17. Whether Birds and Wilde Beasts grow white there in Winter, and recover
their native colour in Summer?
18. Whether Colours may be concentred by a sharp cold? _E.g._ A strong
Decoction of Cocheneel in a fit Glass?
19. Whether the _Electrical_ virtue of _Amber_, and the _Attractive_ and
_Directive_ force of the _Magnet_, be changed by a vehement Cold?
20. Whether pieces of Iron and Steel, even thick ones, be made britle by
intense frosts; and therefore Smiths are obliged for prevention, to give
their Iron and Steel-tools a softer temper?
21. Whether accurate Observations evince, that all Fishes dye in frozen
Waters, if the Ice be not broken? Where it is to be diligently inquired
into, whether the Cold it self, or the want of changing or ventilating the
water, or the privation of Air, be the cause of the death of Fishes?
22. Whether any Physicians or Anatomists have inquired, by freezing to
death some Animals (as Rabits, Pullets, Dogs, Cats, &c.) after what manner
it is, that Intense Cold kills men? whether they have found any Ice in the
Inner parts; and if so, in which of them; Whether in the Ventricles of the
Brain and Heart; and in the greater Vessels?
_These were the Queries_ recommended about a Twelve-month ago. Monsieur
_Heuelius_ in a late Letter of his, accompanied with several papers from
others, returns this Accompt.
The Inquiries you proposed to me, I did impart to several of my Learned
friends: But hitherto I have attained an Answer but to few particulars.
Among the rest you'l find a Letter of the Learned _Johannes Schefferus_,
Professor in the _Swedish_ University at _Vpsall_, wherein he discourses
handsomly of several things, being ready to entertain a Literary Commerce
with you about such matters. Touching _Amber_, I am almost of the same mind
with him, that it is a kind of _Fossil Pitch_ or _Bitumen_, seeing it is
not only found on the Shore of the _Borussian_ Sea, but also digg'd up in
subterraneous places, some _German_ miles distant from the {347} and that
not only in Sandy, but also in other Hills of firmer Earth; of which I have
seen my self pretty big pieces. Concerning _Swallows_, I have frequently
heard Fisher-men affirm, that they have here often fish'd them out of the
Lakes, in the Winter; but I never have seen it my self. Whilst I am writing
this, I receive Letters out of _Denmark_, advertising me, that those two
Learned men, _Thomas_ and _Erasmus Bartholin_, do intend shortly to answer
the same _Quaeries_. Next Winter, if God vouchsafe me life and health, I
purpose to make a Journey to _Konigs-berg_, where I hope to learn many
things, especially about _Amber_.
_Thus far in answer to those Inquiries for the present._
To this he subjoyns other things, no less fit to be communicated to the
Curious, in these words;
The Books you have sent me over sea, I have not yet received: I wish, they
were all translated into Latin; for I have not _English_ enough, to
understand all particulars perfectly. For the rest, you have obliged me, by
communicating the Observations of the last _Eclipse_ of the _Sun_, aswell
those made in _England_, as those of _Paris_ and _Madrid_. That I may
requite you in some measure, I send you my Observations both of _that_, and
the _Moons_ last _Eclipse_. In the _Sun's Eclipse_, this is chiefly
observable, That the _Semidiameter_ of the _Moon_ from the very beginning,
to about 5. or 6. digits of the increasing _Phasis_ was much less than the
_Rudolphin_ Account imports. For it was then almost equal to the
_Semidiameter_ of the _Sun_: but, after the greatest Obscuration, when I
again contemplated the _Moons Semidiameter_, I found it 8" or 9" bigger
than that of the _Sun_; so that the _Semidiameter_ of the _Moon_ was not
always, during this Eclipse, constant to it self. It will therefore be
worth while, to be hereafter more diligent and curious in this particular,
and accurately to observe in the _Phasis_ of each _Digit_ the _Proportion_
of the _Semidiameters_ of both Luminaries; to the end, that _first_ it may
be made manifest, Whether in all the _Eclipses_ of the _Sun_, or in some
only, that variation happens; _next_, that the Causes of such a
_Phaenomenon_ may be diligently inquired into. Of this Variation, the
Excellent _Ismael Bullialdus_ hath also observed something at _Paris_. For
he has written to me, That in the same Eclipse the _Semidiam._ of the _Sun_
to the _Semid._ of the _Moon_ was, as 16'. 9". to 16'. 22"; but that in
another {348} _Phasis_ of 6 _digits_, the Semidiameters appear'd equal.
These my Observations, if you think them worthy, you may communicate to
other Mathematicians. The last year 1665. _July_ 27. (_st. n._) the
_Tables_ did also indicate an Eclipse of the _Moon_: but though the Sky
here was very cleer, yet the Moon was not at all obscured by the _true
shadow_, but entred only a little into the _Penumbra_, wherein it continued
50'. The beginning of its touching the _Penumbra_ did then almost happen,
when _Aquila_ was elevated 36 deg. 18'; which is an Example worthy to be noted.
I have many Observations of the _Eclipses_ of former years by me, which I
could not yet make publick, by reason of the multitude of my business,
which do almost over-whelm me. The Eclipse of the Moon of this Year 1666.
_June_ 16. (_st. n._) was observed from a Hill neer my Garden, to the end,
that we might see both together the _Suns setting_, and the _Moon rising_.
But I was disappointed of my hopes: For very thick Exhalations, besieging
the _Horizon_, where the Moon was to rise, unto 2 deg.. 30', hindred me from
seeing the _Moon rise_, in the Article of the _setting_ of the _Sun_.
Wherefore the first _Phasis_ of 1. _dig_. 45'. did not appear but in the
_Moons Altitude_ of 2 deg.. 30'; when the greatest Obscuration was already
past. The _End_ fell out hor. 9. 27'. about 128 deg. from the _Zenith_
Westward.
[Sidenote: * A Letter, written since from _Paris_, advertises, that some of
the Curious there have received one of these Glasses of _Sr. Burattini_,
and do esteem it to be good without mentioning the Dimension of it: which
yet is look'd for by the next.]
I am very glad to understand, that you have so good _Telescopes_, as to
make such considerable Observations in _Jupiter_ and _Mars_, as you have
lately done in _England_. I have no leasure now, by reason of the
Observations of the Fixt Stars, which I now almost constantly am employ'd
about, to do any thing in the advancing of _Telescopes_. I am obliged to
finish the _Catalogue_ of the _Fixt Stars_; having mean while the
contentment to find, that many excellent persons labour about the
Improvement of _Optick Glasses_. If I could get a good one of those of 60.
foot, you mention, at a reasonable rate, you would oblige me in sending me
one; perhaps may I be so happy, as to make likewise some good discovery or
other, by the help thereof. In the mean time, let me know, I pray, the
Dimensions of those Glasses, and how they are to be managed. The ingenious
_Burattini_ has not yet finisht his _Telescope_; as soon {349} as he hath,
I shall acquaint you with it. * Before I conclude, I must give notice to
the Lovers of _Astronomy_, that on the 24. of _September_ (st. n) of this
year, I have observ'd that _New Star_ in _Pectore Cygni_ (which from the
year 1662. untill this time hath been almost altogether hid) not only with
my naked Eye, like a Star of the sixth or seventh Magnitude, but also with
a very great _Sextant_. It is still in the very same place of the Heavens,
where it was formerly from _A._ 1601. to almost 1662. For, its Distance
from _Scheat Pegasi_ hath been by me found 35 deg.. 51'. 20". and from
_Marcab_, 43 deg.. 10'. 50"; which Distances (as I have found in my _Journal_)
are altogether equal to those, which I observ'd _A._ 1658. the 1. of
_November_. For the Distance from _Scheat_ at that time was 35 deg.. 51'. 20".
and from _Marcab_, 43 deg.. 10'. 25": where that former from _Scheat_ exactly
answers to the recent; and that from _Marcab_, 'tis true, differs in a very
few _Seconds_, but that disparity is of no moment, since it only proceeded
from thence, that this _New Star_ is not yet so distinctly to be seen, as
at that time, when it was of the _third Magnitude_. It is therefore
certain, that it is the self same Star, which _Kepler_ did first see _A._
1601. and continued untill _A._ 1662. But whether in time it will grow
bigger and bigger, or be lost again, time will shew. He that will observe
this Star, must take care, lest he mistake those three more _Southern_
ones, of the _Sixth Magnitude_, and now in a manner somewhat brighter
(though not extant on the _Globe_) than the _New Star_ in _Collo Cygni_.
The highest of those three, is distant from _Scheat Pegasi_ 36 deg.. 25'. 45";
the middlemost from the same, 37 deg.. 25'. 20". and the lowest, 38 deg.. 4'. 30".
Farewell, and assure the Most Illustrious _Royal Society_ of my humblest
Services.
_So far Monsieur Heuelius_, whose accurate Calcul. of the _Solar Eclipses_
Duration, Quantity, &c. is intended to be fully represented the next Month,
since it could not be conveniently done this time. The _annexed_ Papers
follow.
_One_ is from Monsieur _Joh. Schefferus_, to this purpose.
1. That he is confident, the _Royal Society_ of _England_ will do much good
for the advancement of usefull Knowledge.
{350}
2. That he conceives _Amber_ to be a kind of _Fossil Pitch_, whole Veins
lie at the bottom of the Sea; believing that it is hardned in tract of
time, and by the motion of the Sea cast on shore: _He adds_, that hitherto
it hath been believed, not to be found but in _Borussia_; but he assures,
that it is also found in _Sueden_, on the shores of the Isle _Biorkoo_, in
the Lake _Melero_, whose water is _sweet_. Of this, _he saith_, he hath a
fine piece by him, two inches large and thick, presented him by one, that
himself with his own hands had gathered it and several other pieces, on the
shore of the said Island; affirming withall from the mouth of a Shepherd of
that place, that it is thrown out by a strong Wind, bearing upon the shore.
3. That it is most certain, that _Swallows_ sink themselves towards Autumne
into Lakes, no otherwise than _Frogs_; and that many have assured him of
it, who had seen them drawn out with a Net together with Fishes, and put to
the fire, and thereby revived.
4. That 'tis also very true, that many _Animals_ there grow white in
Winter, and recover their own Colour in Summer. That himself hath seen and
had _Hares_, which about the beginning of Winter and Spring were half
white, and half of their native colour: that in the midst of winter he
never saw any but all white. That _Foxes_ also are white in Winter; and
_Squirrels_ grayish, mixt of dark and white colour.
5. That 'tis known there generally, that _Fishes_ are killed, by reason of
the Ice not being broken: but _first_, in ponds only or narrow Lakes;
_next_, in such Lakes only, where the Ice is pretty thick; for, where 'tis
thin, they dye not so easily. _Lastly_, that those Fishes that lie in slimy
or clayie ground, dye not so soon as others. But, _he adds_, that even in
great Lakes, when 'tis a very bitter Frost, Ice is wont to be broken,
either by the force of the Waves, or of the Imprisoned Vapors, raised by
the agitation of the Water, and then bursting out with an impetuosity;
witness the noise made by the rupture of the Ice through the whole length
of such Lakes, which _he affirms_ to be not less terrible than if many guns
went off together. Whereby it falls out, that Fishes are seldom found dead
in great Lakes.
6. That neither Oyle, nor a strong Brine of Bay-Salt, is truly {351}
congeal'd into Ice, in those parts, _Viz._ at _Upsall_ in _Sueden_.
7. That the Frost pierces into the Earth, two Cubits or _Swedish_ Ells; and
what moisture is found in it, is white, like Ice: That Waters, if standing,
freeze to a greater depth, even to three such Ells or more; but those that
have a Current, less: That rapid Rivers freeze not at all; nor ever-bubling
Springs; and that these latter seem even to be warmer in Winter, than
Summer.
_So far this Observer_; who likewise offers his Services in giving an
answer to the remaining _Queries_, and in entertaining a commerce in such
other Philosophical matters, as he is conversant in.
_Another_ Paper written by Monsieur _Febre_, chief Secretary to Prince
_Ratzivil_, contains these particulars;
1. That the College of the Learned in _Borussia_, finds it not so easie to
resolve all those _Queries_ sent from _England_ to M. _Heuelius:_ but yet
that they will try what may be done upon it.
2. That as for himself, he can assure from his own Experience concerning
the Effects of Cold; _First_, That in the War against the _Muscovites_ and
_Cosacks_, _A._ 1655. in _January_, in _White Russia_, at the Siege of
_Biskow_, 30. Leagues from _Smolensko_, and three from _Morhilo_, near the
River _Boristhenes_, when they had Quarter in a Village call'd _Bikau_,
they were seized on with such a Frost, that all their Provisions of
_Spanish_ Wines or _Petersimen_, and _Beere_, were in one Night frozen upon
the Sleds, notwithstanding they were cover'd with Straw; in so much, that
when next morning they would have drawn of those Liquors, they found all
dry, and were constrain'd to carry them into a Stove, to thaw them; which
they could not do in two whole days, and were obliged to break the Vessels,
and put pieces of the Icy Wine into Kettles to thaw them over the Fire, for
Drink: That they asked not for a Draught, but a _Morsel_ of Wine or Beer:
That their Horses had no better cheer than themselves, as to matter of
Drink; the Pond of the Village being so thoroughly frozen, that there was
but very little Water left between the Ice and the bottom of the Pool;
whereby the poor Beasts were forced to drink with great reverence, kneeling
on the forefeet to thrust their heads into the holes, made for them in the
Ice, and to suck thence some drops of Water; and that, if they had not had
Snow to eat, there would have dyed a far greater {352} number of them, than
there did. Moreover, that he observed, that the _Hungarian Wine_, of which
they had a Tun, resisted the Cold better, than the _Peter Simen_; for it
was not so much frozen; unless it be, that the Butler had more care of
that, than the rest, by transporting it sooner into the Stove, when he
found the excess of Cold. Again, that one presenting him in the March with
some _Aqua-vitae_, the Scrue of the Flagon, put to his Mouth, stuck so close
to his Lips, that he could not draw it off, without drawing bloud,
In a _third_ Paper, I find these particulars from the same M. _Febre_.
1. That a considerable person, one Dr. _Becker_, a great Lover of Curious
Inquiries, has given him hopes to entertain this Philosophical Commerce.
2. That he hath seen men dye in _Poland_ and _Lithuania_ both of _Heat_ and
_Cold_. And _first_, that _A._ 1653. in _July_, being with this present
King of _Poland_ in march from _Leopoli_ to the Camp of _Glignani_, it was
so furiously hot that day of their march, that it caused such an alteration
in that Regiment of Foot, which was the Kings Guard, marching most of them
bare-foot upon Sands, that more than an hundred of them fell down
altogether disabled, whereof a dozen dyed out-right, without any other
Sickness. _Secondly_, as to the Cold, that the frost was so bitter, that 3
Souldiers dyed of it, _A._ 1665. the 2. of _January_, in passing a long
Ditch: besides, that divers persons lost some of their Lims.
* * * * *
_The Success of the Experiment of Transfusing the Bloud of one Animal into
another._
This experiment, hitherto look'd upon to be of an almost unsurmountable
difficulty, hath been of late very successfully perform'd not only at
_Oxford_, by the directions of that expert Anatomist Dr. _Lower_, but also
in _London_, by order of the _R. Society_, at their publick meeting in
_Gresham Colledge:_ the Description of the particulars whereof, and the
_Method_ of Operation, is referred to the next Opportunity.
* * * * *
_Errata_ to be corrected in Number 18.
Pag. 311. line 18. read _marked_. p. 312. l. 35. r. _Sines_. ib. l. penult.
_Sines_. p. 313. l. 13. r. _Sines_. p. 316. l. 26. r. _that_ for _if_.
* * * * *
_London_, Printed for _John Crook_ neer the _Blew-Anchor_ in _Duck-lane_;
and _Mose Pits_ at the _White-Hart_ in _Little-Britain_.
{353}
* * * * *
_Numb._ 20.
PHILOSOPHICAL
_TRANSACTIONS._
* * * * *
_Munday_, _December_ 17. 1666.
* * * * *
The Contents.
_The Method observed in _Transfusing the Bloud out of one live Animal
into another_: And how this Experiment is like to be improved. Some
Considerations concerning the same. An Accompt of some Sanative Waters
in _Herefordshire_. A farther Accompt of the _Vitriolate_ Water
mention'd _Numb. 18_. together with some other particulars touching
Waters. Inquiries for _Turky_. An Observation about Optick Glasses made
of Rock-Crystal, communicated from _Italy_. A Relation of the Use of
the Grain of _Kermes_ for _Coloration_, from _France_. An Accompt of
some Books lately publisht, _vid. 1_. PINAX Rerum Naturalium
BRITANNICARUM, continens VEGETABILIA, ANIMALIA & Fossilia ANGLIAE,
inchoatus; Auth. _Christophoro Merret_, M.D. _2_. PLACITA PHYLOSOPHICA
_Guarini. 3_. GUSTUS ORGANUM per _Laurentium Bellini_ deprehensum._
* * * * *