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 ...

EXPERIMENTS IN CONSORT OF THE LUCTATION Arising from the Affusion of several MENSTRUUMS Upon all sorts of BODIES, Exhibited to the Royal Society, April 13. and June 1. 1676.

THE intent of the following Experiments is two-fold. The one, to be as a Demonstration of the Truth of one, amongst other Propositions, laid down in the precedent Discourse of Mixture, sc. That it would be a Key to let us easily into the knowledge of the Nature of Bodies.

The other, and that consequently, To be as a Specimen of a Natural History of the Materia Medica: that is to say, a multifarious Scrutiny into the intrinsick Properties of all those Materials, which have been, or may be used in Medicine: for the performance whereof, the following Method is exibited as one, amongst others, necessary to be insisted upon. For what Dominion a Prince hath over the Moral, that a Physician hath, as one of God Almighty's Vice-Roys, over the Corporeal World. Whom therefore nothing can more import, than a particular knowledge of the Ge∣nius of all his Subjects, those several Tribes of Matter, supposed to be under his Command.

There are some known Observations of this nature: but there is no Au∣thor, I think, who hath given us a Systeme of Experiments upon the Subject: The performance whereof is here intended.

The Experiments may seem too numerous to be of one make. But no less a number would have answered the design of an Universal Survey; which, though less pleasing, proves the more instructive in the end: not be∣ing like angling with a single Hook; but like casting a Net against a shole: with assurance of drawing up something. Besides the advantage of com∣paring many together; which being thus joyned, do oftentimes, like Figures, signifie ten times more, then standing alone, they would have done.

How far the Corollaries all along subjoyned have made this good, is left to the Reader to judge. And also, to add to them, so many more, as he pleases: for I make my own Thoughts no mans Measure.

CHAP. I. What is generally to be observed upon the Affusion of the Menstruum; and what, particularly of Vegetable Bo∣dies.

THE Bodies whereupon I made tryal, were of all kinds, Animal, Vegetable, and Mineral. Amongst Vegetables, such as these, scil. Date-stones, Ginger, Colocynthis, Pyrethrum, Hawthorn-stones, Staphis∣agria, Euphorbium, the Arenulae in Pears, Semen Milli Solis, Tartar, Spirit of Scurvygrass, Spirit of Wine, &c.

2. §. Amongst Minerals, several sorts of Earths, Stones, Ores, Metals, Sulphurs, and Salts.

3. §. Amongst Animals; such as these, scil. Hairs, Hoofs, Horns, Shells, and shelly Insects, Bones, Flesh, and the several Viscera, Silk, Blood, Whites and Yelks of Eggs, Sperma Ceti, Civet, Musk, Castor, Gall, Urine, Dungs, animal Salts and Stones.

4. §. The Liquors which I poured hereupon severally, were these, sc. Spirit of Salt Armoniac, Spirit of Harts-Horn, Spirit of Nitre, A∣qua fortis, Oyl of Salt, Oyl of Sulphur, and Oyl of Vitriol; commonly so called.

5. §. In the Mixture of these Bodies, two things, in general, are all along to be observed, viz. First, which they are, that make any, or no Luctation. For, as some which seem to promise it, make none: So, many, contrary to expectation, make a considerable one.

6. §. Next, the manner wherein the Luctation is made; being with much variety in these five sensible Effects. 1. Bullition; when the Bodies mixed produce only a certain quantity of froth or bubbles. 2. Elevation; when, like Paste in baking, or Barm in the working of Beer, they swell and huff up. 3. Crepitation; when, they make a

kind of hissing and sometimes a crackling noise. 4. Effervescence; then only and properly so called, when they produce some degree of heat. 5. Exhalation; when not only fumes, but visible steams are produced.

7. §. Of all these, sometime one only happens, sometimes two or more are concomitant. Sometimes the Luctation begins presently upon mixture, and sometimes not till after some intermission. In some bo∣dies, it continues a great while; in others, is almost instantaneous: Examples of all which I shall now produce; beginning with Vegetables, as affording the least variety.

8. §. And first, if we take Spirit or Oyl of Salt, Oyl of Vitriol, Spirit of Nitre, or Aqua fortis, and pour them severally upon the several parts of Vegetables, as Roots, Woods, Stones, &c. we shall find, that they are, generally far less apt to make a Luctation, than either Animal, or subterra∣neal Bodies. Whence, as from one argument, it seemeth evident, That in most Vegetables, and in most of their parts, the predominant Salt is an Acid. But that, on the contrary, the predominant Salt in most Minerals, and parts of Animals, is an Alkaly: in the former, usually a fixed; in the latter, a volatile Alkaly.

9. §. Again, although the Luctation which most Vegetables, and most of their parts make with Acids, be but small, yet some they make; especi∣ally with some Acids, as with Spirit of Nitre and Aqua fortis. Whence it seemeth plain, That there is an Alkaline Salt existent in many Vegeta∣bles, even in their natural estate; and that it is not made Alkaline, but only Lixivial, by the fire. Or, there is some quantity of a Salt, call it what we will, in the said Bodies, which is so far different from an A∣cid, as to make a Luctation therewith. But to give particular instan∣ces of the several Proportions, or manner of Mixture, wherein it ap∣pears to be in several Plants.

10. §. And first, of all vegetable Bodies, Date-stones are amongst the least apt to make a Luctation with Acids, if they may be said to make any at all. Hence they are not so potent Nephriticks, as many other Stones, which make a more sensible Luctation.

11. §. Ginger makes a small Bullition with Aqua fortis, only observa∣ble by a Glass. Hence the pungency of Ginger lyeth in a sulphureous and volatile Salt, which yet is very little Alkalizate.

12. §. Scurvygrass-seeds make a very small Bullition with Aqua fortis, like that of Ginger. So doth also the Seed of Purslane. Hence, although there is much more of a certain kind of volatile Salt in Ginger or Scurvygrass, than in Purslane; yet there is little more of an Alkaly in any one, than in an other.

13. §. The Pulp of Colocynthis, Fruit-Stones, the stony Covers of the Seeds of Elder, of white Bryony, of Violets, and others, with Aqua fortis make a Bullition just perceivable without a Glass. Hence it ap∣pears, That the great Cathartick power of Colocynthis lieth not so much in an Alkaly, as an Acid; as making a much less Bullition, than some other vegetable Bodies, which are less Cathartick. For which reason likewise it is, That the best Correctors, or Refractors of the force of Colocynthis, are some kinds of Alkalies, as particularly that of Urine, as Riverius hath somewhere observed.

14. §. The Root of Pyrethrum, with Aqua fortis, makes a Bullition and huff, in a short time. Hence, the Cause of a durable Heat, upon the Tongue, is an Alkalizate Sulphur. For the Heat of Ginger, though

greater; yet abideth nothing near so long as that of Pyrethrum; which, as is said, maketh also a more sensible Bullition with Acids.

15. §. Kermes-berries, commonly, but ignorantly, so called, with the said Liquor, huff up to an equal height, but in a somewhat longer time. Hence they are gently astringent; scil, as their Alkaly binds in with some preternatural Acid in the stomach.

16. §. Hawthorn-stones, with Aqua fortis, huff up equally with the former Body; but the Bullition is not so visible. The like is also observa∣ble of Medlar-stones. Hence, as they contain a middle quantity of an Alkaly, they are not insignificantly used against the Stone.

17. §. Seeds of Staphisagria, with Aqua fortis, make a Bullition still more visible. But it quickly ends. This confirms what was said before, sc. That the cause of a durable Heat is an Alkaline Sulphur; these Seeds producing a durable Heat, as doth the Root of Pyrethrum.

18. §. The Seeds also of red Roses, Borage, and Comfrey do all with Aqua fortis make a considerable Bullition and huff; and that very quickly. So that amongst all Shells and Stones, those generally make the greatest Bullition, which are the hardest and the brittlest, and so the fullest of Salt.

19. §. Euphorbium makes a Bullition yet more considerable, with much froth, and very quickly. From which Experiment, compared with two of the former, it appears, That Euphorbium is not an Acid, but an Al∣kaline Gum. As also, that the cause of its so very durable Heat, is an alkaline Sulphur, as of Pyrethrum and Staphisagria hath been said. It seems also hence evident, that the power of all great Sternutatories lyeth not in their Acid, but their Alkalies.

20. §. The Arenulae or little stones in Pears, cluster'd round about the Coar, with Aqua fortis, presently huff up, and make a great Bullition and Effervescence, much greater than do any of the Bodies above-named. Whence, although, so far as I know, they have never yet been used in Medicine; yet it is probable, that they are a more potent and effectual Nephritick, than any of the Bodies aforsaid, some of which are usually prescribed. It is hence also manifest, That, according to what I have elsewere said, for the sweetning of the Fruit and Seed, the Tartareous and Alkaline parts of the Sap, are precipitated into their Stones, stony parts, and Shells.

21. §. The last Instance shall be in the shells of the Seeds of Milium Solis; which not only with Aqua fortis, but some other Acids, make a greater and quicker Bullition and Effervescence, than any other vegetable Body, upon which I have yet made tryal, in its natural estate. Hence, as well as from divers of the last fore-going Instances, we have a clear confirmation of what I have, towards the beginning of this Discourse, asserted; sc. That there is some kind of Alkaline Salt in Plants, even in their natural estate. As also, that they are as significantly used against the Stone, quatenus alkalizate, as Millipedes, Egg-shells, or any other testaceous Bodies of the same strength. To these I shall subjoyn one or two Examples of Vegetable Bodies which are more or less altered from their natural estate.

22. §. Neither Crystals of Tartar, nor Tartar it self (although they have some store of alkaline mixed with their acid parts) make any Effervescence with Acids, but only with Alkalites, as Spirit of Harts-Horn, &c. Hence the calculous sediment or Arenulae in Urine, may not so properly be called

the Tartareous part of the Vrine; the events following the mixture here∣of with the aforesaid Salts, being quite contrary; as will be seen in the Last Chapter.

23. §. Spirit of Scurvy-grass maketh no Luctation with any Acid. Hence (as from a former Experiment was above-noted) it seems, That there may be a kind of volatile Salt, which is neither acid, nor alka∣line; such as this of Scurvygrass and other like Plants seems to be: yet contrary to an acid; as experience shews in their efficacy against the acid Scurvy.

24. §. Rectified Spirit of Wine, both with Spirit of Nitre, and with Oil of Vitriol, severally, maketh a little Luctation. Which argues, that there is contained, even in this Spirit, some portion of a volatile Alkaly.

25. §. Spirit of Wine, and double Aqua fortis, as the strongest is called, make an effervescence so vehement, as plainly to boil.

26. §. Besides the vehemency hereof, there is another surprizing cir∣cumstance. For whereas all other Liquors which make an Effervescence to∣gether, will do it in any proportion assigned, although but one drop to a thousand: these two, sc, rectified Spirit of Wine and Aqua fortis, re∣quire a certain proportion the one to the other. For if, suppose, into six drops of Spirit of Wine you put but two or three of Aqua fortis, they stir no more than if you put in so much Water: but drop in about seven or eight drops of Aqua fortis, and they presently boil up with very great vehe∣mency. Hence we may conceive the reason of the sudden access of an acute Disease, and of its Crisis. These not beginning gradually with the Cause; but then, when the Cause is arrived unto such an 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or such a certain Proportion, as is necessary to bring Nature to the con∣test. And these may serve for Examples upon Vegetables.

CHAP. II. What may be observed of MINERALS.

HAVING given several Instances of tryal upon Vegetables; I next proceed to Minerals, which, for some orders sake, I shall distribute into five or six sorts, sc. Earths, Stones Ores and Metals, Sulphurs, and Salts.

2. §. First for Earths. Oyl of Vitriol upon Fullers Earth, doth not stir it, or cause the least Bullition. Nor upon yellow Oker. Nor upon the Oker which falls from green Vitriol. The same Oyl of Vitriol and Spirit of Harts-Horn poured severally upon Bolus Ar∣mena of two kinds, and upon one kind of Terra sigillata, stir none of them. Hence Bolus's are the Beds, or as it were, the Materia prima, both of opacous Stones, and Metals; into which the said Bolus's are transmuted, by being concentred with divers kinds of Salts and Sulphurs, which successively flow in upon them.

3. §. Aqua fortis, and Oyl of Vitriol being poured severally upon ano∣ther sealed Earth, which was vended by the name of Terra Lemnia; they both made a very considerable Effervescence herewith. Whence it appears, That there is no small difference in the nature, and therefore the opera∣tion of Bolus Armena and Terra Lemnia. As also, betwixt the sealed Earths themselves, one making a great Effervescence, another none at all. Whereto those that use them, are to have regard.

4. §. Next for Stones. And first, Irish Slat, with Spirit of Harts∣horn, maketh a small, yet visible Bullition: and it presently ceaseth. So that it seems to be nothing else but a Vitriolick Bole. As is also argued from its taste, which is plainly acid, and somewhat rough. Whence also it is with good reason given upon any inward Bruises. Because by coagulating the Blood, it prohibits its too copious afflux into the affected part. Yet being but gently astringent, and so the Coagulati∣ons it makes, not great; they are likewise well enough carried off from the same part in the Circulation; by both which means an Inflammation may be either prevented, or the better over-ruled.

5. §. Lapis Haematites maketh no Effervescence at all either with Al∣kalies or Acids.

6. §. Powder of the green part of a Magnet with Oyl of Vitriol ma∣keth some few bubbles, yet not visible without a Glass. But the powder of the black part of a Magnet, which is the said stone fully perfect, stirreth not with any acid. Neither doth the calcined Magnet. Hence there is some considerable difference betwixt Iron and the Magnet.

7. §. Lapis Lazuli, with Oil of Vitriol, and especially with Spirit of Nitre, maketh a conspicuous Bullition. Hence its Cathartick virtue lyeth in an Alkaly. For which reason it is also appropriate, in like manner as Steel, to the cure of Hypochondriacal Affections; originated from some kind of fermenting Acid.

8. Osteocolla, with Spirit of Nitre maketh yet a greater Effervescence. How it comes to be so great a knitter of broken Bones, as it is repu∣ted, is obscure. It seemeth, that upon its solution by a Nitrous Acid in the body; it is precipitated upon the broken part, and so becomes a kind of Cement thereto.

9. §. Lapis Tuthiae, with Spirit of Nitre, maketh an Effervescence much alike. And with Oyl of Vitriol very considerably. But Lapis Cala∣minaris with Oyl of Vitriol grows stark; as the powder of Alabaster doth with water. With Spirit of Nitre it maketh a little Bullition, and quickly. But with Aqua fortis, a great one; beyond any of the Stones above named. Hence both Tufty and Calamy are Ophthalmicks from their Alkaly. Which is also consirmed, from the efficacy of some Alkalies of the like use. Hence also Calamy seemeth to partake somewhat of the nature of Silver: as by tryal made upon that also, will hereafter better ap∣pear.

10. §. Chalk and Oil of Sulphur or Vitriol make as strong an Effer∣vescence as any of the rest. Whence it is sometimes well used against a Cardialgia.

11. §. Whiting makes as great an Effervescence as Chalk. So that it seems the saline parts are not washed away with the water, wherein the Chalk, for the making of Whiting, is dissolved.

12. §. Talk will not stir in the least either with Spirit of Nitre, or Oyl of Vitriol. But the Lead-Spar maketh a considerable Effervescence with both of them severally. Hence, however this be also called English Talk, yet there is no small difference betwixt this, and true Talk.

13. §. To these Stones may be added petrified bodies. As petrified wood; which (that upon which I made tryal) no acid stirreth in the least. Petrified shells; upon four or five several sorts whereof, Oyl of Vitriol being poured, preduceth a great Effervescence. The Root or rougher part of the Stone called Glossopetra, with Spirit of Nitre, makes a conspicuous Bullition. Aste∣ria, the Stone so called, and found in some places in England, with Oyl of Vitriol, maketh an Effervescence at the same degree. So doth the Belem∣nites, or Thunder-Stone, both the larger and the lesser kinds. So that none of these are acid, or vitriolick, but alkalizate Stones.

14. §. Coraline, with Oyl of Vitriol, makes a conspicuous Bullition, yet mild and gentle; that is, with very little, if any heat, and without any visible Fumes. And red and white Coral do the like. Hence they are all of a very gentle operation, and fit for Children, as the case re∣quires.

15. §. Magistery of Coral (prepared the ordinary way) stirreth not in the least, either with Alkalies or Acids. Whence it is evident, That its active Principles are in its preparation destroyed and washed away: that is to say, It is an elaborate Medicine good for nothing. And thus far of Stones.

16. §. I next come to Metals and Ores. And first for Lead; upon which Spirit of Salt Spirit of Nitre, or Aqua fortis being dropped, it stirreth not in the least with any of them: but with Oyl of Sulphur, and especially with Oyl of Vitriol it maketh a slow Bullition and froth. Hence it seemeth to be the most alkalizate Metal. Which is also confirmed by a foregoing Ex∣periment upon the Lead-Spar, which maketh a considerable Effer∣vescence with any sort of acid. And which likewise, being calcined, yieldeth a good quantity of Lixivial Salt.

17. §. Lead-Ore stirreth not at all with Aqua fortis or Oil of Vitri∣ol. But Spirit of Salt makes it bubble, and Spirit of Nitre makes it boil. Hence there is a considerable difference betwixt the perfect Metal and the Ore.

18. §. Burnt Lead and red Lead, make a very small Bullition with Oyl of Vitriol, with Spirit of Nitre a far greater.

19. §. Mercury, with Oyl of Vitriol, will not stir, nor with Oyl of Sul∣phur. But with Spirit of Nitre presently boyls up. Hence Mercury is a subacid Metal; Spirit of Nitre being a subalkaline Acid.

20. §. The filings of Iron or Steel, with Oyl of Vitriol, make a fair Bullition, like that of Minium. But Spirit of Nitre makes them boil with much c••lerity. Hence Iron is likewise a subacid Metal.

21. §. Steel prepared with Sulphur maketh a far less Effervescence with the same Spirit of Nitre, than do the filings. Hence there is a great difference in their strength. So that ten grains of the filings unprepared, will go as far as fifteen grains or more of those which are prepared, as above-said. Yet in some cases the weaker and milder may be the better.

22. §. There is one Circumstance in the mixture of Steel and Aqua fortis, which is surprizing; and that is this, That strong Aqua fortis, dropped upon Steel, will not, of it self, make the least Bullition: but if

hereto you only add a drop or two of Water, they presently boil up with very great vehemency. The Cause is obscure; yet it is well known, that Water it self will dissolve Iron: so that it appeas, as well by this, as by some other Experiments, that even in common Water, as mild as it is, there is some kind of corrosive Principle.

23. §. Antimony with Spirit of Nitre, and Aqua fortis severally, maketh an Effervescence; somewhat lower than Iron. With Oil of Vi∣triol the Bullition is so small, as difficulty to be perceived with a Glass. Hence it seemeth to be of a very compounded nature; if I may so call it, a subacid-alkaline Metal.

24. §. Antimonium Diaphoreticum, with Spirit of Nitre and Oil of Vitriol severally, makes a considerable Effervescence. Wherefore it is not an useless Preparation; as from the Calcination and Ablution used therein, some have thought.

25. §. Bezoardicum Minerale, (that upon which I made tryal) stirreth not at all either with Alkalies or Acids. To which, let those who make use of it, have regard.

26. §. Tin, with Spirit of Nitre, makes so hot and vehement an Ef∣fervescence, that it turns presently, as it were, into a Coal. It makes also a fair Bullition with Oyl of Vitriol. And a gentle one with Spirit of Salt. Wherefore, it hath something of the nature both of Iron, Lead, and Copper.

27. §. The like remarkable circumstance is seen in the mixture of Aqua fortis with Tin, as with Iron. For Tin and strong Aqua fortis of themselves will not stir; but add a few drops of water to them, and they boyl up with the greatest vehemency.

28. §. Copper, with Spirit of Salt, and Oyl of Vitriol severally, stirs not at all. Spirit of Nitre, and Aqua fortis, both boil it up vehemently. Neither Spirit of Harts-horn, nor Spirit of Salt Armoniac maketh any Bul∣lition therewith. But both of them, by a gentle solution, that is, gently separating its Sulphur from its Salts, turn it blue. Hence Copper hath a greater proportion of acid than any of the formentioned Me∣tals.

29. §. Silver, neither with Spirit of Salt, nor Oyl of Vitriol makes any Bullition. With Spirit of Nitre it makes one, but tis soon over: and then continues to dissolve slowly into white Coagulations. It also maketh with Spirit of Harts-horn, or of Salt Armoniac, a full and deep blue. Hence there is a greater proportion of acid in Silver, than in Lead, Mercury, Iron, Antimony, Tin, or Copper.

30. §. Litharge of Silver maketh the greatest Effervescence with Oyl of Vitriol. Yet some with Spirit of Nitre. And with Spirit of Salt Ar∣moniac maketh some little huff or elevation. And being mixed with Spi∣rit of Nitre and Spirit of Salt Armoniac both together, produceth a faint blue. Hence, although the far greater part of this Litharge be but Lead; yet, it seems, it hath some small mixture of Silver. But that of Gold seemeth, for contrary reasons, not to have any Gold.

31. §. Gold maketh no Effervescence with any single Salt I know of. But it is commonly dissolved with Aqua Regis, which is known to be an alkaline Liquor. Whence it seemeth, That as Lead is the most alka∣lizate, so Gold the most acid of Metals.

32. §. These things considered, and other observations added here∣unto, may possibly give some directions, not only for the ordering and using, but even for the making, imitating and transmuting of Metals. Thus far of Metals.

33. §. I will next give one or two Instances of tryal upon Sulphurs. And first Sulphur vive, with Aqua fortis, maketh an apparent Bullition, but it is some time, before it begins. But the factitious or common Brim∣stene, maketh scarce any, if any at all. So that there is no small dif∣ference betwixt them.

34. §. White and yellow Arsenick make no Bullition either with Al∣kalies or Acids. Wherefore the strength of its operation on the Body, lies more in a Sulphur than a Salt; or in a Salt drowned in its Sulphure.

35. §. The ashes either of Pit-Coal, or Sea-Coal, make no Effer∣vescence with Alkalies or Acids. Whence the saline Principle is alto∣gether volatile, and sublimed away by the ••ire.

36. §. Lastly for Salts. And first of all, Borax maketh no Effer∣vescence nor any Fumes with Oyl of Vitriol or Spirit of Nitre.

37. §. Oyl of Vitriol and Nitre make fumes or steams, though no Effervescence.

38. §. Green Vitriol, with Spirit of Harts-Horn, is scarcely moved. White Vitriol, with the same Spirit, maketh a conspicuous huff. And Ro∣man Vitriol a vehement Effervescence. Whence the former is the least acid, and the latter the most of all. Which also confirms what I said before of the like natures of the several Metals to which they belong.

39. §. Salt of Vitriol, though a fixed Salt, and made by Calcination, yet maketh no Effervescence with the strongest acid; but only with Alka∣lies; as may be seen upon their mixture, but much better heard by hold∣ing the mixture to ones ear. Hence, there are fixed Acids. Which further confirms what I have above asserted concerning the nature of Gold, sc. That the predominant Salt thereof is a fixed Acid.

40. §. Sal Martis, with Spirit of Harts-horn, maketh a considera∣ble huff. Hence it is much more acid than green Vitriol; and is there∣fore a cooler body.

41. §. Alum and Spirit of Harts-horn make a plain Effervescence.

42. §. Saccharum Saturni, with Oyl of Vitriol, stirs not at all. With Spirit of Salt, huffs a little. With Spirit of Nitre much more. Hence the acid of the Vinegar, and not the Alkaly of the Lead, is the predominnt Principle.

43. §. Common Salt stirs neither with Spirit of Salt, nor with Spi∣rit of Nitre; nor with Aqua fortis. But with Oyl of Vitriol it maketh a great Effervescence with noise and steams. Hence, even common Salt, though it be not reckoned amongst alkaline Salts, yet is far nerer in nature to that, than to an acid. Hence also the Spirit of Salt is a sub∣alkaline Acid, and of a very different nature from Oyl of Sulphur or Vitriol.

44. §. Salt Armoniac, with Spirit of Nitre, stirreth not. But with Oyl of Vitriol it maketh a great Effervescence. Hence Spirit of Nitre is a subalkalizate Spirit.

45. §. Oyl of Vitriol and Spirit of Nitre, though both acids, yet make a great smoak; greater than that which the Spirit maketh of it self. Which confirms the last precedent Corollary.

46. §. Oyl of Vitriol and Spirit of Salt, though both acids, yet make a strong Effervesence, with noise and fumes. Which further con∣firms, what was noted before, sc. that Spirit of Salt is a subalkaline Acid.

47. §. Spirit of Salt Armoniac, with Oyl of Vitriol, makes an Effer∣vescence so extraordinary quick, and as it were instaneous, that nothing seemeth quicker. Whence it is probable, That if Gun-Powder were made of Salt Armoniac, instead of Nitre, or with both mixed together; it would be far stronger, than any kind now in use. And thus far for Minerals.

48. §. I have only one Corollary to add, from the whole; which is, That whoever doth undertake the Natural History of a Country, (such as that the Learned Dr. Plot hath exceedingly well done of Ox∣fordshire) the foregoing Method, seemeth so easie, cheap, and inde∣ceitful, for the finding out and well distinguishing the natures of all kinds of Metalls, Ores, Salts, Earths, Stones, or other subterraneal Bo∣dies; as cannot, I think, be supply'd, but by others of greater difficul∣ty and expence.

CHAP. III. What may be observed of the PARTS of Animals.

I NOW proceed to the several Parts of Animals; as Hairs, Hoofs, Horns, Shells and shelly Insects, Bones, Flesh and the several Viscera, Silk, Blood, Eggs, Musk, Castor, Gall, Urine, Dungs, Salts and Stones.

2. §. And first of all, the Hair of a mans head, with Oyl of Vitriol, maketh no Bullition at all. Nor yet with Spirit of Nitre. So that although it con∣tains a good deal of volatile Salt; yet it seemeth either not to be alka∣line, or else is centred in so great a quantity of Oyl, that the acid men∣struum cannot reach it.

3. §, Hares Fur, with spirit of Nitre, maketh, although a short, yet very plain Bullition and huff. Hence the Hair, and therefore the Blood, of some Animals, is fuller of Salt, at least of an Alkaline Salt, than that of some others. And perhaps the Hair of some men, as of Black's, may be so full of Salt, as to make a Bullition like Hares Fur.

4. §. The shavings of Nails stir not at all, either with Oyl of Vitriol, or Spirit of Nitre: only with the latter they turn yellow. But Elks Claws, with Spirit of Nitre, make a small and slow Bullition.

5. §. Horses Hoof, with Oyl of Vitriol, stirs not of many hours. But with Spirit of Nitre, allowing it some time, makes a very plain Bullition, and huffs up very high.

6. §. Cows Horn, neither with Oyl of Vitriol, nor with Spirit of Ni∣tre, maketh any Bullition, only turneth to a yellow colour.

7. §. Rams Horn stirs not with Oyl of Vitriol; but with Spirit of Nitre, makes a small and slow Bullition.

8. §. Harts-Horn makes a considerable Bullition and huff, even with Oyl of Vitriol, which the rest of the Bodies abovesaid, will not do. But with Spirit of Nitre, it makes yet a greater. From the foregoing Ex∣periments, and almost all that follow, what is before asserted of the Salts of Vegetables and Minerals, is here also evident concerning that of Animals, scil. That it is not made, but only separated by the fire. It likewise hence appears, That the proportion of Salt in the forementi∣oned parts is very different; and that therefore some of them are never, and none of them but with good discretion, to be substituted one for another in Medicine. As also, that there is a different proportion of Salt in the several Animals themselves, to which the said Parts belong.

9. §. Next for shells; as those of Lobsters, Eggs, Snails and Oisters: all which make an Effervescence, both with Oyl of Vitriol, and Spirit of tre. But with Spirit of Nitre the greatest. Lobster-shells make a considerable Bullition and huff, but no noise nor steams. Egg-shells make a Bullition and huff, with some noise, but no steams. Snail-shells make an Effervescence with noise and steams. Oyster-shells make one with the greatest noise and thickest steams. Hence we may judge, in what case to administer one more appositely than another. As also in what proportion, according to their different strength. Some may be better for Children, as being milder. Or for a Body whose very sharp Blood or other Humors, are more easily kindled into Ferments. Or else may be safest, to avoid a sudden precipitation of the Humors; or for some other cause.

10. §. Oyster-shells, and the rest above-said, make a quicker Effer∣vescence, not only with Spirit of Nitre, but even with Spirit of Salt, than they do with Oyl of Sulphur, or Oyl of Vitriol. So that these bodies, as well as Metals, have their proper menstruums whereby they are be dissolved.

11. §. Egg-shells calcined, make with Oyl of Sulphur, or Oyl of Vi∣triol, or Spirit of Nitre, a greater Effervescence, than when uncalcined. As also with steams, which uncalcined, they produce not. The like is seen in calcined Oyster-shells. And the longer the Calcination is continued, the quicker and stronger will be the Effervescence. This I tryed at several terms, from a quarter of an hour, to five hours. So that after so long a Calcination, they make an Effervesence almost instantaneous. The reason hereof is, Because the several Principles whereof the Shells consist, being relaxed, and the Sulphur for the greatest part, driven away by the fire; the remaining Salt lies now more open and naked to the attaque of the Menstruum, so soon as ever they are mixed together. From hence it is plain, That Egg-shells, and the others above-said, being burnt, are far stronger Medicines, than when unburnt. It is hereby likewise evident, That a great portion of their Salt, is not a volatile, but a fixed Alkaly. To these may be subjoyned all kinds of shelly Insects. I will instance in three or four.

12. §. And first Bees, with Oyl of Vitriol, stir not in the least. With Spirit of Nitre they make an exceeding small Bullition, without any eleva∣tion.

13. §. Cochinele (the Nest of an Insect) makes some Bullition with Oyl of Vitriol, but very small: for the bubbles are not to be seen without a Glass. But with Spirit of Nitre the Bullition is more visible, and joyned with some elevation.

14. §. Cantharides make no visible Bullition with Oyl of Vitriol. But with Spirit of Nitre they do, and huff up rather more than Co∣chinele. Yet is this done very slowly, and comparatively with many other bodies, is not much. Hence it is not the quantity, but the quality of their volatile Salt, which makes them so strong an Epispastick. For most of those Bodies above, and hereafter named, make a greater Bullition, and yet are neither Caustick nor Epispastick in the least. It is hence also evident, as hath been before suggested, That there are divers kinds of volatile Salts, eminently different; some being highly alkaline, others very little, and some scarce any thing so: such as those of Scurvy-grass, Anemone, Crow••oot, and many the like Plants; to whose Salts, this of Cantharides seemeth to be very near of kin.

15. §. Millepedes make a Bullition and huff, much greater and quicker, than any of the Insects above-named: and that both with Spirit of Nitre, and Oyl of Vitriol it self. Yet is this Insect of a very temperate nature. Whereby is further demonstrated, That the being simply alkaline, is not enough to make a body to be Ca••stick.

16. §. Again, although Millepedes make a Bullition, greater than any of the Insects above named: yet is it much less, than that of Oyster, Snail, or even Egg-shells; and of divers other bodies above, and hereafter men∣tioned. Hence, being given to the same intent, as any of those bodies; it is the mildest and gentlest in its operation of them all.

17. §. Millepedes likewise calcined, makes a stronger Effervescence, than when uncalcined, as do the Oyster-shells, &c. So that it appears, That all Testaceous Salts, are at least in part, fixed Salts.

18. §. I next proceed to Bones. And first Whale-bone maketh no Bullition at all with any acid. A Cartilage, with Spirit of Nitre, makes some very small bubbles, not to be seen without a Glass.

19. §. The Bone in the Throat of a Carp, makes a little and slow Bul∣lition with Spirit of Nitre. The Spina of a Fish (that which I used was of a Cod-fish) maketh a Bullition one degree higher.

20. §. All sorts of Teeth, as Dogs, Boars, the Sea-horse, Elephant, make the like. As also the Bone of an Oxes heart. So that all these are very gentle in their operation, and fit for Children.

21. §. Sheeps and Calves Bones both of them make a Bullition yet a little higher, especially with Spirit of Nitre. Cocks Bones somewhat higher than the former. Cranium humanum a little higher than all the rest.

22. §. Bones likewise, being calcined, make a Bullition with Acids. And so doth also calcined Harts-Horn. But in neither of them, is the Bul∣lition advanced by Calcination, any thing comparable to what it is in shells. Whence it appears, That the Salt of Horns and Bones, is much more volatile, than that of shells.

23. §. Next for Flesh and the several Viscera. And first, dryed and powdered Mutton, with Oil of Vitriol, stirs not at all. But with Spirit of Nitre makes a small Bullition and huff. Sheeps Heart doth the like somewhat more apparently. Vipers flesh produceth a froth, but huffs not, Powdered Earthsworms make a great froth, and huff a little. Pow∣dered Tripe makes only a little Bullition. Lamb-stones do the like. Kid∣ney, Spleen, and Liver, with some elevation. Lungs, with bubbles very large; because extraordinary slowly. Dryed Brain makes also a little

and slow Bullition. Hence there is a greater proportion of Sulphur or Oyl, and less of an Alkaly in all these parts, than there is in Bones, Shells, and divers other parts hereafter mentioned. And in some of them, as in the Brain, that Alkaline Salt which there is, may rather be lodged in some sanguineous parts mixed with them, than in their own proper substance.

24. §. I proceed to instance in all sorts of Animal Contents. And first, raw Silk, with Spirit of Nitre, makes a very small Bullition, but the elevation is considerable.

25. §. The grumous pa••t of the Blood dryed, with Oyl of Vitriol, stirs but little. But with Spirit of Nitre it huffs up considerably.

26. §. Seram of Blood dryed, with the same Spirit makes a plain elevation, with a little Bullition. Herewith may be re••koned the White of an Egg, which is nothing but a pure Crystalline Serum separated from the common stock. This being dryed, with Spirit of Nitre, huffs up rather more than even the grumous part of the Blood, the Bubbles are much larger, break oftner, and the elevation sooner made. Whence it seemeth, that there is a greater quantity of a volatile Alkaly in proportion to the Sulphur, requisite to the Generation, than to the Nutrition of an Animal.

27. §. The Yelk of an Egg is scarce moved with Spirit of Nitre, pro∣ducing only a very few Bubbles. The Salt being either little alkalizate, or else immersed in so great a quantity of Oyl, that the Menstruum can∣not reach it. For the same reason Sperma Ceti stirs not with any Acid. Neither doth Civet.

28 §. Russian Castor, with Oyl of Vitriol, stirs not. But with Spirit of Nitre makes a considerable huff and froth. Yet it requires time. Wherefore it seemeth, That Castor by virtue of its alkaline Sulphur, becomes so good a Corrector of the acid alkaline Sulphur of Opium: so I take leave to call it, having some reasons to believe it such.

29. §. Musk, with Oyl of Vitriol, stirs not. But with Spirit of Nitre it makes a considerable and quick Bullition, with large bubbles, which often break and rise again. Whence there is a very eminent dif∣ference betwixt Musk and Civet. Hence also, Musk is Cordial, not only from its Sulphur, but its Alkaly; by both directly opposite to pre∣ternatural Acidities.

30. §. Dryed Gall with Spirit of Nitre, for some time, is still: but at length it makes a considerable Bullition and froth. The reason why it is so long before it begins, is because the Salt, (as was observed of some other Parts) is locked up in so great a quantity of Oyl. The abundance whereof is manifest, not only from Destillation, but also from hence, In that the dryed Powder, in lying by, incorporateth all together into one body, as Mirrh, and some other softer and oily Gums are used to do.

31. §. Extract of Vrine, with Spirit of Nitre, makes a Bullition with some Effervescence, which continues for a considerable time; and at last it huffs up with great bubbles. The Bullition begins presently: the Salt being copious, and the Oyl but little.

32. §. The same Extract of Urine makes a considerable Bullition and fr••th not only with Spirit of Nitre, but even with Oyl of Vitriol. Hence the Salt of Urine is more alkaline than that in most of the afore-said

Contents. From this and some of the following Experiments, it also ap∣pears, That the Salt which concurs to the generation of Gravel or of a Stone in the Kidneys or Bladder, is of a very different nature from the Salt of Urine.

33. §. Next for Dungs. And first, dryed Goats-dung makes with Spirit of Nitre, a small Bullition, but no elevation. That of Mice the like. And that of Cows. So that of all I have tryed, these three stir the least.

34. §. Goose-dung, with Spirit of Nitre, makes a very small Bulli∣tion and some elevation. But it requires time. Oyl of Vitriol stirs it not.

35. §. Album Graecum, with Spirit of Nitre, besides immerable small bubbles, rises up with some great ones, exactly resembling the huffing up of Yest or Barm. Also with Oyl of Vitriol it maketh some little froth, but slowly. So that it should seem, that the Bones are a little opened by some acid Menstruum in the Dogs stomach (as the body of Steel is in its preparation with Sulphur) whereby it becomes a good mild Topick in Quinzies.

36. §. Hens dung, with Spirit of Nitre, makes a very great bullition and huff: greater and quicker, than any of the rest above-named.

37. §. But of all I have tryed, Pigeons dung, with the same Spirit, maketh the greatest and the quickest Effervescence and huff; and that not without steams. Yet neither the same Dung, nor that of Hens, is moved in the least with Oyl of Vitriol. The Cause of so great an Effervescence in these, more than in the rest, is that white part which is here mixed in a great quantity with the Dung. Which white part, descendeth not from the Stomach, but is an Excrement separated from the Blood (as the Urine in other Animals) by a peculiar Organ, which evacuates it into the Intestinum rectum; whence, together with the Stercus it is excluded. Hence it is evident, That in the said white part of Hens, and especially Pigeons dung, is contained a great quantity of a vola∣tile Alkaly.

38. §. I proceed to Salts. And first Salt of Blood and Vrine both make a more durable Effervescence with Acids, than doth Salt of Worm∣wood, or Salt of Fern. Hence the former are more alkaline, than the latter.

39. §. Again, though divers other Animal Salts will not stir with Spirit of Salt, or with Oyl of Sulphur or Vitriol; yet the Salt of Blood will make an Effervescence with all kinds of Acids. Whence it is further argued to be highly alkaline, and very proper for the correction, of all sorts of preternatural Acids in the body. There is little doubt, but that Spirit of Harts-horn will do the like.

40. §. The Gravel which is precipitated out of Vrine; with Oyl of Vitriol makes no bullition in the least. Nor with strong Spirit of Salt. But with Spirit of Nitre, it makes a very great one, with Effervescence and steams. From hence it appears, That there is much difference to be made in the use of acid Diureticks, Nephriticks, &c.

41. §. And that I may not altogether omit to mention, what may be so much for the good of mankind, I do here declare, That for pre∣venting (I say not, the breaking, but preventing) the generation of the Stone, either in the Kidneys, or in the Bladder, there are not bet∣ter

Medicines in the world, than some certain Preparations of Nitre, duly administred. Whoever shall think that any kind of acid, as Oyl of Sulphur, Oyl of Vitriol, Spirit of Salt, or the like, will have the same effects, will find themselves much deceived in their practice.

42. §. I conclude with Stones. And first, Spirit of Nitre droped up∣on a Stone of the Kidneys or Bladder, produceth the very same effect, as upon the Gravel in Vrine. That is to say, it makes it boil and huff up, until at length it is perfectly dissolved into a soft Pulp; which neither Oyl of Sulphur, nor Oyl of Vitriol, nor Spirit of Salt will do; nor give the least touch towards its dissolution. This confirms what I said before of the use of Nitre and Nitrous Spirits, if duly prepared and administred, a∣bove any other Acids, against the breeding of the Stone.

43. §. Pearls, with any Acid, make the like Effervescence, as do Oy∣ster-shells. But Magistery of Pearls, as usually prepared, stirs not at all, with any Alkaly or Acid. So that as to the effect frequently intended by it, it is very insignificant; as of that of Corals hath been said.

44. §. Crabs Eyes, with any Acid, make an Effervescence, almost as quick as that of Oyster-shells.

45. Crabs Eyes likewise calcined, make a stronger Effervesnence, than when uncalcined. So that these, as well as Shells, contain a fixed Alkaly.

46. §. The Stones in Whitings heads make a strong Effervescence like that of Oyster-shells.

47. §. Stone of humane Gall, stirs not with Oyl of Vitriol. But with Spirit of Nitre maketh a little bullition just upon mixing, and after a con∣siderable time, a little forth. Much less than what was observed before of the Gall it self. So that it seemeth to be generated of the Gall coagu∣lated by some Acid, which hath already refracted the Alkaly wherewith the Gall abounds. This confirms the use of those Medicines in the Jaun∣dies, or any other bordering Disease, which destroys those Acidities by which the Gall is curdled or coagulated, and so rendred more difficulty separable into the Guts.

48. §. Since the first publishing of these Observations, Mr. William Matthews an Apothecary in Ledbury, sent me part, as I take it, of a Stomach-stone, as big as a Wallnut of the largest Size, voided by a wo∣man about 82 years of age, sometime after an Autumn Fever. It con∣sisteth of the same Striae, as the Bezoar Stone; and maketh some Bulli∣tion with Spirit of Nitre.

49. §. Bezoar, neither the Western nor the Eastern, doth stir at all with Oyl of Vitriol.

50. §. Western Bezoar, with Spirit of Nitre, makes a very little thin froth, and that's all; and that it doth very slowly. But Oriental Bezoar, with Spirit of Nitre, after some time, maketh a very great Effervescence, froth, elevation, noise, and steams (as if you poured Oyl of Vitriol upon Salt of Tartar) till it be wholly dissolved by the affufed Spirit, and turned into almost a blood-red. Hence it may seem to be no mean Remedy against such fretting and venenate acids, as oftentimes in Fevers, and other Di∣stemper, lye about the Stomach, and are thence frequently translated to the Heart, Brain, Nerves, and other parts. The difference likewise betwixt the Western and the Eastern Bezoar, is so great, that in any case of danger, and where the Bezoar is relyed upon, it is an unpardon∣able

fault, for the Apothecary, or any Person, to substitute the one for the other: unless he will take ten times as much, or ten times as little of the one, as he would have done of the other: if that will serve turn.

51. §. The Stones already mentioned, (except the great Stomach-stone) are ordinarily generated in the bodies of Animals. I have one Instance more of some other Stones which are extraordinary. In the City of Hereford lives a Maid, who often voids these Stones, and in the space of some years last past, hath voided several pounds, of se∣veral Colours and Sizes, not only per vias urinarias, but also by vo∣mit, and by stool. The first mention made to me of them, was by Mr. Diggs, a worthy Gentleman of that City, as a thing that was there much wondred at. And some of them, upon my desire, were sent me by Mr. Wellington, an Apothecary in the same place. I have tryed what several acid Menstrums will work upon them; and find, That with Oyl of Vitriol, and especially with Spirit of Nitre the great one make a very quick and conspicuous Effervescence. But the small ones, neither the white, nor the grey, make any Bullition in the least: for in truth, they are no other but little Pebbles and Grit-stones.

52. §. This being considerd, and the various colours and mixture of any one of the great Stones, being well observed; it seemeth plain, That although she be somewhat old (above thirty years) yet may she have a kind of 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉, or diseased Appetite to Stones, Bones, Wood∣ashes, Tobacco-Pipes, Chalk, and such like things; which sometimes swallowing in little lumps, sometimes grosly, or finely ground betwixt her teeth; they are in her Stomach and Bowels, more or fewer of them, cemented together, either with a pituitous, bilious, or some other more or less glutinous substance. And that by virtue also of the said Cement, or any of the said, or other like alkalizate Bodies, the greater Stones, which consist of those partly, do make an Effervescence with acid Li∣quors. Thus far of Instances upon the parts of Animals. I shall close with some Corollaries deduced from the whole.

53. §. And first, since we find, that amongst all the Menstuums we have made use of, Spirit of Nitre, or any very Nitrous Spirit, is the most universal dissolver of all kinds of Animal Bodies; the best dissol∣ver of many others both Vegetable and Mineral, and the only dissolver of some: Hence it is probable, That the great stomachick Menstruum, which either dissolves, or opens almost all Bodies which come into the Stomach, is a kind of Nitrous Spirit.

54. §. Again, Spirit of Nitre being a subalkaline Acid, and work∣ling more evidently upon Animal bodies, than other simpler Acids do, which yet are as strong; It hence follows, That most of the Salts of Animals are subacid Alkalies. How far this conclusion may further in∣struct us, I shall have occasion to shew in another Discourse.

55. §. Lastly, there being so many, say twenty or thirty degrees, from the slowest to the most vehement, in the Bullition of mixed Bodies; it seemeth, That Fermentation it self, as to the formal notion of it, is

nothing else: or that from the common Luctation of mixed Bodies whereof we have now been speaking, it differs not in specie, but on∣ly in the manner of its causation, and in degree: the Aer, or some cer∣tain Menstruum lodged therein, being of no greater strength, than to produce a Bullition or Luctation of that low and soft degree, which we call Fermentation.

56. §. I have thus endeavoured to prove, by various Instances, how instructive this most easie, plain and simple Method in the Mixture of Bodies, may become to us: and that meerly by observing the Lucta∣tions which thence arise betwixt them. How much more then, if a diligent remarque be made of all those various Colours, Smells, Tastes, Consistencies, and other Mutations thereupon emergent?

Notes

• Ch. 5. Inst. 5.
• Anat. of Plants, B. 1. Ch. 6.