An essay for the recording of illustrious providences

In the Year 1492. At Ensishemium, a stone of three hundred pound weight fell from the Clouds, which is kept as a Monument in the Temple there. And in 1581, A Stone came out of the Clouds in Thuringia, which was so hot that it could not be touched, with which one might strike fire as with a Flint. There is now to be seen at Dresden a Stone which descended out of a Cloud, and is reserved amongst the Admiranda belonging to the Elector of Saxony: some lately living were present at the Fall of that Stone. Again An. 1618. In Bohemia, a considerable quantity of Brass metal fell from the Clouds. No longer since than May 28. 1677. at a Village near Hana in Germany, there was a Tempest of Lightning, and a great multitude of stones of a green and partly caerulean colour fell ⟨p. 114⟩therewith, and a considerable mass of Mineral matter, in taste like Vitriol, being ponderous and friable, having also metallic sparks like Gold intermixed. That which is by some called the Rain-stone or Thunder-bolt, was by the Ancients termed Ceraunia, because of the smell like that of an Horn when put into the fire, which does attend it. Learned Gesner (who in respect of his vast Knowledge in the works of God, may be called the Solomon of the former age) saith that a Gentleman gave him one of those Stones, supposing it to be a Thunder-bolt, and that it was five digits in length, and three in breadth. This fort of Stone is usually in form like unto an Iron Wedge, and has an hole quite through it Job. de Laet in his Treatise de Gemm•• Lib. 2. Cap. 24. relates that he saw another of those Stones. Boetius (de Gemmis Lib.2. Cap.261.) reports that many persons worthy of credit, affirmed that when Houses or Trees had been broken with the Thunder, they did by digging find such Stones in the places where the stroke was given. Nevertheless, that Fulminous Stones or Thunderbolts do always descend out of the Clouds, when such breaches are made by the Lightning, is (as I said) a vulgar Error.

In the Year 1492. At Ensishemium, a stone of three hundred pound weight fell from the Clouds, which is kept as a Monument in the Temple there. And in 1581, A Stone came out of the Clouds in Thuringia, which was so hot that it could not be touched, with which one might strike fire as with a Flint. There is now to be seen at Dresden a Stone which descended out of a Cloud, and is reserved amongst the Admiranda belonging to the Elector of Saxony: some lately living were present at the Fall of that Stone. Again An. 1618. In Bohemia, a considerable quantity of Brass mettal fell from the Clouds. No longer since than May 28. 1677. at a Village near Hana in Germany, there was a Tempest of Lightning, and a great multitude of stones of a green and partly caerulean colour fell