[Illustration]
A
TREATISE
ON
_Tobacco_, _Tea_, _Coffee_, and _Chocolate_.
[Illustration]
A
TREATISE
ON
TOBACCO,
TEA,
COFFEE, _and_
CHOCOLATE.
IN WHICH
I. The Advantages and Disadvantages attending the Use of these
Commodities, are not only impartially considered, upon the Principles
of _Medicine_ and _Chymistry_, but also ascertained by _Observation_
and _Experience_.
II. Full and distinct Directions laid down for knowing in what Cases,
and for what particular Constitutions, these Substances are either
beneficial, or hurtful.
III. The _Chinese_ or _Asiatic Tea_, shewn to be the same with the
_European Chamelæagnus_, or _Myrtus Brabantica_.
_The Whole Illustrated with_ COPPER PLATES, _exhibiting the_ Tea
_Utensils of the_ Chinese _and_ Persians.
Written originally by SIMON PAULI;
AND
Now Translated by Dr. _JAMES_.
_Ante omnia scire convenit Naturam Corporis; quia alii graciles,
alii obesi sunt, alii calidi, alii frigidiores, alii humidi, alii
sicciores, alios adstricta, alios resoluta, alvus exercet._
Celsus, _Lib. 1._ _Cap. 3._
_LONDON_:
Printed for T. OSBORNE, in _Gray's Inn_; J. HILDYARD, at _York_; M.
BRYSON, at _Newcastle_; and J. LEAKE, at _Bath_.
M,DCC,XLVI.
[Illustration]
A
TREATISE
ON
_TOBACCO_, &c.
As _Nicolaus Monardus_, in _Simpl. Med. Histor._ has given so full and
accurate an History and Description of _Tobacco_, that others have only
borrowed their Accounts of it from his Works, we shall, in the Words of
that Author, in _Cap. 14_, inform the Reader what _Tobacco_ is, where
it is produced, and to what Uses it is applied.
"The Plant _Tobacco_, says he, was formerly used by the _Indians_,
and especially by the Inhabitants of _New Spain_, for the Cure of
Wounds. A few Years ago it was imported into _Spain_, rather for the
Decoration of Gardens, than on Account of its medicinal Virtues: But
it is now more celebrated for the latter, than used for the former.
"This Plant is among the _Indians_ called _Picelt_; for the
_Spaniards_ first called it _Tobacco_ from a certain Island of that
Name, where great Quantities of it were produced.
"It rises to a great Height, and is sometimes as tall as the
_Lemon-Tree_. Its Trunk is strait, and sends out many large Branches,
which bear Leaves almost resembling those of the _Lemon-Tree_, but
larger, like those of the _Burdock_, of a faint green Colour, and a
little rough and shaggy, as the Whole of the Plant is. The Tops of the
Branches bear Flowers of the Shape of a small Bell, which are white at
the Extremities, but of a purple Colour in the Middle; and when these
Flowers fall off, they are succeeded by small Heads, which resemble
those of the _Black Poppy_, and contain a very small cineritious
blackish Seed. The Root is thick, divided into many Parts, internally
of a ligneous or woody Nature, Saffron-coloured, bitter, and easily
deprived of its Bark: But I am acquainted with no medicinal or other
Quality of which it is possessed.
"The Plant grows in most Places of the _Indies_, and especially those
of a moist and shady Nature, and in light well cultivated Soils: It
may be sown at all Seasons; but when it appears above Ground it is to
be preserved from the Cold, and may be transplanted for the Decoration
of Garden-Walls; for, like the _Citron-Tree_, it continues green
through the whole Year.
"The Leaves are only used; though when these cannot be had, some use
the Seeds in their Stead. The Leaves are preserved by passing a Thread
through them, suspending them in a shady Place, and thus drying them,
after which they are used either whole or reduced to Powder.
"_Tobacco_ is hot and dry, and consequently heats, resolves, cleanses,
and is a little astringent, as will appear from these following
Virtues, of which it is possessed.
"The Leaves of _Tobacco_ heated and applied, prove an excellent Remedy
for a _Cephalæa_, and _Hemicrania_, provided these Disorders arise
from a cold Cause, or Flatulences, but the Use of them is to be often
repeated, till the Disease is removed. Some, before the Application
of them, anoint the Head with the Oil obtained from the Flowers of
the _Orange-Tree_. The same Remedy is beneficial for a Rigidity of the
Neck or _Tetanus_, and for Pains of the whole Body, arising from the
same Cause.
"When a Tooth-ach proceeds from a cold Cause, the wiping the affected
Tooth with a Linen-Cloth, soaked in the Juice of _Tobacco_, and then
putting a Piece of the Leaf, made up in Form of a Pill, into the
Hollow, not only removes the Pain, but also prevents the spreading of
the Corruption.
"A Decoction of Tobacco-Leaves with Water, and a _Linctus_ prepared
of the same Decoction, are beneficial in Disorders of the Breast,
inveterate Coughs, Asthma's, and other similar Disorders proceeding
from cold Humours. A small Quantity of a Syrup prepared of Sugar, and
a Decoction of the Leaves eliminates any putrid Humours lodged in the
Breast. The Smoak of Tobacco-Leaves received into the Mouth, sometimes
affords Relief to asthmatic Patients; but proper Evacuations ought
previously to be made, if the Patient's Condition can possibly admit
of it.
"Tobacco-Leaves heated under the Ashes and applied to the Pit of
the Stomach, without shaking the Ashes off, afford Relief to Persons
afflicted with a Rumbling of the Intestines, and Flatulencies. For
the same Purposes others bruise the Leaves with their Hand, anointed
with Oil, and apply them to the Region of the Stomach. The Leaves
triturated in a little Vinegar, long used by way of Ointment, and
bound upon the Parts affected, are beneficial in Obstructions, or
schirrous Tumours of the Stomach and Spleen; but over this Preparation
warm Leaves, or a Cloth soaked in the warm Juice of the Leaves, are to
be applied frequently every Day. When the Leaves cannot be had, Snuff
may be mixed with any deobstruent Ointment, and the obstructed or
tumid Part long anointed with it.
"The _Indian_ Women greatly extol the Use of _Tobacco_, not only for
Children, but also for adult Persons who are afflicted with Crudities
of the Stomach; for after anointing the _Abdomen_ with Lamp-Oil,
the Leaves heated under the Ashes, and applied opposite to the
Stomach, on the Breast and Back, concoct the Crudities, and render
the Body soluble, provided the Application is repeated sufficiently
often. A small Quantity of the Juice of _Tobacco_ Leaves, concocted
and depurated with Sugar, expels both flat and round Worms from
the Intestines; but for answering this End more effectually, the
triturated Leaves ought to be laid upon the Navel, and a proper
Clyster injected.
"The Leaves heated under the Ashes, and applied as hot as the Patient
can bear, afford great Relief in nephritic and flatulent Pains,
provided the Remedy be sufficiently often repeated. _Tobacco_ is also
in many Cases an useful Ingredient in Clysters, Fomentations, and
Plaisters.
"In Suffocations of the _Uterus_, the Leaves rendered sufficiently
hot, and applied to the Navel, and Region of the _Uterus_, afford
present Relief; and if a _Deliquium_ should succeed, which it
frequently does, the Patient will be forthwith roused from it by
blowing the Smoak of _Tobacco_ up her Nostrils. This Practice is
so common among the _Indian_ Women, that for this very Reason
they carefully preserve and greatly esteem _Tobacco_ Leaves. Some
for uterine Disorders previously apply odorous Substances to the
Navel, and then lay _Tobacco_ Leaves over them: But the most proper
Substances for this Purpose, are _Tachamahach_, Oil of liquid
_Amber_, _Peruvian_ Balsams, _Caranna_, or a Plaister of all these
together worn daily on the Navel.
"_Arthritic_ Pains, provided the Humours are cold, or at least are
not too hot, are greatly relieved by the Application of the warm
Leaves, or of a Linen-Cloth soaked in the warm Juice of the Leaves;
for these resolve and digest the Humours; for which Reason they are
advantageously laid upon œdematous Tumours, previously washed with the
warm Juice of the Leaves.
"It is certain from Experience, that _Chilblanes_ are cured by rubbing
them three or four Times with _Tobacco_ Leaves, and then washing the
Hands and Feet in warm Water and Salt.
"A few Years ago _Tobacco_ has been found to resist Poison, even that
of the most virulent Kind, with which the _Cannibals_ taint their
Arrows. It was formerly customary to sprinkle _Sublimate_ into the
Wounds thus inflicted; but the _Spaniards_ found a Method of subduing
the Force of the Poison by Means of _Tobacco_.
"A Company of _Cannibals_ made an At-tack upon a Body of _Indians_
and _Spaniards_, some of whom were killed and others wounded with
their poisoned Darts. But as those who survived had no _Sublimate_,
they were advised by a certain _Indian_ to pour the expressed Juice
of _Tobacco_ into their Wounds, and then apply the triturated Leaves
of the same Plant to them, by which Means their Pains were forthwith
alleviated, the Symptoms checked, the Force of the Poison subdued, and
the Wounds cured. This Accident laid a Foundation for the subsequent
Use of _Tobacco_ against Poisons; and the King of _Spain_, in order
to be convinced of its Efficacy, ordered a Wound to be made in the
Throat of a Dog, and to be anointed with the Poison used by Hunters;
soon after which a large Quantity of the Juice of _Tobacco_ was poured
into the Wound, and the triturated Leaves of the Plant applied to it,
by which Means the Dog was effectually secured against the Symptoms
usually produced by Poisons.
"_Tobacco_ Leaves laid upon pestilential and malignant Carbuncles
induce an _Eschar_, and induce a Cure; nor are they a less present
efficacious Remedy against the Bites of poisonous Animals.
"The Leaves, when laid upon recent Wounds, immediately stop the
_Hæmorrhage_, and produce a Conglutination; but if they are large,
they ought to be previously washed with Wine, their Lips brought into
Contact, and sprinkled with the Juice of the Leaves, after which the
triturated Leaves are to be secured upon the Wound: The same Measures
are to be taken the next and subsequent Days, and a proper Regimen
observed.
"An Instillation of the Juice, and an Application of the triturated
Leaves deterge, cure, and cicatrise old Ulcers and Gangrenes;
provided due Evacuations are made, a sufficient Quantity of Blood, if
necessary, is taken away, and a proper Regimen observed.
"By this Means Ulcers are not only cured in Men, but also in Animals.
For through all the _Indies_, Cows, Sheep, and other Animals, are
much subject to Ulcers, which, on Account of the excessive Humidity
of the Climate, easily become putrid, and full of Worms. In these
Ulcers it was sometimes customary to sprinkle _Sublimate_, the
Inhabitants being destitute of better Remedies. But as this Medicine
is dear in that Part of the World, what was used for the Cure of
these Ulcers generally cost more than the Animal was worth. For this
Reason the Inhabitants, conscious of the Efficacy of _Tobacco_ on
Mankind, transferred its Use to the putrid, fetid, and wormy Ulcers
of Animals; and accordingly found that its Juice instilled into them,
not only killed the Worms, but also cleansed the Ulcers, and induced a
_Cicatrix_. _Tobacco_ is also good against the Gallings of Cattle, for
which Reason the _Indians_ always carry the Powder of it about with
them.
"I knew a certain Person afflicted with Ulcers of the Nostrils, which
discharged a seemingly contagious _Sanies_. By my Advice he dropped
the Juice of _Tobacco_ into them; after the second Instillation a
large Number of Worms fell away; then a smaller Quantity and after
a few Days the Ulcers were cured, though the Parts eroded were not
restored. The rubbing Ring-worms and Scall'd Heads with _Tobacco_
Leaves is also a beneficial Practice.
"_Tobacco_ is the celebrated Plant used by the _Indian_ Priests before
they give their Responses; for it is customary among the _Indians_
to consult the Priests with respect to the Event of Wars, and other
Affairs of Importance. Upon such Occasions, the Priest consulted,
burnt dry _Tobacco_ Leaves, received the Smoak of them into his Mouth
through a small Tube contrived for that Purpose, then dropt down as
it were in an Extasy, lay totally destitute of Motion, and remained
in that Condition for some Time. When the Fumes of the _Tobacco_ were
discussed, he returned to himself, told that he had communicated
the Affair to his Demon, and gave such ambiguous Responses, that,
whatever the Event should be, the superstitious Crowd might be
easily perswaded, that he had prophesied rightly. Thus the credulous
_Barbarians_ are miserably hood-wink'd by the impious and fraudulent
Stratagems of their Priests.
"The common People among the _Indians_ also receive the Smoak of
_Tobacco_ into their Mouths and Nostrils, when they want either to be
transported with pleasant Dreams, or to predict the Events of their
Affairs from the Occurrences which happen to them during Sleep; for
as the grand Impostor, the Devil, knows the Virtues of Herbs, he has
taught them the Qualities of _Tobacco_, in order to deceive them by
means of these Dreams.
"Various Plants, when chewed, or taken internally, are observed to
excite false and delusory Representations and Ideas of Objects. Thus
_Dioscorides_, in Cap. de _Solano Maniaco, seu Furioso_, tells us,
that a Dram of the Root of this Plant, drank in Wine, produces false,
tho' not unpleasant Representations; that double the Quantity produces
an Alienation of Mind, which lasts for three Days; and that four Times
the Quantity proves mortal. It is also reported, that if a Person,
when he is going to sleep, eats _Aniseeds_, they excite pleasant and
agreeable Dreams; whereas, the eating of _Horse-Raddish_ procures
those of a turbulent and ungrateful Kind.
"_Garcias ab Orta_ informs us, that the Juice of a certain Plant
called _Bangue_, mixed with some other Juices, produces Alienation
of Mind, excites Dreams, and frees the Mind from all Anxiety and
Uneasiness: The like Effects are brought about by _Opium_, which is
much used by the _East-Indians_, and concerning which _Garcias_ has
treated very largely.
"The _Indians_ also, when fatigued by carrying Burdens, or by any
other violent Exercise, smoak _Tobacco_, by which Means they become
as it were stupid, and fall asleep; but when they awake, they find
themselves refreshed, and their Strength repaired. The _Ethiopians_
brought thither as Slaves, following the Example of the Natives,
smoak _Tobacco_ too frequently, for which their Masters chastise them
severely, and burn their _Tobacco_, in order to deprive them of an
Opportunity of using it, which, however, they continue to do secretly
and in private.
"_Tobacco_ is also used by the _Indians_ in order to allay Hunger
and Thirst; for they calcine some Shells of River-Snails, and by
Trituration reduce them to a fine Powder, of which, and _Tobacco_
Leaves, they take equal Parts, and chew them together till they are
reduced to a Kind of Mass, which they form into Pills, larger than
a Pea: These they dry in a Shade, and preserve for Use. When they
intend to travel through Desarts, where they expect neither Meat nor
Drink, they take a sufficient Quantity of these Pills along with
them, put one between their Under-Lip and Teeth, and constantly suck
the Liquor from it; so that when one is consumed, they supply its
Place with another, and thus they perform a three, and sometimes a
four Days Jour-ney; during which Time, they say, they neither feel
the Effects of Hunger nor Thirst: The Reason of this probably is,
that as they continually suck these Pills, they draw the pituitous
Humours from the Brain, which being swallowed, moisten the Stomach,
and allay its natural Heat, but are at last consumed by it for Want of
other Aliments. Instances of a similar Nature may be observed in many
Animals, which, during the whole _Winter_, confine themselves to their
Holes without any Food; because the natural Heat of the Stomach is
employed in digesting and consuming the Fat which they had gathered in
the _Winter_."
These are all the Virtues and Qualities of _Tobacco_ known to
_Monardus_: But, besides this, _Zacutus_, in _Observat. Lib. 1. de
Medic. Princip. Histor._ informs us, that he had often found the Juice
of _Tobacco_ effectual for the Cure of an _Alopecia_ or Falling off
of the Hairs: Nor is this to be wondered at, since, as the Medicine
indicated ought to bear an Analogy to the indicating Symptoms,
as _Tobacco_ is hot and dry, resolvent, cleansing, and somewhat
astringent; and as all these Qualities are, according to _Galen_,
indicated in an _Alopecia_, _Zacutus_ might succeed in the Cure of it
by means of _Tobacco_. I remember two Girls, who being indisposed, had
a _Lixivium_, in which dry _Tobacco_ Leaves were macerated, prescribed
for taking the Scales off their Heads; but the one was seized with
a gentle _Vertigo_, and the other thought she perceived herself, as
it were, drunk. But I mention these Accidents for the Sake of young
Practitioners, without any Design to discourage them from applying
_Tobacco_ and its Preparations to other Parts of the Body; for the
celebrated _Hartmann_ seems to have thought the Essence of the green
Leaves of _Tobacco_, obtained by Infusion in _Malmsey_ Wine, a Specific
for the Cure of the _Palsey_; and after a Sweat has been procured,
orders the paralytic Limbs to be long rubbed with it; by which Means,
he says, he has often seen them happily restored.
Though _Tobacco_ is a valuable Herb, yet the Abuse of it, which
we shall afterwards consider, is intolerable, and highly noxious.
Besides, _Monardus_, _Ægidius Everartus_, in 1587, at _Antwerp_,
published a beautiful Commentary upon the Virtues and Uses of
_Tobacco_: And when the same Work was reprinted at _Utrecht_ in 1644,
various Treatises concerning _Tobacco_ were added to it; such as the
_Misocapnus_, or a Treatise on the Abuse of _Tobacco_, taken from the
Works of King _James_ the Sixth of _England_; _Tobacologia Johannis
Neandri_. _Epistolæ ac Judicia clarissimorum aliquot Medicorum_; and
the _Hymnus Tabaci Raphaelis Thorii_. After these Authors appeared
_Chrysostomus Magnenus_, Professor of Medicine in the University of
_Padua_, who in 1648, published very learned Exercitations concerning
_Tobacco_. Not only from the Authors already mentioned, but also
from _Andreas Cæsalpinus_; _Dalechampius's Historia generalis
Plantarum_; _Lobelii Adversaria_, _Clusius in his Notæ ad Monardum_;
_Dodonæus_; _Tabernamontanus_; _Nardi Antonii Recchi Res Medicæ Novæ
Hispaniæ, cum Terentii Lyncei Notis_, we learn what is the native
Soil of _Tobacco_, and how the knowledge of it was introduced into
_Europe_ after the Discovery of _America_ by _Christopher Columbus_
and _Americus Vesputius_. Some of these Authors have also described
its Virtues and Use, whilst others of them have treated very fully
concerning the Abuse of it. Following the Example of these great Men,
I shall proceed, without any Partiality, and with that Freedom which
is always peculiar to Truth. This is certainly a difficult Attempt,
considering the Opposition and Prejudice with which I have to grapple.
But before I proceed, I shall take Notice of the Error of _Libavius_,
who, according to _Magnenus_ in _Exercitat. 1. Par. 1._ asserts,
that _Tobacco_ was a Native of _Europe_, since it was found in the
almost inaccessible Places of the _Hercynian_ Forest: But adds this
Author, _Who denies that Seeds are dispersed, and carried every where
by the Winds?_ But it is by no means probable, that the Seeds of
_Tobacco_, which, comparatively speaking, are as small as the Atoms of
_Democritus_, could, by a Whirlwind, be conveyed to the _Hercynian_
Forest in _Germany_, from _France_, _Italy_, or _Spain_, much less
from _America_. This is a Plant of a particular specific Kind, and
the Native of _America_: Neither does any Historian mention such a
Whirlwind for the Dispersion of its Seeds. It is true, Mount _Ætna_
in _Sicily_, and Mount _Hecla_ in _Iceland_, by their sulphureous
Eruptions, throw the Ashes to a vast Distance: But it does not to me
seem probable, that the Air should ever be in such a gyratory Motion,
as to convey Seeds from one Quarter of the World to another, or from
one Country to another, though it is not to be denied but they may be
carried from a Plain to a rising Ground, or from one Garden to another
adjacent to it.
Those Authors, who have called _Tobacco_ _Herba rixosa_, the
Strife-producing Herb, and _Herba insana_, the Plant which excites
Madness, seem not to have been very much in the wrong; for what is more
frequent than for People of all Denominations to spend the whole of
the Day smoaking _Tobacco_ in Ale-Houses and Taverns? Nay, so fond are
young and old Men of _Tobacco_, that the Father forgets the Interests
of the Son, and the Son those of the Father for its Sake. Thus some
Men use large Quantities of _Tobacco_, whilst, perhaps, their Families
are starving at Home: Whereas some Children spend upon _Tobacco_ what
their industrious Parents had, with Toil and Care, amassed for their
Use. Nay, such is the Madness of some _Europeans_, that they will, for
a Trifle, dispose of their Goods, in order to gratify themselves with
_Tobacco_.
* * * * *
King _James_ the Sixth of _England_ tells us, "that, among the
_Americans_, a Servant addicted to the Smoaking of _Tobacco_, can
hardly find a Purchaser; so odious is that Custom to the Authors
of it themselves." We _Europeans_, however, are so infatuated and
hood-winked, as yearly to sail to _America_, spare no Expences, and
expose ourselves not only to Storms and Tempests, but also to Sickness
and Death, for the Sake of _Tobacco_; and it is certain, that our
Men, on their Return from _America_, spread through all _Europe_ the
_Neapolitan_ Disease, which, as _Fiorovanta_ thinks, was endemial to
the _Americans_, on Account of their eating human Flesh. This, to
use the Phrase of _Agrippa, de Vanitat. Scientiarum_, Cap. 84. _is
to purchase Death at a great Price_. The _Indians_ and _Barbarians_
have such an Aversion to the Abuse of _Tobacco_, that they severely
chastise the _Ethiopians_ and Slaves for it, and burn their _Tobacco_;
probably, because they suspect that it renders them valetudinary, and
disables them to work; in which Situation they are a Burthen upon their
Masters. According to _Viganenus_, in _Lib. de Ritibus Moribusq_;
_Turcarum_; and _Johannes Chrysostomus Magnenus_, in _Exercitat. de
Tabac. Exercit._ 6. §. 10. _Amureth_, the 4th Emperor of the _Turks_,
by an Edict, prohibited the Use of _Tobacco_, under Pain of Death,
lest, by the Abuse of it, his Subjects should become effeminate,
feeble, and barren. According to _Adamus Olearius_, in _Lib. 3. Cap.
6._ the Emperor of _Muscovy_, in 1634, by an Edict prohibited the
Importation of _Tobacco_ and _Snuff_ into his Territories, under the
Penalty of being beat with Rods, and having the Nostrils slit in Case
of Disobedience: And the same Author says, he saw some who had these
Marks of Infamy inflicted upon them. In _Lib. 5. Cap. 31._ he also
tells us, that _Schach Abas_, the _Persian_ Monarch, prohibited all
Use of _Tobacco_ in that Army, which he raised against _Tameran Chan_
under the Penalty of the Offender's having his Nose and Lips cut off;
nay, he was so rigid, or rather cruel in his Discipline, that when a
certain _Persian_, ignorant of the Edict, came into his Camp with some
_Tobacco_ to sell, he ordered both him and his Commodities to be thrown
into one Funeral Pile and burnt.
* * * * *
These, and other similar Examples, might perhaps have a lucky Influence
on some _Europeans_, unless the Custom of using _Tobacco_ had become so
prevalent and universal, that _James_ the Sixth said he believed "that
a whole Wood in _England_ would hardly afford Trees enough for hanging
the Dealers in _Tobacco_." _Hoffman_, in _Lib. 2. de Medicam Officinal.
Cap. 3._ informs us, "that this Prince, in the University of _Oxford_,
disputed publickly against the Use of _Tobacco_, giving Instances of
Persons who used it, who were afflicted with incurable Disorders of
the Breast, Deliriums, Watchings, and Convulsions; and after whose
Death, the Lungs were found black and parched, just as if they had been
indurated in Smoak." The same _Hoffman_ informs us, that he was told by
some Soldiers who had resided in _Holland_, "that upon dissecting the
Heads of some Snuff-takers, who had been executed, they observed, that
the whole internal Part of what Anatomists call the _Patera_ of the
Brain, was black with Snuff." He was also told by _Patricius Noræus_,
"that in the last _Bohemian_ War, he saw all the Heads of the _English_
Soldiers, who were killed, in the same Condition." _Nardus Antonius
Recchus_, in _Lib. 5. Rer. Medicar. Nov. Hisp._ observes, "that those
who use _Tobacco_ too frequently, become ill coloured, have a squalid,
sordid Tongue, a Palpitation of the Throat, and a preter-natural Heat
of the Liver, and fall into Cachexies and Dropsies, by which they
are at last cut off." Thus they suffer for their Folly in gratifying
themselves in so preposterous a Manner.
* * * * *
But without expatiating farther upon Things so obvious, let it suffice
to have warned the Reader of his Danger, by the foregoing Observations.
That Smoaking is more prejudicial and injurious than Snuffing, I think
may be justly asserted, if we consider the Instances which Anatomists
give us of the Effects produced by each, which we shall hereafter do: I
must, however, here observe, that we cannot enough admire the Zeal of
_James_ the Sixth of _England_, for the Good of his Subjects; since,
in the last Words of his _Misocapnus_, he expostulates with them in
the following pathetic and affectionate Manner: "At last, therefore,
O Citizens, if you have any Sense of Shame, or Dread of Infamy, left
in your Bosoms, lay aside the Use of _Tobacco_, a Custom attended with
Ignominy, received through Error, and established by Stupidity. By its
Means the Wrath of Heaven is excited against us, the Health of our
Bodies impaired, our Substance wasted, and the Dignity of our Nation
not only diminished at Home, but also despised Abroad; for _Tobacco_ is
a Substance loathsome to the Sight, disagreeable to the Smell, noxious
to the Brain, injurious to the Lungs, and, by its Clouds of black
Smoak, nearly resembling the horrid Steams of Hell."
If any Champion for the Interests of _Tobacco_, deaf to my salutary
Instructions, should ask me whether I would have the Pope, the Emperor,
and all the Kings, Electors, Princes, and Dukes in _Europe_, prohibit
and discharge the Use of _Tobacco_? I answer, that such a Revolution
is really to be wished for, on Account of the Abuses of _Tobacco_
before enumerated. But, before I proceed to give a fuller Answer, I
would have the Person who asks this Question, attentively listen to
the following sublime and truly noble Sentiments of _Seneca_, in _Lib.
de Vita Beata, Cap. 1._ "Nothing, _says he_, is more worthy in itself,
nor more becoming the Dignity of a free-born Soul, than not, like the
Cattle, implicitly to follow the Van of the Flock, going, not whither
we ought to go, but whither they go before us. But nothing involves
us in more terrible Misfortunes, than our judging of Things by Fame
and Report, esteeming those Things best, which are most universally
assented to, and approved, as we find in numberless Instances. We
neither live agreeably to the Dictates of Reason, nor in a Manner
that is uniform and consistent with itself: Hence it is, that such
Numbers of Individuals fall, as it were, upon others. In a large and
crowded Army, none falls without drawing another along with him, and
the foremost prove fatal to those who succeed them. The like happens
in every Part and Circumstance of human Life; for it is the universal
Practice to impose upon our own Reasons, and, by that Means prove the
Cause of Errors to others." It is therefore to be lamented, that we
_Europeans_ should thus brutally follow the Custom of the _Barbarians_,
without listening to Reason, in which we so far excel them, since, to
use the Expressions of _Salust_, "They are addicted to Intemperance
and Sleep, so rude and uncultivated, that they seem to lead the Life
of Brutes, rather than that of Men, since they indulge themselves in
Voluptuousness, whilst their Souls are a Burthen to them." In a word,
they live in a no less brutal Manner, than the Inhabitants of the
Main Land of _Africa_, who, according to _Hippocrates_, in _Lib. de
Morbo sacra_, "lie upon Goat-Skins, and eat Goat's Flesh, without any
Bed-Cloths, or Garments, or Shoes, except what are made of Goat-Skins."
The _Americans_ are still worse, since they feed upon human Flesh,
have nothing to cover them, and pass their Time in desart Places, and
lurking Holes. Since, therefore, the Climate, Soil, and Non-Naturals of
the _Americans_, are widely different from those of the _Europeans_, it
is highly reasonable, that we should neither admit, nor tolerate, the
continual and habitual Use of _Tobacco_ in _Europe_.
_Cornelius Agrippa_, in _Lib. de Vanitat. Scient. Cap. 84._ seems, with
a good deal of Reason, to think, "That it would greatly contribute, not
only to the Health of Mankind, but also to the Interests of particular
States, to prohibit the Importation of foreign and exotic Drugs, which
are often counterfeited, or adulterated, by those who deal in them,
to the great Detriment of the State." No less salutary and reasonable
is that Law enacted at _Rome_ by _Nero_, which runs in the following
Tenor: "Apothecaries are hereby injoined, to use no other Medicines,
but those found in _Italy_, since these are not only better suited
and adopted to the Constitutions of _Romans_, but may also be had far
fresher, more genuine, and with less Difficulty, Expences, and Danger,
than foreign Medicines, the most of which are justly to be suspected,
as sophisticated, spurious, spoiled in the Ship, corrupted by Age, or
not collected at due Seasons, or in proper Places." Since the Diseases
described by the Antients, sometimes seize the _Europeans_, though
with new and uncommon Symptoms; and since new Diseases also appear
in _Europe_, I think it is not to be doubted, but the Meats, Fruits,
and other Delicacies, sent from _Asia_, _Africa_, and _America_, into
_Europe_, are, in some Measure, the Sources of our Calamities.
But, without any farther Digression, I shall confine myself to the
Abuse of _Tobacco_. That _Tobacco_, when used with Prudence and
Propriety, is a salutary Medicine, I do not deny; since I myself use it
with great Advantage in the _Spring_ and _Autumn_, at which Seasons I
am afflicted with catarrhous Defluxions. Most People, when only seized
with a gentle Cough, are so cautious, as not to venture upon a small
Dose of the Syrup of Violets, or Liquorice, without consulting their
Physicians, Friends, and Nurses; but vast Numbers of the _Europeans_,
without any Advice, greatly incommode and disturb the Brain, the Seat
of their Reason, by using the highly penetrating Smoak of _Tobacco_, in
the Morning and Evening, in the Night as well as the Day, and in all
States and Constitutions of the Weather, calm and serene, as well as
cloudy and over-cast. Let us therefore lay aside this barbarous Custom,
so fatal and prejudicial to Health.
Besides, it is probable, that the crafty _Americans_, sensible of the
vast Quantity of _Tobacco_ yearly imported into _Europe_, may, for
the Sake of Gain, impose upon us; for it is certain, that our own
Merchants, influenced by a base and sordid Principle of Avarice, have
long ago found Methods of adulterating _Tobacco_ by Means of Brine,
Lemons, Vinegar, Wine, and Euphorbium. But with respect to these
Frauds, the Reader may consult _Neander_ in his _Tabacologia_. Besides,
it is hardly credible, that the Roaps brought from _America_, under
the Name of _Tobacco_, consist intirely of good and sound _Tobacco_
Leaves: For almost every one knows, that the Marks of the Goodness of
_Tobacco_, whether drawn from the Colour, Smell, Taste, or Weight,
vary very greatly among the _Europeans_, who, to their Disgrace be it
said, have learned to hang their _Tobacco_, when corrupted, insipid,
or light, in Houses of Office, or Vaults, in order to be rendered
more acrid and ponderous by the volatile Salts of human Urine and
Excrements, under a specious Pretence, that these Salts render it
beneficial and salutary, by cleansing the Head; which, they say, is
highly beneficial to Persons who drink much. But this is certainly an
improper and prejudicial Method of treating the Head, and evacuating
its Excrements; concerning the copious Production of which, by means
of the corrupted Temperature of the Brain in Persons who daily smoak
_Tobacco_, we shall afterwards treat.
Having premised these Things, we now come to decide a Question lately
begun to be agitated, namely, Whether Snuffing or Smoaking is the more
innocent and safe Custom? I affirm, then, that both are generally
pernicious, and none of them to be recommended to any one without great
Caution and Deliberation: Though I remember I was formerly a Smoaker
of _Tobacco_, yet, I am of Opinion, that Snuffing is a less injurious
and hurtful Practice. Some are of Opinion, that by the constant Use of
Snuff, the Sight is rendered more clear and penetrating; but with how
great Danger this Practice is accompanied, is sufficiently confirmed by
_Adrianus Spigelius_, in _Corp. human. Fabr. Lib. 7. Cap. 2._ where he
proposes a Problem, together with its Answer, in the following Words:
"What is the Cause, why many Persons, by often repeated Sternutations,
especially when industriously excited, suddenly become blind? This
happens, either because the Ramifications of the caroted Arteries,
which are so near the Optic Nerves as to touch them, are so filled, as
to compress them; or, because a large Quantity of pituitous Humours
is conveyed from the Brain to the Optic Nerves, which are thereby
obstructed. When the Disorder arose from the former of these Causes, I
have seen the Patients cured by a _Seton_; but, when it proceeded from
the latter, I never remember to have seen it cured." _Joh. Chrysostomus
Magnenus,_ in _Exercitat. 8. de Tabaco. §. 1._ affirms, "that by
violent Sternutation, some Persons have died; since by it the Head has
been so strongly agitated, as by the Effort to burst the _Meninges_,
and relax the _Compages_ of the Brain." And this Opinion he confirms
by the Example of a certain Baker, mentioned by _Famianus Strada_,
"who, when he had twenty-four Sternutations immediately succeeding
each other, died of the twenty-fifth, by the violent Shock, of which
the Arteries of the Brain, and Membranes surrounding it, were broken."
The same Author, in _Sect. 4._ of the last-cited Chapter, affirms,
"That he saw a certain Man, who by the excessive Use of Snuff, had the
chrystaline Humours of his Eyes corrugated, so that all Objects seemed
to be in a Kind of fluctuating Motion before him."
If it should be objected, that such Accidents are rare; I answer,
that though they are rare, yet they are not impossible; and, what has
happened to some, may also be the Fate of others. Though, therefore,
the _Falx_ of the _Dura Mater_, and the _Torcular_ of _Herophilus_,
the fatal Seat of an _Apoplexy_, are not forthwith so disordered as
to yawn by Snuffing, yet the Interests of the Five Senses are but ill
consulted, by often drawing from the Brain with Snuff, what we call
_Snot_ or _Mucus_, which is evacuated through the Nose; or rather,
according to _Galen_, and other Anatomists, through the _Os Ethmoides_,
which is the Organ of Smell, but not at all destined for eliminating
the Excretions of the Brain. Thus Persons who use Snuff to Excess,
instead of bettering, rather impair their Sight, and for their Pains
generally lose the Sense of Smelling.
As the Person who, for his Crimes, has lost his Ears, is looked upon
with Infamy; what better Treatment does he deserve, who, either through
a Contempt of Medicine, or an obstinate Fondness to gratify his own
Inclinations, either impairs or destroys those Senses, which indulgent
Heaven has bestowed upon him for so noble Purposes! With respect
to Instances of this Misfortune, and the Reasons why it happens,
_Magnenus_ in _Tr. de Abusu Tabaci, Exercitat. 6. Sect. 15._ speaks
in the following Manner: "The Sense of Smelling, as I have been told
by many, who have either snuffed or smoaked to Excess, is abolished
by the Abuse of _Tobacco_, because the mamillary Processes are
thereby dried, so that when they are rendered drier than the Effluvia
exciting the Perception of any Smell, they cannot be duly acted upon
by such Effluvia; for Smell, according to _Aristotle_, in _Lib. 3. de
Animal._ consists in the dry Effluvia surpassing the Moisture of these
Processes; so that the common Sensory may have a Change produced in it
by proper and adequate Objects." _Magnenus_ also, in _Exercitat. 28.
Sect. 1._ tells us, "That he knew a Man, who, in one Day, snuffed four
Ounces." After which, he proceeds to enquire into the Advantages and
Injuries attending the Use of Snuff; and to consider why it excites
Sternutation in those who are not accustomed to it, but not in those
who are. This accurate Author also, among other Reasons against the
excessive Use of Snuff, advances this, that it may enter the Passages
of the _Os Ethmoides_, form itself into _Concretions_, and there lodge
for a great while. Hence, it is sufficiently obvious, that when the
Passages and Perforations of this Bone are obstructed by Snuff, the
Air can neither have Access to the Brain for its Ventilation, nor can
the Effluvia of odorous Bodies be conveyed to it; in Consequence of
which, the Sense of Smelling must necessarily be lost. Though this
should, perhaps, be looked upon as a trifling and inconsiderable Loss;
yet Snuff, by its highly narcotic, heating, drying, penetrating, and
unctuous Qualities, has such an unlucky Influence on the eighth Pair
of Nerves of _Spigellius_, or the first of _Bartholin_, which are
appropriated to Smelling, that it gradually impairs, and, in process
of Time, totally destroys that Sense; because this Pair of Nerves
is conveyed to the mamillary Processes, which are situated in the
interior Part of the Brain, near the _Os Ethmoides_, which is covered
with the _Dura Mater_. Since, therefore, a large Quantity of Snuff is
violently attracted towards the Root of the Nose; and since, according
to the Doctrine of _Hippocrates_, Nature is never one Moment idle in
a living Body, all whose Parts are pervious and transparable, it must
necessarily happen, that the Parts subservient to the Sense of Smelling
must be greatly injured by the narcotic Quality of Snuff. Having said
thus much of the Misfortunes produced by excessive Snuffing, we now
come to consider those attending the Abuse of Smoaking; in doing which,
we shall confine ourselves to Examples, which have a better Effect on
the Vulgar, than the nice and fine-spun Deductions of a Philosopher's
Reason.
It is therefore certain that _Tobacco_ is possessed of an highly
penetrating Quality. Thus the celebrated _Heurnius_, in _Lib. 1.
Method. ad Prax._ speaks of it in the following Manner: "_Tobacco_,
when smoaked, produces very singular Effects, since it draws a
surprizing Quantity of Phlegm from the Mouth and Nostrils: The Smoak
arising from its dry Leaves laid upon live Coals, when received into
the Mouth by a Funnel, pervades the whole Brain, and is also conveyed
to the Ears, and _Uterus_. But I can affirm, that this Herb is, in a
peculiar Manner, appropriated to the Brain; easily conveys its Virtues
thither, and evacuates all its _Sordes_: For, about a Year ago, when I
was afflicted with the Tooth-ach, I made a Decoction of _Tobacco_ with
Water, adding some _Camomile_ Flowers: A Spoonful of this Decoction,
when tepid, I put in my Mouth, and spit it out some Time after; and
this I did for two Hours; by which Means my Pain was considerably
alleviated. Next Day, when I went to my Garden, and stooped to pull up
a Weed, a large Quantity of a Saffron-coloured Liquor, which smelled
like _Tobacco_, flowed from my Nose, upon which my Tooth-ach was
immediately removed. During the whole of my Life, neither Blood, nor
any other Liquor, except a ferous Phlegm, had flowed from my Nose, but
upon this Occasion I never saw any Liquor of a deeper yellow Colour."
Other similar Accounts of the penetrating Quality of _Tobacco_, I
have had from my old Master, _Henningus Arnesæus_, Physician to
_Christianus_, the fourth King of _Denmark_, who affirmed, "That not
only the Smoak of _Tobacco_, but also that of every other Substance
received by the Mouth, was penetrating on Account of its Acrimony; in
Consequence of which, it must pervade and alter the whole Substance of
the Brain, both _Meninges_, and all the Vessels, and Contents of them."
Besides, as the Smoak of _Tobacco_ is hot, proceeding immediately
from kindled _Tobacco_; and as, according to _Aristotle_, it is the
Property of Heat to collect homogeneous, and separate heterogeneous
Substances, it must necessarily happen, in the very Nature of Things,
that this Smoak should fuse and colliquate the Phlegm, the Receptacle
of which is the Brain, which, according to _Hippocrates_, is the
largest of all the Glands. I do not in the least doubt of the Truth
of _Arnesæus_'s Opinion; for I think that all the Fore-runners of
Catarrhs, such as Sternutations, Spittings, and Discharges of Saliva,
are produced by Heat, which is the necessary Cause of Catarrhs, though
not the productive Cause of the morbific Matter. Thus the celebrated
_Hoffman_, in _Lib. 3. Institut. Medic. Cap. 193._ informs us, "That
Heat alone, and, for the most part, of the external Kind, such as
that of the Sun, or that procured by Exercise, Wine, and Aromatics,
among which are _Cinnamon_ and _Saffron_, with which we so plentifully
season our Aliments, is sufficient to fuse and colliquate the Phlegm,
or acrid Serum." Thus a Pipe filled with the burned Wicks of Candles,
gathered out of Snuffers, or with a Piece of Match used in discharging
Cannons, or with a Piece of bituminous, fossile Earth, especially that
of _Holland_, will procure as copious a Spitting, as a Pipe of the
best _Virginian_ Tobacco. Soldiers also, and Sailors, produce the same
Pleasure and Effects in themselves by smoaking kindled Paper, as are
produced by smoaking _Tobacco_. Since, therefore, acrid Smoak and Heat
of every Kind, conveyed to the Brain, fuse the Phlegm, and eliminate
it by the _Os Ethmoides_ and _Sphœnoides_, the Nose and the Palate of
the Mouth, I see no Reason why _Heurnius_ should affirm, "That it has a
surprizing Faculty of drawing the Phlegm from the Mouth and Nostrils;
that it is peculiarly adapted to the Brain, easily conveys its Virtues
thither, and eliminates all its Sordes."
As _Tobacco_ is hot, dry, unctuous, and penetrating; it must, on
account of these Qualities, soon take Flame: And, as it is possessed
of an highly narcotic Quality, it, by its narcotic Sulphur, stupifies
those who use it, corrupts the Temperature of the Brain, and destroys
its Tone; whereas, the moderate Smoaking of _Marjoram_, _Betony_,
_Rosemary_, _Amber_, and other Substances of a like Nature, would
eliminate the Phlegm more safely, and without producing any of these
ill Consequences. This narcotic Quality of _Tobacco_, is the Reason
why great Smoakers are, during the whole of their Lives, afflicted
with a continual Spitting, as I have observed in _Histor. Pompinellæ
Class. secund. Quadripartit._ Though by the frequent Use of _Tobacco_,
a large Quantity of Phlegm is eliminated from the Brain; this Plant
is not, therefore, a peculiar Specific, adapted to that Organ:
For, on the contrary, since it manifestly abounds with a narcotic
Sulphur, it is highly injurious, not only to the Nerves, but also to
the whole Substance of the Brain. Hence, as I observed before, many
Users of _Tobacco_, not only have their olfactory Nerves so injured
by its narcotic Sulphur, as to lose the Sense of Smelling, but are
also observed not to have a very exquisite Taste, the fourth and
seventh Pairs of Nerves being affected. Persons of this Kind are also
observed to be fond of Malt Liquors, and to complain of a languid
Appetite; because the sixth Pair of Nerves, which descends into the
Stomach, is stupified by the narcotic Sulphur of the _Tobacco_: It
is, therefore, absurd to maintain, that _Tobacco_ is of a cephalic
Quality, and peculiarly adapted to the Disorders of the Head, since
it is so unfriendly to the Nerves as to produce a Stupor in them. It
is more reasonable to argue thus: _Tobacco_ is hot, consists of very
subtle Parts, and is highly penetrating; therefore, being at the same
Time narcotic, it will prove the more hurtful, the more penetrating
it is; because the narcotic Quality of _Tobacco_, which is otherwise
slow, like that of _Opium_, or _Hemlock_, is, by its other Qualities,
exalted, and put in Action; or, to speak my Sentiments more freely, by
means of the Acrimony ascribed to its Salt, whether fixed or volatile,
the narcotic Sulphur is conveyed in its full Strength to the Nerves
of the Head. That this Sulphur remains pretty long intire, even in
a living Person, is sufficiently evinced, by that Saffron-coloured
Liquor, smelling like _Tobacco_, which was discharged from the Nostrils
of _Heurnius_, next Day after the Abuse of a Decoction of _Tobacco_ and
_Camomile_ Flowers. I would not have any one imagine, that as soon as
he lays by his Pipe, his Brain is no longer heated by the Smoak, which,
for two or three Days after, he smells, or expires, when he sneezes.
Thus, this narcotic, unctuous, and strong-smelled Sulphur, adhering to
the Membranes, Ventricles, Gyrations, or other latent Passages of the
Brain, and being left alone without either Smoak or Heat, gradually
and insensibly corrupts the whole Mass of the Brain, by which Means
_Tobacco_-Smoakers are obliged to spit and expectorate continually.
When the Brain is thus weakened by the copious Spitting excited by the
narcotic Sulphur, neither the _Tonsils_ nor the _Thymus_, which are
destined for imbibing the natural excrementitious Humours of the Brain,
are any longer fit for that Purpose. When such an Accident happens, the
_Tobacco_-Smoaker begins to yawn, to have a hoarse and shrill Voice,
and a stinking Breath, like those labouring under a _Lues Venerea_.
I think I have now sufficiently proved, that as _Tobacco_ is of a
narcotic Quality, and its Fumes penetrate intimately into the Brain,
so, of course, Smoaking must be more prejudicial than Snuffing. But,
if People will still obstinately indulge themselves in the Use of this
noxious Plant, all I can do farther, is to warn them of their Danger.
[Illustration]
A
TREATISE
ON
_TEA_.
I Have hitherto strenuously endeavoured to preserve the Health of the
_Europeans_, by discarding and exploding the Abuse of _Tobacco_: But if
any one should ask my Sentiments of _Tea_, which some Years ago began
to be imported from _Asia_, and the _Eastern_ Countries, and which has
Qualities quite contrary to _Tobacco_, since it prevents Sleep, and
therefore is by some Authors highly commended as an excellent Cephalic,
and very grateful to the _Viscera_, subservient to Nutrition: I answer,
that no satisfactory Reply can be made, till we know the Genus and
Species of _Tea_, and to what Species of _European_ Herbs it may be
referred or compared; for _Tobacco_ is by us called the _Peruvian
Hyosciamius_, but we give no Name of any of our Plants to _Tea_: Nay,
it is not known, whether _Tea_ is what the _Greeks_ call Ποα,
an Herb, or Θαμνίσκιον, a Shrub, which Words, according to
_Ruellius_, _Morantha_, and others, are so confounded by _Dioscorides_,
_Theophrastus_, and other Botanists, as to occasion great Disputes
among the Learned. But the Authors, who have most faithfully collected
whatever has been wrote upon _Tea_, either in the _Spanish_, _French_,
_Latin_, _English_, or _Dutch_ Languages, are _Nicolaus Tulpius_, and
_Nicolaus Trigautius_, from the Works of whom I shall enquire,