danger to be infected with the Fire's heat; the Fire first infecting the Body next to it; and that Body infecting the Water: by which Infection, Water is consumed, either by a languishing Hectick Fever; or, by a raging Boyling Fever; and the Life of Water evaporates away. CHAP. XXIII. Of Inflamable Liquors. There are many Bodies of mixt Natures; as for example, Wine, and all Strong Liquors, are partly of a watry Nature, and partly of a fiery Nature; but, 'tis of that sort we name a _Dead_, or _Dull Fire_: but, being of such a mixt Nature, they are both apt to quench Bright Fire, as also, apt to burn or flame; so that such sorts are both Inflamable, and Quenchable. But, some have more of the fiery Nature; and others more of the watry Nature; and, by those Effects, we may perceive, that not only different, but opposite Figurative Motions, do well agree in one Society. CHAP. XXIV. Of THUNDER. I observe, that all Tempestuous Sounds have some resemblances to the flowing of waters, either in great and ruffling waves; or, when the waters flow in such sort, as to break in pieces against hard and rugged Rocks; or run down great Precipices, or against some Obstruction. And the like Sound hath the Blowings of Wind, or the Clappings of Thunder; which causes me to be of opinion, That Thunder is occasioned by a Discord amongst some Water-Circles in the Higher Region; which, pressing and beating upon each other in a confused manner, cause a confused Sound, by reason all Circles are Concave within the Bow, and Convex without; which is a Hollow Figure, although no Vacuum: which Hollow Figure, causes quick Repetitions and Replies; which Replies and Repetitions, we name Rebounds but, Replies are not Rebounds; for, Rebounds are Pressures and Re-actions; whereas Repetitions are without Pressure, but Re-action is not: and, Replies are of several Parts; as, one Part to reply to another. But for _Thunder_, it is occasioned both by Pressures and Re-actions; as also, Replies of Extended Water-Circles, which make a kind or sort of Confusion, and so a confused Sound, which we name _Horrid_; and, according to their Discord, the Sound is more or less terrifying, or violent. But this is to be noted, That as _Thunder_ is caused by undivided or broken Circles; so _Lightning_ is caused by broken or divided Circles, that are extended beyond the Power of the Nature of the Water-Circle; and when the Circle is extreamly extended, it divides it self into a straight Line, and becomes a flowing Flame. CHAP. XXV. Of Vapour, Smoak, Wind, and Clouds.