Note 38 — AN ABSTRACT Of the foregoing VOYAGE.

At this Place I would observe, in relation to heaving the Lead, that there is a Nisus in Bodies of Water from below upwards, which makes ’em to sink neither so fast, nor so direct, at any considerable Depth, as near the Surface; all at 200 Fathom or less, being bottomless; i. e. unfathomable.

This Nisus, or resisting Motion to the Descent of Bodies, is not only perceptible in the Lead, but more sensibly declares itself, first, in that black or green Skim, seen sometimes on the Surface (even smelling) after long Calms, the Product of some intestine Motion.

2. That Divers, or any floating Bodies, emerge with greater Force than they sunk.

3. Mr. Boyle’s 20th Experiment observes, that a glass Bubble let open into the Receiver, on the Exsuction of the Air, the Water in it manifestly rises a greater Height; consequently the Expansion and Rarefaction of the Air by the Heat of the Sun, makes room for this Spring in the Water, to exert itself; and therefore the Tides themselves would more difficultly yield to the distant Attractions of the Sun and Moon (I should think) without adding to that Theory this conjoined Force, or natural Propensity of the Sea, to swell before.

In respect to sinking the Lead, also may be added, a greater Coldness, and a greater Saltness of the Sea, in proportion to the Depths; (both which are very probable,) and will create a greater Buoyancy, or Resistance to sinking, as will likewise the drawing out a greater Quantity of Line, (less apt to demerge.) So that although falling Bodies in Air, have their Velocities encreased, the nearer they approach the Earth, yet contrarily in Water, it diminishes with the Descent.