Dr. Willis's practice of physick being the whole works of that renowned and famous physician wherein most of the diseases belonging to the body of man are treated of, with excellent methods and receipts for the cure of the same : fitted to the meanest capacity by an index for the explaining of all the hard and unusual words and terms of art derived from the Greek, Latine, or other languages for the benefit of the English reader : with forty copper plates.

CHAP. II. Receipts for Vomits, together with a rational account of some of them, as to their Preparations and Chymical Resolutions.

TAke of Oxymel of Squils ℥i. ss. of Wine of Squils ℥ij. mingle them, and make a Vomit.

Take of the Leaves of Asarum or Wild Spikenard fresh gathered from 6 to 9, and when you have bruised them, pour to them ℥iij. of White Wine; then strain it and take it according to order.

Take of the Powder of the Root of Wild Spikenard ʒj. to ℈ iiij. of Oxymel of Squils ℥j. ss. mingle them and take it in a draught of Posfet-drink.

Take of the Salt of Vitriol ℈j. to ℈ij. or ʒj. and drink it in a draught of Posset-drink.

Take of the Infusion of Crocus Metallorum ℥ss. to ℥j. or ℥j. ss. and drink it in a draught of Posset-drink, according to order.

Take of the Infusion of Crocus Metallorum ʒ vj. of Wine of Squils ℥j. ss. of the Syrup of plain Sorrel ℥ss. mingle them and make a Vomit.

Take of the Sulphur of Antimony gr. vj. to viij. of cream of Tartar ℈j. mingle them and let it be given in the pulp of an Apple, or a Stewed Prune, or in a Spoonful of Panade.

Take of Mercurius Vitae gr. iij. to vj. and take it the same way. Take also Flowers of Antimony, Aurum Vitae, or Praecipitatum Solare, and mineral Turbith, after the same manner.

Those Chymical Vomits that are of chief note, are usually made first out of Vitriol, secondly out of Antimony, and thirdly out of Mercury.

Salt of Vitriol.

Salt of Vitriol is prescribed several ways, to wit, out of Colcothar prepared in a Lie, * 1.1 out of Blew Vitriol, calcined (according to Angelus Sala) and out of white Vitriol pu∣rified by frequent solutions and coagulations; which Medicin is commonly called Theophrastus's Gilla, and is the safest of all others, as well as easiest to be had; but yet * 1.2 the two former Medicins are extraordinarily styptick or astringent, and for as much as they have endured the fire, somewhat corroding; but the latter being gentle and kind enough, doth amicably pluck together the fibres of the Stomach and makes them somewhat wrinkled; in so much that they at last (to excuss or shake off what is trou∣blesom to them) betake themselves to contractions, and strain to vomit: but that is soon over, and the disturbance of the Stomach is presently appeased.

Salt of Vitriol is therefore of more esteem and value, because it seldom works be∣yond the Stomach, nor doth it as Stibiates do, cause Convulsions in the Bowels, disor∣ders * 1.3 in the Bloud, or fainting of the Spirits; yet it is said to have this fault, that it ope∣rates slowly, and sometimes hardly at all; and therefore after any one hath taken

Vitriol, and drank a deal of Posset-drink, they are often fain to provoke themselves to vomit, by thrusting a Fether down their throat, or drinking Carduus Posset, or Oxy∣mel of Squils.

2. Crude Antimony, whilest the mixture is entire, works neither by Vomit nor by * 1.4 Stool; of which the reason is, because the Sulphureous and saline particles, from which the Vomiting quality proceeds, being bound up in it, and stifled, as it were, by the rest, cannot exert their force; but when this mixture is dissolved by preparation, and somewhat loosened, those particles are made free enough and ready for action. Now if it be questioned, whether the vomiting quality depends upon the sulphureous or the * 1.5 saline particles? My opinion is, that it proceeds from neither of them apart, but from both of them together: because when the former are given distinct from the latter, as in the tincture of Antimony; or the latter from the former, as in the ceruss of it, it never provokes Vomiting. I have elsewhere observed that particles meerly sulphu∣reous or saline, scarce move the Taste or Smelling, but that both of them together do very strongly affect those senses: and so I suppose it to be in the peculiar sense of the Stomach, that is to say, that that Sense receives its pleasure or disturbance from sul∣phureous and saline particles mixt together; as also, that all Cordials and Vomits consist of such Compositions which are either grateful or ungrateful. Stibium (that it * 1.6 may become an active Medicin) is usually prepared either by it self (as the Glass or Flowers of Antimony are made) or with Salts, that is, either with nitrous Salt, as the Crocus of it, or with fixt Salt, as the Sulphur of it; or with acid Salt, at the Butter of it, and Mercurius Vitae, which is made of it. There are many other vomiting prepa∣rations of Stibium, but those aforesaid are of greatest note, or most frequently used. Now for the right preparation of those and all other Medicins, you must first take special care to chuse your Antimony pure and unmixed with Lead. In this affair, be∣sides the brightness of it, and the elegancy of its Striae or Streaks; the surest way to try it, is by calcining a bit of the parcel you would buy, with an equal quantity of Ni∣tre, and it is a sign of its goodness if it all turns into an Hepar [of a Liver colour] and to dross; for otherwise a part of it sometimes melts into pure Lead. By this means I once drew out of one pound of Antimony ℥ij. of Lead.

1. Glass of Antimony.

Take of the Dust of choice Antimony q. s. and let it be calcined in an earthen vessel, keeping * 1.7 it still in motion till it leaves smoaking, and gains an ash colour; then taking it out, melt it in a Crucible, and pour it upon a Table, or into a Basin; when it grows cold, it will turn to a transparent purple Glass. The Dose of the Dust hereof is from iv. to vj. gr. and the Dose of the Infusion of it in Wine from ʒ vj. to x. works very strongly.

The reason of the aforesaid preparation is (I conceive) this. The Antimony whilest * 1.8 it is calcining is long kept in motion, to the end that whilest the sulphureous particles do plentifully evaporate, the saline ones, which are apt to vitrifie, or turn to Glass, may be gathered into a closer consistence; and afterward, when the Mass is melted by a fierce fire, these saline parts, getting hold of the earthy ones too which are atte∣nuated, grow easily together into a Glass; which also by reason of some sulphureous particles that are yet left in it waxes red, and is a Vomit. Now that Stibium when robbed of its Sulphur, either in great part or totally, turns into Glass, is very evident from this instance; to wit, in as much as the Calx or Caput mortuum which is left from the Distillation of the Butter of Antimony, melts into Glass, which yet is white and hath no vomiting quality, for as much as all the sulphureous particles ascended and left the Mass quite destitute of them.

2. Flower of Antimony.

Take a quantity of choice Antimony, that is pulverized, and sublime it in Cucurbita with * 1.9 an Alembick, or in Earthen Vessels made on purpose, upon a moderate Fire, either by it self, or with Sand or Dust of Bricks, or calcined Tartar mixed among it: the Flower rise yellow, Citron coloured and white; of which gather up the whitest and keep them for your use.

In this Preparation of Antimony the salt and sulphureous parts, having separated * 1.10 themselves from the watery and earthy ones, arise and knit together; by which means when the Mineral Body is much loosened and dissolved, and the most active parts

(the duller, that rebate their force, being laid aside) are joined into one Body, this be∣comes an excessive strong Vomit and not very safe to take. The Dose is gr. ij. iij. or iv.

3. Crocus Metallorum.

Take of choice Antimony and the purest Nitre of each ℥ iv. pounded severally, and well mixt, put them into a braz•…•…n Mortar, and with a live coal set them on fire; they will * 1.11 flame and make a great noise; then let the remaining mass which will be reddish (and called from the colour of it Hepar or Liver of Antimony) be separated from the dross (that lies round about it, partly black and partly white) and keep it for your use: The Hepar is given in the substance to gr. iij. iv. or v. the Wine of its infu•…•…on from ℥ ss. to ℥ j. or ℥ j. ss. This works kindly enough, and is the most usual Vomit.

The reason of this procedure is, because it hath Nitre pounded and mixt with Anti∣mony * 1.12 and common Sulphur: for both mixtures are very easily fired, in as much as both particles, to wit, the nitrous and sulphureous too, that were requisite to any de∣gree of kindling were copiously and intimately conjoined. By this deflagration or burning of it, the Mineral Body is sufficiently opened, and the particles thereof are loosened from each other, and though some part of the Sulphur flew away, yet there is enough left to make it of a Saffron colour, and produce an emetick or vomiting qua∣lity, by being joined with the Salt. In this preparation, if by mixing too great a pro∣portion of Nitre the Antimony be•…•…calcined above the usual rate, the Mass that is left after the burning of it, being now impregnated with less Sulphur, becomes not red, but yellow, or of a Ci•…•…ron colour, and less apt to make you vomit.

4. Sulphur of Antimony.

Take Salt of Tartar, or Wormwood, ℥ viij. and having put it into a Crucible, let it melt * 1.13 in Anemius's Furnace, then throw in by spoonfuls of crude Antimony powdered ℥ vj. let it flow or melt a quarter of an hour, then pour it out into a Silver or a Brazen vessel, and let the Mass being of a Saffron colour be sweetned with frequent ablutions or wash∣ings. The Dose is gr. v. to x. which works more gently and kindly than any other Pre∣paration of Antimony.

In this Preparation the fixt Salt, being melted by the Fire, opens the body of the * 1.14 Antimony, which is compounded chiefly of Sulphur and acid Salt; for whilest the Salts are so conjoined, the sulphureous particles become more loose, less sharp than the saline parts; and therefore though it be extraordinary red, yet it doth not much, nor very violently provoke the Stomach. Moreover by reason that the Sulphur is more loosened, and the Salt grown freer, the Dust of it easily gives a tincture to Spirit of Wine; which being altogether destitute of saline particles, and consequently depri∣ved of its vomitive quality, becomes a great strengthener of Nature.

Now that Antimony and common Sulphur, like, it may be, many other things of * 1.15 the same kind, consist of an acid Salt and Sulphur joined together, is easily proved by many Experiments: For besides that such Compositions are very easily dissolved by fixt Salt; so likewise if at any time they are separated by a sulphureous menstruum, as Oil of Turpentine, Juniper, or Flax, the sulphureous particles are drunk in by the Dissolver, and the saline ones being left grow easily into Chrystals, which being di∣stilled turn into an acid stagma or distilled liquor. This evidently appears in the Prepa∣ration of Balsom of Sulphur. But if the acid stagma, to wit, Aqua fortis, or Aqua Re∣gia, be poured into powdered Antimony, and the Distillation be over a fierce fire, there will a great deal of Citron coloured Sulphur arise, which is not to be distinguished from the common sort: which is a plain argument, that common Sulphur consists chiefly of sulphureous particles joined with an acid Salt. Out of Sulphur of Anti∣mony, prepared as is formerly described, I make a liquor like Oil, which being the purest Sulphur of Antimony, will gild Silver at the first touch, and is of excellent use in Physick.

5. Mercurius Vitae.

Take of choice Antimony and Mercury sublimate, of each ℥ vj. which when you have poun∣ded and well mixt together, distil them in a Glassen Retort by the heat of Sand; there will arise a gummy liquor like Ice, and very corrosive, which sticking to the neck of

the Retort, if you put a live coal to it, will melt and fall down into the Receiver. This Liquor being purified by rectification, will, if you pour Fountain water upon it, sink into an extraordinary white Dust; whilest the watery part in the mean time gains an acid taste like Spirit of Vitriol; and that Dust being sweetned and dried, is commonly called Mercurius Vitae, but falsly; because it hath nothing at all of Mercury in it, and except it be warily administred, is oftener the occasion of death than a preserver of life, [as the name seems to intimate.] The Dose is from gr. iij. to vj.

In this Operation the acid Spirits of Vitriol and Nitre, being beforehand incorpora∣ted * 1.16 with the Mercury whilest it is a subliming [or forced upward by the heat of fire] when they are again loosened by the fire, forsake that their first entertainment, and embrace the more hospitable particles of Antimony, and being elevated with them by the force of the heat, grow together into a substance like Ice; which consists of the whole Sulphur of the Antimony together with a quantity of its Salt, as also the acid stagma, or distillation of Nitre and Vitriol; and by reason of the salt particles it grows hard like Ice, as it on the other hand melts upon the fire by reason of the sul∣phureous particles. This matter by pouring Water upon it, is precipitated into a white Powder; such as consists onely of Stibiate particles, much like the Flower of Antimony, whilest in the mean time the acid Salts being dissolved in a menstruum, or dissolving Liquor make it become sharp like spirit of Vitriol. But that this Powder hath nothing of Mercury, is evident ftom this, that being bereft of the congealing Salts, it resumes its former nature of Quicksilver, and is all gathered together in a Retort. Indeed those Salts are easily drawn away from the Mercury, and do of their own accord desert it, whenever they find any more amicable body: and hence it is, that if you boil it, after it is sublimed, with plates of Iron, in common Water, the Salts will presently embrace the Iron, and the Mercury will recover it self again. This * 1.17 Powder is too strong a Vomit, but if you pound it with Sea Salt, and by frequent washings take away its sweetness, it becomes much gentler, and safe enough; in as much as the saline sharp particles of the Medicin are rebated and tamed by Salts of another nature. Moreover if it be put into Nitre, melted in a Crucible, when the sulphureous particles are totally taken away, it quite loses its vomiting quality, and be∣comes mere Antimony that will make you Sweat.

So much of Antimonial Vomits, the Particles whereof being dissolved in the Sto∣mach, * 1.18 make a sulphureous-faline tincture, which the fibres of the Stomach imbibing or drinking, are thereby so vellicated or twinged, that the Convulsion which is there∣in caused, being propagated every way into the whole cavity of it, as also into the Bowels near adjacent, as the Duodenum, the passage of the Gall and Sweet-bread, forces out all that is within them, and pours them into the Stomach, causing the Ar∣teries also to discharge their serous or wheyish Humours; so that violent Vomitings, and such as long disturb us, follow thereupon. But it is probable, that some small part also of this vomitive tincture is received by the Veins, and being carried into the mass of Bloud, by reason that it meets, and struggles, and joins with the Salt, creates preci∣pitations and expulsions of a certain kind of matter: and this is the reason that Di∣stempers of the remote parts, as all cutaneous Diseases, Leprosies and Gouts are some∣times cured by Stibiate Medicins.

But Mercurial Medicins (of which we shall now in the next place treat) do this * 1.19 much more effectually; for that they do not onely provoke twingings and vomitive expulsions in the Stomach, but cause like, by their more active particles, that are communicated to the Bloud, many kinds of fluxes and dissolutions, precipitations, and separations of the Serium or Whey and other Humours; from whence proceed, besides Vomiting and Purging, discharges by Urine, Sweat, and sometimes spitting: which is the reason that in old Distempers, which are not easily cured, People have recourse to this Medicin as their last refuge.

Mercury or Quicksilver, if it be taken plain and by it self, doth not vomit or purge * 1.20 any more than Antimony, or cause any other considerable disturbance in mans body. But if the mixture of it be dissolved, and its active particles being let loose, it be redu∣ced to a Powder, it becomes a most operative and forcible purging Medicin. Now though there are many ways of fixing this giddy, fugitive Prote•…•…s, and preparing it for * 1.21 Physical uses, yet these are the two chiefest, to wit, either by subliming [or forcing it upward] or precipitating [that is, making it sink.] Preparations of it in the former way are not properly reckoned among Vomits, but most of the latter kind ought to be reduced to this Head. But it will be enough for us to give you a short account in this place of some few thereof that are of greatest note. We therefore observe that Mercury is precipitated either by it self, or with Metals onely, or with Salts onely, or with Metals and Salts together.

1. Mercury precipitated by it self.

Take of the best purified Mercury ℥iij. and put it into a Glass made on purpose (which be∣ing * 1.22 somewhat like an Hour-glass, consists of a double bottom running out in the shape of a Top; but is broad and plain in both, as in the middle narrow, and both a Nozel with a very streight orifice, reaching from one bottom into the belly of it) and place this Vessel in an Oven of Sand at equal poize upon a fire that must at first be slow, though afterward quicker, till part of the Mercury turns to an ash-coloured Powder, and the other part being raised into the upper bottom, sticks there like Quicksilver; then turning the Vessel upside down, put the upper bottom into the Sand, and so turn the Glass for se∣veral times till all the Mercury turns to Powder, which, having broken the Glass, you must gather together, and wash in fair water. The Dose is gr. iv. to v. or vj. It al∣most ever causes vomiting, and doth not work at all by spitting.

The reason of this procedure seems to be, in that the emanation or streaming forth of a continual fire, first loosens the body of the Mercury, by degrees dissolves the par∣ticles * 1.23 thereof, and at last separates them from each other, so that they mutually part, and being broken as it were into small crums, remain distinct; from whence it hap∣pens, that the most active parts, to wit, the saline chiefly, and the sulphureous ones, being set at liberty, cause great commotions in a Mans Body by vellicating the fibres and boiling up with the Salts: but yet this Precipitate works less upon the Salts which are in the bloud, than Mercury praecipitated with Salts onely; because this latter very easily causes spitting, which the former doth not at all. As Mercury, so also some other Mineral Bodies, as Lead, Tin, Antimony, and Iron, are usually calcined into a Powder or a Crocus by the constant heat of fire.

2. Solar or Golden Mercury Precipitate.

Take of Gold purged with Antimony, and subtlely filed ℥ j. of purified Quicksilver, or that which is drawn from Cinnabar and Sublimate ℥ viij. and make an Amalgama [or Paste] in a Crucible, by throwing the Gold when red hot into the Mercury actually hot; Let this when it is well washed with Salt and Vinegar, and strained through a linen cloth, be digested in Sand with such a Glass and after the like manner as the Mercury preci∣pitated by it self was, till it be reduced to a red Powder; and let it be sweetned mith cordial Waters. The Dose is gr. iij. to vj. and works most commonly by Vomit onely, nor doth it cause a spitting, as saline Precipitates do. So likewise may the Lunar Preci∣pitate, or the Jovial, be prepared.

The reason of this procedure is the same with the former, to wit, that the particles of fire, like so many pestils, pound the Mineral body into small parts, and for a time * 1.24 do so break them, that they will not easily stick together, and unite. Moreover this Analgama [or Paste] by reason that the Bodies of the Mercury and Gold are before∣hand loosened from each other, will turn to a Precipitate much sooner than Mercury by it self.

3. Common Precipitate Mercury.

Take of pure Mercury ℥ij. of Aq. fortis ℥ iv. and having dissolved it, put it into an earthen glazed Vessel, wherein let it evaporate first over a gentle fire till the moisture he all spent; * 1.25 then increase the fire, and let it calcine even till the Vessel be red hot, still stirring i•…•… with an Iron Instrument till it gain a ruddy colour: Let the matter when taken out and powdered, be first sweetned with frequent washings in sweet water, and after that again kindle Spirit of Wine, and pour upon it, and so keep it for your use. The Dose is gr. iij. to v. or vj. It works violently enough by Vomit, and causeth spitting more certainly than any other Pr•…•…cipitate of Mercury.

If you enquire into the reason of this Chymical attempt, I say, that the Mercury is dissolved by the Aqua fortis, in as much as the saline particles of the Menstruum [or * 1.26 Dissolver] meeting with the Salts of the Metal, do presently snatch such Salts to them, and consequently, when by the dissolution of the mixture all the other particles are set at liberty, and expanded every where lie lurking in the pores of the menstruum; but afterward when the moisture is consumed, the saline particles that are left, and expo∣sed to view, do quite take off the force of the Mercurial ones within them, which

are mixt in every part. Now the reason why Mercury being precipitated on this fashion with Aqua fortis, or Aqua Regia, grows red, and of another colour than when it is prepared with Oil of Sulphur or Spirit of Vitriol, is partly from the Nitre that always gives it a Flame colour (for Nitre is an ingredient of the former menstruum, * 1.27 though not of these later) and partly from the Mercury it self, whose particles when it is dissolved, so long as they are free and not hid in others, are of their own nature red, as you may see in Mercury precipitated by it self, and in the dissolving of it in Oil of Tartar, wherein it leaves a ruddy, that is, a Mercurial Powder.

This Medicin consisting of Salts that are very corrosive, as well as Mercurial par∣ticles * 1.28 that are dissolved, in as much as it extreamly provokes the fibres of the Stomach, causes most violent Vomiting, so that it is rarely given alone for this end. But if at any time it be taken, and having passed the Stomach and those first passages, it be carried into the bloud; in as much as the native Salts thereof are thereby very much fermented, and with them the Mercurial particles being plentifully infused, and throughly mingled, are so entangled, that they can be discharged again no way better than by the Ductus Salivales, or Spittle-passages (as I have elsewhere shewn) for that reason this Medicin causeth spitting in many People before any other.

4. Turbith Mineral.

Take of Quicksilver purified, of Oil of Vitriol (or Sulphur prepared in the Bell) purged from the flegm, of each an equal proportion; put them into a Glassen Retort, and distill them, increasing their fire by degrees, till all the moisture be consumed, and there remain in the bottom a white mass, which, if you pour clear water upon it, immediately grows yellow. This when it is unsweetned (by frequent washing and burning of Spirit of Wine) and dried, may be given from gr. iv. to vj. or vij. It works by Vomit somewhat more gently than the common Precipitate, and sometimes also causes spitting.

The reason of this Preparation, as to the Precipitation of the Mercury, is the same * 1.29 as that of the former; but the remaining calx, or earthy part, is not red like the for∣mer, partly because there is no Nitre in it, and partly because the Mercury being less subdued, will not endure so strong a calcination, as that the Salts being for the most part scattered or carried off, it may shew its own, to wit, a scarlet colour; for if to the end it be forced by a violent fire, it will fly quite away; and therefore from the Salts that stick to the particles of the Mercury and hide them, there proceeds a whitish co∣lour; which being afterward something taken away, there succeeds a yellowness. Moreover, in as much as the Mercurial particles are not so strictly conjoined with the Salts, and consequently are not brought into the bloud by them in so great a quantity, spitting is not so readily and certainly the effect of this Me∣dicin.

This Medicin may be prepared after a compendious manner, and not less effe∣ctually thus:

Take of refined Quicksilver, of Oil of Vitriol or Sulphur, of each ℥ ij. put them into Crucible, and first let all the moisture evaporate over a slow fire; then make the fire stronger to the end that the calcined matter may be the better fixed.

5. Aurum Vitae.

Take of purified Mercury ℥ v. of Solis very well purged ℥ ss. let them be severally dissol∣ved in their proper menstruums [or liquor to dissolve them] let the dissolved matter of both kinds be put together, and by distillation in a Retort, let all the moisture be drawn forth; let the remaining calx be calcined upon a Plate of Iron red hot, that the Salts most of them may be carried off, and let the remaining matter be sweetened by washing it in fair water and burning Spirit of Wine.

6. The Hercules [or strong Medicin] prescribed first by Bovius.

This Medicine will be the better prepared, if both the Metallick Bodies are dissol∣ved in the same menstruum, which by the prescription of Thomas Bovius is thus performed:

Take of calcined Vitriol and Nitre, of each one pound, distil them in an Oven for rever∣beration, pour the Liquor distilled into one pound of Sea-salt calcined, in a Glass Retort, and let it be drawn forth by the gentle heat of Sand, for it very easily arises: Let one part of this dissolve the Mercury, and the other the Gold; after which, putting both the dis∣solutions together, draw them off, and by frequent suffusions, adding every time a little less than a third part of the same menstruum, distil them again till the matter be suffi∣ciently fixed, which being sweetened, you may keep for your use, as aforesaid. The Dose is gr. iij. to vj. or vij. Or,

Take of purged Mercury ℥ iv. of filed Gold ℥ ss. make an Amalgama [or Paste] as afore∣said, to which when it is washed and put into a Retort, pour Bovius's forementioned menstruum, draw it off in an Oven of Sand, and by frequent suffusions, adding every time somewhat less than a third part of the same menstruum, distil it again, till the matter be sufficiently fixed; then calcine it upon a red hot Iron Plate, and unsweeten it by frequent washing and burning the Spirit of Wine. The Dose is from gr. iij. to vj. It works indifferently by Vomit, and in as much as it operates, beyond the Bowels, upon the mass of Bloud, it is helpful often in great Distempers.

Now, for the reason of this Chymical procedure, I say, that whilest these two Cham∣pions struggling between themselves, get hold of, and weaken each other, a third (and * 1.30 sometimes a fourth) comes and binds them together somewhat faster, and breaks them into smaller parts. For not onely the Gold by the Mercury, but both of them are dis∣solved by the menstruums, and divided into minute particles; then when the moisture is drawn away, the saline particles of the Metals are joined with the Salts of the men∣struum, whilest in the mean time the other metallick particles are intermingled, and shut up in the pores of the Salts. But yet this combination of theirs is not so close, as when the Metals among themselves, or either of them, with its proper menstruum, is by solution and coagulation reduced into a Precipitate. For in that compound Pre∣cipitate the menstrual particles, as well metallick as saline ones, being so many and di∣verse, cannot all be throughly united: wherefore thatmatter (as I have often observed) is usually not without much difficulty fixed and reduced to a Calx fit for medicinal uses; for if the heat whereby the menstruum is drawn off be too great, the Mercury will rise, and the Gold that is left will resume its own nature; but if the fire be weaker than it ought to be, the Salts will not join so fast as they should do with the metallick particles, but may be separated by meer washing; so that common Water, if poured upon the Precipitate, will quite dissolve it, and swallow into it self the whole matter, in so much that you must go to work almost anew, if you would make this Medicin.

The foundation of this Medicin is Mercury, upon the account of which it is expe∣cted * 1.31 that the particles thereof should ferment or leaven all the juices in Mans Body, and promote the expulsion of any heterogeneous matter that is gathered either in the Bowels or in the Vessels. The Gold seems to be added to tame the Mercury, and somewhat to rebate and take off the fury of it. Besides which, the Salts break both the bodies into small parts, and thereby the more easily lead them (as it were) into the mass of Bloud, and all other more retired parts.

In the Distillation of that Epicaene or common Menstruum that Bovius hath descri∣bed * 1.32 (it being such an one as dissolves both the Metals) there are notable strugglings and contentions (as it were for Religion and Property) between the Salts: for when the Aqua fortis is poured to Sea-salt already prepared, it seizes (as it were) the Coun∣try thereof, and takes possession, as of its own Inheritance, driving the spirit of the Salt thence like a Person disfranchised, or banished his own Native Land. This is more plain, if at any time the spirit of Vitriol, being poured to Sea-salt calcined, be put to be distilled; for with the least heat of a Balneum or Bath of Sand, the spirit of the Salt will arise altogether pure, like one forced out of his Country, when the Stagma, or distilled Liquor of Vitriol invades its habitation. Indeed these Salts are too near of kin than that they should incorporate; and that is the reason that when they are put into an habitation too narrow for them, they being not able to unite, nor coha∣bit, the stronger usurps a dominion over the weaker, and turns it out of doors.

Notes

• * 1.1

  Vitriol Vomits.
• * 1.2

  Theophrastus •…•…is Gilla.
• * 1.3

  T•…•… use of it.
• * 1.4

  Antimonial Vo∣mits Crude Antimony no Vomit.
• * 1.5

  Wherein the Vomiting power of Antimony consists.
• * 1.6

  How the Parti∣cles of it become a Vomit.
• * 1.7

  Glass of Anti∣mony.
• * 1.8

  The reason of the Preparation.
• * 1.9

  Flower of A•…•…-timony.
• * 1.10

  The reason of this Prepara∣tion.
• * 1.11

  Crocus Metal∣lorum prepared.
• * 1.12

  The reason of it.
• * 1.13

  How to prepare Sulphur of A•…•…∣timony.
• * 1.14

  The reason of it.
• * 1.15

  The Composition of Antimony and common Sulphur.
• * 1.16

  The reason of the Preparation.
• * 1.17

  The Correction of this Medicin.
• * 1.18

  Sti•…•…iate Vo∣mits, and how they work.
• * 1.19

  How also Mer∣curial Medici•…•…s work.
• * 1.20

  Mercury or Quick silver b•…•… it self is not purging.
• * 1.21

  How it is m•…•…di operative.
• * 1.22

  1. Precipita∣ted by it self.
• * 1.23

  The reason of this Procedure.
• * 1.24

  The reason of this Preparation
• * 1.25

  Mercury preci∣pitated with corrosi•…•…e liq•…•…rs
• * 1.26

  The reason of this Pr•…•…aration
• * 1.27

  Why it grows red in this case.
• * 1.28

  How Mercurial Medicins work upon the Sto∣mach.
• * 1.29

  The reason of the Preparation
• * 1.30

  The reason of both these Pre∣parations.
• * 1.31

  The reason of the Hercules of Bo∣vius.
• * 1.32

  The reason of this Menstruum.