The Works of Sir Thomas Browne Volume I Part 19

Thus also a reason may be alledged for the variation of the variation, and why, according to observation, the variation of the Needle hath after some years been found to vary in some places. For this may proceed from mutations of the earth, by subterraneous fires, fumes, mineral spirits, or otherwise; which altering the const.i.tution of the magnetical parts, in process of time, doth vary the variation over the place.

It is also probable what is conceived of its Antiquity, that the knowledge of its polary power and direction unto the North was unknown unto the Ancients; and though _Levinus Lemnius_, and _Caelius Colcagninus_, are of another belief, is justly placed with new inventions by _Pancirollus_. For their _Achilles_ and strongest argument is an expression in _Plautus_, a very Ancient author, and contemporary unto _Ennius_. _Hic ventus jam secundus est, cape modo versoriam._ Now this _versoriam_ they construe to be the compa.s.s, which notwithstanding according unto _Pineda_, who hath discussed the point, _Turnebus_, _Cabeus_, and divers others, is better interpreted the rope that helps to turn the Ship, or as we say, doth make it tack about; the Compa.s.s declaring rather the Ship is turned, then conferring unto its conversion. As for the long expeditions and sundry voyages of elder times, which might confirm the Antiquity of this invention, it is not improbable they were performed by the help of Stars; and so might the Phnicean navigators, and also _Ulisses_ sail about the Mediterranean, by the flight of Birds, or keeping near the sh.o.r.e; and so might _Hanno_ coast about _Africa_; or by the help of Oars, as is expressed in the voyage of _Jonah_. And whereas it is contended that this verticity was not unknown unto _Solomon_, in whom is presumed an universality of knowledge; it will as forcibly follow, he knew the Art of Typography, Powder and Guns, or had the Philosophers Stone, yet sent unto _Ophir_ for Gold. It is not to be denied, that beside his Political wisdom, his knowledge in Philosophy was very large; and perhaps from his works therein, the ancient Philosophers, especially _Aristotle_, who had the a.s.sistance of _Alexanders_ acquirements, collected great observables. Yet if he knew the use of the Compa.s.s, his Ships were surely very slow, that made a three years voyage from _Eziongeber_ in the red Sea unto _Ophir_; which is supposed to be _Taprobana_ or _Malaca_ in the _Indies_, not many moneths sail; and since in the same or lesser time, _Drake_ and _Candish_ performed their voyage about the Earth.

And as the knowledge of its verticity is not so old as some conceive, so it is more ancient then most believe; nor had its discovery with Guns, Printing, or as many think, some years before the discovery of _America_. For it was not unknown unto _Petrus Peregrinus_ a Frenchman, who two hundred years since left a Tract of the Magnet, and a perpetual motion to be made thereby, preserved by _Ga.s.serus_. _Paulus Venetus_, and about five hundred years past _Albertus Magnus_ make mention hereof, and quote for it a Book of _Aristotle_, _De Lapide_; which Book although we find in the Catalogue of _Laertius_, yet with _Cabeus_ we may rather judge it to be the work of some Arabick Writer, not many years before the days of _Albertus_.

Lastly, It is likewise true what some have delivered of _Crocus Martis_, that is, Steel corroded with Vinegar, Sulphur, or otherwise, and after reverberated by fire. For the Loadstone will not at all attract it, nor will it adhere, but lye therein like Sand. This to be understood of _Crocus Martis_ well reverberated, and into a violet colour: for common _chalybs praeparatus_, or corroded and powdered Steel, the Loadstone attracts like ordinary filings of Iron; and many times most of that which pa.s.seth for _Crocus Martis_. So that this way may serve as a test of its preparation; after which it becometh a very good medicine in fluxes. The like may be affirmed of flakes of Iron that are rusty and begin to tend unto Earth; for their cognation then expireth, and the Loadstone will not regard them.

And therefore this may serve as a trial of good Steel. The Loadstone taking up a greater ma.s.s of that which is most pure, it may also decide the conversion of Wood into Iron, as is pretended from some Waters: and the common conversion of Iron into Copper by the mediation of blew Coperose, for the Loadstone will not attract it. Although it may be questioned, whether in this operation, the Iron or Coperose be trans.m.u.ted, as may be doubted from the cognation of Coperose with Copper; and the quant.i.ty of Iron remaining after the conversion. And the same may be useful to some discovery concerning Vitriol or Coperose of Mars, by some called Salt of Steel, made by the spirits of Vitriol or Sulphur. For the corroded powder of Steel will after ablution be actively attracted by the Loadstone, and also remaineth in little diminished quant.i.ty. And therefore whether those shooting Salts partake but little of Steel, and be not rather the vitriolous spirits fixed into Salt by the effluvium or odor of Steel, is not without good question.

CHAPTER III

Concerning the Loadstone, therein of sundry common Opinions, and received several relations: Natural, Historical, Medical, Magical.

And first not only a simple Heterodox, but a very hard Paradox, it will seem, and of great absurdity unto obstinate ears, if we say, attraction is unjustly appropriated unto the Loadstone, and that perhaps we speak not properly, when we say vulgarly and appropriately the Loadstone draweth Iron; and yet herein we should not want experiment and great authority. The words of _Renatus des Cartes_ in his Principles of Philosophy are very plain. _Praeterea magnes trahet ferrum, sive potius magnes & ferrum ad invicem accedunt, neque enim ulla ibi tractio est._ The same is solemnly determined by _Cabeus_. _Nec magnes trahit proprie ferrum, nec ferrum ad se magnetem provocat, sed ambo pari conatu ad invicem confluunt._ Concordant hereto is the a.s.sertion of Doctor _Ridley_, Physitian unto the Emperour of _Russia_, in his Tract of Magnetical Bodies, defining Magnetical attraction to be a natural incitation and disposition conforming unto contiguity, an union of one Magnetical Body with another, and no violent haling of the weak unto the stronger. And this is also the doctrine of _Gilbertus_, by whom this motion is termed Coition, and that not made by any faculty attractive of one, but a Syndrome and concourse of each; a Coition alway of their vigours, and also of their bodies, if bulk or impediment prevent not.

And therefore those contrary actions which flow from opposite Poles or Faces, are not so properly expulsion and attraction, as _Sequela_ and _Fuga_, a mutual flight and following. Consonant whereto are also the determination of _Helmontius_, _Kircherus_, and _Licetus_.

[Sidenote: _Attraction reciprocal betwixt the Loadstone and Iron._]

The same is also confirmed by experiment; for if a piece of Iron be fastened in the side of a bowl or bason water, a Loadstone swimming freely in a Boot of Cork, will presently make unto it. So if a Steel or Knife untouched, be offered toward the Needle that is touched, the Needle nimbly moveth toward it, and conformeth unto union with the Steel that moveth not. Again, If a Loadstone be finely filed, the Atoms or dust thereof will adhere unto Iron that was never touched, even as the powder of Iron doth also unto the Loadstone. And lastly, if in two Skiffs of Cork, a Loadstone and Steel be placed within the Orb of their activities, the one doth not move the other standing still, but both hoise sail and steer unto each other. So that if the Loadstone attract, the Steel hath also its attraction; for in this action the Alliciency is reciprocal, which joyntly felt, they mutually approach and run into each others arms.

And therefore surely more moderate expressions become this action, then what the Ancients have used, which some have delivered in the most violent terms of their language; so _Austin_ calls it, _Mirabilem ferri raptorem_: _Hippocrates_ ????? t?? s?d???? ??p??e?, _Lapis qui ferrum rapit_. _Galen_ disputing against _Epicurus_ useth the term ???e??, but this also is too violent: among the Ancients _Aristotle_ spake most warily, ?st?? t?? s?d???? ???e?, _Lapis qui ferrum movet_: and in some tolerable acception do run the expressions of _Aquinas_, _Scaliger_ and _Cusa.n.u.s_.

Many relations are made, and great expectations are raised from the _Magnes Carneus_, or a Loadstone, that hath a faculty to attract not only iron but flesh; but this upon enquiry, and as _Cabeus_ also observed, is nothing else but a weak and inanimate kind of Loadstone, veined here and there with a few magnetical and ferreous lines; but consisting of a bolary and clammy substance, whereby it adheres like _Haemat.i.tes_, or _Terra Lemnia_, unto the Lips. And this is that stone which is to be understood, when Physitians joyn it with _aet.i.tes_, or the Eagle stone, and promise therein a vertue against abortion.

There is sometime a mistake concerning the variation of the Compa.s.s, and therein one point is taken for another. For beyond that Equator some men account its variation by the diversion of the Northern point, whereas beyond that Circle the Southern point is Soveraign, and the North submits his preheminency. For in the Southern coast either of _America_ or _Africa_, the Southern point deflects and varieth toward the Land, as being disposed and spirited that way by the Meridional and proper Hemisphere. And therefore on that side of the Earth the varying point is best accounted by the South. And therefore also the writings of some, and Maps of others, are to be enquired, that make the Needle decline unto the East twelve degrees at _Capo Frio_, and six at the straits of _Magellan_; accounting hereby one point for another, and preferring the North in the Liberties and Province of the South.

[Sidenote: _That Garlick hinders not the attraction of the Loadstone._]

But certainly false it is what is commonly affirmed and believed, that Garlick doth hinder the attraction of the Loadstone, which is notwithstanding delivered by grave and worthy Writers, by _Pliny_, _Solinus_, _Ptolemy_, _Plutarch_, _Albertus_, _Mathiolus_, _Rueus_, _Langius_, and many more. An effect as strange as that of _Homers Moly_, and the Garlick that _Mercury_ bestowed upon _Ulysses_. But that it is evidently false, many experiments declare. For an Iron wire heated red hot and quenched in the juice of Garlick, doth notwithstanding contract a verticity from the Earth, and attracteth the Southern point of the Needle. If also the tooth of a Loadstone be covered or stuck in Garlick, it will notwithstanding attract; and Needles excited and fixed in Garlick until they begin to rust, do yet retain their attractive and polary respects.

[Sidenote: _Nor yet the Adamant or Diamond._]

Of the same stamp is that which is obtruded upon us by Authors ancient and modern, that an Adamant or Diamond prevents or suspends the attraction of the Loadstone: as is in open terms delivered by _Pliny_.

_Adamas dissidet c.u.m Magnete lapide, ut juxta positus ferrum non patiatur abstrahi, aut si admotus magnes, apprehenderit, rapiat atque auferat_. For if a Diamond be placed between a Needle and a Loadstone, there will nevertheless ensue a Coition even over the body of the Diamond. And an easie matter it is to touch or excite a Needle through a Diamond, by placing it at the tooth of a Loadstone; and therefore the relation is false, or our estimation of these gemms untrue; nor are they Diamonds which carry that name amongst us.

[Sidenote: De generatione rerum.]

It is not suddenly to be received what _Paracelsus_ affirmeth, that if a Loadstone be anointed with Mercurial oyl, or onely put into Quicksilver, it omitteth its attraction for ever. For we have found that Loadstones and touched Needles which have laid long time in Quicksilver have not amitted their attraction. And we also find that red hot Needles or wires extinguished in Quicksilver, do yet acquire a verticity according to the Laws of position in extinction. Of greater repugnancy unto reason is that which he delivers concerning its graduation, that heated in fire and often extinguished in oyl of Mars or Iron, it acquires an ability to extract or draw forth a nail fastened in a wall; for, as we have declared before, the vigor of the Loadstone is destroyed by fire, nor will it be re-impregnated by any other Magnete then the Earth.

Nor is it to be made out what seemeth very plausible, and formerly hath deceived us, that a Loadstone will not attract an Iron or Steel red hot.

The falsity hereof discovered first by _Kircherus_, we can confirm by iterated experiment; very sensibly in armed Loadstones, and obscurely in any other.

True it is, that besides fire some other wayes there are of its destruction, as Age, Rust; and what is least dreamt on, an unnatural or contrary situation. For being impolarily adjoyned unto a more vigorous Loadstone, it will in a short time enchange its Poles; or being kept in undue position, that is, not lying on the Meridian, or else with its poles inverted, it receives in longer time impair in activity, exchange of Faces; and is more powerfully preserved by position then by the dust of Steel. But the sudden and surest way is fire; that is, fire not onely actual but potential; the one surely and suddenly, the other slowly and imperfectly; the one changing, the other destroying the figure. For if distilled Vinegar or _Aqua fortis_ be poured upon the powder of Loadstone, the subsiding powder dryed, retains some Magnetical vertue, and will be attracted by the Loadstone: but if the menstruum or dissolvent be evaporated to a consistence, and afterward doth shoot into Icycles or Crystals, the Loadstone hath no power upon them; and if in a full dissolution of Steel a separation of parts be made by precipitation or exhalation, the exsiccated powder hath lost its wings and ascends not unto the Loadstone. And though a Loadstone fired doth presently omit its proper vertue, and according to the position in cooling contracts a new verticity from the Earth; yet if the same be laid awhile in _aqua fortis_ or other corrosive water, and taken out before a considerable corrosion, it still reserves its attraction, and will convert the Needle according to former polarity. And that duly preserved from violent corrosion, or the natural disease of rust, it may long conserve its vertue, beside the Magnetical vertue of the Earth, which hath lasted since the Creation, a great example we have from the observation of our learned friend Mr. _Graves_, [SN: _In his learned Pyramidographia._] in an aegyptian Idol cut out of Loadstone, and found among the _Mummies_; which still retains its attraction, though probably taken out of the Mine about two thousand years ago.

It is improbable what _Pliny_ affirmeth concerning the object of its attraction, that it attracts not only ferreous bodies, but also _liquorem vitri_; for in the body of Gla.s.s there is no ferreous or magnetical nature which might occasion attraction. For of the Gla.s.s we use, the purest is made of the finest sand and the ashes of Chali or Glaswort, and the courser or green sort of the ashes of Brake or other plants. True it is that in the making of Gla.s.s, it hath been an ancient practice to cast in pieces of magnet, or perhaps manganes: conceiving it carried away all ferreous and earthy parts, from the pure and running portion of Gla.s.s, which the Loadstone would not respect; and therefore if that attraction were not rather Electrical then Magnetical, it was a wondrous effect what _Helmont_ delivereth concerning a Gla.s.s wherein the Magistery of Loadstone was prepared, which after retained an attractive quality.

But whether the Magnet attracteth more then common Iron, may be tried in other bodies. It seems to attract the Smyris or Emery in powder; It draweth the shining or gla.s.sie powder brought from the _Indies_, and usually implied in writing-dust. There is also in Smiths Cinders by some adhesion of Iron whereby they appear as it were glazed, sometime to be found a magnetical operation; for some thereof applied have power to move the Needle. But whether the ashes of vegetables which grow over Iron Mines contract a magnetical quality, as containing some mineral particles, which by sublimation ascend unto their Roots, and are attracted together with their nourishment; according as some affirm from the like observations upon the Mines of Silver, Quick silver, and Gold, we must refer unto further experiment.

It is also improbable and something singular what some conceive, and _Eusebius Nierembergius_, a learned Jesuit of _Spain_ delivers, that the body of man is magnetical, and being placed in a Boat, the Vessel will never rest untill the head respecteth the North. If this be true, the bodies of Christians do lye unnaturally in their Graves. King _Cheops_ in his Tomb, and the _Jews_ in their beds have fallen upon the natural position: who reverentially declining the situation of their Temple, nor willing to lye as that stood, do place their Beds from North to South, and delight to sleep Meridionally. This Opinion confirmed would much advance the Microcosmical conceit, and commend the Geography of _Paracelsus_, who according to the Cardinal points of the World divideth the body of man: and therefore working upon humane ordure, and by long preparation rendring it odoriferous, he terms it _Zibeta Occidentalis_, Western _Civet_; making the face the East, but the posteriours the _America_ or Western part of his Microcosm. The verity hereof might easily be tried in _Wales_, where there are portable Boats, and made of Leather, which would convert upon the impulsion of any verticity; and seem to be the same whereof in his description of _Britain Caesar_ hath left some mention.

[Sidenote: _Anagrammatically._]

Another kind of verticity, is that which _Angelus doce mihi jus_, _alias_, _Michael Sundevogis_, in a Tract _De Sulphure_, discovereth in Vegetables, from sticks let fall or depressed under water; which equally framed and permitted unto themselves, will ascend at the upper end, or that which was vertical in their vegetation; wherein notwithstanding, as yet, we have not found satisfaction. Although perhaps too greedy of Magnalities, we are apt to make but favourable experiments concerning welcome Truths, and such desired verities.

It is also wondrous strange what _Laelius Bisciola_ reporteth, that if unto ten ounces of Loadstone one of Iron be added, it encreaseth not unto eleven, but weighs ten ounces still. [SN: Horae subsecivae.] A relation inexcusable in a work of leisurable hours: the examination being as ready as the relation, and the falsity tried as easily as delivered. Nor is it to be omitted what is taken up by the _Csius Bernardus_ a late Mineralogist, and originally confirmed by _Porta_, that Needles touched with a _Diamond_ contract a verticity, even as they do with a Loadstone, which will not consist with experiment. And therefore, as _Gilbertus_ observeth, he might be deceived, in touching such Needles with _Diamonds_, which had a verticity before, as we have declared most Needles to have; and so had he touched them with Gold or Silver, he might have concluded a magnetical vertue therein.

In the same form may we place _Fracastorius_ his attraction of silver.

_Philostratus_ his _Pantarbes_, _Apollodorus_ and _Beda_ his relation of the Loadstone that attracted onely in the night. But most inexcusable is _Franciscus Rueus_, a man of our own profession; who in his discourse of _Gemms_ mentioned in the _Apocalyps_, undertakes a Chapter of the Loadstone. Wherein substantially and upon experiment he scarce delivereth any thing: making long enumeration of its traditional qualities, whereof he seemeth to believe many, and some above convicted by experience, he is fain to salve as impostures of the Devil. But _Btius de Boot_ Physitian unto _Rodulphus_ the second, hath recompenced this defect; and in his Tract _De Lapidibus & Gemmis_, speaks very materially hereof; and his Discourse is consonant unto Experience and Reason.

As for Relations Historical, though many there be of less account, yet two alone deserve consideration: The first concerneth magnetical Rocks, and attractive Mountains in several parts of the Earth. The other the Tomb of _Mahomet_ and bodies suspended in the air. Of Rocks magnetical there are likewise two relations; for some are delivered to be in the _Indies_, and some in the extremity of the North, and about the very Pole. The Northern account is commonly ascribed unto _Olaus Magnus_ Archbishop of _Upsale_, who out of his Predecessor _Joannes_, _Saxo_, and others, compiled a History of some Northern Nations; but this a.s.sertion we have not discovered in that Work of his which commonly pa.s.seth amongst us, and should believe his Geography herein no more then that in the first line of his Book; when he affirmeth that _Biarmia_ (which is not seventy degrees in lat.i.tude) hath the Pole for its Zenith, and Equinoctial for the Horizon.

Now upon this foundation, how uncertain soever men have erected mighty illations, ascribing thereto the cause of the Needles direction, and conceiving the effluctions from these Mountains and Rocks invite the Lilly toward the North. Which conceit though countenanced by learned men, is not made out either by experience or reason, for no man hath yet attained or given a sensible account of the Pole by some degrees. It is also observed the Needle doth very much vary as it approacheth the Pole; whereas were there such direction from the Rocks, upon a nearer approachment it would more directly respect them. Beside, were there such magnetical Rocks under the Pole, yet being so far removed they would produce no such effect. For they that sail by the Isle of _Ilua_ now called _Elba_ in the Thuscan Sea which abounds in veins of Loadstone, observe no variation or inclination of the Needle; much less may they expect a direction from Rocks at the end of the Earth. And lastly, men that ascribe thus much unto Rocks of the North, must presume or discover the like magneticals at the South: For in the Southern Seas and far beyond the Equator, variations are large, and declinations as constant as in the Northern Ocean.

[Sidenote: _(Probably) there be no magnetical Rocks._]

The other relation of Loadstone Mines and Rocks, in the sh.o.r.e of _India_ is delivered of old by _Pliny_; wherein, saith he, they are so placed both in abundance and vigour, that it proves an adventure of hazard to pa.s.s those Coasts in a Ship with Iron nails. _Serapion_ the Moor, an Author of good esteem and reasonable Antiquity, confirmeth the same, whose expression in the word _magnes_ is this. The Mine of this Stone is in the Sea-coast of _India_, whereto when Ships approach, there is no Iron in them which flies not like a Bird unto those Mountains; and therefore their ships are fastened not with Iron but Wood, for otherwise they would be torn to pieces. But this a.s.sertion, how positive soever, is contradicted by all Navigators that pa.s.s that way; which are now many, and of our own Nation, and might surely have been controled by _Nearchus_ the Admiral of _Alexander_; who not knowing the Compa.s.s, was fain to coast that sh.o.r.e.

[Sidenote: Mahomet's _tomb of stone, and built upon the ground._]

For the relation concerning _Mahomet_, it is generally believed his Tomb at _Medina Talnabi_, in _Arabia_, without any visible supporters hangeth in the air between two Loadstones artificially contrived both above and below; which conceit is fabulous and evidently false from the testimony of Ocular Testators, who affirm his Tomb is made of Stone, and lyeth upon the ground; as beside others the learned _Vossius_ observeth from _Gabriel Sionita_, and _Joannes Hesronita_, two _Maronites_ in their relations hereof. Of such intentions and attempt by _Mahometans_ we read in some Relators, and that might be the occasion of the Fable, which by tradition of time and distance of place enlarged into the Story of being accomplished. And this hath been promoted by attempts of the like nature; for we read in _Pliny_ that one _Dinocrates_ began to Arch the Temple of _Arsinoe_ in _Alexandria_ with Loadstone, that so her Statue might be suspended in the air to the amazement of the beholders. And to lead on our crudelity herein, confirmation may be drawn from History and Writers of good authority. So it is reported by _Ruffinus_, that in the Temple of _Serapis_ there was an Iron Chariot suspended by Loadstones in the air; which stones removed, the Chariot fell and dashed into pieces.

The like doth _Beda_ report of _Bellerophons_ Horse, which framed of Iron, was placed between two Loadstones, with wings expansed, pendulous in the air.

The verity of these Stories we shall not further dispute, their possibility we may in some way determine; if we conceive what no man will deny, that bodies suspended in the air have this suspension from one or many Loadstones placed both above and below it; or else by one or many placed only above it. Likewise the body to be suspended in respect of the Loadstone above, is either placed first at a pendulous distance in the medium, or else attracted unto that site by the vigor of the Loadstone. And so we first affirm, that possible it is, a body may be suspended between two Loadstones; that is, it being so equally attracted unto both, that it determineth it self unto neither. But surely this position will be of no duration; for if the air be agitated or the body waved either way, it omits the equilibration, and disposeth it self unto the nearest attractor. Again, It is not impossible (though hardly feasible) by a single Loadstone to suspend an Iron in the air, the Iron being artificially placed and at a distance guided toward the stone, until it find the neutral point, wherein its gravity just equals the magnetical quality, the one exactly extolling as much as the other depresseth. And lastly, Impossible it is that if an Iron rest upon the ground, and a Loadstone be placed over it, it should ever so arise as to hang in the way or medium; for that vigor which at a distance is able to overcome the resistance of its gravity and to lift it up from the Earth, will as it approacheth nearer be still more able to attract it; never remaining in the middle that could not abide in the extreams. Now the way of _Baptista Porta_ that by a thred fastneth a Needle to a Table, and then so guides and orders the same, that by the attraction of the Loadstone it abideth in the air, infringeth not this reason; for this is a violent retention, and if the thred be loosened, the Needle ascends and adheres unto the Attractor.

[Sidenote: _Powder of Loadstones, of what operation._]

The third consideration concerneth Medical relations; wherein what ever effects are delivered, they are either derived from its mineral and ferreous condition, or else magnetical operation. Unto the ferreous and mineral quality pertaineth what _Dioscorides_ an ancient Writer and Souldier under _Anthony_ and _Cleopatra_ affirmeth, that half a dram of Loadstone given with Honey and Water, proves a purgative medicine, and evacuateth gross humours. But this is a quality of great incertainty; for omitting the vehicle of Water and Honey, which is of a laxative power it self, the powder of some Loadstones in this dose doth rather constipate and binde, then purge and loosen the belly. And if sometimes it cause any laxity, it is probably in the same way with Iron and Steel unprepared, which will disturb some bodies, and work by Purge and Vomit.

And therefore, whereas it is delivered in a Book ascribed unto _Galen_, that it is a good medicine in dropsies, and evacuates the waters of persons so affected: It may I confess by siccity and astriction afford a confirmation unto parts relaxed, and such as be hydropically disposed; and by these qualities it may be useful in _Hernias_ or _Ruptures_, and for these it is commended by _aetius_, _aegineta_, and _Oribatius_; who only affirm that it contains the vertue of _Haemat.i.tes_, and being burnt was sometimes vended for it. Wherein notwithstanding there is an higher vertue; and in the same prepared, or in rich veins thereof, though crude, we have observed the effects of Chalybeat Medicines; and the benefits of Iron and Steel in strong obstructions. And therefore that was probably a different vein of Loadstone, or infected with other mineral mixture, which the Ancients commended for a purgative medicine, and ranked the same with the violentest kinds thereof: with _Hippophae_, _Cneoron_, and _Thymelaea_, as we find it in _Hippocrates_ [SN: _De morbis internis._]; and might be somewhat doubtful, whether by the magnesian stone, he understood the Loadstone; did not _Achilles Statius_ define the same, the Stone that loveth Iron.

To this mineral condition belongeth what is delivered by some, that wounds which are made with weapons excited by the Loadstone, contract a malignity, and become of more difficult cure; which nevertheless is not to be found in the incision of Chyrurgions with knives and lances touched; which leave no such effect behind them. Hither we also refer that affirmative, which sayes the Loadstone is poison; and therefore in the lists of poisons we find it in many Authors. But this our experience cannot confirm, and the practice of the King of _Zeilan_ clearly contradicteth; who as _Garcias ab Horto_, Physitian unto the _Spanish_ Viceroy delivereth, hath all his meat served up in dishes of Loadstone, and conceives thereby he preserveth the vigour of youth.

But surely from a magnetical activity must be made out what is let fall by _aetius_, that a Loadstone held in the hand of one that is podagrical, doth either cure or give great ease in the Gout. Or what _Marcellus Empericus_ affirmeth, that as an amulet, it also cureth the headach; which are but additions unto its proper nature, and hopeful enlargements of its allowed attraction. For perceiving its secret power to draw magnetical bodies, men have invented a new attraction, to draw out the dolour and pain of any part. And from such grounds it surely became a philter, and was conceived a medicine of some venereal attraction; and therefore upon this stone they graved the Image of _Venus_, according unto that of _Claudian_, _Venerem magnetica gemma figurat_. Hither must we also ruler what is delivered concerning its power to draw out of the body bullets and heads of arrows, and for the like intention is mixed up in plaisters. Which course, although as vain and ineffectual it be rejected by many good Authors, yet is it not methinks so readily to be denied, nor the Practice of many Physicians which have thus compounded plaisters, thus suddenly to be condemned, as may be observed in the _Emplastrum divinum Nicolai_, the _Emplastrum nigrum_ of _Augspurg_, the _Opodeldoch_ and _Attractivum_ of _Paracelsus_, with several more in the Dispensatory of _Wecker_, and practice of _Sennertus_. The cure also of _Hernias_, or _Ruptures_ in _Pareus_: and the method also of curation lately delivered by _Daniel Beckherus_,[D] and approved by the Professors of _Leyden_, that is, of a young man of _Spruceland_ that casually swallowed a knife about ten inches long, which was cut out of his stomach, and the wound healed up. In which cure to attract the knife to a convenient situation, there was applied a plaister made up with the powder of Loadstone. Now this kind of practice _Libavius_, _Gilbertus_, and lately _Swickardus_ [SN: _In his Ars Magnetica._] condemn, as vain, and altogether unuseful; because a Loadstone in powder hath no attractive power; for in that form it omits his polarly respects, and loseth those parts which are the rule of attraction.

[D] De cultrivoro Prussiaco, 1636. _The cure of the Prussian Knife._

Wherein to speak compendiously, if experiment hath not deceived us, we first affirm that a Loadstone in powder omits not all attraction. For if the powder of a rich vein be in a reasonable quant.i.ty presented toward the Needle freely placed, it will not appear to be void of all activity, but will be able to stir it. Nor hath it only a power to move the Needle in powder and by it self, but this will it also do, if incorporated and mixed with plaisters; as we have made trial in the _Emplastrum de Minia_, with half an ounce of the ma.s.s, mixing a dram of Loadstone. For applying the magdaleon or roal unto the Needle, it would both stir and attract it; not equally in all parts, but more vigorously in some, according unto the Mine of the Stone, more plentifully dispersed in the ma.s.s. And lastly, In the Loadstone powdered, the polary respects are not wholly destroyed. For those diminutive particles are not atomical or meerly indivisible, but consist of dimensions sufficient for their operations, though in obscurer effects. Thus if unto the powder of Loadstone or Iron we admove the North Pole of the Loadstone, the Powders or small divisions will erect and conform themselves thereto: but if the South Pole approach, they will subside, and inverting their bodies, respect the Loadstone with the other extream.

And this will happen not only in a body of powder together, but in any particle or dust divided from it.

Now though we disavow not these plaisters, yet shall we not omit two cautions in their use, that therein the Stone be not too subtilly powdered, for it will better manifest its attraction in a more sensible dimension. That where is desired a speedy effect, it may be considered whether it were not better to relinquish the powdered plaisters, and to apply an entire Loadstone unto the part: And though the other be not wholly ineffectual, whether this way be not more powerful, and so might have been in the cure of the young man delivered by _Beckerus_.

The last consideration concerneth Magical relations; in which account we comprehend effects derived and fathered upon hidden qualities, specifical forms, Antipathies and Sympathies, whereof from received grounds of Art, no reasons are derived. Herein relations are strange and numerous; men being apt in all Ages to multiply wonders, and Philosophers dealing with admirable bodies, as Historians have done with excellent men, upon the strength of their great atcheivements, ascribing acts unto them not only false but impossible; and exceeding truth as much in their relations, as they have others in their actions. Hereof we shall briefly mention some delivered by Authors of good esteem: whereby we may discover the fabulous inventions of some, the credulous supinity of others, and the great disservice unto truth by both: multiplying obscurities in Nature, and authorising hidden qualities that are false; whereas wise men are ashamed there are so many true.

And first, _Dioscorides_ puts a shrewd quality upon it, and such as men are apt enough to experiment, who therewith discovers the incontinency of a wife, by placing the Loadstone under her pillow, whereupon she will not be able to remain in bed with her husband. The same he also makes a help unto thievery. For Thieves saith he, having a design upon a house, do make a fire at the four corners thereof, and cast therein the fragments of Loadstone: whence ariseth a fume that so disturbeth the inhabitants, that they forsake the house and leave it to the spoil of the Robbers. This relation, how ridiculous soever, hath _Albertus_ taken up above a thousand years after, and _Marbodeus_ the Frenchman hath continued the same in Latine Verse, which with the Notes of _Pictorius_ is currant unto our dayes. As strange must be the Lithomancy or divination from this Stone, whereby as _Tzetzes_ delivers, _Helenus_ the Prophet foretold the destruction of _Troy_: and the Magick thereof not safely to be believed, which was delivered by _Orpheus_, that sprinkled with water it will upon a question emit a voice not much unlike an Infant. But surely the Loadstone of _Laurentius Guascus_ the Physitian, is never to be matched; wherewith, as _Cardan_ delivereth, whatsoever Needles or Bodies were touched, the wounds and punctures made thereby, were never felt at all. And yet as strange is that which is delivered by some, that a Loadstone preserved in the salt of a _Remora_, acquires a power to attract gold out of the deepest Wells. Certainly a studied absurdity, not casually cast out, but plotted for perpetuity: for the strangeness of the effect ever to be admired, and the difficulty of the trial never to be convicted.