The English remedy, or, Talbor's wonderful secret for cureing of agues and feavers sold by the author Sir Robert Talbor to the Most Christian King, and since his death ordered by His Majesty to be published in French for the benefit of his subjects ; and now translated into English for publick good.

THE ENGLISH REMEDY: OR, TALBOR's WONDERFUL SECRET.

QƲinquina, or Kinakina, is the Bark of an Indi∣an Tree, of the big∣ness of a Cherry-Tree, whose leaves much resemble the leaves of a young Oak, and bea∣reth a fruit not unlike to an A∣corn, the figure thereof given by Johnstonus may be seen at the end of the History of Trees written by Mantissa.

It is hardly as yet thirty years since this Drug became known in Europe: since that time many Au∣thors have wrote of it, as John∣stonus, James Chifflet, Denis Tou∣quet, in his Royal Garden of Plants; Roland Sturmius, Melipus, Con∣igius, Gaudentius, Brunatius, Wol∣fangus, Hoeferus, Willis, Rolfin∣cius, a Physitian of Leyden that hath added to Scroderus, M. de Muve, in his Pharmaceutick Di∣ctionary, the Author of the Trea∣tise of the Cure of Feavers, &c. And last of all Mr. Lemery in the fourth Edition of his Course of Chymistry: several other curious Remarks are to be found in our Journals of Medicine upon the same subject.

These Authors do not all agree upon the Etimology of its name, nor upon the place from whence it is brought; for some affirm that it comes from China, and therefore many have called it Cortex sineasis, and to distinguish it from that Root which is called China or Ki∣na, they have named it Quinqui∣na, or (which is the same thing) Kina-kina: others again who are more in number, maintain that it is brought from Peru, where the Feaver or Ague is called Qui∣na, whence comes the name Quin∣quina; That the Natives of that Countrey call it Gannateride; that because of its extraction it ought to be called in Latin, Cortex Pe∣ruviana, and in the vulgar Lan∣guage the Bark of Peru, and that

the name of Jesuits Powder by which it commonly goes, was given it, because the Jesuits were the first that brought it from A∣merica, of which Peru is a part. However the matter be, they begin now to call it in Latin, Cor∣tex febrilis; and the Spaniards name it, Palo de Culenturas, i. e. Feaver-wood.

The reason why it was thought to come from China, was because much of it was brought from Portugal, but that makes nothing against the common opinion, be∣cause it is known that the Portu∣gueze have Commerce with both Indies.

Some Authors make two kinds of Quinquina, one which they say is wild and of little value,

and another which they think is cultivated, and therefore say that it is the better of the two; but to make a true estimate of their quality, it were fit one should be upon the place where they grow.

It is certain nevertheless that the goodness of it may be known by some marks which experience hath discovered; for the best hath always its upper rind or skin cut transversally or crossways with pretty deep streaks or lines, and long-ways with very superfi∣cial ones when it is fresh, and now the most part of the little squares or interstices of its skin, are of a silver white colour; it is other∣ways of a clear reddish colour, compact, very bitter, and gives to

the boxes wherein it is kept a sweet and pleasant smell.

But it is to be observed that that smell is much weaker and less aromatick than the scent of Cassia Cariophilata, which by cheats is Sold for Quinquina, min∣gling it with the bark of Cherry-Tree, which for some days be∣fore they have steept in Water wherein Aloes hath been dissol∣ved; and this is a very culpable sophistication, seeing these kinds of barks have nothing of the vir∣tue of Quinquina.

There is besides this, another way of cheating the Publick as to the matter of the Jesuits Powder, for there are some Droguists that infuse it entire, and having by that means extracted the first

Tincture out of it, for their own advantage, sell it afterward at the same rate as if it had not lost his chief virtue.

Hitherto the price of Quinquina or Jesuits Powder, hath been very various and uncertain. When it was only in the hands of the Je∣suits, it was sold at Rome and Pa∣ris for Eight or Nine Shillings Sterling the Dose, which consisted only of Two Drachms; but so soon as Droguists began to Trade in it, it began to fall in Price, so that Three or Four Years ago, the best might have been had for about Forty Shillings the Pound weight; but no sooner began the English Remedy to be in vogue, but men began every where to make Experiments with the Bark

of Peru, which much enhansed the value of it: yet that was not all which raised it to the highest price; for Sir Robert Talbot obser∣ving that Febrifuges were pre∣par'd which came very near his own, and fearing least some body at length might discover it, re∣solved to buy up all the Quinqui∣na, that he could find at Paris, and the other chief Towns of France, and of England also. The execution of this Design making some noise, several Physitians, Chirurgeons and Apothecaries, thought it concerned them, to make all hast to provide them∣selves; and some that they might not be wanting in Precaution, caused a considerable quantity of the Bark to be brought from

Roan and Bourdeaux, so that Mr. Audry and Mr. Vilain, the two most famous Droguists in Paris, having Sold all they had at the Rate of about Fifteen Pound the pound-weight; and not being able to procure any more from any place, for above a Fortnight there was not a bit to be had at any Droguist's shop in Paris, nevertheless some small quantity came at length, but it was held up so dear, that it was like to have gone off at the rate of an Hundred Crowns the pound-weight: since that time the Merchants having im∣ported much from Spain and Portugal, and the English Reme∣dy having lost the Advantages of the Mode; the price of that

Commodity hath fallen daily, in so much that at present it does not yield above Four or Five Pound the pound-weight; and I make no doubt, but that in a short time a Fleet from the West-Indies will make it much cheaper.

Amongst the Authors whom I have named, there are some who endeavouring to explain the properties of Quinquina or the Jesuits Powder, according to the principles of the ancient Medicine, think it enough to say that it is hot and dry in the be∣ginning of the Second Degree: and some others of the number of those who have introduced bad Principles into the New-Philosophy, think to mend the

matter by saying, That Quin∣quina as an Alkali stops the mo∣tion of the acid which occasions the Feaver: but that is to illu∣strate one obscurity by others that are far more obscure.

That we may give the World somewhat more satisfactory as to that point, we must in the first place, (with Willis,) take our measures from Experience, and allow with him, That all things which are actually bitter, have great virtue in sifting pre∣ternatural fermentations; and upon that account it was that the Root of Gentian was here∣tofore in so great reputation for curing of Quartan Agues; and that the Flowers of the lesser Cantaury, the Root of Contra∣yerva,

and Serpentaria, the leaves of Wormwood and Chervil, Scam∣mony, and many other bitter Drogues, are really Febrifuges, though in virtue far inferior to the Jesuits Powder.

Having laid down this from undoubted Truth, we must now enquire into the Natural Causes which produce Bitterness in mixt bodies: now supposing (as it is reasonable we should) that the true Elements of Bodies are acid, liquid, fiery, etherean, and terrestrial corpuscles; it will be a very easie matter to discover those Causes: for seeing all bitter things penetrate the Tongue, in such a manner that they leave therein a sense of their action for a long time after, and that of

all the elements none are so pro∣per as acids to produce that effect, we must conclude that they are predominant in mixts which have that tast; but also since being mingled with many liquid corpuscles, they produce only sharp and corroding liquors, as the spirits of Salt, Vitriol, A∣lum, &c. that being joyned to fiery corpuscles, they make only Causticks, as corrosive sublimat; the spirit of Nitre, cauteres, &c. and that being in intimate con∣junction with Sulphurous and Oily Particles, they only produce sweet mixts, as Honey, Sugar, &c. It follows that none but terre∣strial corpuscles mingled with them in a proportionable quan∣tity, can produce a bitter tast,

and in effect the more of Earth there is in Salt, the bitterer it is, and on the contrary, the more it is refined and depurated, the less bitter it is: thus Sea Salt dissolved in a moist Air, and afterward filtrated through brown paper, has no other tast than of an acid spirit, though before that dissolution and fil∣tration it was considerably bitter.

Now since among the Ele∣ments that I have named, the acid is heaviest, and by conse∣quence the coldest; and that though the terrestrial be not so heavy as it, nor yet as the liquid, yet it is more ponderous than the fiery and ethereal, we may say that it is temperat; I mean, of a quality equally distant from

the two extreams, and that so, being with the acid predominant in a mixt body, the mixt must certainly be cooling, or at least proper to preserve the just tem∣perament of our body.

But because there are no bit∣ter things made up solely of acid and terrestrial corpuscles, and that there are some wherein ei∣ther the fiery, the ethereal or liquid particles are likewise in a considerable quantity; so there are some more or less bitter, and even more or less cooling and temperate; but if we mind the dryness of Quinquina, and yet how unapt it is to take fire, it will not be hard to conclude, That the three Elements which I have named last, enter but in a

very small quantity into the composition thereof, and that by consequence amongst all bit∣tter mixts none can be of a more temperate quality than it.

From the Principle which I have now laid down concerning the nature of Quinquina, all the other properties thereof may be deduced; for seeing its predo∣minant parts are the acids, whose property is to coagulate the more substantial liquors, such as Blood, Milk, &c. and the ter∣restrial which by absorbing the humidity and unctuosity that re∣laxates the solid parts, does bind and strengthen them; of necessity it must be stiptick and astrin∣gent, and it is in effect in these two qualities principally, that the

rarity and wonderfulness of its operation does consist, as I have made appear in former obser∣vations.

But it is not to be thought as some have imagined, that this property of binding renders it so fixative as to keep within the febrifick matter, or other morbifick causes dispersed in the humours, or adhering to the solid parts; it is so far from that, that by reviting the ho∣mogenious parts of the blood, it seperates them from the he∣terogenious or superabundant parts, whereby it facilitates their expulsion, for which Nature a∣lone does often labour in vain, in the same manner as by strengthning and fortifying

the viscera, it puts them in a condition of resisting all at∣tacks, and of discharging them∣selves of the Impurties that oppress them.

Experience well agrees with these remarks, for the heat that dries up and consumes the He∣cticks is often extinguished by the use of several Preparations of the Jesuites Powder. It is no less powerful against all other internal Inflammations, Feavers, and generally against all ex∣traordinary and preternatural Fermentations; in a very short time it rectifies the depraved motion and the altered consi∣stency of the mass of Blood, and it many times occasions such

salutary evacuations, that ha∣ving dreined the sourse of Drop∣sies, by the depuration of the natural voices, which through their depravation and transu∣dation were become the ante∣cedent cause of it, that it be∣comes the principal cause of the expulsion of the extrava∣sated Superfluities which were the conjunct cause of the same.

It is nevertheless strange, that among so many Authors, who with admiration have written of its effects, not so much as one have taken the pains to ex∣plain them by their true causes, nor indeed thought that it could be done; for Willis, who without doubt hath spoken

most judiciously on that subject limits himself to this, that ha∣ving never seen any other such like effects, and not be∣ing able to ground a general conclusion upon a particular experiment, all that is to be done is to endeavour to un∣derstand and well observe the phoenomina that depends there∣on, without troubling ones self with the efficient principles thereof.

But to make appear how far one may err in the explication of things, when they are not known by their proper causes, it will not be amiss here to re∣late some opinions of that Au∣thor touching the effects of the

Jesuits Powder upon the mass of Blood: The first is that it always causes therein a certain Fermentation that only de∣strovs, that of the Feaver be∣cause it proceeds from another cause: Now the Jesuites Powder does indeed sift the fermenta∣tion of the Blood and the other Humonrs, but not excite any it self: The Second is, that it maintains its effect no longer than it is in the Vessels, and that so soon as all the parts thereof are spent and gone, the disposition that it had sup∣pressed infallibly wears, in so much that the Relapse is as cer∣tain as the stopping of the Fit: Nevertheless, the contra∣ry

appears daily almost, to any who knows how to use it a∣right: to be short, the Third is, that it stops not the Fits of the Feaver, neither by fixing nor yet by resolving the Blood as o∣ther febrifuges do; nevertheless it is certainly true that the prin∣cipal effect of bitter, astringent and stiptick februifuges is, the reuniting of the proper parts of the blood divided and scat∣tered by the disordered Animal Spirits, or by Heterogenious and superfluous matters.

The Author of the Additi∣ons to Scroderus has had no better luck, in saying that Quin∣quina, or the Jesuites Powder cures the Feaver by the virtue

that it hath in Precipitating the Fabrick Ferment, for besides that it is hard to be understood how a matter contained within Vessels, and mingled with the Blood, can be Precipitated by a Medicine whose principal action is directly opposite to that of evacuatives; those kinds of Precipitations being only to be made by Urines, by little and little, and in a considera∣ble space of time, cannot ra∣tionally be attributed to the Je∣suites Powder, that acts so powerfully, and so suddenly produces its effect, that many times a single Dose of it, stops and prevents the immediately approaching fit of an Ague.

The Author of the Cure of

Feavers and Agues by Quinqui∣na, who makes the cause of the Feaver to consist in a certain Acide Ferment, refers the ef∣fects of that Medicine to the faculty that it hath of subdu∣ing, mortifying, and resolving that Poison; but that Author hath not minded, that if in ef∣fect Quinquina were able to de∣stroy or even to expel the A∣cides that are in the blood, it would not be taken without en∣tirely perverting that Liquor, seeing it would deaden or drive out the very Acides that make naturally a part of the same, and that it must necessarily lose its form and be changed into another kind of juyce, if the greatest part of one or the other

of its Elementary principles were taken from it.

Mr. Lame••y in his new course of Chymistry is not so wide of the Truth, when he says that Quinquina does fix and coagu∣late the Feaverish Humor, much in the same manner as an Al∣cali sifts the motion of an A∣cide Salt; for in effect it is the property of that remedy, to rally, bring together, and rou∣nite the parts of the liquid body wherewith it is mingled, as of∣ten as it is put in action by ne∣cessary dispositions; but that Author hath omited to take notice that this reunion is only made of the proper parts of the blood, and that the Febrifick matter remains confounded in

the superfluous Serosity where∣with it is evacuated, either by Transpiration or by the way of Urine.

The Principle that I have E∣stablished is of another Nature than the Opinions which I have now related; it is plain, clear, just, and every way conforms to all the Experiments that have hitherto been made upon the Jesuits Powder, and I can∣not tell but that I may say to all that shall be made hereaf∣ter, for whether it be given for our sort of Feavers, or for ano∣ther, for Vapours (against which I take it to be very good) for Dropsies, or for other Di∣stempers, whether it be given in Substance, Infusion, Tin∣cture,

Opiat, Extract, or Quintessence: I am persuaded that its pincipal effect will al∣ways be to separate the proper and Homogenious parts of Li∣quors from those that are He∣terogeneous and of a diffe∣rent Nature to them, to reu∣nite the one, and by that reu∣nion to facilitate the expulsion of the others, yet with this difference, that that effect will be more or less considerable, according to the good or bad use and Administration that shall be made thereof.

Moreover, That we may not too slightly pass over the different Preparations that may be made of Quinquina, I am not to omit that Pol Fincius

describes a kind of Essence of it, which is nothing else but its Tincture Extracted with excel∣lent Wine, and afterward gen∣tlely evaporated: That Stur∣mius makes a description of a∣nother much like to it, that the Author of the Cure of Feavers by Quinquina, will have it to be given in Bolus Extract, Fer∣mented Liquors, and in Infusi∣ons made in Wine, Ale, Di∣stilled Waters, Tisance, and in common water, that Mr. La∣mery gives the Preparations of a Tincture, of an Extract, and of a Salt of Quinquina, that there are other ways of pre∣paring it to be found in several Authors which I think needless,

to cite, and that after all the more simple and less artificial of all these preparations are the best, as will appear in the description of the English Remedy; which being to be preferred to all that have hi∣therto been prepared with Quin∣quina, ought to serve us as a Pat∣tern, untill we have discovered some more Excellent.

It is an Error in Physick to make a hodge-podge of a great many ingre∣dients (though they be much of the same efficace) to satisfie one and the same indication; and therefore as Quinquina or the Bark of Peru, whereof I have now given you the History, is without contradiction the surest of all simple Febrifuges, so is it the only basis of the English Remedy, and it will even appear

by the following description, that of the Physitians, Chyrurgeons, and Apothecaries, that have endeavou∣red to imitate it, those who have prepared it most simply, have come the nearest to it, and hereby it is evident that that Author who boa∣sted every where that he had found it out, was very far from it, since he always immagined that the virtue of Quinquina might be improved by fermenttaion, and by the addi∣tion of the flowers and salt of lesser Centaury, White Tartar, Sal-Ar∣moniack, Sassafras-wood, Juniper∣berries, and some other ingredients.

To conclude, though that Remedy consists in several different prepa∣rations, yet still they refer indif∣ferently to the principle of simplici∣ty that I have mentioned; and this

will better appear in the Receipts of them, that Sir Kobert Talbor gave the King, and which are here tran∣scribed with all the exactness that the matter requires.

The first infusion of Quinquina, or the Jesuits Powder making a part of the English Remedy.

TAke a pound of the best bark of Quinquina beaten to a subtil powder and searced, besprin∣kle it interchangably for the space of a day or two with the decocti∣on of Anis and the juice of Parsley, then put the powder into an Ear∣then Pitcher holding about fifteen or sixteen quarts, pour upon it gently and still stirring the matter, asmuch good Claret Wine as the

Vessel will hold, and having after∣ward stopt it well, let your mixture infuse for the space of eight days without setting it near the fire, but not forgeting to stir it two or three times a day with a stick or instru∣ment fit to stir the bottom, after∣ward having poured off your liquor, through a close strainer, put it into glass bottles, which be∣ing well stopt and placed in a dry place not too Airy, will preserve it in full force and virtue two or three months and more.

Directions given by the most Chri∣stian King's Chief Physitian, concerning the use of this first infusion.

This first infusion, which is the strongest and bitterest, is to be gi∣ven to stop the fits of an Ague or

Feaver that one would Cure, the Dose of it for those of Age and strong persons, is five or six oun∣ces, that is about half an English pint; but for those who are natu∣rally delicate, of a hot constituti∣on, or not much accustomed to Wine, this Dose ought to be a fourth part less, a third part, yea and sometimes one half less, ob∣serving to correct each Dose with the addition of a little of the juice of a Lemon or an Orange, when there is no consideration that hin∣ders from choosing the most con∣venient time to give the first Dose of that infusion, it ought always to be at the end of a Fit, but see∣ing in Quartan Agues that choice might retard the Cure for three or four days, in that case it may

be usefully given the night before the next fit that is expected; but then it is good to fortifie each Dose, by some drops of the Essence or Tincture whereof we shall speak hereafter.

After one hath began to give of this infusion, he must continue to make the Patient take it once every three hours untill the time of the next fit, unless in time of sleep, which ought never to be in∣terrupted, and renew again the use of it in the beginning of the inter∣mission, but with this observation, that after the Patient hath missed one Fit, it will be enough to give a Dose in the morning fasting, and another a long time after Supper; which is only to be be continued for five or six days.

The second infusion of Quinquina, making part of the English Re∣medy.

Take the setlings or remainder of the former infusion, put it into the same Earthen Pitcher, or into another of the same bigness, with half a pound of fresh Jesuits Pow∣der prepared as hath been said, fill the Pot with the same Wine, and observe in general, as well for the preparation as the preservation of that second infusion, all the cir∣cumstances directed for the first, with this difference only, that for the making of this, ten days are to be employed.

Directions given by the King's Chief Physitian, concerning the Ʋse of this second infusion.

When after the Feaver hath ceased, the first infusion hath been given morning and evening for the space of six days, the use of the se∣cond is to be begun and continu∣ed for Eight days, observing the same Dose as of the first, but only once a day in the morning when the Patient awakes.

The third infusion of Quinquina, making part of the English Re∣medy,

Take the settlings of the second infusion, and without any additi∣on put it again into the same

Pitcher with the same quantity of Wine, and having let it stand in infusion for the space of ten days, and observed the directions prescribed for the preparation and preservation of the two former infusions, keep it for the use hereafter mentioned.

Directions given by the Kings chief Physitian concerning the use of the third Infusion.

The eight days preseribed for the use of the second Infusion being expired, we must begin with the third, which is then sufficiently strong. It is not to be given for the first fortnight but in one Dose every other day, and then to desist by de∣grees,

that is, for the next fort∣night to reduce it to a Dose once every third day, and so to continue until the Patient hath taken of all the three Infusions about eight quarts.

The Essence or Tincture of Quin∣quina, making part of the English Remedy.

Take two Ounces of Quin∣quina, Pulverised, searched and then Alkolized upon a Marble Stone, put it into a Glass Bot∣tle, and pour upon it eight Ounces of the best Spirit of Wine, set your Bottle in the Sun for the space of fifteen days, taking care to stir and shake it well at least once a day, after∣ward

pour off your Tincture, and keep it in a Bottle closely stopt, to be used as occasion shall require.

Directions given by the Kings chief Physician; concerning the use of the Essence or Tincture of Quinquina.

Besides what hath been said touching the use of this Essence or Tincture, when we spake of the time of giving the first In∣fusion, it is still to be observed that the virtue of each Dose of that infusion is to be encreased and fortified by the addition of five, six or even seven or eight drops of this Tincture, as often as the contumacy of the Ague

hath resisted its operation after several Doses; but this addition is to be regulated by a skilful Phy∣sitian, who is to take his indicati∣ons from the nature of the Dis∣ease, and the dispositions of the subject.

An Opiat prepared with Quinqui∣na, making part of the English Remedy.

Take what quantity you please of Jesuits Powder, prepared as is above directed, and incorporate it with a sufficient quantity of the syrup of Lemons, or of Grimes if it be for a Woman with Child; reducing all into the consistencie of an Opiat by an exact mix∣ture.

Directions given by the Kings Chief Physician, concerning the use of the Opiat.

There are some Patients up∣on whom the first infusion though fortified by the addi∣tion of the Essence or Tin∣cture has not sufficient virtue to stop the Ague fits; to these the specifick is to be given in sub∣stance, and the best and most commodious way of doing it, is the Opiat that is now descri∣bed, it may be given from four to six Drachms, once or twice a day according as need shall require, and that either upon the point of a Knife, in a Wafer, or in what other manner one pleases.

A Purging Wine making part of the English Remedy.

Take an Ounce of good Hiera Pica, and infuse it for the space of eight days in half a Pint or a little more of Claret wine, observing to stir the bottle wherein you have put it, only once a day for the first three days, and not at all to move or shake it during the other five, afterward pour out your infu∣sion gently by inclining the bottle, into another bottle which is to be closely stopped, and keep it for the use follwing.

Directions given by the Kings Chief Physitian, concerning the use of this Purging-Wine.

When by reason of the Pati∣ents repletion, or a supervement constipation the belly must be opened, we must add to each quart of the infusion of Quinquina three or four spoonfuls of the above-described Purging-Wine, ming∣ling all exactly together, and use it in the same manner as hath been directed when we spoke of the in∣fusions, that is to say, in a greater or smaller quantity, according as it shall happen in the time of the first, second, or third infusion, and also according to the indications taken from the present state of the Patient, and of the Disease.

It is observed that when there is no considerable repletion, and that the costiveness is but mode∣rate, simple glysters made of Milk and the yoalks of Eggs, are to be preferred before all kinds of pur∣gatives, too great a loosness of the belly being always contrary to the operation of the specifick.

Other Directions given by the Kings Chief Physitian, concern∣ing what is to be observed during the course of the English Remedy.

As it is sometimes useful to open the belly during the use of the English Remedy, so at other times it is of great importance to stop it when by a preceding or superve∣nient loosness, the digestion is

weakened, and the chyle rendred impure; for such dispositions are very much contrary to the Cure of Agues: in such a case it is necessary that besides the Doses of the specifick that are given every day, there be at least two given mingled with an equal part of the tincture of Roses, extracted upon hot embers with common water, and without the addition of the spirit of Vitriol, or any other acid spirit; for that effect an ounce of red Roses is sufficient for a quart of water: this tincture is extracted in twenty four hours, and after it is poured off, three ounces of good white Sugar is to be added to each quart.

In time of the intermission of the Fits, and as much as may be at the

usual hours of eating, the Patients may feed upon what their appe∣tite enclines them to, and choose such food as Nature seems to de∣sire, without any reservation, un∣less it be of salt Pork and Bacon, yet still observing to prefer solid food before liquid, and in case of thirst or hunger, not to drink un∣till a quarter of an hour, and not to eat till an hour after each Dose of the Specifick, that the distri∣bution and digestion that ought to be made thereof be not inter∣rupted.

It is moreover to be observed, that water and tizanne or barley-water do weaken the virtue of the remedy, and that so, Wine and Water, Beer or Ale, such as men drink when they are in health is

to be preferred before all other Bevrage. Furthermore, seeing the operation of the Specifick tends always to the recovery of strength, and that other remedies do neces∣sarily diminish it, they cannot be used both at a time, without in∣terrupting many salutary opera∣tions, and without exposing the Patients to an almost certain dan∣ger, and especially those who by their proper Constitution, by Age or the Contumacy of the Disease, are already much weakened and extenuated; and therefore, as we have just now observed, the ope∣ration of the Remedy cannot be more efficaciously assisted than by the use of the most nourishing meats, because they concur with it to the reparation of strength,

and put the Patients in a con∣dition of enjoying perfect health so soon as the Ague is stopt.

Nevertheless a prudent Physi∣tian who intends to give the Spe∣cificker may sometimes by Blood-letting, Purging, and other ordi∣nary Medicins, correct the bad dispositions of the body, that might hinder the benefit which is to be expected from it; but these Re∣medies being only to be conside∣red as simple preparatives, they are always to be used before the Specifick, which is never more powerful than when it is given by its self.

Other Observations of the Kings chief Physician, concerning the Virtues of the English Remedy.

Never did Remedy better de∣serve the name of a specifick Fe∣brifuge; for never did any as yet come to our knowledg, that hath so speedily and securely stopt, and cured Feavers and Agues, as that hath done. The truth is, Quin∣quind, which maketh the basis of it, and which we have had know∣ledg of for about thirty years, does almost infallibly stop the fits of Intermittent Feavers, when it is given in substance in white, some without other ceremony; that is to say, according to the method Prescribed by the Jesuits, who

were the first that brought that Bark into Europe; And in Authors that have written since that time some other preparations are to be found which are believed to be more efficacious; but experience hath convinced us, that these Au∣thors had not as yet found out the securest method to prevent those troublesome relapses, which to this present rendered that Re∣medy contemptible, and we must confess that we are in some man∣ner obliged to Sir Robert Talbor, for having given us a Preparation much to be preferred before all others, whether he hath been the inventer of it, or that he hath hit upon it by chance; and it may be said, that his boldness (which would have been taken for a cri∣minal

rashness in any but an Em∣perick) hath not a little contri∣buted to the knowledg which we have at present of its use and man∣ner of application.

The most wonderful effects of this Febrifuge appears in all in∣termittent Feavers, which are its true object; for it stops, and in fine wholly Cures Quotidian Agues, Tertian, double Tertian, Quartans, double and tripple Quartans, and sometimes also o∣ther kinds of Feavers; for there are some continued Feavers, which having kinds of Intermissions and Regular Paroxysms observable by some small cold in the extremi∣ties of the Body, or some horror and shivering betwixt the Shoul∣ders, are cured by the specifick,

almost as speedily and secure∣ly as the true Intermittent Fea∣vers; and this happens often in respect of slow Hectick Feavers accompanied with a Consumpti∣on, such as Children are com∣monly affected with, because they have certain inequalities of remission and augmentation which give ground to the Re∣medy to exert its virtue to se∣cond the attempts of Nature, and by consequence to reduce the blood unto its former dis∣position, and to restore the Sto∣mach to its Natural strength, so that for the future providing only good and well digested Chyle, it sends a Vivifying hu∣midity to all the parts, which corrects their dryness and re∣stores

the lost Plumpness and good habit of body.

It is nevertheless to be obser∣ved, that since the matter of continued Feavers is diffused through the whole mass of blood, that herein it causes a cor∣ruption hard to be rectified, and that it wholly takes up Nature without giving her any respite, she cannot be in a condition to concur the with Specifick, but till by blood letting and Purging, the impure and Heterogeneous matter be in some manner ex∣pulsed, the irritation of the Spi∣rins calmed, and the humours be in good enough temper to return into favour with Nature, without which the Specifick, which does not always excite

regular Evacuations, is not powerful enough to put a stop to the sedition, and compose the disorder, which is then in the great Vessels, and in all the other principle and more ne∣cessary parts of the body.

For the better understanding of the abovementioned directi∣ons and observations, I would have it remarked, That every thing that occasions an extra∣ordinary agitation in the spirits, humors, and generally in the liquid and fluid parts of our body, may be considered as the primitive cause of Feavers, that is to say, of those irregular mo∣tions which happen so often in the mass of blood, but seems the same motions would be

quickly rectified by Nature, were they not kept in being by some permanent cause, and that besides, by discomposing all the oeconomy of Nature, they corrupt the Ferments that serve for Digestion, and by that means render the Chyle im∣pure, and of a bad quality; the depraved Chylification may be looked upon as the immediate and antecedent cause of Fea∣vers; so that a Remedy cannot truly be a Febrifuge, unless all at once it correct both the bad disposition of Stomach, and of the Ferments, of which I have been speaking, and that is the proper effect of the English Febrifuge, for like the most part of bitter Medicaments, it is

very Stomachical, being pro∣per to consume the superfluous humidities, and to restore the bone of the relaxated Fibres of the Ventricle, and by that means to encrease the diminished ap∣petite, and retrive it when it is wholely lost, from whence de∣pends the perfect digestion of the Victuals, even of the most solid Food; I cannot tell if one may not affirm it to be al∣so more Cordial: for besides, that it re-establishes the scatter∣ed forces of the Body, and the decayed natural heat, it fixes the heterogeneous Particles that cause the Fermentation of the Blood, and rallies and calls together those which have been divided and scattered during its ebullition.

This Augmentation of force and heat makes it sometimes appear as if this Febrifuge did re-kindle the Feaver after the taking of the first Dose; but it only augments it that it may the better engage with it, and that apparent disorder is the su∣rest sign of its triumph: for the more violent it renders one fit, the more we may be assured that it will not be followed by another.

Many Physicians cannot con∣ceive how this Remedy which seems onely to be fixative, can radically cure Feavers and A∣gues (but it is to be observed that though it causes not al∣ways a sensible evacuation, yet it so powerful seconds the in∣clinations

of nature, that during its operation the heterogenious, impure or superfluous matters, are most commonly forced out to the superfice of the body, to be evacuated by insensible tran∣spiration, and even very often by copious sweats, as also it is sometime the occasion of a cri∣tical looseness of the belly, and in many Patients, the way of the urine serves for so salutary an evacuation, that it cures both together, the Quartan Ague and the Dropsie occasioned by it.

Furthermore, though the most certain and regular ope∣ration of the English Remedy, be to stop the fits of intermit∣tent Feavers, yet the use of it is not to be thought of dangerous

consequence; it causes no trou∣ble in the oeconomy of Nature, being like other bitter tempe∣rate medicaments, incapable of making any bad impression on mans body, for the reunion that it makes of the parts of the blood, always facilitates the ex∣pulsion of morbifick Causes, and though they should partly stay within after its operation; yet by means of it they are cor∣rected and reconciled to nature, or at least by reiterated and continual digestions, they are at length concocted, ripened and dissipated,

Observations of the Kings chief Physician, concerning the pra∣ctice of Sir Robert Talbor, in the prepation and distributi∣on of his Remedy.

The greatest secret of most of Empiricks, consists only in disgui∣sing the the Drugs that they make use of; for since they are the very same whereof Physicians know the Nature and Properties, they could not make them pass for se∣cret Remedies, unless they affe∣ctedly gave them an air of novelty; thus did Sir Robert Talbor in the preparation of the Jesuits Powder, either to make it be believed that the virtue of his Febrifuge did not depend on that Book, or to make

it be thought that he understood it much better than those that had made use of it before him; for it was very ordinary with him to be∣sprinkle fix Drachms of Red Roses with two Ounces of the juice of Lemons; and afterward to infuse them for the space of four hours in six Pound of Fountain water, to make use of that infusion for the making of his Remedy, ad∣ding thereunto eight ounces of Quinquina, powdered and be∣sprinkled with four ounces of the Juyce of Fennel Root, and put into infusion only for the space of twelve hours.

Sometimes instead of that Juyce he would employ the Juyce of Smallage Leaves, and at other times again that of

Parsley, especially in Tertian, and double Tertian Agues.

In continued Feavers, he as∣sured us, that on the contrary he made use of the Juyces of the Plantin and Lettice, and in Malignant Feavers of the De∣coction of Scorsonera.

In Quotidian Agues he com∣monly besprinkled his Powder with Vinegar of Squills, at the proportion of one ounce upon eight of the Jesuits Powder, which he afterwards infused sometimes in Rhenish Wine, and sometime in White Wine.

For Quartan Agues he pre∣ferred the Juyce of Pentaphyl∣lum (Cinquefoil) and made his infusion sometimes in Spanish Wine.

In slow and Hectick Feavers, he used the Juice of Colts Foot and Ground Ivie, and made his infusion in one part of Wine, two parts of Barley Water, and one part of the Tincture of Ro∣ses.

He followed that Practice in∣differently for both Sexes, only with this difference, that with Women he ceased the use of his Remedy during their Cour∣ses, and Prepared it for those that were with Child, or in Child-Bed, in this manner; Af∣ter that he had wet his Quinqui∣na with two ounces of the Juyce of Quinces, he infused it in equal parts of Wine and the Tincture of Roses.

In respect of Complicated Agues, he observed always to give his Febrifuge either in the Declension of the Fit, or in the beginning of the sweating, but that circumspection was com∣monly the more useless, that without considering, if these kinds of Feavers were the cause or the effects of other Distem∣pers, he always bent himself wholly to the Cure of them; and it was by sticking to that pernicious Maxim, that he er∣red so grosly in the Distemper of the Dauphin of France, whose Feaver proceeding from Vomit∣ing and the weakness of his Sto∣mach, was encreased considera∣bly by the use of his Febrifuge, and on the contrary ceased of it

self, when Remedies were only applied to correct the indisposition that was the cause of it; not but that that Remedy hath some vir∣tue against Vomiting and weak∣ness of the Stomach which proceed from Crudities, Indigestion, and Relaxation of the Fibres of the Stomach; but it is absolutely con∣trary to those that are raised by a hot intemperature of the Visce∣ra, and fomented by the irritati∣on of overflowing choler, as that of the Dauphins was.

Hence one may judg how dan∣gerous it is to trust the life and health of men, to the conduct of such kind of People, whose know∣ledg is always too much limited, to reach beyond the general Rules and Directions contained in their

Receipts, and to descend into the exceptions that are indicated by sound judgment, experience, and the Principles of a judicious Do∣ctrine.

It is true, Sir Robert Talbor did not always observe the directions prescribed in his Receipt, touch∣ing the time of the infusion of Quinquina; but in that he was the more to be blamed: for besides that, it is impossible that that Bark can in twelve; nay, even in twen∣ty four hours, impart all its bit∣terness and virtue to the Wine; there is still much more time re∣quired to have the infusion so de∣purated as it is to be wished, that it may not be nauseous, nor apt to cause obstructions in the capil∣lary Vessels, which hath caused

troublesome inconveniences to many who have been treated by that Emperick.

Upon the same account it was, that in these late times thinking it best to give the Jesuits Powder in Bolus, and by that means to re∣vive in some measure the antient and primitive method, which was to give it in substance; he hath often been the cause of many Di∣seases far more pernicious than the Ague, which he pretended to Cure, the different Juyces where∣with he besprinkled his Powder, being incapable to render it so di∣stributive as not to stick in some part.

But what preference soever the infusions contained in the descri∣ption of the English Remedy may

deserve, it is still true that seeing they cannot be safe but by the right use of them, it is no wonder if their effect hath sometimes bad∣ly corresponded to the underta∣kings of Sir Robert Talbor, since he gave them indifferently in all times of the Feaver, which can∣not be stopt in the beginning, without unpleasing consequences, that indisposition, to speak pro∣perly, being only a kind of Crisis excited by nature to force out of the Vessels, Grude impure and superfluous matters, which by con∣sequent cannot be stop too early, but that the ferments will lurk and remain in their Focus's quar∣ters, and subsist in full force, which hath been the cause of those dangerous relapses, that first

brought the Jesuits Powder into contempt, which notwithstanding is a most excellent Febrifuge.

I do nevertheless acknowledg that there are some occasions, wherein in the very beginning of the Feaver an urgent danger seems to demund a speedy truce; but when, to have time to looae about us, we have capitulated with the Disease, we have procured an ad∣vantage that cannot withou great danger be abused, and whereof we cannot secure our selves the pos∣session, but by observing the Max∣ims long since received, concern∣ing the use of the Jesuits Powder; that is to say, without ordering a Diet, Blood Letting, and especially Purging, which by experience we know to be of indispensable neces∣sity.

And now since I speak of Purg∣ing, I ought not to omit to say that it may be practised with suc∣cess, before, or in the time, and after the use of the specifick, observing the following Directions. When there is nothing that hinders from preparing the Body to receive the Jesuits Powder, the essential part of that Preparation consists in Purging Patients well, after they have been once or twice Let Blood, and that with relation to the quan∣tity of the superfluities and the degrees of repletion. When the action of the Ferments seems to resist the operation of the Febri∣fuge, and that therefore one is ob∣liged to administer Purgatives in the very time of using it, its force is to be augmented, or the Doses

doubled, to the end that by the motion of the matters which are to be evacuated, the perturbati∣on of the Blood be not encreased. In fine, when after we have done with the Remedy, we would by Purgatives prevent relapses, it is better to give moderate and rei∣terated Purges, than to give strong∣er Doses, and in less number.

Futhermore, the ambition of Sir Robert Talbor having enclined him to extend the use of his Re∣medy beyonds its efficacy, it is well known that he hath given it on divers occasions for continued Feavers, wherein there was nei∣ther intention nor remission to be observed, which was always at∣tended with tragical symptoms, and very often with death it self;

for that Remedy can never be successfully given in those kind of Feavers, unless when some mani∣fest Paroxysms are observed, that they continued for several days, that the Patients have been Purged by all ways, and that they stand in need of a respite to recollect strength, and so to relieve Nature, and give her time to perfect the Cure of the Distemper, which in vain she strove to surmount with∣out that aid and assistance.

He was guilty of a no smaller fault, in forcing, if I may say so, his Patients to drink Wine, and to eat solid Food during the whole time of continued Feavers, and in time of the Fit in Agues; for though in the abatement of the one, and the intermission of the

others, that kind of nourishment may back and fortifie the opera∣tion of the Remedy; yet they considerably oppress the Patients, when Nature is taken up in de∣fending her self against the vigour of the Distemper that attacks her, and then it appears that the pru∣dence and skill of a Learned and Experienced Physician, are at least of as great relief on such occasions, as the most efficacious and salutory Medicines.

I have no more to say to shew how little confidence we ought to have in such kind of Empi∣ricks, but that it is strange that this man who hath prescribed to us so many juyces, and such like trifles about the compositi∣on of his Febrifuge, whereof

the principle effect is only to be attributed to the Jesuits Pow∣der, should conceale the use that he made of Opium, whereof he many times added some drops of Tincture to this Febrifuge, which may be of great advan∣tage when it is given seasona∣bly in over watchings, light headedness, and loosness, which are frequent symptoms in Fea∣vers, and always allayed by the virtue of that excellent Medi∣cine.

I hope the Reader will take in good part, that I describe in this place a Febrifuge Opiat prepared with Quinquina, and afterward explain its effects, with relation to the Nature of Feavers and A∣gues.

An Excellent Febrifuge.

Take of the Jesuits Powder, the Flowers or Leaf of lesser Centaury subtilly Pulverised, and of Treacle, of each a like weight, make them into an O∣piat, of which the Patient twice a day shall take the weight of a Drachm and a half, during the space of six days, drinking upon it a Glass of good Claret with Plantin or Bugloss water.

Reflections upon the use of this Febrifuge.

The excellency of a Remedy is very often the cause why it is de∣spised. Antimony hath been in

our days a manifest instance of this, but the Jesuits Powder, and the English Febrifuge continue us more plainly of the truth of it so soon as chance or industry hath discovered a secret for any parti∣cular distemper; the people lay hold on't as of a Publick Good, and apply it indifferently to all sorts of evils; and if on some oc∣casion it succeed not, as it must unavoidably come to pass, it is cried down with as much Zeal and Precipitance as it was brought in vogue. This is the fortune of all the new Febrifuges, having seen wonderful effects of them in some kinds of Feavers, men took them for Ʋniversal Remedies; but so soon as they found them produce bad consequences in others for

which they were not proper, it was then generally concluded that it was dangerous to make use of them. For this reason, that all scruples may be removed, which people may frame to themselves in the use of this Febrifuge, I have thought it pertinent carefully to engage into the Nature of Fea∣vers, and to mark their differen∣ces, to observe those which are submitted to this Remedy, and those to which it may prove pre∣judicial, and lastly to prove with how much usefulness it may be employed, when that is done with all care and necessary cir∣cumspection.

Two motions are to be conceived in the blood, that of the whole

which is the circulation, and ano∣ther of the parts proceeding from its liquidity. A Feaver is a fermentation of the blood, fer∣mentation is an irregular moti∣on of the insensible parts (motus intestinus partium insensibili∣um) We must look into the causes of the regular motion of this li∣quid body, that by the rule of contraries we may discover those of the irregular motion.

There are two causes that main∣tain Ʋniformity in the motion of the blood. 1. Its quantity, and the constantly equal force of the spirits, which are the immediate movers and impulsers of all the parts that compose this liquid mass. 2. the just proportion of the same parts, as well in their

quantity and quality, as in their scituation, that is to say, when the Sulphureous, Acide, Watry and Earthy corpuscles, are not only in a laudable proportion as to quan∣ty; but likewise are so well ad∣justed, and united together, that they no ways annoy one another, and are moved by the Spirits or Celestial matter that animates them, in a regular and uniform motion. As long as things are thus, it may be said that the blood is in its Natural state of Health, and to that end the Author of Na∣ture hath not only made our body transpirable, thereby to give vent to the too great quantity of Spi∣rits, but hath also put in different places, Bowels and percolatories designed to filtrate the superflu∣ous

and exceeding parts, which might trouble the purety of that Liquor.

From thence it may inferred that there are two immediate cau∣ses of the fermentation of the blood, the first is the too great quantity, or the tor great motion of the spirits, which may be ex∣cited by the heat of the Sun, vio∣lent exercise, watching, fasting, hot and spirituous nurishment; and the passions and perturbati∣ons of the mind, and from thence it is that all Feavers Ephemerae or of one days continuance, and simple Synoches, which are the slightest of all, and may be cured by transpiration alone do arise, the second is the mixture of irregular and fermentative corpuscles (re∣rum

non miscibilium mixtio) which confounding the order and alliance of the parts of the Blood, raise a Sedition there, and deprave its motion. And of these Bodies some only raise a simple Fermentati∣on, which at length may be governed and subdued by Nature, and the others being more Malignant and Venemous, cause Coagulations, Dis∣solutions, and Colliguations in the mass of Blood, and can in no man∣ner be corrected. From the for∣mer of these proceed all intermit∣tent, erratick, and continued Fea∣vers, which are called subintrant, and from the other spring Burning, Pestilential, Malignant and spotted Feavers. It is now to be conside∣red in what parts of our Body, and how these humours are produced.

Though I have said that there are parts viscera appointed for the separation of the superfluities of the blood, yet seeing they do not always discharge their functions aright, ei∣ther through a fault in themselves, or through the too great abundance of the same superfluities, the same are hurried away by the rapidity of the circulation, as filth is carried away by the impetuous current of a River; but in the same manner as there happens a turning in that Ri∣ver where the water is stiller, and where all that filth turning slowly with the current stops; so these he∣terogeneous bodies turn aside by the coeliack Artery into the branches of the Vena Porta, where the Blood circulates more slowly, and which for that reason may be compared

to a Lake or standing Pool of Wa∣ter in respect of the other vessels: there it is where wanting their for∣mer agitation, they have the means of fastening and uniting together, to produce obstructions which are the primitive Causes of all Feavers of the second order, and sometimes, but seldome, of those of the third, as I shall now illustrate.

The Blood cannot be long stopt in a place without being exasperated and growing eager.

The spirits which are constantly in motion flie away, and carry with them first the more volatile parts, then the sulphureous which blunted and edge of the Salts, and kept them as in fetters; which is the cause that these bodies having now nothing to stop their activity, break off and

diffuse themselves through the mass of Blood to raise and ferment it, un∣till that being dispersed and dissol∣ved in the serosity, they are expel∣led by the ordinary ways, or other∣ways do so adjust and accommodate themselves with the other parts, that they disturb their alliance and motion no more.

There is nothing in Feavers but may be explained by this systeme.

The obstruction and the ferment which remains in that part which is called the Focus, make the Peri∣odick Fits and Paroxysms, which are sometimes quicker and sometimes slower, according as the exaspera∣ted humour is more gross or more subtile: the duplicity of Focus's or Magazines make the double inter∣mittent Feavers. In a word there

happen sometimes so many of these nests, that giving no respite, they cause continued Feavers, which may be called subintrants.

But it sometimes happens that these acid Salts, whether through their their too long continuance in a place, or by an excessive heat of the entralls, acquire a pretty violent degree of corrosion, and are exalted to that height as to become venemous enough for spoiling, and wholly rui∣ning all the oeconomy of the blood, and causing those Feavers which by a general name are called Malig∣nant; but since the more common cause of these Feavers, are Ʋrse∣nical Salts diffused through the Air which we breath, or lurking in the Food we eat, and that it is rare that our Natural heat which

is mild, should produce in our Bodies that which the most violent fire of Chymists can hardly perform in their Vessels; I said it was the less ordina∣ry causes of those kinds of Feavers.

Having laid down these Princi∣ples, I say that this Remedy is useless for the first, and dangerous for the third kind of Feavers; useless for the first, because they are commonly cured of themselves, and dangerous for the third, because a venemous Body, and such as in no ways can be subdued nor corrected ought never to be fixed; on the con∣trary it ought with all expedition to be driven out by sweats, or by other ways of evacuation: But I main∣tain that this Remedy answers all the indications that we can have for the Cure of those of the second order.

The Explication which I have given of these Feavers, which by a general name may be called inter∣mittent, furnishes me with four indications for their Cure. 1. To stop the Fermentation of the Blood. 2. To fix and correct the Acid which is the cause of it. 3. To dissolve, attenuate and drive out by the ordi∣nary ways of evacuation the gross humours that make obstructions. 4. And lastly to repair the loss of the Sulphureous and Ʋnctuous Cor∣puscles which sweetened the Blood, and which are evaporated by its offervescencie. 1. The feaverish e∣bullition of the Blood is sufficiently stopt by the terrestrial and astringent parts of the Quinquina or Jesuits Powder, and by the lesser Centau∣ry and the Opium that enters the

composition of the Treacle. 2. Af∣ter so many fair experiments, we have no cause to doubt, but that the fixed Salt of the Quinquina is the true corrective of the Fermen∣tative Acid of the Feaver. 3. Of all the ingredients that enter the composition of Treacle, there is none but drives out by sweating and Ʋrine the impurities of the Blood. Lastly we may be easily persuaded that the lesser Centaury is most proper for restoring the Sul∣phureous parts of the Blood which have been dissipated in the Fermen∣tation, if we consider its wonderful virtue in consolidating of wounds; and if we observe that the reuni∣ting of separated parts, is only per∣formed by a Balsamick and Ʋnctu∣ous Sulpher wherewith that Plant

abounds. The wine that is given immediately after contributes much also to that effect, especi∣ally when the activity of its spirits is checked by the mixture of the Plant in water, which on this oc∣casson I should prefer before that of Bugloss. I pretend not for all this to exclude the general and common remedies of Phy∣sick. Nay, I maintain, that in the beginning once or twice Blood-letting, according to the strength and repletion of the Patient are necessary, as well for facilitating the circulation of the blood, as for remedying the pains of the head, and oppressions that Blood swelling in the fermentation, may cause in passing through the capillary ves∣sels of the Brain and Lungs. This

Remedy is not to be given till first by a dissolution of Cassia or Ca∣tholicum, the excrements of the lower region, which may trouble its operation, be evacuated. And lastly, seeing the blood, like other Liquors in their ebullition, drives always towards the Mesentery a great many impure and foeculent parts like a scum, it is necessary in the declension of the evil to purge them out, if one would pre∣vent relapses, and sometimes more troublesome consequences.

Seeing it appears by the re∣marks of the Kings chief Phy∣sician, and by the foregoing re∣flexions, that Opium may use∣fully be added to the English Re∣medy, and other Febrifuges of the same Nature; I make no

doubt but that you will Read with pleasure the Natural Hi∣story of that excellent Medi∣cine.

The History of Opium.

OPium by most of the Eastern people is still named Offium, in imitation of the Greeks, who commonly change p. into an f. it is the thickned juyce of the Indian Poppy. Garrias du Jardin, saith that these Heads are big enough to contain four Ounces and a half. Our Poppies yield also a juyce, which being thickned may pass for a kind of Opium; but it hath not the efficacy of that which is brought from hot

Countries. The Author of the Poor mans Physician, proposes a very easie preparation of it, he would have us pound the Heads of our Poppies about the end of May, then put them in digestion in White Wine for the space of fifteen days, and afterwards by evaporation re∣duce the digested liquor into a due consistency.

The true Indian Opium comes from the Eastern Coun∣trys, according to the testimo∣ny of Garrias du Jardin, and Cristopher de la Coste. The Pop∣pies from which it is taken grow commonly enough in Egypt, and therefore Merchands bring much of it from Grand Cai∣ro; this is in greatest esteem,

and is called Thebaick Opium.

Not to mention the Opium that may be made of the Poppies of Longuedoc and Provence, nor of that which is made in Italy, we may divide into three kinds that which is brought us from the Indies; for there is one sort of it White, which the Indians keep for their own use, and which is only drawn out by ex∣stillation, having made incision in the Heads of the Poppies; and it is to this properly that the Antients gave the name of Opium; for as to the second kind which is black, and which is extracted only by expression, they called it Maeconium; the third sort is Yellowish and com∣monly sophisticated with the

juyce of Glaucium, which is an Herb whose Leaves resemble those of horned Poppy, and are bitter and of an evil smell: that Sophistication is discovered by dissolving that kind of Opium in some Liquor; for because of that juice of Glaucium which is Yellow, it looks like the Tin∣cture of Saffron.

The good Maeconium, that is say Opium of the second kind ought to be black, bitter, a lit∣tle biting to the taste, of an un∣pleasant smell, pure, solid, pon∣derous, inflammable, and shin∣ing within when it is newly broken.

In Europe it is only used in Physick, and most part of our Physicians are so scrupulous in

using it, that they seem to look upon it as a most dangerous Poyson, though it be indeed one of the safest and most won∣derful of all our Medicines; but the Africans and Asians make extraordinory great use of it both in Health and Sick∣ness; for most of them take it dayly in so large a Dose, that it amounts commonly to forty or fifty Grains, and somtimes also to four or five Drachms, at least if we believe Garrias du Jardin; and which is more strange, when they leave off taking of it they are in danger of death, unless they drink Wine, which their Religion forbids: the reason of that custome is, because thereby

they find themselves more strong and vigorous, and there∣fore it is, that the Turks never fail to take of it in a great Dose, when they are going to charge an Enemy, or Attack a place.

Howsoevever it be, seeing pain is the cruellest Enemy that men have; so there is nothing they ought to esteem more than what eases them of it; and therefore some have called O∣pium a Divine Medicine; be∣cause it charms the most vehe∣ment pain, by procuring a soft and sweet sleep, and does so quiet and still the impetuous motion of the irritated spirits and exalted fiery Corpuscles, that it stops the operation of all those sharp and biting

juyces that depended thereupon.

The Ancients in regard of these admirable effects, believed that the virtue of Opium con∣sisted only in fixation, which could not proceed but from a cold quality; in the same man∣ner as they believed that all dis∣solutions depended on heat. The Moderns, on the contrary, have observed that because of the Countries from whence it comes, its pierceing smell, and how easily it is dissolved in the Spirit of Wine, it must of ne∣cessity be Resinous, Sulphureous and consequently of the Nature of those mixts to which a hot quality is assigned: In a word, some of the latest Authors who have written of it to reconcile

those two Opinions, say that there are two substances in it, the one cold, which renders it stupefactive, and the other hot, which gives it a requisite volati∣lity to convey it to the Brain; but seeing neither the one nor the other are in the right, as not having grounded their Opini∣ons upon the true Nature of O∣pium, that is to say, with rela∣tion to the number, quality and quantity of the Elementary principles that enter into its composition; we must of ne∣cessity take another course in explaining more exactly the properties of that rare Medi∣cine.

For that end, seeing Opi∣um is of the kind of bitter Me∣decines,

it would seem that I should begin by an enquiry into the principles of bitterness; but seeing I have been large enough on that subject, when I treated of the Nature of Quinquina, I think it more pertinent to refer the Reader to that place; than here to make repetitions (which doubtless would be as unplea∣sant as useless) concerning the general Doctrine of bitter things.

Nevertheless that I may de∣scend into the particular Na∣ture of Opium, that is to say in∣to the enumeration of those things that distinguish it from other bitter mixts, I confess that that distinction being founded upon this, that it is both fixative

and by consequence Febrifugrous, Somniferous, and by con∣sequent Anodin; we must enquire in what manner it acts upon the blood and spirits in producing such wonderful effects: for a more clear notion of this, it is to be observed, that the parti∣cular motion of the parts of the blood, wherein its liquidity con∣sists, becomes of necessity a hinderance to that of the whole mass, when it is grown irregu∣lar by fermentative causes, be∣cause the same parts being then violently agitated and every way dispersed, they justle irregu∣larly one upon another, and so in some manner resist the action of the chief movers of the blood, that causes the de∣pravation

of its circulary mo∣tion, which according as it is more or less considerable, caus∣eth a Feaver, over watching, particular inflamations, and the extravasation of sharp and bite∣ing juyces, that produce all kinds of pain.

Now seeing that some depra∣vation may be rectified by bit∣ter things, as I have demonstra∣ted when I spoke of Quinquina, and that if amongst all mixts of that quality, those that are too week acting but imperfect∣ly, and those that are too strong irritating many times the hu∣mours in stead of fixing them, such as are of a moderate force are of greature virtue than others; it is not strange if Opi∣um

which is but moderately bitter, so efficaciously restore to the blood the uniformity of its motion, and by consequent that pleasant tranquility that charms us a sleep and eases our pains.

But in as much as there are inflamations or (if one may say so) Feavers that are peculiar to every part of the body, and that because of disquietness and application to Study and Busi∣ness, the Head is frequently subject to such, which cause watchings, and which seem ra∣ther to proceed from the irrita∣tion of the Spirits, than the de∣pravation of the motion of the blood, it must indeed be con∣cluded that Opium which so

quickly rectifies that disorder, hath some property which is not common to other bitter Medecines; but this is not hard to be explained; for supposing that all, or almost all the drogues of that quality, have the virtue to rally, reunite and fix the parts of the Liquors of our body, in which they are dif∣fused; it is sufficient that Opi∣um above all other bitter Me∣dicines have as many volatile parts as are needful to make those parts wherein its bitter∣ness and virtue of fixing liquids does consist, to be conveighed from the Stomach to the Brain, that by means of that Sublima∣tion, they may have occasion of acting upon the extravasated

Liquors, and consequently upon those that are appointed for re∣taining and hindering the dissipa∣tion of the Animal Spirits, whose impetuous motion causes watch∣ing, as their calm and stillness produces sleep.

But to speak somewhat more intelligibly upon this Subject, I would have it observed in the first place, that the continual emission of Animal Spirits into all the Nerves, and by consequence into those that constitute the organs of the senses producing that state of Body, which we call being a∣wake, and wherein the Body is ca∣pable of all the Functions that de∣pend on the Will; the dissipation of the same Spirits, and every thing that hinders their pas∣sage,

are the causes or sleep; which may be defined a disposition wherein the external senses are so dulled, that they are incapable of the perceptions which they give to the mind, and wherein all the other parts of the Body are weak∣ned, relaxated and improper for those voluntary actions, to which Nature hath destin'd them 〈◊〉〈◊〉 for such never sleep sound who have their eyes open, speak, walk, or perform those functions asleep, which seem to depend on the Will, since they suppose the swel∣ling, strength, and in a word the motion of the Nerves, which can only be referred to the motion of the Spirits, wherewith they are then possessed.

This being supposed, it will not

be hard to conceive why one falls naturally asleep after Labour and Travel, and after long Watching; for seeing those things dissipate many Spirits, they are at length too few to fill all the Nerves, to support the Body, and to render it fit for sansation and motion, insomuch that it necessarily re∣mains as without motion and sense, until the Blood being depurated and subtilized by its continual cir∣culation, discharges into the Brain a sufficient quantity of Spirits to make up the loss of the former dissipation.

With the same facility may be given the reason of dullness which is so common during the di∣gestion of Victuals; for seeing that cannot be performed without the

elevation of Vapours into the Brain, which entangle the Spirits, and make a kind of obstruction in the Orifices of the Nerves, it is no wonder if the extremities of the Body droop, and be weak and dull, since they cannot be strong and proper for action, unless they have a continual and abundant supply of Spirits.

This last Observation will be very useful to confirm the expli∣cation that I have given of sleep which is procured by Opium, see∣ing its Volatile and Vaporous parts are much more powerful than those that proceed from the digestion of Victuals, whether for fixing of the humours and spi∣rits, or for obstructing the Nerves by which they are distributed

through all the parts of the Body.

Since then Opium procures sleep by the power that it hath to stop the Spirits in the Brain, it necessa∣rily follows that it must asswage pain, suspend preternatural eva∣cuations, and stop all kinds of Va∣pours, seeing these indispositions depend naturally upon the Fer∣mentation of the Juyce, and that the Spirits flowing no more towards the part where it happens, it must of necessity diminish as the Spirits that are contained in the fermen∣ted matter are dissipated, and wholly cease, when the same Spi∣rits are entirely dispersed, because there comes no new supplies, and the substances that are destitute of the same, ferment no more, as experience confirms in the mat∣ters

of cold abscesses and painless tumors.

Though this explanation of the effects of Opium be very plain, yet it makes it evidently enough appear why it is so great a relief in watchings, frensie, inveterate and contumacious pains of the Head, Gonvulsions, Asthma's, Coughs, loss of Blood, Dissente∣ries, Colicks, Fluxes and Loosness, Gonorheas, and generally in all Diseases which are caused and continued by sharp, corrupt and fermentative Juyces.

Furthermore, when Opium is prepared with Aromatick and Cordial Medicines, it is called Laudanum; this Preparation is made with design to correct its imaginary coldness, and is there∣fore

needless. It may be given then in substance without any scruple or ceremony, unless one had rather prepare it according to the advice of the Poor Mans Physician; which consists in dry∣ing of it well, that the impure Sulphers may exhale, and then dis∣solving it in rose Vinegar, to Cure it of its bad smell, and lessen its Volatility; but its best Preparati∣on is barely to dissolve it in the spi∣rit of Wine, that it may be given by way of a Tincture, as the Eng∣lish Physitian used to do, and is very convenient.

Opiats have drawn their gene∣ral Name from Opium, and I cannot tell why they have given the Name of Confection to Orvi∣etan, Treacle and Mithridate,

whereof it is an Ingredient; and on the contrary, have given that of Opium to many Compositions into which it enters not; for it is certainly the most efficacious of all Antidotes, and I have obser∣ved by experience, that Venice Treacle is only more excellent than others, because it contains Opium in a greater quantity.

It is said, that if it were pure and without all falsification, it would cause blindness; but to pre∣vent that, there is no more requi∣red than only to give it in the necessary Dose for the effect which we expect from it: besides, the Dose wherein we give that which is brought to us, being always proportionable to that I have been speaking of, it would fol∣low

that that accident should hap∣pen to those to whom it is given, if it were true that it is capable to cause it. To conclude, they who pretend that it ought to be ranked among Poysons, should confess that it kills not but when a bad use is made of it; and that so there is no more Poyson in it, than in the best Medicines: and I dare be bold to say, that our very Food, of which Bread is he most innocent, being taken with∣out measure, may cause a Surfeit, and Mortal Suffocation.

FINIS.