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We shall not insist on the Advancements, we have there given notice of, in Anatome, in Mathematicks, and particularly in discovering the Lawes of Motion; in the Labyrinths of Algebra; the Resolution of Æquations in Numbers; Guaging; Directions how to find the Longitudes by the Pendul; Astronomicals &c.
We have bee allarm'd by the extraordinary Eruptions of Mount Ætna, to inquire more diligently into the Causes and Effects of those Subterraneous Fires; the Prognosticks and Concomitants of those Eruptions; what Minerals they have indicated or ejected: of which we yet expect much better satisfaction from an eminent Philosopher, who lives near the place to observe all circumstances. Also the Drought of this Summer, and of a good part of this Winter, hath minded us to inquire further into the causes, varieties and properties of Springs; of Subterranean Steams and Liquors. There we have also the Art used to make Salt of Sea-water by the Sun, and of Salt springs by Coppers, Boylers and Furnaces. Our English Hot-springs at Bath after second disquisitions reported our Baroscopes have shew'd the Air to be more ponderous, even when it was clearest, sometimes in a bright and warming Sun-shine, and soon after the Winter-solstice, than ever, I think, we found it, since we were instructed to apply the Instrument for such discoveries. And the same we might affirm of the Frosts following about a fore-night after the Solstice (that they were more extreme, than in very cold winters before,) if we had not had some doubt, that the liquor in the Thermometer might in time suffer some change, or diminution, which might elude the true and punctual indication, when we compare one year with an other for many years together.
Some Learn'd men have taken much pains, disputed, written and read much, to find out the Head of the Nile, and the Cause of that Rivers Inundation. There we have the true discovery, addressed to the R. Society.
We have also mentioned the way of teaching Latin, as of old it was learnt, and as other Languages are taught by Use alone. We have given notice of a Foundation laid to teach the Deaf and Dumb to speak. We have shew'd by brief touches from the wealthy Japan, How much knowledg and Philosophy may he contain'd in a faithfull History of Places. And an East-Indian Voyage, as there de-scribed
