XOVUM ORGANUM. 187 



We must not omit that union of the parts of bodies which 

 is the principal cause of induration and desiccation. When 

 the spirit or moisture, which has evaporated into spirit, has 

 escaped from a porous body (such as wood, bone, parch 

 ment, and the like), the thicker parts are drawn together, 

 and united with a greater effort, and induration or desic 

 cation is the consequence; and this we attribute not so much 

 to the motion of connexion (in order to prevent a vacuum), 

 as to this motion of friendship and union. 



Union from a distance is rare, and yet is to be met with 

 in more instances than are generally observed. We per 

 ceive it when one bubble dissolves another, when medicines 

 attract humours from a similarity of substance, when one 

 string moves another in unison with it on different instru 

 ments, and the like. We are of opinion that this motion is 

 very prevalent also in animal spirits, but are quite ignorant 

 of the fact. It is, however, conspicuous in the magnet, 

 and magnetised iron. Whilst speaking of the motions of 

 the magnet, we must plainly distinguish them, for there are 

 four distinct powers or effects of the magnet which should 

 not be confounded, although the wonder and astonishment 

 of mankind has classed them together. 1. The attraction 

 of the magnet to the magnet, or of iron to the magnet, or of 

 magnetised iron to iron. 2. Its polarity towards the north 

 and south, and its variation. 3. Its penetration through 

 gold, glass, stone, and all other substances. 4. The com 

 munication of power from the mineral to iron, and from 

 iron to iron, without any communication of the substances. 

 Here, however, we only speak of the first. There is also a 

 singular motion of attraction, between quicksilver and gold, 

 so that the gold attracts quicksilver even when made use of 

 in ointment, and those who work surrounded by the vapours 

 of quicksilver are wont to hold a piece of gold in their 

 mouths, to collect the exhalations, which would otherwise 

 attack their heads and bones, and this piece soon grows 

 white. * Let this suffice for the motion of lesser congre 

 gation. 



Let the ninth be the magnetic motion, which although 

 of the nature of that last mentioned, yet, when operating 

 at great distances, and on great masses, deserves a separate 

 inquiry, especially if it neither begin in contact, as most 

 motions of congregation do, nor end by bringing the sub 

 stances into contact, as all do, but only raise them, and 



* Query. 



