White Vitriol, with the same Spirit, maketh a conspicuous huff. And
Roman Vitriol a vehement Effervescence._ Whence the _former_ is the
_least acid_, and the _latter the most of all_. Which also confirms
what I said before of the like natures of the several _Metals_ to which
they belong.
39. §. _Salt of Vitriol, though a fixed Salt, and made by Calcination,
yet maketh no Effervescence with the strongest acid; but only with
Alkalies; as may be seen upon their mixture, but much better heard by
holding the mixture to ones ear._ Hence, there are _fixed Acids_. Which
further confirms what I have above asserted concerning the nature of
_Gold_, _sc._ That the _predominant Salt_ thereof is a _fixed Acid_.
40. §. _Sal Martis, with Spirit of Harts-horn, maketh a considerable
huff._ Hence it is much more _acid_ than _green Vitriol_; and is
therefore a cooler body.
41. §. _Alum and Spirit of Harts-horn make a plain Effervescence._
42. §. _Saccharum Saturni, with Oyl of Vitriol, stirs not at all. With
Spirit of Salt, huffs a little. With Spirit of Nitre much more._ Hence
the _acid_ of the _Vinegar_, and not the _Alkaly_ of the _Lead_, is the
predominant Principle.
43. §. _Common Salt stirs neither with Spirit of Salt, nor with Spirit
of Nitre; nor with Aqua fortis. But with Oyl of Vitriol it maketh a
great Effervescence with noise and steams._ Hence, even common Salt,
though it be not reckoned amongst _alkaline Salts_, yet is far nearer
in nature to _that_, than to an _acid_. Hence also the _Spirit of Salt_
is a _subalkaline Acid_, and of a very different nature from _Oyl_ of
_Sulphur_ or _Vitriol_.
44. §. _Salt Armoniac, with Spirit of Nitre, stirreth not. But with Oyl
of Vitriol it maketh a great Effervescence._ Hence _Spirit of Nitre_ is
a _subalkalizate Spirit_.
45. §. _Oyl of Vitriol and Spirit of Nitre, though both acids, yet make
a great smoak; greater than that which the Spirit maketh of it self._
Which confirms the last precedent _Corollary_.
46. §. _Oyl of Vitriol and Spirit of Salt, though both acids, yet make
a strong Effervescence, with noise and fumes._ Which further confirms,
what was noted before, _sc._ that Spirit of Salt is a _subalkaline
Acid_.
47. §. _Spirit of Salt Armoniac, with Oyl of Vitriol, makes an
Effervescence so extraordinary quick, and as it were instantaneous,
that nothing seemeth quicker._ Whence it is probable, That if
_Gun-powder_ were made of _Salt Armoniac_, instead of _Nitre_, or with
_both_ mixed together; it would be _far stronger_, than any kind now in
use. And thus far for _Minerals_.
48. §. I have only one _Corollary_ to add, from the whole; which is,
That whoever doth undertake the _Natural History_ of a _Country_,
(such as that the Learned Dr. _Plot_ hath exceedingly well done of
_Oxfordshire_) the foregoing _Method_, seemeth so easie, cheap, and
indeceitful, for the finding out and well distinguishing the natures of
all kinds of _Metalls_, _Ores_, _Salts_, _Earths_, _Stones_, or other
_subterraneal Bodies_; as cannot, I think, be supply’d, but by others
of greater difficulty and expence.
CHAP. III.
_What may be observed of the PARTS of_ Animals.
I NOW proceed to the several _Parts_ of _Animals_; as _Hairs_, _Hoofs_,
_Horns_, _Shells_ and _shelly Insects_, _Bones_, _Flesh and the several
Viscera_, _Silk_, _Blood_, _Eggs_, _Musk_, _Castor_, _Gall_, _Urine_,
_Dungs_, _Salts and Stones_.
2. §. _And first of all, the Hair of a mans head, with Oyl of Vitriol,
maketh no Bullition at all. Nor yet with Spirit of Nitre._ So that
although it contains a good deal of _volatile Salt_; yet it seemeth
either not to be _alkaline_, or else is _centred_ in so great a
quantity of _Oyl_, that the _acid menstruum_ cannot reach it.
3. § _Hares Fur, with spirit of Nitre, maketh, although a short,
yet very plain Bullition and huff._ Hence the _Hair_, and therefore
the _Blood_, of some _Animals_, is fuller of _Salt_, at least of an
_Alkaline Salt_, than that of some others. And perhaps the _Hair_ of
some men, as of _Black’s_, may be so full of _Salt_, as to make a
Bullition like _Hares Fur_.
4. §. _The shavings of Nails stir not at all, either with Oyl of
Vitriol, or Spirit of Nitre: only with the latter they turn yellow. But
Elks Claws, with Spirit of Nitre, make a small and slow Bullition._
5. §. _Horses Hoof, with Oyl of Vitriol, stirs not of many hours.
But with Spirit of Nitre, allowing it some time, makes a very plain
Bullition, and huffs up very high._
6. §. _Cows Horn, neither with Oyl of Vitriol, nor with Spirit of
Nitre, maketh any Bullition, only turneth a yellow colour._
7. §. _Rams Horn stirs not with Oyl of Vitriol; but with Spirit of
Nitre, makes a small and slow Bullition._
8. §. _Harts-Horn makes a considerable Bullition and huff, even with
Oyl of Vitriol, which the rest of the Bodies abovesaid, will not do.
But with Spirit of Nitre, it makes yet a greater._ From the foregoing
Experiments, and almost all that follow, what is before asserted of the
_Salts_ of _Vegetables_ and _Minerals_, is here also evident concerning
that of _Animals_, _scil._ That it is not _made_, but only _separated_
by the fire. It likewise hence appears, That the _proportion_ of _Salt_
in the forementioned _parts_ is very different; and that therefore
some of them are never, and none of them but with good discretion, to
be substituted one for another in Medicine. As also, that there is a
different proportion of _Salt_ in the several _Animals_ themselves, to
which the said _Parts_ belong.
9. §. _Next for shells; as those of Lobsters, Eggs, Snails and Oisters:
all which make an Effervescence, both with Oyl of Vitriol, and Spirit
of Nitre. But with Spirit of Nitre the greatest. Lobster-shells make a
considerable Bullition and huff, but no noise nor steams. Egg-shells
make a Bullition and huff, with some noise, but no steams. Snail-shells
make an Effervescence with noise and steams. Oyster-shells make one
with the gratest noise and thickest steams._ Hence we may judge, in
what case to administer _one_ more appositely than _another_. As also
_in what proportion_, according to their different strength. Some
may be better for _Children_, as being milder. Or for a Body whose
very sharp _Blood_ or other _Humors_, are more easily kindled into
_Ferments_. Or else may be safest, to avoid a sudden _precipitation_ of
the _Humors_; or for some other cause.
10. §. _Oyster-shells, and the rest above-said, make a quicker
Effervescence, not only with Spirit of Nitre, but even with Spirit of
Salt, than they do with Oyl of Sulphur, or Oyl of Vitriol._ So that
_these bodies_, as well as _Metals_, have their proper _Menstruums_
whereby they are be dissolved.
11. §. _Egg-shells calcined, make with Oyl of Sulphur, or Oyl of
Vitriol, or Spirit of Nitre, a greater Effervescence, than when
uncalcined. As also with steams, which uncalcined, they produce
not. The like is seen in calcined Oyster-shells. And the longer
the Calcination is continued, the quicker and stronger will be the
Effervescence. This I tryed at several terms, from a quarter of an
hour, to five hours. So that after so long a Calcination, they make
an Effervescence almost instantaneous._ The reason hereof is, Because
the several _Principles_ whereof the _Shells_ consist, being relaxed,
and the _Sulphur_ for the greatest part, driven away by the fire; the
remaining _Salt_ lies now more open and naked to the attaque of the
_Menstruum_, so soon as ever they are mixed together. From hence it is
plain, That _Egg-shells_, and the others above-said, being _burnt_, are
far _stronger_ Medicines, than when _unburnt_. It is hereby likewise
evident, That a great portion of their _Salt_, is not a _volatile_,
but a _fixed Alkaly_. To these may be subjoyned all kinds of shelly
_Insects_. I will instance in three or four.
12. §. _And first Bees, with Oyl of Vitriol, stir not in the least.
With Spirit of Nitre they make an exceeding small Bullition, without
any elevation._
13. §. _Cochinele_ (the _Nest_ of an _Insect_) _makes some Bullition
with Oyl of Vitriol, but very small: for the bubbles are not to be
seen without a Glass. But with Spirit of Nitre the Bullition is more
visible, and joyned with some elevation._
14. §. _Cantharides make no visible Bullition with Oyl of Vitriol. But
with Spirit of Nitre they do, and huff up rather more than Cochinele.
Yet is this done very slowly, and comparatively with many other bodies,
is not much._ Hence it is not the _quantity_, but the _quality_ of
their _volatile Salt_, which makes them so strong an _Epispastick_.
For most of those Bodies above, and hereafter named, make a greater
_Bullition_, and yet are neither _Caustick_ nor _Epispastick_ in the
least. It is hence also evident, as hath been before suggested, That
there are divers kinds of _Volatile Salts_, eminently different; some
being highly _alkaline_, others very _little_, and some scarce any
thing so: such as those of _Scurvy-grass_, _Anemone_, _Crowfoot_, and
many the like _Plants_; to whose _Salts_, this of _Cantharides_ seemeth
to be very near of kin.
15. §. _Millepedes make a Bullition and huff, much greater and quicker,
than any of the Insects above-named: and that both with Spirit of
Nitre, and Oyl of Vitriol it self. Yet is this Insect of a very
temperate nature._ Whereby is further demonstrated, That the being
_simply alkaline_, is not enough to make a body to be _Caustick_.
16. §. _Again, although Millepedes make a Bullition, greater than any
of the Insects above named: yet is it much less, than that of Oyster,
Snail, or even Egg-shells; and of divers other bodies above, and
hereafter mentioned._ Hence, being given to the same intent, as any of
those bodies; it is the mildest and gentlest in its operation of them
all.
17. §. _Millepedes likewise calcined, makes a stronger Effervescence,
than when uncalcined, as do the Oyster-shells, &c._ So that it appears,
That _all Testaceous Salts_, are at least in part, _fixed Salts_.
18. §. _I next proceed to Bones. And first Whale-bone maketh no
Bullition at all with any acid. A Cartilage, with Spirit of Nitre,
makes some very small bubbles, not to be seen without a Glass._
19. §. _The Bone in the Throat of a Carp, makes a little and slow
Bullition with Spirit of Nitre. The Spina of a Fish (that which I used
was of a Cod-fish) maketh a Bullition one degree higher._
20. §. _All sorts of Teeth, as Dogs, Boars, the Sea-horse, Elephant,
make the like. As also the Bone of an Oxes heart._ So that all these
are very gentle in their operation, and fit for _Children_.
21. §. _Sheeps and Calves Bones both of them make a Bullition yet a
little higher, especially with Spirit of Nitre. Cocks Bones somewhat
higher than the former. Cranium humanum a little higher than all the
rest._
22. §. _Bones likewise, being calcined, make a Bullition with Acids.
And so doth also calcined Harts-Horn. But in neither of them, is the
Bullition advanced by Calcination, any thing comparable to what it is
in shells._ Whence it appears, That the _Salt_ of _Horns_ and _Bones_,
is much more _volatile_, than that of _Shells_.
23. §. _Next for Flesh and the several Viscera. And first, dryed and
powdered Mutton, with Oil of Vitriol, stirs not at all. But with
Spirit of Nitre makes a small Bullition and huff. Sheeps Heart doth
the like somewhat more apparently. Vipers flesh produceth a froth, but
huffs not, Powdered Earthsworms make a great froth, and huff a little.
Powdered Tripe makes only a little Bullition. Lamb-stones do the like.
Kidney, Spleen, and Liver, with some elevation. Lungs, with bubbles
very large; because extraordinary slowly. Dryed Brain makes also a
little and slow Bullition._ Hence there is a greater proportion of
_Sulphur_ or _Oyl_, and less of _an Alkaly in all these parts_, than
there is in _Bones_, _Shells_, and divers other _parts_ hereafter
mentioned. And in some of them, as in the _Brain_, that _Alkaline Salt_
which there is, may rather be lodged in some _sanguineous_ parts mixed
with them, than in their own proper substance.
24. §. I proceed to instance in all sorts of Animal _Contents_. _And
first, raw Silk, with Spirit of Nitre, makes a very small Bullition,
but the elevation is considerable._
25. §. _The grumous part of the Blood dryed, with Oyl of Vitriol, stirs
but little. But with Spirit of Nitre it huffs up considerably._
26. §. _Serum of Blood dryed, with the same Spirit makes a plain
elevation, with a little Bullition. Herewith may be reckoned the White
of an Egg, which is nothing but a pure Crystlalline Serum separated
from the common stock. This being dryed, with Spirit of Nitre, huffs
up rather more than even the grumous part of the Blood, the Bubbles
are much larger, break oftner, and the elevation sooner made._ Whence
it seemeth, that there is a greater quantity of a _volatile Alkaly_ in
proportion to the _Sulphur_, requisite to the _Generation_, than to the
_Nutrition_ of an _Animal_.
27. §. _The Yelk of an Egg is scarce moved with spirit of Nitre,
producing only a very few Bubbles._ The _Salt_ being either little
_alkalizate_, or else _immersed_ in so great a quantity of _Oyl_, that
the _Menstruum_ cannot reach it. _For the same reason Sperma Ceti stirs
not with any Acid. Neither doth Civet._
28. §. _Russian Castor, with Oyl of Vitriol, stirs not. But with
Spirit of Nitre makes a considerable huff and froth. Yet it requires
time._ Wherefore it seemeth, That _Castor_ by virtue of its _alkaline
sulphur_, becomes so good a _Corrector_ of the _acid-alkaline sulphur_
of _Opium_; so I take leave to call it, having some reasons to believe
it such.
29. §. _Musk, with Oyl of Vitriol, stirs not. But with Spirit of Nitre
it makes a considerable and quick Bullition, with large bubbles, which
often break and rise again._ Whence there is a very eminent difference
betwixt _Musk_ and _Civet_. Hence also, _Musk_ is Cordial, not only
from its _Sulphur_, but its _Alkaly_; by both directly opposite to
preternatural _Acidities_.
30. §. _Dryed Gall with Spirit of Nitre, for some time, is still: but
at length it makes a considerable Bullition and froth._ The reason why
it is so long before it begins, is because the _Salt_, (as was observed
of some other _Parts_) is locked up in so great a quantity of _Oyl_.
The abundance whereof is manifest, not only from _Destillation_, but
also from hence, In that the dryed _Powder_, in lying by, incorporateth
all together into one body, as _Mirrh_, and some other softer and oily
_Gums_ are used to do.
31. §. _Extract of Urine, with Spirit of Nitre, makes a Bullition with
some Effervescence, which continues for a considerable time; and at
last it huffs up with great bubbles. The Bullition begins presently:
the Salt being copious, and the Oyl but little._
32. §. _The same Extract of Urine makes a considerable Bullition and
froth, not only with Spirit of Nitre, but even with Oyl of Vitriol._
Hence the _Salt_ of _Urine_ is more _alkaline_ than that in most
of the afore-said _Contents_. From this and some of the following
_Experiments_, it also appears, That the _Salt_ which concurs to the
generation of _Gravel_ or of a _Stone_ in the _Kidneys_ or _Bladder_,
is of a very different nature from the _Salt_ of _Urine_.
33. §. _Next for Dungs. And first, dryed Goats-dung makes with Spirit
of Nitre, a small Bullition, but no elevation. That of Mice the like.
And that of Cows. So that of all I have tryed, these three stir the
least._
34. §. _Goose-dung, with Spirit of Nitre, makes a very small Bullition
and some elevation. But it requires time. Oyl of Vitriol stirs it not._
35. §. _Album Græcum, with Spirit of Nitre, besides innumerable small
bubbles, rises up with some great ones, exactly resembling the huffing
up of Yest or Barm. Also with Oyl of Vitriol it maketh some little
froth, but slowly._ So that it should seem, that the _Bones_ are a
little _opened_ by some _acid Menstruum_ in the Dogs stomach (as the
body of _Steel_ is in its preparation with _Sulphur_) whereby it
becomes a good mild _Topick_ in _Quinzies_.
36. §. _Hens dung, with Spirit of Nitre, makes a very great bullition
and huff: greater and quicker, than any of the rest above-named._
37. §. _But of all I have tryed, Pigeons dung, with the same Spirit,
maketh the greatest and the quickest Effervescence and huff; and that
not without steams. Yet neither the same Dung, nor that of Hens,
is moved in the least with Oyl of Vitriol._ The Cause of so great
an _Effervescence_ in these, more than in the rest, is that _white
part_ which is here mixed in a great quantity with the _Dung_. Which
_white part_, descendeth not from the _Stomach_, but is an _Excrement_
separated from the _Blood_ (as the _Urine_ in other _Animals_) by a
peculiar _Organ_, which evacuates it into the _Intestinum rectum_;
whence, together with the _Stercus_ it is excluded. Hence it is
evident, That in the said _white part_ of _Hens_, and especially
_Pigeons dung_, is contained a great quantity of a _volatile Alkaly_.
38. §. _I proceed to Salts. And first Salt of Blood and Urine both make
a more durable Effervescence with Acids, than doth Salt of Wormwood, or
Salt of Fern._ Hence the former are more _alkaline_, than the latter.
39. §. _Again, though divers other Animal Salts will not stir with
Spirit of Salt, or with Oyl of Sulphur or Vitriol; yet the Salt of
Blood will make an Effervescence with all kinds of Acids._ Whence it
is further argued to be highly _alkaline_, and very proper for the
_correction_, of all sorts of _preternatural Acids_ in the body. There
is little doubt, but that _Spirit_ of _Harts-horn_ will do the like.
40. §. _The Gravel which is precipitated out of Urine; with Oyl of
Vitriol makes no bullition in the least. Nor with strong Spirit of
Salt. But with Spirit of Nitre, it makes a very great one, with
Effervescence and steams._ From hence it appears, That there is much
difference to be made in the use of _acid Diureticks_, _Nephriticks_,
&c.
41. §. And that I may not altogether omit to mention, what may be so
much for the good of mankind, I do here declare, That for preventing (I
say not, the breaking, but preventing) the generation of the _Stone_,
either in the _Kidneys_, or in the _Bladder_, there are not better
_Medicines_ in the world, than some certain _Preparations_ of _Nitre_,
duly administred. Whoever shall think that any kind of _acid_, as _Oyl
of Sulphur_, _Oyl of Vitriol_, _Spirit of Salt_, or the like, will have
the same effects, will find themselves much deceived in their practice.
42. §. _I conclude with Stones. And first, Spirit of Nitre droped upon
a Stone of the Kidneys or Bladder, produceth the very same effect, as
upon the Gravel in Urine. That is to say, it makes it boil and huff
up, until at length it is perfectly dissolved into a soft Pulp; which
neither Oyl of Sulphur, nor Oyl of Vitriol, nor Spirit of Salt will
do; nor give the least touch towards its dissolution._ This confirms
what said before of the use of _Nitre_ and _Nitrous Spirits_, if duly
prepared and administred, above any other _Acids_, against the breeding
of the _Stone_.
43. §. _Pearls, with any Acid, make the like Effervescence, as do
Oyster-shells. But Magistery of Pearls, as usually prepared, stirs not
at all, with any Alkaly or Acid._ So that as to the effect frequently
intended by it, it is very insignificant; as of that of _Corals_ hath
been said.
44. §. _Crabs Eyes, with any Acid, make an Effervescence, almost as
quick as that of Oyster-shells._
45. §. _Crabs Eyes likewise calcined, make a stronger Effervescence,
than when uncalcined._ So that _these_, as well as _Shells_, contain a
_fixed Alkaly_.
46. §. _The Stones in Whitings heads make a strong Effervescence like
that of Oyster-shells._
47. §. _Stone of humane Gall, Stirs not with Oyl of Vitriol. But with
Spirit of Nitre maketh a little bullition just upon mixing, and after
a considerable time, a little froth. Much less than what was observed
before of the Gall it self._ So that it seemeth to be generated of
the _Gall coagulated_ by some _Acid_, which hath already _refracted_
the _Alkaly_ wherewith the _Gall_ abounds. This confirms the use of
those _Medicines_ in the _Jaundies_, or any other bordering _Disease_,
which destroys those _Acidities_ by which the _Gall_ is _curdled_ or
_coagulated_, and so rendred more difficulty separable into the _Guts_.
48. §. Since the first publishing of these Observations, Mr. _William
Matthews_ an _Apothecary_ in _Ledbury_, sent me part, as I take it, of
a _Stomach-stone_, as big as a _Wallnut_ of the largest Size, voided
by a woman about 82 years of age, sometime after an _Autumn Fever_. It
consisteth of the same _Striæ_, as the _Bezoar Stone_; and maketh some
_Bullition_ with _Spirit_ of _Nitre_.
49. §. _Bezoar, neither the Western nor the Eastern, doth stir at all
with Oyl of Vitriol._
50. §. _Western Bezoar, with Spirit of Nitre, makes a very little thin
froth, and that’s all; and that it doth very slowly. But Oriental
Bezoar, with Spirit of Nitre, after some time, maketh a very great
Effervescence, froth, elevation, noise, and steams (as if you poured
Oyl of Vitriol upon Salt of Tartar) till it be wholly dissolved by
the affused Spirit, and turned into almost a blood-red._ Hence it may
seem to be no mean _Remedy_ against such _fretting_ and _venenate
acids_, as oftentimes in _Fevers_, and other _Distempers_, lye about
the _Stomach_, and are thence frequently translated to the _Heart_,
_Brain_, _Nerves_, and other _parts_. The difference likewise betwixt
the _Western_ and the _Eastern Bezoar_, is so great, that in any case
of danger, and where the _Bezoar_ is relyed upon, it is an unpardonable
fault, for the _Apothecary_, or any _Person_, to _substitute_ the one
for the other: unless he will take _ten times_ as much, or _ten times_
as little of the one, as he would have done of the other: if that will
serve turn.
51. §. The _Stones_ already mentioned, (except the great _Stomach-stone_)
are ordinarily generated in the bodies of _Animals_. I have one
Instance more of some other _Stones_ which are extraordinary. In the
City of _Hereford_ lives a Maid, who often voids these _Stones_, and
in the space of some years last past, hath voided several pounds, of
several _Colours_ and _Sizes_, not only _per vias urinarias_, but also
by vomit, and by stool. The first mention made to me of them, was by
Mr. _Diggs_, a worthy Gentleman of that City, as a thing that was there
much wondred at. And some of them, upon my desire, were sent me by
Mr. _Wellington_, an Apothecary in the same place. _I have tryed what
several acid Menstruums will work upon them; and find, That with Oyl of
Vitriol, and especially with Spirit of Nitre the great ones make a very
quick and conspicuous Effervescence. But the small ones, neither the
white, nor the grey, make any Bullition in the least:_ for in truth,
they are no other but little _Pebbles_ and _Grit-stones_.
52. §. This being considerd, and the various _colours_ and _mixture_ of
any one of the great _Stones_, being well observed; it seemeth plain,
That although she be somewhat old (above thirty years) yet may she
have a kind of μαλακία, or _diseased Appetite_ to _Stones_, _Bones_,
_Wood-ashes_, _Tobacco-Pipes_, _Chalk_, and such like things; which
sometimes swallowing in little _lumps_, sometimes grosly, or finely
ground betwixt her teeth; they are in her _Stomach_ and _Bowels_, more
or fewer of them, _cemented_ together, either with a _pituitous_,
_bilious_, or some other more or less _glutinous substance_. And that
by virtue also of the said _Cement_, or any of the said, or other like
_alkalizate Bodies_, the greater _Stones_, which consist of those
partly, do make an _Effervescence_ with _acid Liquors_. Thus far of
_Instances_ upon the _parts_ of _Animals_. I shall close with some
_Corollaries_ deduced from the whole.
53. §. And first, since we find, that amongst all the _Menstruums_ we
have made use of, _Spirit_ of _Nitre_, or any very _Nitrous Spirit_,
is the most _universal dissolver_ of all kinds of _Animal Bodies_; the
_best dissolver_ of many others both _Vegetable_ and _Mineral_, and
the _only dissolver_ of some: Hence it is probable, That the great
_stomachick Menstruum_, which either _dissolves_, or _opens_ almost all
_Bodies_ which come into the _Stomach_, is a kind of _Nitrous Spirit_.
54. §. Again, _Spirit_ of _Nitre_ being a _subalkaline Acid_, and
working more evidently upon _Animal bodies_, than other _simpler Acids_
do, which yet are as _strong_; It hence follows, That most of the
_Salts_ of _Animals_ are _subacid Alkalies_. How far this _conclusion_
may further instruct us, I shall have occasion to shew in another
_Discourse_.
55. §. Lastly, there being so many, say twenty or thirty _degrees_,
from the _slowest_ to the most _vehement_, in the _Bullition_ of _mixed
Bodies_; it seemeth, That _Fermentation_ it self, as to the _formal
notion_ of it, is nothing else: or that from the common _Luctation_ of
_mixed Bodies_ whereof we have now been speaking, it differs not _in
specie_, but only in the manner of its _causation_, and in _degree_:
the _Aer_, or some certain _Menstruum_ lodged therein, being of no
greater _strength_, than to produce a _Bullition_ or _Luctation_ of
that _low_ and _soft degree_, which we call _Fermentation_.
56. §. I have thus endeavoured to prove, by various _Instances_, how
instructive this most easie, plain and simple _Method_ in the _Mixture_
of _Bodies_, may become to us: and that meerly by observing the
_Luctations_ which thence arise betwixt them. How much more then, if
a diligent remarque be made of all those various _Colours_, _Smells_,
_Tastes_, _Consistencies_, and other _Mutations_ thereupon emergent?
AN
ESSAY
OF THE
Various Proportions
Wherein the
LIXIVIAL SALT
Is found in
PLANTS.
Read before the _Royal Society_, _March_, 1676.
CHAP. I.
_Of the QUANTITIES afforded by several_ Plants
_calcined in gross._
IT is the part of a _Physician_, knowingly and artificially to use and
govern _Nature_. And therefore by every likely _Method_, to inspect the
_State_ and _Properties_ of all sorts of _Bodies_. One _Method_, is
that I have taken in the foregoing _Experiments_; _sc._ by mixing them
with several _Menstruums_ or _Liquors_: whereby we may be assisted to
judge, both of the _Kinds_ and the _Proportions_ of _Principles_ in any
_Body_; and of the manner of their _Mixture_ in the same.
Another is by _Calcining_ them; or, as it were, by _mixing_ them with
the _Fire_, a potent and almost universal _Menstruum_. I shall here
only set down some _Tryals_ for an _Essay_, upon _Plants_; chiefly
noting, The different _Proportions_ of their _Lixivial Salts_. Of these
_Tryals_, some were made upon the whole _Plant_, or some _Portion_ of
it wherein several _Parts_ are mixed together: And others, upon some
one _Part_ of a _Plant_ distinct from the rest. All of them answering
to such _Queries_, as may seem proper to be proposed.
Query 1. As first, _Whether Trees or Herbs and Bushes, quantity for
quantity_ & cæteris paribus, _yield the most Lixivial Salt?_
For this I took _Ash-Barque_ and _Rosemary_ of each ℔j. The latter
yielded 5 _Scruples_; the former but 32 _Grains_; which is three times
less. I took also the same quantity of the _Barque_ of _Black-Thorn_,
and of _Agrimony_. The latter yielded 5 _Scruples_ and 6 _Grains_; the
former, not above 1 _Scruple_ and 5 _Grains_; which is four times less.
Although the _Barque_ of a _Tree_ be compounded of _Pithy_ and _Lignous
Parts_; yet to answer the _Query_ exactly, the _Wood_ of these _Trees_
should be taken with the _Barque_, that there may be some portion of
every _Part_ of the _Tree_, as well as of the _Herb_.
But thus far the _Experiment_ is _conclusive_, That the same quantity
of _Lixivial Salt_, doth not always follow the same _Generical Tast_.
For the _Barque_ of _Ash_ and _Rosemary_, are both equally _Bitter_;
and the _Barque_ of _Black-Thorn_ and _Agrimony_ are both _Astringent_
and _Bitter_.
Quer. 2. _Whether any Plant growing in a Garden or the Field, doth not
yield a lesser quantity of Lixivial Salt, than another of the same
kindred growing on the Sea-Coast; and with what difference?_
For this, I took _Garden_ and _Sea-Scurvygrass_, of each ℔j. The former
yields 2 _Drachms_ and 1 _Scruple_; the latter, being well washed, 9
_Drachms_, which is more than 4 times as much. The like may be tryed
upon others.
Quer. 3. _Whether the same Specifick Plant affords more Lixivial Salt,
being only dryed, and then calcin’d, or after it hath first been
distilled, it is then dryed and calcin’d?_
For this, was taken ℔j of _Mint_ only dryed and then calcin’d; and
another first distilled. The former yielded ½ an Ounce and ½ a Drachm
of _Salt_; the latter, 5 Drachms and a Scruple; which is almost ⅕ᵗʰ
more. This also should be tryed on other _Plants_.
Quer. 4. _How far the proportion follows the different Tasts of
Plants?_ The first Experiment, relates to the same _Tast_ in several
_Plants_; this, to several Tasts. And so,
Of _Majorane_, which is _Aromatick_, ℔j affords but one Scruple of
_Lixivial Salt_; which is but the 384ᵗʰ part of the whole pound.
Of _Oak-Barque_ which is _Astringent_, ℔j yields ½ a Drachm of _Salt_;
or the 256ᵗʰ part of the whole.
Of _Liquirish_, which is sweet, ℔j yields about the same quantity. But
_Anise Seeds_ ℔j yields 2 Scruples or a 192ᵈ part.
Of _Sorrel_, which is sower, ℔j yields one Drachm, or the 128ᵗʰ part.
Of _Garden Scurvygrass_, which is _Hot_, ℔j yields 2 Drachms and ½ a
Scruple; or the 59ᵗʰ part.
Of _Mint_, which is _Hot_ and _Bitter_, ℔j yields 5 Drachms and a
Scruple, or the 24ᵗʰ part.
Of _Sea Scurvygrass_, which is _Salt_, ℔j yields 9 Drachms and a
Scruple or 28 Scruples; which is near 1/13ᵗʰ part of the whole. A
greater proportion of _Salt_, than in any other _Plant_ upon which I
have hitherto made Tryal: Or even in _Tartar_ it self. Yet is it not
a _Marine_, but true _Lixivial Salt_: as is evident, both from its
_Taste_; and in that it maketh an _Effervescence_ with _Spirit_ of
_Salt_; which _Sea-Salt_ will not do.
For the Experiment to be fully adequate to the _Query_; the _Tryals_
should be made, either all on _Trees_, or all on _Herbs_; all on
_Roots_, or all on _Stalks_, &c. Yet thus much is evident, That
_Sorrel_ yields Thrice as much as _Majorane_; _Sea-Scurvygrass_, Eight
and Twenty times as much: _Mint_, Five times as much as _Sorrel_; and
Sixteen times as much _Majorane_, &c.
Quer. 5. _How far the Proportion follows the Faculties of Plants?_ And
so, it appears, that
_Majorane_, a _Cephalick_, hath a greater _Proportion_ of _Volatile
Parts_, than any of the _Plants_ above mentioned, and so far, is more
agreeable to the _Animal Spirits_, and _Genus Nervosum_.
_Agrimony_,[76] an _Aperient_, yields above Five times as much
_Lixivial Salt_, as _Majorane_. Yet much less than many other opening
_Plants_ which are stronger.
[76] _Quer. 1._
_Mugwort_ (℔j) yields two Drachms and two Scruples; or above half
as much more as _Agrimony_. So that this _Plant_, though it hath no
considerable _Taste_, and in that respect promiseth but little; yet
yielding a good quantity of _Lixivial Salt_, seems no contemptible
_Medicine_ to subdue those _Acidities_ which either by causing
_Obstructions_, or immoderate _Fermentations_, frequently disorder the
_Female Sex_.
_Mint_, yieldeth still a greater quantity; and is therefore, partly for
the same cause so excellent a _Stomachick_: And _Rosemary_,[77] which
is appropriated both to the _Head_ and _Stomach_, yieldeth a midle
quantity of _Salt_; more than the chief _Cephalicks_, and less than the
chief _Stomachicks_.
[77] _Quer. 1._
_Common Mallow_ (℔j) yields 5 Drachms and 2 Scruples. _i. e._ the 23ᵈ
part of the whole. So that this _Plant_, though of a very mild _Taste_,
yet yields more _Salt_ than _Mint_ it self a _Bitter Plant_. Whereby it
no longer seems strange, that a _Plant_ of so soft a _Taste_, should be
very _Diuretick_, and so evidently affect the _Reins_.
_Rhubarb_ (2 Ounces) yieldeth scarce any fixed _Salt_, so for as can be
judged by the _Taste_ of the _Ashes_, not more than a Grain or two. So
that its _Salt_ is, in a manner, wholly volatile; and thereby apter to
operate upon the _Bilious_ parts of the _Blood_; which contein a far
greater proportion of _Volatile Salt_, than do the _Serous_.
Of the _Caput Mortuum_ or meer _Earth_, it is observable, that it was
near ½ an Ounce or ¼ᵗʰ part of the whole; Which is almost Six times as
much as the _Caput Mortuum_ of _Common Dock_: and much more than that
of any other _Root_ I have yet calcin’d. Whereby it seemeth probable
that _Rhubarb_ looseth much of its _Volatile Part_, and therefore of
its _Virtue_, before it comes to our _Shops_.
_Sena_ (℔j) yields 4 Scruples and ½ of _Salt_; or the 85ᵗʰ part.
_Jalap_ (℔j) yields but one Drachm and 15 Grains, or 102ᵈ part.
_Colocynthis_ (℔j of the _Pulp_) yields an Ounce and half of _Caput
Mortuum_, which is almost all _Salt_. Yet allow half an Ounce of the
_Salt_, and _Earth_ to be wasted in filtring &c. the remaining Ounce is
no less than 1/16ᵗʰ part of the whole. Which is more than in any of the
above named _Plants_, except the _Sea-Scurvygrass_.
CHAP. II.
_Of the QUANTITIES afforded by the_ Parts _of several_
Plants _distinctly calcin’d._
I SHALL next set down some _Tryals_, upon one _Part_ of a _Plant_, as
well _Organick_, as _Content_, separated from the rest; in answer to
these supposed _Queries_.
Quer. 1. _What Proportion doth the Lixivial Salt of the Pith or Pithy
Part of a Plant, bear to that of the Fibrous, or of the Woody Part?
Or whether is there a Fixed Salt always found in either of them?_ A
sufficient _Answer_ to which, must be built upon many _Tryals_. At
present I shall mention only Two; one upon _Starch_, answerable to the
_Pithy Parts_; the other upon _Flax_, consisting almost wholly of the
_Nervous_ or _Towy Fibers_: of the _Volatile parts ♦ §. 50, 51, 52. ♦_
whereof, chiefly, I have given some account in the foregoing _Idea_.
Of _Starch_, ℔j yieldeth about ℔¼ not of _Ashes_, but of _Black Coal_.
For though it be exposed in a _Calcining Furnace_ to a vehement _fire_,
for 5 or 6 hours, which is longer then will serve to calcine most
Bodies: yet would it not in the least part, be reduced to _Ashes_; but
to the last continued (though the fierceness of the _Fire_ consumed
part of it) as _black_, as when it was first burnt. So strangely
was the remaining part of the _Sulphur_ fixed to the _Earth_; that
in flying away, it did volatilize and carry that away with it. In
this _Coal_ or _Cinder_, there is not the least of a _Lixivial_ or
other _Taste_. And although, upon _Tryal_ I find, That the _Pith_ of
many _Plants_, as of a _Cabbage Stalk_, will yield some quantity of
_Lixivial Salt_; yet it is probably, that generally, it yields less
than the _Wood_.
Of _Flax_, ℔j yields not above 50 Grains of _Caput Mortuum_ or _white
Ashes_, which are _Salt_. According to vulgar conceit, it would seem
to be a very dry Body: yet of 153 parts, 152 are _volatile_, and being
distilled would have been collected into _Liquor_. Hence also appears
the great and unexpected _Variety_ in the _Proportion_ of the _Earthy
Parts_, as well as the other _Principles_ of _Bodies_. Or else, that
there are divers kinds of _Earths_, even in _Plants_, of which, as well
as of _Salts_ &c. some are _volatile_. For of ℔j of this _Plant_, there
remaineth fixed but 50 Grains: whereas of ℔j of _Rhubarb_, there will
remain near 1920 Grains, _i. e._ 88 times as much as the former.
Quer. 2. _In what proportion is the Lixivial Salt found in the Gumms of
Plants? and whether is it yielded, more or less, by all?_ For answer
to which, I caused the Eleven following, of each two Ounces, to be
calcin’d, and so observed,
That _Common Rosin_, yields but one Grain and ½ of _Caput Mortuum_. So
that ℔j will yield but 12 Grains. In this _Caput Mort._ there is not
the least particle of _Salt_, it being altogether insipid.
_Mastick_ yields gr. 12 of _Cap. Mort._ But not the least part of
_Salt_. Of this _Rosin_, it is observable; That being set, in a
_Crucible_, within the fire, before it comes to have thick fumes, it
boyls up with a very great foame or froath; and is the only _Gum_ or
_Rosin_ (of the Eleven) that hath this property. So that I suspect,
there is a great quantity of some kind of _volatile Spirit_, which then
flies away; and so, in breaking through the _Oyly parts_, huffs them up
to so great a froath.
_Olibanum_ yields half a Drachm of _Caput Mortuum_. But it is to be
noted, That the weight is encreased by certain little _Spar-Stones_,
which in the burning of several parcels, I always found mixed with this
_Gumm_. These being picked clean out, the _Cap. Mort._ weigheth not
much more than that of _Mastick_. And is in like manner insipid, when
the said _Stones_ are picked out.
From hence it appears, how proper these _Gums_ are for the _Concoction_
of _Salt Rheums_; ♦ _Discourse_ of _Mixture_ Cap. Ult. ♦ according to
what I have formerly suggested from another Experiment.
It may also be noted, that _Rosin_ and _Mastick_, seem to be more
purely _Acidoleous Gums_; not only from their consistence which is
uniform; and their _Smell_, which is less strong and more pleasant: but
also from the _Acid Liquor_ they yield by _Distillation_; and in that
the young _Leavs_ of _Fir_, and especially of _Pine_, are sower; and
’tis probable that those of _Mastick_ are so likewise. Whereby these,
and other like _Gums_ are more especially fitted for the abovesaid
purpose. But _Olibanum_ seems, besides its _Acidity_, to contein some
_Volatile Alkaly_, and so to be an _Acid-Alkaline Gum_. For as it
hath a stronger _Smell_ than the former, so a hotter _Taste_; both
the ordinary effects of an _Alkaline Sulphur_. And being infused in
several _Menstruums_, appears to consist of two Bodies, one of them
more _Resinous_ than the other. Of which, it is probable, that the one
is made by the _Acid parts_ as the other by the _Alkaline_. Whereby it
is very well adapted in some _Cases_, as in a _Pleuresie_, for removing
the _Coagulations_ of the _Blood_, or its disposition thereunto.
_Asa fœtida_ yields no less than half its weight or an Ounce of
_Caput Mort._ that is 8 times as much as that of the other _Gumms_,
and 48 times as much as that of some of them. Yet doth it not contein
one grain of _Salt_, so far as can be judged by its _Tast_. Yet the
_Strength_ and _Loathsomness_ of the _Smell_ and _Tast_ of the _Gumm_
do argue it to be highly impregnated with some kind of _Volatile
Alkaly_ proper to arrest those offensive _Vapours_ (to use the vulgar
word) which flying, either by the _Blood_ or _Nerves_, from part to
part, do often prove so troublesome.
_Gum Arabick_ yields one Scruple of _Cap. Mort._ whereof, by the
_Taste_, about ⅓ᵈ part is _Salt_.
_Euphorbium_ yields one _Drachm_ of _Caput Mort._ of which, by the
strength of the _Taste_, two Scruples seem to be _Salt_. Which confirms
a former conjecture[78] of its being an _Alkaline Gumm_.
[78] Of the _Luctation_ of _Bodies_, _Ch. 1._
_Myrrh_ also yields a Drachm of _Cap. Mort._ and at least two Scruples
of _Salt_. Of the Eleven, these two _Gums_ have the greatest quantity
of a fixed _Alkaly_.
_Opium_ yields half a Drachm of _Cap. Mort._ whereof the one half is
_Salt_.
_Aloe_ yields a Drachm of _Cap. Mort._ conteining about one Scruple of
_Salt_.
_Scammony_ yields Two Scruples of _Cap. Mort._ of which, about half a
Scruple is _Salt_.
_Gutta Gamba_ yields but half a Scruple of _Cap. Mort._ of which four
or five Grains are _Salt_.
So that considering the _Dose_ of any _Cathartick Gumm_, the quantity
of the Fixed _Alkaly_, is extream small with respect to the _Volatile
parts_: In which, therefore, its _Cathartick Power_ doth chiefly reside.
Yet none of the _Cathartick Gumms_ are without some portion, more or
less, of a Fixed _Alkaly_; though some of the rest are. Which seemeth
to prove, That the Fixed it self, hath some Interest in the business of
_Purgation_: as by being a _Clog_ to the _Volatile_, and so preventing
its being deleterious; or some other way. But the manner of their
_Operation_ will better be understood, when the _Volatile Parts_ have
likewise been examined.
It may also be of good import, to know, what different quantities of
_Salt_, are afforded by the _Tartars_ of all sorts of _Wines_. Whereby,
partly, as well as by the quantity of the _Tartar_, we may be enabled
the better to judge of the _Nature_ of _Wines_.
A
DISCOURSE
Concerning the
ESSENTIAL and MARINE
Salts of Plants.
Read before the _Royal Society_, _December 21,
1676_.
CHAP. I.
_In which is shewed the way of making both an ESSENTIAL and a
MARINE_ Salt, _out of the LIXIVIAL_ Salt _of a_ Plant.
SOMETIME since, I took the boldness to present my thoughts to this
Honourable and Learned Body in a _Discourse_ concerning _Mixture_.
Wherein I have endeavoured to lay such a _Foundation_, as might
hereafter reduce the _Doctrine_ hereof to _Experience_ and _Practice_;
and to demonstrate, the _Power_ and _Use_ of _Artificial Mixture_.
And in further proof of what is therein asserted, I have since made a
continuation of _Experiments_ upon the same Subject, in Two _Methods_.
One in the _Mixture_ of several _Menstruums_, both _Acid_ and
_Alkaline_, with all Sorts of _Bodies_. The Other, by calcining them,
or, as it were, _mixing_ them with the _Fire_.
2. §. I shall now proceed to a Third, which is, the _mixing_ them
with the _Aer_ or exposing them to it; another of Natures grand
_Menstruums_; which goes sometimes further than the _Fire_ it self,
in the dissolution of Bodies. This I have formerly mentioned for the
Imitation of _Nature_, in producing a _Marine_ or _Muriatick Salt_
out of the _Lixivial Salt_ of a _Plant_. ♦ _Discourse_ of _Mixture_
Ch. 5. Inst. 2. ♦ But some Learned Persons then present, seeming to
doubt of the Experiment; I thought it requisite to prosecute the same
a little further; that so, if possible, it might become clear and
unquestionable. And because that _Method_ was imperfect, and required
half a year, or a longer time: I bethought my self of an other way;
which proved far better, and more expedite. And which, withall,
afforded me, not only a true _Marine Salt_, out of the _Lixivial
Salt_ of a _Plant_; but also another kind of _Salt_, different from
them both: which may not be improperly called, an _Essential Salt_ or
_Nitre_ of _Plants_. The History or manner of the production of them
both, is as follows.
3. §. _December 15. 1675_, I took about half a pound of a strong
_Solution_ of the _Lixivial Salt_ of _Firne_: and pouring it into an
_Earthen Pan_, well glazed, broad and shallow, exposed it therein to
the open _Aer_, in a Chamber Window, to evaporate of it self. ♦ _Tab.
83._ ♦
4. §. This _Solution_ or _Lee_, although it was very clear before, and
having stood corked up in a bottle many days, had no sedement: yet
standing now in the open _Aer_, within the space of 4 or 5 days, it
began to let fall a very _white Sedement_, like fine _Chalk_; which
encreased daily for 8 or 10 days; amounting at last to about half a
Drachm of white, light and meer _Earth_, altogether insipid, and when
it was well washed, stirring not upon the _Affusion_ of _Acids_.
5. §. Within the space of a day or two after this _white Sedement_
began to fall to the bottom; there was also gathered on the top, a kind
of soft _Scum_ or _Cremor_, wherewith the _Solution_ was covered all
over.
6. §. Within 8 or 9 days after the first exposing of the _Liquor_, or
2 or 3 days after the gathering of the _Cremor_; that _Salt_, which I
take leave to call, an _Essential Salt_ of _Plants_, began to appear;
shooting into several little _Crystals_. These _Crystals_, as they grew
bigger, began to sink, and at last fell down to the bottom of the _Pan_.
7. §. Upon their first generation or shooting, the said _Cremor_
presently breaks, leaving a bare space round about each _Crystal_; and
upon the bounds of every space is indented; ♦ _Tab. 83._ ♦ the space
growing bigger and bigger together with the _Crystal_ in the Centre.
And so, by that time the _Crystals_ are grown to a considerable number
and bigness, the _Cremor_ vanishes away, the several _Circles_ or bare
places breaking at last one into another all over the _Surface_ of the
_Lee_. After which, it never comes again.
8. §. From whence it seemeth, That the several _Circles_ or bare
_Spaces_ about the _Crystals_, are made for the more free admission
of the _Aer_, requisite to their _Generation_. For as there is no
_Crystal_ begins to be formed before there is a breach made in the
_Cremor_: so that breach is enlarged together with the _Crystal_.
So that as the falling of the _Sedement_ and the gathering of the
_Cremor_, sheweth that the _Aer_, as a _Menstruum_ separates some part
from the _Lee_: so the breaking of the _Cremor_ afterwards, that as a
_Vehicle_, it brings something to it: both in order to the _Generation_
of the _Crystals_. _Nature_ taking a _Method_ for the _Generation_
of simpler Bodies, as well as of those which are _Compounded_ and
_Organical_.
9. §. The _Figure_ of these _Crystals_ is angular and oblong, most of
them about the fifth, sixth or seventh of an Inch; but none of them
very regular. Yet we are not hence to conclude, but that with the help
of some Circumstances which might be wanting in the shooting of these;
some portion of regular ones may be obteined from this, as well as
other _Lixivial Salts_ hereafter mentioned.
10. §. They are somewhat transparent, and of a dark _Ambar Color_, or
like that of brown _Sugar-Candy_. Of a quite different _Taste_ from
that of the _Solution_ or _Lee_ out of which they are bred; being not
at all _Lixivial_, but very weak and mild; not _Salt_, but _Bitter_ in
a good degree.
11. §. It is also observable, that _Alkaline_ and _Acid Salts_ being
both poured severally upon these _Crystals_, they stir not, nor are
any way affected with either of them. So that these _Crystals_ are no
sort of _Tartar_, or _Tartareous Salt_. As is plain, from the manner
of their _Generation_; _Tartar_ being still bred in close _Vessels_;
these never, but by exposing the _Liquor_ to the _Aer_. As also from
their _Taste_, being not sower, in the least, but bitter. And in that
_Tartar_ will make a _Bullition_ with _Alkaline Salts_, which these
will not do. Upon which accounts it appears, that they are a _Salt_
different in Nature from all other _Salts_ hitherto known, or a new
_Species_ added to the _Inventory_ of _Nature_.
12. §. These _Crystals_ within the space of about a fortnight after
their first _Generation_, did also cease to shoot any more, but only
increased a little in their _Bulk_. After which time, I dayly expected
to see the production also of a true _Marine Salt_. And about two
months after the said _Essential Crystals_ had done shooting, and not
before, this also began to shoot, in many small _Crystals_, and at the
top of the _Solution_, as the other did, still falling to the bottom as
they grew biger.
13. §. The _Size_ of most of them was near that of the _Flakes_ or
_Grains_ of _Bay-Salt_. The _Colour_ of some of them _white_, of others
_transparent_; and of others _white_ in the _Centre_, with transparent
_Edges_; as is also usual in the _Crystals_ of _Common Salt_.
14. §. The _Figure_ of most is a perfect _Square_, and of very many
coming near to a _Cube_; which is also the _Figure_ of _Common Salt_,
and seldome an exact _Cube_. An exact _Cube_, being the constant
property of no _Marine Salt_, that I know of, except that of the
_Dead Sea_. ♦ _Tab. 83._ ♦ Divers of them were also raised as it were
by several steps from a deep Centre to the Top: as is often seen in
the common shooting of _Common Salt_; and not in any other. Their
_Taste_ is neither _Lixivial_, as that of the _Solution_ out of which
they shoot; nor bitterish, as that of the _Essential Crystals_; nor
sowerish, as that of _Tartar_; but the perfect _Taste_ of _Common Salt_.
15. §. It is also to be noted, That if _Oyl_ of _Vitriol_, and some
other strong _Acids_, be poured upon this artificial _Sea-Salt_, they
make an _Effervescence_ together: but if _Spirit_ of _Salt_ or _Spirit_
of _Nitre_ either be poured on it, though it be never so strong it
stirreth it not. In both which, and all the formentioned respects, it
answers to the _Properties_ of a _Marine_ or _Common Salt_, which no
other _Salt_ doth. I conclude it therefore to be a true _Marine Salt_
produced by _Art_ in the imitation of _Nature_.
CHAP. II.
_Wherein is shewed, That the said ESSENTIAL and MARINE_ Salts _of_
Plants _are both of different Sorts._
HAVING made the Experiment, that both an _Essential_ and _Marine Salt_
may be produced out of the _Lixivial Salt_ of a _Plant_. I thought it
probable, that neither the one nor the other, was always the same, but
that as they had their general properties which made them to be of
two general kinds; so they might have some special property, for the
distinguishing of each kind into several Sorts. And withall, that in a
warmer season, than before taken, the _Tryal_ hereof might be finished
in a shorter time.
2. §. For the making of which, I conceived it requisite to remove an
Opinion which seemed to lye in my way; _sc._ That there is little or no
difference between the several _Lixivial Salts_ of _Plants_, as some
Learned men have thought. But either there is a difference, or not: if
not, it should be proved: and if there be, it should then be justly
stated, what that difference is. For the doing of which, I chose this
_Method_. I took an equal quantity of the whitest and purest _Salts_
of divers _Plants_, all made by an equal degree of _Calcination_;
and dissolved them all severally in an equal quantity of water. And
pouring likewise an equal quantity, as about 10 or 12 drops of each
into a spoon, I tasted them severally. Whereby it was very evident,
that they were not all of one _Tast_, but of very different ones, both
as to strength and kind: and therefore different in Nature also. The
_Salts_ I made tryal of were those of _Sorrel_, _Anise_, _Wormwood_,
_Mallow_, _Ash_, _Tartar_ and others: and upon half a Drachm of each I
poured ℥ijß of water. The _Solutions_ are here present to be tasted. By
which the differences will easily be observed, and particularly that
the _Salt_ of _Wormwood_ or _Scurvygrass_, is almost as strong again
as the _Salt_ of _Anise_, or _Sorrel_: and that the _Salt_ of _Ash_ is
above twice as strong, and that of _Tartar_ above thrice as strong, as
that of _Sorrel_, and almost thrice as strong as that of _Wormwood_ or
_Scurvygrass_. So that he who shall give half a Scruple, suppose of
_Salt_ of _Tartar_; instead of half a Scruple of _Salt_ of _Wormwood_,
or other like _Salt_; he may as well give a Scruple of _Rosin_ of
_Jalap_, for a Scruple of the powder, or almost three Drachms of
_Rhubarb_, or other like _Purge_, instead of one. And the like is to be
said of other _Lixivial Salts_ in their degrees.
3. §. Having observed thus much, I proceeded to repeat the former
Experiment, with some of the aforesaid, and some other _Vegetable
Salts_, the best calcin’d, and the purest, that could be made for
this purpose, being these Six _Salts_, _sc._ of _Rosemary_, _Garden
Scurvygrass_, _Black Thorn_, _Common Wormwood_, _Ash_, and _Tartar_.
All which dissolved severally in fair water, I exposed in a Chamber
window, and not in Winter, as before, but in the heat of Summer, _sc._
on the 19 of _July_, to evaporate of themselves.
4. §. The Effect was, That the third day after their being exposed, the
_Essential Crystals_ began to shoot in three of the _Solutions_, _sc._
in that of _Rosemary_, of _Garden Scurvygrass_, and of _Black Thorn_.
On the fourth day, in that of _Wormwood_. On the fifth day, in that of
_Ash_. In that of _Tartar_, not at all.
5. §. These _Essential Crystals_ began, in all, to shoot at the top,
and then to fall to the bottome; as in the Experiment before. But
as there was very little of the _white Sedement_ before mentioned,
that preceded; So no _Scum_ or _Cremor_ at all. Which although a more
perfect _Calcination_, it seems, did here almost prevent; yet did not
in the least destroy the aforesaid _Essential Salt_, but rather make
way for its more speedy and copious _Production_: exhibiting likewise a
distinct _Species_ in several of the _Solutions_.
6. §. For first, the _Crystals_ of _Rosemary_ (the largest of them)
were about the bigness of a _Rice-Corn_. In _Figure_ almost like a
_Tip-Cat_, which Boys play with, split down the midle. Each _Tip_ being
cut into 5 sides all ending in a poynt: ♦ _Tab. 83._ ♦ the midle part
divided into 7, all drawn by parallel _Lines_; the topmost with the
lowermost but one, on each side, being three exact _Squares_.
7. §. The _Crystals_ of _Black Thorn_ are most of them poynted with
just six sides of Equal _Measure_: very like to the shooting of true
_Crystal_ it self. ♦ _Tab. 83._ ♦ From the topmost of which six Sides,
a _Line_ being drawn out, runs parallel to a broad _Base_, whereon each
_Crystal_ stands. So that they are in some sort of a _Rhomboid Figure_.
8. §. The _Crystals_ of _Scurvygrass_ have also a very elegant and
regular _Figure_, which is in a manner compounded of the two former
now described. But they are nothing near so bigg, the largest of them,
being no biger than a _Grain_ of that which we call _Pearl Barley_.
9. §. The _Crystals_ of _Wormwood_ have also very many of them a
regular _Figure_; but quite different from that of the _Crystals_
before mentioned; each _Crystal_ being a little _Cylinder_, saving
that it is constantly somewhat smaller at one end, than the other: as
it were one half of a _Rowling-pin_. ♦ _Tab. 83._ ♦ And not evenly
_Circular_, but cut out by Six _Sides_ of equal _Measure_: almost as
in the _Crystal_ of _Nitre_. So that contrary to what is seen in the
forementioned _Crystals_, the ends of these of _Wormwood_ are not
poynted, but _flat_; and cut at _Right Angles_ with the _Sides_.
10. §. The _Crystals_ of _Ash_, though by their properties they appear
likewise to be _Essential_; yet are nothing near so regularly figur’d,
as all the forementioned.
11. §. The _Colour_ also of the said _Crystals_ is somewhat different:
Those of _Ash_ being of a _brown_ transparency, almost like those of
_Firne_. Those of _Wormwood_ being also _brownish_, but _paler_. Those
of _Rosemary_ and _Scurvygrass_ having some little _Tincture_, yet very
_clear_. But those of _Black Thorn_ without the least _Tincture_, and
as _clear_ as _Crystal_ it self.
12. §. None of these _Essential Crystals_ have any hot fiery _Taste_,
but are very _mild_, and sensibly _Bitter_; especially, about the
_Root_ of the _Tongue_: as is also observable of some _Plants_
hereafter mentioned, in speaking of the different _Tastes_ of _Plants_.
13. §. _Oyl_ of _Vitriol_ droped upon these _Crystals_ doth not
affect them in the least: yet droped into the several _Solutions_ out
of which the _Crystals_ are produced, immediately causeth a great
_Effervescence_.
14. §. Of the _Solutions_ above named, that, of _Salt_ of _Tartar_ was
the 6ᵗʰ. Whereof it is remarquable, That having waited several Months
together, I could not observe the least _Essential Salt_ to be therein
produced in all that time. Whether there be any other _Vegetable
Salts_, besides this of _Tartar_, which will not yield the _Essential_
above described, I have not yet experimented.
15. §. In the mean time, from the _Premises_ it is very probable, that
most of them afford more or fewer of the said _Crystals_. In regard
they are _Plants_ of a very different kind, which I made tryal upon:
as _Garden Scurvygrass_, very _Hot_; _Rosemary_, very _Aromatick_.
_Wormwood_ very _Bitter_; _Black Thorn_, _Astringent_ and _Sower_. And
it is also plain, That the said _Essential Salts_ contained in the
_Lixivial_, are not altogether one and the same, but of divers Sorts.
16. §. ABOUT 7 or 8 days after the _Essential Crystals_ were produced;
the _Marine Salt_ did also begin to shoot; first in _Rosemary_; quickly
after, in _Scurvygrass_; Next, in _Black Thorn_ and _Wormwood_, _sc._
after the space of a week or 10 days more. And in all of them with some
difference of _Size_ and _Figure_.
17. §. The plainest of all, was that produced out of the _Salt_ of
_Black Thorn_, consisting for the most part of very small _Crystals_,
not above the 15ᵗʰ of an Inch square, as also _thin_, shaped like a
_Duch Tile_ used for _Chimnies_. Many others were very _thick_, and
near to a _Cube_. ♦ _Tab. 83._ ♦ Most of which were a little hollowed
in the midle, like a grinding _Marble_ or _Salt-Celler_; and the hollow
bounded by 4 plain and equal _Sides_, all descending a little towards
the _Centre_; and measured by two cross _Lines_, which staid upon the
four _Angles_ of the _Square_, and so cut one the other at _Right
Angles_. Both which _Properties_ are likewise usually seen in the
_Crystals_ of _Common Salt_.
18. §. In _Wormwood_, many of these _Crystals_, besides the plain ones,
were figur’d crossways like a _Dagger-Hilt_. ♦ _Tab. 83._ ♦ Which was
sometimes naked, and sometimes inclosed in a square and almost _Cubical
Box_. Many others were figur’d into _Sprigs_ made up of four chief
_Branches_ standing crosswise, and those _subbranched_; and all the
_Branches_ made up of little square _Crystals_, clustered together
in that _Figure_. The _Sprigy Figure_ of these _Crystals_ is not
accidental, but hath constantly come after they had been three times
dissolved, and the _Solution_ exposed to evaporate.
19. §. The _Marine Salt_ of _Rosemary_ hath also some variety. For
besides the plain ones above described, there are some thick _Squares_,
♦ _Tab. 83._ ♦ which have also a square hollow descending by five, six,
or seven narrow steps, towards the _Centre_; being in _Figure_, saving
these _Steps_, somewhat like the _Hoper_ in a _Mill_.
20. §. Upon a second _Solution_ of the same _Salt_, there shoots
another sort of square; which is not plain on the edges, as the
above-named, ♦ _Tab. 83._ ♦ but scalloped or florid all round about,
not unlike the _Leaves_ of some _Plants_.
21. §. The _Crystals_ of _Marine Salt_ of _Scurvygrass_ are somewhat
like to those of _Rosemary_ now described.
22. §. As for the _Lixivial Salts_ of _Ash_ and _Tartar_, though
in a Month or Five Weeks Space, they yield some _Crystals_ of very
clear _Salt_: yet of _Marine Salt_ neither of them yieldeth the least
particle. So that of these Six _Lixivial Salts_, _sc._ of _Rosemary_,
_Scurvygrass_, _Black Thorn_, _Wormwood_, _Ash_ and _Tartar_, all, but
that of _Tartar_, yielded an _Essential Salt_. And all, but those of
_Ash_ and _Tartar_, yielded a _Marine_, such as is above described.
All which _Salts_ both _Essential_ and _Marine_, together with their
_Models_, made of _white Alabastre_, I have here ready to be seen.
23. §. Of those that yield these _Salts_, or either of them, it is
further to be noted, That there is a considerable difference in
the _Proportion_ or _Quantities_ which they yield. The _Rosemary_
yields store both of _Essential_ and _Marine_, but more _Essential_.
_Wormwood_ and _Scurvygrass_ more _Marine_. _Black Thorn_ less of
Either. The _Ash_ no _Marine_, and the _Tartar_ neither the _Essential_
nor _Marine_, as hath been said.
24. §. From what hath been said, I deduce only at present these Three
_Corollaies_. _First_, That a _Lixivial Salt_, is not only a compounded
Body _sc._ of _Salt_, _Sulphur_, _Aer_ and _Earth_; but even a
_Compounded Salt_, containing both a _Vegetable Nitre_, and a true _Sea
Salt_.
25. §. _Secondly_, That the _Exposing_ of _Bodies_, in the manner above
shewed, may justly be accounted one _Part_ of _Chymistry_ hitherto
_Deficient_, and much farther to be improved for the _Discovery_ of the
_Nature_ of _Bodies_. For as _Nature_ chiefly compoundeth _Bodies_ by
_Digesting_ them, and so either shutting out or keeping in the _Aer_:
So she _Dissolveth_ them by _Exposing_, and so neither shutting in
the _Aer_, nor keeping it out, but leaving it free to come and go;
and thereby to bring, and carry off whatsoever is necessary for the
_Separation_ or _Solution_ of _Bodies_. For the _Sea_ it self (to
confine the similitude to our present case) is but as a _Great Pan_,
wherein all kinds of bodies being long exposed, are throughly resolved,
ultimately yielding from the rest of their _visible Principles_, that
which we call _Sea Salt_.
26. §. _Lastly_, if by _Exposing_ and _Dissolving_ we can make one
_Salt_; then by _Compounding_ and _Digesting_ we may make another, yea
any other _Salt_; either a _Fixed_ of a _Volatile_, or a _Volatile_
of a _Fixed_. That is to say, a _Volatile Salt_ may be so separated
from other _Bodies_, as to become _Fixed_; or a _Fixed Salt_ may be
so _mixed_ with other _Bodies_ as to become _Volatile_. For that any
_Salt_ should of it self become _Fixed_ or _Volatile_, is a _Fixion_
not grounded upon _Experiment_.
27. §. As for the _Virtue_ of the _Essential Salts_ above described, I
believe they will be found upon tryal, not contemptible in some Cases.
For which amongst other reasons, I have been the more punctual in
relating the manner of their _Generation_; that others also may have
the opportunity of making proof hereof.
28. §. When I made the _Experiments_ for this and the foregoing
_Discourse_, not having so good conveniency at home for making the
_Salts_ I used: I procured them all (except that of _Firne_, which
I made my self) to be purposely prepared by Mr. _John Blackstone_ a
_London Apothecary_, who assured me of his great care herein; and
particularly, that he added no _Nitre_ to whiten any of the _Salts_
with, as is commonly done for that of _Tartar_.
I do declare, That all the _Lixivial Salts_ mentioned
in this and the foregoing _Discourse_ except that of
_Firne_, were faithfully prepared by me
_John Blackstone._
A
DISCOURSE
OF THE
COLOURS
OF
PLANTS.
Read before the _Royal Society_, _May 3. 1677_.
CHAP. I.
_Of the COLOURS of_ Plants _in their Natural
Estate._
HAVING formerly made some _Observations_ of the _Colours_ of _Plants_;
♦ _Idea, §. 27._ and _Anat._ of _R. P. 2. §. 65,_ &c. ♦ I shall now
crave leave to add some more to them of the like _Nature_. None of
which, nor any of the _Conclusions_ thence deduced, will, if duly
considered, appear contrary to the _Hypothesis_ and _Experiments_ of
Mr. _Boyle_, Mr. _Des Cartes_, Mr. _Hook_, Mr. _Newton_, or any other,
concerning _Colours_. As not having respect to the _Colours_ of all
_Bodies_ in general. Nor to the _Body_ of _Colour_, which is _Light_;
Nor to the formal notion of _Colours_ (_ad extra_) as the _Rays_
of _Light_ are moved or mixed: But to those _Materials_, which are
principally necessary to their _Production_ in _Plants_. Concerning
which, the present _Discourse_ shall be reduced to these Three general
_Heads_, _scil._
2. §. _First_, Of those several _Colours_, which appear in _Plants_ in
their _Natural Estate_.
3. §. _Secondly_, As they appear upon the _Infusion_ of _Plants_ into
several Sorts of _Liquors_.
4. §. _Thirdly_, As upon the _Mixture_ of those _Infusions_, or of any
one of them with some other _Liquor_, or other _Body_.
5. §. As they appear in the _Plants_ themselves, it may be observed in
the first place, That there is a far less variety in the _Colours_ of
_Roots_, than of the other _Parts_: the _Parenchyma_ being, within the
_Skin_, usually _White_, sometimes _Yellow_, rarely _Red_. The _Cause_
hereof being, for that they are kept, by the _Earth_, from a free and
open _Aer_; which concurreth with the _Juyces_ of the several _Parts_,
to the _Production_ of their several _Colours_. And therefore the upper
parts of _Roots_, when they happen to stand naked above the Ground,
are often deyed with several _Colours_: so the tops of _Sorrel Roots_
will turn _Red_, those of _Mullen_, _Turneps_ and _Radishes_, will turn
_purple_, and many others _green_. Whereas those parts of the same
_Roots_ which lie more under Ground, are commonly _White_.
6. §. As _Roots_ are more commonly _White_; so the _Leaves_, _Green_.
Which _Colour_ is so proper to them, that many _Leaves_, as those of
_Sage_, the young _Sprouts_ of St. _Johns-wort_, and others, which are
_Redish_ when in the _Bud_; upon their full _Growth_, acquire a perfect
_Green_.
7. §. The _Cause_ of this _Colour_, is the _action_ of the _Aer_, both
from within, and from without the _Plant_, upon the _Juyces_ thereof,
whereby it strikes them into that _Colour_.
8. §. By the _Aer_ from without, I mean that which surrounds the _Body_
of the _Plant_: which is the Cause of its _Greeness_, not meerly as it
is contiguous to it, but as it penetrates through the _Pores_ of the
_Skin_, thereinto; and so mixing with the _Juyces_ thereof, plainly
deys or strikes them into a _Green_.
9. §. By the _Aer_ from within, I mean, that which entring, together
with the _Aliment_, at the _Root_, thence ascends by the _Aer-Vessels_,
into the _Trunk_ and _Leaves_, and is there transfused into all the
several _Juyces_, thereby likewise concurring to their _Verdure_.
Whence it is, that the _Parts_ of _Plants_ which lie under _Water_, are
_Green_, as well as those which stand above it; because, though the
ambient _Aer_, conteined in the _Water_ be but little, yet the want of
it is compensated, by that which ascends from the _Root_.
10. §. And therefore it is observable, that the _Stalks_ of
_Marsh-Mallow_, and some other _Plants_, being cut transversly, though
the _Parenchyma_ in the _Barque_ be _white_, yet the _Sap-Vessels_
which lie within that _Parenchyma_, are as _Green_ as the _Skin_ it
self; _scil._ because they stand close to the _Aer-Vessels_. The
_Parenchyma_, I say, which is intercepted from the _Aer_, without,
by the _Skin_; and from the _Aer_ within, by the _Sap Vessels_, is
_white_: but the _Skin_, which is exposed to the _Aer_ without, and
the _Sap-Vessels_ which are next neighbours to that within, are both
equally _Green_. So likewise if a _Carrot_ be plucked up, and suffered
to lie sometime in the open _Aer_; that part which standeth in and near
the _Centre_, amongst the _Aer-Vessels_, will become _Green_ as well
as the _Skin_, all the other _Parts_ continuing of a _Redish Yellow_,
as before. The _Aer_ therefore, both from without, and from within
the _Plant_, together with the _Juyces_ of the _Plant_, are all the
concurrent _Causes_ of its _Verdure_.
11. §. BUT how doth the _Aer_ concur to the _Greeness_ of _Plants_? I
answer; Not as it is meerly either _cold_ or _dry_, or _moist_, nor
yet _quatenus Aer_; but as it is a mixed, and particularly, a _Saline
Body_: that is, as there is a considerable quantity of _Saline Parts_
mixed with those which are properly _Aereal_. It being plain from
manifold Experience; That the several kinds of _Salts_, are the grand
_Agents_ in the _Variation_ of _Colours_. So that, to speak strictly,
although _Sulphur_ be indeed the _Female_, or _Materia substrata_, of
all _Colours_; yet _Salt_ is the _Male_ or _Prime Agent_, by which the
_Sulphur_ is determined to the _Production_ of one _Colour_, and not of
another.
12. §. If then it be the _Aer_ mixed with the _Juyces_ of a _Plant_,
and the _Salt_ of the _Aer_, that makes it _Green_; It may further be
asked, what kind of _Salt_? But this is more hard to judge of. Yet it
seemeth, that it is not an _Acid_, but a _Subalkaline Salt_; or at
least some _Salt_ which is different from a simple _Acid_, and hath an
_Affinity_ with _Alkalies_.
13. §. One reason why I so judge, is, Because that although all
_Plants_ yield an _Alkaly_, or other _Salt_ different from an _Acid_,
and some in good quantity; yet in most _Plants_, the _Prædominant
Principle_ is an _Acid_. So that the _Supply_ of an _Acid Principle_
from the _Aer_, for the _Production_ of a _Green Colour_, as it would
be superfluous; So also ineffectual: a different _Principle_ being
requisite to the striking of this, together with the _Sulphur_, into a
_Green Colour_.
14. §. I suppose therefore, That not only _Green_, but all the
_Colours_ of _Plants_, are a kind of _Precipitate_, resulting from
the concurrence of the _Saline Parts_ of the _Aer_, with the _Saline_
and _Sulphurious Parts_ of the _Plant_; and that the _Subalkaline_,
or other like _Saline Part_ of the _Aer_, is concurrent with the
_Acid_ and _Sulphurious Parts_ of _Plants_, for the _Production_
of their _Verdure_; that is, as they strike altogether into a
_Green Precipitate_. Which also seemeth to be confirmed by divers
_Experiments_ hereafter mentioned.
15. §. THE _Colours_ of _Flowers_ are various; differing therein not
only from the _Leaf_, but one from another. Yet all seem to depend
upon the general _Causes_ aforesaid. And therefore the _Colours_ of
_Flowers_, as well as of _Leaves_, to result not solely from the
_Contents_ of the _Plant_, but from the concurrence likewise of the
_ambient Aer_. Hence it is, that as they gradually open, and are
exposed to the _Aer_, they still either acquire, or change their
_Colour_: no _Flower_ having its proper _Colour_ in the _Bud_, (though
it be then perfectly formed) but only when it is expanded. So the
_Purple Flower_ of _Stock-July Flowers_, while they are in the _Bud_,
are _white_, or _pale_. So _Batchelors Buttons_, _Blew Bottle_,
_Poppy_, _Red Daisies_, and many others, though of divers _Colours_
when blown, yet are all _white_ in the _Bud_. And many _Flowers_ do
thus change their _Colours_ thrice successively; as the youngest _Buds_
of _Ladys-Lookinglass_, _Bugloss_ and the like, are all white, the
larger _Buds_ are _purple_ or _murrey_, and the open _Flowers_, _blew_:
according as they come still neerer, and are longer exposed, to the
_Aer_.
16. §. But if the _Colour_ of the _Flower_ dependeth on the _ambient
Aer_; it may be asked: How it comes to pass then, that this _Colour_ is
various, and not one, and that one, a _Green_? that is to say that all
_Flowers_ are not _Green_, as well as the _Leaves_? In answer to this
Three things are to be premised.
17. §. _First_, What was said before, is to be remembred, that here
the _Aer_ is not a solitary, but concurrent _Cause_. So that besides
the _Efficacy_ of this, we are to consider that of the several parts
of the _Plant_, by which the _Contents_ both _Aereal_ and _Liquid_ are
supplied to the _Flower_.
18. §. _Secondly_, That in the _Lymphæducts_ of a _Plant_, _Sulphur_ is
the _predominant Principle_, and much more abounding than in any other
_part_ of a _Plant_, as also hath been formerly shewed.
19. §. _Thirdly_, That it appears, according to what we have observed
in the _Anatomy_ of the _Flower_, That the quantity of _Lymphæducts_
with respect to the _Aer-Vessels_ is greater in the _Flower_ than in
the _Leaf_.
20. §. It seemeth therefore, that the _Aer-Vessels_, and therefore the
_Aer_, being _predominant_ in the _Leaf_; _Green_, is therein also the
_predominant Colour_. I say _predominant_, because there are other
_Colours_ lye vailed under the _Green_, even in the _Leafe_, as will
hereafter appear more manifest.
21. §. On the contrary, the _Lymphæducts_, and therefore the _Sulphur_,
being more, and the _Aer-Vessels_ and therefore the _Aer_, less, in
the _Flower_ than in the _Leaf_; the _ambient Aer_ alone is not able
to controle the _Sulphur_ so far, but that it generally carrys the
greatest port in the _Production_ of the _Colour_. Yet in different
degrees; For if the proportion betwixt the _Lymphæducts_ and the
_Aer-Vessels_ be more equal, the _Flower_ is either _White_ or else
_Yellow_, which latter _Colour_ is the next of kin to a _Green_. If the
_Sulphur_ be somewhat _predominant_, the _Flower_ will shew it self
_Red_ at first; but the _ambient Aer_ hath so much power upon it, as
gradually to turn the _Red_ into a _Blew_. But if the _Sulphur_ be much
_predominant_, then the _Acid_ of the _ambient Aer_ will heighten it to
a fixed _Red_.
22. §. Hence it is, that _Yellows_ and _Greens_ are less alterable,
upon the drying of _Plants_ than other _Colours_; _sc._ Because the
_Aer_ being _predominant_ in their _Production_, they are the less
lyable to suffer from it afterwards. Whereas _Reds_ and _Purples_,
in the _Production_ whereof _Sulphur_ is _predominant_, are very
changeable. So the _Red_ Flowers of _Lysimachia_, upon drying, turn
_Purple_, and the young _purple Flowers_ of _Bugloss_ turn _Blew_.
So likewise the _Purple_ of _Bilberries_, and the _Crimson_ of baked
_Damascens_, both turn _Blew_. For being gathered, and so wanting a
continued supply of fresh _Sulphur_, to bear up the _Colour_ against
the force of the _Aer_; it strikes it down at last from _Red_ to
_Purple_ or _Blew_. I conclude therefore, that one _Principal Cause_ of
the _Variety_ of _Colours_ in the _Flower_, is the over proportion of
the _Lympheducts_ to the _Aer-Vessels_, and therefore the dominion of
the _Sulphur_ over the _Aer_, therein.
23. §. If it be objected, that the _Aer_ doth not deepen, but highten
the _Colour_ of the _Blood_: I answer, _First_, That I am not now
speaking of _Animal_, but of _Vegetable Bodies_; the same _Aer_
which hightens the _Colour_ of _Blood_ one way, may deepen that of a
_Flower_, another: nay and may highten that of some _Flowers_ too, some
other way.
24. §. And therefore, _Secondly_, it is to be considered, That as there
is not one only, but divers _Saline Principles_ in the _Aer_; so are
there also in the several _Parts_ of one _Plant_; as in the _Root_, of
one sort; in the _Leavs_, of another; in the _Flower_, of another; and
so in the other _Parts_. For since the _Figuration_ of the _Parts_ of
a _Plant_ dependeth chiefly upon the _Saline Principles_: and that
the _Flower_ hath a different _Figure_ from that of the _Leaf_: it
follows, that there is some _Saline Principle_ in the one, which is
not in the other, especially, all in such _Flowers_, whose _Figures_
are cut out by a greater _Variety_ and _Complication_ of _Lines_. The
_Leavs_ therefore, though variously shaped, yet agreeing so far in one
common _Figure_, as usualy to be _flat_; it therefore seemeth plain,
that there is a _Saline Principle_ in them all, so far _one_, as to be
the chief _Cause_ of that common _Figure_: and in concurrence with the
_ambient Aer_, to be likewise the chief _Cause_ of one common _Colour_,
_sc._ a _Green_.
25. §. Whereas the _Figure_ of the _Flowers_, and therefore their
_Saline Principle_, being more various, and commonly distinct from
that of the _Leaf_; it will easily concur with as a great _Variety_ of
_Salts_ in the _Aer_, whether _Acid_, _Alkaline_, _Nitrous_, _Urinous_,
_Armoniacal_, or any other therein existent, to the _Precipitation_ of
the _Sulphur_ into the like _Variety_ of _Colours_. Thus far of the
_Colours_ of _Plants_ as they appear in their _Natural Estate_.
CHAP. II.
_Of the COLOURS of_ Plants _by_ Infusion.
THE next general _Inquiry_, proposed to be made, was this, After what
manner the _Colours_ of _Plants_ shew themselves, upon their _infusion_
into _Liquors_. The _Liquors_ I made use of for this purpose, were
three, _sc._ _Oyl_ of _Olives_, _Water_, and _Spirit_ of _Wine_. The
_Water_ I used was from the _Thames_, because I could not procure any
clear _Rain Water_, and had not leasure at present to distill any. But
next to this, that yields as little _Salt_, as any.
2. §. As for _Oyl_, it is known, that most _Plants_ either by _Coction_
or long _Infusion_, will give it their _Green Colour_. I have likewise
tryed some _Yellows_, and find they will do indifferently well; as
_Saffron_, which, by _Infusion_ in _Oyl_, gives it a light golden
_Tincture_.
3. §. Divers _Aromatick Plants_, as _Mint_, _Majorane_, &c. being dryed
and infused in _Oyl_ give it a double _Tincture_, both _green_ and
_yellow_; one drop of the _Oyl_ shewing _green_; but a good quantity of
it held up against a candle looketh _redish_ or of a deep _yellow_.
4. §. But there is no _Vegetable_ yet known which gives a true _Red_ to
_Oyl_, except _Alkanet Root_: with which, some colouring either common
or other _Oyl_, vend it under the name of the _Red Oyl_ of _Scorpions_.
5. §. These things confirm what we have said concerning the _Causes_ of
_Colours_ in the _Leavs_ and _Flowers_ of _Plants_, upon this twofold
Consideration. ♦ _Discourse_ of _Mixture_ Ch. 5. Inst. 2. §. 3. & Inst.
5. ♦ _First_, that _Oyl_ is the most proper _Menstruum_ of _Sulphur_.
_Secondly_, that _Oyls_ have a greater congruity with _Acids_ than with
_Alkalies_; as I have formerly shewed.
6. §. I say therefore, that in _Blews_, _Purples_ and especially
_Reds_, the _predominant Principles_ being _Sulphur_ and _Acid_, the
_Oyl_ either abstracts the _Sulphur_ of it self, or at least, unlocks
it from the _Acid Parts_; whereby both of them are bestowed seperately
to their like parts in the _Oyl_; upon which their disunion the
_Colour_ vanishes: that depending, not upon either of them alone, which
of themselves are _Colourless_, but upon both united together.
7. §. On the contrary, a _Green Colour_ not depending on a _predominant
Acid_, but an _Alkaly_, or some _Saline Principle_ different from
an _Acid_; this will not so easiely be imbibed separately, into the
_Pores_ of the _Oyl_, but only by mediation of their _Sulphur_. So that
being both imbibed without any disunion, they still retein the same
_green Colour_ they had before in the _Plant_.
8. §. Hence also it is, that _red Roses_ being dryed and infused some
time in _Oyl_ of _Anise Seeds_, a more potent _Menstruum_ than _Common
Oyl_; they wholly lose their own _Colour_, and turn _white_; the _Oyl_
remaining _Limpid_, as at the first. That is the _Sulphur_ or that part
of it on which cheifly the _Red_ depended, is absorbed separately by
the _Oyl_, and so the _Colour_ vanishes.
9. §. A SECOND _Menstruum_ I made use of, was _Water_. And _First_,
_Alkanet Root_, which immediately tinctures _Oyl_ with a deeper _Red_,
will not colour _Water_ in the least.
10. §. Next it is observable, That _Water_ will take all the _Colours_
of _Plants_ in _Infusion_ except a _Green_. So that as no _Plant_ will
by _Infusion_ give a perfect _Blew_ to _Oyl_; so their is none, that I
know of, which, by _Infusion_ will give a perfect _Green_ to _Water_.
11. §. But although the _Green Leavs_ will not give their _visible
Colour_, by _Infusion_ in _Water_; yet they will give most other
_Colours_, as well as the _Flowers_ themselves. So the _Green Leavs_
of _Cinquefoyl_, give a _Tincture_ no higher than to resemble _Rhenish
Wine_; those of _Hyssop_, _Canary_; of _Strawberrey_, _Malaga_; of
_Mint_, _Muscadine_; of _Wood-Sorrel_, _Water_ and some drops of
_Claret_; of _Blood-wort_, _Water_ and a dash of _Claret_; and those
of _Bawm_ make a _Tincture_ near as _red_ as ordinary _Claret_ alone.
All _Aromatick_ hot _Plants_, give a _yellow-red Tincture_, or _colorem
ex luteo rubrum_. All _Plants_ with a _yellow Flower_ give either a
pale _citrine_ or _yellowish Tincture_; and the like. Yet all give not
their _Tincture_ in the same space of time; some requiring a fortnight,
others a week, others five, three or two days, and some but one, or
half a day. From hence it appears, that the _Colours_ of most _Flowers_
are begun in the _Leavs_; only _Green_ being therein the _predominant
Colour_, as a _veil_ spred over them, conceils all the rest. But
passing on into the _Flower_, where the _Aer-Vessels_, as is aforesaid,
are under the dominion of the _Lymphæducts_; they show themselves
distinctly.
12. §. A THIRD and the last _Menstruum_ I made use of, was _Spirit_
of _Wine_. And here it is to be remarqued; That as _Oyl_ rarely takes
a _Red_, there being but one known _Instance_ of it; nor _Water_,
a _Green_: So neither _Spirit_ of _Wine_, a _Blew_. I have tryed
with several _blew Flowers_, as of _Lark-heel_, _Violet_, _Mallows_,
_Burrage_, and others, whereof it will not take the least _Tincture_.
13. §. Again though no _Blew Flowers_, that I know of, will give a
_Blew Tincture_ to _Spirit_ of _Wine_: yet having been for some days
infused in the said _Spirit_, and the _Spirit_ still remaining in a
manner _Limpid_, and void of the least _Ray_ of _Blew_; if you drop
into it a little _Spirit_ of _Sulphur_, it is somewhat surprizing to
see, that it immediately strikes it into a full _Red_, as if it had
been _Blew_ before: and so, if you drop _Spirit_ of _Sal Armoniac_ or
other _Alkaly_ upon it, it presently strikes it _Green_. Which further
confirms what have been before said of the _Causes_ of _Vegetable
Colours_.
14. §. It is also observable, That the _Green Leaves_ of _Bawm_, which
give a _Muscadine Red_, with some _Rays_ of _Claret_, to _Water_, gives
a pure and perfect _Green_ to _Spirit_ of _Wine_: and is the only
_Plant_ of all that I have yet tryed, which doth the like.
15. §. It is likewise to be noted, That both _Yellow_ and _Red
Flowers_ give a stronger and fuller _Tincture_ to _Water_, than to
_Spirit_ of _Wine_; as in the _Tinctures_ of _Cowslip_, _Poppys_,
_Clove-July-Flowers_ and _Roses_, made both in _Water_ and _Spirit_ of
_Wine_, and compared together, is easily seen. So that for _Tinctures_
made with _Flowers_, whether for _Medicines_, or other purposes,
_Water_, with respect to the _Colour_, is the better _Menstruum_. I say
for _Tinctures_ made with _Flowers_; for there are some other _Parts_,
especially _Gumms_, as _Gamboja_, _Myrrh_ and _Aloes_, which give
their _Tinctures_ full and clear, only to _Spirit_ of _Wine_. Some of
which are used by _Leather-Gilders_, and others, for the washing over
of _Silver_, so as to give it the _Colour_ of _Gold_. Thus far of the
_Colours_ of _Plants_ as they appear upon _Infusion_.
CHAP. III.
_Of the COLOURS of_ Plants _produced by their_ Mixture
_with other Bodies._
THE last general Enquiry proposed to be made, was this, After what
manner they would exhibite themselves upon the _Mixture_ of those
_Infusions_, or of any one of them with some other _Liquor_.
2. §. A strong _Infusion_, or the _Juyce_ of the _Leavs_ of
_Rose-Tree_, _Raspis_, _Strawberry_, _Cynquefoyle_, _Goosberry_,
_Primrose_, _Jerusalem Cowslip_, _Bears-eare_, _Bearsfoot_, _Peony_,
_Bistort_, _Lawrel_, _Goats-beard_, droped upon _Steel_, make a _Purple
Tincture_. But that of _Vine Leaves_ scarce maketh any _Tincture_ at
all. So that there is something else besides _Sowerness_ concurring to
the _Purple_ upon _Steel_.
3. §. _Saccharum Saturni_ droped on a _Tincture_ of _Red Roses_,
turneth it to a _faint pale Green_.
4. §. _Salt_ of _Tartar_ droped upon the same _Tincture_, turneth it to
a _deeper Green_.
5. §. _Spirit_ of _Harts Horn_ droped upon a _Tincture_ of the _Flower_
of _Lark-heel_ and _Borage_ turn them to a _verdegreese Green_.
6. §. _Spirit_ of _Harts Horn_ droped on most _green Leavs_ doth not
change them at all. The like Effects have _Aq. Calcis_, and _Spirit_ of
_S. Armoniac_.
7. §. These _Experiments_ seem to confirm, That it is some _Alkaline_
or other like _Salt_ in the _Aer_, which is _predominant_ in the
production of _Green_ in the _Leavs_ of _Plants_.
8. §. _Salt_ of _Tartar_ droped on the _white Flowers_ of _Daisy_,
changeth them into a _light Green_. Which as it further confirms
the aforesaid _Position_; so likewise argues, That _Whiteness_ in
_Flowers_, is not always from the defect of _Tincture_: but that there
may be _White_, as well as _Yellow_, _Green_, _Red_ or _Blew Tinctures_.
9. §. _Spirit_ of _Sulphur_ droped on the _green Leavs_ of _Adonis
Flower_, _Everlasting Pease_, and _Holy Oak_, turns them all _Yellow_.
10. §. _Spirit_ of _Sulphur_ on a _Tincture_ of _Saffron_ changeth it
not.
11. §. _Spirit_ of _Sulphur_ on the _Yellow Flower_ of _Crowfoot_
alters them not. Neither are they changed by the _Affusion_ of
_Alkalies_.
12. §. So that it seemeth, that in all _Yellows_, the _Sulphureous
Acid_ and _Alkaline Parts_ are all more equal.
13. §. _Spirit_ of _Sulphur_ on a _Tincture_ of _Violets_ turns it from
_Blew_ to a true _Lacke_, or midle _Crimson_.
14. §. _Spirit_ of _Sulphur_ upon a _Tincture_ of _Clove-July-Flowers_
makes a bright blood _Red_. Into the like _Colour_, it hightens a
_Tincture_ of _Red Roses_.
15. §. So that as _Alkalys_, or other _Analogous Salts_, are
_predominant_ in _Greens_, so _Acids_ in _Reds_, especially in the
brighter _Reds_, in the _Leavs_ and _Flowers_ of _Plants_. Hence it
is, that _Spirit_ of _Nitre_ droped upon the _Blew Flower_ of _Ladies
Looking-Glass_, _Larkspur_, _Borage_, turns them all _Red_, _sc._
into the _Red_ of _Common Lychnis_. But (which is particularly to be
noted) being droped on the said _Red Flowers_ of _Lychnis_, alters them
little or nothing: because, that very _Colour_ is therein produced by a
copious admixture of the like _Principle_.
16. §. The Summ therefore of what hath now been said, of the _Causes_
of _Vegetable Colours_, is this: That while their _Sulphur_ and _Saline
Principles_, only swim together, and are not as yet united into one
_Precipitate_, no _Colour_ results from them, but the _Contents_ are
rather _Limpid_; as usually in the _Root_, and many other _Parenchymous
Parts_.
17. §. When they are united, and the _Alkaline_ are _predominant_, they
produce a _Green_.
18. §. When the _Sulphur_ and the _Alkaline_ are more equal, they
produce a _Tauny_.
19. §. When the _Sulphur_, _Acid_ and _Alkaline_, there a _Yellow_.
20. §. When the _Sulphur predominant_, and the _Acid_ and _Alkaline_
equal, there a _Blew_.
21. §. When the _Sulphur_ and _Acid_ are _predominant_ to the
_Alkaline_, then a _Purple_.
22. §. When the _Sulphur predominant_ to the _Alkaline_ and the _Acid_
to them both, a _Scarlet_.
23. §. _Lastly_, When the _Acid predominant_ to the _Alkaline_, and the
_Sulphur_ to them both, a _Blood-Red_: which is the highest and most
_Sulphurious Colour_ in Nature.
24. §. From the _Premises_, divers Rules do also result for the making
of _Tinctures_, either for _Medicines_, or for any other purposes.
25. §. I shall only add one or two Notes. As first, that of all
_Colours_, _Yellows_ are the most fixed and unfading. As for instance,
if you drop either a _Solution_ of _Tartar_, or of _Spirit_ of
_Sulphur_ upon a _Tincture_ of the _Yellow Flowers_ of _Crowfoot_, of
_Adonis_, or of _Saffron_, neither of them will alter their _Colour_.
Which shewes the strength of most _Yellows_, to resist all manner of
impressions from the _Aer_.
26. §. Again, that the use of _Salts_, is not only to highten or deepen
_Colours_, but also to fix and make them permanent. As for Instance,
The _Tincture_ of _Clove-July-Flowers_, made either with _Water_ or
_Spirit_ of _Wine_ being exposed to the _Aer_, will often turn into
a _Blackish Purple_. But the addition of a few drops of _Spirit_ of
_Sulphur_, doth not only highten the _Colour_, but renders it stable
and permanent.
27. §. Likewise, of _Salts_ themselves there is choice to be made.
For there are some, which although they fix the _Colour_, yet, will a
little _give_, as we say, and not hold throughly dry; as most _Lixivial
Salts_, and _Stillatious Acids_. But there are some _Salts_, which
will not _give_ in the least, as _Alum_, that in _Lime-Water_ and
some others; which latter, is so far from being moystened, that it is
rather petrified by the _Aer_. For which reason I take it to be one of
the best _Liquors_ for a stable and permanent _Green_, and some other
_Colours_.
28. §. Amongst all _Water-Colours_, the rarest, and most difficult
to make clear bright and permanent, is a _Blew_. There are many
_Flowers_ of an excellent _Blew_, as those of _Bugloss_, _Lark-heel_
and others; but they easily fade. And there are very few _Flowers_
that will strike into a _Blew_ by any _Liquor_; being almost all
changeable into _Green_, _Purple_ or _Red_. Yet some few there are, in
which this _Colour_ may be produced. As for instance, the _Flower_ of
_Lathyrus_ or _Parseverlasting_; which upon the affusion of _Spirit_
of _Harts-Horn_ is changed from a _Peach_, to as pure a _Blew_, as the
best _Ultramarine_: that which hitherto is, I think, wanting in _Water
Colours_. _Spirit_ of _Harts Horn_ was the _Liquor_ I used; but I
question not, but that other _Alkalies_, and particularly _Lime-Water_,
will have the like Effect, and so render it the more stable.
29. §. From what hath been said, we may likewise be confirmed in the
use of the already known _Rules_, and directed unto others yet unknown,
in order to the variation of the _Colours_ of _Flowers_ in their
Growth. The effecting of this, by putting the _Colour_ desired in the
_Flower_, into the _Body_ or _Root_ of the _Plant_, is vainly talked of
by some: being such a piece of cunning, as for the obtaining a painted
face, to eat good store of _white_ and _Red Lead_.
30. §. The best known _Rules_ are these Two; First, that the _Seed_
be used above any other part, if the variation of the _Colour_ be
intended. One reason whereof is, because that part being but very
small, the _Tinctures_ of the _Soyl_ will have the greater over
proportion to those of the _Seed_. Besides, the tender and _Virgin
Seed_, being committed to the Soyl, will more easily take any peculiar
_Tincture_ from it, then an other _Part_, which is not so susceptive,
and hath been tinctur’d already. All the strange varieties in
_Carnations_, _Tulips_, and other _Flowers_ are made this way.
31. §. The other _Rule_ is, To change the _Soyl_, or frequently to
transplant from one _Bed_ to another. By which means, the _Plant_, is
as it were, _superimpregnated_ with several _Tinctures_, which are
prolifick of several _Colours_; which way is taken for _Roots_ and
_Slips_.
32. §. The consideration whereof, and of the foregoing _Experiments_,
may direct us not only in changing the _Bed_, but also in compounding
the _Soyl_, as by mixing such and such _Salts_, or _Bodies_ impregnated
with such _Salts_, I say by mixing these Bodies in such a proportion,
with the _Soyl_, as although they have no _Colour_ in themselves,
yet may be effectual to produce a great variety of _Colours_ in the
_Plants_ they nourish; supplying the _Plants_ with such _Tinctures_, as
shall concur with the _Aer_, to strike or precipitate their _Sulphur_
into so many several _Colours_, after the manner above explicated: and
so to bring even Natures Art of _Painting_, in a great part, into our
own power.
A
DISCOURSE
OF THE
DIVERSITIES and CAUSES
OF
TASTS
CHIEFLY IN
PLANTS.
Read before the _Royal Society_, _March 25. 1675_.
CHAP. I.
_Of the several Sorts of SIMPLE and COMPOUNDED_ Tasts; _and the
DEGREES of both._
I HAVE formerly published some Notes, concerning _Tasts_. ♦ _Idea,
§. 29._ & _Anat. of R. P. 2. §. 68_, &c. ♦ Since then, I have made
other _Observations_ upon the same Subject: and these have produced
further _Thoughts_. I will summ up all in giveing an account, First,
of the _Diversities_; and then, of the _Causes_ of _Tasts_, chiefly in
_Plants_.
2. §. The _Diversities_ of _Tasts_ are so many, and so considerable;
that it seemeth strange, to see the matter treated of both by
_Philosophers_ and _Physicians_, with so much scantness and defect. For
the _Subject_ is not barren, but yieldeth much and pleasant _Variety_.
And doth also appear to be of great import unto _Medicine_. Besides, it
is preposterous to discourse of the _Causes_ of _Tasts_, before we have
taken an account of their _Diversities_; Whereof therefore I shall in
the first place, exhibit the following _Scheme_.
3. §. TASTS may be distinguished by these Three general ways. First,
with respect to the _Sensation_ it self. Secondly, with respect to its
_Duration_ and _Terms_. Thirdly, with respect to its _Subject_.
4. §. The _Sensation_ it self is differenced two ways, by its
_Species_, and by its _Degrees_. With respect to the _Species_, _Tasts_
are _Simple_, or _Compounded_. By _Simple Tasts_, I mean not such, as
are never found in conjunction with other _Tasts_: but the _Simple_ or
_Single Modes_ of _Tast_, although they are mixed with divers others
in the same _Body_. As for example, the _Taste_ of a _Peppin_, is
_Acidulcis_; of _Rhubarb_, _Amarastringens_; and therefore _Compounded_
in both. Yet in the _Peppin_, the _Acid_ is one _Simple Taste_, and
the _Sweet_ another; and so in _Rhubarb_, the _Bitter_ is one _Simple
Taste_, and the _Astringent_ is another.
5. §. Two faults have here been committed; the defective _Enumeration_
of _Simple Tasts_; and reckoning them indistinctly among some others
which are _Compounded_.
6. §. SIMPLE _Tasts_, (of which, properly so called, there are commonly
reckoned but Six or Seven Sorts,) are, at least Sixteen. _First_,
_Bitter_, as in _Wormwood_: to which, the contrary is _Sweet_, as in
_Sugar_. _Thirdly_, _Sower_, as in _Vinegar_: to which, the contrary
is _Salt_. _Fifthly_, _Hot_, as in _Cloves_: whereto, the contrary is
_Cold_. For we may as properly say, a _Cold Taste_, as a _Hot Taste_:
there being some _Bodies_, which do manifestly impress the _Sense_
of _Cold_ upon the _Tongue_, though not by _Touch_. So doth _Sal
Prunellæ_, although the _Liquor_ wherein it is dissolved, be first
warmed.
7. §. _Seventhly_, _Aromatick_. For it doth not more properly agree to
an _Odor_ than a _Taste_, to be _Aromatick_. And that an _Aromatick
Taste_, is distinct from an _Hot_, is clear; In that, there are many
_Bodies_ of a _Hot Taste_, some meanly and others vehemently _Hot_;
which yet are not in the least _Aromatick_: as amongst others, is
apparent in _Euphorbium_. So that although an _Aromatick Taste_ be
often conjoyned with _Heat_; yet it is not that _Heat_ it self, but
another distinct _Sense_.
8. §. _Eighthly_, _Nauseous_ or _Malignant_, contrary to the former.
Such as is perceived, together with the _Astringent_ and _Bitter_, in
_Rhubarb_; or with the _Bitter_, and _Sweet_, in _Aloes_. It may be
called _Malignant_, because distastful although mixed in a low degree
with other _Tasts_: whereas other _Tasts_ will render one another
grateful.
9. §. Again, _Tasts_ may properly be said, to be _Soft_ or _Hard_. A
_Soft Taste_, is either _Vapid_, as in _Watery Bodies_, _Whites_ of
_Eggs_, _Starch_, _Fine Boles_, &c. Or _Unctuous_, as in _Oyls_, _Fat_,
&c.
10. §. A _Hard Taste_ is Fourfold, _sc._ _Penetrant_, _Stupifacient_,
_Astringent_, _Pungent_. Contrary to a _Vapid_, are _Penetrant_ and
_Stupifacient_.
11. §. _Penetrant_, is a kind of _Taste_, which worketh it self
into the _Tongue_ (as some _Insects_ into the _Skin_) without any
_Pungency_; as in the _Root_ and _Leavs_ of _Wild Cucumer_.
12. §. _Stupifacient_, as in the _Root_ of _Black Hellebore_. Which
being chew’d, and for sometime reteined upon the _Tongue_; after a
few minutes, it seemeth to be benum’d and affected with a kind of
_Paralytick Stupor_; or as when it hath been a little burnt with eating
or supping of any thing too hot.
13. §. Contrary to an _Unctuous Taste_, are _Astringent_, and
_Pungent_; as in _Galls_, and _Spirit_ of _Sal Armoniack_.
14. §. Again, _Tasts_ are either _Continual_, as most commonly: or
_Intermittent_; as that of _Dracontium_, especially in the _Root_.
For after it seems to be lost and extinguished; it will then again
(chiefly upon the _Collision_ of the _Tongue_ and _Goomes_) be plainly
heightened and reviv’d.
15. §. _Lastly_, _Tasts_ are either _Still_, as usually; or may be
called _Tremulous_, as the _Heat_ produced by _Pyrethrum_. _Distinct_
from that of _Cloves_, _Ginger_, and many other _Hot Bodies_, in that
there the _Heat_ is _still_; but here in _Pyrethrum_, ’tis joyned
with a kind of _Vibration_: as when a _Flame_ is brandished with a
_Lamp-Furnace_. Thus far of the Sorts of _Simple Tasts_.
16. §. COMPOUNDED _Tasts_ are very numerous; being made by the various
_Conjunction_ of _Simple Tasts_, as _Words_ are of _Letters_. Sometimes
of two, as in _Saccharum Saturni_, of _Astringent_ and _Sweet_.
Sometimes three, as in _Aloes_, _Malignant_, _Bitter_ and _Sweet_; in
_Rhubarb_, _Malignant_, _Astringent_ and _Bitter_. Sometimes four, as
in _Agarick_, _Malignant_, _Astringent_, _Bitter_ and _Sweet_. And in
some _Bodies_, five or six _Species_ may be joyned together.
17. §. For the more accurate _Observation_ whereof, there are these
easie _Rules_. That not too many be tasted at one time: least the
_Tongue_ being surcharged, become less critical. That the _Mouth_ be
washed with warm water betwixt every tasting. And that those things be
first tasted which produce a less durable _Taste_; that so one may be
throughly extinguished, before another be try’d.
18. §. Of the numerous _Conjunctions_ of _Tasts_, which may thus be
observed, there are only Six to which the penury of _Language_ hath
allowed (if I may call them) _Proper Names_, sc. _Acerbus_, _Austerus_,
_Acris_, _Muriaticus_, _Lixivus_ & _Nitrosus_. Most of which are
commonly taken in to make up the number of _Simple Tasts_. But very
improperly; being all of them _Compounded_ and _Decompounded Tasts_: to
which _Class_ they ought therefore to be refer’d. For
19. §. _Austere_, is _Astringent_ and _Bitter_; as in the green and
soft _Stones_ of _Grapes_.
20. §. _Acerb_, properly so called, is _Astringent_ and _Acid_; as in
the _Juyce_ of unripe _Grapes_.
21. §. _Acris_, is also _Compounded_. For first, simply _Hot_, it
is not: because there are many _Hot Bodies_, which are not _Acria_;
as the _Roots_ of _Zedoary_, _Yarrow_, _Contrayerva_. Nor Secondly,
is it simply _Pungent_, because there are also _Bodies_, which are
_Non-acria pungentia_; of which kind is the _Root_ of _Arum_. Wherefore
_Acritude_, is _Pungency_ joyned with _Heat_.
22. §. _Muriatick_, is _Saltness_ joyned with some _Pungency_, as in
common _Salt_.
23. §. _Lixivial_, is _Saltness_ joyned with _Pungency_ and _Heat_.
24. §. _Nitrous_, is _Saltness_ joyned with _Pungency_ and _Cold_.
25. §. Besides these Six, or perhaps one or two more, there are, as is
said, a great number of _Conjunctions_, for which we have no _Proper
Names_. For admit that there were but _Ten Species_ of _Simple Tasts_,
_sc._ these _Ten_; _Amarus_, _Dulcis_, _Acidus_, _Salsus_, _Calidus_,
_Frigidus_, _Aromaticus_, _Malignus_, _Astringens_, _Pungens_. And
of these _Ten_, but _Two_, or at most, but _Three_ to be compounded
together in any one _Body_. If only _Two_, they produce 45 _Compounded
Tasts_. For the _First_, may be compounded with all the 9 following;
the _Second_, with all the 8 following; and so, the rest: which
together make 45. But if the same _Ten_ be compounded by _Threes_
together; they produce no less than 120 _Variations_: as by the _Table_
made of them all doth plainly appear.
26. §. Some few of the _Conjunctions_ therein set down, may not be
found actually existent in _Nature_. The abatement of which, will
be much more than compensated two ways. _First_, by the other _Six
Species_ of _Simple Tasts_, which are also sometimes compounded. And by
other more complex _Conjunctions_, as of many _Quadruples_, and perhaps
some _Quintuple_ or _Sextuple_ ones. Thus far of the _Simple Species_,
and _Conjunctions_ of _Tasts_.
27. §. THE DEGREES of _Tasts_ are also numerous; and each _Species_,
in every _Conjunction_, capable of _Variation_ herein. For the more
accurate observing whereof, it will be best, To take those _Bodies_,
whose _Tasts_ are, as near as may be, the same in _Specie_: and that
those be first tasted, which are less strong; whereby the true _Degree_
will be more precisely taken.
28. §. The _Tasts_ of _Bodies_ will thus appear to be varied, in
most _Species_ unto _Five Degrees_; and in some of them, unto _Ten_.
So the _Root_ of _Turmerick_, is bitter in the _First Degree_; of
_Gentian_, in the _Tenth_. The _Root_ of _Carduus Benedictus_, is _Hot_
in the _First Degree_; the _Green Pods_ or _Seed-Cases_ of _Clematis
peregrina_, in the _Tenth_. So that, allowing some to vary under
_Five_; yet by a moderate estimate, we may reckon every _Species_,
one with another, to be varied by at least _Five Degrees_. Which
being added to the several _Species_ of _Tasts_, in all the _Treble
Conjunctions_ of the aforesaid _Table_, come to 1800 sensible and
defineable _Variations_ of _Taste_. And these are the _Diversities_ of
_Taste_, with respect to the _Sensation_ it self.
CHAP. II.
_Of the DURATION and several TERMES
of_ Tasts.
THE next general way of distinguishing _Tasts_, is by their _Duration_,
and their _Terms_, or their _Motion_ of _Intension_ and _Remission_
from one _Degree_ to another. For there are many _Tasts_, which have
their _Motions_ analogous to those of _Diseases_; and by those may be
distinguished in the same manner. For as of _Diseases_, so of _Tasts_,
there are Four _Times_, as _Physicians_ call them, or _Terms_ of
_Motion_; sc. _Principium_, _Augmentum_, _Status_, _& Declinatio_.
2. §. For the distinct observing of which, those _Bodies_ which
are hard, and so their tastable parts less easily extractable by
the _Tongue_, should be reduced to a fine _Powder_: otherwise,
the true measure of the _Principium_ will be lost. And for the
precise measuring of all the _Four Termes_, it should be done by a
_Minute-Watch_ or a _Minute-Glass_. For so it will appear, that the
_Variations_ of each, are divers and remarquable.
3. §. To instance first in those of the _Principium_. Which I call,
That space of time, betwixt the first _Contact_ of the _Body_ to
be tasted, and the first manifest _Perception_ of the _Taste_. For
Example, those _Bodies_ which are _Acid_, or _Bitter_, as _Vinegar_
or _Wormwood_, are presently perceiv’d, _quatenus Acid_ or _Bitter_,
upon the first _Contact_; or have _Principium brevissimum_. Those
_Bodies_ which are _Acrid_, have their _Principium_ somewhat longer.
So the _Seed Cases_ of _Clematis peregrina_, although they have a
vehement _Acritude_, even in the Tenth _Degree_; yet is not that
_Acritude_ so soon tasted, as the _Bitterness_ of _Roses_, which is
but in the second. But the _Principium_ of _Hot Tasts_, is generally
longer than that of any other. So the _Bitterness_ of the _Root_ of
_Black-Hellebore_, which exceedeth not the second _Degree_, is yet
presently tasted: but the _Heat_ proceeding from the same _Root_, and
which ascendeth to the third _Degree_, is not perceived at all, till
after two full _Minutes_. And so the _Bitterness_ of _Enula_, which
exceedeth not the 4ᵗʰ _Degree_, yet is sooner tasted than its _Heat_,
which ascendeth to the 8ᵗʰ.
4. §. Next, in those of the _Augment_. Which I call, That space,
betwixt the first _Perception_ of the _Taste_, till it be come to the
heighth. So the _Heat_ of _Galangale_, is not only presently perceived,
but ariseth to the heighth within half a _Minute_. But the _Heat_ of
the _Root_ of _Enula_, comes not to the heighth till after a whole
_Minute_. And the _Heat_ of _Black-Hellebore_, not till after four full
_Minutes_ from the first _Contact_.
5. §. The _Status_, or space wherein the _Taste_ continues in
its heighth, is also divers. So the _Heat_ of the _Seed-Case_ of
_Helleboraster_, comes to its heighth, and begins to decline within
half a _Minute_; that of the _Root_ of _Garden-Scurvygrass_, not till
after a _Minute_; and that of the _Root_ of _Asarum_, not till after
two full _Minutes_.
6 §. And _Lastly_, the _Declination_, or the space betwixt the first
_Remission_ of the _Taste_, and its total _Extinction_. For instance,
The _Leavs_ of _Millefolium_, are _Bitter_ in the 4ᵗʰ _Degree_, and
_Hot_ only in the 1ˢᵗ yet the _Heat_ continues for sometime, and the
_Bitter_ presently vanishes. _Calamus Aromaticus_, is _Bitter_ in the
4ᵗʰ _Degree_, _Hot_ in the 1ˢᵗ, and _Aromatick_ in the 3ᵈ: yet the
_Bitter_ quickly vanishes, the _Heat_ continues two _Minutes_, and the
_Aromatick_ seven or eight. The _Heat_ of the _Root_ of _Contrayerra_,
is extended, almost to two _Minutes_; the _Pungency_ of _Jalap_, almost
to six; the _Heat_ of _Garden Scurvygrass_, to seven or eight. And even
the _Bitterness_ of _Wild Cucumer_, to near a quarter of an hour. But
the _Heat_ of _Euphorbium_ dureth much longer, as also that of _Black
Hellebore_, _sc._ above half an hour.
7. §. So that the _Augmentum_, is seldom extended beyond Four or Six
_Minutes_, from the first _Contact_: but the _Declination_, sometimes
to Thirty, Fourty, or more. Thus far of the _Terms_ of _Tast_, or the
manner of their _Intension_ and _Remission_.
CHAP. III.
_Of the SUBJECT or SEAT of_ Tasts.
THE _Third_ and _Last_ way of distinguishing _Tasts_, is by their
_Subject_, or the _Part_ or _Parts_ where they are either wholly or
chiefly perceived. And so, _Tasts_ are either _Fixed_, or _Movable_.
2. §. A _Fixed Tast_, is that which keepeth within the compass of some
one _Part_, all the time of its _Duration_; as upon the _Tip_, or the
_Root_ of the _Tongue_, or other _Part_.
3. §. A _Movable Taste_, is either _Diffusive_ or _Transitive_.
4. §. A _Diffusive Taste_, I call that, which by degrees spreads
abroad into divers _Parts_, and yet in the mean time, adheres to that
_Part_ in which it is first perceived. So the _Bitterness_ in the
dryed _Roots_ of _Black Hellebore_, is first felt on the _Tip_ of the
_Tongue_; from whence it spreads it self to the midle of the same. And
the _Bitterness_ of the _Leavs_ of _Wild Cucumer_, spreads from the
_Tip_, to the _Root_ of the _Tongue_.
5. §. A _Transitive Taste_, is that, which after sometime, wholly
quitting the _Part_ wherein it is first perceived, is thence transfered
into some other _Part_: as the _Bitterness_ of _Gentian_, imediately
from the _Tip_, to the midle of the _Tongue_. And most of the
_Diffusive_, are also _Transitive_.
6. §. The several _Parts_ which these ways become, and with some
latitude may be called, the _Seats_ of _Tasts_, are, the _Lips_,
_Tongue_, _Palate_, _Throat_ and _Gulet_.
7. §. Upon the _Lips_, the _Root_ of white _Hellebore_, as also
of _Pyrethrum_, being chewed, make a sensible _Impression_; which
continues (like the flame of a _Coal_ betwixt in and out) for 9 or 10
_Minutes_. But the _Heat_ in other _Parts_ much longer.
8. §. Upon the _Tongue_, _Tasts_ are perceived in Three places, as
hath been intimated. On the _Tip_ or _Cone_ of the _Tongue_; as most
commonly. On or near the _Basis_ of the _Tongue_; where the _Taste_
of the _Leavs_ of _Wild Cucumer_ chiefly fixeth it self. Or on the
_Vertex_ or midle of the _Tongue_; in which place it is observable,
that the _Tast_ of _Gentian_, _Colocynthis_, and divers other _Bodies_,
is then considerably strong, when not at all perceived at the _Tip_ of
the _Tongue_ or in any other _Part_.
9. §. Upon the _Palate_ or _Roofe_ of the _Mouth_, the _Root_, as I
take it, of _Deadly Nightshade_ maketh its chief _Impression_; and
there continues about four _Minutes_ in some degree.
10. §. The _Throat_, or the _Uvula_, _Larinx_ and other adjacent
_Parts_ are oftentimes the _Seat_ of _Taste_. For there are many
_Bodies_, which although they have scarce any _Taste_ upon the
_Tongue_, or any other of the aforesaid _Parts_, yet make a strong
_Impression_ on the _Throat_: as the _Leavs_ of little _Daisy_, little
_Celandine_, and of _Pimpinel_; as also the _Roots_ of _Jalap_,
_Mercury_, _Asparagus_ and others. Which being chewed make little or
no _Impression_ on the _Tongue_, but their _Juyce_ being swallowed,
causeth a kind of pricking in the _Throat_; as when one is provoked by
a sharp _Rheum_.
11. §. And that this _Taste_ or _Sense_, is truly distinct from
either the _Heat_, _Pungency_, or _Acritude_ upon the _Tongue_, it
is hence further manifest; In that _Pyrethrum_, which is very _Hot_,
and _Cortex Winteranus_ which is very _Pungent_ upon the _Tongue_;
yet their _Juyce_ being swallowed, causeth no _Heat_, _Pungency_ or
_Exasperation_ in the _Throat_.
12. §. _Lastly_, if we will take the word (_Tast_) in a larger sense,
the _Oesophagus_ it self may be said to be sometimes the _Subject_
thereof; as of the _Heat_ produced by the _Root_ of _Common Wormwood_.
For of this _Heat_ it is remarquable, that being first perceived on the
_Tip_ of the _Tongue_, it thence maketh its _transit_ to the _Root_
of the _Tongue_, and so into the _Throat_, and by degrees descends
into the very _Gulet_; where it seemeth to warm the _Stomach_; and so
continues, in some degree, almost ¼ of an hour. And the _Transition_
and _Descent_ of this _Heat_ is made, although none of the _Juyce_ be
swallowed. And in this maner _Tasts_ are distinguished with respect to
their _Subject_.
13. §. So that the general _Diversities_ of _Tasts_ are these. With
respect to their _Species_, they are _Simplices vel Compositi_; To
their _Degree_, _Remissi vel Intensi_; To their _Duration_, _Breves vel
Diuturni_; To the _Terms_ of their _Motion_, _Celeres vel Tardi_; and
lastly, To their _Subject_, _Fixi, Diffusivi & Transitivi_.
14. §. I HAVE thus endeavoured to draw up a _Scheme_ or _Inventory_ of
the several sorts of _Tasts_. In which, some may think, that I have
over done: and that as _Galen_ hath been censured for being too curious
in the _Distinctions_ of _Pulses_; so have I been, in these of _Tasts_.
Not to enquire now, how far the _Differences_ of the _Pulse_ may be
extended, or be fit to be taken notice of; I shall only say, That we
have not so much reason to censure him, if he hath given us some few
which are coincident; as we have to thank him, for observing so many
which are really distinct.
15. §. By the _Scheme_ of _Tasts_ here represented, we may be able,
so to enumerate the _Modes_ of any _Tast_, as to make a _Scientifick
Definition_ of it. Which is pleasant _Instruction_ to any inquisitive
mind; these things being all matter of sense and demonstration; wherein
lyeth, though not always the most plausible, yet the most satisfying
_Philosophy_; and where men, after they are grown weary with turning
round, are oftentimes contented to rest.
16. §. But the usefulness of this _Schem_ will further appear, in two
respects; _sc._ In conducting us to a cleerer and more particular
_Explication_ of the _Causes_ of _Tasts_: and the _Investigation_ of
the _Virtues_ of those _Bodies_ in which they reside. Whereof in the
following _Chapters_.
CHAP. IV.
_Of the CAUSES of_ Tasts.
TO speak of the _Causes_ of _Tasts_, before we have well enumerated and
distinguished them; is to provide _Furniture_ for a _House_, before the
_Roomes_ have been counted and measured out. But the _Varieties_ of
_Tasts_ having been first laid down; it will induce us to believe, and
investigate as great a variety in their _Causes_.
2. §. Now the _Causes_ of _Tasts_, particularly of the _Tasts_ of
_Plants_, whereof we chiefly speak, are, in general, these Four or
Five, _sc._ The _Bed_ out of which they grow; The _Aer_ in which they
stand; The _Parts_ of which they consist; The several _Fermentations_
under which their _Juyces_ pass; And the _Organs_ by which their
_Tastable Parts_ are perceiv’d: as will appear upon _Instance_.
3. §. But the immediate _Causes_, besides the _Organs_ of _Taste_,
are the _Principles_ of _Plants_. As many of which, as come under
the notice of _Sense_, we have already supposed to be these Seven,
_Alkaline_, _Acid_, _Aer_, _Water_, _Oyl_, _Spirit_ and _Earth_. The
_Particles_ both of _Alkaline_ and _Acid Salts_, are all _angular_
and _poynted_. Those of _Aer_, properly and strictly so called, are
_Elastick_ or _Springy_; and therefore also _Crooked_; as I have
likewise formerly conjectured. And I find the Learned _Borelli_, in a
Book of his since then published, to be of the same Opinion. Those of
all _Fluid Bodies_, _quà Fluid_, and therefore of _Water_, _Oyl_ and
_Spirit_, I conceive to be _Globular_, but _hollow_, and with holes
in their Sides. Those of _Water_, to be larger _Globes_, with more
_holes_; those of _Oyl_, to be lesser, with fewer _holes_; and those
of _Spirit_ the least. Lastly, that the particles of _Earth_ are also
_Round_; yet angular; and nearer to a _solid_.
4. §. These _Principles_ affect the _Organs_ of _Sense_, according
to the variety of their _Figures_, and of their _Mixture_. So those
which are sharp or poynted; and those which are _springy_; are fitted
to produce any stronger _Taste_: and those which are round, are apt,
of their own _Nature_, to produce a _weaker_ or _softer_ one. And so
by the diversities of their _Mixture_; not only with respect to their
_Proportion_, but also the very _Mode_ of their _Conjunction_. Hence
it is, that many _Bodies_ which abound with _Salt_, as _Ambar_ with
an _Acid_, and the _Bones_ of _Land-Animals_ with an _Alkaline_, have
notwithstanding but a weak _Tast_; the _Saline Parts_ being in the
former drowned in the _Oyl_, and in the latter also buried in the
_Earth_.
5. §. The same is further confirmed by an _Experiment_ mentioned in a
former _Discourse_; ♦ Of _Mixt._ Ch. 5. ♦ _sc._ the _Transmutation_ of
_Oyl_ of _Anise-Seeds_, with the help of _Oyl_ of _Vitriol_, into a
_Rosin_. For both those _Liquors_, though so strongly tasted, apart;
yet the _Rosin_ made of them, being well washed, hath a very mild
_Taste_, and without any smatch of that in either of the _Liquors_.
Whence it follows, that the very _Mode_ of _Mixture_ is sufficient, not
only for the variation of the _Degrees_ in any one _Species_ of _Tast_;
but also for the destroying of one _Species_, and the introducing of
another.
6. §. THESE things being premised, I conceive, That as an _Unctuous
Tast_ dependeth upon _Oyl_; so a _Vapid_ either on _Water_, or _Earth_:
or upon such an intimate _Mixture_ of other _Principles_, as renders
them indissoluble by the _Saliva_, and so, in a manner, untastable.
7. §. That a _Pungent_, is made either by an _Alkaly_ or an _Acid_
sharpned or whetted; that is, cleared from the soyl of other
_Principles_; as in the _Spirit_ of _Sal Armoniac_ or of _Sulphur_.
And so in those _Plants_ which have a _Pungent Tast_; whose _Juyces_
or _Tinctures_, although they consist of divers _Principles_, yet all
so loosely mixed, that being dissolved by the _Saliva_, the _Saline_
are hereupon left naked. Wherefore _biting Plants_, _qua biting_, are
_Nitrous Plants_. So that the _Juyce_ of such _Plants_, is a kind of
_Spirit_ of _Nitre_, made by the several _Parts_ of the _Plant_. Hence
_Arum_ grows best under an Hedg; where the Ground, not being exposed
to the _Sun_, but the _Aer_ only, like those _Rooms_ in _Houses_,
which are covered, is impregnated with a greater quantity of _Nitrous
Salt_. And those _Roots_ which are _Biting_, have but few or but small
_Aer-Vessels_; whereby fewer parts of the _nitroaereal Sap_ are carryed
off into the _Trunk_. For the same _Cause_, it is no wonder, that many
_Aquaticks_ are _Biting_; _Water_ being, though it self cold, yet the
_Menstruum_ by which all _Salts_ are imbibed most easily, and in laxer
state of _Commixture_ with other _Principles_.
8. §. _Penetrant_ (something slower than _Pungent_) is made by any
_Salt_ that is also soiled or guarded with _Earth_. _Sower_, by an
_Acid_ only soyled with _Earth_. _Salt_, by an _Acid_ guarded by an
_Alkaly_, and soyled with _Earth_. _Cold_, by an _Acid_ drowned in
_Water_, and soyled with _Earth_.
9. §. In all these, the _Salts_ are _predominant_; In _Heat_ the _Oyl_
or _Sulphur_. The particles whereof being _Spherick_ and _bored_ with
_holes_; those of _Salt_ stick in them, as the _Spokes_ do in the
_Hub_ of a _Wheel_, or as the _Quills_ in the _Skin_ of a _Porcupine_.
Whereby, as in _Common Fire_ the _Sparks_ of _Sulphur_ being agitated
and whirled about by the _Aer_; with the help of the _Salts_, which
stick in them, tear in pieces all kinds of _Bodies_: so here, being
agitated by the _Circulation_ of the _Blood_, they make a kind of hurry
or combustion; and so, according to the degree and strength of their
_Motion_, tear in pieces fewer or more of the _Fibers_ of the _Tongue_;
and in a greater quantity, would raise a _Blister_ upon it; the common
_Effect_ of _Fire_, or any strong _Epispastick_. So that a _Hot Tast_,
is produced by _Sulphur_ toothed or armed with _Salts_. Wherefore
all _Stillatitious Oyls_ are _Hot_; being strongly impregnated or
armed with the _Essential Salts_ of the _Plants_ from whence they are
distilled. And as those _Plants_ which are very _Parenchymous_, from
the predominancy of their _Volatile Acid_, are _biting_: So those
which are _Lignous_, that is, have a good quantity of _Lympheducts_,
from the dominion of their _Sulphur_ are commonly _Hot_. For the same
reason it is, that many both _Biting_ and _Hot Plants_, as the _Roots_
of _Dragon_, _Garden-Radish_, _Onion_, _Iris_, _Rape-Crowfoot_, &c.
being corked up in a bottle with _Water_, and set in a Cellar or other
cool place; they do all of them turn _Sower_ in a few days: The same
_Fermentation_, at once sullying the _Salts_ of the one, and disarming
the _Sulphurs_ of the other. But some, wherein the _Sulphureous_ parts
are more copious, will hardly ever become _Sower_. Hence also, some
_Plants_, whose _Roots_ are neither _Hot_, nor of any strong _Taste_,
as those of _Wild Anemone_; yet their _Leaves_ and _Flowers_ are
plainly _Caustick_: So that it seems, that as their _Juyces_ rise up
into the _Trunk_ or _Stalk_, and are therein further fermented, the
_Sulphurous Parts_ thereof, are at the same time relaxed from the other
_Principles_, and acuated with an _Aereal Salt_.
10. §. A _Stupifacient Tast_ (as the _Impression_ which some _Hot
Plants_ make upon the _Tongue_ may be called) is in some sort,
analogous to the mortifying of any part of the Body by the application
of a _Caustick_. For as there the mortification succeeds the burning
pain, so here, the _Stupifaction_, neither comes before, nor with the
_Heat_, but follows it.
11. §. _Sweetness_ is produced, sometimes by an _Alkaly_; smoothed
either by a _Sulphur_, as in _Lime-Water_; or by both a _Spirit_
and a _Sulphur_, as in the _Stillatitious Oyls_ of _Animals_. But
most commonly, by a smoothed _Acid_; as in _Malt_, _Sugar_, _Hony_.
Hence a _Sweet Taste_, is generally founded in a Sower; So Sower
_Apples_, by mellowing, and harsh _Pears_, by baking become sweet;
the _Spirit_ and _Sulphur_ being hereby at once separated from the
other _Principles_ and brought to a nearer union with the _Acid_. So
the Sower _Leaves_ of _Wood-Sorrel_, being dry’d, become sweet: and
those of a sower _Codlin_, while they hang on the _Tree_, and even
of a _Crab-Tree_, are neither _Astringent_, nor sower, but sensibly
sweet. And so commonly, wherever the said _Principles_ are a little
exalted by a soft _Fermentation_; as in the _Juyce_ of the _Stalk_ of
_Maze_ or _Indian Wheat_, which is as sweet as _Sugar_; and in the
_green Stalks_ of all sorts of _Corn_ and _Grass_, in several degrees.
So likewise _Tulips_ and some other _Roots_, being taken up, in open
weather, sometime before they _sprout_; if tasted, are as sweet as
_Liquirish_ or _Sugar_; and at no other time: not only _Fruits_, but
many _Roots_, _Seeds_, and other _Parts_, upon their first or early
_Germination_, acquiring a curious _Mellowness_, wherein, all their
_Principles_ are resolved, and their most _Spirituous Parts_ exalted
and spread over the _Acid_. Wherefore also most _Roots_, which are not
meerly long, but grow deep in the ground, have at least some of their
_Juyces_ of a sweet _Tast_; as _Liquirish_, _Eryngo_, _Hounds-Tongue_,
_Garden-Parsnep_, _Black Henbeane_, _Deadly Night-shade_, _&c._ Even
the _Juyce_ of _Horse Radish_, which bleeds at the _Lympheducts_, is of
a sweet _Taste_. And of the same kindred those which grow the deepest,
are the sweetest; as a _Parsnep_ is sweeter than a _Carrot_, especially
if you tast the bleeding _Sap_; and the _Root_ of _Common Tall Trefoyl_
tasteth somewhat like _Liquirish_, but is not near so sweet. For all
deep _Roots_, are fed with a less _Nitrous Aliment_: and being remoter
from the _Aer_, their _Juyces_ pass under much more soft and moderate
_Fermentations_.
12. §. _Bitterness_ is produced by a _Sulphur_ well impregnated, either
with an _Alkaline_, or an _Acid Salt_, but also shackled with _Earth_.
And therefore the _Bitterest Plants_, commonly yield the greatest
quantity of _Lixivial Salt_. So also many _Stillatitious Oyls_ digested
with any strong _Acid_, will acquire a _Bitter Taste_. Wherefore this
_Taste_ is often founded either in a _Hot Taste_, or a _Sweet_. Hence
it is, that the _Leaves_ of all sweet _Roots_ are _Bitter_. And that
the _Fig-Tree_, which bears a sweet _Fruit_, bleeds a _Bitter Milk_.
So likewise those _Plants_, which bear a _Bitter Stalk_, have not
_Bitter_, but _Hot Roots_, as in _Yarrow_, _Primrose_, _Wormwood_,
_Rue_, _Carduus benedictus_ &c. is manifest. So the _Coats_ of the
_Seeds_ of _Viola Lunaria_ are of a _hot_ and _biting Tast_; but the
_Seeds_ themselves, in which the _Salts_, though copious, yet are also
immersed in a greater quantity of _Oyl_, are _Bitter_. And that the
_Earthy Parts_ do also contribute something more to this, than to most
of the forementioned _Tasts_, is argued from its being more _Fixed_;
that is, the _Body_ in which it resides, is either more _Fixed_, or
else flyeth not away in that same state of conjunction, by which it
maketh a _Bitter Taste_. For whereas _Hot_, _Biting_, and divers other
_Plants_ lose the strength of their _Taste_, by drying; most of those
which are _Bitter_, do hereby increase it. And although the _Extract_
of _Dandelion_ and some other _Roots_, which are very _Bitter_, hath
scarce any _Tast_, yet generally, they are _Bitter Plants_, which are
best for the making of _Extracts_. And the distilled waters of _Plants_
which are _Hot_ and =Bitter=, notwithstanding that they always tast
high of the _Heat_, yet rarely and very faintly of the _Bitter_.
13. §. _Astringency_, is made, partly, by the further increase and
more intimate union of the _Earth_. And therefore this is seated still
in a more _Fixed Composition_, than a _Bitter_. And partly, by the
diminution of the _Sulphur_. And therefore the _Acid Parts_ ingredient
to it, either by _Fermentation_ or otherwise, are easily exposed.
_Astringency_ being the _Womb_ or _Bud_ of a _Sower_. For all or most
_Astringent Roots_ bear a sower _Leaf_, or a sower _Fruit_; as those
of all _Docks_ and _Sorrels_, _Black-Thorn_, _Dog-Rose_, and others.
Wherefore also, _Astringency_ is often found in conjunction with
_Bitter_, _Sweet_, or _Sower_; but scarce ever with _Pungent_, or _Hot_.
14. §. An _Aromatick Tast_, seems to be produced, chiefly, by a
_spirituous_, _acid_, and _volatile Sulphur_; as in _Ambar-griese_,
_Cardamon-Seeds_, many _Stillatitious Oyls_ &c. A _Nauseous_, by a
_Sulphur_ less _Spirituous_ and _Volatile_, and more _Alkaline_; as
in the _Root_ of _Dog-stones_, _Sheep scabious_, the young and green
_Leaves_ of _Coriander_, or the _Seeds_ of _Cumine_. The _Spirit_, as
it enters the _Nerves_, carrying the _Alkaline Sulphur_ along with it;
as when a City is betrayed by one of its Inhabitants to an Enemy.
15. §. An _Intermittent Taste_, as in _Arum_, seems to have its
dependance upon a simple and very pure _Nitre_, which by its subtilty
enters into the very _Concaves_ of the _Nervous Fibers_ of the
_Tongue_: and so being lodged there, is little affected or stirred,
by the _Motion_ of the _Blood_; but only when the _Tongue_ it self is
moved, at which time it causeth a kind of pricking _Taste_.
16. §. A _Tremulous Taste_, as in _Pyrethrum_, dependeth probably,
upon an _Aereal Sulphur_; which being agitated by the _Blood_ in its
_Circulation_, the _springy Motion_ or _Vibration_ of the _Aereal
Parts_ produce that _Taste_.
17. §. A _Tast_ is _Lingual_, _Guttural_, &c. according to the grosness
or fineness or other difference of the _Membranes_ into which the
_tastable parts_ are admitted. For _Tasts_ are made not meerly by the
outward _Contact_, but the _Ingress_ of the _tastable parts_. Now
the outer _Skin_ of the _Tongue_, which is commonly observed to pill
off in boyling, like the _Cuticula_ in other _Parts_, hath either no
sense, or much less than that which lies under it; and is therefore,
but a _Sieve_ or _Strainer_ to the _tastable parts_. So that being of
different fineness in the several parts of the _Tongue_; it hereby
comes to pass, that according as the _tastable parts_ of any _Plant_
are more or less penetrant, subtle, or dissoluble, they are admitted
into one part of the _Tongue_, and not another. And in the _Throat_,
the outer _Skin_ it self, seems to be the immediate _Sensory_; and so,
to be evidently affected with the _Juyces_ of some _Plants_, from which
the _Tongue_ receiveth little or no sensible _Impression_.
18. §. When the _Tast_ is _Permanent_ and _Fixed_ in some one _Part_;
it is a sign, either that the _Gustable Parts_ are less dissoluble;
or more subtle, so as to enter the _Concaves_ of the _Fibers_; and
that there is an admixture of an _Aereal Salt_, or a like _Sulphur_;
some of the parts whereof, being crooked, hang like _Hooks_ on the
_Fibers_ of the _Tongue_. For the reception of such a _Tast_, is not
to be looked upon as a wound made with a _Lancet_, and so the _Lancet_
taken away; but with the _Lancet_ sticking in the wound; until in time,
’tis carryed off by the _Circulation_ of the _Blood_; which like the
_Stream_ of a _River_ in a _Flood_, carries all before it, but those
things last, which stick in the _Mud_.
19. §. But when the _Tast_, though _Permanent_, yet is _Diffusive_ or
_Transitive_; it seems probable, that as there is a less admixture of
_Aer_; so a greater subtlety of the _Tastable Parts_, whereby they are
conveyed, through the _Nervous Fibers_, from one _Part_ to another.
CHAP. V.
_Of the Judgment which may be made of the VIRTUES
of_ Plants, _from their_ Tasts.
AS by duly observing the _Tasts_ of _Plants_, we may be directed
to understand their _Causes_. So also the _Use_ and _Virtues_ of
those _Plants_ or _Parts_ of _Plants_ in which they reside. For the
proof whereof, an _Instance_ might be fetched from every particular
difference of _Tast_ before set down. But it may be enough, to give
these which follow.
2. §. And first, we may make no ill guess _ex Analogia_, or where we
find the same _Tast_, that there the same _Virtue_ in some kind, and
in some degree, may reside. So _Jalap_, _Mercury_, and _Daisy_, have
all of them that exasperating _Tast_ in the _Throat_ before described;
and they are all three more or less _Cathartick_. Wherefore, we may
believe, that other _Plants_ which make the like _Impression_ on
the _Throat_, and there are many others which do, that they are in
some degree alike _Cathartick_. Those _Plants_ which are reckoned
amongst the chiefest _Cephalicks_, cause rather a durable, than a
vehement _Heat_ upon the _Tongue_, as _Pyrethrum_, _Euphorbium_,
_Black-Hellebore_, &c. It seemeth therefore reasonable to rank with
these, any other _Plant_, though not used, which produceth the like
durable _Heat_. The young _Roots_ of _Yarrow_, or _Millefolium_, have
the same _Taste_, as the _Root_ of _Contrayerva_: and may therefore be
used for the same purpose, with a probability of the like success; if
not a better, because they may be gotten fresher. But by drying the
_Root_, the _Tast_ and _Virtue_, which lie in its exhalible parts, are
much lost. The _Seeds_ of the lesser _Cardamom_, and of _Zedoary Root_,
if found, have both a smatch of the _Tast_ of _Camphire_. They may
therefore all, so far, reach the same Case.
3. §. Again, as we may make no ill conjecture from the sameness of
_Taste_ in _Plants_ of several _Tribes_; so from the diversity of
_Taste_, in those of the same. So the _Flowers_ of all the _Docks_
are evidently _Astringent_, and not _Sower_; except those of the
_Rha-pontick_, which are extream sower, even in the 5ᵗʰ degree. Which
is no mean _Signature_ of some more than ordinary _Virtue_ in it,
besides what it hath in common with the rest of the _Tribe_. The
_Flowers_ of _Pancy_ have a kind of fulsome _Tast_, plainly different
from that of _Violets_: and in some _Hypochondriacal Cases_ may be more
useful.
4. §. It likewise importeth much, to observe the difference of _Taste_
in the several _Parts_ of the same _Plant_. So the _Barque_ of
_Sassafras_ is three times as strong, as the _Wood_: and the like may
be observed in any other commonly known _Tree_. If therefore we could
obtein the _Barques_ of _Santalum_, _Lignum Rhodium_, _Lignum Aloes_,
&c. they would doubtless, most of them, be of much greater use. And
as the _Taste_ is sometimes stronger; so, much more grateful, in one
_Part_ than in another: as in the _Flowers_ or _Yellow Attire_ in the
_Heads_ of _Carduus Benedictus_; which being infused in _Spirit_ of
_Wine_, or other convenient _Liquor_, make a pleasant _Cordial_. Nature
having laped up the _Virtue_ in the _Leavs_, as in a brown _Paper_; but
in the _Flowers_, as in _Leaf-Gold_.
5. §. As also, how far the _Taste_ of any _Plant_ may alter, either in
preserving, or preparing it. So the _Root_ of _Arum_, when taken fresh
out of the ground, is notably _Pungent_: but being throughly dryed,
and especially kept for some time, hath no more _Taste_, and therefore
in all likelyhood, no more _Virtue_, than a _Lump_ of _Starch_. The
like we are to judge of all other _Plants_, whose _Virtue_ lieth in
their exhalible _Parts_. The _Stillatitious Oyls_ of many _Plants_, are
stronger than the _Leavs_ or other _Parts_ from whence they are drawn:
but some there are, which are weaker; as is that of _Euphorbium_, in
which the _Heat_ is neither pertinaceous, as in the _Gum_ it self, nor
so great.
6. §. We may make, moreover, a judgment from the _Nature_ of the
_Tast_. So those _Roots_ which are _Bitter_, and not _Hot_, as of
_Cichory_, and the rest of the _Intybous_ kind, may be accounted
_Nitro-Sulphureous_; and so, to be _Abstersive_ without any _Heating
Quality_. The _Marum Austriacum_, which is extream _Pungent_, as
well as _Aromatick_, may be looked upon as the best _Cephalick_ of
that _Tribe_. Because we find, that _Jalap_ hath a special property
of imitating the _Glandulous Parts_ of the _Mouth_, and _Throat_; we
may gather, That it is a better _Purge_ to all the other _Glandulous
Parts_, than most other _Catharticks_. Which is also one reason of
its operation, for the most part, with at least a tendency to vomit;
the _Stomach_ it self being _Glandulous_ as well as the _Throat_, and
thereby answerably affected with it. A strong _Infusion_ of _white
Sarzaparilla_ in _Water_, botled up, and kept in a _Cellar_ for the
space of two months, becomes extream sower; far beyond any thing
observed in the _Tasts_ of the _Juyces_ and _Infusions_ of divers
other _Plants_ kept as long and in the same manner. Which shews,
how well Nature hath adapted a _Plant_ of so mild a _Taste_, either
by similitude of parts, for the carrying off of any _preternatural
Acid_; or by contrariety, for the curbing of an exorbitant _Salt_.
The _Barque_ of the _Root_ of common _Wormwood_, which impresseth a
pertinaceous and diffusive _Taste_, which descendeth from the _Tongue_
into the _Gulet_, as is before described; may be justly ranked with
the most excellent _Stomachicks_; and upon tryal, I find it one of the
best: besides, that it is neither unpleasant, nor affecteth the _Head_,
as the _Leavs_. Yet the _Gardener_, and every Body throws it away, as
good for nothing.
7. §. I shall conclude with one note, which is this; That the
_Specifick Virtue_ of _Medicines_, which some _Physicians_ positively
deny, and most dispute; from some of the forementioned _Differences_
of _Taste_, as well as for other reasons, may seem, at least, to be
probable. For why should not a _Medicine_ make an _Impression_ upon one
_Part_, and not upon another, within the _Body_, as well as we find it
doth within the _Mouth_? especially, since the _Parts_ of the _Mouth_,
are of a less different _Nature_, than some of the _Viscera_.
_An Appendix._
_Of the ODOURS of_ Plants.
THE _Senses_ of _Tasting_ and _Smelling_ being so nearly ally’d; many
things already explained concerning the _Diversities_ and _Causes_
of _Tasts_ in _Plants_, may easily be transferr’d to those of their
_Odours_. I shall now therefore only remarque some particulars, not
commonly taken notice of hitherto, and leave them as a _Specimen_ to be
Improved by other Hands.
2. §. The _Root_ of _Rape-Crowfoot_ being cut, and held to the _Nose_,
when it is newly taken out of the _Ground_, smelleth almost like
_Spirit_ of _Sal Armoniac_, or fresh _Scurvygrass Juyce_. And hath the
property of making the _Eyes_ to water, as _Onions_ do. _Horse-Radish
Root_ is not so _Pungent_ to the _Nose_, but gets pretty much into the
_Eyes_. But that of _Dragon_, doth neither affect the _Eyes_, nor the
_Nose_.
3. §. The _Succulent Roots_ of _Dogstones_, and most of that _Tribe_,
have a rank _Smell_. And that of _Crown Imperial_, being rub’d a
little, smells as like a _Fox_, as one _Fox_ smelleth like another.
4. §. The _Root_ of _Patience_ digested with _Water_, in a warm _Room_,
for the space of three weeks, smels like _Spirit_ of _Harts Horn_, or
other _Urinous Spirit_. Of _Red Dock_, almost like _Aqua fortis_ or
_Spirit_ of _Nitre_. That of _Dragon_ bottled up with _Water_, and set
in a _Cellar_, about a Month, stinks like the _pus_ of the most _Fetid
Ulcer_. At the end of five Months, more abominably, than either to be
endured or expressed.
5. §. The _Leavs_ of _Mountain Calamint_, smell like _Peny Royal_.
Those of _Ulmaria_, like _Walnut Pills_. Of _Yellow Lamium_, like a
_Balsame_. Of _Sena_, a good quantity being held to the _Nose_, of a
rank _Smell_ betwixt that of _Sweat_ and _Urine_. Of _Coriander_, when
green and young, stink so basely, that they can hardly be endur’d.
Sometimes the _Leavs_ have a stronger _Smell_, than the _Flower_, as in
_Borage_, and sometimes the _Stalk_, a stronger than the _Leavs_, as in
_Ulmaria_.