Aristotle's Works (Paperback)

This historic book may have numerous typos and missing text. Purchasers can download a free scanned copy of the original book (without typos) from the publisher. Not indexed. Not illustrated. 1861 edition. Excerpt: ...and sent to the eyes, and by their pores passing out, doth expel the humours of the eyes; which humour being so expelled brings tears. Q. Why do such as weep much, urine but little? A. Because the radical humidity of a tear and of urine are of oue and the same nature; and therefore, where weeping doth increase, urine diminishes. And that they are of one nature is plain to the taste, because they areioth salt. Q. Why do some that have clear eyes see nothing? A. By reason of the oppilation and naughtiness of the sinews with which we see; for the temples being destroyed, the strength of the light cannot be carried from the brain to the eye. Q. Why ia the eye clear and smooth like glass? A. 1. Because the things which may be seen are better beaten back from a smooth thing than otherwise, that thereby the sight should strengthen. 2. Because the eye is moist above all parts of the body, and of a waterish nature; and as the water is clear and smooth, so likewise is the eye. Q. Why do men and beasts who have their eyes deep in their head see best far off? A. Because the force and power by which we see is dispersed in them, and doth go directly to the thing which is seen. Thus, when a man doth stand in a deep ditch or well, he doth see in the day-time the stars of the firmament; because then the power of the sight and of the beams are not scattered. Q. Whereforo do those men who have eyes far out in their head not see far distant? A. Because the beams of the sight which pass from the eye are scattered on every side, and go not directly unto the thing that is seen, and therefore the sight is weakened. Q. Why are many beasts born blind, as lions' whelps and dogs' whelps? A. Because such beasts are not yet of perfect ripeness and maturity, and the course of...