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May it pleaſe Your Moſt Excellent Majesty,
THe vvhole Body of the Natural
Hiſtory, either deſigned or vvrit-
ten, by the late Lord Viſcount
S. Alban, vvas dedicated to Your
Majeſty, in his Book De Ventis, about
Four years paſt, vvhen Your Majeſty vvas
Prince: So as there needed no nevv Dedica-
tion of this Work, but onely in all humble-
neſs, to let Your Majeſty knovv, it is Yours. It is true, if that Lord had lived, Your Ma-
jeſty, erelong had been invoked to the Pro-
tection of another Hiſtory, vvhereof, not
Natures Kingdom, as in this; but theſe of
ject; vvhich ſince, it died under the Deſig-
nation meerly: There is nothing left, but
Your Majeſties Princely goodneſs, graciouſly
to accept of the undertakers Heart and In-
tentions; vvho vvas vvilling to have parted
for a vvhile vvith his darling Philoſophy, that
he might have attended Your Royal Com-
mandment in that other VVork. Thus much
I have been bold, in all lovvlineſs to repreſent
unto Your Majeſty, as one that vvas truſted
vvith his Lordships VVritings, even to the
laſt. And as this VVork affecteth the Stamp
of Your Majeſties Royal Protection, to make
it more currant to the VVorld; ſo under the
protection of this Work, I preſume in all
humbleneſs to approach Your Majeſties pre-
ſence, and to offer it up into Your Sacred
Hands.
Your Majefties moſt Loyal
and Devoted Servant
W.
Rawley.
HAving had the Honor to be continually with
my Lord, in compiling of this Work; and
to be employed therein, I have thought it not
amiß, (with his Lordſhips good leave and
liking) for the better ſatisfaction of thoſe that
ſhall read it, to make known ſomewhat of his Lordſhips inten-
tions, touching the ordering and publiſhing of the ſame. I
have heard his Lordſhip often ſay, That if he ſhould have
ſerved the glory of his own Name, he had been better not to
have publiſhed this Natural Hiſtory; for it may ſeem an
indigeſted heap of Particulars, and cannot have that luſtre
which Books caſt into Methods, have: But that be reſolved
to prefer the good of Men, and that which might best ſecure
it, before any thing that might have relation to himſelf. And,
he knew well, that there was no other way open to unlooſe Mens
and (as it were) Maleficiate, by the
charms of deceiving Notions and Theories; and thereby
But onely no where
to depart from the Senſe and clear experience, but to keep cloſe
to it, eſpecially in the beginning. Beſides, this Natural
Hiſtory was a Debt of his, being deſigned and ſet down for
a third Part of the Inſtauration. I have alſo heard his
Lordſhip diſcourſe, That Men (no doubt) will think many
of the Experiments contained in this Collection, to be Vul-
and therefore he wiſheth, that they would have perpetually be-
fore their eyes, what is now in doing; and the difference between
this Natural Hiſtory, and others. For thoſe Natural
Hiſtories which are extant, being gathered for delight
and uſe, are full of pleaſant Deſcriptions and Pictures; and
affect and ſeek after Admiration, Rarities, and Secrets. But
contrariwiſe, the ſcope, which his Lordſhip intendeth, is to write
ſuch a Natural Hiſtory, as may be fundamental to the
erecting and building of a true Philoſophy: For the illumi-
nation of the Under ſtanding; the extracting of Axioms,
and the producing of many noble Works and Effects. For he
hopeth by this means, to acquit himſelf of that, for which he
taketh himſelf in a ſort bound; and that is, the advancement
of Learning and Sciences. For having, in this preſent Work,
collected the materials for the Building; and in his Novum
Part) ſet down the Inſtruments and Directions for the
VVork; Men ſhall now be wanting to themſelves, if they
raiſe not knowledge to that perfection, whereof the Nature of
Mortal Men is capable. And in this behalf, I have heard
his Lordſhip ſpeak complainingly, That his Lordſhip (who
ing) ſhould be forced to be a VVorkman, and a Laborer; and
to dig the Clay, and burn the Brick; and more then that,
(according to the hard condition of the Iſraelites, at the lat-
ter end) to gather the Straw and Stubble, over all the Fields,
to burn the Bricks withal. For he knoweth, that except he do
it, nothing will be done; Men are ſoſet to deſpiſe the means
And as for the baſeneß of many of the
Experiments, as long as they be Gods VVorks, they are
honorable enough: And for the vulgarneß of them, true
Axioms muſt be drawn from plain experience, and not from
doubtful; and his Lordſhips courſe is to make VVonders plain,
and that experience like-
groweth; and for Uſe, his Lordſhip hath often in his
Mouth, the two kindes of Experiments, Experi-
menta Fructifera, and Experimenta Lucifera. Experiments of Uſe, and Experiments of
Light: And he reporteth himſelf, whether he were not
a ſtrange Man, that ſhould think, that Light hath no Uſe,
becauſe it hath no Matter. Further his Lordſhip thought
good alſo, to add unto many of the Experiments them-
work of Interpreting Nature, and Framing Axi-
oms, all things may be in more readineß. And for the
Cauſes herein by him aßigned; his Lordſhip perſwadeth
himſelf, they are far more certain, than thoſe that are ren-
dred by others; not for any excellency of his own wit, (as
his Lordſhip is wont to ſay) but in reſpect of his continual
He did
conſider likewiſe, That by this Addition of Cauſes,
Mens mindes (which make ſo much haſte to finde out the
cauſes of things;) would not think themſelves utterly loſt
in a vaſt Wood of Experience, but ſtay upon theſe
Cauſes (ſuch as they are) a little, till true Axioms
I have heard his Lordſhip
ſay alſo, That one great reaſon, why he would not put theſe
Particulars into any exact Method, (though he, that look-
eth attentively into them, ſhall finde, that they have a ſe-
cret order) was, Becauſe he conceived that other men would
and ſo go on with a
further Collection, which, if the Method had been exact,
many would have deſpaired to attain by Imitation. As
for his Lordſhips love of Order, I can refer any Man to
his Lordſhips Latin Book, De Augmentis Scien-
tiarum; which, if my judgment be any thing, is written in
I will
That this
Work of his Natural Hiſtory, is the World, as God
for that it hath
nothing, if Imagination.
W.
RAWLEY.
FRANCIS BACON the Glory, of his
Age and Nation; The Adorner, and Orna-
ment of Learning; Was born in York-houſe
or York-Place, in the Strand, On the 22th,
Day of January; in the Year of our Lord, 1560.
His Father was that famous Councellor to Queen Elizabeth;
The ſecond Prop of the Kingdom in his Time, Sir Nicholas
Bacon, Knight, Lord Keeper of the Great Seal of Eng-
land; a Lord of known Prudence, Sufficiency, Moderation,
and Integrity. His Mother was Ann, one of the Daugh-
ters of Sir Anthony Cook; unto whom the Erudition, of
King Edward the Sixth; had been committed:
A choyce
Lady, and Eminent for Piety, Vertue, and Learning; Being
exquiſitely skilled, for a Woman, in the Greek, and Latine,
Tongues. Theſe being the Parents, you may eaſily imagine,
Having had whatſoever Na-
ture or Breeding could put into him.
His first and childiſh years were not without ſome Mark of
Eminency; At which time he was indued with that Pregnancy,
and Towardlineſs, of wit; As they were Preſages, of that
Deep, and Univerſal Apprehenſion, which was manifeſt in
him, afterward: And cauſed him to be taken notice of, by ſeve-
ral Perſons, of Worth and Place; And eſpecially, by the
Queen; who (as I have been informed) delighted much, then,
to confer with him; And to prove him with Queſtions;
un-
to whom, he delivered Himſelf, with that Gravity, and Matu-
That Her Majeſty would oſten term
him, The young Lord Keeper. Being asked by the Queen,
how old he was? He anſwered with much diſcretion, being
then but a Boy; That he was two years younger than her
Majeſties happy Reign; with which anſwer the Queen was
much taken.
At the ordinary years, of Ripeneſs, for the Univerſity;
or
rather, ſomething earlier; he was ſent by his Father, to Tri-
nity College, in Cambridge; To be educated, and bred un-
der the Tuition of Doctor John White-Gift, then Maſter
of the Colledge; Afterwards the renowned Arch Biſhop of
Canterbury; a Prelate of the firſt Magnitude of Sanctity,
Learning Patience, and Humility; Under whom, He was ob-
ſerved, to have been more, than an Ordinary Proficient, in
the ſeveral Arts and Sciences. Whilſt he was commorant, in
the Vniverſity, about 16 years of age, (as his Lordſhip hath
been pleaſed to impart unto my ſelf;) be firſt fell into
the Diſlike, of the Philoſophy of Ariſtotle. Not for the
Worthleſſeneſs of the Author, to whom he would ey
all High Attributes; But for the Vnfruitfulneſs, of the way;
Being a Philoſophy, (as his Lordſhip uſed to ſa
ſtrong, for Diſputations, and Contentions; But Barren, of
the production of Works, for the Benefit of the Life of Man.
In which Mind be continued to his Dying Day.
After he had paſſed, the Circle of the Liberal Arts.
His
Father thought fit, to frame, and mould him for the Arts of
State; and, for that end, ſent him over into France, with
By whom, he was, after a while, held fit to be en-
truſted, with ſome Meſſage, or Advertiſement, to the
Queen; which haring performed with great Approbation, he
returned back into France again; with intention to continue,
In his abſence, in France, his Father,
the Lord Keeper, died; Having collected, (as I have heard,
of Knowing Perſons) a conſiderable ſum of Money, which
he had ſeparated, with Intention, to have made a competent
Son; (who was onely unprovided for;
and though he was
the young eſt in years, yet be was not the loweſt, in his Fathers
affection;) But the ſaid Purchaſe, being unaccompliſbed, at
ſingle Part, and Portion, of the Money, dividable among ſt
five Brethren; By which means, he lived, in ſome ſtreits,
For as for that pleaſant
many years after, by the Death, of his Deareſt Brother, Mr. Anthony Bacon;
a Gentleman, equal to him, in Height of
Wit; Though inferiour to him, in the Endowments of Lear-
Unto whom he was, moſt nearly con-
joyned in affection; They two being the ſole Male-iſſue of aſe-
cond Venter.
Being returned from Travail, he applied himſelf, to the
which he took upon him to be
his Profeſſion. In which, he obtained to great Excellency
Though he made that, (as himſelf ſaid) but as an acceſſary,
He wrote ſeveral Tractates,
upon that Subject. Wherein, though ſome great Maſters,
ofthe Law did out-go him in Bulk, and Particularities of
Caſes; yet, in the Science, of the Grounds, and Myſteries,
ter a while, ſworn, of the Queens Counſel Learned, Ex-
traordinary; agrace, (if I erre not) ſcarce known before.
He ſeated himſelf for the commodity of his ſtudies, and Pra-
amongſt the Honourable Society, of Greyes-Inn;
Of which Houſe;
he was a Member;
where he Erected,
of the Lord Bacons Lodgings; which he Inhabited by Turns,
the moſt part of his Life, (ſome few years onely excepted,)
unto bis Dying Day. In which Houſe he carried himſelf,
with ſuch Sweetneſs, Comity, and Generoſity; That he was
much revered, and beloved, by the Readers and Gentlemen
of the Houſe.
Not withſtanding, that he profeſſed the Law for his Lively-
hood, and Subſiſtence; yet his Heart and Affection was more
carried after the Affairs and Places of Eſtate; for which, if
the Majeſty Royal then, had been pleaſed, he was most fit. In
his younger years, he ſtudied the Service, and Fortunes, (as
they call them,) of that Noble, but unſortunate Earl, the
Earl of Eſſex; unto whom be was, in a ſort, a Private and free
Counſeller, and gave him Safe and Honour able Advice, till,
in the end, the Earl inclined too much, to the violent and preci-
tate Counſell of others, his Adherents, and Followers, which
was his Fate and Ruine.
His Birth and other Capacities qualified him, above o-
thers of his Profeſſion, to have ordinary acceſſes at Court; and to come freqnently into the Queens Eye;
who would of-
ten grace him with private and free
Not onely about Matters of his Profeſſion, or Buſineſs in
Law; But alſo, about the arduous Affairs of Eſtate;
From
whomſhe received, from time to time, great Satisfaction. Ne-
vertheleſs though ſhe cheered him much, with the Bounty of
her Countenance; yet ſhe never cheered him with the
Bounty of her Hand: Having never conferred upon him, a-
ny Ordinary Place or Means of Honour or Profit, Save
onely one dry Reverſion of the Regiſters Office, in the Star-
Chamber; worth about 1600 @ per Annum;
For which he
waited in Expectation, either fully or near twenty years; Of
which his Lordſhip would ſay, in Queen Elizabeths Time;
That it was like another mans Ground, buttalling upon
his Houſe; which might mend his Proſpect, but it did
not fill his Barn. (Nevertheleſs in the time of King James,
it fellunto him, which might be imputed; not ſo much to
her Majeſties averſeneſs and Diſaffection, towards him;
who la-
boured by all induſtrious, and ſecret Means, to ſuppreſs,
and keep him down; leſt, if he had riſen, he might have obſcur-
ed his Glory.
But though;
he ſtood long at a ſtay, in the Dayes of his Mi-
ſtreſs Queen Elizabeth; ret, after the change, and Coming
in of his New Maſter, King James, he made a great pro-
greſs; by whom he was much comforted, in Places of Truſt,
Honour, and Revenue, I have ſeen, a Letter of his Lord-
ſhips, to King James, wherein he makes Acknowledgement; That he was that Maſter to him, that had raiſed and ad-
vanced him nine times; Thrice in Dignity, and Six
times in Office, His Offices (as I conceive) were Counſel
learned extraordinary, to his Majeſty, as he bad been, to
Queen Elizabeth; Kings Solliciter General;
His Maje-
ſties Atturney General; Counſellor of Eſtate, being yet
but Atturney; Lord Keeper of the Great Seal of England;
Laſtly, Lord Chancellor: which two laſt Places, though they
be the ſame, in Authority and Power; yet they differ in Pa-
tent, Height, and Favour of the Prince. Since whoſe time,
none of his Succeſſors, until this preſent Honourable Lord;
did ever bear the Title of Lord Chancellor. His Digni-
ties were firſt Knight, then Baron of Verulam; Laſtly,
Viſcount Saint Alban: Beſides other good Gifts and Boun-
ties of the Hand, which his Majesty gave him, Both out of
the Broad-Seal, and out of the Aleniation-Office, To the va-
lue, in both of eighteen hundred pounds per annum: which
with his Mannour of Gorhambury; and other Lands and
Poſſeſſions, near thereunto adjoyning, aw
part more, he retained to his Dying Day.
Towards his Riſing years, not before, he entered into a mar-
ried Eſtate, and took to Wife, Alice, one of the Daughters,
and Co heirs of Benedict Barnham, Eſquire, and Alder-
man of London, with whom he received, a ſufficiently am-
ple, and liberal Portion, in Marriage. Children he had
none: which, though they be the means to perpetuate our
Names, after our Deaths; yet he had other Iſſues to perpe-
tuate his Name; The Iſſues of his Brain;
in which be was e-
as Jupiter was, in the production
Neither did the want of Children, detrast from
his good uſage of his Conſort, during the Intermarriage; whom he proſecuted, with much Conjugal Love, and Re-
ſpect; with many Rich Gifts, and Endowments;
Beſides
which ſhe
wore untill her Dying Day; being twenty years and more, af-
ter his Death.
The laſt five years of his Life, being with drawn from Ci-
in Contemplation and Studies. A thing, @bereof his
Lordſhip would often ſpeak, during his Active Life; as if
he afſected to dy in the Shadow, and not in the Light; which
In
which time he compoſed, the greatest part of his Books, and
Writings; Both in Engliſh and Latine;
Which I will enu-
merate, (as near as I can) in the juſt order, wherſsin they were
The Hiſtory of the Reign of King Henry the Se-
venth; Abcedarium Naturæ;
or a Metaphyſical piece;
which is loſt;
Hiſtoria Ventorum;
Hiſtoria Vitæ &
Mor-
tis; Hiſtoria Denſi &
Rari, not yet printed;
Hiſtoria Gra-
Levis, which is alſo loſt;
A Diſcourſe of a War with
Spain; A Dialogue, tonching an Holy War.
The Fable of
the New Atlantis. A Prefare to a Digeſt of the Lawes
of England. The Beginning, of the Hiſtory of the Reign
De Augmentis Scientiarum,
Or the Advancement of Learning, put into Latin, with
ſeveral Enrichments and Enlargements. Counſels Civil,
and Moral. Or his Book of Eſſayes, likewiſe Enriched
The Converſion of certain Pſalms, into
Engliſh Verſe. The Tranſſation into Latin;
of the Hi-
ſtory of King Henry the Seventh. Of the Counſels Civil
and Moral. Of the Dialogue of the Holy War.
Of the
tions. His Reviſing of his Book, De Sapientia Vete-
rum. Inquiſitio de Magnete, Topica Inquiſitionis, de
Luce & Lumine;
Both theſe not yet Printed, Laſtly, Syl-
Theſe were the
His Lord-
ſhip alſo deſigned upon the Motion and Invitation of his late
Majeſty; To have written the Reign of King Henry the
Eighth; But that Work Perifhed in the Deſignation meer-
ly; God not lending him Life, to proceed further upon it, then
only in one Mornings Work: whereof there is Extant, An,
Ex Ungue Leonem, already Printed, in his Lordſhips Miſ-
cellany Works.
There is a Commemoration due;
As well, to his Abilities,
and Vertues, as to the Courſe of his Life. Thoſe Abilities,
which commonly go ſingle in other Men, though of prime, and
Obſerveable Parts, were all conjoyned, and met in Him. Thoſe are, Sharpneſs of Wit, Memory, Judgment, and
Elocution. For the Former Three, his Books do abun-
dantly ſpeak them; which, with what Sufficiency he wrote, let
the World judge; But with what Celerity he wrote them,
I can beſt teſtifie. But for the Fourth, his Elocution;
I will
onlyſet down, what I heard, Sir Walter Rawleigh, once ſpeak of
him, by way of Compariſon; (whoſe Judgment may well be
truſted;) That the Earl of Saliſbury, was an excellent
Speaker, but no good Pen-man; That the Earl of North-
ampton, (the Lord Henry Howard,) was an excellent
Pen-man, but no good speaker; But that Sir Francis
Bacon, was Eminentin both.
I have been enduced to think;
That if there were, a
Beam of Knowledge derived from God upon any
Man, in theſe Modern Times, it was upon Him. For
though he was a great Reader of Books; yet he had
But from ſome Grounds,
and Notions from within Himſelf. Which notwith-
ſtanding, he vented with great Caution and Circum-
ſpection. His Book, of Inſtauration Magna, (which,
in his own Account, was the chiefeſt of his Works,) was no
Slight Imagination, ar Fancy, of his brain; but a setled,
and Concocted Notion; The Production of many years,
Labour, and Travel. I my Self, have ſeen, at the lest,
Twelve Coppies, of the Inſtauration; Reviſed, year by
year, one after another; And every year altered, and amended,
Till, at laſt, it came to that Model, in
which it was committed to the Preis; As many Living Crea-
tures, do lick their young ones, till they bring them, to their
ſtrength of Limbs.
In the Compoſing of his Books, he did rather drive at a
Maſculine and clear Expreſsion, than at any Fineneſs, or Af-
fectation of Phraſes, and would often ask, if the Meaning
were expreſſea plainly enough: as being one that accounted
words to be but ſubſervent, or Miniſterial, to Matter; and
not the principal. And if his Stile were Polite, it was be-
cauſe he could do no other wiſe. Neither was be given, to any
Light Conceits; Or Deſcanting upon Words;
‘But did
ever, purpoſely, and induſtriouſly, avoid them; For he held
ſuch Things, to be but Digreſsions, or Diverſions, from the
Scope intended; and to derogate, from the Weight and Dig-
nity of the Stile.
He was no Plodder upon Books;
Though he read much, and
that with great Judgement and Rejection of Impertinences,
incident to many Authors; For he would ever interlace a
Moderate Relaxation of His Minde with his Studies; As Walking, Or Taking the Air abroad in his Coach;
or
ſome other hefitting Recreation; and yet, he would looſe no
Time, In as much, as upon his Firſt, and Immediate Return,
he would fall to Reading again, and ſo ſuffer no Moment of
Time to Slip from him without ſome preſent Improve-
ment.
His Meales were Refections of the Eare as well as of
the Stomack: Like the Noctes Atticæ;
or Convivia Deip-
no Sophiſtarum; Wherein a Man might be refreſhed in his
Mind and underſtanding, no leſs then in his Body. And
I have known ſome, of no mean Parts, that have profeſſed to
make uſe of their Note-Books, when they have riſen from
his Table. In which Converſations, and otherwiſe, he
was no Daſhing Man, as ſome men are; But ever a Coun-
tenancer, and Foſterer, of another Mans Parts. Neither was
he one, that would appropriate the Speech, wholy to Himſelf; or à
‘But leave a Liberty, to the
Co-Aſſeſſours, to take their Turns. Wherein ht would draw
wherein he was peculiarly Skilful, and would delight to ſpeak. And, for Himſelf, he contemned no Mans Obſervations,
but would light his Torch at every mans Candle.
His Opinions and Aſſertions were, for the moſt part, Bin-
ding, and not contradicted by any; Rather like Oracles, than
Diſcourſes. Which may be imputed, either to the well weigh-
ing of his Sentence, by the Skales of Truth, and Reaſon; Or elſe to the Reverence and Eſtimation, wherein he was
commonly had, that no Man would conteſt with him: So
that there was no Argumentation, or Pro and Con (as they
term it) at his Table: Or if there chanced to be any it was
carried with much Submiſſion and Moderation.
I have often obſerved, and ſo have other Men of great
account, That if he had occaſion to repeat another Mans Words
after him, he had an uſe and faculty to dreſs them in better
Veſtments, and Apparel than they had before: So that the
Authour ſhould find his own speech much amended; and
yet the ſubſtance of it ſtill retained: As if it had been Na-
tural to him to uſe good Forms; As Ovid ſpake of his Fa-
culty of Verſifying.
When his Office called him, as he was of the Kings Coun-
ſel Learned, to charge any Offenders, either in Criminals,
or Capitals; He was never of an Inſulting, or Domineering
Nature over them; But alwayes tender Hearted, and carry-
ing himſelf dee ently towards the Parties; (Though it was his
Duty, to charge them home:) ‘But yet, as one, that looked up-
on the Example, with the Eye of Severity, But upon the Per-
ſon, with the Eye of Pitty, and Compaſſion. And in Civil
Buſineſs, as he was Counſellor of Eſtate, he had the beſt
way of adviſing; Not engaging his Maſter, in any Precipi-
tate or grievous Courſes, but in Moderate and Fair
Proceedings: The King, whom he ſerved, giving him this
Teſtimony; That he ever dealt, in Buſineſſe, Suavibus
Which was the way that was moſt according
to his own heart.
Neither was He in his time leſſe gracious with the Subject
than with his Soveraign. He was ever acceptable to the Houſe
of Commons, when he was a Member thereof. Being the
Kings Atturney, and choſen to a place in Parliament; he was
allowed and diſpenſed with to ſit in the Houſe; which was
not permitted to other Atturneys.
And as he was a good Servant to his Maſter;
Being never,
in nineteen years ſervice (as he himſelf a verred,) rebuked by
the King for any Thing relating to his Majeſty; So he was
a good Maſter to his Servants, And rewarded their long at-
tendance with good Places, freely when they fell into his
Power. Which was the Cauſe that ſo many young Gentle-
men of Blood and Quality, ſought to list themſelr
his Retinue. And if he were abuſed by any of them in their
Places, It was onely the Errour, of the Goodneſs, of his Na-
ture; but the Badges of their Indiſcretions, and Intempe-
rances.
This Lord was Religious;
For though the World he apt
to ſuſpect, and prejudice, Great Wits, and Politicks to have
ſomewhat of the Atheiſt; ret he was converſant with God:
As appeareth, by ſereral Paſſages, throughout the whole Cur-
rent of his Writings. Otherwiſe he ſhould have croſſed
his own Principles; which were, That a little Philoſo-
phy, makerh Men apt to forget God; As attributing
too much to ſecond Cauſes; But Depth of Philoſophy,
bringeth Men back to God again. Now I am ſure there
is no Man that will deny him, or account other wiſe of him,
but to have him been a deep Philoſopher. And not only ſo,
But he was able to render a Reaſon of the Hope which
was in him; Which that Writing of his, of the Confeſſion
of the Faith, doth abundantly testifie. He repaired frequent-
ly, when his Health would permit him, to the Service of the
Church, To hear Sermons, To the Adminiſtration of the
Sacrament of the Bleſſed Body and Bloud of Chriſt; And
died in the true Faith eſtabliſbed in the Church of Eng-
land.
This is moſt true;
He was free from Malice;
which, (as he
ſaid Himſelf,) He never bred nor fed. He was no Reven-
ger of Injuries; which, if he had minded, he had both Oppor-
tunity and Place High enough, to have done it. He was
no Heaver of Men out of their Places, As delighting in their
Ruine and Undoing. He was no d
his Prince. One Day, when a great States-Man was new-
ly Dead, That had not been his Friend; The King asked
What he thought of that Lord, which was gone? He an-
ſwered, That he would never have made his Majeſties
Eſtate better; But he was ſure he would have kept it
ſrom being worſe. Which was the worſt, be would ſay of
him. Which Ireckon, not among his Moral, but his Chriſtian
Vertues.
His Fame is greater, and ſounds louder in Forraign Parts
abroad, than at home in his own Nation. There by verify-
ing that Divine Sentence, A Prophet is not without ho-
nour, ſave in his own Country, and in his own houſe. Concerning which I will give you a Taſte onely, out of a Let-
ter, written from Italy (The Store-houſe of Refined Wits)
to the late Earl of Devonſhire, Then, the Lord Candiſh.
I will expect the New Eſſayes of my Lord Chancellor
Bacon, as alſo his Hiſtory, with a great deal of De-
ſire, and whatſoever elſe he ſhall compoſe. But in
Particular of his Hiſtory, I promiſe my ſelf a thing per-
ſect and Singular; eſpecially in Henry the Seventh;
Where
he may exerciſe the Talent of his Divine Underſtand-
ing. This Lord is more and more known, and his
Books here, more and more delighted in; And thoſe
Men that have more than ordinary Knowledge in
Humane affairs, eſteem him one of the moſt capable
Spirits of this Age; and he is truely ſuch.
Now his Fame
doth not decreaseDi-
vers of his Works have been anciently, and yet lately, tran-
ſlated into other Tongues, both Learned and Modern,
by Forraign Pens. Several Perſons of Quality, during his
Lordſhips Life, croſſed the Seas on purpoſe to gain an Oppor-
tunity of ſeeing him, and Diſcourſing with him: where of one,
him into France; as a Thing which, he foreſaw, would be
much deſired there; That ſo they might enjoy, the Image of
his Peiſon; as well as the Images of his Brain, his Books.
Amongſt the reſt, Marquis Fiat;
a French-Nobleman;
who came Ambaſſador into England, in the beginning of
Queen Mary, Wife to King Charles, was taken with an
extraor dinary Deſire of Seeing him: For which, he made
way by a Friend: And when he came to him, being then,
through weakneſs, confined to his Bed; The Marquis ſaluted
him with this High-Expresſion; That his Lordſhip, had
been ever to Him, like the Angels; of whom he had of-
ten heard, and read much of them in Books; But he ne-
ver ſaw them. After which they contr acted an intimate Ac-
quaintance; And the Marquis did ſo much revere him;
that
beſides his Frequent viſits; they wrote Letters, one to the o-
ther, under the Titles and Appellations, of Father and Son;
As for his many Salutations, by Letters from Forraign Wor-
thies, devoted to Learning; I forbear to mention them;
Be-
cauſe that is a Thing common to other Men of Learning, or
Note together with him.
But yet, in this Matter of his Fame, I ſpeak, in the Com-
parative, onely, and not in the Excluſive. For his Reputati-
on is great, in his own Nation, alſo; Eſpecially amongſt thoſe,
that are of a more Acute, and ſharper Judgement: Which
I will exemplifie, but with two Teſtimonies, and no more. The Former;
When his Hiſtory of King Henry the Se-
venth was to come forth; It was delivered to the old Lord
Brook, to be peruſed by him; who, when be had diſpatched
it, returned it to the Author, with this Eulogy: Com-
mend me to my Lord; and bid him take care, to get
good Paper and Inke, for the Work is in comparable. The
other ſhall be that, of Doctor Samuel Collins, late Provoſt,
of Kings Colledge, in Cambridge, A Man of no vulgar Wit,
who affirmed unto me, That when he had read, the Book of
the Advancement of Learning, He found himſelf in a caſe
to begin his Studies a new, and that he had loſt all the
Time of his ſtudying before.
It h ath been deſired;
That ſomething ſhould be ſignified,
touching his Diet; And the Regiment of his Health:
Of
which, in regard, of his Univerſal Inſight into Nature, he
may (perhaps,) be to ſome, an Example. For his Diet;
It was rather a plentiful, and liberal, Diet, as his Sto-
mack would bear it, then a Reſtrained; Which he alſo com-
mended in his Book of the Hiſtory of Life and Death. In
his younger years, he was much given to the Finer and Light-
ter ſort of Meats, As of Fowles; and ſuch like:
But after-
ward, when he grew more Judicious; He preferred the ſtron-
ger Meats; ſuch as the Shambles afforded;
As thoſe Meats,
which bred the more firm and ſutſtantial Juyces of the Bo-
dy, and leſs Diffipable: upon which, be would often make
his Meal; Though he had other Meats, upon the Table.
You
may be ſure; He would not neglect that Himſelf, which He ſo
much extolled in his Writings; And that was the Uſe of Ni-
ter: Where eof he took in the Quantity of about three Grains,
in thin warm Broath, every Morning, for thirty years toge-
ther, next before his Death. And for Phyſick, he did, indeed,
live Phyſically, but not miſerably; For be took only a
Maceration of Rhubarb; Infuſed into a Draught of White
Wine, and Beer, mingled together, for the Space of half an
Hour; Once in ſix or ſeven Dayes;
Immediately before his
Meal, (whether Dinner, or Supper,) that it might dry, the
Body, leſſe: which (as he ſaid,) did carry away frequently, the
Groſſer Humours of the Body, and not diminiſh, or carry
away, any of the Spirits, as Sweating doth. And this was no
Grievous Thing to take. As for other Phyſick, in an ordinary
way, (whatſoever bath been vulgarly ſpoken;) he took not.
His
Receit, for the Gout; which did, constantly, eaſe him of his
Pain, within two Hours, Is already ſet down in the End, of the
Natural Hiſtory.
It may ſeem, the Moon, had ſome Principal Place, in the
Figure of his Nativity. For the Moon, was never in her
Paſsion or Eclipſed, but he was ſurprized, with a ſudden Fit, of
Fainting: And that, though he obſerved not, nor took any pre-
vious Knowledge, of the Eclipſe thereof; and aſſoon as the
Eclipſe ceaſed, he was reſtored, to his former ſtrength again.
He died, on the 9
th. Day of April, in the year 1626; In
th. year of his Age; at the
Earle of Arundells Houſe in High-gate, near London;
God ſo ordaining, that he ſhould dye there, Of a Gentle Fea-
ver, accidentally accompanied, with agreat Cold; whereby
that he died by Suffocation: And was buried, in Saint Mi-
chaels Church, at Saint Albans; Being the Place, deſigned
Both be-
cauſe the Body of his Mother was interred there; And
becauſe, it was the only Church, then remaining, within the
Where he hath a Monument,
erected for him of White Marble; (By the Care, and Gra-
titude, of Sir Thomas Meautys, Knight, formerly his
After wards Clark of the Kings Ho-
nourable Privy Gounſel, under two Kings:) Repreſenting
his full Pourtraiture in the Poſture of ſtudying; with an
Rare Wit, Sir Henry Wotton.
But bowſoever his Body was Mortal;
yet no doubt his
And will in all probability,
last as long as the World laſteth. In order to which, I have
endeavoured, (after my poor Ability,) to do this Honour to his
Lordſhip by way, of enducing to the ſame.
SPEECHES
DIg a Pit upon the Sea-ſhore, ſomewhat above the
And as the Tide cometh in, it will fill
with Water, Freſh and Potable. This is common-
ly
Freſh Water is wanting. And Caſar knew this well,
when he was beſieged in Alexandria; for by digging
of Pits in the Sea-ſhore, he did fruſtrate the labori-
ous Works of the Enemies, which had turned the
Sea-water upon the Wells of Alexandria, and ſo ſaved his Army, being
then in Deſperation. But Caſar miſtook the cauſe;
for he thought that all
Sea-ſands had Natural Springs of Freſh-water. But it is plain, that it is the
Sea-water, becauſe the Pit filleth according to the Meaſure of the Tide: And the Sea-water paſſing or ſtraining through the Sands, leaveth the
Saltneſs.
I remember to have read, that Tryal hath been made of Salt-water
through ten Veſſels, one within another, and yet it
hath not loſt his Saltneſs, as to become potable: But the ſame Man ſaith, that
(by the relation of another Salt-water drained through twenty Veſſels,
hath become freſh. This Experiment ſeemeth to croſs that other of Pits,
made by the Sea-ſide; and yet but in part, if it be true, that twenty Repeti-
tions do the effect. But it is worth the note, how poor the Imitations of
Nature are, in common courſe of Experiments, except they be led by great
Judgment, and ſome good Light of Axioms. For firſt, there is no ſmall
difference between a Paſſage of Water through twenty ſmall Veſſels, and
through ſuch a diſtance, as between the Low-water and High-water Mark. Secondly, there is a great difference between Earth and Sand;
for all Earth
hath in it a kin @e of Nitrous Salt, from which, Sand is more free: And
beſides, Earth doth not ſtrain the Water ſo finely as Sand doth. But there
is a third point, that I ſuſpect as much, or more than the other two; and
that is, that in the Experiment of Tranſmiſsion of the Sea-water into the Pits,
the Water riſeth; but in the Experiment of Tranſmiſsion of the Water, through
the Veſſels, it falleth: Now certain it is, that the Salter part of Water (once
And therefore no marvel if the
draining of Water by deſcent, doth make it freſh: Beſides, I do ſome what
doubt, that the very daſhing of the Water that cometh from the Sea, is
more proper to ſtrike off the ſalt part, than where the Water ſlideth of her
own motion.
It ſeemeth Percolation or Tranſmißion (which is commonly called Strain-
from fine, but of more ſubtile Natures; and varieth according to the Body,
through which the Tranſmißion is made. As if through a Woollen-bag, the
liquor leaveth the fatneſs; if through Sand, the ſaltneſs, &
c.
They ſpeak of
ſevering Wine from Water, paſſing it through Ivy-wood, or through other
the like porous body, but Non conſtat.
The Gum of Trees (which we ſee to be commonly ſhining and clear)
Wood and Bark. And in like manner, Cornish Diamonds, and Rock Rubies,
(which are yet more reſplendent than Gums) are the fine Exudations of
Stone.
Ariſtotle giveth the cauſe vainly, Why the Feathers of Birds are of more
for no Beaſt hath any fine Azure, or
Carnation, or Green Hair. He ſaith it is, becauſe Birds are more in the
Beams of the Sun than Beaſts, but that is maniſeſtly untrue; for Cattle are
more in the Sun than Birds, that live commonly in the Woods, or in ſome
Covert. The true cauſe is, that the excrementitious moiſture of living Crea-
tures, which maketh as well the Feathers in Birds as the Hair in Beaſts, paſs-
eth in Birds through a finer and more delicate Strainer, than it doth in Beaſts: For Feathers paſs through Quills, and Hair through Skin.
The Clarifying of Liquors by Adheſion, is an inward Percolation, and is
where by the groſſer part of the Liquor ſticks to that cleaving Body;
and ſo
the finer parts are freed from the groſſer. So the Apothecaries clarifie their
Syrups by Whites of Eggs, beaten with the Juices which they would clarifie;
which whites of Eggs, gather all the dregs and groſſer parts of the Juice to
them; and after the Syrup being ſet on the fire, the whites of Eggs them-
ſelves harden, and are taken forth. So Ippocraß is clarified by mixing with
Milk, and ſtirring it about, and then paſſing it through a Woollen-bag,
which they call Hippocrates Sleeve; and the cleaving Nature of the Milk, draw-
eth the Powder of the Spices, and groſſer parts of the Liquor to it, and in
the paſſage they ſtick upon the Woollen-bag.
The clarifying of Water, is an experiment
It is effected by caſting
in, and placing Pebbles at the head of a Current, that the Water may ſtrain
through them.
It may be Percolation doth not onely cauſe clearneſs and ſplendor, but
for that alſo followeth, as well as clearneſs, when the
finer parts are ſevered from the groſſer. So it is found, that the ſweats of
fine Skins, do ſmell ſweet, as was ſaid of Alexander; and we ſee commonly,
that Gums have ſweet odors.
TAke a Glaſs, and put Water into it, and wet your finger, and draw it
round about the lip of the Glaſs, preſſing it ſomewhat hard; and
after you have drawn it ſome few times about, it will make the Water frisk
This inſtance doth excellently demonſtrate
the force of Compreßion in a ſolid Body. For whenſoever a folid Body (as
Wood, Stone, Metal, &c.)
is preſſed, there is an in ward tumult in the parts
thereof, ſeeking to deliver themſelves from the Compreſſion: And this is
the cauſe of all Violent Motion. Wherein it is ſtrange in the higheſt degree,
that this Motion hath never been obſerved, nor enquired; it being of all
Motions, the moſt common, and the chief root of all Mechanical Operations.
way to deliver it ſelf, and then worketh in Progreſs, where it findeth the
deliverance eaſieſt. In Liquors this Motion is viſible;
for all Liquors ſtruck-
en, make round circles, and withal daſh, but in Solids (which break not) it is
ſo ſubtile, as it is inviſible; but nevertheleſs bewrayeth it ſelf by many
effects, as in this inſtance whereof we ſpeak. For the Preſſure of the Finger
furthered by the wetting (becauſe it ſticketh ſo much the better unto the
Lip of the Glaſs) after ſome continuance, putteth all the ſmall parts of the
Glaſs into work, that they ſtrike the Water ſharply; from which Percußion,
that ſprinkling cometh.
If you ſtrike or pierce a Solid Body that is brittle, as Glaſs or Sugar, it
into ſhivers and fitters; the Motion upon the Preſſure ſearching all ways,
and breaking where it findeth the Body weakeſt.
The Powder in Shot being dilated into ſuch a Flame, as endureth not
a Liquid Body) ſometimes recoyling, ſometimes breaking the Peece, but
generally diſcharging the Bullet, becauſe there it findeth eaſieſt deliver-
ance.
This Motion upon Preſſure, and the Reciprocal thereof, which is Mo-
we uſe to call (by one common name) Motion of Liber-
ty; which is, when any Body being forced to a Preternatural Extent or Di-
menſion, delivereth and reſtoreth it ſelf to the natural: As when a blown
Bladder (preſſed) riſeth again; or when Leather or Cloth tentured, ſpring
back. Theſe two Motions (of which there be infinite inſtances) we ſhall
handle in due place.
This Motion upon Preſſure is excellently alſo demonſtrated in Sounds:
but as ſoon as he layeth his
hand upon it, the Sonnd ceaſeth: And ſo, the ſound of a Virginal String, as
ſoon as the Quill of the Jack falleth from it, ſtoppeth. For theſe ſounds are
produced by the ſubtile Percuſſion of the Minute parts of the Bell or String
upon the Air; All one, as the Water is cauſed to leap by the ſubtile Percuſſi-
on of the Minute parts of the Glaſs upon the Water, whereof we ſpake a lit-
tle before in the Ninth Experiment. For you muſt not take it to be the local
As we ſhall fully declare when
we come hereafter to handle Sounds
TAke a Glaß with a Belly, and a long Neb, fill the Belly (in part) with
Take alſo another Glaß, whereinto put Claret Wïne and Water
Reverſe the firſt Glaſs, with the Belly upwards, ſtopping the
Neb with your Finger; then dip the mouth of it within the ſecond Glaſs,
and remove your Finger. Continue it in that poſture for a time, and it
will unmingle the Wine from the Water; the Wine aſcending and ſetling in
the top of the upper Glaſs, and the Water deſcending and ſetling in the
bottom of the lower Glaſs. The paſſage is apparent to the Eye;
for
For handſomneſs ſake (becauſe the working requireth ſome ſmall time)
it were good you hang the upper Glaß upon a Nail. But as ſoon as there
is gathered ſo much pure and unmixed Water in the bottom of the lower
Glaß, as that the Mouth of the upper Glaß dippeth into it, the Motion
ceaſeth.
Let the upper Glaß be Wine, and the lower Water;
there followeth no
Let the upper Glaß be Water pure, the lower Water coloured,
or contrariwiſe there followeth no Motion at all. But it hath been tryed,
that though the mixture of Wine and Water, in the lower Glaß, be three
parts Water, and but one Wine; yet it doth not dead the Motion.
This ſe-
paration of Water and Wine appeareth to be made by weight; for it muſt
be of Bodies of unequal weight, or elſe it worketh not; and the heavier
Body muſt ever be in the upper Glaß. But then note withal, that the water
being made penſible, and there being a great weight of Water in the Belly
of the Glaß, ſuſtained by a ſmall Pillar of Water in the neck of the Glaß; it
is that which ſetteth the Motion on work: For Water and Wine in one Glaß,
with long ſtanding, will hardly ſever.
This Experiment would be extended from mixtures of ſeveral Liquors
Try it therefore
with Broyn or Salt-vvater and Fresh-vvater, placing the Salt-vvater (which
is the heavier) in the upper Glaß, and ſee whether the freſh will come above. Try it alſo with Water thick Sugred, and pure Water;
and ſee whether
the Water which cometh above, will loſe his ſweetneſs: For which pur-
poſe, it were good there were a little Cock made in the Belly of the upper
Glaß.
IN Bodies containing fine Spirits, which do eaſily diſſipate when you make
the Rule is, A ſhort ſtay of the Body in the Liquor receiveth the
becauſe it draweth forth the
Earthy part withal, which embaſeth the finer. And therefore it is an Er-
ror in Phyſitians, to reſt ſimply upon the length of ſtay for encreaſing the
vertue. But if you will have the Infuſion ſtrong, in thoſe kinde of Bodies,
which have fine Spirits, your way is not to give longer time, but to repeat
the Infuſion of the Body oftner. Take Violets, and infuſe a good Pugil of
them in a Quart of Vinegar, let them ſtay three quarters of an hour, and
take them forth, and refreſh the Infuſion with like quantity of new Violets
ſeven times, and it will make a Vinegar ſo freſh of the Flovver, as if a Twelve-
moneth after it be brought you in a Saucer, you ſhall ſmell it before it come
at you. Note, that it ſmelleth more perſ
after, then at firſt.
This Rule which we have given, is of ſingular uſe for the preparations
As for example, the Leaf of Burrage hath
an excellent Spirit, to repreſs the fuliginous vapor of Dusky Melancholy,
and ſo to cure Madneſs: But nevertheleſs, if the Leaf be infuſed long, it
yeildeth forth but a raw ſubſtance of no vertue: Therefore I ſuppoſe, that
if in the Muſt of Wine or Wort of Beer, while it worketh before it be Tunned,
the Burrage ſtay a ſmall time, and be often changed with freſh, it vvill make
a ſoveraign Drink for Melancholy Paßions. And the like I conceive of Orange
Flovvers.
Rubarb hath manifeſtly in it Parts of contrary Operations:
Parts that
and the firſtlay looſer, and the latter lay
So that if you infuſe Rubarb for an hour, and cruſh it well, it will
purge better, and binde the Body leſs after the purging, than if it ſtood
Twenty ſThis is tried, but I conceive likewiſe, that by repeat-
ing the Infuſion of Rubarb, ſeveral times (as was ſaid of Violets) letting
each ſtay in but a ſmall time, you may make it as ſtrong a Purging Medi-
cine, as Scammony. And it is not a ſmall thing won in Phyſick, if you can
make Ruharb, and other Medicines that are Benedict, as ſtrong Purgers, as
thoſe that are not without ſome malignity.
Purging Medicines, for the moſt part, have their Purgative Vertue in a fine
vertue. And therefore it is of good uſe in Phyſick, it you can retain the Pur-
ging of Vertue, and take away the unpleaſant taſte of the Purger; which
it is like you may do, by this courſe of infuſing oft with little ſtay. For it is
probable, that the horrible and odious taſte is in the groſſer part.
Generally, the working by Infuſions is gro@s and blind, except you firſt
ſpeedily, and which more ſlowly; and ſo by apportioning thetime, can
take and leave that quality which you deſire. This to know, there be two
ways; the one to try what long ſtay, and what ſhort ſtay worketh, as hath
been ſaid; the other to try, in order, the ſucceeding Infuſions, of one and
the ſame Body, ſucceſſively, in ſeveral Liquors. As for example, Take
Orange-Pills, or Roſemary, or Cinnamon, or what you will; and let them in-
fuſe half an hour in Water; then take them out, and infuſe them again in
other Water; and ſo the third time;
and then taſte and conſider the firſt
Water, the ſecond, and the third, and you will finde them differing, not one-
ly in ſtrength and weakneſs, but otherwiſe in taſte, or odor; for it may be
the firſt Water will have more of the ſent, as more fragrant; and the ſecond
more of the taſte, as more bitter or biting, &c.
Infuſions in Air (for ſo we may call Odors) have the ſame diverſities with
in that the ſeveral Odors (which are in one Flower, or
other Body) iſſue at ſeveral times, ſome earlier, ſome later: So we finde,
that Violets, Woodbines, Strawberries, yield a pleaſing ſent, that cometh forth
firſt; but ſoon after an ill ſent quite differing from the former.
Which is
cauſed not ſo much by mellowing, as by the late iſſuing of the groſſer
Spirit.
As we may deſire to extract the fineſt Spirits in ſome caſes;
ſo we may
So Wine burnt, by
reaſon of the evaporating of the finer Spirit, inflameth leſs, and is beſt in
Agues: Opium leeſeth ſome of his po@ſonous quality, if it be vapored out,
mingled with Spirit of Wine, or the like: Sean leeſeth ſomewhat of his
windineſs by decocting; and (generally) ſubtile or windy Spirits are taken
off by Incenſion, or Evaporation. And even in Infuſions in things that are
of too high a ſpirit, you were better pour off the firſt Infuſion, after a ſmall
time, and uſe the latter.
BUbbles are in the form of an Hemiſphere;
Air within, and a little Skin
And it ſeemeth ſomewhat ſtrange, that the Air
and when it cometh to the
top, ſhould be ſtaid by ſo weak a cover, as that of the Bubble is. But as
for the ſwift aſcent of the Air, while it is under the Water, that is a
motion of Percuſſion ſrom the Water, which it ſelf deſcending, driveth
up the Air; and no motion of Levity in the Air.
And this Democritus
In this common Experiment, the cauſe of the encloſure
of the Bubble is for that the Appetite to reſiſt Separation, or Diſcontinu-
ance (which in ſolid Bodies is ſtrong) is alſo in Liquors, though fainter and
weaker: As we ſee in this of the Bubble;
we ſee it alſo in little Glaſſes of
Spittle that Children make of Ruſhes; and in Caſtles of Bubbles, which
they make by blowing into Water, having obtained a little degree of
Tenacity by Mixture of Soap: We ſee it alſo in the Stillicides of Water,
which, if there be Water enough to follow, will draw themſelves into a
ſmall Thred, becauſe they will diſcontinue; but if there be no remedy,
then they caſt themſelves into round Drops; which is the Figure, that
ſaveth the Body moſt from Diſcontinuance: The ſame reaſon is of the
Roundneſs of the Bubble, as well for the Skin of Water, as for the Air with-
in: For the Air likewiſe avoideth Diſcontinuance;
and therefore caſteth it
ſelf into a round Figure. And for the ſtop and arreſt of the Air a little
while, it ſheweth, that the Air of it ſelf hath little, or no Appetite of
Aſcending.
THe Rejection, which I continually uſe, of Experiments (though it ap-
but yet if an Experiment be probable in the
It was
reported by a ſober man, that an Artificial Spring may be made thus: Finde
out a hanging Ground, where there is a good quick Fall of Rain-water. Lay
a Half-Trough of Stone, of a good length, three or four foot deep with-
in the ſame Ground; with one end upon the high Ground, the other upon
the low. Cover the Trough with Brakes a good thickneſs, and caſt Sand
upon the top of the Brakes: You ſhall ſee (ſaith he) that after ſome ſhowres
are paſt, the lower end of the Trough will be like a Spring of Water; which
is no marvel, if it hold, while the Rain-water laſteth; but he ſaid it would
continue long time after the Rain is paſt: As if the Water did multiply it
ſelf upon the Air, by the help of the Coldneſs and Condenſation of the
Earth, and the Conſort of the firſt Water.
THe French (which put off the name of the French Diſeaſe, unto the name
had been lately ſlain in Barbary) and ſold it for Tunney; and that, upon
that foul and high Nouriſhment, was the Original of that Diſeaſe. Which
may well be; For that it is certain, that the Canibals, in the VVeſt-Indies, eat
Mans Flesh; and the VVeſt-Indies were full of the Pox when they were firſt
diſcovered: And at this day the Mortaleſt poyſons, practiſed by the VVeſt-Indi-
ans, have ſome mixture of the Blood, or Fat, or Fleſh of Man. And divers
Witches, and Sorcereſſes, as well amongſt the Heathen, as amongſt the
C
with high and foul Vapors.
IT ſeemeth that there be theſe ways (in likelihood) of Verfion of Vapors
The firſt is Cold, which doth mani-
as we ſee in the contracting of the Air in the Weather-
Glaſs; whereby it is a degree nearer to Water.
We ſee it alſo in the Gene-
ration of Springs, which the Ancients thought (very probably) to be made by
the Verſion of Air into VVater, holpen by the Reſt, which the Air hath in
thoſe parts, whereby it cannot diſſipate. And by the coldneſs of Rocks;
for
We ſee it alſo in the Effects of the Cold
of the Middle Region (as they call it) of the Air; which produceth Dews
and Rains. And the Experiment of turning Water into Ice, by Snow, Ni-
tre, and Salt (whereof we ſhall ſpeak hereafter) would be transferred to the
turning of Air into Water. The ſecond way is by Compreßion;
as in Stilla-
tories, where the Vapor is turned back, upon it ſelf, by the Encounter of
the Sides of the Stillatory; and in the Dew upon the Covers of Boiling Pots;
and in the Dew to wards Rain, upon Marble, and VVainſcot.
But this is like to
do no great effect; except it be upon Vapors, and groſs Air, that are al-
ready very near in Degree to Water. The third is that, which may be
ſearched into, but doth not yet appear; which is, by Mingling of moiſt
Vapors with Air; and trying if they will not bring a Return of more Wa-
ter, than the Water was at firſt: For if ſo, That Increaſe is a Verſion of the
Air: Therefore put VVater into the bottom of a Stillatory, with the Neb
ſtopped; weigh the VVater firſt;
hang in the Middle of the Stillatory a large
Spunge; and ſee what quantity of VVater you can cruſh out of it;
and what
it is, more, or leſs, compared with the VVater ſpent; for you muſt under-
ſtand, that if any Verſion can be wrought, it will be eaſily done in ſmall
Pores: And that is the reaſon why we preſcribe a Spunge.
The fourth way
is probable alſo, though not appearing; which is, by receiving the Air into
the ſmall Pores of Bodies; For (as hath been ſaid) every thing in ſmall quan-
tity is more eaſie for Verſion; and Tangible Bodies have no pleaſure in the
conſort of Air, but endeavor to ſubact it into a more Denſe Body: But in
Entire Bodies it is checked; becauſe, if the Air ſhould Condenſe, there is no-
thing to ſucceed: Therefore it muſt be in looſe Bodies, as Sand, and Pow-
der, which we ſee, if they lie cloſe, of themſelves gather Moiſture.
IT is reported by ſome of the Ancients, That Whelps, or other Creatures,
Stature, but may increaſe in breadth or length, will grow accordingly, as
they can get room; which, if it be true, and feaſible, and that the young
Creature ſo preſſed, and ſtreightned, doth not thereupon die; it is a means
to produce Dwarf Creatures, and in a very ſtrange Figure. This is certain,
and noted long ſince, That the Preſſure, or Forming of Parts of Creatures,
when they are very young, doth alter the ſhape not a little: As the ſtroak-
ing of the Heads of Infants, between the Hands, was noted of old, to make
Macrocephali; which ſhape of the Head, at that time, was eſteemed.
And
the raiſing gently of the Bridge of the Noſe, doth prevent the Deformity
of a Saddle Noſe. Which obſer vation well weighed, may teach a means,
to make the Perſons of Men and Women, in many kindes, more comely
and better featured, than otherwiſe they would be; by the Forming and
Shaping of them in their Infancy: As by Stroaking up the Calves of the
Legs, to keep them from falling down too low; and by Stroaking up the
Forehead, to keep them from being low Foreheaded. And it is a common
practice to ſwathe Infants, that they may grow more ſtraight, and better
and we ſee young Women, by wearing ſtraight Bodies, keep them-
ſelv es from being Groſs and Corpulent.
ONions, as they hang, will many of them ſhoot forth;
and ſo will Penny-
roand ſo will an Herb called Orpin;
with which they uſe, in the
Countrey, to trim their Houſes, binding it to a Lath, or Stick, and
ſetting it againſt a Wall. VVe ſee it likewiſe, more eſpecially, in the greater
But it is true,
that commonly they wrap the Root in a cloth beſmeared with Oyl; and
renew it once in a half year. The like is reported by ſome of the An-
cients of the ſtalks of Lillies. The cauſe is, for that theſe Plants have a
ſtrong denſe, and ſucculent moiſture, which is not aptto exhale; and ſo
is able, from the old ſtore, without drawing help from the Earth, to ſuffice
the ſprouting of the Plant: And this ſprouting is chiefly in the late Spring,
or early Summer; which are the times of putting forth.
We ſee alſo,
that ſtumps of Trees, lying out of the Ground, will put forth Sprouts for
a time. But it is a noble tryal, and of very great conſequence, to try
whether theſe things, in the ſprouting, do encreaſe weight; which muſt be
tryed, by weighing them before they be hanged up; and afterwards again,
when they are ſprouted. For if they increaſe not in weight, then it is no
more but this, That what they ſend forth in the ſprout, they leeſe in ſome
other part; but if they gather weight, then it is Magnale Naturæ:
For it
ſheweth, that Air may be made ſo to be condenſed, as to be converted in-
to a denſe Body; whereas the race and period of all things, here above the
Earth, is to extenuate and turn things to be more pneumatical, and rare; and not to be retrograde, from pneumatical to that which is denſe.
It
ſheweth alſo, that Air can nouriſh; which is another great matter of con-
ſequence. Note, that to try this, the Experiment of the Semper-vive, muſt
be made without oyling the cloth; for elſe, it may be, the Plant receiveth
nouriſhment from the Oyl,
FLame and Air do not mingle, except it be in an inſtant;
or in the Vital
In Gunpowder, the force of
it hath been aſcribed to rarefaction of the earthly ſubſtance into Flame. And thus far it is true;
and then (forſooth) it is become another Element;
the form whereand ſo, of Neceſſity, followeth
a Dilatation: And therefore, leſt two Bodies ſhould be in one place,
there muſt needs alſo follow an Expulſion of the Pellet, or blowing up
of the Mine. But theſe are crude and ignorant ſpeculations:
For Flame,
if there were nothing elſe, except it were in a very great quantity, will be
ſuffocate with any hard body, ſuch as a Pellet is, or the Barrel of a Gun;
ſo as the flame would not expel the hard body, but the hard body would kill
the flame, and notſuffer it to kindle, or ſpred. But the cauſe of this ſo po-
tent a motion is the Nitre (which we call otherwiſe Salt-Peter) which
having in it a notable crude and windy Spirit, firſt by the heat of the Fire
ſuddenly dilateth it ſelf; (and we know that ſimple Air, being preterna-
turally attenuated by heat, will make it ſelf room, and break, and blow
up that which reſiſteth it.) And ſecondly, when the Nitre hath dilated it
ſelf, it blo weth abroad the flame as an in ward Bellows. And therefore we
ſee that Brimſtone, Pitch, Camphire, U ildfire, and divers other inflamable
matters; though they burn cruelly, and are hard to quench, yet they make
no ſuch fiery wind, as Gunpowder doth: And on the other fide, we ſee that
Quick-ſilver (which is a moſt crude and watry Body) heated, and pent in,
hath the like force with Gunpowder. As for living Creatures, it is certain,
their Vital Spirits are a ſubſtance compounded of an airy and flamy mat-
ter; and though Air and Flame, being free, will not well mingle;
yet
bound in by a Body that hath ſome fixing, they will. For that you may beſt ſee
in thoſe two Bodies (which are their Aliments) Water and Oyl; for they
likewiſe will not well mingle of themſelves, but in the Bodies of Plants,
It is no marvel there fore, that a ſmall Quan-
tity of Spirits, in the Cells of the Brain, and Cannals of the Sinews, are able
to move a whole Body (which is of ſo great maſs) both with ſo great force,
as in Wreſtling, Leaping; and with ſo great ſwiftneſs, as in playing Diviſi-
on upon the Lute: Such is the force of theſe two Natures, Air and Flame
when they incorporate.
TAke a ſmall Wax-Candle, and put it in a Socket of Braſs or Iron, then
then ſet
both the Candle, and Spirit of Wine on fire, and you ſhall ſee the flame of
the Candle open it ſelf, and be
wiſe it would have been, and appear in figure Globular, and not in Pyramis. You ſhall ſee alſo, that the inward flame of the Candle keepeth colour, and
doth not wax any whit blew to wards the colour of the outward flame of
the Spirit of Wine. This is a noble inſtance, wherein two things are moſt
remarkable; the one, that one flame within another quencheth not, but is
a fixed Body, and continueth as Air or Water do; and therefore flame would
ſtill aſcend upwards in one greatneſs, if it were not quenched on the ſides;
and the greater the flame is at the bottom, the higher is the riſe. The other,
that Flame doth not mingle with Flame, as Air doth with Air, or Water
with Water, but onely remaineth contiguous; as it cometh to paſs be-
twixt Conſiſting Bodies. It appeareth alſo, that the form of a Pyramis in
Flame, which we uſually ſee, is meerly by accident, and that the Air about,
by quenching the ſides of the Flame, cruſheth it, and extenuateth it into
that form; for of it ſelf, it would be round:
And thereſore Smoak is in
the figure of a Pyramis reverſed; for the Air quencheth the Flame, and re-
ceiveth the Smoak. Note alſo, that the flame of the Candle, within the
flame of the Spirit of Wine, is troubled, and doth not onely open and move
upwards, but moveth waving, and to and fro: As if Flame of his own Na-
ture (if it were not quenched) would roul and turn as well as move up-
wards. By all which it ſhould ſeem, that the Celeſtial Bodies (moſt of them)
are true Fires or Flames, as the Stoicks held; more ſine (perhaps) and rari-
fied, than our flame is. For they are all Globular and Deternate, they have
Rotation, and they have the colour andſplendor of Flame: So that Flame
above, is durable and conſiſtent, and in his natural place; but with us, it
is a ſtranger, and momentany and impure, like Vulean that halted with his
fall.
TAke an Arrovv, and hold it in Flame for the ſpace of ten Pulſes;
and
were one the outſides of the Flame, more burned, blacked, and turned al-
moſtinto a Coal; whereas that in the midſt of the flame, will be as if the
fire had ſcarce touched it. This is an inſtance of great conſequence for the
diſcovery of the nature of Flame, and ſheweth manifeſtly, that Flame burn-
eth more violently to wards the ſides, then in the midſt: And, which is
more, that Heat or Fire is not violent or furious, but where it is checked and
pent. And therefore the Peripateticks (howſoever their opinion of an Ele-
ment of Fire, above the Air, is juſtly exploded) in that point they acquit
themſelves well: For being oppoſed, that if there were a ſphere of Fire,
that incompaſſEd the Earth ſo near hand, it were impoſſible, but all things
ſhould be burnt up; they anſwer, that the pure Elemental Fire, in his own
place, and notirritate, is but of a moderate heat.
IT is affirmed conſtantly by many, as an uſual Experiment, That a lump of
ſtrength; which if you bring it to the top of the Earth, will ask ſix Mens
ſtrength at the leaſt to ſtir it. It is a noble inſtance, and is fit to be tryed to
the full: For it is very probable, that the Motion of Gravity worketh weakly,
both far from the Earth, and alſo within the Earth: The former, becauſe the
appetite of Union of Denſe Bodies with the Earth, in reſpect of the diſtance
is more dull. The latter, becauſe the Body hath in part attained his nature,
when it is ſome depth in the Earth. For as for the moving to a point or place
(which was the opinion of the Antients) it is a meer vanity.
IT is ſtrange, how the Antients took up Experiments upon credit, and yet did
The obſervation of ſome of the beſt of
them, delivered confidently, is, That a Veſſel filled with Aſhes, will receive
the like quantity of Water, that it would have done if it had been empty. But
this is utterly untrue, for the Water will not go in by a fifth part; and I ſup-
poſe, that that fifth part is the difference of the lying cloſe, or open of the
Aſhes; as we ſee, that Aſhes alone, if they be hard preſſed, will lie in leſs
room; and ſo the Aſhes with Air between, lie looſer, and with Water
cloſer. For I have not yet found certainly, that the Water it ſelf by mix-
ture of Aſhes or Duſt, will ſhrink or draw into leſs room.
IT is reported of credit, That if you lay good ſtore of Kernels of Grapes’,
better. It may be tried with other Kernels, laid about the Root of a Plant of
the ſame kinde; as Figs, Kernels of Apples, &
c.
The cauſe may be, for that the
Kernels draw out of the Earth Juice fit to nouriſh the Tree, as thoſe that
would be Trees of themſelves, though there were no Root; but the Root
being of greater ſtrength, robbeth and devoureth the nouriſhment, when
they have drawn it; as great Fiſhes devour little.
THe operation of Purging Medicines, and the cauſes thereof, have been
and ſo according to the ſlothful manner
of Men, it is referred to a Hidden Propriety, a Specifical Vertue, and a Fourth
Quality, and the like ſhifts of Ignorance. The Cauſes of Purging, are
divers, All plain and perſpicuous, and throughly maintained by experience. The firſt is, That whatſoever cannot be overcome and digeſted by the
Stomack, is by the Stomack, either put up by Vomit, or put down to the
Guts; and by that Motion of Expulſion in the Stomack and Guts, other
Parts of the Body (as the Orifices of the Veins, and the like) are moved to ex-
pel by Conſent: For nothing is more frequent then Motion of Conſent in the
Body of Man. This Surcharge of the Stomack, is cauſed either by the
Quality of the Medicine, or by the Quantity. The Qualities are three,
Extream Bitter, as in Aloes, Coloquintida, &c.
Loathſome, and of horrible taſte,
as in Agarik Black Hellebore, &c.
And of ſecret Malignity, and diſagree-
ment towards Mans Body, many times not appearing much in the taſte,
as in Scammony, Machoacham, Antimony, &c.
And note well, that if there
be any Medicine that Purgeth, and hath neither of the firſt two Manifeſt
Qualities, is to be held ſuſpected as a kinde of Poyſon; For that it worketh
either by Corroſion, or by a ſecret Malignity, and Enmity to Nature; and
thereſore ſuch Medicines are warily to be prepared and uſed. The quantity
of that which is taken, doth alſo cauſe Purging, as we ſee in a great quan-
tity of new Milk from the Cow, yea, and a great quantity of Meat: For
There-
fore we ſee generally, that the working of Purging Medicines cometh two
or three hours after the Medicines taken: For that the Stomack firſt maketh a
proof, whether it can concoct them. And the like happeneth after Surfeits,
or Milk in too great quantity.
A ſecond cauſe is Mordication of the Orifices of the Parts, eſpecially of
as it is ſeen, that Salt, or any ſuch thing that is ſharp and
biting, put into the Fundament, doth provoke the part to expel, and Muſtard
provoketh ſneezing; and any ſharp thing to the eyes provoketh tears.
And
therefore weſee, that almoſt all Purgers have akinde of twitching and vel-
lication, beſides the griping which cometh of wind. And if this Mordi-
cation be in an over-high degree, it is little better than the Coroſion of Poyſon; and it cometh to paſs ſometimes in Antimony, eſpecially if it be given to
Bodies not repleat with humors; for where humors abound, the humors
ſave the parts.
The third cauſe is Attraction:
For I do not deny, but that Purging Me-
as Drawing-Plaiſters have
in Surgery: And we ſee Sage, or Bittony bruiſed, SneeZing-powder, and other pow-
ders or Liquors (which the Phyſitians call Errhines) put into the Noſe, draw
Flegm and Water from the Head; and ſo it is in Apophlegmatiſms and Gar-
gariſms that draw the Rheume down by the Palat. And by this vertue, no
doubt, ſome Purgers draw more one humor, and ſome another, according to
the opinion received: As Rubarb draweth Choler, Sean Melancholy, Aga-
rack Flegm, &c.
but yet (more orleſs) they draw promiſcuouſly.
And note
alſo, that beſides Sympathy between the Purger and the Humor, there is alſo
another cauſe, why ſome Medicines draw ſome humor more than another; and it is, for that ſome Medicines work quicker than others;
and they that
draw quick, draw onely the lighter, and more fluid humors; they that draw
ſlow, work upon the more tough, and viſcuous humors. And therefore,
men muſt be ware how they take Rubarb, and the like, alone, familiarly; for
it taketh onely the lighteſt part of the humor away, and leaveth the Maſs
of Humors more obſtinate. And the like may be ſaid of Worm-wood, which
is ſo much magniſied.
The fourth cauſe is Flatuoſity:
For wind ſtirred, moveth to expel;
and
is the principal cauſe of Tortion in the Stomack and Belly. And therefore
Purgers leeſe (moſt of them) the virtue, by decoction upon the fire; and for
that cauſe are chiefly given in Infuſion, Juyce, or Powder.
The fifth cauſe is Compreßion or Cruſhing:
As when Water is cruſhed
So we ſee that taking cold moveth looſneſs by contraction
of the Skin, and outward parts; and ſo doth Cold like wiſe cauſe Rheums
and Defluctions from the Head, and ſome Aſtringent Plaiſters cruſh out pu-
rulent Matter. This kinde of operation is not found in many Medicines:
Mirabolanes have it, and it may be the Barks of Peaches;
for this vertue re-
quireth an Aſtriction, but ſuch an Aſtriction, as is not grateſul to the Body
(for a pleaſing Aſtriction doth rather binde in the humors, than ex-
pel them:) And therefore ſuch Aſtriction is found in things of an harriſh
taſt e.
The ſixth cauſe is Lubrefaction and Relaxation:
As we ſee in Medicines
the Wall, and others. There is alſo a ſecret vertue of Relaxation of Cold;
for
the heat of the Body bindeth the Parts and Humors together, which
As it is ſeen in Vrine, Blood, Pottage, or the like;
which, if they
be cold, break and diſſolve. And by this kinde of Relaxation, Fear looſneth
the Belly; becauſe the heat retiring in wards to wards the Heart, the Guts,
and other parts are relaxed; in the ſame manner as Fear alſo cauſeth trem-
bling in the Sinews. And of this kinde of Purgers are ſome Medicines made
of Mercury.
The ſeventh cauſe is Abſterſion, which is plainly a ſcouring off, or Inciſion
between them, and the part; as is found in Nitrous Water, which ſcoureth
Linnen-Cloth (ſpeedily) from the foulneſs. But this Inciſion muſt be by a
Sharpneß, without Aſtriction; which we finde in Salt, Wormwood, Oxymel, and
the like.
There be Medicines that move Stools, andnot Vrine;
ſome other Vrine,
Thoſe that Purgeby Stool, are ſuch as enter not at all, or little
into the Meſentery Veins; but either at the firſt, are not digeſtible by the
Stomack, and therefore move immediately downwards to the Guts; or elſe
are afterwards rejected by the Meſentery Veins, and ſo turn likewiſe down-
wards to the Guts; and of theſe two kindes, are moſt Purgers.
Butthoſe that
move Vrine, are ſuch as are well digeſted of the Stomack, and well received
alſo of the Meſentery Veins; ſo they come as far as the Liver, which ſendeth
Vrine to the Bladder, as the Whey of Blood: And thoſe Medicines, being open-
ing and piercing, do fortifie the operation of the Liver, in ſending down
the Wheyey part of the Blood to the Reins. For Medicines Vrinative do not
work by rejection and indigeſtion, as Solutive do.
There be divers Medicines, which in greater quantity move Stool, and
and ſo contrariwiſe, ſome that in greater quantity move
Urine, and in ſmaller Stool. Of the former ſortis Rubarb, and ſome others.
The cauſe is, for that Rubarb is a Medicine, which the Stomack in a ſmall
quantity doth digeſt, and overcome (being not Flatuous nor Loathſome,)
and ſo ſendethit to the Meſentery veins; and ſo being opening, it helpeth down
Urine: But in a greater quantity, the Stomack cannot overcome it, and
ſo it goeth to the Guts. Pepper, by ſome of the Ancients, is noted to be of the
ſecond ſort; which being in ſmall quantity, moveth wind in the Stomack
or Guts, and ſo expelled by Stool; but being in greater quantity, diſſipateth
the wind, and it ſelf getteth to the Meſentery Veins, and ſo to the Liver and
Reins; where, by Heating and Opening, it ſendeth down Urine more
plentifully.
WE have ſpoken of Evacnating of the Body, we will now ſpeak ſome-
In Vetegables, there is one part that is more nouriſhing than
another; as Grains and Roots nouriſh more than the Leaves, inſomuch as
the Order of the Foliatans was put down by the Pope, as finding Leaves un-
able to nouriſh Mans Body. Whether there be that difference in the
Fleſh of Living Creatures, is not well enquired; as whether Livers, and
other Entrails, be not more nouriſhing than the outward Fleſh. We finde
that amongſt the Romans, a Gooſes Liver was a great delicacy; inſomuch,
as they had artificial means to make it fair, and great; but whether it were
more nouriſhing, appeareth not. It is certain, that Marrow is more
nouriſhing than Fat. And I conceive, that ſome decoction of Bones and
Sinews, ſtamped and well ſtrained, would be a very nouriſhing Broth: We
finde alſo, that Scotch Skinck (which is a Pottage of ſtrong nouriſhment) is
Felly alſo, which
they uſe for a Reſtorative, is chiefly made of Knuckles of Veal. The Pulp,
that is within the Crafiſh or Crab, which they ſpice and butter, is more
nouriſhing then the fleſh of the Crab, or Crafiſh. The Yolks of Eggs are
clearly more nouriſhing than the Whites. So that it ſhould ſeem, that the
parts of Living Creatures that lie more in wards, nouriſh more than the out-
ward fleſh; except it be the Brain, which the Spitits prey too much upon, to
leave it any great vertue of nouriſhing. It ſeemeth for the nouriſhing of aged
Men, or Men in Conſumptions, ſome ſuch thing ſhould be deviſed, as ſhould
be half Chylus, before it be put into the ſtomach.
Take two large Capons, perboil them upon a ſoft fire, by the ſpace of
Add in the decoction
the Pill of a Sweet-Lemmon, or a good part of the Pill of a Citron, and a
little Mace. Cut off the Shanks, and throw them away;
then with a good
ſtrong Chopping-knife, mince the two Capons, Bones and all, as ſmall as
ordinary minced Meat; put them into a large neat Boulter, then take a Kil-
derkin, ſweet, and well ſeaſoned, of four Gallons of Beer of Eight ſhillings
ſtrength, new as it cometh from the Tunning; make in the Kilderkin a great
Bung-hole of purpoſe, then thurſt into it, the Boulter (in which the Capons
are) drawn out in length; let it ſteep in it three days and three nights, the
Bung-hole open to work, then cloſe the Bung hole, and ſo let it continue a
day and a half, then draw it into Bottles, and you may drink it well after
threedays Bottling, and it will laſt ſix weeks (approved). It drinketh freſh,
flowreth, and mantleth exceedingly, it drinketh not newiſh at all, it is an
excellent drink for a Conſumption to be drunk either alone, or carded with
ſome other Beer. It quencheth thirſt, and hath no whit of windineſs.
Note,
that it is not poſſible, that Meat and Bread, either in Broths, or taken with
Drink, as is uſed, ſhould get forth into the Veins, and outward Parts, ſo
finely, and eaſily, as when it is thus incorporate, and made almoſt a Chylus
aforehand.
Tryal would be made of the like Brew with Potado-Roots, or Bur-Roots,
It may betryed al-
ſo, with other fleſh; as Pheſant, Patridge, Young Pork, pig, Veniſon, eſpecially of
Young Deer, & c.
A Mortreß made with the Brawn of Capons, ſtamped, and ſtrained, and
an excellent Meat to nouriſh thoſe that are weak, better than Black-Manger
or Jelly: And ſo is the Cullice of Cocks, boiled thick with the like mixture of
Almond Butter: For the Mortreſs or Cullice of it ſelf, is more ſavory and
ſtrong, and nor ſo fit for nouriſhing of weak Bodies, but the Almonds that
are not of ſo high a taſte as fleſh, do excellently qualifie it.
Indian Maiz hath (of certain) an excellent Spirit of Nouriſhment, but it
I judge the ſame of Rice, made into a Cream;
for Rice is in Turky, and other
Countreys of the Eaſt, moſt fed upon, but it muſt be throughly boiled in re-
ſpect of the hardneſs of it; and alſo, becauſe otherwiſe it bindeth the Body
too much.
Piſtachoes, ſo they be good and not muſty, joyned with Almonds in
but more green, are an excellent nouriſher. But you ſhall do well, to
add a little Ginger ſcraped, becauſe they are not without ſome ſubtil windi-
neſs.
Milk warm from the Cow, is ſound to be a great nouriſher, and a good
But then you muſt putintoit, when you Milk
the Cow, two little Bags; the one of Powder of Mint, the other of Powder
of Red Roſes; for they keep the Milk ſome what from turning, or crudling
in the Stomack; and put in Sugar alſo for the ſame cauſe, and partly for the
taſtes ſake: But you muſt drink a good draught, that it may ſtay leſs time
in the Stomack, leſt it cruddle: And let the Cup, into which you milk the
Cow, be ſet in a greater Cup of hot Water, that you may take it warm. And Cow-milk thus prepared, I judge to be better for a Conſumption, than
Aß-milk, which (it is true) turneth not ſo eaſily, but it is a little harſh:
Marry it is more proper for ſharpneſs of Urine, and Exulceration of the
Bladder, and all manner of Lenifyings. Womens-milk like wiſe is preſcribed,
when all fail; but I commend it not, as being a little too near the Juyce of
Mans Body, to be a good nouriſher; except it be in Infants, to whom it is
natural.
Oyl of ſweet Almonds newly drawn, with Sugar and a little Spice, ſpred
but then to keep the Oyl from
frying in the Stomack, you muſt drink a good draught of Milde-Beer after
it; and to keep it from relaxing the Stomack too much, you muſt put in a
little Powder of Cinnamon.
The Yolks of Eggs are of themſelves ſo well prepared by Natmre for nou-
paration or mixture; yet they may be taken alſo raw, when they are new
laid, with Malmſey or Sweet Wine. You ſhall do well to put in ſome few ſlices
of Eringium Roots, and a little Amber-greece: For by this means, beſides the
immediate faculty of nouriſhment, ſuch drink will ſtrengthen the Back, ſo
that it will not draw down the Urine too faſt. For too much Urine doth al-
ways hinder nouriſhment.
Mincing of Meat, as in Pies, and Buttered minced Meat, ſaveth the grind-
and therefore (no doubt) it is more nouriſhing, eſpecially
in Age, or to them that have weak Teeth; but the Butter is not ſo proper
for weak Bodies, and therefore it were good to moiſten it with a little
Claret Wine, Pill of Lemmon or Orenge cut ſmall, Sugar, and a very little
Cinnamon, or Nutmeg. As for Chuets, which are like wiſe Minced-meat;
inſtead of Butter, and Fat, it were good to moiſten them, partly with Cream,
or Almond, or Piſtachomilk, or Barley, or Maiz Cream; adding a little Co-
riander-ſeed, and Carraway-ſeed, and a very little Saffron. The more full
handling of Alimentation, we reſerve to the due place.
We have hitherto handled the Particulars, which yield heſt, and eaſieſt, and plentifulleſt,
Nourishment; and now we will ſpeak of the beſt Means of conveying, and convert-
ing the Nourishment.
The firſt Means is to procure, that the Nouriſhment may not be robbed
wherein that which we have already ſaid, is very mate-
rial, to provide, that the Reins draw not too ſtrongly an over-great part
of the Blood into Urine. To this add that Precept of Ariſtotle, That Wine
be forborn in all Conſumptions; for that the Spirits of the Wine do prey
upon the Roſcide Juyce of the Body, and inter-common with the Spirits of
the Body, and ſo deceive and rob them of their Nouriſhment. And therefore
if the Conſumption, growing from the weakneſs of the Stomack, do force
you to uſe Wine; let it always be burnt, that the quicker Spirits may evapo-
rate, or (at the leaſt) quenched with two little Wedges of Gold, fix or ſeven
times repeated, Add alſo this Proviſion, that there be not too much expence
And tnerefore if the Patient
be apt to ſweat, it muſt be gently reſtrained. But chiefly Hipocrates Rule is to
be followed, who adviſeth quite contrary to that which is in uſe: Namely,
That the Linnen or Garment next the Fleſh, be in Winter dry and oft
changed; and in Summer ſeldom changed, and ſmeared over with Oyl:
For certain it is, that any ſubſtance that is fat, doth a little fill the Pores of
the Body and ſtay Sweat in ſome degree. But the more cleanly way is to
have the Linnen ſmeared lightly over with Oyl of ſweet Almonds, and not
to forbear ſhifting as oft as is fit.
The ſecond Means is to ſend forth the nouriſhment into the parts more
and in this, becauſe the Stomack is chiefly comforted by Wine and hot
things, which otherwiſe hurt, it is good to reſort to outward applications to
the Stomack: Wherein it hath been tryed, that the Quilts of Roſes, Spices,
Maſtick, Wormwood, Mint, &c.
are not ſo helpful, as to take a Cake of
New Bread, and to bedew it with a little Sack or Alegant, and to dry it, and
after it be dryed alittle before the Fire, to put it within a clean Napkin,
and to lay it to the Stomack: For it is certain, that all Flower hath a po-
tent Vertue of Aſtriction, inſomnch, as it hardneth a piece of Fleſh, or a
Flower that is laid in it. And therefore a Bag quilted with Bran, is like wiſe
very good, but it dryeth ſomewhat too much, and therefore it muſtnot lie
long.
The third Means (which may be a branch of the former) is to ſend
For weſee, that Bears and other
Creatures that ſleep in the Winter, was exceeding fat: And certain it is, (as
it is commonly believed) that Sleep doth nouriſh much, both for that the
Spirits do leſs ſpend the nouriſhment in Sleep, than when living Creatures
are awake: And becauſe (that which is to the preſent purpoſe) it helpeth
to thruſt out the nouriſhment into the parts. Therefore in aged-men, and
weak Bodies, and ſuch as abound not with Choler, aſhort ſleep aſter dinner
doth help to nouriſh; for in ſuch Bodies there is no fear of an over-haſty
digeſtion, which is the inconvenience of Poſt-meridian Sleeps. Sleep alſo in
the morning, after the taking of ſomewhat of eaſie digeſtion; as Milk from
the Cow, nouriſhing Broth, or the like, doth further nouriſhment: But this
would be done ſitting upright, that the Milk or Broth may paſs the more
ſpeedily to the bottom of the Stomack.
The fourth Means is to provide that the parts themſelves may draw to
There is an excellent obſervation of Ari-
ſtotle, that a great reaſon why Plants (ſome of them) are of greater age than
Living Creatures is, for that they yearly put forth new Leaves and Boughs; whereas Living Creatures put forth (after their period of growth) nothing
that is young, but Hair and Nails, which are Excrements, and no Parts.
And it is moſt certain, that whatſoever is young, doth draw nouriſhment
better, than that which is old; and then (that which is the myſtery of
that obſervation) young Boughs and Leaves, calling the Sap up to them,
the ſame nouriſheth the Body in the Paſſage. And this we ſee notably pro-
ved alſo, in that the oft outting or polling of Hedges, Trecs, and Herbs, doth
conduce much to their laſting. Transfer therefore this obſervation to the
helping of nouriſhment in Living Creatures: The Nobleſt and Principal
Uſe whereof is, for the Prolongation of Life; Reſtauration of ſomc de-
gree of Youth, and Inteneration of the Parts: For certain it is, that there
are in Living Creatures Parts that nouriſh and repair eaſily, and parts that
and you muſt refreſh, and renew thoſe that are
eaſie to nouriſh, that the other may be re reſhed, and (as it were) drink in
nouriſhment in the paſſage. Now we ſee that Draught Oxen put into good
Paſture, recover the Fleſh of young Beef; and Men after long emaciating
Diets, wax plump and fat, and almoſt new: So that you may ſurely conclude,
that the frequent and wiſe uſe of thoſe emaciating Diets, and of Purgings; and perhaps of ſome kinde of Bleeding, is a principal means of prolonga-
tion of life, and reſtoring ſome degree of Youth: For as we have often ſaid,
Death cometh upon Living Creatures like the Torment of Mezentius,
Mortua quinetiam jungebat corpora vivis,
Component Manibuſque Man{us}, atque orib{us} ora.
For the parts in Mans body eaſily repairable (as Spirits, Blood, and Fleſh)
die in the embracement of the parts hardly repairable as Bones, Nerves,
and Membranes) and like wiſe ſome Entrails (which they reckon amongſt
the Spermatical Parts) are hard to repair: Though that diviſion of Sper-
matical and Menſtrual Parts, be but a conceit. And this ſame obſervation
alſo may be drawn to the preſent purpoſe of nouriſhing emaciated Bodies: And therefore Gentle Frication draweth forth the nouriſhment, by making
the parts a little hungry and heating them, whereby they call forth nouriſh-
ment the better. This Frication I wiſh to be done in the morning.
It is
alſo beſt done by the Hand, or apiece of Scarlet-Wool, wet a little with
Oyl of Almonds, mingled with a ſmall quantity of Bay-Salt, or Saffron: We
ſee that the very Currying of Horſes doth make them fat, and in good
liking.
The fifth means is, to further the very act of Aßimilation of Nourish-
which is done by ſome outward emollients, that make the parts more
apt to Aſſimilate. For which I have compounded an ointment of excellent
odor, which I call Roman ointment, vide the Receit. The uſe of it would be
between ſleeps; forin the latter ſleep, the parts aſſimulate chiefly.
THere be many Medicines, which by themſelves would do no cure, but
I have tried (my ſelf) a Remedy for the Gout, which hath
ſeldom failed, but driven it away in Twenty four hours ſpace: It is firſt to
apply a Pultaß, of which, vide the Receit, and then a Bath or Fomentation,
of which, vide the Receit, and then a Plaiſter, vide the Receit. The Pultaß
relaxed the Pores, and maketh the humor apt to exhale. The Fomentation
calleth forth the Humor by Vapors; but yet in regard of the way made by
the Pultaß, draweth gently; and therefore draweth the Humors out, and
doth not draw more to it: For it is a gentle Fomentation, and hath withal
a mixture (though very little) of ſome ſtupefactive. The Plaiſter is a
moderate Aſtringent Plaiſter, which repelleth new humor from falling. The Pultaß alone would make the part more ſoft and weak, and apter to take
the defluxion and impreſſion of the Humor. The Fomentation alone, if it
were too weak, without way made by the Pultaß, would draw forth little;
if too ſtrong, it would draw to the part, as well as draw from it. The Plaiſter
alone would pen the Humor already contained in the part, and ſo exaſpe-
rate it, as well as forbid new Humor; therefore they muſt be all taken in
order, as is ſaid: The Pultaß is to be laid to for two or three hours;
the
Fomentation for a quarter of an hour, or ſomewhat better, being uſed hot,
and ſeven or eight times repeated; the Plaiſter to continue on ſtill, till the
part be well confirmed.
THere is a ſecret way of Cure, unpractiſed by Aſſuetude of that which
Poyſons have been made by ſome Familiar, as hath
Ordinary Keepers of the ſick of the Plague, are ſeldom infected.
Enduring of Tortures, by cuſtom hath been made more eaſie:
The brook-
ing of enormous quantity of Meats, and ſo of Wine, or ſtrong drink, hath
been by cuſtom made to be without Surfeit or Drunkenneſs. And generally
Diſeaſes that are Chronical, as Coughs, Phihiſicks, ſome kinde of Palſies,
Lunacies, & c.
are moſt dangerous at the firſt:
Therefore a wiſe Phyſitian will
conſider, whcther a Diſeaſe be incurable, or whether the juſt cure of it be
not full of peril; and if he finde it to be ſuch, let him reſort to Palliation,
and alleviate the Symptom without buſying himſelf too much with the
perfect cure: And many times (if the Patient be indecd patient) that courſe
will exceed all expectation. Likewiſe the Patient himſelf may ſtrive, by
little and little to overcome the Symptom in the Exacerbation, and ſo by
time turn ſuffering into Nature.
DIvers Diſeaſes, eſpecially Chronical, (ſuch as Quartan Agues) are ſome-
as exceſs of Meat, exceſs of Drink,
The cauſe is, for that Diſeaſes of continuance, get an adventitious ſtrength
from Cultom, beſides their material cauſe from the Humors: So that the
breaking of the Cuſtom doth leave them onely to their firſt cauſe; which,
if it be any thing weak, will fall off. Beſides, ſuch Exceſſes do excite and ſpur
Nature, which thereupon riſeth more forcibly againſt the Diſeaſe.
THere is in the Body of Man, a great conſentin the Motion of the ſeveral
We ſee it is Childrens ſport, to prove whether they can rub up-
and ſtraight ways they ſhall ſometimes rub with both hands, or pat with
both hands. We ſee, that when the Spirits that come to the Noſtrils, ex-
pel a bad ſent, the Stomack is ready to expel by vomit. We finde that in
Conſumptions of the Lungs, when Nature cannotexpel by Cough, Men fall into
Fluxes of the Belly, and then they die. So in Peſtilent Diſeaſes, if they can-
not be expelled by Sweat, they fall like wiſe into Looſneß, and that is common-
ly Mortal. Therefore Phyſitians ſhould ingeniouſly contrive, how by Mo-
tions that are in their power, they may excite inward Motions that are not
in their power, by conſent; as by the ſtench of Feathers, or the like, they
cure the riſing of the Mother.
HIppocrates Aphoriſm, in Morbis Minus, is a good profound Aphoriſm.
It im-
c.
are more dangerous than thoſe that are concurrent.
A
Man would think it ſhould be otherwiſe; For that when the Accident of
Sickneſs, and the Natural diſpoſition, do ſecond the one the other; the
Diſeaſe ſhould be more forcible. And (ſo no doubt) it is, if you ſuppoſe like
quantity of Matter. But that which maketh good the Aphoriſm, is, becauſe
ſuch Diſeaſes do ſhew a greater collection of Matter, by that they are able
to overcome thoſe Natural inclinations to the contrary. And therefore in
Diſeaſes of that kinde, let the Phyſitian apply him ſelf more to Purgation, than
to Alteration; becauſe the offence is in the quantity, and the qualities are
rectified of themſelves.
PHyſitians do wiſely preſcribe, that there be Preparatives uſed before Juſt
for certain it is, that Purgers do many times great hurt, if
The
hurt that they do, for want of Preparation before Purging, is by the ſtick-
ing of the Humors, and their not coming fair away; which cauſeth in the
Body great perturbations, and ill accidents, during the Purging; and alſo
the diminiſhing and dulling of the working of the Medicine it ſelf, that it
purgeth not ſufficiently: Therefore the work of Preparation is double, to
make the Humors fluide and mature, and to make the paſſages more open; For thoſe both help to make the Humors paſs readily:
And for the former
of theſe, Syrups are moſt profitable; and for the latter, Apozums or Preparing
Broths; Clyſters alſo help leſt the Medicine ſtop in the Guts, and work griping-
ly. But it is true, that Bodies abounding with Humors, and fat Bodies,
and open Weather, are Preparatives in themſelves; becauſe they make the
Humors more fluid: But let a Phyſician beware how he purge after hard
Froſty Weather, and in a lean Body, without Preparation. For the hurt
that they may do after Purging, it is cauſed by the lodging of ſome Humors
in ill places; for it is certain, that there be Humors which ſome where
placed in the Body, are quiet, and do little hurt; in other places (eſpecially
Paſſages) do much miſchief. Therefore it is good after Purging, to uſe
Apozums and Broths, not ſo much opening as thoſe uſed before Purging,
but Abſturſive and Mundifying Clyſters alſo are good to conclude with, to
draw away the relicks of the Humors that may have deſcended to the lower
region of the Body.
BLood is ſtanched divers ways:
Firſt, by Aſtringents and Repercuſſive
Secondly, by drawing of the Spirits and Blood in wards,
as Iron or a Stone laid to the Neck doth ſtanch the
Bleeding of the Noſe; alſo it hath been tried, that the Teſticlcs being put
into ſharp Vinegar, hath made a ſudden receſs of the Spirits, and ſtanched
Blood. Thirdly, by the Receſs of the Blood by Sympathy;
ſo it hath been
tried, that the part that bleedeth, being thruſt into the body of a Capon,
Sheep, new ript and bleeding, hath ſtanched Blood; the Blood, as it ſeem-
eth, ſucking and drawing up, by ſimilitude of ſubſtance, the Blood it meet-
eth with, and ſo it ſelf going back. Fourthly, by Cuftom and Fime;
ſo the
Prince of Aurange, in his firſthurt by the Spaniſh Boy, could ſinde no means
to ſtanch the Blood, either by Medicine or Ligament, but was fain to have
the Oriſice of the Wound ſtopped by Mens Thumbs, ſucceeding one an-
other for the ſpace at the leaſt of two days; and at the laſt the Blood by
cuſtom onely retired. There is a fifth way alſo in uſe, to let Blood in an ad-
verſe part for a Revulſion.
IT helpeth, both in Medicine and Aliment, to change and not to continne
The cauſe is, for that Nature by con-
or Working. And we ſee that Aſſuetude of things hurtful, doth make
them leeſe their force to hurt; As Poyſon, which with uſe ſome have brought
themſelves to brook. And therefore it is no marvel, though things help-
ful by cuſtom, leeſe their force to help, I count intermiſſion almoſt the
ſame thing with change; for that, that hath been intermitted, is after a ſort
new.
IT is found by Experience, that in Diets of Guiacum, Sarza, and the like,
which hath madeſome of the more delicate ſort
of Patients, give them over in the midſt; Suppoſing, that if thoſe Diets
trouble them ſo much at firſt, they ſhall not be able to endure them to the
end. But the cauſe is, for that all thoſe Diets, to dry up Humors, Rheums,
and the like; and they cannot dry up until they have firſt attenuated:
And
while the Humor is attenuated, it is more fluid, than it was before, and
troubleth the Body a great deal more, until it be dryed up, and conſumed. And therefore Patients muſt expect a due time, and not check at them at
the firſt.
THe producing of Cold is a thing very worthy the Inquiſition, both for
For Heat and Cold are Natures two hands,
whereby ſhe chiefly worketh; and Heat we have in readineſs, in reſpect of
the Fire: But for Cold, we muſt ſtay tillit cometh, or ſeek it in deep Caves,
or high Mountains; and when all is done, we cannot obtain it in any great
degree: For Furnaces of Fire are far hotter than a Summers Sun, but
Vaults or Hills are not much colder than a Winters Froſt.
The firſt means of producing Cold, is that which Nature preſenteth us
namely, the expiring of Cold out of the inward parts of the Earth
in Winter, when the Sun hath no power to overcome it; the Earth being
(as hath been noted by ſome (Primum Frigidum.) This hath been aſſerted, as
well by Ancient, as by Modern Philoſophers: It was the tenet of Parmenides it
was the opinion of the Author of the Diſcourſe in Plutarch, (for I take it, that
Book was not Plutarchs own) De primo Frigido. It was the opinion of Tele-
ſius, who hath renewed the Philoſophy of Parmenides, and is the beſt of the
Noveliſts.
The ſecond cauſe of Cold is, the contact of cold Bodies;
for Cold is
which is ſeen
in thoſe things that are touched with Snow or cold Water. And therefore,
whoſoever will be an Enquirer into Nature, let him reſort to a Conſervatory
of Snow and Ice; ſuch as they uſe of delicacy, to cool Wine in Summer:
Which is a poor and contemptible uſe, in reſpect of other uſes that may be
made of ſuch Conſervatories.
The third cauſe is the Primary Nature of all Tangible Bodies;
for it
Cold; except they have an acceſſory heat by Fire, Life, or Motion:
For
even the Spirit of Wine, or Chymical Oyls, which are ſo hot in operation,
are to the firſt touch, Cold; and Air it ſelt compreſſed, and condenſed a
little by blowing, is Cold.
The fourth cauſe is, the Denſity of the Body;
for alldenſe Bodies are
in heating than ſafter Bodies. And it is certain, that Earth, Denſe, Tangable,
hold all of the Nature of Cold: The cauſe is, for that all Matters Tangible
being Cold, it muſt needs follow, that where the Matter is moſt congregate
the Cold is the greater.
The fiſth cauſe of Cold, or rather of increaſe and vehemency of Cold, is
as will appear to any that ſhall atten-
tively conſider of Nature in many inſtances. We ſee Nitre (which hath
a quick Spirit) is Cold, more cold to the Tongue than a Stone; ſo Water
for all Oyl, though it
hath the tangible parts better digeſted than Water, yet hath it a duller Spirit: So Snow is colder than Water, becauſe it hath more Spirit within it:
So
we ſee that Salt put to Ice (as in the producing of the Artiſicial Ice) encrea-
ſeth the activity of cold: So ſome Inſecta which have Spirit of Life, as
Snakes and Silkworms, are to the touch, Cold. So Quick-ſilver is the col@eſt of
Metals, becauſe it is fulleſt of Spirit.
The ſixth cauſe of Cold is, the chaſſing and driving away of Spirits,
for the baniſhing of the Heat muſt
needs leave any Body cold. This we ſee in the operation of Opium, and Stu-
pefactives upon the Spirits of Living Creatures; and it were not amiſs to try
Opium by laying it upon the top of a Weather-Glaß, to ſee whether it will
contract the Air; but I doubt it will not ſuceed:
For beſides that, the ver-
tue of Opium will hardly penetrate thorow ſuch a body as Glaſs, I conceive
that Opium, and the like, make the Spirits flie rather by Malignity, than by
Cold.
Seventhly, the ſame effect muſt follow upon the exhaling or drawing
There is
an opinion, that the Moon is Magnetical of Heat, as the Sun is of Cold and
Moiſture: It were not amiſs therefore to try it with warm waters;
the one
expoſed to the Beams of the Moon, the other with ſome skreen betwixt
the Beams of the Moon and the Water: As we uſe to the Sun for ſhade,
and to ſee whether the former will cool ſooner. And it were alſo good
to enquire, what other means there may be, to draw forth the Exile heat
which is in the Air; for that may be a ſecret of great power to produce
cold Weather.
WE have formerly ſet down the Means of turning Air into Water, in
But becauſe it is Magnale Naturæ, and tendeth to
the ſubduing of a very great effect, and is alſo of manifold uſe: We will
adde ſome inſtances in Conſort that give light thereunto.
It is teported by ſome of the Ancients, that Sailers have uſed every
wards the Water; and that they have cruſhed freſh water out of them, in
the Morning, for their uſe. And thus much we have tried, that a quantity
of Wool tied looſe together, being let down into a deep Well; and
hanging in the middle, ſome three Fathom from the Water for a night, in
the Winter time, increaſed in weight, (as I now remember) to a fifth
Part.
It is reported by one of the Ancients, that in Lydia, near Pergamus,
and the
Mouth of the Caves being ſtopped by the Enemies, they were famiſhed. But long time after, the dead Bodies were found, and ſome Veſſels which
they had carried with them, and the Veſſels full of Water; and that Wa-
ter thicker, and more towards Ice, than common Water; which is a notable
inſtance of Condenſation and Induration by Burial under Earth (in Caves) for
long time; and of Verſion alſo (as it ſhould ſeem) of the Air into Water;
if any of thoſe Veſſels were empty. Try therefore a ſmall Bladder hung in
Snow, and the like in Nitre, and the like in Quick-ſilver: And if you finde
Cold of thoſe Bodies, as it would be in a Cave under Earth.
It is reported of very good credit, that in the Eaſt-Indies if you ſet a
in Twenty four hours, though it ſtand at ſome diſtant from the Cloves. In the Countrey, they uſe many times in deceit, when their Wooll is new
ſhorn, to ſet ſome Pails of Water by in the ſame Room, to encreaſe
the weight of the Wooll: But it may be, that the Heat of the Wool re-
maining from the Body of the Sheep, or the heat gathered by the lying
cloſe of the Wool, helpeth to draw the watry vapor; but that is nothing to
the Verſion.
It is reported alſo credibly, that Wool new ſhorn, being laid caſually
Verjuice, though the Veſſel were whole without any flaw, and had not the
Bung-hole open. In this inſtance there is (upon the by) to be noted, the
Percolation or Suing of the Verjuice thorow the Wood; for Verjuice of it ſelf
would never have paſſed through the Wood: So, as it ſeemeth, it muſt be
firſt in a kinde of vapor before it paſs.
It is eſpecially to be noted, that the cauſe that doth facilitate the Ver-
with tangible Bodies, is, (at hath been partly touched before) for that tan-
gible Bodies have an antipathy with Air; and if they finde any Liquid Body
that is more denſe nearthem, they will draw it; and after they have drawn
it, they will condente it more, and in effect incorporateit: For we ſee that
a Spunge, or Wooll, or Sugar, or a Woollen-cloth, being put but in part, in
Water or Wine, will draw the Liquor higher, and beyond the place, where
the Water or Wine cometh. We ſee alſo, that Wood, Lute-ſtrings, and the like,
do ſwell in moiſt ſeaſons; as appeareth by the breaking of the ſtrings, the
hard turning of the Pegs, and the hard drawing forth of Boxes, and opening
of Wainſcot doors, which is a kinde of infuſion; and is much like to an in-
fuſion in Water, which will make Wood to ſwell; as we ſee in the filling of
the Chops of Bowls by laying them in Water. But for that part of theſe
Experiments, which concerneth Attraction we will reſerve into the proper Title
of Attraction.
There is alſo a Verſion of Airinto Water, ſeeing in the ſweating of Mar-
and of Wainſcot before, and in moiſt weather.
This
muſt be, either by ſome moiſture the Body yieldeth, or elſe by the moiſt Air
thickned againſt the hard Body. But it is plain, that it is the latter;
for that
we ſee Wood painted with Oyl-colour, will ſoonergather drops in a moiſt
night, than Wood alone; which is cauſed by the ſmoothneſs and cloſeneſs,
which letteth in no part of the vapor, and ſo turneth it back and thickneth
it into Dew. We ſee alſo, that breathing upon a Glaſs, or ſmooth Body,
giveth a Dew; and in Froſty mornings (ſuch as we call Rime Froſts) you
ſhall finde drops of Dew upon the inſide of Glaſs-windows: And the Froſt
it ſelf upon the ground, is but a Verſion or Condenſation of the moiſt va-
pors of the night, into a watry ſubſtance: Dews likewiſe, and Rain, are but
the returns of moiſt vapors condenſed; the Dew, by the cold onely of
the Suns departure, which is the gentler cold; Rains, by the cold of that
which they call the Middle Region of the Air, which is the more violent
Cold.
It is very probable (as hath been touched) that that which will turn
Therefore try the Experiment of the Artificial turning Water into Ice
(where of we ſhall ſpeak in another place) with Air in place of Water, and
And although it be a greater alteration to turn Air into
Water, than Waterinto Ice; yet there is this hope, that by continuing the
Air longer time, the effect will follow; for that artificial converſion of
Waterinto Ice, is the work of a few hours; and this of Air may be tried by
a moneths ſpace, or the like.
INduration or Lapidification of Subſtances more ſoft, is like wiſe another de-
The effect-
ing and accelerating thereof, is very worthy to be enquired it is effected by
three means.
The firſtis by Cold, whofe property is to condenſe, and conſtipate, as
hath been ſaid.
The ſecond is by Heat, which is not proper but by conſequence;
for
the heat doth attenuate, and by attenuation doth ſend forth the Spirit, and
moiſter part of a Body; and upon that, the more groſs of the tangible parts
do contract and ſerve themſelves together; both to avoid Vacuum (as they
call it) and alſo to munite themſelves againſt the force of the Fire, which
they have ſuffered.
And the third is by Aſſimilation, when a hard Body aſſimilateth a ſoft,
being contiguous to it.
The examples of Induration taking them promiſcuouſly, are many:
As
the Generation of Stones within the Earth, which at the ſirſt are but Rude
Earth or Clay; and ſo of Minerals, which come (no doubt) at firſt of
Juyces Concrete, which after ward indurate: And ſo of Porcellane, which is
an Artificial Cement, buried in the Earth a long time; and ſo the making
of Brick and Tile; alſo the making of Glaß, of a certain Sand and Brake-Roots,
and ſome other matters; alſo the Exudations of Rock Diamonds and Cbryſtal,
which harden with time; alſo the Induration of Bead-Amber, which at ſirſtis a
ſoſt ſubſtance, as appeareth by the Flies and Spiders, which are found in it,
and many more. But we will ſpeak of them diſtinctly.
For Indurations by Cold, there befew Trials of it;
for we have no ſtrong
Sun and the Heavens, the likelieſt tryal is by Snow and Ice; for as Snow
and Ice, eſpecially being holpen, and their cold activated by Nitre or
Salt, will turn Water into Ice, and that in a few hours: So it may be it
will turn Wood or ſtiff Clay into Stone in longertime. Put therefore into
a Conſerving Pit of Snow and Ice, (adding ſome quantity of Salt and
Nitre) a piece of Wood, or a piece of tough Clay, and let it lie a moneth
or more.
Another tryal is by Metalline VVaters, which have virtual Cold in them.
try whether it will not harden in ſome reaſonable time. But I underſtand
it of Metalline waters, that come by waſhing or quenching, and not of Strong
Waters that come by diſſolution; for they are too Corroſive to conſo-
lidate.
It is already found, that there are ſome Natural Spring-waters that will
ſo as you ſhall ſee one piece of Wood, where of the part
above the Water ſhall continue Wood; and the part under the Water, ſhall
be turned into a kinde of Gravelly Stone. It is likely thoſe Waters are of
ſome Metalline Mixture; but there would be more particular inquiry made
of them. It is certain, that an Egg was found, having lain many years in the
And
this Egg was come to the hardneſs of a ſtone, and had the colours of the
White and Yolk perfect; and the Shell ſhining in ſmall Grains, like Sugar
or Alablaſter.
Another Experience there is of Induration by Cold, which is already found,
ing in Cold-For Cold ever worketh moſt potently upon Heat pre-
cedent.
For Induration by Heat, it muſt be conſidered, That Heat, by the exha
as in Bricks, Tiles,
&c.
Or if the Heat be more fierce, maketh the groſſer part of it ſelſ, run and
melt; as in the making of ordinary Glaſs, and in the Vitrification of Earth,
(as we ſee in the inner parts of Furnaces) and in the Vitrification of Brick,
and of Metals. And in the former of theſe, which is the hardning by
Baking, without Melting, the Heat hath theſe degrees: Firſt, It Indu-
rateth, and then maketh Fragile; and laſtly, It doth Incinerate and Calci-
nate.
But if you deſire to make an Induration with Toughneß, and leſs Fragility,
noted, but would be throughly verified. It is, to decoct Bodies in Water
for two or three days; but they muſt be ſuch Bodies, into which the
Water will not enter; as Stone and Metal.
For if they be Bodies, into
which the Water will enter, then long ſeething will rather ſoften than in-
durate them, as hath been tried in Eggs, &c.
Therefore, ſofter Bodies
muſt be put into Bottles, and the Bottles hung into Water ſeething, with
the Mouths open above the Water, that no Water may get in: For by this
Means, the Virtual Heat of the Water will enter; and ſuch a Heat, as will
not make the Body aduſt or fragile: But the Subſtance of the Water will
be ſhut out. This Experiment we made, and it ſorted thus, It was tryed
with a piece of Free-ſtone, and with Pewter, put into the Water at large; the
Free-ſtone we found received in ſome Water; for it was ſofter and eaſier to
ſcrape, than a piece of the ſame ſtone kept dry. But the Pewter, into which
no Water could enter, became more white, and liker to Silver, and le
ble by much. There were alſo put into an Earthen Bottle, placed as before, a
good pellet of Clay, a piece of Cheeſe, a piece of Chalk, and a piece of Free-
ſtone. The Clay came forth almoſt of the hardneſs of Stone:
The Cheeſe
likewiſe very hard, and not well to be cut: The Chalk and the Free ſtone
much harder then they were. The colour of the Clay inclined not a whit to
the colour of Brick, but rather to white, asin ordinary drying by the Sun. Note, that all the former tryals were made by a boyling upon a good hot fire,
rene wing the Water as it conſumed, with other hot Water; but the boyling
was but for Twelve hours onely: And it is like, that the Experiment would
have been more effectual, if the boyling had been fortwo or three days, as
we preſcribed before.
As touching Aßimilation (for there is a degree of Aßimilation, even in Inani-
near to the top of the Earth where Pebble is; in which you may manifeſtly
ſee divers Pebbles gathered together, and a cruſt of Cement or Stone be
tween them, as hard as the Pebbles themſelves. And it were good to make a
tryal of purpoſe, by taking Clay, and putting in it divers Pebble-ſtones, thick
ſet, to ſee whether in continuance of time, it will not be harder than other
Clay of the ſame lump, in which no Pebbles are ſet. We ſee alſo in Ruins
hard as the Brick: We ſee alſo, that the Wood on the fides of Veſſels of
Wine, gathereth a cruſt of Tartar harder than the Wood it ſelf; and Scales
likewiſe grow to the Teeth, harder than the Teeth themſelves.
Moſt of all, Induration by Aßimilation appeareth in the bodies of Trees,
For no nouriſh ment that the Tree receiveth, or that
the Living Creature receiveth, is ſo hard as Wood, Bone, or Horn, &c.
but
is indurated after by Aſſimilation.
THe Eye of the Underſtanding, is like the Eye of the Senſe:
For as you
ſo you may ſee
The
ſpeedy depredation of Air upon watry moiſture, and verſion of the ſame in-
to Air, appeareth in nothing more viſible than in the ſudden diſcharge, or
vaniſhing of a little Cloud of Breath, or Vapor, from Glaſs or the Blade of
a Sword, or any ſuch poliſhed Body; ſuch as doth not at all detain or im-
bibe the moiſture: For the miſtineſs ſcattereth and breaketh up ſuddenly.
But the like Cloud, if it were oily or fatty, will not diſch arge;
not becauſe it
ſticketh faſter, but becauſe Air preyeth upon Water, and Flame, and Fire,
upon Oyl; and therefore, to take out a ſpot of Greaſe, they uſe a Coal upon
brown Paper, becauſe fire worketh upon Greaſe or Oyl, as Air doth upon
Water. And we ſee Paper oiled, or Wood oiled, or the like, laſt long
moiſt; but wet with Water, dry or putrifie ſooner.
The cauſe is, for that
Air meddleth little with the moiſture of oyl.
THere is an admirable demonſtration in the ſame trifling inſtance of the
duceth to preſervation of the preſent form, and the reſiſting of a new. For
mark well the diſcharge of that Cloud, and you ſhall ſee it ever break up, firſt
in the skirts, and laſt in the midſt. We ſee like wiſe, that much Water draw-
eth forth the Juyce of the Body infuſed, but little Water is imbibed by the
Body: And this is a principal cauſe, why, in operation upon Bodies, for their
Verſion or Alteration, the tryal in great quantities doth not anſwer the tr
in ſmall, and ſo deceiveth many; for that (I ſay) the greater Body reſiſteth
more any alteration of Form, and requireth far greater ſtrength in the Active
Body that ſhould ſubdue it.
WE have ſpoken before in the Fifth Inſtance, of the cauſe of Orient
which is by the fineneſs of the Strainer, we will
For this Writing
of our Sylva Sylvarum, is (to ſpeak properly) not Natural Hiſtory, but a
high kinde of Natural Magick. For it is not a diſcription onely of Na-
ture, but a breaking of Nature, into great and ſtrange Works. Try there-
fore the anointing over of Pigeons, or other Birds, when they are but in
their Down, or of Whelps, cutting their Hair as ſhort as may be, or of
ſome other Beaſt; with ſome oyntment, that is not hurtful to the fleſh,
and that will harden and ſtick very cloſe, and ſee whether it will not alter
the colours of the Feathers, or Hair, It is received, that the pulling off
the firſt Feathers of Birds clean, will make the new come forth White: And
it is certain, that White is a penurious colour, and where moiſture is ſcant. So Blew Violets, and other Flowers, if they be ſtarved, turn pale and white.
and the hoar Hairs of
Men, come by the ſame reaſon. And therefore in Birds, it is very likely,
that the Feathers that come firſt, will be many times of divers colours,
according to the nature oſ the Birds; for that the skin is more porous,
but when the skin is more ſhut and cloſe, the Feathers will come white. This is a good Experiment, not onely for the producing of Birds and
Beaſts of ſtrange colours, but alſo, for the diſcloſure of the nature of
colours themſelves; which of them require a finer poroſity, and which a
groſſer.
IT is a work of providence that hath been truly obſerved by ſome;
that
For if a Chicken be opened when
it is new hatched, you ſhall finde much of the Yolk remaining. And it is
needful, that Birds that are ſhaped without the Females Womb, have in the
Egg, as well matter of nouriſhment, as matter of generation for the Body. For after the Egg is laid, and ſevered from the body of the Hen, it hath no
more nouriſhme
ſitteth. But Beaſts and Men need not the matter of nouriſhment within
themſelves; becauſe they are ſhaped within the Womb of the Female, and
are nouriſhed continually from her body.
IT is an inveterate and received opinion, That Cantharides applied to any
It is like wiſe received, that a kinde of Stone, which they bring out of
the Weſt-Indies, hath a peculiar force to move Gravel, and to diſſolve the
Stone; inſomuch, as laid but to the Wreſt, it hath ſo forcibly ſent down
Gravel, as Men have been glad to remove it, it was ſo violent.
It is received and confirmed by daily experience, that the Soals of the
As we ſee, Going wetſhod, to thoſe that uſe it not, affecteth both;
Applica-
tions of hot Powders to the Feet, attenuate firft, and after dry the Rheume.
And therefore a Phyſician that would be my ſtical, preſcribeth for the cure
of the Rheume, That a Man ſhould walk continually upon a Camomil-
Alley; meaning, that he ſhould put Camomil within his Socks.
Likewiſe,
Pigeons bleeding, applied to the Soaand So-
poriſerous Medicines applied unto them, provoke ſleep.
It ſeemeth, that as the Feet have a ſympathy with the Head;
ſo the
We ſee the affects and
Paffions of the Heart, and Spirits, are notably diſcloſed by the Pulſe: And
it is often tryed, that Juyces of Stock-gilly-flowers, Roſe-campion, Garlick, and
other things, applied to the Wreſts, and renewed, have cured long Agues. And I conceive, that waſhing with certain Liquors the Palms of the Hands,
doth much good: And they do wellin Heats of Agues to hold in the Hands,
Eggs of Alablaſter, and Balls of Cryſtal.
Of theſe things we shall ſpeak more, when we handle the Title of Sympathy and
Antipathy, in the proper place.
THe knowledge of Man (hitherto) hath been determined by the view
ſo that whatſoever is inviſible, either in reſpect of the fine-
neſs of the Body it ſelf, or the ſmallneſs of the Parts, or of the ſubtilty of the
And yet theſe be the things that govern Nature
Indications of the proceedings of Nature. The Spirits or Pneumaticals
that are in all Tangible Bodies, are ſcarce known: Sometimes they take
them for Vacuum, whereas they are the moſt active of Bodies: Some
much as Wine ſrom Water, and as Wood from Earth: Sometimes
they will have them to be Natural Heat, or a Portion of the Element of
Fire, whereas ſome of them are crude and cold: And ſometimes they will
they ſee, whereas they are things by themſelves: And then, when they
come to Plants and Living Creatures, they call them Souls. And ſuch
ſuperficial ſpeculations they have; like Proſpectives that ſhew things in-
Neither is this a queſtion of words,
but infinitely material in Nature: For Spirits are nothing elſe but a Na-
tural Body, rarified to a Proportion, and included in the Tangible Parts
of Bodies, as in an Integument: And they be no leſs differing one from
the other, then the Denſe or Tangible Parts: And they are in all Tangible
And
from them, and their Motions, principally proceed Arefaction, Colliquation,
Concoction, Maturation, Putrefaction, Vivification, and moſt of the effects of Na-
ture. For, as we have figured them in our Sapientiâ Veterum, in the Fable of
but moſt of Proſerpina: For Tangible Parts in Bodies, are ſtupid things,
and the Spirits do (in effect) all. As for the differences of Tangible Parts
in Bodies, the induſtry of the Chymiſts hath given ſome light in diſcerning
and the like. And the Phyſitians are content to acknowledge, that Herbs and
Drugs have divers parts; as that Opium hath a ſtupefacting part, and a heat-
ing part; the one moving Sleep, the other a Sweat ſollowing;
and that
c.
But this whole In-
quiſition is weakly and negligently handled. And for the more ſubtil differ-
ences of the Minute parts, and the poſture of them in the Body, (which
As for the Motions of
the Minute Parts of Bodies, which do ſo great effects, they have not been
obſerved at all; becauſe they are inviſible, and incur not to the eye;
but
yet they are to be deprehended by experience. As Democritus ſaid well,
when they charged him to hold, that the World was made of ſuch little
Atomus (ſaith he) neceßitate Rationis &
Ex-
perientiæ eſſe convincitur: Atomum enim nemo nunquam vidit.
And therefore
the tumult in the parts of ſolid Bodies, when they are compreſſed, which
is the cauſe of all flights of Bodies thorow the Air, and of other Mechanical
handled in due place,) is not ſeen at all, but nevertheleſs, if you know it
not, or inquire it not attentively and diligently, you ſhall never be able to
diſcern, and muchleſs to produce, a number of Mechanical Motions.
whereby the effects (which were mentioned before) paſs between the Spi-
rits and the Tangible parts (Which are Arefaction, Colliquation, Concoction,
c.)
they are not at all handled;
but they are put off by the
names of Vertues, and Natures, and Actions, and Paßions, and ſuch other Logical
words.
IT is certain, that of all Powers in Nature, Heat is the chief;
both in the
Certain it is likewiſe, that
out loſs or diſſipation of the matter, for that ever betrayed the account. And therefore it is true, that the power of Heat is beſt perceived in Diſtil-
lations, which are performed in cloſe Veſſels and Receptacles. But yet
there is a higher degree; For howſoever Diſtillations do keep the Body in
Cells and Cloyſters, without going abroad, yetthey give ſpace unto Bodies
to turn into Vapor, to return into Liquor, and to ſeparate one part from
another. So as Nature doth expatiate, although it hath not full liberty;
whereby the true and ultime operations of Heat, are not attained: But
if Bodies may be altered by Heat, and yet no ſuch Reciprocation of Rare-
faction, and of Condenſation, and of Separation, admitted; then it is like
that this Proteus of Matter, being held by the Sleeves, will turn and change
into many Metamorphoſes. Take therefore a ſquare Veſſel of Iron, in form
of a Cube, and let it have good thick and ſtrong ſides; put it into a Cube of
Wood, that may fill it as cloſe as may be, and let it have a cover of Iron as
ſtrong (at leaſt) as the ſides, and let it be well Luted, after the manner of
the Chymiſts; then place the Veſſel within burning Coals kept quick kindled,
for ſome few hoursſpace; then take the Veſſel from the Fire, and take off
the Cover, and ſee what is become of the Wood, I conceive, that ſince all
Inflamation and Evaporation are utterly prohibited, and the Body ſtill turn-
ed upon it ſelf, that one of theſe two Effects will follow, Either that the
Body of the Wood will be turned into a kinde of Amalagma, (as the Chy-
miſts call it,) or, that the finer part will be turned into Air, and the groſſer
ſtick as it were baked, and incruſtate upon the ſides of the Veſſel, being
become of a denſer matter, than the Wood it ſelf, crude. And for another
tryal, take alſo Water, and put it in the like Veſſel, ſtopped as before; but
uſe a gentler Heat, and remove the Veſſel ſometimes from the fire; and
again, after ſome ſmall time, when it is cold, renew the heating of it, and
repeat this alteration ſome few times; and if you can once bring to paſs,
that the Water which is one of the ſimpleſt of Bodies, be changed in Co-
lour, Odor, or Taſte, after the manner of Compound Bodies, you may
be ſure that there is a great work wrought in Nature, and anotable entrance
made in ſtrange changes of Bodies, and productions; and alſo a way
made to do that by Fire, in ſmall time, which the Sun and Age do in
long time. But if the admirable effects of this Diſtillation in cloſe, (for
ſo we call it) which is like the Wombs and Matrices of Living Creatures,
where nothing expireth nor ſeparateth: We will ſpeak fully, in the due
place. Not that we aim at the making of Peracelſus Pigmeys, or any ſuch
prodigious follies; but that we know the effects of Heat will be ſuch, as
will ſcarce fall under the conceit of Man, if the force of it be altogether
kept in.
THere is nothing more certain in Nature, than that it is impoſſible for
but that as it was the work of the
So it requireth the
like omnipotency, to turn Somewhat into Nothing. And therefore it is well
ſaid by an obſcure Writer of the Sect of the Chymiſts, That there is no ſuch
way to effect the ſtrange Tranſmutations of Bodies, as to endeavor and urge
by all means, the reducing of them to Nothing. And herein is contained al-
for if you can
prohibit, that they neither turn into Air, becauſe no Air cometh to them,
nor go into the Bodies Adjacent, becauſe they are utterly Heterogeneal, nor
make a round and circulation within themſelves; they will never change,
though they be in their Nature never ſo periſhable or mutable. We ſee how
Flies and Spiders, and the like, get a Sepulchre in Amber, more durable than
the Monument and Embalming of the Body of any King. And Iconceive the
like will be of Bodies put into Quick-ſilver. But then they muſt be but thin, as
a leaf or a peece of Paper or Parchment; for if they have a greater craſſi-
tude, they will alter in their own Body, though they ſpend not. But of this,
we ſhall ſpeak more when we handle the Title of Conſervation of Bodies.
MUſick in the Practice, hath been well purſued, and in
but in the Theory, and eſpecially in
the yielding of the Cauſes of the Practick, very weak-
ly; being reduced into certain Myſtical ſubtilties,
and not much truth. We ſhall therefore, after our
manner, joyn the Contemplative and Active Part
together.
All Sounds are either Muſical Sounds, which we call Tones;
whereunto
As Singing, the
Sounds of Stringed, and Wind-Inſtruments, the Ringing of Bells, &c.
or
Immuſical Sounds, which are everunequal: Such as are the Voice in Speak-
ing, all Whiſperings, all Voices of Beaſts and Birds (except they be Sing-
ing Birds;) all Percuſſions, of Stones, Wood, Parchment, Skins, (as in
Drums) and infinite others.
The Sounds that produce Tones, are ever from ſuch Bodies as are in
as well as the Sounds themſelves are equal:
And ſuch are the Percuſſions of Metal, as in Bells;
of Glaß, as in the ſillip-
ping of a Drinking Glaß; of Air, as in Mens Voices whileſt they ſing, in Pipes,
VVhiſtles, Organs, Stringed Inſtruments, &c.
And of Water, as in the Nightin-
gals Pipes of Regals, or Organs, and other Hydraulicks, which the Ancients
had; and Nero did ſo much eſteem, but are now loſt.
And if any Manthink,
that the String of the Bow, and the String of the Vial, are neither of them
equal Bodies, and yet produce Tones; he is in an error.
For the Sound is
not created between the Bow or Plectrum, and the String; but between the
String and the Air; no more than it is between the Finger or Quill, and the
String in other Inſtruments. So there are (in effect) but three Percußions that
Percuſſion of Metals (comprehending Glaß, and the like)
Percuſſions of Air, and Percuſſions of Water.
The Diapaſon or Eight in Muſick, is the ſweeteſt Concord;
in ſomuch,
as we ſee in Lutes that are ſtrung in the baſe ſtrings
with two ſtrings, one an Eighth above another, which make but as one ſound; and every Eighth Note in Aſcent, (as from Eight to Fifteen, from Fifteen
to Twenty two, and ſo in inſinitum) are but Scales of Diapaſon. The cauſe
is dark, and hath not been rendred by any, and therefore would be better
contemplated. It ſeemeth that Air (which is the ſubject of Sounds) in
Sounds that are not Tones (which are all unequal as hath been ſaid) ad-
mitteth much variety; as we ſee in the Voices of Living Creatures, and
likewiſe in the Voices of ſeveral Men; for we are capable to diſcern ſeve-
ral Men by their Voices) and in the Conjugation of Letters, whence Ar-
ticulate Sounds proceed; which of all others, are moſt various.
But in the
Sounds which we call Tones (that are ever equal) the Air is not able to
caſt it ſelf into any ſuch variety; but is forced to recur into one and the
ſame Poſture or Figure, onely differing in greatneſs and ſmallneſs. So
we ſee Figures may be made of Lines, crooked and ſtraight, in inſinite
variety, where there is inequality; but Circles or Squares, or Triangles
Equilateral, (which are all Figures of equal Lines) can differ but in greater
or leſſer.
It is to be noted (the rather, leſt any Man ſhould think that there is any
tion of Eight, is a thing rather received than any true computation. For
a true computation ought ever to be, by diſtribution into equal Por-
tions. Now there be intervenient in the riſe of Eight (in Tones) two
Beemols or Half-Notes; ſo as iſ you divide the Tones equally, the
Eighth is but Seven whole and equal Notes: And if you ſubdivide that
into Half-Notes, (as it is in the ſtops of a Lute) it maketh the number of
Thirteen.
Yet this is true, That in the ordinary Riſes and Falls of the Voice of
the equal Meaſure) there fall out to be two Beemols (as hath been ſaid) be-
tween the Vniſon and the Diapaſon; and this varying is natural.
For if a
Man would endeavor to raiſe or fall his Voice ſtill by Half-Notes, like the
ſtops of a Lute, or by whole Notes alone, without Halfs as far as an Eighth; he will not be able to frame his Voice unto it, which ſheweth that aſter e-
very three whole Notes, Nature re quireth, for all Harmonical uſe, one Half-
Note to be interpoſed.
It is to be conſidered, That whatſoever vertue is in Numbers, for con-
to the Entire-number; as namely, that the Sound returneth after Six, or after
Twelve: So that the Seventh or the Thirteenth is not the Matter, but the
Sixth, or the Twelfth; and the Seventh and the Thirteenth, are but the
Limits and Boundaries of the Return.
The Concords in Muſick which are Perfect, or Semiperfect, between the
the Third
next, and the Sixth which is more harſh: And as the Ancients eſteemed, and
ſo do my ſelf, and ſome other yet, the Fourth which they call Diateßeron; as
for the Tenth, Twelfth, Thirteenth, and ſo in infinitum, they be but Recurrences
of the former; viz.
of the Third, the Fifth, and the Sixth, being an Eighth
reſpectively from them.
For Diſcords, the Second and the Seventh, are of all others, the moſt odi-
whereof, the one is next above the Vniſon, the
other next under the Diapaſon; which may ſhew, that Harmony requireth a
competent diſtance of Notes.
In Harmony, if there be not a Diſcord to the Baſe, it doth not diſturb the
ſo the Diſcord be
not of the Two that are odious: And therefore the ordinary Concent of
Four parts conſiſteth of an Eighth, a Fifth, and a Third to the Baſe; but
that Fifth is a Fourth to the Trebble, and the Third is a Sixth. And the cauſe
is, for that the Baſe ſtriking more Air, doth overcome and drown the Trebble
(unleſs the Diſcord be very odious) and ſo hideth a ſmall imperfection
For we ſee, that in one of the lower ſtrings of a Lute, there ſoundeth
not the ſound of the Trebble, nor any mixt ſound, but onely the ſound of
the Baſe.
We have no Muſick of Quarter-Notes, and it may be, they are not cap-
for we ſee the Half-Notes them ſelves do but interpoſ ſome-
times. Nevertheleſs, we have ſome Slides or Reliſhes of the Voice or Strings,
as it were, continued without Notes, from one Tone to another, riſing or
falling, which are delightful.
The cauſes of that which is Pleaſing or ingtate to the Hearing, may
There
be two things pleaſing to the ſight (leaving Pictures and Shapes aſide,
which are but Secondary Objects, and pleaſe or diſpleaſe but in Me. mory;)
theſe two are Colours and Order.
The pleaſing of Colour
ſymbolizeth with the Pl@aſing of any Single Tone to the Ear; but the
pleaſing of Order doth ſymbolize with Harmony. And therefore we ſee
in Garden-knots, and the Frets of Houſes, and all equal and well anſwer-
ing Figures, (as Globes, Pyramides, Cones, Cylinders, &c.)
how they pleaſe;
whereas unequal Figures are but Deformities. And both theſe plea-
ſures, that of the Eye, and that of the Ear, are but the effects of equa-
lity, good proportion, or correſpondence: So that (out of queſtion)
Equality and Correſpondence are the cauſes of Harmony. But to finde the
Proportions of that Correſpondence, is more abſtruſe; whereof, not with-
ſtanding we ſhall ſpeak ſome what (when we handle Tones, in the general
enquiry of Sounds.
Tones are not ſo apt altogether to procure Sleep, as ſome other ſounds:
one that readeth, &c.
The cauſe where of is, for that Tones, becauſe they are
equal and ſlide not, do more ſtrike and erect the Senſe, than the other. And
overmuch attention hind ereth ſleep.
There be in Muſick certain Figures or Tropes, almoſt agreeing with the
Firſt, The Diviſion and Quavering, which pleaſe ſo much in Muſick, have an
agreement with the Glittering of Light; As the Moon-Beams playing upon
a Wave. Again, the Falling from a Diſcord to a Concord, which maketh great
ſweetneſs in Muſick hath an agreement with the Affections, which are reinte-
grated to the better, after ſome diſlikes; it agreeth alſo with the taſte, which
is ſoon glutted with that which is ſweet alone. The ſliding from the Cloſe
or Cadence, hath an agreement with the Figure in Rhetorick, which they call
Prater Expectatum; for there is a pleaſure, even in being deceived.
The Re-
ports and Fuges have an agreement with the Figures in Rhetorick of Repetition
and Traduction. The Tripla’s and Changing of Times, have an agreement with
as when Galliard time, and Meaſure time, are in
the Medly of one Dance.
It hath been anciently held, and obſerved, That the Senſe of Hearing, and
as to incourage
Men, and make them warlike; to make them ſoft and effeminate;
to make
them grave; to make them light;
to make them gentle and inclined to
pity, &c.
The cauſe is, for that the Senſe of Hearing ſtriketh the Spirits
more immediately, than the other Senjes, and more incorporeally than
the Smelling: For the Sight, Taſte, and Feeling, have their Organs, not of ſo
preſent and immediate acceſs to the Spirits, as the Hearing hath. And
as for the Smelling (which indeed worketh alſo immediately upon the Spi-
rits, and is forcible while the object remaineth) it is with a communica-
tion of the Breath or Vapor of the object oderate: But Harmony entring
eaſily, and mingling not at all, and coming with a manifeſt motion; doth
by cuſtom of often affecting the Spirits, and putting them into one kinde
of poſture, alter not a little the nature of the Spirits, even when the ob-
ject is removed. And therefore we ſee, that Tunes and Airs, even in their
own nature, have in themſelves ſome affinity with the Affections: As
there be Merry Tunes, Doleful Tunes, Solemn Tunes; Tunesinclining
Mens mindes to Pity, Warlike Tunesc.
So as it is no marvel, if they
alter the Spirits, conſidering that Tunes have a prediſpoſition to the Moti-
on of the Spirits in themſelves. But yet it hath been noted, that though
this variety of Tunes, doth diſpoſe the Spirits to variety of Paſſions, con-
form unto them; yetgenerally, Muſick feedeth that diſpoſition of the Spi-
rits which it findeth. We ſee alſo, that ſeveral Airs and Tunes, do pleaſe
ſeveral Nations, and Perſons according to the ſympathy they have with their
Spirits.
PErſpective hath been with ſome diligence inquired;
and ſo hath the Na-
ture of Sounds in general, hath been ſuperficially obſerved. It is one of
the ſubtilleſt pieces of Nature. And beſides, I practiſe, as I do adviſe:
Which is after long inquiry of things, immerſe in matter, to enterpoſe ſome
ſubject which is immateriate or leſs materiate; ſuch as this of Sounds:
To
It is firſt to be conſidered, what great motions there are in Nature
which paſs withoutſound or noiſe. The Heavens turn about in a moſt rapide
motion, without noiſe to us perceived, though in ſome dreams they have
been ſaid to make an excellent Muſick. So the motions of the Comets, and
Fiery Meteors as Stella Cadens, &c.)
yield no noiſe.
And if it be thought, that
it is the greatneſs of diſtance from us, whereby the ſound cannot, be heard; we ſee that Lightnings and Coruſcations, which are near at hand, yield no
ſound neither; and yet in all theſe, there is a percuſſion and diviſsion of the
Air. The Winds in the Upper Region (which move the Clouds above
(which we call the Rack) and are not perceived below paſs without noiſe.
The lower Winds in a Plain, except they be ſtrong, make no noiſe; but a-
mongſt Trees, the noiſe of ſuch Winds will be perceived. And the Winds
(generally) when they make a noiſe, do ever make it unequally, riſing and fall-
ing, and ſometimes (when they are vehement) trembling at the height of
their blaſt. Rain or Hail falling, though vehemently
like. Water in a River (though a ſwift ſtream, is not heard in the Channel
but the very Stream upon Shal-
lows, or Gravel, or Pebble, will be heard. And Waters, when they beat up-
on the Shore, or are ſtraitned, (as in the falls of Bridges) or are daſhed againſt
themſelves by Winds, give a roaring noiſe. Any peece of Timber, or hard
Body, being thruſt for wards by another Body continguous, without knock-
ing giveth no noiſe. And ſo Bodies in weighing, one upon another, though
the upper Body preſs the lower Body down, make no noiſe. So the motion
of the Minute parts of any ſolid Body, (which is the principal cauſe of violent
Motion, though unobſerved) paſſeth without ſound: For that ſound, that is
heard ſometimes, is produced onely by the breaking of the Air, and not by
the impulſion of the parts. So it is manifeſt, that where the anterior Body
giveth way as ſaſt as the poſterior cometh on, it maketh no noiſe, be the
motion never ſo great or ſwift.
Air open and at large, maketh no noiſe, except it be ſharply percuſſed;
with a ſharp looſe: For it the ſtring be not ſtrained, it maketh no noiſe;
but
where the Air is pent and ſtraitned, there breath or other blowing (which
carry but a gentle percuſſion) ſuffice to create ſound; as in Pipes and Wind
Inſtruments. But then you muſt note, that in Recorders which go with a
gentle breath, the Concave of the Pipe (were it not for the Fipple that ſtrait-
neth the Air much more then the ſimple Concave) would yield no ſound. For, as for other Wind-Inſtruments, they require a forcible breath, as Trum-
pets, Cornets, Hunters, Horns, & c.
Which appeareth by the blown Cheeks of
him that windeth them. Organs alſo are blown with a ſtrong wind by the
Bellows. And note again, that ſome kinde of Wind-Inſtruments are blown
at a ſmall hole in the ſide, which ſtraineth the breath at the firſt entrance;
the rather, in reſpect of their traverſe, and ſtop above the hole which per-
formeth the Fipples part; as it is ſeen in Flutes and Fifes, which will not give
ſound by a blaſt at the end, as Recorders do, &c.
Likewiſe in all Whiſtling,
you contract the Mouth; and to make it more ſharp, Men ſometimes uſe their
finger.
But in open Air, if you throw a Stone or a Dart, they give no ſound:
ing; which hollowneſs penneth the Air:
Nor yet Arrows, except they be
ruffled in their Feathers, which like wiſe penneth the Air. As for ſmall Whi
ſtles or Shepherds Oaten-Pipes, they give a ſound, becauſe of their extream
ſlenderneſs, whereby the Air is more pent than in a wider Pipe. Again, the
voices of Men and Living Creatures, paſs through the Throat, which pen. neth the breath.
As for the Jews-Harp, it is a ſharp percuſſion, and beſides hath
the vantage of penning the Air in the Mouth.
Solid Bodies, if they be very ſoftly percuſſed, give no ſound;
as when a
So Cheſts or Doors in fair weather,
when they open eaſily, give no ſound. And Cart-wheels ſqueek not when
they are liquored.
The Flame of Tapers or Candles, though it be a ſwift motion and breaketh
Air in Ovens, though (no doubt) it doth
(as it were) boil, and dilate it ſelf, and is repercuſſed, yet it is without noiſe.
Flame percuſſed by Air, giveth a noiſe;
As in blowing of the Fire by Bel-
lows, greater than if the Bellows ſhould blow upon the Air it ſelf. And ſo
likewiſe Flame percuſſing the Air ſtrongly (as when Flame ſuddenly taketh
and openeth) giveth a noiſe: So great Flames, whiles the one impelleth the
other, give a bellowing ſouud.
There is a conceit runneth abroad, that there ſhould be a White Powder,
For it may cauſe ſecret Murthers, but it ſeemeth
to me unpoſſible; for if the Air pent, be driven forth and ſtrike the Air open,
it will certainly make a noiſe. As for the White Powder, (if any ſuch
thing be that may extinguiſh or dead the noiſe) it is like to be a mixture
of Petre and Sulphure, without Coal. For Petre alone will not take Fire.
And if any Man think, that the ſound may be extinguiſhed or deaded, by
diſcharging the pent Air, before it cometh to the Mouth of the Peece, and
to the open Air, that is not probable; for it will make more divided ſounds:
As if you ſhould make a Croſs-barrel hollow, thorow the Barrel of a
Peece, it may be it would give ſeveral ſounds, both at the Noſe and the
ſides. But I conceive, that if it were poſſible to bring to paſs, that there
ſhould be no Air pent at the Mouth of the Peece, the Bullet might flie
with ſmall or no noiſe. For firſt it is certain, there is no noiſe in the Per-
cuſſion of the Flame upon the Bullet. Next the Bullet, in piercing tho-
row the Air, maketh no noiſe, as hath been ſaid; and then, if there be no
pent Air, that ſtriketh upon open Air, there is no cauſe of noiſe, and yet the
flying of the Bullet will not be ſtaid. For that motion (as hath been oft
ſaid) is in the parts of the Bullet, and not in the Air. So as tryal muſt be
made by taking ſome ſmall Concave of Minal, no more than you mean to
fill with Powder, and laying the Bullet in the Mouth of it half out in the
I heard it affirmed by a Man that was a great dealer in Secrets, but he
That there was a Conſpiracy (which himſelf hindred) to have
killed Queen Mary, Siſter to Queen Elizabeth, by a Burning-Glaß, when ſhe
walked in St. James Park, from the Leads of the Houſe.
But thus much, no
doubt, is true, That if Burning-Glaſſes could be brought to a great ſtrength,
(as they talk generally of Burning-Glaſſes, that are able to burn a Navy) the
Percuſſion of the Air alone, by ſuch a Burning-Glaß, would make no
noiſe; no more than is found in Corruſcations, and Lighinings without
T
I ſuppoſe that Impreßion of the Air with Sounds, asketh a time to be con-
And thereſore, as the Bullet moveth ſo ſwiſt, that it is inviſible,
ſo the ſame ſwiftneſs of motion maketh it inaudible; for we ſee that the ap-
prehenſion of the Eye, is quicker then that of the Ear.
All Eruptions of Air, though fmall and ſlight, give an entity of ſound,
c.
As in Bay ſalt, and Bay-leaves
caſt into the fire; ſo in Cheſnuts, when they leap forth of the Aſhes, ſo in
green wood laid upon the fire, eſpecially Roots; ſo in Candles that ſpit
flame, if they be wet; ſoin Raſping, Sneezing, &
c.
Soin a R oſe leaf gather-
ed together into the faſhion of a Purſe, and broken upon the Forehead, or
Back of the Hand, as Children uſe.
THe cauſe given of Sound, that it ſhould be an Eliſion of the Air (where-
and the motion is
but a catch of the Wit upon a few Inſtances, as the manner is in the
Philoſophy received. And it is common with Men, that if they have gotten
a pretty expreſſion by a word of Art, that expreſſion goeth currant, though
it be empty of matter. This conceit of Eliſion, appeareth moſt manifeſtly
ſometime after the Percuſſion; but ceaſeth ſtraight-ways, if the Bell or
String be touched and ſtayed; whereas, if it were the Eliſion of the Air, that
made the Sound, it could not be that the touch of the Bell or String, ſhould
extinguiſh ſo ſuddenly that motion, cauſed by the eliſion of the Air. This
appeareth yet more manifeſtly, by Chiming with a Hammer upon the out-
ſide of a Bell; for the Sound will be according to the in ward Concave
of the Bell: Whereas the Eliſion or Attenuation of the Air cannot be,
but onely between the Hammer, and the outſide of the Bell. So again,
if it were an Eliſion, a broad Hammer, and a Bodkin, ſtruck upon Metal,
would give a diverſe Tone, as well as a diverſe Loudneſs: But they do not
ſo; for though the Sound of the one be louder, and of the other ſofter, yet
the Tone is the ſame. Beſides, in Eccho’s (where of ſome are as loud as the
But that,
But theſe, and the like conceits, when Men have cleared
It is certain, that Sounds is not produced at the firſt, but with ſome
nor yet without
For if there be a
And
But you muſt attentively diſtinguiſh between the Local Motion of
For as to the former, we ſee manifeſtly,
c.)
but with a perceptible Blaſt of the Air, and with ſome re-
For, even all Speeth, (which is one of the
And all Pipes
have a blaſt, as well as a Sound. We ſee alſo manifeſtly, that Sounds are car-
ried with Wind: And therefore Sounds will be hard further with the Wind,
than againſt the Wind; and like wiſe, do riſe and fall with the intenſion or
remiſſion of the Wind: But for the Impreſſion of the Sound, it is quite an-
and in that reſembleth the ſpecies viſible:
For after a Man hath lured, or a
Bell is rung, we cannot diſcern any Perceptible Motion (at all) in the Air, as
long as the ſound goeth, but onely at the firſt. Neither doth the Wind (as far
as it carrieth a Voice) with the Motion there of, confound any of the deli-
cate, and Articulate Figurations of the Air, in variety of Words. And if a
Man ſpeak a good loudneſs againſt the flame of a Candle, it will not make it
tremble much; though moſt, when thoſe Letters are pronounced, which
blowing without ſpeaking, will move the Candle far more. And it is the
more probable, that Sound is without any Local Motion of the Air, becauſe
as it differeth from the ſight, in that it needeth a Local Motion of the Air at
firſt: Soit paralleleth in ſo many other things with the ſight, and radiation of
things inviſible, which (without all queſtion) induce no Local Motion in
the Air, as hath been ſaid.
Nevertheleſs it is true, that upon the noiſe of Thunder, and great Ord-
But theſe effects are from
the local motion of the Air, which is a concomitant of the Sound (as hath
been ſaid) and not from the Sound.
It hath been anciently reported, and is ſtill received, that extream ap-
fied, and broken the Air, that Birds flying over, have faln down, the Air be-
ing not able to ſupport them. And it is believed by ſome, that great Ring-
ing of Bells in populous Cities, hath chaſed away Thunder; and alſo diſ-
ſipated peſtilent Air: All which may be alſo from the concuſſion of the Air,
and not from the Sound.
A very great ſound near hand, hath ſtrucken many deaf;
and at the
their Ear: And my ſelf, ſtanding near one that lured loud and ſhrill, had
ſuddenly an offence, as if ſome what had broken, or been diſlocated in my
Ear, and immediately after a loud Ringing; (not an ordinary Singing, or
Hiſſing, but far louder, and differing; ſo as I feared ſome Deafneſs.
But
after ſome half quarter of an hour, it vaniſhed. This effect may be truly
referred unto the Sound; for (as is commonly received) an over potent
Object doth deſtroy the Senſe; and Spiritual Species, (both Viſible and
Audible,) will work upon the ſenſories, though they move not any other
Body.
In Delation of Sounds, the encloſure of them preſerveth them, and
And we finde in Rowls of Parchment, or
Truncks, the Mouth being laid to the one end of the Rowl of Parchment,
or Trunck, and the Ear to the other, the Sound is heard much further then
in the open Air. The cauſe is, for that the Sound ſpendeth, and is diſſipated
in the open Air; but in ſuch Conc
So
alſo in a Piece of Ordnance, if you ſpeak in the Touch-hole, and another
lay his Ear to the Mouth of the Piece, the Sound paſleth, and is far better
heard than in the open Air.
It is further to be conſidered, how it proveth and worketh when the
open Air; as where you ſpeak ſome diſtance from a Trunck, or where the
Ear is ſome diſtance from the Trunck, at the other end; or where both
Mouth and Ear are diſtant from the Trunck. And it is tryed, that in a long
Trunck of ſome Eight or ten foot, the ſound is holpen, though both the
Mouth, and the Ear be a handful or more, from the ends of the Trunck; and
ſomewhat more holpen, when the Ear of the Hearer is near, than when the
Mouth of the Speaker. And it is certain, that the Voice is better heard in a
Chamber from abroad, than abroad from within the Chamber.
As the Encloſure that is round about and entire, preſerveth the Sound;
ſo
And thereſore, if you divide
a Trunck, or a Cane into two, and one ſpeak at the one end, and you lay
your Ear at the other, it will carry the Voice further, than in the AirNay further, if it be not a full Semi-concave;
but if you do the like upon the
Maſt of a Ship, or a long Pole, or a Piece of Ordnance (though one ſpeak
upon Surface of the Ordnance, and not at any of the Bores) the Voice will
be heard further then in the Air at large.
It would be tryed, how, and with what proportion of diſadvantage,
or in a
Trumpet, which is a Line Retorted; or in ſome Pipe that were Si-
nuous.
It is certain, (howſoever it croſs the received opinion) that Sounds may
Sounds. Take a Veſſel of Water, and knap a pair of Tongs ſome depth
within the Water, and you ſhall hear the Sound of the Tongs well, and not
much diminiſhed, and yet there is no Air at all preſent.
Take one Veſſel of Silver, and another of Wood, and fill each of them
from the bottom, and you ſhall finde the Sound much more reſounding
from the Veſſel of Silver, than from that of Wood; and yet if there be no
Water in the Veſſel, ſo that you knap the Tongs in the Air, you ſhall finde
no difference between the Silver, and the Wooden Veſſel, whereby beſide
the main point of creating ſound without Air, you may collect two things; the one, that the ſound communicateth with the bottom of the Veſſel;
the
other, that ſuch a communication paſſeth far better thorow Water than
Air.
Strike any hard Bodies together in the midſt of aflame, and you ſhall
The Pneumatical part, which is in all Tangible Bodies, and hath ſome
as
when you knock upon an empty Barrel, the ſound is (in part) created by the
Air on the outſide, and (in part) by the Air in the inſide; for the ſound will
be greater or leſſer, as the Barrel is more empty, or more full; but yet the
ſound participateth alſo with the Spirit in the Wood, thorow which it paſs-
eth from the outſide to the inſide; and ſo it cometh to paſs in the chiming
of Bells on the outſide, where alſo the ſound paſſeth to the inſice; and a
number of other like inſtances, whereof we ſhall ſpeak more when we
handle the Communication of Sounds.
It were extream groſneſs to think (as we have partly touched before)
String, or the Quill and the String, or the Bow and the String: For thoſe
are but Vehicula motus, paſſages to the Creation of the ſound, the ſound being
produced between the String and the Air; and that not by any impulſion of
the Air, from the firbut by the return or reſult of
the String, which was ſtrained by the touch to his former place; which
Motion of Reſult is quick and ſharp, whereas the firſt Motion is ſoft and
dull. So the Bow tortureth the String continually, and thereby holdeth it
in a continual Irepidation.
TAke a Trunk, and let one whiſtle at the one end, and hold your ear at
The cauſe is, for that ſound diffuſeth it ſelf in round, and ſo
ſpendeth it ſelf: But if the ſound, which would ſcatter in open Air, be made
to go all in to a Canalo; it muſt needs give greater force to the ſound.
And
ſo you may note, that incloſures do not onely preſerve ſound, but alſo en-
creaſe and ſharpen it.
A Hunters Horn, being greater at one end, than at the other, doth en-
The
cauſe is, for that the Air and Sound, being firſt contracted at the leſſer end,
and afterwards having more room to ſpred at the greater end, do dilate
the mſelves, and in coming out, ſtrike more Air, whereby the ſound is
the greater, and baſer. And even Hunters Horns, which are ſometimes
It would
be tryed alſo in Pipes, being made far larger at the lower end, or being
made with a Belly towards the lower end, and then iſſuing in to a ſtraight con-
cave again.
There is in St
Jameſes Fields, a Conduit of Brick, unto which joyneth
and at the end of that, a round Houſe of Stone;
and in the
Brick Conduit there is a Window, and in the round Houſe a Slit or Rift of
ſome little breadth; if you cry out in the Rift, it will make a fearſul roaring
at the Window. The cauſe is the ſame with the former:
For that all Con-
caves that proceed from more narrow to more broad, do amplifie the Sound
at the coming out.
Hawks Bells that have holes in the ſides, give a greater ring, than if the
The cauſe is the ſame with
the firſt inſtance of the Trunck: Namely, for that the Sound, encloſed
with the ſides of the Bell, cometh forth at the holes unſpent and more
ſtrong.
In Drums, the cloſeneſs round about, that preſerveth the Sound
more loud and ſtrong, than if you ſhould ſtrike upon the like skin, ex-
tended in the open Air. The cauſe is the ſame with the two prece-
dent.
Sounds are better heard, and further off in an Evening, or in the Night,
The cauſe is, for that in the Day, when the
Air is more thin (no doubt) the Sound pierceth better; but when the Air is
more thick (as in the Night) the Sound ſpendeth and ſpredeth abroad leſs; and ſo it is a degree of Encloſure.
As for the night, it is true alſo, that the
general ſilence helpeth.
There be two kindes of Reflections of Sounds;
the one at Diſtance, which
alſo diſtinctly; of which, we ſhall ſpeak hereafter.
The other in Concur-
rence; when the Sound reflecting (the Reflexion being near at hand) re-
turneth immediately upon the original, and ſo iterateth it not, but am-
plifieth it. Therefore we ſee, that Muſick upon the Water ſoundeth
more; and ſo likewiſe, Muſick is better in Chambers Wainſcotted than
Hanged.
The Strings of a Lute, or Viol, or Virginals, do give a far greater Sound,
were nothing but onely the Flat of a Board, without that Hollow and Knot,
to let in the upper Air into the lower. The cauſe is, the Communication of
the upper Air with the lower, and penning of both ſ
ſing.
An Iriſh Harp hath open Air on both ſides of the Strings;
and it hath
It maketh a more reſounding Sound, than a Bandora, Orpharion, or Cittern,
which have like wiſe Wire-ſtrings. I judge the cauſe to be, ſor that open Air
on both ſides helpeth, ſo that there be a Concave; which is therefore beſt
placed at the end.
In a Virginal, when the Lid is down, it maketh a more exile Sound than
The cauſe is, for that all ſhutting in of Air, where
there is no competent Vent, dampeth the Sound; which maintaineth like-
wiſe the former inſtance: For the Belly of the Lute, or Viol, doth pen the
Air ſomewhat.
There is a Church at Gloceſter, (and as I have heard, the like is in ſome
your voice better a good way off, than near hand. Inquire more particu-
larly of the fame of that place. I ſuppoſe there is ſome Vault, or Hollow,
or lſle, behinde the Wall, and ſome paſſage to it, to wards the further end of
that Wall againſt which you ſpeak: So as the voice of him that ſpeaketh
ſlideth along the Wall, and then entreth at ſome paſſage, and communi-
cateth with the Air of the Hollow; for it is preſerved ſomewhat by the
plain Wall; but that is too weak to give a Sound audible, tillit hath com-
municated with the back Air.
Strike upon a Bow-ſtring, and lay the Horn of the Bow near your Ear,
The cauſe is
for that the ſenſory, by reaſon of the cloſe holding is percuſſed, before the
Air diſperſeth. The like is, if you hold the Horn betwixt your Teeth.
But
that is a plain Dilation of the Sound, from the Teeth to the Inſtrument of Hear-
ing; for there is a great entercourſe between thoſe two parts, as appeareth
by this, that a harſh grating Tuneſetteth the Teeth one edge. The like
falleth out, if the Horn of the Bow be put upon the Temples; but that is but
the ſlide of the Sound from thence to the ear.
If you take a Rod of Iron or Braſs, and hold the one end to your ear
upon the Rod, not made ſo contiguous to the Ear. By which, and by ſome
other inſtances that have been partly touched, it ſhould appear; that Sounds
do not onely ſlide upon the ſurface of a ſmooth Body, but do alſo commu-
nicate with the Spirits that are in the Pores of the Body.
I remember in Trinity-Colledge in Cambridge, there was an upper Cham-
of Iron, of the bigneſs of ones arm, in the midſt of the Chamber, which,
if you had ſtruck, it would make a little flat noiſe in the Room where it was
ſtruck; but it would make a great bomb in the Chamber beneath.
The ſound which is made by Buckets in a Well, when they touch upon
Buckets daſh the one againſt the other. Theſe Sounds are deeper and fuller,
than if the like Percuſſion were made in the open Air: The cauſe is the
penning and encloſure of the Air in the Concave of the Well,
Barrels placed in a Room under the Floor of a Chamber, make all
So that there be five ways (in general) of Majoration of Sounds, Encloſure
Simple, Encloſure in the Dilatation, Communication, Reflexion, Concurrent, and Ap-
proach to the Senſory.
For Exility of the Voice, or other Sounds:
It is certain, that the Voice
and thorow
Water, which is likewiſe a very cloſe Body, and ſuch an one as letteth not
in Air. But then the Voice or other Sound is reduced, by ſuch paſſage to a
great weakneſs or exility. If therefore you ſtop the Holes of a Haw
it will make no ring, but aflat noiſe or rattle. And ſo doth the Ætities or
Eagles Stone, which hath a little ſtone within it.
And as for Water, it is a certain Tryal:
Let a man go into a Bath, and
(even) down to the level of the Water, and ſo preſs it down under the
Water ſome handful and an half, ſtill keeping it even, that it may not tilt
on either ſide, and ſo the Air get out: T
there will come as much Air bubbling forth, as will make room for his
head. Then let him ſpeak, and any that ſhall ſtand without, ſhall hear his
voice plainly, but yet made extream ſharp and exile, like the voice of
Puppets: But yet the Articulate Sounds of the words will not be confound-
ed. Note, that it may be much more handſomly done, if the Pail be put
over the Mans head above Water, and then he cowre down, and the
Pail be preſſed down with him. Note, that a man muſt kneel or ſit, that
he may be lower than the Water. A man would think, that the Sici-
lian Poet had knowledge of this Experiment; for he ſaith, that Hercules’s
Page Hylas went with a Water-pot, to fill it at a pleaſant Fountain that was
near the ſhore, and that the Nymphs of the Fountain fell in love with the
Boy, and pulled him under the Water, keeping him alive; and that Her-
cules miſſing his Page, called him by his name aloud, that all the ſhore rang
of it; and that Hylas from within the Water anſwered his Maſter;
but (that
which is to the preſent purpoſe) with ſo ſmall and exile a voice, as Hercules
thought he had been three miles off, when the Fountain (indeed) was
faſt by.
In Lutes and Inſtruments of Strings, if you ſtop a ſtring high, where-
dead.
Take two Sawcers, and ſtrike the edge of the one againſt the bottom
the Sawcers lower and lower, the Sound groweth more flat, even while
part of the Sawcer is above the Water; but that flatneſs of Sound is joyned
with a harſhneſs of Sound, which, no doubt, is cauſed by the inequality of
the Sound, which cometh from the part of the Sawcer under the Water, and
from the part above. But when the Sawcer is wholly under the Water, the
ſound becometh more clear, but far more low, and as if the ſound came
from a far off.
A ſoft body dampeth the ſound, much more than a hard;
and if a Bell
Wood. And therefore in Clericals, the Keyes are lined, and in Colledges they
uſe to line the Table-men.
Tryal was made in a Recorder after theſe ſeveral manners.
The bottom
ſet againſt a Damask Cuſhion, thruſt into Sand, into Aſhes, into Water,
(half an inch under the Water) cloſe to the bottom of a Silver Baſin,
and ſtill the Tone remained: But the bottom of it was ſet againſt
a Woollen Carpet, a Lining of Pluſh, a Lock of Wool, (though looſly
put in;) againſt Snow, and the ſound of it was quite deaded, and but
breath.
Iron hot produceth not ſo full a ſound, as when it is cold;
for while it is
So likewiſe warm Wa-
ter, when it faileth maketh not ſo full a ſound as cold; and I conceive it is
ſofter, and nearer the nature of Oyl; for it is more ſlippery, as may be per-
ceived, in that it ſco wreth better.
Let there be a Recorder made with two Fipples at each end one;
the
wards each end, and let two play the ſame Leand let it be noted, whether the ſound be confounded, or amplified, or
dulled. So likewiſe let a Croſs be made of two Truncks (thorowout)
and let two ipeak or ſing, the one long ways the other traverſe.
And let two hear at the oppoſite ends;
and note, whether the Sound be
confounded, amplified, or dulled. Which two inſtances will alſo give light
to the mixture of Sounds, whereof we ſhall ſpeak hereafter.
A Bellows, blown into the hole of a Drum, and the Drum then ſtrucken,
The cauſe is manifeſt;
partly for that it hindreth the iſſue of the Sound;
and partly for that it maketh the Air being blown together, leſs move-
able.
THe Loudneſs and Softneſs of Sounds, is a thing diſtinct from the Mag-
for a Baſe-ſtring, though ſoftly ſtrucken,
but a Trebble ſtring, if hard ftrucken, will be
heard much further off. And the cauſe is, for that the Baſe-ſtring ſtriketh
more Air; and the Trebble leſs Air, but with a ſharper percuſſion.
It is therefore the ſtrength of the Percuſſion, that is a principal cauſe
of the loudneſs or ſoftneſs of Sounds: As in knocking, harder or ſofter;
Ringing of an Hand bell, harder
or ſoftcr, &c.
And the ſtrength of this Percuſſion conſiſteth, as much or
more, in the hardneſs of the Body percuſſed, as in the force of the Body
percuſſing: For if you ſtrike againſt a Cloth, it will give a leſs ſound;
if
againſt Wood, a greater; if againſt a Metal, yet a greater;
and in Metals,
if you ſtrike againſt Gold, (which is the more pliant) it giveth the flatter
ſound; if againſt Silver or Braſs, the more ringing ſound.
As for Air, where
it is ſtrongly pent, it matcheth a hard Body. And therefore we ſee in diſ-
charging of a piece, what a great noiſe it maketh. We ſee alſo, that the
Charge with Bullet, or with Paper wet, and hard ſtopped; or with Pow-
der alone rammed in hard, maketh no great difference in the loudneſs of the
report.
The ſharpneſs or quickneſs of the Percuſſion, is a great cauſe of the
As in a Whip or Wand, if you ſtrike
the Air with it, the ſharper and quicker you ſtrike it, the louder ſound it
giveth. And in playing upon the Lute or Virginals, the quick ſtroke or
touch is a great life to the Sound. The cauſe is, for that the quick ſtrik-
ing cutteth the Air ſpeedily, whereas the ſoft ſtriking, doth rather beat
than cut.
THe Communication of Sounds (as in Bellies of Lutes, empty Veſſels, &
c.)
But it is fit alſo to
make a Title of it apart.
The Experiment, for greateſt Demonſtration of Communication of
where, if you ſtrike with a Hammar
upon the upper part, and then upon the midſt, and then upon the lower,
you ſhall finde the ſound to be more Trebble, and more Baſe, according
unto the Concave on the inſide, though the Percuſſion be onely on the
outſide.
When the Sound is created between the Blaſt of the Mouth, and the Air
ſides of the Pipe, and the ſpirits in them contained: For in a Pipe or Trum-
pet of Wood and Braſs, the ſound will be diverſe; ſo if the Pipe be covered
ſelf; ſo if the Pipe be a little wet on the inſide, it will make a differing
Sound, from the ſame Pipedry.
That Sound made within Water, doth communicate better with a hard
Vide Experimentum,
134.
WE have ſpoken before (in the Inquiſition touching Muſick) of Mu-
Parts; which Sounds we call Tones, and likewiſe of Immuſical Sounds;
and
have given the cauſe, that the Tone proceedeth of Equality, and the other
of Inequality. And we have alſo expreſſed there, what are the Equal
Bodies that give Tones, and what are the Unequal that give none. Butnow
we ſhall ſpeak of ſuch Incquality of Sounds, as proceedeth not from the
Nature of the Bodies themſelves, but is accidental, Either from the Rough-
neſs or Obliquity of the Paſſage, or from the Doubling of the Percuticnt,
or from the Trepidation of the Motion.
A Bell if it have a Rift in it, whereby the ſound hath not a clear paſſage,
ſo the Voice of Man, when by cold
taken, the Weſil groweth rugged, and (as we call it) furred, becometh
hoarſe. And in theſe two inſtances, the Sounds are ingrate, becauſe they
are meerly unequal; but if they be unequal in equality, then the Sound is
Grateful, but Purling.
All Inſtruments that have either Returns, as Trumpets;
or Flexions, as
or are drawn up, and putfrom, as Sackbuts, have a Purling Sound;
But the Recorder or Flute that have none of theſe Inequalities, give a clear
Sound. Nevertheleſs, the Recorderit ſelf or Pipe, moiſtened a little in the
inſide, ſoundethmore ſolemnly, and with a little Purling or Hiſſing. Again,
a Wreathed String, ſuch as are in the Baſe Strings of Bandoraes, giveth alſo
a Purling Sound.
Lut a Lute-ſtring, if it be meerly unequal in his parts, giveth a harſh
place, than in another; and therefore Wire-ſtrings are never falſe.
Weſee
alſo, that when we try a falſe Lute-ſtring, we uſe to extend it hard between
the Fingers, and to fillip it; and if it giveth a double ſpecies, it is true;
but
if it giveth a trebble or more, it is falſe.
Waters, in the noiſe they make as they run, repreſent to the Ear a
and in Regals (where they have a Pipe, they call the
Nightingale-Pipe, which containeth Water) the Sound hath a continual
trembling. And Children have alſo little things they call Cocks, which
have water in them; and when they blow, or whiſtle in them, they yield
a trembling noiſe; which Trembling of Water, hath an affinity with the
Letter L. All which Inequalities of Irepidation, are rather pleaſant, than
other wiſe.
All Baſe Notes, or very Trebble Notes, give an Aſper Sound;
for that
and the Trebble
cutteth the Air ſo ſharp, as it returneth too ſwift, to make the Sound equal; and therefore a Mean or Tenor is the ſweeteſt part.
We know nothing, that can at pleaſure make a Muſical or Immuſical
The cauſe is
(no doubt) in the Weſil or Wind-Pipe, (which we call Aſperia Arteria,)
as a Bladder that is
wrinckled, if it be extended, becometh ſmooth. The extenſion is always,
more in Tones, than in Speech; therefore the inward voice or whiſper,
can never give a Tone. And in ſinging, there is (manifeſtly) a greater
working and labor of the Throat, than in ſpeaking; as appeareth in the
thruſting out, or drawing in of the Chin, when we ſing.
The Humming of Bees is an unequal buzzing, and is conceived by ſome
Sound; but (it may be) it is neither, but from the motion of their Wings;
for it is not heard, but when they ſtir.
All Metals quenchedin Water, give a ſibillation or hiſſing ſound (which
notwithſtanding the Sound be created
between the Water or Vapor, and the Air. Seething alſo, if there be but
ſmall ſtore of Water in a Veſſel, giveth a hiſſing ſound; but boyling in a
full Veſſel, givetha bubbling ſound, drawing ſomewhat near to the Cocks
uſed by Children.
Tryal would be made, whether the Inequality, or interchange of the
as if three Bells were
made one within another, and Air betwixt each; and then the outermoſt
Bell were chimed with a Hammer, how the Sound would differ from a
ſimple Bell. So likewiſe takea Plate of Braſs, and a Plank of Wood, and
joyn them cloſe together, and knock upon one of them, and ſee if they do
not give an unequal Sound. So make two or three Partitions of Wood in
a Hogſhead, with holes or knots in them; and mark the difference of their
ſound, from the ſound of an Hogſhead, without ſuch partitions.
IT is evident, that the Percuſſion of the greater quantity of Air, cauſeth
and the leſs quantity, the more trebble Sound.
The
the Body percuſſing; by the Latitude of the Concave, by which the Sound
paſſeth, and by the Longitude of the ſame Concave. Therefore weſee, that
a Baſe-ſtring is greater than a Trebble, a Baſe-pipehath a greater bore than
a Trebble: And in Pipes, and the like, the lower the Note holes be, and the
further off from the Mouth of the Pipe, the more Baſe ſound they yield; and the nearer the Mouth, the more Trebble.
Nay more, if you ſtrike an
ſound, and at the bottom a Baſer.
It is alſo evident, that the ſharperor quicker Percuſſion of Air, cauſeth
and the ſlower or heavier, the more Baſe ſound.
So weſee in Strings, the more they are wound up and ſtrained (and thereby
give a more quick ſtart back) he more Trebble is the ſound; and the ſlacker
they are, or leſs wound up, the Baſer is the ſound. And therefore a bigger
String more ſtrained, and a leſſer String leſs ſtrained, may fall into the ſame
Tone.
Children, Women, Eunuchs, have more ſmall and ſhrill Voices than Men;
voice ſtronger, (for the ſtrength of a Voice or Sound, doth make a difference
in the loudneſs or ſoftneſs, but not in the Tone) but from the dilatation of
the Organ, which (it is true) is likewiſe cauſed by heat; but the cauſe of
changing the voice at the years of puberty, is moſt obſcure. Itſeemeth to be
for that, when much of the moiſture of the Body, which did beforeirregate
more hot than it was; whence cometh the dilatation of the Pipes:
For we
ſee plainly all effects of Heat do then come on; as Piloſity, more rough-
neſs of the skin, hardneſs of the fieſh, &c.
The induſtry of the Muſitian, hath produced two other means of Strain-
The one is the Stopping of
as in the Necks of Lutes, Viols, &
c.
The
as in Harps, Virginals, &
c.
Both theſe
ſtart.
In the ſtraining of a String, the further it is ſtrained, the leſs ſuperſtrain-
For it requireth good winding of a String, beſore it
will make any Note at all. And in the ſtops of Lutes, &
c.
the higher they
go, the leſs diſtance is between the Frets.
If you fill a Drinking Glaß with Water, (eſpecially one ſharp below,
and aſter, empty
part of the Water, and ſo more and more, and ſtill try the Tone by fillip-
ing; you ſhall finde the Tone fall, and be more Baſe as the Glaſs is more
empty.
THe juſt and meaſured Proportion of the Air percuſſed, towards the
Contemplation of Sounds. For it diſcovereth the true Coincidence of
Tones into Diapaſons, which is the return of the ſame Sound. And ſo of
the Concords and Diſcords, between the Uniſon and Diapaſon; which we
have touched before in the Experiments of Muſick, but think fit to reſume it
here as a principal part of out Inquiry, touching the Nature of Sounds. It may
be found out in the Proportion of the Winding of Strings, in the Proportion
of the Diſtance of Frets, and in the Proportion of the Concave of Pipes, &c.
But moſt commodiouſly in the laſt of theſe.
Try therefore the Winding of a String once about, as ſoon as it is
thrice about, &c.
And mark the ſcale or difference of the Rice of the Tone,
whereby you ſhall diſcover in one, two effects; both the proportion of the
Sound to wards the Dimenſion of the Winding, and the proportion likewiſe
of the Sound towards the Stting, as it is more or leſs ſtrained. But notethat
to meaſure this, the way will be to take the length in a right line of the String,
upon any Winding about of the Peg.
As for the Stops, you are to take the number of Frets, and principally
ſhall produce a Diapaſon to the former ſtop, upon the ſame String.
But it will beſt (as it is ſaid) appear in the Bores of Wind-Inſtruments;
and
elſe a like, with a ſingle double, and ſo one to a ſextuple Bore; and ſo mark
what fall of Tone every one giveth. But ſtill in theſe three laſt inſtances
you muſt diligently obſerve, what length of String, or diſtance of Stop, or
concave of Air, maketh what riſe of Sound. As in the laſt of theſe (which,
as we ſaid, is that which giveth the apteſt demonſtration) you muſt ſet down
what increaſe of Concave goeth to the making of a Note higher, and what
of two Notes, and what of three Notes, and ſo up to the Diapaſon: For
then the great ſecret of Numbers and Proportions will appear. It is not
c.
know this already;
for
that they make them in Sets. And likewiſe Bell-Founders in fitting the
tune of their Bells: So that enquiry may ſave tryal.
Surely, it hath been
obſerved by one of the Ancients, that an empty Barrel knocked upon wi h
the finger, giveth a Diapaſon to the Sound of the like Barrel full: But how
that ſhould be, I do not well underſtand, for that the knocking of a Barrel
full or empty, doth ſcarce give any Tone.
There is required ſome ſenſible difference in the Proportion of creat-
and that it
be not too near, but at a diſtance: For in a Recorder, the three upper-
moſt holes yield one Tone, which is a Note lower than the Tone of the
firſt three. And the like (no doubt) is required in the winding or ſtopping
of Strings.
THere is another difference of Sounds, which we will call Exterior and
It is not Softinor Loud;
nor it is not Baſe, nor Trebble;
nor
it is not Muſical, nor Immuſical. Though it be true, that there can be no
Tone in an Interior Sound; but on the other ſide, in an Exterior Sound, there
may be both Muſical and Immuſical. We ſhall therefore enumerate them
rather than preciſely diſtingulſh them; thobgh to make ſome adumbration
of (that we mean) the Interior, is rather an Impulſion or Contuſion of
the Air, than an Elyſion or Section of the ſame; ſo as the Percuſſion of the
one towards the other, diffsreth as a Blow differeth from a Cut.
In Speech of Man, the Whiſpering, (which they call Suſurrus in La-
but the Speak-
ing out, is an Exterior Sound: And therefore you can never make a Tone,
nor ſing in Whiſpering; but in Speech you may.
So Breathing, or Blow-
ing by the Mouth, Bellows, or Wind (thoughloud) is an Interior Sound; but the blowing thorow a Pipe, or Concave (though ſoft) is an Exterior.
So likewiſe, the greateſt Winds, it they have no coarctation, or blow not
hollow, give andthe whiſtling or hollow Wind, yieldeth
a ſinging, or Exterior Sound; the former being pent by ſome other
Body, the latter being pent in by his own Denſity: And therefore we ſee,
That when the Wind bloweth hollow, it is a ſign of Rain; the flame, as it
moveth withinit ſelf, or is blown by a Bellows, giveth a murmur or Interior
Sound.
There is no hard Body, but ſtruck againſt another hard Body, will yield
inſomuch, as if the Percuſſion be over-
ſoft, it may induce a nullity of ſound, but never an Interior Sound; as when
onetreadeth ſo ſoftly, that he is not heard.
Where the Air is the Percutient, pent or not pent, againſt a hard Body,
as if you blow ſtrongly with a Bellows
againſt a Wall.
Sounds (both Exterior and Interior) may be made as well by Suction, as
as in Whiſtling, or Breathing.
IT is evident, and it is one of the ſtrangeſt ſecrets in Sounds;
that the
alſo in evety ſmall part of the Air. So that all the curious diverſity of Arti-
inconfuſed.
The unequal agitation of the Winds, and the like, though they be ma-
yet they do not
conſound the Articulation of them at all, within that diſtance that they can
be heard, thoughit may be, they make them to be heard leſs way, than in
a ſtill, as hath been partly touched.
Over-great diſtance confoundeth the Articulation of Sounds, as we
you cannot diſtinguiſh what he ſaith. And one Articulate ſound will con-
found another, as when many ſpeak at once.
In the Experiment of ſpeaking under VVater, when the voice is re-
words) are not confounded, as hath been ſaid.
I conceive that an extream ſmall, or an extream great ſound, can-
ſound: For that the extream ſmall ſound confoundeth the Articulation
by contracting, and the great ſound by diſperſing; and although
(as was formerly ſaid) a Sound Articulate, already created, will be con-
tracted into a ſmall crany; yet the firſt Articulation requireth more di-
menſion.
It hath been obſerved, that in a Room, or in a Chappel, Vaulted
well, as in the like places not ſo Vaulted. The cauſe is, for that the ſub-
ſequent words come on, before the precedent words vaniſh; and there-
fore the Articulate Sounds are more confuſed, though the groſs of the Sound
be greater.
The motions of the Tongue, Lips, Throat, Palate, &
c.
which go to the
nent to the preſent Inquiſition of Sounds: But becauſe they are ſubtil and
long to deſcribe, we will refer them over, and place them amongſt the
Experiments of Speech. The Hebrews have been diligent in it, and have
aſſigned which Letters are Labial, which Dental, which Guttural, &c.
As
for the Latins and Grecians, they have diſtinguiſhed between Semi-vowels
and Mutes; and in Mutes, between Mutæ Tenues, Mediæ and Aſpiratæ, not
amiſs, but yet not diligently cnough. For the ſpecial ſtrokes and moti-
tions that create thoſe Sounds, they have little enquired; as that the
Letters, B. P.
F.
M.
are not expreſſed, but with the contracting, or ſhut-
ting of the Mouth; that the Letters N.
and B.
cannotbe pronounced, but
that the Letter N. will turn into M.
as Hecatonba will be Hecatomba.
That
M. and T.
cannot be pronounced together, but P.
will come between;
as Emtus, is pronounced Emptus, and a number of the like:
So that if
you enquire to the full, you will finde, that to the making of the whole
Alphabet, there will be fewer ſimple Motions required, than there are
Letters.
The Lungs are the moſt ſpongy part of the Body, and therefore ableſt
and where it contracteth it ſelf, it expcllcth
the Air, which thorow the Artire, Throat, and Mouth, maketh the Voice: But yet Arciculation is notmade, but with the help of the Tongue, Pallate, and the
reft of thoſe they call Inſtruments of Voice.
There is found a Similitude between the Sound that is made by Inani-
vers Letters of Articulate Voices; and commonly Men have given ſuch
names to thoſe Sounds as do allude unto the Articulate Letters. As Trem-
bling of Water hath reſemblance with the Letter L. Quenching of Hot Metals
with the Letter Z. Snarling of Dogs with the Letter R.
The Noiſe of Scritch-
Owls with the Letters Sh. Voice of Cats with the Dipthong Eu.
Voice of
Chucko s with the Dipthong Ou. Sounds of Strings with the Letters Ng.
So
thatif a Man (for curioſity or ſtrangeneſs ſake) would make a Puppet, or
other dead Body, to pronounce a word: Lethim conſider on the one part,
the Motion of the Inſtruments of Voice; and on the other part, the like Sounds
made in Inanimate Bodies; and what Conformity there is, that cauſeth the
Similitude of Sounds; and by that he may miniſter light to that effect.
ALL Sounds (whatſoever) move round, that is to ſay, On
This appeareth in all Inſtances.
Sounds do not require to be conveighed to the Senſe
in a right Line, as Viſibles do, but may be arched, though
it be true they move ſtrongeſt in a right Line; which
neverthelels is not cauſed by the rightneſs of the Line,
but by the ſhortneſs of the diſtance. Linearectea brevißi-
ma. And therefore, we ſee if a Wallbe between, and you ſpeak on the one
ſide, vou hear it on the other; which is not b@cauſe the ſound paſſeth thorow
the Wall, but arched over the Wall.
If the Sound be ſtopped and repercuſſed, it cometh about on the other
So, if in a Coach, one ſide of the Boot be down, and
the other up, and a Begger beg on the cloſe ſide, you would think that he
were on the open ſide. So like wiſe, if a Bell or Clock, be (for example)
on the North-ſide of a Chamber, and the Window of that Chamber be
upon the South; he that is in the Chamber, will think the ſound came from
the South.
Sounds, though they ſpred round, ſo that (there is an orb, or ſpherical
Lines, from the firſt Local Impulſion of the Air. And therefore in Preach-
ing, you ſhall hear the Preachers voice better before the Pulpit than be-
hinde it, or on the ſides, though it ſtand open. So a Harqucbuz or Ordnance
will be further heard forwards, from the mouth of the Piece, than back-
wards, or on the ſides.
It may be doubted, that Sounds do move better do wnwards, than up-
ſulpits are placed high above the people:
And when the Ancient
where upon they ſtood. But this may be imputed to the ſtops and obſtacles
which the voice meeteth with, when one ſpeaketh upon the level. But
there ſeemeth to be more in it; for it may be, that Spiritual Species, both of
things viſible, and Sounds, do move better down wards than up wards. It is
a ſtrange thing, that to Men ſtanding below on the ground, thoſe that be on
the top of Pauls, ſeem much leſs than they are, and cannot be known: But
to Men above thoſe below, ſeem nothing ſo much leſſened, and may be
known; yet it is true, That all things to them above, ſeem alſo ſomewhat
contracted and better collected into figure; as Knots in Gardens ſhew beſt
from an upper Window or Tarras.
But to make an exact tryal of it, let a Man ſtand in a Chamber.
not
one ſtanding on the Ground as ſoftly as he can, the other laying his Ear cloſe
to the Trunck: Then Via verſa, let the other ſpeak below keeping the ſame
proportion of ſoftneſs; and let him in the Chamber lay his Ear to the Trunck.
And this may be the apteſt means to make a Judgment, whether Sounds
deſcend or aſcend better.
AFter that Sound is created (which is in a moment) we finde it continueth
In this there is a wonder-
whereas (in truth) it is a Renovation, and not a Continuance:
For the Body
percufſed, hath by reaſon of the Percuſſion, a Tripidation wrought in the mi-
nute parts, and ſo reneweth the Percuſſion of the Air. This appeareth
manifeſtly, becauſe that the Melting ſound of a Bell, or of a ſtring ſtrucken,
which is thought to be a Continuance, ceaſeth as ſoon as the Bell or ſtring are
touched. As in a Virginal, as ſoon as ever the Jack falleth, and toucheth the
ſtring, the ſound ceaſeth; and in a Bell, after you have chimed upon it, if you
touch the Bell, the ſound ceaſeth. And in this you muſt diſtinguiſh, that there
are two Trepidations, The one Manifeſt and Local; as of the Bell, when it
is Penſile; the other Secret, of the Minute parts, ſuch as is deſcribed in the
ninth Inſtance. But it is true, that the Local helpeth the Secret greatly.
We
ſee like wiſe, that in Pipes, and other Wind Inſtruments, the ſound laſteth no
longer than the breath bloweth. It is true, that in Organs there is a confuſed
murmur for a while, after you have played, but that is but while the Bellows
are in falling.
It is certain, that in the noiſe of great Ordnance, where many are ſhot
Land, and much further upon the Water, but then it will come to the Ear; not in the inſtant of the ſhooting off, but it will come an hour, or more later:
This muſt needs be a Continuance of the firſt Sound; for there is no Trepi-
dation which ſhould renew it. And the touching of the Ordnance would
not extinguiſh the ſound the ſooner: So that in great Sounds, the Continu-
ance is more than Momentany.
To try exactly the time wherein Sound is delated, Let a Man ſtand in a
Taper, and let another Man ſtand in the Field a mile off; then let him in the
Steeple ſtrike the Bell, and in the ſame inſtant withdraw the Veil, and ſo let
him in the Field tell by his Pulſe, what diſtance of time there is between the
Light ſeen, and the Sound heard: For it is certain, That the Delation of
This may be tried in far greater diſtances, allowing
greater Lights and Sounds.
It is generally known and obſerved, that Light and the object of Sight,
for we ſee the flaſh of a piece is feen ſooner,
than the noiſe is heard. And in hewing Wood, if one ſome diſtance off, he
ſhall ſee the Arm lifted up for a ſecond ſtroke, before he hear the noiſe of the
firſt; and the greater the diſtance, the greater is the prevention:
As we ſee in
Thunder, which is far off, where the Lightning precedeth the crack a good ſpace.
Colours, when they repreſent themſelves to the Eye, fade not nor melt
but Sounds melt, and
vaniſh, by little and little. The cauſe is, for that Colours participate nothing
with the motion of the Air, but Sounds do. And it is a plain argument that
Sound participateth of ſome Local Motion of the Air, (as a cauſe Sine quâ
non) in that it periſheth ſo ſuddenly: For in every Section, or Impulſion of
the Air, the Air doth ſuddenly reſtore and reunite it ſelf, which the Water
alſo doth, but nothing ſo ſwiftly.
IN the Tryals of the Paſſage, or not Paſſage of Sounds, you muſt take heed
a Body; and therefore you muſt make the Intercepting Body very cloſe;
for Sound will paſs thorow a ſmall chinck.
Where Sound paſſeth thorow a hard, or cloſe Body (as thorow Water,
c.)
the hard
or cloſe Body, muſt be but thin and ſmall; for elſe it deadeth and extinguiſh-
eth the Sound utterly. And therefore, in the Experiment of Speaking in
Air under Water, the voice muſt not be very deep within the Water, for then
the Sound pierceth not. So if you ſpeak on the further ſide of a cloſe Wall,
if the Wall be very thick, you ſhall not be heard; and if there were an Hogs-
head empty, where of the ſides were ſome two foot thick, and the Bung-
hole ſtopped. I conceive, the reſounding ſound by the Communication of
the outward Air with the Air within, would be little or none, but onely you
ſhall hear the noiſe of the outward knock, asif the Veſſel were full.
It is certain, that in the paſſage of Sounds thorow hard Bodies, the Spirit
but much
better, when the ſides of that hard Body are ſtruck, than when the percuſſi-
on is onely within, withouttouch of the ſides. Take therefore a Hawks-Bell,
the holes ſtopped up, and hang it by a thred within a Bottle-Glaſs, and ſtop
the Mouth of the Glaſs very cloſe with Wax, and then ſhake the Glaſs, and ſee
whether the Bell give any ſound at all, or how weak? But note, that you muſt
inſtead of Thred take a Wire, or elſe let the Glais have a great Belly, leſt
when you ſhake the Bell, it daſh upon the ſides of the Glaſs.
It is plain that a very long and down right arch for the Sound to paſs,
over a Wall, will not be heard over a Church; nor that Sound, which will
be heard, if you ſtand ſome diſtance from the Wall, will be heard if you
ſtand cloſe under the Wall.
So tand Foraminous Bodies in the firſt creation of the Sound, will dead
for the ſtriking againſt Cloth or Fur, will make little ſound, as hath been
ſaid: But in the paſſage of the ſound, they will admit it better than harder
Bodies, as we ſee, that Curtains and Hangings will not ſtay the ſound much,
but Glaſs windows, if they be very cloſe, will check a ſound more, than the
like thickneſs of Cloth. We ſee alſo in the rumbling of the Belly, how
caſily the Sound paſſeth thorow the Guts and Skin.
It is worthy the inquiry, whether great Sounds (as of Ordnance or
Cranies. For the Subtilties of Articulate Sounds, (it may be) may paſs
thorow ſmall Cranies, not conſuſed; but the magnitude of the Sound (per-
haps) not ſo well.
THe Mediums of Sounds, are Air, ſoft and porous Bodies;
alſo Water,
But all
In Air, the thinner or drier Air, carrieth not the Sound ſo well, as the
as appeareth in Night Sounds, and Evening Sounds, and
Sounds in moiſt Weather, and Southern Winds. The reaſon is already
mentioned in the Title of Majoration of Sounds; being, for that thin Air is
better pierced, but thick Air preſerveth the Sound better from waſte: Let
further Tryal be made by hollowing in Miſts, and gentle Showers; for (it
may be) that will ſome what dead the Sound.
How far forth Flame may be a Medium of Sounds, (eſpecially of ſuch
in ſpeaking, where a Bonefire is between; but then you muſt allow for ſome
diſturbance, the noiſe that the Flame it ſelf maketh.
Whether any other Liquors being made Mediums, cauſe a diverſity of
As by the knapping of the Tongs, or
ſtriking the bottom of a Veſſel filled either with Milk or with Oyl; which though they be more light, yet are they more une qual Bodies than
Air.
Of the Natures of the Mediums, we have now ſpoken;
as for the Diſpoſi-
# tion of the ſaid Mediums, it doth confiſt in the Penning, or not Penning
# of the Air; of which, we have ſpoken before in the Title of Delation of
# Sounds. It conſiſteth alſo in the Figure of the Concave, through which
# it paſſeth. Of which, we will ſpeak next.
HOw the Figures of Pipes or Concaves, through which Sounds paſs, or of
conduce to the variety and alteration of the
Sounds, either in reſpect of the greater quantity, or leſs quantity of Air,
which the Concaves receive; or in reſpect of the carrying of Sounds longer
or ſhorter way; or in reſpect of many other Circumſtances, they have been
touched, as falling into other Titles. But thoſe Figures which we now are
to fpeak of, we intend to be, as they concern the Lines, through which
Sound paſſeth: As Straight, Crooked, Angular, Circular, &
c.
The Figure of a Bell partaketh of the Pyramis, but yet coming off, and
The Figure of a Hunters Horn, and Cornet, is oblick, yet
they have likewiſe ſtraight Horns; which if they be of the ſame bore with
the oblick, differ little in Sound, ſave that the ſtraight require ſome what a
ſtronger blaſt. The Figure of Recorders, and Flutes, and Pipes, are ſtraight;
but the Recorder hath a leſs bore, and a greater, above and below.
The Trumpet
hath the Figure of the Letter S. which maketh that Purling Sound, &
c.
Gene-
rally, the ſtraight Line hath the cleaneſt and roundeſt Sound, and the crooked
the more Hoarſe, and Jarring.
Of a Sinuous Pipe that may have ſome four Flexions, tryal would be
Likewiſe of a Pipe made like a Croſs, open in the midſt;
and ſo
and ſee what will be the effects of theſe ſeveral
Sounds. And ſo again of a Circular Pipe:
As if you take a Pipe perfect
round, and make a hole whereinto you ſhall blow, and another hole not
far from that; but with a traverſe or ſtop between them:
So that your
breath may go the Round of the Circle, and come forth at the ſecond hole. You may try likewiſe Percuſſions of ſolid Bodies of ſeveral Figures:
As
Globes, Flats, Cubes, Croſſes, Triangles, &c.
And their Combinations;
as Flat
againſt Flat, and Convex againſt Convex, and Convex againſt Flat, &c.
And mark
well the diverſities of the Sounds. Try alſo the difference in ſound of ſeve-
ral Craſſitudes of hard Bodies percuſſed, and take knowledge of the diver-
ſities of the ſounds. I my ſelf have tried, That a Bell of Gold yieldeth an ex-
cellent ſound, not inferior to that of Silver or Braß, but rather better. Yet
we ſee that a piece of money of Gold, ſoundeth far more flat than a piece of
money of Silver.
The Harp hath the concave, not along the ſtrings, but acroſs the ſtrings;
So as I ſuppoſe, that if a Virginal were made with a double Concave;
the
one all the length as the Virginal hath, the other at the end of the ſtrings, as
the Harp hath; it muſt needs make the ſound perfecter, and not ſo ſhallow,
and jarring. You may try it without any Sound-board along, but onely
Harp wiſe, at one end of the ſtrings; or laſtly, with a double concave, at
each end of the ſtrings one.
THere is an apparent diverſity between the Species Viſible and Audible, in
That the Viſible doth not mingle in the Medium, but the Audible
For if we look abroad, we ſee Heaven, a number of Stars, Trees,
Hills, Men, Beaſts, at once; and the Species of the one, doth not confound
the other: But if ſo many Sounds come from ſeveral parts, one of them
would utterly confound the other. So we ſee, That Voices or Conſorts of
Muſick do make a harmony by mixture, which Colours do not. It is true
nevertheleſs, that a great light drownoas the Sun that of a Gloworm, as well as a great ſound drowneth a leſſer.
And I ſuppoſe likewiſe, that if there were two Lanthorns of Glaſs, the
one a Crimſio, and the other an Azure, and a Candle within either of
them, thoſe coloured lights, would mingle and caſt upon a White Paper, a
Purple colour. And even in colours, they yield a faint and weak mixture;
for White Walls make rooms more lightſome, than Black, &c.
But the
cauſe of the Confuſion in Sounds, and the Inconfuſion in Species Viſible, is,
For that the Sight worketh in right Lines, and maketh ſeveral Cones; and
ſo there can be no Coincidencein the Eye, or Viſual Point: But Sounds that
move in oblick and arcuate Lines, muſt needs encounter, and diſturb the one
the other.
The ſweeteſt and beſt Harmony is, when every Part or Inſtrument is
ſome diſtance off. Even as it is in the mixture of perfumes, or the taking of
the ſmells of ſeveral Flowers in the Air.
The diſpoſition of the Air, in other qualities, except it be joyned with
For whether the Air be
lightſome or dark, hot or cold, quiet or ſtirring, (except it be with noiſ
ſweet ſmelling, or ſtinking, or the like; it importeth not much.
Some petty
alteration or difference it may make.
But Sounds do diſturb and alter the one the other:
Sometimes the one
ſometimes the one jarring and
diſcording with the other, and making a conſuſion; ſometimes the one ming-
ling and compounding with the other, and making an harmony.
Two Voices of like loudneſs, will not be heard twice as far, as one of
and two Candles of like light, will not make things ſeem twice
as far off, as one. The cauſe is profound, but it ſeemeth, that the Impreſſi-
ons from the objects of the Senſes, do mingle reſpectively, every one with
his kinde; but not in proportion, as is before demonſtrated:
And the reaſon
may be, becauſe the firſt impreſſion, which is from Privative to Active, (as
from Silence to Noiſe, or from Darkneſs to Light,) is a greater degree, than
from leſs noiſe, to more noiſe, or from leſs light, to more light. And the
reaſon of that again may be, For that the Air, after it hath received a charge,
doth not receive a ſurcharge, or greater charge, with like appetite, as it
doth the firſt charge. As for the increaſe of Vertue generally, what propor-
tion it beareth to the increaſe of the Matter, it is a large Field, and to be
handled by it ſelf.
ALL Reflexions Concurrent, do make Sounds greater;
but if the Body
Tryal may be made of a Lute or Vial, with
the Belly of poliſhed Braſs in ſtead of Wood. We ſee, that even in the open
Air, the Wire-ſtring is ſweeter than the ſtring of Guts. And we ſee, that for Re-
flexion, Water excelleth; as in Muſick near the Water, or in Eccho’s.
It hath been tryed, that a Pipe, a little moiſtned on the inſide, but yet
were dry; but yet with a ſweet degree of Sibilation or Purling, as we touched
it before in the Title of Equality. The cauſe is, for that all things porous, be-
ing ſuperficially wet, and (as it were) between dry and wet, become a little
more even and ſmooth; but the Purling (which muſt needs proceed of In-
equality) I take to be bred between the ſmoothneſs of the inward Surſace
of the Pipe which is wet, and the reſt of the Wood of the Pipe, unto which
the wet cometh not, but it remaineth dry.
In Froſty weather, Muſick within doors ſoundeth better;
which may
the Inſtrument, which is made more criſp, and ſo more porous and hollow; and we ſee that Old Lutes ſound better than New, for the ſame reaſon:
And ſo
do Lute-ſtrings that have been kept long.
Sound is like wiſe meliorated by the mingling of open Air with pent Air:
another Belly with a knot over the ſtring; yet ſo, as there be room enough
for the ſtrings, and room enough to play below that Belly. Tryal may be
alſo made of an Irish Harp, with a concave on both ſides, whereas it uſeth to
have it but on one ſide. The doubt may be, leſt it ſhould make too much re-
ſounding, whereby one Note would overtake another.
If you ſing in the hole of a Drum, it maketh the ſinging more ſweet.
and for handſomneſ
Curtain between the place where the Drums are, and the hearers.
When a ſound is created in the Wind-Inſtrument, between the Breath and
For (no dobut) there would be a differing ſound
in a Trumpet or Pipe of Wood, and again, in a Trumpet or Pipe oſ Braſs. It were good to try Recorders and Hunters Horns of Braß, what the ſound
would be.
Sounds are meliorated by the Intenſion of the Senſe, where the common
pended: And therefore Sounds are ſweeter, as well as greater, in the Night
than in the Day; and I ſuppoſe, they are ſweeter to blinde men, than to
others: And it is manifeſt, that between ſleeping and waking, (when all the
Senſes are bound and ſuſpended) Muſick is far ſweeter than when one is fully
waking.
IT is a thing ſtrange in Nature, when it is attentively conſidered, How
They take no mark at
taught in the dark, as by light. The ſounds of Speech are very curious and
exquiſite; ſo one would think it were a Leſſon hard to learn.
It is true,
that it is done with time, and by little and little, and with many eſſays and
proffers: But all this diſchargeth not the wonder.
It would make a Man
think (though this, which we ſhall ſay, may ſeem exceeding ſtrange) that
there is ſome tranſmiſſion of Spirits, and that the Spirit of the Teacher put
in motion, ſhould work with the Spirits of the Learner, a prediſpoſition to
offer to imitate, and ſo to perfect the imitation by degrees. But touching
Operations by Tranſmiſſions of Spirits (which is one of the higheſt ſecrets in
Nature) we ſhall ſpeak in due place, chiefly when we come to inquire of
Imagination. But as for Imitation, it is certain, That there is in Men, and
other Creatures, a prediſpoſition to imitate. We ſee how ready Apes and
Monkies are to imitate all motions of Man: And in the catching of Dot-
trels, we ſee how the fooliſh Bird playeth the Ape in geſtures: And no Man
(in effect) doth accompany with others, but he learneth (ere he is aware)
ſome Geſture, or Voice, or Faſhion of the other.
In Imitation of Sounds, that Man ſhould be the Teacher, is no part of the
For Birds will learn one of another, and there is no reward by feed-
ing, or the like, given them for the imitation: And beſides, you ſhall have
Parrets that will not onely imitate Voices, but Laughing, Knocking, Squeak-
ing of a Door upon the Hinges, or of a Cart wheel, and (in effect) any other
noiſe they hear.
No Beaſt can imitate the Speech of Man, but Birds onely:
For the Ape
tation of Speech. It is true, that I have known a Dog, that if one howled
in his ear, he would fall a howling a great while. What ſhould be the aptneſs
of Birds, in compariſon of Beaſts, to imitate the Speech of Man, may be fur-
ther inquired. We ſee that Beaſts have thoſe parts, which they count the
Inſtruments of Speech, (as Lips, Teeth, &c.)
liker unto Man than Birds.
As for
the Neck, by which the Throat paſſeth, we ſee many Beaſts have it for the
length, as much as Birds. What better gorge or attire Birds have, may be
further inquired. The Birds that are known to be ſpeakers, are Parrets, Pyes,
Jays, Daws, and Ravens: Of which, Parrets have an adunck Bill, but the
reſt not.
But I conceive, that the aptneſs of Birds is not ſo much in the confor-
For Speech muſt come
by Hearing and Learning; and Birds give more heed, and mark Sounds
becauſe naturally they are more delighted with them,
and practiſe them more, as appeareth in their Singing. We ſee alſo, that
thoſe that teach Birds to ſing, do keep them waking, to increaſe their
attention. We ſee alſo, that Cock-Birds, amongſt Singing-Birds, are ever
the better ſingers, which may be, becauſe they are more lively, and liſten
more.
Labor and Intention to imitate Voices, doth conduce muchto Imitation:
the Voices of Players of Interludes, ſo to life, as if you ſee them not, you
would think they were thoſe Players themſelves, and ſo the Voices of other
men that they hear.
There have been ſome that could counterfeit the diſtance of Voices,
as when they ſtand
faſt by you, you would think the Speech came from afar off, in a fearful
manner. How this is done, may be further enquired;
but I ſee no greatuſe
of it, but for Impoſture, in counterfeiting ghoſts or ſpirits.
THere be three kindes of Reflexions of Sounds;
a Reflexion Concurrent, a Re-
Eccho, whereof the firſt hath been handled in the Title of Magnitude of
Sounds. The latter two we will now ſpeak of.
The Reflexion of Species Viſible by Mirrors, you may command, becauſe
But the Reflexion
of Sounds, is hard to maſter; becauſe the ſound filling great ſpaces in arched
Lines, cannot be ſo guided. And therefore, we ſee there hath not been
practiſed any means to make Artificial Eccho’s. And no Eccho already
known, returneth in a very narrow room.
The Natural Eccho’s are made upon Walls, Woods, Rocks, Hills, and
As for Waters being near, they make a Concurrent Eccho;
but
being further off, (as upon a large River) they make an Interant Eccho: Forthere is no difference between the Concurrent Eccho, and the Iterant,
but the quickneſs or ſlowneſs of the return. But there is no doubt, but Wa-
ter doth help the Delation of Eccho, as well as it helpeth the Delation of
Original Sounds.
It is certain (as hath been formerly touched,) that if you ſpeak thorow
mouth, but no ſound at all. The cauſeis, for that the cloſeneſs, which pre-
ſerveth the original, is not able to preſerve the reflected ſound; beſides that,
Eccho’s are ſeldom created, but by loud Sounds. And therefore there is
leſs hope of Artificial Eccho’s in Air, pentin a narrow concave. Neverthe-
leſs it hath been tryed, that one leaning over a Well of Twenty five fathom
deep, and ſpeaking, though but ſoftly, (yet not ſo ſoft as a whiſper) the
Water returned a good audible Eccho. It would be tryed, whether ſpeaking
in Caves, where there is no iſſue, ſave where you ſpeak, will not yield Eccho’s
as Wells do.
The Eccho cometh as the Original Sound doth in a round orb of Air:
maketh an Angle: As againſt the Return of a Wall, &
c.
Alſo we ſee that
in Mirrors, there is the like Angle of Incidence, from the Object to the
Glaſs, and from the Glaſs to the Eye. And if you ſtrike a Ball ſide-long, not
full upon the Surface, the rebound will be as much the contrary way; whe-
hear better, if he ſtand aſide the Body repercuſſing, than iſ he ſtand where
he ſpeaketh, or any where in a right Line between) may betried; Tryal like-
wiſe would be made, by ſtanding nearer the place of repercuſſing, than he
that ſpeaketh; and again, by ſtanding further off, than he that ſpeaketh, and
ſo knowledge would be taken, whether Eccho’s, as well as Original Sounds,
be not ſtron geſt near hand.
There be many places, where you ſhall hear a number of Eccho’s one
and it is, when there is variety of Hills or Woods, ſome nearer,
ſome ſurther off: So that the return from the further, being laſt created, will
be likewiſe laſt heard.
As the Voice goeth round, as well towards the back, as towards the
ſo likewiſe doth the Eccho, for you have many
Back-eccho’s to the place where you ſtand.
To make an Eccho that will report three, or four, or five words
off: For if it be near, and yet not ſo near, as to make a Concurrent
Eccho, it choppeth with you upon the ſudden. It is requifite likewiſe,
that the Air be not much pent: For Air, at great diſtance, pent, work-
eth the ſame effect with Air at large, in a ſmall diſtance. And there-
ſore in the Tryal of Speaking in the Well, though the Well was deep,
the Voice came back ſuddenly, and would bear the report but of two
words.
From Eccho’s upon Eccho’s, there is a rare inſtance thereof in a
It is ſome Three or four
Miles from Paris, near a Town called Pont-Carenton; and ſome Bird-
bolt ſhot or more from the River of Sean. The Room is a Chappel,
or ſmall Church; the Walls all ſtanding, both at the ſides, and at the
ends; two rows of Pillars after the manner of Iſles of Churches, alſo
ſtanding; the Roof all open, not ſo much as any Embowment near
any of the Walls left. There was againſt every Pillar, a ſtack of Bil-
lets above a Mans height, which the Watermen, that bring Wood
down the Sean, in Stacks, and not in Boats, laid there (as it ſeemeth)
for their eaſe. Speaking at the one end, I did hear it return the Voice
Thirteen ſeveral times; and I have heard of others, that it would re-
turn Sixteen times; for I was there about three of the Clock in the After-
noon; and it is beſt, (as all other Eccho’s are) in the Evening.
It is
manifeſt, that it is not Eccho’s from ſeveral places, but a toſſing of the
Voice, as a Ball too and fro; like to Reflexions in Looking-Glaſſes;
where
if you place one Glaſs before, and another behinde, you thall ſee the Glaſs
behinde with the Image, within the Glaſs before; and again, the Glaſs
before in that: And divers ſuch Super-Reflexions, till the Species ſpeciei at
laſt die: For it is every return weaker, and more ſhady.
In like manner,
the Voice in that Chappel, createth Speciem ſpeciei, and maketh ſucceeding
Super-Reflexions; for it melteth by degrees, and every Reflexion is
weaker than the former: So that, if you ſpeak three words, it will (per-
haps) ſome three times report you the whole three words; and then the
two latter words for ſometimes, and then the laſt word alone for ſome-
times, ſtill fading and growing weaker. And whereas in Eccho’s of
one return, it is much to hear Four or five words. In this Eccho of
ſo many Returns, upon the matter, you hear above Twenty words for
three.
The like Eccho upon Eccho, but onely with two reports, hath been
the Hill; for the Houſe will give a Back Eccho:
One taking it from the
other, and the latter the weaker.
There are certain Letters, that an Eccho will hardly expreſs:
As S for
I remember well, that when
I went to the Eccho at Pont-Carenton, there was an old Pariſian that took it
to be the Work of Spirits, and of good Spirits. For (ſaid he) call Satan,
and the Eccho will not deliver back the Devils name: But will ſay, Vat’en,
which is as much in French, as Apage, or Avoid. And thereby I did hap to
finde, that an Eccho would not return S, being but a Hiſſing and an Interior
Sound.
Eccho’s are ſome more ſudden, and chap again as ſoon as the Voice is
others are more deliberate, that is, give
more ſpace between the Voice and the Eccho, which is cauſed by the Local
nearneſs or diſtance: Some will report a longer train of words,
a ſhorter: Some more loud (full as loud as the Original, and ſometimes
more loud) and ſome weaker and fainter.
Where Eccho’s come from ſeveral parts, at the ſame diſtance they muſt
and even a continued Eccho; which you ſhall finde in ſome Hills that ſtand
encompaſſed, Theatre-like.
It doth not yet appear, that there is Refraction in Sounds, as well as in
For I do notthink, that if a Sound ſhould paſs through di-
vers Mediums, as Air, Cloth, Wood, it would deliver the Sound in a differing
place, from that unto which it is deferred; which is the proper effect of
Refraction. But Majoration, which is alſo the Work of Refraction, appear-
eth plainly in Sounds, (as hath been handled at full) but it is not by diverſity
of Mediums.
WE have Obiter, for Demonſtrations ſake, uſed in divers Inſtances, the
Sounds. But we think good now to proſecute that Compariſon more
fully.
BOth of them ſpred themſelves in Round, and fill a whole Flore or Orb
and are carried a great way, and do languiſh and
leſſen by degrees, according to the Diſtance of the Objects from the
Senſories.
Both of them have the whole Species in every ſmall portion of the
confuſion: As we ſee ordinarily in Levels, as to the Eye;
and in Cranies,
or Chinks, as to the Sound.
Both of them are of a ſudden and eaſi e Generation and Delation, and
as if y ou remove the Light, or touch
the Bodies that give the Sound.
Both of them do receive and carry exquiſite, and accurate differences;
and of Articulate
Voices, Tones, Songs, and Quaverings, in Audibles.
Both of them in their Vertue and Working, do not appear to emit any
neither
again to riſe or ſtir any evident Local Motion in their Mediums as they paſs,
but onely to carry certain Spiritual Species. The perfect knowledge of the
cauſe whereof, being hitherto ſcarcely attained, we ſhall ſearch and handle
in due place.
Both of them ſeem not to generate or produce any other effect in Na-
otherwiſe barren.
But both of them in their own proper action, do work three manifeſt
The firſt, in that the ſtronger pieces drowneth the leſſer:
As the
light of the Sun, the light of a Gloworm, the report of an Ordnance, the
Voice. The ſecond, in that an Object of ſurcharge or exceſs, deſtroyeth the
Senſe: As the light of the Sun the eye, a violent ſound (near the Ear) the
Hearing. The third, in that both of them will be reverberate:
As in Mir-
rors, and in Eccho’s.
Neither of them doth deſtroy or hinder the Species of the other, al-
As Light or Colour hinder not
ſound, nor è contrà.
Both of them affect the Senſe in Living Creatures, and yield Objects of
yet nevertheleſs, the Objects of them do alſo (if it
be well obſerved) affect and work upon dead things; namely ſuch, as have
ſome conformity with the Organs of the two Senſes: As Viſibles work up-
on a Looking-glaß, which is like the Pupil of the Eye; and Audibles upon the
places of Eccho, which reſemble, in ſome ſort, the cavern and ſtructure of
the Ear.
Both of them do diverſly work, as they have their Medium diverſly
So a Trembling Medium (as ſmoak) maketh the object ſeem to trem-
ble; and Riſing or Falling Medium (as Winds) maketh the Sounds to riſe or
fall.
To both, the Medium, which is the moſt propitious and conducible, is
For Glaſs or Water, &
c.
are not compairable.
In both of them, where the object is fine and accurate, it conduceth
inſomuch, as you contract
youreye, when you would ſee ſharply, and erect your ear, when you would
hear attentively; which in Beaſts
manifeſt.
The Beams of Light, when they are multiplied and conglomerate,
which is a different action, from the action of Sight:
And
the Multiplication and Conglomeration of Sounds, doth generate an ex-
tream Rarefaction of the Air; which is an action materiate, differing from
the action of Sound. If it betrue (which is anciently reported) that Birds,
with great ſhouts, have faln down.
THe Species of Viſibles, ſeem to be Emißions of Beams ſrom the Object ſeen,
but the Species
of Audibles, ſeem to participate more with Local Motion, like Peroußions or Im-
preßions made upon the Air. So that whereas all Bodies do ſeem to work in
two manners, Either by the Communication of their Natures, or by the Im
preßions and Signatures of their Motions. The Diffuſion of Species Viſible,
ſeemeth to participate more of the ſormer Operation, and the Species Audible
of the latter.
The Species of Audibles ſeem to be carried more maniſeſtly thorow the
For (I conceive) that a contrary ſtrong
Wind will not much hinder the fight of Viſibles, as it will do the hearing of
Sounds.
There is one difference above all others, between Viſibles and Audibles,
as that whereupon many ſmaller differences
do depend; Namely, that Viſibles (except Lights) are carried in Right Lines,
and Audibles in Arcuate Lines. Hence it cometh to paſs, that Viſibles do
not intermingle and confound one another, as hath been ſaid before, but
Sounds do. Hence it cometh, that the ſolidity of Bodies doth not much
hinder the ſight, ſo that the Bodies be clear, and the Pores in a Right Line,
as in Glaſs, Cryſtal, Diamonds, Water, &c.
But a thin Scarf or Handker-
chief, though they be Bodies nothing ſo ſolid, hinder the ſWhereas
(contrariwiſe) theſe Porous Bodies do not much hinder the Hearing, but
ſolid Bodies do almoſt ſtop it, or at leaſt attenuate it. Hence alſo it
cometh, that to the Reflexion of Viſibles, ſmall Glaſſes ſuffice, but to the
Reverberation of Audibles, are required greater ſpaces, as hath like wiſe been
ſaid before.
Viſibles are ſeen further off, than Sounds are heard;
allowing neverthe-
For other wiſe, a great Sound will be heard
further off, than a ſmall Body ſeen.
Viſibles require (generally) ſome diſtance between the object, and the
whereas in Audibles, the nearer the approach of the
Sound is to the Senſe the better; but in this, there may be a double error.
The one, becauſe to Seeing there is required Light, and any thing that touch-
eth the Pupil of the Eye (@ll over) excludeth the Light. For I have heard
of a perſon very credible, (who himſelf was cured of a Cataract in one of
his Eyes) that while the Silver-needle did work upon the ſight of his Eye, to
remove the Film of the Cataract, he never ſaw any thing more clear or per-
fect, than that white Needle: Which (no doubt) was, becauſe the Needle
was leſſer than the Pupil of the Eye, and ſo took not the light from it. The
other error may be, For that the object of Sight doth ſtrike upon the Pupil
of the Eye, directly without any interception; whereas the Cave of the Ear
doth hold off the Sound a little from the Organ: And ſo nevertheleſs th@re
is ſome diſtance required in both.
Viſibles are ſwifter carried to the Senſe, than Audibles;
as appeareth in
Flame, and Report of a Piece;
Motion of the
Air, in hewing of Wood. All which have been ſet down heretofore, but
are proper for this Title.
I conceive alſo, that the Species of Audibles, do hang longer in the Air than
For although even thoſe of Vifibles do hang ſome time,
as we ſee in Rings turned, that ſhew like ſpheres. In Lute-ſtrings fillipped, a Fire-
brand carried a long, which leaveth a train of light behinde it, and in the Twi
light, and the like: Yet I conceive that Sounds, ſtay longer becauſe they are
carried up and down with the Wind; and becauſe of the diſtance of the
time in Ordnance diſcharged, and heard twenty miles off
In Viſibles there are not found Objects ſo odious and ingrate to the Senſe,
For ſoul Sights do rather diſpleaſe, in that they excite the memory
of ſoul things, than in the immediate Objects. And therefore in Pictures, thoſe
foul Sights do not much offend; but in Audibles, the grating of a Saw when
it is ſharpned, doth offend ſo much, as it ſetteth the Teeth on edge; and any
of the hat
In Viſibles, after great light, if you come ſuddenly into the dark, or con-
The eye is dazled for a time,
and the Sight confuſed; but whether any ſuch effect be after great Sounds, or
after a deeper ſilence may be better enquired. It is an old Tradition, that
thoſe that dwell near the Cataracts of Nilus, are ſtrucken deaf: But we finde
no ſuch effect in Cannoniers, nor Millers, nor thoſe that dwell upon Bridges.
It ſeemeth, that the Impreßion of Colour is ſo weak, as it worketh not, but
and the Vertical point in the Eye: So as there is a corradiation and conjuncti-
on of Beams; and thoſe Beams ſo ſent forth, yet are not of any force to beget
the like borrowed or ſecond Beams, except it be by Reflexion, whereof we
ſpeak not. For the Beams paſs and give little tincture to that Air which is ad-
jacent; which if they did, we ſhould ſee Colours out of a right line.
But as
this in Colours, ſo other wiſe it is in the Body of Light. For when there is a
skreen between the Candle and the Eye, yet the light paſſeth to the Paper
whereon one writeth, ſo that the light is ſeen where the body of the flame
is not ſeen; and where any Colour (if it were placed where the body of the
flame is) would not be ſeen. I judge that Sound is of this latter nature:
For
when two are placed on both ſides of a Wall, and the voice is heard, I judge
it is not onely the original ſound, which paſſeth in an Arched line; but the ſound,
which paſſeth above the Wall in a Right line, begetteth the like Motion round
about it, as the firſt did, though more weak.
ALl Concords and Diſcords of Muſick (no doubt) Sympathies and Antipathies of
ſome Conſorts of Inſtruments are ſweeter than others, (a thing
not ſufficiently yet obferved;) as the Irish-Harp and Baſe-Vial agree well;
the
Recorder and Stringed Muſick agree well; Organs and the Voice agree well, &
c.
But the Virginals and the Lute, or the Welsh-Harp and Irish-Harp, or the Voice
and Pipes alone, agree not ſo well; but for the Melioration of Muſick, there is
yet much left (in this Point of Exquiſite Conſorts) to try and enquire.
There is a common obſervation, That if a Lute or Vial be laid upon the
laid by it; and in the other Lute or Vial the Vniſon to that ſtring be ſtrucken, it
will make the ſtring move; which will appear both to the Eye, and by the
ſtraws falling off. The like will be if the Diapaſon or Eight to that ſtring be ſtruck-
en, either in the ſame Lute or Vial, or in others lying by: But in none of theſe
there is any report of Sound that can be diſcerned, but onely Motion.
It was deviſed, That a Vial ſhould have a Lay of Wire-ſtrings below,
a Bridge, as in ordinary Vials; to the end, that by this means, the upper
Strings ſtrucken, ſhould make the lower reſound by Sympathy, and ſo make
the Muſick the better; which, if it be to purpoſe, than Sympathy worketh as
well by report of Sound, as by Motion. But this device, I conceive, to be
of no uſe, becauſe the upper Strings which are ſtopped in great variety, can-
not maintain a Diapaſon or a Vniſon with the lower, which are never ſtopped,
But if it ſhould be of uſe at all, it muſt be in Inſtruments which have no ſtops,
as Virginals and Harps; wherein tryal may be made of two rows of Strings,
diſtant the one from the other.
The Experiment of Sympathy may be transferred (perhaps) from In-
Astotry, if there were
in one Steeple two Bells of Uniſon, whether the ſtriking of the one would
move the other, more than if it were another accord: And ſo in Pipes, if they
be of equalbore and ſound,) whether a little Straw or Feather would move
in the one Pipe, when the other is blown at an Vniſon.
It ſeemeth both in Ear and Eye, the Inſtrument of Senſe hath a Sympathy
fore.) For as the ſight of the Eye is like a Chryſtal, or Glaſs, or Water;
ſo is
the Ear a ſinuous Cave with a hard Bone, to ſtop and reverberate the Sound: Which is like to the places that report Eccho’s.
WHen a Man yawneth, he cannot hear ſo well.
The cauſeis, ſor that the
and ſo rather caſteth oſſ the Sound,
We Hear better when we hold our Breath, than contrary, inſomuch, as
in all liſtening to attain a Sound a ſar off, Men hold their Breath. The cauſe
driveth away the voice than draweth it: And beſides, we ſee that in all labor
to do things with any ſtrength, we hold the Breath; and liſtening after any
Sound that is heard with difficulty, is a kinde of labor.
Let it betryed, for the help of the Hearing, (and I conceive it likely to
the narrow part whereof
may be of the bigneſs of the hold of the Ear; and the broader end much
larger; like a Bell at theskirts, and the length half a foot or more.
And let
the narrow end of it be ſet cloſe to the Ear. And mark whether any Sound
abroad in the open Air, will not be heard diſtinctly, from further diſtance,
than without that Inſtrument; being (as it Were) an Ear ſpectacle.
And I have
heard there is in Spain, an Inſtrument in uſe to be ſet to the Ear, that helpeth
ſomewhat thoſe that are Thick of Hearing.
If the Mouth be ſhut cloſe, nevertheleſs there is yielded by the Roof
ſuch as is uſed by Dumb men:
Butif the Noſtrils
be like wiſe ſtopped, no ſuch Murmur can be made, except it be in the bottom
of the Pallate to Wards the Throat. Where by it appeareth manifeſtly, that a
Sound in the Mouth, except ſuch as aforeſaid, if the Mouth be ſtopped,
paſſeth from the Pallate through the Noſtrils.
THe Repercußion of Sounds, (which we call Eccho) is a great Argument
of the Spiritual Eſſence of Sounds. For if it were Corporeal, the Reper-
cuſſing ſhould be created in the ſame manner, and by like Inſtruments, with
But we ſee what a number of exquiſite Inſtruments
muſt concur in ſpeaking of words, whereof there is no ſuch matter in the
returning oſ them, but onely a plain ſtop, and repercuſſion.
The exquiſite Differences of Articulate Sounds, carried along in the
been well reſuted by the Ancients. For it is true, that Seals make excellent
Impreſſions; and ſo it may be thought of Sounds in their firſt generation:
But then the Delation and Continuance of them, without any new ſealing,
ſhew apparently they cannot be Impreſſions.
All Sounds are ſuddenly made, and do ſuddenly periſh;
but neither that,
For
the Quaverings, and Warblings of Lutes, and Pipes are as ſwift; and the
Tongue (which is no very fine Inſtrument) doth in ſpeech, make no fewer
motions, than there be letters in all the words which are uttered. But that
Sounds ſhould not onely be ſo ſpeedily generated, but carried ſo far every
way, in ſuch a momentany time, deſerveth more admiration. As for ex-
ample, If a man ſtand in the middle of a Field, and ſpeak aloud, he ſhall be
heard a Furlong in round, and that ſhall be in articulate Sounds, and thoſe
ſhall be entire in every little portion of the Air; and this ſhall be done in the
ſpace of leſs than a minute.
The ſudden Generation and Periſhing of Sounds, muſt be one of theſe
Either, that the Air ſuffereth ſome force by Sound, and then re-
ſtoreth it ſelf as Water doth; which being divided, maketh many circles,
tillit reſtore it ſelf to the Natural conſiſtence; or other wiſe, that the Air doth
willingly imbibe the Sound as grateful, but cannot maintain it; for that the
Air hath (as it ſhould ſeem) a ſecret and hidden Appetite of receiving the
Sound at the firſt; but then other groſs and more materiate qualities of the
Air ſtraight ways ſuffocate it, like unto Flame which is generated with
alacrity, but ſtraight quenched by the enmity of the Air, or other Ambient
Bodies.
There be theſe differences (in general) by which Sounds are divided:
# 1.
Muſical, Immuſical.
# 2. Trebble, Baſe.
# 3. Flat, Sharp.
# 4. Soft, Loud.
# 5. Exterior, Interior.
# 6. Clean, Harſh, or Purling.
# 7. Articulate, Inarticulate.
We have labored (as may appear) in this Inquiſition of Sounds diligently;
# both becauſe Sound is one of the moſt hidden portions of Nature, (as
# we ſaid in the beginning) and becauſe it is a Vertue which may be called
# Incorporeal and Immateriate, whereof there be in Nature but few. Be-
# ſides, we were willing (now in theſe our firſt Centuries) to make a pattern
# or preſident of an Exact Inquiſition; and we ſhall do the like hereafter in
# ſome other ſubjects which require it. For we deſire that Men ſhould
# learn and perceive how ſevere a thing the true Inquiſition of Naturs is;
# and ſhould accuſtom themſelves by the light of particulars, to enlarge
# their mindes to the amplitude of the World; and not to reduce the
# World to the narrowneſs of their Mindes.
MEtals give orient and fine Colours in Diſſolution;
as Gold giveth an
Likewiſe in their Putrefactions, or Ruſts;
as Vermilion,
Verdegreaſe, Biſe, Cirrus, &c.
And likewiſe in their Vitrifications.
The
cauſe is, for that by their ſtrength of Body, they are able to endure the Fire,
or Strong-waters, and to be put into an equal poſture, and again, to retain
part of their principal Spirit: Which two things (equal poſture, and quick
Spirits) are required chiefly, to make Colours lightſome.
IT conduceth unto long Life, and to the more placide Motion of the Spi-
but ſecundum genium; or, on the other ſide, that the Actions of Men be full of Re-
gulation, and commands within themſelves: For then the victory and performing
of the command, giveth a good diſpoſition to the Spirits, eſpecially if
there be aproceeding from degree to degree, for then the ſenſe of victory
is the greater. An example of the former of theſe, is in a Countrey life;
and of the latter, in Monks and Philoſophers, and ſuch as do continually enjoyn
themſelves.
IT is certain, that in all Bodies, there is an Appetite of Vnion, and Evitation
And of this Appetite there be many degrees,
The firſt
in Liquors, the ſecond in hard Bodies, and the third in Bodies cleaving
or tenacious. In Liquors this Appetite is weak;
we ſee in Liquors, the
Threding of them in Stillicides (as hath been ſaid) the falling of them in
round drops (which is the form of Union) and the ſtaying of them for a lit-
tle time in Bubbles and Froth. In the ſecond degree or kinde, this Appetite
is ſtrong; as in Iron, in Stone, in Wood,&
c.
In the third, this Appetite is in
a Medium between the other two: For ſuch Bodies do partly follow the
touch of another Body, and partly ſtick and continue to themſelves; and
therefore they rope and draw themſelves in threds, as we ſee in Pitch, Glew,
Birdlime, &c.
But note, that all ſolid Bodies are cleaving more or leſs;
and
that they love better the touch of ſome what that is tangible, than of Air. For Water in ſmall quantity cleaveth to any thing that is ſolid, and ſo would.
Metal too, if the weight drew it notoff. And therefore Gold Foliate, or
any Metal Foliate, cleaveth: But thoſe Bodies which are noted to be
clammy, and cleaving, are ſuch as have a more in different Appetite (at once)
to follow another Body, and to hold to themſelves. And therefore they are
commonly Bodies ill mixed, and which take more pleaſure in a Foreign Body,
that in preſerving there own conſiſtence, and which have little predominance
in Drought or Moiſture.
TIme and Heat are fellows in many effects.
Heat drieth Bodies that do
as Parchment, Leaves, Roots, Clay, &
c.
And ſo
as in the ſame Bodies, &
c.
Heat diſſolveth and
melteth Bodies that keep in their Spirits, as in divers Liquefactions; and ſo
doth Time, in ſome Bodies of a ſofter conſiſtence: As is manifeſt in Honey,
which by Age waxeth more liquid, and the like in Sugar; and ſo in old
Oyl, which is ever more clear and more hot in medicinable uſe. Heat
cauſeth the Spirits to ſearch ſome iſſue out of the Body, as in the Volatility
and ſo doth Time, as in the Ruſt of Metals.
But generally Heat
doth that in ſmall time, which Age doth in long.
SOme things which paſs the Fire, are ſoft eſt at ſirſt, and by Time grow
Some are harder when they comeſrom the
Sweet-Meats, Salt, &
c.
The cauſe is, for that in thoſe things which wax
hard with Time, the work of the Fire is a kinde of melting; and in thoſe
that wax ſoſt with Time, (contrariwiſe) the work of the Fire is a kinde
of Baking; and whatſoever the Fire baketh, Time doth in ſome degree
diſſolve.
MOtions paſs from one Man to another, not ſo much by exciting Ima-
Therefore Gaping, or Yawning, and Stretching, do paſs
from Man to Man; for that that cauſeth Gaping or Stretching is, when the
Spirits are a little Heavy, by any Vapor, or the like. For then they ſtrive (as
it were) to wring out, and expel that which loadeth them. So Men drowzy
and deſirous to ſleep; or before the ſit of an Ague, do uſe to yawn and
ſtretch, and do likewiſe yield a Voice or Sound, which is an Interjection
of Expulſion: So that if another be apt and prepared to do the like, he
ſolloweth by the ſight of another. So the Laughing of another maketh to
laugh.
THere be ſome known Diſeaſes that are Infectious, and others that are
Thoſe that are inſectious, are ſirſt, Such as are chieſly in the Spi-
Body; ſuch are Peſtilences Lippitudes, and ſuch like.
Secondly, ſuch as taint
the breath, which we ſee paſſeth manifeſtly from Man to Man, and not in-
viſible as the affects of the Spirits do; ſuch are Conſumptions of the Lungs,
&c.
Thirdly, Such as come forth to the skin, and therefore taint the Air,
or the Body adjacent; eſpecially, if they conſiſt in an unctuous ſubſtance,
not apt to diſſipate; ſuch are Scabs, and Leproſie.
Fourthly, ſuch as are
meerly in the Humors, and not in the Spirits, Breath, or Exhalations: And
thereſore they never infect, but by touch onely; and ſuch a touch alſo, as
cometh within the Epidermis, as the venome of the French Pox, and the biting
of a Mad-Dog.
MOſt Powders grow more cloſe and coherent by mixture of Water, than
as Meal, &
c.
ſecter imbibition, and incorporation; which in moſt Powders is more between
them and Water, than between them and Oyl: But Painters colours
ground, and aſhes, do better incorporate with Oyl.
MUch Motion and Exerciſe is good for ſome Bodies, and ſitting and
If the Body be hot, and void of ſuperſluous
and it is an error in Phyſitians, to
call too much upon Exerciſe. Likewiſe, Men ought to beware, that they
uſe not Exerciſe, and a ſpare diet, both; but if much Exerciſe, then a plenti-
ſul diet; and if ſparing diet, then little Exerciſe.
The Beneſits that come of
Exerciſe are. Firſt, that it ſendeth nouriſhment into the parts more forcibly.
aſſimilate the more perſectly. T
Body more ſolid and compact; and ſo leſs apt to be conſumed and depre-
dated by the Spirits. The Evils that come of Exerciſe, are, Firſt, That it
maketh the Spirits more hot and predatory. Secondly, That it doth abſorbe
like wiſe, and altenuate too much the moiſture of the Body. Thirdly, That
it maketh too great Concuſſion, (eſpecially, if it be violent) of the in ward
parts, which delight more in reſt. But generally Exerciſe, if it be much, is
no friend to prolongation of life; which is one cauſe, Why Women live
longer then Men, becauſe they ſtir leſs.
SOme Food we may uſe long, and much, without glutting;
as Bread, Fleſh
c, Some other (though pleaſant) glutteth
c.
The cauſeis, for that Appetite con-
ſiſteth in the emptineſs of the Mouth, of the Stomach, or poſſeſſing it with
ſomewhat that is aſtringent; and therefore, cold and dry:
But things that
are ſweet and fat, are more filling, and do ſwim and hang more about the
Mouth of the Stomach, and go not down ſo ſpeedily; and again turn ſooner
to Choler, which is hot, and ever abateth the appetite. We ſee alſo, that
another cauſe of Satiety, is an Over-cuſtom; and of Appetite, is Novelty.
And therefore Meats, if the ſame be continually taken, induce Loathing.
To
give the reaſon of the diſtaſte of Satiety, and of the pleaſure in Novelty, and
to diſtinguiſh not onely in Meats and Drinks, but alſo in Motions, Loves,
Company, Delight, Studies, what they be that Cuſtom maketh more grate-
ful; and what more tedious, were a large Field.
But for Meats, the cauſe
is Attraction, which is quicker, and more excited towards that which is
new, than towards that whereof there remaineth a reliſh by former uſe.
And (generally) it is a rule, That whatſoever is ſomewhat ingrate at firſt, is
made grateful by Cuſtom; but whatſoever is too pleaſing at firſt, groweth
quickly to Satiate.
ACceleration of Time, in Works of Nature, may well be
And even in Divine
Miracles Accelerating of the Time, is next to the Creating
of the Matter. We will now therefore proceed to the
enquiry of it; and for Acceleration of Germination, we
will refer it over unto the place, where we ſhall handle
the Subject of Plants, generally; and will now begin with
other Accelerations.
Liquors are (many of them) at the firſt, thick and troubled;
As Muſt,
c.
And by Time, they ſettle and
clarifie. But to make them clear, before the Time, is a great work;
for it is a
Spur to Nature, and putteth her out of her pace: And beſides, it is of good
uſe for making Drinks, and Sauces, Potable, and Serviceable, ſpeedily. But to know the Means of Accelerating Clarification, we muſt firſt know
the cauſes of Clarification. The firſt cauſe is, by the Separation of the
groſſer parts of the Liquor, from the finer. The ſecond, by the equal diſtri-
bution of the Spirits of the Liquor, with the tangible parts; for that ever re-
preſenteth Bodies clear and untroubled. The third, by the refining the
Spirit it ſelf, which thereby giveth to the Liquor more ſplendor, and more
luſtre.
Firſt, For Separation:
It is wrought by weight;
as in the ordinary
By Heat, by Motion, by Precipitation, or
Sublimation, (that is, a calling of the ſeveral parts, either up or down, which
is a kinde of Attraction,) by Adheſion; as when a Body, more viſcous, is
mingled and agitated with the Liquor; which vifcous Body (afterwards ſe-
And laſtly, by Perco-
lation or Paſſage.
Secondly, For the even Diſtribution of the Spirits, it is wrought by
(for of Time we ſpeak not, be-
cauſe it is that we would anticipate and repreſent:) And it is wrought alſo,
by mixture of ſome other Body, which hath a vertue to open the Liquor, and
to make the Spirits the better paſs thorow.
Thirdly, For the refining of the Spirit, it is wrought likewiſe by Heat,
So therefore (having ſhewed the cauſes) for the accelerating of Clarification
in general, and the enducing of it; take theſe Inſtances and Tryals.
It is in common practice, to draw Wine or Beer, from the Lees, (which
For the Lees,
though they keep the drink in heart, and make it laſting; yet withal
they caſt up ſome ſpiſſitude; and this Inſtance is to be referred to Separa-
tion.
On the otherſide, it were good to try, what, the adding to the Liquor,
for though the Lees do make the Liquor
turbide, yet they refine the Spirits. Take therefore a Veſſel of new Beer, and
take another Veſſel of new Beer, and rack the one Veſſel from the Lees, and
pour the Lees of theracked Veſſel into the unracked Veſſel, and ſee the effect. This Inſtance is referred to the Refining of the Spirits.
Take new Beer, and put in ſome quantity of ſtale Beer into it, and ſee
Beer, and cutting the groſſer parts, whereby they may fall down into Lees. And this Inſtance again is referred to Separation.
The longer Molt or Herbs, or the like, are infuſed in Liquor, the more
but the longer they be decocted in the Liquor,
the clearer it is. The reaſon is plain, becauſe in Infuſion, the longer it is, the
greater is the part of the groſs Body that goeth into the Liquor: But in De-
coction, though more goeth forth, yet it either purgeth at the top, or ſettleth
at the bottom. And therefore the moſt exact way to clarifie is, firſt, to In-
ſuſe, and then to take off the Liquor and decoct it; as they do in Beer, which
hath Molt firſt infuſed in the Liquor, and is afterwards boiled with the Hop. This alſo is referred to Separation.
Take hot Embers, and put them about a Bottle filled with new Beer, al-
let the Bottle be well ſtopped, leſt it flie out:
And
continue it, renewing the Embers every day by the ſpace of ten days, and then
compare it with another Bottle of the ſame Beer ſet by. Take alſo Lime,
both quenched and unquenched, and ſet the Bottles in them ut ſuprà. This
Inſtance is referred, both to the even Diſtribution, and alſo to the Refining
of the Spirits by Heat.
Take Bottles and ſwing them, or carry them in a Wheel-Barrow upon
But then you may not fill the Bottles full,
but leave ſome Air; for if the Liquor come cloſe to the ſtopple, it cannot
play nor flower: And when you have ſhaken them well either way, pour
the Drink in another Bottle, ſtopped cloſe after the uſual manner; for if it
ſtay with much Air in it, the Drink will pall, neither will it ſettle ſo per-
fectly in all the parts. Let it ſtand ſome Twenty four hours, then take it, and
put it again into a Bottle with Air, ut ſuprà; and thence into a Bottle ſtopped,
ut ſuprà; and ſo repeat the ſame operation for ſeven days.
Note, that in the
emptying of one Bottle into another, you muſt do it ſwiftly, leſt the Drink
It were good alſo to try it in a Bottle with a little air below the Neck
without emptying. This Inſtance is referred to the even Diſtribution and
Refining of the Spirits by Motiòn.
As for Percolation, inward, and outward (which belongeth to separa-
new Beer, and ſtirred with it: For it may be, that the groſſer part of the
Beer will cleave to the Milk; the doubt is, whether the Milk will ſever
well again, which is ſoon tried. And it is uſual in clariſying Ippocraſſe to
put in Milk, which aſter ſevereth and carrieth with it the groſſer parts
of the Ippocraſs, as hath been ſaid elſwhere. Alſo for the better Clariſica-
tion by Percolation; when they Tun new Beer, they uſe to let it paſs
through a Strainer, and it is like the finer the Strainer is, the clearer it
will be.
THe Accelerating of Maturation, we will now enquire of, and of Ma-
It is of three natures, the Maturation of Fruits, the Ma-
turation of Drinks, and the Maturation of Impoſthumes and Vlcers. This laſt we
reſer to another place, where weſhall handle Experiments Medicinal. There
be alſo other Maturations, as of Metals, &c.
whereof weſpeak as occaſion
ſerveth. But we will begin with that of Drinks, becauſe it hath ſuch affinity
with the Clarification of Liquors.
For the Maturation of Drinks, it is wrought by the Congregation of
the Spirits together, whereby they digeſt more perfectly the groſſer parts; and it is effected, partly by the ſame means that Clarification is (whereof
we ſpake before:) But then note, that an extream Clarification doth ſpred
ought to have a little flowring. And therefore all your clear Amber drink
is flat.
We ſee the degrees of Maturation of Drinks, in Muſt, in Wine, as it is
Whereof Muſt hath not the Spirits well congrega-
ted, Wine hath them well united, ſo as they make the parts ſomewhat
more Oyly. Vinegar hath them congregated, but more Jejune, and in
ſmaller quantity; the greateſt and fineſt Spirit and part being exhaled:
For
we ſee Vinegar is made by ſetting the Veſſel of Wine againſt the hot Sun. And therefore Vinegar will not burn, for that much of the finer part is ex-
haled.
The refreſhing and quickning of Drink palled or dead, is by enforcing
So we ſee that open weather relaxeth the Spirit,
and maketh it more lively in Motion. We ſee alſo Bottelling of Beer or
Ale, while it is new and full of Spirit, (ſo that it ſpirteth when the ſtopple
is taken forth) maketh the Drink more quick and windy. A Pan of Coals
in the Cellar, doth likewiſe good, and maketh the Drink work again. New
Drink put to Drink that is dead, provoketh it to work again: Nay, which
is more (as ſome affirm) a Brewing of new Beer, ſet by old Beer, maketh
it work again: It were good alſo to enforce the Spirits by ſomemixtures,
that may excite and quicken them, as by the putting into the Bottles, Nitre
Chalk, Lime, &c.
Weſee Cream is matured, and made to riſe more ſpeedi-
ly by putting in cold Water; which, as it ſeemeth, getteth down the
Whey.
It is tryed, that the burying of Bottles of Drink wellſtopped, either in
and beſt
ſome fortnights ſpace, is an cxcellent means of making Drink freſh and
quick: For the cold doth not cauſe any exhaling of the Spirits at all, as heat
doth, though it rarifieth the reſt that remain: But cold maketh the Spirits
vigorous, and irritateth them, whereby they incorporate the parts of the
Liquor perfectly.
As for the Maturation of Fruits, it is wrought by the calling forth of
and likewiſe by digeſting, in ſome degree, the groſſer parts:
And
this is eſſected by Heat, Motion, Attraction, and by a Rudiment of
Putrefaction: For the Inception of Putrefaction hath in it a Mate-
ration.
There were taken Apples, and laid in Straw, in Hay, in Flower, in
cloſed up in Wax, ſhut in a Box, &c.
There was alſo an Apple hanged up
in ſmoak. Of all which the Experiment ſorted in this manner.
After a moneths ſpace, the Apple, encloſed in Wax, was as Green
The
cauſe is, for that all excluſion of open Air, (which is ever predatory) main-
taineth the Body in his firſt freſhneſs and moiſture; but the inconvenience
is, that it taſteth a little of the Wax, which, I ſuppoſe, in a Pomegranate, or
ſome ſuch thick coated fruit, it would not do.
The Apple hanged in the ſmoak, turned like an old Mellow-Apple
The cauſe is, for that ſuch
a degree of heat, which doth neither melt nor ſcorch (for we ſee that
in a greater heat, a roaſt Apple ſoftneth and melteth, and Pigs feet
made of quarters of Wardens, ſcortch and have a skin of coal) doth
Mellow, and not adure: The ſmoak alſo maketh the Apple (as it were)
ſprinkled with Soot, which helpeth to mature. Weſee, that in drying of
Pears and Prunes, in the Oven, and removing of them often as they begin
to ſweat, there is a like operation: but that is with a far more intenſe de-
gree of heat.
The Apples covered in the Lime and Aſhes, were well matured as ap-
The cauſe is, forthat that
Degree of Heat, which is in Lime and Aſhes, (being a ſmoothering heat) is
of all the reſtmoſt proper; for it doth neither Liquefie nor Arefie, and that
is true Maturation. Note, that the taſte of thoſe Apples was good, and
therefore it is the Experiment fitteſt for uſe.
The Apples covered with Crabs and Onions, were like wiſe well matu-
The cauſe is not any heat, but for that the Crabs and the Onions draw
forth the Spirits of the Apple, and ſpred them equally thoro wout the Body; which taketh away hardneſs.
So we ſee one Apple ripeneth againſt another.
And therefore in making of Cider, they turn the Apples firſt upon a heap;
ſo one Cluſter of Grapes, that toucheth another whileſt it groweth, ripen-
eth faſter. Botrus contra Botrum citius matureſcit.
The Apples in Hay and the Straw, ripened apparently, though notſo
The cauſe is, for that
the Hay and Straw have a very low degree of Heat, but yet cloſe and
ſmoothering, and which dryeth not.
The Apple in the cloſe Box was ripened alſo.
The cauſe is, for that
as we ſee in Wool, Fur,
Pluſh, &c.
Note, That all theſe were compared with another Apple of the ſame kinde that lay of
# it ſelf; and in compariſon of that, were more ſweet, and more yellow, and ſo
# appeared to be more ripe
Take an Apple, or Pear, or other like Fruit, and roul it upon a Table
We ſee in common experience, that the rouling doth ſoften and
ſweeten the Fruit preſently, which is nothing but the ſmooth diſtribution
of the Spirits into the parts; for the unequal diſtribution of the Spirits
maketh the harriſhneſs: But this hard rouling is between Concoction,
and a ſimple Maturation; therefore, if you ſhould roul them but gently
perhaps twice a day, and continue it ſome ſeven days, it is like they would
Mature more finely, and like unto the Natural Maturation.
Take an Apple, and cut out a piece of the top and cover it, to ſee
We ſee that
where a Waſp, or a Fly, or a Worm, hath bitten in a Grape or any Fruit, it will
ſweeten haſtily.
Take an Apple, &
c.
and prick it with a Pin full of Holes, not deep,
every day for ten days, to ſee if the Virtual Heat of the Wine, or Strong-
Waters, will not Mature it.
In theſe Tryals alſo as was uſed in the firſt, ſet another of the ſame Fruits by, to compare
# them, and try them by their r
THe World hath been much abuſed by the opinion of Making of Gold.
but the Means (hitherto pro-
pounded) to effect it, are in the Practice, full of Error and Impoſture; and in the Theory, full of unſound Imaginations.
For to ſay, that Nature
hath an in ention to make all Metals Gold; and that, if ſhe were delivered
from Impediments, ſhe would perform her own work; and that, if the
Crudities, Impurities, and Leproſies of Metals were cured, they would
become Gold, and that a little quantity of the Medicine in the Work of
Projection, will turn a Sea of the Baſ@r Metal into Gold by multiplying.
All theſe are but dreams, and ſo are many other Grounds of Alchymy.
And to help the matter, the Alchymiſts call in likewiſe many vanities,
out of Aſtrology, Natural Magick, Superſtitious Interpretations of Scri
ptures, Auricular Traditions, Feigned Teſtimonies of Ancient Authors,
and the like. It is true, on the other ſide they have brought to light not a
few profitable Experiments, and thereby made the World ſome amends:
But we, when we ſhall come to handle the Verſion and Tranſmutation of
Bodies, and the Experiments concerning Metals and Minerals; will lay
open the true Ways and Paſſages of Nature, which may lead to this great
effect. And we commend the wit of the Chineſes, who deſpair of making
of Gold, but are mad upon the making of Silver. For certain it is, That
it is more difficult to make Gold, (which is the moſt ponderous and ma-
teriate amongſt Metals) of other Metals, leſs ponderous and leſs mate-
riate, than (Via versâ) to make Silver of Lead, or Quick-ſilver; both
which are more ponderous than Silver: So that they need rather a further
degree of Fixation, than any Condenſation. In the mean time, by occaſion of
handling the Axioms touching Maturation, we will direct a tryal touching
the Maturing of Metals, and thereby turning ſome of them into Gold; for
we conceive indeed, that a perfect good Concoction, or Diſgeſtion, or Ma
turation of ſome Metals will produce Gold. And here we call to minde,
that we knew a Dutchman that had wrought himſelf into the belief of a
Whoſe diſcourſe
was, That Gold might be made, but that the Alchymiſts over-fired the work: For (he ſaid) the making of Gold did require avery temperate Heat, asbe-
ing in Nature a ſubterrany work, where little Heat cometh; but yet more
to the making of Gold, than of any other Metal: And therefore, that he
would do it with a great Lamp, that ſhould carry a temperate and equal
Heat, and that it was the work of many Moneths. The deviſe of the Lamp
was folly, but the overſiring now uſed, and the equal Heat to be required,
and the making it a work of ſome good time, are no ill diſcourſes.
We reſort therefore to our Axioms of Maturation, in effect touched be-
fore.
The firſt is, That there be uſed a Temperate Heat;
ſor they are ever
Temperate Heats that Diſgeſts, and Mature; wherein we mean Temperate,
according to the Nature of the Subject: For that may be Temperate to
Fruits and Liquors, which will not work at all upon Metals.
The ſecond is, That the Spirit of the Metal be quickned, and the
Tangible Parts opened: For without thoſe two operations, the Spirit of the
Metal, wrought upon, will not be able to diſgeſt the Parts.
The third is, That the Spirits do ſpred themſelves even, and move not
ſubſultorily, ſor that will make the parts cloſe and pliant. And this requireth
a Heat that doth not riſe and ſall, but continue as equal as may be.
The fourth is, That no part of the Spirit be emitted but detained:
For if there be Emiſſion of Spirit, the Body of the Metal will be hard and
churliſh. And this will be performed, partly by the temper of the Fire, and
partly by the cloſeneſs of the Veſſel.
The fifth is, That there be choice made of the likelieſt and beſt pre-
pared Metal for the Verſion; for that will facilitate the Work.
The ſixthis, That you give time enough for the Work, not to prolong
hopes (as the Alchymiſts do, but indeed to give Nature a convenient ſpace to
work in.
Theſe principles moſt certain and true, we will now derive a direction
of Tryal out of them, which may (perhaps) by further Meditation be
improved.
Let there be a ſmall Furnace made of a Temperate Heat;
let the heat be
for that above
all, importeth to the Work: For the Material, take Silver, which is the
Metal, that in Nature, ſymbolizeth moſt with Gold; put in alſo, with the Sil-
ver a tenth part of Quick-ſilver, and a twelſth part of Nitre by weight: Both theſe to quicken and open the Body of the Metal;
and ſo let the Work
be continued by the ſpace of Six Moneths, at the leaſt. I wiſh alſo, That
there be as ſometimes an Injection of ſome Oyled Subſtance; ſuch as they
uſe in the recovering of Gold, which by vexing with Separations hath
been made churliſh: And this is, to lay the parts more cloſe and ſmooth,
which is the main work. For Gold (as we ſee) is the cloſeſt (and there-
fore the heavieſt) of Metals; and is likewiſe the moſt flexible and tenſible.
Note, That to think to make Gold of Quick-ſilver becauſe it is the heavieſt,
is a thing not to be hoped; for Quick-ſilver will not endure the mannage
of the Fire: Next to Silver, I think Copper were fitteſt to be the Ma-
terial.
GOld hath theſe Natures:
Greatneſs of VVeight, Cloſeneſs of Parts,
Therefore the ſ
make GOld, is to know the cauſes of the ſeveral Natures before rehearſed,
and the Axioms concerning the ſame. For if a Man can make a Metal
that hath all theſe Properties, let Men diſpute, whether it be Gold,
or no?
THe Enducing and Accelerating of Putrefaction, is a ſubject of avery
For Corruption is a Reciprocal to Generation;
and they two are as Natures to Terms or Boundaties;
and the Guides to Life
and Death, Putrefaction is the VVork of the Spirits of Bodies, which ever
are unquiet to get forth and congregate with the Air, and to enjoy the
Sun-Beams. The getting forth, or ſpreding of the Spirits, (which is a
degree of getting forth) have five differing operations. If the Spirits be
detained within the Body, and move more violently, there followeth Colli-
quation; as in Metals, &
c.
If more mildely, there followeth Digeſtion or
Maturation; as in Drinks and Fruits.
If the Spirits be not meetly detained,
but Protrude a little, and that Motion be conſuſed, and inordinate, there
followeth Putrefaction; which ever diſſolveth the Conſiſtence of the Body
into much inequality; as in Fleſh, Rotten Fruits, Shining VVood, &
c.
and alſo in the Ruſt of Metals. But if that Motion be in a certain order,
there followeth Vivification and Figuration; as both in Living Creatures
bred of Putrefaction, and in Living Creatures perfect. But if the Spirits
iſſue out of the Body, there followeth Deſiccation, Induration, Conſump-
tion, & c.
As in Brick, evaporation of Bodies Liquid, &
c.
The Means to enduce and accelerate Putreſaction, are, Firſt, By add-
as in VVetting of any Fleſh, Fruit,
Wood, with Water, & c.
For contrariwiſe, Unctuous and Oyly Subſtances
preſerve.
The ſecond is, By Invitation or Excitation;
as when a rotten Apple
or when Dung (which is a ſub-
ſtance already putrified) is added to other Bodies. And this is alſo notably
ſeen in Church-yards, where they bury much; where the Earth will con-
ſume the Corps, in far ſhorter time than other Earth will.
The third is, By Cloſeneſs and Stopping, which detaineth the Spirits
as in Corn and Cloaths which wax muſty;
and therefore open Air (which
they call Aer perflabilis) doth preſerve: And this doth appear more evident-
ly in Agues, which come (moſt of them) of obſtructions and penning the
Humors, which thereupon Putrifie.
The fourth is, By Solution of Continuity;
as we ſee an Apple will rot
c.
And ſo the Fleſh of
Creatures alive, where they have received any wound.
The fifth is, Either by the Exhaling, or by the driving back of the prin-
ſo that when their
Government is diſſolved every partreturneth to his Nature, or Homogeny. And this appeareth in Urine and Blood, when they cool and thereby
break. It appeareth alſo in the Gangreen or Mortification of Fleſh,
either by Opiates, or by Intenſe Colds. I conceive alſo, the ſame effect
principal Spirits, and maketh them flie, and leave their Regiment; and
then the Humors, Fleſh, and Secondary Spirits, do diſſolve and break, as in
an Anarchy.
The ſixth is, VVhen a Forreign Spirit, ſtronger and more eager than
And
this is the cauſe (generally) that upon all Poyſons followeth Swelling; and we
ſee Swelling followeth alſo, when the Spirits of the Body it ſelf congregate
too much; as upon blows and bruiſes, or when they are pent in too much,
as in Swelling upon Cold. And we ſee alſo, that the Spirits coming of Pu-
trefaction of Humors in Agues, & c.
which may be counted as Foreign Spi-
rits, though they be bred within the Body, do extinguiſh and ſuffocate the
Natural ſpirits and heat.
The ſeventh is, By ſuch a weak degree of heat, as ſetteth the Spirits in
as is ſeen in Fleſh kept in a room that is not cool; whereas in a cool and wet
Larder it will keep longer. And we ſee, that Vivification (whereof Putre-
faction is the Baſtard Brother) is effected by ſuch ſoft heats; as the hatching
of Eggs, the heat of the VVomb, & c.
The eighth is, By the releaſing of the Spirits, which before were cloſe
checked; as in the artificial ruſts induced by Strong waters in Iron, Lead, &
c.
And therefore wetting haſtneth Ruſt or Putrefaction of any
ſoſtneth the Cruſt, for the Spirits to come forth.
The ninth is, By the enter change of heat and cold, or wet and dry;
as
and in the more haſty
rotting of VVood, that is ſometimes wet, ſometimes dry.
The tenth is, By time, and the work, and procedure of the Spirits them-
eſpecially, if they be leſt to them-
ſelves, and there be not Agitation or Local Motion. As we ſee in Corn not
ſtirred, and Mens Bodies not exerciſed.
All Moulds are Inceptions of Putrefaction;
as the Moulds of Pyes and
into VVorms, or more odious Putrefactions: And thereſore (commonly)
prove to be of ill odor. And if the Body be liquid, and not apt to putrifie to-
tally, it will caſt up a Mother in the top, as the Mothers of Di
Moſs is a kinde of Mold of the Earth and Trees:
But it may be better
IT is an Enquiry of excellent uſe to enquire of the Means of Preventing or
ſor therein conſiſteth the Means of Conſervation
of Bodies: For Bodies have two kindes of Diſſolutions, the one by Con-
ſumption and Diſiccation, the other by Putrefaction. But as for the Putre-
factions of the Bodies of Men and Living Creatures (as in Agues, VVorms,
Conſumptions of the Lungs, Impoſthums, and Ulcers, both in wards and out-
wards) they are a great part of Phyſick and Surgery: And therefore we will
reſerve the Enquiry of them to the proper place, where we ſhall handle Me-
dicinal Experiments of all ſorts. Of the reſt, we will now enter into an En-
quiry, wherein much light may be taken from that which hath been ſaid of
the Means to enduce or accelerate Putreſaction: For the removing that which
cauſed Putrefaction, doth prevent and avoid Putreſaction.
The ſirſt Means of prohibiting or checking Putrefaction is cold;
for ſo
Winter, than in Summer: And we ſee that Flowers, and Fruits;
put in
conſervatories of Snow, keep freſh. And this worketh by the Detention of
the Spirits, and conſtipation of the Tangible parts.
The ſecond is Aſtriction:
For Aſtriction prohibiteth Diſſolution;
as We
faction: And by the ſame reaſon of Aſtringency, ſome ſmall quantity of Oyl
of Vitriol, will keep froAnd this Aſtriction
is in aſubſtance that hath a virtual cold, and it worketh (partly) by the ſame
means that cold doth.
The third is, The e
and again, the expoſing to the
For theſe contraries, (as it cometh often to paſs) work the ſame
effect, according to the nature of the Subject matter. So we ſee, that
Beer or Wine in Bottles cloſe ſtopped, laſt long; that the Garners under
Ground keep Corn longer, than thoſe above Ground; and that Fruit
cloſed in Wax, keepeth freſh: And likewiſe, Bodies put in Honey, and
Flower, keep more freſh: And Liquors, Drinks, and Juyces, with a little
Oyl caſt on the top, keep ſreſh. Contrari wiſe, we ſee that Cloath and Ap-
parel, not aired, do breed Moaths and Mould; and the Diverſity is, that
in Bodies that need Detention of Spirits, the Excluſion of the Air doth
good; as in Drinks, and Corn:
But in Bodies that need Emiſſion of Spirits,
to diſcharge ſome of the ſuperfluous moiſture, it doth hurt, for they require
airing.
The fourth is Motion, and Stirring;
for Putrefaction asketh Reſt:
For
tation, and all Local Motion keepeth Bodies integral, and their parts
together: As we ſee, that turning over of Corn in a Garner, or Let-
ting it run like an Hour-Glaſs, from an upper Room into a lower, doth
keep it ſweet: And running Waters putrifie not;
and in Mens Bodies,
exerciſe hindreth Putrefaction; and contrary wiſe Reſt, and want of Mo-
tion or ſtoppings (whereby the running of Humors, or the Motion of
Perſpiration, is ſtayed) further Putrefaction; as we partly touched a little
before.
The fifth is, The Breathing ſorth of the Adventitious Moiſture in
ſo convenient drying
(whereby the more Radical Moiſture is onely kept in) putteth back Putre-
foction: So we ſee that Herbs and Flowers, if they be dried in the ſhade, or
dried in the hot Sun, for a ſmall time keep beſt. For the Emiſſion of the
looſe and adventitious Moiſture, doth betray the Radical Moiſture, and car-
ryeth it out for company.
The ſixth is, The ſtrengthning of the Spirits of Bodies;
for as a great
but a tepide heat enclineth them to
Putrefaction: So a ſtrong Spirit like wiſe preſerveth, and a weak or faint
Spirit diſpoſeth to corruption. So we finde, that Salt-water corrupteth not
ſo ſoon as freſh; and ſalting of Oyſters, and powdring of Meat, keepeth
them from Putrefaction. It would be tryed alſo, whether Chalk, put in-
to Water, or Drink, doth not preſerve it from Putrifying, or ſpeedy Sour-
ing. So we ſee that Strong-Beer will laſt longer than ſmall, and all things, that
are hot and aromatical, do help to preſerve Liquors, or Powders, & c.
which
they do, as well by ſtrengthning the Spirits, as by ſoaking out the looſe
Moiſture.
The ſeventh is, Separation of the cruder parts, and thereby making the
for all unperfect mixture is apt to putrifie, and Watry
ſubſtances are more apt to putrifie, than oily. So, we ſee diſtilled Waters
will laſt longer than raw Waters, and things that have paſſed the Fire,
do laſt longer than thoſe that have not paſſed the Fire; as dried Pears,
& c.
The eighth is, The drawing forth continually of that part, where the Putre-
Which is (commonly) the looſe and watry moiſture;
not onely
for the reaſon before given, that it provoketh the radical moiſture to come
forth with it; but becauſe being detained in the Body, the Putrefaction
taking hold of it, infecteth the reſt: As we ſee in the Embalming of Dead
Bodies. And the ſame reaſon is, of preſerving Herbs, or Fruits, or Flowers,
in Bran or Meal.
The ninth is, The commixture of any thing that is more oyly or ſweet:
For ſuch
not putrifying preſerve the reſt. And therefore we ſee Syrrups and Oynt-
ments will laſt longer than Juyces.
The tenth is, The commixture of ſome what that is dry;
for Putrefaction
and that
that is dry, is unapt to putrifie. And therefore ſmoak preſerveth fleſh;
as we ſee in Bacon, and Neats-Tongues, and Martlemas-Beef, &
c.
The opinion of ſome of the Ancients, That blown Airs do preſerve
for that the
blown Airs, being over-charged and compreſſed, will hardly receive the
exhaling of any thing, but rather repulſe it. It was tryed in a blown
Bladder, whereinto fleſh was put, and likewiſe a Flower, and it ſorted not: For dry Bladders will not blow, and new Bladders rather further Putrefacti-
on. The way were therefore, to blow ſtrongly with a pair of Bellows, into
a Hogſhead, putting into the Hogſhead (before) that which you would
have preſerved; and in the inſtant that you withdraw the Bellows, ſtop the
hole cloſe.
THe Experiment of Wood that ſhineth in the dark, we have diligently
The rather, for that of all things that give light
Fire
and Flame are in continual expence; Sugar ſhining onely while it is in ſcra-
ping; and Salt-water while it is in daſhing;
Gloworms have their ſhining
while they live, or a little after; onely Scales of Fiſhes (putrified) ſeem to
be of the ſame nature with ſhining Wood. And it is true, that all Putre-
faction hath with it an in ward motion, as well as Fire or Light. The tryal
ſorted thus.
1.
The ſhining is in ſome pieces more bright, in ſome more dim;
but the moſt bright of all doth not attain to the light of a Gloworm.
2. The Woods that have been tryed to ſhine, are chiefly Sallow and Wil-
low; alſo, the Aſh and Haſle, it may be, it holdeth in others.
3.
Both
Roots, and Bodies do ſhine but the Roots better. 4.
The colour of the
ſhining part, by day-light, is in ſome pieces white, in ſome pieces inclining
to red; which in the Country they call the White and Red Carret.
5.
The
part that ſhineth, is (for the moſt part) ſome what ſoft, and moiſt to feel
to; but ſome was found to be firm and hard;
ſo as it might be figured into
a Croſs, or into Beads, & c.
But you muſt not look to have an Image, or
the like, in any thing that is Lightſom; for even a Face in Iron red hot,
the light confounding the ſmall differences of lightſome
and darkſome, which ſhew the figure. 6.
There was the ſhining part
pared off, till you came to that, that did not ſhine; but within two days the
part contiguous began alſo to ſhine, being laid abtoad in the Dew; ſo as it
ſeemeth the putrefaction ſpredeth. 7.
There was other dead Wood of
like kinde that was laid abroad, which ſhined not at the firſt; but after a
nights lying abroad, begin to ſhine. 8.
There was other Wood that did
firſt ſhine, and being laid dry in the Houſe, within five or ſix days loſt
the ſhining; and laid abroad again, recovered the ſhining.
9.
Shining
Woods being laid in a dry room, within a ſeven night loſt their ſhining; but
being laid in a Cellar, or dark room, kept the ſhining. 10.
The boring of
holes in that kinde of Wood, and then laying it abroad, ſeemeth to conduce
to make it ſhine; the cauſe is, for that all ſolution of continuity, doth help
on putrefaction, as was touched before. 11.
No Wood hath been yet
tryed to ſhine that was cut down alive, but ſuch as was rooted both in Stock
and Root while it grew. 12.
Part of the Wood that ſhined, was ſteeped
in Oyl and retained the ſhining a fortnight. 13.
The like ſucceeded in
ſome ſteeped in Water, and much better. 14.
How long the ſhining will
continue, it the Wood be laid abroad every night, and taken in and ſprinkled
with Water in the day, is not yet tryed. 16.
Tryal was made of laying it
abroad in froſty weather, which hurt it not. 16.
There was a great piece
of a Root, which did ſhine, and the ſhining part was cut off, till no more
ſhined; yet aſter two nights, though it were kept in a dry Room, it got a
ſhining.
THe bringing ſorth of Living Creatures may be accelerated in two re-
The one, if the Embryon ripeneth and perfecteth ſooner;
or putting it down: Where of the former is good, and argueth ſtrength;
the latter is ill, and cometh by accident or diſeaſe.
And therefore the
Ancient obſervation is true, that the Childe born in the Seventh Moneth, doth
commonly well; but Born in the Eighth Moneth, doth (for the moſt part)
die. But the cauſe aſſigned is fabulous, which is, That in the Eighth
Moneth ſhould be the return of the reign of the Planet Saturn, which
(as they ſay) is a Planet malign; whereas in the Seventh is the reign
of the Moon, which is a Planet propitious. But the true cauſe is, for
that where there is ſo great a prevention of the ordinary time, it is the
luſtineſs of the Childe; but when it is leſs, it is ſome indiſpoſition of the
Mother.
TO Accelerate Growth or Stature, it muſt proceed;
Either from the
For the firſt, Exceſs
of Nouriſhment, is hurtſul; for it maketh the Childe corpulent, and grow-
ing in breadth, rather than in height. And you may take an Experiment
from plants, which if they ſpred much, are ſeldom tall. As for the Nature
of the Nouriſhment; Firſt, it may not be too dry, and therefore Children
in Dairy Countreys do wax more tall, than where they feed more upon
Bread and Fleſh. There is alſo a received tale, that boyling of Dafie-Roots
in Milk (which it is certain are great dryers) will make Dogs little. But ſo much is true, That an over-dry Nouriſhment in Childhood
putteth back Stature. Secondly, The Nouriſhment muſt be of an opening
for that attenuateth the Juyce, and furthereth the Motion of the
Spirits upwards. Neither is it without cauſe, that Xenophon in the Nouriture
of the Perſian Children, doth ſo much commend their feeding upon Cardamon,
which (he ſaith) made them grow better, and be of a more active habit. Cardamon is in Latin, Naſturtium, and with us Water-creſſes;
which, it is cer-
tain, is an Herb, that whilſt it is young, is friendly to Life. As for the
quickning of Natural Heat, it muſt be done chiefly with exerciſe; and
therefore (no doubt) much going to School, where they ſit ſo much,
hindereth the growth of Children; whereas Countrey-People, that go
not to School, are commonly of better ſtature. And again, Men muſt
beware how they give Children any thing that is cold in operation;
even long ſucking doth hinder both Wit and Stature. This hath been
tryed, that a Whelp that hath been fed with Nitre in Milk, hath be-
come very little, but extream lively: For the Spirit of Nitre is cold.
And though it be an excellent Medicine in ſtrength of years for Pro-
longation of Life; yet it is in Children and young Creatures an enemy
to growth; and all for the ſame reaſon, For Heat is requiſite to Growth.
But after a Man is come to his middle age, Heat conſumeth the Spirits;
which the coldneſs of the Spirit of Nitre doth help to condence and
correct.
THere be two great Families of Things, you may term them by
words: (For as for their Salt, which is their third Principle, it is a Com-
pound of the other two,) Inflamable, and Not Inflamable; Mature and Crude,
Oily and Watry: For we ſee that in Subterranies there are, as the Fathers of
their Tribes, Brimſtone and Mercury; In Vegetables and Living Crea-
tures, there is Water and Oyl; in the Inferior order of Pneumaticals,
there is Air and Flame; and in the Superior, there is the Body of the
Star, and the Pure Skey. And theſe Pairs, though they be unlike in the
Primitive Differences of Matter, yet they ſeem to have many conſents; for Mercury and Sulphure are principal materials of Metals;
Water and
Oyl are principal materials of Vegetables and Animals, and ſeem to differ
but in Maturation or Concoction. Flame (in Vulgar Opinion) is but
Air incenſed, and they both have quickneſs of Motion, and facility of
Ceſſion, much alike: And the Interſtellar Skey, (though the opinion be
vain, that the Star is the Denſer Part of his Orb,) hath not withſtanding
ſo much affinity with the Star, that there is a rotation of that, as well as
of the Star. Therefore, it is one of the greateſt Magnalia Naturæ, to turn
Water or Watry Juyce into Oyl or Oyly Juyce: Greater in Nature, than
to turn Silver or Quick-ſilver into Gold.
The Inſtances we have wherein Crude and Watry Subſtance, turneth
Firſt, In the Mixture of Earth and
Water, which mingled by the help of the Sun, gathered a Nitrous Fat-
neſs, more than either of them have ſeverally; As we ſee, in that they put
forth Plants, which need both Juyces.
The ſecond is in the Aſſimilation of Nouriſhment, made in the Bodies
whereof Plants turn the Juyce of meer
Water and Earth, into a great deal of Oyly matter: Living Creatures,
though much of their Fat, and Fleſh, are out of Oyly Aliments, (as Meat,
and Bread,) yet they aſſimilate alſo in a meaſure their Drink of Water,
c.
But theſe two ways of Verſion of Water into Oyl, (namely, by
Mixture and by Aſſimilation) are by many Paſſages, and Percolations, and
by continuance of ſoft Heats, and by circuits of Time.
The third is in the Inception of Putrefaction;
as in Water corrupted,
or Oyl.
The fourth is in the Dulcoration of ſome Metals;
as Saccharum Sa-
c.
The Intenſion of Verſion of Water into a more Oyly ſubſtance is by
For Oyl is almoſt nothing elſe but Water digeſted and this
Digeſtion is principally by Heat; which Heat muſt be either out ward or
inward. Again, It may be by Provocation or Excitation, which is cauſed
by the mingling of Bodies already Oyly or Digeſted, for they will ſome-
what communicate their Nature with the reſt. Digeſtion alſo is ſtrongly
effected by direct Aſſimilation of Bodies Crude into Bodies digeſted; as in
Plants and Living Creatures, whoſe nouriſhment is far more Crude than
their Bodies. But this Digeſtion is by a great compaſs as hath been ſaid.
As
for the more full handling of theſe two principles, whereof this is but a
taſte; (the enquiry of which, is one of the profoundeſt enquiries of Na-
ture,) we leave it to the title of Verſion of Bodies; and like wiſe to the title
of the Firſt Congregations of Matter, which like a General Aſſembly of
Eſtates, doth give Law to all Bodies.
AChamelion is a Creature about the bigneſs of an ordinary Lizard, his
he moveth his Head
His
Back crooked, his Skin ſpotted with little Tumors, leſs eminent nearer
the Belly, his Tail ſlender and long; on each Foot he hath five Fingers;
three on the outſide, and two on the inſide;
his Tongue of a marvellous
length, in reſpect of his Body, and hollow at the end, which he will
lanch out to prey upon Flies. Of colout Green, and of a dusky Yal-
low, brighter and whiter towards the Belly, yet ſpotted with Blew,
White, and Red. If he be laid upon Green, the Green predominateth;
if upon Yellow, the Yellow; not ſo, if he be laid upon Blew, or Red, or
White, onely the Green ſpots receive a more orient luſtre; laid upon
Black, he looketh all Black, though not without a mixture of Green. He
feedeth not onely upon Air, (though that be his principal ſuſtenance;) for
ſometimes he taketh Flies, as was ſaid; yet ſome that have kept Chamelions
a whole year together, could never perceive that ever they fed upon any
thing elſe but Air, and might obſerve their Bellies to ſwell after they had
exhauſted the Air, and cloſed their Jaws, which they open commonly
againſt the Rayes of the Sun. They have a fooliſh Tradition in Magick,
that if a Chamelion be burnt upon the top of an Houſe, it will raiſe a Tempeſt,
ſuppoſing (according to their vain Dreams of Sympathies) becauſe he nou-
riſheth with Air, his Body ſhould have great vertue to make impreſſion
upon the Air.
IT is reported by one of the Ancients, that in part of Media, there are e-
The reaſon (no doubt) is, becauſe the Flame is not pent, as it is in Moun-
tains, and Earthquakes which caſt Flame. There be alſo ſome blinde Fires,
flame out. The cauſe whereof is, for that it ſeemeth the Fire is ſo choak ed,
as not able to remove the Stone, it is heat rather than flame, which never-
theleſs is ſufficient to enflame the Oyl.
IT is reported, that in ſome Lakes the Water is ſo Nitrous as if foul
And if they ſtay any
And the ſcouring Vertue of Nitre is the
more to be noted, becauſe it is a Body cold; and weſee warm Water
ſcoureth better than cold. But the cauſe is, for that it hath a ſubtil Spirit,
which ſevereth and divideth any thing that is foul, and viſcous, and ſticketh
upon a Body.
TAke a Bladder, the greateſt you can get;
full it full of Wind, and tye
and upon that like wiſe
ſo that when the Neck of the Bladder drieth.
no Air may
poſſibly get in nor out. Then bury it three or four foot under the Earth, in
a Vault, or in a Conſervatory of Snow, the Snow being made hollow about
the Bladder; and after ſome fortnights diſtance, ſee whether the Bladder
be ſhrunk: Forif it be, then it is plain, that the coldneſs of the Earth or
Snow, hath condenſed the Air, and brought it a degree nearer to Water: Which is an Experiment of great conſequence.
IT is a report of ſome good credit, that in deep Caves there are Penſile
Which though
it be chiefly the work of cold, yet it may be, that Water that paſſeth
thorow the Earth. gathereth a Nature more clammy, and fitter to con-
geal, and become ſolid than Water of it ſelf. Therefore tryal would be
made to lay a heap of Earth in great Froſts, upon a hollow Veſſel, put-
ting a Canvaſe between, that it falleth not in; and pour Water upon it,
in ſuch quantity as will be ſure to ſoak thorow, and ſee whether it
will not make an harder Ice in the bottom of the Veſſel, and leſs apt to
diſſolve than ordinarily. I ſuppoſe alſo, that if you make the Earth nar-
rower at the bottom than at the top, in faſhion of Sugar Loaf reverſed,
it will help the Experiment. For it will make the Ice, where it
iſſueth, leſs in bulk; and evermore ſmallneſs of quantity is a help to
Verſion.
TAke Damask Roſes and pull them, then dry them upon the top of
Then
put them into a ſweet dry Earthen Bottle or a Glaſs with narrow
mouths, ſtuffing them cloſe together, but without bruiſing: Stop the
Bottle or Glaſs cloſe, and theſe Roſes will retain, not onely their ſmell
perfect, but their colour ſreſh for a year at leaſt. Note, that nothing doth
ſo much deſtroy any Plant, or other Body, either by Putrefaction, or Are-
faction, as the Adventitious Moiſture, which hangeth looſe in the Body,
if it be not drawn out. For it betrayeth and tolleth forth the Innate and
Radicall Moiſture along with it when it ſelf goeth forth. And therefore
in Living Creatures, moderate ſweat doth preſerve the Juyce of the Body. Note, that theſe Roſes when you take them from the drying, have little
ſo that the ſmell is a ſecond ſmell that iſſueth out of the Flower
after wards.
THe continuance of Flame, according unto the diverſity of the Body en-
chiefly, for
More, and the Leſs: We will firſt therefore ſpeak (at large) of Bodies en-
flamed, wholly, and immediately, without any Wiek to help the Inflamma-
tion. A ſpoonful of Spirit of Wine, a little heated was taken, and it burnt
as long as came to 116 Pulſes. The ſame quantity of Spirit of Wine, mixed
with the ſixth part of a ſpoonful of Nitre, burnt but to the ſpace of 94
Pulſes. Mixed with the like quantity of Bay-Salt 83 Pulſes.
Mixed with the
like quantity of Gun-powder, which diſſolved into a Black-water 110
Pulſes. A Cube or Pellet of Yellow Wax, was taken, as much as half the
Spirit of Wine, and ſet in the midſt, and it burnt onely to the ſpace of 87
Pulſes. Mixed with the ſixth part of a ſpoonful of Milk, it burnt to the
ſpace of 100 Pulſes; and the Milk was crudled.
Mixed with the ſixth part
of a ſpoonful of Water, it burnt to the ſpace of 86 Pulſes; with an equal
quantity of Water, onely to the ſpace of four Pulſes. A ſmall Pebble
was laid in the midſt, and the Spirit of Wine burnt to the ſpace of 94
Pulſes. A piece of Wood of the bigneſs of an Arrow, and about a Fingers
length, was ſet up in the midſt, and the Spirit of Wine burnt to the ſpace
of 94 Pulſes. So that the Spirit of Wine Simple, endureth the longeſt, and
the Spirit of Wine with the Bay-ſalt, and the equal quantity of Water, were
the ſhorteſt.
Conſider well, whether the more ſpeedy going forth of the Flame, be
or by the reſiſtance of
the Body mixed, and the averſion thereof to take Flame: Which will appear
by the quantity of the Spirit of Wine, that remaineth after the going out of
the Flame. An
things leaſt apt to burn, is the ſpeedieſt in going out, and note by the
way, that Spirit of Wine burned, till it go out of it ſelf, will burn no more,
and taſteth nothing ſno nor yet ſour, (as
if it were a degree to wards Vinegar) which burnt Wine doth, but flat and
dead.
Note, that in the Experiment of Wax aforeſaid, the Wax diſſolved in
produce one Flame; but whereſoever the Wax floated, the Flame ſorſook
it; @ill at laſt it ſpred all over and put the Flame quite out.
The Experiments of the Mixtures of the Spirit of Wine enflamed, are
But now we will ſpeak of the continu
ance of Flames, ſuch as are uſed for Candles, Lamps, or Tapers, conſiſting
of Inflamable Matters, and of a Wiek that provoketh Inflamation. And this
importeth not onely diſcovery, but alſo uſe and profit; for it is a great
ſaving in all ſuch Lights, if they can be made as fair and right as others, and
yet laſt longer. Wax pure made into a Candle, and Wax mixed ſeverally
into Candle-ſtuff with the particulars that follow, (Viz. Water, Aqua-vitæ,
Milk, Bay-ſalt, Oyl, Butter, Nitre, Brimſtone, Saw duſt,) every of theſe bear-
ing a ſixth part to the Wax; and every of theſe Candles mixed, being
of the ſame weight and wiek, with the Wax pure, proved thus in the
burning, and laſting. The ſwifteſt in conſuming was that with Saw-
duſt, which firſt burned fair till ſome part of the Candle was conſumed,
but then it made the ſnaſte big,
and long, and to burn duskiſhly, and the Candle waſted in half the time of
the Wax pure. The next in ſwiftneſs, were the Oyl and Butter, which
conſumed by a fifth part ſwifter than the pure Wax. Then followed in
ſwiftneſs the clear Wax it ſelf; then the Bay-ſalt, which laſted about
an eight part longer than the clear Wax; then followed the Aqua-vitæ,
which laſted about a fifth part longer than the clear Wax; then follow
the Milk and Water, with little difference from the Aqua-vitæ, but the
Water ſloweſt. And in theſe four laſt, the VViek would ſpit ſorth little
ſparks: For the Nitre, it would not hold lighted above ſome twelve
Pulſes: But all the while it would ſpit out portions of Flame, which
afterwards would go outinto a vapor. For the Brimſtone, it would hold
lighted much about the ſame with the Nitre; but then after a little while,
it would harden and cake about the ſnaſte: So that the mixture of Bay-ſalt
with VVax, will win an e ghth part of the time of laſting, and the VVater
a fifth.
After the ſeveral materials were tryed, Tryal was likewiſe made of
as of ordinary (otten, Sowing Thred, Ruſh, Silk, Straw, and
Wood. The Silk, Straw, and Wood, would flame a little, till they came to
the Wax, and then go out; of the other three, the Thred conſumed faſter
than the Cotten, by a ſixth part of time; the Cotten next;
then the Ruſh
conſumed ſlower than the Cotton, by at leaſt a third part of time. For the
bigneſs of the Flame, the Cotton, and Thred, caft a Flame much alike, and
the Ruſh much leſs and dimmer. Quære, whether VVood and VVieks
both, as in Torches conſume faſter, than the VVieks Simple?
VVe have ſpoken of the ſeveral Materials, and the ſeveral VVieks;
but
is, but in the ſame material, whether it be hard, ſoft, old, new, &c.
Good
Houſwives to make their Candles burn the longer, uſe to lay them (one by
one) in Bran or Flower, which make them harder, and ſo they conſume the
ſlower. Inſomuch, as by this means they will out-laſt other Candles of the
ſame ſtuff, almoſt half in half. For Bran and Flower have a vertue to
harden, ſo that both age, and lying in the Bran doth help to the laſting. And we ſee that VVax Candles laſt longer then Tallow-Candles, becauſe
VVax is more firm and hard.
The laſting of Flame alſo dependeth upon the eaſie drawing of the
as we ſee in the Court of England, there is a ſervice which they
call All-Night; which is (as it were) a great Cake of Wax, with the Wiek
in the midſt; whereby it cometh to paſs, that the Wiek fetcheth the Nou-
tiſhment further off. We ſee alfo, that Lamps laſt longer, becauſe the Veſſel
is fat broader than the breadth of a Taper or Candle.
Take a Turreted Lamp of Tin made in the form of a Square;
the
whereupon the Lamp ſtandeth; make onely onehole in it, at the end of the
return furtheſt from the Turret. Reverſe it, and fill it full of Oyl, by that
hole; and then ſet it upright again, and put a Wiek in at the hole, and
lighten it: You ſhall finde that it will burn ſlow, and a long time:
Which
is cauſed (as was ſaid laſt before) for that the Flame fetcheth the Nouriſh
ment a far off. You ſhall finde alſo, that as the Oyl waſteth and deſcend.
eth, ſo the top of the Turret, by little and little filleth with Air;
which
is cauſed by the Rarefaction of the Oyl by the heat. It were worthy
the obſervation to make a hole, in the top of the Turret, and to try, when
whether the Air made of the Oyl, if you put
to it a flame of a Candle, in the letting of it forth, will enflame. It were good
alſo to have the Lamp made, not of Tin, but of Glaſs; that you may ſee
how the Vapor or Air gathereth by degrees in the top.
A fourth point, that importeth the laſting of the Flame, is the cloſe-
Weſee, that if Wind blow-
eth upon a Candle, it waſteth apace; we ſee alſo, it laſteth longer in a Lan-
thorn, than at large. And there are Traditions of Lamps and Candles, that
have burnt a very long time in Caves and Tombs.
A fifth point, that importeth the laſting of the Flame, is the Nature
whether it be hot or cold, moiſt or
dry. The Air, if it be very cold, irritateth the Flame, and maketh it burn
more fiercely, (as Fire ſcor heth in Froſty weather) and ſo furthereth the
Conſumption. The Air once heated, (I conceive) maketh the Flame burn
more mildly, and ſo helpeth the continuance. The Air, if it be dry, is in-
different; the Air, if it be moiſt, doth in a degree quench the Flame, (as we
ſee Lights will go out in the Damps of Mines;) and howloever maketh it
burn more dully, and ſo helpeth the continuance.
BUrials in Earth ſerve for Preſervation, and for Condenſation, and for
And if you intend Condenſation or Induration,
as if you would
make Artificial Procellane, &c.
And the like you may do for Conſerva-
tion, if the Bodies be hard and ſolid, as Clay, Wood, &c.
But if you
intend Preſervation of Bodies, more ſoft and tender, then you muſt do
one of theſe two: Either you muſt put them in caſes, whereby they may
not touch the Earth; or elſe you muſt Vault the Earth, whereby it
may hang over them, and not touch them: For if the Earth touch them,
it will do more hurt by the moiſture, cauſing them to putrifie, than good
by the virtual cold, to conſerve them, except the Earth be very dry and
ſandy.
An Orenge, Lemmon, and Apple, wrapt in a Linning Cloth, being buried
moiſt place, and a rainy time; yet came forth no ways mouldy or rotten,
but were become a little harder than they were, otherwiſe freſh in their
colour, but their Juyce ſomewhat flatted. But with the Burial of a fortnight
more, they become putrified.
A Bottle of Beer buried in like manner as before, became more
And a Bottle of Wine,
in like manner. A Bottle of Vinegar ſo buried, came forth more lively
and more odoriferous, ſmelling almoſt like a Violet. And after the whole
Moneths Burial, all the three came forth as freſh and lively, if not better
than before.
It were a profitable Experiment, to preſerve Orenges, Lemmons,
for then their price will be mightily
encreaſed. This may be done, if you put them in a Pot or Veſſel well
covered, that the moiſture of the Earth come not at them; or elſe by put-
ting them in a Conſervatory of Snow. And generally, whoſoever will make
Experiments of Cold, let him be provided of three things, a Conſervatory
of Snow, a good large Vault, twenty foot at leaſt under the Ground, and
a deep Well.
There hath been a Tradition, that Pearl, and Coral, Surchois-Stone,
which is a thing of great profit, if it would ſort:
But upon tryal of ſix
weeks Burial, there followed no effect. It were good to try it in a deep
Well, or in a Conſervatory of Snow, where the cold may be more con-
ſtringent; and ſo make the Body more united, and thereby more reſplen-
dent.
MEns Bodies are heavier and leſs diſpoſed to Motion when Southern
The cauſe is, for that when the
fluide, and ſo flow into the parts; as it is ſeen in Wood, and other Bodies,
which when the Southern Winds blow, doſwell. Beſides, the Motion and
Activity of the Body conſiſteth chiefly in the ſinews, which, when the
Southern Wind bloweth, are more relax.
IT is commonly ſeen, that more are ſick in the Summer, and more dye in
except it be in Peſtilent Diſeaſes, which commonly reign in
The reaſon is, becauſe Diſeaſes are bred (indeed)
chiefly by Heat; but then they are cured moſt by Sweat and Purge, which
in the Summer cometh on, or is provoked more eaſily: As for Peſtilent
Diſeaſes, the Reaſon why moſt dye of them in Summer, is becauſe they are
bred moſt in the Summer; for other wiſe, thoſe that are touched are in moſt
danger in the Winter.
THe general opinion is, That Years hot and moiſt, are moſt Peſtilent;
In England it is found not true;
for, many times, there have been great
Plagues in dry years. VVhereof the cauſe may be, for that drought in the
Bodies of Iſlanders, habituate to moiſt Airs, doth exaſperate the Humors,
and maketh them more apt to Putrifie or Enflame; beſides, it tainteth the
VVaters (commonly) and maketh them leſs wholſome. And again in
Barbary, the Plagues break up in the Summer Moneths, when the VVeather
is hot and dry.
MAny Diſeaſes, (both Epidemical and others) break forth at particular
And the cauſe is falſly imputed to the conſtitution of the Air,
whereas it proceedeth (indeed)
from a Precedent Sequence, and Series of the Seaſons of the Year: And
therefore Hippocrates, in his Prognoſticks, doth make good obſervations of
the Diſeaſes, that enſue upon the Nature of the precedent four Seaſons of
the Year.
TRyal hath been made with Earthen Bottles, well ſtopped, hanged in a
and ſome of the Bottles
in about a Fathom of the VVater; and the Liquors ſo tryed have been, Beer,
(not new, but ready for drinking) and VVine, and Milk. The proof hath
been, that both the Beer, and the VVine, (as well within VVater, as above)
have not been palled or deaded at all; but as good, or ſomewhat better
than Bottles of the ſame Drinks and ſtaleneſs, kept in a Celler. But thoſe
which did hang above VVater, were apparently the beſt; and that Beer did
whereas that under Water did not;
though it were freſh.
The Milk ſoured, and began to putrifie.
Nevertheleſs it is true, that there is a
Village near Blois, where in deep Caves they do thicken Milk, in ſuch ſort,
that it becometh very pleaſant; which was ſome cauſe of this tryal of hang-
ing Milk in the Well: But our proof was naught, neither do I know, whe-
ther that Milk in thoſe Caves be firſt boyled. It were good therefore to try
it with Milk ſodden, and with Cream; for that Milk of it ſelf, is ſuch a Com-
pound Body of Cream, Cruds, and Whey, as it is eaſily turned and diſſolved.
It were good alſo to try the Beer, when it is in Wort, that it may be ſeen,
whether the hanging in the Well, will accelerate the ripening and clariſying
of it.
DIvers, we ſee, do Stut.
The cauſe may be (in moſt) the Refrigeration of
and therefore we ſee,
And we ſee, that in thoſe that Stut, if they
drink Wine moderately, they Stut leſs, becauſe it heateth: And ſo we ſee,
that they that Stut, do Stut more in the firſt offer to ſpeak, than in continuance; becauſe the Tongue is, by motion, ſome what heated.
In ſome alſo, it may
be (though rarely) the dryneſs of the Tongue, which likewiſe maketh it
leſs apt to move as well as cold; for it is an affect that cometh to ſome wiſe
and great Men, as it did unto Moſes, who was Linguæ Præpeditæ: And many
Stutters (we finde) are very Cholerick Men, Choler enducing a dryneſs in
the Tongue.
SMells, and other Odors, are ſweeter in the Air, at ſome diftance, than near
as hath been partly touched heretofore.
The cauſe is double,
For we ſee, that in
Sounds like wiſe, they are ſweeteſt, when we cannot hear every part by it ſelf. The other reaſon is, For that all ſweet Smells have joyned with them ſome
Earthy or Crude Odors; and at ſome diſtance the Sweet, which is the more
ſpiritual, is perceived; and the Earthy reacheth not ſo far.
Sweet Smells are moſt forcible in dry Subſtances, when they are broken;
their ſmell more: And generally, when Bodies are moved or ſtirred, though
not broken, they ſmell more, as a Sweet-Bag waved. The cauſe is double;
the one, for that there is a geater emiſſion of the Spirit, when way is made:
And this holdeth in the Breaking, Nipping, or Cruſhing; it holdeth alſo,
(in ſome degree) in the Moving. But in this laſt, there is a concurrence of
the ſecond cauſe, which is the Impulſion of the Air, that bringeth the ſent
faſter upon us.
The daintieſt ſmells of Flowers, are out of thoſe Plants whoſe Leaves
as Violets.
Roſes, Wall-flowers, Gilly-flowers, Pincks, Wood-bine, Vine-
flowers, Apple-blooms, Limetree blooms, Bean-blooms, &c.
The cauſe is, for that
where there is heat and ſtrength enough in the Plant to make the Leaves
odorate, there the ſmell of the Flower is rather evanide and weaker, than
that of the Leaves; as it is in Roſemary-flowers, Lavender-flowers, and Sweet-Brier
Roſes: But where there is leſs heat, there the Spirit of the Plant is digeſted
and refined, and ſevered ſrom the groſſer Juyce in the Effloreſcence, and not
before.
Moſt Odors ſmell beſt, broken, or cruſht, as hath been ſaid;
but Flowers
The
cauſe is, for that when they are cruſhed, the groſſer and more earthy Spirit
cometh out with the Finer, and troubleth it; whereas in ſtronger Odors there
are no ſuch degrees of the iſſue of the ſmell.
IT is a thing of very good uſe, to diſcover the goodneſs of Waters.
The
But other Expe-
Firſt, try Waters by weight, wherein you may
finde ſome difference, though not much: And the lighter, you may account
Secondly, Try them by boiling upon an equal fire;
and that which con-
Thirdly, Try them in ſeveral Bottles or open Veſſels, matches in every
and that which holdeth unputrified longeſt, you may like wiſe account the
beſt.
Fourthly, Try them by making Drinks, ſtronger or ſmaller, with the
and you may conclude, that that Water, which
maketh the ſtronger Drink, is the more concocted and nouriſhing; though
perhaps it be not ſo good for Medicinal uſe. And ſuch VVater (commonly)
is the VVater of large and navigable Rivers; and likewiſe in large and clean
Ponds of ſtanding VVater: For upon both them, the Sun hath more power
than upon Fountains, or ſmall Rivers. And I conceive, that Chalk-water is
next them the beſt, for going furtheſt in Drink. For that alſo helpeth con-
coction, ſo it be out of a deep VVell; for then it cureth therawneſs of the
VVater; but Chalky-water towards the top of the Earth, is too fretting,
as it appeareth in Laundry of Cloaths, which wear out apace, if you uſe ſuch
VVaters.
Fifthly, The Houſwives do finde a difference in Waters, for the bear-
and it is likely, that the more fat water will
bear Soap beſt, for the hungry water doth kill the unctuous nature of the
Soap.
Sixthly, You may make a judgment of Waters according to the place,
The Rain-water is by the Phyſitians eſteemed
the fineſt and the beſt; but yet it is ſaid to putrifie ſooneſt, which is
likely, becauſe of the fineneſt of the Spirit; and in Conſervatories of
Rain-water, (ſuch as they have in Venice, &c) they are found not ſo
choice Waters; (the worſe perhaps) becauſe they are covered aloſt,
and kept from the Sun. Snow-water is held unwholeſome, inſomuch, as
the people that dwell at the Foot of the Snow Mountains, or otherwiſe
upon the aſcent, (eſpecially the VVomen) by drinking of Snow-water,
have great bags hanging under their Throats. VVell VVater, except it be
upon Chalk, or a very plentiſul Spring maketh Meat red, which is an ill ſign. Springs on the tops of high Hills are the beſt;
for both they ſeem to have
a Lightneſs and Appetite of Mounting; and beſides, they are moſt pure and
unmingled: And again are more percolated through a great ſpace of Earth.
For VVaters in Valleys, joyn in effect under ground with all VVaters of the
ſame Level; whereas Springs on the tops of Hills, paſs through a great deal
of pure Earth with leſs mixture of other VVaters.
Seventhly, Judgment may be made of Waters by the Soyl whereupon
and next to that
and thirdly, Water upon Chalk;
Fourthly, that upon Sand;
and worſt of all, upon Mud.
Neither may you truſt Waters that taſte ſweet,
for they are commonly found in Riſing grounds of great Cities, which muſt
needs take in a great deal of filth.
IN Pera, and divers parts of the Weſt-Indies, though under the Line, the
The cauſes are, firſt, the great Brizes which the motion of the
Airin great Circles (ſuch as are under the Girdle of the World) produceth,
which do refrigerate; and therefore in thoſe parts, Noon is nothing ſo hot
when the Brizes are great, as about nine or ten of the clock in the Fore-
noon. Another cauſe is, for that the length of the Night, and the Dews
thereof, do compence the Heat of the day. A third cauſe is, the ſtay of the
Sun; not in re pect of day and night (for that we ſpake of before) but in
reſpect of the Seaſon: For under the Line, the Sun croſſeth the Line, and
maketh two Summers and two Winters; but in the skirts of the Torrid
Zone, it doubleth and goeth back again, and ſo maketh one long
Summer.
THe heat of the Sun maketh Men black in ſome Countreys, as in c
c Fire doth it not as we ſee in Glaſs-Men, that are
The reaſon may be, becauſe Fire doth lick up
the Spirits and Blood of the Body, ſo as they exhale; ſo that it ever maketh
Men look Pale and Sallow; but the Sun which is a gentler heat, doth but
draw the Blood to the out ward parts, and rather concocteth it, then ſoaketh
it: And thereſore, we ſee that all Æthiopes are fleſhly, plump, and have
great Lips. All which betoken moiſture retained, and not drawn out.
We
ſee alſo, that the Negroes are bred in Countreys that have plenty of Water,
by Rivers or otherwiſe: For Mero, which was the Metropolis of Æthiopia,
was upon a great Lake; and Congo, where the Negroes are, is full of Rivers.
And the confines of the River Niger, where the Negroes alſo are, are
well watered; and the Region about Capo Verde is likewiſe moiſt, inſo-
much, as it is peſtilent through moiſture: But the Countreys of the Abyſ-
ſenes, and Barbary, and Peru, where they are Tawney and Olivaſter, and Pale,
are generally more ſandy and dry. As for the Æthiopes, as they are plump
and fleſhly, ſo (it may be) they are Sanguine and Ruddy coloured, if their
Black Skin would ſuffer it to be ſeen.
SOme Creatures do move a good while after their head is off, as Birds.
Some move, though cut
c.
Firſt, therefore it is
certain, that the immediate cauſe of Death, is the reſolution or extinguiſh-
ment of the Spirits; and that the deſtruction or corruption of the Organs,
is but the mediate cauſe. But ſome Organs are ſo peremptorily neceſſary,
that the extinguiſhment of the Spirits doth ſpeedily follow; but yet ſo, as
there is an in terim of a ſmall time. It is reported by one of the Ancients, of
credit, That a Sacrificed Beaſt hath lowed after the Heart hath been ſevered; and it is a report alſo of credit, That the Head of a Pig hath been opened,
and the Brain put into the Palm of a Mans Hand, trembling, without
breaking any part of it, or ſevering it from the Marrow of the Back-bone:
during which time, the Pig hath been, in all appearance, ſtark dead, and
without motion: And after a ſmall time the Brain hath been replaced
And certain it is, that an Eye upon Revenge, hath been thruſt forth, ſo as it
hanged a pretty diſtance by the Viſual Nerve; and during that time, the Eye
hath been without any power of Sight; and yet after (being replaced) re-
covered Sight. Now the Spirits are chiefly in the Head, and Cells of the
Brain, which in Men and Beaſts are large; and therefore, when the Head is
off, they move little or nothing: But Birds have ſmall Heads, and there-
fore the Spirits are a little more diſperſed in the Sinews, where by Motion re-
maineth in them a little longer; inſomuch, as it is extant in ſtory, that an
Emperor of Rome, to ſhew the certainty of his hand, did ſhoot a great Forked
Arrow at an Eſtrich, as ſhe ran ſwiftly upon the Stage, and ſtroke off her
Head; and yet ſhe continued the race a little way with her Head off.
As
for Worms, and Flies, and Eels, the Spirits are diffuſed almoſt all over; and
therefore they move in their ſeveral pieces.
WE will now enquire of Plants or Vegetables;
and we ſhall
They are the principal part of
the Third days Work; they are the firſt Producat, which
is the word of Animation, for the other words are but
the words of Eſſence; and they are of excellent and
generaluſe, For Food, Medicine, and a number of Medi-
cinal Arts.
There were ſown in a Bed, Turnip ſeed, Raddiſh-ſeed, Wheat, Cucumber-ſeed,
The Bed we call a Hot-bed, and the manner of it is this.
There
was taken Horſe-dung, old, and well rotted; this was laid upon a Bank
half a foot high, and ſupported round about with Planks; and upon the
top was caſt ſifred Earth, ſome two fingers deep; and then the Seed
ſprinkled upon it, having been ſteeped all night in Water mixed with Cow-
dung. The Turnip-ſeed, and the VVneat, came up half an inch above ground,
within two days after, without any watering; the reſt the third day.
The
Experiment was made in October, and (it may be) in the Spring, the Accele-
This is a noble Experiment;
for,
without this help, they would have been four times as long in coming up. But there doth not occur to me, at this preſent, any uſe thereof, for pro-
fit, except it ſhould be for Sowing of Peaſe, which have their price very
much increaſed by the early coming. It may be tryed alſo with Cher-
ries, Strawberries, and other Fruit which are deareſt, when they come
early.
There was Wheat ſteeped in Water mixed with Cow dung, other in
in Water mixed with Soot, other in Water mixed with Aſhes, other in
Water mixed with Bay-Salt, other in Claret Wine, other in Malmſey, other
in Spirit of Wine. The proportion of the mixture was, a fourth part of
the ingredients to the Water, ſave that there was not of the Salt above an
eight part. The Urine, and Winds, and Spirit of Wine, were ſimple without
mixture of Water; the time of ſteeping was twely
the time of the
year October. There was alſo other Wheat ſown unſteeped, but watred twice a
day with warm Water; there was alſo other Wheat ſown ſimple, to com-
pare it with the reſt. The event was, that thoſe that were in the mixture of
Dung, and Urine, Soot, Chalk, Aſhes, and Salt, came up within ſix days; and thoſe that after wards proved the higheſt, thickeſt, and moſt luſty, were,
firſt the Urine, and then the Dungs; next the Chalk, next the Soot, next
the Aſhes, next the Salt, next the Wheat ſimple of it ſelf unſteeped and
unwatered, next the watered twice a day with warm Water next the Claret
Wine. So that theſe three laſt were ſlower than the ordinary Wheat of it
ſelf; and this Culture did rather retard than advance.
As for thoſe that
were ſteeped in Malmſey, and Spirit of Wine, they came not up at all. This
is a rich Experiment for profit; for the moſt of the ſteepings are cheap
things, and the goodneſs of the crop is a great matter of gain; if the
goodneſs of the crop anſwer the earlineſs of the coming up, as it is like it
will, both being from the vigor of the Seed; which alſo partly appeared
in the former Experiment, as hath been ſaid. This Experiment would be
tryed in other Grains, Seeds, and Kernels; for it may be ſome ſteeping will
agree beſt with ſome Seeds. It would be alſo tryed with Roots ſteeped as
before. but for longer time;
it would be tryed alſo in ſeveral ſeaſons of the
Year, eſpecially in the Spring.
Stra wberries watered now and then (as once in three days) with Water,
come early. And it is like the ſame effect would follow in other Berries, Herbs,
Flowers, Grains, or Trees; and therefore it is an Experiment, though vulgar in
Strawberries, yet not brought into uſe generally: For it is uſual to help the
Ground with Muck, and like wiſe to recomfort it ſometimes with Muck put
to the Roots, but to water it with Muck-water, which is like to be more
forcible, is not practiſed.
Dung, or Chalk, or Blood, applied in ſubſtance (ſeaſonably) to the Roots
But to do it unto Herbs, without mixture
of Water or Earth, it may be theſe helps are too hot.
The former means of helping Germination, are either by the goodneſs
Spirits in the Plant, to draw the Nouriſhment better. And of this latter kinde
concerning the comforting of the Spirits of the Plant, are alſo the experi-
ments that follow; though they be not applications to the Root or Seed.
The planting of Trees warm upon a Wall, againſt the South or South-Eaſt
Sun, doth haſten their coming on and ripening; and the South-Eaſt
is ſound to be better than the South-Weſt, though the South-Weſt be the
hotter Coaſt. But the cauſe is chiefly, for that the heat of the morning
ſucceedeth the cold of the night; and partly, becauſe (many times) the
South-Weſt Sun is too parching. So likewiſe planting of them upon the
Back of a Chimney where a fire is kept, doth haſten their coming on, and
ripening: Nay more, the drawing of the Boughs into the inſide of a
room, where a Fire is continually kept, worketh the ſame effect; which
inſomuch, as they will come a Moneth earlier,
then the Grapes abroad.
Beſides the two Means of Accelerating Germination, formerly deſcribed;
the Plant; there is a third, which is the making way for the eaſie coming to
the Nouriſhment, and drawing it. And therefore gentle digging and looſning
of the Earth about the Roots of Trees, and the removing Herbs and Flowers
into new Earth, once in two years (which is the ſame thing, for the new Earth
is ever looſer) doth greatly further the proſpering and earlineſs of Plants.
But the moſt admirable Acceleration by facilitating the Nouriſhment, is
For a Standard of a Damask Roſe with the Root on, was ſet
in a Chamber, where no Fire was, upright in an Earthen Pan, full of fair
Water, without any mixture, half a foot under the Water, the Standard be-
ing more than two foot high above the Water. Within, in the ſpace of ten
days, the Standard did put forth a fair green Leaf, and fome other little
Buds, which ſtood at a ſtay without any ſhew of decay or withering, more
then ſeven days. But afterwards that Leaf faded, but the young Buds did
ſprout on, which afterward opened into fair Leaves, in the ſpace of three
Moneths, and continued ſo a while after, till upon removal we left the tryal. But note, that the Leaves were ſome what paler, and light-coloured then the
Leaves uſe to be abroad. Note, that the firſt Buds were in the end of October,
and it is likely, that if it had been in the Spring time, it would have put forth
with greater ſtrength, and (it may) be to have grown on to bear Flowers.
By this means, you may have (as it ſeemeth) Roſes ſetin the midſt of a Pool,
being ſupported with ſome ſtay; which is matter of rareneſs and pleaſure,
though of ſmall uſe. This is the more ſtrange, for that the like Roſe Stand-
ard was put at the ſame time, into Water mixed with Horſe-dung, the Horſe-
dung about the fourth part to the Water, and in four Moneths ſpace (while it
was obſerved) put not forth any Leaf, though divers Buds at the firſt, as the
other.
A Dutch Flower that had a Bulbons Root, was like wiſe put at the ſame time
and within ſeven days
ſprouted, and continued long after further growing. There were alſo put in,
a Beet-root, a Borrage-root, and a Raddish-root, which had all their Leaves cut al-
moſt cloſe to the Roots; and within ſix weeks had fair Leaves, and ſo con-
tinued till the end of November.
Note, that if Roots, or Peaſe, or Flowers may be accelerated in their
the one in the high price that
thoſe things bear when they come early; the orher in the ſwiftneſs of their
returns: For in ſome Grounds which are ſtrong, you ſhall have a Raddiſh, &
c.
come in a moneth, that in other Grounds will not come in two, and ſo make
double returns.
Wheat alſo was put into the Water, and came not for that all;
ſo as it
ter, as it is in Roots; for Grains, or Seeds, the cold of the Water will morti-
fie. But caſually ſome Wheat lay under the Pan, which was ſome what moi-
ftened by the ſuing of the Pan, which in fix weeks (as aforeſaid) looked
mouldy to the eye, but it was ſprouted forth half a fingers length.
It ſeemeth by theſe In ſtances of Water, that for nouriſhment the Water
ſave it from over-heat, and over-cold; and therefore is a comfortable
Experiment for good Drinkers. It proveth alſo that our former opinion, that
c.)
will nouriſh
more eaſily than Meat and Drink taken ſeverally.
The Houſing of Plants (I conceive) will both Accelerate Germination,
And as we Houſe-
hot Countrey Plants, as Lemmons, Orenges, Myrtles, to ſave them; ſo we may
Houſe our own Country Plants to forward them, and make them come in
the cold Seaſons, in ſuch ſort, that you may have Violets, Strawberries, Peaſe,
all Winter: So that you ſow or remove them at fit times.
This Experiment
is to be referred unto the comforting of the Spirit of the Plant by warmth as
well as Houſing their Boughs, &c.
Sothen the means to Accelerate Germi-
nation, are in particular eight, in general three.
TO make Roſes orother Flowers come late, it is an Experiment of Pleaſure.
The Means are
theſe, Firſt, Thecutting off their tops immediately after they have done bear-
ing, and then they will come again the ſame year about November; but they
will not come juſt on the tops where they were cut, but out of thoſe Shoots
which were (as it were) Water-boughs. The cauſe is, for that the Sap,
which otherwiſe would have ſed the top, (though after bearing) will, by
the diſcharge of that, divert unto the Side ſprouts, and they will come to
bear, but later.
The ſecond is the Pulling of the Buds of the Roſe, when they are newly
The cauſe is the ſame with the
former: For cutting off the Tops, and pulling off the Buds, work the ſame effect, in
Retenſion of the Sap for a time, and Diverſion of it to the Sprouts that were
not ſo forward.
The third is the cutting off ſome few of the Top-boughs in the Spring
The cauſeis, for that the
Boughs do help to draw up the Sap more ſtrongly; and we ſee that in
Pouling of Trees, many do uſe to leave a Bough or two on the top to
help to draw up the Sap. And it is reported alſo, That if you graft upon
the Bough of a Tree, and cut off ſome of the old Boughs, the new Cions
will periſh.
The fourth is by laying the Roots bare about Chriſtmas ſome days.
The
which arreſt, is after wards releaſed by the covering of the Root again with
Earth, and then the Sap getteth up, but later.
The fifth is theremoving of the Tree ſome Moneth before it Buddeth.
Reſetling, before it can draw the Juyce; and that time being loſt, the bloſſom
muſt needs come forth later.
The ſixth is the Grafting of Roſes in May, which commonly Gardiners
but if you graft
them in May, they will bear the ſame year, but late.
The ſeventh is the Girding of the Body of the Tree about with ſome
for that alſo in a degree reſtraineth the Sap, and maketh it come
up morelate, and more ſlowly.
The eighth is the Planting of them in a Shade orin a Hedge.
The cauſe
mutandis.
Men have entertained a conceit that ſheweth prettily, namely, That if
ly, the Graft willbear Fruit early, as a Peach upon a Cherry: And contrari-
wiſe, if an Early coming-Fruit upon a Stock of a Fruit-tree that cometh late,
the Graſt will bear Fruit late; as a Cherry upon a Peach.
But theſe are but
imaginations, and untrue. The cauſe is, for that the Cions over-ruleth the
Stock quite, and the Stock is but Paſſive onely, and giveth Aliment, but no
Motion to the Graft.
WE will ſpeak now, how to make Fruits, Flowers, and Roots larger, in
and how to make the
Trees themſelves more tall, more ſpred, and more haſty and ſudden, than
they uſe to be. Wherein there is no doubt, but the former Experiments
of Acceleration will ſerve much to theſe purpoſes. And again, that theſe
Experiments which we ſhall now ſet down, do ſerve alſo for Acceleration, be-
cauſe both Effects proceeds from the encreaſe of Vigor in the Tree; but yet
to avoid confuſion. And becauſe ſome of the Means are more proper for the
one effect, and ſome for the other. We will handle them aparr.
It is an aſſured Experience, That an heap of Flint or Stone, laid about the
c.)
upon the firſt planting,
doth make it proſper double as much as without it. The cauſe is, for that
it retaineth the moiſture which falleth at any time upon the Tree, and ſuffer-
eth it not to be exhaled by the Sun. Again, it keepeth the Tree warm from
cold Blaſts and Froſts, as it were in an Houſe. It may be alſo, there is ſome-
what in the keeping of it ſteady at the firſt. Quare, if laying of Straw ſome
height about the Body of a Tree, will not make the Tree for wards: For
though the Root giveth the Sap, yet it is the Body that draweth it. But you
that are more ſoft, it will over-moiſten the Roots, ſo as the Worms will eat
them.
A Tree at the firſt ſetting, ſhould not be ſhaken, until it hath taken Root
And therefore ſome have put too little Forks about the bottom of
their Trees, to keep them upright; but after a years rooting, then ſhaking
doth the Tree good by looſning of the Earth, and (perhaps) by exer ciſing
(as it were) and ſtirring the Sap of the Tree.
Generally, the cutting away of Boughs and Suckers at the Root and
and contrariwiſe, the Poling and Cut-
ting of the top, maketh them grow, ſpred, and buſhy; as we ſee in Pol-
lords, &c.
It is reported, That to make haſty growing Coppice wood, the way is,
and
to ſet them, not upright, but a-ſlope, a reaſonable depth under the Ground; and then inſtead of one Root they will put forth many, and ſo carry more
ſhoots upon a Stem.
When you would have many new Roots of Fruit-Trees, take alow
Earth upon them, and every twig will take Root. And this is a very proſitable
Experiment for coſtly Trees; (for the Boughs will make Stocks without
charge) ſuch as are Apricots, Peaches, Almonds, Cornelians, Mulberries, Figs,
c.
The like is continually practiſed with Vines, Roſes, Musk-Roſes,
&c.
From May to July you may take off the Bark of any Bough, being of
above and below with Loam, well tempered with Horſe-dung, binding it
faſt down. Then cut off the Bough about Alhollantide in the bare place, and
ſet it in Ground, and it will grow to be a fair Tree in one year. The cauſe
may be, for that the Bearing from the Bark, keepeth the Sap from deſcend-
ing towards Winter, and ſo holdeth it in the Bough; and it may be alſo, that
Loam and Horſe-dung applied to the bare place, do moiſten it and cheriſh
it, and make it more apt to put forth the Root. Note, that this may be a
general means for keeping up the Sap of Trees in their Boughs, which may
ſerve to other effects.
It hath been practiſed in Trees that ſhew fair and bear not, to bore a
Which may
be, for that the Tree before hath too much Repletion, and was oppreſſed
with his own Sap; for Repletion is an enemy to Generation.
It hath been practiſed in Trees that do notbear, to cleave two or three
keep it open, and then it will bear. The cauſe may be, for that a Root of
a Tree may be (as it were) hide-bound, no leſs then the Body of the Tree; but it will not keep open without ſomewhat put into it.
It is uſually practiſed to ſet Trees that require much Sun, upon Walls
as Apricots, Peaches, Plumbs, Vines, Figs, and the like.
It
hath a double commodity; the one, the heat of the Wall by reflexion;
the
other, the taking away of the ſhade: For when a Tree groweth round, the
upper Boughs over ſhaddow the lower, but when it is ſpred upon a Wall,
the Sun cometh alike upon the upper and lower Branches.
It hath alſo been practiſed (by ſome) to pull ſome Leaves from the
ter. There hath been practiſed alſo a curioſity, to ſeta Tree upon the North
ſide of a Wall, and at a little height, to draw him through the Wall, and
ſpred him upon the South ſide; conceiving, that the Root and lower part
of the Stock ſhould enjoy the freſhneſs of the ſhade, and the upper Boughs
and Fruit, the comfort of the Sun; but it ſorted not.
The cauſe is, for that
the Root requireth ſome comfort from the Sun, though under Earth, as well
as the Body; and the lower part of the Body more than the upper, as we
ſee in compaſſing a Tree below with ſtraw.
The lowneſs of the Bough, where the Fruit cometh, maketh the Fruit
for you ſhall ever ſee in Apricotes, Peaches, or
Melo-Cotones upon a Wall, the greateſt Fruits towards the bottom. And in
France the Grapes that make the Wine, grow upon the low Vines, bound to
ſmall Stakes; and the raiſed Vines in Arbors, make but Verjuyce.
It is
true, that in Italy, and other Countreys where they have hotter Sun, they
raiſe them upon Elms and Trees: But I conceive, that if the French man-
ner of Planting low, were brought in uſe, their Wines would be ſtronger
and ſweeter: But it is more chargeable in reſpect of the Props.
It were
good to try whether a, Tree grafted ſomewhat near the ground, and the
lower Boughs onely maintained, and the higher continually proyned off,
would not make a larger Fruit.
To have Fruit in greater Plenty, the way is to graft, not onely upon
for they will bear
whereas if you graft but upon one Stock, the Tree
can bear but few.
The digging yearly about the Roots of Trees, which is a great means;
but in Vines; which, if it were transferred unto other Trees and Shrubs, (as
Roſes, &c.)
I conceive, would advance them likewiſe.
It hath been known, that a Fruit-tree hath been blown up (almoſt) by
The
cauſe of this was nothing but the looſening of the Earth, which comforteth
any Tree, and is fit to be practiſed more than it is in Fruit-trees: For
Trees cannot be ſo fitly removed into new Grounds, as Flowers and Herbs
may.
To revive an old Tree, the digging of it about the Roots, and applying
We ſee alſo that Draught-Oxen put
into freſh Paſture, gather new and tender fleſh; and in all things, better
nouriſhment than hath been uſed, doth help to renew, eſpecially, if it be
not onely better but changed, and differing from the former.
If an Herb be cut off from the Roots in the beginning of Winter, and
the Roots will become of very great magnitude in Summet. The reaſon is,
for that the moiſture being forbidden to come up in the Plant, ſtayeth longer
in the Root, and ſo dilateth it. And Gardiners uſe to tread down any looſe
Ground after they have ſown Onions, or Turnips, &c.
If Panicum be laid below, and about the bottom of a Root, it will cauſe
The cauſe is, for that being it
ſelf of a ſpungy ſubſtance, it draweth the moiſture of the Earth to it, and ſo
feedeth the Root. This is of greateſt uſe for Onions, Turnips, Parſnips, and
Carreis.
The ſhifting of Ground is a means to better the Tree and Fruit;
but
to the better. Your Nurſery of Stocks ought to be in a more barren Ground,
than the Ground is whereunto you remove them. So all Graſiers prefer their
Cattle from meaner Paſtures to better. We ſee alſo, that hardneſs in youth
lengthneth life, becauſe it leaveth a cheriſhing to the better of the Body in
Age: Nay, in exerciſes it is good to begin with the hardeſt, as Dancing in
thick Shooes, &c.
It hath been obſerved that hacking of Trees in their Bark, both down-
Hacks, doth great good to Trees, and eſpecially delivereth them from being
Hide-bound, and killeth their Moſs.
Shade to ſome Plants conduceth to make them large and proſperous
as in Strawberries, and Bays, &
c Therefore amongſt Straw-
berries, ſow here and there ſome Borrage-Seed, and you ſhall finde the Straw-
berries under thoſe Leaves, fat more large than their fellows. And Bays you
muſt plant to the North, or defend them from the Sun by a Hedg Row; and
when you ſow the Berries, weed not the Borders for the firſt half year; for
the Weed giveth them Shade.
To increaſe the Crops of Plants, there would be conſidered, not onely
that which is ſpilt. So they have lately made a tryal to ſet VVheat;
which
nevertheleſs hath been left off, becauſe of the trouble and pains; yet ſo
much is true, that there is much ſaved by the Setting, in compariſon of
both by keeping it from being picked up by Birds, and
by avoiding the ſhallow lying of it, whereby much that is ſown, taketh no
Root.
It is preſcribed by ſome of the Ancients, that you take ſmall Trees, upon
the middle of Autumn with Dung until the Spring, and then take them
up in a warm day, and replant them in good Ground; and by that means,
the former years Tree will be ripe, as by a new Birth, when other Trees of
the ſame kinde do but bloſſom. But this ſeemeth to have no great pro-
bability.
It is reported, That if you take Nitre, and mingle it with VVater, to
it will ſprout forth within eight days. The cauſe is like to be (if the
Experiment be true) the opening of the Bud, and of the parts contigu-
ous, by the Spirit of the Nitre; for Nitre is (as it were) the life of Vege-
tables.
Take Seed or Kernels of Apples, Pears, Orenges;
or a Peach, or a Plumb-
c.
And put them into a Squill, (which is like a great Onion) and they
will come up much eatlier than in the Earth it ſelf. This I conceive to be as
a kinde of Grafting in the Root; for as the Stock of a Graſt yieldeth better
prepared nouriſhment to the Graft, than the Crude Earth, ſo the Squill doth
the like to the Seed; and, I ſuppoſe, the ſame would be done, by putting
Kernels into a Turnip, or the like, ſave that the Squill is more vigorous
and hot. It may be tryed alſo, with putting Onion-Seed into an Onion-
Head, which thereby (perhaps) will bring forth a larger and earlier
Onion.
The pricking of a Fruit in ſeveral places, when it is almoſt at his big
Fruit more ſuddenly. We ſee the example of the biting of Waſ
upon Fruit (whereby it manifeſtly) ripeneth the ſooner.
It is reported, That Alga Marina (Sea-Weed) put under the Roots of
The
vert
tility.
It hath been practiſed to cut off the Stalks of Cucumbers, immediately
and then to caſt a pretty quantity of
Earth upon the Plant that remaineth, and they will bear the next year Fruit
long before the ordinary time. The cauſe may be, for that the Sap goeth
down the ſooner, and is not ſpent in the Stalk or Leaf, which remaineth
after the Fruit. Where note, that the Dying in the Winter, of the Roots or
Plants that are Annual, ſeemeth to be pattly cauſed by the over-expence of
the Sap into Stalk and Leaves; which being prevented, they will ſuper annu-
ate, if they ſtand warm.
The pulling off many of the Bloſſoms from a Fruit-tree, doth make the
The cauſe is manifeſt, for that the Sap hath the leſs to nouriſh.
And it is a common experience, That if you do not pull off ſome Bloſſoms,
the firſt time a Tree bloometh, it will bloſſom it ſelf to death.
It were good to try what would be the effect, if all the Bloſſoms were
c.
from a wilde
Tree, for two years together. I ſuppoſe, that the Tree will either put forth
the third year bigger, and more plentiful Fruit; or elſe, the ſame years, larger
Leaves, becauſe of the Sap ſtored up.
It hath been generally received, that a Plant watred with warm Water,
But the Experiment of watering Wheat with warm Water (as hath been
ſaid) ſucceeded not; which may be, becauſe the tryal was too late in
the Year, viz. in the end of October.
For the Cold then coming upon the
Seed, after it was made more tender by the warm Water, might
check it.
There is no doubt, but that Grafting (for the moſt part) doth meliorate
The cauſe is manifeſt, for that the nouriſhment is better prepared
in the Stock, than in the Crude Earth: But yet note well, that there be ſome
Trees that are ſaid to come up more happily from the Kernel, than from the
Graft; as the Peach, and Melocotone.
The cauſe, I ſuppoſe to be, for that
thoſe Plants require a nouriſhment of great moiſture; and though the nou-
riſhment of the Stock be finer, and better prepared, yet it is not ſo moiſt and
plentiful, as the nouriſhment of the Earth. And indeed we ſee thoſe Fruits
are very cold Fruits in their Nature.
It hath been received, that a ſmaller Pear grafced upon a Stock that
But I think it is as true, as that of
the Prime-Fruit upon the late Stock, and è Controverſo, which we rejected
before; for the Cions will govern.
Nevertheleſs, it is probable enough,
that if you can get a Cions to grow upon a Stock of another kinde, that is
much moiſter than his own Stock, it may make the Fruit greater, becauſe it
will yield more plentiful nouriſhment, though it is like it will make the Fruit
baſer. But generally the grafting is upon a dryer Stock;
as the Apple upon
a Crab, the Pear upon a Thorn, &c.
Yet it is reported, that in the Low-
Countreys they will graft an Apple-Cions upon the Stock of a Colewort, and
it will bear a great flaggy Apple; the Kernel of which, if it be ſet, will be a
Colewort, and not an Apple. It were good to try, whether an Apple-Cions
will proſper, if it be grafted upon a Sallow or upon a Poplar, or upon an Alder,
or upon an Elm, or upon an Horſe-Plum, which are the moiſteſt of Trees. I
have heard that it hath been tryed upon an Elm, and ſucceeded.
It is manifeſt by experience, That Flowers removed, wax greater, be-
It may be,
that oft regrafting of the ſame Cions, may likewiſe make Fruit greater; as if
you take a Cions, and graft it upon a Stock the firſt year; and then cut it off,
year, and then let it reſt, it will yield afterward, when it beareth, the greater
Fruit.
Of Grafting, there are many Experiments worth the noting, but thoſe we reſerve
# to a proper place.
It maketh Figs better, if a Fig-tree, when it beginneth to put forth
The cauſe is plain, for that the Sap hath the leſs
to feed, and the lefs way to mount: But it may be the Fig will come fome-
what later, as was formerly touched. The ſame may be tried likewiſe in other
Trees.
It is reported, That Mulberries will be fairer, and the Tree more fruit-
into the places bored, Wedges of ſome hot Trees; as Turpentine, Maſtick-tree,
Guaiacum, Juniper, &c.
The cauſe may be, for that Adventive heat doth chear
up the Native Juyce of the Tree.
It is reported, That Trees will grow greater and bear better Fruit, if
The cauſe may be the en-
Theſe things being more forcible
than ordinary compoſts.
It is reported by one of the Ancients, that Artichoaks will be leſs prick-
a Stone.
Herbs will be tenderer, and fairer, if you take them out of Beds when
The
remove from Bed to Bed was ſpoken of before; but that was in ſeveral
years, this is upon the ſudden. The cauſe is the ſame with other removes,
ſormerly mentioned.
Coleworts are reported by one of the Ancients, to proſper exceedingly,
much more with Water mixed with Nitre; the Spirit of which is leſs Adu-
rent than Salt.
It is reported, That Cucumbers will prove more tender and dainty, if
the cauſe may be, for that the Seed
being mollified with the Milk, will be too weak to draw the groſſer Juyce of
the Earth, but onely the finer. The ſame Experiment may be made in Arti-
choaks, and other Seeds, when you would take away, either their Flaſhi-
neſs or Bitterneſs. They ſpeak alſo, that the like effect followeth of ſteep-
ing in Water mixed with Honey; but that ſeemeth to me not ſo probable,
becauſe Honey hath too quick a Spirit.
It is reported, That Cucumbers will be leſs Watry, and more Melon-
ſmall Sticks, and then power Earth upon them; for Cucumbers, as it ſeemeth,
do extreamly affect moiſture, and over-drink themſelves; which this Chaff,
or Chips forbiddeth. Nay it is further reported, That if when a Cucumber
is grown, you ſet a Pot of water about five or ſix inches diſtance from it,
it will in Four and twenty hours ſhoot ſo much out as to touch the Pot; which if it be true, it is an Experiment of an higher nature than belongeth
to this Title: Forit diſcovereth Perception in Plants to move towards that
which ſhould help and comfort them, though it be at a diſtance. The ancient
Tradition of the Vine is far more ſtrange: It is, that if you ſet a ſtake, or
prop, ſome diſtance from it, it will grow that way, which is far ſtranger (as
is ſaid) than the other: For that Water may work by a Sympathy of At-
traction: But this of the Stake ſeemeth to be a reaſonable diſcourſe.
It hath been touched before, that Terebration of Trees doth make them
But it is found alſo, that it maketh the Fruit ſweeter, and
better. The cauſe is, for that not withſtanding the Terebration, they may
receive Aliment ſufficient, and yet no more than they can well turn, and
diſgeſt; and withal do ſweat out the courſeſt and unprofitableſt Juyce, even
as it is in Living Creatures; which, by moderate feeding, and exerciſe, and
ſweat, attain the ſound eſt habit of Body.
As Terebration doth meliorate Fruit, ſo, upon the like reaſon, doth
as Pricking Vines, or other Trees, aſ
ſome growth, and thereby letting forth Gum or Tears, though this be not to
continue, as it is in Terebration, but at ſome Seaſons. And it is reported,
that by
The Ancients for the Dulcorating of Fruit, do commend Swines dung
whereby the Excrement hath leſs Acrimony, for we ſee Swines and Pigs
Fleſh is the moiſteſt of fleſhes.
It is obſerved by ſome, that all Herbs wax ſweeter, both in ſmell and
you take the latter Sprout. The cauſe may be, for that the longer the Juyce
ſtayeth in the Root and Stalk, the better it concocteth. For one of the chief
cauſes, why Grains, Seeds, and Fruits, are more nouriſhing than Leaves, is
the length of time, in which they grow to Maturation. It were not amiſs to
keep back the Sap of Herbs, or the like, by ſome fit means till the end of
Summer, whereby (it may be) they will be more nouriſhing.
As Grafting doth generally advance and Meliorate Fruits, above that
nouriſhment is better concocted. So (no doubt) even in Grafting, for the ſame
cauſe the choice of the Stock doth much; always provided, that it be ſome-
what inferior to the Cions. For other wiſe it dulleth it.
They commend
much the Grafting of Pears, or Apples, upon a Quince.
Beſides the Means of Melioration of Fruits before-mentioned, it is ſet
Dung (eſpecially laid up together for a moneth to rot) is a very great nouriſh-
er and comforter to a Fruit-tree.
It is delivered, that Onions wax greater if they be taken out of the Earth,
and yet more, if the outer-
moſt Pill be taken off all over.
It is delivered by ſome, that if one take the Bough of a low Fruit-tree,
perforate at the bottom to let in the Plant, and then cover the Pot with Earth,
it will yield a very large Fruit within the Ground. Which Experiment is no-
thing but potting of Plants, without removing and leaving the Fruit in the
Earth. The like (they ſay) will be effected by an empty Pot without Earth in
it, put over a Fruit, being propped up with a ſtake as it hangeth upon the Tree,
and the better, if ſome few Pertuſions be made in the Pot. VVherein, beſides
the defending of the Fruit from extre mity of Sun or VVeather, ſome give a
reaſon, that the Fruit loving and covering the open Air and Sun, is invited
by the Pertuſions to ſpred and approach as near the open Air as it can, and ſo
inlargeth in Magnitude.
All Trees in high and Sandy Grounds, are to be ſet deep;
and in VVatry
And in all Trees when they be removed (eſpecially
Fruit-trees) care ought to be taken, that the ſides of the Trees be coaſted,
(North and South, &c.)
as they ſtood before.
The ſame is ſaid alſo of Stone
out of the Quarry, to make it more durable, though that ſeemeth to have
leſs reaſon; becauſe the Stone lyeth not ſo near the Sun, as the Tree grow-
eth.
Timber Trees in a Coppice-wood, do grow better than in an open Field;
and chieſly, becauſe they are defended from too much Sun and Wind, which
do check the growth of all Fruit; and ſo (no doubt) Fruit-trees, or Vines,
ſet upon a Wall, againſt the Sun, between Elbows and Butriſſes of Stone,
ripen more than upon a plain Wall.
It is ſaid, that if Potado Roots be ſet in a Pot filled with Earth, and then
inches, the Roots will grow greater than ordinary. The cauſe may be, for
that having Earth enough within the Pot to nouriſh them; and then being
ſtopped by the bottom of the Pot from putting ſtrings downward, they
muſt needs grow greater in breadth and thickneſs. And it may be
better.
The cutting off the Leaves of Raddiſh, or other Roots, in the beginning
and covering again the Root, ſomething
high with Earth, will preſerve the Root all Winter, and make it bigger in
the Spring following, as hath been partly touched before. So that there is
a double uſe of this cutting off the Leaves: For in Plants, where the Root is
the Eſculent, as Raddiſh, and Parſnips, it will make the Root the greater; and ſo it will do to the Heads of Onions, and where the Fruit is the Eſculent,
by ftrengthning the Root, it will make the Fruit alſo the greater.
It is an Experiment of great pleaſure to make the Leaves of ſhaddy
It hath been tryed (for certain) that a Cions
of a Weech Elm, grafted upon the ſtock of an ordinary Elm, will put forth
Leaves, almoſt as broad as the brim of ones Hat. And it is very likely,
that as in Fruit-Trees, the Graft maketh a greater Fruit; ſo in Trees that
bear no Fruit, it will make the greater Leaves. It would be tryed therefore
in Trees of that kinde chiefly; as Birch, Aſh, Willow, and eſpecially the
Shining Willow, which they call Swallow-Tail, becauſe of the pleaſure of the
Leaf.
The Barrenneſs of Trees by accident (beſi@es the weakneſs of the
overgrowing with Moſs, or their being hide bound, or their planting too
deep, or by iſſuing of the Sap too much into the Leaves: For all theſe three
are remedies mentioned before.
WE ſee that in Living Creatures that have Male and Female, there is
as the
Mule, that is generated betwixt the Horſe and Aß; and ſome other
Compounds which we call Monſters, though more rare: And it is held,
that that Proverb, Africa ſemper aliquid Monſtri parit, cometh, for that the
Fountains of Waters there being rare, divers ſorts of Beaſts come from
ſeveral parts to drink, and ſo being refreſhed fall to couple, and many
times with ſeveral kindes. The compounding or mixture of Kindes in
Plants is not found out; which nevertheleſs, if it be poſſible is more at
command than that of Living Creatures, for that their luſt requireth a
voluntary motion; wherefore it were one of the moſt notable Experiments
touching Plants, to finde it out, for ſo you may have great variety of now
Fruits, and flowers yet unknown. Grafting doth it not, that mendeth the
Fruit, or doubleth the Flowers, &c.
But it hath not the power to make a
new Kind. For the Cions ever over-ruleth the Stock.
It hath been ſet down by one of the Ancient, That if you take two
them cloſe together, and ſet them in the ground, they will come up in one
Stock; but yet they will put forth in their ſeveral Fruits without any com-
mixture in the Fruit. Wherein note (by the way) that Unity of Continu-
ance, is eaſier to procure, than Unity of Species. It is reported alſo, That
Vines of Red and White Grapes, being ſet in the Ground, and the upper
parts being flatted, and bound cloſe together, will put forth Grapes of the
ſeveral colours, upon the ſame Branch; and Grape-ſtones of ſeveral co-
lours within the ſame Grape: But the more, after a year or two, the unity
(as it ſeemeth) growing more perfect. And this will likewiſe help, if from
for all moiſture helpeth to Union.
And it is preſcribed alſo to binde the Bud, as ſoon as it cometh forth, as we
as the Stock, at the leaſt for a time.
They report, that divers Seeds put into a Clout, and laid in Earth well
which (after wards) being bound in,
their Shoots will incorporate. The like is ſaid of Kernels put into a Bottle,
with a narrow mouth, filled with Earth.
It is reported, that young Trees of ſeveral kindes ſet contiguous with-
luxury of the Trees, will incorporate and grow together. Which ſeemeth
to me the likelieſt means that hath been propounded; for that the binding
doth hinder the natural ſwelling of the Tree, which, while it is in motion,
doth better unite.
THere are many ancient and received Traditions and Obſervations,
for that ſome will
thrive beſt growing near others, which they impute to Sympathy; and ſome
worſe which they impute to Antipathy. But theſe are idle and ignorant con-
ceits, and forſake the true indication of the cauſes; as the moſt part of Ex-
periments, that concern Sympathies and Antipathies do. For as to Plants, neither
is there any ſuch ſecret Friendſhip, or Hatred, as they imagine. And
if we ſhould be content to call it Sympathy and Antipathy, it is utterly miſtaken; for their Sympathy is an Antipathy.
and their Antipathy is a Sympathy:
For it is
thus, whereſoever one Plant draweth ſuch a particular Juyce out of the
Earth, as it qualifieth the Earth, ſo as that Juyce which remaineth is fit for
the other Plant, there the Neighborhood doth good. becauſe the nouriſh-
ments are contrary, or ſeveral: But where two Plants draw (much) the
ſame Juyce, there the Neighborhood hurteth; for the one deceiveth the
other.
Firſt, therefore, all Plants that do draw much nouriſhment from the
them; as great Trees, (eſpecially Aſhes) and ſuch Trees, as ſpred their
Roots near the top of the ground. So the Cole wort is not an enemy (though
that were anciently received) to the Vine onely; but it is an enemy to any
other Plant, becauſe it draweth ſtrongly the fatteſt Juyce of the Earth. And if it be true, that the Vine, when it creepeth near the Cole wort, will turn
away: This may be, becauſe there it findeth worſe nouriſhment;
for
though the Root be where it was, yet (I doubt) the Plant will bend as it
nouriſheth.
Where Plants are of ſeveral Natures, and draw ſeveral Juyces out of
Asit
is ſet down by divers of the Ancients, that Rew doth profper much, and be-
cometh ſtronger, if it be ſet by a Fig-Tree: Which (we conceive) is cauſed
not by reaſon of Friendſhip, but by Extraction of contrary Juyces; the
one drawing Juyce fit to reſult ſweet, the other bitter. So they have ſet down
likewiſe, that a Roſe ſet by Garlick is ſweeter; which likewiſe may be, becauſe
the more Fetide Juyce of the Earth goeth into the Garlick, and the more
oderate into the Roſe.
This we ſee manifeſtly, That there be certain Corn-Flowers which come
As the blew Bottle a kinde of yellow Mary-Gold, Wilde Poppey,
and Fumitory. Neither can this be by reaſon of the culture of the Ground,
by Ploughing or Furrowing, as ſome Herbs and Flowers will grow but in
Ditches new caſt, for if the ground lye fallow and unſown, they will not
come: So as it ſhould ſeem to be the Corn that qualifieth the Earth, and pre-
pareth it for their growth.
This obſervation if it holdeth (as it is very probable) is of great uſe, for
Flowers. For I do not doubt, but if the Fig-tree do make the Rew more
ſtrong and bitter, (as the Ancients have noted) good ſtore of Rew planted
about the Fig-tree, will make the Fig more ſweet. Now the taſtes that do
moſt offend in Fruits, and Herbs, and Roots, are bitter, harſh, ſour, and watriſh,
or flaſhy. It were good therefore to make the Tryals following.
Take Wormwood or Rew, and ſet it near Lettuce, or Coleflory, or
and ſee whether the Lettuce, or the Coleflory, &
c.
become not
the ſweeter.
Take a Service-tree, or a Cornelian-tree, or an Elder-tree, which we
Fig tree, and ſee whether the Grapes or Figs will not be the ſweeter.
Take Cucumbers or Pumpions, and ſet them (here and there) amongſt
taſted. Set Cucumbers (like wiſe) amongſt Raddiſh, and ſee whether the
Raddiſh will not be made the more biting.
Take Sorrel and ſet it amongſt Raſps, and ſee whether the Raſps will not
Take Common Bryar, and ſet it amongſt Violets or Wall-flowers, and
earthy in their ſmell. So ſet Lettuce or Cucumbers, amongſt Roſemary or
Bays, and ſee whether the Roſemary or Bays, will not be the more oderate or
aromatical.
Contrariwiſe, you muſt take heed how you ſet Herbs together that draw
And therefore I think Roſemary will leeſe in ſweetneſs,
if it be ſet with Lavender or Bays, or the like. Butyer, if you will correct the
ſtrength of an Herb, you ſhall do well to ſet other like Herbs by him, to take
him down; and if you would ſet Tanſey by Angelica, it may be the Ange-
lica would be the weaker and fitter for mixture in perfume. And if you
ſhould ſet Rew by Common Wormwood, it may be, the Wormwood
would turn to be liker Roman Wormwood.
This Axiom is of large extent;
and thereſore would be ſevered, and re-
Neither muſt you expect to have a groſs difference by this
kinde of Culture, but onely further Perfection.
Tryal would be alſo made in Herbs, Poyſonous, and Purgative, whoſe
Poyſons or Purgatives by them.
It is reported, That the Shrub called Our Ladies Seal, (which is a kinde
The
cauſe is, for that they be both great Depredators of the Earth, and one of
them ſtarveth the other. The like is ſaid of Reed, and a Brake, both which
are ſucculent; and therefore the one deceiveth the other.
And the like of
Hemlock and Rew, both which draw ſtrong Juyces.
Some of the Ancients, and like wiſe divers of the Modern Writers, that
And ſo
they have denominated ſome Herbs Solar, and ſome Lunar, and ſuch like
toys put into great words. It is manifeſt, that there are ſome Flowers that
have reſpect to the Sun in two kindes; the one by opening and ſhutting, and
the other by bowing and inclining the Head. For Mary golds, Tulippas, Pim-
pernel, and indeed moſt flowers do open or ſpred their Leaves abroad, when
the Sun ſhineth ſerene and fair: And again, (in ſome part) cloſe them, or
gather them in ward, either to ward night, or when the Sky is overcaſt. Of
this, there needeth no ſuch ſolemn Reaſon to be aſſigned, as to ſay, That they
rejoyce at the preſence of the Sun, and mourn at the abſence thereof. For
it is nothing elſe, but a little loading of the Leaves, and ſwelling them at the
bottom, with the moiſture of the Air; whereas the dry Air doth extend them.
And they make it a piece of the wonder, That Garden Claver will hide the
Stalk, when the Sun ſheweth bright, which is nothing but a full expanſion
of the Leaves; for the bowing and inclining the Head, it is found in the
great Flower of the Sun, in Marygolds, Wartwort, Mallow flowers, and
others. The cauſe is ſome what more obſcure than the former:
But I take
it to be no other, but that the part, againſt which the Sun beateth, waxeth
more faint and flaccide in the Stalk, and thereby leſs able to ſupport the
Flower.
What a little Moiſture will do in Vegetables, even though they be dead,
They take the Beard of an Oat, which (if you mark it well) is wreathed at
the bottom, and one ſmooth entire ſtraw at the top. They take onely the
part that is wreathed, and cut off the other, leaving the Beard half the
bredth of a finger in length. Then they make a little Croſs of a Quill long-
ways, of that part of the Quill which hath the Pith; and Croſs-ways of
that piece of the Quill without Pith, the whole Croſs being the bredth of a
finger high: Then they prick the bottom where the Pith is, and thereinto
they put the Oaten-Beard, leaving half of it ſticking forth of the Quill: Then
they take a little white Box of Wood to deceive men, as if ſome what in the
Box did work the feat; in which, with a Pin, they make a little hole, enough
to take Beard, but not to let the Croſs ſink down, but to ſtick: Then like-
wiſe, by way of Impoſture, they make a queſtion: As, who is the faireſt
Woman in the company? or who hath a Glove or Card?
and cauſe an-
other to name divers perſons; and upon every naming, they ſtick the Croſs
in the Box, having firſt put it towards their Mouth, as if they charmed it,
and the Croſs ſtirreth not: But when they come to the perſon that they
would take, as they hold the Croſs to their Mouth, they touch the Beard
with the tip of their Tongue, and wet it, and ſo ſtick the Croſs in the Box,
and then you ſhall ſee it turn finely and ſoftly, three or four turns, which is
cauſed by the untwining of the Beard by the moiſture. You may ſee it
more evidently if you ſtick the Croſs between your fingers, inſtead of the
Box: And therefore you may ſee, that this Motion, which is effected by
ſo little wet, is ſtronger than the cloſing or bending of the Head of a Mary-
gold.
It is reported by ſome, That the Herb called Roſa-Solis (whereof they
bright, have a great Dew upon it. And therefore, that the right name is
Ros Solis; which they impute to a delight and ſympathy that it hath with
the Sun. Men favor wonders.
It were good firſt to be ſure, That the
Dew that is found upon it, be not the Dew of the Morning preſerved,
For it hath a ſmooth and
thick Leaf that doth not diſcharge the Dew ſo ſoon as other Herbs, that are
more Spungy and Porous. And it may be Purſlane, or ſome other Herb doth
the like, and is not marked. But if it be ſo, that it hath more Dew at Noon
than in the Morning, then ſure it ſeemeth to be an exudation of the Herb it
ſelf. As Plums ſweat when they are ſet into the Oven:
For you will not (I
hope) think, that it is like Gideons Fleece of Wooll, that the Dew ſhould fall
upon that, and no whereelſe.
It is certain, that the Hony-dews are found more upon Oak Leaves, than
But whether any cauſe be from the Leaf it
ſelf, to concoct the Dew; or whether it be onely, that the Leaf is cloſe and
ſmooth (and therefore drinketh not in the Dew, but preſerveth it) maybe
doubted. It would be well inquired, whether Manna the Drug, doth fall
but upon certain Herbs or Leaves onely. Flowers that have deep Sockets, do
gather in the bottom, a kinde of Honey; as Honey-Suckles (both the Woodbine,
and the Trifoil) Lillies, and the like. And in them certainly the Flower beareth
part with the Dew.
The Experience is, That the Froth, which they call Woodſare, (being
as Lavender, Lavender-cotton, Sage, Hyſſope, &
c.
Of the cauſe of this enquire
further, for it ſeemeth a ſecret. There falleth alſo Mildew upon Corn, and
ſmutteth it: But it may be, that the ſame falleth alſo upon other Herbs, and
is not obſerved.
It were good, Tryal were made, whether the great conſent between
Attraction or Diſtance, and not at touch onely. Therefore take a Veſſel,
and in the middle of it make a falſe bottom of courſe Canvas; fill it with
Earth above the Canvas, and let not the Earth be watred, then ſow ſome
good Seeds in that Earth: But under the Canvas, ſome half a foot in
the bottom of the Veſſel, lay a great Spunge, thorowly
let it lie ſome ten days; and ſee whether the Seeds will ſprout, and the Earth
become more moiſt, and the Spunge more dry. The Experiment for merly
mentioned of the Cucumber, creeping to the Pot of Water, is far ſtranger
than this.
THe altering of the Sent, Colour, or Taſte of Fruit, by Infuſing, Mixing,
The caufe
is, for that thoſe things have paſſed their period, and nouriſh not; and all
alteration of Vegetables, in thoſe qualities, muſt be by ſome what that is apt
to go into the nouriſhment of the Plant. But this is true, that where Kine
feed upon Wilde Garlick, their Milk taſted plainly of the Garlick. And the
Fleſh of Muttons is better taſted where the Sheep feed upon Wilde Thyme,
and other wholſome Herbs. Galen alſo ſpeaketh of the curing of the Scirrus
of the Liver, by Milk of a Cow, that feedeth upon certain Herbs; and Honey
in Spain ſmelleth (apparently) of the Roſemary, or Orenge, from whence the
Beegather it: And there is an old Tradition of a Maiden that was fed with
Napellus, (which is counted the ſtrongeſt poyſon of all Vegetables) which
with uſe, did not hurt the Maid, but poyſoned ſome thathad carnal com-
pany with her. So it is obſerved by ſome, that there is a vertuous BeZoar,
and another without vertue, which appear to the ſhew alike; but the ver-
tuous is taken from the Beaſt, that feedeth upon the Mountains, where
and that without vertue, from thoſe that fed in
the Valleys, where no ſuch Herbs are. Thus far I am of opinion, that as
ſteeped Wines and Beers are very Medici@al, and likewiſe Bread tempered
with divers powders; ſo of Meat alſo, (as Flesh, Fish, Milk, and Eggs) that
they may be made of great uſe for Medicine and Diet, if the Beaſt, Fowl,
or Fish, be fed with a ſpecial kinde of food, fit for the diſeaſe. It were a dan-
gerous thing alſo for ſecret empoyſonments. But whether it may be ap-
plied unto Plants, and Herbs, I doubt more, becauſe the nouriſhment of
them is a more common Juyce; which is hardly capable of any ſpecial
quality until the Plant do aſſimilate it.
But leſt our incredulity may prejudice any profitable operations in
think good briefly to p@opound the four Means, which they have deviſed of
making Plants Medicinable. The firſt is by ſlitting of the Root, and infuſing
into it the Medicine, as Hellebore, Opium, Scammomy, Triacle &c.
and then
binding it up again. This ſeemeth to me the leaſt probable, becauſe the Root
draweth immediately from the Earth, and ſo the nouriſhment is the more
common and leſs qualified; and beſides, it is a long time in going up, ere
it come to the Fruit. The ſecond way is, to perforate the Body of the Tree,
and there to infuſe the Medicine, it hath the leſs way, and the leſs time to go
up. The third is, the ſteeping of the Seed or Kernel in ſome Liquor
wherein the Medicine is infuſed; which I have little opinion of, becauſe
the Seed (I doubt) will not draw the parts of the matter which have the
propriety; but it will be far the more likely, if you mingle the Medicine
with Dung, for that the Seed, naturally drawing the moiſture of the Dung,
may call in withal ſome of the propriety. The fourth is, the Watering of
the Plant oft, with an infuſion of the Medicine. This, in one reſpect may
have more force than the reſt, becauſe the Medication is oft renewed,
whereas the reſt are applied, but at one time; and therefore the vertue may
the ſooner vaniſh. But ſtill I doubt, that the Root is ſomewhat too ſtubborn
to receive thoſe fine Impreſſions; and beſides (as I have ſaid before) they
have a great Hill to go up. I judge therefore the likelieſt way to be the
perforation of the Body of the Tree, in ſeveral places, one above the other,
and the filling of the Holes with Dung mingled with the Medicine. And
the Watring of thoſe Lumps of Dung, with Squirts of an Infuſion of the
Medicine in dunged Water, once in three or four days.
OUr Experiments we take care to be (as we have often
either
of Uſe, or of Diſcovery: For we hate Impoſtures,
and deſpiſe Curioſities. Yet becauſe we muſt apply
our ſelves ſome what to others, we will ſet down ſome
Curioſities touching Plants.
It is a Curioſity to have ſeveral Fruits upon one Tree;
and the more,
So that you may
have, upon the ſame Tree, ripe Fruits all Summer. This is eaſily done by
Grafting of ſeveral Cions upon ſeveral Boughs of a Stock, in a good ground,
plentifully fed. So you may have all kindes of Cherries, and all kindes of
Plumbs, and Peaches, and Apricots upon one Tree: But, I conceive the
Diverſity of Fruits muſt be ſuch, as will graft upon the ſame Stock. And
therefore, I doubt, whether you can have Apples, or Pears, or Orenges,
upon the ſanie Stock, upon which you graft Plumbs.
It is a Curioſity to have Fruits of divers Shapes and Figures.
This is
of Earth or Wood. So you may have Cucumbers, &
c.
as long as a
Cane, or as round as a Sphere, or formed like a Croſs. You may have
alſo Apples in the form of Pears or Lemmons. You may have alſo Fruit
in more accurate Figures; as we ſaid of Men, Beaſts, or Birds, according
as you make the Moulds, where in you muſt underſtand, that you make
the Mould big enough to contain the whole Fruit, when it is grown to the
greateſt; for elſe you will choak the ſpreding of the Fruit, which other-
wiſe would ſpred it ſelf, and fill the Concave, and ſo be turned into the ſhape
deſired; as it is in Mould-works of Liquid things.
Some doubt may be con-
But there
isordinary experience of Fruit that gro weth covered. Quare alſo, whether
ſome ſmall holes may not be made in the Wood to let in the Sun. And note,
that it were beſt to make the Moulds partible, glued, or cemented together,
that you may open them when you take out the Fruit.
It is a curioſity to have Inſeriptions or Engravings, in Fruit or Trees.
This
when the Fruit or Trees are young; for as they grow, ſo the Letters will
grow more large, and graphical.
You may have Trees apparelled with Flowers or Herbs by boring holes
ſetting Seeds or Slips, of Violets, Stra wberries Wilde Time, Camomil, and ſuch
like in the Earth, wherein they do but grow in the Tree, as they do in Pots,
though (perhaps) with ſome feeding from the Trees. As it would be tryed
alſo with Shoots of Vines, and Roots of Red-Roſes; for it may be they being
of a more Ligneous Nature, will incorporate with the Tree it ſelf.
It is an ordinary curioſity to form Trees and Shrubs (as Roſemary, Juni-
which is done by moulding them
within, and cutting them without. But they are but lame things, being
too ſmall to keep Figure; great Caſtles made of Trees upon Frames of
Timber, with Turrets and Arches, were anciently matters of magnifi-
cence.
Amongſt curioſities, I ſhall place Colouration, though it be ſome what
for Beauty in Flowers is their pre-eminence.
It is obſerved by ſome,
that Gilly-Flowers, Sweet-Williams, Violess, that are coloured, if they be neg-
lected, and neither Watered, nor new Moulded, nor Tranſplanted, will
turn White. And it is probable, that the White, with much culture, may
turn coloured, for this is certain, That the white colour cometh oſ ſcarcity
of Nouriſhment; except in Flowers that are onely white, and admit no
other colours.
It is good therefore to ſee what Natures do accompany what colours;
thoſe Natures. Whites are more inodorate (for the moſt part) than Flowers
of the ſame kinde coloured; as is found in ſingle White Violets, White
Roſes, White Gilly-Flowers, White Stock Gilly-Flowers, &c.
We finde al-
ſo, that Bloſſoms of Trees that are White, are commonly inodorate; as
Cherries, Pears, Plums, whereas thoſe of Apples, Crabs, Almonds, and
Peaches, are bluſhy, and ſmell ſweet. The cauſe is, for that the ſubſtance
that maketh the Flower, is of the thinneſt and fineſt of the Plant; which alſo
maketh Flowers to be of ſo dainty Colours. And if it be too ſparing and
thin, it attaineth no ſtrength of odor, except it be in ſuch Plants as are
very ſucculent; whereby they need rather to be ſcanted in their nouriſh-
ment, than repleniſhed, to have them ſweet. As we ſee in White Satyrion,
which is of a dainty ſmell; and in Bean-flowers, &
c.
And again, if the
Plant be of Nature to put forth White Flowers onely, and thoſe not thin or
dry, they are commonly of rank and fulſome ſmell; as May-Flowers and
White Lillies.
Contrariwiſe, in Berries, the White is commonly more delicate and
as we ſee in white Grapes, in white
Raſpes, in white Strawberries, in white Currans, &c.
The cauſe is for that
and therefore not ſo
well and equally concocted, but the white are better proportioned to the
diſgeſtion of the Plant.
Butin Fruits.
the white commonly is meaner, as in Pear-Plumbs, Damo-
c.
and the choiceſt Plumbs are black;
the Mulberry, (which though
they call it a Berry, is a Fruit) is better the Black, than the White. The
Harveſt White-Plumb, is a baſe Plumb, and the Verdoccio and White Date-
Plumb, are no very good Plumbs. The cauſe is, for that they are all
over-watry: Where as an higher Concoction is required for ſweetneſs, or
pleaſure of taſte; and therefore all your dainty Plumbs, are a little dry,
and come from the Stone; as the Muskle-Plumb, the Damoſin-Plumb, the
Peach, the Apricot, &c.
Yet ſome Fruits which grow not to be Black,
are of the Nature of Berries, ſweeteſtſuch as are paler, as the Cæur-Cherry,
which inclineth more to White, is ſweeter than the Red; but the Egriot is
more ſowre.
Take Gilliſtowers Seed, of one kinde of Gilliflowers (as of the Clove-Gilli-
Gilliflowers, ſome of one colour, and ſome of another, caſually, as the
Seed meeteth with nouriſhment in the Earth: So that the Gardiners finde,
that they may have two or three Roots amongſt an hundred that are rare,
and of great price, as Purple Carnation of ſeveral ſtripes. The cauſe is (no
doubt) that in Earth, though it be contiguous, and in one Bed there are very
ſeveral Juyces; and as the Seed doth caſually meetwith them, ſo it cometh
forth. And it is noted eſpecially, that thoſe which do come up Purple, do
always come up ſingle; the Juyce, as it ſeemeth, not being able to ſuffice a
ſucculent colour, and a double Leaf. This Experiment of ſeveral colours,
coming up from one Seed, would be tryed alſo in Larks-foot, Monk-hood,
Poppy, and Hollioak.
Few Fruits are coloured Red within;
the Queen-Apple is, and another
Mulberries likewiſe, and Grapes, though moſt to-
ward the skin. There is a Peach alſo, that hath a circle of Red to wards the
ſtone; and the Fgriot-Cherry is ſomewhat Red within:
But no Pear, nor
Warden, nor Plumb, nor Apricot, although they have (many times) Red
ſides, are coloured Red within. The cauſe may be enquired.
The general colour of Planis is Green, which is a colour that no Flower
There is a greeniſh Prime-Roſe, but it is pale, and ſcarce a green;
the
Leaves of ſome Trees turn a little Murrey or Reddiſh, and they be com-
monly young Leaves that do ſo; as it is in Oaks and Vines.
And Haſle-
Leaves rot into a Yellow; and ſome Hollies had part of their Leaves Yellow,
that are (to all ſeeming) as freſh and ſhining as the Green. I ſuppoſe alſo,
that Yellow is a leſs ſucculent colour than Green, and a degree nearer
White. For it hath been noted, that thoſe Yellow Leaves of Holly, ſtand
ever to ward the North or North-Eaſt. Some Roots are Yellow, as Carrets;
and ſome Planis, Blood-red, Stalk and Leaf, and all;
as Amaranthus.
Some
Herbs incline to Purple and Red; as a kinde of Sage doth, and a kinde of
Mint, and Roſa Solis, &c.
And ſome have White Leaves, as another kinde
of Sage, and another kinde of Mint: But Azure and a fair Purple are
never found in Leaves. This ſheweth, that Flowers are made of a refined
Juyce of the Earth, and ſo are Fruits, but Leaves of a more courſe and
common.
It is a curioſity alſo to make Flowers double, which is effected by often
as on the contrary part, double Flowers,
And the way to do it ſpeedily,
is to ſow or ſet Seeds, or Slips of Flowers; and as ſoon as they come up, to
remove them into new ground that is good: Enquire alſo, whether inocu-
lating oſ Flowers, (as Stock-Gilliflowers, Roſes, Musk-Roſes, &c.)
doth
not make them double. There is a Cherry-Tree that hath double Bloſſoms,
but that Tree beareth no Fruit; and, it may be, that the ſame means which
applied to the Tree, doth extreamly accelerate the Sap to riſe and break
forth, would make the Tree ſpend it ſelf in Flowers, and thoſe to become
double, which were a great pleaſure to ſee, eſpecially in Apple-trees, Peach-
trees, and Almond-trees, that have Bloſſoms Bluſh coloured.
The making of Fruits without Core or Stone, is likewiſe a curioſity,
becauſe whatſoever maketh them ſo, is like to make
them more tender and delicate. If a Cions or Shoot fit to be ſet in the
Ground, have the Pith finely taken forth (and not altogether, but ſome of it
left, the better to ſave the life) it will bear a Fruit with little or no Core or
Stone. And the like is ſaid to be of dividing a quick Tree down to the Ground,
and taking out the Pith, and then binding it up again.
It is reported alſo, that a Citron grafted upon a Quince will have ſmall
and it is very probable, that any ſowre Fruit grafied upon a
Stock that beareth a ſweeter Fruit, may both make the Fruit ſweeter, and
more void of the harſh matter of Kernels or Seeds.
It is reported, that not onely the taking out of the Pith, but the ſtopping
outſide, will make the Fruit without Core or Stone; as if you ſhould bore a
Tree clean thorow, and put a wedge in. It is true, there is ſome affinity be-
tween the Pith and the Kernel, becauſe they are both of a harſh ſubſtance,
and both placed in the midſt.
It is reported, that Trees watered perpetually with warm Water, will
And the rule is general, That
whatſoever will make a wilde Tree, a Garden Tree, will make a Garden Tree
to have leſs Core or Stone.
THe Rule is certain, That Plants for want of Culture, degenerate to be
and ſome times ſo far, as to change into another
kinde. 1.
The ſtanding long, and not being removed, maketh them dege-
nerate. 2.
Drought, unleſs the Earth of it ſelf be moiſt, doth the like.
3.
So
doth removing into worſe Earth, or forbearing to compoſt the Earth; as we
ſee, that Water-Mint turneth into Field Mint, and the Colewort into Rape by
neglect, &c.
What ſoever Fruit uſeth to be ſet upon a Root, or a Slip, if it be ſown,
Grapes ſown, Figs, Almonds, Pomegranate Kernels ſown,
make the Fruits degenerate, and become wilde. And again, moſt of thoſe
Fruits that uſe to be grafted, if they be ſet of Kernels, or Stones degenerate. It is true, that Peaches (as hath been touched before) do better upon Stones
ſet, than upon grafting: And the rule of Exception ſhould ſeem to be this,
That whatſoever Plant requireth much moiſture, proſpereth better upon the
Stone or Kernel, than upon the Graft. For the Stock, though it giveth a finer
nouriſhment, yet it giveth a ſcanter, than the Earth at large.
Seeds, if they be very old, and yet have ſtrength enough to bring forth a
And therefore skilful Gardiners make tryal
of the Seeds, before they buy them, whether they be good or no, by putting
and if they be good, they will ſprout within half
an hour.
It is ſtrange which is reported, That Baſil too much expoſed to the Sun,
Although thoſe two Herbs ſeem to have ſmall
Affinity; but Baſil is almoſt the onely hot Herb that hath fat and ſucculent
Leaves; which Oylineſs if it be drawn forth by the Sun, it is like it will make
a very great change.
There is an old Tradition, that Boughs of Oak put into the Earth, will put
which if it be true, (no doubt) it is not the Oak that turneth
into a Vine, but the Oak-bough putrifying, qualifieth the Earth to put forth a
Vine of it ſelf.
It is not impoſſible, and I have heard it verified, that upon cutting down
kinde; as that Beech hath put ſorth Birch:
Which if it be true, the cauſe may
be, for that the old Stub is too ſcant of Juyce to put forth the former Tree; and therefore putteth forth a Tree of ſmaller kinde, that needeth leſs Nou-
riſhment.
There is an opinion in the Countrey, That if the ſame Ground be oft
baſer kinde.
It is certain, that in Sterile Years, Corn ſown will grow to an other
And generally it is a Rule, that Plants that are brought forth by Culture,
as Corn, will ſooner change into other Species, than thoſe that come of them-
ſelves: For that Culture giveth but an Adventitious Nature, which is more
eaſily put off.
This work of the Tranſmutation of Plants, one into another, is inter Mag-
nalia Naturæ: For the Tranſmu
nounced impoſſible: And certainly, it is a thing of difficulty, and requireth
deep ſearch into Nature: But ſeeing there appear ſome manifeſt inſtances of
it, the opinion of impoſſibility is to be rejected, and the means there of to
be found out. We ſee that in Living Creatures, that come of Putrefaction,
there is much Tranſmutation of one into another. As Caterpillers turn into
Flies, &c.
And it ſhould ſeem probable, that what ſoever Creature having
life, is generated without Seed, that Creature will change out of one Spe-
cies into another; for it is the Seed, and the Nature of it, which locketh
and boundeth in the Creature, that it doth not expatiate. So as we may
well conclude, that ſeeing the Earth of it ſelf, doth put forth Plants with-
out Seed; therefore Plants may well have a Tranſmigration of Species.
Wherefore wanting Inſtances, which do occur, we ſhall give Directions of
the moſt likely tryals: And generally, we would not have thoſe that read
this work of Sylva Sylvarum, account if ſtrange, or think that it is an over-
haſte, that we have let down particulars untried: For contratiwiſe, in our
own eſtimation, we account ſuch particulars more worthy than thoſe that
are already tryed and known. For theſe latter muſt be taken as you
finde them, but the other do level point blank at the inventing of cauſes,
and Axioms.
Firſt, therefore you muſt make account, that if you will have one Plant
And therefore you are to practi@e it by Nouriſhments as contraty as may be,
to the Nature of the Herb; ſonevertheleſs as the Herb may grow, and like-
wiſe with Seeds that are of the weakeſt ſort, and have leaſt vigor. You ſhall
do well therefore to take Marſh Herbs, and plant them upon tops of Hills
and Champaigns; and ſuch Plants as require much moiſture, upon Sandy
and very dry grounds. As for example, Marſh Mallows, and Sedge upon
Hills, Cucumber and Lettuce Seeds, and Coleworts upon a Sandy Plat; ſo
contrariwiſe plant Buſhes, Heath, Ling, and Brakes upon a Wet or Marſh
Ground. This I conceive alſo, that all Eſculent and Garden Herbs, ſet upon
the tops of Hills, will prove more Medicinal, though leſs Eſculent, than they
were before. And it may be like wiſe, ſome Wilde Herbs you may make
Salet Herbs. This is the firſt Rule for Tranſmutation of Plants.
The ſecond Rule ſhould be to bury ſome few Seeds of the Herb you
and then you ſhall ſee whether the Juyce
of thoſe other Seeds do not ſo qualifie the Earth, as it will alter the Seed
whereupon you work. As for example, Put Parſly.
ſeed amongſt Onion-ſeed,
or Lettuce-ſeed amongſt Parſly ſeed, or Baſil-ſeed amongſt Thyme-ſeed,
and ſee the change of taſte or otherwiſe. But you ſhall do well to put the
Seed you would change into a little Linnen Cloth, that it mingle not with
the Foreign Seed.
The third Rule ſhall be the making of ſome medly, or mixture of Earth,
As for ex-
ample make Earth, with a mixture of Colewort Leaves ſtamped, and ſet in
it Artichoaks, or Parſnips: So take Earth made with Majoram, or Origannum,
or Wilde Thyme, bruiſed, or ſtamped, and ſet in it Fennel-ſeed, &c.
In which
operation, the Proces of Nature ſtill will be, (as I conceive,) not that the Herb
you work upon, ſhould draw the Juyce of the Foreign Herb; (for that
opinion we have formerly rejected) but there will be a new confection
of mould, which perhaps will alter the Seed, and yet not to the kinde of the
former Herb.
The fourth Rule ſhall be to mark what Herbs ſome Earths do put ſorth
and into
that, ſet the Seed you would change: As for Example, take from under
Walls, or the like; where Nettles put forth in abundance, the Earth which
you ſhall there finde, without any String or Root of the Nettles; and pot
that Earth, and ſet in it Stock-Gilly-flowers, or Wall-flowers, &c.
Or ſow
in the Seeds of them, and ſee what the event will be; or take Earth, that you
have prepared to put forth Muſhrooms of it ſelf, (where of you ſhall finde
ſome inſtances following,) and ſow it in Purſlane-ſeed, or Lettuce. ſeed;
for
in theſe Experiments, it is likely enough, that the Earth being accuſtomed to
ſend forth one kinde of Nouriſhment, will alter the new Seed.
The fifth Rule ſhall be, to make the Herb grow contrary to his nature, as
As for example.
Carry Camomile, or
Wilde Thyme, or the Green Strawberry, upon ſticks, as you do Hops upon
Poles, and ſee what the event will be.
The ſixth Rule ſhall be to make Plants grow out of the Sun, or open
for that is a great mutation in Nature, and may induce a change in the
Seed: As barrel up Earth, and ſow ſome Seed in it, and put in the bottom
of a Pond, or put it in ſome great hollow Tree; try alſo the ſowing
and Pot
up in Wells, ſome diſtance from the Water, and ſee what the event
will be.
IT is certain, that Timber-Trees in Coppice Woods, grow more upright, and
The
Sun: and beſides, they are not glutted with too much nouriſhment;
for that the Coppice ſhareth with them, and Repletion ever hindreth
ſtature. Laſtly, they are kept warm, and that ever in Plants helpeth
mounting.
Trees that are of themſelves full of Heat, (which heat appeareth by
without Side-boughs, till they come towards the top. The cauſe is partly
heat, and partly tenuity of Juyce; both which ſend the Sap upwards.
As for
Juniper, it is but a Shrub, and groweth not big enough in Body to maintain a
tall Tree.
It is reported, that a good ſtrong Canvas, ſpred over a Tree graſt-
The cauſe is plain;
for that all things that grow, will grow as they finde
room.
Trees are generally ſet of Roots or Kernels;
but if you ſet them of Slips,
take; and thoſe that take, (as is reported) will be Dwarf-trees The cauſe
is, for that a Slip draweth nouriſhment more weakly, than either a Root or
Kernel.
All Plants that put forth their Sap haſtily, havetheir Bodies not propor-
as
Ivy, Briony, Hops, Woodbine: Whereas Dwarfing requiteth a ſlow putting
forth, and leſs vigor of mounting.
THe Scripture ſaith, That Solomon wrote a Natural Hiſtory, from the
for ſo the beſt
Tranſlations have it. And it is true, that Moß is but the Rudiment of a Plant, and
(as it were) the Mould of Earth or Bark.
Moß groweth chiefly upon Ridges of Houſes, tiled or thatched, and
upon the Creſts of Walls, and that Moſs is of a lightſome and pleaſant
Green. The growing upon Slopes is cauſed for that Moſs, as on the
Water muſt but ſlide, and not ſtand or pool. And the growing upon
Tiles, or Walls, &c.
is cauſed, for that thoſe dried Earths, having not
moiſture ſufficient to put forth a Plant, do practice Germination by put-
ting forth Moſs; though when by age, or otherwiſe, they grow to re-
lent and reſolve, they ſometimes put forth Plants, as Wall flowers. And almoſt all Mofs hath here and there little Stalks, beſides the low
Thrum.
Moß groweth upon Alleys, eſpecially ſuch as lye cold, and upon the
as in divers Tarraſes.
And again, if they be much trodden;
or if
they were at the firſt gravelled: For whereſoever Plants are kept down, the
Earth putteth forth Moſs.
Old Ground, that hath been long unbroken up, gathereth Moſs;
and
to Moſs, by Tilling them for a year, or two: Which alſo dependeth upon
the ſame cauſe; for that the more ſparing and ſtarving Juyce of the Earth,
inſufficient for Plants, doth breed Moſs.
Old Trees are more Moſſie, (far) than young;
for that the Sap is not
Moß.
Fountains have Moß growing upon the Ground about them;
The cauſe is, for that the Fountains drain the Water from the Ground adja-
cent, and leave but ſufficient moiſture to breed Moß; and beſides, the cold-
neſs of the Water conduceth to the ſame.
The Moß of Trees, is a kinde of Hair;
for it is the Juyce of the Tree, that
eth a figure, like a Leaf.
The moiſture ſort of Trees yield little Moſs, as weſeein Aſps, Poplars,
c.
Which is partly cauſed for the reaſon that hath been
given of the frank putting up of the Sap into the Boughs; and partly, for
that the Barks of thoſe Trees are more cloſe and ſmooth, than thoſe of
Oaks, and Aſhes, whereby the Moſs can the hardlier iſſue out.
In Clay Grounds, all Fruit Trees grow full of Moſs, both upon Body
which is cauſed, partly by the coldneſs of the Ground, whereby
the Plants nouriſh leſs; and partly by the toughneſs of the Earth, whereby
the Sap is ſhut in, and cannot get up, to ſpred ſo frankly as it ſhould
do.
We have ſaid heretofore, that if Trees be hide-bound, they wax leſs
and that they are holpen by hacking, &
c.
And
therefore by the reaſon of contraries, if Trees be bound in with Cords or
ſome out ward Bands, they will put forth more Moſs: Which (I think)
hapneth to Trees that ſtand bleak, and upon the cold Winds. It would
alſo be tried, whether, if you cover a Tree, ſome what thick upon the
top, after his powling, it will not gather more Moſs. I think allo, the
Watring of Trees with cold Fountain Water will make them grow full of
Moſs.
There is a Moſs the Perfumers have, which cometh out of Apple-Trees,
Quare, particularly for the manner of the
growth, and the nature of it. And for this Experiments ſake, being athing
of price, I have ſet down the laſt Experiments, how to multiply and call on
Moſſes.
Next unto Moſs, I will ſpeak of Mushromes, which are likewiſe an
unperfect Plant. The Muſhromes have two ſtrange properties;
the one,
that they yield ſo delicious a Meat; the other, that they come up ſo haſtily,
as in a night, and yet they are unſown. And therefore ſuch as are Upſtarts
in State, they call in reproach, Mushromes. It muſt needs be therefore, that
they be made of much moiſture; and that moiſture fat, groſs, and yet
ſomewhat concocted. And (indeed) we finde, that Mushromes cauſe the
accident, which we call Incubus, or the Mare in the Stomach. And there-
fore the Surfeit of them may ſuffo cate and empoyſon. And this ſhe weth,
that they are windy; and that windineſs is groſs, and ſwelling, not
ſharp or griping. And upon the ſame reaſon Mushromes are a venereous
Meat.
It is reported, that the Bark of white or Red Poplar, (which are of the
the ground to put forth Mushromes, at all ſeaſons of the year fit to beeaten,
ſome add to the mixture Leaven of Bread, reſolved in Water.
It is reported, that if a Hilly-field, where the ſtubble is ſtanding, be ſet on
It is reported, that Harts-Horn ſhaken, or in ſmall pieces, mixed with
And we know that Harts-Horn is
of a fat and clammy ſubſtance: And it may be Ox-Horn would do the
like.
It hath been reported, though it be ſcarce credible, that Ivy hath grown
which they ſuppoſe did rather come from a confrica-
tion of the Horn upon the Ivy, than from the Horn it ſelf. There is not
known any ſubſtance, but Earth, and the Procedeurs of Earth, (as Tile-
Stone, &c.)
that yieldeth any Moſs, or Herby ſubſtance.
There may betryal
made of ſome Seeds, as that Fennel-Seed, Muſtard-Seed, and Rape-Seed,
put into ſome little holes made in the Horns of Stags, or Oxen, to ſee if they
will grow.
There is alſo another unperſect Plant, that (in ſhew) is like a great Muſh
And it is ſometimes as broad as ones Hat, which they call a Toads-
ſtool; but it is not Eſculent, and it groweth (commonly) by a dead Stub of
a Tree, and like wiſe about the Roots of rotten Trees; and therefore ſeemeth
to take his Juyce from Wood putrified. Which ſheweth by the way, that
Wood putrified yieldeth a frank moiſture.
There is a Cake that groweth upon the ſide of a dead Tree, that hath
and hard and pithy;
whereby it ſhould ſeem, that even dead Trees forget not their putting forth,
no more than the Carcaſſes of Mens Bodies that put forth Hair and Nails for
a time.
There is a Cod or Bag that groweth commonly in the Fields;
that at
and after growth of a Muſhrome
colour, and full of light duſt upon the breaking; and is thought to be dan-
gerous for the eyes, if the Powder get into them, and to be good for Kibes. Belike it hath a Corroſive, and ſretting Nature.
There is an Herb called Fews-Ear, that groweth upon the Roots, and
It hath a ſtrange propriety;
for in warm Water, it ſwelleth, and openeth ex-
treamly. It is not green, but of a dusky brown colour.
And it is uſed for
ſquinancies, and inflamations in the Throat, whereby it ſeemeth to have a
mollifving, and lenifying vertue.
There is a kinde of Spongy excreſcence, which groweth chiefly upon
It is very white, and light, and fryable;
which we call Agarick.
It is famous in
Phyſick for the purging of tough Flegm. And it is alſo an excellent open o
for the Liver, but offenſive to the Stomach; and in taſte it is, at the firſt
ſweet and after bitter.
We finde no Super-Plant, that is a formed Plant, but Miſſeltoe.
They
upon a Seed, which many times ſhe cannot diſgeſt, and ſo expelleth it
whole with her Excrement; which falling upon a Bough of a Tree, that
hath ſome rift, putteth forth Miſſeltoe. But this is a Fable;
for it is not
probable, that Birds ſhould ſeed upon that they cannot diſgeſt. But allow
For firſt, it is found but upon
certain Trees; and thoſe Trees bear no ſuch Fruit, as may allure that B rd to
ſit and feed upon them. It may be, that Bird feedeth upon the Miſſeltoe-
Berries, and ſo is often ſound there; which may have given occaſion to the
tale. But that which maketh an end of the queſtion is, that Miſſeltoe hath
been found to put forth under the Boughs, and not (onely) above the Boughs; ſo it cannot be any thing that falleth upon the Bough.
M@ſſeltoe groweth
chiefly upon Crab-trees, Apples-trees, ſometimes upon H@ſles, and rarely
upon Oaks; the Miſſeltoe where of is counted very Medicinal.
It is ever
green, Winter and Summer, and beareth a white gliſtering Berry; and it is a
Plant, utterly differing from the Plant, upon which it groweth. Two things
therefore may be certainly ſet down: Firſt, that Superfætation muſt be by
abundance of Sap, in the Bough that putteth it forth. Secondly, that that
Sap muſt be ſuch as the Tree doth excern, and cannot aſſimilare, for elſe it
would go into a Bough; and beſides, it ſeemeth to be more fat and unctuous,
than the ordinary Sap of the Tree; both by the Berry which is clammy, and
by that it continueth green Winter and Summer, which the Tree doth
not.
This Experiment of Miſſeltoe may give light to other practices;
therefore
watering of the Wound every day, with warm water dunged, to ſee if it
would bring forth Miſſeltoe, or any fuch like thing. But it were yet more
likely, to try it with ſome other watering or anointing, that were not ſonatu-
ral to the Treeas Water is; as Oyl, or Barm of Drink, &
c.
So they be ſuch
things as kill not the Bough.
It were good to try, what Plants would put forth, if they be forbidden
Powl thereſore a Tree, and cover it, ſome
thickneſs with Clay on the top, and ſee what it will put forth. I ſuppoſe it
will put forth Roots; for ſo will a Cions, being turned down into Clay.
Therefore in this Experimentalſo, the Tree would be cloſed with ſomewhat
that is not ſo natural to the Plant as Clay is; try it with Leather, or Cloth, or
Painting, ſo it be not hurtſul to the Tree. And it is certain, that a Brake hath
been known to grow out of a Pollard.
A Man may count the Prickes of Trees to be a kinde of Excreſcence, for
The Plants that have Prickles,
are Thorns, Black and White; Bryer, Roſe, Lemmon-trees, Crab-trees,
Goosberry, Berberry; theſe have it in the Bough.
The Plants that have
Prickles in the Leaf are, Holly, Juniper, Whin buſh, Thiſtle; Nettles alſo
have a ſmall venemous Prickle; ſo hath Borrage, but harmleſs.
The cauſe
muſt be, haſty putting forth, want of moiſture, and the cloſeneſs of the Bark: For the haſte of the Spirit to put forth, and the want of nouriſhment to put
forth a Bough, and the cloſeneſs of the Bark, cauſe Prickles in Boughs; and
therefore they are ever like a Pyramis, for that the moiſture ſpendeth after a lit-
tle putting forth. And for Prickles in Leaves, they come alſo of putting forth
more Juyce into the Leaf that can ſpred in the Leaf ſmooth; and therefore
the Leaves other wiſe are rough, as Burrage and Nettles are. As for the Leaves
of Holly, they are ſmooth, but never plain, but as it were with folds for the
ſame cauſe.
There be alſo Plants, that though they have no Prickles, yet they have a
as Roſe-Campion Stock-
Gilliflowers, Colts-foot; which Down or Nap cometh of a ſubtile Spirit, in a
ſoft or fat ſubſtance. For it is certain, that both Stock-Gilliflowers, and Roſe-
thoſe that have had Tertian or Quartan Agues; and the Vapor or Colts-foot
have a ſanative vertue towards the Lungs, and the Leaf alſo is healing in
Surgery.
Another kinde of Fxcreſcence is an Exudation of Plants, joyned with
Leaves of Oaks, and the like upon Willows: And Countrey people have a
kinde of Prediction, that if the Oak-Apple, broken, be full of Worms, it is
a ſign of a peſtilent year; which is a likely thing, becauſe they grow of cor-
ruption.
There is alſo upon Sweet, or other Bryer, a fine Tuft, or Bruſh of Moſs
which if you cut, you ſhall ever finde full of little white
Worms.
ITis certain, that Earth taken out of the Foundations of Vaults and Houſes
But ſome time is required for the Germination;
for if it be taken
but from a Fathom deep, it will put forth the firſt year, if much deeper, not
till after a year or two.
The nature of the Plants growing out of the Earth ſo taken up, doth fol-
teth forth ſoft Herbs; as Graß, Plantine, and the like:
If the Earth be
harder and courſer, it putteth forth Herbs more rough, as Thiſtles, Firs,
&c.
It is common Experience, that where Alleys are cloſe gravelled, the
The cauſe
is, for that the hard Gravel or Pebble at the firſt laying, will not ſuffer the
Graß to come forth upright, but turneth it to finde his way where it can; but after that the Earth is ſome what looſened at the top, the ordinary Graſs
cometh up.
It is reported, that Earth being taken out of ſhady and watry Woods,
as Penny-wort, Purſlane, Houſleek, Penny Royal, &
c.
The Water alſo doth ſend forth Plants that have no Roots fixed in the
butthey are leſs perfect Plants being almoſt but Leaves, and thoſe
ſmall ones: Such is that we call Duck weed, which hath a Leaf no bigger
then a Thyme Leaf, but of a freſher Green, and putteth forth a little
ſtring into the Water, far from the bottom. As for the Water-Lilly, it hath
a Root in the Ground; and ſo have a number of other Herbs that grow in
Ponds.
It is reported by ſome of the Ancients, and ſome Modern Teſtimony like-
being
ſuppoſed to grow of ſome concretion of Slime from the Water, where the
Sun heateth hot, and where the Sea ſtirreth little. As for the Alga Matina,
(Sea-weed) and Eringium (Sea-Thiſtle) both the Roots; but have Sea-weed un-
der the Water, the Sea Thiſtle but upon the Shore.
The Ancients have noted, that there are ſome Herbs that grow out of
and that they are all bitter, and
they name one eſpecially, Flomus, which we call Moth-Mollein. It is certain,
that Worms are found in Snow commonly, like Earth-worms; and there-
fore it is not unlike, that it may like wiſe put forth Plants.
The Ancients have affirmed, that there are ſome Herbs that grow out
in the middle of a Freeſtone. We ſee alſo, that Flints lying above ground
gather Moſs; and Wall-flowers, and ſome other Flowers grow upon Walls.
But whether upon the main Brick or Stone, or whether out of the Lime, or
Chinks, is not well obſerved. For Elders and Aſhes have been ſeen to grow
out of Steeples; but they manifeſtly grow out of Clefts, inſomuch as, when
they grow big, they will disjoyn the Stone. And beſides, it is doubtful, whe-
ther the Mortar it ſelf putteth it forth, or whether ſome Seeds be not let
fall by Birds. There be likewiſe Rock-Herbs, but I ſuppoſe thoſe are,
where there is ſome Mould or Earth. It hath likewiſe been found, that
great Trees, growing upon Quarries, have put down their Root into the
Stone.
In ſome Mines in Germany, as is reported, there grow in the bottom
and the Workfolks uſeto ſay, Th
will not ſuffer men together them.
The Sea-ſands ſeldom bear Plants.
Whereof the cauſe is yielded by
incorporate with the Earth, and yield a Nouriſhment for the Plant. And it is
affirmed alſo, that Sand hath (always) his Root in Clay; and that there be
no Veins of Sand, any great depth within the Earth.
It is certain, that ſome Plants put forth for a time of their own ſtore,
c.
Of which, vide the
Experiment 29.
IT is reported, That Earth that was brought out of the Indies, and other
and, that which is more,
that of their Roots, Barks, and Seeds, contuſed together, and mingled with
other Earth, and well watred with warm Water, there came forth Herbs
much like the other.
Plants, brought out of hot Countreys, will endeavor to put forth at the
and therefore to
preſerve them, there is no more required than to keep them from the injury
of putting back by Cold. It is reported alſo, that Grain out of the hotter
Countreys tranſlated into the Colder, will be more foreward than the ordi-
nary Grain of the cold Countrey. It is likely, that this will prove better in
Grains, than in Trees; for that Grains are but Annual, and ſo the vertue of
the Seed is not worn out; whereas in a Tree, it is embaſed by the Ground, to
which it is removed.
Many Plants, which grow in the hotter Countreys, being ſet in the colder,
late in the Spring come up and abide moſt part of the Summer; as we
finde it in Orenge, and Lemmon Seeds, &c.
The Seeds whereof, ſown
in the end of April, will bring forth excellent Sallets, mingled with other
Herbs. And I doubt not, but the Seeds of Clove Trees, and Pepper-
Seeds, &c.
If they could come hither Green enough to be ſown, would
do the like.
THere be ſome Flowers, Bloſſems, Grains, and Fruits, which come more
The Flowers
dillies, Crocus Vernus, and ſome early Tulippa’s. And they are all cold Plants,
which therefore (as it ſhould ſeem) have a quicker Perception of the heat
of the Sun increaſing, than the hot Herbs have, as a cold hand will ſooner
finde a little warmth, than a hot. And thoſe that come next after, are Wall-
Flowers, Cowſlips, Hyacinths, Roſemary-flowers, &c.
And after them
Pinks, Roſes, Flower deluces, &c.
And the lateſt are, Gilly flowers, Holly-
Oaks, Larks-Foot, &c.
The earlieſt Bloſſoms are, the Bloſſoms of Peaches,
Almonds, Cornelians, Mezerions, &c.
And they are of ſuch Trees, as have
much moiſture, either Watery, or Oyly. And therefore Crocus Vernus alſo,
being an Herb that hath an Oyly Juyce, putteth forth early. For thoſe alſo
finde the Sun ſooner than the dryer Trees. The Grains are, firſt Rye and
Wheat, then Oats and Barley, then Peaſe and Beans; for though Green
Peaſe and Beans be eaten ſooner, yet the dry ones that are uſed for Horſe-
meat, are ripe laſt; and it ſeemeth, that the fatter Grain cometh firſt.
The
earlieſt Fruits are, Strawberries, Cherries, Gooſeberries, Corrans; and
after them early Apples, early Pears, Apricots, Raſps; and after them, Da-
moſins, and moſt kinde of Plumbs, Peaches, &c.
And the lateſt are, Apples,
Wardens, Grapes, Nuts, Quinces, Almonds, Sloes, Brier-berries, Heps,
Medlars, Services, Cornelians, &c.
It is to be noted, That (commonly) Trees that ripen lateſt, bloſſom
as Peaches, Cornelians, Sloes, Almonds, &
c.
And it ſeemeth to be
a work of providence that they bloſſom ſo ſoon, for otherwiſe they could
not have the Sun long enough to ripen.
There be Fruits (but rarely) that come twice a year;
as ſome Pears,
c.
And it ſeemeth, they are ſuch as abound with nouriſh-
ment, whereby after one period, before the Sun waxeth too weak, they
can endure another. The Violet alſo, amongſt Flowers, cometh twice a
year, eſpecially the double White, and that alſo is a Plant full of moi-
ſture. Roſes come twice, but it is not without cutting, as hath been formerly
ſaid.
In Muſcovia, though the Corn come not up till late Spring, yet their
The cauſe is, for that the ſtrength of the Ground
is keptin with the Snow; and we ſee with us, that if it be a long Winter, it
is commonly a more plentiful year: And after thoſe kinde of Winters like-
wife, the Flowers and Corn which are earlier and later, do come com-
monly at once, and at the ſame time; which troubleth the Husbandman
many times: For you ſhall have Red-Roſes and Damask-Roſes come toge-
ther, and likewiſe the Harveſt of Wheat and Barley. But this hapneth
ever, for that the earlier ſtayeth the later, and not that the later cometh
ſooner.
There be divers Fruit Trees, in the hot Countreys, which have Bloſ-
another. And it is ſaid, the Orenge hath the like with us, for a great part of
Summer, and ſo alſo hath the Fig. And no doubt, the Natural Motion of
Plants is to have ſo: But that either they want Juyce to ſpend, or they meet
with the cold of the Winter. And therefore this Circle of ripening cannot
be, but in ſucculent Plants, and hot Countreys.
Some Herbs are but Annual, and die Root and all once a year;
as Bor-
of Corn; ſome continue many years, as Hyſſope, Germander, Lavender, Fennel,
&c.
The cauſe of the Dying is double;
the firſt is, the tenderneſs and
weakneſs of the Seed, which maketh the period in a ſmall time, as it is in
Borrage, Lettuce, Cucumbers, Corn, &c.
And therefore none of theſe are hot.
The other cauſe is, for that ſome Herbs can worſe endure cold, as Baſil,
Tobacco, Maſtard ſeed; and theſe have (all) much heat.
THe laſting of Plants, is moſt in thoſe that are largeſt of Body, as Oaks,
the Loat-tree, &
c.
And this holdeth in Trees, but in Herbs
for Borrage, Coleworts, Pompions, which are Herbs
of the largeſt ſize, are of ſmall durance; whereas Hyſſope, Winter-Savory,
Germander, Time, Sage, will laſt long. The cauſe is, for that Trees laſt ac-
cording to the ſtrength, and quantity of their Sap and Juyce, being
well munited by their Bark, againſt the injuries of the Air: But Herbs
draw a weak Juyce, and have a ſoft Stalk; and therefore thoſe a-
mongſt them which laſt longeſt, are Herbs of ſtrong ſmell, and with a
ſticky ſtalk.
Trees that bear Maſt and Nuts, are commonly more laſting than thoſe
as Oaks, Beeches, Cheſnuts,
Walnuts, Almonds, Pine trees, &c.
laſt longer than Apples, Pears, Plumbs,
&c.
The cauſeis, the fatneſs, and oylineſs of the Sap;
which ever waſteth
leſs, than the more Watry.
Trees that bring forth their Leaves late in the year, and caſt them like-
them betimes. The cauſe is, for that the late coming forth, ſheweth a moi-
ſture more fixed; and the other looſe, and more eaſily reſolved.
And the
ſame cauſe is, that wilde Trees laſt longer than Garden-trees; and in the
ſame kinde, thoſe whoſe Fruit is acide more than thoſe whoſe Fruit is
ſweet.
Nothing procureth the laſting of Trees, Buſhes, and Herbs, ſo much
for every cutting cauſeth a renovation of the Juyce
of the Plant; that it neither goeth ſo far, nor riſeth ſo faintly, as when
the Plant is not cut: Inſomuch, as Annual Plants, if you cut them ſea-
ſonably, and will ſpare the uſe of them, and ſuffer them to come up ſtill
young, will laſt more years than one, as hath been partly touched; ſuch
as is Lettuce, Purſlane, Cucumber, and the like. And for great Trees,
we ſee almoſt all overgrown Trees in Church-yards, or near ancient
Building, and the like, are Pollards or Dottards, and not Trees at their
full height.
Some Experiment would be made, how by Art to make Plants more
as to make a Stalk of Wheat, &
c.
laſt a
whole year. You muſt ever preſuppoſe, that you handle it ſo, as the Winter
killeth it not; for we ſpeak onely of prolonging the Natural Period.
I con-
ceive, that the Rule will hold, That whatſoever maketh the Herb come later,
than at his time will make it laſt longer time: It were good to try it in a Stalk
of Wheat, &c.
ſet in the ſhade, and encomp aſſed with a caſe of Wood, not
touching the Straw, to keep out open Air.
As for the Preſervation of Fruits, as well upon the Tree or Stalk, as
THe Particular Figures of Plants we leave to their deſcriptions, but ſome
Trees and Herbs, in the grow-
The cauſe is, for that the Sap, being reſtrained in the Rinde and Bark, break-
eth not forth at all, (as in the Bodies of Trees, and Stalks of Herbs,) till
they begin to branch, and then, when they make an eruption, they break
forth caſually, where they finde beſt way in the Bark or Rinde. It is true,
that ſome Trees are more ſcattered in their Boughs; as Sallow trees, Warden-
trees, Quince-trees, Medlar-trees, Lemnion trees, &c.
Some are more in the
form of a Pyramis, and come almoſt to tod; as the Pear-trees (which the C i-
ticks will have to borrow his name of ῶῖς Fire) Orenge-trees, Fir-trees, Service
trees, Lime-trees, &c.
And ſome are more ſpred and broad, as Beeches, Horn-
beam, &c.
The reſt are more indifferent.
The cauſe of ſeattering the Boughs
is, the haſty breaking forth of the Sap; and therefore thoſe Trees riſe not
in a Body of any height, but Branch near the Ground. The cauſe of the
Pyramis is, the keeping in of the Sap, long before it branch, and the ſpend-
ing of it, when it beginneth to branch, by equal degrees: The ſpreding is
cauſed, by the carrying up of the Sap plentifully, without expence, and then
putting it forth ſpeedily, and at once.
There be divers Herbs, but no Trees, that may be ſaid to have ſome
For they have Joynts,
or Knuckles, as it were ſtops in their Germination; as have Gilliflowers, Pinks,
Fennel, Corn, Reeds, and Canes. The cauſe whereof is, for that the Sap aſcend-
eth unequally, and doth (as it were) tire and ſtop by the way. And it ſeem-
eth, they have ſome cloſeneſs and hardneſs in their Stalk, which hindereth
the Sap from going up, until it hath gathered into a knot, and ſo is more urged
to put forth. And therefore, they are moſt of them hollow, when the Stalk
is dry; as Fennel Stalks, Stubble, and Canes.
Flowers have (all) exquiſite Figures, and the Flower numbers are
as in Prime-Roſes, Bryer-Roſes, ſingle Musk-Roſes, ſingle
Pinks, and Gilliflowers, &c.
which have five Leaves;
Lillies, Flower-de-luces,
Borage, Bugloß &c.
which have four Leaves.
But ſome put forth Leaves not
numbred, but they are ever ſmall ones; as Marigolds, Trifole, &
c.
We ſee
alſo, that the Sockets, and Supporters of Flowers, are Figured; as in the
five Brethren of the Roſe, Sockets of Gilliflo wers, &c.
Leaves alſo are all figured,
ſome round, ſome long, none ſquare, and many jagged on the ſides; which
Leaves of Flowers ſeldom are. For, I account, the jagging of Pinks, and Gil-
liflowers, to be like the inequality of Oak-leaves, of Vine-leaves, or the like; but
they ſeldom or never have any ſmall Purls.
OF Plants ſome few put forth their Bloſſoms before their Leaves;
as
c.
But moſt put forth ſome
as Apples, Pears, Plumbs, Cherry, White-Thorn,
&c The cauſe is for that thoſe that put forth their Bloſſoms firſt, have either
an acute and ſharp ſpirit; (and therefore commonly they all put forth early
in the Spring, and ripen very late, as moſt of the particulars before mention-
ed) or elſe an oyly Juyce, which is apter to put out Flowers than Leaves.
Of Plants ſome are Green all Winter, others caſt their Leaves.
There
mary, &c.
The cauſe of the holding Green, is the cloſe and compact ſub-
And the cauſe of that again,
is, either the tough and viſcous Juyce of the Plant, or the ſtrength and heat
thereof. Of the firſt ſort, is Holly;
which is of ſo viſcous a Juyce, as they
make Birdlime of the Bark of it. The Stalk of Ivy is tough, and not ſragile,
as we ſee it in other ſmall Twigs dry. Firr yieldeth Pitch.
Box is a faſt and heavy
Wood, as we ſee it in Bowls. Eugh is a ſtrong and tough Wood, as we ſee it
in Bows. Of the ſecond ſort, is Juniper, which is a Wood odorate, and maketh
a hot Fire. Bays is likewiſe a hot and aromatical Wood, and ſo is Roſemary for
a Shrub. As for the Leaves, their denſity appeareth in that, either they are
ſmooth and ſhining, as in Bays, Holly, Ivy, Box, &c.
or in that they are hard and
ſpiry, as in the reſt. And tryal would be made of Grafting of Roſemary, and
Bays, and Box, upon a Holly Stock, becauſe they are Plants that come all Winter. It were good to try it alſo with Graſts of other Trees, either Fruit trees, or
Wild-trees, to ſee whether they will not yield their Fruit, or bear their Leaves
later, and longer in the Winter; becauſe the Sap of the Holly putteth forth
moſt in the Winter. It may be alſo a Mezerion-tree grafted upon a Holly, will
prove both an earlier, and a greater Tree.
There be ſome Plants that bear no Flower, and yet bear Fruit;
there be
there be ſome that bear neither
Flowers nor Fruit. Moſt of the great Timber-trees, (as Oaks, Beeches, &
c.)
bear no apparent Flowers;
ſome few (likewiſe) of the Fruit-trees, as Mul-
berry, Walnuts, &c.
And ſome Shrubs, (as Juniper, Holly, &
c.)
bear no
Flowers. Divers Herbs alſo bear Seeds, (which is as the Fruit,) and yet bear
no Flowers, as Purſlane, &c.
Thoſe that bear Flowers, and no Fruit, are few,
as the double Cherry, the Sallow, &c.
But for the Cherry, it is doubtſul,
whether it be not by Art or Culture; for if it be by Art, then tryal would be
made, whether Apples and other Fruits Bloſſoms may not be doubled. There
are ſome few, that bear neither Fruit, nor Flower; as the Elm, the Poplars,
Box, Braks, &c.
There be ſome Plants that ſhoot ſtill upwards, and can ſupport them-
There be ſome other, that
creep along the Ground, or wind about other Trees, or props, and cannot
ſupport themſelves; as Vines, Ivy, Bryar, Briony, Wood-bines, Hops,
Climatis, Camomil, &c.
The cauſe is, (as hath been partly touched) for that
all Plants, (naturally) move up wards; but if the Sap put up too faſt, it maketh
a ſlender Stalk, which will not ſupport the weight; and therefore theſe latter.
ſort are all ſwift and haſty comers.
THe firſt and moſt ordinary help is Stercoration.
The Sheeps-dung is one of
and next, the Dung of Kine;
and thirdly, that of Horſes;
that of Pigeons
for a Garden, as a ſmall quantity of Ground, excelleth. The ordering of
Dung is, if the Ground be Arable, to ſpred it immediately before the Plough-
ing and Sowing, and ſo to Plough it in: For if you ſpred it long before, the
Sun will draw out much of the fatneſs of the Dung: If the Ground be Grazing
Ground, to ſpred it ſomewhat late to wards Winter, that the Sun may have
the leſs power to dry it up. As for ſpecial Composts for Gardens (as a Hot Bed, &
c.)
we have handled them before.
The ſecond kinde of Compoſt is, the ſpreding of divers kindes of Earth;
them. Marl is thought to be the beſt, as having moſt fatneſs.
And not
The next is Sea-ſand, which (no doubt)
obtained a ſpecial vertue by the Salt; for Salt is the firſt rudiment of life.
Chalk over-heateth the Ground a little;
and therefore is beſt upon cold
Clay Grounds, or moiſt Grounds: But I heard a great Husband ſay, that it was
a common error to think that Chalk helpeth Airable Grounds, but helpeth
not Grazing Grounds, whereas (indeed) it helpeth Graſs as well as Corn.
But that which breedeth the error is, becauſe after the chalking of the
Ground, they wear it out with many Crops, withoutreſt; and then (indeed)
afterwards it will bear little Graſs; becauſe the Ground is tired out.
It were
good to try the laying of Chalk upon Airable Grounds, a little while before
Ploughing, and to Plough it in, as they do the Dung; but then it muſt be
Friable firſt, by Rain or Lying: As for Earth it compaſſeth it ſelf;
for I
knew a great Garden, that had a Field (in a manner) poured upon it, and it
did bear Fruit excellently the firſt year of the Planting; for the Surface of
the Earth is ever the fruitfulleſt: And Earth ſo prepared hath a double Sur-
face. But it is true, as I conceive, that ſuch Earth as hath Salt-Peter bred in it,
if you can procure it without too much charge, doth excel. The way to
haſten the breeding of Salt-Peter, is to forbid the Sun, and the growth of
Vegetables. And therefore, if you make a large Hovel, thatched, over ſome
quantity of Ground; nay, if you do but planck the Ground over, it will
breed Salt-Peter. As for Pond-earth or River-earth, it is a very good compoſt,
eſpecially, if the Pond have been long uncleanſed, and ſo the Water be not
too hungry; and I judge it will be yet better, if there be ſome mixture of
Chalk.
The third help of Ground is, by ſome other Subſtances that have ver-
excel; inſomuch as the Countreys about Ætna and Veſuvius have a kinde of
amends made them; for the miſchief the eruptions (many times) do, by
the exceeding fruitfulneſs of the ſoyl, cauſed by the Aſhes ſcattered about. Soot alſo, though thin, ſpred in a Field or Garden, is tryed to be a very good
compoſt. For Salt it is too coſtly;
but it is tryed, that mingled with Seed-
corn, and ſown together, it doth good: And I am of opinion, that Chalk in
Powder, mingled with Seed-corn, would do good; perhaps as much as Chalk-
ing the Ground all over. As for the ſteeping of the Seeds in ſeveral mixtures
with Water, to give them vigor, or watring Grounds with Compoſt-water,
we have ſpoken of them before.
The fourth help of Ground is, the ſuffering of Vegetables to die into
as the Stubble of Corn, eſpecially Peaſe.
Brakes caſt upon the Ground in the beginning of Winter, will make it very
fruitful. It were good (alſo) to try whether Leaves of Trees ſwepttogether,
with ſome Chalk and Dung mixed, to give them more heart, would not
make a good Compoſt: For there is nothing loſt, ſo much as Leaves of
Trees, and as they lie ſcattered, and without mixture, they rather make the
Ground ſour, than other wiſe.
The fth help of Ground is, Heat and Warmth.
It hath been an ciently
and Sedge, with the vantage of the Wind,
upon the Ground. We ſee, that Warmth of Walls and Incloſures, mendeth
Ground; we ſee alſo, that lying open to the South, mendeth Ground;
we ſee
again that the Foldings of Sheep help Gound as well by their warmth, as by
their compoſt: And it may be doubted, whether the covering of the Ground
with Brakes, in the beginning of the Winter (whereof we ſpake in the laſt
Experiment) helpeth it not, by reaſon of the Warmth. Nay, ſome very good
laying them on heaps (which is much uſed) is no good Husbandry for that
they would keep the Ground warm.
The ſixth help of Ground is, by Watring and Irrigation, which is in
The one by Letting in, and Shutting out Waters, at ſeaſon-
able times; for Water, at ſome ſeaſons, and with reaſonable ſtay, doth good;
but at ſome other ſeaſons, and with too long ſtay, doth hurt.
And this
ſerveth onely for Meadows, which are along ſome River. The other way
is to bring Water from ſome hanging Grounds, where there are Springs
into the lower Grounds, carrying it in ſome long Furrows; and from thoſe
Furrows, drawing it traverſe to ſpred the Water: And this maketh an excel-
lent improvement, both for Corn and Graſs. It is the richer, if thoſe hang-
ing Grounds, be fruitful, becauſe it waſheth off ſome of the fatneſs of the
Earth; but howſoever it profiteth much.
Generally where there are great
overflows in Fens, or the like, the drowning of them in the Winter, maketh
the Summer following more fruitful: The cauſe may be for, that it keepeth
the Ground warm, and nouriſheth it. But the Fen-men hold, that the Sewers
muſt be kept ſo, as the Water may not ſtay too long in the Spring, till the
Weeds and Sedge be grown up; for then the Ground will be like a Wood
which keepeth out the Sun, and ſo continueth the wet; whereby it will
never graze (to purpoſe) that year. Thus much for Irrigation;
but for
Avoidances, and Drainings of Water, where there is too much, and the
helps of Ground in that kinde, weſhall ſpeak of them in another place.
THe differences between Animate and Inanimate Bodies, we
We ſhall therefore make but a brief
mention of them in this place. The main differences
are two. All Bodies have Spirits, and Pneumatical parts
within them; but the main differences between Ani-
mate and Inanimate are two. The firſt is, that the Spirits
of things animate, are all contined with themſelves,
and are branched in Veins, and ſecret Sanales, as Blood is: And in Living
Creatures, the Spirits have not onely Branches, but certain Sells or Seats,
where the principal Spirits do reſide, and whereunto thereſt do reſort: But
the Spirits in things Inanimate are ſhut in, and cut off by the Tangible parts; and are not pervious one to another, as Air is in Snow.
The ſecond main
difference is, that the Spirits of Animate Bodies are all in ſome degree (more
or leſs) kindled and in flamed, and have a fine commixture of Flame, and
an Ærial ſubſtance: But Inanimate Bodies have their Spirits no whit in-
flamed or kindled. And this difference conſiſteth not in the Heat or Cool-
neſs of Spirits; for Cloves and other Spices, Naptha and Petroleum, have ex-
ceeding hot Spirits (hotter a great deal than Oyl, Wax, or Tallow, &c.)
but
not inflamed. And when any of thoſe weak and temperate Bodies come to
be in flamed, than they gather a much greater heat, than others have unin-
flamed, beſides their light and motion, &c.
The differences which are ſecondary, and proceed from theſe two ra-
inanimate Bodies are not; for look how far the Spirit is able to ſpred and
continue it ſelf, ſo far goeth the ſhape or figure, and then is determined. Secondly, Plants do nouriſh, inanimate Bodies do not;
they have an Accre-
tion, but no Alimentation. Thirdly, Plants have a period of life, which in-
animate Bodies have not. Fourthly, they have a ſucceſſion and propagation
of their kinde, which is not in Bodies inanimate.
The differences between Plants, and Metals, or Foßiles beſides thoſe four
Firſt, Metals
are more durable than Plants: Secondly, they are more ſolid and hard:
Thirdly, they are wholly ſubterrany;
whereas Plants are part above Earth,
and part under Earth.
There be very few Creatures that participate of the Nature of Plants, and
Coral is one of the neareſt of both kindes;
another is Vitriol,
for that is apteſt to ſprout with moiſture.
Another ſpecial Affinity is between Plants and Mould, or Purrefaction:
to Plants or Living Creatures bred of Putrefaction. I account Moß, and Muſh-
romes, and Agarick, and other of thoſe kindes, to be but Moulds of the Ground,
Walls, and Trees, and the like. As for Flesh, and Fish, and Plants themſelves,
and a number of other things, after a Mouldineß, or Rottenneß, or Corrupting,
they will fall to breed Worms. Theſe Putrefactions, which have Affinity with
Plants, have this difference from them; that they have no ſucceſſion or pro-
pagation, though they nouriſh, and have a period of Life, and have like wiſe
ſome Figure.
I left once, by chance, a Citron cut in a cloſe room, ſor three Summer-
and at my return, there were grown forth out
of the Pith cut, Tufts of Hairs, an inch long, with little black Heads, as if they
would have been ſome Herb.
THe Affinities and Differences between Plants and Living Creatures, and
They have both of them Spirits continued and
But firſtin Living Creatures the Spirits have a Cell
or Seat, which Plants have not, as was alſo formerly ſaid. And ſecondly, the
Spirits of Living Creatures hold more of Flame, than the Spirits of Plants do; and theſe two are the Radical difterences.
For the Secondary differences,
they are as follow. Firſt, Plants are all fixed to the Earth;
where as all Living
Creatures are ſevered, and of themſelves. Secondly, Living Creatureshave
Local Motion, Plants have not. Thirdly, Living Creatures nouriſh from
their upper parts by the Mouth chiefly; Plants nouriſh from below, namely
from the Roots. Fourthly, Plants have their Seed and Seminal parts upper-
moſt, Living Creatures have them lowermoſt; and therefore it was ſaid,
not Elegantly alone, but Philoſophically: Home eſt Planta inverſa.
Man is like
a Plant turned upwards; For the Root in Plants, is as the Head in Living Crea-
tures. Fiſthly, Living Creatures have a more exact Figure than Plants.
Sixthly,
Living Creatures have more diverſity of Organs within their Bodies and (as
it were) in ward Figures than Plants have. Seventhly, Living Creatures have
Senſe, which Plants have not. Eightly, Living Creatures have Voluntary
Motion, which Plants have not.
For the difference of Sexes in Plants, they are oftentimes by name diſtin-
as Male-Piony, Female.
Piony;
Male-Roſemary, Female-Roſemary;
He-
Holly, She-Holly, &c.
But Generation by Copulation (certainly) extendeth
not to Plants. The neareſt approach of it, is between the He-Palm, and the
She-Palm, which (as they report) if they grow near, incline the one to the
other; inſomuch as, (that which is more ſtrange) they doubt not to report,
that to keep the Trees upright from bending, they tye Ropes or Lines from
the one to the other, that the contact might be enjoyned by the contact of a
middle Body. But this may be feigned, or at leaſt amplified.
Nevertheleſs, I
like unto Maſculine and Feminine, doth hold in all Living Bodies. It is con-
founded ſometimes; as in ſome Creatures of Putrefaction, wherein no marks
of diſtinction appear; and it is doubled ſometimes, as in Hermaphrodites:
but generally there is a degtee of ſtrength in moſt Species.
The Participles or Confiners between Plants and Living Creatures, are
though
they have a Motion in their parts, ſuch as are Oyſters, Cockles, and ſuch like,
There is a fabulous Narration, That in the Northern Countreys there ſhould be
an Herb that groweth in the likeneſs of a Lamb, and feedethupon the Graſs,
in ſuch ſort, as it will bear the Graſs round about. But, I ſuppoſe, that the
Figure maketh the Fable; for ſo weſee there be Bee-flowers, &
c.
And as
for the Graſs, it ſeemeth the Plant, having a greatſtalk and top, doth prey
upon the Graſs a good way about, by drawing the Juyce of the Earth
from it.
THe Indian Fig boweth his Roots down ſolow in one year, as of it ſelf it
and ſo multiplieth from Root to Root, making of
The cauſe is, the plenty of the Sap, and the
ſoftneſs of the ſtalk, which maketh the Bough, being over-loaden, and not
ſtiffly upheld, weigh down. It hath Leaves as broad as a little Target, but
the Fruitno biggerthan Beans. The cauſe is, for that the continual ſhade in-
creaſeth the Leaves, and abateth the Fruit; which nevertheleſs is of a plea-
ſant taſte. And that (no doubt) is cauſed, by the ſuppleneſs and gentleneſs
of the Juyce of that Plant, being that which maketh the Boughs alſo ſo
flexible.
It is reported by one of the Ancients, that there is a certain Indian Tree,
and
that the Fruit being of good taſte, groweth out of the Bark. It may be, there
be Plants that pour out the Sap ſo faſt, as they have no leiſure, either to divide
into many Leaves, or to put forth Stalks to the Fruit. With us Trees gene-
rally have ſmall Leaves in compariſon. The Fig hath the greateſt, and next
it the Vine, Mulberry, and Sycamore, and the leaſt are thoſe of the Willow, Birch,
and Thorn. But there be found Herbs with far greater Leaves than any Tree;
as the Bur, Gourd, Cucumber, and Colewort.
The cauſe is, (like to that of the in-
dian Fig) the haſty and plentiful putting forth of the Sap.
There be three things in uſe for ſweetneſs, Sugar, Honey, Manna.
For
It is found in
Canes; Quære, whether to the firſt Knuckle, or further up?
and whether the
very Bark of the Cane it ſelf do yield Sugar, or no? For Honey, the Bee
maketh it, or gathereth it; but I have heard from one, that was induſtrious
in Husbandry, that the labor of the Bee is about the Wax, and that he hath
known in the beginning of May, Honey-Combs empty of Honey, and within
a fortnight, when the ſweet Dews fall, filled like a Cellar. It is reported by
ſome of the Ancients, that there is a Tree called Occhus, in the Valleys of Hyr-
cania, that diſtilleth Honey in the Mornings. It is not unlike, that the Sap
and Tears of ſome Trees may be ſweet. It may be alſo, that ſome ſweet Juy-
ces, fit for many uſes, may be concocted out of Fruits, to the thickneſs of
Honey, or perhaps of Sugar; the likelieſt are Raſins of the Sun, Figs, and
Corrans: The Means may be enquired.
The Ancients report of a Tree, by the Perſian Sea, upon the Shore-ſands,
and when the Tide ebbeth, you ſhall
ſee the Roots, as it were, bare without Bark (being, as it ſeemeth, corroded by
the Salt) and graſping the Sands like a Crab, which nevertheleſs beareth a
Fruit. It were good to try ſome hard Trees, as a Service-Tree or Fit- Tree,
by ſetting them within the Sands.
There be of Plants which they uſe for Garments, theſe that follow,
is a growing Silk; they make alſo Cables of the Bark of Lime-Trees.
It is the
Stalk that maketh the Filaceous matter commonly, and ſometimes the Down
that groweth above.
They have in ſome Countreys, a Plant of a Roſie-colour, which ſhurteth
which the
Inhabitants of thoſe Countreys ſay, is a Plant that ſleepeth. There be Sleep-
ers enough then; for almoſt all Flowers do the like.
Some Plants there are, but rare, that have a Moſſie or Downy Root, and
whereof
Witches and Impoſtors make an ugly Image, giving it the form of a face at the
top of the Root, and leave thoſe ſtrings to make a broad Beard down to the
foot. Alſo there is a kinde of Nard in Creet (being a kinde of Phu) that hath
a Root hairy, like a Rough-footed Doves foot. So as you may ſee, there are
of Roots, Bulbous Roots, Fibrous Roots, and Hirſute Roots. And, I take it, in the
Bulbous, the Sap haſtneth moſt to the Air and Sun: In the Fibrous, the Sap de-
lighteth more in the Earth, and thereſore putteth downward; and the Hir-
ſute is a middle between both, that beſides the putting forth upwards and
downwards, putteth forth in round.
There are ſome Tears of Trees, which are kembed from the Beards of
for when the Goats bite and crop them, eſpecially in the Mornings,
the Dew being on, the Tear cometh forth, and hangeth upon their Beards: Of this ſort is ſome kinde of Ladanum.
The irrigation of the Plane-tree by Wine, is reported by the Ancients,
It would be tryed likewiſe with Roots;
ſor upon Seeds
it worketh no great effect.
The way to carry Foreign Roots, a long way, is to veſſel them cloſe in
but if the Veſſels be not very great, you muſt make ſome
holes in the bottom, to give ſome refreſhment to the Roots; which other-
wiſe (as it ſeemeth) will decay, and ſuffocate.
The ancient Cinnamon, was, of all other Plants, while it grew, the diyeſt;
that more ſteril; for in ſhowers it proſpered worſt:
It grew alſo amongſt
Buſhes of other kindes, where commonly Plants do not thrive, neither did
it love the Sun. There might be one cauſe of all thoſe effects, namely,
the ſparing nouriſhment, which that Plant required. Quære, how far
Caßia, which is now the ſubſtitute of Cinnamon, doth participate of theſe
things.
It is reported by one of the Ancients, that Caßia, when it is gathered, is
and that the Skins corrupting,
and breeding Worms, the Worms do devour the Pith and Marrow of it,
and ſo make it hollow, but meddle not with the Bark, becauſe to them it is
bitter.
There were in ancient time, Vines of far greater Bodies, then we know
forthere have been Cups made of them, and an Image of Fupiter.
But
it is like they were wilde Vines; for the Vines that they uſe for Wine, are ſo
and ſo much digged and dreſſed, that their Sap ſpendeth into the
Grapes, and ſo the Stalk cannot increaſe much in bulk. The Wood of Vines
is very durable, without rotting. And that which is ſtrange, though no Tree
hath the Twigs, while they are green, ſo brittle, yet the Wood dried is ex-
tream tough, and was uſed by the Captains of Armies amongſt the Romans
for their Cudgels.
It is reported, That in ſome places, Vines are ſuffered to grow like
very great. It were good to maketryal, whether Plants that uſe to be born
up by props, will putforth greater Leaves, and greater Fruits, if they be laid
along the Ground; as Hops, Ivy, Woodbine, &
c.
Quinces or Apples, &
c.
if you will keep them long, drown them in Honey;
good to make tryal in Powder oſ Sugar, or in Syrrup of Wine onely boiled
to height. Both theſe would likewife be tried in Orenges, Lemmons, and
Pomegranates; for the Powder of Sugar, and Syrrup of Wine, will ſerve
for times more than once.
The Conſervation of Fruit would be alſo tried in Veſſels, filled with fine
Oak-wood, or in Mill.
Such Fruits as you appoint for long keeping, you muſt gather before
and when the
Wind bloweth not South, and when the Moon is under the Earth, and in
decreaſe.
Take Grapes, and hang them in an empty Veſſel, well ſtopped;
and ſet
long. But it is reported by ſome, they will keep better in a Veſſel half full
of Wine, ſo that the Grapes touch not the Wine.
It is reported, that the preſerving of the Stalk, helpeth to preſerve the
eſpecially, if the Stalk be put into the Pith of Elder, the Elder not
touching the Fruit.
It is reported by ſome of the Ancients, that Fruit put into Bottles, and
Of Herbs and Plants, ſome are good to eat Raw;
as Lettuce, Endive,
c.
Others
onely after they are boiled, or have paſſed the Fire; as Parſley, Clary, Sage,
Parſnips, Turnips, Aſparagus, Artichoaks, (though they alſo beingyoung
are eaten raw.) But a number of Herbs are not eſculent at all;
as Worm-
wood, Graſs, Green-Corn, Centory, Hyſſope, Lavender, Balm, &c.
The
cauſes are, for that the Herbs that are not eſculent, do want the two taſtes,
in which nouriſhmentreſteth; which are fat and ſweet, and have (contrari-
wiſe) bitter and over-ſtrong taſtes, or a juyce ſo crude, as cannot be ripened
to the degree of Nouriſhment, Herbs, and Plants, that are Eſculent raw, have
fatneſs, or ſweetneſs (as all Eſculent Fruits) ſuch are Onions, Lettuce, &c.
But
then it muſt be ſuch a fatneſs (for as for ſweet things, they are in effect al-
ways eſculent) as is not over-groſs, as loading of the Stomack; for Parſnips
and Leeks have fatneſs; but it is too groſs and heavy without boiling.
It
muſt be alſo in a ſubſtance ſomewhattender; for we ſee Wheat, Barley, Arti-
choaks, are no good Nouriſhment, till they have paſſed the Fire; but the
Fire doth ripen, and maketh them ſoft and tender, and ſo they become
eſculent. As for Raddiſh, and Tarragon, and the like, they are for Condi-
ments, and not for Nouriſhment; and even ſome of thoſe Herbs, which are
as Hops, Broom, &
c.
Quare, what
Herbs are good for Drink, beſides the two aforenamed; for that it may
(perhaps) eaſe the charge of Brewing, if they make Beer to require leſs Malt,
or make it laſt longer.
Parts fit for the nouriſhment of Man in Plants, are Seeds, Roots, and
but chiefly Seeds and Roots.
For Leaves, they give no nouriſhment at all,
or very little; no more do Flowers, or Bloſſoms, or Stalks.
The reaſon is, for
that Roots, and Seeds, and Fruits, (in as much as all Plants conſiſt of an Oyly,
and Watry ſubſtance commixed) have more of the Oyly ſubſtance, and
Leaves, Flowers, &c.
of the Watry.
And ſecondly, they are more concocted,
for the Root, which continueth ever in the Earth, is ſtill concocted by the
Earth; and Fruits and Grains (we ſee) arehalf a year, or more in concocting;
whereas Leaves are out, and perfect in a Moneth.
Plants (for the moſt part) are more ſtrong, both in taſte and ſmell in the
The cauſe is, for that in Plants that are not
of a fierce and eager ſpirit, the vertue is increaſed by Concoction and Ma-
turation, which is ever moſt in the Seed; but in Plants that are of a fierce and
eager ſpirit, they are ſtronger whileſt the ſpirit is incloſed in the Root; and
the ſpirits do but weaken and diſſipate, when they come to the Air and Sun; as we ſee in Onions, Garlick, Dragon &
c.
Nay, there be Plants that have their
Roots very hot and aromatical, and their Seeds rather inſipide as Ginger. The
cauſe is (as was touched before) for that the heat of thoſe Plants is very diſſi-
pable; which under the Earth is contained and held in, but when it cometh
to the Air, it exhaleth.
The Juyces of Fruits, are either Watry or Oyly.
Ireckon amongſt the
as the Grape, the Ap-
ple, the Peer, the Cherry, the Pomegranate, &c.
And there areſome others, whic
though they be not in uſe for Drink, yet they appear to be of the ſame nature; as Plums, Services Mulberries, Raſps, Orenges, Lemmons, &
c.
And for thoſe Juyces
that are ſo fleſhy, as they cannot make Drink by Expreſſion, yet perhaps)
they may make Drink by mixture of Water.
And it may be Heps and Brier-Berries would do the like.
Thoſe that have Oyly
Juyces, are Olives. Almonds, Nuts of all ſorts, Pine-Apples, &
c.
and their Juyces
are all inflamable. And you muſt obſerve alſo, that ſome of the Watry Juyces,
after they have gathered ſpirit, will burn and enflame, as Wine. There is a
third kinde of Fruit that is ſweet, with out either ſharpneſs or oylineſs; ſuch
as is the Fig and the Date.
It hath been noted, that moſt Trees, and eſpecially thoſe that bear Maſt,
The cauſe, no doubt, is the expence of
Sap; for many Orchard Trees well cultured, will bear divers years toge-
ther.
There is no Tree, which beſides the Natural Fruit, doth bear ſo many
for beſides the Acorn, it beareth Galls,
Oak-Apples, and certain Oak-Nuts, which are inflamable; and certain
Oak-Berries ſticking cloſe to the Body of the Tree without Stalk. It beareth
alſo Miſſeltee, though rarely. The cauſe of all theſe may be, the cloſeneſs,
and ſolidneſs of the Wood, and Pithe of the Oak; which maketh ſeveral
Juyces finde ſeveral Eruptions. And therefore, if you will deviſe to make
any Super-Plants, you muſt ever give the Sap plentiful riſing, and hard
iſſue.
There are two Excreſcences which grow upon Trees, both of them
the one the Romans called Boletus, which grow-
eth upon the Roots of Oaks, and was one of the dainties of their Table: The other is Medicinal, that is called Agarick (whereof we have ſpoken
before) which groweth upon the tops of Oaks; though it be affirmed
by ſome, that it groweth alſo at the Roots. I do conceive, that many Ex-
creſcences of Trees grow chiefly, where the Tree is dead or faded; for
that the Natural Sap of the Tree, corrupteth into ſome Prenatural ſub-
ſtance.
The greater part of Trees bear moſt, and beſt on the lower Boughs,
c.
But ſome bear beſt on the top Boughs, as
Crabs, &c.
Thoſe that bear beſt below, are ſuch, as ſhade doth more good to
than hurt: For generally all Fruits bear beſt loweſt, becauſe the Sap itreth,
not having but a ſhort way. And therefore in Fruits ſpred upon Walls, the
loweſt are the greateſt, as was formely ſaid: So it is, the ſhade that hindreth
the lower Boughs, except it be in ſuch Trees as delight in ſhade, or at leaſt
bear it well. And therefore they are either ſtrong Trees, as the Oak, or elſe
they have large Leaves, as the Walnut and Fig, or elſe they grow in Pyramis
as the Pear. But if they require very much Sun, they bear beſt on the top;
as it is Crabs, Apples, Plumbs, &
c.
There be Trees that bear beſt when they begin to be old;
as Almonds,
The cauſe is, for that all Trees that
bear Maſt have an oyly Fruit; and young Trees have a more watry Juyce, and
leſs concocted; and of the ſame kinde alſo is the Almond.
The Pear like wiſe
though it be not oyly, yet it requireth much Sap, and well concocted; for
we ſee it is a heavy Fruit and ſolid, much more than Apples, Plumbs, &c.
As
for the Vine, it is noted that it beareth more Grapes when it is young; but
Grapes that make better Wine when it is old, for that the Juyce is the better
concocted: And we ſee, that Wine is inflamable, ſo as it hath a kinde of oyli-
neſs. But the moſt part of Trees, amongſt which are Apples, Plumbs, &
c.
bear beſt when they are young.
There be Plants that have a Milk in them when they are cut;
as Figs,
c.
The cauſe may be an Inception of
Putrefaction: For thoſe Milks have all an Acrimony, though one would think
they ſhould be Lenitive. For if you write upon Paper with the Milk of the
Fig, the Letters will not be ſeen, until you hold the Paper before the fire,
and then they wax brown; which ſheweth, that it is a ſharp or fretting
Juyce. Lettucè is thought poyſonous, when it is ſo old as to have Milk:
Spurge is a kinde of poyſon in it ſelf;
and as for Sow-thiſtles, though Coneys
eat them, yet Sheep and Cattel will not touch them; and beſides, the Milk
of them, rubbed upon Warts, in ſhort time weareth them away: Which
ſheweth the Milk of them to be Corrowſive. We ſee alſo, that Wheat and
other Cornſown, if you take them forth of the Ground, before they ſprout,
are full of Milk; and the beginning of Germination is ever a kinde of Pu-
trefaction of the Seed. Euphorhium alſo hath a Milk, though not very white,
which is of a great Acrimony. And Saladine hath a yellow Milk, which hath
likewiſe much Acrimony, for it cleanſeth the Eyes; it is good alſo for
Cataracts.
Mushromes are reported to grow, as well upon the Bodies of Trees, as
The
cauſe is, for that ſtrong Trees are towards ſuch Excreſcences in the nature
of Earth, and therefore put forth Moß, Mushromes, and the like.
There is hardly found a Plant that yieldeth a red Juyce in the Blade or
which gr weth
chiefly in the Iſland Soquotra: The Herb Aramanthus (indeed) is red all
over; and Braſrt is red in the Wood;
and ſo is Red Sanders.
The Tree oſ
Sanguis Draconis groweth in the form of a Sugar-Loaf; it is like the Sap of
that Plant concocteth in the Body of the Tree. For we ſee, that Grapes
and Pomegranatesare red in the Juyce, but are Green in the Tear. And this
maketh the Tree of Sanguis Draconis leſſer to wards the top, becauſe the Juyce
haſtneth not up; and beſides, it is very Aſtringent, and therefore of ſlow
motion.
It is reported, that Sweet Moſs, beſides that upon the Apple-trees,
is a ſmooth Tree of Bark, and hath little Moſs. The Moſs of the Larix-tree
burneth alſo ſweet, and ſparkleth in the burning. Quære, of the Moſſes of
Odorate Trees; as Cedar, Cypreß, Lignum, Aloes &
c.
The Death, that is moſt without pain, hath been noted to be upon the
which in Humanity was the ſorm of exe-
cution oſ capital offenders in Athens. The Poyſon of the Aſpe, that Cleopatra
uſed, hath ſome affinity with it. The cauſe is, for that the torments of Death
are chiefly raiſed by the ſtriſe of the Spirits; and theſe Vapors quench the
Spirits by degrees; like to the death of an extream old Man.
I con-
ceive it is leſs painful then Opium, becauſe Opium hath parts of heat
mixed.
There be Fruits that are ſweet before they ripen, as Mirabolanes;
ſo
and ſome
never ripen to be ſweet; as Tamarinds, Barberries, Crabs, Sloes, &
c.
The cauſe
is, for that the former kinde have much and ſubtile heat, which cauſeth early
ſweetneſs; the latter have a cold and acide Juyce, which no heat of the
Sun can ſweeten. But as for the Mirabolane, it hath parts of contrary natures,
for it is ſweet and aſtringent.
There be few Herbs that have a Salt taſte;
and contrariwiſe, all Blood
the cauſe may be, for that Salt, though
it be the Rudiment of Life, yet in Plants the original taſte remaineth not; for you ſhall have them bitter, ſowre, ſweet biting, but ſeldom ſalt:
Butin
Living Creatures, all thoſe high taſtes may happen to be (ſometimes) in the
humors, but are ſeldom in the fleſh, or ſubſtance; becauſe it is of a more
oyly Nature, which is not very ſuſceptible of thoſe taſtes; and the ſaltneſs
it ſelf of Blood, is but a light and ſecret ſaltneſs: And even among Plants,
ſome do participate of ſaltneſs, as Alga Marina, Samphire, Scurvy Graß, &c.
And they report there is in ſome of the Indian Seas, a Swiming Plant, which
they call Salgazus, ſpreding over the Sea, in ſort, as one would think it were
a Meadow. It is certain, that out of the Aſhes of all Plants, they extra ct a
Salt which they uſe in Medicines.
It is reported by one of the Ancients, that there is an Herb, growing in
This Herb putteth forth
another ſmall Herb out of the Leaf, which is imputed to ſome moiſture, that
is gathered bet ween the Prickles, which putrified by the Sun, germinateth. But I remember alſo, I have ſeen, for a great rarity, one Roſe grow out of
another, like Honey Suckles, that they call Top and Top-gallants.
Barley (as appeareth in the Malting) being ſteeped in Water three days,
Floar, will ſprout half an inch long, at leaſt: And if it be let alone, and
Wheat will do the ſame;
try it alſo with Peaſe and Beans.
This Experiment is not like that of the
Orpin and Semper-vive; for there it is of the old ſtore, for no Water is added,
but here it is nouriſhed from the Water. The Experiment would be further
driven; for it appeareth already, by that which hath been ſaid, that Earth
is not neceſſary to the ſirſt ſpr outing of Plants, and we ſee, that Roſe-Buds
ſet in Water, will blow: Therefore try whether the Sprouts of ſuch Grains
may not be raiſed to a further degree, asto an Herb or Flower, with Water
onely, or ſome ſmall commixture of Earth: For if they will, it ſhould ſeem
by the Experiments before, both of the Malt, and of the Roſes, that they
will come far faſter on in Water then in Earth; for the nouriſhment is eaſi-
lier drawn out of Water then out of Earth. It may give ſome light alſo that
Drink infuſed with Fleſh, as that with the Capon, &c.
will nouriſh faſter
and eaſilier, then Meat and Drink together. Try the ſame Experiment with
Roots, as well as with Grains. As for example, take a Turnip and ſteep it a
while, and then dry it, and ſee whether it will fprout.
Malt in the Drenching will ſwell, and that in ſuch a manner, as after
ed, at leaſt, a Buſhel in eight, and yet the ſprouts are rubbed off, and there
will be a Buſhel of Duſt beſides the Malt; which I ſuppoſe to be, not onely
by the looſe and open laying of the Parts, but by fome addition oſ ſubſtance
drawn from the Water, in which it was ſteeped.
Malt gathereth a ſweetneſs to the taſte, which appeareth yet more in
The Dulcoration of things is worthy to be tryed to the ſull;
for
that Dulcoration importeth a degree to nouriſhment. And the making of
things inalimental to become alimental, may be an Experiment of great
proſit for making new victual.
Moſt Seedsin the growing, leave their Husk or Rind about the Root;
the young Onion. The cauſe may be, for that the Skin or Husk is not eaſie
to break; as we ſee by the pilling of Onions, what a holding ſubſtance the
Skin is.
Plants that have curled Leaves, do all abound with moiſture, which
gather together. The weakeſt kinde of curling is roughneſs, as in Clary and
Bur. Theſecond is, curling on the ſides;
as in Lettuce and young Cabbage.
And the third is, folding into an Head, as in Cabbage full grown, and Cab-
bage Lettuce.
It is reported, that Firr and Pine, eſpecially if they be old and putrefied,
they will ſpark le like hard Sugar.
The Roots of Trees do (ſome of them) put down wards deep into the
as the Oak, Pine, Firr, &
c.
Some ſpred more to wards the Surface
of the Earth; as the Ash, Cypreß-tree, Olive, &
c.
The cauſe of this latter
may be, for that ſuch Trees as love the Sun, do not willingly deſc
far into the Earth; and therefore they are (commonly) Trees that ſhoot
up much; for in their Body their deſire of approach to the Sun maketh
them ſpred the lels. And the ſame reaſon, under Ground, to avoid receſs
from the Sun, maketh them ſpred the more, And we ſee it cometh to
paſs in ſome Trees which have been planted to deep in the Ground, that
for love of approach to the Sun, they forſake their firſt Root, and put
out another more towards the top of the Earth. And we ſee alſo, that
Cypreſs is an hot Tree. As for the Oak, which is of the former ſort, it
loveth the Earth, and thereſore groweth ſlowly. And for the Pine, and
Firr likewiſe, they have ſo much heat in themſelves, as they need leſs the
heat oſ the Sun. There be Herbs alſo, that have the ſame difference;
as
the Herb they call Morſus Diaboli, which putteth the Root down ſo low, as
you cannot pull it up without breaking; which gave occaſion to the name
and fable, ſor that it was ſaid it was ſo wholeſome a Root, That the Devil
when it was gathered, bit it for envy. And ſome of the Ancients do report,
that there was a goodly Firr (which they deſired to remove whole)
that had a Root under ground eight cubits deep, and ſo the Root came up
broken.
It hath been obſerved, that a Branch of a Tree being unbarked ſome
Trees, as if the Branch were ſet with the Bark on, they would not grow; yet
contrariwiſe we ſee, that a Tree pared round in the Body above Ground will
die. The cauſe may be, for that the unbarkt part dra weth the nouriſhment
beſt, but the Bark continueth it onely.
Grapes will continue freſh and moiſt all Winter long, if you hang them
ther the cluſter, you take off with the cluſter ſome of the ſtock.
The Reed or Cane is a watry Plant, and groweth not but in the Water.
and Root, that being dry it is more hard and fragile then other Wood, that
it putteth forth no Boughs, though many Stalks out of one Root, It differ-
eth much in greatneſ, the ſmalleſt being fit for thatching of Houſes, and
ſtopping the chinks of Ships better then Glew or Pitch. The ſecond bigneſs
is uſed ſor Angle rods and Staves, and in China for beating of offenders upon
the Thighs. The differing kindes of them are, the common Reed, the
Caßia FiſOf all Plants it boweth the eaſieſt, and
riſeth again. It ſeemeth, that amongſt Plants which are nouriſhed with
mixture of Earth and Water, it dra weth moſt nouriſhment from Water; which maketh it the ſmootheſt of all others in Bark, and the holloweſt in
Body.
The Sap of Trees, when they are let Blood, is of differing Natures.
Some
ſome thick,
as Apples; ſome Gummy, as Cherries;
ſome frothy, as Elms;
ſome milky,
as Figs. In Mulberries, the Sap ſeemeth to be (almoſt) towards the Bark
onely; for if you cut the Tree a little into the Bark with a Stone, it will come
forth, if you pierce it deeper with a tool, it will be dry. The Trees which
have the moiſteſt Juyces in their Fruit, have commonly the moiſteſt Sap in
their Body; for the Vines and Pears are very moiſt, Apples ſome what
more ſpongy: the Milk of the Fig hath the quality of the Rennet, to ga-
ther Cheeſe, and ſo have certain ſour Herbs where with they make Cheeſe
in Lent.
The Timber and Wood are in ſome Trees more clean, in ſome more knotty;
Ear at the other: For if it be knotty, the voice will not paſs well.
Some
have the Veins more varied and Chamloted; as Oak, whereof Wainſcot
is made; Maple, whereof Trenchers are made:
Some more ſmooth, as
Firr and VValnut; ſome do more eaſily breed Worms and Spiders;
ſome
more hardly, as it is ſaid of Iriſh Trees. Beſides, there be a number of
As Oak, Cedar, and Cheſſnut, are
the beſt builders. Some are beſt for Plough-timber, as Aſh;
ſome for Peers,
that are ſometimes wet and ſometimes dry, as Elm; ſome for Planchers, as
Deal; ſome for Tables, Cupboards and Desks, as Walnuts;
ſome for Ship-
timber, as Oaks that grow in moiſt Grounds, for that maketh the Timber
tough, and not apt to rift with Ordnance, wherein Engliſh and Iriſh Timber
are thought to excel) ſome for Maſts of Ships, as Firr and Pine, becauſe of
their length, ſtraightneſs, and lightneſs; ſome for Pale, as Oak;
ſome for
Fuel, as Aſh: And ſo of the reſt.
The coming of Trees and Plants in certain Regions, and not in others,
for many have been tranſlated, and have proſpered
well; as Damask Roſes, that have not been known in England above an
hundred years, and now are ſo common. But the liking of Plants in
certain Soyls more then in others, is meerly Natural; as the Firr and
Pine love the Mountains; the Poplar, Willow, Sallow, and Alder, love
Rivers and moiſt places; the Aſh loveth Coppices, but is beſt in Standards
alone; Juniper loveth Chalk, and ſo do moſt Fruit-trees;
Sampire
groweth but upon Rocks; Reeds and Oſiers grow where they are waſhed
with Winter; the Vine loveth ſides of Hills turning upon the South Eaſt
Sun, &c.
The putting forth of certain Herbs, diſcovereth of what nature the
as wilde Thyme ſheweth good Feeding
Ground for Cattel; Bettony and Strawberries ſhew Groundsfit for Wood;
Camomile ſheweth mellow Grounds fit for Wheat;
Muſtard-ſeed growing
after the Plough, ſheweth a good ſtrong Ground alſo for Wheat; Burnet
ſheweth good Meadow, and the like.
There are found in divers Countreys, ſome other Plants that grow out
As in Syria there is an Herb called
Caſſytas, that groweth out of tall Trees, and windeth it ſelf about the ſame
Tree where it groweth, and ſometimes about Thorns. There is a kinde
of Polypode that groweth out of Trees, though it windeth not. So like-
wiſe an Herb called Faunos upon the Wilde Olive; and an Herb called Hip-
pophæſton upon the Fullers Thorn, which, they ſay, is good for the Falling-
ſickneſs.
It hath been obſerved by ſome of the Ancients, that howſoever cold
leſs South-winds are alſo found to do hurt, eſpecially in the Bloſſoming
time, and the more, if ſhowers follow. It ſeemeth they call forth the
moiſture too ſaſt. The Weſt winds are the beſt.
It hath been obſerved alſo,
that green and open Winters do hurt Trees, inſomuch, as if two or three
ſuch Winters come together, Almond-Trees, and ſome other Trees will die. The cauſe is the ſame with the former, becauſe the Luſt of the Earth over-
ſpendeth it ſelf; howſoever ſome other of the Ancients have commended
warm Winters.
Snows lying long cauſe a fruitful year.
For ſirſt, they keep in the ſtrength
Secondly, they water the Earth better then Rain;
for in
Snow the Earth doth (as it were) ſuck the Water as out of the Teat: Third-
ly, the moiſture of Snow is the fineſt moiſture, for it is the Froth of the
Cloudy Waters.
Showers, if they come a little beſore the ripening of Fruits, do good to
yet it is rather
for plenty then for goodneſs, for the beſt Wines are in the dryeſt Vintages.
not upon them. Generally, Night-ſhowers are better then Day ſhowers;
for that the Sun followeth not ſo ſal
And we ſee, even
in watering by the Hand, it is beſt in Summer time to water in the
Evening.
The differences of Earths, and the tryals oſ them, are worthy to be
The Earth that with ſhowers dotheaſily ſoften, is com
mended; and yet ſome Earth of that kinde will be very dry and hard before
the ſhowers. The Earth that caſteth up from the Plough a great clod, is not
ſo good as that which caſteth up a ſmaller clod. The Earth that putteth forth
Moſs eaſily, and may be called Mouldy, is not good. The Earth that ſmel-
leth well upon the Digging, or Ploughing, is commended; as containing
the Juyce of Vegetables almoſt already prepared. It is thought by ſome, that
the ends of low Rain-bows fall more upon one kinde of Earth then upon
another: As it may well be, for that Earth is moſt roſcide;
and therefore it
is commended for a ſign of a good Earth. The poorneſs of the Herbs (it is
plain) ſheweth the poorneſs of the Earth, and eſpecially, if they be in colour
more dark: But if the Herbs ſhew withered or blaſted at the top, it ſheweth
the Earth to be very cold; and ſo doth the Moſſir eſs oſ Trees.
The Earth
whereoſ the Graſs is ſoon parched with the Sun and toaſted, is commonly
forced Earth, and barren in his own nature. The tender, cheſſom, and mellow
Earth is the beſt; being meer Mould, between the two extreams of Clay
and Sand, eſpecially, if it be not Loamy and Binding. The Earth that aſter
Rain will ſcarce be Ploughed, is commonly ſruitſul; ſor it is cleaving, and
full of Juyce.
It is ſtrange, which is obſerved by ſome of the Ancients, that Duſt
inſomuch, as they
caſt Duſt upon them of purpoſe. It ſhould ſeem that that powdring, when
a ſhower cometh, maketh a kinde of ſoyling to the Tree, b@ing Earth and
Water finely laid on. And they note, that Countreys where the Fields and
Ways are duſty, bear the beſt Vines.
It is commended by the Ancients ſor an excellent help to Trees, to lay
the Ground, where you will ſow Corn. The burning alſo of the cuttings of
Vines, and caſting them upon Land, doth much good. And it was general-
ly received of old, that dunging of Grounds whenthe Weſt-wind bloweth,
and in the decreaſe of the Moon, doth greatly help; the Earth (asit ſeemeth)
being then more thirſty, and open to receive the Dung.
The Graffing of Vines upon Vines (as Itake it) is not now in uſe.
The
the firſt was Inſition, which is the
ordinary manner of Graffing: The ſecond was Terebration, through the
middle of the Stock, and putting in the Cions there: And the third was
Paring of two Vines that grow together to the Marrow, and binding them
cloſe.
The Diſeaſes and ill Accidents of Corn, are worthy to be enquired, and
them; whereas many of them are not to be remedied.
The Mildew is one
of the greateſt, which (out of queſtion) cometh by cloſeneſs of Air; and therefore in Hills, or large Champain Grounds, it ſeldom cometh,
ſuch as is with us York’s Woald. This cannot be remedied, otherwiſe
then that in Countreys of ſmall encloſure the Grounds be turned into
larger Fields: Which I have known to do good in ſome Farms.
times (eſpecially Barley) doth degenerate. It hapneth chiefly from the
weakneſs of the Grain that is ſown; for if it be either too old or mouldy,
it will bring forth wilde Oats. Another diſeaſe is the ſatiety of the
Ground; for if you ſow one Ground ſtill with the ſame Corn (I mean not
the ſame Corn that grew upon the ſame Ground, but the ſame kinde of
Grain, as Wheat, Barley, &c.)
it will proſper but poorly;
therefore be-
ſides the reſting of the Ground, you muſt vary the Seed. Another ill Accid ent
is from the Winds, which hurt at two times; at the flowring by ſhaking off
the Flowers, and at the full ripening by ſhaking out the Corn. Another ill
Accident is Drought at the ſpindling of the Corn, which with us is rare, but
in hotter Countreys common, inſomuch as the word Calamitas was firſt
derived from Calamus, when the Corn could not get out of the ſtalk. Another ill Accident is Over-wet at ſowing time, which with us breedeth
much Dearth, inſomuch as the Corn never cometh up; and (many times)
they are forced to re-ſow Summer-Corn, where they ſowed Winter-Corn.
Another ill Accident is bitter Froſts, continued without Snow, eſpecially in
the beginning of the Winter, after the Seed is new ſown. Another Diſeaſe
is Worms, which ſometimes breed in the Root, and happen upon hot Suns
and ſhowers immediately after the ſowing; and another Worm breedeth in
the Ear it ſelf, eſpecially when hot Suns break often out of Clouds. An-
other Diſeaſe is Weeds; and they are ſuch, as either choak and over-ſhadow
the Corn, and bear it down, or ſtarve the Corn, and deceive it of nouriſh-
ment. Another Diſeaſe is, over-rankneſs of the Corn, which they uſe to
remedy by Mowing it after it is come up, or putting Sheep into it. An-
other ill Accident is, laying of Corn with great Rains near or in Harveſt.
Another ill Accident is, if the Seed happen to have touched Oyl, or any
thing that is fat; for thoſe ſubſtances have an antipathy with nouriſhment of
Water.
The remedies oſ the Diſeaſes of Corn have been obſerved as followeth.
preſervative; the Mingling of Seed.
Corn with Aſhes, is thought to be good;
the Sowing at the wane of the Moon, is thought to make the Corn ſound.
It hath not been practiſed, but it is thought to be of uſe to make ſome Miſſel-
lane in Corn; as if you ſow a few Beans with Wheat, your Wheat will be the
better. It hath been obſerved, that the ſowing of Corn with Houſleek doth
good. Though Grain that toucheth Oyl or Fat receiveth hurt, yet the
ſteeping of it in the Dregs of Oyl, when it beginneth to putrefie, (which they
call Amurca) is thought to aſſure it againſt Worms. It is reported alſo, that
if Corn be moved, it will make the Grain longer, but emptier, and having
more of the Husk.
It hath been noted, that Seed of a year old is the beſt, and of two or
and that which is more old is quite barren, though
(no doubt) ſome Seed and Grain laſt better then others. The Corn
which in the Vanning lieth loweſt is the beſt; and the Corn which broken
or bitten, retaineth a little yellowneſs, is better then that which is very
white.
It hath been obſerved, that of all Roots of Herbs, the Root of Sorrel
cubits deep; and that it is the Root that continueth fit (longeſt) to be ſet
again, of any Root that groweth. It is a cold and acide Herb, that (as it ſeem-
eth) loveth the Earth, and is not much drawn by the Sun.
It hath been obſerved, that ſome Herbs like beſt being watered with
as Radiſh, Beet, Rue, Penny royal.
This tryal would be extended
to ſome other Herbs; eſpecially ſuch as are ſtrong, as Tarragon, Muſtard-
ſeed, Rocket, and the like.
It is ſtrange, that it is generally received, how ſome poyſonous Beaſts
as, that the Snake loveth Fennel, that
the Toad will be much under Sage, that Frogs will be in Cinquefoil. It may be
it is rather the Shade, or other Coverture, that they take liking in, then the
virtue of the Herb.
It were a matter of great profit, (ſave that I doubt it is too conjectural
to be in Plenty or Scarcity, by ſome Signs and Prognoſticks in the begin-
ning of the year: For as for thoſe that are like to be in Plenty, they may be
bargaias the old relation was of Thales, who to
ſhew how eaſie it was for a Philoſopher to be rich, when he foreſaw a great
plenty of Olives, made a Monopoly of them. And for Scarcity, Men may
make profit in keeping better the old ſtore. Long continuance of Snow is
believed to make a fruitful year of Corn; an early Winter, or a very late
Winter, a barren year of Corn, an open and ſerene Winter, an ill year of
Fruit. Theſe we have partly touched before;
but other Prognoſticks of like
nature are diligently to be enquired.
There ſeem to be in ſome Plants ſingularities, wherein they differ from
The Olive hath the oyly part onely on the outſide, whereas all
other Fruits have it in the Nut or Kernel. The Firr hath (in effect) no Stone,
Nut, nor Kernel; except you will count the little Grains, Kernels.
The
Pomegranate and Pine-Apple have onely, amongſt Fruits, Grains, diſtinct in
ſeveral Cells. No Herbs have curled Leaves, but Cabbage and Cabbage-
Lettuce. None have double Leaves, one belonging to the Stalk, another to
the Fruit or Seed, but the Artichoak. No Flower hath that kinde of ſpred
that the Wood-bine hath. This may be a large Field of Contemplation;
for
it ſhe weth, that in the Frame of Nature there is, in the producing of ſome
Species, a compoſition of Matter, which hapneth oft, and may be much
diverſified; in others, ſuch as hapneth rarely, and admitteth little variety.
For ſo it is likewiſe in Beaſts;
Dogs have a reſemblance with Wolves and
Foxes, Horſes with Aſſes, Kine with Bufles, Hares with Coneys, &c.
And
ſo in Birds; Kites and Keſtrels have a reſemblance with Hawks;
Common
Doves with Ring-Doves and Turtles; Black-Birds with Thruſhes and Ma-
viſſes; Crows with Ravens, Daws, and Choughs, &
c.
But Elephants and
Swine amongſt Beaſts, and the Bird of Paradiſe, and the Peacock amongſt
Birds, and ſome few others, have ſcarce any other Species that have affinity
with them.
We leave the Deſcription of Plants and their Virtues to Herbals, and
other like Books of Natural Hiſtory wherein Mens diligence hath been
great even to Curioſity. For our Experiments are onely ſuch, as do ever
aſcend a degree to the deriving of Cauſes, and extracting of Axioms, which
we are not ignorant, but that ſome, both of the Ancient and Modern VVriters
have alſo labored; but their Cauſes and Axioms are ſo ſull of Imagination,
and ſo infected with the old received Theories, as they are meer Inquinati-
ons of Experience, and concoct it not.
IT hath been obſerved by ſome of the Ancients, that Skins, eſpecially of
them up; and that the Whites of Eggs do the ſame.
The cauſe is, a tem-
perate Conglutination; for both Bodies are clammy and viſcous, and do
bridle the Deflux of Humors to the hurts, without penning them in too
much.
YOu may turn (almoſt) all Fleſh into a fatty ſubſtance, if you take Fleſh
It
may be an experiment of profit, for making of Fat or Greaſe for many uſes: But then it muſt be of ſuch Fleſh as is not edible;
as Horſes, Dogs, Bears, Foxes,
Badgers, &c.
IT is reported by one of the Ancients, that new Wine put into Veſſels
the ſame would be tryed in
Wort.
BEaſts are more Haity then Men;
and Savage Men more then Civil;
and
The cauſe of the
indeed cauſeth Piloſity; but there is requiſite to Piloſity, not ſo much Heat
and Moiſture, as Excrementitious Heat and Moiſture; (for whatſoever aſſi-
milateth goeth not into the Hair) and Excrementitious Moiſture aboundeth
moſt in Beaſts, and Men that are more ſavage. Much the ſame Reaſon is
there of the Plumage of Birds; for Birds aſſimilate leſs, and excern more
then Beaſts, for their Excrements are ever aliquid, and their Fleſh (generally)
more dry; beſide, they have not Inſtruments for Urine, and ſo all the Excre-
mentitious Moiſture goeth into the Feathers: And therefore it is no mar-
vel though Birds be commonly better Meat then Beaſts, becauſe their fleſh
doth aſſimilate more finely, and ſe-cerneth more ſubtilly. Again, the Head
of Man hath Hair upon the firſt Birth, which no other part of the Body hath. The cauſe may be want of Perſpiration;
for much of the matter of Hair, in
the other parts of the Body goeth forth by inſenſible Perſpiration. And be-
ſides, the Skull being of a more ſolid ſubſtance, nouriſheth and aſſimilateth
leſs, and excerneth more; and ſo likewiſe doth the Chin.
We ſee alſo that
Hair cometh not upon the Palms of the Hands, nor Soals of the Feet, which
are parts more perſpirable. And Children likewiſe are not Hairy, for that
their Skins are more perſpirable.
BIrds are of ſwifter motion then Beaſts;
for the flight of many Birds is
The cauſe is, for that the Spirits in
then in Beaſts. For as for thereaſon that ſome give, that they are partly car-
ried, whereas Beaſts go, that is nothing; for by that reaſon, ſwimming ſhould
be ſwifter then running: And that kinde of carriage alſo, is not without labor
of the Wing.
THe Sea is clearer when the North-wind bloweth, then when the South-
The cauſe is, for that Salt-water hath a little Oylineſs in the Surface
And again, for that the Southern-
wind relaxeth the Water ſomewhat; as no Water boyling, is ſo clear as cold
Water.
FIre burneth Wood, making it firſt Luminous, then black and brittle, and
ſcalding Water doth none of theſe.
The
ted; where of the refining or attenuation cauſeth the light, and the emiſſion;
firſt the fragility, and after the diſſolution into Aſhes, neither doth any other
Body enter. But in Water, the Spirit of the Body is not refined ſo much;
and beſides, part of the Water entreth, which doth increaſe the Spirit, and
in a degree extinguiſh it; therefore we ſee that hot Water will quench Fire.
And again, we ſee that in Bodies wherein the Water doth not much enter,
but onely the heat paſſeth, hot Water worketh the effects of Fire: As in
Eggs boiled and roaſted, (into which the Water entreth not at all) there is
ſcarce difference to be diſcerned; but in Fruit and Fleſh, where into the Wa-
ter entreth in ſome part, there is much more difference.
THe bottom of a Veſſel of boyling Water (as hath been obſerved) is not
The cauſe is, for that the moiſture of Water, as it quencheth
Coals where it entreth, ſo it doth allay heat where it toucheth. And there-
fore note well, that moiſture, although it doth not paſs through Bodies with-
out Communication of ſome ſubftance (as heat and cold do) yet it worketh
manifeſt effects; not by entrance of the Body, but by qualifying of the heat
and cold, as we ſee in this inſtance. And we ſee likewiſe, that the water of
things diſtilled in water, (which they call the Bath) differeth not much from
the water of things diſtilled by Fire. We ſee alſo, that Pewter-Diſhes with
Water in them will not melt eaſily, but without it they will. Nay, we ſee
more, that Butter or Oyl, which in them ſelves are inflamable, yet by the vir-
tue of their moiſture will do the like.
IT hath been noted by the Ancients, that it is dangerous to pick ones Ear
The cauſe is, for that in Yawning, the inner Parch-
for
in Yawning and Sighing both, the Spirit is firſt ſtrongly drawn in, and then
ſtrongly expelled.
IT hath been obſerved by the Ancients, that Sneezing doth ceaſe the Hic-
The cauſe is, for that the Motion of the Hiccough is a lifting up of
which Sneezing doth ſome what depreſs, and divert the moti-
on another way. For firſt, we ſee that the Hiccough cometh of fulneſs of
Meat, (eſpecially in Children) which cauſeth an extenſion of the Stomach: We ſee alſo, it is cauſed by acide Meats or Drinks, which is by the pricking
of the Stomach. And this motion is ceaſed, either by Diverſion, or by Deten-
tion of the Spirits: Diverſion, as in Sneezing;
Detention, as we ſee holding
of the Breath doth help ſome what to ceaſe the Hiccough, and putting a Man
into an earneſt ſtudy doth the like, as is commonly uſed: And Vinegar put to
the Noſtrils or Gargarized doth it alſo; ſor that it is Aſtringent, and inhibiteth
the motion of the Spirit.
LOoking againſt the Sun doth induce Sneezing.
The cauſe is, not the
for then the holding up of the Noſtrils againſt
ſture of the Brain: For it will make the Eyes run with water, and the draw-
ing of moiſture to the Eyes, doth draw it to the Noſtrils by Motion of Con-
ſent, and ſo followeth Sneezing. As contrariwiſe, the Tickling of the
Noſtrils within doth draw the moiſture to the Noſtrils, and to the Eyes by
conſent, for they alſo will water. But yet it hath been obſerved, that if one
be about to ſneeze, the rubbing of the Eyes till they run with water, will
prevent it. Where of the cauſe is, for that the humor which was deſcending
to the Noſtrils, is diverted to the Eyes.
THe Teeth are more by cold drink, or the like, affected, then the other
The cauſe is double;
the one, for that the reſiſtance of Bone to
for that the Fleſh ſhrinketh, but the Bone re-
ſiſteth, where by the Cold becometh more eager. The other is, for that the
Teeth are parts without Blood, whereas Blood helpeth to quali e the cold. And therefore we ſee, that the Sinews are much affected with Cold, for that
they are parts without Blood. So the Bones in ſharp Colds wax brittle;
and
therefore it hath been ſeen, that all contuſions of Bones in hard weather, are
more difficult to cure.
IT hath been noted, that the Tongue receiveth more eaſily tokens of
as of heats within, which appear moſt
Again, Pied Cattel are ſpotted in their
Tongues, &c.
The cauſe is (no doubt) the tenderneſs of the part, which
thereby receiveth more eaſily all alterations then any other parts of the
Fleſh.
WHen the Mouth is out of taſte, it maketh things taſte ſometimes ſalt,
The
times turneth bitter, and ſalt, and loathſome, but ſweet never; for the reſt
are degrees of corruption.
IT was obſerved in the Great Plague of the laſt year, that there were ſeen in
Tails at all; which argueth a great diſpoſition to putrefaction in the Soil
and Air. It is reported likewiſe, that Roots (ſuch as Carrots and Parſnips) are
more ſweet and luſcious in infectious years then in other years.
WIſe Phyſicians ſhould with all diligence inquire what Simples Nature
for they undermine that which is hard, they open that which
is ſtopped and ſhut, and they expel that which is offenſive gently, without
too much perturbation. Of this kinde are Elder-flowers, which therefore
are proper for the Stone; of this kinde is the Dwarf-pine, which is
proper for the Jaundies; of this kinde is Harts-horn, which is proper
or Agues and Infections; of this kinde is Piony, which is proper for Stop-
pings in the Head; of this kinde is Fumitory which is proper for the Spleen;
Generally, divers Creatures bred of Putrefaction,
though they be ſomewhat loathſome to take, are of this kinde; as Earth-
worms, Timber-ſows, Snails, &c.
And I conceive, that the Trochiſcs of Vipers,
(which are ſo much magnified) and the fleſh of Snakes ſome ways condited
and corrected (which of late are grown into ſome credit) are of the ſame
nature. So the parts of Beaſts putrefied (as Caſtoreum and Musk, which have
extream ſubtil parts) are to be placed amongſt them. We ſee alſo, that
putrefaction of Plants (as Agarick and Jews-Ear) are of greateſt vertue. The cauſe is, for that putrefaction is the ſubtileſt of all motions in the parts
of Bodies, And ſince we cannot take down the lives of Living Creatures
(which ſome of the Paracelſians ſay, if they could be taken down, would
make us Immortal,) the next is, for ſubtilty of operation to take Bodies
putreſied, ſuch as may be ſafely taken.
IT hath been obſerved by the Ancients, that much uſe of Venus doth dim the
The cauſe of dimneſs of ſight in the former, is the ex
pence of Spirits; in the latter, the over-moiſture of the Brain;
for the over-
moiſture of the Brain doth thicken the Spirits viſual, and obſtructeth their
paſſages, as we ſee by the decay in the ſight in Age, where alſo the dimi-
nution of the Spirits concurreth as another cauſe. We ſee alſo, that blind-
neſs cometh by Rheums and Cataracts Now in Eunuchs there are all the
notes of moiſture; as the ſwelling of their Thighs, the looſneſs of their
Belly, the ſmoothneſs of their skin, &c.
The pleaſure in the Act of Venus, is the greateſt of the pleaſures of the
the matching of it with Itch is improper, though that alſo be plea-
ſing to the touch, but the cauſes are profound. Firſt, all the Organs of the
Senſes qualifie the motions of the Spirits, and make ſo many ſeveral ſpecies
of motions, and pleaſures or diſpleaſures thereupon, as there be diverſities
of Organs. The Inſtruments of Sight, Hearing, Taſte, and Smell, are of ſeveral
frame, and ſo are the parts for Generation; therefore Scaliger doth well to
make the pleaſure of Generation a ſixth Senſe. And if there were any other
differing Organs, and qualified Perforations for the Spirits to paſs, there
would be more then the Five Senſes: Neither do we well know, whether ſome
Beaſts and Birds have not Senſes that we know not, and the very Sent of
Dogs is almoſt a ſenſe by it ſelf. Secondly, the Pleaſures of the Touch are
greater and deeper then thoſe of the other Senſes, as we ſee in Warming up-
on Cold, or Refrigeration upon Heat: For as the Pains of the Touch are greater
then the offences of other Senſes, ſo like wiſe are the Pleaſures. It is true,
that the affecting of the Spirits immediately, and (as it were) without an
Organ, is of the greateſt pleaſure; which is but in two things, Sweet ſmells
and Wine and the like Sweet vapors. For Smells, weſee their great and ſudden
effectin fetching Men again when they ſwown; for Drink, it is certain, that
the pleaſure of Drunkenneſs is next the pleaſure of Venus; and great Joyes
(likewiſe) make the Spirits move and touch themſelves; and the pleaſure
of Venus is ſomewhat of the ſame kinde.
It hath been always obſerved, that Men are more inclined to Venus in
The cauſe is, for that the Spirits in
a Body more hot and dry, (as the Spirits of Men are) by the Summer are
more exhaled and diſſipated, and in the Winter more condenſed and kept
entire; but in Bodies that are cold and moiſt, (as Womens are) the Summer
Furthermor@, the Abſtinence or Intermiſſion of the uſe of Venus, in moiſt and
well habituate Bodies, breedeth a number of Diſeaſes; and eſpecially danger-
ous impoſthumat ons. The reaſon is evident, for that it is a principal evacua-
tion, eſpecially of the Spirits; ſor of the Spirits, there is ſcarce any evacua-
tion, but in Venus and exerciſe. And therefore the omiſſion of either of them
breedeth all diſeaſes of Repletion.
THe nature of Vivification is very worthy the enquiry;
and as the Nature
unperfect then in perfect, and in parts then in whole; ſo the Nature of Vi-
vification is beſt enquired in Creatures bred of Putrefaction. The contem-
plation whereof hath many excellent Fruits. Firſt, in diſcloſing the original
of Vivification. Secondly, in diſcloſing the original of Figuration.
Thirdly,
in diſcloſing many things in the nature of perfect Creatures, which in them
lie more hidden. And fourthly, in traducing by way of operation, ſome
obſervations in the Inſecta, to work effects upon perfect Creatures. Note, that
the word Inſecta agreeth not with the matter, but we ever uſe it for brevities
ſake, intending by it Creatures bred of Putrefaction.
The Inſecta are ſound to breed out of ſeveral matters:
Some breed of
as the Earth-worms, Eels, Snakes, &
c.
For they are both
Putrefactions: For Water in Mud do putrefie, as not able to preſerve it ſelf;
and for Dung, all Excrements are the refuſe and putrefactions of nouriſh-
ment. Some breed in Wood, both growing and cut down.
Quære, in what
Woods moſt, and at what ſeaſons. We ſee that the Worms with many feet,
which round themſelves into Balls, are bred chiefly under Logs of Timber,
but not in the Timber, and they are ſaid to be found alſo (many times) in
Gardens where no Logs are. But it ſeemeth their Generation requireth a
coverture both from Sun, and Rain or Dew, as the Timber is; and therefore
they are not venemous, but (contrariwiſe) are held by the Phyſitians to
clarifie the Blood. It is obſerved, that Cimices are found in the holes of Bed-
ſides. Some breed in the Hair of Living Creatures;
as Lice and Tikes, which
are bred by the ſweat cloſe kept, and ſomewhat airified by the Hair. The
Excrements of Living Creatures do not onely breed Inſecta when they are
excerned, but alſo while they are in the Body; as in Worms, whereto Chil-
dren are moſt ſubject, and are chiefly in the Guts. And it hath been lately
obſerved by Phyſitians, that in many Peſl
found in the upper parts of the Body, where Excrements are not, but onely
humors putrefied. Fleas breed principally of Straw or Mats, where there hath
been a little moiſture, or the Chamber and Bed-ſtraw kept cloſe, and not
aired. It is received, that they are killed by ſtrewing Worm wood in the Rooms.
And it is truly obſerved, that bitter things are apt rather to kill then en-
gender Putrefaction, and they be things that are fat or ſweet that are apteſt
to putrefie. There is a Worm that breedeth in Meal of the ſhape of a large
white Maggot, which is given as a great dainty to Nightingales. The Moth
breedeth upon Cloth, and other Lanifices, eſpecially iſ they be laid up dankiſh
and wet. It delighteth to be about the flame of a Candle.
There is a Worm
called a VVevil, bred under Ground, and that feedeth upon Roots, as Parſnips,
Carrots, &c.
Some breed in Waters, eſpecially ſhaded, but they muſt be by
ſtanding Waters; as the Water-Spider that hath ſix Legs.
The Fly called the
Gad flie breedeth of ſomewhat that ſwimeth upon the top of the Water, and
There is a Worm that breedeth of the Dregs of Wine
decayed, which aſter wards (as is obſerved by ſome of the Ancients) turneth in-
to a Gnat. It hath been obſerved by the Ancients, that there is a Worm that
breedeth in old Snow, and is of colour reddiſh, and dull of motion, and dieth
ſoon after it cometh out of Snow; which ſhould ſhew that Snow hath in it a
ſecret warmth, for elſe it could hardly vivifie. And the reaſon of the dying
of the Worm may be the ſudden exhaling of that little Spirit, as ſoon as it
cometh out of the cold, which had ſhut it in. For as Butter-flies quicken with
heat, which were benummed with cold; ſo Spirits may exhale with heat,
which were preſerved in cold. It is affirmed, both by the Ancient and Modern
obſervation, that in Furnaces of Copper and Braſs, where Chalcites is (which
is Vitriol) often caſt in to mend the working, there riſeth ſuddenly a Fly which
ſometimes moveth, as if it took hold on the Walls of the Furnace; ſome-
times is ſeen moving in the fire below, and dieth preſently as ſoon as it is out
of the Furnace. Which is a noble inſtance, and worthy to be weighed, for it
ſheweth that as well violent heat of fire, as the gentle heat of Living Crea-
tures will viviſie, if it have matter proportionable. Now the great axiom
of Vivification is, that there muſt be heat to dilate the Spirit of the Body, an
Active Spirit to be dilated, matter viſcous or tenacious to hold in the Spirit,
and that matter to be put forth and figured. Now a Spirit dilated by ſo ardent
a fire as that of the Furnace, as ſoon as ever it cooleth never ſo little, congeal-
eth preſently. And (no doubt) this action is furthered by the Chalcites, which
hath a Spirit that will put forth and germinate, as we ſee in Chymical Tryals. Briefly, moſt things putrefied bring forth Inſecta of ſeveral names, but we will
not take upon us now to enumerate them all.
The Inſecta have been noted by the Ancients to feed little:
But this hath
for Graſhoppers eat up the Green of whole
Countreys, and Silk-worms devour Leaves ſwiftly, and Ants make great pro-
viſion. It is true, that Creatures that ſleep and reſt much, eat little, as Dor-
mice and Bits, &c.
they are all without Blood;
which may be, for that the
Juyce of their Bodies is almoſt all one; not Blood, and Fleſh, and Skin, and
Bone, as in perfect Creatures: The integral parts have extream variety, but
the ſimilar parts little. It is true, that they have (ſome of them) Diaphragm,
and an Inteſtine; and they have all Skins, which in moſt of the Inſecta, are
caſt oſten. They are not (generally) of long life;
yet Bees have been known
to live ſeven years; and Snakes are thought, the rather for the caſting of their
ſpoil, to live till they be old; and Eels, which many times breed of putre-
faction, will live and grow very long; and thoſe that enterchange from Worms
to Flies in the Summer, and from Flies to Worms in the Winter, have been
kept in Boxes four years at the leaſt; yet there are certain Flies that are called
Ephemera that live but a day. The cauſe is, the exility of the Spirit, or per-
haps the abſence of the Sun; for that if they were brought in, or kept cloſe,
they might live longer. Many of the Inſecta (as Butter-flies and other Flies)
revive eaſily, when they ſeem dead, being brought to the Sun or Fire. The
cauſe whereof is, the diffuſion of the Vital Spirit, and the eaſie dilating of it
by a little heat. They ſtir a good while after their heads are off, or that they be
cut in pieces; which is cauſed alſo, for that their Vital Spirits are more dif-
fuſed through out all their parts, and leſs confined to Organs then in perfect
Creatures.
The Inſecta have voluntary Motion, and therefore imagination.
And
their imagination indeſinite, it is negligently obſerved; for Ants go right
and Bees do (admirably) know the way from a
Floury Heath, two or three miles off to their HiIt may be Gnats and
Flies have their Imagination more mutable and giddy, as ſmall Birds like-
wiſe have. It is ſaid by ſome of the Ancients, that they have onely the Senſe
of Feeling, which is manifeſtly untrue; for if they go forth right to a place,
they muſt needs have Sight: Beſides, they delight more in one Flower or
Herb, then in another, and therefore have taſte. And Bees are called with
ſound upon Braſs, and therefore they have hearing. Which ſheweth like-
wiſe, that though their Spirits be diffuſed, yet there is a Seat of their Senſes in
their Head.
Other obſervations concerning the Inſecta, together with the Enumeration of them,
# we refer to that place where we mean to handle the Title of Animals in general.
AMan leapeth better with weights in his hands, then without.
The cauſe
for otherwiſe, where no contraction is needful,
weight hindreth. As we ſee in Horſe Races, Men are curious to foreſee that
there be not the leaſt weight upon the one Horſe more then upon the other. In Leaping with Weights, the Arms are firſt caſt backwards, and then forwards,
with ſo much the greater force; for the hands go backward before they
take their raiſe, Quære, if the contrary motion of the Spirits, immediately
before the Motion we intend, doth not cauſe the Spirits as it were to break
forth with more force; as Breath alſo drawn, and keptin, cometh forth more
forcibly: And in caſting of any thing, the Arms, to make a greater ſwing, are
firſt caſt back ward.
OF Muſical Tones and unequal Sounds, we have ſpoken before, but touch-
Harſh Sounds, as
ing or ſcrieching noiſes, make a ſhivering or horror in the Body, and ſet the
Teeth on edge. The cauſe is, for that the objects of the Ear do affect the
Spirits (immediately) moſt with pleaſure and offence. We ſee there is no
colour that affecteth the Eye much with diſpleaſure. There be ſights that
are horrible, becauſe they excite the memory of things that are odious or
fearful; but the ſamethings painted, do little affect.
As for Smells, Taſtes, and
Touches, they be things that do affect by a Participation or Impulſion of the
body of the Object. So it is Sound alone that doth immediately and incorpo-
really affect moſt. This is moſt maniſeſt in Muſick, and Concords, and Diſcords
in Muſick: For all Sounds, whether they be ſharp or flat, if they beſweet,
have a roundneſs and equality; and if they be harſh, are unequal:
For a Diſ-
cord it ſelf, is but a harſhneſs of divers ſounds meeting. It is true, that in-
equality, not ſtaid upon, but paſſing, is rather an increaſe of ſweetneſs; as
in the Purling of a Wreathed String, and in the raucity of a Trumpet, and
in the Nightingale-Pipe of a Regal, and in a Diſoord ſtraight falling upon a
Concord: But if you ſtay upon it, it is offenſive.
And therefore there be theſe
three degrees of pleaſing and diſpleaſing in Sounds; Sweet ſounds, Diſcords,
and Harſh ſounds, which we call by divers names, as Scrieching, or Grating, ſuch
as we now ſpeak of. As for the ſetting of the Teeth on edge, we plainly ſee
what an intercourſe there is bet ween the Teeth, and the Organ of the Hearing,
by the taking of the end of a Bow between the Teeth, and ſtriking upon the
String.
THere be Minerals and Foßiles in great variety, but of
The chief are, Terra
whereof Terra Lemnia is the chief.
The Vertues of
them are for Curing of Wounds, Stanching of Blood,
Stopping of Fluxes and Rheums, and Arreſting the Spred-
ing of Poyſon, Infection, and Putrefaction: And they have of
all other Simples the perfecteſt and pureſt quality of
Drying, with little or no mixture of any other quality. Yet it is true, that
the Bole Arminick is the moſt cold of them, and that Terra Lemnia is the moſt
hot; for which cauſe the Iſland Lemnos where it is digged, was in the old
Fabulous Ages conſecrated to Vulcan.
ABout the Bottom of the Sereights are gathered great quantities of Spouges,
It is the more to be noted, becauſe that there be but few
Subſtances, Plant-like, that grow deep within the Sea, for they are gathered
ſometime Fifteen fathom deep: And when they are laid on Shore, they ſeem
to be of great Bulk; but cruſhed together, will be tranſported in a very
ſmall room.
IT ſeemeth that Fish that are uſed to the Salt-water, do nevertheleſs de-
We ſee that Salmons and Smelts love to get into Rivers,
At the Haven of Conſtantinople you ſhall
have great quantities of Fish that come from the Euxine Sea, that when they
come into the Freſh-water, do inebriate and turn up their Bellies, ſo as you
may take them with your hand. I doubt there hath not been ſufficient Ex-
It is
a thing of great uſe and pleaſure; for ſo you may have them new at ſome
good diſtance from the Sea: And beſides, it may be the Fiſh will eat the
pleaſanter, and may fall to breed. And it is ſaid, that Coliheſler Oyſters,
which are put into Pits, where the Sea goeth and cometh, (but yet ſo that
there is a Freſh-water coming alſo to them when the Sea voideth) become
by that means ſatter, and more grown.
THe Turkish Bow giveth a very forcible Shoot, inſomuch as it hath been
But that which is more ſtrange, the Arrow, if it be
headed with Wood, hath been known to pierce through a piece of Wood of
eight Inches thick. And it is certain, that we hadin uſe at one time, for Sea-
fight, ſhort Arrows, which they called Sprights, without any other Heads,
ſave Wood ſharpned; which were diſcharged out of Muskets, and would
pierce through the ſides of Ships, where a Bullet would not pierce. But
this dependeth upon one of the greateſt ſecrets in all Nature; which is, that
Similitude of Subſtance will cauſe Attraction, where the Body is wholly freed
from the Motion of Gravity: Forif that were taken away, Lead would draw
Lead, and Gold would draw Gold, and iron would draw Iron without the help
of the Load-ſtone. But this ſame Motion of Weight or Gravity (which is
a meer Motion of Matter, and hath no affinity with the Form or Kinde)
doth kill the other Motion, except it ſelf be killed by a violent Motion; and
tude of Subſtance beginneth to ſhew it ſelf. But we ſhall handle this point
of Nature fully in due place.
THey have in Turky, and the Eaſt, certain Confections, which they call
and ſome mixture of Amber for the more delicate perſons:
And thoſe they
diſſolve in Water, and there of make their Drink, becauſe they are for bidden
Wine by their Law. But I do much marvel, that no Englishman, or Dutchman,
or German, doth ſet up Brewing in Conſtantinople, conſidering they have ſuch
quantity of Barley. For as ſor the general ſort of Men, frugality may be the
cauſe of Drinking Water; ſor that it is no ſmall ſaving to pay nothing for
ones drink: But the better ſort might well be at the coſt.
And yet I wonder
the leſs at it, becauſe I ſee France, Italy, or Spain, have not taken into uſe Beer
or Ale; which (perhaps) if they did, would better both their Healths and
their Complexions. It is likely it would be matter of great gain to any that
ſhould begin it in Turkey.
IN Bathing in hot water, ſweat (nevertheleſs) cometh not in the parts un-
The cauſeis, firſt, for that ſweat is a kinde of Colliqua-
And that kinde of Colliquation is not made either by an over-dry
Heat, or an over-moiſt Heat. For over-moiſture dothſome what extinguiſh
the Heat; as we ſee, that even hot water quencheth Fire, and over dry Heat
fhutteth the Pores. And therefore Men will ſooner ſweat covered before
the Sun or Fire, then if they ſtood naked: And Earthen Bottles filled
with hot water, do provoke in Bed a Sweat more daintily then Brick-bats
hot. Secondly, Hot water doth cauſe Evaporation from the Skin, ſo as
it ſpendeth the matter in thoſe parts under the Water, beſore it iſſueth in
Again, Sweat cometh more plentifully, if the Heat beincreaſed by
degrees, then if it be greateſt at firſt, or equal. The cauſe is, for that the
Pores are better opened by a gentle Heat, then by a more violent; and by
their opening the Sweat, iſſueth more abundantly. And therefore Phyſicians
may do well, when they provoke Sweat in Bed by Bottles, with a Decoction
of Sudorifick Herbs in Hot Water, to make two degrees of Heat in the Bottles,
and to lay in the Bed the leſs-heated firſt, and after half an hour the more-
heated.
Sweat is ſalt in taſte.
The cauſeis, for that that part of the Nouriſhment
and the Sweat is
onely that part which is ſeparate and excerned. Blood alſo raw, hath ſome
ſaltneſs more then Fleſh; becauſe the Aſſimilation into Fleſh, is not without
a little and ſubtile excretion from the Blood.
Sweat cometh forth more out of the upper parts of the Body then the
The reaſon is, becauſe thoſe parts are more repleniſhed with Spirits,
and the Spirits are they that put forth Sweat; beſides, they are leſs fleſhy,
and Sweat iſſueth (chiefly) out of the parts that are leſs fleſhy and more dry,
as the Forehead and Breſt.
Men ſweat more in ſleep then waking, and yet ſleep doth rather ſtay
as Rheums, Looſneß of the Body, &
c.
The
cauſe is, for that in Sleep the Heat and Spirits do naturally move inwards,
and there reſt. But when they are collected once within, the Heat becometh
more violent and irritate, and thereby expelleth Sweat.
Cold Sweats are (many times) Mortal and near Death, and always ill and
as in great Fears, Hypochondriacal Paßions, &
c.
The cauſe is, for
that Cold Sweats come by a relaxation or forſaking of the Spirits, whereby the
Moiſture of the Body, which Heat did keep firm in the parts, ſevereth and
iſſueth out.
In thoſe Diſeaſes which cannot be diſcharged by Sweat, Sweat is ill, and
as in Diſeaſes of the Lungs, and Fluxes of the Belly;
but
in thoſe Diſeaſes which are expelled by Sweat, it eaſeth and lightneth; as in
Agues, Peſtilences, &c.
The cauſe is, for that Sweat in the latter ſort is partly
Critical, and ſendeth forth the Matter that offendeth: But in the former,
it either proceedeth from the Labor of the Spirits, which ſheweth them
oppreſſed; or from Motion of Conſent, when Nature notable to expel the
Diſeaſe where it is ſeated, moveth to an Expulſion indifferent over all the
Body.
THe Nature of the Gloworm is hitherto not well obſerved.
Thus much
and
Whereby it may
be conceived, that the Spirit of them is very fine, and not to be refined but
by Summer heats. And again, that by reaſon of the fineneſs, it doth eaſily ex-
In Italy, and the Hotter Countreys, there is a Flie they call Lucciole,
that ſhineth as the Gloworm doth, and it may be is the Flying-Gloworm; but
that Flie is chiefly upon Fens and Marisbes. But yet the two former obſerva-
and Sedge, or
It may be the Gloworms
of the Cold Countreys ripen not ſo far as to be winged.
THe Paſſions of the Minde work upon the Body the impreſſions fol-
lowing. Fear, cauſeth Paleneß, Trembling, the Standing of the Hair up-
The Paleneſs is cauſed, for that the Blood
runneth in ward to ſuccor the Heart. The Trembling is cauſed, for that
through the flight of the Spirits in ward, the out ward parts are deſtituted, and
not ſuſtained. Standing upright of the Hair is cauſed, for that by ſhutting
of the Pores of the Skin, the Hair that lyeth aſloap muſt needs riſe. Starting
is both an apprehenſion of the thing feared, (and in that kinde it is a motion
of ſhrinking;) and likewiſe an Inquiſition in the beginning what the matter
ſhould be, (and in that kinde it is a motion of Erection;) and therefore
when a Man would liſten ſuddenly to any thing, he ſtarteth; for the ſtart-
ing is an Erection of the Spirits to attend. Scrieching is an appetite of ex-
pelling that which ſuddenly ſtriketh the Spirits. For it muſt be noted, that
many Motions, though they be unprofitable to expel that which hurteth,
yet they are Offers of Nature, and cauſe Motions by Conſent; as in Groan-
ing, or Crying upon Pain.
Grief and Pain, cauſe Sighing, Sobbing, Groaning, Screaming, and Roar-
Sighing
is cauſed by the drawing in of a greater quantity of Breath to reſreſh the
Heart that laboreth; like a great draught when one is thirſty.
Sobbing is
the ſame thing ſtronger. Groaning, and Screaming, and Roaring, are cauſed
by an appetite of Expulſion, as hath been ſaid; for when the Spirits cannot
expel the thing that hurteth in their ſtrife to do it, by Motion of Conſent
they expel the Voice. And this is when the Spirits yield, and give over to
reſiſt; for if one do conſtantly reſiſt Pain, he will not groan.
Tears are cauſed
by a Contraction of the Spirits of the Brain; which Contraction by conſe-
quence aſtringeth the Moiſture of the Brain, and thereby ſendeth Tears into
the Eyes. And this Contraction or Compreſſion cauſeth alſo Wringing of
the Hands; for Wringing is a Geſture of Expreſſion of Moiſture.
The Diſ-
torting of the Face is cauſed by a Contention, firſt, to bear and reſiſt, and then
to expel; which maketh the Parts knit firſt, and after wards open.
Grinding
of the Teeth is cauſed (likewife) by a Gathering and Serring of the Spirits
together to reſiſt; which maketh the Teeth alſo to ſet hard one againſt an-
other, Sweating is alſo a Compound Motion by the Labor of the Spirits, firſt
to reſiſt, and then to expel.
Joy cauſeth a Chearſulneſs and Vigor in the Eyes, Singing, Leaping, Dan-
All theſe are the effects of the Dilatation and
coming forth of the Spirits into the outward parts, which maketh them
more lively and ſtirring. We know it hath been ſeen, that Exceſſive ſud-
den Joy hath cauſed preſent Death, while the Spirits did ſpred ſo much as
they could not retire again. As for Tears, they are the effects of Compreſ-
ſion of the Moiſture of the Brain, upon Dilatation of the Spirits. For Com-
preſſion of the Spirits worketh an Expreſſion of the Moiſture of the Brain by
conſent, as hath been ſaid in Grief: But then in Joy it worketh it diverſly,
viz. By Propulſion of the Moiſture, when the Spirits dilate, and occupy more
room.
Anger cauſeth Paleneſs in ſome, and the going and coming of the colour
alſo Trembling in ſome, Swelling, Foaming at the Mouth, Stamp-
ing, Bending of the Fiſt. Palenels, and Going, and Coming of the Colour,
are cauſed by the Burning of the Spirits about the Heart; which to reſreſh
themſelves, call in more Spirits from the out ward parts. And if the Paleneſs
be alone, without ſending forth the colour again, it is commonly joyned
with ſome fear: But in many there is no Paleneſs at all, but contrariwiſe
Redneſs about the Cheeks and Gils; which is by the ſending forth of the
Trembling in Anger is likewiſe by a call-
ing in of the Spirits, and is commonly when Anger is joy ned with Fear. Swel-
ling is cauſed both by a Dilatation of the Spirits by over-heating, and by a
Liquefaction or Boiling of the Humors thereupon. Foaming at the Mouth
is from the ſame cauſe, being an Ebullition. Stamping and Bending of the Fiſt
are cauſed by an Imagination of the Act of Revenge.
Light Diſpleaſure or Diſlike cauſeth ſhaking of the Head, Frowning, and
Theſe effects ariſe from the ſame cauſe that Trem-
bling and Horror do; namely, from the Retiring of the Spirits, but in a leſs
degree. For the Shaking of the Head, is but a ſlow and definite Trembling;
and is a Geſture of ſlight reſuſal:
And we ſee alſo, that a diſlike cauſeth often
that Geſture of the Hand, which we uſe when we refuſe a thing, or warni it
away. The Frowning and Knitting of the Brows, is a Gathering or Setting
of the Spirits, to reſiſt in ſome meaſure. And we ſee alſo, this Knitting of the
Brows will follow upon earneſt Studying, or Cogitation of any thing, though
it be without diſlike.
Shame cauſeth Bluſhing, and caſting down of the Eyes.
Bluſhing is the
laboreth moſt. And although the Bluſhing will be ſeen in the whole Breſt.
if it be naked, yet that is but in paſſage to the Face.
As for the caſting
down of the Eyes, it proceedeth of the Reverence a Man beareth to other
Men, whereby, when he is aſhamed, he cannot endure to look firmly upon
others: And we ſee, that Bluſhing and the Caſting down of the Eyes both,
are more when we come before many; Ore Pompeii quid mollius?
Nunquam non
coram pluribus erubuit; and likewiſe, when we come before Great or Reverend
Perſons.
Pity cauſeth ſometimes Tears, and a Flexion or Caſt of the Eye aſide.
For Pity is but Grief in
anothers behalf. The Caſt of the Eye, is a Geſture of Averſion or Lothneſs
to behold the object of Pity.
Wonder cauſeth Aſtoniſhment, or an Immovable Poſture of the Body,
For Aſtoniſh-
ment, it is cauſed by the Fixing of the Minde upon one object of Cogitation,
whereby it doth not ſpatiate and tranſcur as it uſeth: For in Wonder the
Spirits flie not, as in Fear; but onely ſettle, and are made leſs apt to move.
As for the Caſting up of the Eyes, and Lifting up of the Hands, it is a kinde
of Appeal to the Deity, which is the Author, by Power and Providence of
ſtrange Wonders.
Laughing cauſeth a Dilatation of the Mouth and Lips;
a continued Ex-
of Laughing; Shaking of the Breſt and Sides;
Running of the Eyes with
Water, if it be violent and continued. Wherein firſt it is to be underſtood,
that Laughing is ſcarce (properly) a Paſſion, but hath his Source from the In-
tellect; for in Laughing, there ever precedeth a conceit of ſome what ridicu-
lous. And therefore it is proper to Man.
Secondly, that the cauſe of Laugh-
ing, is but a light touch of the Spirits, and not ſo deep an Impreſſion as in
other Paſſions. And thereſore (that which hath no Affinity with the Paſſi-
ons of the Minde) it is moved, and that in great vehemency, onely by Tick-
ling ſome parts of the Body. And we ſee, that Men even in a grieved ſtate of
Minde, yet cannot ſometimes forbear Laughing. Thirdly, it is ever joyned
with ſome degree of Delight: And therefore Exhilaration hath ſome Affinity
with Joy, though it be much Lighter Motion. Res ſevera eſt vera
Now to ſpeak of the cauſes of the effects before mentioned, whereun to theſe
general Notes give ſome light. For the Dilatation of the Mouth and Lips,
continued Expulſion of the Breath and Voice, and Shaking of the Breſts and
Sides, they proceed (all) from the Dilatation of the Spirits, eſpecially being
ſudden. So likewiſe the Running of the Eyes with Water, (as hath been for-
merly touched, where we ſpake of the Tears of Joy and Grief) is an offect of
Dilatation of the Spirits. And for Suddenneß, it is a great part of the Matter:
For we ſee that any Shrewd turn that lighteth upon another, or any Deformity,
&c.
moveth Laughter in the inſtant, which after a little time it doth not.
So
we cannot Laugh at any thing after it is ſtale, but whileſt it is new. And even
in Tickling, if you tickle the ſides, and give watning, or give a hard or con-
tinued touch, it doth not move Laughter ſo much.
Luſt cauſeth a Flagrancy in the Eys, and Priapiſm.
The cauſe of both
and
therefore the Spirits reſort to thoſe parts which are moſt affected. And note
well in general, (for that great uſe may be made of the obſervation) that
(evermore) the Spirits in all Paßions reſort moſt to the parts that labor moſt, or
are moſt affected. As in the laſt, which hath been mentioned, they reſort to
the Eyes and Venereous parts; in Fear and Anger to the Heart;
in Shame to the
Face; and in Light diſlikes to the Head.
IT hath been obſerved by the Ancients, and is yet believed, That the Sperm
The cauſe is, for that it is over-moiſtned, and
And we have a merry ſaying, That they that go drunk to Bed,
get Daughters.
Drunken-men are taken with a plain Deſect or Deſtitution in Voluntary
they reel, they tremble, they cannot ſtand, nor ſpeak ſtrongly.
The
cauſe is, for that the Spirits of the Wine oppreſs the Spirits Animal, and oc-
cupate part of the place where they are, and ſo make them weak to move; and therefore Drunken-men are apt to fall aſleep.
And Opiates and Stupefactives
(as Poppy, Henbane, Hemlock, &c.)
induce a kinde of Drunkenneß by the groſsneſs
of their Vapor, as Wine doth by the quantity of the Vapor. Beſides, they rob
the Spirits Animal of their Matter where by they are nouriſhed; for the Spirits
of the Wine, prey upon it as well as they, and ſo they make the Spirits leſs
ſupple and apt to move.
Drunken-men imagine every thing turneth round;
they imagine alſo,
they ſee not well things afar off;
thoſe things
that they ſee near hand, they ſee out of their place; and (ſometimes) they
ſee things double. The cauſe of the imagination that things turn round is,
for that the Spirits them ſelves turn, being compreſſed by the Vapor of the
Wine; (for any Liquid Body upon Compreſſion turneth, as we ſee in Water:)
And it is all one to the ſight, whether the Viſual Spirits move, or the Object
moveth, or the Medium moveth; and we ſee, that long turning round breed-
eth the ſame imagination. The cauſe of the imagination that things come
upon them is, for that the Spirits Viſual themſelves draw back, which maketh
the Object ſeem to come on; and beſides, when they ſee things turn
round and move, Fear maketh them think they come upon them. The
cauſe that they cannot ſee things afar off, is the weakneſs of the Spirits; for
in every Megrim or Vertigo, there is an Obtenebration joyned with a ſem-
blance of Turning round, which we ſee alſo in the lighter ſort of Swoonings.
viſual; for the va por is as an unequal Medium, and it is as the ſight of things
out of place in Water. The cauſe of ſeeing things double, is the ſwift and
unquiet motion of the Spirits (being oppreſſed) to and ſro; for (as was ſaid
beſore) the motion of the Spirits viſual, and the motion of the object make
the ſame appearances; and for the ſwift motion of the object, we ſee that if
you fillip a Lute ſtring, it ſheweth double or trebble.
Men are ſooner Drunk with ſmall draughts then with great.
And again,
The cauſe of the former is,
for that the Wine deſcendeth not ſo faſt to the Bottom of the Stomack, but
maketh longer ſtay in the upper part of the Stomack, and ſendeth Vapors
faſter to the Head, and therefore inebriateth ſooner. And for the ſame reaſon,
Sops in Wine (quantity for quantity) inebriate more then Wine of it ſelf. The cauſe of the latter is, for that the Sugar doth inſpiſſate the Spirits of the
Wine, and maketh them not ſo eaſie to reſolve into Vapor. Nay further, it
is thought to be ſome remedy againſt inebriating, if Wine ſugared be taken
after Wine pure. And the ſame effect is wrought, either by Oyl or Milk taken
upon much Drinking.
THe uſe of Wine in dry and conſumed Bodies is hurtful, in moiſt and ſull
The cauſe is, for that the Spirits of the Wine do prey
the Animal Spirits. But where there is moiſture enough, or ſuper fluous, there
Wine helpeth to digeſt and deſiccate the moiſture.
THe Caterpiller is one of the moſt general of Worms, and breedeth of
for we ſee infinite number of Catterpillers which breed
great part conſumed; as well by their breeding out of the Leaf, as by their
feeding upon the Leaf. They breed in the Spring chiefly, becauſe then there
is both Dew and Leaf. And they breed commonly when the Eaſt Winds
have much blown: The cauſe whereof is, the dryneſs of that Wind;
for to
all Vivification upon Putrefaction, it is requiſite the matter be not too moiſt: And therefore we ſee they have Cobwebs about them, which is a ſign of a
ſlimy dryneſs; as we ſee upon the Ground, whereupon by Dew and Sun
Cobwebs breed all over. We ſee alſo the Green Catterpiller breedeth in the in-
ward parts of Roſes, eſpecially not blown where the Dew ſticketh: But
eſpecially Catterpillers, both the greateſt and the moſt, breed upon Cabbages,
which have a fat Leaf, and apt to putrifie. The Catterpiller toward the end of
Summer waxeth volatile, and turneth to a Butterflie, or perhaps ſome other
Flie. There is a Catterpiller that hath a Fur or Down upon him, and ſeemeth to
have affinity with the Silk worm.
THe Flies Cantharides, are bred of a Worm or Catterpiller, but peculiar to
as are the Fig-tree, the Pine-tree, and the Wilde
all which bear ſweet Fruit, and Fruit that hath a kinde of ſecret biting
or ſharpneſs. For the Fig hath a Milk in it that is ſweet and corroſive;
the Pine Apple hath a Kernel that is ſtrong and abſterſive;
the Fruit of the
Bryar is ſaid to make Children, or thoſe that eat them, ſeabbed. And there-
fore no marvel though Cantharides have ſuch a Corroſive and Cauteri-
zing quality; for there is not one other of the Inſecta, but is bred of a
duller matter. The Body of the Cantharides is bright coloured;
and it may
roſive quality.
LAßitude is remedied by Bathing or Anointing with Oyl and warm Wa-
The cauſe is, for that all Laßitude is a kinde of Contuſion and Com-
and Bathing and Anointing give a Relaxion or Emol-
lition: And the mixture of Oyl and Water is better then either of them a-
lone, becauſe Water entreth better into the Pores, and Oyl after entry ſoft-
neth better. It is found alſo, that the taking of Tobacco doth help and diſcharge
Laßitude. The reaſon whereof is partly, becauſe by chearing or comfort-
ing of the Spirits, it openeth the Parts compreſſed or contuſed: And chiefly,
becauſe it refreſheth the Spirits by the Opiate Vertue thereof, and ſo diſ-
chargeth Wearineſs, as Sleep likewiſe doth.
In going up a Hill the Knees will be moſt weary;
in going down a Hill,
The cauſe is, for that in the Lift of the Feet, when a man goeth up
the Hill, the weight of the Body beareth moſt upon the Knees; and in going
down the Hill, upon the Thighs.
THe caſting of the Skin, is by the Ancients compared to the breaking of
for that were to make every caſt-
And beſides, the Secundine is but a general
Cover, not ſhaped according to the Parts; but the Skin is ſhaped according
to the Parts. The Creatures that caſt their Skin are, the Snake, the Viper,
the Grashopper, the Lizard, the Silk-worm, &c.
Thoſe that caſt their Shell are,
the Lobſter, the Crab, the Cra-fish, the Hodmandod or Dodman, the Tortoiſe, &c.
The old Skins are found, but the old Shells never:
So as it is like they ſcale
off, and crumble away by degrees. And they are known by the extream
tenderneſs and ſoftneſs of the new Shell; and ſomewhat by the freſhneſs of
the colour of it. The cauſe of the caſting and Skin and Shell ſhould ſeem
to be the great quantity of matter in thoſe Creatures, that is fit to make
Skin or Shell: And again, the looſnefs of the Skin or Shell, that ſticketh
not cloſe to the Fleſh. For it is certain, that it is the new Skin or Shell
that putteth off the old. So we ſee that in Deer, it is the young Horn that
putteth off the old. And in Birds, the young Feathers put off the old;
and
ſo Birds that have much matter for their Beak, caſt their Beaks, the new
Beak putting off the old.
LYing not Frect but Hollow, which is in the making of the Bed, or with
by that leſs penſile; and we ſee, that in weak Stomacks, the laying up of the
Legs high, and the Knees almoſt to the Mouth, helpeth and comforteth. We ſee alſo that Gally-ſlaves, not with ſtanding their miſery other wiſe, are
commonly fat and fleſhy; and the reaſon is, becauſe the Stomack is ſup-
ported ſome what in ſitting, and is penſile in ſtanding or going. And there-
fore for Prolongation of Life, it is good to chuſe thoſe Exerciſes where the
Limbs move more then the Stomack and Belly; as in Rowing and in Saw-
ing, being ſet.
Megrims and Giddineß are rather when we Riſe, after long ſitting, then
The cauſe is, for that the Vapors which were gathered by
ſitting, by the ſudden Motion flie more up in to the Head.
Leaning upon any Part maketh it Num, and, as we call it, Aſleep.
to have free acceſs; and therefore, when we come out of it, we feel a ſting
ing or pricking, which is the re entrance of the Spirits.
IT hath been noted, That thoſe Years are peſtilential and unwholſome,
c.
The cauſe is
for that thoſe Creatures being ingendred of Putrefaction, when they
abound, ſhew a general diſpoſition of the Year, and conſtitution of the Air
to Diſeaſes of Putrefaction. And the ſame Prognoſtick (as hath been ſaid
before) holdeth, if you finde Worms in Oak Apples. For the Conſtitution
of the Air appeareth more ſubtilly in any of theſe things, then to the ſenſe of
Man.
IT is an obſervation amongſt Country people, that Years of ſtore of Haws
and they aſcribe it to
Sparrow; and much more is like to reach to the Preſervation of Birds in ſuch
Seaſons. The Natural cauſe alſo may be the want of Heat, and abundance of
Moiſture in the Summer precedent, which putteth forth thoſe Fruits, and
muſt needs leave great quantity of cold Vapors not diſſipate, which cauſeth
the cold of the Winter following.
THey have in Turkey a Drink ealled Coffee, made of a Berry of the ſame
And
they take it, and ſit at it in their Coffee-Houſes, which are like our Taverns. This Drink comforteth the Brain and Heart, and helpeth Digeſtion.
Cer-
tainly this Berry Coffee, the Root and Leaf Betel, the Leaf Tobacco, and the
Teare of Poppy, (Opium) of which, the Turks are great takers (ſuppoſing it
expelleth all fear; do all condence the Spirits, and make them ſtrong and
aleger. But it ſeemeth they are taken after ſeveral manners;
for Coffee and
Opium are taken down, Tobacco but in Smoak, and Betel is but champed in
the Mouth with a little Lime. It is like, there are more of them, if they were
well found out, and well corrected. Quære, of Henbane-ſeed, of Mandrake,
of Saffron, Root and Flower, of Folium Indum, of Ambergreece, of the Aſ-
ſyrian Amomum, if it may be had; and of the Scarlet Powder which they
call Kermez; and (generally) of all ſuch things as do inebriate and provoke
ſleep. Note, that Tobacco is not taken in Root or Seed, which are more forci-
ble ever then Leaves.
THe Turks have a black Powder made of a Mineral called Alcohole, which
With
the ſame Powder they colour alſo the Hairs of their Eye-lids, and of their
Eye-brows, which they draw into embowed Arches. You ſhall finde that
Xenophon maketh mention, that the Medes uſed to paint their Eyes. The
Turks uſe with the ſame Tincture to colour the Hair of their Heads and Beards
black: And divers with us that are grown Gray, and yet would appear young,
finde means to make their Hair black, by combing it (as they ſay) with a
Leaden Comb, or the like. As for the Chineſes, who are of an ill Complexion,
(being Olivaſter) they paint their Cheeks Scarlet, eſpecially their King and
Grandees. Generally, Barbarous People that go naked, do not onely paint
be taken forth, and make it into Works: So do the Weſt-Indians;
and ſo did
the ancient Picts and Britons. So that it ſeemeth Men would have the colours
of Birds Feathers, if they could tell how, or at leaſt they will have gay Skins in
ſtead of gay Cloaths.
IT is ſtrange that the uſe of Bathing as a part of Diet is left.
With the Ro-
and ſo is it
whereas with us it remaineth but as a part of
Phyſick. I am of opinion, that the uſe of it as it was with the Romans, was
hurtful to health; for that it made the Body ſoft and eaſie to waſte.
For the
Turks it is more proper, becauſe their drinking Water, and feeding upon
Rice, and other Food of ſmall nouriſhment, maketh their Bodies ſo ſolid
and hard, as you need not fear that Bathing ſhould make them frothy. Be-
ſides, the Turks are great ſitters, and ſeldom walk; whereby they ſweat leſs,
and need Bathing more. But yet certain it is, that Bathing, and eſpecially An-
ointing, may be ſo uſed, as it may be a great help to Health, and Prolongation
of Life. But here of we ſhall ſpeak in due place, when we come to handle
Experiments Medicinal.
THe Turks have a pretty Art of Chamoletting of Paper, which is not with
They take divers Oyled Colours, and put them ſeverally (in
(being of ſome thickneſs) with it; and the Paper will be waved and veined
like Chamolet or Marble.
IT is ſome what ſtrange, that the Blood of all Birds, and Beaſts, and Fiſhes,
A man would think that the cauſe ſhould be the high Con-
coction of that Blood; for we ſee in ordinary Puddings, that the Boyling
tand the Cuttle is accounted a delicate Meat,
and is much in requeſt.
IT is reported of credit, That if you take Earth from Land adjoyning to the
venteenth of June, which is the day when the River beginneth to riſe,
and then it will grow more and more ponderous till the River cometh to
his height. Which if it be true, it cannot be cauſed but by the Air,
which then beginneth to condenſe; and ſo turneth within that ſmall
Mould into a degree of Moiſture, which produceth weight. So it hath
been obſerved, that Tobacco cut and weighed, and then dryed by the
Fire, loſeth weight; and after being laid in the open Air, recovereth
weight again. And it ſhould ſeem, that as ſoon as ever the River beginneth
to increaſe, the whole Body of the Air there abouts ſuffereth a change: For
(that which is more ſtrange) it is credibly affirmed, that upon that very
day, when the River firſt riſeth, great Plagues in Cairo uſe ſuddenly to
break up.
THoſe that are very cold, and eſpecially in their Feet, cannot get to Sleep.
For we ſee, that in great Colds, one can ſcarce
Another cauſe may be, for that Cold calleth the Spiritsto
ſuccor; and therefore they cannot ſo well cloſe, and go together in the
Head, which is ever requiſite to Sleep And for the ſame cauſe, Pain and
noiſe hinder ſleep, and darkneſs (contrariwiſe) furthereth ſleep.
Some noiſes (whereof we ſpake in the 112 Experiment) help Sleep;
as
ſinging reading, &c.
The cauſe is, for that they move in the Spirits a gen-
tle attention; and whatſoever moveth attention, without too much labor,
ſtilleth the natural and diſcurſive motions of the Spirits.
Sleep nouriſheth, or at leaſt preſerveth, Bodies a long time, without
Beaſts that ſleep in Winter, (as it is noted of wilde
Bears) during their ſleep wax very fat, though they eat nothing. Bats
have been found in Ovens, and other hollow cloſe places, matted one
upon another; and therefore it is likely that they ſleep in the VVinter
time, and eat nothing. Quare whether Bees do not ſleep all VVinter, and
ſpare their Honey. Butter-flies, and other Flies, do not onely ſleep, but
lie as dead all VVinter; and yet with a little heat of Sun or Firerevive again.
A Dormouſe, both VVinter and Summer will ſleep ſome days together,
and eat nothing.
TO reſtore Teeth in Age, were Magnale Naturæ, it may be thought
but howſoever, thenature of the Teeth deſerveth to be enquired
of, as well as the other parts of Living Creatures Bodies.
There be five parts in the Bodies of Living Creatures that are of hard ſub-
ſtances; the Skull, the Teeth, the Bones, the Horns, and the Nails.
The greateſt
quantity of hard ſubſtance continued, is towards the Head; for there is the
there is the hard Bone that is the Inſtrument of Hearing, and thence iſſue
the Horns. So that the building of Living Creatures Bodies is like the build-
ing of a Timber-houſe, where the VValls and other parts have Columns
and Beams; but the Roof is in the better ſort of Houſes, all Tile, or Lead,
or Stone. As for Birds, they have three other hard ſubſtances proper to them;
the Bill, which is of the like matter with the Teeth, for no Birds have Teeth;
the Shell of the Egg, and their Quills; for as for their Spur, it is but a
Nail. Butno Living Creatures that have Shells very hard (as Oyſters, Cockles,
Muſtles, Shalops, Crabs, Lobſters, Craw-fish, Shrimps, and eſpecially the Tortoiſe)
have Bones within them, but onely little Griſtles.
Bones, after full growth, continue at a ſtay, and ſo doth the Skull.
Horns,
Teeth ſtand at aftay, except their
wearing. As for Nails, they grow continually, and Bills and Beaks will over-
grow, and ſometimes be caſt, as in Eagles and Parrots.
Moſt of the hard ſubſtances flie to the extreams of the Body;
as Skull,
onely the Bones are more inward, and clad
with Fleſh. As for the Entrails, they are all without Bones, ſave that a Bone
is ſometimes found in the Heari of a Stag, and it may be in ſome other
Creatures.
The Skull hath Brains, as a kinde of Marrow within it.
The Back-bone
and
other Bones of the Body have another. The Faw-bones have no Marrow fe-
vered, but a little Pulp of Marrow diffuſed. Teeth likewiſe are thought to
have a kinde of Marrow diffuſed, which cauſeth the Senſe and Pain: But it
for Marrow hath no Senſe, no more then Blood.
Horn is
alike throughout, and ſo is the Nail.
None other of the hard ſubſtances have Senſe, but the Teeth;
and the
But we will leave the Enquiries of other Hard Subſtances unto their ſeve-
# ral places, and now enquire onely of the Teeth.
The Teeth are in Men of three kindes, Sharp, as the Fore-teeth;
Broad, as
and Pointed-teeth,
or Canine, which are between both. But there have been ſome Men that
have had their Teeth undivided, as of one whole Bone, with ſome little
mark in the place of the Diviſion, as Pyrrhus had. Some Creatures have
over-long or out growing Teah, which we call Fangs or Tusks; as Boars,
Pikes, Salmons, and Dogs, though leſs. Some Living Creatures have Teeth
againſt Teeth, as Men and Horſes; and ſome have Teeth, eſpecially their Maſter-
teeth, indented one within another like Saws, as Lions; and ſo again have
Dogs. Some Fishes have divers Rows of Teeth in the Roofs of their Mouths;
as Pikes, Salmons, Trouts, &
c.
and many more in Salt.
waters.
Snakes and other
Serpents have venemous Tee@h, which are ſometimes miſtaken for their
Sting.
No Beaſt that hath Horns hath upper-teeth;
and no Beaſt that hath Teeth
But yetif they be of the ſame kinde, it follow-
eth not, that if the hard matter goeth not into upper-teeth, it will go into
Horns; nor yet è converſo, for Does that have no Horns, have no upper-
teeth.
Horſes have, at three years old, a Tooth put forth which they call the
and at four years old, there cometh the Mark-tooth, which hath
a hole ſo big as you may lay a Peaſe within it; and that weareth ſhorter
and ſhorter every year, till that at eight years old the Tooth is ſmooth,
and the hole gone; and then they ſay, That the Mark is out of the Horſes
Mouth.
The Teeth of Men breed firſt;
when the Childe is about a year and
But
divershave Backward-teeth come forth attwenty, yea, ſome at thirty, and
forty. Quare of the manner of the coming of them forth.
They tell atale
of the old Counteſs of Deſmond, who lived till ſhe was Sevenſcore years
old, that ſhe did Dentire twice orthrice, caſting her old Teeth, and others
coming in their place.
Teeth are much hurt by Sweet-meats, and by Painting with Mercury,
And the
pain of the Teeth, is one of the ſharpeſt of pains.
Concerning Teeth, theſe things are to be conſidered.
1.
The preſerving
2.
The keeping of them white.
3.
The drawing of them with
leaſt pain. 4.
The ſtaying and eaſing of the Tooth-ach.
5.
The binding in
of Artificial Teeth, where Teeth have been ſtrucken out. 6.
And laſt of
all, that great one, of reſtoring Teeth in Age. The inſtances that give any
likelihood of reſtoring Teeth in Age, are, The late coming of Teeth in
ſome, and the renewing of the Beaks in Birds, which are commaterial with
Teeth. Quare thereſore more particularly how that cometh.
And again,
the renewing of Horns, But yet that hath not been known to have been
provoked by Art; therefore let tryal be made, whether Horns may be pro-
cured to grow in Beaſts that are not horned, and how; and whether they
may be procured to come larger then uſual, as to make an Ox or a Deer
and whether the Head of a Deer, that by
age is more ſpitted, may be brought again to be more branched. For
theſe tryals and the like will ſhew, Whether by art ſuch hard matter can
be called and provoked. It may be tryed alſo, whether Birds may not have
ſomething done to them when they are young, whereby they may be made
to have greater or longer Bills, or greater and longer Talons: And whe-
ther Children may not have ſome Waſh, or ſomething to make their
Teeth better and ſtronger. Coral is in uſe as an help to the Teeth of
Children.
SOme Living Creatures generate but at certain ſeaſons of the year;
as
c.
and moſt ſorts of Birds and Fishes:
Others
and all Domeſtick Creatures, as Horſes,
Hogs, Dogs, Cats, &c.
The cauſe of Generation at all ſeaſons, ſeemeth to be
Fulneſs; for Generation is from Redundance.
This Fulneſs ariſeth from two
cauſes, Either from the Nature of the Creature, if it be Hot, and Moiſt, and
Singuine, or from Plenty of Food. For the firſt, Men, Horſes, Dogs, &
c.
which breed at all ſeaſons, are full of Heat and Moiſture;
Doves are the full-
eſt of Heat and Moiſture amongſt Birds, and therefore breed often, the
Tame Dove almoſt continually. But Deer are a Melancholick dry Creature,
as appeareth by their fearfulneſs, and the hardneſs of their Fleſh. sheep are a
cold Creature, as appeareth by their mildneſs, and for that they ſeldom
drink. Moſt ſorts of Birds are of a dry ſubſtance in compariſon of Beaſts;
Fishes are cold. For the ſecond cauſe, Fulneſs of Food, Men, Kine, Swine,
Dogs, &c.
feed full.
And we ſee, that thoſe Creatures which, being Wilde,
generate ſeldom, being tame, generate often; which is from warmth and
fulneſs of food. Wefinde that the time of going to Rut of Deer is in Sep-
tember, for that they need the whole Summers Feed and Graſs to make them
fit for Generation; and if Rain come early about the middle of September,
they go to Rut ſomewhat the ſooner; if Drought, ſomewhat the later.
So
Sheep, in reſpect of their ſmall heat, generate about the ſame time, or ſome-
what before. But for the moſt part, Creatures that generate at certain ſea-
ſons generate in the Spring; as Birds and Fiſhes:
For that the end of the
Winter, and the heat and comfort of the Spring prepareth them. There is
alſo another reaſon why ſome Creatures generate at certain ſeaſons, and that
is the Relation of their time of Bearing to the time of Generation; for no
Creature goeth to generate whileſt the Female is full, nor whileſt ſhe is buſie
in ſitting; or rearing her young;
and therefore it is found by experience, that
if you take the Eggs or Young-ones out of the Neſts of Birds, they will fall
to generate again three or four times one after another.
Of Living Creatures, ſome are longet time in the Womb, and ſome
Women go commonly nine Moneths, the Cow and the Ewe about
ſix Moneths, Doesgo about nine Moneths, Mares eleven Moneths, Bitches
nine Weeks; Elephants are ſaid to go two years, for the received Tra-
dition of ten years is fabulous. For Birds there is double enquiry;
the di-
ſtance between the treading or coupling, and the laying of the Egg; and
again, between the Egglaid, and the diſcloſing or hatching. And amongſt
Birds there is leſs diverſity of time then amongſt other Creatures, yet ſome
there is; forithe Hen ſitteth but three weeks, the Turky-hen, Gooſe
and Duck, a moneth. Quære of others.
The cauſe of the great difference
of times amongſt Living Creatures is, either from the nature of the Kind,
For the former, thoſe that are longer
in coming to their maturity or growth, are longer in the Womb, as is chiefly
ſeen in Men; and ſo Elephants, which are long in the Womb, are long time
in coming to their full growth. But in moſt other Kinds, the conſtitution of
the Womb (that is, the hardneſs or dryneſs thereof) is concurrent with the
former cauſe. Forthe Colt hath about four years of growth, and ſo the Fawn,
and ſo the Calf; but Whelps, which come to their growth (commonly) with-
in three quarters of a year, are but nine weeks in the Womb. As for Birds, as
there is leſs diverfity amongſt them in the time of their bringing forth, ſo
there is leſs diverſity in the time of their growth, moſt of them coming to
their growth within a twelve-moneth.
Some Creatures bring forth many young ones at a Burthen;
as Bitches,
c.
ſome (ordinarily) but one;
as Women, Lioneſſes, &
c.
This may be cauſed, either by the quantity of Sperm required to the pro-
ducing one of that Kind; which if leſs be required, may admit greater num-
ber; if more, fewer:
Or by the Partitions and Cells of the Womb, which
may ſever the Sperm.
THere is no doubt but Light by Refraction will ſhew greater, as well as
for like as a ſhilling in the bottom of the Water will
I
have heard of a practice, that Gloworms in Glaſſes were put in the Waterto
makethe Fiſh come. But I am not yet informed, whether when a Diver
diveth, having his eyes open, and ſwimmeth upon his back, whether (I ſay)
he ſeeth things in the Air, greater or leſs. For it is manifeſt, that when the
eye ſtandeth in the finer medium, and the object is in the groſſer, things ſhew
greater, but contrariwiſe, when the eye is placed in the groſſer medium, and
the object in the finer, how it worketh I know not.
It would be well boulted out, whether great Refractions may not be
For example, we ſee,
that take an empty Baſon, put an Angel of Gold, or what you will into it; then go ſo far from the Baſon till you cannot ſee the Angel, becauſe it is not
in a right Line; then fill the Baſon with Water, and you ſhall ſee it out of
his place, becauſe of the Reflexion. To proceed therefore, put a Looking-
glaſs into a Baſon of Water; I ſuppoſe you ſhall not ſee the Image in a right
Line, or at equal Angles, but aſide. I know not whether this Experiment may
not be extended ſo, as you might ſee the Image, and not the Glaſs; which
for beauty and ſtrangeneſs were a fine proof, for then you ſhall ſee the Image
like a Spirit in the Air. As for example, if there be a Ciſtern or Pool of Water,
you ſhall place over againſt it a picture of the Devil, or what you will, ſo as
you do not ſee the Water, then put a Looking glaſs in the Water: Now if
you can ſee the Devils picture aſide, not ſeeing the Water, it will look like a
Devil indeed. They have an old tale in Oxford, That Fryer Bacon walked be-
tween two Steeples; which was thought to be done by Glafſes, when he
walked upon the Ground.
AWeighty Body put into Motion, is more eaſily impelled then at firſt
The cauſe is, partly becauſe Motion doth diſcuſs the
a Natural Appetite not to move at all; and partly, becauſe a Body that reſt-
eth doth get, by the reſiſtance of the Body upon which it reſteth, a ſtronger
to be put in motion. For if a weighty Body be penſile, and hang but by a
thred, the percuſſion will make an impulſion very near as eaſily as iſ it were
already in motion.
A Body-over-great or over-ſmall, will not be thrown ſo far as a Body of
ſo that (it ſeemeth) there muſt be a commenſuration or pro-
portion bet ween the Body moved, and the force, to make it move well. The
cauſe is, becauſe to the Impulſion there is requiſite the force of the Bo dy
that moveth, and the reſiſtance of the Body that is moved; and if the
Body be too great, it yieldeth too little; and if it be too ſmall, it reſiſterh
too little.
It is common experience, that no weight will preſs or cut ſo ſtrong be-
It may be the Air
hath ſome part in furthering the percufſion: But the chief cauſe I take to be,
for that the parts of the Body moved, have by impulſion, or by the motion
of gravity continued, a compreſſion in them as well downwards, as they have
when they are thrown or ſhot through the Air ſorwards. I conceive alſo,
that the quick looſe of that motion preventeth the reſiſtance of the Body be-
low; and priority of the force (always) is of great efficacy, as appeareth in
infinite inſtances.
TIckling is moſt in the Soles of the Feet, and under the Arm-holes, and
The cauſe is, the thinneſs of the Skin in thoſe parts, joyned
for all Tickling is a light motion
of the Spirits, which the thinneſs of the Skin, and ſuddenneſs and rareneſs
of touch do further: For we ſee a Feather or a Ruſh drawn along the Lip
or Cheek, doth tickle; whereas a thing more obtuſe, or a touch more
hard, doth not. And for ſuddenneſs, we ſee no man can ticklehimſelf:
We
ſee alſo, that the Palm of the Hand, though it hath as thin a Skin as the other
parts mentioned, yet is not tickliſh, becauſe it is accuſtomed to betouched. Tickling alſo cauſeth Laughter.
The cauſe may be the emiſſion of the Spirits,
and ſo of the Breath, by a flight from Titillation; for upon Tickling, we
ſee there is ever a ſtarting or ſhrinking away of the part to avoid it; and
we ſee alſo, that if you tickle the Noſtrils with a Feather or Straw, it
procureth Sneezing, which is a ſudden emiſſion of the Spirits, that do
like wiſe expel the moiſture. And Tickling is ever painſul, and not well
endured.
IT is ſtrange, that the River of Nilus overflowing, as it doth the Countrey
of the Air, or of both. In the Water, it may be aſcribed either tinto
the long race of the Water; for ſwiſt-running Waters vapor not ſo much
as ſtanding Waters, or elſe to the concoction of the Water; for Waters well
concocted, vapor not ſo much as Waters raw, no more then Waters upon
the fire do vapor ſo much, after ſome time of boyling, as at the firſt. And it is true, that the Water of Nilus is ſweeter then other Waters in taſte;
and it is excellent good for the Stone, and Hypochondriacal Melancholy,
which ſheweth it is lenifying; and it runneth through a Countrey of a
hot Climate, and flat, without ſhade either of Woods or Hills, whereby
the Sun muſt needs have great power to concoct ir. As for the Air (from
whence I conceive this want of Showers cometh chiefly) the cauſe muſt be,
any moiſture from the Water, it imbibeth, and d ſſipateth it in the whole
Body of the Air, and ſuffereth it not to romain in Vapor, where by it might
breed Rain.
IT hath been touched in the Title of Perlocations, (namely, ſuch as are in-
and it is certain,
that in Egypt they prepare and clarifie the Water of Nile, by putting it into
great Jars of Stone, and ſtirring it about with a few ſtamped Almonds, where-
with they alſo beſmear the Mouth of the Veſſel; and ſo draw it off, after it
hath reſted ſome time. It were good to try this Clarifying with Almonds in
new Beer or Muſt, to haſten and perfect the Clarifying.
THere be ſcarce to be found any Vegetables that have Branches and no
But there is alſo in the Deſarts
of S. Macario in Egypt, a Plant which is long, Leafle
branched like Coral, fave that it cloſeth at the top. This being ſet in Water
within Houſe, ſpredeth and diſplayeth ſtrangely; and the people thereabout
have a ſuperſtitious belief, that in the Labor of Women it helpeth to the eaſie
Deliverance.
THe Cryſtalline Venice-Glaß is reported to be a mixture, in equal portions,
Weed called by the Arabs, Kall, which is gathered in a Deſart bet ween
Alexandria and Roſetta; and is by the Egyptians uſed firſt for Fuel, and then
they cruſh the Aſhes into lumps like a Stone, and ſoſell them to the Venetians
for their Glaſs-works.
IT is ſtrange, and well to be noted, how long Carcaſſes have continued
as appeareth in the Mummies
of Egypt, having laſted, as is conceived (ſome of them) three thouſand
years. It is true, they finde means to draw forth the Brains, and to take
forth the Entrails, which are the parts apteſt to corrupt. But that is no-
thing to the wonder; for we ſee what a ſoft and corruptible ſubſtance the
Fleſh of all the other parts of the Body is. But it ſhould ſeem, that accord-
ing to our obſervation and axiom, in our hundredth Experiments, Putre. faction, which we conceive to be ſo natural a Period of Bodies, is but an
accident, and that Matter maketh not that haſte to Corruption that is
conceived; and therefore Bodies in ſhining Amber, in Quick-ſilver, in
Balms, (where of we now ſpeak) in Wax, in Honey, in Gums, and (it
may be) in Conſervatories of Snow, &c.
are preſerved very long.
It need
not go for repetition, if we reſume again that which we ſaid in the afore-
ſaid Experiments concerning Annihilation, namely, That if you provide
againſt three cauſes of Putrefaction, Bodies will not corrupt. The firſt is,
that the Air be excluded; for that undermineth the Body, and conſpireth
with the Spirit of the Body to diſſolveit. The ſecond is, that the Body adja-
cent and ambient be not Commaterial, but meerly Heterogeneal to wards
the Body that is to be preſerved; for if nothing can be received by the
one, nothing can iſſue from the other; ſuch are Quick-ſilver and White Am-
ber to Herbs and Flies, and ſuch Bodies. The third is, that the Body to be
preſerved, be not of that groſs that it may corrupt within it ſelf, although no
part of it iſſue into the Body adjacent; and therefore it muſt be rather thin
There is a fourth Remedy alſo, which is, That if
the Body to be preſerved, be of bulk, as a Corps is, then the Body that in-
cloſeth it muſt have a virtue to draw forth and dry the moiſture of the in-
ward Body; for elſe the Putrefaction will play within, though nothing ifſue
forth. I remember Livy doth relate, that there were found at a time two
Coffins of Lead in a Tomb, where of the one contained the Body of King
Numa, it being ſome Four hundred years after his death; and the other, his
Books of Sacred Rites and Ceremonies, and the Diſcipline of the Pontiffs: And that in the Coffin that had the Body, there was nothing (at all) to be ſeen
but a little light Cinders about the ſides; but in the Coffin that had the
Books, they were found as freſh as if they had been but newly written, being
written in Parchment, and covered over with Watch-candles of Wax three
or four fold. By this it ſeemeth, that the Romans in Numa’s time were not
ſo good Embalmers as the Egyptians were; which was the cauſe that the
Body was utterly conſumed. But I finde in Plutarch and others, that when
Auguſtus Caſar viſited the Sepulchre of Alexander the Great in Alexandria,
he found the Body to keep his Dimenſion; but withal, that not with ſf
all the Embalming (which no doubt was of the beſt) the Body was ſo tender,
as Caſar touching but the Noſe of it, defaced it. Which maketh mefinde it
very ſtrange, that the Egyptian Mummies ſhould be reported to be as hard
as Stone-pitch: For I finde no difference but one.
which indeed may be
very material; namely, that the ancient Egyptian Mummies were ſhrowded
in a number of folds of Linnen, beſmeared with Gums, in manner of
Sear-cloth; which it doth not appear, was practifed upon the Body of
Alexander.
NEar the Caſtle of Catie, and by the Wells Aſſan, in the Land of Idumæa,
though it be a good diſtance of: And it is nothing, but the ſhining of the
Nitre upon the Sea-ſands; ſuch abundance of Nitre the Shores there do put
forth.
THe Dead-Sea, which vomiteth up Bitumen, is of that Ctaſſitude, as
up and not ſunk: Which ſheweth, that all ſinking into Water, is but an over-
weight of the Body put into the Water, in reſpect of the Water; ſo that
you may make Water ſo ſtrong and heavy of Quick-ſilver, (perhaps) or the
like, as may bear up Iron; of which I ſee no uſe, but Impoſture.
We
ſee alſo, that all Metals, except Gold, for the ſame reaſon ſwim upon
Quick ſilver.
IT is reported, that at the Foot of a Hill near the Mare mortuum, there is a
diminiſheth not, but onely waxeth brighter and whiter. That it ſhould do
ſo, is not ſtrange; for we ſee Iron red hot burneth and conſumeth not.
But the ſtrangeneſs is, that it ſhould continue any time ſo;
for Iron, as
ſoon as it is out of the Fire, deadeth ſtraight-ways. Certainly, it were a
thing of great uſe and profit, if you could finde out Fuel that would burn
hot, and yet laſt long: Neither am I altogether incredulous, but there
may be ſuch Candles as (they ſay) are made of Salamanders Wool, being a
kinde of Mineral which whiteneth alſo in the burning, and conſumeth not.
The Queſtion is this. Flame muſt be made of ſome what;
and commonly it
but it is not impoſſible,
perhaps, that it ſhould be made of Spirit or Vapor in a Body, (which Spirit
or Vapor hath no weight) ſuch as is the matter of Ignis fatuus. But then you
will ſay, that that Vapor alſo can laſt but a ſhort time. To that it may be an-
ſwered, That by the help of Oyl and Wax, and other Candle ſtuff, the flame
may continue, and the wick not burnt.
SEa-coal laſt longer then Char-coal;
and Char-coal of Roots, being coaled
Turf, and Peat,
and Cow-ſheards are cheap Fewels, and laſt long. Small-coal or Char-coal pour-
ed upon Char-coal make them laſt longer. Sedge is a cheap Fewel to Brew
or Bake with, the rather, becauſe it is good for nothing elſe. Tryal would
be made of ſome mixture of Sea-coal with Earth, or Chalk; for if that mix-
ture be, as the Sea-coal-men uſe it privily, to make the Bulk of the Coal
greater, it is deceit; but if it be uſed purpoſely, and be made known, it is
ſaving.
IT is at this day in uſe in Gaza, to couch Pot-sherds or Veſſels of Earth in their
into Rooms. It is a device for ſreſhne ſs in great Heats.
And it is ſaid, there
are ſome Rooms in Italy and Spain for freſhneſs, and gathering the Winds and
Air in the Heats of Summer; but they be but Pennings of the Winds, and
enlarging them again, and making them reverberate, and go round in Cir-
cles, rather then this device of Spouts in the Wall.
THere would be uſed much diligence in the choice of ſome Bodies and
or un wholeſomneſs as well of Seaſons, as of the Seats of Dwellings. It is
certain, that there be ſome Houſes wherein Confitures and Pies, will gather
Mould more then in others; and I am perſwaded, that a piece of raw Fleſh
or Fiſh, will ſooner corrupt in ſome Airs then in others. They be noble
Experiments that can make this diſcovery; for they ſerve for a Natural
Divination of Seaſons, better then the Aſtronomers can by their Figures; and again, they teach men where to chuſe their dwelling for their better
health.
THere is a kinde of Stone about Bethlehem which they grinde to powder,
more Milk. Surely, there would be ſome better Tryals made of Mixtures
of Water in Ponds for Cattel, to make them more Milch, or to fatten them,
or to keep them from Murrain. It may be, Chalk and Nitre are of the
beſt.
IT is reported, that in the Valley near the Mountain Carmel in Judea, there
other Minerals laid in it, turn to a glaſſie ſubſtance without the fire; and
again, Glaſs put into it, turneth into the Mother-ſand. The thing is very
ſtrange, if it be true; and it is likelieſt to be cauſed by ſome natural Furnace
of Heat in the Earth, and yet they do not ſpeak of any Eruption of Flames. It were good to try in Glaſs works, whether the crude Materials of Glaſs
mingled with Glaſs, already made and remoulten, do not facilitate the making
of Glaſs with leſs heat.
IN the Sea, upon the South-Weſt of Sicily, much Coral is found.
It is a Sub-
ter; it is ſoft, and green of colour;
but being brought into the Air, it be-
cometh hard, and ſhining red, as we ſee. It is ſaid alſo to have a white
Berry, but we finde it not brought over with the Coral: Belike it is caſt away
as nothing worth. Idquire better of it, for the diſcovery of the Nature of
the Plant.
THe Manna of Calahria is the beſt, and in moſt plenty.
They gather it
but not of ſuch Mulberry-trees as
grow in the Valleys: And Manna fa@leth upon the Leaves by night, as other
Dews do. It ſhould ſeem, that before thoſe Dews come upon Trees in the
Valleys, they diſſipate and cannot hold out. It ſhould ſeem alſo, the Mul-
berry-leaf it ſelf hath ſome coagulating virtue, which inſpiſſateth the Dew,
for that it is not found upon other Trees: And we ſee by the Silk worm,
which feedeth upon that Leaf, what a dainty ſmooth Juice it hath; and the
Leaves alſo (eſpecially of the Black Mulberry) are ſome what briſtly, which
may help to preſerve the Dew. Certainly, it were not amiſs to obſerve a lit-
tle better the Dews that fall upon Trees or Herbs growing on Mountains; for
it may be, many Dews fall that ſpend before they come to the Valleys. And
I ſuppoſe, that he that would gather the beſt May Dew for Medicine, ſhould
gather it from the Hills.
IT is ſaid, they have a manner to prepare their Greek Wines, to keep them
where of
the one is Unctuous, and the other is Aſtringent. And certain it is, that
thoſe two Natures do repreſs the Fumes. This Experiment would be tranſ-
ferred unto other Wine and Strong-Beer, by putting in ſome like Subſtances
while they work; which may make them both to Fume leſs, and to inflame
leſs.
IT is conceived by ſome, (not improbably) that the reaſon why Wild-
Water, is, for that the firſt concretion of Bitumen, is a mixture of a fiery and
watry ſubſtance; ſo is not Sulphur.
This appeareth, for that in the place near
Puteoli, which they call the Court of Vulcan, you ſhall hear under the
Earth a horrible thundring of Fire and Water conflicting together; and
there break forth alſo Spouts of boiling Water. Now that place yield-
eth great quantities of Bitumen; whereas c
which conſiſt upon Sulphur, ſhoot forth Smoak, and Aſhes, and Pumice,
but no Water. It is reported alſo, that Bitumen mingled with Lime, and put
under Water, will make, as it were, an artificial Rock, the ſubſtance be cometh
ſo hard.
THere is a Cement compounded of Flower, Whites of Eggs, and Stone
near Cuma, is ſaid to have the Walls plaiſtered. And it is certain, and tried,
that the Powder of Load-ſtone and Flint, by the addition of Whites of Eggs
and Gum-dragon, made into Paſte, will in a few days harden to the hardneſs
of a Stone.
IT hath been noted by the Antients, that in full or impure Bodies, U'cers
The
cauſe is, for that Ulcers or Hurts in the Legs require Deſiccation, which by
the defluxion of Humors to the lower parts is hindred, where as Hurts and
Ulcers in the Head require it not, but, contrariwiſe, Dryneſs maketh them
more apt to Conſolidate. And in Modern obſervation, the like difference
hath been found bet ween French-men and Engliſh men; where of the ones
Conſtitution is more dry, and the others more moiſt: And therefore a Hurt
of the Head is harder to cure in a French-man, and of the Leg in an Engliſh-
man.
IT hath been noted by the Ancients, that Southern Winds blowing much
but with Rain,
not. The cauſe is, for that Southern Winds do of themſelves qualifie the Air
to be apt to cauſe Fevers; but when Showers are joyned, they do refrigerate
in part, and check the ſoultry Heat of the Southern Wind. Therefore this
holdeth not in the Sea coaſts, becauſe the vapor of the Sea without Showers
doth refreſh.
IT hath been noted by the Ancients, that Wounds which are made with
The cauſe is, for
that Braſs hath in it ſelf a Sanative virtue, and ſo in the very inſtant helpeth
ſomewhat; but Iron is Corroſive, and not Sanative.
And therefore it were
good that the Inſtruments which are uſed by Chirurgions about Wounds
were rather of Braſs then Iron.
IN the cold Countreys, when Mens Noſes and Ears are mortified, and (as
ſently. The cauſe is, for that the few Spirits that remain in tho ſe parts are
fuddenly drawn forth, and ſo Putrefaction is made compleat. But Snow put
upon them helpeth, for that it preſerveth thoſe Spirits that remain till they
can revive; and beſides, Snow hath in it a ſecret warmth;
as the Monk
proved out of the Texr, Qui dat Nivem ſicut Lanam, Gelu ſicut Cineres ſpargit; whereby he did infer, that Snow did warm like Wool, and Froſt did fret like
Aſhes. Warm Water alſo doth good, becauſe by little and little it openeth
the pores, without any ſudden working upon the Spirits. This Experiment
may be transferred unto the cure of Gangrenes, either coming of them ſelves,
or induced by too much applying of Opiates; wherein you muſt be ware of
dry Heat, and reſort to things that are Refrigerant, with an inward warmth
and virtue of cheriſhing.
WEigh Iron and Aqua-fortis ſeverally, then diſſolve the Iron in the Aqua-
and you ſhall finde it to bear as good
weight as the Bodies did ſeverally, not with ſtanding a good deal of waſte
by a thick vapor that iſſueth during the working; which ſheweth, that the
opening of a Body doth increaſe the weight. This was tryed once or twice,
but I know not whether there were any Error in the Tryal.
TAke of Aqua-fortis two Ounces, of Quick-ſilver two Drachms, (for that
as big as a Nutmeg; yet (no doubt) the increaſing of the weight of
as we ſee Broyn, when it is ſalt
enough, will bear an Egg. And I remember well a Ph
give ſome M neral Baths for the Gout &c.
And the Body when it was put
into the BathBut it ſeem
eth, the weight of the Quickſilver, more then the weight of a Stone, doth
not compenſe the weight of a Stone, more then the weight of the Aqua-fortis.
LEt there be a Body of unequal weight, (as of Wood and Lead, or Bone
it you throw it from you with the light end forward, it will
turn, and the weightier end will recover to be forwards, unleſs the Body be
over-long. The cauſeis, for that the more Denſe Body hath a more violent
preſſure of the parts from the firſt impulſion; which is the cauſe (though
heretofore not found out, as hath been often ſaid) of all Violent Motions: And when the hinder part moveth ſwifter (for that it leſ, endur
parts) then the for ward part can make way for it, it muſt needs be that the
Body turn over; for (turned) it can more eaſily draw forward the lighter part.
Galilaus noteth it well, That if an open Trough, wherein Water is, be driven
faſter then the Water can follow, the Water gathereth upon an heap to-
wards the hinder end, where the motion began; which he ſuppoſeth (hold-
ing confidently the motion of the Earth) to be the cauſe of the Ebbing and
Flowing of the Ocean, becauſe the Earth over runneth the Water. Which
Theory though it be falſe, yet the firſt Experiment is true; as for the inequa
lity of the preſſure of parts, it appeareth manifeſtly in this, That if you take
a body of Stone or Iron, and another of Wood, of the ſame magnitude and
ſhape, and throw them with equal force, you cannot poſſibly throw the
Wood ſo far as the Stone or Iron.
IT is certain (as it hath been formerly in part touched) that Water may be
If you daſh a Stone againſt a Stone in the bottom
of the Water, it makes a Sound; ſo a long Pole ſtruck upon Gravel, in the
bottom of the Water, maketh a Sound. Nay, if you ſhould think that the
Sound cometh up by the Pole, and not by the Water, you ſhall finde that an
Anch or let down by a Rope maketh a Sonnd; and yet the Rope is no ſolid
Body, where by the Sound can aſcend.
ALl objects of the Senſes which are very offenſive, do cauſe the Spirits
and upon their flight, the parts are (in ſome degree) deſtitute,
and ſo there is induced in them a trepidation and horror. For Sounds, we
ſee, that the grating of a Saw, or any very harſh noiſe, will ſet the Teeth on
edge, and make all the Body ſhiver. For Taſtes, we ſee, that in the taking of
a Potion, or Pills, the Head and the Neck ſhake. For odious ſmells, the like
effect followeth, which is leſs perceived, becauſe there is a remedy at hand,
by ſtopping of the Noſe. But in Horſes, that can uſe no ſuch help, we ſee
the ſmell of a Carrion, eſpecially of a dead Horſe, maketh them flie away,
and take on almoſt, as if they were mad. For Feeling, if you come out of the
Sun ſuddenly into a ſhade, there followeth a chilneſs or ſhivering in all the
Body. And even in Sight, which hath (in effect) no odious object, coming in-
to ſudden darkneſs, induceth an offer to ſhiver.
THere is in the City of Ticinum in Italy, a Church that hath Windows
onely from above; it is in Length an hundred Feet, in Bredth twenty
Feet, and in Height near fifty, having a Door in the midſt. It reporteth,
If you ſtand by the cloſe e
againſt the Door, the Echo fadeth and dieth by little and little, as the Echo
at Pont-Charenton doth, and the voice ſounde
Door; and if you ſtand at the lower end, or on either ſide of the Door, the
Fcho holdeth; but if you ſtand in the Door, or in the midſt juſt over againſt
the Door, not. Note, that all Echoes ſound better againſt old Walls then
new, becauſe they are more dry and hollow.
THoſe effects which are wrought by the percuſſion of the Senſe, and by
tion: Thereſore if a man ſee another eat ſour or acide things, which ſet the
Teeth on edge, this object tainteth the Imagination; ſo that he that ſeeth
the thing done by another hath his own Teeth alſo ſet on edge. So if a man
ſee another turn ſwiftly and long, or if he look upon Wheels that turn, him-
ſelf waxeth Turn-ſick. So if a man be upon a high place, without Rails, or
good hold, except he be uſed to it, he is ready to fall; for imagining a fall,
it putteth his ſpirits into the very action of a fall. So many upon the ſeeing
of others Bleed, or Strangled, or Tortured, themſelves are ready to faint,
as if they bled, or were in ſtrife.
TAke a Stock-Gilliflower, and tie it gently upon a ſtick, and put them both
covered; then lay a little weight upon the top of the Glaſs, that may keep
the ſtick down; and look upon them after four or five days, and you ſhall
finde the Flower freſh, and the Stalk harder and leſs flexible then it was. If you compare it with another Flower, gathered at the ſame time, it will
be the more manifeſt. This ſheweth, that Bodies do preſerve excellently in
Quick-ſilver; and not preſerve onely, but by the coldneſs of the Quick-ſilver,
indurate. For the freſhneſs of the Flower may be meerly Conſervation,
(which is the more to be obſerved, becauſe the Quick-ſilver preſſeth the Flower)
but the ſtifneſs of the Stalk cannot be without Induration from the cold (as
it ſeemeth) of the Quick-ſilver.
IT is reported by ſome of the Ancients, That in Cyprus there is a kinde of
watered, will encreaſe into greater pieces. This is certain, and known of old,
that Lead will multiply and encreaſe; as hath been ſeen in old Statues of
Stone, which have been put in Cellars, the Feet of them being bound with
Leaden bands; where (after a time) there appeared, that the Lead did ſwell,
inſomuch, as it hanged upon the Stone like Warts.
ICall that drowning of Metals, when the baſer Metal is ſo incorporate
which is a
kinde of Verſion, though falſe; as if Silver ſhould be inſeparably incorpo-
rated with Gold, or Copper and Lead with Silver. The Ancient Electrum had
in it a fifth of Silver to the Gold, and made a Compound Metal, as fit for
moſt uſes as Gold, and more reſplendent, and more qualified in ſome
other properties; but then that was eaſily ſeparated.
This to do privily,
or to make the Compound paſs for the rich Metal ſimple, is an adulteration
or counterfeiting; but if it be done avowedly and without diſguifing, it
may be a great ſaving of the richer Metal. I remember to have heard of
a man skilful in Metals, that a fifteenth part of Silver incorporate with
Gold is the onely Subſtance which hath nothing in it Volatile, and yet
The Melting ſheweth, that it is not
jejune or ſcarce in Spirit. So that the fixing of it is not want of Spirit to flie
out, but the equal ſpreding of the Tangible parts, and the cloſe coacerva-
tion of them; where by they have the leſs appetite, and no means (at all) to
iſſue forth. It were good therefore to try whether Glaſs Re-molten, do loſe
any weight; for the parts in Glaſs are evenly ſpred, but they are not ſo cloſe
as in Gold; as we ſee by the eaſie admiſſion of Light Heat, and Cold, and
by the ſmalneſs of the weight. There be other Bodies fixed, which have lit-
tle or no Spirit, ſo as there is nothing to flie out; as we ſee in the Stuff, where-
of Coppels are made, which they put into Furnaces, upon which Fire work-
eth not. So that there are three cauſes of Fixation;
the Even-ſpreding both
of the Spirits and Tangible parts; the Cloſeneß of the Tangible parts;
and the Fe-
junenß or Extream Comminution of Spirits: Of which three, the two firſt may
be joyned with a Nature Liquefiable, the laſt not.
IT is a profound Contemplation in Nature, to conſider of the Emptineſs (as we
in others. Air taketh in Lights, and Sounds, and Smells, and Vapors:
And
it is moſt manifeſt, that it doth it with a kinde of Thirſt, as not ſatisfied with
his own former Conſiſtence; for elſe it would never receive them in ſo ſud-
denly and eaſily. Water and all Liquors do haſtily receive dry and more Ter-
reſtrial Bodies proportionable; and Dry Bodies, on the other ſide, drink in
Waters and Liquors: So that (as it was well ſaid by one of the Ancients, of
Earthy and Watry Subſtances) one is a Glue to another. Parchments, Skins,
Cloth, & c.
drink in Liquors;
though themſelves be entire Bodies, and not
comminuted, as Sand and Aſbes, nor apparently porous. Metals themſelves
do receive in readily Strong waters, and Strong-waters likewiſe do readily pierce
into Metals and Stones; and that Strong-water will touch upon Gold, that will
not touch upon Silver, and è converſo. And Gold, which ſeemeth by the weight
to be the cloſeſt and moſt ſolid Body, doth greedily drink in Quick-ſilver. And
it ſeemeth, that this Reception of other Bodies is not violent; for it is (many
times) reciprocal, and, as it were with conſent. Of the cauſe of this, and to
what Axiom it may be referred, conſider attentively; for as for the pretty
aſſertion, That Matter is like a Common Strumpet that deſireth all Forms, it is
but a Wandring Notion. Onely Flame doth not content it ſelf to take in any
other Body; but either to overcome, and turn another Body into it ſelf, as
by victory, or itſelf to die and go out.
IT is certain, That all Bodies whatſoever, though they
For when
one Body is applied to another, there is a kinde of Electi-
on, to embrace that which is agreeable, and to exclude
or expel that which is ingrate: And whether the Body
be alterantor altered, evermore a Perception precedeth
Operation; for elſe all Bodies would be alike one to an-
other. And ſometimes this Perception in ſome kinde
of Bodies is far more ſubtilthen the Senſe; ſo that the Senſe is but a dull thing
in compariſon of it. We ſee a Weather-glaß will finde the leaſt difference of
the Weather in Heat or Cold, when Men finde it not. And this Perception
alſo is ſometimes at diſtance, as well as upon the touch; as when the Load-
ſtone draweth Iron, or Flame fireth Naphtha of Babylon a great diſtance off. It is therefore a ſubject of a very Noble Enquiry, to enquire of the more ſubtil
Perceptions; for it is another Key to open Nature, as well as the Senſe, and
ſometimes better: And beſides, it is a principal means of Natural Divination;
for that which in theſe Perceptions appeareth early, in the great effects
cometh long after. It is true alſo, that it ſerveth to diſcover that which is
hid, as well as to foretel that which is to come, as it is in many ſubtil Tryals:
As to try whether Seeds be old or new, the Senſe cannotinform; but if you
boil them in Water, the new Seeds will ſprout ſooner. And ſo of Water,
the taſte will not diſcover the beſt Water; but the ſpeedy conſuming of it,
and many other means which we have heretofore ſet down, will diſcover it.
So in all Phyſiognomy, the Lineaments of the Body will diſcoverthoſe Natural
Inclinations of the Minde, which Diſſimulation will conceal, or Diſcipline
will ſuppreſs. We ſhall therefore now handle onely thoſe two Perceptions
which pertain to Natural Divination and Diſcovery, leaving the handling of
Now it is true, that Di-
vination is attained by other means; as if you know the cauſes, if you know
the Concomitants, you may judge of the effect to follow; and the like may be
ſaid of Diſcoper. But we tye our ſelves here to that Divination and Diſcovery
chiefly, which is cauſed by an early or ſubtil Perception.
The aptneſs or propenſion of Air or Water to corrupt or putrefie,
(no doubt) is to be found before it break forth into manifeſt effects of Dif-
eaſes, Blaſting, or the like. We will therefore ſet down ſome Prognoſticks
of Peſtilential and unwholſome years.
The Wind blowing much from the South without Rain, and Worms
Alſo the plenty of Frogs,
Graſhoppers, Flies, and the like Creatures bred of Putrefaction, doth portend
Peſtilential years.
Great and early Heats in the Spring, (and namely in May) without
And generally ſo do years with little Wind or
Thunder.
Great Droughts in Summer, laſting till to wards the end of August,
portend a Peſtilent Summer the year following: For about the end of
Auguſt, all the ſweetneſs
exhaled; (and much more if the Auguſt be dry) ſo that nothing then
can breath forth of the Earth but a groſs vapor, which is apt to corrupt
the Air; and that vapor by the firſt ſhowers, if they begentle, is releaſed,
and cometh forth abundantly. Therefore they that come abroad ſoon
after thoſe ſhowers are commonly taken with ſickneſs. And in Africk no
Body will ſtir out of doors after the firſt ſhowers. But if the firſt ſhowers
come vehemently, then they rather waſh and fill the Earth, then give
it leave to breath forth preſently. But if dry weather come again, then
it fixeth and continueth the corruption of the Air upon the firſt ſhowers
begun, and maketh it of ill influence even to the next Summer, ex-
cept a very Froſty Winter diſcharge it, which ſeldom ſucceedeth ſuch
Droughts.
The leſſer Infections of the Small-Pox, Purple Feavers, Agues in the Sum-
in the Summer following: For Putrefaction doth not riſe to its height at
once.
It were good to lay a piece of raw Fleſh or Fiſh in the open Air;
trefaction. And becauſe you cannot be informed, whther the Putrefacti-
on be quick or Iate, except you compare this Experiment with the
like Experiment in another year; it were not amifs in the ſame year,
and at the ſame time, to lay one piece of Fleſh or Fiſh in the open Air,
and another of the ſame kinde and bigneſs within doors: For I judge,
that if a general di poſition be in the Air to putrefie, the Fleſh or Fiſh
will ſooner putrefie abroad, where the Air hath more power then in the
Houſe, where it hath leſs, being many ways corrected. And this Experi-
ment would be made about the end of March; for that ſeaſon is likeſt to
diſcover what the Winter hath done, and what the Summer following will
do upon the Air. And becauſe the Air (no doubt) receiveth greattincture
and infuſion from the Earth, it were good to try that expoſing of Fleſh
upon the flat of the Earth.
Take May Dew, and ſee whether it putrefie quickly, or no;
for that
or leſs corrupted.
A dry March, and a dry May, portend a wholeſome Summer, if there be
but other wiſe it is a ſign of a Peſtilential year.
As the diſcovery of the diſpoſition of the Air is good for the Prognoſticks
ſo it is of much more uſe for the
choice of places to dwell in; at the leaſt for Lodges and Retiring-places for
Health, (for Manſion Houſes reſpect proviſions as well as health) wherein
the Experiments above mentioned may ſerve.
But for the choice of Places or Seats, it is good to make tryal, not onely
Air, and the temper of it in heat or cold; for that may concern health diverſly.
We ſee that there be ſome Houſes wherein Sweet Meats will relent, and Baked
Meats will mould, more then in others; and Wainſcots will alſo ſweat more, ſo
that they will almoſt run with Water: All which (no doubt) are caufed chief-
ly by the moiſtneſs of the Air in thoſe Seats. But becauſe it is better to know
it before a Man buildeth his Houſe, then to finde it after, take the Experiments
following.
Lay Wool, or a Sponge, or Bread in the place you would try, comparing
the Wool or Sponge, &c.
more ponderous then the other:
And if it do, you
may judge of that place, as ſituate in a groſs and moiſt Air.
Becauſe it is certain that in ſome places
others; and inequality of Air is ever an enemy to health:
It were good to
take two Weather-Glaſſes, matches in all things, and to ſet them for the ſame
hours of one day in ſeveral places where no ſhade is nor encloſures, and to
mark when you ſet them, how far the Water cometh; and to compare them
when you come again, how the Water ſtandeth then. And if you finde them
unequal, you may be ſure, that the place where the Water is loweſt is in the
warmer Air, and the other in the Colder. And the greater the inequality is
of the aſcent or deſcent of the Water, the greater is the inequality of the
temper of the Air.
The Predictions likewiſe of cold and long Winters, and hot and dry
as for divers Proviſions. That of Plenty of Haws, and Heps, and Bryar-Berries,
hath been ſpoken of before. If Wainſcot or Stone, that have ufed to ſweat, be
more dry in the beginning of Winter, or the drops of the Eavs of Houſes
come more ſlowly down then they uſe, it portendeth a hard and froſty Win-
ter. The cauſe is, for that it ſheweth an inclination of the Air to dry Weather,
which in Winter is ever joyned with Froſt.
Generally a moiſt and a cool Summer, portendeth a hard Winter.
The
the Sun; and ſo they rebound upon the Winter.
A hot and dry Summer and Autumn, and efpecially if the heat and
and colds to ſucceed to ward the latter part of the Winter, and the beginning
of the Spring. For till then the former heat and drought bear the ſway, and
the vapors are not ſufficiently multiplied.
An open and warm Winter portendeth a hot and dry Summer:
For the
whereas Cold and Froſt keep-
eth them in, and tranſporteth them into the late Spring and Summer fol-
lowing.
Birds that uſe to change Countrevs at certain Seaſons, if they come
whence they came: As the Winter Birds, (namely, Woodcocks, Feldefares &
c.)
if they come earlier, and out of the Northern Countreys, with us ſhew cold
Winters. And if it be in the ſame Countrey, then they ſhew a temperature
of Seaſon, like unto that Seaſon in which they come; as Swallows Bats,
Cucksc.
that come towards Summer, if they come early, ſhew a hot
Summer to follow.
The Prognoſticks more immediate of Weather to ſollow ſoon after, are
The Reſounding of the Sea upon the
Shore, and the Murmur of Winds in the Woods, without apparent Wind,
ſhew Wind to follow. For ſuch Winds, breathing chiefly out of the Earth,
are not at the firſt perceived, except they be pent by Water or Wood. And
therefore a Murmur out of Caves like wiſe portendeth as much.
The Upper Regions of the Air, perceive the Collection of the matter of
And therefore the obſcuring
of the ſmaller Stars, is a ſign of Tempeſts following. And of this kinde you
ſhall finde a number of inſtances in our Inquiſition de Ventis.
Great Mountains have a Perception of the diſpoſition of the Air to Tem-
And therefore they ſay in VVales,
VVhen certain Hills have their Night-caps on, they me@n miſchief. The cauſe is, for that
Tempeſts which are for the moſt part bred above in the Middle Region, (as
they call it) are ſooneſt perceived to collect in the places next it.
The Air and Fire have ſubtil Perceptions of Wind riſing before Men
We ſee the trembling of a Candle will diſcover a Wind, that other-
wiſe we do not feel; and the Flexious burning of Flames doth ſhew the Air
beginneth to be unquiet; and ſo do Coals of fire, by caſting off the aſhes
more then they uſe. The cauſe is, for that no Wind at the firſt, till it hath
ſtruck and driven the Air, is apparent to the Senſe; but flame is eaſier to
move then Air. And for the Aſhes, it is no marvel though Wind unperceived
ſhake them off; for we uſually try which way the Wind bloweth, by caſting
up Graſs or Chaff, or ſuch light things into the Air.
When Wind expireth from under the Sea, as it cauſeth ſome reſound-
tions of Bubbles, and white Circles of Froth. The cauſe is, for that the
Wind cannot be perceived by the Senſe, until there be an Eruption of a great
quantity from under the Water, and ſo it getteth into a Body, whereas in the
firſt putting up, it cometh in little portions.
We ſpake of the Aſhes that Coals caſt off, and of Graſs and Chaff car-
ſo any light thing that moveth when we find no VVind,
ſheweth a VVind at hand: As when Feathers or Down of Thiſtles flie to and
fro in the Air.
For Prognoſticks of VVeather from Living Creatures, it is to be noted, That
Creatures that live in the open Air (ſub dio) muſt needs have a quicker
impreſſion from the Air, then Men that live moſt within doors; and eſpe-
cially Birds who live in the Air freeſt and cleareſt, and are apteſt by their
voice to tell tales what they finde, and likewiſe by the motion of their
flight to expreſs the ſame.
VVater-fowls (at Sea-Gulls, Moor-Hens, &
c.)
when they flock and flie
and contrariwiſe Land Birds, (as
Crows Swallows, &c.
when they flie from the Land to the VVaters, and beat
the VVaters with their VVings, do foreſhew Rain and VVind. The cauſe is,
Pleaſure that both kindes take in the moiſtneſs and denſity of the Air,
and ſo deſire to be in motion, and upon the VVing, whither-ſoever they
would otherwiſe go: For it is no marvel that VVater fowl do joy moſt
in that Air which is likeſt VVaters; and Land Birds alſo (many of them)
delight in Bathing and moiſt Air. For the ſame reaſon alſo, many Birds do
prune their Feathers, and Geeſe do gaggle, and Crows ſeem to call upon
Rain. All which is but the comfort they ſeem to receive in the relenting of
the Air.
The Heron when ſhe ſoareth high, (ſo as ſometimes ſhe is ſeen to paſs
But Kites flying alofr, ſhew fair and dry
weather. The cauſe may be, for that they both mount moſt into the Air of
that temper wherein they delight, And the Heron, being a VVater-fowl,
taketh pleaſure in the Air that is condenſed; and beſides, being but heavy
of VVing, needeth the help of the groſſer Air. But the Kite afſecteth not
ſo much the groſſneſ, of the Air, as the cold and ſreſhneſs thereoſ; for be-
ing a Bird of Prey, and therefore hot, ſhe delighteth in the freſh Air, and
(many times) flieth againſt the VVind; as Trouts and Salmons ſwim againſt
the ſtream. And yet it is true alſo, that all Birds finde an eaſe in the depth
of the Air, as Swimmers do in a deep VVater. And therefore when they are
alſo, they can uphold themſelves with their VVings ſpred, ſcarce moving
them.
Fiſhes when they play to wards the top of the VVater, do commonly
The cauſeis, for that a Fiſh hating the dry, will not approach
the Air till it groweth moiſt; and when it is dry will fl@e it, and ſwim
lower.
Beasts do take comfort (generally) in a moiſt Air, and it maketh them
and therefore Sheep will get up betimes in the
morning to ſeed againſt Rain; and Cattle, and Deer, and Coneys will feed
hard before Rain; and a Heifer will put up his Noſe, and ſnuff in the Air
againſt Rain.
The Trifoil againſt Rain, fwelleth in the Stalk, and ſo ſtandeth more
for by wet, Stalks do erect, and Leaves bow down.
There is a
ſmall Red Flower in the Stubble fields, which Countrey people call the
VVincopipe; which, if it open in the Morning, you may be ſure of a fair day
to follow.
Even in Meu, Aches, and Hurts, and Corns, do engrieve either to wards
for the one maketh the Humors more to abound,
and the other maketh them ſharper. So we ſee both extreams bring the
Gout.
VVorms, Vermine, &
c.
do ſoreſhew (likewiſe) Rain;
for Earth-Worms
Rain.
Solid Bodies likewiſe foreſhew Rain:
As Stones and Wainſcot when
though the former be but from an outward cauſe, for that the Stone or
Wainſcot turneth and beateth back the Air againſt it ſelf; but the latter is an
in ward ſwelling of the Body of the VVood it ſelf.
APpetite is moved chiefly by things that are cold and dry.
The cauſe is,
and ſo is Dryneſs: And therefore all ſour things (as Vinegar, Juyce of Lemmons,
Oyl of Vitriol, &c.)
provoke Appetite.
And the Diſeaſe which they call
Appetitus Caninus, conſiſteth in the Matter of an Acide and Glaſſie Phlegm
in the Mouth of the Stomack. Appetite is alſo moved by ſour things, for
that ſour things induce a contraction in the Nerves, placed in the Mouth of
the Stomack, which is a great cauſe of Appetite. As for the cauſe why Oni-
ons, and Salt, and Pepper in Baked Meats move Appetite, it is by Vellication
of thoſe Nerves; for Motion whetteth.
As for Wormwood, Olives, Capers, and
others of that kinde, which participate of Bitterneſs, they move Appetite
by Abſterſion. So as there be four principal cauſes of Appetite;
the Reſri-
geration of the Stomack joyned with ſome Dryneſs, Contraction, Vellicati-
on, and Abſterſion; beſides Hunger, which is an emptineſs;
and yet over-
faſting doth (many times) cauſe the Appetite to ceaſe; for that want of Meat
maketh the Stomack draw Humors, and ſuch Humors as are light and Cho-
lerick, which quench Appetite moſt.
IT hath been obſerved by the Ancients, that where a Rainbow ſeemeth to
The cauſe is,
for that this happeneth but in certain matters which have in themſelves ſome
Sweetneſs, which the gentle Dew of the Rainbow doth draw forth; and the
like do ſoft Showers, for they alſo make the Ground ſweet: But none are ſo
delicate as the Dew of the Rainbow where it falleth. It may be alſo, that the
Water it ſelf hath ſome Sweetneſs; for the Rainbow conſiſteth of a Glomera-
tion of ſmall drops, which cannot poſſibly fall but from the Air that is
very low, and therefore may hold the very Sweetneſs of the Herbs and
Flowers as a Diſtilled Water: For Rain and other Dew that fall from high
cannot preſerve the ſmell, being diſſipated in the drawing up; neither do we
know, whether ſome Water it lelfIt is true, that we finde it ſenſibly in no Pool, River, nor Fountain;
but good
Earth newly turned up, hath a freſhneſs and good ſent; which Water, iſ it be
not too equal, (for equal objects never move the Senſe) may alſo have. Cer-
tain it is, that Bayſalt, which is but a kinde of Water congealed, will ſome-
times ſmell like Violets.
TO ſweet Smells, heat is requiſite to concoct the Matter, and ſome Moy-
For heat, we ſeethat Woods and Spi-
ces are more odorate in the Hot Countreys, then in the Cold. For Moiſture,
we ſee that things too much dryed loſe their Sweetneſs; and Flowers grow-
ing ſmell better in a Morning or Evening, then at Noon. Some ſweet ſmells
are deſtroyed by approach to the Fire; as Violets, Wall-flowers, Gilliflowers, Pinks,
and generally all Flowers that have cool and delicate Spirits. Some continue
both on the fire, and from the fire, as Roſe-Water, &c.
Some do fcarce come
forth, or at leaſt not ſo pleaſantly, as by means of the fire; as Juniper, Sweet
Gums, &c.
and all ſmells that are encloſed in a faſt Body;
but (generally)
thoſe ſmells are the moſt grateful where the degree of heat is ſmall, or where
the ſtrength of the ſmell is allayed; for theſe things do rather wo the Senſe,
then ſatiate it. And therefore the ſmell of Violets and Roſes exceedeth in ſweet-
neſs that of Spices; and Gums, and the ſtrongeſt ſort of ſmells, are beſt in a
weft afar off.
IT is certain, that no ſmell iſſueth but w
not as it is in Light, and Colours, and Sounds:
For weſee plainly
that ſmell doth ſpred nothing that diſtance that the other do. It is true, that
ſome Woods of Orenges, and Heaths of Roſemary, will ſmell a great way into
the Sea, perhaps twenty Miles; but what is that, ſince a peal of Ordnance
will do as much, which moveth in a ſmall compaſs, whereas thoſe Woods
and Heaths are of vaſt ſpaces? Beſides, we ſee that ſmells do adhere to hard
Bodies; as in perfuming of Gloves, &
c.
which ſheweth them corporeal;
and
do laſt a great while, which Sounds and Light do not.
THe Excrements of moſt Creatures ſmell ill, chiefly to the ſame Creature
For we ſee, beſides that of Man, that Pigeons and
Hoiſes thrive beſt, if their Houſes and Stables be kept ſweet, and ſo of Cage-
Birds; and the Cat burieth that which ſhe voideth.
And it holdeth chieſly in
thoſe Beaſts which feed upon Fleſh. Dogs (almoſt) onely of Beaſts delight in
fetide odors; which ſheweth there is ſome what in their ſenſe of ſmell differ-
ing from the ſmells of other Beaſts. But the cauſe why Excrements ſmell ill is
manifeſt, for that the Body it ſelf rejecteth them, much more the Spirits: And we ſee, that thoſe Excrements that are of the firſt digeſtion ſmell the worſt,
as the Excrements from the Belly; thoſe that are from the ſecond digeſtion, leſs
ill, as Vrine; and thoſe that are from the third, yet leſs;
for Sweat is not ſo
bad as the other two, eſpecially of ſome perſons that are full of heat. Like-
wiſe moſt Putrefactions are of an odious ſmell, for they ſmell either fertile or
mouldy. The cauſe may be, for that Putrefaction doth bring forth ſuch a
conſiſtence as is moſt contrary to the conſiſtence of the Body whileſt it is
ſound, for it is a meer diſſolution of that form. Beſides, there is another rea-
ſor, which is profound: And it is, That the objects that pleaſe any of the
ſenſes, have (all) ſome equality, and (as it were) order in their compoſition,
but where thoſe are wanting the object is ever ingrate. So mixture of many
diſagreeing colours is never unpleaſant to the Eye: Mixture of diſcordant
Sounds is unpleaſant to the Ear; mixture or hotch-potch of many taſtes is
unpleaſant to the taſte; harſhneſs and ruggedneſs of Bodies is unpleaſant to
the touch. Now it is certain, that all Putrefaction, being a diſſolution of the
firſt form, is a meer confuſion, and unformed mixture of the part. Never-
theleſs, it is ſtrange, and ſeemeth to croſs the former obſervation, that ſome
Putrefactions and Excrements do yield excellent Odors; as Civit and Mus
as ſome think, Amber-greece, for divers take it (though unprobably) to come
from the Sperm of Fiand the Moſs we ſpake of from Apple-trees is little
better then an Excretion. The reaſon may be, for that there paſſeth in the
Excrements and remaineth in the Putrefactions, ſome good ſpirits, eſpecially
where they proceed from Creatures that are very hot. But it may be alſo
joyned with a further cauſe, which is more ſubtil; and it is, that the Senſes
love not to be over-pleaſed, but to have a commixture of ſome what that is
in it ſelf ingrate. Certainly, we ſee how Diſcords in Muſick, falling upon
Concords, make the ſweeteſt ſtrains: And we ſee again what ſtrange taſtes
delight the taſte; as Red-herrings, Caviare, Parmeſan, &
c.
And it may be the
ſame holdeth in ſmells. For thoſe kinde of ſmells that we have mentioned
are all ſtrong, and do pull and vellicate the Senſe. And we finde alſo, that
places where men Urine commonly have ſome ſmell of Violers. And Urine,
if one hath eaten Nutmeg, hath ſotoo.
The ſlothful, general, and indefinite Contemplations and Notions of
the Elements, and their Conjugations of the Influences of Heaven, of Hot,
Cold, Moiſture, Drought, Qualities Active, Paßive. and the like, have ſwallow-
ed up the true Paſſages, and Proceſſes, and Affects, and Conſiſtencies of Matter, and
Natural Bodies. Therefore they are to be ſet aſide, being but notional, and ill
limited; and definite axioms are to be drawn out of meaſured inſtances,
and ſo aſſent to be made to the more general axioms by Scale. And of theſe
kindes of Proceſſes of Nature, and Characters of Matter, we will now ſet down
ſome inſtances.
ALl Putrefactions come chiefly from the inward Spirits of the Body,
ſoeverelſe. And this laſt, by two means;
either by ingreſs of the ſubſtance
of the Ambient Body into the Body putrefied, or by excitation and ſolici-
tation of the Body putrefied, and the parts there of, by the Body Ambient. As for the received opinion, that Putrefaction is cauſed either by Cold, or
Peregrine and Preternatural HeFor Cold in things
inanimate, is the greateſt enemy that is to Putrefaction, though it extin-
guiſheth Vivification, which ever conſiſteth in Spirits attenuate, which the
Cold doth congeal and coagulate. And as for the Peregrine head, it is thus
far true, That it the proportion of the Adventive heat, be greatly predomi-
nant to the Natural heat, and Spirits of the Body, it tendeth to diſſolution, or
notable alteration. But this is wrought by Emiſſion, or Suppreſſion, or
Suffocation of the Native Spirits, and alſo by the Diſordination and Diſ-
compoſure of the Tangible parts, and other paſſages of Nature, and not
by a conflict of Heats.
IN verſions or main Alterations of Bodies, there is a Medium between the
which Medium is Corpus im-
perfectè Miſtum, and is tranſitory, and not durable; as Miſts, Smoaks Vapors,
Chylus in the Stomack, Living Creatures in the firſt Vivification; and the middle
action which producc
Ancients) Inquination or Inconcoction, which is a kinde of Putrefaction; for the
parts are in confuſion till they ſettle one way or other.
THe word Concoction or Digeſtion, is chiefly taken into uſe from Living
and Fruits, &c.
Therefore they ſpeak of Meat concocted, Urine and Excre-
ments concocted; and the Four Digeſtions (in the Stomack, in the Liver, in
the Arteries and Nerves, and in the ſeveral parts of the Body) are likewiſe
called Concoctions, and they are all made to be the works of Heat. All which
notions are but ignorant catches of a few things, which are moſt obvious
to Mens obſervations. The conſtanteſt notion of Concoction is, that it ſhould
ſignifie the degrees of alteration of one Body into another, from Crudity to
Perfect Concoction, which is the ultimity of that action or proceſs. And while
the Body to be converted and altered is too ſtrong for the efficient that
ſhould convert or alter it, (whereby it reſiſteth, and holdeth faſt in ſome
degree the firſt Form or Conſiſtence) it is (all that while) Crude and
Inconcoct, and the Proceſs is to be called Crudity and Inconcoction. It is true,
that Concoction is in great part the work of Heat; but not the work of Heat
alone: For all things that further the Converſion or Alteration (as Reſt,
Mixture of a Body already concocted, &c.)
are alſo means to Concoction.
And
the one Aſſimilation, or abſolute
Converſion and Subaction; the other Maturation:
Whereof, the ſormer is
moſt conſpicuous in the Bodies of Living Creatures, in which there is an Abſolute
Converſion and Aßimilation of the Nourishment into the Body, and likewiſe in
the Bodies of Plants; and again, in Metals, where there is a full Tranſmu-
tation. The other (which is Maturation) is ſeen in Liquors and Fruits;
wherein there is not defired, nor pretended, an utter Converſion, but onely
an Alteration to that Form which is moſt ſought for Mans uſe; as in Clari-
fying of Drinks, Ripening of Fruits, &c.
But note, that there be two kindes
of Abſolute Converſions. The one is, when a Body is converted into another
Body which was before; as when Nouriſhment is turned into Fleſh:
That is
it which we call Aßimilation. The otheris, when the Converſion is into a Body
meerly new, and which was not before; as if Silver ſhould be turned to
Gold, or Iron to Copper. And this Converſion is better called, by diſtinction ſake,
Tranſmutation.
THere are alſo divers other great alterations of Matter and Bodies, be-
for whatſoever doth
ſo alter a Body, as it returneth not again to that it was, may be called Alte-
ratio Major: As when Meat is Boiled, or Roſted, or Fried, &
c.
or when
Bread and Meat are Baked; or when Cheeſe is made of Curds, or Butter
of Cream, or Coals of Wood, or Bricks of Earth; and a number of others.
But to apply Notions Philoſophical to Plebeian Terms;
or to ſay, where the No-
tions cannot fitly be reconciled, that there wanteth a Term or Nomenclature for
it, (as the Ancients uſed) they be but ſhifts of Ignorance: For Knowledge will
be ever a Wandring and Indigeſted thing, if it be but a commixture of a few
Notions that are at hand, and occur, and not excited from ſufficient number
of inſtances, and thoſe well collated.
The Conſiſtencies of Bodies are very divers;
Denſe, Rare, Tangible, Pneu-
matical; Volatile, Fixed;
Determinate, not Determinate;
Hard, Soft;
Cleaving,
not Cleaving; Congelable, not Congelable;
Liquefiable, not Liquefiable;
Fragile,
Tough; Flexihle, Inflexible;
Tractile, or to be drawn forth in length, Intractile;
Porous, Solide;
Equal and Smooth, Vnequal;
Venous and Fibrous, and with Grains,
Entire, and divers others. All which to refer to Heat and Cold, and Moiſture
and Drought, is a Compendious and Inutile Speculation. But of theſe ſee prin-
cipally our Abecedarium Nature, and otherwife ſparſum in this our Sylva Syl-
varum. Nevertheleſs, in ſome good part, we ſhall handle divers of them
now preſently.
LIquefiable and not Liquefiable proceed from theſecauſes.
Liquefaction is ever
and open it. Therefore ſuch Bodies as are more Turgid of Spirit, or that
have their Spirits more ſtreightly impriſoned, or again, that hold them bet-
ter pleaſed and coFor theſe three Diſpoſitions of Bodies
do arreſt the Emiſſion of the Spirits. An example of the firſt two Properties
is in Metals, and of the laſt in Greaſe, Pitch, Sulphur, Butter, Wax, &c.
The
Diſpoſition not to Liquefie, proceedeth from the eaſie Emiſſion of the
Spirits, whereby the groſſer parts contract; and therefore Bodies jejune of
Spirits, or which part with their Spirits more willingly, are not Liquefiable; as Wood, Clay, Freeſtone, &
c.
But yet even many of thoſe Bodies that will
not melt, or will hardly melt, will notwithſtanding ſoften; as Iron in the
Flexible. Moreover, there are ſome Bodies which do Liquefie or diſſolve by
Fire; as Metals, Wax, &
c, and other Bodies which diſſolve in Water, as
Salt, Sugar, &c.
The cauſe of the former proceedeth from the Dilatation of
the Spirits by Heat: The cauſe of the latter proceedeth from the opening
of the Tangible Parts, which deſire to receive the Liquor. Again, there are
ſome Bodies that diſſolve with both; as Gum, &
c.
And thoſe be ſuch Bodies
as on the one ſide have good ſtore of Spirit, and on the other ſide have the
Tangible parts indigent of Moiſture; for the former helpeth to the dilating
of the Spirits by the Fire, and the latter ſtimulateth the parts to receive the
Liquor.
OF Bodies ſome are Fragile, and ſome are Tough and not Fragile;
and
ſhatter and flie in many pieces. Of Fragility, the cauſe is an impotency to
be extended; and therefore Stone is more Fragile then Metal;
and ſo Fictile
Earth is more Fragile then Crude Earth, and Dry Wood then Green. And
the cauſe of this unaptneſs to Extenſion, is the ſmall quantity of Spirits (for it
is the Spirit that furthereth the Extenſion or Dilatation of Bodies;) and it
is ever concomitant with Poroſity, and with Drineſs in the Tangible parts. Contrariwiſe, Tough Bodies have more Spirits, and fewer Pores, and
Moiſter Tangible parts: Therefore we ſee, that Parchment or Lea-
ther will ſtretch, Paper will not; Woollen-Cloth will tenter, Linnen
ſcarcely.
ALL ſolid Bodies conſiſt of Parts of two ſeveral Natures;
Pneumatical,
And it is well to be noted, that the Pneumatical Subſtance
is in ſome Bodies, the Native Spirit of the Body; and in ſome other,
plain Air that is gotten in; as in Bodies deſiccate, by Heat, or Age:
For
in them, when the Native Spirit goeth forth, and the Moiſture with it, the
Air with time getteth into the Pores. And thoſe Bodies are ever the more
Fragile; for the Native Spirit is more Yielding and Extenſive (eſpecial-
ly to follow the Parts) than Air. The Native Spirits alſo admit great
diverſity, as Hot, Cold, Active, Dull, &c.
Whence proceed moſt of
the Vertues, and Qualities (as we call them) of Bodies: But the Air in-
termixt, is without Vertues, and maketh things inſipid, and without any
extimulat
THe Concretion of Bodies is (commonly) ſolved by the contrary;
as Ice,
Salt and Sugar,
which are excocted by Heat, are diſſolved by Cold and Moiſture. The
cauſe is, for thattheſe operations are rat
than alterations; ſo that the contrary cureth.
As for Oyl, it doth neither
eaſily congeal with Cold, nor thicken with Heat. The cauſe of both Effects,
though they be produced by contrary efficients ſeemeth to be the ſame; and
that is, becauſe the Spirit of the Oyl, by either means, exhaleth little: For
the Cold keepeth it in, and the Heat (except it be vehement) doth not call
it forth. As for Cold, though it take hold of the Tangible Parts, yet as to the
Spirits, it doth rather make them ſwell, than congealthem: As when Ice
is congealed in a Cup, the Ice will ſwell inſtead of contracting, and ſome-
times rift.
OF Bodies, ſome (weſee) are hard, and ſome ſoft:
The hardneſsis cauſed
and their imparity with the
Tangible parts: Both which, if they be in a greater degree, maketh them
not onely hard, but fragile, and leſs enduring of preſſure; as Steet, Stone, Glaß,
Dry Wood, &c.
Softneſs cometh (contrariwiſe) by the greater quantity of
Spirits, (which ever helpeth to induce yielding and ceſſion;) and by the
more equal ſpreding of the Tangible parts, which thereby are more ſliding,
and following; as in Gold, Lead, Wax, &
c.
But note, that ſoft Bodies (as we
uſe the word) are of two kindes; the one, that eaſily giveth place to an-
other Body, but altereth not Bulk by riſing in other places; and therefore we
ſee that Wax, if you put any thing into it
giveth place: For you may not think, that in Printing of Wax, the Wax riſeth
up at all; but onely the depreſſed part giveth place, and the other remaineth
as it was. The other that altereth Bulk in the Ceſſion, as Water, or other
Liquors, if you put a Stone, or any thing into them, they give place (in-
deed) eaſily, but then they riſe all over; which is a falſe Ceſſion, for it is in
place, and not in Body.
ALl Bodies Ductile, and Tenſile, (as Metals) that will be drawn into Wires;
have in them
the Appetite of Not diſcontinuing, ſtrong; which maketh them follow the
force that pulleth them out; and yet ſo, as not diſcontinue or forſake their
own Body. Viſcous Bodies (likewiſe) as Pitch, VVax, Birdlime, Cheeſe toaſted,
will draw forth and roap. But the difference between Bodies fibrous, and
Bodies viſcous, is plain; For all Wooll, and Tow, and Cotton, and Silk
(eſpecially raw Silk) have, beſides their deſire of continuance, in regard of
the tenuity of their Th
joyn and incorporate with other Thred, eſpecially, if there be a little Wreath-
ing, as appeareth by the twiſting of Thred, and the practice of Twirling
about of Spindles. And weſee alſo, that Gold and Silver Thred cannot be
made without Twiſting.
THe differences of impreſſible, and not impreſſible;
figurable, and not
mouldable, and not mouldable;
ſciſſible, and not ſciſſible;
and many other Paſſions of Matter, are Plebeian Notions, applied unto the
Inſtruments and Ufebut they are all but the
effects of ſome of theſe cauſes following, which we will enum erate without
applying them, becauſe that would be too long. The firſt is the Ceſſion, or
not Ceſſion of Bodies, into a ſmaller ſpace, or room, keeping the out ward
Bulk, and not flying up. The ſecond is, the ſtronger or weaker Appetite, in
Bodies, to continuity, and to flie diſcontinuity. The third is, the diſpoſition
of Bodies, to contract, or not contract; and again, toextend, or not extend.
The fourth is, the ſmall quantity, or great quantity of the Pneumatical in
Bodies. The fifth is, the nature of the Pneumatical, whether it be Native
Spirit of the Body, or common Air. The ſixth is, the Nature of the Native
Spirits in the Body, whether they be Active, and Eager, or Dull, and Gentle.
The ſeventh is, the emiſſion or detenſion of the Spirits in Bodies. The eighth
is, the dilatation or contraction of the Spirits in Bodies, while they are de-
tained. Th
collocation be equal or unequal; and again, vvhether the Spirits be coacer-
vate or diffuſed. Thetenth is, the denſity or rarity of the Tangible parts.
the
twelfth is the Diſgeſtion or Crudity of the Tangible parts; the thirteenth
is the Nature of the Matter, whether Sulphureous, or Mercurial, or Watry,
or Oily, Dry, and Terreſtrial, or Moiſt and Liquid; which Natures of
Sulphureous and Mercurial, ſeem to be Natures Radical and Principal; the
fourteenth is the placing of the Tangible parts, in Length or Tranſverſe (as
it is in the Warp, and the Woof of Textiles;) more inward or more out-
ward, &c.
The fifteenth is the Poroſity or Imporoſity betwixt the Tangible
parts, and the greatneſs or ſmallneſs of the Pores; the ſixteenth is the Col-
location and poſture of the Pores. There may be more cauſes, but theſe do
occur for the preſent.
TAke Lead and meltit, and in the midſt of it, when it beginneth to con-
piece of Linnen into that hole, and the Quick-ſilver will fix, and run no
more, and endure the Hammer. This is a noble inſtance of Induration,
by conſent of one Body with another, and Motion of Excitation to imitate; for to aſcribe it onely to the vapor of the Lead, is leſs probable.
Quære,
whether the fixing may be in ſuch a degree, as it will be figured like other
Metals? For if ſo, you may make Works of it for ſome purpoſes, ſo they
come not near the Fire.
SUgar hath put down the uſe of Honey, inſomuch, as we have loſt thoſe
it was more in price. Firſt, it ſeemeth, that there was in old time Tree-honey,
as well as Bee-honey, which was the Year or Blood iſſuing from the Tree; inſomuch, as one of the Ancients relateth, that in Tribeſond, there was Honey
iſſuing from the Box trees, which made Men mad. Again, in ancient time,
there was a kinde of Honey, which either of the own Nature, or by Art,
would grow as hard as Sugar, and was not ſo luſhious as ours; they had
alſo a Wine of Honey, which they made thus. They cruſhed the Honey in-
to a great quantity of Water, and then ſtrained the liquor, after they boil-
ed it in a Copper to the half; then they poured it into Earthen Veſſels for
a ſmall time, and after turned it into Veſſels of Wood, and kept it for many
years. They have alſo, at this day in Rußia, and thoſe Northern Countreys,
Mead Simple, which (well made and ſeaſoned) is a good wholeſom
Drink, and very clear. They uſe alſo in Wales, a Compound Drink of
Mead, with Herbs and Spices. But mean while it were good, in recompence
of that we have loſt in Honey, there were brought in uſe a Sugar-Mead (for
ſo we may call it) though without any mixture at all of Honey; and to
brew it, and keep it ſtale, as they uſe Mead; for certainly, though it would
not be ſo abſterſive, and opening, and ſolutive a Drink as Mead; yet it will
bemore grateful to the Stomack, and more lenitive, and fit to be uſed in
ſharp Diſeaſes: For we ſee, that the uſe of Sugar in Beer and Ale, hath good
effects in ſuch caſes.
IT is reported by the Ancients, that there is a kinde of Steel, in ſome places,
And that
there was in India a kinde of Braſs, which (being poliſhed) could ſcarce be
diſcerned from Gold. This was in the Natural Ure, but I am doubtful,
whether Men have ſufficiently refined Metals, which we count Baſe: As,
whether Iron, Braſs, and Tin, be refined to the height? But when they
further.
THere have been found certain Cements under Earth, that are very ſoft,
There are
alſo ordinary Quarries in Sommerſet-shire, which in the Quarry cut ſoft to
any bigneſs, and in the Building prove firm, and hard.
LIving Creatures (generally) do change their Hair with Age, turning to
as is ſeen in Men, though ſome earlier, ſome
later; in Horſes, that are Dappled and turn White;
in Old Squirrels, that turn
Griſly, and many others. So do ſome Birds;
as Cygnets from Gray turn
White; Hawks.
from Brown turn more White;
And ſome Birds there be,
that upon their Moulting, do turn Colour; as Robin-Redbreſts, after their
Moulting grow to be Red again by degrees; ſo do Gold-Finches upon the
Head. The cauſe is, for that Moiſture doth (chiefly) colour Hair, and Fea-
thers; and Dryneſs turneth them Gray and White;
now Hairin Age wax-
eth Dryer, ſo do Feathers. As for Feathers, after Moulting, they are young
Feathers, and ſo all one as the Feathers of young Birds. So the Beard is
younger than the Hair of the Head, and doth (for the moſt part) wax hoary
later. Out of this ground, ´a Man may deviſe the Means of altering the co-
lour of Birds, and the Retardation of Hoary Hairs. But of this ſee the Fifth
Experiment.
THe difference between Male and Female, in ſome Creatures, is not to be
as in Horſes and
Mares, Dogs and Bitches, Doves he and ſhe, and others. But ſome differ in
magnitude, and that diverſly: Forin moſt the Male is the greater;
as in Man,
Pheaſants, Peacocks, Turkies, and the like; and in ſome few, as in Hawks, the
Female. Some differ in the Hair and Feathers, both in the quantity, criſpation,
and colours of them; as He-Lions are Hirſuite, and have great Mains;
the
She’s are ſmooth like Cats. Bulls are more criſp upon the Forehead than Cows;
the Peacock, and Pheſant-cock, and Goldfinch-cock, have glorious and fine colours;
the Hens have not. Generally, the he’s in Birds have the faireſt Feathers.
Some
differ in divers features; as Bucks have Horns, Does none;
Rams have more
wreathed Horns than Evvs; Cocks have great Combs and Spurs, Hens little
or none; Boars have great Fangs, Sovvs much leſs;
the Turkey-cock hath great
and ſwelling Gills, the Hen hath leſs; Men have generally deeper and ſtronger
voices than VVomen. Some differ in faculty, as the Cock amongſt Singing Birds,
are the beſt ſingers. The chief cauſe of all theſe (no doubt) is, for that the
Males have more ſtrength of heat than the Females; which appeareth mani-
feſtly in this, that all young Creatures Males are like Females, and ſo are Eu-
nuchs, and Gelt Creatures of all kindes, liker Females. Now heat cauſeth great-
neſs of growth, generally, where there is moiſture enough to work upon:
But if there be found in any Creature (which is ſeen rarely) an over-great
heat in proportion to the moiſture, in them the Female is the greater; as
in Havvks and Sparrovvs. And if the heat be ballanced with the moiſture,
then there is no difference to be ſeen between Male and Female; as in the
inſtances of Horſes and Dogs. We ſee alſo, that the Horns of Oxen and Covvs,
for the moſt part, are larger than the Bulls which is cauſed by abundance
of moiſture, which in the Horns of the Bull faileth, Again, Heat cauſeth
Piloſity, and Criſpation; and ſo likewiſe Beards in Men.
It alſo expelleth
and that is the cauſe of
the beauty and variety of Feathers: Again, Heat doth put forth many Ex-
creſcences, and much ſolid matter, which want of heat cannot do. And this
is the cauſe of Horns, and of the greatneſs of them; and of the greatneſs of
the CombsCocks, and Fangs of Boars.
Heat alſo dilateth the Pipes and Organs which cauſeth the deepneſs of the
Voice. Again, heat refineth the Spirits, and that cauſeth the Cock-
Bird to excel the Hen.
THere be Fiſhes greater than any Beaſts;
as the Whale is far greater than
And Beaſts are (generally) greater than Birds.
For Fiſhes,
the cauſe may be, that becauſe they live not in the Air, they have not their
moiſture drawn, and ſoaked by the Air, and Sun-Beams. Alſo they reſt al-
ways, in a manner, and are ſupported by the Water; where as Motion and
Labor do conſume. As for the greatneſs of Beaſts, more than of Birds, it is
cauſed, ſor that Beaſts ſtay longer time in the Womb than Birds, and there
nouriſh, and grow; whereas in Birds, after the Egg laid, there is no further
growth, or nouriſhment from the Female; for the ſitting doth vivifie, and
not nouriſh.
WE have partly touched before the Means of producing Fruits, with-
And this we add further, that the cauſe muſt
be abundance of moiſture; for that the Coar, and Stone, are made of a dry
Sap: And we ſee, that it is poſſible to make a Tree put forth onely in Bloſſom
without Fruit; as in Cherries with double Flowers, much more in Fruit with-
out Stones, or Coars. It is reported, that a Cions of an Apple, grafted
upon a Colewort-ſtalk, ſendeth forth a great Apple without a Coar. It is not
unlikely, that if the inward Pith of a Tree were taken out, ſo that the Juyce
came onely by the Bark, it would work the effect. For it hath been obſerved,
that in Pollards, if the Water get in on the top, and they become hollow,
they put forth the more. We add alſo, that it is delivered ſor certain by ſome,
that if the Cions be grafted, the ſmall ends down wards, it will make Fruit
have little or no Coars, and Stones.
TObacco is a thing of great price, if it be in requeſt.
For an Acre of it
wards charge. The charge of making the Ground, and otherwiſe, is great,
but nothing to the proſit. But the English Tobacco hath ſmall credit, as be-
ing too dull and earthy: Nay, the Virginian Tobacco, though that be in a
hotter climate, can get no credit for the ſame cauſe. So that a tryal to
make Tobacco more Aromatical, and better concocted here in England, were
a thing of great proſit. Some have gone about to do it, by drenching the
English Tobacco, in a Decoction or InlBut thoſe are
but ſophiſtications and toyes; for nothing that is once perfect, and hath
run his race, can receive much amendment; you muſt ever reſort to the
beginnings of things for Melioration. The way of Maturation of Tobacco
muſt (as in other Plants) be from the Heat, either of the Earth, or of the
Sun. We ſee ſome leading of this in Musk-Melons, which are ſown
upon a hot Bed, dunged below, upon a Bank turned upon the south Sun,
to give Heat by Reflection; laid upon Tiles, which increaſeth the Heat;
and covered with Straw, to keep them from Cold;
they remove them alſo,
which addeth ſome Life: And by theſe helps they become as good in
Theſe and the like means may be tried in
Tobacco. Enquire alſo of the ſteeping of Roots, in ſome ſuch Liquor, as may
give them Vigor to put forth ſtrong.
HEat of the Sun, for the Maturition of Fruits;
yea, and the heat of Vi-
heat of Fire; and likewiſe, the heats of the Sun, and life, are repreſented
one by the other. Trees, ſet upon the Backs of Chimneys, do ripen Fruit
ſooner. Vines, that have been drawn in at the Window of a Kitchin, have
ſent forth Grapes, ripe a moneth (at leaſt) before others. Stoves, at the Back
of Walls, bring forth Orenges here with us. Eggs, as is reported by ſome, have
been hatched in the warmth of an Oven. It is reported by the Ancients, that
the Eſtrich layeth her Eggs under Sand, where the heat of the Sun diſcloſeth
them.
BArley in the Boyling ſwelleth not much;
Wheat ſwelleth more, Riz
inſomuch, as a quarter of a Pint (unboiled) will ariſe to a Pint
boiled. The cauſe (no doubt) is, for that the more cloſe and compact the
Body is, the more it will dilate. Now Barley is the moſt hollow, Wheas
more ſolid than that, and Rize moſt ſolid of all. It may be alſo, that ſome
Bodies have a kinde of Lentor, and more depertible nature than others; as
we ſee it evident in colouration; for a ſmall quantity of Saffron, will tinct
more, than a very great quantity of Breſil, or Wine.
FRuit groweth ſweet by Rowling or Preffing them gently with the Hand;
c.
By Rottenneß;
as Medlars, Services, Sloes,
Heps, & c.
By Time;
as Apples, Wardens, Pomegranates, &
c.
By certain
ſpecial Maturations; as by laying them in Hay, Straw, &
c.
And by Fire;
as
in Roaſting, Stewing, Baking, & c.
The cauſe of the ſweetneſs by Rowling,
and Preſſing is, Emollition, which they properly enduce; as in beating of
Stock-fish, Flesh, & c.
By Rottenneß is, for that the Spirits of the Fr
faction, gather heat, and thereby diſgeſt the harder part: For in all Purrefacti-
ons there is a degree of hear. By Time and Keeping is, becauſe the Spirits of
the Body, do ever feed upon the tangible parts, and attenuate them. By
ſeveral Maturations is, by ſome degree of heat. And by Fireis, becauſe it is
the proper work of Heat to refine, and to incorporate; and all ſourneſs
conſiſteth in ſome groſsneſs of the Body: And all incorporation doth make
the mixture of the Body, more equal, in all the parts, which ever enduceth
a milder taſte.
OF Fleshes, ſome are edible;
ſome, except it be in Famine, not.
As
too much bitterneſs of taſte; and therefore thoſe Creatures, which are
fierce and cholerick, are not edible; as Lions, VVolves, Squirrels, Dogs, Foxes,
Horſes, & c.
As for Kine, Sheep, Goats, Deer, Swine, Conneys, Hares, &
c.
We ſee they are milde, and fearful.
Yet it is true, that Horſes which are
Beaſts of courage, have been and are eaten by ſome Nations; as the Scythians
were called Hippophagi; and the Chineſes eat Horſ-flesh at this day;
and
ſome Gluttons have uſed to have Colts-fleſh baked. In Birds, ſuch as are
Carnivoræ, and Birds of Prey, are commonly no good Meat; but the rea-
ſon is, rather the Cholerick Nature of thoſe Birds, than their Feeding up-
on Fleſh; for Puits, Gulls, Shovelers, Ducks, do feed upon Fleſh, and yet are
And we ſee, that thoſe Birds which are of Prey, or feed
upon Fleſh, are good Meat, when they are very Young; as Hau
out of the Neſt, Owls. Mans fleſh is not eaten.
The Reaſons are three.
Firſt, Becauſe Men in Humanity do abhor it.
Secondly, Becauſe no Living Creature, that dieth of it ſelf, is good to
eat; and therefore the Cannibals (themſelves) eat no Mans fleſh, of thoſe
that die of themſelves, but of ſuch as are ſlain.
The third is, Becauſe there muſt be generally) ſome diſparity between
the Nouriſhment, and the Body nouriſhed; and they muſt not be overnear,
or like: Yet we ſee, that in great weakneſſes and Conſumptions, Men have
been ſuſtained with Womans Milk. And Picinus fondly (as I conceive) ad-
viſeth, for the Prolongation of Life, that a Vein be opened in the Arm of
ſome wholſome young man, and the blood to be ſucked. It is ſaid, that
Witches do greedily eat Mans fleſh, which if it betrue, beſides a devilliſh
Appetite in them, it is likely to proceed; for that Mans fleſh may ſend up
high and pleaſing Vapors, which may ſtir the Imagination, and Witches
felicity is chiefly in Imagination, ashath been ſaid.
THere is an ancient received Tradition of the Salamander, that it liveth
It muſt have two
things, if it betrue, to this operation. The one, a very cloſe skin, whereby
flame, which in the midſt is not ſo hot, cannot enter: For we ſee, that if the
Palm of the Hand be anointed thick with White of Eggs, and then Aquavitæ
be poured upon it, and enflamed, yet one may endure the flame a pretty
while. The other is ſome extream cold and quenching vertue, in the Body
of that Creature which choaketh the fire. We ſee that Milk quencheth
Wildfire better than VVater, becauſe it entreth better.
TIme doth change Fruit (as Apples, Pears, Pomegranates, &
c.)
from more
but contrariwiſe, Liquors (even thoſe that are of
the Juyce of Fruit) from more ſweet to more ſour; as, Wort, Muſt, New
Verjuyce, & c.
The cauſe is, the congregation of the Spirits together;
for
in both kindes, the Spirit is attenuated by Time; but in the firſt kinde, it is
more diffuſed, and more maſt ered by the groſſer parts, which the Spirits do
but digeſt: But in Drinks the Spirits do reign, and finding leſs oppoſition
of the parts, become themſelves more ſtrong, which cauſeth alſo more
ſtrength in the Liquor; ſuch, as if the spirits be of the hotter ſort, the Li-
quor becometh apt to burn; but in time, it cauſeth likewiſe, when the higher
Spirits are evaporated more ſourneſs.
IT hath been obſerved by the Ancients, that Plates of Metal, and eſpecially
The cauſe is Repercuſſion, without Humectation, or entrance of any Body:
For the Plate hath onely a virtual cold, which doth not ſearch into the hurt;
whereas all Plaiſters and Oynments do enter. Surely, the cauſe that blows
and bruiſes induce ſwellings is, for that the Spirits reſorting to ſuccor the
part that laboreth, draw alſo the humors with them: For we ſee, that it is
not the repulſe, and the return of the humor in the part ſtrucken that cauſeth
it; for that Gouts, and Toothachs cauſe ſwelling, where there is no Per-
cuſſion at all.
THe nature of the Orris Root, is almoſt ſingular, for there be few odo-
and in thoſe that are in any degree ſweet, it is but the
ſame ſweetneſs with the Wood or Leaf: But the Orris notſweet in the
Leaf, neither is the Flower any thing ſo ſweet as the Root. The Root ſeem-
eth to have a tender dainty heat, which when it cometh above ground to
the Sun, and the Air, vaniſheth: For it is a great Mollifier, and hath a ſmell
like a Violet.
IT hath been obſerved by the Ancients that a great Veſſel full, drawn into
and then the Liquor put again into the Veſſel, will not fill the
Veſſel again, ſo full as it was, but that it may take in more Liquor; and that
this holdeth more in Wine, than in Water. The cauſe may be trivial, name-
ly, by the expence of the Liquor, in regard ſome may ſtick to the ſides of
the Bottles: But there may be a cauſe more ſubtil, which is, that the Liquor
in the Veſſel, is not ſo much compreſſed, as in the Bottle; becauſe in the
Veſſel, the Liquor meeteth with Liquor chiefly; but in the Bottles, a ſmall
quantity of Liquor meeteth with the ſides of the Bottles, which compreſs it
ſo, that it doth not open again.
WAter being contiguous with Air, cooleth it, but moiſteneth it not,
The cauſe is, for that Heat and Cold have a Virtual
Tranſition, without Communication of ſubſtance, but moiſture not; and
to all madeſaction there is required an imbibition: But where the Bodies
are of ſuch ſeveral Levity, and Gravity, as they mingle not, they can follow
no imbibition. And therefore, Oyl likewiſe lieth at the top of the Water,
without commixture: And a drop of Water running ſwiftly over a Straw
or ſmooth Body, wetteth not.
STarlight Nights, yea, and bright Moonshine Nights, are colder than Cloudy
The cauſe is, the drineſs and Fineneſs of the Air, which thereby
becometh more piercing and ſharp; and thereſore great Continents are
colder than Iſlands. And as for the Moon, though it ſelf inclineth the Air to
moiſture, yet when it ſhineth bright, it argueth the Air is dry. Alſo cloſe
Air is warmer than open Air, which (it may be) is, for that the true cauſe of
cold, is an expiration from the Globe of the Earth, which in open places is
ſtronger. And again, Air it ſelf, if it be not altered by that expiration, is
not withoutſome ſecret degree of heat; as it is not likewiſe without ſome
ſecret degree of Light: For otherwiſe Cats, and Owls, could not ſee in the
Night; but that Air hath a little Light, proportionable to the Viſual Spirits
oſ thoſe Creatures.
THe Eyes do move one and the ſame way;
for when one Eye moveth
The cauſe is Motion
of Conſent, which in the Spirits, and Parts Spiritual, is ſtrong. But yet uſe will
induce the contrary; for ſome can ſquint when they will.
And the common
Tradition is, that if Children be ſet upon a Table with a Candle behinde
them, both Eyes will move outwards, as affecting to ſee the Light, and ſo
induce Squinting.
We ſee more exqu iſitely with one Eye ſhut, than with both open.
The
For you may ſee, by looking in a Glaſs, that when you ſhut one
Eye, the Pupil of the other Eye, that is open, dilateth.
The Eyes, if the ſight meet not in one Angle, ſee things double.
The
ſame effect: And therefore a little Pellet, held between two Fingers, laid a
croſs, ſeemeth double.
Pore-blind Men, ſee beſt in the dimmer light;
and like wiſe have their
and write ſmaller Letters. The cauſe is, for that the Spirits Viſual, in thoſe
that are Poreblind, are thinner and rarer, than in others; and therefore the
greater light diſperſeth them. For the ſame cauſe they need contracting;
but being contracted, are more ſtrong than the Viſual Spirits of ordinary eyes
are; as when we ſee thorow a Level, the ſight is the ſtronger:
And ſo is it,
when you gather the Eye-lids ſome what cloſe: And it is commonly ſeen in
thoſe that are Poreblind, that they do much gather the eye-lids together.
But old Men, when they would ſee toread, put the Paper ſomewhat a ſar off.
The cauſe is, for that old Mens Spirits Viſual, contrary to thoſe oſ Pore-
blind Men unite not, but when the object is at ſome good diſtance from their
Eyes.
Men ſee better when their Eyes are over againſt the Sun or a Candle, if
The Reaſon is, for that the
Glaring of the Sun, or the Candle, doth weaken the Eye; whereas the Light
circumfuſed is enough for the Perception. For we ſee, that an over-light
maketh the Eyes dazel, inſomuch as perpetual looking againſt the Sun,
would cauſe Blindneſs. Again, if Men come out of a great light, into a
dark room; and contrariwiſe, if they come out of a dark room into a light
room, they ſeem to have a Miſt before their Eyes, and ſee worſe than they
ſhall do after they have ſtaid a little while, either in the light, or in the dark. The cauſe is, for that the Spirits Viſual, are upon a ſudden change diſturbed,
and put out of order; and till they be recollected, do not perform their
Function well. For when they are much dilated by light, they cannot con-
tract ſuddenly; and when they are much contracted by darkneſs, they cannot
dilate ſuddenly. And exceſs of both theſe, (that is, of the Dilatation, and
Contraction of the Spirits Viſual) if it be long, deſtroyeth the Eye. For as
long looking againſt the Sun, or Fire, hurteth the Eye by Dilatation, ſo curi-
ous painting in ſmall Volumes, and reading of ſmall Letters, do hurt the Eye
by contraction.
It hath been obſerved, that in Anger the Eyes wax red;
and in Bluſh-
The cauſe is, for
that in Anger, the Spirits aſcend and wax eager; which is moſt eaſily ſeen in
the Eyes, becauſe they are tranſlucide, though withal it maketh both the
Cheeks, and the Gils red; but in Bluſhing, it is true, the Spirits aſeend like-
wiſe to ſuccor, both the Eyes and the Face, which are the parts that labor: But when they are repulſed by the Eyes, for that the Eyes, in ſhame do put
back the Spirits that aſcend to them, as unwilling to look abroad: For no
Man, in that paſſion, doth look ſtrongly, but dejectedly, and that repulſion
from the Eyes, diverteth the Spirits and heat more to the Ears, and the parts
by them.
The objects of the Sight, may cauſe a great pleaſure and delight in the
except it be by Memory, as hath been
ſaid. The Glimpſes and Beams of Diamonds that ſtrike the Eye, Indian Fea-
thers, that have glorious colours, the coming into a fair Garden, the coming
a beautiſul perſon, and the like, do de-
light and exhilarate the Spirits much. The reaſon, why it holdeth not in
the offence is, for that the Sight is moſt ſpiritual of the Senſes, whereby it
hath no object groſs enough to offend it. But the cauſe (chiefly) is, for
that there be no active objects to offend the Eye. For Harmonical Sounds,
and Diſcordant Sounds, are both Active and Poſitive; ſo are ſweet ſmells,
and ſtinks; ſo are bitter, and ſweets, in taſtes;
ſo are over-hot, and over-
cold, in touch; but blackneſs, and darkneſs, are indeed but privatives;
and
therefore have little or no Activity. Some what they do contriſtate, but very
little.
WAter of the Sea, or otherwiſe, looketh blacker when it is moved, and
The cauſe is, ſor that by means of the Moti-
on, the Beams of Light paſs not ſtraight, and thereſore muſt be darkned; whereas when it reſteth, the Beams do paſs ſtraight.
Beſides, ſplendor hath a
degree of whiteneſs, eſpecially, if there be alittle repercuſſion; for a Look-
ing-Glaſs with the Steel behinde, looketh whiter than Glaſs ſimple. This
Experiment deſerveth to be driven further, in trying by what means Motion
may hinder Sight.
SHell-fish have been by ſome of the Ancients, compared and ſorted with
but I ſee no reaſon why they ſhould, for they have Male,
and Female, as other F@ſh have; neither are they bred of Putrefaction, eſpe-
cially ſuch as do move. Nevertheleſs it is certain, that Oyſters, and Cockles,
and Muſſels, which move not, have not diſcriminate Sex. Quœre, in what
time, and how they are bred? It ſeemeth, that Shells of Oy@ters are bred
where none were beſore; and it is tryed, that the great Horſe-Muſle, with the
fine ſhell, that breedeth in Ponds, hath bred within thirty years: But then,
which is ſtrange, it hath been tryed, that they do not onely gape and ſhut as
the Oyſters do, but remove from one place to another.
THe Senſes are alike ſtrong, both on the right ſide, and on the left;
but the
The cauſe may be, for that the
Brain, which is the Inſtrument of Senſe, is alike on both ſides; but Motion,
and habilities of moving, are ſomewhat holpen from the Liver, which lieth
on the right ſide. It may be alſo, for that the Senſes are putin exerciſe, in-
differently on both ſides from the time of our Birth; but the Limbs are uſed
moſt on the right ſide, whereby cuſtom helpeth: For we ſee, that ſome are
left-handed, which are ſuch as have uſed the left-hand moſt.
FRictions make the parts more fleſhy, and full;
As we ſee both in Men, and
c.
The cauſe is, for that they draw greater
quantity of Spirits and Blood to the parts; and again, becauſe they draw the
Aliment more forcibly from within; and again, becauſe they relax the Pores,
and ſo make better paſſage for the Spirits, Blood, and Aliment: Laſtly, be-
cauſe they diſſipate, and diſgeſt any Inutile, or Excrementitious moiſture,
which lieth in the Fl@ſh; all which help Aſſimulation.
Frictions alſo do,
more fill and impinguate the Body, than Exerciſe. The cauſe is, for that in
Frictions, the in ward parts are at reſt; which in exerciſe are beaten (many
times) toomuch: And for the ſame reaſon (as we have noted heretofore)
Galliſlaves are ſat and fleſhy, becauſe they ſtir the Limbs more, and the in-
ward parts leſs.
ALl Globes a ſar off, appearflat.
The cauſe is, for that diſtance, being a
leſs light; which diſparity, when it cannot be diſcerned, all ſeemeth one:
As it is (generally) in objects not diſtinctly diſcerned;
for ſo Letters, iſ they
be ſo far off, as they cannot be diſcerned, ſhew but as duskiſh Paper; and
all Engravings and Emboſſings (a far off) appear plain.
THe uttermoſt parts of Shadows, ſeem ever to tremble.
The cauſe is, for
be no Wind; and therefore thoſe moving, in the meeting of the Light and
the Shadow, ſrom the Light to the Shadow, and from the Shadow to the
Light, do ſhew the ſhadow to move, becauſethe Medium moveth.
SHallow and Narrow Seas, break more than deep and large.
The cauſe is,
where there is a greater
quantity of Water, and likewiſe ſpace enough, there the Water rouleth,
and moveth, both more ſlowly, and with a ſloper riſe and fall: But where
there is leſs Water, and leſs ſpace, and the Water daſheth more againſt the
bottom; there it moveth more ſwiftly, and more in Precipice:
For in the
breaking of the Waves, there is ever a Precipice.
IT hath been obſerved by the Ancients, that Salt-water boiled, or boiled
and yet the taſte
of Salt, in Diſtillations by Fire, riſeth not: For the Diſtilled Water will be
freſh. The cauſe may be, for that the Salt part of the Water, doth partly
riſe into a kinde of Scum on the top, and partly goeth into a Sediment in
the bottom; and ſo is rather a ſeparation, than an evaporation.
But it is too
groſs to riſe into a vapor; and ſo is a bitter taſte likewiſe:
For ſimple diſtil-
led Waters of Wormwood, and the like, are not bitter.
IT hath been ſet down before, that Pits upon the Sea-shores turn into freſh
But it is further
noted, by ſome of the Ancients, that in ſome places of Africk, after a time,
the Water in ſuch Pits will become brakiſh again. The cauſe is, for that
after a time, the very Sands, thorow which the Salt-Water paſſeth, become
Salt; and ſo the Strainer it ſelf is tincted with Salt.
The remedy therefore is
to dig ſtill new Pits, when the old wax brackiſh; as if you would change
your Strainer.
IT hath been obſerved by the Ancients, that Salt-Water will diſſolve Salt put
The cauſe may
be, for that the Salt in the precedent Water, doth by ſimilitude of Subſtance,
draw the Salt new put in, unto it; whereby it diffuſeth in the Liquor more
ſpeedily. This is a noble Experiment, if it be true;
for it ſheweth means of
more quick and eaſie In fuſions, and it is likewiſe a good in ſtance of Attracti-
on by Similitude of Subſtance. Try it with Sugar put into Water, formerly
ſugred, and into other VVater unſugred.
PUt Sugar into Wine, part of it above, part under the Wine;
and you ſhall
ſoften and diſſolve ſooner than that within the Wine. The cauſe is, for that
ple Infuſion or Spreding; but that part above the Wine is likewiſe forced
by Sucking: For all Spongy Bodies expel the Air, and draw in Liquor, if
it be contiguous; as we ſee it alſo in Sponges, put part above the Water.
It
is worthy the inquiry, to ſee how you may make more accurate Inſuſions,
by help of Attraction.
WAter in Wells is warmer in Winter than in Summer;
and ſo Air in
The cauſe is, for that in the higher parts, under the Earth,
there is a degree of ſome heat (as appeareth in ſulphureous Veins, &c.)
which ſhut cloſe in (as in Winter) is the more;
but if it perſpire (as it doth
in Summer) it is the leſs.
IT is reported, that amongſt the Leucadians, in ancient time, upon a ſuper-
tying about him with ſtrings, at ſome diſtance, many great Fowls;
and fix-
ing unto his Body divers Feathers ſpred, to break the fall. Certainly many
Birds of good Wing (as Kites, and the like) would bear up a good weight
as they flie; and ſpreding of Feathers thin and cloſe, and in great bredth,
will likewiſe bear up a great weight, being even laid without tilting upon
the ſides. The further extenſion of this Experiment for Flying, may be
thought upon.
THere is in ſome places (namely, in Cephalonia) a little Shrub, which
Upon the Leaves whereof there
riſeth a Tumor, like a Bliſter; which they gather, and rub out of it, acer-
tain red duſt, that converteth (after a while) into Worms, which they kill
with Wine, (as is reported) when they begin to quicken: With this Duſt
they Die Scarlet.
IN Zant, it is very ordinary, to make Men impotent, to accompany with
The like is practiſed in Gaſcony, where it is called Nover l’
Eguillete. It is practiſed alvvays upon the Wedding day.
And in Zant, the
Mothers themſelves do it by vvay of prevention, becauſe thereby they hinder
other Charms, and can undo their ovvn. It is a thing the Civil Law taketh
knovvledge of, and therefore is of no light regard.
IT is a common Experiment, but the cauſe is miſtaken.
Take a Pot, (or
lighted in the Bottom of a Baſon of Water; and turn the Mouth of the Pot
or Glaſs over the Candle, and it vvill make the Water riſe. They aſcribe it
to the dravving of heat, vvhich is not true: For it appeareth plainly to be
but a Motion of Nexe, vvhich they call Nedetur vacuum, and it proceedeth
thus; The Flame of the Candle as ſoon, as it is covered, being ſuffocated
by the cloſe Air, leſſeneth by little and little: During vvhich time, there is
ſome little aſcent of Water, but not much; for the Flame occupying leſs
and leſs room, as it leſſeneth, the Water ſucceedeth. But upon the inſtant
of the Candles going out, there is a ſudden riſe of a greatdeal of Water; for
that that the Body of the Flame filleth no more place, and ſo the Air and
Water ſucceed. It vvorketh the ſame offect, if inſtead of Water, you put
Flovver, or Sand, into the Baſon: Which ſhevveth, that it is not the Flames
dravving the Liquor, as Nouriſhment, as it is ſuppoſed, for all Bodies are
inſomuch, as I have ſeen the
Glaſs, being held by the hand, hath lifted up the Baſon, and all: The motion
of Nexe did ſo claſp the bottom of the Baſon. That Experiment, when the
Baſon was lifted up, was made with Oyl, and not with Water. Nevertheleſs
this this is true, that at the very firſt ſetting of the Mouth of the Glaſs, upon
the bottom of the Baſon, it draweth up the Water a little, and then ſtandeth
at a ſtay, almoſt till the Candles going out, as was ſaid. This may ſhew ſome
Attraction at firſt; but of this we will ſpeak more, when we handle Attracti-
ons by Heat.
OF the Power of the Celeſtial Bodies, and what more ſecret in ſlucences
ſhall ſpeak, when we handle Experiments touching the Celeſtial Bodies: Mean
while, we will give ſome Directions for more certain Tryals of the Vertue
and Influences of the Moon, which is our neareſt Neighbor.
The Influences of the Moon (moſt obſerved) are four;
the drawing
forth of Heat; the Inducing of Putrefaction;
the increaſe of Moiſture;
the
exciting of the Motions of Spirits.
For the drawing forth of Heat, we have ſormerly preſcribed to take
with a Skreen between; and to ſee whether that which ſtandeth expoſed to
the Beams will not cool ſooner. But becauſe this is but a ſmall interpoſition,
(though in the Sun we ſee a ſmall ſhade doth much) it were good to try it
when the Moon ſhineth, and when the Moon ſhineth not at all; and with
Water warm in a Glaſs-bottle as well as in a Diſh, and with Cinders, and
with Iron red-hot, &c,
For the inducing of Putrefaction, it were good to try it with Fleſh or
Moon ſhineth not, for the liketime, to ſee whether will corrupt ſoorand try it alſo with Capon, or ſome other fowl laid abroad, to ſee whether it
will mortifie and become tenderſooner. Try it alſo with dead Flies or dead
Worms, having a little Water caſt upon them, to ſee whether will putrefie
ſooner. Try it alſo with an Apple or Orenge, having holes made in their
tops, to ſee whether will rot or mould ſooner. Try it alſo with Holland
Cheeſe, having Wine put into it, whether it will breed Mites ſooner or
greater.
For the increafe of Moiſture, the opinion received is, that Seeds will
c.
will
grow ſooneſt, if they be ſet or cut in the increaſe of the Moon: Alſo, that
Brains in Rabits, Wood-cocks, Calves, &c.
are ſulleſt in the Full of the
Moon; and ſo of Marrow in the Bones, and fo of Oyſters and Cockles;
which of all the reſt are the eaſieſt tried, if you have them in Pits.
Take ſome Seeds or Roots (as Onions, &
c.)
and ſet ſome of them im-
the Full: Let them be as like as can be, the Earth alſo the ſame as near as
may be, and therefore beſt in Pots: Let the Pots alſo ſtand where no Rain
or Sun may come to them, leſt the difference of the Weather conſound the
Experiment. And then ſee in what time the Seeds ſet, in the increaſe of the
Moon, come to a certain height, and how they differ from thoſe that are ſet
in the decreaſe of the Moon.
It is like, that the Brain of Man waxeth moiſter and fuller upon the Full
and therefore it were good for thoſe that have moiſt Brains,
and are great Drinkers, to take fume of Lignum Aloes, Roſemary, Frankincenſe,
&c.
about the Full of the Moon.
It is like alſo, that the Humors in Mens
Bodies increaſe and decreaſe, as the Moon doth; and therefore it were good
to purge ſome day or two after the Full, for that then the Humors will not
repleniſh ſo ſoon again.
As for the exciting of the motion of the Spirits, you muſt note, that the
c.
is cauſed from the Moon, by exciting of
the Spirits, as well as by increaſe of the moiſture. But for Spirits in particular,
the great inſtance is in Lunacies.
There may be other ſecret effects of the influence of the Moon, which
It may be, that if it ſo fall out, that the
Wind be North or North Eaſt, in the Full of the Moon, it increaſeth Cold; and if South or South-Weſt, it diſpoſeth the Air for a good while to warmth
and rain; which would be obſerved.
It may be that Children and young Cattel that are brought forth in the
in the Wane; and thoſe alſo which are begotten in the Full of the Moon:
So that it might be good Husbandry, to put Rams and Bulls to their Females
ſomewhat before the Full of the Moon. It may be alſo, that the Eggs
laid in the Full of the Moon, breed the better Bird; and a number of the
like effects, which may be brought into obſervation. Quare alſo, whe-
ther great Thunders and Earth-quakes be not moſt in the Full of the
Moon.
THe turning of Wine to Vinegar, is a kinde of Putrefaction;
and in
Noon Sun, which calleth out the more Oily Spirits, and leaveth the Liquor
more ſour and hard. We ſee alſo, that Burnt-Wine is more hard and aſtrin-
gent then Wine unburnt. It is ſaid, that Cider in Navigations under the Line
ripeneth, when Wine or Beer ſoureth. It were good to ſet a Rundlet of Ver-
juice over againſt the Sun in Summer, as they do Vinegar, to ſee whether it
will ripen and ſweeten.
THere be divers Creatures that ſleep all Winter;
as the Bear, the Hedg-
c.
Theſe all wax fat when they ſleep, and egeſt
not. The cauſe of their fattening, during their ſleeping time, may be the
want of aſſimilating; for whatſoever aſſimilateth not to Fleſh, turneth either
to ſweat or fat. Theſe Creatures, for part of their ſleeping time, have been
obſerved not to ſtir at all; and for the other part, to ſtir, but not to remove,
and they get warm and cloſe places to ſleep in. When the Flemmings wintred
in Nova Zembla, the Bears about the middle of November went to ſleep; and
then the Foxes began to comeforth, which durſt not before. It is noted by
ſome of the Ancients, that the She Bear breedeth, and lieth in with her
young during that time of Reſt, and that a Bear big with young, hath ſeldom
SOme Living Creatures are procreated by Copulation between Male and
Female, ſome by Putrefaction; and of thoſe which come by Putrefaction,
many do (nevertheleſs) after wards procreate by Copulation. For the cauſe
of both Generations: Firſt, it is moſt certain, that the cauſe of all Vivi-
yielding ſubſtance; for the heat doth bring forth Spirit in that ſubſtance,
and the ſubſtance being gluttinous, produceth two effects; the one, That
the Spirit is detained, and cannot break forth; the other That the matter
being gentle and yielding, is driven forwards by the motion of the Spirits,
after ſome ſwelling into ſhape and members. Therefore all Sperm, all Men-
ſtruous ſubſtance, all matter whereof Creatures are produced by Putrefacti-
on, have evermore a Cloſeneſs, Lentor, and Sequacity. It ſeemeth therefore
that the Generation by Sperm onely, and by Putrefaction, have two diffe-
rent cauſes. The firſt is, for that Creatures which have a definite and exact
ſhape (as thoſe have which are procreated by Copulation) cannot be produ-
ced by a weak and caſual heat; nor out of matter, which is not exactly pre-
pared according to the Species, The ſecond is, for that there is a greater
time required for Maturation of perfect Creatures; for if the time required
in Vivification be of any length, then the Spirit will exhale before the Crea-
ture be mature; except it be incloſed in a place where it may have continu-
ance of the heat, acceſs of ſome nouriſhment to maintain it, and cloſeneſs
that may keep it from exhaling; and ſuch places, or the Wombs and Matri-
ces of the Females: And therefore all Creatures made of Putrefaction, are
of more uncertain ſhape, and are made in ſhorter time, and need not ſo per-
fect an encloſure, though ſome cloſeneſs be commonly required. As for
the Heathen opinion, which was, That upon great mutations of the World,
perfect Creatures were firſt ingendred of Concretion, as well as Frogs, and
Worms, and Flies, and ſuch like, are now; we know it to be vain:
But if
any ſuch thing ſhould be admitted, diſcourſing according to ſenſe, it cannot
be, except you admit of a Chaos firſt, and commixture of Heaven and Earth; for the Frame of the World once in order, cannot effect it by any exceſs or
caſualty.
THe Philoſophy of Pythagoras (which was full of Super-
afterwards was, by the School of Plato, and others,
watred and nouriſhed. It was, That the World was one
entire perfect Living Creature; inſomuch, as Apollonius of
Iyana, a Pythagorean Prophet, affirmed, That the Ebb-
ing and Flowing of the Sea was the Reſpiration of the
World, drawing in Water as Breath, and putting it
forth again. They went on, and inferred, That if the World were a Living
Creature, it had a Soul and Spirit; which alſo they held, calling it Spiritus
Mundi, the Spirit or Soul of the World; by which, they did not intend God,
(for they did admit of a Deity beſides) but onely the Soul, or Eſſential Form
of the Univerſe. This Foundation being laid, they might build upon it what
they would; for in a Living Creature, though never ſo great (as for example,
in a great Whale) the Senſe and the Affects of any one part of the Body
inſtantly make a Tranſcurſion throughout the whole Body: So that by this
they did inſinuate, that no diſtance of place, nor want orindiſpoſition of
Matter, could hinder Magical Operations; but that (for example) we
might here in Europe have Senſe and Feeling of that which was done in
China; and likewiſe, we might work any effect without and againſt Matter:
And this not holden by the co-operation of Angels or Spirits, but onely by
the Unity and Harmony of Nature. There were ſome alſo that ſtaid not
here, but went further, and held, That if the Spirit of Man (whom they
call the Microcoſm) do give a fit touch to the Spirit of the World, by ſtrong
Imaginations and Beliefs, it might command Nature; for Paracelſus, and
ſome darkſome Authors of Magick, do aſcribe to Imagination exalted the
Power of Miracle-working Faith. With theſe vaſt and bottomleſs Follies
Men have been (in part) entertained.
Butwe, that hold firm to the Works of God, and to the Senſe, which
is Gods Lamp, (Lucerna Dei Spiraculum Hominis) will enquire with all So-
briety and Severity, whether there be to be found in the Foot-ſteps of Na-
ture any ſuch Tranſmiſſion and Influx of Immateriate Virtues; and what
the force of Imagination is, either upon the Body Imaginant, or upon
another Body: Wherein it will be like that labor of Hercules in purging the
Stable of Augeas, to ſeparate from Superſtitious and Magical Arts and Ob-
ſervations, any thing that is clean and pure Natural, and not to be either
contemned or condemned. And although we ſhall have occaſion to
ſpeak of this in more places then one, yet we will now make ſome entrance
thereinto.
MEn are to be admoniſhed, that they do not withdraw credit from the
becauſe the effects fail ſometimes. For as in Infection and Contagion from
Body to Body, (as the Plague, and the like) it is moſt certain, that the In-
fection is received (many times) by the Body Paſſive, but yet is by the
ſtrength and good diſpoſition thereof repulſed, and wrought out, before it
be formed into a Diſeaſe; ſo much more in Impreſſions from Minde to
Minde, or from Spirit to Spirit, the Impreſſion taketh, but is encountred
and overcome by the Minde and Spirit, which is Paſſive, before it work any
manifeſt effect: And therefore they work moſt upon weak Mindes and
Spirits; as thoſe of Women, Sick Perſons, Superſtitious and fearful Per-
ſons, Children, and young Creatures.
The Poet ſpeaketh not of Sheep, but of Lambs.
As for the weakneſs of the
Power of them upon Kings and Magiſtrates, it may be aſcribed (beſides the
main, which is the Protection of God over thoſe that execute his place) to
the weakneſs of the Imagination of the Imaginant; for it is hard for a
Witch or a Sorcerer to put on a belief, that they can hurt ſuch perſons.
Men are to be admoniſhed on the other ſide, that they do not eaſily give
For
the cauſe of this ſucceſs is (oft) to be truly aſcribed unto the force of Affecti-
on and Imagination upon the Body Agent, and then by a ſecondary means it
may work upon a diverſe Body. As for example, If a man carry a Planets Seal
or a Ring, or ſome part of a Beaſt, believing ſtrongly that it will help him to
obtain his Love, or to keep him from danger of hurt in Fight, or to prevail in
a Sute, &c.
it may make him more active and induſtrious;
and again more
confident and perſiſting, then otherwiſe he would be. Now the great effects
that may come of Induſtry and Perſeverance (eſpecially in civil buſineſs) who
knoweth not? For we ſee audacity doth almoſt binde and mate the weaker
ſort of Mindes; and the ſtate of Humane Actions is ſo variable, that to try
things oft, and never to give over, doth wonders: Therefore it were a meer
fallacy and miſtaking to aſcribe that to the Force of Imagination upon an-
other Body, which is but the Force of Imagination upon the proper Body; for there is no doubt but that Imagination and vehement Affection work
greatly upon the Body of the Imaginant, as we ſhall ſhew in due place.
Men are to be admoniſhed, that as they are not to miſtake the cauſes of
and raſhly to take that for done which is not done. And therefore, as di-
vers wiſe Judges have preſcribed and cautioned, Men may not too raſhly
For
the Witches themſelves are Imaginative, and believe oſ
which they do not; and people are credulous in that point, and ready to
impute Accidents and Natural operations to Witchcraft. It is worthy the
obſerving, that both in ancient and late times, (as in the Theſſalian Witches,
and the meetings of Witches that have been recorded by ſo many late Con-
feſſions) the great wonders which they tell of carrying in the Air, trans-
forming them ſelves into other Bodies, &c.
are ſtill reported to be wrought,
not by Incantation or Ceremonies, but by Ointments and Anointing them-
ſelves all over. This may juſtly move a Man to think, that theſe Fables are
the effects of Imagination; for it is certain, that Ointments do all (if they be
laid on any thing thick) by ſtopping of the Pores, ſhut in the Vapor, and
ſend them to the head extreamly. And for the particular Ingredients of
thoſe Magical Ointments, it is like they are opiate and ſoporiferous. For
Anointing of the Forehead, Neck, Feet, Back-bone, we know is uſed for
procuring dead ſleeps. And if any Man ſay, that this effect would be bet-
ter done by in ward potions; anſwer may be made, that the Medicines which
go to the Ointments are ſo ſtrong, that if they were uſed in wards, they would
kill thoſe that uſe them; and therefore they work potently, though out-
wards.
We will divide the ſeveral kindes of the operations by tranſmiſſion of
Spirits and Imagination, which will give no ſmall light to the Experiments
that follow. All operations by tranſmiſſion of Spirits and Imagination have
this, that they work at diſtance, and not at touch; and they are theſe being
diſtinguiſhed.
The firſt is, The Tranſmiſſion or Emiſſion of the thinner and more
and this is, of all the
teſt, the moſt corporeal. But you muſt remember withal, that there
be a number of thoſe Emiſſions, both unwholeſome and wholeſome, that
give no ſmell at all: For the Plague many times when it is taken giveth
no ſent at all, and there be many good and healthful Airs, as they appear
by Habitation, and other proofs, that differ not in Smell from other Airs. And under this head you may place all Imbibitions of Air, where the ſub-
ſtance is material, odor-like, whereof ſome nevertheleſs are ſtrange, and
very ſuddenly diffuſed; as the alteration which the Air receiveth in Egypt al-
moſt immediately upon the riſing of the River of Nilus, whereof we have
ſpoken.
The ſecond is, the Tranſmiſſion or Emiſſion of thoſe things that we call
the one whereof we have hand-
led, and the other we ſhall handle in due place. Theſe move ſwiftly and at
great diſtance, but then they require a Medium well diſpoſed, and their Tranſ-
miſſion is eaſily ſtopped.
The third is, the Emiſſions which cauſe Attraction of certain Bodies at
wherein though the Loadſtone be commonly placed in the firſt
rank yet we think good to except it, and refer it to another Head: But
the drawing of Amber, and Fet, and other Electrick Bodies, and the At-
traction in Gold of the Spirit of Quick-ſilver at diſtance, and the Attraction
of Heat at diſtance, and that of fire to Naphtha, and that of ſome Herbs
to Water, though at diſtance, and divers others, we ſhall handle; but
yet not under this preſent title, but under the title of Attraction in
general.
The fourth is, the Emiſſion of Spirits, and Immateriate Powers and
pathy of the World; not by Forms, or Celeſtial Influxes, (as is vainly taught
and received) but by the Primitive Nature of Matter, and the ſeeds of
things. Of this kinde is (as we yet ſuppoſe) the working of the Loadſtone,
which is by conſent with the Globe of the Earth; of this kinde is the motion
of Gravity, which is by conſent of denſe Bodies with the Globe of the Earth: Of this kinde is ſome diſpoſition of Bodies to Rotation, and particularly
from Eaſtro Weſt; of which kinde, we conceive the Main Float and Refloat
of the Sea is, which is by conſent of the Univerſe, as part of the Diurnal
Motion. Theſe Immateriate Virtues have this property differing from others,
that the diverſity of the Medium hindreth them not, but they paſs through all
Mediums, yet at determinate diſtances. And of theſe we ſhall ſpeak, as they
are incident to ſeveral Titles.
The fifth is, the Emiſſion of Spirits;
and this is the principal in our in-
the minde of Man upon other Spirits; and this is of a double nature;
the
operation of the Affections, if they be vehement; and the operation of the
Imagination, if it be ſtrong. But theſe two are ſo coupled, as we ſhall handle
them together; for when an envious or amorous aſpect doth inſect the Spi-
rits of another, there is joyned both Affection and Imagination.
The ſixth is, the influxes of the Heavenly Bodies, beſides thoſe two mani-
But theſe we will handle, where we handle the
Celeſtial Bodies and Motions.
The ſeventh is, the operations of Sympathy, which the Writers of Na-
and it is this, That if
you deſire to ſuper-induce any Virtue or Diſpoſition upon a Perſon, you
ſhould take the Living Creature, in which that Virtue is moſt eminent and in
perfection; of that Creature you muſt take the parts wherein that Virtue
chiefly is collocate. Again, you muſt take the parts in the time, and act
when that Virtue is moſt in exerciſe, and then you muſt apply it to that part
of Man, wherein that Virtue chiefly conſiſteth. As if you would ſuper-
induce Courage and Fortitnde, take a Lion, or a Cock; and take the Heart, Tooth,
or Paw of the Lion; or the Heart, or Spur of the Cock:
Take thoſe parts im-
mediately after the Lion or the Cock have been in fight, and let them be worn
upon a Mans heart or wriſt. Of theſe and ſuch like Sympathies we ſhall ſpeak
under this preſent Title.
The eighth and laſt is, an Emiſſion of Immateriate Virtues, ſuch as we
ſtantly avouched by many: And we have ſet it down as a Law to our ſelves,
to examine things to the bottom; and not to receive upon credit, or reject
upon improbabilities, until there hath paſſed a due examination. This is the
Sympathy of Individuals; for as there is a Sympathy of Species, ſo (it may be) there
is a Sympathy of Individuals; that is, that in things, or the parts of things that
have been once contiguous or entire, there ſhould remain a tranſmiſſion of
Virtue from the one to the other, as between the Weapon and the Wound. Whereupon is blazed abroad the operation of Vnguentum Teli, and ſo of a
piece of Lard, or ſtick of Elder, &c.
That if part of it be conſumed or pu-
treNow we will purſue the
inſtances themſelves.
THe Plague is many times taken without manifeſt ſenſe, as hath been
and they report, that where it is found it hath a ſent of the ſmell
of a Mellow Apple, and (as ſome ſay) of May-flowers: And it is alſo re-
ceived, that ſmells of Flowers that are Mellow and Luſhious, are ill for the
Plague; as White Lilies, Covvſlips, and Hyacinths.
The Plague is not eaſily received by ſuch as continually are about them
nor again by
ſuch as take Antidetes, either in ward (as Mithridate, Juniper-berries, Rue, Leaf,
and Seed, &c.)
or outward (as Angelica, Zedoary, and the like in the Mouth;
Tar, Galbanum, and the like in Perfume:)
Nor again, by old people, and ſuch
as are of a dry and cold complexion. On the other ſide, the Plague taketh
ſooneſt hold of thoſe that come out of a freſh Air, and of thoſe that are faſt-
ing, and of Children; and it is likewiſe noted to go in a Blood more then
to a ſtranger.
The moſt pernicious Infection, next the Plague, is the ſmell of the Goal,
whereof we
have had in our time, experience twice or thrice, when both the Fudges that
ſat upon the Goal, and numbers of thoſethat attended the buſineſs, or were
preſent, ſickned upon it, and died. Therefore it were good wiſdom, that in
ſuch caſes the Goal were aired before they be brought forth.
Out of queſtion, if ſuch foul ſmells be made by Art, and by the Hand,
for they are not thoſe
ſtinks which the Noſtrils ſtraight abhor and expel, that are moſt pernicious,
but ſuch Airs as have ſome ſimilitude with Mans body, and ſo inſinuate them-
ſelves, and betray the Spirits. There may be great danger in uſing ſuch Com-
poſitions in great Meetings of People within Houſes; as in Churches, at Ar-
raignments, at Plays and Solemnities, and the like: For poyſoning of Air is no
leſs dangerous, then poyſoning of Water, which hath been uſed by the Turks
in the Wars, and was uſed by Emanuel Comnenus to wards the Chriſtians, when
they paſſed through his Countrey to the Holy Land. And theſe empoyſon-
ments of Air are the more dangerous in Meetings of People, becauſe the
much breath of People doth further the reception of the Infection. And
therefore when any ſuch thing is feared, it were good thoſe publick places
were perfumed before the Aſſemblies.
The empoy ſonment of particular perſons by Odors, hath been reported
And it is like they mingle the poyſon
that is deadly with ſome ſmells that are ſweet, which alſo maketh it
the ſooner received. Plagues alſo have been raiſed by Anointings of the
Chinks of Doors, and the like; not ſo much by the touch, as for that it is
common for men, when they finde any thing wet upon their fingers, to
put them to their Noſe; which men therefore ſhould take heed how they
do. The beſt is, that theſe Compoſitions of Inſectious Airs cannot be made
without dangers of death to them that make them; but then again, they
may have ſome Antidotes to ſave themſelves; ſo that men ought not to be
ſecure of it.
There have been in divers Countreys great Plagues by the putrefaction of
upon heaps.
It hapneth oft in Mines, that there are Damps which kill either by
and thoſe that
their Brains hurt and itupefied by the Metalline Vapors. Amongſt which, it
is noted, that the Spirits of Quick-ſilver ever flie to the Skull, Teeth, or
Bones; inſomuch, as Gilders uſe to have a piece of Gold in their Mouth to
draw the Spirits ofwhich Gold aſterwards they finde to be
whitned. There are alſo certain Lakes and Pits, ſuch as that of Avernus, that
poyſon Birds (as is ſaid) which flie over them, or Men that ſtay too long
about them.
The Vapor of Char-coal or Sea-coal in a cloſe room, hath killed
and it is the more dangerous, becauſe it cometh without any ill ſmell,
but ſtealeth on by little and little, inducing onely faintneſs, without any
manifeſt ſtrangling. When the Dutchmen wintred at Nova Zembla, and
that they could gather no more ſticks, they fell to make fire of ſome Sea-
coal they had, wherewith (at firſt) they were much refreſhed; but a little
after they had ſat about the fire, there grew a general ſilence and lothneſ,
to ſpeak amongſt them; and immediately after, one of the weakeſt of
the Company fell down in a ſwoon: Whereupon, they doubting what it
was, opened their door to let in Air, and ſo ſaved themſelves. The effect
(no doubt) is wrought by the inſpiffition of the Air, and ſo of the
Breath and Spirits. The like enſueth in Rooms newly Plaiſtred, if a fire
be made in them; whereof no leſs Min then the Emperor Jovinianus
died.
Vide the Experiment 803.
Touching the Infectious Nature of the Air upon
It hath come to paſs, that ſome Apothecaries.
upon ſtamping of Colo-
It hath been a practice to burn a Pepper they call Guinny-Pepper, which
are in the Room.
It is an Ancient Tradition, that Blear Eyes infect Sound Eyes;
and that a
Nay, they have an opinion,
which ſeemeth fabulous, That Menſtruous Women going over a Field or Garden,
do Corn and Herbs good by killing the Worms.
The Tradition is no leſs ancient, that the Baſilisk killeth by aſpect;
and
Perfumes convenient do dry and ſtrengthen the Brain, and ſtay Rheums
as we finde in Fume of Roſemary dried, and Lignum Aloes,
and Calamus taken at the Mouth and Noſtrils. And no doubt, there be other
Petfumes that do moiſten and refreſh, and are fit to be uſed in Burning Agues,
Conſumptions, and too much wakefulneſs; ſuch as are Roſe-Water, Vinegar,
Lemmon-pills, Violets, the Leaves of Vines ſprinkled with a little Roſe-water,
&c.
They do uſe in ſudden Faintings and Swoonings, to put a Handkerchief
again the Spirits, which are upon point to reſolve and fall away.
Tobacco comforteth the Spirits, and diſchargeth wearineſs;
which it
denſeth the Spirits. It were good therefore to try the taking of Fumes by
Pipes (as they do in Tobacco) of other things, as well to dry and comfort, as
for other intentions. I wiſh tryal be made of the drying Fume of Roſemary
and Lignum Aloes, before mentioned in Pipe; and ſo of Nutmegs and Folium
indum, &c.
The following of the Plough hath been approved for refreſhing the
but to do it in the Ploughing for Wheat
or Rye is not ſo good, becauſe the Earth hath ſpent her ſweet breath in Vege-
tables put forth in Summer. It is better therefore to do it when you ſow
Barley. But becauſe Ploughing is tied to Seaſons, it is beſt to take the Air
of the Earth new turned up by digging with the Spade, or ſtanding by him
that diggeth. Gentlewomen may do themſelves much good by kneeling upon
a Cuſhion, and Weeding. And theſe things you may practiſe in the beſt Sea-
ſons; which is ever the early Spring, before the Earth putteth forth the
Vegetables, and in the ſweeteſt Earth you can chuſe. It would be done alſo
when the Dew is a little off the Ground, leſt the Vapor be too moiſt. I Knew
a great Man that lived long, who had a clean Clod of Earth brought to
him every morning as he ſate in his Bed; and he would hold his head
over it a good preety while. I commend alſo ſometimes in digging of
new Earth, to pour in ſome Malmſey or Greek Wine, that the Vapor of
the Earth and Wine together may comfort the Spirits the more; pro-
vided always it be not taken for a Heathen Sacrifice or Libation to the
Earth.
They have in Phyſick uſe of Pomanders, and knots of Powders for drying
c.
for though
thoſe things be not ſo ſtrong as Perfumes, yet you may have them continu-
ally in your hand, whereas Perfumes you can take but at times; and be-
ſides, there be divers things that breath better of themſelves then when
they come to the Fire; as Nigella Romana, the Seed of Melanthium, Amo-
mum, &c.
There be two things which (inwardly uſed) do cool and condenſe
and I wiſh the ſame to be tried outwardly in Vapors.
The one
is Nitre; which I would have diſſolved in Malmſey, or Greek Wine, and ſo
the ſmell of the Wine taken; or, if you would have it more forcible, pour
of it upon a Fire-pan well heated, as they do Roſe-water and Vinegar. The
other is, the diſtilled Water of Wilde Poppey; which I wiſh to be mingled
at half with Roſe-water, and ſo taken with ſome mixture of a few Cloves in a
Perfuming pan. The like would be done with the diſtilled Water of Saffron-
Flowers.
Smells of Musk, and Amber, and Civit, are thought to further Vene-
which they may do by the refreſhing and calling forth of
the Spirits.
Incenſe and Niderous ſmells (ſuch as were of Sacrifices) were thought to
which they may do
by a kinde of ſadneſs and contriſtation of the Spirits, and partly alſo by
Heating and Exalting them. We ſee that amongſt the Jews, the principal
perfume of the Sanctuary was forbidden all common uſes.
There be ſome Perfumes preſcribed by the Writers of Natural Magick,
and ſome others (as they ſay) that procure
Prophetical Dreams, as the Seeds of Flax, Fleawort, &c.
It is certain, that Odors do in a ſmall degree, nouriſh, eſpecially the
and we ſee Men an hungred do love to ſmell hot Bread.
It is related, that Democritus when he lay a dying, heard a Woman in the
Houſe complain, that ſhe ſhould be kept from being at a Feaſt and Solemni-
ty (which ſhe much deſired to ſee) becauſe there would be a Corps in the
Houſe: Whereupon he cauſed Loaves of new Bread to be ſent for, and open-
ed them, and poured a little Wine into them, and ſo kept himſelf alive with
I knew a Gentleman that would
faſt (ſometimes) three or four, yea, five days, without Meat, Bread, or
Drink; but the ſame Man uſed to have continually a great Wiſp of Herbs
that he ſmelled on, and amongft thoſe Herbs ſome eſculent Herbs of ſtrong
ſent, as Onions, Garlick, Leeks, and the like.
They do uſe for the Accident of the Mother to burn Feathers, and other
and by thoſe ill ſmells the riſing of the Mother is put
down.
There be Airs which the Phyſicians adviſe their Patients to remove
ly) are plain Champaigns, but Graſing, and not over grown with Heath,
or the like; or elſe Timber-ſhades, as in Foreſts, and the like.
It is noted al-
ſo, that Groves of Bays do forbid Peſtilent Airs; which was accounted a
great cauſe of the wholeſome Air of Antiochia. There be alſo ſome Soyls
that put forth Odorate Herbs of themſelves, as VVilde Thyme, VVilde Marjoram,
Penny-royal, Camomile; and in which, the Bryar-Roſes ſmell almoſt like Musk-
Roſes; which (no doubt) are ſigns that do diſcover an excellent Air.
It were good for men to think of having healthful Air in their Houſes;
Doors; for the one maketh the Air cloſe, and not freſh;
and the other,
maketh it exceeding unequal, which is a great enemy to health. The Win-
dows alſo ſhould not be high up to the Roof (which is in uſe for Beauty and
Magnificence) but low. Alſo Stone-walls are not wholeſome;
but Timber is
more wholeſome, and eſpecially Brick; nay, it hath been uſed by ſome
with great ſucceſs, to make their Walls thick, aed to put a Lay of Chalk
between the Bricks to take away all dampiſhneſs.
THeſe Emiſſions (as we ſaid before) are handled, and ought to be hand-,
that is, Viſibles, and
Audibles, each apart: In this place it ſhall ſuffice to give ſome general Ob-
ſervations common to both. Firſt, they ſeem to be Incorporeal.
Secondly,
they work ſwiftly. Thirdly, they work at large diſtances.
Fourthly, in
curious varieties. Fifthly, they are not effective of any thing, nor leave any
work behinde them, but are energies meerly; for their working upon mir-
rors and places of Echo doth not alter any thing in thoſe Bodies; but it is
the ſame Action with the Original, onely repercuſſed. And as for the ſhaking
of Windows, or rarifying the Air by great noiſes, and the Heat cauſed by
Burning Glaſſes, they are rather Concomitants of the Audible and Viſible
Species, then the effects of them. Sixthly, they ſeem to be of ſo tender and
weak a Nature, as they affect onely ſuch a Rare and Attenuate Subſtance
as is the Spirit of Living Creatures.
IT is mentioned in ſome Stories, that where Children have been expoſed
approached to their Parents preſence, the Parents (though they have not
known them) have had a ſecret Joy, or other Alteration thereupon.
There was an Egyptian Soothſayer that made Antonius believe, that his
genius (which otherwiſe was brave and confident) was, in the preſence of
Octavianus Cæſar, poor and cowardly; and therefore, he adviſed him to abſent
himſelf (as much as he could) and remove far from him. The Soothſayer was
thought to be ſuborned by Cleopatra, to make him live in Egypt, and other
Howſoever, the conceit of a predominant or
maſtering Spirit of one Man over another is ancienr, and received ſtill, even
in vulgar opinion.
There are conceits, that ſome Men that are of an ill and melancholly
poſed; and contrariwiſe, that others that are of a jovial nature do diſpoſe
the company to be merry and chearful: And again, that ſome Men are lucky
to be kept company with, and employed, and others unlucky. Certainly it
is agreeable to reaſon, that there are at the leaſt ſome light effluxions from
Spirit to Spirit when Men are in preſence one with another, as well as from
Body to Body.
It hath been obſerved, that old Men have loved young company, and
their Spirits
(as it ſeemeth) being recreated by ſuch company. Such were the Ancient
Sophiſts and Rhetoricians, which ever had young Auditors and Diſciples; as Gorgias, Protagoras, Iſocrates, &
c.
who lived till they were an hundred years
old; and ſo like wiſe did many of the Grammarians and School-maſters:
Such as
was Orbilius, &c.
Audacity and confidence doth, in civil buſineſſes, ſo great effects, as a
and perſiſting, and importunity, there ſhould be ſome ſecret binding and
ſtooping of other Mens ſpirits to ſuch perſons.
The Affections (no doubt) do make the Spirits more powerful and active,
which
are two, Love and Envy, which is called Oculus Malus. As for Love, the
Platoniſts (ſome of them) go ſo far, as to hold, That the Spirit of the Lover
dorh paſs into the Spirits of the perſon loved, which cauſeth the de
return into the Body whence it was emitted, whereupon followeth that ap-
petite of contract and conjunction which is in Lovers. And this is obſerved
likewiſe, that the Aſpects that procure Love, are not gazings, but ſudden
glances and dartings of the Eye. As for Envy, that emitteth ſome malign
and poiſonous Spirits, which take hold of the Spirit of another; and is like-
wiſe of greateſt force, when the Caſt of the Eye is oblique. It hath been no
ted alſo, That it is moſt dangerous, where the envious Eye is caſt upon per-
ſons in glory, and triumph, and joy. The reaſon whereof is, for that at ſuch
times the Spirits come forth moſt into the outward parts, and ſo meet the
percuſſion of the envious eye more at hand; and therefore it hath been no-
ted, That after great triumphs, Men have been ill diſpoſed for ſome days
following. We ſee the opinion of Faſcination is ancient for both effects, of
procuring Love, and ſickneſs cauſed by Envy; and Faſcination is ever by
the Eye. But yet if there by any ſuch infection from Spirit to Spirit, there
is no doubt, but that it worketh by preſence, and not by the Eye alone, yet
moſt forcibly by the Eye.
Fear and Shame are like wiſe infective:
For we ſee that the ſtarting of one,
in a company, others do like wiſe bluſh in his behalf.
Now we will ſpeak of the Force of Imagination upon other Bodies, and
of the means to exalt and ſtrengthen it. Imagination, in this place, I under-
ſtand to be the repreſentation of an Individual Thought. Imagination is of
three kindes; the firſt, joyned with Belief of that which is to come;
the ſe-
cond, joyned with Memory of that which is paſt; and the third is, of Things
preſent, or as if they were preſent: For I comprehend in this, Imagination
As if one ſhould imagine ſuch a Min to bein the
Veſtments of a Pope, or to have Wings. I ſingle out for this time that which
is with Faith or Belief of that which is to come. The Inquiſition of this
Subject in our way (which is by Induction) is wonderful hard, for the things
that are reported are full of Fables; and new Experiments can hardly be
made but with extream Caution, for the Reaſon which we will after de-
clare.
The Power of Imagination is in three kindes.
The firſt, upon the Body of
the imaginant, including like wiſe the Childe in the Mothers Womb. The
ſecond is, the power of it upon dead bodies, as Plants, Wood, Stone, Me
&c.
The third is, the power of it upon the Spirits of Men and Living Crea-
tures. And with this laſt we will onely meddle.
The Probleme therefore is, Whether a Man conſtantly and ſtrongly be-
lieving that ſuch a thing ſhall be, (as that ſuch an one will love him, or that
ſuch an one will grant him his requeſt, or that ſuch an one ſhall recover a
ſickneſs, or the like) it doth help any thing to the effecting of the thing it
ſelf. And here again we muſt warily diſtinguiſh;
for it is not meant (as
hath been partly ſaid beſore) that it ſhould help by making a man more ſtout,
or more induſtrious; (in which kinde, conſtant belief doth much) but
meerly by a ſecret operation, or binding, or changing the Spirit of another. And in this it is hard (as we began to ſay) to make any new experiment;
for
I cannot command my ſelf to believe what I will, and ſo no tryal can be
made. Nay it is worſe, for whatſoever a Man imagineth doubtingly, or with
fear, muſt needs do hurt, if Imagination have any power at all; ſor a Man
repreſenteth that ofther that he feareth, then the contrary.
The help therefore is, for a Man to work by another, in whom he
may create belief, and not by himſelf, until himſelf have found by experi-
ence, that Imagination doth prevail; for then experience worketh in himſelf
Belief, if the Belief that ſuch a thing ſhall be joyned with a Belief, that his
Imagination may procure it.
For example, I related one time to a Man that was curious and vain
vvould tell a man vvhat Card he thought. This pretended Learned Man told me, it
was a miſtaking in me. For (ſaid he) it vvas not the knovvledge of the Mans thought
(for that is proper to God) but it vvas the inforcing of a thought upon him, and binding his
Imagination by a ſtronger, that he could think no other Card. And thereupon he asked
me a Queſtion or two, which I thought he did but cunningly, knowing be-
fore what uſed to be the feats of the Jugler. Sir, (ſaid he) do you remember vvhe-
ther he told the Card the Man thought himſelf, or bad another to tell it? I anſwered,
(as was true) That he bad another tell it. Whereunto he ſaid, So I thought:
For
(ſaid he) himſelf could not have put on ſo ſtrong an Imagination, but by telling the other
the Card (vvho believed, that the Jugler vvas ſome ſtrange man, and could do ſtrange things)
that other man caught a ſtrong Imagination. I hearkned unto him, thinking for a
vanity he ſpake prettily. Then he asked me another Queſtion:
Saith he, Do
you remember vvhether he bad the Man think the Card firſt, and aftervvards told the other
Man in his Ear whæt he should think; or elſe, that he did whiſper firſt in the Mans Ear
that ſhould tell the Card, telling, That ſuch a Man ſhould think ſuch a Card, and after
bad the Man think a Card? I told him, (as was true) That he did firſt whiſper the
Man in the Ear, thatſuch a Man ſhould think ſuch a Card. Upon this, the Learned
Man did much exuit and pleaſe himſelf, ſaying, Lo, you may ſee that my opinion
is right: For if the Man had thought firſt, his thought had been fixed;
but the other imagi-
ning firſt, hound his thought. Which though it did ſome what ſink with me, yet I
Jugler, and the two Servants; though (indeed) I had no reaſon ſo to think, for
they were both my Fathers ſervants, and he had never plaid in the Houſe
before. The Jugler alſo did cauſe a Garter to be held up, and took upon
him to know that ſuch an one ſhould point in ſuch a place of the Garter, as
it ſhould be near ſo many Inches to the longer end, and ſo many to the ſhort-
er; and ſtill he did it by firſt telling the imaginer, and after bidding the actor
think.
Having told this Relation, not for the weight thereof, but becauſe it
doth handſomly open the nature of the Queſtion, I return to that I ſaid,
That Experiments of Imagination muſt be practiſed by others, and not by a Mans
ſelf. For there be three means to fortifie Belief;
the firſt is Experience, the
ſecond is Reaſon, and the third is Authority. And that of theſe which is
far the moſt potent, is Authority: For Belief upon Reaſon or Experience
will ſtagger.
For Authority, it is of two kindes:
Belief in an Art, and Belief in a
And for things of Belief in an Art, a Man may exerciſe them by him-
ſelf; but for Belief in a Man, it muſt be by another.
Therefore if a Man be-
lieve in Aſtrology, and finde a figure proſperous; or believe in Natural Ma-
gick, and that a Ring with ſuch a Stone, or ſuch a piece of a Living Creature
carried, will do good, it may help his Imagination; but the Belief in a Man
is far the more active. But howſoever all Authority muſt be out of a Mans
ſelf, turned (as was ſaid) either upon an Art, or upon a Man; and where
Authority is from one Man to another, there the ſecond muſt be Ignorant,
and not learned, or full of thoughts: And ſuch are (for the moſt part) all
Witches and ſuperſtitious perſons, whoſe beliefs, tied to their Teachers and
Traditions, are no whit controlled either by Reaſon or Experience: And
upon the fame reaſon, in Magick they uſe (for the moſt part) Boys and young
People, whoſe ſpirits eaſilieſt take Belief and Imagination.
Now to fortifie Imagination, there be three ways:
The Authority
whence the Belief is derived; Means to quicken and corroborate the Imagi-
nation; and Means to repeat it and refreſh it.
For the Authority we have already ſpoken.
As for the ſecond, namely,
uſed in Magick, (if there be in thoſe practices any thing that is purely Na-
tural) as Veſtments, Characters, Words, Seals, ſome parts of Plants, or Li-
ving Creatures, Stones, choice of the Hour, Geſtures and Motions; alſo In-
cenſes and Odors, choice of Society, which increaſeth Imagination, Diets
and Preparations for ſome time before. And for Words, there have been
ever uſed, either barbarous words of no ſenſe, leſt they ſhould diſturb the
Imagination; or words of ſimilitude, that may ſecond and feed the Imagi-
nation: And this was ever as well in Heathen Charms, as in Charms of later
times. There are uſed alſo Scripture words, for that the Belief that Religious
Texts and Words have power, may ſtreng then the Imagination. And for the
ſame reaſon He brew words (which amongſt us is counted the holy Tongue,
and the words more my ſtical) are often uſed.
For the refreſhing of the Imagination (which was the third Means of
as in Images of Wax, and the
like, that ſhould melt by little and little, or ſome other things buried in
Muck, that ſhould putrefie by little and little, or the like: For ſo oft as the
Imaginant doth think of thoſe things, ſo oft doth he repreſent to his Imagina-
tion the effect of that he deſireth.
If there be any power in Imagination, it is leſs credible that it ſhould
through all Mediums, or upon all Bodies; but that the diſtance muſt be com-
petent, the Medium not adverſe, and the Body apt and proportionate. Therefore if there be any operation upon Bodies in abſence by Nature, it
is like to be conveyed ſrom Man to Man, as Fame is: As if a Witch by Imagi-
nation ſhould hurt any afar off, it cannot be naturally, but by working upon
the Spirit of ſome that cometh to the Witch, and from that party upon the
Imagination of another, and ſo upon another, till it come to one that hath
reſort to the party intended; and ſo by him, to the party intended himſelf.
And although they ſpeak, that it ſufficeth to take a Point, or a piece of the
Garment, or the Name of the party, or the like; yet there is leſs credit to
be given to thoſe things, except it be by working of evil ſpirits.
The Experiments which may certainly demonſtrate the power of Imagi-
nation upon other Bodies, are few or none; for the Experiments of Witchcraft
are no clear proofs, for that they may be by a tacite operation of malign
Spirits; we ſhall therefore be forced in this Inquiry, to reſort to new Ex-
periments, wherein we can give onely Directions of Tryals, and not any Poſi-
tive Experiments. And if any man think that we ought to have ſtaid till we
had made Experiment of ſome of them our ſelves, (as we do commonly in
other Titles) the truth is, that theſe Effects of Imagination upon other Bodies,
have ſo little credit with us, as we ſhall try them at leiſure: But in the mean
time we will lead others the way.
When you work by the Imagination of another, it is neceſſary that he by
things, or that you are a Man of Art, as they call it; for elſe the ſimple affir-
mation to another, that this or that ſhall be, can work but a weak impreſſion
in his Imagination.
It were good, becauſe you caunot diſcern fully of the ſtrength of Ima-
of more then one, that ſo you may light upon a ſtrong one. As if a Phyſician
ſhould tell three or four of his Patients ſervants that their Maſter ſhall ſurely
recover.
The Imagination of one that you ſhall uſe (ſuch is the variety of Mens
and if the ſucceſs follow
not ſpeedily, it will faint and loſe ſtrength. To remedy this, you muſt pretend
to him whoſe Imagination you uſe ſeveral degrees of Means by which to
operate: As to preſcribe him, that every three days, if he finde not the ſuc-
ceſs apparent, he do uſe another Root, or part of a Beaſt, or Ring, &c.
as be-
ing of more force; and if that ſail, another;
and if that, another, till ſeven
times. Alſo you muſt preſcribe a good large time for the effect you promiſe;
as if you ſhould tell a ſervant of a ſick man, that his Maſter ſhall recover, but
it will be fourteen days ere he findeth it apparently, &c.
All this to entertain
the Imagination, that it waver leſs.
It is certain, that potions or things taken into the Body, Incenſes and
work upon the Imagination of him that taketh them. And therefore it muſt
needs greatly cooperate with the Imagination of him whom you uſe, if you
preſcribe him, before he do uſe the Receit for the Work which he deſireth,
that he do take ſuch a Pill, or a ſpoonful of Liquor, or burn ſuch an Incenſe,
or anoint his Temples, or the Soles of his Feet, with ſuch an Oyntment or
Oyl: And you muſt chuſe for the Compoſition of ſuch Pill, Perfume, or
muddy, whereby the Imagination will fix the better.
The Body Paſſive, and to be wrought upon, (I mean not of the Ima-
then at others; As if you ſhould preſcribe a ſervant about a ſick perſon,
(whom you have poſſeſſed that his Maſter ſhall recover) when his Maſter is
faſt afleep, to uſe ſuch a Root, or ſuch a Root. For Imagination is like to
work better upon fleeping men, then men awake; as we ſhall ſhew when we
handle Dreams.
We finde in the Art of Memory, that Images viſible work better then other
As if you would remember the word Philoſophy, you ſhall more
ſurely do it by imagining that ſuch a Ma
ing upon Ariſtotles Phyſicks, then if you ſhould imagine him to ſay, I w
go ſtudy Philoſophy. And therefore this obſervation would be tranſlated to the
ſubject we now ſpeak of; for the more luſtrous the Imagination is, it filleth
and fixeth the better. And therefore I conceive, that you ſhall in that Experi-
ment (whereof we ſpake before) of binding of thoughts, leſs fail, if you tell
one that ſuch an one ſhall name one of twenty men, then if it were one of
twenty Cards. The Experiment of binding of thoughts would be diverfified
and tried to the full: And you are to note, whether it hit for the moſt part,
though not always.
It is good to conſider upon what things Imagination hath moſt force:
the lighteſt and eaſieſt motions; and therefore above all upon the Spirits of
Men, and in them upon ſuch affections as move lighteſt: As upon procuring
of Love, binding of Luſt, which is ever with Imagination upon Men in
fear, or Men in irreſolution, and the like: Whatſoever is of this kinde
would be throughly enquired. Tryals like wiſe would be made upon Plants,
and that diligently: As if you ſhould tell a man that ſuch a Tree would die
this year, and will him at theſe and theſe times to go unto it, to ſee how it
thriveth. As for inanimate things, it is true, that the motions of ſhuffling
of Cards, or caſting of Dice, are very light motions; and there is a folly
very uſeſul, That Gameſters imagine, that ſome that ſtand by them, bring
them ill luck. There would be tryal alſo made, of holding a Ring by a
thred in a Glaſs, and telling him that holdeth it before, that it ſhall ſtrike ſo
many times againſt the ſide of the Glaſs, and no more; or of holding a Key
between two Mens fingers without a charm; and to tell thoſe that hold it,
that at ſuch a name it ſhall go off their fingers. For theſe two are extream
light motions. And how ſoever, I have no opinion of theſe things, yet ſo
much I conceive to be true, That ſtrong Imagination hath more force upon
things living, or that have been living, then things meerly inanimate; and
more force like wiſe upon light and ſubtil motions, then upon motions vehe-
ment or ponderous.
It is an uſual obſervation, That if the Body of one murthered be brought
Some do affirm, That
the dead Body, upon the preſence of the Murtherer hath opened the eyes; and that there have been ſuch like motions as well where the party murthered
hath been ſtrangled or drowned, as where they have been killed by wounds.
It may be that this participateth of a miracle, by Gods juſt judgment, who
uſually brings murthers to light. But if it be Natural, it muſt be referred to
Imagination.
The tying of the point upon the day of Marriage, to make Men impo-
quent in Zant and Gaſcony, if it be Natural, muſt be referred to the Imagi-
nation of him that tieth the Point. I conceive it to have the lefs affinity
with Witchcraft, becauſe not peculiar perſons onely, (ſuch as Witches are)
but any Body may do it.
THere be many things that work upon the Spirits of Men by Secret Sympa-
The virtues of Precious Stones worn, have been an-
ciently and generally received, and curiouſly aſſigned to work ſeveral effects. So much is true, that Stones have in them fine Spirits, as appeareth by their
ſplendor: And therefore they may work by conſent upon the Spirits of Men,
to comfort and exhilarate them. Thoſe that are the beſt for that effect, are the
Diamond, the Emerald, the Facynth Oriental, and the Gold-ſtone, which is the
yellow Topaz. As for their particular Proprieties, there is no credit to be gi-
ven to them. But it is manifeſt, that Light above all things, excelleth in com-
forting the Spirits of Men; and it is very probable, that Light varied doth the
ſame effect with more novelty. And this is one of the cauſes why Precious
Stones comfort. And therefore it were good to have Tincted Lanthorns, or
Tincted Skreens of Glaß coloured into Green, Blue, Carnation, Crimſon, Purple,
&c.
and
So likewiſe to have round
Glaſſes, not onely of Glaß coloured through, but with Colours laid between
Cryſtals, with handles to hold in ones hand. Priſms are alſo comfortable
things. They have of Paris-work, Looking.
Glaſſes, bordered with broad Borders
of ſmall Cryſtal, and great counterfeit Precious Stones of all Colours, that are
moſt glorious and pleaſant to behold, eſpecially in the night. The Pictures
of Indian Feathers are likewiſe comfortable and pleaſant to behold. So alſo
fair and clear Pools do greatly comfort the Eyes Spirits; eſpecially when the
Sun is not glaring but overcaſt, or when the Moon ſhineth.
There be divers ſorts of Bracelets fit to comfort the Spirits;
and they be
Refrigerant, Corroborant, and Aperient.
For Refrigerant I
wiſh them to be of Pearl, or of Coral, as is uſed. And it hath been noted
that Coral, if the party that weareth it be ill diſpoſed, will wax pale; which
I believe to be true, becauſe other wiſe diſtemper of heat will make Coral
lofe colour. I commend alſo Beads or little Plates of Lapis Lazuli, and Beads
of Nitxe, either alone, or with ſome Cordial mixture.
For Corroboration and Comfortation, take ſuch Bodies as are of Aſtringent
I commend Bead.
Amber, which is full of A-
ſtriction, but yet is unctuous, and not cold, and is conceived to impinguate
thoſe that wear ſuch Beads. I commend alſo Beads of Harts-Horn and Ivory,
which are of the like nature; alſo Orenge-Beads, alſo Beads of Lignum Aloes,
macerated firſt in Roſe-water and dried.
For opening, I commend Beads, or pieces of the Roots of Carduus
alſo of the Roots of Peony the Male, and of Orras, and of Calamus
Aromatious, and of Rew.
The Cramp (no doubt) cometh of contraction of Sinews;
which is
long Agues; for Cold and Drineſs do (both of them) contract and cor-
rugate. We ſee alſo, that chafing a little above the place in pain, caſeth
the Cramp; which is wrought by the Dilatation of the contracted Sinews
by heat. There are in uſe for the prevention of the Cramp, two things:
The one, Rings of Sea-Horſe Teeth worn upon the Fingers;
the other, Bands
Thigh, &c.
where the Cramp uſeth to come.
I do finde this the more
ſtrange, becauſe neither of theſe have any Relaxing Virtue, but rather the
contrary. I judge therefore that their working is rather upon the Spirits
within the Nerves to make them ſtrive leſs, then upon the Bodily ſubſtance
of the Nerves.
I would have tryal made of two other kindes of Bracelets for com-
The one of the Trochiſch of Vipers made into
little pieces of Beads; for ſince they do great good inwards (eſpecially for
Peſtilent Agues) it is like they will be effectual outwards, where they may be
applied in greater quantity. There would be Trchiſchs likewiſe made of
Snakes, whoſe fleſh dried is thought to have a very opening and Cordial
Virtue. The other is of Beads made of the Scarlet Powder, which they call
Kermes, which is the principal Ingredient in their Cordial-Confection Alkermen. The Beads would be made up with Amber-Griece, and ſome Pomander.
It hath been long received, and confirmed by divers tryals, that the
ſickneß; and likewiſe the Incubus, which we call the Mare.
The cauſe of both
theſe Diſeaſes, and eſpecially of the Epilepſie from the Stomack, is the groſs-
neſs of the Vapors which riſe and enter into the Cells of the Brain: And
therefore the working is by extream and ſubtil Attenuation, which that
Simple hath. I judge the like to be in Caſtoreum, Musk, Ren-Seed, Agnus
Caſtus Seed &c.
There is a Stone which they call the Blood-Stone, which worn, is thought
which (no doubt) is by aſtricti-
on and cooling of the Spirits. Quare, if the Stone taken out of the Toads
Head, be not of the like virtue, for the Toad loveth Shade and Coolneſs.
Light may be taken from the Experiment of the Horſe-tooth Ring, and the
Spirits, do help diſeaſes, contrary to the Intention deſired; for in the curing
of the Cramp, the Intention is to relax the Sinews; but the contraction of
the Spirits, that they ſtrive leſs, is the beſt help: So to procure eaſie Tra-
vails of Women, the Intention is to bring down the Childe; but the help is,
to ſtay the coming down too ſaft; whereunto they ſay the Toad-ſtone like-
wiſe helpeth. So in Peſtilent Fevers, the Intention is to expel the Infection by
Sweat and Evaporation; but the beſt means to do it, is by Nitre, Diaſcordium,
and other cool things, which do for a time arreſt the Expulſion, till Nature
can do it more quietly. For as one ſaith prettily, In the quenching of the flame
of a Peſtilent Ague, Nature is like People that come to quench the Fire of an Houſe; which are ſo buſie, as one of them letteth another.
Surely it is an excellent Axiome
and of manifold uſe, that whatſoever appeaſeth the contention of Spirits
furthereth their action.
The Writers of Natural Magick commend the wearing of the ſpoil of
I doubt it is but a conceit;
for that the
Snake is thought to renew her youth by caſting her ſpoil. They might as
well take the Beak of an Eagle, or a piece of a Harts-horn, becauſe thoſe
renew.
It hath been anciently received, (for Pericles the Athenian uſed it) and
nick, as preſervatives againſt the Plague: Not, as they conceive, for any
comfort they yield to the Spirits; but for that being poyſons themſelves,
they draw the venome to them from the Spirits.
Vide the Experiments 95, 96, and 97.
touching the ſeveral Sympathies and
It is ſaid, that the Guts or Skin of a Woolf being applied to the Belly
It is true, that the Woolf is a Beaſt of great Edacity and
Digeſtion; and ſo it may be the parts of him comfort the Bowels.
We ſee Scare-crows are ſet up to keep Birds from Corn and Fruit.
It is
a Dove-houſe, will ſcare away Vermin, ſuch as are Weaſils, Pole-cats, and the
like. It may be the Head of a Dog will do as much;
for thoſe Vermin with
us, know Dogs better then Wolves.
The Brains of ſome Creatures, (when their Heads are roſted) taken in
as the Brains of Hares, Brains of
Hens, Brains of Deer, &c.
And it ſeemeth to be incident to the Brains of
thoſe Creatures that are fearful.
The Oyntment that Witches uſe, is reported to be made of the Fat of
of the Juices of Smallage, Woolf-
bane, and Cinquefoil, mingled with the Meal of Fine Wheat. But I ſuppoſe,
that the Soporiferous Medicines are likeſt to do it; which are Henbane, Hem-
lock, Mandrake, Moonſhade, Tobacco, Opium, Saffron, Poplar leaves, &c.
It is reported by ſome, that the affections of Beaſts when they are in
As that the Skin of a
Sheep devoured by a Woolf moveth itching; that a ſtone bitten by a Dog in
anger, being thrown at him, drunk in Powder provoketh Choler.
It hath been obſerved, that the diet of Women with Childe, doth work
As if the Mother eat Quinces much, and Coriander-
feed (the nature of both which, is to repreſs and ftay vapors that aſcend to
the Brain) it will make the Childe ingenious: And on the contrary ſide, if
the Mother eat (much) Onions or Beans, or ſuch vaporous food, or drink
Wine or ſtrong drink immoderately, or faſt much, or be given to much
muſing, (all which ſend or draw vapors to the Head) it indangereth the
Childe to become Lunatick, or of imperfect memory: And I make the ſame
judgment of Tobacco of en taken by the Mother.
The Writers of Natural Magick report, that the Heart of an Ape worn
It is true, that
the Ape is a merry and bold Beaſt. And that the ſame Heart likewiſe of an Ape
applied to the Neck or Head, helpeth the Wit, and is good for the Falling
ſickneſs. The Ape alſo is a witty Beaſt, and hath a dry Brain;
which may
be ſome cauſe of attenuation of Vapors in the Head. Yet it is ſaid to move
Dreams alſo. It may be the Heart of a Man would do more, but that it is
more againſt Mens mindes to uſe it; except it be in ſuch as wear the Reliques
of Saints.
The Fleſh of a Hedghog dreſſed and eaten, is ſaid to be a great dryer.
it putteth forth ſo many Prickles: For Plants alſo that are full of Prickles are
generally dry; as Bryars, Thorns, Barberries.
And therefore the aſhes of a
Hedghog are ſaid to be a great deſiccative of Fiſtula’s.
Mummy hath great force in ſtanching of Blood;
which as it may be
of a ſecret propriety, in that the Blood draweth Mans fleſh. And it is ap-
proved, that the Moſs which groweth upon the Scull of a Dead Man unburied
will ſtanch Blood potently. And ſo do the dregs or powder of Blood, ſevered
from the Water and dried.
It hath been practiſed to make White Swallaws, by anointing of the Eggs
Which effect may be produced by the ſtopping of the Pores of
the Shell, and making the Juice that putteth forth the Feathers after wards
more penurious, And it may be, the anointing of the Eggs will be as effectu-
al as the anointing of the Body. Of which, Vide the Experiment 93.
It is reported, that the White of an Egg or Blood mingled with Salt-
This may be
by Adheſion; as in the Sixth Experiment of Clarification.
It may be alſo, that
Blood, and the White of an Egg, (which is the matter of a Living Creature)
have ſome Sympathy with Salt; for all Life, hath a Sympathy with Salt.
We ſee that Salt laid to a cut finger, healeth it;
ſo, as it ſeemeth, Salt draw-
eth Blood, as well as Blood draweth Salt.
It hath been anciently received, that the Sea-Hare hath an antipathy
Whereof
the cauſe is conceived to be a quality it hath of heating the Breath and Spi-
rits; as Cantharides have upon the watry parts of the Body, as Urine and Hy-
dropical Water. And it is a good rule, That whatſoever hath an operation
upon certain kindes of Matters, that in Mans Body worketh moſt upon
thoſe parts wherein that kinde of matter aboundeth.
Generally that which is Dead, or Corrupted, or Excerned, hath antipa-
parts which do excern: As a Carcaſs of Man is moſt infectious and odious to
Man, a Carrion of an Horſe to an Horſe, &c.
Purulent matter of Wounds
and Ulcers, Carbuncles, Pox, Scabs, Leproſie, to ſound Fleſh; and the Ex-
crements of every Species to that Creature that excerneth them. But the
Excrements are leſs pernicious then the corruptions.
It is a common experience, That Dogs know the Dog-killer, when as
and that
though they have never ſeen him before, yet they will all come forth, and
bark, and flie at him.
The Relations touching the Force of Imagination, and the Secret Inſtincts
we conclude upon them. I would have it firſt throughly inquired, whether
there be any ſecret paſſages of Sympathy between Perſons of near Blood; as
Parents, Children, Brothers, Siſters, Nurſe-children, Husbands, Wives, &c.
There
be many reports in Hiſtory, that upon the death of Perſons of ſuch nearneſs,
Men have had an in ward feeling of it. I my ſelf remember, that being in
Paris, and my Father dying in London, two or three days before my Fathers
death, I had a dream, which I told to divers Engliſh Gentlemen, that my Fa-
thers Houſe in the Countrey was Plaiſtered all over with Black Mortar. There
is an opinion abroad, (whether idle, or no I cannot ſay) That loving and
kinde Husbands have a ſenſe of their Wives breeding Childe by ſome acci-
dent in their own Body.
Next to thoſe that are near in Blood, there may be the like paſſage and
And ſometimes the
revealing is unto another perſon, and not to the party himſelf. I remember
Philippus Comineus (a grave Writer) reporteth, That the Archbiſhop of Vienna
(a Reverend Prelat) ſaid (one day) after Maſs to King Lewis the Eleventh of
France, Sir, rour Mortal Enemy is dead; what time, Charles Duke of Burgundy
was ſlain at the Battel of Granſon againſt the Switzers. Some tryal alſo would
be made, whether Pact or Agreement do any thing; as if two Friends ſhould
agree, That ſuch a day in every Week, they being in far diſtant places,
others ſake; whether, if one of them ſhould break their Vow and Promiſe,
the other ſhould have any feeling of it in abſence.
If there be any force in Imaginations and Affections of ſingular Per-
Affections of Multitudes; as if a victory ſhould be won or loſt in remote
parts, Whether is there not ſome ſenſe thereof in the people whom it con-
cerneth, becauſe of the great joy or grief that many men are poſſeſſed with
at once? Pius Quintus, at the very time when that memorable victory was
won by the Chriſtians againſt the Turks, at the Naval Battel of Lepanto, being
then hearing of Cauſes in the Conſiſtory, brake off ſuddenly, and ſaid to
thoſe about him, It is now more then time we ſhould give thanks to God for the great
Victory he hath granted us againſt the Turks. It is true, that Victory had a Sympa-
thy with his Spirit, for it was meerly his work to conclude the League: It
may be that Revelation was Divine. But what ſhall we ſay then to a number
of Examples amongſt the Grecians and Romans, where the People being in
Theatres at Plays, have had news of Victories and Overthrows ſome few
days, before any Meſſenger could come?
It is true, that that may hold in theſe things which is the general Root
of Superſtition; namely, that men obſerve when things hit, and not when
they miſs, and commit to Memory the one, and forget and paſs over the
other. But touching Divination and the miſgiving of Mindes, we ſhall
ſpeak more when we handle in general the Nature of Mindes, and Souls, and
Spirits.
We having given formerly ſome Rules of Imagination, and touching
we have ſet down alſo ſome few Inſtances and
Directions of the force of Imagination upon Beaſts, Birds, &c.
upon plants,
and upon Inanimate Bodies: Wherein you muſt ſtill obſerve, that your Tryals
be upon Subtil and Light Motions, and not the contrary; for you will
ſoonerby Imagination bind a Bird from Singing then from Eating or Flying; and I leave it to every man to chuſe Experiments which himſelf thinketh
moſt commodious, giving now but a few Examples of every of the three
kindes.
Uſe ſome Imaginant (obſerving the Rules formerly preſcribed).
for
Try
alſo the Imagination of ſome, whom you ſhall accommodate with things to
fortifie it in Cock-fights, to make one Cock more hardy, and the other
more cowardly. It would be tried alſo in flying of Hawks, or in courſing
of a Deer or Hart with Grey-hounds, or in Horſe-races, and the like com-
parative Motions; for you may ſooner by Imagination, quicken or ſlack a
motion, then raiſe or ceaſe it; as it is eaſier to make a Dog go ſlower, then
to make him ſtand ſtill, that he may notrun.
In Plants alſo you may try the force of Imagination upon the lighter
as upon the ſudden fading or lively coming up of Herbs;
or upon their bending one way or other, or upon their cloſing and open-
ing, &c.
For Inanimate things, you may try the force of Imagination upon ſtay-
or upon the coming of
Butter or Cheeſe, after the Churning, or the Rennet be put in.
It is an ancient Tradition, every where alleaged, for example of ſecret
long ſtick, doth ſtupefie the hand of him that touchethit. It is one degree of
as Sound
will be conveyed to the Ear by ſtriking upon a Bow-ſtring, iſ the Horn of the
Bow be held to the Ear.
The Writers of Natural Magick do attribute much to the Virtues that
Creatures remaining ſtill alive; as if the Creature ſtill living did infuſe ſome
immateriate Virtue and Vigor into the part ſevered. So much may be true,
that any part taken from a Living Creature newly ſlain, may be of greater
force, then if it were taken from the like Creature dying of it ſelf; becauſe
it is fuller of Spirit.
Tryal would be made of the like parts of Individuals in Plants and
as to cut off a Stock of a Tree, and to lay that which you
cut off to putrefie, to ſee whether it will decay the reſt oſ the Stock; or if
you ſhould cut off part of the Tail, or Leg of a Dog, or a Cat, and lay it to
putrefie, to ſee whether it wili feſter, or keep from healing, the part which
remaineth.
It is received, that it helpeth to continue love, if one wear a Ring or
But that may be by the exciting
of the Imagination; and perhaps a Glove, or other like Favor, may as well
do it.
The Sympathy of Individuals that have been entire, or have touched,
yet according unto our faithful manner
of Examination of Nature, we will make ſome little mention of it. The taking
away of Warts, by rubbing them with ſomewhat that after wards is put to
waſte and conſume, is a common Experiment; and I do apprehend it the
rather, becauſe of mine own experience. I had ſrom my Childhood a Wart
upon one of my Fingers; afterwards, when I was about ſixteen years old,
being then at Paris, there grew upon both my hands anumber of Warts (at
leaſt an hundred) in a moneths ſpace. The Engliſh Ambaſſadors Lady, who
was a Woman far from Superſtition, told me one day ſhe would help me a-
way with my Warts. Whereupon ſhe got a piece of Lard with the skin on,
and rubbed the Warts all over with the fat ſide, and amongſt the reſt that
Wart which I had from my Childhood; then ſhe nailed the piece of Lard,
with the fat to wards the Sun, upon a poſt of her Chamber window, which
was to the South. The ſucceſs was, that within five weeks ſpace all the Warts
went quite away, and that Wart which I had ſolong endured, for company. But at the reſt I did little marvel, becauſe they came in a ſhort time, and might
go away in a ſhort time again; but the going of that which had ſtaid ſo long
doth yet ſtick with me. They ſay the like is done by rubbing of Warts with
a green Elder-ſtick, and then burying the ſtick to rot in muck. It would be
tried with Corns and Wens, and ſuch other Excreſcences: I would have it
alſo tried with ſome parts of Living Creatures that are neareſt the nature of
Excreſcences; as the Combs of Cocks, the Spurs of Cocks, the Horns of
Beaſts, &c.
and I would have it tried both ways;
both by rubbing thoſe parts
with Lard or Elder as before; and by cutting off ſome piece of thoſe parts,
and laying it to conſume, to ſee whether it will work any effect towards the
Conſumption of that part which was once joyned with it.
It is conſtantly received and avouched, that the anointing of the Wea-
In this Experiment,
upon the relation of men of credit, (though my ſelf, as yet, am not ſully
inclined to believe it) you ſhall note the Points following. Firſt, the Oynt-
ment wherewith this is done, is made of divers Ingredients; where of the
unburied, and the Fats of a Boar, and a Bear killed in the act of generation. Theſe two laſt I could eaſily ſuſpect to be preſeribed as a ſtartling hole, that
if the Experiment proved not, it might be pretended, that the Beaſts were not
killed in the due time; for as for the Moſs, it is certain there is great quan-
tity of it in Ireland, upon ſlain Bodies laid on heaps unburied. The other In-
gredients are the Blood-ſtone in Powder, and ſome other things which ſeem
to have a virtue to ſtanch blood, as alſo the Moſs hath. And the deſcription
of the whole Oyntment is to be found in the Chymical Diſpenſatory of Crollius.
Secondly, The ſame kinde of Oynment applied to the hurt it ſelf, worketh
not the effect, but onely applied to the weapon. Thirdly, (which I like well)
they do not obſerve the confecting of the Oyntment under any certain Con-
ſtellation; which commonly is the excuſe of Magical Medicines when they
fail, that they were not made under a fit figure of Heaven. Fourthly, it may
be applied to the Weapon, though the party hurt be at great diſtance. Fiſth-
ly, it ſeemeth the Imagination of the party to be cured is not needſul to con-
cur, for it may be done without the knowledge of the party wounded:
And thus much hath been tried, that the Oyntment (for Experiments ſake)
hath been wiped off the Weapon without the knowledge of the party hurt,
and preſently the party hurt hath been in great rage of pain, till the weapon
was reanointed. Sixthly, it is affirmed, That if you cannot get the weapon,
yet if you put an Inſtrument of Iron or Wood, reſembling the weapon
into the Wound, whereby it bleedeth, the anointing of that Inſtrument will
ſerve and work the effect. This I doubt ſhould be a device to keep this
ſtrange form of Cure in requeſt and uſe, becauſe many times you cannot
comeby the Weapon it ſelf. Seventhly, the Wound muſt be at firſt waſhed
clean with White-wine, or the parties own Water, and then bound up cloſe
in fine Linnen, and no more dreſſing renewed till it be whole. Eighthly, the
Sword it ſelf muſt be wrapped up cloſe as far as the Oyntment goeth, that it
take no wind. Ninthly, the Oyntment, if you wipe it off from the Sword
and keep it, wil ſerve again, and rather increaſe in vertue then diminiſh. Tenth-
ly, it will cure in far ſhorter time, then Oyntments of Wounds commonly do.
Laſtly, it will cure a Beaſt as well as a Man; which I like beſt of all the reſt,
becauſe it ſubjecteth the matter to an eaſie tryal.
IWould have Men know, that though Ireprehend the eaſie paſſing over of
proprieties (for this hath arreſted and laid aſleep all true Inquiry and Indica-
tions;) yet I do not underſtand, but that in the practical part of knowledge
much will be left to Experience and Probation, whereunto Indication cannot
ſo ſully reach; and this is not onely in Specie, but in Individuo.
So in Phyſick,
if you will cure the Faundies, it is not enough to ſay, that the Medicine muſt
not be cooling, forthat will hinder the opening which the diſeaſe requireth; that it muſt not be hot, for that will exaſperate Choler;
that it muſt go to
the Gall, for there is the obſtruction which cauſeth the diſeaſe, &c.
But you
muſt receive from Experience, that Powder of Chamæpytis, or the like, drunk
in Beer, is good for the Faundies. So again, a wiſe Phyſician doth not continue
ſtill the ſame Medicine to a Patient, but he will vary, if the firſt Medicine
doth not apparently ſucceed; ſor of thoſe Remedies that are good for the
Faundies, Stone, Agues, &c.
that will do good in one Body, which will not
do good in another, according to the correſpondence the Medicine hath to
the Individual Body.
THe delight which Men have in Popularity, Fame, Honor, Submiſsion, and
may be deſired for other ends) ſeemeth to be athing in it ſelf, without con-
templation of conſequence, grateſul, and agreeable to the Nature of Man. This thing (ſurely) is not without ſome ſignification, as if all Spirits and
Souls of Men came forth out of one Divine Limbus; elſe, why be Men ſo
much affected with that which others think or ſay? The beſt temper of
Mindes, deſireth good Name and true Honor; the lighter, Popularity and
Applauſe; the more depraved, Subjection and Tyranny;
as is ſeen in great
Conquerors and Troublers of the World, and yet more in Arch-Herencks,
for the introducing of new Doctrines, is like wiſe an affectation oſ Tyranny
over the Underſtandings and Beliefs of Men.
℞.
Of Manchet, about three Ounces, the Crum onely, thin cut;
let it be boiled
# in Milk till it grow to a Pulp; add in the end, a Dram and a half of the Powder
# of Red Roſes.
Of Saffron ten Grains.
Of Oyl of Roſes an Ounce.
Let it be ſpred upon a Linnen Cloth, and applied luke-warm, and continued
# for three hours ſpace.
℞.
Of Sage-Leaves, half an handful.
Of the Root of Hemlock ſliced, ſix Drams.
Of Briony Roots, half an Ounce.
Of the Leaves of Red Roſes, two Pugils.
Let them be boiled in a Pottle of Water wherein Steel hath been quenched,
# till the Liquor come to a Quart; after the ſtraining, put in half an handful
# of Bay-Salt.
Let it be uſed with Scarlet-Cloth, or Scarlet-Wool, dipped in the Liquor
# hot, and ſo renewed ſeven times; all in the ſpace of a quarter of an hour
# or little more.
℞.
Emplaſtrum Diacalcitbeos, as much as is ſufficient for the part you mean to
# cover; let it be diſſolved with Oyl of Roſes in ſuch a conſiſtence as will
# ſtick, and ſpred upon a piece of Holland, and applied.
IAm to give Advertiſement, that
there came forth of late a Tranſlation
of this Book by an unknown Perſon,
who though he wished well to the
propagating of his Lordſhips Works,
yet he was altogether unacquainted with his
Lordſhips ſtile and manner of Expreſſions, and
ſo published a Tranſlation lame and defective in
the whole. Whereupon I thought fit to re-
commend the ſame to be tranſlated anew by a
more diligent and zealous Pen, which hath ſince
travelled in it; and though it ſtill comes short
of that lively and incomparable Spirit and Ex-
preſſion, which lived and died with the Author,
yet I dare avouch it to be much more warrant-
able and agreeable then the former. It is true,
this Book was not intended to have been pub-
lished in Engliſh; but ſeeing it hath been already
made free of that Language, whatſoever benefit
or delight may redound from it, I commend the
ſame to the Courteous and Judicious Reader.
W.
R.
ALthough I had ranked the Hiſtory of
Life and Death as the laſt among ſt my
Six Monethly Deſignations; yet I
have thought fit, in reſpect of the prime uſe
thereof, (in which the leaſt loß of time ought
to be eſteemed precious) to invert that order, and to ſend it
forth in the ſecond place. For I have hope, and wiſh, that it
may conduce to a common good; and that the Nobler ſort of
Phyſicians will advance their thoughts, and not employ their
times wholly in the ſordidneß of Cures, neither be honored
for Neceſſity onely, but that they will become Coadju-
tors and Inſtruments of the Divine Omnipotence
and Clemency in Prolonging and Renewing the
Life of Man; eſpecially ſeeing I preſcribe it to be done by
ſafe, and convenient, and civil ways, though hitherto unaſſayed. For though we Chriſtians do continually aſpire and pant
after the Land of Promiſe; yet it will be a token of
Gods favor towards us, in our journeyings through this
Worlds Wilderneſs, to have our Shoes and Gar-
ments (I mean thoſe of our frail Bodies) little worn or
impaired.
Fr. St.
Albans.
IT is an ancient ſaying and complaint, That Life is
ſhort and Art long; wherefore it behoveth us, who
make it our chiefeſt aim to perfect Arts, to take up-
on us the conſideration of Prolonging Mans Life,
G O D, the Author of all Truth and Life, proſper-
ing our Endeavors. For though the Life of Man be
nothing elſe but a maſs and accumulation of ſins and
ſorrows, and they that look for an Eternal Life ſet but
light by a Temporary: Yet the continuation of VVorks of Charity ought
not to be contemned, even by us Christians. Beſides, the beloved Diſciple
of our Lord ſurvived the other Diſciples; and many of the Fathers of the
Church, eſpecially of the holy Monks and Hermits, were long-lived: VVhich ſhews, that this bleſsing of long life, ſo often promiſed in the Old
Law, had leſs abatement after our Saviours days then other earthly bleſs-
ings had; but to eſte
prone. Onely the enquiry is difficult how to attain the ſame;
and ſo
much the rather, becauſe it is corrupted with falſe opinions and vain re-
ports: For both thoſe things which the vulgar Phyſitians talk of, Radical
Moiſture and Natural Heat, are but meer Fictions; and the immoderate
their admirers.
And as for that Death which is cauſed by Suffocation, Putrefaction, and
ſeveral Diſeaſes, weſpeak not of it now, for that pertains to an Hiſtory oſ
Phyſick; but onely oſ that Death which comes by a total decay of the
Body, and the Inconcoction of old Age. Nevertheleſs the laſt act of
Death, and the very extinguiſhing of Life it ſelf, which may ſo many
ways be wrought outwardly and inwardly (which notwithſtanding have,
as it were, one common Porch beſore it comes to the point of death) will
be pertinent to beinquired of in this Treatiſe; but we reſerve that for the
laſt place.
That which may be repaired by degrees, without a total waſte of the
firſt ſtock, is potentially eternal, as the Veſtal Fire. Thereſore when Phy-
ſicians and Philoſophers ſaw that living Creatures were nouriſhed and their
Bodies repaired, but that this did laſt onely for a time, and afterwards
came old age, and in the end diſſolution; they ſought Death in ſomewhat
which could not properly be repaired, ſuppoſing a Radical Moiſture in-
capable of ſolid reparation, and which, from the firſt infancy, received
a ſpurious addition, but no true reparation, whereby it grew daily worſe
and worſe, and, in the end, brought the bad to none at all. This con-
ceit of theirs was both ignorant and vain; for all things in living Crea-
tures are in their youth repaired entirely; nay, they are for a time in-
creaſed in quantity, bettered in quality, ſo as the Matter of reparation
might be eternal, if the Manner of reparation did not fail. But this is
the truth of it, There is in the declining of age an unequal reparation; ſome parts are repaired eaſily, others with difficulty and to their loſs;
ſo
as from that time the Bodies of Men begin to endure the torments of Me
zentius, That the living die in the embraces of the dead; and the parts eaſily repair-
able, through their conjunction with the parts hardly repairable, do de-
cay: For the Spirits, Blood, Flesh, and Fat are, even after the decline of
years, eaſily repaired; but the drier and more porous parts (as the
Membranes, all the Tunicles, the Sinews, Arteries, Veins, Bones, Cartilages,
moſt of the Bowels, in a word, almoſt all the Organical Parts) are hardly
repairable, and to their loſs. Now theſe hardly-repairable parts, when they
come to their office of repairing the other which are eaſily repairable,
finding themſelves deprived of their wonted ability and ſtrength, ceaſe
to perſorm any longer their proper Functions: By which means it comes
to paſs, that in proceſs of time the whole tends to diſſolution; and even
thoſe very parts which in their own nature are with much eaſe repair-
able, yet through the decay of the Organs of reparation can no more re-
ceive reparation, but decline, and in the end utterly fail. And the cauſe of
the termination of Life is this, for that the Spirits, like a gentle flame,
continually preying upon Bodies, conſpiring with the outward Air, which
is ever ſucking and drying of them, do, in time, deſtroy the whole Fa-
brick of the Body, as alſo the particular Engines and Organs thereof,
and make them unable for the work of Reparation. Theſe are the true
ways of Natural Death, well and faithfully to be revolved in our mindes;
for he that knows not the ways of Nature, how can he ſuccor her, or turn
her about?
Therefore the Inquiſition ought to be twofold;
the one touching the
Conſumption or Depredation of the Body of Man; the other touching the
Reparation and Renovation of the ſame: To the end, that the former may,
forted. The former of theſe pertains, eſpecially to the Spirits and outward
Air, by which the Depredation and Waſte is committed; the latter to the
whole race of Alimentation or Nourishment, whereby the Renovation or
Reſtitution is made. And as for the former part touching Conſumption,
this hath many things common with Bodies Inanimate, or without life. For
ſuch things as the Native Spirit (which is in all tangible Bodies, whether
living or without life) and the ambient or external Air worketh upon
Bodies Inanimate, the ſame it attempteth upon Animate or Living Bodies; although the Vital Spirit ſuperadded, doth partly break and bridle thoſe
operations, partly exalt and advance them wonderſully. For it is moſt
manifeſt that Inanimate Bodies (moſt of them) will endure a long time
without any Reparation; but Bodies Animate without Food and Repara-
tion ſuddenly fall and are ektinguiſhed, as the Fire is. So then, our Inquiſition
ſhall be double. Firſt, we will conſider the Body of Man as Inanimate, and
not repaired by Nourishment: Secondly, as Animate and repaired by Nourish-
ment. Thus having Prefaced theſe things, we come now to the Topick places
of Inquiſition.
FIrſt, inquire of Nature durable, and Not durable, in Bodies Inani-
but that not in a
large or juſt Treatiſe, but as in a Brief or Summary onely.
Alſo inquire diligently of Deſiccation, Arefaction, and Con-
and of the
ways and proceſſes, by which they are done; and further, of
Inhibiting and Delaying of Deſiccation, Arefaction, and Con-
ſumption, and of the Conſervation of Bodies, in their proper ſtate; and again, of the Inteneration, Emollition, and Recovery of Bodies to their former freſh-
neſs, after they be once dryed and withered.
Neither need the Inquiſition touching theſe things, to be full or exact, ſeeing they
pertain rather to their proper Title of Nature durable; ſeeing alſo, they are not Princi-
pals in this Inquiſition, but ſerve onely to give light to the Prolongation and Instauration
of Life in Living creatures. In which (as was ſaid before) the ſame things come to paſs,
but in a particular manner. So from the Inquiſition touching Bodies Inanimate and Vege-
tables, let the Inquiſition paſs on to other Living Creatures beſides Man.
Inquire touching the length and ſhortneſs of Life in Living Creatures, with the due
But becauſe the Duration of Bodies is twofold, One in Identity, or the ſelf ſame
whereof the former hath place onely
in Bodies Inanimate, the latter in Vegetables and Living Creatures, and is perfected by
Alimentation or Nouriſhment; therefore it will be fit to inquire of Alimentation, and
of the ways and progreſſes thereof; yet this not exactly, (becauſe it pertains properly
to the Titles of Aſſimilation and Alimentation) but, as the reſt, in progreſs onely.
From the Inquiſition touching Living Creatures, and Bodies repaired by Nouriſh-
ment, paſs on to the Inquiſition touching Man. And now being come to the principal
ſubject of Inquiſition, the Inquiſition ought to be in all points more preciſe and accu-
rate.
Inquire touching the length and ſhortneſs of Life in Men, according to the Ages of
Inquire touching the length and ſhortneſs of Life in Men, according to their Races
alſo according to their Complexions, Con-
ſtitutions, and Habits of Body, their Statures, the manner and time of their growth, and
the making and compoſition of their Members.
Inquire touching the length and ſhortneſs of Life in Men, according to the times of
but ſo, as you omit for the preſent all Aſtrological obſervations, and the
Figures of Heaven, under which they were born; onely inſiſt upon the vulgar and
as whether they were born in the Seventh, Eighth, Ninth, or
Tenth Moneth, alſo, whether by Night or by Day, and in what Moneth of the Year.
Inquire touching the Length and Shortneſs of Life in Men, according to their Fare,
For as for the Air, in which
Men live and make their abode, we account that proper to be inquired of in the above-
ſaid Article, touching the places of their Habitation.
Inquire touching the Length and Shortneſs of Life in Men, according to their Stu-
ling them.
Inquire apart touching thoſe Medicines which are thought to prolong Life.
Inquire touching the Signs and Prognosticks of long and ſhort life;
not thoſe which
ſeen and may be obſerved even in Health, whether they be Phyſiognomical ſigns, or any
other.
Hitherto have been propounded Inquiſitions touching Length and Shortneſs of Life,
beſides the Rules of Art, and in a confuſed manner; now we think to add ſome, which
ſhall be more Art-like, and tending to practice, under the name of Intentions. Thoſe
Intentions are generally three: As for the particular Diſtributions of them, we will pro-
pound them when we come to the Inquiſition it ſelf. The three general Intentions are,
the Forbidding of Waſte and Conſumption, the Perfecting of Reparation, and the Renewing
of Oldneſs.
Inquire touching thoſe things which conſerve and exempt the Body of Man ſrom
Inquire touching thoſe things which pertain to the whole proceſs of Alimentation,
provement.
Inquire touching thoſe things which purge out the old Matter, and ſupply with new;
But becauſe it will be hard to know the Ways of Death, unleſs we ſearch out and
diſcover the Seat, or Houſe, or rather Den of Death, it will be convenient to make In-
quiſition of this thing; yet not of every kinde of Death, but of thoſe Deaths which
are cauſed by want and indigence of Nouriſhment, not by violence; for they are thoſe
Deaths onely which pertain to a decay of Nature, and meer old Age.
Inquire touching the Point of Death, and the Porches of Death, leading thereun-
lence.
Laſtly, becauſe it is behoveful to know the Character and Form of Old Age, which
will then beſt be done, if you make a Collection of all the Differences, both in the State
and Functions of the Body, betwixt Youth and Old Age, that by them you may obſerve
what it is that produceth ſuch manifold Effects; let not this Inquiſition be omitted.
Inquire diligently touching the Differences in the State of the Body and Faculties of
and whether there be any that remain the ſame with-
MEtals are of that long laſting, that Men cannot trace the beginnings of
and when they do decay, they decay through Ruſt, not through per-
ſpiration into Air; yet Gold decays neither way.
Quick-ſilver, though it be an humid and fluid Body, and eaſily made
yet (as far as we have obſerved) by Age alone, without Fire, it neither
waſteth nor gathereth Ruſt.
Stones, eſpecially the harder ſort of them, and many other Foſſiles, are of long
much more if they be buried
in the earth. Notwithſtanding Stones gather a kind of Nitre, which is to them inſtead
of Ruſt. Precious Stones and Cryſtals exceed Metalls in long laſting;
but then they
grow dimmer and leſs Orient, if they be very old.
It is obſerved, that Stones lying to wards the North do ſooner decay with age than
and that appears manifeſtly in Pyramids, and Churches,
and other ancient Buildings: contrariwiſe, in Iron, that expoſed to the South, gathers
Ruſt ſooner, and that to the North later; as may be ſeen in the Iron-bars of windows.
And no marvel, ſeeing in all putrefaction (as Ruſt is) Moiſture haſtens Diſſolutions;
in all ſimple Arefaction, Drineſs.
In Vegetables, (we ſpeak of ſuch as are fell’d, not growing) the Stocks or Bodies of
Butthen there is diffe-
rence in the beſome Trees are in a manner ſpongy, as the Elder, in which
the pith in the midſt is ſoft, and the outward part harder; but in Timber-trees, as the
Oak, the inner part (which they call Heart of Oak) laſteth longer.
The Leaves, and Flowers, and Stalks of Plants are but of ſhort laſting, but diſſolve into
the Roots are more durable.
The Bones of living Creatures laſt long, as we may ſee it of mens bones in Charnel-
Horns alſo laſt very long;
ſo do Teeth, as it is ſeen in Ivory, and the Sea-horſe
Teeth.
Hides alſo and Skins endure very long, as is evident in old Parchment-books:
Paper
Such things as have paſſed the Fire laſt long, as Glaſs and Bricks;
likewiſe Fleſh and
and that not onely becauſe the
Baking in the Fire forbids putrefaction; but alſo becauſe the watry humour being drawn
forth, the oily humour ſupports it ſelf the longer.
Water of all Liquors is ſooneſt drunk up by Air, contrariwiſe Oil lateſt;
which we
for Paper wet with water, and ſo getting ſome degree of tranſparency, will ſoon after
wax white, and loſe the tranſparency again, the watry vapour exhaling; but oiled Paper
will keep the tranſparency long, the Oil not being apt to exhale: And therefore they
that counterfeit mens hands, will lay the oiled paper upon the writing they mean to
counterfeit, and then aſſay to draw the lines.
Gums all of them laſt very long;
the like do wax and Honey.
But the equal or unequal uſe of things conduceth no leſs to long laſting or ſhort laſt-
for Timber, and Stones, and other Bodies, ſtanding con-
tinually in the water, or continually in the air, laſt longer than if they were ſometimes
wet, ſometimes dry: and ſo Stones continue longer, if they be laid towards the ſame
coaſt of Heaven in the Building that they lay in the Mine. The ſameis of Plants re-
moved, if they be coaſted juſt as they were before.
L Et this be laid for a Foundation, which is moſt ſure, That there is in every Tangible
And that from this Spirit is the beginning of all Diſſolution and Conſumption, ſo as
the Antidote againſt them is the detaining of this Spirit.
This Spirit is detained two ways:
either by a ſtreight Incloſure, as it were in a Pri-
or by a kind of free and voluntary Detention.
Again, this voluntary ſtay is
perſwaded two ways: either if the Spirit it ſelf be not to moveable or eager to depart;
or if the external Air importune it not too much to come forth.
So then, two ſorts of
Subſtances are durable, Hard Subſtances, and Oily: Hard Subſtance binds in the
Spirits cloſe; Oily partly enticeth the Spirit to stay, partly is of that nature that it is
not importuned by Air; for Air is conſubſtantial to Water, and Flame to Oil.
And
touching Nature Durable and not Durable in Bodies Inanimate, thus much.
HErbs of the colder ſort die yearly both in Root and Stalk;
as Lettice, Purſtane;
yet there are ſome cold Herbs which will laſt
as the Violet, Straw-berry, Burnet, Prim-roſe, and Sorrel.
But Borage
and Bugloſ@, which ſeem ſo alike when they are alive, differ in their deaths; for Borage
will laſt but one year, Bugloſs will laſt more.
But many hot Herbs bear their age and years better;
Hyßop, Thyme, Savory, Pot-mar-
Fennel dies yearly in the ſtalk,
buds again from the root: but Pulſe and Sweet-marjoram can better endure age than
winter; for being ſet in a very warm place and wel-fenced, they will live more than
one year. It is known, that a knot of H@ſſop twice a year ſhorn hath continued forty
years.
Buſhes and Shrubs live threeſcore years, and ſome double as much.
A Vine may at-
Roſe-mary well placed
will come alſo to threeſcore years; but white Thorn and Ivy endure above an hundred
years. As for the Bramble, the age thereof is not certainly known, becauſe bowing
Amongſt great Trees the longeſt livers are the Oak, the Holm, Wild aſh, the Elm,
olive, the Palm-tree and the Mulberry-tree, Of theſe, ſome have come to the age of
eight hundred years; but the leaſt livers of them do attain to two hundred.
But Trees Odorate, or that have ſweet woods, and Trees Rozennie, laſt longer in their
as the Cypreſs-
tree, Maple, Pine, Box, Juniper. The Cedar being born out by the vaftneſs of his body,
lives well-near as long as the former.
The Aſh, fertile and forward in bearing, reacheth to an hundred years and ſomewhat
which alſo the Birch, Maple, and Sirvice-tree ſometimes do:
but the
Poplar, Lime-tree, Willow, and that which they call the Sycomore, and walnut-tree, live
not ſolong.
The Apple-tree, Pear-tree, Plum-tree, Pomegranate-tree, Citron-tree, Medlar-tree,
eſpecially if they be
cleanſed from the Moſs wherewith ſome of them are cloathed.
Generally, greatneſs of body in trees, if other things be equal, hath ſome congruity
ſo hath hardneſs of ſubſtance:
and trees bearing Maſt or Nuts are
commonly longer livers than trees bearing Fruit or Berries: like wiſe trees putting forth
their leaves late, and ſhedding them late again, live longer than thoſe that are early
either in leaves or fruit: the like is of wild-trees in compariſon of Orchard-trees And
laſtly, in the ſame kind, trees that bear a ſowr fruit out-live thoſe that bear a ſweet
fruit.
ARiſtotle noted well the difference between Plants and living Creatures, in reſpect of
their Nouriſhment and Reparation: Namely, that the bodies of living Creatures
are confined within certain bounds, and that after they be come to their full growth they
are continued and preſerved by Nouriſhment, but they put forth nothing new except Hair
and Nails, whish are counted for no better than Excrements; ſo as the juice of living
creatures muſt of neceſſity ſooner wax old: but in Trees, which put forth yearly new boughs,
new ſhoots, new leaves, and new fruits, it comes to paſs that all theſe parts in Trees are
once a year young and renewed. Now it being ſo, that whatſoever is freſh and young
draws the Nouriſhment more lively and chearfully to it than that which is decayed andold,
it happens withall, that the ſtock and body of the tree, through which the ſap paſſeth to the
branches, is refreſhed and cheared with a more bountiful and vigorous nouriſh ment in the
paſſage than otherwiſe it would have been. And this appears manifest (though Ariſtotle
noted it not, neither hath be expreſſed theſe things ſo clearly and perſpicuouſly) in Hedges,
Copſes, and Pollards, when the plaſhing, ſhedding, or lopping comforteth the old ſtem or
ſtock, and maketh it more flouriſhing and longer-liv’d.
FIre and ſtrong Heats dry ſome things, and melt others.
Limus ut bic dureſcit, &
hæc ut Cera liqueſcit, Vno eodemque Igne?
How this Clay is hardned, and how this wax is melted, with one and the ſame thing,
Fire? It drieth Earth, Stones, wood, Cloth, and Skins, and whatſoever is not liquefiable;
Notwithſtanding, even in thoſe things which the fire melteth, if it be very vehement
For metal in a ſtrong fire, (Gold onely ex-
cepted) the volatile part being gone forth, will become leſs ponderous and more brit-
tle; and thoſe oily and fat ſubſtances in the like fire will burn up, and be dried and
parched.
Air, eſpecially open Air, doth manifeſtly dry, but not melt:
as High-ways, and the
linnen clothes waſhed, if they
be hang’herbs, and leaves, and flowers, laid forth in
the ſhade, are dried. But much more ſuddenly doth the Air this, if it be either en-
lightned with the Sun-beams, (ſo that they cauſe no putrefaction) or if the air be ſtir-
red, as when the wind bloweth, or in rooms open on all ſides.
Age moſt of all, but yet ſlo weſt of all, drieth;
as in all bodies which (if they be not
But age is nothing of it ſelf, being
onely the meaſure of time; that which cauſeth the effect is the native Spirit of bodies,
which ſucketh up the moiſture of the body, and then, together with it, flieth forth; and the air ambient, which multiplieth it ſelf upon the native ſpirits and juices of the bo-
dy, and preyeth upon them.
Cold of all things moſt properly drieth:
for drying is not cauſed but by Contraction;
But becauſe we Men have heat in a high
degree, namely, that of Fire, but cold in a very low degree, no other than that of
VVinter, or perhaps of Ice, or of Snow, or of Nitre; therefore the drying cauſed by
cold is but weak, and caſily reſolved. Notwithſtanding we ſee the ſurface of the earth
to be more dried by Froſt, or by March-winds, than by the Sun, ſe@ing the ſame wind both
licketh up the moiſture and afſecteth with coldneſs.
Smoak is a drier;
as in Bacon and Neats tongues which are hanged up in the chimneys:
and
Salt, after ſome reaſonable continuance, drieth, not onely on the out-ſide, but in the
as in Fleſh and Fiſh ſalted, which if they have continued any long time have
a manifeſt hardneſs within.
Hot Gums applied to the skin dry and wrinkle it;
and ſome aſtringent waters alſo do
Spirit of ſtrong waters imitateth the fire in drying;
for it will both potch an Egg put
Powders dry like Sponges by drinking up the moiſture, as it is in Sand thrown upon
alſo ſmoothneſs and politeneſs of bodies, (which ſuffer not the va-
air; as it is ſeen in precious Stones, Looking glaſſes, and Blades of Swords, upon which if you
breath, you ſhall ſee at firſt a little miſt, but ſoon after it vaniſheth like a cloud. And thus
much for Deſiccation or Drying.
They uſe at this day in the East parts of Germany Garners in Vaults under gronnd,
the grains and about them, to ſave them from the dampneſs of the Vault; by which
device they keep their grains 20 or 30 years. And this doth not onely preſerve them
from fuſtineſs, but (that which pertains more to the preſ@nt inquiſition) preſerves them
alſo in that greenneſs that they are fit and ſerviceable to make bread. The ſame is reported
to have been in uſe in Cappadocia and Thracia, and ſome parts of Spain.
The placing of Garners on the tops of houſes, with windows to wards the Eaſt
Some alſo make two Sollars, an upper and a lower;
and the upper Sollar hath an hole it, through which the grain continually deſcen-
deth, like ſand in an hour-glaſs, and after a few dayes they throw it up again
with ſhovels, that ſo it may be in continual motion. Now it is to be noted
@th the Deſiccation of it. The Cauſe is that which we noted before, That the diſcharge-
ing of the VVatry humour, which is quickned by the Motion and the VVinds, preſerves
the Oily humour in his being, which otherwiſe would fly out together with the VVatry
humour. Alſo in ſome Mountains, where the Air is very pure, dead Carkaſes may be
keptfor a good while without any great decay.
Fruits, as Pomegranates, Citrons, Apples, Pears, and the like;
alſo Flowers, as @oſes and
howſoever, they are
not free from the injuries of the outward Air, which will affect them with his unequal
Temper through the ſides of the Veſſel, as it is manifeſt in heat and cold. Therefore
it will be good to ſtop the mouths of the Veſſels carefully, and to bury them within
the Earth; and it will be as good not to bury them in the Earth, but to ſink them in the
VVater, ſo as the place be ſhady, as in VVells or Cisterns placed within doors: but thoſe
that be ſunk in Water will do better in Glaſs veſſels than in Earthen.
Generally thoſe things which are kept in the Earth, or in Vaults under ground, or
kept above ground.
They ſay it hath been obſerved, that in Conſervatories of snow (whether they were
(heſ-nut, or Nut, by chance falling in, after many months, when the Snow hath
melted, hath been found in the Snow as freſh and fair as if it had been gathered the day
before.
Country people keep Cluſters of Grapes in Meal, which though it makes them leſs
Alſo the harder ſort
of Fruits may be kept long, not onely in Meal, but alſo in Saw-duſt, and in heaps of Corn.
There is an opinion held, that Bodies may be preſerved freſh in Liquors of their own
as, to keep Grapes in Wine, Olives in Oil.
Pomegranates and Quinces are kept long, being lightly dipped in Sea-water or Salt-
Bodies put in wine, Oil, or the Lees of Oil, keep long;
much more in Hony or Spirit
but moſt of all, as ſome ſay, in Quick-ſilver.
Fruits incloſed in Wax, Pitch, Plaiſter, Paſte, or any the like Caſe or Covering,
It is manifeſt that Flies, Spiders, Ants, or the like ſmall Creatures, falling by chance into
rot, although they be ſoft and tender Bodies.
Grapes are kept long by being hanged up in Bunches:
the ſame is of other Fruits.
For
the one, that they are kept without preſ-
ſing or bruiſing, which they muſt needs ſuffer if they were laid upon any hard ſubſtance; the other, that the Air doth encompaſs them on every ſide alike.
It is obſerved that Putrefaction, no leſs than Deſiccation in Vegetablès, doth not begin
ment. Therefore ſome adviſe to cover the ſtalks of Apples or other Fruits with Wax
or Pitch.
Great Wieks of Candles or L
alſo Wieks of Cotton ſooner than thoſe of Ruſh, or Straw, or ſmall Twigs:
and
in Staves of Torches, thoſe of Juniper or Firre ſooner than thoſe of Aſh: likewiſe
Flame moved and fanned with the Wind ſooner than that which is ſtill: And therefore
Candles ſet in a Lanthorn will laſt longer than in the open Air. There is a Tradition, that
Lamps ſet in Sepulchres will laſt an ncredible time.
The Nature alſo and Preparation of the Nouriſhment conduceth no leſs to the laſting
for Wax will laſt longer than
Tallow, and Tallow a little wet longer than Tallow day, and Wax candles old made
longer than Wax-candles new made.
Trees, if you ſtir the Earth about their Root every year, will continue leſs time;
alſo cutting off the Suckers and
young Shoots will make them live the longer: but Dunging them, or laying of Marl
about their Roots, or much Watering them, adds to their fertility, but cuts off from
their long laſting. And thus much touching the Prohibiting of Deſiccation or Con-
ſumption.
The Inteneration or making tender of that which is dried (which is the chief Mat-
And therefore ſome few Experiments
which are found in Living Creatures, and alſo in Man ſhall be joyned together.
Bands of Willow, wherewith they uſe to binde Trees, laid in Water, grow more
likewiſe they put Boughs of Birch (the ends of them) in Earthen Pots filled
and Bowls cleft with dryneſs, ſteep’d in
Water, cloſe again.
Boots grown hard and obſtinate with age, by greaſing them before the Fire with
Bladders and
Parchments hardned alſo become tender with warm Water, mixed with Tallow or any
Fat thing; but much the better, if they be a little chafed.
Trees grown very old, that have ſtood long without any culture, by digging and
young Branches.
Old Draught Oxen worn out with labor, being taken from the yoak, and put into
and tender as a Steer.
A ſtrict Emaciating Diet of Guaiacum, Bisket, and the like, (wherewith they uſe to
great poverty and leanneſs, by waſting the Juices and Humors of the Body; which
after they begin to be repaired again, ſeem manifeſtly more vigorous and young. Nay,
and I am of opinion, that Emaciating Diſeaſes afterwards well cured, have advanced
many in the way of long life.
MEn ſee clearly, like Owls, in the Night of their own Notions;
but in Experience, as
They speak much of the Ele-
mentary quality of Siccity or Drineſs, and of things Deſiccating, and of the Natural Periods
of Bodies, in which they are corrupted and conſumed: But mean while, either in the begin-
nings, or middle paſſages, or laſts acts of Deſiccation and Conſumption, they obſerve no-
thing that is of moment.
Deſiccation or Conſumption in the proceſs thereof, is finiſhed by three Actions;
and
The firſt Action is, the Attenuation of the Moiſture into Spirit;
the ſecond is, the
the third is, the Contraction of the groſſer parts of
the Body immediately after the Spirit iſſued forth. And this laſt is, that Deſic@ation and
Induration which we chiefly bandle; the former two conſume onely.
Touching Attenuation, the matter is manifeſt.
For the Spirit which is incloſed in every
it is incloſed) that it can digeſt and maſter, and turn into it ſelf, that it plainly alters and
ſubdues, and multiplies it ſelf upon it, and begets new Spirit. And this evicted by one proof,
inſtead of many; for that thoſe things which are throughly dryed are leßened in their weight,
and become hollow, porous, and reſounding from within. Now it is moſt certain, that the in-
ward Spirit of any thing, confers nothing to the weight, but rather lig'tens it; and there-
fore it muſt needs be, that the ſame Spirit hath turned into it the moiſture and juyce of the
Body which weighed before, by which means the weight is leſſened. And this is the firſt
Action, the Attenuation of the Moiſture, and Converting it into Spirit.
The ſ@cond Action, which is the lſſuing forth or Flight of the Spirit, is as manifeſt
For that iſſuing forth, when it is in throngs, is apparent even to the ſenſe;
in Vapors to
the ſight, in Odors to the ſmelling; but if it iſſueth forth ſlowly, (as when a thing is decayed
by age) then it is not apparent to the ſenſe, but the matter is the ſame. Again, where the
compoſure of the Body is either ſo ſtreight or ſo tenacious, that the Spirit can finde no pores or
paſſages by which to depart, then, in the ſtriving to get out, it drives before it the groſſer parts
of the Body, and protrudes them beyond the ſuperficies or ſurface of the Body; as it is in the
ruſt of Metals, and mould of all Fat things. And this is the ſecond Action, the Iſſuing
forth or Flight of the Spirit.
The third Action is ſomewhat more obſcure, but full as certain;
that is, the Con-
And this appears, firſt, in that
Bodies after the Spirit iſſued forth, do manifeſtly ſhrink, and fill a leſs room; as it is in
and in Beams
and Planchers of Houſes, which at firſt lay cloſetogether, but after they are dried, give; and
likewiſe in Bowls, which through drought, grow full of cranies, the parts of the Bowl con-
tracting themſelves together, and after contraction muſt needs be empty spaces. Secondly,
It appears by the wrinkles of Bodies dryed: For the endeavor of contracting it ſelf is ſuch,
that by the contraction it brings the parts nearer together, and ſo lifts them up; for what-
ſoever is contracted on the ſides, is lifted up in the midſt: And this is to be ſeen in Papers
and old Parchments, and in the Skins of Living Creatures, and in the Coats of ſoft Cheeſes,
all which, with age, gatber wrinkles. Thirdly, This Contraction ſhews it ſelf moſt in thoſe
things, which by heat are not onely wrinkled, but ruffled, and plighted, and, as it were, rouled
together; as it is in Papers, and Parchments, and Leaves, brought near the fire:
For Con-
traction by Age, which is more ſlow, commonly cauſeth wrinkles; but Contraction by the
Fire, which is more ſpeedy, cauſeth plighting. Now in moſt things where it comes not to
wrinkling or plighting, there is ſimple Contraction, and anguſtiation or ſtreightning,
and induration or hardning, and deſiccation, as was ſisewed in the firſt place. But if the
iſſuing forth of the Spirit, and abſumption or waſte of the Moiſture be ſo great, that
there is not left body ſufficient to unite and contract it ſelſ, then of neceſſity Contraction
muſt ceaſe, and the Body becomeputrid, and nothing elſe but a little duſt cleaving together,
which with æ light touch is disperſed and falleth aſunder; as it is in Bodies that are
rotten, and in Paper burnt, and Linnen made into Tinder, and Carkaſes embalmed after
many ages. And this is the third Action, the Contraction of the groſſer parts after the
Spirit iſſueth forth.
It is to be noted, that Fire and Heat dry onely by accident;
for their proper work is to
and then it follows by accident, that the other
parts ſhould contract themſelves, either for the flying of Vacuum alone, or for ſome other
motion withal, whereof we now speak not.
It is certain, that Putrefaction taketh its original from the Native Spirit, no leſs then
but it goeth on afar different way:
For in Putrefaction, the Spirit is not ſimply
vapored forth, but being detained in part, works ſtrange garboils; and the groſſer parts are
not ſo much locally contracted, as they congregate themſelves to parts of the ſame nature.
TOuching the Length and Shortneſs of Life in Living Creatures, the Information
lous. In Tame Creatures, their degenerate life corrupteth them;
in Wilde Crea-
tures, their expoſing to all weathers, often inter cepteth them Neither do thoſe things
which may ſeem concomitants, give any furtherance to this Information, (the greatneſs of
their Bodies, their time of Bearing in the Womb, the number of their young ones, the
time of their growth, and the reſt) inregard that theſe things are intermixed, and ſometimes
they concur, ſometimes they ſever.
Mans age (as far as can be gathered by any certain Narration) doth exceed the age
and the Concomitants in
him are very equally diſpoſed, his ſtature and proportion large, his bearing in the womb
nine moneths, his fruit commonly one at a birth, his puberty at the age of fourteen years,
his time of growing till twenty.
The Elephant by undoubted relation, exceeds the ordinary race of Mans life;
of two years, or at
leaſt above one, is certain. Now his bulk is great, his time of growth until the thirti-
eth year, his teeth exceeding hard; neither hath it been obſerved, that his blood is the
coldeſt of all Creatures: His age hath ſometimes reached to Two hundred years.
Lions are accounted long livers, becauſe many of them have been found Toothleſs,
The Bear is a great ſleeper, a dull beaſt, and given to eaſe;
and yet not noted
nay, he hath this ſign of ſhort life, that his bearing in the womb is but
ſhort, ſcarce full forty days.
The Fox ſeems to be well diſpoſed in many things for long life;
he is well skinned,
and yet he is noted not to have that property.
Certainly
he is a kind of Dog, and that kind is but ſhort-liv’d.
The Camel is a long liver, a lean Creature, and ſinewy, ſo that he doth ordinarily
The Horſe lives but to a moderate age, ſcarce to forty years, his ordinary period
but perhaps he is beholden for this ſhortneſs of life to Man;
for
we have now no Horſes of the Sun, that live freely, and at pleaſure, in good paſtures. Not withſtanding the Horſe grows till he be ſix years old, and is able for generation
in his old age. Beſides, the Mare goeth longer with her young one than a woman,
and brings forth, two at a burthen more rarely. The Aſs lives commonly to the Horſe’s
age; but the Mule out-lives them both.
The Hart is famous amongſt men for long life, yet not upon any relation that
They tell of a certain Hart that was found with a Collar about his neck,
and that Collar hidden with Fat. The long life of the Hart is the leſs credible, be-
cauſe he comes to his perfection at the fifth year; and not long aſter his Horns
(which he ſheds and renews yearly) grow more narrow at the Root, and leſs
branched.
The Dog is but a ſhort liver, he exceeds not the age of twenty years, and for the
a Creature of the hotteſt temper, and living in ex-
treams; for he is commonly either in vehement motion, or ſleeping:
beſides, the
Bitch bringeth forth many at a Burden, and goeth nine weeks.
The Ox like wiſe, for the greatneſs of his body and ſtrength, is but a ſhort liver, about
notwithſtanding they
bear uſually but one at a burden, and go nine months: a Creature dull, fleſhy, and ſoon
fatted, and living onely upon Herby ſubſtances, without Grain.
The Sheep ſeldom lives to ten years, though he be a creature of a moderate ſize, and
and, that which may ſeem a wonder, being a creature with ſo little
a Gall, yet he hath the moſt curled Coat of any other, for the Hair of no Creature is ſo
much curled as Wool is. The Rams generate not before the third year, and continue
able for generation until the eighth. The Ews bear young as long as they live.
The
Sheep is a diſeaſed Creature, and rarely lives to his full age.
The Goat lives to the ſame age with the Sheep, and is not much unlike in other
though he be a Creature more nimble, and of ſomewhat a firmer fleſh, and
ſo ſhould be longer-liv’d; but then he is much more laſcivious, and that ſhortens his
life.
The Sow lives to fifteen years, ſometimes to twenty:
and though it be a Creature
Of the Wild
Boar or Sow we have nothing certain.
The Cat’s age is betwixt ſix and ten years:
a creature nimble and full of ſpirit, whoſe
whereupon it is ſaid, That the Cat con-
ceives with pain, and brings forth with eaſe: A Creature ravenous in eating, rather
ſwallowing down his meat whole than feeding.
Hares and Conies attain ſcarce to ſeven years, being both Creatures generative, and
In this they are unlike, that
the Coney lives under ground; and the Hare above ground;
and again, that the Hare
is of a more duskiſh fleſh.
Birds for the ſize of their bodies are much leſſer than Beaſts;
for an Eagle or Swan
phant.
Birds are excellently well-clad:
for Feathers, for warmth and cloſe ſitting to the
Birds, though they hatch many young ones together, yet they bear them not all in
plentiful nouriſh ment whilſt it is in their bodies.
Birds chew little or nothing, but their meat is found whole in their crops, notwith-
they are thought
to be of a very hot and ſtrong concoction.
The motion of Birds in their flying is a mixt motion, conſiſting of a moving
which is the moſt wholſome kind of Ex-
erciſe.
Ariſtotle noted well touching the generation of Birds, (but he transferred it ill to
Female, but that it rather affords Activity than Matter; ſo that fruitful Eggs and un-
fruitful Eggs are hardly diſtinguiſhed.
Birds (almoſt all of them) come to their full growth the firſt year, or a little after.
but for the growth of their Bodies it is not ſo.
The Eagle is accounted a long liver, yet his years are not ſet down;
and it is alledged
from
whence comes that old Proverb, The old age of an Eagle. Notwithſtanding perchance
the matter may be thus, That the renewing of the Eagle doth not caſt his bill, but the
caſting of his bill is the renewing ofthe Eagle, for after that his bill is grown to a great
crookedneſs, the Eagle feeds with much difficulty.
Vultures are alſo affirmed to be long livers, inſomuch that they extend their life
Kites likewiſe, and ſo all Birds that feed upon fleſh,
and Birds of prey live long. As for Hawks, becauſe they lead a degenerate and ſervile
life for the delight of men, the term of their natural life is not certainly known: not-
withſtanding amongſt Mewed Hawks ſome have been found to have lived thirty years, and
amongſt u
The Raven likewiſe is reported to live long, ſometimes to an hundred years:
he
and hath very black fleſh. But the crow, like unto him in moſt things, (except in
greatneſs and voice) lives not altogether ſolong, and yet is reckoned amongſt the long
livers.
The Swan is certainly found to be a long liver, and exceeds not unfrequently an
Hc is a Bird excellently plumed, a feeder upon fiſh, and is always car-
ried, and that in running waters.
The Gooſe alſo may paſs amongſt the long livers, though his food be commonly
eſpecially the Wild-Gooſe;
whereupon this
Proverb grew amongſt the Germans, Magis ſenex quam Anſer nivalis, Older than a
Wild Gooſe.
Storks muſt needs be long livers, if that be true which was anciently obſerved of
This if it
were ſo, then either they muſt have the knowledge of more ages than one, or elſe
the old ones muſt tell their young the Hiſtory. But there is nothing more frequent than
Fables.
For Fables do ſo abound touching the Phœnix, that the truth is utterly loſt if
As for that which was ſo much admired, That ſhe was
ever ſeen abroad with a great troop of Birds about her, it is no ſuch wonder; for
the ſame is uſually ſeen about an Owl flying in the day-time, or a Parrot let out of a
Cage.
The Parro hath been certainly known to have lived threeſcore years in England,
a Bird eating almoſt all kind of
meats, chewing his meat, and renewing his bill; likewiſe curſt and miſchievous, and of
a black fleſh.
The Peacock lives twenty years;
but he comes not forth with his Argus Eyes before
a Bird ſlow of pace, having whitiſh flew.
The Dunghill-Cock is venerious, martial, and but of a ſhort life;
a crank Bird,
The Indian-Cock, commonly called the Turkey-Cock, lives not much longer than
an angry Bird, and hath exceeding white fleſh.
The Ring-Doves are of the longeſt ſort of livers, inſomuch that they attain ſome-
an aiery Bird, and both builds and ſits on high.
But Doves
and Turtles are but ſhort-liv’d, not exceeding eight years.
But Pheaſants and Partiges may live to ſix
They are great breeders, but
The Black bird is reported to be, amongſt the leſſer birds, one of the longeſt livers;
The Sparrow is noted to be of a very short life;
and it is imputed in the Males to their
But the Linnet, no bigger in body than the Sparrow, hath been obſerved
to have lived twenty years.
Of the Eſtrich we have nothing certain:
thoſe that were kept here have been ſoun-
Of the bird Ibis we find onely that he
liveth long, but his years are not recorded.
The age of Fiſhes is more uncertain than that of terreſtrial Creatures, becauſe
many of them breath not, by which
means their vital ſpirit is more cloſed in; and therefore though they receive ſome re-
frigeration by their Gills, yet that refrigeration is not ſo continual as when it is by
breathing.
They are free from the Deſiccation and Depredation of the Air ambient, becauſe they
yet there is no doubt but the water ambient, and piercing, and received
into the pores of the body, doth more hurt to long life than the Air doth.
It is affirmed too that their blood is not warm.
Some of them are great devourers,
Their fleſh is ſofter and more tender than that of terreſtrial
creatures: they grow exceedingly fat, inſomuch that an incredible quantity of Oyl will
be extracted out of one Wh
Dolphins are reported to live about thirty years;
of which thing a trial was taken in
they grow untill ten years of age.
That which they report of ſome Fiſhes is ſtrange, that after a certain age their bodies
greatneſs.
There were found in Cæſar’s Fiſh ponds Lampreys to have lived threeſcore years:
one of them.
The Pike amongſt Fishes living in fresh water is found to laſt longeſt, ſometimes to
he is a Ravener, of a flesh ſome what dry and firm.
But the Carp, Bream, Tench, Eel, and the like, are not held to live above ten
Salmons are quick of growth, short of life;
ſoare Trouts:
but the Pearch is ſlow of
Touching that monſtrous bulk of the Whale or Ork, how long it is weiled by vital
neither yet touching the Sea-calf, and Sea-hog,
and other innumerable Fiſhes.
Crocodiles are reported to be exceeding long-liv’d, and are famous for the time of their
whole life. They are of thoſe Creatures that lay Eggs, ravenous, cruel, and well-fenced
againſt the waters, Touching the other kinds of Shell-fiſh, we find nothing certain how
long they live.
TO find out a Rule touching Length and Shortneſs of Life in Living Creatures is very
difſicult, by reaſon of the negligence of Obſervations, and the intermixing of Cauſes. A
few things we will ſet down.
There are more kinds of Birds found to be long liv’d than of Beaſts;
as the Eagle, the
Crane, the Birdcalled the Ibis, the Parrot, the Ring dove, with the reſt, though they come
to their full growth within a year, and are leſs of bodies: ſurely their cloathing is excellent
good againſt the diſtemper atures of the weather; and beſides, living for the moſt part in the
open Air, they are like the Inhabitants of pure Mountains, which are long-liv’d. Again,
their Motion, which (as I elſe-where ſaid) is a mixt Motion, compounded of a moving of
their Limbs and of a carriage in the Air, doth leſs weary and wear them, and’tis more whol-
ſome. Neither do they ſuffer any compreſſion or want of nouriſhmentin their mother’s bel-
lies, becauſe the Eggs are laid by turns. But the chiefeſt cauſe of all I take to be this, that
Birds are made more of the ſubſtance of the Mother than of the Father, whereby their Spirits
are not ſo eager and hot.
It may be a Poſition, that Creatures which partake more of the ſubſtance of their Mother
which was ſaid before Alſo that thoſe
which have a longer time of bearing in the womb, do partake more of the ſubſtance of their
Mother, leſs of the Father, and ſo are longer-liv’d: Inſomuch that I am of opinion, that even
among ſt Men, (which I have noted in ſome) thoſe that reſemble their Mothers moſt are
longeſt-liv’d; and ſo are the Children of Oldmen begotten of young V Vives, if the Fathers be
ſound, not diſeaſed.
The firſt breeding of Creatures is ever material, either to their hurt or benefit.
And
tion of the Young one in the womb, ſhould confer much to Long Life. Now this happens
when either the young ones are brought forth ſucceſſively; as in Birds;
or when they are ſingle
Births, as in Creatures bearing but one at a Burthen
But long Bearing in the Womb makes for Length of Life three ways.
Firſt, for that the
Secondly, that
it comes forth more ſtrong and able. Thirdly, that it undergoes the predatory force of the Air
later, Beſides, it ſhews that Nature intendeth to finiſb her periods by larger Circles. Now
though Oxen and Sheep, which are born in the womb about ſix months, are but ſhort-liv’d, that
happens for other cauſes.
Feeders upon Graſs and mere Herbs are but ſoort livers;
and Creatures feeding upon
As for Harts, which are long-liv’d,
they take the one half of their meat (as men uſe to ſay) from above their heads; and the
Gooſe, beſides Graſs, findeth ſomething in the water, and stubble to feed upon.
u e ſuppoſe that a good Cloathing of the Body maketh much to long life;
for it fenceth
body: which benefit Birds eſpecially have.
Now that Sheep, which have ſo good Ft
ſhould be ſo ſhort-liv’d, that is to be imputed to Diſeaſes, where of that Creature is full, and to
the bare eating of Graſs.
The ſeat of the Spirits, without doubt, is principally the Head;
which though it be uſual-
Again, it is not to be doubted
but the Spirits do moſt of all waſte and prey upon the Body, ſo that when they are either in
greater plenty, or in greater Inflamation and Acrimony, there the life is much ſhortned. And therefore I conceive a great cauſe of long life in Birds to be the ſmalneſs of their
Heads in compariſon of their Bodies; for even Men which have very great Heads I ſuppoſe
to be the ſhorter livers.
I am of opinion that Carriage is of all other motions the moſt helpful to long life;
which I
Now there are carried Water-fowls upon the water, as Swans;
all Birds
in their flying, but with a ſtrong endeavour of their limbs; and Fiſhes, of the length of
wh
Thoſe Creatures which are long before they come to their perfection (not ſpeaking of
as Man puts forth, firſt, his Teeth,
next the ſigns of Puberty, then his beard, and ſo forward) are long liv’d, for it ſhews that
Nature finiſhed her Periods by larger Circles,
Milder Creatures are not long-liv’d, as the Sheep and Dove;
for Choler is as the whet-
Creatures whoſe Fleſh is more duskiſh are longer-liv’d than thoſe that have white Fleſh;
In every corruptible Body Quantity maketh much to the conſervation of the whole:
for
of a Tree withereth not ſo faſt as a Twig, And therefore generally (I ſpeak it of Species, not
of Individuals) Creatures that are large in body are longer-liv’d than thoſe that are ſmall,
unleſs there be ſome other potent cauſe to hinder it.
N Ouriſhment ought to be of an inferiour nature, and more ſimple ſubſtance
Plants are nouriſhed with the Earth and Water,
Living Creatures with Plants, Man with living Creatures. There are alſo
certain Creatures feeding upon Fleſh, and Man himſelf takes Plants into
but Man and Creatures feeding upon Fleſh are ſcarcely nou-
riſhed with Plants alone: perhaps Fruit or Grains, baked or boiled, may, with long
uſe, nouriſh them; but Leaves or Plants or Herbs will not do it, as the Order of the Fo-
liatanes ſhewed by Experience.
Over-great Affinity or Conſubſtantiality of the Nouriſhment to the thing nouriſhed
Creatures feeding upon Herbs touch no Fleſh;
and of Creatures
feeding upon Fleſh, few of them eat their own kind: Asfor Men, which are Cannibals,
they feed not ordinarily upon Mens fleſh, but reſerve it as a Dainty, either to ſerve
their reveng upon their enemies, or to ſatisfie their appetite at ſome times. So the
Ground is beſt ſown with Seed growing elſewhere, and Men do not uſe to Graft or Ino
culate upon the ſame Stock.
By how much the more the Nouriſhment is better prepared, and approacheth Hearer in
Creatures in better liking and plight: for a young Slip or cion is not ſo well nouriſhed
if it be pricked into the ground, as if it be grafted into a Stock agreeing with it in
Nature, and where it finds the nouriſhment already digeſted and prepared: neither (as
is reported, will the Seed of an Onion, or ſome ſuch like, ſown in the bare earth, bring
forth ſo large a fruit as if it be put into another Onion, which is a new kind of Grafting,
into the root, or under ground. Again, it hath been found out lately, that a Slip of a
Wild Tree, as of an Elm, Oak, Aſh, or ſuch like, grafted into a Stock of the ſame kind,
will bring forth larger leaves then thoſe that grow without grafting: Alſo Men are not
nouriſhed ſo well with raw fleſh as with that which hath paſſed the fire.
Living Creatures are nouriſhed by the Mouth, Plants by the Root, γoung ones in
Birds for a while are nouriſhed with the rolk in the Egge,
whereof ſome is found in their Crops after they are hatched.
All Nouriſh ment moveth from the centre to the Circumference, or from the Inward
yet it is to be noted, that in Trees and Plants the Nouriſhment paſ-
ſeth rather by the Bark and Outward parts then by the Pith and Inward parts; for if the
Bark be pilled off, though but for a ſmall breadth, round, they live no more: and the
Bloud in the Veins of living Creatures doth no leſs nouriſh the Fleſh beneath it then the
Fleſh above it.
In all Alimentation or Nouriſhment there is a two-fold Action, Extuſion and
At-
whereof the former proceeds from the In ward Function, the latter from the
Outward.
Vegetables aſſimulate their Nouriſhment ſimply, without Excerning:
For Gums and
but Diſeaſes. But the ſubſtance of living Creatures is more perceptible of the like;
aſſimulateth the good.
It is a ſtrange thing of the ſtalks of Fruits, that all the Nouriſhment which produceth
for the
Fruit is never joyn’d to the Stock without ſome ſtalk.
It is to be noted, that the Seeds of living Creatures will not be fruitful but when they
yet the Slips or Cions of Trees will not grow unleſs they be grafted green;
neither will
the roots keep long freſh unleſs they be covered with earth.
In living creatures there are degrees of Nouriſh ment according to their Age:
in the
when it is new-born,
with Milk; afterwards with Meats and Drinks;
and in old age the moſt nourishing and
ſavoury Meats pleaſe beſt.
Above all it maketh to the preſent Inquiſition, to inquire diligently and attentively whe-
ther a man may not receive Nouriſhment from without, at leaſt ſome other way beſide
the Mouth We know that Baths of Milk are uſed in ſome Hectick Fevers, and when
the body is brought extream low, and Phyſicians do provide Nouriſhing clyſters. This
matter would be well ſtudied; for if Nouriſhment may be made either from without,
or ſome other way than by the ſtomach, then the weakneſs of Concoction, which is
incident to old men, might be recompenced by theſe helps, and Concoction reſtored to
them intire.
BEfore the Floud, as the Sacred Scriptures relate, Men lived many hundred
yet none of the Fathers attained to a full thouſand.
Neither was this
Length of Life peculiar onely to Grace, or the Holy Line; for there are reckon-
ed of the Fathers until the Floud eleven Generations; but of the ſons of
ſo as the poſterity of Cain may ſeem the lon-
ger-liv’d. But this Length of Life immediately after the Floud was reduced to a moiety,
for Noah, who was born before, equalled the age of his Anceſtors,
and Sem ſaw the ſix hundredth year of his life. Afterwards, three Generations being
run from the Floud, the Life of Man was brought down to a fourth part of the pri-
mative Age, that was, to about two hundred years.
Abraham lived an hundred ſeventy and five years:
a man of an high courage, and
Iſaac came to an hundred and eighty years of age:
a chaſte
man, and enjoying more quietneſs than his Father. But Jacob, after many croſſes
and a numerous progeny, laſted to the hundred forty ſeventh year of his life: a pa-
tient, gentle, and wiſe man. Iſmael, a military man, lived an hundred thirty and
ſeven years. Sarah (whoſe years onely amongſt women are recorded) died in the
hundred twenty ſeventh year of her age: a beautifull and magnanimous woman;
a
ſingular good Mother and Wife; and yet no leſs famous for her Liberty than Ob-
ſequiouſneſs towards her husband. Joſeph alſo, a prudent and politick man, paſſing
his youth in affliction, afterwards advanced to the height of honour and proſperity,
lived an hundred and ten years. But his brother Levi, elder than himſelf, attained to
an hundred thirty ſeven years: a man impatient of contumely and revengeful.
Near
unto the ſame age attained the ſon of Levi@ alſo his grand-child, the father of Aaron
and Moſes.
Moſes lived an hundred and twenty years:
a ſtout man, and yet the meekest upon
Howſoever Moſes in his Pſalm pronounceth
that the life of man is but ſeventy years, and if a man have ſtrength, then eighty; which term of man’s life ſtandeth firm in many particulars even at this day.
Aaron,
who was three years the elder, died the ſame year with his Brother: a man of a
readier ſpeech, of a more facile diſpoſition, and leſs conſtant. But Phineas, grand-
child of Aaron, (perhaps out of extraordinary grace) may be collected to have
lived three hundred years; if ſo be the War of the Iſraelites againſt the Tribe of Ben-
jamin (in which Expedition Phineas was conſulted with) were performed in the
ſame order of time in which the Hiſtory hath ranked it: He was a man of a moſt emi-
nent Zeal. Joſhua, a martial man, and an excellent Leader, and evermore victorious,
lived to the hundred and tenth year of his life. Caleb was his Contemporary, and
ſeemeth to have been of as great years. Ehud the Judge ſeems to have been no
leſs than an hundred years old, in regard that after the Victory over the N@oa-
bites the Holy Land had reſt under his Government eighty years: He was a man
fierce and undaunted, and one that in a ſort neglected his life for the good of his
People.
Job lived, after the reſtauration of his happineſs, an hundred and forty years,
a man po-
Eli the Prieſt lived ninety
eight years; a corpulent man, calm of diſpoſition, and indulgent to his children.
But
Elizæus the Prophet may ſeem to have died when he was above an hundred years old; for he is found to have lived after the aſſumption of Elias ſixty years;
and at the time
of that aſſumption he was of thoſe years, that the boys mocked him by the name of
Bald-head: a man vehement and ſevere, and of an auſtere life, and a contemner of
riches. Alſo @ſaiah the Prophet ſeemeth to have been an hundred years old:
for he is
found to have exerciſed the Function of a Prophet ſeventy years together, the years both
of his beginning to propheſie and of his death being uncertain: a man of an admirable
eloquence, an Evangelical Prophet, full of the promiſes of God of the New Teſtament,
as a Bottle with ſweet Wine.
Tobias the Elder lived an hundred fifty eight years, the Younger, an hundred twen-
merciful men, and great alms-givers.
It ſeems, in the time of the Cap-
tivity, many of the Jews who returned out of Babylon were of great years, ſeeing they
could remember both Temples, (there being no leſs than ſeventy years betwixt them)
and wept for the unlikeneſs of them. Many ages after that, in the time of our Saviour,
lived old Simeon, to the age of ninety; a devoutman, and full both of hope and expe-
ctation. Into the ſame time alſo fell Anna the Propheteſs, who could not poſſibly be
leſs than an hundred years old; for ſhe had been ſeven years a wife, about eighty
four years a widow, beſides the years of her virginity, and the time that ſhe lived after
her Prophecy of our Saviour: She was an holy woman, and paſſed her days in faſtings
and prayers.
The long Lives of Men mentioned in Heathen Authors have no great certainty in
both for the intermixture of Fables, whereunto thoſe kind of relations were
very prone, and for their falſe calculation of years. Certainly of the Ægyptians we
find nothing of moment in thoſe works that are extant as touching long Life, for their
Kings which reigned longeſt did not exceed fifty or five and fifty years, which is no
great matter, ſeeing many at this day attain to thoſe years. But the Arcadian Kings
are fabulouſly reported to have lived very long. Surely that Country was Mountainous,
full of flocks of Sheep, and brought forth moſt wholſome food; notwithſtanding,
ſeeing Pan was their god, we may conceive that all things about them were Panick and
vain, and ſubject to fables.
Numa King of the @omans lived to eighty years:
a man peaceable, contemplative,
Marcus Valerius Corvinus ſaw an hundred years
complete, there being betwixt his firſt and ſixth Conſulſhip forty ſix years: a man va-
lorous, affable, popular, and always fortunate.
Solon of Athens, the Law giver, and one of the ſeven Wiſe-men, lived above eighty
a man of an high courage, but popular, and affected to his Country;
alſo learn-
ed, given to pleaſures and a ſoft kind of life. Epimenides the Cretian is reported to
have lived an hundred fifty ſeven years: the matter is mix’d with a prodigious Relation;
for fifty ſeven of thoſe years he is ſaid to have ſlept in a Cave.
Half an age after Xeno-
phon the Colophonian lived an hundred and two years, or rather more: for at the age of
twenty five years he left his Country, ſeventy ſeven complete years he travelled, and
after that returned; but how long he lived after his return appears not;
a man no leſs
wandring in mind than in body, for his name was changed for the madneſs of his opi-
nions from Xenophanes to Xenomanes: a man no doubt of a vaſt conceit, and that minded
nothing but Infinitum.
Anacreon the Poet lived eighty years and ſome what better:
a manlaſcivious, vo-
Pindarus the Theban lived to eighty years:
a Poet of
an high fancy, ſingular in his conceits, and a great adorer of the gods. Sophocles the
Athenian attained to the like age: alofty Tragick Poet, given over wholly to Writing,
and neglectful of his Family.
Artaxerxes King of Perſia lived ninety four years:
a man of a dull wit, averſe to the
At the ſame time lived Age-
ſilaus King of sparta to eighty four years of age: a moderate Prince, as being a Phi-
loſopher among Kings; but not withſtanding ambitious, and a Warriour, and no leſs ſtout
in war than in buſineſs.
Gorgias the Sicilian was an hundred and eight years old;
a Rhetorician, and a
he had ſeen many
blame ſince he was an old man. Protagoras of Abdera faw ninety years of age:
this
man was like wiſe a Rhetorician, but profeſſed not ſo much to teach the Liberal Arts, as
the Art of Governing Common-wealths and States: notwithſtanding he was a great
wanderer in the world, no leſs than Gorgias. Iſocrates the Athenian lived ninety
eight years: he was a Rhetorician alſo, but an exceeding modeſt man;
one that
ſhunned the publick light, and opened his School onely in his own houſe. Democritus
of Abdera reached to an hundred and nine years: he was a great Philoſopher, and, if
ever any man amongſt the Grecians, a true Naturaliſt; a Surveyor of many Coun-
tries, but much more of Nature; alſo a diligent ſearcher into Experiments, and (as
Ariſtotle objected againſt him) one that followed Similitudes more than the Laws of
Arguments. Diogenes the Sinopean lived ninety years:
a man that uſed liberty to-
wards others, but tyranny over himſelf: a courſe diet, and of much patience.
Zeno
of Citium lacked but two years of an hundred: a man of an high mind, and a
contemner of other mens opinions; alſo of a great acuteneſs, but yet not trouble-
ſome, chuſing rather to take mens minds than to enforce them: The like whereof after-
ward was in Seneca. Plato the Athenian attained to eighty one years:
a man of a great
courage, but yet a lover of eaſe; in his Notions ſublimed, and of a fancy, neat and
delicate in his life, rather calm than merry, and one that carried a kind of Majeſty
in his countenance. Theophraſtus the Ereſſian arrived at eighty five years of age;
a
man ſweet for his eloquence, ſweet for the variety of his matters, and who ſelected
the pleaſant things of Philoſophy, and let the bitter and harſh go. Carneades of Cy-
rene many years after came to the like age of eighty five years: a man of a fluent
eloquence, and one who by the acceptable and pleaſant variety of his knowledge de
lighted both himſelf and others. But Orbilius, who lived in Cicero’s time, no Philo-
ſopher or Rhetorician, but a Grammarian, attained to an hundred years of age, he was
firſt a Souldier, then a Schoolmaſter; a man by nature tart both in his Tongue and Pen,
and ſevere towards his Scholars.
Quintus Fabius Maximus was Augur ſixty three years, which ſhewed him to be
though it betrue, that in the Augurſhip No-
bility was more reſpected then age: a wife man, and a great Deliberator, and in all
his proceedings moderate, and not without affability ſevere. Maſiniſſa King of Nu-
midia lived ninety years, and being more than eighty five got a ſon: a daring man, and
truſting upon his fortune, who in his youth had taſted of the inconſtancy of Fortune,
but in his fucceeding age was conſtantly happy. But Marcus Porcius Cato lived above
ninety years of age: a man of an Iron body and mind;
he had a bitter tongue, and loved
to cheriſh factions; he was given to Husbandry, and was to himſelf and his Family a
Phyſician.
Terentia Cicero’s wife, lived an hundred and three years:
a woman afflicted with
firſt, with the baniſh ment of her Husband;
then with the difference
betwixt them; laſtly, with his laſt fatal misfortune:
She was alſo oftentimes vexed
with the Gout. Luceia muſt needs exceed an hundred by many years;
for it is ſaid
that ſhe acted an whole hundred years upon the Stage, at firſt perhaps repreſenting
the perſon of ſome young Girl, at laſt of ſome decrepit old Woman. But Galeria
Copiola, a Player alſo and a Dancer, was brought upon the Stage as a Novice, in what
year of her age is not known; but ninety nine years after, at the Dedication
of the Theatre by Pompey the Great, ſhe was ſhewn upon the Stage, not now
for an Actreſs, but for a Wonder: neither was this all, for after that, in the So-
lemnities for the health and life of Auguſtus, ſhe was ſhewn upon the Stage the
third time.
There was another Actreſs, ſomewhat inferiour in age, but much ſuperiour in
Auguſtus Cæſar, and mother to Tiberius. For if Auguſtus his life were a Play, (as
himſelf would have it, whenas upon his death-bed he charged his friends they
ſhould give him a Plaudite after he was dead) certainly this Lady was an excellent
Actreſs, who could carry it ſo well with her husband by a diffembled obedience,
and with her ſon by power and authority: a woman affable, and yet of a Ma-
tronal carriage, pragmatical, and upholding her power. But Junia, the wife of Caius
Caſſius, and ſiſter of Marcus Brutus, was alſo ninety years old; for ſhe ſurvived
the Philippick Battel ſixty four years: a magnanimous woman, in her great wealth
unhappy; not withſtanding much honoured of all.
The year of our Lord ſeventy ſix, falling into the time of Veſpaſian, is memorable;
For that year there
was a Taxing, (now a Taxing is the moſt Authentical and trueſt Informer touching
the ages of men;) and in that part of Italy which lieth betwixt the Apennine Moun-
tains and the River Po, there were found an hundred and four and twenty perſons that
either equalled or exceeded an hundred years of age: namely, of an hundred years
juſt, fifty four perſons; of an hundred and ten, fifty ſeven perſons;
of an hundred
and five and twenty, two onely; of an hundred and thirty, four men;
of an hundred
and five and thirty, or ſeven and thirty, four more; of an hundred and forty, three
men. Beſides theſe, Parma in particular afforded five;
whereof three fulfilled an hun-
dred and twenty years, and two an hundred and thirty: Bruxels afforded one of an hun-
dred and twenty five years old; Placentia one, aged an hundred thirty and one;
Fa-
ventia one woman, aged one hundred thirty and two: a certain Town, then called
Velleiatium, ſituate in the Hills about Placentia, afforded ten, whereof ſix fulfilled an
hundred and ten years of age; four, an hundred and twenty:
Laſtly, Rimini one of an
hundred and fifty years, whoſe name was Marcus Aponius.
That our catalogue might not be extended too much in length, we have thought fit,
as well in thoſe whom we have rehearſed, as in thoſe whom we ſhall rehearſe, to offer
none under eighty years of age. Now we have affixed to every one a true and ſhort
Character or Elogy; but of that ſort whereunto, in our judgment, Length of Life
(which is not a little ſubject to the Manners and Fortunes of men) hath ſome relation,
and that in a two-fold reſpect: either that ſuch kind of men are for the most part long-
liv’d; or that ſuch men may ſometimes be of long life, though otherwiſe not well diſpoſed
for it.
Amongſt the Roman and Grecian Emperors, alſo the French and Almain, to theſe
are onely four found that lived to eighty years of age: unto whom we may adde the
two firſt Emperors, Auguſtus and Tiberius; whereof the latter fulfilled the ſeventy
and eighth year, the former the ſeventy and ſixth year of his age, and might both per-
haps have lived to fourſcore, if Livia and Caius had been pleaſed. Auguſtus (as was
ſaid) lived ſeventy and ſix years: a man of moderate diſpoſition;
in accompliſhing
his deſigns vehement, but other wiſe calm and ſerene; in meat and drink ſober,
in Venery intemperate, through all his life-time happy; and who about the thir-
tieth year of his life had a great and dangerons ſickneſs, inſomuch as they de-
ſpaired of life in him; whom Antonius Muſa the Phyſician, when other Phyſicians
had applied hot Medicines, as moſt agreeable to his diſeaſe, on the contrar cured
with cold Medicines, which perchance might be ſome help to the prolonging of his
life. Tiberius lived to be two years older:
A man with lean chaps, as Augustus
was wont to ſay, for his ſpeech ſtuck within his jaws, but was weighty He was
bloudy, a drinker, and one that took Luſt into a part of his diet; notwithſtanding
a great obſ@rver of his health, inſomuch that he uſed to ſay, That he was a fool
that after thirty years of| age took advice of a Phyſician. Gordian the elder lived
eighty years, and yet died a violent death when he was ſcarce warm in his Empire: a man of an high ſpirit and renowned, learned, and a Poet, and conſtantly hap-
py throughout the whole courſe of his life, ſave onely that he ended his dayes by a
violent death. Valerian the Emperour was ſeventy ſix years of age before he was
taken priſoner by Sapor King of Perſia, after his Captivity he lived ſeven years in
reproaches, and then died a violent death alſo: a man of a poor mind, and not va-
liant; notwithſtanding liſted up in his own and the opinion of men, but falling
ſhort in the performance. Anaſtaſius, ſurnamed Dicorus, lived eighty eight years:
he
was of a ſetled mind, but too abject, and ſuperſtitious, and fearful. Anicius Juſti-
nianus lived to eighty three years: a man greedy of glory, performing nothing in his
own perſon, but in the valour of his Captains happy and renowned; uxorious, and not
his own man, but ſuffering others to lead him. Helena of Britain, mother of Con-
ſtantine the Great, was four@core years old: a woman that intermedled not in matters of
State neither in her Husband’s nor ſons Reign, but devoted her ſelf wholly to Religion;
magnanimous, and perpetually flouriſhing. Theodora the Empreſs (who was ſiſter to Zoes,
a pragmatical woman, and one that took delight in Governing;
fortunate in the higheſt
degree, and through her good fortunes credulous,
We will proceed now from theſe Secular Princes to the princes in the Church.
John, an Apoſtle of our saviour, and the Beloved Diſciple, lived ninety three years.
He was rightly denoted under the Emblem of the Eagle, for his piercing ſight into
the Divinity; and was a seraph amongſt the Apoſtles in reſpect of his burning Love.
St. Luke the Evangeliſt fulfilled fourſcore and four years:
an eloquent man, and a
Traveller, St. Paul’s inſeparable Companion, and a Phyſician, Simeon the ſon
of Cleophas, called the Brother of our Lord, and Biſhop of feruſalem, lived an hun-
dred and twenty years though he was cut ſhort by Martyrdom: a ſtout man, and
conſtant, and full of good works. Polycarpus, Diſciple unto the Apoſtles, and
Biſhop of smyrna, ſeemeth to have extended his age to an hundred years and more;
though he were alſo cut off by Martyrdom: a man of an high mind, of an heroi-
cal patience, and unwearied with labours. Dyoniſius Areopagita, Contemporary
to the Apoſtle St. Paul, lived ninety years:
he was called the Bird of Heaven
for his high flying Divinity, and was famous as well for his holy life as for his
Meditations. Aquilla and Priſcilla, firſt St.
Paul the Apoſtle’s Hoſts, After ward
his Fellow helpers, lived together in a happy and famous Wedlock at leaſt to an
hundred years of age a piece; for they were both alive under Pope Xiſtus the firſt:
a noble Pair, and prone to all kind of charity, who amongſt other their com-
forts (which no doubt were great unto the firſt Founders of the Church) had this
added, to enjoy each other ſo long in an happy marriage. St.
Paul the Hermite
lived an hundred and thirteen years: now he lived in a Cave;
his diet was ſo flender
and ſtrict, that it was thought almoſt impoſſible to ſupport humane nature there-
withal: he paſſed his years onely in Meditations and Soliloquies;
yet he was notilli-
terate or an Idiot, but learned. St.
Anthony, the firſt Founder of Monks, or (as
ſome will have it) the Reſtorer onely, attained to an hundred and five years of age:
a man devout and contemplative, though not unfit for Civil affairs; his life
was auſtere and mortifying, notwithſtanding he lived in a kind of glorious ſoli-
tude; and exerciſed a command, for he had his Monks under him.
And beſides,
many Chriſtians and Philoſophers came to viſit him as a living Image, from which
they parted not without ſome adoration. St.
Athanaſius exceeded the term of eighty
years: a man of an invincible conſtancy, commanding fame, and not yielding
to Fortune: he was free to wards the Great ones, with the People gracious and
acceptable, beaten and practiſed to oppoſitions, and in delivering himſelf from them
ſtout and wiſe. St.
Hierom, by the conſent of moſt Writers, exceeded ninety years of
age: a man powerful in his Pen, and of a manly Eloquence, variouſly learned both
in the Tongues and Sciences, alſo a Traveller, and that lived ſtrictly towards his old
age, in an eſtate private, and not dignified; he bore high Spirits, and ſhined far out of
obſcurity.
The Popes of Rome are in number to this day two hundred forty and one.
Of ſo great
But in
many of the firſt Popes their full age was intercepted by the Prerogative and Crown
of Martyrdom. John the twenty third, Pope of Rome, fulfilled the ninetieth year oſ his
age: a man of an unquiet diſpoſition, and one that ſtudied novelty:
he altered ma-
ny things, ſome to the better, others onely to the new, a great accumulator of Riches
and Treaſures. Gregory, called the twelfth, created in Schiſm, and not fully acknow-
ledged pope, died at ninety years: of him, in reſpect of his ſhort Papacy, we find no-
thing to make a judgment upon. Paul the third lived eighty years and one:
a tempe-
rate man, and of a profound wiſdom: he was Learned, an Aſtrologer, and one that
tended his health carefully; but, after the example of old Eli the Prieſt, over-indul-
gent to his Family. Paul the fourth attained to the age of eighty three years:
a man of
an harſh nature and ſevere, of an haughty mind and imperious, prone to anger; his
ſpeech was eloquent and ready. Gregory the thirteenth fulſilled the like age of eighty
three years: an abſolute goodman, ſound in mind and body, politick, temperate, full of
good works, and an alms-giver.
Thoſe that follow are to be more promiſcuous in their order, more doubtful in their
King Arganthenius, who reigned at Cadiz in
ty years, of which he reigned eighty. Concerning his Manners, Inſtitution of his
Liſe, and the time wherein he reigned, there is a general ſilence. Cyair as King of
Cyprus, living in the I ſland then termed the Happy and Pleaſant I ſland, is affirmed
to have attained to an hundred and fifty or ſixty years. Two Latin Kings in Italy,
the Father and the Son, are reported to have lived, the one eight hundred, the other
ſix hundred years: but this is delivered unto us by certain Philologiſts, who though
otherwiſe credulous enough, yet themſelves have ſuſpected the truth of this matter,
or rather condemned it. Others record ſome Arcadian Kings to have lived three han-
dred years: the Country, no doubt, is a place apt for long life;
but the Relation
I ſuſpect to be fabulous. They tell of one Dando in Illyrium, that lived without the
inconveniences of old age to five hundred years. They tell alſo of the Epians, a part
of Ætolia, that the whole Nation of them were excceding long liv’d, inſomuch
that many of them were two hundred years old; and that one principal man amongſt
them, named Litorius, a man of a Giant-like ſtature, could have told three hundred
years. It is recorded, that on the top of the Mountain timolus, anciently called
Tempſis, many of the Inhabitants lived to an hundred and fifty years. We read that
the Sect of the Eſſeans amongſt the Jews did uſually extend their life to an hundred
years: Now that Sect uſed a ſingle or abſtemious diet, after the rule of Pythagoras.
Apollonius Tyaneus exceeded an hundred years, his face bewraying no ſuch age:
he was an admirable man, of the Heathens reputed to have ſomething Divine in him,
of the chriſtians held for a Sorcerer; in his diet Pythagorical, a great traveller,
much renowned, and by ſome adored as a god: notwithſtanding, towards the end
of his life he was ſubject to many complaints againſt him, and reproaches, all which
he made ſhift to eſcape. But leſt his long life ſhould be imputed to his Pythagorical
d et, and not rather that it was hereditary, his Grandfather before him lived an
hundred and thirty years. It is undoubted that Quintus Metellus lived above an
hundred years, and that after ſeveral Conſulſhips happily adminiſtred, in his old age
he was made Pontifex Maximus, and exerciſed thoſe holy duties full two and twenty
years; in the performance of which Rites his voice never failed, nor his hand trem-
bled. It is moſt certain that Appius cæcus was very old, but his years are not extant,
the moſt part whereof he paſſed after he was blind; yet this misfortune no whit
ſoftned him, but that he was able to govern a numerous Family, a great Retinue
and Dependance, yea, even the Commonwealth it ſelf, with great ſtoutneſs. In
his extream old age he was brought in a Litter into the Senate-houſe, and vehe-
mently diſſwaded the Peace with Pyrrhus: the beginning of his Oration was very
memorable, ſhewing an invincible ſpirit and ſtrength of mind; I have with great
grief of mind (Fathers conſcript) theſe many years born my blindneſs, but now I could
wiſh that I were deaf alſo, when I hear you ſpeak to ſuch diſ@onourable Treaties. Marcus
Perpenna lived ninety eight years, ſurviving all thoſe whoſe Suffrages he had gather-
ed in the senate-houſe, being Conſul, I mean, all the Senators at that time; as al-
ſo all thoſe whom a little after, being Conſul, he choſe into the Senate, ſeven onely
being excepted. Hiero King of Sicily, in the time of the ſecond Punick War, lived
almoſt an hundred years: a man moderate both in his Government and in his Life;
a worſhiper of the gods, and a religious conſerver of Friendſhip: liberal, and con-
ſtanſly fortunate. Statilia, deſcended of a noble Family in the days of Claudius,
lived ninety nine years. clodia, the daughter of Oſilius, an hundred and fifteen.
Xe-
nophilus, an ancient Philoſopher, of the Sect of Pythagoras, attained to an hundred
and ſix years, remaining healthful and vigorous in his old age, and famous amongſt
the vulgar for his learning. The Iſlanders of Corcyra were anciently accounted
long liv’d, but now they live after the rate of other men, Hipocrates Cous, the fa-
mous Phyſician, lived an hundred and four years, and approved and credited his own
Art by ſo long a life: a man that coupled Learning and Wiſdom together, very
converſant in Experience and Obſervation; one that haunted not after Words or
Methods, but ſevered the very Nerves of Science, and ſo propounded them. Demo-
nax a Philoſoper, not onely in Profeffion but Practice, lived in the dayes of Adrian al-
moſt to an hundred years: a man of an high mind, and a vanquiſher of his own
mind, and that truly and without affectation; a contemner of the world, and yet
civil and courteous. When his friends ſpake to him about his Burial, he ſaid,
Take no care for my Burial, for Stench will bury a Carcaſe. They replied, Is it your
He ſaid again, Seeing in my life-time I
endeavoured to my uttermoſt to benefit Men, what hurt is it if when I am dead I
benefit Beaſts? Certain Indian People called Pandoræ are exceedingly long liv’d,
even to no leſs than two hundred years. They adde a thing more maryellous, That
having, when they are boys, an hair ſomewhat whitiſh, in their old age, before their
gray hairs, they grow coal black, though indeed this be every where to be ſeen, that
they which have white hair whilſt they are boys, in their man’s eſtate change
their hairs into a darker colour. The Seres, another people of India, with their
Wine of Palms are accounted long livers, even to an hundred and thirty years. Euphranor the Grammarian grew old in his School, and taught Scholars when
he was above an hundred years old. The elder Ovid, father to the Poet, lived nine-
ty years, differing much from the diſpoſition of his ſon, for he contemned the
Muſes, and diſſwaded his ſon from Poetry. Aſinius Pollio, intimate with Au-
guſtus, exceeded the age of an hundred years: a man of an unreaſonable Profuſe-
neſs, Eloquent, and a lover of Learning; but vehement, proud, cruel, and one
that made his private ends the centre of his thoughts. There was an opinion, that
Seneca was an extream old man, no leſs than an hundred and fourteen years of
age: which could not poſſibly be, it being as improbable that a decrepit old man
ſhould be ſet over Nero’s Youth, as, on the contrary, it was true, that he was
able to manage with great dexterity the affairs of State: beſides, a little before,
in the midſt of Claudius his Reign, he was baniſhed Rome for Adulteries com-
mitted with ſome Noble Ladies, which was a Crime no way competible with ſo
extreme old age. Johannes de Temporibus, among all the men of our later Ages, out
of a common fame and vulgar opinion, was reputed long-liv’d, even to a mira-
cle, or rather, even to a fable; his age hath been counted above three hundred
years: He was by Nation a French man, and followed the Wars under Charls
the Great. Garcius Aretine, Great Grand-father to Petrarch, arrived at the age of
an hundred and four years: he had ever enjoyed the benefit of good health;
be-
ſides, at the laſt, he felt rather a decay of his ſtrength, than any ſickneſs or malady,
which is the true reſolution by old age. Amongſt the Venetians there have been
found not a few long livers, and thoſe of the more eminent ſort: Franciſcus Do-
natus, Duke; Thomas Contarenus, Procurator of St.
Mark;
Franciſcus Molinus,
Procurator alſo of St. Mark, and others.
But moſt memorable is that of cornarus
the Venetian, who being in his youth of a ſickly body, began firſt to eat and drink by
meaſure to a certain weight, thereby to recover his health: this Cure turned by uſe
into a Diet, that Diet to an extraordinary long Life, even of an hundred years and bet-
ter, without any decay in his ſenſes, and with a conſtant enjoying of his health. In
our age William Poſtel, a French-man, lived to an hundred and well-nigh twenty years,
the top of his beard on the upper-lip being black, and not gray at all: a man crazed in
his brain, and of a fancy not altogether ſound; a great Traveller, Mathematician, and
ſomewhat ſtained with Hereſie.
I ſuppoſe there is ſcarce a Village with us in England, if it be any whit populous, but
nay, a few years ſince there
was in the County of Hereforda May-game or Morrice dance, conſiſting of eight men,
whoſe age computed together made up eight hundred years, inſomuch that what ſome
of them wanted of an hundred, others exceeded as much.
In the Hoſpital of Bethlehem, corruptly called Bedlam, in the Suburbs of London, there
The ages of Nymphs, Fauns, and Satyrs, whom they make to be indeed mortal,
late Credulity of ſome have admitted) we account but for Fables and Dreams; eſpecially being that which hath neither conſent with Philoſophy nor with Divi
nity. And as touching the Hiſtory of Long Life in Man by Individuals, or next
unto Individuals, thus much. Now we will paſs on to Obſervations by certain
Heads.
The Running on of Ages, and Succeſſion of Generations, ſeem to have no whit
for we ſee that from the time of Moſes unto theſe
our dayes, the term of man’s life hath ſtood about fourſcore years of age,
neither hath it declined (as a man would have thought) by little and little. No
doubt there are times in every Country wherein men are longer or ſhorter liv’d.
ouſly, and are more given to bodily exerciſes: Shorter, when the times are more
civil, and men abandon themſelves to luxury and eaſe. But theſe things paſs on by
their turns, the ſucceſſion of Generations alters is not. The ſame, no doubt, is in
other living Creatusfor neither Oxen, nor Horſes, nor Sheep, nor any the
like, are abridged of their wonted ages at this day. And therefore the Great
Abridger of Age was the Floud; and perhaps ſome ſuch notable accidents (as
particular Inundations, long Droughts, Earthquakes, or the like) may do the ſame
again And the like reaſon is in the dimenſion and ſtature of Bodies; for neither
are they leſſened by ſucceſſion of Generations, howſoever Virgil (following the
vulgar opinion) divined, that after Ages would bring forth leſſer Bodies than the
then preſent: whereupon ſpeaking of ploughing up the Æmathian and Æmonen-
ſian Fields, he ſaith, Grandiáq; effoſſis mirabitur oſſa Sepulchris, That after-ages ſhall
admire the great bones digged up in ancient Sepulchres. For whereas it is manifeſted that
there were heretofore men of Gigantine Statures, (ſuch as for certain have been found
in Sicily, and elſe-where, in ancient Sepulchres and Caves) yet within theſe laſt
three thouſand years, a time whereof we have ſure memory, thoſe very places have
produced none ſuch: although this thing alſo hath certain turns and changes, by the
Civilizing of a Nation, no leſs than the former. And this is the rather to be noted,
becauſe men are wholly carried away with an opinion, that there is a continual
decay by Succeſſion of Ages, as well in the term of man’s Life as in the
ſtature and ſtrength of his Body; and that all things decline and change to the
worſe.
In Cold and Northern Countries men live longer commonly than in Hot:
which
the body leſs diſſipable, and the Spirits themſelves leſs eager to conſume, and in
better diſpoſition to repair, and the Air (as being little heated by the Sun-beams)
leſs predatory: And yet under the Æquinoctial Line, where the Sun paſſeth to and
fro, and cauſeth a double Summer and double Winter, and where the Days and
Nights are more cqual, (if other things be concurring) they live alſo very long; as in Peru and Taprobane.
Iſlanders are, for the moſtpart, longer-liv’d than thoſe that live in Continents:
for
nor ſo long in Africa, though
under the ſame Parallel, as in the Canaries and Tercera’s; and the Japonians are
longer-liv’d than the Chineſes, though the Chineſes are made upon long life. And this
thing is no marvel, ſeeing the Air of the Sea doth heat and cheriſh in cooler Regi-
ons, and cool in hotter.
High Situations do rather afford long-livers than Low, eſpecially if they be not Tops
ſuch as was Ar-
cadia in Greece, and that part of Ætolia where we related them to have lived ſo long. Now there would be the ſame reaſon for Mountains themſelves, becauſe of the pureneſs
and clearneſs of the Air, but that they are corrupted by accident, namely, by the
Vapours riſing thither out of the Valleys, and reſting there; and therefore in Snowy
Mountains there is not found any notable long life, not in the Alps, not in the Pyre-
nean Mountains, not in the Apennine: yet in the tops of the Mountains running
along towards Æthiopia and the Abyſſines, where by reaſon of the Sands beneath little
or no Vapour riſeth to the Mountains, they live long, even at this very day, attaining ma-
ny times to an hundred and fifty years.
Marſhes and Fens are propitious to the Natives, and malignant to Strangers, as touch-
and that which may ſeem more mar-
vellous, Salt-Marſhes, where the Sea Ebbs and Flows, areleſs wholſome than thoſe of
Freſh water.
The Countries which have been obſerved to produce long-livers are theſe;
Arcadia,
the Orcades and Hebrides: for as for Æthiopia, which by one of the Ancients is re-
ported to bring forth long-Livers, ’tis but a toy,
It is a Secret;
The healthfulneſs of Air, eſpecially in any perfection, is better
You may make a trial by
a lock of Wool expoſed for a few dayes in the open Air, if the weight be not much
another by a piece of fleſh expoſed likewiſe, if it corrupt not over-ſoon;
another by a Weather-glaſs, if the Water interchange not too ſuddenly.
Of theſe and
the like enquire further.
Not onely the Goodneſs or Pureneſi of the Air, but alſo the Equality of the Air,
Intermixture of Hills and Dales is pleaſant to the ſight, but
ſuſpected for long life. A Plain, moderately drie, but yet not over-barren or ſan-
dy, nor altogether without Trees and Shade, is very convenient for length of
life.
Inequality of Air (as was even now ſaid) in the place of our dwelling is naught;
and therefore
great Travellers have been long liv’d. Alſo thoſe that have lived perpetually in a little
Cottage, in the ſame place, have been long-livers: for air accuſtomed conſumeth leſs;
but air changed nouriſheth and repaireth more.
As the continuation and number of Succeſſions (which we ſaid before) makes no-
ſo the immediate condition of the Parents,
(as well the Father as the Mother) without doubt availeth much. For ſome are be
gotten of old men, ſome of young men, ſome of men of middle age; again, ſome
are begotten of fathers healthful and well-diſpoſed, others of diſeaſed and languiſh-
ing; again, ſome of fathers immediately after repletion, or when they are
drunk, others after ſleeping, or in the morning; again, ſome after a long inter-
miſſion of Venus, others upon the act repeated; again, ſome in the fervency of the
father’s love, (as it is commonly in Baſtards) others after the cooling of it, as in
long-married couples. The ſame things may be conſidered on the part of the Mother:
unto which muſt be added the condition of the Mother whilſt ſhe is with child,
as touching her health, as touching her diet, the time of her bearing in the womb,
to the tenth month, or earlier. To reduce theſe things to a Rule, how far they
may concern Long Life, is hard; and ſo much the harder, for that thoſe things
which a man would conceive to be the beſt, will fall out to the contrary: For that
alacrity in the Generation which begets luſty and lively children, will be leſs
proſitable to long life, becauſe of the Acrimony and inflaming of the Spirits. We
ſaid before, That to partake more of the mother’s bloud conduceth to long life:
alſo we ſuppoſe all things in moderation to be beſt; rather Conjugal love than
Meretricious; the hour for Generation to be the morning;
a ſtate of body not too
luſty or full, and ſuch like. It ought to be well obſerved, that a ſtrong Conſtitu-
tion in the Parents is rather good for them then for the Child, eſpecially in the Mother:
And therefore Plato thought, ignorantly enough, that the virtue of Generations
halted, becauſe the Woman uſed not the ſame exerciſe both of mind and body
with the Men. The contrary is rather true;
for the difference of virtue betwixt
the Male and the Female is moſt profitable for the Child; and the thinner Wo-
men yield more towards the nouriſhment of the Child; which alſo holds in
Nutſes. Neither did the Spartan Women, which married not beforetwenty two, or,
as ſome ſay, twenty five, (and therefore were called Man-like women) bring forth a
more generous or long-liv’d Progeny than the Roman or Athenian, or Theban
women did, which were ripe for Marriage at twelve or fourteen years; and if there
were any thing eminent in the spartans, that was rather to be imputed to the Par-
ſimony of their Diet than to the late Marriages of their Women. But this we are
taught by experience, that there are ſome Races which are long-liv’d for a few
Deſcents; ſo that Life is like ſome Diſeaſes, a thing hereditary within certain
bounds.
Fair in Face, or Skin, or Hair, are ſhorter livers;
Black, or Red, or Freckled,
Alſo too freſh a colour in Youth doth leſs promiſe long life than paleneſs.
A hard skin is a ſign of long life rather that a ſoft;
but we underſtand not this of a rug-
ged skin, ſuch as they call the Gooſe skin, which is as it were ſpongy, but of that which
is hard and cloſe. A Fore-head with deep furrows and wrinkles is a better ſign than a
ſmooth and plain Forehead.
The Hairs of the Head hard and like briſtles, do betoken longer life than thoſe that are
Curled Hairs betoken the ſame thing, if they be hard withal;
but the
contrary if they be ſoft and ſhining: the like if the curling be rather thick than in large
bunches.
Early or late Baldneſs is an indifferent thing, ſeeing many which have been
Alſo early gray hairs (howſoever they may ſeem fore-
runners of old age approaching) are no ſure ſigns; for many that have grown gray be-
times have lived to great years: nay, haſty gray hairs without Baldneſs is atoken of long
life; contrarily, if they be accompanied with Baldneſs.
Hairineſs of the upper parts is a ſign of ſhort life, and they that have extraordinary
but hairineſs of the lower parts, as of the Thighes
and Legs, is a ſign of long life.
Talneſs of Stature (if it be notimmoderate) with convenient making, and not too
Alſo on the con-
trary, men of low ſtature live long, if they be not too active and ſtirring.
In the proportion of the body, they which are ſhort to the waſtes, with long Leggs, are
alſo they which
are large in the neather parts, and ſtreight in the upper, (the making of their body riſing,
as it were, into a ſharp figure) are longer-liv’d than they that have broad ſhoulders, and
are ſlender downwards.
Leanneſs, where the affections are ſetled, calm, and peaceable;
alſo a more fat ha-
long life: but Corpulency in Youth foreſhews ſhort life, in Age it is a thing more
indifferent.
To be long and ſlow in growing is a ſign of long life;
if to a greaterſtature, the greater
contrarily, to grow quickly to a great
ſtature is an evil ſign; if to a ſmall ſtature, the leſs evil.
Firm Fleſh, a raw-bone body, and veins lying higher than the fleſh, betoken long
the contrary to theſe, ſhort life.
A Head ſomewhat leſſer than to the proportion of the body;
a moderate Neck, not
wide Noſtrils, whatſoever the form of the Noſe
be; a large Mouth;
and Ear griſtly, not fleſhy;
Teeth ſtrong and contiguous, ſmall, or
thin-ſet, fore-token long liſe; and much more if ſomenew Teeth put forth in our elder
years.
A broad Breaſt, yet not bearing out, but rather bending inwards; Shoulders ſome-
a flat Belly;
a Handlarge,
and with few lines in the Palm; a ſhortand round Foot, Thighs not fleſhy, and Calves
of the Leggs not hanging over, but neat, are ſigns of long life.
Eyes ſomewhat large, and the Circles of them inclined to greenneſs;
Senſes not too
the Pulſe in youth ſlower, towards old age quicker;
Facility of holding the
Bthe body in youth inclined to be bound, in the decline
of years more laxative, are alſo ſigns of long life.
Concerning the Times of Nativity, as they refer to long life, nothing hath been ob-
cted in our opicks. A Birth at the eighth month is not onely long-liv’d, but not likely
to live. Alſo Winter births are accounted the longer-liv’d.
A Pythagorical or Monaſtical Diet, according to ſtrict rules, and always exactly e-
Yet on the
contrary, amongſt thoſe that live freely and after the common ſort, ſuch as have good
ſtomachs, and feed more plentifully, are often the longeſt-liv’d. The middle diet, which
we account the temperate, is commended, and conduceth to good health, but not to
long life: for the spare diet begets few Spirits, and dull, and ſo waſteth the body leſs;
and the liberal diet yieldeth more ample nouriſhment, and ſo repaireth more:
but the
middle diet doth neither of both, for where the Extreamsare hurtful, there the Mean is
beſt; but where the Extreams are helpful, there the Mean is nothing worth.
Now to that spare diet there are requiſite Watching, leſt the Spirits being few
ſhould be oppreſſed with much ſleep; little Exerciſe, leſt they ſhould exhale;
ab-
ſtinence from Venery, leſt they ſhould be exhauſted: but to the liberal diet, on the
other ſide, are requiſite much Sleep, frequent Exerciſes, and a ſeaſonable uſe of Venery. Baths and Anointings (ſuch as were anciently in uſe) did rather tend to delici-
ouſneſs than to prolonging of life. But of all theſe things we ſhall ſpcak more ex-
actly when we come to the Inquiſition according to Intentions. Mean while that of
celſus, who was not onely a learned Phyſician, but a wiſe man, is not to be omitted,
who adviſeth interchanging and alternation of the diet, but ſtill with an inclina-
tion to the more benign: as that a man ſhould ſometimes accuſtom himſelf to
but to ſleep oftneſt:
again, that he ſhould ſometimes
give himſelf to faſting, ſometimes to feaſting; but to feaſting oftneſt:
that he ſhould
ſometimes inure himſelf to great labours of the miud, ſometimes to relaxations of
the ſame; but to relaxations oftmeſt.
Certainly this is withont all queſtion, that Diet
well ordered bears the greateſt part in the prolongation of life: neither did I ever meet
an extream long liv’d man, but beingasked of his courſe, he obſerved ſomething pe-
culiar; ſome one thing, ſome another.
I remember an old man, above an hundred
years of age, who was produced as witneſs touching an ancient Preſcription. When
he had finiſhed his teſtimony the Jugde familiarly asked him how he came to live ſo long. He anſwered, beſide expectation, and not without the laughter of the hearers, By
eating before I was hungry, and drinking before I was dry. But of theſe things we ſhall
ſpeak hereafter.
A Life led in Religion and in Holy Exerciſes ſeemeth to conduce to long life.
There
venly things, Joyes not ſenſual, noblehopes, wholſome Fears, ſweet Sorrows; laſtly,
continual Renovations by Obſervances, Penances, Expiations: all which are very pow-
erful to the prolongation of life. Unto which if you add that auſtere diet which hard-
neth the maſs of the Body, and humbleth the Spirits, no marvel if an extraordinary
length of life do follow; ſuch was that of Paul the Hermite, Simeon Stelita the Columnar
Anchorite, and of many other Hermites and Anchorites.
Next unto this is the life led in good Letters, ſuch as was that of Philoſophers, Rhe-
This life is alſo led in leiſure, and in thoſe thoughts, which,
ſeeing they are ſevered from the affairs of the world, bite not, but rather delight
throughtheir Variety and Impertinency: They live alſo at their pleaſure, ſpending their
time in ſuch things as like them beſt, and for the moſt part in the company of young
men, which is ever the moſt chearful. But in Philoſophies there is great difference
betwixt the Sects as touching long life: For thoſe Philoſophies which have in them a
touch of Superſtition, and are converſant in high Contemplations, are the beſt; as the
Pytbagorical and Platonick: alſo thoſe which did inſtitute a perambulation of the
world, and conſidered the variety of natural things, and had reachleſs, and high, and
magnanimous thoughts, (as of Infinitum, of the Stars, of the Heroical Vertues, and
ſuch like) were good for lengthning of life; ſuch were thoſe of Democritus Philolaus,
Xenophanes, the Aſtrologians and stoicks: alſo thoſe which had no profound Specu-
lation in them, but diſcourſed calmly on both fides, out of common Senſe, and there-
ceived Opinions, without any ſharp Inquiſitions, were likewiſe good; ſuch were thoſe
of Carneades and the Academicks, alſo of the Rhetoricians and Grammarians. But
contrary, Philoſophies converſant in perplexing Subtilties, and which pronounced pe-
remptorily, and which examined and wreſted all things to the Scale of Principles, laſtly,
which were thorny and narrow, were evil: ſuch were thoſe commonly of the Peripa-
teticks, and of the school-men.
The Country life alſo is well fitted for long life:
it is much abroad, and in the open
it feedeth upon freſh Cates, and un-
bought; it is without Cares and Envy.
For the Military life, we have a good opinion of that whilſt a man is young.
Certain-
Corvinus, camillus, Xenophon, Ageſi-
laus, with others both ancient and modern. No doubt it furthereth long life to have
all things from our youth to our elder age mend, and grow to the better, that a Youth
full of croſſes may miniſter ſweetneſs to our Old age. We conceive alſo that Military
affections, inflamed with a deſire of Fighting, and hope of Victory, do infuſe ſuch a
heat into the Spirits, as may be profitable for long life.
THe Art of Phyſick, which we now have, looks no further commonly than to Conſerva-
As for thoſe things which tend properly to
Long Life, there is but ſlight mention, and by the way onely. Notwith ſtanding we will
propound thoſe Medicines which are notable in this kind, I mean, thoſe which are Cordials. For it is conſonant to reaſon, that thoſe things which being taken in Cures do defend and
fortifie the Heart, or, more truly, the Spirits, against Poyſons and Diſeaſes, being tranſ-
ferred with judgment and choice into Diet, ſhould have a good effect, in ſome ſort, towards
the Prolonging of Life. This we will do, not heaping them promiſcuouſly together, (as
the manner is) but ſelecting the beſt.
Gold is given in three forms;
either in that which they call Aurum potabile, or in
gold, and the Filings of Gold. As for Aurum potabile, it is uſed to be given in deſpe-
rate or dangerous diſeaſes, and that not without good ſucceſs. But we ſuppofe that
the Spirits of the Salt, by which the Gold is diſſolved, do rather miniſter that vertue
which is found in it, than the Gold it ſelf; though this ſecret be wholly ſuppreſſed.
Now if the body of Gold could be opened with theſe Corroſive waters, or by theſe
Corroſive waters (ſo the venomous quality were wanting) well waſhed, we conceive
it would be no unprofitable Medicine.
Pearls are taken either in a fine Powder, or in a certain Maſs, or Diſſolution by the
and they are given ſometimes in Aromatical Confecti-
ons, ſometimes in Liquor. The Pearl, nodoubt, hath ſome affinity with the Shell in
which it groweth, and may be of the ſame quality with the Shels of Cra-fijhes.
Amongſt the transparent precious Stones, two onely are accounted Cordial, the Eme-
ſave
only that the diſſolutions of them, as far as we know, are not in uſe. But we ſuſpect
theſe Glaſſie Jewels, leſt they ſhould be cutting.
Of theſe which we have mentioned, how far and in what manner they are helpful, ſhall
be ſpoken hereafter.
Bezoar-Stone is of approved vertue for refreſhing the Spirits, and procuring a gen
As for the Vnicorn’s Horn, it hath loſt the credit with us;
yet ſo, as it
may keep rank with Hart’s Horn, and the Bone in the heart of a Hart, and Ivory,
and ſuch like.
Amber-griece is one of the beſt to appeaſe and comfort the Spirits.
Hereafter follow the names only of the Simple Cordials, ſeeing their Vertues are ſuf-
ficiently known.
Seeing our ſpeecb now is of thoſe things which may be transferred into Diet, all hot
Waters and Chymieal Oiles, (which, as a certain Trifler ſaith, are under the Planet
Mars, and have a furious and deſtructive force) as alſo all hot and biting Spices are
to be rejected, and a Conſideration to be had, how waters and Liquors may be made of
the former Simples: not thoſe phlegmatick diſtilled Waters, nor again thoſe burning Waters
of spirits of Wine; but ſuch as may be more temperate, and yet lively, and ſending forth
a benign Vapour.
I make ſome queſtion touching the frequent letting of Bloud, whether it conduceth
and I am rather in the opinion that it doth, if it be turned into a
habit, and other things be well diſpoſed: for it letteth out the old Juice of the body,
and bringeth in new.
I ſuppoſe alſo, that ſome Emaciating Diſeaſes well cured, do profit to long life, for
they yield new Juice, the old being conſumed; and, as (as he ſaith) To recover a
ſickneſs is to renew youth: Therefore it were good to make ſome Artiſicial Diſeaſes,
which is done by ſtrict and Emaciating Diets, of which I ſhall ſpeak hereafter.
HAving finiſhed the Inquiſition according to the Subjects, as namely, of Inanimate
I will now come nearer to the
matter, and order mine Inquiſitions by certain Intentions, ſuch as are true and proper,
(as I am wholly perſwaded) and which are the very paths to Mortal Life. For in
this part, nothing that is of worth hath hitherto been inquired, but the contemplations
of men have been but ſimple, and non-proficients. For when I hear men on the one
ſide ſpeak of comforting Natural heat, and the Radical moiſture, and of Meats which
breed good Blood, ſuch as may neitber be burnt nor phlegmatick; and of the cheering
and recreating the Spirits; I ſuppoſe them to be no bad men which ſpeak theſe things:
but none of theſe worketh effectually towards the end.
But when on the other ſide I hear
ſeveral diſcourſes touching Medicines made of Gold, becauſe Gold is not ſubject to cor-
ruption; and touching Precious ſtones to refrefh the ſpirits by their hidden properties
and luſtre, and that if they could be taken and retained in Veſſels, the Balſoms, and
Quinteſſences of living Creatures, would make men conceive a proud hope of Immorta-
lity: And that the Fleſh of Serpents and Harts, by a certain conſent, are powerful to
the Renovation of Life, becauſe the one caſteth his Skin, the other his Horns: (they
ſhould alſo have added the Fleſh of Eagles, becauſe the Eagle changes bis Bill) And
that a certain Man, when he had found an Oyntment hidden under the ground, and
had anointed himſelf therewith from head to foot, (excepting onely the ſoles of his feet)
did, by his anointing, live three hundred years, without any diſeaſe, ſave onely ſome
Tumors in the ſoles of his feet: and of Arteſius, who when he ſound his Spirit ready to
depart, drew into his body the ſpirit of a certain young man, and thereby made him
breathleſs, but himſelf lived many years by another mans Spirit: And of Fortunate
Hours according to the Figures of Heaven, in which Medicines are to be gathered and
compounded for the prolongation of Life: And of the Seales of Planets, by which ver-
tuesmay be drawn and fetched down from Heaven to prolong Life: and ſuch like fabulous
and ſuperſtitious vanities: I wonder exceedingly that men ſhould ſo much doat, as to
ſuffer themſelves to be deluded with theſe things. And again, I do pity Mankind that they
ſhould have the hard fortune to be beſieged with ſuch frivolous and ſenceleſs apprehenſions.
But mine Intentions do both come home to the Matter, and are far from vain and cre-
dulous Imaginatious; being alſo ſuch, as I conceive, poſterity may adde much to the
matters which ſatisfie theſe Intentions; but to the Intentions themſelves, but a little.
Notwith ſtanding there are a few things, and thoſe of very great moment, of which I
would have men to be forewarned.
Firſt, we are of that opinion, that we eſteem the Offices of Life to be more worthy
than Ltfe it ſelf. Therefore if there be any thing of that kind that may indeed exactly
anſwer our Intentions, yet fo, that the Offices and Duties of Life be thereby hin-
dred; whatſoever it be of this kind, we reject it.
Perhaps wemay make ſome light men-
tion of ſome things, but we inſiſt not upon them. For we make no ſerious nor diligent diſ
courſe, either of leading the life in Caves, where the sunbeams and ſeveral changes of the
Air pierce not, like Epimenides his Cave; or of perpetual baths, made of Liquors pre-
pared; or of shirts, and Sear cloths ſo applied, that the Body ſhould be always as it were
in a Box; or of thick paintings of the body, after the manner of ſome Barbarous Na-
tions; or of an exact ordering of our Life and Diet, which aimeth onely at this, and
mindeth nothing elſe but that a man live, (as was that of Herodicus amongſt the An-
tients, and of Cornarus the Venetian in our days, but with greater moderation;) or
of any ſuch Prodigy, Tediouſneſs, or Inconvenience: but we propound ſuch Remedies and
Precepts, by which the Offices of Life may neither be deſerted, nor receive any great
interr uptions or moleſtations.
Secondly, on the other ſide we denounce unto men that they will give over trifling, and
not imagine that ſo great a work as the ſtopping and turning back the powerful courſe of na-
ture, can be brought to paſs by ſome Morning-draught, or the taking of ſome precious
Drug, but that they would be aſſured that it muſt needs be, that this is a work of labour,
and conſisteth of many Remedies, and a fit connexion of them amongſt themſelves; for no
man can be ſo ſtupid as to imagine, that what was never yet done, can be done, but by ſuch
ways as were never yet attempted.
I hirdly, we ingeniouſly profeſs, that ſome of thoſe things which we ſhall propound have
not been tried by us by way of Experiment, (for our courſe of life doth not permit that)
but are derived (as we ſuppoſe) upon good reaſon, out of our Principles and Grounds,
(of which ſome we ſet down, others we reſerve in our mind) and are, as it were, cut and
digged out of the Rock and Mine of Nature her ſelf. Nevertheleſs we have been careful,
and that with all providence and circumſpection, (ſeeing the Scripture ſaith of the Body
of Man, that it is more worth than Raiment) to propound ſuch Remedies, as may at
leaſt be ſafe, if peradventure they be not fruitful.
Fourthly, we would have men rightly to obſerve and diſtinguiſh, that thoſe things which
are good for an Healthful Life, are not always good for a Long Life; for there are ſome
things which do further the alacrity of the Spirits, and the ſtrength and vigour of the
Functions, which notwithſtanding, do cut off from the ſum of Life; and there are other things
which are profitable to prolongation of Life, which are not without ſome peril of health,
unleſs this matter be ſalved by ſit Remedies; of which, notwithſtanding, as occaſion ſhall be
offered, we will not omit to give ſome Cautions and Monitions.
Laſtly we have thought good to propound ſundry Remedies, according to the ſeveral
Intentions; but the choice of thoſe Remedies, and the order of them, to leave to Diſ-
cretion: for to ſet down exactly which of them agreeth beſt, with which Conſtitution of
Body, which with the ſeveral courſes of Life, which with each mans particular Age, and
how they are to be taken one after another, and how the whole Practique of theſe things is to
be adminiſtred and governed, would be too long, neither is it ſit to be publiſbed.
In the Topicks we propunded three Intentions:
The Prohibiting of Conſumption,
The Peifecting of Reparation, and the Renewing of Oldneſs. But ſeeing thoſe things
which ſhall be ſaid are nothing leſs than words, we will deduce theſe three Intentions to ten
Operations.
The firſt is, the Operation upon the Spirits that they may renew their vigour.
The ſecond Operation is upon the Excluſion of Air.
The third Operation is upon the Bloud, and the Sanguifying Heat.
The fourth Operation is upon the Juices of the Body.
The fifth Operation is upon the Bowels, for their Extruſion of Aliment.
The ſixth Operation is upon the Outward Parts, for their Attraction of Aliment.
The ſeventh Operation is upon the Aliment it ſelf, for the Inſinuation thereof.
The eighth Operation is upon the laſt Act of Aſſimilation.
The ninth Operation is upon the Inteneration of the Parts, after they begin to be dried.
The tenth Operation is upon the Purging away of Old Juice, and Supplying of New
Of theſe Operations, the four firſt belong to the Firſt Intention, the four next to the se-
cond Intention, and the two laſt to the Third Intention.
But becauſe this part touching the Intenſions doth tend to Practice, under the name
of Hiſtory, we will not onely compriſe Experiments and Obſervations, but alſo Counſels,
Remedies, Explications of Cauſes, Aſſumptions, and whatſoever hath reference here-
unto.
THE Spirits are the Maſter-workmen of all effects in the Body.
This is ma-
If any man could procure that a young man’s Spirit could be conveyed into
turn about the leſſer Wheel of the Parts, and ſo the courſe of Nature become retro-
gade.
In every Conſumption, whether it be by Fire or by Age, the more the Spirit of the
This occurs every where, and is manifeſt.
The Spirits are to be put into ſuch a temperament and degree of activity, that
onely.
There are two kinds of Flames:
the one eager and weak, which conſumes ſlight
as the flame of ſtraw, or ſmall Sticks:
the other ſtrong and conſtant, which converts hard and obſtinate ſubſtances;
as the
flame of hard wood, and ſuch like.
The eager flames, and yet leſs robuſt, do dry Bodies, and render them exhauſt and
but the ſtronger flames do intenerate and melt them.
Alſo in Diſſipating Medicines, ſome vapour forth the thin part of the tumors
others potently diſcuſs, and theſe ſof-
ten it.
Alſo in Purging and Abſterging Medicines, ſome carry away the fluid humors vio-
The Spirits ought to be inveſted and armed with ſuch a heat, that they may chuſe ra-
the thin and prepared; for by that means the Body becomes green and ſolid.
The Spirits are ſo to be wrought and tempered, that they may be in Subſtance Denſe, not
in Heat strong, not Eager;
in Quantity Sufficient for the offices of Life, not Re-
dundant or Turgid; in Motion Appeaſed, not Dancing or Unequal.
That Vapours work powerfully upon the Spirits, it is manifeſt by Sleep, by Drunken-
back again in Swounings and Faintings.
The Spirits are condenſed four ways;
either by putting them to flight, or by refri-
And firſt of their
Condenſation by putting them to flight.
Whatſoever putteth to flight on all parts, driveth the body into his Centre, and ſo
To the Condenſation of the spirits by flight, the moſt powerful and effectual is Opi-
The force of Opium to the condenſation of the Spirits is exceeding ſtrong, whenas
turn no more, but are extinguiſhed, and become immoveable.
Opium, and the like, put not the Spirits to flight by their coldneſs, for they
but, on the contrary, cool by their putting the Spirits
to flight.
The Flight of the Spirits by Opium and Opiate Medicines is beſt ſeen by applying the
for the Spirits ſtraight with-draw themſelves, and will return no more,
but the part is mortified, and turns to a Gængrene.
Opiates, in grievous pains, as in the Stone, or the cutting off of a Limb, mitigate pains
Opiates obtai
for the Flight of the Spirits is evil but
The Grecians attributed much, both for health and for prolongation of life, as O-
but the Arabians much more, inſomuch that their grand Medicines (which they
called the gods Hands) had Opium for their Baſis and principal Ingredient, other things
being mixed to abate and correct the noxious qualities thereof; ſuch were Treacle,
Methridate, and the reſt.
Whatſoever is given with good ſucceſs in the curing of Peſtilential and Malignant
very happily be transferred to the prolongation of life; for one thing is effectual unto
both, namely, the condenſation of the Spirits: now there is nothing better for that
than Opiates.
The Turks find Opium, even in a reaſonable good quantity, harmleſs and comfortable,
but to us, unleſs it be
in a very ſmall quantity, and with good Correctives, it is mortal.
Opium and Opiates are manifeſtly found to excite Venus;
which ſhews them to have
Diſtilled Water of wilde Poppy is given with good ſucceſs in Surfeits, Agues, and divers
which no doubt is a temperate kind of Opiate.
Neither let any man wonder
at the various uſe of it; for that is familiar to Opiates, in regard that the Spirits, cor-
roborated and condenſed, will riſe up againſt any diſeaſe.
The Turks uſe a kind of Herb which they call Caphe, which they dry and powder,
which, they ſay, doth not a little ſharpen them, both
in their Courage, and in their Wits; notwithſtanding, if it be taken in a large quantity,
it affects and diſturbs the mind: whereby it is manifeſt, that it is of the ſame nature
with Opiates.
There is a Root much renowned in all the Eaſtern parts, which they call Betel, which
champing they are wonderfully enabled both to endure labours, and to overcome
ſickneſſes, and to the act of carnal copulation: It ſeems to be a kind of Stupefactive,
becauſe it exceedingly blacks the Teeth.
Tobacco in our age is immoderately grown into uſe, and it affects men with a ſe-
hardly afterwards leave it: and no doubt it hath power to lighten the body, and to
ſhake off wearineſs. Now the vertue of it is commonly thought to be, becauſe it
opens the paſſages, and voids humors: but it may more rightly be referred to the con-
denſation of the Spirits; for it is a kind of Henbane, and manifeſtly troubles the
Head, as Opiates do.
There are ſometimes Humors engendred in the body, which are, as it were, Opiate
as it is in ſome kind of Melancholies, with which if a man be affected, it
is a ſign of very long life.
The ſimple Opiates (which are alſo called Stupefactives) are theſe;
Opium it ſelf,
both the Poppies, as well in the Herb as in the Seed;
Hen-
bane, Mandrake, Hemlock, Tobacco, Night-ſhade.
The compound Opiates are, Treacle, Methridate, Trifera, Ladanum, Paracelſi, Diaco-
From this which hath been ſaid, certain Deſignations or Counſels may be deduced
namely, of condenſing
the Spirits by Opiates.
L
let it
attenuated, and there are leſs dangers from cold humours; let it be ſome Magiſtral
Opiate, weaker than thoſe that are commonly in uſe, both in reſpect of a ſmaller quan-
tity of Opium, and of a more ſparing mixture of extreme hot things; let it be taken in
the morning betwixt ſleeps. The fare for that time would be more ſimple and ſpa-
ring than ordinary, without Wine, or Spices, or Vapourous things. This Medicine to
be taken onely each other day, and to be continued for a fortnight. This Deſignation in
our judgment comes home to the intenſion.
Opiates alſo may be taken, not onely by the mouth, but alſo by Fumes;
but the
down humours, but onely taken in a Weft, may work upon the Spirits within the
brain. And therefore a Suffumigation of Tobacco, Lignum-Aloes, Roſemary-leaves
very good.
In Grand Opiates, ſuch as are Treacle, Methridate, and the reſt, it would not be
in their bodies; for the vapour in diſtilling doth riſe, but the heat of the Medicine com-
monly ſetleth. Now diſtilled Waters are good in thoſe vertues which are conveyed by
Vapours, in other things but weak.
There are Medicines which have a certain weak and hidden degree, and therefore
theſe ſend forth a ſlow and copious vapour, but not malig-
nant as Opiates do, therefore they put not the Spirits to flight; notwithſtanding they
congregate them, and ſome what thicken them.
Medicines in order to Opiates are principally Saffron, next Folium Indum, Am-
Orenge-flower water, and much more the Infuſion of the ſame Flowers new gathered
in the Oil of Almonds; Nutmegs pricked full of holes, and macerated in Roſe-
water.
As Opiates are to be taken very ſparingly, and at certain times, as was ſaid, ſo theſe ſe-
to prolongation of life. Certainly an Apothecary of Calecute, by the uſe of Amber,
is ſaid to have lived an hundred and ſixty years; and the Noble-men of Barbary, through
the uſe thereof, are certifi’d to be very long liv’d, whereas the mean people are but
of ſhort life. And our Anceſtors, who were longer-liv’d than we, did uſe S
much in their Cakes, Broths, and the like. And touching the firſt way of condenſing
the Spirits of Opiates and the Subordinates thereto, thus much.
Now we will enquire of the ſecond way of condenſing the Spirits by Cold.
For the
quality; and therefore it is a ſafer operation than by Opiates, though ſomewhat leſs
powerful, if it be done by turns onely, as Opiates are. But then again, becauſe it may
be uſed familiarly, and in our daily diet with moderation, it is much more powerful for
the prolongation of life than by Opiates.
The Refrigeration of the Spirits is effected three ways, either by Respiration,
The firſt is the beſt, but, in a ſort, out of our
power; the ſecond is potent, but yet ready, and at hand;
the third is weak, and
ſomewhat about.
Air clear and pure, and which hath no foggineſs in it, before it be received into the
Such
is found either on the tops of dry Mountains, or in Champagnes open to the wind, and
yet not without ſome ſhade.
As for the Refrigeration and Condenſation of the Spirits by Vapours, the Root of this
ing thereunto led, and perſwaded by theſe Arguments.
Nitre is a kind of cool Spice:
this is apparent to the ſenſe it ſelf, for it bites the
we know, that hath this property.
Almoſt all cold things (which are cold properly, and not by accident, as Opium is)
contrarily, things full of Spirit are almoſt all hot, onely
Nitre is found amongſt Vegetables, which aboundeth with Spirit, and yet is cold. As
for Camphire, which is full of Spirit, and yet performeth the actions of cold, it cooleth
by accident onely; as namely, for that by the thinneſs thereof, without Acrimony,
it helpeth perſpiration in inflammations.
In congealing and freezing of Liquors, (which is lately grown into uſe) by laying
citeth and fortifieth the Congelation. It is true, that they uſe alſo for this work ordinary
Bay-Salt, which doth rather give activity to the coldneſs of the Snow, than cool by it
ſelf: But, as I have heard, in the hotter Regions, where Snow falls not, the congeal-
ing is wrought by Nitre alone; but this I cannot certainly affirm.
It is affirmed that Gun powder, which conſiſteth principally of Nitre, being taken in
before they begin their Battels, as the Turks do Opium.
Nitre is given with good ſucceſs in burning Agues, and Peſtilential Fevers, to miti-
It is manifeſt, that Nitre in Gun-powder doth mightily abhor the Flame, from
Nitre is found to be, as it were, the Spirit of the Earth:
for this is moſt cer-
and covered, that it be free from the Sun-beams, and putteth forth no Vegetable,
will gather Nitre, even in good abundance. By which it is clear, that the Spirit of
Nitre is not onely inferiour to the Spirit of living Creatures, but alſo to the Spirit
of Vegetables.
Cattle which drink of Nitrous water do manifeſtly grow fat, which is a ſign of the
The manuring of the Soil is chiefly by Nitrous ſubſtances;
for all Dung is Nitrous,
From hence it appears, that the Spirits of Man may be cooled and condenſed
And therefore,
as ſtrong Wines, and Spices, and the like, do burn the Spirits, and ſhorten life; ſo on the contrary ſide, Nitre doth compoſe and repreſs them, and furthereth to
life.
Nitre may be uſed with meat, mixed with our Salt, to the tenth part of the Salt;
but howſoever
it be uſed, with moderation, it is of prime force to long life.
As Opium holds the preheminence in condenſing the Spirits, by putting them to
taken both in greater quantity, and in more frequent uſe, of which we have for-
merly ſpoken: ſo alſo Nitre, which condenſeth the Spirits by cold, and by a kind of
Freſcour, (as wenow a-days ſpeak) hath alſo his Subordinates.
Subordinates to Nitre are all thoſe things which yield an Odour ſomewhat Ear-
of this ſort
the chief are, Borage, Bugloſs, Langue de Bœuf, Burnet, Strawberry leaves and
Strawberries, Frambois or Raſpis, raw Cucumers, raw Pearmains, Vine-leaves, and Buds; alſo Violets.
The next in order are thoſe which have a certain ft
yet not altogether void of that vertue of refreſhing by cool-
neſs; ſuch as are Balm, green Citrons, green Orenges, Roſe-water diſtilled, roasted Wardens;
alſo the Damask, Red, and Musk Roſes.
This is to be noted, that Subordinates to Nitre do commonly confer more to
is diſſipated by the Fire; therefore they are beſt taken, either infuſed in ſome liquor,
or raw.
As the condenſation of the Spirits by Subordinates to Opium is, in ſome ſort, per-
therefore the ſmell
of new and pure Earth, taken either by following the Plough, or by digging, or by
weeding, excellently refreſheth the Spirits. Alſo the Leaves of Trees in Woods, or
Hedges, falling towards the middle of Autumn, yield a good refreſhing to the Spi-
rits, but none ſo good as Strawberry-leaves dying. Likewiſe the ſmell of Violets, or
Wall-flowers, or Bean-flowers, or Sweet-briar, or Hony-ſuckles, taken as they grow, in
paſſing by them onely, is of the ſame nature.
Nay, and we know a certain great w
he might take the ſmell thereof.
There is no doubt, but the cooling and tempering of the blood by cool things, ſuch
cool the Spirits; but this is about, whereas vaponrs cool immediately.
And as touching the condenſing of the Spirits by Cold, thus much:
The third way
The fourth, by quieting the alacrity and unrulineſs of them.
Such things ſtroke the Spirits as are pleaſing and friendly to them, yet they al-
but rather prevail, that the Spirits contented, as it were,
Centre.
For theſe, if you recollect thoſe things which were formerly ſet down, as Subor-
As for the quieting of the unrulineſs of the Spirits, we ſhall preſently ſpeak of that,
Now then, ſeeing we have ſpoken of that
Condenſation of the Spirits which pertaineth to their ſubſtance, we will come to the
temper of Heat in them.
The Heat of the Spirits, as we ſaid, ought to be of that kind that it may be robuſt,
the thin and light humors.
We muſt beware of Spices, wine, and ſtrong Drinks, that our uſe of them be very
alſo of Savory, Wild marjoram, Penny-royal,
and all ſuch as bite and heat the tongue; for they yield unto the Spirits an heat not O-
perative, but Predatory.
Theſe yield a robuſt heat, eſpecially Elecampane, Garlick, Carduus Benedictus,
Myrrhe, Pepper-wort, Elder flowers, Garden-Chervile;
choice and judgement, ſometimes in Sallads, ſometimes in Medicines, will ſatisfie this
Operation.
It falls out well that the Grand Opiates will alſo ſerve excellently for this Operation,
found, in Simples. For the mixing of thoſe exceſſive hot things (ſuch as are En
bium, Pellitory of Spain, stavis-acre, Dragon-wort, Anacordi, caſtoreum, Ariſtolochium,
Opponax, Ammoniachum, Galbanum, and the like, which of themſelves cannot be taken
inwardly) to qualifie and abate the Stupefactive virtue of the Opium, they do make
ſuch a conſtitution of a Medicament as we now require; which is excellently ſeen in
this, That Treacle and Methridate, and the reſt, are not ſharp, nor bite the tongue,
but are onely ſomewhat bitter, and of ſtrong ſcent, and at laſt manifeſt their heat when
they come into the ſtomach, and in their ſubſequent operations.
There conduce alſo to the robuſt heat of the Spirits Venus often excited, rarely
and no leſs ſome of the affections, of which ſhall be ſpoken hereafter.
So touching the heat of the Spirits, Analogical to the prolongation of Life, thus
much.
Touching the Quantity of the Spirits, that they be not exuberant and boiling, but
great flame) the Inquiſition will be ſhort.
It ſeems to be approved by experience, that a spare Diet, and almoſt a Pythagori-
by Hermites, which have Neceſſity and Poverty for their Rule, rendreth a man long-
liv’d.
Hitherto appertain drinking of water, a hard Bed, abſtinence from Fire, a ſlender
freſh and hot) an Hair-ſhirt, frequent Faſtings, frequent Watchings, few ſenſual Plea-
ſures, and ſuch like; for all theſe diminiſh the Spirits, and reduce them to ſuch a quan-
tity as may be ſuffi
leſs.
But if the Diet ſhall not be altogether ſo rigorous and mortifying, yet notwithſtand-
We ſee
it in Flames, that a Flame ſomewhat bigger (ſo it be always alike and quiet) conſu-
meth leſs of the fuel than a leſſer Flame blown with Bellows, and by Guſts ſtronger
or weaker: That which the Regiment and Diet of Cornarus the Venetian ſhewed
plainly, who did eat and drink ſo many years together by a juſt weight, where-
by he exceeded an hundred years of age, ſtrong in limbs, and intire in his
ſenſes.
Care alſo muſt be taken, that a body plentifully nouriſhed, and not emaciated by
creaſe too faſt, and ſoften and deſtroy the body. So then, touching a moderate quan-
tity of Spirits, and (as we may ſay) Frugal, thus much.
The Inquiſition touching bridling the motions of the Spirits followeth next.
This bridling is done by three
means: by Sleep;
by avoiding of vehement Labours, immoderate Exerciſe, and in a word,
all Laſſitude; and by refraining irk ſome Affections.
And firſt, touching Sleep.
The Fable tells us, that Epimenides ſlept many years together in a Cave, and all that
Experience teacheth us that certaϊn Creatures, as Dormice and Bats, ſleep in ſome
ſuch is the force of ſleep to reſtrain all vital
Conſumption. That which Bees and Drones are alſo thought to do, though ſometimes
deſtitute of Honey; and likewiſe Butter-flies, and other Flies.
Sleep after Dinner (the ſtomach ſending up no unpleaſing Vapours to the head, as
to all other points of health. Notwithſtanding in extream old age there is the ſame
reaſon of Meat and Sleep, for both our meals and our ſleeps ſhould be then frequent,
but ſhort and little; nay, and towards the laſt period of old age, a mere Reſt, and, as
it were, a perpetual Repoſing doth beſt, eſpecially in Winter-time.
But as moderate ſleep conſerreth to long life, ſo much more if it be quiet and not
Theſe procure quiet ſleep, Violets, Lettuce, eſpecially boiled, Sirrup of dried Roſes,
a ſop of Bread in Malmſey, eſpecially
where Musk-Roſes have been firſt infuſed: therefore it would not be amiſs to make
ſome Pill, or a ſmall Draught of theſe things, and to uſe it familiarly. Alſo thoſe
things which ſhut the mouth of the ſtomach cloſe, as Coriander-ſeed prepared, Quinces
and Wardens roaſted, do induce ſound ſleep; but above all things in youth, and for
thoſe that have ſufficient ſtrong ſtomacks, it will be beſt to take a good draught of clear
cold Water when they go to bed.
To ching voluntary and procured Trances, as alſo fixed and proſound Thoughts, ſo
as they be without irksomneſs, I have nothing certain: no doubt they make to this Intenſion,
and condenſe the Spirits, and that more potently than Sleep, ſeeing they lay aſleep, and
ſuſpend the ſenſes as much or more. Touching them, let further inquiry be made.
so far
touching Sleep.
As for Motion and Exerciſe, Laſſitude hurteth, and ſo doth all Motion and Exer-
as Running, Tennis, Fencing, and the like;
and
again, when our ſtrength is extended and ſtrained to the uttermoſt, as Dancing, Wreſt-
ling, and ſuch like: for it is certain, that the ſpirits being driven into ſtreights, either by
the ſwiftneſs of the motion, or by the ſtraining of the forces, do afterward become
more eager and predatory. On the other ſide, Exerciſes which ſtir up a good ſtrong
motion, but not over-ſwift, or to our utmoſt ſtrength, (ſuch as are Leaping, Shooting,
Riding, Bowling, and the like) do not hurt, but rather benefit.
We muſt come now to the Affections and Paſſions of the Mind, and ſee which of them
are hurtful to long life, which profitable.
Great Joys attenuate and diffuſe the ſpirits, and ſhorten life;
familiar Chearfulneſs
Impreſſions of Joy in the ſenſe are naught;
ruminations of Joy in the memory, or
Joy ſuppreſſed, or communicated ſparingly, doth more comfort the ſpirits than Joy
Grief and Sadneſs, if it be void of Fear, and afflict not too much, doth rather pro-
for it contracteth the ſpirits, and is a kind of condenſation.
Great Fears ſhorten the life:
for though Grief and Fear do both ſtreighten the ſpirit,
but in Fear, by reaſon of the cares taken
for the remedy, and hopes intermixed, there is a turmoil and vexing of the ſpirits.
Anger ſuppreſſed is alſo a kind of vexation, and cauſeth the ſpirit to feed upon the
but let looſe and breaking forth, it helpeth:
as thoſe Medicines do
which induce a robuſt heat.
Envy is the worſt of all Paſſions, and fecdeth upon the ſpirits, and they again
and ſo much the more becauſe it is perpetual, and, as it is ſaid, keepeth
no holidays.
Pity of another man’s misfortune, which is not likely to befall our ſelves, is good.
canſe it exciteth Fear.
Light shame hurteth not, ſeeing it contracteth the spirits a little, and then ſtraight
inſomuch that ſhamefac’d perſons commonly live long:
but Shame for
ſome great ignominy, and which afflicteth the mind long, contracteth the spirits even
to ſuffocation, and is pernicious.
Love, if it be not unfortunate, and too deeply wounding, is a kind of Joy, and is
Hope is the moſt beneficial of all the Affections, and doth much to the prolonga
pectation of good: therefore they which fix and propound to themſelves ſome end,
as the mark and ſcope of their life, and continually and by degrees go for ward in
the ſame, are, for the moſt part, long-liv’d; in ſo much that when they are come to
the top of their hope, and can go no higher therein, they commonly droop, and live
not long after: So that Hope is a Leaf-joy, which may be beaten out to a great exten-
ſion, like Gold.
Admiration and light contemplation are very powerful to the prolonging of life;
for
or to carry themſelves unquietly and waywardly. And therefore all the Contemplators
of Natural things, which had ſo many and eminent Objects to admire, (as Demo-
critus, Plato, Parmedides, Apollonius) were long liv’d: alſo Rhetoricians, which ta-
ſted but lightly of things, and ſtudied rather Exornation of ſpeech than profundity of
matters, were alſo long-liv’d; as Gorgias, Protagoras, Iſocrates, seneca.
And certain-
ly, as old men are for the moſt part talkative, ſo talkative men do often grow very old; for it ſhews a light contemplation, and ſuch as doth not much ſtain the spirits, or vex
them: but ſubtil, and acute, and eager inquiſion ſhortens life;
for it tireth the ſpirit,
and waſteth it.
And as touching the motion of the Spirits by the Affections of the Mind, thus much.
Now we will adde certain other general Obſervations touching the Spirits, beſide the
former, which fall not into the precedent diſtribution.
Eſpecial care muſt be taken that the Spirits be not too often reſolved;
for attenua-
or is condenſed. Now Reſolution is cauſed by over-great labours, over-vebement affe-
ctions of the mind, over great ſweats, over great evacuations, hot Baths, and an un
temperate and unſeaſonable uſe of Venus; alſo by over-great cares and carpings, and
anxious expectations; laſtly, by malignant diſeaſes, and intolerable pains and torments
of the body: all which, as much as may be, (which our vulgar Phyſicians alſo adviſe)
muſt be avoided.
The ſpirits are delighted both with wonted things, and with new.
Now it maketh
things to a ſatiety and glutting; nor new things, before a quick and ſtrong appetite.
And therfore both cuſtoms are to be broken off with judgment and care, before they
breed a fulneſs; and the appetite after new things to be reſtrained for a time until
it grow more ſharp and jocond: and moreover, the life, as much as may be, ſo to
be ordered, that it may have many renovations, and the ſpirits by perpetual converſing
in the ſame actions may not wax dull. For though it were no ill ſaying of Seneca’s,
The fool doth ever begin to live; yet this folly, and many more ſuch, are good for
long life.
It is to be obſerved touching the ſpirits, (though the contrary uſed to be done)
(that which will be ſeen by the tranquility of their Mind, and chearful diſpoſi-
tion) that they cheriſh them, and not change them: but when, in a turbulent
and untoward ſtate, (which will alſo appear by their ſadneſs, lumpiſhneſs, and
other indiſpoſition of their mind) that then they ſtraight overwhelm them, and
alter them. Now the ſpirits are contained in the ſame ſtate, by a reſtraining of the
affections, temperateneſs of diet, abſtinence from Venus, moderation in labour,
indifferent reſt and repoſe: and the contrary to theſe do alter and overwhelm
the ſpirits; as namely, vehement affections, profuſ
difficult labours, earneſt ſtudies, and proſecution of buſineſs. Yet men are wont,
when they are merrieſt and beſt diſpoſed, then to apply themſelves to ſeaſtings,
(which may ſeem ſtrange) they ſhould rather practiſe the contrary. For we ought
to cheriſh and preſerve good ſpirits, and for the evil-diſpoſed spirits to diſcharge and
alter them.
Ficinus ſaith not unwiſely, That old men, for the comforting of their ſpirits, ought
Cer-
tainly ſuch a remembrance is a kind of peculiar Recreation to every old man: and thet efore it is a delight to men to enjoy the ſociety of them which have been
brought up together with them, and to viſit the places of their education. Veſpaſian
did attribute ſo much to this matter, that when he was Emperour he would by no
means be perſwaded to leave his Father’s houſe, though but mean, leſt he ſhould
loſe the wonted object of his eyes, and the memory of his childhood; and beſides,
he would drink in a wooden Cup, tipped with ſilver, which was his Grandmother’s,
upon Feſtival dayes.
One thing above all is grateful to the Spirits, that there be a continual progreſs to
therefore we ſhould lead ſuch a Youth and manhood, that our
Old age ſhould find new Solaces, whereof the chief is moderate eaſe: And there-
fore old men in honourable places lay violent hands upon themſelves, who retire not
to their eaſe: whereof may be found an eminent Example in caſſiodorus, who was
of that reputation amongſt the Gothiſh Kings of Italy, that he was as the Soul of their
affairs; afterwards, being near eighty years of age, he betook himſelfto a Monaſtery,
where he ended not his dayes before he was an hundred years old. But this thing doth
require two Cautions: one, that they drive not off till their bodies be utterly
worn out and diſeaſed; for in ſuch bodies all mutation, though to the more benign,
haſteneth death: the other, that they ſurrender not themſelves to a ſluggiſh eaſe, but
that they embrace ſomething which may entertain their thoughts and mind with con-
tentation; in which kind the chief delights are Reading and Contemplation;
and
then the deſires of Building and Planting.
Laſtly, the ſame Action, Endeavour and Labour undertaken chearfully and with a good
but with an averſation and unwillingneſs, doth fret and
deject them. And therefore it conferreth to long life, either that a man hath the art
to inſtitute his life ſo as it may be free and ſuitable to his own humour; or elſe to lay
ſuch a command upon his mind, that whatſoever is impoſed by Fortune, it may rather
lead him than drag him.
Neither is that to be omitted towards the government of the Affections, that eſpecial
for r
than either the Heart or Brain; onely thoſe things excepted which are wrought by po-
tent vapours, as in Drunkenneſs and Melancholly.
Touching the Operation upon the Spirits, that they may remain youthful, and re-
which we have done the more accurately, for that
there is, for the moſt part, amongſt Phyſicians and other Authors touching theſe Ope-
rations a deep ſilence; but eſpecially, becauſe the Operation upon the Spirits, and their
waxing green again, is the moſt ready and compendious way to long life; and that for a
two-fold compendiouſneſs: one, becauſe the Spirits work compendiouſly upon the
body; the other, becauſe Vapours and the Affections work compendiouſly upon the
Spirits; ſo as theſe attain the end, as it were, in a right line, other things rather in
lines circular.
THE Excluſion of the Air ambient tendeth to length of life two wayes:
ſoever the Air may be ſaid to animate the Spirit of Man, and con-
ferreth not a little to health) doth moſt of all prey upon the juices of the body,
and therefore the Excluſion of it is effectual to
length of life.
Another effect which followeth the Excluſion of Air is much more ſubtil and pro-
Spirits within, and turneth it upon the harder parts of the body, whereby the Spirit
mollifies and intenerates them.
Of this thing the reaſon is explained in the Deſiccation of Inanimate Bodies;
and
Bodies; detained, melteth and intenerateth them.
And it is further to be aſſumed,
That all Heat doth properly attenuate and moiſten, and contracteth and drieth onely by
Accident.
Leading the Life in Dens and caves, where the Air receives not the Sun-beams, may
For the Air of it ſelf doth not much towards the depreda-
tion of the body, unleſs it be ſtirred up by heat. Certainly, if a man ſhall recal things
paſt to his memory, it will appear that the ſtatures of men have been anciently much
greater than thoſe that ſucceeded, as in Sicily, and ſome other places: but this kind of
men led their lives, for the moſt part, in Caves. Now length of life and largeneſs of
limbs have ſome affinity. The cave alſo of Epimenides walks among the Fables.
I
ſuppoſe likewiſe, that the life of Columnar Anchorites was a thing reſembling the life
in Caves, in reſpect the Sun-beams could not much pierce thither, nor the Air receive
any great changes or inequalities. This is certain, both the Simeon Stelita’s, as well
Daniel as Saba, and other Columnar Anchorites, have been exceeding long-liv’d. Like-
wiſe the Anchorites in our dayes, cloſed up and immured either within Walls or Pillars,
are often found to be long-liv’d.
Next unto the life in Caves is the life on Mountains:
for as the beams of the
ſo on the tops of Mountains, being deſtitute of
Reflexion, they are of ſmall force. But this is to be underſtood of Mountains where
the Air is clear and pure; namely, whether by reaſon of the drineſs of the Vallies, Clouds
and Vapours do not aſcend; as it is in the Mountains which encompaſs Barbary, where,
even at this day, they live many times to an hundred and fifty years, as hath been noted
before.
And this kind of Air of Caves and Mountains, of its own proper nature, is little or
but Air, ſuch as ours is, which is predatory through the heat of
the Sun, ought as much as is poſſible, to be excluded from the body.
But the Air is prohibited and excluded two ways:
firſt, by cloſing the Pores;
ſe-
To the cloſing of the Pores help coldneſs of the air, going naked, whereby the skin
ſtick, Myrrbe, Myrtle.
But much more may we ſatisfie this Operation by Baths, yet thoſe rarely uſed, (eſpe-
uſed, as Waters participating of Steel and Coperas; for theſe do potently contract the
skin.
As for filling up the Pores, Paintings and ſuch like Vnctuous daubings, and (which
of the body, than Oil-colours and Varniſh do preſerve Wood.
The ancient Britains painted their bodies with Woad, and were exceeding long liv’d:
thence.
The Braſilians and Virginians paint themſelves at this day, who are (eſpecially the
inſomuch that five years ago the French Jeſuites had ſpeech
with ſome who remembred the building of Fernambuck, which was done an hundred
and twenty years ſince; and they were then at Man’s eſtate.
Joannes de temporibus, who is reported to have extended his life to three hundred
without, and by Honey within.
The Iriſh, eſpecially the Wild-Iriſh, even at this day live very long:
certainly they
forty years of age, and bred Teeth three times. Now the Iriſh have a faſhion to chafe,
and, as it were, to baſte themſelves with old Salt-butter againſt the fire.
The ſame Iriſh uſe to wear Saffroned Linen and Shirts:
which though it were at
ning of life; for Saffron, of all things that I know, is the beſt thing for the skin,
and the comforting of the fleſh, ſeeing it is both notably Aſtringent, and hath beſides
an Oleoſity and ſubtle heat, without any Acrimony. I remember a certain Engliſhman,
who when he went to Sea carried a bagg of Saffron next his ſtomack, that he might
conceal it, and ſo eſcape Cuſtom; and whereas he was wont to be always exceed-
ing Sea-ſick, at that time he continued very well, and felt no provocation to
vomit.
Hippocrates adviſeth in Winter to wear clean Linen, and in Summer foul Linen and
The reaſon may ſeem to be, becauſe in Summer the Spirits ex-
hale moſt, therefore the pores of the skin would be filled up.
Hereupon we are of opinion, that the uſe of Oil, either of Olives or ſweet Al-
The
anointing would be done every morning when we riſe out of bed, with Oil in which a
little Bay-ſalt and Saffron is mixed. But this anointing muſt be lightly done with
Wool, or ſome ſoft ſponge, not laying it on thick, but gently touching and wet-
ting the skin.
It is certain that Liquors, even the Oily themſelves, in great quantities draw ſome-
but contrarily, in ſmall quantities are drunk in by the body:
there-
fore the anointing would be but light, as we ſaid, or rather the ſhirt it ſelf would be be-
ſmeared with Oil.
It may happily be objected, that this anointing with Oil, which we commend,
was anciently very familiar amongſt the Grecians and Romans, and a part of their Diet; and yet men were not longer-liv’d in thoſe dayes than now.
But it may rightly be an-
ſwered, Oil was in uſe onely after Baths, unleſs it were perhaps amongſt Champi-
ons: now hot Baths are as much contrary to our operation, as Anointings are
congruous, ſeeing the one opens the paſſages, the other ſtops them up: therefore
the Bath, without the anointing following, is utterly bad; the anointing without the
Bath is beſt of all. Beſides, the anointing amongſt them was uſed onely for delicacy,
or (if you take it at the beſt) for health, but by no means in order to long life; and
therefore they uſed them with all precious Ointments, which were good for deliciouſ-
neſs, but hurtful to our intention, in regard of their heat: So that Virgil ſeemeth not to
have ſaid amiſs,
----Nec Caſiâ liquidi corrumpitur uſus Olivi,
That odoriferous Caſia hath not ſupplanted the uſe of neat Oil-Olive.
Anointing with Oil conduceth to health, both in Winter, by the excluſion of the
ſolution of them, and keeping off the force of the air which is then moſt pre-
datory.
Seeing the anointing with Oil is one of the moſt potent operations to long life, we
They
are four, according to the four Inconveniences which may follow thereupon.
The firſt Ine
To this a remedy muft be given by Purges and Cly-
ſters, that evacuation may be duly performed. This is certain, that evacuation by
ſweats commonly advanceth health, and derogateth from long life; butgentle Purgers
work upon the humours, not upon the ſpirits, as ſweat doth.
The ſecond Inconvenience is, that it may heat the body, and in time inflame it;
for
This inconvenience may be
prevented, if the Diet moſt uſually incline to the colder part, and that at times ſome
proper cooling Medicines be taken, of which we ſhall ſtraight ſpeak in the operation
upon the Bloud.
The third is, that it may annoy the head;
for all Oppletion from without ſtrikes back
This inconvenience is remedied by
Purgers, eſpecially Clyſters, and by ſhutting the mouth of the ſtomach ſtrongly with
Stipticks, and by combing and rubbing the head, and by waſhing it with convenient
Lies, that ſomething may exhale, and by not omitting competent and good exerciſes,
that ſomething alſo may perſpire by the skin.
The fourth Inconvenience is a more ſubtil Evil, namely, that the Spirit being
for when
little iſſueth forth, and new Spirit is continually ingendred, the Spirit in creaſeth too
faſt, and ſo preyeth upon the body more plentifully. But this is not altogether ſo;
for all Spirit cloſed up is dull, (for it is blown and excited with motion as Flame is)
and therefore it is leſs active, and leſs generative of it ſelf: Indeed it is thereby in-
creaſed in Heat, (as Flame is) but flow in Motion. And therefore the remedy to
this inconvenience muſt be by cold things, being ſometimes mixed with Oil, ſuch
as are Roſes and Myrtles; for we muſt altogether diſclaim hot things, as we ſaid of
Caſſia.
Neither will it be unprofitable to wear next the body Garments that have in
leſs; ſuch as are thoſe of Woollen rather than thoſe of Linen.
Certainly it is
manifeſt in the Spirits of Odours, that if you lay ſwe@t powders amongſt Li-
nen, they will much ſooner loſe their ſmell than amongſt Woollen. And there-
fore Linen is to be preferred for delicacy and neatneſs, but to be ſuſpected for our
Operation.
The Wild Iriſh, as ſoon as they fall ſick, the firſt thing they do is to take the ſheets
Some report, that they have found great benefit in the conſervation of their health
the neather parts as on the upper.
It is alſo to be obſerved, that Air accuſtomed to the body doth leſs prey upon it
and therefore poor people, in ſmall Cottages, who
live always within the ſmell of the ſame chimney, and change not their ſeats, are
commonly longeſt liv’d: notwithſtanding, to other operations (eſpecially for them
whoſe Spirits are not altogether dull) we judge change of air to be very profitable; but a mean muſt be uſed, which may ſatisfie on both ſides.
This may be done by re-
moving our habitation four times a year, at conſtant and ſet times, unto convenient
ſeats, that ſo the body may neither be in too much peregrination, nor in too much
ſtation. And touching the Operation upon the Excluſion of Air, and avoiding the
predatory force thereof, thus much.
THE following Operations anſwer to the two precedent, and are in the re-
for the two precedent intend this, that
the Spirits and Air in their actions may be the leſs depredatory; and the
two latter, that the Bloud and Juice of the body may be the leſs depredable. But becauſe the Bloud is an irrigation or watering of the Juices and Members, and a
preparation to them, therefore we will put the operation upon the Bloud in the firſt
place. Concerning this Operation we will propound certain Counſels, few in number,
but very powerful in virtue. They are three.
Firſt, there is no doubt, but that if the bloud be brought to a cold temper, it
But becauſe the cold things which are taken
by the mouth agree but ill with many other Intentions, therefore it will be beſt
to find out ſome ſuch things as may be free from theſe inconveniences. They
are two.
The firſt is this:
Let there be brought into uſe, efpecially in youth, Clyſters, not
@hoſe are
approved which are made of the Juices of Lettuce, Purſlane, Liver-wort, Houſesleek, and
the Mucilage of the ſeed of Flea-wort, with ſome temperate opening decoction, and a
but in the declining age let the Housleek and Purslane be left out, and
the juices of Borrage and Endive, and the like, be put in their rooms. And let theſe
Clyſters be retained, if it may be, for an hour or more.
The other is this, Let there be in uſe, eſpecially in Summer, Baths of freſh water,
the like; rather take new Whey in ſome good quantity, and Roſes.
But (that which is the principal in this intention, and new) we adviſe that before
of the cooling may be received, and the water excluded: yet let not the pores of the
body be ſhut too cloſe; for when the outward cold cloſeth up the body too ſtrongly, it
is ſo far from furthering coolneſs, that it rather forbids, and ſtirs up heat.
Like unto this is the uſe of Bladders, with ſome decoctions and cooling juices, ap
for this alſo is a kind of bathing, where the body of the liquor is for the moſt part ex-
cluded, and the cooling quality admitted.
The third counſel remaineth, which belongeth not to the quality of the blood, but
as the heat of the ſpirit may have the leſs power over it.
And as for the uſe of Filings of Gold, Leaf-gold, Powder of Pearl, Precious ſtones,
may ſatisfie this preſent Operation. Certainly, ſeeing the Arabians, Grecians, and mo-
dern Phyſicians have attributed ſuch virtues to theſe things, it cannot be altogether
Nothing which ſo great men have obſerved of them. And therefore omitting all fan-
taſtical opinions about them, we do verily believe, that if there could be ſome ſuch
thing conveyed into the whole maſs of the bloud in minute and fine portions, over
which the ſpirits and heat ſhould have little or no power, abſolutely it would not only
reſiſt Putrefaction, but Arefaction alſo, and be a moſt effectual means to the prolonga-
tion of life. Nevertheleſs in this thing ſeveral cautions are to be given.
Firſt, that
there be a moſt exact comminution. Secondly, that ſuch hard and ſolid things be void
of all malignant qualities, leſt while they be diſperſed and lurk in the veins, they breed
ſome ill convenience. Thirdly, that they be never taken together with meats, nor
in any ſuch manner as they may ſtick long, leſt they beget dangerous obſtructions about
the Meſentery. Laſtly, that they be taken very rarely, that they may not congregate
and knot together in the veins.
Therefore let the manner of taking them be fasting, in white wine, a little Oil of
The Simples which may ſatisfie this Operation are, in ſtead of all, Gold, Pearls, and
for all Mctalls, except Gold, are not without ſome malignant quality in the
diſſolutions of them, neither will they be beaten to that exquiſite fineneſs that Leaf-
gold hath. As for all glaſſie and tranſparent Jewels, we like them not, (as we ſaid be-
fore) for fear of Corroſion.
But, in our judgment, the ſafer and more effectual way would be by the uſe of
for there is in them ſufficient to cauſe firmneſs of
bloud, and not the like danger for breeding obſtructions; but eſpecially, becauſe they
may be taken in meat and drink, whereby they will find the more eaſie entrance into the
veins, and not be avoided in excrements.
The Woods fit for this purpoſe are Sanders, the Oak and Vine.
As for all hot Woods
notwithſtanding you may adde the woody
ſtalks of Roſemary dried, for Roſemary is a Shrub, and exceedeth in age many Trees; alſo the woody ſtalks of Ivy, but in ſuch quantity as they may not yield an unpleaſing
taſte.
Let the Woods be taken either boiled in Broths, or infuſed in Muſt or Ale before
but in Broths (as the cuſtom is for Guaiacum and the like) they
would be infuſed a good while before the boiling, that the firmer part of the wood, and
not that onely which lieth looſely, may be drawn forth. As for Aſh, though it be uſed
for Cups, yet we like it not. And touching the Operation upon the Bloud thus much.
THere are two kinds of Bodies (as was ſaid before in the Inquiſition touching In-
as is
ſeen in Metalls and Stones, and in Oil and Wax.
It muft be ordered therefore, that the juice of the body be ſomewhat hard, and that it
As for bardneſs, it is cauſed three ways:
by Aliment of a firm nature, by Cold con-
body, that they be not ſoft and frothy.
As for the Nature of the Aliment, it ought to be ſuch as is not eaſily diſſipable;
ſuch
little powdred; Fiſh likewiſe ſalted and dried, Old Cheeſe, and the like.
As for the Bread;
Oaten-bread, or bread with ſome mixture of Peaſe in it, or Rye-
courſe Wheat-bread is more ſolid than the pure Manchet.
The Inhabitants of the Orcades, which live upon ſalted fiſh, and generally all Fiſh-eaters,
The Monks and Hermites which fed ſparingly, and upon dry Aliment, attained com-
Alſo pure Water uſually drunk makes the juices of the body leſs frothy?
unto which
you ſhall adde a little Nitre, we conceive it would be very good. And touching the
firmneſs of the Aliment thus much.
As for the Condenſation of the skin and fleſh by Cold:
They are longer-liv’d for the
and the Inha-
bitants of the cold Countries, than the Inhabitants of the hot.
Great ſtore of clothes, either upon the bed or back, do reſolve the body.
Waſhing the body in Cold Water is good for length of life;
uſe of hot Baths is naught.
As for Exerciſe;
an idle life doth manifeſtly make the fleſh ſoft and diſſipable:
robuſt
pact. Alſo exerciſe within cold Water, as ſwimming, is very good;
and generally
exerciſe abroad is better than that within houſes.
Touching Frications, (which are a kind of exerciſe) becauſe they do rather call forth
Having now ſpoken of hardning the juices of the body, we are to come next to the
ration, becauſe it hath no inconvenience or evil annexed. For all thoſe things which
pertain to the hardning of the juices are of that nature, that while they prohibit the
abſumption of the Aliment, they alſo hinder the operation of the ſame; whereby it
happens, that the ſame things are both propitious and adverſe to length of life: but thoſe
things which pertain to making the Juices Oily and Roſcid, help on both ſides, for they
render the Aliment both leſs diſſipable, and more reparable.
But whereas we ſay that the Juice of the body ought to be Roſcid and Fat, it is to be
call it) Radical in the very ſubſtance of the body.
Neither again let any man think, that Oil or the Fat of Meats or Marrow do engen-
for thoſe things which are once perfect are
not brought back again; but the Aliments ought to be ſuch, which after digeſtion
and maturation do then in the end engender Olcoſity in the Juices.
Neither again let any man think, that Oil or Fat by it ſelf and ſimple is hard of diſſi-
for as Oil by it ſelf is much
more longer in conſuming then VVater; ſo in Paper or Linnen it ſticke
is later dried, as we noted be
To the Irroration of the body, roaſted meats or baked meats are more effectual than
beſides, Oil is
more plentifully extracted out of drie bodies than out of moiſt bodies.
Generally, to the Irroration of the body much uſe of ſweet things is profitable, as of
Figs, and the like. Contrarily, all ſour, and very ſalt, and very biting things are oppo-
ſite to the generation of Roſcid Juice.
Neither would we be thought to favaur the Manichees, or their diet, though we com-
conſidering all Bread (and Bread is that which maketh the Meat firm) is made either
of Seeds or Roots.
But there is nothing makes ſo much to the Irroration of the body, as the quality of
therefore let there be in uſe ſuch Drinks as
without all acrimony or ſowrneſs are notwithſtanding ſubtil: ſuch are thoſe Wines
which are (as the old woman ſaid in Plautus) vetuſtate edentula, toothleſs with age,
and Ale of the ſame kind.
Mead (as we ſuppoſe) would not be ill if it were ſtrong and old:
but becauſe
mists extract out of it, which will diſſolve metals) it were better to take the ſame por-
tion of Sugar, not lightly infuſed in it, but ſo incorporated as Honey uſeth to be in Mead,
and to keep it to the age of a year, or at leaſt ſix months, whereby the Water may loſe
the crudity, and the Sugar acquire ſubtilty.
Now ancientneſs in Wine or Beer hath this in it, that it ingenders ſubtilty in the
ſecond hurtful. Now to rectifie this evil commixture, let there be put into the veſſel,
before the Wine be ſeparated from the Muſt, Swines-fleſh or Deers-fleſh well boiled,
that the Spirits of the Wine may have whereupon to ruminate and feed, and ſo lay aſide
their mordacity.
In like manner, if Ale ſhould be made not only with the grains of Wheat, Barly,
but alſo ſhould admit a part (ſuppoſe a third part to theſe
grains) of ſome fat roots, ſuch as are Potado-roots, Pith of Artichokes, Burre-roots,
or ſome other ſweet and eſculent roots; we ſuppoſe it would be a more uſeful drink
for long life than Ale made of grains onely.
Alſo ſuch things as have very thin parts, yet notwithſtanding are without all acri-
which vertue we find to be in ſome few
of the Flowers; namely, Flowers of Ivy, which infuſed in Vinegar are pleaſant even
to the taſte; Marigold leaves, which are uſed in Broths;
and Flowers of Betony.
And
touching the operation upon the Juices of the Body thus much.
WHat thoſe things are which comfort the Principal Bowels, whichare the foun-
perform their functions well, (whereby Aliment is diſtributed into the parts,
Spirits are diſperſed, and the Reparation of the whole body is accompliſhed) may be
derived from Phyſitians, and from their Preſcripts and Advices.
Touching the Spleen, Gall, Kidneys, Meſenteries, Guts and Lungs, we ſpeak not, for
and whereas ſpeech is made touching
health, they require ſometime a moſt ſpecial conſideration, becauſe each of theſe
have their diſeaſes, which unleſs they be cured, will have influence upon the Prin-
cipal Members. But as touching the prolongation of life, and reparation by ali-
ments, and retardation of the incoction of old age; if the Concoctions and
wiſh.
And as for thoſe things which, according to the different ſtate of every man’s body
of the Books of Phyſicians, which have written of the comforting and preſerving the
four Principal Members: For conſervation of health hath commonly need of no more
than ſome ſhort courſes of Phyſick; but length of life cannot be hoped without an or-
derly diet, and a conſtant race of ſoveraign Medicines. But we will propound ſome few,
and thoſe the moſt ſelect and prime directions.
The Stomach (which, as they ſay, is the Maſter of the houſe, and whoſe ſtrength
confirmed, that it may be without Inext aſtricted or boúnd,
not looſe; furthermore clean, not ſurcharged with foul Humours, and
yet (in regard it is nouriſhed from it ſelf, not from the veins) not altogether
empty or hungry: laſtly, it is to be kept ever in appetite, becauſe appetite ſharpens
digeſtion.
I wonder much how that ſame Calidum bibere, to drink warm drink, (which was in
I knew a Phyſician that was very fa
mous, who in the beginning of dinner and ſupper, would uſually eat a few ſpoonfulls
of very warm broth with much greedineſs, and then would preſently wiſh that it were
out again, ſaying, He had no need of the broth, but only of the warmth.
I do verily conceive it good, that the firſt draught either of Wine, or Ale, or any
Wine in which Gold hath been quenched, I conceive, would be very good once in a
not that I believe the Gold conferreth any vertue thereunto, but that I know
that the quen ching of all Metals in any kind of liquor doth leave a moſt potent Aſtri-
ction: Now I chuſe Gold, becauſe beſides that Aſtriction which I deſire, it leaveth
nothing elſe be
I am of opinion, that the ſops of bread dipped in wine, taken at the midſt of the
eſpecially if there were infuſed into the wine in
which the ſops were dipped Roſemary and Citron-pill, and that with Sugar, that it
may not ſlip too faſt.
It is certain that the uſe of Quinces is good to ſtrengthen the ſtomach;
but we
than in the bodies of the Quinces themſelves, becauſe they lie heavy in the ſtomach. But thoſe Quiddenies are beſt taken after meals, alone;
before meals, dipped in Vi-
negar.
Such things as are good for the ſtomach above other Simples are theſe, Roſemary,
I allow Pills of Aloes, Maſtick and Saffron in Winter time, taken before dinner;
which Tragac
Oil of ſweet Almonds new drawn, before it be made into Pills.
Wine or Ale wherein Wormwood hath been infuſed, with a little Elecampane and
But in Summer, a draught of White-wine allayed with Strawberry-water, in which
may perhaps ſeem ſtrange) a little Chalk have been infuſed, doth excellently refreſh
and ſtrengthen the ſtomach.
But generally, all Draughts in the morning (which are but too frequently uſed) of
avoided, and nothing is to be put into the ſtomach faſting which is purely cold. Theſe things are better given, if need require, either at five in the afternoon, or elſe an
hour after a light breakfaſt.
Often faſtings are bad for long life;
beſides, all thirſt is to be avoided, and the ſto-
Oil of Olives new and good, in which a little Methridate hath been diſfolved,
comfort the ſtomach.
A ſmall bag filled with locks of Scarlet-wool ſteeped in Red-wine, in which
upon the ſtomach. And touching thoſe things wich comfort the ſtomach thus much,
ſeeing many of thoſe things alſo which ſerve for other operations are helpful to
this.
The Liver, if it be preſerved from Torrefaction, or Deſiccation, and from Obſtruction,
for that looſeneſs of it which begets Aquoſities is plainly a diſ-
eaſe, but the other two old age approaching induceth.
Hereunto appertain moſt eſpecially thoſe things which are ſet down in the Operation
we will adde a very few things more, but thoſe ſelected.
Principally let there be in uſe the Wine of ſweet Pomegranats, or, if that cannot be
let it be taken in the morning with a little
sugar, and into the glaſs into which the Expreſſion is made put a ſmall piece of Citron-
pill green, and three or four whole Cloves: let this be taken from February till the end
of April.
Bring alſo into uſe above all other Herbs Water-creßes, but young, not old;
they
and after that take
Spoon-wort.
Aloes, however waſhed or corrected, is hurtful for the Liver, and therefore it is
Contrariwiſe, Rhubarb is ſovereign for the Liver, ſo
that theſe three cautions be interpoſed. Firſt, that it be taken before meat, leſt it dry
the body too much, or leave ſome impreſſions of the Stipicity thereof. Secondly, that
it be macerated an hour or two in Oil of ſweet Almonds new drawn, with Roſe-water,
before it be infuſed in Liquor, or given in the proper ſubſtance. Thirdly, that it be
taken by turns, one while ſimple, another while with Tartar, or a little Bay-ſalt, that
it carry not away the lighter parts onely, and make the maſs of the Humours more ob-
ſtinate.
I allow Wine, or ſome decoction with Steel, to be taken three or four times in the
yet ſo, that a draught of two or three
ſpoonfuls of Oil of ſweet Almonds new drawn ever go before, and the motion of the
Body, eſpecially of the arms and ſides, conſtantly follow.
Sweetned Liquors, and that with ſome fatneſs, are principally, and not a little effe-
Oldneſs of the Liver, eſpecially if they be well incorporated with age. They are made
of ſweet Fruits and Roots, as namely, the Wines and Julips of Raiſins of the Sun new,
Jujubaes, dried Figs, Dates, Parſnips, Potatoes, and the like, with the mixture of Li-
coris ſometimes: alſo a Julip of the indian grain, (which they call Maiz) with the
mixture of ſome ſweet things, doth much to the ſame end. But it is to be noted,
that the intention of preſerving the Liver in a kind of ſoftneſs and fatneſs,
is much more powerful than that other which pertains to the opening of the
Liver, which rather tendeth to health than to length of life, ſaving that that
Obſtruction which induceth Torrefaction is as oppoſite to long life as thoſe other
Arefactions.
I commend the Roots of succory, spinage and Beets cleared of their piths, and
lets, to be eaten with Oil and Vinegar: alſo Aſparagus, pith of Artichokes, and
Burre-roots boiled and ſerved in after the ſame manner; alſo Broths in the Spring-time
of Vine-buds, and the green blades of wheat. And touching the preſerving of the Li-
ver thus much.
The Heart receiveth benefit or harm moſt from the Air which we breath, from
Now many of thoſe things which have been for-
merly ſpoken touching the Spirits may be transferred hither; but that indigeſted maſs
of Cordials collected by @ byſicians avails little to our intention; notwithſtanding
thoſe things which are found to be good againſt Poyſons may with good judgment
be given to ſtrengthen and fortifie the Heart, eſpecially if they be of that kind, that
they do not ſo much reſiſt the particular poyſons as arm the heart and ſpirits againſt poy-
ſon in general. And touching the ſeveral Cordials, you may repair to the Table already
ſet down.
The goodneſs of the Air is better known by experience than by ſigns.
We hold
on all ſides, ſo that the ſoil be dry, and yet not barren or ſandy; which puts forth
lamint; which is not altogether void of wood, but conveniently ſet with ſome Trees
for ſhade; where the Sweet-briar-reſe ſmelleth ſomething Musky and Aromatically.
If
there be Rivers, we ſuppoſe them rather hurtful than good, unleſs they be very ſmall,
and clear, and gravelly.
It is certain that the morning air is more lively and refreſhing than the evening air,
We conceive alſo, that the air ſtirred with a gentle wind is more wholeſome than
but the beſt is, the wind blowing from the Weſt in the
morning, and from the North in the afternoon.
Odours are eſpecially profitable for the comforting of the heart, yet not ſo as though
for it is certain, that as there are ſome
Peſtilential airs which ſmell not ſo ill as others that are leſs hurtful; ſo, on the contra-
ry, there are ſome airs moſt wholſome and friendly to the ſpirits, which either ſmell
not at all, or are leſs pleaſing and fragrant to the ſenſe. And generally, where the air is
good, odours ſhould be taken but now and then; for a continual odour, though never
ſo good, is burthenſome to the ſpirits.
We commend above all others (as we have touched before) odour of Plants, grow-
the principal of that kind are Violets,
Gilliflowers, Pinks, Bean-flowers, Lime-tree-bloſſoms, Vine-buds, Honey-ſuckles, yellow Wall-
flowers, Musk-Roſes, (for other Roſes growing are faſt of their ſmells) Strawberry-leaves,
eſpecially dying, Sweet-briar, principally in the early Spring, wild Mint, Lavender flowered; and in the hotter Countries, Orenge-tree, Citron-tree, Myrtle, Laurel:
Therefore to walk
or ſit near the breath of theſe Plants would not be neglected.
For the comforting of the Heart, we prefer cool ſmels before hot ſmells:
therefore
portion of Vinegar, Roſe-water, and claret-wine, and to pour them upon a Fire-pan ſome-
what heated.
Neither let us be thought to ſacrifice to our Mother the E
thereon.
Orenge-flower-water, pure and good, with a ſmall portion of Roſe-water and brisk wine,
Errhine, (but not too frequently) is very good.
But champing (though we have no Betel) or holding in the mouth onely of ſuch
Therefore
for that purpoſe make Grains or little cakes of Amber-griece, Musk, Lignum-Aloes,
Lignum Rhodium, Orr as Powder, and Roſes; and let thoſe Grains or Cakes be made up with
Roſe-water which hath paſſed through a little Indian Balſam.
The Vapours which ariſing from things inwardly taken do fortifie and cheriſh the
for hot vapours are naught, and wine it ſelf, which is thought to have onely an heating
vapour, is not altogether void of an Opiate quality, Now we call thoſe vapours Clear
which have more of the vapour than of the exhalation, and which are not ſmoaky. or
fuliginous, or unctuous, but moiſt and equal.
Out of that unprofitable rabble of cordials, a few ought to be taken into daily diet:
Roots
of Bugloſs and Borrage, Citrons, Sweet Limons, and Pearmains, of the colder ſort. Alſo that
way which we ſaid, both Gold and Pearls work a good effect, not onely within the
veins, but in their paſſage, and about the parts near the heart; namely, by cooling, with-
out any malignant quality.
Of Bezoar-ſtone we believe well, becauſe of many trials:
but then the manner of
the ſpirits: therefore we approve not the taking of it in Broths or Syrups, or in Roſe-
water, or any ſuch like; but onely in wine, Cinnamon-water, or the like diſtilled water,
but that weak or ſmall, not burning or ſtrong.
Of the Affections we have ſpoken before;
we onely adde this, That every Noble, and
the Heart. And touching the Heart thus much.
As for the Brain, where the Seat and Court of the Animal spirits is kept, thoſe things
both, alſo touching the procuring of placid ſleep, may likewiſe be referred hither. This
alſo is moſt certain, that the Brain is in ſome ſort in the cuſtody of the Stomach; and
therefore thoſe things which comfort and ſtrengthen the Stomach do help the Brain
by conſent, and may no leſs be transferred hither. We will adde a few Obſervations,
three Outward, one Inward.
We would have bathing of the Feet to be often uſed, at leaſt once in a week;
and
marjoram, and Pepper-wort, with the leaves of Angellica green.
We commend alſo a Fume or Suffumigation every morning of dried Roſemary, Bay-
for all ſweet Gums oppreſs the head.
Eſpecially care muſt be taken that no bot things be applied to the Head outwardly;
for thoſe hot things we
debaſe them to the ſoles of the Feet, and would have them applied there onely; but a
light anointing of the Head with Oil, mixed with Roſes, Myrtle, and a little Salt and Saf-
fron, we much commend.
Not forgetting thoſe things which we have before delivered touching Opiates, Nitre,
we think it not impertinent to that
effect, that once in fourteen days Broth be taken in the morning with three or four grains
of Caſtoreum, and a little Angelica-ſeed, and Calamus, which both fortifie the Brain, and
in that aforeſaid denſity of the ſubſtance of the ſpirits, (ſo neceſſary to long life) adde
alſo a vivacity of motion and vigour to them.
In handling the Comforters of the four principal Be
ferred into Diets and Regiment of Life: for variety of Medicines is the Daughter of
Ignorance; and it is not more true, that many Diſhes have cauſed many Diſeaſes, as the
Proverb is, than this is true, that many Medicines have cauſed few Cures. And touch-
ing the Operation upon the principal Bowels for their Extruſion of Aliment, thus
much.
ALthough a good Concoction perſormed by the Inward Parts be the principal to-
yet the Actions of the Outward Parts ought
alſo to concur; that like as the Inward Faculty ſendeth forth and extrudeth the
Aliment, ſo the Faculty of the Outward Parts may call forth and attract the ſame: and
the more weak the Faculty of Concoction ſhall be, the more need is there of a concurring
help of the Attractive Faculty.
A ſtrong Attraction of the outward parts is chiefly cauſed by the motion of the Body,
the Aliment unto themſelves.
But this is moſt of all to be foreſeen and avoided, that the ſame motion and heat which
wherewith it had been before refreſhed.
Frications uſed in the morning ſerve eſpecially to this Intention:
but this muſt
Oil, leſt the Attrition of the outward parts make them by Perſpiration dry and
juiceleſs.
The next is Exerciſe, (by which the parts confricate and chafe themſelves) ſo it
nor unto wearineſs. But in Exerciſe and Frication there is the ſame reaſon and caution,
that the body may not perſpire or exhale too much: Therefore Exerciſe is better in
the open air than in the houſe, and better in Winter than in Summer; and again, εxer-
ciſe is not onely to be concluded with Unction, as Frication is, but in vehement Ex-
erciſes Unction is to be uſed both in the beginning and in the end, as it was anciently
to Champions.
That Exerciſe may reſolve either the ſpirits or the juices as little as may be, it is
and therefore that
it may not be uſed upon a full ſtomach, (which doth much concern health) nor yet
upon an empty ſtomach, (which doth no leſs concern long life) it is beſt to take a
breakfaſt in the morning, not of any Phyſical Drugs, or of any Liquors or of Raiſins,
or of Figs, or the like; but of plain Meat and Drink, yet that very light, and in moderate
quantity.
Exerciſes uſed for the irrigation of the members, ought to be equal to all the mem
not (as Socrates ſaid) that the Legs ſhould move, and the Arms ſhould reſt, or
on the contrary; but that all the parts may participate of the motion.
And it is alto
gether requiſite to long life, that the Body ſhould never abide long in one poſture, but
that every half hour, at leaſt, it change the poſture, ſaving onely in ſleep.
Thoſe things which are uſed to Mortification may be transferred to Vivification;
for
Attractive force of them.
Cardan commends Nettling, even to let out Melancholly:
but of this we have no ex-
and beſides, we have no good opinion of it, leſt, through the venemous
quality of the Nettle, it may with often uſe breed Itches and other diſeaſes of the skin. And touching the Operation upon the Outward Parts for their Attraction of Aliment,
thus much.
THe vulgar reproof touching many Diſhes doth rather become a ſevere Re-
or howſoever it may be good for perſervation of
health, yet is is hurtful to length of life, by reaſon that a various mixture of
Aliments, and ſomewhat heterogeneous, finds a paſſage into the veins and juices of the
body more lively and chearfully than a ſimple and homogeneous diet doth: beſides, it
is more forcible to ſtir up Appetite, which is the ſpur of Digeſtion. Therefore we
allow both a full Table, and a continual changing of Diſhes, according to the Seaſons of
the year, or upon other occaſions.
Alſo that opinion of the Simplicity of Meats without Sawces is but a ſimplicity of
for good and well-choſen Sawces are the moſt wholeſome preparation of
Meats, and conduce both to health and to long life.
It muſt be ordered, that with Meats hard of digeſtion be conjoyned ſtrong Liquors
but with Meats more eaſie of digeſti-
on, ſmaller Liquors and fat Sawces.
Whereas we adviſed before, that the firſt Draught at Supper ſhould be taken warm;
(to which every man is moſt accuſtomed) be taken warm half an hour before meat
alſo, but a little ſpiced, to pleaſe the taſte.
The preparation of Meats, and Bread, and Drinks, that they may be rightly hand-
ſeem a Mechanical thing, and ſavouring of the Kitchin and Buttery; yet it is of more
conſequence than thoſe Fables of Gold and precious Stones, and the like.
The moiſtning of the juices of the body by a moiſt preparation of the aliment, is a
it may be ſomewhat available againſt the fervours of diſeaſes, but it is
altogether averſe to roſcid alimentation. Therefore boiling of meats, as concerning
our Intention, is far inſeriour to roaſting, and baking, and the like.
Roaſting ought to be with a quick fire, and ſoon diſpatched;
not with a dull fire, and
All ſolid fleſhes ought to be ſerved in, not altogether freſh, but ſomewhat pow-
the leſs Salt may be ſpent at the table with them, or none at all:
for Salt incorporated with the meat before is better diſtributed in the body, then eaten
with it at the table.
There would be brought into uſe ſeveral and good Macerations, and Infuſions of
the like whereof are ſome-
time in uſe before they bake them, and in the Pickles of ſome Fiſhes.
But beatings, and as it were ſcourgings, of fleſh-meats before they be boiled, would
We ſee it is confeſſed that Partridges and Pheaſants killed with
an Hawk, alſo Bucks and Stags killed in Hunting, (if they ſtand not out too long, eat
better even to the taſte; and ſome Fiſhes ſcourged and beaten, become more tender
and wholſome; alſo hard and ſour Pears, and ſome other Fruits, grow ſweet with row-
ling them. It were good to practiſe ſome ſuch beating and bruiſing of the harder kinds
of Fleſhes before they be brought to the fire; and this would be one of the beſt prepa-
rations of all.
Bread a little levened, and very little ſalted, is beſt, and which is baked in an Oven
The preparation of Drinks in order to long life ſh all not exceed one Precept.
And
ſuch a diet (as we ſaid before) may
prolong life to an indifferent term, but to no eminent length: but in other Drinks, that
are full of ſpirit, (ſuch as are wine, Ale, Mead, and the like) this one thing is to be ob-
ſerved and purſued, as the ſum of all, That the parts of the Liquor may be exceeding
thin and ſubtil, and the Spirit exceeding mild. This is hard to be done by Age alone,
for that makes the parts a little more ſubtil, but the ſpirits much more ſharp and eager: therefore of the Infuſions in the Veſſels of ſome fat ſubſtance, which may reſtrain the
acrimony of the ſpirits, counſel hath been given before. There is alſo another way
without Infuſion or Mixture: this is, that the Liquor might be continually agitated,
either by carriage upon the Water, or by carriage by Land, or by hanging the veſ-
ſels upon lines, and daily ſtirring them, or ſome ſuch other way: for it is certain that
this local motion doth both ſubtilize the parts, and doth ſo incorporate and compact the
ſpirits with the parts, that they have no leiſure to turn to ſowrneſs, which is a kind of
putrefaction.
But in extream old age ſuch a preparation of meats is to be made as may be almoſt in
And touching the Diſtillations of Meats, they are mere toys;
for the Nutritive part, at leaſt the beſt of it, doth not aſcend in Vapours.
The incorporating of meat and drink before they meet in the ſtomach is a degree
therefore let Chickens, or Partridges, or Pheaſants, or the like, be taken
and boiled in water with a little ſalt, then let them be cleanſed and dried, after-
ward let them be infuſed in Muſt or Ale before it hath done working, with a little
Sugar.
Alſo Grazies of meat, and the mincings of them ſmall well ſeaſon’d, are good for
and the rather, for that they are deſtituted of the office of their Teeth in
chewing, which is a principal kind of preparation.
And as for the helps of that defect, (namely, of the ſtrength of Teeth to grind the
Firſt, that new Teeth may
put forth; that which ſeems altogether difficult, and cannot be accompliſhed without
an inward and powerful reſtauration of the body. Secondly, that the Jaws be ſo con-
firmed by due Aſtringents, that they may in ſome ſort ſupply the office of the Teeth; which
may poſſibly be effected. Thirdly, that the meat be ſo prepared, that there ſhall be no
need of chewing: which remedy is ready at hand.
We have ſome thought alſo touching the Quantity of the meat and drink, that the
therefore both great Feaſtings and free Drinkings are not altogether to be inhibited.
And touching the Operation upon the Aliments and the Preparation of them, thus much.
TOuching the laſt A ct of Aſſimilation (unto which the three Operations immediately
preceeding chiefly tend) our advice ſhall be brief and ſingle: and the thing it ſelf ra-
ther needs Explication, than any various Rules.
IT is certain, that all bodies are endued with ſome deſire of Aſſimilating thoſe things
This the rare and pneumatical bodies, as Flame, Spirit, Air,
perform generouſly and with alacrity: on the contrary, thoſe that carry a groſs and
tangible bulk about them, do but weakly, in regard that the deſire of aſſimilating other
things is boundin by a ſtronger deſire of Reſt, and containing themſelves from Motion.
Again, it is certain that the deſire of aſſimilating being bound, as we ſaid, in a Groſs
ing ſpirit, ſo that it is then actuated: which is the onely cauſe why Inanimates aſſimi-
late not, and Animates aſſimilate.
This alſo is certain, that the harder the Conſiſtence of the body is, the more doth
which falls
out ill for old men, becauſe in them the parts are more obſtinate, and the heat weaker; and therefore either the obſtinacy of their parts is to be ſoftned, or their heat increaſed.
And as touching the Malaciſſation or mollifying of the members, we ſhall ſpeak after ward,
having alſo formerly propounded many things which pertain to the prohibiting and
preventing of this kind of hardneſs. For the other, touching the increaſing of the
heat, we will now deliver a ſingle precept, after we have firft aſſumed this Axiom.
The Act of Aſſimilation (which, as we ſaid, is excited by the heat circumfuſed) is
now all ſuch motions do then
come to their vigour, when the local Motion wholly ceaſeth which diſturbeth it. For
the Motion of Separation into homogeneal par ts, which is in Milk, that the Cream ſhould
ſwim above, and the Whey ſink to the bottom, will never work, if the Milk benever
ſo little agitated; neither will any Putrefaction proceed in Water or mixt Bodies, if
the ſame be in continual Local Motion. So then, from this Aſſumption we will conclude
this for the preſent Inquiſition.
The Act it ſelf of Aſſimilation is chiefly accompliſhed in Sleep and Reſt, eſpecially
Therefore we have nothing
elſe to adviſe, but that men keep themſelves hot in their ſleep; and further, that to wards
the morning there be uſed ſome Anointing, or ſhirt tincted with Oil, ſuch as may gently
ſtir up heat, and after that to fall aſleep again. And touching the laſt Act of Aſſimilation
thus much.
VVE have inquired formerly touching the Inteneration from within, which is done by
many windings and Circuits, as well of Alimentation as of Detaining the Spirit
from iſſuing forth, and therefore is accompliſhed ſlowly. Now we are to inquire touching
that Inteneration which is from without, and is effected, as it were, ſuddenly; or touching
the Malaciſſation and Suppling of the Body.
IN the Fable of reſtoring Peli
be cut into ſeveral pieces, and then boiled in a Cauldron with certain Medicaments. There may, perhaps, ſome boiling be required to this matter, but the cutting into pieces
is not needful.
Not withſtanding, this cutting into pieces ſeems, in ſome ſort, to be uſeful;
not
For whereas the Conſiſtence of the Bowels and
Parts is very diverſe, it is needfull that the Inteneration of them both be not effected the
ſame way, but that there be a Cure deſigned of each in particular, beſides thoſe things
which pertain to the Inteneration of the whole maſs of the Body; of which, notwith-
ſtanding, in the firſt place.
This Operation (if perhaps it be within our power) is moſt likely to be done by
concerning which theſe things that follow are to be
obſerved.
We muſt not be too forward in hoping to accompliſh this matter from the Exam-
mates, by which they are intenerated, where of we introduced ſome inſtances before: For this kind of operation is more eaſie upon Inanimates, becauſe they attract
and ſuck in the Liquor; but upon the bodies of Living creatures it is har-
der, becauſe in them the motion rather tendeth outward and to the Circum-
ference.
Therefore the Emollient Baths which are in uſe do little good, but on the contrary
the body rather than conſolidate it.
The Baths and Unctions which may ſerve to the preſent Operation (namely, of Inte-
The firſt and principal is, That they conſiſt of thoſe tlings which in their whole
virtue from without.
The ſecond is, That they be mixed with ſuch things as through the ſubtilty of their
body.
The third is, That they receive ſome mixture (though much inferiour to the reſt)
I mean not ſour or tart things, but unctuous and
comforting; that while the other two do operate, the exhaling out of the body, which
deſtroyeth the virtue of the things intenerating, may (as much as is poſſible) be pro-
hibited; and the motion to the in ward parts, by the Aſtriction of the skin and cloſing
of the paſſages, may be promoted and furthered.
That which is moſt conſubſtantial to the body of man is warm Bloud, either of man,
but the device of Ficinus, touching the ſucking of
bloud out of the arm of a wholeſome young man, for the reſtauration of ſtrength in
old men, is very frivolous; for that which nouriſheth from within ought no way to
be equal or homogeneal to the body nouriſhed, but in ſome ſort inferiour and ſubor-
dinate, that it may be converted: but in things applied out wardly, by how much the
ſubſtance is liker, by ſo much the conſent is better.
It hath been anciently received, that a Bath made of the bloud of Infants will cure the
inſomuch that this thing hath begot envy
towards ſome Kings from the common people.
It is reported that Heraclitus, for cure of the Dropſie, was put into the warmbelly of an
They uſe the bloud of Kitlins warm to cure the diſeaſe called St.
Anthony’s Fire, and
An Arm or other Member newly cut off, or that upon ſome other occaſion will not
for it worketh potently to ſtanch the bloud; the bloud of the member cut off by con-
ſent ſucking in, and vehemently drawing to it ſelf, the warm bloud of the creature ſlain,
where by it ſelf is ſtopped and retireth.
It is much uſed in extreme and deſperate diſeaſes to cut in two young Pigeons, yet
where by ſometime there followeth a wonderful eaſe. This is imputed vulgarly as if
they ſhould draw down the malignity of the diſeaſe; but howſoever, this application
goeth to the Head, and comforteth the Animal Spirits.
But theſe bloudy Baths and Unctions ſeem to us ſluttiſh and odious:
let us ſearch
benefit.
Next unto warm Bloud, things alike in ſubstance to the Body of a man are nutritives:
Oiſters amongſt Fiſhes;
Milk, Butter, Yolks of
Eggs, Flower of Wheat, ſweet wine, either Sugred, or before it be fined.
Such things as we would have mixed to make impreſſion are, inſtead of all, Salts,
alſo Wine (when it is full of Spirit) maketh entrance, and is an
excellent Convoy.
Aſtringents of that kind which we deſcribed, namely, unctuous and comfortable
Of theſe parts, in our judgment, may very well be made ſuch a Bath as we deſign:
But the Operation will be much better and more powerful, if ſuch a Bath as we have
Courſe and Order.
Firſt, that there go before the Bath a Frication of the body, and an Anointing with
pierce the body, and not the watry part of the Liquor. Then let the Bath follow, for
the ſpace of ſome two hours. After the Bath, let the body be Emplaiſtered with Ma-
ſtick, Myrrhe, Tragacanth, Diapalma, and Saffron; that the perſpiration of the body
may (as much as is poſſible) be inhibited, till the ſupple matter be by degrees turned
into ſolid: This to be continued for the ſpace of twenty four hours or more.
Laſtly,
the Emplaiſtering being removed, let there be an anointing with Oil mixed with salt and
Saffron. And let this Bath, together with the Emplaistering and Unction, (as before)
be renewed every fifth day. This Malaciſſation or ſuppling of the body be continued
for one whole month.
Alſo during the time of this Malaciſſation, we hold it uſeful and proper, and accord-
and drink nothing but warm drink.
Now this is one of thoſe things (as we warned in general in the beginning)
aiming and levelling at the end: For having ſet up the Mark, we deliver the Light to
others.
Neither ought the warmths and cheriſhings of living bodies to be neglected.
Ficinus
was wholſome ſor him, but it came too late. He ſhould alſo have added, That the young
Maid, after the manner of the Perſian Virgins, ought to have been anointed with Myrrhe,
and ſuch like, not for deliciouſneſs, but to increaſe the virtue of this cheriſhing by a
living body.
Barbaroſſa, in his extream old age, by the advice of a Phyſician, a Jew, did con-
alſo
ſome old men lay Whelps (creatures of the hotteſt kind) cloſe to their ſtomachs every
night.
There hath gone a report, almoſt undoubted, and that under ſeveral names, of cer-
ofſ the bunches or hillocks of their Noſes, and then making a wide gaſh in their arms,
have held their Noſes in the place for a certain time, and ſo brought forth fair and come-
ly Noſes: which if it be true, it ſhews plainly the conſent of fleſh unto fleſh, eſpecially
in live fleſhes.
Touching the particular Inteneration of the principal Bowels, the Stomach, Lungs, Liver,
Lages, Bones, the Inquiſition and Direction would be too long ſeeing we now ſet not forth
a Practick, but certain Indications to the Practick.
ALthough thoſe things which we ſhall here ſet down have been, for themoſt part,
ſpoken of before; yet becauſe this Operation is one of the principal, we will
handle them over again more at large.
It is certain that Draught-Oxen which have been worn out with working, being put
and this will ap-
pear even to the taſte and palat; ſo that the Inteneration of fleſh is no hard matter.
Now it is likely that this Inteneration of the fleſh being often repeated, will in time reach
to the Inteneration of the Bones and Membranes, and like parts of the body.
It is certain that Diets which are now much in uſe, principally of Guaiacum, and of
ſtrict rules, do firſt attenuate the whole juice of the body, and after conſume it and
drink it up. Which is moſt manifeſt, becauſe that by theſe Diets the French-Pox,
when it is grown even to an hardneſs, and hath eaten up and corrupted the very mar-
row of the body, may be effectually cured. And further, becauſe it is manifeft that
men who by theſe diets are brought to be extream lean, pale, and as it were ghoſts,
will ſoon after become fat, well-coloured, and apparently young again. Wherefore
we are abſolutely of opinion, that ſuch kind of diets in the decline of age, being uſed
every year, would be very uſeful to our Intention; like the old skin or ſpoil of Ser-
pents.
We do confidently affirm, (neither let any man reckon us among thoſe Hereticks
more available to long life than Exerciſes and Sweats: and this muſt needs be ſo, if that
be held, which is already laid for aground, That Unctions of the body, and Oppletion
of the paſſages from without, and Excluſion of air, and Detaining of the ſpirit within
the maſs of the body, do much conduce to long life. For it is moſt certain, that by
Sweats and outward Perſpirations not only the Humours and excrementitious vapours
are exhaled and conſumed, but together with them the juices alſo and good ſpirits,
which are not ſo eaſily repaired: but in Purges (unleſs they be very immoderate) it is
not ſo, ſeeing they work principally upon the Humors. But the beſt Purges for this
Intention are thoſe which are taken immediately beforemeat, becauſe they dry the body
leſs; and therefore they muſt be of thoſe Purgers which do leaſt trouble the belly.
Theſe Intentions of the Operations which we have propounded (as we conceive) are
moſt true, the Remedies faithful to the Intentions. Neither is it credible to be told (al-
though not a few of theſe Remedies may ſeem but vulgar) with what care and choice they
have been examined by us, that they might be (the Intention not at all impeached) both
ſafe and effectual Experience, no doubt, will both verifie and promote theſe matters. And ſuch, in all things, are the works of every prudent counſel, that they are Admi-
rable in their Effects, Excellent alſo in their Order, but ſeeming Vulgar in the Way
and Means.
WE are now to enquire touching the Porches of Death, that is, touching thoſe things
which happen unto men at the point of Death, both a little before and after; that
ſeeing there are many Paths which lead to Death, it may be under ſtood in what Common
rather than by Violence: although ſomething of this latter alſo muſt be inſerted, becauſe
of the connexion of things.
THe living Spirit ſtands in need of three things that it may ſubſiſt;
Convenient
Flame ſeems to ſtand in
need but of two of theſe, namely, Motion and Aliment; becauſe Flame is a
ſimple ſubſtance, the Spirit a compounded, inſomuch that if it approach ſome what too
near to a flamy nature, it overthroweth it ſelf.
Alſo Flame by a greater and ſtronger Flame is extinguiſhed and ſlain, as Ariſtotle well
Flame, if it be much compreſſed and ſtreightned, is extinguiſhed:
as we may ſee in.
for the Air being dilated by the heat, doth con-
trude and thruſt together the Flame, and ſo leſſeneth it, and in the end extinguiſheth it; and fires on hearths will not flame if the fuel be thruſt cloſe together without any ſpace
for the flame to break forth.
Alſo things fired are extinguiſhed with compreſſion;
as if you preſs a burning coal
But to come to the Spirit:
if Bloud or Phlegm get into the Ventricles of the
ſelf.
Alſo a great blow on the head induceth ſudden death, the Spirits being ſtreightned
Opium and other ſtrong Stupefactives do coagulate the Spirit, and deprive it of the
A venemous Vapour, totally abhorred by the ſpirit, cauſeth ſudden death:
as in deadly
for they ſtrike a loath-
ing into the Spirit, that the ſpirit will no more move it ſelf, nor riſe againſt a thing ſo
much deteſted.
Alſo extreme Drunkenneſs or extreme Feeding ſometime cauſe ſudden death,
of the vapour, (as in Opium and malignant poiſons) but alſo with the abundance of
the Vapours.
Extreme Grief or Fear, eſpecially if they be ſudden, (as it is in a ſad and unexpected
Not onely over-much Compreſſion, but alſo over-much Dilatation of the ſpirit, is
Joys exceſſive and ſudden have bereft many of their lives.
In greater Evacuations, as when they cut men for the Drepſie, the waters flow forth
much more in great and ſudden fluxes of bloud oftentimes preſent
death followeth: and this happens by the mere flight of Vacuum within the body,
all the parts moving to fill the empty placcs, and amongſt the reſt the ſpirits
themſelves. For as for ſlow fluxes of blood, this matter pertains to the indigence
of nouriſhment, not to the diffuſion of the ſpirits. And touching the motion
of the ſpirit ſo far, either compreſſed or diffuſed, that it bringeth death, thus
much.
We muſt come next to the want of Refrigeration.
Stopping of the breath cauſeth
Now it ſeems this matter is not ſo
much to be referred to the impediment of Motion, as to the impediment of Refri-
geration; for air over-hot, though attracted freely, doth no leſs ſuffocate than if
breathing were hindred; as it is in them who have been ſometime ſuffocated with
burning coals, or with char-coal, or with walls newly plaiſtered in cloſe chambers
where a fire is made: which kind of death is reported to have been the end of the
Emperor Jovinian. The like happeneth from dry Baths over heated, which was pra-
ctiſed in the killing of Fauſta, wifeto Conſtantine the Great.
It is a very ſmall time which Nature taketh to repeat the breathing, and in
ſcarce the third part of a minute.
Again, the beating of the Pulſe, and the motion of the Syſtole and Diaſtole of the
inſomuch that if it were poſſi-
ble that that motion of the heart could be ſtopped without ſtopping the breath, death
would follow more ſpedily there upon than by ſtrangling.
Notwithſtanding, uſe and cuſtom prevail much in this natural action of breathing;
at leaſt ten times longer than other men can do.
Amongſt living Creatures, even of thoſe that have Lungs, there are ſome that are able
as they need more or leſs refrigeration.
Fiſhes need leſs refrigeration that Terreſtrial Creatures, yet ſome they need, and
And as Terreſtrial Creatures cannot bear the air that is too
hot or too cloſe; ſo Fiſhes are ſuffocated in waters if they be totally and long
frozen.
If the Spirit be aſſaulted by another heat greater than it ſelf, it is diſſipated and de-
for it cannot bear the proper beat without refrigeration, much leſs can it
bear another heat which is far ſtronger. This is to be ſeen in burning-Fevers, where
the heat of the putrefied humours doth exceed the native heat, even to extinction or
diſſipation.
The want alſo and uſe of Sleep is referred to Refrigeration.
For Motion doth atte-
contra-
rily, sleep ſetleth and reſtraineth the motion and gadding of the ſame: for though
Sleep doth ſtrengthen and advance the actions of the parts and of the liveleſs ſpi-
rits, and all that motion which is to the circumference of the body; yet it doth in
great part quiet and ſtill the proper motion of the living Spirit. Now ſleep regu-
larly is due unto humane nature once within four and twenty hours, and that for ſix
or five hours at the leaſt: though there are, even in this kind, ſometimes miracles of
Nature; as it is recorded of Mecanas, that he ſlept not for a long time before his
death. And as touching the want of Refrigeration for conſerving of the Spirit thus
much.
As concerning the third Indigence, namely of Aliment, it ſeems to pertain rather to
for a man may eaſily believe that the living Spirit
ſubſiſteth in Identity, not by ſucceſſion or renovation. And as for the reaſonable Soul
in man, it is above all queſtion that it is not engendred of the Soul of the Parents, nor is
repaired, nor can die, They ſpeak of the Natural spirit of living Creatures, and alſo
of Vegetables, which differs from that other Soul eſſentially and formally. For out of
the confuſion of theſe that ſame tranſmigration of Souls, and innumerable other devices
of Heathens and Hereticks have proceeded.
The Body of man doth regularly require Renovation by Aliment every day, and a
notwithſtanding uſe and
cuſtome will do much even in this caſe: but in ſickneſs faſting is leſs grievous to the
body. Alſo Sleep doth ſupply ſomewhat to nouriſhment;
and on the other ſide
Exerciſe doth require it more abundantly. Likewiſe there have ſome been found
who ſuſtained themſelves (almoſt to a miracle in nature) a very long time without
meat or drink.
Dead Bodies if they be not intercepted by putrefaction, will ſubſiſt a long time with-
but Living bodies not above three days, (as we ſaid) un-
leſs they be repaired by nouriſhment: which ſheweth that quick Abſumption to be
ceſſity of being repaired, or both. This is teſtified by that alſo which was noted a little
before, namely, that living creatures may ſubſiſt ſomewhat the longer without Aliment
if they ſleep: now ſleep is nothing elſe but a reception and retirement of the living
Spirit into it ſelf.
An abundant and continual effluxion of blood, which ſometimes happeneth in
unlocked or broken, ſometimes by wounds, cauſeth ſudden death, in regard that
the bloud of the Veins miniſtreth to the Arteries, and the bloud of the Arteries
to the Spirit.
The quantity of meat and drink which a man, eating two meals a day, receiveth into
much more than he voideth again either by ſtool, or by urine,
or by ſweating. You will ſay, No marvel, ſeeing the remainder goeth into the juices
and ſubſtance of the body. It is true;
but conſider then that this addition is made twice
a day, and yet the body aboundeth not much. In like manner, though the ſpirit be re-
paired, yet it grows not exceſſively in the quantity.
It doth no good to have the Aliment ready, in a degree removed, but to have it of that
for the ſtaff of
a Torch alone will not maintain the flame, unleſs it be fed with wax, neither can men
live upon herbs alone. And from thence comes the Inconcoction of old age, that though
there be fleſh and bloud, yet the ſpirit is become ſo penurious and thin, and the
juices and bloud ſo heartleſs and obſtinate, that they hold no proportion to Ali-
mentation.
Let us now caſt up the accounts of the Needs and Indigences, according to the ordi
The Spirit hath need of opening and moving it ſelf
in the Ventricles of the Brain and Nerves even continually, of the motion of the Heart
every third part of a moment, of breathing every moment, of ſleep and nouriſhment
once within three days, of the power of nouriſhment commonly till eighty years be
paſt: And if any of theſe Indigences beneglected, Death enſueth.
So there are plainly
three Porches of Death; Deſtitution of the Spirit in the Motion, in the Refrigeration,
in the Aliment.
It is an error to think that the Living Spirit is perpetually generated and extinguiſhed,
as Flame is, and abideth not any notable time: for even Flame it ſelf is not thus out of
its own proper nature, but becauſe it liveth amongst enemies, for Flame within Flame
endureth. Now the Living Spirit liveth amongſt friends, and all due obſequiouſneſs.
So
then, as Flame is a momentany ſubſtance, Air is a ſixed ſubſtance, the Living Spirit is
betwixt both.
Touching the extinguiſhing of the Spirit by the deſtruction of the Organs (which is
cauſed by Diſeaſes and Violence) we enquire not now, as we foretold in the beginning, al-
though that alſo endeth in the ſame three Porches. And touching the Form of Death it
ſelf thus much.
There are two great forerunners of Death, the one ſent from the Head, the other
Convulſion, and the extreme labour of the Pulſe;
for, as for the deadly
Hiccough, it is a kind of Convulſion. But the deadly labour of the Pulſe hath that
unuſual ſwiftneſs, becauſe the Heart at the point of death doth ſo tremble, that
the Syſtole and Diaſtole thereof are almoſt confounded. There is alſo conjoyned
in the Pulſe a weakneſs and lowneſs, and oftentimes a great intermiſſion, becauſe
the motion of the Heart faileth, and is not able to riſe againſt the aſſault ſtoutly or
conſtantly.
The immediate proceeding ſigns of Death are, great unquietneſs and toſſing in the
ſpeaking hollow, trembling of the neather lip, paleneſs of the face, the memory con-
fuſed, ſpeechleſs, cold ſweats, the body ſhooting in length, lifting up the white of
the eye, changing of the whole viſage, (as the noſe ſharp, eyes hollow, cheeks fallen)
contraction and doubling of the coldneſs in the extreme parts of the body; in ſome,
ſhedding of bloud or ſperm, ſhrieking, breathing thick and ſhort, falling of the nea-
ther chap, and ſuch like.
There follow Death a privation of all ſenſe and motion, as well of the Heart and
ſtiffneſs of the Nerves and parts, extream coldneſs of the whole body; after a little
while, putrefaction and ſtinking.
Eeles, serpents and the Inſecta will move a long time in every part after they are cut
again. Alſo Birds will flutter a great while after their heads are pulled off;
and the
hearts of living creatures will pant a long time after they are plucked out. I remem-
ber I have ſeen the heart of one that was bowelled, as ſufſ
being caſt into the fire, leaped at the firſt at leaſt a foot and half in height, and after
by degrees lower and lower, for the ſpace, as I remember, of ſeven or eight minutes. There is alſo an ancient and credible Tradition of an O
plucked out. But there is a more certain tradition of a man, who being under the
cutioner’s hand, was heard to utter three or four words of prayer: which therefore
we ſaid to be more credible than that of the Ox
party ſuffering do uſually give a reward to the Executioner to diſpatch his office with
the more ſpeed, that they may the ſooner be rid of their pain; but in Sacrifices we
ſee no cauſe why the Prieſt ſhould be ſo ſpeedy in his office.
For reviving thoſe again which fall into ſudden Swooning and Catalepſes of aſtoniſh-
are uſed; Putting into their mouths Water diſtilled of Wine, which they call Hot-
waters, and Cordial-Waters, bending the body forwards, ſtopping the mouth and noſtrils
hard, bending or wringing the fingers, pulling the hairs of the beard or head, rubbing
of the parts, eſpecially the face and legs, ſudden caſting of cold water upon the face,
ſhrieking out aloud and ſuddenly; putting Roſe-water to the noſtrills with Vinegar in
faintings; burning of Feathers or Cloth in the ſuffocation of the Mother:
but eſpe-
cially a Frying-pan heated red hot is good in Apoplexies; alſo a cloſe embracing o
body hath helped ſome.
There have been many examples of men in ſhew dead, either laid out upon the
nay, of ſome buried in the earth, which not-
withſtanding have lived again, which hath been found in thoſe that were buried (the
earth being afterwards opened) by the bruiſing and wounding of their head, through
the ſtrugling of the body within the Coffin; whereof the moſt recent and memo-
rable example was that of Foannes scotus, called the Subtil, and a School-man, who
being digged up again by his Servant, (unfortunately abſent at his burial, and who
knew his Maſters manner in ſuch fits) was found in that ſtate: And the like happened
in our days in the perſon of a Player, buried at Cambridge. I remember to have heard
of a certain Gentleman, that would needs make trial in curioſity what men did feel that
were hanged; ſo he faſtened the Cord about his neck, raiſing himſelf upon a ſtool, and
then letting himſelf fall, thinking it ſhould be in his power to recover the ſtool at
his pleaſure, which he failed in, but was helped by a friend then preſent. He was
asked aſterward what he felt. He ſaid he felt no pain, but firſt he thought he ſaw before
his eyes a great fire and burning; then he thought he ſaw all black and dark;
laſtly
it turned to a pale blew, or Sea-water green; which colour is alſo often ſeen by them
which fall into Swoonings. I have heard alſo of a Phyſician, yet living, who reco-
vered a man to life which had hanged himſelf, and had hanged half an hour, by Fri-
cations and hot Baths: And the ſame Phyſician did profeſs, that he made no doubt to
recover any man that had hanged ſo long, ſo his Neck were not broken with the firſt
ſwing.
THe Ladder of Man’s Body is this, To be conceived, to be quickned in the womb,
firſt time about the ſecond year of age, to begin to go, to begin to ſpeak, to
twelve or fourteen years of age, to be able for generation and the flowing of the Men-
ſtrua, to have hairs about the legs and arm-holes, to put forth a Beard; and thus long,
and ſometimes later, to grow in ſtature, to come to full years of ſtrength and agility, to
grow gray and bald; the Menſtrua ceaſing, and ability to generation, to grow decrepit
and a monſter with three legs, to die. Mean-while the Mind alſo hath certain periods,
but they cannot be deſcribed by years, as to decay in the Memory, and the like; of
which hereafter.
The differences of Youth and old Age are theſe:
A young man’s skin is ſmooth
a
young man’s fleſh is tender and ſoft, an old man’s hard; a young man hath ſtrength
and agility, an old man feels decay in his ſtrength and is ſlow of motion; a young man
a young man’s bowels are ſoft and ſucculent, an
old man’s ſalt and parched; a young man’s body is erect and ſtreight, an old man’s
bowing and crooked; a young man’s limbs are ſteady, an old man’s weak and trem-
bling; the humours in a young man are cholerick, and his bloud inclined to heat, in an
old man phlegmatick and melancholick, and his bloud inclined to coldneſs; a young
man ready for the act of Venus, an old man ſlow unto it: in a young man the juices
of his body are more roſcid, in an old man more crude and wateriſh; the ſpirit in a
young man plentiful and boiling, in an old man ſcarce and jejune: a young man’s ſpi-
rit is denſe and vigorous, an old man’s eager and rare; a young man hath his ſenſes
quick and intire, an old man dull and decayed; a young man’s teeth are ſtrong and
entire, an old man’s weak, worn, and faln out; a young man’s hair is coloured, an
old man’s (of what colour ſoever it were) gray; a young man hath hair, an old man
baldneſs; a young man’s pulſe is ſtronger and quicker, an old man’s more confuſed
and ſlower; the diſeaſes of young men are more acute and curable, of old men longer
and hard to cure; a young man’s wounds ſoon cloſe, an old man’s later;
a young man’s
cheeks are of a freſh colour, an old man’s pale, or with a black bloud; a young man
is leſs troubled with rheums, an old man more. Neither do we know in what things
old men do improve as touching their body, ſave onely ſometime in fatneſs; whereof
the reaſon is ſoon given, Becauſe old men’s bodies do neither perſpire well, nor aſſimi-
late well: now Fatneſs is nothing elſe but an exuberance of nouriſhment above that
which is voided by excrement, or which is perfectly aſſimilated. Alſo ſome old men
improve in the appetite of feeding by reaſon of the acid humors, though old men digeſt
worſt. And all theſe things which we have ſaid, Phyſicians negligently enough will
refer to the diminution of the Natural heat and Radical moiſture, which are things of no
worth for uſe. This is certain, Drineſs in the coming on of years doth forego Cold
neſs; and bodies when they come to the top and ſtrength of heat do decline in Drineſs,
and after that follows Coldneſs.
Now we are to conſider the Affections of the Mind.
I remember when I was a
witty young man, but ſomething talkative, who afterwards grew to be a very eminent
man: he was wont to inveigh againſt the manners of old men, and would ſay, That if
their Minds could be ſeen as their Bodies are, they would appear no leſs deformed. Be-
ſides, being in love with his own wit, he would maintain, That the vices of old men’s
Minds have ſome correſpondence and were parallel to the putrefactions of their Bo-
dies: For the drineſs of their skin he would bring in Impudence;
for the hardneſs of
their bowels, unmercifulneſs: for the lippitude of their eyes, an evil Eye and Envy:
for the caſting down of their eyes, and bowing their body towards the earth,
Atheiſm; (for, ſaith he, they look no more up to Heaven as they are m
trembling of their members, Irreſolution of their decrees and light inconſtancy; for the
bending of their fingers, as it were to catch, Rapacity and covetouſneſs; for the buck-
ling of their knees, Fearfulneſs; for their wrinkles, Craftineſs and Obliquity:
and other
things which I have forgotten. But to be ſerious, a young man is modeſt and ſhame-
fac’d, an old man’s fore-head is hardned; a young man is full of bounty and mercy, an
old man’s heart is brawny; a young man is affected with a laudable emulation, an old
man with a malignant envy; a young man is inclined to Religion and Devotion, by
reaſon of his fervency and inexperience of evil, an old man cooleth in piety
through the coldneſs of his charity, and long converſation in evil, and likewiſe
through the difficulty of his belief; a young man’s deſires are vehement, an old man’s
moderate; a young man is light and moveable, an old man more grave and conſtant;
a young man is given to liberality, and beneficence, and humanity, an old man to co-
vetouſneſs, wiſdom for his own ſelf, and ſeeking his own ends; a young man is
confident and full of hope, an old man diffident and given to ſuſpect moſt things; a
young man is gentle and obſequious, an old man froward and diſdainful; a young man
is ſincere and open-hearted, an old man cautelous and cloſe; a young man is given
to deſire great things, an old man to regard things neceſſary; a young man thinks
well of the preſent times, an old man preferreth times paſt before them; a young man
reverenceth his Superiours, an old man is more forward to tax them: And many other
things, which pertain rather to ManneNotwithſtand-
ing old men, as in ſome things they improve in their Bodies, ſo alſo in their Minds,
unleſs they be altogether out of date: namely, that as they are leſs apt for inven-
cious; alſo they improve in Garrulity and Oſtentation, for they ſeek the fruit of ſpeech,
while they are leſs able for action: So as it was not abſurd that the Poets feigned old
Tithon to be turned into a Graſhopper.
COnſumption is not cauſed, unleſs that which is departed with by one body paſſeth into
another.
THere is in Nature no Annihilating, or Reducing to Nothing:
therefore that which
is conſumed is either reſolved into Air, or turned into ſome Body adjacent. So
we ſee a spider, or Fly, or Ant in Amber, entombed in a more ſtately Monument than
Kings are, to be laid up for Eternity, although they be but tender things, and ſoon
diſſipated: But the matter is this, that there is no air by, into which they ſhould be
reſolved; and the ſubſtance of the Amber is ſo hetero
of them. The like we conceive would be if a Stick, or Root, or ſome ſuch thing were
buried in Quick-ſilver: alſo Wax, and Honey, and Gums have the ſame Operation, but in
part onely.
THere is in every Tangible body a Spirit, covered and encompaſſed with the groſſer
parts of the body, and from it all Conſumption and Diſſolution hath the begin-
ning.
NO Body known unto us here in the upper part of the Earth is without a Spirit,
either by Attenuation and Concoction from the heat of the Heavenly Bodies, or
by ſome other way: for the Concavities of Tangible things receive not Vacuum, but
either Air, or the proper Spirit of the thing. And this spirit where of we ſpeak is not
ſome Virtue, or Energie, or Act, or a Trifle, but plainly a Body, rare and inviſible; notwithſtanding circumſcribed by Place, Quantitative, Real.
Neither again is that
Spirit Air, (no more than Wine is Water) but a body rarefied, of kin to Air, though
much different from it. Now the groſſer parts of bodies (being dull things, and not
apt for motion) would laſt a long time; but the Spirit is that which troubleth, and
plucketh, and undermineth them, and converte
ſoever it is able to digeſt, into new Spirit; and then as well the pre-exiſting Spirit of the
body as that newly made flie away together by degrees. This is beſt ſeen by the Di-
minution of the weight in bodies dried through Perspiration: for neither all that which
is iſſued forth was Spirit when the body was ponderous, neither was it not Spirit when
it iſſued forth.
THe Spirit iſſuing forth Drieth;
Detained and working within either Melteth, or Pu-
trefieth, or Vivifieth.
THere are four Proceſſes of the Spirit, to Arefaction, to Colliquation, Putre-
faction, to Generation of bodies. Arefaction is not the proper work of the Spirit,
but of the groſſer parts after the Spirit iſſued forth: for then they contract them-
ſelves partly by their flight of Vacuum, partly by the union of the Homogeneals: as
appears in all things which are arefied by age, and in the drier ſort of bodies which
have paſſed the fire, as Bricks, Char-coal, Bread. colliquation is the mere work of the
Spirit: neither is it done but when they are excited by heat:
for when the Spirits
dilating themſelves, yet not getting forth, do inſinuate and diſperſe themſelves
among the groſſer parts, and ſo make them ſoft and apt to run, as it is in Metalls and
wax: for Metalls and all tenacious things are apt to inhibit the Spirit, that being
Putrefaction is a mixed work of the Spirits and of the
groſſer parts: for the Spirit (which before reſtrained and bridled the parts of the
thing) being partly iſſued forth and partly infeebled, all things in the body do diſſolve
and return to their Homogeneities, or (if you will) to their Elements: that which was
Spirit in it is congregated to it ſelf, whereby things putrefied begin to have an ill ſa-
vour: the Oily parts to themſelves, whereby things putrefied have that ſlipperineſs
and unctuoſity; the watry parts alſo to themſelves:
the Dregs to themſelyes:
whence
followeth that confuſion in bodies putrefied. But Generation or Vivification is a work
alſo mixed of the Spirit and groſſer parts, but in a far different manner: for the Spirit
is totally detained, but it ſwelleth and moveth locally: and the groſſer parts are not
diſſolved, but follow the motion of the ſpirit, and are, as it were, blown out by it,
and extruded into divers figures, from whence cometh that Generation and Organiza-
tion: and therefore Vivification is always done in a matter tenacious and clammy, and
again, yielding and ſoft, that there may be both a detention of the ſpirit, and alſo a
gentle ceſſion of the parts, according as the ſpirit forms them. And this is ſeen in the
matter as well of all Vegetables as of living Creatures, whether they be engendred of
Putrefaction or of Sperm; for in all theſe things there is manifeſtly ſeen a matter
hard to break through, eaſie to yield.
IN all living Creatures there are two kinds of Spirits:
Liveleſs Spirits, ſuch as are in bo-
dies Inanimate; and a Vital Spirit ſuperadded.
IT was ſaid before, that to procure long life the Body of man muſt be conſidered,
firſt, as Inanimate, and not repaired by nouriſhment: ſecondly, as Animate, and
repaired by nouriſhment: for the former conſideration gives Laws touching (Conſump-
tion, the latter touching Reparation. Therefore we muſt know that there are in hu-
mane fleſh bones, Mfinally, in all the parts ſuch ſpirits diffuſed
in the ſubſtance of them while they are alive, as there are in the ſame things (Fleſh,
Bones, Membranes, and the reſt) ſeparated and dead: ſuch as alſo remain in a Car-
kaſs: but the Vital Spirit, although it ruleth them, and hath ſome conſent with them,
yet it is far differing from them, being integral, and ſubſiſting by it ſelf. Now there
are two ſpecial differences betwixt the Liveleſs Spirits and the Vital Spirits. The one,
that the Liveleſs spirits are not continued to themſelves, but are, as it were, cut off,
and encompaſſed with a groſs body which intercepts them; as Air is mixed with
Snow or Froth: but the Vital Spirit is all continued to it ſelf by certain Conduit-pipes
through which it paſſeth, and is not totally intercepted. And this Spirit is two-fold
alſo: the one branched, onely paſſing through ſinall pipes, and, as it were, ſtrings:
the other hath a Cell alſo, ſo as it is not onely continued to it ſelf, but alſo congre-
gated in an hollow ſpace in reaſonable good quantity, according to the Analogy of
the body, and in that Cell is the fountain of the Rivulets which branch from thence.
That Cell is chiefly in the Ventricles of the Brain, which in the ignobler ſort of crea-
tures are but narrow, inſomuch that the ſpirits in them ſeem ſcattered over their whole
body rather than Celled; as may be ſeen in Serpents, Eels and Flies, whereoſ every of
their parts move long after they are cut aſſunder. Birds alſo leap a good while after
their heads are pulled off, becauſe they have little heads and little Cells. But the nobler
ſort of creatures have thoſe Ventricles larger, and Man the largeſt of all. The other
difference betwixt the Spirits is, that the Vital Spirit hath a kind of enkindling, and
is like a Wind or Breath compounded of Flame and Air, as the Juices of living
creatures have both Oil and water. And this enkindling miniſtreth peculiar motions
and faculties: for the ſmoke which is inflamable, even before the flame conceived, is
hot, thin and movable, and yet it is quite another thing after it is become flame:
but the enkindling of the vital ſpirits is by many degrees gentler than the ſofteſt flame,
as of Spirit of Wine, or otherwiſe; and beſides, it is in great part mixed with an Aerial
ſubſtance, that it ſhould be a Myſtery or Miracle, both of a Flammeons and Aere-
ous nature.
THe Natural A Etions are proper to the ſeveral Parts, but it is the Vital Spirit that excites
and ſharpens them.
THe Actions or Functions which are in the ſeveral Members follow the nature of
the Members themſelves, (Attraction, Retention, Digeſtion, Aſſimilation, Separation,
Excretion, Perspiration, even Senſe it ſelf) according to the propriety of the ſeveral
Organs, (the Stomach, Liver, Heart, Spleen, Gall, Brain, Eye, Ear, and the reſt:) yet none of theſe Actions would ever have been actuated but by the vigour and pre-
ſence of the Vital spirit and heat thereof: as one Iron would not have drawn another
Iron, unleſs it had been excited by the Load ſtone, nor an Egge would ever have brought
forth a Bird, unleſs the ſubſtance of the Hen had been actuated by the treading of the
Cock.
THe liveleſs Spirits are next Conſa
the vital Spirits approach more to the
ſubſtance of Flame.
THe Explication of the precedent fourth Canon is alſo a declaration of this preſent
Canon: but yet further, from hence it is that all fat and oily things continue
long in their Being; For neither doth the Air much pluck them, neither do they
much deſire to joyn themſelves with Air. As for that conceit it is altogether vain,
That Flame ſhould be Air ſet on fire, ſeeing Flame and Air are no leſs heterogeneal
than Oil and Water. But whereas it is ſaid in the Canon, that the vital ſpirits approach
more to the ſubſtance of Flame; it muſt be underſtood, that they do this more than
the liveleſs spirits, not that they are more Flamy than Airy.
THe Spirit bath two Deſires;
one of multiplying it ſelf, the other of flying forth and
congregating it ſelf with the Connaturals.
THe Canon is underſtood of the liveleſs spirits;
for as for the ſecond Deſire, the
vital spirit doth moſt of all abhor flying forth of the body, for it finds no Con-
natural here below to joyn withal: Perhaps it may ſometimes flie to the outward
parts of the body, to meet that which it loveth; but the flying forth, as I ſaid, it ab-
horreth. But in the liveleſs ſpirits each of theſe two Deſires holdeth.
For to the for-
mer this belongeth, Every ſpirit ſeated among ſt the groſſer parts dwelleth unhappily; and
therefore when it finds not a like unto it ſelf, it doth ſo much the more labour to cre-
ate and make a like, as being in a great ſolitude, and endeavour earneſtly to multiply it
ſelf, and to prey upon the volatile of the großer parts, that it may be encreaſed in quan-
tity. As for the ſecond Deſire of flying forth, and betaking it ſelf to the Air, it is cer-
tain that all light things (which are ever movable) do willingly go unto their likes near
unto them, as a Dröp of water is carried to a Drop, Flame to Flame: but much more
this is done in the flying forth of ſpirit into the Air ambient, becauſe it is not carried
to a particle like unto it ſelf, but alſo as unto the Globe of the Cannaturals. Mean-while
this is to be noted, That the going forth and flight of the ſpirit into air is a redoubled
action, partly out of the appetite of the ſpirit, partly out of the appetite of the air; for
the common air is a needy thing, and receiveth all things ſpeedily, as Spirits, Odours, B
Sounds, and the like.
SPirit detained, if is
parts.
GEneration of new Spirit is not accompliſhed but upon thoſe things which are in
ſome degree near to ſpirit, ſuch as are humid bodies. And therefore if the groſſer
parts (amongſt which the Spirit converſeth) be in a remote degree, although the ſpirit
cannot convert them, yet (as much as it can) it weakneth, and ſoftneth, and ſubdueth
them, that ſeeing it cannot increaſe in quantity, yet it will d well more at large, and live
amongſt good neighbours and friends. Now this Apheriſm is moſt uſeful to our
End, becauſe it tendeth to the Inteneration of the obſtinate parts by the detention of the
ſpirit.
THe Inteneration of the harder parts cometh to good effect, when the Spirit neither fly-
eth forth, nor begetteth new Spirit.
THis Canon ſolveth the knot and difficulty in the Operation of Intenerating by the
Detention of the Spirit: for if the Spirit not flying forth waſteth all within, there
is nothing gotten to the Inteneration of the parts in their ſubſiſtence, but rather they are
diſſolved and corrupted. Therefore together with the Detention the Spirits ought to
be cooled and reſtrained, that they may not be too active.
THe heat of the Spirit to keep the body freſh and green, ought to be Robuſt, not
Eager.
ALſo this Canon pertaineth to the ſolving of the knot aforeſaid, but it is of a
much larger extent, for it ſetteth down of what temperament the heat in the
body ought to be for the obtaining of Long life. Now this is uſeful, whether the
spirits be detained, or whether they be not. For howſoever the heat of the spirits
muſt be ſuch, as it may rather turn it ſelf upon the hard parts than waſte the ſoft; for the one Deſiccateth, the other Intenerateth.
Beſides, the fame thing is available
to the well perfecting of Aſſimilation; for ſuch an heat doth excellently excite the fa-
culty of Aſſimilation, and withall doth excellently prepare the matter to be Aſſimi-
lated. Now the properties of this kind of heat ought to be theſe.
Firſt, that it be
ſlow, and heat not ſuddenly: Secondly, that it be not very intenſe, but moderate:
Thirdly, that it be equal, not incompoſed, namely, intending and remitting it ſelf:
Fourthly, that if this heat meet any thing to reſiſt it, it be not eaſily ſuffocated or lan-
guiſh. This Operation is exceeding ſubtil, but ſeeing it is one of the moſt uſeful, it is not
to be deſerted. Now in thoſe Remedies which we propounded to inveſt the ſpirits with
a Robust heat, or that which we call Operative, not Predatory, we have in ſome ſort ſatiſ-
fied this matter.
The Condenſing of the Spirits in their Subſtance is available to Long life.
THis Canon is ſubordinate to the next precedent:
for the Spirit condenſed receiveth
all thoſe four properties of heat whereof we ſpeak; but the ways of Condenſing
them are ſet down in the firſt of the Ten Operations.
THe Spirit in great quantity haſtneth more to flying forth, and preyeth upon the body
more, than in ſmall quantity.
THis Canon is clear of it ſelf, ſeeing mere Quantity doth regularly increaſe virtue.
Andit is to be ſeen in flames, that the bigger they are, the ſtronger they break forth,
and the more ſpeedily they conſume. And therefore over-great plenty or exuber ance
of the ſpirits is altogether hurtful to Long life; neither need one wiſh a greater ſtore
of ſpirits than what is ſufficient for the function of life, and the office of a good Re-
paration.
THe Spirit equally diſperſed maketh leſs haſte to flie forth, and preyeth leſs upon the body,
than unequally placed.
NOt onely abundance of ſpirits in reſpect of the whole is hurtful to the Duration
of things, but alſo the ſame abundance unevenly placed is in like manner hurtful; and therefore the more the ſpirit is ſhred and inſerted by ſmall portions, the leſs it prey-
eth for Diſſolution ever beginneth at that part where the ſpirit is looſer. And there-
fore both Exerciſe and Frications conduce much to long life, for Agitation doth fine-
lieſt diffuſe and commix things by ſmall portions.
THe inordinate and ſubſultory motion of the ſpirits doth more haſten to going forth, and
doth prey upon the body more, than the conſtant and equal.
IN Inanimates this Canon holds for certain;
for Inequality is the Mother of Diſſo-
lution: but in Animates (becauſe not onely the Conſumption is conſidered, but the
ſharpned by variety) it holdeth not rigorouſly; but it is ſo far forth to be received, that
this variety be rather an alternation or enterchange than a confuſion, and as it were con-
ſtant in inconſtancy.
The Spirit in a Body of a ſolid compoſure is detained, though unwillingly.
ALl things do abhor a Solution of their Continuity, but yet in proportion to their
Denſity or Rarity: for the more rare the bodies be, the more do they ſuffer
themſelves to be thruſt into ſmall and narrow paſſages; for water will go into a paſſage
which duſt will not go into, and air which water will not go into, nay, flame and
spirit which air will not go into. Notwithſtanding of this thing there are ſome
bounds: for the spirit is not ſo much tranſported with the deſire of going forth, that
it will ſuffer it ſelf to be too much diſcontinued, or be driven into over-ſtreight pores
and paſſages; and therefore if the ſpirit be encompaſſed with an hard body, or elſe
with an unctuous and tenæcious, (which is not eaſily divided) it is plainly bound, and,
as I may ſay, impriſoned, and layeth down the appetite of going out: wherefore we
ſee that Metalls and Stones require a long time for their ſpirit to go forth, unleſs either
the ſpirit be excited by the fire, or the groſſer parts be diſſevered with corroding and
ſtrong waters. The like reaſon is there of tenacious bodies, ſuch as are Gums, ſave onely
that they are melted by a more gentle heat: and therefore the juices of the body hard,
a cloſe and compact skin, and the like, (which are procured by the drineſs of the Aliment,
and by Exerciſe, and by the coldneſs of the air) are good for long life, becauſe they
detain the ſpirit in cloſe priſon that it goeth not forth.
In Oily and Fat things the Spirit is detained willingly, though they be not tenacious,
THe ſpirit, if it be not irritated by the antipatby of the body encloſing it, nor fed by
the over-much likeneſs of that body, nor ſollicited nor invited by the external body,
it makes no great ſtir to get out: all which are wanting to Oily bodies;
for they are
neither ſo preſſing upon the ſpirits as hard bodies, nor ſo near as watry bodies, neither
have they any good agreement with the air ambient.
THe ſpeedy flying forth of the Watry humor conſerves the Oily the longer in his
being.
WE ſaid before that the Watry humors, as being conſubſtantial to the Air, flie
forth ſooneſt; the Oily later, as having ſmall agreement with the Air.
Now
whereas theſe two humors are in moſt bodies, it comes to paſs that the Watry doth in a
ſort betray the Oily, for thatiſſuing forth inſenſibly carrieth this together with it. There-
fore there is nothing more furthereth the conſervation of bodies than a gentle drying of
them, which cauſeth the watry humour to expire, and inviteth not the Oily; for then
the Oily enjoyeth the proper nature. And this tendeth not onely to the inhibiting of
Putrefaction, (though that alſo followeth) but to the conſervation of Greenneſs. Hence it is, that gentle Frications and moderate Exerciſes, cauſing rather Perſpiration than
Sweating, conduce much to long life.
Air excluded conferreth to Long life, if other inconveniences be avoided.
WE ſaid a little before, that the flying forth of the spirit is a redoubled action,
from the appetite of the ſpirit and of the air, and therefore if either of theſe be
taken out of the way, there is not a little gained. Notwithſtanding divers Inconve-
niences follow hereupon, which how they may be prevented we have ſhewed in the
ſecond of our Operations.
YOuthful spirits inſerted into an old Body might ſoon turn Nature’s courſe back
again.
THe nature of the spirits is as the uppermoſt wheel, which turneth about the other
wheels in the body of man, and therefore in the Intention of Long life, that ought
to be firſt placed. Hereunto may be added, that there is an eaſier and more expedite
way to alter the ſpirits, than to other Operations. For the Operation upon the spirits is
two-fold: the one by Aliments, which is ſlow, and, as it were, about;
the other, (and
that two fold) which is ſudden, and goeth directly to the ſpirits, namely, by Vapours,
or by the Affections.
Juices of the Body hard and roſcid are good for Long life.
THe reaſon i@ plain, ſeeing we ſhe wed before, that hard things, and oily or roſcid are
hardly diſſipated: notwithſtanding there is difference, (as we alſo noted in the
tenth operation) That juice ſome what hard is indeed leſs diſſipable, but then it is withal
leſs reparable; therefore a Convenience is interlaced with an Inconvenience, and for this
cauſe no wonderful matter will be atchieved by this. But roſcid juice will admit both
Operations; therefore this would be principally endeavoured.
VVHatſoever is of thin parts to penetr ate, and yet hath no Acrimony to bite, begetteth
Roſcid Juices.
THis Canon is more hard to practiſe than to underſtand.
For it is manifeſt, what-
ſoever penetrateth well, but yet with a ſting or tooth, (as do all ſharp and ſour
things) it leaveth behind it whereſoever it goeth ſome mark or print of drineſs and
cleaving, ſo that it hardneth the juices, and chappeth the parts: contrarily, whatſoever
things penetrate through their thinneſs merely, as it were by ſtealth, and by way of in-
ſinuation, without violence, they bedew and water in their paſſage. Of which ſort we
have recounted many in the fourth and ſeventh Operations.
Aſſimilation is beſt done when all Local Motion is expended.
THis Canon we have ſufficiently explained in our Diſcourſe upon the eighth Ope-
ration.
ALimentation from without, at leaſt ſome other way than by the Stomach, is most pro-
fitable for Long life, if it can be done.
WE ſee that all things which are done by Nutrition, ask a long time, but thoſe which
are done by embracing of the like (as it is in Infuſions) require no long time. And
therefore Alimentation from without would be of principal uſe, and ſo much the more,
becauſe the Faculties of Concoction decay in old age: ſo that if there could be ſome auxi-
liary Nutritions, by Bathings, Vnctions, or elſe by Clyſters, theſe things in conjunction
might do much, which ſingle are leſs available.
WHere the Concoction is weak to thruſt forth the Aliment, there the Outward parts
ſhould be strengthned to call forth the Aliment.
THat which is propounded in this Canon is not the ſame thing with the former;
for
it is one thing for the outward Aliment to be attracted inward, another for the in-
ward Aliment to be attracted outward: yet herein they concur, that they both help
the weakneſs of the inward Concoctions, though by divers ways.
ALL ſudden Renovation of the Body is wrought either by the Spirit, or by Malaciſſa-
tions.
THere are two things in the body, Spirits and Parts:
to both theſe the way by Nu-
trition is long and about; but it is a ſhort way to the Spirits by Vapours and by
the Affections, and to the Parts by Malaciſſations. But this is diligently to be noted,
that by no means we confound Alimentation from without with Malaciſſation; for the
intention of Malaciſſation is not to nouriſh the parts, but onely to make them more fit
to be nouriſhed.
MAlaciſſation is wrought by Conſubſtantials, by Imprinters, and by Cloſers
up.
THe reaſon is manifeſt, for that Conſubſtantials do properly ſupple the body, Im-
printers do carry in, Cloſers up do retain and bridle the Perspiration, which is a
motion oppoſite to Malaciſſation. And therefore (as we deſcribed in the ninth Ope-
ration) Malaciſſation cannot well be done at once, but in a courſe or order. Firſt, by
excluding the Liquor by Thickners: for an out ward and groſs Infuſion doth not well
compact the body: that which entreth muſt be ſubtil, and a kind of vapour.
Second-
ly, by Intenerating by the conſent of Conſubstantials: for bodies upon the touch of
thoſe things which have good agreement with them, open themſelves, and relax their
pores. Thirdly, Imprinters are Convoys, and inſinuate into the parts the Conſubſtan-
tials, and the mixture of gentle Aſtringents doth ſomewhat reſtrain the Perspiration. But
then, in the fourth place, follows that great Aſtriction and Cloſure up of the body by
Emplaiſtration, and then afterward by Inunction, until the supple be turned into Solid,
as we ſaid in the proper place.
FRequent Renovation of the Parts Repairable watereth and reneweth the leſs Reparable
alſo.
WE ſaid in the Preface to this Hiſtory, that the way of Death was this, That the
Parts Reparable died in the fellowſhip of the Parts leſs Reparable: ſo that in the
Reparation of theſe ſame leſs Reparable Parts all our forces would be employed. And
therefore being admoniſhed by Ariſtotle’s obſervation touching Plants, namely, That
the putting forth of new ſhoots and branches refreſheth the body of the Tree in the paſſage; we conceive the like reaſon might be, if the fleſh and bloud in the body of man were
often renewed, that thereby the bones themſelves, and membranes, and other parts
which in their own nature are leſs Reparable, partly by the chearful paſſage of the
juices, partly by that new cloathing of the young fleſh and bloud, might be w
renewed.
REfrigeration or Cooling of the body, which paſſeth ſome other ways than by the Sto-
mach, is uſeful for Long life.
THe reaſon is at hand:
for ſeeing a Refrigeration not temperate, but powerful, (eſpe-
cially of the bloud) is above all things neceſſary to Long life: this can by no means
be effected from within as much as is requiſite, without the deſtruction of the sto-
mach and Bowels.
THat Intermixing or Intangling, that as well Conſumption as Reparation are the works
of Heat, is the greateſt obſtacle to Long life.
ALmoſt all great works are deſtroyed by the Natures of things Intermixed, whenas
that which helpeth in one reſpect hurteth in another: therefore men muſt proceed
herein by a ſound judgement, and a diſcreet practice. For our part, we have done ſo
as far as the matter will bear, and our memory ſerveth us, by ſeparating benign heats
from hurtful, and the Remedies which tend to both.
CUring of Diſeaſes is effected by Temporary Medicines;
but Lengthning of Life re-
quireth Obſervation of Diets.
THoſe things which come by accident, as ſoon as the cauſes are removed ceaſe
again; but the continued courſe of nature, like a running River, requires a con-
tinual rowing and ſailing againſt the ſtream: therefore we muſt work regularly by Di-
ets. Now Diets are of two kinds:
Set Diets, which are to be obſerved at certain times;
and Familiar Diet, which is to be admitted into our daily repaſt, But the set Diets are
the more potent, that is, a courſe of Medicines for a time: for thoſe things which are
of ſo great virtue that they are able to turn Nature back again, are, for the moſt part,
more ſtrong, and more ſpeedily altering, than thoſe which may without danger be re-
ceived into a continual uſe. Now in the Remedies ſet down in our Intentions you
the Diet Emaciant and Renewing. But amongſt thoſe which we preſcribed for Familiar
Diet, and to be uſed daily, the moſt efficacious are theſe that follow, which alſo come
not far ſhort of the vertue of Set Diets: Nitre and the ſubordinates to Nitre;
the Re-
giment of the Affections and Courſe of our Life; Refrigeratours which paſs not by the
Stomach; Drinks Roſcidating, or ingendring Oily Juices;
beſprinkling of the bloud with
ſome firmer Matter, as Pearls, certain Woods, competent Unctions to keep out the Air,
and to keep in the Spirit; Heaters from without, during the Aſſimilation after ſleep;
avoiding of thoſe things which inflame the Spirit, and put it into an eager heat, as wine
and Spices; laſtly, a moderate and ſeaſonable uſe of thoſe things which endue the Spi-
rits with a robust Heat, as Saffron, Croſſes, Garlick, Elecampane, and compound Opiates.
THe Living Spirit is instantly extinguiſhed if it be deprived either of Motion, or of Re-
frigeration, or of Aliment.
NAmely, theſe are thoſe three which before we called the Porshes of Death, and
they are the proper and immediate paſſions of the Spirit. For all the Organs of
the principal parts ſerve hereunto, that theſe three Offices be performed; and again,
all deſtruction of the Organs which is deadly brings the matter to this point, that one or
more of theſe three fail. Therefore all other things are the divers ways to Death, but
they end in theſe three. Now the whole Fabrick of the Parts is the Organ of the Spirit,
as the Spirit is the Organ of the Reaſonable Soul, which is Incorporeous and Divine.
FLame is a Momentany Subſtance, Air a Fixed;
the Living Spirit in Creatures is of
a middle Nature.
THis matter ſtands in need both of an higher Indagation and of a longer Explica-
tion than is pertinent to the preſent Inquiſition. Mean-while we muſt know
this, that Flame is almoſt every moment generated and extinguiſhed; ſo that it is con-
tinued only by ſucceſſion: but Air is a fixed body, and is not diſſolved;
for though Air
begets new Air out of watery moiſture, yet notwithſtanding the old Air ſtill remains; whence cometh that Super-oneration of the Air whereof we have ſpoken in the Title
De Ventis. But Spirit is participant of both Natures, both of Flame and Air, even as
the nouriſhments thereof are, as well Oil, which is homogeneous to Flame, as
Water, which is homogeneous to Air: for the Spirit is not nouriſhed either of Oily
alone, or of watry alone, but of both together; and though Air doth not agree well
with Flame, nor Oil with water, yet in a mix’d body they agree well enough. Alſo
the Spirit hath from the Air his eaſie and delicate impreſſions and yieldings, and from
the Flame his noble and potent motions and activities. In like manner the Duration
of Spirit is a mixed thing, being neither ſo momentany as that of Flame, nor ſo fixed as
that of Air: And ſo much the rather it followeth not the condition of Flame, for
that Flame it ſelf is extinguiſhed by accident, namely, by Contraries and Enemies envi-
roning it; but Spirit is not ſubject to the like conditions and neceſſities.
Now the
Spirit is repaired from the lively and florid bloud of the ſmall Arteries which are in-
ſerted into the Brain; but this Reparation is done by a peculiar manner, of which we
ſpeak not now.
THe firſt Letter of the Alphabet is, the Compounding,
Incorporating, or Union, of Metals or Minerals.
With what Metals, Gold will incorporate, by Sim-
ple Colliqueſactions, and with what not? And in what
quantity it will incorporate? and what kinde of Body
the Compound makes?
Gold with Silver, which was the ancient Electrum.
What are the Compound Metals, which are common, and known?
And what are the Proportions of their mixtures?
As
Lattin of Braſs, and the Calaminar-ſtone.
Bell-metal of, &
c.
The counterfeit Plate, which they call Alchumy.
The Decompoſites of three Metals, or more, are too long to enquire,
except there be ſome Compoſitions of them already obſerved.
It is alſo to be obſerved, Whether any two Metals which will not
mingle of themſelves, will mingle with the help of another; and
what?
What Compounds will be made of Metal, with Stone, and other
Foſſiles? As Lattin is made with Braſs, and the Calaminar-ſtone.
As
all the Mettals with Vitriol: All with Iron poudered.
All with Flint,
&c.
WHether Metals, or other Foſſiles, will incorporate with Molten
Glaſs? And what Body it makes?
The quantity in the mixture would we well conſidered:
For ſome
ſmall quantity, perhaps, would incorporate; as in the Allays of Gold,
and Silver Coyn.
Upon the Compound Body, three things are chiefly to be obſerved.
The Colour, the Fragility or Pliantneſs, the Volatility or Faxation, com-
pared with the Simple Bodies.
For preſent uſe or profit, this is the Rule.
Conſider the price of the
two Simple`Bodies; conſider again the Dignity of the one above the
Then ſee, if you can make a compound that will ſave more
in the price, then it will loſe in the dignity of the uſe. As for example,
Conſider the price of Braſs Ordnance; conſider again the price of Iron
Ordnance; and conſider, wherein the Braſs Ordnance doth excel the Iron
Ordnance in uſe. Then if you can make a Compound of Braſs and Iron
Ordnance, that will be near as good in uſe, and much cheaper in price,
there is profit both to the private and to the Commonwealth.
So of Gold and Silver, the price is double of Twelve.
The dignity
of Gold above Silver is not much; the ſplendor is alike, and more plea-
ſing to ſome eye, As in Cloth of Silver, Silver Lace, ſilvered Rapiers,
&c.
The main dignity is, that Gold bears the Fire, which Silver doth not;
but that is an excellency in Nature, but it is nothing at all in uſe.
For any
dignity in uſe, I know none, but that Silvering will ſully and canker more
then Gilding; which, if it may be corrected, with a little mixture of Gold,
there is profit: And I do ſome what marvel, that the later ages have loft
the ancient Electrum, which was a mixture of Silver with Gold; whereof,
I conceive, there may be much uſe both in Coyn, Plate, and Gilding.
It is to be noted, that there is in the Verſion of Metals, impoſſibility,
or at leaſt great difficulty; as in making of Gold, Silver, Copper:
On the
other ſide, in the adulterating or counterfeiting of Metals there is de-
ceit and villainy; but it ſhould ſeem there is a middle way, and that is,
by new compounds, if the ways of incorporating were well known.
What Incorporation or Imbibition, Metals will receive from Veget-
ables, without being diſſolved mightbe inquired. As when the Armorers
make their Steel more tough and plyant, by the aſperſion of Water, or
Juyce of Herbs: When Gold being grown ſome what churliſh by recover-
ing, is made more plyant by throwing in ſhreds of Tanned Leather, or
by Leather oyled.
Note, that in theſe, and the like ſhews of Imbibition, it were good to
try by the weight, whether the weight be increaſed, or no? For if it be not,
it is to be doubted, that there is no Imbibition of Subſtance; but onely,
that the Application of the other Body, doth diſpoſe and invite the Metal
to another poſture of parts then of it ſelf, it would have taken.
After the Incorporation of Metals, by ſimple Colliquefaction, for the
better diſcovery of the Nature: And Conſents and Diſſents of Metals by
incorporating oſ their Diſſolutions, it would be enquired.
What Metals being diſſolved by Strong-waters, will incorporate well
together, and what not? which is to be inquired particularly, as it was in
Colliquefactions.
There is to be obſerved in thoſe Diſſolutions, which will not incor-
porate what the effects are: As the Ebullition, the Precipitation to the
bottom, the Ejaculation towards the top, the Suſpenſion in the midſt, and
the like.
Note, that the Diſſents of the Menſtrua, or Strong-waters, may
hinder the Incorporation, as well as the Diſſents of the Metals themſelves: Therefore where the Menſtrua are the ſame, and yet the Incorporation
followeth not, you may conclude, the Diſſent is in the Metals, but where
the Menſtrua are ſeveral, not ſo certain.
THe Second Letter of the Croſs Row, is the Separation of Metals,
and Minerals. Separation is of three ſorts;
the firſt is, The ſeparating
of the pure Metal from the Ure or Droſs, which we call Refining. The
ſecond is, The drawing one Metal or Mineral out of another, which we
may call Extracting. The third, The ſeparating of any Metal into his
Original or Elements, or call them what you will) which work we call
Precipitation.
For Refining, we are to enquire of it according to the ſeveral Metals;
As Gold, Silver, &
c.
Incidently, we are to enquire of the firſt Stone, or
Ure, or Spar, or Marcaſite of Metals ſeverally; and what kinde of
Bodies they are; and of the degrees of Richneſs.
Alſo, we are to enquire of the Means of ſeparating, whether by Fire,
parting Waters, or otherwiſe.
Alſo, for the manner of Refining, you are to ſee how you can multi-
ply the Heat, or haſten the Opening; and to ſave charge, in the
Refining.
The means of this is in three manners;
that is to ſay, In the Blaſt
of the Fire: In the manner of the Furnace to multiply Heat, by Union and
Reflexion: And by ſome Additament or Medicines, which will help the
Bodies to open them the ſooner:
Note, the quickning of the Blaſt, and the multiplying of the Heat in
the Furnace, may be the ſame for all Metals; but the Additaments muſt be
ſeveral accerding to the natures of the Metals.
Note again, That if you think the multiplying of the Additament in
the ſame Proportion that you multiply the Ure, the work will follow,
you may be deceived: For quantity in the Paſſive will add more reſiſtance,
then the ſame quantity in the Active will add force.
For Extracting, you are to enquire what Metals contain others, and
like wiſe what not? As Lead Silver, Copper Silver, &
c.
Note, although the charge of Extraction ſhould exceed the worth,
yet that is not the matter; For, atleaſt, it will diſcover Nature and Poſſi-
bility, the other may be thought on afterwards.
We are likewiſe to enquire, what the differences are of thoſe Metals,
which contain more or leſs, other Metals; and how that agrees with the
poorneſs or richneſs of the Metals, or Ure, in themſelves: As the Lead,
that contains moſt Silver, is accounted to be more brittle; and yet other-
wiſe poorer in it ſelf.
For Principiation, I cannot affirm, whether there be any ſuch thing,
or no. And, I think, the Chymiſts make too much ado about it.
But how-
ſoever it be, whether Solution or Extraction, or a kinde of Converſion
by the Fire, it is diligently to be enquired, What Salts, Sulphur, Vitriol,
Mercury, or the like Simple Bodies are to be found in the ſeveral Metals; and in what quantity.
THe third Letter of the Croſs-Row, is the variation of Metals into
ſeveral Shapes, Bodies, or Natures; the particulars whereof ſol-
low.
Tincture.
Turning to Ruſt.
Calcination.
Sublimation.
Precipitation.
Amalgamàtizing, or turning into aſoft Body.
Vitrification.
Opening or Diſſolving into Liquor.
Sprouting, or Branching, or Arboreſcence.
Induration and Mollification.
Making tough or brittle.
Volatility and Fixation.
Tranſmutation or Verſion.
For Tincture, it is to be enquired how Metals may be tincted, through
and through; and with what, and into what colours:
As Tincting-Silver
yellow, Tincting-Copper white, and Tincting red, green, blew, eſpecial-
ly with keeping the luſtre.
Item, Tincture of Glaſs.
Item, Tincture of Marble, Flint, or other Stone.
For turning to Ruſt, two things are chiefly to be enquired:
By what
Corroſives it is done, and into what colours it turns: As Lead into white,
which they call Serus; Iron into yellow, which they call Crocus Martis:
Quick-ſilver into Vermilion, Braſs into green, which they call Verdegraß,
&c.
For Calcination, to enquire how every Metal is calcined?
And
into what kinde of Body? And what is the exquiſiteſt way of Calcina-
tion?
For Sublimation, to enquire the manner of Subliming;
and what
Metals endure Subliming; and what Body the Sublimate makes?
For Precipitation likewiſe, By what ſtrong Waters every Metal will
precipitate? or with what Additaments?
and in what time?
and into what
Body?
So for Amalgama, what Metals will endure it?
What are the means
to do it? And what is the manner of the Body?
For Vitrification like wiſe, what Metals will endure it?
what are
the means to do it? into what colour it turns?
and further, where the whole
and when the Metal doth but hang in the Glaſ-
ſie part? alſo what weight the vitrified Body bears, compared with the
crude Body? Alſo becauſe Vitrification is accounted, a kinde of death of
Metals, what Vitrification will admit, of turning back again, and what
not?
For Diſſolution into Liquor, we are to enquire, what is the proper
Menſtruum to diſſolve any Metal? And in the Negative, what will touch
upon the one, and not upon the other? And what ſeveral Menſtrua will
diſſolve any Metal? And which moſt exactly?
Item, the proceſs or motion
of the Diſſolution? The manner of Riſing, Boiling, Vaporing?
More
violent or more gentle? Cauſing much heat, or leſs?
Item, the quan-
tity or charge the Strong-Water will bear, and then give over? Item,
the colour into which the Liquor will turn? Above all, it is to be enquired,
whether there be any Menſtruum, to diſſolve any Metal that is not fretting and
corroding; but openeth the Body by ſympathy, and not by mordacity or
violent penetration?
For Sprouting or Branching, though it be a thing but tranſitory, and
a kinde of toy or pleaſure; yet there is a more ſerious uſe oſ it:
For that it
diſcovers the delicate motions of ſpirits, when they put forth, and cannot
get forth, like unto that which is in vegetables.
For Induration or Mollification, it is to be enquired, what will make
Metals harder and harder, and what will make them ſofter and ſofter? And
this Enquiry tendeth to two ends;
Firſt, for Uſe:
As to make Iron ſoft by the Fire, makes it malle-
able.
Secondly, Becauſe Induration is a degree towards Fixation;
and
Mollification towards Volatility: And therefore the Inquiry of them, will
give light towards the other.
For tough and brittle, they are much of the ſame kinde with the
two former, but yet worthy of an Inquiry apart: Eſpecially to joyn
Hardneſs to Toughneſs; as making Glaſs malleable, &
c.
And
making Blades, ſtrong to reſiſt, and pierce, and yet not eaſie to
break.
For Volatility and Fixation, it is a principal Branch to be en-
quired. The utmoſt degree of Fixation is, That whereupon no Fire
will work, nor Strong-water joyned with Fire, if there be any ſuch
Fixation poſſible: The next is, when Fire ſimply will not work with-
out Strong-waters: The next is, when it will endure Fire not blown,
or ſuch a ſtrength oſ Fire: The next is, when it will not endure Fire,
but yet is malleable: The next is, when it is not malleable, but yet it
is not fluent, but ſtupified. So of Volatility, the utmoſt degree is,
when it will flee away without returning: The next is, when it will
flee up, but with eaſie return: The next, when it will flee upwards,
over the Helm, by a kinde of Exufflation, without Vaporing:
And the next, when it will
ſoften, though not melt. Of all theſe, diligent inquiry is to be made, in
ſeveral Metals; eſpecially of the more extream degrees.
For Tranſmutation or Verſion, if it be real and true, it is the furtheſt
point of Art; and would be well diſting uiſhed from Extraction, from Re-
ſtitution, and from Adulteration. I hear much of turning Iron into Cop-
per; I hear alſo of the growth of Lead in weight, which cannot be with-
out a Converſion of ſome Body into Lead: But whatſoever is of this kinde,
and well approved, is diligently to be inquired, and ſet down.
THe fourth Letter of the Croſs Row, is Reſtitution.
Firſt therefore,
it is to be enquired in the Negative; what Bodies will never return,
either by reaſon of their extream fixing, as in ſome Vitrifications, or by
extream Volatility.
It is alſo to be enquired of the two Means of Reduction;
and firſt by
the Fire, which is but by Congregation of Homogeneal parts.
The ſecond is, by drawing them down, by ſome Body, that hath con-
ſent with them: As Iron draweth down Copper in Water;
Gold draweth
Quick-ſilver in vapor; whatſoever is of this kinde, is very diligently to be
enquired.
Alſo it is to be enquired, what Time or Age will reduce without the
help of Fire or Body?
Alſo it is to be enquired, what gives Impediment to Union or Reſti-
tution, which is ſometimes called Mortification; as when Quick-ſilver is
mortified with Turpentine, Spittle, or Butter.
Laſtly, it is to be enquired how the Metal reſtored, differeth in any
thing from the Metal raw or crude? As whether it becometh not more chur-
liſh, altered in colour, or the like?
IReceived ſome Moneths ſince theſe Articles of Enquiry, touching
Metals and Minerals, from the hands of the Reverend Dr. Rawley,
who hath published ſeveral of the Lord Verulams Works ſince his
Death (he having been his Lordships Chaplain) and who hath been careful to
Correct at the Preß this little Piece (an Addition to the Natural Hiſtory)
according to the Original Copy, remaining amongſt his Lordships Manuſcripts: Amongſt which there is nothing more of that ſubject to be found, ſo as no more
Additions can be expected.
W.
Lee.
THis Fable my Lord deviſed, to the
end that hemight exhibit therein
a Model or Deſcription of a College,
inſtituted for the Interpreting of
Nature, and the producing of
great and marvellous Works for the benefit of
Men, under the name of Solomons Houſe, or, The
College of the Six days Works. And even ſo far his
Lordship hath proceeded as to finish that Part. Certainly, the Model is more vaſt and high,
than can poſſibly be imitated in all things, not-
withſtanding moſt things therein are within
Mens power to effect. His Lordship thought
alſo in this preſent Fable to have compoſed a
Frame of Laws, or of the beſt State or Mould
of a Commonwealth; but fore-ſeeing it would be a
long Work, his deſire of Collecting the Natural
Hiſtory diverted him, which he preferred many
degrees before it.
This Work of the New Atlantis (as much as
concerneth the English Edition) his Lordship de-
ſigned for this place, in regard it hath ſo near
affinity (in one part of it) with the preceding
Natural Hiſtory.
W.
Rawley.
WE ſailed from Peru (where we had continued by the
ſpace of one whole year) for China and Japan by the
South Sea, taking with us Victuals for Twelve Moneths,
and had good Winds from the Eaſt, though ſoft and
weak, for Five Moneths ſpace and more; but then the
Wind came about, and ſetled in the Weſt for many
days; ſo as we could make little or no way, and were
ſometimes in purpoſe to turn back: But then again,
there aroſe ſtrong and great Winds from the South, with a Point Eaſt,
which carried us up (for all that we could do) to wards the North; by which
time our Victuals failed us, though we had made good ſpare of them: So
that finding our ſelves in the midſt of the greateſt Wilderneſs of Waters in
the World, without Victual, we gave our ſelves for loſt men, and prepared
for death. Yet we did lift up our hearts and voices to God above, Who
ſheweth his wonders in the deep; beſeeching him of his mercy, That as in the
Beginning he diſcovered the Face of the deep, and brought forth dry-land; ſo he
would now diſcover Land to us, that we might not periſh. And it came to
paſs, that the next day about Evening, we ſaw within a Kenning before us,
towards the North, as it were thicker Clouds, which did put us in ſome
hope of Land; knowing how that part of the South-Sea was utterly un-
known, and might have lſlands or Continents that hitherto were not come
to light. Wherefore we bent our courſe thither, where we ſaw the ap-
pearance of Land all that night; and in the dawning of the next day, we
might plainly diſcern that it was a Land flat to our ſight, and full of Boſcage,
which made it ſhew the more dark; and after an hour and a halfs ſailing,
we entred into a good Haven, being the Port of a fair City, not great in-
deed, but well built, and that gave a pleafant view from the Sea: And we
thinking every minute long, till we were on Land, came cloſe to the Shore
and offered to land; but ſtraight-ways we ſaw divers of the people with
Baſtons in their hands, (as it were) forbidding us to land, yet without any
cries or fierceneſs, but onely as warning us off by ſigns that they made. Whereupon being not a little diſcomforted, we were adviſing with our
ſelves, what we ſhould do. During which time, there made forth to us a
ſmall Boat with about eight perſons in it, where of one of them had in his
hand a Tip-ſtaff of a Yellow Cane, t
made aboard our Ship without any ſhew of diſtruſt at all: And when he
ſaw one of our number preſent himſelf ſome what afore the reſt, he drew
forth a little Scroul of Parchment (ſomewhat yellower then our Parchment,
ble) and delivered it to our foremoſt man. In which Scroul were written
in ancient Hebrew, and in ancient Greek, and in good Latine of the School,
and in Spaniſh, theſe words, “Land ye not, none of you, and provide to be
“gone from this Coaſt within ſixteen days, except you have fur ther time
“given you: Mean while, if you want Freſh-water or Victual, or help for
“your Sick, or that your Ship needeth repair, write down your wants, and
“you ſhall have that which belongeth to Mercy. This Scroul was ſigned
with a ſtamp of Cherubims VVings, not ſpred, but hanging down wards, and
by them a Croß. This being delivered, the Officer returned, and left onely
a Servant with us to receive our anſwer. Conſulting hereupon amongſt our
ſelves, we were much perplexed. The denial of Landing, and haſty warn-
ing us away, troubled us much. On the other ſide, to finde that the peo-
ple had Languages, and were ſo full of Humanity, did comfort us not a
little; and above all, the Sign of the Croß to that Inſtrument, was to us a
great rejoycing, and, as it were, a certain preſage of good. Our anſwer was
in the Spaniſh Tongue, “That for our Ship it was well, for we had rather
“met with Calms and contrary Winds then any Tempeſts. For our Sick,
“they were many, and in very ill caſe; ſo that if they were not permitted to
“land, they ran in danger of their lives. Our other wants we ſet down in
particular, adding, “That we had ſome little ſtore of Merchandize, which
“if it pleaſed them to deal for, it might ſupply our wants without being
“chargeable unto them. We offered ſome re ward in Piſtolets unto the
Servant, and a piece of Crimſon Velvet to be preſented to the Officer; but the Servant took them not, nor would ſcarce look upon them, and
ſo leſt us, and went back in another little Boat which was ſent ſor
him.
About three hours after we had diſpatched our Anſwer, there came to-
wards us a perſon (as it ſeemed) of place: He had on him a Gown with
wide Sleeves of a kinde of Water-Chamolet, of an excellent Azure colour,
far more gloſſie then ours; his under apparel was green, and ſo was his Hat,
being in the form of a Turbant, daintily made, and not ſo huge as the
Turkiſh Turbants; and the Locks of his Hair came down below the brims
of it: A Reverend Man was he to behold.
He came in a Boat gilt in ſome
part of it, with four perſons more onely in that Boat, and was followed by
another Boat wherein were ſome twenty. When he was come within a
flight-ſhot of our Ship, ſigns were made to us, that we ſhould ſend forth
ſome to meet him upon the Water; which we preſently did in our Ship-
boat, ſending the principal Man amongſt us ſave one, and four of our num-
ber with him. When we were come within ſix yards of their Boat, they
called to us to ſtay, and not to approach further; which we did:
And there-
upon the Man whom I before deſcribed ſtood up, and with a loud voice in
Spaniſh, asked, Are ye Chriſtians? We anſwered, VVe were;
fearing the leſs,
becauſe of the Croß we had ſeen in the Subſcription. At which anſvver, the
ſaid perſon lift up his right hand tovvards Heaven, and drevvit ſoftly to his
mouth, (vvhich is the geſture they uſe vvhen they thank God) and then ſaid,
“If you vvill ſvvear (all of you) by the Merits of the Saviour that ye are no
“Pirates, nor have ſhed blood, lavvfully nor unlavvfully, vvithin forty
“days paſt, you may have Licenſe to come on Land. VVe ſaid, “VVe vvere
“all ready to take that Oath. VVhere upon one of thoſe that vvere vvith
him, being (as it ſeemed) a Notary, made an Entry of this Act. VVhich
done, another of the attendants of the Great Perſon, vvhich vvas vvith
“My Lord, would have you know, that it is not of Pride or Greatneſs that
“he cometh not aboard your Ship; but for that, in your Anſwer, you de-
“clare, That you have many ſick amongſt you, he was warned by the Con-
“ſervator of Health of the City, that he ſhould keep a diſtance. VVe bowed
our ſelves towards him, and anſwered, “VVe were his humble Servants,
“and accounted for great Honor and ſingular Humanity to wards us, that
“which was already done; but hoped well, that the nature of the ſickneſs
“of our Men was not infectious. So he returned, and a while after came
the Notary to us aboard our Ship, holding in his hand a Fruit of that Coun-
trey like an Orenge, but of colour between Orenge-tawny and Scarlet, which caſt
a moſt excellent Odor: He uſed it (as it ſeemeth) for a Preſervative againſt
Infection. He gave us our Oath, By the Name of Jeſus, and his Merits;
and
after told us, that the next day by ſix of the clock in the morning we ſhould
be ſent to, and brought to the Strangers Houſe, (ſo he called it) vvhere vve
ſhould be accommodated of things both for our vvhole and for our ſick. So he left us;
and vvhen vve offered him ſome Piſtolets, he ſmiling, ſaid,
He muſt not be twice paid for one labor, meaning (as I take it) that he had ſalary
ſufficient of the State for his ſervice; for (as I after learned) they call an
Officer that taketh revvards, Twice paid.
The next morning early, there came to us the ſame Officer that came to
us at firſt vvith his Cane, and told us, “He came to conduct us to the Strangers
“Houſe, and that he had prevented the hour becauſe we might have the whole
“day before us for our buſineſs: For (ſaid he) if you vvill follovv my ad-
“vice, there ſhall firſt go vvith me ſome fevv of you, and ſee the place, and
“hovv it may be made convenient for you; and then you may ſend for your
“ſick, and the reſt of your number which ye will bring on Land. VVethanked
him, and ſaid, “That this care vvhich he took of deſolate Strangers, Ged
“vvould revvard. And ſo ſix of us vvent on Land vvith him;
and vvhen
vve vvere on Land, he vvent before us, and turned to us, and ſaid, He was
but our Servant, and our Guide. He led us through three fair streets, and all
the way we went there were gathered ſome people on both ſides, ſtanding
in a row, but in ſo civil a faſhion, as if it had been not to wonder at us,
but to welcome us; and divers of them, as we paſſed by them, put their
arms a little abroad, which is their geſture when they bid any welcome. The Strangers Houſe is a fair and ſpacious Houſe, built of Brick, of ſome-
what a bluer colour then our Brick, and with handſome Windows, ſome
of Glaſs, ſome of a kinde of Cambrick oiled. He brought us firſt into a
fair Parlor above-ſtairs, and then asked us, “What number of perſons
“we were, and how many ſick. VVe anſwered, “We were in all (ſick and
“whole) One and fiſty perſons, whereof our ſick were ſeventeen. He
deſired us to have patience a little, and to ſtay till he came back to us,
which was about an hour after; and then he led us to ſee the Chambers
which were provided for us, being in number Nineteen. They having caſt
it (as it ſeemeth) that four of thoſe Chambers, vvhich vvere better then
the reſt, might receive four of the principal men of our company, and
lodge them alone by themſelves; and the other fifteen Chambers vvere to
lodge us, tvvo and tvvo together; the Chambers vvere handſome and
chearful Chambers, and furniſhed civilly. Then heled us to a long Gal-
lery, like a Dorture, vvhere he ſhevved us all along the one ſide (for the
other ſide vvas but Wall and Windovv) ſeventeen Cells, very neatones,
having Partitions of Cedar-vvood. VVhich Gallery and Cells, being in
ſick perſons. And he told us withal, that as any of our ſick waxed well,
he might be removed from his Cell to a Chamber; for which purpoſe,
there were ſet forth ten ſpare Chambers, beſides the number we ſpake of
before. This done, he brought us back to the Parlor, and lifting up his
Cane a little (as they do when they give any charge or command) ſaid to
us, “Ye are to know, that the Cuſtom of the Land requireth, that after this
“day and to morrow (which we give you for removing your People ſrom
“your Ship) you are to keep within doors for three days: But let it not
“trouble you, nor do not think your ſelves reſtrained, but rather left to
“your Reſt and Eaſe. You ſhall want nothing, and there are ſix of our
“people appointed to attend you for any buſineſs you may have abroad. We gave him thanks with all affection and reſpect, and ſaid, God ſurely is
manifeſted in this Land. We offered him alſo twenty Piſtolets;
but he ſmiled,
and onely ſaid, VVhat, twice paid? and ſo he left us.
Soon after our Dinner
was ſerved in, which was right good Viands, both for Bread and Meat,
better then any Collegiate Diet, that I have known in Europe. VVe had
alſo drink of three ſorts, all wholeſome and good; VVine of the Grape,
a Drink of Grain, ſuch as is with us our Ale, but more clear; and a kinde
of Sider made of a Fruit of that Countrey, a wonderful pleaſing and re-
freſhing drink. Beſides, there were brought in to us greatſtore of thoſe
Scarlet Orenges for our ſick, which (they ſaid) were an aſſured remedy
for ſickneſs taken at Sea. There was given us alſo a Box of ſmall gray or
whitiſh Pills, which they wiſhed our ſick ſhould take, one of the Pills
every night before ſleep, which (they ſaid) would haſten their recovery.
The next day, after that our trouble of carriage and removing of our
Men and Goods out of our Ship, was ſomewhat ſetled and quiet, I thought
good to call our company together, and when they were aſſembled, ſaid
unto them, “My dear Friends, let us know our ſelves, and how it ſtandeth
“with us. VVe are Men caſt on Land, as Fonas was out of the VVhales
“Belly, when we were as buried in the deep; and now we are on Land,
“we are but between Death and Life, for we are beyond both the Old
“VVorld and the New, and whether ever we ſhall ſee Europe, God onely
“knoweth: It is a kinde of miracle hath brought us hither, and it muſt be
“little leſs that ſhall bring us hence. Therefore in regard of our deliver-
“ance paſt, and our danger preſent and to come, let us look up to God,
“and every man reform his own ways. Beſides, we are come here amongſt
“a Chriſtian People, full of Piety and Humanity; let us not bring that con-
“fuſion of face upon our ſelves, as to ſhew our vices or unworthineſs be-
“fore them. Yet there is more;
for they have by commandment (though
“in form of courteſie) cloiſtered us within theſe VValls for three days;
“vvho knovveth vvhether it be not to take ſome taſte of our manners and
“conditions; and if they finde them bad, to baniſh us ſtraight-vvays;
if
“good, to give us further time? For theſe men that they have given us ſor
“attendance, may vvithal have an eye upon us. Therefore for Gods love,
“and as vve love the vveal of our Souls and Bodies, let us ſo behave our
“ſelves as vve may be at peace vvith God, and may finde grace in the eyes
“of this people. Our Company vvith one voice thanked me for my good
admonition, and promiſed me to live ſoberly and civilly, and vvithout
giving any the leaſt occaſion of offence. So vve ſpent our three days
joyfully and vvithout care, in expectation vvhat vvould be done vvith us
vvhen they vvere expired: During vvhich time, vve had every hour joy
vine Pool of Healing, they mended ſo kindly and ſo faſt.
The morrow after our three days were paſt, there came to us a new Man
that we had not ſeen before, cloathed in blew as the ſormer was, ſave that
his Turbant was white with a ſmall Red Croſs on the top; he had alſo a
Tippet of fine Linnen. At his coming in he did bend to us a little, and put
his arms abroad. We of our parts ſaluted him in a very lowly and ſubmiſſive
manner, as looking, that ſrom him we ſhould receive ſentence of Life or
Death. He deſired to ſpeak with ſome ſew of us;
whereupon ſix of us
onely ſtaid, and the reſt avoided theroom. He ſaid, “I am by office Go-
“vernor of this Houſe of Strangers, and by Vocation I am a Chriſtian Prieſt; “and therefore am come to you to offer you my ſervice, both as Strangers,
“and chiefly as Chriſtians. Some things I may tell you, which I think you
“will not be un willing to hear. The State hath given you licence to ſtay on
“Land for the ſpace of ſix weeks; and let it not trouble you, if your occa-
“ſions ask further time, for the Law in this Point is not preciſe; and I do
“not doubt, but my ſelf ſhall be able to obtain for you ſuch ſurther time as
“ſhall be convenient. Ye ſhall alſo underſtand, that the Strangers Houſe is at
“this time rich and much aforehand, for it hath laid up Revenue theſe Thir-
“ty ſeven years; for ſo long it is ſince any Stranger arrived in this part:
And
“there fore take ye no care, the State will deſray you all the time you ſtay,
“neither ſhall you ſtay one day leſs for that. As for any Merchandize you
“have brought, ye ſhall be well uſed, and have your Return, either in Mer-
“chandize, or in Gold and Silver; for to us it is all one.
And iſ you have
“any other requeſt to make, hide it not, for ye ſhall finde we will not make
“your countenance to fall by the anſwer ye ſhall receive. Onely this I muſt
“tell you, that none of you muſt go above a Karan (that is with them a mile and
“an half) from the Walls of the City without ſpecial leave. We anſwered,
after we had looked a while upon one another, admiring this gracious and
parent-like uſage, “That we could not tell what to ſay, for we wanted
“words to expreſs our thanks, and his noble free offers leſt us nothing to
“ask. It ſeemed to us, that we had before us a Picture of our Salvation in
“Heaven; for we that were a while ſince in the Jaws of Death, were now
“brought into a place where we found nothing but Conſolations. For the
“Commandment laid upon us, we would not fail to obey it, though it
“was impoſſible but our hearts ſhould be inflamed to tread further upon
“this happy and holy Ground. We added, “That our Tongues ſhould firſt
“cleave to the Roofs of our Mouths, ere we ſhould forget either this Re-
“verend Perſon, or this whole Nation, in our Prayers. We alſo moſt
humbly beſought him to accept of us as his true Servants, by as juſt a right
as ever Men on Earth were bounden, laying and preſenting both our per-
ſons and all we had at his feet. He ſaid, He was a Prieſt, and looked for a Prieſts
re ward, which was our Brotherly love, and the good of our Souls and Bodies. So he
went from us, not without tears of tenderneſs in his eyes; and leſt us alſo
confuſed with joy and kindneſs, ſaying amongſt our ſelves, That vve vvere
come into a Land of Angels, which did appear to us daily, and prevent us with comforts
which we thought not of, much leß expected.
The next day about ten of the clock the Governor came to us again,
and after ſalutations, ſaid familiarly, That he vvas come to viſit us, and called for
a Chair, and ſate him down; and we being ſome ten of us (the reſt were of
the meaner ſort, or elſe gone abroad) ſite down with him: And when we
were ſet, he began thus, “We of this Iſland of Benſalem (for ſo they call it in
have this, That by means of our ſolitary ſituatior, and of
“the Laws of Secrecy which we have for our Travellers, and our rare
“admiſſion of ſtrangers, we know well moſt part of the Habitable World,
“and are our ſelves unkrown. Therefore, becauſe he that knoweth leaſt,
“is fitteſt to ask Queſtions, it is more reaſon, for the entertainment of the
“time, that ye ask me Queſtions, than that I ask you. We anſvvered, That
“we humbly thanked him, that he would give us leave ſo to do, and that
“we conceived by the taſte we had already, that there was no worldly thing
“on Earth, more worthy to be known, then the ſtate of that happy Land. “But above all (vve ſaid) ſince that vve vvere met from the ſeveral Ends of
“the World, and hoped aſſuredly, that vve ſhould meet one day in the
“Kingdom of Heaven, (for that vve vvere both parts Chriſtians) vve deſired
“to knovv (in reſpect that Land vvas ſo remote, and ſo divided by vaſt and
“unknovvn Seas, from the Land vvhere our Saviour vvalked on Earth)
“vvho vvas the Apoſtle of that Nation, and hovv it vvas converted to the
“Faith. It appeared in his face, that he took great contentment in this our Queſtion.
He
ſaid, “Ye knit my heart to you by asking this Queſtion in the firſt place,
“for it ſhevveth that you firſt ſeek the Kingdom of Heaven; and I ſhill gladly and
“briefly ſatisfie your demand.
About tvventy years after the Aſcenſion of our Saviour, it came to
paſs, that there vvas ſeen by the people of Renfuſa (a City upon the
Eaſtern Coaſt of our lſland) vvithin night (the night vvas cloudy and
calm) as it might be ſome mile in the Sea, a great Pillar of Light, not ſharp,
but in form of a Column or Cylinder, riſing from the Sea a great vvay up
to vvards Heaven, and on the top of it was ſeen a large Croß of Light, more
bright and reſplendent then the Body of the Pillar: Upon which ſo
ſtrange a ſpectacle the people of the City gathered apace to gether upon
the Sands to wonder, and ſo after put themſelves into a number of ſmall
Boats to go nearer to this marvellous ſight. But when the Boats were
come within (about) ſixty yards of the Pillar, they found themſelves all
bound, and could go no further, yet ſo as they might move to go about,
but might not approach nearer; ſo as the Boats ſtood all as in a Theatre,
beholding this Light as an Heavenly Sign. It ſo ſell out
one of the Boats, one of the wiſe Men of the Society of Solomens Houſe,
(which Houſe or College (my good Brethren) is the very Eye of this King-
dom) who having a while attentively and devoutly viewed and contem-
plated this Pillar and Croſs, fell down upon his face, and then raiſed him-
ſelf upon his knees, and liſting up his hands to Heaven made his Prayers
in this manner.
LOrd God of Heaven and Earth, thou haſt vouch-
ſafed of thy Grace to thoſe of our Order, to know thy
Works of Creation, and true Secrets of them, and to
diſcern (as far as appertaineth to the Generations of Men)
between Divine Miracles, VVorks of Nature, VVorks
of Art, and Impoſtures and Illuſions of all ſorts. I do here
acknowledge and teſtifie before this People, that the Thing
racle. And foraſmuch as we learn in our Books, that thou
never workeſt Miracles but to a Divine and excellent End,
(for the Laws of Nature, are thine own Laws, and thou
exceedeſt them not but upon good cauſe) we moſt humbly be-
ſeech thee to proſper this great Sign, and to give us the Inter-
pretation, and uſe of it in mercy, which thou doſt in ſome part
ſecretly promiſe, by ſending it unto us.
When he had made his Prayer, he preſently found the Boat he was
in, moveable and unbound, whereas all the reſt remained ſtill fiſt; and
taking that for an aſſurance of leave to approach, he cauſed the Boat to be
ſoftly, and with ſilence, rowed towards the Pillar; but ere he came near it,
the Pillar and Croß of Light brake up, and caſt it ſelf abroad, as it were, into
a Firmament of many Stars; which alſo vaniſhed ſoon after, and there was
nothing leſt to be ſeen but a ſmall Ark or Cheſt of Cedar, dry, and not wet
at all with Water, though it ſwam; and in thefore end of it, which was
towards him, grew a ſmall green Branch of Palm. And when the Wire-
man had taken it with all reverence into his Boat, it opened of it ſelf, and
there was found in it a Book and a Letter, both written in fine Parchment,
and wrapped in Sindons of Linnen. The Book contained all the Canonical
Books of the Old and New Teſtament, according as you have them, (for we
know well what the Churches with you receive;) and the Apocalypſe it ſel,
and ſome other Books of the New Teſtament, which were not at that time
written, were nevertheleſs in the Book. And for the Letter, it was in theſe
words.
IBartholomew, a Servant of the Higheſt, and
Apoſtle of FESVS CHRIST, was warn-
ed by an Angel that appeared to me in a
Viſion of Glory, that I should commit this
Ark to the Flouds of the Sea. Therefore I
do teſtifie and declare unto that People, where
GOD shall ordain this Ark to come to Land,
that in the ſame day is come unto them Salva-
tion, and Peace, and Good Will from the
FATHER, and from the LORD FESVS.
“There was alſo in both theſe Writings, as well the Book as the
“Letter, wrought a great Miracle, conform to that of the Apoſtles in the
“Original Gift of Tengues. For there being at that time in this Land Hebrews,
“Perſians, and Indians, beſides the Natives, every one read upon the Book
And thus
“was this Land ſaved from Infidelity (as the Remain of the old World
“was from Water) by an Ark, through the Apoſtolical and Miraculous
“Evangeliſm of S Bartholomevv. And here he pauſed, and a Meſſenger
came and called him forth ſrom us. So this was all that paſſed in that
Conference.
The next day the ſame Governor came again to us immediately aſter Din-
ner, and excuſed himſelf, ſaying, “That the day beſore he was called from us
“ſome what abruptly, but now he would make us amends, and ſpend time
“with us, if we held his Company and Conference agreeable. We anſwered,
“That we held it ſo agreeable and pleaſing to us, as we forgot both dangers
“paſt and fears to come, for the time we heard him ſpeak, and that we
“thought an hour ſpent with him, was worth years of our former life. He
bo vved himſelf alittle to us, and after vve vvere ſet again, heſaid, “Well, the Queſti-
“ons are on your part. One of our number ſaid, after a little pauſe, “That there
“was a matter we were no leſs deſirous to know then fearful to ask, leſt we
“might preſume too far; but encouraged by his rare Humanity to wards us,
“(that could ſcarce think our ſelves ſtrangers, being his vowed and profeſſed
“Servants) we would take the hardineſs to propound it: Humbly beſeech-
“ing him, if he thought it not fit
“though he rejected it. VVe ſaid, We well obſerved thoſe his words
“which he formerly ſpake, That this happy Iſland where we now ſtood
“vvas knovvn to fevv, and yet knevv moſt of the Nations of the World; “vvhich vve found to be true, conſidering they had the Languages of
“Europe, and knevv much of our ſtate and buſineſs; and yet vve in Europe
“(notvvithſtanding all the remote Diſcoveries and Navigations of this laſt
“Age) never heard any of the leaſt inkling or glimpſe of this Iſland. This
“vve found vvonderful ſtrange, for that all Nations have interknovvledge
“one of another, either by Voyage into Forein Parts, or by Strangers
“that come to them: And though the Traveller into a Forein Countrey,
“doth commonly know more by the Eye, then he that ſtaid at home can
“by relation of the Traveller; yet both ways ſuffice to make a mutual
“knowledge in ſome degree on both parts: But for this Iſland, we never
“heard tell of any Ship of theirs that had been ſeen to arrive upon any
“ſhore of Europe, no nor of either the Eaſt or VVeſt-Indies, nor yet of any
“Ship of any other part of the World that had made return for them. And
“yet the marvel reſted not in this; for the ſituation of it (as his Lordſhip
“ſaid) in the ſecret Conclave of ſuch a vaſt Sea might cauſe it: But then,
“that they ſhould have knowledge of the Languages, Books, Affairs of
“thoſe that lie ſuch a diſtance from them, it was a thing we could not tell
“what to make of; for that it ſeemed to us a condition and propriety of
“Divine Powers and Beings, to be hidden and unſeen to others, and yet
“to have others open, and as in a light to them. At this Speech the Go-
vernor gave a gracious ſmile, and ſaid, “That we did well to ask pardon
“for this Queſtion we now asked, for that it imported as if we thought
“this Land, a Land of Magicians, that ſent forth Spirits of the Air into all
“parts to bring them news, and intelligence of other Countreys. It was
anſwered by us all, in all poſſible humbleneſs, but yet with a countenance
taking knowledge, that we knew, that he ſpake it but merrily, “That we
“were apt enough to think, there was ſomewhat ſupernatural in this
“Iſland, but yet rather as Angelical then Magical. But to let his Lord-
“ſhip know truly what it was that made us tender and doubtful to ask this
it was not any ſuch conceit, but becauſe we remembred he
“had given a touch in his former Speech, that this Land had Laws of Se-
“crecy, touching Strangers. To this he ſaid, “You remember it right;
and
“therefore in that, I ſhall ſay to you, I muſt reſerve ſome particulars which
“it is not lawful for me to reveal, but there will be enough left to give you
“ſatisfaction.
You ſhall underſtand (that which perhaps you will ſcarce think cre-
dible) that about Three thouſand years ago or ſomewhat more, the Na-
vigation of the VVorld (ſpecially for remote Voyages) was greater then
at this day. Do not think with your ſelves, that I know not how much
it is increaſed with you within theſe threeſcore years, I know it well; and
yet I ſay, greater then then now. VVhether it was, that the example of
the Ark that ſaved the remnant of Men from the Univerſal Deluge, gave
men confidence to adventure upon the VVaters, or what it was, but ſuch
is the truth. The Phœniciæns, and ſpecially the Tyrians, had great Fleets;
ſo had the Carthaginians their Colony, which is yet further VVeſt:
To-
ward the Eaſt the Shipping of Egypt and of Paleſtina was likewiſe great;
China alſo, and the Great Atlantis (that you call America) which have now
but Junks and Canoaes, abounded then in tall Ships. This Iſland (as
appeareth by faithful Regiſters of thoſe times) had then Fifteen hundred
ſtrong Ships of great content. Of all this, there is with you ſparing memory
or none, but we have large know ledge thereof.
At that time this Land was known, and frequented by the Ships and
Veſſels of all the Nations beforenamed, and (as it cometh to paſs) they
had many times Men of other Countreys that were no Sailers, that came
with them, as Perſians, Chaldeans, Arabians; ſo as almoſt all Nations of
might and fame reſorted hither, of whom we have ſome Stirps and little
Tribes with us at this day. And for our own Ships, they went ſundry
Voyages, as well to your Streights, which you call the Pillars of Hercules,
as to other parts in the Atlantick and Meditterranean Seas; as to Peguin (which
is the ſame with Cambalu) and Quinſay upon the Oriental Seas, as far as to
the Borders of the Eaſt Tartary.
At the ſame time, and an Age after or more, the Inhabitants of the
Great Atlantis did flouriſh. For though the Narration and Deſcription
which is made by a great Man with you, of the Deſcendents of Neptune
planted there, and of the magnificent Temple, Palace, City, and Hill,
and the manifold ſtreams of goodly Navigable Rivers, which (as ſo many
Chains) invironed the ſame Site and Temple, and the ſeveral degrees of
aſcent, whereby men did climb up to the ſame, as if it had been a Scala
Cœli, be all Poetical and Fabulous; yet ſo much is true.
That the ſaid
Countrey of Atlantis, as well that of Peru, then called Coya, as that of
Mexico then named Tyrambel; were mighty and proud Kingdoms in
Arms, Shipping, and Riches; ſo mighty, as at one time (or at leaſt with-
in the ſpace of ten years) they both made two great expeditions, they of
Tyrambel through the Atlantick to the Meditarranean Sea, and they of Coya
through the South-ſea upon this our Iſland. And for the former of theſe,
which was into Europe, the ſame Author amongſt you (as it ſeemeth) had
ſome relation from the Egyptian Prieſt whom he citeth, for aſſuredly ſuch
a thing there was. But whether it were the ancient Athenians that had
the glory of the repulſe and reſiſtince of thoſe Forces, I can ſay nothing;
but certain it is, there never came back either Ship or Man from that Voy-
age. Neither had the other Voyage of thoſe of Coya, upon us, had better
For the
King of this Iſland (by name Altabin) a wiſe Man, and a great Warrior,
knowing well both his own ſtrength, and that of his enemies, handled the
matter ſo, as he cut off their Land forces from their Ships, and entoiled
both their Navy and their Camp, with a greater power than theirs, both
by Sea and Land, and compelled them to render themſelves without
ſtriking ſtroke; and after they were at his mercy, contenting himſelf one-
ly with their Oath, that they ſhould no more bear Arms againſt him, diſ-
miſſed them all in ſaſety. But the Divine revenge overtook not long
after thoſe proud enterpriſes; for within leſs then the ſpace of One hun-
dred years the Great Atlantis was utterly loſt and deſtroyed, not by a great
Earthquake, as your Man ſaith, (for that whole Tract is little ſubject to
Earthquakes) but by a particular Deluge or Inundation, thoſe Countreys
having at this day far greater Rivers, and far higher Mountains to pour
down Waters, than any part of the Old World. But it is true, that the
ſame Inundation was not deep, not paſt forty ſoot in moſt places from
the ground; ſo that although it deſtroyed Man and Beaſt generally,
yet ſome ſew wilde Inhabitants of the Wood eſcaped: Birds alſo were
ſaved by flying to the high Trees and Woods. For as for Men, although
they had Buildings in many places higher then the depth of the VVater; yet that Inundation, though it were ſhallow, had a long continuance,
whereby they of the Vale, that were not drowned, periſhed for want of
food, and other things neceſſary. So as marvel you not at the thin Popu-
lation of America, nor at the Rudeneſs and Ignorance of the People; for
you muſt account your Inhabitants of America as a young People,
younger a thouſand years at the leaſt than the reſt of the VVorld, for
that there was ſo much time between the Univerſal Flood, and their par-
ticular Inundation. For the poor remnant of Humane Seed which re-
mained in their Mountains peopled the Countrey again ſlowly, by little
and little: And being ſimple and a ſavage people (not like Noah and his
Sons, which was the chief Family of the Earth) they were not able to
leave Letters, Arts, and Civility to their Poſterity. And having like wiſe
in their Mountainous Habitations been uſed (in reſpect of the extream
Cold of thoſe Regions) to cloath themſelves with the skins of Tigers,
Bears, and great Hairy Goats, that they have in thoſe parts; when after
they came down into the Valley, and found the intole
are there, and knew no means of lighter Apparel, they were ſorced to
begin the cuſtom of going naked, which continueth at this day; onely
they take great pride and delight in the Feathers of Birds: And this alſo
they took from thoſe their Anceſtors of the Mountains, who were in-
vited unto it by the infinite flight of Birds that came up to the high
Grounds, while the Waters ſtood below. So you ſee by this main
accident of time, we loſt our Traffick with the Americans, with whom,
of all others, in regard they lay neareſt to us, we had moſt commerce.
As for the other parts of the World, it is moſt manifeſt, that in the
Ages following (whether it were in reſpect of VVars, or by a Natural
revolution of time) Navigation did every where greatly decay, and
eſpecially far voyages (the rather by theuſe of Gallies, and ſuch Veſſels
as could hardly brook the Ocean) were altogether left and omitted.
So then, that part of entercourſe which could be from other Nations
to ſail to us, you ſee how it hath long ſince ceaſed, except it were by
ſome rare accident, as this of yours. But now of the ceſſation of that
I muſt yield you ſome other cauſe: For I cannot ſay (if I ſhould ſay traly)
but our ſhipping for number, ſtrength, Mariners, Pilon, and all things that
appertain to Navigation, is as great as ever; and thereſore why we ſhould
ſit at home, I ſhall now give you an account by it ſalf, and it will draw nearer
to give you ſatisfaction to your principal Queſtion.
There reigned in this I ſland about One thouſand nine liundred years
“ago, a King, whoſe memory of all others we moſt adore, not ſuperſtitiouſly,
“but as a Divine Inſtrument, though a Mortal Man; his name was Salomona,
“and we eſteem him as the Law-giver of our Nation. This King had alarge
“heart inſe
“People happy: He therefore taking into conſideration, how ſufficient and
“ſubſtantive this Land was to maintain it ſelf with out any aid (at all) of the
“Foreigner, being Five thouſand ſix hundred miles in circuit, and of rare
“fertility of ſoil in the greateſt part thereof; and finding alſo the ſhipping of
“this Countrey might be plentiſully ſet on work, both by Fiſhing, and by
“Tranſportations from Port to Port, and likewiſe by ſailing unto ſome ſmall
“Iſlands that are not far from us, and are under the Crown and Laws of this
“State; and recalling into his memory the happy and flouriſhing eſtate
“wherein this Land then was, ſo as it might be a thouſand ways altered to
“the worſe, but ſcarce any one way to the better; thought nothing wanted
“to his Noble and Heroical Intentions, but onely (as far as Humane fore-
“ſight might reach) to give perpetuity to that which was in his time ſo happily
“eſtabliſhed; therefore amongſt his other Fundamental Laws of this King-
“dom, he did ordain the Interdicts and Prohibitions which we have touch-
“ing entrance of ſtrangers, which at that time (though it was after the cala-
“mity of America) was ſrequent, doubting novelties and commixture of
“manners. It is true, the like Law againſt the admiſſion of ſtrangers, with-
“out licence, is an ancient Law in the Kingdom of China, and yet continued
“in uſe; but there it is a poor thing, and hath made them a curious, igno-
“rant, fearful, fooliſh Nation. But our Law-giver made his Law of another
“temper. For firft, he hath preſerved all points of humanity, in taking or-
“der and making proviſion for the relief of ſtrangers diſtreſſed, whereof you
“have taſted. At which Speech (as reaſon was) we all roſe up and bowed our ſelves.
He went on.
“That King alſoſtill deſiring to joyn Humanity and Policy to-
“gether, and thinking it againſt Humanity to detain Strangers here againſt
“their Wills, and againſt Policy, that they ſhould return and diſcover their
“knowledge of this State, he took this courſe. He did ordain, that of the
“Strangers that ſhould be permitred to Land, as many (at all times) might
“depart as would, but as many as would ſtay, ſhould have very good con-
“ditions and means to live from the State. Wherein he ſaw ſo far, that
“now in ſo many Ages, ſince the Prohibition, we have memory not of one
“Ship that ever returned, and but of thirteen perſons onely at ſeveral times
“that choſe to return in our Bottoms. What thoſe ſew that returned, may
“have reported abroad, I know not; but you muſt think, whatſoever they
“have ſaid, could be taken where they came, but ſor a dream. Now for
“our travelling from hence into parts abroad, our Law-giver thought fit al-
“together to reſtrain it. So is it not in China, for the Chineſes fail where they
“will, or can; which ſheweth, that their Law of keeping our Strangers, is
“a Law of puſillanimity and fear. But this reſtraint of ours hath one onely
“exception, which is admirable, preſerving the good which cometh by
“communicating with ſtrangers, and avoiding the hurt; and I will now
And here I ſhall ſeem a little to digreſs, but you will by
“and by finde it pertinent. Ye ſhall underſtand (my dear Friends) that
“amongſt the excellent acts of that King, one above all hath the preemi-
“nence: It was the erection and inſtitution of an Order or Society which
“we call Solomons Houſe, the nobleſt Foundation (as we think) that ever
“was upon the Earth, and the Lanthorn of this Kingdom. It is dedicated
“to the ſtudy of the Works and creatures of God. Some think it beareth
“the Founders name a little corrupted, as if it ſhould be Solomons Houſe; “but the Records write it as it is ſpoken, ſo as I take it to be denomi-
“nate of the King of the Hebrews, which is famous with you, and no ſtranger
“to us; for we have ſome parts of his Works which with you are loſt,
“namely, that Natural Hiſtory which he wrote of all Plants, from the Cedar
“of Libanus to the Moß that grovveth out of the Wall, and of all things that have
“Life and Motion. This maketh me think that our King finding himſelf to
“ſymbolize in many things with that King of the Hebrevvs (which lived
“many years before him) honored him with the Title of this Foundation.
“And I am the rather induced to be of this opinion, for that I finde in an-
“cient Records this Order or Society is ſometimes called Solomons Houſe,
“and ſometimes The Colledge of the Six days VVorks; whereby I am ſatisfied,
“that our Excellent King had learned from the Hebrevvs, that God had
“created the World, and all that therein is within Six days; and therefore
“he inſtituting that Houſe for the finding out of the true Nature of all
“things (whereby God might have the more glory in the workmanſhip of
“them, and Men the more Fruit in their uſe of them) did give it alſo that
“ſecond name. But now to come to our preſent purpoſe.
“When the King had forbidden to all his People Navigation in any
“part that was not under his Crown, he made nevertheleſs this Ordinance,
“That every twelve years there ſhould be ſet forth out of this Kingdom
“two Ships appointed to ſeveral Voyages; that in either of theſe Ships,
“there ſhould be a Miſſion of three of the Fellows or Brethren of Solomons
“Houſe, whoſe errand was onely to give us knowledge of the affairs and
“ſtate of thoſe Countreys, to which they were deſigned, and eſpecially of the
“Sciences, Arts, Manufactures and Inventions of all the World; and withal
“to bring unto us Books, Inſtruments, and Patterns in every kinde. That
“the Ships after they had landed the Brethren ſhould return, and that the
“Brethren ſhould ſtay abroad till the new Miſſion. The Ships are not other-
“wiſe fraught than with ſtore of Victuals, and good quantity of Treaſure,
“to remain with the Brethren for the buying of ſuch things, and rewarding
“of ſuch perlons as they ſhould think fit. Now for me to tell you how the
“vulgar ſort of Mariners are contained from being diſcovered at Land,
“and how they that muſt be put on ſhore for any time colour themſelves
“under the names of other Nations, and to what places theſe Voyages have
“been deſigned, and what places of Rendezvous are appointed for the new
“Miſſions, and the like circumſtances of the practick, I may not do it, neither
“is it much to your deſire. But thus you ſee we maintain a Trade, not for
“Gold, Silver, or Jewels, nor for Silks, nor for Spices, nor any other com-
“modity of Matter, but onely for Gods firſt Creature, which was Light; to
“have Light (I ſay) of the growth of all parts of the World. And when he
had ſaid this, he was ſilent, and ſo were we all; for indeed, we were all aſtoniſh-
ed to hear ſo ſtrange things ſo probably told. And he perceiving, that we
were willing to ſay ſome what, but had it not ready, in |great courteſie,
took us off, and deſcended to ask us Queſtions of our Voyage and Fortunes;
ſelves what time of ſtay we would demand of the State; and bad us
not to ſcant our ſelves, for he would procure ſuch time as we deſired. Whereupon we all roſe up and preſented our ſelves to skiſs the skirt of
his Tippet; but he would not ſuffer us, and ſo took his leave.
But when
it came once amongſt our people, that the State uſed to offer conditions to
ſtrangers that would ſtay, we had work enough to get any of our men to
look to our Ship, and to keep them from going preſently to the Governor
to crave conditions; but with much ado, we refrained them till we might
agree what courſe to take.
We took our ſelves now for Freemen, ſeeing there was no danger of
our utter perdition, and lived moſt joyfully, going abroad, and ſeeing
what was to beſeen in the City and places adjacent within our Tedder, and
obtaining acquaintance with many of the City, not of the meaneſt qua-
lity, at whoſe hands we found ſuch humanity, and ſuch a freedom and
deſire to take ſtrangers, as it were into their boſom, as was enough to
make us forget all that was dear to us in our own Countreys, and con-
tinually we met with many things right worthy of obſervation and rela-
tion: As indeed, if there be a Mirror in the World, worthy to hold mens
eyes, it is that Countrey. One day there were two of our company
bidden to a Feaſt of the Family, as they call it; amoſt natural, pious and
reverend cuſtom it is, ſhewing that Nation to be compounded of all good-
neſs. This is the manner of it.
It is granted to any man that ſhall live to
ſee thirty perſons deſcended of his body alivetogether, and all above three
years old, to make this Feaſt, which is done at the coſt of the State. The Father of the Family, whom they call the Tirſan, two days before the
Feaſt taketh to him three of ſuch Friends as he liketh to chuſe, and is
aſſiſted alſo by the Governor of the City or place where the Feaſt is cele-
brated; and all the Perſons of the Family of both Sexes are ſummoned to
attend him. Theſe two days the Tirſan ſitteth in conſultation concern-
ing the good eſtate of the Family; there, if there be any Diſcord or Suits
between any of the Family, they are compounded and appeaſed; there,
if any of the Family be diſtreſſed or decayed, order is taken for their re-
lief and competent means to live; there, if any be ſubject to vice or take
ill courſes, they are reproved and cenſured. So likewiſe, direction is
given touching Marriages, and the courſes of liſe which any of them
ſhould take, with divers other the like orders and advices. The Go-
vernor aſſiſteth to the end, to put in execution by his publick Autho-
tity, the Decrees and Orders of the Tirſan, if they ſhould be diſobeyed,
though that ſeldom needeth; ſuch reverence and obedience they give
to the order of Nature. The Tirſan doth alſo then ever chuſe one man
from amongſt his Sons to live in Houſe with him, who is called ever
after the Son of the Vine; the reaſon will hereafter appear.
On the Feaſt-
day, the Tather or Tirſan cometh forth after Divine Service into a large
Room where the Feaſt is celebrated; which Room hath an Half-
pace at the upper end. Againſt the Wall, in the middle of the Half-
pace, is a Chair placed for him, with a Table and Carpet before it:
Over the Chair is a State made round or oval, and it is of Ivy; an Ivy
ſome what whiter then ours, like the Leaf of a Silver Aſp, but more ſhi-
ning, for it is Green all Winter. And the State is curiouſly wrought with
S@lver and Silk of divers colours, broiding or binding in the Ivy; and is
ever of the work of ſome of the Daughters of the Family, and veiled
But the ſubſtance of it
is true Ivy, where of, after it is taken down, the Friends of the Family are
deſirous to have ſome Leaf or Sprig to keep. The Tirſan cometh forth with
all his Generation or Lineage, the Males before him, and the Females fol-
lowing him. And if there be a Mother, from whoſe body the whole Li-
neage is deſcended, there is a Traverſe placed in a Loft above on the right
hand of the Chair, with a Privy Door, and a carved Window of Glaſs,
leaded with Gold and Blew, where ſhe ſitteth, but is not ſeen. When
the Tirſan is come forth, he ſitteth down in the Chair, and all the Li-
neage place themſelves againſt the Wall, both at his back, and upon the
return of the Half-pace, in order of their years, without difference of
Sex, and ſtand upon their Feet. When he is ſet, the room being always
full of company, but well kept, and without diſorder, after ſome paute
there cometh in from the lower end of the room a Taratan, (which is as
much as an Herauld) and on either ſide of him two young Lads, where-
of one carrieth a Scroul of their ſhining yellow Parchment, and the other
a cluſter of Grapes of Gold, with a long foot or ſtalk: The Herauld
and Children are clothed with Mantles of Sea-water-green Sattin, but the
Heraulds Mantle is ſtreamed with Gold, and hath a Train. Then the
Herauld, with three Courteſies, or rather Inclinations, cometh up as far
as the Half pace, and there firſt taketh into his hand the Scroul. This
Scoul is the Kings Charter, containing Gift of Revenue, and many Pri-
viledges, Exemptions, and Points of Honor granted to the Father of
the Family; and it is ever ſtiled and directed, To ſuch an one, Our wel-
beloved Friend and Creditor, which is a Title proper onely to this caſe: For
they ſay, the King is Debtor to no Man, but for propagation of his Sub-
jects. The Seal ſet to the Kings Charter, is the Kings Image imboſſed or
moulded in Gold. And though ſuch Charters be expedited of courſe,
and as of right, yet they are varied by diſcretion, according to the num-
ber and dignity of the Family. This Charter the Herauld readeth aloud;
and while it is read, the Father or Tirſan ſtandeth up, ſupported by two
of his Sons, ſuch as he chuſeth. Then the Herauld mounteth the Half-
pace, and delivereth the Charter into his hand, and with that there is an ac-
clamation by all that are preſent in their Language, which is thus much,
Happy are the People of Benſalem. Then the Herauld taketh into his hand
from the other Childe the cluſter of Grapes, which is of Gold, both the
S@alk and the Grapes; but the Grapes are daintily enamelled:
And if the
Males of the Family be the greater number, the Grapes are enamelled
Purple, with a little Sun ſet on the top; if the Females, then they are
enamelled into a greeniſh yellow, with a Creſcent on the top. The
Grapes are in number as many as there are Deſcendants of the Family.
This Golden Cluſter the Herauld delivereth alſo to the Tirſan, who pre-
ſently delivereth it over to that Son that he had formerly choſen to be in
houſe with him; who beareth it before his Father as an Enſign of Honor
when he goeth in publick ever aſter, and is thereupon called The Son of
the Vine. After this Ceremony ended, the Father or Tirſan retireth, and
after ſome time cometh ſorth again to Dinner, where he ſitteth alone
under the State as before; and none of his Deſcendants ſit with him;
of
what degree or dignity ſoever, except he hap to be of Solomons Houſe.
He is ſerved onely by his own Children, ſuch as are Male, who perform
unto him all ſervice of the Table upon the knee; and the Women onely
ſtand about him, leaning againſt the Wall. The Room below his Half pace
with great and comely order; and toward the end of Dinner (which in
the greateſt Feaſts with them, laſteth never above an hour and a half)
there is an Hymn ſung, varied according to the Invention of him that com-
poſed it, (for they have excellent Poeſie;) but the ſubject of it is (always)
the praiſes of Adam, and Noah, and Abraham; where of the former two
peopled the World, and the laſt was the Father of the Faithful; concluding
ever with a Thankſgiving for the Nativity of our Saviour, in whoſe Birth
the Births of all are onely Bleſſed. Dinner being done, the Tirſan retireth
again, and having with drawn himſelf alone into a place, where he maketh
ſome private Prayers, he cometh forth the third time to give the Bleſſing,
with all his Deſcendants, who ſtand about him as at the firſt. Then he
calleth them forth, by one and by one, by name, as he pleaſeth, though
ſeldom the order of age be inverted. The perſon that is called (the Table
being before removed) kneeleth down before the Chair, and the Father lay
eth his hand upon his head, or her head, and giveth the Bleſſing in theſe
words; Son of Benſalem (or Daughter of Benſalem) thy Father ſaith it, the
Man by whom thou haſt breath and life ſpeaketh the word: The Bleßing of the Ever-
laſting Father, the Prince of Peace, and the Holy Dove be upon thee, and make the
days of thy Pilgrimage good and many. This he ſaith to every of them;
and that
done, if there be any oſ his Sons of eminent Merit and Vertue, (ſo they
be not above two) he calleth for them again, and ſaith, laying his arm over
their ſhoulders, they ſtanding, Sons, it is well you are born; give God the praiſe,
and perſevere to the end. And withal delivereth to either of them a Jewel,
made in the figure of an Ear of Wheat, which they ever after wear in the
front of their Turbant or Hat. This done, they fall to Muſick and Dances
and other Recreations after their manner for thereſt of the day. This is the
full order of that Feaſt.
By that time ſix or ſeven days were ſpent, I was faln into ſtraight ac-
quaintance with a Merchant of that City, whoſe name was Joabin; he was
a Jew, and circum ciſed: For they have ſome few ſtirps of Jews yet re-
maining among them, whom they leave to their own Religion; which
they may the better do, becauſe they are of a far differing diſpoſition from
the Jews in other parts. For whereas they hate the Name of CHRIST,
and have a ſecret inbred rancor againſt the people, among whom they
live: Theſe (contrariwiſe) give unto our SAVIOUR many high Attri-
bu@es, and love the Nation of Benſalem extreamly. Surely this Man, of
whom I ſpeak, would ever acknowledge that CHRIST was born of a
Virgin, and that he was more then a Man; and he would tell how GOD
made him Ruler of the Seraphims which guard his Throne; and they
call him alſo the Milken way, and the Eliah of the Meßiah, and many
other high Names; which though they be inferior to his Divine Majeſty,
yet they are far from the Language of other Jews. And for the Countrey
of Benſalem, this Man would make no end of commending it, being de-
ſirous, by Tradition among the Jews there, to have it believed, that the
people there of were of the Generations of Abraham by another Son,
whom they call Nachoran; and that Moſes by a ſecret Cabala ordained the
Laws of Benſalem, which they now uſe; and that when the Meßiah ſhould
come and ſit in his Throne at Jeruſalem, the King of Benſalem ſhould ſit
at his Feet, whereas other Kings ſhould keep agreat diſtance. But yet
ſetting aſide theſe Jewiſh Dreams, the Man was a wiſe man and learned,
and of great policy, and excellently ſeen in the Laws and Cuſtoms of that
Amongſt other diſcourſes, one day I told him, I was much
affected with the Relation I had from ſome of the company, of their
Cuſtorm in holding the Feaſt of the Family, for that (me thought) I had
never heard of a Solemnity wherein Nature did ſo much preſide. And
becauſe Propagation of Families proceedeth from the Nuptial Copulation,
I deſired to know of him what Laws and Cuſtoms they had concerning
Marriage, and whether they kept Marriage well, and whether they were
tied to one Wife. For that where Population is ſo much affected and
ſuch as with them it ſeemed to be, there is commonly permiſſion of Plu-
rality of Wives. To this he ſaid, “You have reaſon for to comm@nd
“that excellent Inſtitution of the Feaſt of the Family; and indeed we
“have experience, that thoſe Families that are partakers of the Bleſſings
“of that Feaſt do flouriſh and proſper ever after in an extraordinary man-
“ner. But hear me now, and I will tell you what I know.
You ſhall un-
“derſtand, that there is not under the Heavens, ſo chaſte a Nation as this
“of Benſalem, nor ſo free from all pollution or foulneſs; it is the Virgin
“of the World. I remember I have read in one of your European Books
“of an holy Hermit amongſt you, that deſired to ſee the Spirit of Fornication,
“and there appeared to him a little foul ugly Æthiope: But if he had
“deſired to ſee the Spirit of Chaſtity of Benſalem, it would have appeared to
“him in the likeneſs of a fair beautiful Cherubin; for there is nothing
“amongſt Mortal Men more fair and admirable, then the chaſte Mindes
“of this People. Know therefore, that with them there are no Stews,
“no diſſolute Houſes, no Courteſans, nor any thing of that kinde; nay
“they wonder (with deteſtation) at you in Europe which permit ſuch
“things. They ſay you have put Marriage out of office;
for Marriage
“is ordained a remedy for unlawful concupiſcence, and natural concu-
“piſcence ſeemeth as a ſpur to Marriage: But when Men have at hand
“a remedy more agreeable to their corrupt will, Marriage is almoſt ex-
“pulſed. And therefore, there are with you ſeen infinite Men that mar-
“ry not, but chufe rather a Libertine, and impure ſingle life, then to be
“yoaked in Marriage; and many that do marry, marry late, when the
“prime and ſtrength of their years is paſt; and when they do marry,
“what is Marriage to them, but a very Bargain, wherein is ſought Alli-
“ance, or Portion, or Reputation, with ſome deſire (almoſt indifferent)
“of iſſue, and not the faithſul Nuptial Union of Man and Wife that was
“firſt inſtituted? Neither is it poſſible, that thoſe that have caſt away ſo
“baſely ſo much of their ſtrength, ſhould greatly eſteem Children (be-
“ing of the ſame matter) as chaſt Men do. So likewiſe during Marriage,
“is the caſe much amended, as it ought to be, if thoſe things were tole-
“rated onely for neceſſity? No, but they remain ſtill as a very affront to
“Marriage; the hunting of thoſe diſſolute places, orreſort to Courteſans,
“are no more puniſhed in Married men, then in Batchelors: And the de-
“praved cuſtom of change, and the delight in meretricious embrace-
“ments, (where Sin is turned into Art) maketh Marriage a dull thing, and
“a kinde of Impoſition or Tax. They hear you defend theſe things as
“done to avoid greater evils, as Advowtries, Deflouring of Virgins,
“Unnatural Luſt, and the like: But they ſay this is a prepoſterous Wiſ
“dom; and they call it Lots offer, who to ſave his Gueſts from abuſing
“offered his Daughters: Nay, they ſay further, that there is little gained
“in this, for that the ſame Vices and Appetites do ſtill remain and abound,
“Unlawful Luſt being like a Furnace, that if you ſtop the Flames alto-
As fo
“Maſculine Love, they have no touch of it, and yet there are not ſo faith-
“ful and inviolate. Friendſh ps in the World again as are there;
and to
“ſpeak generally (as I faid before) I have not read of any ſuch Chaſtity in
“any People as theirs. And their uſual ſaying is, That whoſoever is unchaſte,
“cannot reverence himſelf. And they ſay, That the reverence of a Mans ſelſ
“is, next Religion, the chiefeſt Bricle of all Vices. And when he had ſaid
this, the good Jevv pauſed a little. Whereupon, I far more willing to hear
him ſpeak on, than to ſpeak my ſelf; yet thinking it decent, that upon his
pauſe of Speech I ſhould not be altogether ſilent, ſaid onely this. “That I
“would ſay to him, as the Widow of Sarepta ſaid to Elias, That he was
“come to bring to memory ourſins; and that I confeſs the righteouſneſs of
“Benſalem was greater than the righteouſneſs of Europe. At vvhich Speech, he
bovved his Head, and vvent on in this manner. “They have alſo many wiſe and
“excellent Lawstouching Marliage; they allow no Polygamy;
they have
“ordained, that none do intermarry or contract until a moneth be paſt from
“their firſt interview. Marriage without conſent of Parents, they do not
“make void, but they mulct it in the Inheritors; for the Children of ſuch
“Marriages are not admitted to inherit above a third part of their Parents
“Inheritance. I have read in a Book of one of your Men, of a Feigned
“Common wealth, where the married couple are permitted before they
“contract to ſee one another naked. This they diſſike, for they hink it a
“ſcorn to give a refuſal after ſo familiar knowledge; but becauſe of many
“nidden defects in Men and Womens Bodies, they have a more civil way; “for they have near every Town, a couple of Pools (which they call
“Adam and Eves Pools) where it is permitted to one of the Friends of the
“Man, and another of the Eriends of the Woman, to ſee them ſeverally
“bath naked.
And as we were thus in Conference, there came one that ſeemed to be
a Meſſenger, in a rich Huke, that ſpake with the Jevv; whereupon he
turned to me, and ſaid, You vvill pardon me, for I am commanded avvay in haſte. The nex@ morning he came to me again, joyful, as it ſeemed, and ſaid,
“There is word come to the Governor of the City, that one of the Fathers
“of Solomons Houſe will be here this day ſeven-night; we have ſeen none of
“them this dozen years. His coming is in ſtate, but the cauſe of his coming
“is ſecret. I will provide you and your Fellows of a good ſtanding to ſee
“his entry. I thanked him, and told him, I was moſt glad of the nevvs.
The
day being come, he made his entry. He was a Man of middle ſtature and
age, comely of perſon, and had an aſpect as if he pitied men: He was
cloathed in a @obe of fine black Cloth, with wide Sleeves, and a Cape;
his under Garment was of excellent white Linnen down to the Foot,
girt with a Girdle of the ſame, and a Sindon or Tippet of the ſame about
his Neck; he had Gloves that were curious, and ſet with Stone, and Shooes
of Peach-coloured Velvet; his Neck was bare to the Shoulders;
his Hat
was like a Helmet or Spaniſh Montera, and his Locks curled below it de-
cently, they were of colour brown; his Beard was cut round, and of the
ſame colour with his Hair, ſomewhat lighter. He was carried in a rich
Chariot without Wheels, Litter-wife, with two Horſes at either end,
richly trapped in blew Velvet embroidered, and two Footmen on each
ſide in the like attire. The Chariot was all of Cedar, gilt and adorned
with Cryſtal, ſave that the fore-end had Pannels of Saphires ſet in borders
of Gold, and the hinder-end the like of Emeralds of the Peru colour.
and on
the top before a ſmall Cherub of Gold, with Wings diſplayed. The
Chariot was covered with Cloth of Gold tiſſued upon blew. He had
beſore him fifty attendants, young men all, in white Satten looſe Coats,
up to the mid-leg, and Stockins of white Silk, and Shooes of blew Velvet,
and Hats of blew Velvet, with fine Plumes of divers colours ſet round like
Hatbands. Next before the Chariot, went two men bare headed, in
Lichen Garments down to the Foot, girt, and Shooes of blew Velvet,
who carried, the one a Croſier, the other a Paſtoral Staff like a Sheep-
hook, neither of them of Metal, but the Croſier of Balm-wood, the
Paſtoral Staff of Cedar. Hor
hinde his Chariot, as it ſeemeth, to avoid all tumult and trouble. Be-
hinde his Chariot went all the Officers and Principals of the Companies
of the City. He ſate alone upon Cuſhions, of a kinde of excellent Plufh,
blew, and under his Foot curious Carpets of Silk of divers colours; like
the Perſian, but far finer. He held up his barehand as he went, as bleſs-
ing the People, but in ſilence. The Street was wonderfully well kept,
ſo that there was never any Army had their Men ſtand in better battel-
array, then the people ſtood. The Windows likewiſe were not crouded,
but every one ſtood in them, as if they had been placed. When the
ſhow was paſt, the Fevv ſaid to me, “I ſhall not be able to attend you as I
“would, in regard of ſome charge the City hath laid upon me for the en-
“tertaining of this great Perſon. Three a ays after the Jew came to me again, and ſaid,
“Ye are happy men, for the Father of Solomons Houſe taketh knowledge of
“your being here, and commanded me to tell you, that he will admit all
“your company to his preſence, and have private conference with one of
“you that ye ſhall chuſe; and for this, hath appointed the next day after to
“morrow. And becauſe he meaneth to give you his Bleſſing, he hath
“appointed it in the forenoon. We came at our day and hour, and I
was choſen by my fellows for the private acceſs. We found him in a fair
Chamber richly hanged, and carpeted under Foot, without any degrees to
the State: He was ſet upon alow Throne, richly adorned, and a rich Cloth
of State over his head of blew Sattin embroidered. He was alone, ſave
that he had two Pages of Honor on either hand one, finely attired in
white. His under Garments were the like, that we ſaw him wear in the
Chariot; but inſtead of his Gown, he had on him a Mantle with a Cape
of the ſame fine Black, faſtned about him. When we came in, as we were
taught, we bowed low at our firſt entrance; and when we were come
near his Chair, he ſtood up, holding forth his hand ungloved, and in
poſture of Bleſſing; and we every one of us ſtooped down and kiſſed the
hem of his Tippet. That done, the reſt departed, and I remained.
Then
he warned the Pages forth of the Room, and cauſed me to ſit down beſide
him, and ſpake to me thus in the Spaniſh Tongue.
God Bleſs thee, my Son, I will give thee the greateſt Jewel I
have; for I will impart unto thee, for the love of God and Men,
a Relation of the true ſtate of Solomons Houſe. Son, to make
you know the true ſtate of Solomons Houſe, I will keep this order. Firſt, I will ſet ſorth unto you the End of our Foundation.
Secondly,
The Preparations and Inſtruments we have for our Works. Thirdly,
The ſeveral Employments and Functions whereto our Fellows are aſſign-
ed: And fourthly, The Ordinances and Rites which we obſerve.
The End of our Foundation, is the Knowledge of Cauſes and Secret
Motions of things, and the enlarging of the Bounds of Humane Empire,
to the effecting of all things poſſible.
The Preparations and Inſtruments, are theſe.
We have large and
deep Caves of ſeveral depths; the deepeſt are ſunk Six hundred fathom,
and ſome of them are digged and made under great Hills and Mountains;
ſo that if you reckon together the depth of the Hill, and the depth of the
Cave, they are (ſome of them) above three miles deep: For we finde that
the depth of an Hill, and the depth of a Cave from the Flat, is the ſame
thing, both remote alike from the Sun and Heavens Beams, and from the
open Air. Theſe Caves we call the Lower Region, and we uſe them for
all Coagulations, Indurations, Refrigerations, and Conſervations of
Bodies. We uſe them likewiſe for the Imitation of Natural Mines, and
the producing alſo of new Artificial metals, by Compoſitions and Mate-
rials which we uſe and lay there for many years. We uſe them alſo ſome-
times (which may ſeem ſtrange) for curing of ſome Difeaſes, and for pro-
longation of life in ſome Hermits that chuſe to live there, well accommo-
dated of all things neceſſary, and indeed live very long; by whom alſo we
learn many things.
We have Burials in ſeveral Earths, where we put divers Cements
as the Chineſes do their Porcellane; but we have them in greater variety
and ſome of them more fine. We alſo have great variety of Compoſts
and Soils for the making of the Earth fruitful.
We have high Towers, the higheſt about half a mile in height, and
ſome of them likewiſe ſet upon high Mountains, ſo that the vantage of the
Hill with the Tower, is in the higheſt of them, three miles at leaſt. And
theſe places we call the Upper Region, accounting the Air between the
high places, and the Low as a Middle Region. We uſe theſe Towers,
according to their ſeveral heights and ſituations, for Inſolation, Refrige-
ration, Confervation, and for the view of divers Metcors, as Winds, Rain,
Snow, Hail, and ſome of the Fiery Meteors alſo. And upon them, in ſome
places, are dwellings of Hermits, whom we viſit ſometimes, and inſtruct
what to obſerve.
We have great Lakes, both ſalt and freſh, whereof we have uſe for
the F@ſh and Fowl. Weuſe them alſo for Burials of ſome Natural Bodies;
for we finde a differencein things buried in Earth, or in Air below the Earth,
and things buried in Water. We have alſo Pools, of which ſome do ſtrain
Freſh Water out of Salt, and others by Art do turn Freſh Waterinto Salt.
We have alſo ſome Rocks in the midſt of the Sea, and ſome Bays upon
the Shore for ſome Works, wherein is required the Air and Vapor of the
Sea. We have likewiſe violent ſtreams and cataracts, which ſerve us for
many Motions; and likewiſe Engins for multiplying and enforcing oſ
Winds, to ſet alſo on going divers Motions.
We have alſo a number of attificial Wells and Fountains, made in
imitation of the Natural Sources and Baths; as tincted upon Vitriol, Sul-
phur, Steel, Braſs, Lead, Nitre, and other Minerals. And again we have
little Wells for Infuſions of many things, where the Waters take the vir-
tue quicker and better then in Veſſels or Baſins: And amongſt them we have
a Water which we call Water of Paradiſe, being by that we do to it, made
very ſovereign for health, and Prolongation of Life.
We alſo great and ſpacious Houſes, where we imitate and demon-
ſtrate Meteors; as Snow, Hail, Rain, ſome Artificial Rains of Bodies, and
not of Water, Thunders, Lightnings; alſo Generations of Bodies in Air,
as Frogs, Flies, and divers others.
We have alſo certain Chambers which we call Chambers of Health,
where we qualifie the Air, as we think good and proper for the cure of di-
vers Diſeaſes, and preſervation of Health.
We have alſo fair and large Barhs of ſeveral mixtures, for the cure of
Diſeaſes, and the reſtoring of Mans Body from Arefaction; and other, for
the confirming of it in ſtrength of Sinews, Vital Parts, and the very Juice
and Subſtance of the Body.
We have alſo large and various Orchards and Gardens, wherein we
do not ſo much reſpect Beauty, as variety of ground and ſoyl, proper for
diver Treesand Herbs; and ſome very ſpacious, where Trees and Berries
are ſer, whereof we make divers kindes of Drinks, beſides the Vineyards. In theſe we practiſe like wiſe all concluſions of Grafting and Inoculating, as
well of Wild-trees as Fruit-trees, which produceth many effects. And we
make (by Art) in the ſame Orchards and Gardens, Trees and Flowers to
come earlier or later then their ſeaſons, and to come up and bear more
ſpeedily then by their natural courſe they do We make them alſo (by Art)
much greater then their nature, and their Fruit greater and ſweeter, and of
differing taſte, ſmell colcur and fgure from their nature; and many of them
we ſo order, that they become of Medicinal uſe.
VVe have alſo means to make divers Plants riſe, by mixtures of
Earths without Seeds, and likewiſe to make divers new Plants differing
from the Vulgar, and to make one Tree or Plant turn into another.
VVe have alſo Parks and Encloſures of all ſorts of Beaſts and Birds;
which we uſe not onely for view or rareneſs, but like wiſe for Diſſections
and Tryals, that thereby we may take light, what may be wrought upon
the Body of Man, wherein we finde many ſtrange effects; as continuing
life in them, though divers parts, which you account vital, be periſhed
and taken forth; Reſuſcitating of ſome that ſeem dead in appearance,
and the like. VVe try alſo all poyſons and other medicines upon them,
as well of Chirurgery as Phyſick. By Art likewiſe we make them greater
or taller then their kind is, and contrariwiſe dwarf them, and ſtay their
growth: VVe make them more fruitful and bearing, then their kind
is, and contrariwiſe barren, and not generative. Alſo we make them
differ in colour, ſhape, activity, many ways. VVe finde means to make
commixtures and copulations of divers kinds, which have produced
many new kinds, and them not barren, as the general opinion is. VVe
make a number of kindes of Serpents, VVorms, Flies, Fiſhes, of Putre-
faction; whereof ſome are advanced (in effect) to be perfect Creatures,
like Beaſts or Birds, and have Sexes, and do propagate. Neither do we
this by chance, but we know beforehand of what matter and commixture
what kind of thoſe Creatures will ariſe.
We have alſo particular Pools where we make tryals upon Fiſhes,
as we have ſaid before of Beaſts and Birds.
We have alſo places for Breed and Generation of thoſe Kinds of
Worms and Flies which are of ſpecial uſe, ſuch as are with you, your
Silk-worms and Bees.
I will not hold you long with recounting of our Brew-houſes, Bake-
houſes and Kitchins, where are made divers Drinks Breads, and Meats,
rare and of ſpecial effects. Wines we have of Grapes, and Drinks of
other Juice, of Fruits, of Grains and of Roots; and of mixtures with
Honey, Sugar, Manna, and Fruits dried and decocted; alſo of the Tears
or Woundings of Trees, and of the Pulp of Canes; and theſe Drinks are
of ſeveral Ages, ſome to the age or laſt of forty years. VVe have Drinks
alſo brewed with ſeveral Herbs, and Roots, and Spices, yea, with ſeveral
Fleſhes, and VVhite-meats; whereof ſome of the Drinks are ſuch as they
are in effect Meat and Drink both; ſo that divers, eſpecially in Age, do
deſire to live with them with little or no Meat or Bread. And above all, we
ſtrive to have Drinks of extream thin parts, to inſinuate into the Body,
and yet without all biting, ſharpneſs, or fretting; inſomuch, as ſome of
them put upon the back of your hand, will, with a little ſtay, paſs through
to the palm, and yet taſte milde to the mouth. VVe have alſo VVaters
which we ripen in that faſhion as they become nouriſhing; ſo that they
are indeed excellent Drink, and many will uſe no other. Breads we have
of ſeveral Grains, Roots and Kernels, yea, and ſome of Fleſh and Fiſh
dried, with divers kinds of Levenings and Seaſonings; ſo that ſome do
extreamly move Appetites; ſome do nouriſh ſo, as divers do live of them
without any other Meat, who live very long. So for Meats, we have ſome
of them ſo beaten, and made tender and mortified, yet without all cor-
rupting, as a weak heat of the Stomach will turn them into good Chylus,
as well as a ſtrong heat would meat otherwiſe prepared. VVe have ſome
Meats alſo, and Breads, and Drinks, which taken by men, enable them to
faſt long after; and fome other that uſed, make the very Fleſh of Mens
Bodies ſenſibly more hard and tough, and their ſtrength far greater then
other wiſe it would be.
VVe have Diſpenſatories or Shops of Medicines, wherein you may
eaſily think, if we have fuch variety of Plants and Living Creatures, more
then you have in Europe, (for we know what you have) the Simples, Drugs,
and Ingredients of Medicines, muſt likewiſe be in ſo much the geater
variety. VVe have them like wiſe of divers Ages, and long Fermenta-
tions. And for their Preparations, we have not onely all manner of ex-
quiſit Diſtillations and Separations, and eſpecially by gentle Heats, and
Percolations through divers Strainers, yea and Subſtances; but alſo exact
Forms of Compoſition, whereby they incorporate almoſt as they were
Natural Simples.
VVe have alſo divers Mechanical Arts, which you have not, and
Stuffs made by them; as Papers, Linnen, Silks, Tiſſues, dainty works of
Feathers of wonderful luſtre, excellent Dies, and many others; and Shops
likewiſe as well for ſuch as are not brought into vulgat uſe amongſt us,
as for thoſe that are. For you muſt know, that of the things before re-
cited, many are grown into uſe throughout the Kingdom; but yet, if
they did flow from our Invention, we have of them alſo for Patterns and
Principals.
VVe have alſo Furnaces of great div erſities, and that keep great di-
verſity of heats, fierce and quick, ſtrong and conſtant, ſoft and milde; blown, quiet, dry, moiſt, and the like.
But above all we have heats, in
imitation of the Suns and Heavenly Bodies heats, that paſs divers Inequa-
lities, and (as it were) Orbs, Progreſſes and Returns, whereby we may
produce admirable effects. Beſides, we have heats of Dungs, and of Bel-
lies and Maws of Living Creatures, and of their Bloods and Bodies; and
of Hays and Herbs laid up moift; of Lime unquenched, and ſuch like.
Inſtruments alſo which generate heat onely by motion; and ſurther, places
for ſtrong Inſolations; and again, places under the Farth, which by Na-
ture or Art yield Heat. Theſe divers heats we uſe, as the nature of the ope-
ration which we intend, requireth.
VVe have alſo Perſpective Houſes where we make Demonſtration
of all Lights and Radiations, and of all Colours; and out of things un-
coloured and tranſparent, we can repreſent unto you all ſeveral colours,
not in Rainbows (as it is in Gems and Priſms) but of themſelves ſingle.
VVe repreſent alſo all Multiplications of Light, which we carry to great
diſtance, and make ſo ſharp as to diſcern ſmall Points and Lines; alſo all
colourations of Light, all deluſions and deceits of the Sight, in Figures,
Magnitudes, Motions, Colours, all demonſtrations of Shadows. VVe
finde alſo divers means yet unknown to you of producing of Light origi-
nally from divers Bodies. VVe procure means of ſeeing objects afar off,
as in the Heaven, and remote places; and repreſent things near as afar off,
and things afar off as near, making feigned diſtances. VVe have alſo helps
for the Sight, far above Spectacles and Glaſſes in uſe. VVe have alſo
Glaſſes and Means to ſee ſmall and minute Bodies perfectly and diſtinctly,
as the ſhapes and colours of ſmall Flies and VVorms, grains and flaws in
Gems, which cannot otherwiſe be ſeen, obſervations in Urine and Blood,
not otherwiſe to be ſeen. VVe make Artificial Rainbows, Halo’s, and
Circles about Light. VVe repreſent alſo all manner of Reflexions, Re-
fractions, and Multiplication of Viſual Beams of Objects.
VVe have alſo Precious Stones of all kindes, many of them of great
beauty, and to you unknown; Cryſtals likewiſe, and Glaſſes of divers
kindes, and amongſt them ſome of Metals vitrificated, and other Materi-
als, beſide thoſe of which you make Glaſs: Alſo a number of Foſſiles
and imperfect Minerals, which you have not; likewiſe Loadſtones of pro-
digious virtue, and other rare Stones, both Natural and Artificial.
VVe have alſo Sound-houſes, where we practiſe and demonſtrate all
Sounds and their Generation. We have harmonies which you have not,
of Quarter-ſounds, and leſſer Slides of Sounds; divers Inſtruments of
Muſick likewiſe to you unknown, ſome ſweeter then any you have, with
Bells and Rings that are dainty and ſweet. We repreſent ſmall Sounds as
great and deep, like wiſe great Sounds extenuate and ſharp. We make
divers tremblings and warblings of Sounds, which in their original are
entire. We repreſent and imitate all articulate Sounds and Letters, and
the Voices and Notes of Beaſts and Birds. VVe have certain helps, which
ſet to the Ear, do further the hearing greatly. We have alſo divers ſtrange
and artificial Echo’s reflecting the voice many times, and as it were toſſing
it; and ſome that give back the voice louder then it came, ſome ſhriller,
and ſome deeper, yea, ſome rendring the voice differing in the Letters or
articulate Sound ſrom that they receive. We have all means to convey
Sounds in Trunks and Pipes in ſtrange lines and diſtances.
We have alſo Perfume-houſes, where with we joyn alſo practices of
Taſte; we multiply Smells, which may ſeem ſtrange;
we imitate Smells,
making all Smells to breath out of other mixtures then thoſe that give them. We make divers imitations of Taſte like wiſe, ſo that they will deceive any
Mans taſte. And in this Houſe we contain alſo a Confiture-houſe, where
we make all Sweet-meats, dry and moiſt, and divers pleaſant Wines, Milks,
Broths, and Sallets, far in greater variety then you have.
We have alſo Engine-houſes, where are prepared Engines and Inſtru-
ments for all ſorts of motions. There we imitate and practiſe to make
ſwifter motions then any you have, either out of your Muskets or any En-
gine that you have; and to make them, and multiply them more eaſily, and
with ſmall force, by wheels and other means; and to make them ſtronger
and more violent then yours are, exceeding your greateſt Cannons and
Baſilisks. We repreſent alſo Ordnance and Inſtruments of War, and En-
gines of all kindes; and likewiſe new mixtures and compoſitions of Gun-
powder, Wildefires burning in Water and unquenchable; alſo Fireworks
of all variety, both for pleaſure and uſe. We imitate alſo flights of Birds;
we have ſome degrees of flying in the Air; we have Ships and Boats for
going under Water, and brooking of Seas; alſo Swimming-girdles and
Supporters. We have divers curious Clocks, and other like motions of
Return, and ſome perpetual motions. We imitate alſo motions of Living
Creatures by Images of Men, Beaſts, Birds, Fiſhes, and Serpents; we have
alſo a great number of other various motions, ſtrange for quality, fineneſs
and ſubtilty.
We have alſo a Mathematical-houſe, where are repreſented all Inſtru-
ments, as well of Geometry as Aſtronomy, exquiſitely made.
We have alſo Houſes of Deceits of the Senſes, where we repreſent
all manner of feats of Jugling, falſe Apparitions, Impoſtures and Illuſions,
and their Fallacies. And ſurely, you will eaſily believe that we that have ſo
many things truly Natural, which induce admiration, could in a world of
particulars deceive the Senſes, if we would diſguiſe thoſe things, and labor
to make them more miraculous: But we do hate all Impoſtures and Lies
inſomuch, as we have ſeverely forbidden it to all our Fellows, under pain
of Ignominy and Fines, that they do not ſhew any natural work or thing,
adorned or ſwelling, but onely pure as it is, and without all affectation of
ſtrangeneſs.
Theſe are (my Son) the riches of Solomons Houſe.
For the ſeveral employments and offices of our Fellows;
we have
twelve that ſail into Foreign Countreys under the names of other Nations,
(for our own we conceal) who bring us the Books, and Abſtracts, and Pat-
terns of Experiments of all other Parts. Theſe we call Merchants of
Light.
We have three that collect the Experiments, which are in all Books.
Theſe we call Depredators.
We have three that collect the Experiments of all Mechanical Arts,
and alſo of Liberal Sciences, and alſo of Practices which are not brought
into Arts. Theſe we call Myſtery-men.
We have three that try new Experiments, ſuch as themſelves think
good. Theſe we call Pioneers or Miners.
We have three that draw the Experiments of the former four into
Titles and Tables, to give the better light for the drawing of Obſervations
and Axioms out of them. Theſe we call Compilers.
We have three that bend themſelves, looking into the Experiments
of their Fellows, and caſt about how to draw out of them things of uſe
and practice for Mans life and knowledge, as well for Works, as for plain
dem onſtration of Cauſes, means of Natural Divinations, and the eaſie
and clear diſcovery of the Virtues and Parts of Bodies. Theſe we call
Dowry men or Benefactors.
Then after divers Meetings and Conſults of our whole number, to
conſider of the ſormer Labors and Collections, we have three that take
care out of them to direct new Experiments of a higher Light, more pene-
trating into Nature then the former. Theſe we call Lamps.
VVe have three others that do execute the Experiment ſo directed,
and report them. Theſe we call Inoculators.
Laſtly, VVe have three that raiſe the former Diſcoveries by Experi-
ments into greater Obſervations, Axioms, and Aphoriſms. Theſe we call
Interpreters of Nature.
VVe have alſo, as you muſt think, Novices and Apprentices, that
the ſucceſſion of the former employed Men do not fail; beſides a great
number of Servants and Attendants, Men and VVomen. And this we do
alſo, VVe have Conſultations which of the Inventions and Experiences,
which we have diſcovered ſhall be publiſhed, and which not; and take all
an Oath of Secrecy for the concealing of thoſe which we think meet to keep
ſecret; though ſome of thoſe we do reveal ſometime to the State, and
ſome not.
For our Ordinances and Rites;
we have two very long and fair Gal-
leries. In one of theſe we place Patterns and Samples of all manner of the
more rare and excellent Inventions; in the other we place the Statues of
all principal Inventors. There we have the Statue of your Columbus, that
diſcovered the Weſt-Indies, alſo the Inventor of Ships; your Monk that
was the Inventor of Ordnance, and of Gun-powder; the Inventor of
Muſick; the Inventor of Letters;
the Inventor of Printing;
the Inventor
of Obſervations of Aſtronomy; the Inventor of Works in Metal;
the
Inventor of Glaſs; the Inventor of Silk of the Worm;
the Inventor of
Wine; the Inventor of Corn and Bread;
the Inventor of Sugars:
And
all theſe by more certain Tradition, then you have. Then we have divers
Inventors of our own of excellent Works, which ſince you have not ſeen,
it were too long to make Deſcriptions of them; and beſides, in the right
underſtanding of thoſe Deſcriptïons, you might eaſily err. For upon every
Invention of value we erect a Statue to the Inventor, and give him a libe-
ral and honorable reward. Theſe Statues are ſome of Braſs, ſome of Marble
and Touch-ſtone, ſome of Cedar, and other ſpecial Woods gilt and adorn-
ed, ſome of Iron, ſome of Silver, ſome of Gold.
We have certain Hymns and Services which we ſay daily, of Laud and
and Thanks to God ſor his marvellous Works; and Forms of Prayers, im-
ploring his aid and bleſſing for the Illumination of our Labors, and the
turning them into good and holy uſes.
Laſtly, We have Circuits or Viſits of divers principal Cities of the
Kingdom, where, as it cometh to paſs, we do publiſh ſuch new profitable
Inventions, as we think good. And we do alſo declare Natural Divinati-
ons of Diſeaſes, Plagues, Swarms of hurtful Creatures, Scarcity, Tempeſt,
Earc
divers other things; and we give counſel thereupon, what the People ſhall
do ſor the prevention and remedy of them.
And when he had ſaid this, he ſtood up:
And I, as I had been taught,
kneeled down, and he laid his right hand upon my head, and ſaid, God
bleß thee, my Son, and Ged bleß this Relation which I have made: I give thee leave to
publiſh it for the good of other Nations, for we here are in Gods Boſome, a Land un-
known. And ſo he left me, having aſſigned a value of about Two thouſand
Ducats for a Bounty to me, and my Fellows; for they give great largeſſes
where they come upon all occaſions.
More eaſie and leß loathſome Purgings.
Verſion of Bodies into other Bodies.
Making of new Species.
Tranſplanting of one Species into another.
Inſtruments of Deſtruction, as of War and Poyſon.
Exhilaration of the Spirits, and putting them in good diſpo-
ſition.
Force of the Imagination, either upon another Body, or upon
the Body it ſelf.
Making rich Compoſts for the Earth.
Impreßions of the Air, and raiſing of Tempeſts.
Great alteration, as in Induration, Emollition, &
c.
Turning Crude and Watry Subſtances into Oyly and Unctu-
ous Subſtances.
Drawing of new Foods out of Subſtances not now in uſe.
Making new Threds for Apparel, and new Stuffs, ſuch as
are Paper, Glaß, &c.
Natural Divinations.
Deceptions of the Senſes.
Greater Pleaſures of the Senſes.
Artificial Minerals and Cements.