2. Its _Inhabitants_, and its _Productions_, and these _External_, and
_Internal_.
_First_, in the Earth _it self_, may be observ'd, its dimensions,
scituation, East, West, North, and South: its Figure, its Plains, and
Valleys, and their Extent; its Hills and Mountains, and the height of the
tallest, both in reference to the neighbouring Valleys or Plains, and in
reference to the Level of the Sea: As {188} also, whether the Mountains lye
scattered, or in ridges, and whether those run North and South, or East and
West, &c. What Promontories, fiery or smoaking Hills, &c. the Country has,
or hath not: Whether the Country be coherent, or much broken into Ilands.
What the Magnetical Declination is in several places, and the Variations of
that Declination in the same place (and, if either of those be very
considerable, then, what circumstances may assist one to guess at the
Reason as Subterraneal fires, the Vicinity of Iron-mines, &c.) what the
Nature of the Soyle is, whether Clays, Sandy, &c. or good Mould; and what
Grains, Fruits, and other Vegetables, do the most naturally agree with it:
As also, by what particular Arts and Industries the Inhabitants improve the
Advantages, and remedy the Inconveniences of their Soyl: What hidden
qualities the Soyl may have (as that of _Ireland_, against Venemous Beasts,
&c.)
_Secondly_, above the ignobler _Productions_ of the Earth, there must be a
careful account given of the _Inhabitants_ themselves, both _Natives_ and
_Strangers_, that have been long settled there: And in particular, their
Stature, Shape, Colour, Features, Strength, Agility, Beauty (or the want of
it) Complexions, Hair, Dyet, Inclinations, and Customs that seem not due to
Education. As to their Women (besides the other things) may be observed
their Fruitfulness or Barrenness; their hard or easy Labour, &c. And both
in Women and Men must be taken notice of what diseases they are subject to,
and in these whether there be any symptome, or any other Circumstance, that
is unusual and remarkable.
As to the _External_ Productions of the Earth, the Inquiries may be such as
these: What Grasses, Grains, Herbs, (Garden and Wild) Flowers, Fruit-trees,
Timber-trees (especially any Trees, whose wood is considerable) Coppices,
Groves, Woods, Forrests, &c. the Country has or wants: What peculiarities
are observable in any of them: What Soyles they most like or dislike; and
with what Culture they thrive best. What _Animals_ the Country has or
wants, both as to wild Beasts, Hawks, and other Birds of Prey; and as to
Poultrey, and {189} Cattle of all sorts, and particularly, whether it have
any _Animals_, that are not common, or any thing, that is peculiar in
those, that are so.
The _Internal_ Productions or Concealments of the Earth are here understood
to be, the riches that ly hid under the Ground, and are not already
referr'd to other Inquiries.
Among these _Subterraneal_ observations may be taken notice of, what sorts
of Minerals of any kind they want, as well as what they have; _Then_, what
Quarries the Country affords, and the particular conditions both of the
Quarries and the Stones: As also, how the Beds of Stone lye, in reference
to North and South, &c. What Clays and Earths it affords, as
Tobacco-pipe-clay, Marles, Fullers-earths, Earths for Potters wares,
Bolus's and other medicated Earths: What other Minerals it yields, as
Coals, Salt-Mines, or Salt-springs, Allom, Vitrial, Sulphur, &c. What
Mettals the Country yields; and a description of the Mines, their number,
scituation, depth, signs, waters, damps, quantities of ore, goodness of
ore, extraneous things and ways of reducing their ores into Mettals, &c.
To these General Articles of inquiries (saith their _Proposer_) should be
added; 1 _Inquiries_ about _Traditions_ concerning all particular things,
relating to that Country, as either peculiar to it, or at least, uncommon
elsewhere, 2 _Inquiries_, that require _Learning_ or _Skill_ in the
Answerer: to which should be subjoyned _Proposals_ of ways, to enable men
to give Answers to these more difficult inquiries.
_Thus far_ our Author, who, as he has been pleased to impart these
_General_ (but yet very _Comprehensive_ and greatly _Directive_) Articles;
so, 'tis hoped from his own late intimation, that he will shortly enlarge
them with _Particular_ and _Subordinate_ ones. These, in the mean time,
were thought fit to be publisht, that the Inquisitive and Curious, might,
by such an Assistance, be invited not to delay their searches of matters,
that are so highly conducive to the improvement of _True Philosophy_, and
the wellfare of _Mankind_. {190}
* * * * *
_An Extract of a Letter, Written from _Holland_, about _Preserving of Ships
from being Worm-eaten_._
This _Extract_ is borrowed from the _French journal des Scavans_ of _Febr._
15. 1666. and is here inserted, to excite Inventive heads _here_, to
overtake the Proposer in _Holland_. The letter runs thus:
Although you have visited our Port (_Amsterdam_) I know not whether you
have noted the ill condition, our ships are in, that return from the
_Indies_. There is in those Seas a kind of small worms, that fasten
themselves to the Timber of the ships, and so pierce them, that they take
water every where; or if they do not altogether pierce them thorow, they so
weaken the wood, that it is almost impossible to repair them. We have at
present a Man here, that pretends to have found an admirable secret to
remedy this evil. That, which would render this secret the more important,
is, that hitherto very many ways have been used to effect it, but without
success. Some have imployed Deal, Hair and Lime, &c. and therewith lined
their ships; but, besides that this does not altogether affright the worms,
it retards much the ship's Course. The _Portugals_ scorch their ships,
insomuch that in the quick works there is made a coaly crust of about an
_Inch_ thick. But as this is dangerous, it happening not seldom, that the
whole vessel is burnt; so the reason why worms eat not thorow _Portugal_
ships, is conceived to be the exceeding hardness of the Timber, employed by
them.
We expect with impatience the nature and effect of this Proposition. Many
have already ventur'd to give their thoughts concerning it. Some say, there
needs no more, but to build Ships of a harder kind of Wood, than the usual.
Others having observed, that these Worms fasten not to a kind of wild
_Indian_ Pear-tree, which is highly bitter, do thereupon {191} suggest,
that the best Expedient would be, to find out a Wood having that quality.
But certainly there being now no Timber, fit for Ships, that is not known,
'tis not likely that any will be found either more hard, or more bitter,
than that, which has been hitherto employed. Some do imagine, that the
Proposer will, by certain _Lixiviums_, give to the ordinary Wood such a
quality and bitterness, as is found in the already mention'd _Indian_
Pear-tree. But this also will hardly succeed, since it will be requisite
not only to make _Lixiviums_, in great quantities at an easie rate, and
strong enough to penetrate the thick sides of a Ship, but also to make them
durable enough, not to be wash't out by the Sea. Yet notwithstanding, in
these matters one ought to suspend on's judgement, untill experience do
shew, what is to be believed of them.
_So far the Extract._ To which it may perhaps not be unseasonable to add,
that a very worthy person in _London_, suggests the Pitch, drawn out of Sea
coles, for a good Remedy to scare away these noysome insects.
* * * * *
_An Account of a Book, very lately publish't, entituled, _The Origine of
Forms and Qualities_, illustrated by Considerations and Experiments, by the
Honourable _Robert Boyle_._
This Curious and Excellent Piece, is a kind of _Introduction_ to the
_Principles_ of the _Mechanical Philosophy_, explicating, by very
Considerable Observations and Experiments, what may be, according to such
Principles, conceived of the _Nature and Origine of Qualities and Forms_;
the knowledge whereof, either makes or supposes the Fundamental and Useful
part of _Natural Philosophy_. In doing of which, the Author, to have his
way the clearer, writes rather for the _Corpuscularian_ Philosophers (as he
is pleased to call them) in _General_, than any {192} _Party_ of them,
keeping himself thereby disengaged from adopting an _Hypothesis_, in which
perhaps he is not so throughly satisfied, and of which he does not conceive
himself to be necessitated to make use here; and accordingly forbearing to
employ Arguments, that are either grounded on, _or_ suppose _Atoms_, _or_
any _Innate Motion_ belonging to them; _or_ that the Essence of Bodies
consists in Extension; _or_ that a _Vacuum_ is impossible; _or_ that there
are such _Globuli Caelestes, or_ such a _Materia Subtilis_, as the
_Cartesians_ imploy to explicate most of the _Phaenomena_ of Nature.
The _Treatise_ consisting of a _Speculative_, and an _Historical_ part, the
Author, with great modesty leaves the _Reader_ to judge; _Whether_ in the
_First_ part he hath treated of the _Nature_ and _Origine of Forms and
Qualities_ in a more Comprehensive way, than others; _Whether_ he has by
fit Examples, and other means, rendred it more intelligible, than they have
done: _Whether_ he has added any considerable number of Notions and
Arguments towards the compleating and confirming of the proposed
_Hypothesis_: _Whether_ he has with reason dismissed Arguments unfit to be
relied on; and _Whether_ he has proposed some Notions and Arguments so
warily, as to keep them from being liable to Exceptions and Evasions,
whereto they were obnoxious, as others have proposed them. And, as to the
_Second_ and _Historical_ part, he is enclin'd to believe that the _Reader_
will grant, he hath done that part of _Physicks_, he is treating of, some
service, by strengthning the doctrines of the _New Philosophy_ (as 'tis
call'd) by such particular Experiments, whose Nature and Novelty will
render them as well Acceptable as Instructive.
The _summe_ of the _Hypothesis_, fully and clearly explicated in the
_First_ Part, is this;
That all Bodies are made of _one Catholick matter_, common to them all, and
differ but in _Shape, Size, Motion_ or _Rest_, and _Texture_ of the small
parts, they consist off; from which {193} Affections of Matter, the
_Qualites_, that difference particular Bodies, result: whence it may be
rationally concluded, that one kind of Bodies may be transmuted into
another; _that_ being in effect no more, than that one Parcel of the
Universal Matter, wherein all Bodies agree, may have a _Texture_ produced
in it, like the _Texture_ of some other Parcel of Matter, common to them
both.
To this _Hypothesis_, is subjoin'd an Examination of the _Scholastick_
opinion of _Substantial Forms_; where the Author, _first_, States the
Controversie; _next_, gives the Principal reasons, that move him to oppose
that Opinion; _then_, answers the Main arguments employed to evince it;
_further_, assigns both the _First_ Cause of Forms (_God_;) and the Grand
_Second_ Cause thereof (_Local Motion_:) and _lastly_, proves the
_Mechanical_ Production of _Forms_; grounding his proof, _partly_ upon the
Manner, by which such a _Convention of Accidents_, as deserve to pass for a
_Form_, may be _produced_; as that the Curious Shapes of _Salts_ (believed
to be the admirablest Effects and strongest Proofs of _Substantial Forms_)
may be the Results of _Texture_; _Art_ being able to produce Vitriol, as
well as _Nature_: _partly_, upon the possibility of _Reproducing_ Bodies by
skill, that have been deprived of their reputed _Substantial Forms_: Where
he alledges the _Redintegration of Saltpetre_, successfully performed by
himself; though his Attempts, made upon the dissipation and re-union of
_Amber_, _Allum_, _Sea-Salt_, and _Vitriol_, proved (by reason of
_accidental_ hindrances rather, than of any impossibility in the Nature of
the Thing) less successful.
In the _Second_ and _Historical_ Part, the Author, appealing to the
Testimony of Nature, to verifie his Doctrine, sets down, _both_ some
_Observations_, of what Nature does without being over-ruled by the power
and skill of man; and some _Experiments_, wherein Nature is guided, and as
it were, mastered by Art.
The _Observations_ are four.
1. The _First_ is taken from what happens in the _Hatching of_ {194} _an
Egge_; out of the _White_ whereof, which is a substance Similar, insipid,
soft, diaphanous, colourless, and readily dissoluble in cold water, there
is by the _New_ and _Various_ contrivement of its small parts, caused by
the Incubation of the Hen, an Animal produced, some of whose parts are
opacous, some red, some yellow, some white, some fluid, some consistent,
some solid and frangible, others tough and flexible, some well, some
ill-tasted, some with springs, some without springs, &c.
2. The _Second_ is fetcht from _Water_, which being fluid, tastless,
inodorous, diaphanous, colourless, volatile, &c. may by a _Differing
Texture_ of its parts, be brought to constitute Bodies, having qualities
very distant from these, as _Vegetables_, that have firmeness, opacity,
odors, tasts, colours, Medicinal vertues; yielding also a true _Oyle_, that
refuses to mingle with _Water_, &c.
3. The _Third_, from _Inoculation_; wherein, a small _Bud_ is able to
transmute all the sap, that arrives at it, as to make it constitute a Fruit
quite otherwise qualified, then that, which is the _genuine_ production of
the Tree, so that the same sap, that in one part of the Branch constitutes
(for Instance) a _Cluster of Haws_, in another part of the same Branch, may
make a _Pear_. Where the Author mentions divers other very considerable
Effects of Inoculations, and inserts several Histories, all countenancing
his doctrine.
4. The _Fourth_, from _Putrified Cheese_; wherein, the _rotten_ part, by
the alteration of its Texture, will differ from the _Sound_, in colour,
odor, taste, consistence, vermination, &c.
The Experiments are ten.
1. _A Solution of Vitriol and Camphire_; in which by a change of Texture,
appear'd the Production of a deep colour from a {195} white Body, and a
clear Liquor without any external heat: The destruction of this Colour, by
adding only some fair water: The change of an Odorous Body, _as Camphire_,
into an Inodorous, by mixing it with a Body, that has scarce any sensible
odour of its own: The sudden restauration of the _Camphire_ to its native
scent and other qualities, by common water, &c.
2. _Sublimate, distill'd from Copper and Silver_, which both did wholly
loose their Metalline forms, and were melted into brittle lumps, with
colours quite differing from their own; both apt to imbibe the moisture of
the Air, &c.
3. _A solution of silver into Luna Cornea_: Whereby the opacous, malleable
and hardly fusible Body of _Silver_, was, by the addition of a little
spirit of salt, reduced into Chrystals, differing from those of other
Mettals; diaphanous also, and brittle, and far more easily fusible, than
Silver; wholly unlike either a Salt or a Mettal, but very like to a piece
of _Horn_, and withall insipid, though the Solution of Silver, be very
bitter, and the spirit of salt, highly sowre, &c.
4. _An Anomalous Salt_; (which the Author had not, it seems the liberty to
teach the Preparation off) whose Ingredients were purely Saline, and yet
the Compound, made up only of salt, sowre, and strongly tasted Bodies, was
rather _really_ sweet, than of any other taste , and when a little urged
with heat, its odour became stronger, and more insupportable than that of
_Aqua fortis_, _distilled Urine_ and even _spirit of salt Ammoniack_; but
yet when these Fumes settled again into salt, their odour would again prove
inoffensive, if not pleasant &c.
5. _A Sea-salt, whence Aqua fortis had been distilled_: Where the Liquor,
that came over, proved an _Aqua Regis_: the substance in the bottom, had
not onely a mild taste, and {196} affected the Pallat much more like
salt-peter, than Common salt; but was also very fusible, and inflammable,
though produced of two un-inflammable bodies: and the same substance,
consisting of _Acid_ salts, by a certain way of the Author, produced a
_Fixt_ salt.
6. _Oyle of Vitriol poured upon a Solution of Bay-salt:_ whence was
abstracted a liquor, that by the smell and Taste appeared to be a spirit of
salt. In which operation, the mixture, by working a great change of
Texture, did so alter the nature of the compounding Bodies, that the
sea-salt, though a considerably fixt Body, was distill'd over in a moderate
Fire of sand, whilst the Oyl of Vitriol, though no such gross salt, was by
the same operation so fixt, as to stay behind: Besides that the same, by a
competent heat yeilded a substance, though not insipid, yet not at all of
the taste of Sea-salt, or of any other pungent one, much less having the
highly corrosive acidity of oyl of Vitriol, &c.
7. _A dissolvent, made by pouring a strong spirit of Nitre on the rectified
Oyl of the Butter of Antimony, and then distilling off all the liquor, that
would come over, &c._ This _Menstruum_ (called by the Author _Peracutum_)
being put to highly refined Gold, destroyed its Texture, and produced,
after the method prescribed in the book, a _true Silver_, as its whiteness
in colour, dissolublenes in _Aqua fortis_, and odious Bitterness, did
manifest: which change of a Mettal, commonly esteemed to be absolutely
indestructible by Art, though it be far from being _Lucriferous_, is yet
exceedingly _Instructive_; as is also the way, the Author here adds, of
_Volatilizing_ Gold, by the power of the same _Dissolvent_.
8. _Aqua fortis, concoagulated with differing Bodies_, produced very
differing Concretes: And the same Numeral Saline Corpuscles, that being
associated with those of one Mettal, had already produced a Body eminent in
one Taste, did {197} afterwards, being freed from that Body, compose a
Liquor of a very differing taste; and after _that_ too, being combin'd with
the parties of another Mettal, did with them constitute a Body of a very
eminent Taste, as opposite as any one can be to both the other Tasts; and
yet these Saline Corpuscles, being instead of this second Mettal,
associated with such a one as that, they are driven from, did therewith
exhibite again the first of the three mention'd Tasts.
9. _Water transmuted into Earth_, though the Author saith of this
Transmutation, that it was not so perfect, as he wish'd, and as he hopes to
make it.
10. _A mixture of Oyle of Vitriol and Spirit of Wine._ These two Liquors,
being of odd Textures in reference to each other, their conjunction and
distillation made them exhibite these _Phaenomena_: _vid._ That, whereas
Spirit of Wine has no great, nor good scent, and moderately dephlegm'd Oyl
of Vitriol is wont to be inodorous; the Spirit, that first came over from
their mixture, had a scent not only very differing from Spirit of Wine, but
from all things else, that the Author ever smelt; the Odor being very
fragrant & pleasant, and so subtle, that in spight of the care taken in
luting the Glasses exactly together, it would perfume the neighbouring
parts of the _Laboratory_, and afterwards smell strongly at some distance
from the Viol, wherein it was put, though stopt with a close Cork covered
with two or three several Bladders. But, after this volatile and
odoriferous Spirit was come over, and had been follow'd by an Acid Spirit,
it was at last succeeded by a strongly stinking Liquor, &c.
But _Manum de Tabula_: the Book it self will certainly give a satisfaction
far beyond what here can be said of it. {198}
* * * * *
_Some New observations about the Planet _Mars_, communicated since the
Printing of the former sheets._
There was very lately produced a Paper, containing some observations, made
by Mr. _Hook_, about the Planet _Mars_; in the _Face_ whereof he affirmed
to have discovered, in the late months of _February_ and _March_, that
there are several _Maculae_ or _Spotted parts_, changing their place, and
not returning to the same Position, till the next ensuing night near about
the same time. Whence it may be collected, that _Mars_ (as well as
_Jupiter_, and the _Earth_, &c.) does move about his own _Axis_, of which a
fuller account will be given hereafter, God permitting. This short and
hasty intimation of it, is intended onely to invite others, that have
opportunity, timely to make Observations, (either to confirm, or rectify)
before _Mars_ gets out of sight.
* * * * *
Printed with Licence for _John Martyn_, and _James Allestry_, Printers to
the Royal Society. 1666.
{199}
* * * * *
_Num._ 12.
PHILOSOPHICAL
_TRANSACTIONS._
* * * * *
_Munday_, _May_ 7. 1666.
* * * * *
The Contents.
_A way of Preserving Birds taken out of the Egge, and other small
_Fetus's_; communicated by _Mr. Boyle_. An Extract of a Letter, lately
sent to _Sr. Robert Moray_ out of _Virginia_, concerning an unusuall
way of Propagating Mulberry-trees there, for the better improvement of
the _Silk-Work_; together with some other particulars, tending to the
good of that _Royall_ Plantation. A Method, by which a Glass of a small
Plano-Convex Sphere may be made to refract the Rayes of Light to a
_Focus_ of a far greater distance, than is usuall. Observations about
_Shining Worms_ in Oysters. Observations of the Effects of _Touch_ and
_Friction_. Some particulars, communicated from forrain Parts,
concerning the Permanent _Spott_ in _Jupiter_; and a contest between
two Artists about _Optick-Glasses_, &c. An Account of a Book written by
_Dr. Thomas Sydenham_, entituled, _Methodus Curandi Febres, propriis
Observationibus superstructa_._
* * * * *
_A way of preserving Birds taken out of the Egge, and other small
_Faetus's_; communicated by _Mr. Boyle_._
This was imparted in a Letter, as follows;
[Sidenote: * _In the Usefulness of Experimental Philosophy._]
The time of the year invites me to intimate to you, that among the other
Uses of the Experiment, I long since presented the _Society_, of preserving
Whelps taken out of the Dams womb, and other _Faetus's_, or parts of them,
in _Spirit of Wine_; I {200} remember, I did, when I was sollicitous to
observe the Processe of Nature in the Formation of a Chick, open Hens Eggs,
some at such a day, and some at other daies after the beginning of the
Incubation, and carefully taking out the _Embryo's_, embalmed each of them
in a distinct Glass (which is to be carefully stopt) in _Spirit of Wine_:
Which I did, that so I might have them in readinesse, to make on them, at
any time, the Observations, I thought them capable of affording; and to let
my Friends at other seasons of the year, see, _both_ the differing
appearances of the Chick at the third, fourth, seventh, fourteenth, or
other daies, after the Eggs had been sate on, _and_ (especially) some
particulars not obvious in Chickens, that go about; as the hanging of the
Gutts out of the _Abdomen_, &c. How long the tender _Embryo_ of the Chick
soon after the _Punctum saliens_ is discoverable, _and_ whilst the Body
seems but a little Organized Gelly, _and_ some while after _That_, will be
this way preserv'd, without being too much shrivel'd up, I was hindred by
some mischances to satisfie my self: but when the _Faetus's_, I took out,
were so perfectly formed as they were wont to be about the seventh day, and
after, they so well retain'd their shape and bulk, as to make me not repent
of my curiosity: And some of those, which I did very early this Spring, I
can yet shew you. I know I have mention'd to you an easie application of
what I, some year since, made publick enough; but not finding it to have
been yet made by any other, and being perswaded by Experience, that it may
be extended to other _Faetus's_, which this season (the _Spring_) is time to
make provision off, I think the _Advertisement_ will not seem unseasonable
to some of our Friends; though being now in haste, and having in my
thoughts divers particulars, relating to this way of Preserving Birds taken
out of the Egge, and other small _Faetus's_, I must content my self to have
mention'd that, which is _Essential_, leaving divers other things, which a
little practise may teach the Curious, unmention'd. Notwithstanding which,
I must not omit these two Circumstances; the _one_, that when the Chick was
grown big, before I took it out of the Egge, I have (but not constantly)
{201} mingled with the _Spirit of Wine_, a little Spirit of _Sal
Armoniack_, made (as I have elsewhere delivered) * by the help of
_Quick-lime_: which Spirit I choose, because, though it abounds in a Salt
not Sowre, but Urinous, yet I never observed it (how strong soever I made
it) to coagulate Spirit of Wine. The _other_ circumstance is, that I
usually found it convenient, to let the little _Animals_, I meant to
imbalme, lie for a little while in ordinary Spirit of Wine, to wash off the
looser filth, that is wont to adhere to the Chick, when taken out of the
Egge; and then, having put either the same kind of Spirit, or better upon
the same Bird, I suffer'd it to soak some hours (perhaps some daies, _pro
re nata_) therein, that the Liquor, having drawn as it were what Tincture
it could, the _Faetus_ being remov'd into more pure and well dephlegm'd
Spirit of Wine, might not discolour it, but leave it almost as limpid, as
before it was put in.
* * * * *
_An Extract of a Letter, sent lately to Sir _Robert Moray_ out of
_Virginia_, concerning an _unusual_ way of propagating _Mulberry trees_
there, for the better improvement of the _Silk-Work_; together with some
other particulars, tending to the good of that _Plantation_._
I am disappointed at this time of some Rarities of Minerals, Mettals, and
Stones; but you may have them any other time, as conveniently, &c. I have
planted here already ten thousand _Mulberry trees_; and hope, within two or
three years, to reap good silk of them. I have planted them in a way
unusual here, which advances them two or three years growth, in respect of
their being sown in seed: And they are now, at writing hereof all holding
good, although this has been a very long and bitter winter with us, much
longer and colder, than ever I did find it in _Scotland_ or _England_. I
intend likewise to plant {202} them all, as if they were _Currants_ or
_Goos-berries_, so thick as hedges; whereby one man may gather as many of
them, as otherwise, when they are planted in trees at distance, four
persons my do. Expedient is the benefit of this Trade. Having discoursed of
this new way to all here; they are generally inclinable to it; considering
that the Planting their Trees, as before, at distance, and letting them
grow high, has been the main obstruction of that work hitherto, and the
loss of their time and gain: but being in hedges, they will be always young
tender plants; and consequently will be easily cut in great quantities with
a pair of Garden Sizzers. But there may be suggested yet another, and
perhaps a better way; which is, to sowe some Acres with _Mulberry seed_,
and to cut it with a sith, and ever to keep it under. I have also bethought
my self of a new way, for a few hands to serve many Worms, and that more
cleanly than before: which also will be a means, without more trouble or
pains, to separate unhealthy worms from healthful; and by which a great
many more may be kept in a room, than otherwise upon shelves, as is usual
here. Besides this, I have sown a little _French Barley_ and _Rice seed_,
and am thinking on a way of un-husking them with expedition, and so
preparing them for the Merchant, as they use to be: But if you can inform
me, how they are prepared, you may save me some labour. If I had any
_Coffee_ in husks, or any other vegetable commodity, from the Streights to
try, I would here make tryal with them. Its like, that some of those
Merchants that are of your _Society_, and keep a Correspondency there, may
assist in procuring them. By the latter ships I intend to send you a New
sort of sweet sented _Tobacco_, which I have not yet had time to improve.
* * * * *
_A Method, by which a Glass of a small Plano-convex Sphere may be made to
refract the Rayes of light to a _Focus_ of a far greater distance, than is
usual._
This is proposed by Mr. _Hook_, in consequence of what was {203} mention'd
from him in _Numb._ 4 _pag._ 67, of these _Transactions_.
Prepare (_saith he_) two Glasses, the one exactly flat on both sides, the
other flat on the one side, and convex on the other, of what Sphere you
please. Let the flat Glass be a little broader than the other. Then let
there be made a Cell or Ring of Brass, very exactly turn'd, into which
these two Glasses may be so fastened with Cement, that the plain surfaces
of them may lye exactly paralell, and that the Convex-side of the
Plano-convex-Glass may lye inward; but so, as not to touch the flat of the
other Glass. These being cemented into the Ring very closely about the
edges, by a small hole in the side of the Brass-ring or Cell, fill the
interposed space between these two with _Water_, _Oyl of Turpentine_,
_Spirit of Wine_, _Saline Liquors_, _&c;_ then stop the hole with a screw:
and according to the differing refraction of the interposed Liquors, so
shall the _Focus_ of the compound Glass be longer or shorter.
But this (adds the _Proposer_) I would only have look't upon, as one
instance of many (for there may be others) of the _Possibility_ of making a
Glass, ground in a smaller Sphere, to constitute a Telescope of a much
greater length: Though (not to raise too great exspectation) I must add,
That of _Spherical_ object glasses, those are the best, which are made of
the greatest Sphere, and whose substance hath the greatest refraction.
* * * * *
_Observations about _Shining Worms_ in Oysters._
These Observations occur in the _French journal_ of _April_ 12. 1666. in
two letters, written by M. _Auzout_ to M. _Dela Voye_; whereof the
substance may be reduced to the following particulars.
1. That M. _Dela Voye_ having observed, as he thought, {204} some shining
Worms in Oysters; M. _Auzout_, being made acquainted with it, did first
conceive, they were not Worms (unless they were crushed ones) that shin'd,
as having not been able then to discern any parts of a Worm; but only some
shining clammy moysture; which appeared indeed like a little Star of a
blewish colour, and stuck to the Oyster-shell; being drawn out, shone in
the Air its whole length (which was about four or five lines,) and when put
upon the _Observers_ hand, continued to shine there for some time.
2. That M. _Auzout_ afterwards, causing more than 20. douzen of Oysters to
be open'd at Candle-light, really saw, in the dark, such shining worms in
them; and those of three sorts. _One_ sort was whitish, having 24. or 25.
feet on each side, forked; a black speck on one side of the head (taken by
him for a _Chrystallin_) & the back like an Eele, stript off her skin. The
_second_, red, and resembling the common _Glow-worms_, found at Land, with
folds upon their backs, and feet like the former; and with a nose like that
of a dog, and one eye in the head. The _third_ sort was speckled, having a
head like that of a Sole, with many tufts of whitish hair on the sides of
it,
3. That, besides these, the _Observer_ saw some much bigger, that were
grayish, with a big head, and two horns on it, like those of a Snayl, and
with 7. or 8. whitish feet, but these, though kept by him in the night,
shin'd not.
4. That the two first sorts are made of a matter easily resoluble, the
least shaking or touch turning them in into a viscous and aqueous matter;
which falling from the shell, stuck to the _Observers_ fingers, and shone
there for the space of 20. seconds: and if any little part of this matter,
by strongly shaking the shell, did fall to the ground, it appear'd like a
little piece of a flaming Brimstone; and when shaken off nimbly, it became
like a small shining Line, which was dissipated before it came to the
ground.
{205} 5. That this shining matter was of different colour; some, whitish,
some, reddish; but yet that they afforded both, a light which appear'd a
violet to his eye.
6. That it is very hard to examine these worms entire (especially the white
ones) because that at the least touch they doe burst, and resolve into a
glutinous moysture; whence also if it were not for their feet, that are
discover'd in their matter, none would judge them to be Worms.
7. That among those, which he observed, he saw two more firm, than the
rest, which shone all over; and when they fell from the Oyster, twinkled
like a great star, shining strongly, and emitting rays of a violet-light by
turns, for the space, (as touch't above) of 20. seconds. Which
Scintillation the _Observer_ imputes to this, that those worms being alive,
and sometimes raising their head, sometimes their tayle, like a Carpe, the
light increased and lessened accordingly; seeing that, when they shone not,
he did, viewing them by a Candle, find them dead.
8. That forcibly shaking the Oyster-shells in the dark, he sometimes saw
the whole shell full of lights, now and then as big as a fingers end; and
abundance of this clammy matter, both red and white, (which he judges to
have been Worms) burst in their holes.
9. That in the shaking he saw all the Communications of these little
Verminulous holes, like to the hole of Worms in Wood.
10. That in more than 20 douzen of Oysters he shook no shell (10. or 12.
excepted) but it emitted light: And found some of this light in sixteen of
the Oysters themselves.
11. That this light occurs more frequently in big, than small Oysters; in
those that are pierced by the Worm, oftner, than {206} in those that are
not, and rather upon the Convex-side, than the other; and more in fresh
ones; than in the stale.
12. That having somewhat scaled the Convex-side of the shell, and
discover'd the Communication of the holes, wherein the often-mention'd
viscous moysture, that has any form of insects, is found; he smelt a scent,
that was like the water of a squeesed Oyster.
13. That the Worms give no light, when irritated, but if they do, the light
lasts but a very little time, whereas that which appears in those, that
were not angred before, continues a great while; the _Observer_ affirming
to have kept of it above 2 hours.
So far the _Journal des Scavans_; which intimates withal, that if the
_Observers_ had had better _Microscopes_, they could have better examin'd
this matter.
But since the curious here in _England_ are so well furnish with good ones,
'tis hoped, that they will employ some of them for further and more minute
Observations of these Worms; it being a matter, which, joyned with other
Observations, already made by some excellent persons here, (especially Mr.
_Boyle_) upon this subject of Light, may prove very luciferous to the
doctrine of it, so much yet in the dark.
* * * * *
_Some Observations of the Effects of _Touch_ and _Friction_._
The Operations and Effects of _Touch_ and _Friction_ having been lately
much taken notice off, and being lookt upon by some, as a great _Medical_
Branch, for the curing of many diseases and infirmities; it will perhaps
not be unseasonable to mention (here also) some Observations relating
thereunto; which may give an occasion to others, to consider this subject
more, than has been done heretofore, and to make {207} further Observations
and Tryals concerning the power of the same.
And _First_, the Illustrious Lord of _Verulam_, in his _History of Life and
Death_, Histor. 6. Sec.. 3. observes, That _Motion_ and _Warmth_ (of which
two, _Friction_ consists) draws forth, into the parts, New Juyce and
Vigour. And _Canon._ XIII. he affirms, That _Frictions_ conduce much to
_Longevity_. See the same, _Connex._ ix. Sec.. 26. &c.
_Secondly_, The Honourable _Robert Boyle_, in his _Usefulness of
Experimental Philosophy_, _sect_ 2. _ch._ 15. considering the Body of a
Living man or any Animal, as an Engine, so composed, that there is a
conspiring communication betwixt its parts, by vertue whereof a very slight
impression of adventitious matter upon some one part, may be able to work,
on some other distant part, or perhaps on the whole Engine, a change far
exceeding, what the same adventitious matter could do upon a Body not so
contrived: Representing, I say, an Animal in this manner, and thence
inferring, how it may be alter'd for the better or worse by motions or
impulses, confessedly _Mechanicall_, observes, How some are recover'd from
swouning fits by pricking; others grow faint and do vomit by the bare
motion of a Coach; others fall into a troublesome sickness by the agitation
of a Ship, and by the Sea-air (whence they recover by rest, and by going a
shore.) Again, how in our Stables a Horse well-curried is half-fed: How
some can tell by the Milk of their Asses, whether that day they have been
well curried or not: Arguing hence, that if in _Milk_ the alteration is so
considerable, it should be so likewise in the _Blood_, or other Juyces, of
which the Blood is elaborated, and consequently in divers of the principal
parts of the Body. Where also (upon the authority of _Piso_) he refers the
Reader to the _Brasilian_ Empiricks, whose {208} wild _Frictions_, as
unskilfully as they order them, do strange things, both in _preserving
health_, and _curing diseases_; curing Cold and _Chronical_ ones by
_Friction_, as they do _Acute_ ones, by _Unction_.
_Thirdly_, The learned Dr. _John Beale_, did not long since communicate by
some Letters; _First_, that he could make good proof of the curing or
killing a very great and dangerous _Wen_ (that had been very troublesome
for two or three years,) by the application of a dead mans hand, whence the
Patient felt such a cold stream pass to the Heart, that it did almost cause
in him a fit of swouning. _Secondly_, that, upon his brothers knowledge, a
certain Cook in a Noble Family of _England_ (wherein that brother of his
then lived) having been reproached for the ugliness of his _Warty_ hands,
and return'd for answer, that he had tried many remedies, but found none,
was bid by his Lord, to rub his hand with that of a dead man; and that this
Lord dying soon after, the Cook made use both of his Lords advise and hand,
and speedily found good effect. (Which is also confirm'd by what Mr.
_Boyle_ relates in his lately mentioned _Book_, of Dr. _Harvey's_
frequently succesfull triall, of curing some Tumors or Excrescencies, by
holding on them such a Hand.) Here is _Friction_ or _Touch_, to mortifie
Wens, to drive away swellings and Excrescencies: And why not to repell or
dissipate Spirits, that may have a dangerous influence upon the Brain, or
other parts; as well as to call forth the retired ones into the habit of
the Body, for Invigoration? _Thirdly_, that a Gentleman, who came lately
out of _Ireland_, lay at his House, and inform'd him of an aged Knight
there, who having great pain in his feet, insomuch that he was unable to
use them, suffered, as he was going to bed, a loving _Spaniell_ to lick his
feet; which was for the present very pleasing to him, so that he used it
mornings and evenings, till he found the pain appeased, and the use of his
feet restored. This, saith {209} the _Relater_, was a gentle touch, and
transpiration; for he found the Spirits transpire with a pleasing Kind of
Titillation. _Fourthly_, that he can assure of an honest Blacksmith, who by
his healing hand converted his Barrs of Iron into Plates of Silver; and had
this particular faculty, that he caused Vomitings by stroaking the Stomack;
gave the Stool by stroaking the Belly; appeased the Gout, and other paines,
by stroaking the parts affected.
* * * * *
_Some particulars, communicated from forraign parts, concerning the
Permanent _Spott_ in _Jupiter_; and a Contest between two Artists about
_Optick Glasses_, &c._
[Sidenote: _See _Numb. 1_. of these _Transactions_; by the date whereof it
will appeare, that that _Spot_ was observed in _England_, a good while
before any such thing was so much as heard of._]
_Eustachio de Divinis_ (saith the _Informer_,) has written a large Letter,
wherein he pretends, that the Permanent Spot in _Jupiter_ hath been first
of all discovered with _his_ Glasses; and that the P. _Gotignies_ is the
first that hath thence deduced the Motion of _Jupiter_ about his _Axis_;
and that Signior _Cassini_ opposed it at first; to whom the said
_Gotignies_ wrote a letter of complaint thereupon.
The same _Eustachio_ pretends likewise, that his great Glasses excell those
of _Campani_; and that in all the tryals, made with them, they have
performed better; and that _Campani_ was not willing to do, what was
necessary for well comparing the one with the other. _viz._ To put equall
_Eye-glasses_ in them, or to exchange the same Glasses.
The said _Divini_ affirms also, that he hath found a way to {210} know,
whether an Object glass be good or not, onely by looking upon it, without
trying. This would be of good use, especially if it should extend so far as
to discerne the goodness of such a glass, whilst it is yet on the Cement.
* * * * *
_An Account of Dr. _Sydenham's_ Book, entituled, _Methodus Curandi Febres,
Propriis observationibus superstructa_._
This _Book_ undertakes to deliver a more certain and more genuine Method of
curing Feavers and Agues, than has obtained hitherto: And it being
premised, _First_, that a Fever is Natures Engine, she brings into the
field, to remove her enemy; or her handmaid, either for evacuating the
impurities of the blood, or for reducing it into a New State: _Secondly_,
that the true and genuine cure of this sickness consists in such a
tempering of the Commotion of the Blood, that it may neither exceed, nor be
too languide: This, I say, being premised by the Author, he informs the
Reader;
In the _First Section_, of the different Method, to be employed in the cure
of Feavers, not only in respect of the differing constitutions and ages of
the patients, but also in regard of the differing seasons of one and the
same year, and of the difference of one year from another. As to the
_Former_, he shews, in what sorts of _Patients_, and at what time of the
Feaver, Phlebotomy, or Vomiting, or both, are to be used; and when and
where not: In what space of time the _Depuration_ if nature be not
disturbed or hindred in her work, will be perform'd: When _Purgatives_ are
to be administred: How that _Diarrhea's_ happen, if the _Patient_ had in
the {211} beginning of the Feaver an inclination to vomit, but no vomit was
given; and that those symptoms, which commonly are imputed to a malignity,
do, for the most part, proceed from the Relaxation of the tone of the
Bloud, caused by Medicines too refrigerating, or by the unseasonable use of
Glisters in the declination of the disease. As to the _Latter_, he
observes, that one of the chief causes, rendring the Cure of Feavers so
uncertain and unsuccessfull, is, that _Practitioners_ do accommodate their
observations, they take from the successful cure of some Feavers in one
season or the year, or in some one year, to that of all Feavers in any
season, or in any year whatsoever. And here he observes, _first_, how
vigorous the blood is in the _Spring_, and how dispirited in _Autumn_; and
thence regulates the letting of bloud, and Vomiting, and the giving of
Glisters. _Next_, how difficult it is, to assign the cause of the
difference between the Feavers of _Several years_; and to prognosticate of
the salubrity or insalubrity of the following part of the year: where yet
he insinuates, that, when _Insects_ do swarm extraordinarily, and when
Feavers and Agues (especially _Quartans_) appear very early, as about
_Midsummer_, then _Autumn_ commonly proves very sickly. _Lastly_, what
method and Cautions are to be used in the Cure of _Epidemical_ Feavers.
In the _Second Section_, he treats of the _Symptoms_, accompanying
_Continued_ Feavers; as _Phrensies_, _Pleurisies_, _Coughs_, _Hicoughs_,
_Fluxes_, &c. Shewing, both whence they are caused, and how they are to be
cured: Where having inserted a considerable _Paragraph_, touching a certain
_Symptomatical_ Feaver in the _Spring_, to be cured like Plurisies; he
mentions among many Observables, this, as a chief one, that _Laudanum_, or
any other _Narcotick_ given against the _Phrensy_, in the beginning,
progress, or height of a Feaver, does rather hurt, than good, but in the
declination thereof, is used with good success. To all which he subjoins a
particular {212} accompt of the _Iliac Passion_ (esteem'd by him to be
sometimes a _Symptome_ also of Feavers;) not only discoursing of its cause
(a preposterous inversion of the Intestins, proceeding either from
Obstruction, or Irritation,) but adding also a very plain way of Curing the
same; and that not by the use of _Quick-silver_ or _Bullets_ (by him judged
to be frequently noxious) but only by _Mint-water_; and the application of
a Whelp to the Patients stomach; to strengthen the same, and to reduce it
again to its natural motion.
In the _Third Section_, he treats of _Intermittent_ Feavers, or of _Agues_:
Where he discourses of the times of the _Cold_ and _Hot_ fits, and of
_that_ of the _Separation_ of the subdued aguish matter: Finds difficulty
in giving a satisfactory accompt of the _return of Fits_: distinguishes
Agues into _Vernal_ and _Autumnal_: Takes notice, that as there are few
_Continued_ Feavers, so generally there are only _Quotidians_ and
_Tertians_, in the _Spring_; and only _Tertians_ and _Quartans_ in
_Autumn_; Of which having offered Reasons, that seem considerable, he
proceeds to his Method of curing them; and, laying much weight upon the
said difference, he prescribes and urges different ways to be used in that
cure: Interserting among other things these notes; _First_, that the Period
of Fermentation in Feavers, both _Continued_ and _Intermittent_, is (if
left to Natures own conduct, and well regulated, if need be, by Art)
perform'd in about 336. hours or 14 dayes, subducting in _Intermittent_
ones, the hours of intermission, and counting 51/2 hours for every Paroxism;
and imputing the excursion beyond that time to the disturbance given to
nature by the error of Practitioners. _Secondly_, that whoever hath had a
_Quartan_ formerly, though many years be pass'd, shall, if he chance to
have another, be _soon_ freed from it; and that a Physician knowing _that_,
may confidently predict _this_. {213}
In the _Fourth Section_, the Author, in conformity to the Custom of those
that write of Feavers, discourses of the _Small-pox_; and _First_,
examining the cause of this sickness and its universality, delivers his
peculiar opinion of the bloud's endeavouring a Renovation or a New Texture
(once at least in a Mans life) and is inclin'd to preferr the same to the
received doctrine of its malignity. _Then_, having laid down, for a
foundation of the Cure, the two times, of _Separation_ and _Expulsion_, he
argues as well against too high an Ebullition or too hasty a separation (by
a hot diet or high Cordials) as against too languid a one (by Blooding,
Purges, and Cooling medicines.) The like he does to the Time of
_Expulsion_, forbidding _both_ immoderate Heat (whereby Nature's expelling
operation is disturbed by a precipitated and too thick a crowd of the
protruded pustuls,) _and_ too much Cooling, whereby due Expulsion is
hindred. In short, he advises, to permit Nature to do her own work,
requiring nothing of the Physician, but to regulate her, when she is
exorbitant, and to fortifie her, when she is too weak. He concludes all,
with delivering a Model of the Method, he would use for his own only Son,
if he should fall into this Sickness.
* * * * *
Advertisement.
_Whereas 'tis taken notice of, that several persons perswade themselves,
that these_ Philosophical Transactions _are publish't by the_ Royal
Society, _notwithstanding many circumstances, to be met with in the already
publish't ones, {214} that import the contrary; The Writer thereof hath
thought fit, expresly here to declare, that that perswasion, if there be
any such indeed, is a meer mistake; and that he, upon his_ Private _account
(as a Well-wisher to the advancement of usefull knowledge, and a Furtherer
thereof by such Communications, as he is capable to furnish by that
Philosophical Correspondency, which he entertains, and hopes to enlarge)
hath begun and continues both the composure and publication thereof: Though
he denies not, but that, having the honour and advantage of being a_ Fellow
_of the said_ Society, _he inserts at times some of the Particulars that
are presented to them; to wit, such as he knows he may mention without
offending them, or transgressing their Orders; tending only to administer
occasion to others also, to consider and carry them further, or to Observe
or Experiment the like, according as the nature of such things may
require._
* * * * *
Printed with Licence for _John Martyn_, and _James Allestry_, Printers to
the Royal Society. 1666.
{215}
* * * * *
_Numb._ 13.
PHILOSOPHICAL
_TRANSACTIONS._
* * * * *
_Munday_, _June_ 4. 1666.
* * * * *
The Contents.
_Certain _Problems_ touching some Points of Navigation: Of a new
Contrivance of _Wheel-Barometer_, much easier to be prepar'd, than
others. An account of _Four Suns_ which lately appear'd in _France_;
and of two, unusually posited, _Rainbows_, seen in the same Kingdom. A
Relation of an Accident, by Thunder and Lightning, in _Oxford_. An
Experiment, to examine, what _Figure_ or Celerity of Motion begetteth
or increaseth _Light_ and _Flame_. Some Considerations touching a
Letter in the _Journal des Scavans_ of _May__ 24. 1666.
* * * * *
_Certain _Problems_ touching some Points of _Navigation_._
These _Problems_ are presented by the Learned and Industrious _Nicolaus
Mercator_, for the advancing of that Excellent and Beneficial Science,
_Navigation_, as follows:
The line of _Artificial Tangents_, or the _Logarithmical Tangent-line_,
beginning at 45 deg. and taking every half _degree_ for a whole one, is
found to agree pretty near with the _Meridian-line_ of the _Sea-Charte_;
they both growing, as it were, after the same Proportion. But the Table of
_Meridional_ degrees being calculated only to every _Sexagesimal_ minute of
a degree, shews some small difference from the said _Logarithmical
Tangent-line_. Hence it may be doubted, whether that difference do not
arise from that little errour, which is committed by calculating the Table
of _Meridional_ degrees _only_ to every minute. {216}
Mr. _Oughtred_ in the VI. _Chap._ of his _Navigation_, annexed to the Book,
entituled, _The Circles of Proportion, and the Horizontal Instrument_ &c.
mentions an Artifice, by himself discover'd, by which it may be effected,
that the small Parts of the _Meridian_ be not _one_ minute (which on the
face of the _Earth_ answers to above an _English_ Mile) but the
hundred-thousanth, or, if need be, the millioneth part of a minute, scarce
exceeding one fifteenth part of an Inch: Which thing, _he saith_, he is
able to perform in _Tables_ unto the _Radius_ 10000000; yet nothing at all
differing either in their form or manner of working from those that are now
commonly in use.
But which way this is to be done, this _Author_ hath not made known to the
Publick. And, though such _Tables_ unto the _Radius_ 10000000, had been
brought to light, yet would they not be sufficient to prove the identity or
sameness of the said two Lines, as to continue the comparison between them
as far, as the one of them, _videl._ the _Logarithmicall Tangent-line_, is
already calculated, that is; to Ten places, besides the _Charactoristick_.
Now therefore, if a certain Rule could be produced, by which the Agreement
or Disagreement of the said two Lines might be shew'd, not only to that
Extent of places, to which that _Tangent Line_ is already calculated, but
also to as many more, as the same may be yet further extended unto, in
_infinitum usque_; surely that rule would not only save us the labour of
making _Tables_ unto the _Radius_ 10000000; but also the _Helix_ or Spiral
Line of the Ships Course would be reduced to a more precise exactness, than
ever was pretended by Him: and this most Noble and Useful Science (as He
justly calls it) which is the Bond of most disjunct Countries, and the
Consociation of Nations farthest remote, would attain its full lustre and
perfection.
Besides, that the same Rule would also discover a far easier way of making
_Logarithmes_, than ever was practised or known; and therefore might serve,
when ever there should be occasion, to extend the _Logarithmes_ beyond that
number of places, that is already extant.
Moreover such a rule would enable men to draw the _Meridian_ line
_geometrically_, that is, without _Tables_ or _Scales_: which indeed {217}
might also be done, by setting of the _Secants_ of every whole or half
degree, if there were not this Inconveniency in it (which is not in my
Rule:) That a Line composed of so many small parts, would be subject to
many errours, especially in a small compass.
The same Rule also will serve, to find the Course and Distance between two
Places assigned, as far, as practice shall require it; and that, without
any Table of _Meridional_ parts, and yet with as much ease and exactness.
And seeing all these things do depend on the solution of this Question,
_Whether the Artificial Tangent-line be the true Meridian-line?_ It is
therefore, that I undertake, by God's assistance, to resolve the said
Question. And to let the world know the readiness and confidence, I have to
make good this undertaking, I am willing to lay a _Wager_ against any one
or more persons that have a mind to engage, for so much as _another
Invention_ of mine (which is of less subtlety, but of far greater benefit
to the publick) may be worth to the Inventor.
For, the great advantage, that all Merchants, Mariners, and consequently
the Common-wealth, may receive from this _other Invention_, is, in my
judgment, highly valuable; seeing it will oftentimes make a ship sail,
though, according to the common way of sailing, the wind be quite contrary,
and yet as near to the place intended, as if the wind had been favourable:
Or, if you will, it will enable one to gain something in the intended way,
whether the wind be good or no (except only when you go directly South or
North) but the advantage will be most, where there is most need of it, that
is, when the Wind is contrary: So that one may very often gain a fifth,
fourth, third part, or more of the intended voyage; according as it is
longer or shorter, _viz._ always more in a longer Voyage, where the gain is
more considerable, and more welcome; not only by saving Time, but also
Victuals, Water, Fuel, Mens health, and so much Room in the ship.
All this, which is here pretended, the Proposer is to make good by the
Verdict of some able Men, who also may give a guess, what this latter
Invention may be worth to the owner: And for so much, and no more, he will
stand engaged against {218} any one or more Persons, that he will and shall
resolve the _Question_ above-mention'd, _viz. Whether the Artificial
Tangent-line be the true Meridian-line, yea or no?_ And if he do not, that
then he will loose, and transport to the other Party the whole benefit of
the last mentioned invention. But if, on the contrary, he do prove or
disprove the Identity of the said two lines, to the Judgment of some able
_Mathematicians_, That then so much money be paid him by the other Party,
as the said Invention was valued.
And, whereas there are often Wagers laid about things that concern the
Engagers little or nothing; 'tis thought, that it would concern all
Merchants, Mariners, and all Lovers of the common good, rather to lay
wagers against one another about Things of this nature, where the Gainer
doth gain as well, as if he had laid his wager about something else, and
the Looser hath so far the benefit as well as the Gaine, That he seeth
thereby promoted the thing, that concerns them both alike.
Now therefore, to the end, that the Looser may have his benefit by it, as
well as the Gainer, it would not be amiss, that the condition were made
thus, that the latter should grant the moity of his gain to the Proposer;
that thereby he might be enabled to bring to light both those, and some
other useful inventions, for the Service of Mankind. And to manifest, that
it is not for his own interest only, that the _Proposer_ mentions this; he
is willing to impart from that moity, so received, the full moity again to
any other person within his Majesty's Dominions, who shall first of all
give notice of his Undertaking to prove or disprove the said Identity, and
perform it accordingly within the space of two Months, to be computed from
the present Date. Those that have a mind to engage, may repair to the
Printers of these _Tracts_, where they may know further.
[Illustration]
* * * * *
_A new Contrivance of _Wheel-Barometer_, much more easy to be prepared,
than that, which is described in the _Micrography_; imparted by the Author
of that Book._
This is only an easy way of applying an _Index_ to any _Common Barascope_,
whether the Glass be only a Single Cane, or have a round Bolthead at the
top. And by the means thereof, the {219} Variation of the Altitude of the
_Mercurial_ Cylinder, which at most is hardly three Inches, may be made as
distinguishable, as if it were three Foot, or three Yards, or as much more,
as is desired.
The manner hereof is visible enough by _Figure_ I: where A B C represents
the Tube, which may be either Blunt, or with a Head, as A B C (by which
latter shape, more room is allow'd for any remainder of Air, to expand the
better.) This is to be filled with Quick-silver, and inverted as commonly;
but into a Vessel of Stagnant Mercury, made after the fashion of I K, that
is, having its sides about 3 or 4 inches high, and the Cavity of it equally
big both above and below; and if it can be (besides that part, which is
fill'd by the end of the _Mercurial_ Tube, that stands in it) of equal
capacity with the hollow of the Cane about B: For then the Quicksilver
rising as much in the hollow of I, as it descends at B, the difference of
the height in the Receiver I, will be just half the usual difference, And
if the receiving Vessel I K have a bigger Cavity, the difference will be
less, but if less, the difference will be greater: But, whether the
difference be hereby made bigger or less, 'tis no great matter, since by
the contrivance of the _Wheel_ and _Index_ (which is more fully described
in the _Preface_ to the _Micrography_) the least variation may be made as
sensible as is desired, by diminishing the bigness of the Cylinder E, and
lengthening the _Index_ F G, according to the Proportion requisite.
* * * * *
_An Account of _Four Suns_, which very lately appear'd in _France_, and of
two _Raine-bows_, unusually posited, seen in the same Kingdom, somewhat
longer agoe._
These _Phaenomena_ are thought worthy to be inserted here, for the
Speculation of the Curious in those Kingdoms; as they were publisht in the
French _Journal des Scavans_, of May 10, 1666. _viz._
The 9th of _April_ of this present year, about half an hour past nine,
there appear'd three Circles in the Sky. _One_ of them was very great, a
little interrupted, and white every where, without {220} the mixture of any
other colour. It passed through the midst of the Sun's _Disk_, and was
parallel to the _Horizon_. Its _Diameter_ was above a hundred degrees, and
its _Center_ not far from the _Zenith_.
The _Second_ was much less and defective in some places, having the Colours
of a Rainbow, especially in that part, which was within the great Circle.
It had the true Sun for its Center.
The _Third_ was less, than the first, but greater than the second; it was
not entire, but only an Arch or Portion of a Circle, whose Center was far
distant from that of the Sun, and whose circumference did, by its middle,
join to that of the least Circle, intersecting the greatest Circle by its
two extreams. In this Circle were discerned also the Colours of a Rainbow,
but they were not so strong, as those of the _Second_.
At the place, where the circumference of this _Third_ Circle did close with
that of the _Second_, there was a great brightness of Rainbow-Colours, mixt
together: And at the two extremities, where this _Second_ Circle
intersected the _First_, appear'd two _Parhelia's_ or Mock-suns; which
shone very bright, but not so bright, nor were so well defined, as the true
Sun. The False Sun, that was towards the _South_, was bigger, and far more
luminous, than that towards the _East_. Besides those two _Parhelia's_,
which were on the two sides of the true Sun, in the intersection of the
_First_ and _Third_ Circle, there was also upon the _First_ great Circle, a
_third_ Mock-sun, situated to the _North_, which was less and less bright,
than the two others. So that at the same time there were seen _Four_ Suns
in the Heavens.
[Illustration]
[Illustration]
_Figure_ II. will illustrate the Position of this _Phaenomenon_.