220 OF SOUND AND HEARING. 



standing, and, as it were, makes matter of its health, that 

 the contemplations of the spiritual species, as they call 

 them, and of operations at distance, be mixed with the 

 contemplation of those things, which work by communi 

 cation only of the substance to the touch. Again, the 

 observations concerning sounds have brought forth to us 

 the art of music. But it is customary, and as it were 

 invariable, when trials and observations have grown into 

 art, that the mathematic and practic is pursued, the physic 

 is left. Moreover, optic fareth some whit better ; for not 

 only the art of painting and beauty and symmetry are 

 propounded unto optic, but the contemplation of all visibles ; 

 but unto music, only musical tones. Therefore we do in 

 quire of sounds. 



OF THE GENERATION OF SOUND, AND THE FIRST 

 PERCUSSION. 



The collision, or elision, as they speak, meaning thereby 

 some section or cutting of the air, which they will have to 

 be the cause of sound, imports neither the form, nor the 

 secret process of sound, but is a term of ignorance and 

 superficial contemplation. 



Sound is diffused and moves with so small an impulse 

 in its generation ; also so far, and that in round, not much 

 depending on the first direction ; withal so smoothly, with 

 out any evident motion, found either by flame, or by 

 feathers and straws, or in any other manner ; that it seems 

 altogether hard that the form of sound should be any 

 cutting, or local and perceptible motion of the air, how 

 soever this may hold the part of the efficient. 



For that sound is so suddenly generated, and straight 

 way dies, it seems necessary that either its generation do a 

 little thrust the air from its nature, and its perishing restore 

 it, as in the compressions of waters, whereas a body cast 

 into the water makes many circles in the waters, that come 

 of the water at first compressed, afterward restoring itself 

 into its proper consistence and dimension (which we have 

 used to call the motion of liberty); or that, contrariwise, 

 the generation of sound be an impression pleasant and 

 kindly, that winneth upon the air, and whereunto the air 

 freely stirreth itself, and that its extinction be from some 

 enmity, which suffers not the air longer to enjoy that agi 

 tation and impression; as in the generation of the very 

 body of flame, wherein the generation of the flame appears 



