Some that observe common practises and vulgar Trades, take notice, That
_Joyners_ use _Leaden-Pots_ for their Glue, alledging for a Reason, That
Lead, being a close Mettal, retains the heat {380} longer than other
Mettals. _Cary_'s Warming-stone promised a warmth for six or eight hours;
if it performed but for two or three hours, it would be of great use. 'Tis
found by sad experience, how hurtful Bright Fires, and especially of
Stone-coal are to the Eyes.
To retain Fire long, certain _Black_ Earths are useful, as we were newly
informed by the Inquisitive Dr. _B._ That a Gentleman in _Sommertsetshire_,
called Mr. _Speke_, had bountifully obliged _Ilminster_, and his
Neighborhood, by a Black Fat-Earth lately found in his Park. But the same
Correspondent adds, That he never saw any parallel to a _Sea-weed_, which
he and some of his Fellow-Students had in _Cambridge_ in the mouth of a
Barrel of good Oysters. It was smaller than Pease-halm, yet cut, it lasted
two very great Fires of Sea-coal, burning bright in the midst of the Fire;
and by a stroak of the Tongues, it fell into the Hearth, jingling like
Mettal.
* * * * *
_A Relation of an uncommon Accident in two Aged Persons._
This was imparted by the above-mentioned Mr. _Colepresse_, who assures in
his Letter, containing this Account, That the matter of fact was thorowly
examined by himself, and that he was fully, and in all respects, satisfied
of the truth thereof.
_The Relation of the one, is in these words._
_Joseh Shute_ Clerk, Parson of _Mary_ (nigh _Plymouth_) in the County of
_Devon_, aged 81 years, being a temperate man, and of an healthy
constitution, having the in-most Grinder loose, and so remaining,
perceived, that his mouth, about three Moneths since, was somewhat
streightned; and upon inquiry into the cause of it, found, That he had a
new Tooth (the third Grinder) being the innermost of the upper Jaw in the
Right Cheek, which still remains firm.
_The Account of the other follows thus._
_Maria Stert_ of _Benecliffe_, in _Plympton St. Mary_ (near _Plymouth_) in
_Devon_, aged about 75 years, an healthy person, having had nine children,
about the fortieth year of her age lost three of her {381} upper
_Incisores_ or _Cutters_, the other drawn out, and so remained Toothless,
as to them, for about 25 years, when she perceived, that a new Tooth came
forth (without any pain) next the _Canini_ of the left Cheek: And about two
years after, another Tooth grew out likewise without pain, close by the
former. The first whereof, never came to above half the length of her
former _Cutters_, the latter scarce breaking the skin: Both which yet
proved serviceable, till about six weeks since, when she eating (no hard,
crusty, or solid) Meat, that Tooth which came out first, fell down into her
Mouth, without any loosness before hand perceived, or any pain; which had
not a phang like other _Cutters_, but much less, and shorter. The other
abides firm, and serviceable.
To the truth of these Relations, not onely the said _Joseph Shute_ and
_Maria Stert_, have put the one his name, the other her Mark, the third and
seventh of _January_, 1666. but also Sir _William Strode_, and Mr.
_Colepresse_ have subscribed the same, as believing the Relation to be
true.
* * * * *
_An Account of two Books._
__I. ISMAELIS BULLIALDI_ ad Astronomos Monita duo: Primum, De Stella Nova,
quae in Collo Ceti ante annos aliquot visa est. Alterum, De Nebulosa in
Andromeda Cinguli parte Borea, ante biennium iterum orta._
The chief end of the _Author_ in publishing this Tract, seems to be, To
excite Astronomers to a diligent observation, both of that _New Star_ in
the _Neck_ of the _Whale_, to be seen in _February_ and _March_ next; and
of that other, in the Northern part of _Andromeda's Girdle_, to be seen at
this very present.
As to the _former_ of these Stars, _he affirms_, that, as it hath appeared
for many years in the said place, so it will in the beginning of _March_
next appear equal to the Stars of the _third Magnitude_, or perhaps bigger;
and that about the end of the same Month, if the Crepuscle do not hinder,
the greatest _Phasis_ of it will appear, if so be, that it keep the same
Analogy of Motions and Periods, which it observed from _An._ 1638. to _An._
1664. Where he takes notice of the Causes, why its two greatest Appearances
could not be seen, _An._ 1664, 1665, 1666; and how he {382} comes to know,
that in the beginning of _March_ next, It will equal, or even exceed the
Stars of the _Third Magnitude_; noting, that from the Observations hitherto
made of this Star, it is manifest, that the _greatest Phases_ thereof do
every year anticipate by 32. or 33. dayes; forasmuch as _An._ 1660. its
_greatest Appearance_ was about the end of _October_ and the beginning of
_November_; _An._ 1661. about the end of _September_, or the beginning of
_October_; _An._ 1662. about the end of _August_, &c. so that this year it
must be in _March_, if the former Analogy do hold.
He collects also from the Observations, That one _Period_ from the
_greatest Phasis_ to the next, consists of about 333. dayes: but that the
interval of the time betwixt the times of its beginning to appear equal to
the Stars of the _Sixt Magnitude_, and of its ending to do so, consists of
about 120. dayes: And that its _greatest Appearance_ lasts about 15. dayes:
All which yet he would have understood with some latitude.
This done, he proceeds to the investigation of the Causes of the
Vicissitudes in the Emersion and Dis-appearance of this Star, and having
discoursed, That the apparent Increase and Decrement of every Lucid Body
proceeds _either_ from its changed distance from the Eye of the Observer;
_or_ from its various site and position in respect of him, whereby the
angle of Vision is changed; or from the increase or diminution of the bulk
of the lucid body it self: and having also demonstrated it impossible, that
this Star should move in a _Circle_, or in an _Ellipsis_; and proved it
improbable that it should move in a _Strait Line_, he concludes, that there
can be no other genuin, or at least, no other more probable cause of its
Emersion and Occultation, than this, That the bigger part of that round
Body is obscure and inconspicuous to us, and its lesser part lucid, the
whole Body turning about its own Center, and one Axe; whereby for one
determinate space of time it exhibits its lucid part to the Earth, for
another, subducts it: it not being likely, that fires should be kindled in
the Body of that Star, and that the matter thereof should at certain times
take fire and shine, at other times be extinguisht upon the consumption of
that matter.
_So far of that Star._ As to the other in the _Girdle_ of _Andromeda_, seen
about the beginning of _An._ 1665; he relates, that, when in the end of
1664. the World beheld the then appearing _Comet_, {383} Astronomers
observed also this new _Phaenomenon_, which was called by them _Nebulosa in
Cingulo Andromedae_. Concerning which, he notes, that the same had been
already seen many years before by _Simon Narius_, vid. _An._ 1612. when
with a _Telescope_ he search'd for the _Satellits_ of _Jupiter_, and
observed their motions; alledging for proof hereof, the said _Authors_ own
words, out of his own Book, _De Mundo Joviali_, publisht _An._ 1614. And
farther shews, that it hath formerly appear'd (about 150. years ago) and
been taken notice off by an expert, though Anonymous, Astronomer; whose
words he cites out of a _Manuscript_, brought out of _Holland_ by the
Excellent _Jacobus Augustus Thuanus_, returning from his Embassy to
_Paris_; wherein also was marked the _Figure_ of that _Phaenomenon_;
represented in print by our Author: who from all this collects, that,
whereas this Star hath been seen formerly, and that 150. years since, but
yet neither observed by _Hipparchus_, nor any other of the Antients, that
we can find; nor also in the former Age by _Tycho Brahe_, nor in our Age,
by _Bayerus_; and appear'd also in the Month of _November_ last (wherein he
wrote this _Tract_) much lessened and obscure, after it had, two years ago,
shone very bright; that therefore it must needs appear and dis-appear by
turns, like those in the _Necks_ of the _Whale_ and _Swan_.
__II._ ENTRIENS sur les Vies et sur les Ouvrages_ Des plus excellens
Peintres, Anciens et Modernes, par Monsieur_ FELIBIEN._
This Author, having first discoursed of that Royal Pallace the _Louvre_,
and the Designs of finishing it; passes on to the Art of _Picturing_, and
treats of the three principal things, wherein a good Master of the Art must
excel, _vid._ the Composition, Designing, and Laying on of Colours, which
done, he ravels into the Origine, and deduces the Progress of Painting, and
relates what is most remarkable in the Lives of the Antient Painters: And
among many particulars, he observes in the Life of _Andreas de Sarte_, how
difficult it is, to judge well of a Picture; relating, that a Duke of
_Mantua_, having obtained of _Clement_ VII. a Pourtrait of _Leo_ X. which
had been done by _Raphael Urbin_, and was at _Florence_, those of that Town
being unwilling to lose so excellent a {384} piece, caused a Copy thereof
to be made by the said _Andreas de Sarte_, which they sent instead of the
Original. This _Copy_ was so perfect, that _Julio Romano_, who had been
bred and taught by _Raphael_, and was one of the best Painters of _Italy_,
took it for an _Original_; and would never have been undeceived, if one
_Vasari_ had not assured him, that it was but a Copy, which himself had
seen made, and had not shew'd him certain marks, that were there put to
discriminate it from the Original.
In the _Second_ Part, the Author has set down all that is requisite to
judge and discourse well of Painting. But, to add Examples to Precepts, he
discourses of the _Modern_ Painters, and making a Description of their best
Works, he takes occasion to observe, what is there found most excellent,
and to shew, how they have put in practice the Rules of Art. He treats also
of the declining of Painting, and affirms, that nothing considerable hath
been done in it from the time of _Constantine_, till _An._ 1240. when one,
_Cimabue_, began to raise this Art again. After this, he give a List of the
Painters, that since have been famous for their Works, preferring before
all others, _Raphael Urbin_. The last of all is the above-mention'd _Andre
de Sartes_, who died, _An._ 1530. and whom the liberality of _Francis_ I.
had drawn into _France_.
* * * * *
The Printing of these Tracts is now return'd to the first Printer thereof,
as being somewhat re-setled after the late sad Fire of _London_.
_FINIS._
* * * * *
In the _SAVOY_, Printed by _T. N._ for _John Martyn_, Printer to the _Royal
Society_, and are to be sold at his Shop a little without Temple-Bar, 1667.
{385}
* * * * *
_Numb._ 22.
PHILOSOPHICAL
_TRANSACTIONS._
* * * * *
_Monday_, _February_ 11. 1666.
* * * * *
The Contents.
_Trials proposed to be made for the Improvement of the Experiment of
_Transfusing Blood out of one live Animal into another_. A Method for
_Observing the Eclipses of the Moon_, free from the Common
Inconveniences. An Account of some Celestial Observations lately made
at _Madrid_. Extract of a Letter, lately written to the Publisher,
containing some observations about _Insects_ and their Inoxiousness,
&c. An Account of some Books, _vid._ _I. TOME TROISIEME DES LETTRES DE
M. DESCARTES. II. ASTRONOMIA REFORMATA P. RICCIOLI. III. ANATOME
MEDULLAE SPINALIS ET NERVORUM_, inde provenientium, _GERARDI BLASII_,
M.D. An Advertisement about the re-printing of M. _Evelyns_ Sylva and
Pomona. A _Table_ of the _Transactions_, printed these two years._
* * * * *
_Tryals proposed by Mr. _Boyle_ to Dr. _Lower_, to be made by him, for the
Improvement of Tranfusing blood out of one live Animal into another;
promised _Numb. 20. p. 357_._
The following _Queries_ and _Tryals_ were written long since, and read
about a Moneth ago in the _R Society_, and do now come forth against the
Authors intention, at the earnest desire of some Learned Persons, and
particualrly of the worthy _Doctor_, to whom they were addressed; who
thinks, they may excite and assist others in a matter, which, to be well
prosecuted, will require many hands. At the reading of them, the _Author_
declared, that of divers of them he thought he could fore-see the Events,
but {386} yet judged it fit, not to omit them, because the Importance of
the _Theories_, they may give light to, may make the Tryals recompence the
pains, whether the success favour the _Affirmative_ or the _Negative_ of
the Question, by enabling us to determine the one or the other upon surer
grounds, than we could otherwise do. And this Advertisement he desires may
be applied to those other Papers of his, that consist of _Quaeries_ or
proposed _Tryals_.
_The _Quaeries_ themselves follow._
1. Whether by this way of Transfusing Blood; the disposition of Individual
Animals of the same kind, may not be much altered? (As whether a _fierce_
Dog, by being often quite new stocked with the blood of a _cowardly_ Dog,
may not become more tame; _& vice versa, &c_?)
2. Whether immediately upon the unbinding of a Dog, replenisht with
adventitious blood, he will know and fawn upon his Master; and do the like
customary things as before? And whether he will do such things better or
worse at some time after the Operation?
3. Whether those Dogs, that have _Peculiarities_, will have them either
abolisht, or at least much impaired by transfusion of blood? (As whether
the blood of a _Mastiff_, being frequently transfused into a _Blood-hound_,
or a _Spaniel_, will not prejudice them in point of scent?)
4. Whether acquired Habits will be destroy'd or impair'd by this
Experiment? (As whether a Dog, taught to fetch and carry, or to dive after
Ducks, or to sett, will after frequent and full recruits of the blood of
Dogs unfit for those Exercises, be as good at them, as before?)
5. Whether any considerable change is to be observ'd in the Pulse, Urin,
and other Excrements of the _Recipient_ Animal, by this Operation, or the
quantity of his insensible Transpiration?
6. Whether the _Emittent_ Dog, being full fed at such a distance of time
before the Operation, that the mass of blood may be suppos'd to abound with
_Chyle_, the _Recipient_ Dog, being before hungry, will lose his appetite,
more than if the _Emittent_ Dogs blood had not been so chylous? And how
long, upon a {387} Vein opened of a Dog, the admitted blood will be found
to retain _Chyle_?
7. Whether a Dog may be kept alive without eating by the frequent Injection
of the Chyle of another, taken freshly from the Receptacle, into the Veins
of the _Recipient_ Dog?
8. Whether a Dog, that is _sick_ of some disease chiefly imputable to the
mass of blood, may be cured by exchanging it for that of a _sound_ Dog? And
whether a _sound_ Dog may receive such diseases from the blood of a _sick_
one, as are not otherwise of an infectious nature?
9. What will be the Operation of frequently stocking (which is feasible
enough) an _old_ and feeble Dog with the blood of _young_ ones, as to
liveliness, dulness, drowsiness, squeamishness, &c., _et vice versa_?
10. Whether a _small_ young Dog, by being often fresh stockt with the blood
of a young Dog of a _larger_ kind, will grow bigger, than the ordinary size
of his own kind?
11. Whether any Medicated Liquors may be injected together with the blood
into the _Recipient_ Dog? And in case they may, whether there will be any
considerable difference found between the separations made on this
occasion, and those, which would be made, in case such Medicated Liquors
had been injected with some other Vehicle, or alone, or taken in at the
mouth?
12. Whether a Purging Medicine, being given to the _Emittent_ Dog a while
before the Operation, the _Recipient_ Dog will be thereby purged, and how?
(which Experiment may be hugely varied.)
13. Whether the Operation may be successfully practis'd, in case the
injected blood be that of an Animal of another _Species_, as of a _Calf_
into a _Dog_, &c. and of a _Cold_ Animal, as of a _Fish_, or _Frog_, or
_Tortoise_, into the Vessels of a _Hot_ Animal, and _vice versa_?
14. Whether the _Colour_ of the Hair or Feathers of the _Recipient_ Animal,
by the frequent repeating of this Operation, will be changed into that of
the _Emittent_?
15. Whether by frequently transfusing into the same Dog, the blood of some
Animal of another _Species_, something further, and more tending to some
degrees of a change of _Species_, may {388} be effected, at least in
Animals near of Kin; (As Spaniels and Setting Dogs, Irish Grey-hounds and
ordinary Grey-hounds, &c?)
16. Whether the Transfusion may be practic'd upon pregnant Bitches, at
least at certain times of their gravidation? And what effect it will have
upon the Whelps?
_There_ were some other _Quaeries_ proposed by the same _Author_; as, the
weighing of the _Emittent_ Animal before the Operation, that (making an
abatement for the Effluviums, and for the Excrements, if it voids any) it
may appear, how much blood it really loses. To which were annext divers
others not so fit to be perused but by _Physitians_, and therefore here
omitted.
* * * * *
_A Method for Observing the _Eclipses of the Moon_, free from the Common
Inconveniencies, as it was left by the Learned Mr. _Rook_, late
_Gresham_-Professor of Geometry._
Eclipses of the Moon are observed for two principal ends; One
_Astronomical_, that by comparing Observations with Calculations, the
_Theory_ of the _Moons Motion_ may be perfected, and the _Tables_ thereof
reformed: the other, _Geographical_, that by comparing among themselves the
Observations of the same _Ecliptick Phases_, made in _divers_ places, the
_Difference_ of _Meridians_ or _Longitudes_ of those places may be
discerned.
The Knowledge of the Eclipse's Quantity and Duration, the Shadows, Curvity,
and Inclination, &c. conduce only to the former of these ends. The exact
time of the Beginning, Middle, and End of Eclipses, as also in _Total_
ones, the Beginning and End of _Total_ darkness, is useful for both of
them.
But because in Observations made by the _bare_ Eye, these times
considerably differ from those with a _Telescope_; and, because the
_Beginning_ of Eclipses, and the _End_ of _Total_ darkness, are scarce to
be observed exactly, even with Glasses (none being able clearly to
distinguish between the _True_ Shadow and _Penumbra_, unless he hath seen,
for some time before, the Line, separating them, pass along upon the
Surface of the Moon;) and lastly, because in small {389} _Partial_
Eclipses, the Beginning and End, and in _Total_ ones of short continuance
in the Shadow, the Beginning and End of _Total_ darkness, are unfit for
nice Observations, by reason of the slow change of _Apparences_, which the
_Oblique_ Motion of the Shadow then causeth. For these reasons I shall
propound a _Method_ peculiarly design'd for the Accomplishment of the
_Geographical_ end in Observing Lunar Eclipses, free (as far as is
possible) from all the mentioned Inconveniences.
For, _First_, It shall not be practicable without a Telescope. _Secondly_,
The Observer shall alwayes have opportunity before his principal
Observation, to note the Distinction between the _True Shadow_ and the
_Penumbra_. And, _Thirdly_, It shall be applicable to those Seasons of the
Eclipse, when there is the suddenest Alteration in the _Apparences_.
To satisfie all which intents,
Let there be of the Eminentest _Spots_, dispersed over all Quarters of the
Moons Surface, a select number generally agreed on, to be constantly made
use of, to this purpose, in all parts of the World. As, for Example, those,
which _M. Hevelius_ calleth,
{ Sinai.
{
{ AEthna. { Besbicus. { Maeotis.
Mons { Insula. { Palus {
{ Porphyrites. { Creta. { Maraeotis.
{ Lacus Niger Major.
{ Serorum.
Let in each _Eclipse_, not all, but (for instance) three of these _Spots_,
which then lie nearest to the _Ecliptick_, be exactly observed, when they
are first touch'd by the _True_ Shadow, and again, when they are just
compleatly entred into it, and (if you please) also in the _Decrease_ of
the Eclipse, when they are first fully clear from the _True_ Shadow: For
the accurate determinations of which moments of time (that being in this
business of main importance) let there be taken _Altitudes_ of remarkable
_Fixed Stars_ on this {390} side of the _Line_, of such, as lie between the
_AEquator_ and _Tropick_ of _Cancer_; but _beyond_ the _Line_, of such, as
are situate towards the other _Tropick_; and in all places, of such, as at
the time of Observation, are about 4. hours distant from the _Meridian_.
* * * * *
_An Account of some Observations, lately made in _Spain_, by His Excellency
the _Earl of Sandwich_._
The Right Honourable the _Earl of Sandwich_, as he appears eminent in
discharging the Trust, his Majesty hath reposed in him, of Ambassador
Extraordinary to the King of _Spain_; so he forgets not in the midst of
that Employment, that he is a Member of the _Royal Society_; but does from
time to time, when his weighty State-Negotiations do permit, imploy himself
in making considerable Observations of divers kinds, both _Astronomical_
and _Physiological_; and communicateth the same to the said _Society_; as
for instance, lately, what he has observ'd concerning the _Solar Eclipse_
in _June_ last, the Suns height in the Solstice, and also the Latitude of
_Madrid_, esteeming by the Suns Altitude in the _Solstice_, and by other
Meridian Altitudes, the _Latitude_ of _Madrid_ to be 40 deg. 10 min; which
differs considerably from that assigned by others; the General Chart of
_Europe_ giving to it 41 deg. 30 min. the General Map of _Spain_, 40 deg.
27 min. A large Provincial Map of _Castile_, 40 deg. 38 min.
To these particulars, and others formerly imparted, his Excellency is
making more of the same nature; and particularly those of the Immersion of
the _Satellites_ of _Jupiter_.
We must not omit mentioning here, what he hath observed of _Halo_'s about
the _Moon_; which he relates in these words;
_Decemb._ 25. _Old Style_, 1666. In the Evening, here (vid. at _Madrid_)
was a great _Halo_ about the Moon, the _Semidiameter_ whereof was about 23
deg. 30 min. _Aldebaran_ was just in the _North-east_ part of the _Circle_,
and the two Horns of _Aries_ just enclosed by the _South-west_ of the
_Circle_, the Moon being in the _Center_. I note this the rather (_saith
he_) because five or six years ago, vid. _Novemb._ 21. _Old Style_, 1661.
an hour after Sun-set, I saw a great _Halo_ about the Moon of the same
_Semidiameter_, {391} at _Tangier_, the Moon being very near the same
place, where she was now.
* * * * *
_Extract of a Letter, lately written by Mr. _Nathaniel Fairfax_ to the
_Publisher_, containing Observations about some _Insects_, and their
Inoxiousness, &c._
The Ingenious Author of this Letter, as he expresses an extraordinary
desire to see the _Store-house_ of _Natural Philosophy_, more richly
fraughted (a Work begun by the single care and conduct of the Excellent
Lord _Verulam_, and prosecuted by the Joynt-undertakings of the _R.
Society_) so he very frankly offers his Service in contributing some of his
Observations, and begins in this very Letter to perform his Offer. For,
Having taken notice of what was publisht in _Numb. 9. p. 161_. out of the
_Italian_ Philosopher _Redi_, vid. That Creatures, reputed Venomous, are
indeed no Poysons, when swallow'd, though they may prove so, when put into
Wounds: He, for confirmation thereof, alledges Examples of several Persons
well known to him (himself also having been an Eye-witness to some such
Experiments) who have frequently swallow'd _Spiders_, even of the rankest
kind, without any more harm than happens to Hens, Robin-red-breasts, and
other Birds, who make Spiders their daily Commons. And having made mention
of some men, that eat even _Toads_, he adds, that though a Toad be not a
Poyson to us in the whole; yet it may invenome outwardly, according to some
parts so and so stirr'd; an instance whereof he alledges in a Boy, who
stumbling on a Toad, and hurling stones at it, some Juyce from the bruised
Toad chanced to light upon his Lips, whereupon they swell'd, each to the
thickness of about two Thumbs: And he neglecting to use, what might be
proper to restore them, they have continued in that mishapen size ever
since; the ugliness whereof, when the Relator saw, gave him occasion to
inquire after the cause of it, which thereupon he understood to be, as has
been recited.
On this occasion, the same Gentleman relates, that once seeing a Spider
bruised into a small Glass of Water, and that it tinged {392} it somewhat
of a Sky-colour, he was, upon owning his surprise thereat, informed, that a
dozen of them being put in, they would dye it to almost a full _Azure_.
Which is touch't here, that, the Experiment being so easie to make, it may
be tried, when the season furnishes those Insects; meantime, it seems not
more incredible, that this Creature should yield a Sky-colour, when put in
water, than that _Cochineel_, which also is but an Insect, should afford a
fine _red_, when steep'd in the same Liquor.
* * * * *
_An Account Of Some Books._
_I._ Le Tome troisieme et dernier des Lettres de _M. DES-CARTES_.
As the two first _Tomes_ of M. _Des-Cartes_ his Letters, contain Questions,
for the most part of a _Moral_ and _Physiological_ Nature, proposed to, and
answer'd by him; so _this_ consists of the Contests, he had upon several
Subjects with divers Men eminent in his time.
To pass by that sharp Contest, he was engaged in by some Professors of
Divinity at _Utrecht_, who endeavoured to discredit his Philosophy, as
leading to Libertinisme and Atheisme, notwithstanding he made it so much
his business, as to assert the Existence of a Deity, and the Immortality of
a Soul: We shall take notice of what is more to our purpose, _vid._ the
Differences, he had touching his _Dioptricks_ and _Geometry_.
As for his _Dioptricks_, though a great part of the Learned World have much
esteem'd that Treatise, as leaving little to be said after him upon that
Subject; yet there have not been wanting Mathematicians, who have declared
their disagreement from his Principles in that Doctrine. The first of them
was the Jesuit _Bourdin_, Mathematick Professor in the Colledg of
_Clermont_ at _Paris_; but this difference was soon at an end. A second was
Mr. _Hobbs_, upon whose account he wrote several Letters to _Mersennus_,
containing many remarks conducing to the Knowledge of the Nature of
_Reflection_ and _Refraction_. But the Person, that did most learnedly and
resolutely attack the said _Dioptricks_, was Monsieur _Fermat_, {393}
writing first about it to _Mersennus_, who soon communicated his Objections
to M. _Des-Cartes_, who failed not to return his Answer to them. But
_Fermat_ replied, and _Des-Cartes_ likewise; and after many reciprocations,
in which each party pretended to have the advantage, the matter rested;
until M. _Fermat_ taking occasion to write afresh of it to M. _De la
Chambre_, several years after _Des-Cartes_'s death, upon occasion of a
Book, written M. _De la Chambre_, _Of Light_; discoursed with this new
_Author_ after the same rate, as he had done before with _Des-Cartes_
himself, and seemed to invite some-body of his friends, to re-assume the
former contest. Whereupon M. _Clerselier_ and M. _Rohault_ took up the
Gantlet, to assert the Doctrine of the deceased Philosopher, exchanging
several Letters with M. _Fermat_, all inserted in this _Tome_, and serving
fully to instruct the Reader of this Difference, and withal to elucidate
many difficult points of the Subject of _Refractions_; especially of this
particular, _Whether the Motion of Light is more easily, and with more
expedition, perform'd through _dense_ Mediums, than _rare_._
Besides this, though one would think, Disputes had no place in _Geometry_,
since all proofs there, are as many Demonstrations; yet M. _Des-Cartes_
hath had several scufles touching that Science. As M. _Fermat_ had
assaulted his _Dioptricks_, so He reciprocally examined his Treatise _De
Maximis & Minimis_, pretending to have met with _Paralogismes_ in it. But
the Cause of M. _Fermat_ was learnedly pleaded for, by some of his Friends,
who took their turn to examine the Treatise of _Des-Carte_'s Geometry;
whereupon many _Letters_ were exchanged, to be found this Book, and
deserving to be considered; which doubtless the Curious would easily be
induced to do, if Copies of this Book were to be obtain'd here in
_England_, besides that one, which the _Publisher_ received from his
_Parisian_ Correspondent, and which affords him the opportunity of giving
this, though but Cursory, Account of it.
As to _Physicks_, there occur chiefly two Questions, learnedly treated of
in this _Volume_, though not without some heat between M. _Des-Cartes_ and
M. _Roberval_. The _one_ is, touching the Vibrations of Bodies suspended in
the Air, and their Center of Agitation: about which, there is also a Letter
inserted of {394} M. _Des-Cartes_ to that late Noble and Learned English
Knight, Sir _Charles Cavendish_. The _other_ is, whether Motion can be made
without supposing a _Vacuum_: where 'tis represented, That, if one
comprehend well the Nature, ascribed to the _Materia subtilis_, and how
Motions, called _Circular_, are made, which need not be just _Ovals_ or
_true_ Circles, but are only called Circular, in regard that their Motion
ends, where it had begun, whatever irregularity there be in the Middle; and
also, that all the Inequalities, that may be in the Magnitude or Figure of
the parts, may be compensated by other inequalities, met with in their
Swiftness, and by the facility, with which the parts of the _Subtle
Matter_, or of the first _Cartesian_ Element, which are found every where,
happen to be divided, or to accommodate their Figure to the Space, they are
to fill up: If these things be well understood and considered, that then no
difficulty can remain touching the Motion of the parts of Matter _in
pleno_.
Besides all these particulars, treated of in this _Tome_, there occur many
pretty Questions concerning _Numbers_, the _Cycloid_, the manner of
_Working Glasses for Telescopes_, the way of _Weighing Air_, and many other
Curiosities, Mathematical and Physical.
_II. _ASTRONOMIA REFORMATA_, Auctore _JOHANNE BAPT. RICCIOLI_, Soc. Jesu._
For the Notice of this Book, and the Account of the Chief Heads contained
therein, we are obliged to the _Journal des Scavans_; which informs us,
_First_, That the Design of this Work is, that, because several
_Astronomers_, having had their several _Hypotheses_, there is found so
great a diversity of opinions, that it is difficult thence to conclude any
thing certain; this Author judged it also necessary, to compare together
all the best Observations, and upon examination of what they have most
certain in them, to reform upon that measure the Principles of Astronomy.
_Secondly_, That this _Volume_ is divided into two Parts, whereof the
_First_ is composed of _Ten_ Books; in which the Author {395} considers the
principal Observations, hitherto made of the Motion of the Planets and the
Fixed Stars, of their Magnitude, Figure, and other Accidents; drawing
thence several Conclusions, in which he establishes his _Hypothesis_. The
_second_ contains his _Astronomical Tables_, made according to the
_Hypotheses_ of the First Part, together with Instructions teaching the
manner of using them.
_Thirdly_, That Astronomers will find in this Book many very remarkable
things, concerning the _Apparent Diameter of the Sun_ and the other Stars,
the Motion of the _Libration of the Moon_, the _Eclipses_, _Parallaxes_,
and _Refractions_: And that this Author shews, that there is a great
difference between _Optical_ and _Astronomical_ Refraction, which _Tycho_
and many others have confounded; undertaking to prove, that, whereas these
_Astronomers_ have believed, that the remoter any Star is, the less is its
Refraction, on the contrary the Refraction is the greater, the more a Star
is distant. And among many other things, he ingeniously explicates the two
contrary Motions of the Sun, from East to West, and _vice versa_, by one
onely Motion upon a _Spiral_, turning about a _Cone_.
_Fourthly_, That he represents, How uneasie it is to establish sure
Principles of this Science, by reason of the difficulties of making exact
Observations. So, for example, in the Observation of the _Equinox_, every
one is mistaken by so many _Hours_, as he is of _Minutes_, in the Elevation
of the _Pole_, or the Diameter of the Sun, or the Refraction, or in any
other circumstance. In the Observation of the _Solstice_, the error of one
only _Second_ causeth a mistake of an _Hour_ and an _half_: mean time 'tis
almost impossible to avoid the error of a _Second_; and even the sharpest
sight will not be able to perceive it, except it be assisted with an
Instrument of a prodigious bigness. For to mark _Seconds_, though Lines
were drawn as subtil as the single threds of a Silk-worms Clew, (which are
the smallest spaces to be discerned by the sharpest Eye) by the Calculation
made by this Author there would need an Instrument of 48. feet _Radius_,
since Experience shews, that there needs no more at most, than 3600. threds
of Silk to cover the space of an _inch_. But, suppose one could have a
_Quadrant_ of this bigness, who can assure himself, that dividing it into
{396} 324000. parts (for so many _Seconds_ there are in 90. _Degrees_)
either in placing it, or in observing, he shall not mistake the thickness
of a single thred of Silk? He adds, that Great Instruments have their
defects, as the small ones: For in those, that are _Movable_, if the thred,
on which the Lead hangs, is any thing big, it cannot exactly mark
_Seconds_; if it be very fine, it breaks, because of its great length, and
the weight of the Lead: And in the _Fixed_ ones, the greater the _Diameter_
is, the less the Shadow or the Light is terminated; so that it is painful
enough, exactly to discern the extremities thereof. Yet 'tis certain, that
the greater the Instruments are, the surer _Astronomers_ may be: Whence it
is, the some _Astronomers_ have made use of _Obelisks_ of a vast bigness,
to take the _Altitudes_; and Signior _Cassini_, after the example of
_Egnatio Dante_, caused a hole to be made on the highest part of a Wall of
95. feet in a Church at _Bononia_, through which the beams of the Sun
falling on the Floor, mark as exactly as is possible, the height of that
Luminary.
_Fifthly_, That the Author reasons for the _Immobility of the Earth_ after
this manner. He supposes for certain, that the swiftness of the Motion of
heavy bodies doth still _increase_ in their descent; to confirm which
principle, he affirms to have experimented, That, if you let fall a Ball
into one of the Scales of a Ballance, according to the proportion of the
height, it falls from, it raiseth different weights in the other Scale. For
example, A Wooden Ball, of 11/2 ounce, falling from a height of 35 inches,
raiseth a weight of 5. ounces; from the height of 140 inches, a weight of
20 ounces; from that of 315 inches, one of 45 ounces; and from another of
560 inches, one of 80 ounces, &c. From this principle he concludes the
Earth to be at Rest; for _saith he_, if it should have a Diurnal Motion
upon its Center, Heavy Bodies being carried along with it by its motion,
would in descending describe a _Curve Line_, and, as he shews by a
_Calculus_, made by him, run equal spaces in equal times; whence it
follows, that the Celerity of their Motion would not increase in
descending, and that consequently their stroke would not be stronger, after
they had fallen thorow a longer space. {397}
_III. _ANATOME MEDULLAE SPINALIS, ET NERVORUM_ inde provenientium, _GERARDI
BLASII_, M. D._
The Author shews in this little _Tract_ a way of taking the entire _Medulla
Spinalis_, or Marrow of the Back, out of its _Theca_ or Bony Receptacle
_without Laceration_; which else happens frequently, both of the Nerves
proceeding from it, and of the Coats investing it; not to name other parts
of the same. This he affirms to have been put into practice by himself, by
a fine Saw and Wedge; which are to be dexterously used: and he produceth
accordingly in excellent Cuts, the Representations of the Structure of the
said _Medulla_ thus taken out, and the _Nerves_, thence proceeding; and
that of several Animals, Dogs, Swine, Sheep.
He intermixes several Observations, touching the _Singleness_ of this
_Medulla_, against _Lindanus_ and others; its _Original_; vid. Whether it
be the Root of the Brain, or the Brain the Root of it: its difference of
_Softness_ and _Hardness_ in several Animals; where he notes, that in
_Swine_ it is much softer than in Dogs, &c.
He exhibits also the Arteries, Nerves, and Veins, dispersed through this
_Medulla_, and inquires, Whether the _Nerves_ proceed from the _Medulla_ it
self, or its _Meninx_; and discourses also of the _Principle_ and
_Distribution_ of the Nerves; referring for ampler information in this and
the other particulars, to that Excellent Book of the Learned Dr. _Willis_,
_De Anatome Cerebri_. {398}
* * * * *
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