a Violent Destruction of the Texture of the Body, but by so slight a
Mechanical operation upon its Texture, as we seem to know what it is, and
as is immediately perform'd, and that several wayes without at all
prejudicing the Body, or making any sensible alterations in its Manifest
Qualities. And I am the more willing to expose my hasty Tryals to Monsieur
_Zulichem_, and to You, because, he being upon the Consideration of
Dioptricks, so odd a _Phænomenon_ relateing to the Subject, as probably he
treats of, Light will, I hope, excite a person to consider it, that is wont
to consider things he treats of very well. And for you Sir, I hope you will
both recrute and perfect the Observations you receive, For you know that I
cannot add to them, having a good while since restor'd to Mr. _Clayton_ the
Stone, which though it be now in the hands of a Prince that so highly
deserves, by understanding them, the greatest Curiosities; yet he
vouchsafes you that access to him as keeps me from doubting, you may easily
obtain leave to make further Tryals with it, of such a Monarch as ours,
that is not more inquisitive himself, than a favourer of them that are so.
I doubt not but these Notes will put you in mind of the Motion you made to
the Society, to impose upon me the Task of bringing in, what I had on other
occasions observ'd concerning shining Bodies. But though I deny not, that I
sometimes made observations about the _Bolonian_ Stone, and try'd some
Experiments about some other shining Bodies; Yet the same Reasons that
reduc'd me then to be unwilling to receive ev'n their commands, must now be
my Apology for not answering your Expectations, Namely the abstruse nature
of Light, and my being already over-burden'd, and but too much kept
imploy'd by the Urgency of the Press, as well as by more concerning and
distracting Occasions. But yet I will tell you some part of what I have met
with in reference to the Stone, of which I send you an account. Because I
find on the one side, that a great many think it no Rarity upon a mistaken
perswasion, that not only there are store of Carbuncles, of which this is
one; but that all Diamonds and other Glistering Jewels shine in the Dark.