over∣threw several Towers and Mountains, and the Church of St. Paul at Rome was destroyed by it.

11. In the ninth, tenth, and eleventh Centuries, an Earthquake happened in Scotland, another in France; a very great one in Asia; several terrible ones, with Whirlwinds, in Germany; also a great Earthquake in England, where five Suns appeared at once, and after, four Moons at once. In the Reign of King William the Conquerour, Anno 1086, happened an Earthquake with a dreadful Noise. In Anno 1100, in the Reign of King Henry the First, the Earth moved with such Violence in England, that many Building were shaken down; in divers places an hi∣deous Noise was heard, and the Earth through several Rifts cast forth Fire for many Days toge∣ther, which neither by Water, nor by any other Means, could be suppress'd. In Lumbardy in Ita•• (about the same time) was an Earthquake, which lasted about six Weeks, and removed a Town from the place where it stood a great distance. In the Year 1179, on Christmas-Day, at Oxenhall near Darlington in the County of Durham, the Earth was lifted up almost like a Tower, and so continued all that Day, as it were, immoveable till Evening, and then fell with so hor∣rible a Noise, that it affrighted the Inhabitants thereabouts, and the Earth swallowing it up,

made in the same place three Pits of a wonderful depth, which were afterwards called Hell-Kettles.

12. In the Year 1180, an Earthquake ruined a great part of the City of Naples. The City of Catania in Sicily is destroyed with 19000 People by an Earthquake. The K. of Iconium is swallowed up by an Earthquake, and in England many Buildings were thrown down by the same means, amongst which, the Cathedral Church of Lincoln was rent in pieces.

13. In the Year 1222, there were such Earthquakes in Italy and Lumbardy, that the Cities and Towns were forsaken, and the People kept abroad in the Fields in Tents; many Houses and Churches were thrown down, much People thereby crushed to Death; the Earth trembled twice a Day in Lumbardy for 14 Days together; besides, two Cities in Cyprus, and the City of Brescia were this Year destroyed by Earthquakes. In the Year 1176, about the same time that Adrian the Fourth was made Pope, was a dreadful Earthquake at Millain, and the Country round about: In Italy there was likewise a great Earthquake, and another in England, and a third in Germany.

14. In the Year 1300, there was such an Earthquake in Rome as never was before, and 48 Earthquakes happening in one Year, whereby all Lumbardy was shaken. A great Earthquake in London, which shook down many Buildings. Anothe Earthquake did much mischief about Bath and Bristol, and two more happened in England not long after. In the Year 1348, a ter∣rible Earthquake happened at Constantinople, which endured six Weeks, and reached as far as Hungary and Italy; 26 Cities were overthrown by it.

15. In the Year 1456, there arose upon the Sea of Ancona in Italy, together with a thick gloomy Cloud that extended above two Miles, a Tempest of Wind, Water, Fire, Lightning and Thunder, which piercing to the most deep Abysses of the Seas, forced by the Waves with a most dreadful Fury, and carried all before it upon the Land, which caused so horrible an Earth∣quake some time after, that the Kingdom of Naples was almost ruined, and all Italy carried the dismal Marks of it. A Million of Houses and Castles were buried in their own Ruins, and above 30000 People crushed to pieces, and a huge Mountain overturned into the Lake De la Garde. Soon after was a dreadful Earthquake in Millan, another in Hungary.

16. In Sept. 14. 1509, there happened a terrible Earthquake at Constantinople, and in the County thereabouts; Bajazet the second, being Emperour, by the Violence whereof, a great part of that Imperial City, with many stately Buildings both publick and private were overthrown, and 13000 People overwhelm'd and slain; the Terror whereof was so great that the People generally forsook their Houses, and lay abroad in the Fields; yea, Bajazet himself, thô very aged, and sore troubled with the Gout, lay abroad in the Fields in his Tent. The Earthquake continued, as the Turks relate, for a Month, with little intermission. In the year 1531, in the City of Lisbon, in Portugal, about 1400 Houses were overthrown by an Earthquake and 600 more so sorely shaken, that they were ready to fall, and many Churches cast to the Ground.

17. In 1538. Mr. George Sandy's gives a Relation of a Remarkable Earthquake and Burning, which happened near the City of Puteoli, with the New formed Mountain; for September 29, 1538. the Country thereabouts, having for several days before been Tormented with perpetual Earthquakes, that no one House was left intire, but all expected an immediate ruine: after the Sea had retired 200 paces from the Shoar, leaving abundance of Fish and Springs of fresh Water arising in the bottom; this Mountain visible ascended about the second Hour of the Night, with an hideous roaring Noise, horribly vomitting Stones, and such store of Cinders, as overwhelm'd all the Buildings thereabouts.

18. In 1571, February 17, a Prodigious Earthquake happened in the Eastern parts of Hereford∣shire, near a little Town called Kinaston; about 6 in the Evening, the Earth began to open, and a Hill called Marckly Hill with a Rock under it, made a mighty bellowing Noise, heard a-far off, and then lifted up it self a great height, and began to Travel, bearing along with it the Trees that grew upon it, the Sheep-folds and Flocks of Sheep abiding thereon at the same time; having thus walked from Sunday Evening to Monday Noon, it left a gaping distance, 40 Foot wide, and 80 Ells long, the whole Field about 20 Acres; the same Prodigy happened about the same time in Blackmore, in that County. A great Earthquake at Constantinople; an Earthquake and Inundation in Holland; very great Thunder and Earthquake in Spain; an Earthquake and Bowls of Fire in Corinthia; the Sun seem'd to cleave in sunder.

19. In 1580, April 6, being Easter-Wednesday, about 6 in the Afternoon, happened a great Earthquake in England, which shook all the Houses, Castles and Churches every where as it went, and put them in danger of utter Ruin; at York, it made the Bells in the Churches jangle. In 1581, in Peru in America, there happened an Earthquake, which removed the City of Aug∣nangum, two Leagues from the place where it stood, without demolishing it, in regard the Scitu∣ation of the whole Country was changed; another Earthquake in the same Country, that reached 300 Leagues along the Sea-shore, and 70 Leagues in Land, and Levelled the Mountains along as it went, threw down Cities, turn'd the Rivers out of their Channels, and made an universal Ha∣vock and Confusion; all this was done saith the Author, in the space of seven or eight Minutes; sometime before this, above 40000 People perished in an Earthquake about Puel and Naples.

20. In 1590, happened a terrible Earthquake, which made Austris, Bohemia, and Moravia, to Tremble, in 1591. In St. Michael Island, in the West-Indies, there was an Earthquake which continued about 16 days, to the extream Terror of the French, which inhabit there, especially when by force thereof, they perceiv'd the Earth to move from place to place, and Villa Franca their Principal Town overthrown, the Ships that then rode at Anchor, trembled and quaked, insomuch, that the People thought the day of Judgment was come. In 1593, another terrible Earthquake happened in Persia, which overturn'd 3000 Houses in the City of Lair, crushing to Death above 3000 Persons in their Ruins. In 1614, there was a great Earthquake in Ʋercer,

one of the largest of the Azor's Islands, belonging to the King of Portugal, overturning the City of Agra, 11 Churches, 9 Chappels, besides many private Houses, and in the City of Praga; hard∣ly an House was left standing; not long after, a dreadful Earthquake happened in St. Michael, another Island of the Azores, the Sea opened, and thrust forth an Island above a League and a half in length, at the place where there was above 150 Fathom Water.

21. In 1622, was a great Earthquake in Italy, the shape of an Elephant was seen in the Air, and three Suns; Armies Fighting, Monstrous Births, Waters turned into Blood, unusual and impetuous Tempests, which overthrew several Towers.

22. In 1627, an Earthquake happened in England, and a great Fiery Beam was seen in the Air in France; Six Suns in Cornwall at once, and five Moons in Normandy, In the same year, July 31, happened an Earthquake in Apulia in Italy, whereby in the City of Severine, 10000 Souls were taken out of the World, and in the Horrour of such infinite Ruins, and Sepulchre of so many Mortals, a great Bell thrown out of the Steeple by the Earthquake, fell so fitly over a Child, that it inclos'd him, doing him no harm, made a Bulwark for him against any other danger.

23. In the year 1631, there happened a Terrible Earthquake in Naples; and the Mountain of Soma, after many terrible Bellowings, Vomitted out burning streams of Fire, which tumbled in∣to the Adriatic Sea, and cast out huge deal of Ashes; the like happened the year following, with great Damage and Loss to the Neighbouring places, in Houses, People, and Cattle, and in Apulia, 17000 Persons were destroyed by the same.

24. In the year 1631, there happened a Terrible Earthquake in the Island of St. Michael, one of the Terceres, in the Atlantick Ocean, Westward; upon June the 26th, this Island began uni∣versally to shake, which continued eight days, so that the People leaving the cities, Towns, and Castles, were forc'd to live in the open Fields; which was attended with a dreadful breaking out of Fire, that had not the Wind by Divine Providence blown from the Isle into the Sea, and drove back this outragious Fire, without doubt the whole Country had been burnt up and destroy'd.

25. In 1560, about five a Clock, about the County of Cumberland and Westmorland, was a ge∣neral Earthquake, wherewith the People were so affrighted, that many of them forsook their Houses, and some Houses so shaken, that their Chimneys fell down. The same year, the Island of Santorim, at the bottom of the Streights, in the Mediterranean Sea, not far from Candia, had formidable Earthquakes and Fires; it was most remarkable upon September 24, 1650, which shook the Isle till the 9th of October, with such mighty and frequent Earthquakes, that the People fear∣ing their immediate Ruin was approaching, were on their Knees Night and Day before the Al∣tars; it cannot be expressed what Horrour seized all Men, especially when the Flames breaking through all Obstacles, strove to make themselves away, through the midst of the Waters of the Ocean, about four Mites Eastward from Santorin, for the Sea all on a suddain swelled thirty Cu∣bits upward, and extending it self wide, through the Neighbouring Lands, overturn'd all in its way.

26. In 1657, the Spaniards felt a terrible blow in Peru, which, if it were not a Mark of the Wrath of Heaven, (saith the Author,) was at least a Sign, that the Earth is weary of them, es∣pecially in those Parts, where they have stain'd it with so much Innocent Blood. The City of Lima was swallowed up by an Earthquake, and Calao, another City not far from it, was con∣sumed by a Shower of Fire out of the Clouds, 11000 Spaniards lost their Lives in this Calamity, and the Earth devoured an 100 Millions of refin'd Silver, which the Lucre of the Spaniards had forc'd out of her Bowels.

27. In 1660, an Earthquake happened at Paris in France, and at the same time we had News, that part of the Pyrenean Mountains had been overthrown some days before; they are certain Mountains that divide France and Spain; it did great Mischief there, overwhelm'd some Medi∣cinal Baths, many Houses, and destroying much People, one Church which sunk into the Caverns below, was thrown up again, and stands very firm; but in another place, this was look'd upon as a great Miracle, especially by the French, who have disputed with the Spaniard, about a Church standing upon the Frontier-Line, but now is removed near half a League, within the ac∣knowledged Limits of France.

28. In 1665, there was a great Tempest accompanied with Thunder, Lightning, and an Earth∣quake in divers places in England, at which time the stately Spire of Trinity Church in Coventry, fell down and demolished a great part of the Church.

29. In 1668, in Autumn, a great part of Asia and some parts of Europe were infested with ex∣traordinnry Earthquakes, the Cities of Constantinople and Adrianople felt its effects, but not with that Violence and continuance as in other places. In some parts of Persia, it continued for above fourscore days; Torqueto and Bolio two considerable Cities, were by its great Violence laid even to the Ground, and all or most of their Inhabitants buryed in the Ruins, above 6000 Persons Pe∣rished in the first of them, and above 1800 in the latter; and in all the Adjacent Cities it raged with extraordinary Fury, destroying and ruining the Buildings, killing many of the People, and the rest were forced to quit the Towns, and take up their Lodgings in the Fields.

30. In 1687, October 20, the London Gazette gives a sad Relation of another Earthquake in the Kingdom of Peru in America, whereby the City of Lima was totally overthrown, and not an House left standing, burying many of its inhabitants under its Ruins; at the same time Callao, Fe∣nettei Pisco, Chancay, Los, Florillos, &c. Most of the Sea-port Towns were destroyed by an Inun∣dation of the Sea. which carryed several Ships above 9 Miles into the Countrey, and great numbers of People and Cattle were drowned, there being found when the Water fell, at one place near the Sea side, above 5000 People dead, and every day more were found, so that no account could be given of their number.

31. In 1688. a Dreadful Earthquake happened at Naples in Italy, which was attended with the Rage and Roaring of Mount Vesuvius, On Saturday June 5, about the 22th hour, happened there

a Terrible Earthquake, thó; it lasted not long, which frightned the Inhabitants out of their Houses with the Terror of inevitable destruction, they betook themselves to the Piaza's, and open Pub∣lick places of the City; there is scarce a Pallace or a House that has not received some conside∣rable damage; the next day there was another shook which threw down many of the Houses. In The Neighbourhood of Ʋdico, a City 16 Miles distant from hence, a Mountain opened, and we have an account it was all Ruined, and that of 6000 Inhabitants, there are but few left alive, and great damages in several other places.

32. In the same Year and Month, we have a Dreadful Account of an Earthquake and Fire at Smyrna, in a Letter from an English Gentleman at Constantinople, dated July 8, 1688. On June 30, Between 11 and 12 at Noon, there happened at Smyrna a violent Earthquake, which in a Mi∣nute threw down many, and shattered all the Houses in the City; it reached all the Adjacent parts, and Metelone and Scio, where it did but small hurt; about 4 hours after, a dreadful Fire broke out and consumed all the Town, except the Skirts and the Houses on the side of the Hill; the most moderate computation of People destroyed is 5000.

33. In December following, several Earthquakes happened about Naples and Beneventum, but without such infortunate Accidents which attended them some Months before; nevertheless that accident being fresh in memory, it is not to be imagined, what a Consternation the People were in, and how they fell to their Prayers in several Churches; the Monks in those quarters, made use of the opportunity to Preach, that the end of the World was at hand, and for that Reason, endea∣voured to give Alms; but the People are not now to be imposed upon as formerly, when they used such ways, to rear such costly Foundations, that are scattered over all Europe; they resolved to keep what they had, not finding the Monks to make better use of their Money then they them∣selves could do.

May not these dreadful shakings of the Earth, seem plainly to presage those Convulsions that happened soon after, and presignifie good as well as bad events; not only the happy Revolu∣tions in these three Kingdoms, but also the horrid Ruins, Devastations, and Miseries, which the Ambition and Barbarity of the French King, has occasioned lately in Christendom, and which do still continue?

34. Dismal was the Calamity and Judgment which befel the Inhabitants of the Island of Jamaica in the West-Indies, upon Tuesday June the 7th 1692, by a dreadful Earthquake; about 11 a Clock in the Morning the Earth suffered a great Trepidation, which in a Minutes time was such, that several Houses began to tumble down, and in 6 or 7 Minutes, or a quarter of an hour at most, made terrible Havock and Devastation; it threw down almost all the Houses and Mountains, and threw them into the Sea, but Port-Royal had much the greatest share in this astonishing Judg∣ment of God; the Minister of that place relates, that the same Morning he had been at Pray∣ers in the Church, which he never neglected, to keep up some shew of Religion amongst a most ungodly and debauch'd People, and was gone to a place near to the Church, where the President of the Council was, designing to Dine with one Captain Buden; but his House upon the first Con∣cussion, sunk first into the Earth, and then into the Sea, with his Wife and Family, and others that were to Dine with him, the Minister staying some time with the President, escaped the Dan∣ger. Yet soon after, they found the Ground rowling and moving under their Feet; Sir, says the Minister, what's this? He replied very composedly, It is an Earthquake, be not afraid, it will soon be over, but it increased, and they heard the Church and Tower fall, upon which they ran to save themselves; the Minister makes towards Morgan's-Port, which being a wide open place, might be thought securest from falling Houses, but as he came near, he saw the Earth open, and swallow up a Multitude of People, and the Sea mounting over the Fortifications; he then laid aside all thoughts of escaping, resolving to make towards his own Lodgings, where he found all all things safe; he went to the Balcony to view the Street in which his House stood, and saw ne∣ver an House down there, not the Ground so much as crackt; the People desired him to come down and Pray with them; he perswaded them to kneel down and make a large Ring, which they did, Pray'd with them near an Hour, and after seriously exhorted them to Repentance, (the Earth working all the while with New Motions, and trembled like the Rowling of the Sea, inso∣much that when he was at Prayer, he could hardly keep himself, when he came to the Sea, he saw it had swallowed up the Wharf, with all those goodly brick Houses upon it, and two intire Streets beyond that; he walked upon the Tops of some Houses which lay Level with the Surface of the Water, from whence he got into a Canoo, and then into a Long-boat, which put him aboard a Ship called the Siam Merchant, where he found the President safe. They could not Sleep that Night for the return of the Earthquake, almost every hour, which made all the Guns in the Ship jar and rattle. The shaking of the Earth still continued with Thunder and Lightning, stormy and foul Weather.

The morning of this day was very fair and clear, affording no suspicion of the least evil, but in the space of 3 minutes, about half an hour after 11 in the morning, Port Royal, the fairest Town of all the English Plantations, was staken and shattered to pieces, and sunk into and co∣vered by the Sea, as to the greatest part: It is reckoned there were lost 1500 Persons.

From St. Anns there was News. That above 1000 Acres of Wood-Land were turn'd into the Sea, and carried with it whole Plantations; but no place suffered like Port-Royal, where whole Streets were swallowed up by the opening of the Earth, and the Houses and Inhabitants went down together: Some of them were driven up again by the Sea, which arose in those Breaches, and wonderfully escaped: Some were swallowed up to the Neck, and then the Earth shut on them, and squeezed them to Death; and in that manner several were left Buried, with their Heads above-ground, only some Heads the Dogs had eaten. Great noises and bellowings were

heard some time after in the Mountains, which made them apprehensive of Fire, but thanks be to God, no ill event hath yet succeeded.

We have a further Account from the Parish of Vere in that Island, some Leagues from P••rt-Royal, dated the 30th of June 1692. On Tuesday the 7th of June, about 11 in the morning, it pleased the Just God to visit us with a Terrible Earthquake, which continued with much Vio∣lence and Terrour for about a quarter of an hour, (as most say) in which it overthrew all the Brick and Stone-Buildings in the Country, whereof several in this Parish of Vere are levelled with the Ground, or standing Monuments of the Wrath of God, so shattered and torn, that they are irreparable; whilst these were tumbling, the Earth opened in this place in multitudes of Places; and through their dire Charms, spewed out Water to a considerable height, above∣ground in such quantities in some places that it made our Gullies run on a suddain, though be∣fore exceeding dry, insomuch, that some were afraid of being over-whelmed at once by the River and Sea joyning together to swallow up the Country, these gaping Mounths being no less than 12, 20 or more foot deep under the Earth, and above two miles up in the Country, especially nigh the River in the purest mould, which had no Clay nor other Consolidating matter beneath, where that was we do not find any cracks of the Earth at all.

Our noted Town of St. John de la Vega, or the Spanish-Town, is utterly down to the Ground, and its Church devoured in the same Ruins; Our Magazine, and only Store-House of Port-Royal is 3 parts swallowed up in the Sea: A whole Street, called the Wharf, (where most of the noted Merchants lived) sunk at once, from one end to the other, with a general Crack at the begin∣ning of the Earthquake, together with two Forts and Guns, &c. thereon, and all that were up∣on or nigh it perished in an instant, without any warning: Soon after 2 or 3 more Streets in their whole length tottered and fell, and were immediately sunk Ground and all together, deep into the Sea as far as the Jews-street: All the Upper part of the Town, with the Church, and all above the Palissadoes is under Water, even the very Palissado's it self where their Burying place was, is now no longer Earth but Sea; and the Dead Corps floated from them to all parts of the Harbour. The Houses that yet remain are many of them so rent and torn, and others so deep∣ly sunk into the Wavers, even up to their Balconies, that they are unserviceable. The Wall at the Palissadoes is utterly ruined, with the Port belonging; and tho' Morgan's Line, and Walker's Fort yet stand, they are sorely shaken and rent, and so sunk, that they are not Tenable, the whole place that is yet above Water, sinking daily by those Earthquakes, we have ever since had, some∣times 4, 5, 6 times more or less in 24 hours. The reputed number of the Dead, (for perhaps there will never be an exact account) is reckoned about 1500 Persens, besides Negroes, who are said to be 6 or 700 more, a multitude of whose black Corps floated many days from one side of the Water to the other, which caused such an intolerable stench, that the Dead were like to destroy the Living, till at last some were sunk, and others dispersed by the Sea-Breeze.

Likewise Ligania, the first and principal Town for Planting, and imitating, if not exceeding, the stately Building of Port-Royal, is now brought to terrible Desolation, and its fine new-built, and yet unfinished Church, buried in the same Ruines with the Houses. By the fall of a Moun∣tain into the Channel of the River, which supplies both this Town and Port-Royal, the River be∣came dry for 16 hours together, to the terrour of the Inhabitants.

Other Letters a••d these particulars; That this terrible Earthquake came from the North, and attack'd Port-Royal on the Harbour-side, on which was the Wharf, the whole length of the place, where stood the King's-House, a Bastion of 207 Guns, Carlisle Battery of 119 Guns, and the Houses of the greatest Merchants; all those sunk in a moment from 3 to 5 Fathom Water; some were sunk in their Houses, others Buried in the Rubbish; some who were got into clear Water and could Swim, were carried away with drifts of Timber; nothing else was seen but the dead and dying; nothing heard but Shreiks and Cries; the living were covered with Wounds, Bruises and Blood; the Thunder roared over their heads; the Earth trembled under their feet; the Rocks and Mountains were rent in sunder, and Fire-Balls day and night fell from Heaven: it is impossible for Tongue to speak, or Pen to write, the Sorrows and Terrors of that day.

35. In the same year 1692. on the 8th of September, an Earthquake was felt in London, and in several parts of Essex, Kent, Sussex, Hamshire, &c. as Sheerness, Sandwich, Deal, Maidstone, Portsmouth, &c. the People leaving their Houses in many places. It shook Leeds Castle in York∣shire so violently, that all in the Castle, even the Lady her self, went out of it, and expected its falling. A Person being in the Field hard by, the Ground shook so under him that he could not stand, and being forced to lie down on the ground, was so tossed up and down, that he re∣ceived several Bruises.

At Maidstone in Kent, the People generally got out of their Houses, feraing they would fall. It happened at London about 4 Minutes past two, and was felt in most parts of the Dutch and Spanish Netherlands, as also in Germany and France, &c. We have this Account from Holland, That on the 8th of September, between 2 and 3 a Clock in the afternoon, all Holland was sensible of a trembling of the Earth, which lasted about 3 Minutes. At Middleburg in Zealand it conti∣nued some time, and caused the Earth to move so much, that the People were forced to hold by what was next them in the Street: It caused the Bells in the great Church there, and at the Hague, to jangle; and the Ships at Sea were sensible of it.

The Gazette relates, That our Gracious Soveraign King William, being encamp'd at Grammon in Flanders, at the same time there happened an Earthquake, which lasted near a Minute, and was very sensible to the whole Camp. The King being at Dinner in an old decay'd House, which shaking very much, and every one apprehending it was ready to fall, His Majesty was prevailed with to rise from Table to go out of the House, but the surprise was soon over.

36. On the 7th of January 1692. about 10 at night, Mount Aetna in Sicily began to roar in a most horrible manner, (which usually presages some dismal calamity to ensue) It continued for

two days; and about an hour after, the People of Catania, which was nearest to the Mountain, felt a trembling under them for near 3 minutes, (during which no noise was heard from Mount Aetna, but within a Minute after, the roaring of the Mountain was redoubled with infinite terrour, and the top appeared all in Flames) this trembling of the 9th was felt in the Cities of Mineo, Palaonia, Ragosa, Licodia, and most of the South parts of Sicily at the same instant with that of Catania; but the most tremendous shake of all happened on the 11th of January, un∣der which dismal Calamity, the antient City of Catania, pleasantly seated, and full of Inhabi∣tants of Quality, with an University, and about 24000 People, in a Minute was sunk out of sight, with a noise as loud as if thousands of Cannons had been discharged at once. In the place where Catania stood, some heaps of Rubbish, and a great Lake of Water appear at a distance.

Under the same dismal Calamity fell the antient City of Syracuse, so famous in History, that it was formerly reckoned one of the greatest in the World, having in it about 16000 Inhabi∣tants. By the Earthquake of the 9th, many principal Houses, and the Castle, were torn in di∣vers Night, and so escaped the horrible Devastation of the 11th, wherein two thirds of the Buildings were thrown down, and above 7000 People buried in the rubbish.

Neither did Noto, though built upon a very high Rock, almost inaccessible on all sides but one narrow way, partake of a less dismal Fate. The trembing of the 9th did very much affect it, and on the 11th laid it in heaps in a Minute, all the Inhabitants, except some few who fled from thence on the 9th, were Buried in the Ruins of their own Houses, being reckon'd about 7000, very little Buildings standing in the whole Town.

Augusta, a City in a Peninsula on the East of Sicily, with a large prospect to the Sea, Safe-Harbours, and considerable Trade, was much damaged by the Earthquake of the 9th instant, and about 600 People killed by the downfal of the Houses; and the following day, the rest of the Town, and the remaining Inhabitants, by another dreadful shake were utterly destroyed and buried in rubbish, so that of 6000 People none were left alive.

Lentini, the antient Leontium, a Town of about 3000 Families, was burnt to the ground on the 11th. Calatgirone, a Town well-built of Free-Stone, by the shake on the 11th, had the fifth part of the Buildings, and two Monasteries demolished, but of 7000 People, 5000 made their escape. Mineo was shaken both the 9th and the 11th; on the former, the Heavens were Serene, without the least Cloud, but on the latter was a terrible Storm of Lightning and Thunder for 6 hours together: At both times, several Houses, and a large Church, were overthrown, and it was judged about 4000 People perished. Pasceni, of about 200 Inhabitants, was so entirely ruined, that not one House or Person was saved. The spacious Valley adjoyning, which was formerly full of excellent Vines, being turned into a new Lake, whose Water is of a brackish taste, and like Brimstone. In Patuzolo, a place of about 1000 People, all were swallowed up. Furla, another Town of about the same number of Souls had the like fate. Sciorti, a bigger Town, was totally demolished, and the Inhabitants about 2000, so utterly destroyed, that none was left to tell the News, In Militello, where, of 6000 People no one is left to give tidings, how or when its Calamity happened. The Country People, who dwell in the Mountains about it, affirm, that for 3 days before they could not discern the Town by reason of a thick Fog that surrounded, but that on the 11th in the morning it was no more seen. A great part of the Mountain on the North-side is torn asunder, and one half overwhelmed the Town, leaving a deep Gulph betwixt that and the other part of the Mountain.