remaining in the middle that could not abide in the extreams. Now the way of _Baptista Porta_ that by a thred fastneth a Needle to a Table, and then so guides and orders the same, that by the attraction of the Loadstone it abideth in the air, infringeth not this reason; for this is a violent retention, and if the thred be loosened, the Needle ascends and adheres unto the Attractor. [Sidenote: _Powder of Loadstones, of what operation._] The third consideration concerneth Medical relations; wherein what ever effects are delivered, they are either derived from its mineral and ferreous condition, or else magnetical operation. Unto the ferreous and mineral quality pertaineth what _Dioscorides_ an ancient Writer and Souldier under _Anthony_ and _Cleopatra_ affirmeth, that half a dram of Loadstone given with Honey and Water, proves a purgative medicine, and evacuateth gross humours. But this is a quality of great incertainty; for omitting the vehicle of Water and Honey, which is of a laxative power it self, the powder of some Loadstones in this dose doth rather constipate and binde, then purge and loosen the belly. And if sometimes it cause any laxity, it is probably in the same way with Iron and Steel unprepared, which will disturb some bodies, and work by Purge and Vomit. And therefore, whereas it is delivered in a Book ascribed unto _Galen_, that it is a good medicine in dropsies, and evacuates the waters of persons so affected: It may I confess by siccity and astriction afford a confirmation unto parts relaxed, and such as be hydropically disposed; and by these qualities it may be useful in _Hernias_ or _Ruptures_, and for these it is commended by _Ætius_, _Ægineta_, and _Oribatius_; who only affirm that it contains the vertue of _Hæmatites_, and being burnt was sometimes vended for it. Wherein notwithstanding there is an higher vertue; and in the same prepared, or in rich veins thereof, though crude, we have observed the effects of Chalybeat Medicines; and the benefits of Iron and Steel in strong obstructions. And therefore that was probably a different vein of Loadstone, or infected with other mineral mixture, which the Ancients commended for a purgative medicine, and ranked the same with the violentest kinds thereof: with _Hippophae_, _Cneoron_, and _Thymelæa_, as we find it in _Hippocrates_ [SN: _De morbis internis._]; and might be somewhat doubtful, whether by the magnesian stone, he understood the Loadstone; did not _Achilles Statius_ define the same, the Stone that loveth Iron.