to Aleppo,The voiages in the Mediterrane from East to West are made in shorter times than from West to East. and this it is: That keeping a particular account and memorial of the dayes of the departure and arrival of the Ships in the Ports of Alexandria, of Alexandretta, and this of Venice; in comparing sundry of them, which I did for my curiosity, I found that in exactness of account the returns hither, that is the voiages from East to West along the Mediterrane, are made in less time then the contrary courses by 25. in the Hundred: So that we see that one with another, the Eastern windes are stronger then the Western.
Salv.I am very glad I know this particular, which doth not a little make for the confirmation of the Earths mobility. And although it may be alledged, That all the Water of the Mediterrane runs perpetually towards the Straits-mouth, as being to disimbogue into the Ocean, the waters of as many Rivers, as do discharge themselves into the same; I do not think that that current can be so great, as to be able of it self alone to make so notable a difference: which is also manifest by observing that the water in the Pharo of Sicily runneth back again no less towards the East, than it runneth forwards towards the West.
Sagr.I, that have not as Simplicius, an inclination to satisfie any one besides my self, am satisfied with what hath been said as to this first particular: Therefore Salviatus, when you think it sit to proceed forward, I am prepared to hear you.
Salv.I shall do as you command me, but yet I would fain hear the opinion also of Simplicius, from whose judgement I can argue how much I may promise to my self touching these discourses from the Peripatetick Schools, if ever they should come to their ears.
Simp.I desire not that my opinion should serve or stand for a measure, whereby you should judge of others thoughts; for as I have often said, I am inconsiderable in these kinde of studies, and such things may come into the mindes of those that are entered into the deepest passages of Philosophy, as I could never think of; as having (according to the Proverb) scarce kist her Maid: yet nevertheless, to give you my sudden thoughts, I shall tell you, That of those effects by you recounted, and particularly the last, there may in my judgement very sufficient Reasons be given without the Earths mobility, by the mobility of the Heavens onely; It is demonstrated inverting the argument, that the perpetual motion of the Air from East to West cometh from the motion of Heaven.never introducing any novelty more, than the inversion of that which you your self propose unto us. It hath been received by the Peripatetick Schools, that the Element of Fire, and also a great part of the Aire is carried about according to the Diurnal conversion from East to West, by the contact of the Concave of the Lunar Orb, as by the Vessel their container. Now without going out of your track, I will that we determine the Quantity ofthe
