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 ...

Several LECTURES Read before the ROYAL SOCIETY.

By NEHEMJAH GREW M. D. Fellow of the ROYAL SOCIETY, and of the COLLEGE of PHYSICIANS.

LONDON, Printed by W. Rawlins, 1682.

THE TITLES Of the following LECTURES.

• I. OF the Nature, Causes, and Power of MIXTURE. The second Edition.
• II. Of the LUCTATION arising upon the Mixture of several Menstruum's with all sorts of Bodies. The second Edi∣tion.
• III. An Essay, Of the various Proportions, wherein LIXI∣VIAL SALTS are found in Plants.
• IV. Of the ESSENTIAL and MARINE SALTS of Plants.
• V. Of the COLOURS of Plants.
• VI. Of the Diversities and Causes of TASTS; chiefly in Plants. With an Appendix, Of the ODOURS of Plants.
• VII. Experiments in Consort, upon the SOLUTION of SALTS in Water.

TO THE Right Honourable WILLIAM Lord Vi-Count BROUNCKER, PRESIDENT OF THE Royal Society.

MY LORD,

ONE Reason why I Dedicate the following Discourses to Your Lordship, is, For that by Your great and undeserved Respects, You have obliged me to do no less.

Another, my Lord, is, Because I could not but Publickly return Your Lordship Thanks, for minding the Royal Society of so good a Way, they are lately resolved upon, for the Management of a great part of their Business. Wherein, my Lord, I do more than presume, that I also speak the Sense of the whole So∣ciety; I think, not any one excepted.

I may with the same Confidence intimate, my Lord, how happy they account themselves, in having a Person so fit to prefide their Affairs, as Your Lordship. The Largeness of your Knowledge, the Exactness of Your Judg∣ment, the Evenness of Your Comport; being some of those necessary Qualifications, which His Majesty had in His Eye (as right well understanding what He did) when He fixed His Choice upon Your Lordship.

I know, my Lord, that there are some men, who have

just so much Vnderstanding, as only to teach them how to be Ambitious: The Flattering of whom, is somewhat like the Tickling of Children, till they fall a Dancing. But I also know, that Your Lordship unconcerneth Your self as much, in what I even now spake; as Caesar did himself, when his Souldiers began to style him King. For as he said, Non Rex, sed Caesar: So let Your Lordship be but once nam'd, and all that follows, is but a Tautology to what You are already known to be. Your being President of the Royal Society, Your being the First that was Chosen, and Chosen by so Knowing a Prince; becomes so real a Panegyrick to Your Lordship, as leaveth Verbal ones without any sound.

Whence, my Lord, I have a third Reason most naturally emergent, which is, That I dare to submit my self, as to what I have hereafter said, to Your Lordships Censure. You being so able and just an Arbiter betwixt the same and all those Per∣sons therein concern'd; that You can neither be deceived, nor corrupted, to make a Judgment in any Point, to the Injury of either.

And truly, my Lord, were it only from a Principle of self-Interest, yet I could not desire it should be otherwise. For the World, if it lives, will certainly grow as much more knowing than it is; as it is now more, than it was heretofore. So that we have as little Reason to despise Antiquity; as we can have willingness, that we our selves should be despised by Po∣sterity.

Yet some difference there is to be made; viz. betwixt those of all Ages, who have been modestly ignorant; and those who have thought, or pretended, that they were Omniscient. Or if knowing and acknowledging that they were Ignorant; have yet not been contented to be so; unless, with as good manners, as sense, they did conjure all Mankind not to offer at the know∣ing any more than themselves.

Vpon the whole, my Lord, I desire not You should be a Pa∣tron, any further than You are a Judge. For if this small Essay hath deserved the least acceptance, I am sure, that in being one, You will be both. I am,

My Lord,

Your Lordships most Faithful and Obedient Servant, NEHEMJAH GREW.

A DISCOURSE Read before the ROYAL SOCIETY Decemb. 10. 1674. Concerning the NATURE, CAUSES, and POWER OF MIXTURE.

HAVING the honour to perform the Task of this day; I shall endeavour to conform to the Phylosophy, which this Society doth profess; which is, Reasoning grounded upon Experiment, and the Common Notions of Sense. The former being, without the latter, too subtle and intan∣gible; the latter without the former, too gross and unmanageable: but both together, bearing a true analogy to our selves; who are neither Angels, nor meer Animals, but Men.

The Subject I have chosen to speak of, is Mixture. Whereof, that our Discourse may be the more consistent, and the better intelligible; all I have to say, shall be ranged into this Method; viz.

1. First, I shall give a brief account of the received Doctrine of Mixture.

2. Next, lay down some Propositions of the Principles whereof all Mixed Bodies consist.

3. Then, open the true Nature of Mixture; or say, What it is.

4. And then enumerate the Causes of Mixture; or say, How it is made.

5. Lastly, I shall shew the Power of Mixture; or, What it can do.

CHAP. I. Of the received Doctrine of Mixture.

FIRST, As to the received Doctrine of Mixture; not to trouble you with tedious quotations of what Aristotle, Ga∣len, Fernelius, Scaliger, Sennertus, Riverius, and other Learned men say hereof; we may suppose the whole summed up in that Definition which Aristotle himself hath given of it, and which the greater number of his Followers, have almost religiously adhered to; viz. that 'tis, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. that 'tis, Miscibilium alteratorum unio.* 1.1 Which Definition, as it is usually expli∣cated, is both Unintelligible, and Unuseful.

2. §. Two things are unintelligible; what they mean by Alterati∣on; and what by Union. In this Alteration, they say, That the very Forms of the Elements are altered. And therefore lay it down for an Axiom, Quod in Mixto, Formae Elementares tantum sint in potentia, But let us see the consequence. For if in a mixed body, the Forms of the Elements are but in potentia; then the Elements themselves are but in potentia: for we all say, Forma dat esse. And if the Compounding Elements, are only in poteutia; then the Compounded Body it self can be only in potentia: yet to say it is no more, is most absurd.

3. §. As for the Union of Elements in a mixed Body; they make it such, as brings them at last to assert, the Penetration of Bodies, and that the Union of mixed Bodies is nothing else. For they say it is made in such sort, that every particle of the mixed Body, partaketh of the Nature of the whole. Which Nature, ariseth from the contempera∣ted Qualities of the four Elements. Whence they conclude, That every particle of the mixed Body, containeth in it self all the four Ele∣ments. Which is plainly to assert a penetration of Bodies. For every Element is, at least, one particle; if therefore every particle of the mixed Body, containeth four Elements; then four particles are but one. I conclude then, That the received Doctrine of Mixture is Unintelligible.

4. §. Whence it follows, That it is also Barren and Unuseful. For who can make any use of that which he understandeth not? And the experience of so many years, wherein it hath been ventilated by the disputes of men, proveth as much: Scarce any of them, except the Learned Sennertus, daring to venture upon Experiment, for fear they should come to understand themselves.

5. §. It is confessed, that many gallant things have been found out by artificial Mixture. But no thanks to this Definition of it. For as an Ignorant Man may make bad Work, and a good Rule be never the worse; so one that is Iugenious may make good Work, and a bad Rule be never the better. The question is not, what have men done? but what have they done upon this foundation, Quod Mixitio sit mis••i∣bilium alteratorum unio. Had this ever taught them to do any thing, even so much as to make the Inke wherewith they have wrote, all their Disputes; I confess, they would have had something to shew for it. But the truth is, their notions of Mixture, have been so far from doing us any good, that they have done us much harm: being, through their seeming subtlety, but real absurdity, as so many phantastick Spectrums, serving only to assright men from coming near them, or the Subject whereof they treat.

§. 6. I shall therefore endeavour to open the true Nature of Mixture. And I shall build my Doctrine upon the Common Notions of Sense: which none can deny; and every one may conceive of. In order to which, I shall take leave to lay down some Propositions, of the Princi∣ples of all mixed Bodies.

CHAP. II. Of the Principles of Bodies.

AND first, by Principles, I mean Atomes, or certain Sorts of Atomes, or of the simplest of Bodies. For otherwise they would not be Principles; for a compounded Principle, in strict speaking, is a Con∣tradiction. Even as Fives, Threes, or Two's are not the Principles of Number, but Unites.

2. §. Whence, secondly, it follows, that they are also Indivisible. Not Mathematically; for the Atomes of every Prin∣ciple have their Dimensions. But Physically; and so, what is but one, cannot be made two. If it be asked, Whether a Stick cut with a Knife, be not of one, made two? I say, that a Stick, is not one Body, but many millions of Bodies; that is, of Atomes; not any one whereof is divided within it self, but only they are separated one from another, where the Knife forceth its way. As in the drawing of a mans Finger through a Heap of Corn; there is no Division made in any one Grain, but only a separation of them one from another, all remaining still in themselves entire. I say, therefore, that what is Physically one, is also most firm, and Indivisible, that is, Impenetrable: for Penetration is but the Separation, not the Division of Atomes.

3. §. Hence, thirdly, they are also Immutable. For that which cannot be divided, cannot be chang'd. So that of the whole World of Atomes, not any one hath ever suffer'd, or can suffer the least mu∣tation. Hereupon is grounded the Constancy of Causes and Effects. So that, in all Generations, it is not less certain, that the self same Prin∣ciple is still propagated from the same; than, that Man is from Man. Wherefore, compounded Bodies are generated; but Principles are not, but only propagated; that is, in every Generation, they pass, in them∣selves unaltered, from one Body, into another.

4. §. If Principles, or Atomes are all Immutable; it again follows. That they are of Divers Kinds. For one and the same Principle, or Kind of Atomes, will still make the Same Thing, and have the same Effect: so that all Generations would then be the Same. Wherefore, since they are Immutable, they must be Divers.

5. §. This Diversity, for the same reason, is not small, but very Numerous. For as the World, taken together, is Natures Shop; so the Principles of Things are her Tools, and her Materials. Wherefore, as it speaks the goodness of a Shop; so the Perfection of the Universe, That it is furnished with many Tools wherewith, and many Materials whereupon to work. And consequently, that Philosophy beareth best its own name; which doth not strain all to two or three Principles, like two or three

Bells in a Steeple, making a pitiful Chime: but tryeth to rise up to Natures own Number, and so to ring all the Changes in the World.

6. §. Yet doth not this vast Diversity take away the Regiment and Subordination of Principles. There being a certain lesser number of them, which either by their greater quantity, or other ways, have Rule and Dominion, in their several Orders, over all the rest. For where-ever the Subject is Multitude, Order is part of its Perfection. For Order is Proportion. And how can Nature be imagin'd to hold Propor∣tion in all things else, and not here? Wherefore, as certainly, as Or∣der and Government are in all the Parts of the Rational; so certainly, of the Material World. Whence it is, That although the Species of Principles be very numerous; yet the Principles called Galenical, Chy∣mical, or any others, which do any way fall under the notice of Sense, are notwithstanding reduceable to a smaller number: viz. according to the number of Predominant Principles in Nature; or, rather in this part of the Universe which is near and round about us. To the Power and Empire whereof, all other Principles do submit. Which Submission, is not the quitting of their own Nature; but only their appearance under the external Face or Habit of the said Predominant Principles.

7. §. As there can be no Order of Principles, without Diversity; so no Diversity, but what is originally made by these two ways; sc. by Size and Figure. By these they may be exceeding different: and all other Properties besides, whereby they differ, must be dependent upon these Two.

8. §. Nor therefore, can they be of any other Figures, than what are Regular. For Regularity, is a Similitude continu'd. Since there∣fore all kinds of Atomes are divers only by their Size and Figure; if the selfe same Size and Figure were not common to a certain number of Atomes, they could not be said to be of any one kind: and consequent∣ly, if there were no Similitude of Atomes, there could be no Distin∣ction of Principles.

9. §. Hence also, these two Modes of Atomes, viz. their Size and Figure, are the true, and only original Qualities of Atomes. That is, an Atome is such or such, because it is of such a certain Size and Fi∣gure.

10. §. Lastly, As these two Modes, taken severally, are the Qua∣lities of an Atome: so consider'd together, they are its Form. A sub∣stantial Form of a Body, being an unintelligible thing. I say of a Body; for although the Rational Soul be a substantial Form, yet is it the Form of a Man, and not of a Body. For the Form of a Body, we can conceive of no otherwise, than as of the Modification of a Body, or a Complexion of all the Modes of a Body. Which also agrees with that Definition of a Form, which amongst the Peripatetick Philosophers is well enough accepted, viz. Quod sit, Ratio ejus Essentiae, quae cuique Rei competit. Which Ratio, if it be referred to a Body, what is it, but the Modification of that Body? Having thus proposed a Summary of my Thoughts about Principles; I shall next proceed to shew what their Mixture is.

CHAP. III. Of the NATURE of Mixture.

AND first of all, from the Premisses, we arrive at this Conclusion; sc. That the Formation and Transformati∣on of all Bodies, can be nothing else, but the Mixture of Bodies.* 1.2 For all Principles are immutable; as we have above proved: and therefore not generable, formable, or transformable. And the Forms of Prin∣ciples,* 1.3 being but their Modes, are also immutable. So that the whole Business of the Material World, is nothing else, but Mixture.

2. §. Again, as Nature worketh every where only by Mixture; so is this Mixture every where but one thing, and can be but one. For whether it be the Mixture of great Bodies, or of small; of Compounds, or of Atomes;* 1.4 it is every where Mixture, and the Mixture of Bodies. Wherefore, Mixture is either an intelligible Affection of all Bodies, or of none; which later, no man will say. As many ways therefore, as we can see, or conceive the Mixture of any gross Bodies, which we hold in our hand; so many ways, we may, of the subtilest Mixtures which Nature maketh, or of Atomes themselves; and no other ways.

3. §. Now all the ways we can distinguish Mixture by, are, in ge∣neral, these Two; either in respect of the Bodies Mixed, or else of the Modes of the Mixture it self.

4. §. In respect of the Bodies Mixed, Mixture is distinguished al∣so two ways; viz. by Conjugation, and by Proportion.

5. §. By Conjugation, I mean, a Mixture of some certain Princi∣ples, and not of others. Which is threefold. First, As to Number: as when one Body may be compounded of two Principles, another of three, a third of four, a fourth of five, and so on. Secondly, As to Kind: where, though there be a conjunction of the same Number, yet not of the same Kind. Thirdly, When they differ from one ano∣ther both in Number and Kind. So many ways the Principles of Bodies may be conceived to be Conjugated; and therefore are: for here, that which may be, is. The Consequence is clear. For first,* 1.5 Nature hath various Materials wherewith to make these Mix∣tures; as we have shewed. Secondly, By these Mixtures she may, and without the concurrence of any imaginary Forms, must produce all the varieties in the material World;* 1.6 as likewise hath been said. Where∣fore, since all imaginable Mixtures may be made, and that to some pur∣pose; if they should not be so, Nature would be Imperfect: because we our selves can think, how she might put her Materials to further use, then so she would do. To think therefore, that all Kinds of Prin∣ciples, or all Elements go to make up every Compounded Body, as by the Peripatetick Philosophy we are taught; is a conceit, no more to be credited, than one that should tell us, all Kind of Wheels and other

parts of a Watch, were put into a Clock; or that there were no other Materials wherewith to build an House, then for a Tent or a Ship. For why should Nature, the great Artificer by which all perfect Works are made, be feigned to cram and ram all things into one, which we our selves look upon as absurd?

6. §. Secondly, The Mixture of Principles is diversifi'd, as by Con∣jugation, so also by Proportion. That is, by the divers Quantities, of the several Principles or Parts mixed together. As if the Quantity of one, were as five to ten; of a second, as five to fifteen; of a third, as five to twenty, &c. Or if that of one, be as five to six; of a second, as six to seven; of a third, as seven to eight. By which, and by other Proportions, Mixture may be varied innumerable ways.

7. §. Again, As Mixture is varied with respect to the Bodies Mix∣ed; so likewise in respect of the Mixture it self, which I call the Loca∣tion of Principles, or the Modes of their Conjunction. Which may be various, as well as their Conjugation and Proportion. Yet are they all reduceable unto two general Modes: all Bodies, and therefore all Prin∣ciples,* 1.7 being mixed either by Mediation, or by Contact.

8. §. Now all Contact, whether of Compounds, or of Atomes, can be no other way, than such as is answerable to their Figures. Where∣of, therefore, we can conceive but three general ways, viz.

First, by Contract in a Point, or some smaller part: as when two A∣tomes meet, which are globular or otherwise gibbose. Secondly, By Contact in a Plain: as in the conjunction of the sides of Triangular or Quadrangular Atomes, or otherwise flat. Thirdly, By Contact in a Concave: as when one Atome is admitted into the Concave or hole of another; as a Spigot is into a Fosset. The first may be called, Apposi∣tion; the second, Application; the third, Reception or Intrusion.

9. §. In the two last ways, Atomes may be joyned by Mediation; but best of all the last. As when the two extreams of one Atome are re∣ceived into the Concaves or the holes of two others.

10. §. And these are all the general ways, whereby we can conceive Bodies to be Mixed together; sc. by their various Conjugation, Propor∣tion and Location. So that the Composition of Atomes, in Bodies; is like that of Letters, in Words. What a Thunderclap would such a Word be, wherein all the four and twenty Letters were pack'd up? One therefore is compounded of more, another of fewer: this of some, and that of others: and both the Conjugation, Proportion, and Locati∣on of Letters is varied in every Word: whereby, we have many thou∣sands of differing Words, without any alteration at all, in the Letters themselves; and might have ten times as many more. In like manner, therefore, or in the self same analogous way, as the Letters of the Al∣phabet, are the Principles of Words; so Principles, are the Alphabet of Things.

11. §. What we have said of Principles; and of Mixture as conse∣quent thereupon; may be a foundation for an intelligible account, of the Nature and Cause of most of the Intrinsick Properties, and Qualities of Bodies: as of Gravity, Levity, Fixity, Fluidity, Angularity, Round∣ness, Heat, Cold, Blackness, Whiteness, Sowerness, Sweetness, Fragran∣cy, Fetidness, and very many more. I say an intelligible account; sc. such as is grounded upon the Notions of Sense, and made out Me∣chanically. But the exemplification hereof, being too large a field

for this, or any one Lecture, I shall, before I come to the Causes of Mixture, only deduce from the Premises, these following Corollaries.

12. §. First, That there is no alteration of Principles or of Ele∣ments, in the most perfect Mixture of Bodies. It cannot be; for Principles are Immutable,* 1.8 as we have said. And if it could be, yet it needeth not to be: for they are also many, and compoundable infinite ways; as hath been shewed.* 1.9 So that we have no need to perplex our selves with any of those difficulties,* 1.10 that arise from the Doctrine of the Alteration of Elements. The ground of which conceit, is that, of three being but four Elements, and all in every particle of the mixed Body. And so men being puzeled, how from thence to make out the infinite variety of Bodies, they feigned them to be alterable, and altered, upon every perfect Mixture. Not considering, that if their four Elements be alterable; as few as they are, no fewer then three of them may be spared: for one Element, if alterable, may be made any.

13. §, Hence, Secondly, may be solved that great Dispute, Whe∣ther such as we call Lixivial Salts, are made by the fire? For first, No Principle is made by the fire:* 1.11 all Principles being unalterable; and therefore unmakable. Secondly, We must therefore distinguish betwixt the Principle, and its various Mixture with other Principles; from whence it may receive different Shapes and Names. Wherefore, a Lixivial Salt, qua Lixivial, is certainly made by the fire. But qua∣tenus Salt, it is not: that Principle being extractable out of most Bo∣dies; and by divers other ways, then by the fire. For whether you Calcine a body, or else Ferment it, (after the manner shewed by the curious Improver of Chimical Knowledg, Dr. Daniel Cox) or putrifie it under ground, or drown it in the Sea; it still yieldeth some kind of Salt. All which Salts are made, not by making the Saline Princi∣ple; but only by its being differently Mixed, by those several ways of the Solution of Bodies) with other Principles: from which its dif∣ferent Mixture, it receives the various Denominations, of Marine, Ni∣trous, Volatile, or Lixivial.

14. §. Hence, Thirdly, the most perfect Mixture of Bodies, can go no higher than Contact.* 1.12 For all Principles are unalterable; and all Matter is impenetrable;* 1.13 as hath been said. In the most visible and laxe Mixture, there is Contact; and in the most subtile and perfect, as in Ge∣neration it self, there is nothing more.

15. §. Hence, Fourthly, we easily understand, how divers of the same Principles, belonging both to Vegetables and many other Bodies, are also actually existent in the Body of Man Because even in Gene∣ration or Transmutation, the Principles which are translated from one Body to another, as from a Vegetable to an Animal, are not in the least alter'd in themselves; but only their Mixture, that is, their Conjugation, Proportion and Location, is varied.

16. §. Hence also the difference of Mixture, arising from the dif∣ference of Contact, is intelligible; sc. as to those three degrees, Congre∣gation, Union, and Concentration.

Congregation, and Inconsistent Mixture, is when the several Atomes touch but in a Point,* 1.14 or smaller part. In which manner, I have divers arguments, inducing me to believe the Atomes of all Fluid Bodies, qua Fluid, do touch; and in no other.

Union,* 1.15 is when they touch in a Plain. As in the Crystals and Shoot∣ings of all Salts, and other like Bodies. For if we pursue their di∣vided and subdivided parts, with our eye, as far as we can; they still terminate, on every side, in Plains. Wherefore, 'tis intelligible, That their very Atomes do also terminate, and therefore touch, in Plain.

Concentration, is when two, or more Atomes touch by Reception and Intrusion of one into another:* 1.16 which is the closest, and firmest Mixture of all; as in any fixed unodorable, or untastable Body: the Atomes of such Bodies, being not able to make any Smell or Taste, unless they were first dissolved; that is to say, unpin'd one from another.

17. §. Hence, Sixthly, we understand, how in some cases, there seemeth to be a Penetration of Bodies; and in what sense it may be admitted: viz. if we will mean no more by Penetration, but Intrusi∣on. For the Intrusion of one Atome into the Concave or hole of ano∣ther, is a kind of Penetration; whereby they take up less room in the mixed Body, then they would do by any other way of Contact. As a naked knife and its sheath, take up almost double room, to what they do, when the knife is sheathed. Whence we may assign the reason, Why many Liquors being mixed; take up less room or space, then they did apart; as the Ingenious Mr. Hook hath made it to appear by Experiment, that they do. I say the plain reason hereof, or at least one reason, is the Intrusion of many of their Atomes into one ano∣ther. Which yet is not a Penetration of Bodies strictly so called.

18. §. Seventhly, If all that Nature maketh, be but Mixture; and all this Mixture be but Contact 'tis then evident,* 1.17 That Natural and Artificial Mixture,* 1.18 are the same. And all those seeming subtilties whereby Philosophers have gone about to distinguish them; have been but so many Scarcrows to affright Men from the Imitation of Nature.

19. §. Eighthly, Hence it follows, That Art it self may go far in doing what Nature doth. And who can say, how far? For we have nothing to Make; but only to mix those Materials, which are al∣ready made to our hands. Even Nature her self, as hath been said, Maketh nothing new;* 1.19 but only mixeth all things. So far, therefore, as we can govern Mixture, we may do what Nature doth.

20. §. Which that we may still the better understand; let us be∣fore, and in the next place, see the Causes of Mixture. For since Natural and Artificial Mixture are the same;* 1.20 the immediate Causes of both, are and must be the same.

CHAP. IV. Of the CAUSES of Mixture.

NOW all the Causes of Mixture we can conceive of, must, I think, be reduced to these six in general; viz. Congruity, Weight, Compression, Solution, Di∣gestion, and Agitation.

1. §. Congruity, or aptitude and respondence be∣twixt the Sizes and Figures of Parts to be mixed: whereby Bodies may be truly called the Instrumen∣tal Causes of their own Mixture. As when a Plain answers to a Plain, a Square to a Square, a Convex to a Concave, or a Less to a Greater or an Equal, &c. according to which Respondencies in the parts of Bodies, they are more or less easily mingleable.

2. §. Weight, by means whereof all Fluid Bodies, upon supposi∣tion of the Congruity of their parts, must unavoidably mingle.

3. §. Compression; which either by the Air, or any other Body, added to Weight, must, in some degree, further Mixture. Because, that Weight it self, is but Pression. For further Proof of all the said Cau∣ses, I made this Experiment; Let Oyle of Aniseeds, and Oyl of Vitriol be put apart into the Receiver of an Air-Pump. And, having exhausted it of the Air, let the two said Oyls be then affused one upon the other. Whereupon, First, It is visible, that they here mix and coagulate to∣gether; that is, their parts are wedged and intruded one into another, without the usual compression of the Air; for that is exhausted, and therefore only by the Congruity of their receiving and intruding parts; and by their Weight; by which alone they are so compressed, as to make that Intrusion. Secondly, It is also evident, That although they do Co∣agulate; yet not altogether so much, as when poured together in the same manner, and quantity, in the open Air. Wherefore, Compression, whether made by the Air, or any thing else, as it doth further the Dissolution of some Bodies, so the Mixture of others, and the greater the Compression, the more.

4. §. Solution; For all Bodies mix best, in Forma fluida. And that for two reasons. First, Because the parts of a Body are not then in a state of Union, but of Separation; and therefore, in a more capa∣ble state, for their Mixture and Union with the parts of another Body. Secondly, because then they are also in a state of Motion, more or less; and therefore, in a continual tendency towards Mixture; all Mixture being made by Motion. Wherefore all Generations, and most perfect Mixtures in Nature, are made by Fluids; whether Animal, Vegetable, or Mineral. Which is also agreeable to the Doctrine of the Honourable Mr. Boyle, in his Excellent Treatise of the Nature and Vertues of Gems. And it is well known, That Bodies are ordinarily petrified, or Stones made, out of Water. That is, out of petrifying parts dissolved per minima in Water, as both their Menstruum and their Vehicle. Wherefore, if we will talk of making Gold; it must not be by the Philosophers Stone, but by the Philosophers Liquor.

5. §. Digestion. For which there is the same reason, as for Mixture, by Solution. For, First, All heat doth attenuate, that is, still further separate the parts of a Body; and so render them more mingleable with the parts of another. And therefore, Secondly, Doth also add more Motion to them, in order to their Mixture.

6. §. Agitation. Which I am induced to believe a great and effectual means of Mixture, upon divers Considerations. As, First, That the making of Blood in the Bodies of Animals, and the mixing of the Chyle therewith, is very much promoted by the same means; sc. by the Agi∣tation of the parts of the Blood and Chyle, in their continual Circulation. Again, from the making of Butter out of Milk, by the same means: whereby alone is made a separation of the oleous parts from the Whey, and Conjunction of the Oleous together. Moreover, From the great Effects of Digestion; well known to all that are conversant in Chymical Preparations. Which Digestion it self, is but a kind of insensible agita∣tion of the parts of digested Bodies. 'Tis also a known Experiment, That the readiest way to dissolve Sugar in Wine or other Liquor; is to give the Vessel a hasty turn, together with a smart knock, against any hard and steady Body: whereby all the parts of the Sugar and Liquor, are put into a vehement Agitation, and so the Sugar immediately dissol∣ved, and mixed with the Liquor. And I remember, that having (with intent, to make Mr. Matthews's Pill) put some Oyl of Turpentine and Salt of Tartar together in a Bottle, and sent it up hither out of the Country; I found, that the continual Agitation upon the Road, for three or four days, had done more towards their Mixture; than a far grea∣ter time of Digestion alone had done before. And it is certain, That a vehement Agitation, especially, if continu'd, or joyned with Dige∣stion; will accelerate the Mixture of some Bodies, ten times more, than any bare Digestion alone; as may be proved by many Experiments. I will instance in this one. Let some Oyl of Turpentine and good Spirit of Nitre be stop'd up together in a Bottle, and the Bottle held to the Fire, till the Liquors be a little heated, and begin to bubble. Then having removed it, and the Bubbles by degrees increasing more and more; the two Liquors will of themselves, at last fall into so impe∣tuous an Ebullition, as to make a kind of Explosion; sending forth a smoak for the space of almost two yards high. Whereupon, the parts of both the Liquors, being violently agitated, they are, in a great portion, incor∣porated into a thick Balsam in a moment: and that without any intense heat, as may be felt by the Bottle. And thus much for the Causes of Mixture.

CHAP. V. Of the POWER and USE of Mixture.

HAVING enumerated the general Causes, we shall, lastly, enquire into the Power and Use of Mixture; or, into what it can Do and Teach. And I shall In∣stance in six particulars. First, to Render all Bodies Sociable, whatsoever they be. Secondly, To Make Artificial Bodies in Imitation of those of Natures own production. Thirdly, to make or imitate the sensible Qualities of Bodies; as Smells, and Tasts. Fourthly, To make, or imitate their Faculties. Fifthly, It is a Key, to discover the Nature of Bodies. Sixthly, To discover their Use, and the Manner of their Medicinal Operation.

INSTANCE I.

FIRST, To render all Bodies Sociable or Mingleable: as Water with Oyl, Salt with Spirit, and the like.* 1.21 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,* 1.22 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;* 1.23 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.

INSTANCE II.

BY Mixture also, we may be taught to Imitate the Productions of Nature. As to which, from what we have before said of Mix∣ture, we may conclude; That there is no Generation of Bodies unor∣ganical, but what is in the Power of Mixture to imitate. As of Animals, to Imitate Blood, Fat, Chyle, Spittle, Flegm, Bile, &c. Of Vegetables, to Imitate a Milk, Mucilage, Rosin, Gum, or Salt. Of Minerals, to Imitate Vitriol, Allom, and other Salts; as also Metals, and the like.

2. §. I do not say, I can do all this: yet if, upon good Premisses, we can conclude this possible to be done; it is one step to the doing of it. But I will also give an Instance of somewhat that may be done in every kind. And,

3. §. First, For the Imitation of an Animal Body, I will instance in Fat. Which may be made thus; Take Oyl Olive, and pour it upon high Spirit of Nitre. Then digest them for some days. By degrees, the Oyl becomes of the colour of Marrow; and at last, is congealed, or hardned into a white Fat or Butter, which dissolveth only by the fire, as that of Animals. In converting Oyl thus into Fat, it is to be noted, That it hardens most upon the exhalation of some of the more Sul∣phureous parts of the Spirit of Nitre. Which I effected, well enough for my purpose, by unstopping the glass after some time of digesti∣on; and so suffering the Oyl to dissolve and thicken divers times by suc∣cessive heat and cold. Hence, The true Congealing Principle, is a Spi∣rit of Nitre separated from its Sulphur. For the better doing whereof, the Aer is a most commodious Menstruum to the said Spirit of Nitre. Whence also, if we could procure such a Spirit of Nitre, we might con∣geal Water in the midst of Summer. We might also refrigerate Rooms herewith Artificially. And might Imitate all frosty Meteors. For the making of Fat, is but the Durable Congelation of Oyl: which may be done without frost, as I have shewed how.

Hence also it appears, That Animal Fat it self, is but the Curdling of the Oyly parts of the Blood; either by some of its own Saline parts; or by the Nitrous parts of the Aer mingled therewith.

Hence likewise it is, That some Animals, as Conies, and Fieldfares, grow fatter in frosty weather: the oily parts of the blood, being then more than ordinarily coagulated with a greater abundance of nitrous parts received from the Aer into their bodies.

For the same reason it is, That the Fat of Land-Animals is hard; whereas that of Fishes is very soft, and runs all to Oyl, sc. Because the Water, wherein they live, and which they have instead of breath, hath but very few nitrous parts in it, in comparison of what the Aer hath.

4. §. Secondly, For the Imitation of a Vegetable Body, I will give three Instances; In Rosin, Gum, and a Lixivial Salt. The first may be made thus; Take good Oyl of Vitriol, and drop it upon Oyl of Anise∣seeds; and they will forthwith incorporate together; and by degrees, will harden into a perfect Rosin; with the general and defining Properties of a truly Natural Resinous Gum. Being not at all dissoluble in Water; or at least, not any more, then any natural Rosin or Gum: yet very easily by fire: as also higly inflamable: and exceeding friable. Although this Artificial Rosin, be the result of two Liquors, both which very strongly affect the Sense: yet being well washed from the unincorporated parts, (which is to be done with some care) it hath scarce any Tast or Smell.

The Concentration of these two Liquors, is likewise so universal; that the Rosin is not made by Precipitation, but almost a total Combination of the said Liquors; and that with scarce so much, as any visible fumes.

5. §. Again, Having taken a certain Powder and a Saline Liquor, and mixed them together in a bottle, and so digested them for some time; the Powder was at last transmuted to a perfect Oily Gum; which will also dissolve either in Oyl or in Water; in the self same manner, as Galbanum, Ammoniac, and the like will do.

6. §. And Lastly, A Lixivial Salt may be imitated thus; Take Nitre, Oyl of Vitriol, and high Spirit of Wine, of each a like quantity. Of these three Bodies, not any two being put together, that is to say

neither the Nitre with the Oyl, nor the Oyl with the Spirit, nor the Nitre with the Spirit, will make the least Ebullition: yet all three mingled together, make a very conspicuous one. The Spirit of Wine being as the Sulphur; and so that, and the Nitre together, standing, as it were, in the stead of an Alkalizate, that is, a Sulphurious Salt, against the Oyl of Vitriol. Divers other Experiments may be shew'n of the like Nature.

7. §. In the last place, for the Imitation of a Mineral Body, I will instance in two, sc. Nitre and Marine Salt; if I may have leave to reckon them amongst Mineral Bodies. As for Nitre, by mixing of four Li∣quors together, and then setting them to shoot; I have obtained Chry∣stals of true and perfect Salt; which have had much of a nitrous tast; and would be melted with a gentle Heat, as Nitre is; and even as easily as Butyr it self: I mean not, by the addition of any sort of Liquor, or any other Body, to dissolve it; but only by the fire.

8. §. And as for a Sea-Salt, that I might Imitate Nature for the ma∣king thereof, I consider'd, That the said Salt is nothing else but that of Animals and Vegetables, freed from its true Spirit and Sul∣phur, and some Saline particles, specifically Animal or Vegetable, together with them. For both Animal and Vegetable Bodies being continually carried by all Rivers into the Sea; and many likewise by Shipwrack, and divers other ways immersed therein: they are at last corrupted, that is, their Compounding parts are opened and resolved. Yet the Resolu∣tion being in the Water, is not made precipitately, as it is in the Air; but by degrees, and very gently; whence the Sulphurious and other Volatile parts, in their Avolation, make not so much haste, as to car∣ry the more fixed Saline parts along with them; but leaveth them be∣hind in the Water, which imbibeth them as their proper Menstruum.

And the Imitation of Nature herein, may be performed thus; Put as much of a Lixivial Salt as you please, into a wide-mouth'd Bottle, and with fair Water make a strong Solution of it; so as some part there∣of may remain unresolved at the bottom of the Bottle. Let the Bot∣tle stand thus for the space of about half or three quarters of a year, all the time unstopped. In which time, many of the Sulphurious and other Volatile parts gradually flying away; the top of the unresolved Salt will be incrustate, or as it were frosted over, with many small and hard Concretions, which, in their nature, are become a true Sea-Salt. Whereof there is a double Proof; First, In that most of the said Con∣cretions are of a Cubical, or very like Figure. Especially on their upper parts; because having a fixed Body for their Basis, their under parts, therefore, contiguous thereto, are less regular. Whereas the parts of the Salt in the Sea, being environed on all sides with a Fluid; their Fi∣gure is on all sides regular. Secondly, In that a strong Acid Spirit or Oyl being poured upon a full body'd Solution hereof; yet it maketh herewith no Ebullition, which is also the property of Sea-Salt. And thus much for the more General Imitation of Bodies.

INSTANCE. III, & IV.

FROM the aforesaid Premisses, and by the aforesaid Means, there is no doubt to be made, but that also the other sensible Qualities of Bodies may be Imitated, as their Odors, and Tasts. And that not only the general ones, as Fragrant, or Astringent: but also those which are specifical and proper to such a species of Bodies.

2. §. Thus for Example, by mixing Spirit of Nitre or Vitriol with rectified Oyl of Turpentine, and some other Vegetable Oyls, severally, and in a due Proportion and Time, I have Imitated the Smells of divers Vegetables; as of Tansy, of Lignum Rhodium, and others. And I con∣clude it feasable, To Imitate the Tast or Smell of Musk▪ or Amber∣greece, or any other body in the world.

3. §. Hence also we may be Taught, How to Imitate the Faculties, as well as other Qualities of Bodies. The reason is, because even these have no dependance upon any substantial Form: but are the meer re∣sult of Mixture; effected by the same Causes, whether in Nature or Art;* 1.24 as I think I have made to appear in the foregoing Idea. And as in the Premisses of this Discourse hath been shew'd.

INSTANCE V.

FROM whence, again, it is likewise a Key to Discover the Nature of Bodies. For how far soever we can attain to Mingle, or to Make them, we may also know what they are.

2. §. For Bodies are mingleable, either of themselves, or by some Third. As to those which mingle of themselves, we may certainly con∣clude, That there is a congruity betwixt them, in some respect or other. So upon various Tryals I find, That Essential Oyls do more easily im∣bibe an Acid, then an Alkaly. Whence it is evident, That there is some Congruity and Similitude betwixt Essentian Oyls, and an Acid, which there is not betwixt the said Oyls and an Alkaly.

3. §. As to those that mingle only be some third; we may also cer∣tainly conclude, That though the two extreams are unlike; yet that they have both of them some congruity with that third, by which they are united.

4. §. Moreover, We may make a Judgment from the manner or Degree of Mixture. Thus the Acid Spirit of Nitre, as is said, will coa∣gulate Oyl-Olive, and render it consistent. Whence it might be thought, That any other strong Acid will do the like; and that therefore, there is no great difference in the Nature of the said Acid Liquors. But the contrary hereunto, is proved by Experiment. For having digested the same Oyl in the same manner, and for a much longer time, with strong Oyl of Sulphur; although it thence acquired some change of Colour, yet not any Consistence.

5. §. Again, Because the said Spirit of Nitre coagulates Oyl-Olive; it might be expected, it should have the same effect upon Oyl of Ani∣seeds; or, at least, that if other Acids will Coagulate Oyl of Aniseeds, that this should do it best. But Experiment proveth the contrary. For of all I have tryed, Oyl of Vitriol is the only Acid that doth it instan∣taneously. Oyl of Sulphur, if very strong, will do it; but not so soon,

nor so much Aqua fortis, and Spirit of Salt, for the present, do not at all touch it. And Spirit of Nitre it self will not coagulate it, under eight or ten hours at least.

INSTANCE VI.

LASTLY, and consequently, It is a Key To Discover the Medicinal Use and Operation of Bodies. Thus, for Example, by the Imita∣tion of Rosins and Resinous Gums, we certainly know what all of them are, and when, and wherefore to be used. For what are Mastick, Fran∣kincense, Olibanum, Benzoin, and other like Rosins, or Resinous Gums, for their principle and predominant parts, that is, quà Rosins; but Bodies resulting from Natural, in like manner, as I have shewed, they may be made to result, from Artificial Mixture? That is to say, the Oleous, and Acid parts of Vegetables, being both affused and mingled together, per minima, in some one sort of Vessels in a Plant, they thus incorporate in∣to one consistent and friable Body, which we call Rosin.

2. §. Now from hence it is, That the said Rosins, and Resinous Gums; as also Amber and Sulphur for the same Reasons; are of so great and effectual Use against most thin and salt Rheums; sc. as they are Acidoleous Bodies. For by their Acid parts, which in all these Bodies are exceeding copious, they mortifie and refract those Salt ones, which feed the Rheum. And by their oleous parts, the same Salt ones are al∣so Imbibed. Whence, they are all, in some degree, incorporated together; that is, The Rheum is thickned: which is the desired effect.

3. §. Whereas, on the contrary, if the Cough proceed not from a thin, and specially a Salt Rheum, but from a Viscous Flegm; the use of many other Bodies which are also more oleous, and abound not so much with an Acid as these do, espescially some of them, is more proper: such as these, in this Case, proving sometimes not only ineffectual, but prejudicial. Since the very Cause of the said Viscousness of Phlegm, is chiefly some great Acidity in the Blood, or in some other part, as may be proved by divers Arguments.

4. §. Many more Instances might be hereunto subjoyned: and may hereafter be offered to the acceptance of such, who are inquisitive into matters of this Nature. If I shall not herein anticipate, or reiterate the Thoughts and Observations, of those two Accurate and Learned Persons Dr. Willis, and Dr. Walter Needham, as to what the one hath already published, and both have put us in Expectation of. But the Instances al∣ready given, are sufficient to evidence what I have said. And, I hope, this present Discourse to prove, in some measure, thus much; That Ex∣periment, and the Common Notions of Sense are prolifick. and that no∣thing is Barren, but Phansie and Imagination.

An Appendix to the precedent discourse of Mixture.

HAVING,* 1.25 in the first Edition of the foregoing Dis∣course, made mention of the preparation of Essen∣tial Oyls, so as to become easily mingleable with any unoyly Liquor. I shall here acquaint the Rea∣der, That this may be done, by digesting any of the said Oyls with about an equal quantity of the Yelk of an Egg, with a very soft heat, like that of the Meridian Sun in Summer, continued for the space of three Weeks or a Month; and in the mean time, to be now and then stirred a little together. The Yelk will by degrees, imbibe the Oyl, and at length be incorporated with it, and become a Balsam, as white as Milk, easily dissoluble in any watery or winy Liquor.

2. §. I confess, that it will be very difficult to prepare any good quantity for use, this way. But this being a sufficient proof of the possibility of such a Mixture; I considered, whether the application of some other forementioned Cause of Mixture, might not supply the de∣fect of this: and hereupon, have made several successful tryals; not only for the mixing of the said Oyls, but likewise of all sorts of Rosins and Gums with any winy or watery Liquor, in great quantities, in a short time, and without much trouble. But for the mixing of some of them, the Yelk of an Egg alone will not serve, without the interve∣ning of some other sociable Body,* 1.26 according to one of the Rules given in the foregoing Discourse.

3. §. In the same Discourse, upon certain premises, I have laid down this following conclusion.* 1.27

—By accumulating the Causes of Mixture, that is, by joyning two or three or more together; or by applying more in some cases, where Nature applyeth fewer; we may be able to make, if not a more perfect, yet a far more speedy Mixture, than Nature doth. As by joyn∣ing COMPRESSION, Heat, and violent Agitation, and so con∣tinuing them altogether, 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 th•• SOLUTION of some, and the Mixture of other Bodies.

4. §. For the proof whereof, and that I had throughly weighed what I have said, Mr. Pappin hath since given us an ingenious Instance, in his new Digester. Which is, a Balneum Mariae clausum: all Infusions and Digestions made with Double Vessels, having hitherto been made with the outer Vessel, open. So that whereas by the old way of Di∣gestion, their is no other Power made use of but that of Heat: in this way, that also of Compression is joyned therewith.

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.* 1.28

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,* 1.29 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?

AN ESSAY OF THE Various Proportions Wherein the LIXIVIAL SALT Is found in PLANTS. Read before the Royal Society, March, 1676.

CHAP. I. Of the QUANTITIES afforded by several Plants calcined in gross.

IT is the part of a Physician, knowingly and arti∣ficially to use and govern Nature. And therefore by every likely Method, to inspect the State and Properties of all sorts of Bodies. One Method, is that I have taken in the foregoing Experiments; sc. by mixing them with several Mestruums or Li∣quors: whereby we may be assisted to judge, both of the Kinds and the Proportions of Princi∣ples in any Body; and of the manner of their Mixture in the same.

Another is by Calcining them; or, as it were, by mixing them with the Fire, a potent and almost universal Menstruum. I shall here only set down some Tryals for an Essay, upon Plants; chiefly noting, The different Proportions of their Lixivial Salts. Of these Tryals, some

were made upon the whole Plant, or some Portion of it wherein several Parts are mixed together: And others, upon some one Part of a Plant distinct from the rest. All of them answering to such Queries, as may seem proper to be proposed.

Query 1. As first, Whether Trees or Herbs and Bushes, quantity for quantity & caeteris paribus, yeild the most Lixivial Salt?

For this I took Ash-Barque and Rosemary of each lbj. The latter yielded 5 Scruples; the former but 32 Grains; which is three times less. I took also the same quantity of the Barque of Black-Thorn, and of A∣grimony. The latter yielded 5 Scruples and 6 Grains; the former, not above 1 Scruple and 5 Grains; which is four times less.

Although the Barque of a Tree be compounded of Pithy and Lignous Parts; yet to answer the Query exactly, the Wood of these Trees should be taken with the Barque, that there may be some portion of every Part of the Tree, as well as of the Herb.

But thus far the Experiment is conclusive, That the same quantity of Lixivial Salt, doth not always follow the same Generical Tast. For the Barque of Ash and Rosemary, are both equally Bitter; and the Barque of Black-Thorn and Agrimony are both Astringent and Bitter.

Quer. 2. Whether any Plant growing in a Garden or the Field, doth not yield a lesser quantity of Lixivial Salt, than another of the same kindred growing on the Sea-Coast; and with what difference?

For this, I took Garden and Sea-Scurvygrass, of each lbj. The for∣mer yields 2 Drachms and 1 Scruple; the latter, being well washed, 9 Drachms, which is more than 4 times as much. The like may be tryed upon others.

Quer. 3. Whether the same Specifick Plant affords more Lixivial-Salt, being only dryed, and then calcin'd, or after it hath first been distil∣led, it is then dryed and calcin'd?

For this, was taken lbj of Mint only dryed and then calcin'd; and another first distilled. The former yielded ½ an Ounce and ½ a Drachm of Salt; the latter, 5 Drachms and a Scruple; which is almost ⅕^th more. This also should be tryed on other Plants.

Quer. 4. How far the proportion follows the different Tasts of Plants? The first Experiment, relates to the same Tast in several Plants; this, to several Tasts. And so,

Of Majorane, which is Aromatick, lbj affords but one Scruple of Lixi∣vial Salt; which is but the 384^th part of the whole pound.

Of Oak-Barque which is Astringent, lbj yields ½ a Drachm of Salt; or the 256^th part of the whole.

Of Liquirish, which is sweet, lbj yields about the same quantity. But Anise Seeds lbj yields 2 Scruples or a 192^d part.

Of Sorrel, which is sower, lbj yields one Drachm, or the 128^th part.

Of Garden Scurvygrass, which is Hot, lbj yields 2 Drachms and ½ a Scruple; or the 59^th part.

Of Mint, which is Hot and Bitter, lbj yields 5 Drachms and a Scru∣ple, or the 24^th part.

Of Sea Scuroygrass, which is Salt, lbj yields 9 Drachms and a Scru∣ple or 28 Scruples; which is near ••^th part of the whole. A greater proportion of Salt, than in any other Plant upon which I have hitherto made Tryal: Or even in Tartar it self. Yet is it not a Marine, but true Lixivial Salt: as is evident, both from its Taste; and in that it

maketh an Effervescence with Spirit of Salt; which Sea-Salt will not do.

For the Experiment to be fully adequate to the Query; the Tryals shouldbe made, either all on Trees, or all on Herbs; all on Roots, or all on Stalks, &c. Yet thus much is evident, That Sorrel yields Thrice as much as Majorane; Sea-Scurvygrass, Eight and Twenty times as much: Mint, Five times as much as Sorrel; and Sixteentimes as much Majo∣rane, &c.

Quer. 5. How far the Proportion follows the Faculties of Plants? And so, it appears, that

Majorane, a Cephalick, hath a greater Proportion of Volatile Parts, than any of the Plants above mentioned, and so far, is more agreeable to the Animal Spirits, and Genus Nervosum.

Agrimony,a 1.30 an Aperient, yields above Five times as much Lixivial Salt, as Majorane. Yet much less than many other opening Plants which are stronger.

Mugwort (lbj) yields two Drachms and two Scruples; or above half as much more as Agrimony. So that this Plant, though it hath no con∣siderable Taste, and in that respect promiseth but little; yet yielding a good quantity of Lixivial Salt, seems no contemptible Medicine to sub∣due those Acidities which either by causing Obstructions, or immoderate Fermentations, frequently disorder the Female Sex.

Mint, yieldeth still a greater quantity; and is therefore, partly for the same cause so excellent a Stomachick: And Rosemary,b 1.31 which is ap∣propriated both to the Head and Stomach, yieldeth a midle quantity of Salt; more than the chief Cephalicks, and less than the chief Stoma∣chicks.

Common Mallow (lbj) yields 5 Drachms and 2 Scruples. i. e. the 23^d part of the whole. So that this Plant, though of a very mild Taste, yet yields more Salt than Mint it self a Bitter Plant. Whereby it no longer seems strange, that a Plant of so soft a Taste, should be very Diuretick, and so evidently affect the Reins.

Rhubarb (2 Ounces) yieldeth scarce any fixed Salt, so far as can be judged by the Taste of the Ashes, not more than a Grain or two. So that its Salt is, in a manner, wholly volatile; and thereby apter to operate upon the Bilious parts of the Blood; which contein a far greater proportion of Volatile Salt, than do the Serous.

Of the Caput Mortuum or meer Earth, it is observable, that it was near ½ an Ounce or ¼^th part of the whole; Which is almost Six times as much as the Caput Mortuum of Common Dock: and much more than that of any other Root I have yet calcin'd. Whereby it seemeth probable that Rhubarb looseth much of its Volatile Part, and therefore of its Virtue, before it comes to our Shops.

Sena (lbj) yields 4 Scuples and ½ of Salt; or the 85^th part.

Jalap (lbj) yields but one Drachm and 15 Grains, or 102^d part.

Colocynthis (lbj of the Pulp) yields an Ounce and half of Caput Mortuum, which is almost all Salt. Yet allow half an Ounce of the Salt, and Earth to be wasted in filtring &c. theremaining Ounce is no less than 1/16^th part of the whole. Which is more than in any of the above named Plants, except the Sea-Scurvygrass.

CHAP. II. Of the QUANTITIES afforded by the Parts of se∣veral Plants distinctly calcin'd.

I SHALL next set down some Tryals, upon one Part of a Plant, as well Organick, as Content, separated from the rest; in answer to these supposed Queries.

Quer. 1. What Proportion doth the Lixivial Salt of the Pith or Pithy Part of a Plant, bear to that of the Fibrous, or of the Woody Part? Or whether is there a Fixed Salt always found in either of them? A sufficient Answer to which, must be built upon many Tryals. At pre∣sent I shall mention only Two; one upon Starch, answerable to the Pithy Parts; the other upon Flax, consisting almost wholly of the Nervous or Towy Fibres: of the Volatile parts whereof, chiefly, I have given some account in the foregoing Idea.* 1.32

Of Starch, lbj yieldeth about lb¼ not of Ashes, but of Black Coal. For though it be exposed in a Calcining Furnace to a vehement fire, for 5 or 6 hours, which is longer then will serve to calcine most Bodies: yet would it not in the least part, be reduced to Ashes; but to the last continued (though the fierceness of the Fire consumed part of it) as black, as when it was first burnt. So strangely was the remaining part of the Sulphur fixed to the Earth; that in flying away, it did volati∣lize and carry that away with it. In this Coal or Cinder, there is not the least of a Lixivial or other Taste. And although, upon Tryal I find, That the Pith of many Plants, as of a Cabbage Stalk, will yield some quantity of Lixivial Salt; yet it is probably, that generally, it yields less than the Wood.

Of Flax, lbj yields not above 50 Grains of Caput Mortuum or white Ashes, which are Salt. According to vulgar conceit, it would seem to be a very dry Body: yet of 153 parts, 152 are volatile, and being distilled would have been collected into Liquor. Hence also appears the great and unexpected Variety in the Proportion of the Earthy Parts, as well as the other Principles of Bodies. Or else, that there are di∣vers kinds of Earths, even in Plants, of which, as well as of Salts &c. some are volatile. For of lbj of this Plant, there remaineth fixed but 50 Grains: whereas of lbj of Rhubarb, there will remain near 1920 Grains, i. e. 88 times as much as the former.

Quer. 2. In what proportion is the Lixivial Salt found in the Gumms of Plants? and whether is it yielded, more or less, by all? For answer to which, I caused the Eleven following, of each two Ounces, to be calcin'd, and so observed,

That Common Rosin, yields but one Grain and ½ of Caput Mortuum. So that lbj will yield but 12 Grains. In this Caput Mort. there is not the least particle of Salt, it being altogether insipid.

Mastick yields gr. 12 of Cap. Mort. But not the least part of Salt. Of this Rosin, it is observable; That being set, in a Crucible, within

the fire, before it comes to have thick fumes, it boyls up with a very great foame or froath; and is the only Gum or Rosin (of the Eleven) that hath this property. So that I suspect, there is a great quantity of some kind of volatile Spirit, which then flies away; and so, in break∣ing through the Oyly parts, huffs them up to so great a froath.

Olibanum yields half a Drachm of Caput Mortuum. But it is to be noted, That the weight is encreased by certain little Spar-Stones, which in the burning of several parcels, I always found mixed with this Gumm. These being picked clean out, the Cap. Mort. weigheth not much more than that of Mastick. And is in like manner insipid, when the said Stones are picked out.

From hence it appears, how proper these Gums are for the Con∣coction of Salt Rheums;* 1.33 according to what I have formerly suggested from another Experiment.

It may also be noted, that Rosin and Mastick, seem to be more purely Acidoleous Gums; not only from their consistence which is uni∣form; and their Smell, which is less strong and more pleasant: but also from the Acid Liquor they yield by Distillation; and in that the young Leavs of Fir, and especially of Pine, are sower; and tis pro∣bable that those of Mastick are so likewise. Whereby these, and other like Gums are more especially fitted for the abovesaid purpose. But Olibanum seems, besides its Acidity, to contein some Volatile Alkaly, and so to be an Acid-Alkaline Gum. For as it hath a stronger Smell than the former, so a hotter Taste; both the ordinary effects of an Alkaline Sulphur. And being infused in several Menstruums, appears to constist of two Bodies, one of them more Resinous than the other. Of which, it is probable, that the one is made by the Acid parts as the other by the Alkaline. Whereby it is very well adapted in some Cases, as in a Pleuresie, for removing the Coagulations of the Blood, or its disposition thereunto.

Asa foetida yileds no less than half its weight or an Ounce of Caput Mort. that is 8 times as much as that of the other Gumms, and 48 times as much as that of some of them. Yet doth it not contein one grain of Salt, so far as can be judged by its Tast. Yet the Strength and Loath∣somness of the Smell and Tast of the Gumm do argue it to be highly im∣pregnated with some kind of Volatile Alkaly proper to arrest those offensive Vapours (to use the vulgar word) which flying, either by the Blood or Nerves, from part to part, do often prove so trouble∣some.

Gum Arabick yields one Scruple of Cap. Mort. whereof, by the Taste, about ••^d part is Salt.

Euphorbium yields one Drachm of Caput Mort. of which, by the strength of the Taste, two Scruples seem to be Salt. Which confirms a former conjecturea 1.34 of its being an Alkaline Gumm.

Myrrh also yields a Drachm of Cap. Mort. and at least two Scruples of Salt. Of the Eleven, these two Gums have the greatest quantity of a fixed Alkaly.

Opium yields half a Drachm of Cap. Mort. whereof the one half is Salt.

Aloe yields a Drachm of Cap. Mort. conteining about one Scruple of Salt.

Scammony yields Two Scruples of Cap. Mort. of which, about half a Scruple is Salt.

Gutta Gamba yields but half a Scruple of Cap. Mort. of which four or five Grains are Salt.

So that considering the Dose of any Cathartick Gumm, the quanti∣ty of the Fixed Alkaly, is extream small with respect to the Volatile parts: In which, therefore, its Crthartick Power doth chiefly reside.

Yet none of the Cathartick Gumms are without some portion, more or less, of a Fixed Alkaly; though some of the rest are. Which seem∣eth to prove, That the Fixed it self, hath some Interest in the business of Purgation: as by being a Clog to the Volatile, and so preventing its being deleterious; or some other way. But the manner of their Ope∣ration will better be understood, when the Volatile Parts have like∣wise been examined.

It may also be of good import, to know, what different quanti∣ties of Salt, are afforded by the Tartars of all sorts of Wines Where∣by, partly, as well as by the quantity of the Tartar, we may be ena∣bled the better to judge of the Nature of Wines.

A DISCOURSE Concerning the ESSENTIAL and MARINE Salts of Plants. Read before the Royal Society, December 21. 1676.

CHAP. I. In which is shewed the way of making both an ESSEN∣TIAL and a MARINE Salt, out of the LIXI∣VIAL Salt of a Plant.

SOMETIME since, I took the boldness to pre∣sent my thoughts to this Honourable and Learned Body in a Discourse concerning Mixture. Wherein I have endeavoured to lay such a Foundation, as might hereafter reduce the Doctrine hereof to Ex∣perience and Practise; and to demonstrate, the Power and Use of Artificial Mixture. And in further proof of what is therein asserted, I have since made a continuation of Expe∣riments upon the same Subject, in Two Methods. One in the Mix∣ture of several Menstruums, both Acid and Alkaline, with all Sorts of Bodies. The Other, by calcining them, or, as it were, mixing them with the Fire.

2. §. I shall now proceed to a Third, which is, the mixing them with the Aer or exposing them to it; another of Natures grand Men∣struums; which goes sometimes further than the Fire it self, in the dis∣solution

of Bodies. This I have formerly mentioned for the Imitation of Nature,* 1.35 in producing a Marine or Muriatick Salt out of the Lixivial Salt of a Plant. But some Learned Persons then present, seeming to doubt of the Experiment; I thought it requisite to prosecute the same a little further; that so, if possible, it might become clear and unquesti∣onable. And because that Method was imperfect, and required half a year, or a longer time: I bethought my self of an other way; which proved far better, and more expedite. And which, withall, afforded me, not only a true Marine Salt, out of the Lixivial Salt of a Plant; but also another kind of Salt, different from them both: which may not be improperly called, an Essential Salt or Nitre of Plants. The History or manner of the production of them both, is as follows.

3. §. December 15. 1675, I took about half a pound of a strong Solution of the Lixivial Salt of Firne: and pouring it into an Earthen Pan, well glazed, broad and shallow, exposed it therein to the open Aer,* 1.36 in a Chamber Window, to evaporate of it self.

4. §. This Solution or Lee, although it was very clear before, and having stood corked up in a bottle many days, had no sedement: yet standing now in the open Aer, within the space of 4 or 5 days, it began to let fall a very white Sedement, like fine Chalk; which encreased daily for 8 or 10 days; amounting at last to about half a Drachm of white, light and meer Earth, altogether insipid, and when it was well washed, stirring not upon the Affusion of Acids.

5. §. Within the space of a day or two after this white Sedement began to fall to the bottom; there was also gatherd on the top, a kind of soft Scum or Cremor, wherewith the Solution was covered all over.

6. §. Within 8 or 9 days after the first exposing of the Liquor, or 2 or 3 days after the gathering of the Cremor; that Salt, which I take leave to call, an Essential Salt of Plants, began to appear; shooting into several little Crystals. These Crystals, as they grew bigger, began to sink, and at last fell down to the bottom of the Pan.

7. §. Upon their first generation or shooting, the said Cremor pre∣sently breaks, leaving a bare space round about each Crystal; and upon the bounds of every space is indented;* 1.37 the space growing bigger and bigger together with the Crystal in the Centre. And so, by that time the Crystals are grown to a considerable number and bigness, the Cre∣mor vanishes away, the several Circles or bare places breaking at last one into another all over the Surface of the Lee. After which, it ne∣ver comes again.

8. §. From whence it seemeth, That the several Circles or bare Spaces about the Crystals, are made for the more free admission of the Aer, requisite to their Generation. For as there is no Crystal begins to be formed before there is a breach made in the Cremor: so that breach is enlarged together with the Crystal. So that as the falling of the Sedement and the gathering of the Cremor, sheweth that the Aer, as a Men∣struum separates some part from the Lee: so the breaking of the Cremor afterwards, that as a Vehicle, it brings something to it: both in order to the Generation of the Crystals. Nature taking a Method for the Gene∣ration of simpler Bodies, as well as of those which are Compounded and Organical.

9. §. The Figure of these Crystals is angular and oblong, most of them about the fifth, sixth or seventh of an Inch; but none of them very regular. Yet we are not hence to conclude, but that with the help of some Circumstances which might be wanting in the shooting of these; some portion of regular ones may be obteined from this, as well as other Lixivial Salts hereafter mentioned.

10. §. They are somewhat transparent, and of a dark Ambar Co∣lor, or like that of brown Sugar-Candy. Of a quite different Taste from that of the Solution or Lee out of which they are bred; being not at all Lixivial, but very weak and mild; not Salt, but Bitter in a good degree.

11. §. It is also observable, that Alkaline and Acid Salts being both poured severally upon these Crystals, they stir not, nor are any way affected with either of them. So that these Crystals are no sort of Tar∣tar, or Tartareous Salt. As is plain, from the manner of their Genera∣tion; Tartar being still bred in close Vessels; these never, but by expo∣sing the Liquor to the Aer. As also from their Taste, being not sower, in the least, but bitter. And in that Tartar will make a Bullition with Alkaline Salts, which these will not do. Upon which accounts it ap∣pears, that they are a Salt different in Nature from all other Salts hitherto known, or a new Species added to the Inventory of Nature.

12. §. These Crystals within the space of about a fortnight after their first Generation, did also cease to shoot any more, but only in∣creased a little in their Bulk. After which time, I dayly expected to see the production also of a true Marine Salt. And about two months after the said Essential Crystals had done shooting, and not before, this also began to shoot, in many small Crystals, and at the top of the Solu∣tion, as the other did, still falling to the bottom as they grew biger.

13. §. The Size of most of them was near that of the Flakes or Grains of Bay-Salt. The Colour of some of them white, of others tran∣sparent; and of others white in the Centre, with transparent Edges; as is also usual in the Crystals of Common Salt.

14. §. The Figure of most is a perfect Square, and of very many coming near to a Cube; which is also the Figure of Common Salt, and seldome an exact Cube. An exact Cube, being the constant property of no Marine Salt,* 1.38 that I know of, except that of the Dead Sea. Divers of them were also raised as it were by several steps from a deep Centre to the Top: as is often seen in the common shooting of Common Salt; and not in any other. Their Taste is neither Lixivial, as that of the Solution out of which they shoot; nor bitterish, as that of the Essen∣tial Crystals; nor sowerish, as that of Tartar; but the perfect Taste of Common Salt.

15. §. It is also to be noted, That if Oyl of Vitriol, and some other strong Acids, be poured upon this artificial Sea-Salt, they make an Ef∣fervescence together: but if Spirit of Salt or Spirit of Nitre either be poured on it, though it be never so strong it stirreth it not. In both which, and all the formentioned respects, it answers to the Properties of a Marine or Common Salt, which no other Salt doth. I conclude it there∣fore to be a true Marine Salt produced by Art in the imitation of Na∣ture.

CHAP. II. Wherein is shewed, That the said ESSENTIAL and MARINE Salts of Plants are both of different Sorts.

HAVING made the Experiment, that both an Essential and Marine Salt may be produced out of the Lixival Salt of a Plant. I thought it probable, that neither the one nor the other, was always the same, but that as they had their general properties which made them to be of two general kinds; so they might have some special property, for the distinguishing of each kind into several Sorts. And withall, that in a warmer season, than before taken, the Tryal hereof might be finished in a shorter time.

2. §. For the making of which, I conceived it requisite to remove an Opinion which seemed to lye in my way; sc. That there is little or no difference between the several Lixivial Salts of Plants, as some Learned men have thought. But either there is a difference, or not: if not, it should be proved: and if there be, it should then be justly stated, what that difference is. For the doing of which, I chose this Method. I took an equal quantity of the whitest and purest Salts of divers Plants, all made by an equal degree of Calcination; and dissolved them all se∣verally in an equal quantity of water. And pouring likewise an equal quantity, as about 10 or 12 drops of each into a spoon, I tasted them severally. Whereby it was very evident, that they were not all of one Tast, but of very different ones, both as to strength and kind: and therefore different in Nature also. The Salts I made tryal of were those of Sorrel, Anise, Wormwood, Mallow, Ash, Tartar and others: and upon half a Drachm of each I poured ℥ijss of water. The Solu∣tions are here present to be tasted. By which the differences will ea∣sily be observed, and particularly that the Salt of Wormwood or Scur∣vygrass, is almost as strong again as the Salt of Anise, or Sorrel: and that the Salt of Ash is above twice as strong, and that of Tartar above thrice as strong, as that of Sorrel, and almost thrice as strong as that of Wormwood or Scurvygrass. So that he who shall give half a Scruple, suppose of Salt of Tartar; instead of half a Scruple of Salt of Worm∣wood, or other like Salt; he may as well give a Scruple of Rosin of Jalap, for a Scruple of the powder, or almost three•• Drachms of Rhu∣••arb, or other like Purge, instead of one. And the like is to be said of other Lixivial Salts in their degrees.

3. §. Having observed thus much, I proceeded to repeat the for∣mer Experiment, with some of the aforesaid, and some other Vegetable Salts, the best calcin'd, and the purest, that could be made for this purpose, being these Six Salts, sc. of Rosemary, Garden Scurvygrass,

Black Thorn, Common Wormwood, Ash, and Tartar. All which dissol∣ved severally in fair water, I exposed in a Chamber window, and not in Winter, as before, but in the heat of Summer, sc. on the 19 of July, to evaporate of themselves.

4. §. The Effect was, That the third day after their being ex∣posed, the Essential Crystals began to shoot in three of the Solutions, sc. in that of Rosemary, of Garden Scurvygrass, and of Black Thorn. On the fouth day, in that of Wormwood. On the fifth day, in that of Ash. In that of Tartar, not at all.

5. §. These Essential Crystals began, in all, to shoot at the top, and then to fall to the bottome; as in the Experiment before. But as there was very little of the white Sedement before mentioned, that preceded; So no Scum or Cremor at all. Which although a more perfect Calcina∣tion, it seems, did here almost prevent; yet did not in the least destroy the aforesaid Essential Salt, but rather make way for its more speedy and copious Production: exhibiting likewise a distinct Species in several of the Solutions.

6. §. For first, the Crystals of Rosemary (the largest of them) were about the bigness of a Rice-Corn. In Figure almost like a Tip-Cat, which Boys play with,* 1.39 split down the midle. Each Tip being cut into 5 sides all ending in a poynt: the middle part divided into 7, all drawn by parallel Lines; the topmost with the lowermost but one, on each side, beeing three exact Squares.

7. §. The Crystals of Black Thorn are most of them poynted with just six sides of Equal Measure: very like to the shooting of true Crystal it self.* 1.40 From the topmost of which six Sides, a Line being drawn out, runs parallel to a broad Base, whereon each Crystal stands. So that they are in some sort of a Rhomboid Figure.

8. §. The Crystals of Scurvygrass have also a very elegant and regu∣lar Figure, which is in a manner compounded of the two former now described. But they are nothing near so bigg, the largest of them, being no biger than a Grain of that which we call Pearl Barley.

9. §. The Crystals of Wormwood have also very many of them a regular Figure; but quite different from that of the Crystals before mentioned; each Crystal being a little Cylinder, saving that it is con∣stantly somewhat smaller at one end,* 1.41 than the other: as it were one half of a Rowling-pin. And not evenly Circular, but cut out by Six Sides of equal Measure: almost as in the Crystal of Nitre. So that contrary to what is seen in the forementioned Crystals, the ends of these of Wormwood are not poynted, but flat; and cut at Right Angles with the Sides.

10. §. The Crystals of Ash, though by their properties they appear likewise to be Essential; yet are nothing near so regularly figur'd, as all the forementioned.

11. §. The Colour also of the said Crystals is somewhat different: Those of Ash being of a brown transparency, almost like those of Firne. Those of Wormwood being also brownish, but paler. Those of Rose∣mary and Scurvygrass having some little Tincture, yet very clear. But those of Black Thorn without the least Tincture, and as clear as Crystal it self.

12. §. None of these Essential Crystals have any hot siery Taste, but are very mild, and sensibly Bitter; especially, about the Root of the Tongue: as is also observable of some Plants hereafter mentioned, in speaking of the different Tastes of Plants.

13. §. Oyl of Vitriol droped upon these Crystals doth not affect them in the least: yet droped into the several Solutions out of which the Crystals are produced, immediately causeth a great Effervescence.

14. §. Of the Solutions above named, that, of Salt of Tartar was the 6^th. Whereof it is remarquable, That having waited several Months together, I could not observe the least Essential Salt to be therein produced in all that time. Whether there be any other Vege∣table Salts, besides this of Tartar, which will not yield the Essential above described, I have not yet experimented.

15. §. In the mean time, from the Premises it is very probable, that most of them afford more or fewer of the said Crystals. In regard they are Plants of a very different kind, which I made tryal upon: as Garden Scurvygrass, very Hot; Rosemary, very Aromatick. Worm∣wood very Bitter; Black Thorne, Astringent and Sower. And it is also plain, That the said Essential Salts contained in the Lixivial, are not altogether one and the same, but of divers Sorts.

16. §. ABOUT 7 or 8 days after the Essential Crystals were produ∣ced; the Marine Salt did also begin to shoot; first in Rosemary; quickly after, in Scurvygrass; Next, in Black Thorn and Wormwood, sc. after the space of a week or 10 days more. And in all of them with some difference of Size and Figure.

17. §. The plainest of all, was that produced out of the Salt of Black Thorn, consisting for the most part of very small Crystals, not above the 15^th of an Inch square, as also thin, shaped like a Duch Tile used for Chimnies. Many others were very thick, and near to a Cube.* 1.42 Most of which were a little hollowed in the midle, like a grind∣ing Marble or Salt-Celler; and the hollow bounded by 4 plain and equal Sides, all descending a little towards the Centre; and measured by two cross Lines, which staid upon the four Angles of the Square, and so cut one the other at Right Angles. Both which Properties are likewise usually seen in the Crystals of Common Salt.

18. §. In Wormwood, many of these Crystals, besides the plain ones, were figur'd crossways like a Dagger-Hilt. Which was some∣times naked,* 1.43 and sometimes inclosed in a square and almost Cubical Box. Many others were figur'd into Sprigs made up of four chief Branches standing crosswise, and those subbranched; and all the Branches made up of little square Crystals, clustered together in that Figure. The Sprigy Figure of these Crystals is not accidental, but hath constantly come after they had been three times dissolved, and the Solution expo∣sed to evaporate.

19. §. The Marine Salt of Rosemary hath also some variety. For besides the plain ones above described, there are some thick Squares, which have also a square hollow descending by five,* 1.44 six, or seven nar∣row steps, towards the Centre; being in Figure, saving these Steps, somewhat like the Hoper in a Mill.

20. §. Upon a second Solution of the same Salt, there shoots an∣other sort of square; which is not plain on the edges, as the above∣named,* 1.45 but scalloped or florid all round about, not unlike the Leaves of some Plants.

21. §. The Crystals of Marine Salt of Scruvygrass are somewhat like to those of Rosemary now described.

22. §. As for the Lixivial Salts of Ash and Tartar, though in a Month or Five Weeks Space, they yield some Crystals of very clear Salt: yet of Marine Salt neither of them yieldeth the least particle. So that of these Six Lixivial Salts, sc. of Rosemary, Scurvygrass, Black Thorn, Wormwood, Ash and Tartar, all, but that of Tartar, yielded an Essential Salt. And all, but those of Ash and Tartar, yielded a Ma∣rine, such as is above described. All which Salts both Essential and Marine, together with their Models, made of white Alabastre, I have here ready to be seen.

23. §. Of those that yield these Salts, or either of them, it is further to be noted, That there is a considerable difference in the Proportion or Quantities which they yield. The Rosemary yields store both of Essential and Marine, but more Essential. Wormwood and Scur∣vygrass more Marine. Black Thorn less of Either. The Ash no Marine, and the Tartar neither the Essential nor Marine, as hath been said.

24. §. From what hath been said, I deduce only at present these Three Corallaie. First, That a Lixivial Salt, is not only a compoun∣ded Body sc. of Salt, Sulphur, Aer and Earth; but even a Compounded Salt, containing both a Vegetable Nitre, and a true Sea Salt.

25. §. Secondly, That the Exposing of Bodies, in the manner above shewed, may justly be accounted one Part of Chymistry hitherto Deficient, and much farther to be improved for the Discovery of the Na∣ture of Bodies. For as Nature chiefly compoundeth Bodies by Digesting them, and so either shutting out or keeping in the Aer: So she Dis∣solveth them by Exposing, and so neither shutting in the Aer, nor keep∣ing it out, but leaving it free to come and go; and thereby to bring, and carry off whatsoever is necessary for the Separation or Solution of Bodies. For the Sea it self (to confine the similitude to our present case) is but as a Great Pan, wherein all kinds of bodies being long exposed, are throughly resolved, ultimately yielding from the rest of their vi∣sible Principles, that which we call Sea Salt.

26. §. Lastly, if by Exposing and Dissolving we can make one Satl; then by Compounding and Digesting we may make another, yea any other Salt; either a Fixed of a Volatile, or a Volatile of a Fixed. That is to say, a Volatile Salt may be so separated from other Bodies, as to be∣come Fixed; or a Fixed Salt may be so mixed with other Bodies as to become Volatile. For that any Salt should of it self become Fixed or Volatile, is a Fixion not grounded upon Experiment.

27. §. As for the Virtue of the Essential Salts above described, I believe they will be found upon tryal, not contemptible in some Cases. For which amongst other reasons, I have been the more punctual

in relating the manner of their Generation; that others also may have the opportunity of making proof hereof.

28. §. When I made the Experiments for this and the foregoing Discourse, not having so good conveniency at home for making the Salts I used: I procured them all (except that of Firne, which I made my self) to be purposely prepared by Mr. John Blackstone a London Apothecary, who assured me of his great care herein; and particularly, that he added no Nitre to whiten any of the Salts with, as is common∣ly done for that of Tartar.

I do declare, That all the Lixivial Salts mentioned in this and the foregoing Discourse except that of Firne, were faithfully prepa∣red by me

John Blackstone.

A DISCOURSE OF THE COLOURS OF PLANTS. Read before the Royal Society, May 3. 1677.

CHAP. I. Of the COLOURS of Plants in their Natural Estate.

HAVING formerly made some Observations of the Colours of Plants;* 1.46 I shall now crave leave to add some more to them of the like Nature. None of which, nor any of the Conclusions thence dedu∣ced, will, if duly considered, appear contrary to the Hypothesis and Experiments of Mr. Boyle, Mr. Des Cartes, Mr. Hook, Mr. Newton, or any other, concerning Colours. As not having respect to the Colours of all Bodies in general. Nor to the Body of Colour, which is Light; Nor to the formal notion of Colours (ad extra) as the Rays of Light are moved or mixed: But to those Materials, which are principally necessary to their Production in Plants. Concerning which, the present Discourse shall be reduced to these Three general Heads, scil.

2. §. First, Of those several Colours, which appear in Plants in their Natural Estate.

3. §. Secondly, As they appear upon the Infusion of Plants into several Sorts of Liquors.

4. §. Thirdly, As upon the Mixture of those Infusions, or of any one of them with some other Liquor, or other Body.

5. §. As they appear in the Plants themselves, it may be observed in the first place, That there is a far less variety in the Colours of Roots, than of the other Parts: the Parenchyma being, within the Skin, usu∣ally White, sometimes Yellow, rarely Red. The Cause hereof being, for that they are kept, by the Earth, from a free and open Aer; which concurreth with the Juyces of the several Parts, to the Production of their several Colours. And therefore the upper parts of Roots, when they happen to stand naked above the Ground, are often deyed with several Colours: so the tops of Sorrel Roots will turn Red, those of Mul∣len, Turneps and Radishes, will turn purple, and many others green. Whereas those parts of the same Roots which lie more under Ground, are commonly White.

6. §. As Roots are most commonly White; so the Leaves, Green. Which Colour is so proper to them, that many Leaves, as those of Sage, the young Sprouts of St. Johns-wort, and others, which are Redish when in the Bud; upon their full Growth, acquire a perfect Green.

7. §. The Cause of this Colour, is the action of the Aer, both from within, and from without the Plant, upon the Juyces thereof, where∣by it strikes them into that Colour.

8. §. By the Aer from without, I mean that which surrounds the Body of the Plant: which is the Cause of its Greeness, not meerly as it is contiguous to it, but as it penetrates through the Pores of the Skin, thereinto; and so mixing with the Juyces thereof, plainly deys or strikes them into a Green.

9. §. By the Aer from within, I mean, that which entring, toge∣ther with the Aliment, at the Root, thence ascends by the Aer-Vessels, into the Trunk and Leaves, and is there transfused into all the several Juyces, thereby likewise concurring to their Verdure. Whence it is, that the Parts of Plants which lie under Water, are Green, as well as those which stand above it; because, though the ambient Aer, conteined in the Water be but little, yet the want of it is compensated, by that which ascends from the Root.

10. §. And therefore it is observable, that the Stalks of Marsh-Mallow, and some other Plants, being cut transversly, though the Parenchyma in the Barque be white, yet the Sap-Vessels which lie within that Parenchyma, are as Green as the Skin it self; scil. because they stand close to the Aer-Vessels. The Parenchyma, I say, which is inter∣cepted from the Aer, without, by the Skin; and from the Aer within, by the Sap-Vessels, is white: but the Skin, which is exposed to the Aer without, and the Sap-Vessels which are next neighbours to that with∣in, are both equally Green. So likewise if a Carrot be plucked up, and suffered to lie sometime in the open Aer; that part which standeth in and near the Centre, amongst the Aer-Vessels, will become Green as well as the Skin, all the other Parts continuing of a Redish Yellow, as before. The Aer therefore, both from without, and from within the Plant, to∣gether with the Juyces of the Plant, are all the concurrent Causes of its Verdure.

11. §. BUT how doth the Aer concur to the Greeness of Plants? I answer; Not as it is meerly either cold or dry, or moist, nor yet qua∣tenus Aer; but as it is a mixed, and particularly, a Saline Body: that is, as there is a considerable quantity of Saline Parts mixed with those which are properly Aereal. It being plain from manifold Experience; That the several kinds of Salts, are the grand Agents in the Variation of Colours. So that, to speak strictly, although Sulphur be indeed the Female, or Materia substrata, of all Colours; yet Salt is the Male or Prime Agent, by which the Sulphur is determined to the Production of one Colour, and not of another.

12. §. If then it be the Aer mixed with the Juyces of a Plant, and the Salt of the Aer, that makes it Green; It may further be asked, what kind of Salt? But this is more hard to judge of. Yet it seemeth, that it is not an Acid, but a Subalkaline Salt; or at least some Salt which is different from a simple Acid, and hath an Affinity with Alkalies.

13. §. One reason why I so judge, is, Because that although all Plants yield an Alkaly, or other Salt different from an Acid, and some in good quantity; yet in most Plants, the Praedominant Principle is an Acid. So that the Supply of an Acid Principle from the Aer, for the Production of a Green Colour, as it would be superfluous; So also ineffectual: a different Principle being requisite to the striking of this, together with the Sulphur, into a Green Colour.

14. §. I suppose therefore, That not only Green, but all the Co∣lours of Plants, are a kind of Precipitate, resulting from the concur∣rence of the Saline Parts of the Aer, with the Saline and Sulphurious Parts of the Plant; and that the Subalkaline, or other like Saline Part of the Aer, is concurrent with the Acid and Sulphurious Parts of Plants, for the Production of their Verdure; that is, as they strike altogether into a Green Precipitate. Which also seemeth to be confirmed by di∣vers Experiments hereafter mentioned.

15. §. THE Colours of Flowers are various; differing therein not only from the Leaf, but one from another. Yet all seem to depend upon the general Causes aforesaid. And therefore the Colours of Flowers, as well as of Leaves, to result not solely from the Contents of the Plant, but from the concurrence likewise of the ambient Aer. Hence it is, that as they gradually open, and are exposed to the Aer, they still either acquire, or change their Colour: no Flower having its proper Colour in the Bud, (though it be then perfectly formed) but only when it is expanded. So the Purple Flower of Stock-July Flowers, while they are in the Bud, are white, or pale. So Butchelors Buttons, Blew Bot∣tle, Poppy, Red Daisies, and many others, though of divers Colours when blown, yet are all white in the Bud. And many Flowers do thus change their Colours thrice successively; as the youngest Buds of Ladys-Lookinglass, ••ugloss and the like, are all white, the larger Buds are purple or murrey, and the open Flowers, blew: according as they come still neerer, and are longer exposed, to the Aer.

16. §. But if the Colour of the Flower dependeth on the ambient Aer; it may be asked: How it comes to pass then, that this Colour is various, and not one, and that one, a Green? that is to say that all Flowers are not Green, as well as the Leaves? In answer to this Three things are to be premised.

17. §. First, What was said before, is to be remembred, that here the Aer is not a solitary, but concurrent Cause. So that besides the Efficacy of this, we are to consider that of the several parts of the Plant, by which the Contents both Aereal and Liquid are supplied to the Flower.

18. §. Secondly, That in the Lymphaeducts of a Plant, Sulphur is the predominant Principle, and much more abounding than in any other part of a Plant, as also hath been formerly shewed.

19. §. Thirdly, That it appears, according to what we have observed in the Anatomy of the Flower, That the quantity of Lymphaeducts with respect to the Aer-Vessels is greater in the Flower than in the Leaf.

20. §. It semeth therefore, that the Aer-Vessels, and therefore the Aer, being predominant in the Leaf; Green, is therein also the predo∣dominant Colour. I say predominant, because there are other Colours lye vailed under the Green, even in the Leafe, as will hereafter appear more manifest.

21. §. On the contrary, the Lymphaeducts, and therefore the Sul∣phur, being more, and the Aer-Vessels and therefore the Aer, less, in the Flower than in the Leaf; the ambient Aer alone is not able to con∣trole the Sulphur so far, but that it generally carrys the greatest port in the Production of the Colour. Yet in different degrees; For if the proportion betwixt the Lymphaeducts and the Aer-Vessels be more equal, the Flower is either White or else Yellow, which latter Colour is the next of kin to a Green. If the Sulphur be somewhat predominant, the Flower will shew it self Red at first; but the ambient Aer hath so much power upon it, as gradually to turn the Red into a Blew. But if the Sulphur be much predominant, then the Acid of the ambient Aer will heighten it to a fixed Red.

22. §. Hence it is, that Yellows and Greens are less alterable, upon the drying of Plants than other Colours; sc. Because the Aer being pre∣dominant in their Production, they are the less lyable to suffer from it afterwards. Whereas Reds and Purples, in the Production whereof Sulphur is predominant, are very changeable. So the Red Flowers of Lysimachia, upon drying, turn Purple, and the young purple Flowers of gloss turn Blew. So likewise the Purple of Bilberries, and the Crimson of baked Damascens, both turn Blew. For being gathered, and so wan∣ting a continued supply of fresh Sulphur, to bear up the Colour against the force of the Aer; it strikes it down at last from Red to Purple or Blew. I conclude therefore, that one Principal Cause of the Variety of Colours in the Flower, is the over proportion of the Lympheducts to the Aer-Vessels, and therefore the dominion of the Sulphur over the Aer, therein.

23. §. If it be objected, that the Aer doth not deepen, but highten the Colour of the Blood: I answer, First, That I am not now speaking of Animal, but of Vegetable Bodies; the same Aer which hightens the Co∣lour of Blood one way, may deepen that of a Flower, another: nay and may highten that of some Flowers too, some other way.

24. §. And therefore, Secondly, it is to be considered, That as there is not one only, but divers Saline Principles in the Aer; so are there also in the several Parts of one Plant; as in the Root, of one sort; in the Leavs, of another; in the Flower, of another; and so in the other Parts. For since the Figuration of the Parts of a Plant dependeth

chiefly upon the Saline Principles: and that the Flower hath a diffe∣rent Figure from that of the Leaf: it follows, that there is some Saline Principle in the one, which is not in the other, especially, all in such Flowers, whose Figures are cut out by a greater Variety and Complication of Lines. The Leavs therefore, though variously shaped, yet agreeing so far in one common Figure, as usualy to be flat; it therefore seemeth plain, that there is a Saline Principle in them all, so far one, as to be the chief Cause of that common Figure: and in concurrence with the ambi∣ent Aer, to be likewise the chief Cause of one common Colour, sc. a Green.

25. §. Whereas the Figure of the Flowers, and therefore their Saline Principle, being more various, and commonly distinct from that of the Leaf; it will easily concur with as a great Variety of Salts in the Aer, whether Acid, Alkaline, Nitrous, Urinous, Armoniacal, or any other therein existent, to the Precipitation of the Sulphur into the like Variety of Colours. Thus far of the Colours of Plants as they appear in their Natural Estate.

CHAP. II. Of the COLOURS of Plants by Infusion.

THE next general Inquiry, proposed to be made, was this, After what manner the Colours of Plants shew themselves, upon their infusion into Liquors. The Li∣quors I made use of for this purpose, were three, sc. Oyl of Olives, Water, and Spirit of Wine. The Water I used was from the Thames, because I could not procure any clear Rain Water, and had not leasure at present to distill any. But next to this, that yields as little Salt, as any.

2. §. As for Oyl, it is known, that most Plants either by Coction or long Infusion, will give it their Green Colour. I have likewise tryed some Yellows, and find they will do indifferently well; as Saffron, which, by Infusion in Oyl, gives it a light golden Tincture.

3. §. Divers Aromatick Plants, as Mint, Majorane, &c. being dryed and infused in Oyl give it a double Tincture, both green and yel∣low; one drop of the Oyl shewing green; but a good quantity of it held up against a candle looketh redish or of a deep yellow.

4. §. But there is no Vegetable yet known which gives a true Red to Oyl, except Alkanet Root: with which, some colouring either common or other Oyl, vend it under the name of the Red Oyl of Scorpions.

5. §. These things confirm what we have said concerning the Cau∣ses of Colours in the Leavs and Flowers of Plants,* 1.47 upon this twofold Consideration. First, that Oyl is the most proper Menstruum of Sul∣phur. Secondly, that Oyls have a greater congruity with Acids than with Alkalies; as I have formerly shewed.

6. §. I say therefore, that in Blews, Purples and especially Reds, the predominant Principles being Sulphur and Acid, the Oyl either ab∣stracts the Sulphur of it self, or at least, unlocks it from the Acid Parts; whereby both of them are bestowed seperately to their like parts in the Oyl; upon which their disunion the Colour vanishes: that de∣pending, not upon either of them alone, which of themselves are Co∣lourless, but upon both united together.

7. §. On the contrary, a Green Colour not depending on a pre∣dominant Acid, but an Alkaly, or some Saline Principle different from an Acid; this will not so easiely be imbibed separately, into the Pores of the Oyl, but only by mediation of their Sulphur. So that being both imbi∣bed without any disunion, they still retein the same green Colour they had before in the Plant.

8. §. Hence also it is, that red Roses being dryed and infused some time in Oyl of Anise Seeds, a more potent Menstruum than Common Oyl; they wholly lose their own Colour, and turn white; the Oyl remain∣ing Limpid, as at the first. That is the Sulphur or that part of it on which cheifly the Red depended, is absorbed separately by the Oyl, and so the Colour vanishes.

9. §. A SECOND Menstruum I made use of, was Water. And First, Alkanet Root, which immediately tinctures Oyl with a deeper Red, will not colour Water in the least.

10. §. Next it is observable, That Water will take all the Colours of Plants in Infusion except a Green. So that as no Plant will by In∣fusion give a perfect Blew to Oyl; so their is none, that I know of, which, by Infusion will give a perfect Green to Water.

11. §. But although the Green Leavs will not give their visible Colour, by Infusion in Water; yet they will give most other Colours, as well as the Flowers themselves. So the Green Leavs of Cinquefoyl, give a Tincture no higher than to resemble Rhenish Wine; those of Hyssop, Canary; of Strawberrey, Malaga; of Mint, Muscadine; of Wood-Sorrel, Water and some drops of Claret; of Blood-wort, Water and a dash of Claret; and those of Bawm make a Tincture near as red as ordinary Claret alone. All Aromatick hot Plants, give a yellow-red Tincture, or colorem ex luteo rubrum. All Plants with a yellow Flower give either a pale citrine or yellowish Tincture; and the like. Yet all give not their Tincture in the same space of time; some requiring a fortnight, others a week, others five, three or two days, and some but one, or half a day. From hence it appears, that the Colours of most Flowers are begun in the Leavs; only Green being therein the predominant Colour, as a veil spred over them, conceils all the rest. But passing on into the Flower, where the Aer-Vessels, as is aforesaid, are under the dominion of the Lymphaeductss they shew themselves distinctly.

12. §. A THIRD and the last Menstruum I made use of, was Spirit of Wine. And here it is to be remarqued; That as Oyl rarely takes a Red, there being but one known Instance of it; nor Water, a Green: So neither Spirit of Wine, a Blew. I have tryed with several blew Flowers, as of Lark-heel, Violet, Mallows, Burrage, and others, where∣of it will not take the least Tincture.

13. §. Again though no Blew Flowers, that I know of, will give a Blew Tincture to Spirit of Wine: yet having been for some days infused

in the said Spirit, and the Spirit still remaining in a manner Limpid, and void of the least Ray of Blew; if you drop into it a little Spirit of Sulphur, it is somewhat snrprizing to see, that it immediately strikes it into a full Red, as if it had been Blew before: and so, if you drop Spirit of Sal Armoniac or other Alkaly upon it, it presently strikes it Green. Which further confirms what have been before said of the Cau∣ses of Vegetable Colours.

14. §. It is also observable, That the Green Leaves of Bawm, which give a Muscadine Red, with some Rays of Claret, to Water, gives a pure and perfect Green to Spirit of Wine: and is the only Plant of all that I have yet tryed, which doth the like.

15. §. It is likewise to be noted, That both Yellow and Red Flowers give a stronger and fuller Tincture to Water, than to Spirit of Wine; as in the Tinctures of Cowslip, Poppys, Clove-July-Flowers and Roses, made both in Water and Spirit of Wine, and compared together, is easily seen. So that for Tinctures made with Flowers, whether for Me∣dicines, or other purposes, Water, with respect to the Colour, is the better Menstruum. I say for Tinctures made with Flowers; for there are some other Parts, especially Gumms, as Gamboja, Myrrh and Aloes, which give their Tinctures full and clear, only to Spirit of Wine. Some of which are used by Leather-Gilders, and others, for the washing over of Silver, so as to give it the Colour of Gold. Thus far of the Colours of Plants as they appear upon Infusion.

CHAP. III. Of the COLOURS of Plants produced by their Mixture with other Bodies.

THE last general Enquiry proposed to be made, was this, After what manner they would exhi∣bite themselves upon the Mixture of those Infu∣sions, or of any one of them with some other Liquor.

2. §. A strong Infusion, or the Juyce of the Leavs of Rose-Tree, Raspis, Strawberry, Cynque∣foyle, Goosberry, Primrose, Jerusalem Cowslip, Bearseare, Bearsfoot, Peony, Bistort, Lawrel, Goats-beard, droped upon Steel, make a Purple Tincture. But that of Vine Leaves scarce maketh any Tincture at all. So that there is some∣thing else besides Sowerness concurring to the Purple upon Steel.

3. §. Saccharum Saturni droped on a Tincture of Red Roses, turn∣eth it to a faint pale Green.

4. §. Salt of Tartar droped upon the same Tincture, turneth it to a deeper Green.

5. §. Spirit of Harts Horn droped upon a Tincture of the Flower of Lark-heel and Borage turn them to a verdegreese Green.

6. §. Spirit of Harts Horn droped on most green Leavs doth not change them at all. The like Effects have Aq. Calcis, and Spirit of S. Armoniac.

7. §. These Experiments seem to confirm, That it is some Alkaline or other like Salt in the Aer, which is predominant in the production of Green in the Leavs of Plants.

8. §. Salt of Tartar droped on the white Flowers of Daisy, chang∣eth them into a light Green. Which as it further confirms the aforesaid Position; so likewise argues, That Whiteness in Flowers, is not always from the defect of Tincture: but that there may be White, as well as Yellow, Green, Red or Blew Tinctures.

9. §. Spirit of Sulphur droped on the green Leavs of Adonis Flower, Everlasting Pease, and Holy Oak, turns them all Yellow.

10. §. Spirit of Sulphur on a Tincture of Saffron changeth it not.

11. §. Spirit of Sulphur on the Yellow Flower of Crowfoot alters them not. Neither are they changed by the Affusion of Alkalies.

12. §. So that it seemeth, that in all Yellows, the Sulphureous Acid and Alkaline Parts are all more equal.

13. §. Spirit of Sulphur on a Tincture of Violets turns it from Blew to a true Lacke, or midle Crimson.

14. §. Spirit of Sulphur upon a Tincture of Clove-July-Flowers makes a bright blood Red. Into the like Colour, it hightens a Tincture of Red Roses.

15. §. So that as Alkalys, or other Analogous Salts, are predomi∣nant in Greens, so Acids in Reds, especially in the brighter Reds, in the Leavs and Flowers of Plants. Hence it is, that Spirit of Nitre droped upon the Blew Flower of Ladies Looking-Glass, Larkspur, Bo∣rage, turns them all Red, sc. into the Red of Common Lychnis. But (which is particularly to be noted) being droped on the said Red Flowers of Lychnis, alters them little or nothing: because, that very Colour is therein produced by a copious admixture of the like Prin∣ciple.

16. §. The Summ therefore of what hath now been said, of the Causes of Vegetable Colours, is this: That while their Sulphur and Saline Principles, only swim together, and are not as yet united into one Pre∣cipitate, no Colour results from them, but the Contents are rather Limpid; as usually in the Root, and many other Parenchymous Parts.

17. §. When they are united, and the Alkaline are predominant, they produce a Green.

18. §. When the Sulphur and the Alkaline are more equal, they produce a Tauny.

19. §. When the Sulphur, Acid and Alkaline, there a Yellow.

20. §. When the Sulphur predominant, and the Acid and Alkaline equal, there a Blew.

21. §. When the Sulphur and Acid are predominant to the Alkaline, then a Purple.

22. §. When the Sulphur predominant to the Alkaline and the Acid to them both, a Scarlet.

23. §. Lastly, When the Acid predominant to the Alkaline, and the Sulphur to them both, a Blood-Red: which is the highest and most Sulphurious Colour in Nature.

24. §. From the Premises, divers Rules do also result for the ma∣king of Tinctures, either for Medicines, or for any other purposes.

25. §. I shall only add one or two Notes. As first, that of all Colours, Yellows are the most fixed and unfading. As for instance, if you drop either a Solution of Tartar, or of Spirit of Sulphur upon a Tincture of the Yellow Flowers of Crowfoot, of Adonis, or of Saffron, neither of them will alter their Colour. Which shewes the strength of most Yellows, to resist all manner of impressions from the Aer.

26. §. Again, that the use of Salts, is not only to highten or deepen Colours, but also to fix and make them permanent. As for In∣stance, The Tincture of Clove-July-Flowers, made either with Water or Spirit of Wine being exposed to the Aer, will often turn into a Blackish Purple. But the addition of a few drops of Spirit of Sulphur, doth not only highten the Colour, but renders it stable and permanent.

27. §. Likewise, of Salts themselves there is choice to be made. For there are some, which although they fix the Colour, yet, will a little give, as we say, and not hold throughly dry; as most Lixivial Salts, and Stillatious Acids. But there are some Salts, which will not give in the least, as Alum, that in Lime-Water and some others; which latter, is so far from being moystened, that it is rather petrified by the Aer. For which reason I take it to be one of the best Liquors for a stable and permanent Green, and some other Colours.

28. §. Amongst all Water-Colours, the rarest, and most difficult to make clear bright and permanent, is a Blew. There are many Flow∣ers of an excellent Blew, as those of Bugloss, Lark-heel and others; but they easily fade. And there are very few Flowers that will strike in∣to a Blew by any Liquor; being almost all changeable into Green, Purple or Red. Yet some few there are, in which this Colour may be produced. As for instance, the Flower of Lathyrus or Parseverlasting; which upon the affusion of Spirit of Harts-Horn is changed from a Peach, to as pure a Blew, as the best Ultramarine: that which hitherto is, I think, wanting in Water Colours. Spirit of Harts Horn was the Liquor I used; but I question not, but that other Alkalies, and par∣ticularly Lime-Water, will have the like Effect, and so render it the more stable.

29. §. From what hath been said, we may likewise be confirmed in the use of the already known Rules, and directed unto others yet unknown, in order to the variation of the Colours of Flowers in their Growth. The effecting of this, by putting the Colour desired in the Flower, into the Body or Root of the Plant, is vainly talked of by some: being such a piece of cunning, as for the obteining a painted face, to eat good store of white and Red Lead.

30. §. The best known Rules are these Two; First, that the Seed be used above any other part, if the variation of the Colour be in∣tended. One reason whereof is, because that part being but very small, the Tinctures of the Soyl will have the greater over proportion to those of the Seed. Besides, the tender and Virgin Seed, being committed to the Soyl, will more easily take any peculiar Tincture from it, then an

other Part, which is not so susceptive, and hath been tinctur'd already. All the strange varieties in Carnations, Tulips, and other Flowers are made this way.

31. §. The other Rule is, To change the Soyl, or frequently to transplant from one Bed to another. By which means, the Plant, is as it were, superimpregnated with several Tinctures, which are prolifick of several Colours; which way is taken for Roots and Slips.

32. §. The consideration whereof, and of the foregoing Experi∣ments, may direct us not only in changing the Bed, but also in com∣pounding the Soyl, as by mixing such and such Salts, or Bodies impreg∣nated with such Salts, I say by mixing these Bodies in such a propor∣tion, with the Soyl, as although they have no Colour in themselves, yet may be effectual to produce a great variety of Colours in the Plants they nourish; supplying the Plants with such Tinctures, as shall concur with the Aer, to strike or precipitate their Sulphur into so many seve∣ral Colours, after the manner above explicated: and so to bring even Natures Art of Painting, in a great part, into our own power.

A DISCOURSE OF THE DIVERSITIES and CAUSES OF TASTS CHIEFLY IN PLANTS. Read before the Royal Society, March 25. 1675.

CHAP. I. Of the several Sorts of SIMPLE and COMPOUN∣DED Tasts; and the DEGREES of both.

I HAVE formerly published some Notes,* 1.48 concern∣ing Tasts. Since then, I have made other Observa∣tions upon the same Subject: and these have pro∣duced further Thoughts. I will summ up all in give∣ing an account, First, of the Diversities; and then, of the Causes of Tasts, chiefly in Plants.

2. §. The Diversities of Tasts are so many, and so considerable; that it seemeth strange, to see the matter treated of both by Philosophers and Physicians, with so much scantness and defect. For the Subject is not barren, but yieldeth much and pleasant Variety. And doth also appear to be of great import unto Medicine. Besides, it is preposterous to discourse of the Causes of Tasts, before we have taken an account of their Diversities; Whereof therefore I shall in the first place, exhibit the following Scheme.

3. §. TASTS may be distinguished by these Three general ways. First, with respect to the Sensation it self. Secondly, with respect to its Duration and Terms. Thirdly, with respect to its Subject.

4. §. The Sensation it self is differenced two ways, by its Species, and by its Degrees. With respect to the Species, Tasts are Simple, or Compounded. By Simple Tasts, I mean not such, as are never found in conjunction with other Tasts: but the Simple or Single Modes of Tast, although they are mixed with divers others in the same Body. As for example, the Taste of a Peppin, is Acidulcis; of Rhubarb, Amarastrin∣gens; and therefore Compounded in both. Yet in the Peppin, the A∣cid is one Simple Taste, and the Sweet another; and so in Rhubarb, the Bitter is one Simple Taste, and the Astringent is another.

5. §. Two faults have here been committed; the defective Enu∣meration of Simple Tast••; and reckoning them indistinctly among some others which are Compounded.

6. §. SIMPLE Tasts, (of which, properly so called, there are commonly reckoned but Six or Seven Sorts,) are, at least Sixteen. Fist, Bitter, as in Wormwood: to which, the contrary is Sweet, as in Sugar. Thirdly, Sower, as in Vinegar: to which, the contrary is Salt. Fifthly, Hot, as in Cloves: whereto, the contrary is Cold. For we may as properly say, a Cold Taste, as a Hot Taste: there being some Bodies, which do manifestly impress the Sense of Cold upon the Tongue, though not by Touch. So doth Sal Prunellae, although the Liquor wherein it is dissolved, be first warmed.

7. §. Seventhly, Aromatick. For it doth not more properly agree to an Odour, than a Taste, to be Aromatick. And that an Aromatick Taste, is dinstinct from an Hot, is clear; In that, there are many Bo∣dies of a Hot Taste, some meanly and others vehemently Hot; which yet are not in the least Aromatick: as amongst others, is apparent in Euphor∣bium. So that although an Aromatick Taste be often conjoyned with Heat; yet it is not that Heat it self, but another distinct Sense.

8. §. Eighthly, Nauseous or Malignant, contrary to the former. Such as is perceived, together with the Astringent and Bitter, in Rhu∣barb; or with the Bitter, and Sweet, in Aloes. It may be called Malig∣nant, because distastful although mixed in a low degree with other Tasts: whereas other Tasts will render one another grateful.

9. §. Again, Tasts may properly be said, to be Soft or Hard. A Soft Taste, is either Vapid, as in Watery Bodies, Whites of Eggs, Starch, Fine Boles, &c. Or Unctuous, as in Oyls, Fat, &c.

10. §. A Hard Taste is Fourfold, sc. Penetrant, Stupifacient, Astringent, Pungent. Contrary to a Vapid, are Penetrant and Stupi∣facient.

11. §. Penetrant, is a kind of Taste, which worketh it self into the Tongue (as some Insects into the Skin) without any Pungency; as in the Root and Leavs of Wild Cucumer.

12. §. Stupifacient, as in the Root of Black Hellebore. Which be∣ing chew'd, and for sometime reteined upon the Tongue; after a few minutes, it seemeth to be benum'd and affected with a kind of Paraly∣tick Stupor; or as when it hath been a little burnt with eating or sup∣ping of any thing too hot.

13. §. Contrary to an Unctuous Taste, are Astringent, and Pun∣gent; as in Galls, and Spirit of Sal Aromanick.

14. §. Again, Tasts are either Continual, as most commonly: or Intermittent; as that of Dracontium, especially in the Root. For after it seems to be lost and extinguished; it will then again (chiefly upon the Collision of the Tongue and Goomes) be plainly heightened and re∣viv'd.

15. §. Lastly, Tasts are either Still, as usually; or may be called Tremulous, as the Heat produced by Pyrethrum. Distinct from that of Cloves, Ginger, and many other Hot Bodies, in that there the Heat is still; but here in Pyrethrum, 'tis joyned with a kind of Vibration: as when a Flame is brandished with a Lamp-Furnace. Thus far of the Sorts of Simple Tasts.

16. §. COMPOUNDED Tasts are very numerous; being made by the various Conjunction of Simple Tasts, as Words are of Let∣ters. Sometimes of two, as in Saccharum Saturni, of Astringent and Sweet. Sometimes three, as in Aloes, Malignant, Bitter and Sweet; in Rhubarb, Malignant, Astringent and Bitter. Sometimes four, as in Agarick, Malignant, Astringent, Bitter and Sweet. And in some Bo∣dies, five or six Species may be joyned together.

17. §. For the more accurate Observation whereof, there are these easie Rules. That not too many be tasted at one time: least the Tongue being surcharged, become less critical. That the Mouth be washed with warm water betwixt every tasting. And that those things be first tasted which produce a less durable Taste; that so one may be throughly extinguished, before another be try'd.

18. §. Of the numerous Conjunctions of Tasts, which may thus be observed, there are only Six to which the penury of Language hath al∣lowed (if I may call them) Proper Names, sc. Acerbus, Austerus, Acris, Muriaticus, Lixivus & Nitrosus. Most of which are commonly taken in to make up the number of Simple Tasts. But very improperly; be∣ing all of them Compounded and Decompounded Tasts: to which Class they ought therefore to be refer'd. For

19. §. Austere, is Astringent and Bitter; as in the green and soft Stones of Grapes.

20. §. Acerb, properly so called, is Astringent and Acid; as in the Juyce of unripe Grapes.

21. §. Acris, is also Compounded. For first, simply Hot, it is not: because there are many Hot Bodies, which are not Acria; as the Roots of Zedoary, Yarrow, Contrayerva. Nor Secondly, is it simply Pungent, because there are also Bodies, which are Non-acria pungentia; of which kind is the Root of Arum. Wherefore Acritude, is Pungency joyned with Heat.

22. §. Muriatick, is Saltness joyned with some Pungency, as in common Salt.

23. §. Lixivial, is Saltness joyned with Pungency and Heat.

24. §. Nitrous, is Saltness joyned with Pungency and Cold.

25. §. Besides these Six, or perhaps one or two more, there are, as is said, a great number of Conjuctions, for which we have no Pro∣per Names. For admit that there were but Ten Species of Simple Tasts, sc. these Ten; Amarus, Dulcis, Acidus, Salsus, Calidus, Frigidus, Aro∣maticus, Malignus, Astringens, Pungens. And of these Ten, but Two, or at most, but Three to be compounded together in any one Body. If only Two, they produce 45 Compounded Tasts. For the First, may

be compounded with all the 9 following; the Second, with all the 8 following; and so, the rest: which together make 45. But if the same Ten be compounded by Threes together; they produce no less than 120 Variations: as by the Table made of them all doth plainly appear.

26. §. Some few of the Conjunctions therein set down, may not be found actually existent in Nature. The abatement of which, will be much more than compensated two ways. First, by the other Six Species of Simple Tasts, which are also sometimes compounded. And by other more complex Conjunctions, as of many Quadruples, and per∣haps some Quintuple or Sextuple ones. Thus far of the Simple Species, and Conjunctions of Tasts.

27. §. THE DEGREES of Tasts are also numerous; and each Species, in every Conjunction, capable of Variation herein. For the more accurate observing whereof, it will be best, To take those Bodies, whose Tasts are, as near as may be, the same in Specie: and that those be first tasted, which are less strong; whereby the true De∣gree will be more precisely taken.

28 §. The Tasts of Bodies will thus appear to be varied, in most Species unto Five Degrees; and in some of them, unto Ten. So the Root of Turmerick, is bitter in the First Degree; of Gentian, in the Tenth. The Root of Carduus Benedictus, is Hot in the First Degree; the Green Pods or Seed-Cases of Clematis peregrina, in the Tenth. So that, allowing some to vary under Five; yet by a moderate estimate, we may reckon every Species, one with another, to be varied by at least Five Degrees. Which being added to the several Species of Tasts, in all the Treble Conjunctions of the aforesaid Table, come to 1800 sen∣sible and defineable Variations of Taste. And these are the Diversities of Taste, with respect to the Sensation it self.

CHAP. II. Of the DURATION and several TERMES of Tasts.

THE next general way of dinguishing Tasts, is by their Duration, and their Terms, or their Motion of Intension and Remission from one Degree to another. For there are many Tasts, which have their Motions analogous to those of Diseases; and by those may be distinguished in the same manner. For as of Diseases, so of Tasts, there are Four Times, as Physicians call them, or Terms of Mo∣tion; sc. Principium, Augmentum, Status, & Declinatio.

2. §. For the distinct observing of which, those Bodies which are hard, and so their tastable parts less easily extractable by the Tongue, should be reduced to a fine Powder: otherwise, the true measure of the

Principium will be lost. And for the precise measuring of all the Four Termes, it should be done by a Minute-Watch or a Minute-Glass. For so it will appear, that the Variations of each, are divers and re∣marquable.

3. §. To instance first in those of the Principium. Which I call, That space of time, betwixt the first Contact of the Body to be tasted, and the first manifest Perception of the Taste. For Example, those Bodies which are Acid, or Bitter, as Vinegar or Wormwood, are pre∣sently perceiv'd, quatenus Acid or Bitter, upon the first Contact; or have Principium brevissimum. Those Bodies which are Acria, have their Principium somewhat longer. So the Seed-Cases of Clematis peregrina, although they have a vehement Acritude, even in the Tenth Degree; yet is not that Acritude so soon tasted, as the Bitterness of Roses, which is but in the second. But the Principium of Hot Tasts, is generally longer than that of any other. So the Bitterness of the Root of Black-Helebore, which exceedeth not the second De∣gree, is yet presently tasted: but the Heat proceeding from the same Root, and which ascendeth to the third Degree, is not perceived at all, till after two full Minutes. And so the Bitterness of Enula, which ex∣ceedeth not the 4^th Degree, yet is sooner tasted than its Heat, which ascendeth to the 8^th.

4. §. Next, in those of the Augment. Which I call, That space, betwixt the first Perception of the Taste, till it become to the heighth. So the Heat of Galangale, is not only presently perceived, but ariseth to the heighth within half a Minute. But the Heat of the Root of Enula, comes not to the heighth till after a whole Minute. And the Heat of Black-Hellebore, not till after four full Minutes from the first Contact.

5. §. The Status, or space wherein the Taste continues in its heighth, is also divers. So the Heat of the Seed-Case of Helleboraster, comes to its heighth, and begins to decline within half a Minute; that of the Root of Garden-Scurvygrass, not till after a Minute; and that of the Root of Asarum, not till after two full Minutes.

6. §. And Lastly, the Declination, or the space betwixt the first Remission of the Taste, and its total Extinct••on. For instance, The Leavs of Millefolium, are Bitter in the 4^th Degree, and Hot only in the 1^st. yet the Heat continues for sometime, and the Bitter presently vanishes. Calamus Aromaticus, is Bitter in the 4^th Degree, Hot in the 1^st, and A∣romatick in the 3^d: yet the Bitter quickly vanishes, the Heat conti∣nues two Minutes, and the Aromatick seven or eight. The Heat of the Root of Contrayerra, is extended, almost to two Minutes; the Pungency of Jalap, almost to six; the Heat of Garden Scurvygrass, to seven or eight. And even the Bitteress of Wild Cucumer, to near a quarter of an hour. But the Heat of Euphorbium dureth much longer, as also that of Black Hellebore. sc. above half an hour.

7. §. So that the Augmentum, is seldom extended beyond Four or Six Minutes, from the first Contact: but the Declination, sometimes to Thirty, Fourty, or more. Thus far of the Terms of Tast, or the man∣ner of their Intension and Remission.

CHAP. III. Of the SUBJECT or SEAT of Tasts.

THE Third and Last way of distinguishing Tasts, is by their Subject, or the Part or Parts where they are either wholly or chiefly perceived. And so, Tasts are either Fixed, or Movable.

2. §. A Fixed Tast, is that which keepeth within the compass of some one Part, all the time of its Duration; as upon the Tip, or the Root of the Tongue, or other Part.

3. §. A Movable Taste, is either Diffusive or Transitive.

4. §. A Diffusive Taste, I call that, which by degrees spreads abroad into divers Parts, and yet in the mean time, adheres to that Part in which it is first perceived. So the Bitterness in the dryed Roots of Black Hellebore, is first felt on the Tip of the Tongue; from whence it spreads it self to the midle of the same. And the Bitterness of the Leavs of Wild Cucumer, spreads from the Tip, to the Root of the Tongue.

5. §. A Transitive Taste, is that, which after sometime, wholly quitting the Part wherein it is first perceived, is thence transfered into some other Part: as the Bitterness of Gentian, imediately from the Tip, to the midle of the Tongue. And most of the Diffusive, are also Tran∣sitive.

6. §. The several Parts which these ways become, and with some latitude may be called, the Seats of Tasts, are, the Lips, Tongue, Pa∣late, Throat and Gulet.

7. §. Upon the Lips, the Root of white Hellebore, as also of Py∣rethrum, being chewed, make a sensible Impression; which continues (like the flame of a Coal betwixt in and out) for 9 or 10 Minutes. But the Heat in other Parts much longer.

8. §. Upon the Tongue, Tasts are perceived in Three places, as hath been intimated. On the Tip or Cone of the Tongue; as most com∣monly. On or near the Basis of the Tongue; where the Taste of the Leavs of Wild Cucumer chiefly fixeth it self. Or on the Vertex or midle of the Tongue; in which place it is observable, that the Tast of Gen∣tian, Colocynthis, and divers other Bodies, is then considerably strong, when not at all perceived at the Tip of the Tongue or in any other Part.

9. §. Upon the Palate or Roofe of the Mouth, the Root, as I take it, of Deadly Nightshade maketh its chief Impression; and there con∣tinues about four Minutes in some degree.

10. §. The Throat, or the Vvnla, Larinx and other adjacent Parts are oftentimes the Seat of Taste. For there are many Bodies, which although they have scarce any Taste upon the Tongue, or any other of the aforesaid Parts, yet make a strong Impression on the Throat: as the Leavs of little Daisy, little Celandine, and of Pimpinel; as also the Roots of Jalap, Mercury, Asparagus and others. Which being chewed makelittle or no Impression on the Tongue, but their Juyce being swal∣lowed,

causeth a kind of pricking in the Throat; as when one is pro∣voked by a sharp Rheum.

11. §. And that this Taste or Sense, is truly distinct from either the Heat, Pungency, or Acritude upon the Tongue, it is hence further manifest; In that Pyrethrum, which is very Hot, and Cortex Winteranus which is very Pungent upon the Tongue; yet their Juyce being swal∣lowed, causeth no Heat, Pungency or Exasperation in the Throat.

12. §. Lastly, if we will take the word (Tast) in a larger sense, the Oesophagus it self may be said to be sometimes the Subject thereof; as of the Heat produced by the Root of Common Wormwood. For of this Heat it is remarquable, that being first perceived on the Tip of the Tongue, it thence maketh its transit to the Root of the Tongue, and so into the Throat, and by degrees descends into the very Gulet; where it seemeth to warm the Stomach; and so continues, in some degree, almost ¼ of an hour. And the Transition and Descent of this Heat is made, although none of the Juyce be swallowed. And in this maner Tasts are distinguished with respect to their Subject.

13. §. So that the general Diversities of Tasts are these. With respect to their Species, they are Simplices vel Compositi; To their De∣gree, Remissi vel Intensi; To their Duration, Breves vel Diuturni; To the Terms of their Motion, Celeres vel Tardi; and lastly, To their Subject, Fixi, Diffusivi & Transitivi.

14. §. I HAVE thus endeavourd to draw up a Scheme or Inventory of the several sorts of Tasts. In which, some may think, that I have over done: and that as Galen hath been censured for being too curi∣ous in the Distinctions of Pulses; so have I been, in these of Tasts. Not to enquire now, how far the Differences of the Pulse may be ex∣tended, or be fit to be taken notice of; I shall only say, That we have not so much reason to censure him, if he hath given us some few which are coincident; as we have to thank him, for observing so many which are really distinct.

15. §. By the Scheme of Tasts here represented, we may be able, so to enumerate the Modes of any Tast, as to make a Scientifick Defini∣tion of it. Which is pleasant Instruction to any inquisitive mind; these things being all matter of sense and demonstration; wherein lyeth, though not always the most plausible, yet the most satisfying Philoso∣phy; and where men, after they are grown weary with turning round, are oftentimes contented to rest.

16. §. But the usefulness of this Schem will further appear, in two respects; sc. In conducting us to a cleerer and more particular Explication of the Causes of Tasts: and the Investigation of the Virtues of those Bodies in which they reside. Whereof in the following Chapters.

CHAP. IV. Of the CAUSES of Tasts.

TO speak of the Causes of Tasts, before we have well enumerated and distinguished them; is to provide Furniture for a House, before the Roomes have been counted and measured out. But the Varieties of Tasts having been first laid down; it will induce us to believe, and investigate as great a variety in their Causes.

2. §. Now the Causes of Tasts, particular∣ly of the Tasts of Plants, whereof we chiefly speak, are, in general, these Four or Five, sc. The Bed out of which they grow; The Aer in which they stand; The Parts of which they consist; The several Fermentations under which their Juyces pass; And the Or∣gans by which their Tastable Parts are perceiv'd: as will appear upon Instance.

3. §. But the immediate Causes, besides the Organs of Taste, are the Principles of Plants. As many of which, as come under the notice of Sense, we have already supposed to be these Seven, Alkaline, Acid, Aer, Water, Oyl, Spirit and Earth. The Particles both of Alkaline and Acid Salts, are all angular and poynted. Those of Aer, properly and strictly so called, are Elastick or Springy; and therefore also Crooked; as I have likewise formerly conjectured. And I find the Learned Borelli, in a Book of his since then published, to be of the same Opinion. Those of all Fluid Bodies, quà Fluid, and therefore of Water, Oyl and Spirit, I conceive to be Globular, but hollow, and with holes in their Sides. Those of Water, to be larger Globes, with more holes; those of Oyl, to be lesser, with fewer holes; and those of Spirit the least. Lastly, that the particles of Earth are also Round; yet angular; and nearer to a solid.

4. §. These Principles affect the Organs of Sense, according to the variety of their Figures, and of their Mixture. So those which are sharp or poynted; and those which are springy; are fitted to pro∣duce any stronger Taste: and those which are round, are apt, of their own Nature, to produce a weaker or softer one. And so by the diver∣sities of their Mixture; not only with respect to their Proportion, but also the very Mode of their Conjunction. Hence it is, that many Bodies which abound with Salt, as Ambar with an Acid, and the Bones of Land-Animals with an Alkaline, have notwithstanding but a weak Tast; the Saline Parts being in the former drowned in the Oyl, and in the latter also buried in the Earth.

5. §. The same is further confirmed by an Experiment mentioned in a former Discourse;* 1.49 sc. the Transmutation of Oyl of Anise-Seeds, with the help of Oyl of Vitriol, into a Rosin. For both those Liquors, though so strongly tasted, apart; yet the Rosin made of them, being well washed, hath a very mild Taste, and without any smatch of that

in either of the Liquors. Whence it follows, that the very Mode of Mixture is sufficient, not only for the variation of the Degrees in any one Species of Tast; but also for the destroying of one Species, and the introducing of another.

6. §. THESE things being premised, I conceive, That as an Unctuous Tast dependeth upon Oyl; so a Vapid either on Water, or Earth: or upon such an intimate Mixture of other Principles, as renders them in∣dissoluble by the Saliva, and so, in a manner, untastable.

7. §. That a Pungent, is made either by an Alkaly or an Acid sharpned or whetted; that is, cleared from the soyl of other Princi∣ples; as in the Spirit of Sal Aromoniac or of Sulphur. And so in those Plants which have a Pungent Tast; whose Juyces or Tinctures, although they consist of divers Principles, yet all so loosely mixed, that being dissolved by the Saliva, the Saline are hereupon left naked. Where∣fore biting Plants, quà biting, are Nitrous Plants. So that the Juyce of such Plants, is a kind of Spirit of Nitre, made by the several Parts of the Plant. Hence Arum grows best under an Hedg; where the Ground, not being exposed to the Sun, but the Aer only, like those Rooms in Houses, which are covered, is impregnated with a greater quan∣tity of Nitrous Salt. And those Roots which are Biting, have but few or but small Aer-Vessels; whereby fewer parts of the nitroaereal Sap are carryed off into the Trunk. For the same Cause, it is no wonder, that many Aquaticks are Biting; Water being, though it self cold, yet the Menstruum by which all Salts are imbibed most easily, and in laxer state of Commixture with other Principles.

8. §. Penetrant (something slower than Pungent) is made by any Salt that is also soiled or guarded with Earth. Sower, by an Acid only soyled with Earth. Salt, by an Acid guarded by an Alkaly, and soyled with Earth. Cold, by an Acid drowned in Water, and soyled with Earth.

9. §. In all these, the Salts are predominant; In Heat the Oyl or Sulphur. The particles whereof being Spherick and bored with holes; those of Salt stick in them, as the Spokes do in the Hub of a Wheel, or as the Quills in the Skin of a Porcupine. Whereby, as in Common Fire the Sparks of Sulphur being agitated and whirled about by the Aer; with the help of the Salts, which stick in them, tear in pieces all kinds of Bodies: so here, being agitated by the Circulation of the Blood, they make a kind of hurry or combustion; and so, according to the degree and strength of their Motion, tear in pieces fewer or more of the Fi∣bers of the Tongue; and in a greater quantity, would raise a Blister upon it; the common Effect of Fire, or any strong Epispastick. So that a Hot Tast, is produced by Sulphur toothed or armed with Salts. Wherefore all Stillatitious Oyls are Hot; being strongly impregnated or armed with the Essential Salts of the Plants from whence they are distilled. And as those Plants which are very Parenchymous, from the predominancy of their Volatile Acid, are biting: So those which are Lignous, that is, have a good quantity of Lympheducts, from the do∣miou of their Sulphur are commonly Hot. For the same reason it is, that many both Biting and Hot Plants, as the Roots of Dragon, Garden-Radish, Onion, Iris, Rape-Crowfoot, &c. being corked up in a bottle with Water, and set in a Cellar or other cool place; they do all of them turn Sower in a few days: The same Fermentation, at once

sullying the Salts of the one, and disarming the Sulphurs of the other. But some, wherein the Sulphureous parts are more copious, will hardly ever become Sower. Hence also, some Plants, whose Roots are neither Hot, nor of any strong Taste, as those of Wild Anemone; yet their Leaves and Flowers are plainly Caustick: So that it seems, that as their Juyces rise up into the Trunk or Stalk, and therein further fermented, the Sulphureus Parts thereof, are at the same time relaxed from the other Principles, and acuated with an Aereal Salt.

10. §. A Stupifacient Tast (as the Impression which some Hot Plants make upon the Tongue may be called) is in some sort, analogous to the mortifying of any part of the Body by the application of a Caustick. For as there the mortification succeeds the burning pain, so here, the Stupifaction, neither comes before, nor with the Heat, but follows it.

11. §. Sweetness is produced, sometimes by an Alkaly; smoothed either by a Sulphur, as in Lime-Water; or by both a Spirit and a Sul∣phur, as in the Stillatitious Oyls of Animals. But most commonly, by a smoothed Acid; as in Malt, Sugar, Hony. Hence a Sweet Taste, is generally founded in a Sower; So Sower Apples, by mellowing, and harsh Pears, by baking become sweet; the Spirit and Sulphur being hereby at once separated from the other Principles and brought to a nearer union with the Acid. So the Sower Leaves of Wood-Sorrel, be∣ing dry'd, become sweet: and those of a sower Codlin, while they hang on the Tree, and even of a Crab-Tree, are neither Astringent, nor sower, but sensibly sweet. And so commonly, wherever the said Prin∣ciples are a little exalted by a soft Fermentation; as in the Juyce of the Stalk of Maze or Indian Wheat, which is a sweet as Sugar; and in the green Stalks of all sorts of Corn and Grass, in several degrees. So like∣wise Tulips and some other Roots, being taken up, in open weather, sometime before they sprout; if tasted, are as sweet as Liquirish or Su∣gar; and at no other time: not only Fruits, but many Roots, Seeds, and other Parts, upon their first or early Germination, acquiring a cu∣rious Mellowness, wherein, all their Principles are resolved, and their most Spirituous Parts exalted and spread over the Acid. Wherefore also most Roots, which are not meerly long, but grow deep in the ground, have at least some of their Juyces of a sweet Tast; as Liquirish, Eryngo, Hounds-Tongue, Garden-Parsnep, Black Henbeane, Deadly Night∣shade, &c. Even the Juyce of Horse Radish, which bleeds at the Lym∣pheducts, is of a sweet Taste. And of the same kindred those which grow the deepest, are the sweetest; as a Parsnep is sweeter than a Car∣root, especially if you tast the bleeding Sap; and the Root of Common Tall Trefoyl tasteth somewhat like Liquirish, but is not near so sweet. For all deep Roots, are fed with a less Nitrous Aliment: and being re∣moter from the Aer, their Juyces pass under much more soft and mode∣rate Fermentations.

12. §. Bitterness is produced by a Sulphur well impregnated, either with an Alkaline, or an Acid Salt, but also shackled with Earth. And therefore the Bitterest Plants, commonly yield the greatest quantity of Lixivial Salt. So also many Stillatitious Oyls digested with any strong Acid, will acquire a Bitter Taste. Wherefore this Taste is often founded either in a Hot Taste, or a Sweet. Hence it is, that the Leaves of all sweet Roots are Bitter. And that the Fig-Tree, which bears a sweet Fruit, bleeds a Bitter Milk. So likewise those Plants, which bear a

Bitter Stalk, have not Bitter, but Hot Roots, as in Yarrow, Primrose, Wormwood, Rue, Carduus benedictus &c. is manifest. So the Coats of the Seeds of Viola Lunaria are of a hot and biting Tast; but the Seeds themselves, in which the Salts, though copious, yet are also immersed in a greater quantity of Oyl, are Bitter. And that the Earthy Parts do also contribute something more to this, than to most of the foremention∣ed Tasts, is argued from its being more Fixed; that is, the Body in which it resides, is either more Fixed, or else flyeth not away in that same state of conjunction, by which it maketh a Bitter Taste. For whereas Hot, Biting, and divers other Plants lose the strength of their Taste, by drying; most of those which are Bitter, do hereby increase it. And although the Extract of Dandelion and some other Roots, which are very Bitter, hath scarce any Tast; yet generally, they are Bitter Plants, which are best for the making of Extracts. And the distilled waters of Plants which are Hot and Bitter, notwithstanding that they always tast high of the Heat, yet rarely and very faintly of the Bitter.

13. §. Astringency, is made, partly, by the further increase and more intimate union of the Earth. And therefore this is seated still in a more Fixed Composition, than a Bitter. And partly, by the diminu∣tion of the Sulphur. And therefore the Acid Parts ingredient to it, either by Fermentation or otherwise, are easily exposed. Astringency being the Womb or Bud of a Sower. For all or most Astringent Roots bear a sower Leaf, or a sower Fruit; as those of all Docks and Sorrels, Black-Thorn, Dog-Rose, and others. Wherefore also, Astringency is often found in conjuction with Bitter, Sweet, or Sower; but scarce ever with Pungent, or Hot.

14. §. An Aromatick Tast, seems to be produced, chiefly, by a spirituous, acid, and volatile Sulphur; as in Ambar-griese, Cardamon-Seeds, many Stillatitious Oyls &c. A Nauseous, by a Sulphur less Spiri∣tuos and Volatile, and more Alkaline; as in the Root of Dog-stones, Sheep∣scabious, the young and green Leaves of Coriander, or the Seeds of Cu∣mine. The Spirit, as it enters the Nerves, carrying the Alkaline Sulphur along with it; as when a City is betrayed by one of its Inhabitants to an Enemy.

25. §. An Intermittent Taste, as in Arum, seems to have its depen∣dance upon a simple and very pure Nitre, which by its subtilty enters into the very Concaves of the Nervous Fibers of the Tongue: and so being lodged there, is little affected or stirred, by the Motion of the Blood; but only when the Tongue it self is moved, at which time it causeth a kind of pricking Taste.

16. §. A Tremulous Taste, as in Pyrethrum, dependeth probably, upon an Aereal Sulphur; which being agitated by the Blood in its Cir∣culation, the springy Motion or Vibration of the Aereal Parts produce that Taste.

17. §. A Tast is Lingual, Guttural, &c. according to the grosness or sineness or other difference of the Membranes into which the tastable parts are admitted. For Tasts are made not meerly by the outward Contact, but the Ingress of the tastable parts. Now the outer Skin of the Tongue, which is commonly observed to pill off in boyling, like the Cuticula in other Parts, hath either no sense, or much less than that which lies under it; and is therefore, but a Seive or Strainer to the tastable parts. So that being of different sineness in the several parts of the

Tongue; it hereby comes to pass, that according as the tastable parts of any Plant are more or less penetrant, subtle, or dissoluble, they are admitted into one part of the Tongue, and not another. And in the Throat, the outer Skin it self, seems to be the immediate Sensory; and so, to be evidently affected with the Juyces of some Plants, from which the Tongue receiveth little or no sensible Impression.

18. §. When the Tast is Permanent and Fixed in some one Part; it is a sign, either that the Gustable Parts are less dissoluble; or more subtle, so as to enter the Concaves of the Fibers; and that there is an admixture of an Aereal Salt, or a like Sulphur; some of the parts where∣of, being crooked, hang like Hooks on the Fibers of the Tongue. For the reception of such a Tast, is not to be looked upon as a wound made with a Lancet, and so the Lancet taken away; but with the Lan∣cet sticking in the wound; until in time, 'tis carryed off by the Cir∣culation of the Blood; which like the Stream of a River in a Flood, carries all before it, but those things last, which stick in the Mud.

19. §. But when the Tast, though Permanent, yet is Dissusive or Transitive; it seems probable, that as there is a less admixture of Aer; so a greater subtlety of the Tastable Parts, whereby they are conveyed, through the Nervous Fibers, from one Part to another.

CHAP. V. Of the Judgment which may be made of the VIRTUES of Plants, from their Tasts.

AS by duly observing the Tasts of Plants, we may be directed to understand their Causes. So also the Use and Virtues of those Plants or Parts of Plants in which they reside. For the proof whereof, an Instance might be fetched from very particular difference of Tast before set down. But it may be enough, to give these which follow.

2. §. And first, we may make no ill guess ex Analogia, or where we find the same Tast, that there the same Virtue in some kind, and in some degree, may reside. So Jalap, Mercury, and Daisy, have all of them that exasperating Tast in the Throat be∣fore described; and they are all three more or less Cathartick. Where∣fore, we may believe, that other Plants which make the like Im∣pression on the Throat, and there are many others which do, that they are in some degree alike Cathartick. Those Plants which are reckoned amongst the chiefest Cephalicks, cause rather a du∣rable, than a vehement Heat upon the Tongue, as Pyrethrum, Eu∣phorbium, Black-Heliebore, &c. It seemeth therefore reasonable to rank with these, any other Plant, though not used, which produceth the like durable Heat. The young Roots of Yarrow, or Millefolium,

have the same Taste, as the Root of Contrayerva: and may therefore be used for the same purpose, with a probability of the like success; if not a better, because they may be gotten fresher. But by drying the Root, the Tast and Virtue, which lie in its exhalible parts, are much lost. The Seeds of the lesser Cardamom, and of Zedoary Root, if sound, have both a smatch of the Tast of Camphire. They may therefore all, so far, reach the same Case.

3. §. Again, as we may make no ill conjecture from the sameness of Taste in Plants of several Tribes; so from the diversity of Taste, in those of the same. So the Flowers of all the Docks are evidently Astringent, and not Sower; except those of the Rha-pontick, which are extream sower, even in the 5^th degree. Which is no mean Signature of some more than ordinary Virtue in it, besides what it hath in common with the rest of the Tribe. The Flowers of Pancy have a kind of fulsome Tast, plainly different from that of Violets: and in some Hypochondri∣acal Cases may be more useful.

4. §. It likewise importeth much, to observe the difference of Taste in the several Parts of the same Plant. So the Barque of Sassafras is three times as strong, as the Wood: and the like may be observed in any other commonly known Tree. If therefore we could obtein the Barques of Santalum, Lignum Rhodium, Lignum Aloes, &c. they would doubt∣less, most of them, be of much greater use. And as the Taste is some∣times stronger; so, much more grateful, in one Part than in another: as in the Flowers or Yellow Attire in the Heads of Carduus Benedictus; which being infused in Spirit of Wine, or other convenient Liquor, make a pleasant Cordial. Nature having laped up the Virtue in the Leavs, as in a brown Paper; but in the Flowers, as in Leaf-Gold.

5. §. As also, how far the Taste of any Plant may alter, either in preserving, or preparing it. So the Root of Arum, when taken fresh out of the ground, is notably Pungent: but being throughly dryed, and especially kept for some time, hath no more Taste, and therefore in all likelyhood, no more Virtue, than a Lump of Starch. The like we are to judge of all other Plants, whose Virtue lieth in their exhali∣ble Parts. The Stillatitious Oyls of many Plants, are stronger than the Leavs or other Parts from whence they are drawn: but some there are, which are weaker; as is that of Euphorbium, in which the Heat is neither pertinaceous, as in the Gum it self, nor so great.

6. §. We may make, moreover, a jugdment from the Nature of the Tast. So those Roots which are Bitter, and not Hot, as of Cichory, and the rest of the Intybous kind, may be accounted Nitro-Sulphureous; and so, to be Abstersive without any Heating Quality. The Marum Austriacum, which is extream Pungent, as well as Aromatick, may be looked upon as the best Cephalick of that Tribe. Because we find, that Jalap hath a special property of imitating the Glandulous Parts of the Mouth, and Throat; we may gather, That it is a better Purge to all the other Glandulous Parts, than most other Catharticks. Which is also one reason of its operation, for the most part, with at least a tendency to vomit; the Stomach it self being Glandulous as well as the Throat, and thereby answerably a••••ected with it. A strong Infu∣sion of white Sarzaparilla in Water, botled up, and kept in a Ce••ar for the space of two months, becomes extream sower; far beyond any thing observed in the Tasts of the Juyces and Infusions of divers other

Plants kept as long and in the same manner. Which shews, how well Nature hath adapted a Plant of so mild a Taste, either by similitude of parts, for the carrying off of any preternatural Acid; or by contrariety, for the curbing of an exorbitant Salt. The Barque of the Root of common Wormwood, which impresseth a pertinaceous and diffusive Taste, which descendeth from the Tongue into the Gulet, as is before descri∣bed; may be justly ranked with the most excellent Stomachicks; and upon tryal, I find it one of the best: besides, that it is neither unplea∣sant, nor affecteth the Head, as the Leavs. Yet the Gardener, and every Body throws it away, as good for nothing.

7. §. I shall conclude with one note, which is this; That the Spe∣cifick Virtue of Medicines, which some Physicians positively deny, and most dispute; from some of the forementioned Differences of Taste, as well as for other reasons, may seem, at least, to be probable. For why should not a Medicine make an Impression upon one Part, and not upon another, within the Body, as well as we find it doth within the Mouth? especially, since the Parts of the Mouth, are of a less different Nature, than some of the Viscera.

An Appendix. Of the ODOURS of Plants.

THE Senses of Tasting and Smelling being so nearly ally'd; many things already explained concerning the Diversities and Causes of Tasts in Plants, may easily be transferr'd to those of their Odours. I shall now therefore only remarque some particulars, not commonly taken notice of hitherto, and leave them as a Specimen to be Improved by other Hands.

§. 2. The Root of Rape-Crowfoot being cut, and held to the Nose, when it is newly taken out of the Ground, smelleth almost like Spirit of Sal Armoniac, of fresh Scurvygrass Juyce. And hath the pro∣perty of making the Eyes to water, as Onions do. Horse-Radish Root is not so Pungent to the Nose, but gets pretty much into the Eyes. But that of Dragon, doth neither affect the Eyes, nor the Nose.

3. §. The Succulent Roots of Dogstones, and most of that Tribe, have a ranck Smell. And that of Crown Imperial, being rub'd a little, smells as like a Fox, as one Fox smelleth like another.

4. §. The Root of Patience digested with Water, in a warm Room, for the space of three weeks, smels like Spirit of Harts Horn, or other Urinous Spirit. Of Red Dock, almost like Aqua fortis or Spirit of Ni∣tre. That of Dragon bottled up with Water, and set in a Cellar, about a Month, stinks like the pus of the most Fe••id Ulcer. At the end of five Months, more abominably, than either to be endured or expressed.

5. §. The Leavs of Mountain Calamint, smell like Peny Royal. Those of Ulmaria, like Walnut Pills. Of Yellow Lamium, like a Bal∣same. Of Sena, a good quantity being held to the Nose, of a rank

Smell betwixt that of Sweat and Urine. Of Coriander, when green and young, stink so basely, that they can hardly be endur'd. Sometimes the Leavs have a stronger Smell, than the Flower, as in Borage, and sometimes the Stalk, a stronger than the Leavs, as in Ulmaria.

6. §. Rue Leavs corked up in a bottle and set in a Cellar for about ten weeks, smell like Spirit of Harts Horn, or of Urine. The green Leaves of Roses infused in water, have a mild, but pleasant Smell. Nei∣ther is that of Savine unpleasant, upon the like Infusion.

7. §. Scurvygrass Juyce kept about ¾ of a year in bottles, with the green Sedement, in a warm Room, stinks like Humane Excrements. And Scurvygrass Wine, made only of the Juyce, smells like some Issues.

8. §. The Flowers of Yarrow, smell not much unlike to those of Southernwood. And the Flowers of Crowfoot almost like those of Scur∣vygrass. Some Flowers are of a weaker Smell in the Bud, as those of Mallow. But many have a stronger, than when they are blown open; as those of Lavender, Rosemary, &c.

9. §. The Buds of Vervaine Mallow, while they are young, and the Flowers unseen, have a very pleasant Smell, like that of Geranium Moschatum: but when afterwards they are opened they have an unplea∣sant Smell. Common Mallow Flowers dryed and bottled up for some time, acquire, though not a strong, yet very noysom Smell.

10. §. The Purple Pouch of Dragon which covers the Seed, being broken, smells just like a Lobster. But permitted to lie in a warm Room for some days, smells exactly like Carrion; and scents the Room with the same Smell.

11. §. Some Seeds as those of Cumine, Daucus, being powdered and laped up only in Papers, do notwithstanding retein their Smell. But many others, as of Sweet Fenil, in a short time, lose it. Some Seeds, when they first begin to sprout, become Odorous, which were not so before; as the Garden Bean.

Tabula, quâ perspicuè videre est, quot Triplicati Sapores, ex solummodo decem Simplicibus numerantur.

AMARUS	Am. du. ac.
am. du. sa.	am. ac. sa.
am. du. ca.	am. ac. ca.	am. sa. ca.
am. du. fr.	am. ac. fr.	am. sa. fr.	am. ca. fr.
am. du. ar.	am. ac. ar.	am. sa. ar.	am. ca. ar.	am. fr. ar.
am. du. ma.	am. ac. ma.	am. sa. ma.	am. ca. ma.	am. fr. ma.	am. ar. ma.
am. du. as.	am. ac. as.	am. sa. as.	am. ca. as.	am. fr. as.	am. ar. as.	am. ma. as.
am. du. pu.	am. ac. pu.	am. sa. pu.	am. ca. pu.	am. fr. pu.	am. ar. pu.	am. ma. pu.	am. as. pu.
DULCIS	Du. ac. sa.
du. ac. ca.	du. sa. ca.
du. ac. fr.	du. sa. fr.	du. ca. fr.
du. ac. ar.	du. sa. ar.	du. ca. ar.	du. fr. ar.
du. ac. ma.	du. sa. ma.	du. ca. ma.	du. fr. ma.	du. ar. ma.
du. ac. as.	du. sa. as.	du. ca. as.	du. fr. as.	du. ar. as.	du. ma. sa.
du. ac. pu.	du. sa. pu.	du. ca. pu.	du. fr. pu.	du. ar. pu.	du. ma. pu.	du. as. pu.
ACIDUS	Aci. sal. cal.
aci. sal. fri.	aci. cal. fri.
aci. sal. aro.	aci. cal. ar.	aci. fri. ar.
aci. sal. mal.	aci. cal. ma.	aci. fri. mal.	aci. ar. mal.
aci. sal. ast.	aci. cal. ast.	aci. fri. ast.	aci. ar. ast.	ac. ma. ast.
ac. sal. pu.	aci. ca. pun.	aci. fr. pun.	aci. ar. pun.	ac. ma. pu.	ac. ast. pu.
SALSUS	Sal. cal. fri.
sal. cal. aro.	sal. fri. aro.
sal. cal. mal.	sal. fri. mal.	sal. aro. mal.
sal. cal. ast.	sal. fri. ast.	sal. aro. ast.	sal. ma. ast
sal. cal. pun.	sal. fri. pun.	sal. aro. pun.	sal. ma. pu.	sal. ast. pun.
CALIDUS	Cal. fri. aro.
cal. fri. mal.	cal. aro. mal.
cal. fri. ast.	••al. aro. ast.	cal. mal. ast.
cal. fri. pun.	cal. aro. pun.	cal. mal. pun.	cal. ast. pun.
FRIGIDUS	Fri. aro. mal.
frig. aro. ast.	fri. mal. ast.
fri. aro. pun.	fri. mal. pun.	fri. ast. pun.
AROMATICUS	Aro. mal. ast.
aro. mal. pun.	aro. ast. pun.
MALIGNUS
ASTRINGENS
PUNGENS

Tabula, quae Genericas omnes Saporum differentias comprenhedit.

• SAPORES, ratione▪
  • Sensationis ipsius, distin∣guuntur per
    • Species. Sunt enim alii
      • Simplices, qui sunt
        • Amarus
        • Dulcis
        • Acidus
        • Salsus
        • Calidus
        • Frigidus
        • Aromaticus
        • Malignus
        • Aequalis
        • Tremulus
        • Mollis
          • Vapidus
          • Unctuosus
        • Durus
          • Penetrans
          • Stupifaclens
          • Astringens
          • Pungens
            • Continuu••
            • Intermitten••
      • Compositi, qui sunt
        • Nomina∣ti; scil.
          • Acerbus
          • Austerus
          • Acris
          • Muriaticus
          • Lixivus
          • Nitrosus
        • I••ominati quamplurimi, ut Amaro-dulcis, &c▪
    • Gradus. Ita enim sunt Remissi vel Intensi a gradu
      • 3^o ad 1^um.
      • 4^o ad 10^um.
  • Durationis, sunt
    • Breves
    • Diuturni
  • Motûs, sunt
    • Celeres
    • Tardi
    in
    • Principio
    • Augmento
    • Statu
    • Declinati∣one. Est autem Sapor in
      • Principio
        • Quartarius
        • Binarius
        • Trinarius
        • Minutarius
        • Minuto-quartarius, &c.
        • Bi-minutarius
        • Bino-quartarius, &c.
        • Triminutarius
      • Augmen∣to
        • Quartarius, &c.
        • Bi-minutarius
      • Statu.
        • Quartarius, &c.
        • Quadrinarius.
      • Declina∣tione
        • Quartarius, &c.
        • Quadrino-quartarius, &c.
        • Quinarius
        • Senarius, &c.
        • Vicenarius.
        • Viceno-quinarius
        • Tricenarius
        • Triceno-quinarius
        • Quadragenarius,
  • Subjecti, sunt
    • Fixi
      • Labiales
      • Linguales qui ad
      • Linguae
        • Apicem
        • Verticem
        • Radicem
      • Palatales, percipiuntur
      • Gutturales,
      • Oesophagei.
    • Mobiles
      • Diffusivi.
      • Transitivi.

EXPERIMENTS IN CONSORT UPON THE Solution of Salts IN WATER. Read before the Royal Society, January, 18. 1676-77.

CHAP. I. In which is shewed, the Compleat or Utmost Impregnation of WATER with several kinds of Salt, both together, and apart.

IN discourse upon a Lecture formerly read, concerning the Lixivial Salts of Plants; It was mentioned, as a thing asserted by some Phylosophers, That Water having been fully impregnated with one kind of Salt, so as to bear no more of that kind; it would yet bear, or dissolve some portion of another; and so of a third. And it was referred to Me by this Honourable Chair, to examine and produce the Experiment. The doing whereof brought into my mind divers other Experiments hereunto re∣lating.

2. §. As next, With what difference of quantity this Superim-praegnation would be made, upon the Solution of different Salts?

3. §. Thirdly, Whether the Solution of a smaller quantity of seve∣ral Salts, doth consist with the non-increase of the bulk of the Water? Because this also is affirmed by some.

4. §. Fourthly, What quantity of the several kinds of Salt, may be dissolved severally, in the same quantity of Water?

5. §. Fifthly, Whether by dissolving a Salt in Water, there be any Space gained, or not? That is, whether the Bulk of the Water be greater, before the Salt lying in it be fully dissolved, than it is after∣wards? Or if a Cubick Inch of Salt be dissolved in nine Cubick Inches of Water; Whether the Water will then fill a Vessel of ten Cubick Inches content?

6. §. Sixthly, Whether the Space be equally gained, by an equal encrease of the same Salt?

7. §. Seventhly, Whether upon the Solution of several kinds of Salts, be gained so many several quantities of Space? That is, if the Solution of common Salt gains, suppose, an Inch, whether the Solution of Salt Armoniack gains as much, or more, or less? and so for other Salts.

8. §. Eighthly, What that just space may be, which any Salt gaineth with respect to its own Bulk, or that of the Water?

9. §. And first, for the Superimpregnation of Water; I put into a bottle ℥ij of fair Water; adding thereto, first half an Ounce of Ni∣tre; and afterwards more, as the Water would dissolve it; and (that I might be sure the Impregnation was full) some portion above what the Water would bear. Then having separated this remaining portion; I put to this Solution of Nitre, two Drachms of Sal Armoniac; which wholly and easily dissolved in the said Solution; though it would not bear a grain more of Nitre. I then added a third Drachm of Sal Ar∣moniac, after that a fourth, and a fifth; all which, within the space of half an hour, were perfectly dissolved in the said Solution, without any precipitation of the Nitre.

10. §. In the making of this Experiment, two things, to render it infallacious, are to be noted. That the said Salts were not dissolved by the help of Fire, but only by a strong and continued Agitation. And that this was done upon a warm day: which I mention, because that even the changes of the weather will somewhat alter the Solubi∣lity of the Salts.

11. §. Having made the Experiment upon two Salts, I proceeded to repeat it upon three. And first I dissolved as much common Salt in ℥ij of Water, as that quantity would bear. Then having separated the subsiding portion; I put to the Solution, no less than five Drachms of Nitre, which by a continued Agitation, was wholly dissolved there∣in, neither the Nitre nor the common Salt being in the least precipitated. Then adding a Scruple more, it would not dissolve, but subsided. This second su••iding portion, I again separated; and then put to this Super-impregnation, near ʒj of Sal Armoniac, which was also dissolved as the former. And if as many more Salts had been added, tis probable that the same Water would have born some quantity of them all.

12. §. From this Experiment, it is a Conclusion demonstrated, That not only the visible Crystals, but the very Atomes of every Salt, at least those Particles which are ultimately dissolved in Water, have a different Figure one from another. Because that if they were all of one Figure; there would be no Superimpregnation, but the Pores of the same Water, would imbibe as much of one Salt, as answers to the total of two more Salts imbibed: that is to say, it would as well imbibe two Ounces of common Salt, as one Ounce of common Salt and

another of Nitre: which yet is contrary to the Experiment. And it is the same thing, whether we suppose the Pores of Water to be also different, or not. Because, that if the Figure of all the said Atomes be the same; then their respect to the Pores of the Water must be the same, how different so ever those Pores be: which is also contrary to the Experiment. Besides it is a great presumption, to say, that the Pores, and therefore the Atomes of Water have different Figures; and yet not those of Salts.

13. §. From the same Experiment we may go upon good ground in Compounded Infusions; whether of Purgative, or other Materials. As not doubting, but that the same Menstruum may be highly impregnated with several Ingredients at once, whose operative parts may be therein copiously dissolved, without hindring either an Extraction, or causing a Precipitation one of an other.

14. §. The Second Enquiry is, With what difference this Superim∣pregnation of Water is made? which I find considerable. For a Solu∣tion of above five Drachms of Nitre may be superimpregnated with no less quantity of Sal Armoniac. And a Solution of five Drachms of com∣mon Salt, may be superimpregnated with as much Nitre. Yet neither a strong Solution (as of five Drachms) of common Salt, will bear above two Scruples of Sal Armoniac: nor will a strong Solution (as of five Drachms) of Sal Armoniac, bear above a Drachm of common Salt: for if above the said quantities of either of them be mixed together: they are both copiously and forthwith precipitated to the bottome of the Glass.

15. §. Whence, notwithstanding the former Experiment, yet are we admonished, not to infuse all manner of Ingredients in any propor∣tion. Because though some do not, yet others will precipitate one another.

16. §. The Third Enquiry was this, Whether the Solution of a smaller quantity of several Salts, doth consist with the non-increase of the Bulk of the Water? For this I took a Bolthead with a slender Neck, conteining about a pint and a quarter of Water; and dissolved therein about ℥jss of Nitre. And marking the place to which the Water ascended in the Neck of the Bolthead: I then dissolved in the same Wa∣ter about a Drachm of Sal Gemmae: which little quantity raised the Water above half an Inch higher then it was before. The like I ob∣served in the addition of Nitr•• to a Solution of Sal Armoniac. So that to suppose the variation of the Salt doth prevent the increase of the Bulk of the Water, is a manifest Error.

17. §. From the same Experiment it also appears, That the ascent of the Water upon a Superimpregnation, is the same, by whatsoever Salt the first Impregnation be made. For instance, Let a Solution of Nitre ascend in the Neck of the Bolthead, suppose, to 10 Inches, then add ½ an Ounce more of Nitre, so as to raise the Water, suppose, 12 Inches or more, or less, according to the Bore of the Neck. In like manner, let a Solution of Sal Armoniac reach to ten Inches: then add again half an Ounce of Nitre; and it will reach just 12 Inches, or more or less, as before.

18. §. The Fourth Enquiry is, What quantity of the several kinds of Salt, may be dissolved severally in the same quantity of Water: that is to say, by agitation alone, without the help of fire, as I noted

before. And upon tryal it appears, First, that two Ounces of Water will dissolve three Ounces of Loaf-Sugar and no more, except the Water be heated.

19. §. The same quantity of Water that is, two Ounces will dis∣solve above two Ounces of Salt of Tartar. I say above, for how much more, want of a greater quantity of Salt which I could confide in, made me that I could not finish the Experiment.

20. §. The same quantity, sc. two Ounces of Water, dissolveth an Ounce and a Drachm of Green Vitriol.

21. §. The like quantity dissolveth six Drachms and a Scruple or above ¾ of an Ounce of common Salt.

22. §. Of Nitre, Five Drachms two Scruples and an half.

23. §. Of Sal Armoniac, five Drachms and two Scruples.

24. §. Of Alum, not above two Drachms and a Scruple.

••5. §. And of Borax, not above a Drachm and half a Scruple.

26. §. Of these note, That although Common Salt be very disso∣luble, and will presently catch the moysture of the Aer: yet a much greater quantity not only of Salt of Tartar, but even of Loaf Sugar, and of Green Vitriol it self, may be dissolved in Water than of Common Salt.

27. §. Again, as the great Solubility of some, so the less Solubility of other Salts is also observable, as of Alum, and Borax. For the same quantity of Water will dissolve near four times as much of Green Vitriol, as it will of Alum. And of Sugar more than ten times as much. Of Green Vitriol near eight times as much as of Borax; and of Sugar, twen∣ty times as much.

28. §. From this Experiment we are likewise cautioned, not only in the Infusion of several Ingredients together, but of any one singly; that such a proportion thereof to the Menstruuum, be not exceeded. For all that is over and above what the Menstruum will bear, is either not extracted, or will be precipitated. As is evident not only in the Disso∣lution of the Salts above named, but in the Infusion of Plants themselves: as, for instance; of Senna; two Drachms whereof will impregnate four Ounces of Water as strongly, as if twice the quantity were infused; because the Water will bear no more of the Purgative Parts of that Body.

29. §. There is only one Salt more remaineth to be spoken of un∣der this Experiment; and that is, the Crystals of Tartar. Whereof, it is somewhat strange to observe, that it will scarce at all dissolve in Water: not more, than even divers Resinous Gums, as Mastick, Tolu, Tacchamahacca, and some others will do. For if two Drachms, sup∣pose of these Crystals, of Tartar (commonly sold for Cremor Tartari) be put to one Ounce of Water, scarce five Grains thereof will, by Agi∣tation, be therein dissolved.

CHAP. II. In which is shewed, that by the Solution of Salts in Wa∣ter, some certain space, more or less, is gained. That the space is different according to the Nature of the Salt. And what the just space is, which is gained.

THE Fifth Enquiry is, Whether by dissolving of a Salt in Water, there be any space gained, or not. That is, whether the Bulk of the Water be greater before the Salt lying in it be fully dissol∣ved, than afterwards. For tryal whereof, I took a Bolt-head with a slender Neck, holding somewhat more than a pint; and filling it up to a certain place in the Neck; I then put in an Ounce or two of Salt. And observing the hight of the Water, both before it was dissolved, and afterwards; It plainly appeared, that there was some, and that a considerable space, gained by the Dissolution; the Water thereby sinking several Inches below the place, where it stood after the Salt was first put into it.

2. §. From this Experiment it is plain, that there are Vacuities in Water. That is to say, that all the parts of Water are not contiguous, but that either betwixt, or in the Atomes of the Water themselves, there are certain Pores, either absolutely void, or at least filled up with ano∣ther more subtile body which is easily excluded by the particles of Salt: by possessing the room of which the above said space is gained.

3. §. The Sixth Enquiry is, Whether the space be equally gained, by an equal encrease of the same Salt.

4. §. For this I made two tryals; the first was this. Two half Ounces of Salt Armoniac, being successively dissolved in the same Water; both of them raised up the Water in the Neck of the Bolt-head, equally; the first 3 Inches ⅞, and so the second.

5. §. The other was this. Four half Ounces of Nitre, being suc∣cessively dissolved in the same Water, they all of them raised up the Water in the Neck of the Bolt-head, equally; the first a little above two Inches, and the 2^d, 3^d, and 4^th, just as much.

6. §. The Seventh Enquiry is, Whether upon the Dissolution of several kinds of Salts, be gained so many several quantities of space. For this I made tryal upon Eleven several Salts, sc. Salt of Tartar, Common Salt, Sal Gemmeus, Roman Vitriol, Nitre, White Vitriol, Green Vitriol, Alum, Borax, Loaf-Sugar, and Sal Armoniac; of all which, I dissolved an equal quantity sc. two Ounces, in an equal quantity of Water, severally; that is, taking fresh Water for every Solution. The success was, That the Sal Armoniac raised the Water 15 Inches. The Loaf-Sugar, 13 Inches and ••^ths. The Borax, a Foot. The Alum 11 Inches, and ⅝^ths. Green Vitriol, 9 Inches and ⅝^ths. White Vitriol, 9 Inches and ⅛^th. Nitre, 8 Inches, and ••^ths. Roman Vitriol, 7 Inches

and ⅝^ths. Sal Gemmae, 6 Inches, and ⅝^ths. Common Salt, 6 Inches and ••^ths. Salt of Tartar, not above 4 Inches and ⅛^th. All which differen∣ces are plain, and most of them very remarquable: Two Ounces of Sal Armoniac raising the Water near four times as high, as the same quan∣tity of Salt of Tartar.

7. §. From this and the fourth Experiment, compared, it also ap∣pears, That the several spaces gained by the several Salts, though some∣times they do, yet do not always answer to the Solubility of the said Salts. As to give some Instances; Loaf-Sugar is the most dissoluble of any other Salt; yet it gaineth less space than all the rest, save only Sal Armoniac. So Green Vitriol is more dissoluble then either Nitre or Common Salt; yet gaineth less space than either, especially than the latter. And Sal Armoniac, which is more dissoluble than Alum or Bo∣rax, yet gaineth less space than either of them. The Cause whereof is not easily assigned.

8. §. Note also, that by the same Experiment, as well as by the Taste and other Circumstances, it is plain, That Sal Gemmae is nothing else but Common Salt, coagulated or Crystalliz'd under Ground.

9. §. Again, as the Fifth Experiment sheweth, That there are Vacuities in Water: so doth this Last, that those Vacuities, are of differ∣ing kinds. Because, otherwise, it should seem, That the Bulk of the Water would increase, more or less, according to the Solubilitie of every Salt, and not be alternately differenced as it is; Some Salts, more dissoluble, increasing the Bulk of the Water less, and others less disso∣luble, increasing it more. I say, that this difference dependeth not only upon the different Figures of the Atomes of Salt; because then every Salt which is more dissoluble, would (quantity for quantity) take up less room in the Water: which is contrary to the Experiment.

10. §. From the same Experiment, howsoever paradoxical it may seem, yet is it also manifest, That although Water be a Fluid, yet the Particles thereof are hard and consistent, and unalterable in their Figure. Otherwise it is plain, That all manner of Salts would be dissolved in the same manner, and take up the same room in the Water. For let the Figures of the Salts be never so various, yet if the Particles of Water were themselves Fluid or Inconsistent and Alterable, they would always so conforme to those Figures, as to fill up all Vacuities; and so upon the Solution of several Salts, if of equal quantity, the Water would still retein an equal Bulk. As suppose an Ounce of Iron were drawn into Wyer, another beaten into Plates, a third made into Hooks, a fourth into Needles, a fifth into Nails; every one of these five Oun∣ces, being put severally into Water will encrease its Bulk equally. I conclude therefore, That the Atomes of Water are hard and unalter∣able.

11. §. The Eighth Enquiry was this, What that just space might be, which any Salt gaineth upon Dissolution, with respect to its own Bulk, or the Bulk of the Water? For the making of this Experi∣ment, Water will not serve, nor yet Spirit of Wine; because they both of them dissolve more or less of those Salts which are put into them; whereby the observation of the true Bulk of the Salt, and consequently of the just space it gaineth by Dissolution is lost. I took therefore Oyl of Turpentine, and pouring it into a Bolt-head, marked the place of its ascent in the Neck. Then pouring likewise into it two Ounces of

Common Salt, I marked the second ascent of the Oyl; and found it to be 10 Inches and 6 eighths. Repeating the Experiment in like manner with two Ounces of Nitre, I found the ascent of the Oyl to be 11 Inches and ⅛^th. Repeating it again with two Ounces of Alum, the ascent of the Oyl was 13 Inches and ••^ths. And making it once more with Sal Armoniac, the Oyl ascended to 15 Inches: the said several ascents of the Oyl being the true spaces which the Four abovesaid Salts take. From which, the space which the same Salts take up upon Dissolution, be∣ing deducted; the remainder is the space gained by that Dissolution. And so it appears, first, that Sal Armoniac gaineth nothing; being the only Salt of all I have tryed, which causeth the equal ascent both of the Water and the Oyl sc. just 15 Inches in both. Alum causeth the ascent of the Oyl to 13 2/8^ths, of the Water, to 11 Inches and ⅝^ths: So that it gains about 1 Inch and ½ out of 13. Nitre causeth the ascent of the Oyl, to 11 Inches and ⅛^th; of the Water, to 8 Inches and ⅜^ths. So that Nitre by Dissolution gets almost the space of 3 Inches in 11. Common Salt causeth the ascent of the Oyl, to 10 Inches and 6/8^ths; of the Water, 6 Inches and ⅜^ths. So that Common Salt gains by Dissolution 4 Inches in 10, which is very considerable.

12. §. By this way the Specifick Gravity of all kinds of Salts may be easily taken, and the difference betwixt them is somewhat surpri∣zing. For it appears by the Ascent of the Oyl, that Nitre, quantity for quantity, is about a 22^th part lighter than Common Salt. Alum about a 6^th part lighter. And Salt Armoniac, almost a 4^th part lighter than Common Salt. The like estimate may be made of the Gravity of all other Salts.

13. §. By the same Experiment it also appears, That according to the Specifick Gravity of Salts they are many times at least more or less Volatile; as in the four last Salts is plain. For Common Salt which of all the four is the most fixed, is also the heavyest. Nitre which is somewhat less fixed is somewhat lighter. But Alum which is still less fixed is much lighter. And Sal Armoniac which is wholly Volatile, is the lightest of all the Salts above mentioned.

CHAP. III. Wherein, from the Experiments in the foregoing Chapter, is shewed, the Cause of the Motion of the Mercury in the BAROMETER.

FOR the doing of this, it will first be acknowledg'd, That not only several sorts of Sulphur, but also of Volatile Salts, are continually sublimed from most Bodies into the Aer. So Lightning, from the celeri∣ty of the accension, appears to be made of a Meteor, which is Nitro-Sulphureous. Snow dependeth upon a Mixture of Nitrous, and other Salts; as is evi∣dent, from the regularly and differently Figur'd Parts, which compose the whole Body of a Snowy Cloud, before it clusters into Flakes. And one reason, why Rain is the best Water for any Soyl, is because it is im∣pregnated with divers Volatile and Fruitful Salts. And so from other Meteors.

2. §. And next, that these Salts, are not always in the same Quan∣tity, Proportion, and State, in the Aer: but that sometimes they are more copious; at others, less: sometimes, one more copious, than an other: sometimes, more plentifully dissolved; at others, more spare∣ingly: and that, either as they are more or less pure and dissoluble; or according to the quantity of the Vaporous Parts in the Aer, in which they are incorporated or dissolved.

3. §. Thus much being granted, from the Experiments in the fore∣going Chapter compared together, we may resolve our selves about some Phaenomena in the Barometre. Which seems to vary, not so much with the meer Weight of the Aer, which hitherto hath been suppo∣sed: as by the different pressure it makes, in being crowded more at one time, than at another. That is, according as certain Nitrous, or other Saline Bodies, take up less Space in the Aer, when dissolved in the Watery Parts therein, than while they are undissolved.

4. §. And therefore it is especially to be observed, That as the Mercury commonly riseth in the Cylinder for some days, but always for some time, before the change of the Weather, whether for Snow or Rain: So, that then it presently falleth again, even before the Snow or Rain falls. Whereas, if the Weight of the Aer, were the only, or the chief Cause of the ascent of the Mercury; than as it riseth all the while the Weather is gathering, so it would keep its standing or heighth, until the Weather breaks and falleth down: which yet it never doth, but always falls before it; sometimes no less than a whole day. The Cause whereof is, in that all the while the Mercury riseth in the Cylin∣der, the Aer is crowded with more and more Saline Parts, which by

the Winds, or otherwise, are carryed into it; and so causeth it to press upon the Mercury in the Box: but after that in some time the Salts are dissolved or incorporated in the Aqueous Parts of the Aer, as in Rain or Snow; so soon as that is done, there is some Space gaind; and so, before any Weather falleth, the Aer is less crowded, and presseth less upon the Mercury in the Box, which gives way to its descent in the Cylinder.

5. §. From hence also it is, that the Mercury riseth higher with Cold Winds, than it doth with those which are Warme. Both because that in cold Winds there is the greatest quantity of Nitre: and that the coldest Winds, are usually the dryest. So that the Nitre wanting Moysture fully to dissolve it; it takes up so much the greater space, and so causeth a greater pressure in the Aer, as hath been said.

6. §. Lastly, For the same reason it comes to pass, that the Mer∣cury first riseth higher, and then falleth lower before Snow, than it doth before Rain. Because that for the production of Snow, the Aer is crowded with a greater quantity of Nitre, or some other like Salts; which before they are dissolved, take up so much the more space; and afterwards so much the less, even before the Snow falls: as hath been proved.

FINIS.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Lib. 1. de Generat. & Corrupt. Cap. ult.
• * 1.2

  Ch. 2. §. 3.
• * 1.3

  Ch. 2. §. 10.
• * 1.4

  Ch. 2. §. 2.
• * 1.5

  Ch. 2. §. 5.
• * 1.6

  Ch 3. §. 1.
• * 1.7

  Ch. 2. §. 2.
• * 1.8

  Ch. 2. §. 3.
• * 1.9

  Ch. 2. §. 5.
• * 1.10

  Ch. 3. §. 10.
• * 1.11

  Ch. 2. §. 3.
• * 1.12

  Ch. 2. §. 3.
• * 1.13

  Ch. 3. §. 2.
• * 1.14

  Ch. 3. §. 8
• * 1.15

  Ch. 3. §. 8.
• * 1.16

  Ch. 3. §. 8.
• * 1.17

  Ch. 3. §. 1.
• * 1.18

  Ch. 3. §. 14.
• * 1.19

  Ch. 3. §. 1.
• * 1.20

  Ch. 3. §. 18.
• * 1.21

  Ch. 3. § 18;
• * 1.22

  Ch. 4.
• * 1.23

  Ch. 3. §. 9.
• * 1.24

  Id. §. 55. Ch. 2. §. 10. Ch. 3. §. 10.
• * 1.25

  Ch. 5. Inst. 1. §. 8.
• * 1.26

  Ch. 5. Inst. 1. §. 6.
• * 1.27

  Ch. 5. §. ••.
• * 1.28

  Ch. 5. Inst. 5.
• * 1.29

  Anat. of Plants, B. 1. Ch. 6.
• a 1.30

  Quer. 1.
• b 1.31

  Quer. 1.
• * 1.32

  §. 50, 51, 52.
• * 1.33

  Discourse of Mixture Cap. Ult.
• a 1.34

  Of the Luctation of Bodies, Ch. 1.
• * 1.35

  Discourse of Mixture Ch. 5. Inst. 2.
• * 1.36

  Tab. 83.
• * 1.37

  Tab. 83.
• * 1.38

  Tab. 83.
• * 1.39

  Tab. 83.
• * 1.40

  Tab. 83.
• * 1.41

  Tab. 83.
• * 1.42

  Tab. 83.
• * 1.43

  Tab. 83.
• * 1.44

  Tab. 83.
• * 1.45

  Tab. 83.
• * 1.46

  Idea, §. 27. and Anat, of R. P. 2. §. 65, &c.
• * 1.47

  Discourse of Mixture Ch. 5. Inst. 2. §. 3. & Inst. 5.
• * 1.48

  Idea, §. 29. & Anat. of R. P. 2. §. 68, &c.
• * 1.49

  Of Mixt. Ch. 5.