Transcriber's Note. Apparent errors in mathematical expressions have been retained, although apparent typographical errors elsewhere in the text have been corrected. Inconsistencies in hyphenation have been retained. Gesperrt font has been condensed. Small capitals have been replaced by full capitals. Brackets extending over several columns have been replaced by columns of standard brackets. Words that are stacked one over the other are rendered thus: {upper|lower}. Italicised text is indicated by _underscores_. Where an italicised sentence or paragraph includes a word in ordimary font this is also indicated by _underscores_. Mathematical variables are usually italicised. In order to avoid an excessive number of underscores, and where it is possible without ambiguity, complete mathematical expressions have instead been encased in underscores. These usually extend over mathematical operators (such as "+"), or Greek characters, that are not italicised. The more complex mathematical expressions have been separated out from the surrounding text. Fifth roots and nth roots are indicated by [⁵√] and [ⁿ√] respectively. The decimal point may be indicated by a "." or "," while illustrations are referred to as a "Plate" or a "Tab." The Table of Discourses has been amended to include one omitted title and to correct erroneous page numbers. [Illustration, probably of Charles II: _M: Vᵉʳ Gucht Sculp:_] _Miscellanea Curiosa._ CONTAINING A COLLECTION Of some of the Principal _PHÆNOMENA_ IN NATURE, Accounted for by the Greatest Philosophers of this Age; BEING THE Most Valuable DISCOURSES, Read and Delivered to the ROYAL SOCIETY, for the Advancement of Physical and Mathematical Knowledge. As also a Collection of Curious _Travels_, _Voyages_, _Antiquities_, and _Natural Histories_ of Countries; Presented to the same _Society_. In Three VOLUMES. _The Second Edition_; To which is added, A Discourse of the _Influence_ of the _Sun_ and _Moon_ on _Humane Bodies_, &c. By R. _MEAD_, M. D. F. R. S. And also _Fontenelle's Preface_ of the _Usefulness_ of _Mathematical Learning_. VOL. I. LONDON: Printed by _F. M._ for _R. Smith_, at the _Bible_ under the _Piazza_ of the _Royal Exchange_ in _Cornhill_. 1708. TO THE READER. Some of the Principal Discoveries and Enquiries, both in _Physical_ and _Mathematical_ Learning, being register'd in the Voluminous Journals of the _Royal Society_, are amongst a multitude of less useful Matters, so Obscurely hid, that but very few inquisitive Gentlemen ever so much as heard of them. The Design therefore of the ensuing Collection, is to digest in a convenient Method, all the most curious _Philosophical_ and _Mathematical_ Discoveries, as they are to be met with, which may any way tend to the Use of Life or Advancement of Arts and Sciences. And on this Occasion, it will be convenient to intimate to the Reader;