Chapter I: Front Matter (1)

Transcriber's note: A few typographical errors have been corrected: they are listed at the end of the text. The errata on pp. 70, 118, 162, 310, 352, 367 & 407 have been applied to the text.

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_PHILOSOPHICAL_

TRANSACTIONS:

GIVING SOME

ACCOMPT

OF THE PRESENT

Undertakings, Studies, and Labours

OF THE

INGENIOUS

IN MANY

CONSIDERABLE PARTS

OF THE

WORLD

_Vol I._

For _Anno_ 1665, and 1666.

In the _SAVOY_, Printed by _T. N._ for _John Martyn_ at the Bell, a little without _Temple-Bar_, and _James Allestry_ in _Duck-Lane_, Printers to the _Royal Society_.

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TO THE

Royal Society.

_It will not become me, to adde any Attributes to a Title, which has a Fulness of Lustre from his _Majesties_ Denomination._

_In these Rude Collections, which are onely the Gleanings of my _private_ diversions in broken hours, it may appear, that many Minds and Hands are in many places industriously employed, under Your Countenance, and by Your Example, in the pursuit of those Excellent Ends, which belong to Your Heroical Undertakings._

_Some of these are but the Intimations of large Compilements. And some Eminent Members of Your _Society_, have obliged the Learned World with Incomparable _Volumes_, which are not herein mention'd, because they were finisht, and in great Reputation abroad, before I entred upon this Taske. And no small Number are at present engaged for those weighty Productions, which require _both_ Time and Assistance, for their due Maturity. So that no man can from these Glimpses of Light take any just Measure of Your Performances, or of Your Prosecutions; but every man may perhaps receive some benefit from these Parcels, which I guessed to be somewhat conformable to Your Design._

_This is my Solicitude, That, as I ought not to be unfaithful to those Counsels you have committed to my Trust, so also that I may not altogether waste any minutes of the leasure you afford me. And thus have I made the best use of some of them, that I could devise; To spread abroad Encouragements, Inquiries, Directions, and Patterns, that may animate, and draw on_ Universal Assistances.

_The _Great God_ prosper You in the Noble Engagement of Dispersing the true Lustre of his Glorious Works, and the Happy Inventions of obliging Men all over the World, to the General Benefit of Mankind: So wishes with real Affections,_

Your humble and obedient Servant

_HENRY OLDENBURG._

{1}

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_Numb._ 1.

PHILOSOPHICAL _TRANSACTIONS._

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_Munday_, _March_ 6. 1664/5.

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The Contents.

_An Introduction to this Tract. An Accompt of the Improvement of
_Optick Glasses_ at _Rome_. Of the Observation made in _England_, of a
Spot in one of the Belts of the Planet _Jupiter_. Of the motion of the
late _Comet_ prædicted. The Heads of many New Observations and
Experiments, in order to an Experimental _History of Cold_; together
with some _Thermometrical_ Discourses and Experiments. A Relation of a
very odd Monstrous _Calf_. Of a peculiar _Lead-Ore_ in _Germany_, very
useful for Essays. Of an _Hungarian Bolus_, of the same effect with the
_Bolus Armenus_. Of the New _American_ Whale-fishing about the
_Bermudas_. A Narative concerning the success of the _Pendulum-watches_
at Sea for the _Longitudes_; and the Grant of a _Patent_ thereupon. A
Catalogue of the Philosophical Books publisht by _Monsieur de Fermat_,
Counsellour at _Tholouse_, lately dead._

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_The Introduction._

Whereas there is nothing more necessary for promoting the improvement of Philosophical Matters, than the communicating to such, as apply their Studies and Endeavours that way, such things as are discovered or put in practise by others, it is therefore thought fit to employ the _Press_, as the most proper way to gratifie those, whose engagement in such Studies, and delight in the advancement of Learning and profitable Discoveries, doth entitle them to the knowledge of what this Kingdom, or other parts of the World, do, from time to time, afford, as well {2} of the progress of the Studies, Labours, and attempts of the Curious and learned in things of this kind, as of their compleat Discoveries and performances: To the end, that such Productions being clearly and truly communicated, desires after solid and usefull knowledge may be further entertained, ingenious Endeavours and Undertakings cherished, and those, addicted to and conversant in such matters, may be invited and encouraged to search, try, and find out new things, impart their knowledge to one another, and contribute what they can to the Grand design of improving Natural knowledge, and perfecting all _Philosophical Arts_, and _Sciences_. All for the Glory of God, the Honour and Advantage of these Kingdoms, and the Universal Good of Mankind.

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_An Accompt of the improvement of_ Optick Glasses.

There came lately from _Paris_ a Relation, concerning the Improvement of _Optick Glasses_, not long since attempted at _Rome_ by Signor _Giuseppe Campani_, and by him discoursed of, in a Book, Entituled, _Ragguaglio di nuoue Osservationi_, lately printed in the said City, but not yet transmitted into these parts; wherein these following particulars, according to the Intelligence, which was sent hither, are contained.

The _First_ regardeth the excellency of the long _Telescopes_, made by the said _Campani_, who pretends to have found a way to work great _Optick Glasses_ with a Turne-tool, without any Mould: And whereas hitherto it hath been found by Experience, that _small_ Glasses are in proportion better to see with, upon the Earth, than the _great_ ones; that Author affirms, that his are equally good for the Earth, and for making Observations in the Heavens. Besides, he useth three Eye-Glasses for his great _Telescopes_, without finding any _Iris_, or such Rain-bow colours, as do usually appear in ordinary Glasses, and prove an impediment to Observations.

The _Second_, concerns the _Circle of Saturn_, in which he hath observed nothing, but what confirms Monsieur _Christian Huygens de Zulichem_ his Systeme of that Planet, published by that worthy Gentleman in the year, 1659. {3}

The _Third_, respects _Jupiter_, wherein _Campani_ affirms he hath observed by the goodness of his Glasses, certain _protuberancies_ and _inequalities_, much greater than those that have been seen therein hitherto. He addeth, that he is now observing, whether those sallies in the said _Planet_ do not change their scituation, which if they should be found to do, he judgeth, that _Jupiter_ might then be said to turn upon his _Axe_; which, in his opinion, would serve much to confirm the opinion of _Copernicus_. Besides this, he affirms, he hath remarked in the _Belts_ of _Jupiter_, the shaddows of his _satellites_, and followed them, and at length seen them emerge out of his Disk.

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_A Spot in one of the Belts of Jupiter._

The Ingenious Mr. _Hook_ did, some moneths since, intimate to a friend of his, that he had, with an excellent twelve foot Telescope, observed, some days before, he than spoke of it, (_videl._ on the ninth of _May_, 1664, about 9 of the clock at night) a small Spot in the biggest of the 3 obscurer _Belts_ of _Jupiter_, and that, observing it from time to time, he found, that within 2 hours after, the said Spot had moved from East to West, about half the length of the Diameter of _Jupiter_.

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_The Motion of the late Comet prædicted._

There was lately sent to one of the _Secretaries_ of the _Royal Society_ a Packet, containing some Copies of a Printed Paper, Entituled, The _Ephemerides_ of the _Comet_, made by the same Person, that sent it, called _Monsieur Auzout_, a _French_ Gentleman of no ordinary Merit and Learning, who desired, that a couple of them might be recommended to the said _Society_, and one to their _President_, and another to his Highness Prince _Rupert_, and the rest to some other Persons, nominated by him in a Letter that accompanied this present, and known abroad for their singular abilities and knowledge in Philosophical Matters. The end of the Communication of this Paper was, That, the motion of the _Comet_, that hath lately appeared, having been prædicted by the said _Monsieur {4} Auzout_, after he had seen it (as himself affirms) but 4 or 5 times: the _Virtuosi_ of _England_, among others, might compare also their Observations with his _Ephemerides_, either to confirm the _Hypothesis_, upon which the _Author_ had before hand calculated the way of this Star, or to undeceive him, if he be in a mistake. The said Author Dedicateth these his conceptions to the most Christian King, telling him, that he presents Him with a design, which never yet was undertaken by any _Astronomer_, all the World having been hitherto perswaded, that the motions of _Comets_ were so irregular, that they could not be reduced to any Laws, and men having contented themselves, to observe exactly the places, through which they did pass; but no man, that he knows, having been so bold as to venture to foretel the places, through which they should pass, and where they should cease to appear: Whereas he exhibites here the _Ephemerides_, determining day by day, in what place of the Heavens this _Comet_ shall be, at what hour it shall be in its _Meridian_, and at what hour it shall set; untill its too great remoteness, or the approach of the Sun, hide it from our eyes. Descending to particulars, he saith, that this Star, being disengaged from the beams of the Sun might have been observed, if his conjectures be good, ever since it hath been of 17 or 18 degrees _Southern Latitude_, and that about the middle of _November_ last, and sooner, unless it have been too small: That however it hath been seen in _Holland_ ever since the _2d._ of _December_ last, at which time, according to his reckoning, the Diurnal motion of the _Comet_ should already amount to 17 or 18 minutes. He finds, that this Star moveth _just enough_ in the Plan of a _Great Circle_, which inclineth to the _Equinoctial_ about 30 degrees, and to the _Ecliptick_ about 49d. or 49½ cutting the _Equator_ at about 45_d_½, and the _Ecliptick_ at the 28_d_ of _Aries_, or a little more. He saith _just enough_, because he thinks, there may perhaps be some _parallaxe_, which he wisheth could be determined.

Hence, (_so he goes on_) every one who pleaseth, may see, in tracing the _Comet_ upon the _Globe_, through, or by which Stars it hath passed and shall pass; adding, that there will be neither cause to wonder, that having descended to about 6. deg. beneath the _Tropick_ of _Capricorn_, he hath remounted afterwards, and shall go {5} on ascending so, as to pass the _Æquinoctial_, and perhaps proceed to 15. degrees _Northern Declination_, if it do not disappear before that time, by reason of its remoteness: Nor to believe, that there have been two _Comets_, upon its being seen again the 31. of _December_; since, according to him, it ought to have been so, if it continue to move in a _Great Circle_.

Having hereupon shewed, how the motion is to be traced upon the _Globe_, he finds, that, according to his Calculation, this _Comet_ was to pass the _Tropick_ of _Capricorn_ about the 16 of _December_, and being entred into the Sign of _Virgo_ on the 20. of the same month, and having been in _Quadrat_ with the _Sun_, it should still descend, until the 26 of _December_ in the morning, and then enter into _Leo_; that having entred, the 28. of the same month, into _Cancer_, and been, a little after that time, in its greatest Inclination to the _Ecliptick_, vid in the 28. degree of _Leo_, it was to repass the _Southern Tropick_, over against the _little Dogg_, on the 29. of _December_ about 9 or 10 of the clock in the morning, after it had been opposite to the _Sun_ 2. or 3. hours before; and that on the 29. of _December_ in the evening it should be in _Gemini_; and at the very beginning of the New year, enter into _Taurus_.

After this, our Author finds, that this _Comet_, according to his account, should pass the _Æquator_, on the 4. of _January_ before noon, and that about 5. or 6. of the clock in the evening of that day it was to come into the jaw of the _Whale_, and the 9. of the same, at 6. of the clock it should come close to the small Star of the _Whale_, which is in its way, a little below. At length he finds that it was to enter into _Aries_ on the 12. of _January_, and to cut the _Ecliptick_ on the 16. of the same month about noon, at which time it was to be again in _Quadrat_ with the _Sun_, whence drawing a little to above the _Northern Line_ of _Pisces_, it should in his opinion cease to appear a little beyond that place, without going as far as to the middle of _Aries_, if so be that its remoteness make it not disappear sooner.

He continueth, and saith, that this _Comet_ shall not arrive to the place over against the _Line_ of _Pisces_ till the 10 of _February_, & that then its _Diurnal_ motion shall not exceed 8 minutes, and not 5 minutes about the 20 of the same month: and that in the {6} beginning of _March_, if we see it so long, the said motion shall not exceed 4 minutes, and so shall be still diminishing; except the _Comet_ become _Retrograde_, which, as very important, he would have well observed; as also, whether its motion will be about the end more or less swift, than he hath calculated it.

He subjoyneth, that the greatest way, which this Star could make in 24. hours, hath been 13. d. 25'; and in one houre, about 34'; and thinking it probable, that about the time, when it made so much way, it should be nearest to the _Earth_, he concludeth that its motion in 24. hours must be, in its least distance from the _Earth_, as about 3. to 14, or 1. to 4-2/3, and that its motion in one hour was to be to the same least distance, as about 1. to 102-1/7.

But that, which he judgeth most remarkable, is, that he found by his Calculation, that the said least distance should be on the 29. of _December_, when the _Comet_ was opposite to the Sun; which he does not know whether it may not serve to decide the grand Question concerning the _Motion of the Earth_.

He taketh further notice, that the _Tayl_ of the _Comet_ was to turn _Westward_, with a point to the _North_, until the 29. of _December_, at which time it was to be opposite to the _Sun_, and that then the said _Tayl_ was to look directly _North_; but that, after that time, the _Tayl_ was to turn _Eastward_, and continue to do so, until it disappear; and that it shall draw a little towards the _North_, until the 8. or 10. of _February_, at which time the _Tayl_ is to be parallel to the _Æquator_, as if the _Comet_ be _yet_ seen for some time after, the _Tayl_ shall go a little lower towards the _South_, but grow smaller.

He finds by his _Hypothesis_, that on the 2. of _December_, which is the first observation, that he hath heard of, this Star was to be about 7. times more remote from the _Earth_, than when it was in its _Perigeum_; and that it will be again in an equall remoteness from the _Earth_, on the 27. of _January_, so that he is of opinion, that in case this _Comet_ have not been seen before the 2. of _December_, it will not be seen any more after the 27. of _January_.

He wishes above all things, that it might be very exactly observed, at what Angle the way of the _Comet_ cuts the _Æquator_, and, most of all, the _Ecliptick_, that so it may be seen, whether {7} there hath not been some _Parallaxe_ in the _Circle_ of his Motion; as also, that some observations could be had of its greatest descent beneath the _Tropick of Capricorn_ in the more _Southern_ parts, where he saith it would have been without _Refractions_; Moreover of the Time, when it hath been in _Quadrat_ with the _Sun_ about the 20 of _December_; and that also very exact Observation might be made of the time of its being again in _Quadrat_ with the _Sun_, which, according to him, was to be _January_ 16.

He wishes also, that some in _Madagascar_ may have observed this Star; Seeing that it began to appear over the middle of that _Island_, and passed twice over their heads; he judgeth, that they have seen it before us. And he wisheth lastly, that there were some intelligent person in _Guiana_ to observe it there, seeing that within a few daies, according to his reckoning, it will pass over their Heads, and will not remove from thence but 8 or 10 degrees Northward, where he saith, it will disappear; thinking it improbable, that it can still appear, after the _Sun_ shall have passed it.

This Account beareth date of the 2. _January_, new stile, 1665. and the Author thereof addeth this Note, That, seeing it could not be printed nor distributed so soon as he desired, he hath had the opportunity to verifie it by some Observations, from which he affirms he hath found no sensible difference; or, if there be, that it proceeds only from thence, that the Stars have advanced, since his _Globe_ was made. He concludeth, that if this continue, and the first Observations do likewise agree, or that the differences do arrive within the Times ghessed by him, that he hopes, he shall determine both the _Distance_ and the _Magnitude_ of this _Comet_; and that perhaps one may be enabled to decide the Question of the _Motion of the Earth_. In the interim, he assureth, that he hath not changed the least number in his Calculations, and that _Monsieur Huygens_, and several French Gentlemen, to whom he saith, he hath given them long since, can bear him witness that he hath done so; as also many other friends of his, who saw upon his _Globe_, several daies before, the way of the _Comet_ from day to day.

Thus for the _Parisian_ Account of the Comet, which is here inserted at large, that the intelligent and curious in _England_ may {8} compare their Observations therewith, either to verifie these _Prædictions_, or to shew wherein they differ; which is (as was also hinted above) the design of this _Philosophical Prophet_ in dispersing his Conceptions, who declareth himself ready, in case he be mistaken in his reckoning, to learn another _Hypothesis_, to explicate these admirable appearances by.

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_An Experimental History of Cold._

There is in the Press, a New _Treatise_, entituled, _New Observations and Experiments in order to an Experimental History of Cold_, begun by that Noble Philosopher, Mr. _Robert Boyle_, and in great part already Printed; He did lately very obligingly present several Copies of so much as was Printed, to the _Royal Society_, with a desire that some of the Members thereof might be engaged to peruse the Book, and select out of it for trial, the hints of such Experiments, as the _Author_ there wisheth might be either yet made or prosecuted. The Heads thereof are,

1. Experiments touching Bodies capable of Freezing others.

2. Experiments and Observations touching Bodies Disposed to be Frozen.

3. Experiments touching Bodies, Indisposed to be Frozen.

4. Experiments and Observations touching the Degrees of Cold in several Bodies.

5. Experiments touching the Tendency of Cold Upwards or Downwards.

6. Experiments and Observations touching the Preservation and Destruction of (Eggs, Apples, and other) Bodies by Cold.

7. Experiments touching the Expansion of Water and Aqueous Liquors by Freezing.

8. Experiments touching the Contraction of Liquors by Cold.

9. Experiments in Consort, touching the Bubbles, from which the Levity of Ice is supposed to proceed.

10. Experiments about the Measure of the Expansion and the Contraction of Liquors by Cold.

11. Experiments touching the Expansive Force of Freezing Water.

12. Experiments touching a New way of estimating the {9} Expansive force of Congelation, and of highly compressing Air without Engines.

13. Experiments and Observations touching the Sphere of Activity of Cold.

14. Experiments touching differing _Mediums_, through which Cold may be diffused.

15. Experiments and Observations touching Ice.

16. Experiments and Observations touching the duration of Ice and Snow, and the destroying of them by the Air, and several Liquors.

17. Considerations and Experiments touching the _Primum Frigidum_.

18. Experiments and Observations touching the Coldness and Temperature of the Air.

19. Of the strange Effects of Cold.

20. Experiments touching the weight of Bodies frozen and unfrozen.

21. Promiscuous Experiments and Observations concerning Cold.

This Treatise will be dispatched within a very short time, and would have been so, ere this, if the extremity of the late Frost had not stopt the Press. It will be accompanied with some Discourses of the same _Author_, concerning _New Thermometrical Experiments and Thoughts_, as also, with an Exercitation about the _Doctrine of the Antiperistasis_: In the former whereof is _first_ proposed this _Paradox_, That not only our Senses, but common Weather-glasses, may mis-inform us about Cold. _Next_, there are contained in this part, New Observations about the deficiencies of Weather-glasses, together with some considerations touching the New or _Hermetrical_ Thermometers. _Lastly_, they deliver another _Paradox_, touching the cause of the Condensation of the Air, and Ascent of water by cold in common Weather-glasses. The latter piece of this part contains an Examen of _Antiperistasis_, as it is wont to be _taught_ and _proved;_ Of all which there will, perhaps, a fuller account be given by the Next. {10}

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_An Account of a very odd Monstrous Calf._

By the same Noble person was lately communicated to the _Royal Society_ an account of a very Odd Monstrous Birth, produced at _Limmington_ in _Hampshire_, where a Butcher, having caused a Cow (which cast her Calf the year before) to be covered, that she might the sooner be fatted, killed her when fat, and opening the Womb, which he found heavy to admiration, saw in it a Calf, which had begun to have hair, whose hinder Leggs had no Joynts, and whose Tongue was, _Cerberus_-like, triple, to each side of his Mouth one, and one in the midst: Between the Fore-leggs and the Hinder-leggs was a great Stone, on which the Calf rid: the _Sternum_, or that part of the Breast, where the Ribs lye, was also perfect Stone; and the Stone, on which it rid, weighed twenty pounds and a half; the outside of the Stone was of Grenish colour, but some small parts being broken off, it appeared a perfect Free-stone. The Stone, according to the Letter of Mr. _David Thomas_, who sent this Account to Mr. _Boyle_, is with Doctor _Haughteyn_ of _Salisbury_, to whom he also referreth for further Information.

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_Of a peculiar Lead-Ore of _Germany_, and the Use thereof._

There was, not long since, sent hither out of _Germany_ from an inquisitive Physician, a List of several _Minerals_ and _Earths_ of that Country, and of _Hungary_, together with a _Specimen_ of each of them: among which there was a kind of _Lead-Ore_ which is more considerable than all the rest, because of its singular use for _Essays_ upon the _Coppell_, seeing that there is not any other _Mettal_ mixed with it. 'Tis found in the _Upper Palatinate_, at a place called _Freyung_, and there are two sorts of it, whereof one is a kind of Crystalline Stone, and almost all good Lead; the other not so rich, and more farinaceous. By the information, coming along with it, they are fetcht, not from under the ground, but, the Mines of that place having lain long neglected, by reason of the Wars of _Germany_ and the increase of Waters, the people, living {11} there-about take it from what these Forefathers had thrown away, and had lain long in the open Air. The use above mentioned being considerable, the person, who sent it, hath been intreated, to inform what quantities may be had of it, if there should be occasion to send for some.

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_Of an Hungarian Bolus, of the same Effect with the Bolus Armenus._

The same person gave notice also, that, besides the _Bolus Armenus_, and the _Terra Silesiaca_, there is an Earth to be found in _Hungary_ about the River _Tockay_, thence called _Bolus Tockaviensis_, having as good effects in _Physick_, as either of the former two, and commended by experience in those parts, as much as it is by _Sennertus_ out of _Crato_, for its goodness.

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_Of the New _American_ Whale-fishing about the Bermudas._

Here follows a Relation, somewhat more divertising, than the precedent Accounts, which is about the new _Whale fishing_ in the _West-Indies_ about the _Bermudas_, as it was delivered by an understanding and hardy Sea-man, who affirmed he had been at the killing work himself. His account, as far as remembred, was this; that though hitherto all Attempts of mastering the Whales of those Seas had been unsuccesful, by reason of the extraordinary fierceness and swiftness of these monstrous Animals; yet the enterprise being lately renewed, and such persons chosen and sent thither for the work, as were resolved not to be baffled by a Sea-monster, they did prosper so far in this undertaking, that, having been out at Sea, near the said Isle of _Bermudas_, seventeen times, and fastned their Weapons a dozen times, they killed in these expeditions 2 old Female-Whales, and 3 Cubs, whereof one of the old ones, from the head to the extremity of the Tayl, was 88. Foot in length, by measure; its Tayl being 23. Foot broad, the swimming Finn 26. Foot long, and the Gills three Foot long: having great bends underneath from the Nose to the Navil; upon her after-part, a Finn on the back; being within {12} paved (this was the plain Sea-man's phrase) with fat, like the Cawl of a Hog.

The other old one, he said, was some 60. Foot long. Of the Cubs, one was 33. the other two, much about 25 or 26. Foot long.

The shape of the Fish, he said, was very sharp behind, like the ridge of a house; the head pretty bluff, and full of bumps on both sides; the back perfectly black, and the belly white.

Their celerity and force he affirmed to be wonderful, insomuch that one of those Creatures, which he struck himself, towed the boat wherein he was, after him, for the space of six or seven Leagues, in ¾ of an hours time. Being wounded, he saith, they make a hideous roaring, at which, all of that kind that are within hearing, come towards that place, where the Animal is, yet without striking, or doing any harm to the wary.

He added, that they struck one of a prodigious bigness, and by guess of above 100 foot long. He is of opinion, that this Fish comes nearest to that sort of Whales, which they call the _Jubartes_; they are without teeth, and longer than the _Greenland_-Whales, but not so thick.

He said further, that they fed much upon Grass, growing at the bottom of the Sea; which, he affirmed, was seen by cutting up the great Bag of Maw, wherein he had found in one of them about two or three Hogsheads of a greenish grassy matter.

As to the quantity and nature of the Oyl which they yield, he thought, that the largest sort of these Whales might afford seven or eight Tuns if well husbanded, although they had lost much this first time, for want of a good Cooper; having brought home but eleven Tuns. The Cubbs, by his relation, do yield but little, and that is but a kind of a Jelly. That which the old ones render, doth candy like Porks Grease, yet burneth very well. He observed, that the Oyl of the Blubber is as clear and fair as any Whey: but that which is boyled out of the Lean, interlarded, becomes as hard as Tallow, spattering in the burning and that which is made of the Cawl, resembleth Hoggs grease.

One, but scarce credible, quality of this Oyl, he affirms to be, that though it be boiling, yet one may run ones hand into it without scalding; to which he adds, that it hath a very healing {13} Vertue for cuttings, lameness, &c., the part affected being anointed therewith. One thing more he related, not to be omitted, which is, that having told, that the time of catching these Fishes was from the beginning of _March_, to the end of _May_, after which time they appeared no more in that part of the Sea: he did, when asked, whither they then retired, give this Answer, That it was thought, they went into the Weed-beds of the Gulf of _Florida_, it having been observed, that upon their Fins and Tails they have store of Clams or Barnacles, upon which, he said, Rock-weed or Sea-tangle did grow a hand long; many of them having been taken of them, of the bigness of great Oyster-shels, and hung upon the Governour of _Bermudas_ his Pales.

* * * * *

_A Narrative concerning the success of Pendulum-Watches at Sea for the Longitudes._

The Relation lately made by Major _Holmes_, concerning the success of the _Pendulum-Watches_ at Sea (two whereof were committed to his Care and Observation in his last voyage to _Guiny_ by some of our Eminent _Virtuosi_, and Grand Promoters of Navigation) is as followeth;

The said _Major_ having left that Coast, and being come to the Isle of St. _Thomas_ under the _Line_ accompanied with four Vessels, having there adjusted his Watches, put to Sea, and sailed Westward, seven or eight hundred Leagues, without changing his course; after which, finding the Wind favourable, he steered towards the Coast of _Africk_, North-North-East. But having sailed upon that _Line_ a matter of two or three hundred Leagues, the Masters of the other Ships, under his Conduct, apprehending that they should want Water, before they could reach that Coast, did propose to him to steer their Course to the _Barbadoes_, to supply themselves with Water there. Whereupon the said Major, having called the Master and Pilots together, and caused them to produce their Journals and Calculations, it was found, that those Pilots did differ in their reckonings from that of the Major, one of them eighty Leagues, another about an hundred, and the third, more; but the Major judging by his _Pendulum-Watches_, that they were only some thirty Leagues distant from {14} the Isle of _Fuego_, which is one of the Isles of _Cape Verde_, and that they might reach it next day, and having a great confidence in the said Watches, resolved to steer their Course thither, and having given order so to do, they got the very next day about Noon a sight of the said Isle of _Fuego_, finding themselves to sail directly upon it, and so arrived at it that Afternoon, as he had said. These Watches having been first Invented by the Excellent Monsieur _Christian Hugens_ of _Zulichem_, and fitted to go at Sea, by the Right Honourable, the Earl of _Kincardin_, both Fellows of the _Royal Society_, are now brought by a New addition to a wonderful perfection. The said Monsieur _Hugens_, having been informed of the success of the Experiment, made by _Major Holmes_, wrought to a friend at _Paris_ a Letter to this effect;

Major _Holmes_ at his return, hath made a relation concerning the usefulness of _Pendulums_, which surpasseth my expectation: I did not imagine that the Watches of this first Structure would succeed so well, and I had reserved my main hopes for the New ones. But seeing that those have already served so succesfully, and that the other are yet more just and exact, I have the more reason to believe, that the Invention of _Longitudes_ will come to its perfection. In the mean time I shall tell you, that the _States_ did receive my Proposition, when I desired of them a Patent for these new Watches, and the recompense set a-part for the invention in case of success; and that without any difficulty they have granted my request, commanding me to bring one of these Watches into their Assembly, to explicate unto them the Invention, and the application thereof to the _Longitudes_; which I have done to their contentment. I have this week published, that the said Watches shall be exposed to sale, together with an Information necessary to use them at Sea: and thus I have broken the Ice. The same Objection, that hath been made in your parts against the exactness of these _Pendulums_, hath also been made here; to wit, that though they should agree together, they might fail both of them, by reason that the Air at one time might be thicker, than at another. But I have answered, that this difference, if there be any, will not be at all perceived in the _Penduls_, seeing that the continuall Observations, made in Winter from day to day, until Summer, have shewed me that {15} they have alwaies agreed with the Sun. As to the Printing of the _Figure_ of my New Watch, I shall defer that yet a while: but it shall in time appear with all the Demonstrations thereof, together with a _Treatise_ of _Pendulums_, written by me some daies since, which is of a very subtile Speculation.

* * * * *

_The Character, lately published beyond the Seas, of an Eminent person, not long since dead at _Tholouse_, where he was a Councellor of Parliament._

It is the deservedly famous _Mounsieur de Fermat_, who was, (saith the Author of the Letter) one of the most Excellent Men of this Age, a _Genius_ so universal, and of so vast an extent, that if very knowing and learned Men had not given testimony of his extraordinary merit, what with truth can be said of him, would hardly be believed. He entertained a constant correspondence with many of the most Illustrious Mathematicians of _Europe_, and did excel in all the parts of Mathematical Science: a Testimony whereof he hath left behind him in the following Books.

A Method for the Quadrature of _Parabola's_ of all degrees.

A Book _De Maximis & Minimis_, which serveth not only for the determination of Problems of _Plains_ and _Solids_, but also for the invention of _Tangents_ and _Curve Lines_, and of the _Centres_ of Gravity in Solids; and likewise for Numerical Questions.

An Introduction to the Doctrine of _Plains_ and _Solids_, which is an _Analytical_ Treatise, concerning the solution of _Plains_ and _Solids_, which has been seen (as the Advertiser affirms) before Monsieur _Des Cartes_ had publish'd any thing upon this Subject.

A Treatise _De Contactibus Sphæricis_, where he hath demonstrated in _Solids_, what Mr. _Viet_, Master of Requests, had but demonstrated in _Plains_.

Another Treatise, wherein he establisheth and demonstrateth the two Books of _Apollonius Pergæus_, of _Plains_.

And a General Method for the dimension of _Curve Lines_, &c. Besides, having a perfect knowledge in Antiquity, he was consulted from all parts upon the difficulties that did emerg therein: he hath explained abundance of obscure places, that are {16} found in the Antients. There have been lately printed some of his Observations upon _Athenæus_; and he that hath interpreted _Benedetto Castelli_, of the Measure of running waters, hath thence inserted in his Work a very handsome one upon an Epistle of _Synesius_, which was so difficult, that the Jesuit _Petavius_, who hath commented upon this Author, acknowledges, that he could not understand it.

He hath also made many Observations upon _Theon of Smyrne_, and upon other Antient Authors: but most part of them are not found but scattered in his Epistles, because he did not write much upon these kinds of Subjects, but to satisfie the curiosity of his friends.

All these Mathematical Works, and all these curious searches in Antiquity, did not hinder this great _Virtuoso_ from discharging the duties of his place with much assiduity, and with so much ability, that he hath had the reputation of one of the greatest _Civilians_ of his Age.

But that, which is most of all surprizing to many, is, that with all that strength of understanding, which was requisite to make good these rare qualities, lately mentioned, he had so polite and delicate parts, that he composed _Latin_, _French_, and _Spanish_ Verses with the same elegancy, as if he had lived in the time of _Augustus_, and passed the greatest part of his life at the Courts of _France_ and _Spain_.

More particulars will perhaps be mention'd of the Works of this Rare person, when all things, that he hath publish'd, shall be recovered, and when liberty shall be obtained of his Worthy Son, to impart unto the World the rest of his Writings, hitherto unpublished.

* * * * *

_LONDON,_

Printed with Licence, By _John Martyn_, and _James Allestry_, Printers to the _Royal-Society_.

{17}

* * * * *

_Num._ 2.

PHILOSOPHICAL _TRANSACTIONS._

* * * * *

_Munday_, _April_ 3. 1665.

* * * * *

The Contents.

_Extract of a Letter written from _Rome_, concerning the late _Comet_,
and a _New_ one. Extract of another Letter from _Paris_, containing
some Reflections on the precedent _Roman_ Letter. An Observation
concerning some particulars, further considerable in the _Monster_,
that was Mention'd in the first Papers of these _Philosophical
Transactions_. Extract of a Letter written from _Venice_, concerning
the Mines of _Mercury_ in Friuly. Some Observations, made in the
ordering of _Silk-worms_. An Account of Mr. _Hooks Micrographia_, or
the Physiological descriptions of _Minute Bodies_, made by _Magnifying
Glasses_._

* * * * *

_Extract of a Letter, lately written from _Rome_, touching the late Comet, and a New one._

I Cannot enough wonder at the strange agreement of the thoughts of that acute French Gentleman, Monsieur _Auzout_, in the _Hypothesis_ of the Comets motion, with mine; and particularly, at that of the _Tables_. I have with the same method, whereby I find the motion of this Comet, easily found the Principle of that Author's _Ephemerides_, which he then thought not fit to declare; and 'tis this, that this Comet moves about the _Great Dog_, in so great a Circle, that that portion, which is {18} described, is exceeding small in respect of the whole circumference thereof, and hardly distinguishable by us from a streight line.

Concerning the New Comet you mention, I saw it on the 11. of _February_, about the 24. deg. of _Aries_, with a Northern latitude of 24. deg. 40. min. The cloudy weather hath not yet permitted me to see it in _Andromeda_, as others affirm to have done.

* * * * *

_Extract of a Letter, written from _Paris_, containing some Reflections on part of the precedent _Roman_ Letter._

As to the _Hypothesis_ of _Georg. Domenico Cassini_, touching the motion of the _Comet_ about the _Great Dog_ in a Circle, whose Centre is in a streight line drawn from the Earth through the said Star, I believe it will shortly be publish'd in print, as a thought I lighted upon in discoursing with one of my Friends, who did maintain, that it turned about a Centre, because that its _Perigee_ had been over against the _Great Dog_, as I had noted in my _Ephemerides_. This particular I did long since declare to many of my acquaintance, whereof some or other will certainly do me that right, as to let the world know it by the Press. I have added an Observation, which I find not, that Signior _Cassini_ hath made, _viz._ that there was ground to think, that the _Comet_ of 1652. was the same with the present, seeing that besides the parity of the swiftness of its motion, the _Perigee_ thereof was also over against the _Great Dog_, if the Observations extant thereof, deceive not. But, to make it out, what ground I had for these thoughts, I said, that if they were true, the Comet must needs acomplish its revolution from 10. to 12. years, or thereabout. But, seeing it appears not by History, that a Comet hath been seen at those determinate distances of time, nor that over against the _Perigee_ of all the other Comets, whereof particular observations are recorded, are alwaies found Stars of the first Magnitude, or such others, as are very notable, besides other reasons, that might be alledged, I shall not pursue this speculation; but rather {19} suggest what I have taken notice of in my reflexions upon former Comets, which is, that more of them enter inter our Systeme by the sign of _Libra_ and about _Spica virginis_, than by all the other parts of the Heavens. For, both the present Comet, and many others registred in History, have entred that way, and consequently passed out of it by the sign _Aries_, by which also many have entred.

I did found my _Hypothesis_ upon three Observations only, _viz._ those of the 22, 26, and 31. of _December_. Nor have I done, as some have fancied of me, who having been able to observe the Comet, the 27, 28, 29, 30, and 31. of _December_, and to see the diminution of its motion, have judged, that I had only determined that diminution for the time to come, conform to the augmentation thereof in time passed until the 29. of _December_. For _January_ 1. (on which day I composed my _Ephemerides_) I knew not (nor any person here) that the motion of the Comet did diminish; but on the contrary, most men believed, it was not the same Comet. But Signior _Cassini_ knows very well, that that was not necessary, seeing that two portions of a _Tangent_ being given, and the _Angles_ answering thereunto, 'tis easie to find the position and magnitude of its Circle. The reason, which I think the true one, of the diminution of its Motion in Longitude, and of its Retrogradation, by me conjectured in my _Ephemerides_, I began to be assured of, _Febr._ 10. For until the sixth, the Comet had alwaies advanced, as Signior _Cassini_ also hath very well noted: but after that day, I found that it returned in augmenting alwaies its Latitude. And I have constantly observed it, until _March_ 8. between many Stars, which must be the same with these mentioned by _Cassini_, whereof the number was so great, that I think, I saw of them _March_ 6. with one _Aperture_ of my Glass, more than 40. or 50. and especially, above the head of _Aries_; but I did not particularly note the scituation of more than 12. or 15; amongst which I have observed the position of the Comet since _January_ 28. every day, when the weather did permit, _viz._ _January_ 29. _February_ 3, 6, 10, 17, 19, 24, 26, 27. and _March_ 6, {20} 7, 8. I left it on _March_ 8. at the 18. of the Horn of _Aries_, almost in the same latitude: and I am apt to believe, it will be Eclipsed, which I wish I may be able to observe this evening, if it be not already passed.

If Signior _Cassini_ hath observed it on those daies that I have, he will be glad to find the conformity of our Observations. I shall only add, that on _February_ 3. we were surprized, to see the Comet again much brighter than ordinary, and with a considerable Train. Some did believe, that it approach'd again to us. But having beheld it with a _Telescope_, I soon said, that it was joyned with two small Stars, whereof one was pretty bright, which I had already seen, on _February_ 28. and 29. And this conjunction gave the _Comet_ that brightness, as it happens to most of the Stars of the fifth and sixth magnitude, where 2. or 3. or more are conjoyned, which perhaps would shew but faintly single, though by reason of their proximity to one another, they appear but one Star. Hence it was, that I assured my friends here, that the following daies we should no more see it so bright, because I knew, that there were none such small bright Stars in the way, which by my former observations I conjectured it was to move.

* * * * *

_An Observation imparted to the Noble Mr. _Boyle_, by Mr. _David Thomas_, touching some particulars further considerable in the Monster mentioned in the first Papers of these _Philosophical Transactions_._

Upon the strictest inquiry, I find by one, that saw the Monstrous Calf and stone, within four hours after it was cut out of the Cows belly, that the Breast of the Calf was not stony (as I wrote) but that the skin of the Breast and between the Legs and of the Neck (which parts lay on the smaller end of the stone) was very much thicker, than on any other part, and that the Feet of the Calf were so parted as to be like the Claws of a Dog. The stone I have since seen; it is bigger at one end {21} than the other; of no plain _Superficies_, but full of little cavities. The stone, when broken, is full of small peble stones of an Ovall figure: its colour is gray like free-stone, but intermixt with veins of yellow and black. A part of it I have begg'd of Dr. _Haughten_ for you, which I have sent to _Oxford_, whither a more exact account will be conveyed by the same person.

* * * * *

_Extract of a Letter, lately written from _Venice_ by the Learned Doctor _Walter Pope_, to the Reverend Dean of _Rippon_, Doctor _John Wilkins_, concerning the Mines of Mercury in _Friuli_; and a way of producing _Wind_ by the fall of _Water_._

The mines of _Mercury_ in _Friuli_, a Territory belonging to the _Venetians_, are about a days Journey and a half distant from _Goritia_ Northwards, at a place call'd _Idria_, scituated in a Valley of the _Julian Alps_. They have been, as I am inform'd, these 160. years in the possession of the Emperor, and all the Inhabitants speak the _Sclavonian_ Tongue. In going thither, we travell'd several hours in the best Wood I ever saw before or since, being very full of _Firrs_, _Oakes_, and _Beeches_, of an extraordinary thickness, straitness, and height. The Town is built, as usually Towns in the _Alps_ are, all of wood, the Church only excepted, and another House wherein the Overseer liveth. When I was there, in _August_ last, the Valley, and the Mountains too, out of which the _Mercury_ was dug, were of as pleasant a verdure, as if it had been in the midst of Spring, which they there attribute to the moistness of the _Mercury_; how truly, I dispute not. That Mine, which we went into, the best and greatest of them all, was dedicated to Saint _Barbara_, as the other Mines are to other Saints, the depth of it was 125. paces, every pace of that Country being, as they inform'd us, more than 5 of our Feet. There are two ways down to it; the shortest perpendicular way is that, whereby they bring up the Mineral in great Buckets, and {22} by which oftentimes some of the workmen come up and down. The other, which is the usual way, is at the beginning not difficult, the descent not being much; the greatest trouble is, that in several places you cannot stand upright: but this holds not long, before you come to descend in earnest by perpendicular Ladders, where the weight of on's body is found very sensible. At the end of each Ladder, there are boards a-cross, where we may breath a little. The Ladders, as we said, are perpendicular, but being imagined produced, do not make one Ladder, but several parallel ones. Being at the bottom, we saw no more than we saw before, only the place, whence the Mineral came. All the way down, and the bottom, where there are several lanes cut out in the Mountain, is lined and propt with great pieces of Firr-trees, as thick as they can be set. They dig the Mineral with Pick-axes, following the veins: 'tis for the most part hard as a stone, but more weighty; of a Liver-colour, or that of _Crocus Metallorum_. I hope shortly to shew you some of it. There is also some soft Earth, in which you plainly see the _Mercury_ in little particles. Besides this, there are oftentimes found in the Mines round stones like Flints, of several bignesses, very like those Globes of Hair, which I have often seen in _England_, taken out of Oxes bellies. There are also several _Marcasites_ and stones, which seem to have specks of Gold in them, but upon tryal they say, they find none in them. These round stones are some of them very ponderous, and well impregnated with _Mercury_; others light, having little or none in them. The manner of getting the _Mercury_ is this: They take of the Earth, brought up in Buckets, and put it into a Sive, whose bottom is made of wires at so great a distance, that you may put your finger betwixt them: 'tis carried to a stream of running water, and wash'd as long as any thing will pass through the Sive. That Earth which passeth not, is laid aside upon another heap: that which passeth, reserved in the hole, G. in Fig. 1. and taken up again by the second Man, and so on, to about ten or twelve sives proportionably less. It often happens in the first hole, where the second Man takes up his {23} Earth, that there is _Mercury_ at the bottom; but towards the farther end, where the Intervals of the wires are less, 'tis found in very great proportion. The Earth laid aside is pounded, and the same operation repeated. The fine small Earth, that remains after this, and out of which they can wash no more _Mercury_, is put into Iron retorts and stopt, because it should not fall into the Receivers, to which they are luted. The fire forces the _Mercury_ into the Receivers: the Officer unluted several of them to shew us; I observed in all of them, that he first poured out perfect _Mercury_, and after that came a black dust, which being wetted with water discover'd it self to be _Mercury_, as the other was. They take the _Caput mortuum_ and pound it, and renew the operation as long as they can get any _Mercury_ out of it.

This is the way of producing the _Mercury_, they call _Ordinary_, which exceeds that, which is got by washing, in a very great proportion, as you will perceive by the account annext. All the _Mercury_ got without the use of Fire, whether by washing, or found in the Mines (for in the digging, some little particles get together, so that in some places you might take up two or three spoonfuls of pure _Mercury_) is call'd by them _Virgin Mercury_, and esteem'd above the rest. I inquir'd of the Officer what vertue that had more, than the other; he told me that making an _Amalgama_ of Gold and _Virgin Mercury_, and putting it to the fire, that _Mercury_ would carry away all the Gold with it, which common _Mercury_ would not do.

The Engins, employed in these Mines, are admirable; the Wheels, the greatest that ever I saw in my life; one would think as great as the matter would bear: all moved by the dead force of the water, brought thither in no chargeable Aqueduct from a Mountain, 3 Miles distant: the water pumpt from the bottom of the Mine by 52 pumps, 26 on a side, is contrived to move other wheels, for several other purposes.

The Labourers work for a _Julio_ a day, which is not above 6 or 7 pence, and indure not long; for, although none stay {24} underground above 6 hours; all of them in time (some later, some sooner) become _paralitick_, and dye _hectick_.

We saw there a man, who had not been in the Mines for above half a year before, so full of _Mercury_, that putting a piece of _Brass_ in his mouth, or rubbing it in his fingers, it immediately became white like Silver: I mean he did the same effect, as if he had rubb'd _Mercury_ upon it, and so paralitick, that he could not with both his hands carry a Glass, half full of Wine, to his mouth without spilling it, though he loved it too well to throw it away.

I have been since informed, that here in _Venice_, those that work on the back-side of Looking-glasses, are also very subject to the _Palsey_. I did not observe, that they had black Teeth; it may be therefore, that we accuse _Mercury_ injustly for spoiling the Teeth, when given in _Venereal_ diseases. I confess, I did not think of it upon the place; but, black Teeth being so very rare in this Country, I think I could not but have markt it, had all theirs been so.