Chapter XI: Letter II (4)

Five Miles _North-East_ of the City _Cairo_, lyes a Village call’d _El Matharia_, [Sidenote: _Matarea._] where, in a Garden, is preserv’d the _Balsam Plant_ as a great Rarity: [Sidenote: The _Balsam Plant_.] Some falsly attribute the natural Production of it to this Country, and some to other Places, tho’, truly speaking, ’tis brought from _Mecca_ in _Arabia Fælix_, beyond the _Red Sea_, by the _Turkish_ Pilgrims when they go to visit _Mahomet_’s Tomb, and so has been cultivated in several Places, and renew’d by the same means whenever it dy’d. Thus the _Balsam Plant_ grew and prosper’d in _Judæa_, as is attested by _Theophrastus_, _Pliny_, _Justin_, and many more; nay by _Galen_ also, who purposely travel’d into _Palæstin_ to see and learn the Virtues of this _Balsam_ of _Syria_; likewise from the Story of _Cleopatra_, who obtain’d some Plants of _Balsam_ from _Herod_ the Great, to transplant in _Egypt_. Yet that this Plant was not in _Judæa_ before the Time of _Solomon_, that great Collector of Vegetable Rarities, appears from the Account of _Josephus_, who relates how the Queen of _Sheba_, a part of _Arabia_, brought, among other Presents to that King, some Plants of the _Balsam-Tree_, as one of the most valuable Things in her Country; whereby it appears it was not an original Native Plant of _Judæa_, and others affirm also that it had not its natural Growth there, utterly denying it was peculiar to that Country, or only to be seen in two Gardens about _Jericho_. We are to rely chiefly on the Credit and Authority of _Joannes Veslingius_ and _Prosper Alpinus_, who rightly conclude the natural and original Place of this Plant to be in _Arabia_, about _Mecca_ and _Medina_, where it still plentifully grows, and Mountains abound therewith. From hence it has been carefully transported, by the _Basha’s_ of _Grand Cairo_, to the Garden of _Matarea_, where, when ever it dies, it is renew’d from those parts of _Arabia_ where it grew, from whence the _Grand Signior_ yearly receives a Present of _Balsam_ from the _Xeriff_ of _Mecca_, still call’d by the _Arabians_ _Balessan_, and whence ’tis suppos’d the _Greek_ Apellative _Balsam_ arose. The Shrub, which produces this Liquor, is about two Cubits high, with few Leaves, like to those of Rue, always green, and somewhat inclining to white, yet which fall not off in Winter. The Wood is gummy, cleaving to the Fingers, and outwardly of a reddish colour, with Branches of the same that are long, streight, slender and odoriferous, with a few Leaves disorderly plac’d, sometimes three, five or seven together, after the manner of the Mastic-Tree: It bears a few small white Flowers, like _Acatia_ or the _Egyptian_ Thorn, which are of a pleasant scent, but fade in a little Time. After the Blossoms follow yellow fine scented Seeds, inclos’d in a reddish black Bladder, very sweet, and containing a yellowish Liquor like Honey: They are bitterish and a little tart on the Tongue, and of the same shape and bigness with the Fruit of the Turpentine-Tree, in the middle thick, and at the ends pointed. The Juice call’d _Opobalsamum_, drops in the Summer-Time from the slit of the insected Bark, which no sooner comes into the Air but it turns whitish, afterwards green, then of a gold colour, and lastly becomes paler. When ’tis first dropp’d ’tis clear, but instantly turns thick and cloudy, and when old grows like Turpentine. ’Tis at first of so strong a Smell, that in many it causes the Head-Ach, and in some a sudden bleeding at the Nose; but this strong and sharp Savour at length changes into a pleasant Scent, which in old _Balsam_ is so weak that you can hardly discover any Smell at all.

There is another sort of _Balsam_ brought from _Cairo_, in Flasks and Leather-Bottles, which is very odoriferous, yet not the pure Liquor or Gum issuing from the Bark of the aforesaid Tree, but drawn out of the Wood and green Branches by boyling. Another sort is press’d out of the Seeds, and many times sold for the right, tho’ not so strong scented nor so bitter in Taste. There is no Medicine more generally us’d by the _Egyptians_ than the _True Balsam_, which they esteem a kind of _Panacea_ for all Diseases, both external and internal, curing therewith divers sorts of Wounds, as also the bitings of venomous Creatures. They use it moreover as a Preservative against the Plague, and to drive away Agues or Fevers that proceed from Putrifaction. The Seeds and green Branches, are likewise us’d against all Distempers that the _Balsam_ it self is: The same Virtue is ascrib’d to the Wood; but the _Balsam_, term’d by the _Greeks_, _Opobalsamum_, is the strongest, the Seed or _Carpobalsamum_ more gentle, and the Wood or _Xylobalsamum_ the weakest of all. But the chief Use of the _Balsam_ for our Purpose, is preserving the dead Bodies of Kings and Princes; from which Quality, and on account of its Analogy with _Embalming_, the _Art_ it self deriv’d its Name from it, as we shall show hereafter, when we come to speak of its _Etymology_: Its other Virtues, which are very many, together with a more general Description of it, the manner of extracting the Liquor, and the true signs of its Goodness when unsophisticated, I intend to treat of more fully in my _Pharmacopœia_, in the Chapter of _Balsams_, &c. therefore shall here only insert the Draft of this Plant, which is very scarce, taken out of _Prosper Alpinus de Plantis Ægyptiacis_, and represented in our third Plate.

We come next, according to the Method propos’d, to speak of _Alexandria_, [Sidenote: _Alexandria._] so call’d from _Alexander_ the _Great_, who built this City upon a Promontory, thrusting it self into the Sea, by which on the one side, and the Lake _Mareotis_ on the other, it is exceeding well defended. Here _Alexander_ built himself a large and stately Palace of admirable Workmanship, and all the succeeding Kings of _Egypt_ so enlarg’d and beautify’d this City, some with Ports and Arsenals, and others with magnificent Temples, and such like rich Donations, that it was then judg’d by many to be second, if not the first City of the World; being exceeding Populous, and plentifully provided with all sorts of Provisions and other Necessaries. _Diodorus Siculus_ tells us, when he was there, he was inform’d by those that kept the Rolls of the Inhabitants Names, that there were above 300000 Freemen, and the King receiv’d above 6000 Talents yearly Revenue. This City _Alexander_ peopl’d with _Greeks_, immediately upon his Conquest of _Egypt_, and some of his Successors had their Residence here for 900 Years. This was the _Metropolis_ of _Egypt_ before _Grand Cairo_ was built; but _Alexandria_ is now so ruinous, says _Thevenot_, that many Strangers ask where it is even when they are in the middle of it, yet are there such fair remains among the Ruines, as shew it to have been a wonderful Place. One of the finest Things, now to be seen there, are the Walls, which, tho’ ruin’d, are so Magnificent, one must needs confess they have been matchless. These Walls are strengthn’d with stately ranks of Pillars, and have 118 great square Towers, with a little one betwixt every two, nay, they are so neatly contriv’d, that there are stately Casemates underneath, which may serve for Galleries and Walks: In each Tower there is a large square Hall, the Vault whereof is supported by great Pillars of _Thebaic_ Stone; there are a great many Chambers above, and over all a large Platform, above 20 Paces square. In short, all these Towers are so many Palaces, able to contain 200 Men each. The Walls are several Foot thick, and have every-where Port-holes in them, and formerly encompass’d the antient Town, fortify’d by such Towers. Next to the Walls, the finest piece of Antiquity that has withstood the rage of Time, is the Pillar of _Pompey_, [Sidenote: _Pompey_’s Pillar.] scituate about 200 Paces from the City, upon an Eminence or little Hill, whereby it is seen at a great distance: This Pillar stands on a square Pedestal seven or eight Foot high, and each Face about 14 Foot over; the Pedestal is fix’d on a square Base about half a Foot high and 20 broad, made of several Stones cemented together. The Body of the Pillar consists only of one Stone, which some believe to be of _Granit_; but _Thevenot_ and others affirm, ’tis a sort of Cement, which, in process of Time, grew into Stone, or else was cast on the spot, for ’tis aver’d for truth, the Ancients had the Secret of casting Stones. But others absolutely deny this Stone was so made, affirming the antient _Egyptians_ got these Pillars and Obelisks, that are to be seen at so many places in _Italy_, at _Saide_, where they pretend many have been cut out and brought by Water down the _Nile_: If this be true, what extraordinary Barks or Water Carriages must they have had, to bring so great a weight, and in so large a bulk, as was that of this Pillar, nay, what Engins to raise it on its Pedestal? _Thevenot_ says, No Artificer could be found that would undertake to remove it to another place, and that it is 120 Foot high, but _Le Bruyn_, who measur’d it, found it to be but 90, yet as much as six Men could grasp round, which, according to his Calculation is 38 Feet. On the top is a fine Chapiter, proportionable to the bigness of the Pillar, but made of a distinct piece of Stone. ’Tis said _Julius Cæsar_ erected this Pillar in memory of the Victory he obtain’d over _Pompey_.

[Sidenote: _Cæsar_’s Palace.]

At some Paces distant is _Cæsar_’s Palace, but all ruin’d, says _Thevenot_, except some Pillars of _Porphiry_ that are now entire and standing, yet the Frontispiece is still pretty sound, being a very lovely piece of Architecture. About 80 Paces wide of _Pompey_’s Pillar is a _Khalis_ or _Canal_ of the _Nile_, dug by the antient _Egyptians_ to bring Water to _Alexandria_, which has no other to drink. This, when the _Nile_ swells and breaks down a Bank, fills the Cisterns that are purposely made under the City, and which are very magnificent and spacious; for _Alexandria_ is all hollow underneath, being an entire Cistern, whose Vaults are supported by several fair Marble-Pillars, and upon these Arches the Houses are built. Now this Water of the _Nile_, so convey’d by the _Khalis_ under the Town, is by Wheels, with Earthen Pitchers or Buckets, drawn up into the private Cisterns of each House. There are likewise to be seen at _Alexandria_ two very stately Obelisks of _Theban_ Marble, intermix’d or speckl’d with Veins of various colours: One of these remains entire, but so sunk into the Earth, that it appears without a Pedestal. The other is quite bury’d in the Ground, except the Pedestal only, which is about 10 Foot high; each of these are of one entire Stone, 100 Foot in height and eight in breadth, suppos’d to be larger than those at _Rome_, and mark’d with such like _Hieroglyphical_ Figures.

[Sidenote: Palace of _Cleopatra_.]

Near these Pillars or Obelisks are the Ruins of _Cleopatra_’s Palace, by whose stately Chambers or Apartments, in some part remaining entire, it may reasonably be conjectur’d, it was a very superb and magnificent Building, as likewise by some remains, still to be seen on the Sea-side, of a Gallery supported by many fair Pillars, and running outwards to the Mouth of the Harbour, so that any one might embark there from the Palace. _Thevenot_ tells us, in his Travels to the _Levant_, p. 125. that this City abounds with Marble, Porphiry and _Thebaic Stone_ or _Granit_, as also that among the Ruins, there are several very curious Stones to be found, such as _Agats_, _Garnets_, _Emeralds_, &c. like to Medals, some engrav’d with Heads, others with Idols, and some with Beasts, all being different from each other, and serving heretofore for _Talismen_ or _Charms_. These are so excellently well wrought, that certainly nothing now-a-days can come up to them, whereby it appears either their Engravers were wonderful Artists, or else they had the Art of casting, or at least of softning Stones; for tho’ some of these are so small one can hardly finger them, yet are they nevertheless all engrav’d or otherwise wrought to perfection.

This City of _Alexandria_ was likewise very famous for its Academies or Colleges, endow’d with large Revenues, and planted with such Persons as were eminent in Liberal Sciences, who were drawn thither by Rewards, and cherish’d by Favours, thro’ which means _Alexandria_ became the _Parnassus_ of the Muses, and the School of all good Literature. The chiefest and most memorable Place of all these was the _Serapion_, [Sidenote: The _Serapion_.] or Temple of the God _Serapis_, for sumptuous Workmanship and magnificent Building inferior to none but the _Roman_ Capitol. It had a curious _Portico_ of a Mile in length, whereto adjoyn’d a Court of Justice and a Grove: In this last, the Followers of _Aristotle_’s Doctrine had a peculiar School, whereof the _Alexandrians_, as _Eusebius_ and _Nicephorus_ write, would needs impose the Charge on Bishop _Anatolius_, for his extraordinary Knowledge in all Arts. St. _Mark_ the Evangelist was here first Divinity-Professor, whose Successor erected a School for _Theology_, wherein, for the advancement of the Christian Religion, several of the most learn’d Men were appointed Readers, who scholastically handled the main and fundamental Points only: Among these was _Pantænus_, who read both Divinity and Philosophy to all such as came to hear him, which, as it is conceiv’d, gave the first hint to the instituting of Universities throughout the rest of Christendom, insomuch that, from so small a beginning, the Schools of _Alexandria_ became so great and eminent, that _Nazianzen_ gave them the Title of Παντοίας παιδεύσεως ἐργαστήριον, _The Shops or Workhouses of all Learning_. Here also St _Jerom_, St. _Basil_, St. _Gregory_ and others were educated, and _Philo-Judæus_ likewise became eminent, for in this Academy the _Jews_ had a flourishing and populous Synagogue; but what greatly encreas’d the glory of this Assembly, was that most wonderful Library of _Ptolemy Philadelphus_, [Sidenote: Library of _Ptolemy_.] Son of _Ptolemeus Lagus_, the second of that Name of the Line of the _Egyptian_ Kings, first establish’d by him, and afterwards augmented and enrich’d by his Successors; for this King being an exceeding Lover of all Arts and Sciences, he, with great Labour and much Expence, made a Collection of all manner of Books, as well in Divinity as in all Arts, Sciences, History, and the like, some of which he obtain’d from _Greece_ and other places, but the _Pentateuch_, and the rest of the Old Testament, he procur’d from _Judæa_. Then wrote this King to _Eleazer_ the High Priest, to send him six out of every Tribe to Translate this Book for the common Use. These _Ptolemy_ receiv’d at _Alexandria_ with exceeding great civility, and erected several convenient Mansions for them, wherein every one was by himself to Translate the Holy Law, which they so perform’d, according to the Testimonies of _Josephus_, _Clemens Alexandrinus_, _Eusebius_ _Nicephorus_, St. _Austin_, and other learned Writers, that they not only us’d the same Sense, but the very same Words also, yet that certainly not without the special Grace and Assistance of the Holy Spirit. Now this is the Translation which bears the Name of _Septuagint_ to this very Day. [Sidenote: The _Septuagint_.] Moreover, this King sent to the _Chaldeans_, _Romans_ and other Nations for Books, all which he likewise commanded to be Translated into the _Greek_ Tongue. One _Phalerius Demetrius_, a Learned _Athenian_ Exile, was Keeper of this Library, which amounted, as _Agellius_, _Ammianus Marcellinus_ and _Diodorus Siculus_ alledge, to 700000 Volumes, and was afterwards from Time to Time very much augmented by the succeeding Kings, ’till at length this invaluable Treasure of _Manuscripts_ (for then the _Art_ of _Printing_ was not so much as thought of) was burn’d in the Civil Wars between _Pompey_ and _Cæsar_, in the 183 _Olympiad_, after it had continu’d about 124 Years. This _Cæsar_ ever after accounted the greatest of his Misfortunes, that he, who was so great a Lover of Arts and Sciences, should be Cause of the destruction of so incomparable and unparalel’d a _Library_.

[Sidenote: The _Serapion Library_.]

Another _Library_ was afterwards erected by _Cleopatra_ in the _Serapion_, a Building of great Excellency and wonderful Art: This was greatly adorn’d and enrich’d by the assistance of _Marc Anthony_, who acquir’d the _Attalian_ and _Pergamæan_ Libraries, and which continu’d during the Time of the Primitive Christianity; when, in the Days of _Theodosius_ the Great, it was demolish’d, as a harbour of Infidelity. Among other remarkable Places in this City of _Alexandria_, was the _Seraglio_ call’d _Somia_, belonging to the Palace, famous for its being the Burial-Place of the _Ptolemys_, and of _Alexander_ the Great, [Sidenote: _Alexander_’s _Sepulchre_.] whose Body lay here inclos’d in a Sepulchre of Gold; but _Cybiosactes_ despoil’d it of that precious Cover, after which, it was cover’d with Glass, and so remain’d to the Time of the _Saracens_, as _Sandys_, p. 87. informs us. Now since the Burial of _Alexander_ the Great was manag’d, in all respects, suitably to his Grandeur, whereby it not only exceeded all others in regard of Expence, State and Pomp, but also in point of curiosity of Workmanship, _Diodorus Siculus_, Lib. 18. cap. 3. thought fit to recommend to Posterity these remarkable and entertaining Matters concerning it, _viz._ That to _Aridæus_, Bastard Son of _Philip_, and Brother of _Alexander_, whom he succeeded, the care of his Funeral, and preparing a Chariot to convey his Body to the Temple of _Jupiter Ammon_, was commited. First therefore he provided a Coffin of beaten Gold, wrought in form and proportion to his Body: This he fill’d with Aromatic Spices, as well to delight the Senses, as to preserve the Corps from Putrifaction, and then fitted it exactly with a Cover of Gold, which again was over-spread with a purple Pall, embroider’d with Gold, and near it were plac’d the Arms of the Deceas’d, thereby to represent the Acts of his Life. Then were these plac’d in a Chariot under a Triumphal-Arch of Gold, beset with precious Stones, and supported by Pillars and Chapiters of Gold also, made after the _Ionic_ Order. On each side the Arch stood a Golden Image of _Victory_ bearing a Trophy, and on the top was a Gold-Fringe of Net-Work, from which hung Bells so large, that they might be heard at a great distance. Under this Portico or Arch was plac’d a four square Throne of Gold, adorn’d with little Coronets of various beautiful Colours. On every side of this Arch, from a Net-Work of Gold, a Finger thick, hung four Tables or Pannels, whereupon were pourtray’d all sorts of Creatures. In the first Table was represented _Alexander_ sitting in a Chariot, with a Royal Scepter in his Hand, his Armour-Bearer before him, and his Life-Guards, compleatly arm’d, round about him. In the second follow’d Elephants, adorn’d in their proper Habiliments, on which sat _Indians_ before, and _Macedonians_ behind, arm’d according to the Customs of their respective Countries. In the third might be seen Squadrons of Horse drawn up in Battalia; and in the fourth appear’d a Fleet order’d in a Line of Battel. At the entrance into this Arch were plac’d Golden Lions, looking sternly towards those that should offer to enter. On the out-side of the Arch, and middle of the Roof, was plac’d on a purple Carpet, a Crown of Gold, so large, that by the reflection of the Sun-Beams, it darted such an amazing splendor and brightness, that at a distance it appear’d like a flash of Lightning. The whole Work was set upon two Axel-Trees, the ends of which were likewise of Gold, representing Lions Heads with Darts in their Mouths. The whole Machine was mov’d by four Wheels, whose Spokes and Naves were also over-laid with Gold, and there were four Poles to draw it by, to each of which were yok’d 16 of the largest and finest Mules that could be got, in all 64. Every Mule was adorn’d with a Crown of Gold, Bells of Gold on either side their Heads, and rich Collars about their Necks, set off and beautify’d with precious Stones. After this manner did the Chariot set forth, the sight of which was more stately and pompous than can be imagin’d, so that its Fame brought together Multitudes of Spectators; for the People out of every City, whither it was coming, met it, and then ran back again before it, never satisfy’d with the delight they took in gazing on it; and, suitable to so stately a Show, attended a vast company of Workmen and Pioneers to clear the way for its Passage. Thus _Aridæus_ (who spent two Years in Preparations for it) brought the King’s Body from _Babylon_ to _Egypt_. _Ptolemy_, in Honour to this great King, met the Corps with his Army as far as _Syria_, where he receiv’d and accompany’d it with great Respect and Observance; for he had resolv’d not to conduct it to the Temple of _Jupiter Ammon_, but to keep it in this City which _Alexander_ had built, being the most famous almost of any in the World. For this end he built a Temple in Honour of _Alexander_, in greatness and stateliness of Structure, becoming the Glory and Majesty of so great a King; and in this Repository laid the Body, and honour’d his Exequies with Sacrifices and magnificent Shows, agreeable to the State of a Demi-God: Thus much for the glorious Sepulchre and Burial of the greatest Monarch perhaps that ever liv’d. Next we shall take notice of two _Physiological_ Observations on the Earth and Water of _Egypt_, made by Father _Vansleb_ in his Voyage thither, p. 109. 111. where, speaking of _Alexandria_, he tells us the Earth thereabouts is full of _Nitre_, which is easily prov’d by the following Experiment, _viz._ That if you take a piece of Earth and set it in the hot Sun, it will become white as Snow on that side that is towards the Sun. Also in the _Grand Signior_’s Salt-Pits, that are out of this City, near the _Khalis_ or Chanel of _Cleopatra_, he took notice of two things very remarkable: _First_, That the Water of _Nile_, the sweetest and freshest in the World, makes a Salt, not only whiter than ordinary, but likewise very excellent. _Secondly_, That this Salt has the taste of Violets. The last thing, but not the least, that I have to say of _Alexandria_, [Sidenote: Isle of _Pharos_.] is concerning the famous Isle of _Pharos_, which stands over-against the City, and was formerly a Mile distant from the Land, but joyn’d to the Continent by _Cleopatra_, on the following occasion, says _Heylin_, p. 849. The _Rhodians_, then Lords of the Sea, us’d to exact some Tribute or Acknowledgement from every Island within those Seas, and consequently from this: Their Embassadors, upon this Occasion, sending to _Cleopatra_ to demand this Tribute, she deferr’d it for seven Days, under pretence of celebrating a Solemn Festival, but in the mean Time, by raising huge Dams and Banks in the Sea, both with incredible charge and speed, she united the Island to the Shoar, which finish’d, she sent away the _Rhodians_ empty-handed, with this witty Jeer, _That they were to take Toll of the Islands, and not of the Continent_. A Work of great rarity and magnificence this, both for its extent, taking up the space of seven Furlongs, and thence call’d _Heptastadium_, and the incredible speed wherewith it was finish’d. Upon a Promontory hereof, on a Rock, environ’d by the Sea, _Ptolemy Philadelphus_ caus’d a Watch-Tower to be built for the benefit of Sailors, (the Seas upon that Coast being very unsafe and full of Flats) to guide them over the Bar of _Alexandria_. This _Pharos_ or Watch-Tower was of wonderful height, ascended by Steps, and having many Lanthorns at the top, wherein Lights burn’d nightly, as a Direction to such as sail’d by Sea; yet oftentimes the multitude of Lights appearing a far off as one, and being mistaken for a Star, procur’d contrary effects to the promis’d Safety. This had the repute of the Worlds seventh Wonder, call’d after the Name of the Island, and is at this Day a general Name for such Towers as serve to that purpose. The Materials of it were white Marble, and the chief Architect _Sostratus_ of _Gnidos_, who grav’d upon it this Inscription: Sostratus _of_ Gnidos, _Son of_ Dixiphanes, _to the Gods Protectors for the safeguard of Sailors_. This Inscription he cover’d over with Plaister, and inscrib’d thereon the Name and Title of the King, Founder of this Tower, to the end that when the King’s Name should be wasted and wash’d away, his own, which was cut on Marble, might be celebrated to Eternity.

To the South side of the City of _Alexandria_, near the Lake _Mareotis_, wherein the Sepulchres of King _Mœris_ and his Wife were Pyramidically built, adjoins the _Labyrinth_, [Sidenote: The _Labyrinth_.] not much inferior to that Structure, as will appear from that Description given by _Sandys_, p. 88. where he tells us, ‘That in the midst of this _Labyrinth_ were 37 Palaces, belonging to the 37 Jurisdictions of _Egypt_; to which resorted the several Presidents to celebrate the Festivals of their Gods (who had herein their particular Temples, moreover 15 Chapels, containing each a _Nemesis_) and also to advise of Matters of Importance relating to the Public Good. The Passages thereunto were thro’ Caves of a miraculous length, full of dark and winding Paths, and Rooms within one another, having many Doors to confound the Memory and distract the Intention, and leading into inextricable Error: Now mounting aloft, and then again re-descending, not seldom turning about Walls infolded within each other, in the form of intricate Mazes, not possible to thred or get out of without a Conductor. The Building was more under Ground than above, being all of massy Stone, and laid with that Art, that neither Cement nor Wood was us’d in any part of the Fabric. The end at length being attain’d, a pair of Stairs of 90 Steps, conducted into a stately _Portico_, supported by Pillars of _Theban_ Marble, and this again gave entrance into a spacious Hall, the place of general Conventions. All this Hall was of polish’d Marble, and adorn’d with Statues both of Gods and Men. The Chambers were so dispos’d, that upon their opening, the Doors gave Reports no less terrible than Thunder. The first Entrance was of white Marble within, adorn’d throughout with Marble Columns, and divers Figures.’ _Dedalus_ is said to have imitated this, in that _Labyrinth_ he built in _Crete_, yet expressing hereof scarce the Hundredth part; for, as _Heylin_ observes, it fell as short of the Glories of this, as _Minos_ was inferior to _Psammiticus_ (the Founder) in Power and Riches. ‘Whoso mounted the top, should see as it were a large Plan of Stone, and withal, those 37 Palaces environ’d with solid Pillars, and Walls consisting of Stone of a mighty size. At the end of this _Labyrinth_ stood a square Pyramid of a marvelous breadth and answerable height, being the Sepulchre of King _Ismandes_ that built it.’ [Sidenote: By whom, and to what end built.] But who built this _Labyrinth_, and to what end, Authors differ very much, and _Pliny_, who writes a great deal of it, gives no certain Reason why it was made. ’Tis said it was first built by King _Petesucus_ or _Tithoes_, altho’ _Herodotus_ affirms ’twas the Work of all the Kings, and lastly of _Psammiticus_. The cause of building it is as variously reported: _Demoteles_ thinks it to have been the Palace of _Motherudis_; _Lycias_, that it was the Sepulchre of _Mœris_ (of which Opinion is also _Diodorus_) but most believe ’twas built as sacred to the Sun. _Bellonius_ thinks it to have been a Sepulchre rather than any thing else, for such like magnificent Works, as was also the _Mausoleum_, were commonly rais’d for that end, and _Herodotus_ clearly describes this wonderful _Labyrinth_ to have been built for a Sepulchre, telling us, ‘The Kings of _Egypt_, where they perform’d their Sacred Rites, resolv’d to leave a common Monument of themselves, therefore in that Place, which is a little above the Lake of _Mœris_, and near the City of _Crocodiles_, they built a _Labyrinth_, which _Herodotus_ himself saw, and which he says was much bigger than Fame had represented it; for if any one should reason with himself about the Walls and nature of this Work, according to the Narration of the _Greeks_, he would never conceive the Labour and Charge of this _Labyrinth_. The Temple of _Diana_ at _Ephesus_ is very well worth mentioning, yet are the _Pyramids_ far greater, the least of which equals the largest Labour of the _Grecians_; and tho’ this _Labyrinth_ likewise excels them, yet does the Lake _Mœris_, near which it is built, and the Description of which you have at _p._ 141. afford much greater admiration.’ The former of these, _viz._ the _Labyrinth_, is said to have been for the Sepulchre of those Kings that built it, and for the Sacred Crocodiles; and the latter to contain the Sepulchres of King _Mœris_ and his Wife.

[Sidenote: The Wall built by _Sesostris_.]

Not to describe particularly that prodigious Wall built by _Sesostris_, which defended the _East_ side of _Egypt_, against the Irruptions of the _Syrians_ and _Arabians_, being 1500 Furlongs in length, and extending from _Pelusium_ by the Desart as far as _Heliopolis_; we come next to speak of those famous Walls belonging to the City of _Babylon_ in _Chaldea_, built by _Semiramis_ the Wife of _Ninus_, a Princess, who being naturally of an high aspiring Spirit, was ambitious of excelling all others in glorious Actions. So soon therefore as she had bury’d her Husband _Ninus_, [Sidenote: _Ninus_ his Sepulchre.] King of _Assyria_, in the Royal Palace, and rais’d over him a Mound of Earth of wonderful bigness, which as _Ctesias_ reports, standing at some distance from the City that lay in the Plain, appear’d like a stately Cittadel, being 9 Furlongs high and 10 broad: She provided her self of 2000000 Artists and Workmen to build this City of _Babylon_ in one Year, [Sidenote: _Babylon_ in _Chaldea_.] so ordering it that the River _Euphrates_ should flow thro’ the midst of it, as _Diod. Siculus_, Lib. 2. cap. 1. informs us. She next encompass’d it with a Wall as many Furlongs in circuit as there are Days in the Year, _viz._ 365: This Wall was 300 Foot high and 75 broad, insomuch that Coaches might meet and turn upon it; She adorn’d it with 250 Turrets of suitable proportion: Then she made a Bridge 5 Furlongs in length, over the narrowest part of the River, and Floor’d it with great Joists and Planks of Cedar, Cypress and Palm-Tree, 30 Foot long: At each end of this Bridge, just on the Brink of the River, she built a Palace, whence she might have a Prospect of the whole City: Then in a low Ground she sunk a four square Pond, every Square being 300 Furlongs and the depth of the whole 35 Foot, lining it with Bricks, cemented together with a sort of _Bitumen_ of a very glutinous Nature like _Asphalt_, which work’d out of the Earth so plentifully thereabouts, that it not only supply’d the People with Fuel, but serv’d them also instead of Mortar for their Buildings, and with which both the Palaces and Walls of this City were cemented. Afterwards, by turning the River aside, she made a Passage in the nature of a Vault from one Palace to another, and then let the Water again into its former Channel, which immediately overflow’d the whole Work, by which means she could go under the River when she had not a mind to pass over it. She likewise made two brazen Gates, one at each end of this Vault, as also Banqueting-Houses of Brass, into which passages were open’d by certain Engins. Here might be seen brazen Statues of _Ninus_, _Semiramis_ and all the great Officers, as likewise Armies drawn up in _Battalia_. These Palaces were moreover surrounded with Walls, 30 Furlongs in circuit, with Turrets on them 140 Yards high, on whose Bricks were pourtray’d, before they were burn’d, all kinds of living Creatures, with great Art and curious Painting, particularly a general Hunting of all sorts of wild Beasts, each Beast being four Cubits high: Among these was _Semiramis_ on Horseback, striking a Leopard thro’ with a Dart, and near her _Ninus_ her Husband peircing a Lion with his Lance.

In the middle of the City she built a Temple to _Jupiter Belus_ of exceeding great height, [Sidenote: Temple of _Belus_.] by the advantage of which, the _Chaldean_ Astrologers observ’d the setting and rising of the Stars. Upon the top of it she plac’d three Statues of _Jupiter_, _Juno_ and _Rhea_, all of beaten Gold. That of _Jupiter_ was about 40 Foot high, and _Juno_ held in her hand a Scepter adorn’d with precious Stones. These three Statues weigh’d 2830 _Babylonish_ Talents, and for these Deities, there were plac’d on an Altar of beaten Gold, 40 Cubits long and 15 broad, Censors, Cups and Drinking-Bowls of Gold likewise, weighing at least 3230 Talents. Besides the richness of this City, it was so vast and great that _Aristotle_ said, it ought rather to have been call’d a Country, adding withal, that when the Town was taken, it was three Days before the farthest part had notice of it.

[Sidenote: The _Pensil Garden_.]

Here likewise was the _Pensil Garden_ so much fam’d, being 400 Foot square, with an ascent to it like to the top of a Mountain, and having Buildings and Apartments out of one into another, like a Theatre. Under the Steps of the Ascent were Arches, gradually rising one above another, and supporting the whole Building, the highest Arch upon which the Platform of the Garden was laid being 50 Cubits high, and the Garden it self surrounded with Battlements and Walls 22 Foot in thickness. The whole Fabric was floor’d over with massy Stones, 16 Foot long and 4 broad, and these again cover’d with Reeds run over with _Bitumen_, upon which were laid double Tiles, set together with hard Plaster, and those cover’d with Sheet-Lead, that the wet which should drain thro’ the Earth might not rot the Foundation. Upon all these was laid Earth of a convenient depth, which was planted with all sorts of Trees, that for largeness and beauty might delight the Spectators. The Arches had in them many stately Rooms of all kinds, and for all purposes; one of these had a certain Engin, that drew plenty of Water out of the River for watering the Garden, after such manner as none above knew how it was done. This Garden was built in latter Ages by _Cyrus_, at the request of a _Persian_ Courtesan, who, coveting Meadows on the tops of Mountains, desir’d the King, by an artificial Plantation, to imitate the Land in _Persia_.

_Semiramis_ built other Cities on the Banks of _Euphrates_ and _Tigris_, and likewise caus’d a great Stone to be cut out of the Mountains of _Armenia_, 125 Foot in length and 5 in breadth and thickness, which she convey’d to the River by the help of many yokes of Oxen and Asses, and there putting it on board a Ship, brought it to _Babylon_, where she set it up in the most remarkable Place, as a wonderful Spectacle to all Beholders. [Sidenote: _Obelisk_ of _Semiramis_.] This from its shape was term’d an _Obelisk_, signifying in _Greek_, a _Spit_, and accounted, says _Diodorus_, one of the seven Wonders of the World; from whence we have a very good Argument, that the _Egyptian Obelisks_ were cut out of Rocks or Quarries, and not cast as some have suppos’d. _Semiramis_ having finish’d these Works, went to the Mountain _Bagistan_ in _Media_, which is 17 Furlongs from top to bottom, and there caus’d her own Image to be carv’d on the side of the Rock, and 100 of her Guards with Lances round about her. She also made a Garden on the middle of an exceeding high Rock, and built therein stately Houses of Pleasure, from whence she might have both a delightful Prospect into her Garden, and view her Army encamp’d below on the Plain: Likewise that she might leave behind her a lasting Monument of her Name, she in a short Time, yet at vast expence, made a shorter Passage towards _Ecbatana_, for by hewing down the Rocks, and filling up the Valleys, she laid that Way open and plain, which to this Day is call’d _Semiramis_’s _Way_. She plentifully supply’d _Ecbatana_ with wholsome Waters, by means of a Canal she dug, 15 Foot over and 40 Foot deep, beginning from the foot of the Mountain _Orontes_, and as she went thro’ _Persia_ and _Asia_, she plain’d all along the way before her, levelling both Rocks and Mountains. On the other hand, in Champagne Countries, she rais’d Eminences, whereon she either built Towns and Cities, or else Sepulchres for her Officers and great Commanders. Many other wonderful Things were done by this Queen, which seem to exceed common Belief; but as for those more admirable Works of the _Egyptians_, _Herodotus_, _Diodorus Siculus_, _Strabo_, _Pliny_ and others are full of Relations of what they have been, and the present Remains of some of them at _Rome_ are sufficient Arguments to evince there were such, so that we should but loose Time in endeavouring to prove that which we now hope every one is satisfied of. Our next business therefore, must be to enquire how these Arts came first to be found out, and by what means they were accomplish’d and brought to so great Perfection: What these Arts and Sciences were, suppos’d by Authors to have been found out by the _Egyptians_, I have already shown else-where, so shall here only add, that _Hermes_ or _Mercury_ is reported by _Diodorus Siculus_ and other Writers, to have been the chief Inventor of them; but as no _Art_ was ever invented and compleated at one Time, so neither was it ever invented and perfected by one Person so far, but another could add somewhat more commodious or advantagious to it.

Now, as to the first Invention of Things, I shall consider these three principal Causes: [Sidenote: _Arts_ how first Invented.] _First_, _Necessity_ is said to have been the _Mother_ of Invention, by reason it puts Mens Minds upon thinking how to supply their Wants, with such Things, and after such manner as they have most occasion for. _Secondly_, _Unexpected Experiments_, as when you aim and try to find out one Thing, and accidentally light on another: Thus ’tis said _Gun-Powder_ and divers other considerable Things have been found out by Chance, and innumerable others by experimental _Chymistry_. _Thirdly_, _Natural Philosophy_, or Observation of the Instincts of all living Creatures, has suggested many noble Thoughts and Fancies to Men, both for Imitation and Invention. Now tho’ we cannot assert that Men at first learn’d _Architecture_ from the _Beaver_, which builds himself a House for shelter and security in the Winter Time, yet are we certain they took the several Ornaments of Building either from Birds, Beasts and Fishes, or from the Leaves, Flowers and Fruits of Plants. Thus the _Grecians_ generally us’d the Leaves of [5]_Acanthus_, and the _Jews_ those of Palm-Trees and Pomegranates in their Buildings. Nor is it less probable their Weaving might be found out from the Spider or Silk-Worm, than that the Fish call’d _Nautilus_, or the little Mariner, was _Navigiorum Archetipus_, the first Type or Pattern of a Ship, who when he is to Swim, contracts his Body and Finns into the form of a Galley under Sail. From the sight whereof, some (as _Pliny_ conceives) took the first hint of framing a Ship, as from the sight of a Kite flying in the Air, who turns and steers his Body with his Tail (as Fishes also do in the Water) some have devis’d the Stern and Rudder of a Ship. _Iidem videntur Artem gubernandi docuisse Caudæ flexibus, in Cælo monstrante Natura quod opus esset in profundo_, Pliny _Lib._ 10. cap. 10. _They seem to have taught Men the Art of Steering a Ship by the flexures of their Tails, Nature shewing in the Air what was needful to be done in the Deep._ ’Tis also observ’d by that great _Naturalist_ Mr. _Ray_, that the Trunk of a Bird’s Body does somewhat resemble the Hull of a Ship, the Head the Prow, which is for the most part small, that it may the more easily cut the Air, and the Tail serves to steer, govern and direct its flight. We read there was a Beast in _Egypt_ call’d _Cynocephalus_, of a very strange kind, kept in the Temple of _Serapis_, which, during the Time of the two Equinoxes, made Water 12 Times in a Day, and as often in the Night, regularly and at even Spaces of Time; from the Observation of which, they divided the Natural Day into 24 Hours, that Beast being as it were their Clock and Dial, both to divide their Day, and reckon their Hours by. This probably gave _Ctesibius_ of _Alexandria_ an hint to invent the _Clepsydræ_ or Water Glasses, which distinguish’d the Hours by the fall or dropping of Water, as _Clepsammidiæ_ or Sand-Glasses did by the running of Sand; and to shew they ow’d the Invention of these Water-Glasses to the _Cynocephalus_, they us’d to carve one on the top of them, as may be seen in _Kircher_ in _Mechanica Ægyptiaca_. Now _Egypt_ was both in respect of its Scituation as well as natural production of curious Things, a mighty help to the Invention and improvement of Arts and Sciences; for as _Casalius de veter. Ægypt. Ritibus_, p. 35. tells us, _Arithmetic_ was first found out by their great Commerce, and _Geometry_ from the River _Nile_’s Annual over-flowing the Fields, and removing their Bound-Marks, which occasion’d great Disputes among them, so that by the frequent measuring of the Ground it was deriv’d into this Art. And as for _Astrology_, the quality of the Climate and scituation of the Country was such, as gave them an advantage above others, more clearly to discern the rising and setting of the Stars, for by reason of the perpetual Serenity of the Air, they found out the Course of the Sun, Moon and Stars, with their Constellations, Aspects and Influences, and moreover by their often Worshipping those Planets, beheld and contemplated them more seriously, and from thence became the most skillful _Astrologers_ in the World, as _Firmianus Divin. instit._ Lib. 2. cap. 14. says: Hereby also being made more perspicacious, and observing of natural Things, they invented _Physick_, for, as _Prosper Alpinus_, [Sidenote: _Physic_, how first found out.] Lib. _de Medicina Ægyptiorum_ reports, They took the hints of curing divers Diseases from brute Beasts and Animals. Thus _Phlebotomy_ or Bleeding was found out from the _Hippopotomos_ or River-Horse, which lives in the _Nile_, for when this Beast is grown over fat with continual Gluttony and Gormandizing, he searches out for a sharp pointed Reed on the Banks of the River, and having found one fit for his purpose, sticks it into his Thigh, and wounds a certain Vein there; when having sufficiently emty’d his Plethoric Body by Bleeding, he closes, and as it were plasters up the Orifice with Mud. Also that a certain Bird call’d _Ibis_, about the Banks of _Nile_, first taught the _Egyptians_ the way of administring _Clysters_; for this Bird has been often observ’d, by means of his crooked Bill intromitted into the _Anus_, to inject salt Water, as with a Syringe, into its own Bowels, and thereby to exonerate its Paunch when too much obstructed. Dogs are commonly known when Sick to Vomit themselves by eating Grass. Swine, so soon as they perceive themselves ill, refuse their Meat, and so recover by Abstinence. ’Tis reported the wild Goat taught the use of the _Dictamnus_, for drawing out of Darts and healing Wounds, and the Swallow the use of _Celandine_ for recovering the Sight; whence we may as well infer, that from the diversity of Bodies, such as Flies, Spiders, Gnats, Bees, Pismires, Grashoppers, Locusts, Frogs, _&c._ inclos’d in Amber, the _Egyptians_ might first learn the Art of _Embalming_; [Sidenote: How _Embalming_.] but since these things appear rather Fabulous, and the pleasant Flights of acute Wits and inquisitive Naturalists, than solid Truths to be rely’d on, we must have recourse to the fourth _Cause_, _viz._ That their Opinion of the _Metemsychosis_ or Transmigration of the Soul, and other such like religious Principles, first oblig’d them to study this Art, and perhaps the known Virtues of _Opobalsamum_, so good against Mortifications and Putrifactions, might suggest to them the use of it in preserving the Bodies of Princes, as the Balsamic, Sulphurous and Bituminous Nature of their _Asphalt_, taught them to use that for the poorer sort of People; besides, whatever way it was first found out, it was as easie for them to do it as for us to believe it, says _Gabriel Clauderus_ in _Methodo Balsamandi_, p. 41. because they excell’d all other Nations in Learning and Invention, so that by applying themselves with the utmost diligence to the study of this Art, they could not fail of attaining the perfection of it, especially since this Region was, above all others, the best accommodated with an extraordinary fruitfulness and plenty of Aromatic and Medicinal Things, necessary as well for all Physical Uses as for the decent performing of their _Embalmings_. Now _Sandys_, p. 38. tells us abundance of Practitioners in Physic are frequently invited to _Cairo_ by the great store of Simples there growing. Add to this the extraordinary Diligence of the _Egyptian_ Kings and Priests, both in rewarding Arts and being solicitously intent on finding out the Nature of Things themselves, not by indulging Superstition, but by a strict search and scrutiny, not trusting to plausible Appearances, but only to Experiments and Demonstration. To prove this we shall show such infallible Methods for the Invention and Improvement of all Arts and Sciences, that they could not easily miscarry in their Designs; for besides the famous Library of _Ptolemy Philadelphus_, and that in the Temple of _Serapis_, there was at _Cairo_, as _Prosper Alpinus de Medicina Ægyptiorum_ relates, a University or place of Study call’d _Gemelhazar_, which paid yearly out of the public Stock of the Academy 300000 pieces of Gold for Books, Food, Stipends, _&c._

Footnote 5:

’Tis said the Ornaments of the _Corinthian_ Chapiter were invented
from seeing a Maid rest her Basket on a Tomb over-grown with this
Plant; of which see _Vitruvius_.

The Invention of Arts and Sciences may be partly imputed to the goodness of their Laws, [Sidenote: Goodness of their _Laws_.] and their strictness in observing them; the _Egyptians_ alledging this as an undeniable Argument, that the best Laws were made and instituted among them, in that the Native Kings had Reign’d in _Egypt_ for the space of above 4700 Years, and that their Country during all that Time had been the most prosperous and flourishing in the World, which could never have been so if the Inhabitants had not been civiliz’d and brought up under good Laws, and a liberal Education in all kinds of Arts and Sciences. To effect this therefore they divided their People into three Orders: _First_, Priests. _Secondly_, Artificers and Husbandmen. And, _Thirdly_, Military Persons or Souldiers. Now each Person strictly keeping to his own Province, Art flourish’d in a right Line, and Sciences were not attack’d by rustic and ignorant Pretenders, but only practis’d by Priests, who were the chief of their Nobility, and liv’d separate from all others least their Learning should be any ways divulg’d. Nor was it lawful for any but Priests Sons to enter the Colleges where these Sciences were taught, whereby the more polite Knowledge was secur’d to the Priests, and mechanic Arts and Trades practis’d only by the inferior People. Now the better to effect and propagate this, they had three Laws that mightily encourag’d the Study and Invention of Arts, on which their chief Felicity depended, as _Diodorus Siculus_ witnesses. _First_, In that they honour’d and esteem’d all such as were the first Inventors and Promoters of useful Things. _Secondly_, In that he who pretended to more Arts than one, incurr’d a most grievous Punishment. And, _Thirdly_, In that every one was oblig’d to appear annually before the Governour of the Province to show how he got his Living, which if he could not prove, or was found to subsist by unjust means, he was infallibly punish’d with Death. Thus all Men were employ’d, [Sidenote: _Arts_ most flourishing in the Reign of _Amasis_.] and every Art carry’d to the highest perfection in the Reign of _Amasis_, who enacted the third Law. Now, as a further Argument of the _Egyptian_ Industry, hear what _Fl. Vopiscus_ relates of the _Alexandrians_: _Civitas_, says he, _[Alexandria] opulenta, dives, fæcunda, in qua Nemo vivit otiosus, alii Vitrum conflant, ab aliis Charta conficitur, alii Linyphiones sunt: Omnes certe cujuscunque Artis & videntur & habentur; Podagrosi quod agant habent, habent cæci quod faciant, ne Chiragrici quidem apud eos otiosi vivunt_. [Sidenote: _Alexandria_, how Industrious and Flourishing.] Alexandria _is a plentiful and opulent City, in which none live idle: Some blow Glass, others make Paper, a third sort weave Linnen, and in a word, all have some Trade or Work. Those that have the Gout in their Feet or are Blind have something to do, and even such as have the Gout in their Hands are not idle._ This shows how every Art was cultivated: Likewise their Industry and number of Hands as plainly prove the facility of performing those seemingly incredible and stupendious Works, which has taken us up so much Time to relate; for ’tis said, throughout the whole Country of _Egypt_, [Sidenote: _Egypt_, its number of Cities and Inhabitants.] in the Reign of _Amasis_, there were reckon’d no fewer than 20000 Cities, and that it was esteem’d the most populous Country of the World. _Diodorus Siculus_ tells us it had in it above 18000 Cities, as might be seen register’d in their Sacred Records; and in the Time of _Ptolemeus Lagus_ there remain’d above 3000. Once, they say, in a general _Census_ taken of all the Inhabitants, they amounted to Seven Millions, and even at the Time of _Diodorus_, there were no less than Three Millions of People, [Sidenote: How it came to be so numerous.] which wonderful Encrease some think might be effected by the constant drinking of the _Nile_ Water, which had the Virtue of making the _Egyptian_ Women Prolific, so as commonly to bring forth three or four Children at a Birth. This may a little abate the wonder, how the Children of _Israel_ could multiply to that degree in so short a space, that in 430 Years, from 70 Persons, which came with _Jacob_ into _Egypt_, he became a mighty Nation; for it is said, at their departure, there journey’d, from _Rameses_ to _Succoth_, about 600000 Men, besides Women and Children. Now how populous the Land from whence they came was, may be collected not only from their commanding such mighty Powers as were under them, but also, as has been before observ’d, from the several Accounts of that Kingdom, given us by _Herodotus_ and _Diodorus Siculus_; for it is reported that _Sesac_ or _Sesonchis_ arm’d 400000 Foot, 60000 Horse and 1200 Chariots against _Rehoboam_, and that King _Cheops_ or _Chemnis_ employ’d 360000 Men in erecting one of the _Pyramids_. ’Tis also farther said, they built other stupendious Works, such as the _Labyrinth_, _Obelisks_, _Colossus’s_, &c. [Sidenote: By what Means such wonderful Works were perform’d,] as not knowing otherwise how to expend their Treasure or employ their People, thro’ which means their Kings, by their great Riches and infinite numbers of Men, left behind them such eternal Monuments of their State and Grandure, which altho’ they bear the name of _Wonders_ to this very Day, as seeming very difficult to have been perform’d, yet were such Works render’d easie enough, if we consider so vast a multitude of Hands as were employ’d about them, and this being rightly consider’d, we may well enough believe what _Herodotus_ says of _Egypt_, _That it had more wonderful Works than all the Nations of the World besides_.

[Sidenote: and to what End.]