Theatrum naturae et artis

A decorative woodcut headpiece features symmetrical scrollwork and floral patterns.

The mode of procedure here will be perpetual, so that first the phenomena are presented to the eyes; then their construction is shown, and finally, a demonstration based on certain principles is submitted to this.

I. On Body.

A body can be divided into the most minute parts, whether by water (a), or by air (b), or by fire (c), or by another external force (d).

(a) A particle of Indian ink original: "atramenti Indici", of such a size as suffices to fill a small walnut shell, can tint five hundred or even a thousand paper leaves and, by this method, exhibit millions of millions of tiny bodies. Other types of pigments and various tinctures achieve the same. Vessels prepared from antimony regulus original: "regulo antimonii", when liquids are frequently infused into them, communicate an emetic virtue without any sensible diminution of weight.

(b) As can be seen in Silesian and Hessian iron ore original: "minera martis Silesiaca & Hassiaca", lime, and others.

(c) This acts either immediately, if a grain of gunpowder original: "pulveris pyrii" is ignited, which, as observed by Snellius, in-