But though he hath exquisitely Philosophiz'd, in investigating the solution of the doubts he proposeth, yet will I not undertake to maintain, rather various difficulties, that present themselves unto me, give me occasion of suspecting that he hath not entirely displaid unto us, the true Cause of the present Conclusion: which difficulties I will propound one by one, ready to change opinion, whenever I am shewed, that the Truth is different from what I say; to the confession whereof I am much more inclinable than to contradiction. [Sidenote: _Aristotle_ erred in affirming a Needle dimitted long wayes to sink.] _Aristotle_ having propounded the Question, whence it proceeds, that broad Plates of Iron or Lead, float or swim; he addeth (as it were strengthening the occasion of doubting) forasmuch as other things, less, and less grave, be they round or long, as for instance a Needle go to the bottom. Now I here doubt, or rather am certain that a Needle put lightly upon the water, rests afloat, no less than the thin Plates of Iron or Lead. I cannot believe, albeit it hath been told me, that some to defend _Aristotle_ should say, that he intends a Needle demitted not longwayes but endwayes, and with the Point downwards; nevertheless, not to leave them so much as this, though very weak refuge, and which in my judgement _Aristotle_ himself would refuse, I say it ought to be understood, that the Needle must be demitted, according to the Dimension named by _Aristotle_, which is the length: because, if any other Dimension than that which is named, might or ought to be taken, I would say, that even the Plates of Iron and Lead, sink to the bottom, if they be put into the water edgewayes and not flatwayes. But because _Aristotle_ saith, broad Figures go not to the bottom, it is to be understood, being demitted broadwayes: and, therefore, when he saith, long Figures as a Needle, albeit light, rest not afloat, it ought to be understood of them when demitted longwayes. _Moreover, to say that_ Aristotle _is to be understood of the Needle demitted with the Point downwards, is to father upon him a great impertinency; for in this place he saith, that little Particles of Lead or Iron, if they be round or long as a Needle, do sink to the bottome; so that by his Opinion, a Particle or small Grain of Iron cannot swim: and if he thus believed, what a great folly would it be to subjoyn, that neither would a Needle demitted endwayes swim? And what other is such a Needle, but many such like Graines accumulated one upon another? It was too unworthy of such a man to say, that one single Grain of Iron could not swim, and that neither can it swim, though you put a hundred more upon it._