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.

CHAP. II. (Book 2)

HAving given seve∣ral 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.

First for Earths. Oil of Vitr. upon Fullers Earth, doth not stir it, or cause the least Bullition. Nor upon yellow Oker. Nor up∣on the Oker which falls from green Vitriol. The same Oil of Vitr. and Spir. of H. Horn poured seve∣rally upon Bolus Armena 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 Me∣tals; into which the said Bolus's are transmuted, by being concentred with divers kinds of Salts and Sulphurs, which succes∣sively flow in upon them.

Aqua fortis, and Oil of Vitr. being poured several∣ly upon another sealed Earth, which was vended by the name of Terra Lem∣nia; they both made a ve∣ry considerable Efferve∣scence

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, ano∣ther none at all. Where∣to, those that use them, are to have regard.

Next for Stones. And first Spir. of Nitre upon Tripoly, stirreth it not in the least.

Irish Slate, with Spirit of Harts-horn, maketh a small, yet visible Bulliti∣on: and it presently cea∣seth. 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. Be∣cause by coagulating the Blood, it prohibits its too copious afflux into the affected part. Yet being

but gently astringent, and so the Coagulations 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 ei∣ther prevented, or the better over-ruled.

Lapis Haematites ma∣keth no Effervescence at all either with Alkalies or A••••d••.

〈◊〉〈◊〉 of the green part 〈…〉〈…〉 Magnet with Oil of ••itriol maketh some few

bubbles, yet not visible without a Glass.

But the podwer of the black part of a Magnet, which is the said stone ful∣ly perfect, stirreth not with any acid. Neither doth the calcined Magnet.

Hence there is some considerable difference betwixt Iron and the Ma∣gnet.

Lapis Lazuli, with Oil of Vitriol, and especially with Spirit of Nitre, ma∣keth a conspicuous Bulli∣tion.

Hence its Cathartick virtue lyeth in an Alkaly. For which reason it is al∣so appropriate, in like manner as Steel, to the cure of Hypochondriacal Affections; originated from some kind of fer∣menting Acid.

Osteocolla, with Spirit of Nitre maketh yet a grea∣ter Effervescence.

How it comes to be so great a knitter of bro∣ken bones, as it is repu∣ted, is obscure. It seem∣eth, that upon its solu∣tion

by a Nitrous acid in the body; it is precipi∣tated upon the broken part, and so becomes a kind of Cement thereto.

Lapis Tuthiae, with Spi∣rit of Nitre, maketh an Effervescence much alike. And with Oil of Vitriol very considerably.

But Lapis Calaminaris with Oil of Vitriol grows stark; as the powder of Alabaster doth with water. With spirit of Nitre it ma∣keth a little Bullition, and quickly. But with Aq. for∣tis,

a great one; beyond any of the stones above∣named.

Hence both Tutty and Calamy are Ophthalmicks from their Alkaly. Which is also confirmed, from the efficacy of some Al∣kalies of the like use.

Hence also Calamy see∣meth to partake some∣what of the nature of Sil∣ver: as by tryal made upon that also, will here∣after better appear.

Chalk and Oil of Sul∣phur or Vitriol make as

strong an Effervescence as any of the rest.

Whence it is some∣times well used against a Cardialgia.

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

Talk will not stir in the least either with spirit of Nitre, or Cil of Vitriol.

But that which is called

the Lead-Spar maketh a considerable Effervescence with both of them seve∣rally.

Hence, however this be called English Talk, yet there is no small dif∣ference betwixt this and true Talk.

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 Oil of Vitriol be∣ing

poured, produceth a great Effervescence.

The Root or rougher part of the Stone called Glossopetra, with spirit of Nitre, maketh a conspicu∣ous Bullition.

Asteria, the Stone so called, and found in some places in England, with Oil of Vitriol, maketh an Effervescence at the same degree. So doth the Belem∣nites, or Thunder-stone, both the larger and the les∣ser kinds.

So that none of these

are acid, or vitriolick, but alkalizate Stones.

Coralline, with Oil of Vitriol, makes a conspicu∣ous Bullition, yet mild and gentle; that is, with very little, if any heat, and with∣out 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 requires.

Magistery of Coral (pre∣pared the ordinary way) stirreth not in the least, ei∣ther

with Alkalies or A∣cids.

Whence it is evident, That its active Principles are in its preparation de∣stroyed and washed a∣way: that is to say, It is an elaborate Medicine good for nothing. And thus far of Stones.

I next come to Metals and Ores. And first for Lead; upon which spirit of Salt, spirit of Nitre, or Aq. fortis being dropped, it stirreth not in the least with any of them: but with

Oil of Sulphur, and espe∣cially with Oyl of Vitrio•• it maketh a slow Bullitio•• and froth.

Hence it seemeth to b•• the most alkalizate Meta•• Which is also confirme•• by a foregoing Experi∣ment upon the Lea•••• Spar, which maketh considerable Efferve∣scence with any sort o•• acid. And which likewise being calcined, yieldeth a good quantity of Lixi∣vial Salt.

Lead-Ore stirreth not at

all with Aq. fortis or Oil of Vitriol. But spirit of Salt makes it bubble, and spirit of Nitre makes it boil.

Hence there is a consi∣derable difference be∣twixt the perfect Metal and the Ore.

Burnt Lead and red Lead, make a very small Bullition with Oil of Vi∣triol, with spirit of Nitre a far greater.

Mercury, with Oil of Vitriol, will not stir, nor with Oil of Sulphur. But with spirit of Nitre pre∣sently boils up.

Hence Mercury is a sub∣acid Metal; spirit of Ni∣tre being a subalkaliza•• Acid.

The filings of Iron o•• Steel, with Oil of Vitriol make a fair Bullition, lik•• that of Minium. But spirit of Nitre makes them boi•• with much celerity.

Hence Iron is likewise a subacid Metal.

Steel prepared with Sul∣phur maketh a far less Ef∣fervescence 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 un∣prepared, will go as far as fifteen grains or more of those which are prepa∣red, as above-said. Yet ••n some cases the weaker and milder may be the better.

There is one circumstance in the mixture of Steel and Aq. fortis, which is sur∣prizing; and that is this, That strong Aqua fortis, dropped upon Steel, will

not, of it self, make th•• least Bullition: but if here to you only add a drop o•• two of Water, they present∣ly boil up with very gre•••• vehemency.

The cause is obscure yet it is well known, tha•• Water it self will dissolv•• Iron: so that it appears as well by this, as by som•• other Experiments, tha•• even in Water, as mild a•• it is, there is some kind o•• corrosive Principle.

Antimony with spirit o•• Nitre, and Aq. fortis seve∣rally,

maketh an Efferve∣scence; somewhat lower than Iron. With Oil of Vi∣triol the Bullition is so small, as difficultly to be perceived with a Glass.

Hence it seemeth to be of a very compounded nature; if I may so call it, a subacido-alkalizate Metal.

Crocus Metallor. with spirit of Nitre, makes a very little Effervescence.

Whence the Metalline Salt is not wholly lost in the preparation, but only diminished.

Antimonium Diaphore∣ticum, with Spirit of Nitre and Oil of Vitriol several∣ly, makes a considerable Effervescence.

Wherefore it is not an useless Preparation; as from the Calcination and Ablution used therein, some have thought.

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.

Tin, with Spirit of Ni∣tre, makes so hot and vehe∣ment an Effervescence, 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.

The like remarkable circumstance is seen in the mixture of Aq. fortis with Tin, as with Iron. For Tin

and Aqua fortis of them∣selves will not stir; but add a few drops of Water to them, and they boil up with the greatest vehemen∣cy.

Copper, with Spirit of Salt, and Oyl of Vitriol se∣verally, stirs not at all. Spirit of Nitre, and Aqua fortis, both boil it up vehe∣mently.

Neither Spirit of Harts-horn, nor Spirit of Salt Armoniac maketh any Bul∣lition therewith. But both of them, by a gentle solu∣tion,

that is, gently separa∣ting its Sulphur from its Salts, turn it blue.

Hence Copper hath a greater proportion of a∣cid than any of the fore∣mentioned Metals.

Silver neither with Spi∣rit of Salt, nor Oyl of Vi∣triol 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 ma∣keth with Spirit of Harts∣horn, or of Salt Armoniac,

a full and deep blue.

Hence there is a great∣er proportion of acid in Silver, than in Lead, Mer∣cury, Iron, Antimony, Tin, or Copper.

Litharge of Silver ma∣keth the greatest Efferve∣scence with Oyl of Vitriol. Yet some with Spirit of Ni∣tre. And with Spirit of Salt Armoniac maketh some little huff or elevation. And being mixed with Spirit 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.

Gold maketh no Effer∣vescence with any single Salt I know of. But it is commonly dissolved with Aqua Regis, which is known to be a very alkalizate Li∣quor.

Whence it seemeth••▪ That as Lead is the most

alkalizate, so Gold the most acid of Metals.

These things conside∣red, and other observati∣ons added hereunto, may possibly give some dire∣ctions, not only for the ordering and using, but even for the making, imi∣tating and transmuting of Metals. Thus far of Me∣tals.

I will next give one or two Instances of tryal upon Sulphurs. And first Sul∣phur vive, with Aq. fortis, maketh an apparent Bulli∣tion,

but it is some time, before it begins. But the factitious or common Brim∣stone, maketh scarce any, if any at all.

So that there is no small difference betwixt them.

White and yellow Arse∣nick make no Bullition ei∣ther with Alkalies or A∣cids.

Wherefore the strength of its operation on the Body, lies more in a Sul∣phur, than a Salt.

The ashes either of Pit-Coal, or Sea-Coal, make no

Effervescence with Alka∣lies or Acids.

Whence the saline Principle is altogether vo∣latile, and sublimed away by the fire.

Lastly for Salts. And first of all, Borax maketh no Effervescence nor any Fumes with Oyl of Vitriol or Spirit of Nitre.

Hence, it is of a very different nature from Salt Armoniac.

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

Green Vitriol, with Spi∣rit of Harts-horn, is scarce∣ly moved. White Vitriol, with the same Spirit, ma∣keth a conspicuous huff. And Roman Vitriol a ve∣hement Effervescence.

Whence the former is the least acid, and the lat∣ter the most of all. Which also confirms what I said before of the like natures of the several Metals to which they belong.

Salt of Vitriol, though a fixed Salt, and made by Calcination, yet maketh no

Effervescence with the strongest acid; but only with Alkalies; as may be seen upon their mixture, but much better heard by holding the mixture to ones ear.

Hence, there are fixed Acids. Which further confirms what I have a∣bove asserted concerning the nature of Gold, scil. That the predominant Salt thereof is a fixed Acid.

Sal Martis, with Spirit of Harts-horn, maketh a considerable huff.

Hence it is much more acid than green Vitriol; and is therefore a cooler body.

Alum and Sp. of Harts-horn make a plain Effer∣vescence.

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 Al∣kaly of the Lead, is the predominant Principle.

Common Salt stirs nei∣ther

with Spirit of Salt, nor with Spirit of Nitre; nor with Aq. fortis▪ But with Oyl of Vitriol it ma∣keth a great Effervescence with noise and steams.

Hence, even common Salt, though it be not reckoned amongst alka∣lizate Salts, yet is far nearer in nature to that, than to an acid. Hence also the Spirit of Salt is a subalkalizate Acid, and of a very different nature from Oyl of Sulphur or Vi∣triol.

Salt Armoniac, with spi∣rit of Nitre, stirreth not. But with Oyl of Vitriol it maketh a great Efferve∣scence.

Hence spirit of Nitre is a subalkalizate spirit.

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 preceding Corollary.

Oyl of Vitriol and spirit of Salt, though both acids, yet make a strong Efferve∣scence,

with noise and fumes.

Which further con∣firms, what was noted be∣fore, scil. that Spirit of Salt is a subalkalizate A∣cid.

Spirit of Salt Armonia•• with Oyl of Vitriol, make an Effervescence so extra∣ordinary quick, and as i•• were instantaneous, tha•• nothing seemeth quicker.

Whence it is probable That if Gun-powder wer•• 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 Mine∣rals.

I have only one Corol∣lary 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 excellently performed of Oxford-shire) the fore∣going Method, seemeth so easie, cheap, and indeceit∣ful for the finding out

and well distinguishing the natures of all kinds of Metals, Ores, Salts, Earths, Stones, or other subterra∣neal bodies; as cannot, I think, be supply'd but by others of greater difficul∣ty and expence.