To this mineral condition belongeth what is delivered by some, that

wounds which are made with weapons excited by the Loadstone, contract a

malignity, and become of more difficult cure; which nevertheless is not

to be found in the incision of Chyrurgions with knives and lances

touched; which leave no such effect behind them. Hither we also refer

that affirmative, which sayes the Loadstone is poison; and therefore in

the lists of poisons we find it in many Authors. But this our experience

cannot confirm, and the practice of the King of _Zeilan_ clearly

contradicteth; who as _Garcias ab Horto_, Physitian unto the _Spanish_

Viceroy delivereth, hath all his meat served up in dishes of Loadstone,

and conceives thereby he preserveth the vigour of youth.

But surely from a magnetical activity must be made out what is let fall

by _Ætius_, that a Loadstone held in the hand of one that is podagrical,

doth either cure or give great ease in the Gout. Or what _Marcellus

Empericus_ affirmeth, that as an amulet, it also cureth the headach;

which are but additions unto its proper nature, and hopeful enlargements

of its allowed attraction. For perceiving its secret power to draw

magnetical bodies, men have invented a new attraction, to draw out the

dolour and pain of any part. And from such grounds it surely became a

philter, and was conceived a medicine of some venereal attraction; and

therefore upon this stone they graved the Image of _Venus_, according

unto that of _Claudian_, _Venerem magnetica gemma figurat_. Hither must

we also ruler what is delivered concerning its power to draw out of the

body bullets and heads of arrows, and for the like intention is mixed up

in plaisters. Which course, although as vain and ineffectual it be

rejected by many good Authors, yet is it not methinks so readily to be

denied, nor the Practice of many Physicians which have thus compounded

plaisters, thus suddenly to be condemned, as may be observed in the

_Emplastrum divinum Nicolai_, the _Emplastrum nigrum_ of _Augspurg_, the

_Opodeldoch_ and _Attractivum_ of _Paracelsus_, with several more in the

Dispensatory of _Wecker_, and practice of _Sennertus_. The cure also of

_Hernias_, or _Ruptures_ in _Pareus_: and the method also of curation

lately delivered by _Daniel Beckherus_,[D] and approved by the

Professors of _Leyden_, that is, of a young man of _Spruceland_ that

casually swallowed a knife about ten inches long, which was cut out of

his stomach, and the wound healed up. In which cure to attract the knife

to a convenient situation, there was applied a plaister made up with the

powder of Loadstone. Now this kind of practice _Libavius_, _Gilbertus_,

and lately _Swickardus_ [SN: _In his Ars Magnetica._] condemn, as vain,

and altogether unuseful; because a Loadstone in powder hath no

attractive power; for in that form it omits his polarly respects, and

loseth those parts which are the rule of attraction.

[D] De cultrivoro Prussiaco, 1636. _The cure of the Prussian Knife._

Wherein to speak compendiously, if experiment hath not deceived us, we

first affirm that a Loadstone in powder omits not all attraction. For

if the powder of a rich vein be in a reasonable quantity presented

toward the Needle freely placed, it will not appear to be void of all

activity, but will be able to stir it. Nor hath it only a power to move

the Needle in powder and by it self, but this will it also do, if

incorporated and mixed with plaisters; as we have made trial in the

_Emplastrum de Minia_, with half an ounce of the mass, mixing a dram of

Loadstone. For applying the magdaleon or roal unto the Needle, it would

both stir and attract it; not equally in all parts, but more vigorously

in some, according unto the Mine of the Stone, more plentifully

dispersed in the mass. And lastly, In the Loadstone powdered, the polary

respects are not wholly destroyed. For those diminutive particles are

not atomical or meerly indivisible, but consist of dimensions sufficient

for their operations, though in obscurer effects. Thus if unto the

powder of Loadstone or Iron we admove the North Pole of the Loadstone,

the Powders or small divisions will erect and conform themselves

thereto: but if the South Pole approach, they will subside, and

inverting their bodies, respect the Loadstone with the other extream.

And this will happen not only in a body of powder together, but in any

particle or dust divided from it.

Now though we disavow not these plaisters, yet shall we not omit two

cautions in their use, that therein the Stone be not too subtilly

powdered, for it will better manifest its attraction in a more sensible

dimension. That where is desired a speedy effect, it may be considered

whether it were not better to relinquish the powdered plaisters, and to

apply an entire Loadstone unto the part: And though the other be not

wholly ineffectual, whether this way be not more powerful, and so might

have been in the cure of the young man delivered by _Beckerus_.

The last consideration concerneth Magical relations; in which account we

comprehend effects derived and fathered upon hidden qualities,

specifical forms, Antipathies and Sympathies, whereof from received

grounds of Art, no reasons are derived. Herein relations are strange and

numerous; men being apt in all Ages to multiply wonders, and

Philosophers dealing with admirable bodies, as Historians have done with

excellent men, upon the strength of their great atcheivements, ascribing

acts unto them not only false but impossible; and exceeding truth as

much in their relations, as they have others in their actions. Hereof we

shall briefly mention some delivered by Authors of good esteem: whereby

we may discover the fabulous inventions of some, the credulous supinity

of others, and the great disservice unto truth by both: multiplying

obscurities in Nature, and authorising hidden qualities that are false;

whereas wise men are ashamed there are so many true.

And first, _Dioscorides_ puts a shrewd quality upon it, and such as men

are apt enough to experiment, who therewith discovers the incontinency

of a wife, by placing the Loadstone under her pillow, whereupon she will

not be able to remain in bed with her husband. The same he also makes a

help unto thievery. For Thieves saith he, having a design upon a house,

do make a fire at the four corners thereof, and cast therein the

fragments of Loadstone: whence ariseth a fume that so disturbeth the

inhabitants, that they forsake the house and leave it to the spoil of

the Robbers. This relation, how ridiculous soever, hath _Albertus_ taken

up above a thousand years after, and _Marbodeus_ the Frenchman hath

continued the same in Latine Verse, which with the Notes of _Pictorius_

is currant unto our dayes. As strange must be the Lithomancy or

divination from this Stone, whereby as _Tzetzes_ delivers, _Helenus_ the

Prophet foretold the destruction of _Troy_: and the Magick thereof not

safely to be believed, which was delivered by _Orpheus_, that sprinkled

with water it will upon a question emit a voice not much unlike an

Infant. But surely the Loadstone of _Laurentius Guascus_ the Physitian,

is never to be matched; wherewith, as _Cardan_ delivereth, whatsoever

Needles or Bodies were touched, the wounds and punctures made thereby,

were never felt at all. And yet as strange is that which is delivered by

some, that a Loadstone preserved in the salt of a _Remora_, acquires a

power to attract gold out of the deepest Wells. Certainly a studied

absurdity, not casually cast out, but plotted for perpetuity: for the

strangeness of the effect ever to be admired, and the difficulty of the

trial never to be convicted.

These conceits are of that monstrosity that they refute themselves in

their recitements. There is another of better notice, and whispered

thorow the World with some attention; credulous and vulgar auditors

readily believing it, and more judicious and distinctive heads, not

altogether rejecting it. The conceit is excellent, and if the effect

would follow, somewhat divine; whereby we might communicate like

spirits, and confer on earth with _Menippus_ in the Moon. And this is

pretended from the sympathy of two Needles touched with the same

Loadstone, and placed in the center of two Abecedary circles or rings,

with letters described round about them, one friend keeping one, and

another the other, and agreeing upon an hour wherein they will

communicate. For then, saith Tradition, at what distance of place

soever, when one Needle shall be removed unto any letter, the other by a

wonderful sympathy will move unto the same. But herein I confess my

experience can find no truth; for having expressly framed two circles of

Wood, and according to the number of the Latine letters divided each

into twenty three parts, placing therein two stiles or Needles composed

of the same steel, touched with the same Loadstone, and at the same

point: of these two, whensoever I removed the one, although but at the

distance of half a span, the other would stand like _Hercules_ pillars,

and if the Earth stand still, have surely no motion at all. Now as it is

not possible that any body should have no boundaries, or Sphear of its

activity, so it is improbable it should effect that at distance, which

nearer hand it cannot at all perform.

Again, The conceit is ill contrived, and one effect inferred, whereas

the contrary will ensue. For if the removing of one of the Needles from

_A_ to _B_, should have any action or influence on the other, it would

not intice it from _A_ to _B_, but repell it from _A_ to _Z_: for

Needles excited by the same point of the stone, do not attract, but

avoid each other, even as these also do, when their invigorated extreams

approach unto one other.

Lastly, Were this conceit assuredly true, yet were it not a conclusion

at every distance to be tried by every head: it being no ordinary or

Almanack business, but a Problem Mathematical, to finde out the

difference of hours in different places; nor do the wisest exactly

satisfie themselves in all. For the hours of several places anticipate

each other, according unto their Longitudes, which are not exactly

discovered of every place; and therefore the trial hereof at a

considerable interval, is best performed at the distance of the

_Antoeci_; that is, such habitations as have the same Meridian and

equal parallel, on different sides of the Æquator; or more plainly the

same Longitude and the same Latitude unto the South, which we have in

the North. For unto such situations it is noon and midnight at the very

same time.

And therefore the Sympathy of these Needles is much of the same mould

with that intelligence which is pretended from the flesh of one body

transmuted by incision into another. [SN: De curtorum Chyrurgia.] For if

by the Art of _Taliacotius_, a permutation of flesh, or transmutation be

made from one mans body into another, as if a piece of flesh be

exchanged from the bicipital muscle of either parties arm, and about

them both an Alphabet circumscribed; upon a time appointed as some

conceptions affirm, they may communicate at what distance soever. For if

the one shall prick himself in _A_, the other at the same time will have

a sense thereof in the same part: and upon inspection of his arm

perceive what letters the other points out in his. Which is a way of

intelligence very strange: and would requite the lost Art of

_Pythagoras_, who could read a reverse in the Moon.

Now this magnetical conceit how strange soever, might have some original

in Reason; for men observing no solid body, whatsoever did interrupt its

action, might be induced to believe no distance would terminate the

same; and most conceiving it pointed unto the Pole of Heaven, might also

opinion that nothing between could restrain it. Whosoever was the

Author, the _Æolus_ that blew it about was _Famianus Strada_, that

Elegant Jesuit, in his Rhetorical prolusions, who chose out this subject

to express the stile of _Lucretius_. But neither _Baptista Porta_, _de

Furtivis Literarum notis_; _Trithemius_ in his Steganography, _Selenus_

in his Cryptography, [SN: Nunc. inanim. _by D._ Godwin _Bishop of

Hereford_.] or _Nuncius inanimatus_ make any consideration hereof,

although they deliver many ways to communicate thoughts at distance. And

this we will not deny may in some manner be effected by the Loadstone;

that is, from one room into another; by placing a table in the wall

common unto both, and writing thereon the same letters one against

another: for upon the approach of a vigorous Loadstone unto a letter on

this side, the Needle will move unto the same on the other. But this is

a very different way from ours at present; and hereof there are many

ways delivered, and more may be discovered which contradict not the rule

of its operations.

As for _Unguentum Armarium_, called also _Magneticum_, it belongs not to

this discourse, it neither having the Loadstone for its ingredient, nor

any one of its actions: but supposeth other principles, as common and

universal spirits, which convey the action of the remedy unto the part,

and conjoins the vertue of bodies far disjoyned. But perhaps the cures

it doth, are not worth so mighty principles; it commonly healing but

simple wounds, and such as mundified and kept clean, do need no other

hand then that of Nature, and the Balsam of the proper part. Unto which

effect there being fields of Medicines, it may be a hazardous curiosity

to rely on this; and because men say the effect doth generally follow,

it might be worth the experiment to try, whether the same will not

ensue, upon the same Method of cure, by ordinary Balsams, or common

vulnerary plaisters.

Many other Magnetisms may be pretended, and the like attractions through

all the creatures of Nature. Whether the same be verified in the action

of the Sun upon inferiour bodies, whether there be _Æolian_ Magnets,

whether the flux and reflux of the Sea be caused by any Magnetism from

the Moon; whether the like be really made out, or rather Metaphorically

verified in the sympathies of Plants and Animals, might afford a large

dispute; and _Kircherus_ in his _Catena Magnetica_ hath excellently

discussed the same; which work came late unto our hand, but might have

much advantaged this Discourse.

Other Discourses there might be made of the Loadstone: as Moral,

Mystical, Theological; and some have handsomely done them; as _Ambrose_,

_Austine_, _Gulielmus Parisiensis_, and many more, but these fall under

no Rule, and are as boundless as mens inventions. And though honest

minds do glorifie God hereby; yet do they most powerfully magnifie him,

and are to be looked on with another eye, who demonstratively set forth

its Magnalities; who not from postulated or precarious inferences,

entreat a courteous assent; but from experiments and undeniable effects,

enforce the wonder of its Maker.

CHAPTER IV

Of Bodies Electrical.

[Sidenote: Bodies Electrical, what?]

Having thus spoken of the Loadstone and Bodies Magnetical, I shall in

the next place deliver somewhat of Electrical, and such as may seem to

have attraction like the other. Hereof we shall also deliver what

particularly spoken or not generally known is manifestly or probably

true, what generally believed is also false or dubious. Now by

Electrical bodies, I understand not such as are Metallical, mentioned by

_Pliny_, and the Ancients; for their Electrum was a mixture made of

Gold, with the Addition of a fifth part of Silver; a substance now as

unknown as true _Aurichalcum_, or _Corinthian_ Brass, and set down among

things lost by _Pancirollus_. Nor by Electrick Bodies do I conceive such

only as take up shavings, straws, and light bodies, in which number the

Ancients only placed _Jet_ and _Amber_; but such as conveniently placed

unto their objects attract all bodies palpable whatsoever. I say

conveniently placed, that is, in regard of the object, that it be not

too ponderous, or any way affixed; in regard of the Agent, that it be

not foul or sullied, but wiped, rubbed, and excitated; in regard of

both, that they be conveniently distant, and no impediment interposed. I

say, all bodies palpable, thereby excluding fire, which indeed it will

not attract, nor yet draw through it; for fire consumes its effluxions

by which it should attract.

Now although in this rank but two were commonly mentioned by the

Ancients, _Gilbertus_ discovereth many more; as _Diamonds_, _Saphyrs_,

_Carbuncles_, _Iris_, _Opalls_, _Amethysts_, _Beril_, _Crystal_,

_Bristol-stones_, _Sulphur_, _Mastick_, hard _Wax_, hard _Rosin_,

_Arsenic_, _Sal-gemm_, _Roch-Allum_, common Glass, _Stibium_, or Glass

of _Antimony_. Unto these Cabeus addeth white Wax, _Gum Elemi_, _Gum

Guaici_, _Pix Hispanica_, and _Gipsum_. And unto these we add _Gum

Anime_, _Benjamin_, _Talcum_, _China-dishes_, _Sandaraca_, _Turpentine_,

_Styrax Liquida_, and _Caranna_ dried into a hard consistence. And the

same attraction we find, not onely in simple bodies, but such as are

much compounded; as in the _Oxycroceum_ plaister, and obscurely that _ad

Herniam_, and _Gratia Dei_; all which smooth and rightly prepared, will

discover a sufficient power to stir the Needle, setled freely upon a

well-pointed pin; and so as the Electrick may be applied unto it without

all disadvantage.

But the attraction of these Electricks we observe to be very different.

Resinous or unctuous bodies, and such as will flame, attract most

vigorously, and most thereof without frication; as _Anime_, _Benjamin_,

and most powerfully good hard Wax, which will convert the Needle almost

as actively as the Loadstone. And we believe that all or most of this

substance if reduced to hardness, tralucency or clearness, would have

some attractive quality. But juices concrete, or Gums easily dissolving

in water, draw not at all: as _Aloe_, _Opium_, _Sanguis Draconis_,

_Lacca_, _Calbanum_, _Sagapenum_. Many stones also both precious and

vulgar, although terse and smooth, have not this power attractive: as

_Emeralds_, _Pearl_, _Jaspis_, _Corneleans_, _Agathe_, _Heliotropes_,

_Marble_, _Alablaster_, _Touchstone_, _Flint_, and _Bezoar_. Glass

attracts but weakly, though clear; some slick stones and thick Glasses

indifferently: _Arsenic_ but weakly, so likewise Glass of _Antimony_,

but _Crocus Metallorum_ not at all. Salts generally but weakly, as _Sal

Gemma_, _Allum_, and also _Talke_; nor very discoverably by any

frication, but if gently warmed at the fire, and wiped with a dry cloth,

they will better discover their Electricities.

No Metal attracts, nor Animal concretion we know, although polite and

smooth; as we have made trial in _Elks_ Hoofs, Hawks-Talons, the Sword

of a _Sword-fish_, _Tortois-shells_, _Sea-horse_, and _Elephants_ Teeth,

in Bones, in _Harts-horn_, and what is usually conceived

_Unicorns-horn_. No Wood though never so hard and polished, although out

of some thereof Electrick bodies proceed; as _Ebony_, _Box_, _Lignum

vitæ_, _Cedar_, _etc._ And although _Jet_ and _Amber_ be reckoned among

_Bitumens_, yet neither do we find _Asphaltus_, that is, _Bitumens_ of

_Judea_, nor _Sea-cole_, nor _Camphire_, nor _Mummia_ to attract,

although we have tried in large and polished pieces. Now this attraction

have we tried in straws and paleous bodies, in Needles of Iron,

equilibrated, Powders of Wood and Iron, in Gold and Silver foliate. And

not only in solid but fluent and liquid bodies, as oyls made both by

expression and distillation; in Water, in spirits of Wine, _Vitriol_ and

_Aquafortis_.

But how this attraction is made, is not so easily determined; that 'tis

performed by effluviums is plain, and granted by most; for Electricks

will not commonly attract, except they grow hot or become perspirable.

For if they be foul and obnubilated, it hinders their effluxion; nor if

they be covered, though but with Linen or Sarsenet, or if a body be

interposed, for that intercepts the effluvium. If also a powerful and

broad Electrick of Wax or _Anime_ be held over fine powder, the Atoms or

small particles will ascend most numerously unto it; and if the

Electrick be held unto the light, it may be observed that many thereof

will fly, and be as it were discharged from the Electrick to the

distance sometime of two or three inches. Which motion is performed by

the breath of the effluvium issuing with agility; for as the Electrick

cooleth, the projection of the Atoms ceaseth.

[Sidenote: Cabeus _his way for attraction in bodies Electrick_.]

The manner hereof _Cabeus_ wittily attempteth, affirming that this

effluvium attenuateth and impelleth the neighbor air, which returning

home in a gyration, carrieth with it the obvious bodies unto the

Electrick. And this he labours to confirm by experiments; for if the

straws be raised by a vigorous Electrick, they do appear to wave and

turn in their ascents. If likewise the Electrick be broad, and the

straws light and chaffy, and held at a reasonable distance, they will

not arise unto the middle, but rather adhere toward the Verge or Borders

thereof. And lastly, if many straws be laid together, and a nimble

Electrick approach, they will not all arise unto it, but some will

commonly start aside, and be whirled a reasonable distance from it. Now

that the air impelled returns unto its place in a gyration or whirling,

is evident from the Atoms or Motes in the Sun. For when the Sun so

enters a hole or window, that by its illumination the Atoms or Motes

become perceptible, if then by our breath the air be gently impelled, it

may be perceived, that they will circularly return and in a gyration

unto their places again.

[Sidenote: _The way of Sir_ Kenelm Digby.]

Another way of their attraction is also delivered; that is, by a tenuous

emanation or continued effluvium, which after some distance retracteth

into it self; as is observable in drops of Syrups, Oyl, and seminal

Viscosities, which spun at length, retire into their former dimensions.

Now these effluviums advancing from the body of the Electrick, in their

return do carry back the bodies whereon they have laid hold within the

Sphere or Circle of their continuities; and these they do not onely

attract, but with their viscous arms hold fast a good while after. And

if any shall wonder why these effluviums issuing forth impel and

protrude not the straw before they can bring it back, it is because the

effluvium passing out in a smaller thred and more enlengthened filament,

it stirreth not the bodies interposed, but returning unto its original,

falls into a closer substance, and carrieth them back unto it self. And

this way of attraction is best received, embraced by Sir _Kenelm Digby_

in his excellent Treaty of bodies, allowed by _Des Cartes_ in his

principles of Philosophy, as far and concerneth fat and resinous bodies,

and with exception of Glass, whose attraction he also deriveth from the

recess of its effluction. And this in some manner the words of

_Gilbertus_ will bear: _Effluvia illa tenuiora concipiunt & amplectuntur

corpora, quibus uniuntur, & electris tanquam extensis brachiis, & ad

fontem propinquitate invalescentibus effluviis, deducuntur_. And if the

ground were true, that the Earth were an Electrick body, and the air but

the effluvium thereof, we might have more reason to believe that from

this attraction, and by this effluction, bodies tended to the Earth, and

could not remain above it.

Our other discourse of Electricks concerneth a general opinion touching

_Jet_ and _Amber_, that they attract all light bodies, except _Ocymum_

or _Basil_, and such as be dipped in oyl or oyled; and this is urged as

high as _Theophrastus_: but _Scaliger_ acquitteth him; And had this been

his assertion, _Pliny_ would probably have taken it up, who herein

stands out, and delivereth no more but what is vulgarly known. But

_Plutarch_ speaks positively in his _Symposiacks_, that _Amber_

attracteth all bodies, excepting Basil and oyled substances. With

_Plutarch_ consent many Authors both Ancient and Modern; but the most

inexcusable are _Lemnius_ and _Rueus_, whereof the one delivering the

nature of Minerals mentioned in Scripture, the infallible fountain of

Truth, confirmeth their vertues with erroneous traditions; the other

undertaking the occult and hidden Miracles of Nature, accepteth this for

one; and endeavoureth to alledge a reason of that which is more then

occult, that is, not existent.

Now herein, omitting the authority of others, as the Doctrine of

experiment hath informed us, we first affirm, That _Amber_ attracts not

Basil, is wholly repugnant unto truth. For if the leaves thereof or

dried stalks be stripped into small straws, they arise unto _Amber_,

_Wax_, and other Electries, no otherwise then those of Wheat and Rye:

nor is there any peculiar fatness or singular viscosity in that plant

that might cause adhesion, and so prevent its ascension. But that _Jet_

and _Amber_ attract not straws oyled, is in part true and false. For if

the straws be much wet or drenched in oyl, true it is that _Amber_

draweth them not; for then the oyl makes the straws to adhere unto the

part whereon they are placed, so that they cannot rise unto the

Attractor; and this is true, not onely if they be soaked in Oyl, but

spirits of Wine or Water. But if we speak of Straws or festucous

divisions lightly drawn over with oyl, and so that it causeth no

adhesion; or if we conceive an Antipathy between Oyl and _Amber_, the

Doctrine is not true. For _Amber_ will attract straws thus oyled, it

will convert the Needles of Dials made either of Brass or Iron, although

they be much oyled; for in these Needles consisting free upon their

Center, there can be no adhesion. It will likewise attract Oyl it self,

and if it approacheth unto a drop thereof, it becometh conical, and

ariseth up unto it, for Oyl taketh not away his attraction, although it

be rubbed over it. For if you touch a piece of Wax already excitated

with common Oyl, it will notwithstanding attract, though not so

vigorously as before. But if you moisten the same with any Chymical Oyl,

Water, or spirits of Wine, or only breath upon it, it quite omits its

attraction, for either its influencies cannot get through, or will not

mingle with those substances.

It is likewise probable the Ancients were mistaken concerning its

substance and generation; they conceiving it a vegetable concretion made

of the gums of Trees, especially _Pine_ and _Poplar_ falling into the

water, and after indurated or hardened, whereunto accordeth the Fable of

_Phaetons_ sisters: but surely the concretion is Mineral, according as

is delivered by _Boetius_. For either it is found in Mountains and

mediterraneous parts; and so it is a fat and unctuous sublimation in the

Earth, concreted and fixed by salt and nitrous spirits wherewith it

meeteth. Or else, which is most usual, it is collected upon the

Sea-shore; and so it is a fat and bituminous juice coagulated by the

saltness of the Sea. Now that salt spirits have a power to congeal and

coagulate unctuous bodies, is evident in Chymical operations; in the

distillations of _Arsenick_, sublimate and _Antimony_; in the mixture of

oyl of _Juniper_, with the salt and acide spirit of _Sulphur_, for

thereupon ensueth a concretion unto the consistence of _Birdlime_; as

also in spirits of salt, or _Aqua fortis_ poured upon oyl of Olive, or

more plainly in the Manufacture of Soap. And many bodies will coagulate

upon commixture, whose separated natures promise no concretion. Thus

upon a solution of _Tin_ by _Aqua fortis_, there will ensue a

coagulation, like that of whites of Eggs. [SN: _How the stone is bred in

the Kidney or Bladder._] Thus the volatile salt of Urine will coagulate

_Aqua vitæ_, or spirits of Wine; and thus perhaps (as _Helmont_

excellently declareth) the stones or calculous concretions in Kidney or

Bladder may be produced: the spirits or volatile salt of Urine

conjoyning with the _Aqua vitæ_ potentially lying therein; as he

illustrateth from the distillation of fermented Urine. From whence

ariseth an _Aqua vitæ_ or spirit, which the volatile salt of the same

Urine will congeal; and finding an earthy concurrence, strike into a

lapideous substance.

[Sidenote: _Of a Bee and a Viper involved in Amber._ Mart. _l._ 4.]

Lastly, We will not omit what _Bellabonus_ upon his own experiment writ

from _Dantzich_ unto _Mellichius_, as he hath left recorded in his

Chapter, _De succino_, that the bodies of _Flies_, _Pismires_, and the

like, which are said oft-times to be included in _Amber_, are not real

but representative, as he discovered in several pieces broke for that

purpose. If so, the two famous Epigrams hereof in _Martial_ are but

Poetical, the _Pismire_ of _Brassavolus_ imaginary, and _Cardans

Mousoleum_ for a Flie, a meer phansie. But hereunto we know not how to

assent, as having met with some whose reals made good their

representments.

CHAPTER V

Compendiously of sundry other common Tenents, concerning Mineral and

Terreous Bodies, which examined, prove either false or dubious.

1. And first we hear it in every mouth, and in many good Authors read

it, That a _Diamond_, which is the hardest of stones, not yielding unto

_Steel_, _Emery_, or any thing but its own powder, is yet made soft, or

broke by the blood of a Goat. Thus much is affirmed by _Pliny_,

_Solinus_, _Albertus_, _Cyprian_, _Austin_, _Isidore_, and many

Christian Writers, alluding herein unto the heart of man and the

precious bloud of our Saviour, who was typified by the Goat that was

slain, and the scape-Goat in the Wilderness; and at the effusion of

whose bloud, not only the hard hearts of his enemies relented, but the

stony rocks and vail of the Temple were shattered. But this I perceive

is easier affirmed then proved. For _Lapidaries_, and such as profess

the art of cutting this stone, do generally deny it; and they that seem

to countenance it, have in their deliveries so qualified it, that little

from thence of moment can be inferred for it. For first, the holy

Fathers, without a further enquiry did take it for granted, and rested

upon the authority of the first deliverers. As for _Albertus_, he

promiseth this effect, but conditionally, not except the Goat drink

wine, and be fed with _Siler montanum, petroselinum_, and such herbs as

are conceived of power to break the stone in the bladder. But the words

of _Pliny_, from whom most likely the rest at first derived it, if

strictly considered, do rather overthrow, then any way advantage this

effect. His words are these: _Hircino rumpitur sanguine, nec aliter quam

recenti, calidoque macerata, & sic quoque multis ictibus, tunc etiam

præterquam eximias incudes malleosque ferreos frangens_. That is, it is

broken with Goats blood, but not except it be fresh and warm, and that

not without many blows, and then also it will break the best Anvils and

Hammers of Iron. And answerable hereto, is the assertion of _Isidore_

and _Solinus_. By which account, a Diamond steeped in Goats bloud,

rather increaseth in hardness, then acquireth any softness by the

infusion; for the best we have are comminuible without it; and are so

far from breaking hammers, that they submit unto pistillation, and

resist not an ordinary pestle.

[Sidenote: Pulvis Lithontripticus.]

Upon this conceit arose perhaps the discovery of another; that the bloud

of a Goat was soveraign for the Stone, as it stands commended by many

good Writers, and brings up the composition in the powder of

_Nicolaus_, and the Electuary of the Queen of _Colein_. Or rather

because it was found an excellent medicine for the Stone, and its

ability commended by some to dissolve the hardest thereof; it might be

conceived by amplifying apprehensions, to be able to break a _Diamond_;

and so it came to be ordered that the Goat should be fed with

saxifragous herbs, and such as are conceived of power to break the

stone. However it were, as the effect is false in the one, so is it

surely very doubtful in the other. For although inwardly received it may

be very diuretick, and expulse the stone in the Kidneys, yet how it

should dissolve or break that in the bladder, will require a further

dispute; and perhaps would be more reasonably tried by a warm injection

thereof, then as it is commonly used. Wherein notwithstanding, we should

rather rely upon the urine in a castlings bladder, a resolution of Crabs

eyes, or the second distillation of Urine, as _Helmont_ hath commended;

or rather (if any such might be found) a Chylifactory menstruum or

digestive preparation drawn from species or individuals, whose stomacks

peculiarly dissolve lapideous bodies.

2. _That Glass is poison_, according unto common conceit, I know not how

to grant. Not onely from the innocency of its ingredients, that is, fine

Sand, and the ashes of Glass-wort of Fearn, which in themselves are

harmless and useful: or because I find it by many commended for the

Stone, but also from experience, as having given unto Dogs above a dram

thereof, subtilly powdered in Butter and Paste, without any visible

disturbance.

[Sidenote: _Why Glass is commonly held to be poysonous._]

The conceit is surely grounded upon the visible mischief of Glass grosly

or coursly powdered, for that indeed is mortally noxious, and

effectually used by some to destroy Mice and Rats; for by reason of its

acuteness and angularity, it commonly excoriates the parts through which

it passeth, and solicits them unto a continual expulsion. Whereupon

there ensues fearful symptomes, not much unlike those which attend the

action of poison. From whence notwithstanding, we cannot with propriety

impose upon it that name, either by occult or elementary quality, which

he that concedeth will much enlarge the Catalogue or Lists of Poisons.

For many things, neither deleterious by substance or quality, are yet

destructive by figure, or some occasional activity. So are Leeches

destructive, and by some accounted poison; not properly, that is by

temperamental contrariety, occult form, or so much as elemental

repugnancy; but because being inwardly taken they fasten upon the veins,

and occasion an effusion of bloud, which cannot be easily stanched. So a

Sponge is mischievous, not in it self, for in its powder it is harmless:

but because being received into the stomach it swelleth, and occasioning

a continual distension, induceth a strangulation. So Pins, Needles, ears

of Rye or Barley may be poison. So _Daniel_ destroyed the Dragon by a

composition of three things, whereof neither was poison alone, nor

properly all together, that is, Pitch, Fat, and Hair, according as is

expressed in the History. Then _Daniel_ took Pitch, and Fat, and Hair,

and did seeth them together, and made lumps thereof, these he put in the

Dragons mouth, and so he burst asunder. That is, the Fat and Pitch being

cleaving bodies, and the Hair continually extimulating the parts: by the

action of the one, Nature was provoked to expell, but by the tenacity of

the other forced to retain: so that there being left no passage in or

out, the Dragon brake in pieces. It must therefore be taken of

grosly-powdered Glass, what is delivered by _Grevinus_: and from the

same must that mortal dysentery proceed which is related by

_Sanctorius_. And in the same sense shall we only allow a _Diamond_ to

be poison; and whereby as some relate _Paracelsus_ himself was poisoned.

So even the precious fragments and cordial gems which are of frequent

use in Physick, and in themselves confessed of useful faculties,

received in gross and angular Powders, may so offend the bowels, as to

procure desperate languors, or cause most dangerous fluxes.

That Glass may be rendred malleable and pliable unto the hammer, many

conceive, and some make little doubt, when they read in _Dio_, _Pliny_,

and _Petronius_, that one unhappily effected it for _Tiberius_. Which

notwithstanding must needs seem strange unto such as consider, that

bodies are ductile from a tenacious humidity, which so holdeth the parts

together; that though they dilate or extend, they part not from each

others. That bodies run into Glass, when the volatile parts are exhaled,

and the continuating humour separated: the Salt and Earth, that is, the

fixed parts remaining. And therefore vitrification maketh bodies

brittle, as destroying the viscous humours which hinder the disruption

of parts. Which may be verified even in the bodies of Metals. For Glass

of Lead or Tin is fragile, when that glutinous Sulphur hath been fired

out, which made their bodies ductile.

He that would most probably attempt it, must experiment upon Gold. Whose

fixed and flying parts are so conjoined, whose Sulphur and continuating

principle is so united unto the Salt, that some may be hoped to remain

to hinder fragility after vitrification. But how to proceed, though

after frequent corrosion, as that upon the agency of fire, it should

not revive into its proper body before it comes to vitrifie, will prove

no easie discovery.

3. That Gold inwardly taken, either in substance, infusion, decoction or

extinction, is a cordial of great efficacy, in sundry Medical uses,

although a practice much used, is also much questioned, and by no man

determined beyond dispute. There are hereof I perceive two extream

opinions; some excessively magnifying it, and probably beyond its

deserts; others extreamly vilifying it, and perhaps below its demerits.

Some affirming it a powerful Medicine in many diseases, others averring

that so used, it is effectual in none: and in this number are very

eminent Physicians, _Erastus_, _Duretus_, _Rondeletius_, _Brassavolus_

and many other, who beside the strigments and sudorous adhesions from

mens hands, acknowledge that nothing proceedeth from Gold in the usual

decoction thereof. Now the capital reason that led men unto this

opinion, was their observation of the inseparable nature of Gold; it

being excluded in the same quantity as it was received, without

alteration of parts, or diminution of its gravity.

Now herein to deliver somewhat which in a middle way may be entertained;

we first affirm, that the substance of Gold is invincible by the

powerfullest action of natural heat; and that not only alimentally in a

substantial mutation, but also medicamentally in any corporeal

conversion. As is very evident, not only in the swallowing of golden

bullets, but in the lesser and foliate divisions thereof: passing the

stomach and guts even as it doth the throat, that is, without abatement

of weight or consistence. So that it entereth not the veins with those

electuaries, wherein it is mixed: but taketh leave of the permeant

parts, at the mouths of the _Meseraicks_, or Lacteal Vessels, and

accompanieth the inconvertible portion unto the siege. Nor is its

substantial conversion expectible in any composition or aliment wherein

it is taken. And therefore that was truly a starving absurdity, which

befel the wishes of _Midas_. And little credit there is to be given to

the golden Hen, related by _Wendlerus_. So in the extinction of Gold, we

must not conceive it parteth with any of its salt or dissoluble

principle thereby, as we may affirm of Iron; for the parts thereof are

fixed beyond division, nor will they separate upon the strongest test of

fire. This we affirm of pure Gold: for that which is currant and passeth

in stamp amongst us, by reason of its allay, which is a proportion of

Silver or Copper mixed therewith, is actually dequantitated by fire, and

possibly by frequent extinction.

Secondly, Although the substance of Gold be not immuted or its gravity

sensibly decreased, yet that from thence some vertue may proceed either

in substantial reception or infusion we cannot safely deny. For possible

it is that bodies may emit vertue and operation without abatement of

weight; as is evident in the Loadstone, whose effluencies are continual,

and communicable without a minoration of gravity. And the like is

observable in Bodies electrical, whose emissions are less subtile. So

will a Diamond or Saphire emit an effluvium sufficient to move the

Needle or a Straw, without diminution of weight. Nor will polished Amber

although it send forth a gross and corporal exhalement, be found a long

time defective upon the exactest scales. Which is more easily

conceivable in a continued and tenacious effluvium, whereof a great part

retreats into its body.

Thirdly, If amulets do work by emanations from their bodies, upon those

parts whereunto they are appended, and are not yet observed to abate

their weight; if they produce visible and real effects by imponderous

and invisible emissions, it may be unjust to deny the possible efficacy

of Gold, in the non-omission of weight, or deperdition of any ponderous

particles.

Lastly, Since _Stibium_ or Glass of Antimony, since also its _Regulus_

will manifestly communicate unto Water or Wine, a purging and vomitory

operation; and yet the body it self, though after iterated infusions,

cannot be found to abate either vertue or weight: we shall not deny but

Gold may do the like, that is, impart some effluences unto the infusion,

which carry with them the separable subtilties thereof.

That therefore this Metal thus received, hath any undeniable effect, we

shall not imperiously determine, although beside the former experiments,

many more may induce us to believe it. But since the point is dubious

and not yet authentically decided, it will be no discretion to depend on

disputable remedies; but rather in cases of known danger, to have

recourse unto medicines of known and approved activity. For, beside the

benefit accruing unto the sick, hereby may be avoided a gross and

frequent errour, commonly committed in the use of doubtful remedies,

conjointly with those which are of approved vertues; that is to impute

the cure unto the conceited remedy, or place it on that whereon they

place their opinion. Whose operation although it be nothing, or its

concurrence not considerable, yet doth it obtain the name of the whole

cure: and carrieth often the honour of the capital energie, which had no

finger in it.

Herein exact and critical trial should be made by publick enjoinment,

whereby determination might be setled beyond debate: for since thereby

not only the bodies of men, but great Treasures might be preserved, it

is not only an errour of Physick, but folly of State, to doubt thereof

any longer.

4. That a pot full of ashes, will still contain as much water as it

would without them, although by _Aristotle_ in his Problems taken for

granted, and so received by most, is not effectable upon the strictest

experiment I could ever make. For when the airy intersticies are filled,

and as much of the salt of the ashes as the water will imbibe is

dissolved, there remains a gross and terreous portion at the bottom,

which will possess a space by it self, according whereto there will

remain a quantity of Water not receivable; so will it come to pass in a

pot of salt, although decrepitated; and so also in a pot of Snow. For so

much it will want in reception, as its solution taketh up, according

unto the bulk whereof, there will remain a portion of Water not to be

admitted. So a Glass stuffed with pieces of Sponge will want about a

sixth part of what it would receive without it. So Sugar will not

dissolve beyond the capacity of the Water, nor a Metal in _aqua fortis_

be corroded beyond its reception. And so a pint of salt of Tartar

exposed unto a moist air until it dissolve, will make far more liquor,

or as some term it oyl, then the former measure will contain.

Nor is it only the exclusion of air by water, or repletion of cavities

possessed thereby, which causeth a pot of ashes to admit so great a

quantity of Water, but also the solution of the salt of the ashes into

the body of the dissolvent. So a pot of ashes will receive somewhat more

of hot Water then of cold, for the warm water imbibeth more of the

Salt; and a vessel of ashes more then one of pin-dust or filings of

Iron; and a Glass full of Water will yet drink in a proportion of Salt

or Sugar without overflowing.

Nevertheless to make the experiment with most advantage, and in which

sense it approacheth nearest the truth, it must be made in ashes

throughly burnt and well reverberated by fire, after the salt thereof

hath been drawn out by iterated decoctions. For then the body being

reduced nearer unto Earth, and emptied of all other principles, which

had former ingression unto it, becometh more porous, and greedily

drinketh in water. He that hath beheld what quantity of Lead the test of

saltless ashes will imbibe, upon the refining of Silver, hath

encouragement to think it will do very much more in water.

[Sidenote: _The Ingredients of Gunpowder._]

5. Of white powder and such as is discharged without report, there is no

small noise in the World: but how far agreeable unto truth, few I

perceive are able to determine. Herein therefore to satisfie the doubts

of some, and amuse the credulity of others, We first declare, that

Gunpowder consisteth of three ingredients, Salt-petre, Small-coal, and

Brimstone. Salt-petre although it be also natural and found in several

places, yet is that of common use an artificial Salt, drawn from the

infusion of salt Earth, as that of Stales, Stables, Dove-houses,

Cellers, and other covered places, where the rain can neither dissolve,

nor the Sun approach to resolve it. Brimstone is a Mineral body of fat

and inflamable parts, and this is either used crude, and called Sulphur

Vive, and is of a sadder colour; or after depuration, such as we have in

magdeleons or rolls, of a lighter yellow. Small-coal is known unto all,

and for this use is made of _Sallow_, _Willow_, _Alder_, _Hazel_, and

the like; which three proportionably mixed, tempered, and formed into

granulary bodies, do make up that Powder which is in use for Guns.

Now all these, although they bear a share in the discharge, yet have

they distinct intentions, and different offices in the composition. From

Brimstone proceedeth the piercing and powerful firing; for Small-coal

and Petre together will onely spit, nor vigorously continue the

ignition. From Small-coal ensueth the black colour and quick accension;

for neither Brimstone nor Petre, although in Powder, will take fire like

Small-coal, nor will they easily kindle upon the sparks of a Flint; as

neither will _Camphire_, a body very inflamable: but Small-coal is

equivalent to Tinder, and serveth to light the Sulphur. It may also

serve to diffuse the ignition through every part of the mixture; and

being of more gross and fixed parts, may seem to moderate the activity

of Salt-petre, and prevent too hasty rarefaction. From Salt-petre

proceedeth the force and the report; for Sulphur and Small-coal mixed

will not take fire with noise, or exilition, and Powder which is made of

impure and greasie Petre hath but a weak emission, and giveth a faint

report. And therefore in the three sorts of Powder the strongest

containeth most Salt-petre, and the proportion thereof is about ten

parts of Petre unto one of Coal and Sulphur.

But the immediate cause of the Report is the vehement commotion of the

air upon the sudden and violent eruption of the Powder; for that being

suddenly fired, and almost altogether, upon this high rarefaction,

requireth by many degrees a greater space then before its body occupied;

but finding resistance, it actively forceth his way, and by concusion of

the air occasioneth the Report. Now with what violence it forceth upon

the air, may easily be conceived, if we admit what _Cardan_ affirmeth,

that the Powder fired doth occupy an hundred times a greater space then

its own bulk; or rather what _Snellius_ more exactly accounteth; that it

exceedeth its former space no less then 12000 and 500 times. [SN: _The

cause of Thunder._] And this is the reason not only of this fulminating

report of Guns, but may resolve the cause of those terrible cracks, and

affrighting noises of Heaven; that is, the nitrous and sulphureous

exhalations, set on fire in the Clouds; whereupon requiring a larger

place, they force out their way, not only with the breaking of the

cloud, but the laceration of the air about it. [SN: _The greatest

distance of the Clouds._] When if the matter be spirituous, and the

cloud compact, the noise is great and terrible: If the cloud be thin,

and the Materials weak, the eruption is languid, ending in coruscations

and flashes without noise, although but at the distance of two miles;

which is esteemed the remotest distance of clouds. And therefore such

lightnings do seldom any harm. And therefore also it is prodigious to

have thunder in a clear sky, as is observably recorded in some

Histories.

[Sidenote: _The cause of Earthquakes._]

From the like cause may also proceed subterraneous Thunders and

Earthquakes, when sulphureous and nitreous veins being fired, upon

rarefaction do force their way through bodies that resist them. Where if

the kindled matter be plentiful, and the Mine close and firm about it,

subversion of Hills and Towns doth sometimes follow: If scanty, weak,

and the Earth hollow or porous, there only ensueth some faint concussion

or tremulous and quaking Motion. Surely, a main reason why the Ancients

were so imperfect in the doctrine of Meteors, was their ignorance of

Gunpowder and Fire-works, which best discover the causes of many

thereof.

Now therefore he that would destroy the report of Powder, must work upon

the Petre; he that would exchange the colour, must think how to alter

the Small-coal. For the one, that is, to make white Powder, it is surely

many ways feasible: The best I know is by the powder of rotten Willows,

Spunk, or Touch-wood prepared, might perhaps make it Russet: and some,

as _Beringuccio_ [SN: _In his_ Pyrotechnia.] affirmeth, have promised to

make it Red. All which notwithstanding doth little concern the Report,

for that, as we have shewed, depends on another Ingredient. And

therefore also under the colour of black, this principle is very

variable; for it is made not onely by _Willow_, _Alder_, _Hazel_, etc.

But some above all commend the coals of _Flax_ and _Rushes_, and some

also contend the same may be effected with Tinder.

As for the other, that is, to destroy the Report, it is reasonably

attempted but two ways; either by quite leaving out, or else by

silencing the Salt-petre. How to abate the vigour thereof, or silence

its bombulation, a way is promised by _Porta_, not only in general terms

by some fat bodies, but in particular by _Borax_ and butter mixed in a

due proportion; which saith he, will so go off as scarce to be heard by

the discharger; and indeed plentifully mixed, it will almost take off

the Report, and also the force of the charge. That it may be thus made

without Salt-petre, I have met with but one example, that is, of

_Alphonsus_ Duke of _Ferrara_ [SN: De examine Salium.], who in the

relation of _Brassavolus_ and _Cardan_, invented such a Powder as would

discharge a bullet without Report.

That therefore white Powder there may be, there is no absurdity; that

also such a one as may give no report, we will not deny a possibility.

But this however, contrived either with or without Salt-petre, will

surely be of little force, and the effects thereof no way to be feared:

For as it omits of Report so will it of effectual exclusion, and so the

charge be of little force which is excluded. For thus much is reported

of that famous Powder of _Alphonsus_, which was not of force enough to

kill a Chicken, according to the delivery of _Brassavolus. Jamque pulvis

inventus est qui glandem sine bombo projicit, nec tamen vehementer ut

vel pullum interficere possit._

It is not to be denied, there are ways to discharge a bullet, not only

with Powder that makes no noise, but without any Powder at all; as is

done by Water and Wind-guns, but these afford no fulminating Report, and

depend on single principles. And even in ordinary Powder there are

pretended other ways to alter the noise and strength of the discharge;

and the best, if not only way, consists in the quality of the Nitre: for

as for other ways which make either additions or alterations in the

Powder, or charge, I find therein no effect: That unto every pound of

Sulphur, an adjection of one ounce of Quick-silver, or unto every pound

of Petre, one ounce of _Sal Armoniac_ will much intend the force, and

consequently the Report, as _Beringuccio_ hath delivered, I find no

success therein. That a piece of _Opium_ will dead the force and blow,

as some have promised, I find herein no such peculiarity, no more then

in any Gum or viscose body: and as much effect there is to be found from

_Scammony_. That a bullet dipped in oyl by preventing the transpiration

of air, will carry farther, and pierce deeper, as _Porta_ affirmeth, my

experience cannot discern. That Quick-silver is more destructive then

shot, is surely not to be made out; for it will scarce make any

penetration, and discharged from a Pistol, will hardly pierce through a

Parchment. That Vinegar, spirits of Wine, or the distilled water of

Orange-pills, wherewith the Powder is tempered, are more effectual unto

the Report than common Water, as some do promise, I shall not affirm;

but may assuredly more conduce unto the preservation and durance of the

Powder, as _Cataneo_ hath well observed. [SN: Cat. avertimenti intorne a

un Bombardiero.]

That the heads of arrows and bullets have been discharged with that

force, as to melt or grow red hot in their flight, though commonly

received, and taken up by _Aristotle_ in his Meteors, is not so easily

allowable by any, who shall consider, that a Bullet of Wax will mischief

without melting; that an Arrow or Bullet discharged against Linen or

Paper do not set them on fire; and hardly apprehend how an Iron should

grow red hot, since the swiftest motion at hand will not keep one red

that hath been made red by fire; as may be observed in swinging a red

hot Iron about, or fastning it into a Wheel; which under that motion

will sooner grow cold then without it. That a Bullet also mounts upward

upon the horizontall or point-blank discharge, many Artists do not

allow: who contend that it describeth a parabolical and bowing line, by

reason of its natural gravity inclining it always downward.

But, Beside the prevalence from Salt-petre, as Master-ingredient in the

mixture; Sulphur may hold a greater use in the composition and further

activity in the exclusion, then is by most conceived. For Sulphur vive

makes better Powder then common Sulphur, which nevertheless is of a

quick accension. For Small-coal, Salt-petre, and _Camphire_ made into

Powder will be of little force, wherein notwithstanding there wants not

the accending ingredient. And _Camphire_ though it flame well, yet will

not flush so lively, or defecate Salt-petre, if you inject it thereon,

like Sulphur; as in the preparation of _Sal prunellæ_. And lastly,

though many ways may be found to light this Powder, yet is there none I

know to make a strong and vigorous Powder of Salt-petre, without the

admixtion of Sulphur. _Arsenic_ red and yellow, that is _Orpement_ and

_Sandarach_ may perhaps do something, as being inflamable and containing

Sulphur in them; but containing also a salt, and mercurial mixtion, they

will be of little effect; and white or crystalline _Arsenic_ of less,

for that being artificial, and sublimed with salt, will not endure

flammation.

This Antipathy or contention between Salt-petre and Sulphur upon an

actual fire, in their compleat and distinct bodies, is also manifested

in their preparations, and bodies which invisibly contain them. Thus in

the preparation of _Crocus Metallorum_, the matter kindleth and flusheth

like Gunpowder, wherein notwithstanding, there is nothing but _Antimony_

and Salt-petre. But this may proceed from the Sulphur of _Antimony_, not

enduring the society of Salt-petre; for after three or four accensions,

through a fresh addition of Petre, the Powder will flush no more, for

the sulphur of the _Antimony_ is quite exhaled. Thus Iron in _Aqua

fortis_ will fall into ebullition, with noise and emication, as also a

crass and fumid exhalation, which are caused from this combat of the

sulphur of Iron with the acid and nitrous spirits of _Aqua fortis_. So

is it also in _Aurum fulminans_, or Powder of Gold dissolved in _Aqua

Regis_, and precipitated with oyl of _Tartar_, which will kindle without

an actual fire, and afford a report like Gun-powder; that is not as

_Crollius_ affirmeth from any Antipathy between _Sal Armoniac_ [SN: De

consensu Chymicorum, etc.]and _Tartar_, but rather between the nitrous

spirits of _Aqua Regis_, commixed _per minima_ with the sulphur of Gold,

as _Sennertus_ hath observed.

[Sidenote: _How Coral of a Plant becomes a Stone._]

6. That _Coral_ (which is a _Lithophyton_ or stone-plant, and groweth at

the bottom of the Sea) is soft under Water, but waxeth hard in the air,

although the assertion of _Dioscorides_, _Pliny_, and consequently

_Solinus_, _Isidore_, _Rueus_, and many others, and stands believed by

most, we have some reason to doubt, especially if we conceive with

common Believers, a total softness at the bottom, and this induration to

be singly made by the air, not only from so sudden a petrifaction and

strange induration, not easily made out from the qualities of air, but

because we find it rejected by experimental enquiries. _Johannes

Beguinus_ [SN: _In the French Copy._] in his Chapter of the tincture of

_Coral_ undertakes to clear the World of this Error, from the express

experiment of _John Baptista de Nicole_, who was Overseer of the

gathering of _Coral_ upon the Kingdom of _Thunis_. This Gentleman, saith

he, desirous to find the nature of _Coral_, and to be resolved how it

groweth at the bottom of the Sea, caused a man to go down no less then a

hundred fathom, with express to take notice whether it were hard or soft

in the place where it groweth. Who returning, brought in each hand a

branch of _Coral_, affirming it was as hard at the bottom, as in the air

where he delivered it. The same was also confirmed by a trial of his

own, handling it a fathom under water before it felt the air. _Boetius_

in his Tract _De Gemmis_, is of the same opinion, not ascribing its

concretion unto the air, but the coagulating spirits of Salt, and

lapidifical juice of the Sea, which entring the parts of that Plant,

overcomes its vegetability, and converts it into a lapideous substance.

And this, saith he, doth happen when the Plant is ready to decay; for

all _Coral_ is not hard, and in many concreted Plants some parts remain

unpetrified, that is the quick and livelier parts remain as Wood, and

were never yet converted. Now that Plants and ligneous bodies may

indurate under Water without approachment of air, we have experiment in

_Coralline_, with many Coralloidal concretions; and that little stony

Plant which Mr. _Johnson_ nameth, _Hippuris coralloides_, and _Gesner_,

_foliis mansu Arenosis_, we have found in fresh water, which is the less

concretive portion of that Element. We have also with us the visible

petrification of Wood in many waters, whereof so much as is covered with

water converteth into stone; as much as is above it and in the air,

retaineth the form of Wood, and continueth as before.

[Sidenote: Gans _Histor. Coral._]

Now though in a middle way we may concede, that some are soft and others

hard; yet whether all _Coral_ were first a woody substance, and

afterward converted; or rather some thereof were never such, but from

the sprouting spirit of Salt, were able even in their stony natures to

ramifie and send forth branches; as is observable in some stones, in

silver and metallick bodies, is not without some question. And such at

least might some of those be, which _Fiaroumti_ observed to grow upon

Bricks at the bottom of the Sea, upon the coast of _Barbaric_.

[Sidenote: _Of what matter the_ China _dishes be made_.]

7. We are not throughly resolved concerning _Porcellane_ or _China_

dishes, that according to common belief they are made of Earth, which

lieth in preparation about an hundred years under ground; for the

relations thereof are not onely divers, but contrary, and Authors agree

not herein. _Guido Pancirollus_ will have them made of Egg-shells,

Lobster-shells, and _Gypsum_ laid up in the Earth the space of 80

years: of the same affirmation is _Scaliger_, and the common opinion of

most. _Ramuzius_ in his Navigations is of a contrary assertion, that

they are made out of Earth, not laid under ground, but hardned in the

Sun and Wind, the space of forty years. But _Gonzales de Mendoza_, a man

imployed into _China_ from _Philip_ the second King of _Spain_, upon

enquiry and ocular experience, delivered a way different from all these.

For inquiring into the artifice thereof, he found they were made of a

Chalky Earth; which beaten and steeped in water, affordeth a cream or

fatness on the top, and a gross subsidence at the bottom; out of the

cream or superfluitance, the finest dishes, saith he, are made, out of

the residence thereof the courser; which being formed, they gild or

paint, and not after an hundred years, but presently commit unto the

furnace. This, saith he, is known by experience, and more probable then

what _Odoardus Barbosa_ hath delivered, that they are made of shells,

and buried under earth an hundred years. And answerable in all points

hereto, is the relation of _Linschotten_, a diligent enquirer, in his

Oriental Navigations. Later confirmation may be had from _Alvarez_ the

Jesuit, who lived long in those parts, in his relations of _China_. That

_Porcellane_ Vessels were made but in one Town of the Province of

_Chiamsi_: That the earth was brought out of other Provinces, but for

the advantage of water, which makes them more polite and perspicuous,

they were only made in this. That they were wrought and fashioned like

those of other Countries, whereof some were tincted blew, some red,

others yellow, of which colour only they presented unto the King.

The latest account hereof may be found in the voyage of the Dutch

Embassadors sent from _Batavia_ unto the Emperour of _China_, printed

in _French_ 1665, which plainly informeth, that the Earth whereof

_Porcellane_ dishes are made, is brought from the Mountains of _Hoang_,

and being formed into square loaves, is brought by water, and marked

with the Emperours Seal: that the Earth it self is very lean, fine, and

shining like Sand: and that it is prepared and fashioned after the same

manner which the _Italians_ observe in the fine Earthen Vessels of

_Faventia_ or _Fuenca_: that they are so reserved concerning that

Artifice, that 'tis only revealed from Father unto Son: that they are

painted with _Indico_ baked in a fire for fifteen days together, and

with very dry and not smoaking Wood: which when the Author had seen he

could hardly contain from laughter at the common opinion above rejected

by us.

Now if any enquire, why being so commonly made, and in so short a time,

they are become so scarce, or not at all to be had? The Answer is given

by these last Relators, that under great penalties it is forbidden to

carry the first sort out of the Country. And of those surely the

properties must be verified, which by _Scaliger_ and others are ascribed

unto China-dishes: That they admit no poison, that they strike fire,

that they will grow hot no higher then the liquor in them ariseth. For

such as pass amongst us, and under the name of the finest, will only

strike fire, but not discover _Aconite_, _Mercury_, or _Arsenic_; but

may be useful in dysenteries and fluxes beyond the other.

8. Whether a Carbuncle (which is esteemed the best and biggest of

Rubies) doth flame in the dark, or shine like a coal in the night,

though generally agreed on by common Believers, is very much questioned

by many. By _Milius_, who accounts it a Vulgar Error: By the learned

_Boetius_, who could not find it verified in that famous one of

_Rodulphus_, which was as big as an Egg, and esteemed the best in

_Europe_. Wherefore although we dispute not the possibility, and the

like is said to have been observed in some Diamonds, yet whether herein

there be not too high an apprehension, and above its natural radiancy,

is not without just doubt: however it be granted a very splendid _Gem_,

and whose sparks may somewhat resemble the glances of fire, and

Metaphorically deserve that name. And therefore when it is conceived by

some, that this Stone in the Brest-plate of _Aaron_ respected the Tribe

of _Dan_, who burnt the City of _Laish_; and _Sampson_ of the same

Tribe, who fired the Corn of the _Philistims_; in some sense it may be

admitted, and is no intollerable conception.

As for that _Indian_ Stone that shined so brightly in the Night, and

pretended to have been shewn to many in the Court of _France_, as

_Andreus Chioccus_ hath declared out of _Thuanus_, it proved but an

imposture, as that eminent Philosopher _Licetus_ [SN: Licet de quæsit.

per Epistolas.] hath discovered, and therefore in the revised Editions

of _Thuanus_, it is not to be found. [SN: Licet de lapide Bononiensi.]

As for the _Phosphorus_ or _Bononian_ Stone, which exposed unto the Sun,

and then closely shut up, will afterward afford a light in the dark; it

is of unlike consideration, for that requireth calcination or reduction

into a dry powder by fire, whereby it imbibeth the light in the vaporous

humidity of the air about it, and therefore maintaineth its light not

long, but goes out when the vaporous vehicle is consumed.

9. Whether the _Ætites_ or _Eagle_-stone hath that eminent property to

promote delivery or restrain abortion, respectively applied to lower or

upward parts of the body, we shall not discourage common practice by our

question: but whether they answer the account thereof, as to be taken

out of _Eagles_ nests, co-operating in Women unto such effects, as they

are conceived toward the young _Eagles_: or whether the single signature

of one stone included in the matrix and belly of another, were not

sufficient at first, to derive this vertue of the pregnant Stone, upon

others in impregnation, may yet be farther considered. Many sorts there

are of this ratling Stone, beside the _Geodes_, containing a softer

substance in it. Divers are found in _England_, and one we met with on

the Sea-shore, but because many of eminent use are pretended to be

brought from _Iseland_, wherein are divers airies of _Eagles_, we cannot

omit to deliver what we received from a learned person in that Country,

[SN: Theodorus Ionas Hitterdalæ Pastor.] _Ætites an in nidis Aquilarum

aliquando fuerit repertus, nescio. Nostra certè memoria, etiam

inquirentibus non contigit invenisse, quare in fabulis habendum_.

10. Terrible apprehensions and answerable unto their names, are raised

of _Fayrie_ stones, and _Elves_ spurs, found commonly with us in Stone,

Chalk, and Marl-pits, which notwithstanding are no more than

_Echinometrites_ and _Belemnites_, the Sea-Hedge-Hog, and the

_Dart_-stone, arising from some siliceous Roots, and softer then that of

Flint, the Master-stone, lying more regularly in courses, and arising

from the primary and strongest spirit of the Mine. Of the _Echinites_,

such as are found in Chalk-pits are white, glassie, and built upon a

Chalky inside; some of an hard and flinty substance, are found in

Stone-pits and elsewhere. Common opinion commendeth them for the Stone,

but are most practically used against Films in Horses eyes.

11. Lastly, He must have more heads than _Rome_ had Hills, that makes

out half of those vertues ascribed unto stones, and their not only

Medical, but Magical proprieties, which are to be found in Authors of

great Name. In _Psellus_, _Serapion_, _Evax_, _Albertus_, _Aleazar_,

_Marbodeus_; in _Maiolus_, _Rueus_, _Mylius_, and many more.

That _Lapis Lasuli_ hath in it a purgative faculty we know; [SN:

_Against poison.] that _Bezoar_ is Antidotal, [SN: Provoking Urine._]

_Lapis Judaicus_ diuretical, [SN: _Against the Falling sickness._]

_Coral_ Antepileptical, we will not deny. That _Cornelians_, _Jaspis_,

_Heliotropes_, and Blood-stones, may be of vertue to those intentions

they are implied, experience and visible effects will make us grant. But

that an _Amethyst_ prevents inebriation, that an _Emerald_ will break if

worn in copulation. That a _Diamond_ laid under the pillow, will betray

the incontinency of a wife. That a _Saphire_ is preservative against

inchantments; that the fume of an _Agath_ will avert a tempest, or the

wearing of a _Crysoprase_ make one out love with Gold; as some have

delivered, we are yet, I confess, to believe, and in that infidelity are

likely to end our days. And therefore, they which in the explication of

the two Beryls upon the _Ephod_, or the twelve stones in the Rational or

Brest-plate of _Aaron_, or those twelve which garnished the wall of the

holy City in the Apocalyps, have drawn their significations from such as

these; or declared their symbolical verities from such traditional

falsities, have surely corrupted the sincerity of their Analogies, or

misunderstood the mystery of their intentions.

Most men conceive that the twelve stones in _Aarons_ brestplate made a

Jewel surpassing any, and not to be parallel'd; which notwithstanding

will hardly be made out from the description of the Text, for the names

of the Tribes were engraven thereon, which must notably abate their

lustre. Beside, it is not clear made out that the best of Gemms, a

Diamond was amongst them; nor is to be found in the list thereof, set

down by the _Jerusalem Thargum_, wherein we find the darker stones of

_Sardius_, _Sardonix_, and _Jasper_; and if we receive them under those

names wherein they are usually described, it is not hard to contrive a

more illustrious and splendent Jewel. But being not ordained for meer

lustre by diaphanous and pure tralucencies, their mysterious

significations became more considerable then their Gemmary substances;

and those no doubt did nobly answer the intention of the Institutor.

Beside some may doubt whether there be twelve distinct species of noble

tralucent Gemms in nature, at least yet known unto us, and such as may

not be referred unto some of those in high esteem among us, which come

short of the number of twelve; which to make up we must find out some

others to match and join with the Diamond, _Beryl_, _Saphyr_, _Emerald_,

_Amethyst_, _Topaz_, _Crysolit_, _Jacynth_, _Ruby_, and if we may admit

it in this number, the Oriental Gianat.

CHAPTER VI

Of sundry Tenets concerning Vegetables or Plants, which examined,

prove either false or dubious.

1. Many Mola's and false conceptions there are of _Mandrakes_, the first

from great Antiquity, conceiveth the Root thereof resembleth the shape

of Man; which is a conceit not to be made out by ordinary inspection, or

any other eyes, then such as regarding the Clouds, behold them in

shapes conformable to pre-apprehensions.

Now whatever encouraged the first invention, there have not been wanting

many ways of its promotion. The first a Catachrestical and far derived

similitude it holds with Man; that is, in a bifurcation or division of

the Root into two parts, which some are content to call Thighs; whereas

notwithstanding they are oft-times three, and when but two, commonly so

complicated and crossed, that men for this deceit are fain to effect

their design in other plants; And as fair a resemblance is often found

in _Carrots_, _Parsnips_, _Briony_, and many others. There are, I

confess, divers Plants which carry about them not only the shape of

parts, but also of whole Animals, but surely not all thereof, unto whom

this conformity is imputed. Whoever shall peruse the signatures of

_Crollius_, or rather the Phytognomy of _Porta_, and strictly observe

how vegetable Realities are commonly forced into Animal Representations,

may easily perceive in very many, the semblance is but postulatory, and

must have a more assimilating phansie then mine to make good many

thereof.

Illiterate heads have been led on by the name [SN: {~GREEK CAPITAL LETTER MU~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER ALPHA WITH OXIA~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER NU~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER DELTA~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER RHO~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER ALPHA~}, Spelunca.],

which in the first syllable expresseth its Representation; but others

have better observed the Laws of _Etymology_, and deduced it from a word

of the same language, because it delighteth to grow in obscure and shady

places; which derivation, although we shall not stand to maintain, yet

the other seemeth answerable unto the Etymologies of many Authors, who

often confound such nominal Notations. Not to enquire beyond our own

profession, the Latine Physitians which most adhered unto the _Arabick_

way, have often failed herein; particularly _Valescus de Tarranta_, [SN:

_In the old Edition._] a received Physitian, in whose _Philonium_ or

Medical practice these may be observed: _Diarhea_, saith he, _Quia

pluries venit in die. Herisepela, quasi hærens pilis, Emorrohis, ab

emach sanguis & morrohis quod est cadere. Lithargia à Litos quod est

oblivio & Targus morbus, Scotomia à Scotus quod est videre, & mias

musca. Opthalmia ab opus Græce quod est succus, & Talmon quod est

occulus. Paralisis, quasi læsio partis. Fistula à fos sonus & stolon

quod est emissio, quasi emissio soni vel vocis._ Which are derivations

as strange indeed as the other, and hardly to be parallel'd elsewhere;

confirming not only the words of one language with another, but creating

such as were never yet in any.

The received distinction and common Notation by Sexes, hath also

promoted the conceit; for true it is, that _Herbalists_ from ancient

times have thus distinguished them, naming that the Male, whose leaves

are lighter, and Fruit and Apples rounder; but this is properly no

generative division, but rather some note of distinction in colour,

figure or operation. For though _Empedocles_ affirm, there is a mixt,

and undivided Sex in Vegetables; and _Scaliger_ upon _Aristotle_ [SN: De

Plantis.], doth favourably explain that opinion; yet will it not consist

with the common and ordinary acception, nor yet with _Aristotles_

definition. For if that be Male which generates in another, that Female

which procreates in it self; if it be understood of Sexes conjoined, all

Plants are Female; and if of disjoined and congressive generation, there

is no Male or Female in them at all.

[Sidenote: _The impostures touching the Root of Mandrake._]

But the Atlas or main Axis which supported this opinion, was dayly

experience, and the visible testimony of sense. For many there are in

several parts of _Europe_, who carry about Roots and sell them unto

ignorant people, which handsomely make out the shape of Man or Woman.

But these are not productions of Nature, but contrivances of Art, as

divers have noted, and _Mathiolus_ plainly detected, who learned this

way of Trumpery from a vagabond cheater lying under his cure for the

French disease. His words were these, and may determine the point, _Sed

profecto vanum & fabulosum, etc._ But this is vain and fabulous, which

ignorant people, and simple women believe; for the roots which are

carried about by impostors to deceive unfruitful women, are made of the

roots of Canes, Briony and other plants: for in these yet fresh and

virent, they carve out the figures of men and women, first sticking

therein the grains of Barley or Millet, where they intend the hair

should grow; then bury them in sand until the grains shoot forth their

roots, which at the longest will happen in twenty days; they afterward

clip and trim those tender strings in the fashion of beards and other

hairy tegument. All which like other impostures once discovered is

easily effected, and in the root of white _Briony_ may be practised

every spring.

What is therefore delivered in favour thereof, by Authors ancient or

modern, must have its root in tradition, imposture, far derived

similitude, or casual and rare contingency. So may we admit of the

Epithet of _Pythagoras_, who calls it _Anthropomorphus_[SN: Orchis

Anthropomorphus cujus Icon in Kircheri Magia parastatica.]; and that of

_Columella_, who terms it _Semihomo_; more appliable unto the

Man-_Orchis_, whose flower represents a Man. Thus is _Albertus_ to be

received when he affirmeth, that _Mandrakes_ represent man-kind with the

distinction of either Sex. [SN: De mandragora.] Under these restrictions

may those Authors be admitted, which for this opinion are introduced by

_Drusius_; nor shall we need to question the monstrous root of

_Briony_ described in _Aldrovandus_ [SN: De monstris.].

[Sidenote: _Generations equivocal, are yet commonly regular and of a

determinate form or species._]

The second assertion concerneth its production. That it naturally

groweth under Gallowses and places of execution, arising from fat or

urine that drops from the body of the dead; a story somewhat agreeable

unto the fable of the Serpents teeth sowed in the earth by _Cadmus_; or

rather the birth of _Orion_ from the urine of _Jupiter_, _Mercury_, and

_Neptune_. Now this opinion seems grounded on the former, that is, a

conceived similitude it hath with man; and therefore from him in some

way they would make out its production: Which conceit is not only

erroneous in the foundation, but injurious unto Philosophy in the

superstruction. Making putrifactive generations, correspondent unto

seminal productions, and conceiving in equivocal effects and univocal

conformity unto the efficient. Which is so far from being verified of

animals in their corruptive mutations into Plants, that they maintain

not this similitude in their nearer translation into animals. So when

the Oxe corrupteth into Bees, or the Horse into Hornets, they come not

forth in the image of their originals. So the corrupt and excrementous

humours in man are animated into Lice; and we may observe, that Hogs,

Sheep, Goats, Hawks, Hens, and others, have one peculiar and proper kind

of vermine; not resembling themselves according to seminal conditions,

yet carrying a setled and confined habitude unto their corruptive

originals. And therefore come not forth in generations erratical, or

different from each other; but seem specifically and in regular shapes

to attend the corruption of their bodies, as do more perfect

conceptions, the rule of seminal productions.

The third affirmeth the roots of _Mandrakes_ do make a noise, or give a

shriek upon eradication; which is indeed ridiculous, and false below

confute: arising perhaps from a small and stridulous noise, which being

firmly rooted, it maketh upon divulsion of parts. A slender foundation

for such a vast conception: for such a noise we sometime observe in

other Plants, in Parsenips, Liquorish, Eringium, Flags, and others.

The last concerneth the danger ensuing, That there follows an hazard of

life to them that pull it up, that some evil fate pursues them, and they

live not very long after. Therefore the attempt hereof among the

Ancients, was not in ordinary way; but as _Pliny_ informeth, when they

intended to take up the root of this Plant, they took the wind thereof,

and with a sword describing three circles about it, they digged it up,

looking toward the _West_. A conceit not only injurious unto truth, and

confutable by daily experience, but somewhat derogatory unto the

providence of God; that is, not only to impose so destructive a quality

on any Plant, but to conceive a Vegetable, whose parts are useful unto

many, should in the only taking up prove mortal unto any. To think he

suffereth the poison of _Nubia_ [SN: Granum Nubiæ.] to be gathered,

_Napellus_, _Aconite_, and _Thora_, to be eradicated, yet this not to be

moved. That he permitteth Arsenick and mineral poisons to be forced from

the bowels of the Earth, yet not this from the surface thereof. This

were to introduce a second forbidden fruit, and inhance the first

malediction, making it not only mortal for _Adam_ to taste the one, but

capital unto his posterity to eradicate or dig up the other.

Now what begot, at least promoted so strange conceptions, might be the

magical opinion hereof; this being conceived the Plant so much in use

with _Circe_, and therefore named _Circea_, as _Dioscorides_ and

_Theophrastus_ have delivered, which being the eminent Sorcerers of

elder story, and by the magick of simples believed to have wrought many

wonders: some men were apt to invent, others to believe any tradition or

magical promise thereof.

_Analogous_ relations concerning other plants, and such as are of near

affinity unto this, have made its currant smooth, and pass more easily

among us. For the same effect is also delivered by _Josephus_,

concerning the root _Baaras_; by _Ælian_ of _Cynospastus_; and we read

in _Homer_ the very same opinion concerning Moly,

{~GREEK CAPITAL LETTER MU~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER OMEGA WITH PERISPOMENI~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER LAMDA~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER UPSILON~} {~GREEK SMALL LETTER DELTA~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER EPSILON WITH OXIA~} {~GREEK SMALL LETTER MU~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER IOTA~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER NU~} {~GREEK SMALL LETTER KAPPA~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER ALPHA~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER LAMDA~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER EPSILON WITH OXIA~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER OMICRON~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER UPSILON~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER SIGMA~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER IOTA~} {~GREEK SMALL LETTER THETA~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER EPSILON~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER OMICRON~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER IOTA WITH OXIA~}{~GREEK ANO TELEIA~} {~GREEK SMALL LETTER CHI~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER ALPHA~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER LAMDA~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER EPSILON~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER PI~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER OMICRON WITH VARIA~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER NU~} {~GREEK SMALL LETTER DELTA~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER EPSILON WITH OXIA~} {~GREEK SMALL LETTER TAU~}' {~GREEK SMALL LETTER OMICRON WITH PSILI~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER RHO~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER UPSILON WITH OXIA~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER SIGMA~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER SIGMA~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER EPSILON~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER IOTA~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER NU~}

{~GREEK CAPITAL LETTER ALPHA WITH PSILI~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER NU~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER DELTA~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER RHO~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER ALPHA WITH OXIA~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER SIGMA~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER IOTA~} {~GREEK SMALL LETTER GAMMA~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER EPSILON~} {~GREEK SMALL LETTER THETA~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER NU~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER ETA~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER TAU~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER OMICRON~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER IOTA WITH PERISPOMENI~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER SIGMA~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER IOTA~}{~GREEK ANO TELEIA~} {~GREEK SMALL LETTER THETA~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER EPSILON~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER OMICRON~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER IOTA WITH VARIA~} {~GREEK SMALL LETTER DELTA~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER EPSILON WITH OXIA~} {~GREEK SMALL LETTER TAU~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER EPSILON~} {~GREEK SMALL LETTER PI~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER ALPHA WITH OXIA~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER NU~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER TAU~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER ALPHA~} {~GREEK SMALL LETTER DELTA~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER UPSILON WITH OXIA~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER NU~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER ALPHA~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER NU~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER TAU~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER ALPHA~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER IOTA~}.

The Gods it Moly call, whose Root to dig away,

Is dangerous unto Man; but Gods, they all things may.

Now parallels or like relations alternately relieve each other, when

neither will pass asunder, yet are they plausible together; their mutual

concurrences supporting their solitary instabilities.

Signaturists have somewhat advanced it; who seldom omitting what

Ancients delivered; drawing into inference received distinction of sex,

not willing to examine its humane resemblance; and placing it in the

form of strange and magical simples, have made men suspect there was

more therein, then ordinary practice allowed; and so became apt to

embrace whatever they heard or read conformable unto such conceptions.

Lastly, The conceit promoteth it self: for concerning an effect whose

trial must cost so dear, it fortifies it self in that invention; and few

there are whose experiment it need to fear. For (what is most

contemptible) although not only the reason of any head, but experience

of every hand may well convict it, yet will it not by divers be

rejected; for prepossessed heads will ever doubt it, and timorous

beliefs will never dare to trie it. So these Traditions how low and

ridiculous soever, will find suspition in some, doubt in others, and

serve as tests or trials of Melancholy and superstitious tempers for

ever.

[Sidenote: _That Cinamon, Ginger, Clove, etc., are not of the same

tree._]

2. That Cinamon, Ginger, Clove, Mace, and Nutmeg, are but the several

parts and fruits of the same tree, is the common belief of those which

daily use them. Whereof to speak distinctly, Ginger is the root of

neither Tree nor Shrub, but of an herbaceous Plant, resembling the Water

Flower-De-luce, as _Garcias_ first described; or rather the common Reed,

as _Lobelius_ since affirmed. Very common in many parts of _India_,

growing either from Root or Seed, which in _December_ and _January_ they

take up, and gently dried, roll it up in earth, whereby occluding the

pores, they conserve the natural humidity, and so prevent corruption.

Cinamon is the inward bark of a Cinamon Tree, whereof the best is

brought from _Zeilan_; this freed from the outward bark, and exposed

unto the Sun, contracts into those folds wherein we commonly receive it.

If it have not a sufficient isolation it looketh pale, and attains not

its laudable colour; if it be sunned too long, it suffereth a

torrefaction, and descendeth somewhat below it.

Clove seems to be either the rudiment of a fruit, or the fruit it self

growing upon the Clove tree, to be found but in few Countries. The most

commendable is that of the Isles of _Molucca_; it is first white,

afterward green, which beaten down, and dried in the Sun, becometh

black, and in the complexion we receive it.

Nutmeg is the fruit of a Tree differing from all these, and as

_Garcias_ describeth it, somewhat like a Peach; growing in divers

places, but fructifying in the Isle of _Banda_, The fruit hereof

consisteth of four parts; the first or outward part is a thick and

carnous covering like that of a Wal-nut. The second a dry and flosculous

coat, commonly called Mace. The third a harder tegument or shell, which

lieth under the Mace. The fourth a Kernel included in the shell, which

is the same we call Nutmeg. All which both in their parts and order of

disposure, are easily discerned in those fruits, which are brought in

preserves unto us.

Now if because Mace and Nutmegs proceed from one Tree, the rest must

bear them company; or because they are all from the _East Indies_, they

are all from one Plant: the Inference is precipitous, nor will there

such a Plant be found in the Herbal of Nature.

[Sidenote: _What the Misseltoe in some Trees is._]

3. That Viscus Arboreus or Misseltoe is bred upon Trees, from seeds

which Birds, especially Thrushes and Ring-doves let fall thereon, was

the Creed of the Ancients, and is still believed among us, is the

account of its production, set down by _Pliny_, delivered by _Virgil_,

and subscribed by many more. If so, some reason must be assigned, why it

groweth onely upon certain Trees, and not upon many whereon these Birds

do light. For as Exotick observers deliver, it groweth upon

Almond-trees, Chesnut, Apples, Oaks, and Pine-trees. As we observe in

_England_ very commonly upon Apple, Crabs, and White-thorn; sometimes

upon Sallow, Hazel, and Oak: rarely upon Ash, Lime-tree, and Maple;

never, that I could observe, upon Holly, Elm, and many more. Why it

groweth not in all Countries and places where these Birds are found; for

so _Brassavolus_ affirmeth, it is not to be found in the Territory of

_Ferrara_, and was fain to supply himself from other parts of _Italy_.

Why if it ariseth from a seed, if sown it will not grow again, as

_Pliny_ affirmeth, and as by setting the Berries thereof, we have in

vain attempted its production; why if it cometh from seed that falleth

upon the tree, it groweth often downwards, and puts forth under the

bough, where seed can neither fall nor yet remain. Hereof beside some

others, the Lord _Verulam_ hath taken notice. And they surely speak

probably who make it an arboreous excrescence, or rather superplant,

bred of a viscous and superfluous sap which the tree it self cannot

assimilate. And therefore sprouteth not forth in boughs and surcles of

the same shape, and similary unto the Tree that beareth it; but in a

different form, and secondary unto its specified intention, wherein once

failing, another form succeedeth: and in the first place that of

Misseltoe, in Plants and Trees disposed to its production. And therefore

also where ever it groweth, it is of constant shape, and maintains a

regular figure; like other supercrescences, and such as living upon the

stock of others, are termed parasitical Plants, as Polypody, Moss, the

smaller Capillaries, and many more: So that several regions produce

several Misseltoes; _India_ one, _America_ another, according to the law

and rule of their degenerations.

Now what begot this conceit, might be the enlargement of some part of

truth contained in its story. For certain it is, that some Birds do feed

upon the berries of this Vegetable, and we meet in _Aristotle_ with one

kind of Trush called the Missel Trush [SN: {~GREEK CAPITAL LETTER IOTA WITH PSILI~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER XI~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER OMICRON WITH OXIA~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER BETA~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER OMICRON~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER RHO~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER OMICRON~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER FINAL SIGMA~}.], or feeder upon

Misseltoe. But that which hath most promoted it, is a received proverb,

_Turdus sibi malum cacat_; appliable unto such men as are authors of

their own misfortunes. For according unto ancient tradition and

_Plinies_ relation, the Bird not able to digest the fruit whereon she

feedeth; from her inconverted muting ariseth this Plant, of the Berries

whereof Birdlime is made, wherewith she is after entangled. But although

Proverbs be popular principles, yet is not all true that is proverbial;

and in many thereof, there being one thing delivered, and another

intended; though the verbal expression be false, the Proverb is true

enough in the verity of its intention.

[Sidenote: _Paganish superstition about the Misseltoe of the Oak._]

As for the Magical vertues in this Plant, and conceived efficacy unto

veneficial intentions, it seemeth a _Pagan_ relique derived from the

ancient _Druides_, the great admirers of the Oak, especially the

Misseltoe that grew thereon; which according unto the particular of

_Pliny_, they gathered with great solemnity. For after sacrifice the

Priest in a white garment ascended the tree, cut down the Misseltoe with

a golden hook, and received it in a white coat; the vertue whereof was

to resist all poisons, and make fruitful any that used it. Vertues not

expected from Classical practice; and did they fully answer their

promise which are so commended, in Epileptical intentions, we would

abate these qualities. Country practice hath added another, to provoke

the after-birth, and in that case the decoction is given unto Cows. That

the Berries are poison as some conceive, we are so far from averring,

that we have safely given them inwardly; and can confirm the experiment

of _Brassavolus_, that they have some purgative quality.

4. The Rose of _Jericho_, that flourishes every year just about

Christmas Eve, is famous in Christian reports; which notwithstanding we

have some reason to doubt, and are plainly informed by _Bellonius_, it

is but a Monastical imposture, as he hath delivered in his

observations, concerning the Plants in _Jericho_. That which promoted

the conceit, or perhaps begot its continuance, was a propriety in this

Plant. For though it be dry, yet will it upon imbibition of moisture

dilate its leaves, and explicate its flowers contracted, and seemingly

dried up. And this is to be effected not only in the Plant yet growing,

but in some manner also in that which is brought exuccous and dry unto

us. Which quality being observed, the subtilty of contrivers did

commonly play this shew upon the Eve of our Saviours Nativity, when by

drying the Plant again, it closed the next day, and so pretended a

double mystery: referring unto the opening and closing of the womb of

_Mary_.

There wanted not a specious confirmation from a text in _Ecclesiasticus

[SN: _Cap. 24._], Quasi palma exultata sum in Cades, & quasi plantatio

Rosæ in Jericho_: I was exalted like a Palm-tree in _Engaddi_, and as a

Rose in _Jericho_. The sound whereof in common ears, begat an

extraordinary opinion of the Rose of that denomination. But herein there

seemeth a mistake: for by the Rose in the Text, is implied the true and

proper Rose, as first the Greek [SN: {~GREEK SMALL LETTER PHI~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER UPSILON WITH OXIA~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER TAU~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER ALPHA~} {~GREEK SMALL LETTER TAU~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER OMICRON~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER UPSILON WITH PERISPOMENI~} {~GREEK SMALL LETTER RHO WITH DASIA~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER OMICRON WITH OXIA~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER DELTA~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER OMICRON~}{~GREEK SMALL LETTER UPSILON~}.], and

ours accordingly rendreth it. But that which passeth under this name,

and by us is commonly called the Rose of _Jericho_, is properly no Rose,

but a small thorny shrub or kind of Heath, bearing little white flowers,

far differing from the Rose; whereof _Bellonius_ a very inquisitive

_Herbalist_, could not find any in his travels thorow _Jericho_. A Plant

so unlike a Rose, it hath been mistaken by some good _Simplist_ for

_Amomum_; which truly understood is so unlike a Rose, that as

_Dioscorides_ delivers, the flowers thereof are like the white Violet,

and its leaves resemble _Briony_.

Suitable unto this relation almost in all points is that of the Thorn at

_Glassenbury_, and perhaps the daughter hereof; herein our endeavours

as yet have not attained satisfaction, and cannot therefore enlarge.

Thus much in general we may observe, that strange effects are naturally

taken for miracles by weaker heads, and artificially improved to that

apprehension by wiser. Certainly many precocious Trees, and such as

spring in the Winter, may be found in most parts of _Europe_, and divers

also in _England_. [SN: _Such a Thorn there is in_ Parham Park _in

Suffolk, and elsewhere._] For most Trees do begin to sprout in the Fall

of the leaf or Autumn, and if not kept back by cold and outward causes,

would leaf about the Solstice. Now if it happen that any be so strongly

constituted, as to make this good against the power of Winter, they may

produce their leaves or blossoms in that season. And perform that in

some singles, which is observable in whole kinds; as in _Ivy_, which

blossoms and bears at least twice a year, and once in the Winter; as

also in _Furz_, which flowereth in that season.

5. That _ferrum Equinum_, or _Sferra Cavallo_ hath a vertue attractive

of Iron, a power to break locks, and draw off the shoes of a Horse that

passeth over it; whether you take it for one kind of _Securidaca_, or

will also take in _Lunaria_, we know it to be false: and cannot but

wonder at _Mathiolus_, who upon a parallel in _Pliny_ was staggered into

suspension. Who notwithstanding in the imputed vertue to open things,

close and shut up, could laugh himself at that promise from the herb

_Æthiopis_ or _Æthiopian_ mullen; and condemn the judgment of _Scipio_,

who having such a picklock, would spend so many years in battering the

Gates of _Carthage_. Which strange and Magical conceit, seems to have no

deeper root in reason, then the figure of its seed; for therein indeed

it somewhat resembles a Horse-shoe; which notwithstanding _Baptista

Porta_ hath thought too low a signification, and raised the same unto a

Lunary representation.

[Sidenote: _How Beer and Wine come to be spoiled by Lightning._]

6. That _Bayes_ will protect from the mischief of Lightning and Thunder,

is a quality ascribed thereto, common with the Fig-tree, Eagle, and skin

of a Seal. Against so famous a quality, _Vicomercatus_ produceth

experiment of a Bay-tree blasted in _Italy_. And therefore although

_Tiberius_ for this intent, did wear a Lawrel upon his Temples, yet did

_Augustus_ take a more probable course, who fled under arches and hollow

vaults for protection. And though _Porta_ conceive, because in a

streperous eruption, it riseth against fire, it doth therefore resist

lightning, yet is that no emboldning Illation. And if we consider the

threefold effect of _Jupiters_ Trisulk, to burn, discuss, and terebrate;

and if that be true which is commonly delivered, that it will melt the

blade, yet pass the scabbard; kill the child, yet spare the mother; dry

up the wine, yet leave the hogshead entire: though it favour the amulet,

it may not spare us; it will be unsure to rely on any preservative, 'tis

no security to be dipped in Styx, or clad in the armour of _Ceneus_. Now

that Beer, Wine, and other liquors, are spoiled with lightning and

thunder, we conceive it proceeds not onely from noise and concussion of

the air, but also noxious spirits, which mingle therewith, and draw them

to corruption; whereby they become not only dead themselves, but

sometime deadly unto others, as that which _Seneca_ mentioneth; whereof

whosoever drank, either lost his life, or else his wits upon it.

[Sidenote: _How drinks intoxicate or overcome men._]

7. It hath much deceived the hope of good fellows, what is commonly

expected of bitter Almonds, and though in _Plutarch_ confirmed from the

practice of _Claudius_ his Physitian, that Antidote against ebriety

hath commonly failed. Surely men much versed in the practice do err in

the theory of inebriation; conceiving in that disturbance the brain doth

only suffer from exhalations and vaporous ascensions from the stomack,

which fat and oyly substances may suppress. Whereas the prevalent

intoxication is from the spirits of drink dispersed into the veins and

arteries, from whence by common conveyances they creep into the brain,

insinuate into its ventricles, and beget those vertigoes accompanying

that perversion. And therefore the same effect may be produced by a

Glister, the Head may be intoxicated by a medicine at the Heel. So the

poisonous bites of Serpents, although on parts at distance from the

head, yet having entered the veins, disturb the animal faculties, and

produce the effects of drink, or poison swallowed. And so as the Head

may be disturbed by the skin, it may the same way be relieved; as is

observable in balneations, washings, and fomentations, either of the

whole body, or of that part alone.