CENTURY IX. 487 



out, as was said. This may shew some attraction 

 at first : but of this we will speak more, when we 

 handle attractions by heat. 



Experiments in consort touching the influences of 



the moon. 



Of the power of the celestial bodies, and what 

 more secret influences they have, besides the two 

 manifest influences of heat and light, we shall speak 

 when we handle experiments touching the celestial 

 bodies : mean while we will give some directions for 

 more certain trials of the virtue and influences of 

 the moon, which is our nearest neighbour. 



The influences of the moon, most observed, are 

 four ; the drawing forth of heat : the inducing of 

 putrefaction ; the increase of moisture ; the exciting 

 of the motions of spirit?. 



890. For the drawing forth of heat, we have 

 formerly prescribed to take water warm, and to set 

 part of it against the moon-beams, and part of it 

 with a screen between ; and to see whether that 

 which standeth exposed to the beams will not cool 

 sooner. But because this is but a small interpo 

 sition, though in the sun we see a small shade doth 

 much, it were good to try it when the moon shineth, 

 and when the moon shineth not at all; and with 

 water warm in a glass bottle, as well as in a dish ; 

 and with cinders; and with iron red-hot, &c. 



891. For the inducing of putrefaction, it were 

 good to try it with flesh or fish exposed to the moon 

 beams ; and again exposed to the air when the moon 



