A SUMMARY OR COMPENDIUM, OF The Life of the most Famous PHILOSOPHER Renatus Descartes.
Written originally in Latin by Peter Borellus Physitian to the French King; to which is also added an Epitome of his Life by Marcus Zurius Boxhornius Historiographer at Leyden.
LONDON, Printed by E. Okes, for George Palmer at the King and Duke of York's Head near Arundel-House in the Strand, 1670.
The Authors Epistle Dedicotory to Paul Pellisonius Fontanerius, Counsellor, and Secretary to the French King, Kingdome, and Crown of France.
SInce you have vouchsafed, from my very infancy, to shew your benevolence towards me, and to oblige me to you by many signal favours; I should be guilty of gross ingratitude, if I left not some Monument of my Respects to You. Permit me therefore, Renowned Sir, to wear your Name in the Front of this small Treatise, which may produce a larger. I shall not undertake, according to the [Page] usual mode of Epistolary Addresses of this nature, to expatiate upon your deserved commendation, which, I am confident, is unwelcome to You, and sufficiently known to all the World: All I desire is, that the present and future Age may testifie, that I am no waies unmindful of the benefits You have been pleased to confer upon me; and that I shall ever acknowledge my self to be infinitely obliged to You:
Farewell.
THis Translation, or rather Collection, out of Peter Borellus, Physitian to the French King; and Marcus Zurius Boxhornius Historiographer in the Ʋniversity of Leyden, presents you with the Life of the Famous Monsieur Descartes, giving you an account of his Parentage and Education, during his Minority, as well as the Course and Method of his Study, in his Riper Years; together, with an exact Catalogue of all his Manuscripts, which were found at Stockholme in Swedeland, after his Death; and the names of all his Books that have been Published, with the Places [Page] where they were Printed; as also the several Epitaphs that were bestowed upon him by his Contemporaries, after his Decease. If this Epitome receive a kind entertainment; 'tis very probable (when the Author, according to promise, exposeth a larger Treatise to publick View, concerning this Subject) that it may be also taught to speak English, for the satisfaction of those who want the advantage of the Latine, and are only skilled in our Mother-Tongue. This Compendious Discourse of the Life of so Eminent a Person, and great a Light in the Firmament of Learning, is all that we can [Page] furnish you with at present, till we meet with an opportunity to gratifie you with a more Complete Relation in a larger Volume.
THE LIFE OF Renatus Descartes.
THat there are certain Wits, whom Nature (like her most conspicuous Luminaries) only exposeth to view, and immediately withdraws them from our sight; and by a certain kind of [Page 2] envy, for which I want a name, suddenly snatcheth away with one hand, what she liberally contributed with the other, is a thing notorious to all men. Yet such Wits are rarely produced by her in the compass of an Age. Wherefore the Great Descartes being one of that number, it seems to me a piece of injustice and ingratitude, that the Life of so famous a Person should never as yet be printed or published in any place whatsoever. And although, my stilebe too unpolisht for so sublime a Subject; yet I have presum'd to make an Essay in this weighty matter, and endeavoured [Page 3] to give you a Compendium, the proportion of the foot of that Lion, as a fore-runner of a more full description of his Life, hoping it may be acceptable; to the end, that so great a Light might not be in a manner hid under a Bushel; for what the Roman Naso sang of old concerning Pythagoras, we may deservedly apply to him.
Translated to my hands by Mr. Sands.
This renowned Person began to draw his first Breath in the year 1596, between the Britains and Poictevins, in the City called Castrum Eraldum, born of [Page 5] a most Noble Father, Senator of his Countrey, whose Family was illustrious for their antient Nobility, and was the only Son of his second Wife; he was a man of no mean estate, since he had between six and seven thousand pounds a year.
He himself hath given you a Relation of his first course of Life, in the third Page of his Treatise de Methodo, as Claubergius Professor at Teutoburg upon the Rhine hath observ'd; who affirms that Descartes made every thing that was knowable, the Subject of his study, being in one of the best Colledges, imagining that he should find out the [Page 6] Truth among those that were Learned; but being frustrated of his expectation, nine years were elapsed, before he could discover what Course he was to steer.
He was thin fac'd, of a pleasant countenance, speaking seldome, but excellently; healthful, sober, concealing his own parts, a hater of Disputes, but by proving the truth, he detected error, a most bitter enemy to ostentation; preferring Reason before authority, though he made use of it: he delighted to discourse with Women; he often desired the renown of other persons, as he himself tefieth; [Page 7] for he was no Boaster; nay, he was so modest, that he had not the confidence to assert what he understood.
He was educated and taught in the Schools of Flexia, and had run through the whole course or race of his Study at seventeen years of Age.
His Portraicture is carried about in all places, and in Holland and Paris to be had in Copper: and because he was good both at the Pen and the Pike, he loved the valiant as well as the prudent and Learned, and so by a happy conjunction of Arms and Arts, in his younger years he made it his business to [Page 8] understand Military Discipline among the Hollanders, the best Nursery for Souldiers; and as a Voluntary underwent all the dangers of War without any Pay, for the space of three years, he only received one Duplio, a piece of Money so called which he always kept as the Monument of his Warfare; he also refus'd publick command, because he had a desire to perform the duty of a private Souldier, that he might be the better acquainted with that Art, and the laboriousness thereof; and was twice present at the Siege of Breda, and in the Battel of Prague, from whence he visited Italy, having [Page 9] first taken a view of the large Engines of Tycho Brahe, and discours'd with his Relations.
But in Italy he met with Galileus and other eminent Persons, and thence he came to the Siege of Capha or Gava near Genoa, and at length return'd to France, and was present at the Siege of Rochel, and in other Military Expeditions; nay, he went voluntarily to that Siege. He performed a memorable thing before Cardinal Barbarini, the Popes Nuncio, then Cardinal Berullius and other renowned and ingenious men, who assembled together to [Page 10] hear Monsieur Chandou Dispute of the new Principles of Philosophy: and when he had gain'd the applause of them all for his Speech, Descartes only excepted, they ask'd his opinion concerning his Arguments, who commended the Authors Speech, but not the Company, because they were only satisfied with a bare probabilty, and did ingage to prove any probable Truth, false, by twelve several Arguments, and so on the contrary; which when he had attempted, they were struck with admiration and astonishment; therefore they inquired of him, whether there was any way to [Page 11] avoid Sophisms; and he assur'd them that the Truth might be Mathematically demonstrated in all things according to his Principles: then they intreated him that he would publish them; which request he was compell'd to condescend unto, and betook himself to Holland, that he might the better prepare his conceptions for the Press.
Afterwards he would needs take a journey into Denmark, where Stephen Bressiaeus our Countrey-man, a most skilful Physician and Chymist, & a person very ingenious in Mechanicks (who visited him out of his earnest desire of Learning) accompanied [Page 12] him; but he was detain'd by the Emperors Forces in the County of Embden; then he endeavor'd to see Tyrol and Venice, and designed from thence to go to the Siege of Casal, which lasted above two years after all, which are sufficient testimonies, that he understood the Intrigues of Government.
But he return'd again to Amsterdam, being accompanied with our friend Bressiaeus, that he might be present at the Kings return. He was in Holland in the year 1648, and thence called by the King to Paris, upon very honorable terms.
Whilst he continued at Paris, [Page 13] he so disposed of his annual Revenues, that he might receive them by the hands of a friend where he pleas'd. Therefore he went to Holland, where, in a Desart, he compos'd his so much applauded Works, of which we will give you a Catalogue.
He had also before visited Germany and Huugary, whilst he was in pursuit of the Truth; where he was present at the Emperors Coronation.
When he could not fine out that Democritical Truth among men, which lies hid, as it were in a bottom; he fell upon the Contemplation of the Book of the World, and of himself, [Page 14] and studied Anatomy, Chymistry, &c. from whence he extracted admirable things; he was slenderly stor'd with Books, because he understood they were not true, the Mathematical only excepted; wherefore being asked by a friend, whether he had a Library, and desired to shew it; lifting up the cloath, he discovered to him a Calf dissected; Behold, saith he, my Library! O noble expression! so Hippocrates found Democritus heretofore studying among Animals dissected: he was not tempted with the desire of gain, honor, or worldly Dignities, but he did Philosophize, out of the [Page 15] love he had to vertue, and his desire to make inquisition after the Truth. In this he did imitate the Antients, which was the reason that he, according to their Custom, spent some years in Travel, and visit in the Armies, Cities and Courts of Princes. His chiefest design was to discover the equability of Judgment, a virtuous mind, and the necessity of a Method; whilst he followed the War, in the Winter he employed his vacant hours in Philosophical Contemplations, and being desirous to unlock the Arcana of the Mathematicks and Philosophy with the same Key, he did so admirably [Page 16] conjoyn Nature and Discipline, that he obtained his end.
Yet he run through all the Arts and Languages, and in a short time turn'd over all sorts of Books, being in quest of the Truth, he perus'd those that were superstitious and false, that he might leave nothing unsaluted.
He was so excellent in Philosophy, that according to that constant desire which he ever had of restoring Philosophy, and reforming his own knowledge, he did invent an absolute new Philosophy, and invented the true Principles, and most emnent Method thereof, insomuch that [Page 17] his works were printed in all parts, & publikely profess'd by many famous men, and taught as now at Paris, where there are several private Academies, in which his Philosophy is only read.
When he found that there was nothing worth his knowledge among men, he made choice of a desert (as Democritus and other true Philosophers did) at Egmond in Holland, and there led a solitary life for the space of five and twenty years, and discovered many admirable things by his contemplation.
He was so eminent in the [Page 18] Mathematicks, that he did things beyond apprehension, especially about Prospectives; and to the end that he might prove his experiments, he prepared Prospectives of a large size, either of ice or artificial black polisht marble made hollow according to his desire, and the various forms he phancyed by the assistance of Bressiaeus, a most ingenious man; and when he had accomplisht his design, he brake them in pieces, and made new ones of the same matter.
And before the same Bressiaeus, by a hidden secret in the Opticks he would shew him a [Page 19] company of souldiers marching in his chamber, which he did much admire; but this proceeded from the smal figures of Souldiers which he conceal'd, and brought forth multiplied without doors. He believ'd the Heaven was fluid, as in truth it is, for the air alone is the Heaven, nor differs it from ours, therefore it is confounded in the History of Genesis.
He did acknowledge Democritus his Atoms to be the Principles of all things, as he most excellently proved.
He had many, nay an innumerable, number of friends; among whom were Cardinal [Page 20] Barbarini, and Berullius; Elizabeth Princess of Bohemia, Monsieur Chau [...]t, Monsieur de Clervelier, Mervenus, Monsieur Desargnes, Monsieur Holleng, Monsieur de Faber Governor of Sedam, Gassendus Balsaack, for whom Bressiolus did no ill office against Father Goulu his Enemy at Cardinal Barbarini's; yet he had some that did hate and envy him; for envy alwayes aimes at high things; but he confuted their writings excellently. His chiefest enemies were the Fathers of the Christian Chruch.
Cyrianus Lentulus, Confessor of Hereborn, injuriously [Page 21] objected to him, that he compar'd himself to God, saying at the end of his notes, humane things are not to come in competition with those that are divine; he farther saith, that he doubted all things; which is a mistake, but heretofore indeed, like the rest of vulgar Philosophers, he was sceptical, before he had reform'd Philosophy. he calls him also a Person of small esteem; but the Learned Clanbery replies excellently, you call him a man of mean repute, whom prudent men stile Natures Darling, and one that Pythagoras would truly call Philosopher. Revius Governor [Page 22] of Westfrizeland in Holland was so bold as to call him Magician and Atheist; and so formerly all men of great Learning were accus'd of being Magicians, because they did things beyond the apprehension on of Sciolists; as Gabriel Naudasus, in his Apologie for those men that were accus'd for dealing with Magick, strongly proves.
Yet so many were the plots contriv'd by his Antagonists Peripatetick Professors, (whose weak sight could not endure the rays of so great a Luminary, because like the Sun he obscur'd their smaller lights,) that [Page 23] they stirring up their Pupils and the whole City to a mutiny, durst banish him from the City of Ʋtreck by the sound of a Bell, whom Kings & Queens that were remote did in vit, and cherished in their bosome.
The integrity of his life purg'd him from all calumnies; yet he on the contrary was no Detractor, nor injurious to any person. For he never committed injuries to memory, but to oblivion, and arriv'd at the wonderful knowledge of God by contemplation on the Creatures. It were as hard a taske to reckon his followers, [Page 24] & admirers, as to count the stars, or number the sand.
The Learned Gassendus also, and Koberval his worthy successor, writ some things against him; but this was done rather out of an earnest desire to enquire after the truth, then out of any hatred; Marinus Mersenus being an affector of curiosity, promoting and stirring them upto it, that he might oblige men of such great parts to discourse of many rare things, to satisfie his own curiosity.
In fine, this Learned and famous man was call'd from his retirement by Christina the quondam Queen of Swedeland, [Page 25] and infinitely belov'd by her, insomuch that she would hear him almost constantly arguing, which much prejudiced his health; for he being alwayes bare, and discoursing with her, the major part of the night, upon those subjects she most desired, by that means he had little rest, and fell into a distemper, which he neglected, thinking it an usual disease, and that he might soon be freed from it; but when shortly after he perceiv'd it was another kind of malady, and understood it was an inflammation of the Lungs; he ordered a vein tobe opened, which prov'd ineffectual, and [Page 26] on the seventh day of his disease, he deceased: which proves these known Verses to be true;
The Third Front.
Renatus Descartes Perronii Dominus, &c. Ex Antiqua & nobili inter Pretones & Armoricos gente;
In Gallia natus.
Accepta quantacunque quae in scholis tradebatur eruditione, expectatione sua votisque minore. Ad militiam per Germaniam & Pannoniam adolescens profectus, & in otiis hybernis naturae mysteria componens cum legibus Matheseos, Ʋtriusque arcanaeadem clave reserari posse ausus est sperare.
[Page 28] Et omissis fortuitorum studiis, in villula solitarius, prope Egmundum in Hollandia,
Assidua 25. annorum meditatione, auso potitus est;
Hinc orbe toto celeberrimus:
A Rege suo conditionibus honorificis evocatus:
Redierat ad contemplationis delicias, unde avulsus, admiratione virtutum, Maximae Reginae;
Quae quicquid ubique excelluit suum fecit, Gratisssimus advenit, serio est auditus, & defletus obiit.
The fourth Front.
Noverint posteri Qualis vixerit Renatus Descartes;
Ʋt cujus doctrinam olim suscipient, mores imitentur, post instauratam a fundamentis Philosophiam,
Apertam ad penetralia Naturae Mortalibus viam
Novam, certam, solidam.
Hoc unum reliquit incertum, Major in eo modestia esset, an scientia. Quae vera scivit verecunde affirmavit.
Falsa, non contentionibur, sed vero admoto refutavit: nullius [Page 30] Antiquorum obtrectator, nemini viventium gravis.
Invidorum criminationes purgavit innocentia morum:
Injuriam negligens, am irtiae tenax, quod summum tandem est:
Ita per Creaturarum gradus ad Creatorem est conatus;
Ʋt opportunus Christo, gratiae authori, in avita Religione quiesceret.
I nunc viator, & cogita, Quantus fuerit, Christinaeque qualis aula, cui mores isti placuerunt.
[Page 31] This Monument was in form four square, but somewhat long, eight foot and a half in heigth, four in breadth, and seven foot and a half in length; the heigth or pile had three Divisions: the Basis being somewhat larger with three pedestals, the Tables whereon the Inscriptions were, were four, and the Ornament at the top made of one stone covering the whole monument a foot and a half.
Many persons besides bestowed Epitaphs upon him at his Death; which we judge not convenient to be here inserted.
He left many posthumous [Page 32] Works, as well published as in Manuscript; the latter Monsieur Chaunt Ambassador in ordinary of Swedeland preserves, and de Clervelier, who will shortly publish his select Epistles.
A Catalogue of the Manuscripts of Descartes, found at Stockholm after his Death. Anno 1650.
A. Decem codices Responsionum ad quaesita eruditorum circa Mathematicas disciplinas.
B. De Numeris irrationalibus, [Page 33] de quantitate linearum quae in dato circulo inscriptae sunt quantitatem Circumferentiae cui datae lineae subtenduntur, cognoscere, aliaque propostta ac demonstrationes.
Problema ad numerum reperiendum, cujus partes aliquotae sub duplices sint.
Propositio de Parabolis compositis, & de partibus aliquotis numerorum.
Cogitationes variae de animo.
Quaestiones quaedam de numeris.
[Page 34] Considerationes quaedam Physicae incipientes.
Quare pueri labuntur in somnum, dum cunae concutiuntur.
Promiscuae Animadversiones de coelis.
Physicae Quaestiones, & Consideratio Physica.
Thaumantis Regia.
Epistola de Mersenum.
Liber anni 1619. Kal. Jan. sub titulo Parnassi de considerationibus Mathematicis.
C. Olympica & ad marginem 11. Novembris coepi intelligere fundamentum inventi mirabilis.
[Page 35] Quaedom in scientias considerationes.
Quaedam de Algebra. Democritica. Experimenta. Praeambula.
D. Introductio ad Algebram suam 155. pag.
E. Scriptum sic inciens. Vitellio sic numerat.
Aliud, Metallorum pondera. Primae cogitationes circa generationes animalium 19. fol. cont.
De Magnete Kircheri. De formatione Animalium. 5. folia.
[Page 36] Historiae Metallorum. Remedia, & vires Medicamentorum.
Observationum de natura Plantarum & Animalium pag: 16.
De partibus in inferiore ventre contentis.
F. Codices novem de Regulis utilibus & claris, ad ingenii directionem in veritatis inquisitiene.
G Descriptio Corporis humani. De natura Hominis & Animalium; an imperfect piece.
H. Progymnasinata de partibus aliquotis numerorum.
[Page 37] 1. Epistolae.
K. Secunda pars tractatus de Passionibus.
L. Querela Apologetica ad amplissimum Senatum Vltrajectinum, contra Voetium & Dematium.
M. Progymnasmata de solidorum Elementis.
N. De natura Passionumnimae.
O. Sub forma Epistolae ad Dominos...... nine Books.
P. Collectanea de calculo ad Geometriam utilia; in twelve Books.
[Page 38] Q. Veritatis Inquisitio Lumine naturali. fol. 13.
R. De Musica fol. 8. written in the year 1618.
S. Explicatio machinarum, quarum ope, parvis cum viribus, magna tolli possunt onera. 6. pag.
T. Epistolarum ad varios fol. 262. in 4 o.
V-Epistol. ad Serenissimam Principissam Bohemiae 19. fol. in 4 o. and two in 80.
X. De doctrina Principiorum suorum, in 14. leaves, but in some things varying from [Page 39] the Treatise published of that Subject.
Y. Tractatus de Geometria.
Z. De responsionibus ad Objectiones quasdam, &c. in 14 several leafes. These are is Manuscripts.
Here follow those works of his that were published in French and Latine.
Methode de bien conduire la raison, pour trouver la verite dans les sciences. 16. 7. 4. Besides, la Dioptrique les Meteores & la Geometrie, which are essays of that method, Printed at Leyden, and sold by John le Maire.
Renati Descartes meditationes de prima Philosophia, in which God's existencie, & the immortality of the Soul is demonstrated; [Page 41] at Paris, by Michael Soly in S. Jame's street, at the sign of the Phoenix, Anno 1641. in 80. It contains six meditations, and answers to some objections; He also dedicates his Opus Theologicum to Gassendus, printed at Paris.
Renati Descartes meditationes de prima Philosophia. In which God's existencie, & the distinction between the soul and body of man are demonstrated; to which are several objections made by learned men against those demonstrations of God and the Soul, with the Author's answer thereunto. The second [Page 42] edition, with the Addition of seven objections never before made publick, at Amsterdam, by Lewis Elzevir, Anno 1642. in 24. with the Epistle of Father Dinet the Jesuite, in which he answers many objections made by a certain person.
Renati Descartes Principia Philosophiae, dedicated to Elizabeth eldest daughter of Frederick King of Bohemia, Count Palatine, and Elector of the sacred Roman Empire, Printed at Amsterdam, for Lewis Elzevir, Anno 1644. It contains four parts; to which are annexed his Specimina Philosophiae, [Page 43] seu dissertatio de methodo rectae regendae rationis & veritatis investigandae. His Dioptrice and Meteora translated out of French, perus'd and corrected by the Author.
Les Passions de l' Ame, par Rene Descartes, at Amsterdam, by Lewis Elzevir, An. 1650, in 8. In this Treatise there are three parts; it was published by Monsieur Degmont, who adds the Epistle he writ to him concerning that Subject.
Clauberg quotes his Meditationes, Objectiones, Responsiones, & Epistolae ad Dinetum, Voetium; [Page 44] the third Edition, by Elzevit, Anno 1650.
Geometria a Renato Descartes 1537. published in French, and now with the notes of Florimond'de Beaume Counfellour to the French King in the Court at Blois, turn'd into Latine, and illustrated with a Comment; by the labour and industry of the Mathematicks in that University, Printed for John Maire, at Leyden, An. 1640. in quarto.
This Treatise of Geometry, with his Specimina Philosophiae Descartes, published in [Page 45] French without a name to it; but it being earnestly desired by many persons who were ignorant in the French Tongue, Schelten translated it into Latine and published it.
Renati Descartes Musicae compendium. Trajecti ad Rhenum, Printed by Gilbert a Zull and Theodorus ab Ackersdijck, Anno 1650. in quarto.
Les Meditations Metaphysiques de Rene Descartes, touchant la Premiere Philosophie. In which God's Existencie, and the real distinction between the Soul and the Body of man, [Page 46] are demonstrated, translated out of the Authours Latin, into French, by Monsieur le D. D. L. N. S. and
Les objections faits contre ces Meditations par diverses personnes Doctes, avec les responces del' Autheur; Translated by M. B. L. R. Printed at Paris, and sold by the Widdow of John Camusat and Peter le Petit; as also
La responce au recueil de ses principales Instacnes. This Translation was by a great Lord.
Books composed concerning Descartes his Philosophie, either approving, or disapproving thereof.
Nova Renati Descartes sapientiae, fusiore quam antehac, methodo detecta, by Lentulus.
De Philosophia Cartesiana amplectenda, ambigendi impellentes causas initio suae novae sapientiae, in octavo by Clauberg, who relates and confutes them.
De methodus Carthesianae consideratione Theologica, by James Revius, [Page 48] Dr. in Divinity and President of the Colledge of the most Illustrious States of Holland and Westfriesland.
Abstersio Calumniarum. By the same Authour.
Statera Philosophiae Carthesianae, by the same person.
Defensio Carthesiana adversus Revium Theologum Leidensem, & Cyriacum Lentulum Professorem Here bornensem, by John Cla uberg professor in the publick Ʋniversity of Teutoburg upon the Rhine; pars prior exoterica, in qua Renati Cartesii dissertatio de methodo vindicatur, simul illustria Carthesiana Logica & [Page 49] Philosophica Specimina exhibentur; at Amsterdam, by Lewis Elzevir, 1641. 6.
La Philosophie Divisce entoutes ses parties, Establisur des Principes evidens, & expliquee en Tables & Discours ou particuliers, ou tiresdes anciens & des nouveauk Autheurs, & principalement des Peripateticiens, & de Descartes, Compos'd by James de Roure at Paris, and sold by Thomas Jolly, Anno 1654. in 12.
Abstersio macularum Renati Descartes.
Notae & Sermo extemporaneus, three Books heretofore made concerning Cartesius in [Page 50] Holland, where many rare things are discourst of, concerning him.
Disquisitio Metaphysica, seu dubitationes & instantiae adversus Renati Cartesii Metaphysicam & Responsa. Printed at Amsterdam by John Bleau, Anno 1649, in quarto; Dedicated to Serberius.
Considerations sur le Traite des Monsieur Descartes des passions de l'Ame, By N. Papin Dr. in Physick, Printed at Paris, sold by Simon Piget, in the rue St. Jaques a la Syrene, Anno 1652, in octavo. Where be expiatiates in the praise of Descartes.
Brevis replicatio reposita brevi explicationi ment is humanae, seu animae rationis domini [Page 51] Henrici Regii Med. ac Phil. Ultrajectini notis Cartesii in programma ejusdem argumenti firmandis, veritatique magis illustrandae; By Tobias Andreas A. L. M. Greek and Latin Professor in the Ʋniversity of the States of Groenig and Oulandia, Printed at Amsterdam, by Lew is Elzevir. an. 1653.
Henrici Regii Ultrajectini Philosophiae naturalis editio secunda, priore multa locupletior & emendatior, Published at Amsterdam, by Lew is Elzevir, 1654.
Specimina Philosophiae Cartesianae, by Dan. Lipstorp Lubeker, to which is added by the same Authour Copernicus Redivivus, at [Page 52] Leyden, by John and Daniel Elzevir. Anno 1653.
Physique expliquee suivant le sentiment des amiens & des nouveaux Philosophes, & Principalement de Descartes by James de Roure, the second Edition printed at Paris, by Thomas Jolly. Anno 1654.
Monsieur de Clercelier will suddenly publish his Epistles translated by Monsieur Picot, as also his Objections he hath put in another Language. Monsieur Hollenc, a Dutchman, hath many of his Epistles with their Answers. Francis Schoten, Professor of the Mathematicks at Leyden, in his Epistle to the Reader, stiles him a most Noble [Page 53] and incomparable Person.
These Verses are deservedly placed upon his Effigies.
[Page 54] He had an admirable method peculiar to himself, which he made use of; and by which he examin'd all Propositions; first whether they were possible, and then by the same method he taught the solution of them; which is judg'd to be contained in his Geometry.
I shall not attempt the relation of the Elegies bestowed upon him, because they are infinite; it shall suffice if I affirm that he was deservedly applauded by all [Page 55] Authors that writ of him; among whom John Clauberg extols his modesty and other qualifications in a Speech.
Henry More, a Learned Englishman, in his judgement of his dissertations speaks thus of him.
In your method by a certain elegant and sportive kind of modesty, you manifest your self a man of such parts that nothing can be phansied or desired more pleasant or amiable then your virtuous inclination, and natural disposition, nothing more noble or generous.
[Page 56] Gassendus himself could not avoid writing to him thus.
To the famous Renatus Des-cartes;
Renowned Sir, Our friend Mersenus made me happy, when he communicated those your sublime meditations concerning the first Philosophy; for the excellencie of the argument, the readiness of the wit, and the perspicuity of the stile was wonderfully taking; therefore I doe freely rejoyce on your behalf, that you should so nobly and successfully attempt [Page 57] to advance the bounds of Learning, and facilitate those things that were counted the most absttuse in all former Ages.
A certain Divine objecting against his meditations expresseth himself thus;
Truly, as far as I can perceive, Monsieur Descartes is a man of such admirable wit and great modesty, that Maevius himself could not but fall in love with him, if he were present,
We thought it not impertinent to insert the Opinion of some persons concerning the [Page 58] Place of Descartes his Nativity; which is, that he was not born in the very Castle Eraldum, but at Tours, near that Castle.
Marcus Lurius Boxhornius Historiographer in the Ʋniversity of Leyden upon the death of Descartes.
WHO knowing how much we are ignorant of, and that the greatest part [Page 59] of what we know not, and that most people are ignorant of those things they boast and presume to understand, and that by this means such things are taught and delivered which must be unlearned; though it seem'd good to him to doubt of those hitherto received opinions of Philosophers; that doubting he might find out a plain way to wisdom both for himself and others; who restored the Philosophy that was aequaevous to Nature; and so consequently that which was as true as ancient; and brought the same out of that filthy servitude wherewith it [Page 60] had been enslav'd for many Ages, and as it were manumitted it; who by his wit and experiments surveying the Universal Nature of things, and making a diligent and serious inspection into her closest cabinet counsels, was not satisfied with those things that were ancient, for their antiquity; nor did those that were modern dissatisfy by reason of their novelty for he was sensible that what is now old was once new, and what is now new will in process of time become old, but as he found them either true or false; therefore a new and [Page 61] true way of Philosophizing was set up, which will continue, and in time grow old; the famous Peter Chaunt, Ambassadour from the Most Christian King to Christina, the Most Noble and Learned Queen of Swedeland, erected this Monument with that of Marble.
The same Authors Epitaph.
These verses were annexed by Christian Hugenius, to the Effigies of Descartes, lively represented by Francis Schoten.
[Page 65] Thus the great Descartes liv'd and died, after four moneths residence in Swedeland; where, in that small tract of time, he had so ingratiated himself in the favour of the Queen, that, as Daniel Lipstorp, Professor of Philosophy at Lubeck, affirms, she did condescend to water his arme with her tears; he left us wonderful praises of him, and proves that he was accounted chief among those persons that were eminent above other men; and that Philosophy was beholding to the same Descartes for a new birth; and relates many things concerning [Page 66] his life, viz. that his Father was a noble person of Poictiers, and liv'd a private life at the Town of Limonum in that country, a long time; and that afterwards he was made Lord President in the chief Court of Kenes in the Dutchy of Britany, who died whilst Descartes was in the Low Countryes. He goes on farther; that he made his Compendium Musicae when he was twenty years of age. He gain'd Ʋreter, and Becman Moderator of the Colledge of Dort, and a most Famous Philosopher and Mathematician, as his friends and admirers, soon after he had solv'd [Page 67] those Propositions in his Method which were thought impossible for all persons. But before he betook himself to his retiring place, he had seen the Military Discipline of France, the Low Countryes, Denmark, Germany and Italy. At Ʋlme he saluted John Faulhabertus a Famous Mathematician, and when he had clear'd unto him many knotty difficulties in the Mathematicks, as also to Peter Roten of Norimberg a Mathematician, he soon gain'd the love of all the learned Men there.
Then he visited the more Northern parts of Germany, and saw Pomerania, the Marquisate of [Page 68] Brandenburgh, Megapolis, Holsatia, Denmark, and from thence went to Holland; afterwards he went to Italy through the Netherlands, and then arrived in France, and resided three years at Paris. There he was acquainted with Monsieur Claudius Mydorgius a Parisian Senator, and Treasurer of France; Florimond de Beaune a Senator in the Court of Parliament at Blois, John Baptista Morinus Mathematical Professor, &c.
Then leaving Paris, as also his Brothers, Sisters, &c. He came to his Philosophical Retirement at Egmond, where he continued some time; then he [Page 69] was at Endegest, then at Amsterdam, then at Leward in Westfrizeland, then at Daventry, then again in a little village near Harlem, then again at Harderwick, then at Ʋtrecht in Holland, then at Leyden; but he most frequently liv'd in villages, where he compos'd his books in this subsequent order; his Dissertation concerning Method, his Dioptricks and Meteorologicks: then his Geometry, upon which Treatise Florimond de Beaune and Francis Schoten made Annotations; then he compiled his Meditations, and his Principles of Philosophy; he also made his Tractate [Page 70] of Man, of the Generation of Animals, and his Geometrical Analysis, which will speedily be published: as also a small Treatise concerning Mechanicks, which with two Epistles to the most Serene Princess Elizabeth, I have delivered to the Printer, that they may be made publick.
Among his friends and admirers are to be reckoned C. Salmasius, S. Maresius, Abraham Heidan, Professors in Divinity; Adrian Herebord, James Golins, John de Raey a Physitian, Godfrey ab Hastrecht a noble Leodicensian, Cornelius Heegland a noble Dutchman, Monsieur Picot a noble [Page 71] Frenchman, Monsieur Chilot the Mathematician, and an innumerable number of other persons.
That we may also lay some stone to adorn the Tomb of Descartes, take this Epitaph of him.
The Epitaph of Descartes.
Siste gradum, Viator; hic enim in parvulo isto Sarcophago vir latet, quem totus vix olim orbis continere potuerat; ingenio enim suo omnes antiquos super avit Philosophos. Is fuit qui Naturae velum, quo se ab hominum conspectu retrahebat, solus amovit, quique rebus antiquis, novitatem, [Page 72] obscuris lucem, & novis authoritatem dedit: sed immodicis brevis sit aetas, & rara senectus, nobis subito ereptus est; senex enim ante aetatem profunda sua et universali eruditione cum esset, mors illum pro vero sene in aetatis suae flore sustulit. Lacrymis tuis dignus fuit profecto quisquis es, praesertim si literariae Reipublicae membrum existas: erat enim Doctorum ornamentum, Philosophorum gemma, Mathematicorum Corona. Hominumque omnium Decus; virtutes omnes in illo tanquam Gratiae conjunctae manibus erant; adeo ut dubitasses quaenam earum in eo magis emineret, ut sol [Page 73] inter astra minuta, vel Luna inter ignes minores, per totum orbem effulsit. Cumque non sibi, sed aliis natus esset, unicuique fere Nationi per aliquod tempus sese ostendit, ut eas grata sua praesentia erudieret. Lugeant ergo omnes immaturum ejus obitum, ejusque exemplo caeteri Philosophi filo Cartesiano quod in suis nobis reliquit seriptis e rerum Naturae Labyrinthis sese extrlcare tentent, ut tanquam Pygmaei Gigantis illius humeris insistentes aliquid, si possibile sit, ulterius conspicere valeant; ad hominum omnium, praecipue Literatorum, utilitatem, propriamque suam laudem, nostri semper Authoris [Page 74] laudes decantantes, quod viam ad abstrusiora penetranda iis monstraverit, quodque veritatis in profundo delitescentes detegendi amore eremos longissimo tempore coluerit, ut tandem scientia satiati quantum apud homines licet, cum illo ad Beatorum sedes conscendere valeant.
[Page 75] Now, Courteous Reader, you have the promis'd Epitome of the Life of Descartes, and of all things that could possibly come to our knowledge concerning him; may you enjoy it with all the satisfaction imaginable; and if we find that this is acceptable, it will be an encouragement to us to offer unto you something more perfect.
Addition.
Cornelius ab Hogeland dedicated his Cogitationes de Existentia Dei, & Animae Spiritualitate, &c. to Monsieur Descartes.
Observations out of a French Epistle of Descartes, to Father Marinus Mersenus.
THe reason why I am of opinion that some certain portions of the most subtile parts of the blood are conveyed to the stomach and intestines through the Arteries to help digestion, is, first, because I have observ'd that the saliva or spittle, which when we eat, or have a desire thereunto, and have only an imaginative faculty, comes to the mouth in such abundance, proceeds not only from the kernels or Glandules [Page 78] arising from the root of the tongue (or probably proceeds only to the throat (unless it be transferr'd to the mouth of the vessels by the assistance of the tongue) but from the Arteries arising from the gums: for I have made so clear an experiment hereof, that beyond all dispute the same work is performed by these Arteries which are carried to the Intestines and Ventricle; since we see that purgative medicines do draw the largest quantity of humours from the whole body to the Intestines, and we know no other passage (in my apprehension) [Page 79] to those humours; for the veins are obstructed by a thousand valves, as may be experimented if both in the mesenterium of a live Dog be tied, the Arteries between the Intestines and the Ligature will swell, and no farther; and the venae lacteae as well as the other veins do the contrary. But those Sanguinal parts which enter into the stomach cannot retain it's reddish colour, no more then the saliva (which helps the digestion of food whilest masticated in the mouth) nor of tears or sweat which are by the same means separated from the blood, passing [Page 80] through the extremities of the Arteries; for this redness proceeds from its more viscous parts, which I judge are of irregular forms, and resemble twigs which mutually embrace and intersect one another; and this is the reason they cannot possibly make their way through such narrow passages, but only those that are most subtile, which I phancy to resemble needles that pierce the narrowest holes; and the faculty of their segregation is sufficiently and experimentally manifested in extravasated blood; for we see that after Phlebotomy the serous matter [Page 81] of the blood in the Porringer separates it self, and is clear; whereas the remainder which is red or black is congeal'd. As to the cause of Chylification in the veins, I know no other but that which causeth the Intestines to lye out of the belly when wounded with a sword, viz. the compression of the cuticles or other particles which contain them; and besides, the more fluid parts of that Chyle are capable of this penetration by their own weight without compression: like water which passeth from coagulated milk or curds, through the holes of the vessel [Page 82] into which it is put by their own natural agitation; for I conceive that every part of any liquor is in perpetual motion; and farther, the action of the muscles doth very much conduce hereunto, in regard that it causeth the parts of the Chyle from that part of the holes where it finds a passage, to enter into the venae lacteae as well as the other veins; for I make no difference between them, but only this, that their juice is white, because they are accompanied with none of the Arteries; but the others red, because intermixed with the blood flowing from the Ar- [Page 83] Nor do I only reckon the pectoral muscles, those of the Abdomen and Diaphragm in the number of muscles, but almost all the whole substance of the Intestines and Ventricle; and I have made this observation in the dissection of live Dogs, that their Intestines have a regular motion, nearly resembling that of respiration. But this motion of the muscles is not so absolutely necessary, as the motion of the sieve is to expel the dust, because then the parts of the Chyle have a voluntary motion of their own, which the other hath not. And this comparison of the searse or sieve doth [Page 84] please me extraordinarily, and seems very proper for the explaining of the various separations of the blood which are made in the Cystis fellea, the Reins, and other parts of the body, the Spleen only excepted; for I do not judge that the melancholique humour therein is conveyed thither by the means of this separation; but I rather think that the blood gains this quality in the spleen it self. For some Serses are made to separate the dust from the grain that is round in shape; others, in which Oats and not Rye are sifted; others on the contrary are made for [Page 85] Rye, and not for Oats, and that according to the largeness and figure of their holes; and by this means I am of opinion that those small ductus by which the Choler passeth to its Cystis, are of a different forth from those by which the serum is transmitted to the Reins, &c. And as to that clammy substance, or filthy matter which is sometimes found in Urine; that generally flows from the Reins, or such parts as are subject thereunto; and if it happen that it proceeds from the superiour parts, the reason of that may be gathered from hence, that it proceeds [Page 86] from more penetrative parts then those by which the blood is dyed with a red colour; because they penetrate a place, which passages the other could not permeate; for by what means can we imagine that the blood should be impeded, but that it may flow through such passages as are large enough for it's reception.
This Noble Extract out of Descartes contains many rare modern opinions in Anatomy, which possibly may prove advantageous, if truly and equally balanced.
The Abstract of another Epistle to the same person, Anno. 1632.
I Am not so rude, but that I desire all persons should think well of me, yet I had rather they should not at all make mention of me, for I am more fearful then desirous of fame; and do imagine that she always by one means or other impairs the fruition of the leasure and liberty of those that are famous: Both which I so perfectly enjoy, and so highly esteem, that I think there is no Monarch in the World [Page 88] whose Treasury is so richly stor'd as to enable him to purchase them of me: Yet all this shall not obstruct my perfecting of that little Treatise which I have begun; but I shall desire you to conceal this, that I may have the liberty of laying it aside; and this I do at vacant hours, because I take much more delight in forming my own judgment, then in publishing any of my own conceptions, of what Nature soever they be. Now I am intent both upon Chymistry and Anatomy, & daily increase my knowledge in some particular or other, in which the turning [Page 89] over of Volumes left me dissatisfied.
Out of another Epistle, to the same person.
I Cannot but admire that you should freeze water with water, and not with Ice; since the experiment is a thing so faisible, that it is almost impossible to erre in the attempt, and I my self have effected it above a hundred times. True it is, that a sufficient and large quantity of Oyl, Ice, or Snow, is necessarily requisite, but Snow is better than Ice, because it will better incorporate [Page 90] with the Salt, and the quantity thereof must also be grea [...] about a third or fourth part o [...] the quantity of Snow, and th [...] Vessel which contains the fresh water used in this mixtur [...] must be buried, and remain i [...] the ground till it be almost al [...] melted; and the water wil [...] freeze as soon as the Snow i [...] melted.
He saith also, that 'tis not the water which hinders the light from penetrating to the bottom of the Sea; or passing through a very thick glass, the glass it self; but the impurities that are intermixed in them, which are not transparent.
[Page 91] He farther adds, that Sea water is not so salt in havens, on shores, and neer the poles, as in other places.
The Abstract of another Epistle to the forementioned Mersenus.
YOu desire to know of me the reason why a long Bow, or any other Bow, loseeth it's force if it stand long bent; the cause is easily found out by my principles; for the pores which I call Ellyptical at first, do sensibly by degrees grow to be round in form, by reason of those small [Page 92] particles of subtile matter have a constant inward influence upon them. This subtile matter hinders us from throwing a stone, or raising our bodies to a prodigious height; for were it not for this matter which makes all heavy bodies tend downwards, a stone would mount up to the Firmament when thrown upwards; and when we by a leap or jump raise our selves from the ground, we should ascend without falling down again.
And a little after.
That which makes us rise [Page 93] when we leap, is only the reverberation of our strength, whereby we beat the earth before we raise our selves from the ground: now this strength being consumed, we must of necessity fall down again; nor is it possible that we should continue hovering in the air, unless we could, with so much activity beat the air with our feet and arms, that it could not so suddenly recede as it doth, which is requisite to the raising of our bodies higher, and is the course that birds make use of in their flight.
And Farther.
But I am not so destitute of [Page 94] Books as you imagine; for I have still the summary of St. Thomas, and a Bible which I brought with me from France: Besides, he entreats him not to discover the place of his Residence, because he desires little or no company.
He adds further in another place; I rejoyce to hear that Mon sr. Morier hath some hope of perfecting his Work concerning Prospectives; but I only confide in Monsieur de Beanne; and if he succeed not in his Enterprize, I my self will make an essay.
He saith also; If that subtil matter with which the earth is [Page 95] environ'd, should not turn about, no body could be ponderous; and if it took its compass about the Moon, all things would tend towards the Moon, &c. This subtil matter which is in our bodies, doth not continue there a moment, but departs from them, and a new matter perpetually enters; and 'tis true, that that matter doth not immediately invigorate our motions, but our animal spirits, which are contained in the nerves, and are as it were agitated in those passages by this subtil matter.
As also; I do not at all wonder how small bullets should [Page 96] be found inclosed in stones, but admire that they were not converted into stones.
He afterwards fully informs him in many particulars, and then proceeds: If it be true that the Magnet (as you inform me in your writings) declines now less from England than formerly, this indeed is a thing worthy our strict observation; whether this mutation appears to be done by degrees, or otherwaies. This Epistle was penn'd in the year 1639. in the close thereof.
The Abstract of another Epistle to the same Person, bearing date in the Moneth of March, Anno 1641. Amsterdam.
I Am glad that Mon sr. Picot hath relished my Meta-physicks; for you know, there is more joy in Heaven for the conversion of one sinner, than a thousand just persons that persevere.
Out of another Epistle to the said Father Mersenus, from Endegest, bearing date the 20th. of Octob. 1642.
THere are several waies of preventing the offensive [Page 98] smoaking of chimneys, according to the various causes of the smoak; and the most usual occasion is, that the Chambers for the most part do not receive a sufficient quantity of air from without, to supply the place of the smoak that goes out of the room; for 'tis observable, that the fire, by its violence, expells a great quantity of air with those small particles of wood, which intermixing with the air, causeth the smoak, as the grosser parts of the wood make ashes; and since there can be no vacuum in Nature, it necessarily follows, that there must be a constant [Page 99] access of fresh air into the Chamber, and that in as large a quantity as the smoak that goes out; as may be seen in Chymical furnaces, at the bottome whereof there is a hole which receives a great part of the wind wherewith the fire is kindled, which wind is nothing else but air expell'd from the place which the smoak, proceeding from the fire, tends to: so that when a Chamber is close shut, the smoak must needs flye about it, that is, that the smoak which is caused by the fire must fill the chamber, because the air of the chamber tends only towards the fire; [Page 100] and the usual remedy in such cases is, to open the door, or windoors; but because this is somewhat incommodious, it may be avoided by making holes behind the chimney, which are opposite to the fire, or behind the bed-stead.
Out of another Letter to the same Person, dated at Amsterdam, May, 1643.
I Return you thanks for the secret of Father Grandamicus, about the making of a Needle without declination: indeed, I am apt to believe that it declines less than others do, but yet not altogether without any declination.
[Page 101] Also, The Experiment of the weight which inclines from the South to the North, is Very observable, and agrees very much with my observation concerning the Flux and re-Flux of the Sea; but I would fain know how many feet long the threed was, to which the weight was fastned, that I might thereby understand whether I could try that Experiment here; for I judge it to be of a very great length: I would also be sensible of the time when it vergeth towards the South or North; if my conjecture deceive me not, that must happen when the Moon approacheth near [Page 102] our Meridian, or withdraws from it.
The Extract of another Letter, dated at Endegest, Decemb. 17th. 1642.
VOetius his Treatise against me, entituled, The Cartefian Philosophy, is in the Press; but I will give a concise Answer to that large Volume; and so they shall be both published together.
I am pleas'd to receive an account of you, concerning what you writ to me about. He is a person very curious, & skill'd in abundance of those petty Chymical secrets which [Page 103] are carried about by such kind of men. If he had proceeded at the same rate whilst he was with me, he could not but have understood many things, as probably now he doth: but you are sensible that I do not at all value those kind of secrets; that which I much esteem him for, is, that he is well skill'd in the manual operation of such things as are prescribed to him, and is very ingenious. He profers his service to me, but I would not have him come at present, because I will not employ my self about Experiments, till I have completed my Philosophy for the Press. But if [Page 104] at any time afterwards he is at liberty, and cannot dispose of himself to better advantage, I should be satisfied, if he would be with me; yet I must beg of you not to acquaint him herewith; for many things may fall out in the interim, which might hinder him, and I would not, ut in calculo suo falleretur, that he should be frustrated of his expectations, as most Alchymists are; but if you understand his condition, and course of life, you may, if you please, acquaint me therewith. I suppose Bressiclus, the Gratianopolitan, is the person he speaks of, a Chymical Physitian, [Page 105] who being a great Admirer of his Philosophy, visited him, and cohabited with him a long time, in order to the trying of Experiments, he being a most ingenious and excellent Artist.
The Abstract of another Epistle.
I Was overjoy'd when you did inform me that a Brassplate did weigh no more when hot, than cold; for that is a principal thing in your experiment concerning the Aeolipile; and beyond all dispute, now, this being granted, without doubt, that which encreaseth [Page 106] its weight four or five grains, when it is heated, is only the rarefaction of the air therein contained, and by this method of weighing the air is found out.
Also, If two bodies be thrown up on high, the Air resists the lighter body, which is the reason it cannot mount so high as the other body.
Likewise, The reason why a pair of Bellows, when opened, are fill'd with air is, because the air, when you move them to blow, is crowded out of that place which the lower part of the bellows receives, being lifted up; and because that air [Page 107] can find no room for it self in any other part of the World, therefore it retires again into the Bellows.
I thought it not amiss to insert here some scattered pieces, which are found in his French Epistles; that the opinion of so Eminent and Exemplary a Person, concerning the various and curious Arcana of Nature, might not be buried in Oblivion.