Experiments in consort of the luctation arising from the affusion of several menstruums upon all sorts of bodies to which is added the nature, causes, and power of mixture. Exhibited to the Royal Society. By Nehemiah Grew, M.D. and fellow of the Royal Society.

A DISCOURSE Made before the ROYAL SOCIETY.

HAVING the ho∣nour to perform the task of this day; I shall endeavour to conform to the Philosophy,

which this Society doth pro∣fess; which is, Ratiocina∣tion, grounded upon Experi∣ment, and the Common No∣tions of Sense. The former being, without the latter, too subtle and intangible; the latter, without the for∣mer, too gross and unma∣nageable: but both toge∣ther, bearing a true ana∣logy to our selves; who are neither Angels, nor meer Animals, but Men.

The Subject I have cho∣sen

to speak of, is Mixture. Whereof, that our Dis∣course may be the more con∣sistent, and the better intel∣ligible; all I have to say, shall be ranged into this Method; viz.

1. First, I shall give a brief account of the receiv∣ed 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.

SECT. I.

FIRST, As to the re∣ceived Doctrine of Mix∣ture; not to trouble you with tedious quotations of

what Aristotle, Galen, Fer∣nelius, Scaliger, Sennertus, Riverius, and others say hereof; we may suppose the whole summed up in that Definition which Ari∣stotle himself hath given of it, and which the greater number of his Followers, have almost religiously ad∣hered to; viz. that 'tis, 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉. Lib. 1. de Gener. & Corrupt. Cap. ult. that 'tis, Miscibilium alterato∣rum

unio. Which Defini∣tion, as it is usually expli∣cated, is both Vnintelligi∣ble, and Vnuseful.

Two things are unintel∣ligible; what they mean by Alteration; and what by Vnion. In this Alteration, they say, That the very Forms of the Elements are alter'd. And therefore lay it down for an Axiom, Quòd in Mixto, Formae Elementa∣res tantum sint in potentia. But let us see the conse∣quence.

For if in a mixed body, the Forms of the E∣lements are but in potentia; then the Elements them∣selves are but in potentia: for we all say, Forma dat esse. And if the Compound∣ing Elements, are only in po∣tentia; then the Compound; Body it self can be only in potentia: yet to say it is no more, is most absurd.

As for the Vnion of E∣lements in a mixed Body; they make it such, as brings

them at last to assert, the Penetration of bodies, and that the Vnion of mixed bo∣dies 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 contemperated Quali∣ties of the four Elements. Whence they conclude, That every particle of the mixed body, containeth in it self all the four Elements.

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 E∣lements; then four parti∣cles, are but one. I con∣clude then, That the re∣ceived Doctrine of Mixture, is Vnintelligible.

Whence it follows, That it is also Barren and Vnuse∣ful. 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, ex∣cept the Learned Sennertus, daring to venture upon Ex∣periment, for fear they should come to understand themselves.

It is confessed, that ma∣ny gallant things have been found out by artificial Mix∣ture. But no thanks to this

Definition of it. For as an Ignorant Person may make bad Work, and a good Rule be never the worse; so an Ingenious Person 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 foun∣dation, Quòd Mixtio sit mis∣cibilium alteratorum unio. Had this ever taught them to do any thing, even so much as to make the Ink

wherewith they have wrote all their Disputes; I con∣fess, they would have had something to shew for it. But the truth is, their no∣tions of Mixture, have been so far from doing us any good, that they have done us much harm: being, through their seeming sub∣tlety, but real absurdity, as so many phantastick Spectrums, serving only to affright men from coming near them, or the Subject whereof they treat.

I shall therefore endea∣vour to open the true Na∣ture 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 Principles of all mixed bo∣dies.

SECT. II.

1. AND first, by Prin∣ciples, 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 contradiction. Even as fives, threes, or twos, are not the Principles of Number, but Vnites.

2. Whence, secondly,

it follows, that they are also Indivisible. Not Mathe∣matically; for the Atomes of every Principle 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 milli∣ons of bodies; that is, of Atomes; not any one where∣of is divided within it self,

but only they are separated each from other, where the Knife forceth its way. As in the drawing of a mans Finger through an heap of Corn; there is no division made in any one Grain, but only a separati∣on of them one from ano∣ther, all remaining still in themselves entire. I say therefore, that what is phy∣sically one, is also most firm, and indivisible; that is, im∣penetrable: for penetration is

but the separation, not the division of Atomes.

3. Hence, thirdly, they are also Immutable. For that which cannot be divi∣ded, cannot be chang'd. So that of the whole World of Atomes, not any one hath ever suffer'd, or can suffer the least mutation.

Hereupon is grounded the Constancy of Causes and Effects. So that, in all Ge∣nerations, it is not less cer∣tain, that the self same

Principle is still propagated from the same; than, that Man is from Man. Where∣fore, Compounded bodies are generated; but Princi∣ples are not, but only pro∣pagated; that is, in every Generation, they pass, in themselves unaltered, from one body, into another.

4. If Principles, or A∣tomes 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. Where∣fore, since they are Immu∣table, they must be di∣vers.

5. This diversity, for the same reason, is not small, but very numerous. For as the World, taken to∣gether, is Natures Shop; so the Principles of Things, are her Tools, and her Ma∣terials.

Wherefore, as it speaks the goodness of a Shop; so the perfection of the Vniverse, That it is fur∣nished with many Tools wherewith, and many Ma∣terials 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 pittiful Chime: but try∣eth 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 Subordina∣tion, of Principles. There being a certain lesser num∣ber of them, which either by their greater quantity, or other ways, have Rule and Dominion, in their se∣veral 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 Proporti∣on in all things else, and not here? Wherefore, as certainly, as Order and Go∣vernment are in all the parts of the Rational; so certain∣ly, of the Material World.

Whence it is, That al∣though the Species of Prin∣ciples be very numerous; yet the Principles called Ga∣lenical, Chymical, or any

others, which do any way fall under the notice of Sense, are notwithstanding reduceable to a smaller num∣ber: viz. according to the number of Predominant Prin∣ciples in Nature; or, at least, in this part of the Vniverse which is near and round about us. To the Power and Empire whereof, all other Principles do sub∣mit. Which Submission, is not the quitting of their own Nature; but only their

appearance under the ex∣ternal Face or Habit of the said Predominant Princi∣ples.

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 dif∣ferent: and all other Pro∣perties besides, whereby they differ, must be de∣pendent upon these two.

8. Nor therefore, can they be of any other Fi∣gures, than what are Regu∣lar. For Regularity, is a Similitude continu'd. Since therefore all kinds of A∣tomes are divers only by their Size and Figure; if the self same Size and Fi∣gure were not common to a certain number of Atomes, they could not be said to be of any one kind▪ and consequently, if there were no Similitude of Atomes,

there could be no Distincti∣on 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 cer∣tain Size and Figure.

10. Lastly, As these two Modes, taken several∣ly, are the Qualities of an Atome: so consider'd to∣gether, they are its Form.

A substantial Form of a Bo∣dy, 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 other∣wise, then as of the Modi∣fication of a Body, or a Com∣plexion 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 re∣ferred to a Body, what is it but the Modification of that Body? Having thus proposed a Summary of my Thoughts about Princi∣ples; I shall next proceed to shew what their Mixture is.

SECT. III.

AND first of all, from the Premisses, we ar∣rive at this Conclusion; sc. That the Formation and Transformation of all Bodies, can be nothing else, but the Mixture of Bodies. For all Principles are immutable; as we have above proved: and therefore not genera∣ble, formable, or transfor∣mable. And the Forms of

Principles, being but their Modes, are also immutable. So that the whole Business of the Material World, is nothing else, but Mix∣ture.

Again, as Nature wor∣keth 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; it is every where Mixture,

and the Mixture of Bodies. Wherefore, Mixture is ei∣ther an intelligible Affection of all Bodies, or of none; which latter, no man will say. As many wayes, therefore, as we can see, or conceive the Mixture of any gross Bodies, which we hold in our hand; so ma∣ny ways, we may, of the subtilest Mixtures which Na∣ture maketh, or of Atomes themselves; and no other wayes.

Now all the wayes we can distinguish Mixture by, are in general these two; either in respect of the Bo∣dies Mixed, or else of the Modes of the Mixture it self.

In respect of the Bodies Mixed, Mixture is distin∣guished also two ways; viz. by Conjugation, and by Pro∣portion.

By Conjugation, I mean, a Certain Mixture of some such Principles, and not of

others. Which is three∣fold.

First, As to Number: as when one Body may be compounded of two Prin∣ciples, 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 dif∣fer from one another both

in Number and Kind.

So many ways the Prin∣ciples of Bodies may be conceived to be Conjugated; and therefore are: for here, that which may be, is. The Consequence is clear. For first, Nature hath various Materials wherewith to make these Mixtures; as we have shew'd. Secondly, By these Mixtures she may, and without the concurrence of any imaginary Forms,

must produce all the varie∣ties in the material world; as likewise hath been said. Wherefore, since all ima∣ginable Mixtures may be made, and that to some pur∣pose; if they should not be so, Nature would be Imper∣fect: 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 Principles,

or all Elements go to make up every Compounded Body; is a conceit, no more to be credited, then 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 where∣with 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?

Secondly, The Mixture of Principles is diversifi'd, as by Conjugation, 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 fif∣teen; 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 in∣numerable ways.

Again, As Mixture is varied with respect to the Bodies Mixed; 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 Principles, being Mixed, either by Mediation, or by Contact.

Now all Contact, whe∣ther of Compounds, or of Atomes, can be no other way, then such as is an∣swerable to their Figures. Whereof, therefore, we can conceive but three ge∣neral ways, viz.

First, By Contact in a Point, or some smaller part: as when two Atomes meet, which are globular or other∣wise gibbose.

Secondly, By Contact in a Plain: as in the conjun∣ction of the sides of Trian∣gular or Quadrangular A∣tomes, or otherwise flat.

Thirdly, By Contact in a Concave: as when one A∣tome is admitted into the Concave or hole of another; as a Spigot is into a Fos∣set.

The first may be called, Apposition; the second, Ap∣plication; the third, Re∣ception or Intrusion.

In the two last wayes, Atomes may be joyned by Mediation; but best of all the last. As when the two extreams of one Atome are received into the Con∣caves or the holes of two others.

And these are all the general ways, whereby we can conceive Bodies to be

Mixed together; sc. by their various Conjugation, Pro∣portion, and Location.

So that the Composition of Atomes, in Bodies; is like that of Letters, in Words. What a Thunder∣clap would such a Word be, as wherein all the four and twenty Letters were pack'd up? One therefore is com∣pounded of more, another of fewer; this of some, and that of others: and both the Conjugation, Pro∣portion,

and Location of Letters is varied in every Word: whereby, we have many thousands of differing Words, without any altera∣tion at all, in the Letters themselves; and might have ten times as many more. In like manner, therefore, or in the self same analo∣gous way, as the Letters of the Alphabet, are the Principles of Words; so Prin∣ciples, are the Alphabet of Things.

What we have said of Principles; and of Mixture as consequent 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, Sweet∣ness, Fragrancy, Fetidness, and very many more. I say an intelligible account;

sc. such as is grounded up∣on the Notions of Sense, and made out Mechanically. 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 Premisses, these following Corolla∣ries.

1. First, That there is no alteration of Principles or of Elements, in the most perfect Mixture of Bodies.

It cannot be; for Principles are Immutable, 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. So that we have no need to perplex our selves with any of those difficulties, that arise from the Doctrine of the Alteration of Elements. The ground of which con∣ceit, is that, of there be∣ing but four Elements, and

that all the Elements must needs be in every Body. And so men being puzled, how from thence to make out the infinite variety of Bodies, they feigned them to be alterable, and alter'd, upon every perfect Mixture. Not considering, that if their four Elements be alte∣rable; as few as they are, no fewer then three of them may be spared: for one Element, if alterable, may be made any.

2. Hence, secondly, may be solved that great Dispute, Whether such as we call Lixivial Salts, are made by the fire?

For first, No Principle is made by the fire: all Principles being unalterable; and therefore unmakea∣ble.

Secondly, We must there∣fore distinguish betwixt the Principle, and the Mo∣dification of a Principle; or its various Mixture with

other Principles, whence it may receive a various deno∣mination.

Wherefore, a Lixivial Salt, qua Lixivial, is certainly made by the fire. But quate∣nus Salt, it is not: that Prin∣ciple being extractable out of most Bodies; and by divers other ways, then by the fire. For whether you Calcine a body, or Ferment it, (after the manner shew'd by the diligent and curious Improver of Chymical Knowledg, Dr.

Daniel Coxe) or else putrifie it under ground, or drown it in the Sea; it still yield∣eth some kind of Salt. All which Salts are made, not by making the Saline Principle; but only by its being vari∣ously Mixed, upon those va∣rious ways of the Solution of Bodies, with other Princi∣ples: from which its various Mixture, it receives the vari∣ous Denominations, of Marine, Nitrous, Volatile, or Lixivial.

3. Hence, thirdly, the most

perfect Mixture of Bodies, can go no higher then Con∣tact. For all Principles are unalterable; and all Matter is impenetrable; as hath been said. In the most visible and laxe Mixture, there is Con∣tact; and in the most subtile and perfect, as in Generation it self, there is nothing more.

4. Hence, fourthly, we ea∣sily understand, how divers of the same Principles, be∣longing both to Vegetables and many other Bodies, are

also actually existent in the Body of Man. Because even in Generation, or Transmuta∣tion, 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, Proporti∣on, and Location, is varied.

5. Hence also the diffe∣rence of Mixture, arising from the difference of Con∣tact, is intelligible; sc. as to

those three degrees, Congrega∣tion, Vnion, and Concentration.

Congregation, and Inconsi∣stent Mixture, is when the se∣veral Atomes touch but in a Point, 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.

Vnion, is when they touch in a Plain. As in the Crystals and Shootings of all Salts, and other like Bodies. For if

we pursue their divided, 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 termi∣nate, and therefore touch, in Plain.

Concentration, is when two, or more Atomes touch by Reception and Intrusion of one into another: which is the closest, and firmest Mix∣ture of all; as in any fixed,

unodorable, or untastable bo∣dy: the Atomes of such bo∣dies, being not able to make any Smell or Tast, unless they were first dissolved; that is to say, unpin'd one from another.

6. Hence, sixthly, we under∣stand, how in some cases, there seemeth to be a Pene∣tration of Bodies; and in what sense it may be admitted: viz. if we will mean no more by Penetration, but Intrusion. For the Intrusion of one A∣tome

into the Concave or hole of another, is a kind of Pe∣netration; whereby they take up less room in the mixed Body, then they would do by any other way of Con∣tact. 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 they very Ingenious M. Hook maketh 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 A∣tomes one into another. Which yet is not a Penetra∣tion of Bodies strictly so called.

7. If all that Nature ma∣keth, be but Mixture; and all this Mixture be but Contact: 'tis then evident, That Na∣tural and Artificial Mixture,

are the same. And all those seeming subtilties whereby Philosophers have gone about to distinguish them; have been but so many Scar∣crows, to affright Men from the Imitation of Nature.

8. Lastly, Hence it fol∣lows, That Art it self may go far in doing what Na∣ture doth. And who can say, how far? For we have no∣thing to Make; but only to Mix those Materials, which are already made to our

hands. Even Nature her self, as hath been said, Maketh nothing new; but only Mix∣eth all things. So far, there∣fore, as we can govern Mix∣ture, we may do what Na∣ture doth.

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

SECT. IV.

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

1. Congruity, or aptitude and respondence betwixt the Sizes and Figures of parts to be mixed: whereby bodies may be truly called the In∣strumental 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. ac∣cording to which Respon∣dencies in the parts of Bo∣dies, they are more or less easily mingleable.

2. Weight; by means where∣of, all Fluid Bodies, upon supposition of the Congrui∣ty of their parts, must un∣avoidably mingle

3. Compression; which either

by the Air, or any other bo∣dy, added to Weight, must, in some degree, further Mix∣ture. Because, that Weight it self is but Pression.

For further proof of all the said Causes, I made this Experiment▪ Let Oyl of Anise∣seeds, and Oyl of Vitriol be put apart into the Receiver of an Air-Pump. And, having ex∣hausted it of the Air, let the two said Oyls be then affused one upon the other. Where∣upon

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 Con∣gruity 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 powred together in the same man∣ner, and quantity, in the o∣pen Air. Wherefore, Compres∣sion, whether made by the Air, or any thing else, doth somewhat further the Mix∣ture of Bodies, and the great∣er 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 Vnion, but of Separa∣tion; and therefore, in a more capable state, for their Mix∣ture and Vnion 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 to∣wards 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 a∣greeable to the Doctrine of the Honourable Mr. Boyle, in his excellent Treatise of the Nature and Vertues of Gems.

And 'tis well known, That bodies are ordinarily petri∣fied, or Stones made, out of Water. That is, out of petrify∣ing parts dissolved per mini∣ma 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 attenu∣ate, that is, still further sepa∣rate the parts of a body; and so render them more min∣gleable with the parts of a∣nother. And therefore

Secondly, Doth also add more Motion to them, in or∣der to their Mixture.

6. Agitation. Which I am

induced to believe a great and effectual means of Mix∣ture, upon divers considera∣tions. As

First, That the making of Blood in the Bodies of Ani∣mals, and the mixing of the Chyle therewith, is very much promoted by the same means; sc. by the Agitation 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 a mixture of them toge∣ther.

Moreover, From the great Effects of Digestion; well known to all that are con∣versant in Chymical Prepara∣tions. Which Digestion it self, is but a kind of insensible A∣gitation of the parts of di∣gested bodies.

'Tis also a known Experi∣ment, 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 immediately mixed together.

And I remember, that ha∣ving (with intent to make Mr. Mathews'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 to∣wards their Mixture; then a far greater time of Digestion alone had done before. And it is certain, That a vehe∣ment Agitation, especially if continu'd, or joyned with Digestion; will accelerate the Mixture of some bodies, ten times more, then any bare Digestion alone; as may be

proved by many Experi∣ments.

I will instance in this one. Let some Oyl of Turpentine and good Spirit of Nitre be stop'd up together in a bot∣tle, and the bottle held to the fire, till the Liquors be a little heated, and begin to bubble. Then having remo∣ved it, and the Bubbles by degrees increasing more and more; the two Liquors will of themselves, at last fall into so impetuous 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, incorpo∣rated 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 Mix∣ture.

SECT. V.

HAVING enumerated the general Causes, we

shall, lastly, enquire into the Power and Vse of Mixture; or, into what it can Do and Teach. And I shall Instance in fix 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 Bo∣d••es; as Smells, and Tasts▪

Fourthly, To Make or Imi∣tate their Faculties.

Fifthly, It is a Key, to disco∣ver the Nature of Bodies.

Sixthly, To discover their Use, and the Manner of their Medicinal Operation.

Instance I.

FIRST, To render all Bo∣dies Sociable or Mingle∣able: as Water with Oyl, Salt with Spirit, and the like. For Natural and Artificial Mix∣ture, 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.

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

First, That we tread in Na∣tures 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 suffi∣cient time for its effect. For so we see Nature her self, for her more perfect Mixtures, usually doth. She maketh not a Flow∣er, or an Apple, a Horse, or a Man, as it were in a moment; but all things by degrees; and for her more perfect and ela∣borate Mixtures, for the most part, she requireth more time. Because all such Mixtures are made and carri'd on per mi∣nima; and therefore require

a greater time for the com∣pleating of them.

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 I∣mitate 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, then Nature by the Stock alone would do: So here, by accumulating the

Causes of Mixture; that is, by joyning three, or four, 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 joyning Compression, Heat, and violent Agitation, and so continuing them all together, by some means contrived for the purpose, for the space of a week, or moneth, or longer, without

cessation. Which may pro∣bably 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 mingleable any other way. Agitation be∣ing, as carrying the key to and fro, till it hit the lock; or within the lock, till it hit the wards.

Secondly, For the Choice of

Materials, if they are not im∣mediately, that is, of them∣selves, mingleable; we are then to turn one species of Mix∣ture into a Rule; 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 sul∣phurious Salts are to Water and Oyl; and are for that rea∣son mingleable with either of them.

Or, By any two congruous

Bodies, which are also, in part, congruous to two others: and other like ways. Where∣by 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 where∣on they hang.

The consideration of these things, have put me upon making several Experiments, for the Mingling of heteroge∣neous Bodies. I shall give two

Examples of tryal; the one upon fluid, the other upon consistent, Bodies.

For the first, I took Oyl of Anise-seeds, and powring it upon another Body; I so or∣der'd it, that it was thereby turned into a perfect milk-white Balsam, or Butter. By which means the said Oyl be∣came mingleable with any o∣ther Liquor, Oyl, Wine, or Wa∣ter; easily, and instantaneously dissolving therein, in the form of a Milk▪ And note, That this

is done, without the least al∣teration of the smell, tast, na∣ture or operation of the said Oyl.

By somewhat the like means, not only Oyl of Anise-seeds, but any other stillatiti∣ous Oyl, may be transformed into a perfect milk white But∣ter; and in like manner be mingled with Water or any o∣ther Liquor. Which is of va∣rious use in Medicine; and what I find oftentimes very con∣venient and advantageous to be done.

Again, Not only fluid but consistent bodies, which of themselvs will mix only with Oyl; by due mixture with o∣ther bodies, may be render'd easily dissoluble in Water; as may Rosin, and all resinous and friable Gums. As also Wax: and this without chan∣ging much of their Colour, Tast or Smell. Whereof like∣wise, whatsoever others may do, the Physician may make a manifold Vse.

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 Mixture, we may conclude; That there is no generation of Bodies un∣organical, 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 Mine∣rals,

to Imitate Vitriol, Allom, and other Salts; as also Me∣tals, and the like.

I do not say, I can do all this: but if upon good pre∣misses we may conclude this may 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

1. First, For the Imitation of an animal body, I will in∣stance in Fat. Which may be made thus; Take Oyl O∣live,

and powr it upon high Spirit of Nitre. Then digest them for some days. By de∣grees, 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 in∣to Fat, it is to be noted, That it hardens most upon the ex∣halation of some of the more Sulphureous parts of the Spi∣rit of Nitre. Which I effected,

well enough for my pur∣pose, by unstopping the glass after some time of di∣gestion; and so suffering the Oyl to dissolve and thicken di∣vers times by successive heat and cold.

Hence, The true Congealing Principle, is a Spirit of Nitre separated from its Sulphur. For the better doing whereof, the Air is a most commodi∣ous Menstruum to the said Spirit of Nitre.

Whence also, if we could

procure such a Spirit of Ni∣tre, we might congele Water in the midst of Summer. We might also refrigerate Rooms herewith artificially. And might Imitate all frosty Mete∣ors. For the making of Fat, is but the Durable Congelation of Oyl▪ which may be done without frost, as I have shew'd how.

Hence also it appears, That Animal Fat it self, is but the Curdling of the Oily parts of the Blood; either by some of

its own Saline parts; or by the Nitrous parts of the Air mingled therewith.

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

For the same reason it is, That the Fat of Land-Ani∣mals is hard; whereas that of

Fish is very soft, and in a great part runs 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 Air hath.

2. For the Imitation of a Ve∣getable 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 to∣gether; and by degrees, will harden into a perfect Rosin; with the general and defining Properties of a truly Natural Resinous Gum. Being not in the least dissoluble in Water; or at least, not any more, then any natural Rosin or Gum: yet very easily by fire: as also highly inflammable: 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 unincorpora∣ted 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 u∣niversal; that the Rosin is not made by Precipitation, but al∣most a total Combination of the said Liquors; and that with scarce so much, as any visible fumes.

Again, Having taken a cer∣tain Powder and a Saline Li∣quor,

and mixed them toge∣ther in a bottle, and so dige∣sted them for some time; the Powder was at last transmu∣ted to a perfect Oily Gum; which will also dissolve ei∣ther in Oyl, or in Water; in the self same manner, as Galba∣num, Ammoniac, and the like will do.

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 Bo∣dies,

not any two being put together; that is to say, nei∣ther the Nitre with the Oyl, nor the Oyl with the Spirit, nor the Nitre with the Spi∣rit; will make the least ebul∣lition: yet all three mingled together, make a very conspi∣cuous 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 I can shew of the like nature.

3. In the last place, for the Imitation of a Mineral Body, I will instance in two, sc. Ni∣tre and Marine Salt; if I may have leave to reckon them amongst Mineral Bodies. As for Nitre, by mixing of four Liquors together, and then setting them to shoot; I have obtained Crystals of true and perfect Salt; which have had much of a nitrous tast; and would be melted with a gen∣tle

heat, as Nitre is; and even as easily as Butter 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.

And as for a Sea-Salt, that I might Imitate Nature for the making hereof, I consi∣der'd, That the Salt so cal∣led, was nothing else but A∣nimal and Vegetable Salt, freed from its true Spirit and Sulphur, and some Sa∣line particles, specifically Ani∣mal

or Vegetable, together with them. For both Animal and Vegetable bodies being continually carried by all Rivers into the Sea; and ma∣ny likewise by Shipwrack, and divers other ways, im∣mersed therein: they are at last corrupted, that is, their Compounding parts are open∣ed and resolved. Yet the Re∣solution being in the Water, is not made precipitately, as it is in the Air; but by de∣grees, and very gently.

Whence the Sulphurious, and other more Volatile parts, in their avolation, make not so much hast, as to carry the more fixed Sa∣line parts along with them; but leaveth them behind in the Water, which imbibeth them, as their proper Men∣struum.

And the Imitation of Na∣ture herein, may be per∣formed 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 thereof may remain unresolved at the bottom of the bottle. Let the bottle 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 more Volatile parts gradually fly∣ing away; the top of the un∣resolved Salt will be incru∣state, or as it were frosted

over, with many small and hard Concretions, which for their nature, are become a true Sea-Salt. Whereof there is a double proof; First, In that most of the said Concretions are of a Cu∣bical, or very like Figure. Especially on their upper parts; because having a fix∣ed body for their basis, their under parts, therefore, con∣tiguous thereto, are less re∣gular. Whereas the parts of Salt in the Sea, being envi∣roned

on all sides with a fluid; their Figure is there∣fore on all sides regular. Secondly, In that a strong Acid Spirit or Oyl being powred upon a full body'd Solution hereof; yet it ma∣keth herewith no Ebulliti∣on; which is also the property of Sea-Salt. And thus much for the more general Imita∣tion of Bodies.

Instance III.

FROM the aforesaid Premisses, and by the aforesaid Means, there is no doubt to be made, but that also the other sensible Quali∣ties of Bodies may be Imita∣ted, as their Odours and Tasts. And that not only the ge∣neral ones, as Fragrant, or Astringent: but also those which are specifical and pro∣per to such a species of Bo∣dies.

Thus, for example, by mixing several Bodies toge∣ther, in a due proportion, I have Imitated the Smells of divers Vegetables; as of Tansy, of Lignum Rhodium, and others. And I conclude it feasable, To Imitate the Tast or Smell of Musk, or Amber∣greece, or any other body in the world.

Instance IV.

HENCE also we may be Taught, How to I∣mitate the Faculties, as well as other Qualities of Bodies. The reason is, because even these have no dependance upon any substantial Form; as in the first Part of my last Book of the Anatomy of Vegetables, I think, I have, in a few lines, clearly made out: but are the meer re∣sult

of Mixture; effected by the same Causes, whether in Nature or Art; as also 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 Bo∣dies. For how far soever we can attain to Mingle, or to Make them, we may also know what they are.

For Bodies are mingleable, either of themselves, or by some third. As to those which mingle of themselves, we may certainly conclude, That there is a congruity be∣twixt them, in some respect or other. So upon various tryals I find, that Essential Oyls do more easily imbibe an Acid, then an Alkaly. Whence it is evident, That there is some congruity and similitude betwixt Essential Oyls, and an Acid, which

there is not betwixt the said Oyls and an Alkaly.

As to those that mingle only by some third; we may also certainly conclude, That though the two ex∣treams are unlike; yet that they have both of them a similitude to or congruity with that third, by which they are united.

Moreover, We may make a Judgment from the Manner or Degree of Mixture. Thus the Acid Spirit of Nitre, as is

said, will coagulate 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 Li∣quors. But the contrary hereunto, is proved by Ex∣periment. 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.

Again, Because the said Spirit of Nitre coagulates Oyl-Olive; it might be ex∣pected, it should have the same effect, upon Oyl of A∣nise-seeds; or, at least, that if other Acids will coagulate Oyl of Anise-seeds, that this should do it best. But Ex∣periment proveth the con∣trary. For of all I have try∣ed, 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 con∣sequently, It is a Key, To Discover the Me∣dicinal Vse and Operati∣on of Bodies. Thus, for example, by the I∣mitation of Rosins and Resinous Gums, we cer∣tainly know what all of them are, and when, and wherefore to be used▪ For what are Mastick, Fran∣kincense,

Olibanum, Ben∣zoin, and other like Ro∣sins, or Resinous Gums, for their principal and predominant parts, that is, qua Rosins; but Bo∣dies resulting from Na∣tural, in like manner, as I have shewed, they may be made to result, from Artificial Mixture? That is to say, the O∣leous, and Acid parts of Vegetables, being both af∣fused and mingled toge∣ther,

per minima, in some one Vessel of a Plant, they thus incorporate in∣to one consistent and fri∣able body, which we call Rosin.

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 ef∣fectual Vse against most thin and salt Rheums; sc. as they are Acido∣oleous

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 also Imbi∣bed. Whence, they are all, in some degree, in∣corporated together; that is, the Rheum is thick∣ned: which is the desired effect.

Whereas, on the con∣trary, if the Cough pro∣ceed not from a thin and especially 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, especi∣ally some of them, is more proper: such as these, in this case, pro∣ving sometimes not only ineffectual, but prejudicial.

Since the very Cause of the said Viscousness of Phlegm, is chiefly some great A∣cidity in the Blood, or in some other part; as may be proved by divers ar∣guments.

Many more Instances might be hereunto subjoyn∣ed: and may hereafter be offered to the accep∣tance 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 Per∣sons Dr. Willis, and Dr. Walter Needham, as to what the one hath alrea∣dy published, and both have put us in expecta∣tion of. But the Instan∣ces already given, are sufficient to evidence what I have said. And, I hope, this present Dis∣course to prove, in some measure, thus much;

That Experiment, and the Common Notions of Sense are prolifick; and that nothing is barren, but phancy and imagina∣tion.

FINIS.