Chapter M: A Hook, on which the end of the Chain is fastned by a Ring, the (3)

In the same Town (which abounds with Spring-waters) there are two, among the rest, called _Bandulph's-well_, and _Brun Zum Brunnen_, that are more observable then the other; the former of them having a _Camphory_ and drying Quality, and used against Hydropical Distempers; the latter containing some Sulphur, Saltpeter and Gold, and being an excellent Water to drink, much used in the principal Tavern of the City, where the chief of the Town do resort, and near which it runs.

In _Alsatia_ in the Valley, called _Leberthal_, near _Geesbach_ (an ancient Mine-work) there runs out of a _Cavern_ a foul, fattish, oily Liquor, which, though the Country-men of that place employ to the vile use of greasing their Wheels, instead of ordinary Wheel-grease; yet doth it afford an excellent Balsom, by taking a quantity of it, and putting it in an Earthen Pot well luted, that no steam may exhale; and then with a gentle Fire at first, but a stronger afterwards, boyling it for three hours together; in which space it will boyl in a fourth part, and an Earthen Matter, like Pitch, will settle it self at the bottom: but on the top thereof, when cold, there will swim a fatty Substance, like Lyne-Oyl, limped and somewhat yellowish, which is to be decanted from the thick Sediment, and then gently distilled in an Alembick in _Arena_, by which means, there will come over two differing Liquors, one Phlegmatick, the other Oily, {136} which latter swimming on the Phlegm, is to be severed from it. The Phlegm is used as an excellent Resister and Curer of all the Putrefactions of the Lungs and Liver, and it heals all foul Wounds and Ulcers. The Oily part, being diluted with double its quantity of distilled Vineger, and brought three times over the Helm, yields a rare Balsom, against all inward and outward Corruptions, stinking Ulcers, hereditary Scurfs and Scabs: 'Tis also much used against Apoplexies, Palsies, Consumptions, Giddinesses, and Head-aches. Inwardly they take it with Succory-water against all corruptions of the Lungs. It is a kind of _Petroleum_, and contains no other Mineral Juice, but that of _Sulphur_, which seems to be thus distilled by _Nature_ under ground; the distillation of an Oyl out of _Sulphur_ by Art, being not so easie to perform.

* * * * *

_Of the richest _Salt-Springs_ in _Germany_._

An Account having been desired of those two chief _Salt-Springs_ in _Germany_, at _Hall_ and _Lunenburg_, it was lately transmitted thus:

The _Salt-Springs_ at _Hall_ in _Saxony_ are four, called _Gutiaar_, the _Dutch-Spring_, the _Mettritz_, and the _Hackel-dorn_; whereof the three first hold near the same proportion of Salt; the last hold less, but yields the purest Salt. The three first hold about seven parts of Salt, three of Marcasit, and fourteen of water: They are, besides their Oeconomical use, employed Medicinally to Bath in, and to draw a Spirit out of it, exhibited with good success against Venom, and the putrefaction of the Lungs, Liver, Reins, and the Spleen.

The _Salt Water_ at _Lunenburgh_, being more greenish then white, and not very transparent, is about the same nature and hold with that of _Hall_. It hath a mixture of Lead with it, whence also it will not be sod in Leaden Pans, and if it held no Lead at all, it would not be so good, that Metal being judged to _purifie_ the Water: whence also the Salt of {137} _Lunenburg_ is preferred before all others, that are made of Salt Springs.

* * * * *

_Some Observations of swarms of strange Insects, and the Mischiefs done by them._

A great Observer, who hath lived long in _New England_, did upon occasion, relate to a Friend of his in _London_, where he lately was, That some few Years since there was such a swarm of a certain sort of Insects in that _English_ Colony, that for the space of of 200 Miles they poyson'd and destroyed all the Trees of that Country; there being found innumerable little holes in the ground, out of which those Insects broke forth in the form of _Maggots_, which turned into _Flyes_ that had a kind of taile or sting, which they struck into the Tree, and thereby envenomed and killed it.

The like Plague is said to happen frequently in the Country of the _Cosacks_ or _Ukrani_, where in dry Summers they are infested with such swarms of _Locusts_, driven thither by an _East_, or _South-East_ Wind, that they darken the Air in the fairest weather, and devour all the Corn of that Country; laying their Eggs in _Autumn_, and then dying; but the Eggs, of which every one layeth two or three hundred, hatching the next Spring, produce again such a number of Locusts, that then they do far more mischief than afore, unless Rains do fall, which kill both Eggs and the Insects themselves, or unless a strong _North_ or _North-West_ Wind arise, which drives them into the _Euxin_ Sea: The Hogs of that Country loving these Eggs, devour also great quantities of them, and thereby help to purge the Land of them; which is often so molested by this Vermine, that they enter into their Houses and Beds, fall upon their Tables and into their Meat, insomuch that they can hardly eat without taking down some of them; in the Night when they repose themselves upon the ground, they cover it three, or four Inches thick, and if a Wheel pass {138} over them, they emit a stench hardly to be endured: All which, and much more may be fully seen in the _French_ Description of the Countries of _Poland_, made by _Monsieur de Beauplan_, and by _Monsieur Thevenot_, in his Relation of the _Cosacks_, contained in the First part of his _Curious Voyages_.

* * * * *

_An Observation touching the Bodies of Snakes and Vipers._

Several have taken notice, that there is a difference between the brooding of Snakes and Vipers, those laying their Eggs in Dung-hills, by whose warmth they are hatched; but these (Vipers) brooding their Eggs within their Bellies, and bringing forth live Vipers. To which may be added, That some affirm to have seen Snakes lye upon their Eggs, as Hens sit upon theirs.

* * * * *

_Some Observations of odde Constitutions of Bodies._

A very curious Person, studying Physick at _Leyden_, to whom had been imparted those Relations about a Milky Substance in Veins, heretofore alledged in _Numb._ 6. returns, by way of gratitude, the following Observations.

There was (saith he) not many Years since, in this Country a Student, who being much addicted to the study of _Astronomy_, and spending very many Nights in Star-gazing, had, by the Nocturnal wet and cold temper of the Air, in such a manner obstructed the pores of his skin, that little or nothing exhaled from his Body; which appeared hence, because that the shirt, he had worn five or six weeks, was then as white as if he had worn it but one day. In the mean while he gathered a subcutaneous Water, of which yet he was afterwards well cured.

We have also (_saith the same_) seen here a young Maid, of about thirteen Years of age, which from the time that she was but six Years old, and began to be about her Mother in {139} the Kitchin, would, as often as she was bid to bring her Salt, or could else come at it, fill her Pockets therewith, and eat it, as other children doe Sugar: whence she was so dried up, and grown so stiff, that she could not stirre her limbs, and was thereby starved to death.

That Learned and Observing Doctor _John Beal_, upon the perusal of the forementioned _Numb._ 6. was pleased to communicate this Note:

To your Observation, of Milk in Veines, I can add a _Phænomenon_ of some resemblance to it, which I received above 20 years agoe from _Thomas Day_, an Apothecary in _Cambridg_; _vid._ That himself let a man bloud in the arme, by order of Doctor _Eade_, a Physitian there. The mans bloud was white as Milk, as it run out of his arme, it had a little dilute redness, but immediately, as it fell into the Vessel, it was presently white; and it continued like drops of Milk on the pavement, where ever it fell. The conjecture which the said Physitian had of the cause of this appearance, was, that the Patient had much fed on Fish; affirming withall, that he had soon been a Leper, if not prevented by Physick.

* * * * *

_A way of preserving Ice and Snow by Chaffe._

The Ingenious Mr. _William Ball_ did communicate the relation hereof, as he had received it from his Brother, now residing at _Livorne_, as follows;

The Snow, or Ice-houses are here commonly built on the side of a steep hill, being only a deep hole in the ground, by which meanes, they easily make a passage out from the bottom of it, to carry away all the water, which, if it should remain stagnating therein, would melt the Ice and Snow: but they thatch it with straw, in the shape of a Saucepan-cover, that the rain may not come at it. The sides (supposing it dry) they line not with any thing, as is done in St. _Jeames_'s Park, by reason of the moistness of the ground. This Pit they fill {140} full of Snow or Ice (taking care that the Ice be made of the purest water, because they put it into their wine) over-spreading first the bottom very well with _Chaffe_; by which I mean not any part of the straw, but what remains upon the winnowing of the Corn; and I think, they here use Barley-chaffe. This done, they further, as they put in the Ice, or the Snow, (which latter they ram down,) line it thick by the sides with such Chaffe, and afterwards cover it well with the same; and in half a years lying so, 'tis found not to want above an eight part of what it weighed, when first put in. When ever they take it out into the Aire, they wrap it in this Chaffe, and it keeps to admiration. The use of it in _England_ would not be so much for cooling of drinks, as 'tis here generally used; but for cooling of fruits, sweetmeats &c. _So far this Author._

The other usual way both in _Italy_ and other Countries, to conserve Snow and Ice with _Straw_ or _Reed_, is set down so punctually by Mr. _Boyle_ in his _Experimental History of Cold_, pag. 408. 409. that nothing is to be added. It seems _Pliny_ could not pass by these _Conservatories_, and the cooling of drinks with Ice, without passing this severe, though elegant and witty, Animadversion upon them: _Hi Nives, illi glaciem potant, poenásque montium in voluptatem gulæ vertunt: Servatur algor æstibus, excogitatúrque ut alienis mensibus nix algeat_, lib. 19. cap. 4. But the _Epigrammatist_ sports with it thus;

_Non potare nivem, sed aquam potare rigentem_
_De nive, commenta est ingeniosa sitis._ Martial. 14. _Ep._ 117.

* * * * *

_Directions for Sea-men, bound for far Voyages._

It being the Design of the _R. Society_, for the better attaining the End of their Institution, to study _Nature_ rather than _Books_, and from the Observations, made of the _Phænomena_ and Effects she presents, to compose such a {141} History of Her, as may hereafter serve to build a Solid and Useful Philosophy upon; They have from time to time given order to several of their Members to draw up both _Inquiries_ of things Observable in forrain Countries, and _Directions_ for the Particulars, they desire chiefly to be informed about. And considering with themselves, how much they may increase their _Philosophical_ stock by the advantage, which _England_ injoyes of making Voyages into all parts of the World, they formerly appointed that Eminent Mathematician and Philosopher Master _Rooke_, one of their Fellowes, and _Geometry_ Professor of _Gresham Colledge_ (now deceased to the great detriment of the Common-wealth of Learning) to think upon and set down some _Directions_ for _Sea-men_ going into the _East_ & _West-Indies_, the better to capacitate them for making such observations abroad, as may be pertinent and suitable for their purpose; of which the said Sea-men should be desired to keep an exact _Diary_, delivering at their return a fair Copy thereof to the _Lord High Admiral_ of _England_, his Royal Highness the _Duke_ of _York_, and another to _Trinity-house_ to be perused by the _R. Society_. Which _Catalogue_ of _Directions_ having been drawn up accordingly by the said Mr. _Rook_, and by him presented to those, who appointed him to expedite such an one, it was thought not to be unseasonable at this time to make it publique, the more conveniently to furnish Navigators with Copies thereof. They are such, as follow;

1. To observe the Declination of the _Compass_, or its Variation from the _Meridian_ of the place, frequently; marking withal, the _Latitude_ and _Longitude_ of the place, wherever such Observation is made, as exactly as may be, and setting down the _Method_, by which they made them.

2. To carry _Dipping Needles_ with them, and observe the Inclination of the Needle in like manner.

3. To remark carefully the Ebbings and Flowings of the Sea, in as many places as they can, together with all the Accidents, {142} Ordinary and Extraordinary, of the Tides; as, their precise time of Ebbing and Flowing in Rivers, at _Promontories_ or _Capes_; which way their Current runs, what Perpendicular distance there is between the highest Tide and lowest Ebb, during the Spring-Tides and Neap-Tides; what day of the _Moons_ age, and at times of the year, the highest and lowest Tides fall out: And all other considerable Accidents, they can observe in the Tides, cheifly neer Ports, and about Ilands, as in St. _Helena_'s Iland, and the three Rivers there, at the _Bermodas_ &c.

4. To make Plotts and Draughts of prospect of Coasts, Promontories, Islands and Ports, marking the Bearings and Distances, as neer as they can.

5. To sound and marke the Depths of Coasts and Ports, and such other places nere the shoar, as they shall think fit.

6. To take notice of the Nature of the Ground at the bottom of the Sea, in all Soundings, whether it be Clay, Sand, Rock, &c.

7. To keep a Register of all changes of Wind and Weather at all houres, by night and by day, shewing the point the Wind blows from, whether strong or weak: The Rains, Hail, Snow and the like, the precise times of their beginnings and continuance, especiall _Hurricans_ and _Spouts_; but above all to take exact care to observe the _Trade-Winds_, about what degree of _Latitude_ and _Longitude_ they first begin, _where_ and _when_ they cease, or change, or grow stronger or weaker, and how much; as near and exact as may be.

8. To observe and record all Extraordinary _Meteors_, Lightnings, Thunders, _Ignes fatui_, Comets, &c. marking still the places and times of their appearing, continuance. &c.

9. To carry with them good Scales, and Glasse-Violls of a pint or so, with very narrow mouths, which are to be fill'd with Sea-water in different degrees of _Latitude_, as often as {143} they please, and the weight of the Vial full of water taken exactly at every time, and recorded, marking withall the degree of _Latitude_, and the day of the Month: And that as well of water near the Top; as at a greater Depth.

* * * * *

_Some Observations concerning _Jupiter_. Of the shadow of one of his _Satellites_ seen, by a Telescope passing over the Body of _Jupiter_._

I have received an Account from very good hands, That on the 26^{th.} of _September_ last, at half hour after seven of the Clock, was seen, both in _Holland_ and in _France_ (by curious Observers, with very good Telescopes) the shadow of one of the _Satellites_ of _Jupiter_, passing over his Body. One of those small Stars moving about his Body (which are therefore called his _Satellites_) coming between the Sun and it, made a small Eclipse, appearing in the Face of _Jupiter_ as a little round black Spot. The Particulars of those Observations, when they shall come to our Hands, we may (if need be) make them publik: Which Observations, as they are in themselves very remarkable, and argue the Excellency of the Glasses by which they were discovered; So are we, in part, beholding to Monsieur _Cassini_ for them, who giving notice before hand of such Appearances to be expected, gave occasion to those Curious Observers to look for them.

* * * * *

_Of a permanent Spot in _Jupiter_: by which is manifested the conversion of _Jupiter_ about his own Axis._

Besides that Transient Shadow last mentioned, there hath been observed, by Monsieur _Cassini_, a permanent Spot in the Disque of _Jupiter_; by the help whereof, he hath been able to observe, not onely that _Jupiter_ turns about upon his own Axis, but also the Time of such conversion; which he {144} estimates to be, 9 hours and 56 minutes.

For as _Kepler_ did before conjecture, from the motion of the Primitive Planets about the Sun as their Center, that the Sun moved about its own Axis, but could not prove it, till by _Galileo_ and _Shiner_ the Spots in the Sun were discovered; so it hath been thought reasonable, from the Secundary Planets moving about _Jupiter_, that _Jupiter_ is also moved about his Axis; yet, till now, it hath not been evinced by Observation, That it doth so move; much less, in what Period of Time. And the like reason there is to judge so of _Saturn_, because of the Secundary Planet discovered by Monsieur _Hugens de Zulichem_ to move about it; (though such motion be not yet evinced from Observation:) as well as that of the _Earth_, from its Attendant the _Moon_.

Whether the same may be also concluded of the other Planets, _Mars_, _Venus_, and _Mercury_, (about whom have not yet been observed any Secondary Planets to move,) is not so evident. Yet there may be somewhat of like probability in those. Not onely, because it is possible they may have Secundary Planets about them, though not yet discovered; (For, we know, it was long after those of _Jupiter_, before that about _Saturn_ was discovered; and who knows, what after times may discover about the rest?) But because the Primary Planets being all in like manner inlightned by the Sun, and (in all likely hood) moved by it; it is likely that they be moved by the same Laws and Methods; and therefore, turn'd about their own Axis, as it is manifest that some of them are.

But, as for the Secundary Planets, as well those about _Jupiter_, as that about _Saturn_; it is most likely that they have no such Rotation upon their Axis. Not so much because, by reason of their smalness, no such thing hath been yet observed, (or, indeed, could be, though it were true;) But because they being Analogical to our _Moon_, it is most likely that they are moved in like manner. Now, though it be {145} true, that there is some kind of _Libration_ of the Moon's body, so that we have not precisely just the same part of it looking towards us; (as is evident by _Hevelius_ observations, and others;) yet is there no Revolution upon its Axis; the same part of it, with very little alteration, always respecting us, as is to be seen in _Hevelius_ his Tratise _de Motu Lunæ Libratorio_, and indeed, by all those who have written particularly of the spots on the Moon; and is universally known to all that have with any curiosity viewed it with Telescopes.

* * * * *

_Of some Philosophical and curious Books, that are shortly to come abroad._

1. Of the _Origine_ of _Forms_ and _Qualities_, deduced from _Mechanical_ Principles; by the Honorable _Robert Boyle_ Esq.

2. _Hydrostatical Paradoxes_, by the same. Both in _English_.

3. A Tract of the _Origine_ of the _Nile_, by Monsieur _Isaac Vossius_, opposed to that of Monsieur _de la Chambre_, who is maintaining, That _Niter_ is the principal cause of the Inundation of that River.

4. A Dissertation of _Vipers_, by _Signor Redi_, an _Italian_.

5. A Discourse of the _Anatomy_ of _a Lyon_, by the same.

6. Another, _De Figuris Salium_, by the same.

7. A Narration of the Establishment of the _Lyncei_, an _Italian_ Academy, and of their Design and Statutes: the Prince _Cesi_ being the Head of them, who did also intend to establish such Philosophical Societies in all parts of the World, and particularly in _Africa_ and _America_, to be by that means well informed of what considerable productions of Nature were to be found in those parts. The Author yet _Anonymus_.

8. To these I shall add, a Book newly Printed in _Oxford_ (and not yet dispersed) being, _A Catalogue of Fixed Stars_ with their _Longitudes, Latitudes, and Magnitudes_, according to the _Observations_ of _Uleg-Beig_ (a King, and famous Astronomer, who was _Great-Grand-childe_ to the famous {146} _Tamerlane_, and one of his Successors in some of his Kingdoms) made at _Samarcand_, his cheief seat, (for the year of the Hegira 841, for the year of Christ 1427), who not finding the _Tables_ of _Ptolemy_ to agree sufficiently with the Heavens, did with great diligence, and expense, make observations anew; as _Tycho Brahe_ hath since done. It is a small part of a larger _Astronomical Treatise_ of his, whereof there be divers _Persian_ Manuscript Copies in _Oxford_. Out of which this is Translated and Published, both in _Persian_ and _Latine_, by Mr. _Thomas Hyde_, now Library Keeper to the _Bodleyan_ Library in _Oxford_: (with Commentaries of his annexed:) Like as another part of it hath formerly been by Mr. _John Graves_. And it were a desirable work that the whole were Translated, that we might be the better acquainted with what was the Eastern Astronomy at that time.

* * * * *

_Published with License._

Oxford, Printed by _A: & L: Lichfield_, for _Ric: Davis_. 1666.

{147}

* * * * *

_Num._ 9.

PHILOSOPHICAL _TRANSACTIONS._

* * * * *

_Munday_, _Feb._ 12. 1665/6.

* * * * *

The Contents.

_An _Apendix_ to the _Directions_ for Seamen, bound for far voyages. Of
the judgment of some of the _English_ Astronomers, touching the
difference between two learned men, about an Observation made of the
first of the two late _Comets_. Of a _Correspondency_, to be procured,
for the finding out of the _True_ distance of the _Sun_ and _Moon_ from
the Earth. Of an Observation not long since made in _England_ of
_Saturn_. An Account of some _Mercurial_ Observations, made with a
_Barometer_, and their Results. Some Observations of _Vipers_, made by
an _Italian_ Philosopher._

* * * * *

_An _Appendix_ to the _Directions_ for Seamen, bound for far Voyages._

Whereas it may be of good use, both _Naval_ and _Philosophical_, to know, both how to sound depths of the sea _without a Line_, and to fetch up water from any depth of the same; the following waies have been contrived by Mr. _Hook_ to perform both; (which should have been added to the lately printed _Directions for Seamen_, if then it could have been conveniently done.) {148}

_First_, for the sounding of depths without a Cord, consider _Figure_ 1, and accordingly take a Globe of _Firr_, or _Maple_, or other light Wood, as A: let it be well secured by Vernish, Pitch, or otherwise, from imbibing water; then take a piece of Lead or Stone, D, considerably heavier then will sink the Globe: let there be a long Wire-staple B, in the Ball A, and a springing Wire C, with a bended end F, and into the said staple, press in with your fingers the springing Wire on the bended end: and on it hang the weight D, by its ring E, and so let Globe and all sink gently into the water, in the posture represented in the first _Figure_, to the bottom, where the weight D touching first, is thereby stopt; but the Ball, being by the _Impetus_, it acquired in descending, carried downwards a little after the weight is stopt, suffers the springing wire to fly back, and thereby sets it self at liberty to reascend. And, by observing the time of the Ball's stay under water (which may be done by a Watch, having minuts and seconds, or by a good Minut-glass, or best of all, by a Pendulum vibrating seconds) you will by this way, with the help of some _Tables_, come to know any depth of the sea.

Note, that care must be had of proportioning the weight and shape of the Lead, to the bulk, weight, and figure of the Globe, after such a manner, as upon experience shall be found most convenient.

In some of the Tryals already made with this Instrument, the Globe being of Maple-wood, well covered with Pitch to hinder soaking in, was 5-13/16 inches in diameter, and weighed 2½ pounds: the Lead of 4½ pounds weight, was of a _Conical_ figure, 11. inches long, with the sharper end downwards, 1-9/16 inches at the top, and 1/16 at the bottom in diameter. And in those Experiments, made in the _Thames_, in the depth of 19. foot water, there passed between the Immersion and Emersion of the Globe, 6. seconds of an hour; and in the depth of 10. foot water, there passed 3½ seconds or thereabout: From many of which kind of Experiments it will likely not be hard to finde {149} out a method to calculate, what depth is to be concluded from any other time of the like Globes stay under water.

In the same Tryals, made with this Instrument in the said River of _Thames_, it has been found, that there is no difference in time, between the submersions of the Ball at the greatest depth, when it rose two Wherries length from the place where it was let fall (being carried by the Current of the _Tide_) and when it rose within a yard or so of the same place where it was let down.

The _other_ Instrument, for Fetching up water from the depth of the sea, is (as appears by _Figure_ 2.) a square woodden _Bucket_ C, whose bottoms _EE_, are so contrived, that as the weight A, sinks the Iron B, (to which the Bucket C, is fastned by two handles DD, on the ends of which are the moveable bottoms or Valves EE,) and thereby draws down the Bucket, the resistance of the water keeps up the Bucket in the posture C; whereby the water hath, all the while it is descending, a clear passage through; whereas, as soon as the Bucket is pulled upwards by the Line F, the resistance of the water to that motion beats the Bucket downward, and keeps it in the posture G, whereby the Included water is preserved from getting out, and the Ambient water kept from getting in.

By the advantage of which Vessel, it may be known, whether sea water be Salter at and towards the bottom, then at or near the top: Likewise, whether in some places of the sea, any sweet water is to be found at the bottom; the _Affirmative_ whereof is to be met with in the _East Indian_ Voyages of the industrious _John Hugh Van Linsckoten_, who page 16 of that Book, as 'tis _Englished_, records, that in the _Persian Gulph_, about the Island _Barem_, or _Baharem_, they fetch up with certain Vessels (which he describes not) water out of the sea, from under the salt-water, four or five fathom deep, as sweet, as any Fountain water. {150}

* * * * *

_Of the Judgement of some of the _English_ Astronomers, touching the difference between two learned men, about an Observation made of the First of the two late _Comets_._

[Sidenote: _By _Telescopical_ Stars are understood such, as are not seen, but by the help of a Telescope._]

Whereas notice has been taken in _Num._ 6. of these _Transactions_, that there was some difference between those two deservedly celebrated Philosophers, _Monsieur Hevelius_ and _Monsieur Auzout_, concerning an Observation, made by the former of them, on the 8/18 of _February_ 1665. & that thereupon some Eminent _English_ Astronomers, considering the importance of the dispute, had undertaken the examination thereof; it will, 'tis conceived, not be unacceptable to such, as saw those Papers, to be informed, what has been done and discerned by them in that matter. They having therefore compared the Printed Writings of the two Dissenters, and withall consulted the observations made with _Telescopes_ at home, by some of the most intelligent Astronomers amongst them, who have attentively observed the Position of that _Comet_ to the _Telescopical_ stars, that lay in its way; Do thereupon Joyntly conclude, that, whatever that Appearance was, which was seen near the _First Star_ of _Aries_, by _Monsieur Hevelius_ (the truth of whose relation concerning the same, they do in no wise question) the said _Comet_ did not come neer that _Star_ in the left _Ear_ of _Aries_, where the said M. _Hevelius_ supposes it to have passed, but took its course neer the _Bright Star_ in its _Left Horn_, according to _Bayers_ Tables. And since that the Observations of judicious both _French, Italian, & Dutch_ Astronomers (as many of them, as are come to the knowledge of the _English_) do in the main fully agree with theirs, they do not at all doubt, but that, there being such an unanimous {151} consent in what has been just now declared, & the Controversie being about _Matter of fact_, wherein Authority, Number, and Reputation must cast the Ballance, Mons. _Hevelius_, who is as well known for his Ingenuity, as Learning, will joyn and acquiesce in that sentiment.

* * * * *

_Of a correspondency, to be procured, for the Finding out the _True_ distance of the _Sun_ and _Moon_ from the Earth, by the _Paralax_, observed under (or neer) the same _Meridian_._

Seeing that the knowledge of this distance may prove of important Use, for the Perfecting of Astronomy, and for the better establishing the doctrine of _Refractions_, it is in the thoughts of some very curious Persons in _England_, for the finding out the same, to settle a Correspondency with some others abroad, that are understanding in Astronomical matters, and live in places farr distant in _Latitude_, and under (or near) the same _Meridian_.

To perform which, the following Method is proposed to be observed; _viz._ That at certain times agreed on by two Observatours, making use of _Telescopes_, large, good and well fitted for this purpose, by a measuring rod, placed within the Eye glass at a convenient distance, that it may be distinctly seen, and serve for measuring small distances by minuts and seconds (which is easie enough in large _Telescopes_) that, I say, each of such observers, thus furnish't shall observe the visible way of the _Moon_ among the _Fixt Stars_, (by taking her exact distance from any _Fixt Starr_, that lyes in or very near her way, together with the exact time of her so appearing) and the then apparent Diameter of her Disk; continuing these Observations every time for two or three hours; that so, {152} if possible, two exact observations of her _Apparent_ place among the _Fixt Stars_ being made, at two places thus distant in _Latitude_, and as near as may be under the same _Meridian_, by these Observators concurring at the same time, her true and exact distance may be hence collected, not onely for that time, but at all other times, by any single Observator's viewing her with a _Telescope_, and measuring exactly her _Apparent_ Diameter. It were likewise desirable, that as often as there happens any considerable _Eclipse_ of the _Sun_, that this also might be observed by them, noting therein the exact measure of the greatest Obscuration compared with the then _Apparent_ Diameter of his Disk. For by this means, after the distance of the _Moon_ hath been exactly found, the distance of the _Sun_ will easily be deduced.

As for the time, fittest for making Observations of the _Moon_, that will be, when she is about a Quarter or somewhat less illuminated, because then her light is not so bright, but that with a good _Telescope_ she may be observ'd to pass close by, and sometimes over several _Fixt Stars_; which is about four or five days before or after her Change: Or else at any other time, when the _Moon_ passes near or over some of the bigger sort of _Fixt Stars_, such as of the first or second _Magnitude_; which may be easily calculated and foreseen: Or best of all, when there is any _Totall Eclipse_ of the _Moon_; for then the smallest _Telescopical Stars_ may be seen close adjoyning to the very body of the _Moon_. Of all which particulars the two Correspondents are to agree, as soon as he, that is to joyn abroad, shall be found out; whereupon they are mutually to communicate to each other, what they shall have thus observed in each place.

* * * * *

_Of an Observation, not long since made in _England_, of _Saturn_._

This Observation was made by Mr. _William Ball_, {153} accompanied by his brother, Dr. _Ball_, _October_ 13. 1665. at six of the Clock, at _Mainhead_ near _Exeter_ in _Devonshire_, with a very good _Telescope_ near 38 foot long, and a double Eye-glass, as the observer himself takes notice, adding, that he never saw that _Planet_ more distinct. The observation is represented by _Figure_ 3. concerning which, the Author saith in his letter to a friend, as follows; This appear'd to me the present figure of _Saturn_, somewhat otherwise, than I expected, thinking it would have been decreasing, but I found it full as ever, and a little hollow above and below. Whereupon the Person, to whom notice was sent hereof, examining this shape, hath by Letters desired the worthy Author of the _Systeme of this Planet_, that he would now attentively consider the present _Figure_ of his _Anses_ or _Ring_, to see whether the appearance be to him, as in this _Figure_, and consequently whether he there meets with nothing, that may make him think, that it is not _one_ body of a Circular Figure, that embraces his _Diske_, but _two_.

And to the end that other Curious men, in other places might be engaged, to joyn their Observations with him, to see, whether they can find the like appearance to that, represented here, especially such Notches or Hollownesses, as at A and B, it was thought fit to insert here the newly related Account.

* * * * *

_A Relation of some _Mercurial_ Observations, and their Results._

Modern _Philosophers_, to avoyd Circumlocutions, call that Instrument, wherein a Cylinder of Quicksilver, of between 28. and 31. Inches in Altitude, is kept suspended after the manner of the _Torricellian_ Experiment, a _Barometer_ or _Baroscope_, first made publick by that Noble Searcher of Nature, Mr. _Boyle_, and imployed by Him and others, to detect all the minut variations in the Pressure and weight of the Air. For the more {154} curious and nice distinguishing of which small changes, Mr. _Hook_ in the _Preface_ to his _Micrography_, has described such an Instrument with a _Wheel_, contrived by himself, and, by these two last years trials of it, constantly found most exact for that purpose: which being so accurate, and not difficult to be made, it were desirable, that those who have a Genius and opportunities of making Observations of this kind, would furnish themselves with such of these Instruments, as were exactly made and adjusted according to the Method, delivered in the newly mentioned place.

To say something of the Observations, made by this Instrument, and withal to excite studious _Naturalists_ to a sedulous prosecution of the same, the _Reader_ may _first_ take notice, that the lately named Mr. _Boyle_ hath (as himself not long since did intimate to the Author of these _Tracts_) already made divers Observations of this kind in the year 1659. and 1660. before any others were publick, or by him so much as heard of; though he has hitherto forborn to divulge them, because of some other Papers (in whose Company they were to appear) which being hindred by other studies and employments, he hath not as yet finished.

_Next_, that, besides several others, who, since have had the curiosity of making such observations, the Worthy and Inquisitive Dr. _John Beal_, is doing his part with much assiduity (of which he hath by several Letters acquainted his Friends in _London_) both by observing himself, and by procuring many Correspondents in several places in _England_ for the same purpose; judging it of great importance, that Observations of this kind be made in parts somewhat distant from one another, that so from many of those, accurately made and then compared, it may be discovered, whether the Aire gravitates more in the parts of the Earth lying more _East_ or _West_, _North_ or _South_? whether on such as lie neerer to the _Sea_, or further up into the _Mainland_? in hotter or colder weather? whether in {155} high Winds or Calms? whether in wet weather or dry? whether most when a North, or when a South, when an East or a West wind blows? and whether it keeps the same seasons of Changes? and whether the seasons and changes of the Air and Weather can be thereby discover'd, and the now hidden causes of many other _Phænomena_ detected?

The said _Doctor_ is so much pleased with the discovery already made by the help of this Instrument, that he thinks it to be one of the most wonderful that ever was in the World, if we speak of strangeness, and just wonder, and of Philosophical importance, separate from the interest of lucre. For (_saith he in one of his Letters_) who could ever expect, that we men should find an Art, to weigh all the Air that hangs over our heads, in all the changes of it, and, as it were, to weigh, and to distinguish by weight, the Winds and the Clouds? Or, who did believe, that by palpable evidence we should be able to prove, the _serenest_ Air to be most heavy, and the _thickest_ Air, and when darkest Clouds hang neerest to us, ready to dissolve, or dropping, _then_ to be lightest. And though (_so he goes on_) we cannot yet reach to all the Uses and Applications of it, yet we should be entertain'd for a while, by the truly Honourable Mr. _Boyle_, as the leading person herein, upon the delight and wonder. The _Magnet_ was known many hundreds of years before it was applied to find out _New Worlds_. To me (_saith he_) tis a wonderful delight, that I have alwaies in my Study before my eye such a _Curious Ballance_.

Having thus in _General_ expressed his thoughts about this Invention, and the singular pleasure, he takes in the Observations made therewith, he descends to particulars, and in several Letters communicates them to his Correspondent, as follows:

[Sidenote: _The Exclusion of _all_ Air is here necessary, because Air being subject to the operation of Heat and Cold, if any of it remain in the _Barometer_, it will cause it to vary from shewing the true Pressure of the Air._]

1. My _Wheel-barometer_ I could never fill so exactly with _Mercury_ as to exclude _all_ Air; and therefore I trust more {156} to a _Mercurial_ Cane, and take all my Notes from it. This Cane is but 35. Inches long, of a very slender Cavity, and thick Glass. This may easily be conveyed to any place, for Trials. The Vessel for the stagnating _Mercury_, into which the said Cane is immersed, is about two _Inches_ wide. The _Mercury_ so well fill'd, that for some daies it would not subside, but hung to the top of the Glass-cane. I keep it in a Closet pretty close, 9. foot high, 8. foot broad, 15. foot long; neer a Window. This I note, because possibly the closeness of the room may hinder, that it gives not the full of all Changes, as it might in a more passable Air.

2. In all my Observations from _May_ 28. 1664 to this present (_December_ 9. 1665.) the Quicksilver never ascended but very little above 30¼ Inches.

3. It ascended very seldom so high (_videl._ to 30¼ Inches) chiefly _Decemb._ 13. 1664. the weather being fickle-fair, Evening.

4. I find by my _Calender_ of _June_ 22. 1664. at 5. in the Morning, in a time of long setled fair weather, that the _Mercury_ had ascended about half an Inch higher then 30: but I fear some mistake, because I then took no impression of _wonder_ at it; yet for 3. or 4. daies, at that time it continued high, in well-setled, fair and warm weather; most part above 30. Inches. So that I may note, the _Mercury_ to rise as high in the hottest _Summer_, as in the coldest _Winter-weather_.

[Sidenote: _Perhaps this is from some included Air._]

5. Yet surely I have noted it ascend a little higher for the Coldness of the Weather; and very frequently, both in {157} Winter and Summer to be higher in the cold Mornings and Evenings, then in the warmer Mid-day.

6. Generally in setled and fair weather both of Winter and Summer, the _Mercury_ is higher, than a little _before_ or _after_, or _in_ Rainy weather.

7. Again, generally it descended lower after Rain, than it was before Rain.

[Sidenote: _It seems these were _Easterly_ winds._]

8. Generally also it falls in great winds; and somewhat it seem'd to sink, when I open'd a wide door to it, to let in stormy winds; yet I have found it to continue very high, in a long stormy wind of 3. or 4. daies.

9. Again, generally it is higher in an _East_ and _North_-wind. (_Cæteris paribus_) than in a _South_ and _West_-wind.

10. I tryed several times, by strong fumes and thick smoaks to alter the Air in my Closet; but I cannot affirm, that the _Mercury_ yielded any more, then might be expected from some increase of heat. Such as have exact _Wheel-Barometers_, may try whether Odors or Fumes do alleviate the Air.

11. In this Closet I have not in all this time found the extreamest changes of the Quicksilver to amount to more, than to 2¾, or to 2-7/8. inches, at most.

12. Very often I have found great changes in the Air, without any perceptible change in the _Barometer_; as in the dewy nights, when the moisture descends in a great quantity, and the thickness sometimes seems to hide the Stars from us: In the days foregoing, and following, the Vapors have been {158} drawn up so _Invisibly_, that the Air and Sky seem'd very clear all day long. This I account a great change between ascending and descending Dews and Vapors (which import Levity and Weight,) and between thick Air and clear Air: which changes do sometimes continue in the Alternative course of day and night, for a week or fortnight together; and yet the _Baroscope_ holding the same.

13. Sometimes (I say not often) the _Baroscope_ yields not to other very great changes of the Air. As lately (_December_ 18.) an extraordinary bright and clear day; and the next following quite darkened, some Rain and Snow falling; but the _Mercury_ the same: so in high winds and calms the same.

14. I do conceive, that such as converse much _Sub dio_, and walk much abroad, may find many particulars much more exactly, then I, who have no leisure for it, can undertake. To instance in one of many, _December_ 16. last, was a clear cold day, very sharp and strong _East_ wind, the _Mercury_ very near 30. inches high, about three in the afternoon, I saw a large black cloud, drawing near us from the _East_ and _South-East_, with the _East-wind_. The _Mercury_ changed not that day nor the day following; the Stars and most of the sky were very bright and clear till Nine of the Clock; and then suddenly all the sky was darkned, yet no change of weather happened; _December_ 17. the frost held, and 'twas a clear day, till about two of the clock in the afternoon; and then many thick clouds appear'd low in the _West_; yet no change of the weather here; the Wind, Frost, and Quick-silver, the same, _December_ 18. the _Mercury_ fell almost ¼ of an inch, and the sky and Air so clear and bright and cold with an _East-wind_, that I wondred what could cause the _Mercury_ to descend. I Expected, it should have ascended, as usually it does in such clear skys. Casually I sent my servant abroad, and he discovered the remote Hills, about 20. miles off, cover'd with {159} snow, This seem'd to manifest, that the Air, being discharged of the clouds by snow, became lighter.

15. I have seldom seen the change to be very great, at any one time. For, though I do not now take a deliberate view of my Notes, yet I wonder'd once to see, that in one day it subsided about ¾ of an inch.

16. Of late I have altered my Method upon the _Barometer_, observing it, as it is before my Eyes, all day long, and much of the night, being watchful for the moments of every particular change, to examine, what cause in the Air and Heavens may appear for such changes. And now my wonder is, to see, how slow it is, it holding most between the nine and twentieth and thirtieth inch of late.

17. I must now (_January_ 13. 1665/6) tell you, that the _Mercury_ stands at this time (as it did also yesterday) a quarter above 30. inches; yet both days very dark and cloudy, sometimes very thick and misty Air; which seldom falls out. For, for the most part, I see it higher in clearest setled weather, than in such cloudy and misty Foggs. This thick Air and darkness hath lasted above a week; lately more Cold, and _East_ and _North-East_ wind.

[Sidenote: _This seems to be wished, because the motion of the _Mercury_ may be more free in a wider Cane._]

_Thus far_ the Notes of this Observing _Divine_; of which Mr. _Boyle_, to whom they were also communicated, entertains these thoughts, that they seem to him very faithfully made, and do for the main, agree well enough with his observations, as far as he remembers, not having them, it seems, at that time, when he wrote this, at hand; and though it be wished by him, that the Observer's Glass-Cane had been somewhat bigger; yet his diligence in fitting it so carefully, or rather so skilfully, as is above-mentioned, is much by him commended. {160}

* * * * *

_Some Observations of _Vipers_._

A curious _Italian_, called _Francesco Redi_, having lately had an opportunity, by the great number of Vipers, brought to the _Grand Duke_ of _Toscany_ for the composing of _Theriac_ or _Treacle_, to examine what is vulgarly delivered and believed concerning the Poyson of those Creatures, hath, (according to the account, given of it in the French _Journal des Scavans_, printed _January_ 4. 1665/6) performed his undertaking with much exactness, and published in an Italian tract, not yet come into _England_, these Observations.

1. He hath observed, that the poyson of Vipers is neither in their _Teeth_, nor in their _Tayle_, nor in their _Gall_: but in the two _Vesicles_ or _Bladders_, which cover their teeth, and which coming to be compressed, when the Vipers bite, do emit a certain yellowish Liquor, that runs along the teeth and poysons the wound. Whereof he gives this proof, that he hath rub'd the wounds of many Animals with the _Gall_ of Vipers, and pricked them with their _Teeth_, and yet no considerable ill accident follow'd upon it, but that as often as he rubbed the wounds with the said yellow Liquor, not one of them escaped.

2. Whereas commonly it hath hitherto been believed, that the poyson of Vipers being swallowed, was present death; this _Author_, after many reiterated Experiments, is said to have observed, that in Vipers there is neither Humour, nor Excrement, nor any part, not the _Gall_ it self, that, being taken into the Body, kills. And he assures, that he hath seen men eat, and hath often made Bruit Animals swallow all that is esteem'd most poysonous in a Viper, yet without the least mischief to them. Whence he shews, that it needs not so much to be wondred at, that certain _Empiricks_ swallow the juyce of the {161} most venomous Animals without receiving any harm thereby; adding, that, which is ascribed to the vertue of their _Antidote_, ought to be attributed to the nature of those kinds of Poysons, which are no poysons, when they are swallow'd, (for which Doctrine he also alledges _Celsus_) but onely when they are put into wounds. Which also has been noted by _Lucan_, who introduces _Cato_ thus speaking;

_Noxia serpentum est admisto sanguine pestis,_
__Morsu_ virus habent, & fatum _dente_ minantur;_
__Pocula_ morte carent._

And what also some Authors have affirm'd, _videl._ That it is mortal, to eat of the Flesh of creatures killed by Vipers; or to drink of the Wine wherein Vipers have been drowned; or to suck the wounds that have been made by them, is by this Authour observed to be wide of truth. For he assures, that many persons have eaten Pullets and Pigeons, bitten by Vipers, without finding any alteration from it in their health. On the contrary, he declares, That it is a soveraign Remedy against the biting of Vipers, to suck the wound; alledging an Experiment, made upon a Dog, which he caused to be bitten by a Viper at the nose, who by licking his own wound saved his life. Which he confirms by the example of those people, celebrated in _History_ by the name of _Marsi_ and _Psilli_, whose Employment it was, to heal those, that had been bitten by Serpents, by sucking their wounds.

3. He adds, that although _Galen_ and many modern _Physitians_ do affirm, that there is nothing, which causeth so much thirst, as Vipers-flesh, yet he hath experimented the contrary and knows divers persons, who did eat the flesh of Vipers at all their meals, and yet did assure him, they never were less dry, then when they observed that kind of Diet.

4. As for the Salt of Vipers, whereof some _Chymists_ have {162} so great esteem, he saith, that it hath no _Purging_ vertue at all in it; adding that even of _All Salts_, none hath more vertue than another, as he pretends to have shew'd in an other _Book_ of his, _De natura salium_; which also hath not been yet transmitted into these parts.

5. He denies, what _Aristotle_ assures, and what _Galen_ saith to have often tryed, that the _Spittle_ of a _Fasting_ person kills Vipers; and he laughs at many other particulars, that have been delivered concerning the _Antipathy_ of Vipers unto certain things; and their manner of Conception and Generation, and several other properties, commonly ascribed to them; which the alledged French Author affirms to be refuted by so many experiments made by this _Italian_ Philosopher, that it seems to him, there is no place left for doubting, after so authentick a testimony.

* * * * *

_Advertisement._

The _Reader_ of these _Transactions_ is desired to correct these _Errata_ in _Number_ 8. _viz._ page. 132. line penult. read _Wine_ for _Lime_; and page 133. line 10. read _Thresher_ for _Trepher_, as some _Copies_ have it; and page 136. line ult. read _purifie_ for _putrifie_.

* * * * *

_LONDON,_

Printed for _John Martyn_ and _James Allestree_, Printers to the Royal Society. 1666.

{163}

* * * * *

_Num._ 10.

PHILOSOPHICAL _TRANSACTIONS._

* * * * *

_Munday_, _March_ 12. 1665/6.

* * * * *

The Contents.

_Observations continued upon the _Barometer_, or _Ballance of the Air_.
A Relation concerning the _Earth-quake_ neer _Oxford_; together with
some Observations of the sealed _Weatherglass_ and _Barometer_
thereupon by _Dr. Wallis_. A more full and particular Account of those
Observations about _Jupiter_, that were mention'd in Numb. 8. An
Account of some Books, lately publisht, _videl._ Mr. _Boyles_
Hydrostatical Paradoxes; _Steno_ de Musculis & Gladulis; _De Graeff_ de
Natura & Usu Succi Pancreatici._

* * * * *

_Observations continued upon the _Barometer_, or rather _Ballance of the Air_._

These _Transactions_ being intended, _not only_ to be (by parcels) brief Records of the Emergent Works and Productions in the Universe; Of the Mysteries of Nature of later discoveries; And, of the growth of Useful Inventions and Arts; _but_ also, and chiefly, to sollicite in all parts mutuall Ayds and Collegiate endeavours for the farther advancement thereof: We shall begin this _Second_ year of our Publications in this kind (in which, for 3-moneths the Printing-presses were interrrupted by the publick Calamity) with a few more particular Observations upon the _Ballance of the Air_, as they are most happily invented and directed by Mr. _Boyle_; and deserve to be prosecuted with care and diligence in all places.