
audiobook
by John Bate
Presented as a series of four short treatises, this early modern work invites the listener into a hands‑on exploration of nature’s hidden tricks. The author begins with water experiments, explaining how pouring water into a glass vessel forces the air inside to escape, even enough to snuff a candle, and offering simple instructions for drawing water with a crane. The style is plain and conversational, aiming to make the principles clear for readers of any ability.
The second part turns to fire, followed by practical guidance on drawing, colouring, painting and engraving, and finally a collection of assorted experiments the writer calls “extravagants.” Across the book, the narrator shares personal discoveries and encourages a spirit of curiosity that blends art with early scientific inquiry. Listeners will hear step‑by‑step demonstrations that feel both instructional and delightfully inventive, capturing the wonder of a 17th‑century mind at work.
Full title
The Mysteryes of Nature and Art Conteined in foure severall Tretises, The first of water workes, The second of Fyer workes, The third of Drawing, Colouring, Painting, and Engraving, The fourth of divers Experiments, as wel serviceable as delightful: partly Collected, and partly of the Authors Peculiar Practice, and Invention Conteined in foure severall Tretises, The first of water workes, The second of Fyer workes, The third of Drawing, Colouring, Painting, and Engraving, The fourth of divers Experiments, as wel serviceable as delightful: partly Collected, and partly of the Authors Peculiar Practice, and Invention
Language
en
Duration
~3 hours (182K characters)
Publisher of text edition
Project Gutenberg
Credits
Produced by Chris Curnow and the Online Distributed Proofreading Team at http://www.pgdp.net (This file was produced from images generously made available by The Internet Archive)
Release date
2015-01-01
Rights
Public domain in the USA.
A quiet, thoughtful voice in 20th-century British poetry, he wrote with deep feeling about conscience, faith, and ordinary life. He was also a librarian, and that steady, observant side of him shaped work remembered for its honesty and warmth.
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