satisfie my Self, whether there were any Likelihood of Collusion or other
Tricks. But I found that the Judicious Doctor having gone farr out of his
way, purposely to satisfie Himself and his Learned Prince about this
Wonder, had been very Watchfull and Circumspect to keep _Himself_ from
being Impos'd upon. And that he might not through any mistake in point of
Memory mis-inform _Me_, he did me the Favour at my Request, to look out the
Notes he had Written for his Own and his Princes Information, the summ of
which Memorials, as far as we shall mention them here, was this, That the
Doctor having been inform'd at _Utrecht_, that there Lived one at some
Miles distance from _Maestricht_, who could distinguish Colours by the
Touch, when he came to the last nam'd Town, he sent a Messenger for him,
and having Examin'd him, was told upon Enquiry these Particulars:

[4] Since for his eminent Qualities and Loyalty Grac'd, by his Majesty,
with the Honour of Knighthood.

That the Man's name was _John Vermaasen_, at that time about 33 Years of
Age; that when he was but two years Old, he had the Small Pox, which
rendred him absolutely Blind: That at this present he is an _Organist_, and
serves that Office in a publick Quire.

That the Doctor discoursing with him over Night, the Blind man affirm'd,
that he could distinguish Colours by the Touch, but that he could not do
it, unless he were Fasting; Any quantity of Drink taking from him that
Exquisitness of Touch, which is requisite to so Nice a Sensation.

That hereupon the Doctor provided against the next Morning seven pieces of
Ribbon, of these seven Colours, Black, White, Red, Blew, Green, Yellow, and
Gray, but as for _mingled_ Colours, this _Vermaasen_ would not undertake to
discern them, though if offer'd, he would tell that they were _Mix'd_.