The mysteries of opium reveal'd by Dr. John Jones ... ; who, I. Gives an account of the name, make, choice, effects, &c. of opium, II. Proves all former opinions of its operation to be meer chimera's, III. Demonstrates what its true cause is, by which he easily, and mechanically explains all (even its most mysterious) effects, IV. Shews its noxious principle, and how to separate it, thereby rendering it a safe, and noble panacea, whereof, V. He shews the palliative, and curative use.

CHAP. XIV. Of the Nature of Sensitive Pleasure, and its Effects upon the Animal, as far as it con∣cerns our present Purpose. (Book 14)

SEnsitive Pleasure is a Complacency of the sensitive Soul, resulting from the Agreeableness of the Object to the Organ of Sensation: Thus are we pleased with what is agreeable to the Eye, Ear, Tongue, Stomach, &c. And what is agreeable to those Organs, is agreeable to the Animal in general: 1. Because God has made and appointed them (especially the sensile Membrane at Stomach) to be as it were the Touchstone of what is agreeable to the Animal. 2. Because the Membranes (or Organs) are of the same active Principles with the Animal's Body in general; otherwise they would not be fit Tasters, Triers, or Touchstones of what is good or bad for the Body in general.

Now the active Principles of the Membranes, (or Organs) are Volatile Salt and oily Parts, or a Sal Volatile Oleosum, which is predominant in them, and all the Parts of the Body; therefore such Things as have a Volatile Salt join'd with some oily Parts, must be in a special manner agreeable and pleasing to the Membranes; for simile fimili gaudeat.

Hence it is, That what abound in Volatile Salt, as Snails, Earthworms, and Things of that kind, are such fine Anodynes, and so pleasing to the Membranes, &c. That the Seed of Animals, which is a Sal Volatile Oleosum, and Things of that na∣ture, as Onions, Garlick, Rocket, Sives, Bears Gar∣lick,

Oysters, Cockles, Shallot, &c. do so please and tickle the Venereal Membranes, and thereby excite Venery; and that such Things are generally so very agreeable to the Stomach, (with which we are mainly concerned, as the Chief Judge of what is agreeable to the Animal) and so main Ingre∣dients of Relishes, Sauces, &c. to render them pleasing to it.

Here it is obvious to note, (what is also very commonly observed) That the most pleasing Things to the Stomach, Venereal Membranes, &c. have those Principles more active, warm, and tickling, than the Membranes themselves, because the sensitive Soul is highly pleased with what fine∣ly actuates, tickles, and causes an Ovation of the Spiritus insiti of the Membranes. Hence bare Warmth is so very pleasing, as are also gentle Frictions of the Head, Back, &c. for the same Reasons.

• ...

  1. The oily Parts (as all know) do please the Feeling (with which we have to do) by their smooth, gentle, and soft touch. Thus Milk, Emulsions, and other Anodynes, as the Root and Flower of Water Lily, White Lily, &c. become agreeable to the Membranes, and theresore relax and ease Pain. Hence it is that all Aliments have an agreeable Sweetness, the Pleasure whereof takes off the grievous Sensation called Hunger.

  But the Pleasure of oily Parts, because they do not so actuate, stir, and titillate the Spiritus insiti, is but flat, slow, and dull, without they are joined with some other Particles that are pleasing to the Membranes, that actuate and finely titillate the Membranes, and Spiritus insiti; therefore to make them highly and charmingly pleasing, they should have join'd therewith,

• ...

• 2. Volatile Salt being a more active agreeable Principle, which may finely and pleasingly excite, actuate, titillate, and cause an Ovation in the Spiritus insiti, as Onions, &c. at Stomach, Sem. Ani∣mal. upon the Venereal Membranes, &c.

But, as was said of the Oily Parts, That they cannot cause so exalted a Pleasure without the Volatile Salt, so the Volatile Salt alone, or too little qualified, and smooth'd over with Oily Parts, is too rude, pungent, or acrimonious, as in Cantharides, Bees, Pismire, Asarabacca, Spear∣wort, Crowsfoot, and other Vomitory Volatiles, which becomes so by over-stinging the Membranes, and stirring the Spiritus insiti overmuch into a sort of Fury, instead of an agreeable Ovation.

It follows therefore, That it is neither Oily Parts alone, which if too much, often nauseates the Stomach, nor Volatile Salt alone, no nor every Mixture thereof, but a certain due Proportion of both, so as to have the Volatile Salt somewhat more predominant than in our Membranes, that it may comfortably actuate, titillate, and excite our Spirits, as Warmth, Frications, &c. do, must cause the most charming and exalted Pleasure; For Things exactly of the same degree of Oil and Volatile Salt, with our Membranes, can cause but a slow Sensation, because they make little or no Alte∣ration therein, which is one of the great Requisites of Sensation; for that which makes no Alteration, as the Saliva in the Mouth, the same degree of Light that is in the Eye, of Sound as in the Ear already, &c. cannot be perceiv'd, because where no Difference is made, nothing can be perceiv'd, for the Organ is affected but as it was before the Object was of∣fer'd, and consequently we cannot perceive that any new thing was objected, and therefore can∣not be at all sensible thereof; so if it makes but

a small Difference, the Sensation can be but slow, and slight Proportionably, as of a little degree of Light more than is in the Eye, &c. for it is only that little that is perceived; for (as is notorious to all who understand any Thing of these Mat∣ters of Sensation) it is only the Excess of Impression to what was upon the Organ before, that is per∣ceived; for that is all that is n••w above what was thereon before, and therefore all that is to be, or can be perceived more than was before (as was said.) Hence it is, that Flesh or other Things, that have the Sal-Volatile Oleosum, or the same Prin∣ciples, that the Membranes of the Stomach, Vene∣real Parts, &c. have, in much the same degree, affect them but with a gentle Pleasure. There∣fore we must have such a mixture wherein the Volatile Salt, as in Semine Animali, Onions, &c. is sensibly more active than in our Membranes, to actuate the Spiritus insui of the Membranes, and cause an Ovation therein, which is (as was said of Comfortable Warmth, Frications, &c.) very agreeable, and pleasant to the Sensitive Soul, who looks upon such as friendly and active Auxiliaries to our Spirits, whereas the other are as lazy Friends, wherein he takes not the like Compla∣cency; You may perceive much of the Difference in this Case in Mustums, (or new unfermented Wines) which indeed do lazily please by their acceptable sweetness, but do not so actuate the Spi∣ritus insiti as the same Oily Parts when rendered active, spirituous, and nearer the Nature of actual Heat after Fermentation; which then being very readily actuated by the Heat of the Stomach, do briskly and chearfully return the Kindness by actu∣ating our Spirits, and putting them into a pleasing Ovation, of which I could give you a very pat and pregnant Instance in a Thing actuated into a very high degree of pleasing by Frication and

Agitation, which was otherwise almost insensible; but Modesty forbids me.

Note, How the sluggish Oily Parts in Mustums do, by being spiritualized by Fermentation, as it were, supply the place of Volatile Salt in actuat∣ing, and in some measure titillating, tho' not to that high degree as the more poinant Volatile salt in Semine Virili, and the like, because the Sulphu∣reous Oily Particles, however separated, disgre∣gated, and set at at liberty by Fermentation, re∣tain much of their smoothness, and never can arrive at the titillating Power of Volatile Salts, as is evident in Amphrodistacks upon the Account of Volatile Salts, as Cantharides, Bees, Pismire, &c. which Wine in 100 times the quantity cannot e∣qual in Titillation.

Nor is it enough to have the Sal Volatile Oleo∣sum duely qualified, as to the Quantity and Quality of both the Oily and Saline Parts, and these pre∣dominant, and of a fine brisk and gently tickling Activity;

But the Oleous and Salino Volatile Parts should (to make a compleat and permanent Pleaser of the Membranes) be very intimately combined, so as not easily to separate one from the other, o∣therwise they will not duely conspire and co-ope∣rate to cause the Pleasure, but the Volatile Salt will act separately as such, that is irritating, and not finely and pleasantly Tickling, as Semen Huma∣num, &c. wherein the Oil and Volatile Salt are firmly join'd together.

I therefore conclude, That the most excellent Thing to please the Membranes, must be such as Semen Humanum, that is, not too Oily, (for then

it would not sufficiently please by a fine Titilla∣tion, and actuating of our Spirits) nor too full of Volatile Salt, as Mustard, Asarabacca, &c. nor have too accrimonious a Volatile salt with too little Oleous Parts to correct it, for in both these last Cases the Irritation would be grievous; nor have the Oleous and Volatile loosely combined. But,

That it should be a Sal Volatile Oleosum, where∣in the Volatile Parts are brisker, and somewhat more active than ours, yet so corrected by Oleous Parts intimately combined therewith, as to render it of a most agreeable and pleasant Titillation, such as would please all Membranes, but especially those that have most accute Sensation, as the Stomach, and Vene∣real Membranes, (both which Opium most sen∣sibly pleases) which are ordered so to be for Pre∣servation of the Individuum, and Species, the one to invite us to Eat, and the other to Procreate; But to satisfie you yet farther, as to the Stomach, which concerns us mostly,

Note 1. That the more exalted and intense the Pleasure is, the higher are its Effects upon the Sen∣sitive Soul in pleasing, comforting, and elevating it; and upon the Body, in relaxing all the Sensile Parts thereof, as that of Wine is higher than that of Mustum, &c.

Note 2. That the better the Organ is disposed for Sensation, the higher the Pleasure or Displeasure is; for he that has his Nose, Tongue, Ear, Mem∣branes, &c. ill disposed for Smelling, Tasting, Hear∣ing, Feeling, &c. has not so much Pleasure in sweet Odours, good Tastes, Musick, Pleasers of the Feel∣ing, &c. nor so much Displeasure in bad Scents, &c. It follows,

Note 3. That cujus est Dolor ejusdem est Voluptas, that is, the Part or Membrane that is capable of intense Pleasure, is so of intense Pain or Displeasure. For Instance, If the Stomach be capable of great Grievances, it is so of great Pleasure, God having distributed them also equally.

Note 4. That, since the great Use, End, and Business of Sensation, is to give notice, and inform the Animal of what is, or is not good and a∣greeable to it, it follows, that the Wisdom that made us would place the most exquisitely and critically disposed Organ (or Membrane) of Sen∣sation, where such notice is most requisite and use∣ful; and consequently there must be more Pleasure or Displeasure conceiv'd at Things agreeable or disagreeable, that the descending and relieving Motions and Comfort, may be proportionable.

Note 5. That such exquisite, exact, and nice Notice is most requisite at Stomach.

First, Because all our Nutriment, good and bad, is to pass that Way to be Judged of.

Secondly, Because it is the last Part that it ar∣rives at before it receives a considerable change; for when it is changed, no such true and sincere Iudgment can be given thereof, as could be be∣fore.

Thirdly, Because the Faults, Defects, or Negli∣gences of the Taste, and the External Senses, are to be remedied and corrected there, or no where, therefore the Stomach is as the last Judge of Ap∣peal, and should be most exact and infallible in Iudging; or as the last inner, or Main Guard in a Fort, Town, or Castle, which if the Enemy pass, the whole is endanger'd, if not lost.

Fourthly, Because the Concern being so great, Sensation should be the more exquisite there, to excite the Animal Powers to make Defence, by

repelling, rejecting, or detruding the Enemy, which Powers (as has been intimated) are excited according to the degree of Sensation, especially seeing there is no voluntary Power, or Contraction of the Stomach, but only the Natural, which is always excited by Sensation in such Cases, or not at all.

Fifthly, Sensation should be critical and accurate at Stomach, to inform us precisely when we should Eat or Drink.

Sixthly, To inform us exactly when we have Eaten or Drank enough; for all this is done by Sensation.

Therefore God has placed a most Sensile Mem∣brane at the Stomach, as most manifestly ap∣pears;

First, By its taking, and giving notice of such Minute Things, that no Sense, Part, Organ, or Membrane can; for it takes notice of, and informs the Sensitive Soul (as has been said) of the Vomi∣tory Particles of the Crocus and Regulus of Anti∣mony, which are so indefinitely small, that no o∣ther Membrane or Organ of Sensation, but that at Stomach, can take notice thereof, because the Crocus and Regulus, after they have afforded 1000 Vomits from their Bodies, are not sensibly dimi∣nished either in Weight or Bulk; nor doth the Stomach take and give a slight, but very remark∣able notice thereof, that is sufficiently powerful to excite not only all the Natural Powers of the Part, and of all the Auxiliary Muscles that usually assist to Vomit, but to cause a Contraction (and that very often strongly Convulsive) of all, or most of the Muscles, and Membranes of the whole Body, so great is the Sway, or Regimen of the Stomach, by vertue of its exquisite sensility.

Secondly, By its giving notice of inimicous Par∣ticles, and very tenuious Effluvias, that fly in the Air, which no Organ of Sensation, or Membrane, but that at Stomach, can observe. For Instance, Some that hate Cats very much, will know, that there is a Cat in the same Room with them, tho' silent, and shut up in a Trunk or Cupboard, where neither the Eye, Ear, Nose, Taste, or immediate Feeling, can be at all concerned or affected. That it is the Stomach that is affected, is apparent, (tho' a Thing not thought of;) 1. Because the first notice they have is plainly at Stomach by a kind of faint Distress, not unlike a beginning Nausea; If the Curious will enquire, they will find it to be as I say. 2. Because all Perception of Material Things is by Sensation, and that it is evident no other Organ of Sensation, or Membrane, is concerned. 3. Because, if the Cat continues in the Room, and is not removed, they fall a Vomiting, or into Anxieties or great Distresses at Stomach, or Faintings and Syncopes, which are the common and known Effects of a grieved or op∣pressed Stomach.

Just so does it (tho' these Things are not, or not duely observed) take, and give notice of Pe∣stilential Effluvias, which cause the like Faintings, or a kind of Nausea at Stomach; Thus People discern that they are (as they call it) Plague struck, and often fall (as in the Case of the Effluvias of the Cat) into dangerous Deliquiums and Syncopes, of which many in Plague Times suddenly dye, as Cat Haters would (for ought I know) if they continue long in the same Room with a Cat, as they do with Pestilential Effluvias; Therefore it were good presently to remove them from the Place wherein they were struck, because the Air (as the Room wherein the Cat is) is fill'd with the

pernicious Particles; for you see in the Case of the Cat, that removing the Man or the Cat gives Relief, and it were better removing the Man, but that he is more Cumbersom, because the Room is already tainted with the Effluvias, and in the Case of the Plague it is only the Person that can be well removed. This proves how useful Re∣movals may be, and how convenient in Plague Time it would be to remove to the Wind-side of a Town or City that is tainted, according as the Wind changes, and how convenient Winds are to convey away the Effluviams, and good Sto∣machick Cordials, that are warm, and pleasant, to fortifie the Stomach, and open the Pores, which all Things that cause a sense of Pleasure do, as Wine, Spirits, &c. to which if some good Prepa∣ration of Opium were added, it would be most convenient. How many Stories have we of Per∣sons well fill'd with Wine, who wonderfully escaped Infection; I pray God this Hint may be improv'd to the Preservation of Mankind; There∣fore I add, that much may be in a good Quantity of Wine in this Case; 1. Because, Quod intus est prohibet alienum, that is, What is within hinders in∣gress of another Thing. 2. Because the Perspira∣tion will be the greater, both upon the Account of the greater opening of the Pores by the Plea∣sure of the Wine, and the greater Quantity of Matter to be perspired carry off the venemous Particles. 3. Because the Sensitive Soul is thereby much comforted, refreshed, and invigorated; but I would have the Wine so used, as to keep a continual Warmth, Pleasure, and Comfort at Sto∣mach, which is the main Cause of all the good; I think a Glass every Hour, after taking 2 or 3 at first, may hit the Mark best, the Reason of which will appear hereafter.

Thirdly, The Stomach's exquisite Disposition to Sensation, above all other Organs and Membranes, appears by this, viz. That the Offences of the other Organs of Sensation (even by their proper Objects) do often affect the Stomach more than those very Senses or Organs themselves. For In∣stance, If we smell a great Stench, the Stomach is often more offended thereat than the Nose, as is manifest from the Vomitings, Faintings, and Deli∣quiums that are caused by the Stomach upon that Account; so the bare Seeing, Feeling, and Tasting of a nasty Thing, do cause Nauseas, &c. at Sto∣mach, yea, the very naming of such Things has much offended it, and caused such Effects, which may be thought very strange, considering that there pass no Effluvias from the sound of Words, but the Reason will appear in the following Para∣graph.

Fourthly, All Passions, Commotions, and Pertur∣bations, that happen in the Body, do often affect the Stomach, and sometimes so grievously, as to cause Nauseas, Vomitings, great Anxieties at Sto∣mach, Faintings, &c. Thus Fear, Terrour, Surprizes, Anger, Grief, Pain in other Parts, &c. causing some Motion in the Animal more than ordi∣nary, (of which the Stomach being sensible) do cause the aforesaid Disturbances; Therefore it is no Wonder, if the Hearing one mention a Nasty Thing, which causes an Abhorrence, and the Mo∣tions consequent thereunto, should (as was said in the precedent Paragraph) cause the nice Stomach to be offended.

It is most manifest from the Premises, that no Organ or Membrane, can compare with the Sto∣mach, as to its exquisite Disposition for Sensation; it follows then,

That Grievances or Pleasure at Stomach must have the greater Effects;

• 1. Because the Intenseness of either will be proportionable to the Sensation.
• 2. Because the Powers of the Animal that are to defend it (which are Contractions) are affected according to the Sensation, and that it is there most requisite sensibly to affect them.
• 3. Because what affects the Stomach influences the whole Animal, more than the Sensation of any other Part.
• 4. Because of the considerable Stay that Things make at Stomach to cause Grievance or Pleasure, whereas that of Pleasure is generally very momen∣tary in other Cases.
• 5. Because, being within the Body, we carry our Pleasure or Grievance with us, (as a Vade Me∣cum) wherever we go, and therefore,
• 6. It is a Pleasure, &c. that cannot so well be taken away from us, as that of the Tongue, Ear, Nose, Eye, &c. may, by removing the Objects; and therefore it remains with us in our very Sleep, as far as we are capable of Sensation at that Time, causing pleasant Dreams, &c. and so agreeably entertaining us Sleeping or Waking, when the Plea∣sure of all the other Senses fails us. Which will appear farther hereafter.

The Pleasure at Stomach excells even that of Venery, if not in Intenseness, yet in several other Re∣spects, viz.

• 1. Because of its duration, that of Venus being momentary, but that of Wine at Stomach lasts a good while, and that of Opium many hours, 'tis therefore that the Effects of these Two are more remarkable and taken notice of.
• ...

• 2. Because, that at Stomach may be continued as long as we please, by a new supply of Wine, Opium, Cordials, &c.
• 3. Because it may be excited, when, and as often as we please, if we have those Cordials at Hand.
• 4. Because it is not attended with any Expence of Strength, Depression of Spirits, &c. as that of Venery, but the quite contrary, viz. with more Vigour, Elevation of the Spirits, &c. one being by Emission, and the other upon Admission of what is agreeable.

It is for the several Reasons contain'd in the Pre∣mises, that the Effects of Grievance, as Hunger, &c. or Pleasure, are more considerable and remarkable at Stomach, and that Things agreeable thereto have, by way of Eminence, gain'd the Name of Cordials; That Wine, Spirits, Opium, &c. do cause a more permanent and notable Gaity, Plea∣santness, Good Humour, Serenity, Promptitude, O∣vation of the Spirits, (or Sensitive Soul) Bravery, Courage, Magnanimity, Euphory, or easie under∣going of Business, Relaxation, with all its Effects, as Deadness of the Eye, Dilatation of the Papilla, Perspiration, &c. which are hardly noted in other short Pleasures, unless it be in that eminent (tho' short) one of Venus, which is a Pleasure of the same sense of Feeling, as that of Opium and Wine are.

Therefore pleasing the Stomach is one of the greatest Things to be regarded in the Practice of Physick, to Comfort, Satisfie, or Compose the Spirits; by which Means I have often performed such Cures, that neither I, nor (I suppose) any other, could otherwise perform, namely, Dejecti∣ons of Appetite, Untowardness at Stomach, &c.

when all the ordinary and usual Means have failed, by asking them what they mostly desired or long'd for, and letting them have it; or if they could not tell of any Thing that they long'd for, I have mentioned to them all the Relishing Things that I could think of, and such as were grateful to the Stomach, till they fasten'd upon somewhat that they liked or fancied, and then being given them, it generally had the desired Success.

The Stomach is grieved (for it will concern us to know how, because Opium causes Vomiting, &c.) generally speaking;

• 1. By Things hard of Digestion, as heavy Bread, Mushroms, Rosins, and such like.
• 2. By Things acrimonious or pungent; as Vomi∣tories of Asarabacca, Groundsil, Squills, &c. which abound with Volatile salt.
• 3. By Things that stick to the Stomach, which often cause most dismal and tedious Vomitings, and (when they fall to relieve, by rejecting the grieving Matter) Hiccoughs, Anxieties, Distresses, Syncopes, and sometimes fatal Succumbencies, Na∣ture and all Endeavour failing to work any farther for the Animal's Relief; These Things happen most commonly when indigeslible Rosin sticks to the Stomach, especially if they be join'd with any Pungent, Volatile, or Acrimonious Particles. Hence it is, that Resinous Vomits are quite banish'd out of the Practice of Physick, and it were well if Resinous Purgers were so also, especially such as have considerable Acrimony, unless given with the Yolk of an Egg; Lixivials, or in Tinctures, with Spirituous Things to keep the Resinous Particles from Coalescence, and adhering to the Stomach, &c.

1. Note, (for we shall have some Occasion for it) That Resinous Things, join'd with Volatile ir∣ritating Particles, have all the ill Qualities afore∣mentioned, viz. Hardness of Digestion, Aptitude to stick to the Stomach, and Volatile Particles to irritate and tear its Coats all the time they so stick to it; and therefore such Things have dismal Effects, especially in weak Stomachs that cannot Digest them.

2. Note, That the Distresses at Stomach, caused by a grievous Sensation, are of Two sorts; 1. Such as are the Endeavours of Nature, or the Sensitive Soul, in Defence of the Animal, as all Vomitings, Purgings, Convulsions, Hiccoughs, Throws, Strug∣glings, Agitations, Contractions, Watchings, &c. which are accompanied with Melancholy, Fretful∣ness, ill Humour, &c. because of the Grievance. 2. Such as follow the Yielding and Succumbency of Nature, or the Sensitive Soul, after being tired and over-born by the Fatigue of Defensive Con∣traction; as Faintings, Distresses, Agonies, Syncopes, and Leipothymies.

3. Note, That Syncopes, or Leipothymies, are caused by the Sensitive Soul's being over-born, (as was said) tired, and spent, and giving over his fruit∣less Contractions, Defensive, and Vigilative, upon a sudden, as being to no Purpose, as he does gently and gradually give over Vigilative Contraction to cause Sleep; so that Syncopes are only greater, suddener, and more absolute Derelictions of the whole Concern of Contractions: Hence it is, that Perspiration is greater in Syncopes or Leipothymies than in Sleep, the Laxity of the Cornea and the whole Body greater, the Feeling less, or quite gone, that all Motions become much slower, or none, by the want of Compression of the Animal Spirits, and dismal Derelictions of all Contractions by the Sensitive Soul. Hence it is, that all the Effects of Sleep are yet greater in Syncopes.

4. Note, That therefore it seems, all the Diffe∣rence between Sleep, and a Leipothymy, is, that in this the Sensitive Soul quite throws the Reins of Contractions away, and in Sleep keeps hold thereof, and only lets them loose, and as Refection is made, straightens them more and more, till they come to the Degree of Vigilative Contraction, which per∣fectly awakes them; Therefore Sleep grows slighter toward Morning, because Contraction gra∣dually comes on. Here you may see (but I must stop lest I run too far) why every Thing that causes Contraction of the Sensile Parts, as Pain, and all Grievances, are apt to awake People, and keep them so, as Relaxers cause Sleep, and continue it.

5. Note, That tho' I have particularly spoken of the Somach, as being most concern'd, and the best Example of any Membrane, yet do not I ex∣clude any Membrane from being capable of Plea∣sure by the like Things.

As for the Effects of Pleasure upon the Sensitive Soul, I have upon several Occasions said, or in∣timated enough concerning them; and even the Vulgar know, that Pleasure, or being pleased, makes People good, and gay humour'd; That it elevates the Spirits, raising Courage, (as Wine does) and enables every Animal to Labour, or Travel the better, as Horses by the Sound of Bells, especially if tunable, and in Company with another Horse that they have a kindness for; How Soldiers March more easily with Merry Comrades, that are full of Iests, and pleasant Stories, or with Drums, Trumpets, Kettle Drums, 〈◊〉〈◊〉, and other Musick that please the Ear; How much more bri••k and blith are we in a fair Sunshine, which pleases the Eye, than at other times? Some ••ink, (according to the Vulgar Errour) that i••

is the Goodness of the Air does it; but it is plainly otherwise, for you find the change most remark∣able in your self just upon going out of Doors into the Sun-shine, whereas you had the same Air in your Chamber; nor is that fine Lightness of Hu∣mour to be found, if it be Cloudy, tho' the Air be better, as may be observ'd by the Barometer, and other Weather-Glasses; nor in the Night Time, nor where the Sun does not come, nor are blind People so affected, therefore it is the Pleasure of the bright Sunshine that causes it.

If Mean, Slight, Transient, and External Plea∣sures, cause such Effects; how much more then will an intense, internal, and continued Pleasure, upon the most exquisitely disposed Part for Sen∣sation of all the whole Body, which is mainly de∣sign'd for those Purposes of Pleasing and Comfort∣ing, to invite us to nourish our selves, and to sa∣tisfie the grievous Sensations of Hunger and Thirst by the Pleasure of Meat and Drink, such Pleasant Effects? Thus the Fretfulness, Peevishness, ill Hu∣mour, Melancholy, Pusillanimity, Inaptitude, and List∣nesness, that attend the grievous Sensation of Hun∣ger, are taken off, and cured, by the pleasant Sen∣sation that a good Meal, or some Glasses of Wine, do cause; Hence it is that we cannot Sleep when Hungry, because grievous Sensation contracts the Sensile Parts, and are apt to it after Meals (the Pleasure of which relaxes us) if we sit, or lie quietly, and silently; but if we do not, we are more lively, and fit for Business. Instances of this Kind are so numerous and notorious, that I need say no more of the Effects of Pleasure, in causing a good Humour, Elevation of the Spirits, Satisfacti∣on, Content, Composure, &c.

Is it possible that one should be highly pleased, and not take Comfort therein; take Comfort, and not be elevated in Spirit, well satisfied, and con∣tented?

Therefore it is strange, and very strange, that People should leave Wine, Cordials, Meats, Spi∣rits, &c. actually, and sensibly pleasing, satisfying, and comforting us at Stomach, (where there is a Membrane most exquisitely disposed for Sensation) and run after Fumes and Effluvias, (that were never in our Case in being) to the Brain, or Bloud, that have no sense to entertain them, and consequently can receive no sensible Comfort by them; If this be not seeking a Needle in a Bottle of Hay, where it never was, when it sticks most sensibly in their Fingers, nothing is. We should think it a strange ridiculous ▪Action in a Child or Natural Fool; but great is the Privilege and Au∣thority of the Learned! So much may suffice▪ as to the Effects of Pleasure upon the Sensitive Soul.

As for the Effects of Pleasure upon the Body, it is Relaxation of all the Sensile Parts thereof, as appears;

• 1. Because it's contrary, viz. Displeasure, or sensitive Grievance, causes Contraction, (as has been manifestly shewn.)
• 2. Because it causes a liberal Perspiration, which is a certain Effect of Relaxation, (as the Want of it is of Constriction) and that it causes Perspiration is most certain by Statick Experiments, and Demon∣strations. Sanctorius, Sect. 7. Aph. 19. &c.
• 3. Because the Pleasure of Wine, and the Vene∣real Act, manifestly loosens all the Limbs, as Sleep does.
• ...

• 4. Because, that in those Pleasures, as also upon the sight of a Beloved Mistress, &c. the Eyes look deadish, by reason of the Laxity of the Cor∣nea, and that the Pupilla is dilated.
• 5. The Skin (as has been intimated) looks Florid, which made the Ancients say, That the Bloud and Spirits came outward to meet the good and agreeable Things.
• 6. Because all Pleasure that is consistent with lying or sitting still in a silent quiet manner, in∣clines us to sleep, as Musick▪ pleasant Frication of the Head, Back, or any itching Part, sweet and acceptable O lours, a Thing of very acceptable taste held in the Mouth, Wine, Meats, Venus, the pleasant sound of the fall of Waters, Whistling Winds, Rocking, Undulating in Hammocks, &c.
• 7. Because in Coition it relaxes the Neck of the Womb to admit the Animal Elixir Vitae; of which we have most evident Proof, and some eminent Instances, that I forbear the Relation of out of Modesty.
• 8. Pleasure causes a large and wide Pulse, as Relaxation always does.
• 9. A Loss or great Diminution of Sensation, as in the Venereal Act. (which if it were of con∣tinuance, would exactly imitate Opium in its Ef∣fects) upon Drinking Wine, &c. the Effects of which being of greater duration, and by taking somewhat into the Stomach, (as Opium is) are very like that of Opium.
• 10. Intense Pleasure, Ioy, &c. do frequently cause Ecstasies, Syncopes, Leipothymies, which are only great Relaxations (as has been shewn.)
• 11. You see that the Pleasure of Wine causes Faltring of the Tongue, which is the Effect of Re∣laxation, as in Sleep, Palsies, &c. and relaxes the whole Body.
• ...

• 12. Wine also prevents Lassitude, (as all plea∣sant Diversions do) and causes all the Eff••cts of Relaxation, as taking away Pain, causing a Dead∣ness of the Eyes, Dilatation of the Pupilla, Flori∣dity of the Skin, Perspiration, Diminution of Sen∣sation, Mirth, good Humour, Sleep, &c.

N••te, That Pleasure being generally from Ex∣ternal Objects, and also short, slight, and transi∣tory, is the true Reason of the great Penury of Things that bear any compleat Analogy to Opium in its great Effects, which made it seem more amaz∣ing, and confound People; whereas all the Diffe∣rence is nothing but its causing an internal, in∣tense, and permanent Pleasure▪ All Pleasures have the same Effects, but that they are short, slight, fading, external, inconsiderable, intermitting, in∣terrupted by some grievous Objects, Thoughts, Pas∣sions, as Fear, Care, Solicitude, Melancholy, &c. but the Pleasure of Opium we carry within us con∣tinually, whether we will or no, waking and sleeping, without any intermission or interruption, and that in a high degree for many hours.

Doubtless that of Venus, if i•• were half as last∣ing, would be as dangerous as that of a great Dose of Opium, or Wine drank in a vast Quan∣tity, which is in a manner as dangerous as O∣pium, and for the same Reason, viz. by over∣dosing, a great Relaxer by the Pleasure it causes.

The Causes why the Pleasure of the Venereal Act, as a large Dose of Wine, Opium, &c. take away Pain, are;

• 1. Because the Sensitive Soul cannot attend to Two Things at once; therefore when a Sense of Pleasure is introduced, there cannot be at the same time a Sense of Pain, which tho' not noted in short, transient, and desultory Pleasures, (as al∣most all are besides that of Wine and Opium) yet the more permanent do exact our Notice and At∣tention,

• because they exclude Pain for so consider∣able a time that they amaze us.
• 2. Because the Sensitive Soul attends more wil∣lingly to Pleasure than to Pain, so that Pleasure engrosses his Attention (as was intimated.)
• 3. Because Pleasure and Pain (or Displeasure) are Contraries, and cannot co-exist in the same Subject (or Sensitive Soul;) therefore when Plea∣sure affects it, Pain cannot.
• 4. Because Relaxation (which is the Mechanical and main Reason) gives such Liberty to the Ani∣mal Spirits to expand, that they become unfit for want of Compressure, to convey any Impressions smartly, which is requisite to cause a sense of Pain, that is caused by a smart Impression. To which you may add, That
• 5. Pleasure and Relaxation, where they conti∣nue, (as in the Case of Wine and Opium) do highly improve one another, because they mu∣tually cause one another; for Pleasure causes Relaxation, and Relaxation, as you sind in a sweet Sl••mber, &c. Pleasure; so that permanent Pleasure must highly advance Relaxation, which takes away Pain by preventing all smartness of Impression by the now yielding Nature of the expanded Animal Spirits, which are, as Air in a Gut half full, or a Rowl of Carded Cotten or Wooll, fit only to carry a gentle. or no Impression to the farther End thereof.

So that upon the giving of Opium when the P••in does once begin to diminish, it is not long afterward before it goes quite off; for if the Plea∣sure does but take off one in ten of the Pain, it is a sign, that it will be an easie matter for it (that is, upon the Improvement for the Reasons aforesaid) to overcome one in nine, and yet much easier to over∣come one in eight, and so on; Therefore it is a certain sign, that you have given enough to take

away the Pain, if it once sensibly decreases; and consequently all Physicians should then not give any more Opium, tho' the Pain is not yet quite off: For if the Relaxation, caused by Pleasant Sensation, was of force enough to overcome the greater Contraction by the greater Pain, which opposed it more strongly, it will suffice to overcome the less. This intimates, (and 'tis Experienc'd) that Doses must be proportioned to the Pain; for tho' a few Glasses of Wine may take off the sense of a small Pain, more must be drank to take off a greater; and so of Opium, because the Contraction by Pain resists the Relaxation by Pleasure.

Having shewn how Sleep and Pleasure take a∣way Pain by Relaxation, permitting the Animal Spirits to expand, and grow unsit to carry Im∣pressions smartly, and that therefore Sleep stops or moderates all Fluxes that depend upon Irritation of the sensile Parts to cause them to Contract and squeese out the Humours that cause the Flux, while the same Relaxation opens the Pores, and so lets out the Fumes of the Body, which only (like Smoak in a Chimney) require an open Passage by reason of their Levity which carries them off; it plainly appears how Pleasure, that takes away the sense of Pain or Irritations by the like Relaxa∣tion, must stop the first sort of Fluxes, that require the Irritations to contract the Parts, and promote that of Perspiration, (as in Sleep) which requires only the opening of the Pores; so that I need add no more Words about it, for the fame Cause must have the same Effect, therefore an intense and per∣manent Pleasure must have all, or much of the Effects of Sleep in general (as has been shewn:) It cannot therefore be any Wonder that Opium causes Sleep. Yet is there Difference between Sleep and Pleasure upon other Accounts, tho▪

not upon the Account of Relaxation, viz. be∣cause;

1. That Sleep requires also a rest of Spirits, (or the sensitive Soul) whereas Relaxation by Pleasure is consistent with motion of the Spirits, either by outward Action, or internal motion thereof, by some inward Causes. Hence it is;

First, That we can Labour, Travel, Dance, &c. and enjoy Pleasure and its Relaxation: Volantary motion, which requires only a particular Contracti∣on of some Parts by the Dictates of the Will or Appetite, being consistent with the general Relaxa∣tion by Reason of the Prerogative of the Will. Thus do we move, tho' more relaxed, or when most Merry and pleased with Wine; nay, some will walk in their Sleep, (when extreamly int••t upon a Thing) as when awake; which shews the ruling Power of intentive Contraction, that may be exercised with Relaxations and other Contracti∣ons as the Will it self may, or intentive Appetite.

Secondly, That Pain is often taken away by O∣pium by the Diversion and Relaxation caused by Pleasure, and its Inconsistence with Pain, without Sleep, which requires the aforesaid Rest; That bare Relaxation, as such, does not include, tho' Relaxation suffices to take away Pain.

Thirdly, That Opium does by its Heat, active Particles, &c. hinder some Persons to Sleep, yet have you in both these last Cases all other Effect•• of Opium, as Pleasure, Indolence, Relaxations, &c. which shews how far Sleep is from being a con∣stant, and the most genuine Effect of Opium, as is generally imagined; however we must allow it (as has been shewn) to be a mighty Disposer of us towards Sleep, because of the Relaxation that it causes, which is the main Requisite of Sleep.

II. That Pleasure does, without Nutritive Re∣fection, by the Complacency it causes in the sen∣sitive Soul, produce Comfort, Satisfaction, Compo∣sure, Elevation of the Spirits, Euphory, &c. of which Sleep is either not at all capable, or but in a low degree, proportionable to the sensation that it has, which is but little; however a Plea∣sure that remains within us, even in our Sleep, as that of Opium, may well cause Pleasant Dreams, &c.

The Reader may observe, that in all Places, where I mention, that Relaxation causes the open∣ing of the Pores, that I speak only of Perspiration, as the Effect thereof, without mentioning Sweat.

• 1. Because Perspiration is the only constant and infallible Effect thereof, by reason that the Levity of the Fumes causes them as certainly to pass at the Pores when open, as Smoak passes up at an open Chimney.
• 2. Because Sweat is an uncertain Effect thereof, for it requires that the Body be well fill'd with moisture, tho' there is a Relaxation or Opening of the Pores; as Hippocrates very rightly intimates in that Aphorism of his that I cited in the last Chapter. 1. Because Sweat has not that Levity that the Fumes have, to cause it readily to move as soon as the Pores are open. 2. Because Re∣laxation is more apt to receive, detain, and suspend Humours. 3. Because the protrusive Motion of the Heart is weaker in all Relaxations; and all see how much its Vigorous Protrusion contributes to Sweat upon Action. 4. Because a Heartfull of Bloud does not make such a Push forward when the Arteries are widen'd by Relaxation. 5. Sweat having more of Continuity, Consistence, and Vis∣cidity, cannot flow out so readily at the Pores, as

• a meer Vapour. However, if the Body be full of Moisture, and the Pores open, there being a Natural Course that Way, and the Heart conti∣nually protruding it farther and farther, a Sweat follows, and that whether they Sleep or not.
• 3. Because Sweat (as was in some sort intima∣ted) is sometimes caused by the strong Protrusion of the Heart, as in Motion, &c. and upon that Account comes more under the Title of Fluxes caused by Contraction, than Relaxation, of which Perspiration is a constant Effect.
• 4. Because Sweat is sometimes caused by ano∣ther sort of Contraction, viz. the Compression of the whole Body by a violent Defensive Contraction, as in great Terrour, Agonies, and the like; causing thereby (as was shewn) by the Comparison of a wet Sheet wrung, (whose out side is cold) a cold Sweat, which that of Alum or Vitriol, caus∣ing an Exudation of the Spittle into the Mouth by constringing the Parts, does illustrate very plainly.

Therefore you see I had just Cause not to mention Sweat as a certain and proper Effect of Relaxation, without good Distinctions first made; tho' unwary Authors that talk any Thing one after another, not knowing what they say, make it their common saying, That Sleep and Opium stops all Fluxes but Sweat, whereas they should have rather said, but Perspiration; for Opium and Sleep also will sometimes hinder Sweat, viz. that from Pain, Terrour, &c. and that as happens just upon awaking by the stronger Systole of the Heart, and Contraction of the whole Body, and that also upon motion, unless the Body be (as was said) full of Humours, or Moisture. Therefore it is a Vulgar Errour to say Sweat instead of Perspiration in the Case aforesaid.

You may remember, that in the Beginning of this Chapter I concluded, that a Sal-Volatile-Oleosum, such as Semen Humanum, wherein the Oily and Volatile Parts are strictly combined, and the Vo∣latile somewhat more active (or acrimonious) than that in our Membranes in general, must be most pleasing to the Membranes by a fine Titillation, &c. therefore if Opium should prove to be such, we need not wonder at its titillating to Venery, nor indeed its causing a high sense of Pleasure upon any Membrane, (they being all of the same Nature) but especially upon the most exquisitely disposed Membrane▪ of the Stomach, and the Ve∣nereal Parts, nor consequently its causing all the aforementioned Effects of intense Pleasure, as Com∣fort, Satisfaction, Ovation, &c. of the sensitive Soul, (or Spirits) and Relaxation of all the sensile Parts; which will easily solve all the Phenomenas of Opium, however numerous, mysterious, and seemingly contradictory, as you'll find.

Let us therefore now see, whether Opium be such a Sal-Volatile-Oleosum, wherein the Volatile Particles are somewhat more active or acrimonious than ours; and the Oily and Volatile Parts strictly combined? If so, the Business is done, the Nail is hit on the Head, and I may say 〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉〈 in non-Latin alphabet 〉