Micrographia - Some Physiological Descriptions of Minute Bodies Made by Magnifying Glasses with Observations and Inquiries Thereupon by Robert Hooke
page 130 of 465 (27%)
page 130 of 465 (27%)
![]() | ![]() |
|
changing the position of the light.
But above all it is most observable, that here are all kind of Colours generated in a _pellucid_ body, where there is properly no such refraction as _Des Cartes_ supposes his _Globules_ to acquire a _vertuity_ by: For in the plain and even Plates it is manifest, that the second refraction (according to _Des Cartes_ his Principles in the _fifth section of the eighth Chapter of his Meteors_) does regulate and restore the supposed _turbinated Globules_ unto their former uniform motion. This Experiment therefore will prove such a one as our _thrice excellent Verulam_ calls _Experimentum Crucis_, serving as a Guide or Land-mark, by which to direct our course in the search after the true cause of Colours. Affording us this particular negative Information, that for the production of Colours there is not necessary either a great refraction, as in the Prisme; nor Secondly, a determination of Light and shadow, such as is both in the Prisme and Glass-ball. Now that we may see likewise what affirmative and positive Instruction it yields, it will be necessary, to examine it a little more particularly and strictly; which that we may the better do, it will be requisite to premise somewhat in general concerning the nature of Light and Refraction. And first for Light it seems very manifest, that there is no luminous Body but has the parts of it in motion more or less. First, That all kind of _fiery burning Bodies_ have their parts in motion, I think, will be very easily granted me. That the _spark_ struck from a Flint and Steel is in a rapid agitation, I have elsewhere made probable. And that the Parts of _rotten Wood_, _rotten Fish_ and the like, are also in motion, I think, will as easily be conceded by those, who consider, that those parts never begin to shine till the Bodies be in a state of |
|