Musæum regalis societatis, or, A catalogue and description of the natural and artificial rarities belonging to the Royal Society and preserved at Gresham Colledge made by Nehemiah Grew ; whereunto is subjoyned The comparative anatomy of stomachs and guts by the same author.

Appendix.

Of some Particulars lately given by Dr. Christopher Merret.

TO which I shall only premise a Note concerning the CLYSTER-BAG, described p. 239. of this Catalogue; but should have been placed in the last Part. 'Twas given by Sir Rob. Southwell; of whom I lately learn, That the Portugal Negros, having rowled a lump of Clay into the shape mention'd p. 239. they cut the Branches of a certain Tree which yields an Oily Gum, and so turn the Clay round, as the Gum drops upon it, till it hath cover'd it all over like a thick Skin; which being dry'd in the Sun, will be almost as tough as Leather. Then picking out the Clay, it serves them for a Bladder. To which they tie the Shank of a Hare for a Pipe: and so filling it with Sea-water, as often as they feel themselves much chafed with heat, put it up for a Glyster. These Bags they com∣monly hang by their sides, to be always ready for their use.

The Particulars given by the Doctor are these that fol∣low; with the Descriptions, in his own words.

SAGU. A Gum, so called. It comes from the Islands of Malacca. It drops from the Trees in small roundish Grains, of the bigness of Turnep-seed, but whitish. Chewed, it tasteth somewhat clammy. Boil'd in water, exactly repre∣sents Frog-Sperm; and in consistence, comes nearest to Gum Tragaganth. 'Tis used in Medicine and Diet.

TERRA JAPONICA. Call'd also Catechu, Categu, and Casheu. 'Tis a Gummo-Resina. For most of it will dissolve in Water; and some parts of it only in Rect. Spirit of Wine. Most of it contains a great deal of Earth; the reason of the Name. 'Tis cover'd with a rough brown Coat; within which it comes near the colour of Aloe; but darker, and

with brown earthy Particles intermix'd. The Tast Astrin∣gent and very Dry. The Tincture of a bright Claret colour. An useful and effectual Medicine; and not un∣grateful.

POCO SEMPIE. A Golden Moss, consisting of most fine, soft and flexible Threads. Accounted a great Cordial. And said wholly to dissolve in the Mouth; and seem'd so to me, in barely chewing it: but the contrary upon Expe∣riment, which was thus: I ty'd some of it in a Cloath, and chew'd it; keeping it in my mouth a whole Night: but in the Morning, I found no diminution, nor alteration. So that chewing only unfolds it, and then 'tis insensibly swal∣low'd with the Spittle.

RIZAGON. A Root brought from Bengala, of good use. Cut into flat pieces, of a whitish colour, bitterish and aromatick Tast; and hath very large Fibers.

CAROLINA. A long red Root, so call'd, from the Place from whence it comes. It draws on Paper red Lines. Answers not expectation, as to deying.

SADORE, or Bitter Wood. It hath a brownish Barque: the Wood yellowish, and exceeding bitter. If it be sliced long ways, you will find very white Fibers running by the length.

CAIUMANIS Olearij. a 1.1 By the Sea-men, Caiomanes. By the Portugese, Canella de Mato. An Canella Crassiori Cortice. b 1.2 This Barque above ¼ of an inch thick. Distill'd, it affords a somewhat harsh and rough Liquor. But by In∣fusion, makes an Aromatick and grateful syrup.

SALT of Soap-Lees. An Exotick. Found in some quan∣tities on the sides of the Boylers. I have yet made no trials of it.

TEUTENAGE. A sort of Speltar, as many Experiments shew. Hereof Parallellepipedon Vessels are made in Japan, wherein their Thea is brought over.

I have several other Rarities, which, when I see what is wanting in the Societie's Musaeum, I shall add to it.

Most of these Things were communicated by Mr. Samuel Clark, learned, judicious, experienced in all things Na∣tural and Artificial which are brought to the King's Ware∣house in the Port of London, whereof he is Surveyor.

Notes

• a 1.1

  P. 2. p. 356.
• b 1.2

  Pinax, 409. b.