Meteors, or, A plain description of all kind of meteors as well fiery and ayrie, as watry and earthy, briefly manifesting the causes of all blazing-stars, shooting stars, flames in the aire, thunder, lightning, earthquakes, rain, dew, snow, clouds, sprigs, stones, and metalls / by W.F. Fulke, William, 1538-1589. 1655 Approx. 199 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 93 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2004-11 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A40528 Wing F2260A ESTC R28245 10456179 ocm 10456179 45121 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A40528) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 45121) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 1384:49) Meteors, or, A plain description of all kind of meteors as well fiery and ayrie, as watry and earthy, briefly manifesting the causes of all blazing-stars, shooting stars, flames in the aire, thunder, lightning, earthquakes, rain, dew, snow, clouds, sprigs, stones, and metalls / by W.F. Fulke, William, 1538-1589. F. W. Observations on Dr. F. his booke of meteors. [8], 174, [1] p. Printed for William Leake, London : 1655. "Observations on Dr. F. his booke of meteors, by F.W." p. 157-174, has special t.p. Reproduction of original in the Harvard University Library. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. 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Metallurgy -- Early works to 1800. 2004-02 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2004-03 Aptara Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2004-07 Melanie Sanders Sampled and proofread 2004-07 Melanie Sanders Text and markup reviewed and edited 2004-10 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion Meteors : OR , A plain Description of all kind of Meteors , as well Fiery and Ayrie , as Watry and Earthy : BRIEFLY Manifesting the Causes of all Blazing-Stars , Shooting-Stars , Flames in the Aire , Thunder , Lightning , Earthquakes , Rain , Dew , Snow , Clouds , Springs , Stones , and Metalls . By W. F. Doctor in Divinitie . LONDON , Printed for William Leake at the Crown in Fleet-street , between the two Temple Gates , 1655. To the Reader . I Shall not beg your pardon for publishing this Book ; for as 't is none of mine ( being written by a famous and learned Divine ) so I doe not set it forth relying on my own judgement , but had the opinions ●nd approbation of divers persons of known abilities , who knew best what is most usefull for publique Benefit . And I may ( without breach of Modesty ) affirm , that there is not in our Language any Booke of so small a bulke , containes so much of the Doctrine of the Meteors . We daily behold and view divers Meteors , but very few are skill'd in their Causes ; but those that are not , may be informed . And I must tell you also , that this Book on perusall hath been found so advantagious , that a person of quality hath lately taken paines to make divers worthy Observations upon it , which here I have subjoyned , because you should not pay for two Books instead of one . These Observations were never published till now , and I trust thou wilt find the Author did thee a Courtesie . Farewel . The Table . The first Booke . WHy Meteors be called Unperfectly mixed . 3. Why they be called perfectly mixed . 3. The generall cause of all Meteors , and first of the materiall cause . 4. The places in which they are generated . 10. The Second Book , of fiery Meteors . 13. The generation of the Impression , called Burned Stubble , or Sparkles of fire . 14 Torches . 15 Dancing or leaping Goates , ibid. Shooting and falling Stars . 16 Burning Candles . 18 Burning beams and round pillars , ibid. Burning Spares , ibid. Shields , Globes , or Bowles , 20. L●mps . ibid. Flying Dragons , or fire Drakes , ibid. The Pyramidal pillar , like a Spire or broched steeple . 23 Fire scattered in the Aire , ibid. Lights that goe before men , and follow them abroad in the fields in the night season . 24 Helena , Castor and Pollux . 27. Flames that appeare upon the haires of men and beasts 29. Comets , or blazing Stars . 30 Apparitions . 35 Colours , wide gapings , and deep holes which appear in the clouds . 36. Wide gaping . ibid. Round openi●g Hiatus . 37. The third Book , of Airy Impressions . 37. Of Winds . 38. Earthquakes . 41. Divers kinds of Earthquakes . 43 How so great winds come to be under the earth . 46 The signs and tokens that go before an Earthquake most commonly . 47 Thunder . 50 Lightning , 55 Fulgetrum . ibid. Coruscation . 57 Fulgur . 58 The fourth kind , called Fulmen . 59. The first kind . 60 The second k●nd . 62 The third kind . ibid. The marvailes of Lightning , and their causes . ibid. Storme Winds . 67 Whirle winds . 70 The fired Whirlewind , 72 Circles . 73 The Rainbow . 77 The Milk way , called of some the way to S. James and Watling-street . 81 Beames or streames of light appearing through a cloud . 86 Of Many Suns . 89 Many Moons . 92 Wonderfull apparitions . 94 The fourth Booke , Of watry Impressions . 100 Of Clouds . 101 Mists . 103 Empty clouds . 104 Raine . 106 The signes of Raine . 109 Monstrous or prodigious Raine . 111 Dew . 115 Hoare frost . 117 Haile , Snow . 118 , 120. Springs and Rivers . 121 Fountaines , Brooks , Rivers . 123 Lakes . 125 Hot Baths , ibid. The divers tasts that are perceived in wells , 126 A recitall of such Rivers and Springs , as have marvelous effects , whereof no natural caus can be assigned by most men , although some reason in a few may be found . 127 Of the Sea. 132 The saltnesse of the Sea , 133 The ebbing and flowing thereof . 134 The fifth Booke , Of earthly Meteors , or bodies perfectly mixed . 135 Of Earth● . 136 Liquors concrete 139 Metals 142 Gold. 143 Silver . 145 Copper . 146 Tynne . 148 Lead . ibid. Iron . 149 Quicksilver . 150 Stones . 151 The divers kinds of stones 153 The vertue of stones . 154 FINIS . THE FIRST BOOK . FOr as much as wee intend in this Treatise , to declare the causes of all those bodies that are generated in the earth called Fossilia , as well as those other Impressions named of their height Meteors ( which no writer hitherto hath done , that we have seen ) the common definition given by the most Writers , in no wise will serve us ; and whether we may borrow the name of Meteoron , to comprehend the whole subiect of our worke , we are not altogether out of doubt ; although the Philosopher deriving it from doubtfulnes , giveth●us some colour so to take it ; and peradventure we might be as well excused to apply it to Minerals , as other authors are to use it for earthquakes : yet to avoid all occasions of cavilling at words , we shall both define and also describe the subject of our matter on this manner : It is a body compound without life natural : and yet to stop one hole , because here wanteth the name of the thing to be defined ; it is no new thing to them that have read Aristotles workes , to find a definition of that whereof there is no name . But what need you be so precise ( will some man say ) ? meane you so to proceed in all your discourse ? no verily , but because many of quick iudgement , not considering the stile to bee attempered to the capacitie of the readers , will impute the plainesse to the ignorance of the Author , wee thought good in the beginning to pluck the opinion out of their minds that ( as the common saying is ) they may know , wee have skill of good manners though we little use them . The Meteors are divided after three manner of wayes : First , into bodies perfectly and imperfectly mixed : Secondly , into moist impressions and drie : Thirdly , into fiery , airy , watry , and earthly . According to this last division ▪ we shall speake of them in foure bookes following : but first we must be occupied a little in the generall description of the same , that afterward shall be particularly treated of . Why they be called imperfectly mixed . THey are called imperfectly mixed , because they are very soon changed into another thing , and resolved into their proper elements of which they do most consist , as do all impressions , fierie , airie , watry : as snow into water , clouds into waters &c. Why they be called perfectly mixed . THe last sort , namely earthly Meteors , are called perfectly mixed , because they will not easily be changed and resolved from that form which they are in , as be stones , metalls , and other mineralls . According to the qualitie of the matter , they are divided into moist and drie impressions , consisting either of Vapors or Exhalations . Vapors are called moist , and exhalations drie , which termes must be well noted , because they must be much used . Of the general causes of all Meteors ; and first of the material cause . THe matter whereof the most part of Meteors doth consist , is either water or earth : for out of the water , proceed vapors , and out of the earth come exhalations . Vapor , as the Philosopher saith , is a certain watry thing , and yet is not water ; so Exhalation hath a certain earthly nature in it , but yet it is not earth . For the better understanding of Vapors , understand that they be as it were fumes or smokes warme and moist , which will easily bee resolved into water , much like to the breath that proceedeth out of a mans mouth , or out of a pot of water standing on the fire . These vapours are drawn up from the waters and watery places by the heat of the Sun , even unto the middle region of the aire , and there after divers manner of meeting with coldnesse , many kind of moist Meteors are generated , as sometimes clouds and raine , sometime snow and hail ; and that such Vapours are so drawn up by the Sunne , it is plaine by experience : for if there be a plash of water on a smooth and hard stone , standing in the heat of the Sun , it will soon be drie ; which is none otherwise but that the Sun draweth up the water in thinne Vapors : for no man is so fond to say , that it can sink into stone or mettal ; and it is as great folly to think it is consumed to nothing : for it is a general rule , That that which is once a thing , cannot by changing become nothing : wherefore it followeth , that the water on the stone , as also on the earth , is for the most part drawn up , when the stone or earth is dryed . Exhalations are as smokes that be hot and dry , which because they be thinne , and lighter then Vapors , passe the lowest and middle Region of the aire , and are carryed up even to the highest Region , where for the excessive heat , by neerness of the fire , they are kindled , and cause many kind of impressions . They are also sometimes viscose , that is to say , clammy , by reason whereof , they cleaving together and not being dispersed , are after divers sorts set on fire , and appear sometimes like Dragons , sometimes like Goats , sometimes like candles , sometimes like spears . By that which is spoken of Vapours and Exhalations , it is evident , that out of the fire and aire , no matter whereof Meteors should consist , can be drawn , because of their subtilty and thinnesse . For all Exhalation is by making a grosser body more thinne : but the fire ( we mean the elemental fire , and not the fire of the Kitchin chimney ) is so subtil and thinne , that it cannot be made thinner ; likewise the aire is so thinne , that if it be made thinner , it is changed into fire ; and as the fire , if it were made thicker , would become aire ; so the aire being made grosser , would be turned into water . Wherefore to conclude this part , the great quantity of matter , that causeth these Meteors , is taken out of the earth and the water . As for the aire and the fire , they are mixed with this matte● as with all other things , but not so abundantly , that they may be said th● material cause of any Meteor , thoug● without them none can be generated . The efficient cause of all Meteors , is tha● caus which maketh them ; even as the Carpenter is the efficient cause of an house . This cause is either first or second . The first and efficient cause is God the worker of all wonders , according to that testimonie of the Psalmist , which saith , Fire , haile snow , ice , wind and storme , doe his will and commandment ; he sendeth snow like wooll , &c. Almightie God therefore being the first , principall and universall cause efficient of all natural works and effects , is also the first cause of these effects , whose profit is great , and operation marvellous . The second cause efficient , is double , either remote , that is to say , farre off or next of all . The farther cause of them as of all other naturall effects , is the same ; the Sun with the other Planets and Stars , and the very heaven it self in which they are moved ; But chiefly the Sunne , by whose heat all or at least wise the most part of the vapors and Exhalations are drawn up . The next cause efficient as the first qualities , are heat and cold , which cause divers effects in Vapors & Exhalations . But to return to the heat of the Sun , which is a very neere cause , it is for this purpose two wayes considered . One way , as it is meane and temperate ; Otherwise , as it is vehement and burning . The meane , is by which he draweth vapors out of the water , and exhalations out of the earth , and not onely draweth them out , but also lifteth them up very high from the earth into the aire , where they are turned into divers kinds of Meteors . The burning heat of the Sunne is , by which he burneth , dissipateth and consumeth the vapors and exhalations before he draweth them up , so that of them no Meteors can be generated . These two heats proceed from the Sun , either in respect of the place , or the time ; but most properly according to the casting of his beames either directly or undirectly . In place where the Sunnes beames strike directly against the earth and the water , the heat is so great , that it burneth up the Exhalations and Vapours , so that there are no fiery Meteors , much lesse watery : as it is in the South parts of the world , under and neere to the Equinoctiall line . But in places where the beames are cast indirectly and obliquely , and that where they are not too nigh to the direct beams , nor too far off from them ; there is a moderate heat , drawing out great abundance of matter , so that in those Countries , many Meteors of many sorts are generated , as in the far North parts are few but watry impressions . Also in Autumn and Spring are oftner Meteors seene , then in Summer and Winter , except it be in such places where the Summer and Winter are of the temper of the Spring and Autumne . Let this be sufficient for the Efficient causes of impressions , as well first and principall , as second and particular . Concerning the formal and finall cause , we have little to say , because the one is so secret , that it is known of no man : the other so evident , that it is plaine , to all men . The essentiall Form of all substances , Gods wisedome comprehendeth ; the universall chiefe and last End of all things , is the glory of God. Middle Ends ( if they may be so called ) of these impressions are manifold profits to Gods creatures , to make the earth fruitfull , to purge the aire , to set forth his power , to threaten his vengeance , to punish the world , to move to repentance ; all which are referred to one end of Gods eternall glory , ever to be prased , Amen . Of the places , in which they are generated . THe places in which Meteors are caused , be either the aire or the earth : in the air be generated rain , hail , snow , dew , blazing stars , thunder , lightning , &c. In the earth be welles , springs ▪ earthquakes , metals , minerals , &c. made , and as it were , in their mothers belly begotten and fashioned . But for the better understanding hereof , such as have not tasted the principles of Philosophy , must consider that there be foure elements , Earth , Water , Aire , and Fire , one compassing another round about , saving that the waters by Gods commandement are gathered into one place , that the land might appear . The highest is the spheare of the Fire , which toucheth the hollownesse of the moons heaven : the next is the aire , which is in the hollownesse of the fire : the aire within his hollownesse comprehendeth the water and the earth , which both make but one spheare or Globe , or as the common sort may understand it , one ball . So each element is within another , as scales of a perch are one above anothes : or ( to use a grosse similitude ) as the peeles of an Onion are one within another : after the same sort from the highest heaven to the earth that is lowest , one part that is greater compasseth round about another that is lesser . But for this present purpose it is to be knowne , that the aire is divided into three regions , the highest the middle and the lowest . The highest because it is next to the region of the fire , is exceeding hot : the lowest being next the earth and waters , is temperate , and by repercussion or striking backe of the Sunne beames waxeth hot , and by absence of them is made cold , being subject to winter and summer . The middle region of the aire , is alwaies exceeding cold , partly because the sunne beames cannot be cast back so high , and partly because the cold that is there , betweene the heat above , and the heat beneath it , is so kept in , that it can not get out , so that it must needs be excessively cold : for the water and the earth , being both cold Elements , after the Sunne setting in the night season , doe coole the aire , even to the middle region . But in the morning the Sunne rising warmeth the aire , so farre as his beames which are beaten backe from the earth and the water , can extend and reach ; which is not so high as the middle region , and by heat on both sides is inclosed and kept , saving that a little thereof falleth downe in the night , which the next day with much more is driven back againe . Wherefore this region being so cold , is dark and cloudy , in so much that some doting Divines have imagined purgatory to be there in the middle region of the aire . In the highest region be generated Comets or blazing stars and such like of divers sorts . In the middle region clouds , rain , stormes , winds &c. In the lowest region , dew , frost , hoar-frost , mists , bright rods , candles , burning about graves , and gallowses , where there is store of clamy , fattie or oily substance , also lights and flaming fires seen in fields , &c. And thus much for the general causes of all Meteors . THE SECOND BOOKE Of Fiery Meteors . A Fiery impression , is an Exhalation set on fire in the highest or lowest region of the aire , or else appearing as though it were set on fire and burning . They are therefore divided into flames and Apparitions . Flames are they which burn indeed , and are kindled with fire . These are discerned by four ways ; by the fashion of them , by their place , by the abundance of their matter , and by the want of their matter . Their placing is after the abundance and scarcity of the matter whereof they consist : for if it be great , heavy and grosse , it cannot be carried so far as the middle region of the ayre , and therefore is set on fire in the lowest region : if it be not so great , light , and full of heat , it passeth the middle region , and ascendeth to the highest , where it is easily kindled and set on fire . According to their divers fashions , they have divers names : for they are called burning stubble , torches , dauncing or leaping Goates , shooting or falling starres , or candles , burning beames , round pillars , spears , shields , Globes or bowles , firebrands , lampes , flying Dragons or fire drakes , painted pillars , or broched steeples , or blazing starres , called Comets . The time when these impressions doe most appeare , is the night-season : for if they were caused in the day time , they could not be seen , no more then the stars be seen , because the light of the Sunne which is much greater , dimmeth the brightness of them being lesser . Of the generation of the impression called burning stubble or sparkles of fire . The generation of this Meteor is this ; when the matter of the Exhalation is in all parts alike thin , but not compacted or knit together , then some part of it being caryed up into the highest Region , by the fiery heat is set on fire before another part that cometh up after it , and so being kindled by little and little , flieth abroad like sparkles out of a chimney , insomuch that the common people suppose , that an infinite number of stars fall down , whereas it is nothing else but the Exhalation that is thin , kindled in many parts , sparkling as when sawdust or cole-dust is cast into the fire . Of Torches TOrches or firebrands are thus generated : when the matter of the exhalation is long and not broad , being kindled at one end thereof in the highest region of the aire , it burneth like a torch or firebrand , and so continueth till all the matter be burnt up , and then goeth out ; none otherwise then a Torch when all the stuffe is spent , must needs burne no longer . Of dancing or leaping Goates DAncing Goates are caused when the exhalation is divided into two parts , as when two torches be seen together , and the flame appeareth to leap or dance from one part to the other , much like as bals of wild fire dance up and down in the water . Of shooting and falling stars . A Flying , shooting , or falling star , is when the exhalation being gathered as it were on a round heape , and yet not throughly compacted in the highest part of the lowest region of the ayre , being kindled by the sodaine cold of the middle region , is beaten backe , and so appeareth as though a starre should fall , or slide from place to place . Sometime it is generated after another sort ; for there is an exhalation long and narrow , which being kindled at one end burneth swiftly , the fire running from end to end , as when a silk thred is set on fire at the one end . Some say it is not so much set on fire , as that it is direct under some Star in the firmament , and so receiving light of that star , seemeth to our eies to be a Star. Indeed sometimes it may be so ; but that i● is not so alwayes , nor yet most commonly , it may be easily demonstrated . The Epicureans , as they are very grosse in determining the chiefe goodness : so they are very fond in assigning the cause of this Meteor . For they say , that the stars fall out of the firmament , & that by the fall of them , both thunder and lightning are caused : for the lightning ( say they ) is nothing else but the shining of that Starre that falleth , which falling into a waterie cloud , and being quenched in it , causeth that great thunder , even as hot Iron maketh a noise if it be cast into cold water . But it is evident , that the starres of the firmament cannot fall , for GOD hath set them fast for ever ; he hath given them a Commandement which they shall not passe . And though they should fall into the clouds , yet could they not rest there , but with their weight being driven down , would cover the whole earth . For the least starre that is seen in the firmament , is greater then all the earth . Here will step forth some merrie fellow which of his conscience thinketh them not to be above three yards about , and say it is a loud lie ; for he can see within the compasse of a bushell , more then 20 stars . But if his bushell were on fir● 20 mile of , I demand how bigge it would seeme unto him ? He that hath any wit will easily perceive , that starres being by all mens confession , so many thousand miles distant from the earth , must needs be very great , that so far off should be seen in any quantity . Thus much for the shooting or falling starres Of burning Candles . WHen the Exhalation carried up into the highest part of the ayre , is in all parts thereof of equall and like thinness , and also long , but not broad , it is set on fire and blazeth like a candle , until the Exhalation be quite consumed . Of burning Beames and round Pillars . THese are caused , when the Exhalation being long and not very broad , is set on fire all at once , and so burneth like a great beame or logge . The difference of Beames and Pillars is this ; for beams are when they seeme to lie in length in the ayre , but they are called Pillars , when they stand right up , the one end neerer to the earth then the other Of Burning Speares . BUrning speares are generated , when a great quantity of exhalations , which may be called a dry cloud , is set on fire in the middest , and because the cloud is not so compact , that it should suddenly rend , as when thunder is caused , the fire breaketh out at the edges of the cloud , kindling the thin Exhalations , which shoot out in great number like fiery speares , or darts , long and very small ; wherefore they continue not long : but when they fayle , within a short while after , more fire breaking out , they shoot as many more in their place : and likewise , when they are gone , others succeed , if the quantity of the matter will suffice , more then a douzen courses . This impression was seene in London , Anno Dom. 1560. the thirty day of Ianuary , at eight of the clock at night , the ayre in all other places being very darke ; but in the North-east where this cloud burned , it was as light as when the day breaketh toward the Sunne rising , in so much that plaine shaddow of things opposite was seene . The edge of this cloud was in the fashion like the Raynebow , but in colour very bright , and oftentimes casting forth almost innumerable darts of wonderfull length , like squibs that are cast into the ayre , saving that they move more swiftly then any squibs . Of Shields , Globes or Bowles . THese Meteors also have their name of their fashion , because they are broad , and appeare to be round ; otherwise their generation differeth not from the cause of the like impressions before mentioned . Of Lampes . THe Lampe consisteth of an Exhalation that is broad and thick , but not equally extended ; namely , smaller at one end then at another , which being kindled about the middest thereof , burneth like a lampe . The cause why , as well this impression , as many other , appeareth round , is not for that alwaies they are round indeed , but because the great distance causeth them to seem so . For even the square formes far off seem to be round . 〈◊〉 is written , that a Lamp fell down at Rome , when Germanicus Caesar set forth forth the fight of sword players . Of flying Dragons or fire Drakes . Flying Dragons , or as Englishmen call them , fire-Drakes , be caused on this manner . When a certaine quantity of ●apors are gathered together on a heap , ●eing very neere compact , and as it were ●ard tempered together , this lump of ●apors ascending to the region of cold , ●forcibly beaten back ; which violence ●f moving is sufficient to kindle it ; ●lthough some men will have it to be ●used between 2 clouds , a hot and a ●●ld ; then the highest part , which was ●iming upward , being by reason more ●btill and thin , appeareth as the Dra●ns neck , smoking , for that is was ●ely in the repulse bowed or made ●●oked , to represent the Dragons belly . ●e last part by the same repulse turned ●ward , maketh the tayle , appearing ●aller for that it is both further off , ● also for that the cold bindeth it ▪ ●is dragon thus being caused , flyeth ●ng in the ayre , and sometime turneth ●nd fro , if it meet with a cold cloud eat it back , to the great terrour of 〈◊〉 that behold it : of whom some 〈◊〉 it a fire Drake : some say it is the ●ill himselfe , and so make report ●thers . More then 47 yeeres ago● , on May day , when many young folk went abroad early in the morning , remember by six of the clocke in th● forenoone , there was newes come to London , that the Devill , the same morning , was seen flying over the Thames ▪ afterward came word , that he lighte● at Stratford , and there was taken an● set in the Stockes , and that though h● would fane have dissembled the matte● by turning him selfe into the likenes● of a man , yet was he known well enoug● by his cloven foot . I knew some the● living , that went to see him , and returning , affirmed , that he was seen flying in the ayre , but was not take● prisoner . I remember also , that som● wished he had been shot at with Gun● or shafts , as he flew over the Thame● Thus do ignorant men iudge of the things that they know not . As for th● Devill , I suppose , it was a flying Dr●gin , whereof we speake , very fearefu● to looke upon , as though he had 〈◊〉 because he moveth , whereas it is n●thing else but clouds and smoake : 〈◊〉 mighty is God , that he can feare 〈◊〉 enemies with these and such like op●rations , whereof some examples may be found in holy Scripture . Of the Pyramidall Pillar like a spire or broached Steeppe THis sharpe poynted pillar , is generated in the highest region of the ayre , and after this sort : When the Exhalation hath much earthly matter in it , the lighter parts and thinner ( as their nature is ) ascending upward , the grosser , heavier , and thicker , abide together in the bottome , and so is it of fashion great beneath , and small poynted above , and beeing set on fire it is so seene , and thereof hath his name . Of fire scattered in the ayre . FIre scattered in the ayre , or illuminations , are generated in the lowest region of the ayre , when very drie and hot Exhalations are drawne up , and meeting with cold clouds , are sent back again , which motions doe set them a fire ; whose parts being not equally thick or ioyned together , seeme as though fire were scattered in the ayre : Yea sometimes , the whole ayre seemeth to burne , as though it would rayne fire from Heaven , and so it hath come to passe , burning both Cities and Townes . Then iudge how easy it was for God to raine fire upon Sodom and Gomorra , for their sins and wickedness . Of lights that goe before men , and follow them abroad in the fields , by the night season . THere is also a kind of light that is seen in the night season & seemeth to goe before men , or to follow them , leading them out of their way into waters , and other dangerous places . It is also very often seene in the night , of them that saile on the Sea , and sometime will cleave to the mast of the Shippe , or other high parts , sometime slide round about the Shippe , and either rest in one part till it goe out , or else be quenched in the water . This impression seene on the land , is called in Latine Ignis fatuus , foolish fire , that hurteth not , but onely feareth fooles . That which is seene on the Sea , if it be but one , is named Helena ; if it be two , it is called Castor and Pollux . The foolish fire is an Exhalation kindled by meanes of violent moving , when by cold of the night , in the lowest region of the ayre , it is beaten downe ; and then commonly , if it be light , seeketh to ascend upward , and is sent down againe ; so it danceth up and downe . Else if it move not up and downe , it is a great lumpe of glewish or oyly matter that by moving of the heat in it selfe , is enflamed of it selfe , as moyst hay will bek indled of it selfe . In hot and fennie Countries , these lights are often seene , and where is abundance of such unctuous and fat matter , as about Church-yards , where through the corruption of the bodies there buried , the earth is full of such substance : wherefore in Church-yards , or places of common buriall , oftentimes are such lights seene , which ignorant and superstitious fooles have thought to be soules tormented in the fire of Purgatory . Indeed the Devill hath used these lights ( although they be naturally caused ) as strong delusions to captive the minds of men with feare of the Popes Purgatory , whereby he did open injury to the blood of Christ , which onely purgeth us from all our sins , and delivereth us from all torments both temporall and eternall , according to the saying of the wise-man , The soules of the righteous are in the Hands of God , and no torment toucheth them . But to returne to the lights , in which there are yet two things to be considered . First , why they lead men out of their way . And secondly , why they seeme to follow men and goe before them . The cause why they lead men out of the way , is , that men , while they take heed to such lights , and are also sore afraid , they forget their way , & then being once but a little out of their way , they wander they wot not whither , to waters , pits and other very dangerous places . Which , when at length they hap the way home , will tell a great tale , how they have beene led about by a spirit in the likenesse of Fire . Now the cause why they seeme to goe before men , or to follow them , some men have said to be the moving of the ayre , by the going of the man , which ayre moved , should drive them forward if they were before , and draw them after if they were behind . But this is no reason at all that the Fire , which is oftentimes three or foure miles distant from the man that walketh , should be moved to and fro by that ayre which is moved through his walking , but rather the moving of the ayre and the mans eyes , causeth the fire to seeme as though it moved , as the Moone to children seemeth , if they are before it , to run after them : if she be before them , to run before them , that they cannot overtake her , though she seeme to be very neere them . Wherefore these lights rather seeme to move , then that they be moved indeed . Of Helena , Castor and Pollux WHen the like substance in the lowest region of the ayr , over the Sea , by the like occasion is set on fire , if be one only , it is called Helena ; if their be two , they are called Castor , and Pollux . These impressions will oftentimes cleave to the mast , and other parts of Ships , by reason of the claminesse and fatnesse of matter . Helena was of the Heathen men taken as a Goddesse , the daughter of Jupiter and Leda . Castor and Pollux were her brethren . Helena was the occasion that Troy was destroyed ; therefore the Mariners by experience trying , that one flame of fire appearing along , signified tempest at hand , supposed the same flame to be the goddesse Helena , of whom they look'd for nothing but destruction . But when two lights are seen together , they are a token of fair weather , and good luck : the Mariners therefore beleeved that they were Castor and Pollux , which sayling to seek their sister Helena being carried to Troy by Paris , were never seen after and thought to be translated into the number of the Gods that gave good successe to them that sayl , as we read in the last Chapter of the Acts of the Apostles , that the Ship wherein S. Paul sayled , had a badge of Castor and Pollux . A naturall cause why they may thus foreshew either tempest or calmnesse , is this ; One flame alone may give warning of a tempest , because that as the matter thereof is compact , and not dissolved ; so it is like , that the matter of the tempest ( which never wanteth ) as wind and clouds , is still together , and not dissipated , then is it like not long after to arise . By two flames together may be gathered , that as this Exhalation which is very thick , is divided : so the thick matter of tempests is dissolved and scattered abroad by the same cause that this is divided . Therefore not without a reason , the Mariner to his mates may promise a prosprous course . Of flames that appeare upon the haires of men or beasts . THere is another kind of fiery impression , which is flames of fire upon the haires of men and beasts , especially horses . These are sometime clammy Exhalations , scatered abroad in the air in small parts , which in the night , by resistance of the cold , are kindled , cleaving on horses eares , on mens heads and shoulders that ride or walke . In that they cleave upon hayres , it is by the same reason that the dew will be seen also upon haires or garments , whose wooll is high , as frize mantels and such like . Another sort of these flames are caused , when mens or beasts bodies being chafed , send forth a ●at and clammy sweat , which is in like manner kindled as the sparks of fire that are seene when a black horse is curried . Livius reporteth of Servius Tullius , that as he lay asleep , being a child , his hair seemed to be all on a flame , which for all that did not burn his hair or hurt him . The like history he reciteth of one Marius a Knight of Rome , that as he made an Oration to his Soldiers in Spain , they saw his head burning on a light fire , and himself not ware of it . Thus much concerning these Flames . Of Comets or Blazing Stars . A Comet is an exhalation hot and dry , of great quantity , fat and clammy , hard-compact like a great lump of pitch , which by the heat of the Sun is drawn out of the Earth into the highest region of the Air , and there by the excessive heat of the place is set on fire , appearing like a star with a blazing tayl ; and somtime is moved after the motion of the Air which is circular , but it never goeth down out of the compass of sight , though it be not seen in the day-time for the brightness of the Sun , but still burneth until all the matter be consumed . An argument of the greatness is this , that there was never any Comet yet perceived but at the least it endured 7 days ; but much longer they have been seen ; namely forty days long , yea fourscore days ; and some , six months together . Wherefore it must needs be a wonderfull deal of matter that can give so much nourishment for so great and fervent fire , aud for so long a time . There are considered in a Comet specially the Colour and Fashion , which both arise of the disposition of the matter . Their Colours be either white , ruddy , or blew . If the matter be thin , the colour is white ; if it be meanly thick , then is the Comet ruddy , after the colour of our fire ; but when the matter is very thick , it is blew , like the burning of brimstone . And as the matter is more or less after this disposition , so is the Comet of colour more or less like to these three principal colours : some yellowish , some duskish , some greenish , some watchet , &c. In Fashion are noted three differences ; for either they seem to be round , with beams round about , or with a beard hanging downward , or else with a tayl stretched out sidelong in length . The first fashion is when the matter is thickest in the midst , and thin round about the edges ; the second is when the Exhalation is upward thick , and in length downward also meanly thick ; the third form is like the second , saving that the tayl hangeth not down but lyeth aside and is commonly longer then the beard . The time of their generation is oftnest in Autumn or Harvest : for in the Spring there is too much moisture , and too little heat to gather a Comet ; in Summer is too much heat which will disperse and consume the matter that it cannot be joined together ; as for Winter , it is clean contrary to the nature of a Comet which is hot and dry , Winter being cold and moyst : therefore no time so meet as Autumn . Now for so much as many Learned men have gone about to declare the signification of Blazing stars , we will omitt nothing that hath any shadow of Reason , but declare what is written of them . Such things as are set forth of the betokening of Comets are of two sorts : The first is of natural ; The second of Civil or Politick Effects . They are said to betoken Drought , Barrenness of the Earth and Pestilence . Drought , because a Comet cannot be generated without great heat ; and much moysture is consumed in the burning of it . Barrenness , because the fatness of the Earth is drawn up whereof the Comet consisteth . Pestilence , for so much as this kinde of Exhalation corrupteth the Air , which infecteth the bodies of men and beasts . The Second sort might well be omitted , saving that Aristotle himself disdaineth not to seek out Causes for some of them . Generally it is noted of all Historiographers , that after the appearing of Comets most commonly follow great and notable Calamities . Beside this , they betoken ( say some ) Wars , Seditions , Changes of Commonwealths , and the Death of Princes and Noble men . For what time Comets do shine , there be many hot and dry Exhalations in the Ayr , which in dry men kindle heat whereby they are provoked to Anger : of Anger commeth brawling : of brawling , fighting and war : of war , victory : of victory , change of Commonwealths : then also Princes living more delicately then other men , are more subject to infection ; and therefore dye sooner then other men . If it were lawfull to reason of this sort , we might enduce them to betoken not only these few things , but all other things that chance in the world . Yet these predictions have a shew of Reason : though it be nothing necessary ; but it is a wonder to see how the Astrologians dote in such devices ; they are not ashamed to an earthly substance to ascribe an heavenly influence , and in order of judgment to use them as very stars . Surely , by as good reason as to the Celestial stars they attribute Divine influences and effects . But this their folly hath been sufficiently detected by divers godly and learned men , and this place requireth no long discourse thereof . Wherefore this shall suffice , both for the natural Causes of Blazing stars , and also for all Flames in general . It followeth therefore that with like brevity we declare the Causes of Fiery Apparitions . Of Apparitions . AN Apparition is an Exhalation in the lowest or highest Region of the Air , not verily burning , but by refraction of light either of the Sun or of the Moon seeemeth as though it burned : which appearance of colour riseth not of the mixtion of the four qualities , as it doth in bodies perfectly mixed , as Herbs , Stones , &c. but only the falling of light upon shadow : the light is instead of white , and the shadow of darkness instead of black . These diversly mixed according to the divers dispositions of the Exhalation , which ministreth variety by thickness or thinness , cause divers Colours . There be commonly recited three kindes of Fiery Apparitions ; Colours , Wide-gapings , and Deep holes which appear in the Clouds . Of Colours . Colours are here meant when there is nothing else to be noted but the Colours of the clouds : and they are caused ( as it is said ) by casting the light into the shadowy Cloud , according as it exceedeth more or less in thickness ; whereof some be very bright-white , and that is when the Exhalation is very thin ; some yellowish , when the Exhalation is thicker ; some ruddy , when it is meanly thick ; and very black , when it is very thick . The red and ruddy Colours are seen in the morning and evening , when the light of the Sun is not in his full force : for at other times of the day his light is too vehement , clear , strong and peircing . Thus much of Colours . Of Wide-gaping . Wide-gaping is caused when an Exhalation is thick in the midst , and thin on the edges , then the light being received into it , causeth it to appear as though the sky did rend , and fi●e break out of it . Of round opening Hiatus . These holes called Hiatus , differ from Wide-gapings in nothing but that they be less , and therefore seem as though they were deep pits or holes , and not rending or gaping ; And these be those Apparitions that appear Fiery , and yet be not so indeed . Therefore let this be sufficient to have shewed the natural Causes of all Fiery Meteors . THE THIRD BOOK . Of Airy Impressions . UNder the name of Airy Impressions , be comprehended such Meteors , whose matter is most of the Air. Of this sort be Winds , Earthquakes , Thunder , Lightnings , Storme-Winds , Whirlwinds , Circles , Rainbowes , The White Circle , called of some WATLING street , many Suns , many Moons . Of Winds . THe Wind is an Exhalation hot and dry , drawn up into the Air by the power of the Sun , and by reason of the weight thereof being driven down , is laterally or sidelong carried about the Earth . And this Definition is not to be understood of general Winds that blow over all the Earth , or else some great Regions ; but besides these there be particular Winds which are known but only in some Countries , and them not very large . These Winds oftentimes have another manner of generation , and that is on this manner ; It must needs be confessed , that within the globe of the Earth be wonderfull great holes , caves or dungeons , in which when Air aboundeth ( as it may by divers Causes ) this Air that cannot abide to be penned in , findeth a little hole in or about those Countries as it were a mouth to break out of , and by this meanes bloweth vehemently : yet that force and vehemency extendeth not far ; but as the wind that commeth forth of bellows , neer the comming forth is strong , but far off is not perceived : so this Particular Wind , in that particular Country where it breaketh forth , is very violent and strong , in so much that it overthroweth both trees and houses , yet in other Countries not very far distant , no part of that boysterous blast is felt . Wherefore this Wind differeth from the general Winds both in Qualities and Substance or Matter : for the Matter of them is an Exhalation , and the Qualities such as the nature of the Exhalation is , very Airy , but not Air indeed : but of this particular Wind the Matter and Substance is most commonly Air. There is yet a third kinde of Wind , which is but a soft , gentle and cool moving of the Air , and commeth from no certain place ( as the general Wind doth ) yea it is felt in the shadow under trees , when in the hot light and shining of the Sun it is not perceived . It commeth whisking suddenly , very pleasant in the heat of Summer , and ceaseth by and by ; this properly is no Wind , but a moving of the Air by some occasion . As for the general Winds , they blow out of divers Quarters of the Air now East , now West , now South , now North , or else inclining to one of the same Quarters : Among which the East-wind following the nature of the Fire is hot and dry ; the South-wind expressing the quality of the Air is hot and moyst ; the Western blast agreeing with the Waters property , is cold and moyst ; the North that never was warmed with the heat of the Sun , being cold and dry partaketh the condition of the Earth . The middle Winds have middle and mixed qualities , after the nature of those Four principal Winds , more or less , as they incline toward them more or less . Generally the profit of all Winds , by the wonderfull wisdom of the Eternal God , is very great unto his Creatures . For besides that these Winds alter the Weather . some of them bringing rain , some driness , some frost and snow , which all are necessary ; there is yet an universal Commodity that riseth by the only moving of the Air , which were it not continually stirred as it is , would soon putrify , and being putrified would be a deadly infection to all that hath breath upon the Earth . Wherefore this wind whose sound we hear , and know not from whence it commeth nor whither it goeth ( for who can affirm from whence it was raised , or where it is laid down ? ) as all other Creatures beside , does teach us the wonderfull and wise providence of God , that we may worthily cry out with the Psalmist and say , O Lord , how manifold are thy works ! in wisdome hast thou made them all &c. Let this be sufficient to have shewed the generation of the Winds . Of Earthquakes , AN Earthquake , is a shaking of the Earth which is caused by meanes of wind and Exhalations , that be enclosed within the caves of the Earth , and can find ●o passage to break forth , or else so narrow a way that it cannot soon enough be dilivered . Wherefore , with great force and violence it breaketh out : and one while shaketh the Earth , another while rendeth and cleaveth the same : somtime it casteth up the Earth a great hight into the Air , and somtime it causeth the same to sink a great depth down , swallowing both Cities and Townes , yea and also mighty great Mountaines , leaving in the place where they stood , nothing but great holes of an unknown depth , or else great lakes of Waters . Of divers kinds of Earthquakes . DIvers Authors write diversly of the kinds of Earthquakes , some making more and some less , but we shall be content at this time to comprehend them in four sorts . The first kind is when the Earth is shaken laterally , to one side , which is when the whole force of the wind driveth to one place , and there is no other contrary motion to let it . This wind , if it be not great , shaketh the Earth , that it trembleth as a man that hath a fit of an ague , and doth no more harme : but if it be great and violent , it looseth the foundations of all buildings , be they never so strong , and overthroweth whole Cities , but especially the great buildings , and not only such buildings , but somtimes also casteth down great Hilles , that cover and overwhelm all the valleys under them . Many noble and great Cities have been overthrown by this kind of Earthquake . It is written , that twelve of the most beautifull Cities , and most sumptuous buildings in all Asia , were overthrown and utterly destroyed with an Earthquake . How often Antiochia , yea within short time was destroyed , they which have read the Histories , can testifie . How terrible was the Earthquake that shook Constantinople a whole year together , that the Emperour and all the people , were fain to dwell abroad in the fields under tents and pavilions , for fear their houses would fall on their heads , it is recorded in the Chronicles , and worthy to be remembered . The second kind is , when the Earth with great violence is lifted up , so that the buildings are like to fall , and by and by sinketh down again : this is , when all the force of the winds striveth to get upward , after the nature of gunpowder , and finding some way to be delivered out of bondage , the Earth that was hoysied up , returneth to his old place . The third kind is a gaping , rending , or cleaving of the Earth , when the Earth sinketh down , and swalloweth up Cities , and Townes , with Castles , and Towers , Hilles and Rocks , Rivers , and Floods , so that they be never seen again . Yea the Sea in some places hath been drunk up , so that men might have gone over on foot , untill the time of tide or flood returning covered the place with Waters again . But in the land , where this Earthquake swalloweth up any City , or Country , there appeareth nothing in the place thereof , but a marvellous wide and deep gulfe , or hole . Aristotle maketh mention of divers places , and regions that were overthrown with this kind of Earthquake . The fourth kind , is when great mountaines are cast up out of the Earth , or else when some part of the land sinketh down , and in stead thereof arise Rivers , Lakes , or Fires breaking out with smoake and Ashes . It causeth also overflowings of the Sea , when the Sea bottome is lifted up , and by this means arise many Islands in the Sea , that never were seen before . These and other such miracles , are often found In the Writers of Histories , also in the Philosophers , as Aristotle , Seneca , and Plinius . Nevertheless , the effects of some as most notable , it shall not be unprofitable to recite . Plato in his Dialogue intituled Timeus , maketh mention by the way of a wonderfull Earthquake , whereby not only Africa was rent asunder from Europe and Asia ( as it is indeed at this day , except a little neck by the red Sea ) the Sea entring between them that now is called Mare Mediterraneum : but also a wonderfull great Island , which he affirmeth , was greater then Africa and Asia both , called Atlantis , was swallowed up , and covered by the Waters , in so much , that on the Sea called Atlanticum , for a great while after , no Ship could sayl , by reason that the same huge Sea , by resolution of the Earth of that mighty Iland , was all turned into mudde . The famous I le of Sicilia was also somtime a part of Italy , and by Earthquake rent asunder from it● Seneca maketh mention of two Ilands , Theron and Therea , that in his time first appeared . It should seeme both by Aristotle , and also by Herodotus , that Egypt , in ancient time , was a gulph of the Sea , and by Earthquake made a drie land . During the reign● of Tiberius the Emperor , twelve notable Cities of Asia were overthrown in one night , &c. How so great VVinds come to be under the Earth . THe great Caves and Dennes of the Earth , must needs be full of Ayr continually : but when by the heat of the Sunne , the moysture of the Earth is resolved , many Exhalations are generated as well within the Earth as without ; and whereas the places were full before so that they could receive no more , except part of that which was in them , were let out in such countries where the Earth hath few pores , or else where they are stopped with moysture , it must needs follow , that these Exhalations striving to get out , must needs rend the Earth in some place , or lift it up , so that either they may have free passage , or else room enough to abide in . Of signes and tokens that go before an Earthquake most commonly . THe first , is the raging of the Sea , when there are no tempestuous Winds to stirre it , yea , when the Ayr is most calme without Wind. The caus why the Sea then rageth , is , that the wind beginneth to labour for passage that way , and finding none , is sent back , and soon after shaketh the land . The second signe is calmness of the Ayr , and cold , which commeth to pass by reason that the Exhalation that should be abroad , is within the Earth . The third signe , is said to be a long thinne strake of cloud seen , when the skie is clear ; after the setting of the Sun. This ( say they ) is caused , by reason that the Exhalation or Vapor , which is the matter of clouds , is gone into the Earth . Others affirm , that it is the Exhalation that breaketh out of some narrow hole of the Earth , out of which the rest of the wind cannot issue , neither will it waite the time : wherefore within a while after , it seeketh and maketh it self by sudden eruption a broader way to be delivered out of prison . Also the Sunne , certaine daies before it appeareth dimme , because the Winds that should have purged and dissolved the grosse Ayr , that causeth this dimness to our eyes , is enclosed within the bowels of the Earth . The Water in the bottome of deepe wells is troubled , and the savour thereof infected , because the pestilent Exhalations that have been long inclosed within the Earth , doe then beginne a little to be sent abroad . For thereof cometh it , that in many places where Earthquakes have been , great abundance of smoak , flame , and ashes is cast out , when the abundance of brimstone that is under the ground , through violent motion is set on fire and breaketh forth . Finally , who knoweth not , what stinking Minerals and other poysonous stuff doe grow under the Earth ? wherefore it is no wonder , if Well-water , before an Earthquake , be infected : but rather it is to be marvelled , if after an Earthquake there follow not a grievous Pestilence , when the whole mass of infection is blown abroad . Last of all , there is heard before it in the time of it , and after it , a great noise and sound under the Earth , a terrible groaning , and a very Thundring , yea , somtimes when there followeth no Earthquake at all , when as the wind , without shaking of the Earth , findeth a way to passe out at . And these for the most part , or at least some of them , are forewarnings , that the most fearfull Earthquake will follow , then the which there is no naturall thing that bringeth men into a greater feare . Cato was very curious to confesse himselfe , that he repented that ever he went by water , when as he might have gone by land . But what land can be sure , if it be the Lords will by this work of his to shake it ? what building so strong , that can defend us , when the more strong , the more danger , the higher , the greater fall ? Of Thunder . THunder is a sound caused in the clouds by the breaking out of a hot and dry Exhalation beating against the edges of the cloud . It is often heard in Spring and Summer by reason that the heat of the Sun then draweth up many Exhalations , which meeting in the middle region of the Air with moyst and cold Vapors , are together with them inclosed in a hollow cloud : but when the hot Exhalation cannot agree with the coldness of the place ; by this strife being driven together made stronger and kindled , it will straight break out , which sudden and violent eruption causeth the noyse which we call Thunder . A Similitude is put by great Authors , of moist wood that cracketh in the fire : we may adde hereunto the breaking of an egge in the fire , of an apple or any like thing ; for whatsover holdeth and withholdeth inclosed any hot wind , so that it can have no vent , it will seek it self a way by breaking the skin , shell or case . It were no ill comparison to liken Thunder to the sound of a gun , which be both caused of the same or very like causes . The sound of Thunder is divers ; after which men have divided the Thunder into divers kinds , making first two sorts , that is , smal Thunder and great . But as for the diversity of sounds , generally it comes of the divers disposition of the clouds , one while having more holes then at another ; somtime thicker in one place then in another . The smal or little Thunder is when the Exhalation is driven from side to side of that cloud making a noise , and either for the smal quantity and less forcibleness , or else for the thickness of the clouds walls , is not able to break them , but rumbleth up and down within the cloud , whose sides be stronger then the force of the Exhalation is able to break , it runneth up and down within , and striking against the cloud and moist sides , maketh a noise not unlike the quenching of hot i●on in cold water . And if the Exhalation be meanly strong , and the cloud not in all places or like thickness , it breaketh out at those thin places with such a buzzing as wind maketh blowing out of narrow holes . But if the cloud be so thin that it cannot keep in the Exhalation , although it be not kindled , then it bloweth o●t with like puffing as wind commeth out of a pair of bellowes . A great Thunder is when the Exhalation is much in quantity , and very hot and dry in quality ; the clouds also very thick and strong , that easily will not give place to the wind to escape out . Wherefore if the Exhalation do vehemently shake the cloud , though it do not at the first disperse it , it maketh a long and fearfull rumbling against the sides of the cloud , untill at the last being made stronger by swifter motion , it dissolveth the cloud , and hath liberty to pass out into the open Air ; the cloud dissolved droppeth down , and then followeth a showre of Rain . Otherwhiles it shaketh the cloud not long , but straight way rendeth it a long space and time , whose sound is like the rending of a Broad-cloth , which noyse continueth a pretty while . And sometime it discusseth the cloud at once , making a vehement and terrible crack like a gun , sometime with great force casting out stones , but most commonly fire which setteth many high places on fire . As in the year of our Lord 1561. the Fourth day of June , the steeple of Saint Pauls Church in London was set on fire , as it hath been once or twice before , and burned . The noyse of Thunder though it be great in such places over which it is made , yet is not hard far off , especial-against the wind ; Whereof we had experience also in the Year of our Lord , 1561. on Saint Matthias day in February , at the evening , when there was a great flash of Lightning and a very ter●ible crack of Thunder following ; they that were but 15 Miles from London Westward heard no noise nor sound thereof ; the Wind that time was Western . The effect of Thunder is profitable to men , both for that the sweet showre doth follow it , and also for that it purgeth and purifieth the Air by the swift moving of the Exhalation that breaketh forth , as also by the sound which dividing and peircing the Air , causeth it to be much thinner : which may be verified by an History that Plutarch in the life of Quincius Flaminius reporteth , that there was such a noyse made by the Grecians , after their Liberty was restored , that the Birds of the Air that flew over them were seen fall down by reason that the Air divided by their Cry , was made so thin , tha● there was no firmity or strength in i● to bear them u● . And let this suffice for Thunder , which Lightning succeedeth in treaty , that seldom is from it in nature . Of Lightning . AMong the divers kinds of Lightnings which Writers in this knowledg do number , we shall treat only of four kinds ; yet so , that under these Four all the rest may be comprehended . The names we must borrow of the Latine Tongue ; the first is Fulgetrum , the second Coruscatio , the third Fulgur , the fourth Fulmen . Of Fulgetrum . FUlgetrum we call that kinde of Lightning which is seen on Summer nights and evenings after a hot day . The generation hereof is such ; when many thin , light and hot Exhalations by the immoderate heat have been drawn up from the Earth , and by the absence of the Sun be destitute of the force whereby they should have been drawn further upward ; yet something ascending by their own nature , in that they be light and hot , they meet with the cold either of the night in the lowest region , or else of the Air in the middle region ; and so by resistance of contraries ( as it hath been oft before rehearsed ) they are beaten back , and with vehement moving set on fire . This Lightning commonly goeth out in the Air terrible to behold , not hurtfull to anything , except sometime when the matter is earthy and gross , being stricken down to the earth , it blasteth corn and grass with other smal hurt . Sometime it setteth a barn or thatched house on fire . The Colour of this Lightning as of all other , is divers , partly according to the matter , and partly according to the light . If the matter be thin , it is white ; if the substance be gross , it is ruddy , like flames of fire . In great light as in the day , it appeareth white ; in the night , ruddy : yet sometime in the day time we may see it yellow , wich is a token that the matter is wonderfull thick and gross . Old Wives are wont to say that no night in the year except one , passeth without Lightning , but that is true as the rest of their Tales , whereof they have great store . Of Coruscation . Coruscation is a glistering of fire , rather then fire indeed ; and a glimering of Lightning , rather then Lightning itself : which is two manner of ways : One way , when clouds that be lower then the upper part of the Earth , without the compass of our fight are enflamed , and the reflection of that flame is cast up into our sight , appearing in all points like Lightning , saving that the Air where it appeareth , is so clear , that we are perswaded , no Lightning can be there caused . Another way is , when there be thick clouds over us , and commonly a double order of clouds , one above another : if Lightning or any other Inflammation be in the upper part of these clouds , the light of them peirceth thorow the lower parts as thorow a glass , and so appeareth as though it Lightned , when perhaps it did Lighten indeed , yet that which we saw , was but the shadow thereof : and this is often without Thunder . Of Fulgur . FUlgur is that kinde of Lightning which followeth Thunder , whereof we have spoken before . For when that violent Exhalation breaks forth , making a noyse as it beateth against the sides of the cloud , with the same violence it is set on fire , and casteth a great light , which is seen far and neer . And although the Lightning appear unto us a good pretty while before the Thunder-clap be heard , yet it is not caused before the noyse , if any Thunder at all follow , but either is after it or with it . Wherefore that we see it before we hear the Thunder , may be ascribed either to the quickness of our Sight that preventeth the Hearing , or else to the swift moving of the fire and the light thereof to our eyes , and the slow motion of the Sound unto our ears and Hearing . These three kindes of Lightnings are more fearfull then hurtfull , but the fourth seldom passeth without some dammage doing . Of the fourth kind , called Fulmen . THe most dangerous , violent and hurtfull kind of lightning is called Fulmen , whose generation is such as followeth : What time a hot Exhalation is enclosed in a cloud and breaking the same , bur●reth forth , it is set on fire and with wonderfull great force stricken down toward the Earth . The crack of thunder that is made when this Lightning breaketh out , is sudden , short , and great , like the sound of a Gunne . And oftentimes a great stone is blowne out with it , which they call the Thunder-bolt , which is made on this maner . In the Exhalation which is gathered out of the Earth , is much Earthly matter , which clortering together by moysture , being clammy by nature , consisting of brimstone , and other metalick substance by the excessive heat , is hardened as a brick is in the fire , and with the mighty force of the Exhalation strongly cast toward the Earth , and striketh down steeples , and high buildings of stone , and of wood , passeth thorow them , and setteth them on fire ; it cleaveth trees and setteth them on fire : and the stronger the thing is that resisteth it , the more harme it doth to it . It is sharp-poynted at one end , and thick at the other end , which is caused by reason that the moyster part , as heavier , goeth to the bottome of it ; so is the top small , and the bottome thick . Men write , that the thunder-bolt goeth never above five foot deep , when it falleth upon the Earth : which standeth with reason , both because the strength of it is weakned before it come so neer the ground , and also because the continual thicknesse of the Earth breaketh the force , were it never so great . Both Aristotle , Seneca , and Plinius divide this lightning into three kinds . Of the first . THe first is drie , which burneth not to be felt , but divideth and appeareth with wonderful swiftnesse : For being subtil and pure , it passeth thorow the pores of any thing , be they never so small ; and such thing● as give place unto it , it hurteth not ; but such things ●s resist , it divideth and peirceth . For ●t will melt money in mens purses , the purses being whole and unharmed . Yea , ●t will melt a sword in the scabberd , and not hurt the scabberd at all . A wine ●essell it will cleave , and yet the wine shall be so dull that by the space of three dayes , it will not runne out . It will hurt a mans hand , and not his glove . It will burne a mans bones within him ●o ashes , and yet his skinne and flesh shall appearefaire , as though nothing had come to him . Yet otherwise the whole man in the moment of an houre shall be burned to ashes , whereas his clothes shall not seeme to have been touched . It will also kill the childe in the mothers belly , and not hurt the mother : And all because the matter is very subtill , and thinne , burning , and passing thorow whatsoever it be , that will not give it free passage . Of the second kind . The Second kinde is moyst : and because it is very thin , it burneth not to ashes , but only it blasteth or scorcheth trees , corn and grass : and by reason of the moystness it maketh all things black that it commeth neer , as moyst wood burning is smoaky , and maketh things neer it to be black and smoaky . Of the Third kinde . THe Third kinde is most like our common fire that wee have here on the earth of gross and earthly substance ; wherefore it leaveth a print where it hath been , or else consumeth it into ashes , if it be such a body as will be burned with fire . Of the Marvels of Lightning , and their causes . BEside the wonderful effects of lightning , that have been already remembred , there be many other which hereafter ensue , with the reason and causes unto them belonging ; as thus : The nature of Lightning is , to poyson beasts that are stricken therewith , as though they had been bit by a Serpent . The cause of this is that the matter of Lightning is much infected with Brimstone & other poysonous metallike substance , because it is thin , and giveth them passage into every part of the body . It is notable that Seneca writeth how winevessels of wood being burned with lightning , the wine would stand still , and not run out : the reason hereof , is , the swift alteration and change , whereby also all the clamminesse of the wine is drawne to the outward most part , and so keepeth in the wine as in a skin , that by the space of three days it will not run . It will also poyson wine , insomuch that they which drink thereof shall either be mad or dye of it : the cause hereof was set● forth before . Lightning that striketh a poysonous beast , purgeth it from the poyson , in so much that it causeth a Serpent or Snake which it killeth , to breed worms , which otherwise it would not do : but being purged from the natural poyson by the swift peircing of the Lightning , nothing letteth but that it may breed wormes as all other corrupt flesh will doe . If Lightning strike one that sleepeth , it openeth his eyes ; and of one that waketh , it shutteth the eyes . The cause is this , that it waketh him that sleepeth , and killeth him , before he can close his eyes againe . And him that waketh it so amazeth , that he winketh , as he will doe at any sudden chance : so he dyeth , before he can open his eyes againe . All living things turne their face toward the stroke of the lightning , because it is their nature , to turne their head if any thing come suddenly behind them . The rest that have their face toward it when it commeth , never turn before they be killed . The Reason why it killeth the child in the mothers womb , not hurting the mother , is the tenderness of the one and the strength of the other , when the lightning is not vehement ; otherwise both should dye together . Sometime Lightning burneth onely the garments , shooes or hair of men , not hurting their bodies , and then the Exhalation is nothing vehement . Sometime it killeth a man , and there appeareth no wound without , neither any hurt within , no not so much as any sign of burning : for then the Exhalation which being kindled is called Lightning , is wonderfull subtil and thin , so swiftly passing thorow , that it leaveth no mark or token behind it . They that behold the Lightning , are either made blind , or their face swelleth , or they become Lepers ; for that Fiery Exhalation received into the pores of their face and eyes , maketh their face to swell and break out into a Leprosy , and also dryeth up the Chrystalline humour of their Eyes , so that consequently they must needs be blind . Eutropius sheweth that the same day in which Marcus Tullius Cicero was born , a certain Virgin of Rome riding into Apulia , was stricken with Lightning , so that all her garments being taken from her without any rending , she lay starke naked , the lasing of her breast being undone , and her hose-garters untyed , yea her bracelets , collars , and rings being all loosed from her : Likewise her horse lay dead , with his bridle and girts untyed . The places of them that are burnt with Lightning , are colder then the rest of their bodyes , either because the greater heat draweth away the lesser , or else because that by the great violence the vital heat is quite extinguished in that place . The Sea-Calf is never hurt with Lightning : wherefore the Emperours Tents were wont to be covered with their skins . The Bay Trees and Box Trees are never , or seldom stricken with Lightning ; The Cause of these may be , the Hardness of their Skinne , which hath so few Pore-holes , that the Exhalation cannot enter into them . The Eagle also among Fouls , is not stricken with Lightning ; Wherefore the Poets feigne , that the Eagle carrieth Jupiters Armour , which is Lightning . The Reason may be the thickness and dryness of her feathers , which will not be kindled with so swift a fire . Of Storme Winds . A Storme Wind is a thick Exhalation , violently moved out of a Cloud , without inflammation or burning . The Matter of this Storme is all one with the Matter of Lightning , that hath been spoken of : namely , it is an Exhalation very hot and dry , and also gross , and thick , so that it will easily be set on fire ; but then it hath another name and other Effects . The Form or Manner of the generation is such ; When abundance of that kinde of Exhalation is gathered together within a Cloud , which needs will have one way out or other , it breaketh the cloud and causeth Thunder , as it hath been taught before : but if the matter be very thick , and the Cloud somewhat thin , then doth it not rend the Cloud , but falling down , beateth the Cloud before it , and so is carried as an arrow out of a bowe . It doth always goe before a great sodain showre : For when the Cloud is broken , the water must needs fall down . Also it is so gross and so thick , that it darkneth the Air and maketh all the Lowest Region of the Air to be in a manner as a dark Smoaky Cloud . It causeth Tempests in the Sea , and Wonderfull great Danger to them that bear Sayle ; whom if it overtake , it bringeth to utter destruction . So sodain is this kinde , that it cannot be resisted with sodain helpe : so violent it is , that seeble force cannot withstand it . Finally , It is so Troublesome with Thunder , Lightning , Rayne , and Beasts : besides these , Darkness and Cold , that it would make men at so neer a Pinch , to be at their Wits End if they were not accustomed to such Tumultuous Tempests . Wherefore it were profitable to declare the Signes that goe before it , to the End Men might beware of it . But they are so common to other Tempests , that either they are known well enough , or else being never so well known , in a Seldom Calamity they would little be feared . The Sea-ships subject to more Danger , have more Helpe , if it be used in Time : But no Signes foreknowne can profit the Dweller of the Land to keep his House from Ruine , except it were to save his Life from the fall of his Mansion . The sudden violence of this Tempest to him is more seldome times , but more incurable when it commeth then to the Mariner who hath some Ayd to look for by his comming ▪ the other if he escape with his life , may comfort himself that he was neer a great danger , and cast with himself to build up his House again . Of Whirlwinds . A Whirlwind , is a Wind breaking out of a Cloud , Rouling or Winding round about , overthrowing that which standeth neer it , and that which commeth before it , carrying it with him aloft in the Air. It differeth from a Stormy Wind in three points . First , in the Matter which is less in Quantity , and of thinner Substance . Secondly , in the Moving , which is Circular , Winding about : whereas the Storme bloweth Aslope and Sidelongs . Also a Whirlwind , in the Moving divideth not it self abroad and bloweth Directly , as the Storme doth . And Thirdly , in the manner of the generation ; for a Storme doth always come out of one Cloud ; but a Whirlwind sometime is Caused by means of two Contrary Winds that meet toether . In like manner , as we see in the streets of Cities , where the wind is beaten back from two walles , meeting in the middest of the street , there is made a little whirle-wind , which whisking round about , taketh up the dust , or strawes , and bloweth it about , after the very similitude of the great and fearefull whirlewind . The reason of the going about is this , that when the walls beat back the wind from them , which aboundeth in that place , and those winds when they meet , by reason of equall force on both sides , can neither drive one the other back againe , nor yet passe thorrow one the other ; it must needs be , that they must both seek a way on the side at once , and consequently be carried round about , the one as it were pursuing the other , untill there be space enough in the aire , that they may be parted asunder . The matter of a whirlewind , is not much differing from the matter of storme and lightning , that is , an Exhalation hote and drie , breaking out of a cloud in divers partes of it , which causeth the blowing about . Also it is caused , as it hath been said , by two , or more windes , blowing from divers places , which may be of particular causes , that have been shewed before in the Chapter of windes ; this tempest is noysome to man and beast , Sea and Land , things living , and life lacking : For it will take up both men and beasts , stones and clods of earth : which when it hath borne a great way , will not be so curteous as to set them downe againe , but negligently letteth them fall from a great height , or else violently throweth them downe to the earth . It breaketh Trees , winding them about , and pulling them up by the roots . It turneth about a Ship , and bruiseth it in peeces with other mischiefes besides . Of fired Whrlewinds . SOmetime a whirlewind is set on fire within the cloud , and then breaking forth , flyeth round like a great cart-wheele , terriblie to behold , turning and over browing all drie things that it commeth neer , as Houses , Woods , Corn , Grasse , and what soever else standeth in the way . It differeth not from a whirlewind , saving that it is kindled and set on fire , so appearing , else the generation of both is called one . Of Circles . THe Circle called Halon is a garland of divers colours that is seen about the Sunne , the Moon , or any other Star , especially about Jupiter or Venus , for their great brightnesse . It is called of the Greeks a compassed plat , of the Latines , a Crown or Garland . The matter wherein it is made , is a cloud of equall thickness , or thinnesse , comming directly under the body of the Sunne , the Moone , or other Starres , into which the light of the heavenly body is received & so appeareth round , because the Starre is round : as a stone cast into the water , maketh many round circels , dilating in breadth , untill the violence of the moving is ended ; so is it in the aire ; the light beames peircing it , cause broad circles to be dilated , which appeare white , purple , black , red , green , blew , and other colours , according to the disposition of the clouds matter . The cause of such colours , is shewed before in the peculiar treaty of colours . This circle is oftner seene about the Moone , then about the Sunne , because the heate of the Sunne draweth the vapors too high , where it cannot be made . Also , because the night is a more quiet time then the day from wind , it is more often in the night , then in the day . Seldome , about other Starres , because their light beames , are too weake often to pierce a cloud : yet oftner about smal stars then the Sunne , because the light of the Sunne pierceth the cloud more forcibly , than that this Halon can many times be cause . Otherwhiles it is seen about a candle , which must be in a very thicke and grosse aire of such proportionate thickness , that it may receive the light as the cloud doth from the starres , as in the smoaky places , or hot houses . This kinde of circle is sometimes like a Rainebow , saving that it is a whole circle unlesse the starre under which it is caused , be not all risen , or else the cloud , in which it is seen , be not all come under the Star , or after it hath come under some part therof , be dissolved from the rest . These Circles be sings of tempests and windes , as witnesse both Virgil , and Aratus . The Wind shal blow from that quarter , where the Circle first beginneth to break . The cause whereof is this , that the Circle is broken by the Winde that is above which is not yet come down towards us , but by this effect above ; we may gather , both that it will come , and also from what quarter . A great Circle about the Moon , betokeneth great cold and frost to follow after . But if it vanish away and be dissolved altogether , it is a signe of faire weather . If it be broken in many parts , it signifieth tempest . If it wax altogether thicker and darker , it is a forewarning of raine . One alone , after Ptolomee , pure and white , vanishing away by little and little , is a token of faire weather . Two or three at once , portendeth tempest : if they be ●uddy , they shew wind to come ; and toward snow , they seem as it were broken and rocky . Being darke or dimme , they signifie all these foresaid events , with more force and abundance : it is oftner caused in Autumne and Spring , then in Winter or Summer : the cause is the temperatenesse of the time . The cause why it appeareth sometime greater , and sometime lesser , is in the quality of the matter , which as it is grosse or thinne , will more or lesse be dilated and stretched abroad , & also as some will have it , of the weakenesse of mans sight . Of which , Aristotle bringeth an example in one Antipho , which did alwayes see his owne image before him in the ayre , as in a glasse : which he affirmeth to have been for the weaknesse of his sight-beames that could not peirce the aire , so that they were reflected again to himself . And thus much for Halon , and the causes , signes , or toke●s of it . Of the Rainebow THe Rainebow , is the apparition of certaine colours in a cloud , opposite against the Sunne , in fashion of half a Circle . Possidonius said , it was the Sunnes looking glasse , wherein his image was represented , and that the blue colour was the proper colour of the cloud ; red of the Sunne ; all the other colours of commixtion . It differeth manifoldly from Halon : for the Raynebow is alwayes opposite against the Sunne : but Halon is directly under it . They differ not onely in place , but also in fashion : the Raynebow is but halfe a Circle : the Halon is a whole Circle . Likewise they vary in colour : for the Raynebow is more dimme , and of purple colour ; the Halon , whiter and brighter . Also , in continance ; for the Rainbow may continue longer then Halon . The image of the Rainebow may be seen on a wall , the Sunne striking thorow a fix poynted stone , called Iris , or any other Christall of the same fashon ; also thorow some glasse window . Halon is seen about Candles , in smokie places , as are baths and kitchings . The manner of the generation of the Rainebow is such : There is opposite against the Sunne , a thick watery cloud , which is already resolved into dewy drops of raine , is ( for a grosse similitude ) is seene on the potlid , when the Water in the Vessell hath sodden , or is very hot , the lid will be all full of small drops of water , which come from the water in the Vessell ; first , by heat resolved into smoake ; after , when it cannot goe at large , it is resolved again . Wherefore upon such a cloud , the Sunne beams striking , as upon a smooth glasse , do expresse the image of the Sun unperfectly , for the great distance . Or else the Sunne beames striking into a hollow cloud , where they are refracted or broken , and so come to the eyes of him that beholdeth the Rainbow . The similitude thereof is seen , when men sayle or row in Boats , the Sunne shineth upon the water , which casteth on the vessels side , the colours and image of the Rainbow . Lifewise , water in an urinall holden against the Sunne , receiveth the light , and sheweth colours on the wall . There be two kinds of Rainbows , one of the Sun , another of the Moon ; the one by day , the other by night : the Rainebow of the Sun often , but of the Moon very seldome , in so much that it can be but twice in fifty yeeres , and that when the Moon is in the East or West , full in perfect opposition . It hath not been many times seene since the writing of Histories , yet sometimes , and for the rarenesse , is taken for a great wonder . Yet is it in colour nothing so beautiful as the sunnes , but for the most part white as milke : other diversities of colours are scant perceived . When it appeareth , it is said to signifie tempest . The time of the Rainbow is often after the point of Autumne , both for the placing of the Sunne in competent lownesse , and also for abundance of matter , seldom or never is the Rainebow see about the midst of Summer . There may be many Rainebows at one time , yet commonly but one principall , of which the rest are but shaddows and images ; the second shaddow of the first , the third of the second , as appeares by placing of their colours . It remaineth to shew why it is but halfe a circle , or lesse , and never more ; and why the whole cloud receiveth not the same colours that the Raynebow hath . The cause of the first is , because the center or middle part of the Raynebow , that is Diametrally opposite to the center of the same , is alwayes either in the Horizon ( that is , the circle cutting off our fight of Heaven by the earth ) or under it . The cause why the whole cloud is not coloured , is , because that in the middest , the beames as strong , peirce thorow , but on the edges where they are weaker , they are reflected or refracted . Now for so much as GOD made the Raynebow a sign and Sacrament of the promise , some think it was never seene before the flood : their reason may be this , that the earth , after the first creation was then so fruitfull , that it needed hone or very little Raine , so that such dark clouds were not often gathered , the fruitfull ground not so easily remitted his moysture , that then was fat and clammy , hard to be drawne up : so it might be , that there was no Rainebow before , as we cannot find that ever , it rained before . But whether it were or not , it is certaine , that then it became a Sacrament , whereas it was none before which when we behold , it behoveth us to remember the truth of God in all his promises , to his glory and our comfort . The milke way , called of some the way to S. James , and Watling Streete . THe milke way is a white circle seen in a cleare night , as it were in the firmament , passing by the sings of Sagittarius and Gemini . The cause thereof is not agreed upon among Philosophers , whose opinons I thought best to report , before I come to the most probable causes . First of all , Pythagoras is charged with a Poeticall fable , as though it had been caused by reason that the Sun did once run out of his path way , and burned this part , whereof it looketh white . Others , as Anaxagoras and Democritus sayd , that it was the light of certaine Starres , shining by themselves , of their owne light , which in the absence of the Sun might be seene . But this opinion is also false ; for the Starres have no light of themselves , but of the Sun : also if it were so , it should appear about other Starres . Democritus is also reported to have said , that it was nothing else but innumerable little Starres , which with their confuse light , caused that whitenesse : to this opinion , Cardane seemeth to subscribe . The Poets have foure fables of it : one of Phaeton , which on a time guided the Chariot of the Sunne , and wandring out of the way , did burne that place , wherefore of Jupiter he was striken downe with lightning . The second , That it is the high street in Heaven , that goeth streight to Jupiters palace , and both sides of it the common sort of gods doe dwell . The third , that Hebe , one which was Jupiters Cupbearer , on a time stumbled at a straw , and shed the Wine or Milke that was in the Cup , which coloured that part of Heaven to this day : wherefore she was put out of her office . The fourth , That Apollo stood there to fight against the Giants , which Jupiter made to appear , for a perpetual memory . Theophrastus , a Philosopher , affirmed , That it was the joyning together , or came of the 2 half Globes , which made ●t appeare more light in that place then anothers . Others said , it was the reflexion of the shining light of fire or starre light , ●s it is seen in a glasse , but then it should ●e moveable . Diodorus affirmed , that it was Heavenly fire , condensed or made thick into a circle , and so became visible , whereas the rest , for the pureness , clearnesse , and thinnesse , could not be seen . Possidonious , whose mind to many seemeth very reasonable , said , it is the ●nfusion of she hea● of the Stars , which therefore is in a Circle , contrary to the Zodiake , ( out of which the Sun never wandereth ) because it might temp●● the whole compass with vital and livel●hea , Although in my mind he hath rather expressed the finall cause , then th● efficient . Aristotles opinion is , that it should be the beames of a great Circle which 〈◊〉 caused by a cloud or Exhalation draw● up by those Starres , which be calle● Sporades . This opinion of Aristotles 〈◊〉 misliked of most men that have travailed in this science ; and worthil● ▪ For if it were of the nature of elements as Exhalations are , it would be at length consumed . But this circl●● never corrupteth , therefore it is not 〈◊〉 Exhalations . Also it neither increase● nor diminisheth , which is a plain pro●● that it consisteth not of elemental matter , although Aristotle seem to make double circle , one celestiall , another elemental . The last opinion is , of them that 〈◊〉 it is the nature of heaven , thicker 〈◊〉 substance , then other parts of Heaven be , having some likenesse to the substance of the Moon , which being light ●●ed by the same as all the Starres b● appeareth white . And this opinion I take to be most probable , because that sentence of Starre light seemeth not so reasonably , to be only in that place , and not elsewhere . The finall cause of this Milke-white circle , hath beene already touched in the opinion of Possidonius , whereunto also Plinius in the 18. Book , and 29. Chapter of his natural History agreeth , affirming , that it is very profitable for the generation and fruitfull increase of things that grow on the ear●h . The Mathematitians that have measured the breadth thereof , affirme , that toward the north it passeth over the Ecliptical line of the ninth spheare , from the 18. degree of Gemini , unto 2 degrees of Cancer , which is 13. degrees and toward the South , from the 8 degree of Sagittarius , to the 13 degree of the same signe : and because it is there divided into two branches ( as may easily be seen in a cleare night ) it reacheth from 24 of Sagittarius , to the 2 degree of Capricorne . This circle , if it be of the nature of Heaven , is unproperly placed among Meteors or impressions : but because of Aristotles mind , who will have it to be an impression kindled , and their opinion which think it proceedeth of the light of Starres , it is not without good cause in this place treated of . Of beames , or streames of light , appearing thorow a Cloud . THere is yet another kind of impression caused by the beames of the Sunne , stricken through a watery cloud , being of unequall thinnesse , and is thinner in one part then in another , so that it cannot receive the beames in any other forme , then that they appeare direct or slope downeward of divers colours ; and the same that are the colours of the Rainebow , though not so evident , because the reflexion is not so strong . They vary in colours : some are more urple or ruddy , when the cloud is thicker ; some yellow and whitish , when the cloud is thinner , and so other colours are caused likewise , whereof you may read the proper cause in the colours of clouds and other like parts of this Treatise . The common people call it the descending of the holy Ghost , or our Ladies Assumption , because these things are painted after such a 〈◊〉 Others say that it is raine , striking down in another place , as though they 〈◊〉 see the drops falling . And they are 〈◊〉 altogether deceived , but in the time ; for soon after it will raine , because this impression appeareth out of a watry cloud . They are called by divers names , as Rods , Wands , Cords of Tents , unto which they are not touch unlike staves and little pillars , when they seeme greater and thicker , many being ioyned together . The Rainebow , the Circles , and these light Beams , are all of one manner of generation , in so much that if you divide the Circle , it shall be a Rainbow ; if you draw it streight in length , it maketh streames or beames . Herein they agree , namely , in forme and matter , but they differ in outward form , which we may call fashion , as the one is round , the other halfe round , and the third direct , straight or falling aslope . Also they differ in place about which they stand : for streames are onely about the Sunne ; Rainebowes about the Sunne often , and seldome about the Moon ; but circles both about the Sunne and the Moon , and also about any other of 〈◊〉 the Starres , yet rather and oftner about bright Starres . To make an end of these streams , they appear diversly , after the fashion and place wherin the cloud hangeth , in respect of the sunne ; for sometimes they are seen only in the edge of a cloud , all the breadth of that cloud : sometime thorow the midst of a cloud , being thinner 〈◊〉 then in other parts , and then they are spred round about like a tent or pavillion used in War. They are most commonly seen in such times as there 〈◊〉 abundancee of raine , which they by their apparition do signifie not yet to be ended . And thus much concerning direct light beames , called Roddes , &c. Of many Sunnes . IT is strange and marvelous to behold the likelyhood of that which Alexander the Great , sending word to Darius , said to be impossible , that Two Sunnes should rule the World. But oftentimes , men have seen , as they thought in the firmament , not only two Sunnes , but oftener three Sunnes , and many more in number thought not so often appearing . These , how wonderfull soever they appear , proceed of a natural cause , which we will endevour to expresse . They are nothing else but Idols or Images of the Sun , represented in an equall , smooth , and watery cloud placed on the side of the Sunne , and somtimes one both sides , into which the Sunne beams being received , as in a glasse , expresse the likenesse of fashion and light that is in the Sunne appearing as though there were many Sunnes ▪ whereas indeed there is but one , and all the rest are images . This thick and watery cloud , is not said to be under the Sunne ; for then it would make the Circles , called crowns or garlands : it is not opposite to the Sunne , for then would it make the Rainbow : but it is said to be on the side where the image may be best represented . Also it may not be too far off , for then the beams will be too feeble to be reflected : neither yet too neer ; for if it so be , the Sunne will disperse it : but in a competent and middle distance : for so representation of many Sunnes is caused . They are most often seene in the morning and evening , about the rising or going down of the Sunne , seldome at noone time , or about the midst of the day , because the heat will soone dissolve them : yet have there been some seen , which began in the morning , and continnued all the day long , unto the evening . Somtimes there appeare many little Suns , like unto little starres , which are caused after the same sort as we do see a mans face to be expressed in all the pieces of a broken glasse . So when the cloud hath many separations , there appeare many Sunnes , on one , side of the true Sun , somtimes great and somtimes little , as the parts of the cloud separated are in quantity . They do naturally betoken tempest and rayne to follow , because they cannot appeare but in a watery disposition of the Ayre . Also , if they appeare on the South-side of the Sunne , they signifie a greater tempest , then if they appeare on the North-side . The reason is alleadged , because the Southerne Vapor is sooner resolved into Water then is the Northerne . For a supernaturall signification , they have oftentimes been noted to have portended the contention of Princes of kingdomes : As not long before the Contention of Galba , Otho , and Vitellius for the Empire of Rome , there appeared three Sun. Also of late , toward the slaughter of Lewis King of Hungary , were seen three Suns , betokening three Princes that contended for the kingdome , namely Ferdinnando since Emperour , John Vayvode , and the great Turke . Of many Moones . AFter the treaty of many Suns , it were not hard for any man without farther instruction to know the natural Cause of many Moons ; For they are likewise Images of the Moon , represented in an equal Cloud , which is watry , smooth and polished , even like a glass . Some call them ( as Plinius saith ) night-Suns ; because they , joined with the light of the true Moon , give a great shining light , to drive away the shadow and darkness of the night . It were superfluous to write more of their Causes or Effects , which are all one with those that have been declared of the Suns . It may be doubted , why the other stars do not likewise expness their image in watry Clouds ; and so the number of them , as to our sight , should be multiplyed . It may be Answered that their light or beams are too feeble and weak to express any such Similitude or likeness in the watry Clouds . For although they have garlands or circles about them , that are caused in a Vapour that is under them , yet it is manifest that this Apparition hath not need of so strong a light as is required to print the images of them in the Clouds . Again , the Garlands are direct under , and therefore apter to receive such Apparition . It may be again Objected that the Stars have their Image perfectly and sufficiently expressed in glasses here on the Earth ; yea and at the day-time , when their light is either none , or most feeble and weak : as we see it is used at Midsummer to behold that great star called Syrius in a glass even at Noon-days . Also we see every night the image of the Stars in calm and quiet standing waters : then what should let but that their images might also be expressed in watry Clouds ? Hereto may be answered that the Let is in the Cloud , which is neither so hard as is the glass , nor yet so continual as is the water , but consisteth of innumerable smal drops : so that except the light of the stars were stronger , it can in them express no uniform images of them , as it doth in glasses and in the water . Notwithstanding , in Writers of Wonders we read some such likething sometime to have chanced . There hath been often seen many Suns in the day-time and after the Sun setting : at the rising of the full Moon there have appeared many Moons , which was by this means , that the same Cloud that received the Sun-beams in the morning , tarried in the same place , and at the Moons rising was ready also to receive her image . Of Wonderfull Apparitions . WE will close this Book with a brief declaration of the natural Causes of many things that are seen in the Air , very wonderfull and strange to behold , which in these latter Years have been often seen and beheld to the great admiration of all men , not without the singular providence of God , to forewarne us of many dangers that hang over us in these most Perillous Times . The apparitions of which , as it is most wonderfull , so the searching of the Cause to us is most difficult : a great deal the rather , because no man hath hitherto enterprised ( to my knowledge ) to seek out any cause of them , but all men have taken them as immediate miracles , without any natural meane or cause to procure them . And I truly do acknowledge that they are sent of God as wonderfull signs to declare his Power , and move us to amendment of life ; indeed miraculous , but not yet so that they want a natural cause ; for if they be well weighed and considered , it is not hard to find that they differ much from such Miracles as are recorded in the Scripture and admitted of Divines . So that as I abhorre the Opinion of Epicurus to think that such things come by Chance , but rather by the determined purpose of Gods providence : so I consent not with them that suppose when any thing is derived from any natural caus , God the chief and best Cause of all things is excluded . Some of these Wonderfull Apparitions consist of Circles and Rainbowes of divers fashions and placings , as one within another , the edge of one touching another , one dividing or going thorow another , with like placing of small Circles about great Circles or parts of small Circles , some with the ends upward , some downward ; some aside , and some across ; but all for the most part in uniform order constituted or placed for the order of them pleasant to behold , but for the strangness somwhat fearfull . Such a like Apparition is made with the Suns or Moons images joined unto these Circles set also in good and uniform order . The cause of all these is the meeting together of all those several Causes that make the Circles , Rainbowes , Streames and Images of the Sun or Moon , which joined all together , make the wonderfull sight of Rainbowes , positions of Circles , Crosses and divers Lights which pertain to the knowledg of Optice and Catoptrice that teach how by divers refractions and reflects , ons of beams such visions are caused . So that he which will know how they are generated , must return into the several Treatises of Rainbowes , Circles , Streams & Images of the Sun or Moons and if in them he find not knowledg sufficient to instruct him , I must send him to the Demonstrations of Perspective , where he shall want nothing . Another sort of them , no less often beheld within these few years then the former , but a great deal more strange and wonderfull to look upon , are the Sights of Armies fighting in the Air , of Castles , Cities and Towns , with whole Countries , having in them Hils , Vallies , Rivers , Woods , also Beasts , Men and Fouls , Monsters of which there are no such kindes on the Earth , and finally all manner of things and actions that are on the Earth , as Burials , Processions , Judgments , Combates , Men , Women , Children , Horses , Crowns , Armes of certain Noble men and Countries , Weapons of all sorts , somtimes Stars● , Angels as they are painted with the Image of Christ crucified , beseiging of Castles and Townes , many things and gestures done by men or beasts , thevery Similitude of Persons known to the Beholders ; as of late was seen the very Image of the Emperour Charles , insomuch that they which beheld it , put off their Caps , thinking verily it had been he : and of John Frederick Prince Elector of Saxony , who that time was Prisoner with the Emperour : Also the Image of smal Crosses , which hath been not only in the Air , but also on the Earth , on mens apparell , on dishes , platters , pots , and all other things , so that the Jewes have been full angry that they could neither wash nor rub them out of their apparell . In Germany also Fires and many such things as it were long stories seen in the Air. All these wonderfull Apparitions may be caused two manner of ways ; the one Artificially , the other Naturally . Artificially , by certain glasses and Instruments made according to a secret part of that knowledg which is called Catoptrice ; and so peradventure some of them have been caused ; but The most part ( doubtless ) Naturally , when the disposition of the Air hath been such , that it hath received the image of many things placed and done on Earth . And because it is apt to receive divers images , as well in one place as in another , these monstrous forms and strange actions or stories proceed of the joining of divers forms and actions : as if two Histories were confusedly painted in one , the whole Picture would be strange : or ( as the Poet saith ) if a Painter , to a mans head , should sett a horses neck , and after , divers feathers . Sometimes also one image is multiplyed in the Air into many or infinite , as are letters and crosses which fill the Air , even beneath : And the light of the Sun received into little parts , maketh to appear as it were many smal stars . Let this suffice concerning these wonderfull Apparitions : once again admonishing the Reader , though I have enterprised to declare these by natural Reason , yet verily believing that not so much as one Sparrow falleth to the ground without Gods providence . I do also ackowledg Gods providence bringeth these to pass , to such ends as before I have shewed , using these causes as meanes and instruments to do them . The Fourth Book . Of Watery Impressions . THose be Watery Impressions that consist most of Water . In the Treaty of them are wont to be handled these Impression ; namely , Clouds , Rain , Dew , hoar Frost , Hail , Snow , Springs , and the great Sea it self . Of Clouds . A Cloud is a Vapor cold and moist , drawn out of the Earth and Waters by the heat of the Sun into the middle region of the Air ; where by cold it is so knit together , that it hangeth untill either the weight or some resolution causeth it to fall down . The place wherein the Clouds do hang , is said to be in the middle region of the Air , because men see it is necessary that there should be a cold which should make those Vapors so gross and thick , which for the most part are drawn so thin from the Earth , that they are invisible as the Air is . And although they are known often times , as Aristotle witnesseth , to be in the lowest region of the Air , neer to the Earth , insomuch that sometimes they fall down to the Earth with great noise , to the great fear of men , and no less loss and danger : yet may it be reasonably thought that these Clouds were generated in the middle region of the Air far distant from the Earth , which by their heaviness do by little and little sink down lower into the lowest region , and sometimes also fall down to the Earth . The Common Opinion is , that they goe not higher then nine mile ; which because it leaneth to no reason , is uncertain . Albertus Magnus whose reason also is to be doubted of , affirmeth that the Clouds do scarce exceed Three miles in height when they are highest . And some let not to say that oftentimes they ascend not past the half of One mile in height . Again , Others pretending to finde out the truth by Geometrical Demonstrations , make it aboue Fifty mile to the place where the generation of Clouds is . How these men take the distance from the Earth , it is uncertain : whether that they assigne the least distance and meane it from the highest parts of the Earth as are hill tops , or from the common playn . Again , whether they that assign the highest distance to be from the lowest valleys of the Earth , or from the hill tops . The Reason before shewed , moveth me to think that the most usual and common generation , I mean the condensation or making thick of these thin Vapors into Clouds , is in the middle region of the Air : but for the distance of the Clouds when they be generated , I think they be sometime Nine mile , sometime Three mile , sometime Half a mile , and sometime less then a Quarter of a mile from the Earth . Of Mists . THere be Two kindes of Mists ; the one ascending , the other descending . That which ascendeth , goeth up cut of the Water or the Earth as Smoak , but doth not commonly spread over all other parts : it is seen in Rivers and moist places . The other Mist that goeth down toward the Earth , is when any Vapor is lifted up into the Air , by the heat of the Sun , which being not strong enough to draw it so high that the Cold may knit it , suffereth it after it is a little made thick , to fall down again , so it filleth all the Air with the gross Vapors , and is called Mists , being usually a Sign of fair Weather . Of empty Clouds . THere be certain Cloudes that are empty , and send no Rain ; they come of two sorts . One sort are the Remnants of a Cloud that hath rained , which cannot be converted into water for their dryness . Another sort is of them that are drawn up out of wett and dry places , and be rather Exhalations then Vapors ; that is , they be dry , hot and light , so that it were hard for them to be turned into Rain : they look white like flocks of wooll , when the light striketh into them . There be also empty Clouds , which when the Winds have dispersed abroad any Cloud , are scattered over all the sky : but these Clouds though for a time they be empty , yet because they consist of such a substance as is watry , they may be , and are oftentimes gathered together , and give plentifull Rain . Of the Colours of Clouds we have spoken in the Second Book of Fiery Meteors , where those Colours and the causes of them are described , which seem to be Fiery , or may be thought to be Inflammations or burnings , as to be Red , Fiery and Yellowish . But besides those there be White , Black , Blew and Green. White clouds be thin , and not very Watry : so that the light received in them , maketh them to appear White . Black clouds be full of thick , gross and earthly matter that makes them look so dark . Blew clouds be full of thick drose and earthly , as the Black : so the light received in them , maketh them to seem Blew . Green clouds are altogether watry , resolved into water , which receiving into them the night , appear Green as Water doth in a great vessel , or in the Sea and Rivers . Of Rayne . AFter the generation of clouds is well knowne , it shall not be hard to learne from whence the Rayne commeth . For after the matter of the cloud being drawne up , and by cold made thick ( as is said before ) heat following , which is most commonly of the Southerne wind , or any other wind of hot temper , doth resolve it againe into Water , and so it falleth in drops , to give increase of fruit to the Earth , and move men to give thankes to God. There be small showers of small drops , aud there be great stormes of great drops . The showres with small drops , proceed either of the small heat that resolveth the clouds : or else of the great distance of the clouds from the Earth . The streames with great drops contrariwise doe come of great heat , resolving or melting the cloud , or else of small distance from the Earth . Whereof we see a plaine experiment , when Water is powred forth from an high place the drops are smal , but if it be not from high , it will either have no droppes , or very great . The caus why raine falleth in round drops , is both for that the parts desire the same forme that the whole hath , which is round , and also that so it is best preserved against all contrary qualities : like as we see Water powred upon dry or greasy things to gather it selfe into roundels , to avoid the contrariety of heat and drynesse . It is not to be omitted , that raine Water , although a great part of it be drawne out of the Sea , yet most commonly it is sweet not salt . The caus is , becaus it is drawn up in such small Vapors , and that salt part is consumed by the heat of the Sunne . The raine water doutlesse doth more encrease and cherish things growing on the Earth , then any other Water wherewith they may be Watered , becaus the raine Water retaineth much of the Sunnes heat in it that is no small comfort to all growing plants . The Water that commeth from Heaven , in raine , will sooner come to putrifaction , or stinking , then any other , becaus it hath been made very subtill by heat and also for that it is mixed with so many Earthly and corruptible substances . Rain water , that falleth in the summer , by Avicens judgement , is more wholesome then other Water , becaus it is not so cold and moyst as other Waters be , but hotter and lighter . Sometime there is salt rayne , when some Exhalation which is hot and dry , is commixed with the Vapor whereof the rayne consisteth . Somtime it is bitter , when some burnt Earthly moysture is mixed with it . This rayne is both unwholesome , and also unfruitfull . In these countreys , there is great store and plenty of rayne , becaus the Sunne is of such temperate heate , that it gathereth many Vapors , and by immoderate heat doth not consume them . But in the East parts , in some ho● Countrys , it never or seldom is seen to rayne , as in Egypt and Syria , but in stead of rayne , Egypt hath the River Nilus , whose overflowings doe marvilously fatten the Earth . In Syria and other like Countries they have more plentifull dew then we have , which doth likewise make their Earth exceeding fruitful . Seneca testifieth that the Rain soaketh no deeper into the Earth then ten Foot deep . Of the Signes of Rain . FIrst , If the Skie be red in the morning , it is a token of Rain , because those Vapors which cause the Redness , will be shortly resolved into Rain . If a darke cloud be at the Sun rising , in which the Sunne soon after is hid , it will dessolve it , and rayne will follow . If then appeare a cloud , and after , Vapors are seen to ascend up to it , that betokeneth rayne . If the Sunne or Moone looke pale , looke for rayne . If the Sunne in the East seem greater then commonly he appeareth , it is a signe of many Vapours which will bring rayne . If the Sunne be seen very earely , or few Stars appeare in the night , it betokeneth rayne . The often changing of the Winds , also sheweth tempest . The most sure and certaine signe of raine is the Southerne wind , which with his warmenesse alwayes resolveth the clouds into raine . When there is no dew at such times as by nature of the time there should be , raine followeth : for the matter of the dew is turned into the matter of watry Clouds . If in the West , about the Sunne setting there appeare a black cloud , it will rayn that night , becaus that cloud shall want heat to disperse it . When much dust is raised up , and when the woods make a great noyse , some tempest is towards . Hard stones will be moyst , and sweate against rayne : lamps and candles by sparkling , frogs crying , Trees breaking , leaves falling , and dust clottering , forewarne us of tempest . Fleas , flyes and gnats , bite sore toward a tempest , Kin● feed greedily , birds seeke their victuals more busily : for in the grosse Ayre disposed to rayn , their stomacks are hotter , and they more hungry . But these kind of signes pertaine not so properly to Meteorologie , as to Mariners and Husbandry , which have a great many more then these . And Virgil in the first booke of Georgikes , hath a great number for them that list to learn. Wherefore let these hitherto suffice . Of monstrous or prodigious rayne . HItherto we have made mention onely of naturall rayne , and that which is common , which no man doth marvell at . But there is some time such rayne , that worthily may be wondred at : as when it raineth wormes , frogges , fishes , blood , milke , flesh , stones wheat , iron , wooll , bricke , and quicksilver . For historic maketh mention , that at divers times , it hath rayned such things whose naturall caus , for the most part , we will goe about to expresse , notwithstanding , accounting them among such wonders , as God sendeth to be considered for such ends , as we have before declared , Wormes and Frogges may thus be generated : The fat Exhalations are drawn up into the Ayr , by a temperature of hot and moyst , such vermine may be generated in the Air , as they are one the Earth , without copulation of male and female . Or else that with the Exhalations and Vapors , their Seed and Egges are drawn up , which being in the clouds brought to form , fall down among the rain . Likewise the spawn of fishes , being drawn up , maketh fishes to rain out of the clouds . The vehement heat of the Sunne in Summer , and specially in hot Countries , draweth milke out of the Paps of Beasts and Cattel , which being carryed up in Vapors , and dissolved againe into milke , falleth downe like rain . After the same manner , the Sun also from places where blood hath been spilt draweth up great quantity of blood , and so it raineth blood . It raineth flesh , when great quantity of blood being drawn up , it is clotted together , and seemeth to be flesh . Avicen saith , That a whole Calfe fell out of the Air ; and some would make it seem credible , that of Vapors and Exhalations , with the power of heavenly bodies concurring , a Calfe might be made in the Clouds . But I had rather thinke , that this Calfe was taken up in some storme of Whirlwinde , and so let fall again , then agree to so monstrous a generation . It is a great deale more reasonable , that stones of earthly matter gathered in clouds , should be generated as we said before of the Tunder-bolt . Yet some men think , that wind in Caves of the Earth breaking upward violently , carryeth before it , earth and stones into the aire , which cannot long abide , but fall down , and are counted among prodigious raine . Exhalations that be earthly and drawn out of clay , have much grosse substance in them , which gathered together , and by great heat burned in the clouds , make brick , which is no great marvell . He that hath seen an Eggs-shel full of dew drawn up by the Sun into the Air , in a May morning , will not think it incredible , that Wheat and other Graine should be drawne up in much hotter Countries then ours is , much rather the Meale or Flower which is lighter . A certaine mostinesse , like Wooll , as is upon Quinces , Willowes , and other young Fruits and Trees , is drawne up of the Sunne among the Vapors and Exhalations , which being clottered together , falleth downe like locks of Wooll . Quicksilver , all men know with small heat , will be resolved into most thin Vapors , whereof when quantity is drawne up , it falleth downe againe : As it is read , that once at Rome it rained Quicksilver , wherewith the Brazen Money being rubbed it looked like silver . Titus Livius maketh mention that it rained chalk , whereof the cause cannot be hid to them that read how stone and brick come in the Air. Iron hath also rained out of the clouds , and sundry times , as Histories witness , whereof this hath been the cause . The general matter of all mettals which is quicksilver and brimstone , with the special matter of mixtion that maketh Iron , were all drawu together and there concocted into the mettal : so came the strange Rain of Iron . Avicen saith he saw a piece of Iron that fell out of the clouds , that weighed about an hundred pound weight , whereof very good swords were afterwards made . Of Dew . DEw is that Vapour which in Spring and Autumn is drawn up by the Sun in the daytime , which because it is not carried into the middle region of the Air , abiding in the lower region , by cold of the night is condensed into water , and falleth down in very smal drops . There is common Dew , and sweet Dew . One kinde of sweet Dew is called Manna being white like Sugar , which is made of thick and clammy Vapors , which maketh it so to fall thick and white . It falleth only in the East parts . As for that Manna which God rained to the Israelites , it was altogether miraculous . In Arabia ( as Plinius writeth ) is a very precious kinde of Dew that is called Ladanum , which falling upon the herb Cusus , and mixed with the juice of that herb which Goats do eate , is gathered off Goats hairs and kept for a treasure . There is another kinde of sweet Dew that falieth in England , called the Meldews , which is as sweet as honey being of such substance as honey is : it is drawn out of sweet herbs and flowers . There is also a bitter kinde of Dew that falleth upon herbs , and lieth on them like branne or meal ; namely because it is of an Earthly Exhalation , and so remaineth when the moisture is drawn away : This Dew killeth herbs . The common Dew drunk of Cattle doth rott them , because the matter is full of viscosity , bringing them to a fluxion . There be Three things that hinder Dew from falling ; that is , great heat , great cold , and wind ; for Dew falleth in the most temperate calme time . Of Hoare-Frost . HOare frost , or white frost , is nothing else but dew congealed by overmuch cold . The South and East wind do cause dew , but the North and Northern winds do freeze the Vapors , and so it becommeth hoar frost ; which if that excessive cold had not beene , should have turned into dew . The dew and the hoare frost agree in three things , namely , in matter , in quality of time , and place of the generation . In matter they agree ; for they are both generated of a subtill and thin Vapor , and also small in quantity . In quality of time they consent , for both are made in a quiet and calm time : for if there were great wind , it would drive away the matter , and so could there be no generation . Thirdly , they are both generated in the lowest Region of the Air ; for ( as Aristotle affirmeth ) upon the high hills there is neither dew nor hoar frost . They differ also in three things . For the hoare frost is congealed before it be turned into water ; so is not the dew . Secondly , The dew is generated in temperate weather , the white frost in cold weather . Last of all , hot Winds , as the South and East , do cause dew ; but cold winds as the North and West , do cause hoare frost , Hoare frost doth often stinke , because of the stinking matter whereof it consisteth , which is drawn out of lakes and other muddy and stinking places . Of Hayle . HAyle is a hote Vapor in the middle Region of the Air , by the cold of that Region made thick into a cloud , which falling down to the sudden cold of the lowest Region , is congealed into Ice . There be so many kinds of Haile , as there be of raine : The fashion of haile is sometime round , which is a token that it was generated in the middle region of the Air , or very near it ; for falling from high , the corners are worn away . When the Haile stones are square , or three-cornered , the haile was generated neere the earth . Oftentimes there is heard a great sound in the Cloud as it were of Thunder before haile , or of an Army fighting , &c. The cause is , That Vapors of contrary qualities , being inclosed in the Cloud , do strive to break out , and make a noyse , even as cold water doth , being put into a seething pot . In Spring and Harvest-time is often haile , seldome in Summer and Winter . In winter there want hot Vapors , in Summer the lowest region is too hot to congeale the raine falling down . In Spring and Autumne , there want neither hot Vapors to resist the cold , nor sufficient cold to harden the drops of that hot shower of raine . The haile stones are sometimes greater , and sometimes lesser ; greater , with greater cold ; and lesser , with lesser cold . There is seldom haile in the night , for want of hot vapors to be drawn up . Sometime haile and rain fall together , when the latter end of the cloud , for want of cold in the lowest region , is not congealed . Haile-stones are not so cleare as Ice , because they are made of grosse and earthy vapours , Ice is congealed of clear water . Haile is sooner resolved into water , then Snow , because it is of a more sudden and swift generation . Of Snow . SNow is a cold congealed by great cold , before it be perfectly resolved from vapours into water . Snow is white , not of the proper colour , but by receiving the light into it , and so many small parts ; as in fome , or the white of an egge beaten . Snow is often upon high hills , & lyeth long there , because their tops are cold , as they be neer to the middle Region of the Air ; for oftentimes it raineth in the valley , when it showeth on the Hills . Snow melting on the high Hills , and after frozen again , becommeth 〈◊〉 hard , that it is a stone , and is called Christall . Other matter of Snow , because they are common with Rain , are needlesse to be spoken of . To be short , feet is generated even as Snow , but of lesse cold , or else beginneth to melt in the falling . Snow causeth things growing to be fruitfull , and encrease , because the cold driveth heat unto the roots , and so cherisheth the plants . Of Springs and Rivers . THe generation of Springs is in the bowels of the Earth , and therefore something must be said of the body of the earth . The earth , though it be solid and massie , yet hath it many hollow gutters and veines , in which is alwaies aire to avoid emptinesse : for the ignorant in Phylosophie must be admonished , that all things are full , nothing is empty ; for nature abhorreth emptinesse ; so that where nothing else is , there is Air and Vapors , which by cold , as it hath often been said , will be resolved into drops , as we see experience in marble Pillars and such like hard stones toward raine . This Air and Vapors therefore being turned into drops of water , these drops sweat out of the earth , and find some issue at the length , where many being gathered together , make great abundance of water , which is called a Fountaine or Spring . The cause why such Springs do run continually , is , because that Air can never want in those veines , which by cold will alwaies be turned into water , so that as fast as the water runneth forth , so fast is aire againe received into the place , whereby it commeth to passe , that so many Springs are perpetuall , and never dryed : but if any be dryed up , it is in a hot Summer , and such Springs also they be , whose generation is not deep in the earth , and therefore the Vapors may be made dry , and the earth warm , so the Spring may fail . There be foure kinds of springs ; fountaines , brookes , Rivers and lakes . Of Fouutaines . FOuntaines be small springs , which serve for wels and conduits , when there is but one place where the Water is generated ; and that is not very abundant , either because it is of small compasse , or small veines , and not many . Of Brookes . BRookes , boornes or fordes , be small streames of Water , that run in a channell like a river . They are caused when either the spring occupieth a great compasse , or else two or three small springs meet together in one channell . Of Rivers . RIvers are caused by the meeting together , not only of many springs but also of many brookes and fords , which being received in divers places as they passe , are at the length caried into the broad Sea for the most part . Howbeit some Rivers as swallowed up into the Earth , which perchance run into the Sea , by some secret and unknowne channels : some Rivers there be , that hide their heads under the Earth , and in another place , far off , breake out againe . They Write also , that some Rivers being swallowed up of the Earth , in one Island do run under the bottome of the Earth and Sea , and breake forth in another Island . There be also many great Rivers , that run under the Earth in great Caves , which never breake forth . Aristotle sheweth of ponds and lakes , that be under the Earth . And Seneca speaketh of a pond that was found by such as digged in the Earth , with fishes in it , and they that did eat of them , dyed . As Eeles that be found in darke places , as Wells that have beene dammed up , &c. are poyson , Of Lakes . LAkes are made by the meeting together of many Rivers , Brooks and Springs into one deep valley : whereof some are so great , that they have the name of the Seas , as the Lake called Hircane , or Caspian Sea. These Lakes sometimes unlade themselves into the Sea by small Rivers , sometimes by passages under the Earth . The cause of the swiftnesse of Rivers , is double ; for they are swift , either for the great abundance of waters , or else because they 〈◊〉 down from an hilly place , as the River Rhene falleth down from the top of wonderful high hills . Of hot Bathes . SOme waters that are generated and flow out of veines of Brimstone , are sensibly warm , and some very hot , because they run out of hot places . These waters being also drying by nature , are wholesome for many infirmities specially breaking forth of scabs , &c. Such are the Baths in the West Country , and S. Anne of Buck-stones well in the North part of England , and many other elsewhere . Of the divers tastes that are perceived in Wells . FOr a generall reason , the waters receive their taste of that kinde of earth thorow which they run as thorow a strayner . Some salt , that run thorow salt veines of the earth : some sweet , that be well strained , or run thorow such mineralls as be of sweet taste : some bitter , that flow out of such earth as is bitter by adustion or otherwise . Some sowre or sharpe , like vineger , which run thorow veines of Allome , coperas , or such minerals . Aristotle writeh of a Well in Sicilia , whose water the Inhabitants used for Vineger . In Bohemia neare to the City called Bilen , is a Well that the people used to drink of in the morning , in stead of bunrt wine . And in divers places of Germany , be Springs that taste of such sharpeness . Some have the taste of Wine ; as in Paphlagonia is a Well that maketh men drunk which drink thereof ; which is , because that water receiveth the ●●●osity of Brimstone and other Minerals thorow which it runneth , and so filleth the brain as wine doth . A recitall of such Rivers and Springs as have marvellous effects , whereof no naturall cause can be assigned by most men , although some reason in a few may be found . CLitumnus , which maketh Oxen that drink of it white , is a River or Spring in Italy , Propert , lib. 3. This may be the quality of the water , very flegmatick . In Boetia is a River called Melas , that maketh sheep black if they drink thereof . Seneca speaketh of a River that maketh red hairs : These two with the first may have some reason , that the quality of the reason may alter complexion , and so the colour of hairs may be changed , as we see in certain diseases . In Lybia is a Spring , that at the Sun rising and setting is warme , at mid-day cold , and at mid-night very hot . This may be , by the same reason that wel-water is colder in Summer then it is in Winter . Seneca writeth , that there be Rivers whose waters are poyson : this may be naturally the water running thorow poysonous Mineralls , taking much fume of them . Other Wells that make wood and all things else that can be cast into them , stones , such wells be in England , the cause is great cold . Another Well maketh men mad that drinke thereof . This also may have as good reason , as that which maketh men drinke : As also that Well which maketh men forgetfull by obstruction of the brain . The same Seneca speaketh of a Water , that being drunke , provoketh unto lust and lechery . And why may not that quality be in a Water which is mixed with divers Mineralls and kinds of earth , which is in herbs , roots , fruits and liquors ? S. Augustine speaketh of a Well in Egypt , in which burning Torches are quenched , and being before quenched , are lighted . Among the Garamants is a Well so cold in the day , that no man can abide to drink of it : in the night so hot , that none can abide to feel it . It is incredible that is written of a Well in Sicilia , whereof if Thieves did drink , they were made blind . In Idumea was a Well that one quarter of a year was troubled and muddy , the next quarter bloody , the third green and the fourth cleer . Seneca writeth of another Well that was six hours full and running over , and six hours decreasing and empty : perchance because it ebbed and flowed with the Sea or some great River that was neer it . In the Hill Anthracius is said to be a Well , which when it is full , signifieth a fruitfull Year : when it is scarce and empty , a barren and dear Year . The sufficiency of moisture maketh fertility , as the want causeth the contrary . Men say there is a River in Hungary , in which Iron is turned into Copper : which may well be , seeing Inke in which is but smal Coperas , and artificially mixed of Iron , doth counterfeit Copper in colour . In this stream may be much Copperas , and that is naturally mixed . Both Seneca and Theophrastus witness that waters there be , which within a certain space , being drunk of sheep , ( as Seneca saith ) or of birds ( as Theophrastus will have it ) changeth their colours from black to white , and from white to black . Vitruvius writeth , that in Arcadia is a Water called Nonacrinis , which no Vessel of Silver , Brasse , or Iron can hold , but it breaketh in peices , and nothing but a Mules hoof will hold it and contain it . In Illyria , Garments that are holden over a most cold Well , are kindled and set on fire . In the Isle of Andros , where the Temple of Bacchus stood , is a Well , that the fifth day of January flowed wine . Isidore saith , there is a Well in Italy , that healeth the wounds of the eyes . In the Isle of Chios is a Well that maketh men dull-witted that drink thereof . There is another , that causeth men to abhor lust . Lechnus , a Spring of Arcadia , is good against abortions . In Sicilia are two Springs , of which one maketh a woman fruitful , and the other barren . In Sardinia be hot Wells , that heale sore eyes . In an Isle of Pontus , the River Astares overfloweth the fields , in which whatsoever sheep be fed , doe alwaies give black milke . In Aethiopia is a Lake , whose water is like oyle . Also many Springs of Oyl have broken forth of the Earth , which commeth of the viscosity or fatnesse of the same earth . The Lake Clitory in Italy , maketh men that drink of it , to abhor wine . The Lake Pentasium ( as Solinus saith ) is deadly to Serpents , and wholsome to men . Seneca writeth of certain Lakes that will bear men which cannot swim . And that in Syria is a Lake , in which bricks do swim , and no heavy thing will sinke . It is said , that the River Rhene in Germany will drown bastard Children that be cast in it , but drive aland them that be lawfully begotten . The River in Hypanis in Sythia , every day brings forth little bladders , out of which flyes do come that die that same night . Matrona . the River of Germany , as the common people saie , never passeth day but he taketh some prey . Of the Sea. THe Sea , in this treatise hath place as a mixed substance : for else the element of Waters being simple , were not here to be spoken of . The Sea is the naturall place of the Waters , into which all Rivers and other Waters are received at the length . And here it is to be understood , that the very proper and naturall place of the water , were to cover all the Earth , for so be the elements placed : the Earth lowest , and round about the Earth the Water , about the Water , the Air , and about the Ayr , the fire . But God the most mighty and wise creator of all things , that the Earth might in some parts be inhabited of men and beasts , commanded the Waters to be gathered into one place , that the dry land might appeare , and called the dry land Earth , and the gathering of Waters he called Seas . In the Sea are these two things to be considered ; the saltnesse , and the ebbing and flowing . Of the saltnesse of the Sea. THe saltnesse of the Sea , according to Aristotles mind is caused by the Sun , that draweth from it all thin and sweet Vapors to make raine , leaving the rest as the setling or bottome , which is salt . But men of our time , peradventure more truely , doe not take this for the only and sufficent cause to make so great a quantity of water salt , but say , that the Sea , by Gods wisdom ; is gathered into such valleyes of the Earth , as were otherwise barren and unfruitfull ; such Earths are salt , the Sea Water then mixed with that Earth , must needs be Salt ; else Rivers by Aristotles mind , should be salt as well as the Sea. The Reader may choose which opinion is most probable . Of the ebbing and flowing . THe ebbing and flowing of the Sea , as Aristotle sermeth to teach , is by reason of Exhalations that be under the Water , which driveth it to and fro , according to contrary bounds and limits , as upward and downeward , wide and narrow , deepe and shallow . This opinion of Aristotle also , as more subtil then true , experience teacheth men to mislike , and to ascribe the cause of ebbing and flowing , to the course of the Moone , which ruleth over moysture as the Sunne doth over heat : for from the new Moone to the full , all humors do encrease ; and from the full to the new Moone decrease againe . Also , the very true time of the ebbing and flowing may be known by the course of the Moone , with whom , as the Lady of moysture , we will close up the fourth book of m●yst and watery impressions . The fifth Book . Of earthly Meteors , or bodies perfect●y mixed . THis last Treatise containeth such bodies whose chiefe matter is the earth , and are called perfectly mixed , because they are not easily resolved into the chief matter whereof they are generated . These are divided into four Kinds . The first be divers sorts of Earth : The second be Liquors concrete : The third be Metalls and Metallikes : The fourth be Stones . This division is not altogether perfect , both for that there be many of these Minerals which partake of two kinds , and also for that the names of these kinds may be said of others . Yet minding as plainly as can be , to declare the things themselves ; the controversie and cavillation of names , shall not greatly trouble us , especially seeing we pretend not to teach Philosophers , but such as need a ruder and plainer instruction . They may therefore be content with this division , which shall not serve them to dispute of these matters , but to understand the truth of these things that they desire . Of these foure therefore we will speak orderly and generally , not minding to treat of every particular kind ( for that were infinite ) but to open such universall causes , as they which have wit may learn ( if they list ) to apply unto all particulars . Of Earths . THe Earth is an element , one of the four , cold and dry , most gross and solid , most heavy and weighty , the lowest of all other in place . When I say an Element , I meane a simple body uncompounded . This Earth is no Meteor , but as it was shewed in the water , to the end there should be generation of things . There is no Element that we have which is pure and simple , but all are mixed and compound . Our fire is grosse and compound , so is our aire , our water , and our earth : but the earth notably and above the rest , is mixed . For the pure and naturall Earth is dry and cold ; but we see much to be moist , and much to be hot . The natural earth is black of colour : but we see many Earths white , many yellow , and many red . So that first , the greatest part of the Earth is mixed with water , that maketh it to cleave together , with aire and some fire , which make an oylie , fat or clammy earth , as is clay made , &c. Another great part is dried , not into the naturall drinesse of the first quality , but as a thing once mixed , and after dryed , either by cold , as sand , gravell , &c. or else by heat , as chalke , oaker , &c. And yet somewhat more plainly and particularly to discourse upon these causes , admitting the natural colour of the Earth to be black , of the water to be blue , of the aire to be white , and of the fire to be ruddy , it followeth , that upon the mixtion of these colours , or chiefe domination of them , all things have their colour . The grosse substance of the Earth therefore being diversly mixed with other Elements , and those mixtures again being eftsoones altered by divers and sometime contrary qualities , hath brought forth so many kinds of earth , as clay , marble , chalke , sand , gravell , &c. Clay is mixed with fat moysture , taking his Colour of the mixture with red from white ; but being cold , it is not so fruitful as Marble , which is not alwaies so moist as it . Chalke is an Earth by heat concocted , after divers mixtions , and dried up . Oker , both yellow and red , with such like , are of the same nature , with mixtion of red , more or lesse . Sand and gravell , are dryed Earths , as it were frozen by cold : gravell is grosse and apparent ; sand , though it be finer , is of the same generation , consisting of many small bodies , which are congealed into stones . Sand seemeth to be clay dryed by cold , and clotted together into small stones ; whereof some are thorow-shining , which were the moist parts ; the thick were of the grosse part : the same is gravell , but of greater stones consisting . The like judgment is to be given of all other kinds of Earth , whose generation by the similitude of these will not be very hard to find out . They that list to know the divers kindes of Earths , must have recourse to Plinius , Cardanus , and other Writers , that recite a great number of them : but these are the chiefe and most common kindes . Of Liquors concrete . WE take not liquors concrete so largely as the word doth signifie , for then should we comprehend both the other kinds following . But only those liquors , called in Lattine Succi , which are as it were middle betweene metalls and stone , of which , some being fat and oyly , doe burne as Brimstone , Sea-coles , Jet , bitumen , &c. and the kinds of all these . Othersome do not burne , as Salt , Allum , Copperas Saltpeeter , &c. and the kinds of these . Of the first sort , which are generated of Earthy and Airy Vapors , Fumes and Exhalations , the chief and most notable is Brimstone , which seemeth to be the matter of all dry and hot qualities that are in Earthly Meteors . The rest are generated of such like Vapors as Brimstone is , but then they be diversly mixed : as the coles have much Earth mixed with Brimstone ; Jet seemeth to be all one but better concocted then coles . Of Amber is great contention , whether it be a minerall , or the sperme of a Whale : for it is found in the Sea , cast upon the shore . Now the Whales seed being of the very same qualities , is taken more and lesse concrete of divers hardness ; some almost as hard as Amber : some softer , and some liquid : yet Cardan plainly defineth , that Amber is a Mineral . Whether he have reason or experience , contrary to the vulgar opinion , let them consider that list to contend . These Minerals that will resolve with fire , it is apparent , that they were concrete with cold : in that they burnt , it is manifest , they have a fat and clammy substance mixed with them , as the other kind hath not , which will not resolve so well with fire as with Water ; which be salt , copperas , saltpeeters , &c. These burne not , being watery , Earthy , and not fat , unctuous , nor clammy . These be of divers colours , black , as Coles , and Jett , because there is much Earthy substance mixed with their sulphurous matter . Some be sheere , as Salt , and Allome , having a substance Watery dryed , and concrete . Copperas is greene , because it hath much cold matter that is blue , mixed with it . Salt , the most common and necessary of all these liquors concrete , that be moist and not fatty , hath two manner of generations ; one natural , and the other artificial . The natural generation is when it is first generated in the Earth ; after commeth the water of the Sea , and is infected with it ; out of which the Salt is againe artificially gathered . Of these liquors concrete , be those strange wel● and springs infected , of which was spoken in the latter end of the fourth book . Most notably Brimstone causeth the hot Bathes , and burneth in Aetna of Sicilia , and Vesuvius of Italy , casting up the Pumice stones , of which is no place here to treat . Of Metals . MEtals be substances perfectly mixed , that will melt with heat and be brought into all manner of fashions that a man will. Of these the Alchymists say there be Seven kinds to answer to the Seven Planets ; Gold , Silver , Copper , Tinne , Lead , Iron , and Quick-silver that they call Mercury . But saving their Authority , Quick-silver is no more a Metal then Brimstone , which is as necessary to the generation of Metal as Quick-silver is . For they all agree , that all Metals are generated of Sulphur , that is Brimstone , which because it is hot they call the father ; and Mercury , that is Quick-silver , which because it is moist , they call the mother : so by as good reason may they call Brimstone a Metall as Mercury . Then there remaineth but Six perfect Metals ; Gold , Silver , Copper , Tinne , Lead and Iron . Of Gold. THat most unprofitable and hurtfull of all Metals , Gold which most men dispraise , and yet all men would have , is of all other Metals the rarest : it is only perfect , the rest are corruptible . Gold never corrupteth by rust , because it is pure from poysonous infection , and most solid , that it receiveth not the Air into it which causeth all things to corrupt . It is perfectly concocted with sufficient heat and mixture of Sulphur : all other Metals either are not so well concocted , or else they have not the due quantity of Brimstone . This opinion hath also place among the Alchymists , that because Nature in all her Works seeketh the best End , she intendeth of all Metals to make Gold ; but being lett , either for want of good mixture , or good concoction , she bringeth forth other Metals , indeed not so precious , but much more profitable ; and the less precious , the more profitable : for there is more use to the necessities of mans life in Iron and Lead , then in Gold and Silver ; but either the beauty or the perfection , or at least the rareness of Gold and Silver have obtained the estimation of all men , so that for them is sold all manner of things , holy and profane , bodily and spiritual . What paines do not men take to win Gold ? Every man hath one way or other to hunt after it : but the Alchymist despising all other ways as slow , unnatural and unprofitable , laboureth either to help Nature in her work , as of unperfect Metals to make perfect , or else to force Nature to his purpose by his Quintessences and Elixars , so that whatby purging , what by concocting , what by mixing of Sulphur and Quick-silver and much other like stuff , at length he turneth the wrong side of his gown outward , all the teeth out of his head , and his body from health to a Palsey , and then he is a Philosopher , and so he will be called . Of Silver . SIlver the most pure Metal next unto Gold , hath indifferent good concoction in the Earth , but it wanteth sufficient heat in the mixture that maketh it pale . It is found ( as they say ) running into divers veins , as all other Metals be , but this most specially , after the shape and fashion of a tree lieing along with a body or stock , of proportion like to the body of a tree , also with armes● , branches , leaves and fruits . This Metal Silver lacketh sufficient heat , and therefore commeth neither to the colour , solidity nor perfection of Gold , and is generated in cold countries , neer unto the North and South Poles , in so great quantity , that the Husbandmen when they plow their ground , turn up silver among he clods in their daily labours , which they do hide and conceal , least the greedy Princes for Coveteousness of the Mettal , should overturn and destroy their land . The Gold Mines are contrariwise most found in the hot Countries of India and Aethiopia , because in them is sufficient of heat for that unhappy generation . This Silver also the Alchymists would fain make by Ai● ; but Mercury the chief Master of the Work , is so subtile and so sly , that nothing can hold him , nothing can kill him : for if the glass be not very thick , he will soon break out of prison , and so there is nothing left . Of Copper . COpper in colour comming neerest to Gold , being not so solid nor massy ( for of all Metal Gold is the heavyest ) giveth way to Corruption , being infected with that green Mineral Copperas . Hereof be divers kindes , Brass , Latin and such like , which differ in digestion ; the Copper being purest , is of best digestion and neerest unto Gold : and so the rest in like degrees . Copper is most like Silver in the weight and in the hammering : wherefore the Alchymists have learned to make it white , that it deceiveth mens sight and handling : but the Gold miths do easily try it , and by the taste of counterfeit Silver make Copper again . Copper or Brass doth always grow neer to the Mine of Copperas , which running with it in the digestion or natural concoction , hindereth it of perfection , maketh it to stink , and to be eaten of a green rust . Much adoe the Alchymists have to tu●n it into Gold , if it might be : they dispute very reasonably and conclude almost necessarily in their Talk , that it may be converted into Gold as a body that wanteth little of perfection , which may be easily added unto it : but in conclusion of the work , it is an harder matter to bring to pass , then it was to purpose , before they had done it , to build an Abbey at every Miles end upon Salisbury Plain , as one was minded . Of Tinne . TInne whereof great plenty groweth in the West parts of England , in beauty and colour commeth neerest to Silver , and of Silver wanteth nothing but solidity and hardness : for Tinne is raw and undigested metall , also very porose and compact , which causeth it to crash when it is broken or bitten : so it faileth of heat in the commixtion , and also sufficient digestion in the Earth : otherwise it is a fair and profitable metall , to serve the use of them unto whom Silver and Gold are not so plentifull . Of Lead . LEad also found in great abundance within this Realm , is a raw and undigested metall as Tinne is , but yet of better digestion then commixtion : for it is mixed with a gross earthy substance , which maketh it to be in colour so black and so fowl to corrupt : so that of the same Fumes and Exhalations ( which if they had been pure and well digested , if the place and matter would have suffered should have ben concrete into Silver ) for lack of the same , Lead is generated , which comming plentifully , doth better service then Silver . Of Iron . IRon the most necessary and profitable of all other metals ( and yet as ill used of many as any other ) is generated of such substance as Silver is , but mixed with a red Mineral which ●ateth it with red rust , and also being of too extreame digestion , passing ●ll other metals in hardness . And as other metals to the perfection of Silver want sufficient concoction , whereby ●hey come not to the same hardness : ●o Iron passeth and exceedeth Silver in ●mmoderate digestion . But though it ●ome not to the perfection of Silver , God forbid that all Iron had been tur●ed into Silver : for then we should ●ore have missed it then silver or gold , ●e want of which would hinder us ●othing at all . Of Quick-silver . THough Quick-silver be no metal , yet because it is the mother of all metals , something is here to be spoken of it . There be divers and sundry opinions , both of the generation and also the qualities of it , which make the generation hard to find out . For if the quality were certainly agreed upon , there were an easier way found to try out the generation . Some affirm that it is exceeding hot , and that they would prove by the swift peircing thereof into other things that be porose . Others say it is exceeding cold , and that they prove by the exceeding weight of it . As for the peircing , they say it is caused of the exceeding moistness , of which quality both parts d● grant that it is . Concerning the generation , some have said that it is pur● and Elemental water : some again have thought that it droppeth out o● heaven , and is a part of the heavenl● stance . And others say that it is generated in the Clouds , and falleth down in the feilds in a Circle , on those round Circles which are seen in many feilds , that ignorant People affirm to be the rings of the Fairies dances . It is certain that Quick-silver hath divers times faln out of the Clouds , as we have declared in the Treatise of Wonderfull and Marvellous Raine : but whether it so fall in ●ircles it is doubtfull . The most probable opinion is , that it is generated of moyst Vapors of the Earth , coacted by cold , much like to Water , as Brimstone is of hot fumes , coacted by cold , much like to fire . And thus much of metals . Of Stones . STones , the fourth kind of Earthly mixed bodies have two manner of generations , by most contrary qualities for heat doth harden moist bodies into stones ; and we see that , clay , it maketh exceeding hard brick . Also the Thunderbolts in the clouds are generated by heat , as before hath been shewed . But cold doth by congealing , generate many more stones then heat doth ; for the most part of all the stones that are digged out of the Earth , are generated by cold , which is able to convert any other kind of mixed substance into stone , as hath beene partly shewed in the nature of wels and springs , of which , there be some in England , which by their cold , turne wood , or any like thing into stones . I have seene a peece of rotten wood , which to sight was very light , and like wood , but in handling , a very stone that was taken out of such a Wel. Also of other things taken out of the Earth , turned into stones , I have seene and found my selfe , fl●●s ; with head and wings , very hard stones ; also , I have seen a heart , a birds tongue , a beasts stone , a peare , a plumme , and divers other things turned into hard stones . Of divers kinds of stones . STones may first be divided into rude and beautifull : the rude containe those great Rocks , which are generated by many small parts ioyned together , and the common pibble stones that be found every where in the Earth , among gravell , and on the shore of the Sea , or bancks of the Rivers . These are generated of grosse and Earthly humours , congealed by cold : and because they be neither faire of colour , nor thorow shining , and also common , they are contemptible . The faire or beautifull stones , be either great or small . The great be as marble of divers kinds and colours , alablaster , and such like , which being hard and well concocted , may be polished and become beautifull . Their colour is as they are mixed , being uncongeled , so is their purenesse . The small are more precious , and they be either thick or pellucide . The thick be neither so faire nor so precious , as the Achates , the Tasper , Prassios , &c. These consisting of a pure matter , and not very watery , are congealed into such stones . The clear stones be liquore concrete , as the Diamond , the Saphir , the Emerald , &c. they are praised for their greatnesse , hardnesse , clearnesse , and faire colours , of which enough hath bin spoken , saving that some be of opinion , that these be generated by heat , becaus the best are found in hot countries , in the East , and in the South . Answer may be made , that the hotter the Air is , the colder is the Earth : so that reason is of small force . Of the vertue of Stones . SOme perchance , would looke that we should make a long discourse of the vertue of stones , and would be well content that we should treat of divers properties of gemmes and precious stones , which matter though it be out of our purpose ( which considereth only the generation ) yet seeing it is not out of their expectation , some thing briefly , and yet sufficiently shall be said of the vertue of stones . That vertue that is ascribed unto them , is either Natural or Magical . Naturall vertue , is either that which is known to have a natural cause , or a natural effect , as the Magnes or Loadstone to draw Iron , which is by a simitude of nature , & such an appetite as is between the Male and the Female . Also , the said Magnes moveth toward the North , and as some say , there is another kind found in the South , that draweth toward the South . They say , that there are great hils of this stone in the North and South , which maketh it look that way . Others bring a Mathematicall reason , which because it is more curious then can be understood of the common sort , not exercised in Geometry , I omit . The Jet and Amber draw hairs , chaffe , and like light matter , but being before chafed , for heat is attractive . Also the precious Stone called Astroites , moveth it self in Vinegar , the sharpnesse of the Vineger peircing it , and the aire excluded driving it forward . These vertues because I have seen , I have set for an example ; generally all other like naturall vertues , proceed of like naturall causes , which by their effect , the ingenious must seek to find out . As for Magical Vertues , they be they which are grounded on no reason , or natural cause ; which if they take effect , it is rather of the superstition and credulity of him that useth them , then of the vertue of the stones . As that an Emerald encreaseth love , a Saphir favour , a Diamond strength , and such like vertues , of which Alberius in his Age , surnamed the Great , took paines to write a Book , which I suppose to be Englished . To conclude with the cause why Stones melt not , as Metalls do , may be gathered by that which hath been said before , because they are congealed past that degree , and also because there is left in them no unctuous or clammy matter . Let this suffice for Stones ; and and so the whole purpose is at an end . OBSERVATIONS On Dr. F. his BOOKE OF Meteors . By F. W. LONDON , Printed for William Leake at the Crown in Fleet-street . CHAP. I. Of the Earth . IT is a great Question amongst Philosophers , Whether the External and Visible Riches and Plenty which groweth and springeth on the face of the Earth : or the Internal and Hidden Treasure be more precious and valuable ? Flowers and Fruits , Corn and Cattel , and all other external terrestrial Births are of most rare and exquisite use for mankind : but the Earth is an Element not only beautified without , but most richly stored within with great Varieties of admirable Creatures , both pleasant , rare and profitable for humane Content and Conservation . From this very Consideration the Philosophers of Old reckoned and esteemed the Earth as the first and most antient of all the Gods , and so stiled her * The Grandmother or Mother of all the Gods. And the Heashens did not only honor the Earth as a Mother , but did adore her as a Goddess , giving her the names of Ops , Cibele , Rhea , Proserpina , Vesta , Ceres , and other Appellations to signify the diversities and several effects and vertues which she produced . The Earth was called Ops , which signifyeth Aid , because she affordeth aid and comfort to all Creatures inhabitant on her : And Pausanias reports that neer the River Crasside in Greece , there stood a little Temple dedicated to the Earth , wherein she was adored Dea largi pectoris as the Goddess of the open and large brest , freely feeding all her Children which in numerous companies were ranged by her . Her Robe was rich aud glorious , embroidered with the most pleasant flowers of all colours : and she was adorn'd with a Mantle of Tissue whose ground was a beautifull Green , signifying her great Plenty of all things wherewith Man-kind might be affected , as most valuable and precious ; and such are her rich Mines of Gold , Silver , Copper , Brasse , and Iron : or yet more highly priz'd Commodities , as precious Stones , and rare rich Gems of all kinds . CHAP. 2. Of Metalls . THe visible beauty of the Earth is obvious to every eye , which is not the subject here in hand : Her abstruse and hidden riches , Preciosa periculaterrae , as Boetius calls them ; her precious Metalls and Mines , which force men to be so bold and ingenious , are the matter of this Discourse : These Aristotle calls Corpora perfectè mixta , inanimate bodies of compleat mixture , made up of Sulphur and Quick-silver , the veines of the Earth being composed of a fit temper for such production : Some Philosophers make the 〈◊〉 of Metallum , from 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , which signifies a change effected in the Subterranean Veines with long labour and much difficulty . Some Naturalists are more short , and seem more plain ; affirming , That Metalls is that which is plyable by the hammer , and hard : Stones are hard , but not plyable , and Wax and Mud are plyable , but not hard . CHAP. 3. Of the number of Metalls . MEtalls are seven in number , as the Planets are ; Gold , Silver , Amber , Iron , Lead , Brasse , Copper . Gold presenteth the Sun , Silver the Moon , Amber called Electrum Mercury , Iron Mars , Lead Saturn , Brasse Venus , and Copper Jupiter ; or else the seven may be distinguished thus : All Metall is perfect , soft and pure as Gold ; or it is pure and hard as Silver ; or it is hard and impure as Iron ; or it is soft and impure as Lead : And for Amber , it is compounded of Gold and Silver , as Cyprus Copper is made of Brasse and Iron , containing an equall substance of Brasse and Iron , which causeth that too much concocted , and high tincted is easily changed into Brass , and rechanged againe into Copper . CHAP , 4. Of Gold. GOld is Metallnm puriffimum , the purest Metall of all others ; and nature never took delight to make a more perfect elementary substance then Gold is ; and therefore in price and estimation , is far above all other riches . The Composition of Gold is proportioned in equall quality , fitly Correspondent in the symmetry of the elements which compound it ; it is even in the Originals so purified already , as are the simple & pure Elements , in such sort , that by their conjunction together in equall power , there is engendred so delicate and perfect a mixture of indissoluble union , composing an accord so faithfully , that there is made thereby an incorruptible Past , which is permanent to all eternity , in the excellency and goodnesse thereof ; wherefore Gold cannot be vanquished by injury of time and antiquity ; neither can contain in it felte , nor support any excre●●ncy and superfluity of Rust ; for though it be put into the water or fire , and there remain a long space ; yet it is never stained , nor accepteth it any other quality but what is Naturall . Nor yet doth Gold fail any whit , which is a sole priviledge belonging to this royall Metall , all other being subject to alteration and corruption , for though Gold be drawn into the smallest wire , and be extenuated as fine as the threds in the Spiders wed ; and though it be buried in the most piercing medicaments as are Sublimatum , Verdegrease , Salt , Venegar , and that it remain three thousand years therein , it will not for all that be corrupted , but rather the more refined , provided the Gold be perfect , and not sophisticated and false . CHAP. 5. Where Gold is found . GOld is found in divers manners , to wit , mixt with Sand as in Bohemia : on the shore-side amongst the water neer to Goldborough & Risegrond ; and amongst the stones in mountaines , as in Calecut , and in the Indies . The Generation of Gold is usually on the tops of Mountaines , because that there in the highest places the Sun doth more easily purifie that which retaineth too much earthiness in it : and when the Raine and Torrents do flow downe , they carry the Gold downe with them to the foot thereof , where it is gathered amongst the sand , or else in waters neer thereunto , whether it is driven by the violence of floods , except the Ground perhaps open with those inundations , and the Gold fall into the gaping jaws of the Earth , and so stick there . Now it is observable , that that which is found in the entrance of the Mine , is not the purest , but is as an earnest to invite to farther labour and pains . That which is found in Waters and Rivers is fished for , and is in form of little Grains : In Rocks and Mountains it is taken out by delving and digging . And there be three sorts of Mines , some are called Pendent , some Jacent , and some Oblique and turning : Pendent are those which are found in the superficies and tops of Mountains : Jacent are low , and lie in plain fields : Oblique have a cross Course , whether it be to that which is Pendent , or Jacent , all whereof is driven by Rivers into the next floods . CHAP. 6. Of Silver . THe most noble amongst Metalls next to Gold , is Silver ; for though Copper in colour , and Lead in waight do nearest approach unto Gold ; yet in Tenuity of substance , in pureness and fastnesse , Silver is so like unto it , that good silver may be rightly said to be imperfect Gold in substance ; sailing in colour , and that by succession of time , it is sometimes changed into Gold , as in many years space Lead turneth into Silver . The Mines of Silver are more ordinary then Mines of Gold ; and it is usually engendred in four manners , to wit , either in the Earth , or in Brass , or in Lead , or in Stones , which being purged and melted , yeeld some quantity of Silver . In the Mountain called Mons Regius , stones retain very much Silver , which being put in the fire , there is found in every pound of silver that runneth out of them , half an ounce of Gold at least . Silver is many times found to be mixed with Copper , as in Alsaria , near to the Rhine in the Mountains of S. Anne , and in Messein . When Silver is separated from Lead , it leaveth a scum which is called Lithargyrium , which is a kind of impure Lead . CHAP. 7. Of Quick-silver . QUick-silver is called Materia Metallaris , the matter of the Metalls ; and though it have the name of Silver , yet in nature it approacheth nearer to Gold ; for it is like unto it in Tenuity and weight , and to Silver onely in colour . And notwithstanding the opinions of many Chymists , Quick-silver is not a Metall , but a Water condensate , not by heat ( for it is not hardned ) nor by cold ( for then it would be a stone or metall ) but by some other terrestriall rare and pure portion , whereby it commeth to be weighty and cold , splendent and liquide , and is therefore ranked amongst those metalline substances which differ but little from water ; and it is common in experience , that the Mountains wherein Quick-silver is found , are very green and full of fountains . CHAP. 8. Of Electrum or Amber . MAny Authors , Philosophers , and Chymists , disagree in their opinions and discourse of Amber ; some reckon Amber amongst plyable and hard metalline substances ; others will not acknowledge it but to be but the gum of a Tree producing Rosin which is common in Arabia . Philemon writeth , that in two places of Scythia , Amber is digged out of the ground like a kind of stone , and in one place it is white , and in another it is yellow ; to omit this Argument , and to agree with those who allow Amber to be a Metall , is most consonant to reason : The nature and property of it is a mean betwixt Gold and Silver , and such is the true and naturall Amber : as for that which is used for Beads , it is but artificiall . Amber partaketh more of Gold then Silver , because it is more pure , & more apt to be wrought ; for if it consist more of Silver , it could not endure the forge and hammer . Vessels are made of Amber , some for beautie , some for profit : and if composed of true and good Amber , they will discover poysons by cracking , and making signs of an Arch within : for when the rare humidity thereof commeth to be consumed by the force of venome , it cracketh , and the colour changing in the Vessel , it seemeth in stead of the great splendor thereof , there doth a kind of stain represent it selfe like unto an Arch. Now that this Metall is more rare , is ignorance that knoweth not the vertue ; or avarice , that greedily thirsteth after Gold and gaine . CHAP. 9. Of Iron . IRon is taken out of the Earth , and to make it Malleable , the mass thereof is laid to drie in the Sun ; and that which is Earthy , doth soften and moulder with the Rain , as that which is moist doth melt with the Sun ; which as the venome of it is consumed in the Furnace by the fire , by how much more it is purged in the fire , by so much the more it is pure in its goodnesse , in such sort as that which is earthy , doth at last turn to schales and dross , and the most subtil part thereof doth convert into Steel . CHAP. 10. Of Steel . THe common Steel is artificiall extracted Iron , Iron more excellently purged , and a little Marble added thereunto ; but in many places there is Naturall Steel , namely in Persia very good , and in the Chaldean Isle , and neer Damascus , whereof the best Cemiters and Faulchions in the world are made , which cut so well , that there is no Rasor , be it never so well steeled and tempered , that hath a more keene and sharper edge ; for this cause some say , That there are some kinds of Steel and Iron so excellent , that weight for weight , they are esteemed of greater price then Gold. CHAP. 11. Of Lead . LEad is a gross dull Metall , Procreated and Consistent of more impure Quicksilver , and more feculent and crass Sulphur ; it least indures the fire of any Metall , and therefore soonest melteth . Galen saith , Lead buryed long in moist subterranean Caves and holes , increaseth in magnitude and weight , and therefore is a Cover ( if wel considered ) lesse proper for any buildings but where the Roofs are of infinite strength . There be divers kinds of Lead , some red , some white , some balck , and a fourth sort of a m●an quality betwixt white and black , found in the mountaines of Bohemia . The Ore of Lead is melted in furnaces , and is let runne through pipes out of the furnace , whether the Workmen will. Lead is an incongruent and malignant Metal to all others ; and if but one ounce be mixt incorporated with one hundered ounces of Silver or Gold , the mixture will reader the whole mass brittle and fragil ; and so it will be in all like proportions . CHAP. 12. Of Tinne . TIn is a white Metal somwhat like to Silver for i●s splendor & whiteness , and yet not much above Lead for its softnesse and porosity . And this is the difference betwixt Tinne and white Lead , that the one is ingendered where there is some Silver mine or veine , but the other is generated apart without the company of so rich a Neigbour . CHAP. 13. Of Brasse . BRass is a more impure Metal : which composed of much sulphurous matter , is more hot , light , and less pory , and so less subject to corruption and rust by reason of all moisture and humidity ( almost ) consumed in it . In times past , it was very usuall to make Shields and Bucklers , and Pike● , & Launces therof , as Homer reports how Menelaus pursued Paris with a brazen Launce . This Metal is proper for ●rumpets , because it maketh a great noise in Dorick musick , and inflameth men to Combat : That of Cyprus is harder , and therefore better then any other . CHAP. 14. Of Copper . COpper , or Orichalcum , is Latten , or as some call it as factitium , artificiall brass ; it represents with it a golden Complexion , but is somwhat more yellow then Gold ; some because of Copper , make two kinds of Brass , the one Natural , the other Artificial ; the best hath spots of shining Gold intermin gled ; and the Merchants tell us , that in Nova Hispania in America , a peice of it hath bin found of two hundered pound weight . The Artificial brass , commonly called Copper or Latten , is very ordinary ; and the most excellent is that which in foure pounds of brass , doth containe in it one pound of white Lead . Also when the white Lead is mixed to the eight part of brass , then is the Copper very good ; but it is base when mixed with black Lead : the use of Copper is chiefly for faire instruments , as Ordinance , Cauldrons , and such like , wherein it is more excellent then brass ; and it giveth no ill taste or smell to meat boyled in it . FINIS . The Table . OF the Earth in general , Chap. 1 page 159 Of Metalls , Chap. 2. p. 161 Of the number of Metalls , Chap. 3. p. 162 Of Gold , Chap. 4. p. 163 Where Gold is found , Ch. 5. p. 165 Of Silver , Ch. 6. p. 166 Of Quick-silver , Ch. 7. p. 167 Of Electrum or Amber , Ch. 8. p. 168 Of Iron , Ch. 9. p. 170 Of Steel , ibid. Of Lead , Ch. 11. p. 171 Of Tinne , Ch. 12. p. 172 Of Brasse , Ch. 13. p. 173 Of Copper , ibid. Printed or sold by William Leake , at the signe of the Crown in Fleetstreet between the two Temple Gates : These Bookes following . YOrk's Heraldry , Folio A Bible of a very faire large Roman letter , 4● Orlando Furioso , Folio Callis learned Readings on the Stat. 21. Hen. 8. Cap. 5. of Sewers . Perkins on the Laws of England . Wilkinsons Office of Sheriffs Persons Law. Mirrour of Justice . Topicks in the Laws of England Sken de significatione verbor● . Delaman's use of the Horizontal Quadrant . Wilby's 2 d set of Musick , 3 , 4 , , 5 , & 6 Parts . Corderius in English. Exercitatio Scholastica . Nyes Gunnery and Fire-works . Cato Major with Annotations . Mel Helliconium , by Alex. Ross. The History of Vienna and Paris . Lazarillo de Tormes two Parts . Posing of the Accidence . Man become guilty , by John Francis Senalt , and Englished by Henry Earl of Monmouth . The Ideot in 4 books . The life and Reign of Hen. the eighth , written by the L. Herbert . Aula , 〈◊〉 or the house of Light. The For● Royall of ● ly-Scriptures . by 1. H. ● A Tragedy of Christs Passion , written by the most learned Hugo Grotius , & Englished by Geo. Sands . Mathematical Recreations , with the generall Horologicall Ring , and the double Horizontall Dial , by William Outhtred . The Garden of Eden , or an Accurate description of all Flowers & Fruits now growing in England , with particular rules how to advance their Nature and Growth as well in Seeds and Herbs , as the secret ordering of Trees and Plants , by Sir Hugh Plat. Knight , the 2 d Edition enlarged . PLAYES . Hen. the Fourth . Philaster . The Wedding . The Hollander . Maids Tragedy . King and no King. The gratefull Servant . The strange Discovery . Othello the Moor of Venice ; The Merchant of Venice . Notes, typically marginal, from the original text Notes for div A40528-e1230 Aristot. The materiall cause . What be vapors , and what exhalations . What the middle region is , shall bee told afterward A generall rule . What Exhalations be . The efficient cause . What the regions of the aire be Notes for div A40528-e1890 Sparks of fire . Torches . Dancing Goats Shooting Starres . The Epicurians Opinion . Ps. 148 The greatnes of Starres A proofe of the Starres greatness Burning candles . Burning Beames and round pillars Burning Speares . Shields , Globes or Bowles . Lampes . Flying Dragons , or fire Drakes , Of Spires Fire scattered . Light that goeth before men , & followeth them in the night Helena , Castor , Pollux . Flames upon haires of men and beasts . Livius . Servius Tullius . Comets or blazing Starres ▪ The temper of the four quarters . The signification of Comets . Aristot. Apparitions . Colours in the Aire . Wide gaping of clouds in the Aire . Round opening in the Aire . Notes for div A40528-e3530 Winds . The second kind of winds . The third kind of Winde . The qualities of the winds and the four quarters of the world . The quality of middle wind . The profit of wind . Joh. 3. Psal. 104. Earthquakes . Divers kinds of Earthquakes . Twelve Cities overthrown with one Earthquake . Constantinople the chiefest City of Greece , now the Turks Palace . The second kind . The third kind . Earthquake on the Sea. Aristot. The fourth kind . New Islands in the Sea. Aristot. Seneca . Plinius . Plato . A wonderfull Earthquake . Africa , Europe , Asia , the three parts of the earth Maremediterraneum , because it goeth thorow the midst of the earth . Atlantis an Island . Senecca . Theron & Therea . Arist. Herodotus . Egypt sometime a gulph of the Sea. The signes of an earthquake . Thundering under the earth . Cato . Thunder . A similitude . Divers kinds of Thunders . Small Thunder , and the kinds thereof . Great thunder and the kinds whereof . How far thunder is heard . The profit of thunder Plutarchus T. Quincius Flaminius . Lightning . Fulgetrū . Coruscatio . Fulgur ▪ Fulmen . Fulgetrum . The colour of this Lightning . Coruscation . Fulgur . The lightning is not before the thunder , though it seeme so . Sight preventeth hearing . The thunder-bolt cast out of the clouds . Strongest things are most hurt of lightning . How deep a thunder-bolt goeth into the earth . Aristot. Seneca . Plinius . Day lightning . Money melted in mens Purses , and swords in Scabberds . Moyst lightning . Why it maketh black . Grosse lightning . The mmrvell of lightning . Lightning poysoneth . Seneca . Wine not running , the Vessels being broken . Lightning pur●eth a poysonous beast . A Snake breedeth no Worms Lightning openeth his eyes that sleepeth , and closeth his that waketh . Living things turn their face toward lightning . Garments burnt , the body unhurt . Lightning causeth blindnesse , swelling or Leprosie . Eutropius , Marcus Tullius Cicero . Apulia . The wounds of Lighting cold . Sea Calfe not hurt with lightning . Bayes and Box Trees seldome hurt with Lightning . The Eagle Jupiters harnesse-bearer . Storm winds . Whirlewinds . The troubles of whirlewinds . Fired whirlewinds . Circles about the Sunne , the Moone , and other Starres , Jupiter & Venus Planets . Circles in the water . The colours of circles . Circles at bout a candle . The fignes of these circles . Virgilius , Aratus , Poets . Signe of Frost . Signe of faite weather . Signe of tempest . Signe of raine . Ptolomeus Sign of faire weather . Signe of Snow . Aristotle . Antipho . Raynebow Possidonius A 〈◊〉 stone 〈…〉 A similitude . The similitude of the Rainebow . Rainbow of the Sun. Rainbow of the Moone . The white circle seed in the night pythagoras Anaxagoras Democri●●● Cardanus . Phaeton . Ovid. Me●a . Hebe . Apollo . Theophrastus . Diodorus . Possidonius . Zodiake . Aristotle . Sporades . Possidonius Plinius The breadth of this circles Beames or streames . Many Sunnes at once . Alexander the great . Darius . Many sm●l Sunnes like stars . Similitude . The signification of many Sunnes . Galba , Otho , and Vitellius . Many Moones . Plinius . Why other stars are not so represented . Objection . Syrius a great Star seen at noone in Summer . An answer . Wonderfull apparitions . Optice . Catoptrice Catoptrice . Horarius . Notes for div A40528-e8460 Clouds . Astristor . The height of the Clouds . Albertus Magnus . Mists . Empty oleuds . Of the colours of Clouds . Raine . Why rain water is not salt . Avicen . Salt raine . Bitter raine . The River Nilus . Seneca . Signes of Raine . Of Monstrous Raine . Worms & Frogs . Fishes . Milke . Blood. Flesh. Avicen . Stones . Brick . Wheat . Wooll . Quicksilver . Chalke . T. Livius . Iron . Avicen . Dew . Manna . Plinius . Arabia . Ladanum . Cusus . Bitter dew . Hoare frost . Aristot. Hayle . Snow . Original● of Christall . Nothing is empty . Fountaines . Brookes . Rivers . Astristot . Seneca . Lakes . Hot Baths . Tastes of waters . Aristotle . Well water used for Vineger . Bohemia . Paphlagonia . Marvelous waters . Clitumnus Propert. Boetia . Melas . Seneca . Libia Seneca . S. August . Garamants Sicilia . Idumea . Seneca . Anthracius Hungaria . Seneca . Theophrastus . Vitruvius . Arcadia . Nonacrinis . Illyria . Andros . Bacchus . Isidore . Chios . Lechnus . Sicilia . Sardinia . Pontus . Astares . Aethiopia . Clitory . Pentasium . Solinus . Syria . Rhene . Hypanis . Sythia . Matrona . The Sea. The naturall place of the water . Gen. 1. Aristot. Ebbing & flowing . Aristot. Notes for div A40528-e12270 Earthly bodies . Of Earths . Plinius . Cardanus . Aetna and Vesuvius . Metals Mercury . Gold. Why Gold rusteth not . The opinion of the Alcumists . Silver . Tinne . Lead . Iron . Quick-silver . Stones . Rockes . Pibble stones . Marble . Aehates . Jasper . Prassios . Diamond . Saphir . Emerald . The praise of precious Stones . The vertue of Stones . The vertue of Stones , either naturall or magicall , Magnes . Jet and Amber draweth chaffe . Astroites , a Stone moveth in vineger . Albertus Magnus , Notes for div A40528-e13640 * Ils l'appelloient lamere grand & la mere de dieux . Antoine du verdier En la Relligions de Pagens . Ops.