Chapter II: HONORATI FABRI Soc. Jesu Theologi, Tractatus duo; quorum Prior est de (2)

I am very glad to understand, that you have so good _Telescopes_, as to make such considerable Observations in _Jupiter_ and _Mars_, as you have lately done in _England_. I have no leasure now, by reason of the Observations of the Fixt Stars, which I now almost constantly am employ'd about, to do any thing in the advancing of _Telescopes_. I am obliged to finish the _Catalogue_ of the _Fixt Stars_; having mean while the contentment to find, that many excellent persons labour about the Improvement of _Optick Glasses_. If I could get a good one of those of 60. foot, you mention, at a reasonable rate, you would oblige me in sending me one; perhaps may I be so happy, as to make likewise some good discovery or other, by the help thereof. In the mean time, let me know, I pray, the Dimensions of those Glasses, and how they are to be managed. The ingenious _Burattini_ has not yet finisht his _Telescope_; as soon {349} as he hath, I shall acquaint you with it. * Before I conclude, I must give notice to the Lovers of _Astronomy_, that on the 24. of _September_ (st. n) of this year, I have observ'd that _New Star_ in _Pectore Cygni_ (which from the year 1662. untill this time hath been almost altogether hid) not only with my naked Eye, like a Star of the sixth or seventh Magnitude, but also with a very great _Sextant_. It is still in the very same place of the Heavens, where it was formerly from _A._ 1601. to almost 1662. For, its Distance from _Scheat Pegasi_ hath been by me found 35°. 51'. 20". and from _Marcab_, 43°. 10'. 50"; which Distances (as I have found in my _Journal_) are altogether equal to those, which I observ'd _A._ 1658. the 1. of _November_. For the Distance from _Scheat_ at that time was 35°. 51'. 20". and from _Marcab_, 43°. 10'. 25": where that former from _Scheat_ exactly answers to the recent; and that from _Marcab_, 'tis true, differs in a very few _Seconds_, but that disparity is of no moment, since it only proceeded from thence, that this _New Star_ is not yet so distinctly to be seen, as at that time, when it was of the _third Magnitude_. It is therefore certain, that it is the self same Star, which _Kepler_ did first see _A._ 1601. and continued untill _A._ 1662. But whether in time it will grow bigger and bigger, or be lost again, time will shew. He that will observe this Star, must take care, lest he mistake those three more _Southern_ ones, of the _Sixth Magnitude_, and now in a manner somewhat brighter (though not extant on the _Globe_) than the _New Star_ in _Collo Cygni_. The highest of those three, is distant from _Scheat Pegasi_ 36°. 25'. 45"; the middlemost from the same, 37°. 25'. 20". and the lowest, 38°. 4'. 30". Farewell, and assure the Most Illustrious _Royal Society_ of my humblest Services.

_So far Monsieur Heuelius_, whose accurate Calcul. of the _Solar Eclipses_ Duration, Quantity, &c. is intended to be fully represented the next Month, since it could not be conveniently done this time. The _annexed_ Papers follow.

_One_ is from Monsieur _Joh. Schefferus_, to this purpose.

1. That he is confident, the _Royal Society_ of _England_ will do much good for the advancement of usefull Knowledge.

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2. That he conceives _Amber_ to be a kind of _Fossil Pitch_, whole Veins lie at the bottom of the Sea; believing that it is hardned in tract of time, and by the motion of the Sea cast on shore: _He adds_, that hitherto it hath been believed, not to be found but in _Borussia_; but he assures, that it is also found in _Sueden_, on the shores of the Isle _Biorkóó_, in the Lake _Melero_, whose water is _sweet_. Of this, _he saith_, he hath a fine piece by him, two inches large and thick, presented him by one, that himself with his own hands had gathered it and several other pieces, on the shore of the said Island; affirming withall from the mouth of a Shepherd of that place, that it is thrown out by a strong Wind, bearing upon the shore.

3. That it is most certain, that _Swallows_ sink themselves towards Autumne into Lakes, no otherwise than _Frogs_; and that many have assured him of it, who had seen them drawn out with a Net together with Fishes, and put to the fire, and thereby revived.

4. That 'tis also very true, that many _Animals_ there grow white in Winter, and recover their own Colour in Summer. That himself hath seen and had _Hares_, which about the beginning of Winter and Spring were half white, and half of their native colour: that in the midst of winter he never saw any but all white. That _Foxes_ also are white in Winter; and _Squirrels_ grayish, mixt of dark and white colour.

5. That 'tis known there generally, that _Fishes_ are killed, by reason of the Ice not being broken: but _first_, in ponds only or narrow Lakes; _next_, in such Lakes only, where the Ice is pretty thick; for, where 'tis thin, they dye not so easily. _Lastly_, that those Fishes that lie in slimy or clayie ground, dye not so soon as others. But, _he adds_, that even in great Lakes, when 'tis a very bitter Frost, Ice is wont to be broken, either by the force of the Waves, or of the Imprisoned Vapors, raised by the agitation of the Water, and then bursting out with an impetuosity; witness the noise made by the rupture of the Ice through the whole length of such Lakes, which _he affirms_ to be not less terrible than if many guns went off together. Whereby it falls out, that Fishes are seldom found dead in great Lakes.

6. That neither Oyle, nor a strong Brine of Bay-Salt, is truly {351} congeal'd into Ice, in those parts, _Viz._ at _Upsall_ in _Sueden_.

7. That the Frost pierces into the Earth, two Cubits or _Swedish_ Ells; and what moisture is found in it, is white, like Ice: That Waters, if standing, freeze to a greater depth, even to three such Ells or more; but those that have a Current, less: That rapid Rivers freeze not at all; nor ever-bubling Springs; and that these latter seem even to be warmer in Winter, than Summer.

_So far this Observer_; who likewise offers his Services in giving an answer to the remaining _Queries_, and in entertaining a commerce in such other Philosophical matters, as he is conversant in.

_Another_ Paper written by Monsieur _Febre_, chief Secretary to Prince _Ratzivil_, contains these particulars;

1. That the College of the Learned in _Borussia_, finds it not so easie to resolve all those _Queries_ sent from _England_ to M. _Heuelius:_ but yet that they will try what may be done upon it.

2. That as for himself, he can assure from his own Experience concerning the Effects of Cold; _First_, That in the War against the _Muscovites_ and _Cosacks_, _A._ 1655. in _January_, in _White Russia_, at the Siege of _Biskow_, 30. Leagues from _Smolensko_, and three from _Morhilo_, near the River _Boristhenes_, when they had Quarter in a Village call'd _Bikau_, they were seized on with such a Frost, that all their Provisions of _Spanish_ Wines or _Petersimen_, and _Beere_, were in one Night frozen upon the Sleds, notwithstanding they were cover'd with Straw; in so much, that when next morning they would have drawn of those Liquors, they found all dry, and were constrain'd to carry them into a Stove, to thaw them; which they could not do in two whole days, and were obliged to break the Vessels, and put pieces of the Icy Wine into Kettles to thaw them over the Fire, for Drink: That they asked not for a Draught, but a _Morsel_ of Wine or Beer: That their Horses had no better cheer than themselves, as to matter of Drink; the Pond of the Village being so thoroughly frozen, that there was but very little Water left between the Ice and the bottom of the Pool; whereby the poor Beasts were forced to drink with great reverence, kneeling on the forefeet to thrust their heads into the holes, made for them in the Ice, and to suck thence some drops of Water; and that, if they had not had Snow to eat, there would have dyed a far greater {352} number of them, than there did. Moreover, that he observed, that the _Hungarian Wine_, of which they had a Tun, resisted the Cold better, than the _Peter Simen_; for it was not so much frozen; unless it be, that the Butler had more care of that, than the rest, by transporting it sooner into the Stove, when he found the excess of Cold. Again, that one presenting him in the March with some _Aqua-vitæ_, the Scrue of the Flagon, put to his Mouth, stuck so close to his Lips, that he could not draw it off, without drawing bloud,

In a _third_ Paper, I find these particulars from the same M. _Febre_.

1. That a considerable person, one Dr. _Becker_, a great Lover of Curious Inquiries, has given him hopes to entertain this Philosophical Commerce.

2. That he hath seen men dye in _Poland_ and _Lithuania_ both of _Heat_ and _Cold_. And _first_, that _A._ 1653. in _July_, being with this present King of _Poland_ in march from _Leopoli_ to the Camp of _Glignani_, it was so furiously hot that day of their march, that it caused such an alteration in that Regiment of Foot, which was the Kings Guard, marching most of them bare-foot upon Sands, that more than an hundred of them fell down altogether disabled, whereof a dozen dyed out-right, without any other Sickness. _Secondly_, as to the Cold, that the frost was so bitter, that 3 Souldiers dyed of it, _A._ 1665. the 2. of _January_, in passing a long Ditch: besides, that divers persons lost some of their Lims.

* * * * *

_The Success of the Experiment of Transfusing the Bloud of one Animal into another._

This experiment, hitherto look'd upon to be of an almost unsurmountable difficulty, hath been of late very successfully perform'd not only at _Oxford_, by the directions of that expert Anatomist Dr. _Lower_, but also in _London_, by order of the _R. Society_, at their publick meeting in _Gresham Colledge:_ the Description of the particulars whereof, and the _Method_ of Operation, is referred to the next Opportunity.

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_Errata_ to be corrected in Number 18.

Pag. 311. line 18. read _marked_. p. 312. l. 35. r. _Sines_. ib. l. penult. _Sines_. p. 313. l. 13. r. _Sines_. p. 316. l. 26. r. _that_ for _if_.

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_London_, Printed for _John Crook_ neer the _Blew-Anchor_ in _Duck-lane_; and _Mose Pits_ at the _White-Hart_ in _Little-Britain_.

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_Numb._ 20.

PHILOSOPHICAL _TRANSACTIONS._

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_Munday_, _December_ 17. 1666.

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The Contents.

_The Method observed in _Transfusing the Bloud out of one live Animal
into another_: And how this Experiment is like to be improved. Some
Considerations concerning the same. An Accompt of some Sanative Waters
in _Herefordshire_. A farther Accompt of the _Vitriolate_ Water
mention'd _Numb. 18_. together with some other particulars touching
Waters. Inquiries for _Turky_. An Observation about Optick Glasses made
of Rock-Crystal, communicated from _Italy_. A Relation of the Use of
the Grain of _Kermes_ for _Coloration_, from _France_. An Accompt of
some Books lately publisht, _vid. 1_. PINAX Rerum Naturalium
BRITANNICARUM, continens VEGETABILIA, ANIMALIA & Fossilia ANGLIÆ,
inchoatus; Auth. _Christophoro Merret_, M.D. _2_. PLACITA PHYLOSOPHICA
_Guarini. 3_. GUSTUS ORGANUM per _Laurentium Bellini_ deprehensum._

* * * * *

The Method observed in _Transfusing the Bloud of one Animal into another._

This Method was promised in the last of these Papers. It was first practiced by Dr. _Lower_ in _Oxford_, and by him communicated to the Honourable _Robert Boyl_, who imparted it to the _Royal Society_, as follows;

First, Take up the _Carotidal_ Artery of the Dog or other Animal, whose Bloud is to be transfused into another of the {354} same or a different kind, and separate it from the Nerve of the _Eighth pair_, and lay it bare above an inch. Then make a strong Ligature on the _upper_ part of the Arterie, not to be untied again: but an inch below, _videl._ towards the Heart, make another Ligature of a _running_ knot, which may be loosen'd or fastned as there shall be occasion. Having made these two knots, draw two threds under the Artery between the Ligatures; and then open the Artery, and put in a Quil, and tie the Artery upon the Quill very fast by those two threds, and stop the Quill with a stick. After this, make bare the _Jugular_ Vein in the other Dog about an inch and a half long; and at each end make a Ligature with a running knot, and in the space betwixt the two running knots drawn under the Vein two threds, as in the other: then make an Incision in the Vein, and put into it two Quills, one into the _descendent_ part of the Vein, to receive the bloud from the other Dog and carry it to the Heart; and the other Quill put into the other part of the _Jugular_ Vein, which comes from the Head (out of which, the second Dogs own bloud must run into Dishes.) These two Quills being put in and tied fast, stop them with a stick, till there be occasion to open them.

All things being thus prepar'd, the Dogs on their sides towards one another so conveniently, that the Quill may go into each other, (for the Dogs necks cannot be brought so near, but that you must put two or three several Quills more into the first two, to convey the bloud from one to another.) After that unstop the Quill that goes down into the first Dog's _Jugular_ Vein, and the other Quill coming out of the other Dog's Artery; and by the help of two or three other Quills, put into each other, according as there shall be occasion, insert them into one another. Then flip the running knots, and immediatly the bloud runs through the Quills, as through an Artery, very impetuosly. And immediately, as the bloud runs into the Dog, unstop the other Quill, coming out of the _upper_ part of his _Jugular_ Vein (a Ligature being first made about his Neck, or else his other _Jugular_ Vein being compress'd by ones Finger;) and let his own bloud run out at the same time into Dishes (yet not constantly, but according as you perceive him able to bear it) {355} till the other Dog begin to cry, and faint, and fall into Convulsions, and at last dye by his side.

Then take out both the Quills out of the Dogs _Jugular_ Vein, and tye the running knot fast, and cut the Vein asunder, (which you may doe without any harm to the Dog, one _Jugular_ Vein being sufficient to convey all the bloud from the Head and upper parts, by reason of a large _Anatomosis_, whereby both the _Jugular_ Veins meet about the _Larinx_.) This done, sow up the skin and dis-miss him, and the Dog will leap from the Table and shake himself and run away, as if nothing ailed him.

And this I have tryed several times, before several in the _Universities_, but never yet upon more than one Dog at a time, for want of leisure, and convenient supplyes of several Dogs at once. But when I return, I doubt not but to give you a fuller account, not only by bleeding several Dogs into one, but several other creatures into one another, as you did propose to me, before you left _Oxford_; which will be very easie to perform; and will afford many pleasant and perhaps not unuseful Experiments.

But because there are many Circumstances necessary to be observ'd in the performing of this Experiment, and that you may better direct any one to doe it, without any danger of killing the other Dog, that is to receive the others bloud, I will mention two or three.

_First_, that you fasten the Dogs at such a convenient distance, that the Vein nor Artery be not stretched; for then, being contracted, they will not admit or convey so much bloud.

_Secondly_, that you constantly observe the Pulse beyond the Quill in the Dogs _Jugular_ Vein (which it acquires from the impulse of the _Arterious_ bloud:) For if that fails, then 'tis a sign the Quil is stopt by some congealed bloud, so that you must draw out the _Arterial_ Quill from the other, and with a _Probe_ open the passage again in both of them, that the bloud may have its free course again. For, this must be expected, when the Dog, that bleeds into the other, hath lost much bloud, his heart will beat very faintly, and then the impulse {356} of bloud being weaker, it will be apt to congeal the sooner, so that at the latter end of the work you must draw out the Quill ofter, and clear the passage; if the Dog be faint-hearted, as many are, though some stout fierce Dogs will bleed freely and uninterruptedly, till they are convuls'd and dye. But to prevent this trouble, and make the experiment certain, you must bleed a great Dog into a little one, or a _Mastive_ into a _Curr_, as I once try'd, and the little Dog bled out at least double the quantity of his own bloud, and left the _Mastive_ dead upon the Table, and after he was untyed, he ran away and shak'd himself, as if he had been only thrown into water. Or else you may get three or four several Dogs prepared in the same manner; and when one begins to fail and leave off bleeding, administer another, and I am confident one Dog will receive all their bloud, (and perhaps more) as long as it runs freely, till they are left almost dead by turns: provided that you let out the bloud proportionably, as you let it goe into the Dog, that is to live.

_Thirdly_, I suppose the Dog that is to bleed out into dishes will endure it the better, if the Dogs that are to be administred to supply his bloud, be of near an equal age, and fed alike the day before, that both their blouds may be of a neer strength and temper.

There are many things I have observed upon bleeding Dogs to death, which I have seen since your departure from _Oxford_, whereof I shall give you a relation hereafter; in the mean time since you were pleased to mention it to the _Royal Society_, with a promise to give them an account of this experiment, I could not but take the first opportunity to clear you from that obligation, &c.

_So far this Letter;_ the prescriptions whereof having been carefully observ'd by those who were imployed to make the Experiment, have hitherto been attended with good success; and that not only upon Animals of the same _Species_ (as two Dogs first, and then two Sheep) but also upon some of very differing _Species_ (as a Sheep and a Dog; the former _Emitting_, the other _Receiving_)

_Note_ only, that instead of a Quill, a small crooked thin {357} Pipe of Silver or Brass, so slender that the one end may enter into a Quill, and having at the other end, that is to enter into the Vein and Arterie, a small knob, for the better fastening them to it with a thread, will be much fitter than a strait Pipe or Quill, for this Operation: for so they are much more easie to be managed.

'Tis intended, that these tryals shall be prosecuted to the utmost variety the subject will bear: As by exchanging the bloud of Old and Young, Sick and Healthy, Hot and Cold, Fierce and Fearful, Lame and Wild Animals, &c., and, that not only the same, but also of differing kinds. For which end, and to improve this noble Experiment, either for knowledge, or use, or both, some Ingenious men have already proposed considerable tryals and Inquiries; of which perhaps an account will be given hereafter. For the present we shall only subjoyn some.

_Considerations about this kind of Experiments._

1. It may be consider'd in them, that the bloud of the _Emittent_ Animal, may after a few minuts of time, by its circulation, mix and run out with that of the _Recipient_. Wherefore to be assured in these Tryals, that all the bloud of the _Recipient_ is run out, and none left in him but the adventitious bloud of the _Emittent_, two or three or more Animals (which was also hinted in the _method_ above) may be prepared and administred, to bleed them all out into one.

2. It seems not irrational to guess afore hand, that the exchange of bloud will not alter the nature or disposition of the Animals, upon which it shall be practised; though it may be thought worth while for satisfaction and certainty, to determine that point by Experiments. The case of exchanging the bloud of Animals seems not like that of _Graffing_, where the _Cyons_ turns the Sap of the _Stock_, graffed upon, into its nature; the _Fibres_ of the Cyons so straining the juice, which passes from the stem to it, as thereby to change it into that of the Cyons, whereas in this transfusion there seems to be no such {358} Percolation of the bloud of Animals, whereby that of the one should be changed into the nature of the other.

3. The most probable use of this Experiment may be conjectured to be that one Animal may live with the bloud of another; and consequently, that those Animals, that want bloud, or have corrupt bloud, may be supplyed from other with a sufficient quantity, and of such as is good, provided the Transfusion be often repeated, by reason of the quick expence that is made of the bloud.

* * * * *

Note.

_In the last _Transactions_ was also promised an Accompt by the next, of Monsieur _Hevelius_ his accurate Calcul. of the late _Solar Eclipses_, Duration, Quantity, &c. But this being to be accompanyed with _Scheme_, the _Graving_ whereof met with a disappointment, it must be still referred to another Opportunity._

* * * * *

_An Accompt of some Sanative-waters in _Herefordshire_._

This account was communicated by Dr. _B._ in these words.

There are two Springs in _Herefordshire_, whereof one is within a Bolt, or at least Bow-shoot of the top of the near adjoyning loftie Hill of _Malvern_, and at great distance from the Foot of the Hill; and hath had a long and old fame for healing of eyes. When I was for some years molested with Tetters on the back of one and sometimes of both my hands, notwithstanding all endeavors of my very friendly and skilful Physitians I had speedy healing from a neighbouring Spring of far less fame. Yet this Spring healed very old and Ulcerous sores on the Legs of a poor Fellow, which had been poyson'd by Irons in the Gaol, after other Chirurgery had been hopeless. And by many tryals upon my hands, and the Tetters; I was perswaded, that in long droughts, and lasting dry Frosts, those waters were more effectually and more speedily healing, than at other times. And not to omit this circumstance, I did hold this water in my mouth, till it was warm, perchance somewhat intermingled with fasting Spittle, {359} and so dropping it upon the Tetter, I there could see it immediately gather a very thin skin upon the raw flesh, not unlike that which is seen to gather upon Milk over a gentle fire. This skin would have small holes in it, through which a moisture did issue in small drops, which being wip'd away, and the water continued to be dropp'd warm out of the mouth, the holes would diminish, and at last be all quite healed up.

For the _Eye-waters_, I conceived them more strongly tersive, and clearing the Eyes; and they had a rough smartness, as if they carryed Sand or Gravel into the Eye.

I have known and try'd three or four healing Fountains of late discovery, or of no old fame that I could hear of.

I did once put rich _Marle_ for some days in a vessel of water, to try whether the water would acquire a healing vertue, but my Experiments were interrupted. I had in my thoughts many other ways of Tryal; which I may resume hereafter.

* * * * *

_A farther Accompt of the _Vitriolate-water_, mention'd _Num. 18 p. 323_. Together with some other particulars touching waters._

This comes from the same hand as follows;

I formerly mentioned to you, that, if that Pool of Mr. _Phillip's_, which seems to be of Vitriolate-water, were on my ground, I would drain it, and search the head of the Spring, pursuing the source, till I could well discern, through what lay of Earth or Gravel it does pass. Now I shall tell you, that I have taken order for the further tryal of the said Water, by boiling a greater quantity in a Furnace, &c. But just as we were in readiness for the tryal, a stream of Rain-water fell into the Pool, and so discourag'd us for the present. I have also taken a course to turn the falling Waters aside, and to drain the Pool, that we may see, what the Native Springs (whether one or more) may be. Of which more hereafter.

I wish (_so he goes on_) we had a full Accompt of our _Salt-Springs_ at _Droyt-wych_ near _Worcester_, and at _Nant-wych_ in _Cheshire_ (what other Salt-Springs we have in _England_, I know not:) {360} It should be inquired, at what distance they are from the Seas, or from Salt-fluxes, from Hills, and how deep in the Vales? What the weight? Whether in droughts or long Frosts the proportion of Salt or weight increaseth? Whether the Earth near the Springs, or in their passage hath any peculiar ferment, or produceth a blackishness, if it rests, after it is well drained.

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_Inquiries for _Turky_._

Though many Relations and Descriptions of _Turky_ be extant in Print, yet they leave in many a desire of a fuller information in the following particulars, lately drawn up, for the most part by Mr. _H._ and recommended to an Ingenious Gentleman, bound for that Country; and desired also to be taken notice of by others, that may have occasion to visit the same.

[Sidenote: * _Rusma_ is a kind of Earth, used in _Turky_ to take away hair.]

1. In what part of _Turky_ the * _Rusma_ is to be found; and in what quantity? Whether the _Turks_ employ it to any other Uses, besides that of the taking away of Hair? Whether here be differing kinds of it? How it is used to take of hair, and how to get store of it.

2. Whether the _Turks_ do not only take _Opium_ themselves for strength and courage, but also give it to their Horses, Camels and Dromedaries, for the same purpose, when they find them tired and faint in their travelling? What is the greatest _Dose_, any men are known to have taken of _Opium_? and how prepared?

3. What effects are observed from their use, not only of _Opium_ (already mention'd) but also of Coffee, Bathing, shaving their Heads, using Rice; and why they prefer that which grows not unless water'd, before Wheat, &c.

4. How their Damasco steel is made and temper'd?

5. What is their way of dressing and making Leather, which though thin and supple, will hold out water?

6. What method they observe in breeding those excellent Horses, they are so much famed for?

7. Whether they be so skilful in Poysoning, as it is said; and how their Poysons are curable?

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8. How the _Armenians_ keep Meat fresh and sweet so long, as 'tis said they do?

9. What Arts or Trades they have worth Learning?

10. Whether there be such a Tree about _Damascus_, call'd _Mouslat_, which every year about the Month of _December_ is cut down close by the root, and within four or five Months time shoots up again apace, bringing forth Leaves, Flowers, and Fruit also, and bearing but one Apple (an excellent Fruit) at once?

11. Whether about _Reame_ in the Southern part of _Arabia Foelix_, there be Grapes without any grains? And whether the people in that Country live, many of them, to a hundred and twenty years, in good health?

12. Whether in _Candia_ there be no poysonous Creatures; and whether those Serpents, that are there, are without poyson?

13. Whether all Fruits, Herbs, Earth, Fountains, are naturally saltish in the Isle of _Cyprus_? And whether those parts of this Isle, which abound in _Cyprus-trees_, are more or less healthful, than others?

14. What store of _Amianthus_ there is in _Cyprus_; and how they work it?

15. Whether _Mummies_ be found in the sands of _Arabia_, that are the dryed flesh of men buried in those sandy Deserts in travelling? And how they differ in their vertue from the Embalmed ones?

16. Whether the parts about the City of _Constantinople_ or _Asia Minor_, be as subject to Earth-quakes now, as they have been formerly? And whether the Eastern Winds do not Plague the said City with Mists, and cause that inconstancy of Weather, it is said to be subject to?

17. Whether the Earth-quakes in _Zant_ and _Cephalonia_ be so frequent, as now and then to happen nine or ten times a Month? And whether these Isles be not very Cavernous?

18. What is the height of Mount _Caucasus_, its position, temper in its several parts, &c.

19. With what declivity the Water runs out of the _Euxine-Sea_ into the _Propontis_? With what depth? And if the many Tides and Eddies, so famous by the name of the _Euripi_, have any certain Period? {362}

20. If in the _Euxine-Sea_ there can be found any sign of the _Caspian Seas_ emptying it self into it by a passage under ground? If there be any different Colour, or Temper as to Heat or Cold; or any Current or Motion in the Water, that may give light to it?

21. By what Inland passages they go to _China_; there being now a passage for _Caravans_ throughout those places, that would formerly admit of no Correspondence by reason of the Barbarisme of the Inhabitants?

22. Whether in the Aquæducts, they make, they line the inside with as good Plaister, as the Ancients did? and how theirs is made?

23. To inquire after these excellent works of Antiquity, of which that Country is full, and which by the ignorant are not thought worth notice or preservation? And particularly, what is the bigness and structure of the Aquaeducts, made in several places about _Constantinople_ by _Solyman_ the Magnificent? &c.

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_An Observation of Optick Glasses made of _Rock-Chrystal_._

This is contained in a Letter of _Eustachio Divini_, Printed in _Italian_ at _Rome_, as the _39. Journal des Scavans_ extracts it, _vid._

[Sidenote: * It may be queried whether those were true Veins, or only Superficial Strictures, and slight scratches.]

Though it be commonly believed, that _Rock-Christal_ is not fit for Optick-Glasses, because there are many Veins in it; yet _Eustachio Divini_ made one of it, which _he saith_ proved an excellent one, though full of Veins. *

* * * * *

_An Accompt of the Use of the Grain of _Kermes_ for Coloration._

This was communicated by the Ingenious Dr. _Croon_, as he received it from one Monsieur _Verny_, a _French_ Apothecary at _Montpelier_; who having described the Grain of _Kermes_, to be an excrescence growing upon the Wood, and often upon the {363} leaves of a Shrub, plentifull in _Languedock_, and gather'd in the end of _May_, and the beginning of _June_, full of a red Juyce; subjoyns two Uses, which that Grain hath, the one for _Medicine_, the other for _Dying of Wool_. Waving the _first_, notice shall only be taken here of the _latter_, vid. That, for _Dying_, they take the Grain of _Kermes_, when ripe, and spread it upon Linnen: And at first, whilst it abounds most in moisture, 'tis turn'd twice or thrice a day, to prevent its Heating. And when there appears red powder amongst it, they separate it, passing it through a Searce; and then again spread abroad the Grain upon Linnen, untill there be perceived the same redness of the powder; and at the end, this red power appears _about_ and _on_ the surface of the Grain, which is still to be pass'd through a Searce, till it render no more.

And in the beginning, when the small red Grains are seen to move (as they will do) they are sprinkled over with strong Vinegar, and rubb'd between ones hands: afterwards little balls are form'd thereof, which are expos'd to the Sun to dry.

If this red powder should be let alone, without pouring Vinegar or some other accid liquor upon it, out of every Grain thereof would be form'd a little Fly, which would skip and fly up and down for a day or two, and at last changing its colour, fall down quite dead, deprived of all the bitterness, the Grains, whence they are generated, had before.

The Grain being altogether emptyed of its pulp or red powder, 'tis wash'd in Wine, and then expos'd to the Sun Being well dryed, 'tis rubb'd in a Sack to render it bright; and then 'tis put up in small Sacks, putting in the midst, according to the quantity, the Grain has afforded, 10. or 12. pounds (for a _Quintal_) of the dust, which is the red powder, that came out of it. And accordingly, as the Grain affords more or less of the said powder, Dyers buy more or less of it.

'Tis to be noted, That the first red powder, which appears, issues out of the Hole of the Grain, that is on the side, where the Grain adhered to the Plant. And that, which about the end appears sticking on the Grain, hath been alive in the husk, having pierced its covers though the hole, whence it commonly issues, remains close as to the Eye. {364}

* * * * *

_An Account of Some Books lately published._

1. _PINAX Rerum Naturalium BRITANNICARUM, continens VEGETABILIA, ANIMALIA & FOSSILIA in hoc Insula reperta, inchoatus, Auth._ Christophoro Merret, _Med. D. & utriusque_ Societatis Regiæ _socio._

The Learned and Inquisitive Author of this Book, hath by his laudable example of collecting together, what Natural things are to be found here in _England_, of all sorts (which he has done upon his own expences) given an invitation to the curious in all parts of the world to attempt the like, thereby to establish the much desired and highly useful commerce among _Naturalists_, and to contribute every where to the composing of a genuine and full _History of Nature_.

In the _Preface_ he intimates, that his stock does still encrease dayly; and that therefore the Reader may expect an _Appendix_ to this collection.

In the Body of the Book, he enumerates all the _Species_, Alphabetically: And, as to _Vegetables_, he reckons up about 410 sorts; and gives their _Latine_ and _English_ Names, and the _Places_ and _Times_ of their growth: reducing them afterwards to certain _Classes_, hitherto used by _Botanick_ Writers in their _Histories_ of _Plants_: Adding the _Etymology_ of their Generick Names, and a compendious _Register_ of the Time, _when_ and _how long_ the _English_ Plants do shoot and flourish.

As to _Animals_, he finds of them about 340 kinds in _England_, whereof the _fourfooted_ are about 50, _Birds_ 170, and _Fishes_ 120. _Insects_ are innumerable, which yet he endeavours to enumerate, and to reduce to certain _Classes_; into which he also brings the three former kinds.

Concerning _Fossils_, he _first_ takes notice of the _Metals_ found in _English_ Mines; as _Silver, Tin, Copper, Iron, Lead, Antimony_, and some _Gold_ extracted out of _Tin_. Next of the _Stones_, of which he finds about 70 sorts; & amongst them, _Bristol Diamonds, Agates, Hyacinths, Emerods, Loadstones, Toad-stones_, (which last yet he affirms to be nothing but the grinding-teeth of the {365} Fish _Lupus_) _Pearls, Corals, Marble, Alablaster, Emery:_ To which he adds the various kinds of _Coals_; as also _Bitumens, Turfs_ and _Jets_. And _thirdly_ of the various kinds of _Allam, Vitriol, Niter, Sea-salt, Pit-salt_. But _fourthly_ of the various _Earths_, of which he reckons up 15. peculiar sorts (besides those that serve for _Husbandry_, which are not easily numbred;) and amongst them, _Read-lead, Black-lead_ and _Fullers-earth_.

He concludes all with mentioning the several _Meteors_ appearing in _England_; and the _Hot springs_; and _Medical Waters_; as also, the _Salin, Petrifying_, and some more unusual Springs: _Item, Subterraneous Trees, Subterraneous Rivers, Ebbings and Flowings of Wells_, &c.

II. _PLACITA PHILOSOPHICA Guarini._ The chief subject of this Treatise is Natural _Philosophy_; upon many important questions whereof it enlargeth, as those of the Motion of the Coelestial Bodies, of Light, of Meteors, and of the vital and animal functions; leaving sometimes the common opinions, and delighting in the defence of _Paradoxes_.

_E. G._ That the material substantial Form, is nothing but _mera potentia_, and subsists not by it self: by which means the Author judges, he can free himself from many great difficulties touching _Generation_ and _Corruption_, which do perplex the other Philosophers.

He holds _Epicycles_ to be impossible, and _Excentricks_, not sufficient to explicate the motion of the Stars; but that all the irregularities of this motion may be salved by the means of certain _Spiral_ Lines; largely proving this _Hypothesis_, and particularly explicating the motion of each Planet.

He denies the middle Region of the Air to be cold; and believes that cold is not necessary to condense the vapours into Water.

He admits not that received Axiome, _That the generation of one Body is the corruption of another_; maintaining that there are _Generations_, to which no corruption ever preceded; and that it may happen, that one Animal without dying may be changed into another Animal.

He alledges several reasons to evince, that the Air breathed in, enters not only into the whole capacity of the Chest, but also into the lower belly. {366}

He is of opinion that the Air, which is commonly believed to corrupt easily, is incorruptible; alledging among other reasons, this for one, that experience shews, that if a Bottle be exactly stop'd, there is never any mixt Body form'd in it; wherefore, _saith he_, the Air is not corrupted there.

He maintains, that 'tis not the _Magnet_ that draws the Iron, but rather the Iron that attracts the _Magnet_. To explain which he affirms, that the Load-stone spreads abroad out of it self many corpuscles, which the substance of the Iron imbibes, and that, as dry things attract those that are moist, by the same reason Iron drawn the Loadstone.

He rejects the _species intentionales_, _Vital_ and _Animal_ Spirits, and holds many other uncommon opinions, touching _Light_, the _Iris_, the _Flux and Reflux of the Sea_, &c.

III. _GUSTUS ORGANUM per _Laurentium Bellini_ novissimè deprehensum._

The Author proposing to himself to discover both the principal _Organ_ of the _Taste_, and the nature of its _object_, begins with the latter, and examins first, what is _Taste?_ He judges that it is caused by nothing but Salts, which being variously figured, affects the tongue variously: alledging this for his chief reason, that the Salt which is extracted by _Chymists_ out of any mixt body whatever it be, carries away with it all its taste, and that the rest remains tasteless. He adds that the Teeth in grinding the Food, serve much to extract this Salt: And he notes by the by, that the Teeth are so necessary for preparing the aliment, that certain Animals which seem to have none, have them in their stomach; and that nature has put at the entry of the palat of those that are altogether destitute of them, certain moveable inequalities, which are to them instead of Teeth.

But then _secondly_, concerning the _Organ_ of Taste, he esteems, that 'tis neither the Flesh, nor the Tongue, nor the Membrans, nor the Nerves found there, nor the Glanduls, called _Amygdalinæ_; but those _little eminences_ that are found upon the tongue of all Animals. To obtain which, he observes,

1. That from the middle of the Tongue to the root, as also towards the tip, there are found innumerable _little Risings_ {367} called _Papillares_; but that from the tip of the Tongue unto the string there is observed none at all.

2. He hath experimented, that if you put _Sal Armoniack_ upon the places of the Tongue, where those _Eminencies_ are not, you shall find no Taste; but that you will find it presently assoon as you put any such Salt, where they are to be met with. Ergo, _saith he_, those _Eminencies_ are the principal Organ of Taste.

3. He assures, that with a _Microscope_, may be seen in those _Risings_ many little holes, at the bottom whereof there are small nerves, terminating there: But _he directs_, to observe this in live and healthy, not in dead or sick Animals.

Having laid down these Observations, he concludes, that the manner, after which Taste is perform'd, is this, That the particles of Salt passing through those pores, which pierce the _Papillary Eminences_, and penetrating as far as to the nerves, that meet them there, do by the means of their small points prick them; which pricking is called the _Taste_.

In the mean time he acknowledges, that before him Signior _Malphigi_, Professor at _Messina_, had made some of these discoveries.

The notice of these two last Books we owe to the _French Journal_.

* * * * *

_Correct in Number._ 19.

Page, 342. line, 33. read _mixt Ores_, in stead of, _mixt with Ores_.

* * * * *

_London_, Printed for _John Martin_, Printer to the _Royal Society_, and are to be sold at the _Bell_ a little without _Temple-Bar_.

{369}

* * * * *

_Numb._ 21.

PHILOSOPHICAL _TRANSACTIONS._

* * * * *

_Munday_, _January_ 21. 1666.

* * * * *

The Contents.

_An Account, formerly promised, of Monsieur _Hevelius's_ Calculation of
the late _Solar Eclipse's_ Quantity, Duration, &c. The Figure of the
Star in the Constellation of _Cygnus_, together with the New Star in
it, discovered some years ago, and very lately seen again by the same
Mr. _Hevelius_. An Extract of a Letter, written by Mr. _Auzout_,
concerning a way of his, for taking the _Diameters_ of the Planets, and
for knowing the _Parallax_ of the _Moon_: Giving also a Reason, why in
the _Solar Eclipse_ above-mentioned, the _Diameter_ of the _Moon_ did
increase about the end. A Relation of the loss of the Way to prepare
the _Bononian Stone_ for shining. A Description of a _Swedish Stone_,
affording _Sulphur, Vitriol, Allum_, and _Minium_. A Relation of the
Raining of Ashes. An Extract of a Letter from _Rome_, rectifying the
Relation of _Salamanders_ living in Fire. An Account of several
Engagements for _Observing of Tydes_. Some Suggestions for Remedies
against Cold. A Relation of an uncommon accident in two Aged Persons.
An Account of Two Books, _I. ISMAELIS BULLIALDI ad Astronomos Monita
duo: Primum, de Stella Nova, in _Collo Ceti_ ante aliquot annos visa.
Alterum, de Nebulosa Stella in _Andromedæ_ Cinguli parte _Borea_, ante
biennium iterum ortâ. II. ENTRETIENS sur les vies & sur les Ouvrages
des plus excellens Peintres, antients & modernes, par M. FELIBIEN_._

* * * * *

_Monsieur _Hevelius_'s Calculation of the late _Solar Eclipse's_ Quantity, Duration, &c._

This _Calculus_ was not long since communicated by Monsieur _Hevelius_ in a Letter to the _Publisher_, as follows, {370}

_Eclipsis Solaris._

_Observata An. 1666. D. 2. Julii, St. N. Mane, à Johanne Hevelio._

----+-----------------+-----------+----------+--------+--------+----
Ordo| |Temp æstin | |Altitude| |
Pha-|Quantitas |sec. horol |Temp. sec.| [Sun] |Tempus |
sium|Phasium |ambulat. |Sciother. | |correct.|Anim.
----+-----------------+-----------+----------+--------+--------+----
| |H. ' " |H. ' " | °. ' |H. ' " |
| |5.51.11 |5.51. 0 |17.45 |5.53.12 | 1.
| |5.57. 5 |5.57. 0 |18.37 |5.59.28 |
| |6. 0. 0 |6. 0. 0 |18.55 |6. 1.28 |
----+-----------------+-----------+----------+--------+--------+----
|Initium |6.55.30 | | |6.57.30 | 2.
1 |0-3/8 dig. |6.57.30 | | |5.59.30 |
2 |0-3/4 |7. 0.23 |7. 0. 0 | |7. 2.23 |
3 |1-1/8 |7. 2.30 |7. 2. 0 | |7. 4.30 |
----+-----------------+-----------+----------+--------+--------+----
4 |1-1/2 dig. |7. 4.50 |7. 5 ferè.| |7. 6.50 |
5 |1-3/8 ferè. |7.10.57 |7.10 | |7.12.57 |
6 |3-3/8 |7.14.59 |7.15 | |7.16.59 |
7 |3-3/4 |7.17.50 |7.18 ferè.| |7.19.50 |
----+-----------------+-----------+----------+--------+--------+----
8 |4-3/8 dig. |7.21.35 |7.21 | |7.23.35 |
9 |4-2/3 |7.23.43 |7.23 ferè.| |7.25.43 |
10 |5-1/4 |7.27.53 |7.28 | |7.29.53 | 3.
11 |6 |7.31.50 |7.32 | |7.33.50 |
----+-----------------+-----------+----------+--------+--------+----
12 |6-3/4 |7.36.55 |7.37 | |7.38.55 |
13 |6-7/8 paul. plus.|7.38. 5 |7.38 | |7.40. 0 |
14 |7-1/8 |7.39.45 |7.39 | |7.41.45 |
15 |7-1/4 paul. plus.|7.42.30 |7.42 | |7.44.30 |
----+-----------------+-----------+----------+--------+--------+----
16 |7-1/2 |7.44. 6 |7.44 | |7.46. 6 |
17 |7-2/3 |7.46. 0 |7.46 | |7.48. 0 |
18 |8 ferè |7.48.25 |7.48 ferè | |7.50.25 |
19 |8-1/5 |7.51.15 |7.51 | |7.53.15 |
----+-----------------+-----------+----------+--------+--------+----
20 |8-1/4 paul. plus.|7.53.37 |7.52 | |7.55.37 |
21 |8-3/4 |7.55.45 |7.56 ferè | |7.57.45 |
22 |8-3/4 paul. min. |7.59. 5 |7.59 | |8. 1. 5 | 4.
23 |8-1/5 |8. 6.30 |8. 6 | |8. 8.30 |
{371}
----+-----------------+-----------+----------+--------+--------+----
24 |7-3/4 |8.11.25 |8.12 | |8.13.25 | 5.
25 |7-1/4 ferè. |8.17.30 |8.18 | |8.19.30 |
26 |7 ferè. |8.19.41 |8.19 | |8.21.41 |
27 |5-7/8 |8.28. 8 |8.28 | |8.30. 8 |
----+-----------------+-----------+----------+--------+--------+----
28 |5-1/2 ferè. |8.30.14 |8.30 | |8.32.14 |
29 |4-3/4 |8.36.25 |8.36 | |8.38.25 |
30 |3-5/8 |8.43.19 |8.43 | |8.45.19 |
31 |3-1/4 |8.46.12 |8.46 ferè.| |8.48.12 |
----+-----------------+-----------+----------+--------+--------+----
32 |3 |8.47.32 |8.47 | |8.29.32 |
33 |2-3/4 |8.50.57 |8.50 | |8.52.57 |
34 |2-1/2 ferè |8.54.15 |8.54 | |8.56.15 |
35 |1-3/4 |8.58.24 |8.58 | |9. 0.24 |
----+-----------------+-----------+----------+--------+--------+----
36 |1-1/8 |8.59.35 |8.59 | |9. 1.35 |
37 |0-5/6 |9. 1.38 |9. 1 | |9. 3.38 |
38 |0-1/2 |9. 3.20 |9. 3 |Altit. |9. 5.20 |
39 |Finis. |9. 6.53 |9. 6 |[Sun] |9. 8.53 | 6.
----+-----------------+-----------+----------+--------+--------+----
| |9.23. 6 | |47.33 |9.25 28 |
| |9.24.16 | |47.42 |9.26.45 |
| |9.28.29 | |48.10 |9.30.42 |
| |9.30.36 | |48.28 |9.33.12 |

_Animadvertenda._

1. Quòd Sciatericum cum correcto tempore non omnino convenit, non-nisi Lineæ Meridianæ imputandum.

2. Initium circa 79 gr. à puncto _Zenith_ occasum versùs contigit.

3. Hujusque Semidiameter Lunæ æqualis extitit Solari.

4. Maxima obscuratio extitit digit. 8.25' hora 8.2'.

5. Hic Semidiameter _Lunæ/_ ad 8" vel 9" major apparuit.*

* _See Numb. 19 of the Philosophical Transactions, p. 347._

6. Punctum finis distitit à verticali ad Ortum 143 gr.

This Observation is by the same _Astronomer_, represented also by the _Figures AAAAAA_; as that of the _Horizontal Eclipse_ of the _Moon_, is, by the _Figures BB_.

{372}

* * * * *

_The Figure of the Stars in the Constellation of _Cygnus_; together with the _New Star_ in it, discover'd some years since, and very lately seen by M. _Hevelius_ again._

The Relation concerning this _New Star_ in the _Brest of Cygnus_, very lately discover'd again at _Dantzick_, by M. _Hevelius_, was publish't _Numb_. 19. _p_. 349. The _Figure_ of that _Constellation_, with the _New Star_ in it, was thus, hastily drawn, sent over by that Observer.

{373}

* * * * *

_An Extract of a Letter written _Decemb. 28. 1666_. by M. _Auzout_ to the Publisher, concerning a way of his, for taking the _Diameters_ of the _Planets_, and for knowing the _Parallax_ of the _Moon_; as also the Reason, why in the _Solar Eclipse_ above calculated, the _Diameter_ of the _Moon_ did increase about the end._

I did apply my self the last Summer to the taking of the _Diameters_ of the Sun, Moon, and the other Planets, by a Method, which one M. _Picard_ and my self have, esteem'd by Us the best of all those, that have been practis'd hitherto; since we can take the _Diameters_ to _Second Minutes_, being able to divide one foot into 24000. or 30000. parts, scarce failing as much as in one only part, so as we can in a manner be _assur'd_, not to deceive our selves in 3. or 4. _seconds_. I shall not now tell you my Observations, but I may very well assure you, that the _Diameter_ of the _Sun_ has not been much less in his _Apogee_, than 31. m. 37. or 40. sec. and certainly not lesse than 31. m. 35. sec. and that at present in his _Perigee_ it passes not 32. m. 45. sec. and may be lesse by a second or two. That, which is at the present troublesome, is, that the _Vertical_ Diameter, which is the most easie to take, is diminisht, even at _Noon_, by 8. or 9. sec., because of the _Refractions_, which are much greater in Winter than Summer at the same height; and that the _Horizontal_ Diameter is difficult, because of the swift motion of the Heavens.

As for the _Moon_, I never yet found her Diameter less than 29. m. 44. or 45. sec. and I have not seen it pass 33. m. or if it hath, it was only by a few _seconds_. But I have not yet taken her in all the kinds of situations of the _Apogees_ and _Perigees_ which happen, with the _Conjunctions_ and _Quadratures_. I do not mention all, what can be deduced from thence, but if you have Persons at _London_, that observe these _Diameters_, we may entertain our selves more about this Subject, another time. I shall only tell you, that I have found a Way to know the _Parallax_ of the _Moon_, by the means of her _Diameter_: _Vid_. If on a day, when she is to be in her _Apogee_ or _Perigee_, and in the most _Boreal_ Signes, you take her Diameter towards the _Horizon_, and then towards the _South_, with her _Altitudes_ {374} above the Horizon. For, if the Observation of the Diameters be exact; as in these Situations the Moon changes not considerably her Distance from the Earth in 6. or 7. hours, the _Difference_ of the Diameters will shew the Proportion there is of her Distance, with the Semi-diameter of the Earth. I do not enlarge, because that as soon as one hath this _Idea_, the rest is easie. The same would yet be practis'd better in the places, where the Moon passes through the _Zenith_, than here, for the greater the difference is of the Heights, the greater is that of the Diameters. I do not note (for it easily appears) that, if one were under the same _Meridian_, or the same _Azimuth_ in two very different places, and took at the same time the Diameter of the Moon, one would do the same thing, though this Method goes not to preciseness.

From what has been said, may be collected the reason of the Observation, which M. _Hevelius_ made in the last _Eclipse of the Sun_, touching the increase of the Moon's Diameter about the end. I am exceeding glad, that a person, who probably knew not the cause of it, has made the Experiment: but it is strange, that until now no Astronomer has foreseen, that that should happen, nor given any precepts for the Change of the _Moons Diameter_ in the _Eclipses of the Sun_, according to the places, where they should happen, and according to the Hour and Height, the Moon should have. For, what hapned in that _Eclipse_ of Augmentation, would have faln out contrarily, if it had been in the Evening; for, the Moon, which in that _Eclipse_, that began in the Morning, was higher about the end than at the beginning, was nearer us, and consequently was to appear bigger: But if the _Eclipse_ should happen in the Evening, she would be lower at the end, and therefore more distant from us, and consequently appear lesser. So also in two different places, whereof one should have the Eclipse in the Morning, and the other at Noon, the Moon should appear bigger to him that hath it at Noon: And she must likewise appear bigger to those, who shall have a leser _Elevation_ of the _Pole_ under the same _Meridian_, because the Moon will be nearer them.

I wish, I could satisfie you about the _Optick Glasses_ of Signior _Burattini_ in _Poland_, which he hath sent hither; but I have not yet seen their performances my self. I only saw once the Glasses, {375} which are perfectly well wrought and well polisht. Those, that have tried them, find them very good; but they are only, the one of 10, the other of 8. foot. A good Astronomer told me, that they would bear a great _Aperture_ in respect of their length.