The anatomy of plants with an idea of a philosophical history of plants, and several other lectures, read before the royal society / by Nehemjah Grew ...

INSTANCE I.

FIRST, To render all Bodies Sociable or Mingleable: as Water with Oyl, Salt with Spirit, and the like.* 1.1 For Natural and Arti∣ficial Mixture, are the same; as we have before proved. If therefore Nature can do it, as we see in the Generation of Bodies she doth, 'tis likewise in the Power of Art to do it.

2. §. And for the doing of it, two general Rules result from the Premisses, sc. The Application of Causes, and the Choice of Materials. As for the Causes,* 1.2 they are such as I have now instanc'd in. And for the Application of them, I shall give these two Rules.

3. §. First, That we tread in Natures steps as near as we can; not only in the Application of such a Cause, as may be most proper for such a Mixture; but also in allowing it sufficient time for its effect. For so we see Nature her self, for her more perfect Mixtures, usually doth. She maketh not a Flower, or an Apple, a Horse, or a Man, in a moment; but all things by degrees; and for her more perfect and elaborate Mix∣tures, for the most part, she requireth more time. Because all such Mixtures are made and carri'd on per minima; and therefore require a greater time for the compleating of them.

4. §. A second Rule is, Not only to make a due Application of the Causes; but sometimes to Accumulate them. By which means, we may not only, imitate Nature, but in some cases go beyond her. For as by adding a Graft or Bud to the Stock, we may produce Fruit sooner, and sometimes better, than Nature by the Stock alone would do: So here, by accumulating the Causes of Mixture, that is, by joyning two, three, or more together; or by applying more in some Cases, where Na∣ture applyeth fewer; we may be able to make, if not a more perfect, yet a far more speedy Mixture, than Nature doth. As by joyning Com∣pression, Heat, and violent Agitation, and so continuing them all to∣gether, by some means contrived for the purpose, for the space of a

Week, or Month, or longer, without cessation. Which may probably produce, not only strange, but useful Effects, in the Solution of some, and the Mixture of other Bodies. And may serve to mix such Bodies, as through the small number of their congruous parts, are hardly mingle∣able any other way. Agitation being, as carrying the Key to and fro, till it hit the Lock; or within the Lock, till it hit the Wards.

5. §. Secondly, For the Choice of materials, if they are not im∣mediately, that is, of themselves, mingleable; we are then to turn one Species of Mixture into a Rule;* 1.3 which is, To mix them by mediation of some third, whether more simple or compounded Body, which may be congruous in part to them both: as Sulphurous Salts are to Water and Oyl; and are for that reason mingieable with either of them. Or, By any two congruous Bodies, which are also, in part, congruous to two others: and other like ways. Whereby the parts of Bodies, though never so heterogeneous, may yet be all bound and lock'd up together. Even as twenty Keys may be united, only by uniting the two Rings whereon they hang.

6. §. The Consideration of these things, have put me upon ma∣king several Experiments, for the mingling of heterogeneous Bodies. I shall give two Examples of Tryal; the one upon Fluid, the other up∣on consistent Bodies.

7. §. For the first, I took Oyl of Aniseeds, and pouring it upon a∣nother Body; I so order'd it, that it was thereby turned into a per∣fect milk-white Balsam, or Butyr. By which means the said Oyl be∣came mingleable with any Winy, or Watery Liquor; easily, and instanta∣neously dissolving therein, in the form of a Milk. And note, That this is done, without the least alteration of the Smell, Tast, Nature, or Operation of the said Oyl. By somewhat the like means, not only Oyl of Aniseeds, but any other stillatitious Oyl, may be transformed into a milk-white Butyr; and in like manner be mingled with Water or any other Liquor. Which is of various use in Medicine; and what I find oftentimes very convenient and advantageous to be done.

8. §. Again, not only Fluid but consistent Bodies, which of them∣selves will mix only with Oyl; by due mixture with other Bodies, may be render'd easily dissoluble in Water; as may Rosin, and all resinous and friable Gums. As also Wax: and this without changing much of their Color, Tast, or Smell. Whereof likewise, whatsoever others may do, the Physician may make a manifold Use.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Ch. 3. § 18;
• * 1.2

  Ch. 4.
• * 1.3

  Ch. 3. §. 9.