Page:Discourse Concerning the Natation of Bodies.djvu/67

 Needle go to the bottom. Now I here doubt, or rather am certain, that a Needle put lightly upon the water, rests afloat, no less than the thin Plates of Iron or Lead. I cannot believe, albeit it hath been told me, that some to defend Aristotle should say, that he intends a Needle demitted not longwayes but endwayes, and with the Point downwards; nevertheless, not to leave them so much as this, though very weak refuge, and which in my judgement Aristotle himself would refuse, I say it ought to be understood, that the Needle must be demitted, according to the Dimension named by Aristotle, which is the length: because, if any other Dimension than that which is named, might or ought to be taken, I would say, that even the Plates of Iron and Lead, sink to the bottom, if they be put into the water edgewayes and not flatwayes. But because Aristotle saith, broad Figures go not to the bottom, it is to be understood, being demitted broadwayes: and, therefore, when he saith, long Figures as a Needle, albeit light, rest not afloat, it ought to be understood of them when demitted longwayes.

Lastly, either Aristotle believed, that a Needle demitted longwayes upon the water, would swim, or he believed that it would not swim: If he believed it would not swim, he might well speak as indeed he did; but if he believed and knew that it would float, why, together with the dubious Problem of the Natation of broad Figures, though of ponderous Matter, hath he not also introduced the Question; whence it proceeds, that even long and slender Figures, howbeit of Iron or Lead do swim? And the rather, for that the occasion of doubting seems greater in long and narrow Figures, than in broad and thin, as from Aristotles not having doubted of it, is manifested.

No lesser an inconvenience would they fasten upon Aristotle, who in his defence should say, that he means a Needle pretty thick, and not a small one; for take it for granted to be intended of a small one;