NOVUM ORGANUM 463 



simple ingredient, take a succedaneum, or quid pro quo, as they 

 term it, such as aloes for xylobalsamum, cassia for cinnamon. 

 In the same manner we should look diligently about us, to ascer- 

 tain whether there may be any substitutes for cold, that is to 

 say, in what other manner condensation can be effected, which 

 is the peculiar operation of cold. Such condensations appear 

 hitherto to be of four kinds only. i. By simple compression, 

 which is of little avail towards 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 

 observed, 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 animal 

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

 external medicines which condense by harmony, 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, 

 whilst 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 peculiar- 

 ity of the oak-leaf, but that whilst it falls equally upon other 

 leaves it is retained and continues on those of the oak, because 

 their texture is closer, and not so porous as that of most of the 

 other leaves. 



With regard to heat, man possesses abundant means and 

 power; but his observation and inquiry are defective in some 

 respects, and those of the greatest importance, notwithstanding 

 the boasting of quacks. For the effects of intense heat are 

 examined and observed, whilst those of a more gentle degree of 

 heat, being of the most frequent occurrence in the paths of 



