Observat. 1. Of the point of a Needle.
_A Description of it: what other Bodies have the sharpest points: of the
ruggedness of polisht Metal. A description of a printed point. Of very
small writing, and the use of it for secret intelligence: the cause of the
coursness of printed lines and points._
Observ. 2. Of the Edge of a Razor.
_A description of it: the causes of its roughness: of the roughness of very
well polisht Optick Glasses._.
Obser. 3. Of fine Lawn.
_A description of it: A silken Flax mention’d, an attempt to explicate the
_Phænomena_ of it, with a conjecture at the cause of the gloss of Silk._
Observ. 4. Of Tabby.
_A short description of it. A conjecture about the reason why Silk is so
susceptible of vivid colours: and why Flax and Hair is not. A conjecture,
that it may perhaps be possible to spin a kind of artificial Silk, out of
some glutinous substance that may equalize natural Silk._
Observ. 5. Of water’d Silks.
_The great unaccurateness of artificial works. A description of a piece of
water’d Silk; an Explication of the cause of the _Phænomena_: the way by
which that operation is perform’d: some other _Phænomena_ mention’d
depending on the same cause._
Observ. 6. Of Glass Canes.
_The exceeding smallness of some of these Bodies. By what means the
hollowness of these small pipes was discover’d: several _Phænomena_ of it
mention’d. An attempt to explicate them from the congruity and incongruity
of Bodies: what those proprieties are. A hypothetical explication of
fluidity: of the fluidity of the air, and several other _Phænomena_ of it:
of congruity & incongruity; illustrated with several Experiments: what
effects may be ascrib’d to these properties: an explication of the
roundness of the surface of fluid Bodies: how the ingress of fluid bodies
into a small hole of an heterogeneous body is hindred by incongruity; a
multitude of _Phænomena_ explicable hereby. Several Quæries propounded; 1.
Concerning the propagation of light through differing mediums. 2.
Concerning Gravity. 3. Concerning the roundness of the Sun, Moon, and
Planets. 4. Concerning the roundness of Fruits, Stones, and divers
artificial Bodies. His Highness Prince _Rupert’s_ way of making Shot. Of
the roundness of Hail. Of the grain of _Kettering_ Stone, and of the Sparks
of fire. 5. Concerning springiness and tenacity. 6. Concerning the original
of Fountains; several Histories and Experiments relating thereto. 7.
Concerning the dissolution of Bodies in Liquors. 8. Concerning the
universality of this Principle: what method was taken in making and
applying experiments. The explication of filtration, and several other
_Phænomena_; such as the motion of Bodies on the surface of Liquors;
several Experiments mention’d to this purpose. Of the height to which the
water may rise in these Pipes; and a conjecture about the juices of
Vegetables, & the use of their pores. A further explication of Congruity:
And an attempt of solving the _Phænomena_ of the strange Experiment of the
suspension of the _Mercury_ at a much greater height then thirty inches.
The efficacy of immediate contact, and the reason of it._
Observ. 7. Of Glass drops.
_Several Experiments made with these small Bodies. The manner of the
breaking and flawing of them, explicated by Figures. What other bodies will
be flawed much in the same manner: some other tryals, and a description of
the Drops themselves: some conjectures at the cause of the _Phænomena_,
indeavoured to be made probable by several Arguments and Experiments. An
Experiment of the expansion of Water by heat, and shrinking by cold: the
like Proprieties suppos’d in Glass drops, and what effects proceed from
them: the seven Propositions on which the conjectures are grounded.
Experiments to shew, that bodies expand by heat. The manner of making
_Thermometers_, and the Instrument for _graduating_ them. The manner of
_graduating_ them, and their use: Other Experiments to prove the expansion
of bodies by heat. Four experimental Arguments to prove the expansion of
Glass by heat: further prov’d by the Experiment of boyling Alabaster; which
is explicated. An explication of the contracting of heated Glass upon
cooling. An explication how the parts of the Glass become bent by sudden
cold, and how kept from extricating themselves by the contignation of the
Glass drop; which is further explicated by another Experiment made with a
hollow Glass ball: the reason of the flying asunder of the parts further
explicated: that ’tis probable these bodies may have many flaws, though not
visible, and why: how a gradual heating and cooling does put the parts of
Glass, and other hardned bodies, into a looser texture._
Observ. 8. Of Fiery Sparks.
_The occasion and manner of making this Experiment: divers Observations set
down in order to the finding out the reasons: some conjectures concerning
it, which are endeavoured to be explicated and confirm’d by several
Experiments and Reasons: the _Hypothesis_ a little further explicated. Some
Observations about the Globular Figure: and an Experiment of reducing the
filings of Tin or Lead to exactly round Globules._
Observ. 9. Of Fantastical Colours.
_The texture of _Muscovy_ Glass; its Figures: what other Bodies are like
it: that it exhibits several colours, and how: several Observations and
Experiments about those colours: the reason why on this occasion the nature
of colours is inquir’d into. A conjecture at the reason of these colours
explicated by several Experiments and Reasons: First, by continual cleaving
the Body till it become colour’d. Secondly, by producing all kinds of
colours with two flat Plates of Glass. Thirdly, by blowing Glass so thin in
the Lamp, till it produce the same effect. Fourthly, by doing the same with
Bubbles of divers other transparent Bodies: the reasons of the colours on
nealed Steel, where by the way the causes of the hardning and tempering of
Steel, endeavour’d to be shewn and explicated by several Reasons and
Experiments: the reason of the colours on Lead, Brass, Copper, Silver, &c.
other Instances of such colour’d bodies in animal substances: several other
distinguishing Observations. _Des Cartes Hypothesis_ of Colours examin’d.
An _Hypothesis_ for the explication of light by motion, indeavoured to be
explicated and determined by several Reasons and Experiments: three
distinguishing Properties of the motion of light. The distinguishing
Properties of a trasparent _Medium_ [that there seems to be no Experiment
that proves the Instantaneous motion of light] the manner of the
propagation of light through them. Of the _homogeniety_ and _heterogeniety_
of transparent _Mediums_, and what effects they cause on the Rayes of
light, explicated by a Figure: an Examination of the refraction of the Rays
by a plain Surface, which causes Colours. An Examination of the like
effects produced by a spherical Surface: the use that may be made of these
Experiments, for the examination of several _Hypotheses_ of Colours. _Des
Cartes Hypothesis_ examin’d. Some Difficulties taken notice of in it. What
seems most likely to be the cause of colour: that propriety is indeavoured
to be shewn in a Glass ball: that the reflection is not necessary to
produce Colours nor a double refraction: the _Hypothesis_ further examined,
both in the _pellucid Medium_ and in the Eye. The definitions of Colours;
and a further explication and examination of the Proprieties of _laminated_
Bodies; by what means they conduce to the production of Colours._
Observ. 10. Of Metalline Colours.
_That all Colours seem to be caus’d by refraction. An _Hypothesis_
consonant hereunto, explicated by Figures. How several Experiments, of the
sudden changing of Colours by Chymical Liquors may be hereby explicated:
how many wayes such Chymical Liquors may alter the colours of Bodies.
Objections made against this _Hypothesis_ of two colours only, indeavoured
to be answer’d, by several Reasons and Experiments. The reason why some
Colours are capable of being diluted, others not: what those are: that
probably the particles of most metalline Colours are transparent; for this
several Arguments and Observations are recited: how Colours become
incapable of diluting, explicated by a Similitude. An Instrument, by which
one and the same coloured Liquor at once exhibited all the degrees of
colours between the palest yellow and deepest red: as likewise another that
exhibited all varieties of blues: several Experiments try’d with these
Boxes. An Objection drawn from the nature of Painters colours answered:
that diluting and whitening a colour are different operations; as are
deepening and blackening: why some may be diluted by grinding, and some
other by being tempered with Oyl: several Experiments for the explicating
of some former Assertions: why Painters are forced to make use of many
colours: what those colours are: and how mixt. The conclusion, that most
coloured Bodies seem to consist of transparent particles: that all colours
dissoluble in Liquors are capable of diluting: some of mixing, what a
strange variety may thereby be produc’d._
Observ. 11. Of the Figures of Sand.
_Of the substances and shapes of common and other Sands: a description of a
very small Shell._
Observ. 12. Of Gravel in Urine.
_A description of such Gravel, and some tryals made with it, and
conjectures at its cause._
Obser. 13. Of Diamonds in Flints.
_A description and examination of some of them, explicated further by
Cornish Diamonds: several Observations about reflection and refraction:
and some deductions therefrom; as an explication of whiteness; that the Air
has a stronger reflection then Water. How several Bodies may be made
transparent: an explication of the _Phænomena_ of _Oculus Mundi_. Of the
regular Geometrical Figures of several Bodies: an hypothetical explication
mentioned: the method of prosecuting this inquiry._
Observ. 14. Of frozen Figure.
_The Figures of hoar Frost, and the Vortices on windows: several
Observations on the branched Figures of Urine: the Figures of _Regulus
Martis stellatus_, and of Fern. Of the Figures of Snow. Of frozen water._
Observ. 15. Of Kettering-Stone.
_A description of the Figure of the Particles, and of the Pores, and of the
Contexture. Several Observations and Considerations thereupon: some
Conjectures about the _medium_ and propagation of light, and the
constitution of fluid and transparent Bodies. Several Experiments to prove
the porousness of Marble, and some other Stones. An account of some
Experiments to this purpose made on an _Oculus Mundi_: some other
Considerations and Experiments about the porousness of Bodies: some other
Considerations about the propagation of light and refraction._
Observ. 16. Of Charcoal.
_Of two sort of Pores to be found in all Woods and Vegetables; the shape of
them; the number, thickness, manner and use of these Pores. An explication
of the _Phænomena_ of Coals. The manner of charring Wood, or any other
body. What part of Wood is combustible. An _Hypothesis_ of fire explicated
in twelve particulars, wherein the Action of the Air, as a _Menstruum_ in
the dissolution of all sulphureous bodies, is very particularly explicated,
and some other Considerations about the Air proposed: the examination of a
piece of _Lignum fossile_ sent from _Rome_, and some Conclusions thence
deduc’d._
Observ. 17. Of Wood, and other Bodies, petrified.
_Several Observations of divers kinds of these substances. A more
particular examination and explication of one very notable piece of
petrified Wood; and some Conjectures about the cause of those productions:
several Observations made on other petrified Bodies, as shells, &c. And
some probable Conclusions thence deduc’d, about the original cause of those
Bodies._
Observ. 18. Of the Pores of Cork, and other Bodies.
_Several Observations and Considerations about the nature of Cork: the
number of Pores in a cubical Inch, and several considerations about Pores.
Several Experiments and Observations about the nature of Cork: the Texture
and Pores of the Pith of an Elder, and several other Trees: of the Stalks
of Burdocks, Teasels, Daisies, Carret, Fennel, Ferne, Reeds, &c. of the
frothy texture of the Pith of a Feather: some Conjectures about the
probability of values in these Pores. Argued also from the _Phænomena_ of
sensible and humble Plant: some Observations on which are inserted._
Observ. 19. Of a Vegetable growing on blighted Leaves.
_Several Observations and Examinations made of them: several Considerations
about spontaneous generation arising from the putrefaction of Bodies._
Observ. 20. Of Blew Mould and Mushromes.
_The description of several kinds of Moulds. The method of proceeding in
natural Inquiries. Several Considerations about the nature of Mould and
Mushromes. 1. That they may be produc’d without seed. 2. That they seem to
have none. 3. That Salts, &c. are shap’d into as curious figures without a
seed. 4. Of a kind of Mushrome growing in a Candle: A more particular
explication of this last sort of Mushromes. 5. Of the figure and manner of
the production of petrified Iceicles: several deductions from these
Considerations, about the nature of the vegetation of Mould and Mushromes._
Observ. 21. Of Moss.
_The description of several sorts of Mosses; upon this occasion several
Conjectures, about the manner of the production of these kinds of Bodies,
are hinted, and some of them explicated by a Similitude taken from a piece
of Clock-work, The vast difference of the bigness of vegetable Bodies; and
the probability that the least may comprehend as curious contrivances as
the greatest. Of multitudes of other Moulds, Mosses, and Mushromes, and
other vegetating Principles, in Water, Wood, _&c.
Observ. 22. Of Sponges, and other fibrous Bodies.
_Several Observations and Conjectures about the making of these Bodies, and
several Histories out of Authors. Scarce any other Body hath such a
texture; the fibrous texture of Leather, Spunk, &c. (which are there
describ’d) come nearest to it That upon tryal with a piece of Spunge and
Oyl the necessity of respiration could not be alter’d._
Observ. 23. Of the Form of Sea-weed.
_From the curiously shap’d Surface of this Sea-weed, and some others, is
conjectured the possibility of multitudes of the like._
Observ. 24. Of the Surfaces of some Leaves.
_The description, 1. Of the bald Surfaces of Leaves. 2. Of the downy
Surfaces of several others. 3. Of the gummous exsudation, or small
transparent Pearls, discovered with a _Microscope_ in several others. An
Instance of all which is afforded in a Rosemary Leaf._
Observ. 25. Of the stinging Points of a Nettle.
_A description of the Needles and several other contrivances in the leaf of
a Nettle: how the stinging pain is created: upon this several
considerations about poysoning Darts are set down. An Experiment of killing
Effs, and Fishes with Salt. Some conjectures at the efficacy of Baths; the
use that may be made of injecting into the Veins. A very remarkable History
out of _Bellonius_; and some Considerations about staining and dying of
Bodies._
Observ. 26. Of Cowage.
_The description of it out of _Parkinson_: an Experiment made of it: a
description, and some conjectures at the cause of the _Phænomena_._
Observ. 27. Of the Beard of a wild Oat.
_The description of its shape and properties: the manner of making a
_Hygroscope_ with it; and a Conjecture at the causes of these motions, and
of the motions of the Muscles._
Observ. 28. Of the Seeds of _Venice_ Looking-glass.
_The description of them._
Obser. 29. Of the Seeds of Time.
_A description of them. A digression about Natures method._
Observ. 30. Of Poppy Seeds.
_The description and use of them._
Observ. 31. Of Purslane Seeds.
_A description of these and many other Seeds._
Observ. 32. Of Hair.
_The description of several sorts of Hair; their Figures and Textures: the
reason of their colours, A description of the texture of the skin, and of
Spunk and Sponges: by what passages and pores of the skin transpiration
seems to be made. Experiments to prove the porousness of the skin of
Vegetables._
Observ. 33. Of the Scales of a Soale.
_A description of their beauteous form._
Observ. 34. Of the Sting of a Bee.
_A description of its shape, mechanisme, and use._
Observ. 35. Of Feathers.
_A description of the shape and curious contexture of Feathers: and some
conjectures thereupon._
Obser. 36. Of Peacocks Feathers.
_A description of their curious form and proprieties; with a conjecture at
the cause of their variable colours._
Obser. 37. Of the Feet of Flyes, and other Insects.
_A description of their figure, parts, and use; and some considerations
thereupon._
Obser. 38. Of the Wings of Flyes.
_After what manner and how swiftly the wings of Insects move. A description
of the Pendulums under the wings, and their motion; the shape and structure
of the parts of the wing._
Obser. 39. Of the Head of a Fly.
_1. All the face of a Drone-fly is nothing almost but eyes. 2. Those are of
two magnitudes. 3. They are Hemispheres, and very reflective and smooth. 4.
Some directed towards every quarter. 5. How the fly cleanses them. 6. Their
number. 7. Their order: divers particulars observ’d in the dissecting a
head. That these are very probably the eyes of the Creature; argued from
several Observations and Experiments, that Crabs, Lobsters, Shrimps, seem
to be water Insects, and to be framed much like Air Insects. Several
Considerations about their manner of vision._
Obser. 40. Of the Teeth of a Snail.
_A brief description of it._
Observ. 41. Of the Eggs of Silk-worms.
_Several Observables about the Eggs of Insects._
Observ. 42. Of a blue Fly.
_A description of its outward and inward parts. Its hardiness to indure
freezing, and sleeping in Spirit of wine._
Observ. 43. Of a water Insect.
_A description of its shape, transparency, motion, both internal and
progressive, and transformation. A History somewhat _Analogus_ cited out of
_Piso_. Several Observations about the various wayes of the generations of
Insects: by what means they act so seemingly wisely and prudently. Several
Quæries propounded. Postscript, containing a relation of another very odd
way of the generation of Insects. An Observation about the fertility of the
Earth of our Climate in producing Insects, and of divers other wayes of
their generation._
Observ. 44. Of the tufted Gnat.
_Several Observables about Insects, and a more particular description the
parts of this Gnat._
Ob. 45. Of the great belly’d Gnat.
_A short description of it._
Obser. 46. Of a white Moth.
_A description of the feathers and wings of this, and several other
Insects. Divers Considerations about the wings, and the flying of Insects
and Birds._
Obs. 47. Of the Shepherd Spider.
_A description of its Eyes: and the sockets of its long legs: and a
Conjecture of the mechanical reason of its fabrick; together with a
supposition, that ’tis not unlikely, but Spiders may have the make of their
inward parts exactly like a Crab, which may be call’d a water Spider._
Obser. 48. Of the hunting Spider.
_A short description of it; to which is annext an excellent History of it,
made by Mr. _Evelyn_. Some further Observations on other Spiders, and their
Webs, together with an examination of a white Substance flying up and down
in the Air after a Fog._
Obser. 49. Of an Ant.
_That all small Bodies, both Vegetable and Animal, do quickly dry and
wither. The best remedy I found to hinder it, and to make the Animal lye
still to be observ’d. Several particulars related of the actions of this
Creature and a short description of its parts._
Obs. 50. Of the wandring Mite.
_A description of this Creature, and of another very small one, which
usually bore it company. A Conjecture at the original of Mites._
Observ. 51. Of a Crab-like Insect.
_A brief description of it._
Observ. 52. Of a Book-worm.
_A description of it; where by the way is inserted a digression,
experimentally explicating the _Phænomena_ of Pearl. A consideration of its
digestive faculty._
Observ. 53. Of a Flea.
_A short description of it._
Observ. 54. Of a Louse.
_A description of its parts, and some notable circumstances._
Observ. 55. Of Mites.
_The exceeding smalness of some Mites, and their Eggs. A description of the
Mites of Cheese: and an intimation of the variety of forms in other Mites,
with a Conjecture at the reason._
Ob. 56. Of small Vine-Mites.
_A description of them; a ghess at their original; their exceeding smalness
compar’d with that of a Wood-louse, from which they may be suppos’d to
come._
Observ. 57. Of Vinegar-worms.
_A description of them, with some considerations on their motions._
Obs. 58. Of the Inflection of the Rays of Light in the Air.
_A short rehearsal of several _Phænomena_. An attempt to explicate them:
the supposition founded on two Propositions, both which are indeavoured to
be made out by several Experiments, What density and rarity is in respect
of refraction: the refraction of Spirit of Wine compared with that of
common Water: the refraction of Ice. An Experiment of making an Undulation
of the Rays by the mixing of Liquors of differing density. The explication
of _inflection_, mechanically and hypothetically: what Bodies have such an
inflection. Several Experiments to shew that the Air has this propriety;
that it proceeds from the differing density of the Air: that the upper and
under part of the Air are of differing density: some Experiments to prove
this. A Table of the strength of the spring of the Air, answering to each
degree of extension; when first made, and when repeated. Another Experiment
of compressing the Air. A Table of the strength of the Air, answering to
each compression and expansion; from which the height of the Air may be
suppos’d indefinite; to what degree the Air is rarifi’d at any distance
above the Surface of the Earth: how, from this, Inflection is inferr’d; and
several _Phænomena_ explain’d. That the Air near the Earth is compos’d of
parts of differing density; made probable by several Experiments and
Observations; how this propriety produces the effects of the waving and
dancing of Bodies; and of the twinkling of the Stars. Several _Phænomena_
explicated. Some Quæries added._
1. _Whether this Principle may not be made use of, for perfecting Optick
Glasses? What might be hoped from it if it were to be done?_
2. _Whether from this Principle the apparition of some new Stars may not be
explicated?_