Page:The Anatomy of Tobacco.pdf/180

 genious and subtle opinion. And firstly it may be inquired, is it in reality so? and if it be so, whether universally or particularly? To which questions I may make one answer, It is so, but not universally. For as a cucumber seed would attain to nothing if it were planted in ice, so neither can this process of anamnesis take place in a cold and unfruitful mind, but only in one that is delicate and readily receiveth and fructifieth whatever is cast upon it. And secondly, what is the cause of this recollection? Why, as to this various explications have been given. Some will have it that a pipe collects while it is being smoked certain atoms of a subtile æther, which in its turn is impregnated with the quintessence of the surrounding air, which differeth in some degree in every different place. And if the recollection includes a recollection of persons it is said that the atoms collected were partly composed of the breath of these persons. So these atoms being collected are stored up within the substance of the pipe, and remain wtihinwithin [sic] it for any length of time