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The New Atlantis - Part 2
The New Atlantis - Part 2
One day there were two of our company bidden to a Feast of the Family, as
they call it. A most natural, pious, and reverend custom it is, shewing that
nation to be compounded of all goodness. This is the manner if it. It is
granted to any man that shall live to see thirty persons descended of his body
alive together, and all above three years old, to make this feast which is
done at the cost of the state. The Father of the Family, whom they call the
Tirsan, two days before the feast, taketh to him three of such friends as he
liketh to choose; and is assisted^43 also by the governor of the city or place
where the feast is celebrated; and all the persons of the family, of both
sexes, are summoned to attend him. These two days the Tirsan sitteth in
consultation concerning the good estate of the family. There, if there be any
discord or suits between any of the family, they are compounded and appeased.
where, if any of the family be distressed or decayed, order is taken for their
relief and competent means to live. There, if any be subject to vice, or take
ill courses, they are reproved and censured. So likewise direction is given
touching marriages, and the courses of life, which any of them should take,
with divers other the like orders and advices. The governor assisteth, to the
end to put in execution by his public authority the decrees and orders of the
Tirsan, if they should be disobeyed; though that seldom needeth; such
reverence and obedience they give to the order of nature. The Tirsan doth also
then ever choose one man from among his sons, to live in house with him; who
is called ever after the Son of the Vine. The reason will hereafter appear.
On the feast day, the father or Tirsan cometh forth after divine service
into a large room where the feast is celebrated; which room hath an
half-pace^44 at the upper end. Against the wall, in the middle of the
half-pace, is a chair placed for him, with a table and carpet before it. Over
the chair is a state,^45 made round or oval, and it is of ivy; an ivy
somewhat whiter than ours, like the leaf of a silver asp,^46 but more
shining; for it is green all winter. And the state is curiously wrought with
silver and silk of divers colors, broiding^47 or binding in the ivy; and is
ever of the work of some of the daughters of the family; and veiled over at
the top with a fine net of silk and silver. But the substance of it is true
ivy; whereof, after it is taken down, the friends of the family are desirous
to have some leaf or sprig to keep.
[Footnote 44: Dais, platform.]
[Footnote 45: Canopy.]
[Footnote 46: Aspen.]
[Footnote 47: Interlacing.]
[Footnote 48: Curtain.]
[Footnote 49: Private.]
[Footnote 50: Side.]
The Tirsan cometh forth with all his generation or linage, the males
before him, and the females following him; and if there be a mother from
whose body the whole linage is descended, there is a traverse^48 placed in a
loft above on the right hand of the chair, with a privy^49 door, and a carved
window of glass, leaded with gold and blue; where she sitteth, but is not
seen. When the Tirsan is come forth, he sitteth down in the chair; and all the
linage place themselves against the wall, both at his back and upon the
return^50 of the half-pace, in order of their years without difference of sex;
and stand upon their feet. When he is set; the room being always full of
company, but well kept and without disorder; after some pause, there cometh
in from the lower end of the room, a taratan (which is as much as an herald)
and on either side of him two young lads; whereof one carrieth a scroll of
their shining yellow parchment; and the other a cluster of grapes of gold,
with a long foot or stalk. The herald and children are clothed with mantles of
seawater green satin; but the herald`s mantle is streamed^51 with gold, and
hath a train.
Then the herald with three curtesies, or rather inclinations, cometh
up as far as the half-pace; and there first taketh into his hand the scroll.
This scroll is the king`s charter, containing gifts of revenew, and many
privileges, exemptions, and points of honour, granted to the Father of the
Family; and is ever styled and directed, To such an one our well beloved
friend and creditor: which is a title proper only to this case. For they say
the king is debtor to no man, but for propagation of his subjects. The seal
set to the king`s charter is the king`s image, imbossed or moulded in gold;
and though such charters be expedited^52 of course, and as of right, yet they
are varied by discretion, according to the number and dignity of the family.
This charter the herald readeth aloud; and while it is read, the father or
Tirsan standeth up supported by two of his sons, such as he chooseth. Then
the herald mounteth the half-pace and delivereth the charter into his hand:
and with that there is an acclamation by all that are present in their
language, which is thus much: Happy are the people of Bensalem.
Then the herald taketh into his hand from the other child the cluster
of grapes, which is of gold, both the stalk and the grapes. But the grapes are
daintily enamelled; and if the males of the family be the greater number,
the grapes are enamelled purple, with a little sun set on the top; if the
females, then they are enamelled into a greenish yellow, with a crescent
on the top. The grapes are in number as many as there are descendants of the
family. This golden cluster the herald delivereth also to the Tirsan; who
presently delivereth it over to that son that he had formerly chosen to be in
house with him: who beareth it before his father as an ensign of honour
when he goeth in public, ever after; and is thereupon called the Son of the
Vine.
[Footnote 51: Watered.]
[Footnote 52: Issued.]
After the ceremony endeth the father or Tirsan retireth; and after some
time cometh forth again to dinner, where he sitteth alone under the state, as
before; and none of his descendants sit with him, of what degree or dignity
soever, except he hap to be of Salomon`s House. He is served only by his own
children, such as are male; who perform unto him all service of the table
upon the knee; and the women only stand about him, leaning against the wall.
The room below the half-pace hath tables on the sides for the guests that are
bidden; who are served with great and comely order; and towards the end of
dinner (which in the greatest feasts with them lasteth never above an hour
and an half) there is an hymn sung, varied according to the invention of
him that composeth it (for they have excellent posy) but the subject of it
is (always) the praises of Adam and Noah and Abraham; whereof the former two
peopled the world, and the last was the Father of the Faithful: concluding
ever with a thanksgiving for the nativity of our Saviour, in whose birth the
births of all are only blessed.
[Footnote 53: Shape.]
Dinner being done, the Tirsan retireth again; and having withdrawn
himself alone into a place, where he makes some private prayers, he cometh
forth the third time, to give the blessing with all his descendants, who
stand about him as at the first. Then he calleth them forth by one and by one,
by name, as he pleaseth, though seldom the order of age be inverted. The
person that is called (the table being before removed) kneeleth down before
the chair, and the father layeth his hand upon his head, or her head, and
giveth the blessing in these words: Son of Bensalem, (or daughter of
Bensalem,) thy father saith it: the man by whom thou hast breath and life
speaketh the word: the blessing of the everlasting Father, the Prince of
Peace, and the Holy Dove, be upon thee, and make the days of thy pilgrimage
good and many. This he saith to every of them; and that done, if there be any
of his sons of eminent merit and virtue, (so they be not above two,) he
calleth for them again; and saith, laying his arm over their shoulders, they
standing; Sons, it is well ye are born, give God the praise, and persevere to
the end. And withall delivereth to either of them a jewel, made in the
figure^53 of an ear of wheat, which they ever after wear in the front of their
turban or hat. This done, they fall to music and dances, and other
recreations, after their manner, for the rest of the day. This is the
full order of that feast.
By that time six or seven days were spent, I was fallen into straight
acquaintance with a merchant of that city, whose name was Joabin. He was a Jew
and circumcised: for they have some few stirps^54 of Jews yet remaining among
them, whom they leave to their own religion. Which they may the better do,
because they are of a far differing disposition from the Jews in other parts.
For whereas they hate the name of Christ; and have a secret inbred rancour
against the people among whom they live: these (contrariwise) give unto our
Saviour many high attributes, and love the nation of Bensalem extremely.
Surely this man of whom I speak would ever acknowledge that Christ was born of
a virgin and that he was more than a man; and he would tell how God made him
ruler of the seraphims which guard his throne; and they call him also the
Milken Way, and the Eliah of the Messiah; and many other high names; which
though they be inferior to his divine majesty, yet they are far from the
language of other Jews.
And for the country of Bensalem, this man would make no end of commending
it; being desirous, by tradition among the Jews there, to have it believed
that the people thereof were of the generations of Abraham, by another son,
whom they call Nachoran; and that Moses by a secret Cabala ordained the Laws
of Bensalem which they now use; and that when the Messiah should come, and
sit in his throne at Hierusalem, the king of Bensalem should sit at his feet,
whereas other kings should keep a great distance. But yet setting aside these
Jewish dreams, the man was a wise man, and learned, and of great policy, and
excellently seen in the laws and customs of that nation.
[Footnote 54: Families, stocks.]
Amongst other discourses, one day I told him I was much affected with
the relation I had, from some of the company, of their custom, in holding
the Feast of the Family; for that (methought) I had never heard of a solemnity
wherein nature did so much preside. And because propagation of families
proceedeth from the nuptial copulation, I desired to know of him what laws
and customs they had concerning marriage; and whether they kept marriage well
and whether they were tied to one wife; for that where population is so much
affected,^55 and such as with them it seemed to be, there is commonly
permission of plurality of wives.
[Footnote 55: Desired.]
To this he said, "You have reason for to commend that excellent
institution of the Feast of the Family. And indeed we have experience that
those families that are partakers of the blessing of that feast do flourish
and prosper ever after in an extraordinary manner. But hear me now, and I
will tell you what I know. You shall understand that there is not under the
heavens so chaste a nation as this of Bensalem; nor so free from all pollution
or foulness. It is the virgin of the world. I remember I have read in one of
your European books, of an holy hermit amongst you that desired to see the
Spirit of Fornication; and there appeared to him a little foul ugly Aethiop.
But if he had desired to see the Spirit of Chastity of Bensalem, it would have
appeared to him in the likeness of a fair beautiful Cherubin. For there is
nothing amongst mortal men more fair and admirable, than the chaste minds of
this people. Know therefore, that with them there are no stews, no dissolute
houses, no courtesans, nor anything of that kind. Nay they wonder (with
detestation) at you in Europe, which permit such things. They say ye have put
marriage out of office: for marriage is ordained a remedy for unlawful
concupiscence; and natural concupiscence seemeth as a spur to marriage.
But when men have at hand a remedy more agreeable to their corrupt will,
marriage is almost expulsed. And therefore there are with you seen infinite
men that marry not, but chuse rather a libertine and impure single life, than
to be yoked in marriage; and many that do marry, marry late, when the prime
and strength of their years is past. And when they do marry, what is marriage
to them but a very bargain; wherein is sought alliance, or portion, or
reputation, with some desire (almost indifferent) of issue; and not the
faithful nuptial union of man and wife, that was first instituted. Neither is
it possible that those that have cast away so basely so much of their
strength, should greatly esteem children, (being of the same matter,) as
chaste men do. So likewise during marriage, is the case much amended, as it
ought to be if those things were tolerated only for necessity? No, but they
remain still as a very affront to marriage. The haunting of those dissolute
places, or resort to courtesans, are no more punished in married men than in
bachelors. And the depraved custom of change, and the delight in meretricious
embracements, (where sin is turned into art,) maketh marriage a dull thing,
and a kind of imposition or tax. They hear you defend these things, as done to
avoid greater evils; as advoutries,^56 deflowering of virgins, unnatural lust,
and the like. But they say this is a preposterous wisdom; and they call it
Lot`s offer, who to save his guests from abusing, offered his daughters: nay
they say farther that there is little gained in this; for that the same vices
and appetites do still remain and abound; unlawful lust being like a furnace,
that if you stop the flames altogether, it will quench; but if you give it
any vent, it will rage. As for masculine love, they have no touch of it; and
yet there are not so faithful and inviolate friendships in the world again
as are there; and to speak generally, (as I said before,) I have not read of
any such chastity, in any people as theirs. And their usual saying is, That
whosoever is unchaste cannot reverence himself; and they say, That the
reverence of a man`s self, is, next religion, the chiefest bridle of all
vices."
And when he had said this, the good Jew paused a little; whereupon I,
far more willing to hear him speak on than to speak myself, yet thinking it
decent that upon his pause of speech I should not be altogether silent, said
only this; "That I would say to him, as the widow of Sarepta said to Elias;
that he was come to bring to memory our sins; and that I confess the
righteousness of Bensalem was greater than the righteousness of Europe." At
which speech he bowed his head, and went on in this manner:
[Footnote 56: Adulteries.]
[Footnote 57: Penalize.]
[Footnote 58: More`s Utopia.]
"They have also many wise and excellent laws touching marriage. They
allow no polygamy. They have ordained that none do intermarry or contract,
until a month be past from their first interview. Marriage without consent of
parents they do not make void, but they mulct^57 it in the inheritors: for the
children of such marriages are not admitted to inherit above a third part of
their parents` inheritance. I have read in a book of one of your men,^58 of a
Feigned Commonwealth, where the married couple are permitted, before they
contract, to see one another naked. This they dislike; for they think it a
scorn to give a refusal after so familiar knowledge: but because of many
hidden defects in men and women`s bodies, they have a more civil way; for they
have near every town a couple of pools, (which they call Adam and Eve`s
pools,) where it is permitted to one of the friends of the men, and another
of the friends of the woman, to see them severally bathe naked."
And as we were thus in conference, there came one that seemed to be a
messenger, in a rich huke,^59 that spake with the Jew: whereupon he turned to
me and said; "You will pardon me, for I am commanded away in haste." The next
morning he came to me again, joyful as it seemed, and said; "There is word
come to the Governor of the city, that one of the Fathers of Salomon`s House
will be here this day seven-night: we have seen none of them this dozen years.
His coming is in state; but the cause of his coming is secret. I will provide
you and your fellows of a good standing to see his entry." I thanked him, and
told him, I was most glad of the news.
[Footnote 59: A cape with a hood.]
[Footnote 60: Of elaborate design.]
[Footnote 61: A cap with a round crown and flaps.]
The day being come, he made his entry. He was a man of middle stature
and age, comely of person, and had an aspect as if he pitied men. He was
clothed in a robe of fine black cloth, with wide sleeves and a cape. His
under garment was of excellent white linen down to the foot, girt with a
girdle of the same; and a sindon or tippet of the same about his neck. He had
gloves, that were curious,^60 and set with stone; and shoes of peach-coloured
velvet. His neck was bare to the shoulders. His hat was like a helmet, or
Spanish montera;^61 and his locks curled below it decently: they were of
colour brown. His beard was cut round, and of the same colour with his hair,
somewhat lighter. He was carried in a rich chariot, without wheels,
litter-wise; with two horses at either end, richly trapped in blue velvet
embroidered; and two footmen on each side in the like attire. The chariot
was all of cedar, gilt, and adorned with crystal; save that the fore-end had
panels of sapphires, set in borders of gold; and the hinder-end the like of
emeralds of the Peru colour. There was also a sun of gold, radiant, upon the
top, in the midst; and on the top before, a small cherub of gold, with wings
displayed.^62 The chariot was covered with cloth of gold tissued upon blue.
He had before him fifty attendants, young men all, in white satin loose coats
to the mid leg; and stockings of white silk; and shoes of blue velvet; and
hats of blue velvet; with fine plumes of diverse colours, set round like
hat-bands. Next before the chariot, went two men, bare-headed, in linen
garments down the foot, girt, and shoes of blue velvet; who carried, the one a
crosier, the other a pastoral staff like a sheep-hook; neither of them of
metal, but the crosier of balm-wood,^63 the pastoral staff of cedar. Horsemen
he had none, neither before nor behind his chariot: as it seemeth, to avoid
all tumult and trouble. Behind his chariot went all the officers and
principals of the companies of the city. He sat alone, upon cushions of a kind
of excellent plush, blue; and under his foot curious carpets of silk of
diverse colours, like the Persian, but far finer. He held up his bare hand as
he went, as blessing the people, but in silence. The street was wonderfully
well kept: so that there was never any army had their men stand in better
battle-array than the people stood. The windows likewise were not crowded, but
everyone stood in them as if they had been placed.
When the shew was past, the Jew said to me; "I shall not be able to
attend you as I would, in regard of some charge the city hath laid upon me,
for the entertaining of this great person." Three days after the Jew came to
me again, and said; "Ye are happy men; for the Father of Salomon`s House
taketh knowledge of your being here, and commanded me to tell you that he will
admit all your company to his presence, and have private conference with one
of you, that ye shall choose: and for this hath appointed the next day
after to-morrow. And because he meaneth to give you his blessing, he hath
appointed it in the forenoon.
[Footnote 62: Spread.]
[Footnote 63: Balsam.]
[Footnote 64: Steps.]
[Footnote 65: Throne.]
[Footnote 66: Canopy.]
We came at our day and hour, and I was chosen by my fellows for the
private access. We found him in a fair chamber, richly hanged, and carpeted
under foot, without any degrees^64 to the state.^65 He was set upon a low
Throne richly adorned, and a rich cloth of state^66 over his head, of blue
satin embroidered. He was alone, save that he had two pages of honour, on
either hand one, finely attired in white. His undergarments were the like
that we saw him wear in the chariot; but instead of his gown, he had on him
a mantle with a cape, of the same fine black, fastened about him. When we
came in, as we were taught, we bowed low at our first entrance; and when we
were come near his chair, he stood up, holding forth his hand ungloved, and in
posture of blessing; and we every one of us stooped down, and kissed the hem
of his tippet. That done, the rest departed, and I remained. Then he warned^67
the pages forth of the room, and caused me to sit down beside him, and spake
to me thus in the Spanish tongue.
"God bless thee, my son; I will give thee the greatest jewel I have. For
I will impart unto thee, for the love of God and men, a relation of the true
state of Salomon`s House. Son, to make you know the true state of Salomon`s
House, I will keep this order. First, I will set forth unto you the end of our
foundation. Secondly, the preparations and instruments we have for our works.
Thirdly, the several employments and functions whereto our fellows are
assigned. And fourthly, the ordinances and rites which we observe.
"The end of our foundation is the knowledge of causes, and secret
motions of things; and the enlarging of the bounds of human empire, to the
effecting of all things possible.
[Footnote 67: Ordered.]
[Footnote 68: Experiments in thickening, hardening, freezing, and
preserving.]
"The Preparations and Instruments are these. We have large and deep caves
of several depths: the deepest are sunk six hundred fathom: and some of them
are digged and made under great hills and mountains: so that if you reckon
together the depth of the hill and the depth of the cave, they are (some of
them) above three miles deep. For we find, that the depth of a hill, and the
depth of a cave from the flat, is the same thing; both remote alike, from the
sun and heaven`s beams, and from the open air. These caves we call the Lower
Region; and we use them for all coagulations, indurations, refrigerations, and
conservations^68 of bodies. We use them likewise for the imitation of natural
mines; and the producing also of new artificial metals, by compositions and
materials which we use, and lay there for many years. We use them also
sometimes, (which may seem strange,) for curing of some diseases, and for
prolongation of life in some hermits that choose to live there, well
accommodated of all things necessary, and indeed live very long; by whom also
we learn many things.
"We have burials in several earths, where we put diverse cements, as the
Chineses do their porcellain. But we have them in greater variety, and some
of them more fine. We have also great variety of composts,^69 and soils, for
the making of the earth fruitful.
"We have high towers; the highest about half a mile in height; and some
of them likewise set upon high mountains; so that the vantage of the hill
with the tower is in the highest of them three miles at least. And these
places we call the Upper Region; accounting the air between the high places
and the low, as a Middle Region. We use these towers, according to their
several heights, and situations, for insolation,^70 refrigeration,
conservation; and for the view of divers meteors; as winds, rain, snow, hail;
and some of the fiery meteors also. And upon them, in some places, are
dwellings of hermits, whom we visit sometimes, and instruct what to observe.
"We have great lakes, both salt, and fresh; whereof we have use for the
fish and fowl. We use them also for burials of some natural bodies: for we
find a difference in things buried in earth or in air below the earth, and
things buried in water. We have also pools, of which some do strain fresh
water out of salt; and others by art do turn fresh water into salt. We have
also some rocks in the midst of the sea, and some bays upon the shore for some
works, wherein is required the air and vapor of the sea. We have likewise
violent streams and cataracts, which serve us for many motions:^71 and
likewise engines^71 for multiplying and enforcing of winds, to set also on
going diverse motions.
"We have also a number of artificial wells and fountains, made in
imitation of the natural sources and baths; as tincted upon^72 vitriol,
sulphur, steel, brass, lead, nitre, and other minerals. And again we have
little wells for infusions of many things, where the waters take the virtue
quicker and better, than in vessels or basins. And amongst them we have a
water which we call Water of Paradise, being, by that we do to it made very
sovereign for health, and prolongation of life.
[Footnote 69: Manure]
[Footnote 70: Exposing to the action of the sum.]
[Footnote 71: Machines.]
[Footnote 72: Tinctured with.]
"We have also great and spacious houses where we imitate and demonstrate
meteors; as snow, hail, rain, some artificial rains of bodies and not of
water, thunders, lightnings; also generations of bodies in air; as frogs,
flies, and divers others.
"We have also certain chambers, which we call Chambers of Health, where
we qualify the air as we think good and proper for the cure of divers
diseases, and preservation of health.
"We have also fair and large baths, of several mixtures, for the cure of
diseases, and the restoring of man`s body from arefaction:^73 and others for
the confirming of it in strength of sinewes, vital parts, and the very juice
and substance of the body.
"We have also large and various orchards and gardens; wherein we do not
so much respect beauty, as variety of ground and soil, proper for divers trees
and herbs: some very spacious, where trees and berries are set whereof we make
divers kinds of drinks, besides the vineyards. In these we practise likewise
all conclusions^74 of grafting, and inoculating^75 as well of wild-trees as
fruit-trees, which produceth many effects. And we make (by art) in the same
orchards and gardens, trees and flowers to come earlier or later than their
seasons; and to come up and bear more speedily than by their natural
course they do. We make them also by art greater much than their nature; and
their fruit greater and sweeter and of different taste, smell, colour, and
figure, from their nature. And many of them we so order, as they become of
medicinal use.
"We have also means to make divers plants rise by mixtures of earths
without seeds; and likewise to make divers new plants, differing from the
vulgar; and to make one tree or plant turn into another.
[Footnote 73: Drying up.]
[Footnote 74: Experiments.]
[Footnote 75: Budding.]
[Footnote 76: Surgery.]
"We have also parks and enclosures of all sorts of beasts and birds which
we use not only for view or rareness, but likewise for dissections and trials;
that thereby we may take light what may be wrought upon the body of man.
Wherein we find many strange effect; as continuing life in them, though divers
parts, which you account vital, be perished and taken forth; resuscitating of
some that seem dead in appearance; and the like. We try also all poisons and
other medicines upon them, as well of chirurgery,^76 as physic. By art
likewise, we make them greater or taller than their kind^77 is; and
contrariwise dwarf them, and stay their growth: we make them more fruitful
and bearing than their kind is; and contrariwise barren and not generative.
Also we make them differ in colour, shape, activity, many ways. We find means
to make commixtures and copulations of different kinds; which have produced
many new kinds, and them not barren, as the general opinion is. We make a
number of kinds of serpents, worms, flies, fishes, of putrefaction; whereof,
some are advanced (in effect) to be perfect creatures, like beasts or birds;
and have sexes, and do propagate. Neither do we this by chance, but we know
beforehand, of what matter and commixture what kind of those creatures will
arise.
"We have also particular pools, where we make trials upon fishes, as we
have said before of beasts and birds.
"We have also places for breed and generation of those kinds of worms
and flies which are of special use; such as are with you your silk-worms and
bees.
[Footnote 77: Species.]
[Footnote 78: Boiled do]
[Footnote 79: Creep]
[Footnote 80: Delay.]
"I will not hold you long with recounting of our brew-houses,
bake-houses, and kitchens, where are made divers drinks, breads, and meats,
rare and of special effects. Wines we have of grapes; and drinks of other
juice of fruits, of grains, and of roots; and of mixtures with honey, sugar,
manna, and fruits dried, and decocted;^78 Also of the tears or woundings of
trees; and of the pulp of canes. And these drinks are of several ages, some to
the age or last of forty years. We have drinks also brewed with several herbs,
and roots, and spices; yea with several fleshes, and white-meats; whereof some
of the drinks are such, as they are in effect meat and drink both: so that
divers, especially in age, do desire to live with them, with little or no meat
or bread. And above all, we strive to have drink of extreme thin parts, to
insinuate^79 into the body, and yet without all biting, sharpness, or
fretting; insomuch as some of them put upon the back of your hand will, with a
little stay,^80 pass through to the palm, and yet taste mild to the mouth. We
have also waters which we ripen in that fashion, as they become nourishing; so
that they are indeed excellent drink; and many will use no other. Breads we
have of several grains, roots, and kernels; yea and some of flesh and fish
dried; with divers kinds of leavenings and seasonings: so that some do
extremely move appetites; some do nourish so, as divers do live of them,
without any other meat; who live very long. So for meats, we have some of
them so beaten and made tender and mortified,^81 yet without all corrupting,
as a weak heat of the stomach will turn them into good chylus;^82 as well as
a strong heat would meat otherwise prepared. We have some meats also and
breads and drinks, which taken by men enable them to fast long after; and some
other, that used make the very flesh of men`s bodies sensibly^83 more hard and
tough and their strength far greater than otherwise it would be.
"We have dispensatories, or shops of medicines. Wherein you may easily
think, if we have such variety of plants and living creatures more than you
have in Europe, (for we know what you have,) the simples, drugs, and
ingredients of medicines, must likewise be in so much the greater variety. We
have them likewise of divers ages, and long fermentations. And for their
preparations, we have not only all manner of exquisite distillations and
separations, and especially by gentle heats and percolations through divers
strainers, yea and substances; but also exact forms^84 of composition, whereby
they incorporate almost, as they were natural simples.
"We have also divers mechanical arts, which you have not; and stuffs made
by them; as papers, linen, silks, tissues; dainty works of feathers of
wonderful lustre; excellent dies, and many others; and shops likewise, as well
for such as are not brought into vulgar use amongst us as for those that are.
For you must know that of the things before recited, many of them are grown
into use throughout the kingdom; but yet, if they did flow from our invention,
we have of them also for patterns and principals.^85
[Footnote 81: Made tender.]
[Footnote 82: Chyle.]
[Footnote 83: Perceptibly to the touch.]
[Footnote 84: Formulas.]
[Footnote 85: Models.]
[Footnote 86: Orbits.]
"We have also furnaces of great diversities, and that keep great
diversity of heats; fierce and quick; strong and constant; soft and mild;
blown, quiet; dry, moist; and the like. But above all, we have heats, in
imitation of the Sun`s and heavenly bodies` heats, that pass divers
inequalities, and (as it were) orbs,^86 progresses, and returns, whereby we
produce admirable effects. Besides, we have heats of dungs; and of bellies
and maws of living creatures, and of their bloods and bodies; and of hays and
herbs laid up moist; of lime unquenched; and such like. Instruments also
which generate heat only by motion. And farther, places for strong
insolations;^87 and again, places under the earth, which by nature, or art,
yield heat. These divers heats we use, as the nature of the operation, which
we intend, requireth.
"We have also perspective-houses,^88 where we make demonstrations of all
lights and radiations; and of all colours: and out of things uncoloured and
transparent, we can represent unto you all several colours; not in rain-bows,
(as it is in gems, and prisms,) but of themselves single. We represent also
all multiplications^89 of light, which we carry to great distance, and make so
sharp as to discern small points and lines. Also all colourations of light;
all delusions and deceits of the sight, in figures, magnitudes, motions,
colours: all demonstrations of shadows. We find also divers means, yet unknown
to you, of producing of light originally^90 from divers bodies. We procure
means of seeing objects afar off; as in the heaven and remote places; and
represent things near as afar off; and things afar off as near; making feigned
distances. We have also helps for the sight, far above spectacles and glasses
in use. We have also glasses and means to see small and minute bodies
perfectly and distinctly; as the shapes and colours of small flies and worms,
grains and flaws in gems, which cannot otherwise be seen, observations in
urine and blood not otherwise to be seen. We make artificial rainbows, halo`s,
and circles about light. We represent also all manner of reflexions,
refractions, and multiplications^89 of visual beams of objects.
"We have also precious stones of all kinds, many of them of great beauty,
and to you unknown; crystals likewise; and glasses of divers kinds: and
amongst them some of metals vitrificated,^91 and other materials besides those
of which you make glass. Also a number of fossils, and imperfect minerals,
which you have not. Likewise loadstones of prodigious virtue; and other rare
stones, both natural and artificial.
[Footnote 87: Exposure to the sun.]
[Footnote 88: Places for optical experiments.]
[Footnote 89: Intensifications.]
[Footnote 90: Spontaneously.]
[Footnote 91: Turned into glass.]
"We have also sound-houses, where we practise and demonstrate all sounds,
and their generation. We have harmonies which you have not, of quarter-sounds,
and lesser slides^92 of sounds. Divers instruments of music likewise to you
unknown, some sweeter than any you have, together with bells and rings that
are dainty and sweet. We represent small sounds as great and deep; likewise
great sounds extenuate^93 and sharp; we make divers tremblings and warblings
of sounds, which in their original^94 are entire. We represent and imitate all
articulate sounds and letters, and the voices and notes of beasts and birds.
We have certain helps which set to the ear do further the hearing greatly. We
have also divers strange and artificial echoes, reflecting the voice many
times, and as it were tossing it: and some that give back the voice louder
than it came, some shriller, and some deeper; yea, some rendering the voice
differing in the letters or articulate sound from that they receive. We have
also means to convey sounds in trunks and pipes, in strange lines and
distances.
"We have also perfume-houses; wherewith we join also practices of taste.
We multiply smells, which may seem strange. We imitate smells, making all
smells to breathe out of other mixtures than those that give them. We make
divers imitations of taste likewise, so that they will deceive any man`s
taste. And in this house we contain^95 also a confiture-house; where we make
all sweet-meats, dry and moist; and divers pleasant wines, milks, broths, and
sallets; in far greater variety than you have.
[Footnote 92: Fine shades.]
[Footnote 93: Thin.]
[Footnote 94: Origin.]
[Footnote 95: Include.]
[Footnote 96: A kind of cannon.]
"We have also engine-houses, where are prepared engines and instruments
for all sorts of motions. There we imitate and practise to make swifter
motions than any you have, either out of your muskets or any engine that you
have: and to make them and multiply them more easily, and with small force, by
wheels and other means: and to make them stronger and more violent than yours
are; exceeding your greatest cannons and basilisks.^96 We represent also
ordnance and instruments of war, and engines of all kinds: and likewise new
mixtures and compositions of gun-powder, wild-fires burning in water, and
unquenchable. Also fire-works of all variety both for pleasure and use. We
imitate also flights of birds; we have some degrees of flying in the air. We
have ships and boats for going under water, and brooking^97 of seas; also
swimming-girdles and supporters. We have divers curious clocks, and other like
motions of return: and some perpetual motions. We imitate also motions of
living creatures, by images, of men, beasts, birds, fishes, and serpents. We
have also a great number of other various motions, strange for equality,
fineness, and subtilty.
"We have also a mathematical house, where are represented all
instruments, as well of geometry as astronomy, exquisitely made.
"We have also houses of deceits of the senses; where we represent all
manner of feats of juggling, false apparitions, impostures, and illusions;
and their fallacies.^98 And surely you will easily believe that we that have
so many things truly natural which induce admiration,^99 could in a world of
particulars deceive the senses, if we would disguise those things and labour
to make them seem more miraculous. But we do hate all impostures, and lies;
insomuch as we have severely forbidden it to all our fellows, under pain of
ignominy and fines, that they do not shew any natural work or thing, adorned
or swelling; but only pure as it is, and without all affectation of
strangeness.
"These are (my son) the riches of Salomon`s House.
"For the several employments and offices of our fellows; we have twelve
that sail into foreign countries, under the names of other nations, (for our
own we conceal); who bring us the books, and abstracts, and patterns of
experiments of all other parts. These we call Merchants of Light.
"We have three that collect the experiments which are in all books.
These we call Depredators.^100
"We have three that collect the experiments of all mechanical arts; and
also of liberal sciences; and also of practices which are not brought into
arts. These we call Mystery-men.^101
"We have three that try new experiments, such as themselves think good.
These we call Pioners or Miners.
[Footnote 97: Withstanding.]
[Footnote 98: Exposures.]
[Footnote 99: Wonder.]
[Footnote 100: Pillagers.]
[Footnote 101: Craftsmen.]
"We have three that draw the experiments of the former four into titles
and tables, to give the better light for the drawing of observations and
axioms out of them. These we call Compilers.
"We have three that bend themselves, looking into the experiments of
their fellows, and cast about how to draw out of them things of use and
practise for man`s life, and knowledge, as well for works as for plain
demonstration of causes, means of natural divinations, and the easy and clear
discovery of the virtues and parts of bodies. These we call Dowry-men^102 or
Benefactors.
"Then after divers meetings and consults of our whole number, to consider
of the former labours and collections, we have three that take care, out of
them, to direct new experiments, of a higher light, more penetrating into
nature than the former. These we call Lamps.
"We have three others that do execute the experiments so directed, and
report them. These we call Inoculators.
"Lastly, we have three that raise the former discoveries by
experiments into greater observations, axioms, and aphorisms. These we call
Interpreters of Nature.
"We have also, as you must think, novices and apprentices, that the
succession of the former employed men do not fail; besides, a great number of
servants and attendants, men and women. And this we do also: we have
consultations, which of the inventions and experiences which we have
discovered shall be published, and which not: and take all an oath of secrecy,
for the concealing of those which we think fit to keep secret: though some
of those we do reveal sometimes to the state and some not.
[Footnote 102: Endowment men.]
"For our ordinances and rites: we have two very long and fair galleries:
in one of these we place patterns and samples of all manner of the more rare
and excellent inventions: in the other we place the statuas of all principal
inventors. There we have the statua of your Columbus, that discovered the
West Indies: also the inventor of ships: your monk that was the inventor of
ordnance and of gunpowder: the inventor of music: the inventor of letters:
the inventor of printing: the inventor of observations of astronomy: the
inventor of works in metal: the inventor of glass: the inventor of silk of
the worm: the inventor of wine: the inventor of corn and bread: the inventor
of sugars: and all these, by more certain tradition than you have. Then have
we divers inventors of our own, of excellent works; which since you have not
seen, it were too long to make descriptions of them; and besides, in the
right understanding of those descriptions you might easily err. For upon
every invention of value, we erect a statua to the inventor, and give him a
liberal and honourable reward. These statuas are some of brass; some of
marble and touch-stone;^103 some of cedar and other special woods gilt and
adorned; some of iron; some of silver; some of gold.
"We have certain hymns and services, which we say daily, of Lord and
thanks to God for his marvellous works: and forms of prayers, imploring his
aid and blessing for the illumination of our labours, and the turning of them
into good and holy uses.
"Lastly, we have circuits or visits of divers principal cities of the
kingdom; where, as it cometh to pass, we do publish such new profitable
inventions as we think good. And we do also declare natural divinations of
diseases, plagues, swarms of hurtful creatures, scarcity, tempests,
earthquakes, great inundations, comets, temperature of the year, and divers
other things; and we give counsel thereupon, what the people shall do for the
prevention and remedy of them."
And when he had said this, he stood up; and I, as I had been taught,
kneeled down, and he laid his right hand upon my head, and said; "God bless
thee, my son; and God bless this relation, which I have made. I give thee
leave to publish it for the good of other nations; for we here are in God`s
bosom, a land unknown." And so he left me; having assigned a value of about
two thousand ducats, for a bounty to me and my fellows. For they give great
largesses where they come upon all occasions.
[The rest was not perfected.]
[Footnote 103: A variety of jasper.]
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