On the Nature and Law of Waters

Introduction.

Of the mathematical sciences—and specifically the mixed sciences original: "mixtarum"; "Mixed mathematics" in the 17th century referred to disciplines like optics, music, or hydraulics that applied mathematical rules to physical matter—that which treats of waters and is commonly called Hydraulics is by no means the least, and it occupies a middle place among the Elementary disciplines those pertaining to the study of the four classical elements: earth, air, fire, and water. In order that this consideration of waters may proceed more successfully, we have decided to advance by the customary method; and, having first set forth the Preliminary Matters original: "Prolegomenis", we shall divide the discipline itself into a General and a Special part, of which the former will deal with principles, and the latter with the demonstrations of properties.

Preliminary Matters.

CHAPTER I.

The subject, or rather the object, of Hydraulics is water, which to Aristotle is the third element, defined by the Peripatetics the followers of Aristotle's philosophy by its extreme coldness and moderate moistness.