This _French_ Treatise (but very lately come to the _Publisher's_ hands)
examines the different Operations of the Soul and Body, and the Secret of
their Union, pretending to discover to every one, what he is, and what is
transacting within him. It consists of six Discourses.
[Sidenote: * _It sounds hard, To say, An _extended_ substance is
_indivisible_._]
1. In the _first_, the Author examines the Notions, we have in _general_ of
_Bodies_ and _Matter_; of _Quantity_; of _Qualities_; of _Place_; of
_Rest_; of _Motion_; of _Vacuity_; of _Forms_: to shew what is to be
understood by these Terms, which cause all the perplexity that is in the
ordinary _Physicks_. He begins with taking notice, that hitherto
_Philosophers_ have had no _distinct_ notions of _Bodies_ and _Matter_,
from the want whereof he conceives, that almost all the Errors in Common
_Physiology_ have {307} sprung. To rectify which, he defines _Bodies_ to be
* _Extended Substances_, and _Matter_ an _Aggregate of Bodies_. Whence he
inferrs, that _Bodies_ are Indivisible and _Matter_ divisible; a _Body_
being nothing but _one_ and the _same_ substance, whose different
extremities are inseparable, because they are the extremities of one and
the same Extension, and, in a word, of one and the same Substance; but
_Matter_ being nothing but an Association or Collection of Bodies, 'tis
evident, (_saith he_) it must be divisible. This doctrine he so much
insists upon, that he conceives, Nature cannot subsist, if a Body in the
sence he takes it, be divisible; and that _Motion_ and _Rest_ cannot be
explicated without it. As for _Quantity_, he makes that to be nothing but
More or Less Bodies; not allowing, that each Body should be a Quantity,
though it be a part of Quantity; no more than an _Unite_ is a Number,
though it make part of a Number: so that _Quantity_ and _Extension_ are two
distinct things with him, the _first_ belonging properly to _Matter_, the
last to a _Body_. Touching _Vacuity_, he conceives, that the Bodies, which
compose a mass, are not every where so near one another, as not to leave
some interval in several places. Neither does he think it necessary, that
those intervals should be fill'd up; nor unconceivable, that there should
be no Body between two Bodies; which touch not one another. And when 'tis
said, that those intervals cannot be conceived without Extension, and that
consequently there are Bodies that replenish them, he frankly pronounces
that not to be true; and affirms, that though it may be said, that between
two Bodies, which touch not one another, other Bodies may be placed of so
or so many feet, &c: yet ought it not to be inferred, that therefore they
_are_ there, but onely, that they are thus placed, that there _may_ be put
between them so many Bodies, as joyned together would compose an Extension
of so many feet. So that one conceives onely, that Bodies _may_ be placed
there, but not that they _are_ there: and as we can have an _Idea_ of many
Bodies, though none of them be in being; so we can conceive, that some
Bodies _may_ be put between others, where really there are none. And when
'tis alledged, that if all the Bodies, that fill a vessel full, were
destroyed, the sides of the vessel would be closed together; He professes,
he understands not that ratiocination, nor can conceive, what one Body does
to the subsistence of another, more than to sustain themselves mutually,
when they are thrust by the neighbouring ones: and therefore sees not, why
the sides of the vessel should close, if nothing did thrust them together;
but understands clearly, that two Bodies may well subsist so far from one
another, that one might place a great many Bodies between them, or none at
all, and yet they neither approach to, not recoil from one another. {308}
2. In the _Second_, he examines the _Changes_, which he knows in Matter,
and makes it his business to explicate all those that respect _Quantity_,
_Qualities_ and _Forms_, by _Local Motion_, esteeming that needs no other.
3. In the _third_, he explains the Motion of _Artificial_ Engins, and that
of _Natural_ ones, by one and the same Cause; endeavouring among other
things to shew, that the Body of an Animal is moved after the same manner
with a Watch. That cause of motion he makes the _Materia Subtilis_; and the
finer or subtiler that is, the better and fitter he conceives it to be to
preserve Motion.
4. In the _Fourth_, he teaches, that though Experience seems to evince,
that the Soul moves the Body, and that one Body moves an other; yet there
is nothing but God, that can produce any notion in the World, and all other
Agents, which we believe to be the _Cause_ of this or that Motion, are no
more but the _Occasion_ thereof. In doing this, he advances certain
_Axioms_, and Conclusions, which are in short,
a. The _Axioms_: That no substance has that of it self, which it can loose,
without ceasing to be, what it is: That every body may loose of its motion,
till it have no more left, without ceasing to be a Body: That we cannot
conceive but two sorts of substances, _vid._ a _Spirit_ (or _That which
thinketh_) and a _Body_, wherefore they must be considered as the Causes of
all, that happens, and what cannot proceed from the one, must necessarily
be adscribed to the other: That to _Move_, or to cause motion, is an
Action: That an Action cannot be continued but by the Agent, who began it.
b. The _Conclusions_: That no _Body_ hath Motion of it self: That the First
Mover of Bodies not a Body: That it cannot be but a _Spirit_, that is the
First Mover: That it cannot be but the same Spirit, who has begun to move
Bodies, that continues to move.
In the _Fifth_, He treats of the Union of the Body and Soul, and the
manner, how they act one upon the other; and esteems it not more difficult
to conceive the Action of Spirits upon Bodies, and of Bodies upon Spirits,
than to conceive the Action of Bodies upon Bodies: the cause of the great
difficulty in understanding the two former, arising (according to him) from
thence, that we will conceive the one by the other, not considering, that
every thing acting according to its own nature, we shall never know the
action of one Agent, if we will examine it by the notions we have of
another, that is of a quite differing nature. Here he notes, that the
Action of Bodies upon Bodies is not {309} more known to us; than that of
Spirits upon Bodies, or of Bodies upon Spirits; and yet most men admire
nothing but _this_, believing to know the _other_; whereas he Judges, that
all things being well examin'd, the Action of Bodies upon Bodies is no more
conceivable, than that of Spirits upon Bodies. Mean while the opinion of
the Authour touching this subject, is, That the union of Soul and Body
consists onely in this, that certain motions of the Body are followed by
certain _Cogitations_ of the Soul, and, on the contrary, that certain
Thoughts of the Soul are follow'd by certain _Motions_ of the Body. And,
having supposed, that Bodies are said to act upon one another, when they
cause some change suitable to Extension; and Spirits to act upon one
another, when they cause some change suitable to a Thought; he infers, that
when a Body acts upon a Spirit, that cannot be by causing any change of
motion, of figure, or parts, as having none of all these; nor when a Spirit
acts upon a Body, that cannot be by producing any change of Thought, as
having none: But, when this Body, or its motion, or figure, or other thing,
depending upon its nature, can be perceived by a Spirit, so as, upon that
occasion, this Spirit has thoughts, it had not before, it may be said, that
the Body has acted upon this Spirit, for as much as it has caused all the
change in it, whereof it was capable according to its nature.
In the _Sixth_, After he hath shew'd, what is to be understood by what we
call _Soul_, and by what we call _Body_, he labours to make it out, that we
are much more assured of the Existence of the Soul, than of that of the
Body, which he conceives he can prove from hence, that we cannot doubt,
that we think, because even doubting is thinking; but one may doubt,
whether one has a body, for several reasons, which he alledges, and thinks
so cogent, that he concludes, it is not evident to him by the light of
reason, that he has a Body. But supposing, there be Bodies, he examines,
what are the Operations, that belong to the Soul, and what those, that
belong to the Body; and lastly, what those, that result from the Union of
both: And then explains, how all those operations are perform'd, and
particularly, _Sensation_; where he shews, that the Nerves, holding at one
end to the Brain, whereof they are but Allongations, and being at the other
end extended to the extremities of the Body; when an Object comes to touch
those exterior ends of the Nerves, the interior ones in the Brain are
presently shaken; and cause different sensations according to the
diversitie of Nerves, and the differing manner, in which they are shaken.
And to shew, that 'tis this shaking, that causes Sensation, he notes, that
if any thing shakes the interior parts of the Nerves, though the object be
absent, the Soul has presently the same {310} sensations, as it would have,
if it were present. As, if one should knock on's head forcibly against a
wall, the shaking, which the blow gives to the Brain, moving the interior
extremities of the Nerve, which causes the sensation of Light, the Soul has
the same sensation, which it would have, if it saw a thousand Candles: On
the contrary, if the interior extremities of the nerves are not shaken,
though the object be present, it causes no sensation; whence it comes, that
if a strong Ligature be made upon the middle of the Arm, and the hand be
then prickt, no pain is felt, because the shaking of the nerves that are
pricked, being stopped by the Ligature, cannot reach to the extremities of
the Nerves, that are within the Brain.
* * * * *
_Advertisement._
The following _Errata_, left by the _Press_ in _Num._ 16, the _Reader_ is
desired thus to correct.
Page 269. lin 27. read, _motion of B above the Center; G. is also_, with a
_Semi-colon_ after the word _Center_. p. 274. l. 13, r. _it to do to the_.
p. 277. l. 24. r. _natural days_. p. 281. l. 16. r. _of his_. ib. l. 27. r.
_a notion_. p. 293. l. 4. r. _enough without_. ib. l. 43. r. _to the Sine
of_. p. 294. l. 1. r. _to the Sine of_.
* * * * *
_LONDON_,
Printed for _John Martin_ and _James Alestry_, Printers to the Royal
Society. 1666.
{311}
* * * * *
_Numb._ 18.
PHILOSOPHICAL
_TRANSACTIONS._
* * * * *
_Munday_, _October_ 22. 1666.
* * * * *
The Contents.
__Patterns_ of the _Tables_ proposed to be made for _Observing of
Tides_; promised in the next foregoing _Transactions_. Other
_Inquiries_ touching the Sea. Some Considerations touching the
_Parenchymous_ parts of the Body. Observables concerning
_Petrification_. A Relation from _Paris_, of a kind of _Worms_, that
eat out Stones. Some promiscuous Observations made in _Somersetshire_.
A Problem for finding the Year of the _Julian Period_, by a new and
very easie Method. An Account of some Books, not long since publish'd,
which are, _1. Tentamina Physico-Theologica de Deo_, Authore _Samuele
Parkero. 2. Honorati Fabri Tractatus duo; Prior, de Plantis et de
Generatione Animalium; Posterior, de Homine. 3. Relation du Voyage de
l'Evesque de Beryte, par la Turquie, la Perse, les Indes_, &c. per
Monsieur de _Bourges_._
* * * * *
__Patterns_ of the _Tables_ proposed to be made for _Observing of Tides_,
promised in the next foregoing _Transactions_; by Sir _Rob. Moray_._
In performance of what was promised in the last of these _Papers_ for
Observing the _Tides_, here are subjoyned _Patterns_ of the _Tables_ there
mentioned; _One_, for marking the _precise Time_ of the High waters and
Low-waters during one Month; that is, between _New_ and _New_ Moon, or
_Full_ and _Full_ Moon. The _other_, for marking the _Degrees_ of the
Risings and Fallings of the Water in _Equal_ spaces of Time, and the
_Velocity_ of its motion at _several_ heights: The _Degrees_ of _Heat_ and
_Cold, &c._
The _Times_, assigned in the _first_, to the High waters and Lowest Ebbs,
are taken out of Mr. _Wing_'s Almanack, for this present year 1666, as he
calculates them for the Month of _September_ for _London Bridge_. Only,
whereas he takes notice but of _one_ High-water for every day, _Here_ are
set {312} down the Times of the other, and the two Ebbs intervening, by
subdividing the _Differences_, he assignes between two Tides, equally
amongst them. In all which, though there may be Errors, that is not to be
considered, seeing the Dissein is to Correct and State the _Times_ of the
_Tides exactly_ by _Experiments_, after this method. Mr. _Wing_ states the
High waters to fall out at _London-Bridge_ constantly, when the Moon is 46.
deg. 30. min. to the _West-ward_ of the _Meridian_. For the Times, he marks
for them, are made up by adding every day 3. hours, 6 minutes, to those in
his _Table_ for knowing the Time of the Moons coming to the South.
The _First Table_ consists of _two_ Parts, and each part of _four Columns_.
The _first_ part marks the Tides and Ebbs from the day of the _New_-Moon to
its _Full_: The _other_, from the _Full_ to the next _New_. The _first
Column_ in both parts hath the day of the Month and Week; _M._ standing
every where for _Morning_ and _A._ for _Afternoon_. The _third_ column hath
the _Character_ of the day of the Week prefixt to the Hour and Minute of
the High-water, and answering to the day of the Month. The _last_ Column
hath the same for the time of Low-water, varying the _Character_ of the
day, as often as the low-water falls out more early than the High-water. In
this _Example_ between the said _New_ Moons there falls out in all just 57.
periods of the Tide or Flowing water, and 58. of the Ebb or Low water;
which numbers vary according to the Intervals of the Moons changes, but
with what constancy and exactness, is to be inquired after: Which whosoever
undertakes to do, may keep such a _Table_, as is here proposed, in a Book
by it self.
The _other_ Table doth in 9. _Columns_ comprehend the particular
Observations of the _Degrees_ of the Rising and falling of the Tides, and
the other things specified at the Tops of them: The _first_ Column marking
the Hour and Minut common to all the several Observations. Each hour is
divided in 3. equal Parts, that number of Observations being only pitch't
upon by way of _Example_: The numbers may else be varied at pleasure, when
other more frequent Observations are thought fit to be made, or when they
prove too frequent and laborious; though the most frequent are most
desirable, till competent information of all particulars be attained.
The _Rising_ of the Tide from Low-water to the highest pitcht of the full
Sea, is here supposed to be 60. foot: And the Degrees of its rising every
20. Minuts, to be in the _Proportion_ of _Sines_, The whole time of Flowing
supposed to be 6. hours. But this _Example_ will serve for marking the
_Spaces_ of the Increasing or Rising, as well as of the falling of the
water, in order to the investigation of their _Proportions_ to one another,
when the _Duration_ of the Tide exceeds 6. hours by any number of _minuts_,
as well as for just 6. hours; seeing they may be easily collected from any
Number of Observations; their precise Time and that of the Duration of the
waters Rising and Falling (that is, the just interval between the
High-Water and Low-water) being known: This Calculation by _Sines_, being
only set down as a _Conjecture_, flowing from Observations of the Motion of
the water in its Rising and Falling, {313} which seems to observe this or
some such like Proportion; which is supposed still to hold in _all_ Tides,
be the _Duration_ what it will; the Increase still continuing
proportionably till the very midle of the Hight and Duration, and
Decreasing afterwards in the same manner: Which whether it be so indeed or
not, is that, which is desired to be known.
There is the like Proportion here supposed to be in the _different degrees_
of the _Velocity_ of the Current of the Water after _Equal_ spaces of
Times, as in its Rising and Falling: And so it is markt in the _Third_
Column. But because the _true Velocity_ of the Current of the Water, raised
above the Levell 456/1000 of a foot, is unknown, it is by way of
Supposition set at Ten feet in one Minute of an Hour, which being once
stated, the rest distant from each other by the space of 20. Minutes of an
Hour, are set down according to the same _Proportions_ of _Sines_ before
suggested. It being supposed, that of the _Velocity_ of the Current of the
Tide, after it hath flowed 20 minuts of an hour, be such, as a Log of Wood
placed in the Water will move 10 foot in the space of one minute of time,
at the middle of the Tide it will in the like space of Time move 114 f.
276/1000, and so proportionably at other times: Which, howsoever these
Proportions shall be found by Experiments to fall out, may be not unworthy
of the pains and charges requisite to acquire the knowledge of it. For,
besides the satisfaction it may afford upon other accounts, it may possibly
be of no small use to those, who need an exact reckoning of their Ships
running, when the Velocity of the Current of the Tide may be necessary to
be known; lest through the defect of the knowledge of that, especially when
it is reckoned less than indeed it is, the Ship be thrown in the night upon
Shores, Rocks or Sands, when they reckon themselves to be far from them.
The Numbers in the 4, 5, 6, 7, and 8. _Columns_ are set down at random,
only for _Examples_ sake; there being no difficulty in the apprehension of
it, and imitating of it in setting down the true Hights and Variations of
the _Thermometer_, _Baroscope_, &c. The Use whereof is so vulgarly known,
that there needs no further Direction concerning them. But if any person
who would make these Experiments, do not know the fabrick or use of any of
the Instruments requisite for some of these Observations, nor where to have
them, he may address himself to Mr. _Shortgrave_, one of the _Operators_ of
the _Royal Society_, lodged in _Gresham Colledge_, from whom he will
receive full satisfaction about these things.
But the labour employed in the Observations of the Heat, Cold, &c. required
to be taken notice of in order to the Ends proposed in the former _Tract_,
and others that may be of no less delight than advantage, will be much
retrenched, when Dr. _Christopher Wren_ puts in practice, what he some
years ago proposed to the _Royal Society_ concerning an _Engine_ with a
_Clockwork_, which may perform these Observations in the last enumerate
_Columns_, without being toucht or lookt after but once or twice a day.
The Tables themselves follow,
{314}
_A Perpendicular Line divided into _Signes_, supposed to be the _Periods_
of the Risings and Fallings of the Tides, as is in the other Table
represented._
[Illustration]
1666. Age of Time of High water. Time of Low water.
Sept. the moon
ho.mi. Day. Hour. Min. Day. Hour. Min.
Mo. 3. New Mo. 2. 57. Morn. Mo. 9. 8. Morn.
8.38'. 3. 19. Aftern. 9. 30. Aftern.
Tu. 4. Tu. 3. 41. M. Tu. 9. 511/2 M.
4. 2. A. 10. 121/2 A.
We. 5. We. 4. 23. M. We. 10. 331/4 M.
4. 431/2 A. 10. 533/4 A.
Th. 6. Th. 5. 4. M. Th. 11. 141/2 M.
5. 25. A. 11. 351/2 A.
Fr. 7. Fr. 5. 46. M. Fr. 11. 561/2 M.
6. 7. A. Sa. 0. 171/2 M.
Sa. 8. Sa. 6. 28. M. 0. 391/2 A.
6. 51. A. Su. 1. 21/2 M.
Su. 9. Su. 7. 14. M. 1. 231/2 A.
7. 37. A. Mo. 1. 481/4 M.
Mo. 10. Mo. 8. 0. M. 2. 13. A.
8. 26. A. Tu. 2. 39. M.
Tu. 11. 1. Qu. Tu. 8. 52. M. 3. 5. A.
10 A. 9. 18. A. We. 3. 31. M.
Mo. 12. Mo. 9. 44. M. 3. 573/4 A.
10. 111/2 A. Th. 4. 251/4 M.
Th. 13. Th. 10. 39. M. 4. 53. A.
11. 7. A. Fr. 5. 21. M.
Fr. 14. Fr. 11. 35. M. 5. 49. A.
Sa. 15. Sa. 0. 3. M. Sa. 6. 17. M.
0. 31. A. 6. 45. A.
Su. 16. Su. 0. 59. M. Su. 7. 13. M.
1. 27. A. 7. 41. A.
Mo. 17. Mo. 1. 55. M. Mo. 8. 9. M.
2. 23. A. 8. 363/4 A.
Tu. 18. Full. Tu. 2. 501/2 M. Tu. 9. 41/4 M.
11.10'. 3. 19. A. 9. 311/4 A.
We. 19. We. 3. 45. M. We. 9. 581/2 M.
4. 11. A. 10. 251/2 A.
Th. 20. Th. 4. 39. M. Th. 10. 521/2 M.
5. 6. A. 11. 20. A.
Fr. 21. Fr. 5. 34. M. Fr. 11. 48. M.
6. 2. A. 0. 16. A.
Sa. 22. Sa. 6. 30. M. Sa. 0. 44. A.
6. 58. A. Su. 1. 121/2 M.
Su. 23. Su. 7. 27. M. 1. 411/2 A.
7. 36. A. Mo. 2. 101/4 M.
Mo. 24. Mo. 8. 241/2 M. 2. 383/4 A.
8. 53. A. Tu. 3. 63/4 M.
Tu. 25. Tu. 9. 201/2 M. 3. 341/4 A.
9. 48. A. We. 4. 13/4 M.
We. 26. last Q We. 10. 151/2 M. 4. 291/4 A.
3.11' 10. 43. A. Th. 4. 561/2 M.
Th. 27. Th. 11. 10. M. 5. 231/2 A.
11. 37. A. Fr. 5. 48. M.
Fr. 28. Fr. 11. 59. M. 6. 10. A.
Sa. 29. Sa. 0. 21. M. Sa. 6. 32. M.
0. 43. A. 6. 54. A.
Su. 30. Su. 1. 5. M. Su. 7. 16. M.
Octob. 1. 27. A. 7. 38. A.
Mo. 1. Mo. 1. 49. M. Mo. 7. 59. M.
2. 9. A. 8. 19. A.
Tu. 2. Tu. 2. 29. M. Tu. 8. 39. M.
New. 2. 49. A. 8. 59. A.
We. 3. 1.38' We. 3. 9. M. We. 9. 19. M.
1666. Rising, and Thermo- Hygro-
Sept. 3. fall of Tides metre scope
Hour. M. Foot /1000 Inch /10 Inch /10
Velocity of Baro- Azimuth. Force
the Current scope of the Wind
Foot /1000 Inch /10 deg. deg.
00, 000.
0, 000. Weather
XII. 00. 00, 000. 6. 7. 28. 1. 3. 4. S. to W. 50. 3.
0, 456. Rain great
20. 10, 000. 6. 7. 28. 1. 3. 4. S. to W. 57. 3.
1, 353. Rain great
40. 36, 250. 6. 8. 28. 1. 3. 4. S. to W. 60. 3.
2, 211. Rain small
I. 00. 48, 587. 6. 8. 28. 1. 3. 3. S. W. 45. 4.
3, 000. Rain small
20. 66, 658. 6. 8. 28. 1. 3. 2. S. W. 30. 4.
3, 696. Rain very small
40. 81, 053. 6. 9. 28. 2. 3. 1. S. W. 36. 4.
4, 284. Fair but cloudy
II. 00. 93, 289. 6. 9. 28. 2. 3. 0. S. W. 39. 5.
4, 740. Fair and warm
20. 103, 289. 6. 8. 28. 1. 2. 7. S. W. 42. 5.
5, 049. Warm and cloudy
40. 110, 724. 6. 8. 28. 2. 2. 3. S. W. 19. 6.
5, 211. Sunshine
III. 00. 114, 276. 6. 8. 28. 2. 2. 0. S. W. 60. 5.
5, 211. Sunshine and clear
20. 110, 724. 6. 7. 28. 3. 2. 1. S. W. 73. 5.
5, 049. Sun clouded
40. 103, 289. 6. 7. 28. 3. 2. 0. S. W. 90. 6.
4, 740. Cloudy
IIII. 00. 93, 289. 6. 6. 28. 3. 2. 1. S. W. 90. 6.
4, 284. Hazy about the Horiz.
20. 81, 053. 6. 6. 28. 4. 2. 3. N. W. 87. 6.
3, 696. Misty
40. 66, 658. 6. 5. 28. 4. 2. 3. N. W. 70. 7.
3, 000. Misty
V. 00. 48, 487. 6. 4. 28. 4. 2. 3. N. W. 59. 7.
2, 211. Clearing up
20. 36, 250. 6. 2. 28. 5. 2. 3. N. W. 50. 6.
1, 353. Clear
40. 10, 000. 6. 1. 28. 5. 2. 1. N. W. 60. 5.
0, 456. Sunshine
VI. 00. 00, 000. 6. 0. 28. 5. 2. 0. N. W. 60. 4.
0, 000. Sunshine
{315}
* * * * *
_Other Inquiries Concerning the Sea._
The _Publisher_ of these _Tracts_, knowing that the Honorable _Robert
Boyle_ had not left unconsidered the Natural History of the _Sea_, of which
Subject the late, and these present Papers, have entertained the _Reader_
as to the Observables of its _Flux_ and _Reflux_; He was on this occasion
instant, with that Gentleman to impart to him, for publication, these Heads
of Inquiries, he had drawn up, touching that Subject: Which having obtained
(though the _Author_ desires, they may be lookt upon as unfinisht) he thus
subjoyns.
What is the Proportion of Salt, that is in the Water of differing Seas; And
whether in the same Sea it be always the same? And if it be not, how much
it differs?
[Sidenote: * _This last Clause containing difficult _Quaere_ and that may
seem something odd, Mr. _Boyl_ thinks fit to note, That having recommended
this matter, among others, to a learned Physician, that was sailing into
_America_, and furnished him with a small _Hydrostaticall_ Instrument, to
observe from time to time the Differences of Gravity he might meet with;
This account was returned him, That he found by the Glass, the Sea-water to
increase in weight, the nearer he came to the _Line_, till he arrived at a
certain Degree of _Latitude_; as he remembers, it was about the 30th; after
which, the Water seemed to retain the same specifick gravity, till he came
to the _Barbadoes_, or _Jamaica_._]
What is the Gravity of Sea-waters in reference to Fresh Waters and to one
another: Whether it vary not in Summer and Winter, and on other Scores? And
whether in the same Season its Gravity proceed _only_ from the greater or
lesser Proportion of Salt, that is in it, and not sometimes from other
Causes? And what are the differing Gravities of the Sea-water, according to
the Climats. *
What are the Odors, Colours and Tasts, observable in Sea-water?
What is the depth of the sea in several places, and the Order of its
increase and Decrements? And whether the Bottom of the Sea does always rise
towards the Shore, unless accidentally interrupted?
Of the Bottom of the Sea, and how it differs from the Surface of the Earth,
in reference to the Soyl, and evenness or Roughness of the Superficies, And
the Stones, Minerals and Vegetables to be found there?
What the Figuration of the Seas from North to South, and from East to West,
and in the several Hemispheres and Climats?
What communication there is of Seas by Streights and Subterraneal
Conveyances?
Of the Motion of the Sea by Winds, and how far Storms reach downwards
towards the Bottom of the Sea?
[Sidenote: * _The particulars whereof (saith the Author) are here omitted;
Sir _Robert Moray_ and Dr. _Wallis_ having by there more accurate inquiries
about _Tides_ made them needless._]
Of the grand Motions of the Bulk or Body of the Sea; especially of the
Tides *; Their History as to their Nature and Differences.
{316} What power the Sea hath to produce or hasten Putrefaction in some
Bodies, and to preserve others; as Wood, Cables, and others that are sunk
under it?
Of the Power ascribed to the Sea to eject Dead Bodies, _Succinum_,
_Ambergris_?
Of the shining of the Sea in the night?
What are the Medical vertues of the Sea, especially against _Hydrophobia_?
What is its vertue to Manure Land? And what are the Plants, that thrive
best with Sea-water.
* * * * *
_Some Considerations concerning the _Parenchymous_ parts of the Body._
These were communicated by the inquisitive M. _Edmund King_ at the Instance
of the _Publisher_, as follows;
The _Parenchymous_ parts of the Body, are by _Anatomists_ generally
supposed to be in very many places wholly _void of Vessels_; designed
chiefly to fill up Cavities and interstices between the Vessels, and to
boulster up the same, and to convey them through the parts.
But having many years endeavoured to excarnate several parts of the Body,
_viz._ the Liver, Lungs, Spleen, Kidneys, &c. (not to name the _Placenta
Uteri_, which seems to be _Parenchymous_ too;) and being very desirous to
make a _Scheme_ of the Vessels of any of these, what ever they were, I fixt
upon; I found, notwithstanding all my care to preserve the Vessels, when I
was freeing them, as heedfully as I could, from the supposed _Parenchyma_,
that in every breach, I made, either with my fingers or otherwise, all my
endeavors were destructive to my purpose: and that, upon examination of
those bits, much of which is called _Parenchyma_, I met in them more
Vessels, than I had preserved in the parts whence they came: And though the
portion were never so small, yet my bare eye could make this discovery;
much more could I, when assisted by a _Microscope_, perceive, I had
destroyed more Vessels than preserved, in despite of the exactest care, I
was capable to use. And being not a little concern'd, that I should
undertake to preserve the Vessels by such a Cause, as I saw plainly to be
their definition (were the part never so big, or never so small) I was both
confounded and tired. For I saw (and so must any, that will attempt this
work) in my endeavouring to preserve one Vessel of a traceable magnitude, I
spoiled an infinite number of others less discernable, which were as truly
Vessels, as the other, differing only in size and figure (as to
appearance.) Then reviewing what mischief I had done in every place, quite
through the whole Tract of my Fingers, Knife, &c. I begin to think with my
self, That it was not impossible for these parts to consist wholly of
Vessels curiously wrought and interwoven (probably for more Uses, than is
yet known;) And the {317} consideration, which came into my mind, of a
piece of fine Cloth (which consists of so many several minute Hairs, call'd
_Wool_) was no discouragement to this opinion. Yet I durst not be
presumptuous as to indulge my self too much in it; much less to venter
presently to speak of such a thing, which seem'd to contradict so many
Learned Men's belief. But being restless, till I might receive more
satisfaction in the thing, I iterated experiments over and over; some of
which prov'd so successful to my apprehension, that I was encouraged in the
year 1663. and 1664 to discourse of it to several very worthy Persons, as
Mr. _Boyl_, Sir _William Petty_, Dr. _Williams_, Dr. _Lenthal_, Dr. _Jaspar
Needham_, Dr. _Samson_, (who afterwards sent me a Letter from _France_,
intimating the acquaintance he had made with the learned _Steno_, who hath
since published something of the same Discovery) Mr. _Daniel Cox_, and Dr.
_Samuel Parker_, &c, who doubtless cannot but remember, that then I related
to them, I found much cause to believe, that that substance commonly called
_Parenchyma_, was in most, if not in all its _Parenchymous_ parts, full of
Vessels; however it had been imagin'd by all, I could ever meet with, to
consist in great part of a substance, in many places void of Vessels,
designed for such uses, as are above mentioned.
Against which I have now further to alledge, 1. That I observe in a piece
of _Musculous_ flesh (so call'd) either raw, rosted, or boiled, &c. that if
I so far extend it as to make it to be seen through, I can (assisting my
Eye) perceive it full of Vessels placed as thick as is possible to be
imagin'd, (the fat if there be any, being first removed) there appearing
then nothing but vessels, yet so as with a _Microscope_ may be seen
through, when they are extended. 2. That, if any one, as he is at dinner,
take a piece of flesh, and begin either at the head or tail of a _Muscle_,
he may divide it _in infinitum_ all along from head to tail, without
breaking any thing of that, called Flesh, only these transverse _Fibres_,
that seem to stitch them together, and (as I am apt to think) pass through
the very Bodies of the smallest of them, and quite through the whole Muscle
up the Cutaneous porosities; so that there is not one of these small
_ducts_, that run _per longitudinem_, but 'tis furnisht with a sufficient
number of outlets, when need requires, though too minute to suffer any
_alimentary_ juice to pass transversly (in a living Body) or any other
liquor, when the Body is dead and cold. But to wave their use at present,
and to return to what I was saying. Compress between the fingers this bit
of flesh, and you shall find the Juice, especially if the Meat be Hot, to
go before your fingers toward either end you please; but if you compress
both ends, you shall see it swell into the middle; and again, if you press
the middle, it will run out at both ends. But further, suppose a piece of
flesh, called _Parenchyma_, as big, or as little as you please, in any part
of the Body, and let me prick it with a Needle, where you shall appoint; if
you feel it, I presume you will acknowledge, a _Nerve_, or a _Fibrilla_,
related to it, is touch'd; If you feel it not, I am sure some liquor either
sanguineous or other, will follow the Needle; And from whence can that
come, but out of Vessels? unless {318} accidentally, as by a _Contusion_,
&c., it be extravased, in which case my Argument will not be injured,
because the part is depraved, whereas I speak of the parts, as they are in
their natural State.
To confirm and illustrate all which, I desire, that the following
_familiar_ Observations may be considered:
1. If a Horse, fat and fair to look on, without a hollow to be seen between
his Muscles, be rid extreme hard, and into a great sweat, and then kept one
day without water or moist meat, you shall see him took so thin in many
places as in the _musculous_ parts, that you will hardly believe it to be
the same Horse, especially if he be (as the Phrase is among Horse-masters)
a _Nash_ or _Wash-Horse_. The cause of which thinness will easily be
granted to be only an exhaustion of Juice, expended out of the Blood, which
did stuff out these Vessels. And whoever, that is used to ride hard, shall
observe, how thick this foul Horse breaths, and at what a rate he will reek
and sweat, will not much wonder at the alteration. But if the Horse be a
hardy one, and used to be hard ridden, then you will see, that one days
rest, and his belly full of good meat and drink, will in one day or two
almost restore him to his former plight, the food being within that short
space of time so distributed, that all the Vessels will be replenish'd
again, as before. And the cleaner the Horse is, the sooner recruited, and
the less sign of hard riding will appear. This seems to shew the facility,
with which the Juice, called Blood, passeth; Which surely, if there were
such a thing as a _Parenchyma_ might by several accidents (not difficult to
mention) be so deprav'd in several parts of it, that it might lose its
receptive faculty; than which it may be thought to have none of greater
use, being supposed to be without Vessels.
2. Discoursing sometimes with _Grasiers_ in the Country, about the Pasture
of Cattle, I have been informed by them, that, if they buy any Old Beasts,
Oxen, or Cows to feed, they choose rather those that are as poor as can be,
so they be sound; because that, if they are pretty well in flesh, what they
then add to them by a good pasture, though it make them both look and sell
well, yet it will not make them eat so well, their flesh proving hard and
very tough: Which some may suppose to be the age of _Parenchyma_; and so it
is of that so called. But if those Beasts be old and extremely poor, then
they feed very kindly, and will be not only very fat but spend well, like
young ones, and eat very tender.
Of which I take the reason (excluding a _Parenchyma_ now) to be this. When
an Oxe or a Cow is grown old, and in an indifferent plight as to his
_flesh_ (for so it is called) all those Vessels having been kept at that
size for the most part, have contracted a tenseness and firmness, and their
_fibers_ less extensive, nor so fitted for the reception of more unctuous
particles to relaxe them; and that additional unctuous matter, which
occasions fatness, is forced to seek new quarter any where (often remote
from Muscles) where it can be with least difficulty received; sometimes to
one place, sometimes to {319} another, as may be seen in Shambles. Whereas,
if there were such a thing as a _Parenchyma_, that certainly would, like a
hungry Sponge, immediately swell up in several parts, (which without much
difficulty might be discover'd in the dissection) and more eminently, where
it should find the pores most potent: And in the dissection of such Muscles
it would be very strange, not to find some, if not many, pieces of them in
various shapes, to the great inconvenience of the parts, in which they are
seated: Which yet I confess I could never find in any Muscle unless it were
where there had been a _Contusion_, or an _Impostume_, or the like. But
according to my opinion of the _Parenchymous_ parts, the reason, why the
Flesh of a very lean Ox or Cow, that hath got new Flesh in a good pasture,
eats tenderer, seems to be this: That in a very lean Beast the Vessels
designed for admitting and distributing the nourishing Juice, are so near
contracted, and lye so close together; that, when once they are relax'd; by
fresh and unctuous nourishment, they extend every way in all _extensive_
parts, until in a short time the whole Creature is, as it were, created a
new, having got new flesh upon old bones. And the necessity of extreme
extension makes all those parts, that are, as has been said, for the
admission of nourishment, so thin and fine, that it will make the lean
Beast, put into a rich pasture, eat young and tender: Whereas one of the
same Age, that never was very poor, fed in the same pasture, shall eat hard
and tough.
3. It has been observed, that Corpulent Persons in some Diseases, that
seize on them, do fall away to wonder, not only in the Wast, but in the
Arms, Legs, and Thighs; and the very Calves of the Legs have been observed
so flaccid and loose, that one might wrap the skin about the bones. The
reason whereof, according to the opinion deliver'd, may be easily rendred
to be, A great Consumption of the Stock of Liquors, that in Health kept the
Vessels turgid; Which Vessels I suppose to make up those Muscles. But when
the Pores are obstructed, that the nourishment is hindred (which then also
uses to be but sparingly administred) and sweats, either spontaneous, or
forced, are large, there must needs be a great expence of those Liquors,
the supply being but inconsiderable: which cannot but contract all these
ducts of all sorts nearer together, and make them much less in themselves,
meerly from Exhaustion: Or, if there should be no sweats, the internal Heat
spends the spirits, and dries up the Liquors; the consequence whereof may
reasonably be presumed to be this Flaccidity of parts, and great and sudden
Change, made in them; not that there is need of any _Parenchyma_ to fill up
these Muscles considering what hath been said. Mean while, I humbly
conceive, that if it be in any part of a Muscle, their Ingenuity, that
plead for it, will put them upon some experiments, to bring it to Ocular
Demonstration, either in Living or Dead Muscle, any kind of flesh, raw,
rosted, boyl'd, or in what they can best make it out. And when I shall be
convinc'd of an Errour in what I have discoursed, I shall beg pardon for
giving the Occasion of the trouble of that Experiment, which shall prove a
{320} _Parenchyma_ in any Muscle; and think my time well spent in receiving
a full satisfaction of the ungroundedness of my opinion; and readily submit
to the Author, with a grateful acknowledgement of my Obligation to any one
that shall rectifie me in my mistake, if it be one.
* * * * *
_Observables touching _Petrification_._
Though much hath been already said and written of _Petrification_, yet 'tis
conceived, that all that comes so far short of a competent stock for the
composing of a perfect _History of Petrification_, that the incompleatness
thereof ought to awaken the more diligent attention of the Curious, and to
call in their aid for Additions, thereby so to encrease and to complete the
_Materials_ for that work, that it may the better serve to clear and make
out the Cause of that Transmutation. And that the rather, because if it lay
in the power of humane Skill (by the knowledge of _Nature_'s works) to
raise _Petrification_, or to allay, or prevent it, or to order and direct
it (which perchance in time might be attained the said way) much use might
be made of this Art; especially if it could be made applicable to hinder
the Generation of the Stone and Gravel in humane Bodies, or to dissolve the
Stone, where 'tis formed; besides other valuable Uses, that might be
excogitated.
Upon this Consideration, care is, and further _will be_ taken in these
Papers, to record, among other Observables of Nature, what shall be
communicated of this kind of _Change_.
In _Num._ 1. 2. and 5. several Relations have been made belonging to this
Argument. Much of it, together with considerable Reflections may be seen in
Mr. _Boyle_'s _Essay of Firmness_: In _Helmont de Lithiase_, where, among
other remarques, is recited the Testimony of _Paraeus_ of a _Petrified
Child_ seen at _Paris_, and by the Owner used for a _Whetstone_: In
_Densingius_'s Historia _Infantis in Abdomine inventi, & in duritiem
lapideam conversi_: In Mr. _Hook_'s _Micrography_, and in others. To omit
now, what has been related (but perhaps not well enough attested) by
Authors, concerning the stupendious Petrifications of whole Companies of
Men, and Troops of Cattle; by _Aventinus_, lib. 7. _Annal. Bojorum_; by
_Purchas_ in his _Pilgrimage_ p. 416. in fol. printed at _London_ 1614,
and, (of a Troop of _Spanish_ Horsemen) by _Jos. Acosta_ lib. 3. c. 9.
To all which, the curious Dr. _Beale_ now adds a Narrative of a Stone, not
long since taken out of the Womb of a Woman of his neighbourhood neer
_Trent_ in _Somersetshire_, by incision, and afterwards perfectly cured,
though she had born the Stone with extreme torments for. 8. or 9. years.
The operation he relates to have been made in _Easter_ last; after which
time, he affirms to have seen the Stone, and weigh'd it in Gold Scales,
where it wanted somewhat of four Ounces, but had lost of the weight, it
formerly had, {321} being very light for a Stone of that Bulk. He further
describes to be of a whitish colour, lighter than Ash-colour; perchance
(_saith he_) not unlike to that recited out of _Scaliger_ by Mr. _Boyle_ in
his _Essay of Firmness_ pag. 238. _qui aeris contactis postea in gypseam
tum speciem tum firmitatem concreverat_. It had no deep asperities, and had
somewhat of an Oval figure, but less at one end, than a Hen-Egge, and
bigger and blunter at the other end, than a Goose egge.
This Stone, (so he concludes) is intended for the _Royal Society_, with the
Testimony of the _Chirurgion_, that perform'd the Operation, and other
Witnesses of special credit; where also will be annexed the _manner_ of
Operation.
It appears by this last clause (to add that on this occasion) that this
Well-wisher to the Improvement of all usefull knowledge, has taken notice
of that considerable _Collection of Curiosities_, lately presented to the
lately nam'd Society for their _Repository_, by the Publick-minded
Gentleman Mr. _Daniel Colwall_, a very worthy and useful Member of that
Body: To which Repository whatsoever is presented as rare and curious, will
be with great care, together with the _Donors names_ and their
_Beneficence_ recorded, and the things preserved for After-ages, (probably
much better and safer, than in their own private Cabinets;) and in progress
of Time will be employed for considerable Philosophical and Usefull
purposes; of which perhaps more largely in another place.
* * * * *
_A Relation of a kind of _Worms_ that eat out Stones._
This is taken out of a Letter, written by one _M. de la Voye_ to _M.
Auzout_, to be found in the 32. _Journal des Scavans_; as follows.
In a great and very ancient Wall of Free-Stone in the _Benedictins Abby_ at
_Caen_ in _Normandy_, facing Southward, there are to be found many Stones
so eaten by Worms, that one may run his hand into most of the Cavities
which are variously fashion'd, like the Stones, which I have seen wrought
with so much Art in the _Louvre_: In these cavities there is abundance of
live-Worms, their excrement, and of that Stone-dust, they eat. Between many
of the Cavities there remain but leaves, as it were, of Stone, very thin,
which part them. I have taken some of these living Worms, which I found in
the eaten Stone, and put them into a Box with several bits of the Stone;
leaving them there together for the space of eight days; and then opening
the Box, the Stone seem'd to me eaten so sensibly, that I could no longer
doubt of it, I send you the Box and the Stones in it, together with the
living Worms: and to satisfie your Curiosity, I shall relate to you, what I
have observed of them both _with_ and _without_ a _Microscope_. {322}
These Worms are inclosed in a Shell, which is grayish and of the bigness of
a Barly-corn, sharper at one end, than the other. By the means of an
excellent _Microscope_ I have observ'd, that 'tis all overspread with
little Stones and little greenish Eggs; and that there is at the sharpest
end a little hole by which these Creatures cast out their excrement, and at
the other end, a somewhat bigger hole, through which they put out their
heads and fasten themselves to the Stones, they gnaw. They are not so shut
up, but that sometimes they come out, and walk abroad. They are all black,
about two _Lines_ of an inch long and three quarters of a _Line_ large.
Their Body is distinguish't into several plyes, and near their head they
have three feet on each side, which have but two Joynts resembling those of
a Lowse. When they move, their Body is commonly upwards, with their mouth
against the Stone. They have a big head, somewhat flat, and even, of the
colour of a Tortoise-Shell, braunish, with some small white hair. Their
mouth is also big; where may be seen four kinds of Jaw-bones, lying
crossewise, which they move continually, opening and shutting them like a
pair of _Compasses_, with four branches. The Jaws on both sides of the
mouth are all black, the nether Jaw hath a point like the Sting of a Bee,
but uniform. They draw threds out of their mouth with their fore-feet,
using that point to range them, and to form their Shells of them. They have
Ten Eyes, very black and round, which appear to be bigger than a Pins head.
There are five of them on each side of the head, standing after this
manner,
[Illustration]
But besides these Worms, I have found, that _Mortar_ is eaten by an
infinite number of small Creatures, of the bigness of Chees-Mites. These
have but two Eyes, and are blackish. They have four feet on each side
pretty long. The point of their Muzzle is very sharp, as that of a Spider.
I send you but one of them, though I had abundance, but they are dead and
lost. It may be, you'l find some at _Paris_, seeing that in the old Mortar
betwixt Stones, that is found in Walls made with rubbish, there is great
store of them, together with great plenty of their little Eggs. I have not
yet examined, whether these be those, that in the surfaces of all the
Stones, where they are met with, make little round holes, and small traces
and impressions, which make them look like _Worm-eaten Wood_. But 'tis
probable, they are such. It should be observed, whether these Worms do not
take Wings, and all the other appearances of Caterpillars; and whether they
are not to be found in plaister that is full of holes, in Bricks, in Greety
Stones, and in Rocks.
You may observe more of them in Walls exposed to the _South_, than in
others; and that the Worms, that eat the Stone, live longer, then those,
{323} that eat the Mortar, which keep not above eight days alive. I have
observed all their parts with a very good _Microscope_, without which, and
a great deal of attention, 'tis difficult to see them well.
I have seen other very old Walls altogether eaten, as those of the _Temple_
at _Paris_, where I could find no Worms, but the Cavities were full of
Shells of various kinds, diversly figur'd and turn'd: all which I believe
to be little Animals petrified.
* * * * *
_Some promiscuous Observations, made in _Somerset shire_, and imparted by
the above-mentioned Dr. _Beale_._
His words are these, in a Letter to the _Publisher_, of the 24. _Septemb._
1666 at _Yeovill_ in _Somersetshire_;
I have two or three remarks, perhaps not unworthy to be recorded for
further application in like cases of time and place
1. In the Moores from hence towards _Bridgewater_, in the extreme drought,
we have endured this Summer, some lengths of pasture grew much sooner
whithered and parched, than the other pasture. And this Parched part seem'd
to bear the length and shape (in gross) of Trees. They digg'd, and found,
in the place, _Oakes_ indeed, as black as Ebony. And hence they have been
instructed to find and take up many hundreds of Oakes, as a neighbour of
good credit assures me. This advertisement may be instructive for other
parts, as _Kent_, _Essex_, _Lincoln_, &c.
[Sidenote: * _This had somewhat of a Vitriolate taste. But the Experiment
being made with greater quantities of this water, which questionless will
be done, the nature and kind of it may be better known._]
2. My Cosen _Philips_ of _Montague_ has in his pastures of _Socke_, about
three miles off, a large Pool, to which Pigeons resort; but the Cattle will
not drink of it, no not in the extream want of water in this drought. To
the taste it is not only brackish, but hath other loathsome tasts. In a
Venice-glass it looked greenish and clear, just like the most greenish
Cider as soon as it is perfectly clarified. I boyl'd a Pint of it in a
Posnet of Bell-Mettall (commonly used to preserve Sweatmeats:) suddenly it
yeilded a thick froth, whence I scumm'd half a score Spoonfulls; of which
the inclosed is a part, * Suffering the water to be boyl'd all away, it
left much of the same on the sides and bottom of the Posnet.
3. From _Lamport_, towards _Bridge water_, Eeles are so cheap in the frosts
of Winter, that they vend them for little. Their abundance is from hence,
that as the people walk, in the frosty Mornings, on the banks of river,
they discern, towards the edges of the banks, some parts _not hoar_, as the
rest, but _green_; where searching the holes of the banks they find heaps
of Eeles.
{324}
* * * * *
_A Problem for finding the Year of the _Julian Period_ by a new and very
easie Method._
This occurs in the _Journal des Scavans_ n^o. 96. as it had been proposed
communicated to the Learned _Jesuit DE BILLY_. viz.
Multiply the _Solar_ Cycle by 4845. and the _Lunar_, by 4200. and that of
the _Indiction_, by 6916. Then divide the Sum of the Products by 7980.
which is the _Julian Period_: The _Remainder_ of the Division, without
having regard to the _Quotient_, shall be the year required after.
E. g. Let the Cycle of the _Sun_ be 3; of the _Moon_ 4; and of the
_Indiction_, 5. Multiply 3. by 4845, and you have 14535; and 4. by 4200.
comes 16800; and 5. by 6916. comes 34580. The Sum of the products is 65915,
which being divided by 7980. gives 8. for the _Quotient_, and the number
2075. which remains, is the Year of the _Julian Period_.
Some learned Mathematicians of _Paris_, to whom the said _P. de Billy_, did
propose this _Problem_, have found the Demonstration thereof; as the same
_Journal_ intimates.
* * * * *
_An Account of some Books, not long since published._
I. TENTAMINA PHYSICO-THEOLOGICA DE DEO, _Sive_ THEOLOGIA SCHOLASTICA, _ad
Normam Novae & Reformatae Philosophiae concinnata, & duobus libris
comprehensa. Quorum altero, de Dei existentia adversus Atheos & Epicureos
ex ipsorummet Principiis disputatur; altero, de ejusdem Essentia &
Attributis; primo secundum Theologiam Ethnicam, ubi explicatur, Quantum
hactenus Alii in Gentilium sententiis, de summi Numinis Natura eruendis,
hallucinati fuerint; deinde secundum Theologiam Christianam: Et quid de
Divina Essentia ac Attributis statuendum sit, diceretur. Quibus postremo
accedit specialis Dissertatio de Primo Numinis Attributo, AETERNITATE_.
Authore _Samule Parkero_, A. M.
This Treatise, published the last year, would sooner have been taken notice
of in these _Tracts_, had it not escaped the _Publishers_ view till of
late, when he, upon serious perusal, found it very worthy the recommending
it to all sorts of persons; and particularly to those who either please
themselves with that fond opinion, _That Philosophy is the Apprentiship of
Atheisme_; or hearken to the aspersions, that are generally laid upon the
_Reformation_ of _Philosophy_.
This excellent piece removes both these; and being joyned and compared with
the truly Noble Mr. _Boyle_'s Considerations in his _First part_ of the
{325} _Usefulness of Experimental-Natural Philosophy_, will strongly
evince, How Much that Philosophy, which searches out the real Productions
of Nature (the true Works of God) does manifest the Divine Glory more, than
the Notionals of the Gentiles.
This Author (now a Fellow of the _Royal Society_) delivers his Matter in
two Books.
Lib. 1. Cap. 1. Atheists are disappointed of the Authority of _Epicurus_,
and of other Antient Philosophers, for their gross Atheisme.
Cap. 2. The beautiful Frame of the World evinceth the Architectonical
Author and Governor.
Cap. 3. The admirable Contrivance in the Structure of Mankind, and of
Animals, does more conspicuously shew the Deity.
Cap. 4. The Atheist caught in his own Net, or convinced by the true force
of his own Arguments.
Cap. 5. The Arguments devised against Atheists by _Des Cartes_, and drawn
from the _Idea's_ of our Mind, examin'd and found imperfect and invalid.
Lib. 2. Cap. 1. The opinions of the Gentiles concerning God, unduly applied
to the _Deity_, which we worship: but properly to be understood by them of
the _Sun_, or of the _Soul of the World_.
Cap. 2. More expresly proved, that the Antient Philosophers conceived, the
_Soul of the World_ to be God.
Cap. 3. The Historical Theology of the Gentiles for the most part is unduly
applyed or accommodated to the Holy Scriptures.
Cap. 4. The Divine Substance, Immensity, Incomprehensibility, Invisibility,
explicated, as far as our weak reason does teach.
Cap. 5. The Divine Perfections, and other Attributes and Affections, how
far explicable.
Cap. 6. The Eternity of God, how apprehended.
These are in short the Heads of the Book, which is yet but in Latin. It
were to be wisht, the Author would make it speak his own lively _English_.
II. HONORATI FABRI _Soc. Jesu Theologi, Tractatus duo; quorum Prior est de
Plantis & de Generatione Animalium; Posterior de Homine._
As the Matter of this Book is considerable, so is the order and dependence
of all its parts excellent; in regard that all the Propositions are ranged
according to a Geometrical method, and so well disposed, that the latter do
always suppose the former, and seem to depend all of them upon certain
evident principles, whence they flow by a natural consequence.
This _Volume_ contains two Treatises.
The _First_ is divided into 5. Books. In the _four first_, he treats of
_Plants_, and distributes them into three _Classes_; some growing _in the
Earth_, as _Trees_; others, growing upon _Plants_, as _Mosse_; and a third
sort growing upon _Animals_, as _Hair_, _Horns_, and _Feathers_. He examins
and considers the {326} Parts of all these Plants and their Use, the
manner, how they are produced, and nourished; and their different
Qualities. He discourses also of Bread, Wine, Oyle, and the other Mixtures,
that are made of Plants.
In the _Fifth Book_, he treats of the _Generation of Animals_, where he
delivers many curious matters, explicating in a very easie and familiar way
that Argument, which hath always been lookt upon, as one of the obscurest
in Natural Philosophy.
The _Second_ Treatise consists of 7. Books; wherein the Author considers,
what appertains to _Man_. He discourses _first_, of Digestion, of the
Circulation of the Bloud, and of the Use of the principal parts of the
Humane Body. _Next_, he treats of the Senses, External and Internal; of all
the Motions of the Body, both Natural and Voluntary, of the sensitive
Appetite, and the Passions; _Thence_ he proceeds to the Temperaments,
Habits, Instinct, Sleep, Sickness, &c. _Lastly_, passing to the _Rational
Soul_, he endeavours to demonstrate the Immortality thereof, and to explain
also the Manner, how it worketh upon the Body, and is united with the Body;
where he omits not to reason of all the Powers of the Soul, of Liberty, and
of the Operations of the Understanding and Will.
In _general_, the Author makes it his study, for the explicating of the
most perplext Difficulties, to shew, that Nature works not but by very
simple and easie wayes.
In _particular_ he intersperses several curious remarks. _E.g._ He teaches
how to make _Perspectives_, that magnifie Objects, without Glass; telling
us, that when an Object is look't upon through a small hole, it appears
much greater than it is; and that therefore, if instead of Glasses one did
cast before ones eyes two _Plates_ having little holes in them, it would
furnish us with a new kind of _Perspectives_, more commodious than those of
Glasses, which spoil the Sight by reason of the refraction of the Rayes,
caused thereby. _Again_, He renders the cause of that common, but
surprising, effect of Painters, drawing certain Pourtraictures, which seem
to look directly upon all their Beholders, on what side soever they place
themselves: _Videl._ That in those Pictures, the Nose it a little turned to
one side, and the eyes to the other. Whence it comes, that such pictures
seem to look to the right side, because the Eyes are indeed turned that
way; but they appear also to look to the left, because the point of the
Nose is turned that way, and the Table, whereon the Picture is drawn, being
flat the Looker on perceives not, that the Eyes are turned th'other way;
which he would do, if the Eyes of the Pourtrait were convex: Whence it
comes, that no Figure can be made embossed, which looks every way.
The art, which he teaches of making _Parsley_ shoot out of the ground in a
few hours, is this. Infuse the seed of it in Vinegar; and having sown it in
good ground cast on it a good quantity of the Ashes of Bean-Cods, and
sprinkle it with Spirit of Wine, and then cover it with some linnen. He
mentions also; that if you calcine Earth, and then water it well, it will
{327} produce a great variety of different Herbs, and that the Ashes of
Corn burnt, being sown, have sometimes produced other Corn.
To add that by the by, this Author is not so addicted to _Aristotle_, as to
be on his side, when he thinks Truth is not. He hath emancipated himself
considerably from the _Scholastick_ way of Philosophing. He dares maintain,
that the Vegetative and Sensitive Souls are not _Substantial_ Forms; and
that it is with Plants and Animals, as with Artificial things, the Form
whereof results from the Union and Disposition of the parts. According to
this _Hypothesis_ he explicates all the Operations of Plants and Animals,
without having any recourse to the Soul. He avers also, that there are no
_Species Intentionales_, and no Habitudes, and that the Animal Spirits,
which Philosophers commonly believe to be necessary for all the Operations
of Life, are useless.
It might also be observed out of this Author, what he discourses of the
Generation of Animals by Putrefaction; of the Cause of intermittent
_Feavers_, and of the Animal Instinct, and of many other particulars; were
it not better to refer the curious to the Book it self.
III. _RELATION DU VOYAGE de l' Evesque de Beryte, par la Turquie, la Perse,
les Indes, _&c._ jusques au Royaume de Siam, & autres lieux_; par M. _de
Bourges, Prestre_ &c.
This Author imploying his Pen chiefly, according to his design, to give an
Accompt of the Success, the Undertakers of this Voyage had, in propagating
the Christian Faith in the remoter parts of the World, and relating on that
occasion, What number of Churches they have founded in _Cochin_, _China_,
and the Kingdom of _Tonquin_, (in which latter alone he affirms, that there
are more than three hundred thousand Christians;) being I say principally
intent upon that Subject, he seems not to have made many Philosophical
observations in those places. Mean while he does good service to those that
have occasion to travel into the _East-Indies_ mostly by Land, by
describing the passage, they took thither; which was, That they embarqued
at _Marseilles_, in _September_, the most convenient and favourable season
for that Voyage; whence Ships do ordinarily pass every Month from _Syria_,
reckoning one Month for the time of Sayling, to _Alexandretta_. Thence to
_Aleppo_, counting one Month more for the Stay, to be made there to meet
the _Caravane_ for _Babylon_, and six weeks more for the march from
_Aleppo_ to _Babylon_, where a fortnight will pass before an opportunity
happen to embarque upon the _Tyger_ for _Balsora_; which Journey will
require a fortnight more: And about this time it will be about the end of
_January_. Thence is always conveniency to pass from _Congo_, 4 days
Journey from _Comoron_ or _Gombroun_, to which latter part there is also
frequent occasion to pass by Sea from _Balsora_, which will take up some 15
or 16. days Sail. There (vid. at _Comoron_) you will every year meet with
_English_, _Portugal_, _Dutch_, and _Moorish_ Vessels, from _Surat_, from
_October_ till the end of _April_, for they are obliged to be at _Surate_,
before the end of _May_, because all the ports of those {328} _Indies_ are
shut the 4. ensuing months, by reason of the danger of that _Sea_.
But besides this Direction, the Book is not quite destitute of _Natural_
Observations. It relates, 1. How Diamonds are found and separated in
_Golconda_; They take of the Earth, held to be proper to form them, which
is reddish, and distinguish'd with white veins, and full of flints and hard
lumps. Then they put near the places, which they will digge, a close and
even Earth; and to it they carry those Earths, they have digg'd out of the
Mine, and gently spread it abroad, and leave it exposed to the Sun for two
days. Then being dryed enough they beat it, and sifting this Earth, they
find the Diamonds in ashes of Flints, in which Nature hath set them. Here
he adds, that the King of that Country farms out these Diamond-Mines for
600000. Crowns _per annum_, reserving to himself the right of all the
Diamonds, that exceed ten _Carats_ in weight. There are Diamonds, that
mount to 35. and 40. _Carats_. And this is the great Treasure of that
Prince.
2. That the most esteemed fruit in those parts; the _Durion_ (of the
bigness and shape of an ordinary _Melon_) has a very unpleasing and uneven
untollerable smell, like to that of a rotten _Apple_.
3. That _Rice_ prospers most in waterish grounds; and that the fields,
where it grows best, resembles rather to Marshes, than to any ploughed
Soyle: Yea, that that Grain has the force, though 6. or 7. foot water stand
over it, to shoot its Stalk above it; and that the Stem, which bears it,
rises and grows proportionably to the height of the water, that drowns the
field.
4. That the way of keeping ones self harmless from a wild _Elephant_, when
he runs directly upon one, is, to hold something to him; as a Hat, a Coat,
a piece of Linnen, which he seises on with his Trunk; and playes with it,
as if he were pleased with this apparent homage, done to him; and so passes
on. If he be in a rage, that then the only remedy is, to turn incessantly
behind him to the left side, in regard that naturally (_saith this Author_)
he never turns himself that way, but to the right: And the time, there is
to turn, because of the Beasts unweildiness, affords leisure enough to
climbe up some high Tree, or to mount some steep ground: all which if it
fail, by holding always his tail, and turning with him, the Animal will be
tired, and give opportunity to escape.
* * * * *
_London_, Printed by _T. R._ for _John Martin_, Printer to the _Royal
Society_, and are to be sold at the _Bell_ a little without _Temple-Bar_.
{329}
* * * * *
_Numb._ 19.
PHILOSOPHICAL
_TRANSACTIONS._
* * * * *
_Munday_, _November_ 19. 1666.
* * * * *
The Contents.
_An Addition to the Instances of _Petrification_, formerly enumerated.
Articles of _Inquiries_ concerning _Mines_; as, to the neighbouring
Country about them; the Soyl where they are; the Signes of them; the
Structure and other particulars belonging to the Mines themselves; the
Nature and Circumstances of _Ore_; and the Reduction of _Ore_ into
_Metal_. Promiscuous _Inquiries_ formerly recommended to Monsieur
_Heuelius_, particularly about _Cold_; together with his own, and his
Correspondents _Answer_ to some of them. The success of the Experiment
of Transfusing the Blood of one Animal into another._
* * * * *
_An Addition to the _Instances_ of _Petrification_, enumerated in the last
of these _Papers_._
_This _Instance_ was some while since communicated to the _Royal
Society_ by that Ingenious Gentleman Mr. _Philip Packer_, a worthy
Member of that Body; in these words;_
On a Bank in a Close of Mr. _Purefoy_, neer his house, call'd _Wadley_, a
mile from _Farrington_ in _Berks_, there grows an _Elme_, which hath now
lost the top, and is grown hollow, containing neer a Tun of Timber. From
the But of the same Tree, one of the spreading Clawes having been formerly
cut off with an Axe, that part of the But, from whence the same was
sever'd, being about 11/2 foot above ground, and inward within the trunk
{330} of the Tree, hath contracted a petrfied Crust, about the thickness of
a _shilling_, all over the woody part within the Bark; the Marks of the Axe
also remaining very conspicuous, with this petrified crust upon it. By what
means it should thus happen, cannot well be conceived, in regard there is
no water neer it; the part, above the ground and out of the weather; the
Tree yet growing: unless being cut at some season, when the sap was
flowing, the owsing of the sap might become petrified by the Air, and the
Tree grow rotten and hollow inward since that time; which how long since,
is not known.
A piece of that part cut, was presented, together with this Account, to the
said _Society_, for their _Repository_.
* * * * *
_Articles of Inquiries touching _Mines_._
What the Honourable _Robert Boyle_ gave the Reader cause to hope for, in
_Numb_. 11. when he was pleased to impart those _General Heads_ for a
Natural History of a Country, _there_ publish'd; He is not un-mindful to
perform, by enlarging them as occasion serves, with _Particular_ and
_Subordinate_ Inquiries. Here he gratifies the Curious with a considerable
Set of Inquiries about _Mines_: which though unfinish'd, yet the
_Publisher_, was instant to obtain their present Publication, to the end,
that he might the more conveniently recommend them to several Forreigners
of his Acquaintance, now ready to return to their several Countryes, which
he understands to abound in Mines; and from the Curious Inhabitants
whereof, he expects to receive a good Accompt upon some at least of these
Inquiries; which also by several of them have been earnestly desired, as
Instructions, to direct them, what Particulars to inquire after upon this
Subject.
These Quaeries are reduced by the _Author_ to six Heads:
The _first_, The neighbouring Country about the Mines.
The _second_, The Soyl where the Mines are.
The _third_, The Signs of Mines.
The _fourth_, The Structure and other particulars belonging to the Mines
themselves.
The _fifth_, The Nature and Circumstances of the Ore.