Had we a mind to oppose Curiosity to Curiosity, we shou'd find that instead of the Motion, which agitates Nations, and gives birth to, and destroys States; Natural Philosophy considers that Great and Universal Motion, which hath put the whole Frame of Nature in Order, and suspended the Cœlestial Bodies in several Spheres, and which illuminates and extinguishes some Stars; and by following always unalterable Laws, diversifies its effects ad infinitum. If the surprising difference of Manners and Opinions of Mankind is so entertaining; there is too a great deal of Pleasure to study the prodigious diversity of the Structure of the different Species of Animals, with reference to their different Functions, to the Elements they live in, to the Climates they inhabit, and the Aliments they are to take, &c. The most curious strokes of History shall hardly be more curious than the Phosphorus, the cold Liquors which being mixt together, break out into a flame; Silver Trees, the almost Magical Operations of the Load-Stone, and a vast number of Secrets, which Art hath discover'd by a near and diligent Scrutiny of Nature.
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TO THE READER.
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