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._