Archimedes Texts

77
the second: to which in the first place I say, that one of the first
things that I proposed in this affair was, that I held it impossible
to do any act, though never so beneficial, that was not also ac
companied by some inconvenience and mischief; and therefore
we are to consider well the profit, and the losse and prejudice;
and they both being weighed, we shall be able to choose the les
ser evil: Secondly, I admit it to be most true, that Brent is at some
times muddy, but it is also true, that for the greater part of the
year it is not muddy. Thirdly, I do not see nor understand
what strength this objection hath, being taken so at large, and in
general; and methinks that it is not enough to say, that the
Brent runneth muddy, and to assert that it deposeth its Muddi
nesse in the Lake, but we ought moreover to proceed to particu
lars, and shew how much this Mud is, and in what time this
choaking up of the Ports may be effected. For the Reasons are
but too apparent and particular, that conclude the ruine of the
Lake, and that in a very short time, (for mention is made of
dayes) the Waters diversion being made, and moreover we
have the circumstance of an Experiment, the state of things be
ing observed to have grown worse since the said diversion. And
I have demonstrated, that in case the Diversion of the Sile and
the other Rivers should be put in execution, the Lake would in a
few dayes become almost dry; and the Ports would be lost, with
other mischievous consequences. But on the other side, al
though that we did grant the choaking of them, we may very
probably say, that it will not happen, save onely in the succession
of many and many Centuries of years. Nor can I think it pru
dent counsel to take a resolution and imbrace a Designe now, to
obtain a benefit very uncertain, and more than that, which only
shall concern those who are to come very many Ages after us,
and thereby bring a certain inconvenience upon our selves, and
upon our children that are now alive and present.

Let it be alledged therefore, (although I hold it false) that by
the diversions of the Rivers the Lake may be kept in good con
dition for several years to come.

But I say confidently, and hope to demonstrate it; That the
Diversions will bring the Lake, even in our dayes, to be almost
dry, and at least will leave so little water in it, that it shall cease
to be Navigable, and the Ports shall most infallibly be choaked
up. I will therefore say upon experience, in answer to this Ob
jection, that it is very necessary first well to discourse, and ratio
nally to particularize and ascertain the best that may be this
point of the quantity of this sinking Mud or Sand.

Now I fear I shall make my self ridiculous to those, who mea
suring the things of Nature with the shallownesse of their brains