278 NOVUM ORGANUM 



tie avail toward permanent condensation, on account of the 

 elasticity of substances, but may still, however, be of some 

 assistance. 2. By the contraction of the coarser, after the 

 escape or departure of the finer parts of a given body; as is 

 exemplified in induration by fire, and the repeated heating 

 and extinguishing of metals, and the like. 3. By the 

 cohesion of the most solid homogeneous parts of a given 

 body, which were previously separated, and mixed with 

 others less solid, as in the return of sublimated mercury to 

 its simple state, in which it occupies much less space than 

 it did in powder, and the same may be observed of the 

 cleansing of all metals from their dross. 4. By harmony, 

 or the application of substances which condense by some 

 latent power. These harmonies are as yet but rarely ob 

 served, at which we cannot be surprised, since there is little 

 to hope for from their investigation, unless the discovery of 

 forms and confirmation be attained. With regard to ani- 

 rnal bodies, it is not to be questioned that there are many 

 internal and external medicines which condense by har 

 mony, as we have before observed, but this action is rare 

 in inanimate bodies. Written accounts, as well as report, 

 have certainly spoken of a tree in one of the Tercera or 

 Canary Islands (for I do not exactly recollect which) that 

 drips perpetually, so as to supply the inhabitants, in some 

 degree, with water; and Paracelsus says that the herb called 

 ros solis is filled with dew at noon, while the sun gives out 

 its greatest heat, and all other herbs around it are dry. We 

 treat both these accounts as fables; they would, however, if 

 true, be of the most important service, and most worthy of 

 examination. As to the honey-dew, resembling manna, 

 which is found in May on the leaves of the oak, we are of 

 opinion that it is not condensed by any harmony or peculi- 



