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the like. In chemical experiments on metals, however, there 

 are some others worthy of notice, but .the greatest abundance 

 (where the whole are so few in numbers) is discovered in certain 

 medicines, which, from their occult and specific qualities (as 

 they are termed), affect particular limbs, humors, diseases, or 

 constitutions. Nor should we omit the harmony between the 

 motion and phenomena of the moon, and their effects on lower 

 bodies, which may be brought together by an accurate and 

 honest selection from the experiments of agriculture, naviga- 

 tion, and medicine, or of other sciences. By as much as these 

 general instances, however, of more latent harmony, are rare, 

 with so much the more diligence are they to be inquired after, 

 through tradition, and faithful and honest reports, but without 

 rashness and credulity, with an anxious and, as it were, hesita- 

 ting degree of reliance. There remains one species of harmony 

 which, though simple in its mode of action, is yet most valuable 

 in its use, and must by no means be omitted, but rather dili- 

 gently investigated. It is the ready or difficult coition or union 

 of bodies in composition, or simple juxtaposition. For some 

 bodies readily and willirigly mix, and are incorporated, others 

 tardily and perversely ; thus powders mix best with water, 

 chalk and ashes with oils, and the like. Nor are these instances 

 of readiness and aversion to mixture to be alone collected, but 

 others, also, of the collocation, distribution, and digestion of the 

 parts when mingled, and the predominance after the mixture 

 is complete. 



VII. Lastly, there remains the seventh, and last of the seven, 

 modes of action ; namely that by the alternation and interchange 

 of the other six ; but of this, it will not be the right time to 

 offer any examples, until some deeper investigation shall have 

 taken place of each of the others. The series, or chain of this 

 alternation, in its mode of application to separate effects, is no 

 less powerful in its operation, than difficult to be traced. But 

 men are possessed with the most extreme impatience, both of 

 such inquiries, and their practical application, although it be 

 the clue of the labyrinth in all greater works. Thus far of the 

 generally useful instances. 



51. The twenty-seventh and last place we will assign to the 

 magical instances, a term which we apply to those where the 

 matter or efficient agent is scanty or small, in comparison with 

 the grandeur of the work or effect produced ; so that even when 

 common they appear miraculous, some at first sight, others 

 even upon more attentive observation. Nature, however, of 

 herself, supplies these but sparingly. What she will do when 

 her whole store is thrown open, and after the discovery of 

 forms, processes, and conformation, will appear hereafter. As 

 far as we can yet conjecture, these magic effects are produced 

 in three ways, either by self-multiplication, as in fire, and the 



