Chapter M: A Hook, on which the end of the Chain is fastned by a Ring, the (5)

I know not, whether it will be worth while to add, that since I was oblig'd to leave _London_, I have been put upon so many lesser removes, that I have not been able to make _Baroscopical_ Observations with such a constancy, as I have wished, but, as far as I remember, the _Quick-silver_ has been for the most part, so high, as to invite me to take notice of it; and to desire you to do me the favour to inquire among your correspondents whether they have observ'd the same thing. * For, if they have, this lasting (though not uninterrupted) Altitude of the _Quick-silver_, happening, when the Seasons of the year have been extraordinary dry (so much as to become a grievance, and to dry up, as one of the late _Gazettes_ informs us, some springs near _Waymouth_, that used to run constantly) it may be worth inquiry, whether these obstinate Droughts, may not be cleaving of the ground too deep, and making it also in some places more porous and as it were, spungy, give a more copious Vent, than is usual, to subterraneal steams, which adscending into the Air, increase the gravity of it. The inducements I have to propose this inquiry, I must not now stay to mention. But perhaps, if the Observation holds, it may prove not useless in reference to some Diseases.

[Sidenote: * _See Number 9. _Phil. Transact._ p. 157. 5. 8 & 9. where the Word, _Generally_, signifies no more, than _for the most part_._]

Perhaps it will be needless to put you in mind of directing those _Virtuosi_, that may desire your Instructions about _Baroscopes_, to set down in their Diarys not only the day of the month, and the hour of the day, when the _Mercuries_ height is taken, but (in a distinct _Columne_) the weather, especially the Winds, both as to the Quarters, whence they blow (though that be not always so easy nor necessary,) and as to the Violence or Remisness, wherewith they blow. For, though it be more difficult, {185} than one would think, to settle any general rule about the rising and falling of the _Quick-silver_; yet in these parts one of those, that seem to hold oftnest, is, * that when high winds blow, the _Mercury_ is the lower; and yet that it self does sometimes fail: For, this very day (_March_ 3.) though on that hill, where I am, the somewhat Westerly Winds have been blustering enough, yet ever since morning the _Quick-silver_ has been rising, and is now risen near 3/8 of an _Inch_.

I had thoughts to add something about another kind of _Baroscope_ (but inferiour to that in use) whereof I have given some intimation in one of the _Præliminaries_ to the _History of Cold_. But you have already too much of a letter, and my occasions, &c.

[Sidenote: * _Dr. _Beale_ concurs with this Observation, when he saith, in a late _Letter_ of _March 19_. to his Correspondent in _London_;_ By change of Weather and Wind, the _Mercury_ is sunk more than an Inch, since I wrote to you on _Munday_ last. _March_ 12. This last night, by Rain and South wind, 'tis sunk _half an Inch_.]

_So far that Letter._ Since which time, another from the same Noble Observer intimates, That, as for that cause of the height of the _Quick-silver_ in Droughts, which by him is suspected to be the elevation of steams from the _Crust_ or Superficial parts of the Earth, which by little and little may add to the Weight of the _Atmosphere_, being not, as in other seasons, carried down from time to time by the falling Rain, it agrees not ill with what he has had since occasion to observe. For, whereas about _March_ 12^{th}, at _Oxford_, The _Quick-silver_ was higher, than, for ought he knew, had been yet observ'd in _England_, viz. above 5/16 above 30. _Inches_, upon the first considerable showers, that have interrupted our long Drought, as he affirms, he foretold divers hours before that the _Quick-silver_ would be very low, (a blustering Wind concurring with the Rain) so he found it at _Stanton_ to fall 3/8 beneath 29. _Inches_.*

{186}

* * * * *

_General Heads for a _Natural History of a Countrey_, Great or Small, imparted likewise by Mr. _Boyle_._

It having been already intimated (_Num. 8 of Phil. Transact._ p. 140. 141.) that divers _Philosophers_ aime, among other things, at the Composing of a good Natural History, to superstruct, in time, a _Solid_ and _Useful_ Philosophy upon; and it being of no slight importance, to be furnisht with pertinent Heads, for the direction of Inquirers; that lately named _Benefactour to Experimental Philosophy_, has been pleased to communicate, for the ends abovesaid, the following _Articles_, which (as himself did signifie) belong to one of his _Essays_ of the unpublisht part of the _Usefulness of Nat. and Experimen. Philosophy_.

But first he premises, that what follows, is design'd only to point at the more _General_ heads of Inquiry, which the proposer ignores not to be Divers of them very comprehensive, in so much, that about some of the _Subordinate_ subjects, perhaps too, not the most fertile, he has drawn up _Articles_ of inquisition about particulars, that take up near as much room, as what is here to be deliver'd of this matter.

The _Heads_ themselves follow;

The things, to be observ'd in such a History, may be variously (and almost at pleasure) divided: As, into _Supraterraneous, Terrestrial_, and _Subterraneous_; and otherwise: but we will at present distinguish them into those things, that respect the _Heavens_, or concern the _Air_, the _Water_, or the _Earth_.

1. To the _First_ sort of Particulars, belong the Longitude and Latitude of the Place (that being of moment in reference to the observations about the Air &c.) and consequently the length of the longest and shortest days and nights, the Climate, parallels &c. what fixt starrs are and what not seen there: What Constellations 'tis said to be subject to? Whereunto may be added other Astrological matters, if they be thought worth mentioning. {187}

2. About the _Air_ may be observ'd, its Temperature, as to the first four Qualities (commonly so call'd) and the Measures of them: its Weight, Clearness, Refractive power: its Sublety or Grossness: its abounding with, or wanting an _Esurine_ Salt: its variations according to the seasons of the year, and the times of the day; What duration the several kinds of Weather usually have: What _Meteors_ it is most or least wont to breed; and in what order they are generated; and how long they usually last: Especially, what Winds it is subject to; whether any of them be stated and ordinary, &c. What diseases are Epidemical, that are supposed to flow from the Air: What other diseases, wherein _that_ hath a share, the Countrey is subject to; the Plague and Contagious sicknesses: What is the usual salubrity or insalubrity of the Air; and with what Constitutions it agrees better or worse, than others.

3. About the _Water_, may be observ'd, the Sea, its Depth, degree of Saltness, Tydes, Currents, &c. _Next_, Rivers, their Bigness, Length, Course, Inundations, Goodness, Levity (or their Contraries) of Waters, &c. _Then_, Lakes, Ponds, Springs, and especially Mineral waters, their Kinds, Qualities, Vertues, and how examined. To the _Waters_ belong also _Fishes_, what kinds of them (whether Salt or Fresh-water fish) are to be found in the Country; their Store, Bigness, Goodness, Seasons, Haunts, Peculiarities of any kind, and the wayes of taking them, especially those that are not purely _Mechanical_.

4. In the _Earth_, may be observed,

1. _It self._

2. Its _Inhabitants_, and its _Productions_, and these _External_, and
_Internal_.

_First_, in the Earth _it self_, may be observ'd, its dimensions, scituation, East, West, North, and South: its Figure, its Plains, and Valleys, and their Extent; its Hills and Mountains, and the height of the tallest, both in reference to the neighbouring Valleys or Plains, and in reference to the Level of the Sea: As {188} also, whether the Mountains lye scattered, or in ridges, and whether those run North and South, or East and West, &c. What Promontories, fiery or smoaking Hills, &c. the Country has, or hath not: Whether the Country be coherent, or much broken into Ilands. What the Magnetical Declination is in several places, and the Variations of that Declination in the same place (and, if either of those be very considerable, then, what circumstances may assist one to guess at the Reason as Subterraneal fires, the Vicinity of Iron-mines, &c.) what the Nature of the Soyle is, whether Clays, Sandy, &c. or good Mould; and what Grains, Fruits, and other Vegetables, do the most naturally agree with it: As also, by what particular Arts and Industries the Inhabitants improve the Advantages, and remedy the Inconveniences of their Soyl: What hidden qualities the Soyl may have (as that of _Ireland_, against Venemous Beasts, &c.)

_Secondly_, above the ignobler _Productions_ of the Earth, there must be a careful account given of the _Inhabitants_ themselves, both _Natives_ and _Strangers_, that have been long settled there: And in particular, their Stature, Shape, Colour, Features, Strength, Agility, Beauty (or the want of it) Complexions, Hair, Dyet, Inclinations, and Customs that seem not due to Education. As to their Women (besides the other things) may be observed their Fruitfulness or Barrenness; their hard or easy Labour, &c. And both in Women and Men must be taken notice of what diseases they are subject to, and in these whether there be any symptome, or any other Circumstance, that is unusual and remarkable.

As to the _External_ Productions of the Earth, the Inquiries may be such as these: What Grasses, Grains, Herbs, (Garden and Wild) Flowers, Fruit-trees, Timber-trees (especially any Trees, whose wood is considerable) Coppices, Groves, Woods, Forrests, &c. the Country has or wants: What peculiarities are observable in any of them: What Soyles they most like or dislike; and with what Culture they thrive best. What _Animals_ the Country has or wants, both as to wild Beasts, Hawks, and other Birds of Prey; and as to Poultrey, and {189} Cattle of all sorts, and particularly, whether it have any _Animals_, that are not common, or any thing, that is peculiar in those, that are so.

The _Internal_ Productions or Concealments of the Earth are here understood to be, the riches that ly hid under the Ground, and are not already referr'd to other Inquiries.

Among these _Subterraneal_ observations may be taken notice of, what sorts of Minerals of any kind they want, as well as what they have; _Then_, what Quarries the Country affords, and the particular conditions both of the Quarries and the Stones: As also, how the Beds of Stone lye, in reference to North and South, &c. What Clays and Earths it affords, as Tobacco-pipe-clay, Marles, Fullers-earths, Earths for Potters wares, Bolus's and other medicated Earths: What other Minerals it yields, as Coals, Salt-Mines, or Salt-springs, Allom, Vitrial, Sulphur, &c. What Mettals the Country yields; and a description of the Mines, their number, scituation, depth, signs, waters, damps, quantities of ore, goodness of ore, extraneous things and ways of reducing their ores into Mettals, &c.

To these General Articles of inquiries (saith their _Proposer_) should be added; 1 _Inquiries_ about _Traditions_ concerning all particular things, relating to that Country, as either peculiar to it, or at least, uncommon elsewhere, 2 _Inquiries_, that require _Learning_ or _Skill_ in the Answerer: to which should be subjoyned _Proposals_ of ways, to enable men to give Answers to these more difficult inquiries.

_Thus far_ our Author, who, as he has been pleased to impart these _General_ (but yet very _Comprehensive_ and greatly _Directive_) Articles; so, 'tis hoped from his own late intimation, that he will shortly enlarge them with _Particular_ and _Subordinate_ ones. These, in the mean time, were thought fit to be publisht, that the Inquisitive and Curious, might, by such an Assistance, be invited not to delay their searches of matters, that are so highly conducive to the improvement of _True Philosophy_, and the wellfare of _Mankind_. {190}

* * * * *

_An Extract of a Letter, Written from _Holland_, about _Preserving of Ships from being Worm-eaten_._

This _Extract_ is borrowed from the _French journal des Scavans_ of _Febr._ 15. 1666. and is here inserted, to excite Inventive heads _here_, to overtake the Proposer in _Holland_. The letter runs thus:

Although you have visited our Port (_Amsterdam_) I know not whether you have noted the ill condition, our ships are in, that return from the _Indies_. There is in those Seas a kind of small worms, that fasten themselves to the Timber of the ships, and so pierce them, that they take water every where; or if they do not altogether pierce them thorow, they so weaken the wood, that it is almost impossible to repair them. We have at present a Man here, that pretends to have found an admirable secret to remedy this evil. That, which would render this secret the more important, is, that hitherto very many ways have been used to effect it, but without success. Some have imployed Deal, Hair and Lime, &c. and therewith lined their ships; but, besides that this does not altogether affright the worms, it retards much the ship's Course. The _Portugals_ scorch their ships, insomuch that in the quick works there is made a coaly crust of about an _Inch_ thick. But as this is dangerous, it happening not seldom, that the whole vessel is burnt; so the reason why worms eat not thorow _Portugal_ ships, is conceived to be the exceeding hardness of the Timber, employed by them.

We expect with impatience the nature and effect of this Proposition. Many have already ventur'd to give their thoughts concerning it. Some say, there needs no more, but to build Ships of a harder kind of Wood, than the usual. Others having observed, that these Worms fasten not to a kind of wild _Indian_ Pear-tree, which is highly bitter, do thereupon {191} suggest, that the best Expedient would be, to find out a Wood having that quality. But certainly there being now no Timber, fit for Ships, that is not known, 'tis not likely that any will be found either more hard, or more bitter, than that, which has been hitherto employed. Some do imagine, that the Proposer will, by certain _Lixiviums_, give to the ordinary Wood such a quality and bitterness, as is found in the already mention'd _Indian_ Pear-tree. But this also will hardly succeed, since it will be requisite not only to make _Lixiviums_, in great quantities at an easie rate, and strong enough to penetrate the thick sides of a Ship, but also to make them durable enough, not to be wash't out by the Sea. Yet notwithstanding, in these matters one ought to suspend on's judgement, untill experience do shew, what is to be believed of them.

_So far the Extract._ To which it may perhaps not be unseasonable to add, that a very worthy person in _London_, suggests the Pitch, drawn out of Sea coles, for a good Remedy to scare away these noysome insects.

* * * * *

_An Account of a Book, very lately publish't, entituled, _The Origine of Forms and Qualities_, illustrated by Considerations and Experiments, by the Honourable _Robert Boyle_._

This Curious and Excellent Piece, is a kind of _Introduction_ to the _Principles_ of the _Mechanical Philosophy_, explicating, by very Considerable Observations and Experiments, what may be, according to such Principles, conceived of the _Nature and Origine of Qualities and Forms_; the knowledge whereof, either makes or supposes the Fundamental and Useful part of _Natural Philosophy_. In doing of which, the Author, to have his way the clearer, writes rather for the _Corpuscularian_ Philosophers (as he is pleased to call them) in _General_, than any {192} _Party_ of them, keeping himself thereby disengaged from adopting an _Hypothesis_, in which perhaps he is not so throughly satisfied, and of which he does not conceive himself to be necessitated to make use here; and accordingly forbearing to employ Arguments, that are either grounded on, _or_ suppose _Atoms_, _or_ any _Innate Motion_ belonging to them; _or_ that the Essence of Bodies consists in Extension; _or_ that a _Vacuum_ is impossible; _or_ that there are such _Globuli Cælestes, or_ such a _Materia Subtilis_, as the _Cartesians_ imploy to explicate most of the _Phænomena_ of Nature.

The _Treatise_ consisting of a _Speculative_, and an _Historical_ part, the Author, with great modesty leaves the _Reader_ to judge; _Whether_ in the _First_ part he hath treated of the _Nature_ and _Origine of Forms and Qualities_ in a more Comprehensive way, than others; _Whether_ he has by fit Examples, and other means, rendred it more intelligible, than they have done: _Whether_ he has added any considerable number of Notions and Arguments towards the compleating and confirming of the proposed _Hypothesis_: _Whether_ he has with reason dismissed Arguments unfit to be relied on; and _Whether_ he has proposed some Notions and Arguments so warily, as to keep them from being liable to Exceptions and Evasions, whereto they were obnoxious, as others have proposed them. And, as to the _Second_ and _Historical_ part, he is enclin'd to believe that the _Reader_ will grant, he hath done that part of _Physicks_, he is treating of, some service, by strengthning the doctrines of the _New Philosophy_ (as 'tis call'd) by such particular Experiments, whose Nature and Novelty will render them as well Acceptable as Instructive.

The _summe_ of the _Hypothesis_, fully and clearly explicated in the _First_ Part, is this;

That all Bodies are made of _one Catholick matter_, common to them all, and differ but in _Shape, Size, Motion_ or _Rest_, and _Texture_ of the small parts, they consist off; from which {193} Affections of Matter, the _Qualites_, that difference particular Bodies, result: whence it may be rationally concluded, that one kind of Bodies may be transmuted into another; _that_ being in effect no more, than that one Parcel of the Universal Matter, wherein all Bodies agree, may have a _Texture_ produced in it, like the _Texture_ of some other Parcel of Matter, common to them both.

To this _Hypothesis_, is subjoin'd an Examination of the _Scholastick_ opinion of _Substantial Forms_; where the Author, _first_, States the Controversie; _next_, gives the Principal reasons, that move him to oppose that Opinion; _then_, answers the Main arguments employed to evince it; _further_, assigns both the _First_ Cause of Forms (_God_;) and the Grand _Second_ Cause thereof (_Local Motion_:) and _lastly_, proves the _Mechanical_ Production of _Forms_; grounding his proof, _partly_ upon the Manner, by which such a _Convention of Accidents_, as deserve to pass for a _Form_, may be _produced_; as that the Curious Shapes of _Salts_ (believed to be the admirablest Effects and strongest Proofs of _Substantial Forms_) may be the Results of _Texture_; _Art_ being able to produce Vitriol, as well as _Nature_: _partly_, upon the possibility of _Reproducing_ Bodies by skill, that have been deprived of their reputed _Substantial Forms_: Where he alledges the _Redintegration of Saltpetre_, successfully performed by himself; though his Attempts, made upon the dissipation and re-union of _Amber_, _Allum_, _Sea-Salt_, and _Vitriol_, proved (by reason of _accidental_ hindrances rather, than of any impossibility in the Nature of the Thing) less successful.

In the _Second_ and _Historical_ Part, the Author, appealing to the Testimony of Nature, to verifie his Doctrine, sets down, _both_ some _Observations_, of what Nature does without being over-ruled by the power and skill of man; and some _Experiments_, wherein Nature is guided, and as it were, mastered by Art.

The _Observations_ are four.

1. The _First_ is taken from what happens in the _Hatching of_ {194} _an Egge_; out of the _White_ whereof, which is a substance Similar, insipid, soft, diaphanous, colourless, and readily dissoluble in cold water, there is by the _New_ and _Various_ contrivement of its small parts, caused by the Incubation of the Hen, an Animal produced, some of whose parts are opacous, some red, some yellow, some white, some fluid, some consistent, some solid and frangible, others tough and flexible, some well, some ill-tasted, some with springs, some without springs, &c.

2. The _Second_ is fetcht from _Water_, which being fluid, tastless, inodorous, diaphanous, colourless, volatile, &c. may by a _Differing Texture_ of its parts, be brought to constitute Bodies, having qualities very distant from these, as _Vegetables_, that have firmeness, opacity, odors, tasts, colours, Medicinal vertues; yielding also a true _Oyle_, that refuses to mingle with _Water_, &c.

3. The _Third_, from _Inoculation_; wherein, a small _Bud_ is able to transmute all the sap, that arrives at it, as to make it constitute a Fruit quite otherwise qualified, then that, which is the _genuine_ production of the Tree, so that the same sap, that in one part of the Branch constitutes (for Instance) a _Cluster of Haws_, in another part of the same Branch, may make a _Pear_. Where the Author mentions divers other very considerable Effects of Inoculations, and inserts several Histories, all countenancing his doctrine.

4. The _Fourth_, from _Putrified Cheese_; wherein, the _rotten_ part, by the alteration of its Texture, will differ from the _Sound_, in colour, odor, taste, consistence, vermination, &c.

The Experiments are ten.

1. _A Solution of Vitriol and Camphire_; in which by a change of Texture, appear'd the Production of a deep colour from a {195} white Body, and a clear Liquor without any external heat: The destruction of this Colour, by adding only some fair water: The change of an Odorous Body, _as Camphire_, into an Inodorous, by mixing it with a Body, that has scarce any sensible odour of its own: The sudden restauration of the _Camphire_ to its native scent and other qualities, by common water, &c.

2. _Sublimate, distill'd from Copper and Silver_, which both did wholly loose their Metalline forms, and were melted into brittle lumps, with colours quite differing from their own; both apt to imbibe the moisture of the Air, &c.

3. _A solution of silver into Luna Cornea_: Whereby the opacous, malleable and hardly fusible Body of _Silver_, was, by the addition of a little spirit of salt, reduced into Chrystals, differing from those of other Mettals; diaphanous also, and brittle, and far more easily fusible, than Silver; wholly unlike either a Salt or a Mettal, but very like to a piece of _Horn_, and withall insipid, though the Solution of Silver, be very bitter, and the spirit of salt, highly sowre, &c.

4. _An Anomalous Salt_; (which the Author had not, it seems the liberty to teach the Preparation off) whose Ingredients were purely Saline, and yet the Compound, made up only of salt, sowre, and strongly tasted Bodies, was rather _really_ sweet, than of any other taste , and when a little urged with heat, its odour became stronger, and more insupportable than that of _Aqua fortis_, _distilled Urine_ and even _spirit of salt Ammoniack_; but yet when these Fumes settled again into salt, their odour would again prove inoffensive, if not pleasant &c.

5. _A Sea-salt, whence Aqua fortis had been distilled_: Where the Liquor, that came over, proved an _Aqua Regis_: the substance in the bottom, had not onely a mild taste, and {196} affected the Pallat much more like salt-peter, than Common salt; but was also very fusible, and inflammable, though produced of two un-inflammable bodies: and the same substance, consisting of _Acid_ salts, by a certain way of the Author, produced a _Fixt_ salt.

6. _Oyle of Vitriol poured upon a Solution of Bay-salt:_ whence was abstracted a liquor, that by the smell and Taste appeared to be a spirit of salt. In which operation, the mixture, by working a great change of Texture, did so alter the nature of the compounding Bodies, that the sea-salt, though a considerably fixt Body, was distill'd over in a moderate Fire of sand, whilst the Oyl of Vitriol, though no such gross salt, was by the same operation so fixt, as to stay behind: Besides that the same, by a competent heat yeilded a substance, though not insipid, yet not at all of the taste of Sea-salt, or of any other pungent one, much less having the highly corrosive acidity of oyl of Vitriol, &c.

7. _A dissolvent, made by pouring a strong spirit of Nitre on the rectified Oyl of the Butter of Antimony, and then distilling off all the liquor, that would come over, &c._ This _Menstruum_ (called by the Author _Peracutum_) being put to highly refined Gold, destroyed its Texture, and produced, after the method prescribed in the book, a _true Silver_, as its whiteness in colour, dissolublenes in _Aqua fortis_, and odious Bitterness, did manifest: which change of a Mettal, commonly esteemed to be absolutely indestructible by Art, though it be far from being _Lucriferous_, is yet exceedingly _Instructive_; as is also the way, the Author here adds, of _Volatilizing_ Gold, by the power of the same _Dissolvent_.

8. _Aqua fortis, concoagulated with differing Bodies_, produced very differing Concretes: And the same Numeral Saline Corpuscles, that being associated with those of one Mettal, had already produced a Body eminent in one Taste, did {197} afterwards, being freed from that Body, compose a Liquor of a very differing taste; and after _that_ too, being combin'd with the parties of another Mettal, did with them constitute a Body of a very eminent Taste, as opposite as any one can be to both the other Tasts; and yet these Saline Corpuscles, being instead of this second Mettal, associated with such a one as that, they are driven from, did therewith exhibite again the first of the three mention'd Tasts.

9. _Water transmuted into Earth_, though the Author saith of this Transmutation, that it was not so perfect, as he wish'd, and as he hopes to make it.

10. _A mixture of Oyle of Vitriol and Spirit of Wine._ These two Liquors, being of odd Textures in reference to each other, their conjunction and distillation made them exhibite these _Phænomena_: _vid._ That, whereas Spirit of Wine has no great, nor good scent, and moderately dephlegm'd Oyl of Vitriol is wont to be inodorous; the Spirit, that first came over from their mixture, had a scent not only very differing from Spirit of Wine, but from all things else, that the Author ever smelt; the Odor being very fragrant & pleasant, and so subtle, that in spight of the care taken in luting the Glasses exactly together, it would perfume the neighbouring parts of the _Laboratory_, and afterwards smell strongly at some distance from the Viol, wherein it was put, though stopt with a close Cork covered with two or three several Bladders. But, after this volatile and odoriferous Spirit was come over, and had been follow'd by an Acid Spirit, it was at last succeeded by a strongly stinking Liquor, &c.

But _Manum de Tabula_: the Book it self will certainly give a satisfaction far beyond what here can be said of it. {198}

* * * * *

_Some New observations about the Planet _Mars_, communicated since the Printing of the former sheets._

There was very lately produced a Paper, containing some observations, made by Mr. _Hook_, about the Planet _Mars_; in the _Face_ whereof he affirmed to have discovered, in the late months of _February_ and _March_, that there are several _Maculæ_ or _Spotted parts_, changing their place, and not returning to the same Position, till the next ensuing night near about the same time. Whence it may be collected, that _Mars_ (as well as _Jupiter_, and the _Earth_, &c.) does move about his own _Axis_, of which a fuller account will be given hereafter, God permitting. This short and hasty intimation of it, is intended onely to invite others, that have opportunity, timely to make Observations, (either to confirm, or rectify) before _Mars_ gets out of sight.

* * * * *

Printed with Licence for _John Martyn_, and _James Allestry_, Printers to the Royal Society. 1666.

{199}

* * * * *

_Num._ 12.

PHILOSOPHICAL _TRANSACTIONS._

* * * * *

_Munday_, _May_ 7. 1666.

* * * * *

The Contents.

_A way of Preserving Birds taken out of the Egge, and other small
_Fetus's_; communicated by _Mr. Boyle_. An Extract of a Letter, lately
sent to _Sr. Robert Moray_ out of _Virginia_, concerning an unusuall
way of Propagating Mulberry-trees there, for the better improvement of
the _Silk-Work_; together with some other particulars, tending to the
good of that _Royall_ Plantation. A Method, by which a Glass of a small
Plano-Convex Sphere may be made to refract the Rayes of Light to a
_Focus_ of a far greater distance, than is usuall. Observations about
_Shining Worms_ in Oysters. Observations of the Effects of _Touch_ and
_Friction_. Some particulars, communicated from forrain Parts,
concerning the Permanent _Spott_ in _Jupiter_; and a contest between
two Artists about _Optick-Glasses_, &c. An Account of a Book written by
_Dr. Thomas Sydenham_, entituled, _Methodus Curandi Febres, propriis
Observationibus superstructa_._

* * * * *

_A way of preserving Birds taken out of the Egge, and other small _Fætus's_; communicated by _Mr. Boyle_._

This was imparted in a Letter, as follows;

[Sidenote: * _In the Usefulness of Experimental Philosophy._]

The time of the year invites me to intimate to you, that among the other Uses of the Experiment, I long since presented the _Society_, of preserving Whelps taken out of the Dams womb, and other _Fætus's_, or parts of them, in _Spirit of Wine_; I {200} remember, I did, when I was sollicitous to observe the Processe of Nature in the Formation of a Chick, open Hens Eggs, some at such a day, and some at other daies after the beginning of the Incubation, and carefully taking out the _Embryo's_, embalmed each of them in a distinct Glass (which is to be carefully stopt) in _Spirit of Wine_: Which I did, that so I might have them in readinesse, to make on them, at any time, the Observations, I thought them capable of affording; and to let my Friends at other seasons of the year, see, _both_ the differing appearances of the Chick at the third, fourth, seventh, fourteenth, or other daies, after the Eggs had been sate on, _and_ (especially) some particulars not obvious in Chickens, that go about; as the hanging of the Gutts out of the _Abdomen_, &c. How long the tender _Embryo_ of the Chick soon after the _Punctum saliens_ is discoverable, _and_ whilst the Body seems but a little Organized Gelly, _and_ some while after _That_, will be this way preserv'd, without being too much shrivel'd up, I was hindred by some mischances to satisfie my self: but when the _Fætus's_, I took out, were so perfectly formed as they were wont to be about the seventh day, and after, they so well retain'd their shape and bulk, as to make me not repent of my curiosity: And some of those, which I did very early this Spring, I can yet shew you. I know I have mention'd to you an easie application of what I, some year since, made publick enough; but not finding it to have been yet made by any other, and being perswaded by Experience, that it may be extended to other _Fætus's_, which this season (the _Spring_) is time to make provision off, I think the _Advertisement_ will not seem unseasonable to some of our Friends; though being now in haste, and having in my thoughts divers particulars, relating to this way of Preserving Birds taken out of the Egge, and other small _Fætus's_, I must content my self to have mention'd that, which is _Essential_, leaving divers other things, which a little practise may teach the Curious, unmention'd. Notwithstanding which, I must not omit these two Circumstances; the _one_, that when the Chick was grown big, before I took it out of the Egge, I have (but not constantly) {201} mingled with the _Spirit of Wine_, a little Spirit of _Sal Armoniack_, made (as I have elsewhere delivered) * by the help of _Quick-lime_: which Spirit I choose, because, though it abounds in a Salt not Sowre, but Urinous, yet I never observed it (how strong soever I made it) to coagulate Spirit of Wine. The _other_ circumstance is, that I usually found it convenient, to let the little _Animals_, I meant to imbalme, lie for a little while in ordinary Spirit of Wine, to wash off the looser filth, that is wont to adhere to the Chick, when taken out of the Egge; and then, having put either the same kind of Spirit, or better upon the same Bird, I suffer'd it to soak some hours (perhaps some daies, _pro re nata_) therein, that the Liquor, having drawn as it were what Tincture it could, the _Fætus_ being remov'd into more pure and well dephlegm'd Spirit of Wine, might not discolour it, but leave it almost as limpid, as before it was put in.

* * * * *

_An Extract of a Letter, sent lately to Sir _Robert Moray_ out of _Virginia_, concerning an _unusual_ way of propagating _Mulberry trees_ there, for the better improvement of the _Silk-Work_; together with some other particulars, tending to the good of that _Plantation_._

I am disappointed at this time of some Rarities of Minerals, Mettals, and Stones; but you may have them any other time, as conveniently, &c. I have planted here already ten thousand _Mulberry trees_; and hope, within two or three years, to reap good silk of them. I have planted them in a way unusual here, which advances them two or three years growth, in respect of their being sown in seed: And they are now, at writing hereof all holding good, although this has been a very long and bitter winter with us, much longer and colder, than ever I did find it in _Scotland_ or _England_. I intend likewise to plant {202} them all, as if they were _Currants_ or _Goos-berries_, so thick as hedges; whereby one man may gather as many of them, as otherwise, when they are planted in trees at distance, four persons my do. Expedient is the benefit of this Trade. Having discoursed of this new way to all here; they are generally inclinable to it; considering that the Planting their Trees, as before, at distance, and letting them grow high, has been the main obstruction of that work hitherto, and the loss of their time and gain: but being in hedges, they will be always young tender plants; and consequently will be easily cut in great quantities with a pair of Garden Sizzers. But there may be suggested yet another, and perhaps a better way; which is, to sowe some Acres with _Mulberry seed_, and to cut it with a sith, and ever to keep it under. I have also bethought my self of a new way, for a few hands to serve many Worms, and that more cleanly than before: which also will be a means, without more trouble or pains, to separate unhealthy worms from healthful; and by which a great many more may be kept in a room, than otherwise upon shelves, as is usual here. Besides this, I have sown a little _French Barley_ and _Rice seed_, and am thinking on a way of un-husking them with expedition, and so preparing them for the Merchant, as they use to be: But if you can inform me, how they are prepared, you may save me some labour. If I had any _Coffee_ in husks, or any other vegetable commodity, from the Streights to try, I would here make tryal with them. Its like, that some of those Merchants that are of your _Society_, and keep a Correspondency there, may assist in procuring them. By the latter ships I intend to send you a New sort of sweet sented _Tobacco_, which I have not yet had time to improve.

* * * * *

_A Method, by which a Glass of a small Plano-convex Sphere may be made to refract the Rayes of light to a _Focus_ of a far greater distance, than is usual._

This is proposed by Mr. _Hook_, in consequence of what was {203} mention'd from him in _Numb._ 4 _pag._ 67, of these _Transactions_.

Prepare (_saith he_) two Glasses, the one exactly flat on both sides, the other flat on the one side, and convex on the other, of what Sphere you please. Let the flat Glass be a little broader than the other. Then let there be made a Cell or Ring of Brass, very exactly turn'd, into which these two Glasses may be so fastened with Cement, that the plain surfaces of them may lye exactly paralell, and that the Convex-side of the Plano-convex-Glass may lye inward; but so, as not to touch the flat of the other Glass. These being cemented into the Ring very closely about the edges, by a small hole in the side of the Brass-ring or Cell, fill the interposed space between these two with _Water_, _Oyl of Turpentine_, _Spirit of Wine_, _Saline Liquors_, _&c;_ then stop the hole with a screw: and according to the differing refraction of the interposed Liquors, so shall the _Focus_ of the compound Glass be longer or shorter.

But this (adds the _Proposer_) I would only have look't upon, as one instance of many (for there may be others) of the _Possibility_ of making a Glass, ground in a smaller Sphere, to constitute a Telescope of a much greater length: Though (not to raise too great exspectation) I must add, That of _Spherical_ object glasses, those are the best, which are made of the greatest Sphere, and whose substance hath the greatest refraction.

* * * * *

_Observations about _Shining Worms_ in Oysters._

These Observations occur in the _French journal_ of _April_ 12. 1666. in two letters, written by M. _Auzout_ to M. _Dela Voye_; whereof the substance may be reduced to the following particulars.

1. That M. _Dela Voye_ having observed, as he thought, {204} some shining Worms in Oysters; M. _Auzout_, being made acquainted with it, did first conceive, they were not Worms (unless they were crushed ones) that shin'd, as having not been able then to discern any parts of a Worm; but only some shining clammy moysture; which appeared indeed like a little Star of a blewish colour, and stuck to the Oyster-shell; being drawn out, shone in the Air its whole length (which was about four or five lines,) and when put upon the _Observers_ hand, continued to shine there for some time.

2. That M. _Auzout_ afterwards, causing more than 20. douzen of Oysters to be open'd at Candle-light, really saw, in the dark, such shining worms in them; and those of three sorts. _One_ sort was whitish, having 24. or 25. feet on each side, forked; a black speck on one side of the head (taken by him for a _Chrystallin_) & the back like an Eele, stript off her skin. The _second_, red, and resembling the common _Glow-worms_, found at Land, with folds upon their backs, and feet like the former; and with a nose like that of a dog, and one eye in the head. The _third_ sort was speckled, having a head like that of a Sole, with many tufts of whitish hair on the sides of it,

3. That, besides these, the _Observer_ saw some much bigger, that were grayish, with a big head, and two horns on it, like those of a Snayl, and with 7. or 8. whitish feet, but these, though kept by him in the night, shin'd not.

4. That the two first sorts are made of a matter easily resoluble, the least shaking or touch turning them in into a viscous and aqueous matter; which falling from the shell, stuck to the _Observers_ fingers, and shone there for the space of 20. seconds: and if any little part of this matter, by strongly shaking the shell, did fall to the ground, it appear'd like a little piece of a flaming Brimstone; and when shaken off nimbly, it became like a small shining Line, which was dissipated before it came to the ground.

{205} 5. That this shining matter was of different colour; some, whitish, some, reddish; but yet that they afforded both, a light which appear'd a violet to his eye.

6. That it is very hard to examine these worms entire (especially the white ones) because that at the least touch they doe burst, and resolve into a glutinous moysture; whence also if it were not for their feet, that are discover'd in their matter, none would judge them to be Worms.

7. That among those, which he observed, he saw two more firm, than the rest, which shone all over; and when they fell from the Oyster, twinkled like a great star, shining strongly, and emitting rays of a violet-light by turns, for the space, (as touch't above) of 20. seconds. Which Scintillation the _Observer_ imputes to this, that those worms being alive, and sometimes raising their head, sometimes their tayle, like a Carpe, the light increased and lessened accordingly; seeing that, when they shone not, he did, viewing them by a Candle, find them dead.

8. That forcibly shaking the Oyster-shells in the dark, he sometimes saw the whole shell full of lights, now and then as big as a fingers end; and abundance of this clammy matter, both red and white, (which he judges to have been Worms) burst in their holes.

9. That in the shaking he saw all the Communications of these little Verminulous holes, like to the hole of Worms in Wood.

10. That in more than 20 douzen of Oysters he shook no shell (10. or 12. excepted) but it emitted light: And found some of this light in sixteen of the Oysters themselves.

11. That this light occurs more frequently in big, than small Oysters; in those that are pierced by the Worm, oftner, than {206} in those that are not, and rather upon the Convex-side, than the other; and more in fresh ones; than in the stale.

12. That having somewhat scaled the Convex-side of the shell, and discover'd the Communication of the holes, wherein the often-mention'd viscous moysture, that has any form of insects, is found; he smelt a scent, that was like the water of a squeesed Oyster.

13. That the Worms give no light, when irritated, but if they do, the light lasts but a very little time, whereas that which appears in those, that were not angred before, continues a great while; the _Observer_ affirming to have kept of it above 2 hours.

So far the _Journal des Scavans_; which intimates withal, that if the _Observers_ had had better _Microscopes_, they could have better examin'd this matter.

But since the curious here in _England_ are so well furnish with good ones, 'tis hoped, that they will employ some of them for further and more minute Observations of these Worms; it being a matter, which, joyned with other Observations, already made by some excellent persons here, (especially Mr. _Boyle_) upon this subject of Light, may prove very luciferous to the doctrine of it, so much yet in the dark.

* * * * *

_Some Observations of the Effects of _Touch_ and _Friction_._

The Operations and Effects of _Touch_ and _Friction_ having been lately much taken notice off, and being lookt upon by some, as a great _Medical_ Branch, for the curing of many diseases and infirmities; it will perhaps not be unseasonable to mention (here also) some Observations relating thereunto; which may give an occasion to others, to consider this subject more, than has been done heretofore, and to make {207} further Observations and Tryals concerning the power of the same.

And _First_, the Illustrious Lord of _Verulam_, in his _History of Life and Death_, Histor. 6. §. 3. observes, That _Motion_ and _Warmth_ (of which two, _Friction_ consists) draws forth, into the parts, New Juyce and Vigour. And _Canon._ XIII. he affirms, That _Frictions_ conduce much to _Longevity_. See the same, _Connex._ ix. §. 26. &c.

_Secondly_, The Honourable _Robert Boyle_, in his _Usefulness of Experimental Philosophy_, _sect_ 2. _ch._ 15. considering the Body of a Living man or any Animal, as an Engine, so composed, that there is a conspiring communication betwixt its parts, by vertue whereof a very slight impression of adventitious matter upon some one part, may be able to work, on some other distant part, or perhaps on the whole Engine, a change far exceeding, what the same adventitious matter could do upon a Body not so contrived: Representing, I say, an Animal in this manner, and thence inferring, how it may be alter'd for the better or worse by motions or impulses, confessedly _Mechanicall_, observes, How some are recover'd from swouning fits by pricking; others grow faint and do vomit by the bare motion of a Coach; others fall into a troublesome sickness by the agitation of a Ship, and by the Sea-air (whence they recover by rest, and by going a shore.) Again, how in our Stables a Horse well-curried is half-fed: How some can tell by the Milk of their Asses, whether that day they have been well curried or not: Arguing hence, that if in _Milk_ the alteration is so considerable, it should be so likewise in the _Blood_, or other Juyces, of which the Blood is elaborated, and consequently in divers of the principal parts of the Body. Where also (upon the authority of _Piso_) he refers the Reader to the _Brasilian_ Empiricks, whose {208} wild _Frictions_, as unskilfully as they order them, do strange things, both in _preserving health_, and _curing diseases_; curing Cold and _Chronical_ ones by _Friction_, as they do _Acute_ ones, by _Unction_.

_Thirdly_, The learned Dr. _John Beale_, did not long since communicate by some Letters; _First_, that he could make good proof of the curing or killing a very great and dangerous _Wen_ (that had been very troublesome for two or three years,) by the application of a dead mans hand, whence the Patient felt such a cold stream pass to the Heart, that it did almost cause in him a fit of swouning. _Secondly_, that, upon his brothers knowledge, a certain Cook in a Noble Family of _England_ (wherein that brother of his then lived) having been reproached for the ugliness of his _Warty_ hands, and return'd for answer, that he had tried many remedies, but found none, was bid by his Lord, to rub his hand with that of a dead man; and that this Lord dying soon after, the Cook made use both of his Lords advise and hand, and speedily found good effect. (Which is also confirm'd by what Mr. _Boyle_ relates in his lately mentioned _Book_, of Dr. _Harvey's_ frequently succesfull triall, of curing some Tumors or Excrescencies, by holding on them such a Hand.) Here is _Friction_ or _Touch_, to mortifie Wens, to drive away swellings and Excrescencies: And why not to repell or dissipate Spirits, that may have a dangerous influence upon the Brain, or other parts; as well as to call forth the retired ones into the habit of the Body, for Invigoration? _Thirdly_, that a Gentleman, who came lately out of _Ireland_, lay at his House, and inform'd him of an aged Knight there, who having great pain in his feet, insomuch that he was unable to use them, suffered, as he was going to bed, a loving _Spaniell_ to lick his feet; which was for the present very pleasing to him, so that he used it mornings and evenings, till he found the pain appeased, and the use of his feet restored. This, saith {209} the _Relater_, was a gentle touch, and transpiration; for he found the Spirits transpire with a pleasing Kind of Titillation. _Fourthly_, that he can assure of an honest Blacksmith, who by his healing hand converted his Barrs of Iron into Plates of Silver; and had this particular faculty, that he caused Vomitings by stroaking the Stomack; gave the Stool by stroaking the Belly; appeased the Gout, and other paines, by stroaking the parts affected.

* * * * *

_Some particulars, communicated from forraign parts, concerning the Permanent _Spott_ in _Jupiter_; and a Contest between two Artists about _Optick Glasses_, &c._

[Sidenote: _See _Numb. 1_. of these _Transactions_; by the date whereof it will appeare, that that _Spot_ was observed in _England_, a good while before any such thing was so much as heard of._]

_Eustachio de Divinis_ (saith the _Informer_,) has written a large Letter, wherein he pretends, that the Permanent Spot in _Jupiter_ hath been first of all discovered with _his_ Glasses; and that the P. _Gotignies_ is the first that hath thence deduced the Motion of _Jupiter_ about his _Axis_; and that Signior _Cassini_ opposed it at first; to whom the said _Gotignies_ wrote a letter of complaint thereupon.

The same _Eustachio_ pretends likewise, that his great Glasses excell those of _Campani_; and that in all the tryals, made with them, they have performed better; and that _Campani_ was not willing to do, what was necessary for well comparing the one with the other. _viz._ To put equall _Eye-glasses_ in them, or to exchange the same Glasses.

The said _Divini_ affirms also, that he hath found a way to {210} know, whether an Object glass be good or not, onely by looking upon it, without trying. This would be of good use, especially if it should extend so far as to discerne the goodness of such a glass, whilst it is yet on the Cement.

* * * * *

_An Account of Dr. _Sydenham's_ Book, entituled, _Methodus Curandi Febres, Propriis observationibus superstructa_._

This _Book_ undertakes to deliver a more certain and more genuine Method of curing Feavers and Agues, than has obtained hitherto: And it being premised, _First_, that a Fever is Natures Engine, she brings into the field, to remove her enemy; or her handmaid, either for evacuating the impurities of the blood, or for reducing it into a New State: _Secondly_, that the true and genuine cure of this sickness consists in such a tempering of the Commotion of the Blood, that it may neither exceed, nor be too languide: This, I say, being premised by the Author, he informs the Reader;

In the _First Section_, of the different Method, to be employed in the cure of Feavers, not only in respect of the differing constitutions and ages of the patients, but also in regard of the differing seasons of one and the same year, and of the difference of one year from another. As to the _Former_, he shews, in what sorts of _Patients_, and at what time of the Feaver, Phlebotomy, or Vomiting, or both, are to be used; and when and where not: In what space of time the _Depuration_ if nature be not disturbed or hindred in her work, will be perform'd: When _Purgatives_ are to be administred: How that _Diarrhea's_ happen, if the _Patient_ had in the {211} beginning of the Feaver an inclination to vomit, but no vomit was given; and that those symptoms, which commonly are imputed to a malignity, do, for the most part, proceed from the Relaxation of the tone of the Bloud, caused by Medicines too refrigerating, or by the unseasonable use of Glisters in the declination of the disease. As to the _Latter_, he observes, that one of the chief causes, rendring the Cure of Feavers so uncertain and unsuccessfull, is, that _Practitioners_ do accommodate their observations, they take from the successful cure of some Feavers in one season or the year, or in some one year, to that of all Feavers in any season, or in any year whatsoever. And here he observes, _first_, how vigorous the blood is in the _Spring_, and how dispirited in _Autumn_; and thence regulates the letting of bloud, and Vomiting, and the giving of Glisters. _Next_, how difficult it is, to assign the cause of the difference between the Feavers of _Several years_; and to prognosticate of the salubrity or insalubrity of the following part of the year: where yet he insinuates, that, when _Insects_ do swarm extraordinarily, and when Feavers and Agues (especially _Quartans_) appear very early, as about _Midsummer_, then _Autumn_ commonly proves very sickly. _Lastly_, what method and Cautions are to be used in the Cure of _Epidemical_ Feavers.

In the _Second Section_, he treats of the _Symptoms_, accompanying _Continued_ Feavers; as _Phrensies_, _Pleurisies_, _Coughs_, _Hicoughs_, _Fluxes_, &c. Shewing, both whence they are caused, and how they are to be cured: Where having inserted a considerable _Paragraph_, touching a certain _Symptomatical_ Feaver in the _Spring_, to be cured like Plurisies; he mentions among many Observables, this, as a chief one, that _Laudanum_, or any other _Narcotick_ given against the _Phrensy_, in the beginning, progress, or height of a Feaver, does rather hurt, than good, but in the declination thereof, is used with good success. To all which he subjoins a particular {212} accompt of the _Iliac Passion_ (esteem'd by him to be sometimes a _Symptome_ also of Feavers;) not only discoursing of its cause (a preposterous inversion of the Intestins, proceeding either from Obstruction, or Irritation,) but adding also a very plain way of Curing the same; and that not by the use of _Quick-silver_ or _Bullets_ (by him judged to be frequently noxious) but only by _Mint-water_; and the application of a Whelp to the Patients stomach; to strengthen the same, and to reduce it again to its natural motion.