Briefwisseling. Deel 5: 1649-1663

5537. Aan de markiezin van Newcastle²⁾. (K.A.)

I have put your Ex.^cie to a trouble which I did suppose should be the last upon this subject. But experience having carryed me to a new byway, from whence I do not see how to bring myselfe upon the path of truth without your gracious assistance, I doe presume this second time to informe your Ex.^cie of what I have found out, since you were pleased to bestow a most judicious sheete of paper upon my ignorant curiositie. In ordre of your Ex.^cies determination, I did conceave, if the matter inclosed in the hollow parts of these bottels should be a sulphureous liquid gunpowder, that without question fire would worke upon it, and make it active. But, Madam, I found myself so farre short of my opinion, that firing one of these bottels to the reddest hight of heat, I have not onely seene it without any effect, but also beeing cooled againe, I have wondred to see all his vertue spent and spoiled, so that I could breake of the whole taile by peeces even to the belly, without any motion more then you would see in an ordinarie peece of glasse. Having alsoe broke the belly asunder and wel observed the little hollow bubles within it, I have not found the least appearance of any liquor or oyly substance should have been inclosed therein. If your Ex.^cie thinketh it worth her paynes to consider of these circumstances, it may bee by degrees she will bring herself to the

2) Zie No. 5535.

[p. 287]

true notice of the mysterie. I am bolder in importunating her with these trifles, for as much I remember, your Ex.^cie would declare unto me, that beeing to day of an opinion in matter of philosophie, she would not so be bound to it that to morrow she might not make choice of a better. I leave all to her most ingenious perspicacitie, and with her leave do signe me ..... 27 March 1657.