This Treatise will be dispatched within a very short time, and would have
been so, ere this, if the extremity of the late Frost had not stopt the
Press. It will be accompanied with some Discourses of the same _Author_,
concerning _New Thermometrical Experiments and Thoughts_, as also, with an
Exercitation about the _Doctrine of the Antiperistasis_: In the former
whereof is _first_ proposed this _Paradox_, That not only our Senses, but
common Weather-glasses, may mis-inform us about Cold. _Next_, there are
contained in this part, New Observations about the deficiencies of
Weather-glasses, together with some considerations touching the New or
_Hermetrical_ Thermometers. _Lastly_, they deliver another _Paradox_,
touching the cause of the Condensation of the Air, and Ascent of water by
cold in common Weather-glasses. The latter piece of this part contains an
Examen of _Antiperistasis_, as it is wont to be _taught_ and _proved;_ Of
all which there will, perhaps, a fuller account be given by the Next. {10}
* * * * *
_An Account of a very odd Monstrous Calf._
By the same Noble person was lately communicated to the _Royal Society_ an
account of a very Odd Monstrous Birth, produced at _Limmington_ in
_Hampshire_, where a Butcher, having caused a Cow (which cast her Calf the
year before) to be covered, that she might the sooner be fatted, killed her
when fat, and opening the Womb, which he found heavy to admiration, saw in
it a Calf, which had begun to have hair, whose hinder Leggs had no Joynts,
and whose Tongue was, _Cerberus_-like, triple, to each side of his Mouth
one, and one in the midst: Between the Fore-leggs and the Hinder-leggs was
a great Stone, on which the Calf rid: the _Sternum_, or that part of the
Breast, where the Ribs lye, was also perfect Stone; and the Stone, on which
it rid, weighed twenty pounds and a half; the outside of the Stone was of
Grenish colour, but some small parts being broken off, it appeared a
perfect Free-stone. The Stone, according to the Letter of Mr. _David
Thomas_, who sent this Account to Mr. _Boyle_, is with Doctor _Haughteyn_
of _Salisbury_, to whom he also referreth for further Information.
* * * * *
_Of a peculiar Lead-Ore of _Germany_, and the Use thereof._
There was, not long since, sent hither out of _Germany_ from an inquisitive
Physician, a List of several _Minerals_ and _Earths_ of that Country, and
of _Hungary_, together with a _Specimen_ of each of them: among which there
was a kind of _Lead-Ore_ which is more considerable than all the rest,
because of its singular use for _Essays_ upon the _Coppell_, seeing that
there is not any other _Mettal_ mixed with it. 'Tis found in the _Upper
Palatinate_, at a place called _Freyung_, and there are two sorts of it,
whereof one is a kind of Crystalline Stone, and almost all good Lead; the
other not so rich, and more farinaceous. By the information, coming along
with it, they are fetcht, not from under the ground, but, the Mines of that
place having lain long neglected, by reason of the Wars of _Germany_ and
the increase of Waters, the people, living {11} there-about take it from
what these Forefathers had thrown away, and had lain long in the open Air.
The use above mentioned being considerable, the person, who sent it, hath
been intreated, to inform what quantities may be had of it, if there should
be occasion to send for some.
* * * * *
_Of an Hungarian Bolus, of the same Effect with the Bolus Armenus._
The same person gave notice also, that, besides the _Bolus Armenus_, and
the _Terra Silesiaca_, there is an Earth to be found in _Hungary_ about the
River _Tockay_, thence called _Bolus Tockaviensis_, having as good effects
in _Physick_, as either of the former two, and commended by experience in
those parts, as much as it is by _Sennertus_ out of _Crato_, for its
goodness.
* * * * *
_Of the New _American_ Whale-fishing about the Bermudas._
Here follows a Relation, somewhat more divertising, than the precedent
Accounts, which is about the new _Whale fishing_ in the _West-Indies_ about
the _Bermudas_, as it was delivered by an understanding and hardy Sea-man,
who affirmed he had been at the killing work himself. His account, as far
as remembred, was this; that though hitherto all Attempts of mastering the
Whales of those Seas had been unsuccesful, by reason of the extraordinary
fierceness and swiftness of these monstrous Animals; yet the enterprise
being lately renewed, and such persons chosen and sent thither for the
work, as were resolved not to be baffled by a Sea-monster, they did prosper
so far in this undertaking, that, having been out at Sea, near the said
Isle of _Bermudas_, seventeen times, and fastned their Weapons a dozen
times, they killed in these expeditions 2 old Female-Whales, and 3 Cubs,
whereof one of the old ones, from the head to the extremity of the Tayl,
was 88. Foot in length, by measure; its Tayl being 23. Foot broad, the
swimming Finn 26. Foot long, and the Gills three Foot long: having great
bends underneath from the Nose to the Navil; upon her after-part, a Finn on
the back; being within {12} paved (this was the plain Sea-man's phrase)
with fat, like the Cawl of a Hog.
The other old one, he said, was some 60. Foot long. Of the Cubs, one was
33. the other two, much about 25 or 26. Foot long.
The shape of the Fish, he said, was very sharp behind, like the ridge of a
house; the head pretty bluff, and full of bumps on both sides; the back
perfectly black, and the belly white.
Their celerity and force he affirmed to be wonderful, insomuch that one of
those Creatures, which he struck himself, towed the boat wherein he was,
after him, for the space of six or seven Leagues, in 3/4 of an hours time.
Being wounded, he saith, they make a hideous roaring, at which, all of that
kind that are within hearing, come towards that place, where the Animal is,
yet without striking, or doing any harm to the wary.
He added, that they struck one of a prodigious bigness, and by guess of
above 100 foot long. He is of opinion, that this Fish comes nearest to that
sort of Whales, which they call the _Jubartes_; they are without teeth, and
longer than the _Greenland_-Whales, but not so thick.
He said further, that they fed much upon Grass, growing at the bottom of
the Sea; which, he affirmed, was seen by cutting up the great Bag of Maw,
wherein he had found in one of them about two or three Hogsheads of a
greenish grassy matter.
As to the quantity and nature of the Oyl which they yield, he thought, that
the largest sort of these Whales might afford seven or eight Tuns if well
husbanded, although they had lost much this first time, for want of a good
Cooper; having brought home but eleven Tuns. The Cubbs, by his relation, do
yield but little, and that is but a kind of a Jelly. That which the old
ones render, doth candy like Porks Grease, yet burneth very well. He
observed, that the Oyl of the Blubber is as clear and fair as any Whey: but
that which is boyled out of the Lean, interlarded, becomes as hard as
Tallow, spattering in the burning and that which is made of the Cawl,
resembleth Hoggs grease.
One, but scarce credible, quality of this Oyl, he affirms to be, that
though it be boiling, yet one may run ones hand into it without scalding;
to which he adds, that it hath a very healing {13} Vertue for cuttings,
lameness, &c., the part affected being anointed therewith. One thing more
he related, not to be omitted, which is, that having told, that the time of
catching these Fishes was from the beginning of _March_, to the end of
_May_, after which time they appeared no more in that part of the Sea: he
did, when asked, whither they then retired, give this Answer, That it was
thought, they went into the Weed-beds of the Gulf of _Florida_, it having
been observed, that upon their Fins and Tails they have store of Clams or
Barnacles, upon which, he said, Rock-weed or Sea-tangle did grow a hand
long; many of them having been taken of them, of the bigness of great
Oyster-shels, and hung upon the Governour of _Bermudas_ his Pales.
* * * * *
_A Narrative concerning the success of Pendulum-Watches at Sea for the
Longitudes._
The Relation lately made by Major _Holmes_, concerning the success of the
_Pendulum-Watches_ at Sea (two whereof were committed to his Care and
Observation in his last voyage to _Guiny_ by some of our Eminent
_Virtuosi_, and Grand Promoters of Navigation) is as followeth;
The said _Major_ having left that Coast, and being come to the Isle of St.
_Thomas_ under the _Line_ accompanied with four Vessels, having there
adjusted his Watches, put to Sea, and sailed Westward, seven or eight
hundred Leagues, without changing his course; after which, finding the Wind
favourable, he steered towards the Coast of _Africk_, North-North-East. But
having sailed upon that _Line_ a matter of two or three hundred Leagues,
the Masters of the other Ships, under his Conduct, apprehending that they
should want Water, before they could reach that Coast, did propose to him
to steer their Course to the _Barbadoes_, to supply themselves with Water
there. Whereupon the said Major, having called the Master and Pilots
together, and caused them to produce their Journals and Calculations, it
was found, that those Pilots did differ in their reckonings from that of
the Major, one of them eighty Leagues, another about an hundred, and the
third, more; but the Major judging by his _Pendulum-Watches_, that they
were only some thirty Leagues distant from {14} the Isle of _Fuego_, which
is one of the Isles of _Cape Verde_, and that they might reach it next day,
and having a great confidence in the said Watches, resolved to steer their
Course thither, and having given order so to do, they got the very next day
about Noon a sight of the said Isle of _Fuego_, finding themselves to sail
directly upon it, and so arrived at it that Afternoon, as he had said.
These Watches having been first Invented by the Excellent Monsieur
_Christian Hugens_ of _Zulichem_, and fitted to go at Sea, by the Right
Honourable, the Earl of _Kincardin_, both Fellows of the _Royal Society_,
are now brought by a New addition to a wonderful perfection. The said
Monsieur _Hugens_, having been informed of the success of the Experiment,
made by _Major Holmes_, wrought to a friend at _Paris_ a Letter to this
effect;
Major _Holmes_ at his return, hath made a relation concerning the
usefulness of _Pendulums_, which surpasseth my expectation: I did not
imagine that the Watches of this first Structure would succeed so well, and
I had reserved my main hopes for the New ones. But seeing that those have
already served so succesfully, and that the other are yet more just and
exact, I have the more reason to believe, that the Invention of
_Longitudes_ will come to its perfection. In the mean time I shall tell
you, that the _States_ did receive my Proposition, when I desired of them a
Patent for these new Watches, and the recompense set a-part for the
invention in case of success; and that without any difficulty they have
granted my request, commanding me to bring one of these Watches into their
Assembly, to explicate unto them the Invention, and the application thereof
to the _Longitudes_; which I have done to their contentment. I have this
week published, that the said Watches shall be exposed to sale, together
with an Information necessary to use them at Sea: and thus I have broken
the Ice. The same Objection, that hath been made in your parts against the
exactness of these _Pendulums_, hath also been made here; to wit, that
though they should agree together, they might fail both of them, by reason
that the Air at one time might be thicker, than at another. But I have
answered, that this difference, if there be any, will not be at all
perceived in the _Penduls_, seeing that the continuall Observations, made
in Winter from day to day, until Summer, have shewed me that {15} they have
alwaies agreed with the Sun. As to the Printing of the _Figure_ of my New
Watch, I shall defer that yet a while: but it shall in time appear with all
the Demonstrations thereof, together with a _Treatise_ of _Pendulums_,
written by me some daies since, which is of a very subtile Speculation.
* * * * *
_The Character, lately published beyond the Seas, of an Eminent person, not
long since dead at _Tholouse_, where he was a Councellor of Parliament._
It is the deservedly famous _Mounsieur de Fermat_, who was, (saith the
Author of the Letter) one of the most Excellent Men of this Age, a _Genius_
so universal, and of so vast an extent, that if very knowing and learned
Men had not given testimony of his extraordinary merit, what with truth can
be said of him, would hardly be believed. He entertained a constant
correspondence with many of the most Illustrious Mathematicians of
_Europe_, and did excel in all the parts of Mathematical Science: a
Testimony whereof he hath left behind him in the following Books.
A Method for the Quadrature of _Parabola's_ of all degrees.
A Book _De Maximis & Minimis_, which serveth not only for the determination
of Problems of _Plains_ and _Solids_, but also for the invention of
_Tangents_ and _Curve Lines_, and of the _Centres_ of Gravity in Solids;
and likewise for Numerical Questions.
An Introduction to the Doctrine of _Plains_ and _Solids_, which is an
_Analytical_ Treatise, concerning the solution of _Plains_ and _Solids_,
which has been seen (as the Advertiser affirms) before Monsieur _Des
Cartes_ had publish'd any thing upon this Subject.
A Treatise _De Contactibus Sphaericis_, where he hath demonstrated in
_Solids_, what Mr. _Viet_, Master of Requests, had but demonstrated in
_Plains_.
Another Treatise, wherein he establisheth and demonstrateth the two Books
of _Apollonius Pergaeus_, of _Plains_.
And a General Method for the dimension of _Curve Lines_, &c. Besides,
having a perfect knowledge in Antiquity, he was consulted from all parts
upon the difficulties that did emerg therein: he hath explained abundance
of obscure places, that are {16} found in the Antients. There have been
lately printed some of his Observations upon _Athenaeus_; and he that hath
interpreted _Benedetto Castelli_, of the Measure of running waters, hath
thence inserted in his Work a very handsome one upon an Epistle of
_Synesius_, which was so difficult, that the Jesuit _Petavius_, who hath
commented upon this Author, acknowledges, that he could not understand it.
He hath also made many Observations upon _Theon of Smyrne_, and upon other
Antient Authors: but most part of them are not found but scattered in his
Epistles, because he did not write much upon these kinds of Subjects, but
to satisfie the curiosity of his friends.
All these Mathematical Works, and all these curious searches in Antiquity,
did not hinder this great _Virtuoso_ from discharging the duties of his
place with much assiduity, and with so much ability, that he hath had the
reputation of one of the greatest _Civilians_ of his Age.
But that, which is most of all surprizing to many, is, that with all that
strength of understanding, which was requisite to make good these rare
qualities, lately mentioned, he had so polite and delicate parts, that he
composed _Latin_, _French_, and _Spanish_ Verses with the same elegancy, as
if he had lived in the time of _Augustus_, and passed the greatest part of
his life at the Courts of _France_ and _Spain_.
More particulars will perhaps be mention'd of the Works of this Rare
person, when all things, that he hath publish'd, shall be recovered, and
when liberty shall be obtained of his Worthy Son, to impart unto the World
the rest of his Writings, hitherto unpublished.
* * * * *
_LONDON,_
Printed with Licence, By _John Martyn_, and _James Allestry_, Printers to
the _Royal-Society_.
{17}
* * * * *
_Num._ 2.
PHILOSOPHICAL
_TRANSACTIONS._
* * * * *
_Munday_, _April_ 3. 1665.
* * * * *
The Contents.
_Extract of a Letter written from _Rome_, concerning the late _Comet_,
and a _New_ one. Extract of another Letter from _Paris_, containing
some Reflections on the precedent _Roman_ Letter. An Observation
concerning some particulars, further considerable in the _Monster_,
that was Mention'd in the first Papers of these _Philosophical
Transactions_. Extract of a Letter written from _Venice_, concerning
the Mines of _Mercury_ in Friuly. Some Observations, made in the
ordering of _Silk-worms_. An Account of Mr. _Hooks Micrographia_, or
the Physiological descriptions of _Minute Bodies_, made by _Magnifying
Glasses_._
* * * * *
_Extract of a Letter, lately written from _Rome_, touching the late Comet,
and a New one._
I Cannot enough wonder at the strange agreement of the thoughts of that
acute French Gentleman, Monsieur _Auzout_, in the _Hypothesis_ of the
Comets motion, with mine; and particularly, at that of the _Tables_. I have
with the same method, whereby I find the motion of this Comet, easily found
the Principle of that Author's _Ephemerides_, which he then thought not fit
to declare; and 'tis this, that this Comet moves about the _Great Dog_, in
so great a Circle, that that portion, which is {18} described, is exceeding
small in respect of the whole circumference thereof, and hardly
distinguishable by us from a streight line.
Concerning the New Comet you mention, I saw it on the 11. of _February_,
about the 24. deg. of _Aries_, with a Northern latitude of 24. deg. 40.
min. The cloudy weather hath not yet permitted me to see it in _Andromeda_,
as others affirm to have done.
* * * * *
_Extract of a Letter, written from _Paris_, containing some Reflections on
part of the precedent _Roman_ Letter._
As to the _Hypothesis_ of _Georg. Domenico Cassini_, touching the motion of
the _Comet_ about the _Great Dog_ in a Circle, whose Centre is in a
streight line drawn from the Earth through the said Star, I believe it will
shortly be publish'd in print, as a thought I lighted upon in discoursing
with one of my Friends, who did maintain, that it turned about a Centre,
because that its _Perigee_ had been over against the _Great Dog_, as I had
noted in my _Ephemerides_. This particular I did long since declare to many
of my acquaintance, whereof some or other will certainly do me that right,
as to let the world know it by the Press. I have added an Observation,
which I find not, that Signior _Cassini_ hath made, _viz._ that there was
ground to think, that the _Comet_ of 1652. was the same with the present,
seeing that besides the parity of the swiftness of its motion, the
_Perigee_ thereof was also over against the _Great Dog_, if the
Observations extant thereof, deceive not. But, to make it out, what ground
I had for these thoughts, I said, that if they were true, the Comet must
needs acomplish its revolution from 10. to 12. years, or thereabout. But,
seeing it appears not by History, that a Comet hath been seen at those
determinate distances of time, nor that over against the _Perigee_ of all
the other Comets, whereof particular observations are recorded, are alwaies
found Stars of the first Magnitude, or such others, as are very notable,
besides other reasons, that might be alledged, I shall not pursue this
speculation; but rather {19} suggest what I have taken notice of in my
reflexions upon former Comets, which is, that more of them enter inter our
Systeme by the sign of _Libra_ and about _Spica virginis_, than by all the
other parts of the Heavens. For, both the present Comet, and many others
registred in History, have entred that way, and consequently passed out of
it by the sign _Aries_, by which also many have entred.
I did found my _Hypothesis_ upon three Observations only, _viz._ those of
the 22, 26, and 31. of _December_. Nor have I done, as some have fancied of
me, who having been able to observe the Comet, the 27, 28, 29, 30, and 31.
of _December_, and to see the diminution of its motion, have judged, that I
had only determined that diminution for the time to come, conform to the
augmentation thereof in time passed until the 29. of _December_. For
_January_ 1. (on which day I composed my _Ephemerides_) I knew not (nor any
person here) that the motion of the Comet did diminish; but on the
contrary, most men believed, it was not the same Comet. But Signior
_Cassini_ knows very well, that that was not necessary, seeing that two
portions of a _Tangent_ being given, and the _Angles_ answering thereunto,
'tis easie to find the position and magnitude of its Circle. The reason,
which I think the true one, of the diminution of its Motion in Longitude,
and of its Retrogradation, by me conjectured in my _Ephemerides_, I began
to be assured of, _Febr._ 10. For until the sixth, the Comet had alwaies
advanced, as Signior _Cassini_ also hath very well noted: but after that
day, I found that it returned in augmenting alwaies its Latitude. And I
have constantly observed it, until _March_ 8. between many Stars, which
must be the same with these mentioned by _Cassini_, whereof the number was
so great, that I think, I saw of them _March_ 6. with one _Aperture_ of my
Glass, more than 40. or 50. and especially, above the head of _Aries_; but
I did not particularly note the scituation of more than 12. or 15; amongst
which I have observed the position of the Comet since _January_ 28. every
day, when the weather did permit, _viz._ _January_ 29. _February_ 3, 6, 10,
17, 19, 24, 26, 27. and _March_ 6, {20} 7, 8. I left it on _March_ 8. at
the 18. of the Horn of _Aries_, almost in the same latitude: and I am apt
to believe, it will be Eclipsed, which I wish I may be able to observe this
evening, if it be not already passed.
If Signior _Cassini_ hath observed it on those daies that I have, he will
be glad to find the conformity of our Observations. I shall only add, that
on _February_ 3. we were surprized, to see the Comet again much brighter
than ordinary, and with a considerable Train. Some did believe, that it
approach'd again to us. But having beheld it with a _Telescope_, I soon
said, that it was joyned with two small Stars, whereof one was pretty
bright, which I had already seen, on _February_ 28. and 29. And this
conjunction gave the _Comet_ that brightness, as it happens to most of the
Stars of the fifth and sixth magnitude, where 2. or 3. or more are
conjoyned, which perhaps would shew but faintly single, though by reason of
their proximity to one another, they appear but one Star. Hence it was,
that I assured my friends here, that the following daies we should no more
see it so bright, because I knew, that there were none such small bright
Stars in the way, which by my former observations I conjectured it was to
move.
* * * * *
_An Observation imparted to the Noble Mr. _Boyle_, by Mr. _David Thomas_,
touching some particulars further considerable in the Monster mentioned in
the first Papers of these _Philosophical Transactions_._
Upon the strictest inquiry, I find by one, that saw the Monstrous Calf and
stone, within four hours after it was cut out of the Cows belly, that the
Breast of the Calf was not stony (as I wrote) but that the skin of the
Breast and between the Legs and of the Neck (which parts lay on the smaller
end of the stone) was very much thicker, than on any other part, and that
the Feet of the Calf were so parted as to be like the Claws of a Dog. The
stone I have since seen; it is bigger at one end {21} than the other; of no
plain _Superficies_, but full of little cavities. The stone, when broken,
is full of small peble stones of an Ovall figure: its colour is gray like
free-stone, but intermixt with veins of yellow and black. A part of it I
have begg'd of Dr. _Haughten_ for you, which I have sent to _Oxford_,
whither a more exact account will be conveyed by the same person.
* * * * *
_Extract of a Letter, lately written from _Venice_ by the Learned Doctor
_Walter Pope_, to the Reverend Dean of _Rippon_, Doctor _John Wilkins_,
concerning the Mines of Mercury in _Friuli_; and a way of producing _Wind_
by the fall of _Water_._
The mines of _Mercury_ in _Friuli_, a Territory belonging to the
_Venetians_, are about a days Journey and a half distant from _Goritia_
Northwards, at a place call'd _Idria_, scituated in a Valley of the _Julian
Alps_. They have been, as I am inform'd, these 160. years in the possession
of the Emperor, and all the Inhabitants speak the _Sclavonian_ Tongue. In
going thither, we travell'd several hours in the best Wood I ever saw
before or since, being very full of _Firrs_, _Oakes_, and _Beeches_, of an
extraordinary thickness, straitness, and height. The Town is built, as
usually Towns in the _Alps_ are, all of wood, the Church only excepted, and
another House wherein the Overseer liveth. When I was there, in _August_
last, the Valley, and the Mountains too, out of which the _Mercury_ was
dug, were of as pleasant a verdure, as if it had been in the midst of
Spring, which they there attribute to the moistness of the _Mercury_; how
truly, I dispute not. That Mine, which we went into, the best and greatest
of them all, was dedicated to Saint _Barbara_, as the other Mines are to
other Saints, the depth of it was 125. paces, every pace of that Country
being, as they inform'd us, more than 5 of our Feet. There are two ways
down to it; the shortest perpendicular way is that, whereby they bring up
the Mineral in great Buckets, and {22} by which oftentimes some of the
workmen come up and down. The other, which is the usual way, is at the
beginning not difficult, the descent not being much; the greatest trouble
is, that in several places you cannot stand upright: but this holds not
long, before you come to descend in earnest by perpendicular Ladders, where
the weight of on's body is found very sensible. At the end of each Ladder,
there are boards a-cross, where we may breath a little. The Ladders, as we
said, are perpendicular, but being imagined produced, do not make one
Ladder, but several parallel ones. Being at the bottom, we saw no more than
we saw before, only the place, whence the Mineral came. All the way down,
and the bottom, where there are several lanes cut out in the Mountain, is
lined and propt with great pieces of Firr-trees, as thick as they can be
set. They dig the Mineral with Pick-axes, following the veins: 'tis for the
most part hard as a stone, but more weighty; of a Liver-colour, or that of
_Crocus Metallorum_. I hope shortly to shew you some of it. There is also
some soft Earth, in which you plainly see the _Mercury_ in little
particles. Besides this, there are oftentimes found in the Mines round
stones like Flints, of several bignesses, very like those Globes of Hair,
which I have often seen in _England_, taken out of Oxes bellies. There are
also several _Marcasites_ and stones, which seem to have specks of Gold in
them, but upon tryal they say, they find none in them. These round stones
are some of them very ponderous, and well impregnated with _Mercury_;
others light, having little or none in them. The manner of getting the
_Mercury_ is this: They take of the Earth, brought up in Buckets, and put
it into a Sive, whose bottom is made of wires at so great a distance, that
you may put your finger betwixt them: 'tis carried to a stream of running
water, and wash'd as long as any thing will pass through the Sive. That
Earth which passeth not, is laid aside upon another heap: that which
passeth, reserved in the hole, G. in Fig. 1. and taken up again by the
second Man, and so on, to about ten or twelve sives proportionably less. It
often happens in the first hole, where the second Man takes up his {23}
Earth, that there is _Mercury_ at the bottom; but towards the farther end,
where the Intervals of the wires are less, 'tis found in very great
proportion. The Earth laid aside is pounded, and the same operation
repeated. The fine small Earth, that remains after this, and out of which
they can wash no more _Mercury_, is put into Iron retorts and stopt,
because it should not fall into the Receivers, to which they are luted. The
fire forces the _Mercury_ into the Receivers: the Officer unluted several
of them to shew us; I observed in all of them, that he first poured out
perfect _Mercury_, and after that came a black dust, which being wetted
with water discover'd it self to be _Mercury_, as the other was. They take
the _Caput mortuum_ and pound it, and renew the operation as long as they
can get any _Mercury_ out of it.
This is the way of producing the _Mercury_, they call _Ordinary_, which
exceeds that, which is got by washing, in a very great proportion, as you
will perceive by the account annext. All the _Mercury_ got without the use
of Fire, whether by washing, or found in the Mines (for in the digging,
some little particles get together, so that in some places you might take
up two or three spoonfuls of pure _Mercury_) is call'd by them _Virgin
Mercury_, and esteem'd above the rest. I inquir'd of the Officer what
vertue that had more, than the other; he told me that making an _Amalgama_
of Gold and _Virgin Mercury_, and putting it to the fire, that _Mercury_
would carry away all the Gold with it, which common _Mercury_ would not do.
The Engins, employed in these Mines, are admirable; the Wheels, the
greatest that ever I saw in my life; one would think as great as the matter
would bear: all moved by the dead force of the water, brought thither in no
chargeable Aqueduct from a Mountain, 3 Miles distant: the water pumpt from
the bottom of the Mine by 52 pumps, 26 on a side, is contrived to move
other wheels, for several other purposes.
The Labourers work for a _Julio_ a day, which is not above 6 or 7 pence,
and indure not long; for, although none stay {24} underground above 6
hours; all of them in time (some later, some sooner) become _paralitick_,
and dye _hectick_.
We saw there a man, who had not been in the Mines for above half a year
before, so full of _Mercury_, that putting a piece of _Brass_ in his mouth,
or rubbing it in his fingers, it immediately became white like Silver: I
mean he did the same effect, as if he had rubb'd _Mercury_ upon it, and so
paralitick, that he could not with both his hands carry a Glass, half full
of Wine, to his mouth without spilling it, though he loved it too well to
throw it away.
I have been since informed, that here in _Venice_, those that work on the
back-side of Looking-glasses, are also very subject to the _Palsey_. I did
not observe, that they had black Teeth; it may be therefore, that we accuse
_Mercury_ injustly for spoiling the Teeth, when given in _Venereal_
diseases. I confess, I did not think of it upon the place; but, black Teeth
being so very rare in this Country, I think I could not but have markt it,
had all theirs been so.
They use exceeding great quantity of Wood, in making and repairing the
Engins, and in the Furnaces (whereof there are 16. each of them carrying
24. Retorts;) but principally in the Mines, which need continual
reparation, the Fir-trees lasting but a small time under ground. They
convey their Wood thus: About four miles from the Mines, on the sides of
two mountains, they cut down the Trees, and draw them into the interjacent
Valley, higher in the same Valley, so that the Trees, according to the
descent of the water lye betwixt it and _Idria_: with vast charges and
quantities of Wood they made a Lock or Dam, that suffers not any water to
pass; they expect afterwards till there be water enough to float these
Trees to _Idria_; for, if there be not a spring, (as generally there is,)
Rain, or the melting of the Snow, in a short time, afford so much water, as
is ready to run over the Dam, and which (the Flood-gates being open'd)
carries all the Trees impetuously to _Idria_, where the Bridge is built
very strong, and at very oblique Angles to the stream, on purpose to stop
them, and throw them on shore neer the Mines. {25}
Those Mines cost the _Emperour_ heretofore 70000. or 80000. _Florens_
yearly, and yielded less _Mercury_ than at present, although it costs him
but 28000. _Florens_ now. You may see what his Imperial Majesty gets by the
following account, of what _Mercury_ the Mines of _Idria_ have produced
these last three years.
1661. l.
Ordinary _Mercury_ 198481
Virgin _Mercury_ 6194
--------
204675
--------
1662. l.
Ordinary _Mercury_ 225066
Virgin _Mercury_ 9612
--------
234678
--------
1663. l.
Ordinary _Mercury_ 244119
Virgin _Mercury_ 11862
--------
255981
--------
There are alwaies at work 280 persons, according to the relation I received
from a very civil person, who informed me also of all the other particulars
above mentioned, whose name is _Achatio Kappenjagger_; his Office,
_Contra-scrivano per sua Maesta Cesarea in Idria del Mercurio_.
To give some light to this Narrative, take this Diagramme: F. is the water,
C. B. a vessel, into which it runs. DG. EH. FI. are streams perpetually
issuing from that vessel; D. E. F. three sives, the distance of whose wires
at bottom lessen proportionably. G. the place, wherein the Earth, that
pass'd through the sive D. is retained; from whence 'tis taken by the
second man; and what passes through the sive E. is retained in H. and so of
the rest. K. L. M. wast water, which is so much impregnated with _Mercury_,
that it cureth Itches and sordid Ulcers. See Fig. 1.
[Illustration]
I will trespass a little more upon you, in describing the contrivance of
blowing the Fire in the _Brassworks_ of _Tivoli_ neer _Rome_ (it being new
to me) where the Water blows the Fire, not by moving the Bellows, (which is
common) but by affording the Wind. See Fig. II. Where A. is the {26} River,
B. the Fall of it, C. the Tub into which it falls, LG. a Pipe, G. the
orifice of the Pipe, or Nose of the Bellows, GK. the Hearth, E. a hole in
the Pipe, F. a stopper to that hole, D. a place under ground, by which the
water runs away. Stopping the hole E, there is a perpetual strong wind,
issuing forth at G: and G. being stopt, the wind comes out so vehemently at
E, that it will, I believe, make a Ball play, like that at _Frescati_.
[Illustration]
* * * * *
_An Extract of a Letter, containing some Observations, made in the ordering
of _Silk-worms_, communicated by that known _Vertuoso_, Mr. _Dudley
Palmer_, from the ingenuous Mr. _Edward Digges_._
I herewith offer to your _Society_ a small parcel of my _Virginian_ Silk.
What I have observed in the ordering of Silk-worms, contrary to the
received opinion, is:
1. That I have kept leaves 24. hours after they are gathered, and flung
water upon them to keep them from withering; yet when (without wiping the
leaves) I fed the worms, I observed, they did as well as those fresh
gathered.
2. I never observed, that the smell of _Tobacco_, or smels that are rank,
did any waies annoy the worm.
3. Our country of _Virginia_ is very much subject to Thunders: and it hath
thundered exceedingly when I have had worms of all sorts, some newly
hatched; some half way in their feeding; others spinning their Silk; yet I
found none of them concern'd in the Thunder, but kept to their business, as
if there had been no such thing.
4. I have made many bottoms of the Brooms (wherein hundreds of worms spun)
of _Holly_; and the prickles were so far from hurting them, that even from
those prickles they first began to make their bottoms.
I did hope with this to have given you assurance, that by retarding the
hatching of seed, two crops of silk or more {27} might be made in a Summer:
but my servants have been remiss in what was ordered, I must crave your
patience till next year.
* * * * *
_An account of _Micrographia_, or the _Physiological Descriptions_ of
_Minute Bodies_, made by _Magnifying Glasses_._
The Ingenious and knowing Author of this _Treatise_, Mr. _Robert Hook_,
considering with himself, of what importance a faithful _History of Nature_
is to the establishing of a solid Systeme of _Natural Philosophy_, and what
advantage _Experimental_ and _Mechanical_ knowledge hath over the
Philosophy of _discourse_ and _disputation_, and making it, upon that
account, his constant business to bring into that vast Treasury what
portion he can, hath lately published a Specimen of his abilities in this
kind of study, which certainly is very welcome to the Learned and
Inquisitive world, both for the _New discoveries_ in _Nature_, and the _New
Inventions_ of _Art_.
As to the _former_, the Attentive Reader of this Book will find, that there
being hardly any thing so small, as by the help of _Microscopes_, to escape
our enquiry, a new visible world is discovered by this means, and the Earth
shews quite a new thing to us, so that in every _little particle_ of its
matter, we may now behold almost as great a variety of creatures, as we
were able before to reckon up in the whole _Universe_ it self. Here our
Author maketh it not improbable, but that, by these helps the subtilty of
the composition of Bodies, the structure of their parts, the various
texture of their matter, the instruments and manner of their inward
motions, and all the other appearances of things, may be more fully
discovered; whence may emerge many admirable advantages towards the
enlargement of the _Active_ and _Mechanick_ part of knowledge, because we
may perhaps be enabled to discern the secret {28} workings of _Nature_,
almost in the same manner, as we do those that are the productions of
_Art_, and are managed by _Wheels_, and _Engines_, and _Springs_, that were
devised by Humane wit. To this end, he hath made a very curious _Survey_ of
all kinds of bodies, beginning with the _Point of a Needle_, and proceeding
to the _Microscopical_ view of the _Edges_ of _Rasors, Fine Lawn, Tabby,
Watered Silks, Glass-canes, Glass-drops, Fiery Sparks, Fantastical Colours,
Metalline Colours, the Figures of Sand, Gravel in Urine, Diamonds in
Flints, Frozen Figures, the Kettering Stone, Charcoal, Wood and other
Bodies petrified, the Pores of Cork, and of other substances, Vegetables
growing on blighted Leaves, Blew mould and Mushromes, Sponges, and other
Fibrous Bodies, Sea-weed, the Surfaces of some Leaves, the stinging points
of a Nettle, Cowage, the Beard of a wild Oate, the seed of the Corn-violet,
as also of Tyme, Poppy and Purslane._ He continues to describe _Hair, the
scales of a Soal, the sting of a Bee, Feathers_ in general, and in
particular those of _Peacocks; the feet of Flies; and other Insects; the
Wings and Head of a Fly; the Teeth of a Snail; the Eggs of Silk-worms; the
Blue Fly; a water Insect; the Tufted Gnat; a White Moth; the
Shepheards-spider; the Hunting Spider, the Ant; the wandring Mite; the
Crab-like insect, the Book-worm, the Flea, the Louse, Mites, Vine mites._
He concludeth with taking occasion to discourse of two or three very
considerable subjects, viz. _The inflexion of the Rays of Lights in the
Air; the Fixt stars; the Moon._
In representing these particulars to the Readers view, the Author hath not
only given proof of his singular skil in delineating all sorts of Bodies
(he having drawn all the _Schemes_ of these 60 _Microscopical_ objects with
his own hand) and of his extraordinary care of having them so curiously
engraven by the Masters of that Art; but he hath also suggested in the
several reflexions, made upon these Objects, such conjectures, as are
likely to excite and quicken the Philosophical heads to very noble
contemplations. Here are found inquiries concerning the _Propagation of
Light_ through {29} differing mediums; concerning _Gravity_, concerning the
_Roundness_ of Fruits, stones, and divers artificial bodies; concerning
_Springiness_ and _Tenacity_; concerning the _Original_ of _Fountains_;
concerning the _dissolution of Bodies into Liquors_; concerning
_Filtration_, and the ascent of Juices in Vegetables, and the use of their
_Pores_. Here an attempt is made of solving the strange _Phaenomena_ of
_Glass-drops_; experiments are alleged to prove the _Expansion_ of _Glass_
by heat, and the _Contraction_ of _heated-Glass_ upon cooling; _Des Cartes_
his _Hypothesis of Colours_ is examined: the _cause of Colours_, most
likely to the Author, is explained: Reasons are produced, that _Reflection_
is not necessary to produce _colours_, nor a _double refraction_: some
considerable _Hypotheses_ are _offered_, for the explication of Light by
Motion; for the producing of all colours by Refraction; for reducing all
sorts of colours to two only, _Yellow_ and _Blew_; for making the _Air_, a
dissolvent of all _Combustible Bodies_: and for the explicating of all the
regular figures of _Salt_, where he alleges many notable instances of the
_Mathematicks_ of _Nature_, as having even in those things which we account
vile, rude & course, shewed abundance of curiosity and excellent _Geometry_
and _Mechanism_. And here he opens a large field for inquiries, and
proposeth Models for prosecuting them, 1. By making a full collection of
all the differing kinds of _Geometricall_ figur'd bodies; 2. By getting
with them an exact History of their places where they are generated or
found: 3. By making store of Tryals in Dissolutions and Coagulations of
several Crystallizing Salts: 4. By making trials on metalls, Minerals and
Stones, by dissolving them in severall _Menstruums_, and Crystallizing
them, to see what Figures will arise from those several compositums: 5. By
compounding & coagulating several Salts together into the same mass, to
observe the Figure of that product: 6. By inquiring the closenes or rarity
of the texture of those bodys by examining their gravity, and their
refraction, &c. 7. By examining what operations the fire hath upon several
kinds of Salts, what changes it causes in their figures, Textures, or {30}
Vertues. 8. By examining their manner of dissolution, or acting upon those
bodies dissoluble in them and the Texture of those bodies before and after
the process. 9. By considering, by what and how many means, such and such
figures, actions and effects could be produced, and which of them might be
the most likely, &c.
He goes on to offer his thoughts about the Pores of bodies, and a _kind_ of
_Valves_ in wood; about spontaneous generation arising from the
Putrefaction of bodies; about the nature of the Vegetation of mold,
mushromes, moss, spunges; to the last of which he scarce finds any Body
like it in texture. He adds, from the naturall contrivance, that is found
in the leaf of a Nettle, how the stinging pain is created, and thence takes
occasion to discourse of the poysoning of Darts. He subjoyns a curious
description of the shape, _Mechanism_ and use of the _sting_ of a _Bee_;
and shews the admirable Providence of Nature in the contrivance and fabrick
of _Feathers_ for Flying. He delivers those particulars about the Figure,
parts and use of the head, feet, and wings of a Fly, that are not common.
He observes the various wayes of the generations of Insects, and discourses
handsomely of the means, by which they seem to act so prudently. He taketh
notice of the _Mechanical_ reason of the _Spider's_ Fabrick, and maketh
pretty Observations on the hunting Spider, and other Spiders and their
Webs. And what he notes of a Flea, Louse, Mites, and Vinegar-worms, cannot
but exceedingly please the curious Reader.
Having dispatched these Matters, the Author offers his Thoughts for the
explicating of many _Phaenomena_ of the Air, from the _Inflexion_, or from a
_Multiplicate Refraction_ of the rays of Light within the Body of the
_Atmosphere_, and not from a _Refraction_ caused by any terminating
_superficies_ of the Air above, nor from any such exactly defin'd
_superficies_ within the body of the _Atmosphere_; which conclusion he
grounds upon this, that a _medium_, whose parts are unequally _dense_, and
mov'd by various motions and transpositions as to one another, will produce
all these {31} visible effects upon the rays of Light, without any other
_coefficient_ cause: and then, that there is in the Air or _Atmosphere,
such_ a variety in the constituent parts of it, both as to their _density_
and _rarity_, and as to their divers mutations and positions one to
another.
He concludeth with two _Celestial Observations_; whereof the _one_ imports,
what multitudes of Stars are discoverable by the _Telescope_, and the
variety of their magnitudes; intimating with all, that the longer the
Glasses are, and the bigger apertures they will indure, the more fit they
are for these discoveries: the _other_ affords a description of a _Vale_ in
the _Moon_, compared with that of _Hevelius_ and _Ricciolo_; where the
Reader will find several curious and pleasant Annotations, about the Pits
of the _Moon_, and the Hills and Coverings of the same; as also about the
variations in the _Moon_, and its _gravitating_ principle, together with
the use, that may be made of this Instance of a gravity in the _Moon_.
As to the _Inventions of Art_, described in this Book, the curious Reader
will there find these following:
1. A _Baroscope_, or an Instrument to shew all the Minute Variations in the
_Pressure of the Air_; by which he affirms, that he finds, that before and
during the time of rainy weather, the Pressure of the Air is less; and in
dry weather, but especially when an _Easterly_ Wind (which having past over
vast Tracts of Land, is heavy with earthy particles) blows, it is much
more, though these changes be varied according to very odd Laws.
2. A _Hygroscope_, or an Instrument, whereby the _Watery steams_, volatile
in the Air, are discerned, which the Nose it self is not able to find.
Which is by him fully described in the Observation touching the _Beard of a
wild Oate_, by the means whereof this Instrument is contrived.
3. An Instrument for _graduating Thermometers_, to make them _Standards_ of
_Heat_ and _Cold_.
4. A _New Engine_ for _Grinding Optick Glasses_, by means of which he
hopes, that any Spherical Glasses, of what length {32} soever, may be
speedily made: which seems to him most easie, because, if it succeeds, with
one and the same Tool may be ground an _Object Glass_ of any length or
breadth requisite, and that with very little or no trouble in fitting the
_Engine_, and without much skill in the _Grinder_. He thinks it very exact,
because to the very last stroke the Glass does regulate and rectifie the
_Tool_ to its exact Figure; and the longer or more the _Tool_ and _Glass_
are wrought together, the more exact will both of them be of the desired
Figure. He affirms further, that the motions of the Glass and Tool do so
cross each other, that there is not one point of eithers surface, but hath
thousands of cross motions thwarting it, so that there can be no kind of
_Rings_ or _Gutters_ made, either in the _Tool_ or _Glass_.
5. A _New Instrument_, by which the _Refraction_ of all kinds of Liquors
may be exactly measured, thereby to give the Curious an opportunity of
making Trials of that kind, to establish the _Laws_ of _Refraction_, to
wit, whether the _Sines of the Angles of Refraction are respectively
proportionable to the Sines of the Angles of Incidence:_ This Instrument
being very proper to examine very accurately, and with little trouble, and
in small quantities, the _Refraction_ of any Liquor, not only for _one_
inclination, but for _all_; whereby he is enabled to make accurate
_Tables_. By the same also he affirms to have found it true, that what
_proportion_ the _Sine_ of the Angle of the one _inclination_ has to the
_Sine_ of its Angle of _Refraction_, correspondent to it, the same
proportion have all the other _Sines_ of Inclination to their respective
_Sines_ of _Refractions_.
Lastly, this Author despairs not that there may be found many Mechanical
Inventions, to improve our Senses of _Hearing, Smelling, Tasting,
Touching_, as well as we have improved that of _Seeing_ by _Optick
Glasses_.
* * * * *
London, Printed with Licence for _John Martyn_, and _James Allestry_,
Printers to the _Royal Society_.
{33}
* * * * *
_Numb._ 3.
PHILOSOPHICAL
_TRANSACTIONS._
* * * * *
_Munday_, _May_ 8. 1665.
* * * * *
The Contents.
_Some Observations and Experiments upon _May-dew_. The Motion of the
_Second Comet_ predicted, by the same person, who predicted that of the
former. A Relation of the Advice, given by a _French_ Gentleman,
touching the Conjunction of the _Ocean_ and the _Mediterranean_. Of the
way of killing _Ratle-snakes_, used in _Virginia_. A Relation of
Persons kill'd with Subterraneous _Damps_. Of the _Mineral_ of _Liege_,
yielding both _Brimstone_, and _Vitriol_, and the way of extracting
them out of it, used at _Liege_. An Account of Mr. _Boyle's_
Experimental _History_ of_ Cold.
* * * * *
_Some Observations and Experiments upon _May-Dew_._
That ingenious and inquisitive Gentleman, Master _Thomas Henshaw_, having
had occasion to make use of a great quantity of _May-dew_, did, by several
casual Essayes on that Subject, make the following Observations and Tryals,
and present them to the _Royal Society_. {34}
That _Dew_ newly gathered and filtred through a clean Linnen cloth, though
it be not very clear, is of a yellowish Colour, somewhat approaching to
that of Urine.
That having endevoured to putrefy it by putting several proportions into
Glass bodies with blind heads, and setting them in several heats, as of
dung, and gentle baths, he quite failed of his intention: for heat, though
never so gentle, did rather clarify, and preserve it sweet, though
continued for two moneths together, then cause any putrefaction or
separation of parts.
That exposing of it to the Sun for a whole Summer in Glasses, that hold
about two Gallons, with narrow mouths, that might be stopp'd with Cork, the
only considerable alteration, he observed to be produced in it, was, that
Store of green stuff (such as is seen in Summer in ditches and standing
waters) floated on the top, and in some places, grew to the sides of the
Glass.
That putting four or five Gallons of it into a half Tub, as they call it,
of Wood, and straining a Canvas over it, to keep out Dust and Insects, and
letting it stand in some shady room for three weeks or a month, it did of
itself putrefy and stink exceedingly, and let fall to the bottom a black
sediment like Mudd.
That, coming often to see, what Alterations appeared in the putrefaction,
He observed, that at the beginning, within twenty four hours, a slimy film
floated on the top of the water, which after a while falling to the bottom,
there came another such film in its place.
That if _Dew_ were put into a long narrow Vessel of Glass, such as formerly
were used for Receivers in distilling of _Aqua Fortis_, the slime would
rise to that height, that He could take it off with a Spoon; and when he
had put a pretty quantity of it into a drinking Glass, and that it had
stood all night, and the water dreined from it, if He had turned it out of
his hand, it would stand upright in figure of the Glass, in substance like
boyled white Starch, though something more transparent, if his memory
(_saith he_) fail him not.
That having once gotten a pretty quantity of this gelly, and put it into a
Glass body and Blind-head, He set it into a gentle {35} Bath with an
intention to have putrefied it, but after a few days He found, the head had
not been well luted on, and that some moisture exhaling, the gelly was
grown almost dry, and a large _Mushrom_ grown out of it within the Glass.
It was of a loose watrish contexture, such an one, as he had seen growing
out of rotten wood.
That having several Tubs with good quantity of _Dew_ in them, set to
putrefy in the manner abovesaid, and comming to pour out of one of them to
make use of it, He found in the water a great bunch, bigger than his fist,
of those Insects commonly called _Hog-lice_ or _Millepedes_, tangled
together by their long tailes, one of which came out of every one of their
bodies, about the bigness of a Horsehair: The Insects did all live and move
after they were taken out.
That emptying another Tub, whereon the Sun, it seems, had used sometimes to
shine, and finding, upon the straining it through a clean linnen cloth, two
or three spoonfulls of green stuff, though not so thick nor so green as
that above mentioned, found in the Glasses _purposely_ exposed to the Sun,
He put this green stuff in a Glass, and tyed a paper over it, and coming
some dayes after to view it, He found the Glass almost filled with an
innumerable Company of small Flyes, almost all wings, such as are usually
seen in great Swarms in the Aire in Summer Evenings.
That setting about a Gallon of this _Dew_ (which, he saith, if he
misremember not, had been first putrefied and strained) in an open
Jarre-Glass with a wide mouth, and leaving it for many weeks standing in a
South-window, on which the Sun lay very much, but the Casements were kept
close shut; after some time coming to take account of his _Dew_, He found
it very full of little Insects with great Heads and small tapering Bodies,
somewhat resembling Tadpoles, but very much less. These, on his approach to
the Glass, would sink down to the bottom, as it were to hide themselves,
and upon his retreat wrigle themselves up to the top of the water again.
Leaving it thus for some time longer, He afterwards found the room very
full of Gnats, though the Door and Windows were kept shut. He adds, that He
did not at first suspect, that those Gnats had any {36} relation to the
_Dew_, but after finding the Gnats to be multiplied and the little watry
Animals to be much lessened in quantity, and finding great numbers of their
empty skins floating on the face of his _Dew_, He thought, he had just
reason to perswade himself, the Gnats were by a second Birth produced of
those little Animals.
That vapouring away great quantities of his putrefied _Dew_ in Glass
Basons, and other Earthen glased Vessels, He did at last obtain, as he
remembers, above two pound of _Grayish Earth_, which when he had washed
with more of the same _Dew_ out of all his Basons into one, and vapoured to
siccity, lay in leaves one above another, not unlike to some kind of brown
Paper, but very friable.
That taking this Earth out, and after he had well ground it on a Marble,
and given it a smart Fire, in a coated Retort of Glass, it soon melted and
became a Cake in the bottom, when it was cold, and looked as if it had been
Salt and Brimstone in a certain proportion melted together; but, as he
remembers, was not at all inflamable. This ground again on a Marble, _he
saith_, did turn Spring water of a reddish purple Colour.
That by often calcining and filtring this Earth, He did at last extract
about two ounces of a fine small _white Salt_, which, looked on through a
good _Microscope_, seemed to have Sides and Angles in the same number and
figure, as _Rochpeeter_.
* * * * *
_The Motion of the _Second_ Comet predicted, by the same Gentleman, who
predicted that of the _former_._
Monsieur _Auzout_, the same Person, that not long since communicated to the
World his _Ephemerides_ touching the course of the former _Comet_, and
recommended several Copies of them to the _Royal Society_, to compare their
Observations with his Account, and thereby, either to verifie his
Predictions, or to shew, wherein they differ, hath lately sent another
_Ephemerides_ concerning the Motion of the Second _Comet_, to the same end,
that invited him to send the other. {37}
In that Tract he observes, first in _General_, that this second _Comet_ is
contrary to the precedent, almost in all particulars: seeing that the
_former_ moved very swift, _this_, pretty slow; _that_ against the Order of
the signs from East to West, _this_, following them, from West to East:
_that_, from South to North, _this_, from North to South, as far as it hath
been hitherto, that we hear off, observed: _that_, on the side opposite to
the Sun, _this_, on the same side: _that_, having been in its _Perigee_ at
the time of its Opposition, _this_, having been there, out of the time of
its Conjunction: where he taketh also notice, that this _Comet_ differs in
brightness from the other, as well in its Body, which is far more vivid and
distinct, as in its _Train_, whose splendor is much greater, since it may
be seen even with great _Telescopes_, which were useless in the former, by
reason of its dimness. After this he descends to particulars, and informs
us, that he began to observe this Comet _April_ the second, and continued
for some days following, and that as soon as he had made three or four
Observations, he resolved to try again an _Ephemerides_; but that, having
no instruments exact enough, and the Comet being in a place, destitute of
Stars, and subject to Refractions, he feared to venture too much upon
Observations so neer one another, since in such matters a perfect exactness
is necessary, and wished to see some precedent Observations to direct him:
which having obtained, he thereby verified what he had begun, and resolved
to carry on his intended _Ephemerides_, especially being urged by his
Friends, and engaged by his former undertaking, that so it might not be
thought a meer hazard, that made him hit in the former; as also, that he
might try, whether his Method would succeed as well in slower, as in
swifter Comets, and in those, that are neer the Sun; as in such as are
opposite thereunto, to the end, that men might be advertised of the
_determination_ of its use, if it could not serve but in certain particular
Cases.
He relateth therefore, that he had finished this New _Ephemerides_ _April_
the sixth, and put it presently to the Press; in doing of which, he hopes,
he hath not disobliged the Publick: seeing that, though we should loose the
sight of this Star within a few days, by reason of its approach to the Sun,
yet having found, {38} that it is always to rise before the Sun, and that
we may again see it better, when it shall rise betimes, towards the end of
_May_, and in the beginning of _June_, if the cleerness of the Day-break
hinder us not; he thought it worth the while to try, whether the truth of
this _Ephemerides_ could be proved.
He affirms then, that the _Line_ described by this Star resembles hitherto
a _Great Circle_, as it is found in all other Comets in the midst of their
Course. He finds the said Circle inclined to the _Ecliptick_ about 26. d.
30'. and the _Nodes_, where it cuts it, towards the beginning of _Gemini_
and _Sagittary_; that it declines from the _Equator_ about 26. _d_ and cuts
it towards the 11. d. and consequently, that its greatest _Latitude_ hath
been towards _Pisces_, where it must have been _March_ 24. and its greatest
_Declination_, towards the 25 d. of the _Equator_, where it was to have
been _April_ 11.
He puts it in its _Perigee_ _March_ 27. about three of the Clock in the
Afternoon, when it was about the 15 degrees of _Pisces_, a little more
_Westerly_ then _Marshab_, or the _Wing_ of _Pegasus_, and that it was to
be in _Conjunction_ with the _Sun_, _April_ 9. Where yet he noteth, that
according to another Calculation, the _Perigee_ was _March_ 27. more
towards Night, so that the Comet advances a little more towards the _East_,
and retards towards the _West_; which not being very sensible in the first
days, differs more about the end, and in the beginning; which he leaves to
Observation.
He calculateth, that the greatest Motion it could make in one day, hath
been 4. d. and 8'. or 9'; in one hour, about 10'. and 25". so that its
_Diurnal Motion_ is to its last distance from the Earth a little more than
as 1. to 14. and its _Hourly Motion_, as 1. to 330.
He wonders, that it hath not been seen sooner; the first Observations that
he hath seen, but made by others, being of _March_ 17. Whereas he finds,
that it might have been seen since _January_, at least in the Months of
_February_ and _March_, when it rose at 2 of the Clock and before: because
it is very likely, that, considering its bigness and brightness, when it
was towards its _Perigee_, it was visible, since that towards the end of
_February_ it was not three times as much remote from the Earth, than when
it was in its _Perigee_, and that towards the end of _January_ it was not
five times as much. {39}
In the interim, _saith he_, the other _Comet_ could be seen with the naked
eye until _January_ 31. when it was more than ten times further remote,
than in its _Perigee_, although it was not by far so bright, nor its
streamer shining as this hath appeared.
He wishes, that all the changes that shall fall out in this _Comet_, might
be exactly observ'd; because of its not being swift, and the Motion of the
Earth very sensible, unless the _Comet_ be extreamly remote, we should find
much more light from this, than the former Star, about the Grand Question,
whether the _Earth_ moves or not; this Author having all along entertained
himself with the hopes, that the Motion of _Comets_ would evince, whether
the _Earth_ did move or not; and this very _Comet_ seemed to him to have by
design appeared for that end, if it had had more _Latitude_, and that
consequently we might have seen it before Day break. He wishes also, that,
if possible, it may be accurately observed, whether it will not a little
decline from its great Circle towards the _South_; Judging, that some
important truth may be thence deduced, as well as if its motion retarded
more, than the place of its _Perigee_ (which will be more exactly known
when all the passed Observations shall have been obtained) and its greatest
Motion do require.
He fears only, that it being then to rise at Break of Day, exact
Observations cannot be made of it: but he would, at least have it sought
with _Telescopes_, his _Ephemerides_ directing whereabout it is to be.
_April_ 10. it was to be over against the point of the _Triangle_, and from
thence more _Southerly_ by more than two degrees; and _April_ 11. over
against the bright Star of _Aries_, _April_ 17. over against the Stars of
the _Fly_, a little more _Southerly_, and _May_ 4 it is to be over against
the _Pleiades_, and about the fourth or fifth of the same Month, it is to
be once more in _Conjunction_ with the _Sun_; after which time, the _Sun_
will move from it _Eastward_, and leave it towards the _West_; which will
enable us to see it again at a better hour, provided the cleerness of the
Day-break be no impediment to us. He addeth, that this Star must have been
the third time in _Conjunction_ with the _Sun_, about the time when it
first began to appear: and foresees, that from all these particulars many
considerable consequences may be deduced. {40}
It will cut the _Ecliptick_ about the end of _July_, new Style, a little
more _Eastwards_ than the _Eye_ of _Taurus_; at which time there will be no
seeing of it, except it be with a _Telescope_.
It will be towards the _End_ of _April_, new style, twice as far distant as
it was in _Perigee_, thrice as far, _May_ the fourth, four times, _May_ the
eighteenth, and five times, _June_ the first, &c.
He would not have Men surprised, that there have been two _Comets_ within
so short a time; seeing, _saith he_, there were four, at least three, in
the Year 1618. and in other Years there have been two and more at the same
time. What he adds about their signification, we leave to _Astrologers_ to
dispute it with him. He concludeth with asking pardon, if he have committed
mistakes, which he hopeth he shall obtain the sooner, because of the small
time he hath had for these calculations; and he wishes that he could have
made all the Observations himself, seeing that it is easie to fail, when
one must trust to the Observations of others, whereof we know not the
exactness: where he instanceth, that according to his Observations, the way
of the _Comet_ should go neerer the Ecliptick than he hath marked it, even
without having any great regard to the Refractions: but since he would
subject himself to others, he hath made it pass a little higher, which, he
saith, was almost insensibly so, in those few days that he was observing
and writing, but that this may perhaps become sensible hereafter; which if
it be so, he affirms that it will cut the _Ecliptick_ and _Equator_ sooner,
than he hath marked it, &c. However, he thinks it convenient, to have given
aforehand a common Notion of what will become of a _Comet_, to prepare men
for all the Changes that may fall out concerning it: which he affirms he
hath endeavoured to do; the rest being easie to correct, as soon as any
good Observations, somewhat distant, have been obtained, considering, that
there need but two very exact ones, a little distant when the Star is not
swift, to trace its Way; although there must be at least three, to find out
all the rest. But, then would he have it considered, that although his
Method should be very exact, if there be not at hand Instruments big
enough, and Globes good enough to trust to, nothing can be done perfectly
in these kind of Predictions. {41}
* * * * *
_A Relation of the advice given by Monsieur _Petit_, Intendant of the
Fortifications of _Normandy_, touching the Conjunction of the _Ocean_ and
_Mediterranean_._
This Intelligent Gentleman, Monsieur _Petit_, having been consulted with,
touching the Conjunction of the _Ocean_ and _Mediterranean_, delivers first
the Proposition, and then giveth his thoughts upon it.
The Proposition is, That there being about two Leagues below _Castres_ in
_Languedoc_ a Rivolet, called _Sor_, passing to _Revel_, there may by the
means thereof be made a Communication of the two Seas, by joyning the
Waters of this Rivolet by a Channel (to be kept full all the year long)
with those of St. _Papoul_, and others, which fall into _Fresqueil_
(another small River) that runs into the _Aude_ below _Carcassone_, and go
together to _Narbonne_, scituated upon the _Mediterranean_.
Having given the Proposition, he adds some particulars, to illustrate the
same, before he declares his judgment upon it. For he relateth, that there
is but one way, after the division of the Waters, to pass to the
_Mediterranean_, which is by a Rivolet, called _Fresqueil_, that is
conjoyn'd with the _Aude_: But, to pass to the _Ocean_, there are three;
One, by _Riege_, entring into the _Caronne_ above _Tholouse_; the other, by
_Lers_, passing on the side, and below the same Town; and the third, by
_Sor_, falling into the River _Agoust_ under _Castres_, afterwards into the
_Tarne_, and thence to _Montauban_, and lastly into the _Garonne_. And
that, to compass this design, all these Rivers and Rivolets are first to be
made Navigable unto their _Sluces_; that of _Aude_ and _Fresqueil_ for the
_Mediterranean_, and one of the others, such as shall be chosen, for the
_Ocean_. He addeth, that, as to the several Ways passing to the _Ocean_,
all of them commended as proper and convenient, and the three Countries
concerned therein, speaking every one for their advantage: Those of
_Castres_ and {42} _Montauban_, are for the River _Agoust_; those of
_Tholouse_, for _Riege_; and the rest, for _Lers_.
Now concerning his Opinion upon this Proposition, he thinks, that all that
hath been represented touching this matter, can signifie very little,
seeing that the main thing is wanting, which is the assurance, and certain
and positive mensuration of the height and quantity of the Waters,
necessary to fall into both the Channels of the _Aude_ and _Caronne_: that
there must be plenty of that, to furnish at all times and alwayes the
highest and first _sluces_, since what once issues thence, doth never enter
again into them; and after some Boats are passed, if there should not be a
sufficient supply for those that come after; either to go up, or to go
down, all would stand dry, and Merchants and their commodities would stay
long enough expecting the supply of Rains, to their great detriment. He
concludeth therefore, that no knowing and discreet Person is able, in
matters of this nature, to give a positive answer, without having before
him a large and exact Topographical Map of those places, and of the sources
of all the Rivolets, that are to supply the Water to the Head of the
pretended Channel, together with a full account of the survey and
mensuration of all the places, through which it is to pass; of the Nature
of the Ground, whether it be stony, sandy, rocky, &c. of the exact level of
all the places, where it is to be made, and of the several risings and
depressions thereof, to be assured that the Water may be conveyed to the
greatest rising, and to the highest _Sluce_; and lastly, of the quantity,
that may be had at high, middle, and low Water, to have enough for all
times; that all these things being first made out, 'tis then time enough to
judge of the possibility of the thing, and to calculate the charges
necessary for Execution.
This Artist having thus prudently waved this Proposition, diverts himself
with reflecting upon several others of the like nature, among which he
insists chiefly upon two, whereof one is that so much celebrated in
_Egypt_; the other, of _Germany_. And he is of Opinion, that the most
important of all is that, of conjoyning the _Red sea_ by the _Nile_ with
the _Mediterranean_, which he looks upon as the most excellent conveniency
to go into the _East Indies_ without doubling the _Cape of Good Hope_; and
yet it {43} could not be executed by those great Kings of _Egypt_, that
raised so many stupendious _Pyramids_; although in his Opinion the reasons
alleged by _Historians_ to justifie them for having abandoned that
undertaking are of no validity, and that the _Red Sea_ cannot be, as they
feared, higher than the _Nile_, and therefore not indanger the inundation
of _Egypt_.
The other Proposition was made to _Charles Magna_, _Anno_ 793. for joyning
the _Euxine_ Sea and the _Ocean_ together, by a Channel, which was begun
for that end, and designed to be 2000. paces long and 100. paces broad,
betwixt the River _Altmull_, falling into the _Danube_ above _Ratisbone_,
and the River _Rott_, passing at _Nurenberg_, and thence running into the
_Main_, and so into the _Rhine_. But yet this also proved abortive, though
there was great appearance of success at first.
* * * * *
_Of the Way of killing _Ratle-Snakes_._
There being not long since occasion given at a meeting of the _Royal
Society_ to discourse of _Ratle Snakes_, that worthy and inquisitive
Gentleman, Captain _Silas Taylor_, related the manner, how they were killed
in _Virginia_, which he afterwards was pleased to give in writing, attested
by two credible persons in whose presence it was done; which is, as
follows.
The Wild _Penny-royal_ or _Ditany_ of _Virginia_, groweth streight up about
one foot high, with the leaves like _Penny-royal_, with little blue tufts
at the joyning of the branches to the Plant, the colour of the Leaves being
a reddish green, but the Water distilled, of the colour of Brandy, of a
fair Yellow: the Leaves of it bruised are very hot biting upon the Tongue:
and of these, so bruised, they took some, and having tyed them in the cleft
of a long stick, they held them to the Nose of the _Ratle-Snake_, who by
turning and wriggling laboured as much as she could to avoid it: but she
was killed with it, in less than half an hours time, and, as was supposed,
by the scent thereof; which was done _Anno_ 1657. in the Month of _July_,
at which season, they repute those creatures to be in the greatest vigour
for their poison. {44}
* * * * *
_A Relation of Persons killed with subterraneous _Damps_._
This Relation was likewise made to the _Royal Society_, by that Eminent
_Virtuoso_ Sir _R. Moray_, who was pleased, upon their desire, to give it
them in writing; as followeth.
In a Coal-pit, belonging to the Lord _Sinclair_ in _Scotland_, where the
Coal is some 18 or 20 foot thick, and antiently wasted to a great depth:
The Colliers, some Weeks agoe, having wrought as deep as they could, and
being to remove into new Rooms (as they call them) did, by taking off, as
they retired, part of the Coal that was left as Pillars to support the Roof
and Earth over it, so much weaken them, that within a short space, after
they were gone out of the Pitt, the Pillars falling, the Earth above them
filled up the whole Space, where the Colliers had lately wrought, with its
ruins. The Colliers being here-by out of work, some of them adventured to
work upon old remains of Walls, so near the old wastes, that striking
through the slender partition of the Coal-wall, that seperated between them
and the place, where they used to work, they quickly perceived their
Errour, and fearing to be stifled by the bad Air, that they knew, possessed
these old wastes, in regard not onely of the Damps, which such wastes do
usually afford, but because there having for many years been a Fire in
those wastes, that filled them with stifling fumes and vapors, retired
immediately and saved themselves from the eruptions of the Damp. But next
day some seven or eight of them came no sooner so farr down the staires,
that led them to the place where they had been the day before, as they
intended, but upon their stepping into the place, where the Air was
infected, they fell down dead, as if they had been shott: And there being
amongst them one, whose Wife was informed he was stifled in that place, she
went down so far without inconvenience, that seeing her Husband near her,
ventured to go to him, but being choaked by the Damp, as soon as she came
near him, she fell down dead by him. {45}
This Story of Sir _R. Moray_ affirmed to have received from the _Earl_ of
_Weymes_, Brother in Law to the Lord _Sinclair_, as it was written to him
from _Scotland_.
* * * * *
_Of the _Mineral_ of _Liege_, yeilding both _Brimstone_ and _Vitriol_, and
the way of extracting them out of it, used at _Liege_._
The Account of this _Mineral_, and of the way of extracting both
_Brimstone_ and _Vitriol_ out of it, was procured from _Liege_, by the
lately mentioned Sir _Robert Moray_ and by him communicated to the _Royal
Society_, as follows.
The _Mineral_, out of which _Brimstone_ and _Vitriol_ are extracted, is one
and the same, not much unlike Lead ore, having also oft times much Lead
mingled with it, which is seperated from it by picking it out of the rest.
The Mines resemble our _English_ Coal Mines dugg according to the depth of
the _Mineral_, 15, 20, or more fathoms, as the Vein leads the Workmen, or
the subterranean waters will give them leave, which in Summer so overflow
the Mines, that the upper waters, by reason of the drought, not sufficing
to make the Pumps goe, the Work ceases.