The vanity of _Virga Divinatoria_, p. 181.
A peculiar way of washing out very small _Dust-gold_, p. 198.
Of some extraordinary big pieces of perfect _Natural_ Gold and Silver, p.
203.
Of a very rare Mineral, sent to the Author out of the _Hungarian_ Mines,
which had pure Silver branching out into Filaments, and some splendid
yellow parts, which was pure Gold, and some dark parts, which was Silver
mixed with Gold, 189.
_Salt_ the _Basis_ of all Natural Productions, and the admirable variety of
Salts, p. 299.
Strange Figures of _Plants_, p. 348.
The way of producing _Plants_; p. 414.
In how much time a Swallow can fly about the World, p. 411, &c.
This may suffice, to give occasion to the Searchers of Nature, to examine
this Book, and the Observations and Experiments contained therein, together
with the Ratiocinations raised thereupon, and to make severer and more
minute Inquiries and Discussions of all.
* * * * *
_A farther account of an Observation above-mentioned, about _White Blood_._
Since the Printing of the former Sheet, there is this farther account from
the same hand.
Mr. _Boyle_,
I have at length, according to your desire, received from the Ingenious Dr.
_Lower_, an account in writing of the Observation about _Chyle_ found in
the Blood; which though you may think strange, agrees well with some
Experiments of his and mine, not now to be mentioned. The Relation, though
short, comprizing the main Particulats of what he had more fully told me in
Discourse, I shall give it you with little or no variation from his own
words. {118}
A Maid, after eating a good Break-fast, about seven in the Morning, was let
Blood about eleven the same day in her Foot; the first Blood was receiv'd
in a Porringer, and within a little while it turn'd very white; the last
Blood was received in a Sawcer, which turn'd white immediately, like the
white of a Custard. Within five or six hours after, he (the Physitian)
chanced to see both, and that in the Porringer was half Blood and half
Chyle, swimming upon it like a Serum as white as Milk, and that in the
Sawcer all Chyle without the least appearance of a drop of Blood; and when
he heated them distinctly over a gentle fire, they both harden'd: As the
white of an Egge when 'tis heated, or just as the _Serum_ of Blood doth
with heating, but far more white. This Maid was then in good health, and
only let Blood because she never had her Courses, yet of a very florid
clear Complexion.
* * * * *
Note.
_The _Reader_ of these Papers is desired, that in those of _Numb. 4. pag.
60. lin. 10_. he would be pleased to read _eight_, instead of _hundred_:
this latter word having been put in by a great over-sight, and without this
Correction, injuring that Author, whose Considerations are there related.
This Advertisement should have been given in _Number 5_. but was omitted
for haste._
* * * * *
Imprimatur _Rob. Say, Vice-Cancel._ Oxon.
Oxford, Printed by _Leonard Lichfield_: for _Richard Davis_. 1665.
{119}
* * * * *
_Num._ 7.
PHILOSOPHICAL
_TRANSACTIONS._
* * * * *
Monday, _Decemb._ 4. 1665.
* * * * *
The Contents.
_Monsieur de _Sons_ progress in working _Parabolar_ Glasses. Some
speculations of Monsieur _Auzout_ concerning the changes, likely to be
discovered in the Moon. The instance of the same Person to Mr. _Hook_,
for communicating his Contrivance of making with Glasses of a few feet
Diameter, _Telescopes_ drawing several hundred feet; together with his
Offer of recompensing that secret with another, which teaches, How to
measure with a _Telescope_ the _Distances of Objects_ upon the _Earth_.
The Experiment of _Kircher_, of preparing a Liquor, that shall sink
into, and colour the whole Body of Marble, delivered at length. An
Intimation of a Way found in _Europe_, to make good _China-Dishes_. An
Account of an odd Spring in _Westphalia_, together with an Information
touching _Salt-Springs_; and a way of straining _Salt-water_. Of the
Rise and Attempts of a way to conveigh Liquors immediately into the
Mass of Blood._
* * * * *
_Of Monsieur _de Sons_ Progress in working _Parabolar_ Glasses._
Since what was mentioned in the immediately precedent _Tract_, touching
Monsieur _de Son's_ noble attempt of grinding Glasses of a _Parabolical_
Figure, the _Publisher_ of these _Papers_ hath himself seen two
_Eye-glasses_ of that shape, about one inch & a half deep, and one inch and
a quarter broad, wrought by this Eminent _Artist_ with a rare
Steel-instrument of his own contrivance and workmanship, and by himself
also polished to admiration. And certainly it will be wondred at by those,
{120} who shall see these Glasses, how they could be truly wrought to such
a Figure, with such a Cavity; & yet more, when they shall hear the Author
undertake to excavate other such _Eye-Glasses_ to above two inches, and
_Object-glasses_ of five inches _Diameter_. He hath likewise already begun
his _Object-glasses_ for the mentioned two _Ocular_ ones, of the same
Figure of about two inches _Diameter_, which are to be left all open, yet
without causing any colours. Of all which 'tis hoped, that shortly a fuller
and more particular accompt will be given.
* * * * *
_Monsieur _Auzout's_ Speculations of the Changes, likely to be discovered
in the _Earth_ and _Moon_, by their respective Inhabitants._
This Inquisitive _Philosopher_ in a letter of his, lately written to his
correspondent in _London_, takes occasion to discourse of his
considerations concerning those Changes, mentioned in the _Title_, as
followes;
I have (saith he) sometimes thought upon the _Changes_, which 'tis likely,
the supposed Inhabitants of the _Moon_ might discover in our _Earth_, to
see, whither reciprocally I could observe any such in the _Moon_. For
example, methinks, that the _Earth_ would to the people of the _Moon_
appear to have a different face in the several seasons of the year; and to
have another appearance in _Winter_, when there is almost nothing green in
a very great part of the _Earth_; when there are Countries all covered with
snow, others, all covered with water, others, all obscured with Clouds, and
that for many weeks together: _Another_ in _Spring_, when the Forrests and
Fields are green. _Another_ in _Summer_, when whole Fields are yellow &c.
Me thinks, I say, that _these_ changes are considerable enough in the force
of the reflexions of Light to be observed, since we see so many differences
of Lights in the _Moon_. We have _Rivers_ considerable enough to be seen,
and they enter far enough {121} into the Land, and have a bredth capable to
be observed. There are _Fluxes_ in certain places, that reach into large
Countries, enough to make there some apparent change; & in some of our Seas
there float sometimes such bulky masses of Ice, that are far greater, than
the Objects, which we are assured, we can see in the _Moon_. Again, we cut
down whole Forrests, and drain Marishes, of an extent large enough to cause
a notable alteration: And men have made such works, as have produced
Changes great enough to be perceived. In many places also are _Vulcans_,
that seem big enough to be distinguish't, especially in the shadow: And
when Fire lights upon Forrests of great extent, or upon Towns, it can
hardly be doubted, but these Luminous Objects would appear either in an
Ecclipse of the Earth, or when such parts of the Earth are not illuminated
by the Sun. But yet, I know no man, who hath observed such things in the
_Moon_; and one may be rationally assured that no _Vulcans_ are there, or
that none of them burn at this time. This it is (_so he goes on_) which all
Curious men, that have good _Telescopes_, ought well to attend; and I doubt
not; but, if we had a very particular _Map_ of the _Moon_, as I had
designed to make one with a _Topography_, as it were, of all the
considerable places therein, that We or our Posterity would find some
changes in Her. And if the _Mapps_ of the _Moon_ of _Hevelius_, _Divini_,
and _Riccioli_ are exact, I can say, that I have seen there some places
considerable enough, where _they_ put _parts that are clear_, whereas _I_
there see _dark ones_. 'Tis true that if there be _Seas_ in the _Moon_, it
can hardly fall out otherwise, than it doth upon our _Earth_, where
_Alluvium's_ are made in some places, and the Sea gains upon the Land in
others. _I say_, if those Spots we see in the _Moon_, are Seas, as most
believe them to be; whereas I have many reasons, that make me doubt,
whether they be so; of which I shall speak elsewhere. And I have sometimes
thought, whether it might not be, that all the Seas of the _Moon_, if there
must be Seas, were on the side of the other _Hemisphere_, and that for this
cause it might be that the _Moon_ turns not upon its _Axis_, as our
_Earth_, {122} wherein the Lands and Seas are, as it were, ballanced: That
thence also may proceed the non-appearance of any Clouds raised there, or
of any Vapors considerable enough to be seen, as there are raised upon this
Earth; and that this absence of Vapors is perhaps the cause, that no
_Crepuscle_ is there, as it seems there is none, my selfe at least not
having hitherto been able to discerne any mark thereof: For, me thinks, it
is not to be doubted, but that the reputed Citizens of the _Moon_ might see
our _Crepuscle_, since we see, that the same is without comparison
stronger, than the _Light_ afforded us by the _Moon_, even when she is
_full_; for, a little after Sun-set, when we receive no more than the
_first_ Light of the _Sun_, the sky is far clearer, than it is in the
fairest night of the _full Moon_. Mean while, since we see in _the Moon_,
when she is increasing or decreasing, the Light she receives from the
Earth, we cannot doubt, but that the People of the _Moon_ should likewise
see in the _Earth_ that Light, wherewith the _Moon_ illuminates it, with
perhaps the difference, there is betwixt their bigness. Much rather
therefore should they see the Light of the _Crepuscle_, being, as we have
said, incomparably greater. In the mean time we see not any faint Light
beyond the _Section_ of the Light, which is every where almost equaly
strong, and we there distinguish nothing at all, not so much that cleerest
part, which is called _Aristarchus_, or _Porphyrites_, as I have often
tryed; although one may there see the Light, which the _Earth_ sends
thither, which is sometimes so strong, that in the _Moon's_ decrease I have
often _distinctly_ seen _all_ the parts of the _Moon_, that were _not
enlightned_ by the _Sun_, together with the difference of the clear parts,
and the Spots, so far as to be able to discern them all. The _Shaddows_
also of all the _Cavities_ of the _Moon_ seem to be stronger, than they
would be, if there were a _Second_ Light. For, although a far off, the
shaddows of our Bodies, environed with Light, seem to Us almost dark; yet
they doe not so appear so much, as the Shaddows of the _Moon_ doe; and
those that are upon the _Edge_ of the _Section_, {123} should not appear in
the like manner. But, I will determine nothing of any of these things. When
I shall hereafter have made more frequent Observations of the Moon with my
_great Telescopes_, in convenient time, I shall then perhaps learn more of
it, than I know at present, at least it will excite the _Curious_ to
endeavor to make the like Observations; and it may be, others, that I have
not thought of.
* * * * *
_The Instance of the _same Person_ to Mr. _Hook_, for communicating his
Contrivance of making, with a Glass of a Sphere of 20 or 40 foot
_diameter_, a _Telescope_ drawing several hundred foot; and his offer of
recompensing that Secret with another, teaching To measure with a
_Telescope_ the _Distances of Objects_ upon the Earth._
In _Numb._ 4. Of these _Papers_, pag. 67. Mr. _Hook_ had intimated, that he
would shortly discover a way of his, with a _Plane-convex_ Glasse of a
Sphaere of 20. or 40. feet _Diameter_, without _Veines_, and truly wrought
of that _Figure_, to make a _Telescope_, that with a single _Eye-glass_
should draw 300, 400, yea 1000 feet, _without_ at all _altering the
Convexity_: Monsieur _Auzout_ returns this consideration, and offer upon
it, which follows:
To perform (_saith he_) with a _lesser Object-glass_ the effect of a _great
Telescope_, we must find out a way to make such an _Object-glass_ to
receive as many Rayes as one will, without their being sensibly distant
from one another; to the end, that by applying to it a _stronger
Eye-glass_, there may be still Beams enough to see the Object, and to
obliterate the small specks and imperfections of the _Eye-glass_. And if
Mr. _Hook_ hath this Invention, I esteem it one of the greatest, that can
be found in the matter of _Telescopes_. If he please to impart it to us, we
shall be obliged to him; and {124} I wish, I had a secret in _Opticks_ to
encourage him to that communication. If I did believe, that this would be
esteemed one, To measure with a _great Telescope_ the _distance of Objects_
upon the _Earth_; which I have found long since, and proposed to some by
way of Paradox; _Locorum distantias ex unica statione, absque ullo
Instrumento Mathematico, metiri_; I doe here promise to discover it to him,
with the necessary Tables, as soon as He shall have imparted his to me;
which I will use, as he shall order me. For, although the _Practise_ doe
not altogether answer the _Theory_ of my Invention, because that the length
of the _Telescopes_ admits of some Latitude; yet one comes near enough, and
perhaps as Just, as by most of the wayes, ordinarily used with Instruments.
That, which I am proposing, I doubt not but M. _Hook_ will soon understand,
and see the determination of all Cases possible. I shall only say, that if
we look upon the sole _Theory_, we make use of an ordinary _Telescope_,
whereof the _Eye-glass_ is to be _Convexe_: for, by putting the Glasses at
a little greater distance, than they are, proportionably to the distance
for which it is to serve, and by adding to it a _new Eye-glass_, the Object
will be seen distinct, though obscure; and if the _Eye-glass_ be _Convexe_,
the Object will appear erect. They may be done two manner of ways; either
by leaving the _Telescope_ in its ordinary situation, the _Object-glass_
before the _Eye-glass_; or by inverting it, and putting _this_ before
_that_. But if any will make use of two _Object-glasses_, whereof the
_Focus's_ are known, the distance of them will be known. If it be supposed,
that the _Focus_ of the _first_ be B. and _that_ of the _second_ C, and the
distance given, B + 2D, and that D _minus_ C, be _equal_ to F; for, this
distance will be _equal_ to B + C + F - rF squared - C squared. And if you have the
_Focus_ of the _first Object-glass_, equal to B, the distance, where you
will put the _second_ Glass equal to B + C + D, the _focus_ of the 2d
Glasse will be found equal to CD/{C+D}. And if you will that the Object
shall be magnified as much with these two Glasses, as it would be with a
single one, whereof the _Focus_ {125} should be of the distance given,
having the _Focus_ of the _Object-glass_ given equal to B, and the distance
to B + D; the distance between the first and the second Glass will be equal
to {2B squared + 2BD}/{2B + D}, whence subducting B (the _Focus_ of the
_Object-glass_ given) there remains BD/{2B + D}; and if this sum be
supposed equal to C, we shall easily know, by the preceding Rule, the
_Focus_ of the _second_ Glass.
So far M. _Auzout_, who, I trust, will receive due satisfaction to his
desire, as soon as the happy end of the present Contagion shall give a
beginning and life again to the Studies and Actions of our retired
_Philosophers_.
I shall onely here adde, That the Secret he mentions [_Of measuring the
distance of Places by a Telescope (fitted for that purpose) and from one
Station_] is a thing already known (if I am not mis-informed) to some
Members of our Society; who have been a good while since considering of it,
and have contrived ways for the doing of it: Whether the same with those of
Mr. _Auzout_, I know not. Nor have I (at the distance that I am now from
them) opportunity of particular Information.
* * * * *
_An Experiment of a way of preparing a Liquor, that shall sink into, and
colour the whole Body of _Marble_, causing a _Picture_, drawn on a surface,
to appear also in the _inmost_ parts of the Stone._
This _Experiment_, having been hinted at in the next foregoing _Papers_,
out of the _Mundus Subterraneus_ of _Athanasius Kircher_, and several
Curious Persons, who either have not the leisure to read Voluminous
Authors, or are not readily skilled in that Learned Tongue wherein the said
Book is written, being very desirous to have it transferred hither, it was
thought fit to comply with their desire herein.
The Author therefore of the _Mundus_, &c, having seen {126} some stones
reputed to be _natural_ that had most lively Pictures, not only upon them,
but passing _thorow_ their whole substance, and thereupon finding an
_Artist_; skilful to perform such rare workmanship, did not only pronounce
such stones to be _artificial_, but when that _Artist_ was unwilling to
communicate unto him his Secret, did joyn his study and endeavors with
those of one _Albertus Gunter_ a _Saxon_, to find it out themselves:
wherein having succeeded, it seems, they made the Experiments which this
Industrious and communicative _Jesuit_ delivers in this manner:
The Colours, saith he, are thus prepared; I take of _Aqua fortis_ and _Aqua
Regis_, two ounces _ana_; of _Sal Armoniack_ one ounce; of the best _Spirit
of Wine_, two drachms; as much _Gold_ as can be had for nine _Julio_'s (a
_Julio_ being about six pence English) of pure _Silver_, two drachmes.
These things being provided, let the Silver, when calcined, be put into a
Vial; and having powred upon it the two drachmes of _Aqua fortis_, let it
evaporate, and you shall have a Water yielding first a _blew_ Colour, and
afterwards a _black_. Likewise put the Gold, when calcin'd, into a Vial,
and having powred the _Aqua Regis_ upon it, set it by to evaporate: then
put the _Spirit of Wine_ upon the _Sal Armoniack_, leaving it also till it
be evaporated; and you will have a Golden coloured Water, which will afford
you divers Colours. And, after this manner, you may extract many
_Tinctures_ of Colours out of other Mettals. This done, you may, by the
means of these two Waters, paint what Picture you please upon white Marble,
of the _softer_ kind, renewing the Figure every day for several days with
some fresh superadded Liquor, and you shall find in time, that the Picture
hath penetrated the _whole_ solidity of the Stone, so that cutting it into
as many parts as you will, it will always represent unto you the same
Figure on both sides.
_So far he_, which how far it answers expectation, is referred to the Tryal
of Ingenious Artists. In the mean time there are not wanting Experienced
Men that scruple the Effect, but {127} yet are far from pronouncing any
thing positively against it, so that they doe not discourage any that have
conveniencies, from trying.
But whether the way there mentioned will succeed, or not, according to
expectation: Sure it is that a Stone-cutter in _Oxford_, Mr. _Bird_, hath
many years since found out a way of doing the same thing, in effect, that
is here mentioned; and hath practised it for many years. That is, he is
able so to apply a colour to the outside of polished Marble, as that it
shall sink a considerable depth into the body of the stone; and there
represent like figures or images as those are on the outside; (deeper or
shallower according as he continues the application, a longer, or lesser
while.) Of which kind there be divers pieces to be seen in _Oxford_,
_London_, and elsewhere. And some of them being shewed to his Majesty, soon
after his happy restauration, they were broken in his presence, and found
to answer expectation. And others may be dayly seen, by any who is curious,
or desirous to see it.
* * * * *
_An Intimation of a Way, found in _Europe_ to make _China-dishes_._
Notice was lately given by an inquisitive _Parisian_ to a friend of his in
_London_, that by an Acquaintance he had been informed, that Signor
_Septalio_, a Canon in _Millan_, had the Secret of making as good
_Porcelane_ as is made in _China_ it self, and transparent; adding that he
had seen him make some.
This as it deserves, so it will be further inquired after, if God permit.
* * * * *
_An Account of an odd _Spring_ in _Westphalia_, together with an
Information touching _Salt-Springs_ and the straining of salt-water._
An observing Gentleman did lately write out of _Germany_, that in
_Westphalia_ in the Diocess of _Paderborn_, is a Spring, which looses it
self twice in 24 houres; coming always, after 6 houres, back again with a
great noise, and so forcibly, as {128} to drive 3 Mills not far from its
source. The Inhabitants call it the _Bolderborn_, as if you should say, the
_Boysterous Spring_.
_The same Person_, having mentioned the many _Salt-Springs_ in _Germany_,
as those at _Lunenburg_, at _Hall_ in _Saxony_, at _Saltzwedel_ in
_Brandenburger Mark_, in _Tyrol_, &c. observes, that no Salt-water, which
contains any Metal with it, can well be sodden to Salt in a Vessel of the
same Metal, which it self contains, except _Vitriol_ in Copper Vessels.
_He adds_, that, to separate Salt from Salt-water, without Fire, if you
take a Vessel of Wax, hollow within, and every where tight; and plunge it
into the Sea, or into other Salt-water, there will be made such a
separation, that the vessel shall be full of sweet water, the Salt staying
behind: but, though this water have no saltish taste, yet, _he saith_,
there will be found a Salt in the Essay, which is the Spirit of Salt,
subtile enough with the water to penetrate the Wax.
* * * * *
_An Account of the Rise and Attempts, of a Way to conveigh Liquors
immediately into the Mass of Blood._
Whereas there have lately appeared in publick some _Books_, printed beyond
the Seas, treating of the Way of _Injecting liquors into Veines_; in which
Books the _Original_ of the _Invention_ seems to be adscribed to others,
besides him, to whom it really belongs; It will surely not be thought
amiss, if something be said, whereby the true _Inventor's_ right may beyond
exception be asserted & preserved; To which end, there will need no more,
than barely to represent the _Time_ when, and the _Place_ where, & among
whom it was first started and put to tryal. To joyn all these circumstances
together, 'Tis notorious, that at least six years since (a good while
before it was heard off, that any one did pretend to have so much as
thought of it) the Learned and Ingenious Dr. _Christopher Wren_ did propose
in the _University_ of _Oxford_ (where he now is the Worthy Savilian
Professor of _Astronomy_, and where very many Curious Persons are ready to
{129} attest this relation) to that Noble Benefactor to Experimental
Philosophy, Mr. _Robert Boyle_, Dr. _Wilkins_, and other deserving Persons,
That he thought, he could easily contrive a Way to conveigh any liquid
thing immediately into the Mass of Blood; _videl_: By making Ligatures on
the Veines, and then opening them on the side of the Ligature towards the
Heart, and by putting into them slender Syringes or Quills, fastened to
Bladders (in the manner of Clyster-pipes) containing the matter to be
injected; performing that Operation upon pretty big and lean doggs, that
the Vessels might be large enough and easily accessible.
This Proposition being made, M. _Boyle_ soon gave order for an _Apparatus_,
to put it to Experiment; wherein at several times, upon several Doggs,
_Opium_ & the Infusion of _Crocus Metallorum_ were injected into that part
of the hind-legs of those Animals, whence the larger Vessels, that carry
the Blood, are most easy to be taken hold of: whereof the success was, that
the _Opium_, being soon circulated into the Brain, did within a short time
stupify, though not kill the Dog; but a large Dose of the _Crocus
Metallorum_, made another Dog vomit up Life and all: All which is more
amply and circumstantially delivered by Mr. _Boyle_ in his Excellent Book
of the _Usefulness of Experimental Philosophy_, Part 2. Essay 2. pag. 53.
54. 55. Where 'tis also mention'd, that the fame of this Invention and of
the succeeding Tryals being spread, and particularly coming to the
knowledge of a foreign _Ambassadour_, that was Curious, and then resided in
_London_, it was by him tryed with some _Crocus Metallorum_, upon a
Malefactor, that was an inferiour Servant of his; with this success, that
the Fellow, as soon as ever the Injection began to be made, did, either
really or craftily, fall into a swoon; whereby, being unwilling to
prosecute so hazardous an Experiment, they desisted, without seeing any
other effect of it, save that it was told the Ambassadour, that it wrought
once downwards with him: Since which time, it hath been frequently
practised both in _Oxford_ & _London_; as well before the _Royal Society_,
as elsewhere. And particularly that Learned {130} Physitian, Dr. _Timothy
Clerk_, hath made it part of his business, to pursue those Experiments with
much industry, great accurateness, and considerable observations thereon;
which above two years since, were by him produced and read before the
_Royal Society_, who thereupon desired him, as one of their Members, to
compleat, what he had proposed to himself upon that subject, and then to
publish the same: the Effect whereof 'tis hoped, will now shortly appear,
and not prove unwelcome to the Curious.
Some whereof, though they may conceive, that liquors thus injected into
Veines without preparation and digestion, will make odde, commotions in the
Blood, disturb Nature, and cause strange Symptoms in the Body, yet they
have other thoughts on Liquors, that are prepared of such things, as have
passed the Digestion of the Stomach; for example, of Spirit of Urine, of
Harts-horne, of Blood &c. And they hope likewise, that besides the
_Medical_ Uses, that may be made of this _Invention_, it may also serve for
_Anatomical_ purposes, by filling, after this way, the vessels of an Animal
as full, as they can hold, and by exceedingly distending them, discover
_New_ Vessels, &c: But not now to enlarge upon the Uses, the Reader may
securely take this Narrative, as the naked real Matter of Fact, whereby
'tis as clear, as Noon day (both from the Time, and irrefragable Testimony
of very many considerable Persons in that University, who can jointly
attest it; as well as from that particular unquestionable one of Mr.
_Boyle_ and his worthy Company, who were the first Eye-witnesses of the
Tryals made,) that to _Oxford_, and in it, to Dr. _Christopher Wren_, this
Invention is due; and consequently, that all others, who discourse or write
of it, doe either derive it from Him, or are fallen upon the same Devise
several years after Him.
* * * * *
_Published with License._
Oxford, Printed by _A: & L: Lichfield_, for _Ric: Davis_. 1665.
{131}
* * * * *
_Num._ 8.
PHILOSOPHICAL
_TRANSACTIONS._
* * * * *
Munday, _Januar._ 8. 1665/6.
* * * * *
The Contents.
_An Account of the Tryals, made in _Italy_ of _Campani's_ new Optick
Glasses. A further relation of the Whale-fishing about the _Bermudas_,
and upon the Coast of _New England_, and _New Netherland_. Of a
remarkable Spring of _Paderborn_ in _Germany_. Of some other uncommon
Springs at _Basel_ and in _Alsatia_. Of the richest Salt-springs in
_Germany_. Some Observations of Strange Swarms of _Insects_, and the
mischiefs done by them: as also of the Brooding of Snakes and Vipers.
Observations of odd Constitutions of humane Bodies. Of a way, used in
_Italy_, of preserving Ice and Snow by _Chaffe_. Directions for Sea-men
bound for far Voyages, drawn up by Master _Rook_, late _Geometry_
Professour of _Gresham Colledge_. Some Observations of _Jupiter_;
Eclipsed by one of his _Satellites_: and of his Conversion about his
_Axis_. Of some Philosophical and Curious Books, that are shortly to
come abroad._
* * * * *
_An Account of the Tryalls, made in _Italy_ of _Campani's_ new _Optick
Glasses_._
An Inquisitive _Parisian_ writes to his Correspondent in _London_, as
follows;
We received lately news from _Rome_, from a very Curious Person of our
acquaintance, importing, that _Campani_ hath had the advantage of _Divini_.
The Great Duke of _Toskany_, and Prince _Leopold_, his Brother, upon Tryal,
made of both their Glasses, have found those of _Campani_ excel the other,
and with them they have been able, easily to distinguish people {132} at 4
Leagues distance: Of which I intend you more particulars hereafter.
Among them are expected the _Length_ of these _Telescopes_, and the
Largeness of the _Aperture_ of their _Object-glasses_. In the mean time,
the _Parabolical-glasses_, formerly mentioned to be in hand here at
_London_, are finishing with all possible care and industry.
* * * * *
_A Further Relation of the _Whale-fishing_ about the _Bermudas_, and on the
Coast of _New-England_ and _New-Netherland_._
The same Person, that communicated the particulars about the new
Whale-fishing near the _Bermudas_, mentioned in the first of these
_Tracts_, gives this further Information; That there have been since taken
by order of the _Bermudas_ Company, sixteen of those Whales, the Oyle
whereof, to the quantity of 50 or 60 Tuns arrived in _Ireland_ at
_Limrick_, some few months agoe.
He adds, that about two years since, there stranded upon the Coast of
_New-England_ a dead Whale, of that sort, which they call _Trumpo_, having
Teeth resembling those of a Mill, and its mouth at a good distance from,
and under the Nose or Trunk, and several boxes or partitions in the Nose,
like those of the Tailes in Lobsters; and that that being open'd there run
out of it a thin oily substance, which would candy in time; after which,
the remainder, being a thick fatty substance, was taken out of the same
part, with a scoope. And this substance he affirmed to be the _Sperma
Ceti_; adding further, that the _Blubber_, as they call it, it self, of the
same sort of Whales, when stewed, yields on the top a creamy substance,
which taken off, and thrown upon white wine, lets fall a dirty
heterogeneous sediment, but what remains aloft, affords a
_Sperma-Ceti_-like matter. {133}
He concluded his relation with observing, that these whales were to be met
with, between the Coast of _New-England_, and _New-Netherland_, where they
might be caught eight or nine months in the year, whereas those about the
_Bermudas_ are to be found there only in the Months of _February_, _March_
and _April_.
Concerning the death of the Whale, which hath been related to have stranded
upon _New-England_, it is not very improbable, but, (that Fish having also
more than one Enemy, whereof a small Fish called the _Thresher_ is one,
who, by Mr. _Terry's_ Relation in his _East-Indian_ Voyage, with his
nimbleness vexes him as much, as a Bee does a great Beast on the land; and
a certain horny Fish another, who runs its horn into the Whal's belly) it
may have been kill'd by the latter of these two; which kind of Fish is
known, sometimes to run its horn into Ships (perhaps taking them for
Whales) and there snapping it asunder; as hapned not long since to an
English Vessel in the _West-Indian_ Seas; the broken piece of that Horn
being by the Master of that ship presented to the King, and now kept in His
Majesties Repository: the like whereof befel a _French_ Vessel, sailing
towards the _East-Indies_, according to the Relation, made by Monsieur
_Thevenot_ in his second _Tome_ of _Curious Voyages_.
* * * * *
_Of a remarkable Spring, about _Paderborn_ in _Germany_._
An inquiring Gentleman of those parts writes to his Friend in _London_, as
follows;
In this Diocess of _Paderborn_, about 2 leagues from that Town, is a treble
Spring call'd _Metborn_, which has three streams, two wherof are not above
one foot and a half distant from one another, and yet of so differing
qualities, that whereas one of them is limpid, blewish, lukewarm, bubling,
and holding Sal-armoniack, Ochra, Iron, Vitriol, {134} Allum, Sulphur,
Niter, Orpiment, used against Epilepsie, bad Spleens, and the Wormes; the
other is Ice-cold, turbid and whitish, much stronger in tast, and heavier
than the former, holding much Orpiment, Salt, Iron, Niter, and some
Sal-Armoniack, Allum and Vitriol; Of this all Birds, observed to drink of
it, doe dye; which I have also privately experimented by taking some of it
home, and giving it to Hens, after I had given them Oates, Barly and
Bread-crums; For, soon after they had drunk of it, they became giddy,
reeled, and tumbled upon their backs, with convulsion-fitts, and so dyed
with a great extention of their leggs. Giving them common-salt immediatly
after they had drunk; they dyed not so soon; giving them vineger, they dyed
not at all, but seven or eight days after were troubled with the _Pipp_.
Those that dyed, being open'd, their Lungs were found quite shrivelled
together. Yet some men, that are troubled with Worms, taking a litle
quantity of it, and diluting it in common water, have been observed by this
means to kill the Worms in their bellies, so that a great number of worms
come from them; whereupon though they are sick, yet they dye not. As to the
third stream, that lyes lower than the other two, about 20 paces distant
from them, it is of a greenish colour, very clear, and of a sowre sweet
tast, pleasing enough. It hath about a middle weight between the other two;
whence wee guess, that it is mixed of them both, meeting there together: to
confirm which, we have mixed equal quantities, of those two, with an
addition of a litle common well-water, and have found that they, being
stirred together and permitted to setle, made just a water of the same
colour and tast of this third stream.
* * * * *
_Of some other not-common Springs at _Basel_ and in _Alsatia_._