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.

SECT. VII. (Book 7)

CHAP. I. Of Opiates, or such Medicins as make a Man sleep.

AFter Medicins that are Cordials, Hypnoticks [or sleepy Medicins] succeed accor∣ding to the order of Method. For Sleep, when it comes upon one moderately and seasonably, is in it self the most cordial remedy. But this disposition [to sleep] is not used to overtake a man either always when, nor as it ought to do, but oftentimes disorders us either by its unwelcome presence, or by its too long absence. By the right * 1.1 rule of Nature, Sleep and Watching ought, like Castor and Pollux, to give place to each other, and change turns, according to the just limits of their reign. This vicissitude, as long as it is well observed, conduces very much not onely to the preservation of health, but to the improvement of the faculties of our minds. But if the dominion of either be too long continued, it thereupon immediately ceases to be possible, ut sit mens sana in corpore sano, i. e. for our mind and body to be both in health. Through immoderate sleep, all the faculties both our natural and animal functions grow very dull, in so much that thereby a man becomes more fit for his Grave than Humane society. On the contrary, long watching wasteth the strength of a man, and either weakeneth or per∣verteth the powers of Life. Wherefore among such Remedies as are suitable to our wants, the wise Creator hath abundantly provided for our necessities; to wit, that it should be in our own power to cause or repel sleep or watchfulness as often as we think it convenient; or if they be offensive at any time either in defect or excess, to moderate them. What Medicins (and by what manners of operation in humane bo∣dies, they) use to procure these wished effects, lies now upon me to shew you; and first of all, I shall speak of Opiates, or such Medicins as cause sleep.

That you may the better understand what Hypnotick or sleepy Medicins do, and with what kind of operation upon the brain, animal spirits, and other parts, they pro∣cure sleep, I should repeat in this place, what I have elsewhere at large discoursed con∣cerning * 1.2 the nature, subject, causes, and effects of sleep. For I have demonstrated the immediate subject of sleep are the animal spirits, not all of them, but onely such as in∣habit the Brain and the Nerves, which are an appendage to it: that is to say, those which perform the duties of all the senses, and every sort of spontaneous or voluntary motion; always excepting those that serve onely to execute the necessary orders of meer Nature and Life.

Having therefore premised these things, we must enquire concerning Opiates, first * 1.3 of all how they work upon the animal spirits, so that by the influence, as it were, of such a Medicin, they immediately sink and lie down, as if they were bound in Fetters, neglectful of their several offices. Secondly, We must shew in what part sleepy Me∣dicins begin their operation; that is to say, whether in the Stomach, or the Brain, or whether they do it together, or successively in both. Thirdly, We must determine how far Opiates extend their operations, whether to the spirits of the Brain onely, and those that are inhabitants of its appendages as being the onely ones that are ca∣pable of natural sleep; or whether they reach also to others belonging to the Cere∣bellum [or hinder part of the Brain] and those that rule in those Regions. Fourthly and lastly, It will be worth our while to add some notable effects and accidents, to∣gether with the natural account of Hypnoticks.

1. Asto the first of these, that is to say, that it may appear how Opiates work upon * 1.4 the animal spirits whilest they lay them to sleep, I have given my opinion largely in another place; and I have reason to believe, that they do not exert their force, by raising vapours into the head, nor opening the pores of the Brain, in order to admit any vaporous or otherwise soporiferous matter, but onely by deadning or defeating

some of the animal spirits, so that the rest, being either in a consternation, or forced inward, or at least recalled from their usual efflux [i. e. flowing out] into the nervous parts, may forsake their functions, or for a time remit their labour. Now that it is so is very evident, because Narcoticks [or drowzy Physick] if taken in a Dose too big, are mortal, for as much as in so great a quantity they overpower the spirits, and make it impossible for the vital functions to be performed. But when they are given in a due quantity, and with all circumstances accordingly, they restrain the excesses of the sensitive soul, in as much as that they conquer and subdue some of the animal spirits, and totally destroy the rest: by which means the soul being more contracted, and retiring, as it were, into it self, lies down in quiet, just almost in the same manner as throwing Water upon a Fire that breaks vehemently out, immediately beats down the aspiring flame, and brings it within moderate bounds.

But if it be inquired farther, ih what sort of matter, and how disposed, the Narco∣tick * 1.5 virtue of a Medicin consists? No manifest quality, in this case, as of cold, heat, or any other kind, must be pretended; nor ought we presently to fly to I know not what occult ones. A man may suppose, that Opiates consist of such particles as are most disagreeable to the animal spirits, and are extinguishers or rather poisons to them. It will not be easie to determine of what nature, or make, the contrary parti∣cles of both sorts are, because they are not perceptible to sense, nor does the analogy or proportion of particles so opposite appear in any other subjects. But (that we venture to guess) I am of opinion, that seeing the animal spirits are very subtle bodies, composed of a spirit and a volatile salt, both joined together and highly exalted, the Opiates, on the contrary, are made of a stinking sulphur, that is, of sulphur united with fixed salt and earthy matter, raised to a violent degree; which kind of composi∣tions, it is well known, are such great enemies to the subtle texture of the animal spi∣rits, that sometimes at a distance, by meer emanations that flow out of them, though not perceivable to the smell, they overpower them; but their particles (when they are inwardly taken) being diffused through the bloud and nervous juice, poison, and as it were, defeat or slay some troops of the animal forces where ever they meet them. But in what places this is chiefly and primarily performed, comes now in the next place to be the subject of our enquiry.

2. When I formerly treated of Sleep, I shewed that this disposition, according to the ordinary course of Nature, begins from the Cortex or outside of the Brain; that is, * 1.6 that the spirits which inhabit there and keep guard, as it were, in the outmost con∣fines of it, do first retire, and laying down their Arms lie-idle; and then imme∣diately that all the rest, who have the same leisure, do in like manner rest themselves and fall asleep.

Those first spirits, when they are going to rest, forsake their stations, and either because they are wearied, and weakned as to their forces, spontaneously relinquish their Posts till such time as they are recruited; or because they are beaten thence, or because they are enticed inwardly by some allurement. The first of these happens ordinarily every day, through the influx or inundation of the nervous juice and some∣times of the serous liquor. For those humours being poured out of the bloud (when * 1.7 it is full) which runs through the outmost borders of the Brain into the cortical or ex∣teriour part thereof, fill all the pores and passages, and consequently restrain the spi∣rits, and hinder them of their free expansion, whereby they grow watchful. The reasons why, and the manner how all thesethings come to pass, I have already declared at large, in another Treatise: from which, when they are well considered, it will be ra∣tional to suppose, that the particles of every Opiate, after it is taken, when they are transmitted into the bloud, and have circulated with it, do exert their drowsie quality most chiefly upon the Cortex [or, as it were, the Bark of the Brain,] that is to say, that they in this place meet with the first party of animal spirits, and that they defeat, or rather destroy a great many of them that are in the forlorn hope; by which means afterward the remaining spirits of the same troop, being now grown weaker, retreat, and seeing their emanation is stopt, fly back toward the middle of the Brain; and * 1.8 whilest these thus withdraw themselves from the Battle and march off, all the rest that are placed in the organs of sense, as it were in so many Watch-Towers, having lost their recruits, strait follow them, and leaving their Guard, retire to take their rest.

In this manner the particles of Opiates cause sleep, in as much as they defeat and * 1.9 destroy some animal spirits that stand in the front of the Battle, near the cortex of the Brain, and by that means repel all that are near them, putting them so to flight, that the influx of them into the senses is suspended: but by what means, and that some∣times in so short a time (as now and then it falls out) to wit, presently after the Me∣dicin

is taken, and scarce yet dissolved in the stomach, sleep creeps upon a man (since one would think it should require some time for the sleepy particles to be conveyed from the stomach •…•…o the bloud, and afterward by way of that into the brain) is not easie to determine. To this I answer, First, That the way from the stomach through the bloud to the forepart of the head is easie enough, and may be gone over in a little time; but besides that, I am induced to think, that Opiates sometimes, by working more immediately upon the stomach, and by the meer contact thereof, before they have any commerce with the bloud, do in some measure invite us to sleep. Among the evident causes of this effect I have elsewhere justly assigned, oppression of the stomach: For how many are there that grow immediately asleepy by eating gross meats that are hard of concoction and disturb or over-burden the stomach? The reason of which seems to be, that seeing there is a very near relation and intimate sym∣pathy between the spirits of the stomach and those of the brain, in so much that each of them mutually bear the afflictions and misfortunes of the other (which is easie enough to be made out by many and many instances) from hence it easily comes to * 1.10 pass, that through the extreme oppression of those spirits which preside in the stomach (in that they are hindred, and as it were repelled from their free expansion) imme∣diately the substance of the whole soul (and especially that most principal part which governs the brain) is at the same time contracted, furls its sails and submits it self whol∣ly to the yoke of sleep. How much more reason have we to suppose, that when ever the spirits of the stomach, imbibing the opiate juice, are poisoned and destroyed in great numbers, that immediately all those which keep guard about the Brain, are quite defeated, and oppressed with sleep, which is not onely the image of death, but some∣times also the same thing as death it self? Indeed I have elsewhere related a story concerning such an effect as this from the taking of Opium, which is very true, though very strange; that is, of a certain strong man pretty well in health, who having ta∣ken too great a dose of Laudanum, to ease him of the pain of the Colick, complained immediately of an intolerable oppression in his stomach, and a dizziness or drowsi∣ness, and within twenty four hours died; nor did he fall into any sleep before he took his last.

These are the chiefest and most usual places (that is to say, the Stomach and the cortex of the Brain) in which Opiates, by exercising their virtues begin or end their invitations to sleep. But besides these, it is apparent from common observation, that when they are given several other ways, they imprint a kind of drowsiness upon the whole sensitive soul, or upon some portion of it, which is naturally and ordinarily ca∣pable of sleep. A plaister of Opium applied to the forehead, and likewise a Clyster impregnated with the dissolution of it, cause sleep. The like effect some have found, to their sorrow, by putting it into an hollow tooth or into their nostrils; so that it is evident, this Medicin, when ever it can be admitted to the animal spirits, destroys the next of them that come to hand by mere contact: and that sometimes to such a degree, that there ensues upon it a contraction or dejection of the whole soul (which is as it were put into a commotion) and an eclipse or fainting of all the principal fa∣culties: not but that it is also very likely that some particles of the Opium are con∣veyed out of those places through the bloud into the cortex of the brain.

3. Having already pointed out the Arms of Opiates, by which they execute their * 1.11 baneful effects, and the Scenes where they primarily or chiefly act their Tragedies; it comes next before us, to inquire concerning the sphere of their activity; that is to say, upon what particles or parts of our bodies they work, and how far they extend their virtues into them. For what hath been said it is plain enough that they work upon the animal spirits; but the question is, whether they do not also reach the bloud and other humours? Indeed the very small dose in which they are given, makes me think the bloud is not tainted by them: for from the littleness of that, it seems to me very im∣probable, that the whole mass of bloud should be poisoned, or corrupted; and likewise * 1.12 because Narcoticks (though frequently administred, cause no such marks or risings in the skin or entrals, as are usually seen when the bloud is any way venomed. More∣over those people who make Opium so familiar to them that it doth not hurt their ani∣mal spirits, though they take it daily, and in great quantities, feel no distemperature in their bloud. But in the mean time, we must not imagine that the particles of Opium are agreeable to the bloud, and assimilated by it, but rather that they are heteroge∣neous altogether, and unmingleable; wherefore they no sooner get into the mass thereof, but they are presently expelled by it again; and thence being partly poured into the cortex of the Brain, cause sleep; and partly being cast forth through the pores of the skin, produce sweating, and many times a very troublesom itching, as I have observed in many cases. As to other humours, truly there is no reas•…•…n to think

that Opiates leave any stain upon the Serum, the nervous liquor or the nutritive juice; in so much that their virtue and operation seems to respect the animal spirits onely.

But yet they do not affect all the animal spirits alike; but O•…•…tes given in a mo∣derate dose, do primarily operate upon those spirits onely, to •…•…hich the priviledges * 1.13 of natural and ordinary sleep are allowed, not so much as touching or molesting any of the rest. Wherefore when a man takes Laudanum, it binds both his inward and his outward senses, though in the mean whilc pulsation, respiration, and all the duties of concoction and separation are performed after the usual rate; and after a certain space of time, the spirits of the sort aforesaid, when their forces are recruited, rouze up themselves again, and shaking off the chains of sleep, return of their own accord to their wonted watch and ward.

But if an opiate Medicin be stronger than it should be, it doth not onely lay fetters, * 1.14 wherewith they are a long time shakled, upon the spirits which inhabit the brain and the appendages thereof, but it also extends its drowsie powers into the other Territory of Lifes Dominions; so that after a larger dose of it than ordinary, the appetite is most commonly rebated, respiration very much streitned and rendred not onely difficult, but also unequal, nay sometimes also the motion of the very heart is so far impaired, that immediately the pulse grows weaker, with a cold sweat, and a dulness, or a kind of faintness in all the faculties, in so much that such a Medicin is sometimes attended with a perpetual sleep; the reason of which is, because the poison of the Opium being diffused a great way, gets into the Globe of the Cerebellum, and destroying or subduing the spirits that inhabit there in great numbers, causes the motion of the heart first to grow weaker, and after that, quite to cease; so that the vital flame is thereby extin∣guished.

Having premised these things concerning the nature, the manner of operation, and the subjects of opiate Medicins, together with their limits and sphere of Activity, I * 1.15 must now at last recount to you the effects and principal accidents, both good and bad, that usually attended the use thereof; and then give you some cautions touching the right method of Hypnotick Physick. First, Therefore let us see, in what manner and in what cases these opiate Medicins are commonly beneficial.

The good or emolument that is usually procured by the use of Opiates, belongs ei∣ther * 1.16 to the animal spirits, or to the bloud and humours: of which the first are affe∣cted primarily and more immediately, but the two last onely secondarily, and by me∣diation of the former.

Whenever the animal spirits, being excited above measure, act either too much, or irregularly in the discharge of their several offices; Narcoticks given in due time, afford very frequently great assistance toward the allaying of their fury and disorders. Now such exorbitancies in them as shew when Opiates are proper, respect either * 1.17 Sense or Motion. The former of which functions being twofold, the greatest ex∣cesses of the internal senses, are Watching, and being Mad or Delicious; but the in∣disposition of the outward senses, that most requires this kind of Physick, is Pain. Inequality, or irregularities of motions, which are to be reduced by Narcoticks, are * 1.18 first of all a violent pulse, convulsions in the heart or bowels, and likewise the exces∣sive and impetuous evacuations of the latter. So many there are, and such different cases, wherein, whilest the animal spirits, like wild Horses, run up and down, or leap over their bounds, they ought to be restrained or reduced by Opiates, as with a bridle. Several instances of each whereof, together with the manner, how they are prepared, and the reasons of their operations, I shall here briefly subjoin.

1. First therefore Opiates are necessarily and most properly used in case of Wake∣fulness; in as much as Sleep, which is a state quite contrary to it, and consequently * 1.19 cures it. How many ways and by what means watching is usually caused, and con∣tinues long upon a man, I have lately declared at large in a Treatise which I have written; in all which cases, seeing the animal spirits, being too wild and much distur∣bed, exert or shew themselves more briskly than they should do, bloating and irradia∣ting [or enlightening] not onely the organs of sense, but especially the outmost bor∣ders of the Brain in all parts; the particles of Opium being transmitted hither by con∣veyance of the bloud, do presently destroy or subdue the animal spirits that keep guard in the front of the Army, in so much that all the rest that are nearest to them, being forced inward are put to the stand, and much restrained from flowing all around into every part; whereupon immediately all the outward spirits that inhabit the organs or instruments of any spontaneous sense or motion, being bereft of the influx of those in the Head-quarters, forsake their Guard also, and retiring inward, lie down and rest themselves.

Secondly in Delirious cases, Opiates are oftentimes used with good success (though * 1.20

otherwhiles they rather do mischief, as I shall hereafter declare) the reason of which is, that when the spirits, being too much excited, and as it were, set a madding, within the Brain, can easily leap over the usual and trodden paths of their constant journies; then a Narcotick Medicin arriving at the borders of the Brain, restrains those excesses, which are usually as apt as Hounds to run beyond their scent, and for a time hinders them from all motion; so that many times when they move afresh, they return to their former tracts and perform their wonted functions very well.

Thirdly, Opium is always reckoned of most excellent use to allay all sorts of pain, * 1.21 whereupon it is justly called Nepenthe, and is a remedy really divine. And truly we cannot sufficiently admire, how, when any bowel or member is under any signal and intolerable torture or pain, this Medicin, like a Charm, gives the Party immediate re∣lief and ease, yea sometimes without sleep, or at least before it comes upon him. But that, which is yet more wonderful, is, that as long as the particles of Opium conti∣nue to work and exert their Narcotick power, yea sometimes also when the sleep is over, there remains in the part affected, the greatest alleviation and freedom from pain. But afterward when the force of the Medicin is spent, the torments presently return, nor do they abate of their cruelty, unless they are again inchanted by the same Medicin.

Whilest I inquire into the reason of this I cannot easily find out in what part a * 1.22 pain-removing Medicin [called an Anodynous Medicin] chiefly operates and exerteth its virtue, whilest without sleep, or when thatis over, it alleviateth pains, and for a cer∣tain time gives a man perfect ease: that is to say, Whether the Narcotick power of it be laid out upon the part tormented, or upon the common organ of sense, or upon the whole sensitive soul. The reason of the difference between the parts proposed, is because pain caused in one place is felt in another, and the effect of it is diffused through the whole soul. The continuance of it consisteth in this, that the nervous fibres are very much irritated and pluckt from each other, by some incongruous and very disproportionate matter, in so much that the spirits which are in them, are imme∣diately distracted, and being forced from their equal expansion, are put into a confu∣sion. But the sense of pain is caused from this, that the disturbance of those spirits being conveyed by a kind of undulation [or waving, as water doth when you throw a stone into it] through the nerves to the common sense, to wit, the Corpora striata [parts so called from their being streaked] moves the spirits that inhabit there, into the like distraction; which sort of commotion, proceeding farther into the Cerebel∣lum, stirs up the imagination, and thence immediately returning, diffuseth, or sprea∣deth a disturbance or inquietude through the whole substance of the spirits. Since therefore Pain is a malady of so large an extent, and of so different a nature, wo ought to inquire what sphere of activity Anodynous [or pain-removing] Medicins have.

Concerning this there is no room to doubt, but that whenever after the taking of Opium Sleep is first brought upon a man, he is consequently free from all pain; for then an 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 [or freedom from pain] immediately ensueth as the effect of it; in as much as those spirits also which actuate the common sense are bound up with them that in∣habit the Brain; and consequently, though the tormented part be never so provoked, all sense of pain is obstructed; but whereas when the Patient awakes and remaining so, performs some animal functions very briskly without any pain, for so many hours after he hath taken the Opium, and that when the force of the Medicin is quite spent, immediately the same torture returns upon him, this seems a question for Oedipus or Apollo himself to resolve.

For the solution whereof, we cannot say the spirits of the part affected, and those * 1.23 that reside in the common sense; that is to say, that the one or the other, or both of them together, are bound by the Anodynous Medicin. For it is not credible, that the particles of the Opium do so penetrate and deeply enter into the brain and nerves, that when they have passed through that without hurting of it, they should descend in so short a time to the utmost borders thereof; nor can we imagine that the spirits which reside in the Corpora striata (seeing that when the Party is awake, he continues for some time without pain) and are awakened to receive any impressions of other sensi∣bles, grow deaf onely to the approaches which are made from the part that is in pain. Since therefore this freedom from pain after sleep is over, ought not to be referred either to the part affected, nor to the common senses being stupified by the Opium, let us see how the reason of it may be deduced from a kind of Narcotick indisposi∣tion of the whole sensitive soul. Now that will easily appear, when we have premi∣sed these two things.

First, That it is necessary to the creating or continuance of any pain, that a plen∣tiful * 1.24

quantity of spirits flow still in the part affected; for the heat of such spiri•…•…s, whilest they riot there, their distraction and the mutual striking of some against others, are the very immediate cause of such a troublesom perception as is called Pain; wherefore if by the streightning of the nerves the afflux of spirits to the part than * 1.25 is grieved, cannot be hindered or much diminished, the pain must of necessity cease, because the spirits being berest of fresh supplies and succours, will lie so thin and: scattered in the fibres, that they can scarce touch one another, at least they will not at all break out into fury and indignation.

Secondly, That destitution or withdrawing of the spirits which is here required, and cannot be procured by no other means or endeavour, is often and usually produ∣ced by Opium. For from the particles of this Medicin besetting the borders of the Brain, not onely some of the outmost spirits, which are as it were, fore-runners or Scouts (as they call them) are destroyed, but the first sources of them within the body of the Brain and Cerebellum, and their efflux thence into the nerves, are presently very much suppressed; in so much that during the operation of the Opium, they are discharged much more sparingly and minutely into the heart, bowels, and all other parts. Hence it is that the pulse and the respiration remit somewhat of their vehe∣mency and quickness, and sometimes on a sudden the one becomes weak and the other difficult, and many times also an unusual languishing and dulness seizes all the limbs and joints. Moreover, hence it is that the viscera or Bowels, which before were * 1.26 put into convulsions, either of an expulsive nature (that is to say, by Vomiting or Stool) or of a painful nature (as in the Colick and Stone in the Kidnies) lay aside their dis∣orders: to wit, for this reason, because that whilest the supplemental and recruiting bands of spirits in the part affected are deficient, those few that survive, have no lon∣ger leisure for tumult and rage: but on the contrary, in order to their being altoge∣ther quiet and sase, they lie still: but then afterward when the particles of Opium are blown off and scattered, and the stock of spirits in the Brain, and their emanation thence into the nervous parts, is renewed, so that they flow down again with a full stream to the parts affected, and fill their fibres, immediately the same convulsions or pains return by reason that the spirits are again increased and provoked, as they were before.

No question, but according to this manner of operation, and according to the reason just now assigned, Opiates most commonly allay the greatest pains, and give a man ease, either with or without sleep, yea and continue it for some certain time even when that is over: which space or interval being past, the pains immediately re∣turn, and are in a short time increased to their wonted sharpness. This kind of effect wrought by Narcoticks, which is vulgarly known in the cure of the Scorbutick Colick, seems like some Exorcism or Charm; in as much as the pain, like a Daemon or evil Spirit, cannot be bound but for a certain time, and then begins to play its pranks and rage again. Among those painful maladies for which Opium is a cure, the Gout and Stone in the Bladder are justly numbred in this place. For in gouty pains that * 1.27 Anodynous Medicin affords many times extraordinary help, and such as is almost di∣vine. The latter of these diseases, seeing it rages cruelly in old men, and cannot be cured by cutting, admits of no other remedy but Narcoticks for its relief. Whereupon I have persuaded some persons to a constant and daily use of Laudanum or Diacodium; which they have done with great ease to their life, and suffered no injury by it, though they have daily increased the dose of it, and risen to a great quantity. So much for the means of healing or helping, which Opium usually furnishes, in order to the re∣gulation of the sensitive faculties: let us see at last how much this Panacaea [i. e. all-healing Medicin] conduces to the allaying or curing the irregularities of animal motions.

2. The immoderateness or irregularity of the moving faculty, for the right compo∣sing * 1.28 whereof, the use of Opiates is proper, respect most principally the Heart and Bowels, (for Convulsions about the head or limbs do not so necessarily require this kind of Physick) to the first of which we must refer the Pulse and Respiration, as often as either of them is more quick or vehement than it should be. For seeing that in Fe∣vers, the motions of the heart and lungs, growing more vigorous, drive the bloud about very rapidly, in so much that it is excessively perverted both in the heat and tem∣per of it, and cannot discharge its dreggy parts which are so intimately mixt with it, the force of those parts is somewhat rebated by giving of a Narcotick; so that the bloud circulates gently and temperately, diffuseth it self with less heat, and being dis∣solved in its constitution, casteth forth its serum and impurities by Sweat and Urin. * 1.29 Opiates extenuate and depress the actions of Pulsation and Respiration, fo•…•… that they in some measure stop the flux or emanation of the animal spirits in the Cerebellum,

and diminish the stream of them from thence into the nerves designed for the heart; which if it be done to excess, there ensues upon it a great dejection of the vital faculties, which sometimes proves mortal.

Respiration (not onely as it is vehement, but also) sometimes as it is interrupted, * 1.30 convulsive, or otherwise in several manners irregular, doth frequently require Narco∣tick Medicins; which are usually good, above all other Remedies, in Coughs that are vehement, or very frequent and continually troublesom to a body. But in fits of the Asthma, wherein through the great pains and labour which the organs are put to, the Patients seem to be even in the very pangs of death, a dose of a good Opiate, like some Divinity, makes all things presently serene and calm. Of which the reason is, that in those Maladies, where any thing that is troublesom besets the most vital parts, the spirits that reside in them being exceedingly provoked, break out into out∣ragious disorders, and by over-acting, their parts, disturb and pervert the whole state of things; wherefore, when after you have taken a Narcotick, and berest those furious spirits of their supplies, they are presently extenuated, and being as it were destitute of all succours, lay aside their inordinate practices. Moreover, Narcotick Physick seems no less necessary against the immoderate or convulsive motions of the Bowels, to wit, of the Stomach and Guts; for it is used oftentimes to give very great ease in extraor∣dinary vomiting, and excessive or violent purging. Dysenterical Maladies [or fluxes] can scarce be cured without Opium; not because this Medicin fixeth juices and hu∣mours that bubble and are irregular, but it stops the expulsive convulsions of the fi∣bres, and that partly within the cavities of the Bowels themselves, by stupifying the spirits which reside there with its meer contact, and partly by suppressing the spirits within the Cerebellum, which would flow thence into those parts; of whose succours they being destitute, do easily relinquish their convulsive motions. I could upon this occasion recount to you either the convulsions or pains of other parts, which are usual∣ly allayed or removed by Opium; but I have already said enough of the operation and effects of this Anodynous Medicin, which are exerted primarily and chiefly upon the animal spirits; let us therefore next enquire, what power and alterative force it hath upon the bloud and humours.

Now that Opiates operate upon the bloud and humors of our bodies, and do restrain * 1.31 their disorders, there is scarce any one of the Vulgar but knows, and is satisfied. In Ca∣tarrhs and Defluxions of all sorts we fly many times to these as the last Asylum or Re∣fuge. These very powerfully stop all bloudy evacuations, as also those of the Serum, which, when at any time they are excessive and colliquative [or of a dissolving na∣ture] they restrain or reduce. They repress the immoderate ebullition of the bloud when it is in a feverish heat, and take off the excessive inflammation thereof. In fine, they most successfully allay all waves and storms raised in our bodies, upon almost what account soever, and oftentimes restore to the bloud, when it is disturbed, a se∣rene and quiet temper.

Though these kinds of effects are in a great measure produced by mediation of the affections of the animal spirits (as I have formerly hinted) for in as much as the ner∣vous fibres being inordinately contracted, disturb the bloud and humours, and force them to several fluctuations and exundations [i. e. floatings and overflowings] for that reason the suppression of those Spasms by Opiates, makes the Sea of them calm again) yet it seems probable also, that the Opiate particles, whilest they are confounded with the bloud, create in the liquor thereof some kind of alterations by their meer mixture. For I told you before, that they are altogether heterogeneous, immiscible [or unmingle∣able] * 1.32 and likewise untameable: and therefore seeing they appear to be not all ene∣mies or injurious to the liquor of it, they may in some sense be taken for Antidotes; that is to say, such sort of Antidotes, as being mixed with the bloud, pass through the mass thereof quickly, and almost untouched, and in their journey make way for the serum, and other recrements or malignant impurities that are closely shut and bound up with it to go out, yea drive them forth before them, by opening all the pores and avenues. Whereupon it is not altogether without reason, that Opium is an in∣gredient in the compositions of the chiefest Antidotes, as Treacle, Mithridate, and Diascordium, as if it were a resister of venomous humours.

Indeed that the particles of Opium, when a man hath swallowed it, is soon trans∣mitted * 1.33 into the bloud, and quickly passeth through the mass thereof, appears from this, that they immediately after the Medicin is taken, being carried up into the Brain, pro∣cure sleep, and give a man ease from pain. And besides that, it is evident from com∣mon experience, that they (where they are agreeable) provoke Sweats and bring a∣way Urin, in so much that these effects are commonly reckoned among the Virtues of Opium. Moreover that the particles thereof are not venomous to the bloud, but

rather Antidotal is collected from this, that in the Plague, Small Pox, and malignant Fe∣vers, yea in any other Fevers Laudanum is given many times with great success. In the mean while I do not well understand those qualities which some men attribute to this Medicin, that is to say, of fixing and thickening the bloud; unless perchance it be said to do so, in as much as that by opening the constitution thereof, it causeth the serous part * 1.34 of it to be copiously separated and carried off, so that the liquor which remains grows thereby more compact and thick. * 1.35

For as I have found by frequent observation, that Opiate Medicins do dissolve the bloud, and sometimes, like Antidotes, most powerfully provoke Sweat and Urin, so * 1.36 from the following Story (which I add here for to sum up all) I will make it as plainly out to all the world: I was formerly consulted upon the score of a Gentle∣man who was very much disordered in his body, and troubled with nocturnal pains which proceeded from the Pox (which was either very illy or not at all cured in him) to whom I prescribed many things, but all in vain▪ because he being very much averse to Physick, would take scarce any thing else except a dose of Laudanum, which I gave him once or twice a Week to alleviate his pains. In a short time growing hydropical, he swelled with an Ascites [a Dropsie that makes the belly swell like a Bottle] and likewise with an Anasarca [a Dropsie that affects all the flesh] to that degree, that he could hardly turn himself from one side to the other without the help of Servants. When he was in this condition, I being sent for to him again, and finding him averse to the Rules of Physick, did all that could be done; and that was onely to give him warning of his death, which was not far off, and certainly to be expected, that he might compose and fit himself for Eternity. He, being not much troubled at what I said, desired me very earnestly, that in order to his dying so much the more easily, he might take my Laudanum, which I had permitted him to take before in a small quan∣tity, when he pleased, or at least every night; which having with some admonitions granted him, I went away, and as I thought, bid him the last farewel. Afterward he took that Medicin daily, and as daily increased the Dose, so that in a short time he had consumed an incredible quantity of it. By using this onely Medicin constantly, he grew better and better every day, and within a Moneths time was so well, that being free from all swellings and pains, he had a good stomach, and walked abroad. By the daily use of this Opiate, his Distemper, which troubled him very much before, left him; and being every night dissolved into a great Sweat, he also made a vast quantity of Urin. I could here tell you likewise of many other cures of Diseases that were thought past cure, which were performed by the help of Opium alone; but be∣cause it would be tedious, and somewhat beside my purpose, I therefore shall onely add in this place one or two, which are in short these.

About three years ago, a noble Lady, after an Autumnal Fever, fell into a severe Colick, with vomiting, and sharp pains, that afflicted her Bowels and Limbs most mi∣serably. * 1.37 Remedies of all sorts, both outward and inward, though applied for several Weeks with great care, did her no good at all; but the poor Lady within 20 days was reduced to such a languishment and extenuation or thinness of Body, that there was but very little or hardly any hopes of her recovery: for being confined to her Bed, and almost always without sleep, she was troubled with a constant pain or sickness in her stomach, throwing up all she swallowed, whether Physick or food, by vomit, and likewise she underwent almost continual torment and pains about her belly and loins, as also sometimes in her head and limbs. Being sent for to her, I tried many sorts of Medicins, but nothing agreed with her except a Dose of Liquid Laudanum; which I ventured to give her to alleviate her pains, at first onely twice a Week, and that not without fear and caution. She at last desired that she might take that Me∣dicin every other, and after that every night continually. So having used daily with∣out any damage, she gained in the night time sound sleep and pleasant, and in the day time a freedom from pain and a good stomach; and by that means gathering up her crums again, she began to rise out of Bed, and daily to eat good meals; but then she could and had a desire to take other Medicins, till at last she was quite well again.

Nor did a very fine Woman, who for many years was subject ever and anon to pains of the Colick, any less cry up and celebrate the praises of this divine Medicin. For * 1.38 whensoever she was sick of that Distemper, and was in most miserable torment, she could not be relieved by any other Medicin except Opium: wherefore she took a Dose of it every night, till such time as the morbifick or diseased matter being quite spent, she at length became free from all trouble and pain.

CHAP. II. Of the Injuries and Inconveniences of Opium; to which are added Cautions concerning the Use thereof.

HItherto I have shewn you the good effects, and as it were, the Angelical face of Opium, together with the manner and reasons of its operation. But if you look upon the other side of it, (as when you turn the reverse of a Coin) it will appear altogether like a Devil; and therein we shall discover no less hurt, and ill effects, than we did good ones in the former. For there is so much poison in this All-healing Medicin, that we ought not to be by any means secure or confident in the frequent and familiar use of it. Wherefore we ought to be admonished as well concerning the loss as the profit that accrues from it, so that we (like those that go a Voyage to Sea, when we understand on both sides, what Ports we may touch at, and what Rocks we must avoid) may incur the less danger.

I have by the sad experience of some People, found that the use of Opium some∣times * 1.39 is noxious, and of ill consequence; in as much as some men immediately after the taking of it, have fallen into an everlasting sleep, and others by an excessive or unseasonable Dose of it, have either shortened their lives, or made them ever after troublesom and unhappy by the hurt it hath done to their principal faculties. Instances and examples of this kind are every where to be met with from the practice of Quacks and Empericks. I remember some that by swallowing a Pill of Laudanum, have pre∣sently been put into so profound a sleep, that they could never be wakened. They lived indeed for three or four days, and were pretty well, as to their pulse, breathing, and warmth, but were not to be recovered by any remedies or tortures to their senses, or made to awake. Yet I have observed some others, who having taken Opium, have slept but moderately, yea sometimes very little or scarce at all; but as to their pulse, respiration, and heat, they have been immediately worse: for they used presently after the taking of this medicin, to languish, and thereupon more and more to fail of breath; nor could their strength be repaired by any Cordials, but they fain∣ted and died insensibly. I have elsewhere told you a Story of a strong man, who was killed with Opium, having no sleep before that which was his last, that is to say, Death came it self upon him. He complained as soon as he had taken the Medicin, of an extraordinary oppression and cold at his stomach, and by and by was taken with an excessive languidness, together with a dejection of all his spirits, and a chilness in his extreme parts, [the Feet, Hands, &c.] and within four hours, complaining often that his eyes grew dim and were quite blinded, he expired.

For hence it is easily gathered, that Opium doth not destroy life onely one way, and * 1.40 that the same still, but that it hath two principal methods at least by which it kills men. The reason of one consists in this, that the particles of the Medicin taken, do first and more immediately affect the Brain; and of the other, that they do in the same nature work upon the Cerebellum. As to this latter the business is thus: if, after the Medicin is taken, it happen perchance, that the circuit of the Cerebellum be so beset by the Narcotick particles, that the outmost spirits being immediately extinguished, the afflux of the inward ones toward the heart, be diminished, and so by degrees cut off; it will of necessity follow, that the Heart and all the instruments of Respiration, will first grow fainty in the discharge of their vital functions, and by that means totally cease from their labour, though in the mean time the Patients awake, and are free from all drowsiness, well enough in their senses, and very lively as long as they live. But if the opiate particles break in first, and with a full force upon the borders of the Brain, and set upon the inhabitants of that chiefly, in so much that having presently conquered the outmost spirits, they put all the inward ones that are in the middle of it, into a consternation, and so far suppress them that they cannot rise again to rally their forces a second time, then immediately a deep sleep, or an invincible and per∣perual slumber ensues, though the pulse in the mean while, and the respiration continue for some time in their due state.

Besides these kinds of destructive Tragedies which Opium upon several occasions acts upon the life of man, this Medicin hath likewise many other ways of doing hurt, whereby it oftentimes is injurious to some private function or part of the body. It would be tedious to reckon up all the sorts of lesser evils, which Narcoticks are at any time the cause of, and therefore in this place I shall onely tell you what maladies

happen in the head, what in the Breast, and also what in the lower belly, by the im∣proper and unseasonable use thereof.

1. As to the first, it is very vulgarly known that the principal functions of the soul, to wit, Memory, Discourse, and sharpness of Wit, are oftentimes very much impaired * 1.41 by Narcoticks. The frequent use of them in many men weakens the memory. I knew a certain person, who by taking an extraordinary dose of Laudanum when he was in a Fever, quite lost that faculty; and after several Weeks, when the use of it began to return, he remembred onely such things as he had done within a particular space of time, but nothing of what he had before and after transacted. I know that some have contracted, by taking this Medicin, a dulness of stupidity of mind, and others grown mad. Hence it is (saith Freitagius) that whereas Prosper Alpinus and Bellonius tells us, that the Aegyptians and Turks eat Opium, to make them chearful, bold, and * 1.42 inclined to Venery, yet they add, that the devourers of Opium, though they seem to be in good health, and not at all injured by the use of it, yet that they are thereby ren∣dered more frigid and their functions or faculties are much the worse for it, that they appear most commonly as if they were drunk and dull; that they become heavy, stupid and out of order, that sometimes they affirm a thing, and in the same breath deny it; so that they are cautious who they talk or converse with: and that it is also become a jear, not unlike a reproach among them, which they caft upon one another, Thou hast eaten Opium, just as when our Countrymen upbraid a man with being drunk or dozed. Freitagius in his Book of Opium, ch. ʒ. The reason of this is plain enough, from what I have already said, to wit, that Opium produces the effects now mentio∣ned, in that it first and most principally strikes at the Brain: and whilest that there it destroys, or conquers some animal spirits, it prevents many others from their usual ways of emanation, and draws them into by-passages. But whereas Opium is devou∣red by the Turks (and I may say also by some of our Countrymen too, that are for∣tified, and have gained a kind of Armour against the poison of it, by long ufage) in great quantity, and that without any damage, or at least without any hazard to their lives; the reason is, because the particles thereof, though at first they are hurtful and venomous to the spirits, yet by frequent use they at last grow more agreeable and fa∣miliar, as we observe of the smoak of Tobacco taken into ones mouth through a Pipe; for though at first for some days it usually brings a giddiness, and oftentimes a vomiting or purging, yea a cold sweat upon us, with trembling and frequent fain∣ting of the spirits, yet at length we take it undisturbed, nay with great delight. But for as much as Opium, in a large Dose, puts such confidence and resolution into them, that they go to battle without any dread, the reason seems to be, because that Medi∣cin by stupifying the spirits in some measure stounds them, so that they endure the en∣counter of all sensible, though never so terrible things. Lastly, Whereas it is said that Opiates provoke Lust, when on the contrary they should seem rather to suppress and tame that appetite, by extinguishing the spirits, I say (if it really have that effect) that the seminal or generative moisture and the spirits that flow therein, do not descend from the Brain, but are poured immediately into the spermatick Vessels; and therefore in as much as Opiates either hinder or dimmish the generation of the spi∣rits within the Brain, they perhaps make them run more plentifully into the instru∣ments of propagation.

2. That Opiates are sometimes enemies to the Heart and the Breast is manifest * 1.43 from this, that they depress and diminish the Pulse and Respiration, yea sometimes al∣so (as I have shewn before) cause to grow weak and by degrees quite to cease. Where∣fore in Fevers, when the bloud being extraordinarily depraved, seems like to have no Crisis [judgment to be made upon it] or at least not a good one, and that at the same time it supplies but very few spirits, and those weak too, to the animal forces, Narcoticks are most commonly, and almost continually hurtful, and as it were poison. For though in the Plague, and in malignant Fevers, as long as the Pulse and the Breath is strong, Trea∣cle, Mithridate, and Diascordium, yea and Laudanum are many times given with good suc∣cess; yet if at any time in those Diseases, and in other Fevers that are not very malignant, the vital functions languish, we ought to use those famous Antidotes very sparingly, but stronger Opiates not at all. Moreover in a painful Cough, a Consumption, Pleurisie, Empyema, [an ulceration in the Lungs] and other pectoral Distempers, that is to say, in all, wherein Nature is inclined suddenly to evacuate that which is trou∣blesom and oppresseth the Breast, and takes a great deal of pains to do •…•…t, and that at the same time the instruments of breathing being destitute of a sufficient quantity of spirits, grow weak, and perform their task with labour and difficulty, a man ought to abstain from Opium as much as from the rankest poison: for in such a case Narco∣ticks increase and fix the weight that should be removed, diminishing the strength of those parts which ought to throw it off.

3. That Opiates work upon the Bowels ordained for concoction, and other parts of the lower belly, giving them many times extraordinary ease in several respects, I have shewed you before, but that they are not always so amicable and kind to this region, but that they sometimes do it great heart, is equally easie to prove. For Narcoticks, * 1.44 often taken, are very injurious to that principal faculty, to wit, the desire of Food, or the Appetite, upon which all nourishment and the very root of life depends; in that they very much rebate, and many times totally destroy it. For when the spirits that inha∣bit the inner coat of the stomach, are stupified or deadened by the opiate particles, so that those nervous fibres, though never so empty; are no more shrivelled or wrinkled up, then all desire of Food ceases, nor do we care to eat; but if meat be offered to our stomach, it is immediately thrown back again, because it is not a delight but a trou∣ble to it. Moreover for the same reason the concoctive power of the stomach is often weakened, and the expulsive motions both of that and the Guts grow dull. For it is a common observation, that slow concoction, and dulness or difficulty of evacuation are the familiar and usual effects of Opiate Medicins.

From hence it will be no hard task to give you some Physical Rules and Cautions * 1.45 concerning the right use of Opiate Medicins; which may be done by observing these four things: that is to say, before you give a Narcotick Medicin, you must con∣sider:

• 1. What the Patients Constitution is.
• 2. What Distemper he hath.
• 3. In what condition the animal spirits are, in respect both of the Animal and Vital Functions. And
• 4. In what state the Bloud and Humours are.

1. As to the first, when an Hypnotick is proper, have a care that the temperament * 1.46 of the Patient, his habit or indisposition of body, or his way and course of living do not forbid the use of it. For example, Those that are of a middling stature, and a firm square body, wbose bloud is hot, and their aspect lively and sharp, endure this Medi∣cin best, and many times take it with good success; but will use it yet with more se∣curity, if they have formerly been accustomed to it: on the other hand it is not so convenient, yea sometimes it is very ill for them that are either too fat or very lean; and likewise for such as have spirits of a thinner composition, which may be easily dissipated, or being of a cold constitution, have soft, lank flesh, and also such as being naturally of a dull, indocile complexion, are in themselves heavy and sleepy Fellows; for to such this makes an addition by increasing the weight of other things, if they have never tried this sort of Physick.

2. The nature of the Distemper is sometimes of great moment for or against Opiates. * 1.47 In light cases (according to Septalius) that Physician is a sneaking Fool that draweth them into practice. But in some great cases they are either forbidden or very much suspected. In the Palsie, Swimming of the Brain, Nightmare, Apoplexy, and also in the Orthopnaea [a Disease when a man cannot breath unless he sitsupright] a Dropsie in the Breast or Belly, upon a Numness or trembling in the Limbs, in very malignant Fevers, and in the Fits of intermitting Fevers, or the crisis of others, Narcoticks are most commonly forbidden. Moreover in a Cough, attended with a great deal of thick spittle or phlegm, in an Asthma, and all other pectoral Distempers, accompa∣nied with oppression of the Lungs, in the Fits of the Mother, and other convulsive Maladies, they ought not to be given but very seldom, and that not without caution, and the advice of a good Physician. But in a grievous Headach, Catarrhs, the Co∣lick, Pleurisie, ordinary Fevers, Vomiting, the Flux, in Fits of the Stone in the Kid∣nies, the Gout, and all Pains, Opiate Medicins are not onely allowed of, but we fly to them as diyine, and all-healing Remedies.

3. But whenever such Medicins are proposed, or fall under our deliberation, we * 1.48 must likewise consider, in what tenor and condition the animal spirits that preside in each part are; for if through the smalness of their number, or being oppressed, they are already weakened, and do not sufficiently display their sails, they ought not cer∣tainly to be any more diminished or consternated by such a Medicin. Wherefore whilest the animal faculties, either as to sense, or discourse, are not in good plight, or do not exert themselves so nimbly as they should do; or when the Pulse or Respi∣ration are either too weak or too quick, or more slow than ordinary, o•…•… stopped and unequa•…•…; or lastly, when the limbs and moving parts are seized with a numness and weakness, attended with an unusual languishing, we must altogether omit all Hypno∣tick or sleeping Physick. But we will stick to put it in practice, whenever it is proper

in greater cases, and that at the same time the animal spirits, in these and other re∣spects are strong enough, or when they are too much expanded or raised above mea∣sure, and grow wild.

4. In the mean time the state of the Bloud and Humours is not to be neglected; * 1.49 for sometimes the bad or unequal temper of these forbids all Opiates whatsoever, or permits them to be taken but sparingly, and with a kind of restriction. The Bloud prohibits the use of them, as it offends either in quantity, quality, or temper. As to the former, the bloudy liquor is either too much or too little, and in both respects ex∣cludeth all Narcotick Medicins. For first of all, if at any time the bloud being too turgent [or swelling] in quantity, and at the same time bubbles up through any fe∣verish heat, distending the vessels to a great extremity, and thereupon the heart en∣deavours with all its strength to drive it about as swift as possibly it can (lest it should stagnate, or overflow in any part) repeating the turns of Systole and Diastole with all speed, then certainly to give a Narcotick, whereby to hinder the labour and last en∣deavours of the heart, which are so necessary for the preservation of life, would be the part of a Poisoner, rather than a Physician. Wherefore in a Plethora [or ful∣ness of bloud] bloud-letting ought always to go before the use of Opium. Secondly, Nor is there less danger in Opiates, when they are given upon a defect or want of bloud, as after great haemorrhages [fluxes of bloud] long fasting, or a great fit of sick∣ness: for when the stream of the bloud is very small, and by reason of its smalness is scarce continued, the heart endeavours to drive it about very swiftly, and with double diligence, lest the course of it should be interrupted, and it should cease to flow. Hence it is obvious to conceive what great hurt Opiates do, which put a stop or a scatch to this motion of the heart, that is at that time so necessary. Indeed this seems to be the reason, that we forbid Women to sleep soon after they are brought to Bed, and that they bleed very plentifully, as we do any body else, after a great loss or ex∣traordinary fluxes of bloud, lest the spirits being recalled whilest the Parties sleep, should forsake the heart, and leave it destitute of power to drive about the stream of bloud which is then diminished. Moreover sometimes the Bloud being disordered in its quality, or (to speak more properly) in its Crasis [or temper] forbids the use of Opiates; for whilest in an ill habit of Body or a Fever, the Bloud being very full of dregs, ought to be agitated and driven more swiftly about with a greater impulse of the heart, that the heterogeneous particles may be subdued and quickly evaporate, the operation of a Narcotick intervening, stops the motion of the heart, and conse∣quently retardeth, and sometimes frustrates the purification of the Bloud.

As for other recrementitious humours, that are usually gathered in the stomach and guts they likewise ought to be purged out and carried away by Vomit or by Stool, be∣fore the Opiate be given: for otherwise they will fix and stick there more stiff than ever. For the fibres of the bowels being stupified by the Medicin, are not irritated as before, nor do they easily put themselves into, or nimbly perform expulsive convul∣sions, in order to the discharge of those recrements or dregs: wherefore if any thing be to be thrown out, it must be done before the Narcotick Medicin be taken.

[illustration]

Tab. I. part 1^st.

Qq: P. 14.

[illustration]

Tab. III. part 1^st.

Ss. P. 14.

[illustration]

Tab. V. part 1^st.

Vu. P. 14.

[illustration]

Tab. VI. part 1^st.

Xx. P. 15.

Tab. IV. part 1^st

[illustration]

Fig. 3.

[illustration]

Fig. 2.

[illustration]

Fig. 1.

Tt. P. 14.

[illustration]

Tab. II part 1^st.

RR. P. 14.

CHAP. III. The several sorts, Preparations and Receipts of Opiates

NOw that I have delivered to you the Doctrine of Narcotick Physick in general, and sufficiently explained the Reasons and ways of its operation, my next bu∣siness is to recount, and particularly to consider those Medicins that are endued with such a quality, both Simples and Compounds, and so to make a kind of Opiological Treatise of it.

First therefore, According to the Method observed by most Authors, I thought it * 1.50 proper in this place to distinguish such Remedies as are called Anodyna [Medicins to remove Pain] into two Classes, that is to say, as they are stronger or weaker. For some of them being meerly Narcotick, do not onely force sleep preternaturally, but when occasion requires, procure a freedom from pain and a numness, and being un∣duely given, many times death it self. But there are other Medicins said to be of this kind, in as much as when the spirits are heated and in disorder, they entice and kindly compose them to rest, not by destroying or stupifying, but onely by mollifying and soothing of them.

1. To the former sort of these (which are the onely ones properly called Narcoticks * 1.51 or Opiates) we usually refer Poppy both white and red; and some other more veno∣mous things, which for that reason are not to be prescribed. But of some of them that are not so unwholsome, the Roots, Leaves, Flowers, Seeds, and thick Juices, are frequently used, and (as I have before shewn) are often taken with the greatest success. But seeing each of them have some poison mixed with them, therefore you must not prescribe sometimes one sort and sometimes another indifferently, as in the other parts of practical Physick, but trie only such things as are most safe and approved by long ex∣perience. Hence custom hath at last so far obtained upon us (from which we may not * 1.52 recede without hazard of mens lives) that Poppy and the Preparations thereof, are the basis or complement of almost all Opiate Medicins. The Seeds of Henbane and the roots and juice of Cynogloss or Dogs Tongue, are ingredients in the compositions of some Hypnoticks; but yet whenever we have a desire effectually and safely to provoke sleep; the whole force of the Medicin is placed in Opium or Diacodium. I shall not need in this place to describe white Poppy, out of which these are made, nor the extraction of the Opiate Juice, or to give you the Composition of that Syrup, because all this is done at large in the Botanical and Antidotary Books [or Books that treat of Plants and Antidotes] both of the Ancient and Modern Doctors. As to what remains therefore; and makes most to our purpose, I will endeavour to shew you the elementary parts of Opium, and from thence demonstrate the virtues of both that and Diacodium, with the reasons why they intoxicate.

The body of Opium may be examined and distinguished, as to its constitutive * 1.53 parts, better when it is entire and untouched, than when it is Chymically taken in pieces: For if it be distilled by fire, then through the plenty of impure sulphur that is in it, it burns horridly, and at the same time •…•…ends forth a very noisom stink. But yet it is obvious to sense that there are abundance of sulphureous particles in this body; which also its nasty stinking smell and inflamableness do manifestly declare. And though it be equally certain that there are saline particles joined with this sulphur, and consequently that this body consists chiefly of these two together, with some small quantity of Earth; yet of what nature, and in what state that Salt is, I cannot posi∣tively tell,; onely I can guess by the effects of it, that this sulphur-saline body is alto∣gether contrary and destructive to the texture of animal spirits, which is spirituous and salino-volatile. And indeed a man may gather from many instances that the Narco∣tick * 1.54 virtue lies in the sulphur joined with the sharp or aculeate salt, from whence it hath its stinking smell: For of this nature are white Poppy, Mandrake, Henbane, and Tobacco, and other Opiates, all which have an ill smell, almost like one ano∣ther, which is very offensive to our spirits whilest we smell it. Moreover according * 1.55 as the animal spirits in several bodies are of a somewhat different texture, therefore Opiates work more virulently and strongly in some than in others. Turks and Aegy∣ptians, whose spirits are more fixed and less volatile as being generated out of adust bloud, eat Opium without any danger, at least without hazard of their lives; not so of Europeans, who have more pure and subtile spirits: Dogs eat Opium in a great * 1.56 quantity without any sleep or danger of death. A very small dose of it kills a Cat

immediately, because the spirits of that Creature being very salino-volatile, cannot by any means endure the Narcotick sulphur. And hence it is, that one drop of the Oil of Tobacco, put upon the end of this Animals tongue immediately creates Convul∣fions and a dizziness in it, which are attended with present death. I once saw ʒij. of Opium put into a piece of Bread and given to a Cur-dog; and a little while after growing verysick he became dull or rather stupid, and by his difficulty and striving to breath, seemed to be just a dying; but afterward within half an hour, he eased him∣self in great quantity with the nastiest stink that I ever yet smelt, and immediately grew well and lusty. Now that so great a quantity of Opium did not hurt this Creature, the reason proceeded from the extraordinary acid ferment of his stomach, whereby the sulphureous particles of the Narcotick might be rebated and in some measure sub∣dued; and so this sulphur being very much dissolved by the acid menstruum in his stomach, his excrement came forth very foetid or stinking. For we may observe of other bodies, that whilest an acid works upon a sulphureous body, it causes an ungrate∣ful smell: For so it is when Aqua stygia, or spirit of Vitriol, is poured upon the filings * 1.57 of Iron. So also when spirit of Vinegar is put to a Lie made with Antimony; and I could tell you a great many other things of this sort. But yet we must not deny but that the particles of the Opium do work upon the spirits of the Dog, which not∣withstanding resist the Narcotick poison more stoutly than either those of a Man, or other four-legged Animals; as appears by the Story which I just now told you: for that though a dulness, difficulty and straitness of breath began to arise, by reason that the spirits of the brain were affected or overpowered with a drowsie quality, those symptoms immediately vanished as soon as the Narcotick matter was thrown off by purging. Moreover I knew the •…•…uth of this opinion still more confirmed by an Anatomical Experiment. Many years ago I saw about three ounces of the Tincture of Opium, made very strong in Canary Wine, and transfused into the jugular vein of a live dog. When his vein was closed, the Dog ran about as he used to do, seem∣ing to be little or not at all affected with it: but after a quarter of an hour, he began to be a little dozed, to nod his head, and at last to fall asleep: but we having no mind he should, when we had hindered him for some time from it by beating, threat∣ning him, and trying to make him run, at last by that means his sleepy inclination was quite off of him, and he became very sound and lively. From whence it is ap∣parent, that the poison of Opium is either so far subdued within the bowels of con∣coction by their ferments, or resisted by the animal spirits themselves, that it is not always alike in all Creatures, either sleepy or mortal.

As to the heads of white Poppy, with the seeds of which Diacodium is made, and likewise Decoctions, Emulsions, and other sleepy Confections, it is evident that these are much less impregnated with Narcotick sulphur than the concrete juice of Opium; and that what there is in them of that kind, is much more pure and innocent. Where∣fore we very often give Remedies compounded of these with a great deal more secu∣rity. For we must not go so high as Laudanum, unless when through the vehemency of the symptoms, Diacodiate Medicins will not do the work. Moreover since these * 1.58 have less virulency in them, they do not want much preparation, but may be put to a physical use after plain boiling, infusion, or expression, or squeezing. But Opium is seldom prescribed alone and by it self, but useth to be corrected and compounded with various and different Preparations, that it may be made an Anodynon, safe enough to be taken.

The Preparation of Opium is either Simple or with Dissolvers and Correctors joined to it. The manner of the former consisteth chiefly in this, that the mass of it being * 1.59 cut into several small pieces like Dice, it be exposed to the heat of the Fire or the Sun so long, till the Narcotick sulphur being partly evaporated, that which remains be∣comes friable [or fit to be rubbed in pieces] and less offensive to the nose; which Pre∣paration of it is usually put in practice before most others. For whether we would make a Tincture, Extract, or Confection of Opium, it is first dried and reduced into a Powder by this precedent means. Moreover to this you must refer the smoaking of it with sulphur, in the same manner as we tame Scammony: for an acid vapour ascending from common sulphur, whilest it flames, doth much subdue or weaken the virulency of both the other sulphurs, both the Purging and the Narcotick or sleepy.

There are many and very different Preparations with their adjuncts, or rather com∣positions * 1.60 of Opium; whereof some have been more usual and famous among the Modern Physicians. But the Opiates of the Ancients which were most noted are Pilula de Cynoglosso [Pill of Dogs-tongue] Requies Nicolai, and Philonium, of which last there are four sorts, to wit, Romanum, and Persicum, (the use of which is in some mea∣sure retained even to this day) and likewise Philonium Galeni, and Philonium Mesuae.

The Descriptions of all these are common enough to be seen in most Antidotaries [or Books of Antidotes] so that I need not here to repeat them. The reason of these very Anodynous compositions, though it stands upon a false foundation, yet in ano∣ther respect it is found to be good enough. For upon a false supposition that Opium is cold in the fourth degree, many things which are hot in the same degree, as wild Pellitory, Euphorbium, white Pepper, and the like, are added to the Philonia, which have in them a great quantity of it. But they do not subdue the Narcotick sulphur of the Opium and rebate its virulency, because their heat opposeth thats coldness (for indeed it is not cold, but rather hot) but those sharp bodies, by being full of volatile salt, are the cause of such an effect.

The Opiates of the Modern Doctors, upon account of the laudableness of such * 1.61 a Medicin, are vulgarly called Laudana; and some also because they remove Pain, call them Nepenthes. When these were first found out Renodaeus complained very in∣geniously, That there were a company of Quacks started up, who in stead of the known Pills, called Pilulae de Cynoglosso, give us a Confection of Opium, which they call Laudanum, wherewith they promise not onely to procure sleep, but to cure all Diseases. The Quacks (saith he) give such an Encomium of this Medicin, that there is no Emperick, no dull Piss-Doctor, no nor any pitiful Barber but professeth himself a Laudanist, or an Admirer of Laudanum. Without doubt this Custom, though the worst that is, and most pernicious to humane life, is not yet laid down. For there are yet among us not a Troop or Company, but rather a Swarm of Pretenders to Physick; where of each one brags of his peculiar Laudanum, which they give in every Distem∣per, or any state of a Distemper without any consideration; and if perchance it hap∣pen that the Patient sleeps and wakes again, immediately they triumph and claim some token of preheminence, when oftentimes they deserve a Gallows more than any thing else, in as much as when the Pulse and Breath is dejected by an Opiate unseasonably administred, many times all hopes of a Crisis or a Cure are gone: wherefore whoso∣ever values their life, ought to be admonished to have a special care of those unskilful Laudanists.

Nor ought the use of Opiates onely, but much more the Invention and Prepara∣tion of them be denied to Empericks and Quacks: for it is the work of a good and learned Physician so to temper poisons, that they may not prove a Venome but an Antidote. Wherefore Laudana, which were found out by none but skilful persons who had long experience of them, ought onely to be admitted into practice; of which sort there is enough already received and approved on, so that there needs no new ones to be daily added. The ancient Laudana invented by Paracelsus, Crollius, Querce∣tan, Hartman, and other famous Chymists, and described also in most Pharmacopaeias [Books shewing how to make Medicins] are compounded onely under the form of an Extract; in all which for a foundation there is the tincture of Opium drawn forth with a fit menstruum; to which are added other Tinctures, as of Saffron, Castor, (which Guianerus calls the Bezoar of Opium) of Species Diambrae, and the like; and so * 1.62 when they are all mixed together, distil them in a Bath, so that the menstruum being evaporated, the remainder be reduced to the consistence of Honey; and in fine, for the compleating of it, put into Magisteries, pretious Powders, Chymical Oils, and other things that are reckoned Cordials: and when the Medicin is thus made up, it is most commonly given in the form of a Pill.

Though these kind of Laudana seem efficacious enough, and elegantly made up, yet * 1.63 the Modern Physicians have somewhat altered the forms and made the consistence of them liquid, that they may be the better taken in any liquor. To which you may add, that whereas an Opiate Pill (which was no less famous for doing hurt than good) was a terrour to some People, a Dose of Liquid Laudanum may be better concealed (if it be necessary, and the Patient be averse to it) and when it is poured into other liquor, may go for a Cordial rather than a sleeping Medicin. And indeed sick People sometimes are too cautious as well as too careless in the use of Opiates, and therefore, as in one case they ought to be admonished, so in another they should be cheated and deceived. For the making of liquid as well as solid Laudanum, you must extract the tinctures of Opium and its adjuncts severally, in the same manner; which having afterwards mixed all together, and drawn off the menstruums to the one half, there will remain a Medicin which is of a shining red colour, the Dose whereof is from ℈ss. to ℈j.

Concerning these Laudana of hoth kinds, it is of greatest moment with what men∣struum * 1.64 the Tincture of Opium is extracted; in so much that this is grown to be a great controversie among some Chymists of no small account, whilest some of them supposing it to be cold, use spirit of Wine; and others on the contrary, to abate the heat of the Opium, dissolve it in spirit of Vinegar, or juice of Citron: now indeed

each menstruum is agreeable enough, and one almost as good as the other, so it be re∣duced to an Extract; but if you give it in a liquid form, there is no better dissolver of Opium than spirit of Wine, impregnated with salt of Tartar volatilized. For this most readily dissolves the mass thereof, receives a Tincture that shines like a Ruby; besides which, it somewhat subdues the Narcotick sulphur, and takes off its noisome smell: for to say truth, salt of Tartar is the best correcter of, or rather Antidote against Opium. Hence that same Empericks Opiate Pill, in which salt of Tartar mingled with Oil of Turpentine is the dissolver of the Opium, is reckoned very good: to which Composition they add Powder of white Hellebore, but not for any other reason, I suppose, than because some men maintain a Paradox [a position against common reason] and say that Venoms when they are tamed become the best Medicins.

For some few Years last past the use of a kind of Liquid Laudanum hath been fre∣quent; of which Helmont is commonly said to be the Author. It hath for its men∣struum * 1.65 [or dissolver] the Juice of Quinces put into a fermentation by the Yist of Ale: with which a deep tincture both of Opium and Saffron is extracted, which being strained and aromatized, is drawn off in a Bath to the one half; then part of the remaindee is kept for use, and is this Liquid Laudanum: of which the Dose is from 15 to 20 drops. The other part by further Distillation, is reduced into the form of Pills, and given from gr. j. to ij. I have given that liquid Opiate, in dysenterical cases, often∣times with great success. But my Liquid Laudanum (which I most commonly use) hath for its menstruum, the Tincture of salt of Tartar raised to the highest redness by long digestion: and since the Tincture of Opium extracted by this is the ground of the Medicin, for a Complement I add Saffron, Castor, Cloves, and Lignum Aloes: of this the Dose is from 15 to 25 grains.

2. After white Poppy and the opiate Preparations thereof, I come next to tell you * 1.66 of wild or Erratick Poppy, which hath, no question, a kind of hypnotick or sleepy qua∣lity in it, but much more mild and benign than that other; wherefore in some cases it is very suitable, and we may be more secure in the use of it. For this there is a Syrup and a Distilled Water prepared, and to be had in Apothecaries shops, which are often given with success in most continued Fevers, and are supposed to be helpful in the Pleurisie by a kind of specifick virtue, which they have, because they remove pains, and by stopping the Pulse in some measure, depress or cool the feverish boyling of the bloud. Moreover out of the Flowers hereof, infused in spirit of Wine, you may draw a Tin∣cture, which among Empericks and good Women is a famous Medicin, and said to be good against a Surfeit by hard drinking. Of which this seems to be the reason, be∣cause the spirit of Wine keeps all that is in the stomach from putrifaction, and the Nar∣cotick quality of the Flowers prevents the Fever which is coming upon a man.

3. Having done with the Medicins made of Poppy, Mandragoras, or Mandrake, Henbane, Cynogloss or Dogs tongue, and Tobacco, come in the rank of Narcoticks, next before us. Of the two former of which, because they are scarce ever received into the practice of Physick (except the seeds of Henbane); I need not make many words, but Cynogloss, because it breaths, as it were, a soporiferous smell or flavour, * 1.67 doth openly prosess its Narcotick nature, and by the beauty of its form, doth as it were, invite us to take it up. For it is a very fine Plant, with soft leaves, of a pleasant green colour, and is crowned with delicate purple flowers. The Powder of the roots thereof is an impediment of, and gives denomination to that ancient and famous Opiate called Pillulae de Cynoglosso. The Juice of the whole Plant (gathered about the begin∣ning of the Spring) being squeezed out and depurated by close and hot digestion, and then decanted from the dregs, gives you a clear liquor, which is shiningred like a Ruby. This may be used either as a Menstruum to compound other Narcotick Con∣fections, or an Hypnotick [or sleepy] Syrup is prepared out of it. Or lastly, being gently evaporated, it is reduced into an Extract, out of which, as out of Opium, Tin∣ctures and Extracts are made with convenient Menstruums [or Dissolvers.]

Tobacco brings up the Rere of Narcotick Medicins, and justly claims a place among them. For though it be no ingredient in their Compositions, yet the smoak of it ta∣ken * 1.68 through a Pipe, produces many times the same effect as they do. Yea, which is more to be admired, it doth not onely procure sleep alone, but sometimes also the contrary of it, which is watchfulness. I need not trouble my self to tell you the ori∣ginal or usage of this invention, which is so commonly known and practised by men and women of all sexes, ages, and conditions. The reason why I put it in the number of Opiates is, because it works almost the same effect among our Countrymen, as Opium doth among the Turks: for both of them dispose men to do or suffer any thing (by affecting the animal spirits with a kind of unusual motion, and rendering them as it were astounded) without any great sense of pain or weariness. Wherefore

to the smoak of Tobacco taken in at the mouth, according to the common custom, they ascribe not onely many; but different, yea contrary virtues and effects, that are repugnant one to another. For it is vulgarly said to heat us when we are cold and chill, and to cool us when we are hot; to procure or prevent sleeping; and likewise to satisfie or excite hunger and thirst: the reason of all which, consists in this, that the * 1.69 animal spirits being gently agitated, and as it were put into a kind of Dance by this exhilarating fume, are totally deaf to the molestations of any troublesome object; yea, whatsoever of difficulty they have to do or suffer, they perform insensibly and without any disturbance. Whereupon the use of Tobacco is not onely good, but almost ne∣cessary * 1.70 for Souldiers and Seamen, where it agrees with them, in as much as it makes them both undaunted in all dangers, and able to endure hunger, cold, and labour. But that this smoak is very Narcotick and injurious to the spirits (before it grows familiar to them by long usage) is manifest from this, because when they first attempt to take it, there is hardly any one but suffers very great disturbances in their Brain and Nerves. For when a man is initiated in this dry kind of drinking, he is immediately taken with a swimming and a cloudiness in his Brains, which is often attended with vomiting and purging; their feet fail them, their hands tremble, and their tongue stammers, or talks idly. Many times also a cold sweat and terrible fainting fits ensue thereupon, the cause of all which is, for that the animal spirits, being as it were intoxicated by the Narcotick sulphur, are in their whole Government very much distracted, and forced into disorders: nor onely at the first or second bout, but from the beginning it is ma∣ny times a long while before the smoak of Tobacco can be taken without great con∣fusion in the spirits. But as soon as that custom is become usual and familiar to a man, it likewise grows very grateful, and affects the animal spirits with so much pleasure, that some men had rather abstain from meat or drink than from the use thereof. The reason of which is, because this smoaking doth gently raise, and as it were tickle the animal spirits whenever they are dull and sluggish, and puts them into pleasant expan∣sive motions, with which they are recruited and refreshed in a wonderful manner, as after drinking of Wine.

So much for the principal Narcoticks with their Preparations, and the manner of using them, who belong all to the family of Vegetables. But lest it should be thought that Minerals are of no effect in this case, some men will tell you, that even out of those harder bodies they have prepared most excellent Opiates, without any Opium at all in them. Quercetan prescribes the making of a certain Nepenthe [Pain-removing Me∣dicin] (which is very efficacious to allay and take off all pains and languishings) out of the Narcotick sulphur of Vitriol, and Oil of Sol and Luna [i. e. Gold and Silver] with Tincture of Coral, and other famous Cordials: of which Medicin I am so far from admiring the Virtues, that I rather think, that either there are no such metallick sul∣phurand Oils at all, or that they are of little or no force. Therefore contemning those things, and returning to the genuine and real Narcoticks, I will for a farewel, subjoin some forms of them, which I will likewise digest into several Classes or Orders, accor∣ding as the Opiates have for their ground either the Syrup or Distilled Water of red * 1.71 Poppy, or Diacodium, or Laudanum in an Extract or Liquid, or Pills of Storax or Cynogloss, or a Philonium.

Take of red Poppy Water, and Cowslip Water, each ℥ vj. of Syrup of Rhead Poppy ℥ ij. of * 1.72 Sal Prunella ʒ ss. mingle them and make a Julap. The Dose is ℥ iij. or iv. thrice a day, in a Pleurisie, Pains and Watchings, without any Fever or manifest cause.

Take of Poppy Water ℥ iv. to vj. and let it be taken sometimes by it self twice or thrice a day for the same intentions.

Take of Diacodium from ℥ ss. to ℥ vj. of Cowslip Water ℥ iij. of Treacle Water ℥ iij. and * 1.73 make a Potion.

Take of Carduus Water ℥ iij. of Diacodium ℥ ss. of Spirit of Harts horn, from ℈ ss. to ℈ j and make a draught to provoke sleep and sweating.

Take of Diascordium ʒ ss. of Gascoign Powder ℈ j.of Diacodium ʒ ij. mingle it, and let the Party take it in a spoon.

Take of Diacodium ℥ iij. of Snail Water ℥ j. and mingle them. It is good in a Cough and Pthisick. The Dose is one spoonful when you go to Bed, and if need be, repeat it after midnight.

Take of London Laudanum gr. j. of Powder of Claws compounded ℈ ss. to ℈ j. with a convenient quantity of Syrup of Clove-gilliflowers. Make 3 Pills to be taken when you go to Bed.

Take of Laudanum gr. j. of Pilulae stomachieae cum gummi ʒss, make iv. Pills, to be taken * 1.74 when you go to Bed, for the Colick. * 1.75

Take of Laudanum gr. j. to gr. j. ss. of Diascordium ℈ j. make a Bolus. In the room of the * 1.76 Diascordium you may put Confection of Alchermes, or of Jacinth.

Take of Laudanum gr. j. dissolved in a spoonful of Treacle water, and put to it of Cowslip * 1.77 water ℥ ij. make a draught.

Take of my Liquid Laudanum tartarized xx. drops, and give it in a spoonful of Aqua Mirabilis * 1.78 or Cinamon water, or any other that is fitting. It is good in pains of the Colick, Stone, or Gout.

Take of Species Hierae ʒ ss. of the same Laudanum xx. drops, and make iv. Pills, to be taken when you go to Bed to purge, and likewise to allay pains in the Colick.

Take of Liquid Laudanum prepared with Quinces, from xv. ro xx. drops, and give it in a * 1.79 spoonful of small Cinamon water, in dysenterical Diseases.

Take of the Conserve of red Roses ℥j. of Treacle of Andromachus and the Confection of Ja∣cinth, each ʒij. of red Pulvis Pannonicus ʒj. of Laudanum prepared with Quinces ʒij. of Syrup of Coral, a convenient quantity, make a Confection. The Dose is ʒj. every four or five hours, in a very bloudy Dysentery [or Flux] with gripings.

Take of Pil. de Styr. [or Pill of Storax] gr. v. to vj. of Lac Sulph. ℈ ss. of Oil of Anise seeds j. drop, * 1.80 of Balsam of Peru a convenient quantity, make iv. Pills to be taken in a Cough, Asthma, &c.

Take of Pills of Cynogloss gr. vj. to viij. make 2 Pills to be taken at bed time for the same end. * 1.81

Take of Philonium Rom. ℈j. to ℈ij. of Conserve of Clove-gilliflowers ʒ ss. mingle them; make a * 1.82 Bolus to be taken when you go to Bed. It is good for the Colick, in a cold temperament.

After Narcotick remedies, which I have now sufficiently exposed to their view, I should in the next place say something of Medicins that are meerly Anodynous; that is to say, such as gently quiet and compose the animal spirits when they are any way di∣sturbed, or in an heat, not by subduing or stupifying, but onely by mollifying and soothing of them. But the •…•…n of these (i. e. whether there are any such in nature or no?) ought first to appear, before we form a Discourse of the 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉 [i. e. why they are so.] For besides that Fomentations, Pultises, and Ointments outwardly applied, and Clysters injected into the Guts do sometimes allay pain, I know no other effect that is performed by those meerly Anodynous Medicins, at least when they are taken in at the mouth. Wherefore I do not think it worth while to frame any reasons for such, because we can∣not at all rely upon them for procuring of sleep, or easing of pain, when it is very sharp upon us.

But seeing we have hitherto discoursed so largely of Opiates, with their Preparations, and the ways how they work, according to the former method, I should now in order * 1.83 speak of such Medicins as are contrary to them, or Anthypnoticks; that is to say, such as by keeping sleep off, when it comes too fast upon us, make us watchful; if I had not formerly performed this task in almost all particulars, in a Discourse concerning the Brain (where I treat of the Lethargy and other sleepy Distempers, with their Reme∣dies) so that there is no need for me in this place to repeat the same thing over again. But since in that Book, and also in other places, I have made frequent mention of a * 1.84 certain liquor called Coffee, which is very effectual for the expelling of drowsiness, I do not think it altogether improper to add seme few words more in this place concern∣ing that Drink with its effects, and the reasons of its operations, which I have hinted elsewhere. It would be besides our purpose here to discourse of the ancient and com∣mon use of it, now among the Turks, and formerly among the Arabians and other Eastern Nations; but seeing that this Drink hath been used even by our Country-men too, for some years last past, and almost every body knows by experience what great virtue it hath in driving away drowsiness, therefore let us now inquire into the reasons of this so well known and tried effect. The reason of this I have told you in the * 1.85

Chapter De Pervigilio [of Watching] consists in this, that the Coffee insinuates adust particles (wherewith you may know by smelling as well as tasting, that it abounds) im∣mediately into the bloud, and then into the nervous juice; which particles do by their disagreeableness, and also by their restlessness, not onely keep the pores of the outward Brain still open, but likewise give such spurrs and provocations to the spirits, (which are disengaged for all bonds of drowsiness besides) as may excite them still to perform their offices: for to procure sleep these two things are necessarily required, of which sometimes the one and sometimes the other is most effectual: that is to say, all the pores and passages of the outward Brain or the Cortex of it, must be very much stuffed and filled with a Liquor that distills as it were from the bloud, and flows into those parts, and by that means be closed up; and then afterward to produce that effect, it is ne∣cessary that the animal spirits being excluded out of those pores and passages, and also many times clogged with nutritive and serous particles, should betake themselves to∣wards the middle of the Brain and lie idle. In these Preparatives to sleeping, there is not always one and the same order. For sometimes the animal spirits do first and of their own accord forsake those places, whilest the nervous juice immediately runs into them when they are emptied; and sometimes the nervous humour that flows thither with the serum in great plenty, gets into those passages first, driving the spirits out of them even against their inclinations, and forcing them inward.

But the operation of Coffee seems contrary to both these effects: For immediately after the drinking of it, the adust particles, which are extraordinary active and nimble, being conveyed into the bloud, do somewhat dissolve the liquor of it, and separate the serous part toward the reins and into the habit of the body; and then those particles coming to the Brain, do very easily open the pores of it, and keep them also by their restlessness very wide. Afterward being joined to the spirits, they strip them of all other particles that either oppress or are nutritive, and consequently put them, being now light and volatile, into several motions, and cause them to be expanded through the whole circuit of the Brain, which is freed from all oppletion [fulness] and obstruction.

But in the mean while, when the spirits being exercised in this manner centinually * 1.86 and indefatigably, are deprived of the access and assimilation of the nervous juice, their forces are not sufficiently and in the usual manner recruited. Indeed the old Spirits are made more active and nimble, but the supplies of new ones are diminished. So that it appears from hence, that this drink though very common in use, and in some cases very beneficial, and extraordinary physical, yet in some others perhaps is noxious or less wholsome. And that it is so, not onely reason but daily and common obser∣vation tells us, in as much as Coffee-drinkers, that take it to excess, become many times lean Fellows, and subject to the Palsie as also averse to, or unfit for Venery. The for∣mer effect is so frequent and well known, that I have for that reason alone forbidden * 1.87 a great many to drink Coffee, because it makes them grow lean.

For seeing the bloud, by the daily and too frequent use thereof, becomes sharp and more heated or dried, it is therefore less able to nourish. But as to the indispositions of the Brain and Nerves, I think I sometimes prescribe this Drink, for the curing of them, as much as any man: for I use to send some of my Patients to the Coffee-houses rather than to the Apothecaries shops.

Indeed in most diseases and maladies of the Head, as the Head-ach, Swimming, Lethargy, Catarrhs, and the like, where there is a moist Brain, but a dulness and num∣ness of the animal spirits, joined with a full habit of Body, a cold or not an hot consti∣tution and watery bloud, Coffee is taken many times with great success: for being daily drank, it wonderfully clarifies and illustrates or purges the Brain, and dispels all the clouds from off every function whatsoever: but on the contrary, such People as are thin, cholerick, or melancholick, and have sharp and hot bloud, an hot brain, and their animal spirits too much disturbed and discomposed, ought altogether to abstain from this kind of Liquor; because it the more perverts both the spirits and humours, rendering them unfit and unable for any functions whatsoever. For I have observed many People that have had no great plenty of spirits, and likewise such as were sub∣ject to the Headach, Swimming in the Brains, Palpitation of the Heart, and trembling or numbness in the limbs, that have immediately been the worse for drinking of Coffee, in those respects, and have thereupon presently felt an unusual languishing in their whole Body.

THE END.

Notes

• * 1.1

  The vicissitude of Sleep and Watching is ne∣cessary to the preservation of health.
• * 1.2

  In my Treatise of the Brain.
• * 1.3

  There are four things to be in∣quired into, concerning the nature of Opiates.
• * 1.4

  1. How Opiates work upon the animal spirits.
• * 1.5

  In what sort of particles their virtue consisteth
• * 1.6

  In what places Opiates work primarily and chiefly.
• * 1.7

  First, In the Cortex, or out∣part of the brain
• * 1.8

  When they kill the outmost spi∣rits, they make the next to them retire.
• * 1.9

  They lessen or recall the af∣flux of them to the nervous parts.
• * 1.10

  The reason of it.
• * 1.11

  3. How far the virtue of O∣piates is exten∣ded, and into what parts.
• * 1.12

  They do not poi∣son the bloud, as they do the spi∣rits.
• * 1.13

  Opiates work chiefly upon the animal spirits.
• * 1.14

  Sometimes their force reaches the Cerebellum, or hinder part of the brain.
• * 1.15

  4. The good or bad effects of Opiates.
• * 1.16

  1. The good respect either the Spirits or the Bloud and Humours.
• * 1.17

  They are good for the Spirits in respect to sense and mo∣tion.
• * 1.18

  To both in a different kind.
• * 1.19

  In respect of the inward senses, to watching.
• * 1.20

  And 2. Mad∣ness.
• * 1.21

  In respect of the external sense, for pain.
• * 1.22

  How Opiates remove pains without sleep, or after it.
• * 1.23

  The reason of it.
• * 1.24

  It consists in these 2 things
• * 1.25

  • 1. There is re∣quired to make pain, a copious flowing of the spirits to the part affecte•…•….
  • 2. Which O∣piates hinder.
• * 1.26

  For the same reason Opiates remove Convul∣sions.
• * 1.27

  They are good in the Gout and Stone.
• * 1.28

  2. How Opiates cure the irregu∣larities of mo∣tion.
• * 1.29

  1. They diminish the vehemency of the Pulse and of Respira∣tion.
• * 1.30

  They regulate the disorders of Respiration.
• * 1.31

  How Opiates work upon the bloud.
• * 1.32

  How the Opiate particles work upon the bloud.
• * 1.33

  They soon pass through the bloud.
• * 1.34

  And therefore are called An∣tidotes.
• * 1.35

  They cause Sweat and Urin.
• * 1.36

  A notable Hi∣story of their Efficacy.
• * 1.37

  The second Sto∣ry.
• * 1.38

  The third Sto∣ry.
• * 1.39

  How many and what ways O∣pium useth to hurt us.
• * 1.40

  The poison works first upon the Brain, and then upon the Cer•…•…bellum, or hinder part of the Brain.
• * 1.41

  It is hur•…•…ful to the Head, the Breast, and the Belly.
• * 1.42

  How Opium works upon the Turk!.
• * 1.43

  2. What burt Opium doth to the Breast.
• * 1.44

  3. And what to the Belly.
• * 1.45

  Physical cauti∣ons concerning the use of O∣pium.
• * 1.46

  1. In respect of the Patients constitution.
• * 1.47

  2. In respect of the Distemper.
• * 1.48

  3. In respect of the animal spi∣rits.
• * 1.49

  4. In respect of the Bloud and Humours.
• * 1.50

  The distinction of Anodynous Medicins.
• * 1.51

  1. The Roll or Catalogue of all Narcoticks.
• * 1.52

  White Poppy.
• * 1.53

  The Nature and Parts of Opium.
• * 1.54

  In what the Power of Opium consists.
• * 1.55

  It doth not work the same way in all.
• * 1.56

  It doth not hurt a Dog, as it doth a Cat or a Man.
• * 1.57

  Some instances of it.
• * 1.58

  Diacodiates.
• * 1.59

  The Prepara∣tion of Opium.
• * 1.60

  The Opiates of the Ancients.
• * 1.61

  Laudana, or Opiates inven∣ted by the Mo∣dern Doctors.
• * 1.62

  Laudana in the form of an Ex∣tract.
• * 1.63

  Liquid Lauda∣na.
• * 1.64

  What is the best menstruum to make Lau∣danum with.
• * 1.65

  The Laudanum of Helmont.
• * 1.66

  2. Red Poppy and the Prepa∣rations of it.
• * 1.67

  Cynogloss and its Prepara∣tions.
• * 1.68

  Tobacco.
• * 1.69

  The effects of smoaking it.
• * 1.70

  And the reasons of it.
• * 1.71

  The grounds of Narcoticks.
• * 1.72

  1. Water and Syrup of Rhead Poppy.
• * 1.73

  Potions.
• * 1.74

  2. Laudanum extracted.
• * 1.75

  Pills.
• * 1.76

  A Bolus.
• * 1.77

  A Draught.
• * 1.78

  3. Liquid Lau∣danum tartari∣zed.
• * 1.79

  4. Liquid Lau∣danum prepared with Quinces.
• * 1.80

  5. Pills of Storax.
• * 1.81

  And of Cyno∣gloss.
• * 1.82

  6. Philonium.
• * 1.83

  Medicins that hinder sleep.
• * 1.84

  Coffee, and its Effects.
• * 1.85

  The reason of it.
• * 1.86

  Its convenien∣ces and incon∣veniences.
• * 1.87

  It makes People lean, and Pa∣ralytick, &c.