PART IV.
CHAP. I.
_Of the FIGURES of_ Seeds.
THE _Figures_ of _Seeds_, or rather of their outward _Covers_, are made suitable, Partly to their _Collocation_ in the _Uterus_, as the _End_. So those of _Mallow_, standing like a Coronet round the _Stalk_, are of a wedged _Figure_; whereby their sharp Edges do all meet together in one _Centre_. Partly, to the various distribution of the _Vessels_ or _Fibers_, as one _Cause_: by which the _Measures_ and _Surface_ of _Seeds_, as well as of the _Leaves_ of _Plants_, are diversified. And partly, to the Nature of the _Saline_ and other _Principles_ regent in a _Plant_, as another principal _Cause_. And therefore the more _stony_, _brittle_, or full of _Salt_ the _Covers_ of any _Seeds_ are, they are generally more _angular_, and their _Figure_, whether _angular_ or not, more constantly observed. So the _Tartareous Stone_ of a _Plum_, is not only more _angular_, but also more regular than the Husk of the Kernel of a _Pear_ or _Apple_.
2. §. For all Stones are measured by several _Circles_, whose _Diametres_ hold a certain proportion to the Length of the _Stone_; in the same manner as hath been shewed in the description of the _Leaf_. ♦ _P. 1. Ch. 3._ ♦ So the _Stone_ of the _Pease-Cod-Plum_, is measured by two _Circles_. That of the _Turkey-Plum_ with Four. ♦ _Tab. 72._ ♦ That of the _Aprecok-Plum_, with Two repeated oppositely; being perfectly _Rhomboid_. To which, those also of the _Wheat-Plum_, _Damasceen_, and some others, allude. And some are measured by four _Circles_, and one repeated.
3. §. The _Figures_, not only of the larger sort of _Seeds_, but even of the smallest, have much and elegant variety. We will take the pleasure of comparing these which follow.
4. §. And first of all, some are perfectly _Spherick_, and with an even _Surface_; ♦ _Tab. 73._ ♦ as that of little _Century_. That of _Spergula_ is also _Spherick_; but hath a knobed _Surface_, and is encompassed with a _Membraneous Rimm_, like the _Horizon_ of a Globe. That of little _Celandine_ is Circular, but compressed like a _Cheese_.
5. §. Others are _Nephroideous_, or as it were _Hemispherick_. Of which _Figure_, and hereunto approaching, there are a greater number than of any other; as that which agrees with the more frequent _Shape_ and _Fold_ of the _Lobes_ and _Radicle_ of the _Seed_, as shall be seen. Yet with some difference, as to their _Shape_ and _Surface_. So, that of _Lychnis Sylvestris_ is figur’d just like the kidney of a _Cat_; and hath a knobed _Surface_. ♦ _Tab. 73._ ♦ That of _Poppey_ comes near it in _Shape_; but hath a _Surface_ exactly like that part of the _Paunch_ of a _Sheep_, called the _Hony-Coome_. That of great _Celandine_, is a little more oblong; and so, like the Kidney, not of a _Cat_, but of a _Sheep_: chequered with parallel _Rings_ and other short _Lines_ placed alternately betwixt them.
6. §. Where, by the way, we may see, as well by the _Seed_, as by the other _Parts_, of how different kinds, the Great and Little _Celandine_, notwithstanding their Names, are to be esteemed.
7. §. The _Seed_ also of _Ben_ or _spatling Poppey_ is somewhat like a _Kidney_: ♦ _Tab. 73._ ♦ but hath its Circumference raised up into a double _Ridge_: to which several small _Ridges_ do in some sort also radiate from one _Centre_ _sc._ the _Base_ of the _Seed_.
♦ _Tab. 73._ ♦ 8. §. The _Seed_ of _Chickweed_, is partly like a _Kidney_, and partly like a little _Retort_. As also that of _Pentaphyl. fragiferum_. But the former is rough cast with small pieces having as it were feet on each side, like little _Insects_. With which, the _Seed_ of _Leuchanthemum_ (which may be called, the _Giant-Chickweed_) doth much agree. The latter, hath several _Fibrous Ridges_, resembling the _Fibres_ in the _Auricles_ of the _Heart_; or running from the nose to the Circumference, somewhat like the _Azymuth Lines_ on a _Quadrant_.
♦ _Tab. 73._ ♦ 9. §. Some are _Oval_; as that of the little _Bell_, and rough cast with _Fibres_ almost parallel and produced by the Length of the _Seed_. In which latter respect, the _Seeds_ also of _Trachelium_ and some other like _Plants_, are agreeable. That of _Brooklime_, is also _Oval_, but encompassed with a thick _Rimm_, narrowing all the way to the _Base_ of the _Seed_.
10. §. The _Seed_ of _Dovesfoot_ hath an _oval Cone_, and a flat _Base_. Its _Surface_ favous, like that of _Poppy_, _Toad-flax_, and some other _Seeds_. ♦ _Tab. 73._ ♦ That of _Sedum minus æstivum luteum_, is in a manner the _Figure_ of the former inverted, being flat, not at the _Base_, but on the _Top_. And whereas that rises with a blunt _Angle_, this hath only a _Ridg_, raised above the _Surface_ of the _Seed_.
11. §. The _Seeds_ of divers sorts of _Grass_, are more _Conick_, as particularly of that, which for the likeness its _Seed_ hath to a _Barly Corn_, may be called _Barley-Grass_. And I little doubt, but that among the several sorts of _Grass_, ♦ _Tab. 73._ ♦ there are some which answer to all the kinds of _Esculent Grains_, as _Oat-Grass_, _Rice-Grass_, _Wheat-Grass_, _Rye-Grass_. And accordingly, that they may be more profitably sown in one Ground, than in another; and used with distinction, for the higher, or more wholsome feeding of Cattle. A _Rush_, though it seems an imperfect _Plant_, yet besides its _Flower_, hath also a plentiful brood of _Seeds_ of a _Conick Figure_.
12. §. Some _Seeds_ are _Cylindrick_, as that of St. _Johns-wort_, as also of _Tutsan_, and some other like _Plants_, with some little diversity in the _Shape_ or _Surface_ of the _Seed_. ♦ _Tab. 73._ ♦ That of _Vervain_, is in a manner, half a _Cylinder_: the true _Seed_ lying in the _Covers_, like a Child, in a Cradle without an head.
13. §. Others are rather _Conico-Cylindrick_, as that of _Jacobæa_; ♦ _Tab. 73._ ♦ having a Coronet on the top, and several furrows by the Length round about. Answerable to which, is that of _Erygerum_; in _Shape_ not unlike to a _Rowling-pin_.
14. §. Some are _Plani-Conick_, as that of _Nettle_, which is shaped somewhat like the end of a _Speer_. That of _Eye-bright_ is more _Eliptick_; with several _Ridges_ running by the Length; and joyned together with short pieces transversly, as in the looping of _Lace_. ♦ _Tab. 74._ ♦ That of _Wormwood_ not very unlike a little flat _Essence-Glass_: in which, the _Fibres_ are produced by the Length, as the _Ridges_ are in _Eye-bright_. And so in _Yarrow_, which is also encompassed with a _Membraneous Rimm_. That of _Dandelyon_, is _Plani-Conick_ towards the _Base_. And so those of _Lettice_, _Sonchus_, and some others. To which, those also of _Hieraceum_, _Tragopogon_, _Scorzonera_, &c. with respect to their _Surface_, do all allude.
15. §. And some are _Conico-Triangular_. Of which, that of _Sorrel_ is _Conick_ at both ends; the sides equal; and upon every _Angle_, hath a narrow and sharp _Rimm_. As also that of _Anagallis_; but the _Sides_ are _Spheri-conick_, and so the ends are blunt. ♦ _Tab. 74._ ♦ They are also pounced with many little round _Cavities_. But have no _Rimm_ upon the _Angles_.
16. §. The _Seed_ of _Nigella_ is _Triangular_, and _Conick_ only at the _Top_. On every _Angle_, hath a narrow _Rimm_; the three _Sides_ equal, and _Spheri-conick_; surrounded with seven or eight _Ridges_ by the girth, joyned together in some places with others transversly. ♦ _Tab. 74._ ♦ That of _Arsmart_, is also _Triangular_ and _Conick_ at the _Top_. But one of the _Sides_ is almost equal to the other two; which stand low. That of _Knot-Grass_ hath three _Sides_, one less than another; being as 5, 3, and 2, or thereabout.
17. §. The next (which I take to be the _Seed_ of a sort of _Bugloss_) is very oddly _figured_. The _Base_, _oval_; the _Top_, _conick_; the _Back_, swelling and round as an _Egg_; ♦ _Tab. 74._ ♦ the _Belly_ also swelling, but rising up into an obtuse _Angle_ highest in the midle, somewhat like a _Breastpiece_ of _Armour_: and is encompassed with a _Rimm_ sloaped upward.
18. §. That of _Moldavian Bawm_, is _Triangular_, and _Conick_ only at the _Base_. The place where it is fastned, shaped like the Beard of a Dart. Two of the _Sides_ are _Plani-conick_, the Third _Spheri-conick_, ♦ _Tab. 74._ ♦ and near as big as both the other two. The _Head_ flat, with a _Rimm_ erected upon each _Side_, so as to make a _Spherical Triangle_. Approaching to this, are those of _Sage_, _Horehound_, _Clary_, &c.
19. §. That also of _Bellis Tanaceti folio_, hath two _Sides Planiconick_, and a third _Sphericonick_. ♦ _Tab. 74._ ♦ The two first have several _Ridges_ running to the _Base_. Which is not perfectly _conick_, but a little dilated into two obtuse _Angles_. The _Head Triangular_, with one _Side_ convex, the other Two straight, a little hollowd, and having a small pinacle in the _Center_.
20. §. That of _Stæchas Arabica_, as the former, saving, that the _Head_ is _oval_, and the _Base_ sloaped into a little _Triangle_. That of _Wartwort_ or _Sun-Spurge_, hath a very complex _Figure_. The _Belly_ consisteth of two _Planiconick_ Sides, as the former; the Back, _Sphericonick_. ♦ _Tab. 74._ ♦ The whole _Seed_, in a manner, _Conick-oval_. Yet the _Base_ and _Head_ both flat. In the midle of the former, a Peg by which the _Seed_ is fastned; and of the latter, a poynted _Knob_. The midle of the _Belly-Sides_, hollowed, so as to make a flat _Rimm_ of equal _Bredth_; and the hollows filled up with _Bladders_ like those in all the _Parenchymus Parts_ of a _Plant_.
21. §. Lastly, there are some _Seeds_ which are square. Whereof some are straight, as that of _Fox-glove_; ♦ _Tab. 74._ ♦ which hath also an even _Surface_: And that of _Blattaria_, in which there are several little hollows in even Rows. And so in _Brounwort_.
22. §. And some _Convex_, as that of _Chrysanthemum Americ_. ’Tis _Quadrati-conick_, or square and sharp at the _Base_, and big at the _Head_. ♦ _Tab. 74._ ♦ The _Sides_ all plain; and a thin _Rimm_ erected upon every _Angle_. As also on the four _Sides_ of the _Head_, which is flat, with a little _Pinacle_ in the midle.
23. §. The _Seed_ also of _Tansey_, is a _Conick_ and bended square not with the _Angle_ forward, as the former, but the _Side_. ♦ _Tab. 74._ ♦ And in the place of every _Rimm_, hath a round _Ridge_. Somewhat like to this, are those of _Febrifuga_, _Mayweed_, and some others. Thus far of the _Figures_ of _Seeds_.
CHAP. II.
_Of the NUMBER and MOTIONS of_ Seeds.
NATURE hath secured the _Propagation_ of _Plants_ several ways, but chiefly by the _Seed_: for the _Production_ of which, the _Root_, _Leaves_, _Flower_, and _Fruit_, do all officiate, as hath been shewed. And according as the _Plant_, or the _Seed_ it bears, is more liable to be destroyed, Provision is made for _Propagation_, either by a greater number of _Seeds_, or other ways. So the _Seeds_ of _Strawberry_, being gathered, or eaten by _Vermin_, with the _Fruit_; the _Plant_ is therefore easily propagated by _Trunk-Roots_. So _Poppy_, being an annual _Plant_, is highly prolifick: for instance, the _White Poppy_; which commonly bears about four mature _Heads_, in each of which, there are at least ten _Partitions_, on both sides whereof, the _Seeds_ grow; and upon ¼ᵗʰ part of one side, about 100 _Seeds_; that is, 800 on one _Partition_: which being multiplied by 10 (the number of _Partitions_) makes 8000; and 8000 again by 4 (the number of _Heads_) makes 32000 _Seeds_, the yearly product of that _Plant_.
2. §. So in _Typha major_, the _Seeds_ being blow’n off and sow’n (as the Eggs of many _Fishes_ spawn’d) with great hazard, they are strangely numerous. For as they stand altogether upon the _Spike_, they make a _Cylinder_ at least six Inches long, and near ⅝ᵗʰˢ of an Inch in Diametre, or an Inch and ¾ about. Now 9 of these _Seeds_, set side to side, as they stand on the _Spike_, make but ⅛ᵗʰ of an Inch; so that 72 make a line of an Inch in Length. But because upon the _Spike_, the _Hairs_ belonging to the _Seeds_ come between them; we will abate 10, and count but 62. To which ¾ᵗʰˢ of 62, that is (without the Fraction) 46 being added, makes 108 for the Circuit of the _Cylinder_. And the _Cylinder_ being six Inches long, there are six times 62, that is, 372, for a Line the length of the _Cylinder_. Which number being multiplied by 108, produceth 40176 the number of _Seeds_ which stand upon one _Stalk_; and so, upon three _Stalks_, which one _Plant_ commonly bears, there are in one year, above a hundred and twenty Thousand _Seeds_.
3. §. SO SOON as the _Seed_ is ripe, Nature taketh several _Methods_ for its being duly sow’n: not only in the opening of the _Uterus_, as in some Instances[69] hath already been seen; but also in the make of the _Seed_ it self. For _First_, the _Seeds_ of many _Plants_, which affect a peculiar _Soil_ or _Seat_, as of _Arum_, _Poppy_, &c. are heavy and small enough, without further care, to fall directly down into the Ground: and so to grow in the same place where themselves had their _Birth_.
[69] _P. 3. Ch. 5. Tab. 70, & 71._
4. §. But if they are so large and light, as to be exposed to the wind, they are often furnished with one or more _Hooks_; To stay them from straying over far from their proper place, till by the fall of _Leavs_ or otherwise, they are safely lodged. So the _Seeds_ of _Avens_ have one single _Hook_, those of _Agrimony_ and _Goose-grass_, many; ♦ _Tab. 72._ ♦ both the former, loving a _Bank_ for warmth, the latter, a _Hedge_ for its support.
5. §. On the contrary, many _Seeds_ are furnished with _Wings_ or _Feathers_. Partly, with the help of the Wind to carry them, when they are ripe, from off the _Plant_, as those of _Ash_, _Maple_, _Orach_, &c. lest staying thereon too long, they should either be corrupted, or miss their season. And partly, to enable them to make their flight, more or less, abroad: that so they may not, by falling together, come up too thick; and that if one should miss a good _Soyl_ or _Bed_, another may hit. So the _Kernels_ of _Pine_ have wings not unlike to those of some _Insects_; yet very short, in respect of the weight of the _Seed_; ♦ _Tab. 72._ ♦ whereby they flye not in the _Aer_, but like domestick _Fowls_, only flutter upon the Ground. But those of _Typha_, _Dandelion_ and most of the _Pappous_ kind, with many more, have very long and numerous _Feathers_, by which they are wafted every way, and to any distance necessary for the aforesaid purposes.
6. §. Again, there are some _Seeds_, which are scattered not by flying abroad, but by being either _Spurted_, or _Slung_ away. The first are those of _Woodsorrel_; which having a running _Root_, Nature sees it fit to sow the _Seeds_ at some distance. The doing of which is effected by a white thick and sturdy _Cover_ of a _Tendinous_ or _Springy Nature_, in which the _Seed_ lies within the _Case_. ♦ _Tab. 72._ ♦ This _Cover_, so soon as it begins to drye, bursts open on one side, in an instant, and is violently turned inside outward, as you would turn the _Gizard_ of a _Fowl_; and so smartly throws off the _Seed_.
7. §. The _Seeds_ of _Harts-tongue_, and of all that _Tribe_, are _Slung_ or _Shot_ away. The doing of which is performed by the curious contrivance of the _Seed-Case_; as in _Codded Arsmart_, and some other like _Plants_. Only there, the _Spring_ moves and curles up inward; but here it moves outward. I shall describe it, as well as the _Weather_ (which when I observed it was cloudy) would permit. Every _Seed-Case_, as it appears through a good _Glass_, ♦ _Tab. 72._ ♦ stands upon a _Pedicle_ from ½ an Inch to an Inch or more in Length; at the bottom about as thick again as a _Horse-hair_, and a little thicker at the _Top_, on which stands the _Case_, of a _Silver Colour_; about the bigness of a _Cherry-Stone_, of a _Spherick Figure_, and girded about with a sturdy _Tendon_ or _Spring_, of the _Colour_ of _Gold_: the whole _Machine_ looking not much unlike a little _Padlock_. The _Surface_ of the _Spring_ resembles a fine _Screw_, or some of the _Aer-Vessels_ in the _Wood_ of a _Plant_. So soon as by the _Innate Aer_ of the _Plant_, or otherwise, this _Spring_ is become stark enough, it suddenly breaks the _Case_ into two halfs, like two little _Cups_, and so slings the _Seed_.
8. §. These _Cases_ grow in oblique _Furrows_ or _Trenches_ on the back side the _Leaf_, from ¼ of an Inch to an Inch in Length, and about ⅛ᵗʰ of an Inch broad. ♦ _Tab. 72._ ♦ In one of these _Trenches_ an Inch long are more than 300 of the _Cases_ above described; and allowing but 10 _Seeds_ to every _Case_, above 3000 _Seeds_. Which being multiplied by the number of _Furrows_ in one _Leaf_, with allowance for the lesser _Furrows_; and that summ by the number of _Leaves_ commonly growing upon one _Root_, comes to above Ten Hundred Thousand _Seeds_, the annual product of this _Plant_. The _Seed_ is of a _Tawny Colour_, through a good _Glass_ about 1/12ᵗʰ of an Inch long, flat, and somewhat oval. Of these, ten Thousand are not so big as a white _Pepper Corn_.
CHAP. III.
_Of the several COVERS of_ Seeds, _and of the VITELLUM._
THE next step of _Natures Managery_, relates chiefly to the Growth of the _Seed_ when it is sow’n. For which purpose, the outer _Covers_ are somewhere furnished with _Apertures_ sufficient for the reception of _Alimental Moysture_ from the _Ground_; and _Divisions_, for the _shooting forth_ of the young _Root_ into it. As in the _Seed_ of a _Gourd_, at the _Bottom_; in a _Bean_, on the _Side_; and in a _Chestnut_, at the _Top_: ♦ _Tab. 72._ ♦ in which places the _Radicle_ or young _Root_ always lies and puts forth, in the said several _Seeds_. And the _Seed_ of _Palma Christi_; ♦ _Tab. 72._ ♦ which falls to the Ground not only in the usual _Covers_, but also in the _Seed-Case_, for the more plentiful admission of _Aliment_, hath a double _Aperture_. Not much unlike to this, is that found sometimes in larger parcels of _Euphorbium_; for which _Cause_, I suspect it to be the _Gumm_ of a _Plant_ of the _Tithymal_ kind.
2. §. If the _Cover_ of the _Seed_ be stony and very hard, it is also distinguished into several _Pieces_; whereby they easily cleave asunder without much resistance to the eruption of the _Root_. So the _Shell_ of a _Hazel-nut_ easily cleavs on the edg; and the cleft begins best at the poynt, where the _Root_ stands and shoots forth. ♦ _Tab. 75._ ♦ The _Shell_ of some _Walnuts_ cleavs into three _Parts_; and the _Stone_ of the _Bellerick Myrobalan_ into five: that so, being very thick and hard, if one piece should not yield, another may not fail to do it. And the _Covers_ or _Husks_ of some sorts of _Grain_, as of _Millet_, are only folded or laped one over another, the better to give way to their tender _Sprouts_.
3. §. Besides the _Kernels_ of _Plums_ and some other _Fruits_, there are very many _Seeds_, even of the smaller sort, which have also stony _Covers_; as of _Carthamum_, _Myagrum monospermon_, _Beet_, _Borage_, _Lithosperme_, _Amaranthus_, _Violet_, &c. Sometimes, for the reception of the harsher and less matured _Principles_ from the _Seed_, in its _Generation_, as in _Borage_. Commonly, to keep it warmer before and after its sow’n. For which purpose, the outer _Covers_ of some _Seeds_, are as it were Lined with _Fur_: in that of _Great Maple_, Short; of _Gossipium_, Long. And if the _Seed_ requires a longer stay under ground, the hardness of the _Cover_ serves to stint the _Aliment_; lest too much, should either rot it, or cause it to germinate, before its proper season, or full time for a more _Masculine_ Growth.
4. §. On the contrary, many _Seeds_, as those of _Clary_, _Garden-Cress_, and others of that _Tribe_, have their upper _Covers_ faced with a _Mucilage_: which being easily receptive of any _Moysture_ in the Ground, gradually swells, till it lies like a _Gelly_ round about the _Seed_. Either for a more plentiful supply of _Aliment_; or at least, to soften the _Covers_, the better to accelerate the Growth of the _Seed_.
5. §. The process of Nature in the several steps of the _Vegetation_ of the _Seed_, hath formerly been explained.[70]
[70] _B. 1. Ch. 1._
6. §. THE COVERS of all, or at least the far greater number of _Seeds_, are Three; some way or other derived from the _Pith_: as shall hereafter be seen. And sometimes, Four: even those of ston’d _Fruits_, have Three, besides the _Stone_. In that of _Gossipium_, there are Two _Coats_ under that lined with the _Cotton_. The _Seeds_ of _Cucumer_, _Goats-beard_, _Broom_, _Scabious_, _Lettice_, &c. although so small, have plainly Three _Coats_. ♦ _Tab. 75._ ♦ But in some of these, and many more, there are only Two distinctly visible, except in the State of _Generation_.
7. §. In the Upper _Coat_, the _Seed-Vessels_ are disseminated. The Second, is first a meer _Pulp_; but afterwards shrinks up and sticks close to the upper. The Third or Inmost is more dense; and if it be thin, for the most part, transparent; whereby the _Seed_ seems sometimes to be naked while it lies therein; as in _Almonds_, _Cucumers_, and the like. ♦ _Tab. 76._ ♦ For this sticks not to the midle _Coat_, as that doth to the outer; but commonly, remains entire, after those are stripp’d off, being as it were, the _Smock_ of the _Seed_.
8. §. In _Melissa_ and some other small _Seeds_, it comes finely off upon soaking in warm Water or on the _Tongue_. In _Fenugreek_, ’tis soft, and of an _Amber-Colour_; and being moystened, looks almost like fine _Glew_. But commonly, ’tis a pretty tough _Membrane_, and often with some thickness, as in _Plums_, _Borage_, _Scabious_. Yet always extream thin at the _Tip_ of the _Radicle_; the more easily to break and yield to it, as the _Secundine_ to the _Fœtus_, when it first shoots into the Ground. And sometimes, as in the _Seeds_ of an _Orange_, it hath at one end, the resemblance of a _Placenta_. ♦ _Tab. 75._ ♦ But of this, and the two upper _Coats_, I shall give a further Description in the last _Chapter_.
9. §. AS ALL _Seeds_ are _ex Ovo_; so there are many with thin _Covers_, as of _Orach_, _Spinage_, _Beet_, and the rest of that _Tribe_, &c. which besides the _Albumen_ or clear _Liquor_ out of which they are bred; have also, a _Vitellum_, or a _Body_ thereunto _Analogous_: being neither part of the _Seed_, nor part of the _Covers_, but distinct from them both. With respect to the _Bulk_ of the _Seed_, very large, as white as _Starch_, and pretty friable, like good _Rice_ or _Barley_: ♦ _Tab. 75._ ♦ of a roundish _Figure_, and grooved on the _Girth_, so as to have a double _Edge_; Whereby the _Seed_, which is long and slender, lies round it, as a _Sack_ of _Corn_ upon a _Pack-Saddle_ or a _Rope_ upon a _Pully-wheel_. Upon my first notice hereof, it seemed to answer to a _Placenta_. But upon further consideration, the _Analogy_ doth not hold betwixt them. For the _Placenta_ lies without the _Membranes_ in which the _Fœtus_ is conteined: whereas this body lies within the _Covers_ contiguous to the _Seed_, and so becomes its first and finest _Aliment_, as the _Yelk_ doth to the _Chick_. For which purpose, as in the _Generation_ of the _Seed_, it is a pure _Milky Chyle_; So in its _Vegetation_, it is converted into the like again.
10. §. The same Body for Sustenance is observable in the _Seeds_ of _Rhapontick_, _Dock_, _Sorrel_, and the rest of that kindred, with this difference; ♦ _Tab. 75._ ♦ That whereas in _Orach_, &c. the _Seed_ only lies upon it; here, the main _Body_ or _Lobes_ of the _Seed_ are immersed therein, the _Radicle_ standing naked or above it. So that the said _Lobes_, and therein the _Seminal-Root_ are beded herein, as in a _Tub_ of _Meal_ or a little pot of pure refin’d _Mould_, necessary for the first _Vegetation_ of the _Radicle_.
11. §. BY THESE midle _Steps_, _Nature_ proceeds from the _Thiner Covers_ of _Seeds_; or those, which after the _Generation_ of the _Seed_ is finished, shrink up; to the _Bulky Kind_, or those which keep their _Bulk_ after they are dry. Wherein, not only the _Lobes_, as in _Dock_, but the whole _Seed_ is immediately lodged. Different in _Substance_, _Shape_ and _Bulk_; but always many times biger than the true _Seed_ within it: for which it is commonly mistaken; but is no more the _Seed_, than is the _Stone_ of a _Plum_, the _Kernel_.
12. §. In the _Barbado Nut_, ’tis _White_, _Soft_, _Conick-oval_, and taking all its _Dimensions_, 8 or 10 times bigger than the _Seed_ within it. In _Ashen Keys_, ’tis of a sad _Colour_, _hard_, yet somewhat _Oyly_, _Oval_ and _flat_, and of the same _Bigness_ as in the _Barbado Nut_, with respect to the _Seed_. ♦ _Tab. 76._ ♦ In the _Fruit_ commonly called _Nux Vomica Officinarum_, ’tis of the _Colour_ and _Hardness_ of a _Cows-Horne_; and makes almost the whole _Body_ of the _Fruit_, being about 14 or 15 times the _Bulk_ of the _Seed_. ♦ _Tab. 77._ ♦ In _Goosgrass_ or _Cliver_ ’tis of the like _Horny Substance_, but shaped somewhat like a _Bonet_ with the _Rimm_ tuckt in. And so in a _Coffee-Berry_; but rowled or foulded up into a kind of _Oval Figure_, with a _Notch_ or _Rima_ through the Length, where the two _Ends_ meet. With other diversities which will best be understood, when I come presently to the _Description_ of the _Seed_ herein contained.
13. §. With respect to the use of this _Cover_, it is observable, that where there is a _Stone_ or _Shell_ over it, as in the _Barbado Nut_, it is _soft_; but where there is none, as in _Nux Vomica_, _Ash_, &c. ’tis hard; and so it self instead of a _Stone_. As also, That it becomes _hard_, only by the proper Nature of its _Parenchyma_, and the exquisite _smallness_ of the _Bladders_ of which it consists. Whereas a _Stone_, is also hardened by the _Lees_ or _Tartar_ of the _Sap_ which sinks into it, and thereby _petrifies_ it[71] as hath been said. So that whereas a _Stone_, as it lies in the _Ground_, only cleavs in certain Places, but continues hard: This _Cover_, like some _Horns_, upon the due accession of _Moisture_, doth gradually become _soft_. Whereby, as while it is _hard_, it performs the Office of a _Stone_, in guarding the _Seed_ til the proper _Season_ for its _Growth_: So afterwards when it is _soft_, it answers, as in _Orach_ or _Dock_,[72] to a _Vitellum_, from whence the _Seed_ receiveth its first and purest _Aliment_.
[71] _P. 3. Ch. 3._
[72] _Ch. 3. §. 8, 9._
CHAP. IV.
_Of the FOETUS or true SEED: and first of the RADICLE and LOBES._
HAVING discoursed of the _Covers_, I come next to the _Seed_ or _Fœtus_ it self. Of the _Shape_ and _Posture_ whereof, I shall give some _Examples_, first, among those with the thinner sort of _Covers_; and then, of those with the _Bulky_ one: where I shall speak only of the _Lobes_, or _Main Body_, and the _Radicle_. Next, I shall describe the several sorts of _Nodes_ or _Buds_ of _Seeds_. And lastly, the several Parts, of which the _Lobes_, _Radicle_, and _Buds_ are compounded.
2. §. Among _Seeds_ with the _Thinner Covers_, are those of all sorts of _Corn_ and _Grass_. Of a different make, from that of most other _Seeds_: The _Main Body_ being not divided into _Lobes_, but one entire Piece, doubled in the form of a Pair of _Lips_. And whereas commonly, the whole _Seed_ is very _Soft_ and _Oyly_; here, only those two minute _Parts_, which become the _Root_ and _Stalk_, are so: The _Main Body_ being of a different Substance; when the _Corn_ is ripe, _hard_ and _friable_; but when it is sown, easily _colliquable_ into a kind of _Milk_ or _Chyle_, so that, in some respects, it hath a near _Analogy_ to a _Vitellum_. For as that is gradually melted into a sort of _Chyle_, and by the _Branches_ of the _Ductus Intestinalis_ carryed into the _Bowels_ of the _Chick_: So is this, into a like _Substance_, and by the _Branches_ of the _Seminal Root_ (formerly describ’d) conveyed to those _Parts_, which become the future Plant. ♦ _B. 1. Ch. 1._ ♦
3. §. Of Relation to this Kind, the _Seeds_ of _Dates_, and of some other like _Plants_, may be esteem’d. For that which is commonly called the _Stone_, seems indeed to be the _Main Body_ of the _Seed_, doubled or folded up in the same manner as in _Corn_. To which that _Part_ which becomes the _Plant_, is annexed. ♦ _Tab. 75._ ♦ But whereas in _Corn_, ’tis placed at the Bottom of the _Main Body_; here it lies in a small round _Cavity_ in the middle of the _Back_. The _Stone_, or _Main Body_, where this Part grows to it, is not so hard, as more remote from it: and is therefore probably in some part dissolved, by lying in the _Ground_, as in _Corn_.
4. §. But for the most part, the _Main Body_ is divided, as hath been said, into two _Lobes_; and those in Substance _Homogeneous_ to the other _Part_ or _Parts_, plainly distinguished in most _Kernels_ and other large _Seeds_; ♦ _Tab. 75._ ♦ and not difficultly in many lesser ones, as in that of _Viola Lunaris_, _Scabious_, _Doves-Foot_, &c. if slipped out of their _Covers_ before they are full ripe.
5. §. In _Hounds-Tongue_, they are of a circular figure, and very large in Proportion to the _Radicle_. In _Cucumer_, oblong, with some visible _Branches_ of the _Seminal Root_; and the _Radicle_ somewhat bigger. ♦ _Tab. 75._ ♦ But in _Scorzonera_, very long, like the Leggs of a Pair of _Compasses_: and the two first, or _dissimilar Leavs_ of the _Plant_ into which they are converted, are of the same _Shape_. Of these and many more, the _Radicle_ is short and pointed; and lies in one straight Line with the _Lobes_.
6. §. In _Viola Lunaria_, they are very large; and the _Branches_ of the _Seminal Root_, fairly apparent, so as to resemble a Pair of _Leavs_. The _Radicle_ pretty long, equally thick from end to end, and couched down upon the two _Lobes_, ♦ _Tab. 75._ ♦ each of them having a little _Shoulder_ for it to lie upon. In _Woad_, where it hath the like _Posture_ and _Shape_, as also in _Chamælina_, _Eruca_, and many others, it is very _Bulky_, being bigger than both the _Lobes_ put together.
7. §. Of this Part, I think it may be observed, That commonly those _Seeds_, wherein it is very small with respect to the _Lobes_, produce a _Perennial_ Plant: And so, _vice versa_, where it is very large, an _Annual_ one. In the latter, the _Seminal Virtue_ being more vigorous, and so tending more hastily to the Business of _Generation_, followed with the _Death_ of the Plant.
8. §. IN THE former _Seeds_, the _Lobes_ lie flat one against another. ♦ _Tab. 75._ ♦ But in _Garden-Radish_, they are folded up, so as to receive the _Radicle_ into their _Bosome_: as when a _Chicken_ tucks his Head under his Wing.
9. §. In _Holyoak_, the _Lobes_ are plated upwards, and re-plated down again. ♦ _Tab. 75._ ♦ Being most agreeably composed to the _Shape_ of the _Covers_, as those are to their _Posture_ on the Plant. In _Maple_, they are plated one over another, and so rouled up.
10. §. In the _Cotton-Seed_, which consisteth almost wholly of two very broad and thin _Lobes_ or _Leaves_, the _Folds_ are yet more numerous; ♦ _Tab. 75._ ♦ all curiously reduced to an exact and solid _Oval_.
11. §. It happens now and then, that instead of two, there are three _Lobes_, as in the _Kernels_ of _Plums_, _Apples_, and other _Fruits_, and the smaller sorts of _Seeds_, will spring up sometimes with more than two _dissimilar Leaves_, originally the _Lobes_ of the _Seed_. These are observed by some, more frequently to produce a double _Flower_, which may be, because the _Seminal Virtue_ in such _Seeds_, is increased by a third Part.
12. §. IN many _Seeds_, the _Radicle_ is of one and the same _Colour_ from end to end. But in others, as in the _Lupine_, it is observable, That the upper and greater half, is _White_; the Lower to the _Point_, hath a kind of _Horny Gloss_, and seems to be of a somewhat different make. ♦ _Tab. 75._ ♦ Whereby it comes to pass, that after the _Radicle_ is shot forth a little way, only this lower half descends and becomes the _Root_: The upper half is produced or raised above ground, as a _Pillar_ upon which the _Lobes_, or _dissimilar Leaves_ are erected.
13. §. This _Seed_, on the out side of each _Lobe_, and near the _Radicle_, hath a very small and round _Node_, like a _Navel_; whereof, in the first Book: the whole _Seed_ looking not much unlike a _Pidgeons Head_; ♦ _Ch. 7._ ♦ the _Radicle_ resembling the _Bill_, and the _Navel_ the _Eye_.
14. §. IN the _Seed_ of _Garden-Orach_, ♦ _Tab. 75._ ♦ both the _Radicle_ and _Lobes_ are very long and slender, and lie almost in a compleat Circle round about the _Vitellum_ before describ’d. The _Lobes_ of _Rhapontick_ are shaped like the _Bitt_ of a _Spade_; ♦ _Ch. 3._ ♦ and the _Radicle_ stands erected above them like the _Handle_.
15. §. OF SEEDS also with the _Bulky Cover_, there are many not divided into _Lobes_; being in a manner, all one _Piece_; as all of the _Bulbous-Kind_. In some of which, though the inmost _Cover_ be thin; yet compared either with the other _Covers_, or with the _Seed_ it self, it may very well be accounted of the _Bulky Kind_.
16. §. In _Flag_, it is above twenty times bigger than the _Seed_ within it. Consisting of _Bladders_ all _Radiated_ towards the _Seat_ of the _Seed_. The _Seed_ it self is shaped somewhat like a _Penknife_. ♦ _Tab. 76._ ♦ The lower Part which becomes the _Bulb_, as the _Haft_, is thick, and cometh near to a _Cylindrick_ Figure, and the end, round. The upper Part which becomes the first years _Leaf_, as the _Blade_, is rather flat, double edged, and pointed, and the Point a little bent. The _Fibers_ and _Bladders_ of which it consists, are all disposed into Parallel Lines running by the length. In _Lily_, where this _Cover_ is thinner and more _Transparent_, without being cut, but only held up against the Light, the _Seed_ may be seen within it.
17. §. BUT THE greater number of _Seeds_ also with the _Bulky Cover_, are divided into two _Lobes_; which, for the most part, resemble a pair of little _Leavs_. In the _Purging Nut_ of _Angola_, the _Shell_ being taken off, the upper _Covers_ (dry’d and shrunk up) seem to be but one. ♦ _Tab. 76._ ♦ In these, the _Spermatick Vessels_ are Branched. Under these, lies the Thick and Inmost _Cover_; which being cut down the middle, exhibits the true _Seed_: Consisting of a couple of fair _Leavs_, Veined, and as white as _Milk_, joyned together with the _Radicle_ at their _Base_; and let into a Hollow, made in the _Cover_, of an answerable shape. The like is observable in the _Barbado-Nut_, _Ricinus Americanus_, and some other _Indian Fruits_; with some little difference in the Shape of the _Root_ and _Leavs_.
18. §. IN the foregoing _Fruits_, the _Bulky Cover_ is very soft. But in the _Nux Vomica Officinarum_, ’tis near as hard as a _Date-Stone_. ♦ _Tab. 76._ ♦ In this, besides the hollow made for the reception of the _Seed_, or the two _Leavs_ and _Root_; the _Sides_ are separated or distinct almost to the _Edge_ of the _Cover_ round about, especially towards the _Root_: So that it may not unaptly be compared to a little _Pouch_ with the _Sides_ clapt together.
19. §. IN this and the _Nuts_ above mentioned,the _Seeds_ are all very large. But in some other _Plants_, they are extream small, so as to be hardly visible without a _Glass_; ♦ _Tab. 77._ ♦ as in _Staphisagria_, _Peony_, &c. In _Staphisagria_, the _Thick_ or _Inmost Cover_, is commonly a _Spherical Triangle_, _conick_ towards the _Base_. At the poynt of which, there is a little _Cavity_, in which the _Seed_, about as big as a small pins head, is lodged. The _Root_ whereof is a little poynted, and the two _Lobes_ rounded at the _Top_.
20. §. In _Peony_, the same _Cover_ is _Soft_, _White_, and of an _Oval Figure_; ♦ _Tab. 77._ ♦ the part used in _Medicine_. Usually thought to be the _Seed_ it self. But is near two hundred times biger than the true _Seed_, which is almost invisible. It lies in a little _Cavity_ near the bottom of the _Cover_; with a thick and blunt _Root_, and two poynted _Lobes_ or _Leavs_.
21. §. IN the _Coffee-Berry_, the _Seed_ lies in the _Inner_ or _Cartilaginous Cover_ (formerly described) ♦ _Ch. 3._ ♦ where one would not expect to find it, _sc._ near the _Top_ or _Surface_ of the _Back_. ♦ _Tab. 77._ ♦ The _Lobes_ of the _Seed_ are veined like two very minute _Leaves_, and joyned to a long _Root_ like a _Stalk_. The end of which comes just to the bottom of the _Cover_, ready for its _exit_ into the _Ground_.
22. §. In _Goosgrass_, where the _Inner Cover_ is also _Cartilaginous_ or _Horney_, ♦ _Tab. 77._ ♦ the _Seed_ is postured in much a like manner, and looks just like a couple of poynted _Leavs_ with a very long _Stalk_.
23. §. THE _Seed_ of _Stramonium_, is also inclosed in a _Bulky Cover_. Which being soaked in warm water, and very warily cut about the edges, with a _Rasor_, the _Seed_ may be taken out of it entire. ♦ _Tab. 77._ ♦ Shaped like that of _Orach_, but much longer. For the _Reception_ whereof, the _Cover_ is formed with a hollow, which runs round about it near the _Edge_; where in the _Seed_ lies like a little winding _Snake_.
CHAP. V.
_Of the BUDS of_ Seeds. _And of the PARTS, of which these, the_ Radicle, _and_ Lobes _are compounded._
FROM between the two _Lobes_, rises up the _Stalk_ of the _Plant_. The original whereof, either to the naked _Eye_, or by a good _Glass_, is always visible in the _Seed_.
2. §. In many _Plants_, _Nature_ sees fit only to lay the foundation hereof in a small round _Node_; where upon the _Leavs_, in the _Vegetation_ of the _Seed_, are superstructed: as in _Viola Lunaria_, and others.
3. §. But in the greater number of _Seeds_, is formed a true _Bud_, consisting of perfect _Leavs_; different from those, which grow upon the _Stalk_, only in _Bigness_; and so far in _Shape_, as the same _Parts_ of an Animal _Fœtus_, in its several ages in the _Womb_. In many _Seeds_, as well small as great, and as well of _Herbs_ as _Trees_, it is very apparent. But oftentimes lyeth so deep between the _Lobes_ as to be almost undiscernable, as in _Maple_.
4. §. The _Leaves_ of the _Bud_, in different _Plants_, are of a different _Number_; in some, Two; in others, Four, Six, and sometimes more. In the _Bay-Berry_, they are only two; very small, but thick or fat, and finely veined. In the _Seed_ of _Carduus Benedictus_, ♦ _Tab. 78._ ♦ they are also Two; almost invisible; broad at the _Bottom_, poynted at the _Top_, thick or fat, yet plated inward, and postured a little distant one from the other; for the two next to rise up between them. The like may be seen in _Carthamum_; and so, I suppose, in all the _Carduus Kind_.
5. §. In some _Herbs_, although the _Bud_ consisteth but of two perfect _Leaves_, yet they are very conspicuous. ♦ _Tab. 78._ ♦ Not only in larger _Seeds_, as in the _Phaseolus_ or _French Bean_; but in those which are small, as in the _Seed_ of _Hemp_. In this, the two _Leaves_ are both plated, and so set _Edge_ to _Edge_, with mutual _Undulations_. Of that Length, as to be extended beyond a third part of the _Lobes_.
6. §. In the _Seed_ of _Sena_, the _Bud_ consisteth of Four _Leaves_; ♦ _Tab. 78._ ♦ of which, the greater pair is the outer, and guards the less. Shaped not much unlike those in the _Seed_ of _Carduus_; but are a little more visible.
7. §. In the _Bud_ of an _Almond_, we may easily count six, or eight _Leaves_, and sometimes more; the Inermost being laid bare by a dexterous _Separation_ of the Outer. ♦ _Tab. 78._ ♦ These are by much the greatest, doubled Inward, and so laped one over another; whereby they embosome all the rest, as a _Hen_ spreads her _Wings_ over her _Chickens_. The like is observable in many other large _Kernels_, as also in the _Garden Bean_, and some other _Plants_. With respect to which, I have taken leave[73] to call this _Part_ the _Plume_.
[73] _B. 1. Ch. 1._
8. §. THE LOBES of the _Seed_, and so likewise the _Radicle_ and _Bud_ consist of a _Skin_, _Parenchyma_, and _Branched Vessels_: all which I have formerly described.[74] I shall now add the following _Remarques_.
[74] _B. 1. Ch. 1._
♦ _Tab. 79._ ♦ 9. §. And first of the _Skin_, which in some _Seeds_, as the _French-Bean_ may easily be separated from the _Parenchyma_: especially if the _Bean_ be soaked in water for some days; for then it will slip off, like the _Skin_ in any part of ones _Body_ where it is blistered. ’Tis woven into _Bladders_, as the _Parenchyma_; but into smaller ones, and upon the _Lobes_ of a _Garden Bean_, all radiated towards the _Center_. With these _Bladders_, there are also mixed a sort of _Lignous Fibres_, incomparably small, which give a _Toughness_ to the _Skin_, and by which the _Bladders_ are directed into _Rays_.
10. §. The _Bladders_ of the _Parenchyma_, as is said, are much larger than those of the _Skin_, especially in the _Lobes_. In those of a _Garden Bean_, somewhat oval, about ⅛ of an Inch Diametre by their _Bredth_, ♦ _Tab. 79._ ♦ and directed towards the _Branches_ of the _Seminal Root_. In the _Radicle_, they are twenty times smaller, than in the _Lobes_: and so in the _Plume_.
11. §. Throughout the _Parenchyma_ run the _Branched Vessels_, ♦ _Tab. 79._ ♦ which in the _Lobes_ make the _Seminal Root_; in the _Radicle_ and _Plume_, the _Wood_ of the _Root_ and _Stalk_. In all of them, distributed as hath been[75] formerly shewed.
[75] _B. 1. Ch. 1._
12. §. I shall here further note, That the utmost divisions are no where extended to the Circumference of the _Lobes_, ♦ _Tab. 79._ ♦ but are all inosculated together at a considerable distance from it, as in the _Leaves_ of some _Plants_.
13. §. In the _Lobes_ they all meet in one solid _Nerve_. But in the _Radicle_, are dilated into a hollow _Trunk_, filled up with a _Pith_; composed of _Bladders_ somewhat bigger than those which make, as it were, the _Barque_ of the _Radicle_. ♦ _Tab. 79._ ♦ In the _Radicle_ of a _French Bean_, the _Pith_ is very conspicuous.
14. §. The _Vessels_ are of two kinds, as in the other _Parts_ of a _Plant_; for _Sap_, and for _Aer_. Not running collateral, as _Arteries_ and _Veins_; but the latter every where sheathed in the former. From the _Aer-Vessels_ it is, that if a _Bean_ be steeped in water, and then the _Radicle_ cut transversly and pressed, it will yield _Bubles_ as well as _Liquor_. ♦ _Tab. 79._ ♦ These _Vessels_ are admirably small, yet through a very good _Glass_ become visible.
15. §. The _Liquor_ conteined in the _Seed_, when full ripe is chiefly _Oyl_; generally, found in a greater proportion here, than in any other part of a _Plant_. Being as the _Pickle_, in which the _Seminal Virtues_, _i. e._ the more _volatile_ and _active Principles_ of the _Seed_, are immersed for their _Preservation_: and to curb them from too great a _Luxuriance_ in the _Vegetation_ of the _Seed_.
CHAP. VI.
_Of the GENERATION of the SEED._
AS I made choice of a _Garden-Bean_, to shew the manner of the _Vegetation_ of the _Seed_: so I shall take an _Aprecock_, as very apt and convenient, to observe and represent the _Method_ which _Nature_ taketh in its _Generation_.
2. §. In order to do this, the first thing that is to be done, is to make a fit _Uterus_. Both to keep the _Membranes_ of the _Fœtus_ warm, and succulent, till it be formed: and to preserve and secure the _Fœtus_ it self afterwards, till it comes to be born into the _Ground_.
3. §. For this purpose, the _Pulp_ and _Stone_ of the _Fruit_ are both necessary; but primarily the _Stone_: the _Meat_ or _Pulp_ being no otherwise necessary, but because the _Stone_ cannot be made without it; the petrifying of that _Parenchyma_ which is the _Ground_ of the _Stone_, being effected, by the sinking or the _Tartar_ from the _Pulp_ thereinto.
4. §. And that, at the first, the _Ground_ of the _Stone_, is a distinct, but soft _Parenchyma_; is evident in the cuting of a young _Aprecock_. Of which, also a slice cut off, with a _Rasor_, and viewed through a good _Glass_, sheweth it to be composed of _Bladders_, as the _Pulp_ it self. ♦ _Tab. 82._ ♦ Only, whereas many of those of the _Pulp_ are large, now about as big as a white _Pepper-Corn_: these are no bigger than a _Mustard-Seed_. But as the _Parenchyma_ hardens into a _Stone_, these _Bladders_ are all gradually filled up, and disappear.
5. §. This _Parenchyma_ is derived immediately from the _Pith_, as the _Pulp_ is from the _Barque_; and makes the far greater part of the _Stone_. ’Tis covered all over within, with a very thin _Lining_; derived, not from the _Pith_ but the _Parenchyma_ which covers the _Seed-Branch_, upon its first entrance within the hollow of the _Stone_. This _Lining_ is of a close substance; yet composed of _Bladders_, exquisitely small and hardly visible. By which means, it soon becomes a very hard and dry _Body_; ♦ _Tab. 80._ ♦ and is hereby fitted, both to promote the induration of the rest of the _Stone_; and the seasonable drying, and so, the shrinking up, of the _Covers_ of the _Seed_, to make room for its _Growth_.
6. §. The _Stone_ being made hard and dry; it could never be so sufficiently softned by lying under ground, but that, it would keep the _Seed_ a perpetual prisoner, unless it were also made pretty easily to cleave in two. For which purpose, the _Skin_ of the _Fruit_ doth observably conduce. ♦ _Tab. 80._ ♦ For in a _Slice_ of a young _Aprecock_ cut transversly with a very sharp knife, it may be seen, especially with the help of a _Glass_, to be doubled inward from the two _Lips_ of the _Fruit_, and so to be continued, not only through the _Pulp_, but also through the _Stone_ it self, into the hollow of the same, where it meets, and is united with the _Lining_ thereof. Whereby, as it further helps to the drying and hardning of the _Stone_; so also renders it cleavable in that part, where it runs through it. And therefore, whereas towards the _Stalk_, it goes no farther than to the _Seed-Branch_, and so but half way through the _Stone_: towards the _Top_ of the _Fruit_, where the _Radicle_ stands, and where the _Stone_ begins to cleave, it runs quite through it.
7. §. _Nature_ having thus provided a convenient _Uterus_, She next taketh care about the _Membranes_ of the _Fœtus_. These are _Three_ apparently distinct, and in many respects different one from another.
8. §. The outer _Membrane_ is derived from the _Parenchyma_ which surrounds the _Seed-Branch_; which, upon its entry into the hollow of the _Stone_, is expanded, as it were, into two _Bladders_, one within another; ♦ _Tab. 80._ ♦ whereof, one becomes the _Lining_ of the _Stone_; the other, this outer _Membrane_: as is best seen by cuting a young _Aprecock_, when it is about half an Inch long, down through the midle, or from the _Seat_ of the _Flower_ to the _Stalk_, between the two _Lips_.
9. §. This outer _Membrane_, at this age, hath a good full and frim _Body_, about 1/12ᵗʰ of an Inch thick, or through an ordinary _Glass_, half an Inch, where it is thickest, as at the _Sides_ and the greater end: the _Poynt_ being thinner, for the more easy eruption of the _Radicle_ into the _Earth_. ♦ _Tab. 80._ ♦ Composed of _Bladders_, through an ordinary _Glass_, about as big, as a _Colewort-Seed_.
10. §. Throughout this _Membrane_, the _Vessels_ conteined in the _Seed-Branch_ are distributed. Beginning a little below the smaller end of the _Coat_ or _Membrane_, they thence fetch their circuit both ways round about, just beneath the _Surface_ of the _Membrane_, and at last, meet in the midle of the greater end, where they are all inosculated, so as to make a kind of _umbilical Node_. ♦ _Tab. 80._ ♦ From whence they strike deeper into it, and at last, into the midle _Membrane_, in which they presently become invisible. By these _Vessels_, the _Sap_ is brought and spewed into the midle _Membrane_. So that the outer _Membrane_ seemeth, in some respects, to be answerable to the _Placenta_ in _Animals_.
11. §. The midle _Membrane_, is derived from the bottome of the Outer. From whence especially, but also round about, the _Bladders_ hereof (all angular) are more and more amplified towards the _Centre_; most of them being at least two hundred times biger, than those of the Outer _Membrane_: ♦ _Tab. 80._ ♦ whereby it looks, through a _Glass_, not unlike a _Coome_ full of _Hony_; or in regard of their great transparency, like a company of little _Crystal Pans_ full of a pure _Lympha_.
12. §. This Midle _Membrane_, is properly so called, from the state and condition it hath, upon the _Augmentation_ of the _Seed_, at which time, it obteins the nature of an _Involucrum_. But originally, it is every where entire, without any _Hollow_, filling up the _Cavity_ of the Outer _Membrane_, like a soft and delicate _Pulp_. After a short time, there appears in it a small _Ductus_ or _Chanel_; which runs from the bottom to the top, like an _Axis_, through the midle of it. ♦ _Tab. 81._ ♦ At first, no wider than to receive the _Hair_ of a _Mans Head_; not visible, except in a slice hereof cut transversly, and viewed in a _Glass_. Being grown a little wider, it may be seen, if the _Membrane_ be dexterously cut by the length. At which time, it is also dilated into two _Oval Cavities_, one at each end: which are as two little _Cisterns_, whereinto a most pure _Lympha_ continually owzeth, and is therein reserved for the nourishment of the _Seed_; and through the _Chanel_ which runs between the _Cisterns_ is emptied out of one _Cistern_ into another, according as the _Seed_ or the Inmost _Membrane_ hath need of it; _i. e._ as the _Weather_ and other Circumstances do more or less accelerate their _Growth_, and so render the _Lympha_ useful to them.
13. §. A few days after this, the Innermost _Membrane_ begins to appear; growing, like a soft _Node_ or _Bud_, out of the upper _Cistern_; to the lower end of which it is joyned by a short and tender _Stalk_, ♦ _Tab. 81._ ♦ from whence it is produced into a _Conick-oval Figure_, answerable to that of the _Cistern_.
14. §. This _Membrane_, though soft and full of _Sap_, yet being compared with the midlemost, is a close and compact _Body_, composed of _Bladders_ above 300 times smaller than they are in that. Whereby, as the _Seed_ is so well guarded, as not to be supplyed with any part of the _Lympha_, but the purest: so neither with any more of this, than will suffice, without the danger of making an _Inundation_ out of so great a _Lake_.
15. §. This _Membrane_, if it be pulled with a most steady hand, and very gently, upwards, it will draw a small transparent _String_ after it to the bottom of the Midle _Membrane_: The said _String_ though for the greater part, _Parenchymous_, yet being strengthened with the _admixture_ of some _Lignous Fibres_; not otherwise visible in either of these two _Membranes_. So that they seem, to be a small portion of those which are inosculated at the bottome of the _Outer Membrane_, and thence produced through the midlemost, underneath the _Chanel_, till at last they break forth into the upper _Cistern_, where they form this inner _Membrane_: a piece of close-wrought _Work_, suitable to the incomparable fineness of all the _Stuff_ out of which it is made.
16. §. The same _Membrane_ is originally entire, as the Midlemost: but being grown to about the bigness of a _Carvi-Seed_, becomes a little hollow near the _Cone_. And the _Lignous Fibers_ abovesaid, ♦ _Tab. 81._ ♦ fetching their compass from the _Base_, shoot forth into the _Cone_; and so make a very small _Node_ therein, for the first _Essay_ towards the _Generation_ of the _Seed_. The said _Fibers_ being thus spun out, to the utmost degree of fineness for this purpose.
17. §. This _Node_, being grown about ⅕ᵗʰ part as big as a _Cheese-Mite_; it begins next to be divided by a little indenture at the _Top_. ♦ _Tab. 81._ ♦ Which growing by degrees still deeper, the _Node_ is hereby at length distinguished into two _Lobes_ or thick _Leavs_.
18. §. So soon as these are finished, their _Basis_ begins afterwards to be contracted, ♦ _Tab. 81._ ♦ and so to be formed into a _Radicle_ or that part of the _Seed_ which becomes the _Root_. As the _Stalks_ of _Fruits_ do grow lesser, while the _Fruits_ themselves are expanded. So that in this estate, the _Radicle_ is, as it were, the _Stalk_ of the _Seed_.
19. §. At this time, the _Seed_ being extream small, the _Lobes_ are not so manageable as to be separated one from the other. But it is most reasonable to suppose that so soon as the _Radicle_ is finished, the next step, is the pushing forth of another _Node_, between the _Lobes_, in order to the making of a _Bud_, and so the perfection of the _Seed_.
20. §. This being done or in doing, the _Radicle_ or _Stalk_ of the _Seed_, containing still more and more at the bottome, hangs at the Inner _Membrane_, only by an extream small and short _Ligament_ or _Navel-String_. Which at last, also breaks; and so the _Seed_, as _Fruits_ when they are ripe, falls off and lies loose in the Iner _Membrane_; ♦ _Tab. 81._ ♦ this gradually shrinking up and so becoming more hollow, to make room for the further _Growth_ of the _Seed_.
Several
LECTURES
Read before the
ROYAL SOCIETY.
By _NEHEMJAH GREW_ M.D. Fellow of the _ROYAL SOCIETY_, and of the _COLLEGE_ of _PHYSICIANS_.
_LONDON_,
Printed by _W. Rawlins_, 1682.
THE
TITLES
Of the following
LECTURES.
I. _OF the Nature, Causes, and Power of MIXTURE._ The second Edition.
II. _Of the LUCTATION arising upon the_ Mixture _of several_ Menstruum’s _with all sorts of Bodies._ The second Edition.
III. _An Essay, Of the various_ Proportions, _wherein LIXIVIAL SALTS are found in_ Plants.
IV. _Of the ESSENTIAL and MARINE SALTS of_ Plants.
V. _Of the COLOURS of_ Plants.
VI. _Of the_ Diversities _and_ Causes _of TASTS; chiefly in_ Plants. _With an_ Appendix, _Of the ODOURS of_ Plants.
VII. _Experiments in Consort, upon the SOLUTION of SALTS in_ Water.
TO THE
Right Honourable
WILLIAM
Lord VisCount _BROUNCKER_,
PRESIDENT
OF THE
Royal Society.
MY LORD,
_ONE Reason why I Dedicate the following_ Discourses _to Your_ Lordship, _is, For that by Your great undeserved Respects, You have obliged me to do no less._
_Another, my_ Lord, _is, Because I could not but Publickly return Your_ Lordship _Thanks, for minding the_ Royal Society _of so good a Way, they are lately resolved upon, for the Management of a great part of their Business. Wherein, my_ Lord, _I do more than presume, that I also speak the Sense of the whole_ Society; _I think, not any one excepted._
_I may with the same Confidence intimate, my_ Lord, _how happy they account themselves, in having a_ Person _so fit to preside their Affairs, as Your_ Lordship. _The Largeness of your Knowledge, the Exactness of Your Judgment, the Evenness of Your Comport; being some of those necessary Qualifications, which His_ Majesty _had in His Eye (as right well understanding what He did) when He fixed His Choice upon Your_ Lordship.
_I know, my_ Lord, _that there are some men, who have just so much Understanding, as only to teach them how to be Ambitious: The Flattering of whom, is somewhat like the Tickling of Children, till they fall a Dancing. But I also know, that Your_ Lordship _unconcerneth Your self as much, in what I even now spake; as_ Cæsar _did himself, when his_ Souldiers _began to style him_ King. _For as he said,_ Non Rex, sed Cæsar: _So let Your_ Lordship _be but once nam’d, and all that follows, is but a_ Tautology _to what You are already known to be. Your being_ President _of the_ Royal Society, _Your being the_ First _that was Chosen, and_ Chosen _by so Knowing a_ Prince; _becomes so real a_ Panegyrick _to Your_ Lordship, _as leaveth Verbal ones without any sound._
_Whence, my_ Lord, _I have a third Reason most naturally emergent, which is, That I dare to submit my self, as to what I have hereafter said, to Your_ Lordships _Censure. You being so able and just an_ Arbiter _betwixt the same and all those Persons therein concern’d; that You can neither be deceived, nor corrupted, to make a Judgment in any Point, to the Injury of either._
_And truly, my_ Lord, _were it only from a Principle of self-Interest, yet I could not desire it should be otherwise. For the_ World, _if it lives, will certainly grow as much more knowing than it is; as it is now more, than it was heretofore. So that we have as little Reason to despise_ Antiquity; _as we can have willingness, that we our selves should be despised by_ Posterity.
_Yet some difference there is to be made;_ viz. _betwixt those of all_ Ages, _who have been modestly ignorant; and those who have thought, or pretended, that they were Omniscient. Or if knowing and acknowledging that they were Ignorant; have yet not been contented to be so; unless, with as good manners, as sense, they did conjure all Mankind not to offer at the knowing any more than themselves._
_Upon the whole, my_ Lord, _I desire not You should be a_ Patron, _any further than You are a_ Judge. _For if this small_ Essay _hath deserved the least acceptance, I am sure, that in being one, You will be both._
_I am_,
My Lord, Your _Lordships_ most Faithful and Obedient Servant,
_NEHEMJAH GREW_.
A
DISCOURSE
Read before the
ROYAL SOCIETY
_Decemb. 10. 1674._
Concerning the
_NATURE_, _CAUSES_, and _POWER_
OF
MIXTURE.
HAVING the honour to perform the Task of this day; I shall endeavour to conform to the _Phylosophy_, which this _Society_ doth profess; which is, _Reasoning grounded upon Experiment, and the Common Notions of Sense_. The former being, without the latter, too subtle and intangible; the latter without the former, too gross and unmanageable: but both together, bearing a true analogy to our selves; who are neither Angels, nor meer Animals, but Men.
The Subject I have chosen to speak of, is _Mixture_. Whereof, that our _Discourse_ may be the more _consistent_, and the better _intelligible_; all I have to say, shall be ranged into this Method; _viz._
1. First, I shall give a brief account of the received _Doctrine_ of _Mixture_.
2. Next, lay down some _Propositions_ of the _Principles_ whereof all _Mixed_ Bodies consist.
3. Then, open the true _Nature_ of _Mixture_; or say, _What_ it is.
4. And then enumerate the _Causes_ of _Mixture_; or say, _How_ it is made.
5. Lastly, I shall shew the _Power_ of _Mixture_; or, _What_ it can _do_.
CHAP. I.
_Of the received Doctrine of_ Mixture.
FIRST, As to the received _Doctrine_ of _Mixture_; not to trouble you with tedious quotations of what _Aristotle_, _Galen_, _Fernelius_, _Scaliger_, _Sennertus_, _Riverius_, and other Learned men say hereof; we may suppose the whole summed up in that _Definition_ which _Aristotle_ himself hath given of it, ♦ Lib. 1. _de Generat. & Corrupt._ Cap. ult. ♦ and which the greater number of his Followers, have almost religiously adhered to; _viz._ that ’tis, τῶν μικτῶν ἀλλοιωθέντων ἕνωσις, that ’tis, _Miscibilium alteratorum unio_. Which _Definition_, as it is usually explicated, is both _Unintelligible_, and _Unuseful_.
2. §. Two things are _unintelligible_; what they mean by _Alteration_; and what by _Union_. In this _Alteration_, they say, That the very _Forms_ of the _Elements_ are _altered_. And therefore lay it down for an _Axiom_, _Quod in Mixto, Formæ Elementares tantum sint in potentia_, But let us see the consequence. For if in a _mixed_ body, the _Forms_ of the _Elements_ are but in _potentia_; then the _Elements_ themselves are but _in potentia_: for we all say, _Forma dat esse_. And if the _Compounding Elements_, are only _in potentia_; then the _Compounded Body_ it self can be only _in potentia_; yet to say it is no more, is most absurd.
3. §. As for the _Union_ of _Elements_ in a _mixed Body_; they make it such, as brings them at last to assert, the _Penetration_ of _Bodies_, and that the _Union_ of _mixed Bodies_ is nothing else. For they say it is made in such sort, that every particle of the _mixed Body_, partaketh of the _Nature_ of the whole. Which _Nature_, ariseth from the contemperated _Qualities_ of the four _Elements_. Whence they conclude, That every particle of the _mixed Body_, containeth in it self all the four _Elements_. Which is plainly to assert a _penetration_ of _Bodies_. For every _Element_ is, at least, one particle; if therefore every particle of the _mixed_ Body, containeth four _Elements_; then four particles are but one. I conclude then, That the received _Doctrine_ of _Mixture_ is _Unintelligible_.
4. §. Whence it follows, That it is also _Barren_ and _Unuseful_. For who can make any use of that which he understandeth not? And the experience of so many years, wherein it hath been ventilated by the disputes of men, proveth as much: Scarce any of them, except the Learned _Sennertus_, daring to venture upon Experiment, for fear they should come to understand themselves.
5. §. It is confessed, that many gallant things have been found out by artificial _Mixture_. But no thanks to this _Definition_ of it. For as an _Ignorant_ Man may make bad _Work_, and a good _Rule_ be never the worse; so one that is _Ingenious_ may make good _Work_, and a bad _Rule_ be never the better. The question is not, what have men done? but what have they done upon this foundation, _Quod Mixitio sit miscibilium alteratorum unio_. Had this ever taught them to do any thing, even so much as to make the _Inke_ wherewith they have wrote, all their _Disputes_; I confess, they would have had something to shew for it. But the truth is, their _notions_ of _Mixture_, have been so far from doing us any good, that they have done us much harm: being, through their seeming subtlety, but real absurdity, as so many phantastick _Spectrums_, serving only to affright men from coming near them, or the Subject whereof they treat.
6. §. I shall therefore endeavour to open the true _Nature_ of _Mixture_. And I shall build my _Doctrine_ upon the _Common Notions_ of _Sense_: which none can _deny_; and every one may _conceive_ of. In order to which, I shall take leave to lay down some _Propositions_, of the _Principles_ of all _mixed Bodies_.
CHAP. II.
_Of the Principles of Bodies._
AND first, by _Principles_, I mean _Atomes_, or certain _Sorts_ of _Atomes_, or of the _simplest_ of _Bodies_. For otherwise they would not be _Principles_; for a _compounded Principle_, in strict speaking, is a _Contradiction_. Even as _Fives_, _Threes_, or _Two’s_ are not the _Principles_ of _Number_, but _Unites_.
2. §. Whence, secondly, it follows, that they are also _Indivisible_. Not _Mathematically_; for the _Atomes_ of every _Principle_ have their _Dimensions_. But _Physically_; and so, what is but _one_, cannot be made _two_. If it be asked, Whether a Stick cut with a Knife, be not of one, made two? I say, that a Stick, is not _one_ Body, but _many millions_ of Bodies; that is, of _Atomes_; not any one whereof is _divided_ within it self, but only they are _separated_ one from another, where the Knife forceth its way. As in the drawing of a mans Finger through a Heap of Corn; there is no _Division_ made in any one _Grain_, but only a _separation_ of them one from another, all remaining still in themselves entire. I say, therefore, that what is _Physically one_, is also most firm, and _Indivisible_, that is, _Impenetrable_: for _Penetration_ is but the _Separation_, not the _Division_ of _Atomes_.
3. §. Hence, thirdly, they are also _Immutable_. For that which cannot be _divided_, cannot be _chang’d_. So that of the whole World of _Atomes_, not any one hath ever suffer’d, or can suffer the least _mutation_. Hereupon is grounded the _Constancy_ of _Causes_ and _Effects_. So that, in all _Generations_, it is not less certain, that the self same _Principle_ is still _propagated_ from the same; than, that _Man_ is from _Man_. Wherefore, _compounded Bodies_ are _generated_; but _Principles_ are not, but only _propagated_; that is, in every _Generation_, they pass, in themselves unaltered, from one Body, into another.
4. §. If _Principles_, or _Atomes_ are all _Immutable_; it again follows, That they are of _Divers Kinds_. For one and the same _Principle_, or _Kind_ of _Atomes_, will still make the _Same_ Thing, and have the _same Effect_: so that all _Generations_ would then be the _Same_. Wherefore, since they are _Immutable_, they must be _Divers_.
5. §. This _Diversity_, for the same reason, is not small, but very _Numerous_. For as the _World_, taken together, is _Natures Shop_; so the _Principles_ of Things are her _Tools_, and her _Materials_. Wherefore, as it speaks the _goodness_ of a _Shop_; so the _Perfection_ of the _Universe_, That it is furnished with many _Tools_ wherewith, and many _Materials_ whereupon to _work_. And consequently, that _Philosophy_ beareth best its own name; which doth not strain all to two or three _Principles_, like two or three Bells in a Steeple, making a pitiful _Chime_: but tryeth to rise up to _Natures_ own _Number_, and so to _ring_ all the _Changes_ in the World.
6. §. Yet doth not this vast _Diversity_ take away the _Regiment_ and _Subordination_ of _Principles_. There being a certain lesser _number_ of them, which either by their greater _quantity_, or other ways, have _Rule_ and _Dominion_, in their several _Orders_, over all the rest. For where-ever the _Subject_ is _Multitude_, _Order_ is part of its _Perfection_. For _Order_ is _Proportion_. And how can _Nature_ be imagin’d to hold _Proportion_ in all things else, and not here? Wherefore, as certainly, as _Order_ and _Government_ are in all the Parts of the _Rational_; so certainly, of the _Material World_. Whence it is, That although the _Species_ of _Principles_ be very _numerous_; yet the _Principles_ called _Galenical_, _Chymical_, or any others, which do any way fall under the notice of Sense, are notwithstanding _reduceable_ to a _smaller number_: _viz._ according to the _number_ of _Predominant Principles_ in _Nature_; or, rather in this part of the _Universe_ which is _near and round about us_. To the _Power_ and _Empire_ whereof, all other _Principles_ do submit. Which _Submission_, is not the _quitting_ of their own _Nature_; but only their appearance under the external Face or _Habit_ of the said _Predominant Principles_.
7. §. As there can be no _Order_ of _Principles_, without _Diversity_; so no _Diversity_, but what is _originally_ made by these two ways; _sc._ by _Size_ and _Figure_. By _these_ they may be exceeding different: and all other _Properties_ besides, whereby they differ, must be _dependent_ upon _these Two_.
8. §. Nor therefore, can they be of any other _Figures_, than what are _Regular_. For _Regularity, is a Similitude continu’d_. Since therefore all kinds of _Atomes_ are _divers_ only by their _Size_ and _Figure_; if the selfe same _Size_ and _Figure_ were not _common_ to a certain number of _Atomes_, they could not be said to be of any _one kind_: and consequently, if there were no _Similitude_ of _Atomes_, there could be no _Distinction_ of _Principles_.
9. §. Hence also, these two _Modes_ of _Atomes_, _viz._ their _Size_ and _Figure_, are the true, and only _original Qualities_ of _Atomes_. That is, an _Atome_ is _such_ or _such_, because it is of such a certain _Size_ and _Figure_.
10. §. Lastly, As these two _Modes_, taken severally, are the _Qualities_ of an _Atome_: so consider’d together, they are its _Form_. A _Substantial Form_ of a _Body_, being an unintelligible thing. I say of a _Body_; for although the _Rational Soul_ be a _Substantial Form_, yet is it the _Form_ of a _Man_, and not of a _Body_. For the _Form_ of a _Body_, we can conceive of no otherwise, than as of the _Modification_ of a _Body_, or a _Complexion_ of all the _Modes_ of a _Body_. Which also agrees with that _Definition_ of a _Form_, which amongst the _Peripatetick Philosophers_ is well enough accepted, _viz._ _Quod sit, Ratio ejus Essentiæ, quæ cuique Rei competit_. Which _Ratio_, if it be referred to a _Body_, what is it, but the _Modification_ of that _Body_? Having thus proposed a Summary of my _Thoughts_ about _Principles_; I shall next proceed to shew what their _Mixture_ is.
CHAP. III.
_Of the NATURE of_ Mixture.
AND first of all, from the _Premisses_, we arrive at this _Conclusion_; _sc._ That the _Formation_ and _Transformation_ of all Bodies, can be nothing else, but the _Mixture_ of Bodies. For all _Principles_ are _immutable_; ♦ _Ch. 2. §. 3._ ♦ as we have above proved: and therefore not _generable_, _formable_, or _transformable_. And the _Forms_ of _Principles_, being but their _Modes_, are also _immutable_. ♦ _Ch. 2. §. 10._ ♦ So that the whole _Business_ of the _Material World_, is nothing else, but _Mixture_.
2. §. Again, as _Nature_ worketh every where only by _Mixture_; so is this _Mixture_ every where but _one thing_, and can be but _one_. For whether it be the _Mixture_ of _great_ Bodies, or of _small_; of _Compounds_, or of _Atomes_; it is every where _Mixture_, and the _Mixture_ of _Bodies_. ♦ _Ch. 2. §. 2._ ♦ Wherefore, _Mixture_ is either an _intelligible Affection_ of _all_ Bodies, or of _none_; which later, no man will say. As many ways therefore, as we can _see_, or _conceive_ the _Mixture_ of any _gross_ Bodies, which we hold in our hand; so many ways, we may, of the _subtilest Mixtures_ which _Nature_ maketh, or of _Atomes_ themselves; and no other ways.
3. §. Now all the ways we can distinguish _Mixture_ by, are, in general, these _Two_; either in respect of the _Bodies Mixed_, or else of the _Modes_ of the _Mixture_ it self.
4. §. In respect of the _Bodies Mixed_, _Mixture_ is distinguished also _two_ ways; _viz._ by _Conjugation_, and by _Proportion_.
5. §. By _Conjugation_, I mean, a _Mixture of some certain Principles, and not of others_. Which is _threefold_. _First_, As to _Number_: as when one Body may be compounded of _two Principles_, another of _three_, a third of _four_, a fourth of _five_, and so on. _Secondly_, As to _Kind_: where, though there be a conjunction of the same _Number_, yet not of the same _Kind_. _Thirdly_, When they differ from one another both in _Number_ and _Kind_. So many ways the _Principles_ of Bodies may be conceived to be _Conjugated_; and therefore are: for here, that which _may_ be, _is_. The Consequence is clear. For _first_, _Nature_ hath various _Materials_ wherewith to make these _Mixtures_; as we have shewed. ♦ _Ch. 2. §. 5._ ♦ _Secondly_, By these _Mixtures_ she _may_, and without the concurrence of any imaginary _Forms_, _must_ produce all the varieties in the _material World_; as likewise hath been said. ♦ _Ch. 3. §. 1._ ♦ Wherefore, since all imaginable _Mixtures may_ be _made_, and that to _some purpose_; if they should not be _so_, _Nature_ would be _Imperfect_: because we our selves can think, how she might put her _Materials_ to further use, then _so_ she would do. To think therefore, that all _Kinds_ of _Principles_, or all _Elements_ go to make up every _Compounded Body_, as by the _Peripatetick Philosophy_ we are taught; is a conceit, no more to be credited, than one that should tell us, all _Kind_ of _Wheels_ and other _parts_ of a _Watch_, were put into a _Clock_; or that there were no other _Materials_ wherewith to build an _House_, then for a _Tent_ or a _Ship_. For why should _Nature_, the great _Artificer_ by which all _perfect Works_ are made, be feigned to cram and ram _all things into one_, which we our selves look upon as absurd?
6. §. _Secondly_, The _Mixture_ of _Principles_ is diversifi’d, as by _Conjugation_, so also by _Proportion_. That is, by the divers _Quantities_, of the several _Principles_ or _Parts mixed_ together. As if the _Quantity_ of one, were as _five_ to _ten_; of a second, as _five_ to _fifteen_; of a third, as _five_ to _twenty_, &c. Or if that of one, be as _five_ to _six_; of a second, as _six_ to _seven_; of a third, as _seven_ to _eight_. By which, and by other _Proportions_, _Mixture_ may be varied innumerable ways.
7. §. _Again_, As _Mixture_ is varied with respect to the _Bodies Mixed_; so likewise in respect of the _Mixture_ it self, which I call the _Location_ of _Principles_, or the _Modes_ of their _Conjunction_. Which may be various, as well as their _Conjugation_ and _Proportion_. Yet are they all reduceable unto _two_ general _Modes_: ♦ _Ch. 2. §. 2._ ♦ all _Bodies_, and therefore all _Principles_, being _mixed_ either by _Mediation_, or by _Contact_.
8. §. Now all _Contact_, whether of _Compounds_, or of _Atomes_, can be no other way, than such as is answerable to their _Figures_. Whereof, therefore, we can conceive but _three_ general ways, _viz._
_First_, By _Contact_ in a _Point_, or some _smaller part_: as when _two Atomes_ meet, which are _globular_ or otherwise _gibbose_. _Secondly_, By _Contact_ in a _Plain_: as in the conjunction of the _sides_ of _Triangular_ or _Quadrangular Atomes_, or otherwise _flat_. _Thirdly_, By _Contact_ in a _Concave_: as when one _Atome_ is admitted into the _Concave_ or _hole_ of another; as a Spigot is into a Fosset. The _first_ may be called, _Apposition_; the _second_, _Application_; the _third_, _Reception_ or _Intrusion_.
9. §. In the _two last_ ways, _Atomes_ may be joyned by _Mediation_; but best of all the _last_. As when the _two extreams_ of one _Atome_ are received into the _Concaves_ or the _holes_ of two others.
10. §. And these are all the _general_ ways, whereby we can conceive Bodies to be _Mixed_ together; _sc._ by their various _Conjugation_, _Proportion_ and _Location_. So that the _Composition_ of _Atomes_, in _Bodies_; is like that of _Letters_, in _Words_. What a Thunderclap would such a _Word_ be, wherein all the four and twenty _Letters_ were pack’d up? One therefore is compounded of more, another of fewer: this of some, and that of others: and both the _Conjugation_, _Proportion_, and _Location_ of _Letters_ is varied in every _Word_: whereby, we have many thousands of _differing Words_, without any _alteration_ at all, in the _Letters themselves_; and might have ten times as many more. In like manner, therefore, or in the self same analogous way, as the _Letters_ of the _Alphabet_, are the _Principles_ of _Words_; so _Principles_, are the _Alphabet_ of _Things_.
11. §. What we have said of _Principles_; and of _Mixture_ as consequent thereupon; may be a _foundation_ for an _intelligible_ account, of the _Nature_ and _Cause_ of most of the Intrinsick _Properties_, and _Qualities_ of _Bodies_: as of _Gravity_, _Levity_, _Fixity_, _Fluidity_, _Angularity_, _Roundness_, _Heat_, _Cold_, _Blackness_, _Whiteness_, _Sowerness_, _Sweetness_, _Fragrancy_, _Fetidness_, and very many more. I say an _intelligible_ account; _sc._ such as is grounded upon the _Notions_ of _Sense_, and made out _Mechanically_. But the exemplification hereof, being too large a field for this, or any one _Lecture_, I shall, before I come to the _Causes_ of _Mixture_, only deduce from the _Premises_, these following _Corollaries_.
12. §. _First_, That there is no _alteration_ of _Principles_ or of _Elements_, in the most _perfect Mixture_ of Bodies. It _cannot_ be; for _Principles_ are _Immutable_, as we have said. ♦ _Ch. 2. §. 3._ ♦ And if it could be, yet it _needeth not_ to be: for they are also _many_, and _compoundable infinite_ ways; ♦ _Ch. 2. §. 5._ ♦ as hath been shewed. So that we have no need to perplex our selves with any of those difficulties, ♦ _Ch. 3. §. 10._ ♦ that arise from the _Doctrine_ of the _Alteration_ of _Elements_. The ground of which conceit, is that, of there being but four _Elements_, and all in every particle of the _mixed Body_. And so men being puzeled, how from thence to make out the infinite _variety_ of Bodies, they feigned them to be alterable, and _altered_, upon every _perfect Mixture_. Not considering, that if their four _Elements_ be _alterable_; as few as they are, no fewer then _three_ of them may be spared: for _one Element_, if _alterable_, may be made _any_.
13. §. Hence, _Secondly_, may be solved that great _Dispute_, Whether such as we call _Lixivial Salts_, are _made_ by the _fire_? For _first_, No _Principle_ is made by the _fire_: ♦ _Ch. 2. §. 3._ ♦ all _Principles_ being _unalterable_; and therefore _unmakable_. _Secondly_, We must therefore distinguish betwixt the _Principle_, and its various _Mixture_ with other _Principles_; from whence it may receive different _Shapes_ and _Names_. Wherefore, a _Lixivial Salt_, _qua Lixivial_, is certainly _made_ by the _fire_. But _quatenus Salt_, it is not: that _Principle_ being _extractable_ out of _most_ Bodies; and by _divers_ other _ways_, then by the _fire_. For whether you _Calcine_ a body, or else _Ferment_ it, (after the manner shewed by the _curious Improver_ of _Chymical_ Knowledge, _Dr. Daniel Cox_) or _putrifie_ it under ground, or _drown_ it in the Sea; it still yieldeth _some kind_ of _Salt_. All which _Salts_ are _made_, not by _making_ the _Saline Principle_; but only by its being differently _Mixed_, by those several ways of the _Solution_ of Bodies, with other _Principles_: from which its different _Mixture_, it receives the _various Denominations_, of _Marine_, _Nitrous_, _Volatile_, or _Lixivial_.
14. §. Hence, _Thirdly_, the most _perfect Mixture_ of Bodies, can go no higher than _Contact_. For all _Principles_ are _unalterable_; ♦ _Ch. 2. §. 3._ ♦ and all _Matter_ is _impenetrable_; as hath been said. ♦ _Ch. 3. §. 2._ ♦ In the most _visible_ and _laxe Mixture_, there is _Contact_; and in the most _subtile_ and _perfect_, as in _Generation_ it self, there is _nothing more_.
15. §. Hence, _Fourthly_, we easily understand, how divers of the same _Principles_, belonging both to _Vegetables_ and many _other_ Bodies, are also _actually_ existent in the Body of _Man_. Because even in _Generation_ or _Transmutation_, the _Principles_ which are translated from one Body to another, as from a _Vegetable_ to an _Animal_, are not in the least _alter’d_ in themselves; but only their _Mixture_, that is, their _Conjugation_, _Proportion_ and _Location_, is _varied_.
16. §. Hence also the difference of _Mixture_, arising from the difference of _Contact_, is intelligible; _sc._ as to those _three degrees_, _Congregation_, _Union_, and _Concentration_.
_Congregation_, and _Inconsistent Mixture_, is when the several _Atomes_ touch but in a _Point_, or _smaller part_. ♦ _Ch. 3. §. 8._ ♦ In _which_ manner, I have divers arguments, inducing me to believe the _Atomes_ of all _Fluid Bodies_, _qua Fluid_, do touch; and in _no other_.
♦ _Ch. 3. §. 8._ ♦ _Union_, is when they touch in a _Plain_. As in the _Crystals_ and _Shootings_ of all _Salts_, and _other_ like Bodies. For if we pursue their divided and subdivided parts, with our eye, as far as we can; they still _terminate_, on every side, in _Plains_. Wherefore, ’tis intelligible, That their very _Atomes_ do also _terminate_, and therefore _touch_, in _Plain_.
_Concentration_, is when two, or more _Atomes_ touch by _Reception_ and _Intrusion_ of one into another: ♦ _Ch. 3. §. 8._ ♦ which is the _closest_, and _firmest Mixture_ of all; as in any _fixed unodorable_, or _untastable_ Body: the _Atomes_ of such Bodies, being not able to make any _Smell_ or _Taste_, unless they were first _dissolved_; that is to say, _unpin’d_ one from another.
17. §. Hence, _Sixthly_, we understand, how in some cases, there seemeth to be a _Penetration_ of _Bodies_; and in what _sense_ it may be admitted: _viz._ if we will mean no more by _Penetration_, but _Intrusion_. For the _Intrusion_ of one _Atome_ into the _Concave_ or _hole_ of another, is a _kind_ of _Penetration_; whereby they take up less room in the _mixed_ Body, then they would do by any other way of _Contact_. As a naked knife and its sheath, take up almost double room, to what they do, when the knife is sheathed. Whence we may assign the _reason_, Why many _Liquors_ being _mixed_; take up less room or space, then they did _apart_; as the _Ingenious_ Mr. _Hook_ hath made it to appear by _Experiment_, that they do. I say the plain _reason_ hereof, or at least one reason, is the _Intrusion_ of many of their _Atomes_ into one another. Which yet is not a _Penetration_ of Bodies strictly so called.
18. §. _Seventhly_, If all that _Nature maketh_, be but _Mixture_; ♦ _Ch. 3. §. 1._ ♦ and all this _Mixture_ be but _Contact_ ’tis then evident, That _Natural_ and _Artificial_ Mixture, are the _same_. ♦ _Ch. 3. §. 14._ ♦ And all those _seeming subtilties_ whereby _Philosophers_ have gone about to _distinguish_ them; have been but so many _Scarcrows_ to affright _Men_ from the _Imitation_ of _Nature_.
19. §. _Eighthly_, Hence it follows, That _Art_ it self may go far in doing what _Nature_ doth. And who can say, how far? For we have nothing to _Make_; but only to _mix_ those _Materials_, which are already _made_ to our hands. Even _Nature_ her self, as hath been said, _Maketh_ nothing _new_; ♦ _Ch. 3. §. 1._ ♦ but only _mixeth_ all things. So far, therefore, as we can govern _Mixture_, we may do what _Nature_ doth.
20. §. Which that we may still the better understand; let us before, and in the next place, see the _Causes_ of _Mixture_. ♦ _Ch. 3. §. 18._ ♦ For since _Natural_ and _Artificial Mixture_ are the _same_; the _immediate Causes_ of both, are and must be the _same_.
CHAP. IV.
_Of the CAUSES of Mixture._
NOW all the _Causes_ of _Mixture_ we can conceive of, must, I think, be reduced to these _six_ in _general_; _viz._ _Congruity_, _Weight_, _Compression_, _Solution_, _Digestion_, and _Agitation_.
1. §. _Congruity_, or aptitude and _respondence_ betwixt the _Sizes_ and _Figures_ of _Parts_ to be _mixed_: whereby Bodies may be truly called the _Instrumental Causes_ of their own _Mixture_. As when a _Plain_ answers to a _Plain_, a _Square_ to a _Square_, a _Convex_ to a _Concave_, or a _Less_ to a _Greater_ or an _Equal_, &c. according to which _Respondencies_ in the _parts_ of Bodies, they are more or less easily _mingleable_.
2. §. _Weight_, by means whereof all _Fluid_ Bodies, upon supposition of the _Congruity_ of their parts, must unavoidably _mingle_.
3. §. _Compression_; which either by the _Air_, or any other Body, added to _Weight_, must, in some degree, further _Mixture_. Because, that _Weight_ it self, is but _Pression_. For further Proof of all the said _Causes_, I made this _Experiment_; Let _Oyl_ of _Aniseeds_, and _Oyl_ of _Vitriol_ be put apart into the _Receiver_ of an _Air-Pump_. And, having _exhausted_ it of the _Air_, let the _two_ said _Oyls_ be then affused one upon the other. Whereupon, _First_, It is visible, that they here _mix_ and _coagulate_ together; that is, their parts are _wedged_ and _intruded_ one into another, without the _usual compression_ of the _Air_; for that is _exhausted_, and therefore only by the _Congruity_ of their receiving and intruding parts; and by their _Weight_; by _which_ alone they are so _compressed_, as to make that _Intrusion_. _Secondly_, It is also evident, That although they do _Coagulate_; yet not altogether so much, as when poured together in the same manner, and quantity, in the _open Air_. Wherefore, _Compression_, whether made by the _Air_, or any thing else, as it doth further the _Dissolution_ of some Bodies, so the _Mixture_ of others, and the greater the _Compression_, the more.
4. §. _Solution_; For all Bodies _mix_ best, in _Forma fluida_. And that for two reasons. _First_, Because the _parts_ of a Body are not then in a _state_ of _Union_, but of _Separation_; and therefore, in a more capable _state_, for their _Mixture_ and _Union_ with the _parts_ of _another_ Body. _Secondly_, because then they are also in a _state_ of _Motion_, more or less; and therefore, in a continual tendency towards _Mixture_; all _Mixture_ being made by _Motion_. Wherefore all _Generations_, and most _perfect Mixtures_ in _Nature_, are made by _Fluids_; whether _Animal_, _Vegetable_, or _Mineral_. Which is also agreeable to the _Doctrine_ of the _Honourable_ Mr. _Boyle_, in his _Excellent Treatise_ of the _Nature_ and _Vertues_ of _Gems_. And it is well known, That Bodies are ordinarily _petrified_, or _Stones made_, out of _Water_. That is, out of _petrifying parts_ dissolved _per minima_ in _Water_, as both their _Menstruum_ and their _Vehicle_. Wherefore, if we will talk of _making Gold_; it must not be by the Philosophers _Stone_, but by the Philosophers _Liquor_.
5. §. _Digestion._ For which there is the same reason, as for _Mixture_, by _Solution_. For, _First_, All heat doth _attenuate_, that is, still further _separate_ the _parts_ of a Body; and so render them more _mingleable_ with the _parts_ of _another_. And therefore, _Secondly_, Doth also add more _Motion_ to them, in order to their _Mixture_.
6. §. _Agitation._ Which I am induced to believe a great and effectual means of _Mixture_, upon divers Considerations. As, _First_, That the _making_ of _Blood_ in the _Bodies_ of _Animals_, and the _mixing_ of the _Chyle_ therewith, is very much promoted by the same means; _sc._ by the _Agitation_ of the parts of the _Blood_ and _Chyle_, in their continual _Circulation_. _Again_, from the _making_ of _Butter_ out of _Milk_, by the same means: whereby alone is made a _separation_ of the oleous parts from the _Whey_, and Conjunction of the _Oleous_ together. _Moreover_, From the great _Effects_ of _Digestion_; well known to all that are conversant in _Chymical Preparations_. Which _Digestion_ it self, is but a _kind_ of _insensible agitation_ of the _parts_ of _digested_ Bodies. ’Tis _also_ a known _Experiment_, That the readiest way to dissolve _Sugar_ in _Wine_ or other _Liquor_; is to give the _Vessel_ a _hasty turn_, together with a _smart knock_, against any _hard_ and _steady_ Body: whereby all the parts of the _Sugar_ and _Liquor_, are put into a vehement _Agitation_, and so the _Sugar_ immediately dissolved, and _mixed_ with the _Liquor_. And I remember, that having (with intent, to make Mr. _Matthews’s Pill_) put some _Oyl_ of _Turpentine_ and _Salt_ of _Tartar_ together in a Bottle, and sent it up hither out of the _Country_; I found, that the continual _Agitation_ upon the _Road_, for three or four days, had done more towards their _Mixture_; than a far greater time of _Digestion_ alone had done before. And it is certain, That a vehement _Agitation_, especially, if continu’d, or joyned with _Digestion_; will accelerate the _Mixture_ of some Bodies, ten times more, than any bare _Digestion_ alone; as may be proved by many _Experiments_. I will instance in this one. Let some _Oyl_ of _Turpentine_ and good _Spirit_ of _Nitre_ be stop’d up together in a Bottle, and the Bottle held to the Fire, till the _Liquors_ be a little heated, and begin to bubble. Then having removed it, and the Bubbles by degrees increasing more and more; the two _Liquors_ will of themselves, at last fall into so impetuous an _Ebullition_, as to make a kind of _Explosion_; sending forth a _smoak_ for the space of almost _two yards_ high. Whereupon, the _parts_ of both the _Liquors_, being violently _agitated_, they are, in a _great portion_, _incorporated_ into a _thick Balsam_ in a _moment_: and that without any _intense_ heat, as may be felt by the Bottle. And thus much for the _Causes_ of _Mixture_.
CHAP. V.
_Of the POWER and USE of Mixture._
HAVING enumerated the _general Causes_, we shall, lastly, enquire into the _Power_ and _Use_ of _Mixture_; or, into what it can _Do_ and _Teach_. And I shall Instance in _six_ particulars. _First_, to Render all Bodies _Sociable_, whatsoever they be. _Secondly_, To _Make Artificial_ Bodies in Imitation of those of _Natures_ own production. _Thirdly_, to _make_ or _imitate_ the _sensible Qualities_ of Bodies; as _Smells_, and _Tasts_. _Fourthly_, To _make_, or _imitate_ their _Faculties_. _Fifthly_, It is a _Key_, to discover the _Nature_ of _Bodies_. _Sixthly_, To discover their _Use_, and the _Manner_ of their _Medicinal Operation_.
INSTANCE I.
_FIRST_, To render all Bodies _Sociable_ or _Mingleable_: as _Water_ with _Oyl_, _Salt_ with _Spirit_, and the like. For _Natural_ and _Artificial Mixture_, are the same; as we have before proved. ♦ _Ch. 3. §. 18._ ♦ If therefore _Nature_ can do it, as we see in the _Generation_ of Bodies she doth, ’tis likewise in the _Power_ of _Art_ to do it.
2. §. And for the doing of it, two _general Rules_ result from the _Premisses_, _sc._ The _Application_ of _Causes_, and the _Choice_ of _Materials_. As for the _Causes_, they are such as I have now instanc’d in. ♦ _Ch. 4._ ♦ And for the _Application_ of them, I shall give these _two Rules_.
3. §. _First_, That we tread in _Natures_ steps as near as we can; not only in the _Application_ of such a _Cause_, as may be most proper for such a _Mixture_; but also in allowing it _sufficient time_ for its _effect_. For so we see _Nature_ her self, for her more _perfect Mixtures_, usually doth. She maketh not a _Flower_, or an _Apple_, a _Horse_, or a _Man_, in a _moment_; but all things by _degrees_; and for her more _perfect and elaborate Mixtures_, for the most part, she requireth _more time_. Because all such _Mixtures_ are made and carri’d on _per minima_; and therefore require a greater time for the compleating of them.
4. §. A _second Rule_ is, Not only to make a due _Application_ of the _Causes_; but sometimes to _Accumulate_ them. By which means, we may not only, _imitate Nature_, but in some cases go beyond her. For as by adding a _Graft_ or _Bud_ to the _Stock_, we may produce _Fruit_ _sooner_, and sometimes _better_, than _Nature_ by the _Stock_ alone would do: So here, by _accumulating_ the _Causes_ of _Mixture_, that is, by joyning _two_, _three_, or _more_ together; or by _applying more_ in some Cases, where _Nature_ applyeth _fewer_; we may be able to make, if not a more _perfect_, yet a far more _speedy Mixture_, than _Nature_ doth. As by joyning _Compression_, _Heat_, and violent _Agitation_, and so continuing them all together, by some means contrived for the purpose, for the space of a _Week_, or _Month_, or _longer_, without cessation. Which may probably produce, not only _strange_, but _useful Effects_, in the _Solution_ of some, and the _Mixture_ of other Bodies. And may serve to _mix_ such Bodies, as through the _small number_ of their _congruous_ parts, are hardly _mingleable_ any other way. _Agitation_ being, as carrying the _Key_ to and fro, till it hit the _Lock_; or within the _Lock_, till it hit the _Wards_.
5. §. _Secondly_, For the _Choice_ of _materials_, if they are not _immediately_, that is, of themselves, _mingleable_; we are then to turn one _Species_ of _Mixture_ into a _Rule_; ♦ _Ch. 3. §. 9._ ♦ which is, To _mix_ them by _mediation_ of some _third_, whether more _simple_ or _compounded_ Body, which may be congruous _in part_ to them _both_: as _Sulphurous Salts_ are to _Water_ and _Oyl_; and are for that reason _mingleable_ with _either_ of them. Or, By any _two_ congruous Bodies, which are also, _in part_, congruous to _two others_: and other like ways. Whereby the _parts_ of Bodies, though never so _heterogeneous_, may yet be all _bound_ and _lock’d_ up together. Even as _twenty Keys_ may be _united_, only by _uniting_ the _two Rings_ whereon they hang.
6. §. The Consideration of these things, have put me upon making several _Experiments_, for the _mingling_ of _heterogeneous_ Bodies. I shall give two Examples of Tryal; the one upon _Fluid_, the other upon _consistent_ Bodies.
7. §. For the _first_, I took _Oyl_ of _Aniseeds_, and pouring it upon another Body; I so order’d it, that it was thereby turned into a perfect _milk-white Balsam_, or _Butyr_. By which means the said _Oyl_ became _mingleable_ with any _Winy_, or _Watery Liquor_; _easily_, and _instantaneously dissolving_ therein, in the form of a _Milk_. And _note_, That this is done, without the _least alteration_ of the _Smell_, _Tast_, _Nature_, or _Operation_ of the said _Oyl_. By somewhat the like means, not only _Oyl_ of _Aniseeds_, but any other _stillatitious Oyl_, may be transformed into a _milk-white Butyr_; and in like manner be _mingled_ with _Water_ or any other _Liquor_. Which is of _various use_ in _Medicine_; and what I find oftentimes very convenient and advantageous to be done.
8. §. Again, not only _Fluid_ but _consistent_ Bodies, which of themselves will _mix_ only with _Oyl_; by due _mixture_ with other Bodies, may be render’d _easily_ dissoluble in _Water_; as may _Rosin_, and all _resinous_ and _friable Gums_. As also _Wax_: and this without changing much of their _Color_, _Tast_, or _Smell_. Whereof likewise, whatsoever others may do, the _Physician_ may make a manifold _Use_.
INSTANCE II.
BY _Mixture_ also, we may be _taught_ to _Imitate_ the _Productions_ of _Nature_. As to which, from what we have before said of _Mixture_, we may conclude; That there is no _Generation_ of Bodies _unorganical_, but what is in the _Power_ of _Mixture_ to _imitate_. As of _Animals_, to Imitate _Blood_, _Fat_, _Chyle_, _Spittle_, _Flegm_, _Bile_, &c. Of _Vegetables_, to Imitate a _Milk_, _Mucilage_, _Rosin_, _Gum_, or _Salt_. Of _Minerals_, to Imitate _Vitriol_, _Allom_, and other _Salts_; as also _Metals_, and the like.
2. §. I do not say, I can do all this: yet if, upon good _Premisses_, we can conclude this possible to be done; it is one step to the doing of it. But I will also give an _Instance_ of somewhat that may be _done_ in _every kind_. And,
3. §. _First_, For the _Imitation_ of an _Animal Body_, I will instance in _Fat_. Which may be _made_ thus; Take _Oyl Olive_, and pour it upon high _Spirit_ of _Nitre_. Then _digest_ them for some days. By degrees, the _Oyl_ becomes of the _colour_ of _Marrow_; and at last, is _congealed_, or hardened into a _white Fat_ or _Butter_, which _dissolveth_ only by the _fire_, as that of _Animals_. In converting _Oyl_ thus into _Fat_, it is to be _noted_, That it _hardens_ most upon the _exhalation_ of some of the more _Sulphureous_ parts of the _Spirit_ of _Nitre_. Which I effected, well enough for my purpose, by unstopping the glass after some time of _digestion_; and so suffering the _Oyl_ to _dissolve_ and _thicken_ divers times by successive _heat_ and _cold_. Hence, The true _Congealing Principle_, is a _Spirit of Nitre separated from its Sulphur_. For the better doing whereof, the _Aer_ is a most commodious _Menstruum_ to the said _Spirit_ of _Nitre_. Whence also, if we could procure such a _Spirit_ of _Nitre_, we might _congeal Water_ in the midst of _Summer_. We might also _refrigerate Rooms_ herewith _Artificially_. And might _Imitate_ all _frosty Meteors_. For the _making_ of _Fat_, is but the _Durable Congelation_ of _Oyl_: which may be done without _frost_, as I have shewed how.
Hence also it appears, That _Animal Fat_ it self, is but the _Curdling_ of the _Oyly_ parts of the _Blood_; either by some of its own _Saline_ parts; or by the _Nitrous_ parts of the _Aer_ mingled therewith.
Hence likewise it is, That some _Animals_, as _Conies_, and _Fieldfares_, grow _fatter_ in _frosty_ weather: the _oily_ parts of the _blood_, being then more than ordinarily _coagulated_ with a greater abundance of _nitrous_ parts received from the _Aer_ into their _bodies_.
For the same reason it is, That the _Fat_ of _Land-Animals_ is _hard_; whereas that of _Fishes_ is _very soft_, and runs all to _Oyl_, _sc._ Because the _Water_, wherein they live, and which they have instead of _breath_, hath but very few _nitrous_ parts in it, in comparison of what the _Aer_ hath.
4. §. _Secondly_, For the _Imitation_ of a _Vegetable Body_, I will give three _Instances_; In _Rosin_, _Gum_, and a _Lixivial Salt_. The _first_ may be made thus; Take good _Oyl_ of _Vitriol_, and drop it upon _Oyl_ of _Anise seeds_; and they will forthwith _incorporate_ together; and by degrees, will _harden_ into a _perfect Rosin_; with the _general_ and _defining Properties_ of a _truly Natural Resinous Gum_. Being not at all _dissoluble_ in _Water_; or at least, not any more, then any natural _Rosin_ or _Gum_: yet very _easily_ by _fire_: as also highly _inflamable_: and exceeding _friable_. Although this _Artificial Rosin_, be the result of _two Liquors_, both which very strongly affect the _Sense_: yet being well _washed_ from the _unincorporated parts_, (which is to be done with some care) it hath scarce any _Tast_ or _Smell_.
The _Concentration_ of these _two Liquors_, is likewise so _universal_; that the _Rosin_ is not made by _Precipitation_, but almost a _total Combination_ of the said _Liquors_; and that with scarce so much, as any _visible_ fumes.
5. §. _Again_, Having taken a certain _Powder_ and a _Saline Liquor_, and mixed them together in a bottle, and so _digested_ them for some time; the _Powder_ was at last transmuted to a perfect _Oily Gum_; which will also _dissolve_ either in _Oyl_ or in _Water_; in the self same manner, as _Galbanum_, _Ammoniac_, and the like will do.
6. §. And _Lastly_, A _Lixivial Salt_ may be _imitated_ thus; Take _Nitre_, _Oyl_ of _Vitriol_, and high _spirit_ of _Wine_, of each a like quantity. Of these _three_ Bodies, not any _two_ being _put together_, that is to say neither the _Nitre_ with the _Oyl_, nor the _Oyl_ with the _Spirit_, nor the _Nitre_ with the _Spirit_, will make the least _Ebullition_: yet all _three mingled together_, make a very _conspicuous one_. The _Spirit_ of _Wine_ being as the _Sulphur_; and so that, and the _Nitre_ together, standing, as it were, in the stead of an _Alkalizate_, that is, a _Sulphurious Salt_, against the _Oyl_ of _Vitriol_. Divers other _Experiments_ may be shew’n of the like Nature.
7. §. In the last place, for the _Imitation_ of a _Mineral Body_, I will instance in _two_, _sc._ _Nitre_ and _Marine Salt_; if I may have leave to reckon them amongst _Mineral Bodies_. As for _Nitre_, by mixing of _four Liquors_ together, and then setting them to _shoot_; I have obtained _Chrystals_ of _true_ and _perfect Salt_; which have had much of a _nitrous tast_; and would be _melted_ with a _gentle Heat_, as _Nitre_ is; and even as easily as _Butyr_ it self: I mean not, by the addition of any sort of _Liquor_, or any other Body, to _dissolve_ it; but only by the _fire_.
8. §. And as for a _Sea-Salt_, that I might _Imitate Nature_ for the _making_ thereof, I consider’d, That the said _Salt_ is nothing else but that of _Animals_ and _Vegetables_, freed from its true _Spirit_ and _Sulphur_, and some _Saline particles_, _specifically Animal_ or _Vegetable_, together with them. For both _Animal_ and _Vegetable_ Bodies being continually carried by all _Rivers_ into the Sea; and many likewise by _shipwrack_, and divers _other_ ways _immersed_ therein: they are at last _corrupted_, that is, their _Compounding_ parts are _opened_ and _resolved_. Yet the _Resolution_ being in the _Water_, is not made _precipitately_, as it is in the _Air_; but by degrees, and very _gently_; whence the _Sulphurious_ and other _Volatile_ parts, in their _Avolation_, make not so much _haste_, as to carry the more _fixed Saline_ parts along with them; but leaveth them behind in the _Water_, which _imbibeth_ them as their proper _Menstruum_.
And the _Imitation_ of _Nature_ herein, may be performed thus; Put as much of a _Lixivial Salt_ as you please, into a wide-mouth’d Bottle, and with fair _Water_ make a strong _Solution_ of it; so as some part thereof may remain _unresolved_ at the bottom of the Bottle. Let the Bottle stand thus for the space of about half or three quarters of a year, all the time unstopped. In which time, many of the _Sulphurious_ and _other Volatile_ parts gradually flying away; the top of the _unresolved Salt_ will be _incrustate_, or as it were _frosted_ over, with many small and hard _Concretions_, which, in their nature, are become a true _Sea-Salt_. Whereof there is a double Proof; _First_, In that most of the said _Concretions_ are of a _Cubical_, or very like _Figure_. Especially on their _upper parts_; because having a _fixed Body_ for their _Basis_, their _under_ parts, therefore, contiguous thereto, are less _regular_. Whereas the parts of the _Salt_ in the Sea, being environed on all sides with a _Fluid_; their _Figure_ is on all sides _regular_. _Secondly_, In that a strong _Acid Spirit_ or _Oyl_ being poured upon a _full body’d Solution_ hereof; yet it maketh herewith no _Ebullition_, which is also the _property_ of _Sea-Salt_. And thus much for the more _General Imitation_ of _Bodies_.
INSTANCE III, & IV.
FROM the aforesaid _Premisses_, and by the aforesaid _Means_, there is no doubt to be made, but that also the other _sensible Qualities_ of Bodies may be _Imitated_, as their _Odors_, and _Tasts_. And that not only the _general_ ones, as _Fragrant_, or _Astringent_: but also those which are _specifical_ and _proper_ to such a _species_ of Bodies.
2. §. Thus for _Example_, by _mixing Spirit_ of _Nitre_ or _Vitriol_ with _rectified Oyl_ of _Turpentine_, and some other _Vegetable Oyls_, severally, and in a due _Proportion_ and _Time_, I have _Imitated_ the _Smells_ of _divers Vegetables_; as of _Tansy_, of _Lignum Rhodium_, and _others_. And I conclude it feasable, To _Imitate_ the _Tast_ or _Smell_ of _Musk_, or _Ambergreece_, or _any other_ body in the world.
3. §. Hence also we may be _Taught_, How to _Imitate_ the _Faculties_, as well as other _Qualities_ of Bodies. The reason is, because even _these_ have no dependance upon any _substantial Form_: but are the meer result of _Mixture_; effected by the same _Causes_, whether in _Nature_ or _Art_; as I think I have made to appear in the foregoing _Idea_. ♦ _Id. §. 55._ ♦ _Ch. 2. §. 10._ ♦ _Ch. 3. §. 10._ ♦ And as in the _Premisses_ of this _Discourse_ hath been shew’d.
INSTANCE V.
FROM whence, _again_, it is likewise a _Key_ to _Discover_ the _Nature_ of Bodies. For how far soever we can attain to _Mingle_, or to _Make_ them, we may also know _what they are_.
2. §. For Bodies are _mingleable_, either _of themselves_, or by some _Third_. As to those which _mingle of themselves_, we may certainly conclude, That there is a _congruity_ betwixt them, in some respect or other. So upon various Tryals I find, That _Essential Oyls_ do more easily _imbibe_ an _Acid_, than an _Alkaly_. Whence it is evident, That there is some _Congruity_ and _Similitude_ betwixt _Essential Oyls_, and an _Acid_, which there is not betwixt the said _Oyls_ and an _Alkaly_.
3. §. As to those that mingle only by some _third_; we may also certainly conclude, That though the _two extreams_ are _unlike_; yet that they have both of them some _congruity_ with that _third_, by which they are _united_.
4. §. _Moreover_, We may make a _Judgment_ from the _manner_ or _Degree_ of _Mixture_. Thus the _Acid Spirit_ of _Nitre_, as is said, will _coagulate Oyl-Olive_, and render it _consistent_. Whence it might be thought, That any other strong _Acid_ will do the like; and that therefore, there is no great difference in the _Nature_ of the said _Acid Liquors_. But the contrary hereunto, is proved by _Experiment_. For having _digested_ the same _Oyl_ in the same _manner_, and for a much _longer_ time, with strong _Oyl_ of _Sulphur_; although it thence acquired some change of _Colour_, yet not any _Consistence_.
5. §. _Again_, Because the said _Spirit_ of _Nitre coagulates Oyl-Olive_; it might be expected, it should have the same effect upon _Oyl_ of _Aniseeds_; or, at least, that if other _Acids_ will _Coagulate Oyl_ of _Aniseeds_, that this should do it _best_. But _Experiment_ proveth the contrary. For of all I have tryed, _Oyl_ of _Vitriol_ is the only _Acid_ that doth it _instantaneously_. _Oyl_ of _Sulphur_, if very strong, will do it; but not so _soon_, nor so _much Aqua fortis_, and _Spirit_ of _Salt_, for the present, _do not_ at all _touch_ it. And _Spirit_ of _Nitre_ it self will not _coagulate_ it, under _eight_ or _ten_ hours at least.
INSTANCE VI.
_LASTLY_, and _consequently_, It is a _Key_ To _Discover_ the _Medicinal Use_ and _Operation_ of Bodies. Thus, for _Example_, by the _Imitation_ of _Rosins_ and _Resinous Gums_, we certainly know what all of them _are_, and _when_, and _wherefore_ to be _used_. For what are _Mastick_, _Frankincense_, _Olibanum_, _Benzoin_, and _other like Rosins_, or _Resinous Gums_, for their _principle_ and _predominant_ parts, that is, _quà Rosins_; but Bodies resulting from _Natural_, in like manner, as I have shewed, they may be made to result, from _Artificial Mixture_? That is to say, the _Oleous_, and _Acid_ parts of _Vegetables_, being both _affused_ and _mingled_ together, _per minima_, in some one sort of _Vessels_ in a _Plant_, they thus _incorporate_ into one _consistent_ and _friable_ Body, which we call _Rosin_.
2. §. Now from hence it is, That the said _Rosins_, and _Resinous Gums_; as also _Amber_ and _Sulphur_ for the same Reasons; are of so great and effectual _Use_ against most _thin_ and _salt Rheums_; _sc._ as they are _Acidoleous_ Bodies. For by their _Acid_ parts, which in all these Bodies are exceeding _copious_, they _mortifie_ and _refract_ those _Salt_ ones, which feed the _Rheum_. And by their _oleous_ parts, the same _Salt_ ones are also _Imbibed_. Whence, they are all, in some degree, _incorporated_ together; that is, The _Rheum_ is _thickned_: which is the desired _effect_.
3. §. Whereas, on the contrary, if the _Cough_ proceed not from a _thin_, and specially a _Salt Rheum_, but from a _Viscous Flegm_; the use of _many other_ Bodies which are also more _oleous_, and abound not so much with an _Acid_ as _these_ do, especially _some_ of them, is more proper: such as _these_, in this Case, proving sometimes not only _ineffectual_, but _prejudicial_. Since the very _Cause_ of the said _Viscousness_ of _Phlegm_, is chiefly some great _Acidity_ in the _Blood_, or in some other _part_, as may be proved by divers Arguments.
4. §. Many more _Instances_ might be hereunto subjoyned: and may hereafter be offered to the acceptance of such, who are inquisitive into _matters_ of this _Nature_. If I shall not herein anticipate, or reiterate the _Thoughts_ and _Observations_, of those two _Accurate_ and _Learned Persons_ Dr. _Willis_, and Dr. _Walter Needham_, as to what the one hath already _published_, and both have put us in _Expectation_ of. But the _Instances_ already given, are sufficient to evidence what I have said. And, I hope, this present _Discourse_ to prove, in some measure, thus much; That _Experiment_, and the _Common Notions_ of _Sense_ are _prolifick_; and that nothing is _Barren_, but Phansie and _Imagination_.
_An Appendix to the precedent discourse of Mixture._
HAVING, in the first Edition of the foregoing Discourse, ♦ _Ch. 5. Inst. 1. §. 8._ ♦ made mention of the preparation of _Essential Oyls_, so as to become easily mingleable with any _unoyly Liquor_. I shall here acquaint the Reader, That this may be done, by digesting any of the said _Oyls_ with about an equal quantity of the _Yelk_ of an _Egg_, with a very soft heat, like that of the _Meridian Sun_ in _Summer_, continued for the space of three Weeks or a Month; and in the mean time, to be now and then stirred a little together. The _Yelk_ will by degrees, imbibe the _Oyl_, and at length be incorporated with it, and become a _Balsam_, as _white_ as _Milk_, easily dissoluble in any _watery_ or _winy Liquor_.
2. §. I confess, that it will be very difficult to prepare any good quantity for use, this way. But this being a sufficient proof of the possibility of such a _Mixture_; I considered, whether the application of some other forementioned _Cause_ of _Mixture_, might not supply the defect of this: and hereupon, have made several successful tryals; not only for the mixing of the said _Oyls_, but likewise of all sorts of _Rosins_ and _Gums_ with any _winy_ or _watery Liquor_, in great quantities, in a short time, and without much trouble. But for the mixing of some of them, the _Yelk_ of an _Egg_ alone will not serve, without the intervening of some other sociable Body, ♦ _Ch. 5. Inst. 1. §. 6._ ♦ according to one of the _Rules_ given in the foregoing _Discourse_.
3. §. In the same _Discourse_, upon certain premises, I have laid down this following conclusion. ♦ _Ch. 5. §. 5._ ♦
“---- By accumulating the _Causes_ of _Mixture_, that is, by joyning two or three or more together; or by applying more in some cases, where _Nature_ applyeth fewer; we may be able to make, if not a more perfect, yet a far more speedy _Mixture_, than _Nature_ doth. As by joyning COMPRESSION, _Heat_, and _violent Agitation_, and so continuing them altogether, by some means contrived for the purpose, for the space of a Week or Month, or longer without _Cessation_. Which may probably produce, not only strange, but useful effects, in the SOLUTION of some, and the _Mixture_ of other _Bodies_.”
4. §. For the proof whereof, and that I had throughly weighed what I have said, Mr. _Pappin_ hath since given us an ingenious Instance, in his new _Digester_. Which is, a _Balneum Mariæ clausum_: all _Infusions_ and _Digestions_ made with _Double Vessels_, having hitherto been made with the outer _Vessel_, open. So that whereas by the old way of _Digestion_, there is no other _Power_ made use of but that of _Heat_: in this way, that also of _Compression_ is joyned therewith.
EXPERIMENTS
IN
CONSORT
OF THE
LUCTATION
Arising from the Affusion of several
MENSTRUUMS
Upon all sorts of
BODIES,
Exhibited to the _Royal Society_, _April 13._ and _June 1. 1676_.
_THE intent of the following_ Experiments _is two-fold. The one, to be as a_ Demonstration _of the Truth of one, amongst other_ Propositions, _laid down in the precedent Discourse of_ Mixture, ♦ _Ch. 5. Inst. 5._ ♦ _sc._ That it would be a Key to let us easily into the knowledge of the Nature of Bodies.
_The other, and that consequently,_ To be as a Specimen of a Natural History of the Materia Medica: _that is to say, a multifarious Scrutiny into the intrinsick Properties of all those Materials, which have been, or may be used in_ Medicine: _for the performance whereof, the following_ Method _is exhibited as one, amongst others, necessary to be insisted upon. For what Dominion a_ Prince _hath over the_ Moral, _that a_ Physician _hath, as one of God Almighty’s_ Vice-Roys, _over the_ Corporeal _World. Whom therefore nothing can more import, than a particular knowledge of the_ Genius _of all his_ Subjects, _those several_ Tribes _of_ Matter, _supposed to be under his Command._
_There are some known_ Observations _of this nature: but there is no Author, I think, who hath given us a_ Systeme of Experiments upon the Subject: _The performance whereof is here intended._
_The_ Experiments _may seem too numerous to be of one_ make. _But no less a number would have answered the design of an_ Universal Survey; _which, though less pleasing, proves the more instructive in the end: not being like angling with a single Hook; but like casting a Net against a shole: with assurance of drawing up something. Besides the advantage of_ comparing many together; _which being thus joyned, do oftentimes, like_ Figures, _signifie ten times more, then standing alone, they would have done._
_How far the_ Corollaries _all along subjoyned have made this good, is left to the_ Reader _to judge. And also, to add to them, so many more, as he pleases: for I make my own Thoughts no mans_ Measure.
CHAP. I.
_What is generally to be observed upon the_ Affusion _of the_ Menstruum; _and what, particularly of_ Vegetable Bodies.
THE Bodies whereupon I made tryal, were of all kinds, _Animal_, _Vegetable_, and _Mineral_. Amongst _Vegetables_, such as these, _scil._ _Date-stones_, _Ginger_, _Colocynthis_, _Pyrethrum_, _Hawthorn-stones_, _Staphisagria_, _Euphorbium_, the _Arenulæ_ in Pears, _Semen Milii Solis_, _Tartar_, _Spirit_ of _Scurvygrass_, _Spirit_ of _Wine_, &c.
2. §. Amongst _Minerals_, several sorts of _Earths_, _Stones_, _Ores_, _Metals_, _Sulphurs_, and _Salts_.
3. §. Amongst _Animals_; such as these, _scil._ _Hairs_, _Hoofs_, _Horns_, _Shells_, and _shelly Insects_, _Bones_, _Flesh_, and the several _Viscera_, _Silk_, _Blood_, _Whites_ and _Yelks_ of _Eggs_, _Sperma Ceti_, _Civet_, _Musk_, _Castor_, _Gall_, _Urine_, _Dungs_, _animal Salts_ and _Stones_.
4. §. The _Liquors_ which I poured hereupon severally, were these, _sc._ _Spirit_ of _Salt Armoniac_, _Spirit_ of _Harts-Horn_, _Spirit_ of _Nitre_, _Aqua fortis_, _Oyl_ of _Salt_, _Oyl_ of _Sulphur_, and _Oyl_ of _Vitriol_; commonly so called.
5. §. In the _Mixture_ of these Bodies, two things, in general, are all along to be observed, _viz._ _First_, which they are, that make _any_, or _no Luctation_. For, as some which seem to promise it, make none: So, many, contrary to expectation, make a considerable one.
6. §. _Next_, the _manner_ wherein the _Luctation_ is made; being with much variety in these _five_ sensible _Effects_. 1. _Bullition_; when the Bodies mixed produce only a certain quantity of froth or bubbles. 2. _Elevation_; when, like Paste in baking, or Barm in the working of Beer, they swell and huff up. 3. _Crepitation_; when, they make a kind of hissing and sometimes a crackling noise. 4. _Effervescence_; then only and properly so called, when they produce some degree of heat. 5. _Exhalation_; when not only fumes, but visible steams are produced.
7. §. Of all these, sometimes one only happens, sometimes two or more are concomitant. Sometimes the _Luctation_ begins presently upon mixture, and sometimes not till after some intermission. In some bodies, it continues a great while; in others, is almost instantaneous: Examples of all which I shall now produce; beginning with _Vegetables_, as affording the least variety.
8. §. _And first, if we take Spirit or Oyl of Salt, Oyl of Vitriol, Spirit of Nitre, or Aqua fortis, and pour them severally upon the several parts of Vegetables, as Roots, Woods, Stones, &c. we shall find, that they are, generally far less apt to make a Luctation, than either Animal, or subterraneal Bodies._ Whence, as from one argument, it seemeth evident, That in most _Vegetables_, and in most of their parts, the predominant _Salt_ is an _Acid_. But that, on the contrary, the predominant _Salt_ in most _Minerals_, and parts of _Animals_, is an _Alkaly_: in the former, usually a _fixed_; in the latter, a _volatile Alkaly_.
9. §. _Again, although the Luctation which most Vegetables, and most of their parts make with Acids, be but small, yet some they make; especially with some Acids, as with Spirit of Nitre and Aqua fortis._ Whence it seemeth plain, That there is an _Alkaline Salt_ existent in many _Vegetables_, even in their _natural estate_; and that it is not made _Alkaline_, but only _Lixivial_, by the _fire_. Or, there is some quantity of a _Salt_, call it what we will, in the said Bodies, which is so far different from an _Acid_, as to make a _Luctation_ therewith. But to give particular instances of the several _proportions_, or _manner_ of _Mixture_, wherein it appears to be in several _Plants_.
10. §. _And first, of all vegetable Bodies, Date-stones are amongst the least apt to make a Luctation with Acids, if they may be said to make any at all._ Hence they are not so potent _Nephriticks_, as many other Stones, which make a more sensible _Luctation_.
11. §. _Ginger makes a small Bullition_ with _Aqua fortis, only observable by a Glass_. Hence the _pungency_ of Ginger lyeth in a _sulphureous_ and _volatile Salt_, which yet is very little _Alkalizate_.
12. §. _Scurvygrass-seeds make a very small Bullition with Aqua fortis, like that of Ginger. So doth also the Seed of Purslane._ Hence, although there is much more of a certain kind of _volatile Salt_ in Ginger or Scurvygrass, than in _Purslane_; yet there is little more of an _Alkaly_ in any one, than in an other.
13. §. _The Pulp of Colocynthis, Fruit-Stones, the stony Covers of the Seeds of Elder, of white Bryony, of Violets, and others, with Aqua fortis make a Bullition just perceivable without a Glass._ Hence it appears, That the great _Cathartick_ power of _Colocynthis_ lieth not so much in an _Alkaly_, as an _Acid_; as making a much less _Bullition_, than some other _vegetable Bodies_, which are less _Cathartick_. For which reason likewise it is, That the best Correctors, or Refractors of the force of _Colocynthis_, are some kinds of _Alkalies_, as particularly that of _Urine_, as _Riverius_ hath somewhere observed.
14. §. _The Root of Pyrethrum, with Aqua fortis, makes a Bullition and huff, in a short time._ Hence, the Cause of a _durable Heat_, upon the Tongue, is an _Alkalizate Sulphur_. For the Heat of Ginger, though _greater_; yet abideth _nothing near so long_ as that of _Pyrethrum_; which, as is said, maketh also a more sensible _Bullition_ with _Acids_.
15. §. _Kermes-berries, commonly, but ignorantly, so called, with the said Liquor, huff up to an equal height, but in a somewhat longer time._ Hence they are gently _astringent_; _scil._ as their _Alkaly_ binds in with some preternatural _Acid_ in the stomach.
16. §. _Hawthorn-stones, with Aqua fortis, huff up equally with the former Body; but the Bullition is not so visible. The life is also observable of Medlar-stones._ Hence, as they contain a middle quantity of an _Alkaly_, they are not insignificantly used against the _Stone_.
17. §. _Seeds of Staphisagria, with Aqua fortis, make a Bullition still more visible. But it quickly ends._ This confirms what was said before, _sc._ That the cause of a _durable Heat_ is an _Alkaline Sulphur_; these Seeds producing a _durable Heat_, as doth the Root of _Pyrethrum_.
18. §. _The Seeds also of red Roses, Borage, and Comfrey do all with Aqua fortis make a considerable Bullition and huff; and that very quickly._ So that amongst all Shells and Stones, those generally make the greatest _Bullition_, which are the hardest and the brittlest, and so the fullest of _Salt_.
19. §. _Euphorbium makes a Bullition yet more considerable, with much froth, and very quickly._ From which Experiment, compared with two of the former, it appears, That _Euphorbium_ is not an _Acid_, but an _Alkaline Gum_. As also, that the cause of its so very _durable Heat_, is an _alkaline Sulphur_, as of _Pyrethrum_ and _Staphisagria_ hath been said. It seems also hence evident, that the power of all great _Sternutatories_ lyeth not in their _Acid_, but their _Alkalies_.
20. §. _The Arenulæ or little stones in Pears, cluster’d round about the Coar, with Aqua fortis, presently huff up, and make a great Bullition and Effervescence, much greater than do any of the Bodies above-named._ Whence, although, so far as I know, they have never yet been used in _Medicine_; yet it is probable, that they are a more potent and effectual _Nephritick_, than any of the Bodies aforsaid, some of which are usually prescribed. It is hence also manifest, That, according to what I have elsewhere said, ♦ _Anat._ of _Plants, B. 1. Ch. 6._ ♦ for the sweetning of the Fruit and Seed, the _Tartareous_ and _Alkaline_ parts of the _Sap_, are _precipitated_ into their Stones, stony parts, and Shells.
21. §. _The last Instance shall be in the shells of the Seeds of Milium Solis; which not only with Aqua fortis, but some other Acids, make a greater and quicker Bullition and Effervescence, than any other vegetable Body, upon which I have yet made tryal, in its natural estate._ Hence, as well as from divers of the last fore-going Instances, we have a clear confirmation of what I have, towards the beginning of this Discourse, affected; _sc._ That there is some kind of _Alkaline Salt_ in _Plants_, even in their _natural estate_. As also, that they are as significantly used against the Stone, _quatenus alkalizate_, as _Millipedes_, _Egg-shells_, or any other _testaceous Bodies_ of the same strength. To these I shall subjoyn one or two Examples of Vegetable Bodies which are more or less altered from their _natural estate_.
22. §. _Neither Crystals of Tartar, nor Tartar it self (although they have some store of alkaline mixed with their acid parts) make any Effervescence with Acids, but only with Alkalites, as Spirit of Harts-Horn, &c._ Hence the _calculous sediment_ or _Arenulæ_ in _Urine_, may not so properly be called the _Tartareous part_ of the _Urine_; the events following the mixture hereof with the aforesaid _Salts_, being quite contrary; as will be seen in the _Last Chapter_.
23. §. _Spirit of Scurvy-grass maketh no Luctation with any Acid._ Hence (as from a former Experiment was above-noted) it seems, That there may be a kind of _volatile Salt_, which is neither _acid_, nor _alkaline_; such as this of _Scurvygrass_ and other like _Plants_ seems to be: yet contrary to an _acid_; as experience shews in their efficacy against the _acid Scurvy_.
24. §. _Rectified Spirit of Wine, both with Spirit of Nitre, and with Oil of Vitriol, severally, maketh a little Luctation._ Which argues, that there is contained, even in this Spirit, some portion of a _volatile Alkaly_.
25. §. _Spirit of Wine, and double Aqua fortis, as the strongest is called, make an effervescence so vehement, as plainly to boil._
26. §. _Besides the vehemency hereof, there is another surprizing circumstance. For whereas all other Liquors which make an Effervescence together, will do it in any proportion assigned, although but one drop to a thousand: these two,_ sc. _rectified Spirit of Wine and Aqua fortis, require a certain proportion the one to the other. For if, suppose, into six drops of Spirit of Wine you put but two or three of Aqua fortis, they stir no more than if you put in so much Water: but drop in about seven or eight drops of Aqua fortis, and they presently boil up with very great vehemency._ Hence we may conceive the reason of the sudden access of an _acute Disease_, and of its _Crisis_. These not beginning _gradually with the Cause_; but then, when the _Cause_ is arrived unto such an ἀκμὴ, or such a certain _Proportion_, as is necessary to bring Nature to the contest. And these may serve for Examples upon _Vegetables_.
CHAP. II.
_What may be observed of MINERALS._
HAVING given several Instances of tryal upon _Vegetables_; I next proceed to _Minerals_, which, for some orders sake, I shall distribute into five or six sorts, _sc._ _Earths_, _Stones_, _Ores_ and _Metals_, _Sulphurs_, and _Salts_.
2. §. _First for Earths. Oyl of Vitriol upon Fullers Earth, doth not stir it, or cause the least Bullition. Nor upon yellow Oker. Nor upon the Oker which falls from green Vitriol. The same Oyl of Vitriol and Spirit of Harts-Horn poured severally upon Bolus Armena of two kinds, and upon one kind of Terra sigillata, stir none of them._ Hence _Bolus’s_ are the _Beds_, or as it were, the _Materia prima_, both of opacous _Stones_, and _Metals_; into which the said _Bolus’s_ are transmuted, by being _concentred_ with divers kinds of _Salts_ and _Sulphurs_, which successively flow in upon them.
3. §. _Aqua fortis, and Oyl of Vitriol being poured severally upon another sealed Earth, which was vended by the name of Terra Lemnia; they both made a very considerable Effervescence herewith._ Whence it appears, That there is no small difference in the nature, and therefore the operation of _Bolus Armena_ and _Terra Lemnia_. As also, betwixt the sealed Earths themselves, one making a great _Effervescence_, another none at all. Whereto those that use them, are to have regard.
4. §. _Next for Stones. And first, Irish Slat, with Spirit of Harts-horn, maketh a small, yet visible Bullition: and it presently ceaseth._ So that it seems to be nothing else but a _Vitriolick Bole_. As is also argued from its taste, which is plainly acid, and somewhat rough. Whence also it is with good reason given upon any inward Bruises. Because by coagulating the Blood, it prohibits its too copious afflux into the affected part. Yet being but gently astringent, and so the Coagulations it makes, not great; they are likewise well enough carried off from the same part in the Circulation; by both which means an Inflammation may be either prevented, or the better over-ruled.
5. §. _Lapis Hæmatites maketh no Effervescence at all either with Alkalies or Acids._
6. §. _Powder of the green part of a Magnet with Oyl of Vitriol maketh some few bubbles, yet not visible without a Glass. But the powder of the black part of a Magnet, which is the said stone fully perfect, stirreth not with any acid. Neither doth the calcined Magnet._ Hence there is some considerable difference betwixt _Iron_ and the _Magnet_.
7. §. _Lapis Lazuli, with Oil of Vitriol, and especially with Spirit of Nitre, maketh a conspicuous Bullition._ Hence its _Cathartick_ virtue lyeth in an _Alkaly_. For which reason it is also appropriate, in like manner as _Steel_, to the cure of _Hypochondriacal Affections_; originated from some kind of fermenting Acid.
8. §. _Osteocolla, with Spirit of Nitre maketh yet a greater Effervescence._ How it comes to be so great a knitter of broken Bones, as it is reputed, is obscure. It seemeth, that upon its solution by a _Nitrous Acid_ in the body; it is _precipitated_ upon the broken part, and so becomes a kind of _Cement_ thereto.
9. §. _Lapis Tuthiæ, with Spirit of Nitre, maketh an Effervescence much alike. And with Oyl of Vitriol very considerably. But Lapis Calaminaris with Oyl of Vitriol grows stark; as the powder of Alabaster doth with water. With Spirit of Nitre it maketh a little Bullition, and quickly. But with Aqua fortis, a great one; beyond any of the Stones above named._ Hence both _Tutty_ and _Calamy_ are _Ophthalmicks_ from their _Alkaly_. Which is also confirmed, from the efficacy of some _Alkalies_ of the like use. Hence also _Calamy_ seemeth to partake somewhat of the nature of _Silver_: as by tryal made upon that also, will hereafter better appear.
10. §. _Chalk and Oil of Sulphur or Vitriol make as strong an Effervescence as any of the rest._ Whence it is sometimes well used against a Cardialgia.
11. §. _Whiting makes as great an Effervescence as Chalk._ So that it seems the saline parts are not washed away with the water, wherein the Chalk, for the making of Whiting, is dissolved.
12. §. _Talk will not stir in the least either with Spirit of Nitre, or Oyl of Vitriol. But the Lead-Spar maketh a considerable Effervescence with both of them severally._ Hence, however this be also called _English Talk_, yet there is no small difference betwixt this, and true _Talk_.
13. §. _To these Stones may be added petrified bodies. As petrified wood; which (that upon which I made tryal) no acid stirreth in the least. Petrified shells; upon four or five several sorts whereof, Oyl of Vitriol being poured, produceth a great Effervescence. The Root or rougher part of the stone called_ Glossopetra, _with Spirit of Nitre, makes a conspicuous Bullition._ Asteria, _the Stone so called, and found in some places in_ England, _with Oyl of Vitriol, maketh an Effervescence at the same degree. So doth the Belemnites, or Thunder-Stone, both the larger and the lesser kinds._ So that none of these are _acid_, or _vitriolick_, but _alkalizate_ Stones.
14. §. _Coraline, with Oyl of Vitriol, makes a conspicuous Bullition, yet mild and gentle; that is, with very little, if any heat, and without any visible Fumes. And red and white Coral do the like._ Hence they are all of a very gentle operation, and fit for Children, as the case requires.
15. §. _Magistery of Coral (prepared the ordinary way) stirreth not in the least, either with Alkalies or Acids._ Whence it is evident, That its active Principles are in its preparation destroyed and washed away: that is to say, It is an elaborate Medicine good for nothing. And thus far of Stones.
16. §. _I next come to Metals and Ores. And first for Lead; upon which Spirit of Salt, Spirit of Nitre, or Aqua fortis being dropped, it stirreth not in the least with any of them: but with Oyl of Sulphur, and especially with Oyl of Vitriol it maketh a slow Bullition and froth._ Hence it seemeth to be _the most alkalizate Metal_. Which is also confirmed by a foregoing Experiment upon the _Lead-Spar_, which maketh a considerable Effervescence with any sort of _acid_. And which likewise, being calcined, yieldeth a good quantity of _Lixivial Salt_.
17. §. _Lead-Ore stirreth not at all with Aqua fortis or Oil of Vitriol. But Spirit of Salt makes it bubble, and Spirit of Nitre makes it boil._ Hence there is a considerable difference betwixt the perfect Metal and the Ore.
18. §. _Burnt Lead and red Lead, make a very small Bullition with Oyl of Vitriol, with Spirit of Nitre a far greater._
19. §. _Mercury, with Oyl of Vitriol, will not stir, nor with Oyl of Sulphur. But with Spirit of Nitre presently boyls up._ Hence _Mercury_ is a _subacid Metal_; _Spirit_ of _Nitre_ being a _subalkaline Acid_.
20. §. _The filings of Iron or Steel, with Oyl of Vitriol, make a fair Bullition, like that of Minium. But Spirit of Nitre makes them boil with much celerity._ Hence Iron is likewise a _subacid Metal_.
21. §. _Steel prepared with Sulphur maketh a far less Effervescence with the same Spirit of Nitre, than do the filings._ Hence there is a great difference in their strength. So that ten grains of the filings unprepared, will go as far as fifteen grains or more of those which are prepared, as above-said. Yet in some cases the weaker and milder may be the better.
22. §. _There is one Circumstance in the mixture of Steel and Aqua fortis, which is surprizing; and that is this, That strong Aqua fortis, dropped upon Steel, will not, of it self, make the least Bullition: but if hereto you only add a drop or two of Water, they presently boil up with very great vehemency._ The Cause is obscure; yet it is well known, that _Water_ it self will dissolve _Iron_: so that it appears, as well by this, as by some other Experiments, that even in common Water, as mild as it is, there is some kind of corrosive Principle.
23. §. _Antimony with Spirit of Nitre, and Aqua fortis severally, maketh an Effervescence; somewhat lower than Iron. With Oil of Vitriol the Bullition is so small, as difficulty to be perceived with a Glass._ Hence it seemeth to be of a very compounded nature; if I may so call it, a subacid-alkaline Metal.
24. §. _Antimonium Diaphoreticum, with Spirit of Nitre and Oil of Vitriol severally, makes a considerable Effervescence._ Wherefore it is not an useless _Preparation_; as from the _Calcination_ and _Ablution_ used therein, some have thought.
25. §. _Bezoardicum Minerale, (that upon which I made tryal) stirreth not at all either with Alkalies or Acids._ To which, let those who make use of it, have regard.
26. §. _Tin, with Spirit of Nitre, makes so hot and vehement an Effervescence, that it turns presently, as it were, into a Coal. It makes also a fair Bullition with Oyl of Vitriol. And a gentle one with Spirit of Salt._ Wherefore, it hath something of the nature both of _Iron_, _Lead_, and _Copper_.
27. §. _The like remarkable circumstance is seen in the mixture of Aqua fortis with Tin, as with Iron. For Tin and strong Aqua fortis of themselves will not stir; but add a few drops of water to them, and they boyl up with the greatest vehemency._
28. §. _Copper, with Spirit of Salt, and Oyl of Vitriol severally, stirs not at all. Spirit of Nitre, and Aqua fortis, both boil it up vehemently. Neither Spirit of Harts-horn, nor spirit of Salt Armoniac maketh any Bullition therewith. But both of them, by a gentle solution, that is, gently separating its Sulphur from its Salts, turn it blue._ Hence _Copper_ hath a greater proportion of _acid_ than _any_ of the forementioned _Metals_.
29. §. _Silver, neither with Spirit of Salt, nor Oyl of Vitriol makes any Bullition. With Spirit of Nitre it makes one, but ’tis soon over: and then continues to dissolve slowly into white Coagulations. It also maketh with Spirit of Harts-horn, or of Salt Armoniac, a full and deep blue._ Hence there is a greater proportion of _acid_ in _Silver_, than in _Lead_, _Mercury_, _Iron_, _Antimony_, _Tin_, or _Copper_.
30. §. _Litharge of Silver maketh the greatest Effervescence with Oyl of Vitriol. Yet some with Spirit of Nitre. And with Spirit of Salt Armoniac maketh some little huff or elevation. And being mixed with Spirit of Nitre and Spirit of Salt Armoniac both together, produceth a faint blue._ Hence, although the far greater part of this _Litharge_ be but _Lead_; yet, it seems, it hath some small mixture of _Silver_. But that of _Gold_ seemeth, for contrary reasons, not to have any _Gold_.
31. §. _Gold maketh no Effervescence with any single Salt I know of. But it is commonly dissolved with Aqua Regis, which is known to be an alkaline Liquor._ Whence it seemeth, That as _Lead_ is the _most alkalizate_, so _Gold_ the _most acid_ of _Metals_.
32. §. These things considered, and other observations added hereunto, may possibly give some directions, not only for the ordering and using, but even for the making, imitating and transmuting of _Metals_. Thus far of _Metals_.
33. §. _I will next give one or two Instances of tryal upon Sulphurs. And first Sulphur vive, with Aqua fortis, maketh an apparent Bullition, but it is some time, before it begins. But the factitious or common Brimstone, maketh scarce any, if any at all._ So that there is no small difference betwixt them.
34. §. _White and yellow Arsenick make no Bullition either with Alkalies or Acids._ Wherefore the strength of its operation on the Body, lies more in a _Sulphur_ than a _Salt_; or in a Salt drowned in its _Sulphur_.
35. §. _The ashes either of Pit-Coal, or Sea-Coal, make no Effervescence with Alkalies or Acids._ Whence the saline Principle is altogether volatile, and sublimed away by the fire.
36. §. _Lastly for Salts. And first of all, Borax maketh no Effervescence nor any Fumes with Oyl of Vitriol or Spirit of Nitre._
37. §. _Oyl of Vitriol and Nitre make fumes or steams, though no Effervescence._
38. §. _Green Vitriol, with Spirit of Harts-Horn, is scarcely moved. White Vitriol, with the same Spirit, maketh a conspicuous huff. And Roman Vitriol a vehement Effervescence._ Whence the _former_ is the _least acid_, and the _latter the most of all_. Which also confirms what I said before of the like natures of the several _Metals_ to which they belong.
39. §. _Salt of Vitriol, though a fixed Salt, and made by Calcination, yet maketh no Effervescence with the strongest acid; but only with Alkalies; as may be seen upon their mixture, but much better heard by holding the mixture to ones ear._ Hence, there are _fixed Acids_. Which further confirms what I have above asserted concerning the nature of _Gold_, _sc._ That the _predominant Salt_ thereof is a _fixed Acid_.
40. §. _Sal Martis, with Spirit of Harts-horn, maketh a considerable huff._ Hence it is much more _acid_ than _green Vitriol_; and is therefore a cooler body.
41. §. _Alum and Spirit of Harts-horn make a plain Effervescence._
42. §. _Saccharum Saturni, with Oyl of Vitriol, stirs not at all. With Spirit of Salt, huffs a little. With Spirit of Nitre much more._ Hence the _acid_ of the _Vinegar_, and not the _Alkaly_ of the _Lead_, is the predominant Principle.
43. §. _Common Salt stirs neither with Spirit of Salt, nor with Spirit of Nitre; nor with Aqua fortis. But with Oyl of Vitriol it maketh a great Effervescence with noise and steams._ Hence, even common Salt, though it be not reckoned amongst _alkaline Salts_, yet is far nearer in nature to _that_, than to an _acid_. Hence also the _Spirit of Salt_ is a _subalkaline Acid_, and of a very different nature from _Oyl_ of _Sulphur_ or _Vitriol_.
44. §. _Salt Armoniac, with Spirit of Nitre, stirreth not. But with Oyl of Vitriol it maketh a great Effervescence._ Hence _Spirit of Nitre_ is a _subalkalizate Spirit_.
45. §. _Oyl of Vitriol and Spirit of Nitre, though both acids, yet make a great smoak; greater than that which the Spirit maketh of it self._ Which confirms the last precedent _Corollary_.
46. §. _Oyl of Vitriol and Spirit of Salt, though both acids, yet make a strong Effervescence, with noise and fumes._ Which further confirms, what was noted before, _sc._ that Spirit of Salt is a _subalkaline Acid_.
47. §. _Spirit of Salt Armoniac, with Oyl of Vitriol, makes an Effervescence so extraordinary quick, and as it were instantaneous, that nothing seemeth quicker._ Whence it is probable, That if _Gun-powder_ were made of _Salt Armoniac_, instead of _Nitre_, or with _both_ mixed together; it would be _far stronger_, than any kind now in use. And thus far for _Minerals_.
48. §. I have only one _Corollary_ to add, from the whole; which is, That whoever doth undertake the _Natural History_ of a _Country_, (such as that the Learned Dr. _Plot_ hath exceedingly well done of _Oxfordshire_) the foregoing _Method_, seemeth so easie, cheap, and indeceitful, for the finding out and well distinguishing the natures of all kinds of _Metalls_, _Ores_, _Salts_, _Earths_, _Stones_, or other _subterraneal Bodies_; as cannot, I think, be supply’d, but by others of greater difficulty and expence.
CHAP. III.
_What may be observed of the PARTS of_ Animals.
I NOW proceed to the several _Parts_ of _Animals_; as _Hairs_, _Hoofs_, _Horns_, _Shells_ and _shelly Insects_, _Bones_, _Flesh and the several Viscera_, _Silk_, _Blood_, _Eggs_, _Musk_, _Castor_, _Gall_, _Urine_, _Dungs_, _Salts and Stones_.
2. §. _And first of all, the Hair of a mans head, with Oyl of Vitriol, maketh no Bullition at all. Nor yet with Spirit of Nitre._ So that although it contains a good deal of _volatile Salt_; yet it seemeth either not to be _alkaline_, or else is _centred_ in so great a quantity of _Oyl_, that the _acid menstruum_ cannot reach it.
3. § _Hares Fur, with spirit of Nitre, maketh, although a short, yet very plain Bullition and huff._ Hence the _Hair_, and therefore the _Blood_, of some _Animals_, is fuller of _Salt_, at least of an _Alkaline Salt_, than that of some others. And perhaps the _Hair_ of some men, as of _Black’s_, may be so full of _Salt_, as to make a Bullition like _Hares Fur_.
4. §. _The shavings of Nails stir not at all, either with Oyl of Vitriol, or Spirit of Nitre: only with the latter they turn yellow. But Elks Claws, with Spirit of Nitre, make a small and slow Bullition._
5. §. _Horses Hoof, with Oyl of Vitriol, stirs not of many hours. But with Spirit of Nitre, allowing it some time, makes a very plain Bullition, and huffs up very high._
6. §. _Cows Horn, neither with Oyl of Vitriol, nor with Spirit of Nitre, maketh any Bullition, only turneth a yellow colour._
7. §. _Rams Horn stirs not with Oyl of Vitriol; but with Spirit of Nitre, makes a small and slow Bullition._
8. §. _Harts-Horn makes a considerable Bullition and huff, even with Oyl of Vitriol, which the rest of the Bodies abovesaid, will not do. But with Spirit of Nitre, it makes yet a greater._ From the foregoing Experiments, and almost all that follow, what is before asserted of the _Salts_ of _Vegetables_ and _Minerals_, is here also evident concerning that of _Animals_, _scil._ That it is not _made_, but only _separated_ by the fire. It likewise hence appears, That the _proportion_ of _Salt_ in the forementioned _parts_ is very different; and that therefore some of them are never, and none of them but with good discretion, to be substituted one for another in Medicine. As also, that there is a different proportion of _Salt_ in the several _Animals_ themselves, to which the said _Parts_ belong.
9. §. _Next for shells; as those of Lobsters, Eggs, Snails and Oisters: all which make an Effervescence, both with Oyl of Vitriol, and Spirit of Nitre. But with Spirit of Nitre the greatest. Lobster-shells make a considerable Bullition and huff, but no noise nor steams. Egg-shells make a Bullition and huff, with some noise, but no steams. Snail-shells make an Effervescence with noise and steams. Oyster-shells make one with the gratest noise and thickest steams._ Hence we may judge, in what case to administer _one_ more appositely than _another_. As also _in what proportion_, according to their different strength. Some may be better for _Children_, as being milder. Or for a Body whose very sharp _Blood_ or other _Humors_, are more easily kindled into _Ferments_. Or else may be safest, to avoid a sudden _precipitation_ of the _Humors_; or for some other cause.
10. §. _Oyster-shells, and the rest above-said, make a quicker Effervescence, not only with Spirit of Nitre, but even with Spirit of Salt, than they do with Oyl of Sulphur, or Oyl of Vitriol._ So that _these bodies_, as well as _Metals_, have their proper _Menstruums_ whereby they are be dissolved.
11. §. _Egg-shells calcined, make with Oyl of Sulphur, or Oyl of Vitriol, or Spirit of Nitre, a greater Effervescence, than when uncalcined. As also with steams, which uncalcined, they produce not. The like is seen in calcined Oyster-shells. And the longer the Calcination is continued, the quicker and stronger will be the Effervescence. This I tryed at several terms, from a quarter of an hour, to five hours. So that after so long a Calcination, they make an Effervescence almost instantaneous._ The reason hereof is, Because the several _Principles_ whereof the _Shells_ consist, being relaxed, and the _Sulphur_ for the greatest part, driven away by the fire; the remaining _Salt_ lies now more open and naked to the attaque of the _Menstruum_, so soon as ever they are mixed together. From hence it is plain, That _Egg-shells_, and the others above-said, being _burnt_, are far _stronger_ Medicines, than when _unburnt_. It is hereby likewise evident, That a great portion of their _Salt_, is not a _volatile_, but a _fixed Alkaly_. To these may be subjoyned all kinds of shelly _Insects_. I will instance in three or four.
12. §. _And first Bees, with Oyl of Vitriol, stir not in the least. With Spirit of Nitre they make an exceeding small Bullition, without any elevation._
13. §. _Cochinele_ (the _Nest_ of an _Insect_) _makes some Bullition with Oyl of Vitriol, but very small: for the bubbles are not to be seen without a Glass. But with Spirit of Nitre the Bullition is more visible, and joyned with some elevation._
14. §. _Cantharides make no visible Bullition with Oyl of Vitriol. But with Spirit of Nitre they do, and huff up rather more than Cochinele. Yet is this done very slowly, and comparatively with many other bodies, is not much._ Hence it is not the _quantity_, but the _quality_ of their _volatile Salt_, which makes them so strong an _Epispastick_. For most of those Bodies above, and hereafter named, make a greater _Bullition_, and yet are neither _Caustick_ nor _Epispastick_ in the least. It is hence also evident, as hath been before suggested, That there are divers kinds of _Volatile Salts_, eminently different; some being highly _alkaline_, others very _little_, and some scarce any thing so: such as those of _Scurvy-grass_, _Anemone_, _Crowfoot_, and many the like _Plants_; to whose _Salts_, this of _Cantharides_ seemeth to be very near of kin.
15. §. _Millepedes make a Bullition and huff, much greater and quicker, than any of the Insects above-named: and that both with Spirit of Nitre, and Oyl of Vitriol it self. Yet is this Insect of a very temperate nature._ Whereby is further demonstrated, That the being _simply alkaline_, is not enough to make a body to be _Caustick_.
16. §. _Again, although Millepedes make a Bullition, greater than any of the Insects above named: yet is it much less, than that of Oyster, Snail, or even Egg-shells; and of divers other bodies above, and hereafter mentioned._ Hence, being given to the same intent, as any of those bodies; it is the mildest and gentlest in its operation of them all.
17. §. _Millepedes likewise calcined, makes a stronger Effervescence, than when uncalcined, as do the Oyster-shells, &c._ So that it appears, That _all Testaceous Salts_, are at least in part, _fixed Salts_.
18. §. _I next proceed to Bones. And first Whale-bone maketh no Bullition at all with any acid. A Cartilage, with Spirit of Nitre, makes some very small bubbles, not to be seen without a Glass._
19. §. _The Bone in the Throat of a Carp, makes a little and slow Bullition with Spirit of Nitre. The Spina of a Fish (that which I used was of a Cod-fish) maketh a Bullition one degree higher._
20. §. _All sorts of Teeth, as Dogs, Boars, the Sea-horse, Elephant, make the like. As also the Bone of an Oxes heart._ So that all these are very gentle in their operation, and fit for _Children_.
21. §. _Sheeps and Calves Bones both of them make a Bullition yet a little higher, especially with Spirit of Nitre. Cocks Bones somewhat higher than the former. Cranium humanum a little higher than all the rest._
22. §. _Bones likewise, being calcined, make a Bullition with Acids. And so doth also calcined Harts-Horn. But in neither of them, is the Bullition advanced by Calcination, any thing comparable to what it is in shells._ Whence it appears, That the _Salt_ of _Horns_ and _Bones_, is much more _volatile_, than that of _Shells_.
23. §. _Next for Flesh and the several Viscera. And first, dryed and powdered Mutton, with Oil of Vitriol, stirs not at all. But with Spirit of Nitre makes a small Bullition and huff. Sheeps Heart doth the like somewhat more apparently. Vipers flesh produceth a froth, but huffs not, Powdered Earthsworms make a great froth, and huff a little. Powdered Tripe makes only a little Bullition. Lamb-stones do the like. Kidney, Spleen, and Liver, with some elevation. Lungs, with bubbles very large; because extraordinary slowly. Dryed Brain makes also a little and slow Bullition._ Hence there is a greater proportion of _Sulphur_ or _Oyl_, and less of _an Alkaly in all these parts_, than there is in _Bones_, _Shells_, and divers other _parts_ hereafter mentioned. And in some of them, as in the _Brain_, that _Alkaline Salt_ which there is, may rather be lodged in some _sanguineous_ parts mixed with them, than in their own proper substance.
24. §. I proceed to instance in all sorts of Animal _Contents_. _And first, raw Silk, with Spirit of Nitre, makes a very small Bullition, but the elevation is considerable._
25. §. _The grumous part of the Blood dryed, with Oyl of Vitriol, stirs but little. But with Spirit of Nitre it huffs up considerably._
26. §. _Serum of Blood dryed, with the same Spirit makes a plain elevation, with a little Bullition. Herewith may be reckoned the White of an Egg, which is nothing but a pure Crystlalline Serum separated from the common stock. This being dryed, with Spirit of Nitre, huffs up rather more than even the grumous part of the Blood, the Bubbles are much larger, break oftner, and the elevation sooner made._ Whence it seemeth, that there is a greater quantity of a _volatile Alkaly_ in proportion to the _Sulphur_, requisite to the _Generation_, than to the _Nutrition_ of an _Animal_.
27. §. _The Yelk of an Egg is scarce moved with spirit of Nitre, producing only a very few Bubbles._ The _Salt_ being either little _alkalizate_, or else _immersed_ in so great a quantity of _Oyl_, that the _Menstruum_ cannot reach it. _For the same reason Sperma Ceti stirs not with any Acid. Neither doth Civet._
28. §. _Russian Castor, with Oyl of Vitriol, stirs not. But with Spirit of Nitre makes a considerable huff and froth. Yet it requires time._ Wherefore it seemeth, That _Castor_ by virtue of its _alkaline sulphur_, becomes so good a _Corrector_ of the _acid-alkaline sulphur_ of _Opium_; so I take leave to call it, having some reasons to believe it such.
29. §. _Musk, with Oyl of Vitriol, stirs not. But with Spirit of Nitre it makes a considerable and quick Bullition, with large bubbles, which often break and rise again._ Whence there is a very eminent difference betwixt _Musk_ and _Civet_. Hence also, _Musk_ is Cordial, not only from its _Sulphur_, but its _Alkaly_; by both directly opposite to preternatural _Acidities_.
30. §. _Dryed Gall with Spirit of Nitre, for some time, is still: but at length it makes a considerable Bullition and froth._ The reason why it is so long before it begins, is because the _Salt_, (as was observed of some other _Parts_) is locked up in so great a quantity of _Oyl_. The abundance whereof is manifest, not only from _Destillation_, but also from hence, In that the dryed _Powder_, in lying by, incorporateth all together into one body, as _Mirrh_, and some other softer and oily _Gums_ are used to do.
31. §. _Extract of Urine, with Spirit of Nitre, makes a Bullition with some Effervescence, which continues for a considerable time; and at last it huffs up with great bubbles. The Bullition begins presently: the Salt being copious, and the Oyl but little._
32. §. _The same Extract of Urine makes a considerable Bullition and froth, not only with Spirit of Nitre, but even with Oyl of Vitriol._ Hence the _Salt_ of _Urine_ is more _alkaline_ than that in most of the afore-said _Contents_. From this and some of the following _Experiments_, it also appears, That the _Salt_ which concurs to the generation of _Gravel_ or of a _Stone_ in the _Kidneys_ or _Bladder_, is of a very different nature from the _Salt_ of _Urine_.
33. §. _Next for Dungs. And first, dryed Goats-dung makes with Spirit of Nitre, a small Bullition, but no elevation. That of Mice the like. And that of Cows. So that of all I have tryed, these three stir the least._
34. §. _Goose-dung, with Spirit of Nitre, makes a very small Bullition and some elevation. But it requires time. Oyl of Vitriol stirs it not._
35. §. _Album Græcum, with Spirit of Nitre, besides innumerable small bubbles, rises up with some great ones, exactly resembling the huffing up of Yest or Barm. Also with Oyl of Vitriol it maketh some little froth, but slowly._ So that it should seem, that the _Bones_ are a little _opened_ by some _acid Menstruum_ in the Dogs stomach (as the body of _Steel_ is in its preparation with _Sulphur_) whereby it becomes a good mild _Topick_ in _Quinzies_.
36. §. _Hens dung, with Spirit of Nitre, makes a very great bullition and huff: greater and quicker, than any of the rest above-named._
37. §. _But of all I have tryed, Pigeons dung, with the same Spirit, maketh the greatest and the quickest Effervescence and huff; and that not without steams. Yet neither the same Dung, nor that of Hens, is moved in the least with Oyl of Vitriol._ The Cause of so great an _Effervescence_ in these, more than in the rest, is that _white part_ which is here mixed in a great quantity with the _Dung_. Which _white part_, descendeth not from the _Stomach_, but is an _Excrement_ separated from the _Blood_ (as the _Urine_ in other _Animals_) by a peculiar _Organ_, which evacuates it into the _Intestinum rectum_; whence, together with the _Stercus_ it is excluded. Hence it is evident, That in the said _white part_ of _Hens_, and especially _Pigeons dung_, is contained a great quantity of a _volatile Alkaly_.
38. §. _I proceed to Salts. And first Salt of Blood and Urine both make a more durable Effervescence with Acids, than doth Salt of Wormwood, or Salt of Fern._ Hence the former are more _alkaline_, than the latter.
39. §. _Again, though divers other Animal Salts will not stir with Spirit of Salt, or with Oyl of Sulphur or Vitriol; yet the Salt of Blood will make an Effervescence with all kinds of Acids._ Whence it is further argued to be highly _alkaline_, and very proper for the _correction_, of all sorts of _preternatural Acids_ in the body. There is little doubt, but that _Spirit_ of _Harts-horn_ will do the like.
40. §. _The Gravel which is precipitated out of Urine; with Oyl of Vitriol makes no bullition in the least. Nor with strong Spirit of Salt. But with Spirit of Nitre, it makes a very great one, with Effervescence and steams._ From hence it appears, That there is much difference to be made in the use of _acid Diureticks_, _Nephriticks_, &c.
41. §. And that I may not altogether omit to mention, what may be so much for the good of mankind, I do here declare, That for preventing (I say not, the breaking, but preventing) the generation of the _Stone_, either in the _Kidneys_, or in the _Bladder_, there are not better _Medicines_ in the world, than some certain _Preparations_ of _Nitre_, duly administred. Whoever shall think that any kind of _acid_, as _Oyl of Sulphur_, _Oyl of Vitriol_, _Spirit of Salt_, or the like, will have the same effects, will find themselves much deceived in their practice.
42. §. _I conclude with Stones. And first, Spirit of Nitre droped upon a Stone of the Kidneys or Bladder, produceth the very same effect, as upon the Gravel in Urine. That is to say, it makes it boil and huff up, until at length it is perfectly dissolved into a soft Pulp; which neither Oyl of Sulphur, nor Oyl of Vitriol, nor Spirit of Salt will do; nor give the least touch towards its dissolution._ This confirms what said before of the use of _Nitre_ and _Nitrous Spirits_, if duly prepared and administred, above any other _Acids_, against the breeding of the _Stone_.
43. §. _Pearls, with any Acid, make the like Effervescence, as do Oyster-shells. But Magistery of Pearls, as usually prepared, stirs not at all, with any Alkaly or Acid._ So that as to the effect frequently intended by it, it is very insignificant; as of that of _Corals_ hath been said.
44. §. _Crabs Eyes, with any Acid, make an Effervescence, almost as quick as that of Oyster-shells._
45. §. _Crabs Eyes likewise calcined, make a stronger Effervescence, than when uncalcined._ So that _these_, as well as _Shells_, contain a _fixed Alkaly_.
46. §. _The Stones in Whitings heads make a strong Effervescence like that of Oyster-shells._
47. §. _Stone of humane Gall, Stirs not with Oyl of Vitriol. But with Spirit of Nitre maketh a little bullition just upon mixing, and after a considerable time, a little froth. Much less than what was observed before of the Gall it self._ So that it seemeth to be generated of the _Gall coagulated_ by some _Acid_, which hath already _refracted_ the _Alkaly_ wherewith the _Gall_ abounds. This confirms the use of those _Medicines_ in the _Jaundies_, or any other bordering _Disease_, which destroys those _Acidities_ by which the _Gall_ is _curdled_ or _coagulated_, and so rendred more difficulty separable into the _Guts_.
48. §. Since the first publishing of these Observations, Mr. _William Matthews_ an _Apothecary_ in _Ledbury_, sent me part, as I take it, of a _Stomach-stone_, as big as a _Wallnut_ of the largest Size, voided by a woman about 82 years of age, sometime after an _Autumn Fever_. It consisteth of the same _Striæ_, as the _Bezoar Stone_; and maketh some _Bullition_ with _Spirit_ of _Nitre_.
49. §. _Bezoar, neither the Western nor the Eastern, doth stir at all with Oyl of Vitriol._
50. §. _Western Bezoar, with Spirit of Nitre, makes a very little thin froth, and that’s all; and that it doth very slowly. But Oriental Bezoar, with Spirit of Nitre, after some time, maketh a very great Effervescence, froth, elevation, noise, and steams (as if you poured Oyl of Vitriol upon Salt of Tartar) till it be wholly dissolved by the affused Spirit, and turned into almost a blood-red._ Hence it may seem to be no mean _Remedy_ against such _fretting_ and _venenate acids_, as oftentimes in _Fevers_, and other _Distempers_, lye about the _Stomach_, and are thence frequently translated to the _Heart_, _Brain_, _Nerves_, and other _parts_. The difference likewise betwixt the _Western_ and the _Eastern Bezoar_, is so great, that in any case of danger, and where the _Bezoar_ is relyed upon, it is an unpardonable fault, for the _Apothecary_, or any _Person_, to _substitute_ the one for the other: unless he will take _ten times_ as much, or _ten times_ as little of the one, as he would have done of the other: if that will serve turn.
51. §. The _Stones_ already mentioned, (except the great _Stomach-stone_) are ordinarily generated in the bodies of _Animals_. I have one Instance more of some other _Stones_ which are extraordinary. In the City of _Hereford_ lives a Maid, who often voids these _Stones_, and in the space of some years last past, hath voided several pounds, of several _Colours_ and _Sizes_, not only _per vias urinarias_, but also by vomit, and by stool. The first mention made to me of them, was by Mr. _Diggs_, a worthy Gentleman of that City, as a thing that was there much wondred at. And some of them, upon my desire, were sent me by Mr. _Wellington_, an Apothecary in the same place. _I have tryed what several acid Menstruums will work upon them; and find, That with Oyl of Vitriol, and especially with Spirit of Nitre the great ones make a very quick and conspicuous Effervescence. But the small ones, neither the white, nor the grey, make any Bullition in the least:_ for in truth, they are no other but little _Pebbles_ and _Grit-stones_.
52. §. This being considerd, and the various _colours_ and _mixture_ of any one of the great _Stones_, being well observed; it seemeth plain, That although she be somewhat old (above thirty years) yet may she have a kind of μαλακία, or _diseased Appetite_ to _Stones_, _Bones_, _Wood-ashes_, _Tobacco-Pipes_, _Chalk_, and such like things; which sometimes swallowing in little _lumps_, sometimes grosly, or finely ground betwixt her teeth; they are in her _Stomach_ and _Bowels_, more or fewer of them, _cemented_ together, either with a _pituitous_, _bilious_, or some other more or less _glutinous substance_. And that by virtue also of the said _Cement_, or any of the said, or other like _alkalizate Bodies_, the greater _Stones_, which consist of those partly, do make an _Effervescence_ with _acid Liquors_. Thus far of _Instances_ upon the _parts_ of _Animals_. I shall close with some _Corollaries_ deduced from the whole.
53. §. And first, since we find, that amongst all the _Menstruums_ we have made use of, _Spirit_ of _Nitre_, or any very _Nitrous Spirit_, is the most _universal dissolver_ of all kinds of _Animal Bodies_; the _best dissolver_ of many others both _Vegetable_ and _Mineral_, and the _only dissolver_ of some: Hence it is probable, That the great _stomachick Menstruum_, which either _dissolves_, or _opens_ almost all _Bodies_ which come into the _Stomach_, is a kind of _Nitrous Spirit_.
54. §. Again, _Spirit_ of _Nitre_ being a _subalkaline Acid_, and working more evidently upon _Animal bodies_, than other _simpler Acids_ do, which yet are as _strong_; It hence follows, That most of the _Salts_ of _Animals_ are _subacid Alkalies_. How far this _conclusion_ may further instruct us, I shall have occasion to shew in another _Discourse_.
55. §. Lastly, there being so many, say twenty or thirty _degrees_, from the _slowest_ to the most _vehement_, in the _Bullition_ of _mixed Bodies_; it seemeth, That _Fermentation_ it self, as to the _formal notion_ of it, is nothing else: or that from the common _Luctation_ of _mixed Bodies_ whereof we have now been speaking, it differs not _in specie_, but only in the manner of its _causation_, and in _degree_: the _Aer_, or some certain _Menstruum_ lodged therein, being of no greater _strength_, than to produce a _Bullition_ or _Luctation_ of that _low_ and _soft degree_, which we call _Fermentation_.
56. §. I have thus endeavoured to prove, by various _Instances_, how instructive this most easie, plain and simple _Method_ in the _Mixture_ of _Bodies_, may become to us: and that meerly by observing the _Luctations_ which thence arise betwixt them. How much more then, if a diligent remarque be made of all those various _Colours_, _Smells_, _Tastes_, _Consistencies_, and other _Mutations_ thereupon emergent?
AN
ESSAY
OF THE
Various Proportions
Wherein the
LIXIVIAL SALT
Is found in
PLANTS.
Read before the _Royal Society_, _March_, 1676.
CHAP. I.
_Of the QUANTITIES afforded by several_ Plants _calcined in gross._
IT is the part of a _Physician_, knowingly and artificially to use and govern _Nature_. And therefore by every likely _Method_, to inspect the _State_ and _Properties_ of all sorts of _Bodies_. One _Method_, is that I have taken in the foregoing _Experiments_; _sc._ by mixing them with several _Menstruums_ or _Liquors_: whereby we may be assisted to judge, both of the _Kinds_ and the _Proportions_ of _Principles_ in any _Body_; and of the manner of their _Mixture_ in the same.
Another is by _Calcining_ them; or, as it were, by _mixing_ them with the _Fire_, a potent and almost universal _Menstruum_. I shall here only set down some _Tryals_ for an _Essay_, upon _Plants_; chiefly noting, The different _Proportions_ of their _Lixivial Salts_. Of these _Tryals_, some were made upon the whole _Plant_, or some _Portion_ of it wherein several _Parts_ are mixed together: And others, upon some one _Part_ of a _Plant_ distinct from the rest. All of them answering to such _Queries_, as may seem proper to be proposed.
Query 1. As first, _Whether Trees or Herbs and Bushes, quantity for quantity_ & cæteris paribus, _yield the most Lixivial Salt?_
For this I took _Ash-Barque_ and _Rosemary_ of each ℔j. The latter yielded 5 _Scruples_; the former but 32 _Grains_; which is three times less. I took also the same quantity of the _Barque_ of _Black-Thorn_, and of _Agrimony_. The latter yielded 5 _Scruples_ and 6 _Grains_; the former, not above 1 _Scruple_ and 5 _Grains_; which is four times less.
Although the _Barque_ of a _Tree_ be compounded of _Pithy_ and _Lignous Parts_; yet to answer the _Query_ exactly, the _Wood_ of these _Trees_ should be taken with the _Barque_, that there may be some portion of every _Part_ of the _Tree_, as well as of the _Herb_.
But thus far the _Experiment_ is _conclusive_, That the same quantity of _Lixivial Salt_, doth not always follow the same _Generical Tast_. For the _Barque_ of _Ash_ and _Rosemary_, are both equally _Bitter_; and the _Barque_ of _Black-Thorn_ and _Agrimony_ are both _Astringent_ and _Bitter_.
Quer. 2. _Whether any Plant growing in a Garden or the Field, doth not yield a lesser quantity of Lixivial Salt, than another of the same kindred growing on the Sea-Coast; and with what difference?_
For this, I took _Garden_ and _Sea-Scurvygrass_, of each ℔j. The former yields 2 _Drachms_ and 1 _Scruple_; the latter, being well washed, 9 _Drachms_, which is more than 4 times as much. The like may be tryed upon others.
Quer. 3. _Whether the same Specifick Plant affords more Lixivial Salt, being only dryed, and then calcin’d, or after it hath first been distilled, it is then dryed and calcin’d?_
For this, was taken ℔j of _Mint_ only dryed and then calcin’d; and another first distilled. The former yielded ½ an Ounce and ½ a Drachm of _Salt_; the latter, 5 Drachms and a Scruple; which is almost ⅕ᵗʰ more. This also should be tryed on other _Plants_.
Quer. 4. _How far the proportion follows the different Tasts of Plants?_ The first Experiment, relates to the same _Tast_ in several _Plants_; this, to several Tasts. And so,
Of _Majorane_, which is _Aromatick_, ℔j affords but one Scruple of _Lixivial Salt_; which is but the 384ᵗʰ part of the whole pound.
Of _Oak-Barque_ which is _Astringent_, ℔j yields ½ a Drachm of _Salt_; or the 256ᵗʰ part of the whole.
Of _Liquirish_, which is sweet, ℔j yields about the same quantity. But _Anise Seeds_ ℔j yields 2 Scruples or a 192ᵈ part.
Of _Sorrel_, which is sower, ℔j yields one Drachm, or the 128ᵗʰ part.
Of _Garden Scurvygrass_, which is _Hot_, ℔j yields 2 Drachms and ½ a Scruple; or the 59ᵗʰ part.
Of _Mint_, which is _Hot_ and _Bitter_, ℔j yields 5 Drachms and a Scruple, or the 24ᵗʰ part.
Of _Sea Scurvygrass_, which is _Salt_, ℔j yields 9 Drachms and a Scruple or 28 Scruples; which is near 1/13ᵗʰ part of the whole. A greater proportion of _Salt_, than in any other _Plant_ upon which I have hitherto made Tryal: Or even in _Tartar_ it self. Yet is it not a _Marine_, but true _Lixivial Salt_: as is evident, both from its _Taste_; and in that it maketh an _Effervescence_ with _Spirit_ of _Salt_; which _Sea-Salt_ will not do.
For the Experiment to be fully adequate to the _Query_; the _Tryals_ should be made, either all on _Trees_, or all on _Herbs_; all on _Roots_, or all on _Stalks_, &c. Yet thus much is evident, That _Sorrel_ yields Thrice as much as _Majorane_; _Sea-Scurvygrass_, Eight and Twenty times as much: _Mint_, Five times as much as _Sorrel_; and Sixteen times as much _Majorane_, &c.
Quer. 5. _How far the Proportion follows the Faculties of Plants?_ And so, it appears, that
_Majorane_, a _Cephalick_, hath a greater _Proportion_ of _Volatile Parts_, than any of the _Plants_ above mentioned, and so far, is more agreeable to the _Animal Spirits_, and _Genus Nervosum_.
_Agrimony_,[76] an _Aperient_, yields above Five times as much _Lixivial Salt_, as _Majorane_. Yet much less than many other opening _Plants_ which are stronger.
[76] _Quer. 1._
_Mugwort_ (℔j) yields two Drachms and two Scruples; or above half as much more as _Agrimony_. So that this _Plant_, though it hath no considerable _Taste_, and in that respect promiseth but little; yet yielding a good quantity of _Lixivial Salt_, seems no contemptible _Medicine_ to subdue those _Acidities_ which either by causing _Obstructions_, or immoderate _Fermentations_, frequently disorder the _Female Sex_.
_Mint_, yieldeth still a greater quantity; and is therefore, partly for the same cause so excellent a _Stomachick_: And _Rosemary_,[77] which is appropriated both to the _Head_ and _Stomach_, yieldeth a midle quantity of _Salt_; more than the chief _Cephalicks_, and less than the chief _Stomachicks_.
[77] _Quer. 1._
_Common Mallow_ (℔j) yields 5 Drachms and 2 Scruples. _i. e._ the 23ᵈ part of the whole. So that this _Plant_, though of a very mild _Taste_, yet yields more _Salt_ than _Mint_ it self a _Bitter Plant_. Whereby it no longer seems strange, that a _Plant_ of so soft a _Taste_, should be very _Diuretick_, and so evidently affect the _Reins_.
_Rhubarb_ (2 Ounces) yieldeth scarce any fixed _Salt_, so for as can be judged by the _Taste_ of the _Ashes_, not more than a Grain or two. So that its _Salt_ is, in a manner, wholly volatile; and thereby apter to operate upon the _Bilious_ parts of the _Blood_; which contein a far greater proportion of _Volatile Salt_, than do the _Serous_.
Of the _Caput Mortuum_ or meer _Earth_, it is observable, that it was near ½ an Ounce or ¼ᵗʰ part of the whole; Which is almost Six times as much as the _Caput Mortuum_ of _Common Dock_: and much more than that of any other _Root_ I have yet calcin’d. Whereby it seemeth probable that _Rhubarb_ looseth much of its _Volatile Part_, and therefore of its _Virtue_, before it comes to our _Shops_.
_Sena_ (℔j) yields 4 Scruples and ½ of _Salt_; or the 85ᵗʰ part.
_Jalap_ (℔j) yields but one Drachm and 15 Grains, or 102ᵈ part.
_Colocynthis_ (℔j of the _Pulp_) yields an Ounce and half of _Caput Mortuum_, which is almost all _Salt_. Yet allow half an Ounce of the _Salt_, and _Earth_ to be wasted in filtring &c. the remaining Ounce is no less than 1/16ᵗʰ part of the whole. Which is more than in any of the above named _Plants_, except the _Sea-Scurvygrass_.
CHAP. II.
_Of the QUANTITIES afforded by the_ Parts _of several_ Plants _distinctly calcin’d._
I SHALL next set down some _Tryals_, upon one _Part_ of a _Plant_, as well _Organick_, as _Content_, separated from the rest; in answer to these supposed _Queries_.
Quer. 1. _What Proportion doth the Lixivial Salt of the Pith or Pithy Part of a Plant, bear to that of the Fibrous, or of the Woody Part? Or whether is there a Fixed Salt always found in either of them?_ A sufficient _Answer_ to which, must be built upon many _Tryals_. At present I shall mention only Two; one upon _Starch_, answerable to the _Pithy Parts_; the other upon _Flax_, consisting almost wholly of the _Nervous_ or _Towy Fibers_: of the _Volatile parts ♦ §. 50, 51, 52. ♦_ whereof, chiefly, I have given some account in the foregoing _Idea_.
Of _Starch_, ℔j yieldeth about ℔¼ not of _Ashes_, but of _Black Coal_. For though it be exposed in a _Calcining Furnace_ to a vehement _fire_, for 5 or 6 hours, which is longer then will serve to calcine most Bodies: yet would it not in the least part, be reduced to _Ashes_; but to the last continued (though the fierceness of the _Fire_ consumed part of it) as _black_, as when it was first burnt. So strangely was the remaining part of the _Sulphur_ fixed to the _Earth_; that in flying away, it did volatilize and carry that away with it. In this _Coal_ or _Cinder_, there is not the least of a _Lixivial_ or other _Taste_. And although, upon _Tryal_ I find, That the _Pith_ of many _Plants_, as of a _Cabbage Stalk_, will yield some quantity of _Lixivial Salt_; yet it is probably, that generally, it yields less than the _Wood_.
Of _Flax_, ℔j yields not above 50 Grains of _Caput Mortuum_ or _white Ashes_, which are _Salt_. According to vulgar conceit, it would seem to be a very dry Body: yet of 153 parts, 152 are _volatile_, and being distilled would have been collected into _Liquor_. Hence also appears the great and unexpected _Variety_ in the _Proportion_ of the _Earthy Parts_, as well as the other _Principles_ of _Bodies_. Or else, that there are divers kinds of _Earths_, even in _Plants_, of which, as well as of _Salts_ &c. some are _volatile_. For of ℔j of this _Plant_, there remaineth fixed but 50 Grains: whereas of ℔j of _Rhubarb_, there will remain near 1920 Grains, _i. e._ 88 times as much as the former.
Quer. 2. _In what proportion is the Lixivial Salt found in the Gumms of Plants? and whether is it yielded, more or less, by all?_ For answer to which, I caused the Eleven following, of each two Ounces, to be calcin’d, and so observed,
That _Common Rosin_, yields but one Grain and ½ of _Caput Mortuum_. So that ℔j will yield but 12 Grains. In this _Caput Mort._ there is not the least particle of _Salt_, it being altogether insipid.
_Mastick_ yields gr. 12 of _Cap. Mort._ But not the least part of _Salt_. Of this _Rosin_, it is observable; That being set, in a _Crucible_, within the fire, before it comes to have thick fumes, it boyls up with a very great foame or froath; and is the only _Gum_ or _Rosin_ (of the Eleven) that hath this property. So that I suspect, there is a great quantity of some kind of _volatile Spirit_, which then flies away; and so, in breaking through the _Oyly parts_, huffs them up to so great a froath.
_Olibanum_ yields half a Drachm of _Caput Mortuum_. But it is to be noted, That the weight is encreased by certain little _Spar-Stones_, which in the burning of several parcels, I always found mixed with this _Gumm_. These being picked clean out, the _Cap. Mort._ weigheth not much more than that of _Mastick_. And is in like manner insipid, when the said _Stones_ are picked out.
From hence it appears, how proper these _Gums_ are for the _Concoction_ of _Salt Rheums_; ♦ _Discourse_ of _Mixture_ Cap. Ult. ♦ according to what I have formerly suggested from another Experiment.
It may also be noted, that _Rosin_ and _Mastick_, seem to be more purely _Acidoleous Gums_; not only from their consistence which is uniform; and their _Smell_, which is less strong and more pleasant: but also from the _Acid Liquor_ they yield by _Distillation_; and in that the young _Leavs_ of _Fir_, and especially of _Pine_, are sower; and ’tis probable that those of _Mastick_ are so likewise. Whereby these, and other like _Gums_ are more especially fitted for the abovesaid purpose. But _Olibanum_ seems, besides its _Acidity_, to contein some _Volatile Alkaly_, and so to be an _Acid-Alkaline Gum_. For as it hath a stronger _Smell_ than the former, so a hotter _Taste_; both the ordinary effects of an _Alkaline Sulphur_. And being infused in several _Menstruums_, appears to consist of two Bodies, one of them more _Resinous_ than the other. Of which, it is probable, that the one is made by the _Acid parts_ as the other by the _Alkaline_. Whereby it is very well adapted in some _Cases_, as in a _Pleuresie_, for removing the _Coagulations_ of the _Blood_, or its disposition thereunto.
_Asa fœtida_ yields no less than half its weight or an Ounce of _Caput Mort._ that is 8 times as much as that of the other _Gumms_, and 48 times as much as that of some of them. Yet doth it not contein one grain of _Salt_, so far as can be judged by its _Tast_. Yet the _Strength_ and _Loathsomness_ of the _Smell_ and _Tast_ of the _Gumm_ do argue it to be highly impregnated with some kind of _Volatile Alkaly_ proper to arrest those offensive _Vapours_ (to use the vulgar word) which flying, either by the _Blood_ or _Nerves_, from part to part, do often prove so troublesome.
_Gum Arabick_ yields one Scruple of _Cap. Mort._ whereof, by the _Taste_, about ⅓ᵈ part is _Salt_.
_Euphorbium_ yields one _Drachm_ of _Caput Mort._ of which, by the strength of the _Taste_, two Scruples seem to be _Salt_. Which confirms a former conjecture[78] of its being an _Alkaline Gumm_.
[78] Of the _Luctation_ of _Bodies_, _Ch. 1._
_Myrrh_ also yields a Drachm of _Cap. Mort._ and at least two Scruples of _Salt_. Of the Eleven, these two _Gums_ have the greatest quantity of a fixed _Alkaly_.
_Opium_ yields half a Drachm of _Cap. Mort._ whereof the one half is _Salt_.
_Aloe_ yields a Drachm of _Cap. Mort._ conteining about one Scruple of _Salt_.
_Scammony_ yields Two Scruples of _Cap. Mort._ of which, about half a Scruple is _Salt_.
_Gutta Gamba_ yields but half a Scruple of _Cap. Mort._ of which four or five Grains are _Salt_.
So that considering the _Dose_ of any _Cathartick Gumm_, the quantity of the Fixed _Alkaly_, is extream small with respect to the _Volatile parts_: In which, therefore, its _Cathartick Power_ doth chiefly reside.
Yet none of the _Cathartick Gumms_ are without some portion, more or less, of a Fixed _Alkaly_; though some of the rest are. Which seemeth to prove, That the Fixed it self, hath some Interest in the business of _Purgation_: as by being a _Clog_ to the _Volatile_, and so preventing its being deleterious; or some other way. But the manner of their _Operation_ will better be understood, when the _Volatile Parts_ have likewise been examined.
It may also be of good import, to know, what different quantities of _Salt_, are afforded by the _Tartars_ of all sorts of _Wines_. Whereby, partly, as well as by the quantity of the _Tartar_, we may be enabled the better to judge of the _Nature_ of _Wines_.
A
DISCOURSE
Concerning the
ESSENTIAL and MARINE
Salts of Plants.
Read before the _Royal Society_, _December 21, 1676_.
CHAP. I.
_In which is shewed the way of making both an ESSENTIAL and a MARINE_ Salt, _out of the LIXIVIAL_ Salt _of a_ Plant.
SOMETIME since, I took the boldness to present my thoughts to this Honourable and Learned Body in a _Discourse_ concerning _Mixture_. Wherein I have endeavoured to lay such a _Foundation_, as might hereafter reduce the _Doctrine_ hereof to _Experience_ and _Practice_; and to demonstrate, the _Power_ and _Use_ of _Artificial Mixture_. And in further proof of what is therein asserted, I have since made a continuation of _Experiments_ upon the same Subject, in Two _Methods_. One in the _Mixture_ of several _Menstruums_, both _Acid_ and _Alkaline_, with all Sorts of _Bodies_. The Other, by calcining them, or, as it were, _mixing_ them with the _Fire_.
2. §. I shall now proceed to a Third, which is, the _mixing_ them with the _Aer_ or exposing them to it; another of Natures grand _Menstruums_; which goes sometimes further than the _Fire_ it self, in the dissolution of Bodies. This I have formerly mentioned for the Imitation of _Nature_, in producing a _Marine_ or _Muriatick Salt_ out of the _Lixivial Salt_ of a _Plant_. ♦ _Discourse_ of _Mixture_ Ch. 5. Inst. 2. ♦ But some Learned Persons then present, seeming to doubt of the Experiment; I thought it requisite to prosecute the same a little further; that so, if possible, it might become clear and unquestionable. And because that _Method_ was imperfect, and required half a year, or a longer time: I bethought my self of an other way; which proved far better, and more expedite. And which, withall, afforded me, not only a true _Marine Salt_, out of the _Lixivial Salt_ of a _Plant_; but also another kind of _Salt_, different from them both: which may not be improperly called, an _Essential Salt_ or _Nitre_ of _Plants_. The History or manner of the production of them both, is as follows.
3. §. _December 15. 1675_, I took about half a pound of a strong _Solution_ of the _Lixivial Salt_ of _Firne_: and pouring it into an _Earthen Pan_, well glazed, broad and shallow, exposed it therein to the open _Aer_, in a Chamber Window, to evaporate of it self. ♦ _Tab. 83._ ♦
4. §. This _Solution_ or _Lee_, although it was very clear before, and having stood corked up in a bottle many days, had no sedement: yet standing now in the open _Aer_, within the space of 4 or 5 days, it began to let fall a very _white Sedement_, like fine _Chalk_; which encreased daily for 8 or 10 days; amounting at last to about half a Drachm of white, light and meer _Earth_, altogether insipid, and when it was well washed, stirring not upon the _Affusion_ of _Acids_.
5. §. Within the space of a day or two after this _white Sedement_ began to fall to the bottom; there was also gathered on the top, a kind of soft _Scum_ or _Cremor_, wherewith the _Solution_ was covered all over.
6. §. Within 8 or 9 days after the first exposing of the _Liquor_, or 2 or 3 days after the gathering of the _Cremor_; that _Salt_, which I take leave to call, an _Essential Salt_ of _Plants_, began to appear; shooting into several little _Crystals_. These _Crystals_, as they grew bigger, began to sink, and at last fell down to the bottom of the _Pan_.
7. §. Upon their first generation or shooting, the said _Cremor_ presently breaks, leaving a bare space round about each _Crystal_; and upon the bounds of every space is indented; ♦ _Tab. 83._ ♦ the space growing bigger and bigger together with the _Crystal_ in the Centre. And so, by that time the _Crystals_ are grown to a considerable number and bigness, the _Cremor_ vanishes away, the several _Circles_ or bare places breaking at last one into another all over the _Surface_ of the _Lee_. After which, it never comes again.
8. §. From whence it seemeth, That the several _Circles_ or bare _Spaces_ about the _Crystals_, are made for the more free admission of the _Aer_, requisite to their _Generation_. For as there is no _Crystal_ begins to be formed before there is a breach made in the _Cremor_: so that breach is enlarged together with the _Crystal_. So that as the falling of the _Sedement_ and the gathering of the _Cremor_, sheweth that the _Aer_, as a _Menstruum_ separates some part from the _Lee_: so the breaking of the _Cremor_ afterwards, that as a _Vehicle_, it brings something to it: both in order to the _Generation_ of the _Crystals_. _Nature_ taking a _Method_ for the _Generation_ of simpler Bodies, as well as of those which are _Compounded_ and _Organical_.
9. §. The _Figure_ of these _Crystals_ is angular and oblong, most of them about the fifth, sixth or seventh of an Inch; but none of them very regular. Yet we are not hence to conclude, but that with the help of some Circumstances which might be wanting in the shooting of these; some portion of regular ones may be obteined from this, as well as other _Lixivial Salts_ hereafter mentioned.
10. §. They are somewhat transparent, and of a dark _Ambar Color_, or like that of brown _Sugar-Candy_. Of a quite different _Taste_ from that of the _Solution_ or _Lee_ out of which they are bred; being not at all _Lixivial_, but very weak and mild; not _Salt_, but _Bitter_ in a good degree.
11. §. It is also observable, that _Alkaline_ and _Acid Salts_ being both poured severally upon these _Crystals_, they stir not, nor are any way affected with either of them. So that these _Crystals_ are no sort of _Tartar_, or _Tartareous Salt_. As is plain, from the manner of their _Generation_; _Tartar_ being still bred in close _Vessels_; these never, but by exposing the _Liquor_ to the _Aer_. As also from their _Taste_, being not sower, in the least, but bitter. And in that _Tartar_ will make a _Bullition_ with _Alkaline Salts_, which these will not do. Upon which accounts it appears, that they are a _Salt_ different in Nature from all other _Salts_ hitherto known, or a new _Species_ added to the _Inventory_ of _Nature_.
12. §. These _Crystals_ within the space of about a fortnight after their first _Generation_, did also cease to shoot any more, but only increased a little in their _Bulk_. After which time, I dayly expected to see the production also of a true _Marine Salt_. And about two months after the said _Essential Crystals_ had done shooting, and not before, this also began to shoot, in many small _Crystals_, and at the top of the _Solution_, as the other did, still falling to the bottom as they grew biger.
13. §. The _Size_ of most of them was near that of the _Flakes_ or _Grains_ of _Bay-Salt_. The _Colour_ of some of them _white_, of others _transparent_; and of others _white_ in the _Centre_, with transparent _Edges_; as is also usual in the _Crystals_ of _Common Salt_.
14. §. The _Figure_ of most is a perfect _Square_, and of very many coming near to a _Cube_; which is also the _Figure_ of _Common Salt_, and seldome an exact _Cube_. An exact _Cube_, being the constant property of no _Marine Salt_, that I know of, except that of the _Dead Sea_. ♦ _Tab. 83._ ♦ Divers of them were also raised as it were by several steps from a deep Centre to the Top: as is often seen in the common shooting of _Common Salt_; and not in any other. Their _Taste_ is neither _Lixivial_, as that of the _Solution_ out of which they shoot; nor bitterish, as that of the _Essential Crystals_; nor sowerish, as that of _Tartar_; but the perfect _Taste_ of _Common Salt_.
15. §. It is also to be noted, That if _Oyl_ of _Vitriol_, and some other strong _Acids_, be poured upon this artificial _Sea-Salt_, they make an _Effervescence_ together: but if _Spirit_ of _Salt_ or _Spirit_ of _Nitre_ either be poured on it, though it be never so strong it stirreth it not. In both which, and all the formentioned respects, it answers to the _Properties_ of a _Marine_ or _Common Salt_, which no other _Salt_ doth. I conclude it therefore to be a true _Marine Salt_ produced by _Art_ in the imitation of _Nature_.
CHAP. II.
_Wherein is shewed, That the said ESSENTIAL and MARINE_ Salts _of_ Plants _are both of different Sorts._
HAVING made the Experiment, that both an _Essential_ and _Marine Salt_ may be produced out of the _Lixivial Salt_ of a _Plant_. I thought it probable, that neither the one nor the other, was always the same, but that as they had their general properties which made them to be of two general kinds; so they might have some special property, for the distinguishing of each kind into several Sorts. And withall, that in a warmer season, than before taken, the _Tryal_ hereof might be finished in a shorter time.
2. §. For the making of which, I conceived it requisite to remove an Opinion which seemed to lye in my way; _sc._ That there is little or no difference between the several _Lixivial Salts_ of _Plants_, as some Learned men have thought. But either there is a difference, or not: if not, it should be proved: and if there be, it should then be justly stated, what that difference is. For the doing of which, I chose this _Method_. I took an equal quantity of the whitest and purest _Salts_ of divers _Plants_, all made by an equal degree of _Calcination_; and dissolved them all severally in an equal quantity of water. And pouring likewise an equal quantity, as about 10 or 12 drops of each into a spoon, I tasted them severally. Whereby it was very evident, that they were not all of one _Tast_, but of very different ones, both as to strength and kind: and therefore different in Nature also. The _Salts_ I made tryal of were those of _Sorrel_, _Anise_, _Wormwood_, _Mallow_, _Ash_, _Tartar_ and others: and upon half a Drachm of each I poured ℥ijß of water. The _Solutions_ are here present to be tasted. By which the differences will easily be observed, and particularly that the _Salt_ of _Wormwood_ or _Scurvygrass_, is almost as strong again as the _Salt_ of _Anise_, or _Sorrel_: and that the _Salt_ of _Ash_ is above twice as strong, and that of _Tartar_ above thrice as strong, as that of _Sorrel_, and almost thrice as strong as that of _Wormwood_ or _Scurvygrass_. So that he who shall give half a Scruple, suppose of _Salt_ of _Tartar_; instead of half a Scruple of _Salt_ of _Wormwood_, or other like _Salt_; he may as well give a Scruple of _Rosin_ of _Jalap_, for a Scruple of the powder, or almost three Drachms of _Rhubarb_, or other like _Purge_, instead of one. And the like is to be said of other _Lixivial Salts_ in their degrees.
3. §. Having observed thus much, I proceeded to repeat the former Experiment, with some of the aforesaid, and some other _Vegetable Salts_, the best calcin’d, and the purest, that could be made for this purpose, being these Six _Salts_, _sc._ of _Rosemary_, _Garden Scurvygrass_, _Black Thorn_, _Common Wormwood_, _Ash_, and _Tartar_. All which dissolved severally in fair water, I exposed in a Chamber window, and not in Winter, as before, but in the heat of Summer, _sc._ on the 19 of _July_, to evaporate of themselves.
4. §. The Effect was, That the third day after their being exposed, the _Essential Crystals_ began to shoot in three of the _Solutions_, _sc._ in that of _Rosemary_, of _Garden Scurvygrass_, and of _Black Thorn_. On the fourth day, in that of _Wormwood_. On the fifth day, in that of _Ash_. In that of _Tartar_, not at all.
5. §. These _Essential Crystals_ began, in all, to shoot at the top, and then to fall to the bottome; as in the Experiment before. But as there was very little of the _white Sedement_ before mentioned, that preceded; So no _Scum_ or _Cremor_ at all. Which although a more perfect _Calcination_, it seems, did here almost prevent; yet did not in the least destroy the aforesaid _Essential Salt_, but rather make way for its more speedy and copious _Production_: exhibiting likewise a distinct _Species_ in several of the _Solutions_.
6. §. For first, the _Crystals_ of _Rosemary_ (the largest of them) were about the bigness of a _Rice-Corn_. In _Figure_ almost like a _Tip-Cat_, which Boys play with, split down the midle. Each _Tip_ being cut into 5 sides all ending in a poynt: ♦ _Tab. 83._ ♦ the midle part divided into 7, all drawn by parallel _Lines_; the topmost with the lowermost but one, on each side, being three exact _Squares_.
7. §. The _Crystals_ of _Black Thorn_ are most of them poynted with just six sides of Equal _Measure_: very like to the shooting of true _Crystal_ it self. ♦ _Tab. 83._ ♦ From the topmost of which six Sides, a _Line_ being drawn out, runs parallel to a broad _Base_, whereon each _Crystal_ stands. So that they are in some sort of a _Rhomboid Figure_.
8. §. The _Crystals_ of _Scurvygrass_ have also a very elegant and regular _Figure_, which is in a manner compounded of the two former now described. But they are nothing near so bigg, the largest of them, being no biger than a _Grain_ of that which we call _Pearl Barley_.
9. §. The _Crystals_ of _Wormwood_ have also very many of them a regular _Figure_; but quite different from that of the _Crystals_ before mentioned; each _Crystal_ being a little _Cylinder_, saving that it is constantly somewhat smaller at one end, than the other: as it were one half of a _Rowling-pin_. ♦ _Tab. 83._ ♦ And not evenly _Circular_, but cut out by Six _Sides_ of equal _Measure_: almost as in the _Crystal_ of _Nitre_. So that contrary to what is seen in the forementioned _Crystals_, the ends of these of _Wormwood_ are not poynted, but _flat_; and cut at _Right Angles_ with the _Sides_.
10. §. The _Crystals_ of _Ash_, though by their properties they appear likewise to be _Essential_; yet are nothing near so regularly figur’d, as all the forementioned.
11. §. The _Colour_ also of the said _Crystals_ is somewhat different: Those of _Ash_ being of a _brown_ transparency, almost like those of _Firne_. Those of _Wormwood_ being also _brownish_, but _paler_. Those of _Rosemary_ and _Scurvygrass_ having some little _Tincture_, yet very _clear_. But those of _Black Thorn_ without the least _Tincture_, and as _clear_ as _Crystal_ it self.
12. §. None of these _Essential Crystals_ have any hot fiery _Taste_, but are very _mild_, and sensibly _Bitter_; especially, about the _Root_ of the _Tongue_: as is also observable of some _Plants_ hereafter mentioned, in speaking of the different _Tastes_ of _Plants_.
13. §. _Oyl_ of _Vitriol_ droped upon these _Crystals_ doth not affect them in the least: yet droped into the several _Solutions_ out of which the _Crystals_ are produced, immediately causeth a great _Effervescence_.
14. §. Of the _Solutions_ above named, that, of _Salt_ of _Tartar_ was the 6ᵗʰ. Whereof it is remarquable, That having waited several Months together, I could not observe the least _Essential Salt_ to be therein produced in all that time. Whether there be any other _Vegetable Salts_, besides this of _Tartar_, which will not yield the _Essential_ above described, I have not yet experimented.
15. §. In the mean time, from the _Premises_ it is very probable, that most of them afford more or fewer of the said _Crystals_. In regard they are _Plants_ of a very different kind, which I made tryal upon: as _Garden Scurvygrass_, very _Hot_; _Rosemary_, very _Aromatick_. _Wormwood_ very _Bitter_; _Black Thorn_, _Astringent_ and _Sower_. And it is also plain, That the said _Essential Salts_ contained in the _Lixivial_, are not altogether one and the same, but of divers Sorts.
16. §. ABOUT 7 or 8 days after the _Essential Crystals_ were produced; the _Marine Salt_ did also begin to shoot; first in _Rosemary_; quickly after, in _Scurvygrass_; Next, in _Black Thorn_ and _Wormwood_, _sc._ after the space of a week or 10 days more. And in all of them with some difference of _Size_ and _Figure_.
17. §. The plainest of all, was that produced out of the _Salt_ of _Black Thorn_, consisting for the most part of very small _Crystals_, not above the 15ᵗʰ of an Inch square, as also _thin_, shaped like a _Duch Tile_ used for _Chimnies_. Many others were very _thick_, and near to a _Cube_. ♦ _Tab. 83._ ♦ Most of which were a little hollowed in the midle, like a grinding _Marble_ or _Salt-Celler_; and the hollow bounded by 4 plain and equal _Sides_, all descending a little towards the _Centre_; and measured by two cross _Lines_, which staid upon the four _Angles_ of the _Square_, and so cut one the other at _Right Angles_. Both which _Properties_ are likewise usually seen in the _Crystals_ of _Common Salt_.
18. §. In _Wormwood_, many of these _Crystals_, besides the plain ones, were figur’d crossways like a _Dagger-Hilt_. ♦ _Tab. 83._ ♦ Which was sometimes naked, and sometimes inclosed in a square and almost _Cubical Box_. Many others were figur’d into _Sprigs_ made up of four chief _Branches_ standing crosswise, and those _subbranched_; and all the _Branches_ made up of little square _Crystals_, clustered together in that _Figure_. The _Sprigy Figure_ of these _Crystals_ is not accidental, but hath constantly come after they had been three times dissolved, and the _Solution_ exposed to evaporate.
19. §. The _Marine Salt_ of _Rosemary_ hath also some variety. For besides the plain ones above described, there are some thick _Squares_, ♦ _Tab. 83._ ♦ which have also a square hollow descending by five, six, or seven narrow steps, towards the _Centre_; being in _Figure_, saving these _Steps_, somewhat like the _Hoper_ in a _Mill_.
20. §. Upon a second _Solution_ of the same _Salt_, there shoots another sort of square; which is not plain on the edges, as the above-named, ♦ _Tab. 83._ ♦ but scalloped or florid all round about, not unlike the _Leaves_ of some _Plants_.
21. §. The _Crystals_ of _Marine Salt_ of _Scurvygrass_ are somewhat like to those of _Rosemary_ now described.
22. §. As for the _Lixivial Salts_ of _Ash_ and _Tartar_, though in a Month or Five Weeks Space, they yield some _Crystals_ of very clear _Salt_: yet of _Marine Salt_ neither of them yieldeth the least particle. So that of these Six _Lixivial Salts_, _sc._ of _Rosemary_, _Scurvygrass_, _Black Thorn_, _Wormwood_, _Ash_ and _Tartar_, all, but that of _Tartar_, yielded an _Essential Salt_. And all, but those of _Ash_ and _Tartar_, yielded a _Marine_, such as is above described. All which _Salts_ both _Essential_ and _Marine_, together with their _Models_, made of _white Alabastre_, I have here ready to be seen.
23. §. Of those that yield these _Salts_, or either of them, it is further to be noted, That there is a considerable difference in the _Proportion_ or _Quantities_ which they yield. The _Rosemary_ yields store both of _Essential_ and _Marine_, but more _Essential_. _Wormwood_ and _Scurvygrass_ more _Marine_. _Black Thorn_ less of Either. The _Ash_ no _Marine_, and the _Tartar_ neither the _Essential_ nor _Marine_, as hath been said.
24. §. From what hath been said, I deduce only at present these Three _Corollaies_. _First_, That a _Lixivial Salt_, is not only a compounded Body _sc._ of _Salt_, _Sulphur_, _Aer_ and _Earth_; but even a _Compounded Salt_, containing both a _Vegetable Nitre_, and a true _Sea Salt_.
25. §. _Secondly_, That the _Exposing_ of _Bodies_, in the manner above shewed, may justly be accounted one _Part_ of _Chymistry_ hitherto _Deficient_, and much farther to be improved for the _Discovery_ of the _Nature_ of _Bodies_. For as _Nature_ chiefly compoundeth _Bodies_ by _Digesting_ them, and so either shutting out or keeping in the _Aer_: So she _Dissolveth_ them by _Exposing_, and so neither shutting in the _Aer_, nor keeping it out, but leaving it free to come and go; and thereby to bring, and carry off whatsoever is necessary for the _Separation_ or _Solution_ of _Bodies_. For the _Sea_ it self (to confine the similitude to our present case) is but as a _Great Pan_, wherein all kinds of bodies being long exposed, are throughly resolved, ultimately yielding from the rest of their _visible Principles_, that which we call _Sea Salt_.
26. §. _Lastly_, if by _Exposing_ and _Dissolving_ we can make one _Salt_; then by _Compounding_ and _Digesting_ we may make another, yea any other _Salt_; either a _Fixed_ of a _Volatile_, or a _Volatile_ of a _Fixed_. That is to say, a _Volatile Salt_ may be so separated from other _Bodies_, as to become _Fixed_; or a _Fixed Salt_ may be so _mixed_ with other _Bodies_ as to become _Volatile_. For that any _Salt_ should of it self become _Fixed_ or _Volatile_, is a _Fixion_ not grounded upon _Experiment_.
27. §. As for the _Virtue_ of the _Essential Salts_ above described, I believe they will be found upon tryal, not contemptible in some Cases. For which amongst other reasons, I have been the more punctual in relating the manner of their _Generation_; that others also may have the opportunity of making proof hereof.
28. §. When I made the _Experiments_ for this and the foregoing _Discourse_, not having so good conveniency at home for making the _Salts_ I used: I procured them all (except that of _Firne_, which I made my self) to be purposely prepared by Mr. _John Blackstone_ a _London Apothecary_, who assured me of his great care herein; and particularly, that he added no _Nitre_ to whiten any of the _Salts_ with, as is commonly done for that of _Tartar_.
I do declare, That all the _Lixivial Salts_ mentioned in this and the foregoing _Discourse_ except that of _Firne_, were faithfully prepared by me
_John Blackstone._
A
DISCOURSE
OF THE
COLOURS
OF
PLANTS.
Read before the _Royal Society_, _May 3. 1677_.
CHAP. I.
_Of the COLOURS of_ Plants _in their Natural Estate._
HAVING formerly made some _Observations_ of the _Colours_ of _Plants_; ♦ _Idea, §. 27._ and _Anat._ of _R. P. 2. §. 65,_ &c. ♦ I shall now crave leave to add some more to them of the like _Nature_. None of which, nor any of the _Conclusions_ thence deduced, will, if duly considered, appear contrary to the _Hypothesis_ and _Experiments_ of Mr. _Boyle_, Mr. _Des Cartes_, Mr. _Hook_, Mr. _Newton_, or any other, concerning _Colours_. As not having respect to the _Colours_ of all _Bodies_ in general. Nor to the _Body_ of _Colour_, which is _Light_; Nor to the formal notion of _Colours_ (_ad extra_) as the _Rays_ of _Light_ are moved or mixed: But to those _Materials_, which are principally necessary to their _Production_ in _Plants_. Concerning which, the present _Discourse_ shall be reduced to these Three general _Heads_, _scil._
2. §. _First_, Of those several _Colours_, which appear in _Plants_ in their _Natural Estate_.
3. §. _Secondly_, As they appear upon the _Infusion_ of _Plants_ into several Sorts of _Liquors_.
4. §. _Thirdly_, As upon the _Mixture_ of those _Infusions_, or of any one of them with some other _Liquor_, or other _Body_.
5. §. As they appear in the _Plants_ themselves, it may be observed in the first place, That there is a far less variety in the _Colours_ of _Roots_, than of the other _Parts_: the _Parenchyma_ being, within the _Skin_, usually _White_, sometimes _Yellow_, rarely _Red_. The _Cause_ hereof being, for that they are kept, by the _Earth_, from a free and open _Aer_; which concurreth with the _Juyces_ of the several _Parts_, to the _Production_ of their several _Colours_. And therefore the upper parts of _Roots_, when they happen to stand naked above the Ground, are often deyed with several _Colours_: so the tops of _Sorrel Roots_ will turn _Red_, those of _Mullen_, _Turneps_ and _Radishes_, will turn _purple_, and many others _green_. Whereas those parts of the same _Roots_ which lie more under Ground, are commonly _White_.
6. §. As _Roots_ are more commonly _White_; so the _Leaves_, _Green_. Which _Colour_ is so proper to them, that many _Leaves_, as those of _Sage_, the young _Sprouts_ of St. _Johns-wort_, and others, which are _Redish_ when in the _Bud_; upon their full _Growth_, acquire a perfect _Green_.
7. §. The _Cause_ of this _Colour_, is the _action_ of the _Aer_, both from within, and from without the _Plant_, upon the _Juyces_ thereof, whereby it strikes them into that _Colour_.
8. §. By the _Aer_ from without, I mean that which surrounds the _Body_ of the _Plant_: which is the Cause of its _Greeness_, not meerly as it is contiguous to it, but as it penetrates through the _Pores_ of the _Skin_, thereinto; and so mixing with the _Juyces_ thereof, plainly deys or strikes them into a _Green_.
9. §. By the _Aer_ from within, I mean, that which entring, together with the _Aliment_, at the _Root_, thence ascends by the _Aer-Vessels_, into the _Trunk_ and _Leaves_, and is there transfused into all the several _Juyces_, thereby likewise concurring to their _Verdure_. Whence it is, that the _Parts_ of _Plants_ which lie under _Water_, are _Green_, as well as those which stand above it; because, though the ambient _Aer_, conteined in the _Water_ be but little, yet the want of it is compensated, by that which ascends from the _Root_.
10. §. And therefore it is observable, that the _Stalks_ of _Marsh-Mallow_, and some other _Plants_, being cut transversly, though the _Parenchyma_ in the _Barque_ be _white_, yet the _Sap-Vessels_ which lie within that _Parenchyma_, are as _Green_ as the _Skin_ it self; _scil._ because they stand close to the _Aer-Vessels_. The _Parenchyma_, I say, which is intercepted from the _Aer_, without, by the _Skin_; and from the _Aer_ within, by the _Sap Vessels_, is _white_: but the _Skin_, which is exposed to the _Aer_ without, and the _Sap-Vessels_ which are next neighbours to that within, are both equally _Green_. So likewise if a _Carrot_ be plucked up, and suffered to lie sometime in the open _Aer_; that part which standeth in and near the _Centre_, amongst the _Aer-Vessels_, will become _Green_ as well as the _Skin_, all the other _Parts_ continuing of a _Redish Yellow_, as before. The _Aer_ therefore, both from without, and from within the _Plant_, together with the _Juyces_ of the _Plant_, are all the concurrent _Causes_ of its _Verdure_.
11. §. BUT how doth the _Aer_ concur to the _Greeness_ of _Plants_? I answer; Not as it is meerly either _cold_ or _dry_, or _moist_, nor yet _quatenus Aer_; but as it is a mixed, and particularly, a _Saline Body_: that is, as there is a considerable quantity of _Saline Parts_ mixed with those which are properly _Aereal_. It being plain from manifold Experience; That the several kinds of _Salts_, are the grand _Agents_ in the _Variation_ of _Colours_. So that, to speak strictly, although _Sulphur_ be indeed the _Female_, or _Materia substrata_, of all _Colours_; yet _Salt_ is the _Male_ or _Prime Agent_, by which the _Sulphur_ is determined to the _Production_ of one _Colour_, and not of another.
12. §. If then it be the _Aer_ mixed with the _Juyces_ of a _Plant_, and the _Salt_ of the _Aer_, that makes it _Green_; It may further be asked, what kind of _Salt_? But this is more hard to judge of. Yet it seemeth, that it is not an _Acid_, but a _Subalkaline Salt_; or at least some _Salt_ which is different from a simple _Acid_, and hath an _Affinity_ with _Alkalies_.
13. §. One reason why I so judge, is, Because that although all _Plants_ yield an _Alkaly_, or other _Salt_ different from an _Acid_, and some in good quantity; yet in most _Plants_, the _Prædominant Principle_ is an _Acid_. So that the _Supply_ of an _Acid Principle_ from the _Aer_, for the _Production_ of a _Green Colour_, as it would be superfluous; So also ineffectual: a different _Principle_ being requisite to the striking of this, together with the _Sulphur_, into a _Green Colour_.
14. §. I suppose therefore, That not only _Green_, but all the _Colours_ of _Plants_, are a kind of _Precipitate_, resulting from the concurrence of the _Saline Parts_ of the _Aer_, with the _Saline_ and _Sulphurious Parts_ of the _Plant_; and that the _Subalkaline_, or other like _Saline Part_ of the _Aer_, is concurrent with the _Acid_ and _Sulphurious Parts_ of _Plants_, for the _Production_ of their _Verdure_; that is, as they strike altogether into a _Green Precipitate_. Which also seemeth to be confirmed by divers _Experiments_ hereafter mentioned.
15. §. THE _Colours_ of _Flowers_ are various; differing therein not only from the _Leaf_, but one from another. Yet all seem to depend upon the general _Causes_ aforesaid. And therefore the _Colours_ of _Flowers_, as well as of _Leaves_, to result not solely from the _Contents_ of the _Plant_, but from the concurrence likewise of the _ambient Aer_. Hence it is, that as they gradually open, and are exposed to the _Aer_, they still either acquire, or change their _Colour_: no _Flower_ having its proper _Colour_ in the _Bud_, (though it be then perfectly formed) but only when it is expanded. So the _Purple Flower_ of _Stock-July Flowers_, while they are in the _Bud_, are _white_, or _pale_. So _Batchelors Buttons_, _Blew Bottle_, _Poppy_, _Red Daisies_, and many others, though of divers _Colours_ when blown, yet are all _white_ in the _Bud_. And many _Flowers_ do thus change their _Colours_ thrice successively; as the youngest _Buds_ of _Ladys-Lookinglass_, _Bugloss_ and the like, are all white, the larger _Buds_ are _purple_ or _murrey_, and the open _Flowers_, _blew_: according as they come still neerer, and are longer exposed, to the _Aer_.
16. §. But if the _Colour_ of the _Flower_ dependeth on the _ambient Aer_; it may be asked: How it comes to pass then, that this _Colour_ is various, and not one, and that one, a _Green_? that is to say that all _Flowers_ are not _Green_, as well as the _Leaves_? In answer to this Three things are to be premised.
17. §. _First_, What was said before, is to be remembred, that here the _Aer_ is not a solitary, but concurrent _Cause_. So that besides the _Efficacy_ of this, we are to consider that of the several parts of the _Plant_, by which the _Contents_ both _Aereal_ and _Liquid_ are supplied to the _Flower_.
18. §. _Secondly_, That in the _Lymphæducts_ of a _Plant_, _Sulphur_ is the _predominant Principle_, and much more abounding than in any other _part_ of a _Plant_, as also hath been formerly shewed.
19. §. _Thirdly_, That it appears, according to what we have observed in the _Anatomy_ of the _Flower_, That the quantity of _Lymphæducts_ with respect to the _Aer-Vessels_ is greater in the _Flower_ than in the _Leaf_.
20. §. It seemeth therefore, that the _Aer-Vessels_, and therefore the _Aer_, being _predominant_ in the _Leaf_; _Green_, is therein also the _predominant Colour_. I say _predominant_, because there are other _Colours_ lye vailed under the _Green_, even in the _Leafe_, as will hereafter appear more manifest.
21. §. On the contrary, the _Lymphæducts_, and therefore the _Sulphur_, being more, and the _Aer-Vessels_ and therefore the _Aer_, less, in the _Flower_ than in the _Leaf_; the _ambient Aer_ alone is not able to controle the _Sulphur_ so far, but that it generally carrys the greatest port in the _Production_ of the _Colour_. Yet in different degrees; For if the proportion betwixt the _Lymphæducts_ and the _Aer-Vessels_ be more equal, the _Flower_ is either _White_ or else _Yellow_, which latter _Colour_ is the next of kin to a _Green_. If the _Sulphur_ be somewhat _predominant_, the _Flower_ will shew it self _Red_ at first; but the _ambient Aer_ hath so much power upon it, as gradually to turn the _Red_ into a _Blew_. But if the _Sulphur_ be much _predominant_, then the _Acid_ of the _ambient Aer_ will heighten it to a fixed _Red_.
22. §. Hence it is, that _Yellows_ and _Greens_ are less alterable, upon the drying of _Plants_ than other _Colours_; _sc._ Because the _Aer_ being _predominant_ in their _Production_, they are the less lyable to suffer from it afterwards. Whereas _Reds_ and _Purples_, in the _Production_ whereof _Sulphur_ is _predominant_, are very changeable. So the _Red_ Flowers of _Lysimachia_, upon drying, turn _Purple_, and the young _purple Flowers_ of _Bugloss_ turn _Blew_. So likewise the _Purple_ of _Bilberries_, and the _Crimson_ of baked _Damascens_, both turn _Blew_. For being gathered, and so wanting a continued supply of fresh _Sulphur_, to bear up the _Colour_ against the force of the _Aer_; it strikes it down at last from _Red_ to _Purple_ or _Blew_. I conclude therefore, that one _Principal Cause_ of the _Variety_ of _Colours_ in the _Flower_, is the over proportion of the _Lympheducts_ to the _Aer-Vessels_, and therefore the dominion of the _Sulphur_ over the _Aer_, therein.
23. §. If it be objected, that the _Aer_ doth not deepen, but highten the _Colour_ of the _Blood_: I answer, _First_, That I am not now speaking of _Animal_, but of _Vegetable Bodies_; the same _Aer_ which hightens the _Colour_ of _Blood_ one way, may deepen that of a _Flower_, another: nay and may highten that of some _Flowers_ too, some other way.
24. §. And therefore, _Secondly_, it is to be considered, That as there is not one only, but divers _Saline Principles_ in the _Aer_; so are there also in the several _Parts_ of one _Plant_; as in the _Root_, of one sort; in the _Leavs_, of another; in the _Flower_, of another; and so in the other _Parts_. For since the _Figuration_ of the _Parts_ of a _Plant_ dependeth chiefly upon the _Saline Principles_: and that the _Flower_ hath a different _Figure_ from that of the _Leaf_: it follows, that there is some _Saline Principle_ in the one, which is not in the other, especially, all in such _Flowers_, whose _Figures_ are cut out by a greater _Variety_ and _Complication_ of _Lines_. The _Leavs_ therefore, though variously shaped, yet agreeing so far in one common _Figure_, as usualy to be _flat_; it therefore seemeth plain, that there is a _Saline Principle_ in them all, so far _one_, as to be the chief _Cause_ of that common _Figure_: and in concurrence with the _ambient Aer_, to be likewise the chief _Cause_ of one common _Colour_, _sc._ a _Green_.
25. §. Whereas the _Figure_ of the _Flowers_, and therefore their _Saline Principle_, being more various, and commonly distinct from that of the _Leaf_; it will easily concur with as a great _Variety_ of _Salts_ in the _Aer_, whether _Acid_, _Alkaline_, _Nitrous_, _Urinous_, _Armoniacal_, or any other therein existent, to the _Precipitation_ of the _Sulphur_ into the like _Variety_ of _Colours_. Thus far of the _Colours_ of _Plants_ as they appear in their _Natural Estate_.
CHAP. II.
_Of the COLOURS of_ Plants _by_ Infusion.
THE next general _Inquiry_, proposed to be made, was this, After what manner the _Colours_ of _Plants_ shew themselves, upon their _infusion_ into _Liquors_. The _Liquors_ I made use of for this purpose, were three, _sc._ _Oyl_ of _Olives_, _Water_, and _Spirit_ of _Wine_. The _Water_ I used was from the _Thames_, because I could not procure any clear _Rain Water_, and had not leasure at present to distill any. But next to this, that yields as little _Salt_, as any.
2. §. As for _Oyl_, it is known, that most _Plants_ either by _Coction_ or long _Infusion_, will give it their _Green Colour_. I have likewise tryed some _Yellows_, and find they will do indifferently well; as _Saffron_, which, by _Infusion_ in _Oyl_, gives it a light golden _Tincture_.
3. §. Divers _Aromatick Plants_, as _Mint_, _Majorane_, &c. being dryed and infused in _Oyl_ give it a double _Tincture_, both _green_ and _yellow_; one drop of the _Oyl_ shewing _green_; but a good quantity of it held up against a candle looketh _redish_ or of a deep _yellow_.
4. §. But there is no _Vegetable_ yet known which gives a true _Red_ to _Oyl_, except _Alkanet Root_: with which, some colouring either common or other _Oyl_, vend it under the name of the _Red Oyl_ of _Scorpions_.
5. §. These things confirm what we have said concerning the _Causes_ of _Colours_ in the _Leavs_ and _Flowers_ of _Plants_, upon this twofold Consideration. ♦ _Discourse_ of _Mixture_ Ch. 5. Inst. 2. §. 3. & Inst. 5. ♦ _First_, that _Oyl_ is the most proper _Menstruum_ of _Sulphur_. _Secondly_, that _Oyls_ have a greater congruity with _Acids_ than with _Alkalies_; as I have formerly shewed.
6. §. I say therefore, that in _Blews_, _Purples_ and especially _Reds_, the _predominant Principles_ being _Sulphur_ and _Acid_, the _Oyl_ either abstracts the _Sulphur_ of it self, or at least, unlocks it from the _Acid Parts_; whereby both of them are bestowed seperately to their like parts in the _Oyl_; upon which their disunion the _Colour_ vanishes: that depending, not upon either of them alone, which of themselves are _Colourless_, but upon both united together.
7. §. On the contrary, a _Green Colour_ not depending on a _predominant Acid_, but an _Alkaly_, or some _Saline Principle_ different from an _Acid_; this will not so easiely be imbibed separately, into the _Pores_ of the _Oyl_, but only by mediation of their _Sulphur_. So that being both imbibed without any disunion, they still retein the same _green Colour_ they had before in the _Plant_.
8. §. Hence also it is, that _red Roses_ being dryed and infused some time in _Oyl_ of _Anise Seeds_, a more potent _Menstruum_ than _Common Oyl_; they wholly lose their own _Colour_, and turn _white_; the _Oyl_ remaining _Limpid_, as at the first. That is the _Sulphur_ or that part of it on which cheifly the _Red_ depended, is absorbed separately by the _Oyl_, and so the _Colour_ vanishes.
9. §. A SECOND _Menstruum_ I made use of, was _Water_. And _First_, _Alkanet Root_, which immediately tinctures _Oyl_ with a deeper _Red_, will not colour _Water_ in the least.
10. §. Next it is observable, That _Water_ will take all the _Colours_ of _Plants_ in _Infusion_ except a _Green_. So that as no _Plant_ will by _Infusion_ give a perfect _Blew_ to _Oyl_; so their is none, that I know of, which, by _Infusion_ will give a perfect _Green_ to _Water_.
11. §. But although the _Green Leavs_ will not give their _visible Colour_, by _Infusion_ in _Water_; yet they will give most other _Colours_, as well as the _Flowers_ themselves. So the _Green Leavs_ of _Cinquefoyl_, give a _Tincture_ no higher than to resemble _Rhenish Wine_; those of _Hyssop_, _Canary_; of _Strawberrey_, _Malaga_; of _Mint_, _Muscadine_; of _Wood-Sorrel_, _Water_ and some drops of _Claret_; of _Blood-wort_, _Water_ and a dash of _Claret_; and those of _Bawm_ make a _Tincture_ near as _red_ as ordinary _Claret_ alone. All _Aromatick_ hot _Plants_, give a _yellow-red Tincture_, or _colorem ex luteo rubrum_. All _Plants_ with a _yellow Flower_ give either a pale _citrine_ or _yellowish Tincture_; and the like. Yet all give not their _Tincture_ in the same space of time; some requiring a fortnight, others a week, others five, three or two days, and some but one, or half a day. From hence it appears, that the _Colours_ of most _Flowers_ are begun in the _Leavs_; only _Green_ being therein the _predominant Colour_, as a _veil_ spred over them, conceils all the rest. But passing on into the _Flower_, where the _Aer-Vessels_, as is aforesaid, are under the dominion of the _Lymphæducts_; they show themselves distinctly.
12. §. A THIRD and the last _Menstruum_ I made use of, was _Spirit_ of _Wine_. And here it is to be remarqued; That as _Oyl_ rarely takes a _Red_, there being but one known _Instance_ of it; nor _Water_, a _Green_: So neither _Spirit_ of _Wine_, a _Blew_. I have tryed with several _blew Flowers_, as of _Lark-heel_, _Violet_, _Mallows_, _Burrage_, and others, whereof it will not take the least _Tincture_.
13. §. Again though no _Blew Flowers_, that I know of, will give a _Blew Tincture_ to _Spirit_ of _Wine_: yet having been for some days infused in the said _Spirit_, and the _Spirit_ still remaining in a manner _Limpid_, and void of the least _Ray_ of _Blew_; if you drop into it a little _Spirit_ of _Sulphur_, it is somewhat surprizing to see, that it immediately strikes it into a full _Red_, as if it had been _Blew_ before: and so, if you drop _Spirit_ of _Sal Armoniac_ or other _Alkaly_ upon it, it presently strikes it _Green_. Which further confirms what have been before said of the _Causes_ of _Vegetable Colours_.
14. §. It is also observable, That the _Green Leaves_ of _Bawm_, which give a _Muscadine Red_, with some _Rays_ of _Claret_, to _Water_, gives a pure and perfect _Green_ to _Spirit_ of _Wine_: and is the only _Plant_ of all that I have yet tryed, which doth the like.
15. §. It is likewise to be noted, That both _Yellow_ and _Red Flowers_ give a stronger and fuller _Tincture_ to _Water_, than to _Spirit_ of _Wine_; as in the _Tinctures_ of _Cowslip_, _Poppys_, _Clove-July-Flowers_ and _Roses_, made both in _Water_ and _Spirit_ of _Wine_, and compared together, is easily seen. So that for _Tinctures_ made with _Flowers_, whether for _Medicines_, or other purposes, _Water_, with respect to the _Colour_, is the better _Menstruum_. I say for _Tinctures_ made with _Flowers_; for there are some other _Parts_, especially _Gumms_, as _Gamboja_, _Myrrh_ and _Aloes_, which give their _Tinctures_ full and clear, only to _Spirit_ of _Wine_. Some of which are used by _Leather-Gilders_, and others, for the washing over of _Silver_, so as to give it the _Colour_ of _Gold_. Thus far of the _Colours_ of _Plants_ as they appear upon _Infusion_.
CHAP. III.
_Of the COLOURS of_ Plants _produced by their_ Mixture _with other Bodies._
THE last general Enquiry proposed to be made, was this, After what manner they would exhibite themselves upon the _Mixture_ of those _Infusions_, or of any one of them with some other _Liquor_.
2. §. A strong _Infusion_, or the _Juyce_ of the _Leavs_ of _Rose-Tree_, _Raspis_, _Strawberry_, _Cynquefoyle_, _Goosberry_, _Primrose_, _Jerusalem Cowslip_, _Bears-eare_, _Bearsfoot_, _Peony_, _Bistort_, _Lawrel_, _Goats-beard_, droped upon _Steel_, make a _Purple Tincture_. But that of _Vine Leaves_ scarce maketh any _Tincture_ at all. So that there is something else besides _Sowerness_ concurring to the _Purple_ upon _Steel_.
3. §. _Saccharum Saturni_ droped on a _Tincture_ of _Red Roses_, turneth it to a _faint pale Green_.
4. §. _Salt_ of _Tartar_ droped upon the same _Tincture_, turneth it to a _deeper Green_.
5. §. _Spirit_ of _Harts Horn_ droped upon a _Tincture_ of the _Flower_ of _Lark-heel_ and _Borage_ turn them to a _verdegreese Green_.
6. §. _Spirit_ of _Harts Horn_ droped on most _green Leavs_ doth not change them at all. The like Effects have _Aq. Calcis_, and _Spirit_ of _S. Armoniac_.
7. §. These _Experiments_ seem to confirm, That it is some _Alkaline_ or other like _Salt_ in the _Aer_, which is _predominant_ in the production of _Green_ in the _Leavs_ of _Plants_.
8. §. _Salt_ of _Tartar_ droped on the _white Flowers_ of _Daisy_, changeth them into a _light Green_. Which as it further confirms the aforesaid _Position_; so likewise argues, That _Whiteness_ in _Flowers_, is not always from the defect of _Tincture_: but that there may be _White_, as well as _Yellow_, _Green_, _Red_ or _Blew Tinctures_.
9. §. _Spirit_ of _Sulphur_ droped on the _green Leavs_ of _Adonis Flower_, _Everlasting Pease_, and _Holy Oak_, turns them all _Yellow_.
10. §. _Spirit_ of _Sulphur_ on a _Tincture_ of _Saffron_ changeth it not.
11. §. _Spirit_ of _Sulphur_ on the _Yellow Flower_ of _Crowfoot_ alters them not. Neither are they changed by the _Affusion_ of _Alkalies_.
12. §. So that it seemeth, that in all _Yellows_, the _Sulphureous Acid_ and _Alkaline Parts_ are all more equal.
13. §. _Spirit_ of _Sulphur_ on a _Tincture_ of _Violets_ turns it from _Blew_ to a true _Lacke_, or midle _Crimson_.
14. §. _Spirit_ of _Sulphur_ upon a _Tincture_ of _Clove-July-Flowers_ makes a bright blood _Red_. Into the like _Colour_, it hightens a _Tincture_ of _Red Roses_.
15. §. So that as _Alkalys_, or other _Analogous Salts_, are _predominant_ in _Greens_, so _Acids_ in _Reds_, especially in the brighter _Reds_, in the _Leavs_ and _Flowers_ of _Plants_. Hence it is, that _Spirit_ of _Nitre_ droped upon the _Blew Flower_ of _Ladies Looking-Glass_, _Larkspur_, _Borage_, turns them all _Red_, _sc._ into the _Red_ of _Common Lychnis_. But (which is particularly to be noted) being droped on the said _Red Flowers_ of _Lychnis_, alters them little or nothing: because, that very _Colour_ is therein produced by a copious admixture of the like _Principle_.
16. §. The Summ therefore of what hath now been said, of the _Causes_ of _Vegetable Colours_, is this: That while their _Sulphur_ and _Saline Principles_, only swim together, and are not as yet united into one _Precipitate_, no _Colour_ results from them, but the _Contents_ are rather _Limpid_; as usually in the _Root_, and many other _Parenchymous Parts_.
17. §. When they are united, and the _Alkaline_ are _predominant_, they produce a _Green_.
18. §. When the _Sulphur_ and the _Alkaline_ are more equal, they produce a _Tauny_.
19. §. When the _Sulphur_, _Acid_ and _Alkaline_, there a _Yellow_.
20. §. When the _Sulphur predominant_, and the _Acid_ and _Alkaline_ equal, there a _Blew_.
21. §. When the _Sulphur_ and _Acid_ are _predominant_ to the _Alkaline_, then a _Purple_.
22. §. When the _Sulphur predominant_ to the _Alkaline_ and the _Acid_ to them both, a _Scarlet_.
23. §. _Lastly_, When the _Acid predominant_ to the _Alkaline_, and the _Sulphur_ to them both, a _Blood-Red_: which is the highest and most _Sulphurious Colour_ in Nature.
24. §. From the _Premises_, divers Rules do also result for the making of _Tinctures_, either for _Medicines_, or for any other purposes.
25. §. I shall only add one or two Notes. As first, that of all _Colours_, _Yellows_ are the most fixed and unfading. As for instance, if you drop either a _Solution_ of _Tartar_, or of _Spirit_ of _Sulphur_ upon a _Tincture_ of the _Yellow Flowers_ of _Crowfoot_, of _Adonis_, or of _Saffron_, neither of them will alter their _Colour_. Which shewes the strength of most _Yellows_, to resist all manner of impressions from the _Aer_.
26. §. Again, that the use of _Salts_, is not only to highten or deepen _Colours_, but also to fix and make them permanent. As for Instance, The _Tincture_ of _Clove-July-Flowers_, made either with _Water_ or _Spirit_ of _Wine_ being exposed to the _Aer_, will often turn into a _Blackish Purple_. But the addition of a few drops of _Spirit_ of _Sulphur_, doth not only highten the _Colour_, but renders it stable and permanent.
27. §. Likewise, of _Salts_ themselves there is choice to be made. For there are some, which although they fix the _Colour_, yet, will a little _give_, as we say, and not hold throughly dry; as most _Lixivial Salts_, and _Stillatious Acids_. But there are some _Salts_, which will not _give_ in the least, as _Alum_, that in _Lime-Water_ and some others; which latter, is so far from being moystened, that it is rather petrified by the _Aer_. For which reason I take it to be one of the best _Liquors_ for a stable and permanent _Green_, and some other _Colours_.
28. §. Amongst all _Water-Colours_, the rarest, and most difficult to make clear bright and permanent, is a _Blew_. There are many _Flowers_ of an excellent _Blew_, as those of _Bugloss_, _Lark-heel_ and others; but they easily fade. And there are very few _Flowers_ that will strike into a _Blew_ by any _Liquor_; being almost all changeable into _Green_, _Purple_ or _Red_. Yet some few there are, in which this _Colour_ may be produced. As for instance, the _Flower_ of _Lathyrus_ or _Parseverlasting_; which upon the affusion of _Spirit_ of _Harts-Horn_ is changed from a _Peach_, to as pure a _Blew_, as the best _Ultramarine_: that which hitherto is, I think, wanting in _Water Colours_. _Spirit_ of _Harts Horn_ was the _Liquor_ I used; but I question not, but that other _Alkalies_, and particularly _Lime-Water_, will have the like Effect, and so render it the more stable.
29. §. From what hath been said, we may likewise be confirmed in the use of the already known _Rules_, and directed unto others yet unknown, in order to the variation of the _Colours_ of _Flowers_ in their Growth. The effecting of this, by putting the _Colour_ desired in the _Flower_, into the _Body_ or _Root_ of the _Plant_, is vainly talked of by some: being such a piece of cunning, as for the obtaining a painted face, to eat good store of _white_ and _Red Lead_.
30. §. The best known _Rules_ are these Two; First, that the _Seed_ be used above any other part, if the variation of the _Colour_ be intended. One reason whereof is, because that part being but very small, the _Tinctures_ of the _Soyl_ will have the greater over proportion to those of the _Seed_. Besides, the tender and _Virgin Seed_, being committed to the Soyl, will more easily take any peculiar _Tincture_ from it, then an other _Part_, which is not so susceptive, and hath been tinctur’d already. All the strange varieties in _Carnations_, _Tulips_, and other _Flowers_ are made this way.
31. §. The other _Rule_ is, To change the _Soyl_, or frequently to transplant from one _Bed_ to another. By which means, the _Plant_, is as it were, _superimpregnated_ with several _Tinctures_, which are prolifick of several _Colours_; which way is taken for _Roots_ and _Slips_.
32. §. The consideration whereof, and of the foregoing _Experiments_, may direct us not only in changing the _Bed_, but also in compounding the _Soyl_, as by mixing such and such _Salts_, or _Bodies_ impregnated with such _Salts_, I say by mixing these Bodies in such a proportion, with the _Soyl_, as although they have no _Colour_ in themselves, yet may be effectual to produce a great variety of _Colours_ in the _Plants_ they nourish; supplying the _Plants_ with such _Tinctures_, as shall concur with the _Aer_, to strike or precipitate their _Sulphur_ into so many several _Colours_, after the manner above explicated: and so to bring even Natures Art of _Painting_, in a great part, into our own power.
A
DISCOURSE
OF THE
DIVERSITIES and CAUSES
OF
TASTS
CHIEFLY IN
PLANTS.
Read before the _Royal Society_, _March 25. 1675_.
CHAP. I.
_Of the several Sorts of SIMPLE and COMPOUNDED_ Tasts; _and the DEGREES of both._
I HAVE formerly published some Notes, concerning _Tasts_. ♦ _Idea, §. 29._ & _Anat. of R. P. 2. §. 68_, &c. ♦ Since then, I have made other _Observations_ upon the same Subject: and these have produced further _Thoughts_. I will summ up all in giveing an account, First, of the _Diversities_; and then, of the _Causes_ of _Tasts_, chiefly in _Plants_.
2. §. The _Diversities_ of _Tasts_ are so many, and so considerable; that it seemeth strange, to see the matter treated of both by _Philosophers_ and _Physicians_, with so much scantness and defect. For the _Subject_ is not barren, but yieldeth much and pleasant _Variety_. And doth also appear to be of great import unto _Medicine_. Besides, it is preposterous to discourse of the _Causes_ of _Tasts_, before we have taken an account of their _Diversities_; Whereof therefore I shall in the first place, exhibit the following _Scheme_.
3. §. TASTS may be distinguished by these Three general ways. First, with respect to the _Sensation_ it self. Secondly, with respect to its _Duration_ and _Terms_. Thirdly, with respect to its _Subject_.
4. §. The _Sensation_ it self is differenced two ways, by its _Species_, and by its _Degrees_. With respect to the _Species_, _Tasts_ are _Simple_, or _Compounded_. By _Simple Tasts_, I mean not such, as are never found in conjunction with other _Tasts_: but the _Simple_ or _Single Modes_ of _Tast_, although they are mixed with divers others in the same _Body_. As for example, the _Taste_ of a _Peppin_, is _Acidulcis_; of _Rhubarb_, _Amarastringens_; and therefore _Compounded_ in both. Yet in the _Peppin_, the _Acid_ is one _Simple Taste_, and the _Sweet_ another; and so in _Rhubarb_, the _Bitter_ is one _Simple Taste_, and the _Astringent_ is another.
5. §. Two faults have here been committed; the defective _Enumeration_ of _Simple Tasts_; and reckoning them indistinctly among some others which are _Compounded_.
6. §. SIMPLE _Tasts_, (of which, properly so called, there are commonly reckoned but Six or Seven Sorts,) are, at least Sixteen. _First_, _Bitter_, as in _Wormwood_: to which, the contrary is _Sweet_, as in _Sugar_. _Thirdly_, _Sower_, as in _Vinegar_: to which, the contrary is _Salt_. _Fifthly_, _Hot_, as in _Cloves_: whereto, the contrary is _Cold_. For we may as properly say, a _Cold Taste_, as a _Hot Taste_: there being some _Bodies_, which do manifestly impress the _Sense_ of _Cold_ upon the _Tongue_, though not by _Touch_. So doth _Sal Prunellæ_, although the _Liquor_ wherein it is dissolved, be first warmed.
7. §. _Seventhly_, _Aromatick_. For it doth not more properly agree to an _Odor_ than a _Taste_, to be _Aromatick_. And that an _Aromatick Taste_, is distinct from an _Hot_, is clear; In that, there are many _Bodies_ of a _Hot Taste_, some meanly and others vehemently _Hot_; which yet are not in the least _Aromatick_: as amongst others, is apparent in _Euphorbium_. So that although an _Aromatick Taste_ be often conjoyned with _Heat_; yet it is not that _Heat_ it self, but another distinct _Sense_.
8. §. _Eighthly_, _Nauseous_ or _Malignant_, contrary to the former. Such as is perceived, together with the _Astringent_ and _Bitter_, in _Rhubarb_; or with the _Bitter_, and _Sweet_, in _Aloes_. It may be called _Malignant_, because distastful although mixed in a low degree with other _Tasts_: whereas other _Tasts_ will render one another grateful.
9. §. Again, _Tasts_ may properly be said, to be _Soft_ or _Hard_. A _Soft Taste_, is either _Vapid_, as in _Watery Bodies_, _Whites_ of _Eggs_, _Starch_, _Fine Boles_, &c. Or _Unctuous_, as in _Oyls_, _Fat_, &c.
10. §. A _Hard Taste_ is Fourfold, _sc._ _Penetrant_, _Stupifacient_, _Astringent_, _Pungent_. Contrary to a _Vapid_, are _Penetrant_ and _Stupifacient_.
11. §. _Penetrant_, is a kind of _Taste_, which worketh it self into the _Tongue_ (as some _Insects_ into the _Skin_) without any _Pungency_; as in the _Root_ and _Leavs_ of _Wild Cucumer_.
12. §. _Stupifacient_, as in the _Root_ of _Black Hellebore_. Which being chew’d, and for sometime reteined upon the _Tongue_; after a few minutes, it seemeth to be benum’d and affected with a kind of _Paralytick Stupor_; or as when it hath been a little burnt with eating or supping of any thing too hot.
13. §. Contrary to an _Unctuous Taste_, are _Astringent_, and _Pungent_; as in _Galls_, and _Spirit_ of _Sal Armoniack_.
14. §. Again, _Tasts_ are either _Continual_, as most commonly: or _Intermittent_; as that of _Dracontium_, especially in the _Root_. For after it seems to be lost and extinguished; it will then again (chiefly upon the _Collision_ of the _Tongue_ and _Goomes_) be plainly heightened and reviv’d.
15. §. _Lastly_, _Tasts_ are either _Still_, as usually; or may be called _Tremulous_, as the _Heat_ produced by _Pyrethrum_. _Distinct_ from that of _Cloves_, _Ginger_, and many other _Hot Bodies_, in that there the _Heat_ is _still_; but here in _Pyrethrum_, ’tis joyned with a kind of _Vibration_: as when a _Flame_ is brandished with a _Lamp-Furnace_. Thus far of the Sorts of _Simple Tasts_.
16. §. COMPOUNDED _Tasts_ are very numerous; being made by the various _Conjunction_ of _Simple Tasts_, as _Words_ are of _Letters_. Sometimes of two, as in _Saccharum Saturni_, of _Astringent_ and _Sweet_. Sometimes three, as in _Aloes_, _Malignant_, _Bitter_ and _Sweet_; in _Rhubarb_, _Malignant_, _Astringent_ and _Bitter_. Sometimes four, as in _Agarick_, _Malignant_, _Astringent_, _Bitter_ and _Sweet_. And in some _Bodies_, five or six _Species_ may be joyned together.
17. §. For the more accurate _Observation_ whereof, there are these easie _Rules_. That not too many be tasted at one time: least the _Tongue_ being surcharged, become less critical. That the _Mouth_ be washed with warm water betwixt every tasting. And that those things be first tasted which produce a less durable _Taste_; that so one may be throughly extinguished, before another be try’d.
18. §. Of the numerous _Conjunctions_ of _Tasts_, which may thus be observed, there are only Six to which the penury of _Language_ hath allowed (if I may call them) _Proper Names_, sc. _Acerbus_, _Austerus_, _Acris_, _Muriaticus_, _Lixivus_ & _Nitrosus_. Most of which are commonly taken in to make up the number of _Simple Tasts_. But very improperly; being all of them _Compounded_ and _Decompounded Tasts_: to which _Class_ they ought therefore to be refer’d. For
19. §. _Austere_, is _Astringent_ and _Bitter_; as in the green and soft _Stones_ of _Grapes_.
20. §. _Acerb_, properly so called, is _Astringent_ and _Acid_; as in the _Juyce_ of unripe _Grapes_.
21. §. _Acris_, is also _Compounded_. For first, simply _Hot_, it is not: because there are many _Hot Bodies_, which are not _Acria_; as the _Roots_ of _Zedoary_, _Yarrow_, _Contrayerva_. Nor Secondly, is it simply _Pungent_, because there are also _Bodies_, which are _Non-acria pungentia_; of which kind is the _Root_ of _Arum_. Wherefore _Acritude_, is _Pungency_ joyned with _Heat_.
22. §. _Muriatick_, is _Saltness_ joyned with some _Pungency_, as in common _Salt_.
23. §. _Lixivial_, is _Saltness_ joyned with _Pungency_ and _Heat_.
24. §. _Nitrous_, is _Saltness_ joyned with _Pungency_ and _Cold_.
25. §. Besides these Six, or perhaps one or two more, there are, as is said, a great number of _Conjunctions_, for which we have no _Proper Names_. For admit that there were but _Ten Species_ of _Simple Tasts_, _sc._ these _Ten_; _Amarus_, _Dulcis_, _Acidus_, _Salsus_, _Calidus_, _Frigidus_, _Aromaticus_, _Malignus_, _Astringens_, _Pungens_. And of these _Ten_, but _Two_, or at most, but _Three_ to be compounded together in any one _Body_. If only _Two_, they produce 45 _Compounded Tasts_. For the _First_, may be compounded with all the 9 following; the _Second_, with all the 8 following; and so, the rest: which together make 45. But if the same _Ten_ be compounded by _Threes_ together; they produce no less than 120 _Variations_: as by the _Table_ made of them all doth plainly appear.
26. §. Some few of the _Conjunctions_ therein set down, may not be found actually existent in _Nature_. The abatement of which, will be much more than compensated two ways. _First_, by the other _Six Species_ of _Simple Tasts_, which are also sometimes compounded. And by other more complex _Conjunctions_, as of many _Quadruples_, and perhaps some _Quintuple_ or _Sextuple_ ones. Thus far of the _Simple Species_, and _Conjunctions_ of _Tasts_.
27. §. THE DEGREES of _Tasts_ are also numerous; and each _Species_, in every _Conjunction_, capable of _Variation_ herein. For the more accurate observing whereof, it will be best, To take those _Bodies_, whose _Tasts_ are, as near as may be, the same in _Specie_: and that those be first tasted, which are less strong; whereby the true _Degree_ will be more precisely taken.
28. §. The _Tasts_ of _Bodies_ will thus appear to be varied, in most _Species_ unto _Five Degrees_; and in some of them, unto _Ten_. So the _Root_ of _Turmerick_, is bitter in the _First Degree_; of _Gentian_, in the _Tenth_. The _Root_ of _Carduus Benedictus_, is _Hot_ in the _First Degree_; the _Green Pods_ or _Seed-Cases_ of _Clematis peregrina_, in the _Tenth_. So that, allowing some to vary under _Five_; yet by a moderate estimate, we may reckon every _Species_, one with another, to be varied by at least _Five Degrees_. Which being added to the several _Species_ of _Tasts_, in all the _Treble Conjunctions_ of the aforesaid _Table_, come to 1800 sensible and defineable _Variations_ of _Taste_. And these are the _Diversities_ of _Taste_, with respect to the _Sensation_ it self.
CHAP. II.
_Of the DURATION and several TERMES of_ Tasts.
THE next general way of distinguishing _Tasts_, is by their _Duration_, and their _Terms_, or their _Motion_ of _Intension_ and _Remission_ from one _Degree_ to another. For there are many _Tasts_, which have their _Motions_ analogous to those of _Diseases_; and by those may be distinguished in the same manner. For as of _Diseases_, so of _Tasts_, there are Four _Times_, as _Physicians_ call them, or _Terms_ of _Motion_; sc. _Principium_, _Augmentum_, _Status_, _& Declinatio_.
2. §. For the distinct observing of which, those _Bodies_ which are hard, and so their tastable parts less easily extractable by the _Tongue_, should be reduced to a fine _Powder_: otherwise, the true measure of the _Principium_ will be lost. And for the precise measuring of all the _Four Termes_, it should be done by a _Minute-Watch_ or a _Minute-Glass_. For so it will appear, that the _Variations_ of each, are divers and remarquable.
3. §. To instance first in those of the _Principium_. Which I call, That space of time, betwixt the first _Contact_ of the _Body_ to be tasted, and the first manifest _Perception_ of the _Taste_. For Example, those _Bodies_ which are _Acid_, or _Bitter_, as _Vinegar_ or _Wormwood_, are presently perceiv’d, _quatenus Acid_ or _Bitter_, upon the first _Contact_; or have _Principium brevissimum_. Those _Bodies_ which are _Acrid_, have their _Principium_ somewhat longer. So the _Seed Cases_ of _Clematis peregrina_, although they have a vehement _Acritude_, even in the Tenth _Degree_; yet is not that _Acritude_ so soon tasted, as the _Bitterness_ of _Roses_, which is but in the second. But the _Principium_ of _Hot Tasts_, is generally longer than that of any other. So the _Bitterness_ of the _Root_ of _Black-Hellebore_, which exceedeth not the second _Degree_, is yet presently tasted: but the _Heat_ proceeding from the same _Root_, and which ascendeth to the third _Degree_, is not perceived at all, till after two full _Minutes_. And so the _Bitterness_ of _Enula_, which exceedeth not the 4ᵗʰ _Degree_, yet is sooner tasted than its _Heat_, which ascendeth to the 8ᵗʰ.
4. §. Next, in those of the _Augment_. Which I call, That space, betwixt the first _Perception_ of the _Taste_, till it be come to the heighth. So the _Heat_ of _Galangale_, is not only presently perceived, but ariseth to the heighth within half a _Minute_. But the _Heat_ of the _Root_ of _Enula_, comes not to the heighth till after a whole _Minute_. And the _Heat_ of _Black-Hellebore_, not till after four full _Minutes_ from the first _Contact_.
5. §. The _Status_, or space wherein the _Taste_ continues in its heighth, is also divers. So the _Heat_ of the _Seed-Case_ of _Helleboraster_, comes to its heighth, and begins to decline within half a _Minute_; that of the _Root_ of _Garden-Scurvygrass_, not till after a _Minute_; and that of the _Root_ of _Asarum_, not till after two full _Minutes_.
6 §. And _Lastly_, the _Declination_, or the space betwixt the first _Remission_ of the _Taste_, and its total _Extinction_. For instance, The _Leavs_ of _Millefolium_, are _Bitter_ in the 4ᵗʰ _Degree_, and _Hot_ only in the 1ˢᵗ yet the _Heat_ continues for sometime, and the _Bitter_ presently vanishes. _Calamus Aromaticus_, is _Bitter_ in the 4ᵗʰ _Degree_, _Hot_ in the 1ˢᵗ, and _Aromatick_ in the 3ᵈ: yet the _Bitter_ quickly vanishes, the _Heat_ continues two _Minutes_, and the _Aromatick_ seven or eight. The _Heat_ of the _Root_ of _Contrayerra_, is extended, almost to two _Minutes_; the _Pungency_ of _Jalap_, almost to six; the _Heat_ of _Garden Scurvygrass_, to seven or eight. And even the _Bitterness_ of _Wild Cucumer_, to near a quarter of an hour. But the _Heat_ of _Euphorbium_ dureth much longer, as also that of _Black Hellebore_, _sc._ above half an hour.
7. §. So that the _Augmentum_, is seldom extended beyond Four or Six _Minutes_, from the first _Contact_: but the _Declination_, sometimes to Thirty, Fourty, or more. Thus far of the _Terms_ of _Tast_, or the manner of their _Intension_ and _Remission_.
CHAP. III.
_Of the SUBJECT or SEAT of_ Tasts.
THE _Third_ and _Last_ way of distinguishing _Tasts_, is by their _Subject_, or the _Part_ or _Parts_ where they are either wholly or chiefly perceived. And so, _Tasts_ are either _Fixed_, or _Movable_.
2. §. A _Fixed Tast_, is that which keepeth within the compass of some one _Part_, all the time of its _Duration_; as upon the _Tip_, or the _Root_ of the _Tongue_, or other _Part_.
3. §. A _Movable Taste_, is either _Diffusive_ or _Transitive_.
4. §. A _Diffusive Taste_, I call that, which by degrees spreads abroad into divers _Parts_, and yet in the mean time, adheres to that _Part_ in which it is first perceived. So the _Bitterness_ in the dryed _Roots_ of _Black Hellebore_, is first felt on the _Tip_ of the _Tongue_; from whence it spreads it self to the midle of the same. And the _Bitterness_ of the _Leavs_ of _Wild Cucumer_, spreads from the _Tip_, to the _Root_ of the _Tongue_.
5. §. A _Transitive Taste_, is that, which after sometime, wholly quitting the _Part_ wherein it is first perceived, is thence transfered into some other _Part_: as the _Bitterness_ of _Gentian_, imediately from the _Tip_, to the midle of the _Tongue_. And most of the _Diffusive_, are also _Transitive_.
6. §. The several _Parts_ which these ways become, and with some latitude may be called, the _Seats_ of _Tasts_, are, the _Lips_, _Tongue_, _Palate_, _Throat_ and _Gulet_.
7. §. Upon the _Lips_, the _Root_ of white _Hellebore_, as also of _Pyrethrum_, being chewed, make a sensible _Impression_; which continues (like the flame of a _Coal_ betwixt in and out) for 9 or 10 _Minutes_. But the _Heat_ in other _Parts_ much longer.
8. §. Upon the _Tongue_, _Tasts_ are perceived in Three places, as hath been intimated. On the _Tip_ or _Cone_ of the _Tongue_; as most commonly. On or near the _Basis_ of the _Tongue_; where the _Taste_ of the _Leavs_ of _Wild Cucumer_ chiefly fixeth it self. Or on the _Vertex_ or midle of the _Tongue_; in which place it is observable, that the _Tast_ of _Gentian_, _Colocynthis_, and divers other _Bodies_, is then considerably strong, when not at all perceived at the _Tip_ of the _Tongue_ or in any other _Part_.
9. §. Upon the _Palate_ or _Roofe_ of the _Mouth_, the _Root_, as I take it, of _Deadly Nightshade_ maketh its chief _Impression_; and there continues about four _Minutes_ in some degree.
10. §. The _Throat_, or the _Uvula_, _Larinx_ and other adjacent _Parts_ are oftentimes the _Seat_ of _Taste_. For there are many _Bodies_, which although they have scarce any _Taste_ upon the _Tongue_, or any other of the aforesaid _Parts_, yet make a strong _Impression_ on the _Throat_: as the _Leavs_ of little _Daisy_, little _Celandine_, and of _Pimpinel_; as also the _Roots_ of _Jalap_, _Mercury_, _Asparagus_ and others. Which being chewed make little or no _Impression_ on the _Tongue_, but their _Juyce_ being swallowed, causeth a kind of pricking in the _Throat_; as when one is provoked by a sharp _Rheum_.
11. §. And that this _Taste_ or _Sense_, is truly distinct from either the _Heat_, _Pungency_, or _Acritude_ upon the _Tongue_, it is hence further manifest; In that _Pyrethrum_, which is very _Hot_, and _Cortex Winteranus_ which is very _Pungent_ upon the _Tongue_; yet their _Juyce_ being swallowed, causeth no _Heat_, _Pungency_ or _Exasperation_ in the _Throat_.
12. §. _Lastly_, if we will take the word (_Tast_) in a larger sense, the _Oesophagus_ it self may be said to be sometimes the _Subject_ thereof; as of the _Heat_ produced by the _Root_ of _Common Wormwood_. For of this _Heat_ it is remarquable, that being first perceived on the _Tip_ of the _Tongue_, it thence maketh its _transit_ to the _Root_ of the _Tongue_, and so into the _Throat_, and by degrees descends into the very _Gulet_; where it seemeth to warm the _Stomach_; and so continues, in some degree, almost ¼ of an hour. And the _Transition_ and _Descent_ of this _Heat_ is made, although none of the _Juyce_ be swallowed. And in this maner _Tasts_ are distinguished with respect to their _Subject_.
13. §. So that the general _Diversities_ of _Tasts_ are these. With respect to their _Species_, they are _Simplices vel Compositi_; To their _Degree_, _Remissi vel Intensi_; To their _Duration_, _Breves vel Diuturni_; To the _Terms_ of their _Motion_, _Celeres vel Tardi_; and lastly, To their _Subject_, _Fixi, Diffusivi & Transitivi_.
14. §. I HAVE thus endeavoured to draw up a _Scheme_ or _Inventory_ of the several sorts of _Tasts_. In which, some may think, that I have over done: and that as _Galen_ hath been censured for being too curious in the _Distinctions_ of _Pulses_; so have I been, in these of _Tasts_. Not to enquire now, how far the _Differences_ of the _Pulse_ may be extended, or be fit to be taken notice of; I shall only say, That we have not so much reason to censure him, if he hath given us some few which are coincident; as we have to thank him, for observing so many which are really distinct.
15. §. By the _Scheme_ of _Tasts_ here represented, we may be able, so to enumerate the _Modes_ of any _Tast_, as to make a _Scientifick Definition_ of it. Which is pleasant _Instruction_ to any inquisitive mind; these things being all matter of sense and demonstration; wherein lyeth, though not always the most plausible, yet the most satisfying _Philosophy_; and where men, after they are grown weary with turning round, are oftentimes contented to rest.
16. §. But the usefulness of this _Schem_ will further appear, in two respects; _sc._ In conducting us to a cleerer and more particular _Explication_ of the _Causes_ of _Tasts_: and the _Investigation_ of the _Virtues_ of those _Bodies_ in which they reside. Whereof in the following _Chapters_.
CHAP. IV.
_Of the CAUSES of_ Tasts.
TO speak of the _Causes_ of _Tasts_, before we have well enumerated and distinguished them; is to provide _Furniture_ for a _House_, before the _Roomes_ have been counted and measured out. But the _Varieties_ of _Tasts_ having been first laid down; it will induce us to believe, and investigate as great a variety in their _Causes_.
2. §. Now the _Causes_ of _Tasts_, particularly of the _Tasts_ of _Plants_, whereof we chiefly speak, are, in general, these Four or Five, _sc._ The _Bed_ out of which they grow; The _Aer_ in which they stand; The _Parts_ of which they consist; The several _Fermentations_ under which their _Juyces_ pass; And the _Organs_ by which their _Tastable Parts_ are perceiv’d: as will appear upon _Instance_.
3. §. But the immediate _Causes_, besides the _Organs_ of _Taste_, are the _Principles_ of _Plants_. As many of which, as come under the notice of _Sense_, we have already supposed to be these Seven, _Alkaline_, _Acid_, _Aer_, _Water_, _Oyl_, _Spirit_ and _Earth_. The _Particles_ both of _Alkaline_ and _Acid Salts_, are all _angular_ and _poynted_. Those of _Aer_, properly and strictly so called, are _Elastick_ or _Springy_; and therefore also _Crooked_; as I have likewise formerly conjectured. And I find the Learned _Borelli_, in a Book of his since then published, to be of the same Opinion. Those of all _Fluid Bodies_, _quà Fluid_, and therefore of _Water_, _Oyl_ and _Spirit_, I conceive to be _Globular_, but _hollow_, and with holes in their Sides. Those of _Water_, to be larger _Globes_, with more _holes_; those of _Oyl_, to be lesser, with fewer _holes_; and those of _Spirit_ the least. Lastly, that the particles of _Earth_ are also _Round_; yet angular; and nearer to a _solid_.
4. §. These _Principles_ affect the _Organs_ of _Sense_, according to the variety of their _Figures_, and of their _Mixture_. So those which are sharp or poynted; and those which are _springy_; are fitted to produce any stronger _Taste_: and those which are round, are apt, of their own _Nature_, to produce a _weaker_ or _softer_ one. And so by the diversities of their _Mixture_; not only with respect to their _Proportion_, but also the very _Mode_ of their _Conjunction_. Hence it is, that many _Bodies_ which abound with _Salt_, as _Ambar_ with an _Acid_, and the _Bones_ of _Land-Animals_ with an _Alkaline_, have notwithstanding but a weak _Tast_; the _Saline Parts_ being in the former drowned in the _Oyl_, and in the latter also buried in the _Earth_.
5. §. The same is further confirmed by an _Experiment_ mentioned in a former _Discourse_; ♦ Of _Mixt._ Ch. 5. ♦ _sc._ the _Transmutation_ of _Oyl_ of _Anise-Seeds_, with the help of _Oyl_ of _Vitriol_, into a _Rosin_. For both those _Liquors_, though so strongly tasted, apart; yet the _Rosin_ made of them, being well washed, hath a very mild _Taste_, and without any smatch of that in either of the _Liquors_. Whence it follows, that the very _Mode_ of _Mixture_ is sufficient, not only for the variation of the _Degrees_ in any one _Species_ of _Tast_; but also for the destroying of one _Species_, and the introducing of another.
6. §. THESE things being premised, I conceive, That as an _Unctuous Tast_ dependeth upon _Oyl_; so a _Vapid_ either on _Water_, or _Earth_: or upon such an intimate _Mixture_ of other _Principles_, as renders them indissoluble by the _Saliva_, and so, in a manner, untastable.
7. §. That a _Pungent_, is made either by an _Alkaly_ or an _Acid_ sharpned or whetted; that is, cleared from the soyl of other _Principles_; as in the _Spirit_ of _Sal Armoniac_ or of _Sulphur_. And so in those _Plants_ which have a _Pungent Tast_; whose _Juyces_ or _Tinctures_, although they consist of divers _Principles_, yet all so loosely mixed, that being dissolved by the _Saliva_, the _Saline_ are hereupon left naked. Wherefore _biting Plants_, _qua biting_, are _Nitrous Plants_. So that the _Juyce_ of such _Plants_, is a kind of _Spirit_ of _Nitre_, made by the several _Parts_ of the _Plant_. Hence _Arum_ grows best under an Hedg; where the Ground, not being exposed to the _Sun_, but the _Aer_ only, like those _Rooms_ in _Houses_, which are covered, is impregnated with a greater quantity of _Nitrous Salt_. And those _Roots_ which are _Biting_, have but few or but small _Aer-Vessels_; whereby fewer parts of the _nitroaereal Sap_ are carryed off into the _Trunk_. For the same _Cause_, it is no wonder, that many _Aquaticks_ are _Biting_; _Water_ being, though it self cold, yet the _Menstruum_ by which all _Salts_ are imbibed most easily, and in laxer state of _Commixture_ with other _Principles_.
8. §. _Penetrant_ (something slower than _Pungent_) is made by any _Salt_ that is also soiled or guarded with _Earth_. _Sower_, by an _Acid_ only soyled with _Earth_. _Salt_, by an _Acid_ guarded by an _Alkaly_, and soyled with _Earth_. _Cold_, by an _Acid_ drowned in _Water_, and soyled with _Earth_.
9. §. In all these, the _Salts_ are _predominant_; In _Heat_ the _Oyl_ or _Sulphur_. The particles whereof being _Spherick_ and _bored_ with _holes_; those of _Salt_ stick in them, as the _Spokes_ do in the _Hub_ of a _Wheel_, or as the _Quills_ in the _Skin_ of a _Porcupine_. Whereby, as in _Common Fire_ the _Sparks_ of _Sulphur_ being agitated and whirled about by the _Aer_; with the help of the _Salts_, which stick in them, tear in pieces all kinds of _Bodies_: so here, being agitated by the _Circulation_ of the _Blood_, they make a kind of hurry or combustion; and so, according to the degree and strength of their _Motion_, tear in pieces fewer or more of the _Fibers_ of the _Tongue_; and in a greater quantity, would raise a _Blister_ upon it; the common _Effect_ of _Fire_, or any strong _Epispastick_. So that a _Hot Tast_, is produced by _Sulphur_ toothed or armed with _Salts_. Wherefore all _Stillatitious Oyls_ are _Hot_; being strongly impregnated or armed with the _Essential Salts_ of the _Plants_ from whence they are distilled. And as those _Plants_ which are very _Parenchymous_, from the predominancy of their _Volatile Acid_, are _biting_: So those which are _Lignous_, that is, have a good quantity of _Lympheducts_, from the dominion of their _Sulphur_ are commonly _Hot_. For the same reason it is, that many both _Biting_ and _Hot Plants_, as the _Roots_ of _Dragon_, _Garden-Radish_, _Onion_, _Iris_, _Rape-Crowfoot_, &c. being corked up in a bottle with _Water_, and set in a Cellar or other cool place; they do all of them turn _Sower_ in a few days: The same _Fermentation_, at once sullying the _Salts_ of the one, and disarming the _Sulphurs_ of the other. But some, wherein the _Sulphureous_ parts are more copious, will hardly ever become _Sower_. Hence also, some _Plants_, whose _Roots_ are neither _Hot_, nor of any strong _Taste_, as those of _Wild Anemone_; yet their _Leaves_ and _Flowers_ are plainly _Caustick_: So that it seems, that as their _Juyces_ rise up into the _Trunk_ or _Stalk_, and are therein further fermented, the _Sulphurous Parts_ thereof, are at the same time relaxed from the other _Principles_, and acuated with an _Aereal Salt_.
10. §. A _Stupifacient Tast_ (as the _Impression_ which some _Hot Plants_ make upon the _Tongue_ may be called) is in some sort, analogous to the mortifying of any part of the Body by the application of a _Caustick_. For as there the mortification succeeds the burning pain, so here, the _Stupifaction_, neither comes before, nor with the _Heat_, but follows it.
11. §. _Sweetness_ is produced, sometimes by an _Alkaly_; smoothed either by a _Sulphur_, as in _Lime-Water_; or by both a _Spirit_ and a _Sulphur_, as in the _Stillatitious Oyls_ of _Animals_. But most commonly, by a smoothed _Acid_; as in _Malt_, _Sugar_, _Hony_. Hence a _Sweet Taste_, is generally founded in a Sower; So Sower _Apples_, by mellowing, and harsh _Pears_, by baking become sweet; the _Spirit_ and _Sulphur_ being hereby at once separated from the other _Principles_ and brought to a nearer union with the _Acid_. So the Sower _Leaves_ of _Wood-Sorrel_, being dry’d, become sweet: and those of a sower _Codlin_, while they hang on the _Tree_, and even of a _Crab-Tree_, are neither _Astringent_, nor sower, but sensibly sweet. And so commonly, wherever the said _Principles_ are a little exalted by a soft _Fermentation_; as in the _Juyce_ of the _Stalk_ of _Maze_ or _Indian Wheat_, which is as sweet as _Sugar_; and in the _green Stalks_ of all sorts of _Corn_ and _Grass_, in several degrees. So likewise _Tulips_ and some other _Roots_, being taken up, in open weather, sometime before they _sprout_; if tasted, are as sweet as _Liquirish_ or _Sugar_; and at no other time: not only _Fruits_, but many _Roots_, _Seeds_, and other _Parts_, upon their first or early _Germination_, acquiring a curious _Mellowness_, wherein, all their _Principles_ are resolved, and their most _Spirituous Parts_ exalted and spread over the _Acid_. Wherefore also most _Roots_, which are not meerly long, but grow deep in the ground, have at least some of their _Juyces_ of a sweet _Tast_; as _Liquirish_, _Eryngo_, _Hounds-Tongue_, _Garden-Parsnep_, _Black Henbeane_, _Deadly Night-shade_, _&c._ Even the _Juyce_ of _Horse Radish_, which bleeds at the _Lympheducts_, is of a sweet _Taste_. And of the same kindred those which grow the deepest, are the sweetest; as a _Parsnep_ is sweeter than a _Carrot_, especially if you tast the bleeding _Sap_; and the _Root_ of _Common Tall Trefoyl_ tasteth somewhat like _Liquirish_, but is not near so sweet. For all deep _Roots_, are fed with a less _Nitrous Aliment_: and being remoter from the _Aer_, their _Juyces_ pass under much more soft and moderate _Fermentations_.
12. §. _Bitterness_ is produced by a _Sulphur_ well impregnated, either with an _Alkaline_, or an _Acid Salt_, but also shackled with _Earth_. And therefore the _Bitterest Plants_, commonly yield the greatest quantity of _Lixivial Salt_. So also many _Stillatitious Oyls_ digested with any strong _Acid_, will acquire a _Bitter Taste_. Wherefore this _Taste_ is often founded either in a _Hot Taste_, or a _Sweet_. Hence it is, that the _Leaves_ of all sweet _Roots_ are _Bitter_. And that the _Fig-Tree_, which bears a sweet _Fruit_, bleeds a _Bitter Milk_. So likewise those _Plants_, which bear a _Bitter Stalk_, have not _Bitter_, but _Hot Roots_, as in _Yarrow_, _Primrose_, _Wormwood_, _Rue_, _Carduus benedictus_ &c. is manifest. So the _Coats_ of the _Seeds_ of _Viola Lunaria_ are of a _hot_ and _biting Tast_; but the _Seeds_ themselves, in which the _Salts_, though copious, yet are also immersed in a greater quantity of _Oyl_, are _Bitter_. And that the _Earthy Parts_ do also contribute something more to this, than to most of the forementioned _Tasts_, is argued from its being more _Fixed_; that is, the _Body_ in which it resides, is either more _Fixed_, or else flyeth not away in that same state of conjunction, by which it maketh a _Bitter Taste_. For whereas _Hot_, _Biting_, and divers other _Plants_ lose the strength of their _Taste_, by drying; most of those which are _Bitter_, do hereby increase it. And although the _Extract_ of _Dandelion_ and some other _Roots_, which are very _Bitter_, hath scarce any _Tast_, yet generally, they are _Bitter Plants_, which are best for the making of _Extracts_. And the distilled waters of _Plants_ which are _Hot_ and =Bitter=, notwithstanding that they always tast high of the _Heat_, yet rarely and very faintly of the _Bitter_.
13. §. _Astringency_, is made, partly, by the further increase and more intimate union of the _Earth_. And therefore this is seated still in a more _Fixed Composition_, than a _Bitter_. And partly, by the diminution of the _Sulphur_. And therefore the _Acid Parts_ ingredient to it, either by _Fermentation_ or otherwise, are easily exposed. _Astringency_ being the _Womb_ or _Bud_ of a _Sower_. For all or most _Astringent Roots_ bear a sower _Leaf_, or a sower _Fruit_; as those of all _Docks_ and _Sorrels_, _Black-Thorn_, _Dog-Rose_, and others. Wherefore also, _Astringency_ is often found in conjunction with _Bitter_, _Sweet_, or _Sower_; but scarce ever with _Pungent_, or _Hot_.
14. §. An _Aromatick Tast_, seems to be produced, chiefly, by a _spirituous_, _acid_, and _volatile Sulphur_; as in _Ambar-griese_, _Cardamon-Seeds_, many _Stillatitious Oyls_ &c. A _Nauseous_, by a _Sulphur_ less _Spirituous_ and _Volatile_, and more _Alkaline_; as in the _Root_ of _Dog-stones_, _Sheep scabious_, the young and green _Leaves_ of _Coriander_, or the _Seeds_ of _Cumine_. The _Spirit_, as it enters the _Nerves_, carrying the _Alkaline Sulphur_ along with it; as when a City is betrayed by one of its Inhabitants to an Enemy.
15. §. An _Intermittent Taste_, as in _Arum_, seems to have its dependance upon a simple and very pure _Nitre_, which by its subtilty enters into the very _Concaves_ of the _Nervous Fibers_ of the _Tongue_: and so being lodged there, is little affected or stirred, by the _Motion_ of the _Blood_; but only when the _Tongue_ it self is moved, at which time it causeth a kind of pricking _Taste_.
16. §. A _Tremulous Taste_, as in _Pyrethrum_, dependeth probably, upon an _Aereal Sulphur_; which being agitated by the _Blood_ in its _Circulation_, the _springy Motion_ or _Vibration_ of the _Aereal Parts_ produce that _Taste_.
17. §. A _Tast_ is _Lingual_, _Guttural_, &c. according to the grosness or fineness or other difference of the _Membranes_ into which the _tastable parts_ are admitted. For _Tasts_ are made not meerly by the outward _Contact_, but the _Ingress_ of the _tastable parts_. Now the outer _Skin_ of the _Tongue_, which is commonly observed to pill off in boyling, like the _Cuticula_ in other _Parts_, hath either no sense, or much less than that which lies under it; and is therefore, but a _Sieve_ or _Strainer_ to the _tastable parts_. So that being of different fineness in the several parts of the _Tongue_; it hereby comes to pass, that according as the _tastable parts_ of any _Plant_ are more or less penetrant, subtle, or dissoluble, they are admitted into one part of the _Tongue_, and not another. And in the _Throat_, the outer _Skin_ it self, seems to be the immediate _Sensory_; and so, to be evidently affected with the _Juyces_ of some _Plants_, from which the _Tongue_ receiveth little or no sensible _Impression_.
18. §. When the _Tast_ is _Permanent_ and _Fixed_ in some one _Part_; it is a sign, either that the _Gustable Parts_ are less dissoluble; or more subtle, so as to enter the _Concaves_ of the _Fibers_; and that there is an admixture of an _Aereal Salt_, or a like _Sulphur_; some of the parts whereof, being crooked, hang like _Hooks_ on the _Fibers_ of the _Tongue_. For the reception of such a _Tast_, is not to be looked upon as a wound made with a _Lancet_, and so the _Lancet_ taken away; but with the _Lancet_ sticking in the wound; until in time, ’tis carryed off by the _Circulation_ of the _Blood_; which like the _Stream_ of a _River_ in a _Flood_, carries all before it, but those things last, which stick in the _Mud_.
19. §. But when the _Tast_, though _Permanent_, yet is _Diffusive_ or _Transitive_; it seems probable, that as there is a less admixture of _Aer_; so a greater subtlety of the _Tastable Parts_, whereby they are conveyed, through the _Nervous Fibers_, from one _Part_ to another.
CHAP. V.
_Of the Judgment which may be made of the VIRTUES of_ Plants, _from their_ Tasts.
AS by duly observing the _Tasts_ of _Plants_, we may be directed to understand their _Causes_. So also the _Use_ and _Virtues_ of those _Plants_ or _Parts_ of _Plants_ in which they reside. For the proof whereof, an _Instance_ might be fetched from every particular difference of _Tast_ before set down. But it may be enough, to give these which follow.
2. §. And first, we may make no ill guess _ex Analogia_, or where we find the same _Tast_, that there the same _Virtue_ in some kind, and in some degree, may reside. So _Jalap_, _Mercury_, and _Daisy_, have all of them that exasperating _Tast_ in the _Throat_ before described; and they are all three more or less _Cathartick_. Wherefore, we may believe, that other _Plants_ which make the like _Impression_ on the _Throat_, and there are many others which do, that they are in some degree alike _Cathartick_. Those _Plants_ which are reckoned amongst the chiefest _Cephalicks_, cause rather a durable, than a vehement _Heat_ upon the _Tongue_, as _Pyrethrum_, _Euphorbium_, _Black-Hellebore_, &c. It seemeth therefore reasonable to rank with these, any other _Plant_, though not used, which produceth the like durable _Heat_. The young _Roots_ of _Yarrow_, or _Millefolium_, have the same _Taste_, as the _Root_ of _Contrayerva_: and may therefore be used for the same purpose, with a probability of the like success; if not a better, because they may be gotten fresher. But by drying the _Root_, the _Tast_ and _Virtue_, which lie in its exhalible parts, are much lost. The _Seeds_ of the lesser _Cardamom_, and of _Zedoary Root_, if found, have both a smatch of the _Tast_ of _Camphire_. They may therefore all, so far, reach the same Case.
3. §. Again, as we may make no ill conjecture from the sameness of _Taste_ in _Plants_ of several _Tribes_; so from the diversity of _Taste_, in those of the same. So the _Flowers_ of all the _Docks_ are evidently _Astringent_, and not _Sower_; except those of the _Rha-pontick_, which are extream sower, even in the 5ᵗʰ degree. Which is no mean _Signature_ of some more than ordinary _Virtue_ in it, besides what it hath in common with the rest of the _Tribe_. The _Flowers_ of _Pancy_ have a kind of fulsome _Tast_, plainly different from that of _Violets_: and in some _Hypochondriacal Cases_ may be more useful.
4. §. It likewise importeth much, to observe the difference of _Taste_ in the several _Parts_ of the same _Plant_. So the _Barque_ of _Sassafras_ is three times as strong, as the _Wood_: and the like may be observed in any other commonly known _Tree_. If therefore we could obtein the _Barques_ of _Santalum_, _Lignum Rhodium_, _Lignum Aloes_, &c. they would doubtless, most of them, be of much greater use. And as the _Taste_ is sometimes stronger; so, much more grateful, in one _Part_ than in another: as in the _Flowers_ or _Yellow Attire_ in the _Heads_ of _Carduus Benedictus_; which being infused in _Spirit_ of _Wine_, or other convenient _Liquor_, make a pleasant _Cordial_. Nature having laped up the _Virtue_ in the _Leavs_, as in a brown _Paper_; but in the _Flowers_, as in _Leaf-Gold_.
5. §. As also, how far the _Taste_ of any _Plant_ may alter, either in preserving, or preparing it. So the _Root_ of _Arum_, when taken fresh out of the ground, is notably _Pungent_: but being throughly dryed, and especially kept for some time, hath no more _Taste_, and therefore in all likelyhood, no more _Virtue_, than a _Lump_ of _Starch_. The like we are to judge of all other _Plants_, whose _Virtue_ lieth in their exhalible _Parts_. The _Stillatitious Oyls_ of many _Plants_, are stronger than the _Leavs_ or other _Parts_ from whence they are drawn: but some there are, which are weaker; as is that of _Euphorbium_, in which the _Heat_ is neither pertinaceous, as in the _Gum_ it self, nor so great.
6. §. We may make, moreover, a judgment from the _Nature_ of the _Tast_. So those _Roots_ which are _Bitter_, and not _Hot_, as of _Cichory_, and the rest of the _Intybous_ kind, may be accounted _Nitro-Sulphureous_; and so, to be _Abstersive_ without any _Heating Quality_. The _Marum Austriacum_, which is extream _Pungent_, as well as _Aromatick_, may be looked upon as the best _Cephalick_ of that _Tribe_. Because we find, that _Jalap_ hath a special property of imitating the _Glandulous Parts_ of the _Mouth_, and _Throat_; we may gather, That it is a better _Purge_ to all the other _Glandulous Parts_, than most other _Catharticks_. Which is also one reason of its operation, for the most part, with at least a tendency to vomit; the _Stomach_ it self being _Glandulous_ as well as the _Throat_, and thereby answerably affected with it. A strong _Infusion_ of _white Sarzaparilla_ in _Water_, botled up, and kept in a _Cellar_ for the space of two months, becomes extream sower; far beyond any thing observed in the _Tasts_ of the _Juyces_ and _Infusions_ of divers other _Plants_ kept as long and in the same manner. Which shews, how well Nature hath adapted a _Plant_ of so mild a _Taste_, either by similitude of parts, for the carrying off of any _preternatural Acid_; or by contrariety, for the curbing of an exorbitant _Salt_. The _Barque_ of the _Root_ of common _Wormwood_, which impresseth a pertinaceous and diffusive _Taste_, which descendeth from the _Tongue_ into the _Gulet_, as is before described; may be justly ranked with the most excellent _Stomachicks_; and upon tryal, I find it one of the best: besides, that it is neither unpleasant, nor affecteth the _Head_, as the _Leavs_. Yet the _Gardener_, and every Body throws it away, as good for nothing.
7. §. I shall conclude with one note, which is this; That the _Specifick Virtue_ of _Medicines_, which some _Physicians_ positively deny, and most dispute; from some of the forementioned _Differences_ of _Taste_, as well as for other reasons, may seem, at least, to be probable. For why should not a _Medicine_ make an _Impression_ upon one _Part_, and not upon another, within the _Body_, as well as we find it doth within the _Mouth_? especially, since the _Parts_ of the _Mouth_, are of a less different _Nature_, than some of the _Viscera_.
_An Appendix._
_Of the ODOURS of_ Plants.
THE _Senses_ of _Tasting_ and _Smelling_ being so nearly ally’d; many things already explained concerning the _Diversities_ and _Causes_ of _Tasts_ in _Plants_, may easily be transferr’d to those of their _Odours_. I shall now therefore only remarque some particulars, not commonly taken notice of hitherto, and leave them as a _Specimen_ to be Improved by other Hands.
2. §. The _Root_ of _Rape-Crowfoot_ being cut, and held to the _Nose_, when it is newly taken out of the _Ground_, smelleth almost like _Spirit_ of _Sal Armoniac_, or fresh _Scurvygrass Juyce_. And hath the property of making the _Eyes_ to water, as _Onions_ do. _Horse-Radish Root_ is not so _Pungent_ to the _Nose_, but gets pretty much into the _Eyes_. But that of _Dragon_, doth neither affect the _Eyes_, nor the _Nose_.
3. §. The _Succulent Roots_ of _Dogstones_, and most of that _Tribe_, have a rank _Smell_. And that of _Crown Imperial_, being rub’d a little, smells as like a _Fox_, as one _Fox_ smelleth like another.
4. §. The _Root_ of _Patience_ digested with _Water_, in a warm _Room_, for the space of three weeks, smels like _Spirit_ of _Harts Horn_, or other _Urinous Spirit_. Of _Red Dock_, almost like _Aqua fortis_ or _Spirit_ of _Nitre_. That of _Dragon_ bottled up with _Water_, and set in a _Cellar_, about a Month, stinks like the _pus_ of the most _Fetid Ulcer_. At the end of five Months, more abominably, than either to be endured or expressed.
5. §. The _Leavs_ of _Mountain Calamint_, smell like _Peny Royal_. Those of _Ulmaria_, like _Walnut Pills_. Of _Yellow Lamium_, like a _Balsame_. Of _Sena_, a good quantity being held to the _Nose_, of a rank _Smell_ betwixt that of _Sweat_ and _Urine_. Of _Coriander_, when green and young, stink so basely, that they can hardly be endur’d. Sometimes the _Leavs_ have a stronger _Smell_, than the _Flower_, as in _Borage_, and sometimes the _Stalk_, a stronger than the _Leavs_, as in _Ulmaria_.
6. §. _Rue Leavs_ corked up in a bottle and set in a _Cellar_ for about ten weeks, smell like _Spirit_ of _Harts Horn_, or of _Urine_. The green _Leaves_ of _Roses_ infused in water, have a mild, but pleasant _Smell_. Neither is that of _Savine_ unpleasant, upon the like _Infusion_.
7. §. _Scurvygrass Juyce_ kept about ¾ of a year in bottles, with the green _Sedement_, in a warm _Room_, stinks like Humane _Excrements_. And _Scurvygrass Wine_, made only of the _Juyce_, smells like some _Issues_.
8. §. The _Flowers_ of _Yarrow_, smell not much unlike to those of _Southernwood_. And the _Flowers_ of _Crowfoot_ almost like those of _Scurvygrass_. Some _Flowers_ are of a weaker _Smell_ in the _Bud_, as those of _Mallow_. But many have a stronger, than when they are blown open; as those of _Lavender_, _Rosemary_, &c.
9. §. The _Buds_ of _Vervaine Mallow_, while they are young, and the _Flowers_ unseen, have a very pleasant _Smell_, like that of _Geranium Moschatum_: but when afterwards they are opened they have an unpleasant _Smell_. Common _Mallow Flowers_ dryed and bottled up for some time, acquire, though not a strong, yet very noysom _Smell_.
10. §. The _Purple Pouch_ of _Dragon_ which covers the _Seed_, being broken, smells just like a _Lobster_. But permitted to lie in a warm _Room_ for some days, smells exactly like _Carrion_; and scents the _Room_ with the same _Smell_.
11. §. Some _Seeds_ as those of _Cumine_, _Daucus_, being powdered and laped up only in _Papers_, do notwithstanding retein their _Smell_. But many others, as of _Sweet Fenil_, in a short time, lose it. Some _Seeds_, when they first begin to sprout, become _Odorous_, which were not so before; as the _Garden Bean_.
_Tabula, quâ perspicuè videre est, quot Triplicati Sapores, ex solummodo decem Simplicibus numerantur._
AMARUS Am.du.ac. am.du.sa. am.ac.sa. am.du.ca. am.ac.ca. am.sa.ca. am.du.fr. am.ac.fr. am.sa.fr. am.ca.fr. am.du.ar. am.ac.ar. am.sa.ar. am.ca.ar. am.fr.ar. am.du.ma. am.ac.ma. am.sa.ma. am.ca.ma. am.fr.ma. am.ar.ma. am.du.as. am.ac.as. am.sa.as. am.ca.as. am.fr.as. am.ar.as. am.ma.as. am.du.pu. am.ac.pu. am.sa.pu. am.ca.pu. am.fr.pu. am.ar.pu. am.ma.pu. am.as.pu. DULCIS Du.ac.sa. du.ac.ca. du.sa.ca. du.ac.fr. du.sa.fr. du.ca.fr. du.ac.ar. du.sa.ar. du.ca.ar. du.fr.ar. du.ac.ma. du.sa.ma. du.ca.ma. du.fr.ma. du.ar.ma. du.ac.as. du.sa.as. du.ca.as. du.fr.as. du.ar.as. du.ma.sa. du.ac.pu. du.sa.pu. du.ca.pu. du.fr.pu. du.ar.pu. du.ma.pu. du.as.pu.
ACIDUS Aci.sal.cal. aci.sal.fri. aci.cal.fri. aci.sal.aro. aci.cal.ar. aci.fri.ar. aci.sal.mal. aci.cal.ma. aci.fri.mal. aci.ar.mal. aci.sal.ast. aci.cal.ast. aci.fri.ast. aci.ar.ast. ac.ma.ast. ac.sal.pu. aci.ca.pun. aci.fr.pun. aci.ar.pun. ac.ma.pu. ac.ast.pu.
SALSUS Sal.cal.fri. sal.cal.aro. sal.fri.aro. sal.cal.mal. sal.fri.mal. sal.aro.mal. sal.cal.ast. sal.fri.ast. sal.aro.ast. sal.ma.ast sal.cal.pun. sal.fri.pun. sal.aro.pun. sal.ma.pu. sal.ast.pun.
CALIDUS Cal.fri.aro. cal.fri.mal. cal.aro.mal. cal.fri.ast. cal.aro.ast. cal.mal.ast. cal.fri.pun. cal.aro.pun. cal.mal.pun. cal.ast.pun.
FRIGIDUS Fri.aro.mal. fri.aro.ast. fri.mal.ast. fri.aro.pun. fri.mal.pun. fri.ast.pun.
AROMATICUS Aro.mal.ast. aro.mal.pun. aro.ast.pun.
MALIGNUS
ASTRINGENS
PUNGENS
_Tabula, quæ Genericas omnes Saporum differentias comprenhedit._
SAPORES, ratione Sensationis ipsius, distinguuntur per Species. Sunt enim alii Simplices, qui sunt ⎧Amarus ⎩Dulcis ⎧Acidus ⎩Salsus ⎧Calidus ⎩Frigidus ⎧Aromaticus ⎩Malignus ⎧Æqualis ⎩Tremulus Mollis Vapidus Unctuosus Durus Penetrans Stupifaciens Astringens Pungens Continuus Intermittens Compositi, qui sunt Nominati; seil. Acerbus Austcrus Acris Muriaticus Lixivus Nitrosus Iñominati quamplurimi, ut Amaro-dulcis, &c. Gradus. Ita enim sunt Remissi ve Intensi a gradu 3º ad 1ᵘᵐ· 4º ad 10ᵘᵐ· Durationis, sunt Breves Diuturni Motûs, sunt Celeres⎫ Tardi ⎭in Principio Augmento Statu Declinatione. Est autem Sapor in Principio Quartarius Binarius Trinarius Minutarius Minuto-quartarius, &c. Bi-minutarius Bino-quartarius, &c. Triminutarius Augmento Quartarius, &c. Bi-minutarius Statu. Quartarius, &c. Quadrinarius. Declinatione Quartarius, &c. Quadrino-quartarius, &c. Quinarius Senarius, &c. Vicenarius Viceno-quinarius Tricenarius Triceno-quinarius Quadragenarius Subjecti, sunt Fixi Labiales Linguales qui ad Linguæ Apicem Verticem Radicem percipiuntur Palatales, Gutturales, Oesophagei. Mobiles Diffusivi. Transitivi.
EXPERIMENTS
IN
CONSORT
UPON THE
Solution of Salts
IN
WATER.
Read before the _Royal Society_, _January, 18. 1676/7_.
CHAP. I.
_In which is shewed, the Compleat or Utmost_ Impregnation _of WATER with several kinds of_ Salt, _both together, and apart._
IN discourse upon a _Lecture_ formerly read, concerning the _Lixivial Salts_ of _Plants_; It was mentioned, as a thing asserted by some _Phylosophers_, That _Water_ having been fully impregnated with one kind of _Salt_, so as to bear no more of that kind; it would yet bear, or dissolve some portion of another; and so of a third. And it was referred to Me by this Honourable Chair, to examine and produce the _Experiment_. The doing whereof brought into my mind divers other _Experiments_ hereunto relating.
2. §. As next, With what difference of quantity this _Superimpregnation_ would be made, upon the _Solution_ of different _Salts_?
3. §. _Thirdly_, Whether the _Solution_ of a smaller quantity of several _Salts_, doth consist with the _non-increase_ of the bulk of the _Water_? Because this also is affirmed by some.
4. §. _Fourthly_, What quantity of the several kinds of _Salt_, may be dissolved severally, in the same quantity of _Water_?
5. §. _Fifthly_, Whether by dissolving a _Salt_ in _Water_, there be any _Space_ gained, or not? That is, whether the _Bulk_ of the _Water_ be greater, before the _Salt_ lying in it be fully dissolved, than it is afterwards? Or if a _Cubick Inch_ of _Salt_ be dissolved in nine _Cubick Inches_ of _Water_; Whether the _Water_ will then fill a _Vessel_ of ten _Cubick Inches content_?
6. §. _Sixthly_, Whether the _Space_ be equally gained, by an equal encrease of the same _Salt_?
7. §. _Seventhly_, Whether upon the _Solution_ of several kinds of _Salts_, be gained so many several quantities of _Space_? That is, if the _Solution_ of common _Salt_ gains, suppose, an _Inch_, whether the _Solution_ of _Salt Armoniack_ gains as much, or more, or less? and so for other _Salts_.
8. §. _Eighthly_, What that just space may be, which any _Salt_ gaineth with respect to its own _Bulk_, or that of the _Water_?
9. §. And first, for the _Superimpregnation_ of _Water_; I put into a bottle ℥ij of fair _Water_; adding thereto, first half an Ounce of _Nitre_; and afterwards more, as the _Water_ would dissolve it; and (that I might be sure the _Impregnation_ was full) some portion above what the _Water_ would bear. Then having separated this remaining portion; I put to this _Solution_ of _Nitre_, two Drachms of _Sal Armoniac_; which wholly and easily dissolved in the said _Solution_; though it would not bear a grain more of _Nitre_. I then added a third Drachm of _Sal Armoniac_, after that a fourth, and a fifth; all which, within the space of half an hour, were perfectly dissolved in the said _Solution_, without any precipitation of the _Nitre_.
10. §. In the making of this Experiment, two things, to render it infallacious, are to be noted. That the said _Salts_ were not dissolved by the help of _Fire_, but only by a strong and continued _Agitation_. And that this was done upon a warm day: which I mention, because that even the changes of the weather will somewhat alter the _Solubility_ of the _Salts_.
11. §. Having made the Experiment upon two _Salts_, I proceeded to repeat it upon three. And first I dissolved as much common _Salt_ in ℥ij of _Water_, as that quantity would bear. Then having separated the subsiding portion; I put to the _Solution_, no less than five Drachms of _Nitre_, which by a continued _Agitation_, was wholly dissolved therein, neither the _Nitre_ nor the common _Salt_ being in the least precipitated. Then adding a Scruple more, it would not dissolve, but subsided. This second subsiding portion, I again separated; and then put to this _Superimpregnation_, near ʒj of _Sal Armoniac_, which was also dissolved as the former. And if as many more _Salts_ had been added, ’tis probable that the same _Water_ would have born some quantity of them all.
12. §. From this Experiment, it is a Conclusion demonstrated, That not only the visible _Crystals_, but the very _Atomes_ of every _Salt_, at least those _Particles_ which are ultimately dissolved in _Water_, have a different _Figure_ one from another. Because that if they were all of one _Figure_; there would be no _Superimpregnation_, but the _Pores_ of the same _Water_, would imbibe as much of one _Salt_, as answers to the total of two more _Salts_ imbibed: that is to say, it would as well imbibe two Ounces of common _Salt_, as one Ounce of common _Salt_ and another of _Nitre_: which yet is contrary to the Experiment. And it is the same thing, whether we suppose the _Pores_ of _Water_ to be also different, or not. Because, that if the _Figure_ of all the said _Atomes_ be the same; then their respect to the _Pores_ of the _Water_ must be the same, how different so ever those _Pores_ be: which is also contrary to the Experiment. Besides it is a great presumption, to say, that the _Pores_, and therefore the _Atomes_ of _Water_ have different _Figures_; and yet not those of _Salts_.
13. §. From the same Experiment we may go upon good ground in _Compounded Infusions_; whether of _Purgative_, or other _Materials_. As not doubting, but that the same _Menstruum_ may be highly impregnated with several _Ingredients_ at once, whose operative parts may be therein copiously dissolved, without hindring either an _Extraction_, or causing a _Precipitation_ one of an other.
14. §. The _Second_ Enquiry is, With what difference this _Superimpregnation_ of _Water_ is made? which I find considerable. For a _Solution_ of above five Drachms of _Nitre_ may be _superimpregnated_ with no less quantity of _Sal Armoniac_. And a _Solution_ of five Drachms of common _Salt_, may be _superimpregnated_ with as much _Nitre_. Yet neither a strong _Solution_ (as of five Drachms) of common _Salt_, will bear above two Scruples of _Sal Armoniac_: nor will a strong _Solution_ (as of five Drachms) of _Sal Armoniac_, bear above a Drachm of common _Salt_: for if above the said quantities of either of them be mixed together: they are both copiously and forthwith precipitated to the bottome of the _Glass_.
15. §. Whence, notwithstanding the former Experiment, yet are we admonished, not to infuse all manner of _Ingredients_ in any proportion. Because though some do not, yet others will precipitate one another.
16. §. The _Third_ Enquiry was this, Whether the _Solution_ of a smaller quantity of several _Salts_, doth consist with the _non-increase_ of the _Bulk_ of the _Water_? For this I took a _Bolthead_ with a slender _Neck_, conteining about a pint and a quarter of _Water_; and dissolved therein about ℥jß of _Nitre_. And marking the place to which the _Water_ ascended in the _Neck_ of the _Bolthead_: I then dissolved in the same _Water_ about a Drachm of _Sal Gemmæ_: which little quantity, raised the _Water_ above half an Inch higher then it was before. The like I observed in the addition of _Nitre_ to a _Solution_ of _Sal Armoniac_. So that to suppose the variation of the _Salt_ doth prevent the increase of the _Bulk_ of the _Water_, is a manifest Error.
17. §. From the same Experiment it also appears, That the ascent of the _Water_ upon a _Superimpregnation_, is the same, by whatsoever _Salt_ the first _Impregnation_ be made. For instance, Let a _Solution_ of _Nitre_ ascend in the _Neck_ of the _Bolthead_, suppose, to 10 Inches, then add ½ an Ounce more of _Nitre_, so as to raise the _Water_, suppose, 12 Inches or more, or less, according to the _Bore_ of the _Neck_. In like manner, let a _Solution_ of _Sal Armoniac_ reach to ten Inches: then add again half an Ounce of _Nitre_; and it will reach just 12 Inches, or more or less, as before.
18. §. The _Fourth_ Enquiry is, What quantity of the several kinds of _Salt_, may be dissolved severally in the same quantity of _Water_: that is to say, by agitation alone, without the help of fire, as I noted before. And upon tryal it appears, First, that two Ounces of _Water_ will dissolve three Ounces of _Loaf-Sugar_ and no more, except the _Water_ be heated.
19. §. The same quantity of _Water_ that is, two Ounces will dissolve above two Ounces of _Salt_ of _Tartar_. I say above, for how much more, want of a greater quantity of _Salt_ which I could confide in, made me that I could not finish the Experiment.
20. §. The same quantity, _sc._ two Ounces of _Water_, dissolveth an Ounce and a Drachm of _Green Vitriol_.
21. §. The like quantity dissolveth six Drachms and a Scruple or above ¾ of an Ounce of common _Salt_.
22. §. Of _Nitre_, Five Drachms two Scruples and an half.
23. §. Of _Sal Armoniac_, five Drachms and two Scruples.
24. §. Of _Alum_, not above two Drachms and a Scruple.
25. §. And of _Borax_, not above a Drachm and half a Scruple.
26. §. Of these note, That although Common _Salt_ be very dissoluble, and will presently catch the moysture of the _Aer_: yet a much greater quantity not only of _Salt_ of _Tartar_, but even of _Loaf Sugar_, and of _Green Vitriol_ it self, may be dissolved in _Water_ than of Common _Salt_.
27. §. Again, as the great _Solubility_ of some, so the less _Solubility_ of other _Salts_ is also observable, as of _Alum_, and _Borax_. For the same quantity of _Water_ will dissolve near four times as much of _Green Vitriol_, as it will of _Alum_. And of _Sugar_ more than ten times as much. Of _Green Vitriol_ near eight times as much as of _Borax_; and of _Sugar_, twenty times as much.
28. §. From this Experiment we are likewise cautioned, not only in the _Infusion_ of several _Ingredients_ together, but of any one singly; that such a proportion thereof to the _Menstruum_, be not exceeded. For all that is over and above what the _Menstruum_ will bear, is either not extracted, or will be precipitated. As is evident not only in the _Dissolution_ of the _Salts_ above named, but in the _Infusion_ of _Plants_ themselves: as, for instance, of _Senna_; two Drachms whereof will impregnate four Ounces of _Water_ as strongly, as if twice the quantity were infused; because the _Water_ will bear no more of the _Purgative Parts_ of that _Body_.
29. §. There is only one _Salt_ more remaineth to be spoken of under this Experiment; and that is, the _Crystals_ of _Tartar_. Whereof, it is somewhat strange to observe, that it will scarce at all dissolve in _Water_: not more, than even divers _Resinous Gums_, as _Mastick_, _Tolu_, _Tacchamahacca_, and some others will do. For if two Drachms, suppose of these _Crystals_, of _Tartar_ (commonly sold for _Cremor Tartari_) be put to one Ounce of _Water_, scarce five Grains thereof will, by _Agitation_, be therein dissolved.
CHAP. II.
_In which is shewed, that by the_ Solution _of_ Salts _in_ Water, _some certain space, more or less, is gained. That the space is different according to the Nature of the_ Salt. _And what the just space is, which is gained._
THE _Fifth_ Enquiry is, Whether by dissolving of a _Salt_ in _Water_, there be any space gained, or not. That is, whether the _Bulk_ of the _Water_ be greater before the _Salt_ lying in it be fully dissolved, than afterwards. For tryal whereof, I took a _Bolt-head_ with a slender _Neck_, holding somewhat more than a pint; and filling it up to a certain place in the _Neck_; I then put in an Ounce or two of _Salt_. And observing the hight of the _Water_, both before it was dissolved, and afterwards; It plainly appeared, that there was some, and that a considerable space, gained by the _Dissolution_; the _Water_ thereby sinking several Inches below the place, where it stood after the _Salt_ was first put into it.
2. §. From this Experiment it is plain, that there are _Vacuities_ in _Water_. That is to say, that all the parts of _Water_ are not contiguous, but that either betwixt, or in the _Atomes_ of the _Water_ themselves, there are certain _Pores_, either absolutely void, or at least filled up with another more subtile body which is easily excluded by the particles of _Salt_: by possessing the room of which the above said space is gained.
3. §. The _Sixth_ Enquiry is, Whether the space be equally gained, by an equal encrease of the same _Salt_.
4. §. For this I made two tryals; the first was this. Two half Ounces of _Salt Armoniac_, being successively dissolved in the same _Water_; both of them raised up the _Water_ in the _Neck_ of the _Bolt-head_, equally; the first 3 Inches ⅝, and so the second.
5. §. The other was this. Four half Ounces of _Nitre_, being successively dissolved in the same _Water_, they all of them raised up the _Water_ in the _Neck_ of the _Bolt-head_, equally; the first a little above two Inches, and the 2ᵈ, 3ᵈ, and 4ᵗʰ, just as much.
6. §. The _Seventh_ Enquiry is, Whether upon the _Dissolution_ of several kinds of _Salts_, be gained so many several quantities of space. For this I made tryal upon Eleven several _Salts_, sc. _Salt_ of _Tartar_, _Common Salt_, _Sal Gemmeus_, _Roman Vitriol_, _Nitre_, _White Vitriol_, _Green Vitriol_, _Alum_, _Borax_, _Loaf-Sugar_, and _Sal Armoniac_; of all which, I dissolved an equal quantity _sc._ two Ounces, in an equal quantity of _Water_, severally; that is, taking fresh _Water_ for every _Solution_. The success was, That the _Sal Armoniac_ raised the _Water_ 15 Inches. The _Loaf-Sugar_, 13 Inches and ⅜ᵗʰˢ· The _Borax_, a Foot. The _Alum_ 11 Inches, and ⅝ᵗʰˢ. _Green Vitriol_, 9 Inches and ⅝ᵗʰˢ· _White Vitriol_, 9 Inches and ⅛ᵗʰ. _Nitre_, 8 Inches, and ⅜ᵗʰˢ· _Roman Vitriol_, 7 Inches and ⅝ᵗʰˢ· _Sal Gemmæ_, 6 Inches, and ⅝ᵗʰˢ· _Common Salt_, 6 Inches and ⅜ᵗʰˢ· _Salt_ of _Tartar_, not above 4 Inches and ⅛ᵗʰ. All which differences are plain, and most of them very remarquable: Two Ounces of _Sal Armoniac_ raising the _Water_ near four times as high, as the same quantity of _Salt_ of _Tartar_.
7. §. From this and the fourth Experiment, compared, it also appears, That the several spaces gained by the several _Salts_, though sometimes they do, yet do not always answer to the _Solubility_ of the said _Salts_. As to give some Instances; _Loaf-Sugar_ is the most dissoluble of any other _Salt_; yet it gaineth less space than all the rest, save only _Sal Armoniac_. So _Green Vitriol_ is more dissoluble then either _Nitre_ or _Common Salt_; yet gaineth less space than either, especially than the latter. And _Sal Armoniac_, which is more dissoluble than _Alum_ or _Borax_, yet gaineth less space than either of them. The _Cause_ whereof is not easily assigned.
8. §. Note also, that by the same Experiment, as well as by the _Taste_ and other Circumstances, it is plain, That _Sal Gemmæ_ is nothing else but _Common Salt_, coagulated or _Crystalliz’d_ under _Ground_.
9. §. Again, as the Fifth Experiment sheweth, That there are _Vacuities_ in _Water_: so doth this Last, that those _Vacuities_, are of differing kinds. Because, otherwise, it should seem, That the _Bulk_ of the _Water_ would increase, more or less, according to the _Solubilitie_ of every _Salt_, and not be alternately differenced as it is; Some _Salts_, more dissoluble, increasing the _Bulk_ of the _Water_ less, and others less dissoluble, increasing it more. I say, that this difference dependeth not only upon the different _Figures_ of the _Atomes_ of _Salt_; because then every _Salt_ which is more dissoluble, would (quantity for quantity) take up less room in the _Water_: which is contrary to the Experiment.
10. §. From the same Experiment, howsoever _paradoxical_ it may seem, yet is it also manifest, That although _Water_ be a _Fluid_, yet the _Particles_ thereof are _hard_ and _consistent_, and unalterable in their _Figure_. Otherwise it is plain, That all manner of _Salts_ would be dissolved in the same manner, and take up the same room in the _Water_. For let the _Figures_ of the _Salts_ be never so various, yet if the _Particles_ of _Water_ were themselves _Fluid_ or _Inconsistent_ and _Alterable_, they would always so conforme to those _Figures_, as to fill up all _Vacuities_; and so upon the _Solution_ of several _Salts_, if of equal quantity, the _Water_ would still retein an equal _Bulk_. As suppose an Ounce of _Iron_ were drawn into _Wyer_, another beaten into _Plates_, a third made into _Hooks_, a fourth into _Needles_, a fifth into _Nails_; every one of these five Ounces, being put severally into _Water_ will encrease its _Bulk_ equally. I conclude therefore, That the _Atomes_ of _Water_ are hard and unalterable.
11. §. The _Eighth_ Enquiry was this, What that just space might be, which any _Salt_ gaineth upon _Dissolution_, with respect to its own _Bulk_, or the _Bulk_ of the _Water_? For the making of this Experiment, _Water_ will not serve, nor yet _Spirit_ of _Wine_; because they both of them dissolve more or less of those _Salts_ which are put into them; whereby the observation of the true _Bulk_ of the _Salt_, and consequently of the just space it gaineth by _Dissolution_ is lost. I took therefore _Oyl_ of _Turpentine_, and pouring it into a _Bolt-head_, marked the place of its ascent in the _Neck_. Then pouring likewise into it two Ounces of _Common Salt_, I marked the second ascent of the _Oyl_; and found it to be 10 Inches and 6 eighths. Repeating the Experiment in like manner with two Ounces of _Nitre_, I found the ascent of the _Oyl_ to be 11 Inches and ⅛ᵗʰ. Repeating it again with two Ounces of _Alum_, the ascent of the _Oyl_ was 13 Inches and 2/8ᵗʰˢ· And making it once more with _Sal Armoniac_, the _Oyl_ ascended to 15 Inches: the said several ascents of the _Oyl_ being the true spaces which the Four abovesaid _Salts_ take. From which, the space which the same _Salts_ take up upon _Dissolution_, being deducted; the remainder is the space gained by that _Dissolution_. And so it appears, first, that _Sal Armoniac_ gaineth nothing; being the only _Salt_ of all I have tryed, which causeth the equal ascent both of the _Water_ and the _Oyl_ _sc._ just 15 Inches in both. _Alum_ causeth the ascent of the _Oyl_ to 13-2/8ᵗʰˢ, of the _Water_, to 11 Inches and ⅝ᵗʰˢ: So that it gains about 1 Inch and ½ out of 13. _Nitre_ causeth the ascent of the _Oyl_, to 11 Inches and ⅛ᵗʰ; of the _Water_, to 8 Inches and ⅜ᵗʰˢ· So that _Nitre_ by _Dissolution_ gets almost the space of 3 Inches in 11. _Common Salt_ causeth the ascent of the _Oyl_, to 10 Inches and 6/8ᵗʰˢ; of the _Water_, 6 Inches and ⅜ᵗʰˢ· So that _Common Salt_ gains by _Dissolution_ 4 Inches in 10, which is very considerable.
12. §. By this way the _Specifick Gravity_ of all kinds of _Salts_ may be easily taken, and the difference betwixt them is somewhat surprizing. For it appears by the Ascent of the _Oyl_, that _Nitre_, quantity for quantity, is about a 22ᵗʰ part lighter than _Common Salt_. _Alum_ about a 6ᵗʰ part lighter. And _Salt Armoniac_, almost a 4ᵗʰ part lighter than _Common Salt_. The like estimate may be made of the _Gravity_ of all other _Salts_.
13. §. By the same Experiment it also appears, That according to the _Specifick Gravity_ of _Salts_ they are many times at least more or less _Volatile_; as in the four last _Salts_ is plain. For _Common Salt_ which of all the four is the most fixed, is also the heavyest. _Nitre_ which is somewhat less fixed is somewhat lighter. But _Alum_ which is still less fixed is much lighter. And _Sal Armoniac_ which is wholly _Volatile_, is the lightest of all the _Salts_ above mentioned.
CHAP. III.
_Wherein, from the Experiments in the foregoing_ Chapter, _is shewed, the_ Cause _of the_ Motion _of the Mercury in the BAROMETER._
FOR the doing of this, it will first be acknowledg’d, That not only several sorts of _Sulphur_, but also of _Volatile Salts_, are continually sublimed from most _Bodies_ into the _Aer_. So _Lightning_, from the celerity of the ascension, appears to be made of a _Meteor_, which is _Nitro-Sulphureous_. _Snow_ dependeth upon a _Mixture_ of _Nitrous_, and other _Salts_; as is evident, from the regularly and differently _Figur’d Parts_, which compose the whole Body of a _Snowy Cloud_, before it clusters into _Flakes_. And one reason, why _Rain_ is the best _Water_ for any _Soyl_, is because it is impregnated with divers _Volatile_ and _Fruitful Salts_. And so from other _Meteors_.
2. §. And next, that these _Salts_, are not always in the same _Quantity_, _Proportion_, and _State_, in the _Aer_: but that sometimes they are more copious; at others, less: sometimes, one more copious, than an other: sometimes, more plentifully dissolved; at others, more sparingly: and that, either as they are more or less pure and dissoluble; or according to the quantity of the _Vaporous Parts_ in the _Aer_, in which they are incorporated or dissolved.
3. §. Thus much being granted, from the _Experiments_ in the foregoing _Chapter_ compared together, we may resolve our selves about some _Phænomena_ in the _Barometre_. Which seems to vary, not so much with the meer _Weight_ of the _Aer_, which hitherto hath been supposed: as by the different pressure it makes, in being _crowded_ more at one time, than at another. That is, according as certain _Nitrous_, or other _Saline Bodies_, take up less _Space_ in the _Aer_, when dissolved in the _Watery Parts_ therein, than while they are undissolved.
4. §. And therefore it is especially to be observed, That as the _Mercury_ commonly riseth in the _Cylinder_ for some days, but always for some time, before the change of the _Weather_, whether for _Snow_ or _Rain_: So, that then it presently falleth again, even before the _Snow_ or _Rain_ falls. Whereas, if the _Weight_ of the _Aer_, were the only, or the chief _Cause_ of the ascent of the _Mercury_; than as it riseth all the while the _Weather_ is gathering, so it would keep its standing or heighth, until the _Weather_ breaks and falleth down: which yet it never doth, but always falls before it; sometimes no less than a whole day. The _Cause_ whereof is, in that all the while the _Mercury_ riseth in the _Cylinder_, the _Aer_ is _crowded_ with more and more _Saline Parts_, which by the _Winds_, or otherwise, are carryed into it; and so causeth it to press upon the _Mercury_ in the _Box_: but after that in some time the _Salts_ are dissolved or incorporated in the _Aqueous Parts_ of the _Aer_, as in _Rain_ or _Snow_; so soon as that is done, there is some _Space_ gaind; and so, before any _Weather_ falleth, the _Aer_ is less crowded, and presseth less upon the _Mercury_ in the _Box_, which gives way to its descent in the _Cylinder_.
5. §. From hence also it is, that the _Mercury_ riseth higher with _Cold Winds_, than it doth with those which are _Warme_. Both because that in _cold Winds_ there is the greatest quantity of _Nitre_: and that the _coldest Winds_, are usually the dryest. So that the _Nitre_ wanting _Moysture_ fully to dissolve it; it takes up so much the greater space, and so causeth a greater pressure in the _Aer_, as hath been said.
6. §. _Lastly_, For the same reason it comes to pass, that the _Mercury_ first riseth higher, and then falleth lower before _Snow_, than it doth before _Rain_. Because that for the production of _Snow_, the _Aer_ is crowded with a greater quantity of _Nitre_, or some other like _Salts_; which before they are dissolved, take up so much the more space; and afterwards so much the less, even before the _Snow_ falls: as hath been proved.
_FINIS._
AN
INDEX
OF THE
Chief Matters,
_In which,_ Id. _signifies_ Idea. An. Anotmy. _The Figures before §. the Page. The Figures following §. the Section in that Page._
A.
Acid, _commonly the predominant Principle in Plants_, 240. §. 8. _That is of the Parenchyma_, Id. §. 48.
Aer, _how to be examined, as relating to Vegetation_, Id. §. 60.
Aer, _in Plants, How made_, An. 93. §. 61. _Where it enters the Plant_, 127. §. 1. _Its Motion and Course in Plants_, ibid.
Aereal _Salt_, Id. §. 60.
Aer-Vessels, _their Structure_, 115. §. 16, &c. _see_ Root _and other Parts._
Affinities _of Plants_, Id. 6. §. 11.
_Age of Roots, See_ Roots.
Agitation, _a Cause of Mixture_, 230.§. 6.
Akern, 186.
Albumen, _see_ Seed.
Alkaline Salt, _in many Plants in their natural estate_, 240.§. 9. _This the predominant Principle of the true Wood of a Plant_, Id. §. 52.
Anagallis, _of what Taste_, 284. §. 10.
Angellica _Roots, when dry, full of Rosin_, Id. §. 41.
Anatomy _of Plants, why fit to be made_, Id. §. 17. _In what manner_, §. 18. _What to be observed thereby_, §. 19. _Of what use_, §. 20.
Animals, _their Parts mixed with several Menstruums_, 247. to 253. _Cantharides, of what nature_, 249.
Antimony, _of what nature_, 245. §. 23.
Apertures _of Seeds_, An. 2. §. 5. & 200.§. 1.
Apple _described_, An. 40. §. 2. & 179.
Aprecock, 148.
Arsmart, _coded, how its Seed ejaculated_, 188. §. 18.
Arenulæ _in Pears_, An. 41. §. 4. & 241. §. 20.
Arum-Root, _of what Taste_, 281. §. 21. _The Pestil of what Scent_, Id. §. 28.
Aqua-fortis _double, mixed with Spirit of Wine, what remarquable thereupon_, 242. §. 26. _With Steel_, 244. §. 22. _With Tin_, 245. §. 27.
Asa fœtida, _of what nature_, 258. Query, 2.
Ascent _of the Trunk, how made_, An. 22. §. 21. _A Magnetick Motion_, 136.
Ascent _of the Sap, how made_, An. 24. §. 29. & 126. §. 13.
Asparagus, _of what Taste_, 284. §. 10.
Attire _of Plants see_ Flower.
B.
Barbado _Nut_, Id. §. 30.
Barque _of the Root, see_ Root. _Of the Trunk, see_ Trunk.
Bawme, _its Tincture in Water_, 274. §. 11. _In Spirit of Wine_, 275. §. 14.
Beams _of the Sun, different from the Heat of Common Fire_, Id. §. 61.
Bean _dissected_, An. §. 1.
Beech-Wood, An. 20.
Berry, _see_ Fruits.
Bezoar, _its nature_, 252. §. 49.
Bezoardicum minerale, 245. §. 25.
Bleeding _of Plants_, Id. §. 23., An. 124. §. 8.
Bolus, _what_, 242. §. 2.
Bonus Henricus, _of what Taste_. 284. §. 10.
Bones, _their different nature_, 249. §. 18.
Branch, _how made_, An. 28. §. 3. _Its Claspers_, An. 27. _see_ Trunks.
Bud _of a Branch, how originated, nourished, and kept_, An. 28. §. 1. _How kept_, 145. §. 2. Bud _of the Seed, see_ Seed.
Butyr _of Flax_, Id. §. 51.
C.
Calamus Aromaticus, _of what Tast_, 283. §. 6.
Cantharides, _their nature_, 249. §. 14.
Case _of the Seed, of several manners_, An. 45. §. 2. & 186.
Carduus _green Leavs, their scent_, Id. §. 28.
Castor, 250. §. 28.
Celandine, _little, where tasted_, 284. §. 10.
Cherry, 185.
Circulation _of the Sap_, An. 17. §. 30.
Claspers, An. 27.
Clematis peregrina, _the Seed-Case of what Tast_, 283. §. 3.
Coats _of the Seed, see_ Seed.
Colocynthis. _Its nature_, 240. §. 13. & 257. Query 5. _Where tasted_, 284. §. 8.
Colours _of Plants, To what Parts of Plants they belong_, Id. §. 26. _How to be observed_, Id. §. 27. Colours _of Roots_, An. 94. §. 65. & 270. §. 5. _Of Leavs_, 270. §. 6. _Of Flowers_, 271. §. 15. _By Infusion, in Oyl_, 273. _In Water_, 274. _In Spirit of Wine_, ibid. _By their Mixture with other Bodies_, 275. _By Cultivation_, 277. _Their Causes summed up_, 276.
Compression _a Cause of Mixture; and of Dissolution_, 229. §. 3. 232. §. 4. & 237. §. 3, 4.
Contents _of Plants, in what Method to be examined_, Id. §. 21 to 26. & 31 to 47. _Of what kind_, §. 21. _Their Receptacles_, §. 22. _Motions_, §. 23. _Quantities_, §. 24. _Consistence_. §. 25. _How made in the several Parts of a Plant_, An. 92. §. 57. _What in the Seed_, 208. §. 15.
Contrayerva, _of what Taste_, 283. §. 6.
Convolution _of the Trunk a Magnnetick Motion_, 137.
Copper, _its nature_, 245. §. 28.
Copperas, 246. §. 38.
Coral, _the Magistery_, 244. §. 15. _Tincture_, Id. §. 28.
Corin _white_, 285.
Cortical _Body, see_ Barque.
Covers _of the Seed, see_ Seed.
Cucumer, An. 181. _Leavs of the wild, of what Taste_, 280. §. 11. & 283. §. 6. _Where tasted_, 284. §. 4, 8.
D.
Daisy _leaves, where tasted_, 284. §. 10.
Descent _of the Root, how made_, An. 34. §. 3.
Diametral _Rays, see_ Roots.
Digester, _the nature of that invented by_ Mons. Pappin, 237.
Dissolution _of Bodies promoted by Compression_, 237.
Dissimilar _Leavs, see_ Leavs.
Dragon _Root_, 59. §. 13.
Dung _of Pigeons_, 251. §. 37.
E.
Earth, _how to be examin’d, as relating to Vegetation_, Id. §. 57. _How nature prepares it for the growth of Plants_, 11. §. 8.
Empalement, _see_ Flower.
Emulsions, _sometimes for Glysters_, Id. 39.
Enula, _of what Taste_, 283. §. 3, 4.
Essential _Salts of Plants, see_ Salts.
Evergreen, 156. §. 2.
Euphorbium, _of what nature_, 200. §. 1. 241. §. 19. &. 258. Query 2. _Of what Taste_, 283. §. 6.
F.
Fat, _how made by Art or Nature_, 233. §. 3.
Fermentation, 253. §. 55.
Fibers _of the Leaf, see_ Leavs. _Of the Seed, see_ Seed.
Figures, _of Plants_, Id. §. 11. _Of Roots_, An. 58. §. 4. _Of Trunks_, 135. _Of Leavs_, 150. §. 1. _Of Seeds_, 195.
Figs, _their Sugar_, Id. §. 41.
Flax, _its nature_, 258. Query 1.
Flower, _its Empalement_, An. 35. §. 2. & 163. Foliature, _its Foulds_, An. 36. §. 5. & 164. §. 1. _Protections_, An. 36. §. 7. _Hairs_, An. 36. §. 8. & 168. §. 8. _Globulets_, An. 37. §. 10. & 165. §. 9. _Number of Leavs_, 165. §. 11. _Parts of the Leavs_, 166. §. 15. _Use_, An. 37. §. 11. & 166. §. 18. _Shape or Figure_, 167. §. 20. Attire, _Seminiform_, An. 37. §. 13. & 167. _Florid_, An. 38. §. 17. & 170. _Globulets or Sperme of both_, An. 38. §. 15. 39. §. 21. 168 §. 9. & 170. §. 5. _Use of the Attire_, An. 39. §. 22. & 171. Flower, _when formed_, 173. _Colours of the Flower_, 271. _How by the Flower to find out to what sort a Plant belongeth_, 175. §. 13.
Fœtus, _see_ Seed.
Foulds _of Leavs, see_ Leavs.
Formation _of the Root, see_ Root.
Fruits; _Apple_, An. 40. §. 2. & 179. _Limon_, 180. _Cucumber_, 181. _Pear_, An. 41. §. 3. & 182. _Quince_, 183. _Plum_, An. 42. §. 5. & 183. _Aprecock_, 184. _Peach_, 184. _Cherry_, 185. _Walnut_, ibid. _Grape_, ibid. _Gooseberry_, An. 43. §. 9. & 185. _White Corin_, 185. _Filbert_, An. 43. §. 8. & 186. _Akern_, 186. _The Use of the Fruit_, An. 44. §. 10. _Of its Parts to its self_, 189. _To the Seed_, 191 & 209. _When the Fruit formed_, 192. §. 9.
Furr _of a Hare_, 247. §. 3.
G.
Gall-Stones, 252. §. 47.
Generation _of the Seed, and other Parts_, see _the_ Seed, _and other Parts_.
Gentian _Root, where tasted_, 284. §. 5.
Germen, _see_ Bud.
Glysters, _sometimes best made of Emulsions_, Id. §. 39.
Globulets, _see_ Leavs _and_ Flowers.
Gold, _its nature_, 245. §. 31.
Gooseberry, 185.
Grape, 185.
Gravel, _its nature_, 251. §. 40.
Gums, _of three kinds_, 134. §. 15.
H.
Hairs, _see_ Leavs _and_ Flowers.
Hares _Furr_, 247. §. 3.
Harts-Horn, 248. §. 8.
Hazel _Nut, see_ Fruits.
Hellebore, _black, of what Taste_, 280. §. 12. & 283. §. 3. &c. _where tasted_, 284. §. 4.
Hoglice, 249. §. 15.
Horses _Hoofe_, 247. §. 5.
I.
Jalap, _of what Taste_, 283. §. 6. 284. §. 10.
Insertions, _in the Root, and other Parts, see_ Root _and other Parts_.
Iris _Root described_, 60. §. 14.
Irish _Slate, its nature_, 243. §. 4.
Iron, _see_ Steel.
L.
Lapis Calaminaris, _its nature_, 243. §. 9.
Lapis Lazuli, 243. §. 7.
Lapis Tuthiæ, 243. §. 9.
Lead, _its nature_, 244. §. 16.
Lead _Spar_, 244. §. 12.
Leavs, _the two first which come of every Seed, what_, An. 8. §. 42, &c. _Their Use_, An. 10. §. 46.
Leavs; _their Protections_, An. 32. §. 17. & 145. §. 2. _Foulds_, An. 31. §. 14. & 147. §. 9. _Shapes and Measures_, An. 30. §. 17. & 150. §. 1. _Globulets_, An. 34. §. 7. & 148. §. 1. _Hairs_, An. 34. §. 4. 149. §. 8. _Spots_, 148. §. 4. _Thorns_, 148. §. 6. _Their Compounding Parts_, An. 29. §. 7. _Skin_, 153. §. 1. _Parenchyma or Pulp_, 153. §. 5. _Fibers or Vessels, Their Position In the Body of the Leaf_, 152. §. 19. _In the Stalk_, 154. §. 9. _The Lignous Vessels_, 155. §. 16. _The Aer-Vessels_, 155. §. 19. _Texture of a Palm Leaf or Bag_, 156. §. 20. _Duration of the Leaf_, 156. §. 2. _Time and manner of its Generation_, 156. §. 4. & 174. _Colour of the Leaf_, 270. _How by this to find out to what sort a Plant belongeth_, 174. §. 1.
Lignous _Body_, _see_ Trunk _and other Parts_
Lilium convalle, _its nature_, Id. §. 30.
Limor, _described_, 180.
Lithosperm _the Seed, its nature_, 241. §. 21.
Lixivial _Salts_, _see_ Salts.
Lobes _of the Seed_, _see_ Seed.
Lympha _out of which the Seed is first nourished_, _see_ Seed.
Lympheducts _their Structure_, 111. §. 30.
M.
Magistery _of Corals_, 244. §. 15. _Of Pearls_, 252. §. 43.
Mallow, _its nature_, 257. Query 5.
Marine _Salt of Plants_, _see_ Salts.
Mastick, _its nature_, 258. Query. 2.
Measures _of Leavs_, 150. §. 1.
Mechanick _uses of Timber_, 137.
Membranes _of the Seed_, _see_ Seed.
Menstruum _of the Stomach_, 253. § 53.
Metals; _Lead_, 244. § 16. _Mercury_, 244. §. 16. _Steel_, 244. § 20. _Antimony_, 245. § 23. _Tin_, 245. § 26. _Copper_, 245. § 28. _Silver_, 245. § 29. _Gold_, 245. §. 31.
Milks _of Plants_, Id. § 21. & 26. _How made_, An. 67. § 19. & 93. §. 60. & 133. § 12.
Milk-Vessels, _their Structure_, 112. § 35.
Millipedes, 249. § 15.
Minerals _of all sorts, how easily tryed_, 247. § 48.
Mixture; _the received Doctrine hereof_, 222. _Its nature explained_, 225. _Causes_, 229. _Power and Use_, 231. Mixture _of the Parts of Plants with several Menstruums_, 239, &c. _Of Minerals_, 247, &c. _Of Animals_, 247, &c.
Motions, _Of Plants_, Id. § 16. _Of Roots, and other Parts_, _see_ Roots, _and other Parts_. _Of the Sap_, _see_ Sap. _Of the Aer_, _see_ Aer.
Muciducts, An. 66. § 18.
Mucilages, Id. § 21. & An. 201. § 4.
Musk, _its nature_, 250. §. 29.
N.
Nature _of Bodies, how discoverable_, 235.
Navel-_Fibers_, _see_ Seed.
Nightshade _deadly, of what Tast_, 284. § 9.
Nitre, _of what Tast_, 280. § 6.
Noli me tangere, _how the Seed ejaculated_, 188. § 18.
Number _of Leavs in Flowers_, 165. § 11. Number _of Seeds_, 198.
Nut _Barbado_, Id. § 30. & 205. § 17. _Hazel Nut_, 43. § 8. & 186.
O.
Oak-Wood, _described_, An. 20. & 21.
Odors _of Plants, how to be observed_, Id. § 28. _Some Instances how made_, An. 94. § 64. _Imitated_, 235.
Olibanum, _its nature_, 258. Query, 2.
Oyls _stillatitious, how mingled with Water &c._, 232. § 7. & 237.
Oyly _Sap, how made_, 132. § 6.
P.
Parenchyma _or Cortical, Pithy, and Pulpy parts of a Plant, their predominant Principle_, Id. § 48. _Described in the Root and other parts_, _see_ Root, &c. _How formed_, _see_ Roots _and_ Leavs.
Peach, _see_ Fruits.
Pear, _see_ Fruits.
Pearls, _their Magistery_, 252. § 43.
Philosophy, _begins and ends with Theology_, 79. § 1.
Pimpinel, _where tasted_, 284. §. 10.
Pith, _its structure_, 76. §. 7. & 120. §. 10, &c.
Plants, _their Natural History how far cultivated_, Id. §. 3. _Wherein defective_, § 2. _Fit to be further improved_, § 3. § 63. _What to be enquired of_, § 6. _The usefulness hereof_, §. 8.
Plants, _their Nature and Virtue how judged of_, _see_ Virtues.
Plants, _their places of Growth_, Id. 15. _Proportions_, § 13.
Plants, _their Parts only Two Essentially distinct_, 47. § 14.
Plants; _the general structure of their Parts_, 120. § 11, &c.
Plants, _their Principles how to be observed_, Id. §. 48. _For what purpose_, § 53. _What predominant therein_, 240. § 8.
Plants, _how to find out to what kind any one belongs_, 174.
Plum, _see_ Fruits.
Principles _of Bodys_, 223. _which predominant in the true wood of a_ Plant, Id. § 52.
Principles _of Principles_, Id. § 62.
Protections _of the Leaf and Flower_. _see_ Leaf and Flower.
Pyrethrum _the Root, of what Tast_, 281. §-- _&_ 284. § 7.
R.
Radicle, _see_ Seed.
Raisins, _their Sugar_, Id. § 41.
Rings _annual in the Trunk_, An. 19. § 6.
Roots; _their Original_, 57. § 1. _Shapes or Figures, & Sizes_, 58. § 4, & 89. § 41. _Motions_, An. 15. § 24. &c. 34. § 3. 59. § 9. &c. 90. § 48 &c. _Ages_, 60. § 16. & 91. § 54.
Parts, _the_ Barque, _its Skin_, An. 11, § 2. & An. 61.
Parenchyma _described_, An. 11. § 3. & 63. § 2. _How form’d_, 87. § 34. _Its Diametral rays_, 64. § 7. _Vessels_, 65, 66, 67.
_The_ Wood, _Herein the Insertions_, An. 12. § 10 & 17. § 28. & 70. § 2. _Lignous Fibers or Vessels_, 70. § 4, 8, 9. _Aer-Vessels_, An. 12. §. 7. & 71. § 5, 6, 10, &c.
_The_ Pith, An. 13. § 16. & An. 16. § 27. & An. 75, 76. § 7.
Root, _how it grows_, An. 14. § 23.
The Sap, _how imbibed and distributed to its several Parts_, 82. § 15 &c. _How circulated_, An. 17. § 29. _How all the parts are form’d_, 84. § 26. &c. _And differently disposed_, 88. § 36, &c. _The Colours of Roots_, 170. § 5. _How made_, 94. § 65.
Root _of Wormwood, where tasted_, 285. § 12.
Rosin, _how made by Art_, 233. § 4.
Rosin _in dryed Roots of Angelica_, Id. § 41.
Common Rosin, _its nature_, 258. Query 2.
S.
Salt _aereal_, Id. § 60.
Salt Alkaline, _in many Plants in their natural estate_, 240. § 9.
Salt _Armoniac_, 246. § 44.
Salt, _essential of Plants, How made_, 262. § 3 &c. & 265. § 3. &c. _Of several sorts_, Id. § 48. _Instanced also in those of Rosemary, Black Thorn, Scurvey-Grass, Wormwood, Ash_, 264. § 6. &c. _Tastable in good Rhubarb_, Id. § 41.
Salt _fixed, of what use in Purgation_, 260.
Salt Lixivial _of_ Plants, _how imitated_, 233. § 6. _Of different nature_, 264. § 2.
Salt _of Ash, of what nature_, 267. § 22. _Of Tartar_, Ib. _Yielded in different quantitys by the Barque of Ash, Rosemary, Black-Thorn, Agrimony_, 256. Query 1. _Garden and Sea Scurvy-grass_, 256. Query 2. _Mint distill’d, and not_, 256. Query 3. _Majorane, Oak-Barque, Liquorish, Aniseeds, Sorrel, Garden Scurveygrass, Mint, Sea Scurveygrass_, 256. Query 4. _Majorane, Agrimony, Mugwort, Mint, Mallow, Rhubarb, Sena, Jalap, Colocynthis_, 257. Query 5. _Flax_, 258. Qu. 1. _Gum Arabick, Euphorbium, Myrrh, Opium, Aloe, Scammony, Gutta gamba_, 258. Query 2.
Salt Marine, _its nature_, 246. § 43.
Salt Marine _of Plants, how made by Nature or Art_, 234. § 8, 263. § 12, &c. 266. § 16. _Of several sorts, instanced in those of Rosemary, Scurveygrass, Black Thorn, Wormwood_, 266. § 17, &c.
Salt _of the dead Sea_, 263. § 14.
Saps _of_ Plants, _how to be observed_, Id. § 21. _to_ 26. and 31. _to_ 47. _Their several kinds_, § 21. _Receptacles_, § 22. _Motions_, § 23. _Quantitys_, § 24. _Consistence_, § 25.
Sap, _how imbibed, and distributed to the several parts of the Root._ An. 82. § 15. &c. _Its Circulation therein_, An. 17. § 29. _where, and how it ascends in the Trunk_, An. 24. § 29. & An. 124.
Sap _and other contents of the several Parts how made_, An. 92. § 57 &c. & 131. _How a Milky Sap_, An. 67. § 19. & 93. § 60. & 133. § 12 &c. _How a Winy_, 93. § 62. § 132. § 3 &c. _How one very Oyly_, 132. § 6 &c.
Scurveygrass Garden, _of what Tast_, 283. § 6.
Scurvey-grass Sea, _its Nature_, 256. Query 4.
Seasons _of_ Plants, Id. § 14.
Secundine, _see_ Seed.
Seeds; _their Case or Uterus_, An. 45, § 2. _of several manners_, 186. _Figures_, An. 45. § 3. &c. 195. _Number_, 198. _Motions_, 188. § 18 & 199 § 3, &c. _Stones_, 201. § 2. & 209. _Mucilages_, 201. § 4. _Coats or Membranes_, An. 2. § 3. 45. § 3. &c. 46. § 10. 47. § 15 & 201. § 6. 210 &c. _Apertures_, An 2. § 5. & 200 § 1.
Vitellum, 20. 2. § 9. _The Fœtus, or true Seed, its Radicle and Lobes,_ An. 2 & 3. § 9 _to_ 12. & 203. _Plume or Bud_, An. 3. § 13. & 206. _Skin_, An. 4. § 16. & 207. § 9. _Parenchyma_, An. 4. § 18. & 207. § 10. _Seminal Root or Vessels_, An 5. § 21. &c. & 207. § 11, &c. _Navle Fiber_, An. 48. § 17. & 212. _Content_, 208. § 15. _The manner of its Vegetation,_ An. 6. § 30, &c. _Of its Generation,_ An. 48. § 18 &c. & 209 &c.
Shape _of_ Roots, _and other_ Parts, _see_ Roots _and other parts_.
Shells, _their Nature_, 248. § 9, 10, 11.
Skin, _see_ Seed _and other Parts_.
Silver, _its Nature_, 245. § 29.
Smell _of green Carduus_, Id. § 28. _Of the Pestil of Arum._ Ib.
Soyl, _see_ Earth.
Sperme _of_ Plants, _see_ Flower.
Spirit _of Salt_, 247. § 46.
Spirit _of Salt Armoniac_, 247. § 47.
Spirit _of Peas-Cods_, Id. § 30.
Spirits urinous, _how made less offensive_, Id. § 45.
Spirit _of Wine mixed with Aqua fortis, what thereupon remarkable_, 242. § 26.
Stalks, _see_ Trunks _and_ Branches.
Steel, _its nature_, 244. § 20. _Mixed with double Aqua fortis, what thereupon remarkable_, 244. §. 22.
Stillatitious Oyls, _how mixed with water_, 232. § 7. & 237.
Stomachick menstruum, 253. § 53.
Stones; _a strange one bred in the stomach_, 252. § 48. _Others probably bred there_, 253. § 51. _Of the Kidneys or Bladder, of what nature_, 251. § 32. _How prevented_, 251. § 41. & 252. § 42. Gall Stone, _its nature_, 252. § 47. Bezoar, _its nature_, 252. § 49. Lead-Spar, 244. § 12. Lapis Calaminaris, 243. § 9. Tuthiæ, ibid. Lazuli, 244. § 12.
Structure _of a Plant_. 120. § 11, _&c._
Sugar _of Raisins and Figs_. Id. § 41.
Sulphur _predominant in the true wood of a Plant_, Id. § 52.
Sun, _its Influence on Plants how to be examined_, Id. § 61.
T.
Tasts of Plants; _how to be observed_, Id. § 29. _Simple_, 280. § 6. _Compounded_, 281. _Their Degree_, 282. _Motions or Terms_, 283. _Seat_, 284. _Causes_, An. 95. § 68 _&c. &_ 286 _&c._
Tast _of Arum Root_, 281. § 21. _Asparagus Root_, 284. § 10. _Bonus Henricus_, 284. § 10. _Calamus Aromaticus_, 283. § 6. _Celandine little_, 284. § 10. _Clematis peregrina the Seed-Case_, 283. § 3. _Colocynthis_, 284. § 8. _Contrayerva_, 283. § 6. _Cucumer wild, the Leavs_, 284. § 4, 8. _Daisy Leavs_, 284. § 10. _Enula_, 283. § 3, 4. _Euphormium_, 283. § 6. _Gentian Root_, 284. § 5, 8. _Hellebore black, the Root_, 280. § 12. 283. § 3. 284. § 4. _Jalap_, 283. § 6. 284. § 10. _Nightshade deadly_, 284. § 9. _Nitre_ 280. § 6. _Pimpinel_, 284. § 10. _Pyrethrum the Root_, 281. § 15. & 284. § 7. _Tamarisk-Leavs_, Id. § 29. _Wormwood-Root_, 285. § 12. _Yarrow_, 283. § 6.
Texture _of a Plant_, 120. § 11, &c.
Thorns, _their kinds_. An. 33. § 1.
Timber, _see_ Trunk.
Tin, _its nature_, 245. § 26. Tin _mixed with strong Aqua fortis, what thereupon observable_, 245. § 27.
Tincture _of Bawme in Water_, 274. § 11. _In Spirit of Wine_, 275. §. 14. Tincture _of Corals, a cheat_, Id. § 28.
Trunks, _and Branches several described as they appear to the naked Eye_, sc. _of Indian Wheat, Dandelyon, Borage, Colewort, Holyoak, wild Cucumer, Scorzonera_, _Burdock_, _Endive_, _Vine_, _Sumach_ 103, &c.
Trunk, _Skin_, An. 19. § 2. & 107. § 2 to 5. _The Barque_, An. 19. § 3. _Its Parenchyma_, 108. §. 7. _Vessels_, 108. § 8. to p. 113. _The Lympheducts their Structure_, 111. §. 30, &c. _Milk-Vessels, their Structure_, 112. § 35, &c. _Different Surface of the Barque how made_, 129. § 4. _How united to the Wood_, 129. §. 2, 3. _How this always keeps moyst, not the Pith_, An. 20. § 7. & 93. § 58. & 124. §. 2. _The Wood_, An. 19. § 4. to 11. & An. 20 & 21. _Its Annual Rings_, An. 19. § 6. _Insertions_, An. 19. §. 5. 12. to 15. 17. & 128. § 8. &c. _True wood_, 114. § 10, &c. _How dilated_, An. 22. § 22, 23. _And why_, § 24, &c. _Aer-Vessels_, An. 20. § 8, 9. & 115. § 16, &c. _How less in the Trunk, than in the Root, and whence formed late in the year_ &c. 130. § 10. & 131. § 16. _The Pith_, An. 19. § 5, 18, 19, 20. & 119. to 122 & 129. § 5. &c. Trunks, _their different Structure whence_, 129. _Shapes, whence_, 135. _Motions, whence_, An. 22. § 21. & 136. Trunks, _how fitted for Mechanick use_, 137. Trunks, _of their Bleeding_, Id. § 23. & 124. § 3, &c. Trunk-Roots, An. 27, 28.
Turnep, _described_, An. 13.
V.
Valves, _no where in Plants_, An. p. 21. §. 16.
Vegetables, _see_ Plants.
Vegetation _of the Seed_, _see_ Seed. _The manner of Vegetation, how judged of_, Id. §. 53.
Vessels _of the Root and other Parts, see_ Root _and other Parts._
Virtues _of Plants, how to be observed and judged of_, Id. §. 12, 30, 47. & p. 236. 290. _Imitable_, 235. _The reason of them, how knowable_, Id. §. 55.
Vitriols, _their nature_, 246. §. 38.
Uterus _of Plants, fleshy or membraneous_, 186.
W.
Wallnut, 185.
Water, _how to be examined as relating to Vegetation_. Water, _how mingled with stillatitious or other Oyls_, 237.
Wood _of the Root and other Parts, see the_ Parts. Wood _of Beech_, An. 20. & 21. _Of Oak_, Ibid. _Its predominant Principle_, Id. §. 52.
Y.
Yarrow _Leavs, their Tast_, 283. §. 6.
THE
EXPLICATION
OF THE
TABLES,
Reduced to a narrow compass; as serving to clear those Particulars, chiefly, which the _Descriptions_ before given, have not reached.
_The TABLES to the_ First BOOK, _are Four._
TAB. I.
Figure 1. a, _The Foramen._ F. 2. a, _the Radicle lodged in the Body of the Iner Coat._ F. 3. a, _the Radicle_, b, _the Plume or Bud_. F. 4. a, _the Seed covered_; c, _the Seed open_; e, _the same magnified_. F. 5. a, _the Corn covered_; c, _naked and a little magnified_. F. 6. a, b, _the two Lobes_; e, _the Radicle_; c, _the Radicle and Bud_; d, _the Hollow in which the Bud lies_. F. 7. a, _the Seed covered_; c, _naked_; e, _open_. F. 8. a, _one Lobe_; b, _the Bud_; b, _magnified_. F. 9. _the Slice a little magnified_. F. 10. _The Radicle_ a, _cut transversly_ c. F. 11. _The Plume or Bud_ a, _cut transversly_ c. F. 12. _Cut by the Length._ F. 13. _A Lobe cut transversly._ F. 14. _Both the Lobes pared by the Length, to shew the Seminal Root._ F. 15. a, _the convex side of one Lobe, shewing the Seminal Root without cuting_; c, _the flat side_.
TAB. II.
F. 1, 2, & 3. _shew the gradual conversion of the Lobes of the Seed, into Leavs_. F. 4. a, _the Radicle cut by the length_; b, _transversly_. F. 5. _The white Wedges, are the Insertions; the black, are the Wood; the pricks are the Aer-Vessels; and the black half ovals, the Lympheducts in the Barque._ F. 6. _The three black Rings, are the terms of three years growth._ F. 7. a, _the upper part_; b, _the lower_. F. 8. _A Turnep cut transversly, and part of the Rind cut off._ F. 9. _sheweth the gradual growth of the Pith_.
TAB. III.
F. 1. _The Bud cut transversly, and part of the Radicle by the Length, in a Bean newly sprung up._ F. 2. _sheweth the Wood as it appears to the naked Eye._ F. 3. _the Cane split down._ F. 4. _the Corn newly sprouted._ F. 5. _A Branch of five years growth. From the Circumference, to the utmost black Ring, goes the Barque._ F. 6. a, _a piece of the Stalk_; b, _magnified_. F. 7. a, _a piece of Oak-Wood cut transversly_; b, _the same magnified. The white Lines are the lesser and greater Insertions. The Pricks, are the Wood. The little and great Holes two sorts of Aer-Vessels._ F. 8. _Part of a Branch ten years old, with the Barque stripped off, and cut both transversly and down the length, to shew how the Barque is inserted into the Wood._
TAB. IV.
F. 1. _shewing how the Insertions appear, in a piece of Beech-Tree split down, to be braced or woven in together with the Wood._ F. 2 _to_ 11. _shew the different position and Figure of the Lignous Fibers._ F. 12. a, _one of the Thecæ Seminiformes in a Lily, with the spermatick Powder therein, as apparent to the naked Eye._ F. 13. a, _one of the suits in the Florid Attire, as it appears to the naked Eye_; b, _the Floret_; c, _the Sheath_; d, _the Blade_. F. 14. _Wherein the white Pentangular Acetary is bounded by the Calculary._ F. 15. _The Branches which run through the Stone to the Flower and Seed._ F. 16. _The Innermost Cover of the Seed, as shaped when it is ripe._ F. 17. _The Coats cut open._ F. 18. _The Seminal Root._
The _TABLES_ to the _Second BOOK_ are Thirteen.
TAB. V. _sheweth the generation of Roots out of the Descending Trunk.
So_ F. 6. _is a treble Root of three years descent; the lowermost, half-roted off._
TAB. VI.
F. 1. _sheweth the Surface of the Barque._ F. 2. _the midle part._ F. 3. _the Barque striped._ F. 4. _the Root cut down the length._ F. 5. _the Barque striped off._ F. 6. _the Network both of the Lympheducts, and of the Aer-Vessels._ F. 7. _the Generation of a Bud._ F. 8, 9, 10, 11. _The Root split down, to shew the Position of the Vessels, and the Figure of the Pith at the top of the Root._
TAB. VII.
_The Roots all cuttransversly, and their Varieties described, in the second Book, as they appear to the naked Eye._
TAB. VIII.
_Other Roots cut transversly, and the varieties of their Parts also described in the second Book._
TAB. IX. _More Roots cut transversly._
TAB. X.
F. 1. _A Slice of the Root cut transversly; but a little too big for the life._ F. 2. A A, _One half of a like slice._ b b, _The Skin._ A A D D, _The Barque or all that part of the Root analogous to it._ G D, _The Lympheducts on the inner edge of the Barque._ G G, _The Wood._ G T, _The Aer-Vessels therein._ T T, _The Pith._
TAB. XI.
F. 1. _The Neck of the Root cut transversly._ F. 2. _One half of the same split down._ F. 3. _Magnified._ A B, _The Skin._ A E, _The Barque._ E E, _The Lympheducts._ _The black Columns under them, are the Wood._ _The Holes in the Columns are the Aer-Vessels._ _The white Columns_ E L, _are Insertions betwixt the Barque and the Pith._ L e, _The Pith._ e e, _The angular Bladders of the Pith._
TAB. XII.
A, _one half of_ F. 1. _magnified._ A b, _The Skin._ A G, _The Barque, or all that part of the Root which answers to it._ _In which the round black spots, are the Muciducts._ D G, _The common Lympheducts_. D T, _The Pithy Part of the Root._ T T, _More Lympheducts._ _In both which, the black Holes are the Aer-Vessels._
TAB. XIII.
A, _One half of_ F. 1. _magnified._ A C, _The Skin._ A G, _The Barque, or that part of the Root which answers to it._ D D, _The Milk-Vessels placed in Rings._ E E, _The Parenchymous Rings betwixt them._ G T, _The Bladders streaming in Rays, by the mixture of the Lympheducts with the Lacteals._ G G, _To the Centre, the Wood._ _In which the Holes are the Aer-Vessels._
TAB. XIIII.
A b, _The skin, which should have been thicker._ A F, _The Barque._ G b, _The Bladders in the outer part of the Barque, oblong and postured circularly._ S S, _The Bladders in the inner part, standing in Arches._ F F, _A Ring of Sap-Vessels._ d d, _Parenchymous Insertions._ d ld, _The Wood._ _In which, the Holes edged with white Rings are the Aer-Vessels._
TAB. XV.
A A, _The Skin._ A B, _The Barque._ B L, _The Sap-Vessels in the form of a Glory._ B E, _The Wood._ _In which, the Holes are the Aer-Vessels._ G E, _A Ring of more Sap-Vessels._ E E, _The Pith._
TAB. XVI.
A b, _The Skin._ A C, _The Barque._ _In which the round Holes_ B, _are Balsame-Vessels._ B C, _Parcels of Lympheducts._ _In which there are more Balsame-Vessels._ C D, _Parenchymous Insertions._ D E, _Parcels of Wood._ _In which the Holes are the Aer-Vessels._
TAB. XVII.
A, _the Skin._ A B, _The Barque._ L S, _A parcel of Sap-Vessels._ L I, _A Parcel of Wood._ _In which the Holes great and small are Aer-Vessels._ B B, _Parenchymous Insertions betwixt the parcels of Wood._ D D, _Others within them._
The _TABLES_ to the _Third BOOK_ are 23.
TAB. XVIII. _Hereof see the Description in the Third Book_, Chap. I.
TAB. XIX.
F. 1. _A Branch of Corin Tree._ A, _sheweth the surface of the Barque._ B, _Of the wood._ F. 2. _Stalk of Sonchus split down._ F. 3. _Branch of Vine split down._ _In both, the several Storys or Chambers of the Pith._ F. 4. _Branch of Walnut._ A. _an older._ B, _a younger: in both, the Pith parted into transvers Membrans._
TAB. XX. F. 1. _Sheweth the Surface of a Walking Cane._
_And the Clusters of Aer-Vessels, surrounded with Rings of Succiferous._ F. 2. _The surface of the Skin of Borage Stalk._ F. 3. _The Turpentine Vessels running through the length of the Barque; one of them cut down the middle, the other entire._ F. 4. _The Milk-Vessels shewed in the same manner._
TAB. XXI. _Sheweth the Woody and Aer-Vessels by the length of the Branch, part of the Barque, and wood, being taken away._
TAB. XXII.
A B, _The Skin._ A C, _the Barque._ Q, _the Parenchymous part._ H I, _Parcels of Muciducts in a Ring._ D C, _Common Lympheducts._ C D E F, _the Wood of 3 years growth._ K L M N, _The second years growth._ O ρ, _the great Insertions._ P ρ, _the smaller._ X X, _Lignous parcels._ _Within which the Holes are the Aer-Vessels._ E F G, _the Pith._
TAB. XXIII.
A B, _the Skin._ A C, _the Barque._ Q, _the simple Parenchyma._ H I, _a Ring of special Vessels._ P, _common Sap-Vessels._ C D E F, _the Wood of 3 years growth._ K L M N, _one years growth._ X, _great Insertions._ P O, _lesser between them._ _The black parcels are the wood._ _In which the Holes are the Aer-Vessels._ E F G, _the Pith._
TAB. XXIV.
A B, _the Skin._ A B C D, _the Bark._ N N, _the Parenchyma._ H I, _a Ring of special Sap-Vessels._ D M C, _Parcels of Lympheducts._ C D E F, _the Wood._ E F L K, _one years growth._ K P Q L, _the larger Aer-vessels in the several parcels of Wood._ ρ ρ, _the lesser Aer-vessels._ M T, _the insertions._ E F G, _the Pith._
TAB. XXV.
A B, _the Skin._ A B C D, _the Barque._ H I, _Special Sap Vessels in arched parcels._ O O, _the common Sap-vessels which begin to turn into Wood._ C D E F, _the Wood._ K L M N, _one years growth._ _The Holes are the Aer-vessels in the wood._ ρ ρ, _the true wood._ O z, O y, _the Insertions._ E F, _other Sap-vessels._ E F G, _The Pith._
TAB. XXVI.
A B, _the Skin._ A B C D, _the Barque._ Q Q, _the Parenchyma._ H I, _Special Sap-vessels in arched parcels._ D C, _a Ring of common Lympheducts._ D C F E, _the Wood._ K L M N, _one years growth._ _The Holes are the Aer-Vessels._ O O, _the greater Insertions._ P O, _the smaller._ E F, _other Sap-vessels._ E F G, _the Pith._
TAB. XXVII.
A B, _the Skin._ A B C D, _the Barque._ W V, _the Parenchyma._ H I, _round parcels of Sap-Vessels._ D C, _the common Sap-Vessels._ D C E F, _the Wood of 5 years growth._ Q R F E, _one years growth._ X X, _the true wood._ _The Holes both great and small are the Aer-Vessels._ S S, _The great insertions._ T S, _the smaller._ E F G, _the Pith._
TAB. XXVIII.
A B, _the skin._ A B C D, _the Barque._ H T I, _special Sap-Vessels in round Parcels._ D S C, _common Sap-Vessels._ D C E F, _the Wood of five years growth._ ρ ρ, _the true wood._ K L &c., _the great Aer-Vessels._ D C, _the smaller._ S S, _the Insertions._ E F S, _the Pith._
TAB. XXIX.
A B C D, _the Barque._ A B, _a Ring of Sap-Vessels in round parcels next the Skin._ H I, _the Parenchyma._ _Another Ring of round parcels._ D O C, _Common Lympheducts._ D C E F, _the wood._ M N E F, _one years growth._ S S, _the true wood._ K L, _the great Aer-Vessels._ P Q, _the lesser._ O O, _the Insertions._ E F G, _the Pith._ e, _the Bladders of the Pith._
TAB. XXX.
A B, _the Skin._ A B C D, _the Barque._ R R, _the Parenchyma._ H R I, _two Rings of special Sap-Vessels._ D C, _Common Lympheducts._ D C E F, _the wood of four years growth._ d d, _the true wood._ Q d, _part of it whiter, by the mixture of special Sap-Vessels represented by the transvers Lines._ M N, _the great Aer-Vessels._ c e, _parcels of lesser ones._ E F, _a Ring of other Sap-Vessels._ E F G, _the Pith._
TAB. XXXI.
A B C D, _the Barque._ m m, _the Parenchyma._ H m I, _Milk Vessels in arched parcels._ D K C, _Lympheducts._ D C E F, _the wood of one years growth._ S T, _probably milk Vessels heretofore._ _The Holes in the Aer-Vessels._ K K, _the Insertions._ E v F, _other Milk-Vessels._ E F G, _the Pith._
TAB. XXXII.
A B C D, _the Barque._ M N, _the Parenchyma._ D L C, _the Lympheducts._ H I, _the Vessels which carry the Turpentine._ D C F E, _the Wood._ L L, _the Insertions._ E F G, _the Pith._ _The greater Holes both in the Wood and Pith, are more Turpentine Vessels._
TAB. XXXIII.
A B C D, _the Barque._ X Y, _The Parenchyma._ K X Y L, _Special Vessels in round parcels._ H I, _others in a Ring._ D C, _Common Lympheducts._ D C E F, _the wood._ S Z T, _probably one sort of Sap-Vessels heretofore in the Barque._ Q M Q N, _small Aer-Vessels._ M N, _great Aer-Vessels._ R Q, _the small Insertions._ Q Q, _the great ones._ E F G, _the Pith._
TAB. XXXIV.
A B a a, _the hairy Skin._ A B C D, _the Barque._ H w I, _the Parenchyma._ D M C, _the common Lympheducts._ K L, _the Milk Vessels._ v, _one Vessel._ H I, _Another sort of Lympheducts, arched over the Milk Vessels._ X X, _seems to be a third sort of Lympheducts._ D C F E, _the Wood._ M M, _the Insertions._ X X, _the true Wood._ _The Holes therein are the Aer-Vessels._ E F, _a Ring of Lympheducts._ E F G, _the Pith._
TAB. XXXV.
A B C D, _the Barque._ A M B, _the Parenchyma._ H M I, _Balsam Vessels._ K L, _another sort of Sap-Vessels in parcels._ K L D C, _Lympheducts._ D C E F, _The Wood._ _In which the Holes are the Aer-Vessels._ M M, _the Insertions._ E F, _more Balsame-Vessels._ E F G, _the Pith._
TAB. XXXVI.
a a, _part of a Vine-Branch cut transversly, and also split half way down the midle._ B B, _The same magnified. Shewing the Position of the Bladders in the Barque and Pith in perpendicular Rows; in the Insertions, in Horizontal Rows._ _And the Vessels or Parcels of Wood not raced as in many other Trees._
TAB. XXXVII.
_Sheweth the bracing of the Vessels. And how the several Parcels of Vessels or Wood are interwoven with the Insertions._
TAB. XXXVIII. A B C D, _the Barque._
H I, _The Parenchyma._ e e, _A sort of Sap-Vessels._ a a, _Another sort._ c c, _Milk Vessels._ D C E F, _the Wood._ V V, _the Aer-Vessels._ t t, _More Lympheducts._ s s, _More Milk-Vessels._ a t, _The Insertions._ E F G, The Pith, _composed of angular Bladders, the Bladders of Threds, and the Threds of single Fibers._ ρ, _One of the single Fibers._
TAB. XXXIX. _Sheweth the Structure of the Lympheducts or of the Lignous Fibers both in the Barque, and the Wood._
F. 1. a, & F. 2, _A single Vessel in the Barque of Flax, composed of a great number of other Lignous Fibers; with which also the Parenchymous are intermixd. Not visible, except very highly magnified._ F. 3. _A parcel of the same Vessels in Wood._ F. 4, & F. 5. _shew the manner of the Ascent of the Sap, both in the Lympheducts, and in the Lactiferous and other larger Vessels._
TAB. XL. _The Fibers which hang down from the Barque are the Lympheducts; one of which is composed of a great many other smaller Fibers._ _The large Tubes are the Milk-Vessels composed of Bladders._ _The Fibers which hang down from the wood, are some of them the old Lympheducts turn’d to wood._ _And some, Aer-Vessels unroav’d._ _The thin Plate between the two wedges of wood, is one of the Insertions, composed of Bladders, and those Bladders of Threds._ _The remainder, is part of the Pith, composed of Thredy or Fibrous Bladders._
The _TABLES_ to the _Fourth BOOK_ are 42.
TAB. XLI.
b, _a Dock-Leaf covered with the Veil._ d, _the Leaf naked._ a c, _the Veil spred open._ _In Clary, the Bud is embraced by the Curled Leavs._ _In Sumach, the Bud lies within the Stalk, as an Egg or Kernel within a shell._
TAB. XLII.
F. 1. _sheweth how the Pipes are inclosed one within another._ F. 2. a, _the Leaf foulded up._ b, _opened._ F. 3. a b, _the Bud._ b, _a little magnified._ F. 4. a b, _the Leaf rowled up, inward._ c, _a little magnified and cut transversly, to show the Rowl._ F. 5. a, _the Leaf rowled up._ b, _magnified and cut transversly._ F. 6. a, _the Leaf rowled backward._ b, _magnified and cut transversly._
TAB. XLIII.
F. 1. _sheweth the Tenter-Hooks, by which the Leaf climbs._ F. 2. _sheweth the Globulets, turned to a white powder._ _The Leaf of Jerusalem Cowslip sheweth the Way of the Insect under the Skin._
TAB. XLIV. & XLV. _sheweth the Measures of Leavs by the Circumference._
Tab. XLVI & XLVII. _sheweth the proportion between the chief Fibers; and also the Angles they usually make together._
TAB. XLVIII.
F. 1, 2, & 3. _shew the Apertures in several Leavs._ F. 4. _sheweth the same. And likewise, the peculiar composure of the Bladders and Fibers of the Leaf._
TAB. XLIX.
_showeth the difference in the Bladders, and in the Position of the Lignous Fibers in the Stalks of Leavs._
TAB. L.
_sheweth the Pulp of a Borage-Leaf and many others composed of Bladders; the sides of which Bladders, are made of other smaller ones._ _And the distribution of the Lignous Fibers (and of the Aer-Vessels sheathed within them) not like that of Veins in Animals, but of the Nervs, &c. See the description of the Leaf._
TAB LI.
F. 1. _The appearance of the Aer-Vessels like Cobwebs to the naked Eye, upon breaking the Leaf._ F. 2. _A small piece cut off of the Leaf._ F. 3. _The same magnified in which the same Vessels look like spiral wyers stretched out._ F. 4. _The same as they stand entire within the Wood._
TAB. LII. _Representeth the Aer-Vessels of Scabious, as in_ Tab. LI.
TAB. LIII.
_Sheweth the manner of the Generation of the Leaf; chiefly, by the help of several Salts, wherewith the Sap is impregnated._ F. 5. (1) _The Foundation of the work._ F. 6. (1 & 2) _strengthened._ F. 7. (1 & 3); _in which (3) is set with the square end to end: and with the point-side of one, to that of another._ F. 8. _The same, directing the Position of the Lignous Fibers at very Acute Angles._ F. 9. _At less Acute Angles._ F. 10. _The greater Fibers at Acute, and the smaller at Right Angles._ F. 11. _The greater at Right Angles with the help of (1) (2) or (3)._ F. 12. (3) _directing the Fiber in the Edge of the Leaf into a greater Circle._ F. 13. _Into a less, and with divers Diameters._ F. 14. (4) _directing the Parenchymous Fibers in making the Bladders._ F. 15. _In winding from one Bladder to another._ F. 17. _Or about the Lignous Fibers._ F. 16. _In making the Aer-Vessels._
TAB. LIV.
_sheweth how Nature manages the Folds of Flowers according to their Shape._
TAB. LV.
F. 1. _sheweth the Edges of the Leaf fastned by their Indented Hairs._ F. 2. _The Balsamick Knobs in the place of Hairs._ F. 3. _The number 5 running 3 times into its self in 13._ F. 4. _And five times in_ 21. F. 5. &c. _The Seminiform Attire in Clematis Austriaca. With one of the Thecæ magnified; of which, there are about 30 or 40 in one Flower._ F. 8, &c. _The same in Blattaria, with one of the Thecæ magnified; of which are there about 5 in one Flower._
TAB. LVI.
_The same in yellow Henbane._ _With one of the Thecæ magnified; of which there are about 5 in one Flower._ _And the Column on the top of the Seed-Case._
TAB. LVII.
_The same in St. Johns wort, entire, together with the Seed-Case or Uterus._
TAB. LVIII.
_The Varieties of the Spermatick Particles in the Seminiform Attire._
TAB. LIX.
_The Florid Attire of Golden Rod_; _In which, the several suits consist but of two pieces. And of which Attire, the Flower doth almost wholly consist._
TAB. LX.
F. 1, &c. _The same Attire in French Marigold or Flos Africanus, with one suit magnified. Of which, there are about 12, in one Flower; and every suit consisting of 3 Pieces._ F. 5. _One of another Flower, consisting also of 3 Pieces._
TAB. LXI.
_One suit of the same Attire in Marigold, and Knapweed, each of them consisting of three Pieces._ F. 5. a, _The Attire of one Piece, proper to each Leaf in a Marigold Flower, besides that in the bosome of the Flower._ F. 8. a b, _the Seed-Case or Uterus at the bottom of every suit._
TAB. LXII.
_The Attire (of 3 Pieces) proper to each Leaf in the Flower of Cichory._
TAB. LXIII.
_sheweth the Flower of Mezereon perfectly formed in all its Parts, in the year before it appears. But differs in Shape, as a Fœtus doth when newly formed._
TAB. LXIV. _sheweth the same in the Flower of Asarum._
TAB. LXV.
_sheweth the position of the 20 chief Branches in an Apple._ _Their Production from the Stalk to the Seeds and Flower._ _And a part of the Parenchyma magnified,_ sc. _that which is pricked out from the Coar to the Skin; shewing the oblong Figure of the Bladders, and the Divisions in every Bladder._
TAB. LXVI.
F. 1, &c. _sheweth the Bladders in the Rind of a Limon conteining the Oyl._ _The Bags and Bladders of the Pulp, conteining the sower Juyce._ _And the Position of the Vessels belongeth to the Fruit, Seed, and Flower._ F. 5. _shews the same Vessels, and treble Parenchyma in a Cucumer._
TAB. LXVII.
_Representeth the Parts of a Pear._ _The position and production of the Vessels._ _The Chanel from the top of the Pear to the botome of the Coar._ _The Tartareous Knots._ _And the Bladders radiated to them._
TAB. LXVIII.
_See the Descriptions of Fruits; and the last Chapter of the Generation of the Seed._
TAB. LXIX.
F. 5. _Sheweth the Parts of a Goosberry._ _The darker part is the sower Rind. Consisting of two sorts of Bladders, of which some very small, and others very great._ _The white pieces on the circumference of the Berry, are the Lignous Fibers._ _The two opposite white and radiated Bodys are the Midle Parenchyma._ _And the oblong Bags round about the several Seeds or Seed-Cases, are the sweet Pulp._
TAB. LXX.
_Sheweth the Seed-Case of Radish opened, and the Seeds hanging on two Ropes._ _That of Poppey both entire, and split down the midle._ _A slice of the Cod of Garden-Bean, while very young; and therein the Bladders and Threds of the Spongy Parenchyma._ _And the gradual ripening and opening of that of yellow Henbane._
TAB. LXXI.
_Sheweth the Seed Case of Tulip entire, cut transversly, and split downe._ _A slice of Thorn-Apple, or of the Seed-Case of Stramonium, while young._ _That of Pimpinel naturally divided into two Hemisphers; with the Button, on which the Seeds grow, erected in the middle._ _The manner of the ejaculation of the Seed, in Coded Arsmart._ _And the Coats of the Seed of Azarum formed the year before it ripens._
TAB. LXXII.
_sheweth the measures of Plum-stones._ _The Apertures, and Divisions, of the covers of the Seed._ _The Seed and Seed-Case of Harts Tongue, opened with a Spring._ _And other contrivances both for the Motion, and Arrest of other Seeds._
TAB. LXXIII & LXXIV. _See the Descriptions._
_In_ Tab. 74. _the corners and edges of that of Fox-glove should have been rounder._ _The Figures are all done pretty near a Scale._
TAB. LXXV.
_The Belly and Back of a Datestone, and the small sprouting Node taken out of the Hole in the back cut open._ _The Shapes and Foulds of divers Seeds._ _The Vitellum of Orach, and Rhapontick._ _In great blew-Lupine_, d, _the Navle_; b, _the descending part of the Radicle._
TAB. LXXVI.
_Flag._ 1, _the Seed._ 2, _split open._ 3, _the true Seed which lies in the hollow made in the Cover._ (2) 4, _one half of_ (2) _magnifyd._ 5, _the Seed (3) magnifyd._ _Purging Angola Nut._ 1, _with the shell on._ 2, _taken off._ 3, _the soft Cover split down._ 4, _the Seed which lies in it; the Lobes hereof answerable to two Leaves, and Radicle to the Stalk._ _And so in the rest._
TAB. LXXVII.
_Coffee Berry stone._ 1, _The belly of the Stone._ 2, _the Back._ 3, _pared a little._ 4, _the Kernel taken out of it._ 5, _the same magnifyd._ _Goosgrass._ 1, _the entire Seed._ 2, _the back of the hard Cover._ 3, _the belly._ 4, _cut in two._ 5, _the same magnifyd._ 6, _the true Seed taken out of it._ _Staphisagria._ 1, _the entire Seed._ 2, _the hard Cover._ 3, _Split in two._ 4, _the true Seed taken out of it._ 5, _The same magnifyd._ _Peony_, 1, _the Seed commonly so call’d._ 2, _one half of it split down._ 3, _the other half._ 4, _the true seed taken out of it._ 5, _the same magnifyd._ _Stramonium._ 1, _the Seed entire._ 2, _the iner thick cover._ 3, _the same split in two._ 4, _the true seed taken out of it._ 5, _half the thick Cover (3) magnifyd._ 6, _the Seed (4) magnifyd._
TAB. LXXVIII.
_Some examples of the Buds of Seeds before they are sown._ _Sena._ 1, _the naked Seed._ 2, _the Lobes divided to shew the Bud._ 3, _one Lobe with the Bud magnifyd._ _Carduus Benedictus._ 1, _the entire Seed._ 2, _with the outer Covers off._ 3, _naked._ 4, _divided._ 5, _that half with the Bud, magnifyd._ _Hemp._ 1, _the naked Seed divided._ 2, 3, _the same magnifyd._ _Almond._ 1. _one half of the Kernel._ 2, _the Radicle and Bud at the bottom of it._ 3, _the same broken off._ 4, _magnifyd._ 5, _opened._
TAB. LXXIX.
F. 1. a b, _Part of the outer Coat._ c d, _Part of the Inner Coat._ c d e, _one Lobe cover’d with the Skin._ f g, _the other, with the Skin and part of the Parenchyma pared off._ f f, _the Skin._ h h, _the Parenchyma._ i i, _the Seminal Root._ k k, _the Radicle._ k l, _where it is cut off from the Lobes._ M, _the Plume or Bud._ N, _The Cavitys in which it is lodg’d._ F. 2. _Sheweth the Barque, Vessels and Pith of the Radicle._
TAB. LXXX.
F. 1. _A Slice of a young Apricock, cut transversly, near the lower end; shewing the duplicature of the Skin half way through the Stone._ F. 2. _A Slice, cut near the upper end; shewing the duplicature of the Skin quite through the Stone._ F. 3. _A well-grown Apricock cut by the length._ F. 4, 5, _The Membranes of a Filbert full ripe._ F. 6. _The Membranes of a young Apricock, with part of the Seed-branch._ F. 7. _the two Membranes cut by the length._
TAB. LXXXI.
F. 1, _The outer and midle Coats or Membranes; with the Chanel, oval at both ends, now formed in the latter._ F. 2, _Part of the same, with the upper Oval grown larger, and the inmost Cover now also formed therein._ F. 3. _the same with the inmost cover grown larger._ F. 4. _the Inmost Cover more magnified, and the hollow in the smaller end, laid open, to shew the Seed it self, newly begun in a round Node._ F. 5. _the same; in which the Node begins to be divided into two Lobes._ F. 6, 7, 8, _the gradual forming of the Lobes._ F. 9, _next the forming of the Radicle._ f. 10, 11, _Its gradual contraction at the point, into a short and slender Navle string._ _Which in the further growth of the Seed, breaks and disappears._
TAB. LXXXII.
a a, _the Pulp, or open Parenchyma._ b b, _the close Parenchyma or ground of the Stone._ c c, _the Flower-Branch running through the body of the Stone._ d d, _the Seed-Branch striking into the hollow of the Stone, and so running round the outer Membrane_ e e. f f, _the middle Membrane._ g g, _the Chanel._ h, _the inner Membrane, in which lies the Seed._
TAB. LXXXIII.
F. 1, _the manner of the generation of the Essential Salts of Plants._ F. 2, _a Crystal of the Essential Salt of Rosemary, a little magnifyd._ F. 3, a b, _two of Wormwood_, a, _upon the second Solution_; b, _upon the first_. F. 4, _one of G. Scurvygrass_; a, _one side_; b _the other_. F. 5, _a Crystal of the Marine Salt of Rosemary._ F. 6, _of Garden Scurvy-grass_; a _the upper side_; b. _the nether_. F. 7, _of Wormwood._ F. 8, _of Black Thorn._ F. 9, _another of the same._ F. 10, _of Firne._ F. 11, _another of Wormwood._
FINIS.
[Illustration: _Tab. 1._]
[Illustration: _Tab. 2._]
[Illustration: _Tab. 3._]
[Illustration: _Tab. IV._]
[Illustration: _Tab. 5._]
[Illustration: _Tab. VI._]
[Illustration: _Tab. VII._]
[Illustration: _Tab. VIII._]
[Illustration: _Tab: 9._]
[Illustration: _Tab. X._]
[Illustration: _Tab. XI._]
[Illustration: _Tab. XII._]
[Illustration: _Tab. XIII._]
[Illustration: _Tab. 14._]
[Illustration: _Tab: 15._]
[Illustration: _Tab. XVI._]
[Illustration: _Tab XVII_]
[Illustration: _Tab 18_]
[Illustration: _Tab 19._]
[Illustration: _Tab. 20._]
[Illustration: _Tab. 21._]
[Illustration: _Tab. 22._]
[Illustration: _Tab. 23._]
[Illustration: _Tab. 24._]
[Illustration: _Tab. 25._]
[Illustration: _Tab. 26._]
[Illustration: _Tab. 27._]
[Illustration: _Tab. 28._]
[Illustration: _Tab. 29._]
[Illustration: _Tab. 30._]
[Illustration: _Tab. 31_]
[Illustration: _Tab. 32_]
[Illustration: _Tab. 33_]
[Illustration: _Tab. 34_]
[Illustration: _Tab. 35_]
[Illustration: TAB XXXVI.]
[Illustration: _Tab. 37._]
[Illustration: _Tab. 38_]
[Illustration: _Tab XXXIX._]
[Illustration: _Tab: XL_]
[Illustration: TAB. XXXXI]
[Illustration: _Tab. 42._]
[Illustration: _Tab: 43_]
[Illustration: _Tab_ XLIIII.]
[Illustration: _Tab._ XLV.]
[Illustration: _Tab. 46._]
[Illustration: _TAB. XLVII._]
[Illustration: TAB. XLVIII.]
[Illustration: TAB. XLIX.]
[Illustration: _Tab. 50._]
[Illustration: _Tab. 51._]
[Illustration: _Tab. LII_]
[Illustration: _Tab. LIII_]
[Illustration: _Tab. LIV_]
[Illustration: _Tab. 55._]
[Illustration: _Tab. 56._]
[Illustration: _Tab. 57._]
[Illustration: _Tab. 58._]
[Illustration: _Tab. 59._]
[Illustration: _Tab. 60._]
[Illustration: _Tab. 61._]
[Illustration: _Tab. 62._]
[Illustration: _Tab. 63._]
[Illustration: _Tab. 64._]
[Illustration: _Tab. 65._]
[Illustration: _Tab. 66._]
[Illustration: TAB. LXVII]
[Illustration: _Tab. 68._ (_See Tab. 80. &c._)]
[Illustration: _Tab. 69._]
[Illustration: _Tab. 70._]
[Illustration: _Tab._ LXXI.]
[Illustration: _Tab_ LXXII.]
[Illustration: TAB LXXIII.]
[Illustration: _Tab_ LXXIIII]
[Illustration: _Tab: 75._]
[Illustration: _Tab: 76_]
[Illustration: Tab. 77.]
[Illustration: _Tab. 78._]
[Illustration: _Tab: LXXIX._]
[Illustration: _Tab. 80_]
[Illustration: _Tab. 81._]
[Illustration: _Tab 82._]
[Illustration: _Tab. 83._]