Physiologia Epicuro-Gassendo-Charltoniana, or, A fabrick of science natural, upon the hypothesis of atoms founded by Epicurus repaired [by] Petrus Gassendus ; augmented [by] Walter Charleton ...

SECT. III.

* 1.1IN the THIRD and last Division of Special Occult Qualities, or such as are vulgarly imputed to Sensible Creatures; the Pens of Schollars have been so pro••use, that should we but recount, and with all possible suc∣cinctness, enquire into the Verity and Causes of but the one Half of them; our Discourses would take up more sheets of Paper, than are allowed to the Longest Chancery Bill: wherefore, as in the former, so in this, we shall select and examine only a Few of them, but such as are most in vogue, and whose Reasons, is ••udiciously accommodated, suffice to the Solution of the Rest.

* 1.2(1) The Antipathy of a Sheep to a Woolf, is the common argument of wonder; and nothing is more frequent, than to hear men ascribe it to a provident instinct▪ or haereditary and invincible Hatred, that a Lamb▪ which never saw a Wool•• before, and so could not retain the impression of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 harme done or attempted by him, should be invaded with horror and trembling, at first interview, and run from him: nay, some 〈…〉〈…〉 the secret so far, as to affirme the Antipathy to be Equall on both 〈◊〉〈◊〉. Concerning this, therefore, we observe; that the Enmity is not Reciprocal: For, He that can be persuaded, that the Woolf hates the Sheep▪ only because he worries and preys upon him, and not rather, that the Woolf loves the sheep, because it is a weak and helpless Animal and its s••eth is both pleasant and convenient food for him: we shall 〈…〉〈…〉 persuade Him, that Himself also hates a sheep, be∣cause he 〈…〉〈…〉 pallate and stomach delighted and relieved with Mutton. Nor as the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 on the sheeps side Invincible; for, ourselves have see•• 〈…〉〈…〉, by Custom, to so great familiarity with a Woolf, that 〈…〉〈…〉 with him, and bleat, as after the Dam, when the 〈…〉〈…〉 of the room: and the like Kindness have we 〈…〉〈…〉 betwixt a Lamb and Lyon of the Lord Generall 〈…〉〈…〉 Sion house, and afterward publikely shewed in Lon∣d••n. 〈…〉〈…〉 Fear, which surpriseth the Lamb at first sight of a 〈…〉〈…〉 to arise from any Hereditary Impression derived from the 〈…〉〈…〉 Both•• as well because all Inbredd or traduced 〈…〉〈…〉, as that none of the Progenitors of the Lamb, 〈…〉〈…〉 saw or received any impression of injury from a 〈…〉〈…〉 in England. Besides, in case they had, and though 〈…〉〈…〉 that some Beasts are afraid of men, and other Beasts, 〈…〉〈…〉 memory of some Harme received from some man, 〈…〉〈…〉 the Idea of him, that did the Harme, 〈…〉〈…〉 upon the table of the Memory, and being fresh∣ly 〈…〉〈…〉 the 〈◊〉〈◊〉, whenever the sense brings in the 〈…〉〈…〉 not likely, that the same Idea should be propa∣•••••••• 〈…〉〈…〉, after so many hundred removes, 〈…〉〈…〉 Individual to the whole species, throughout the 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪

The Cause, 〈…〉〈…〉, why All Sheep generally are startled and o••••ended 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sight 〈…〉〈…〉, seems to be only this; that when the Woolf converts his eyes 〈…〉〈…〉 pleasing and inviting object, and that whereupon 〈…〉〈…〉 his Imagination; he instantly darts forth 〈…〉〈…〉 of subtle Effluvia's, which being part of 〈…〉〈…〉 his newly formed Idea of dilaniating and devouring 〈…〉〈…〉 ••omposed, serve as Forerunners or Messengers of destruction to the 〈…〉〈…〉 b••ing transmitted to his Common Sensory, through his opti••k nerve•• most highly misaffect the same, and so cause the sheep to fear, an•• ••n••••avour the praeservation of his life, by flight.

This receives sufficient Confirmation from hence▪* 1.3 that not only such Aversions, as arise from the Contrariety of Constitutions in several Ani∣mals 〈…〉〈…〉 commonly observed to produce those Effects of Fear, Trem∣bling and flight from the objects, from which offensive impressions are de∣rived, by the mediation of disagreeing Spirits or Ema••ations: but even the seeing them in a passion of Anger, or Fury, doth suddainly cause the like. For, violent Passions ever alter the Spirits, and Characterize them with the idea at that time most praevalent in the Imagination of the Passion∣ate; so that those spirits issuing from the body of the Animal, in the height o•• Passion, and insinuating themselves into the brain of the other Animal contrari••y 〈◊〉〈◊〉, must of necessity highly disgust and offend it. Which is the most likely Reason that hath hitherto been given, Why Bees sel∣dom sting men of a mild and peaceful disposition: but will by no means en∣dure, not be reconciled to others of a froward, cholerick, and waspish na∣ture. The same▪ so may serve to answer that common Quaere, Why some 〈…〉〈…〉 persons, having tuned their spirits to the highest key of 〈…〉〈…〉 have daunted not only fierce Mastiffs, but 〈…〉〈…〉 other Wild and ravenous Beasts, meerly by 〈…〉〈…〉 put them to flight by the Artillery of their 〈…〉〈…〉 Eyes. And the Key, wherewith we have unlockt the se∣cret 〈…〉〈…〉 and Woolf, will also open those like Antipa∣thies supposed to be betwixt the Dove and Falcon, the Chicken and Kite, and all other weak Animals, and such as use to make them their pr••y.

(2) It is worthy a serious Remark,* 1.4 that sundry Animalls bear a kind of 〈…〉〈…〉 to the Persons of such men, as are delighted or conversant in the Destruction of those of the same species with them: as we daily see, that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 are highly offended and angry at Butchers: that Dogs bark 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Glovers, that deal most in Dog skins, and 〈…〉〈…〉 killing of Dogs, in time of the plague, to prae∣v••nt 〈◊〉〈◊〉 diffusion 〈…〉〈…〉 and encrease of Putrefaction, by their 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that Vermin 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the trapps and gins of Warrenners, where∣•••• 〈…〉〈…〉 their owne kind hath been taken and destroyed, &c. As 〈…〉〈…〉, or strong Aversions, tis manifest, that they arise 〈…〉〈…〉, or Character of Providence 〈…〉〈…〉 Natures, or Essential Forms, but only 〈…〉〈…〉 upon the sense. For the 〈…〉〈…〉

any Animal of the same species, excite a kind of Horror in the like Ani∣mal that smells them; and so cause it to abhor and avoid all such persons and places, for fear of the like harm and internecion, as their fellowes have suffered from them. Now, that which makes these odours insinuate them∣selves with such ••ase and familiarity into the Sensories of animals of the same species, is the similitude and Uniformity of their Specifical Constitutions, which yet the rough hand of Corruption seems not totally to have oblite∣rated in the long since extravenated blood and spirits, but to have left some Vestigia or R••mains of the Canine nature in the Doggs blood, of the Por∣cine in the Sw••••••s, &c. And, that which makes them so horridly Odious, is the great A••••••••••ion of the blood from its genuine temper and conditi∣us. For, the smell of the Carcass, or blood of any Animal, having once suffered the Dep••avation of Corruption; is always most hateful and dan∣gerous to others of the same Species: and it hath been observed, that the most pernicious in••ections and Plagues have been such, as took their Ori∣ginal from the Corruption of Humane Bodies; which indeed, is the best reason that hath ••een yet given, why the Plague so often attends long and bloody Sieges▪ and is commonly the second to the Sword. We conceive, the same to 〈…〉〈…〉 the ground of that Axiom of the Lord St. Alban (Nat. Hist. cent. 10.•• ••enerally, that which is Dead, or Corrupted, or Excerned, hath Antipa•••••• ••••th the same thing, when it is Alive, and when it is sound; and with those 〈◊〉〈◊〉 which do excern: as a Carcass of Man is most infecti∣ous and odious ••••man, a Carrion of an Horse to an Horse, &c. Purulent matter of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and Ulcers, Carbuncles, Pocks, Scabbs, Leprousy, to Sound flesh. And the Excrements of every species to that Creature, that excerneth them. But the Exc••ements are less Pernicious, than the Cor∣ruptions.

* 1.5(3) The 〈◊〉〈◊〉 (and, according to some reports, the opening of the Eyes•• of the Carcass of a murthered man, at the praesence and touch of the Homicide. 〈…〉〈…〉 in truth, the noblest of Antipathies: and scarce any Writer of the Secrets or Miracles of Nature, hath omitted the Conside∣ration thereof. This Life in Death, Revenge of the Grave, or loud lan∣guage of silent Corruption, many Venerable and Christian Philosophers have accounte•••• holly Miraculous or Supernatural; as ordained and effected by the just 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of God, for the detection and punishment of the inhumane 〈◊〉〈◊〉. And, least we should seem too forward, to ex∣punge, from 〈◊〉〈◊〉 mind of any man, the beleif of that opinion, which to some may 〈…〉〈…〉 more powerful Argument, than the express Command of God, to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 them from committing so horrid and execrable a Crime as Mu••••er: we shall so far concurr with them, as to conceive this Effect 〈…〉〈…〉 Divine only in the I••stitution, but meerly Natural in the Production, or Immediate Causes. Because the Apparence seems not to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Capacity of Natural Means, and the whole Syn∣drome and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of it Causes may be thus explained. It is an Opini∣on highly C••••••entaneous, that in every vehement Passion there is form∣e•••• certain 〈…〉〈…〉 well of the Object, whereupon the Imagination is 〈…〉〈…〉 the Good or Evil connected unto, and expected from that Objec•• and that this Idea is as it were impressed, by a kind of inexplicable 〈◊〉〈◊〉 upon the Spirits, at the same instant the Mind 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to Will the praesent Prosecution, or Avoidance or the object 〈…〉〈…〉 by the mediation of the Spirits (those Angels of

the Mind) the same Idea is transmitted to the Blood, and through the Arteries diffused into all parts of the body, as well as into the Nerves and Muscles, which are inservient to such Voluntary Motions, as are requi∣site to the execution of the Decrees and Mandats of the Will, concern∣ing the Prosecution, or Avoidance of the Object. This being so, we may conceive, that the Phansy of the Person assaulted by an Assassine, having formed an Idea of Hatred, Opposition, and Revenge, and the same being Characterized upon the Spirirs, and by them diffused through the blood; though the blood become much less Fluid in the veins after death, by reason the vital influence and Pulsifick Faculty of the Heart, which Animated and Circulated it, is extinct: yet, because at the prae∣sence of the Murderer, there issue from the pores of his body such subtile Emanations, as are Consimilar to those, which were emitted from him, at the time He strove with overcame, and killed the Patient; and those Emanations entering the Dead Body, doe cause a fresh Commotion in the blood remaining yet somewhat Fluid in its veins, and as it were renew the former Colluctation or Duell betwixt the yet wholly un∣condensed Spirits of the slain, and those of the Homicide: therefore is it, that the Blood, suffering an Estuation, flows up and down in the veins, to seek some vent, or salley-port; and finding none so open as in that part, wherein the wound was made, it issues forth from thence. And, where the Murthered Person is destroyed by strangulation, suffo∣cation, or the like unbloody Death, so that there is no manifest Solu∣tion of Continuity in the skin, or other Exterior parts of the body; in that case, it hath been observed, that the Carcass bleeds at the Mouth, or Nose, or both; and this only because in all vehement strivings, and especially in Colluctation for life, the Spirits and Blood flow most plen∣tifully into the Arteries and Veins of the Herd, as is visible by the great Redness of the Eyes and face of every man that Fights; and where the blood fixeth in most plenty, there will be the greatest tumult, aestuation and commotion, when it is fermented, agitated, and again set afloat, by the Discordant Effluvia's emitted from the body of the neer appro••ch∣ing or touching Murtherer and consequently, there must the vessels suffer the greatest stress, distension, and disruption, or apertion of their orifices.

(4) And this magnale of the (as it were) Reanimation of the vin∣dictive blood in the veins of a Dead body,* 1.6 by the Magick of those Ho∣stile and Fermenting Aporrhaea's, transmitted from the body of Him, who violently extinguished its former life; ushers in Another, no less prodigious, nor less celebrated by Naturalists: and that is the sud∣dain Disanimation of the Blood in Living Bodies, by the meer pr••∣sence of the Basilisk, Catablepa, and Diginus; Serpents of a Nature so transcendently Venemous, that, according to pogular Tradition, and the several relations of Dioscorides, Galen, Pliny, Solinus, Aelian, Avicen, and most other Authors, who have treated of the Proprie∣ties of Animals and Venoms, they are Dectructive beyond themselves, i. e. they either kill by intuition, or Hiss out the flames of life by their Deieterious Expirations. If Natural Historians have herein escaped that itch of Fiction, to which they are so generally subject, when they come to handle Rarities; and that Nature hath produced any such Spe∣••••es, whose optical Emissions, or Pectoral Expirations are fatal and per∣nicious

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whether he sees the Woolf first, or the Woolf him; suddain si∣lence being ever the Associate, ••or (rather) Consequent of great and suddain Fear. The Aphonia, therefore, or Defect of voice, which hath sometimes, though very rarely, been observed to invade men, upon the Conspection of Woolves; is not the genuine Effect of any secret and radicated Anti∣pathy, or Fascinating Virtue in the subtle Aporrhaea's emitted from the eyes, lungs, or bodie of the Woolf: but only of their own Fear and Terror, ari∣sing from a strong apprehension of Danger; the suddain and impetuous Concentration of the Spirits, toward the Heart, by reason of the violent Terror, at that time, causing a Defection of spirits, and consequently a kind of Relaxation in the Muscles of the Tongue, and Nerves inservient to the vocal instruments: So that the inspired Aer cannot be Efflated with that force and celerity, as is necessary to the loudness and distinct articulati∣on of the voice.

(6) Nor is it the Eye alone,* 1.7 that the Folly of men hath made obnoxious to Antipathies, but the Ear also hath it share of wonderful Effects; for, there go solemn stories of inveterate and specifical Enmities betwixt the Lyon and Cock, Elephant and Swine, and He hath read little, who hath not more than once met with sundry relations, that the Crowing of the Cock is more terrible than death, to the fiercest Lyon, and the Grunting of a Swine so odious to an Elephant, that it puts him into an Agony of Horror, Trembling, and Cold sweat. Which notwithstanding, may well be called to the barre of Experiment, and many worthy Authors have more then questioned, among whom, Camerarius (in Symbol.) expresly assures us, that in his time, one of the Duke of Bavaria's Lyons, breaking into a yard adjacent to his Den, and there finding a flock of Poultry, was so far from being afraid of the Cock, or his Crowing, that he devoured him and his troop of Hens together. And as for the other Antipathy; our∣selves have seen an Elephant feed and sleep quietly in the same stable, with a Sow and her whole litter of Piggs. However, lest some should plead the power of Custom, in both these cases, and object, that that Lyon and Elephant had been, by Assuefaction, brought to endure the naturally hateful Noises of the Cocks Crowing, and the Swines Grunting; to era∣dicate the belief of the supposed Occult Antipathies, we say: that such may be the Discrepancy or Disproportion betwixt the Figures and Con∣textures of those subtile particles, that compose those Harsh Sounds, and the Contexture of the organs of Hearing in the Lyon and Elephant, as that they exasperate them, and so highly offend those Animals. For, thus we suffer a kind of short Horror, and our Teeth are set on edge, by those harsh and vehement sounds, made by scraping of trenchers, filing the teeth of saws, squeaking of doors, and the like: only because those sounds grate and exasperate the Auditory Nerves, which communicate the harsh impression to the Nerves of the Teeth,* 1.8 and cause a stridor therein.

(7) But if we pass from these Imaginary▪ to Real Antipathies, and desire not to misimploy our Understanding, in the quest of Dihot••es for such things, of whose Hoti the more sober and judicious part of Schollars justly doubt▪ let us come to the wonderful Venome of the TARANTULA, a certain Phalangium or smal Spider frequent in Italy, but most in and about Tarentum in Apulia; which hath this strange Propriety, that be∣ing

communicated to the bodie of man, by biting, it makes him Dance most violently, at the same time, every year, till He be perfectly cured thereby, being invincible by any other Antidote but Musick. An Effect so truly admirable, and singular, that the Discovery of its abstruse Causes, and the manner of their operation, cannot but be most oppor∣tune and grateful to the Curious; who, we presume, would gladly knowe,

Why su••h as are empoysoned by the biting of a Tarantula, fall int•• violent Fits of Dancing, and cannot be Cured by any other Remedies, but the Harmonious Straines of Musick alo••••▪

SOLUTION.

How great the power of Musick is, as to the excitement, exaltation, and compescence or mitigation of the Passions of the Mind of Man; and wherein the C••use of that Harmonical Magick doth consist: would be a Digression, and perhaps somewhat superfluous for us here to enquire. And, therefore, cutting off all Collateral Curiosities, we shall confine our present 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to the limits of our owne Profession; endeavour∣ing only to explain the Reasons, why Musick hath so strong and ge∣nerous an Energy, as certainly to cure the Bodie of a man, intoxicated with the Venome of the Taruntula, which eludes and despises the oppo∣sition of all other Alexipharmacal Medicaments. Forasmuch, there∣fore, as the ••t••ings of a Lute, Vial, or other Musical Instrument, do alwayes mov•• and impell the Aer, after the same manner as themselves are moved an•• impelled, and by this proportionate misture of Sounds create an Harmony delightful not only to the Eare, but to that Harmo∣nious Essenc••▪ the soul, which Animates the Eare; hence comes it, that by the musical Harmony, that is made by the Musicians play••••g to the per∣son infected with the Tarant••sme, the Aer, by reason of the various and yet proportionate motions of the strings, is harmonically moved and agitated, and carying th••se various motions of the harmony impressed upon it self, into the Eare, and so affecting the Phantastical Faculty with those pleasant motions, 〈…〉〈…〉 like manner affect and move the spirits in the brain: and the spirits having received those impressions, and diffused into the Nerves, Muscles and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the whole body, and there meeting with a certain thin, acrimon••ous and pricking Humor, which is the chief fewel and vehicle of the Veno••e derived from the Tarantula; they attenuate and agitate the same, by a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 very like that of Fermentation, and disperse it with a quick motion 〈…〉〈…〉 all the parts. And this Humor being thus set afloat, and estuated, to••••••her with the venome, or seeds of the Poyson, which are contained 〈◊〉〈◊〉, must needs affect all the Musculousand Nervous parts, 〈…〉〈…〉, with a kind of Itch, or gentle and therefore plea∣san•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or (rather) Titillation: So that the Patient feeling this uni∣versa•• 〈…〉〈…〉 Tickling, can be no longer at ease and quiet but is com∣pelle•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 to dance and move all the members of his body with all agility 〈…〉〈…〉 possible. This Dancing causeth a Commotion of all the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in his body; that Commotion augments the present Heat there••••▪ that Heat causeth a Relaxation and Apertion of the pores of th•• ••kin; and thereupon ensues a liberal and universal sweat;

and together with that sweat, the venome is dispersed and expelled. But, where the Venome is so deeply settled, and as it were radicated in the solid substance of the parts, as that one or two, or three Fits of Dancing and Sweating are not sufficient to the total Eradication and Expulsion thereof; in that deplorable case, the Patient becomes freshly intoxicated, and re∣lapseth into his dancing paroxisins, at the same periodical season, every year, without omission, till his many and profuse Annual sweats have freed him from all Reliques of the Poyson.

Most true it is,* 1.9 that Divers Tarantiacal persons are affected with divers Musical Instruments, and divers Tunes and Ayrs; but this is to be imputed to the Diversity of Complexions and Temperaments either of the Ta∣rantula's, which envenome them, or of the Persons themselves. For, such as are Melancholy of themselves, or intoxicated by the poyson of the dul∣ler and more sluggish sort of Tarantula's; are ever Affected and Sympathize rather with the musick of Drums, Trumpets, Sackbuts, and other loud and strong sounding instruments, than with that of Lutes, Vials, and other soft and gentle ones. For, since Melancholy is a thick, heavy and viscid Humor, and the Spirit•• alwaies follow the Disposition of the Humor praedominant; to the Concitation and Dissipation thereof, a greater force of motion is required. And this, doubtless, was the Reason, why a cer∣tain Girl of Tarentum, being there bitten by a Tarantula, and affected with the stupendious symptome of Tarantism, could never be excited to dance by any sounds, but those of Guns, Alarms beaten upon Drums, Charges and Triumphs sounded in Trumpets, and other military musick; the hea∣vy and viscid venome, meeting with a body of a Cold and Phlegmatick Complexion; and so requiring very strong Commotions of the Aer and Spirits, to its Estuation and Dissipation. And, on the Contrary, Chole∣rick and Sanguine Complexions, are, by reason of the Subtility of their Spirits, and greater Fluidity of their Humors, soonest Cured by the H••r∣mony of Lutes, Harps, Vials, Virginals, Guitarrs, Tiorba's, and other stringed Instruments.

But, that which deserves our highest Admiration, is this▪* 1.10 that this Venome of the Tarantula doth produce the same Effect in the body of man, which it doth in that of the Tarantula it self, wherein it is ge∣nerated▪ as if there were some secret Cognation and Similitude be∣twixt the Nature of that venemous Spider, and that of Mankinde. For, as the Poyson, being infused into any part of mans body, and set a work by Musick, doth, by a continual vellication or Titillation of the Muscles and Membranes thereof, incite the intoxicated person to dance: So likewise, while it remains in its own womb and proper Conservatory, the body of the Tarantula being once set a work by Musick, doth it in∣cite the Tarantula to dance, and caper, as is commonly observed by the Italians, and at large related by At••an. Kircherus (in opere Magnetico) and some others of un questionable veracity, who would admit no testimo∣ny in this particular, but what they received from their own exact obser∣vations. Among the sundry Narrations of Experiments in this kind, Kircher entertains his Reader cheifly with this one, as the most exact and commemorable.

A certain Italian Duchess sayes He) to the end she might be fully satisfied of the truth of this prodigy of nature, of which ••he had so often heard, and as often doubted, commanded that a Tarantula

should be brought into the Hall, or Refectory of a Colledge of Jesuits, all the Fathers being praesent; and there set upon a small chipp of wood, that floated 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of water. Then she gave order, that an Excellent Harper shoul•• stand by, and play over several of his best composed Tunes. The Tarantula, for a good while, seemed wholly unconcerned in the musick▪ discovering no motions of tripudiation in himself; but at length, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the H••rper had hi•• upon some certain Notes Strains, and Ayres▪ 〈◊〉〈◊〉 held some proportion to the Humor and Specifical Venome of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Spider, ••he now enchanted Insect began to detect its sym∣pathy to 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and natural inclination to dancing, not only by the frequent 〈…〉〈…〉, and nimble agitation of his whole body, but even most 〈◊〉〈◊〉 observ••ng time and measures, according to the Harmo∣ni•••••• Numb•••••• ••••prest in the Tune: and as the Musician plaid more slow∣ly 〈…〉〈…〉 the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 beast dance more slowly or nimbly; not moving a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 after the T••m•• was ended.

But, this which then ap∣p••••r••d 〈…〉〈…〉 the Dutche••s and other Spectators, they soon after heard 〈…〉〈…〉 to the Musicians of Tarentum, who being hired, with an 〈…〉〈…〉 paid out of the Publique purse, to cure the mean∣e•• 〈…〉〈…〉 when any is bitten by a Tarantula; that they may not 〈…〉〈…〉 the Patient, and put themselves to the pains of play∣ing ••ong 〈…〉〈…〉 enquire of the Patient, in what house, what field, 〈…〉〈…〉 of what colour and bigness the Tarantula was, that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 him 〈◊〉〈◊〉 satisfied of these particulars, they forthwith go to the p••ace 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪ and there looking among the several species of Ta∣rantul••s 〈…〉〈…〉 are busie in weaving their Cobweb nets, for the en∣snaring of 〈◊〉〈◊〉 they search for such a one as the Patient hath described, and having 〈◊〉〈◊〉 found the like, they instantly fall to their instruments; and pla•• over 〈◊〉〈◊〉 sets of Lessons one after another, till they light up∣on 〈…〉〈…〉 holding some proportion to the Specifical tempera∣ment and vene••••ous Humor of that Tarantula, inciteth him to dance. 〈…〉〈…〉 delightful and strange it is to behold the great 〈…〉〈…〉 among many Tarantula's together; one while this 〈◊〉〈◊〉 another 〈◊〉〈◊〉 that exactly sympathizing with the Harmonious mo∣••io•• 〈…〉〈…〉 and aer. When the Musicians have thus informed 〈…〉〈…〉 particular Genius and Humor of that species of Taran∣tu•••••• by one 〈◊〉〈◊〉 which the Patient was envenomed; they return home, an•• 〈…〉〈…〉 almost at first touch of their instruments, play∣in•• 〈…〉〈…〉 again those Tunes, whose Correspondency to the 〈…〉〈…〉 ambuscado •• in the centrals of his bodie, they 〈…〉〈…〉 ••••perimented▪ and they seldom or never fail of the 〈…〉〈…〉 are certain what Notes and Tunes are most 〈…〉〈…〉 Genius of the Spider, that hath intoxicated the 〈◊〉〈◊〉.

〈…〉〈…〉 inconsistent with Reason, that the Tarantula it self 〈…〉〈…〉 strange Effect from the Charms of Musick, as 〈…〉〈…〉 Venome hath intoxicated: for seeing that 〈…〉〈…〉 supplies the office of Blood in this Insect is exceed∣ing 〈…〉〈…〉 with subtle and hot spirits, and so becomes a 〈…〉〈…〉 receive the Motions impressed upon it, by the 〈…〉〈…〉 Aer, whereof the Sounds are composed: it seems 〈…〉〈…〉 being a s••••ated and set afloat, by the motions of the

aer, which are Harmonical; it should cause the like Vibrissations in the ner∣vous parts of the Tarantula, as the hand of the Musician hath caused in the Consonous strings of the instrument; the strings caused in the Aer, and the Aer caused in the spirits of the Animal: and consequently, that the Animal should suffer a kind of Itch, or gentle vellication in all its nerves, and muscles, and to ease it self of that troublesom Affection, move all its members, not only with great agility, but variety of motions correspnodent to those of the Harmony impressed upon its spiritual substance; especially where the Harmony is proportionate to the specifical (and perhaps, individual) Con∣stitution of the same.

That the vital Humor of these and most other Spiders, is both viscous,* 1.11 and a subject capable of Sounds, as we here assume▪ may be inferred from the relation of Peter Martyr (in Histor. sua Indiae Occidental) that in the West Indies there is a certain species of Phalangiums, or Venenate Spiders, whose poyson, being expressed, is so exceedingly viscid and tenacious, that the Na∣tives use to draw and spin it out into long threads, and twist those threads into Treble strings for their instruments of Musick: as also from our own ocular testimony, whenever we press a Spider to death.

And (what is of greatest moment to our praesent Disquisition) that the Venome of the Tarantula, by rea on of the Acrimony,* 1.12 or Mordacity of its Spiritual and hot particles, causeth an uncessent Titillation, or Itching joyn∣ed wi••h great heat, in the nervous and musculous parts of mans body, when it is in aestuation and commotion therein, may be collected from the agree∣ing relations of all persons, who have known the misery of Tara••tisme▪ every one complaining of an insufferable Itch in all parts of his body, during the paroxisme, and finding a remission of the same immediately after pro∣fuse sweating. For your farther Confirmation herein, be pleased to hear Father Kircher tell you a memorable and pertinent story.

A certain Cap∣pucine (saith He) of the Monastery belonging to that Order, in Tarentum, being bitten by a Tarantula, and by his (in that point, too severe) Superi∣ors forbidden to have recourse either to Baths, or Dancing, for the cure of his infection, as means that might seem too light and inconsistent with the gravity and rigid rules of his Profession; was so miserably and beyond all patience tormented with an itching and burning in both the interior and and exterior parts of his body, that rest and quiet were things he had long since been a stranger to; and hoping to find some ease and allay of his restless pains by bathing in cold water, he, one night, privily conveyed himself out of the Covent, and leaped into an Arm of the Sea, that em∣braced the town. Where, indeed, he met with a perfect cure of a••l his torments and grievances; being instantly drowned: leaving his Brethren to lament their own great loss, as well as the Sadness of his Face; and his Superiors to repent the cruelty of that Superstition, which had denied him the use of those innocent Remedies, Musick and Dancing, which the happy experience of many thousands had praescribed.

Lastly, as it is not every Harmonical Ayre that suits with the Genius of every Tarantula, but every particular species holds a secret Corres∣pondence to some particular sorts of Instruments, Tunes, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 composed of such and such Notes: So likewise is it not the Musick of every instrument, nor every modulation of sounds that move and

excite every person infected with this kind of poyson; but every Ta∣rantiacal Patient requires such and such particular Harmonious Tunes, Strains, and Notes as are proportionate to that Diathesis, or Disposi∣tion, which results from the Commixture and Confermentation of his owne Humors, and the Venome infused into his body. Which is the Rea∣son, why some dance to no musick but that of Drums, Trumpets and o∣ther loud and martial instruments; and others again are easily charmed to Levolta's by the mild and gentle Consonances of Lutes and Tiorba's. And if the Patient, being of a hot and bilious Complexion, be intoxicated by the venome of a Tarantula of the like Cholerick temperament; upon the aestuation and confermentation of those two consimilar Humors, the Pati∣ent shall become Feverish, insatiately thirsty, restless, and furiously maniacal: but, where a Melancholy Tarantula hath empoysoned a man of the like dull and sluggish Constitution; in that case, He shall be infested with great and inexpugnable Drowsiness, Stupidity, Spontaneous Lassitude, love of Solitude, unseasonable and affected Silence, and the like Symptoms contrary to the former, and shall be relieved only by grave and solemne tunes; the Accidents supervening upon this kind of intoxication, alwayes following and betraying the capacity of the praedominant Humor, and re∣sponding to that Harmony, which hath the most of proportion to the Ge∣nius of the Poyson.

* 1.13And as for the Annual Relapses of Patients, into their Tarant••acal Fits; the Cause thereof must be only this, that the Reliques of the Poyson cau∣sing a fresh Commotion and Fermentation of the most susceptible Humors of the body, and especially of the Serous and Bilious part of the blood (for, most persons thus affected; have their Paroxysms in the hottest season of the year) and imbuing them with exceeding great Acrimony and Morda∣city: diffuse themselves through the Arteries and Veins into all parts of the body; and fixing more especially on the thin membranes, that invest the muscles, so oppress, prick and vellicate them, as that the infected shall know no rest nor case, till he hath danced and sweat▪ to the dissipation and ex∣pulsion of all those sharp and pungent particles, that were diffused into the Habit of his body.

* 1.14But, what particular Sounds, and Notes, and Strains, and Ayres, are Accommodate to the Venome of this or that particular Tarantula; we leave to the determination of the long experienced Musicians of Tarentum only thus much we may say, in the General; that by how much the more frequent Diminutions of Notes into halfs and quarters (which is cal∣led Division) and the more frequent permistion of Sharps and Flats, in a Tone charged with frequent Semitones, the Tune containeth: by so much the more grateful will the same be to all Tarantulized Persons; because, from the Celerity of the motions it comes, that the Dormant Venome is more nimbly agitated, and so must sollicite them to dance the more spritely and vehemently. Hence is it, that the Musicians of Italy, such especially who proress the certain and speedy Cure of the Tarantisme, for the most part, enrich and adorne their strains with various Divisions of Notes; and that mostly in the Phrygian Tone, because it consisteth of frequent Semi∣tones.

(8) What we have here said,* 1.15 concerning the Magick of Harmonious Sounds both upon the Tarantula it self, and those unhappy men, whom its Fascinating venome hath Tarantulized; as it doth wholly take off the In∣credibility of those Relations, which some Natural Magicians have set down, of the Incantation of Serpents, by a wand of the Cornus, or Dog tree: so doth it also give us no obscure light into the dark Cause of that Effect, which among the Ignorant and Superstitious hath ever passed for meer∣ly praestigious and Diabolical. For, it being certain, that all Serpents are most highly offended at the smell, and influx of those invisible Emanati∣ons proceeding from the Cornus, by reason of some great Disproporti∣on or Incompossibility, betwixt those subtile Effluvia••s, and the tempe∣rament of the Vital and Spiritual Substance of Serpents: insomuch that, in a moment, they become strongly intoxicated thereby: Why should it seem impossible, that He, who understands this invincible Enmity, and how to manage a wand or rod of the Cornus with cunning and dexterity; having first intoxicated a Serpent by the touch thereof, should, during that fit, make him observe and readily conforme to all the various moti∣ons of that wand: So as that the unlearned Spectators perceiving the Ser∣pent to approach the Enchanter, as he moves the wand neerer to him∣self; to retreat from him, as he puts the wand from him; to turne round, as the wand is moved round▪ to dance, as that is waved to and fro; and lye still, as in a trance, when that is held still over him; and all this while knowing nothing, that the simple virtue of the wand is the Cause of all those mimical motions and gestures of the Serpent: they are easily deluded into a belief, that the whole seene is supernatural, and the main Energy radicated in those words, or Charms, which the Impostor, with great Ceremony and gravity of aspect mutters forth, the better to disguise his Legerdemane, and dissemble N••ture in the Colours of a Mi∣racle.

And, as in this, so in all other Magical Practices, those Bombast Words,* 1.16 nonesense Spells, exotique Characters, and Fanatick Ceremonies, used by all Praestigiators and Enchanters, have no Virtue or Efficacy at all (that little only excepted, which may consist meerly in the sounds, and tones in which they are pronounced, in respect whereof the eare may be pleased or displeased) as to the Causation of the Effect intended; nor doe they import any thing, more than the Circumvention of the Spect••••tors judgement, and exaltation of his Imagination, upon whom they pr••e∣tend to work the miracle. Which considered, it will be an argument not only of Christianism, but of sound judgement in any man, to con∣clude; that excepting only some few particulars, in which God hath been pleased to permit the Devil to exercise his Praestigiatory power (and yet, whoso shall consider the infinite Goodness of God, will not ea∣sily be induced to beleive, that He hath permitted any such at all.) all those Volumes of Stories of Fascinations, Incantations, Transformati∣ons, Sympathies of men and beasts with Magical Telesms, Gamahues or Waxen Images, and the like mysterious Nothings, are meer Fables, execrable Romances. So Epidemical, we confess, hath the Contagion of such Impostures been, that among the People, when any Person waxeth macilent, and pines away, we hear of nothing but Evil Neigh∣bours, Witchcraft, Charms, Statues of Wax, and the like venefical fopperies; and instantly some poor decrepite old woman is suspected,

and perhaps acc••••••d of malice and Diabolical stratagems against the life of that person: who all the while lieth languishing, of some Common Di∣sease, and the le••••••ed Physician no sooner examines the case, but he finds the sick mans Consumption to proceed from some inveterate malady of the bodie, as Ulcer of the Lungs, Hectique Fever, Debility of the Stomack, Liver, or other common Concocting part, or from long and deep Grief of mind. In like manner, when the Husband man observes his field to become barren, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 chattel ••o cast then yong, or die, his corn to be blast∣ed, his fruits 〈…〉〈…〉 immaturely, or the like sinister Accidents nothing is more usual 〈◊〉〈◊〉, than to charge those misfortunes upon the Magi∣cal Impraecations of some offended Neighbour, whom the multitude sup∣poseth to be a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 man, or Conjurer. And yet, were the Philo∣sopher consulte•• ••bou•• those Disasters, he would soon discover them to be the ordinary 〈◊〉〈◊〉 genuine Effects of Natural Causes, and refer each Contingent 〈◊〉〈◊〉 proper original. True it is likewise, that many of those Sorcerers▪ who•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 vulgar call White Witches, in respect of the good they 〈…〉〈…〉 frequently p••••••scribe certain Amulets, or Per••apts, for the praecentio•• 〈…〉〈…〉 of some di••••ases: and in this case, if the Amulet or Per••apt▪ 〈…〉〈…〉 such Natural Ingredients, as are endowed with Qualitie•• repug•••••••• to the Dis••••se, or its germane Causes, we are not to deny 〈…〉〈…〉. But, as for those superstitious Invocations of An∣gels an•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Salamons Characters, Tetragrammatons, Spells, Cir∣cles▪ an•• 〈…〉〈…〉 and ridiculous Magical Rites and Ceremonies, used by the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 at the time of the Composition or Application of those Amulets or 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪ they are of no power, or virtue at all, and signifie nothing but 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Delusion of the Ignorant. Again, we grant, that the Imagination 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Confidence of the sick Person, being by such means ex∣alte••▪ may 〈◊〉〈◊〉 very much to his Recovery; for, it is no secret, that the 〈…〉〈…〉 men are for the most part, erected, and their drooping spirit•• 〈…〉〈…〉 by the good opinion they have entertained of the 〈…〉〈…〉 Confidence they place in his praescripts: but, yet are 〈…〉〈…〉 allow any Direct and Natural Efficacy to that 〈…〉〈…〉 and Ceremonious administration of Remedies, which are 〈◊〉〈◊〉 observed by such Impostors, as praetend to Extraordina∣ry skill▪ an•• 〈◊〉〈◊〉 supernatural way, in the Cure of Diseases, and seem to affect and 〈…〉〈…〉 the detestable repute of Magicians. And what we say of the 〈…〉〈…〉 Amulets, and the like, we desire should 〈…〉〈…〉, or Love-procuring Potions, o•• the Ligature 〈…〉〈…〉 Wedding night, to cause Impotency in new 〈…〉〈…〉 then Brides a thing very frequent in Zant and Gasco∣•••• 〈…〉〈…〉 because each of these hath other Causes, than those 〈…〉〈…〉 Nugaments praescribed by those Cheaters; and 〈…〉〈…〉 they can have upon the persons, to whom they 〈…〉〈…〉 in the praepossession of their Phancy, and 〈…〉〈…〉 to Hope, or Fear.

* 1.17(9) 〈…〉〈…〉, a certain sort of Fascination Natural about which 〈…〉〈…〉 and most Nurses, when they observe 〈…〉〈…〉 fall into Cachex••es, languishing conditi∣on•• 〈…〉〈…〉, instantly crie out, that some envious 〈…〉〈…〉 them. Concerning this secret therefore, in 〈…〉〈…〉 part) hath no interest at all; we say▪

that if there be any thing of truth, as to matter of Fact, the Fascinating acti∣vity of the old malicious Crone must consist only in this: that she doth evibrate or dart forth from her brain, certain malignant Spirits, or rayes, which entering the tender body of the Infant, do infect the purer spirits, and so the blood in its Arteries, and assimilating the same to their depraved and maligne nature, corrupt all the Aliment of the body, and alienate the parts from their genuine and requisite temperament. Not that those Malignant Emissions can arrive at, and infect an Infant that is absent, as is vulgarly conceived; but that the malicious old woman must be praesent, and look (with an oblique or wist look) and breath upon the Child, whose health she envies, nay, conjure up her Imagination to that height of malice, as to imbue her spirits with the evil Miasme or Inquinament of those vitious and corrupt Humors, wherewith her half-rotten Carcass is well stored; and to assist the Contention of her optique Nerves and Muscles, that so those Spirits may be ejaculated with great force. For, that an old woman though as highly malignant in her Nature and Malice, as can be supposed, should be able to infect and envenome an Infant at great distance; is not to admitted by any, but such as have ignorance enough to excuse their per∣swasion of the highest Impossibility imaginable. But, that she may, in some measure, contribute to the indisposition of an Infant, at whom she shoots her maligne Eye-beams, neer at hand; may receive much of credit from the Pollution of a Lookinglass by the adspect of a Menstruous woman; and from the Contagion of Blear Eyes, Coughing, Oscitation or Gaping, Pissing and the like: all which are observed to be somewhat infectious to the standers by.

(10) You may call it Fascination also, if you please, when the Torpedo doth benumb or stupifie the hand of the Fisherman. For,* 1.18 as the Malefici∣ation of Infants is the Effect only of certain malign or ill conditioned Ema∣nations transmitted to them from the brain of some malevolent and half venemous Ruines of a woman: so likewise must the stupefaction of the hand of the Fisherman, be the Effect of certain Stupefactive Emanations, either immediately, or by the mediation of a staff or other continued body, transmitted thereunto from the offended Fish; which Emanations, by a Fa∣culty holding some neer Analogy to that of Opium Hyosciamus, and other strong Narcoticks or stupefactive Medicaments, do in a moment Dull and Fix the Spirits in the part, that they invade, and so make it Heavy, Sense∣less, and unfit for voluntary motion.

(11) But, how shall we get free of that Difficulty,* 1.19 wherein so many high-going Wits have been Gravell'd; the sudden arrest of a ship, under sail, by the small Fish Echineis, thereupon general called a Remora? We cannot expede our selves from it, by having recourse to any Fixing Emanations transmitted from the Fish to the ship; because the Motion thereof is not voluntary, but from External Impulse; nor hath the ship any spirits, or other Active principles of motion, that can be supposed capable of Alte∣ration by any influx whatever. Nor by alleaging any motion, contrary to that of the tide, winds, and oares, impressed upon the ship by the Remora; because, whatsoever kind of Impulse or Force can be imagined impressible upon it thereby: yet can it never be sufficient to impede and suppress the so violent motion thereof; insomuch as the Remora, neither adhaering to any rock, shelf, or other place more firme than the water, but only to the ship 〈◊〉〈◊〉

self, must want that fixation & Firmitude, that is inevitably necessary, when∣ever any thing doth stop, or move another thing of greater weight then it self. What then? shall we impeach of unfaithfulness all those Authentick Historians, who have recorded the suddain and prodigious Arrests of the ships of Peria••••er▪ A••tigonus, and Caius Caligula, in the middest of their Courses, though therein advantaged by the Conspiring impulses of Sa••ls and Oares? Not so neither; because many other vessels, as well before as since, have been stopped in the like manner: and there is in nature Another Cause, incomp••••ably more potent, and so more likely to have arrested them, than that 〈◊〉〈◊〉, small and weak Fish Echmeis; and that is the Con∣trary motion of the sea, which our Mariners ••who also have been often troubled with 〈◊〉〈◊〉 experiments of its Retropellent Force) call the Current; which is alwayes most strong and cumbersome in narrow and aufractuous Chanels. Wh••••h being scarce known to the Sea-men of those times, when Navigation and Hydrography were yet in their infancy, and few Pilots so expert, as to d••••••••minate the several Re-encounters, or Contrary Drifts of Waters in 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••nd the same Creek or Arme of the Sea; when they found any 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••••ddenly retarded and impeded in its course, they never conceived that ••••moration to arise from some Contrary Current of Wa∣ters in that pla•••• ••ut from some Impediment in the bottome or keel of the vesse•• ••t sel••. 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••s ••hey searched there for it, if it hapned twice or thrice, that they 〈…〉〈…〉 small Fish, such as the Concha Veneris, or any other not 〈…〉〈…〉, adhaering to the lower part of the Rudder, or Keel; they instantly, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 without any examin••tion at all, whether so weak a cause might not be 〈…〉〈…〉 to so great an Effect, imputed the Remoration of the••r 〈…〉〈…〉. Historians, indeed, tell us, that the Admiral Galley, which ••••••ried the Emperour Caligula, in his last voyage to Rome, was unexpecte••▪ Ar••ested, in the middest of all his numerous Fleet; and that an 〈…〉〈…〉 found sticking to the bottom thereof: but they forgot to tell us, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 or no there were any other Fishes of the same kind af∣fixed to any 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the Galleys, that kept on their course; and we have good ••••ason 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••••njecture, that there were, because very few ships are brought into 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and Docks to be carined, but have many small fishes, resembling 〈◊〉〈◊〉▪ adhaering to their bottoms, as ourselves have more than once obse•••••••• in Holland. Besides, since, at Caligula's putting forth ••••om Astura 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Island Port, and steering his course for Antium, his Galley▪ as is 〈◊〉〈◊〉 custome of Admirals, kept up in the middle Chanell; 〈…〉〈…〉 encountred and opposed by some special current, or vio∣lent 〈…〉〈…〉 place, so streitly pent in on both sides by the situa∣tion o•• certain 〈◊〉〈◊〉 and Shelves, as that its greatest force was in one cer∣tain p••r•• o•• the ••••ane••l, and so not extensible to the other Galleys of his Navy, 〈…〉〈…〉 ••owed neerer to the shoars, and so rode upon free wa∣ter? 〈…〉〈…〉 are now adayes often Arrested by special Currents, in the 〈…〉〈…〉, whose Chanels are rocky, aufractuous, and vor∣ti••ou•• 〈…〉〈…〉 to frequent Eddies and strong Whirlepools; and neer 〈…〉〈…〉 every day behold the Contrary Drifts of ships by the 〈…〉〈…〉 in the same Arme of the Sea; some vessels being 〈…〉〈…〉 whether the sea runs out, while others rice toward 〈…〉〈…〉 sea run•• in.

(12) So unlimited is the Credulity of man,* 1.20 that some have gone farther yet from the bounds of Reason, and imagined a Second wonderful Faculty in the Remora, viz. the Praesagition of violent Death, or some eminent Disaster, to the chief person in the ship, which it arresteth. For, Pliny (lib. 9. cap. 25. & lib. 23. cap. 1.) will needs have it a Prodigy portending the murder of Caligula, which ensued shortly after his arrival at Rome from Astura: and that by the like arresting of the ship of Perianders Ambassa∣dors sent to obtain an edict for the Castration of all Noble youths, Nature did declare her high detestation of that Course so destructive to the way of Generation, that she had instituted for the Conservation of her noblest species. But, every man knows, how easie it is to make any sinister Ac∣cident the Omen of a tragical Event, after it hath happened: and that Pli∣nies Remark upon the inhuman Embassie, and succeeding Infortune of Pe∣rianders Messengers, would better beseem the ranging pen or tongue of an Orator, than the strict one of a Philosopher.

(13) Here,* 1.21 we should open and survey the whole Theatre of Venoms or Poisons, on one hand; and that of Antidotes or Counterpoisons, on the other: those operating to the Destruction, these to the Muniment and Con∣servation of Life; and both by such Qualities and wayes, as are generally both by Physiologists and Physitians, praesumed to be Occult, or beyond the investigation of Reason, and of which all that is known, is learned in the common School of Experience. But, worthily to examine the Nature of each particular Poison, among those many found in the lists of Ani∣mals, Vegetables, Minerals; and explicate the Propriety, by which its proper Antidote or Alexipharmacon doth encounter, oppose, conquer and expel it: must of necessity enlarge this Section into a Volume, besides the expence of more time, than what we have consigned to our whole Work. And, therefore, we hope our Reader will not conceive his expectation wholly frustrated, nor Curiosity altogether defrauded; though we now entertain Him only with the General Reasons, Why Poi∣sons are Hostile and Destructive, why Counterpoisons friendly and Con∣serva••ive of Life.

Gwoinus (de Venen. lib. 2. cap. 24.) we well remember,* 1.22 defines Venenum, Poison, to be [quod in corpus ingressum, vim infert, Naturae illamque vincit] That which being admitted into the body, offers violence to Nature, and conquers it. And, according to this Definition, by Poisons we understand not only such things, as bear a pernicious Enmity in particular to the temperament of the Heart, or that substance, wherein the Vital Faculty may be conceived principally and immediately to consist: but all such as are hostile and destructive to the tempe∣rament of the Brain, or any o••her Noble and Principal Organ of the body, so as by altering the requisite Constitution thereof, they subvert the aeconomy and ruine the frame of Nature, wherein the Disposition of the parts, to perform the Actions of Life, is radicated.

And that, wherein this Deleterious or Pernicious Faculty doth con∣sist,* 1.23 we conceive to be a certain Substance, which being communi∣cated or infused into any part of the body, though in very small quan∣tity, doth, by reason of the exceeding Subtility and violent Mobility or

Agility of the insensible particles, of which it is composed, most easily and expeditely transfuse or disperse it self through the whole body, consoci∣ate it self to the spirits, and invading the Heart, Brain, or other Principal Or∣gan, so alter the requisite Disposition or temperament and habit thereof, as to make it thenceforth wholly uncapable of performing the Functions or Actions of life, to which it was destined and framed; and by that means introduceth extreme Destruction.

Likewise, by Alexipharmacal Medicaments, or Counterpoisons, we un∣derstand,* 1.24 not such things, as have only a propitious and benign Friend∣ship particularly for the temperament of the Brain, Heart, or other Noble Organ in the body, and are therefore accounted specifically Auxiliant and Corroborative thereunto, in the Expulsion of ought, that is noxi∣ous and offensive unto it; because, in that sense, all Cardiacal, Cepha∣lical, and Specifically Corroborative Medicaments would be Alexite∣rial, and every peculiar Venome would not require its proper Anti∣venome, both which are contradicted by Experience: But, such things as are endowed with Faculties è diametro and directly Contrapug∣nant to Poisons, meerly as Poisons; For, divers things that are absolute Poisons of themselves, and would destroy, if taken alone by themselves, do yet become powerful Praeservatives and Antidotes against other poi∣sons, and afford suddain and certain relief to nature, when taken to oppose them. Thus Aconite, than which scarce any venome is more speedy and mortal in its operation upon a sound body, doth yet prove a praesent re∣medy to one bitten by a Scorpion, if drank in Wine: as Pliny hath observed (lib. 27. cap. 2.)

And that, wherein this Salutiferous Virtue of Antidotes doth consist, we conceive likewise to be a certain Substance,* 1.25 which being received into the body, though in small quantitie, doth with expedition diffuse it self throughout the same: and encountering the venome formerly admitted, and then operating, refract its energy, praevent its further violence, ex∣tinguish its operation, and at length either totally subdue, or totally educe it. For, All Alexipharmacal Remedies do not bring relief to nature, assaulted and oppressed by Poison, by one and the same way or manner of operation; some working by way of Repulsion, others by way of Abdu∣ction, others by way of Opposition and downright Conquest, when they are taken Inwardly: some by Retraction, others by Extinction, where they are applied Externally.

Thus Triacle, whose Basis or master ingredient is the Flesh of Vipers, doth cure a man empoisoned by the Biting of a Viper;* 1.26 only because, in respect of Consimilarity or Similitude of substance, it uniteth it self to the Venome of the Viper, which had before taken possession of and diffused it self throughout the body, and afterwards edu∣ceth the same together with it self, when it is expelled by sweat∣ing, procured by divers Cardiacal and Hidrotical, or Sudorifick Me∣dicaments commixt in the same Composition: no otherwise than as Soap, whose principal Ingredient is oil, doth therefore take off oily and greasie spots from Clothes; because, uniting it self unto a Cognate or Consimilar substance, the Oil or Fat adhaering to the Cloth, and so assisting its Dilution and Concorporation with the Water,

in which it self is dissolved; it carrieth the same away together with it self in the water, when that is expressed or wrung out by the hand of the Laundress. More plainly; As oyle is therefore commixed with Ashes, or Salt, in the composition of Soap, to the end it may not stain the Cloth anew, to which it is applyed, but being confused with the oil or Fat, wherewith the cloth was formerly stained, Abduce or carry off the same together with it self in the water, which is the Vehicle to both: so likewise is the Flesh of Vipers therefore commixt with so many Alexiterial Simples as concur to the Confection of Triacle, to the end it may by them be hindred from envenoming the body a new, but yet at the same time be so commixt with the Venome already diffused t••rough the body, as that when those Alexiterial Medicaments are by S••••at or otherwise educed from the body, carrying along with them th•• Venome of the Vipers flesh, to which they are individually conso∣ci••ted, they may also abduce or carry away that venome of the Vipers tooth, which was formerly diffused through the body. And this, we m••reover conceive, may be the General Reason not only of the Evacu∣at••on of Venomes by Sweat, where the Antidote works by Union and A••••uction; but also of the Evacuation of superfluous Humours by Elective 〈◊〉〈◊〉, or Purging Medicaments, that specifically educe this, or that Humor: for, it may be as lawfully said, that Like may be cured by Like, or 〈◊〉〈◊〉 by Unlike; as that oil may be absterged by its Like, viz. the oil in So••p, and by something that is Unlike, viz. the Salt, or Water carrying 〈◊〉〈◊〉 o••l individually commixt with it.

Thus also doth the body of a Scorpion,* 1.27 being bruised and layed warm to t•••• part, which it hath lately wounded and envenomed, suddainly Retract, a••d so hinder the further Diffusion of the Poison that it had immitted in∣to the body; only because the Nervous and Fibrous parts of the Scorpi∣ons body bruised, by a motion of Vermiculation recontracting themselves, as Chords too much extended, and so retracting the Venome that yet remains adhaerent to them: do at the same time Extract that Consimilar Venome, that was infused into the wound. The same also may be conceived of the Cure of the venome of a Spider by the body of the Spider contused, and applied to the part envenomed: and of the Cure of the Biting of a Mad Dog, by the Liver of the same Dog, in like manner Contused and imposed.

Nor is it by way of Union and Abduction alone,* 1.28 that some Poysons become Antidotes against others; but also by that of direct Contrariety, Colluctation and Conquest: for, there being great Diversity of Venoms, some must be Contrapugnant to others; and whenever any two, whose Natures and Proprieties are Contrary one to the other, meet together, they must instantly encounter and combate each other, and at last the Activity of the Weaker submit to that of the stronger, while Nature acting the part of a third Combatant, observes the advantage, and com∣ing in with all her forces to the assistance of her Enemies Enemie, com∣pletes the Victory, and delivers Her self from the danger. Besides, we have the testimony of Experience, that Divers men have fortified their bodies against the assault and fury of some Poisons, by a gradual As∣suefaction of them to others, as Mithridates, and the Attick old Wo∣man, &c.

* 1.29Hence we remember Another considerable Secret concerning Poisons, much disputed of in the School of Physitians; viz. Whence comes it, that not only sundry Particular Persons, but even Whole Nations have fedd upon venemous Animals and Plants, without the least of harm, nay with this benefit, that they have thereby so familiarized Poisons to their own Na∣ture, as that they needed no other Praeservative against the danger of the strongest Poison, but that Venenate one of their own Temperament? Where∣to, we Answer, in a word, that that Tyrant, Custome, alone challengeth the honour of this wonder; such men having, by sensible degrees, or slow ad∣vance from lesser to greater Doses of Poisons, so changed the temperament and habit of their bodies, that the wildest Venoms degenerated into whole∣some Aliments, and Poisons were no more Poisons to them, than to the Animals themselves, which Generate and contain them. Which duely considered, we have little reason to doubt the verity of Galens relation (de theriaca ad Pison.) of the Marsi, and Aegyp••ians, whose ordinary Diet was Serpents: or of the like in Pliny (lib. 6. cap. 29.) concerning the Psyllae, Tintyritae, and Candei, who were all ophiophagi, or Serpent-Eaters: or of Theophrastus his story (lib. 9. de histor. animal. cap. 18.) of certain Shep∣herds in Thrace, who made their grand Sallads of white Hellebor: or of Avicens (lib. 4. sen. 6. tract. 1. cap. 6.) of a certain Wench, who living upon no other Viands but Toads, Serpents, and other the strongest poisons, and mostly upon that of Napellus, became of a Nature so prodigiously virulent, that she outpoisoned the Basilisk, kissed several Princes to death, and to all those unhappy Lovers, whom her rare beauty had invited to her bed, her Embraces proved as f••tal, as those of Iupiter armed with his thun∣der, are feigned to have been to femele: or of Iul. Caes. Scaligers (Exercit. 175.) concerning the Kings son of Cambaia, who being educated with di∣vers sorts of poisons from his infancy, had his temperament thereby made so inhumane and trans••endently Deleterious, that He destroyed Flyes only with his breath, kille•• several women with his first nights Courtship, and pistol∣led his Enemies with his Spittle; like the serpent Ptyas, that quickly re∣solves a man into his originary Dust, only by Inspuition, as Galen reports (de theriaca ad Pison. cap. 8.)

The Rear of this Division of Secrets concerning Animals, belongs to the ARMARIE or MAGNETICK UNGUENT,* 1.30 and its Cousin German, the SYMPATHETICK POWDER, or Roman Vitriol calcined; both which are in high esteem with many, especially with the Disciples of Para••••lsus, Cro••lius, Goclenius, and Helmont, all which have laboured hard to assert their Virtue in the Cure of Wounds, at great di∣stance, either the Unguent, or Powder being applyed only to the weapon, wherewith the wound was made, or to some piece of Wood, Linnen, or other thing, to which any of the blood, or purulent matter issuing from the wound, doth ••••haere. Concerning those, therefore, we say, in short; (1) That notwithstanding the stories of wounds supposed to have been cured by Hoplochrism, both with the Unguent and Vitriol, are innumerable; yet is not that a suffi••••ent Argument to convince a circumspect and wary judg∣ment, that either o•• them is impowered with such a rare and admirable Vir∣tue, as their admire•••• praesume: because many of those stories may be Fa∣bulous; and were the several Instances or Experiments of their Unsuccess∣fulness summed up ••nd alledged to the contrary, they would, doubtless, by incomparable excesses overweigh those of their successfulness, and soon

counter-incline the minds of men to a suspicion at least of Error, if not of Imposture in their Inventors and Patrons. (2) Though the Examples of their success were many more than those of their Failing; yet still would it be less reasonable for us to flye to such remote, obscure, imaginary Faculties, as do not only transcend the capacity of our Understanding, but openly con∣tradict that no less manifest than general Axiome, Nihil agere in rem di∣stantem: than to have recourse to a proxime, manifest, and real Agent, such as daily producing the like and greater Effects by its own single pow∣er, may justly challenge the whole honour of that Sanative Energy to it self, which the fraud of some, and incircumspection of others have unduly ascribed to the Unguent, or Sympathetick Powder: We mean, the Vital (if you please, you may call it, the Animal, or Vegetative) Faculty it self; which rightly performing the office of Nutrition, doth by the continual apposition of the Balsam of the Blood, to the extremes of the small Veins, and to the Fibres in the wound, repair the lost flesh, consolidate the Disu••••∣ted parts, and at length induce a Cicatrice thereupon. For, common Ex∣perience demonstrateth, that in men of temperate Diet and euchymical bodies, very deep and large wounds are many times soon healed of them∣selves; i. e. meerly by the goodness of Nature it self, which being vigo∣rous, and of our own provision furnished with convenient means, wholesom and assimilable Blood, doth every moment freshly apply it to the part that hath suffered solution of Continuity, and thereby redintegrate the same: especially when those Impurities generated by putrefaction in the wound, which might otherwise be impediments to Natures work of Assimilation and Consolidation, are removed by the Detersive and Adstrictive Faculty of the Salt in the Urine, wherewith the wound is daily to be washed, according to the praescript of our Sympathetical Chirons. Nor is this more than what Dogs commonly do, when by licking their wounds clean, and moist∣ning them with the saltish Humidity of their tongues; they easily and spee∣dily prove their own Chirurgeons. (3) The Basis or Foundation of Hoplo∣chrism is meerly Imaginary and Ridiculous; for, the Assertors thereof ge∣nerally dream of a certain Anima Mundi, or Common Soul in the World, which being diffused through all parts of the Universe, doth constantly trans∣ferr the Vulnerary Virtue of the Unguent, & Vitriol, from the Extravenated blood adhaering to the weapon or cloth, to the wound, at any distance what∣ever, and imbuing it therewith, strongly assist Nature in the Consolidation of the Disunion. But, insomuch as this Anima Mundi, according to their own wild supposition, ought to be praesent to all other wounds in the world, no less than to that, from which the blood, whereunto the Unguent, or Vitriol is applied, was derived: therefore would it cure all other wounds, as well as that particular one; since it interveneth betwixt that wound and the Unguent or Vitriol, by no more special reason, than betwixt them and all other wounds; unless it can be proved, that some other special thing is trans∣mitted to that particular wound from the Unguent, and that by local motion through all points of the intermediate spaces successively;* 1.31 which they will by no arguments be induced to concede.

This Verdict, I praesume, was little expected from Me, who have, not many years past, publickly declared my self to be of a Contrary judgment; written profestly in Defence of the cure of wounds, at distance, by the Mag∣netick, or Sympathetick Magick of the Weapon-Salve; and Powder of Cal∣cined Vitriol; and excogitated such Reasons of my own, to support and

explicate the so generally conceded and admired Efficacy of Both, as seemed to afford greater satisfaction to the Curious, in that point, than the Ro∣mantique Anima Mundi of the Fraternity of the Rosy-Cross, the Analogi∣cal Magnetism of Helmont, or, indeed, than any other whatever formerly invented and alledged. And, therefore, to take off my Reader from all ad∣miration thereat, it is necessary for me here to profess; that the frequent Experiments I have, since that time, made, of the downright Inefficacy and Unsuccessfulness as well of the Armary Unguent, as Sympathetick Powder, even in small, shallow, and in dangerous Wounds; my discovery of the lightness and invalidity of my own and other mens Reasons, adferred to ju∣stifie their imputed Virtues, and abstruse wayes of operation; and the grea∣ter Probability of their opinion, who charge the Sanation of wounds, in such cases, upon the sole benignity and Consolidative Energy of Nature it self: these Arguments, I say, have now fully convinced me of, and wholly Converted me from that my former Error. And glad I am of this fair op∣portunity, to let the world know of my Recantation: having ever thought my self strictly obliged, to praefer the interest of Truth, infinitely above that of Opinion▪ how plausible and splendid soever, and by whomsoever conceived and asserted; to believe, that Constancy to any unjustifiable Conception, after clear Conviction, is the most shameful Pertinacity, a sin against the very Light of Nature, and never to be pardoned in a profest Votary of Candor and Ingenuity; and to endeavour the Eradication of any Unsound and Spurious Tenent, with so much more of readiness and sedulity, by how much more the unhappy influence of my Pen, or Tongue hath, at any time, contributed to the Growth and Authority thereof.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Art. 1. Why this 〈…〉〈…〉 only some 〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.2

  Art. 2. 〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.3

  Art. 〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.4

  Art. 4. 〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.5

  Art. 5. The Cause of the ••••est 〈…〉〈…〉 Carca•••• of a mu••the••ed man 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the praesence and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the H••mi••ia••
• * 1.6

  Art. 6. How the Basi∣lisk doth em∣poyson and destroy, at di∣stance
• * 1.7

  Art. 8. 〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.8

  Art. 9. 〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.9

  Art. 10. W••y ••••••ers Tarantia••al Persons are af∣fected and cured with Divers T••n••s, and the mu∣sick of divers Instruments.
• * 1.10

  Art. 11. Th••t ••••e ve∣nome of the Tarantula doth produce the same effect in the body of a man; is it doth in that of the Taran∣tula it self: and why.
• * 1.11

  Art. 12. That the Ve∣n••m of the Tarantula is 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in a 〈◊〉〈◊〉 H••mor and such as 〈◊〉〈◊〉 capable of S••••nds.
• * 1.12

  Art 13. That it causeth an ••ncessent itching and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ••itillation 〈◊〉〈◊〉 the Nervous and Musculous par••s of mans body, when in∣fused into it, and ••erment∣ing ••n ••t.
• * 1.13

  Art. 14. The cause of the Annual Re∣cidivation of the Tarantism, till it be per∣fectly cured.
• * 1.14

  Art. 15. A Conjecture, what kind of Tun••••▪ Strain•• and Notes seem most accom∣modate to the Cure of Taran∣tiacal Person•• i•• the General.
• * 1.15

  Art. 16. The Reason of the Incantation of Serpents, by a rod of the Cornus.
• * 1.16

  Art. 17. DI••RES∣SION. That the 〈…〉〈…〉
• * 1.17

  〈1 paragraph〉〈1 paragraph〉
• * 1.18

  Art. 19. 〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.19

  Art. 20. That ships are 〈…〉〈…〉.
• * 1.20

  Art. 21. That the E∣chineis, or Remora is not Ominous.
• * 1.21

  Art. 22. Why this place admits not of more than a General ••••quest into the Faculties of Po••••ons and Counterpoisons.
• * 1.22

  Art. 23. Poisons defi∣ned.
• * 1.23

  Art. 24. Wherein the Deleterious F••∣culty of Poi∣son doth con∣sist.
• * 1.24

  Art. 25. Counterpoisons Defined.
• * 1.25

  Art. 26. Wherein their Salutifer••us Virtue doth consist.
• * 1.26

  Art. 27. How Triacle cureth the ve∣nome of Vipers
• * 1.27

  Art. 28. How the body of a Scorpion, bruised and laid warm up∣on the par••, which it hath lately wound∣ed and enve∣nomed; doth cure the same.
• * 1.28

  Art. 29. That some Poisons are Antidotes a∣gainst others by way of di∣rect Contrariety
• * 1.29

  Art. 30. Why sundry particular men, and some whole Nations have ••ed upon Poisonous Ani∣mals and Plants, with∣out harm.
• * 1.30

  Art. 31. The A ma•••• Vrg••••••••, and 〈◊〉〈◊〉 P••wder, im∣••ugned
• * 1.31

  Art. 32. The Au••••ors Retraction of his quondam De••ence of the Magnetick C••re of W unds, 〈◊〉〈◊〉 in his P••o••egomena to He••m••nts Book of that subject and title.