[537] It has been observed that earthquakes, as well as other great convulsions of nature, are preceded by calms; it has also been observed that birds and animals generally exhibit certain presentiments of the event, by something peculiar in their motions or proceedings; this circumstance is mentioned by Aristotle, Meteor. ii. 8, and by Seneca, Nat. Quæst. vi. 12. [538] It is scarcely necessary to remark, that this supposed resemblance or analogy is entirely without foundation. The phænomena of earthquakes are described by Aristotle, De Mundo, cap. 4, and Meteor. ii. 7 and 8; also by Seneca in various parts of the 6th book of his Quæst. Nat. [539] On this subject we shall find much curious matter in Aristotle’s Treatise de Mundo, cap. 4. [540] Poinsinet enters into a long detail of some of the most remarkable earthquakes that have occurred, from the age of Pliny to the period when he wrote, about fifty years ago; i. 249. 2. [541] See Aristotle, Meteor. ii. 8. [542] See Aristotle, Meteor. ii. 8, and Seneca, Nat. Quæst. vi. 13. [543] “Fervente;” “Fremitum aquæ ferventis imitante.” Alexandre in Lemaire, i. 404. [544] The reader will scarcely require to be informed, that many of the remarks in the latter part of this chapter are incorrect. Our author has principally followed Aristotle, whose treatise on meteorology, although abounding in curious details, is perhaps one of the least correct of his works. [545] This observation is taken from Aristotle, Meteor. ii. 8. [546] Phænomena of this kind have been frequently noticed, and are not difficult of explanation. [547] “In iisdem;” “Iidem, inquit, putei inclusum terra spiritum libero meatu emittentes, terræ motus avertunt.” Alexandre in Lemaire, i. 406. [548] “Quæ pendent.” M. Ajasson translates this passage, “qui sont comme suspendues.” Hardouin’s explanation is, “Structis fornice cameris imposita ædificia intelligit; quod genus camerarum spiramenta plerumque habet non pauca, quibus exeat ad libertatem aer.” Lemaire, i. 407. [549] Many of these circumstances are referred to by Seneca, Nat. Quæst. vi. 30. On the superior security of brick buildings, M. Alexandre remarks, “Muri e lateribus facti difficilius quam cæteri dehiscunt, unde fit ut in urbibus muniendis id constructionum genus plerumque præferatur. Ex antiquæ Italiæ palatiis templisve nihil fere præter immensas laterum moles hodie superest.” [550] These remarks upon the different kinds of shocks are probably taken from Aristotle, Meteor. ii. 8. [551] This observation is also in Aristotle, ii. 8. [552] In the year of the city 663; A.C. 90. [553] In the year of the city 821; A.D. 68. [554] The continuation of Aufidius Bassus’ history; our author refers to it in the first book. [555] We have no authentic accounts of this mutual change of place between two portions of land, nor can we conceive of any cause capable of effecting it. Our author mentions this circumstance again in book xvii. ch. 38.