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Plutarch's essays and miscellanies, Vol. 3 (of 5)

Volume 3 / Book 3 — CHAPTER IV. OF CLOUDS, RAIN, SNOW, AND HAIL.

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Anaximenes thinks that by the air being very much condensed clouds are formed; this air being more compacted, rain is compressed through it; when water in its falling down freezeth, then snow is generated; when it is encompassed with a moist air, it is hail. Metrodorus, that a cloud is composed of a watery exhalation carried into a higher place. Epicurus, that they are made of vapors; and that hail and rain are formed in a round figure, being in their long descent pressed upon by the circumambient air.

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