Book 3
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ANAXIMENES thinks that by the air being very much condensed clouds are formed; this air being more compacted, rain is compressed through it; when water in its falling down freezeth, then snow is generated; when it is encompassed with a moist air, it is hail. Metrodorus, that a cloud is composed of a watery exhalation carried into a higher place. Epicurus, that they are made of vapors; and that hail and rain are formed in a round figure, being in their long descent pressed upon by the circumambient air.
Chapter V. OF THE RAINBOW.
5
THOSE things which affect the air in the superior places of it are of two sorts. Some have a real subsistence, such are rain and hail; others not. Those which enjoy not a proper subsistence are only in appearance; of this sort is the rainbow. Thus the continent to us that sail seems to be in motion.
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Plato says, that men admiring it feigned that it took origination from one Thaumas, which word signifies admiration. Homer says: Jove paints the rainbow with a purple dye, Alluring man to cast his wandering eye. Il. XVII. 547.
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Others therefore fabled that the bow hath a head like a bull, by which it swallows up rivers.
