y pretty body
shap'd and concreeted by Mechanical principles, without the least shew or
probability of any other seminal _formatrix_.

And since we find that the great reason of the _Phaenomena_ of this pretty
_petrifaction_, are to be reduc'd from the gravity of a fluid and pretty
volatil body impregnated with stony particles, why may not the _Phaenomena_
of Ebullition or Germination be in part possibly enough deduc'd from the
levity of an impregnated liquor, which therefore perpendicularly ascending
by degrees, evaporates and leaves the more solid and fix'd parts behind in
the form of a Mushrom, which is yet further diversify'd and specificated by
the forms of the parts that impregnated the liquor, and compose or help to
constitute the Mushrom.

That the foremention'd Figures of growing Salts, and the Silver Tree, are
from this principle, I could very easily manifest, but that I have not now
a convenient opportunity of following it, nor have I made a sufficient
number of Experiments and Observations to propound, explicate, and prove so
usefull a _Theory_ as this of Mushroms: for, though the contrary principle
to that of _petrify'd_ Iceicles may be in part a cause, yet I cannot but
think, that there is somewhat a more complicated caufe, though yet
Mechanical, and possible to be explain'd.

We therefore have further to enquire of it, what makes it to be such a
liquor, and to ascend, whether the heat of the Sun and Air, or whether that
_firmentiation_ and _putrifaction_, or both together; as also whether there
be not a third or fourth; whether a Saline principle be not a considerable
agent in this business also as well as heat; whether also a fixation,
precipitation or settling of certain parts out of the aerial menstruum may
not be also a considerable coadjutor in the business. Since we find that
many pretty beards _stiriae_ of the particles of Silver may be precipitated
upon a piece of Brass put into a _solution_ of Silver very much diluted
with fair water, which look not unlike a kind of mould or hoar upon that
piece of metal; and the hoar frost looks like a kind of mould; and whether
there may not be several others that do concurr to the production of a
Mushrom, having not yet had sufficient time to prosecute according to my
desires, I must referr this to a better opportunity of my own, or leave and
recommend it to the more diligent enquiry and examination of such as can be
masters both of leisure and conveniencies