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GUM refines participate and come near the nature of gums, in that they are nothing else but the drop of certain trees, and may with great ease be dissolved in oyle, and in water also, but more difficulty, because they participate more
of the sulphureous oyly and inflammable substance, then of the sa∣line which is the soonest dissoluble in water. They that come near this category or are in it, are Camphir, Mastick, Ladanum, Benjuin, Styrax, myrthe, and others which it would be needesse here to rehearse: we will then declare a method of the work that may be made upon the cheif and most usefull of them.
Gummes so properly called, are nothing else but concrete li∣quors easily dissolved in water or other waterish and moist men∣struums, as wine and vinegar: they are of 2. kinds: the first do consist of a volatile salt, predominant and somewhat sulphureous, and of a gummy viscous and clamy juice, proceeding from plants, shrubs and feculaceous trees, as Ammoniak, Galbanum, Opopanax, Euphorbium, Sagapenum, Assa faetida, and several others: the second are purely gummous and muscilagineous, proceeding also from some plants and fruit trees, as gum Arabick, gum of plum and cherry trees, and Tragacinth: these cannot suffer distillation, having none or litle of salt and sulphur in themselves.
THOUGH this gum be not much in use, yet it has many ex∣cellent proprieties, and I can say confidently, that it is but want of having made the anatomy of it, and of experience, that it has been so much neglected: for it is impossible that those that are better acquainted with it should not make use of it: it is a gum resin gathered upon the leaves of a shrub called Cistus Ledon; the best is that which is of a blackish green, easy to crumble, and yet as easily made into pills, working it between the fingers, inflam∣mable, and yeilding a sweet and pleasant smel in the burning. But there is this considerable in it, that though Ladanum be in∣flammable, yet will it not easily mix with oyles or other fat and unctuous substances: their use is that it abounds with volatile salt, and a portion of herbaceous extract which hinders its union and causes it to crumble: and this is a note of its principal vertue, because this sulphureous salt ascends in the distillation and is tur∣ned into an oyle, which is a specifick for many diseases; it is thus prepared.
℞. lb. 1. Ladanum made in rolls, and not of that which is in masse or lump, powder it and mix with lb iij. of Bol, reduced in Lump with Aquae vitae; work all this into pellets, which after they are gently dried, put in a retort, and place it in sand, joining to it a fit recipient well luted; then give a gradual fire, and con∣tinue it till all the liquor be come forth; and the vessels being cooled, take out what you find in the recipient, and sever the oyle from the spirit by a funnel, and keep it for use; you may give from ij. drops of the oyle and xij. of the spirit, in a litle warm wine, to open and attenuate the grosse matters whereby cathart's are generated: it is also a commendable remedy against Dysente∣ry: but it is a true specifick to allay the fits and irritations of the Mother, if the same dosis be administred in mguwort or mother-wort water, or penny-royal.
BENJUIN is one of the best and noblest gums which is found in the Kingdome of vegetables, as much for its sweet and pleasant smel, which outwardly is used in perfumes, as princi∣pally for the essential vertues it possesses in it self, proceeding from the abundance of volatile sulphureous salt, whereof we shall give an evident proof by the following operations: for it might very well be said, to speak properly of Benjuin, that it is a dry balsom; it is brought from Samaria and Sion, and grows on tal trees whereof in convenient time the rind is opened, to give way to this precious gum; the best is that which in some kinde is trans∣parent, mixt with white granes and streaks, in a yellowish red masse or lump, apt to crumble, not very heavy, melting easily, and of a very sweet and pleasant odour. We shall give the process of the following operations upon it for the satisfaction of the Ar∣tist, viz. Of drawing the tincture Magistery, flowres, oyle, manna or Crystal, and Mercurial spirit, and that balsom or grosse oyle of it.
℞ ℥. 11 BENJUIN of the best note, reduce it to a very sub∣tile powder, which being searced through a silke Tamy that all the heterogeneous substances may be separated, put this powder in a Matrass and poure upon it ℥vi. of Alkohal of wine prepared upon salt of ♀ because if there was the least of phlegm mingled with it, the operation might be checkt thereby: agitate nimbly the matter and keep the matresse in a litle of lukewarm water, and the Benjuin will disolve in a very short time, which is an infallible argument to prove that this refine containes a very pure and subtile sulphureous volatile salt: for if it held a grosse and unctuos sulphur, the Alkohal of wine could make but a simple extraction of it, and not an intire and perfect dissolution: if it also did particpate of a grosse and earthly muscilage, it would by no means hold proportion nor agree in matter with the clean∣linesse and subtilty of our vital spirit, neither with that of the spirit of wine. For as the remedies extracted from Benjuin are made use of for the diseases of the breast and lungs, it must fol∣low of all necessity, that the matter whereof they are extracted is composed of very subtile, volatile and balsamick parts, that they may be guided and appropriated by the help of the Archeus to the disgestions of the diseased parts, servata & illibata suae virtutis potestate. The dissolution which shall be red and transparent, must be filtrated in a very dry Vial: for if there was the least moisture or aquosity, it would instantly turn the tincture into white, and precipitate it to a Magistery. Keep half of the tin∣cture in a vial by it self, which must be very well stopt, to use up∣on occasion. But if you will have very well depurated Benjuin, precipitate the other part of the dissolution in very cleer common water; and when you have drawn off the spirit of wine again, in a small cucurbit in the vapour of Balneo, the Magistery will be left in the bottom, then draw off the water by inclination, and wash this pure Benjuin with rose water, and dry it softly; we will give it the name of Magistery, though somewhat improperly, because many Authors have so. The Tincture is not much more pro∣perly
so named; for it is, to say truth, but a dissolution: the ver∣tue whereof is nevertheless encreased, by reason of the excel∣lency and nobleness of the Menstruum; wherefore it may law∣fully be used both inwardly and outwardly. Outwardly applyed, it is a wonderful Cosmetick, clensing the skin both of the hands and face beyond any other, taking away all spots, dries pimples in the face, and takes them away, as all other tumours, buds or rednesses in the skin, resolving patiently all harsh and malignant serosities which the outward air hinders from transpiring, because the face is not covered as are the other parts of the body; and the matter being thus kept in betwen the flesh and skin, it causes those several defects of it. To make a right use of this Tincture, apply it towards bed-time upon all the places where you find need, and the next day wash the place with Barley-water wherein Veal hath boiled, which you shall turn to a milk colour, with some few drops of the Tincture of Benjuin, and then sweep either face or hands (as you have applyed it) with a very dry and soft linnen cloth. But besides this outward use in repairing such defects of the skin, if after being raised, you use at any time washing with the white water made by this Tincture, it will prevent for the future all pimples, raising of the skin, or redness which often happens by ill preparation of the soap-ball, and the lixivial salt, which has ever something of fieryness that enters in the composition of it. Inwardly it may be given for Asthma's and Short-breath; and to physical persons, or such as are troubled with old Coughs, from ij. drops to x. or xij. in a new raw egg, or a spoonful of Syrup of Hyssop, made after the description which we have given above; it may be given in the morning fasting, and the evening two hours before supper. As for the Magistery, it may also be admi∣nistred in new laid eggs, or some pectoral Conserve, from iv. grains to xv. and xx. for those which are offended by the smell and taste of spirit of wine: It may also be mixed in Electuaries and Tablets; they that will make good washing-balls, and such as may never endanger by any ill accident the skin of those they will trim, must prepare and wash carefully their soap, to divest it from the ill quality of the lixivial salt, and leave in it only the mundifying and abstersive vertue; and when it is brought to that pass, wash it, and feed it a good while with tincture of Benjuin,
adding thereto ℥s. of the Magistery to each pound of soap, after which they shall frame their balls of the bigness of ℥ij. and let them dry softly; add if they are pleased to add a little of Musk and amber-greece, they may boast to have washing-balls better for the perfume and sweetness, and more useful for preserving and clensing the skin both of face and hands, then those of Bolonia so much accounted of.
As Benjuin Flowers are excellent in their Vertue, so must an Artist be careful to bestow upon them a good preparation: for which reason, we shall demonstrate two ways thereof: The first more plain, because it may be done at all times, as necessity shall require. The second to be reserv'd, when we shall treat of the Distillation of Benjuin. As for this first manner, take only a good Germane Crucible, round and something high, wherein put ℥ij. of Bnjuin reduced to pouder, place it in sand upon a Capsula, and cover it with a long sharp cap of a good double blew paper, strong and well stiffened, the said cap being proportionated in its basis to the orifice or mouth of the Crucible: After this, give your fire by degree, and when you perceive the vapours of the Benjuin beginning to rise, take away the said cap, and put a new one of the same matter and proportion in the room, that you may have time to take away with a feather the flowers sublimated in the first, and lose not those which shall rise while the Crucible shall remain uncovered; and this work continue till all the volatile sulphureous salt of the Benjuin be sublimated in flowers; they are to be given from three grains to half a scruple in the same man∣ner, and for the same diseases, as the tincture and magistery: it is by this operation that our Artist shall clearly know, that Benjuin possesses a volatile sulphureous Salt, very subtile and penetrating: for as soon as there is heat enough to drive it out from its body, it invades the nose, eyes and brest, which it irritates in such a wise, as to provoke sneesing, tears and coughing, by reason of that spiritu∣ous and subtile quickness of the salt, wherein lies all the power and activity of the Benjuin.
YIelds many fine preparations at once, provided the Artist be skilful and vigilant, and not sparing of what is useful and ne∣cessary to do it punctually and to the purpose; for the Chymical A∣pothecary must not entertain a false perswasion, as many have done, and do yet at this day, that it is enough to take the bottom and dregs of the Drugsters-box, to perform his operation withal, being a very great absurdity to yield to this perswasion; considering, that besides that the drugs can never give what they have not, be∣cause the salt and spirit lies ever hidden in the purest part; it should moreover run this hazard, that all the vertue and goodness there∣of might be overcome and absorbed by the heterogenity of the impure: They then that will duly quit themselves of their duty in the profession of Spagyrical Pharmacy, must have as great a re∣gard in the well chusing of their Stuffs, as if they were to work their Master-piece; because that besides they should lose the distillable matter, they would also trifle away their time, and spend it vainly with their fire and vessels: Let this be said once for all by the by, but chiefly in this place, where it is absolutely required, that the matter we work upon be cleanly, that something analo∣gous may also come forth out of the same: for in the first place there will be drawn a spirit of wine, impregnated with a portion of the volatile, sulphureous and spiritual salt of the Bejuin. Se∣condly, There shall come forth the purest of the said volatile salt, which will cleave to the neck of the retort: And in the third place, a fat and butyrous matter, which is nothing else but the grossest part of the salt and sulphur. Fourthly, There shall distill from it some small quantity of Mercurial acid spirit. Fifth∣ly, A little of yellow oyl of Hyacinth colour, of a very good smell, and finally at the giving of the last fire, there will come forth a Balsome somewhat blackish in colour.
To perform this ample distillation artificially and methodically, chuse lb j. of the most pure and excellent Benjuin, reduce it to pouder, and put it to digest in a double or circulatory vessel in the vapour of Balneo with lb iv. of Alcohol of Wine, during the space of five natural dayes; which elapsed, pour all in a great glass retort; in which you shall put lb j. of pure and clean sand, and
lbs. of scales of iron, such as they fall from the Anvil, all these matters not filling above a third part of the vessel, which must have a long and broad neck, and the Orifice of a Thumb-Diameter, then place it in ashes mixt with sand, fitting to it a middle sise recipient dry and clean; the joints of which will be sufficiently luted with plain bladder steeped in water, that it may be removed with more ease when you are obliged to change your recipient: all these cir∣cumstances being exactly observed, give the fire slowly by degrees, so as the drops may follow slowly on the other without heating the recipient, and having a care not to make more haste; other∣wise you should ruine all your work; for as our experienced Paracelsus saith, Omnis praecipitatio a Diabolo: above all things then, our Artist must be patient and judicious, unless he will be compell'd to be so to his cost and confusion after this due warn∣ing: and when he shall guess that all the spirit of wine is almost all come forth, he must have a particular care of encreasing gently the fire, and taking notice when the flowers or crystal shall begin to coagulate themselves in the neck of the retort, to change then the recipient which must not be luted, because it must oft be taken of either, to take away the flowers and crystals which are gathered there, or to draw them with a stick, made for the purpose, from the neck of the retort, lest they should stop it altogether, which would cause the breaking of the retort, the va∣pours having no free passage left to come forth: when all the first flowers, which are the whitest and subtilest, shall be drawn off, and the butyrous substance begins to appear, then must you again lute the retort to your recipient with a bladder, and increase a little the fire, that all the acid and mercurialliquor may follow the bur∣ter; that done, change again your Recipient, to receive the true Benjuin oyl, which will be of a yellow colour, somewhat re∣sembling Hyacinth, but there will be but very little of it, and of a fragrant odour: the Artist therefore must take care to observe the change of colour: for where the drops appear red, it is the true instant of time to substitute a new Recipient, to receive a thick and dark Balsom by the last action and expression of the fire. It remains only now to say something of the uses and ver∣tues of the several substances, which the Benjuin doth furnish us with in this distillation: and to begin by the spirit, we say that
the same alone, without mixture or adding any more of our gum resin above described, may serve for a very excellent Cosmetick, because already filled and impregnated with part of the volatile salt, which is properly the substance in which the detersive, mundi∣fying and resolutive strength and faculty of the Benjuin is placed; it hath even a more penetrating vertue then the tincture, and that because the tincture is laden with the unctuous body of the Benjuin, which stops the pores, and dryes the skin. This spirit is also more potent and capable to draw the true tincture of Ben∣juin: but not of corporeal or upprepared Benjuin, but of that which is devested of its subtile and gross oyl, and its acid spirit: for you must take ℥ij. of the flowers crystals of Benjuin, and ℥s. of the butyrous matter, which must be put in a double or di∣gesting vessel, pouring upon ℥ij. of the aforesaid spirit, and so let them digest some space of time together, and the spirit shall be tinged with a yellow colour, which will be nothing else but the extract and addition of the volatile salt and sulphur graduated and exalted to the highest degree of their perfection: filtrate the liquor, and you shall find in the bottom of the vessel, a white gum, which may be of very good use in perfumes. This tincture hath in a Compendium all the noble vertues of the Benjuin: the Dosis is from two drops to xij. in sassafras water, Syrup of Hyssop, or some Conserve in Bolus, for all diseases and griefs of the brest above rehearsed. But as we promised above, that we would here exhibit the method to make Benjuin Flowers in greater quantity and less time, then those which may be made by sublimation in the Crucible, we will teach how to perform it; and it is only thus: Dissolve ℥j. of the first butter of Benjuin, and of the whirest, which immediately follows the crystals or flowers in boyling wa∣ter, and filtrate very quickly the liquor through gray paper, and the flowers will instantly be coagulated, even under the hand: then draw back again the whitish water by inclination, and let it settle, and you shall have in the bottom a magistery of no less effi∣cacy, then that which is made by precipitation of the Tincture, or gross dissolution: let the flowers dry, and the magistery slowly and leisurely between the double paper, and keep it for use. The crystals which are properly the flowers and volatile salt of the Benjuin, are sudorifick, and a great specifick against the great
Pox, if it be given from vj. gr. to xx. in a glass of tincture of sassafras made with white wine, or in a glass of decoction of salsa∣perilla, china & guajacum rind. for it is a searcher, which in an interim penetrates the whole body; it may also be exhibited in a less Dosis, as the first sublimated flowers: the oyl is an excellent vulnerary, and noble perfume. The blackish balsom which is clammy and viscous, is a great Mundifier of ulcers, wherefore it may very conveniently be mixt with oyntments and plaisters: some mix it amongst Peruvian Balsom, to falsifie and encrease its quantity; and it is o•••• of the falsifications of most difficult disco∣very; The Benjuin yields so little of an acid spirit, that it is not worthy mentioning its use; nevertheless it may be applyed to the same purposes, as we have said above, the spirit of Turpentine would serve: they that are moved with a curiosity to make an excellent mixture of unctious perfume for skins and gloves, may dissolue butter of Benjuin, and some part of the flowers in oyl of Ben. it will make a very good and fit body to receive the Muse, Ambergreece and Civet, according to the proportion they will allow, and the strength of sent they intend to give to their skins.
℞ ℥iv. OF very pure Benjuin, ℥j. of Styrax in drops, ℥j. of good Cloves, ℥ij. of Ambergreese, ℥j. of Levan∣tine Musk, and ℈j. of very fine Civet; grind and beat all to a very subtile pouder in a Ma••ble Mortar; add to it the superficial and subtile rind of xij. Citrons or Lemons, and put all in a dou∣ble or digestive vessel, and pour on it lb j. s. of very good Rose∣water, and as much Muscat Wine very clear, or some other white Wine clear, odoriferous and quick; cover your vessel with its blind head, and place it in B.M. giving a fire of digestion for viij. days, if it be winter; or expose the sam•• vessel in the reverberation of the Solar rayes, if summer: then opening your vessel, put aside the water which you shall find coloured, and of a very excellent odour to perfume Table-linnen, for the use of day or night, as
also to make a vaporous Cassolet, by exhaling a little of the same water in the place appointed to eat, sleep, or entertain com∣pany at your choice. But you must heat the Mass of Past which is setled in the bottom, to malax and work it together with your hands anointed with Orange or Jelsemin oyl, or Orange-flower, Cloves, Cinnament, according as they that will make use of it, are better pleased with either of these smells: for in this respect the capriccio's and humours are as various, as in matters of taste: there may also (if it be for a sick body) a respect be had to the in∣tention of the Physitian, and that of th•• Patient, because the same smells will restore and comfort the one, & offend the other, and chiefly among women; therefore you may herein use your own discretion, and therefore as well add as diminish of your own In∣gredients, according to the necessity and circumstances. The mass being thus by malaxation rendred soft and tractable, you may frame it into braceles smelling or sweet pasts, or perpetual Casso∣lets, which are made in the manner following: Have a silver Box with a double bottom, the one distant from the other the thickness of a thumb, let there be within or without the box a channel or pipe running through the second bottom, that you may inject such water as you think fit, in the voide space which is between the two bottoms. This Box thus framed, must be filled with the Past or Odoriferous mass, the height of a thumb; then shut it up with a cover fitted to it in a convexe figure or dome-like, boren with holes all about to transmit the vaporous petsume and exhalation the easier: and when you will ser this Cassolet to work, fit the bottom with Rose-water, Wine, or Plain water, according as your design is either strongly or softly to af∣fect the smell, and thus set on a moderate fire, which will act slowly upon the persumed Mass, and raise by little and little its pleasant fragrancy, gently, and without interruption; you may also dissolve, in all kind of performances which you will make of this past in oyl of Ben. giving it such a colour as you shall like best, as also encrease or lessen the strengrh and sweetness of the perfume, mote or less, according as you shall make your mixture. Let no body think, we run here out of our Text, in teaching the Dosis or mixture of perfumes, but be perswaded rather, that they are absolutely essential to our Treatise, since there hap∣pen
pen many accidents in the life of man, to which no remedy can be applyed but by the smell, so that this example which we have given of preparing one, which is both pleasant and useful, may be a rule and a pattern to prepare those which shall only be intended for physical use, and the help of sick Patients.
MAny have thought Camphire to be a bituminous substance; but they that have more truly writ concerning their In∣dian Travels in the East Country and China, do teach us, that it is a resinous drop or gum; the best kind whereof comes from Bor∣neo; and that which follows in goodness, from the kingdom of China and the Province of Chineseo, distilling from a great tree somewhat like unto our Wall-nut in the body or stock, whereof it gathers to a head. The Indian Physitians are not of the opinion of those that fear the use thereof, by reason of the cold quality which is attributed to it; for they use it with very great success, as a true divine remedy; and certainly we must acknowledge Camphire to be one of the most wonderful productions of na∣ture, and the nearest of all resembling light; for as we have often said, that the volatile Salt is the last fold and cover that wraps the spirit, and that spirit is nothing else but a concretion of light, and light nothing else but an invisible fire, and a true emanation of the Divinity it self; so can we say, that Camphire is the only natural production, wherein the hand of nature has more excellently discovered one of its noblest operations, in separating a pure, volatile, sulphureous salt from a substance which seems to be altogether uncapable thereof; and what is more to be wondred at, is, that the skill of the most knowing Artist can∣not imitate but at a very great distance this natural preparation; since the most perfect master-pieces of their Art, are only volatile salts, which for the most part they compare to Camphire, when they think to have brought them to the highest piece of their per∣fection, but they never come near to the subtilty, quickness, transparency and whiteness of this unparallel'd mixt, nature it seems intending to have it self alone all the glory of its perfecti∣on, nobleness and vertue: for when ever Chymical Artists have
endeavoured to raise and exalt this gum to an oyl, or some other analogical liquor, it has ever returned to a body again, vanisht away, or lost the purest or noblest part of its strength or efficacy; we must then rather set here as admirers, then operarors, since there is nothing in this substance to be corrected, and that Camphire of it self is sufficiently pure, subtile and volatile, to be reduced from power into act, without vainly endeavouring by an igno∣rant and proud temerity to correct a thing which God hath cre∣ated, and nature produced with so many perfections. To prove our Assertion, it will be necessary to give here the character and notes of true Camphire, teach one of the noblest uses of it, and make some observations thereupon, before we come to any of the true operations usually made upon this noble Resin: the Camphire then ought to be very white, transparent as cry∣stal, very pure, without spot and mixture of any adventitious substance, of a quick and penetrating smell, crumbling betwixt the fingers, and almost not to be quenched whence once kindled, for it burns in the water it self: and to discover the better, if it be sophisticated, have a Rye-loaf coming just from the Oven, open it, and make a hole in the middle, in which put a piece of Cam∣phire of the bigness of a Walnut, then clap the pieces again close together, and let it so stand a while warm, and this tryal will evidently make appear the truth of the substance or sophisticati∣on; for if the Camphire be pure, it will all melt and vanish away; but if mixt with any heterogeneous matter, it will burn; or to speak more properly, the Camphire will vanish away, and the gross matter which did falsifie it, shall appear in substance whole in the bread, and as it were roasted and dryed up: but to declare yet more evidently the volatile quality of this mixt, and its subtile and penetrative vertue, we must say that it is an ap∣proved remedy against Tertian Agues, if in a knot of Taffeta you put some of the purest about the neck of the patient from ℈s. to ℈••v. according to age, letting the same hang upon the brest, towards the upper Orifice of the stomack, where the first sensa∣tions of joy or grief are raifed: The knot must be worn nine days, without intermission, and the ninth day thrown, without examing what remains in, in a running water, and that without omitting any of these circumstances, if you look for a recovery.
But some may perhaps object, that this number of nine is super∣stitious, as also the condition not to look in the knot, and like∣wise to throw it in running water: To which we answer, That all these observations are necessary, purely physical and sutable to the nature of the Remedy and disease; for though Camphire be very volatile, yet must there be a more violent heat then that of man to volatilize it under the space of nine days: and it is requi∣site it should be volatiliz'd to produce its effect, which is per∣formed by the smell of the Patient, who breaths and draws it continually, by which means this volatile Salt makes an impres∣sion upon the natural spirits, which drive away by degrees by a sen∣sible transpiration or insensible, or by urine, the ferment of the A∣gue, and by this slow operation destroyes the action and violence thereof: As for not looking in the knot, and throwing of it into run∣ning water, it is an observation depending on a higher and more ab∣struse Philosophy, which shall tell you that as the Camphire hath blotted out, and defaced the Character and Idea of the A∣gue by the irradiation of its magnetical vertue, so hath the spirit of life imprinted the Character and Idea of the disease in the knot whence the remedy did flow, and therefore must this Idea be removed as far as is possible from the formerly sick person, lest the irradiation and flowing of the subtile spirits, which do continually proceed from their bodies, may cause the said spirits to be touch∣ed again, and infected by the venom and contagion of the Idea of the sickness, which the water carries away, and destroyes, and overcomes in such a manner that the Patient becomes whol∣ly freed and exempted from it without any fear of Relapse; for there is no body can be ignorant, that a Candle newly put out, can easily be kindled again, if another burning be brought near unto it, though kept at some distance, and not touching it with her flame; the same will happen to them that shall have the cu∣riosity to look into the knot, after they have removed it from their neck, and have neglected to throw it at the same instant in the running water. We might also find another Reason in the strength of imagination working in the Patient; but though that may do very much, it would be needless, since we shall evidence hereafter, that Remedies prepared out of Camphire, work the same effect when taken inwardly.
We must come now to the necessary marks, for proof of what we have said above: For the tryal of Camphire in new Rye-bread, and the cure of the Tertian Ague, are infallible signs of its sub∣tility and quick penetration, whereby it appears that those that believe it to be cold, are possessed with a salse and vain Philoso∣phy, taken from old Authors who had no skill or knowledge there∣of, further then what a hear-say could suggest them, wherein they are followed by their disciples: But, say they, Camphire cannot be otherwise then cold, because it hinders generation, and doth even hinder erection, and all other irritations necessary to the act of it. But suppose it to be as true as it is false, it doth not follow therefore that Camphire should be cold: and granting that any body making a tryal thereof, and by long use of it both in∣wardly and outwardly, that effect of impotency and barrenness should follow in him: it would much rather be an argument of its heat, and of the subtile quickness of its volatile sulphure∣ous Salt, keeping still the pores open, and continually resolving either sensibly or insensibly the spirituous exhalations, which are absolutely necessary to the act of generation and conception: the old Romans knew better then these Chimerical Philosophers, that those substances which have a quick and penetrating smell do ener∣vate, since by one of their Laws of the xii. Tables, they did forbid their Soldiers, Mentham in bello nec edere nec cedere. Is it not also a daily experiment, that Agnus Castus and Rew decrease the seed, hinder erection and the heats of lust, by the same rea∣son as Camphire, though held by every body for hot remedies? which are proof more then invincible of the weakness of this insipid Doctrine, which always cleaves to the appearances and outward effects of things, without reflecting and turning the edge, of their speculation upon the true cause. Chymistry is only ca∣pable of this noble and discerning knowledge; upon which ground Chymical Physitians have found it expedient to make use of Champhire in pestilential and malignant diseases, as also in A∣gues, whether they administer it inwardly, or apply it outwardly in Epithems and Frontals. But above all things, it is used with a wonderful success in Suffocations and Fits of the Mother, if you burn ℈j. or ʒs. even to a ʒj. in a glasse of balm water, or for want of it, in plain water, by which it appears evidently, that it is the
meer vertue of Camphire which produces the effect. We would not forbear to clear this truth by this our Narrative, to remove the scruple of those who fear to make use of Camphire; for as I am very well perswaded of its real vertue by experience, I thought my self obliged to recommend the use thereof, that the publick may not be frustrated of the good and advantage it may receive by it. When we have said, that our Artist could not much operate upon Camphire without destroying it, we have said truth; for he can add nothing to its perfection, and can but waste much of its substance, always useful and full of vertue: there is nevertheless some little operation necessary to reduce it into liquor, and mix it indivisibly with other substances, which cannot easily keep it, unless you proceed in your work with circumspection and method; and because some hitherto have thought it impossible to reduce the substance of it into oyl, we will show nevertheless that Labor improbus ownia vincit; but it shall yield but a little quantity and proportion. We will propound two examples, the one of Camphire oyl without addition of other oyl; the other with addition of two necessary oyls which will increase more and more its vertue.
℞ lbs. OF Camphire reduced to pouder, and mix it with lb js. of Bol. then put this mixture in a glasse retort, and distill in sand with a well graduated fire, and the Camphire will come forth in the form of Butter. Take of this butyrous sub∣stance, and mix it with its double weight of Tartar very well calcinated; put this mixture in a Cucurbite, and pour upon it spi∣rit of Wine, the height of three or four fingers, and distill it in B.M. with all requisite precautions. But above all things, you must have a carefull eye to observe when the Camphire shall begin to sublimate: for as soon as you see it appear in the still head, take away the fire, and let the vessels cool: But the spirit of wine you shall find in the Recipient in a narrow neck bottle, and pour upon distilled rain-water, till you see the mixture of both turn as white as milk; so the spirit of Wine being weakened by the mixture of water, you shall perceive the Oyl of Camphire, which was in∣corporated
incordorated and united to this ethereal spirit, to swim over the liquor. Continue in the same manner to pour spirit of Wine up∣on the matter remaining in the Cucurbite, and distill with the same circumspection as before, until no more of the oyl doth se∣parate and rise above the spirit of Wine and rain-water mixed. You may keep of this spirit of Wine impregnated with the oyl of Camphire; for it is the true Camphorated spirit of Wine, and not that wherein Camphire hath meerly been dissolved. There is most commonly but the eight part of Camphire converted into oyl: This oyl is an excellent Remedy, for it resists putrefaction and venoms; wherefore it may be exhibited in Plagues, malig∣nant diseases, and continual or intermittent Feavers: The Dosis is from one drop to six in some appropriated liquor: the campho∣rated spirit of Wine, is impregnated with the same vertues, but the Dosis must be bigger; for it may be given from ℈s. to ʒj. inwardly; and the outward use is no way less wonderful: for the oyl and spirit are good to stop the Gangreen, & appease the tooth∣ach, as likewise to allay the grief of the Gout, particularly Sci∣atick. Note also, that you must not lose the spirit of wine mixt with the stilled rain-water, but draw it off by distillation in B.M. since it may be used again, either for this same operation, or for some others: you must not neither lose the salt of Tartar which remains in the Cucurbite, dissolve it only with warm water, filtrate, evaporate and dry it, to use it to all other purposes as be∣fore.
PUT in a Matrass about lib. j. of spirit of Niter, ℥vj. of Cam∣phire; stop the Matrass with another, that the neck of one may get into the other; lute the joints with bladder and whites of eggs, then put it to digest in the vapour of Balneo, until the Camphire be resolved into an oyl which shall swim above the spi∣rit, then separate this oyl, and mix it with ℥iv. of rectified oyl of Amber, and as much juniper oyl; digest them together that they may unite, then distill in ashes by a retort three times con∣secutively; after which rectifie upon Choliotar of Vitriol, until the oyl comes forth clear, depurated and fluid, and the Cam∣phire
wholly deprived from body, and turned into an oyl; it is a sudorifick very secure to expell the malignity of the plague, Spotted Feavours, and poison it self: it is also a preservative Re∣medy in time of Plague, both inwardly and outwardly applyed: if inwardly, this oyl must be reduced in a dissoluble Balsom with sugar in pouder, and every morning must you take three drops in a little wine: But outwardly, rub your Temples and Wrists at the beating of the Artery, and thus shall it act concurrenly both within and without; and so shall this noble remedy sufficiently strengthen spirits, that they may not be infected by the venom and poyson of the plague. But the use of this oyl cannot suffici∣ently be recommended for those that are subject to Hysterical passions: for this Remedy penetrates as in a moment, and ap∣peases all the irritations of the mother; the Dosis is from 11. drops to vj. or viij. But you must note moreover, that this oyl is a very notable Specifick in the Epilepsie, both in young and old, and chifly in that kind which proceeds from the mother.
WE take this Gum for an example of the distillation of other Gums, because it is endowed with many noble me∣dicinal faculties, and abounds more then the others in spirit, and in oyl: This Gum is taken from a feculaceous plant growing in that part of Africa where formerly was the Temple of Jupiter Ammon, whence it had also the name, to draw an oyl and spirit from it, which may be recommendable by their vertue; it must be very well chosen. The chief Notes of good Ammoniack, are, that it be yellow outwardly, and white inwardly, as Crums or Granes Olibanum, of a smell drawing to that of Castoreum, bitter in taste, and easily growing soft, if wrought a while be∣tween the fingers. But this Gum well chosen in a glass retort filled to a third part, and fit it in an Iron-pot so adapted in the furnace, that you may have Registers in the Corners; the bot∣tom of the retort must not touch the iron, but it must be prop∣ped with three pieces of earth, as if it were a Trefoot, that the oyl and spirit may contract no Empyreuma or smoakish taste, if it be possible; cover the pot with its own covering, and lute it
so, that nothing but the warm air may encompass the retort, to expell the vapours into the Recipient, which must be exactly luted without fillets of linnen dipt in whites of eggs, and strowed pouder of quick lime; graduate ths fire as you shall see occasion, and continue your distillation, till nothing more comes out; and when all is cooled, separate the oyl from the acid liquor, and rectifie each by it self in ashes, to apply to their uses: The oyl and spirit may be taken inwardly from iv. drops to xv. and xx. in white Wine or Sassafras, or a little Centaury water, to open ob∣structions of the parts of the inward ventricle, and chiefly of the Spleen. It is also a specifick Remedy to resolve and evacuate by seat and urine, the flime and tartarous Viscosities which create and cause pains in the joints, wherefore it may freely be given to those that are subject to the Gout and Rheumatism, as those like∣wise whose breast is laden with clamminess and thick phlegms hindering the motion of the lungs: The spirit above all, is of singular use to free the Matrix from its impurities, as also to clense the kidneys and bladder from slime and sand; the oyl is also ex∣cellent to apply outwardly upon the Region of the Spleen, where∣by to sustain it, and restore to its natural state, when it is grown schirrous and hard: It is likewise very efficacious to resolve To∣phus'd, Hardnesses and Callosities of the feet and hands of such as have been troubled with the Gout in those parts of the body. It is also one of the best remedies that can be applied to the Kings Evil, provided the Patient may be purged at the same time al∣ternatively with some good Antimonial and Mercurial remedy. And thus shall we conclude this Chapter of Vegetables, in which we think to have sufficiently instructed the Artist with a method to guide him in such works as he shall find himself obliged to un∣dertake upon substances, whereof this noble and ample family of Nature doth consist, whether led by a mean curiosity to encrease his knowledge and experience, or to prepare remedies which he may use and dedicate to the publick good and service. We must follow the same Rules and Preceps upon Minerals, which we will, God willing, perform in the following Chapter, with all the intelligibility and punctuality possible and requisite.