The Works of Sir Thomas Browne Volume II Part 22

Secondly, If we affirm that this effect proceeded, or as we will not be backward to concede, it may be advanced and fomented from the fervour of the Sun; yet do we not hereby discover a principle sufficient to decide the question concerning other animals; nor doth he that affirmeth the heat makes man black, afford a reason why other animals in the same habitations maintain a constant and agreeable hue unto those in other parts, as Lions, Elephants, Camels, Swans, Tigers, Estriges. Which though in _aethiopia_, in the disadvantage of two Summers, and perpendicular Rayes of the Sun, do yet make good the complexion of their species, and hold a colourable correspondence unto those in milder regions. Now did this complexion proceed from heat in man, the same would be communicated unto other animals which equally partic.i.p.ate the Influence of the common Agent. For thus it is in the effects of cold, in Regions far removed from the Sun; for therein men are not only of fair complexions, gray-eyed, and of light hair; but many creatures exposed to the air, deflect in extremity from their natural colours; from brown, russet and black, receiving the complexion of Winter, and turning perfect white. Thus _Olaus Magnus_ relates, that after the Autumnal aequinox, Foxes begin to grow white; thus _Michovius_ reporteth, and we want not ocular confirmation, that Hares and Partridges turn white in the Winter; and thus a white Crow, a proverbial rarity with us, is none unto them; but that inseparable accident of _Porphyrie_ is separated in many hundreds.

Thirdly, If the fervour of the Sun, or intemperate heat of clime did solely occasion this complexion, surely a migration or change thereof might cause a sensible, if not a total mutation; which notwithstanding experience will not admit. For _Negroes_ transplanted, although into cold and phlegmatick habitations, continue their hue both in themselves, and also their generations; except they mix with different complexions; whereby notwithstanding there only succeeds a remission of their tinctures; there remaining unto many descents a strong shadow of their Originals; and if they preserve their copulations entire, they still maintain their complexions. As is very remarkable in the dominions of the Grand Signior, and most observable in the _Moors_ in _Brasilia_, which transplanted about an hundred years past, continue the tinctures of their fathers unto this day. And so likewise fair or white people translated in hotter Countries receive not impressions amounting to this complexion, as hath been observed in many _Europeans_ who have lived in the land of _Negroes_: and as _Edvardus Lopes_ testifieth of the _Spanish_ plantations, that they retained their native complexions unto his days.

Fourthly, If the fervour of the Sun were the sole cause hereof in _Ethiopia_ or any land of _Negroes_, it were also reasonable that inhabitants of the same lat.i.tude, subjected unto the same vicinity of the Sun, the same diurnal arch, and direction of its rayes, should also partake of the same hue and complexion, which notwithstanding they do not. For the Inhabitants of the same lat.i.tude in _Asia_ are of a different complexion, as are the Inhabitants of _Cambogia_ and _Java_, insomuch that some conceive the _Negro_ is properly a native of _Africa_, and that those places in _Asia_ inhabited now by _Moors_, are but the intrusions of _Negroes_ arriving first from _Africa_, as we generally conceive of _Madagascar_, and the adjoyning Islands, who retain the same complexion unto this day. But this defect is more remarkable in _America_; which although subjected unto both the Tropicks, yet are not the Inhabitants black between, or near, or under either; neither to the Southward in _Brasilia_, _Chili_, or _Peru_; nor yet to the Northward in _Hispaniola_, _Castilia_, _del Oro_, or _Nicaragua_. And although in many parts thereof there be at present swarms of _Negroes_ serving under the _Spaniard_, yet were they all transported from _Africa_, since the discovery of _Columbus_; and are not indigenous or proper natives of _America_.

Fifthly, We cannot conclude this complexion in Nations from the vicinity or habitude they hold unto the Sun; for even in _Africa_ they be _Negroes_ under the Southern Tropick, but are not all of this hue either under or near the Northern. So the people of _Gualata_, _Agades_, _Garamantes_, and of _Goaga_, all within the Northern Tropicks are not _Negroes_; but on the other side about _Capo Negro_, _Cefala_, and _Madagascar_, they are of a jetty black.

Now if to salve this Anomaly we say the heat of the Sun is more powerful in the Southern Tropick, because in the sign of Capricorn fals out the Perigeum or lowest place of the Sun in his Excentrick, whereby he becomes nearer unto them than unto the other in Cancer, we shall not absolve the doubt. And if any insist upon such niceties, and will presume a different effect of the Sun, from such a difference of place or vicinity, we shall ballance the same with the concernment of its motion, and time of revolution, and say he is more powerful in the Northern Hemisphere, and in the Apogeum; for therein his motion is slower, and so his heat respectively unto those habitations, as of duration, so also of more effect. For, though he absolve his revolution in 365 days, odd hours and minutes, yet by reason of Excentricity, his motion is unequal, and his course far longer in the Northern Semicircle, than in the Southern; for the latter he pa.s.seth in a 178 days, but the other takes him a 187, that is, eleven days more. So is his presence more continued unto the Northern Inhabitants; and the longer day in Cancer is longer unto us, than that in Capricorn unto the Southern Habitator. Beside, hereby we only infer an inequality of heat in different Tropicks, but not an equality of effects in other parts subjected to the same. For, in the same degree, and as near the earth he makes his revolution unto the _American_, whose Inhabitants notwithstanding partake not of the same effect. And if herein we seek a relief from the Dog-star, we shall introduce an effect proper unto a few, from a cause common unto many; for upon the same grounds that Star should have as forcible a power upon _America_ and _Asia_; and although it be not vertical unto any part of _Asia_, but only pa.s.seth by _Beach_, _in terra incognita_; yet is it so unto _America_, and vertically pa.s.seth over the habitations of _Peru_ and _Brasilia_.

Sixthly, And which is very considerable, there are _Negroes_ in _Africa_ beyond the Southern Tropick, and some so far removed from it, as Geographically the clime is not intemperate, that is, near the Cape of good Hope, in 36 of the Southern Lat.i.tude. Whereas in the same elevation Northward, the Inhabitants of _America_ are fair; and they of _Europe_ in _Candy_, _Sicily_, and some parts of _Spain_, deserve not properly so low a name as _Tawny_.

Lastly, Whereas the _Africans_ are conceived to be more peculiarly scorched and torrified from the Sun, by addition of driness from the soil, from want and defect of water, it will not excuse the doubt. For the parts which the _Negroes_ possess, are not so void of Rivers and moisture, as is presumed; for on the other side the mountains of the Moon, in that great tract called _Zanzibar_, there are the mighty Rivers of _Suama_ and _Spirito Santo_; on this side, the great River _Zaire_, the mighty _Nile_ and _Niger_; which do not only moisten and contemperate the air by their exhalations, but refresh and humectate the earth by their annual Inundations. Beside, in that part of _Africa_, which with all disadvantage is most dry, that is, in situation between the Tropicks, defect of Rivers and inundations, as also abundance of Sands, the people are not esteemed _Negroes_; and that is _Lybia_, which with the _Greeks_ carries the name of all _Africa_. A region so desert, dry and sandy, that Travellers (as _Leo_ reports) are fain to carry water on their Camels; whereof they find not a drop sometime in six or seven days. Yet is this Country accounted by Geographers no part of _terra Nigritarum_, and _Ptolomy_ placeth herein the _Leuco aethiops_, or pale and Tawny _Moors_.

Now the ground of this opinion might be the visible quality of Blackness observably produced by heat, fire and smoak; but especially with the Ancients the violent esteem they held of the heat of the Sun, in the hot or torrid Zone; conceiving that part unhabitable, and therefore that people in the vicinities or frontiers thereof, could not escape without this change of their complexions. But how far they were mistaken in this apprehension, modern Geography hath discovered: And as we have declared, there are many within this Zone whose complexions descend not so low as unto blackness. And if we should strictly insist hereon, the possibility might fall into question; that is, whether the heat of the Sun, whose fervour may swart a living part, and even black a dead or dissolving flesh, can yet in animals, whose parts are successive and in continual flux, produce this deep and perfect gloss of Blackness.

[Sidenote: _The particular causes of the Negroes blackness probably._]

Thus having evinced, at least made dubious, the Sun is not the Author of this Blackness, how, and when this tincture first began is yet a Riddle, and positively to determine, it surpa.s.seth my presumption. Seeing therefore we cannot discover what did effect it, it may afford some piece of satisfaction to know what might procure it. It may be therefore considered, whether the inward use of certain waters or fountains of peculiar operations, might not at first produce the effect in question.

For, of the like we have records in _Aristotle, Strabo_ and _Pliny_, who hath made a collection hereof, as of two fountains in _Botia_, the one making Sheep white, the other black; of the water of _Siberis_ which made Oxen black, and the like effect it had also upon men, dying not only the skin, but making their hairs black and curled. This was the conceit of _Aristobulus_, who received so little satisfaction from the other, or that it might be caused by heat, or any kind of fire, that he conceived it as reasonable to impute the effect unto water.

Secondly, It may be perpended whether it might not fall out the same way that _Jacobs_ cattle became speckled, spotted and ring-straked, that is, by the Power and Efficacy of Imagination; which produceth effects in the conception correspondent unto the phancy of the Agents in generation; and sometimes a.s.similates the Idea of the Generator into a reality in the thing ingendred. For, hereof there pa.s.s for current many indisputed examples; so in _Hippocrates_ we read of one, that from an intent view of a Picture conceived a _Negro_; And in the History of _Heliodore_ of a Moorish Queen, who upon aspection of the Picture of _Andromeda_, conceived and brought forth a fair one. [SN: Vide plura apud _Tho.

Fienum_, de viribus imaginationis.] And thus perhaps might some say was the beginning of this complexion: induced first by Imagination, which having once impregnated the seed, found afterward concurrent co-operation, which were continued by Climes, whose const.i.tution advantaged the first impression. [SN: _Why Beares_ etc. _white in some places._] Thus _Plotinus_ conceiveth white Peac.o.c.ks first came in. Thus many opinion that from aspection of the Snow, which lieth long in Northern Regions, and high mountains. Hawks, Kites, Beares, and other creatures become white; and by this way _Austin_ conceiveth the devil provided, they never wanted a white spotted Ox in _Egypt_; for such an one they wors.h.i.+pped, and called _Apis_.

Thirdly, It is not indisputable whether it might not proceed from such a cause and the like foundation of Tincture, as doth the black Jaundise, which meeting with congenerous causes might settle durable inclinations, and advance their generations unto that hue, which were naturally before but a degree or two below it. And this transmission we shall the easier admit in colour, if we remember the like hath been effected in organical parts and figures; the Symmetry whereof being casually or purposely perverted; their morbosities have vigorously descended to their posterities, and that in durable deformities. This was the beginning of _Macrocephali_, or people with long heads, whereof _Hippocrates_ [SN: De Aere, Aquis, et Locis.] hath clearly delivered himself: _c.u.m primum editus est Infans, caput ejus tenellum manibus effingunt, et in longitudine adolescere cogunt; hoc inst.i.tutum primum hujusmodi, naturae dedit vitium, successu vero temporis in naturam abiit, ut proinde inst.i.tuto nihil amplius opus esset; s.e.m.e.n enim genitale ex omnibus corporis partibus provenit, ex sanis quidem sanum, ex morbosis morbosum. Si igitur ex calvis calvi, ex caeciis caecii, et ex distortis, ut plurimum, distorti gignuntur, eademque in caeteris formis valet ratio, quid prohibet cur non ex macrocephalis macrocephali gignantur?_ Thus as _Aristotle_ observeth, the Deers of _Arginusa_ had their ears divided; occasioned at first by slitting the ears of Deers. Thus have the _Chineses_ little feet, most _Negroes_ great Lips and flat Noses; And thus many _Spaniards_, and _Mediterranean_ Inhabitants, which are of the Race of _Barbary Moors_ (although after frequent commixture) have not worn out the _Camoys_ Nose [SN: Flat Nose.] unto this day.

Artificial _Negroes_, or _Gypsies_ acquire their complexion by anointing their bodies with Bacon and fat substances, and so exposing them to the Sun. In _Guiny Moors_ and others, it hath been observed, that they frequently moisten their skins with fat and oyly materials, to temper the irksom driness thereof from the parching rayes of the Sun. Whether this practise at first had not some efficacy toward this complexion, may also be considered.

[Sidenote: _How sundry kinds of Animals come to be found in Islands._]

Lastly, If we still be urged to particularities, and such as declare how, and when the seed of _Adam_ did first receive this tincture; we may say that men became black in the same manner that some Foxes, Squirrels, Lions, first turned of this complexion, whereof there are a constant sort in divers Countries; that some Chaughs came to have red Legs and Bils, that Crows became pyed: All which mutations however they began, depend on durable foundations; and such as may continue for ever. And if as yet we must farther define the cause and manner of this mutation, we must confess, in matters of Antiquity, and such as are decided by History, if their Originals and first beginnings escape a due relation, they fall into great obscurities, and such as future Ages seldom reduce unto a resolution. Thus if you deduct the administration of Angels, and that they dispersed the creatures into all parts after the flood, as they had congregated them into _Noahs_ Ark before; it will be no easie question to resolve, how several sorts of animals were first dispersed into Islands, and almost how any into _America_: How the venereal Contagion began in that part of the earth, since history is silent, is not easily resolved by Philosophy. For whereas it is imputed unto Anthropophagy, or the eating of mans flesh; that cause hath been common unto many other Countries, and there have been Canibals or men eaters in the three other parts of the world, if we credit the relations of _Ptolomy_, _Strabo_ and _Pliny_. And thus if the favourable pen of _Moses_ had not revealed the confusion of tongues, and positively declared their division at _Babel_, our disputes concerning their beginning had been without end; and I fear we must have left the hopes of that decision unto _Elias_. [SN: Elias c.u.m venerit solvet dubium.]

And if any will yet insist, and urge the question farther still upon me, I shall be enforced unto divers of the like nature, wherein perhaps I shall receive no greater satisfaction. I shall demand how the Camels of _Bactria_ came to have two bunches on their backs, whereas the Camels of _Arabia_ in all relations have but one? How Oxen in some Countries began and continue gibbous or bunch-back'd? what way those many different shapes, colours, hairs, and natures of Dogs came in? how they of some Countries became depilous, and without any hair at all, whereas some sorts in excess abound therewith? How the Indian Hare came to have a long tail, whereas that part in others attains no higher than a scut?

How the hogs of _Illyria_ which _Aristotle_ speaks of, became solipedes or whole-hoofed, whereas in other parts they are bisulcous, and described cloven-hoofed by G.o.d himself? All which with many others must needs seem strange unto those that hold there were but two of the unclean sort in the ark; and are forced to reduce these varieties to unknown originals.

[Sidenote: _How the complexion of the Negroes may be propagated._]

However therefore this complexion was first acquired, it is evidently maintained by generation, and by the tincture of the skin as a spermatical part traduced from father unto Son; so that they which are strangers contract it not, and the Natives which transmigrate, omit it not without commixture, and that after divers generations. And this affection (if the story were true) might wonderfully be confirmed, by what _Maginus_ and others relate of the Emperour of _aethiopia_, or _Prester John_, who derived from _Solomon_ is not yet descended into the hue of his Country, but remains a _Mulatto_, that is, of a Mongril complexion unto this day. Now although we conceive this blackness to be seminal, yet are we not of _Herodotus_ conceit, that their seed is black. An opinion long ago rejected by _Aristotle_, and since by sense and enquiry. His a.s.sertion against the Historian was probable, that all seed was white; that is without great controversie in viviparous Animals, and such as have t.e.s.t.i.c.l.es, or preparing vessels wherein it receives a manifest dealbation. And not only in them, but (for ought I know) in Fishes not abating the seed of Plants; whereof at least in most though the skin and covering be black, yet is the seed and fructifying part not so; as may be observed in the seeds of _Onyons_, _Pyonie_ and _Basil_. Most controvertible it seems in the sp.a.w.n of Frogs, and Lobsters, whereof notwithstanding at the very first the sp.a.w.n is white, contracting by degrees a blackness, answerable in the one unto the colour of the sh.e.l.l, in the other unto the Porwigle or Tadpole; that is that Animall which first proceedeth from it. And thus may it also be in the generation and sperm of Negroes; that being first and in its naturals white, but upon separation of parts, accidents before invisible become apparent; there arising a shadow or dark efflorescence in the outside; whereby not only their legitimate and timely births, but their abortions are also dusky, before they have felt the scorch and fervor of the Sun.

CHAPTER XI

Of the same.

A Second opinion there is, that this complexion was first a curse of G.o.d derived unto them from _Cham_, upon whom it was inflicted for discovering the nakedness of _Noah_. Which notwithstanding is sooner affirmed then proved, and carrieth with it sundry improbabilities. For first, if we derive the curse on _Cham_, or in general upon his posterity, we shall denigrate a greater part of the earth then was ever so conceived; and not only paint the aethiopians and reputed sons of _Cush_, but the people also of _Egypt_, _Arabia_, _a.s.syria_ and _Chaldea_; for by this race were these Countries also peopled. And if concordantly unto _Berosus_, the fragment of _Cato de Originibus_, some things of _Halicarna.s.seus_, _Macrobius_, and out of them of _Leandro_ and _Annius_, we shall conceive of the travels of _Camese_ or _Cham_; we may introduce a generation of _Negroes_ as high as _Italy_; which part was never culpable of deformity, but hath produced the magnified examples of beauty.

Secondly, The curse mentioned in Scripture was not denounced upon _Cham_, but _Canaan_ his youngest son, and the reasons thereof are divers. The first, from the Jewish Tradition, whereby it is conceived that _Canaan_ made the discovery of the nakedness of _Noah_, and notified it unto _Cham_. Secondly, to have cursed _Cham_ had been to curse all his posterity, whereof but one was guilty of the fact. And lastly, he spared _Cham_, because he had blessed him before. [SN: Cap.

9.] Now if we confine this curse unto _Canaan_, and think the same fulfilled in his posterity; then do we induce this complexion on the Sidonians, then was the promised land a tract of Negroes; For from _Canaan_ were descended the _Canaanites_, _Jebusites_, _Amorites_, _Gergazites_ and _Hivites_, which were possessed of that land.

Thirdly, Although we should place the original of this curse upon one of the sons of _Cham_, yet were it not known from which of them to derive it. For the particularity of their descents is imperfectly set down by accountants, nor is it distinctly determinable from whom thereof the _aethiopians_ are proceeded. For whereas these of _Africa_ are generally esteemed to be the Issue of _Chus_, the elder son of _Cham_, it is not so easily made out. For the land of _Chus_, which the Septuagint translates _aethiopia_, makes no part of _Africa_, nor is it the habitation of Blackmores, but the Country of _Arabia_, especially the Happy and Stony possessions and Colonies of all the sons of _Chus_, excepting _Nimrod_ and _Havilah_: possessed and planted wholly by the children of _Chus_, that is, by _Sabtah_ and _Raamah_, _Sabtacha_, and the sons of _Raamah_, _Dedan_, and _Sheba_, according unto whose names the Nations of those parts have received their denominations, as may be collected from _Pliny_ and _Ptolemy_; and as we are informed by credible Authors, they hold a fair a.n.a.logy in their names, even unto our days. So the wife of _Moses_ translated in Scripture an _aethiopian_, and so confirmed by the fabulous relation of _Josephus_, was none of the daughters of _Africa_, nor any Negroe of _aethiopia_, but the daughter of _Jethro_, Prince and Priest of _Madian_, which was a part of _Arabia_ the stony, bordering upon the Red Sea. So the Queen of _Sheba_ came not unto _Solomon_ out of _aethiopia_, but from _Arabia_, and that part thereof which bore the name of the first planter, the son of _Chus_. So whether the Eunuch which _Philip_ the Deacon baptised, were servant unto _Candace_ Queen of the _African aethiopia_ (although _Damia.n.u.s a Goes, Codignus_, and the aethiopick relations averr) is yet by many, and with strong suspitions doubted. So that Army of a million, which _Zerah_ King of _aethiopia_ is said to bring against _Asa_, was drawn out of _Arabia_, and the plantations of _Chus_; not out of _aethiopia_, and the remote habitations of the Moors. For it is said that _Asa_ pursuing his victory, took from him the City _Gerar_; now _Gerar_ was no City in or near _aethiopia_, but a place between _Cadesh_ and _Zur_, where _Abraham_ formerly sojourned. Since thereof these _African aethiopians_ are not convinced by the common acception to be the sons of _Chus_, whether they be not the posterity of _Phut_ or _Mizraim_, or both, it is not a.s.suredly determined. For _Mizraim_, he possessed _Egypt_, and the East parts of _Africa_. From _Lubym_ his son came the _Lybians_, and perhaps from them the _aethiopians_. _Phut_ possessed _Mauritania_, and the Western parts of _Africa_, and from these perhaps descended the Moors of the West, of _Mandinga_, _Meleguette_ and _Guinie_. But from _Canaan_, upon whom the curse was p.r.o.nounced, none of these had their originall; for he was restrained unto _Canaan_ and _Syria_; although in after Ages many Colonies dispersed, and some thereof upon the coasts of _Africa_, and prepossessions of his elder brothers.

Fourthly, To take away all doubt or any probable divarication, the curse is plainly specified in the Text, nor need we dispute it, like the mark of _Cain_; _Servus servorum erit fratribus suis_, Cursed be _Canaan_, a servant of servants shall he be unto his brethren; which was after fulfilled in the conquest of _Canaan_, subdued by the _Israelites_, the posterity of _Sem_. Which Prophecy _Abraham_ well understanding, took an oath of his servant not to take a wife for his son _Isaac_ out of the daughters of the _Canaanites_; and the like was performed by _Isaac_ in the behalf of his Son _Jacob_. As for _Cham_ and his other sons, this curse attained them not; for _Nimrod_ the son of _Chus_ set up his kingdom in _Babylon_, and erected the first great Empire; _Mizraim_ and his posterity grew mighty Monarchs in _Egypt_; and the Empire of the _aethiopians_ hath been as large as either. Nor did the curse descend in generall upon the posterity of _Canaan_: for the _Sidonians_, _Arkites_, _Hamathites_, _Sinites_, _Arvadites_, and _Zemerites_ seem exempted. But why there being eleven Sons, five only were condemned and six escaped the malediction, is a secret beyond discovery.

Lastly, Whereas men affirm this colour was a Curse, I cannot make out the propriety of that name, it neither seeming so to them, nor reasonably unto us; for they take so much content therein, that they esteem deformity by other colours, describing the Devil, and terrible objects, white. And if we seriously consult the definitions of beauty, and exactly perpend what wise men determine thereof, we shall not apprehend a curse, or any deformity therein. For first, some place the essence thereof in the proportion of parts, conceiving it to consist in a comely commensurability of the whole unto the parts, and the parts between themselves: which is the determination of the best and learned Writers. Now hereby the Moors are not excluded from beauty: there being in this description no consideration of colours, but an apt connexion and frame of parts and the whole. Others there be, and those most in number, which place it not only in proportion of parts, but also in grace of colour. But to make Colour essential unto Beauty, there will arise no slender difficulty: For _Aristotle_ in two definitions of pulchritude, and _Galen_ in one, have made no mention of colour. Neither will it agree unto the Beauty of Animals: wherein notwithstanding there is an approved pulchritude. Thus horses are handsome under any colour, and the symmetry of parts obscures the consideration of complexions.

Thus in concolour animals and such as are confined unto one colour, we measure not their Beauty thereby: For if a Crow or Black-bird grow white, we generally account it more pretty; and in almost a monstrosity descend not to opinion of deformity. By this way likewise the Moors escape the curse of deformity: there concurring no stationary colour, and sometimes not any unto Beauty.

The Platonick contemplators reject both these descriptions founded upon parts and colours, or either: as _M. Leo_ the Jew hath excellently discoursed in his Genealogy of Love, defining beauty a formal grace, which delights and moves them to love which comprehend it. This grace say they, discoverable outwardly, is the resplendor and Ray of some interiour and invisible Beauty, and proceedeth from the forms of compositions amiable. Whose faculties if they can aptly contrive their matter, they beget in the subject an agreeable and pleasing beauty; if over-ruled thereby, they evidence not their perfections, but run into deformity. For seeing that out of the same materials, _Thersites_ and _Paris_, Beauty and monstrosity may be contrived; the forms and operative faculties introduce and determine their perfections. Which in natural bodies receive exactness in every kind, according to the first _Idea_ of the Creator, and in contrived bodies the phancy of the Artificer. And by this consideration of Beauty, the Moors also are not excluded, but hold a common share therein with all mankind.

Lastly, In whatsoever its _Theory_ consisteth, or if in the general, we allow the common conceit of symmetry and of colour, yet to descend unto singularities, or determine in what symmetry or colour it consisted, were a slippery designation. For Beauty is determined by opinion, and seems to have no essence that holds one notion with all; that seeming beauteous unto one, which hath no favour with another; and that unto every one, according as custome hath made it natural, or sympathy and conformity of minds shall make it seem agreeable. Thus flat noses seem comely unto the Moor, an Aquiline or hawked one unto the _Persian_, a large and prominent nose unto the Romane; but none of all these are acceptable in our opinion. Thus some think it most ornamental to wear their Bracelets on their Wrests, others say it is better to have them about their Ancles; some think it most comely to wear their Rings and Jewels in the Ear, others will have them about their Privities; a third will not think they are compleat except they hang them in their lips, cheeks, or noses. Thus _Homer_ to set off _Minerva_, calleth her ??a???p??, that is, gray or light-blew eyed: now this unto us seems far less amiable then the black. Thus we that are of contrary complexions accuse the blackness of the Moors as ugly: But the Spouse in the _Canticles_ excuseth this conceit, in that description of hers, I am black, but comely. And howsoever _Cerberus_, and the furies of h.e.l.l be described by the Poets under this complexion, yet in the beauty of our Saviour blackness is commended, when it is said, his locks are bus.h.i.+e and black as a Raven. So that to inferr this as a curse, or to reason it as a deformity, is no way reasonable; the two foundations of beauty, Symmetry and complexion receiving such various apprehensions, that no deviation will be expounded so high as a curse or undeniable deformity, without a manifest and confessed degree of monstrosity.

Lastly, It is a very injurious method unto Philosophy, and a perpetual promotion of ignorance, in points of obscurity; nor open unto easie considerations, to fall upon a present refuge unto Miracles; or recurr unto immediate contrivance, from the insearchable hands of G.o.d. Thus in the conceit of the evil odor of the Jews, Christians without a further research into the verity of the thing, or inquiry into the cause, draw up a judgement upon them from the pa.s.sion of their Saviour. Thus in the wondrous effects of the clime of _Ireland_, and the freedom from all venemous creatures, the credulity of common conceit imputes this immunity unto the benediction of S. _Patrick_, as _Beda_ and _Gyraldus_ have left recorded. Thus the a.s.s having a peculiar mark of a cross made by a black list down his back, and another athwart, or at right angles down his shoulders; common opinion ascribes this figure unto a peculiar signation; since that beast had the honour to bear our Saviour on his back. Certainly this is a course more desperate then Antipathies, Sympathies, or occult qualities; wherein by a final and satisfactive discernment of faith, we lay the last and particular effects upon the first and general cause of all things; whereas in the other, we do but palliate our determinations, untill our advanced endeavours do totally reject, or partially salve their evasions.

CHAPTER XII

A Digression concerning Blackness.

There being therefore two opinions repugnant unto each other, it may not be presumptive or skeptical to doubt of both. And because we remain imperfect in the general Theory of colours, we shall deliver at present a short discovery of blackness; wherein although perhaps we afford no greater satisfaction then others, yet shall we Emperically and sensibly discourse hereof; deducing the causes of Blackness from such Originals in nature, as we do generally observe things are denigrated by Art. And herein I hope our progression will not be thought unreasonable, for Art being the imitation of Nature, or Nature at the second hand, it is but a sensible expression of effects dependant on the same, though more removed causes: and therefore the works of the one may serve to discover the other. And though colours of bodies may arise according to the receptions, refraction, or modification of Light; yet are there certain materialls which may dispose them unto such qualities.

And first, Things become black by a sooty and fuliginous matter proceeding from the Sulphur of bodies torrified; not taking _fuligo_ strictly, but in opposition unto ?t??, that is any kind of vaporous or madefying excretion; and comprehending ??a???as??, that is as _Aristotle_ defines it, a separation of moist and dry parts made by the action of heat or fire, and colouring bodies objected. Hereof in his Meteors, from the qualities of the subject he raiseth three kinds; the exhalations from ligneous and lean bodies, as bones, hair, and the like he calleth ??p???, _fumus_, from fat bodies, and such as have not their fatness conspicuous or separated he termeth ??????, _fuligo_, as wax, rosin, pitch, or turpentine; that from unctuous bodies, and such whose oyliness is evident, he named ???s? or _nidor_. Now everyone of these do black bodies objected unto them, and are to be conceived in the sooty and fuliginous matter expressed.

I say, proceeding from the sulphur of bodies torrified, that is the oylie fat, and unctuous parts wherein consist the principles of flammability. Not pure and refined sulphur, as in the Spirits of wine often rectified; but containing terrestrious parts, and carrying with it the volatile salt of the body, and such as is distinguishable by taste in soot; nor vulgar and usual sulphur, for that leaves none or very little blackness, except a metalline body receive the exhalation.

I say, torrified, sindged, or suffering some impression from fire; thus are bodies casually or artificially denigrated, which in their naturals are of another complexion; thus are Charcoals made black by an infection of their own suffitus, so is it true what is affirmed of combustible bodies. _Adusta nigra_, _perusta alba_; black at first from the fuliginous tincture, which being exhaled they become white, as is perceptible in ashes. And so doth fire cleanse and purifie bodies, because it consumes the sulphureous parts, which before did make them foul: and therefore refines those bodies which will never be mundified by water. Thus Camphire of a white substance, by its _fuligo_ affordeth a deep black. So is pitch black, although it proceed from the same tree with Rosin, the one distilling forth, the other forced by fire. So of the suffitus of a torch, do Painters make a velvet black: so is lamp-black made: so of burnt Harts-horn a sable; so is Bacon denigrated in chimnies: so in Feavers and hot distempers from choler adust is caused a blackness in our tongues, teeth and excretions: so are ustilago, brant corn and trees black by blasting; so parts cauterized, gangrenated, siderated and mortified, become black, the radical moisture, or vital sulphur suffering an extinction, and smothered in the part effected. So not only actual but potential fire: not burning fire, but also corroding water will induce a blackness. [SN: _Why the smoak of pure Sulphur blacks not._] So are Chimnies and Furnaces generally black, except they receive a clear and manifest sulphur: for the smoak of sulphur will not black a paper, and is commonly used by women to whiten Tiffinies, which it performeth by an acide vitriolous, and penetrating spirit ascending from it, by reason whereof it is not apt to kindle any thing nor will it easily light a Candle, untill that spirit be spent, and the flame approacheth the match. This is that acide and piercing spirit which with such activity and compunction invadeth the brains and nostrils of those that receive it. And thus when _Bellonius_ affirmeth that Charcoals made out of the wood of Oxycedar are white, Dr. _Jordan_ in his judicious Discourse of mineral waters yeeldeth the reason, because their vapors are rather sulphureous then of any other combustible substance. So we see that _Tinby_ coals will not black linnen being hanged in the smoak thereof, but rather whiten it, by reason of the drying and penetrating quality of sulphur, which will make Red roses white. And therefore to conceive a general blackness in h.e.l.l, and yet therein the pure and refined flames of sulphur, is no Philosophical conception, nor will it well consist with the real effects of its nature.

These are the advenient and artificial wayes of denigration, answerably whereto may be the natural progress. These are the wayes whereby culinary and common fires do operate, and correspondent hereunto may be the effects of fire elemental. So may Bitumen, Coals, Jet, Black-lead, and divers mineral earths become black; being either fuliginous concretions in the earth, or suffering a scorch from denigrating Principles in their formation. So men and other animals receive different tinctures from const.i.tution and complexional efflorescences, and descend still lower, as they partake of the fuliginous and denigrating humour. And so may the _aethiopians_ or _Negroes_ become coal-black, from fuliginous efflorescences and complexional tinctures arising from such probabilities, as we have declared before.

The second way whereby bodies become black, is an Atramentous condition or mixture, that is a vitriolate or copperose quality conjoyning with a terrestrious and astringent humidity; for so is _Atramentum Scriptorium_, or writing Ink commonly made by copperose cast upon a decoction or infusion of galls. I say a vitriolous or copperous quality; for vitriol is the active or chief ingredient in Ink, and no other salt that I know will strike the colour with galls; neither Alom, Sal-gem, Nitre, nor Armoniack. [SN: _What the common Copperose is._] Now artificial copperose, and such as we commonly use, is a rough and acrimonious kind of salt drawn out of ferreous and eruginous earths, partaking chiefly of Iron and Copper; the blew of Copper, the green most of Iron: Nor is it unusual to dissolve fragments of Iron in the liquor thereof, for advantage in the concretion. I say, a terrestrious or astringent humidity; for without this there will ensue no tincture; for Copperose in a decoction of Lettuce or Mallows affords no black, which with an astringent mixture it will do, though it be made up with oyl, as in printing and painting Ink. But whereas in this composition we use only Nut-gals, that is an excrescence from the Oak, therein we follow and beat upon the old receit; for any plant of austere and stiptick parts will suffice, as I have experimented in _Bistorte_, _Myrobolans_, _Myrtus Brabantica_, _Balaustium_ and Red Roses. And indeed, most decoctions of astringent plants, of what colour soever, do leave in the Liquor a deep and Muscadine red: which by addition of vitriol descends into a black: and so _Dioscorides_ in his receit of Ink, leaves out gall, and with copperose makes use of soot.

Now if we enquire in what part of vitriol this Atramental and denigrating condition lodgeth, it will seem especially to lie in the more fixed salt thereof; for the phlegm or aqueous evaporation will not denigrate; nor yet spirits of vitriol, which carry with them volatile and nimbler Salt: For if upon a decoction of Copperose and gall, be poured the spirits or oyl of vitriol, the liquor will relinquish his blackness; the gall and parts of the copperose precipitate unto the bottom, and the Ink grow clear again; which it will not so easily do in common Ink, because that gum is dissolved therein which hindereth the separation. But Colcothar or vitriol burnt, though unto a redness containing the fixed salt, will make good Ink; and so will the Lixivium, or Lye made thereof with warm water; but the Terra or Insipid earth remaining, affords no black at all, but serves in many things for a gross and useful red. And though Spirits of vitriol, projected upon a decoction of gals, will not raise a black, yet if these spirits be any way fixed, or return into vitriol again, the same will act their former parts and denigrate as before.

And if we yet make a more exact enquiry, by what this salt of vitriol more peculiarly gives this colour, we shall find it to be from a metalline condition, and especially an Iron Property or ferreous partic.i.p.ation. For blew Copperose which deeply partakes of the copper will do it but weakly, Verdigrise which is made of Copper will not do it at all, but the filings of Iron infused in vinegar, will with a decoction of gals make good Ink, without any Copperose at all; and so will infusion of Load-stone; which is of affinity with Iron. And though more conspicuously in iron, yet such a Calcanthous or Atramentous quality, we will not wholly reject in other mettals; whereby we often observe black tinctures in their solutions. Thus a Lemmon, Quince or sharp Apple cut with a knife becomes immediately black: And from the like cause, Artichokes; so sublimate beat up with whites of eggs, if touched with a knife, becomes incontinently black. So _Aqua fortis_, whose ingredient is vitriol, will make white bodies black. So leather dressed with the bark of Oak, is easily made black by a bare solution of Copperose. So divers Mineral waters and such as partic.i.p.ate of Iron, upon an infusion of gals, become of a dark colour, and entering upon black. So steel infused, makes not only the liquor duskie, but in bodies wherein it concurs with proportionable tinctures makes also the excretions black. And so also from this vitriolous quality _Mercurius dulcis_, and vitriol vomitive occasion black ejections. But whether this denigrating quality in Copperose proceedeth from an Iron partic.i.p.ation, or rather in Iron from a vitriolous communication; or whether black tinctures from metallical bodies be not from vitriolous parts contained in their sulphur, since common sulphur containeth also much vitriol, may admit consideration. However in this way of tincture, it seemeth plain, that Iron and Vitriol are the powerful Denigrators.

Such a condition there is naturally in some living creatures. Thus that black humour by _Aristotle_ named ???os, and commonly translated _Atramentum_, may be occasioned in the Cuttle-fish. Such a condition there is naturally in some Plants, as Black-berries, Walnut-rinds, Black-cherries; whereby they extinguish inflammations, corroborate the stomack, and are esteemed specifical in the Epilepsie.

Such an atramentous condition there is to be found sometime in the blood, when that which some call _Acetum_, others _Vitriolum_, concurs with parts prepared for this tincture. And so from these conditions the Moors might possibly become Negroes, receiving Atramentous impressions in some of those wayes, whose possibility is by us declared.

[Sidenote: _How a vitriolous quality may be in living bodies._]

Nor is it strange that we affirm there are vitriolous parts, qualities, and even at some distance Vitriol it self in living bodies; for there is a sower stiptick salt diffused through the Earth, which pa.s.sing a concoction in plants, becometh milder and more agreeable unto the sense, and this is that vegetable vitriol, whereby divers plants contain a gratefull sharpness, as Lemmons, Pomegranats, Cherries, or an austere and inconcocted roughness, as Sloes, Medlars and Quinces. And that not only vitriol is a cause of blackness, but that the salts of natural bodies do carry a powerfull stroke in the tincture and vernish of all things, we shall not deny, if we contradict not experience, and the visible art of Dyars; who advance and graduate their colours with Salts.

For the decoctions of simples which bear the visible colours of bodies decocted, are dead and evanid, without the commixtion of Alum, Argol, and the like. And this is also apparent in Chymical preparations. So Cinaber becomes red by the acide exhalation of sulphur, which otherwise presents a pure and niveous white. So spirits of Salt upon a blew paper make an orient red. So Tartar or vitriol upon an infusion of violets affords a delightfull crimson. [SN: _Whence the colours of Plants, etc.

may arise._] Thus it is wonderful what variety of colours the spirits of Saltpeter, and especially, if they be kept in a gla.s.s while they pierce the sides thereof; I say, what Orient greens they will project: from the like spirits in the earth the plants thereof perhaps acquire their verdure. And from such salary irradiations may those wondrous varieties arise, which are observable in Animals, as Mallards heads, and Peac.o.c.ks feathers, receiving intention or alteration according as they are presented unto the light. Thus Saltpeter, Ammoniack and Mineral spirits emit delectable and various colours; and common _Aqua fortis_ will in some green and narrow mouthed gla.s.ses, about the verges thereof, send forth a deep and Gentianella blew.

Thus have we at last drawn our conjectures unto a period; wherein if our contemplations afford no satisfaction unto others, I hope our attempts will bring no condemnation on our selves (for besides that adventures in knowledge are laudable, and the a.s.sayes of weaker heads afford oftentimes improveable hints unto better) although in this long journey we miss the intended end; yet are there many things of truth disclosed by the way; and the collaterall verity may unto reasonable speculations some what requite the capital indiscovery.