A course of chemistry containing an easie method of preparing those chymical medicins which are used in physick : with curious remarks and useful discourses upon each preparation, for the benefit of such who desire to be instructed in the knowledge of this art / by Nicholas Lemery, M.D.

A course of chemistry containing an easie method of preparing those chymical medicins which are used in physick : with curious remarks and useful discourses upon each preparation, for the benefit of such who desire to be instructed in the knowledge of this art / by Nicholas Lemery, M.D.

Table of contents

Imprimatur.

Title page

TO THE Moſt Honourable THE LORD MARQUISS OF WORCESTER.

THE PREFACE.

A TABLE OF THE CHAPTERS.

A COURSE OF CHYMISTRY.

Of Chymiſtry in General.

Of the Principles of Chymiſtry.

Remarks upon the Principles.

Of Chymical Furnaces and Veſſels.

1

2

3

§

Of Lutes.

Of the Degrees of Fire.

Explication of many Terms that are uſed in Chymiſtry.

THE FIRST PART. Of Minerals.

CHAP. I. Of Gold.

Purification of Gold.

Remarks.

Amalgamation of Gold with Mercury, and its reduction into an impalpable Powder.

Remarks.

Aurum Fulminans, called Saffron of Gold.

Remarks.

CHAP. II. Of Silver.

Purification of Silver.

Remarks.

Cryſtals of Silver, called Vitriol of the Moon.

Remarks.

Infernal Stone, or perpetual Cauſtick.

Remarks.

Tincture of the Moon.

Remarks.

Diana's Tree.

Remarks.

CHAP. III. Of Tinn.

Pulverization of Tinn.

Remarks.

Calcination of Tinn.

Remarks.

Salt of Jupiter of Tinn.

Remarks.

Sublimation of Tinn.

Magiſtery of Jupiter, or Tinn.

Remarks.

Flowers of Jupiter, or Tinn.

Remarks.

CHAP. IV. Of Biſmuth, called Tinn-Glaſs.

Flowers of Biſmuth.

Magiſtery of Biſmuth.

Remarks.

CHAP. V. Of Lead.

Calcination of Lead.

Remarks.

Salt of Saturn.

Remarks.

Magiſtery of Saturn.

Remarks.

Balſam or Oil of Saturn.

Remarks.

Burning Spirit of Saturn.

Remarks.

CHAP. VI. Of Copper.

Calcination of Copper.

Remarks.

Purification of Copper.

Vitriol of Copper or Venus.

Remarks.

Other Cryſtals of Venus.

Remarks.

Spirit of Venus.

Remarks.

CHAP. VII. Of Iron.

Opening Saffron of Mars.

Remarks.

Another Aperitive Saffron of Mars.

Another Opening Saffron of Mars.

Remarks.

Binding Saffron of Mars.

Remarks.

Salt, or Vitriol of Mars.

Remarks.

Another Vitriol of Mars.

Remarks.

Tincture of Mars with Tartar.

Remarks.

Opening Extract of Mars.

Remarks.

Binding Extract of Mars.

Remarks.

Mars Diaphoretick.

Remarks.

CHAP. VIII. Of Mercury.

Artificial Cinnabar.

Remarks.

Reviving of Cinnabar into Quick-ſilver.

Remarks.

Sublimate Corroſive.

Remarks.

Sweet Sublimate, or Mercurius dulcis.

Remarks.

White Precipitate.

Remarks.

Red Precipitate.

Remarks.

Turbith Mineral, or Yellow Precipitate.

Remarks.

Oil or Liquor of Mercury.

Remarks.

Another Oil of Mercury.

Remarks.

Other Precipitates of Mercury.

Remarks.

CHAP. IX. Of Antimony.

Common Regulus of Antimony.

Remarks.

Golden Sulphur of Antimony.

Remarks.

Regulus of Antimony with Mars.

Remarks.

Glaſs of Antimony.

Remarks.

Liver of Antimony, or Crocus Metallorum.

Remarks.

Antimonium Diaphoreticum.

Remarks.

Another Antimonium Diaphoreticum.

Remarks.

Flowers of Antimony.

Remarks.

Red Flowers of Antimony.

Remarks.

Butter, or Icy Oil of Antimony.

Remarks.

Butter of Antimony, together with its Cinnabar.

Remarks.

The Emetick powder of Algarot, or, Mercurius vitae.

Remarks.

Bezoar Mineral.

Remarks.

Cauſtick Oil of Antimony.

Remarks.

Another Oil of Antimony.

Remarks.

CHAP. X. Of Arſenick.

Regulus of Arſenick.

Remarks.

Sublimate of Arſenick.

Remarks.

Cauſtick Arſenick.

Remarks.

Corroſive Oil of Arſenick.

Remarks.

CHAP. XI. Of Quick-lime.

Phagedenick Water.

Remarks.

Cauſtick ſtones, or Cauteries.

Remarks.

Inks called Sympathetical.

Another Experiment.

Remarks.

CHAP. XII. Of Flints.

Calcination of Flints.

Tincture of Flints.

Remarks.

Liquor of Flints.

Remarks.

CHAP. XIII. Oil of Bricks.

Remarks.

CHAP. XIV. Of Coral.

Diſſolution of Coral.

Remarks.

Magiſtery of Coral.

Remarks.

Salt of Coral.

Remarks.

CHAP. XV. Of Common Salt.

Calcination of Common Salt.

Remarks.

Spirit of Salt.

Remarks.

CHAP. XVI. Of Niter or Salt-peter.

Purification of Salt-peter.

Remarks.

Cryſtal Mineral, called Sal Prunellae.

Remarks.

Sal Polychreſtum.

Remarks.

Spirit of Niter.

Remarks.

Spirit of Niter Dulcified.

Remarks.

Aqua Fortis.

Remarks.

Fixation of Salt-peter into an Alkali Salt, by the means of Coals.

Remarks.

CHAP. XVII. Of Sal Armoniack.

Flowers of Sal Armoniack.

Remarks.

Aqua Regalis.

Remarks.

Volatile Spirit of Sal Armoniack.

Remarks.

Another Preparation of the Volatile Spirit of Sal Armoniack, together with its Flowers, and Fixt Salt againſt Feavers.

Remarks.

Volatile Spirit of Sal Armoniack dulcified.

Remarks.

Acid Spirit of Sal Armoniack.

Remarks.

CHAP. XVIII. Of Vitriol.

Gilla Vitrioli, or Vomitive Vitriol.

Remarks.

Calcination of Vitriol.

Remarks.

Diſtillation of Vitriol.

Remarks.

Styptick Water.

Remarks.

Lapis Medicamentoſus.

Remarks.

Salt of Vitriol.

Remarks.

CHAP. XIX. Of Roche-Alom, and of its Purification.

Diſtillation of Alom.

Remarks.

CHAP. XX. Of Sulphur.

Flower of Sulphur.

Remarks.

Magiſtery of Sulphur.

Remarks.

Balſom of Sulphur.

Remarks.

Spirit of Sulphur.

Remarks.

Salt of Sulphur.

Remarks.

CHAP. XXI. Of Succinum or Ambar.

Tincture of Ambar.

Remarks.

Diſtillation of Ambar, and the Rectification of its Oil, and Spirit.

Remarks.

The Volatile Salt of Ambar.

Remarks.

CHAP. XXII. Of Ambar-Greaſe.

Eſſence of Ambar-Greaſe.

Remarks.

THE SECOND PART. Of Vegetables.

CHAP. I. Of Jalap.

Roſine, or Magiſtery of Jalap.

Remarks.

CHAP. II. Of Rhubarb.

Extract of Rhubarb.

Remarks.

CHAP. III. Of the Wood Guaiacum.

Diſtillation of Guaiacum.

Remarks.

CHAP. IV. Of Paper.

Oil and Spirit of Paper.

Remarks.

CHAP. V. Of Cinnamon.

Oil, or Eſſence of Cinnamon, and its Aethereal water.

Remarks.

Tincture of Cinnamon.

CHAP. VI. Of the Bark of Peru.

Tincture of the Peruvian Bark.

Remarks.

Extract of Peruvian Bark.

Remarks.

CHAP. VII. Of Cloves.

Oil of Cloves per Deſcenſum.

Remarks.

CHAP. VIII. Of Nutmegs.

Oil of Nutmeg.

Remarks.

CHAP. IX. Diſtillation of an Odoriferous Plant, ſuch as Balm, its Extract, and fixt Salt.

Remarks.

CHAP. X. Diſtillation of a Plant that is not Odoriferous, ſuch as Carduus Benedictus, and its Eſſential Salt.

Remarks.

CHAP. XI. Of Sugar.

Spirit of Sugar.

Remarks.

CHAP. XII. Of Wine.

Diſtillation of Wine into Brandy.

Remarks.

Spirit of Wine.

Remarks.

Spirit of Wine Tartariſed.

Remarks.

Queen of Hungary's Water.

Remarks.

CHAP. XIII. Of Vinegar.

Diſtillation of Vinegar.

Remarks.

CHAP. XIV. Of Tartar.

Cryſtals of Tartar.

Remarks.

Soluble Tartar.

Remarks.

Chalybeated, or Martial Cryſtals of Tartar.

Remarks.

Soluble Tartar Chalybeated.

Remarks.

Soluble Emetick Tartar.

Remarks.

Diſtillation of Tartar.

Remarks.

Fixt Salt of Tartar, and its liquor, called Oil per Deliquium.

Remarks.

Tincture of Salt of Tartar.

Remarks.

Magiſtery of Tartar, or Tartarum Vitriolatum.

Remarks.

Volatile Salt of Tartar.

Remarks.

CHAP. XV. Of Opium.

Extract of Opium, called Laudanum.

Remarks.

CHAP. XVI. Of Aloes.

Extract of Aloes.

Remarks.

CHAP. XVII. Elixir Proprietatis.

Remarks.

CHAP. XVIII. Of Tabaco.

Diſtillation of Tabaco.

Remarks.

CHAP. XIX. Extractum Panchymagogum.

Remarks.

CHAP. XX. Of Turpentine.

Diſtillation of Turpentine.

Remarks.

CHAP. XXI. Of Benjamin.

Flowers of Benjamin, and its Oil.

Remarks.

Tincture of Benjamin.

Remarks.

CHAP. XXII. Of Camphire.

Oil of Camphire.

Remarks.

CHAP. XXIII. Of Gumm Ammoniack.

Diſtillation of Gumm Ammoniack.

Remarks.

CHAP. XXIV. Of Myrrhe.

Tincture of Myrrhe.

Remarks.

Oil of Myrrhe per Deliquium.

Remarks.

THE THIRD PART Of Animals.

CHAP. I. Of the Viper.

Diſtillation of Vipers.

Remarks.

CHAP. II. Diſtillation of Ʋrine, and its Volatile Salt.

Remarks.

The Phoſphorus.

Remarks.

The Hermetick PHOSPHORUS of BALDUINUS.

Remarks.

CHAP. III. Of Honey.

Diſtillation of Honey.

Remarks.

CHAP. IV. Diſtillation of Wax.

Remarks.

THE INDEX.

BOOKS Printed for Walter Kettilby at the Biſhop's Head in S. Paul's Church-yard.

Imprimatur.

[Page]

Rob. Midgley.

Aug. 24. 1685.

§

[Page]

A COURSE OF Chymiſtry. CONTAINING An eaſie Method of Preparing thoſe Chymical Medicins which are uſed in PHYSICK. WITH Curious Remarks and Uſeful Diſcourſes upon each Preparation, for the benefit of ſuch who deſire to be inſtructed in the Knowledge of this ART.

By NICHOLAS LEMERY, M. D. The Second Edition very much Inlarged.

Tranſlated from the Fifth Edition in the French, By WALTER HARRIS, M. D. Fellow of the College of Phyſicians.

LONDON, Printed by R. N. for Walter Kettilby, at the Biſhop's-Head in S. Paul's Church-yard, 1686.

TO THE Moſt Honourable THE LORD MARQUISS OF WORCESTER.

[Page]

[Page]

MY LORD,

IT may ſeem very improper to addreſs a Tranſlation out of French to Your Lordſhip, who have ſpent ſo many years to the greateſt advantage in France, and who is not only a Great Maſter of that Gentile Language, but of all the more eminent modern Languages of Europe. But thoſe [Page] who have the Honour to know any thing of Your Lordſhip muſt needs allow, that no Dedication of what is Ʋſeful to the world, or Learned in any kind, can be more properly tendered than to a Perſon who being born in the Higheſt Rank of our Nobility, has Power to Patronize whatſoever he takes into his Protection, and who being fully repleniſhed with all the admirable accompliſhments, which a mighty Genius, a penetrating and vigorous Ʋnderſtanding, an early and exemplary Virtue and Piety, and all ſorts of Foreign and Domeſtick improvements could beſtow; in order to render Your Lordſhip either a Great Miniſter in affairs of State, [Page] a Compleat Courtier, an Eminent Patriot in the time of Peace, a Valiant and Judicious Commander in the time of War, or an excellent Judge both of Men and Books. My Lord, the Treatiſe I now offer You, is not writ after the uſual way of ordinary Chymiſts; it has none of the bombaſtick expreſſions, nor ridiculous pretences, none of the Melancholick Dreams, and wretched Enthuſiaſms, none of the palpable falſities, and even impoſſibilities wherewith the common rate of Chymical Books has been ſtuff'd heretofore. The Author is no Believer in that great and unhappy ſtumbling-block, the Myſtery of Projection, nor at all addicted [Page] to the Tranſmutation, or rather Adulteration of Metals. He is an excellent Operator, his Reaſonings are cloſe and pertinent to the matter in hand, and all deduced from matter of Fact; inſomuch that I think he may be ſaid to have Purified and Refined Chymiſtry from the many dregs and feculencies, which by other mens over-refining, and over-curious diligence it had been tainted with before. I ſhall not trouble Your Lordſhip too much with things ſo unſuitable as theſe are, conſidering that Your Noble Soul, and Publick Spirit is hourly engaged in ſerving, and becoming highly uſeful to your Countrey upon the [Page] greateſt occaſions. Your Lordſhip had a conſiderable ſhare in the happy concluſion of this Summers Campaign, with Your moſt Illuſtrious Father, his Grace my Lord Duke of Beaufort, who did maintain, by his Preſence, and Wiſe Conduct, that great Poſt of the utmoſt importance, the City of Briſtol, againſt the power of the Rebels, who confidently gave out that they were ſure of Briſtol, and doubtleſs might have been ſo, unleſs prevented by the Wiſdom and Courage of His Grace, and Your Lordſhip. Theſe things, My Lord, are but the beginning of what the World is to [Page] expect from You, and may now very reaſonably promiſe it ſelf, under the auſpicious Government of our moſt Potent, and moſt Invincible Monarch. What great thing may not reaſonably be preſumed, when the Head and Body are ſo admirably fitted for the Conqueſt of the World! and the rather, now the Body is ſo well Purged from the ſowre Leaven of Inteſtine Rebellion. May Your Lordſhip long continue to partake of His Majeſtie's Royal Favour, and to Ennoble the moſt Illuſtrious Houſe of the Somerſets, with thouſands of gallant Actions, worthy Your ſelf, and [Page] worthy Your high Deſcent from ſome of the Greateſt Men in the World, for many Generations paſt. I am,

MY LORD,

Your Lordſhip's moſt Humble, and moſt Obedient Servant, WALTER HARRIS.

THE PREFACE.

[Page]

[Page]

I Shall eaſily acknowledge that the world is in no want of Chymical Books; Germany alone can ſufficiently furniſh thoſe who are much inquiſitive after them, with as great variety as their heart can wiſh. And yet in this great plenty, or rather ſuperfluity of Books of Chymiſtry, when we have weighed things a little maturely, we ſhall find that ſomething very material is ſtill wanting, in order to render Chymiſtry of good uſe to the World; and that is, to give a juſt and impartial judgment of the benefits and the miſchiefs, the ſafety and the danger of many great and common, but [Page] thoſe very Active Chymical Medicins, according to the proper uſe, or irregular application of them, and according to the innocence, or deſtructiveneſs of their compoſition. In order to this end, I do conceive that this Author's plain and natural way of examining every Operation by Reaſon and Experience together, his ſingular perſpicuity in his Diſcourſes and Remarks, and his univerſally avoiding all Imaginary Notions in the explication of the accidents and circumſtances which do attend the Operation, may be a good foundation upon which ſome Judicious Practiſers may hereafter raiſe cautions & inſtructions of excellent uſe to mankind.

This Author is one of the firſt through-pac'd Chymiſts who has had the ingenuity and ſagacity to ſuſpect the influence of Fire on the chief Preparations made with it. For [Page] though Chymiſtry has by ſome been called Pyrotechnia, or the ART of FIRE, and Fire has ſeemed to be as much deified by moſt Chymiſts, as Scaliger tells us, Exercit. 258. it was by the barbarous Lybians, who did worſhip it as a God; yet this worthy man has in many places of his Book abundantly acknowledged, or at leaſt ſufficiently hinted at the hurt, as well as the good, which medecins may receive from its violent nature.

He ſays, p. 21. ‘If we conſider impartially how Fire does act, we ſhall be forced to acknowledge, that it rather deſtroyes, and confounds the greateſt part of the bodies it opens, and does not leave them in the natural ſtate they were in before, and eſpecially when it is driven with that force which is neceſſary to draw them.’

He proves all Alkali Salts, whether Volatile or Fixt to be changed from their Natural ſtate, by the means of [Page] Fire, and alſo to have received, and to retain the very particles and ſubſtance of Fire in its full activity; and ſhews how the great ebullition which happens upon the mixture of Acid and Alkali is or may be preſumed to be wholly or in great part owing to the fire contained in them. The heat, and fume, and ebullition, the noiſe and detonation, which do attend the making Spirit of Niter Dulcified, do ſhew what a Fire is drawn into the body of that Corroſive Spirit that can make ſo remarkable a conflict and buſtle, that it is even ready to take flame of it ſelf, though the operation or Dulcification be made without coming near the fire, and though there is no appearance of Alkali contending with Acid, to cauſe the aforeſaid tumult, ſee the Remarks on Spirit of Niter Dulcified, p. 302, 303. The ſame thing happens upon mixing Oil of Vitriol, [Page] (another Corroſive Acid) with Oil of Turpentine, which is no Alkali; the mixture grows ſo hot, through the Fire contained in the Acid, that it ſometimes breaks the Viol, and often produces a conſiderable ebullition, ſee p. 342.

He obſerves, that water thrown upon Tartar newly Calcined, does heat and cauſe ebullition, after the manner as it does with Quicklime, the Fire that was entred into it making a violent eruption.

He is the firſt perhaps who has taken ſuch particular notice, what an augmentation of weight is added to many Preparations by the concurrence and incorporation of the ſubſtance of Fire into their compoſition, as you may ſee in the Calcination of Lead, p. 107. in the Diſtillation of Spirit of Saturn from the Salt of Saturn, p. 116. in the Calcination of Regulus of Antimony, p. 208. and even [Page] in the Calcination of Antimony by the heat of the Sun with a burning-glaſs, p. 228. which few inſtances may poſſibly lead the way to Inquiſitive perſons to diſcover the ſame augmentation in divers other Preparations.

His addiction to Chymiſtry has not heated his head with fond and groundleſs hopes of attaining Projection, nor led him to abuſe the world with Counterfeiting the Nobler Metals, but he has candidly expoſed the impoſtures of Alchymiſts at large, in the Chapter of Gold, p. 49, &c. I ſhall ſay nothing of his deſcription of the Phoſphorus, and divers other new matters delivered in this Edition. I dare preſume the Judicious Reader will not diſlike many things in the Book, when he has a little conſidered them.

Therefore although we may poſſibly [Page] be overſtockt with Books that pretend to Chymiſtry, yet I hope the diſcerning Reader will think it no diſ-ſervice, that I become an inſtrument of adding one more good Book of this kind to the number of our bad ones: the kind reception which the former Edition met with, when comparatively ſhort and imperfect, has already in ſome meaſure beſpoke the welcom, which this may reaſonably hope for, being reviſed, and very much inlarged by the ingenious Author, and when compared with the former Edition will be found to bear the proportion of a Man in his full ſtrength and vigor, to that of a growing hopeful Youth.

I will not detain you from the work it ſelf, only would adviſe young Students, for whoſe inſtruction it is principally deſigned, not to be too bold in the uſe of ſuch Medicins as [Page] have undergone great Fires, nor to be over-credulous in believing the ſtrange wonders, and moſt mighty Cures which too many other Chymiſts have extravagantly boaſted, and moſt ſolemnly, but groundleſly aſſured us. The wiſe Hippocrates will acquaint them, that [...]. And Galen frequently teaches, that Nature is abundantly wiſer in her works than Art can be; and that the Works of Nature are far above our greateſt praiſes, and deſerve our higheſt admiration, as may be ſeen more at large in his 7. and 11. Books of that excellent Tract, de uſu partium.

A good Phyſician muſt have ſtudied Art and Nature too. And a Chymiſt of the firſt rank will find himſelf never the worſe an Artiſt, by his being likewiſe a skilful Naturaliſt.

A TABLE OF THE CHAPTERS.

[Page]

OF Chymiſtry in general. Page 1

Of the Principles of Chymiſtry. 2

Remarks upon the Principles. 5

Of Chymical Veſſels and Furnaces. 31

The Figures, or Cutts. 32

Of Lutes. 37

Of the Degrees of Fire. 38

Explication of many Terms that are uſed in Chymiſtry. 40

FIRST PART. Of Minerals. 45

Chap. I. OF Gold. 48

Purification of Gold. 61

Amalgamation of Gold with Mercury, and its reduction into an impalpable Powder. 65

Aurum Fulminans, called the Saffron of Gold. 66

Chap. II. Of Silver. 74

Purification of Silver. 75

[Page]Cryſtals of Silver, called Vitriol of the Moon. 80

Infernal Stone, or perpetual Cauſtick. 83

Tincture of the Moon. 85

Diana's Tree. 89

Chap. III. Of Tinn. 92

Pulveriſation of Tinn. ib.

Calcination of Tinn. 93

Salt of Jupiter, or Tinn. 94

Sublimation of Tinn. 96

Magiſtery of Jupiter, or Tinn. 97

Flowers of Jupiter, or Tinn. 98

Chap. IV. Of Biſmuth, called Tinn-glaſs. 101

Flowers of Biſmuth. 102

Magiſtery of Biſmuth. ib.

Chap. V. Of Lead. 105

Calcination of Lead. 106

Salt of Saturn. 108

Magiſtery of Saturn. 111

Balſom, or Oil of Saturn. 113

Burning Spirit of Saturn. 114

Chap. VI. of Copper. 118

Calcination of Copper. 122

Purification of Copper. 123

Vitriol of Venus, or Copper. 124

Other Cryſtals of Venus. 126

Spirit of Venus. 128

Chap. VII. Of Iron. 130

Opening Saffron of Mars. 132

Another Opening Saffron of Mars. 138

Another Opening Saffron of Mars. 139

Binding Saffron of Mars. 142

Salt, or Vitriol of Mars. 143

Another Vitriol of Mars. 145

Tincture of Mars with Tartar. 147

[Page]Opening Extract of Mars. 148

Binding Extract of Mars. 150

Mars Diaphoretick. 152

Chap. VIII. Of Mercury. 154

Artificial Cinnabar. 156

Reviving of Cinnabar into Quick-ſilver. 158

Sublimate Corroſive, 170

Sweet Sublimate, or Mercurius dulcis. 183

White Precipitate. 186

Red Precipitate. 191

Turbith Mineral, or Yellow Precipitate. 195

Oil, or Liquor of Mercury. 196

Another Oil of Mercury. 197

Other Precipitates of Mercury. 198

Chap. IX. Of Antimony. 202

Common Regulus of Antimony. 204

Golden Sulphur of Antimony. 209

Regulus of Antimony with Mars. 210

Glaſs of Antimony. 214

Crocus Metallorum, or Liver of Antimony. 217

Antimonium Diaphoreticum. 222

Another Antimonium Diaphoreticum. 225

Flowers of Antimony. 229

Red Flowers of Antimony. 230

Butter, or Icy Oil of Antimony. 231

Butter of Antimony, together with its Cinnabar. 233

The Emetick Powder of Algarot, or Mercurius vitae. 236

Bezoar Mineral. 238

Cauſtick Oil of Antimony. 240

Another Oil of Antimony. 242

Chap. X. Of Arſenick. 244

Regulus of Arſenick. 245

[Page]Sublimate of Arſenick. 246

Cauſtick Arſenick. 248

Corroſive Oil of Arſenick. 249

Chap. XI. Of Quick-lime. 251

Phagedenick water. 254

Cauſtick Stones, or Cauteries. 255

Sympathetical Inks. 258

Chap. XII. Of Flints. 263

Calcination of Flints. 264

Tincture of Flints. 265

Liquor of Flints. 266

Chap. XIII. Oil of Bricks. 268

Chap. XIV. Of Coral. 270

Diſſolution of Coral. 272

Magiſtery of Coral. 274

Salt of Coral. 276

Chap. XV. Of Common Salt. 277

Calcination of Common Salt. 281

Spirit of Salt. 282

Chap. XVI. Of Niter, or Salt-peter. 289

Purification of Salt-peter. 291

Cryſtal Mineral, called Sal Prunellae. 293

Sal Polycreſtum. 296

Spirit of Niter. 298

Spirit of Niter dulcified. 300

Aqua Fortis. 304

Fixation of Salt-peter into an Alkali Salt. 306

Chap. XVII. Of Sal Armoniack. 310

Flowers of Sal Armoniack. 311

Aqua Regalis. 312

Volatile Spirit of Sal Armoniack. 317

Another Preparation of the Volatile Spirit of Sal Armoniack, together with its Flowers, and Fixt Salt againſt Fevers. 321

[Page]Acid Spirit of Sal Armoniack. 328

Chap. XVIII. Of Vitriol. 329

Gilla Vitrioli, or Vomitive Vitriol. 331

Calcination of Vitriol. 332

Diſtillation of Vitriol. 338

Styptick Water. 346

Lapis Medicamentoſus. 347

Salt of Vitriol. 348

Chap. XIX. Of Roche-Alom, and its Purification. 350

Diſtillation of Alom. ibid.

Chap. XX. Of Sulphur. 353

Flower of Sulphur. ib.

Magiſtery of Sulphur. 355

Balſom of Sulphur. 357

Spirit of Sulphur. 358

Salt of Sulphur. 361

Chap. XXI. Of Succinum, or Ambar. 363

Tincture of Ambar. 364

Diſtillation of Ambar, and the Rectification of its Oil and Spirit. 365

Volatile Salt of Ambar. 370

Chap. XXII. of Ambar-greaſe. 372

Eſſence of Ambar-greaſe. 373

SECOND PART. Of Vegetables.

Chap. I. OF Jalap. 375

Roſin, or Magiſtery of Jalap. ib.

Chap. II. Of Rhubarb. 379

[Page]Extract of Rhubarb. 380

Chap. III. Of the Wood Guaiacum. 383

Diſtillation of Guaiacum. ib.

Chap. IV. Of Paper. 386

Oil and Spirit of Paper. 387

Chap. V. Of Cinnamon. 389

Oil, or Eſſence of Cinnamon, and its Celeſtial water. 390

Tincture of Cinnamon. 392

Chap. VI. Of the Bark of Peru. 393

Tincture of the Peruvian Bark. 395

Extract of Peruvian Bark. 397

Chap. VII. Of Cloves. 399

Oil of Cloves per Deſcenſum. ib.

Chap. VIII. Of Nutmegs. 401

Oil of Nutmegs. 402

Chap. IX. Diſtillation of an odoriferous Plant, ſuch as Balm, its Extract and Fixt Salt. 404

Chap. X. Diſtillation of a Plant that is not Odoriferous, ſuch as Carduus Benedictus and its Eſſential Salt. 406

Chap. XI. Of Sugar. 408

Spirit of Sugar. 410

Chap. XII. Of Wine. 412

Diſtillation of Wine into Brandy. 417

Spirit of Wine. 421

Spirit of Wine Tartariſed. 425

Queen of Hungary's Water. 427

Chap. XIII. Of Vinegar. 429

Diſtillation of Vinegar. 430

Chap. XIV. Of Tartar. 433

Cryſtals of Tartar. ib.

Soluble Tartar. 435

Chalybeated Cryſtals of Tartar. 437

[Page]Chalybeated Soluble Tartar, 438

Soluble Emetick Tartar, 439

Another Soluble Emetick Tartar, 441

Diſtillation of Tartar, 441

Fixt Salt of Tartar, and its Liquor, called Oil of Tartar per Deliquium, 444

Tincture of Salt of Tartar, 447

Magiſtery of Tartar, or Tartarum Vitriolatum, 450

Volatile Salt of Tartar, 462

Chap. XV. Of Opium, 467

Extract of Opium, called Laudanum, 468

Chap. XVI. Of Aloes, 477

Extract of Aloes, 478

Chap. XVII. Elixir Proprietatis, 479

Chap. XVIII. Of Tabaco, 481

Diſtillation of Tabaco, 482

Chap. XIX. Extractum Panchymagogum, 484

Chap. XX. Of Turpentine, 488

Diſtillation of Turpentine, 489

Chap. XXI. Of Benjamin, 491

Flowers of Benjamin, and its Oil, 492

Tincture of Benjamin, 493

Chap. XXII. Of Camphire, 494

Oil of Camphire, 495

Chap. XXIII. Of Gumm Ammoniack, 497

Diſtillation of Gumm Ammoniack, 498

Chap. XXIV. Of Myrrhe, 500

Tincture of Myrrhe, 501

Oil of Myrrhe per deliquium, 502

THIRD PART. Of Animals.

Chap. I. OF the Viper, 505

Diſtillation of Vipers, 512

Chap. II. Diſtillation of Ʋrine, and its Volatile Salt, 520

The PHOSPHORUS, 523

The Hermetick PHOSPHORUS of Baldwinus, 538

Chap. III. Of Honey, 542

Diſtillation of Honey, 543

Chap. IV. Diſtillation of Wax, 545

A COURSE OF CHYMISTRY.

[Page]

Of Chymiſtry in General.

THE Word Chymiſtry is derived from the Greek word [...], a Juyce, or from [...], to melt; becauſe it teaches us to ſeparate the purer ſubſtances of Mixt bodies, which are ſometimes called Juices; and becauſe it ſhews us how to melt things that are of the moſt ſolid nature. The Chymiſts have added the Arabian particle Al, in the word Alchymy, intending to give it a ſublime ſignification, as particularly when the Tranſmutation of Metals is underſtood by it, though otherwiſe Alchymy ſignifies no more than Chymiſtry. It is called the Spagirick Art, from [...], and [...], to ſeparate, and to gather together, becauſe it teaches how to ſeparate the uſeful parts of a body from the unuſeful, and how to joyn them together again. 'Tis called the Hermetick Art, from [Page] Hermes, one of the firſt Inventors of it. Laſtly, it has been called Pyrotechnia, from [...], and [...], ſignifying the Art of Fire; for in effect it is by Fire that we bring all Chymical Operations to paſs. Other names have been given to this Art, but becauſe the knowledge of them is to no great purpoſe, we will be contented with having related ſome of the chief.

Chymiſtry is an Art that teaches how to ſeparate the different ſubſtances which are found in Mixt bodies: I mean by a Mixt body thoſe things that naturally grow and increaſe, ſuch as Minerals, Vegetables, and Animals. Under the name of Minerals, I comprehend the Seven Metals, Minerals, Stones, and Earths; under Vegetables, I underſtand Plants, Gumms, Roſins, Fruits, the ſeveral ſorts of Fungus, Seeds, Juyces, Flowers, Moſſes, and whatſoever elſe comes from them. Among theſe alſo I reckon Manna, Honey, and thoſe that are called imperfect Mixts. And under Animals I contain both the Animals themſelves, and whatſoever belongs to them, as their parts and excrements. But before I begin to ſpeak particularly of all theſe things, I believe it will be convenient to ſay ſomething of the Principles of Chymiſtry, and give a general Idea of Furnaces, Lutes, the degrees of Fire, and Terms that may occaſion any obſcurity.

Of the Principles of Chymiſtry.

The Firſt Principle that can be admitted for the compoſition of Mixts, is an Ʋniverſal Spirit, which [Page] being diffuſed through all the world, produces different things according to the different Matrixes, or Pores of the earth in which it ſettles. But becauſe this Principle is a little Metaphyſical, and falls not under our ſenſes, it will be fit to eſtabliſh ſome ſenſible ones; wherefore I ſhall relate thoſe that are commonly held.

Whereas the Chymiſts in making the Analyſis of Mixt bodies have met with five ſorts of Subſtances, they therefore concluded that there were five Principles of Natural things, Water, Spirit, Oil, Salt, and Earth. Of theſe five, three of them are Active, the Spirit, Oil, and Salt; and two Paſſive, Water and Earth. They called them active, by reaſon they do cauſe all manner of action; and the others paſſive, becauſe being in repoſe themſelves, they only ſerve to ſtop and hinder the quick motion of the actives.

The Spirit which is called Mercury is the firſt of the Active principles, that appears to us, when we make the Anatomy of a mixt body. 'Tis a ſubtile, piercing, light ſubſtance, that is more in motion than any of the others. It is this which cauſes all Bodies to grow in more or leſs time, according as it abounds in them more or leſs. But it happens that the Bodies wherein it abounds are more liable to corruption, by reaſon of its too great motion, and this is obſerv'd in Animals and Vegetables. On the contrary the greateſt part of Minerals, as containing but a very ſmall quantity of it, do ſeem to be incorruptible. It cannot be drawn pure, no more than the others I am going to ſpeak of. But either it is involv'd in a little Oil, that it carries along with it, and then may be [Page] called a Volatile Spirit, ſuch as the Spirit of Wine, of Roſes, of Roſemary, of Juniper; or elſe is detained by ſome Salts, which check its Volatility, and then may be called a fixt Spirit, as the Acid Spirits of Vitriol, Alum, Salt, &c.

The Oil which is called Sulphur by reaſon of its inflammability, is a ſweet, ſubtile, unctuous ſubſtance, that riſes after the Spirit. This is ſaid to cauſe the diverſity of Colours and Smells, according to its diſpoſition in Bodies: this gives them their Beauty, and Deformity, uniting together the other Principles: this alſo ſweetens the acrimony of Salts, and by ſhutting up the Pores of a mixt, hinders it from corrupting, either through too much moiſture or cold. Wherefore many Trees and Plants that have a great deal of Oil, are wont to laſt green much longer than others, and can reſiſt the extremity of ill weathers. It is always drawn impure. For either it is mixt with Spirits, as the Oils of Roſemary, of Lavender, which ſwim above the water; or elſe it is fill'd with Salts, that it draws along with it in the diſtillation, as the Oil of Box, Guaiacum, Cloves, which do precipitate to the bottom of the water by reaſon of their weight.

Salt is the laſt of the Active Principles, which remains diſguiſed in the Earth, after the other Principles are extracted. It is drawn by pouring water upon the earth to imbibe its Salt; then filtring the diſſolution, and evaporating all the moiſture, a Salt is found at the bottom of the Veſſel. It is a fixt, incombuſtible ſubſtance, that gives Bodies their conſiſtence, and preſerves them from corruption. This cauſes the diverſity of taſts, according as it is diverſly mixed.

[Page]There are three different Salts, as the Fixt, Volatile, and Eſſential. The Fixt Salt is that which remains after Calcination: the Volatile is that which eaſily riſeth, as the Salt of Animals: And Eſſential Salt is that which is obtained from the Juyce of Plants by Cryſtallization. This laſt is between the Fixt and Volatile.

Water, which is called Phlegm, is the firſt of the Paſſive Principles: it comes in diſtillation before the Spirits when they are fixt, or after them when they are volatile. It is never drawn pure, but always receives ſome impreſſion from the Active Principles. And this cauſes it to have a more deterſive virtue in it than common Water. It ſerves to ſeparate the Active Principles, and to bridle their motion.

The Earth, which is called Caput Mortuum, or Terra Damnata, is the laſt of the Paſſive Principles, and can no more be ſeparated pure than the reſt, but will ſtill retain ſome Spirits in it; and if after you have depriv'd it of them as much as you are able, you leave it a good while expoſed to the Air, it will recover new Spirits again.

Remarks upon the Principles.

The word Principle in Chymiſtry muſt not be underſtood in too nice a ſenſe: for the ſubſtances which are ſo called, are only Principles in reſpect of us, and as we can advance no farther in the diviſion of bodies; but we well know that they may be ſtill divided into abundance of other parts, which may more juſtly claim, in propriety of [Page] ſpeech, the name of Principles: wherefore ſuch ſubſtances are to be underſtood by Chymical Principles, as are ſeparated and divided, ſo far as we are capable of doing it by our weak imperfect powers. And becauſe Chymiſtry is an Art that demonſtrates what it does, it receives for fundamental only ſuch things as are palpable and demonſtrable. It is in truth a great advantage to us, that we have Principles ſo ſenſible as they are, and whereof we can have ſo reaſonable an aſſurance. The fond conceits of other Philoſophers, concerning Natural Principles, do only puff up the mind with grand Idea's, but they prove or demonſtrate nothing. And this is the reaſon that going to diſcover their Principles, we find ſome of them do frame one Syſteme, and others another. But if we would come as near as may be to the true Principles of Nature, we cannot take a more certain courſe than that of Chymiſtry, which will ſerve us as a Ladder to them; and this diviſion of ſubſtances, though it may ſeem a little groſs, will give us a very great Idea of Nature, and the figure of the firſt ſmall particles which have entred into the compoſition of mixt bodies.

Some modern Philoſophers would perſwade us, that it is altogether uncertain, whether the ſubſtances which are ſeparated from bodies, and are called Chymical Principles, do effectually exiſt and are naturally reſiding in the body before: theſe do tell us that the fire by rarifying the matter in time of diſtillation is capable of beſtowing upon it ſuch an alteration as is quite different from what it had before, and ſo of forming the Salt, Oil, and other things which are drawn from it.

[Page]This objection does at firſt ſeem to have much weight and reaſon in it, becauſe it is certain (as hereafter ſhall be ſhewn) that the Fire does give a very conſiderable impreſſion to the preparations, and that very often it does put ſuch a new face upon things, that they are very hardly to be known when compar'd with what they were before. But it is eaſie to ſhew, that though the Fire does ſo diverſifie and alter ſubſtances, yet it does not make thoſe Principles; for we ſee them and ſmell them in many bodies, before ever we bring them to undergo the Fire. For example, it cannot be denied, but that there was exiſtent Oyl in Olives, in Almonds, in Nuts, and in many other fruits and ſeeds, becauſe it is drawn, only by beating and preſſing them. Turpentine, which is a thickned Oyl, and many other fat, or unctuous liquors, are drawn by meer inciſion into the trunk, or root of trees; and what elſe I pray is the fat of animals but an Oyl, or Sulphur coagulated? Nor can it be denied, but that there is ſalt actually in mixt bodies, ſince that by bruiſing a Plant, and making expreſſion to draw out its juyce, and then leaving the juyce to ſettle in ſome cool place for a few daies, a ſalt will be found fixt about the veſſel in form of little Cryſtals.

I know that ſome doubting Scepticks (who make it their buſineſs to doubt of every thing) will ſtill ſay that by beating the Almonds, and then preſſing them, and by making inciſion into Trees, the parts which compoſe the plant are agitated and put in motion after ſuch a manner as they are by Fire, and that this agitation of parts is capable of ranging them ſo, as to make the Oyl and Salt. [Page] But ſuch reaſonings as theſe do deſtroy themſelves by too much niceneſs, and there is no ſober underſtanding man but eaſily perceives the falſhood; for can a man well perceive that meer trituration or inciſion are able to make Salt, Oyl, Earth? it is abundantly more probable, nay, and it may be ſufficiently demonſtrated, that thoſe ſubſtances did exiſt in the bodies before, and that by inciſion and trituration the gate has only been opened to let them come freely out.

Others again do attack the Principles of Chymiſtry after another manner a little differing from this, theſe do acknowledge that the foreſaid ſubſtances are naturally in the Mixts, much as we draw them by Art, but they aſſert that we have no proof that the Mixts are compounded of theſe ſame ſubſtances, called Principles, and that they are not drawn from the juyce of the earth in ſuch a form; that Salt, Sulphur, &c. may indeed have been formed in the natural Fermentations, and other elaborations, which happen in the Mixt during its growth, and therefore they conclude that thoſe ſubſtances cannot properly be called Principles, becauſe we do not know ſufficiently whether the Mixt was compoſed of them at firſt.

But ſince we are ſatisfied that the earths which ſerve for a matrix to Mixt bodies, are impregnated with Salt, Sulphur, and other ſubſtances of the nature of thoſe which we do find in the bodies, and ſince we can perceive nothing elſe which can contribute to their compoſition, it remains beyond all doubt that they are even compounded of them.

It muſt be granted that the Fermentations, or other Elaborations which come to paſs in mixt [Page] bodies, have given the Principles a certain order of parts, or ſome diſpoſitions they had not before, but they do by no means form, or compoſe them.

The five Principles are eaſily found in Animals and Vegetables, but not ſo eaſily in Minerals. Nay there are ſome Minerals, out of which you cannot poſſibly draw ſo much as two, nor make any ſeparation at all (as Gold and Silver) whatſoever they talk, who ſearch with ſo much pains for the Salts, Sulphurs and Mercuries of theſe metals. I can believe, that all the Principles do indeed enter into the compoſition of theſe Bodies, but it does not follow that they muſt remain in their former condition, or can be drawn as they were before; for it may be theſe ſubſtances which are called Principles are ſo ſtrictly involved one within another, as to ſuffer no ſeparation any other way than by breaking their Figure. Now it is by reaſon of their Figure that they are called Salts, Sulphurs, and Spirits: For example, if you mix an Acid Spirit with the Salt of Tartar or ſome other Alkali, the edges of the Acid will ſo inſinuate into the pores of the Salt, that if by diſtillation you would ſeparate the Acid Spirit again from the Salt, you'l never be able to effect it, the Acid will have loſt almoſt all its ſtrength, becauſe the edges of theſe Spirits are ſo far deſtroyed or changed, that they no longer preſerve their former Figure.

Every body knows that glaſs is made of Salt, but becauſe the Fire hath wrought ſo great a change upon its Texture, or Figure, it can do nothing at all that Salt is uſed to do; nay, and it is in a manner impoſſible to draw any true Salt from it by Chymiſtry.

[Page]There are three ſorts of Liquors that are qualified with the name of Spirit in Chymiſtry; the Spirit of Animals, the Burning ſpirit of Vegetables, and the Acid ſpirit.

The firſt of them, as the ſpirit of Harts-horn, is nothing but a Volatile ſalt diſſolved by a little Phlegm, as I ſhall ſhew when I treat of Animals. The ſecond, as the Spirit of Wine, the Spirit of Juniper, and the Spirit of Roſemary, is an exalted Oyl, as I ſhall ſhew ſpeaking of Wines. And the laſt, as the Spirit of Vinegar, Tartar, and Vitriol, is an Acid Eſſential ſalt, diſſolved and put in fuſion by the fire, as I ſhall prove, when I ſpeak of Vinegar, and the diſtillation of Tartar: this laſt is called a Fluid ſalt.

Theſe three ſorts of liquors comprehending all that can any way be called Spirit, this may paſs for one Principle very well; for ſeeing that the Spirit which is drawn from Animals is nothing but a Salt diſſolved by a little Phlegm; that Spirit of Wine is only an Oyl exalted, and that the Acid Spirit is a Salt become fluid, we can obſerve nothing in theſe liquors but an Oyl, Salts of a different nature, and water. Wherefore it muſt be concluded, that the Spirit or Mercury which Chymiſts have talk'd of is a meer Chimaera, that ſerves only to confound mens minds, and render Chymiſtry unintelligible; for men might if they would, have called theſe liquors by more proper names: thus what hindred them from calling the Spirit of Animals, by the name of a Volatile ſalt diſſolv'd? the liquors which come from Oyls might have been called an exalted Oyl; and the Acid ſpirits a Fluid ſalt; and hereby we ſhould not [Page] have been troubled about an imaginary Principle, and Chymiſtry would have been better underſtood.

But it is impoſſible to change a name that has been ſo long fixt and appropriated to theſe liquors. All that I can do is to explicate, as I have done, what is meant by the word Spirit, in order to avoid Equivocations.

Nothing but the Oyl, can properly be ſaid to be Inflammable, and the Oyl is ſo much the more ſo, as the Salts, with which it is cloſely united, have been more or leſs ſpiritualized. For that which I call Spirit in the Oyl, is nothing but an Eſſential or Volatile Salt; this Salt is not of it ſelf Inflammable, but ſerves to Rarifie and Exalt the parts of the Oyl to render them the more ſuſceptible of Motion, and conſequently of Flagration; after the ſame manner as when Salt-peter is put to mix with ſome Oily ſubſtance, this Oily matter fires much more eaſily than when it is alone; though Salt-peter of it ſelf is not at all Inflammable, as I ſhall prove hereafter. We have examples of the truth of what I ſay in Spirit of Wine, Oyl of Turpentine, and all other Inflammable Liquors; for they are only Oyls ſubtilized and refined by the Volatile Salts they contain. Vegetables have a great deal of Salt much like to Salt-peter; this Salt being ſtraitly united with their Oyl makes them the more apt to flame, than if they had been deprived of it. The Fat of Animals as well as their other parts, is full of a Volatile Acid ſalt; Wax, Roſine, and all other matters that are inflammable, are impregnated with an Acid Salt, Eſſential or Volatile.

[Page]I ſay the Salt which cauſes the flagration of Oyls, muſt be either Volatile or Eſſential, for if it were a fixt Salt, 'twould have a contrary effect, it would allay in ſome meaſure the quick motion of the parts of an Inflammable body; and this we ſee happens when Sea-ſalt is flung into the fire, it ſerves to put it out. Common Sulphur yields us another inſtance of the ſame kind: conſiſting of one part Sulphureous or Oily, and another Saline or Acid fixt, which plainly appears in the opening of it, the Oily part fires, and would ſoon riſe like other Oils into a great white flame, but that the Acid part being a load to its activity hinders it from riſing, and ſo forces it to caſt but only a ſmall blue flame; and a proof of what I affirm may be had from mixing Salt-peter with Sulphur; for the Volatile ſalt of Salt-peter does Volatilize the Salts of Sulphur, and cauſes a white flame to burn violently, as I ſhall ſhew hereafter in the Operation of Salt Polychreſt.

Many things are called Oils very improperly, as the Oyl of Tartar made per Deliquium, the Oyl of Vitriol, and the Oyl of Antimony. The firſt is nothing elſe but a Salt diſſolved, the ſecond is the ſtrongeſt, and moſt cauſtick part of the ſpirit of Vitriol, and the laſt is a mixture of Acid Spirit, and Antimony.

As for Salt, I am apt to think, that there is one chief, of which all the reſt are compounded, and do conceive it to be made of an Acid liquor ſliding through the veins of the Earth, which doth inſenſibly inſinuate and incorporate in the Pores of ſtones, which it does dilate and attenuate: afterwards by a long fermentation and concoction of [Page] ſeveral years, a Salt comes to be formed, that is called Foſſile; and this Opinion is the more likely to be true, becauſe from the mixture of Acids with ſome Alkali matter we always draw a ſubſtance very like unto Salt. Now ſtones are an Alkali. I add, that the long fermentation, and concoction which is made in the ſtone, ſerves to digeſt, and perfectly unite the Acid with the ſtony parts, for the making of Salt.

This Foſſile ſalt, which is called Gemma, by reaſon of its tranſparency, is found in many high Mountains of Europe, ſuch as thoſe in Poland, Catalonia, and Perſia, and in the Indies; it is altogether like that we uſe for nouriſhment, which is called Sea ſalt, inſomuch that the Waters of the Sea may be ſaid to receive their ſaltiſhneſs from nothing elſe but this Salt diſſolved in them.

Is it not likely enough that the bottom of the Sea, or its ſhores, may be much like the ſurface of the Earth we inhabit, and that there may be Mountains, Rocks, different ſorts of earth, and conſequently inexhauſtible Mountains of Salt in a Million of places at the bottom of the Sea, whence it receives its brackiſhneſs?

And it may be there are Waters, which after taking Salt from ſeveral earths, do at laſt diſcharge themſelves into the Sea through an infinite number of ſubterranean channels, which do much contribute likewiſe to making Sea-water ſalt.

That which confirms me in this opinion is, becauſe there are Lakes in Italy, Germany, Egypt, the Indies, and many other places, which are as Salt as the Sea, and can have no other cauſe but that their waters have hapned to run through Mines of Salt.

[Page]I doubt not but many will be apt to object againſt my opinion, that the Sea being of ſo prodigious boundleſs an extent, all the Salt I have ſpoken of, would not be able to ſalt it as it is; but if they pleaſe to conſider, that this great extent of the Ocean may meet with Mines of Salt in abundance of places, and that what is once diſſolv'd can never be ſeparated from it, I am perſwaded their doubt will ſoon vaniſh. Add to what is ſaid, that Sea water does not contain ſo great a quantity of Salt as is commonly imagined: and this is eaſily prov'd, if you take the pains to evaporate ſome of it over the fire, or diſſolve ſalt in that water; for it will receive a conſiderable quantity into it, which is a certain ſign, that the water was not ſo ſalt before, as it might have been, for if it had been impregnated with as much as it could, it would have diſſolv'd no more.

Therefore we have good reaſon to believe, that the Sea, which may be called a large Lake, becomes ſalt through the Mines that are therein, and the Salt Currents that in ſeveral places empty into it. Some Fountains are alſo ſeen to yield a Salt like this; becauſe their waters having paſſed through places fill'd with this Salt, have diſſolved and carried along with them ſome of it.

Salt-peter differs from theſe ſalts I ſpeak of, in that it contains more ſpirit; ſo that when you take the pains to exalt a part of it, what remains is like unto Sal Gemme.

It may be objected that Salt peter is found in places where no Acid liquor can be thought to come; but no body can doubt but that there is an Acid in the Air, which though a very inſenſible [Page] body, is able enough to enter into Stones and Earths, the truth whereof is ſeen every day in Earths that have loſt their Salt as much as could be drawn by Art, which upon being expoſed ſome time to the open air get new additions of Salt, and encreaſe their weight conſiderably. Now the liquor that I ſpeak of, which runs in ſome places of the earth, receives its Acidity from this Acid Spirit of the Air, which condenſes in ſome places better than in others, by reaſon of the coolneſs, or ſome other diſpoſition it finds there.

I conceive therefore that Salt peter is form'd in Stones and Earths by the Acid ſpirit of the Air, after the ſame manner as Sal Gemme in Mines by an Acid liquor, and that this Aerial acid entring inſenſibly into the body of ſtones produces a Salt at firſt much like Sal Gemme; but afterwards new Acid ſpirits ſtill coming and mixing with it makes it of a middle nature between Volatile and fixt. And it is for this reaſon that a great deal of Salt peter is taken from old ruined buildings, for the ſtones there continuing a long time expoſed to the air, receive greater quantity of ſpirits than other ſtones; it is likewiſe to be found in Cellers and other places where the Sun caſts no heat, becauſe the ſpirit of the air does there eaſily condenſe by reaſon of the coolneſs and moiſture. But I ſhall diſcourſe more amply of that, when I come to treat of the Preparations that are made upon Salt peter.

Vitriols, Alums, and all other Salts, that are naturally found in the Earth, may be explicated upon the ſame Principle; for according as Acid liquors do meet with different earths, they produce different Salts.

[Page]All Earths being impregnated with an Acid Salt, as I have ſaid, it is not hard to conceive how that the ſalt of Vegetables is communicated to them from the earth wherein they grew. Their growth muſt needs have proceeded from a Saline juice of the earth they grew in, which having opened the Seed through the Fermentation it cauſed, inſinuates and filtrates into the Fibres that conſtitute the Plant; and the leaving grounds fallow ſome years, is in order to preſerve and retain the Salt that is continually encreaſed in them by the Acid ſpirit of the air. Likewiſe Dung, and other matters, which are ſaid to fatten and fructifie Lands, do ſo by nothing elſe but their Salt. Neither need we wonder at the barrenneſs of ſandy and ſtony ſoils, for that the Acid ſpirit of the Air cannot unite and fix with them in ſufficient quantity to render them fertile. Nevertheleſs it is worth obſervation, that there are Lands which remain barren, through too great an abundance of Salt they contain, and for this reaſon in Egypt they are forced to temper their grounds with Sand after the ebbing of the River Nile, to make them Fertile; becauſe the earth, till that is done, is ſo full of Salt, that its Pores are quite choaked up with it. So that inſtead of cauſing any Fermentation in the Seed, the Salt fixes and depreſſes it, ſo that it can't have its motion free enough to rarifie, and raiſe a ſtalk; but now when Sand is mingled with it, it is able to divide and ſeparate the Salt, which not having then ſuch power of fixing the Seed, it Ferments and riſes into a Plant. Whence it may be ſeen, that too much Salt is at leaſt as Offenſive to the earths fertility, as too little, and that it is the ſame [Page] thing with other Fermentable matters as it is with Earths, they come to ferment by means of a moderate quantity of Salt mixed with them; for if you add too much, the Fermentation will be ſpoil'd.

Again, every kind of Salt is not fit to fertilize lands, it muſt be a Volatile Salt, or approaching to the nature of Salt-peter, to ſerve for Vegetation; a Salt too fixt would rather ſpoil it, and it has been obſerv'd that places which ſhould fructifie, have brought forth nothing, when Sea-ſalt has been ſprinkled upon them; the reaſon of which is for that this fixt Salt hinders the Fermentation that was neceſſary to fertilize.

Nevertheleſs it ſometimes happens, that the Aſhes of Vegetables, though full of a fixt ſalt, do ſerve to fertilize; and this Countrey-men are well acquainted with, who in ſome places where they find their Lands too poor and barren to yield any thing without aſſiſtance of Art, do uſe at certain ſeaſons of the year to burn Fern and Turfs upon them, and ſpread about the aſhes. Now it is by reaſon of a Lixivious ſalt in the aſhes, that the Lands are hereby improv'd.

But this happens for the ſame reaſon as I ſaid before, for the fixt Salt of Vegetables that lies in the aſhes is very porous, as I ſhall prove hereafter; and ſo does very well mix with the Spirits or acid Salts of the Air, and turns eaſily into Salt-peter, as when Spirit of Salt-peter is mixt with an Alkali ſalt, it makes a good Salt-peter.

As for ſea-ſalt, poſſibly it might happen, that if it were left in the Earth for ſome conſiderable time, it would impregnate with the Spirit of the Air, and ſo being at length Volatilized would [Page] render a place fertile. But becauſe it is a very compact body, and its parts cloſely united, the Volatilizing of it would be a tedious buſineſs, and ſo the preſent requiſite Fermentation failing, the place would remain barren too long to gratifie our expectations.

It is very likely that the Volatile or Nitrous ſalt meets in the Earth with ſome Sulphureous or fat matter, that is continually raiſed by the ſubterranean heat toward the ſurface of the Earth, and unites with it. This mixture of a Volatile ſalt and Sulphur together may much contribute towards explicating the manner of Vegetation; for juſt as the mixture of Sulphur and Salt-peter does excellently diſpoſe to an Exaltation by heat, which will not happen while they are ſeparated; ſo the Bituminous or fat part of the earth mixing with Salt-peter, which all Earths have, the ſubterranean heat exalts them much more eaſily, than if the Salt were alone. And now let us ſee what happens from this Exaltation to the production of Plants.

Some part of this Sulphureous ſalt, meeting with ſeed in the earth proper to grow, does enter into the ſeed, and cauſe a Fermentation, that is to ſay, ſuppling the parts of the ſeed, diſpoſes it to open it ſelf. Now 'tis very certain, (and what has been ſenſibly demonſtrated by Microſcopes) that each grain of ſeed contains in little the whole Plant with all its parts. Wherefore this opening the body of the ſeed is by reaſon that the ſulphureous ſalts entring at the pores of the root of this ſmall Plant, and by their Volatile quality inſinuating along the Fibres which conſtitute the Plant, do orderly diſplay before us what was before but very confuſed in reſpect of us.

[Page]Theſe ſalts do never enter at the head of the Plant, and ſo deſcend to the Root, though often the Root of the Seed lies uppermoſt, and the head or ſtalk downwards, becauſe the Pores of the ſtalk are not of ſuch a Figure as is proper to receive them, whereas thoſe of the Root have a proper contexture.

The Volatility of theſe Salts does alſo cauſe the ſtalk, though ſeated downwards, to riſe upwards, and follow their tendency, which is always up; and this is that which by extending and enlarging the Fibres of the Plant, makes it grow to that height which their nature requires.

'Tis probable that this fat part of earth inſinuating with the ſalt, as I have ſaid, does make the Oyl of a mixt body; for we find that thoſe matters which help beſt to fertilize, are full of Volatile Salt and Oyl, as Dung, Ʋrine, and Plants corrupted.

'Tis fit to obſerve here, that the ſalt does act after another-guiſe manner than the Oyl in hindring the Fermentation or corruption of the matter it is mixed with; for it does not only ſtop the pores, and hinder the air from entring, but fixes it likewiſe by its hooked parts, that it can neither have motion nor rarefaction, for which reaſon it is that meat is ſalted in order to keep it ſweet, and does thereby remain firm and compact for ſome time.

Three kinds of ſalt are drawn from Vegetables, an Acid ſalt called Eſſential, a Volatile, and a Fixt ſalt. The firſt is ſometimes like Salt-peter, and ſometimes like Tartar, according as it contains more or leſs earth; this ſalt is drawn from the juice of the Plant, as I ſaid before; for after expreſſion [Page] and purifying this juice, it is ſet in a veſſel in ſome cool place a few daies without ſtirring, and the ſalt ſhoots into Cryſtals every way. This Acid ſalt may be ſaid to be the true ſalt that was in the Plant, becauſe the means that are uſed in drawing it are Natural, and ſuch as cannot change its nature; but this can't be ſaid of thoſe others, becauſe the violent fires that are uſed about them make impreſſions of another nature, and their effects are very different, ſo that the fire ſeems to alter and diſguiſe them, as I ſhall ſhew in the following diſcourſe.

The ſecond ſalt, or the Volatile ſalt of Plants is uſually drawn from ſeeds or fruits Fermented. While it remains in the Vegetable, it differs from the Eſſential ſalt only in this, that being driven up higher by Spirits, it becomes more Volatile. The Fermentation that is cauſed in fruits by beating and bruiſing them, does very much aſſiſt us in Volatilizing the ſalt; for it ſets the particles at work, and diſpoſes them for an eaſier ſeparation; but it happens that in the great circulation, or continual motion this ſalt is in, it unites ſo ſtrongly with the Oyl, which Fruits and Seeds are full of, that they can't be ſeparated by Cryſtallizing the juice, as they can in drawing them from other parts of the Plant. We muſt therefore have recourſe to the help of fire. The fruit or ſeed which contains the Volatile ſalt, as I ſhall prove in its proper place, is Diſtilled by a Retort, and Water comes forth in the firſt place, then an Oyl, and laſtly a moſt keen ill ſcented ſalt (that eaſily flies away) upon encreaſing the fire to purpoſe, is driven into the Receiver. Now it is plain that fire has [Page] chang'd, or elſe added ſomething to this ſalt; for when it was in the Plant, it had no manner of ſmell like that it gets by diſtillation. But to ſhew there's a ſtrange alteration in this ſalt, as ſoon as it is mixed with an Acid, there preſently appears an Ebullition, or Efferveſcency, which remains until the Acid has throughly entred into the ſalt. Which circumſtance does not happen to it in its Natural ſtate, it is this Ebullition that gave it the name of a Volatile Alkali, to diſtinguiſh it from a Fixt Alkali, of which I ſhall ſpeak hereafter. The Chymiſts will needs have this Volatile Alkali to be in the Plant, juſt the ſame as when it is drawn; that is to ſay, they make this a different ſpecies of ſalt, lying hid under the acid, until it is laid open by the force of fire. But this opinion is founded on no credible experience, for Anatomize the Plant how you think fit, without uſing fire, and you ſhall never find any other but an acid ſalt. Doubtleſs it will be ſaid, that all other ways of diſſecting Plants even into their ſalts, prove too weak without the aſſiſtance of this grand diſſolvent fire. But if we conſider impartially how fire does act, we ſhall be forced to acknowledge that it rather deſtroys, and confounds the greateſt part of the bodies it opens, and does not leave them in the natural ſtate they were in before, and eſpecially when it is driven with that force which is neceſſary to draw this ſalt. So that I ſee no reaſon why the ſpecies of things ſhould be multiplied without neceſſity, by admitting many kinds of ſalts in Plants, and I conceive with much more probability, that the Volatile Alkali ſalt is a part of the Acid Eſſential ſalt I ſpoke of, which having been firſt diſpoſed to a Volatile nature, [Page] and afterwards driven by the force of fire, draws along with it a portion of Empyreumatical Oil, that gives it ſuch a diſagreeable ſmell, and ſome terreſtrious calcined matter, with which it is ſo ſtrongly united, and which changes its nature, by breaking the Saline points, and rendring them Porous, ſo that any acid liquor being caſt upon it, enters into the Pores, and violently divides the parts, whence follows the Efferveſcency. Perchance likewiſe this Calx or Calcined earth may have retained igneous particles, and ſo the edges of the acid beginning to open the pores of ſalt, theſe little igneous bodies being in a violent motion do ſtrike about, and break open all their ſmall priſons, and from thence it may be, the violent Ebullition happens. Such as are prejudiced with the Sentiments of ancient Chymiſts, will relliſh very hardly this new Opinion of mine; but I am perſwaded if any one will take the pains to examine the matter near at hand, and make ſome Experiments on the ſalts of Plants, he will find my Diſcourſe come near enough to truth.

The laſt ſalt or the fixt ſalt of Plants remains mixed with the earthy part after Diſtillation of the other ſubſtances; the matter is taken out of the Retort, and calcined in an open fire, for to free it from the ſoot that blackens it; afterwards the ſalt is drawn by a Lixivium as I have ſhewn before. This ſalt is called fixt, in compariſon with others, becauſe this cannot ſublime.

It is obſervable, that becauſe a great quantity of this kind of ſalt is drawn from a plant called Kali, the name Alkali has been given to the fixt ſalt of all plants; and that becauſe an efferveſcency [Page] does riſe upon mixing an acid liquor with this Salt, all Volatile or fixt ſalts, and all terreſtrious matters which ferment with acids, have come to be called Alkali's.

The Chymiſts do aſſure us, but with little foundation for it, that in Terreſtrious bodies, in Metalls, Coral, Pearl, and generally in all bodies that Ferment with acids, there is an hidden Alkali in them, which is one of the Principles of Fermentation, wherefore they give them the names of Alkali's; but becauſe no manner of Salt can be drawn from them, to prove their Opinion, and they have no other rational Argument to perſwade me, they muſt give me leave to think otherwiſe than they have done, and I conceive that the contrary to what they have eſtabliſhed will ſerve me better to explicate the truth.

Following therefore the Principle I have laid, I believe that thoſe Terreſtrious bodies are themſelves Alkali's, rather than that the Ebullition of Acid and Alkali proceeds from a ſalt ſuppoſed to be contained in them; and further that the ſalts are never Alkali's until they have undergone the force of fire, and been reduced into a Calx. I have proved, ſpeaking of the nature of Volatile ſalt, that the fire did very much change the ſubſtances of things; and as I have ſhewn there is good reaſon to think there is but only one ſpecies of ſalt in Plants, and the Volatile ſalt is but a change wrought by fire; I ſhall proceed upon the ſame Principle, and affirm that there is no fixt Alkali ſalt in Plants, but that by Calcination the fire has fixt a part of the acid Eſſential ſalt with the earthy part that has ſerv'd to break the keeneſt [Page] of its points, and rendred them Porous, like a Calx. It is by reaſon of theſe Pores that this kind of ſalt grows humid, and melts ſo eaſily when expoſed to the Air; and the Terreſtrious parts do turn it into an Alkali, for if they were not mixed with it, it would continue ſtill an acid ſalt, and oppoſed to Alkali. But to clear up this point the better, we muſt conſider as nicely as may be the nature of an Acid and an Alkali.

Whereas the nature of a thing ſo obſcure as that of ſalt, cannot better be explicated, than by admitting to its parts ſuch figures as are anſwerable to the effects it produces; I ſhall affirm, that the acidity of any liquor does conſiſt in keen particles of ſalts, put in motion; and I hope no body will offer to diſpute whether an acid has points or no, ſeeing every ones experience does demonſtrate it, they need but taſte an acid to be ſatisfied of it, for it pricks the tongue like any thing keen, and finely cut; but a demonſtrative and convincing proof that an acid does conſiſt of pointed parts is, that not only all acid ſalts do Cryſtallize into edges, but all Diſſolutions of different things, cauſed by acid liquours, do aſſume this figure in their Cryſtallization; theſe Cryſtalls conſiſt of points differing both in length and bigneſs one from another, and this diverſity muſt be attributed to the keener or blunter edges of the different ſorts of acids; and ſo likewiſe this difference of the points in ſubtilty is the cauſe that one acid can penetrate and diſſolve well one ſort of mixt, that another can't rarifie at all: thus Vinegar diſſolves Lead, which aqua fortis can't: Aqua fortis diſſolves Quick-ſilver, which Vinegar will not touch: Aqua [Page]Regalis diſſolves Gold, whenas Aqua fortis cannot meddle with it; on the contrary Aqua fortis diſſolves Silver, but can do nothing with Gold, and ſo of the reſt.

As for Alkali's, they are ſoon known by pouring an acid upon them, for preſently or ſoon after, there riſes a violent Ebullition, which remains until the acid finds no more bodies to rarifie. This effect may make us reaſonably conjecture that an Alkali is a terreſtrious and ſolid matter, whoſe pores are figured after ſuch a manner that the acid points entring into them do ſtrike and divide whatſoever oppoſes their motion; and according as the parts of which the Alkali is compounded, are more or leſs ſolid, the acids finding more or leſs reſiſtance, do cauſe a ſtronger or weaker Ebullition. So we ſee the Efferveſcency that happens in the diſſolution of Coral is very much milder than that in the diſſolution of Silver.

There are as many different Alkali's, as there are bodies that have different pores, and this is the reaſon why an acid will Ferment with one ſtrongly, and with another not at all; for there muſt be a due proportion between the acid points, and the pores of the Alkali.

The nature of Alkali's being thus eſtabliſhed, there will be no need of flying to an imaginary ſalt in Plants for explication of the Efferveſcency; and 'twill be eaſily conceived that if an Alkali ſalt is full of a terreſtrious matter that renders it porous like other Alkali's, it muſt cauſe an Ebullition. That which I ſaid, ſpeaking of Volatile ſalts, may here be added, that the Igneous particles breaking in through the Pores of the Alkali ſalt, wherein [Page] they became impriſoned by the Calcination, do much contribute to the raiſing this Efferveſcency. And really when the Acid Spirit of Vitriol, or Aqua fortis is caſt upon an Alkali ſalt, there happens as ſtrong an Ebullition, as when this liquor is flung into the fire it ſelf.

Acid Salts do rarely cauſe any efferveſcency with Acid liquors, becauſe their pores being very ſmall, the common acids are not able to pierce into them; but we do ſometimes meet with Acids whoſe points are ſo fine and ſo proportioned to the pores of the Salts, that they will find an entrance even into the exceeding little pores of theſe Acid Salts, and thereby cauſe a commotion. And then theſe Salts, although they be Acid, yet may be called Alkali's in reſpect of ſuch keen Acids. This does happen to Sea-ſalt, which is an Acid, for though it will make no Ebullition, neither with Spirit of ſalt, nor with Spirit of Niter, nor with Spirit of Alom, nor with Spirit of Vitriol; yet if you mix it with the ſtrongeſt Oil of Vitriol, there will riſe an Efferveſcency. Wherefore it may be ſaid that one Acid Salt is an Alkali in reſpect of another, becauſe there being few bodies without ſome pores, few of them will prove to be impenetrable, when they meet with Acids of an extraordinary ſubtlety.

The Fermentation that happens to Dow, to new Wine, and ſuch like things, differs from that I now ſpoke of, in that it is more gentle, and ſlow; this is cauſed by the Natural Acid ſalt contained in them, which expanding and exalting it ſelf by its motion, does rarifie and raiſe up the groſſer and ſulphureous part which endeavours to allay its [Page] motion, from whence it comes that the matter ſwells up.

The reaſon why an Acid does not make Sulphureous things Ferment, with ſo much noiſe and ſuddenneſs as Alkali's, is, becauſe that Oyls conſiſt of pliant parts that yield and make no reſiſtance to the points of Acids, as a piece of Wool or Cotton will yield and give way to needles that are thruſt into it. Thus methinks two ſorts of Fermentations may be admitted of, the one of an Acid with an Alkali, which may be called Ebullition, and the other, when an Acid does by little and little rarifie ſome ſoftiſh matter, as Dow, or clear and Sulphureous, as Muſte, Syder, and all other juices of Plants. This laſt ſort may rather be called Fermentation.

It is further remarkable that the Acid and Alkali do ſo deſtroy one another in their conflict, that when as much Acid has been by degrees poured as is neceſſary to penetrate the Alkali in all its parts, it is then no more an Alkali, nor can it be ſo again, though you waſh it to carry off the Acid, becauſe it has no longer that diſpoſition of Pores which is requiſite in an Alkali; and the Acid breaks and loſes its points in the conteſt, eſpecially when the Alkali is pretty compact and ſolid; ſo that if you would recover your Acid again, you'l find it has in a manner loſt all its acidity, and retains only a ſharpneſs. But the Sulphur or Oyl conſiſting of ſupple yielding parts does only receive ſome Acid impreſſion, and no ſuch cloſe union, ſo that it can be drawn from Sulphureous bodies much the ſame as when it was mixt.

[Page]Animals do yield us two ſorts of Salt, the one Volatile, and the other Fixt; of the firſt ſort they yield greater quantity than of the ſecond, becauſe they do abound much in Spirits, which by their continual circulation do Volatilize it. This Salt differs but little from the Volatile ſalt of Seeds and Fruits, both which are drawn in a Retort; they have the ſame kind of ſmell, taſte, and other virtues. The Volatile ſalt of Animals keeps dry a longer time than the others, becauſe it carries away with it more fixt ſalt than thoſe others. As for fixt ſalt, animals do yield but a very little of it, and in ſome animals you ſhall find none at all; it is drawn as the fixt ſalt of Plants; they are both Alkali's.

There is no ſalt that can be called alkali, to be found in the parts, or humors of Animals, until they have paſſed the fire; a Saline ſeroſity may be obſerved in them, but that ſalt is acid; and it proceeds doubtleſs from the Aliments that are taken for nouriſhment. Now as I have ſhewn that there is only an acid ſalt in Earths and Vegetables, ſo I may ſay the ſame of Animals, and the rather becauſe no other kind of Salt can be found in them in their Natural ſtate; the alkali ſalts that are drawn from them, are only ſeveral mutations of an acid ſalt, made by fire, which mingles with them earthy particles after the manner I have ſpoken of treating of the Alkali's of Plants. But it is obſervable, that whereas there is a greater proportion of Spirits in Animals than Seeds, theſe Spirits do ſerve to exalt all the Salt; which is the reaſon that leſs fixt ſalt is to be found in Animals than Plants.

[Page]As for what many do ſay that Choler cauſes an Efferveſcency like an Alkali, when an acid is caſt upon it, 'tis a miſtake through want of right Obſervation, for no Ebullition at all happens for ſome time. Nevertheleſs I will not ſay, that an acid produces no Fermentation in Choler, Bloud, and other parts of the body, for it does very often really do that; but that is no more than uſes to be done in new Wine, Beer, and other liquors of the like nature. I have already explicated this ſort of Fermentation.

We ought not to omit ſpeaking of the Coagulation that's made in Milk after a Fermentation cauſed either by Heat, or ſome Acid put into it.

Methinks here is no need at all of ſuppoſing an Alkali ſalt, that ferments with the Acid of this liquor, as many ſuppoſe for explicating this Effect, ſince if we conſider but the natural compoſition of Milk, we ſhall find it to be nothing but a Creamy ſubſtance ſwimming on the Serum, and mixed only ſuperficially with it, by the intermixture of ſome ſalt; ſo that it is in a fitting ſtate of ſeparation, as ſoon as the ſalt gains a little more motion than it had, whether it be by Fermentation, or by encreaſing its activity by an acid of its own nature. Thus when the heat of the Summer, or fire has ſtirred up the acid that is in the Milk, or elſe ſome acid is poured into it, the edges of the acid do cut and divide the Creamy part, to gain a free motion in the Serum, and ſeparate into Curd all the Butter and Cheeſe. Now there's nothing ſtrange in the Precipitation of the Curd, eſpecially when an acid has been poured upon the Milk, for beſides the weight it gains by thickning, ſome part [Page] of the acids do mix with it, and encreaſe its weight; for according as the acid that was mingled is ſtronger or weaker, the Curd does Precipitate more or leſs.

Perhaps ſome will ſay, for as much as acid is always the cauſe of Coagulation in Milk, there's no great likelihood that a ſalt of the ſame nature ſhould be the inſtrument of uniting the ſeveral parts of Milk.

But it muſt be conſidered, that although there is an acid in Milk (as no body can doubt, ſeeing it ſowres of it ſelf, when ſtale) this acid is as it were imbodied in the ramous parts of the Oyl, ſo that there is loſes all its motion and cannot come to action but by rarifying the Oyl, and making it fit to mix with the ſerous part; it is the due proportion of this ſalt, Oyl, and ſerum, that makes the Butter and Cheeſy part of Milk.

Now I hope I have ſaid enough to eſtabliſh what I have affirmed, that there's no ſalt in nature beſides the acid, out of which all other Salts are made, and that the Alkali ſalt has no Natural exiſtence in mixt bodies. My diſcourſe will be the better reliſhed when I ſpeak of the Operations of Chymiſtry, and you'l find that by this Principle, which I may call the moſt Natural and impartial of all that have been laid till now, I ſhall be able to give account of many Phaenomena's that have never been explicated by common Principles.

Of Chymical Furnaces and Veſſels.

[Page]

It is not my deſign to relate here exactly all the kinds of Veſſels and Furnaces that Artiſts have invented to uſe in Chymiſtry. I ſhall deſcribe only thoſe with which you will be able to perform all Operations, and ſend curious perſons, who would be more particularly inſtructed in them, into the Laboratories, where they may learn more on this ſubject than ever they will be able to do by conſulting all the Books in the world. Theſe then are the principal.

The Furnace which is moſt in uſe among Chymiſts is that which is called the Reverberatory; it muſt be large enough to hold a great Retort, for the Diſtillation of acid Spirits, and other things. This Furnace muſt be fixt, and made of Brick, joyned together with a Lute compounded of one part of Potters earth, ſo much Horſe-dung, and twice as much Sand, the whole kneaded together in Water; let it be two Bricks breadth, that the Furnace being the thicker, the heat may be retained the longer: let the Aſh-hole be a Foot high, and the Door contrived, if poſſible, on the ſide that the air comes, that when you have a mind to open it, the Fire may be lighted or encreaſed the more eaſily; the fire room need not be quite ſo high; you muſt lay a-croſs it two Iron-bars of the bigneſs of your thumb, which will ſerve you to ſet your Retort upon; and the Furnace muſt be ſtill raiſed near about a Foot higher, to cover the Retort; fit to it a Dome, or Cover, [Page] that may have a hole in the middle with its ſtopple, and a ſmall Chimny a foot high, for to place upon this hole, when the ſtopple is taken out, and when you would raiſe a great heat; for the flame preſerving its ſelf by means of this little Chimney, it reverberates the more ſtrongly upon the Retort. This Cover may be made of the ſame Paſte, that I ſhall preſently deſcribe, ſpeaking of Portable Furnaces.

It will be neceſſary to have ſeveral Furnaces of this ſame faſhion; but they muſt be of different ſizes, to work conveniently according to the bigneſs of the Veſſel you would place in it. For that the Fire may act more vehemently upon the Retort, there muſt be left but only the ſpace of a fingers breadth all round between the Furnace and the Retort. Theſe Furnaces may alſo ſerve for Diſtilling by the Refrigeratory, in the Sea-Bath, the Vaporous and the Sand-bath; for you may place the Copper body upon the Iron bars, when you would diſtil by the Refrigeratory. It is eaſie to do the ſame with the Balneum Mariae. As for the Sand-bath, lay an iron or earthen pan on the bars, and put ſand enough into it for to cover the bottom and ſides of the Veſſel you deſire to heat.

As for Fuſions, you muſt build a Furnace of the ſame matter and form as thoſe ſpoken of before; only you muſt forbear laying the two Iron bars in it, that you did in the others, for ſupport of the Veſſel.

Moveable Furnaces are made of a paſte that conſiſts of three parts of broken pots in powder, and two parts of clay temper'd together with Water. Their ſtructure is juſt like that of the

1

[Page]

An Explication of the FIGURES of the FIRST TABLE.

A Great Reverberatory Furnace.

a The Aſh-hole.

b The Fire-room.

c A Retort ſupported on two Iron bars.

d The Dome, or Cover.

e The Receiver.

f A little Chimny.

g The Dome taken off the Furnace.

h A Retort.

i A ſmall Reverberatory Furnace ready to work with.

k A fixed little Furnace for Fuſions.

l An Iron pot to hold the ſand.

m The Fire-place.

n The Aſh-room.

o A Furnace in which is placed a great Copper Body.

p The Copper Body tinn'd o'th' inſide, ſupported on two Iron bars.

q The Head.

r A copper Pipe tinn'd, paſſing through a veſſel filled with water.

s A glaſs Receiver.

t A ſmall Iron Furnace.

u An Iron pot.

x The Cover to the Iron pot.

y A Cock to let the water out of the veſſel, when it grows too hot.

z A Matraſs, or Bolt-head.

[Page]

The FIRST TABLE.

2

The SECOND TABLE.

a a A Moveable Furnace for fuſions.

b Regiſters, or holes to let the air into the fire.

c A Dome divided in two.

d A little Chimny, and the flame paſſing through it.

e An Iron trevet to ſupport the furnace.

f A glaſs Mortar, with its Peſtle.

g h A pot with a coffin of paper over it, for receiving the Flowers of Benjamin.

i k l A Matraſs, or Bolt-head, and its blind-head, for ſublimations.

m n A great earthen pan, with a little Cup turned upſide downwards. A Crucible containing the lighted Sulphur. A great glaſs Tunnel, to draw Spirit of Sulphur.

o A Mould.

p A copper Body.

q Its Refrigeratory.

r The Receiver.

s A Circulating veſſel.

t A Pot with a hole in the middle of its height, and the ſtopple of the hole lying by.

u Three Aludels, or Pots upon one another.

x The glaſs head.

y A Mould to make the balls of Regulus of Antimony, which are called perpetual Pills.

z The Mould wherewith to form the lapis infernalis.

a a A little furnace, and its pan with ſand in it, and an earthen pan filled with liquor to be evaporated.

b b A Coppel.

c c A little Coppel to make trials with.

[Page]

The SECOND TABLE

3

The THIRD TABLE.

A Moveable Furnace to diſtil in Sand.

a The Aſh-hole, and its door.

b The Fire-place, and its door.

c The Cucurbite, or Body.

d The Sand, wherein the Body is placed.

e The Head.

f The Receiver.

g The ſame Furnace empty.

h A Body.

i A Head.

k A glaſs in which Oil of Cloves is made.

l A Copper Balneum to contain, and diſtil with four Alembicks.

m n A Pipe through which the hot water is poured into the Balneum, according as it evaporates.

o The Receiver.

p A Balneum to diſtil with one Alembick.

q A Mold to make Cups of Regulus of Antimony.

r A French Crucible.

s A German Crucible.

[Page]

The THIRD TABLE.

§

[Page]

[Page]

Reverberatory Furnace. You may alſo leave holes through which the Iron-bars may paſs, which ſupport the Retort that they may be eaſily taken out, when you have a mind to uſe this Furnace for Fuſions.

A Furnace of this form may be called Polychreſt (or general) becauſe ſuch a one may be uſed for all ſorts of Operations.

It is likewiſe convenient for Fuſions, to have a moveable Furnace of the ſame matter as the others; it muſt be round, and may be ſet upon a ſtool: it is to have only one grate, and ſix Regiſters, or holes on the ſides, to let in the air to the fire. The Dome may be made of the ſame matter, for to cover it, and a ſmall earthen Chimney for to place upon the hole of the Dome, that the fire may keep the ſtronger. See the figure of it in the ſecond Table.

You muſt be ſure to put ſand, or broken pots, or ſuch like things into the Paſte that you uſe for the building Furnaces, either fixt, or moveable, to hinder them from cracks, when they come to dry; for theſe matters rendring the clay more porous, the wet breaths out much the more eaſily.

Again, Lime and Sand tempered together, might ſerve for the building your fixt Furnaces, and ſtones might be uſed inſtead of bricks; but becauſe it is neceſſary to increaſe and leſſen the Furnaces, to proportion their ſize to the veſſels you would place in them, the deſcription which I gave before is the more convenient, for that a man may very eaſily break them, and build them again, without the help of a Brick-layer.

[Page]A ſmall Iron Furnace with its iron pot, and a cover to it, is convenient for performing many operations; this pot may ſerve for a Balneum Mariae, and for a Vaporous Bath, when there is no other. It may be likewiſe uſed to diſtil by an Alembick, in a Bath of Sand, Aſhes, or of filings of Iron. See the deſcription of it in the firſt Table.

A great Iron Furnace ſhould likewiſe be had, whereon to place a Copper Balneum Mariae, for to diſtil with four bodies at once. In the middle of this Bath there ſhould be a pipe raiſed, the top of which muſt be made like a Funnel, into which you are to pour hot water, in place of that which conſumes away in vapour. See its figure in the third Table.

As for Veſſels chuſe them as much as may be of Earth or Glaſs; for it is to be feared that thoſe which are made of Metal will communicate ſome particular impreſſion to the Liquors you put into them: but becauſe ſometimes you may have occaſion to diſtil a great many things in a little time, you may uſe the Copper-Cucurbit, or Body Tinn'd, becauſe that Tinn is not ſo ſoluble as Copper, and beſides hath no ſuch pernicious quality: upon this Cucurbit place a fit head, round about which muſt be made a kind of baſon to hold the water that cools and condenſes the vapours which riſe from the Matter contained in the Veſica ſo ſoon as it is heated. See its deſcription in the ſecond Table.

You may likewiſe provide a Copper pipe tinn'd o'th' inſide, which may paſs ſloping downwards through a veſſel fill'd with water; and when you would diſtil Eſſences with it, you muſt fit the upper [Page] end of it to the noſe of the head, and the lower end of it to the mouth of the Receiver; but you muſt remember to empty the water out of the veſſel, according as it grows hot, for to cool the liquor that is diſtilling; and to this end there muſt be a hole made at the bottom of the veſſel, to be ſtopt with a wooden ſtopple, which may be taken out, and put in again, as often as you would let out the water.

The Moor's head is a Copper cap tinn'd on the inſide, made like to a head. See the figure of it in the firſt Table.

Many Retorts of different ſizes are neceſſary in a Laboratory; thoſe which are of Earth are convenient for the diſtillation of Acid Spirits, becauſe they are able to endure the utmoſt degree of Fire, and will not melt as glaſs do. The Veſſels made of Earth have their pores as cloſe as glaſs it ſelf, and preſerve the Spirits as well. They who want Earthen Veſſels may coat their glaſs Retorts with the Lute that I ſhall deſcribe hereafter, that if the glaſs ſhould melt, when they are diſtilling Acid Spirits, the Lute may preſerve the matter ſafe.

Earthen, and Glaſs Cucurbits, with their heads, do ſerve for a great many Operations.

Matraſſes both great and ſmall, when they are fitted to the noſe of a Limbeck, are called Receivers; at other times we put things into them to digeſt: and they are alſo fit for ſublimations. When the neck of one Matraſs is put into the neck of another, they are called a double veſſel, and this is done when we deſire to circulate Spirits, but then the junctures muſt be very well luted.

[Page]You muſt alſo provide many large capacious Recipients for the Diſtillation of Acid Spirits by a Retort. They muſt be ſo very large, that the Spirits may have room to Circulate the better.

Lingots are Iron molds of divers ſhapes, into which melted Metals are wont to be poured, in order to harden in the form that we would have them. That which is uſed for the making Lapis infernalis muſt conſiſt of two pieces joined together with two little Iron rings, and the melted matter is poured into the upper part of it. See its figure in the ſecond Table.

Coppels are porous veſſels made in form of a cup, to be uſed for the trying and purifying of Gold and Silver. They are made of Aſhes well waſht, or of bones calcined. See their figure in the ſecond Table.

Aſhes deprived of their ſalts are rather uſed than others, for the compoſition of this ſort of veſſels, that they may be made the more porous, by ſuch deprivation. See the Chapter concerning Purification of Silver by the Coppel, and the Remarks upon it.

Many glaſs Funnels great and ſmall, Viols of glaſs, Crucibles, Pans, Mortars of glaſs or ſtone, or Marble or Iron, muſt not be forgotten.

Aludels muſt alſo have a place there; they are Pots without a bottom, joyned together, and are placed over another Pot with a whole in the middle, to ſerve for Sublimations.

Of Lutes.

[Page]

The Fire is often raiſed to ſo high a degree as will melt glaſs Retorts in a Reverberatory Furnace, wherefore it will be convenient to coat them over with ſuch a Lute, as when dry is able to preſerve and contain the matter that is put into them to be diſtill'd. This Lute may be made after the manner which follows.

Take Sand, the droſs of Iron, Potters earth in powder, of each five pounds, horſe-dung cut ſmall a pound, glaſs beaten into powder, and Sea-ſalt, of each four ounces, mix them all, and with a ſufficient quantity of water make a Paſte or Lute, with which you muſt coat the Retort all round, to half its neck, and ſo ſet it a drying. This ſame Lute will ſerve to ſtop cloſe the junctures of the neck of the Retort with the Recipient; but becauſe when it dries, it grows exceeding hard, and it proves difficult to unlute it, it is needful to wet it with wet clothes, when you would take the Retort aſunder from the Receiver.

The Lute that I commonly uſe my ſelf for ſuch occaſions, is compounded only of two parts of Sand, and one of clay tempered together with water.

As for the conjunction of Limbecks, ordinary Glue upon paper will ſerve turn: but when ſomething very ſpirituous is diſtilled, ſuch as the Spirit of Wine, uſe a wet Bladder, which carries a Glue along with it, that ſticks very well. But if the bladder happens to be eaten or corroded by [Page] the Spirits, have recourſe to the following Glue.

Take Flower, and Lime ſlackt, of each an ounce, Potters-earth in powder half an ounce, mix them, and make a moiſt Paſte with a ſufficient quantity of the Whites of Eggs well beaten before hand with a little water. This Paſte may likewiſe ſerve to ſtop the cracks that happen in glaſs veſſels, there muſt be three lays of the Paſte bound on with paper.

To Seal Hermetically, is to ſtop the mouth or neck of a Glaſs-Veſſel with a pair of Pincers heated red hot. To do this, the neck is heated by little and little with burning coals, and the fire is encreaſed and continued, until the Glaſs is ready to melt. This way of ſealing a Veſſel is uſed, when you have put ſome matter within it that is eaſie to be exalted, and you have a mind to make it Circulate.

Of the Degrees of Fire.

To make a Fire of the Firſt Degree, two or three coals lighted will ſuffice to raiſe a moſt gentle heat.

For the Fire of the ſecond degree, three or four coals will ſerve, to give ſuch a heat as is able ſenſibly to warm the Veſſel, but ſo as a hand may be able to endure it for ſome time.

For the Fire of the Third degree, you muſt cauſe heat enough to make a Pot boil, that is fill'd with five or ſix quarts of water.

[Page]For the Fourth Degree, you muſt uſe Coals and Wood together, enough to give the moſt extream heat of all.

The Fire of Sand, of the filings of Iron, and of Aſhes, is made, when the Veſſel that contains the matter that is to be heated is covered underneath and on all ſides with Sand, or the filings of Iron, or with Aſhes; this is done to heat the Veſſel the more gently.

All theſe Fires have their Degrees, but the Aſh-fire is the mildeſt, becauſe the Aſhes cannot contain ſo great a heat as the others.

The Reverberatory Fire is made in a cloſe Furnace, that the heat or flame which always tends upwards, may reverberate or return upon the Veſſel which is placed on two Iron bars. This fire hath its Degrees, but may be raiſed to a greater violence than the reſt.

The Wheel fire, for Fuſion, is made when with lighted coals you encompaſs all round a Crucible, that holds the matter you deſire to melt.

The Balneum Mariae is, when an Alembick containing the matter that is to be heated, is placed in a Veſſel filled with Water, under which the Fire is made; thus the water growing hot, heats the matter contained in the Alembick.

The Vaporous Bath is, when a Glaſs veſſel containing ſome Matter is heated by the vapour of hot water.

Explication of many Terms that are uſed in Chymiſtry.

[Page]

To Alcoholize, or reduce into Alcohol, ſignifies to Subtilize, as when a Mixt is beaten into an impalpable powder. This word is alſo uſed to expreſs a very pure Spirit; thus the Spirit of Wine well rectified is called the Alcohol of Wine.

Amalgamate is to mix Mercury with ſome melted Metal; this Operation ſerves to render the Metal fit to be extended on ſome Works, as Gold, or elſe to reduce it into a very ſubtile powder, which is done by putting the Amalgame into a Crucible over the Fire: for the Mercury ſubliming into the Air leaves the Metal in an impalpable powder; neither Iron nor Copper can by any means be Amalgamated.

Cement is a manner of purifying Gold. 'Tis done by ſtratification with a hard paſte made of one part of Salt Armoniack, two of common Salt, and four of Potters earth, or Bricks powdered, the whole having been moiſtned with a ſufficient quantity of Urine: this Compoſition is called Royal Cement.

Circulation is a motion given to liquors contained in a double veſſel, excited by fire, and cauſing the vapours to aſcend and deſcend to and fro. This operation tends either to ſubtilize the liquors, or to open ſome hard body that is mixed with them.

[Page] Coagulate, is to give a conſiſtence to liquids, by evaporating ſome part of them over the fire, or elſe by mixing liquors together that are of a different nature.

Cohobate ſignifies to repeat the Diſtillation of the ſame liquor, having poured it again upon the matter that remains in the Veſſel. This Operation is uſed to open Bodies, or to Volatilize the Spirits.

Congele, is to let ſome matter that is melted fix, or grow into a conſiſtence, as when we let a metal cool, after it has been melted in a Crucible; or elſe it is when wax, fat, butter, or the like, are taken from the fire and ſet to cool.

Detonation is a noiſe that is made when the Volatile parts of any mixture do ruſh forth with impetuoſity; it is alſo called Fulmination.

Digeſtion is, when ſome body is put to ſteep or infuſe in a convenient menſtruum, over a very gentle heat.

Diſſolve, is to turn ſome hard matter out of a hard into a liquid form, by means of a certain liquor.

To Diſtil per aſcenſum, is, when fire is put under the Veſſel that contains the matter which is to be heated.

To Diſtil per deſcenſum, is, when fire is placed over the matter that is to be heated; for then the moiſt parts being rarified, and the vapour which riſes from them not being able to ariſe away upwards as it would do if not hindred, it precipitates and diſtils at the bottom of the veſſel.

Edulcorate, is to ſweeten ſome matter, that is impregnated with Salts, by means of common water.

[Page] Extract, is to ſeparate the purer part from the groſſer.

Fermentation is an ebullition raiſed by the Spirits that endeavour to get out of a Body; for meeting with groſs earthy parts that oppoſe their paſſage, they ſwell and rarifie the liquour until they find their way out; Now in this ſeparation of parts, the Spirits do divide, ſubtilize and ſeparate the principles ſo, as to make the matter be of another nature than it was before.

Filtrate is to purifie a Liquor by paſſing it through a Coffin of brown paper.

Fumigate is to make one Body receive the Fume of another.

Granulate is to pour a melted Metal drop by drop into cold water, that it may congeal into grains.

Levigate is to reduce a hard Body into an impalpable powder upon a marble.

Mortifie is to change the outward form of a Mixt, as is done in Mercury. Alſo Spirits are ſaid to be Mortified, when they are mixed with others that hinder or deſtroy their ſtrength.

Precipitate is to ſeparate a matter that is diſſolved, ſo as to make it fall or ſettle at the bottom.

Rectifie is to Diſtil Spirits, for the ſeparation of what Heterogeneous parts might have been drawn along with them.

Reverberate is to cauſe the flame of the Wood or coals that's lighted in the Furnace, to beat back upon the Veſſel, by means of a Dome placed over it.

[Page] Revive is to reſtore a Mixt to its former condition that lies diſguiſed by Salts or Sulphurs. Thus Cinnabar, and the other preparations of Mercury are Revived into Quick-ſilver.

Stratifie is to lay different matters bed upon bed. This operation is performed when we would Calcine a Mineral or Metal with a Salt, or ſome other matter.

Sublime is to raiſe by Fire any Volatile matter to the top of the Cucurbit, or into its Head.

THE FIRST PART. Of Minerals.

[Page]

[Page]

WHatſoever is found Petrified in the Earth, or upon the Earth is called Mineral.

Petrification is made by a Coagulation of acid or ſalt waters, that are found in the pores of the Earth.

This Petrification differs according to the divers diſpoſitions, or different nature of the Earth, and according to the time that Nature uſes in its perfection.

The growth of Minerals proceeds from an accumulation, or from ſeveral veins of congeled Waters, that do as it were glue together, and theſe veins are the cauſe that all the adjacent parts have their Sinus, and meetings a travers one another, and not running directly downwards.

Theſe Sinus, like ſo many joints, are of great help to Labourers to cut in the Quarries; for by thoſe cavities the ſtones are in great meaſure ſeparated before hand, whereas 'twould be extream hard working them out, if nature had not ſo concurred.

The growth of Minerals is very different from that of Vegetables, and Animals; for whereas the [Page] former does happen through an agglutination of congeled waters, as I have ſaid; the latter is performed by means of juices that inſinuate and ſpread in the veſſels and fibres, that Animals and Plants do conſiſt of.

Metals do differ from other Minerals in being malleable, which the others are not.

They are counted ſeven, Gold, Silver, Iron, Tinn, Copper, Lead, and Quickſilver, this laſt is not malleable of it ſelf, but is ſo mingled with the others; and becauſe this is thought to be the Seed of Metals, it is numbred with the reſt.

Aſtrologers have conceited that there was ſo great an affinity and correſpondence between the Seven Metals before named, and the ſeven Planets, that nothing hapned to the one, but the others ſhared in it; they made this correſpondence to happen through an infinite number of little bodies that paſs to and from each of them; and they ſuppoſe theſe corpuſcles to be ſo figured that they can eaſily paſs through the pores of the Planet and Metal they repreſent, but cannot enter into other bodies becauſe their pores are not figured properly to receive them; or elſe if they do chance to get admittance into other bodies, they can't fix and ſtay there to contribute any nouriſhment; for they do imagine that the Metal is nouriſhed and perfected by the Influence that comes from its Planet, and ſo the Planet again the ſame from the Metal.

For theſe reaſons they have given theſe ſeven Metals the name of the ſeven Planets, each accordingly as they are governed: and ſo have called Gold the Sun, Silver the Moon, Iron Mars, Quickſilver[Page]Mercury, Tinn Jupiter, Copper Venus, and Lead Saturn.

They have likewiſe fancied that each of theſe Planets has his day apart to diſtribute liberally his Influence on our Hemiſphere; and ſo they tell us that if we work upon Silver on Munday, Iron on Tueſday, and ſo of the reſt, we ſhall attain our end much better than on other days.

Again they have taught us that the ſeven Planets do every one govern ſome particular principal part of our bodies; and becauſe the Metals do repreſent the Planets, they muſt needs be mighty ſpecifick in curing the diſtempers of thoſe parts, and keeping them in good plight. Thus they have aſſigned the Heart to Gold, the Head to Silver, the Liver to Iron, the Lungs to Tinn, the Reins to Copper, and the Spleen to Lead.

Thus you ſee in ſhort what ſome of the moſt ſober Aſtrologers do fancy concerning Metals, and they draw conſequences from hence, which 'twould be too long here to relate. I have told you what the ſobereſt among them ſay; for nothing can be ſo abſurd as what ſome of them would have us believe.

'Tis no hard matter to diſprove theſe conceits, and ſhew how groundleſs they are; for no body ever yet got near enough to the Planets, to ſatisfie himſelf whether they are really of the ſame nature with Metals, or whither any Effluviums of bodies do fall from them to us.

Nevertheleſs if we could be ſatisfied that Experience did confirm what theſe perſons have offered to maintain, we might then have ſome reaſon to think there were ſome likelihood in their [Page] doctrine, although their principles were found to be altogether falſe; but in truth there's nothing to confirm their Opinion, and we find it every day plain enough, that the Faculties and Virtues are utterly falſe, which they do attribute to the Planets and Metals; the Metals indeed are of good uſe in Phyſick, and excellent Remedies may be drawn from them; but their effects may better be explicated by Cauſes nearer at hand than the Stars.

CHAP. I. Of Gold.

GOLD is moſt eſteemed among the ſeven Metals, becauſe it is more perfect, more weighty, and is thought to receive the influence of the moſt glorious body among the Stars, which is the Sun. It is alſo called the King of Metals, for the ſame reaſon; it is a matter the moſt compact of any, malleable, unequal in its parts; inſomuch that Pores of different figures are obſerved in it, when it is viewed with a good Microſcope.

Gold is found in Mines in ſeveral places, both in Europe, and other parts of the world; it is uſually attended with Water and very hard ſtones, ſuch as are extream hard to dig; there are likewiſe [Page] with ſeveral ſtones that contain particles of Gold, ſuch as are called Golden Marcaſſites, the Lapis Lazuli, and Lapis Armenus.

Gold will ſpread under the hammer more than any other Metall; it is beaten into leaves exceeding fine, for the uſe of Gilders, and to be uſed occaſionally in Phyſick; they will eaſily mix in compoſitions, and with powders.

Covetouſneſs that has always prevailed on the minds of mankind has not left the Chymiſts without continual hopes of making Gold by their Art, they have conceited that the production of Gold was the End that Nature always aims at in all her Mines, and that ſhe's hindred in her deſign, as oft as ſhe produces other Metals which are called Imperfect.

And upon this fancy they have ſpared no time, nor pains, nor coſt, in exalting and perfecting theſe other Metals, and turning them into Gold; this is that which they call the Grand Operation of all, or the ſearch after the Philoſophers ſtone.

Some of them to compaſs their end do make a mixture of theſe metals with ſuch other matters as ſerve to purifie them from their groſſer parts, and work their Preparations with great fires, others do put them a Digeſting in Spirituous liquors, in imitation of Nature that always uſes a gentle Heat in her Operations, and ſo do reduce them into a ſtate of Corruption, to draw thereby their Mercury, which they think to have the apteſt diſpoſition to make Gold. Others again do ſearch after the ſeed of Gold, in Gold it ſelf, and theſe make no doubt to find it there, as the ſeed of a Vegetable is more likely to be found in the Vegetable it ſelf [Page] than otherwhere; in order to this they open the body of Gold by proper Diſſolvents, then ſet it a digeſting either by a Lamp-fire, or the heat of the Sun, or that of Dung, or ſome other degree of Fire, to be kept all along at an equal height, and ſuch as is neareſt to a Natural heat, and this to draw out the Mercury of Gold; for they are perſwaded that if they could once obtain this ſame Mercury, ſowing it in the Earth, it would bring forth Gold, as certainly as a ſeed does a Plant.

Another ſort of theſe men do take wonderful pains to find out the ſeed of Gold in Minerals, as in Antimony for example, thinking there's a ſulphur and Mercury in it as like to thoſe in Gold as can be. Others hope to find it out in Vegetables, and things that come from them, as in Honey, Manna, Sugar, Wine, Roſa ſolis, Roſemary, Spleenwort. And others purſue after it in Animals, and in their Gums, Bloud, Urin. But the moſt Curious and delicate of all, who think all the reſt but Fools in compariſon with them, do hunt after the ſeed of Gold in the Sun, and in the Dew; for the wiſdom of Aſtrologers has found out that the Sun is a Body all of Gold melted in the Center of the World, and Coppel'd by the fire of the ſtars that environ it about; nay they dare affirm that this ſame Gold when it was a purifying did ſparkle as Gold does in the Coppel.

I ſhould never make an end of this ſubject, if I ſhould ſpeak of the labours, and pains, watchings, vexations and frettings, and eſpecially the coſt theſe unfortunate men do plunge themſelves into, in following their ſeveral fancies; they are ſo [Page] extremely prepoſſeſſed with the conceit of becoming Rich all of a ſudden, that they are altogether uncapable of any ſober admonition, and they ſhut their ears to any thing that can be ſaid to diſabuſe them; ſo that all other Philoſophers, that are not beſotted with their fantaſtical opinions, are by them thought and called Prophane, reſerving to themſelves the name of the only True Philoſophers, or Philoſophers paramount.

But the ſaddeſt conſideration of all is, to ſee a great many of them, who have ſpent all the flower of their years, in this deſperate concern, in which nevertheleſs they pertinaciouſly run on, and conſume all they have, at laſt inſtead of recompence for their miſerable fatigues, reduced to the loweſt degree of poverty. Penotus will ſerve us for an inſtance of this nature, among thouſands of others, he died a hundred years old wanting but two, in the Hoſpital of Yverdon in Switzerland, and he uſed to ſay before he died, having ſpent his whole life in vainly ſearching after the Philoſophers ſtone, that if he had a mortal Enemy he did not dare to encounter openly, he would adviſe him above all things to give up himſelf to the Study and Practice of Alchymy.

This man did indeed at laſt perceive his error and folly, and did acknowledge that he had ſpent his time moſt unfortunately and idly; but there are few men who prove ſo ingenuous as to do ſo; for they think that their honour is concerned in maintaining whatever error they have once openly defended, and they are quite aſhamed to have it believed, that they had laboured in vain, ſo long, and ſpent their ſubſtance in an enterprize [Page] that had not good probability of ſucceſs.

Many of them to avoid ſuch reproaches, and to make the world believe that they have found out ſome realities, and eſpecially to engage ſome particular perſon, they have deſigns upon, to joyn with them in the purſuit of their projects, have contrived a great many cheating Legerdemain tricks, ſome with the pretended Powder of Projection, others with their Aurum Potabile, ſome by fixing Mercury with Copper, or Verdegreeſe, laſtly others with Cinnaber, which they turn into Silver.

They ſay for themſelves that their Powder of Projection is the Seed of Gold it ſelf, which ſeed has the faculty of multiplying or encreaſing the Gold, when ſome ſmall quantity of it is uſed. And to give a proof of their skill, they put ſome melted Gold over the fire, then they caſt a little of their powder into it, they ſtir about the matter with a rod of iron, or ſome other metal, then they caſt their Gold into an iron mold, and it proves to have received a conſiderable augmentation. At firſt this Experiment ſurprizes ſtrangely the ſpectators, and they are ready to cry out, a Miracle, a Miracle. Then ſome are greedy to buy this Powder of Projection, but the Artiſt will not part with it, unleſs he is paid dearly for it. The purchaſer thinks he has now got the Bird ſure in the neſt, he runs in haſte home to make multiplication of his Gold, he melts it, flings in the powder, ſtirs the matter about, laſtly, he obſerves the ſame circumſtances he had ſeen obſerved before, but at laſt finds that his Gold has made no increaſe [Page] of its weight. Then he thinks he failed in ſome thing that was to have been done, and ſo begins the Operation again, once, or twice, but all in vain, he poor man can make no Augmentation, and finds too late that he has been wretchedly impoſed upon. Now the myſtery of this egregious knavery was thus:

He that ſtirs the matter, is privately provided with ſeveral ſmall pieces of Gold, to convey dextrouſly into the Crucible, or Coppel, at different times, ſo cunningly that none of the Aſſiſtants does at all perceive it; but when he finds that he is too narrowly obſerved, and foreſees that it will be too hard for him to ſlip in any more Gold to that which is melted, without being diſcovered, he then takes a rod of iron or copper, in the end of which he has inlaid Gold ſo as it may not be diſcovered, and then ſtirs about the melted Gold with this artificial rod. The copper or iron melts, and with it the other Gold mixes with the reſt, and ſo makes an Augmentation. Now if any body demands what is become of the end of the rod, he anſwers as plainly enough appears, that it is ſeparated into droſs, for copper cannot mix with the body of Gold. And if we ſhould examine further into the Powder of Projection, we ſhould find that it is only Quick-ſilver in Powder, or ſome ſuch matter, that conſumes away by the heat of the fire, or elſe turns into droſs.

Their Aurum Potabile which they crack with ſo loud, and which they ſell at ſo dear a price, is commonly nothing elſe but a tincture of ſome Vegetable or Mineral, whoſe colour comes near to that of Gold, and becauſe this Tincture is prepared [Page] with ſome ſpirituous Menſtruum, it ſometimes cauſes a breathing ſweat. Now this diaphoretick effect they never fail to attribute unto Gold, which yet generally is no occaſion of it. This ſame cheat of theirs is none of the leaſt that they uſe to get by, for in point of Medicins, abundance of people prove extreme credulous, and eſpecially when an Ʋniverſal medicine is talk'd of, ſuch as they pretend their Aurum Potabile to be. Now I ſhall ſhew in the ſequel, that the buſineſs of Aurum Potabile is in reality a mere Chimaera.

They prepare their Mercury by fixing its body with Verdegreeſe, and thus they prepare a matter that comes very near to the colour of Gold; for the Verdegreeſe, which is a kind of Copper does give the Mercury a yellow colour, and for fear it ſhould not be coloured high enough to their purpoſe, they colour it with Turmerick, or ſome ſuch thing of the like quality: and now they will needs perſwade the world that they have performed the feat, even of making Gold; but if a man will never ſo little examine this pretended Gold by the Coppel, the whole flies away in fumes, as quicksilver does commonly uſe to do. Now if after ſuch trial a man tells them, that their Gold is all gone into the air, they anſwer for themſelves, that indeed this Gold had not received its laſt Fixation, but that the main buſineſs of it being thus atchieved, they make no doubt by working a little longer upon it they ſhall ſoon find out the way of fixing it wholly, and bringing it to its laſt perfection.

But again, if they could fix their matter ſo as to make it reſiſt and undergo the Coppel (which is a thing in a manner impoſſible) ſtill they would [Page] not be able to maintain their Aſſertion that they had made Gold; for there are ſeveral other trials that their matter muſt be able to paſs, ſuch as the diſſolution by Aqua Regalis, the Depart, the being malleable, the weight of its ſubſtance, without all which qualifications it can never be properly called Gold.

Moreover they have a way of turning Cinnaber into Silver, and this contrivance is full of curioſity. And thus they uſe to do it:

They ſtratifie Cinnaber groſly bruiſed in a Crucible, with Silver in grains: they ſet the Crucible in a great fire, and after ſome time for its Calcination they take it off, and pour the matter into a baſon, and then they ſhew the Cinnaber, pretending it to be turn'd into true Silver, although the forefaid grains do remain in the form they had before. Hence they conclude the poſſibility of Tranſmutation of metals, becauſe the Mercury of the Cinnaber is turned into Silver, whereas the Silver did remain as it was before.

This Experiment amazes people much, and it is hard to ſee thoſe ſame pieces of Cinnaber, which were put into the Crucible before them, chang'd from Mercury into pure ſilver, without inclining to believe an Augmentation of this laſt metal; nay, many conclude that there remains no longer doubt of it. And men continue poſſeſt with this error, until ſome body has the curioſity of examining the granulated ſilver, and then the abuſe begins to be diſcovered, for it is found to be exceeding light, and if it be preſt between the hands, it cruſhes in pieces as eaſily as membranes. The Augmentation comes to be no longer believ'd, [Page] when the grained pellicles are weighed with the pieces of Cinnaber, for the whole weighs no more than the ſilver in grain did before it was put into the Crucible. Laſtly, it muſt of neceſſity happen (which appears very ſtrange) that the Mercury does firſt Amalgamate with the ſilver, that it conveighs this ſilver into the pieces of Cinnaber, and then being evaporated over the fire, it leaves the ſilver all alone.

I could here relate divers other ſubtle inventions of Alchymiſts, by which they too often impoſe on ſuch as have plenty of mony, to make them become fellow-partners with them in their Operations; but I ſhould prove too tedious on this ſubject, I have only toucht upon them by the by, in order to diſabuſe ſuch men as are prepoſſeſt with an opinion of the Tranſmutation of metals.

Although I cannot abſolutely deny, but that ſome certain Artiſt, by a particular method, might have got the way of making Gold heretofore, nor that ſome body may be as lucky in time to come; yet there is more appearance of Impoſſibility than poſſibility in the caſe, becauſe of the ſmall knowledge that any of us have of the Natural Compoſition of this mixt; for ſeeing that Gold as well as Silver is drawn from Mines environed with Waters, it is very probable that theſe Waters do bring along with them ſome Saline Principles that congele and incorporate in Earths of a particular compoſition, and whoſe Pores are diſpoſed in ſuch a manner as 'tis impoſſible for Art to imitate. Nevertheleſs in order to make Gold, a perfect knowledge of the Salts that the Waters of the Mines do convey, is very requiſite as well as the [Page] diſpoſition of the Matrixes or Earths in which they do congele. Wherefore a man muſt be ſoundly prejudiced, before he can believe that by the help of artificial fires, he can concoct metals ſo as to turn them into Gold.

As for the Mercury which men pretend to draw out of Minerals and Metals, and which they believe to be the ſeminal principle of Gold, it is a thing meerly imaginary; for firſt of all, it is a great queſtion and may be doubted, whether there be any Mercury in thoſe metallick matters wherein it is ſought after, but if we ſhould ſuppoſe it in them, what reaſon ſhall we have to make it be the ſeed of Gold? we can no ways find that Mercury is able to produce Gold, nay further, as I ſaid before, the growth of metals and minerals is quite of another nature than that of Vegetables.

Now ſay they, the ſeed of Gold is communicated unto all bodies, and that it does abound in the Univerſal Spirit. And becauſe Manna, Dew, Hony, are impregnated with this Spirit, that Gold may by Art be drawn out of thoſe ſubſtances.

We grant unto them, that the Univerſal Spirit does contain an Acid which ſerves towards the production of Gold, becauſe the acid waters or ſalts which do enter into the compoſition of this metal, do proceed from the Univerſal Spirit; but if you go to call this acid a ſeed, it will prove to be the ſeed of all other mixt bodies as well as that of Gold, and there's no more reaſon for thinking that the Univerſal Spirit does abound in the ſeed of Gold, than in the ſeed of the groſſeſt metal, or the moſt unuſeful plant, or the moſt contemptible of animals; ſo that we may conclude, that to ſpend [Page] ones time in making of Gold, ſeems properly to loſe it by working in the dark, and I find that Alchymy has been very well defined to be, Ars fine arte, cujus principium mentiri, medium laborare, & finis mendicare, an Art without any Art, whoſe beginning is Lying, whoſe middle is nothing but Labour, and whoſe end is Beggery.

Gold is a good Remedy for thoſe who have taken too much Mercury; for theſe two Metals do eaſily unite together, and by this union or Amalgamation the Mercury fixes, and its motion is interrupted. This is plainly enough perceived in ſuch as have received the Frictions with Mercury; for if they do but hold a piece of Gold in their mouth a little, it will grow white by the vapour of the Quicksilver.

Gold taken inwardly is thought to be a moſt potent Cordial, becauſe Aſtrologers tell us it receives its Influence from the Sun, which is as it were the Heart of the world, and by the communication of thoſe Influences to the heart, it ſerves to fortifie and cleanſe it from all impurities; upon which ground a great many Operations have been invented in order to open this Metal, and ſeparate its Sulphur from its ſalt. Moreover this Operation by way of bravery is called Aurum Potabile, becauſe this ſalt or this Sulphur diſſolving in a Liquor, can be taken by way of Potion: And becauſe this Aurum Potabile can be thought to be diſtributed into all parts of the body, they fancy it can drive out every thing that interrupts the Functions of Nature, that it can free him that takes it from all fear of any Diſeaſes for a long time, and can prolong life.

[Page]But this Opinion is built upon a weak foundation, and Experience does not confirm any of theſe glorious effects; for what aſſurance can we have, or what Evidence is there, that the Sun is ſuch a great friend of Gold, or that it beſtows more Influence on it, than on other mixt bodies; it is a thing that can never be prov'd, and we fee that the Sun caſts its light and heat in general upon all bodies, without making any difference. Who can underſtand, that the Pores of Gold are ſo diſpoſed, as to have a greater facility of retaining the Suns Influences, than other metals or things? This will be full as hard to prove as the other.

But though we ſhould grant Aſtrologers this ſuppoſition concerning the Suns Influence on Gold, the conſequence they draw from it, that therefore it Fortifies the heart, would be ne're a-whit the truer; for all that we are able to apprehend in Gold is, that it is a moſt compact and weighty body, the union of whoſe Principles is extraordinary cloſe; which is proved from hence, that no Art can inſtruct us to diſſolve it Radically, ſo as to ſeparate its ſalt, and its ſulphur. This Gold being beaten into the thinneſt Leaves that can be imagined, and taken inwardly receives not the leaſt change in our bodies, and is voided the very ſame it was before, excepting when Quicksilver has been taken beforehand, for it unites with that, as I have ſaid.

Wherefore we muſt conclude, that if Gold has received more Influence from the Sun than other Metals, yet it is never the fitter to diſſolve in our Bodies, nor to produce thoſe rare effects that are talkt of.

[Page]I know that ſtories are told to prove, that Gold does communicate virtue to the bodies of thoſe who have taken it, and that it loſes in the body ſome of its quantity; and among other ſtories 'tis ſaid, that ſeveral perſons, who had fed upon Capons, nouriſhed with a Paſte made of a mixture of Vipers fleſh and Gold together, have been cured that way of ſeveral Diſeaſes; but there's a great deal more reaſon to attribute this effect rather to the Vipers than Gold; for we know by experience that Vipers taken inwardly without any thing elſe, do uſe to produce divers ſenſible effects, whereas we obſerve none at all in Gold, when 'tis given alone.

As for the diminution they imagine of Gold in bodies, they prove it by their gathering together all the Excrements of thoſe Capons, and Calcining them, for they could obtain again but the fourth part of the Gold that was uſed in the Paſte the Capons had fed upon. But this proof is as weak as the former; for the Excrements of the Capons being full of a Volatile Salt, that Salt may have Volatiliz'd and carried away the greateſt part of the Gold during the Calcination, after the ſame manner as we ſee ſeveral Volatile liquors to ſublime Gold. I know well enough by my own Experience, that there are ſuch Volatiles as are able to ſublime Gold; for having one day mixed three ounces of Gold with about three pounds of matter conſiſting of divers Volatile ingredients, I put the mixture about a month afterwards into the Coppel, and the Gold appeared very reſplendent in the middle of the mixture; but blowing, as we uſe to do, in its purification, I was aſtoniſhed to ſee it Exalt away by little and little into the air, until there was not a grain of it left.

[Page]Thus no body can be aſſured that Gold did nouriſh thoſe Capons; but beſides, though ſome of it ſhould be diſſolved in the body, as it does in Aqua Regalis, which is very hard to conceive; though ſome of it ſhould exalt, nay though ſome ſhould plainly glitter in the Chyle, here's no proof nevertheleſs that it produces ſuch wonderful effects.

Now although I have aſſerted that Gold taken alone does not receive any change as for health, yet I value very much ſeveral preparations of Gold made with Spirits; for 'tis theſe Spirits that give certain determinations to Gold according to their nature, and make it operate as it does. When I ſpeak of Aurum Fulminans, I ſhall give an inſtance of what I now ſay.

Purification of Gold.

To Purifie Gold is to ſeparate from it the other Metals which are mixed with it.

Put as much Gold as you pleaſe into a Crucible, make it red hot, and when it begins to melt, caſt into it four times as much Antimony in powder, the Gold will preſently melt; continue a ſtrong Fire, until you perceive the Matter to ſparkle.

Then take your Crucible out of the Fire and knock it, that the Regule may fall to the bottom. Break it when it is cold, and ſeparate the Regule from the droſs that remains a top of it. If you have a mind to ſave your Crucible, pour out the matter that lies in Fuſion into an Iron Mortar made like a Founders Mould, which you ſhall have heated a little and greaſed before-hand, then ſtrike about [Page] the Mortar with pincers, till the matter ſettles in a Maſs.

Let this Maſs cool a little, then flinging it out, ſeparate the Golden Regule from the droſs. Weigh this Regule, melt it again in a Crucible over a ſtrong Fire, and when it ſhall come to melt, throw into it by little and little three times as much Salt-peter: continue a good ſtrong Fire, that the matter may remain in Fuſion, and when the Fumes are all gone, and it appears clear and clean, caſt it into your Iron Mortar warm'd and greas'd as I ſaid but now, or elſe leave it in the Crucible that you ſhall beat while it is cooling, for the ſeparation of the Regule from the Droſs that remains a top, and your Golden Regule will prove perfectly pure.

Remarks.

The ordinary way of purifying Gold is the Coppel, in which the ſame method is uſed that I ſhall ſpeak of in the Purification of Silver. But the Coppel not being able to ſeparate Silver from Gold, recourſe is had to another Operation, that is called the Depart.

Melt three parts of Silver with one part of Gold, in a Crucible over a good Fire, and when this mixture is in Fuſion, caſt it into cold water, and it condenſes into Grains, which being dried, a ſeparation of the Silver from the Gold is made by the means of Aqua fortis; for this Menſtruum diſſolves Silver very well, but the Gold remains in powder at the bottom of the Veſſel, for the [Page] reaſon that I ſhall relate in the Chapter of Aqua Regalis. The Diſſolution of Silver is poured off by Inclination, then the Powder of Gold is waſhed to be made ſweet.

But it often happens that ſome particles of the Silver do ſtill remain united with the Gold, ſo that this Purification cannot be ſaid to be altogether perfect.

There is another method of Purifying Gold, to wit, Cementation, which is thus performed.

Stratifie in a Crucible thin plates of Gold, with a dry paſte, that is called Cement, in which the Salts Gemma and Armoniack do enter; cover the Crucible, and having made a fire round about it, Calcine the matter for ten or twelve hours with a violent heat, that the Salts may eat and conſume the impurities of the Gold: but nevertheleſs they often leave it ſtill impregnated with other Metals.

The Purification at Gold by the means of Antimony is better than any other; for there is nothing but Gold that is able to make reſiſtance againſt this devourer; it often eats ſome portion of it, but never leaves it in any other Metal.

You muſt remember to lay a Tile under the Crucible, for fear that the air which comes by the Aſhhole, ſhould happen to cool the bottom of the Crucible.

Gold preſently melts as ſoon as Antimony is caſt into the Crucible, by reaſon that Antimony contains ſome Saline Sulphurs, which do encreaſe the force of the Fire, and do ſeparate the parts of this Metal; it is then that the more porous and volatile part uniting with the Antimony, one part evaporates away in Smoke, and the other remains fixt in the Droſs.

[Page]The ſparkles which toward the end do fly out of the matter do proceed from ſome Particles of Antimony, which finding themſelves intangled in the Gold do uſe violence to get out.

Then take your matter off the Fire that it may loſe none of its ſubſtance, and pour it into an Iron Mortar as I ſaid before. After this the Regule is melted once more, and Salt-peter caſt into it to abſorb or receive all the Antimony that may yet remain, and ſo by this means you have a Regule as well purified as may be, and even that of four and twenty Caratts, if there be any ſuch Gold.

A Carat of Gold is properly the weight of one Scruple, or four and twenty grains, and four and twenty Caratts make an ounce.

If you take an ounce of Gold, and find that it loſes not a jot in the Purifications that may be made of it, this is called Gold of four and twenty Caratts; if it be found to have diminiſhed but one Caratt, then it is ſaid to be Gold of three and twenty Caratts; if it loſes two Caratts, then it is Gold of two and twenty Caratts, and ſo of the reſt. But it is commonly held that there is no ſuch thing to be found as Gold of four and twenty Caratts, becauſe there is none but contains ſome ſmall proportion of Silver, or Copper, purifie it as much as you will.

Red Gold is the leſs valuable, becauſe it contains the more Copper, which gives it this colour; the Yellow is the better, and it ought to remain Yellow, even whilſt it is in the fire.

A Caratt of Pearls, Diamonds, and other precious ſtones, is but four grains.

Amalgamation of Gold with Mercury, and its reduction into an impalpable Powder.

[Page]

To Amalgamate Gold is to mix it with Quickſilver.

Take a Drachm of the Regule of Gold, beat it into very thin little Plates, which you muſt heat in a Crucible red hot in a large Fire; then pour upon it an ounce of Quicksilver revived from Cinnaber, as I ſhall ſhew hereafter; ſtir the matter with a little Iron-rod, and when you find it begin to raiſe a fume which quickly happens, caſt your mixture into an Earthen Pan fill'd with Water, it will coagulate, and become tractable; waſh it ſeveral times to take away its blackneſs; thus you have an Amalgame, from which you muſt ſeparate the Mercury that you find not united, by preſſing it a little between your fingers in a linnen cloth. The Gold retains about thrice its weight in Mercury.

Now to reduce this Gold into Powder, you muſt put this Amalgame into a Crucible over a gentle fire, the Mercury will evaporate into the Air, and leave the Gold at bottom in an impalpable Powder.

Remarks.

Mercury doth eaſily penetrate Gold, and inſinuating into its Pores makes a ſoft matter that is called Amalgame; it doth the ſame with other Metals [Page] too, except Iron and Copper, which are too ill digeſted to receive its impreſſion.

The Amalgamation of Gold is uſeful to Gilders, for ſo it is eaſily extended upon their works.

Aurum Fulminans, called Saffron of Gold.

This Operation is a Gold impregnated with ſome Spirits, which cauſe it to give a loud crack, when it is ſet over the Fire.

Take what quantity you pleaſe of Gold beaten into thin plates, put it into a Viol, or Matraſs, and pour upon it by little and little three or four times as much Aqua Regalis compounded after the manner I ſhall ſhew in its proper place. Set the Matraſs upon Sand a little heated, until the Aqua Regalis has diſſolved as much of the Gold as it is able to contain, which you will know by the ceaſing of the ebullitions, pour your ſolution into a Glaſs-veſſel of five or ſix times as much common Water. Afterwards drop into this mixture by degrees the Volatile Spirit of Salt Armoniack, or the Oyl of Tartar made by Deliquium or Solution, you'l find the Gold precipitate to the bottom of the Glaſs. Let it alone a good while to ſettle, that all the Gold may fall down, then pouring off the Water by Inclination waſh your powder with warm Water, till it grows inſipid, and ſo dry it in Paper at a gentle fire, becauſe it is apt to fire, and the Powder would fly away with a terrible noiſe.

If you uſe one drachm of Gold, you will obtain four ſcruples of Aurum Fulminans well dried.

[Page] Aurum Fulminans cauſes ſweat, and drives out ill humors by Tranſpiration. It may be given in the Small Pox from two to ſix grains in a Lozenge, or Electuary. It ſtops Vomiting, and is alſo good to moderate the activity of Mercury.

Remarks.

The Plates of Gold are made uſe of in this Operation, that its diſſolution may be more eaſily performed.

You muſt pour the Aqua Regalis by little and little, to avoid the great efferveſcency that might be able to drive it out of the Matraſs. The efferveſcency proceeds from the violent diviſion of the particles of Gold by the Aqua Regalis; for when it finds no more bodies to act upon, having divided the Gold into as many parts as 'tis poſſible, the ebullition ceaſes, and though the Gold doth all remain in the Aqua Regalis, it becomes ſo imperceptible to us, as it ſeems the Water hath not changed from what it was before, it appears ſo very clear and tranſparent. Indeed the ſolution has received a Golden colour, and becomes yellow.

The diſſolution of Gold is a ſuſpenſion of this metal in Phlegm, made by the edges of Aqua Regalis. For it is not enough that the Aqua Regalis does divide the Gold into ſubtle parts, but it is further requiſite that its edges do hold up the Gold, as if it were like ſo many Finns, otherwiſe it would always fall to the bottom in a powder, though it were never ſo ſubtle.

[Page]Now 'tis objected that the particles of Gold ſhould fall to the bottom of the liquor, becauſe they being joined to the points of the Aqua Regalis they are become more heavy than they were before; for the union or adhaeſion of two bodies does cauſe a greater weight, than when the two bodies were ſeparated one from the other.

I anſwer, that we ought to conceive the particles of Gold being ſuſpended or held up in the Phlegm by the acid points, much after the manner as we do conceive very well, that a ſmall piece of metal fixed to a ſtaff or a plank, will ſwim with the wood in the water; for although the ſmall piece of metal ſinks to the bottom when it is alone, yet it ſwims when it is affixed to the wood; the acid edges are bodies exceeding light in compariſon with the particles of Gold, and they have likewiſe their ſuperficies, more extended, and conſequently do take up more room in the phlegm; this is that which holds them up, and cauſes them to ſwim.

The Oyl of Tartar, or the Spirit of Salt Armoniack is uſed for the Precipitation of Gold, becauſe both thoſe Liquors do contain an Alkali Salt, which being mixed with Acids muſt cauſe a Fermentation. Now in this Fermentation the parts of Aqua Regalis that held up the particles of Gold do grow weak, and having no more force to retain them longer, they muſt needs precipitate by their own weight.

Perhaps ſome may find a difficulty in comprehending how the Volatile Spirit of Salt Armoniack ſhould come to weaken the Aqua Regalis, that is it ſelf compounded of Salt Armoniack; but [Page] there will be no difficulty at all, when they ſhall conſider that the force of the Aqua Regalis doth not ſo much depend on the volatile part of the Salt Armoniack, as on the Sea-ſalt, that is in good ſtore in it united with the Aqua Fortis; for Sea-ſalt, or Sal Gemma, may be ſubſtituted very well in the place of Salt Armoniack for making Aqua Regalis, as I ſhall obſerve hereafter, ſpeaking of the compoſition of this Water. It may be alſo enquired here, why the Diſſolvents do quit the bodies they held before in Diſſolution, to betake themſelves to ſome other: for example, why the Aqua Regalis leaves the Gold it was impregnated with, to give way to the Alkali Salt. This queſtion is one of the moſt difficult to reſolve well, of any in Natural Philoſophy.

Nevertheleſs, I'le give you my opinion of what can be ſaid moſt ſenſibly on this Subject.

I do ſuppoſe that when the Aqua Regalis hath acted upon the Gold, ſo as to diſſolve it, the points or edges that enabled it to do ſo, are fixed in the particles of Gold. But ſeeing that theſe little bodies are very hard, and conſequently hard to penetrate, theſe points do enter but very ſuperficially, yet far enough to ſuſpend the particles of Gold, and hinder them from precipitating. Wherefore if you would add never ſo much Gold, more, when theſe points have ſeized upon as much as they are able to joyn with, they cannot poſſibly diſſolve one grain more; and it is this ſuſpenſion that renders the particles of Gold imperceptible. But now if you add ſome body that by its motion and figure is able to engage the acids enough to break them, the particles of Gold being left at [Page] liberty will precipitate by their own weight. And this is what I conceive the Oyl of Tartar, and Volatile Alkali Spirits are able to do. They are impregnated with very Active Salts, which finding bodies at reſt do preſently move them, and by the quickneſs of their motion do ſhake them ſo violently, as to break the points by which they were ſuſpended; theſe fragments of little points being thus diſengaged from the Gold, are ſtill keen enough to act, and they have action enough remaining to pierce and divide violently the parts of Alkali Salts, which are much more ſoluble in their nature than Gold, and this occaſions the Ebullition which preſently happens when theſe Spirits are poured upon the Diſſolution.

Theſe edges then being thus broken, two things muſt follow thereupon. The firſt is that the remaining Aqua Regalis is rendred uncapable of diſſolving any more Gold, becauſe it hath no more power left of making a penetration. The ſecond is, that the precipitated Powder of Gold is impregnated with ſome part of the Diſſolvent, by reaſon that the ſharpeſt part of theſe edges remains within it.

Experience teaches us both the one and the other: to wit, the force of the Aqua Regalis is quite deſtroyed for diſſolving any more Gold, and the precipitated Powder hath drawn along with it ſome Spirits that are ſo cloſely lockt up, that though it be ſeveral times waſht in warm Water, they cannot poſſibly be diſengaged from their hold. And this is evident, when it is put upon the Fire; for the great Detonation, or noiſe that it makes, cannot proceed from any thing elſe, but the incloſed [Page] Spirits which violently divide the moſt compact body of Gold to get out quickly, when they are forced to it by the action of Fire.

I can here explicate by the by, after the ſame manner, the action of a certain Powder, conſiſting of three parts of Niter, two parts of Salt of Tartar, and one part of Sulphur. This Powder being heated in a Spoon to the weight of a Drachm, gives as Thundering a noiſe as a Cannon it ſelf. Now the fixt Salt of Tartar cauſes in this Powder what the Gold did in the other; that is to ſay, it retains the Spirits of Niter and Sulphur ſo lockt up, that they cannot be ſeparated without violently breaking their Priſon; and this is that which makes ſuch a noiſe.

Aurum Fulminans taken inwardly cauſes ſweat, becauſe the heat of the Body volatiliſes it, and drives it through the Pores. Now if the Pores are very open, it will only cauſe an inſenſible tranſpiration: but if they are cloſed up by the coldneſs of the weather, ſo that it muſt remain ſome time before it paſſes; the vaporous humidity which bears it company, diſſolves upon the skin into what we call ſweat.

Some think the Gold contributes nothing at all to theſe tranſpirations, and that the ſpirit of Niter alone being forced by the heat of the body to paſs through its Pores cauſes all the action. But I conceive it is more likely that theſe ſpirits do carry along with them ſome parts of the Gold, with which they are ſo intimately mixed. And by this explication may be better comprehended, how ſo ſmall a quantity of ſpirits is able to produce ſweat; for ſuppoſe there paſſes through the [Page] Pores one grain of Gold, and two grains of ſpirits, theſe ſpirits being as I may ſo ſay, armed with the groſſer parts of Gold, will be better able to conquer the reſiſtance that ſhall oppoſe their paſſage, than if they were ſeparate; after the ſame manner as a good piece of Timber that is driven along by the ſtream of a River will ſtrike with much more violence againſt the Arch of a Bridge, and endanger it much more, than a ſingle Wave would be able to do, though never ſo ſwift.

There are two ſorts of inſenſible Tranſpirations, one hapening at all times, as well in health as ſickneſs, and the other in a Burning Feaver, or elſe ſometimes upon the taking a Sudorifick.

The firſt Tranſpiration is inſenſible, becauſe the vapour which paſſes continually through the pores is yet in ſo ſmall a quantity, that though it does diſſolve in a moiſture upon the skin, it is not perceived at all.

The other is cauſed by a great motion of the Spirits which drive the humours through the pores of the body after a rapid manner, and whereas at that time the pores become very open, and the skin is heated more than ordinarily, the vapour paſſes away through the skin without condenſing upon it.

But if once the rapid motion of humours begins to ſlacken, then the ſweat appears, and begins to be felt; and this does happen in Agues, for during the great heat of the Ague, men do not ſweat at all, but only in the declination of the fit; becauſe then the skin ſomewhat cools, the vapour condenſes into a moiſture, which we call ſweat; wherefore ſweat may be ſaid to iſſue from a middle degree of heat, between the firſt inſenſible Tranſpiration, and the ſecond.

[Page]Moſt men think that there goes out more moiſture in the time of the ſweat, than by the inſenſible Tranſpiration which is made during the height of the hot fit; but they ſeem to be miſtaken very likely, for it may eaſily be conceived, that there ſhould be a greater diſpoſition in the vigour of the fit, than afterwards in the declination, by reaſon that at that time the heat is greater, and ſo more able to impel forth effluviums.

Diſtillation in a Retort will confirm what is here maintained. For if you make only a moderate fire under the Retort, the moiſture which riſes out of the matter will diſtil drop by drop, becauſe the vapours cooling and condenſing in the neck of the Retort do reſolve into a liquor; but if you make a great fire in the Furnace, ſo that the neck of the Retort comes to be heated too much, all the moiſture is driven in a meer vapour, and there appears not the leaſt humidity in the neck of the Retort.

I have already ſaid, that Gold doth repreſs the violence of Mercury, becauſe it doth Amalgamate with it; but Aurum Fulminans doth it much better, for being Volatile it is more eaſily carried through all the body, and fails not to find out the Mercury, whereſoever it lies.

We need not fear leſt Aurum Fulminans taken inwardly, and heated by the ſtomach, ſhould cauſe ſuch a Detonation there, as it does when ſet over the fire in a ſpoon; for ſo much the more moiſture as comes to it, ſo much the leſs noiſe does it make. Now it can't be queſtion'd, but there is liquidity enough in the ſtomach, beſides the liquid vehicle 'tis uſually given in. There is no need [Page] then of calling in the acids of the ſtomach, as ſome do, to unite with the ſalts of Aurum Fulminans, and drive them out of the body of this Metal: for beſides that the moſt clear and diſintereſted Explications and ſuch as fall moſt under our ſenſe, ought always to be preferr'd, 'twould be too hard a matter to maintain that; 'tis true if you wet Aurum Fulminans with the ſpirit of Vitriol, or Salt, or Sulphur, the Fulmination is thereby hindred, but this happens from the acids fixing by their weight the Volatility of thoſe Salts that remain in the pores of the Gold.

In the Chapter of Gold I could reckon up ſeveral other Preparations that have been invented, but becauſe they are out of uſe, I ſhall not ſwell this Book with an account of them.

CHAP. II. Of Silver.

SIlver hath the ſecond place among Metals, it is a very compact body, more ſmooth and poliſhed by nature than Gold, and its Pores are more even upon the ſurface. it is malleable like Gold, but will not ſo eaſily yield or extend under the Hammer, and is not ſo weighty.

It is called the Moon, as well from its Colour, as from the Influences our Forefathers thought it [Page] received from the Moon. Many properties are attributed to it againſt Diſeaſes of the Head; but theſe pretended Virtues ſeem to have no other foundation than the imagination of Aſtrologers and Chymiſts, who were of the opinion that the Moon had a great deal of correſpondence with the Head. There is no need I ſhould enlarge in confutation of this opinion, experience every day teaches us that it is a pure abuſe.

Silver may be alſo given like Gold for Diſeaſes cauſed by too much Mercury; for they ſuffer an Amalgation very well together.

Whereas there is no certainty, that ever there was drawn out of Gold or Silver any thing that deſerves to be called either a Salt, or Sulphur, or Mercury, I have not at all followed the method of Authors, who will needs explicate the differences which are to be found in theſe Metals, by more or leſs, of one or two of theſe Principles. I am contented to relate only that which may be known in Gold and Silver, and I think it better to ſay little of a thing, and be able to prove my aſſertion, than form grand Ideas of things that are very doubtful.

Purification of Silver.

To Purifie Silver is to ſeparate from it the other metals with which it is mixed. This operation is done by the Coppel after the manner following:

Take a Coppel made of the aſhes of Bones or Horns, cover it and heat it gently in the coals, until it grows red-hot, then caſt it into four or [Page] five times as much Lead as you intend to purifie Silver: let the Lead melt, and fill the ſides of the Coppel, which is ſoon done; then caſt your Silver into the middle, and it will preſently melt. Lay wood round about the Coppel, and blow it that the flame may reverberate on the matter, the impurities will mix with the Lead, and the Silver remain pure and clean in the middle of the Coppel, while the Lead being fill'd with the droſſie parts of Silver lies on the ſides like a ſcumm, that you may gather up with a ſpoon, and this is that which is called Litharge, which according to the degree of Calcination it hath endured, becomes of divers Colours, and ſometimes is called Litharge of Gold, and ſometimes Litharge of Silver. If you leave it in the Coppel, it will paſs through its Pores.

For you muſt obſerve that the Coppel being expreſly made of aſhes deprived of Salt, is very Porous; you muſt continue the Fire till there riſe no more Fumes.

This Preparation cleanſes Silver from all other Metals, except Gold, which reſiſts the power of the Coppel. You muſt therefore have recourſe to the Operation I deſcribed, when I ſpoke of the Purification of Gold; for Aqua fortis diſſolves Silver, but not being able to penetrate Gold, leaves it in a powder at the bottom.

Pour off then by Inclination the diſſolution of Silver into an Earthen pan, wherein you ſhall have laid before-hand a plate of Copper, and ten or twelve times as much common Water. Let this mixture lie ſtill for ſome hours, and when you find the Copper covered all about with the Powder or Precipitate of Silver, and the water becomes [Page] blue, Filtrate it, and you have that which is called Aqua Secunda: It is good to make the Eſchar fall in Chancres, and to conſume proud fleſh. Dry the powder of Silver, and if you deſire to keep it in an Ingot, melt it in a Crucible with a little Salt-peter.

If you ſteep a plate of Iron ſome hours in the Aqua Secunda, the Copper which made it look blue will precipitate according as the Iron diſſolves. If you Filtrate this diſſolution, and put a piece of the Lapis Calaminaris into it, the diſſolv'd Iron will fall to the bottom in powder, and the Stone will diſſolve it. If you Filtrate this water, and pour upon the Filtration drop by drop the water of fixt Niter, the Lapis Calaminaris will precipitate. Laſtly, if you Filtrate this water too, and having evaporated a part of it, ſet the reſt a Cryſtallizing, you'l meet with a Salt-peter that burns like the ordinary ſort.

Remarks.

The Coppel is an Earthen Veſſel that reſiſts the Fire, made like a diſh: it is fill'd with a Paſte made of aſhes that have loſt all their Salt, ſuch as thoſe of Bones; which loſe all their Salt while they are a burning, becauſe it is ſo Volatile: a hole is made in the middle to let in the matter that is to be Coppel'd, and ſo the Veſſel is ſet a drying.

You muſt put Lead into the Coppel, in proportion to the impurities that are in the Silver; commonly they put four times as much. That which is here called Impurity is nothing elſe but ſome [Page] parts of other Metals, that ſuperficially adhered to the Silver, when it was taken out of the Mine. Theſe Metals do mix much better with Lead than Silver, becauſe the Lead is full of Sulphureous porous parts which readily engage and receive other Bodies. On the contrary Silver hath Pores exceeding cloſe and ſtrait, and can neither be penetrated nor unite with theſe Matters but only ſuperficially; ſo that in the Fuſion they do ſeparate and only ſlide over this Solid body. It is alſo remarkable that the hardneſs of Silver, and ſtrait contexture of its parts do hinder the Fire from melting it after the ſame manner as other Metals, that are more porous; and this is the reaſon it remains unmixt among them.

Silver melts much ſooner by being put into melted Lead, than if you had endeavour'd to melt it alone in the Crucible, becauſe Lead contains many Sulphureous parts that are very ſerviceable for the Fuſion of Metals. The flame is made to Reverberate on the Silver, to drive all Heterogeneous ſubſtances towards the ſides.

That which is called a Caratt in Gold, is a Denier, or penny weight in Silver, and thus an ounce of Silver well purified is of four and twenty penny weight, which make 24 times 24 grains. Now this ounce of Silver muſt loſe nothing at all upon trial; but if it ſhould loſe one penny weight in the Coppel, the Silver then is ſaid to be that of 23 penny weight, and if it loſes two ſcruples, or penny weight, it is but of 22 Deniers, and ſo of the reſt.

There is no Silver to be had of 24 deniers, no more than Gold of 24 Caratts, becauſe there is [Page] always ſome mixture with it, uſe what diligence and application you pleaſe in its purification.

Plate-ſilver contains one part of Copper to 24 parts of Silver, and the Coppel-ſilver contains but a quarter of a part of Copper to four and twenty parts of Silver.

The Depart, or parting of Metals, is when a Diſſolvent quits the Metal it had diſſolved, to betake it ſelf unto another. Thus when Copper is put into the Diſſolution of Silver, the Aqua fortis leaves the Silver, to fall upon Diſſolving the Copper; and the reaſon of this is, becauſe the Copper-particles do ſo ſtir and ſhake the edges of the Diſſolvent, as to make them let go their hold. Iron precipitates Copper, Lapis Calaminaris precipitates Iron, and the Liquor of fixt Niter doth ſo to the Lapis Calaminaris for the ſame reaſon; but you muſt obſerve, that Iron does not precipitate all the Copper, nor the Calaminaris all the Iron, no more than the Copper did precipitate all the Silver: and the reaſon of this is, that the points of the Aqua fortis having entred more deeply into the great pores of Copper and Iron, are much the harder to be broken by bodies of this nature; but becauſe the liquor of fixt Niter does contain an Alkali much more active than the others, it precipitates all the Lapis Calaminaris, and all the Iron and Copper which did remain diſſolved.

I ſhall in the ſequel of this Book deſcribe the manner of preparing the Liquor of fixt Niter: the Salt that it contains reunites with the Volatile Spirits of Salt-peter that were in the Aqua fortis, inſomuch that the Salt-peter revives again.

Cryſtals of Silver, called Vitriol of the Moon.

[Page]

This Operation is a Silver opened, and reduced into the form of Salt by the acid points of Spirit of Niter.

Diſſolve one or two ounces of Coppel-ſilver in three times as much Spirit of Niter; pour forth your diſſolution into a Glaſs-Cucurbite, ſet in a gentle Sand-fire; evaporate about the fourth part of the moiſture, and ſo let the reſt cool without ſtirring it, it will turn into Cryſtals, which you muſt ſeparate from the Liquor, and after you have dried them, keep them in a Viol well ſtopt. You may again fall to Evaporating half the remaining Liquor, and ſet it a Cryſtallizing as before. You may repeat theſe Evaporations and Cryſtallizations till all your Silver has turned into Cryſtals.

This Vitriol of the Moon is uſed to make an Eſchar by touching the part with it. It is alſo given inwardly for Dropſies, and for Diſeaſes of the Head, from two unto ſix Grains, in ſome Specifick Water: it purges gently.

Theſe Cryſtals might be prepared with Oyl of Vitriol, inſtead of Spirit of Niter, for inward uſe.

Remarks.

You muſt put your Silver purified by the Coppel into a Viol or Matraſs large enough, and pour upon it only as much Spirit of Niter as will ſerve to Diſſolve it; now that comes to about three [Page] times its weight. Indeed you may uſe Aqua fortis inſtead of Spirit of Niter, if you pleaſe, in this Operation; but I rather chuſe Spirit of Niter, becauſe it is found to act with more celerity than Aqua fortis. You may read in their proper places the deſcription I have given you of them both, and the Remarks I have made upon them. Place your Veſſel in Aſhes or Sand, a little warm for to haſten the Diſſolution. When the acid Spirits begin to work upon the Silver, an Ebullition preſently riſes accompanied with a very conſiderable heat, becauſe theſe ſharp edges do break thoſe obſtacles that hindred their entrance, and violently force their paſſage. It is this great motion, and impetuous diſperſion of parts, that produces the heat and ebullition, and by rarefaction of the Spirit of Niter ſends forth through the neck of the Veſſel a Red fume or vapour, that you muſt be very careful to avoid, as a thing very unwholſom, and prejudicial to the Breaſt. The Smoke and Ebullition do remain until the Silver is all of it diſſolved, after which the Liquor becomes clear and tranſparent but a little bluiſh. If the Silver which is diſſolved, were perfectly purified from Copper, the ſolution would no more be tinged than Spirit of Niter, but becauſe there is none to be found ſo perfectly pure, it always tinges a little. The ſolution of Plate-ſilver is much bluer than that of Silver purified by the Coppel, becauſe the Plate-ſilver contains more Copper than the other, as I ſaid before. So that the purer the Silver is, the leſs blue is the ſolution. A little of it is evaporated, that the reſt may Cryſtallize the eaſier, for that which evaporates is little better than a kind of [Page] inſipid water, the Silver ſtill retaining the Acid fixt Spirits.

Now you muſt obſerve in all Cryſtallizations not to leave too much moiſture, for fear of weakning too much the Salts, and ſo hindring their Coagulation. Nor muſt you leave too little moiſture; for the Cryſtals not finding room enough to extend themſelves in, would confuſedly fall one upon another.

Theſe Cryſtals can be diſſolved in Water like Salt, their ſtrength depends on the Spirits of Niter that are incorporated with them: wherefore they weigh more than the Silver did that was employed; and it is theſe Spirits which pierce and gnaw the fleſh on which theſe Cryſtals are applied, when an Eſchar is to be made. It is likewiſe they which cauſe that Fermentation of humours by which they purge, when theſe Cryſtals are given inwardly. The Liquor in which they are diſſolved to be taken, and the moiſture of the Stomach do ſerve to correct their acrimony.

If you have a mind to revive theſe Cryſtals into Silver again, you muſt only put them into hot Water, and lay therein a plate of Copper. They will then diſſolve, and the Silver precipitate to the bottom in a White powder, that is to be waſhed and dried; afterwards melting it in a Crucible with a little Salt-peter, it will return into Ingots of the ſame weight as before.

Infernal Stone, or perpetual Cauſtick.

[Page]

The Infernal ſtone is a Silver rendred Cauſtick by the Salts of Spirit of Niter.

Diſſolve in a Viol what quantity of Silver you pleaſe, with three times as much Spirit of Niter; ſet your Viol in a Sand fire, and evaporate about two thirds of the moiſture; pour the reſt as it is hot into a good German Crucible, that muſt be large enough by reaſon of the Ebullitions that are made in it. Place it over a gentle fire, and let it alone till the boiling matter ſinks quietly to the bottom of the Crucible. Then encreaſe your fire a little, and it will come to be like Oyl: pour it out into an Iron mould a little oil'd and heated, it will preſently coagulate or harden; after which you may keep it in a Viol well ſtopt. It is a Cauſtick that will remain for ever, provided you don't let it be expos'd to the Air. This Stone may be made of Copper inſtead of Silver, but will not keep ſo well; becauſe the Copper being very porous doth ſuffer the Air to enter eaſily and diſſolve it.

If you uſe an ounce of Silver, you'l obtain an ounce and five drachms of the Infernal ſtone.

Remarks.

The Effect of this Stone proceeds from the Corroſive Spirits of Niter, which do remain incorporated with the Silver. It is more Cauſtick than the Cryſtals I now ſpoke of, though compounded [Page] of the ſame ingredients. The reaſon of it is, that in the Evaporation of the Spirit of Niter, the ſharpeſt part remains at laſt; and it is that which gives this ſtrength to the Infernal ſtone. But in the Cryſtal there's a much weaker Spirit, as being impregnated with watry parts.

When you boil the ſolution of Silver, you muſt take care to keep but a gentle fire, for the matter eaſily rarifies, and riſes over into the fire; or elſe it ſpirts ſome drops upon the hand of the Artiſt, which make it ſmart grievouſly, and fetches off the skin, becauſe this liquor is not only very corroſive in it ſelf, but has the aſſiſtance of fire to make it the more burning. You muſt likewiſe often caſt your eye into the Crucible, eſpecially towards the end, that ſo ſoon as the matter is obſerved to ceaſe boiling, and gets the form of an Oyl, you be ready to caſt it into the mould, for if you ſhould then leave it longer in the fire, the ſtrongeſt Spirits would evaporate, and the ſtone would not be ſo corroſive.

If you would melt the Cryſtals of the Moon in a Crucible, and boil the Liquor till it come into the conſiſtence of Oyl, and afterwards caſt it into the Iron mould, you would have an Infernal ſtone like this I have deſcribed.

When Plate ſilver is uſed to the making the Infernal ſtone, an ounce of Silver gains but three drachms in augmentation, but uſing fine Coppel-ſilver, you'l get five drachms. This augmentation of weight does proceed from the ſharp acids of Spirit of Niter, adhering to the body of ſilver, but the difference of the increaſe lies in this, that the Coppel-ſilver having narrower pores than the [Page] other does retain the acids better, and the ſtone is thereby the ſtronger, as I have found by experience.

Tincture of the Moon.

The Tincture of the Moon is a diſſolution of ſome of the more rarified parts of Silver made in Spirit of Wine whetted by Alkali ſalts.

Diſſolve in a Matraſs upon Sand a little warm two ounces of Silver with ſix ounces of Spirit of Niter. Pour the diſſolution into a Cucurbit, or other Glaſs-veſſel, wherein you ſhall have put a quart of Salt-water well Filter'd, the Silver will preſently precipitate in a very white powder. Let it lye a while that all the Powder may fall, and then pour off the water by Inclination. Waſh your Powder ſeveral times with Fountain-water to take away the Acrimony of the Salts: dry it upon paper, and put it into a Matraſs. Pour upon it an Ounce of the Volatile Salt of Urine, and four and twenty Ounces of the Spirit of Wine Rectified with the Salt of Tartar, after the manner I ſhall ſhew hereafter. Stop this Matraſs with another: that is to ſay, let the mouth of the one enter into the neck of the other, and this is that which is called a Double-Veſſel. Lute well the junctures with a wet bladder, and digeſt the Matter in horſe-dung, or ſome ſuch gentle heat, for a Fortnight, during which time the Spirit of Wine will have got a bright Sky-colour. Unlute your Matraſs, and Filtrate the Liquor through a Coffin of Brown paper, and ſo keep it in a Viol well ſtopt. [Page] You may uſe this Tincture for the Epilepſie, Palſie, Apoplexy, and other diſeaſes of the Head. It is alſo uſed in Malignant Feavers, and all other Diſeaſes wherein it is requiſite to drive out the humours by Perſpiration. The Doſe is from ſix to ſixteen drops in a convenient Vehicle.

There will remain at the bottom of the Matraſs a Calx of Silver that may again be revived by means of the following Salts.

Take Eight ounces of Niter, Two ounces of Cryſtal powdered according as I ſhall ſhew hereafter, ſo much Tartar, and half an ounce of coals; Powder them all, and put it by little and little into a Crucible heated red-hot, a great Detonation will happen, after which you'l find the matter melted, pour it into a warm Mortar, and let it cool, you'l have a Maſs that you muſt powder, and mix an equal weight of it with ſo much Calx of Silver. Melt this mixture in a Crucible over a ſtrong fire, and the Calx will revive into Silver: take your Crucible out of the fire, and break it when it is cold, then ſeparate your Silver from the ſalts.

Remarks.

This Operation ſeems at firſt to favour the opinion of thoſe who hold there can be a ſeparation of the Principles of Silver: for, ſay they, what is it can give this blue colour, after that the Silver hath been a long time digeſted with the Volatile Salt of Urine, and the ſpirit of Wine Alcoholized, but an inward ſulphur of the Silver that [Page] ſeparates from it by the means of this ſulphureous Liquor, and mixes with it, much after the ſame manner as we find theſe ſorts of Menſtruums uſually diſſolve the ſulphur of Vegetables, Animals, and Minerals, and let alone their terreſtrious and ſaline parts? But when we conſider this Tincture a little nearer, we ſhall find it to be nothing but a diſſolution of ſome part of the Silver it ſelf, that hath been volatilized by the ſalt of Urine, and afterwards united with the ſpirit of Wine; ſo that if you draw off, or revive this diſſolved Silver, there will remain no longer a Tincture, and this is the way for you to do it.

Pour your Tincture of the Moon into a Glaſs Body, cover it with its head, and fit a Receiver to it, lute the junctures cloſe, and diſtil in a Vaporous Bath, about half the moiſture, and you'l have a Liquor as clear as ſpirit of Wine. Put your Cucurbit into a cool place, and leave it there two days without ſtirring it, you'l find little Cryſtals on the ſides, pour off the Liquor gently, which hath now loſt much of its Sky-colour. Gather your Cryſtals, and continue to diſtil and cryſtalize the reſt of the Liquor, till you have recovered all that is in it. Mix all your Cryſtals, dry them, and weigh them; and if you have half an ounce of them, powder them, and mix them with ſix drachms of the matter I deſcribed for reviving the Calx of Silver remaining in the Matraſs: put this mixture into a Crucible, and covering it with a tile, light a ſtrong fire about it, to put the matter into fuſion; then taking it off the fire, and letting it cool, break the Crucible, you'l find the Silver at the bottom, which will be fit for the ſame [Page] Operation again, when you pleaſe. Note that all the Liquor which was drawn by Diſtillation, is as clear as common water: wherefore I conclude that the Colour did conſiſt in the diſſolution of Silver it ſelf, and not of its ſulphurs, as ſome have thought.

You muſt cut the Silver into little pieces or plates, that it may diſſolve the more eaſily.

The Salt-water muſt be made of an ounce and a half of Salt diſſolved in a quart of water: this ſalt precipitates the Silver, becauſe it engages the points of the diſſolvent, and ſhaking them violently about makes them let go the hold they had with other bodies. I ſhall ſpeak more at large concerning theſe kinds of Precipitations in the Remarks which I ſhall make upon White Precipitate, and ſhall then explicate the reaſon why Sea-ſalt, which is an acid does precipitate that which another acid had diſſolved. I ſhall likewiſe anſwer the objections which have been raiſed on this ſubject.

Silver may be alſo precipitated by means of a Copper-plate, as I have ſaid already.

It is very indifferent which way you pleaſe to Precipitate it, for it is done for no other end, but to reduce the Silver into a very fine powder, for an eaſier diſſolution.

The Precipitate of Silver made with ſalt, or Copper, waxes brown in the drying, and though dried in the ſhade, which doubtleſs is by reaſon of ſome ſmall proportion of Copper that it contains.

If you have diſſolved an ounce of Coppel-ſilver, and precipitate it with Salt or Copper, you'l draw an ounce and three drachms of Precipitate well waſht and dried; this augmentation does proceed [Page] from a remainder of the points which were broken in pieces, and yet do ſtill remain in the pores of the metal; for theſe pores being very ſmall, they do but hardly let go what they have received into them.

There is no need of diſtilling a part of the Liquor, that the Tincture may be the ſtronger, as ſome have preſumed to write: for on the contrary, it cauſes a Cryſtallization, which diminiſhes both its colour and ſtrength, for the reaſon I have given before.

The effect of this Tincture for Diſeaſes muſt rather be attributed to the Salt of Urine, and ſpirit of Wine, than to the Silver; for they are not only able to fly into the Head, and open obſtructions there, but aſſiſted with the Natural heat do open the pores of all the body, and drive out ill humours by tranſpiration.

The portion of Silver which remains at the bottom of the Matraſs being impregnated with volatile parts would fly into the Air, if it were melted alone without the addition of ſomething elſe; wherefore the abovementioned matter is added to it, that being of a very fixt nature may weigh it down, and hinder it from flying away.

Diana's Tree.

Take an ounce of Silver, and diſſolve it in three ounces of ſpirit of Niter, pour your diſſolution into a Matraſs, wherein you ſhall have put eighteen or twenty ounces of water, and two ounces of Quick-ſilver. Your Matraſs muſt be fill'd up [Page] to the neck; let it lye ſtill upon a little round of ſtraw in ſome convenient place for forty days together, during which time you'l find a Tree ſpread forth its branches, and little balls at the end, which repreſent their fruit.

This Operation is of no uſe at all in Phyſick, I have here deſcribed it only to pleaſe the Curious.

Remarks.

Theſe branches do proceed from the ſpirit of Niter, which being incorporated with the Silver and Mercury do form divers Figures, according to the room and moiſture it hath to expatiate it ſelf in. For if you ſhould put to it but ten or twelve ounces of water, nothing but a kind of Cryſtals in great confuſion would be able to appear. On the contrary, if you ſhould uſe too much water, nothing would then be ſeen beſides a little precipitated powder. You muſt let the mixture lye ſtill for forty days together, becauſe the ſpirit of Niter being very much weakned by common water is able to work but very ſlowly. If the matter ſhould happen to be removed, the figure would quickly fall into confuſion, but would recover it ſelf again, if you let it lye ſtill long enough. This Preparation is beſt performed in a cool place, being properly a Cryſtallization.

This Operation may be fitly compared with the manner of Generation and Nouriſhment of Plants in the Earth; for if the ſeed abounds with too much moiſture, the ſpirits which ſerve to ferment and dilate its parts, will be rendred ſo weak, as [Page] not to be able to act, and ſo nothing can be produced; if on the contrary there ſhould prove too little moiſture, the ſpirits not finding room enough to expatiate in, would either continue impriſoned or evaporate into Air, and ſo be ineffectual. But when there happens to be a fit proportion of water in the Earth, then the ſpirits gently moving about do inſenſibly expatiate themſelves, and do rarifie and ſublime along with them the ſubſtance of the ſeed, from whence Vegetation doth proceed. But to return unto our Operation.

If you ſhould deſire to ſeparate the Silver from the Mercury, ſhake the whole together, and having poured it out into an earthen Veſſel, make it boil for half a quarter of an hour, then let it cool a little, till it becomes little more than lukewarm; pour upon it a quart of water by little and little, in which you have diſſolved two ounces of Sea-ſalt, and a white Precipitate will fall down; pour off the water by Inclination, and dry the Powder. Then put it in a Retort placed in a Sand-furnace, and having fitted to it a Receiver fill'd with water, give a ſmall fire at firſt, then encreaſe it by degrees till the Retort grows red-hot, and your Quick-ſilver will diſtil drop by drop into the water; continue the fire till nothing more will diſtil; let the Veſſels cool; pour the water out of the Receiver, and having waſht the Mercury, dry it with linnen, or the crum of bread, and keep it for uſe.

You'l find your Silver in the Retort, which you may reduce into an Ingot, by melting it in a Crucible with a little Salt-peter in a great Circular fire.

CHAP. III. Of Tinn.

[Page]

TInn is a Metal that comes near unto Silver in colour, but differs very much, in the figure of its Pores, and in the ſolidity and weight. The name of the Planet Jupiter is given unto it, and it is thought to receive its particular Influence from it. It is a malleable ſubſtance, and very eaſie to put into Fuſion. It will not all of it quite diſſolve in Aqua Fortis, as ſome have affirmed, but ſome part will remain undiſſolved, which ſhews it is compounded of different parts, and that its Pores are of a different figure. A virtue hath been attributed to it againſt the Diſeaſes of the Liver and Matrix, but this quality is only imaginary, experience in no wiſe evincing the truth of it.

Pulverization of Tinn.

Tinn being of a malleable nature, cannot be reduced into a Powder after the uſual ways of powdring. Therefore I'le give you a method how to do it eaſily enough.

Melt in a Crucible what quantity of Tinn you think fit, and caſt it into a round wooden box, that has been rubb'd within on all ſides with a [Page] piece of chalk, enough to whiten it, cover this box, and preſently ſhake it about, until your Tinn is become cold, and ſo you'l find it converted into a gray powder.

Lead may be Pulverized after the ſame manner.

Remarks.

The wooden box muſt be round, becauſe that figure is the moſt proper to ſhake a thing in; and the clefts of the box muſt be joyned together as cloſe as may be; and but little of the Tinn muſt be put into the box at a time, that the parts may be the better able to ſeparate and fall into a powder, by means of the motion or agitation. Indeed the thing may be done without rubbing the box with chalk, but by this means the melted Tinn is hindred from burning the box, as it otherwiſe would. Now though this Operation may ſeem to be of no great uſe, nevertheleſs it will be found to be of very good uſe, in order to prepare ſeveral Operations upon Tinn. For by this means it will eaſily mix with Salts, and other matters.

Calcination of Tinn.

To Calcine Tinn is to reduce it into the form of a Calx, by the means of fire.

Put Tinn into a large earthen Pan unglazed, place it in a Circular fire, the Tinn will melt. Stir it with a Spatule, until it is reduced into Powder; [Page] continue a great fire to it 36 hours, and ſtir it from time to time, then take it off the fire and let it cool, and you'l have a Calx of Tinn.

Remarks.

I uſe an unglazed earthen veſſel, becauſe the Lead which makes the varniſh might mix with the Tinn, and ſo hinder the purity of it; a Pan is the figure that's proper for this Calcination, for being able hereby to ſpread the matter about with a Spatule, its Sulphurs fly away the more eaſily; inſomuch that Tinn may be as well Calcined in ſuch a veſſel in ſix and thirty hours, as in four days time in a Crucible; the ſtirring it does likewiſe ſerve to drive out the Sulphur.

Salt of Jupiter of Tinn.

This Operation is a Tinn penetrated by acids, and reduced into the form of Salt.

Take two pounds of Calcined Tinn, put it into a Matraſs, and pouring upon it diſtilled Vinegar to the height of four fingers, ſet it a digeſting in Sand, for two or three days, ſhaking the veſſel from time to time; afterwards pour off the liquor by inclination, and adding more diſtilled Vinegar to the matter remaining, digeſt it as before, decant the liquor, and repeat the adding new diſtilled Vinegar, and digeſting it, three or four times more: then Filtrate all theſe impregnations and evaporate them in a glaſs Body in Sand to the [Page] conſumption of three quarters of the liquor, let the remainder cool, and then remove the Body, without ſhaking it, into a Celler, or ſuch like cold place, to lye ſtill three or four days, and you'l find Cryſtals formed on the ſides of the Body; ſeparate them from the liquor, and evaporate ſome more of it, put that which remains into a Celler as before, and you'l find new Cryſtals; continue theſe evaporations and cryſtallizations; until you have drawn all your Salt of Tinn, which you muſt dry in the Sun, and keep in a Viol. This Salt is deſiccative, when mixed in Pomatums; it may alſo ſerve for Tettars.

Thoſe who do not concern themſelves to have this Salt in Cryſtals may evaporate all the moiſture of this diſſolution, over a ſmall fire, and they will have a Salt remain to them as good as the firſt.

Remarks.

This Salt is only compounded of the acid part of the Vinegar, incorporated into the Tinn after the reſemblance of Salt, but if you ſhould deſtroy theſe acids, the Tinn would reſume its former ſhape. I ſhall ſhew the way of this Revivification, when I ſhall treat of Salt of Saturn, both being performed after the ſame manner.

If the Calx of Tinn had not been well Calcined, and diſpoſſeſt of ſome quantity of Sulphur, the acidity of the Vinegar would never have been able to diſſolve it, becauſe it would have been preſently ſhockt in the ſupple yielding parts of [Page] the Sulphur without a capacity of acting; for that an acid may be capable of diſſolving a body, it is requiſite that the pores be fitly diſpoſed, ſo that it may preſerve its motion ſome time in which it may make its joſtles.

You may ſeparate one part of the impregnation of the Calx of Tinn, and pour upon it the Oil of Tartar per deliquium, and you'l have a Magiſtery of Tinn, becauſe the Oil of Tartar which is an Alkali deſtroys the acid which kept up the Tinn diſſolved, and forces it to let go its hold; you muſt waſh this Magiſtery, and dry it, it ſerves for the ſame uſes as that which I ſhall deſcribe hereafter, but there is but little Magiſtery got by this preparation.

If a man would perſiſt to Calcine the Calx remaining in the Bolt-head, and put more Vinegar to it, it would at laſt all diſſolve, but the Operation would be too tedious.

Sublimation of Tinn.

To Sublime Tinn is to raiſe and Volatilize it by means of a Volatile Salt.

Take one part of Tinn, and two parts of Sal Armoniack in Powder: mix them well together, and put your mixture into a ſtrong earthen Cucurbite, that is able to endure the fire, and whoſe two thirds at leaſt do remain empty; fit unto it a blind Head, lute the conjunctions exactly well, and place your Veſſel on the grate in a ſmall Furnace with an open fire, but only open ſo as that the fire can paſs through the Regiſters, and for [Page] [...]hat end you muſt ſtop up the top of the Furnace with Bricks and Lute, leaving ſome little holes on the ſides that are called Regiſters. The Cucurbite muſt likewiſe enter the Furnace a third part of its height or thereabouts. Give a ſmall fire at firſt, then encreaſe it by degrees, till the bottom of the Cucurbite is grown red-hot, and continue ſuch a fire till nothing more will Sublime, which you'l know by the Heads growing cool, and then the Sublimation is at an end. Let the Veſſels cool, and ſo unlute them, you'l find Flowers ſtuck to the Head, and to the top of the Body, that are nothing elſe but ſome parts of Tinn raiſed up by the Sal Armoniack, and at the bottom of the Body you'l find ſome Tinn Revived.

Magiſtery of Jupiter, or Tinn.

This Operation is only a Tinn diſſolved by an acid, and precipitated by an Alkali ſalt.

Diſſolve the Flowers of Tinn, in a ſufficient quantity of water. Filtrate the Diſſolution, and pour upon it drop by drop the Spirit of Sal Armoniack, or the Oil of Tartar made per Deliquium, there will Precipitate a very White Powder. You muſt Edulcorate it by waſhing it ſeveral times with warm water, and afterwards dry it. It ſerves for Paint; for being mixed with Pomatum, it makes a very curious White.

Remarks.

[Page]

It is to be conſidered in both theſe Preparations, that the Diſſolution of Tinn is performed only by an acid Salt, which the Sal Armoniack is impregnated with; and this is the reaſon why the Volatile Spirit of Sal Armoniack doth ſerve to Precipitate it; for being an Alkali as well as the Oil of Tartar, it breaks the force of the acid, which therefore lets go what it held diſſolved. That being granted, there will be no longer difficulty in conceiving how the Volatile Spirit of Sal Armoniack doth often Precipitate what Sal Armoniack had diſſolved.

Flowers of Jupiter, or Tinn.

This Operation is a Tinn Volatilized, and raiſed in form of Meal, by the means of a Volatile Salt.

Take an unglazed earthen Pot, with a hole in the middle of its height, and a ſtopple to it, place the Pot in a Furnace of a juſt proportion wherein the pot may enter only as high as the hole, and with Bricks and Lute, take care that the fire may not tranſpire; fit upon this pot three Aludels, or open pots of the ſame earth without any bottoms, and fit a Head to the uppermoſt with a Receiver to the Head, lute well all the junctures, and light a good fire in the Furnace to make red-hot that part of the pot which lies within it, then mix [Page] a pound of Tinn and two pounds of purified Salt-peter, throw a ſpoonful of this mixture through the hole of the pot, and ſtop it; a detonation ſoon follows, which when it is over, throw in another ſpoonful, and ſo continue to do, until all the mixture be ſpent; let the veſſels cool, and unlute them, and you'l find in the receiver a little Spirit of Niter, and in and round about the Aludels very white Flowers of Tinn, gather them together with a feather, then waſh them divers times with fountain water, and when you have dried them on paper in the ſhade, keep them in a Viol; they ſerve for Paint, and they make a curious White when mixed in Pomatums, or in ſome liquor.

You'l find in the bottom of the Pot a Calx of Tinn mixed with the fixt part of Salt-peter, boil it in water, waſh and dry it, and it may be uſed in deſiccative unguents.

Remarks.

It is a plain ſign that Tinn does contain a Sulphur, becauſe being mixed with Salt-peter, and put into the pot that's heated red-hot, it will flame; for you muſt not imagine that the detonation can proceed from the Salt-peter alone, this ſalt being never able to flame without the mixture of ſome Sulphureous matter, as I ſhall prove in its own place. But becauſe the Sulphur of Tinn is lockt up in other ſubſtances, it remains quiet for ſome time to unite with the Salt-peter, before it raiſes a detonation. Nevertheleſs if you be in haſte to diſpatch, the detonation may be expedited [Page] by introducing a ſmall cole lighted into the hole of the pot to fire the matter.

Theſe Flowers do proceed from the part of Tinn which is eaſieſt to rarifie, and which the Volatile ſalt of Salt-peter, and the Sulphur of Tinn had raiſed.

You muſt take care, when you would make Detonations, to proportion the Salt-peter with the Sulphur, for otherwiſe they will not endure ſo long as they ſhould; either there being too much Sulphur it will not meet with enough Volatile parts of Salt-peter to raiſe it all up, or elſe the Salt-peter being in too great a quantity for the Sulphur, it cauſes but a Sublimation in part, becauſe the great quantity of this ſalt which remains at bottom, without firing, does fix ſome part of the Sulphur. Wherefore there was but little reaſon to believe that three parts of Salt-peter to one of Tinn, would raiſe more Flowers, than when there are but two, according to my deſcription. For then there being too much Salt-peter for the quantity of Tinn, the Detonation will prove imperfect, and almoſt all the Salt-peter will remain at bottom, and will only ſerve to check ſome part of the Sulphurs of Tinn, hindring them from Subliming into ſo many Flowers as would otherwiſe riſe.

Three Aludels and one Head, are uſed in this Operation, that the Vapours which riſe in the time of Detonation may have room enough; for otherwiſe they would burſt the Veſſels, notwithſtanding the caſting in of the matter but little at a time.

[Page]The Flowers of Tinn are waſht in order to deprive them of a Volatile Salt derived from the Salt-peter which was mixed with it, and the ſalt diſſolves in the water, leaving the Flowers in their purity. You muſt dry them in the ſhade, for both the Sun and fire do render them black, and this becauſe they do re-unite the particles of Tinn, which owe all their whiteneſs to the fineneſs of Pulverization, which gives them another Superficies than they had to reflect the light with.

CHAP. IV. Of Biſmuth, called Tinn-Glaſs.

BIſmuth is a Sulphureous Marcaſſite that is found in the Tinn Mines; many do think it is an imperfect Tinn which partakes of good ſtore of Arſenick; its pores are diſpoſed in another manner than thoſe of Tinn, which is evident enough becauſe the Menſtruum which diſſolves Biſmuth cannot intirely diſſolve Tinn.

There is another ſort of Marcaſſite, called Zinch, that much reſembles Biſmuth, and on which the ſame preparations may be made that I am going to deſcribe.

Marcaſſite is nothing elſe but the excrement of a Metal, or an Earth impregnated with Metallick parts.

[Page]The Pewterers do mix Biſmuth and Zinch in their Tinn to make it ſound the better.

Flowers of Biſmuth.

This Operation is nothing but a portion of Tinn-glaſs raiſed up in form of meal by Volatile ſalts.

Calcine Biſmuth as you do Lead, then mixing it with an equal part of Sal Armoniack, proceed to its ſublimation as you did in that of Tinn. Thus you have Flowers, which you may diſſolve in Water, and Precipitate with the Spirit of Sal Armoniack, or Oil of Tartar.

This Magiſtery or Precipitate ſerves for the ſame uſe as that which follows.

Magiſtery of Biſmuth.

Magiſtery of Biſmuth is a Tinn-glaſs diſſolved, and precipitated in a very white powder.

Diſſolve in a Matraſs an ounce of Biſmuth, groſly powdered with three ounces of Spirit of Niter. Pour the Diſſolution into a clean White-ware Veſſel, and pour upon it five or ſix pints of Fountain-water, in which you ſhall have diſſolved before-hand an Ounce of Sea-ſalt, you'l ſee a White powder Precipitate to the bottom. Pour off the Water by Inclination, and waſh this Magiſtery ſeveral times, then dry it in the ſhade. It is an excellent Coſmetick, called Spaniſh White, that ſerves to whiten the complexion. It is either mixed in Pomatum, or Lilie-water.

Remarks.

[Page]

You muſt uſe a large Bolt-head to diſſolve the Biſmuth in, becauſe the great Ebullition that happens, as ſoon as Spirit of Niter is caſt upon it, requires room to move in. You muſt likewiſe have a care as much as you can, of receiving the Vapours at your Noſe or Mouth, for they are very offenſive to the breaſt.

This quick and violent Ebullition proceeds from the acids immediate penetration of the large pores of Biſmuth ſo ſoon as thrown upon it, and the acid violently divides all that oppoſes its motion. It happens alſo that the Bolt-head grows ſo hot, that a man can't endure his hand upon it, becauſe the points of the Menſtruum do chafe againſt the ſolid body of Biſmuth with ſuch force, that you may obſerve from thence much the ſame heat, as when two ſolid bodies are rub'd againſt one another. Add to this, that the great ſtore of igneous particles contained in Spirit of Niter, may much increaſe this heat.

If the Diſſolution becomes turbid through ſome impurities in the Biſmuth, you muſt pour into it about twice as much Water and filter it; for if you ſhould go to filter it without water, it would coagulate like ſalt in the Filter, and not paſs through. This Coagulation proceeds from the acid ſpirits of Niter that are included in the particles of Biſmuth, which finding too little liquor to ſwim in and diſperſe, do gather together into Cryſtals when the diſſolution is cold.

[Page]The impurity which commonly ſwims upon the ſolution of Biſmuth, is a fat or bituminous matter which will not diſſolve in the ſpirit of Niter.

This Magiſtery may be made by pouring in great quantity of Fountain water without any ſalt, into the diſſolution, but it is made the quicker, when you uſe ſalt, and the Precipitation is the better becauſe ſalt does encounter and break ſome of the acids that water alone was not able to weaken ſufficiently.

Now ſome difficulty appears in conceiving how plain water alone comes to precipitate Biſmuth, Lead, & Antimony, which the acid had diſſolved, and yet can do nothing at all to the precipitating Gold, Silver, or Mercury, without the aſſiſtance of ſome ſalt or other body; I do imagine that the former having large Pores, the acids cannot ſtick ſo cloſe in them but that water is able to force them out; but Gold, Silver, and Mercury, having finer pores in compariſon than the other, do retain the acids ſo very cloſely that the weak impulſes of water alone can make no ſeparation; ſome more active body is requiſite to do it.

The Augmentation which happens to Biſmuth when made into a Magiſtery, does proceed from ſome part of the Spirit of Niter that remains ſtill in it, notwithſtanding the Precipitation and Lotion.

Commonly one Drachm of this Magiſtery or Precipitate is mixed with Four ounces of Water, or in an ounce of Pomatum. It ſoftens the skin very much, and is alſo good againſt the Itch, becauſe it feeds upon thoſe acids or Salts which cheriſh this Diſeaſe.

CHAP. V. Of Lead.

[Page]

LEad is a Metal fill'd with Sulphur, or a Bituminous earth, that renders it very ſupple and pliant. It is probable that it contains ſome Mercury. It hath Pores very like thoſe of Tinn; it is called Saturn by reaſon of the influence it is thought to receive from the Planet of that name.

Thoſe who work upon Lead are ſubject to Colicks, and to become Paralytick, whether it be that there riſes out of it a Mercury which obſtructs the Nerves, or elſe that the very ſubſtance of Lead does act upon them after the manner of Mercury.

Lead is extremely cold, and for that reaſon is proper to aſſwage the heats of Venus, being applied to the Perinaeum; and it may be the heat of the skin cauſes it to loſe ſome particles, which inſinuating through the pores do ſome way fix the Spirits, and qualifie their motion, from whence the part waxes cold: it is alſo applied on many Tumours cauſed by too great an Ebullition of the Bloud.

Lead ſerves to Purifie Gold and Silver, and may be ſaid to act in the Coppel, much after the ſame manner as the white of an Egg does in Clarifying a Syrop that's boil'd in a Baſon; for as the groſs and terreſtrious impurities of a Syrop do ſtick to [Page] the white of an Egg by reaſon of its glutinous nature, and are driven to the ſides of the Baſon in the ſtirring, ſo do the Heterogeneous parts that were mixt with Gold and Silver, ſtick unto the Lead, and by the fire are driven to the ſides of the Coppel like unto a Scum.

Calcination of Lead.

Melt Lead in an earthen Pan unglazed, and ſtir it over the Fire with a Spatule 'till it is reduced to a powder. If you increaſe the Fire, and ſtill Calcine the Matter for an hour or two, it will be more open and fit to be penetrated by acids.

If you put this Powder to Calcine in a Reverberatory Fire for three or four hours, it will be of a red colour, and is that which is called Minium.

Lead is alſo prepared into Ceruſſe or White-Lead by the means of Vinegar, whoſe vapour it is made to imbibe; for it turns into a White Ruſt, that is gather'd up, and little Cakes made of it.

Two parts of Lead may be melted in a Pot or Crucible, and one part of Sulphur added to it; when the Sulphur is burnt out, you'l find the matter turned into a black powder, which is called Plumbum uſtum.

All theſe Preparations of Lead are of a drying nature; they may be mixed with unguents and plaiſters, they unite with oils or fat ſubſtances in the boiling, and they do give them a ſolid conſiſtence, and the greateſt part of our plaiſters do derive their hardneſs from it.

[Page]I ſpoke of the way of reducing Lead into Litharge, when I treated of the Purification of Silver by the Coppel, and it is thither I deſire my Reader to return.

Remarks.

There happens an obſervation in the Calcination of Lead, as well as ſeveral other things, which very well deſerves ſome reflection. 'Tis that although the Sulphureous or Volatile parts of Lead do fly away in the Calcination, which loſs ſhould indeed make it weigh the leſs, nevertheleſs after a long Calcining 'tis found, that inſtead of loſing it increaſes in weight.

Some trying to explicate this Phaenomenon do ſay, that as long as the violence of the flame does open and divide the parts of the Calx of Lead, the acid of the Wood or other matter that burns, does inſinuate into tha pores of this Calx, where 'tis ſtopt or fixt by the Alkali; but this reaſon will not hold, when 'tis conſidered that this Augmentation comes to paſs as well when Lead is Calcin'd with Coals as Wood, for Coals contain only a fixt Salt that riſes not at all.

'Tis better therefore to refer this effect to the diſpoſition of the pores of Lead in ſuch a manner, that part of the fire inſinuating into them does there remain imbodied, and can't get forth again, whence the weight comes to be encreaſed.

If you would revive this Calx of Lead by way of Fuſion, its parts do ſqueez and expreſs the igneous particles that were incloſed, and the Lead [Page] does thereby weigh leſs than it did when reduced into a Calx, for by this means the Sulphureous parts are ſeparated and loſt.

Salt of Saturn.

This Operation is a Lead penetrated, and reduced into the form of Salt by the acidity of Vinegar.

Take three or four pounds of one of theſe Preparations or Calcinations of Lead, for example the Ceruſſe: powder it, and put it in a large Glaſs or Earthen veſſel; pour upon it diſtill'd Vinegar four fingers high, an Ebullition will follow without any ſenſible heat. Put it in Digeſtion in hot Sand for two or three days, ſtirring about the Matter ever now and then; then let it ſettle, and ſeparate the Liquor by Inclination. Pour new diſtill'd Vinegar upon the Ceruſſe that remains in the Veſſel, and proceed as before, continuing to pour on diſtill'd Vinegar, and to ſeparate it by Inclination, until you have diſſolved about half the Matter. Mix all your Impregnations together, in an earthen or glaſs Veſſel. Evaporate in a Sand-fire with a gentle heat, about two thirds of the moiſture, or 'till there riſes a little skin over it. Then transfer your Veſſel into a Celler or ſome ſuch cool place, without jogging it; there will appear white Cryſtals, which you muſt ſeparate, and Evaporate the Liquor as before, and ſet it again in the Cellar. Continue your Evaporations and Cryſtallizations, 'till you have gotten all your Salt. Dry it in the Sun, and keep it in a Glaſs.

[Page]If you would make it exceeding white, you muſt diſſolve it in equal quantities of diſtill'd Vinegar, and common water, then Filter it, and Cryſtallize it, as I ſaid before. This Purification may be repeated three or four times.

It is commonly uſed in Pomatums, for Tettars and Inflammations; the Impregnation of Saturn is alſo uſed chiefly for Diſeaſes of the skin; when it is mixed with a great deal of Water, it makes a Milk that is called Virgins Milk.

The Salt of Saturn taken inwardly is eſteemed very good for the Quinſie, to ſtop the flowing of the Menſes and Hemorrhoids, and for the Bloudy Flux. The Doſe is from two grains to four in Knot-graſs, or Plantain water, or mixt in Garg [...]es.

Remarks.

I do commonly uſe Ceruſſe for preparing the Salt of Saturn, becauſe I find it to be more open, and eaſier to diſſolve, than the other Preparations of Lead, by reaſon of the Vinegar it is already impregnated with.

The Ebullition, that is obſerved, doth proceed from the violent entrance of the acids, which do forcibly ſeparate the parts of the Matter. But it is remarkable that the Efferveſcency which happens upon pouring a like quantity of acids on any other preparation of Lead, is a great deal ſtronger; becauſe when the acid meets with a body not ſo open as Ceruſſe, it muſt uſe greater endeavour to enter into it, and conſequently raiſes up the Matter higher.

[Page]In theſe Efferveſcences as well as many others, you cannot perceive the leaſt Degree of Heat, nay ſome preſume to aſſert that Cold is increaſed in them. Vinegar loſes all its force in the penetration of Lead, and acquires a kind of ſweet or ſugar'd taſte.

You muſt not imagine that a true Salt of Lead can be drawn. It is nothing but a diſſolution of its ſubſtance by acids, which do very cloſely unite with it, to form a kind of Salt. For if by diſtillation you ſhould draw off the humidity of the Diſſolution, you'd find it to be nothing but an Inſipid water, and conſequently deprived of all its acids. I ſhall prove that better hereafter, when we come to revive our Salt into Lead.

This Salt called Sugar by reaſon of its ſweetneſs is good for many Diſeaſes that are cauſed by acid or ſharp humors, becauſe it aſſwages them, and mitigates their keenneſs. This is particularly obſerved in Quinzies, whoſe cauſe doth ordinarily proceed from a ſaline or acid ſeroſity, which falling too abundantly on the Muſcles of the Larynx raiſes a fermentation that dilates their fibers, and cauſes the Inflammation we ſee. Thus whatſoever is able to dull the edge of Acids is good for the cure of this Diſeaſe.

Menſtrual Purgations, Flux of the Hemorrhoids and Dyſenteries are uſually cauſed by ſharp corroſive Salts which fall into the Veſſels. Wherefore the Salt of Saturn, as all other matters that abſorb Acids, do ſerve to cure theſe diſtempers; for take away the cauſe of a diſeaſe, and the effect will ſoon ceaſe.

[Page]The ſweetneſs of Salt of Saturn cannot be better explicated than by the Sulphureous or ſoftiſh ſubſtanee of the particles of Lead, which being actuated by the Salt of Vinegar, do delightfully tickle the Nerve of the tongue, when it is taſted.

Vinegar impregnated with ſome preparation of Lead, is called Vinegar of Saturn. If it be well tempered with Oil of Roſes, or ſome other Oil, beating them together in a mortar, it makes an unguent that is called Nutritum, or otherwiſe Butter of Saturn; it is good for Tettars, and other diſfigurations of the skin.

Magiſtery of Saturn.

This Operation is a Lead diſſolved and precipitated.

Diſſolve two or three ounces of the Salt of Saturn well purified, as I ſaid before, in a ſufficient quantity of Water, and diſtill'd Vinegar, filter the diſſolution, and pour upon it drop by drop the Oil of Tartar made per Deliquium, it will firſt turn into a Milk, then a kind of Coagulum that will precipitate to the bottom of the Veſſel in a white Powder. Boil it a little, and pour it into a Tunnel lined with a Coffin of brown Paper, the Liquor will paſs through as clear as Water, and the Powder remain in it: Waſh it ſeveral times with Water to carry off all the impreſſion of Vinegar. Then dry it, and you'l have a very white Magiſtery, that is uſed for a Fucus like the Biſmuth. It is likewiſe mixed in Pomatums for Tettars, &c.

Remarks.

[Page]

When good ſtore of Water is poured upon the Impregnation of Saturn, it turns white like Milk, and is commonly called, Virgins milk; it is uſed in Inflammations, and to Pimples in the face: if you let this Milk ſettle, it becomes as clear as Water, and a White powder ſinks down to the bottom; this Powder does proceed from the particles of Lead which were held up by the acidity of the Vinegar, and were made let go their hold, by the acceſs of Water diluting the acid. This Magiſtery being well waſht may ſerve like the other that I now deſcribed; but becauſe Water alone has not ſtrength enough to deſtroy the acid ſo, as to make it quit every particle that it held diſſolved, ſome part of the Lead ſtill remains indiſcernable in the liquor, and does not precipitate. Wherefore it is better to follow my deſcription, in the making Magiſtery of Saturn. You muſt uſe an equal quantity of Water and Vinegar to diſſolve the Salt of Saturn, for if you ſhould uſe Water alone, it would rather cauſe a precipitation than diſſolution.

The Oil of Tartar, or rather the Salt of Tartar diſſolved being an Alkali deſtroys the edges of the Vinegar that ſuſpended the Lead, whence it comes to precipitate; for finding nothing in the Liquor that is able to hold it up, it falls down by its own weight.

Now in this Operation there happens no efferveſcency at all, becauſe the edges of the Vinegar [Page] being broken, the fragments of them which remain have not activity, and are not keen enough to enter into the pores of Salt of Tartar with a ſufficient penetration. And it is the ſame thing with all other precipitations of matters which have been diſſolved by Vinegar: but when the ſolution has been performed with ſtronger acids, the precipitations are made with ebullition, for the reaſon that I gave in my Remarks upon Aurum Fulminans.

This Powder being waſht and dried is nothing but a Ceruſſe rendred exceeding fine. It is uſed for Paint, but this Coſmetick as well as all others that are made of Metallick ſubſtances, ſuch as Tinn and Biſmuth, do often black the skin after having whitened it, becauſe the heat of the fleſh doth gather together theſe Metallick Particles, which owed all their whiteneſs to an exact Alkoholiſation, and loſing that, do often Revive.

Balſam or Oil of Saturn.

The Balſam of Saturn is a ſolution of Salt of Saturn made in Oil of Turpentine.

Put eight ounces of Salt of Saturn powdered into a Matraſs, and pour upon it Spirit of Turpentine, four fingers above it, place the Matraſs in a ſmall Sand heat digeſting for a day, you'l have a red Tincture; decant the Liquor and pour more Spirit of Turpentine on the Matter that remains in the bottom of the Matraſs, leave it in digeſtion as before, then ſeparate again the Liquor which remains ſtill a little coloured, and there will remain [Page] at the bottom nothing but a little Matter, that you may Revive into Lead in a Crucible. Pour your diſſolutions into a Glaſs-Retort, place it in Sand, and fitting to it a Receiver, diſtil over a gentle fire about two thirds of the Liquor, which will be Spirit of Turpentine: quench the fire, and when the Retort is cold pour that which is in it into a Viol, and keep it for uſe. This is the Balſam of Saturn, excellent for cleanſing and cicatrizing of Ulcers. You may touch Chancres with it, though they be never ſo bad, for it mightily reſiſts putrefaction.

Remarks.

The Spirit of Turpentine, to ſpeak properly, is an exalted Oil. It diſſolves Lead, and eaſily unites with it, becauſe it is very ſulphureous.

If you ſhould ſtill perſiſt in putting new Spirit of Turpentine on the remaining matter, all the Salt of Saturn would at laſt diſſolve.

Some do uſe to diſtil away all the Liquor, and keep that for Oil which comes forth laſt. But it is a great deal better to follow my deſcription; for when all the Liquor is diſtilled, there will hardly have riſen any Particle of Saturn, and therefore it cannot be ſo good.

Burning Spirit of Saturn.

Spirit of Saturn is an inflammable liquor which is drawn from Salt of Saturn.

[Page]Fill two thirds of an earthen Retort, or a glaſs one luted, with Salt of Saturn; place it in a Furnace over a very gentle fire, both for gently heating the Retort, and driving out a Phlegmatick Water; continue this degree of Fire, until the drops begin to have ſome taſte, then fit to the Retort a large Recipient, lute well the junctures, and encreaſe the fire by degrees, a Spirit will come forth that will fill the Recipient with Clouds. When nothing more will come, let the Veſſels cool, and having unluted them, pour what you find in the Recipient into a Glaſs-Cucurbite, and rectifie in a very gentle Sand-fire about half the Liquor, which will be the inflammable Spirit of Saturn, burning like Spirit of Wine, and of a ſowr taſte.

This Spirit is very good to reſiſt putrefaction of humours: It is alſo given in the Hypochondriack Melancholy from eight unto ſixteen drops in Broth, or ſome Liquor peculiar to the Diſeaſe, and the uſe of it is continued every Morning for a Fortnight.

The other moyety of the liquor that remains in the Alembick, is called improperly Oil of Saturn; it is good to cleanſe the eyes of horſes.

If you take out the blackiſh matter that remains in the Retort, and put it in a Crucible upon burning Coals, it will reaſſume the form of Lead.

Remarks.

You muſt remember not to fill above two thirds of the Retort with the Salt, and to joyn a Receiver [Page] large enough, becauſe theſe Volatile Spirits flying out with violence might be apt to break the Veſſels, if they had not room to play in.

If you uſe ſix ounces of Salt of Saturn in your Diſtillation, you'l draw an Ounce and ſix drachms of liquor, and there will remain in the Retort ſix ounces and ſix drachms of a blackiſh and yellow matter; and if you put this matter into a Crucible, ſetting it in the fire, 'twill melt, and you'l regain four ounces of Lead, and half an ounce, or it may be ſix drachms of a yellow earth coloured like Litharge of Gold.

It is evident from this Operation that an ounce and ſix drachms of the more Acid parts of Vinegar are ſufficient to impregnate four ounces and two drachms of Lead, to reduce it into Salt; but the ſtrangeſt thing that happens to it, is the great change that acids do give it, inſomuch that it is not to be known again in the leaſt.

The Augmentation that the Lead in the Retort does here receive, is as evident as may be; for ſix drachms are taken out of it at laſt, more than were put in of Salt of Saturn, beſides an ounce and ſix drachms of liquor that were drawn out. So that we muſt neceſſarily conclude, that the four ounces and two drachms of Lead are encreaſed two ounces and an half.

It is probable enough that the more rarified the Lead becomes, the more capable it will be of igneous particles; for although the Salt of Saturn is not ſuffer'd to remain long in the fire, yet the Lead encreaſes apace. Poſſibly it may be, that as faſt as the acids go out of it, igneous bodies enter [Page] in their place, and open likewiſe the Pores of Lead by their nimble motion; but theſe Pores muſt needs be ſo diſpoſed as to ſhut again like valvules, and hinder the return back of thoſe fiery parts.

When this Calx is Calcined in an open fire in a Crucible, without ſtirring it, the parts of Lead cloſe together and expel the fiery particles, ſo that the Lead revives as it was before, and recovers its Natural gravity.

The matter when ſhut up in the Retort would never be able to revive, let the fire be made never ſo ſtrong, becauſe the igneous particles would have no liberty to get out.

The Yellow earth that's found in the Crucible ſeems to be of a Golden colour, it is a terreſtrious and bituminous impurity that the Lead is purified from. There ſhould be indeed but two drachms of it, becauſe four ounces of Lead are recovered, wherefore the Augmentation muſt needs be from the fiery parts that remained in it as in a Calx.

Spirit of Saturn becomes inflammable from its containing in it ſome ſpirit of Wine, that remains ſtill involved in the Vinegar, and was carried away with the acids into the Pores of Lead, when the Salt of Saturn was made; for if you quicken the Fire to diſtil this Salt, the acids break in pieces, and leave the Spirit of Wine at liberty, inſomuch that the Spirit of Saturn hath no acid taſte.

The matter that remains in the Retort after the Operation may be eaſily revived into Lead, as being deprived of the acids which gave it the form of Salt.

[Page]The Salt of Saturn may be likewiſe revived into Lead by mixing it with an Alkali Salt melted in a Crucible with a good fire, becauſe this laſt Salt deſtroys the acids that kept the Lead thus diſguiſed; but you muſt obſerve that it will flame before it revives, by reaſon of the Spirit of Wine that I ſaid was included in the diſſolution of Ceruſſe made by Vinegar.

CHAP. VI. Of Copper.

COpper is a Metal that abounds in Vitriol and Sulphur: it is called Venus, becauſe this Planet was thought to govern it particularly, and beſtow its Influences upon it: and for this reaſon there hath been attributed unto it the virtue of encreaſing ſeed, and curing the diſeaſes of thoſe parts that ſerve for Generation.

But becauſe Copper contains in it a Corroſive quality, I would adviſe no body to uſe it inwardly.

Copper takes Ruſt very eaſily, for if you leave but a drop of Water ſome hours upon a piece of it, it makes a Verdegreeſe. Have a care of drinking water, that has lain in Copper veſſels, for it always diſſolves ſome portion of it, which appears eaſily from the taſte it leaves in it.

[Page]It will not be altogether amiſs to make mention here of an effect that is no leſs ſtrange than uſual. 'Tis that Water or any other liquor that's heated or boil'd in a Copper veſſel for a whole day together, ſavours not at all, or not ſo much of the Copper, provided that it be not removed off the fire all that time, as other water warm'd in a like veſſel, and put from the fire but an hour; for whereas water alone can diſſolve ſomething of the Copper, it would ſeem that being aided with the heat of fire, it ſhould partake of its nature the more. Now in my opinion this is the moſt rational explication that can be given of this matter.

Every body may perceive that when the water begins to heat in a Copper veſſel, that's ſet over the fire, little Atoms do riſe at bottom like the ſtirring of a powder, and theſe Atoms do encreaſe according as the water receives more heat, ſo that at length they make it boil on high; theſe little Atoms can have no other cauſe than the fiery particles, which paſſing through the veſſel, do drive the water upwards apace, and rarifie its parts; for this reaſon it is that the water is not able to diſſolve any of the Copper, for being continually raiſed upwards, it can make no impreſſion upon the bottom of the veſſel.

Perhaps ſome will tell me, that the liquor might take the impreſſion of the Copper, at the ſides of the Baſon; but it is eaſie to imagine that though there don't paſs through the ſides ſo many fiery particles as do at the bottom, there do paſs nevertheleſs enough to hinder the liquor from ſticking to or diſſolving any particles of the veſſel.

[Page]But now on the contrary the veſſel being remov'd from off the fire, and the motion of the igneous particles being quite ceaſed, the liquor partakes eaſily of the Copper, and ſo much the more eaſily as the fire has rarified the metal, and rendred it more proper for diſſolution.

Every thing ſeems to confirm this Opinion, for if any liquor is put to boil over a ſtrong fire in a Copper veſſel, it will not impregnate in the leaſt, but if you place it upon a ſmall fire, and leave it ſo for ſome time, then becauſe there will not paſs enough fiery particles, to cover all the ſurface of the veſſel, and raiſe up the liquor, it will take ſome taſte of the Copper; but this taſte will not be ſo ſtrong as if you had left it the ſame length of time in ſuch a veſſel off the fire, after it had been warm'd.

Liquors that are full of Salts do take the impreſſion of Copper much more eaſily than thoſe that are not. Thus Confectioners do obſerve what I have mentioned; for though they boil their Confections in veſſels of Copper for a conſiderable time, they find them taſte nothing of the Copper, but they know that if they ſhould leave them but half an hour in the veſſel taken off the fire, they would be tainted with a moſt loathſom Copper taſte.

We may learn from this Diſcourſe, not to uſe a Copper veſſel, when we have a mind to boil or heat a liquor gently, and when we do think fit to uſe it, to be ſure to keep a good brisk fire underneath, and not to let what we have boil'd, cool afterwards in a veſſel of this nature.

[Page]Another difficulty does here offer it ſelf on this ſubject, and it is to know why a Kettle that has been taken off the fire, is not ſo hot at bottom as at the ſides, ſo that as ſoon as it is removed from off the fire, one may touch it at bottom without burning ones finger, which can't be done at the ſides without preſent ſcalding.

The reaſon of which is, that the fiery particles tending upwards through the bottom of the kettle, which is flat, in a direct line, don't make any ſtop in paſſing through, having but a little diſtance to conquer before they come into the liquor; but thoſe that riſe on the ſides, finding a longer ſpace to make upon the kettle, do many of them ſtop in the Pores of the Copper.

It is not the ſame thing in veſſels that are made in another form, whoſe bottom is Globular, becauſe the fiery particles riſing up in an indirect line, do find more to do to paſs through it, than in a flat bottom, and ſo by conference more of them do ſtop.

But it is objected, that if igneous bodies do paſs through the bottom of the kettle without any ſtop, they would not be able to heat it any more when it is empty than when it is filled with water; nevertheleſs it is plain, that when an empty veſſel is ſet over the fire, the bottom does heat and grow red-hot, eſpecially if left ſo a good while.

I anſwer to this, that when the kettle which was ſet in a great fire is full of liquor, the fiery parts having paſſed through the bottom in a ſtrait line, as I ſaid, are in a manner abſorbed by the liquor, and have no more ſtrength or action left to reflect again upon the bottom of the veſſel, [Page] and ſo to beat it; but now when it is empty, the fiery parts which paſs through the bottom, finding nothing to drown them and check their motion, many of them do return back upon the bottom, and that way heat it ſo much as they do.

And the ſame reaſon holds, why an empty Tinn or Leaden veſſel being ſet in the fire does quickly melt, but when filled with liquor they will not melt, make what fire under them you pleaſe; for the fiery parts finding nothing that is able to hinder their activity in an empty veſſel, do paſs to and fro through its pores often enough to melt it. But theſe ſame fiery parts finding moiſture to engage them in a full veſſel, they cannot return upon the bottom ſo as to melt it.

Copper does not melt ſo eaſily as many other matters, becauſe it contains more terreſtrious parts than thoſe others.

Braſs, or Yellow Copper is a mixture of Lapis Calaminaris and Copper, and veſſels that are made of it give leſs impreſſion to liquors than the others.

Calcination of Copper.

To Calcine Copper, is to purifie it from its more Volatile parts, by the means of common Sulphur and fire, in order to render it the more compact.

Stratifie plates of Copper with powder'd Sulphur in a large Crucible, cover the Crucible with a Cover that hath a hole in the middle, to give the Vapours vent. Place your Crucible in a Wind-furnace, and light a very ſtrong fire about it, until there riſe no more vapours; then draw off [Page] your Plates as they are hot, and ſeparate them, this is the Aes uſtum that is uſed in outward remedies to deterge.

Remarks.

In the making of this ſtratification we begin with a bed of Sulphur, and lay over it a bed of Copper-plates, then another bed of Sulphur, and another of Plates. We continue to do ſo till the Crucible is quite full; but you muſt be ſure to let the firſt and laſt bed be of Sulphur. This Calcination is thus performed, that the common Sulphur by its burning may cleanſe the Copper of its ſuperficial Sulphur; but it will be much better purified by the following Operation.

Purification of Copper.

This ſecond Purification of Copper is to render it fair to the eye, and of a high colour.

Take what quantity you pleaſe of Calcined Copper, heat it red-hot in a Crucible placed among burning coals, and caſt it red-hot into a Pot, wherein you ſhall have put enough Oil of Linſeed to ſwim above it four fingers; cover the Pot preſently, for otherwiſe the Oil would take fire, let the Copper ſteep, till the Oil is grown pretty cool, ſeparate it, and put it to heat again in the Crucible, then caſt it into Oil of Linſeed; continue to made it red-hot, and quench it in the Oil nine ſeveral times, You muſt change your Oil every third [Page] time; and you'l have a Copper well purified, and of its former colour. If you Calcine it once again, to conſume the Oil, and powder it, you'l have a Crocus of Copper, that is deterſive and good to eat the proud fleſh of Wounds and Ulcers.

Vitriol of Copper or Venus.

This Operation is a Copper opened, and transformed into a Vitriol by Spirit of Niter.

Diſſolve two ounces of Copper cut into little pieces in five or ſix ounces of Spirit of Niter, pour the diſſolution into a Glaſs-Cucurbite, and evaporate in Sand about the fourth part of the Liquor; put that which remains into a Cellar, or ſome other cool place, and let it lye there five or ſix Hours, you'l find Blue Cryſtals, ſeparate them, and continue to evaporate and cryſtallize, till you have drawn them all; dry theſe Cryſtals, and keep them in a Viol well ſtopt.

They are Cauſtick, and are uſed to conſume ſuperfluous or proud fleſh.

If you leave theſe Cryſtals in a Pan uncover'd, they will turn into liquor, that may ſerve for the ſame uſe.

Remarks.

You muſt put the Copper into a large body, placed within the Chimney, and pour to it by little and little the Spirit of Niter, there does preſently riſe a great efferveſcency, and a red cloud from [Page] it, which would be very miſchievous to the breaſt, if it were not avoided. Then the veſſel grows ſo hot that a man cannot keep his hand upon it, and the heat continues until the ſolution be finiſhed, for then the liquor clears up, and becomes of a fair blue colour.

The great efferveſcency that happens, does proceed from the ſutable Pores of Copper to the edges of Spirit of Niter, ſo that they can make their entrance and joſtles with a good force; for when theſe edges, which did before ſwim with all liberty in a liquid, do find their motion checkt in the body of the metal, they do ſtrive to diſengage themſelves, and do thereby ſeparate the parts of the Copper. It is this violent ſeparation which cauſes the ebullition and heat; for the acid edges ſtriking ſtrongly againſt the ſolid parts of Copper, do cauſe a great agitation in the liquor, and by that means do excite a heat, much after the manner as when two ſolid bodies are beaten againſt one another violently, they grow ſo hot as even to ſtrike fire.

The red cloud is derived from the Spirit of Niter, which upon rarefaction does always acquire that ſame colour.

When the Copper is but half diſſolved, it is green, but when it is all diſſolved, it aſſumes a blue colour; if you will ſeparate the acids again from the Copper diſſolved, and reunite the parts by the help of fire, it recovers its red colour.

After that the acids have divided the parts of Copper as much as they are able, they ſtick faſt to them, and ſuſpend them in the liquor. Some part of the liquor is evaporated, that the reſt [Page] may cryſtallize the more eaſily. That which flies away in time of the ſolution, is the more phlegmatick part.

Vitriol of Copper is nothing but the acids of Spirit of Niter incorporated in the Copper; and it is theſe Spirits that cauſe all the Corroſion; for they are like ſo many little knives faſtned to the Body of the Copper, which do tear and gnaw the fleſh on which they are applied. This Vitriol diſſolves into Liquor, becauſe the Copper having large Pores, the moiſture doth eaſily inſinuate into them.

Other Cryſtals of Venus.

Theſe Cryſtals of Venus are the acid part of the Vinegar incorporated into Copper.

Take what quantity you pleaſe of Verdegreaſe in powder, put it into a large Matraſs, and pour upon it diſtilled Vinegar four fingers above it. Place the Matraſs in Digeſtion in hot Sand, and let it lye ſo three days ſtirring it ever now and then, the Vinegar will acquire a blue colour; ſeparate by Inclination the liquor that ſwims upon the Copper, and pour new diſtilled Vinegar upon the matter, leave it in Digeſtion for three days as before, decant the Liquor, and continue to put other diſtilled Vinegar on the matter, until three fourths of the Verdegreaſe or thereabouts be diſſolved, and there remains nothing but a terreſtrious matter. Then Filtrate all theſe Impregnations, and evaporate two thirds of the moiſture in a Olaſs Body in Sand; put the Veſſel into a Celler, and leave it there without ſtirring it [Page] four or five days: little Cryſtals will appear, ſeparate by Inclination the Liquor, and gather them up; conſume again about the third part of the moiſture, and put it a cryſtallizing as before; continue theſe Evaporations and Cryſtallizations, till you have got all your Cryſtals, dry them, and keep them for the following Operation.

Remarks.

You had better uſe Verdegreaſe than crude Copper in this Operation, becauſe it is more open, and diſpoſed for ſolution by the acids of Vinegar; for Verdegreaſe is nothing but a Copper opened, and reduced to a ruſt by the fermenting ſpirits of Tartar.

For the making of Verdegreaſe, Plates of Copper are ſtratified with the husks of Grapes preſſed. They are left ſo for ſome time, and part of theſe Plates is turned into Verdegreaſe, which is ſcraped off with a Knife; then theſe ſame Plates are ſtratified again with preſſed Grapes, and are penetrated as before, and more Verdegreaſe made. This ſtratification is continued until the whole is turned into Verdegreaſe. You muſt obſerve that Verdegreaſe is better made in Languedock and Provence than other places, becauſe in thoſe Countries the Grapes do yield more Tartar, and conſequently do abound in theſe fermenting Spirits, which do penetrate the Copper.

The Cryſtals of Venus are nothing but Copper diſſolved, and afterwards coagulated with the acids of Vinegar, that incorporate with it, and form a kind of Vitriol.

Spirit of Venus.

[Page]

Put what quantity you pleaſe of the Cryſtals of Venus prepared with diſtill'd Vinegar, as I ſhewed before, into a Glaſs Retort, whoſe third part remains empty. Place your Retort in Sand, and Fitting to it a large Receiver, and Luting well the junctures, give a ſmall Fire at firſt, to drive out a little inſipid Phlegm; this Phlegm will be followed by a Volatile Spirit. Then augment the Fire by degrees, and the Receiver will fill with white Clouds. Towards the latter end kindle coals round about the Retort, that the laſt Spirits may come forth, for they are the ſtrongeſt. When you ſee the clouds diſappear, and the Recipient grow cool, put out the Fire: unlute the junctures, and pour all that which is in the Recipient into a Glaſs Body to diſtil it in Sand until it is dry. This is the rectified Spirit of Venus.

This Remedy is uſed againſt the Epilepſie, the Palſie, the Apoplexie, and other Diſeaſes of the Head. Seven or Eight drops of it are given in a convenient Vehicle: many do uſe it to diſſolve Pearl, Coral, and ſuch like ſubſtances.

The black Maſs that remains in the Retort may be revived into Copper, if put in a Crucible in a Fire of Fuſion, with a little Salt-peter, or Tartar.

Remarks.

[Page]

The Acid is drawn from the Copper by fire without breaking its points; for Spirit of Venus is conſiderably ſharp, which happens not in other Metals. The reaſon that may be given of it is, that Copper, which is very full of Sulphur, doth but barely touch upon the Acids by its ramous parts. So that when theſe points are ſtirred by the violence of fire, they come forth whole, becauſe they do not meet with reſiſtance of a body hard enough to break them in pieces. They do alſo draw along with them, ſome of the moſt Volatile parts of Copper, with which they are inſeparably united.

It hath been thought that this Spirit being poured upon Coral and Pearl, was able to diſſolve them without loſing any thing of its force; ſo that when you would uſe the ſame Spirit, it would corrode the Matters as before. But Experience doth not confirm it; it is true the diſſolvent comes from the Coral with a great deal of ſharpneſs, but it hath loſt the Acidity which was the principal Menſtruum; and if there remains any ſharpneſs, it proceeds from the Copper.

If you uſe a pound of Cryſtals of Venus in this diſtillation, you'l draw half a pound of liquor, and the matter which remains in the Retort will be juſt the ſame quantity.

CHAP. VII. Of Iron.

[Page]

IRon is called Mars from the Planet of that name, whoſe Influence it is thought to receive; it is a very Porous Metal compounded of a Vitriolick Salt, Sulphur, and Earth, ill digeſted together; wherefore the diſſolution of its parts is very eaſily performed.

Iron is found in many Mines in Europe, in form of a Stone or Marcaſſite, which much reſembles the Loadſtone, but this laſt is more heavy and brittle than Iron. The Loadſtone is alſo found in Mines of Iron, and may be reduced into Iron by a ſtrong fire. Iron for its part does eaſily acquire the virtue of the Loadſtone, as every body knows, ſo that theſe bodies do ſeem to differ only in the figure of their Pores, as has been very well obſerved by our modern Philoſophers.

Iron in the ſtone is melted in large Furnaces made on purpoſe, both to purifie it from ſome earth, and to bring it into the Form we deſire. Having continued ſome time in Fuſion, it Vitrifies as it were, and much reſembles an Enamel of ſeveral colours; and it enters indeed into the compoſition of ordinary Enamels, with Lead, Tinn, Antimony, Sand, the Saphire, the Stone of Perigord, (a Province in France) Gravelled aſhes, and the aſhes of a Plant called Kali.

[Page]It is turned into Steel by means of Horns or Nails of Animals, with which it is ſtratified, and ſo Calcined. Theſe matters containing a great deal of Volatile Salt which is an Alkali, do kill or deſtroy the Acids of the Iron, that kept its Pores open, and do render it more compact. Beſides the Fire carries off many of the more Volatile and Soluble parts of Iron, whence it comes to paſs, that Steel will remain longer without ruſting than Iron.

Steel is to be preferred before Iron for the making of Ʋtenſils; but for Remedies, Iron is the better beyond compariſon. I ſhall give you the reaſons for what I ſay in the following Operations.

Although Mars does contain an Acid Vitriolick Salt, yet it ceaſes not the being an Alkali, for it ferments with Acids, and no body needs wonder at this effect, when they conſider there is more Earth than Salt in this Metal, and this Earth containing this Salt within it, retains Pores ſufficient to receive the Points of Acids when thrown upon it, and ſo does the office of an Alkali; for as I have ſaid ſpeaking of the Principles, it is ſufficient for a body to be called an Alkali, if it has its Pores ſo diſpoſed as that the Acids may be able through their motion violently to ſeparate whatſoever ſtands in their way.

Mars is almoſt always Aſtringent by Stool, by reaſon of its Terreſtrious parts, and Aperitive by Ʋrine, not only by reaſon of its piercing Salt, but alſo becauſe when the body is bound, the humidities do more eaſily filter by way of Ʋrine.

Opening Saffron of Mars.

[Page]

This Preparation is only a Ruſt of Iron contracted in the Dew.

Waſh well ſeveral Iron Plates, and expoſe them to the Dew for a good while, they will ruſt, and you muſt gather up this ruſt. Set the ſame Plates again to receive the Dew, and gather the Ruſt as before. Continue to do ſo till you have gotten enough.

This Ruſt is really better than all the Preparations of Iron that are called Crocus. It is excellent for Obſtructions of the Liver, Pancreas, Spleen, and Meſentery.

It is uſed very ſucceſsfully for the Green-Sickneſs, ſtopping of the Terms, Dropſies, and other Diſeaſes that proceed from Oppilations. The Doſe is from two grains unto two Scruples in Lozenges or Pills. Many do give Mars with Purgatives, which is a good Practice.

Remarks.

The Chymiſts have called Calcin'd Steel Crocus, by reaſon of its red colour; and they have given this name to many other Preparations for the ſame reaſon.

Though Steel hath been always uſed in the Chymical Preparations that are uſed in Phyſick, and is preferred before Iron for the Cure of Diſeaſes; it is certain nevertheleſs that Iron is fitter for that [Page] intent than Steel, becauſe it is more Soluble; for if the action of Iron proceeds from nothing but its Salt, (as there is no reaſon to doubt,) the Salt of Iron muſt be much more eaſily ſeparated in the ſtomach than that of Steel, becauſe as I have ſhewn before, the Pores of Steel are more cloſe than thoſe of Iron, and therefore this muſt have quicker effects; beſides that Steel being harder to be diſſolved doth ſometimes paſs away with the excrements, without beſtowing any impreſſion on the Chyle. The reaſon that hath induced People to believe that Steel is better for uſe than Iron, was its being thought to be deprived of many impurities by Calcination, but that which is called Impurity is the more open part of the Iron, and conſequently the more wholeſome.

This Preparation of the Saffron of Mars is out of the common road, and longer a doing than the others; but it is the beſt of all that ever were invented. The Dew is impregnated with a Diſſolvent that opens very much the Pores of Iron, and incorporating with it renders it more active and ſoluble than it was before.

Iron doth open Obſtructions by its ſalt, which being aſſiſted with the ſolid parts of the Metal, penetrates further than other Salts. But you muſt always purge and moiſten the Perſon you give it to with broths before you preſume to give it, becauſe if it ſhould find the paſſages of the ſmall Veſſels filled and obſtructed with groſs matters, it ſtops and ſometimes cauſes Inflammations that create pains like to thoſe of the Colick.

Many do uſe the filings of Steel without any Preparation at all.

[Page] Iron doth frequently open Obſtructions by abſorbing, as an Alkali, the Acid that fomented them.

Seeing that ſome perſons have indeavoured to contradict the Remarks I have made upon the Effects of Mars, and particularly concerning the preference I have given Iron to Steel for Phyſical uſes, I have thought it not convenient to end this Chapter, before I have laid down and Anſwered their Objections.

Firſt then they ſay, that becauſe the different ſubſtances of Mars cannot be ſeparated, as thoſe of Animals and Vegetables can, it is in vain that an Aperitive virtue is attributed to its Salt.

Anſwer, I grant, all the ſubſtances of Mars can't be ſeparated ſo eaſily as thoſe of Animals and Vegetables; but becauſe we find Salts to be Aperitive, and commonly Remedies that are ſo, are full of Salts, and that water in which ruſt of Iron has ſteeped for ſome time, is proper to open by way of Ʋrine, it ſeems to me rational enough to attribute this effect of Mars principally to its Salt; for if the water has carried off any taſte or penetrating quality from Iron, there's nothing at all in Mars that is able to contribute ſuch a virtue to it, beſides the Salt therein diſſolved.

Secondly, they ſay, the Earth and Salt of Mars being united and in a manner become inſeparable, cannot act but by conſent of both, and receive together joyntly the good or bad impreſſions, that may happen to them.

I Anſwer, there's no reaſon to think the Salt of Mars abſolutely inſeparable from the Earth, for the water in which this Metal has ſteeped or boiled, [Page] after Filtration does contain a Vitriolick taſte, and Aperitive quality. Now it is the effect of Salt to diſſolve imperceptibly in Water and drive by Ʋrine, as I have ſaid; but if any body would take the pains to ſteep and boil gently the ruſt of Iron a good while in water, then Filter it, and Evaporate the liquor over a ſmall fire to a Pellicle, he'l by Cryſtallization or by an entire evaporation of the humidity, gain a ſmall quantity of Salt; and it is probable enough that there was much more in the water, as may be collected from the ſtrong taſte it had of Mars, but it being ſomething of a Volatile nature, it fum'd away in the Evaporation. I do not ſay nevertheleſs, that the cloſe connexion of Earth with the Salt of Mars is altogether unuſeful for this effect; on the contrary, I do conceive that this Earth rendring the Salt more heavy than otherwiſe it would be, does help to drive it forwards, and cauſes the Mars ſometimes to penetrate as much by its gravity as by its Salt; but we muſt attribute the principal virtue to the Vehicle which is Salt, ſince without that, the Earth would be a dead matter, and would have no more action than other Earths bereaved of their Salts.

Thirdly, They ſay that in all probability Mars does act only according to the preparations which the different juices it meets with in the ſtomach do make; for theſe acid juices not failing to encounter with, and to diſſolve it, there reſults from this diſſolution a liberty to the parts of the body on which theſe juices did act, and conſequently their reſtauration a-new.

I am willing to believe that ſometimes Mars may act in the body like an Alkali, by abſorbing and [Page] ſweetning the acid humour which it meets with, as it does abſorb and ſweeten the acid liquors which are poured upon it; but it muſt not be concluded from hence, that its Aperitive faculty does always conſiſt in this effect, becauſe as I before hinted, the water in which Mars has been put to boil, is Aperitive, and yet there is no Alkali in it to ſweeten the acids of the body, when it is drunk.

Fourthly, They object, that we muſt not think the hardneſs of the parts of Steel above Iron, whoſe Pores are more open, does render it leſs proper for all ſorts of Preparations, ſeeing Spirit of Vitriol, and many other acids are found to diſſolve with the ſame eaſe both Iron and Steel.

I Anſwer, that if Corroſive ſpirits do diſſolve Steel, they can diſſolve Iron more eaſily; and whereas a ſmaller quantity of them can operate upon Iron than Steel, a better effect does thence follow.

Fifthly, 'Tis objected that the ſolidity of Steel may be an advantageous circumſtance to it, for the better fixing the diſſolving Juices that are in the ſtomach, and that for Metals the pure are to be choſen before thoſe that are not ſo.

I Anſwer, that inſtead of the ſolidity of Steels being helpful to the ſtomach, it is certainly of great prejudice to it, as well as to thoſe other parts it is diſtributed into; for the juices that are found in the ſtomach being but weak diſſolvents, are not able to penetrate nor rarifie this metal, if it be too hard; ſo that they leave it crude and indigeſt, heavy and troubleſome to this part: Wherefore it paſſes away by Stool, without any [Page] good effect, as it often happens. But now if a little of this Steel does happen to paſs along with the Chyle, it rather cauſes than takes away Obſtructions, for by inſinuating into ſmall veſſels, it ſtops in the narrow paſſages, and cauſes grievous pains.

For what is ſaid concerning the Purity of Metals, it is of great uſe to Tradeſmen, for they by Purifying metals from their more rarified and Volatile parts, do make them the leſs Porous, and ſo the leſs liable to ſuffer prejudice from Air or time. Thus Steel is much fitter for Utenſils than Iron, becauſe its Pores are cloſer laid together, and it takes not ruſt ſo ſoon as Iron; but in Remedies it is not the ſame thing, for thoſe Metals that are more rarified, and are more eaſily diſſolved in the Body, are ſuch as we find beſt effects from, for the reaſon I have given. So that what Workmen call Purity, is often but an impurity in Remedies.

Sixthly, They ſay, that if one would hope to find a diſtinct Salt in Mars, it would be more likely to find it in that which is Purified, than in the Faeces which are ſeparated from it, and which are indeed but the Impurities of Iron, that Steel is made of.

I Anſwer, there would be ſome reaſon to think that Salt might be more eaſily found in Steel than Iron, if in the making of Steel, Iron were ſimply Calcined, without adding Nails and Horns of Animals in the Calcination; for then it might be ſaid that the Sulphur of Iron being in part evaporated, its ſalt would be the more Soluble: but we muſt conſider that the Volatile ſalts which come from theſe parts of Animals, being piercing Alkali's, [Page] do deſtroy the acid ſalts of Iron, and do thereby render the Steel more compact, and unfit to take ruſt, becauſe the ſalts which by their motion did rarifie the metal, are fixed, and as it were mortified, and have not the capacity of acting as they did. This is the reaſon why a plate of Steel that has infuſed in Water will not give ſo great Impreſſion to it, as a plate of Iron Calcined, of the ſame weight, infuſing the ſame time, will do.

Another thing remarkable in the Calcination of Iron to turn it into Steel, is, that it is thereby deprived of its more Volatile ſalt, which ſhould have moſt effect with it, in hopes to free it from Impurities, and that which is called the Scories, is the better part of Iron that has been rarified by its ſalt. Thus for the ſame reaſon that ſome are pleaſed to call the ruſt of Iron its droſs, the whole metal may deſerve the ſame appellation, all of it being capable of ruſting, if it be but laid in the open air.

Another Aperitive Saffron of Mars.

This Preparation is the filings of Iron turned into ruſt in the Rain.

Put the filings of Iron into an earthen Pot unglazed, and expoſe it to the Rain until it turns into a Paſte. Then ſet it a drying in the ſhade, and it will ruſt; powder it, and expoſe it to the Rain again as before, and ſo let it ruſt; continue to rehumectate, and ruſt this matter for twelve ſeveral times. Then powdering it very fine keep it for uſe. You may wet it with the water of Honey inſtead of Rain.

[Page]This Crocus hath the ſame virtues as the other, and is given in the ſame Doſe. I cannot but prefer that which I deſcribed before, becauſe I conceive it to be more open than this.

Another Opening Saffron of Mars.

This Preparation is only the filings of Iron Calcined with Sulphur.

Take equal quantities of the filings of Steel, and Sulphur powdered. Mix them together, and make them into a Paſte with water; put this Paſte into an earthen Pan, and leave it a fermenting four or five hours, after which put the Pan over a good fire, and ſtir the matter with an Iron Spatula, it will flame, and when the Sulphur is burnt, it will appear black; but continuing a good ſtrong fire, and ſtirring it about two hours, it will be of a very red colour, which declares to you the Operation is ended. Let it cool, and this Crocus may ſerve in the ſame Diſeaſes as the former; the Doſe is from fifteen Grains to a Drachm.

Remarks.

I have thought good to deliver this Preparation for the convenience of ſuch who need a great quantity of Saffron of Mars, and who have not leaſure enough to make it according to the other deſcriptions, for it is ſooner Calcined, and is of a redder colour than any that are made with fire.

[Page]A Paſte is made of the mixture, to the end that the acidity of the Sulphur being diluted by Water may inſenſibly penetrate the Iron, and open it the better; and it is very eaſie to obſerve this penetration, ſeeing that the matter does grow ſo hot of it ſelf, that a man can hardly endure his hand upon it. It is the ſame thing whether you make a ſmaller quantity, or make five and twenty or thirty pounds of this Preparation at a time, it flames, and half calcines before it is put upon the Fire, which cannot be explicated but by the violent action and frication of the acid part of the Sulphur againſt the ſolid body of this metal.

This Operation may very well help us to explicate after what manner the Sulphurs do ferment in the earth when it happens to tremble, and fires do burſt forth, as does too often happen in many Countries, and among others at Mount Veſuvius, and Mount Aetna; for theſe Sulphurs mixing in Iron Mines may penetrate the Metal, produce a heat, and at laſt take flame after the ſame manner as they do in the preſent Operation. And it will be in vain to object, that there is no Air in the earth to help to fire the Sulphurs; for there are clefts ſufficient in the earth to give entrance unto Air. But if there were not enough, the fermentation which happens at the meeting of Iron and Brimſtone may be able to raiſe the earth in ſome places and to burſt it a-ſunder.

The great heat of many Mineral waters may likewiſe eaſily be explicated by the means of theſe Subterranean Fires, and how they came to receive thoſe Sulphurs which we ſee are wont to be ſeparated on the ſides of the Bath, when the water is not diſturbed.

[Page]It is becauſe thoſe waters do paſs immediately over, or elſe through the midſt of ſome of theſe burning earths, wherein they are heated as they paſs, and do imbibe the Sulphur. But when they are arrived to the place of the Baths, and have there a-while ſetled, this Sulphur being a fatt body cannot ſo intimately mix with the water, but that it will ſeparate to the ſides of the Bath.

It may be alſo, that ſome Mineral waters do owe their heat to a natural Quick-lime they may meet withal in their paſſage through the bowels of the earth; but this Quick-lime is only a ſtone calcined by the Subterranean Fires, of which I have ſpoken. And now to return to our Operation.

You muſt obſerve to make this Calcination rather in an earthen Pan, than Pot or Crucible, and to ſtir it continually with a Spatula, that the Sulphur may exhale the more eaſily. I have ſometimes tried to do it in a Crucible, but the matter ſtill remained black, though I perſiſted in calcining and ſtirring it for above twelve hours together.

If you have uſed a Pound of Mars, you'l get at leaſt a pound and four ounces of Crocus, which proves, the acids of Sulphur, or ſome igneous bodies to incorporate in the pores of the Iron, and augment its weight,

The red colour proceeds from Vitriol that Mars is full off, which being calcined grows red like Colcothar.

Many other Preparations of Opening Saffron of Mars have been invented, but theſe three are ſufficient as being the beſt.

Binding Saffron of Mars.

[Page]

This Preparation is the filings of Iron deprived of their more Saline part.

Take what quantity you pleaſe of the laſt Aperitive Saffron of Mars; waſh it five or ſix times with ſtrong Vinegar, leaving it to ſteep an hour at a time, then calcine it in a Pot, or upon a Tile in a great Fire five or ſix hours; after that let it cool and keep it for uſe.

It ſtops the Diarrhoea, the immoderate flowing of the Hemorrhoids and Terms; the Doſe is from fifteen grains to a drachm in Lozenges, or elſe in Pills.

Remarks.

Becauſe Mars is an impure Vitriol, the more it is Calcined, the more aſtringent it is. But ſeeing that which renders it Aperitive is its Salt, or more ſoluble part, I intend by waſhing it ſeveral times with Vinegar to deprive it of much of its Salt. Afterwards I Calcine the matter to carry off by Fire what Aperitive parts might remain.

Not that I expect by this means to ſeparate intirely all that is Aperitive in Mars from that which is aſtringent; that is a thing in a manner impoſſible, by reaſon of the ſtrict union of its Salt and earth in the Mine; but I do believe it very probable to ſay, that if there be any thing aſtringent in this metal, as it cannot be denied, it muſt needs be the more terreſtrious part,

[Page]I may likewiſe ſay, that if the aſtringent Mars has ſometimes the effect of opening, it is by the remaining Salt that it opens; but when this Salt has done acting, the terreſtrious part never fails to bind.

Laſtly, I further ſay, that I do not believe any Preparation of Mars to be abſolutely aſtringent, and that all we can do is to render it leſs inciſive, and leſs penetrating than before, by depriving it of ſome part of its Salts.

Several other Preparations for making the Aſtringent Saffron of Mars are taught, but this one may ſuffice.

Salt, or Vitriol of Mars.

This Preparation is an Iron opened, and reduced into the form of Salt by an acid liquor.

Take a clean Frying-pan, and pour into it an equal weight of Spirit of Wine, and Oil of Vitriol; ſet it for ſome time in the Sun, and then in the ſhade without ſtirring it; you'l find all the Liquor incorporated with the Mars, and turned into a Salt that you muſt dry, and then ſeparate from the Pan, and keep in a Viol well ſtopt.

It is an admirable Remedy for all Diſeaſes that proceed from Obſtructions: the Doſe is from four to twelve grains, in Broth, or ſome appropriate Liquor.

Remarks.

[Page]

The Spirit of Wine ſerves here to moderate the too great force of the Oil of Vitriol, which if alone would indeed in a little time penetrate all the parts of the Iron, and cauſe a very impure Salt; but the ſpirit of Wine hinders its ſo quick diſſolution; ſo that nothing but the more ſoluble part incorporates with the Oil, to make a Salt or Vitriol.

A Frying-pan is more proper for this Operation than another veſſel leſs flat, becauſe the liquor ſpreads it ſelf about, and incorporates the better; you muſt uſe a Pan that is new.

If you uſe two ounces of Spirit of Wine, and the ſame quantity of Oil of Vitriol, in a ſmall Frying-pan, you'l obtain five ounces of Mars.

You may put your liquor a thumbs height in the Pan, and leave it there a day and a half, or two days without ſtirring it.

The Oil of Vitriol is improperly called Oil, being nothing but the more cauſtick Spirit, as I ſhall prove in its proper place.

Riverius in his Practice gives a way of preparing the Salt of Mars like unto this; excepting that he puts more Spirit of Wine than Oil of Vitriol, but it is better to put equal parts as I have done.

Its virtue is greater than that of the Crocus, becauſe it is whetted by the Oil of Vitriol, and therefore is given in a leſs doſe; you muſt obſerve that ſometimes it cauſes a nauſeouſneſs as all Vitriols do.

[Page]If you put this Salt, or Vitriol of Mars to diſſolve in a cold place, you'l have a liquor that is called improperly, Oil of Mars.

Another Vitriol of Mars.

This Vitriol of Mars is an Iron diſſolved, and reduced into the form of Salt by Spirit of Vitriol.

Put eight ounces of clean filings of Iron into a large Matraſs, and pour upon it two pounds of common water heated a little; add unto it a pound of good Spirit of Vitriol, ſtir it, and ſet your Matraſs in hot Sand, leave it in Digeſtion four and twenty hours, during which time the pureſt part of the Iron will diſſolve; ſeparate the Liquor by Inclination, and fling away the earthy part that remains in a ſmall quantity at the bottom. Filtrate this Liquor, and evaporate it in a Glaſs-Cucurbite unto a Skin in a Sand-fire, then ſet your veſſel in a cool place, and you'l find green Cryſtals, which you may take out after having gently poured off the Liquor. Then evaporate again this Liquor unto a Skin, and Cryſtallize it as before, repeat theſe evaporations and Cryſtallizations until you have got all your Cryſtals; then dry them, and keep them in a Glaſs bottle well ſtopt.

This Vitriol of Mars hath the ſame virtues as the former, and muſt be given in the ſame Doſe.

Remarks.

[Page]

The Spirit of Vitriol is weakned by the Water, to the end that it may be incapable of diſſolving but only the purer part of Mars. Moreover if it were uſed alone, it would incorporate with the very ſubſtance of Mars, but would not be able to diſſolve any of it, becauſe there would be wanting ſufficient moiſture to ſeparate its parts.

During the diſſolution the liquor heats and boils conſiderably, becauſe the acidity of Spirit of Vitriol doth violently enter the body of this metal, and makes a ſeparation of its parts.

To Evaporate unto a Pellicle, doth ſignifie to conſume the Liquor until a kind of thin skin is perceived to ſwim upon it, which always happens when ſome part of the moiſture being evaporated, there remains but little more than is neceſſary to hold the Salt in Fuſion.

An Acid Spirit may be drawn from this Vitriol of Mars by diſtilling it in a Retort in a Reverberatory fire, like common Vitriol; this Spirit hath been thought to have the ſame virtues as ordinary Spirit of Vitriol, but it can't be near ſo good, becauſe it hath much blunted or broken ſome part of its edges againſt the body of Mars, in the diſſolution and diſtillation. That which remains in the Retort after diſtillation, is that part of Mars which the Spirit of Vitriol had diſſolved. It may be uſed like an aperitive Crocus Martis.

Thoſe who do attribute the aperitive effect of Mars only to its ſweetning (as an Alkali) the [Page] acid juices which do too plentifully abound in mens bodies, will find it hard to explicate how theſe two laſt preparations do come to be eſteemed the beſt aperitives which are made upon Mars, for the acid does ſo far predominate in their compoſition, that the Alkali is able to do little or nothing.

Tincture of Mars with Tartar.

This Preparation is a diſſolution of Iron performed by the acid of Tartar.

Take Twelve ounces of the Ruſt of Iron, and Two pounds of White Tartar of Montpelier, powder and mix them together; then boil them in a great Iron pot or Cauldron with Twelve or Fifteen pints of Rain-water for Twelve hours time, ſtir the matter with an Iron Slice from time to time, and take care to put more boiling water into the Cauldron, according as it conſumes; afterwards leave it a while to ſettle, and you'l have a black Liquor, Filtrate and evaporate it in an Earthen Pan over a Sand-fire, to the conſiſtence of a Syrup, or till there riſes a Pellicle upon it.

It is a very great Aperitive, it opens the moſt inveterate Obſtructions, and is given in Cachexies, Dropſies, Obſtruction of the Terms, and other Diſeaſes that proceed from Oppilations; the Doſe is from a Drachm to half an ounce in Broth, or ſome appropriate Liquor.

Remarks.

[Page]

Water alone would not be able enough to penetrate the Iron, for to make a Tincture, though you ſhould boil it a Month together. But when it is impregnated with Tartar, it diſſolves it very eaſily. Nevertheleſs you muſt not think that this Tincture is a perfect ſolution of Mars; for if there were an intire ſolution of it, there would appear no more Tincture than there does in the ſolution of it with Spirit of Vitriol and water; but becauſe the ſoluble part of Tartar which is the agent in this Operation, is only an impure acid Salt, it can but groſly rarify the Mars, and after mixing with it keep it ſuſpended in the water.

After the Tincture is drawn, there remains a whitiſh matter, that you muſt fling away as good for nothing, it is a mixture of the groſſer parts of Tartar and Mars.

This Tincture is called Syrup of Mars, by reaſon of a certain ſweetneſs that is perceived in its Taſte. It is reduced into the conſiſtence of a Syrup, to keep the better.

As for its virtues, it is a very great Aperitive, becauſe the force of Mars is aſſiſted by the Tartar, that ſerves to be its Vehicle.

Opening Extract of Mars.

This Preparation is a ſolution of the more open parts of Iron, by aperitive juices, and reduced into a ſolid conſiſtence by fire.

[Page]Take Eight ounces of the Ruſt of Iron prepared in the Morning Dew, put it in an Iron pot, and pour upon it three pounds of the Water of Honey, and four pounds of Muſt, or the juice of White grapes perfectly ripe. Add to it four ounces of juice of Lemons; cover it with an Iron Cover, and ſet it in a Furnace over a little fire; leave the Matter in Digeſtion three days, then boil the Matter gently three or four hours, uncovering the Pot ever now and then, to ſtir up the bottom with an Iron ſlice, then cover it again, that the moiſture may not evaporate too faſt. When you perceive the Liquor to be black, you muſt take away the fire, and leave it a while to ſettle, paſs warm through a cloth that which is clear, and evaporate the liquor in a Sand fire, in an Earthen pan, or Glaſs veſſel to the conſiſtence of an Extract. 'Tis a very good aperitive; it hath the ſame virtues as the Tincture for Obſtructions of the Liver, Spleen, and Meſentery; it delivers the Lymphatick veſſels admirably well of what may hinder the current of Serum. The Doſe is from Ten grains to two Scruples, in Pills, or elſe diſſolved in ſome proper Liquor. That which remains in the bottom of the Iron pot is the more Earthy part of Mars, that is good for nothing.

Remarks.

This Extract doth not receive its conſiſtence only from the Iron, but from the Tartareous juices of the Grapes and Lemons, with which it is mixed; its virtue is augmented by the Eſſential Salts, [Page] and the Spirit of Honey that leaves in it a very good impreſſion.

The mixture is left in digeſtion, for the better Diſſolution of the Mars; but ſeeing the Menſtruum is not very ſharp or corroſive, it diſſolves only the more Saline and ſoluble parts. This Deſcription is not common, but may be preferred before many others.

Every body grants that Mars is as excellent a Remedy as any in all Phyſick, for opening Obſtructions, and reſtoring a good complexion to thoſe that want it by reaſon of Obſtructions; but you muſt not be contented with giving it once or twice, but for a fortnight together; ſome intervals may be obſerved, that nature may not be troubled too much. In hot climes, ſuch as Languedoc and Provence, where are more Oppilations than in other Countries, they make no difficulty to take it ſometimes every day for a month together, after a due Preparation, and it is the beſt Remedy that hath been known for that Diſtemper.

Binding Extract of Mars.

This Preparation is a ſolution of Iron made with an aſtringent Wine, and reduced into a thick conſiſtence, by fire.

Take Eight ounces of the Ruſt of Iron powdered very fine, put it into an Iron pot, and pour upon it four pints of a ſtrong Red wine; ſet the pot over the fire, and having covered it, make the Matter boil, ſtir it from time to time with an [Page] Iron ſlice, till two thirds of it be conſumed; paſs the Liquor warm through a cloth, and evaporate it to the conſiſtence of an Extract. It ſtops the Looſeneſs, Bloody Flux, the Flux of the Hemorrhoids and Terms; the Doſe is from Ten Grains unto Two Scruples in Pills, or diſſolved in ſome aſtringent Liquor.

Remarks.

The ſtrongeſt Red-wine is of ſo high a colour, that it appears to be black; with this Vintners do colour their White wines, they do make them to be either pale or red, according to the quantity of it they mix. And the Dyers do likewiſe uſe it.

This Wine becomes impregnated only with ſome part of the Mars, becauſe the Tartar which it contains is capable but of diſſolving the more rarified part of this metal, the reſt remaining in the bottom of the pot. The aſtringent virtue of the Wine does much increaſe that of the Iron, and renders it very proper for the diſtempers before-mentioned. But you muſt not think that its aperitive Salt is wholly deſtroyed, for it ſtill opens Obſtructions, and paſſes by way of Urine: indeed it does not act this way ſo powerfully as the aperitive Extract of Mars, but effects of that kind are obſerv'd from it.

The ſame Remedy may be both aſtringent by Stool, and aperitive by Urine, becauſe that when the body is bound, the Seroſities, which were wont to paſs by Siege, do become diverted into the [Page] Urinary paſſages. On the contrary, in a Diarrhoea, the moiſt humours which would otherwiſe have taken their courſe by way of Urine, do here turn it by ſiege.

Mars Diaphoretick.

Mars Diaphoretick is only the particles of Iron impregnated with Volatile Salts.

Powder and mix together equal quantities of the ruſt of Iron, and Sal Armoniack, put this mixture into an Earthen Cucurbite, ſet it in a ſmall Furnace, and ſtop up the bottom with Lute and Bricks, that the fire may not be able to paſs upwards, but only through certain holes or Regiſters; fit to your Cucurbite a blind head, and give a gentle fire at firſt; augment it by degrees to heat the Cucurbite red-hot, and continue this degree of heat, until there ariſe no more vapours; then let the veſſels cool, and taking off the head gather the ſublimed Flowers, diſſolve them in water ſufficient only to diſſolve them, filtrate this diſſolution through a Coffin of brown paper, and pour upon it drop by drop the Oil of Tartar made per Deliquium, or elſe the Spirit of Sal Armoniack, a powder will precipitate to the bottom of the veſſel, decant the Liquor, and dry this precipitate; it cauſes Sweat, and is good againſt all diſeaſes that proceed from a corruption of Humors; it ſometimes alſo drives by way of Urine, according as bodies are diſpoſed: it is excellent againſt the Hypochondriack Melancholy, and in Quartan Agues: the Doſe is from ten to twenty grains in pills, or ſome proper Liquor.

Remarks.

[Page]

This Preparation is Sudorifick by reaſon of ſome particles of Sal Armoniack that remain in the Precipitated Mars; for when theſe Saline parts are actuated by the heat of the Body, being of a very Volatile nature, they do inſenſibly diſtribute themſelves rather into the Pores of all the Body, than follow the courſe of ſixt Salts by way of Urine; whence a Sweat does come to follow, or ſometimes an inſenſible tranſpiration, becauſe it rarifies and gives vent to abundance of Humors that were not able to paſs, by reaſon of their viſcoſity. Sometimes alſo finding the Pores too much obſtructed, it is forced to become fixt, and follow the ordinary courſe by way of Urine, and then it opens the Lymphatick veſſels, and evacuates ſeveral matters that were contained in them.

People often find greater benefit from much Urine than Sweat, becauſe the way of Urine is more natural and weakens leſs.

CHAP. VIII. Of Mercury.

[Page]

QƲick-Silver is a prodigy among Metals; for it is fluid like water, and though a very heavy body, yet it eaſily flies away when ſet over the fire.

It is probable, that the parts of this Metal are all of a round figure, for divide it how you will without adding to it, and it always keeps a globular form to every part; and if you look a little near it, when it diſſolves in Aqua fortis, you'l obſerve an infinite number of little round bodies, which riſe up in the liquor, like ſmoke.

Now the parts of Mercury being ſuppoſed round, it may be explicated how this metal does remain fluid, and why it Volatilizes ſo eaſily by fire, although it be ſo exceeding heavy, for the round figure being no ways proper for the connexion or union of parts, the little bodies which do compoſe the Quicksilver, cannot adhere together, and conſequently they muſt roul one upon another, as we ſee happens to all round bodies; and this is that which cauſes the fluidity of this metal.

As for its Volatility, it proceeds from this, that the round parts being only contiguous, and having no proper union together, nothing hinders its parts from riſing by the force of fire; for that which makes the other metals to be more fixt than [Page] Mercury, and to remain in the fire without conſuming wholly, is becauſe their parts are continued, and ſo faſtned together that fire has no power to diſunite them in order to Volatilize them.

It may be objected that the parts of Quicksilver being granted round, they ſhould for the ſame reaſon be light, becauſe the round bodies which approach one another, do leave many empty ſpaces between them.

But though there are ſuch vacuities, the little balls are maſſive and compact, and this cauſes their gravity.

There's another objection, that is, the parts of Mercury are heavy, how come they to be volatilized by fire?

I anſwer, that when theſe parts are ſaid to be heavy, it is in compariſon with other little bodies that are lighter: but you muſt not imagine that every part of Mercury ſhould be heavy enough to reſiſt the rapid nature of fire. But beſides, theſe little Mercurial bodies, which we ſuppoſe to be compact, may have their Pores of ſuch a texture, that the igneous parts being once gotten within them, may not be able to find a way out again, and ſo they and their ſmall priſons may fly up together.

It is called Quicksilver from its fluidity, and Mercury becauſe it changes into different ſhapes, like the Celeſtial Mercury, from whom it is thought to receive its Influence.

It is to be found in many places in Europe, as Poland, Hungary, and even in France; for a few years ſince there was diſcovered near St. Lo in Normandy, a Mine abounding in Cinnabar, from whence good ſtore of Mercury is drawn.

[Page]Some of it is alſo found running in the Mines, and this is paſſed through a Shammey skin to purifie it from ſome Earth that it may be joyned with; but becauſe it doth ſometimes prove very difficult to ſeparate it from the Earths with which it is in a manner incorporated, they are forced to diſtil it through Iron Retorts into Receivers filled with water.

Natural Cinnabar, called Mineral, is a mixture of Mercury and Sulphur that ſublime together by the means of a Subterraneous heat, and this is done near after the ſame manner as Artificial Cinnabar is made, of which I ſhall ſpeak anon.

Quicksilver by reaſon of its fluidity is hard to tranſport, wherefore a great quantity of it is reduced into Cinnabar, (in the places whence it is taken) after the manner following.

Artificial Cinnabar.

Cinnabar is a mixture of Sulphur and Quickſilver ſublimed together.

Take a quantity of Sulphur, and melt it in a great earthen pan, then mix by little and little thrice as much Quick-ſilver; you muſt ſtir about and preſerve the Matter in Fuſion, till all the Mercury diſappears. Then powder your mixture, and ſublime it in pots in an open fire well governed, you'l have a hard Maſs, and of a very red colour. If any heterogeneous Metal ſhould have been mixt with the Mercury, it would remain at the bottom of the Pots.

[Page]Beſides the convenience of eaſily tranſporting Mercury by this means, it is very uſeful in Painting. It is alſo uſed in Pomatums for the Itch, and to make Fumes withal to raiſe a Salivation.

Remarks.

A pound of Sulphur is able to incorporate three pounds of Mercury, and to make a Maſs together.

The cauſe of this mutation of Mercury into Cinnabar does proceed from the penetration which the more acid part of Sulphur does make into the Mercury, and the intangling its parts whoſe motion is now checkt. And being raiſed by the fire it volatilizes as it does, but the Saline or acid Spirits of Sulphur do fix it, ſo as that it is conſtrained to ſtop its volatility, and ſettle in the upper part of the pot, which is called ſubliming; whereas when it is all alone, or elſe joyned with ſome matter that cannot fix it, it evaporates quite away.

Cinnabar is ſhaped like needles, by reaſon of the acid Spirits of Sulphur, which have entred into its body, and have impreſſed ſuch a figure; its red colour may proceed likewiſe from the Sulphur, which is of this colour when it is well rarified.

This Red appears brown while the Cinnabar is in the Maſs, but if you powder it very fine, beating it a good while, it becomes of a ſhining, and that ſo high a colour, that it has been called Vermillion. Some women do rub their Cheeks with it, when they have mixt it in Pomatum, but they don't conſider that ſo dangerous an accident may happen from it, as a Salivation.

[Page]The Fumigation with it, is made by cauſing a patient to receive the Fume of the Cinnabar thrown into the fire.

Reviving of Cinnabar into Quick-ſilver.

This Operation is performed in order to ſeparate the Sulphur which is in the Cinnabar.

Take a Pound of Artificial Cinnabar, powder it, and mix it exactly with three pounds of Quicklime alſo powdered; put the mixture into an earthen or glaſs Retort, whoſe third part at leaſt remains empty. Place it in a Reverberatory Furnace, and after having fitted to it a Receiver filled with Water, give your fire by degrees, and at laſt encreaſe it to the height, the Mercury will run drop by drop into the Receiver; continue the fire until no more will come; the Operation is commonly at an end in ſix or ſeven hours. Pour the Water out of the Receiver, and having waſhed the Mercury to cleanſe it from ſome little portion of earth it might carry along with it, dry it with Linnen, or the crum of Bread, and keep it for uſe.

You muſt draw thirteen ounces and a half of flowing Mercury out of each pound of Artificial Cinnabar.

You may again Revive the Cinnabar, by mixing it with equal parts of filings of Iron, and by proceeding in the Operation, as I have taught.

Remarks.

[Page]

When Mercury is thus revived, you may be ſure of its purity, becauſe if any Metal ſhould have mixed with it in the Mine, it would remain, as I have ſaid, at the bottom of the Pot you ſublime it in: and if the Cinnabar were adulterated, that which had been uſed in the adulteration, either would not riſe with the Mercury, or elſe would ſeparate from it in the Receiver.

Cinnabar being nothing but a mixture of acid Spirits and Mercury together, if you mix it with ſome Alkali, and drive it upwards by fire, the Acids, for the reaſon I have already ſpoken of concerning the Depart of Silver, muſt leave the Bodies they were joyned to before, for to enter into the Alkali, and this is what happens here, for the Acids finding the Quick-lime very porous, do leave the Mercury, and adhere to the Quicklime; ſo that this Mercury being diſengaged from what held it fixt before, and forced by the fire, comes forth of the Retort in form of Spirit, but the coolneſs of the Water that is in the Recipient, condenſes it, and reſolves it into Quick-ſilver.

A third part of the Retort is left empty, becauſe the rarified Mercury comes forth with ſuch violence as would otherwiſe be apt to break the Retort.

You muſt leave the mixture to ſettle a day or two, before you put the fire under it, to the end that the Quick-lime may ſlake the while, for if you ſhould not obſerve this circumſtance, the Retort [Page] would burſt. You might alſo uſe ſuch a Quick-lime as has been already ſlak't in the air, and then you might begin your diſtillation immediately after the mixture, but I do think that the Revivification will be the more exact, when unſlak't Lime is uſed, becauſe the Alkali will act more ſtrongly upon the Sulphureous acids.

When the diſtillation begins, abundance of Sulphureous fume is ſeen to come out of the Retort; the juncture of the Receiver with the Retort muſt not be luted, becauſe it is better to let this Sulphur fly away; for if it had no vent, we might have reaſon to fear leſt ſome part of the Quick-ſilver would joyn and unite with it in the Receiver, and ſo we might be obliged to make a ſecond Revivification of it.

If by way of curioſity you weigh the Lime which remains in the Retort after diſtillation, you'l find three pounds and half an ounce of it, this little augmentation of weight proceeds from a remainder of the Sulphur of Cinnabar, and the matter does ſmell of Sulphur.

Quick-ſilver is one of the greateſt remedies we have in Phyſick, when it is uſed as it ſhould be, but is full as dangerous, when it happens into the hands of Quacks, who uſe it upon all occaſions for all ſorts of Diſeaſes, and give it indifferently to all ſorts of perſons without any reſpect to the Temperament they are of. Thoſe who draw it out of Mines, or work much with it, do often fall into the Palſie, by reaſon of Sulphurs that continually ſteam from it; for theſe Sulphurs conſiſting of groſs parts do enter through the Pores of the Body, and fixing themſelves rather in the Nerves [Page] by reaſon of their coldneſs, than in the other Veſſels, do ſtop the paſſage of the Spirits, and hinder their courſe.

Mercury is given in the Diſeaſe called Miſerere, unto two or three pounds, and is voided again by ſiege to the ſame weight; it is better to take a great deal of it than a little, becauſe a ſmall quantity might be apt to ſtop in the circumvolutions of the Guts, and if ſome Acid humours ſhould happen to joyn with it, a Sublimate Corroſive would be there made; but when a large quantity of it is taken, there's no need of fearing this Accident, becauſe it paſſes quickly through by its own weight.

Mercury mixes ſo well with roſinous and fat Bodies, as to remain imperceptible; all Ʋnguents, Pomatums, and Plaiſters in which it enters, are good againſt the Itch, and Tetters, and do diſſolve cold tumours, becauſe it opens the Pores, and drives by perſpiration. Furthermore, ſeeing theſe Diſtempers are fomented by Acid humours, it breaks their edge, and hinders them from cauſing any further Fermentation.

Hitherto there is no Remedy found out to be ſo ſoveraign for the cure of Venereal Maladies, as Mercury; wherefore its greateſt enemies have been forced to fly to it, after they had tried a long time to no purpoſe to drive out the poiſon by other Remedies. And in truth if we knew any milder ones that were able to terminate the Accidents of the Pox as well as this does, 'twould argue much raſhneſs to make uſe of Mercury, becauſe it is not always conducted according to our deſires, and ſometimes very ſcurvey conſequences [Page] do happen upon it; but we know no other that can be eſteemed to approach it in virtue for all Venereal Diſeaſes, and eſpecially the Univerſal Pox. It is killed in Turpentine, then with Suet an Ointment is made of it, that ſerves to rub the parts of the Body, and particularly the joints with, ſeveral days together, after the Patient hath been prepared by Baths, Broths, and Purges. The Friction is continued until the Salivation riſes, which is cauſed by a great many Shancres in the mouth; for theſe Shancres by an exceeding great acrimony do open exceedingly the ſalivating Veſſels, and give way to a tickling Phlegm, that runs down abundantly. A Flux is alſo raiſed by applying Mercurial Plaiſters upon all the Body, and alſo by Fumigations by making one receive the Fume of Mercury. Again it is raiſed by taking inwardly white Precipitate, or ſome other Mercurial Preparation, without uſing it outwardly. Let us now come to reaſon a little upon it.

The effect of Mercury hath puzled almoſt all Chymical Philoſophers; and thoſe Moderns who have explicated with much probability and likelihood many other Natural things that lay hid to our Forefathers, have declared thoſe of Mercury to be ſome of the moſt difficult. I know very well that ſeveral Perſons governed by falſe Principles, have not forborn to give us their Explications; but when their diſcourſes come to be examined by Chymiſtry, which alone is able to give us Demonſtrations on this matter, they preſently come to nothing. I ſhall here preſent you with a Thought of mine, that ſeems more probable than any thing I ever met with, and is maintained by Chymical Experiments.

[Page]You muſt firſt take notice, and it is a thing indiſputable among all Phyſicians, that the Nodes, Tumors, and other effects of the Venereal Poiſon are fomented by Saline or Acid humours which make a certain Ferment, and that this diſeaſe can never be cured, until this Poiſon is quite deſtroyed. This being ſuppoſed, we muſt examine the nature of Mercury, and ſee what will become of it, if we mix it with Salts or Acids. I have ſaid that Mercury is a Volatile, and we ſhall find hereafter that in the making of Sublimate Corroſive, Mercury is mixed with Salt and Vitriol, which are Acids; that upon the encreaſing the fire, the Spirits adhering unto Mercury, which is an Alkali, do ſublime along with it to the top of the Veſſel, and make together that which is called Sublimate Corroſive; Let us now ſee in the cure of the Pox, how Mercury is uſed.

It is mixed, as I have ſaid, with Suet, and with this Unguent the parts of the Body are rubbed a long time, that the Mercury may pierce and enter through the Pores; which it does, as every Body muſt grant; and this hapning, there's no contradiction at all in thinking that ſome part of it mixes with the Saline or Acid Ferment of the venereal matter, after the ſame manner, as it doth with Salt and Vitriol.

The Acid Salts of the Venereal Poiſon fixing in the Pores of Mercury, which is, as I have ſaid, a Volatile Alkali, do ſublime together, being driven by the heat of the body, up to the head, which is the top of the veſſel, and the cooleſt place, and ſo moſt proper to condenſe them.

[Page]At the ſame time it is that the Head ſwells, and the inſide of the mouth is full of Shancres, which cauſe a pain much like unto that a man would receive, if Sublimate Corroſive were applied ſome time upon an excoriated part. Moreover the Salivating Veſſels being prickt and corroded with this ſharp humour, do open, and let fall abundance of Phlegm, and this cauſes the involuntary Salivation, that uſes to accompany theſe Shancres, and remains ſometimes a longer, ſometimes a leſs time, according as the Shancres are more or leſs acrimonious; for the Phlegm trickling down continually, cleanſes them from their keen Salts, and mitigates the pain, whence it comes to paſs that they are often cured of themſelves, and then the Salivating Veſſels cloſing up again, the Flux doth ceaſe.

It ſometimes happens, when a man is not well prepared to receive a Flux, or that it is raiſed too ſoon; that the Sublimation being too violent, ſome part of the Sublimate ſticks to ſome one or more of the veſſels, and coroding their membrane, cauſes grievous Hemorrhagies, as I have ſeen to happen ſeveral times, and among others to a man in Languedock, who voided in half an hours time twelve pints of blood by mouth, without dying of it notwithſtanding, becauſe he was a very ſtout luſty man.

As for what may ſtill remain of the Venereal Poiſon, after the Salts are driven out, its diſſolution is then a very eaſie buſineſs, becauſe nothing but thoſe Salts was able to hold it coagulated; ſo that it is eaſie to conceive, that the ſubtiler part of it may paſs through the Pores, and the [Page] more terreſtrious precipitate, and be evacuated by way of Urine.

Perhaps you'l object, that Mercury will raiſe a Flux in Perſons who never had ſuch a Diſeaſe as the Pox, and who never had any of thoſe tumours that contain Acid Salts; but it is an eaſie matter to anſwer, that there is no man whatſoever, let him be never ſo ſound, but hath ſtore of Saline or Acid humours in his body; the Serum which runs into every part is full of Salt, and all the Ferments that preſerve the Oeconomy of Nature, do it by nothing elſe but Salts or Acids; Now there is no more difficulty in comprehending that Mercury may joyn with the Acids of a ſound Perſon, than thoſe of an impure tumour: for I don't think that Mercury goes immediately and ſeeks out the Acids in the tumours of impure Perſons, it muſt have an underſtanding to do that; but being rarified and moved by the heat of the body, it circulates every where, until it comes to find a Salt that is able to fix it in ſome meaſure, and hinder its motion.

Sometimes this Mercury not meeting with ſalts enough to detain it, paſſes off by tranſpiration, and carries along thoſe that were united to it; whence it comes to paſs that many have been cured of the Pox without a Flux.

At other times it meets with Alkali ſalts which force it to quit its hold of theſe Acids, and then it precipitates downwards, and purges by way of ſtool, whence it comes to paſs that thoſe who have a looſeneſs in the time of their taking Mercury, are exceeding hard to receive a Flux.

[Page]Upon the ſame Principle may be given the reaſon of many other Accidents which follow the uſe of Mercury. But let us ſee whether any thing of uſe may be drawn from this Diſcourſe for the cure of Venereal Maladies.

Although the Poulains, Phymoſis, Shancres, Gonorrhoea's, and other Precurſors of the Pox, may be cured without a Flux, yet nevertheleſs you muſt not neglect the uſe of Mercury; for theſe Diſeaſes do contain in them a Poiſon that is not at all different from that of the Pox, but only in that it hath not fermented enough to be rarified and carried by the Circulation into the Habit of the body; ſo that there will remain ſome Salts which cannot be carried away clear by any thing but Mercury, which when given in a ſmall quantity on theſe occaſions, drives only by perſpiration or by ſtool, without a Flux. Sweet ſublimate, of which I ſhall ſhortly ſpeak, is very much uſed in theſe Diſtempers, among other general Remedies.

When you undertake the cure of one in the Pox, you muſt bathe him a good while, purge, and bleed him for Preparation of the humours, to the end that Mercury finding them more fluid, may be able to unite with them the more eaſily, and ſo carry them off. This Mercury muſt be adminiſtred by little and little at firſt, afterwards the Doſe is augmented according to the ſtrength of the Patient, and when the Jaws begin once to ake, you muſt give no more, unleſs it be now and then for continuation of the Flux. They ſpit commonly three Weeks together, but if it doth not by that time ſtop of its own accord, you muſt endeavour to ſtop it with Deterſive Gargariſms.

[Page]It happens ſometimes that the Salivating veſſels dilate and open ſo extreamly by the Corroſive Salts which cauſed the Salivation, that they cannot be cloſed again by any kind of Gargariſm, and then the Brain dries up by little and little, and Death is the conſequent of all; wherefore you muſt have a great care of not letting the Flux run too long.

I could attribute the invention of this diſcourſe to my ſelf, being the firſt who have thus treated of this matter in France, and maintained it in publick meetings; but I am not poſſeſſed with that vanity of Authors, I leave it to thoſe who love it: I had no affectation to make a Book on purpoſe concerning it, but have only mentioned it as a thing incident to the Subject I treated of. I ſhall only ſay by the by, that thoſe who make pretence of firſt finding it out, have hapned to make their complaints a little too late, having Printed their Book a year after mine, and three years after I held a Publick Diſcourſe of it at Monſieur de Launay's, not to ſpeak of what I taught a long time before in the firſt Courſes of Chymiſtry that I ſhewed.

Some thinking to invalidate what I have hereupon eſtabliſhed, do ſay that Mercury cannot be abſolutely called an alkali, becauſe the alkali that is in Mercury is but one part of its Compoſition, and is not to be ſeparated from its other parts.

To Anſwer this difficulty, you need but only read in the Remarks that I have made upon the Principles, how it is that I do explicate the nature of an alkali, and you'l find that although the name alkali comes from the Salt of a Plant called Kali, that is, ſoapwort, yet all bodies that cauſe a ſudden [Page] Efferveſcency with acids are called Alkali's, without any need of their containing any Alkali ſalt within them. So that I have no need to enlarge this Book without reaſon, by Anſwering all the little Objections that have been made to me upon the ſuppoſition of Mercury's being a pure Alkali. It is likely enough that thoſe who have rais'd them, have not read with attention what I have ſaid in my Remarks upon Mercury. For there they might find Solutions enough. I ſhall ſpeak neverleſs to ſome of the Principal ones.

Firſt, It is Objected that if Mercury be an Alkali, and the Venereal venom an acid, this ſame acid ſhould certainly fix it, whereas the Diſſolutions of it that are made by the Juices, do only ſerve to encreaſe its Volatility, and render it Corroſive, inſtead of being at all ſweetned by it.

I Anſwer, it is as falſe to ſay, that Mercury is Volatilized by the Acid juices of the Venereal venom, as it is that Mercury mixed with Acid Spirits to render it Corroſive, ſhould be Volatilized by the ſame Spirits. On the contrary, Mercury alone does eaſily Volatilize by the heat of the body, and nothing but Acids are able to fix it at all. I thought I had ſufficiently explicated my ſelf as to this, when I ſaid that ſometimes Mercury, finding not in the body enough Acid Spirits to fix it, does paſs by Tranſpiration, &c.

As for the Corroſive nature that the Mercury aſſumes, we muſt attribute it to the Diſpoſition of its Pores, and the abundance of Acid points it is impregnated with; and ſeeing it will not ſweeten the Acidity of Salt and Vitriol, with which it is mixed to make Sublimate Corroſive, why ſhould [Page] we expect it to ſweeten the Acid juices of the body? I do not pretend nevertheleſs that it never Dulcifies at all; for I do conceive it may deſtroy much of their force by dividing and breaking their points, when the Acids are but few, as does happen in Mercurius dulcis.

Secondly, It is Objected that if the venom of the Pox were an Acid, it might then be Cured by the uſe of Alkali Salts, either fixt or Volatile, as by Crabs-Eyes, Pearl, or Coral, and ſuch like bodies as are wont to kill and ſweeten Acid humours.

I Anſwer, we often find that Volatile ſalts do give ſome eaſe to thoſe that are troubled with the Venereal diſtemper, whether it be by opening the Pores, and ſo making the ſubtiler part of it perſpire away, or that by being Alkali's, they do abſorb ſome part of it. For this reaſon ſome do uſe to give their Patients the Volatile Salt of Vipers ſeveral mornings together, but theſe Alkali's are in truth of too weak a nature to carry off ſuch an Acidity, after they are impregnated with it, as Mercury is able to do without loſing its nature. They are Nets of too fine a make, to catch ſuch keen and active bodies; if theſe Salts do deſtroy ſome part of the Acidity, they deſtroy themſelves likewiſe in the conflict, ſo that they can have no further operation, wherefore there's need of a more powerful Volatile Alkali than theſe Salts are, to eradicate the Acidity of the Venereal poiſon.

As for Fixt Salts, and Alkali bodies, as Pearl, Coral, Crabs-eyes, whereas they have no Volatile quality in them, and their tendency is wholly downwards, it is very uncertain whether ever they reach to Venereal tumours (which commonly [Page] riſe in the Joints,) by reaſon of the long way they have to paſs thither, and the Juices they have to encounter with in their paſſage, which may in all likelihood change their nature; but ſuppoſe they were carried to thoſe Tumors with the ſame qualifications with which they were taken, they would only ſerve to weaken a little this Acidity, without being able to carry it off, and ſo they would only give a little eaſe, without removing Radically the Ferment of the Diſtemper, as Mercury is able to do.

It may be further asked why Sublimate does not fill the ſubſtance of the Brain with Ʋlcers, as well as it does the mouth.

I Anſwer that this Sublimate being in the Brain, finds it ſelf ſo clog'd with a Mucilaginous moiſture, that it is fain to loſe there ſome part of its Acidity; ſo that it can do nothing elſe but cauſe a Fermentation, which makes the Phlegm purge away through the Salivating veſſels, and this it is that cauſes the Spittle of thoſe who have a Flux, to be ſo ſharp and ſtinking.

This ſharp Phlegm may alſo, as it paſſes in the mouth, encreaſe the number of Ʋlcers, for the mouth is as it were the ſink of the whole body upon this occaſion.

Sublimate Corroſive.

Sublimate Corroſive is a Mercury impregnated with acids, and raiſed by fire to the top of the veſſel.

[Page]Put a pound of Mercury revived from Cinnabar into a Matraſs, pour upon it Eighteen ounces of Spirit of Niter: Set your Matraſs in Sand a little warm, and leave it there till it be all diſſolved; pour your diſſolution, which will be clear as water, into a glaſs veſſel or earthen pan, and evaporate the Liquor gently in Sand, until there remains a white Maſs, which you muſt powder in a glaſs mortar, and mix with a pound of Vitriol Calcined white, and ſo much Salt decrepitated: put this mixture into a Matraſs, whoſe two thirds at leaſt remain empty; place your Matraſs in Sand, and begin with giving a ſmall fire, which you muſt continue ſo for three hours, then encreaſe it with coals to a pretty good ſtrength, there will ariſe a Sublimate to the top of the Matraſs; the Operation muſt be ended in ſix or ſeven hours, let the Matraſs cool, then break it, avoiding a kind of Farine or light powder that flies into the air when the matter is ſtirred; you'l have a pound of very good Sublimate Corroſive, keep it for uſe.

The red Scories that are found at the bottom, muſt be flung away as uſeleſs.

This Sublimate is a powerful Eſcharotick, it eats proud fleſh, and cleanſes old Ulcers very well. If half a drachm of it be diſſolved in a pound of Lime-water, it turns Yellow, and makes that which is called Phagedenick Water.

Remarks.

[Page]

There needs not half the Spirit of Niter for diſſolving a pound of Mercury, as there does for the ſame weight of Biſmuth, although the pores of this laſt be much the larger, and the parts more diſpoſed for ſeparation; the reaſon of which is, that the Mercury being Volatile, and very diſunited in its parts, it will divide almoſt of it ſelf, and is held up more eaſily by Acid Spirits, than another body can be whoſe parts are more united, and whoſe tendency is downwards, ſuch as Biſmuth is.

When the diſſolution of mercury is a making, there appears a great ebullition in the Matraſs accompanied with Red vapours; alſo the heat is ſo very ſtrong, that a man cannot endure his hand upon it: all this great ſtir proceeds from the Acids, which meet with reſiſtance in their penetration of this body; for joſtling one againſt another, they heat the liquor, and cauſe ſome part of the Spirit of Niter to evaporate away in red clouds, as it uſes always to do when it rarifies. When the mercury is all diſſolved, the diſſolution clears up and cools, becauſe the edges of the Spirits are all ſheathed in the mercury, whence their motion comes to be interrupted and ceaſe; and this is a thing ſo true, that if you ſhould by way of curioſity diſtil this diſſolution, you would draw off only a weak acid, for the greateſt part of the edges do remain involved with the mercury in a white maſs.

[Page]That which proves this Remark is this, that the white maſs which is drawn from the Solution of ſixteen ounces of Quicksilver in eighten ounces of Spirit of Niter does weigh at leaſt two and twenty ounces, that is to ſay, ſix ounces more than the weight of the Quicksilver. Now this augmentation cannot proceed from any thing elſe but the acid Spirits.

This maſs is exceeding Corroſive, by means of the ſame acid Spirits, which become very active whereever they are met with.

If inſtead of Spirit of Niter we ſhould uſe Aqua, fortis to diſſolve the Mercury, the Solution would become clear like the other, but there would be this difference between them, that when we have evaporated about a fourth part of the liquor in a glaſs-body in Sand, the remainder would be as red as Claret wine, and if we ſhould let the liquor cool, there would appear in it white Cryſtals in form of long needles, and the liquor would ſtill retain its red colour.

I conceive that the Solution acquires this colour from the Sulphurs which remain in the Aqua fortis, for the Sulphureous parts being in great motion may often turn and whirl about the inſenſible parts of Mercury round their center. Now it is eaſie to Remark by abundance of Experiments, that the red colour is a conſequence of the great attenuation, or diſpoſition to circulary motion, which the matter has received. But the Solution which is made with Spirit of Niter does not become red, becauſe there is no Sulphur in this Spirit, or elſe there is not enough to do it.

[Page]You might perform this Operation by only mixing crude Mercury with Salt and Vitriol, without taking the pains to diſſolve it with Spirit of Niter, but you would be an intolerable while incorporating them together, ſo as to make the Quicksilver imperceptible. Moreover there riſes up a duſt to the Noſe that is very unwholſom: that which we aim at therefore by diſſolving it, and reducing it into a white Maſs, is only to prepare it for an eaſier mixture.

In the Sublimation I have deſcribed, the Mercury loads it ſelf with as many Acid Spirits as it is able to contain; theſe Spirits are a kind of load to it, and reſtrain its great Volatility, ſo that it doth not evaporate quite away, as it would do if there were nothing to withhold it, but it only Sublimes to the upper part of the Veſſel in fair white Cryſtals that are called Sublimate Corroſive; the Maſs that remains at the bottom of the Matraſs is nothing but a mixture of the Terreſtrious parts of Salt and Vitriol; it weighs eight and twenty ounces.

Some will needs blame this preparation of Sublimate Corroſive, by ſaying, that when it is uſed to the making Mercurius dulcis, the Spirit of Niter ought to be ſuſpected by reaſon of its acrimony, and particularly its Saline Sulphureous parts.

But by performing this Operation, the way that I have deſcribed, there will be no need of retaining any ſcruple upon this account, becauſe the Sublimate can't be made, without an evaporation of many red vapours through the entrance of the Matraſs, for three hours time at the leaſt, and [Page] theſe vapours can be nothing elſe but the Spirits of Niter, for ſo ſmall a fire is not able to ſeparate and raiſe ſo high the Spirits of Salt and Vitriol. Thus there is no need of fearing theſe Saline Sulphureous Spirits, with which Spirit of Niter is thought to be well ſtored, becauſe they being of a Volatile nature muſt neceſſarily come before the others. But ſuppoſing that Spirit of Niter did ſtill remain in the Sublimate Corroſive of which we make our Mercurius dulcis, I ſee no reaſon why we ſhould apprehend more hurt from their acrimony than from the other Corroſive Spirits, becauſe few men ſcruple to give this Spirit itſelf inwardly, in potions for the Colick and other diſeaſes, and they give divers Preparations made with this diſſolvent, ſuch as white Precipitate, and many Precipitates of Gold and Silver, without any viſible harm. But that which is moſt remarkable, is, that even thoſe who cry out upon this Preparation for being made with Spirit of Niter, do nevertheleſs themſelves recommend and uſe much a Mercurius dulcis, which they make by Subliming white Precipitate, that is prepared with Spirit of Niter.

The Corroſion of Sublimate does proceed from the edged Acids which do fix in the body of Mercury, and it may be ſaid with great probability, that this metal always retaining a round figure, (let it be divided never ſo ſubtily) does rarifie by the heat of fire into an abundance of little balls which the acid Spirits do fix into on all ſides, and ſo interlace themſelves in it, that they hinder its riſing higher, and do together make one body that is called Sublimate. But when this Sublimate is [Page] applied to fleſh, the heat and moiſture of it do ſet in motion the Mercurial parts, and the motion of the little balls being once raiſed, they rowl about with great fury, and tear the fleſh with the edges they contain, which are like ſo many little knives cutting whereever they touch; from whence it comes to paſs, that if the Sublimate ſhould be taken inwardly, it kills in a very little time; the humidity which does always accompany and ſoften our fleſh, gives it a greater hold than otherwiſe it would have, which is the reaſon why Sublimate does act with that celerity it does upon a ſoft moiſt part rather than a dry: nay it is often wetted with a little water, to make it work the more quickly.

By this Remark may be explicated, why the Lapis infernalis, which is a Silver filled with the edges of Spirit of Niter, has not ſo violent an effect as Sublimate Corroſive; becauſe the parts of Silver have no ſuch aptitude to rowl to and fro, and to riſe, as thoſe of Mercury have; for which reaſon it is likewiſe, that it does not make ſo great an Eſchar as the Sublimate, although it does contain at leaſt as much Spirit of Niter, as the other.

And thus a reaſon may be given, why even ſix grains of Cryſtals of Silver may be given by mouth without any danger, whenas not two grains of Sublimate can be given without a manifeſt danger, becauſe the Cryſtals of the Moon have not that circulary motion in their parts, as Sublimate has, all their tendency is only downwards, and all that they can do is to purge by their Acidity.

When Sublimate Corroſive is diſſolved in Limewater, the water preſently turns yellow, as is ſeen in the Phagedenick water, and it loſes ſo [Page] much of its Corroſive quality, that it may be given inwardly after that, without fear of poiſoning; and the reaſon of this is, that the greateſt part of the acid points ſtrike off from the Sublimate to enter into the alkali of Lime which is a more porous body; ſo that the Mercury loſing ſome of its moſt keen acids, becomes the leſs Corroſive.

It will not be amiſs to acquaint you here, that you'l often meet in the Shops of Druggiſts with a Sublimate Corroſive made of Arſenick. Now to know the truth of it, you muſt only rub it with a little Salt of Tartar, and if it turns black, there is Arſenick infallibly in it; on the contrary if it turns yellow, it is good.

Thoſe who have thought fit to Criticize upon what I have ſaid about the effects of Mercury, would methinks have ſpoken more to the purpoſe than they have done, if they had objected to me one difficulty that I have made my ſelf ſince the firſt Edition of my Book, and which has ſeemed to me to be the greateſt that can be made on this ſubject. It is this: If the Mercury that is given in order to raiſe a Flux, does joyn with the acid ſalt of our humors, and ſo does make a Sublimate Corroſive, after the ſame manner as it does in the Matraſs, when it is mixt with Salt and Vitriol; this Sublimate of the body cannot be well made, ſo long as there is any watry humor in the part, wherein the Mercury is mixt with the acids; juſt as none of it can be made in a Matraſs, until all the Phlegm that's in it, is evaporated away. Now it is not to be conceived, that there ſhould ever happen ſuch a Deſiccation of humours to the body, for it would be Corroded by the Mercury ſo [Page] loaded with acids, before it could Sublime.

To anſwer this Objection I ſay, That although I have made a compariſon between the Sublimation of Mercury that's made in the body, and that which is done in a Matraſs; nevertheleſs there is this difference between them, that the firſt is not only made with Salts extremely volatile, but is likewiſe aſſiſted or carried on by the motion of the humours with all their humidity up to the head, whereas this other is made with fixt ſalts, whoſe acidity is ſo ſtrongly rooted in the Earthy part, that it cannot be ſeparated from it, without a very conſiderable fire.

Nor muſt we think that the Mercury in the body is loaded with as many and as ſtrong acids, as that in the Matraſs; for if it were ſo, it would carry deſtruction, and cauſe a Gangrene, whereſoever it came; but it is enough, that its Pores are in part impregnated with them, ſufficient to diminiſh a little of its volatility, and cauſe thoſe prickings and pains which do happen during the Salivation.

If you diſſolve Sublimate Corroſive in Water, then Filtrate, and ſeparate the filtred liquor into two Viols, and caſt into one of them ſome drops of the Oil of Tartar made per deliquium, you'l preſently have a Red Precipitate, that you may dry and uſe. Then if you drop into the other Viol the volatile Spirit of Sal Armoniack, you'l have a fine white Precipitate, of the ſame virtues with that I ſhall deſcribe anon.

Becauſe Sublimate Corroſive is ſo great a Poiſon, I have thought it not amiſs to ſpeak here of the Counterpoiſons that may be given to ſuch perſons [Page] who by misfortune have taken it. But leſt ſome may imagine that one and the ſame Antidote can ſerve for all ſorts of Poiſons, as the Mountebanks, and Sellers of Orvietan do pretend, and indeavour to perſwade; I ſhall ſay ſomething of Poiſons, and their differences.

Whatſoever is able to break and deſtroy the Oeconomy of the body, and the orderly connexion or derivation of humours, or elſe to hinder the natural courſe of the Spirits, is really a Poiſon.

It may be taken, or received two ways; the one outward, as when the Peſtilence and many other Malignant diſeaſes (which do proceed from an infected air) do ſeize upon a man; or when one is bit or ſtung by venemous beaſts. The other inward, as when a man takes Arſenick, Sublimate, Hemlock, Woolfsbane, &c.

The ſame Poiſon does not kill all ſorts of Animals; as for example, the Nux Vomica is a Poiſon to dogs, and yet does many other beaſts no hurt at all. The ſmoke of Tabaco does kill Vipers in a very little time, although there is hardly a creature that has more life than the Viper, and that this ſmoke will only give a little purging to other creatures. The water in which Quickſilver has been infuſed will kill Worms, and yet does good to other animals. Arſenick ſoon kills a man, and many other creatures; and it will only purge a Wolf, and render him more lively than he was before.

All theſe different effects can only proceed from a diverſity of natures, and a difference of humors; for that which is able to tear and deſtroy one ſort, will cauſe only a light Fermentation in others.

[Page]We muſt conſider two ſorts of effects in Poiſons; the one does coagulate the bloud by degrees, as that of the Viper, the Tarantula, Hemlock, Wolfsbane, &c. and whereas theſe do hinder the motion of the Spirits by this coagulation, the Animal falls into Convulſions, and dies ſoon after: much after the ſame manner as it happens when ſome acid liquor is ſyringed into a Vein, or Artery.

The others, ſuch as Sublimate, and Arſenick, do tear and excoriate the viſcera by their pungent Salts, until they come to gangrene, and then they dye.

The Medicines which are very properly given to obviate the accidents cauſed by the firſt poiſons I now mentioned, are volatile Salts, Treacle, Mithridate, Orvietan, and an infinite number of other remedies of this kind. Vipers fleſh, and the fleſh of Scorpions do cure the poiſon themſelves do give, as I ſhall ſhew hereafter, when I come to ſpeak of the Viper. And hereupon the Reader will not take it amiſs, if I give him a ſhort ſtory that is very pertinent to this ſubject.

One day I put two living Scorpions into a glaſs-bottle, and then added a little Mouſe to their company. Which Mouſe runing over the Scorpions provoked them to bite her till ſhe cried out. Half a quarter of an hour after, I ſaw her dye of Convulſions. Some hours after this, I threw in another Mouſe (a little bigger and more active than the firſt) to the ſame Scorpions. She leapt upon the Scorpions as the other had done before, and was bit by them in like manner, ſhe cried aloud, and was ſo provoked to revenge her ſelf, that ſhe eat up both the Scorpions, leaving only the head and [Page] the tail. I would needs obſerve the end of this Tragedy; I left the Mouſe in the bottle, four and twenty hours, and during all that time ſhe had not the leaſt appearance of being hurt, and was only concerned at the being impriſoned. I intended to have diſſected her, in order to ſee whether there were no change in the parts, or in the blood: But a ſtander by hapning to take up the bottle too careleſly let it fall, and broke it, ſo the Mouſe eſcaped. Now the Volatile ſalts which were in the Scorpions fleſh, might be ſaid by their active power to hinder the coagulation of the blood, which would ſoon have [...]een in the veins of the Mouſe, after ſhe was bit; but let every body explicate this experiment according to his own principles, I ſhall reſume the thread of my diſcourſe.

The remedies which ought to be given to obviate the effects of Arſenick, Sublimate, and other corroſive poiſons are of a contrary nature to thoſe I now mentioned; for inſtead of agitating the maſs of blood, and adding new heat to all the body, as thoſe do, theſe muſt calm and quiet the violent agitation of humors, and ſweeten the acrimony of its ſalts.

Therefore you muſt, ſo ſoon as you can, make the Patient take a porringer of old Oil of Olives, in order to make him vomit; freſh butter, fat, and all unctuous things will very properly be given, becauſe they do not only purge away the poiſon both upwards and downwards, but likewiſe (which is a thing very conſiderable) they conſiſting of unctuous ſlimy parts do blunt and dull the edge of thoſe ſalts which remain of them in the body. You muſt afterwards make him drink warm [Page] milk, and continue the uſe of it ſeveral days, after which you muſt purge him.

The effect of Sublimate Corroſive is much quicker than that of Arſenick, becauſe its acids being preſently ſet to work by the heat of the body, and by the volatility of Mercury, do tear and cut in pieces all that is in their way. Wherefore if remedies be not immediately given, after the poiſon is taken, the perſon is in a moſt deplorably dangerous condition.

What has been here ſaid does ſhew, that it is exceeding neceſſary for a man to underſtand the nature of the poiſons which are taken, before he preſume to give a Counter-poiſon, or Antidote, and that a box of Orvietan muſt not be eſteemed a ſure Antidote in all caſes.

And hence it is plain, that if the Quacks and Mountebanks, who ſhew upon ſtages, ſhould offer to take Sublimate, or Arſenick by mouth, in order to try the virtue of their remedies, as they pretend to do, all the Mithridate they have would never be able to ſave them. And ſuppoſing they did not underſtand their Legerdemain tricks well enough, but ſhould be conſtrained to ſwallow ſuch poiſons as theſe, you muſt not think them ſuch fools as to keep to the remedy they recommend, which would be ſure to do nothing elſe but increaſe their miſery by its acrimonious heat. They would have recourſe to the Oil, and other fat ſubſtances, to avoid death, which otherwiſe would certainly follow.

Sweet Sublimate, or Mercurius dulcis.

[Page]

Sweet Sublimate, is a Mercury reduced to a white maſs by ſome broken edges of acids.

Powder ſixteen ounces of Sublimate Corroſive in a marble or glaſs mortar; mix with it by little and little twelve ounces of Mercury revived from Cinnabar: ſtir this mixture with a wooden Peſtle, until all the Quicksilver becomes imperceptible; then put this gray powder into ſeveral Viols, or into a Matraſs whoſe two thirds do remain empty; place your veſſel in Sand, and give but a little fire at firſt, then augment it unto the third degree: continue it in this condition until your Sublimate is made, which uſually happens in four or five hours. Break your Viols, and fling away a little light earth that's found at bottom: ſeparate alſo that which ſticks to the neck of the Viols, or the Matraſs, and keep it for Unguents againſt the Itch, but gather up carefully all that is in the middle, which is very white; and having powdered it, reſublime it in Viols or a Matraſs as before; ſeparate once more the matter in the middle, and reſublime it in other Viols, as before, this third time; laſtly, ſeparate the terreſtrious matter at the bottom, and the Fuliginous that lies in the neck of the Viols, and keep the Sublimate that is in the middle, for it is ſufficiently dulcified. Its uſe is for all ſorts of Venereal diſeaſes, it opens obſtructions, and kills the Worms, the Doſe is from ſix unto thirty grains in Pills; it purges gently by Stool.

Remarks.

[Page]

You muſt obſerve never to powder Sublimate Corroſive in a mortar made of metal, becauſe it would corrode it, and carry off ſome part, which would ſpoil the operation; glaſs, marble and ſtone mortars are more convenient, becauſe they can communicate no ill impreſſion to the matter.

Many have written that we ſhould uſe equal parts of Sublimate and Mercury, but they did not conſider that ſo great a quantity of Mercury could not be here uſed, and that when the Sublimate hath received near about the quantity I have appointed, the reſt will remain unmixed.

When a matraſs is uſed for this operation, half its neck muſt be cut off before-hand; for when it is performed in common matraſſes, a great part of the Fuliginous matter not being able to riſe high enough falls down again on the Sublimate, and hinders it from becoming ſweet, becauſe this Fuliginoſity contains the more acrimonious part, whereas it will eaſily fly out of Viols, or matraſſes with a ſhort neck. Two thirds of each veſſel muſt remain empty, otherwiſe the Mercury, which rarefies like a Spirit, would be apt to break them. That which ſticks to the neck of the Viols being too acrimonious to be uſed inwardly may ſerve for Ointments againſt the Itch and Tettars.

Sweet Sublimate riſes more eaſily than the Corroſive, becauſe it is leſs loaded with acids.

The Sublimate that is made in a matraſs, loſes half an ounce each ſublimation; ſo that an ounce [Page] and a half is loſt in three times, when the operation is done.

Six drachms of Scories and light earth are found at bottom, and conſequently there is but two drachms of matter carried off each Sublimation. But if you try this operation in Viols, the ſublimate loſes half an ounce more, as having a larger aperture to fly out at, than in a matraſs, or long neck.

It ſeems a little ſtrange at firſt that ſo ſtrong a Poyſon as Sublimate Corroſive ſhould be reduced into ſo mild a remedy, by the addition of nothing but Mercury. But you ought to wonder no longer, when you conſider that thoſe Spirits which cauſed. the Corroſion were then ſhut up in a ſtrait room, but being now divided and enlarging their quarters, cannot in reaſon act with ſuch force; beſides that by the repeated action of fire the ſubtler part of their points is blunted againſt the body of Mercury.

The Purgative quality of ſweet Sublimate does conſiſt in the acids that remain; wherefore if you ſhould ſublime it twice or thrice more, the Sublimate would not be at all Purgative, but only Sudorifick. And it is then more proper to raiſe a Flux with than it was before; for having loſt thoſe ſalts which by irritating the ſtomach and guts did render it Purgative, it is the more diſpoſed for rarefaction in the body, and ſo to joyn with the ferment of Venereal Tumors.

Mercury prepared any way whatſoever ought to be taken inwardly no other way than in Pills, but by no means in potion, for fear it ſhould ſtick in the Gums, and ſo ſpoil and looſen the Teeth.

White Precipitate.

[Page]

White Precipitate is a Mercury diſſolved by Spirit of Niter, and precipitated by ſalt, into a white powder.

Diſſolve in a Glaſs-Cucurbite ſixteen ounces of Mercury revived from Cinnabar with eighteen or twenty ounces of Spirit of Niter: when the diſſolution is made, pour upon it ſalt-water filtrated, made of ten ounces of ſea-ſalt in two quarts of water; add unto this about half an ounce of the volatile Spirit of Sal Armoniack, there will Precipitate a very white powder, that you muſt leave for a ſufficient time to ſettle; then having poured off the water by Inclination, waſh it ſeveral times with Fountain water, and dry it in the ſhade. It is uſed to raiſe a Flux with, the Doſe is from four to fifteen grains in Pills. It is alſo uſed in Pomatums for Tettars and the Itch, from half a drachm to two drachms, for an ounce of Pomatum.

Remarks.

Although I do recommend eighteen or twenty ounces of Spirit of Niter for the ſolution of ſixteen ounces of Mercury, yet you muſt know that it is not very neceſſary to keep too ſtrictly to this ſame quantity. You may uſe either a little more, or a little leſs, according to the ſtrength of the Spirit, or according as it is more or leſs dephlegmated. I my ſelf do commonly uſe but an [Page] equal weight of it with the Quick-ſilver, becauſe the Spirit of Niter I do uſe is exactly dephlegmated. You might likewiſe uſe Aqua fortis inſtead of Spirit of Niter.

The Doſe of white Precipitate muſt be leſs than that of ſweet Sublimate, becauſe it retains more acid Spirits; but if you would Sublime this Precipitate alone in a matraſs, in a gradual fire, you'd obtain a Sublimate as ſweet as the other; becauſe the fire having acted upon it, breaks moſt of its points, and then it may be given in as great a Doſe as ordinary Mercurius Dulcis.

If you deſire to make this Precipitate exceeding white, you muſt diſſolve the Mercury in a veſſel whoſe mouth is very large, that ſo the red vapour of the Spirit of Niter may ſly out the more eaſily. When the diſſolution is made without the help of fire, the Precipitate is the whiter.

The Precipitation of Mercury may be made with the Spirit of Salt, as well as the ſalt in ſubſtance.

This is not ſo eaſily made, as that of Biſmuth, becauſe the pores of Mercury being ſmaller than thoſe of Biſmuth, do retain with more force the acids which are fixt into it. Moreover Quick-ſilver being of a volatile nature does remain ſuſpended in the liquor more eaſily than Biſmuth, which is a body altogether fixt.

It may well ſeem ſtrange that an acid ſalt, ſuch as ſea-ſalt, ſhould be able to precipitate that which the acidity of Spirit of Niter had diſſolved. To reſolve this difficulty, you muſt know that, though our Senſes tell us that acids do all perform the ſame effect, which is to prick and to pierce, yet nevertheleſs they all do differ in the figure of their [Page] points; for according as they have received more or leſs fermentation, they have alſo conſequently their points more ſubtile, ſharp, and light; and this is atteſted not only by taſte, but the ſight alſo; for if you ſhould Cryſtallize the ſame body, by diſſolving ſeveral parts of it in ſeveral veſſels by Spirit of Salt, Spirit of Niter, Spirit of Vitriol, Spirit of Alom, and by Vinegar, you'l obſerve ſo many kinds of Cryſtals different in figure, as there were different diſſolutions. The Cryſtals made by Vinegar will be more ſharp than thoſe prepared by Spirit of Niter; thoſe made by Spirit of Niter will be ſharper than thoſe by the Spirit of Vitriol; thoſe made by Spirit of Vitriol will be ſharper than thoſe by the Spirit of Alom; but of all theſe Cryſtals none will be found to have groſſer parts than thoſe prepared by the Spirit of Salt; for theſe Cryſtals do all retain the figure of their conſtituent parts. This now being ſuppoſed, it will be an eaſie matter to explicate our Precipitation, for the ſalt or its ſpirit containing points more groſs or leſs delicate than thoſe of Spirit of Niter, and falling on this diſſolution, do move, joſtle, and eaſily break the points impregnated with the body of Mercury, and ſo do make them let go their hold, whence it comes that Mercury precipitates by its own weight.

The ſame Principle may ſerve to explicate, why Lead diſſolved in Vinegar precipitates by means of the Spirit of Vitriol, or Salt.

You muſt obſerve not to make the water too ſalt, for then the great quantity of ſalt would hinder the Mercury from precipitating.

[Page]The Volatile Spirit of Sal Armoniack containing an alkali ſalt, does much help the Precipitation, for its agility carries it into every receſs of the liquor, where the ſea-ſalt, whoſe parts are not of ſo active a nature, was not able to go: which is proved from hence, that if you uſe only ſea-ſalt diſſolved in water to make this Precipitation with, it will then happen that if after pouring off the clear liquor, which ſwims upon the Precipitate, into another veſſel, you drop the Spirit of Sal Armoniack into the liquor, there falls a conſiderable quantity of Mercurial Precipitate, which may ſerve like the other. If inſtead of the volatile Spirit of Sal Armoniack you'd uſe the Oil of Tartar made per Deliquium, the Pricipitate would then be reddiſh.

Two objections have been made againſt my manner of explicating the Precipitation, of ſuch matters as Spirit of Niter had diſſolved, made by Sea-Salt.

Firſt they ſay, it is not proper to make the joſtles and encounter of ſalt-water with Spirit of Niter loaded with bodies which it had diſſolved, to be the cauſe of its precipitation; whenas the moſt violent jogs that can be given to the ſolution, either from an arm, or with matters much more heavy and ſolid than ſea-ſalt, are not able to cauſe the precipitation.

This Objection will raiſe no difficulty to any that are a little skill'd in Natural Philoſophy: for although I have ſaid, that by reaſon the edges of ſea-ſalt are groſſer than thoſe of Spirit of Niter, the ſea-ſalt does precipitate what Spirit of Niter had diſſolved and ſuſpended; I never meant that [Page] if theſe edges were as big as a mans arm, they would do it the better. It is ſufficiently known that there muſt be a proportionable ſubtilty of parts between the diſſolvent and that which does precipitate, and that the edges of an acid muſt be otherwiſe treated than with a cuff of the fiſt, in order to make them let go their hold. But I intended to make it appear that if ſea-ſalt does jog and ſhake the edges of Spirit of Niter, it does it by dividing into very minute parts, and thereby entring into the pores of the phlegm, which in would not be able to do if theſe parts were as big as a mans arm, or were like the ſolid heavy matters now ſpoken of.

Secondly, if the groſsneſs of the edges of ſea-ſalt, or the ſhock they give, did make the precipitation of ſubſtances diſſolved by Spirit of Niter, we ſhould expect afterwards to find the firſt, with its groſs edges ſeparated from thoſe of Spirit of Niter; whereas upon evaporating and cryſtallizing the liquor, their edges are indeed reciprocally confounded the one with the other, making together a new body.

I anſwer, that the ſhock and joſtle which the edges of ſea-ſalt do give to Spirit of Niter, when loaded with ſome bodies, does not hinder the edges of Spirit of Niter remaining after the precipitation, from uniting with the ſea-ſalt, by which union the Cryſtals do become confuſed.

I ſhall here add one preparation more, that is very proper to raiſe a Salivation with.

Take an ounce of the ſolution of Mercury made in Spirit of Niter, put it into a glaſs-veſſel, and pour upon it three or four and twenty ounces of [Page] water, all the liquor will turn white, let it ſettle until it becomes clear, filtrate the liquor, and keep it for uſe.

This water may be given from half an ounce to an ounce, in a glaſs of Ptiſan, or broth. It vomits gently, and provokes a Salivation; ſome do drink half an ounce of it to cure the itch, but they ought to be purged and bled before-hand.

Red Precipitate.

This preparation is a Mercury impregnated with Spirit of Niter, and calcined by fire.

Take eight ounces of Mercury revived from Cinnabar, diſſolve it in a ſufficient quantity of Spirit of Niter, which is eight or nine ounces; pour the diſſolution into a Viol, or Matraſs with a ſhort neck, ſet it in Sand, and evaporate all the moiſture with a gentle heat, until there remains a white Maſs; then quicken the fire by little and little to the third degree, and keep it in this condition till all your matter is turned red, then take it off the fire, let the Viol cool, and break it to obtain your Precipitate, which weighs nine ounces.

It is a good Eſcharotick, it eats proud fleſh; it is uſed for the laying open of Chancres, mixt with burnt Alom, AEgyptiacum, and the common Suppurative. Some do give it inwardly to four grains for to raiſe a Flux with, but this is dangerous, unleſs rectified Spirit of Wine be burnt two or three times upon it.

Remarks.

[Page]

This Preparation is improperly called Precipitate, here being no Precipitation at all.

Many Authors have thought they could much encreaſe the redneſs of this Precipitate, by Cohobating it, or diſtilling Spirit of Niter three times upon the white maſs; but I have found by experience both ways, that theſe Circumſtances are of no uſe.

The white Maſs which remains after Evaporation of the humidity is a mixture of Mercury with a great many acid Spirits, for it weighs three ounces more than the Mercury did which was diſſolved; it is extreme Corroſive, and fiery, if applied to the fleſh, but according as it is Calcined in order to make it red, the edges of the Spirit of Niter which cauſed the Corroſion do ſtrike off, and fly into the Air; whence it comes to paſs, that the more we deſire to encreaſe its redneſs by Calcination, the leſs it weighs, and the leſs it corrodes. Some Chirurgeons obſerving this effect do chooſe the Precipitate that is not ſo red as uſual, when they would make an Eſchar quickly.

If you ſtill continue the fire ſome hours under the red maſs, it will ſublime, and ſtill retain its colour; this ſublimate is not ſo Corroſive as the other; which makes me think that the points of Spirit of Salt are neceſſary to make a ſublimate very Corroſive. The reaſon why it ſublimes, is becauſe the Mercury being delivered from a great many acid Spirits, which did fix it, has power to [Page] riſe with thoſe that remain. But becauſe theſe remaining Spirits do moderate a little its volatility, it makes a ſtop in the middle of the Viol.

Some do put red Precipitate into an Earthen Pot, and pour upon it Spirit of Wine well rectified, then fire it, and when the Spirit is conſumed, they add more, and burn it as before; they repeat the adding Spirit of Wine, and burning it ſix times, and then call this Preparation Arcanum Corallinum. The Spirit of Wine by burning does carry off ſome edges of the Precipitate, and joyns it ſelf to the reſt, ſo that this Precipitate is ſweetned and rendred fit to be taken inwardly.

If by way of curioſity you pour Spirit of Vitriol upon common red Precipitate, ſuch as I have deſcribed, a diſſolution will ſoon follow, becauſe Spirit of Vitriol joyning with the Spirit of Niter that remained in the Precipitate, an Aqua fortis muſt happen from their union, which is able to diſſolve imperceptibly the parts of Mercury; but this diſſolution will happen without any Ebullition, becauſe the Mercury has been already rarified by an acid, ſo that the Spirit of Vitriol does only diſſolve them without making any commotion. The ſolution is clear like other ſolutions of Mercury, without any appearance of redneſs, and the ſame Preparations may be made with it, as are uſed to be by the ſolution of Quicksilver in Aqua fortis.

If inſtead of Spirit of Vitriol you pour Spirit of Salt upon the red Precipitate, it turns preſently into a curious white, becauſe the Spirit of Salt does break the force of the Spirit of Niter that was in the red Precipitate; and the ſame thing muſt happen here as does when Spirit of Salt is poured upon [Page] the ſolution of Quicksilver; for although red Precipitate be a dry body, yet it is nothing elſe but a mixture of Quicksilver, and Spirit of Niter.

I have given the reaſon why Spirit of Salt comes to weaken Spirit of Niter, in my Remarks upon white Precipitate.

As for the ſudden change of colour, it is indeed ſomewhat ſtrange, that a matter which is grown red by Calcination, ſhould in a minutes time turn ſo exceeding white.

This Effect can be attributed only to the diſlocation which the acid ſpirit of Salt does cauſe in the parts of red Precipitate, and to the diſpoſition it puts them anew into, ſo that their Superficies is put into a capacity of reflecting the light in a right line to our eyes, to give the appearance of a white colour; for if by means of another ſort of liquor, or elſe by fire and ſome alkali body, the diſpoſition of the parts of your Precipitate is again changed, it will obtain ſome other colour, or elſe it will return and revive into Quicksilver.

If you pour the volatile ſpirit of Sal Armoniack upon red Precipitate, it turns into a grey powder, but if you throw a great deal of water upon it, it becomes a milk, though none of the whiteſt. The ſame thing happens, when you drop Spirit of Sal Armoniack into the ſolution of Quicksilver made with Spirit of Niter; for ſoon after the efferveſcency is over, a grey powder is ſeen to Precipitate, and if you add to it water, it becomes a milk of the ſame whiteneſs as the other.

Common red Precipitate then is ſubject to the ſame alterations as the ſolution of Mercury, the red colour giving no particular impreſſion to it; [Page] which truly is a good proof that colour is no real thing, but wholly depends upon the modification of parts.

Turbith Mineral, or Yellow Precipitate.

This Preparation is a Mercury impregnated with the acidity of Oil of Vitriol.

Put four ounces of Quick-ſilver revived from Cinnabar into a glaſs Retort, and pour upon it ſixteen ounces of Oil of Vitriol; ſet your Retort in Sand, and when the Mercury is diſſolved put fire underneath, and diſtil the humidity; make the fire ſtrong enough toward the end, for to drive out ſome of the laſt Spirits of all; afterwards break your Retort, and powder in a glaſs Mortar a white Maſs you find within it, which weighs five ounces and a half; pour warm water upon it, and the matter will preſently change into a yellow powder, which you muſt dulcifie by a great many repeated Lotions, then dry it in the ſhade, you'l have three ounces and two drachms of it. It purges ſtrongly, both by vomit and ſtool, it is given in Venereal maladies, the doſe is from two grains unto ſix in Pills.

Remarks.

Though that which is improperly called Oil of Vitriol, be the ſtrongeſt and moſt Cauſtick acid of this Mineral Salt, it is nevertheleſs much weaker than Spirit of Niter, and ſo requires a [Page] greater quantity of it, and longer time to diſſolve the Mercury in, for there's much a-do to diſpatch the ſolution in ten hours. That which is diſtilled is exceeding weak, becauſe the Mercury retains the greateſt part of the acid Spirits, and they are the things that purge ſo ſtrongly although many of them be carried off by the Lotions.

All theſe Preparations are nothing but ſo many different ſhapes of Mercury made by acid Spirits which according to their different adheſions, do cauſe ſuch different effects.

All theſe Precipitates and Sublimates may be revived again into flowing Mercury, by mixing them with Lime, and diſtilling them, as I have ſaid i [...] the reviving of Cinnabar into Quick-ſilver, becauſe the alkali of Lime deſtroys thoſe acids tha [...] diſguiſed the Quick-ſilver.

Oil or Liquor of Mercury.

This preparation is an acid liquor loaded with Mercury.

Put the lotions of the white maſs, that Turbi [...] Mineral was made of, into an earthen pan, o [...] glaſs veſſel, evaporate in Sand all the liquor, until there remains at bottom a matter in form o [...] ſalt, which weighs two ounces and a drachm, pu [...] the pan in a cellar, or other cool place, and then leave it until this matter be almoſt all diſſolve [...] into liquor. It is uſed for the laying open Venereal Shancres, and eating the fleſh, Pledgets being dipt into it.

Remarks.

[Page]

This liquor is nothing but Mercury ſo penetrated and divided by the acid Spirits of Vitriol, that it can diſſolve like a Salt: now for that it contains theſe corroſive Spirits, it eats and corrodes where-ever it touches, like unto a Sublimate Corroſive.

This liquor may be made with ſpirit of Niter, and then it will be more violent in its Operation, but becauſe it would then pierce too much, and cauſe dangerous accidents, I would rather chooſe to prepare it with Oil of Vitriol.

If you drop a few drops of the Oil of Tartar made per Deliquium into this liquor, there will fall immediately a Mercurial Precipitate, becauſe the alkali of Tartar will break the edges that held up the Mercury diſſolved.

Another Oil of Mercury.

This preparation is a Sublimate Corroſive diſſolved in ſpirit of Wine.

Powder well an ounce of Sublimate Corroſive, and put it into a Bolthead, pour upon it four ounces of Spirit of Wine well rectified upon ſalt of Tartar, ſtop well your Bolthead, and let it infuſe cold, ſix or ſeven hours, the Sublimate will diſſolve; but if any ſediment remains at bottom, decant the liquor from it, and pouring upon the ſediment a little more Spirit of Wine, infuſe it [Page] as before, to finiſh the ſolution, mix your ſolutions, and keep them in a Viol well ſtopt.

This is an Oil of Mercury milder than the former, it is good in Venereal Shancres, eſpecially when there is any fear of a Gangrene, you may uſe it with pledgets like the former.

Remarks.

Spirit of Wine well rectified can diſſolve ſublimate corroſive, but it is not able to diſſolve Quick-ſilver, nor even Mercurius dulcis; the reaſon of which is, that the Sublimate being a Mercury extremely rarified, and already as it were ſuſpended by acids, the Spirit of Wine inſinuates into it by little and little, and diſſolves its parts; but Quick-ſilver and Mercurius dulcis, conſiſting of parts too cloſe and compact, the Spirit of Wine which is a rarified Sulphur, cannot give ſhakes ſtrong enough to disjoyn or ſeparate them.

This liquor is milder than the former, becauſe Spirit of Wine, which is a Sulphur, does ſo blunt the acid edges of Sublimate Corroſive, that they cannot act with that ſtrength they did when they were at liberty.

Other Precipitates of Mercury.

Theſe preparations are only Sublimate Corroſive diſſolved and precipitated into powders of different colours.

[Page]Mix 7 or 8 ounces of Sublimate Corroſive powdered, in a glaſs or marble Mortar with 16 or 18 ounces of warm water, ſtir them about for half an hour, then let the liquor ſettle, and pour it off by Inclination, filter it, and divide it into three parts to be put into ſo many Viols.

Pour into one of theſe Viols ſome drops of the Oil of Tartar made per Deliquium, there falls immediately a red Precipitate.

Drop into another of theſe Viols ſome volatile ſpirit of Sal Armoniack, and you have a white Precipitate.

Pour into the laſt of theſe Viols about a ſpoonful of Lime-water, you have a yellow water that is called Phagaedenick-water, or a water for Ulcers, becauſe it is good to cleanſe and heal Ulcers, the Chirurgeons do frequently uſe it, eſpecially in Hoſpitals; if you let the liquor ſettle, it will let fall a yellow precipitate.

To obtain theſe three Precipitates, you have only to pour off the clear water by Inclination, waſh them, and dry them apart.

Red precipitate may be uſed like that I deſcribed before, but it is not ſo ſtrong; it is the trueſt red precipitate of any.

The white precipitate has the ſame virtues as the other.

Yellow precipitate may be uſed in Pomatums for the Itch, half a drachm or a drachm of it is to be mixed with an ounce of Pomatum.

The Sublimate which remains at the bottom of the Mortar, being dried may be uſed in Pomatums for the Itch, like yellow precipitate.

Remarks.

[Page]

Sublimate being a Mercury loaded with acids, common water is able to diſſolve ſome of it, becauſe theſe acids do rarefie it, and make a kind of ſalt of it; but becauſe there are not acids enough in it to diſſolve all the Mercury, the moſt compact part of it remains at bottom, the liquor is filtrated to clear and purifie it the more, it is as clear and tranſparent as Fountain water.

If by way of Curioſity, you ſhould drop into the Viol of red precipitate, that I now deſcribed, ſome ſpirit of Sal Armoniack, and would ſhake the liquor a little, it would preſently turn white, and your precipitate would be white; but if inſtead of ſpirit of Sal Armoniack you would uſe ſpirit of Vitriol, an Ebullition would riſe in it, and the red liquor would become clear and tranſparent as common water.

Becauſe the Oil of Tartar is an alkali ſalt diſſolved, it breaks the edges of the acid which held up the Mercury imperceptible, and ſerv'd as Finns to make it ſwim in the water, ſo that this Mercury having nothing left to bear it up, muſt needs precipitate by its own weight. The ſame thing happens when ſpirit of Sal Armoniack is thrown upon the other part of the ſolution of ſublimate Corroſive. For this ſpirit being in like manner an alkali, produces the ſame effect as the Oil of Tartar.

But although alkali's do all agree in this, that they break and deſtroy acids, nevertheleſs there is always ſome difference in their action.

[Page]And this evidently appears in thoſe differently coloured precipitates, for this diverſity can be attributed only to this, that they having in ſeveral manners wrought upon acids, do diſpoſe and modifie the parts of the precipitated body, ſo as they may be capable of making different Refractions of Light.

Theſe precipitates are no longer poiſons, though they come from ſublimate Corroſive, and there's the ſame reaſon for it, as there is for the precipitations; for ſeeing that which gave the Corroſion was an acid, when this acid is deſtroyed by ſuch powerful alkali's as are ſpirit of Sal Armoniack, and Oil of Tartar, that which remains muſt become ſweet.

When ſpirit of Vitriol is thrown upon the liquor of red precipitate, there riſes an Ebullition, becauſe the acid does penetrate the alkali ſalt of the Oil of Tartar, and this alkali being deſtroyed, the acid diſſolves what was precipitated before, whence it comes that the liquor clears up, and turns into poiſon as it was before.

If you would again pour Oil of Tartar, then ſpirit of Sal Armoniack upon it, there would happen new red and white precipitates, which might again be diſſolved, and the liquor made clear again, by adding to it more ſpirit of Vitriol, but only a greater quantity of this Spirit muſt be uſed than was before.

CHAP. IX. Of Antimony.

[Page]

ANtimony is a Mineral conſiſting of a Sulphur like unto common Sulphur, and of a ſubſtance near approaching to Metallick: it is called Stibium in Latin. It is found in many places in Tranſylvania, Hungaria, France, Germany. Sometimes you may meet with ſome of the mineral Antimony at the Druggiſts, that is to ſay, juſt as it is taken out of the Mines, but that which is commonly brought among us hath been melted, and moulded into cakes of a Pyramidal form.

You muſt chuſe that which is in long ſhining needles, and not expect to find it of a reddiſh colour, as many Authors do adviſe; for in a hundred weight of this Mineral, you'l hardly find one piece of this kind. The occaſion of this error came from the Alchymiſts, who thought that Antimony did contain a Sulphur like unto that of Gold, and that the reddiſh ſort had more of it than the black; but this pretended Sulphur is as imaginary as that of gold. This reddiſh colour does doubtleſs proceed either from the heat of the Sun coming to it, or from a participation of the ſubterranean heat, beſtowed more on ſuch pieces, than the reſt; for when the Sulphur of Antimony is rarefied, it aſſumes a red colour, as may be ſeen in the operation, called Golden ſulphur of Antimony.

[Page] Antimony will not diſſolve, but with Aqua Regalis, which has made a great many Alchymiſts think, that this Mineral was an imperfect Gold.

Although nothing but a metallick ſubſtance mixt with Sulphur can be perceived in the analyzing of Antimony; nevertheleſs conſidering its Figure, ſomewhat like that of ſalt-peter, and its Emetick quality, which can proceed from nothing but a punction made in the ſtomach, there is reaſon to think that it contains an acid ſalt; but becauſe the edges of this ſalt are ſheathed in a great deal of Sulphur, it cannot exert its activity, without opening a way for it, either by ſalts which divide the Sulphur, or by Calcination which carries off its groſſer part. Notwithſtanding it is not to be underſtood that the Emetick faculty of Antimony does conſiſt in this ſalt alone; for if it were alone, it would no more produce this effect than other acid ſalts do, but it is aſſiſted by the Sulphur, which ſerves for a Vehicle to exalt it towards the upper Orifice of the ſtomach. Thus Antimony may be ſaid to vomit, by reaſon of the Saline ſulphur it contains.

Crude Antimony is uſed in Sudorifick decoctions, when we would diſſipate a tumor by Tranſpiration; but great care muſt be had that no acid may enter into the Decoction, for then it would open its body, and render it Emetick. It is dangerous alſo to take it in ſubſtance, becauſe it may be apt to meet with an acid in the ſtomach that would open its body, and thereby cauſe a great vomiting to follow.

The reaſon that Crude Antimony cauſes ſweat, is becauſe of ſome Sulphureous Particles that ſeparate [Page] from the Antimony, which not being ſtrong enough to make one vomit, do therefore work by tranſpiration.

Common Regulus of Antimony.

This preparation is an Antimony rendred more heavy, and more metallick by the ſeparation that is made of its groſſer Sulphurs.

Take ſixteen ounces of Antimony, twelve ounces of crude Tartar, and ſix ounces of Salt-peter purified; powder them and mix them well together, then heat a large Crucible red-hot, throw into it a ſpoonful of your mixture, and cover it with a Tile until the detonation is over, continue to throw into the Crucible ſpoonfuls of this mixture one after another, until all of it is ſpent; then light a great fire about it, and when the matter hath been ſome time in Fuſion, pour it into a Mortar, or an Iron mould greaſed with ſuet and heated, then ſtrike the ſides of the ſaid mould or mortar with tongs to make the Regulus precipitate to the bottom; when it is cold, ſeparate it from the droſs that remains on the top of it with a hammer, and after you have powdered it, melt it in another Crucible, then throw into it a little Salt-peter, there will riſe ſome little flame from it, then pour out the matter into the iron mortar well cleanſed and greaſed, let it cool, and you have four ounces and a half of Regulus.

If you melt it over again, and form it into balls of the bigneſs of a Pill, you have a perpetual Pill, that is to ſay, ſuch as being taken and voided fifty [Page] times will purge every time, and yet there's hardly any ſenſible diminution.

This Regulus is melted in a Crucible, and then caſt into moulds to make Cups and Gobelets. But it is ſomewhat hard to do it, by reaſon of a ſharpneſs in the Regulus that hinders its parts from uniting ſo as to ſpread well. If you put Whitewine into theſe Cups or Gobelets, it becomes Vomitive, like the Vinum Emeticum I ſhall ſpeak of anon.

Remarks.

The name Regulus ſignifies Royal, and is given to the moſt fixt and hardeſt matters of many minerals and metals.

This Preparation is made in order to open the Antimony, and purifie it from a great deal of groſs Sulphur that it is impregnated with, and to this end it is Calcined with Tartar and Salt-peter, which do eaſily flame, and carry off with them good ſtore of this Sulphur, the reſt remains in the Faeces, as I ſhall ſhew in the following Operation.

The mixture is caſt into the Crucible by little and little, for fear leaſt if it ſhould be put in all at a time, the detonation growing too violent, and the matter rarefying too much, it might riſe over the Crucible.

You muſt not greaſe the Iron Mortar with Oil, by reaſon of a little humidity that it contains, which would make the matter riſe and tumble out. It is greaſed, to the end that the matter not ſticking to the mortar may ſeparate from it the more eaſily.

[Page]The Regulus is melted again, and Salt-peter thrown into it, to the end, that ſome little ſuperficial ſulphur, which remained of the droſs, may fly away, and the Regulus may remain the purer.

Fifteen ounces of droſs will be found to four ounces and a half of Regulus, and there was uſed four and thirty ounces of mixture in this operation, ſo that there loſes fourteen ounces and a half during the time it is on the fire.

Although good ſtore of the Antimonial Sulphurs do exhale, the Regulus is notwithſtanding ſtill loaded with them, and it is they which chiefly give it its Vomitive virtue; for the Vomiting doth proceed from a very quick motion that theſe Sulphurs do give to the ſtomach, by pricking its Fibres with ſome ſalts that they carry along with them.

If you mix this Emetick with an Infuſion of Senna, or ſome ſuch purgative, it works as much by ſtool as by vomit, becauſe theſe Remedies do precipitate with them ſome part of the Sulphurs.

When a man ſwallows the Perpetual Pill, it paſſes by its own weight, and purges downwards: it is waſht and given again as before, and ſo on perpetually.

Almoſt all Chymiſts have written that this Pill loſes nothing at all of its weight, though taken ſeveral times. 'Tis true indeed the diminution is but very ſmall, yet nevertheleſs it would not be hard to remark it in ſome meaſure. It may be ſaid alſo that in place of the Sulphureous parts which do exhale to cauſe the vomiting, ſome extraneous bodies do ſucceed in their place, as it happens when Antimony is Calcined in the Sun.

[Page]When this Pill hath been taken and voided twenty or thirty times, it purges not ſo much as it did at firſt, as well becauſe the more ſoluble parts of the Sulphur are gone, as that what remains doth paſs without any great effect. The ſame doth happen to Cups or Gobelets, which can't make the wine ſo Emetick as before, after they have been filled twenty or thirty times.

Some do preſcribe the Perpetual Pill, in the diſeaſe called Miſerere, but this practice is not without danger, becauſe the ball ſtopping ſometime in the Inteſtines, which are knotted or twiſted together in this diſeaſe, may cauſe an Inflammation, and ſo exulcerate the part. It is given in the Colick, and then it does well.

Wine draws out the Emetick virtue of the Regulus much better than water or ſpirit of Wine, or vinegar can do; the reaſon of which is, that this virtue does conſiſt in a ſaline ſulphur which water could not penetrate; ſpirit of Wine indeed does diſſolve ſome of the more ſulphureous part of it, but does not take enough of the ſalt; the vinegar by its acidity does fix too much what it has diſſolved; but Wine contains a ſulphureous ſpirit, and a ſaline Tartar, which do make a moſt convenient Menſtruum to diſſolve and to preſerve the ſaline and ſulphureous part of the prepared Antimony.

Upon conſidering the different ways of evacuation cauſed by Antimony, and many other Medicins, I do find it very probable, that Emeticks do work as they do, becauſe their operation being quick is exerted in the ſtomach, before the medicin had time to deſcend more downwards, [Page] and then this viſcus is very ſenſible when irritated, and undergoes commotions ſufficiently violent to make riſe what is within it. But if the medicin proves ſlow in its operation, and deſcends into the gutts before it raiſes a purgative fermentation, it then forces downwards, whence it comes to paſs that thoſe who do not vomit upon taking emeticks, are commonly purged by ſtool.

Thus Vomits and Purges do differ only in this, that the firſt do work in the ſtomach, the others in the gutts.

Oil, and lukewarm water do vomit, by relaxing the fibres of the ſtomach, and changing the motion of the ſpirits which do then act only by ſhaking, or turning the ſtomach to a diſcharge upwards.

If by way of curioſity you would Calcine four ounces of the Regulus of Antimony powdered, in an earthen cup unglazed, ſet in a ſmall fire, ſtirring it all the while with a Spatule, there will riſe up a vapour for an hour and a halfs time, or there-abouts, and when the matter fumes no longer, it turns into a grey powder, that weighs two drachms and a half more than the Regulus did at firſt.

This augmentation of quantity is the ſtranger, for that the fume which aſcended from it during the Calcination, ſhould ſeem rather to have diminiſhed its weight. It muſt be therefore granted, that a great many fiery particles have entred into it, in the room of that which fum'd away.

This Fume proceeds from ſome groſſer Sulphur, that remained in the Regulus, and indeed it ſmells ſtrong of the ſulphur.

Golden Sulphur of Antimony.

[Page]

This preparation is the ſulphureous part of Antimony diſſolved by Alkali ſalts, and precipitated by an acid.

Take the droſs of the Regulus of Antimony, powder and boil them with common water in an earthen pot half an hour; ſtrain the liquor, and pour vinegar into the expreſſion, there will precipitate a red powder; filtrate and ſeparate your precipitate, dry it and keep it, you will obtain twelve ounces, and two drachms of it, it is called the Golden Sulphur of Antimony, and is an Emetick: the doſe is from two grains unto ſix in broth or in Pills.

Remarks.

You muſt put about ſixteen pints of water to boil with the fifteen ounces of the droſs of Regulus of Antimony, though the liquor does coagulate like a Jelly when it is cold, by reaſon of the ſalts and ſulphurs joyning together; for the droſs of the Regulus is nothing but a mixture of the fixt parts of Salt-peter, and Tartar, that have retained with them ſome of the more impure Sulphur of Antimony.

Now ſeeing that theſe ſalts do become Alkali by means of Calcination, the acid which is poured upon them, does break or deſtroy their ſtrength, and makes them quit the ſulphur which they held [Page] diſſolved, from whence the precipitation of the Golden Sulphur of Antimony does proceed.

So ſoon as vinegar is poured on the diſſolution of the droſs, volatile ſulphurs do ariſe which are very diſagreeable to the ſmell; the precipitate which is afterwards made, is like to a Coagulum or curd, in great quantity.

This Sulphur does operate much like to the Crocus metallorum, of which I ſhall ſoon ſpeak. The Chymiſts have called it Golden ſulphur, by reaſon of its colour, which is near like unto that of Gold; but it is probable that the Antients did underſtand by the Golden Sulphur of Antimony, ſome other ſulphur than this, becauſe almoſt all of them have writ, that there was a groſs ſuperficial ſulphur in Antimony, like unto common ſulphur, which is this of which our preſent preparation is made, and another more fixt, and like unto that of Gold, which they held to be Sudorifick.

You muſt not imagine that our Golden Vomitive Sulphur is altogether Pure, it is ſtill loaded with a great deal of earth and ſalt, which it has ſtill retained in the precipitation, and it is this ſalt which by rarefying its parts does give it this colour.

Regulus of Antimony with Mars.

This preparation is a mixture of the more fixed parts of Antimony, and ſome portion of Iron.

Put eight ounces of ſmall Nails into a great Crucible, cover it, and ſet it on a grate in a Furnace; ſurround it above and below with a good fire, and [Page] when the Nails are red hot, throw into them a pound of Antimony in powder; cover again the Crucible, and continue a great fire; when the Antimony ſhall be in perfect Fuſion, caſt into it by little and little three ounces of Salt-peter, a detonation will happen, and the nails will melt; and when there do riſe no more ſparkles, pour out your matter into a Cornet or Iron mortar, that you ſhall have greas'd with a little Suet, and heated before-hand: then ſtrike the ſides of the mortar with pincers, to make the Regulus fall to the bottom; when it is cold, ſeparate it from the droſs with a hammer: melt it in another Crucible, and caſt into it two ounces of Antimony in powder; when it is melted, add to it by little and little three ounces of Salt-peter, which being burnt, and the matter caſting forth no more ſparkles, pour it into the Iron Cornet greaſed and heated as before, then ſtrike it with pincers, that the Regulus may fall down, and when it is cool, ſeparate it from the droſs as I have ſaid; repeat melting the Regulus twice more, and each time caſt Salt-peter into it, but the laſt eſpecially; you muſt obſerve to melt it well, before you caſt the Salt-peter into it, that the Star may appear. There is no need of adding any more crude Antimony to the two laſt Fuſions This Regulus is uſed as the other, and hath the ſame effects.

Remarks.

The Iron in the firſt Fuſion mixing with the Antimony turns almoſt all of it into droſs, becauſe [Page] it joyns with the more impure Sulphur, ſo that the Reguline part being more weighty falls down to the bottom. Salt-peter is uſed in order to open the Antimony, and cauſe a more perfect Fuſion, that a ſeparation of the groſſer parts may be made the better. Moreover it carries off ſome Sulphurs by its volatile parts. The droſs then does conſiſt of Iron, Sulphur, and ſixt Salt-peter.

The Fuſion is repeated three times over, becauſe ſome portion of Iron doth always precipitate with the Regulus; and a little crude Antimony is added to the firſt of all, to the end the Mars, which eaſily joyns with Antimony by reaſon of a groſs Sulphur it contains, may leave the Regulus and ſtick to it. The two laſt Fuſions do make a gray or white droſs, and this is a mark, that the Salt-peter can receive no more.

After the firſt Purification, ten ounces of Regulus, and thirteen ounces of Scories do remain; after the ſecond Purification, nine ounces and a half of Regulus do remain; after the third, eight ounces and two drachms of Regulus; and after the fourth you'l have ſeven ounces, and ſix drachms.

The Star which appears upon the Martial Regulus of Antimony when it is well Purified, has given occaſion to the Chymiſts to reaſon upon the matter; and the greateſt part of theſe men being ſtrongly perſwaded of the Planetary Influences, and a ſuppoſed correſpondence between each of the Planets, and the Metal that bears its name, they have not wanted to aſſert, that this ſame Star proceeded from the impreſſion which certain little bodies flowing from the Planet Mars do [Page] beſtow upon Antimony for ſake of the remaining Iron that was mixed with it; and for this reaſon, they wonderfully recommend the making this preparation upon Tueſday rather than another day, between 7 and 8 a clock in the morning, or elſe between 2 and 3 in the afternoon, provided the weather be clear and fair, thinking that day which is denominated from Mars to be the time that it lets fall its Influences moſt plentiful of any. They have likewiſe conceited a thouſand things of the like nature, which it would be too much trouble to relate here.

But all opinions of this kind have no manner of probability, for no bodies Experience did ever evince, that the Metals have any ſuch correſpondence with the Planets, as I have maintained otherwhere; much leſs can they prove that the Influences of the Planets do imprint ſuch and ſuch Figures to Metals, as theſe men do determine. It would be no hard matter for me here to ſhew how little reaſon or foundation there is in diſcourſes of that nature, and how very weak and uncertain are the Principles of Judicial Aſtrology; but this would be too long a Digreſſion for this place, and ſerve only to ſwell this Book with things that may be found treated of at large elſewhere, and particularly in the Epitome of Gaſſendus made by Monſieur Bernier.

My thoughts therefore ſhall not ſoar ſo high as theſe mens do; and though I may ſeem dull and mean in their eyes, I ſhall not ſearch in the Coeleſtial Bodies for an explication of the Star we now contend about; ſeeing I can find it out in cauſes near at hand. There have been who gazing too [Page] earneſtly upon the Stars above, have not perceived the ſtone at their feet, that cauſed them to ſtumble.

I ſay then that the Star which appears upon the Martial Regulus of Antimony, does proceed from the Antimony it ſelf; for this Mineral runs all into Needles; but becauſe before it is Purified, it is loaded with ſulphureous and impure parts, which do make it ſoftiſh, theſe Needles do not appear but confuſedly. Now when it is purified with Mars, not only a great many of the more ſulphureous parts of Antimony, and ſuch as are fitteſt to hinder its Cryſtallization, are carried away, but alſo there remains the hardeſt and the moſt compact part of Iron, which makes the Antimony firmer than it was. So that the Purification does ſerve to lay open the natural Cryſtals of Antimony in form of a ſtar, and the Iron by its hardneſs does expatiate theſe Cryſtals, from whence it comes that the Martial Regulus of Antimony is harder than the other Regulus.

The Cryſtals then do appear in form of a ſtar in the Martial Regulus of Antimony, becauſe they were ſo naturally in the Antimony before. This ſtar does not appear exactly the ſame in the common Regulus of Antimony, let it be Purified never ſo much, becauſe its parts have not the ſame tenſion as thoſe of the other.

Glaſs of Antimony.

This preparation is a Regulus of Antimony become vitrified by a long fuſion.

[Page]Calcine in a ſmall fire a pound of Antimony in powder, in an earthen pot unglazed, ſtir the matter continually with an Iron Spatule, until vapours ariſe no longer; but if notwithſtanding your ſtirring, the powder ſhould chance to run into lumps, as it often happens to do, put it into a mortar and powder it; then Calcine it again, as I have ſaid, and when it will fume no more, and is of a gray colour, put it into a good Crucible, cover it with a tyle, and ſet it in a wind-furnace, in which you ſhall make a very violent coal-fire round about the Crucible, to the end the matter may melt. About an hour afterwards uncover the Crucible, and putting the end of an Iron rod into it, ſee whether the matter that ſticks to it is become Diaphanous; and if it be, pour it upon a Marble well warmed, it will congeal, and you'l have the Glaſs of Antimony, which you muſt let cool, and ſo keep for uſe. It is a ſtrong Vomitive, and one of the moſt violent that is made of Antimony. The Emetick Wine is made of it, by ſetting it to ſteep in White-wine. It is given alſo in ſubſtance from two grains unto ſix.

An Emetick Syrup is prepared with the Glaſs of Antimony infuſed in the juice of Quinces, or Lemons, and Sugar. If inſtead of theſe acid juices, one ſhould uſe Wine, the Syrup would be the more Vomitive. The doſe of the one and the other Syrup, is from two drachms to an ounce and a half, and is given eſpecially to nice perſons, and to Infants.

Remarks.

[Page]

The Antimony muſt be Calcined within the Chimny, and the vapours that fly from it muſt be avoided as being very injurious to the Breaſt.

This Calcination is performed to deveſt it of ſome groſs Sulphurs that might hinder its Vitrification. Some do add to this gray powder Borax, others crude Antimony, and others Sulphur, that it may Vitrifie the more eaſily.

The Vitrification happens not, until the parts of Antimony have been rendred more firm and ſtiff than they were before, to the end the fiery particles paſſing and repaſſing through the matter may form the pores into a ſtrait line, ſo that they can remain in this condition, when the Antimony is grown cold; and it is the figure of theſe pores, which cauſes the tranſparency, becauſe they ſuffer the light to paſs through them directly.

The ſulphur and antimony do help it to melt, wherefore ſome do add them to the matter, though in a ſmall quantity, and their volatile part flies away before the Vitrification.

The Borax does not only help the fuſion, but likewiſe ſerves to harden the matter when cold, that the pores may the longer be preſerved ſtrait; for, although a great part of the ſulphurs of Antimony flies away, yet there remains enough ſtill in the very ſubſtance of the glaſs, which yet do not very long continue in their firſt poſition, but ſhutting the pores of the matter do render it opake.

[Page]This accident does not happen to ſuch glaſſes as contain no Sulphur, becauſe their parts being always preſerved ſtiff and firm, their pores do never become obſtructed.

Glaſs of Antimony receiving more Calcination than the other preparations, ſhould conſequently be leſs Vomitive, by reaſon of the diſperſion and loſs of much Sulphur, wherein its Vomitive virtue doth conſiſt: Nevertheleſs experience ſhews us the contrary, for it works with more force, as I have ſaid; and the reaſon of it is, becauſe no Salt is uſed in the making of this glaſs, whereas in the other preparations Salt-peter is uſed, which by its fixt parts hinders the activity of ſome part of the Sulphurs; thus although there doth remain but a ſmall quantity of Sulphur in the Glaſs of Antimony, yet as little as there is being in great motion, it cauſes a greater diſpoſition to Vomit.

The Glaſs of Antimony may be corrected by Calcining it in a crucible with a third part of Salt-peter, then waſhing it divers times with hot water, it is to be dried. This powder is not ſo ſtrong in its operation as the Glaſs of Antimony, becauſe the Salt-peter has fixed ſome part of the Sulphurs of Antimony. It works much like the Crocus metallorum, of which I am to treat.

Liver of Antimony, or Crocus Metallorum.

This preparation is an Antimony opened by Salt-peter, and by fire, which have made it half glaſs, and which have given it a Liver-colour.

[Page]Take a pound of Antimony, and ſo much Salt-peter, powder them, and mix them well together, put this mixture into an Iron mortar, and cover it with a tyle; leave an open place nevertheleſs through which you may convey a coal of fire, and take it out again, the matter will flame, and cauſe a great detonation, which being over, and the mortar grown cold, ſtrike againſt the bottom that the matter may fall down; then ſeparate the droſs with a hammer, from the ſhining part, which is called Liver of Antimony from its colour.

To make the Emetick wine you muſt infuſe an ounce of this Liver of Antimony in powder in a quart of White-wine four and twenty hours, and ſo let it ſettle; the Doſe of this wine is from half an ounce to three ounces.

That which is called Crocus Metallorum is nothing but the Liver of Antimony waſht ſeveral times with warm water, and afterwards dried. It is uſed as the Liver of Antimony to make the Emetick wine, and it is given likewiſe in ſubſtance to Vomit ſtrongly: the doſe is from two to eight grains.

Remarks.

This preparation is a more impure Glaſs of Antimony than that I deſcribed, and conſequently it is more opaque; it works not ſo violently as the glaſs.

The Liver of Antimony hath a different ſtrength according to the proportion of Niter that enters into it; when there's more Niter than Antimony, it is the leſs Vomitive, not only becauſe great ſtore [Page] of the Sulphurs of Antimony are loſt in the ſtrong detonation that it raiſes, but alſo becauſe there remains more fixt parts of the Salt-peter, which do joyn and unite with the Sulphurs that remain in the matter. Thus if inſtead of a pound of Salt-peter you ſhould uſe twenty ounces, as many do, you'd have a Liver of Antimony leſs Vomitive than that I deſcribed. Now on the contrary when leſs Salt-peter than Antimony is uſed, the Liver that proceeds from this mixture is not ſo Vomitive as that I now deſcribed; the reaſon of it is that the Sulphurs of Antimony have not been ſufficiently ſtirred by the Salt-peter in ſo little a quantity: for Antimony becomes not Vomitive, but only when it hath been ſufficiently opened, either by fire, or ſome Salts. The moſt convenient proportion then that can be obſerved to render the Liver of Antimony as Vomitive as may be, is to take equal parts according to my deſcription.

The ſtrong detonation that happens when fire is put to the matter, is not cauſed through the flagration of Salt-peter, as almoſt every body hath thought, through want of ſufficient reflexion; I ſhall prove in its proper place that it can never take flame, and that its volatile parts do ſerve for a kind of Bellows, or Vehicle to rarifie and exalt the Sulphurs of Antimony.

A Liver of Antimony is prepared with equal quantities of Antimony, Niter, and Sea-ſalt decrepitated; and becauſe theſe ſalts do give it a red colour like unto the Opale, this preparation has been called Magneſia Opalina; it is leſs Emetick than the other, by reaſon of the addition of ſea-ſalt, which fixes the ſaline Sulphur of Antimony.

[Page]Several other ways of preparing the Liver of Antimony have been invented; but I am contented with having given you the beſt of all, and the eaſieſt to prepare.

If you uſe ordinary ſalt-peter in this Operation, you'l obtain eight ounces and two drachms of Liver of Antimony; but if you uſe purified ſalt-peter, you'l get but ſix ounces and a half.

This difference of quantity proceeds from the nature of ſalt-peter, for the more volatile parts this Mineral ſalt contains, the more apt it is to carry off ſome parts of the Antimony. Now purified Salt-peter is much more volatile than the common ſort, wherefore the Liver of Antimony, where it is uſed, is in leſſer quantity.

The Liver of Antimony that's made with common ſalt-peter is the redder, and comes nearer to the colour of an Animals Liver, than that which is made with purified ſalt-peter; this happens through the fixt ſalt which is in this preparation more than in the other; for common ſalt-peter contains much fixt ſalt, as I ſhall ſhew in its proper place; this ſalt does likewiſe make the matter the heavier.

As for the virtues of theſe Livers of Antimony, the difference is not very great, but only that which is made with purified ſalt-peter is a little more Emetick than the other.

I cannot paſs by here the falſe imagination of ſome men who think that preparation of the Liver of Antimony, of which half a drachm, or two ſcruples may be given, is much better than that whereof 3 or 4 grains perform the ſame effect; for there is no doubt but the taking ſo great a quantity of Antimony will give an impreſſion [Page] to the ſtomach, that a leſſer quantity is not able to do. Furthermore, whereas theſe kind of preparations do commonly open the Antimony but little, or but half-fix the ſaline ſulphurs, it is to be feared leſt ſome ſalt they may meet with in the ſtomach, ſhould open them too much, or volatilize them, and ſo cauſe moſt unhappy accidents.

When the Liver of Antimony is waſhed with warm water, ſome part of the fixt Niter that remained in it is ſeparated. Many have believed that the more violent part of the Emetick was carried off by this Lotion: but on the contrary, this fixt part is more capable of mitigating than augmenting its violence for the reaſons I have ſpoke already.

You muſt obſerve that if you ſhould put four ounces of prepared Antimony into a quart of wine, the wine will not be more Vomitive than if you ſhould put but an ounce; becauſe being loaded with as much of the ſubſtance of it as it is able to contain, the reſt remains at bottom, and cannot be diſſolved unleſs more wine be added. Now an ounce of Crocus Metallorum, or Liver of Antimony is, according to experience, capable of impregnating not only one quart of wine, but after having poured off the liquor by Inclination, if you put as much more wine to the matter that remains, and leave it in digeſtion two or three days together, you'l have an Infuſion as Emetick as the firſt. You may if you pleaſe renew the wine that is poured upon it to be infuſed, nine ſeveral times, and it will always prove Emetick; after which, if you Calcine your matter a quarter of an hour in an earthen pot unglazed over a ſmall [Page] fire, ſtirring the matter continually with an Iron Spatule, you may infuſe it again as before, and it will render the wine Emetick.

That Emetick wine which is made with the Crocus Metallorum is moſt in uſe; it is likewiſe prepared with the Regulus and glaſs, as I have ſaid ſpeaking of them.

You might likewiſe make another ſort of it, by infuſing warm ſome days crude Antimony in white-wine; for the tartarous ſalts of the wine do open the Antimony, but it would not prove ſo vomitive as the other.

The Emetick wine is given alone, or mixed with Purgatives, that convey it partly by ſtool. When you find an Inclination to vomit, you muſt be provided of broth a little fat, and take ſome ſpoonfuls to facilitate the Vomiting, and hinder the great efforts which ſometimes break veſſels, and cauſe mortal Hemorrhagies to follow. You muſt alſo conſider that thoſe who have their breaſts ſtrait, and bodies thin, are much harder to vomit than others. But let us leave thoſe particulars to the wiſdom of Phyſicians.

Antimonium Diaphoreticum.

This preparation is an Antimony, whoſe ſulphurs are fixed by Salt-peter, and are thereby hindred from working otherwiſe than by ſweat.

Powder and mix well together one part of Antimony with three parts of purified Salt-peter; and having heated a Crucible red-hot in the Coals, caſt into it a ſpoonful of your mixture, you'l hear [Page] a noiſe or detonation; after that's over, caſt in another ſpoonful, and continue to do ſo 'till all your powder is in the Crucible. Leave a great fire about it two hours, then throw your matter which will be white, into an earthen pan almoſt filled with Fountain-water, and leave it a ſteeping warm ten or twelve hours, that the fixt Salt-peter may diſſolve in it; ſeparate the liquor by Inclination, waſh the white powder that remains at bottom five or ſix times with warm water, and dry it. This is called Antimonium Diaphoreticum, or mineral Diaphoretick, or the Calx of Antimony.

This Preparation is eſteemed good to procure Sweat, and to reſiſt Poiſon, and conſequently is good in Malignant Feavers, the ſmall Pox, the Plague and other Contagious diſeaſes. The doſe is from ſix grains to thirty, in ſome appropriate liquor.

All the Lotions may be evaporated, and a fixt Salt-peter will be found at the bottom of the veſſel, which works much like the Sal Polychreſtum.

Remarks.

In this preparation three pounds of Salt-peter are uſed for one pound of Antimony, that after ſublimation of the volatile parts there may remain ſtore of fixt Niter, which unites with the Antimony, and hinders it from being Vomitive.

It is obſervable, that three parts of Niter with one of Antimony do not cauſe ſo ſtrong a detonation, nor ſo great a diminution of the parts of Antimony, as when there are but equal quantities. [Page] And the reaſon of it is, that there's too little ſulphur of Antimony for the quantity of Niter, and that ſome part of the ſulphur does remain unactive in the fixt Niter, which admits not of flagration, for the volatile part of Salt-peter does not burn, but according to the proportion of ſulphur with which it is mixed. And this is a proof of my aſſertion in this matter, that if you throw upon lighted coals, a little of that Salt-peter which you ſhall have drawn from the lotions of Antimonium Diaphoreticum, it will ſtill cauſe a flame to ariſe, by reaſon of new ſulphur which it meets with in the coals, which ſulphur does joyn together with the volatile part of Salt-peter that remained. I ſhall ſpeak more at large of the flagration of Salt-peter, in the Chapter of this Salt.

You muſt put the mixture into the Crucible ſpoonful after ſpoonful, that the Calcination may be done the better. When it is ended, the matter is waſhed, for to ſeparate the Salt-peter that is unuſeful. But let there be never ſo many lotions, they can never waſh away a certain inveloping or cover that is given to the Antimony by the fixt Salt-peter; for each particle of Antimony is ſo cloſely united, that it cannot any way be ſeparated without recourſe to ſome reductive Salt; and this is it that makes this preparation of Antimony to be not at all Vomitive. Many do ſay it is Sudorifick, but I could never obſerve any ſuch effect ſenſibly. Nevertheleſs I would ſubmit to think ſo, both becauſe many Authors have written ſo, and becauſe the heat of the body may poſſibly ſeparate ſome of its Sulphurs, which not being ſtrong enough to make one Vomit, may only [Page] drive by Tranſpiration ſenſible or inſenſible, according as the pores are more or leſs open. Others do think Antimonium Diaphoreticum is meerly an alkali, that is good for nothing but to deſtroy acids, and on this principle do give it for the ſame ends as Coral, Perle, Calcined Harts-horn, and ſuch like things as do abſorb ſharp or acid humours, which abounding too much in the body do cauſe divers diſeaſes; but without doubt they that follow theſe principles have not built them on Experience; for pour any kind of acid on Antimonium Diaphoreticum, it will never diſſolve at all, and take away the acid after a very long Infuſion, it will be as ſtrong as ever; which proves it to be no alkali, and therefore not to produce the effects that are pretended.

The Cornachine Powder is made of equal parts of Antimonium Diaphoreticum, Diagryde, and Cream of Tartar. The doſe is from 20 to 45 grains.

Another Antimonium Diaphoreticum.

This preparation is a Calcination of Antimony, by which it is fixed, and rendred ſudorifick, without loſing the volatile part which ſublimes from it.

Take a good earthen pot unglazed, able to reſiſt the fire, with a hole in the middle of its height, and a ſtopple to it; ſet it in a Furnace of an equal proportion, and fit to it three pots more of the ſame earth, all three open at the bottom, and fit a glaſs head to the uppermoſt pot, with a little Viol for a Receiver. Lute the junctures well, and by [Page] the means of ſome Bricks and Lute together, let the fire tranſpire only through ſome little holes, and be but ſtrong enough to warm the bottom of the lowermoſt pot; then give your fire by degrees, to heat this pot by little and little red-hot.

In the mean time mix three parts of Salt-peter, with one of Antimony in powder; caſt a ſpoonful of it into the red-hot pot through the hole, and ſtop it again quickly, you'l perceive a great detonation, and after it is over, caſt in another ſpoonful, and continue to do ſo until all your matter is ſpent. Then encreaſe the fire to the utmoſt for half an hours time, and ſo let it go out. Unlute the veſſels as ſoon as they are coid, you'l find a little Spirit of Niter in the Receiver; white flowers in the three upper pots, and a white maſs in the lowermoſt, which may be waſhed as the other Antimonium Diaphoreticum, and ſo dried. This Mineral Diaphoretick is as good as the former; you muſt waſh the flowers ſeveral times with warm water, and then dry them. They are not ſo Emetick as thoſe I ſhall deſcribe hereafter; the doſe is from two to ſix grains.

Remarks.

In this preparation the volatile or Sulphureous parts of Antimony do ſtick to the ſides of the pots like flower; if you don't waſh them, they will not be ſo Vomitive, becauſe the Salt-peter that riſes with them, hinders their activity.

The acid ſpirit which is found in the Recipient may be uſed in the Colick; the doſe is from [Page] four to eight drops in Broth, or ſome appropriate liquor.

If you uſe in this operation five ounces of Antimony, and fifteen ounces of Salt-peter, you will draw half an ounce of Spirit of Niter, two drachms of flowers of Antimony waſht, and dried, and five ounces of very white Antimonium diaphoreticum, after that it is well waſht and dried; and if you evaporate and cryſtallize the lotions, you will find ten ounces of Salt, which will be a Salt-peter half fixed, and which will flame being thrown upon the coals; inſomuch that there will be loſt in the whole of the mixture, four ounces and two drachms. This diminution comes from what loſes through the hole of the pot, during the detonation, for ſtop it as well as you can, there will always vent out a great deal of fume, which will incommode the Artiſt, unleſs he takes care to turn away his head from the ſteam.

The purified Salt-peter loſes no more than the other, becauſe the ſulphur of Antimony can take of the volatile parts of Salt-peter but ſuch a proportion as it requires to raiſe it. So that in fifteen ounces of Salt-peter, (whether it be the purified ſort or the common) there are much more volatile parts than are neceſſary, in order to joyn with the ſulphur of five ounces of Antimony.

Although there do riſe a great many parts of Antimony with the volatile portion of Salt-peter in the detonation, yet we find that the Antimonium diaphoreticum which remains, does weigh as much as the Antimony which was imployed in the operation; the reaſon of which is that in place of the part of Antimony that exhales, a great deal [Page] of Salt-peter does as it were inſeparably join with the remainder, and this is that which fixes it, and hinders it from being vomitive, as I have ſaid.

Again, although Antimony is naturally black, it becomes altogether white, when it has been well rarefied; for all that we ſee in this operation, is a pure white, as well the volatile as the fixt, which ſhews very well that colours have no real being.

An Antimonium diaphoreticum may be prepared, and at the ſame time likewiſe a ſulphur of Antimony, after the following manner.

Diſſolve within the chimney, what quantity you pleaſe of crude Antimony with three times as much Aqua Regalis, in a glaſs body, there will appear a ſtrong ebullition with red vapours, which muſt be avoided as being very injurious to the breaſt; when the diſſolution is over, pour upon it a great quantity of water, in order to weaken the Aqua Regalis, upon which the whole turns into a milk, and then a Precipitate in a white powder falls to the bottom of the veſſel.

You will likewiſe ſee a kind of gray ſcum ſwim upon the liquor, which you muſt gather up with a Spatule, or with a wooden ſpoon, and dry it in the ſhade; it is a ſulphur which fires like common ſulphur, and is good for nothing elſe.

You muſt decant the water from the body, and waſhing the precipitated powder divers times, and drying it, you will have an Antimonium diaphoreticum that may be uſed as the former; this preparation indeed is not much in uſe, but many do prefer it before all the others.

When Antimony is Calcined by the heat of the Sun, as through a Burning-Glaſs; inſtead of loſing [Page] its weight, as one would think it ſhould by reaſon of the evaporation of Sulphureous parts, it does increaſe in weight: which ſhews that ſome more ponderous bodies have ſucceeded in the place of thoſe that are gone.

Flowers of Antimony.

This preparation is the more volatile part of Antimony raiſed by fire.

Fit the ſame pots I ſpoke of in the laſt Operation, one upon another; ſet them in the ſame Furnace, and obſerve the ſame circumſtances for their ſituation, and for heating the lowermoſt. When its bottom is red-hot, caſt into it a ſmall ſpoonful of Antimony in powder through the hole, and ſtir the matter at the bottom of the pot with an Iron Spatule crooked a little on purpoſe to do it the better; draw out your Spatule, and ſtop the hole, the flowers will riſe and ſtick in the upper pots. Continue a great fire, that the pot may ſtill remain red-hot, and when you ſee nothing more ſublime, caſt in ſo much more Antimony, obſerving to do what I have ſaid. Repeat the caſting it in through the hole, till you have flowers enough. Then let the fire go out, and when the veſſels are cold, unlute them, you'l find flowers all about the three upper pots, and the head, gather them together with a Feather, and keep them in a Viol.

It is a powerful Emetick; it is given in Quartan Agues, and other Intermittent Feavers, and alſo in the Epilepſie; the doſe is from two grains to ſix in Lozenges, or Broth.

Remarks.

[Page]

In this preparation, as in the former, you muſt leave room enough; otherwiſe the flowers of Antimony being driven fiercely by the fire, would be apt to break the veſſel for want of room to move in. And this is the reaſon why many pots are here placed one upon another. There's no need of any Receiver, becauſe there is no liquor to fall into it, ſo that a blind head may ſerve.

At the bottom of the pot which contained the matter, there remains a maſs of the more terreſtrious part of Antimony, that muſt be flung away as being good for nothing.

If the Flowers of Antimony do happen to be of different colours, it is becauſe the fire was not managed equally ſtrong; theſe Flowers are more Vomitive than the former, becauſe they have no Salt-peter in them.

Red Flowers of Antimony.

Theſe Flowers are the more ſulphureous part of Antimony rarefied and exalted by fire.

Powder and mix well together four pounds of common glaſs with one pound of Antimony, put this mixture into an earthen, or glaſs Retort luted, whoſe half is empty; ſet it in a Reverberatory Furnace, and fit to it a large Receiver, lute the junctures lightly, and give a little fire at firſt to warm the Retort, then augment it by degrees, [Page] and you'l ſee Red flowers come forth into the Receiver: continue the fire until no more can come, which you'l know as you unlute the junctures; and taking off the Receiver gather your Flowers, and keep them for uſe. They are more Vomitive than the former, and are given to the ſame intents: the doſe is from two grains to four in a Lozenge, or ſome appropriate liquor.

Remarks.

That which makes theſe Flowers more Vomitive than the former, is the more terreſtrious or fixt part of Antimony's being kept from riſing by the glaſs, ſo that what is exalted by the fire is more Sulphureous, and conſequently more Emetick.

The red colour of theſe Flowers doth proceed from the abundance of Sulphurs they are impregnated with, and it may be ſaid that glaſs, which is an alkali, acting on this Sulphur gives it this colour after the ſame manner as Quick-lime, or the alkali Salt of Tartar makes common Sulphur turn red, when they are boiled together in water.

The time that you take theſe Flowers of Antimony, you muſt often drink broth, both to facilitate the vomiting, and dull the great activity of this Remedy; for it is one of the ſtrongeſt vomits that is in Phyſick. But becauſe it ſometimes happens that this Powder ſticking in the membranes of the ſtomach, or ſome of its folds, doth cauſe a continual vomiting, notwithſtanding the frequent uſe of broths, you muſt then add the Cream of Tartar, and diſſolve it in the broth, and ſo take ſome [Page] ſpoonful every quarter of an hour. This Cream of Tartar ſtops the vomiting, becauſe it joyns with the Sulphurs of Antimony, and fixes them, ſo that they precipitate by ſtool.

Butter, or Icy Oil of Antimony.

This preparation is an Antimony rendred cauſtick by acids.

Powder, and mix ſix ounces of the Regulus of Antimony, with a pound of Sublimate Corroſive; put this mixture into a glaſs Retort, whoſe half remains empty; ſet your Retort in Sand, and after having fitted to it a Receiver, and luted the conjunctions, you muſt firſt make a ſmall fire under it, and there will diſtil a clear oil; after that, augment the fire a little, and there will come forth a white thick liquor like Butter, which would ſtop the neck of the Retort, and break it, if you did not take care to ſet live Coals near it, that it may melt and run into the Receiver. Continue the fire, until you ſee a red vapour come forth. Then take away the Receiver, and put another in its place filled with water. Encreaſe the fire by degrees, to make the Retort red-hot, and the Mercury will run into the water, dry it, and keep it for uſe as other Mercury.

The Butter of Antimony is a Cauſtick, it eats proud fleſh, and cleanſes Ulcers; the Powder of Algarot is made of it, as I ſhall ſhew hereafter.

Remarks.

[Page]

This Butter of Antimony is nothing but a mixture of the acid Spirits of Sublimate Corroſive with the Regulus of Antimony, and thoſe Spirits are they that render it Cauſtick.

The ſpirits of Salt and Vitriol in this operation do leave the Mercury to adhere unto the Antimony which is more porous; inſomuch that the Mercury being diveſted of that which kept it in a Cryſtalline form, and being driven by a ſtrong fire, rarefies into vapours, which paſs through the neck of the Retort into the Receiver filled with water, wherein it condenſes into Quick-ſilver by means of the coolneſs.

I doubt not but ſome will find difficulty in conceiving how the acids that adhered to the ſolid body of Mercury ſhould ſtrike off to joyn with the Antimony; but it may be ſaid to that, that the acids being ſo many edges faſtned at one end in the body of Mercury, may by t'other end be ſeparated and drawn off by the ſoft and ramous parts of the Antimony, that are in greater motion than the Mercury.

Inſtead of Regulus, the Liver, or Glaſs of Antimony might ſerve if you pleaſe.

Butter of Antimony, together with its Cinnabar.

The firſt of theſe preparations is an Antimony opened, and rendred cauſtick, by the acids of Sublimate [Page] Corroſive; and the ſecond is a mixture of the Mercury that was in the ſublimate, and of the Sulphurs of Antimony ſublimed together.

Fill a Retort half full with Sublimate Corroſive, and Antimony powdered and mixed well together. Set your Retort in Sand in a ſmall Furnace, and fitting a Receiver to it, and luting the junctures, proceed in the diſtillation the way I ſhewed in the preceding operation with Regulus, obſerving the ſame circumſtances.

When the red vapours begin to appear, take away the Receiver, and put another in its place without luting the junctures; encreaſe the fire by little and little till you make the Retort red-hot: continue it ſo three or four hours, then let the Retort cool, and break it, you'l find a Cinnabar ſublimed, and adhering to the neck, ſeparate it and keep it: it is a good Remedy for the Pox, and the Epilepſie, it purges by ſweat, the doſe is from ſix to fifteen grains in Pills, or Bolus, with ſome proper Conſerve.

This Butter of Antimony is Cauſtick like the other I now ſpoke of. It may be rectified by diſtilling it anew in a glaſs Retort.

Remarks.

In the Receiver are found little cryſtals ſticking to its ſides, which do curiouſly repreſent the branches of trees; theſe figures do proceed from the acid ſpirits of ſublimate mixed with Antimony.

If you have uſed five ounces of Sublimate Corroſive, and the ſame of Antimony, you'l draw two [Page] ounces and a half of very good Butter of Antimony, three ounces and ſix drachms of Cinnabar of Antimony, and half an ounce of Quick-ſilver.

The maſs which remains in the Retort, does weigh two ounces and a half.

Thus the matter has loſt ſix drachms, which loſs happened, whilſt the Cinnabar was riſing.

The Quick-ſilver is found in the neck of the retort with the Cinnabar, and in the laſt receiver.

Sometimes a kind of moſſey ſubſtance is found at the end of the neck of the retort, which does repreſent many little figures; it is the more rarefied Cinnabar.

The maſs which is found at bottom of the retort is the more terreſtrious part of the Antimony, and is to be flung away.

In the preceding operation the Mercury did not find ſulphurs enough to adhere to, whence it hapned that it came forth flowing; but in this operation wherein crude Antimony is uſed, which hath all its ſulphur, whilſt the Corroſive ſpirits ſticking to the Antimony come forth in Butter, the Mercury joyns with the ſulphur, and by the action of fire ſublimes afterwards into Cinnabar in the neck of the retort; for to make Cinnabar, Sulphur and Mercury muſt be ſublimed together. Now if you have the curioſity to anatomiſe Cinnabar, you muſt powder it, and mix it with a double quantity of Salt of Tartar; then putting it into a Retort, diſtil with a great fire the Mercury into a Receiver filled with water, the Sulphur will remain in the Retort with the Salt of Tartar, but may be ſeparated from it by boiling it in water. Filtrate the Decoction, and then pour upon it diſtilled [Page] Vinegar; a gray powder will precipitate, which may be waſhed with water and dried, thus you have the Sulphur of Antimony, which is much eſteemed for diſeaſes of the Breaſt, ſix or eight grains of it are given for a doſe in ſome liquor appropriate to the diſeaſe.

If you mix Butter of Antimony with double its weight of oil or ſpirit of Sulphur prepared according to my deſcription, you will have a liquor that is good for foul bones, and for venereal ulcers and Chancres; it is applied on pledgets, and works much like the oil or liquor of Mercury that I have deſcribed.

The Emetick powder of Algarot, or, Mercurius vitae.

It is a Precipitate of Antimony, or Butter of Antimony waſhed.

Melt in hot ſand the firſt butter of Antimony I deſcribed with Regulus, and pour it into as earthen pan wherein are two or three quarts of warm water, a white powder will precipitate, that muſt be ſweetned with many lotions, and ſo kept; it is improperly called Mercurius vitae. It purges upwards and downwards; it is given in Quartans and Intermitting feavours, and all the maladies wherein it is required to purge ſtrongly; the doſe is from two grains to eight in Broth, or ſome other convenient liquor.

If you joyn all the lotions together, and evaporate about two thirds, or until the liquor becomes [Page] very acid, you'l have a Philoſophick ſpirit of Vitriol, that may be uſed like common ſpirit of Vitriol in Juleps, to give them an agreeable acidity.

Remarks.

I have ſaid before that the Butter or Icy Oil of Antimony was nothing but a mixture of the ſpirits of Salt and Vitriol with the Regulus of Antimony. This laſt operation confirms this opinion, becauſe when this Butter is caſt into warm water, theſe ſpirits render the liquor very acid, letting the Regulus of Antimony fall down to the bottom, ſo that the powder of Algarot is an Antimony tranſmuted much like the white flowers I ſpoke of before.

The water does ſeparate or take off very well the acid ſpirits from the Butter of Antimony, becauſe they cannot have a good hold in the pores of this ſoftiſh and ſulphureous mineral, but it was not able to ſeparate thoſe ſame acids from the Sublimate Corroſive, becauſe the pores of Mercury being of a cloſer fabrick than thoſe of Antimony, they do retain what they once receive into them, with greater ſtrength.

The powder of Algarot may be made after the ſame manner as the Butter that may be drawn from crude Antimony, or elſe with the Liver, or Glaſs, but that which is made with crude Antimony is not ſo white as the reſt.

If you do uſe four ounces of Butter of Antimony, you will draw an ounce and ſix drachms of Mercurius vitae, after it is well waſhed and dried, inſomuch that four ounces of this Butter do contain [Page] two ounces and two drachms of acid ſpirit, in which its corroſion does conſiſt.

The acid liquor, called Philoſophick ſpirit of Vitriol, does grow in a manner inſipid in length of time, becauſe its acidity has been volatilized by the Mercury, and afterwards by the Antimony.

Bezoar Mineral.

This preparation is an Antimony fixed by ſpirit of Niter, and rendred ſudorifick.

Melt in hot aſhes two ounces of the Butter of Antimony, and pour it into a Viol or a Bolthead, drop into it good ſpirit of Niter until the matter is perfectly diſſolved, commonly ſo much ſpirit of Niter is requiſite as there is Butter of Antimony; during the diſſolution there will riſe up vapours that you muſt have a care of, and therefore will do well to place the veſſel in the Chimney. Pour your ſolution into a glaſs body, or an earthen diſh, and evaporate it in a gentle ſand-fire until it is dry; there will remain a white maſs, which you muſt let cool, and then pour upon it two ounces of ſpirit of Niter; ſet the veſſel again in ſand, and evaporate the liquor as before; once more pour two ounces of ſpirit of Niter on the white maſs, and having evaporated the humidity, encreaſe the fire a little, and Calcine the matter for half an hours time, then take it off the fire, and you have a white powder, which you muſt keep in a Viol well ſtopt. It is ſudorifick, and ſerves for the ſame uſes as Antimonium Diaphoreticum: the doſe is from ſix to twenty grains, in broth, or ſome appropriate liquor.

Remarks.

[Page]

The Spirits of Vitriol and Salt were not ſtrong enough, nor in quantity enough to make an entire diſſolution of the Antimony, they only made a light adheſion to it, but when they are joyned with ſpirit of Niter, they act with much more force; for they penetrate and divide every particle, and do render them imperceptible, and uncapable of receiving a more exact diſſolution. Now in this penetration, as in the ſolution of Mercury, there happens a great efferveſcency, for which reaſon I adviſe to pour the ſpirit of Niter by little and little, for fear the matter ſhould riſe above the veſſel. This efferveſcency doth proceed from the reſiſtance, that the edges of the ſpirits do meet with, when they enter into the pores of the Antimony: for ſo ſoon as the diſſolution is ended, there is no further Ebullition. Afterwards the humidity is evaporated, and new ſpirit of Niter poured twice more on the fixt maſs, as I have ſaid; after which the Butter of Antimony that was ſo great a Cauſtick, and Emetick, becomes one of the mildeſt medicins we have, and near approaching the preparation of Antimony that is called Diaphoretick.

This great change may well make us wonder at it, and it is hard to conceive how an acid Corroſive ſpirit, ſuch as ſpirit of Niter, ſhould be able to to ſweeten a matter that became Cauſtick only for being impregnated with acid ſpirits.

[Page]To give this difficulty ſome ſolution, it may be ſaid, that the Butter of Antimony became Cauſtick, for that the acids which it contained did but ſuperficially adhere, and were ſo adapted that the motion of the Antimonial parts did ſerve them for a vehicle to diſtribute their keenneſs as they did; but that after the ſolution, the acids being in great quantity, do fix the Antimony, and not only deſtroy its aptitude to motion, but do ſo ſheath or lock themſelves in the pliant ſulphureous parts of this mixt, that they loſe thereby all their corroſion.

In the evaporation, abundance of the ſulphurs, which were in the Butter of Antimony, are loſt.

This powder is called Bezoar Mineral, becauſe it cauſes Sweat, like the Bezoar ſtone.

You muſt know that theſe preparations are nothing but ſo many transformations of the Regulus of Antimony, made by acid ſpirits or by fire; ſo that by Fuſion, or by the means of ſome reductive ſalt, they may be recovered into Regulus again, by deſtroying thoſe ſalts which kept them under this form.

Cauſtick Oil of Antimony.

This preparation is a portion of Antimony diſſolved in the acid ſpirits of ſalt and vitriol.

Put into a glaſs retort ſix ounces of Antimony finely powdered, pour upon it four ounces of good ſpirit of ſalt, and the ſame quantity of the Cauſtick Oil of Vitriol, ſhake and mingle them all together, and ſtopping the retort, ſet it in ſand, [Page] with the noſe upwards, give it a ſmall digeſting fire for four and twenty hours, then turn the noſe downward, and when you have unſtopt it, fit to it a glaſs receiver, lute the junctures with a wet bladder; make a little fire gradually to the ſecond degree, and there will diſtil a whitiſh liquor; increaſe it a little at laſt, and continue it until nothing more comes forth into the receiver. Let the veſſels cool, and unlute them, keep what you find in the receiver well ſtopt in a bottle.

It is an Eſcharotick liquor, and will ſerve to open Venereal Shancres, to eat proud fleſh, to cleanſe old ulcers, to uſe in carious bones, and in the gangrene.

Remarks.

The Retort muſt be big enough for at leaſt half to remain empty, that the vapours may find room enough for their rarefactio [...]

I put the whole in digeſtion four and twenty hours, that the acids may have time to open the Antimony. If I ſhould add unto this mixture eight or ten ounces of ſpirit of Niter, the Antimony would diſſolve with a great ebullition, becauſe thoſe three ſorts of acid ſpirits would together make an Aqua Regalis, with which Antimony is eaſily diſſolved, but there is no need of making ſo exact a diſſolution for this operation.

This liquor is improperly called oil, for it is nothing but a ſolution of Antimony by acid ſpirits. It differs from the Icy Oil of Antimony only in this, that it contains more phlegm, for the acids [Page] of ſublimate corroſive have no aqueous moiſture to dilute them, as there is in the acids we do here uſe.

With this Oil may be made the powder of Algarot, after the ſame manner as with the Butter, but only then it would not be ſo white. This liquor might be likewiſe uſed for the making Bezoar Mineral. Spirit of Niter being poured upon it, there riſes an ebullition, as when it is poured on Butter of Antimony.

This Oil of Antimony is not ſo Eſcharotick as the butter, becauſe it contains more phlegm. It is alſo more eaſie to uſe by reaſon of its liquidity.

Another Oil of Antimony.

This preparation is a ſolution of ſome parts of Antimony, by the acid ſpirit, and oil of Sugar.

Take equal parts of Antimtny and Sugar Candy, powder them and mix them, put this mixture into a glaſs retort large [...]ugh for the matter to fill but a third part or it; ſet your retort in ſand, and fit a receiver to it, give a gentle fire for the firſt hours to diſtil off a phlegmatick water; and when red drops begin to come forth, fling away that which is fall'n into the receiver; then refitting it, lute the conjunctions, and make the fire a little ſtronger, but manage it prudently; for otherwiſe the matter will rarefie and run into the receiver in ſubſtance, ſo that you'l be forced to begin the Operation anew; continue the fire until nothing more comes forth; and when the veſſels are cold, take and keep what you find in the receiver.

[Page]This liquor is Oil of Antimony It is proper to cleanſe Ulcers with, and for Tettars and Itchings which infect the skin. If it proves too ſharp, you may temper and qualifie it with the water of honey.

Remarks.

The Sugar contains an eſſential acid ſalt, and an oil, which being mixed with a portion of the ſulphurs of Antimony, do make an oily liquor.

The ſweet taſte of Sugar does proceed from a natural mixture of this acid with the oil, for if you ſeparate theſe two ſubſtances one from the other, neither of the two will prove at all ſweet.

The Oil all alone is inſipid upon the tongue, becauſe it makes little or no impreſſion on the nerve that ſerves for taſting, but when the acid is intirely mixed with it, the edges of this acid do ſerve for a vehicle to the oil to make it penetrate, and tickle ſuperficially the nerve, whereby the ſenſe of taſting is produced.

The acids therefore being alone, do become inciſive, and prick the tongue by their edges, but when they are dulled and blunted by the ramous parts of the Oil, then they have another ſort of determination, and can no longer pierce the nerve of taſting but with a great deal of tenderneſs, and gentleneſs.

CHAP. X. Of Arſenick.

[Page]

ARſenick is a Mineral Body conſiſting of much Sulphur, and ſome Cauſtick ſalts, There are three ſorts of it, the White that keeps the name of Arſenick, the Yellow called Auripigmentum, or Yellow Orpin, and the Red called Realgal, or Sandaracha; the White is the ſtrongeſt of all, and is ſometimes tranſparent like cryſtal. Some do add to theſe for a fourth kind of Arſenick, a Yellow Arſenick, which is an Orpin differing from the other only in this, that it is not ſo tranſparent, nor of ſo high a colour.

None of theſe Arſenicks may be given inwardly, although ſeveral perſons that have ventur'd to uſe the white, do pretend to have cured with it divers diſeaſes, and among others the Quartan-Ague. They venture to give of it as far as four grains, in a great deal of water, and after that manner it will Vomit, like Antimony. But I can by no means allow of this Febrifuge, and would never adviſe any body to uſe ſo dangerous a Remedy. Nature doth furniſh us with Medicins enough of Conſcience to provoke Vomiting without recourſe to Arſenick. It is uſed outwardly with ſufficient ſucceſs, becauſe it eats proud fleſh.

People ſometimes cover the Corns of their feet with Arſenick in powder, and it eats them to the [Page] root without any pain, but they muſt be ſure to cover the adjacent fleſh with a plaiſter of Diapalma, after the ſame manner as when Cauſticks are applied.

Regulus of Arſenick.

This preparation is the more fixt and compact part of Arſenick.

Powder and mix together a pound of Arſenick with ſix ounces of gravelled Aſhes, incorporate this powder in a pound of ſoft ſoap, and make a paſte of it, put it in a great Crucible, and cover it with an earthen cover, that hath a hole in the middle; ſet your Crucible in a wind-furnace, and give a little fire at firſt, then augment it gradually, that the matter may be in a clear fuſion: throw it into a mortar greas'd at the bottom, or into a Culot, ſtrike it round about a little with pincers, and let the matter cool, then knock it out, you'l find in the bottom of the mortar a Regulus of Arſenick, ſeparate it from the droſs. It is not ſo Corroſive as Arſenick it ſelf, and its effect is milder.

Remarks.

The ſoap being full of an alkali ſalt, and the gravelled Aſhes do correct or fix the great activity of the ſulphurs of Arſenick.

A hole is made in the cover that the more volatile part may ſublime with the Oil and humidity that are in the Soap, the alkali ſalts do remain in [Page] the droſs with ſome part of the more groſs ſulphurs of Arſenick.

If by way of Curioſity you ſhould boil the droſs in water, Filtrate the decoction, and pour Vinegar upon it, or ſome other acid, to break the force of the alkali's, a Sulphur of Arſenick will precipitate, that is ſtronger than Arſenick it ſelf.

Arſenick being compounded of abundance of ſulphurs, is not ſo quick in its operation as Sublimate Corroſive, becauſe theſe ſulphurs do not knaw ſo faſt as the acid ſalts.

If Arſenick ſhould happen to be taken inwardly through any miſtake, the perſon may ſtill be ſaved half an hour afterwards, by ſwallowing good ſtore of warm oil, to Vomit and Purge; after that he muſt be purged with Caſſia, and Salt of Tartar, and he muſt often drink Salt of Tartar in Broths, that if any ſulphur ſhould chance to remain, it might be fixed by this Salt; for when Arſenick is in the body, the heat of the body raiſes and rarefies the ſulphurs on every ſide.

Sublimate of Arſenick.

This operation is an Arſenick corrected from its more malignant ſulphurs, and raiſed by the means of fire to the top of a matraſs.

Put what quantity you pleaſe of Arſenick groſly powdered into a Crucible, ſet it in a ſmall fire under the Chimney to Calcine and evaporate about the third part of the matter. Avoid as much as may be this malignous vapour, pour into a mortar that which remains, and when you have powdered [Page] it, weigh it, and mix it with an equal quantity of Salt Decrepitated: put this mixture into a matraſs, whoſe two thirds remain empty; ſet your matraſs in ſand in a ſmall Furnace, and making a little fire at firſt, encreaſe it by little and little to the third degree, in order to Sublime the Arſenick: continue it in this condition until there riſes no more, the operation is ended in five or ſix hours, let the veſſel cool, and break it, gather that which ſticks to the top of the matraſs, and keep it, fling away that which remains at bottom.

If you ſhould repeat the Sublimation four or five times, adding ſalt each time, a ſweet Sublimate of Arſenick would be made, that is to ſay, abundantly leſs corroſive than common Arſenick.

Some Authors tell us that this ſweet Arſenick is a Counterpoiſon, but I ſhall never think it convenient to truſt to ſuch an Antidote, ſeeing we don't want thoſe that are ſafer.

The Sublimate of Arſenick eats proud fleſh, and cleanſes old Ulcers, being mixed with the common Suppurative, and Aegyptiacum.

The ſame Operation may be performed with Orpin.

Remarks.

The Arſenick is Calcined, to the end the more volatile part may fly away in fumes; if you ſhould continue the fire, and encreaſe it toward the end, every jot of the Arſenick would fly away. Some do ſublime it without addition of any thing elſe, after it is Calcined, but it is better [Page] joyn ſome body that may fix it a little, ſuch as Salt.

Seeing the ſublimate of Arſenick doth reſemble ſublimate Corroſive in colour, ſome Cheats do falſifie ſublimate Corroſive by mixing with it that of Arſenick. I have ſhewn the way to diſcover this impoſture in the Chapter of ſublimate Corroſive.

The Salt Decrepitated does ſix the great volatility of Arſenick, and the fire carries off ſome of its more active ſulphurs, inſomuch that the oftner it is ſublimed, the more it does dulcify, and becomes proper to apply to fleſh, where we would gently corrode.

If you ſublime Arſenick alone in a bolthead, with a great fire, without having Calcined it at all before, the ſublimate will be converted into a glaſs, much reſembling common glaſs both in colour and tranſparency.

Cauſtick Arſenick.

This operation is an Arſenick rendred more fixt, and more burning than it was before, and in form of a Calx, by the means of fixt ſalts.

Powder and mix together a pound of Arſenick, ſo much Salt-peter, and half a pound of Sulphur; put this mixture into an Iron mortar, cover it with a Cover that hath a hole in't; thruſt a red-hot Iron, or a lighted coal, through the hole, the powder will take fire with a great noiſe called detonation; this noiſe being over, and the matter cold, powder it groſly, and calcine it in a [Page] covered Crucible for two hours time over a great fire, then let it cool, and you'l have a Cauſtick matter that you muſt break into little pieces, and ſtop cloſe in a Bottle to uſe as common Cauſticks.

If you ſet it in a Cellar, or other moiſt place it diſſolves into a liquor, like the ſalt of Tartar.

Remarks.

This great detonation proceeds from the flagration of common ſulphur, and that of Arſenick, which being violently driven about by the volatile part of Salt-peter finds a little hole to fly out at. The more fixt part of Arſenick remains at bottom with the fixt ſalt-peter. The matter is Calcined again, that being the more open, it may be the more Cauſtick; but this muſt be done in a covered Crucible; for otherwiſe the Arſenick, which is almoſt all of it ſulphur, would fly quite away by the great fire.

Corroſive Oil of Arſenick.

This liquor is an Arſenick opened, and become of the conſiſtence of butter, by the acids of ſublimate Corroſive.

Take equal parts of Arſenick, and Sublimate Corroſive, powder and mix them, put this mixture into a glaſs-retort, and ſet it in ſand; fit to it a Receiver, and luting the junctures, diſtil with a gentle fire a butter-like liquor, reſembling the butter of Antimony; and when no more will diſtil, [Page] take away the Receiver, and put another in its place filled with water. Encreaſe the fire, and you'l ſee the Mercury fall into the water drop by drop; continue the diſtillation till there comes no more.

You may uſe this Mercury on all occaſions, like to another, after you have waſhed and dried it.

The Butter of Arſenick is a very ſtrong Cauſtick, it makes an Eſchar more quickly than that of Antimony.

Remarks.

The ſame thing happens in this operation, that I ſpoke of in the Butter of Antimony: that is, the Spirits of Sublimate Corroſive do leave the Mercury to joyn with the Arſenick, which they draw along with them in a gummous liquor: the Mercury being afterwards diſengaged, and finding no ſulphurs to fix it, comes forth in a vapour, and condenſes into water.

CHAP. XI. Of Quick-lime.

[Page]

QƲick-lime is a Stone, whoſe moiſture the fire hath quite dried up, and brought into its place a great many igneous bodies. It is theſe little bodies that cauſe the Ebullition, when water hath opened the matter that kept them incloſed: and this Ebullition laſts until all the parts of the Lime are dilated, and the fiery particles ſet at liberty, ſo that there is no need of further trouble to get out. Theſe little igneous bodies do likewiſe render the Lime Corroſive, for the ſtone is not at all ſo of it ſelf.

When the ſtone, that Quick-lime is made of, is grown red hot in the Furnaces, the Workmen have a ſpecial care to keep up the fire at an equal height, until the ſtone is quite Calcin'd; for if the flame which has begun to burn among the ſtones, ſhould be ſuffered to leſſen for a while, and ſo the heat be checkt before the end of the work, they would never afterwards be able to make Quick-lime with thoſe ſtones any more, though they ſhould be at the charge of burning fifty times as much wood as is commonly required; and this, becauſe in that interval of heat, the pores of the ſtone, which were begun to be opened, do cloſe and ſhut, and the matter ſinks down in a lump to the deſtruction of the whole. And then again the flame [Page] can't riſe in it any more, for it finds none of thoſe interſtices, or ſpaces between, which were frequent before, for it to paſs through. The matter therefore is rendred uncapable of receiving the fire any more, becauſe all the ſmall cells that were uſeful for its reception, are ſhut up and deſtroyed in this confuſion.

It is objected, that if igneous bodies were they that cauſed the Corroſion of Quick-lime, Tiles, Bricks, and all ſtones that are not of the nature of Lime-ſtone, and Iron, Copper, Silver, Gold, and many other bodies ſhould be as Cauſtick as Quick-lime, after having endured the fire as long if not longer than it.

But this does not follow, for Tiles, and other Calcined ſtones have not the pores diſpoſed like thoſe of Quick-lime, to retain fiery particles; and if ſome metals are found impregnated with them during their Calcination, they are known to retain them ſo well by the ſolidity of their parts, that neither the heat nor moiſture of the fleſh are able to draw them out of the places they are fixt in, to cauſe a Corroſion upon the part. It is eaſie here to give you an example; for if you take the Calx of Lead that encreaſed its weight in the Calcination, as I have ſaid before, and ſteep it in water, the water will not act at all upon it, and the Calx may be taken from the water in the ſame weight it was put in; you muſt melt it by fire, if you would ſeparate the igneous bodies: but now as for common Quick-lime, a ſmall matter of moiſture is able to ſeparate the tender parts of the ſtone, and drive out the fiery particles in abundance.

[Page]It is ſaid likewiſe that the ebullition of water which happens when flung upon Quick-lime, muſt not be imputed to fiery bodies, ſeeing neither ſpirit of wine, nor oil, when thrown upon it, do at all cauſe heat, although they are both of them Inflammable bodies, nay on the contrary they are obſerved to quench the heat that uſes to happen to Quick-lime when water is joyned with it.

I Anſwer, that theſe effects do proceed from, this, that Oil, ſpirit of wine, and other Sulphureous liquors of the ſame nature, inſtead of ſeparating the parts of quick-lime, as water does, do rather hinder any ſeparation from being made by ſtopping up the pores.

That which withdrew me from the Sentiment of thoſe who will have all the effects of quick-lime derived from its ſalt, was, that I could never find any in it, though I have ſought after it with care enough; for ſome through miſtake do take a certain Bituminous ſcum, which often ſwims upon the Lime-water, for a ſalt.

Neither can I be of the opinion of thoſe who will needs have an acid to be in quick-lime, which being drawn out by the water, and meeting an alkali, does cauſe the efferveſcency which is obſerved, when water is poured upon quick-lime; for although according to appearance an acid may enter into the natural compoſition of the ſtone that quick-lime is made of, this acid has loſt its nature, not only by breaking its points in its ſtrict union with earth at the Petrification, but alſo in the violent Calcination that is given to this ſtone to reduce it to a Calx. So that we may here ſay, the ſame thing happens to the acid which enters [Page] into the compoſition of the ſtone, as I have ſaid did happen to the ſalt of Vegetables and other mixt bodies, which though naturally an acid ſalt, changes into an alkali by means of its union with earth, and the fiery particles in time of the Calcination; there is only this difference between them both, the acid of the ſtone is mixed with more earth than the ſalt of Vegetables.

When Lime is once ſlackt, it neither cauſes any more ebullition, nor heat, with water; but if you add to it an acid, it makes both a conſiderable ebullition, and heat, becauſe the acid edges will penetrate into the particles of the Lime, where the water was not able to go.

There is not made any ebullition, or precipitation, by the mixing acids with Lime-water.

Phagedenick Water.

This water is a mixture of Sublimate and Lime-water.

Put a pound of Quick-lime into a large earthen pan, and quench it with ſeven or eight pints of hot water; after the Lime hath infuſed five or ſix hours, and is ſunk to the bottom, pour off the water by Inclination, and Filtrate it, this is called Lime-water.

To each pint of this water are added fifteen or twenty grains of Sublimate Corroſive in powder, and the water preſently turns yellow; they are ſtirred together a good while in a glaſs or marble mortar, and this water is uſed for cleanſing old Ulcers: it eats proud fleſh, and is likewiſe uſed in the [Page] Gangreen, by adding Spirit of Wine to it, and ſometimes Spirit of Vitriol.

Remarks.

Lime-water changes the colour of Sublimate Corroſive, becauſe being an alkali, it deſtroys ſome part of the acids, which, according as they are diverſly mixed with the Mercury, do give it different colours.

The precipitate of the Phagedenick water being waſhed and dried, is eſteemed by ſome to be a good Purgative in Venereal caſes: It is given in Pills, for fear of blacking the Teeth: the doſe is from one grain to three; it purges upward and downward, and works much like Turbith mineral.

Cauſtick ſtones, or Cauteries.

This operation is the ſalt of Gravelled aſhes, or the Lees of wine Calcined, rendred more corroſive than it was before, by the igneous parts of Quick-lime.

Put into a great earthen pan, one part of Quick-lime, and two parts of Gravelled aſhes, or Calcined Tartar, powder and mix them; pour good ſtore of hot water upon your matter, and leaving it in infuſion five or ſix hours, boil it a little; afterwards paſs that which is clear, through brown paper, and evaporate it in a Copper baſin or earthen pan, there will remain at bottom a ſalt, [Page] which you muſt put over the fire in a Crucible, it will diſſolve and boil untill all the remaining humidity is evaporated. When you find it at the bottom like to an Oil, caſt it into a baſin, and cut it into pieces while it is warm; put theſe Cauteries quickly into a ſtrong glaſs bottle, ſtop it with wax, and a bladder, for the air would eaſily diſſolve it into a liquor: you muſt alſo take care to keep it in a dry place.

Theſe Cauteries are the ſtrongeſt of all that are made; and they are but half an hour in making.

Remarks.

Gravelled aſhes are only a Calcined Tartar, for they are made by burning the Lees of wine; but becauſe theſe Lees, by reaſon of their liquidity have fermented more than common Tartar, the ſalt which is drawn from them is of a more penetrating nature than other Tartar, and conſequently is fitter to make Cauſticks with. The Quick-lime does alſo help to make them much the ſtronger, for the igneous parts which it contains do mix with this ſalt, and make it the more active, and corroſive.

You muſt not powder the Quick-lime, for the little fiery bodies would then fly away, before they could be received into the water.

When you Filtrate the ſolution, you muſt put a cloth under the brown paper to ſupport it, otherwiſe it would be preſently corroded.

Ten or twelve ounces of ſalt would be drawn from the Gravelled aſhes alone, but the ſlakt Lime retains a great deal of it.

[Page]If you have uſed in this operation ſixteen ounces of gravelled aſhes, and eight ounces of quick-lime, you will have eight ounces of your Cauſticks.

If you would have the Cauſticks in edges, you muſt put a hot Iron Spatule into the Crucible, whilſt the matter is in Fuſion, and form the edges in a flat baſon.

This Cauſtick ſalt is very eaſily diſſolved, and in the making of it you muſt not ſtay till it appears dry at the bottom of the veſſel, as you do for other ſalts; for it remains ſtill fluid, though all the humidity of it be gone; therefore you muſt put a little of it to cool, that you may ſee whether it be in its due conſiſtence.

The reaſon why it thus remains in Fuſion is, becauſe it is full of little fiery bodies which it has taken from the Quick-lime, and which have ſo diſpoſed its parts to penetration; for all ſolid bodies which are put in Fuſion by fire do receive this liquid form for no other reaſon, but becauſe the little fiery bodies are become mixed with their parts, and have ſet them into a great agitation.

If you ſhould uſe lime that is ſlakt, the Cauſticks would not ſo eaſily melt; and if you draw the ſalt from Gravelled aſhes alone, it will coagulate in drying, much as other ſalts do; wherefore this Fuſion of the Cauſticks muſt needs proceed from the fiery bodies which were contained in the Quick-lime.

Cauſticks may likewiſe be made divers other ways, but this deſcription will deſerve a preference before others, when you would have them be of a quick operation.

Inks called Sympathetical.

[Page]

Theſe operations are liquors of a different nature, which do deſtroy one another; the firſt is an infuſion of Quick-lime and Orpin; the ſecond a water turned black by means of burned Cork; and the third is a vinegar impregnated with Saturn.

Take an ounce of Quick-lime, and half an ounce of Orpin, powder and mix them, put your mixture into a matraſs, and pour upon it five or ſix ounces of water, that the water may be three fingers breadth above the powder, ſtop your matraſs with Cork, Wax, and a Bladder; ſet it in digeſtion in a mild ſand-heat ten or twelve hours, ſhaking the matraſs from time to time, then let it ſettle, the liquor becomes clear like common water.

Burn Cork, and quench it in Aqua vitae, then diſſolve it in a ſufficient quantity of water, wherein you ſhall have melted a little Gumm Arabick, in order to make an Ink as black as common Ink. You muſt ſeparate the Cork that can't diſſolve, and if the Ink be not black enough, add more Cork as before.

Get the Impregnation of Saturn made with Vinegar, diſtil'd as I have ſhewn before, or elſe diſſolve ſo much ſalt of Saturn as a quantity of water is able to receive: write on Paper with a new Pen dipt in this liquor, take notice of the place where you writ, and let it dry, nothing at all will appear.

Write upon the inviſible writing with the Ink made of burnt Cork, and let it dry, that which [Page] you had writ will appear as if it had been done with common Ink.

Dip a little Cotton in the firſt liquor made of Lime and Orpin, but the liquor muſt be firſt ſetled and clear; rub the place you writ upon with this Cotton, and that which appeared will preſently diſappear, and that which was not ſeen will appear.

Another Experiment.

Take a Book four fingers breadth in bigneſs, or bigger if you will: write on the firſt leaf with your Impregnation of Saturn, or elſe put a paper that you have writ upon between the leaves; turn to t'other ſide of the Book, and having obſerved as near as may be the oppoſite place to your writing, rub the laſt leaf of the Book with Cotton dipt in the liquor made of Quick-lime and Orpin, nay and leave the Cotton on the place, clap a folded paper preſently upon it, and ſhutting the book quickly, ſtrike upon it with your hand four or five good ſtrokes, then turn the book and clap it into a preſs for half a quarter of an hour; take it out and open it, you'l find the place appear black, where you had writ with the Inviſible Ink. The ſame thing might be done through a wall, if you could provide ſomething to lay on both ſides, that might hinder the evaporation of the Spirits.

Remarks.

[Page]

Theſe Operations are indeed of no uſe, but becauſe they are ſomewhat ſurprizing, I hope the curious will not take it ill, that I make this ſmall digreſſion.

It is a hard matter to explicate well the effects I have now related, nevertheleſs I ſhall endeavour to illuſtrate them a little, without having recourſe to Sympathy and Antipathy, which are general terms, and do explicate nothing at all, but before I begin, we muſt remark ſeveral things.

The firſt is, that it is an eſſential point to quench the coal of Cork in Aqua vitae, that the viſible Ink may become black with it.

Secondly, that the blackneſs of this Ink does proceed from the fuliginoſity or ſooty part of the coal of the Cork, which is exceeding porous and light, and that this fuliginoſity is nothing but an oil very much rarefied.

Thirdly, that the Impregnation of Saturn, which makes the inviſible Ink, is only a Lead diſſolved, and held up imperceptibly in an acid liquor, as I have ſaid, when I ſpoke of this metal.

Fourthly, that the firſt of theſe liquors is a mixture of the alkali and igneous parts of Quick-lime with the ſulphureous ſubſtance of Arſenick; for the Orpin is a ſort of Arſenick, as I ſaid before.

All this being granted, as no body can reaſonably think otherwiſe, I now affirm, that the reaſon why the viſible Ink does diſappear, when the defacing liquor is rubbed upon it, is that this liquor [Page] conſiſting of an alkali ſalt, and parts that are oily and penetrating, this mixture does make a kind of ſoap, which is able to diſſolve any fuliginous ſubſtance, ſuch as burnt Cork, eſpecially when it has been already rarefied and diſpoſed for diſſolution by Aqua vitae, after the ſame manner as common ſoap, which is compounded of oil, and an alkali ſalt, is able to take away or make diſappear ſpots made by greaſe.

But it may be demanded, why after the diſſolution the blackneſs does diſappear.

I anſwer, that the fuliginous parts have been ſo divided, and lockt up in the ſulphureous alkali of the liquor, that they are become inviſible, and we ſee every day that very exact ſolutions do render the thing diſſolved imperceptible, and without colour.

The little alkali ſalt which is in the burnt Cork may alſo the better ſerve to joyn with the alkali of the quick-lime, and to help the diſſolution.

As for the inviſible Ink, it is eaſie to apprehend how that appears black, when the ſame liquor, which ſerves to deface the other, is uſed upon it. For whereas the impregnation of Saturn is only a Lead ſuſpended by the edges of the acid liquor, this Lead muſt needs revive, and reſume its black colour, when that which held it rarefied is intirely deſtroyed; ſo the alkali of Quick-lime being filled with the ſulphurs of Arſenick becomes very proper to break and deſtroy the acids, and to agglutinate together the particles of Lead.

It happens then that the viſible Ink does diſappear by reaſon that the parts which did render it black, have been diſſolved, and the inviſible Ink [Page] does alſo appear, becauſe the diſſolved parts have been revived.

Quick-lime and Orpiment being mixed and digeſted together in water, do yield a ſmell much like that which happens when common ſulphur is boiled in a Lixivium of Tartar. This here is the ſtronger, becauſe the ſulphur of Arſenick is loaded with certain Salts that make a ſtronger impreſſion on the ſmell. Quick-lime is an alkali that operates in this much like the Salt of Tartar in the other Operation; you muſt not leave the matraſs open, becauſe the force of this water doth conſiſt in a Volatile. The Lime retains the more fixt part of the Arſenick, and the Sulphurs that come forth are ſo much the more ſubtile, as they are ſeparated from what did fix them before, and this appears to be ſo, becauſe the Sulphurs muſt of neceſſity paſs through all the book to make a writing of a clear and inviſible liquor appear black and viſible: and to facilitate this penetration the book is ſtrook, and then turned about, becauſe the Spirits or Volatile Sulphurs do always tend upwards: you muſt likewiſe clap it into a preſs, that theſe Sulphurs may not be diſperſed in the air. I have found, that if theſe circumſtances are not obſerved, the buſineſs fails. Furthermore that which perſwades me that the Sulphurs do paſs through the book, and not take a circuit to ſlip in by the ſides, as many do imagine, is that after the book is taken out of the preſs, all the inſide is found to be ſcented with the ſmell of this liquor.

There is one thing more to be obſerved, which is, that the infuſion of Quick-lime and Orpin be newly made, becauſe otherwiſe it will not have [Page] force enough to penetrate. The three liquors ſhould be made in different places too; for if they ſhould approach near one another, they would be ſpoiled.

This laſt effect does likewiſe proceed from the defacing liquor; for becauſe upon the digeſtion of Quick-lime and Orpin, it is a thing impoſſible but ſome of the particles will exalt, ſtop the veſſel as cloſe as you will; the air impregnated with theſe little bodies does mix with, and alter the Inks, inſomuch that the viſible Ink does thereby become the leſs black, and the inviſible Ink does alſo acquire a little blackneſs.

CHAP. XII. Of Flints.

FLints, as all other ſtones, are made by different Salts, or by acid liquors, which do penetrate and incorporate with earth, which is an alkali, ſo that from their mixture there does reſult a Coagulum, which by little and little does harden by means of the ſubterranean heat, or elſe do petrifie by the cold. Now you muſt obſerve, that according to the quantity of earth which incounters with this acid liquor, there are made ſuch different ſorts of ſtones. Thus precious ſtones and Cryſtals do obtain their hardneſs and [Page] tranſparency, from a juſt proportion, ſuch as is needful to make an exact penetration, and a ſtrict union of the acid with the earth. There are found ſome waters in ſeveral places, which falling upon ſtones do ſoon petrifie, as particularly in a Grot at Arſi in Burgundy. The reaſon that may be given of this petrification, is that theſe waters do contain an acid, which in paſſing through earths do diſſolve ſome part of them, which is capable to make them petrifie, but the great agitation they are in whilſt they run with rapidity down mountains, does hinder their coagulation; for that can never happen until theſe waters have fallen into ſome place fit for them to repoſe and lye ſtill in.

Calcination of Flints.

This operation ſhews the way to open the bodies of Flints and Cryſtal, ſo that thereby they may be eaſily reduced into a powder.

Heat red-hot ſome Flints in the fire, and quench them in water; repeat heating and quenching them three or four times, or until they are friable, and can be finely powdered; you muſt chuſe River-Flints, that are full of veins of ſeveral colours.

Cryſtal is Calcined after the ſame manner, but it is more eaſily made friable than Flints. A liquor and Tincture may be likewiſe drawn from it, the ſame way I am going to ſhew for Flints; their virtues likewiſe are both alike.

Tincture of Flints.

[Page]

This operation is an exaltation of ſome parts of Flints, and ſalt of Tartar in ſpirit of wine.

Mix well four ounces of Calcined Flints finely powdered, with four and twenty ounces of Calcined Tartar: put this mixture into a large Crucible, cover it and place it in a wind-furnace, light a fire about it by little and little, to warm it gently, and then encreaſe it to the laſt degree. Continue it in this condition for five hours, that the matter may all the while remain in Fuſion. Thruſt a Spatule into it, and ſee if your matter begins to grow diaphanous like glaſs. If it doth ſo, pour it into a warm Iron mortar, and it will preſently congeal into a hard maſs, which you muſt powder while it is hot, and put into a matraſs very dry and hot: pour upon it Spirit of Wine Alcoholized, four fingers above the matter; ſtop your matraſs cloſe with another, whoſe neck may be received into that which contains the matter. Lute the conjunctions well with a wet bladder, and ſet it in ſand, give a fire under it that is ſtrong enough to make the Spirit of Wine ſimper for two days together, it will turn of a red colour; unlute your matraſſes, and ſeparating them a-ſunder, decant the Tincture into a bottle: put new Spirit of Wine to that which remains, and digeſt it as before, ſeparate the liquor that is turned red, and mingling it with the former, pour it all together into a glaſs body, and cover it with a head, fit to it a Receiver, and lute the junctures, [Page] diſtil in a vaporous bath two thirds of the Spirit of Wine, that may ſerve for uſe as before, then take your veſſel off the fire, and keep that which remains in the bottom of the body, in a Viol well ſtopt.

This Tincture is ſaid to be a good remedy to open obſtructions; they uſe it for the Scurvy, and in Hypochondriacal caſes: the doſe is from ten to thirty drops in ſome proper liquor.

Remarks.

The Calx of Flints doth ſo ſtrictly incorporate with the Salt of Tartar by the Calcination, that they may be ſaid to be converted into a Salt; and this I ſhall ſhew in the following operation.

You muſt uſe the Spirit of Wine highly Alcoholized, otherwiſe you will not gain the Tincture; you muſt likewiſe obſerve to infuſe the powdered matter while it is as hot as may be; two thirds of the Spirit of Wine are diſtilled off, that what remains may be the redder and ſtronger.

Almoſt all Chymiſts will needs make this red colour to proceed from the Sulphur of Flints extracted by the Spirit of Wine, but it is more probable that this colour proceeds from an exaltation of the alkali ſalt in Spirit of Wine, becauſe a like Tincture is made on Salt of Tartar.

Liquor of Flints.

This operation is a ſolution of Flints into a liquor, by the means of Salt of Tartar.

[Page]Take the other part of your Flints Calcined with Tartar, and ſet it in a Cellar in a glaſs-pan, it will diſſolve into as clear a liquor as water. Filtrate and ſo keep it.

This liquor is ſaid to be Diuretick, it is given from ſix to five and twenty drops in ſome convenient liquor.

If you mix an equal part of this liquor with ſome acid Corroſive Spirit, you'l preſently turn it into a ſtone.

Remarks.

The Salt of Tartar, or the gravell'd Aſhes, have ſo attenuated the Flint, that it becomes as ſoluble as they; and we ſee the truth of this in the operation, for the moiſture of the Cellar entring into the pores of our Calcined matter diſſolves it imperceptibly, and if this diſſolution ſhould be evaporated, an alkali Salt is found at bottom.

When this liquor is mixed with an acid Spirit, an Ebullition preſently happens, from the acid Spirits piercing the alkali, and afterwards a ſtronger Coagulation is made, then when an acid Spirit is poured on the Oil of Tartar, becauſe this ſame alkali contains more earth than does the Salt of Tartar.

This liquor may diſſolve ſome Sulphureous obſtructions that now and then happen, and then it provokes Urine; but if it meets with an acid humour, it cauſes a Coagulation, that may turn into a ſtone: wherefore I would not adviſe any body to uſe this Remedy, no more than the former [Page] Tincture, which works only by its Salt that is mixed with the ſpirit of Wine.

From the Coagulation of theſe liquors may be ſenſibly explicated, how ſtones come to be formed in ſeveral parts of our bodies, ſeeing acid liquors and alkalis do ſo aften meet within us.

The Tincture of Flints is uſed to extract the Sulphur of many Minerals; Alchymiſts have given it no leſs than the name of Alkaheſt.

CHAP. XIII. Oil of Bricks.

THis preparation is Bricks impregnated with Oil of Olives, and afterwards diſtilled.

Heat red-hot among burning Coals pieces of Brick, and quench them in a pan filled half full with Oil of Olives, but take care to cover it immediately, for the Oil will elſe take fire. Leave them in Infuſion ten or twelve hours, or until the Oil hath ſufficiently penetrated the Bricks, after that ſeparate them, and when you have groſly powdered the Bricks imbibed with the Oil, put it into an earthen Retort, or glaſs one luted, large enough for a third part to remain empty; place it in a Reverberatory furnace, and fit to it a large capacious Receiver, lute well the conjunctions, and give a little fire at firſt to warm the Retort, then [Page] encreaſe it by degrees, until you ſee vapours come forth; then continue it in this condition till there comes no more: unlute the conjunctions, and take away the Receiver, there remains in the Retort all the Brick, which you muſt fling away as uſeleſs.

Mix the Oil that remains in the Receiver with a ſufficient quantity of other Brick dried and powdered, and make a paſte of it, form ſeveral little pellets, and put them into a glaſs Retort; ſet the Retort in Sand, and fitting to it a large Receiver, and luting them together, give a fire by degrees to rectifie all the Oil, pour it into a Viol, and keep it for uſe; it is called the Oil of Philoſophers.

It is a good Remedy applyed outwardly to diſcuſs the Tumours of the Spleen, for the Palſie, Phthiſick, and ſuffocations of the mother. It may be given inwardly from two to four drops, in wine, or ſome appropriate liquor. Some drops of it are inſtilled into the Ear to diſſipate the flatulent humours that are there incloſed.

Remarks.

This operation ſerves only to exalt the Oil of Olives, that being more opened by the fire, it may rarefie and diſſolve humours more eaſily; for you muſt not imagine that the Brick doth communicate any great virtue, it is a dry body, and wanting all active principles.

You muſt make a very moderate fire in this diſtillation, that the Oil may come forth in vapours; [Page] for if it ſhould come out drop by drop, it would not be ſo open, nor would it produce ſo good effects.

Some do rectifie the Oil of Bricks with Colcothar inſtead of Bricks, or elſe with the maſs that remains after the diſtillation of Aqua fortis.

Antient Chymiſts have given the epithete Philoſophick to all preparations wherein they have uſed Brick. The reaſon that can be given for it is, that becauſe they call themſelves the only True Philoſophers, or Philoſophers by way of excellence, they thought they were obliged to confer ſome influences of this mighty name upon Bricks, becauſe they are the materials wherewith they build their Furnaces, to work at the high and mighty operation, or the Philoſophers ſtone; for they pretend it is by this Operation alone that True Philoſophy can be obtained.

CHAP. XIV. Of Coral.

COral is a petrified plant, that grows under deep hollow Rocks, in many places of the Mediterranean Sea, where the Sea is deep; or rather it is a certain ſhoot from a Rock, that hath received the form of a Plant. It is not true, that it is taken out of the Sea ſoft, as ſome have ſaid. [Page] There are of them of ſeveral colours, as the White, the Red, and the Black; now and then there are found ſome of two colours, as Red, and Black.

The Red is the moſt common, and moſt in uſe; it is choſen of a deep colour; the White is more rare than the Red. A certain white ſtone very ſpungy, that is like unto Coral, is brought among us, which is miſtaken for true white Coral by thoſe that don't know it, but the true is not at all ſpungy; it is rather very compact, and as white as Ivory; Black Coral is the greateſt rarity of them all.

If you put the branches of Red Coral to infuſe a day or two in melted white Wax, upon hot embers, the Coral will loſe its former colour, and become white, and the wax will aſſume a yellow colour. The Wax muſt be a fingers breadth above the Coral.

If you ſhould put other red Coral to ſteep in the ſame Wax, it would turn brown.

If again the third time you ſhould put red Coral to ſteep in the ſame wax, the wax would then become red.

The wax diſſolves a little of the bituminous matter that is upon the Coral, and which did render it red: this operation is done only for curioſity.

Many perſons do hang red Coral about the neck, in order to ſtop Haemorrhagies, to purifie the bloud, and to fortifie the heart. I believe that which gave occaſion to think it has ſuch excellent virtues, was its Red colour, which is like to that of the bloud, and the heart; but experience does no way confirm, that outwardly applied, it has any ſuch effects.

[Page] Coral is prepared by beating it on a Marble into a moſt fine powder, that it may the more eaſily be diſſolved; and this prepared Coral is given to ſtop Dyſenteries, Diarrheas, Flux of the Haemorrhoids, and Terms, Haemorrhagies, and all other diſtempers that are cauſed by an acrimony of humours, this being an alkali that deſtroys them; the doſe is from ten grains to a drachm in Knotgraſs water, or ſome other appropriate liquor.

Diſſolution of Coral.

Take what quantity you pleaſe of Coral finely powdered on a Marble; put it into a large matrafs, and pour upon it diſtilled Vinegar enough to cover the matter four fingers high, there will happen a great efferveſcency, which being over, ſet your matter in digeſtion in warm ſand for two days, ſtirring the matraſs from time to time. Leave the Coral to ſettle at bottom, and decant the clear liquor into a bottle. Pour again ſo much diſtilled Vinegar on the remainder, as before, and leave it two days in digeſtion; ſeparate the clear liquor, and continue to add more diſtilled Vinegar, and to draw off the Impregnation, until all the Coral is in a manner diſſolved. Then mix your diſſolutions, and pour them into a glaſs Cucurbite, or elſe into an earthen one, evaporate in ſand two thirds of the liquor, or until there appears upon it a very fine skin: Filtrate this Impregnation, and keep it in order to make the Salt, and Magiſtery, as I ſhall ſhew hereafter.

[Page]It may be given for the ſame purpoſes as the Salt, the doſe is from ten to twenty drops in ſome appropriate liquor.

Remarks.

Red Coral is generally uſed, becauſe it is thought to have more virtue than the reſt, by reaſon of its Tincture.

The efferveſcency which happens, when Vinegar doth penetrate Coral, is reckoned among cold efferveſcencies, if there be any ſuch; for my part, I cannot ſay that I ever perceived any coldneſs in it. In truth it is very ſtrange, that ſo great an Ebullition, or motion of the parts, ſhould not produce any ſenſible heat, but you muſt conſider, that Coral, having large pores, may be eaſily diſſolved, and ſo the acids need not joſtle it very much, which would be requiſite to produce any conſiderable heat.

Some do uſe in this operation the acid Lotion of Butter of Antimony, or pure Spirit of Vitriol, inſtead of Vinegar; but becauſe theſe ſpirits do leave too great an acidity in the Preparations of Coral, I conceive it better to uſe diſtilled Vinegar.

Coral being an alkali, the acid points do ſtick in it, and ſuſpending its parts, do render them imperceptible; and this is the reaſon that the Vinegar doth loſe all its acidity, becauſe the acidity did only conſiſt in the activity of its points, which do now ſheath themſelves in the alkali.

If you would, by way of curioſity, diſtil this diſſolution, inſtead of Evaporating it, as I have [Page] ſaid, you'd gain nothing but an inſipid water, becauſe the acid is fixt with the Coral. This water is evaporated away, becauſe it would ſerve for nothing, and would only weaken the impregnation.

The diſſolution of Perle, Crabs-eyes, burnt Harts-horn, and all other alkali matters, is performed after the ſame manner; their Salts and Magiſteries may be likewiſe made as thoſe of Coral, which I am going to deſcribe.

It is here remarkable, that the ſolution of this ſort of alkalies in diſtilled Vinegar, ſmells much like ſpirit of Wine, and that ſome quantity of it may be drawn, with a very gentle fire; the reaſon of it is, that in the making of Vinegar, the acids had in a manner fixed this ſulphureous Spirit, but when they do enter into the pores of Coral, they are forced to quit it, and ſo let it recover its volatility.

Magiſtery of Coral.

Take what quantity you pleaſe of the impregnation of Coral, either red, or white, made with diſtilled Vinegar, as I have ſaid before; pour it it into a Viol or matraſs, and drop into it the liquor of the Salt of Tartar, made per deliquium, a Curd will appear which will precipitate to the bottom in a very white powder; decant the clear liquor, and waſhing your powder five or ſix times with water, dry it, it is that which is called the Magiſtery of Coral. Great virtues are attributed to it, ſuch as, to revive and fortifie the heart, reſiſt poiſon, ſtop the bloody Flux, and all other [Page] Haemorrhagies. The doſe is from ten to thirty grains in ſome liquor appropriate to the diſeaſe.

Remarks.

The name of Magiſtery is given only to Precipitates; and they are ſo called to expreſs ſomething more exquiſite than ordinary.

The liquor of Tartar, which is an alkali ſalt diſſolved, encountring the acid, makes it let go the particles of Coral that it held ſuſpended, and ſo they precipitate by their own weight; this precipitate is nothing elſe but a Coral finely powdered by means of acids, which do eaſily divide into abundance of parts things that otherwiſe would ſeem indiviſible. But you muſt obſerve here, that theſe preparations, inſtead of rendring Coral more effectual as is pretended, do indeed render it almoſt good for nothing; which is a thing eaſie enough to prove, if we conſider that Coral works in our bodies by nothing elſe but by abſorbing acids, or ſharp and ſalt humours which do continually occaſion divers diſeaſes; for example, it ſtops Haemorrhagies only by ſweetning the keen ſalts which corroded the membranes of the veins, or elſe raiſed great efferveſcencies in the bloud, ſo as to make it extravaſate; it ſtops Diarrheas, by deſtroying the acrimony of the Choler, or other humors; laſtly, if it cures the falling down of the Ʋvula, and does remedy many other accidents, it is done by nothing elſe, but by breaking the force of the ferments which do cauſe them, after the ſame manner as it deſtroys the acidity of [Page] Vinegar, or ſome other liquor; this being ſo, as there is great reaſon to believe it, it were far better to take Coral without any other preparation than that which is made on the marble, then to diſſolve it by an acid, and precipitate it into a Magiſtery; for the acid or ſharp humors that this Magiſtery is to encounter in our bodies, finding nothing in the medicine that is able to blunt their edges, will continue their former activity, and ſo no effect at all will follow.

In this Precipitation there does not appear any efferveſcency, becauſe the edges of the Vinegar being broken, it has neither ſtrength nor motion enough left to penetrate and to ſeparate the parts of ſalt of Tartar; but if the diſſolution of Coral had been made with ſome ſtronger diſſolvent than Vinegar, ſuch as Spirit of Vitriol, there would be an ebullition in the time of the Precipitation, becauſe there would remain ſtill action enough to the broken edges of that ſpirit, for to enter into the pores of the alkali ſalt, and to rarefie it.

Salt of Coral.

This operation is a Coral rarefied, and opened by the Spirit of Vinegar.

Take what quantity you pleaſe of the diſſolution of Coral made by diſtilled Vinegar, as I ſaid before, pour it into a glaſs Cucurbite, or earthen pan, and evaporate in ſand all the moiſture, there will remain at bottom a Salt of Coral; keep it in a Viol well ſtopt; it is given for the ſame reaſons as [Page] the Magiſtery, the doſe of it is leſs, being from five to fifteen grains.

Remarks.

In this Evaporation there come forth only the watry parts, and the acids adhering to the Coral do form a kind of Salt.

If you ſhould put this Salt of Coral into a Retort, and diſtil it in ſand, you would obtain a liquor that is only ſtyptick, without any conſiderable acidity, which ſhews that the acids are deſtroyed, and do not come forth of the alkali, as they entred in.

CHAP. XV. Of Common Salt.

THere are three ſorts of Common Salt, the Foſſile Salt, the Fountain Salt, and the Sea Salt; the firſt is called Sal Gemme, by reaſon of its tranſparency and ſmoothneſs, like to a precious ſtone; it is that of which whole mountains are found full in Poland, and other places; the ſecond is drawn by evaporation of the waters of ſome Fountains, and the laſt from Sea-water by Cryſtallization or Evaporation: theſe three ſalts are of the ſame nature, [Page] and have almoſt the ſame effect; they are uſed, not only in Aliments, but ſometimes in Remedies too, ſuch as Clyſters, when they ſhould be made very Carminative.

It is here obſervable, that Sal Gemme is a little more penetrating than Sea ſalt, that is drawn by Cryſtallization, and that the Sea ſalt which is drawn by Cryſtallization is more penetrating than that which is made by Evaporation of the waters.

The reaſon that may be given for the piercing quality of Sal Gemme is this, that having never been diſſolved in water, it never loſt any of its keenneſs, whereas the others do loſe their more ſubtle edges in the waters, and this chiefly when thoſe waters are in ſtrong agitation, as are thoſe of the Sea.

It is very probable, that the violent Vomiting which does ſo much annoy thoſe who take a voyage to Sea, does proceed from theſe ſame ſubtile parts of ſalt, which being volatilized do fill the ſea-air; for this vomiting does happen only to ſuch who have not been uſed to breath a ſalt air, and who beſides are ſufficiently ſhook by the motion of the Sea.

The Sea ſalt which is made in Normandy by evaporation of Sea-water over the fire, is not ſo ſtrong as that which is made at Rochell by Cryſtallization, becauſe in the evaporation many of the ſubtler parts of the Salt are loſt, and a mark of that is, that if Sea-water is diſtilled over a fire [...]ever ſo ſmall, it will not fail to carry with it ſome volatilized ſalt, which will alter its virtue, as experience hath teſtified ſeveral times.

[Page]But it doth not happen thus to Sea-ſalt Cryſtallized, for it fixes of it ſelf, when the Salt-waters have ſetled for ſome time in places fit for their reception.

I have delivered my thoughts ſufficiently touching the Origine of theſe three ſorts of Salt, in the Remarks I made on the principles, wherefore there's no need of repeating what I then ſaid.

Sea-ſalt is made at Rochell in ſalt marſhes, which are places that muſt be of a lower ſituation than the ſea, and the ground muſt be Clayie, for otherwiſe they would not be able to retain the ſalt-water that has been let into them. Thus all places near the ſea are not alike proper to make ſalt marſhes.

When the Seaſon of the year begins to grow hot, which commonly happens in May, all the water is emptied that was let into the marſhes for the better preſerving them during the winter, then the ſluces are opened to let in as much ſalt-water as they think fit, it is made to paſs through a great many different Channels, wherein it purifies and heats, and then is let into places that are made flat, ſmooth and fit to Cryſtallize the ſalt.

The ſalt is made only during the great heats of Summer, the Sun does firſt evaporate ſome part of the water, and becauſe after the great heat, a ſmall wind does uſe to blow (as is uſual near the ſea) the coolneſs of this wind does condenſe and Cryſtallize the ſalt.

But if it happens to rain but two hours during the hot weather, there can no ſalt be made for a fortnight afterwards, becauſe the marſhes muſt be again emptied of all the water, to let in more in [Page] its place, ſo that if it chances to rain but once again in the next fortnight, they can make no ſalt.

Salt is purified, by diſſolving it in water, then filtrating the ſolution through brown paper, and afterwards evaporating the water in an earthen pan, until a very white ſalt does remain.

But beſides the purification of ſalt by evaporation, it may be further purified, if inſtead of evaporation of the humidity, you ſet ſome of it a Cryſtallizing in a cool place, for very pure ſalt is found at bottom of the veſſel, which ſalt may be ſeparated from the water, and dried, and you may then evaporate again ſome part of the ſalt liquor, and ſet it in a Celler a Cryſtallizing, and ſo continue your evaporations and Cryſtallizations; but at laſt you muſt be fain to evaporate all the liquor, becauſe at laſt it will Cryſtallize no longer, the reaſon whereof is, that the remaining ſalt is full of a fat bituminous matter, which is in a manner inſeparable from it, and this it is that hinders the Cryſtallizing at laſt.

It is probable that this fat matter may come from the earth of thoſe marſhes that were ſpoken of.

The firſt Cryſtallized ſalt being put into Oil of Tartar, or ſome other alkali ſalt diſſolved, does mix with it without making any Ebullition, becauſe although ſea ſalt is acid, yet its points are too groſs, and have too little motion, to ſeparate the parts of the alkali.

The laſt ſalt being dried over the fire, and mixed with ſome alkali ſalt rendred liquid, ſuch as Oil of Tartar, makes a Coagulation and precipitation of a ſubſtance that appears ſaline and [Page] oily; this Coagulation does proceed from the mixture and adheſion of ſome Bituminous earth with the ſea-ſalt and the Tartar; for the ſalts do eaſily unite with oily ſubſtances, and in them loſe their activity.

Many acid Bituminous ſalts which are drawn by the Evaporation of certain Mineral waters, ſuch as thoſe of Baleruc in Languedoc, and Digne in Provence, do perform the ſame effects, when they are mixed with Oil of Tartar.

This Coagulum does not diſſolve in water, as well by reaſon of the different nature of the ſalts it is compounded of, as the oily earth that holds them together; but it will diſſolve in diſtilled Vinegar, and ſeveral other acid liquors, and then happens an efferveſcency, becauſe the acid does penetrate the ſalt of Tartar, whoſe parts the ſea-ſalt had no power to ſeparate.

Calcination of Common Salt.

Heat a pot, that's unglazed, red-hot; throw into it about an ounce of ſea-ſalt, then cover it, and it will crackle, and ſo fall into powder: this noiſe is called Decrepitation: when it is over, put ſo much more ſalt into the pot, and continue to do ſo, till you have enough. The pot muſt be ſure to be red-hot all the while: when the crackling is over, take the pot out of the fire, and when it is cold, put the ſalt into a bottle, and ſtop it well, to hinder the air from entring in to moiſten it anew. Bags full of it are applied behind the neck warm, (to conſume too great a [Page] a moiſture of the Brain) by opening of the pores. It is uſed likewiſe in ſeveral Chymical operations.

Remarks.

That which makes the Salt crackle, when it is in the fire, is an inwardly contained moiſture, which upon its being rarefied doth force its way out with impetuoſity, and finding the pores too cloſely ſhut to ſuffer an eaſie eſcape, doth break through the parts and open a paſſage. Now every thing elſe that hath cloſe compact pores, will make ſuch a noiſe too in the Calcination, as do glaſs and ſhells.

If you have occaſion to uſe Salt decrepitated, it is convenient to have it newly Calcined, becauſe the moiſture of the air does return again what the fire had driven away. But if you would keep it any time, let it be in a glaſs bottle well ſtopt.

For as much as this Salt is deprived of all humidity by its Calcination, it will abſorb ſeroſities much better than common ſalt. It is laid hot behind the neck, to the end that opening the pores it may facilitate tranſpiration. A little Salt of Tartar may be mixed with it, to render it the more active.

Spirit of Salt.

This Spirit is a very acid liquor, drawn from Salt by diſtillation.

[Page]Dry Salt over a little fire, or elſe in the Sun, then powder finely two pounds of it, mix it well with ſix pounds of Potters earth powdered, make up a hard paſte of this mixture with as much rain-water as is needful, form out of it little pellets of the bigneſs of a Nut, and ſet them in the Sun a good while a drying; when they are perfectly dry, put them into a large earthen Retort, or glaſs one luted, whereof a third part remains empty; place this Retort in a Reverberatory Furnace, and fit to it a large capacious Receiver, without luting the junctures, give a very moderate heat at firſt to warm the Retort, and make an inſipid water come forth drop by drop; when you perceive ſome white clouds ſucceed theſe drops, pour out that which is in the Receiver, and having refitted it, lute the junctures cloſe; encreaſe the fire by degrees to the laſt degree of all, and continue it in this condition twelve or fifteen hours; all this while the Receiver will be hot, and full of white clouds, but when it grows cold, and the clouds do diſappear, the Operation is at an end; unlute the junctures, and you'l find the Spirit of Salt in the Receiver, pour it into an earthen, or glaſs bottle, and ſtop it well with wax: it is an Aperitive, and is uſed in Juleps to an agreeable acidity for ſuch as are ſubject to the Gravel. It is likewiſe uſed for cleanſing the Teeth, being temper'd with a little water, and to conſume the rottenneſs of bones.

To make the dulcified Spirit of Salt of Baſilius Valentinus, you muſt mix equal parts of Spirit of Salt and Wine, and ſet them in digeſtion two or three days in a double Veſſel, in a gentle ſand-heat. [Page] It is eſteemed better than t'other to be taken inwardly, becauſe it is leſs Corroſive, being corrected by the Spirit of Wine; the doſe is from four to twelve drops in ſome liquor appropriate to the diſeaſe.

Remarks.

The Potters earth, is mixed with the Salt, to divide it into particles, that the fire may the more eaſily be able to rarefie it; for the parts which Salt conſiſts of are ſo ſtrictly united, that the utmoſt force of fire is not able to diſengage them, until they are ſeparated by ſome Intermedium.

The preparation that I give unto Salt, before it is put into the Retort, is longer than the common ſort; but I have obſerved, that the Spirit comes forth with leſs difficulty, when the matter is prepared according to this form.

You muſt leave a vacuity in the Retort, and fit to it a large Receiver, for giving liberty to the ſpirit to circulate before it diſſolves, otherwiſe it would break them both. Likewiſe the fire muſt be encreaſed by little and little, becauſe the firſt Spirits do break out with a mighty violence, when they are driven too hard.

Some ways of drawing the Spirit of Salt without addition have been much ſought after, but that is not yet well diſcovered. It is true indeed, Monſieur Seignette, an Apothecary of Rochell, among other excellent diſcoveries that he hath made on Salts, to the knowledge of which he hath [Page] particularly applied himſelf, brought me hither a ſea-ſalt in the year 1672, that we diſtilled without addition of any thing elſe, by a very moderate fire, and in two hours time we drew three ounces and a half of very good Spirit, out of ſix ounces of ſalt, that we put into the Retort. After this we broke the Retort, and having powdered the Salt that remained in it to the weight of two ounces and a half, we expoſed it to the air in a pan for a fortnight, and we found it reimpregnated with Spirits; we diſtilled it once more, and with the ſame eaſe as before, we drew half its weight in Spirit, of the ſame force as the former. The matter remaining in the Retort being again expoſed to the air recovered new Spirits. Monſieur Seignette did aſſure me, that he had thus drawn Spirit from the ſame matter nine ſeveral times; which is a thing worth our admiration, and ſhews us very well that the air contains a ſpirit which forms divers things according to the different diſpoſition of the ſubjects that it enters into. This ſalt is particular to him that ſhewed it me, and he prepares it himſelf ſome way that he is unwilling to diſcover.

Since I writ of Monſieur Seignette's particular way of drawing ſpirit of ſalt, ſome have Printed, that if common ſalt well decrepitated, and kept a good while over the fire, were expoſed to the air for ſome dayes, and diſtilled without addition of any thing to it, it would yield a ſpirit much like that I have ſpoken of, and in full as great a quantity.

But if we examine the ſharp liquor which is drawn this way, we ſhall find it of ſo weak a nature, [Page] that it may more reaſonably be called phlegm, than ſpirit, and the ſalt remains entire in the Retort; whereas M. Seignette's ſpirit of ſalt is full as ſtrong as common ſpirit of ſalt, and has the very ſame qualities, nay I conceive it ſomewhat better, as not having ſo great an impreſſion from fire as the other.

Again ſome ſay, it does not deſerve the name of ſpirit of ſea-ſalt, nor ought this preparation to be look't upon as any great myſtery, becauſe the ſame incorporation and augmentation happens to divers other ſalts expoſed to the air, after drawing off their ſpirit.

I grant this augmentation proceeds from the ſpirit of the air, and I conceive it is the ſame ſpirit which produces all manner of things according to the Matrixes, or different pores of the earth it uſes to meet with, as I have explicated in my Remarks upon the Principles. But becauſe this ſpirit of the air has met with pores in our matter, ready diſpoſed to make a ſalt much like unto common ſalt, and a ſpirit is drawn from it much like unto that which is drawn from common ſalt, I ſee no reaſon to doubt why this ſpirit ſhould not be a true ſpirit of ſalt; all the difference is this, the ſalt I now ſpeak of is not ſo throughly united to its earthy part, as common ſalt is, and therefore its ſpirits do ſeparate with more eaſe; for they are drawn without addition of any thing elſe, and with a gentle fire, whereas thoſe of common ſalt are ſo fixt, that they can't be driven out, without mixing a great deal of earth in order to ſeparate all its parts, and without a very great fire.

[Page]As for the augmentation which happens to many other bodies expoſed to the air, after their ſpirits are drawn off, I don't queſtion the matter of fact, nor that theſe ſame ſubſtances do return into what they were before, by impregnating again with ſpirits of the air in ſome conſiderable time; but it is rarely found that any of them do yield ſo ſtrong ſpirits, and ſo eaſily as our ſalt, and herein lies the myſtery.

It is obſervable that the acids which are drawn by ſo violent a fire do very much differ from thoſe that are made naturally, ſuch as the Vinegars of Beer, Wine, Cider, the acid of Citron, &c. The Spirit of ſalt among others hath ſome particular difference from the reſt, becauſe it will precipitate that which Aqua fortis hath diſſolved. This acid, according as may be judged by its effects, is compounded of ſtronger, and more weighty points than the reſt, but they are not ſo ſharp and piercing. And this is the reaſon that it jogs ſo effectually thoſe of Aqua fortis loaded with ſome bodies they have diſſolved, and that ſhaking them about it makes them let go their hold.

Some have writ, that this precipitation muſt not be imputed either to the weight, or the ſtrength, no more than to the agitation, which ſpirit of ſalt may have given to the Aqua fortis, or to matters diſſolved, but rather to the conjunction of the acidity of this ſpirit with the volatile and ſulphureous alkali of Aqua fortis, or Spirit of Niter, which does by that means conſtrain this laſt to abandon the metal which it had diſſolved.

But this is the way to explicate, as they ſay, one obſcure thing by another that is much more obſcure; [Page] for what likelihood is there that the volatile ſpirit of Aqua fortis is an alkali? and pray how comes it to remain in ſo great a motion with the fixed acid ſpirit of this ſame water without deſtroying or loſing its nature, this is a thing that can never be conceived very eaſily. But furthermore ſuppoſing this ſpirit were an alkali, it would be ſtill neceſſary to explicate mechanically, for what reaſon this alkali does quit the body of the metal to betake itſelf to the Spirit of ſalt; for to ſay meerly that by the conjunction of theſe two ſpirits the Aqua fortis is compelled to abandon the metal that it had diſſolved, is nothing at all to the clearing of the queſtion, unleſs a man will needs give an intelligence to theſe ſpirits. Wherefore we muſt ſtill have recourſe to the agitation and joſtles, for the true reaſon.

It is alſo remarkable, that the efferveſcency which happens when Spirit of Salt is caſt into the ſolution of ſome bodies by Aqua fortis, is different from that which happens when ſome alkali is caſt into it, the former being much more gentle than the latter.

The Spirit of Salt diſſolves leaf gold, which Aqua fortis is not able to do.

When this Spirit is dulcified, it is mixed with Spirit of Wine, which being a Sulphur doth take off the edges of the acid, and in part hinders their motion; whence it comes to paſs that this Spirit is milder by this addition, than if water had been uſed inſtead of Spirit of Wine.

The Spirit of Salt may be made with Salt Decrepitated, after the ſame manner.

CHAP. XVI. Of Niter or Salt-peter.

[Page]

IT is probable that the Niter of the antients was either the Aegyptian Natron, or a ſalt that is found in the earth in a gray compact maſs, or elſe the natural Borax, or the ſalt which is drawn from the water of the river Nilus, and many other rivers. And it may be, that all theſe ſalts are divers kinds of their Niter, but the Niter of the moderns is nothing elſe but Salt-peter, and this is that of which I intend to ſpeak.

Niter is a Salt impregnated with abundance of Spirits out of the air which do render it volatile; it is taken from among the ſtones and earths of old ruined buildings. Some of it is likewiſe to be found in Cellars, and ſeveral other moiſt places, becauſe the air doth condenſe it in thoſe places, and eaſily unites with the ſtones.

Salt-peter is alſo ſometimes made by the Urine of Animals, falling upon ſtones and earths. Nay ſome have thought that all Salt-peter comes from that cauſe, whereas we ſee every day that ſome of it is taken out of places, where there never came any Urine at all. This ſalt is half volatile, and half like unto Sal Gemme as I ſhall prove hereafter.

The great and violent flame which happens ſo ſoon as Salt-peter is flung upon the coals, and the [Page] red vapours which it uſes to yield when reduced into a ſpirit, have induced the Chymiſts generally to believe that this ſalt is inflammable, and conſequently fully loaded with Sulphur, becauſe Sulphur is the only Principle that flames; but if they had ſuſpended their judgments herein, until they had got more experience on this Subject, they would not only have known that Salt-peter is not at all inflammable in its nature, but they would e'en have doubted whether or no any Sulphur does enter into the natural compoſition of this ſalt; for if Salt-peter were inflammable of it ſelf like Sulphur, it would burn where there is no Sulphur, for example in a Crucible heated red-hot in the fire; but it will never flame therein, uſe what quantity of it you pleaſe, and let the fire be never ſo great. It is true indeeed, if you throw Salt-peter upon kindled coals, it makes a great flame, but this is only through the ſulphureous Fuliginoſities of the coals, which are violently raiſed and rarefied by the volatile nature of Niter, as I ſhall prove in the Operation upon fixt Niter.

As for any Sulphur that is thought to be contained in Salt-peter, it can't be demonſtrated by any Operation whatever, for the red vapours that come from it are no more inflammable than the Niter, when they are not mixt with ſome Sulphureous matter; and it is far more probable, that this ſalt contains no Sulphur, if we conſider its cleanneſs, tranſparency, acidity, and cooling quality, which have no manner of affinity with the effects of Sulphur, which are commonly to make a body opake, to take off acidity, and to heat.

Purification of Salt-peter.

[Page]

To purifie Salt-peter is to deprive it of part of its fixt ſalt, and of a little bituminous earth, which it contains.

Diſſolve ten or twelve pounds of Salt-peter in a ſufficient quantity of water, let the diſſolution ſettle, and filtrate it, then evaporate it in a glaſs or earthen veſſel, to the diminution of half, or until there begins to appear a little skin upon it; then remove your veſſel into a cool place, ſtirring it as little as may be, and leave it there till the morrow, you'l find Cryſtals which you muſt ſeparate from the liquor; evaporate this liquor again to a skin, and ſet the veſſel in a cool place, to get new Cryſtals; repeat the evaporations, and Cryſtallizations, until you have drawn all your Salt-peter.

Note that in the laſt Cryſtallizations, you'l have a Salt altogether like unto ſea-ſalt, or Sal Gemme, keep it apart, it may ſerve to ſeaſon meat with.

The firſt Cryſtals are the pure Salt-peter.

You may, if you pleaſe, diſſolve and purifie Salt-peter ſeveral other times in water, obſerving every time what I ſaid before, for to render it more white, and purifie it from its Sea-ſalt.

Salt-peter purified is a great aperitive, it cools the body by fixing the humours that are in too much motion, and drives them by Urine. It is given in Feavers, in Gonorrheas, and many other diſeaſes; the doſe is from ten grains to a drachm in Broth, or ſome appropriate liquor.

Remarks.

[Page]

The firſt Purification that is given to Salt-peter is this: the ſtones and earths that contain it are groſly powdered; they are boiled in a great deal of water, to diſſolve the Salt-peter: the diſſolution is filtred, and then poured upon aſhes, to make a Lixivium; after it hath been poured upon the aſhes ſeveral times, it is evaporated and Cryſtallized.

The ſalt of the aſhes which does mix with the Salt-peter, increaſes its fixt part; but that which is made without aſhes is the better to make Aqua fortis with.

The earth from whence Salt-peter hath been drawn, being ſet in the open air, and ſtirred about from time to time, doth re-impregnate with a kind of Salt.

The long Cryſtals that we ſee Salt-peter ſhoot into, do proceed from its volatile part, for that which is Cryſtallized laſt, is fixt like ſea-ſalt, and looks juſt like it.

Salt-peter can never be purified ſo well, but it will ſtill contain a ſalt like unto Sal Gemme, or ſea-ſalt, but in leſs quantity than before.

When Salt-peter is boiled a long time in water, and over a great fire, ſome part of the Spirits do fly away, and there remains at laſt nothing but a ſalt like unto ſea-ſalt, or Sal Gemme, which ſerves to prove that Salt-peter is only a Sal Gemme fuller of Spirits than the other, as I ſaid ſpeaking of the Principles.

[Page]When you would Cryſtallize a Salt, you muſt diſſolve it in a convenient proportion of water; for if there ſhould be too much, the ſalt would be weakned too much, and not able to coagulate; and if on the contrary there ſhould be too little, the Cryſtals would be confuſed. Therefore to make them fair, you muſt take your veſſel off the fire, when you perceive a little skin upon the liquor, which is a mark to ſhew that there remains a little leſs liquor than is convenient to keep all the ſalt diſſolved, and thus when it comes to be ſet in a cool place, it will not fail to fix.

Acid ſalts, and among them the volatile, do Cryſtallize in much leſs time than others.

Salt-peter cools the body, by reaſon that being an acid it depreſſes the humours, which by their too great motion did heat the body, and ſo precipitates them by Urine; for the volatile ſalts and ſulphurs, that all bodies are full of, are eaſily fixed and quieted by acids.

Cryſtal Mineral, called Sal Prunellae.

This operation is a Salt-peter, from which ſome of the volatile part hath been ſeparated, by the means of Sulphur and fire.

Bruiſe two and thirty ounces of Purified Salt-peter, and put it into a Crucible, which you muſt ſet in a furnace among burning coals. When the Salt-peter is melted, throw into it an ounce of flower of Sulphur, a ſpoonful at a time, the matter will preſently flame, and the more volatile ſpirits of Salt-peter fly away: when the flame is over, [Page] the matter will remain in a very clear fuſion. Take the Crucible out with a pair of tongs, and turn it upſide down into a braſs baſon, very clean, and a little warmed before-hand, to dry up the moiſture that might be upon it; ſhake about the baſon to ſpread the matter while it is cooling, and this is called Sal Prunellae. If you deſire to have it very pure, you muſt diſſolve it in a ſufficient quantity of water, filtrate the diſſolution, and cryſtallize it, as I have ſaid in the Purification of Salt-peter.

It is accounted better than purified Salt-peter for Phyſical uſes, becauſe the Sulphur is thought to have corrected it. It is given to cool, and to work by Urine, in burning Feavers, in Quinſeys, Gonorrheas, and other diſeaſes, that proceed from heat, and obſtruction: the doſe is from ten grains to a drachm in Broth, or ſome other liquor appropriate to the diſtemper.

Remarks.

This Preparation is called Sal, or Lapis prunellae, either becauſe the eſſential ſalt which is drawn from prunella or Self heal hath, near upon the matter, the ſame virtue and figure as Cryſtal Mineral, or elſe becauſe it is given in hot Feavers, whoſe heat is compared to that of a burning coal called Pruna. The Germans do give it the form of a Sloe, after having coloured it red with Roſes.

The Antients have thought it neceſſary to throw Flowers of Sulphur on melted Salt-peter, to the end it might be made the more Aperitive; but thereby it is deprived of the more opening ſpirits [Page] which the Sulphur carries away along with it; thus inſtead of rendring it more open, and effectual, the better part of it is loſt.

It is eaſie to perceive that this abuſe is one of thoſe that hath inſenſibly gained upon men, and diminiſhes very much from the benefits that might be received from Chymical Phyſick, for want of applying themſelves to examine well the conſtituent parts of natural things, before propoſing of correctives. I ſhall rather adviſe them to uſe ſimple purified Salt-peter, or purified from its fixt ſalt three or four ſeveral times, ſo as I have deſcribed, and I am confident, after the experience that I have often made of it, that it will better ſatisfie the intenſions of thoſe who uſe it, than when it ſhall have been prepared with Sulphur.

The diminution which is made of the Salt-peter, is not only of the volatile parts which are carried off with the Sulphur, but it is likewiſe of the watry part which this ſalt does always contain, and which does hereby evaporate.

Cryſtal Mineral is often counterfeited, by mixing Roche-alom with it during the fuſion, and if thoſe men do uſe a Salt-peter that is not very pure, this Alom does ſerve to purifie it, by cauſing a thick ſcum to ſeparate to the ſides of the Crucible, and ſo the Cryſtal Mineral becomes much the whiter.

This adulteration may be known, in that the Cryſtal Mineral made this way is more glittering than the other, and it is the Alom which gives it this colour.

Thoſe who carry about this Cryſtal Mineral to the ſhops do eaſily enough vend it for its outward [Page] excellency, and for the cheapneſs they ſell it at; for Alom coſts but little, but this ſort wants a great deal of having ſo good effects as the other.

Sal Polychreſtum.

This operation is a Salt-peter fixed by Sulphur, and by fire.

Powder and mix equal parts of Salt-peter, and common Sulphur, throw about an ounce of this mixture into a good Crucible, which you ſhall have heated red-hot before-hand, there will riſe a great flame, which being over, throw into it as much more of the matter, and continue to do ſo, until all your mixture is uſed. Let the fire continue four or five hours, ſo as to keep the Crucible all the while red-hot, then pour out the matter into a copper well dried by the fire, and when it is cold, powder it and diſſolve it in a ſufficient quantity of water; filtrate the diſſolution, and evaporate it in an earthen pan or a glaſs veſſel, in ſand until it is dry. You muſt fling away as inſignificant that which remains in the filter.

If the Salt be not altogether ſo white, as we would have it, it is becauſe it ſtill retains ſome Sulphur; therefore you muſt calcine it in a ſtrong fire in a Crucible, ſtirring it about with a Spatule three or four hours, or until it becomes very white; then repeat your diſſolution in water, your filtration and evaporation; thus you have a Sal Polychreſtum exceeding pure.

Sal Polychreſtum purges ſerous humors by ſtool, and ſometimes by Urine: the doſe is from [Page] half a drachm to ſix drachms in ſome proper liquor.

Remarks.

This Salt is properly a Salt-peter diveſted of its volatile part by Sulphur, it is called Polychreſtum from the Greek word [...], that is to ſay, good for ſeveral uſes, becauſe it is uſed not only to purge by ſtool, but by urine too, being taken to the weight of one or two drachms in a quart of water in the morning like a Mineral water. It is commonly uſed in Infuſions of Senna from one ſcruple to four, as well to increaſe the ſtrength of the Purgative, as to draw out more ſtrongly the Tincture of Senna. Some do give it to ſix drachms in a pint or a quart of water, to purge ſtrongly; but I would not adviſe any body to uſe this Purgative all alone, by reaſon of the vellications that it gives in paſſing through the ſtomach.

Sal Polychreſtum muſt by no means be uſed until it is made very white, and very pure; for when there remains any groſs portion of Sulphur, it is apt to cauſe Vertigoes, ſtupefaction of the Nerves, and nauſeouſneſs of the ſtomach.

If you uſed ſixteen ounces of purified Salt-peter, and ſo much ſulphur in this operation, you'l have at laſt but three ounces and a half of Sal Polychreſtum very fine; but if you uſe common Salt-peter inſtead of purified, you'l have five ounces of Polychreſtum as white as the other.

This difference of weight proceeds from common Salt-peters containing more fixt ſalt than purified Salt-peter.

[Page] Sal Polychreſtum may be Cryſtallized like Salt-peter and other ſalts. Its Cryſtals are very ſmall, and much like thoſe of ſea-ſalt, but only they are keener.

Monſieur Seignette an Apothecary of Rochell whom I have ſpoke of before, hath put in uſe a certain Sal Polychreſtum, which ſeems at firſt to be like unto this, but when it comes to be examined, there's found a notable difference, as well in the Cryſtallizations, (and when it is thrown into the fire) as in the effects; for whereas ſix drachms of this ſort taken, as I have ſaid, do cauſe gripes in pricking the membranes of the ſtomach, that of Monſieur Seignette in the ſame quantity doth purge very gently without any gripes at all, as he proves in a little Treatiſe that he hath made touching the uſes of this Polychreſtum. And the truth of it I have found my ſelf in ſeveral perſons. The compoſition of this ſalt is known to none but himſelf, who having given it a reputation in the chiefeſt Towns of France, hath left ſome quantity of it with me to diſtribute, and make uſe of here at Paris.

Spirit of Niter.

Spirit of Niter is a liquor very acid and corroſive, drawn from Salt-peter by diſtillation.

Powder and mix well together two pounds of fine Salt-peter, and ſix pounds of Potters earth dried; put this mixture into a large Retort, either of earth or glaſs luted, ſet it in a cloſe Reverberatory Furnace, fit to it a great capacious Balon, or Receiver, and give a very little fire to it for four or five hours, to make all the Phlegm come [Page] forth, which will diſtil out drop by drop. When you perceive there will diſtil no more, throw the Phlegm away that is found in the Receiver, and having refitted it, lute the junctures, and encreaſe the fire by little and little to the ſecond degree, there will come forth Spirits, which will fill the Receiver with white clouds; then keep the fire two hours in the ſame degree, after that encreaſe it to the greateſt violence you can give it, and ſo the vapours will come red; continue the greateſt fire till there come no more, the operation will be ended in fourteen hours. When the veſſels are cold, unlute the junctures, and pour your Spirit of Niter into an earthen bottle, which you muſt ſtop with Wax.

Spirit of Niter is uſed for the diſſolution of metals, it is the beſt Aqua fortis that is; and the corroſive virtue of other waters of this nature doth chiefly proceed from the Niter that enters into their compoſition.

Remarks.

You might, as ſome do, mix four parts of Potters earth with one part of Niter, when you would draw its Spirit, but you will ſucceed better, and with leſs difficulty, by obſerving my deſcription; for whereas the earth does here ſerve only as an intermedium to ſeparate the parts of this ſalt, to the end that the fire operating more eaſily upon it may draw its Spirits, it is a very needleſs buſineſs to uſe more of the earth than is neceſſary towards this effect. Beſides this over great quantity of [Page] earth may ſerve to weaken the Spirits, and by taking up too much room may hinder the drawing ſo much as otherwiſe you would with the ſame Retort.

I fling away the Phlegm, becauſe it only ſerves to weaken the Spirit. The white vapours do proceed from the volatile part of Salt-peter, and are a weaker ſort of Spirit; but the red ones do come from the fixt part, and are the ſtrongeſt Spirit: for which reaſon the fire is made ſo very violent towards the latter end. This fixt Spirit is commonly called Salamanders bloud. Of all Salts, Niter is the only one that yields red vapours.

When you uſe here the beſt Salt-peter, there remains nothing in the Retort but only earth.

I have boiled ſeveral times in water a good while, the earth that remained after the diſtillation of the Spirit of Niter, and after evaporation of the filtrated decoction, I could find no ſalt at bottom.

I have likewiſe obſerved, that out of two pounds of purified Niter, a pound and fourteen ounces of liquor, in Phlegm and Spirit may be drawn.

A third part of the Retort, wherein the operation is performed, muſt remain empty, and the Receiver muſt be very large; for otherwiſe theſe Spirits coming haſtily forth would break all to pieces for room to move in.

Spirit of Niter Dulcified.

This oparation is a Spirit of Niter, whoſe more ſubtile edges have been broken, or evaporated.

[Page]Put into a large Bolt-head eight ounces of good ſpirit of Niter, and ſo much ſpirit of Wine well dephlegmated; ſet your Bolthead in the Chimney upon a round of ſtraw, the liquor will grow hot without coming near the fire, and half an hour or an hour afterwards, it will boil very much; have a care of the red vapours that come out a-pace at the neck of the Bolthead, and when the ebullition is over, you'l find your liquor clear at bottom, and to have loſt half what it was; pour it into a Viol and keep it, this is the ſweet ſpirit of Niter.

It is good for the wind Colick and the Nephritick, for Hyſterical diſtempers, and for all Obſtructions; its doſe is from four to eight drops in broth or ſome other convenient liquor.

Remarks.

You muſt leave the Bolthead open; for the vapours would either carry away the ſtopple, if there were one, or elſe they would break the veſſel; the Bolt-head is ſo hot during the ebullition, that one can't endure ones hand upon it.

The heat and ebullition begins ſooner or later, according as the Spirits that are uſed have been more or leſs dephlegmated; or elſe according as the ſeaſon, in which it is made, is either hotter or colder, for in the winter you muſt warm the liquor in a gentle ſand-heat, and when it grows a little hot, you muſt take it off, and ſhake it, thus it will come to boil.

[Page]This effect is very ſtrange, for ſpirit of Niter being a ſtrong acid, and ſpirit of Wine a ſulphur, it can't be ſaid that there is here any alkali, to cauſe the ebullition with acid, according to the common maxim. And this operation ſhews us that every thing can't be explicated by the ſole Principles of acid and alkali, as ſome do pretend.

This operation has much reſemblance with that which happens when oil of Turpentine is put into a bottle with oil of Vitriol; for the mixture of theſe liquors does heat and boil much alike. I ſhall ſay ſomething of this laſt mixture hereafter. There is this difference notwithſtanding, that ſpirit of Niter being more volatile than oil of Vitriol, cauſes a greater efferveſcency.

In order therefore to explicate this ebullition, two things muſt be conſidered. Firſt, that ſpirit of Niter contains a great many fiery parts lock't up in its acidity, but which do ſtill retain ſome evident motion, for it is they that make the ſpirit of Niter to Fume as it does.

The ſecond is, that ſpirit of Niter is more Inflammable than ſalt-peter, when mixed with any ſulphureous body, and the reaſon thereof is, that it is more rarefied than ſalt-peter.

Thus when this acid ſpirit is mixt with ſpirit of Wine, which is a ſulphur very much exalted, and very ſuſceptible of motion, the volatile part of the ſpirit of Niter joyns itſelf to this ſulphur, and the mixture becomes very ready to take flame; likewiſe after this mixture the fiery bodies that were in ſpirit of Niter, do by ſtriving to mount upwards put the liquor into ſo great a motion, that it e'en almoſt flames, and would without all [Page] queſtion quite flame, if there were not ſome phlegm always mixed with theſe ſpirits, let them be drawn never ſo pure, which ſerves to allay the activity of the fiery particles; ſo that there muſt needs follow a very great ebullition.

This efferveſcency therefore proceeds from this, that ſpirit of wine, and ſpirit of Niter, which are as it were a ſalt-peter, and ſulphur highly exalted, have been almoſt kindled into a flame by the fiery bodies that were in ſpirit of Niter; and that which further proves this conception is, a noiſe or kind of detonation, during the efferveſcency, which is much like that which happens when ſulphur and ſalt-peter are burnt together.

But becauſe there may be ſome difficulty in conceiving what is meant by little fiery bodies, I do underſtand by them a ſubtile matter which having been put into a very rapid motion does ſtill retain the aptitude of moving with impetuoſity, even when it is incloſed in groſſer matters; and when it finds ſome bodies which by their texture or figure are apt to be put into motion, it drives them about ſo ſtrongly that their parts rubbing violently the one againſt the other, heat is thereby produced.

Now the ſulphureous parts of ſpirit of Wine, and the volatile acids of ſpirit of Niter being mixed, and being very aptly diſpoſed for motion of themſelves, they muſt needs be eaſily put into it by theſe fiery bodies, inſomuch that their parts often rubbing or ſtriking the one againſt the other, they muſt cauſe a heat after the ſame manner, as when a ſtone is ſtrook hard againſt a piece of Iron, a heat and fire do follow.

[Page]The great diminution of the liquor proceeds from the evaporation of the more volatile parts of the Spirits of Wine and Niter, through the neck of the Bolt-head during the ebullition.

That which remains is a well ſweetned ſpirit of Niter, for not only its edges are very much blunted in the ebullition, but the ſpirit of Wine being a ſulphur does unite and imbody with thoſe that remain, ſo that they have no longer any Corroſive quality.

Aqua Fortis.

This preparation is a mixture of the Spirits of Niter and Vitriol, drawn by fire, to diſſolve metals.

Powder and mix Salt-peter purified, Vitriol Calcined white, as I ſhall ſhew hereafter, and Potters earth, or clay dried, of each two and thirty ounces: put this mixture into an earthen Retort, or glaſs one luted, whoſe third part is to remain empty; place your Retort in a cloſe Reverberatory Furnace, and fitting to it a capacious Receiver, Lute well the junctures: then begin by giving a little fire to warm gently the Retort, and encreaſe it by little and little; but when you perceive the Spirits to come forth into the Receiver in red clouds, continue it for fifteen or ſixteen hours in the ſame degree, then drive it to the laſt extremity, until there do appear white clouds inſtead of red. Then let the veſſels cool, and unlute them, you'l find in the Receiver an Aqua fortis, which you muſt keep in an earthen bottle well ſtopt. It ſerves for the diſſolution of metals.

Remarks.

[Page]

I do uſe to Calcine the Vitriol to a whiteneſs, that the Aqua fortis may not be weakned with an inſipid water.

The mixture of Vitriol and Salt-peter has quickly ſome ſmell of Aqua fortis, becauſe Vitriol contains a great deal of Sulphur, which eaſily inſinuates into the volatile part of Salt-peter, and exalts ſome little of it, which cauſes the ſmell; it is this Sulphur in Vitriol which by volatilizing the red ſpirit of Niter, makes it come forth faſter, and with a leſs fire, than when Salt-peter is diſtilled with Clay alone.

The greateſt Corroſion of Aqua fortis proceeds from the Niter, for the Vitriol doth yield but very weak Spirits in compariſon with the other. I do acknowledge indeed that the Oil of Vitriol is exceeding Corroſive, but eighteen or twenty hours are not able to drive that out, for it doth not uſe to come until after three days continual diſtillation. The Vitriol then and the Clay do ſerve here only for a matter to ſeparate the Salt-peter, that it may by the means of fire, the better rarefie into Spirits.

Although there does not enter into this preparation ſo much terreſtrial matter, as there does into that of Spirit of Niter, nevertheleſs it proves very well, becauſe the Sulphurs of Vitriol do help the Spirits to riſe.

If you would keep on the fire five days and nights together, the Receiver would be ſtill full [Page] of clouds, becauſe the Vitriol would yield ſome Spirits during all that time.

Sometimes Alom and Arſenick are added to the compoſition of Aqua fortis, but the deſcription which I have given you is the beſt of all.

There remains in the Retort a red maſs, which may be uſed like Colcothar, for an Aſtringent.

This maſs may be obtained without breaking the Retort.

Fixation of Salt-peter into an Alkali Salt, by the means of Coals.

This operation is a Salt-peter rendred porous by Calcination, and by the aſhes of coals, which are mixed with it.

Melt ſixteen ounces of Salt-peter in a ſtrong and large Crucible among burning coals, throw into it a ſpoonful of coals groſly powdered, and there will riſe a flame and detonation, which being over, throw ſo much more, and continue to do ſo until the matter flames no longer, but remains fixt in the bottom of the Crucible; then pour it into a warm mortar, and when it is cold, powder it and diſſolve it in a ſufficient quantity of water; filtrate the diſſolution through brown paper, and evaporate all the water in an earthen pan in ſand, there will remain a very white ſalt, which you muſt keep in a Viol well ſtopt.

This Salt hath a taſte like to that of Salt of Tartar, and they differ but little in virtue; it opens Obſtructions, and works by Urine, and [Page] ſometimes by Stool; the doſe is from ſixteen to thirty grains in ſome convenient liquor.

It may be uſed to aſſiſt in drawing forth the Tincture of Senna, a red Tincture may be alſo drawn from it with Spirit of Wine, as from Salt of Tartar.

If this Salt is ſet in a Cellar, it diſſolves into a liquor like the Oil of Tartar: it is uſed to extract the Tincture of Vegetables and Minerals.

Remarks.

The Crucible muſt be but half full of ſalt-peter, becauſe the detonation is ſo great, that the matter would be driven out of the Crucible, if too much be put in. When the Crucible is not very ſtrong, it breaks in pieces about the middle of the operation, and ſome part of the matter is loſt thereby.

This detonation is more violent than that which is made with a mixture of ſalt-peter and common ſulphur, becauſe the ſulphur of Coals is more rarefied than common ſulphur.

Niter will never flame, when ſet over the fire alone in a Crucible, though you make your fire never ſo ſtrong, and coals though loaded with fuliginous or oily parts, do ſend forth but only a ſmall blue flame; but when theſe two bodies come to be mixt together, the volatile parts of Niter joyning with the coals, which are oily, do rarefie and exalt the coals with ſuch violence, that they produce a very great flame. Now this operation confirms my opinion that ſalt-peter does only ſerve here to rarefie the flame of ſulphur, but cannot ſend [Page] forth the leaſt flame of itſelf; becauſe that as ſoon as ever the coals, you put into the Crucible, are burnt, the flame goes out, and appears no more until you throw in more coals, with which a convenient proportion of the volatile parts of ſalt-peter, that ſtill remained, does joyn and rarefie them into a flame. Thus new coals are ſucceſſively thrown into the Crucible, until it flames no longer; but toward the end of the operation, becauſe there remain but few volatile parts in the Niter, the detonation is much the leſs, and ſo is the flame, until at laſt the coals finding nothing more in ſalt-peter for it to raiſe, do burn only as they uſe to do when alone.

If you uſe common ſalt-peter for this operation, you'l have occaſion to uſe but three ounces and a half of coals, and you'l get twelve ounces of purified ſalt, but if you uſe fine Salt-peter, you muſt have ſeven ounces of coals, and yet will get but three ounces of purified ſalt.

This difference of weight proceeds from the fine ſalt-peters containing more volatile parts than the other; likewiſe a great deal more coals is required to raiſe them, and there remains the leſs fixt ſalt for the ſame reaſon.

The fixt Niter being prepared as I have deſcribed, it is a little gray coloured; now to make it white you muſt Calcine it in a great fire, ſtirring it in the Crucible all the while with a ſpatule; when it ſhall have continued red hot for above an hour, it will become exceeding white. You muſt then diſſolve it in water, filter the diſſolution, and evaporate the water, and thus you have a very pure and white ſalt.

[Page]This ſalt is an alkali, being a mixture of the ſalt of coals, which is an alkali, and fixt ſalt-peter; theſe two ſalts are ſo ſtrictly united and mixed together in the Calcination, that they make a porous ſalt, and ſuch as is much like unto the fixt ſalt of Plants,

Not that there is an alkali ſalt in ſalt-peter as Chymiſts will have it; for give what Calcination, or other preparation you pleaſe to this mineral ſalt, without adding any thing to it, not the leaſt alkali can be drawn from it, and all that ever we can ſee in it is acid.

It is further obſervable, that the liquor of fixt Niter, which has been made with common ſalt-peter, being kept a year, or a year and a half, loſes moſt of its activity as an alkali, ſo that it is no longer able to cauſe any ſuch ebullition with acids, as it could before.

This accident can have no other cauſe, than that the pores of ſalt contained in the liquor do cloſe up by little and little, and the acid ſalt of Niter does abſorb and deſtroy the alkali, which kept the pores open.

But the ſame thing does not happen, where the liquor of fixt Niter was made with purified ſalt-peter, becauſe whereas a great deal of coals was uſed in the fixing it, and but little ſalt of Niter remained in it, the alkali muſt there predominate ſo powerfully, that the acid is not able to regain its ſtrength.

Some Chymiſts have thought fit to call the liquor of fixt Niter, Alkaheſt, that is, an univerſal diſſolvent, thinking it able to draw out the ſulphureous ſubſtance of all mixt bodies.

CHAP. XVII. Of Sal Armoniack.

[Page]

SAl Armoniack is either Natural or Artificial. The Natural is found in very hot Countries, ſuch as many parts of Africa, that are near the Torrid Zone. It is found upon the earth that hath imbibed the Urine of Animals, that is to ſay, where the Sun hath ſublimed the volatile Salt of this Urine, and made of it a Sal Armoniack.

The Artificial Sal Armoniack is made at Venice, and divers other places with five parts of Urine, one part of ſea-ſalt, and half a part of Chimney ſoot; theſe three are boiled together, and reduced into a maſs, which being put into ſubliming pots, over a gradual fire, it ſublimes into a Salt in the form we commonly ſee Sal Armoniack. Now in this ſublimation the volatile alkali ſalts of the Soot and Ʋrine do raiſe up as much ſea-ſalt as they can, and do join ſo ſtrictly together with this acid ſalt, that the mixture ſeems to be fixt. The reaſon of this cloſe union is, that ſea-ſalt being in form of points, does inſinuate into the alkali ſalts; and becauſe it has not motion enough to ſeparate the parts of theſe ſalts, it gets within them, and fills their pores.

If you would purifie Sal Armoniack, you muſt diſſolve it in a ſufficient quantity of water, filtrate the diſſolution, and evaporate it until it is dry in a [Page] glaſs veſſel. You'l have a white ſalt, which may be given from ſix to four and twenty grains in ſome convenient liquor. It is an excellent Sudorifick and Diuretick; it is good in Malignant feavers, and in Quartan agues, and to bring the menſes in women. It is alſo uſed in ſome Collyries, or waters for the eyes.

Flowers of Sal Armoniack.

Theſe Flowers are a part of Sal Armoniack, raiſed by Fire.

Powder and mix together equal parts of Sal Armoniack in powder, and ſea-ſalt decrepitated; put this mixture into an earthen Cucurbite, and having placed it in ſand, fit to it a blind head. You muſt give a gentle fire at firſt, and encreaſe it by little and little, ſo long as you perceive the Sal Armoniack to riſe up like meal, and ſtick to the head, and the uppermoſt part of the Cucurbite: continue the fire, until nothing more riſes up, then let the veſſels cool; lift up the head gently, and gather your Flowers with a Feather; keep them in a Viol well ſtopt; they have the ſame virtue as Sal Armoniack, but are given in a little leſs doſe, as from four to fifteen grains.

Remarks.

This operation is performed, to the end the Sal Armoniack may be volatilized, by checking ſome part of its fixt ſalt by the addition of Salt decrepitated, [Page] thus theſe Flowers are a little more active than the Sal Armoniack, though they are both compounded of the ſame Salts.

Iron or Steel powdered may be uſed inſtead of Sea-ſalt, as Schroder deſcribes it, and then the Flowers do become of a Yellow colour, becauſe the Salts do take the Tincture of Mars.

And theſe laſt Flowers are a little more penetrating than the others.

Aqua Regalis.

This water is a ſolution of Sal Armoniack in Spirit of Niter.

Powder four ounces of Sal Armoniack, and put them into a matraſs, or other glaſs veſſel of a good bigneſs; pour upon it ſixteen ounces of Spirit of Niter, place the veſſel in ſand a little warm until the Sal Armoniack is all diſſolved, then pour the diſſolution into a bottle, and ſtop it with wax, this is Aqua Regalis; you will have ſeventeen ounces of it.

Remarks.

This water is called Regalis, or Royal, becauſe it diſſolves Gold, which is the King of metals. It is likewiſe called Aqua Stygia, or Chryſulca.

The veſſel in which it is made muſt be of a ſufficient bigneſs, becauſe in the diſſolution the Spirits do rarefie with ſo great violence, that they would break it, if they had not room to circulate in; [Page] when a great deal of this water is preparing at a time, you muſt take care to remove the veſſel from the fire, ſo ſoon as the diſſolution begins.

Aqua Regalis may be likewiſe made, with equal quantities of Salt-peter, and Sal Gemme, by mixing theſe Salts with thrice as much Potters-earth powdered, and the diſtillation of it is made after the ſame manner as I ſhewed, to draw the Spirit of Niter.

It is ſomewhat difficult to conceive how Aqua Regalis is able to diſſolve Gold, which is a moſt ſolid Metal, and cannot diſſolve Silver, which is a much leſs ſolid body. Some Chymiſts endeavouring to reſolve this difficulty, have ſaid that Gold being a Metal fuller of Sulphur than Silver, did therefore require a ſulphureous diſſolvent, ſuch as Aqua Regalis, compounded of the volatile ſulphureous ſalts of Sal Armoniack: but this explication deſtroys itſelf, for if Gold did contain more Sulphurs than Silver, it would conſequently be leſs weighty, for Sulphur is one of the lighteſt Principles in Chymiſtry.

I know the Alchymiſts will tell me, that their Sulphur is quite of a different nature from the common ſort, and that they do conceive in Gold, a Fixt, and conſequently a heavy ſulphur. But beſides that a fixt ſulphur is a thing meerly imaginary, it can never be ſo heavy as the other principles which they pretend to be in Gold, and which they are forced to think as fixed as the Sulphur.

Moreover if we examine what happens in the compoſition of the diſſolvent of Gold, it will be no difficult matter to contradict this opinion: for we ſee that as ſoon as ever the Spirit of Niter begins [Page] to work upon the Sal Armoniack, the acid ſalt joyns with it, and quits the volatile ſalts, which finding themſelves diſingaged from the bodies that held them in a manner fixed, do riſe up with violence; but becauſe theſe ſalts which are alkalies, do meet in their paſſage with ſome acids of the Spirit of Niter, the great efferveſcency happens which is always wont at the meeting of alkali ſalts and acids. This efferveſcency being over, our Aqua Regalis remains in the veſſel: it is properly nothing elſe but an acid ſea-ſalt diſſolved in Spirit of Niter, the volatile ſalts being either exalted, or deſtroyed by Acids, and that which confirms this opinion is, that Aqua Regalis is as well made with ſea-ſalt, in which there are no volatiles at all, as with Sal Armoniack, according as I have ſaid.

It is not then by diſcourſes of this nature, that this Phanomenon can be clearly explicated. I am apt to believe, with more likelihood, that if Aqua Regalis be not able to diſſolve Silver, the reaſon of it is becauſe the edges of the Spirit of Niter being magnified by the addition of Salt do ſlide over the pores of Silver, not being capable to enter into them by reaſon of the diſproportion of their figures, whereas they eaſily enter into Gold, whoſe pores are larger, to make their diviſions. On the contrary if the Spirit of Niter diſſolves Silver, it is becauſe its points are very ſubtle and fitly proportioned to enter into the ſmall pores of this metal, and by their motion to divide its parts. Theſe ſame points may likewiſe enter into the large pores of Gold, but they are too ſmall and pliable to act upon this body. There's need of ſtronger and keener knives, which by filling [Page] its pores more advantageouſly may have force enough to divide it.

I do eaſily foreſee, it will be objected, that Gold being heavier than Silver, ſhould have leſſer pores and not greater, becauſe the weight of a body doth only conſiſt in the proximity of parts; but it is eaſie to ſolve this difficulty, by conſidering each metal with a good Microſcope, for the pores of Gold are ſeen to be much larger than thoſe of Silver, though indeed there are much fewer, and that will explicate very well why Gold is heavier than Silver, though its pores are greater; for ſeeing they are at a good diſtance the one from the other, there's a very compact matter as it were intercepted, which cauſes all the weight; but the pores of Silver being very near one another, and of a much greater number, do intercept leſs ſolid matter, and conſequently it muſt be lighter. I'le uſe a familiar example, to make my ſelf more plainly underſtood.

If you take two veſſels of the ſame ſize and bigneſs, and fill one with ſmall hail-ſhot, and the other with large bullets, that which holds the bullets will be much heavier than that which is full of ſhot; and yet notwithſtanding the vacuities between the bullets are much larger, than thoſe between the ſhot.

According to this Hypotheſis, reaſon may be likewiſe given, why Gold is cut in pieces more eaſily than Silver; for the greater the pores of a body are, the eaſier entrance will a pair of Sheers meet with.

Gold ſpreads under the hammer more than Silver, becauſe having larger pores the hammer [Page] makes a greater impreſſion into it, and dilates the parts the more eaſily.

It is objected, that if there be any heavy matter as it were intercepted between the pores of Gold, it muſt needs precipitate of itſelf, after the action of Aqua Regalis upon this metal, which is a thing that does not happen.

I anſwer, that if the parts of Gold are heavy, the diſſolvent nevertheleſs is a groſs body, and very well proportioned to hold up thoſe heavy parts, and to hinder them from precipitating.

Others have oppoſed this explication, and have writ, that if Aqua Regalis diſſolves Gold, and cannot diſſolve Silver, the reaſon of it is, that the groſs points of ſpirit of Niter, or Aqua fortis are ſubtilized by the mixture of ſal Armoniack, and are rendred fit to enter into the ſmall pores of Gold, whereas the delicate Fabrick of theſe ſame points does not leave them the neceſſary ſtrength nor motion to divide the parts of Silver, whoſe pores are a great deal bigger.

But this way of arguing does not agree with experience; for what likelihood is there that the points of ſpirit of Niter are ſo ſubtilized by the penetration and diviſion of the parts of ſal Armoniack? or where ſhall we find any example, that after a conſiderable efferveſcency of two ſalts met together in conflict, the acidity grows ſharper than it was before? this is a thing that can never be proved. On the contrary, every body knows well enough that no efferveſcency happens but the acid is in part blunted or broken thereby. Moreover the Argument ſuppoſes that ſpirit of Niter does break its ſubtileſt points in violently contending [Page] with the Sal Armoniack, ſince alſo that in ſal Armoniack there are alkali ſalts whoſe property it is to deſtroy acids. I could further add here, that the conjunction of ſalt with ſpirit of Niter ſhould of neceſſity render its points more groſs than they were, and that the Cryſtals which are drawn by aqua Regalis have their ſhape not ſo keen as thoſe that are drawn by aqua Fortis. But that which I have ſaid is ſo probable in itſelf, and ſo eaſie to be convinced of, if a man takes never ſo little pains to conſider it, that I ſhould but amuſe my Reader to little purpoſe, if I ſhould offer to give any proofs of it.

Neither do I find it convenient to make a long diſcourſe in explicating how Silver, which has leſſer pores, is more ſuſceptible of the impreſſions of Air and Fire, than Gold which has larger, ſeeing I have already ſuppoſed that the matter intercepted between the pores of Gold is more compact, and conſequently more hard to ſeparate than that of Silver.

Volatile Spirit of Sal Armoniack.

This preparation is a volatile ſalt raiſed from ſal Armoniack by the means of Quick-lime, and diſſolved into a liquor.

Take eight ounces of ſal Armoniack, and four and twenty ounces of Quick-lime; powder them apart, and when you haved mixed them in a mortar, pour upon them four ounces of water, and put it quickly into a Retort, whoſe half muſt remain empty. Set your Retort in a ſand Furnace, and [Page] fitting to it a great Receiver, and luting the junctures exactly, begin the diſtillation without fire, for a quarter of an hour; afterwards increaſing it by little and little unto the ſecond degree, continue it until nothing more comes forth; take off your Receiver, and pour out the Spirit immediately into a Viol, turning away your head as much as may be to avoid a very ſubtile vapour that continually riſes from it. Stop the bottle cloſe with wax, to keep the Spirit in; you will have of it five ounces, and ſix drachms.

It is an excellent Remedy for all diſeaſes that proceed from Obſtructions, and corruption of humours, ſuch as Malignant feavers, the Epilepſie, Palſie, Plague, Small-pox, &c. It drives by perſpiration, or by Urine: the doſe is from ſix drops to twenty, in a glaſs of Balm, or Carduus water.

Remarks.

Quick-lime, which is an alkali, deſtroys the ſtrength of the acid Sea-ſalt, which in a manner bound up the volatile ſalts in the Sal Armoniack, whence it comes to paſs, that as ſoon as Lime and Sal Armoniack are mixed together, there exhales an unſufferable ſmell of Urine; for the volatile ſalts coming forth abundantly do ſo fill the Noſe and Mouth of the Artiſt, that he would never be able to put the mixture into the Retort, if he did not take good care to turn away his head, while his hands are at work.

[Page]Water is added to it to liquifie theſe volatile ſalts, for if there were nothing to moiſten them, they would ſuddenly ſublime to the neck of the Retort, and ſtopping it all together would break it to pieces.

You muſt ſtop the Retort with your hand, ſo ſoon as you have poured the water into it, and ſhaking it one minute, you muſt haſten all you can to fit to it the Receiver, and to lute well the junctures; for the Quick-lime does preſently grow hot, ſo ſoon as its body is opened; and this heat, which is very conſiderable would ſpend the more volatile of the ſalts, if there were no care taken to preſerve them.

The Quick-lime being wetted does ſwell, and take up a great deal of room; wherefore the Retort muſt be filled but half full, that there may remain room enough for the Spirits to rarefie in; you muſt alſo uſe a large Receiver, in which the vapours that riſe in abundance may be able to circulate with eaſe.

This Spirit is nothing but a ſolution of volatile ſalts in water; if you would ſublime, and ſeparate it from the water, you muſt put the liquor into a matraſs with its head, and proceed as I ſhall ſhew when I deſcribe the volatile ſalt of Vipers; but this ſalt being dry, flies away more eaſily than when it continues diſſolved in water, ſo that it were better keep it as it is.

This is a ſtronger Spirit than that which is prepared with Salt of Tartar, becauſe the little fiery bodies of the Quick-lime, which are mixed with it, have quickned the motion of the volatile ſalts; likewiſe theſe fiery particles are they that do [Page] hinder the coagulation of this Spirit with ſpirit of Wine, when they are mixed together, for there muſt be a cohaeſion and repoſe of parts, in order to make a Coagulum.

You muſt alſo have a care when you remove the Receiver, not to hold your head over it; for this volatile ſalt ſuffering a greater ſeparation than before, enters the Noſe immmediately, and hinders Reſpiration; inſomuch that ſeveral perſons have been ſeen to fall in a ſwound by that means alone. Now to avoid this accident, you had beſt have ready a wet cloth, to ſtop the Receiver with, ſo ſoon as it is unluted.

This Spirit is an excellent Menſtruum to make precipitations with, it deſtroys acids exceeding well, as do all other volatile alkalis; it is uſed to precipitate Gold, after it is diſſolved.

It is good in thoſe diſeaſes I named, becauſe it opens the pores, and drives the humours by perſpiration, or by Urine, according to the diſpoſition of bodies: moreover, as it is an alkali, it deſtroys the acids which cauſed theſe diſeaſes.

Again, it ſometimes cauſes ſleep, becauſe it dulls the keenneſs of acid ſalts, which entring into the little conduits of the Brain, do cauſe perpetual watchings.

It is better give volatile Spirits in Sudorifick waters, than broth, becauſe the broth being taken hot, the heat would evaporate the better part of the volatile Spirits, before a man could reach the Porringer to his mouth.

You will find in the Retort thirty ounces of a white matter, which you muſt throw away as uſeleſs; it is the fixt ſalt of ſal Armoniack mixed with the Quick-lime.

Another Preparation of the Volatile Spirit of Sal Armoniack, together with its Flowers, and Fixt Salt againſt Feavers.

[Page]

Powder and mix together eight ounces of Sal Armoniack, and ſo much Salt of Tartar; put this mixture quickly into a glaſs body, and ſprinkle it with three ounces of Rain-water, ſet a head upon it, and after fitting the Receiver, and luting the junctures cloſe with a wet bladder, place your veſſel in ſand, with a gentle fire at firſt to warm the Retort by little and little, and diſtil the Spirit drop by drop; but when you perceive there will diſtil no more, take away the Receiver, and ſtop it cloſe: then encreaſe the fire to the third degree, and continue it about two hours, there will ſublime the white Flowers of Sal Armoniack, which will ſtick about the bottom of the head like meal.

The Spirit hath the ſame ſtrength, and virtues as the former: you will have ſeven ounces of it, and a half.

Gather up the Flowers with a Feather, and uſe them as you would thoſe I deſcribed before the Preparation: you'l have of them ten drachms, and a half.

There remains at the bottom of the Cucurbite nine ounces, and three drachms of a white fixt maſs. You muſt diſſolve it in ſufficient water, then filter the diſſolution, and evaporate it, until it is dry, you'l have a very white Salt, that may be reckoned a good Remedy for intermittent [Page] Feavers: the doſe is from eight grains to thirty in the ſmall Centaury water, or ſome other convenient liquor.

Remarks.

The Salt of Tartar ſerves in this Operation, as the Quick-lime did in the other; but becauſe it is a more powerful Alkali than Quick-lime, you muſt not uſe ſo great a quantity of it. The fixt Salt of Niter might be ſubſtituted in its place, or any other Alkali that you will.

When the fire begins to heat the matter, there do riſe up into the head ſtore of volatile Salts, in a fine delicate Cryſtalline form, but the moiſt vapours coming upon them do diſſolve them into Spirit.

The Volatile Spirit of Sal Armoniack is then a diſſolution of Volatile ſalt in water, and if there be not phlegm ſufficient to diſſolue all the Volatile ſalt, there will remain ſome part of it at bottom of the Receiver, and that may likewiſe be turn'd into Spirit, by only adding enough water to diſſolve it. Thus the Spirit becomes as ſtrong as it can be made, for the pores of the water being filled with as much ſalt as they can contain, it can receive no more. But if there happens to be more water than the proportion of Volatile Salt requires, then the Spirit proves weak, and muſt be given in a larger doſe.

This Spirit is Sudorifick, but you may perceive more ſenſibly the effect of Sal armoniack to cauſe Sweat, by diſſolving ſix or eight grains of this ſalt, and the ſame quantity of Salt of Tartar, each ſeparately in two ſmall doſes of ſome proper liquor, [Page] and giving them to a Patient one preſently after the other; for the ſalt of Tartar working upon the Sal Armoniack in the ſtomach, after the ſame manner as it does when they are mixt together in a Mortar, the Spirits do ſeparate from the latter with the more force, and act more powerfully, than when they were mixed, before they were given; for the little violence that the Volatile Spirits do uſe in their ſeparation from ſea-ſalt, does leave them the more activity, and diſpoſes them the better to paſs through the pores. Again, it is probable, that in the former effort which theſe Spirits made in their ſeparation from the fixt part, when Sal Armoniack was mixt with ſalt of Tartar in a mortar, the more ſubtile part might fly away firſt, and be loſt; now it is this ſubtile portion that is moſt proper to rarefie the humours, and to drive them forth by Tranſpiration.

The flowers do proceed from ſome part of the Sal Armoniack, which the ſalt of Tartar had not ſufficiently opened.

The Febrifugous ſalt is nothing but a mixture of ſalt of Tartar, and the fixt and acid part of Sal Armoniack, it works by Urine, and but ſeldom by Sweat, by reaſon that being fixed it precipitates more eaſily than it rarefies; and it is by this means that it opens obſtructions, which are often the firſt cauſe of Feavers.

If you mix in a Viol equal quantities of Volatile Spirit of Sal Armoniack, & Spirit of Wine, and ſhake them a little together, they will cauſe a Coagulum.

This Coagulation proceeds from hence that the Spirit of Wine, which is a rarefied Oil, does unite with the Spirit of Sal Armoniack which is a ſaline [Page] liquor; and it is but the ſame thing which happens from ſtirring Oil and ſome ſalt liquor in a mortar, in order to make an Unguent, called Nutritum.

By this incorporation together, the ſalt is involved in the ramous parts of the ſulphur, and theſe ſame ſulphureous parts are checkt, or as it were fixed by the ſalt, ſo that neither of them have any more freedom of motion; and from this repoſe of theſe parts does reſult the Coagulum.

It may be likewiſe ſaid that the conjunction of the acid that is in Spirit of Wine with the volatile Armoniack alkali, does contribute much to this Coagulation.

The Spirit of Sal Armoniack prepared with Quick-lime does not at all coagulate with Spirit of Wine, by reaſon of fiery parts that it contains The Salt of Tartar too may have mixed ſome fiery bodies in the Spirit of Sal Armoniack, but there are not enough of them in it to hinder its adunation with Spirit of Wine.

Volatile Spirit of Sal Armoniack dulcified.

This Operation is a volatile Armoniack ſalt mixed, and diſſolved in Spirit of Wine.

Take Sal Armoniack, and Salt of Tartar, of each four ounces, powder them ſeparately and mix them well in a glaſs, or marble mortar, put this mixture into a glaſs body, pour upon it ten ounces of rectified Spirit of Wine, ſtir it all together with a wooden Spatule, and fit to the body a head, and Receiver, lute well the junctures, place the veſſel [Page] in a Sand-furnace, and give it a very little fire, to warm the body. The volatile ſalt will riſe, and ſtick to the head, and neck of the receiver. Increaſe the fire a little, and continue it, until there diſtils nothing more, the operation is ended in four or five hours. Let the veſſels cool, and unlute them. You will find a volatile ſalt ſtuck to the head, and a ſpirit in the receiver. Put quickly both the one and the other into a Retort in ſand; and after having fitted another Retort to it to ſerve for a Receiver, and having luted the junctures, diſtil the whole with a ſmall fire. Cohobate it again three times, then keep what you have diſtilled in a bottle well ſtopt, almoſt all the volatile ſalt will be diſſolved in the Spirit of Wine, and that which remains undiſſolved will receive a perfect diſſolution in the bottle.

It is a very good Medicin for the Lethargy, the Palſy, the Scurvy, Malignant feavers, and Hyſterical maladies; it may be given inſtead of Spirit of Sal Armoniack before deſcribed. And it is not ſo repugnant to the taſte. It works by Sweat, or by inſenſible Tranſpiration; the doſe is from twelve drops to thirty, in ſome proper liquor; it is likewiſe good, outwardly applied, for the Palſie, and for cold pains.

Remarks.

So ſoon as the Sal Armoniack is mixed with the ſalt of Tartar, Volatile ſalts do riſe from them, which would very much incommode the Artiſt if he ſhould hold his noſe over it. You muſt loſe no [Page] time in putting the mixture into the body, and then ſtopping it, for theſe firſt ſalts are the moſt ſubtile of all.

The ſalts muſt be ſeparately powdered, by reaſon of the loſs which would be made of the volatile ſalts, in the mixing of the Sal Armoniack with the ſalt of Tartar.

In the making this mixture, you muſt not uſe any mortar made of metal, becauſe that in the conflict of the two ſalts it would be corroded, and that which were corroded from it would be apt to ſpoil the operation.

The body muſt be filled but half way, when the whole is in. The volatile ſalt is lighter than the ſpirit of Wine, for it riſes firſt.

When the Spirit of Wine is well rectified; it will not diſſolve any of the volatile ſalt at firſt, but on the contrary it hinders this ſalt from diſſolving in a liquor, becauſe the ramous parts of the wine do ſtop the entrance of the air, but if there be any phlegm in the Spirit of Wine, it diſſolves the ſalt according to the proportion that there is of it.

Thoſe who had rather uſe the volatile Sal Armoniack dry, then in liquor, may keep it dry in a bottle well ſtopt, and uſe it for the ſame purpoſes as the ſpirit; the doſe of it muſt be a little leſs, it is very white and pure, this keeps better than that which is drawn with water, becauſe an impreſſion of Spirit of Wine which remains in it, does ſerve to retain the ſalts in ſome meaſure.

You need not wonder, that there happens no Coagulum, when Spirit of Wine and this volatile ſalt are ſtirred together in a bottle, as there does [Page] by the mixture of Spirit of Wine, and Spirit of Sal Armoniack, for this ſalt having all its parts intirely united, cannot ſo well mix with the ſulphur of ſpirit of wine; but if you add water enough to diſſolve the ſalt, then there will be a coagulum, becauſe the parts of the ſalt will be diſunited, and by the help of water will enter into the pores of Spirit of wine. I have explicated this coagulum in the Remarks of the Chapter preceding.

The volatile Sal Armoniack does diſſolve well with wateriſh liquors, and ſpirit of Sal Armoniack may be made of them together, by only mixing water enough to diſſolve the ſalt. But if you would mix, or diſſolve it in Spirit of wine, you will find a great deal of trouble in the doing it; if you ſhould only infuſe it in ſpirit of wine, it would none of it diſſolve; on the contrary, that is a way to keep and preſerve the ſalt; therefore you muſt diſtil it over ſeveral times, that the ſaline parts may rarefie, and unite with the ſpirit of wine. That which remains undiſſolved in the Receiver, has been very much rarefied by repeated diſtillations; for which reaſon it alſo diſſolves ſome days afterwards.

Spirit of wine in this operation hath ſo wrought upon the volatile ſalts that they are no longer ſo diſagreeable to the taſte or the ſmell as they were before, and it is by that means that it ſweetens them, for ſulphurs do contemperate the acrimony of ſalts, as I have ſaid ſpeaking of the Principles.

Acid Spirit of Sal Armoniack.

[Page]

This Spirit is a fixed Sal Armoniack, diſſolved into a liquor with a great fire.

Take what quantity you pleaſe of the fixt Febrifugous ſalt, that I have ſpoken of; powder it, and mix it well with thrice as much Potters-earth powdered: put this mixture into a Retort whoſe third part remains empty, place it in a cloſe Reverberatory Furnace, and fit to it a large capacious Receiver. Lute the junctures cloſe, and proceed in the method I ſpoke of, to make the Spirit of Salt, you'l find in the Receiver an acid ſpirit, which is a very good diuretick. It is eſteemed to be ſpecifick for Malignant diſeaſes: the doſe is to an agreeable acidity in Juleps and broths.

Remarks.

This acid Spirit proceeds from the fixt part of the Sal Armoniack, for the Alkali contributes not one drop of it.

Although the Salt of Tartar has weakned the ſtrength of Sea-ſalt, which was mixed with the volatile ſalts in Sal Armoniack, as I have ſaid, this ſame ſea-ſalt nevertheleſs will yield a very acid ſpirit upon diſtillation, becauſe the parts of ſea-ſalt, though they have ſuffered a ſtrong conflict with the other, yet do contain a Spirit as well as they do otherwiſe intire; after the ſame manner as when ſea-ſalt is reduced into a very fine [Page] powder, it continues as full of Spirits, as when it was in larger pieces; for you muſt not imagine that Sal Armoniack does contain the acidity of ſea-ſalt ſeparate from its earth, for if it could remain in it in ſuch a ſtate, it would quietly divide the parts of the Alkali ſalt, with which it is mixed, and would be deſtroyed it ſelf, but this ſalt remains in it in its ſubſtance intire.

CHAP. XVIII. Of Vitriol.

VItriol is a Mineral compounded of an Acid Salt, and Sulphureous Earth; there are four ſorts of it, the Blue, the White, the Green, and the Red.

The Blue is found near the Mines of Copper, in Hungary, and the Iſle of Cyprus, from whence it is brought to us in fair Cryſtals, which keep the name of the Country, and are called Vitriol of Hungary, or Cyprus; it partakes very much of the nature of Copper, which renders it a little Cauſtick; it is never uſed but in outward applications, ſuch as Collyriums, or waters for the eyes, and to conſume proud fleſh.

White Vitriol is found near unto Fountains, it is the moſt of all depurated from a Metallick mixture: it may be taken inwardly to give a vomit; it is likewiſe uſed in Collyriums.

[Page]There are three ſorts of Green Vitriol, the German, Engliſh, and the Roman. That of Germany draws near unto the blue, and contains a little Copper, it is better than the reſt for the preparation of Aqua fortis. That of England partakes of Iron, and is proper to make the Spirit of Vitriol. The Roman is much like the Engliſh Vitriol, excepting that it is not ſo eaſie to diſſolve.

Red Vitriol was brought among us a few years ago out of Germany, it is called Natural Colcothar, and is eſteemed to be a Green Vitriol Calcined by ſome ſubterranean heat. It is the leaſt common of them all, it ſtops Bloud, being applied to Hemorrhagies.

If you diſſolve a little white, or green Vitriol in water, and write with the diſſolution, the writing will not be ſeen, but if you rub the paper with a little Cotton dipt in the decoction of Galls, it will appear legible; then if you wet a little more Cotton in Spirit of Vitriol, and paſs it gently over the paper, the Ink will diſappear again; and yet at laſt if you rub the place with a little more Cotton dipt in Oil of Tartar made per Deliquium, it will again appear legible, but of a Yellowiſh colour.

The reaſon that I can give for theſe effects is this, the Spirit of Vitriol diſſolves a certain Coagulum which is made of Vitriol and Galls, but the Oil of Tartar breaking the force of this acid Spirit, the Coagulum recovers it ſelf, and appears again, but becauſe it now contains Oil of Tartar too, it acquires a new colour.

If you throw the diſſolution of Vitriol, or Vitriol only powdered, into a ſtrong decoction of dried [Page] Roſes, it will turn as black as common Ink; if you pour ſome drops of ſpirit of Vitriol into it, this Ink will turn red; and if you add to it a little volatile ſpirit of Sal Armoniack, it will turn gray.

Theſe changes of colour do proceed from the ſpirit of Vitriol's diſſolving the Coagulum which the Vitriol it ſelf had made, and rendring it inviſible; the liquor recovers a freſher red colour than it had, before the Vitriol was put into it, becauſe the ſame ſpirit does ſeparate the parts of the Roſe which were diſſolved in the liquor, and renders them more viſible.

The volatile ſpirit of Sal Armoniack, which is an alkali, does partly break the acid edges of the ſpirit of Vitriol, ſo that the parts of the Roſe having nothing more to keep them rarefied, do cloſe together, and conſequently the liquor changes colour.

By this experiment may be ſeen, that the dried Roſe may ſerve to make Ink with, as well as Galls; Indian wood, and divers other things will do the ſame.

Gilla Vitrioli, or Vomitive Vitriol.

This operation is only a purification of white Vitriol.

Diſſolve what quantity you pleaſe of white Vitriol, in as much Phlegm of Vitriol, as is needful to diſſolve it; filtrate the diſſolution, and evaporate two thirds of the moiſture in an earthen pan. Put the reſt into a cool place for three days time, there will ſhoot out Cryſtals, which you muſt ſeparate; [Page] then evaporate a third part of the liquor that remains, and ſet the veſſel again in a Cellar, there will ſhoot new Cryſtals; continue thus evaporating and cryſtallizing, until you have gotten all you can; dry theſe Cryſtals in the Sun, and keep them for uſe; the doſe is from twelve grains to a drachm, in Broth, or ſome other liquor.

Remarks.

This is only a Purification of Vitriol, that ſerves to ſeparate a little earth from it.

All the liquor may be evaporated without any Cryſtallization, the Gilla Vitrioli will remain at bottom in a white powder.

White Vitriol is uſed in this operation rather than Green, becauſe it is milder.

The other Vitriols may be purified after the ſame manner.

After taking this vomit, a man ſometimes voids by ſtool a black matter like Ink, becauſe it frequently happens that ſome part of the Vitriol deſcending into the Guts, meets a ſaline matter that it joyns with, and ſo cauſes a blackneſs, as it uſes to do when Vitriol is mixed with Galls.

Calcination of Vitriol.

Put what quantity you pleaſe of Green Vitriol into an earthen pot unglazed; ſet the pot over the fire, and the Vitriol will diſſolve into water; boil it to the conſumption of the moiſture, or elſe [Page] until the matter turn into a grayiſh maſs drawing towards white; this is called Vitriol Calcined to whiteneſs. If you ſhould Calcine this gray Vitriol a good while over a ſtrong fire, it would turn as red as bloud. It is called Colcothar, and is good to ſtop bloud, being applied to a wound.

Remarks.

You muſt not Calcine the Vitriol in a glazed pot for fear of diſſolving the Verniſh, which would change the nature of the Vitriol.

It may be Calcined, or rather dryed in the Sun, until it becomes white, this Calcination deſerves to be preferr'd before the other, but only it is longer a doing.

The Vitriol may be likewiſe ſpread about a Furnace heated a little, and ſo dried until it turns white.

If you ſhould reſolve to dry as exactly as you can, ſixteen pounds of green Vitriol, there would remain but ſeven pounds of white Vitriol.

But in order to do this, you muſt powder the white maſs of Calcined Vitriol, after you have broke the pot, and ſtir it a long time in an earthen pan, over a little fire, until there riſes no more fume from it, or until there remains in it no more phlegm.

If you ſhould Calcine this white Vitriol to a redneſs, you'd have five pounds and a half of Colcothar. The ſulphur of Vitriol is loſt during this laſt Calcination, you muſt do it in the Chimney, for the fume would be very injurious to the breaſt. [Page] This ſulphur has the ſame ſmell as ordinary ſulphur.

Some have writ, that the red colour which appears after a long Calcination of Engliſh Vitriol, was an undoubted proof that there was Copper in it, after the ſame manner as the red colour which happens to Verdigreeſe calcined is a certain proof that it contains in it ſome particles of Copper.

But that which is here ſaid to paſs for a thing undeniable, is no proof at all; for firſt of all thoſe Vitriols which are thought moſt to partake of Copper, do give no greater redneſs in their Calcination, than the others which partake the leaſt of it. Secondly let Copper be prepared which way you pleaſe, you can never make it redder than the Colcothar of Engliſh Vitriol, whoſe redneſs muſt be thought to proceed from ſome particles of this metal contained in it. And thirdly, we ſee plainly, that Iron, Lead, Mercury, and divers mineral bodies do acquire a red colour in their Calcining, without containing any Copper.

The Sympathetical powder that has made ſo much noiſe is nothing but white Vitriol opened, prepared divers ways according to mens different conceptions about it. The Roman Vitriol is better eſteemed than the other for this operation.

The common method of preparing this Powder is to expoſe it to the heat of the Sun, whilſt the Sun is in Leo, that is in July, in order to dry it, and to open it. And men think that Sign does beſtow particular influences on the preparation. Though in truth it undergoes drying better in that ſeaſon than another, by reaſon of the great heat [Page] then of the Sun. And it may be the parts of the Vitriol do become more volatile by this heat, but for what is ſaid of Influence it is meerly imaginary.

Many do only pulverize the ordinary Vitriol, in order to make the Sympathetical powder.

When you would uſe this powder, you are to take the bloud of a wound upon a linnen cloth, and to ſprinkle ſome of it upon the bloud. It is pretended, that though the bloudy linnen were ten miles off from the Patient, when the Sympathetical powder is applied to it, the wound would preſently heal. But the experience of ſeveral perſons who have tried it (and others may do the ſame) does evince, that men have had a great faith, when they have talked of the effects of this powder; for if it be not applied to a cloth newly blouded, and even in the chamber of the Patient, you will certainly find no effect from it. Nay where ſuch precautions have been uſed, it performs no great matter, and ſometimes does nothing at all.

Now to explicate the action of Vitriol, called Sympathy, you muſt know that there does continually exhale into the air, little bodies from this mineral ſalt, and to convince you of it, you need only to put the ſeveral Vitriols of different colours pretty near one another in the ſame place, you will find after 12 or 15 daies that they have all changed colour a little in their ſuperficies. The white will become yellow, the green whitiſh, the blue greeniſh, the red grayiſh. Theſe changes of colour cannot proceed but from little bodies, which being ſeparated from each kind of Vitriol, [Page] and mixing in the air, ſome part of them do fall confuſedly on the matter. And it muſt not be ſaid that theſe changes are cauſed by the air, which does open and rarefie theſe ſalts; for if you put them into places ſeparate, or diſtant from one another, this effect will in no wiſe happen.

You muſt alſo obſerve that the bloud, to which the Vitriolick powder is applied, retaining ſome heat ſtill, may thereby increaſe the activity and number of the little bodies which do ariſe from the Vitriol.

And theſe Vitriolick bodies diſperſing themſelves in the air are they that cauſe all the Sympathy, for they do mix in the wound of the patient, and becauſe the virtue of Vitriol is to ſtop the bloud, and to dry it, you need not wonder if the volatile parts which come from it, do perform the ſame effect.

But it may be objected, that the volatile parts of Vitriol have no more determination naturally to go find out the wound of a perſon, than other parts of the body, and other places of the chamber. Nay on the contrary, that a wound being commonly covered with a plaiſter, and ſomewhat thick bandage, is not ſo likely to receive thoſe bodies.

I anſwer, that there is no need of giving any other determination to theſe volatile parts of Vitriol, than is given to other volatile ſalts which are diſperſed in the air; but becauſe wounds are always of a glutinous temper, it is eaſie to conceive that theſe little bodies will adhere to them in greater quantity than to others, as any downy ſubſtance which flies about a room, wherein there is Glue, or Turpentine, [Page] will more eaſily ſtick in them, than in other places.

As for the Bandage and Plaſter, uſed to wounds, you muſt know that thoſe who do uſe the Sympathetical powder, do apply none of them. But when it happens, which is very rare, that a mans wound has been cured by this Powder, although there was a Plaiſter and bandage alſo laid upon it, this effect can never be attributed to any thing elſe but the penetration of Vitriol, for there are wounds that a very little quantity of Vitriol is capable of drying.

Thus I have given you the moſt rational explication that can be, of an effect which has hitherto paſſed for a thing altogether inexplicable.

To conclude, I would not adviſe any wounded perſon to inſiſt or depend too much on a remedy of this nature; for to one who ever received conſiderable good, there's a hundred, who never perceived any effect from it, and the cauſe of it has been, that the volatile parts of the Vitriol have hapned to be diverted from the wound by ſome wind, or elſe becauſe the greateſt part of people have their bloud too ſubtile, and too active to be fixed by ſo little a quantity of Vitriol.

Nevertheleſs thoſe whoſe heads are filled with the Sympathetical Powder do ſpeak of it, as of a never failing medicine. And if a man offers to convince them by an experiment to the contrary, as it is not hard to do, they preſently cry out, that the reaſon it fails is, becauſe it is ill prepared; but it is eaſie to convince them, if they deſire a ſerious ſatisfaction in it, for the powder of their own preparation, that they ſo much magnifie, though it be [Page] ſucceſsful in one, will be found to fail in a great many others.

Many Authors have alſo written a great many falſhoods in defence of the Sympathy, as for example, that if the urine of an Infant were caſt into the fire ſo ſoon as it is made, it would cauſe a heat of urine: that if the excrements of an animal were thrown into the fire, or among Nettles, there would be an Inflammation in the guts of the ſame creature, and many the like ſtories, which a thouſand experiments will prove not to be true.

Diſtillation of Vitriol.

This Spirit is an acid ſalt of Vitriol, diſſolved into a liquor, by a great fire.

Fill two thirds of a large earthen Retort, or glaſs one luted, with Vitriol Calcined to whiteneſs; place it in a cloſe Reverberatory furnace, and fitting to it a great Balon or Receiver, give a very ſmall fire to warm the Retort, and make the water come forth that might ſtill remain in the Vitriol; and when there will diſtil no more, pour the water out of the Receiver into a Bottle, this is called Phlegm of Vitriol; it is uſed in Inflammations of the eyes to waſh them with: refit the Receiver to the neck of the Retort, and luting the junctures exactly, encreaſe the fire by degrees, and when you perceive Clouds to come forth into the Receiver, continue it in the ſame condition, until the Receiver grows cold; then ſtrengthen the fire with wood to an extream violence, until the flame riſes through the Tunnel of the Reverberatory as [Page] big as ones arm. The Receiver will fill again with white Clouds; continue the fire after this manner for three days, and ſo many nights, then put it out: unlute the junctures when the veſſels are cold, and pour the Spirit into a glaſs body, ſet it in ſand, and fit to it quickly a Head with its Receiver; lute the junctures cloſe with a wet Bladder, and diſtil with a very gentle fire, about four ounces of it, this is the Sulphureous ſpirit of Vitriol, keep it in a viol well ſtopt.

It is good for the Aſthma, Palſie, and diſeaſes of the Lungs, the doſe is from four drops to ten in ſome convenient liquor.

Change the Receiver, and augmenting the fire, diſtil about half the liquor that remains in the body: this is called the Acid Spirit of Vitriol, it is mixed in Juleps to an agreeable acidity.

That which remains in the body is the moſt acid part of the Vitriol, and is improperly called Oil. It may be uſed like the acid Spirit, for continued Feavers, and other diſtempers that are accompanied with a violent heat. This Oil is likewiſe uſed for the diſſolution of metals.

You'l find in the Retort a Colcothar which hath the ſame virtues with that I ſpoke of before.

Remarks.

To make the Spirit of Vitriol you muſt take green Engliſh Vitriol, ſuch as being rubbed upon Iron doth not at all change colour, which ſhews it doth not partake of Copper, as the German does, that looks a little blueiſh, and is more acrimonious. [Page] You muſt Calcine it as I have ſaid, to the end it being deprived of the greateſt part of its Phlegm, the diſtillation may be diſpatched the ſooner. A third part of the Retort is left empty, that the Spirits may have room to rarefie in, when they come forth.

There diſtils alſo a great deal of Phlegm into the Receiver, and all of it is known to have come, when there drops no more. Thoſe who don't care for the ſulphurcous ſpirit, do let it come forth, and mix together with the Phlegm, before the junctures are luted; but you muſt be ſure to govern the fire diſcreetly at that time; for theſe Spirits come with a great deal of violence, and uſe to break the Retort, when they are driven too furiouſly. When they are out, you muſt augment the fire to the laſt degree of all, for the acid Spirit will not part with its earth, until it is forced by an extraordinary heat.

If you diſtil eight pounds of white Vitriol, at ſixteen ounces to the pound, you'l draw off ſeventeen ounces of Phlegm, and two and twenty ounces and a half, both of the Sulphureous, and the Acid ſpirit of Vitriol. Of theſe two and twenty ounces and a half, there will be five ounces of Sulphureous ſpirit.

You'l find in the Retort five pounds, five ounces of Colcothar.

Uſe all the care you can poſſible to preſerve all the liquors which come from Vitriol, yet it will be impoſſible for you to hinder it from loſing ſome through the junctures, during the diſtillation.

If you ſhould uſe German inſtead of Engliſh Vitriol, you'd draw off a little more ſpirit than the [Page] quantity I have named, but it would have ſome ſmell of Aqua fortis, and the matter which remains in the Retort would be of a brown colour drawing towards black. This colour proceeds from ſulphureous Fuliginoſities which riſe more from this Vitriol than the other, becauſe it partakes of Copper; for this Sooty vapour finding no vent to get out at, falls down again upon the matter and blackens it.

The Furnace in which this operation is performed, muſt be very thick, that the heat of the fire being none of it loſt through the Pores, may the better act upon the Retort. Theſe Spirits do rarefie into white vapours in the Receiver, which muſt be provided large enough, to give them free liberty to circulate in, before they condenſe into a liquor at bottom. The fire is uſually continued four or five days together, but if after that, you ſhould change the Receiver, and continue the fire three or four days longer, there would come forth an Oil of Vitriol congealed, and cauſtick, which is nothing but the more fixt part of the Sprit of Vitriol. And this Congelation hath given this liquor the name of Oil of Vitriol, though improperly.

Vitriol contains earth enough, wherefore none is added to it, as is neceſſarily done in the diſtillation of Niter.

Acid Spirits are Salts become fluid by the force of fire, which hath diſingaged them from their more terreſtrious part, and they may be revived again by pouring them upon ſome Alkali; for example, the Spirit of Vitriol remaining ſome time upon Iron, doth reincorporate into Vitriol, and the Spirit of Niter, poured upon Salt of Tartar makes a Salt-peter.

[Page]There is one thing happens about the Oil of Vitriol, when it is very ſtrong, which is ſtrange indeed; it is, that if you mix it with its Acid Spirit, or with water, or elſe with an Ethereal Oil, ſuch as the Oil of Turpentine, this mixture grows hot to that degree, that ſometimes it breaks the Viol it was put into, and often it produces a conſiderable Ebullition.

I could quickly give an account of this heat and Ebullition, if I would ſuppoſe an Alkali to be in the Oil of Vitriol, as thoſe do who pretend to explicate every thing that happens by the notions of acid and alkali; but not comprehending how an alkali ſhould be able to remain ſo long a time with ſo ſtrong an acid as is the Oil of Vitriol without being deſtroyed, I had rather give a reaſon that ſeems to me abundantly more probable.

I conceive therefore that if water, or Spirit of Vitriol, or the Ethereal Oil of Turpentine do come to heat the Oil of Vitriol, it is by ſetting in motion a great many fiery particles which the Oil of Vitriol had drawn with it in the diſtillation; for theſe little fiery bodies being environ'd with ſalts that are exceeding heavy, and hard to rarefie, they drive about with vehemence whatſoever ſtands in their way, and when they have cauſed an Ebullition, and find they can't get out at the top of the Viol, they break it to pieces with the buſsle they make at bottom, and on the ſides.

Perhaps it will be ſaid, I do here ſuppoſe gratis that the Oil of Vitriol does contain fiery particles; but if we conſider the great violence of fire, and the time that is ſpent in drawing this acid, it will be no ſuch hard matter to grant me this ſuppoſition. [Page] Beſides it will be hard to explicate the great and burning Corroſion of Oil of Vitriol without admitting theſe fiery parts, for the Vitriol contains nothing in it ſelf of this Cauſtick nature; it is true indeed that it contains Phlegm, Sulphur, and Earth, but it is a thing impoſſible but this acid ſhould diſcover it ſelf more than it does, if it were as Corroſive in the Vitriol, as it is in the Oil.

Once it hapned to me, that putting into my Furnace a Retort whoſe two thirds were filled with German Vitriol dried, in order to draw off its Spirits, I diſtilled firſt of all the Phlegm, and ſulphureous ſpirit, which I took out of the Receiver; I then fitted it again to the Retort, and by a great fire continued three days and three nights, I diſtilled off the acid Spirit as we are uſed to do. When the veſſels were cold, I admired to find in my Receiver nothing but a maſs of Salt, or Congealed Oil of Vitriol. This Salt was ſo exceeding Cauſtick and burning, that if I offer'd to touch the ſmalleſt part of it with my finger, I preſently felt an inſufferable ſcalding, and was fain to put my hand immediately into water, it continued to fume ſtill, and when a little of it was thrown into water, it made the ſame hiſſing noiſe, as a fire-coal flung into water would do. Beſides it heated the water very much, and much more than common Oil of Vitriol could.

I kept this congealed Spirit about ſix months, after which time it diſſolved into a liquor, which I uſed as Oil of Vitriol; for it was in effect the ſame thing.

And in my opinion this operation does ſufficiently evince, that Oil of Vitriol contains fiery parts.

[Page]It hapned to me another time, that having rectified the Spirit of Vitriol, to ſeparate it from its Oil by an Alembick, ſome part of the diſtilled Spirit was turned into fair and tranſparent Cryſtals in the bolt-head, or Receiver, which Cryſtals had the ſame acrimony, and ſtrength with the maſs I now ſpoke of.

If you pour ſome drops of Spirit, or Oil of Vitriol into a quart of hot water, in which you ſhall infuſe a pugil of dried red Roſes, the liquor will in a little time become as red as Claret; and this effect muſt not ſo much be attributed to the Spirit of Vitriol's ſharpning the water, and ſo thereby drawing out the Tincture of Roſes, as to this that the acid Spirit does rarefie and ſeparate the particles of the Roſe (which the water had diſſolved) and made to appear better than before; for if you ſtrain the Infuſion, and ſeparate the Roſes, before you pour to it your Spirit of Vitriol, although the liquor ſo ſtrained be yet but little raiſed in colour, it will nevertheleſs turn to as high a red, after the Spirit is dropt into it, as if the Roſes remained ſtill in the liquor. We muſt ſay the ſame thing of other Tinctures that are drawn by acids, as alſo of ſuch as are made by an Alkali ſalt.

If you fill a glaſs Viol with the decoction of Nephritick wood clarified, and look on it, turning toward the light, it will appear yellow; but if you turn your back to the light, it will appear blue; if you mix with it ſome drops of Spirit of Vitriol, it will appear yellow on every ſide, but if you again add about as much more Oil of Tartar, it will return unto its firſt colour.

[Page]If you take a Blue, or Violet tincture made in water, ſuch as is drawn out of the Sun-flower, or Violet flowers, and pour upon it ſome drops of Spirit of Vitriol, it will preſently turn red; but if you throw into it ſome Alkali ſalt, it will recover again its former colour.

On the contrary if you pour an Alkali liquor, ſuch as volatile Spirit of Sal Armoniack, or the Oil of Tartar, upon the blue Tincture, it will preſently turn green; and if you again pour upon it a little Spirit of Vitriol, it will change this colour into an obſcure red.

The decoction of Indian wood is very red: if you drop into it a little Spirit of Vitriol it will turn yellow; and if you ſtill add ſome volatile Spirit of Sal Armoniack it will become black.

If you infuſe three or four hours a piece of Indian wood in ſome clear juice of Citron, and take out your wood, the liquor will have received no alteration of colour, but if you add to it ſome drops of Oil of Tartar made per deliquium, it will take a brown colour, and if you add to it a little Spirit of Vitriol, it will reſume its colour again.

If you pour ſome drops of Oil of Tartar upon Claret, it will become greeniſh, and if you add to it a little Spirit of Vitriol, it will return to its former colour.

All theſe changes of colour, which the Spirit of Vitriol, or other acids, and Alkali's do make, proceed only from the different poſition of bodies diſſolved in the liquor, and from its diſpoſition to modifie the light different ways.

Styptick Water.

[Page]

This water is a ſolution of Vitriol and other ingredients, to ſtop bleedings.

Take Colcothar, or the red Vitriol that remains in the Retort after the ſpirit is drawn out, Burntalom, and Sugar-candy, of each half a drachm, the Urine of a young perſon, and Roſe-water, of each half an ounce, Plantain-water two ounces, ſtir them all together a good while in a mortar, then pour the mixture into a Viol, and when you uſe it, ſeparate it by Inclination.

If you apply a Bolſter dipt in this water to an opened Artery, and hold your hand a while upon it, it ſtops the bloud. In like manner you may wet a little Pledget in it, and thruſt it into the Noſe, when an Hemorrhage continues too long; taken inwardly, it cures ſpitting of bloud, bloudy flux, and the immoderate flux of the Hemorrhoids, or Terms, the doſe is from half a drachm to two drachms in Knot-graſs water.

Remarks.

When the bloud guſhes forth too faſt, you muſt redouble the firſt Bolſter, that was put upon the wound, and aſſiſt it a little with your fingers for half an hour.

The Baſis of this water is Colcothar.

Having uſed this water with good ſucceſs upon ſeveral occaſions, I was willing to inſert it in this [Page] Book, and I believe if any body pleaſe to experiment it, as I have done, they will eaſily acknowledge it to be an excellent Remedy in many Diſtempers.

Lapis Medicamentoſus.

Powder and mix together Colcothar, or the red Vitriol, that remains in the Retort after diſtillation, or in want of it Vitriol Calcined to a redneſs two ounces, Litharge, Alom, and Bole-Armenick, of each four ounces; put this mixture into a glazed pot, and pour upon it good Vinegar enough to cover the matter two fingers high; cover the pot and leave it two days in digeſtion, then add to it eight ounces of Niter, two ounces of Sal Armoniack; ſet the pot over the fire, and evaporate all the moiſture, Calcine the maſs that remains, about half an hour in a ſtrong fire, and keep it for uſe. It is a good Remedy to ſtop Gonorrheas, a drachm of it is diſſolved in eight ounces of Plantain water, or Smith's water, to make an Injection into the Yard; it is likewiſe good to cleanſe the eyes in the ſmall pox, ſeven or eight grains of it muſt be diſſolved in four ounces of Plantain or eye-bright water; it is alſo good to ſtop bloud, applied outwardly to a wound. It may be diſſolved in Knot-graſs water, and will go near to have the ſame effects as the ſtyptick water.

Remarks.

[Page]

This ſtone is called Medicamentoſus by way of excellence, by reaſon of the good effects it produces.

The Colcothar, that remains in the Retort after the diſtillation of Vitriol, muſt be better than the others for this Operation; becauſe being deprived of the greateſt part of its Spirits, it is the more Aſtringent.

Litharge, which is a Lead Calcined, Alom, and Bole-Armenick, are ſo many conſiderable Aſtringents, that do no hurt in this compoſition.

Vinegar is put in to incorporate the ingredients together, and ſet them a Fermenting, after which the Niter and Sal Armoniack do eaſily mix among the reſt.

The Calcination which is given to it at the end, is done to carry off ſome part of the acid, and to augment the Aſtriction: It likewiſe fixes the ſtone the more, and makes it fitter to keep.

It is one of the beſt Remedies I ever met with, for ſtopping Gonorrheas, when it is a proper time to ſtop them by Injections.

Salt of Vitriol.

This Operation is the more fixed Salt of Vitriol, that remains after diſtillation.

Take two or three pounds of the Colcothar, that remains in the Retort after diſtillation of Vitriol, [Page] let it infuſe in eight or ten pints of warm water for ten or twelve hours; boil it a little while, and then let it ſettle; ſeparate the water by Inclination, and pour new water upon the matter; proceed as before, and mixing your Impregnations, evaporate all the moiſture in a ſand-heat in a glaſs or earthen veſſel, there will remain a ſalt at bottom.

It is uſed as the Gilla Vitrioli, to give a Vomit; the doſe is from ten to thirty grains.

Remarks.

This ſalt is that part of the Vitriol that the fire is not able to rarefie into Spirit. Some Authors ſay, that it Vomits juſt after the ſame manner, as Gilla Vitrioli, taken in a ſmaller doſe, but I have obſerved that its effect was much leſs, and on the contrary there was need of giving it in a larger doſe than the Gilla, to procure a Vomit; for having given of it ſeveral times a drachm at a doſe, the perſon had no Inclination at all to Vomit; and truly I am apt to believe that a fixt ſalt of Vitriol diveſted of its Sulphur, doth rather tend to precipitate downwards than mount upwards; for Vomiting is cauſed by Saline Sulphurs, which prick the Fibers of the Stomach, whence follows a Convulſion to this part.

That which remains indiſſoluble is called Caput Mortuum, it is uſed for Aſtringents.

If you expoſe it to the Air for a year, or a year and half, it returns into Vitriol again.

CHAP. XIX. Of Roche-Alom, and of its Purification.

[Page]

ROche-Alom is a very Styptick Mineral Salt, found in the veins of the earth in many places of Europe; it is taken up in great tranſparent pieces, the beſt is that which is reddiſh, for the white contains fewer Spirits.

Alom is purified after the ſame manner as Vitriol; it is uſed to cleanſe the teeth; it is a good Diuretick; a drachm of it is diſſolved in a quart of water, and a glaſs of it is given now and then.

Many things are likewiſe called by the name of Alom, as the Saccharinum, which reſembles Sugar, it is nothing but a mixture of Roche-Alom, Roſe-water, and the white of an Egg. Plume-Alom, which ſome call Lapis Amianthus, is a kind of Talk.

Diſtillation of Alom.

Put five pounds of Roche-Alom into a glaſs or earthen body, and fitting to it a head with its Receiver, diſtil in ſand as much as will riſe, you will have a Phlegm of Alom that is uſed for diſtempers of the eyes, for Quinſies, and to cleanſe wounds: unlute the veſſels, break the body, and powder the white maſs that remains in it, put it [Page] into an earthen Retort half empty; place your Retort in a Reverberatory furnace, and fitting to it a large Receiver, lute the junctures cloſe, and light a very ſmall fire the firſt three hours only to warm the Retort, afterwards increaſe it every hour to the utmoſt violence, and theſe Spirits will come forth, and fill the Receiver with white Clouds; continue the fire in this condition three days together, then let the veſſels cool: you'l find in the Receiver an acid Spirit, which you may rectifie by diſtilling it in a glaſs Alembick in ſand, in order to make it the clearer. This acid is more diſagreeable than that of Vitriol, it is uſed in Juleps for continued Feavers, and Tertian Agues; the doſe is from four to eight drops; it is likewiſe good to cure the Aphtha, or little Chancres in the mouth.

Break the Retort, and you'l find in it a white maſs very much rarefied, and light, it is called Burnt Alom, or Calcined Alom, it is uſed for to eat carnous excreſcences, or proud fleſh.

Remarks.

The Diſtillation of Alom muſt be performed like that of Vitriol, that is to ſay, without addition of earth, becauſe theſe Salts do contain enough themſelves.

The Body into which you put your Alom muſt be ſure to be large enough, becauſe it rarefies extreamly.

The Phlegm is known to be all come forth, when there diſtils no more; for theſe Spirits being very [Page] [...] [Page] [...] [Page] [...] [Page] [...] [Page] [...] [Page] [...] [Page] weighty do require a greater heat than that of ſand to raiſe them.

Some have written that Alom yields but very little acid, yet if they take the pains to keep a ſtrong fire under it for three days together, they'l find that this Spirit does not give place in ſtrength, or quantity to that of Vitriol.

Nor are we at all obliged to diſtinguiſh, as they would have us, the Acrimonious, Corroſive ſalt of Alom from its acid, ſeeing that there is nothing either Acrimonious or Coroſive in this Mineral ſalt, which will not turn into an acid Spirit, when it is ſtrongly urged by fire.

If a Drachm of Alom be diſſolved in ſix ounces of this Phlegm, you make an excellent Alom water to cleanſe wounds and ulcers with.

The maſs that remains in the Cucurbite, or Dephlegmated Alom, is more Eſcarotick than that which hath loſt its Spirits

Chirurgeons are wont to Calcine Alom in a Frying pan; but the Iron dulls the greateſt part of its vertue, as abſorbing its Spirits wherein conſiſts the corroſion of Alom; the Retort muſt be filled but half full, becauſe there happen Ebullitions, which do require room.

CHAP. XX. Of Sulphur.

[Page]

SƲlphur is a kind of Bitumen, that is found in many places in Italy and Spain. There is brought among us both a Natural and an Artificial; the Natural is greyiſh, and called Sulphur Vivum, the other is Yellow, and is nothing but the Natural melted, purified from its groſſer earth and formed into Rowls, which we do commonly uſe.

Some think that Sulphur is a Vitriol ſublimed in the earth, becauſe theſe mixts are very often found near one another; that there is a great deal of Sulphur in the maſs of Mineral Vitriol, and that the acid Spirits which are drawn from them both are wholly alike.

Flower of Sulphur.

This preparation is an exaltation of Sulphur.

Put about half a pound of Sulphur groſly powdered into a glaſs body, place it in a ſmall open fire, and cover it with a pot or another Cucurbite turned upſide down, one that is unglazed, ſo as that the neck of the one may enter into the neck of the other. Change the upper Cucurbite every half hour, fitting another in its place; add likewiſe [Page] new Sulphur; gather your Flowers which you find ſtuck in the Cucurbite, and continue to do thus, until you have got as much as you deſire. Then put out the fire and let the veſſels cool, there will remain at bottom only a little light inſignificant earth.

The Flower of Sulphur is uſed in Diſeaſes of the Lungs, and Breaſt, the doſe is from ten to thirty grains in Lozenges, or in Electuary. It is uſed alſo in Unguents for the Itch.

Remarks.

This Operation is intended only to rarefie the Sulphur, that being become more open, it may work the better.

Sulphur is proper againſt Infirmities of the Lungs, when they proceed from a Viſcoſity that ſticks to them, becauſe it deterges; but if it ſhould be given to ſuch as are too much dried with a Feaver, it proves very ill in that it raiſes a greater motion of the humours: it cures Tettars, and the Itch, becauſe opening the Pores it drives out the ſubtler part of the humor, but yet the groſſer part remaining within, they do frequently return again.

You may uſe a glaſs head to fit upon the body.

If you mix one part of Sal Polychreſtum with two pounds of Sulphur, and ſublime them together, as thoſe I have deſcribed, you'l have white flowers of Sulphur, which are thought to be better for diſtempers of the Breaſt than thoſe others, they are given in the ſame doſe. This whiteneſs proceeds [Page] from a very exact attenuation which Sal Polychreſtum gives to the Sulphur; the Sal Polychreſtum which remains at bottom of the Cucurbite, may be Calcined, and if you afterwards Purifie it by ſolution, Evaporation, and Filtration, it will be as good as before.

Magiſtery of Sulphur.

This Operation is a Sulphur diſſolved by an Alkali ſalt, and precipitated by an acid.

Take four ounces of the Flower of Sulphur, and twelve ounces of the Salt of Tartar, or Salt-peter fixed by the coals: put them into a large glazed pot, and pour upon them ſix or ſeven pints of water. Cover the pot, and ſetting it on the fire, make the matter boil five or ſix hours, or until being become red, the Sulphur is all diſſolved. Then Filtrate the diſſolution and pour upon it by little and little diſtilled Vinegar, or ſome other acid, there will preſently appear a Milk, let it ſettle, that a white powder may precipitate to the bottom of the veſſel; pour off by Inclination that which is clear, and waſhing this powder five or ſix times with water, dry it in the ſhade, this is called the Magiſtery or Milk of Sulphur; it is thought good for all diſeaſes of the Lungs, or Breaſt; the doſe is from ſix to ſixteen grains in ſome convenient liquor.

Remarks.

[Page]

Water alone is not able to diſſolve ſuch a groſs body as Sulphur; wherefore an Alkali ſalt is added to divide it into ſmall imperceptible particles.

The acid liquor pierces the Alkali, and by ſeparating its parts makes it let go its hold, ſo that the Sulphur gathers it ſelf together, and falls down to the bottom in a white powder. This powder is waſhed to take away the impreſſion of the Salt of Tartar, and the acid that might remain among it, after which it may be ſaid to be a Flower of Sulphur Alcoholiſed.

The change of its yellow colour into a white comes from this, that being more rarefied it hath a ſmoother ſurface then it had before, to reflect the light in a direct line to our eyes.

This Operation may give us an Idea of what happens in Chylification, and in Sanguification; for after the ſame manner as the Sulphur does become white, when it has been reduced into a Magiſtery, or fine powder, ſo the aliments having been fermented, and their ſubſtance attenuated in our ſtomachs, the Chyle receives a white colour; and after the manner as the Sulphur when intirely diſſolved does turn of a red colour, ſo the parts of Chyle having been altogether exalted, and diſſolved by repeated circulations, does become red and turn into bloud.

This bloud turns into a Pus, and becomes white in Impoſthumes, becauſe the acid which is found [Page] in them having as it were fixed and gathered together its inſenſible parts, does make them recover again the colour of Chyle.

You muſt take care not to let there be any Silver veſſel where this Operation is performed, becauſe the vapour which proceeds from Sulphur will make it black.

Fifteen grains of this powder will do as much as double the quantity of Flower of Sulphur, for diſeaſes of the Breaſt, and it doth not heat ſo much.

Balſom of Sulphur.

This Operation is a ſolution of the oily parts of common Sulphur in oil of Turpentine.

Put into a ſmall matraſs an ounce and a half of Flower of Sulphur, and pour upon it eight ounces of Oil of Turpentine; place your matraſs in ſand, and give it a digeſting fire two hours; afterwards encreaſe it a little for four hours, and the Oil will take a red colour; let the veſſel cool, then ſeparate the clear Balſom from the Sulphur that could not diſſolve. This Balſom is excellent for Ulcers of the Lungs and Breaſt; the doſe is from one drop to ſix in ſome proper liquor.

This Balſom may be reduced to the conſiſtence of an Unguent, by evaporating ſome part of it, and it is thus uſed to cleanſe wounds and ulcers.

To make the Aniſeed Balſom of Sulphur, you muſt uſe the Oil drawn from Aniſeed inſtead of the Oil of Turpentine, and proceed as I have ſaid; it is more agreeable than the former, and has leſs acrimony.

Remarks.

[Page]

There is no need of a great fire for this Operation, becauſe Sulphur being a fat body doth eaſily incorporate with Oils, and commonly gives them a red colour. When you would have this Balſom taken in Potion, you muſt diſſolve it in a little yelk of an Egg, that it may mix in waters, or broths.

That which remains undiſſolved in the matraſs is the acid or ſaline part of Sulphur, and is found cryſtallized.

A Balſom of Sulphur may be likewiſe made with Oil of Linſeed, inſtead of the Oil of Turpentine, for wounds.

Spirit of Sulphur.

This Spirit is the acid part of Sulphur, turned into a liquor by fire.

Provide a great earthen pan, and ſet in the middle of it a little earthen pan turn'd upſide down, and then another ſuch pan on this filled with melted Sulphur; cover both theſe Pans with a great glaſs tunnel made on purpoſe, with a neck as long as that of a matraſs, and the bigneſs of a thumb; fire the Sulphur, and do not ſtop the hole of the tunnel, but let the air come in to increaſe its burning, for it would otherwiſe go out. When your Sulphur is ſpent, put new in its place, and continue to do ſo until you find under the lower pan as much Spirit as you need, keep it in a Viol.

[Page]It is put into Juleps to give them an agreable acidity, to qualifie the heat of continued Feavers, and is a good diuretick. Some do preſcribe it for diſeaſes of the Breaſt, but becauſe acids are apt to give a Cough, it may therefore do more hurt than good to that part.

Remarks.

A great many Machines have been invented to draw the Spirit of Sulphur; the ordinary one is the glaſs bell, under which the Brimſtone is burnt, and the Spirits coagulating againſt its ſides diſtil into an earthen pan, that is ſet underneath, after the ſame manner as I have ſhewed in the deſcription of my Machine.

You muſt leave an empty ſpace between the brims of the Bell, and the Pan, that the Fire may have air enough to keep it lighted; but beſides that the Fire is apt to go out every moment, uſe never ſo much precaution, a very poor quantity of Spirit is drawn this way.

Authors do recommend this Operation to be done when the weather's wet, and to moiſten the Bell before-hand, but I have found by experience that theſe circumſtances ſignified nothing at all.

With the Machine that I have deſcribed I can draw a good handſom quantity of Spirit, and I am not forced to fire the Sulphur ſeveral times; becauſe the hole at top gives vent to the air, and hinders the fires going out: Again the more Phlegmatick part evaporates that way, but the acid Spirit not being able to riſe ſo high, condenſes againſt [Page] the ſides of the tunnel, and then falls down under the little pan that is turned upſide down, to raiſe the other higher, that contains the Sulphur. You may uſe a Crucible inſtead of a pan to put the Sulphur in.

The greeniſh Sulphur is better than the other for this Operation, becauſe it has more Vitriol in it, and conſequently more Spirit; for this Spirit is nothing but a Vitriolick Salt diſſolved, that differs little from the Spirit of Vitriol, beſides in the Taſte, which is not ſo Empyreumatical, as not having undergone ſo violent a Fire.

The Vitriolick ſalt which is in the Sulphur does not riſe, until the more volatile parts are ſpent; for which reaſon the Spirit does not diſtil until towards the end, and the drops begin then to appear in the middle of the Tunnel.

Foraſmuch as Sulphur is good for diſeaſes of the Lungs and Breaſt, many do think that the Spirit which is drawn from it ought to have the ſame virtues, but they do not conſider that this Spirit being deprived of the fat, or moſt ſulphureous part of Sulphur, hath alſo loſt the virtue that accompanies it, and that it muſt produce effects altogether different from thoſe of Sulphur, after the manner as the acid Spirits which are drawn from Sugar, Vitriol, and many other matters, have very different virtues from thoſe of the mixts themſelves. And the reaſon of it is very plain, for whereas the Sulphur by its ramous parts can ſweeten the acrimonious humours which fall upon the Lungs, and ſo help the Cough, the Spirit of Sulphur which is an acid does prick the Fibres of the Larynx, and cauſe a Coughing, as all other acids do.

Salt of Sulphur.

[Page]

The Salt of Sulphur is a Sal Polychreſtum impregnated with Spirit of Sulphur.

Put four ounces of Sal Polychreſtum prepared as I have ſaid, into an earthen pan, or a glaſs veſſel, and pour upon it two ounces of Spirit of Sulphur; ſet your veſſel in ſand, and evaporate all the liquor over a gentle fire: there will remain four ounces and ſix drachms of an acid ſalt, moſt agreeable to the taſte, keep it in a bottle well ſtopt.

It is a good medicine for to open all Obſtructions, and to work by Urine, and ſometimes it works alſo by ſtool; the doſe is from ten grains to two ſcruples in broth. It is diſſolved from half a drachm to two drachms in a quart of water for a drink in Feavers.

Remarks.

This Salt is improperly called Salt of Sulphur; for it is nothing but a Sal Polychreſtum impregnated with an acid Spirit.

Many great deſcriptions have been given of Salt of Sulphur, which being well examined do all come to the ſame thing as this; it is called by many Authors a Febrifugous ſalt.

The true Salt of Sulphur (truly ſo called) ſhould be a little of the fixed Vitriol which remains in the earth of Sulphur, after that the flowers have been drawn from it, and ſhould be ſeparated from the [Page] earth by a Lixivium, as other fixed ſalts are made; but ſuch a Salt would not have the ſame qualities as this.

Some have written, that when Spirit of Sulphur is poured upon Sal Polychreſtum diſſolved in water, there is made a great efferveſcency, as well as when the ſame Spirit is thrown upon Salt-peter: but without doubt they little examined the matter, for there is no ebullition made, neither with the Sal Polychreſtum, nor with Salt-peter, they being both of them acid ſalts.

The union of acid Spirits with acid Salts is very different from that between acids and alkalis; for the acid Spirits not being able to open the inſenſible parts of acid Salts, they do loſe nothing of their ſtrength, and their keenneſs remains the ſame, but it is not ſo in reſpect of acids mixed with alkalis, for ſuch a penetration is made into the alkalis that the acid loſes its ſtrength in them.

And for the reaſon that I have now given, the Salt of Sulphur is very acid, and tartarum vitriolatum is hardly at all acid, although there is imployed proportionably as much more acid Spirit for the making tartarum vitriolatum, than there is for the making Salt of Sulphur.

The Salt of Sulphur is good in Tertians, and continued Feavers, and on all occaſions where there is need of calming the too great motion of the humours, becauſe the acid ſerves to fixe the volatile Salts, or Sulphurs, which are moſt commonly the principal cauſe of theſe diſeaſes.

CHAP. XXI. Of Succinum or Ambar.

[Page]

THere is found in ſmall currents near the Baltick Sea, in the Dutchy of Pruſſia a certain coagulated Bitumen, which, becauſe it ſeems to be a juice of the earth is called Succinum, and Carabè, becauſe it will attract ſtraws; it is likewiſe called Electrum, Gleſſum, Ambra Citrina, vulgarly Yellow Ambar.

This Bitumen being ſoft and viſcous, ſeveral little Animals, ſuch as Flies, and Ants, do ſtick to it, and are buried in it.

Ambar is of different colours, ſuch as White, Yellow, and Black. The White is moſt eſteemed, though it be no better than the Yellow. The Black hath the leaſt virtue of all.

Ambar ſerves to ſtop ſpitting of bloud, the Bloudy-flux, the immoderate flux of the Hemorrhoids, Terms, and Gonorrheas: the doſe is from ten grains to half a drachm. It is likewiſe uſed to ſtop a little the violence of Catarrhs, by receiving the fume of it at the Noſe.

Some do think that Petroleum, or Oil of Peter, is a liquor drawn from Ambar, by the means of Subterranean fires, which make a diſtillation of it, and that Jet, and coals are the remainders of this diſtillation.

[Page]This opinion would have probability enough in it, if the places, from whence this ſort of drogues does come, were not ſo far aſunder the one from the other; for Petroleum is not commonly found but in Italy, in Sicily, and Provence. This Oil diſtils through the clefts of rocks, and it is very likely to be the Oil of ſome Bitumen, which the ſubterranean fires have raiſed.

Tincture of Ambar.

This Operation is a ſolution of ſome oily parts of Ambar, made in Spirit of wine.

Reduce into an impalpable powder five or ſix ounces of yellow Ambar, and put it into a bolthead, pour upon it Spirit of wine to the height of four fingers, ſtop this bolthead with another, to make a double veſſel, and having exactly luted the junctures with a wet bladder, place it in digeſtion in hot ſand, and leave it there five or ſix dayes, or until the Spirit of wine is ſufficiently tinged with the Ambar colour; decant this Tincture, and put more Spirit of wine to the matter, you muſt digeſt it as before, then having ſeparated the impregnation, mix it with the other: Filtrate them, and diſtil from them in an Alembick with a very little fire, about half the Spirit of wine, which may ſerve you as before; keep the Tincture that you will find at the bottom of the Alembick, in a Viol well ſtopt.

It is good for the Apoplexy, Palſie, Epilepſie, and for Hyſterical women; the doſe is from ten drops to a drachm in ſome proper liquor.

Remarks.

[Page]

You muſt powder the Ambar finely, that the menſtruum may open its body the better; this Tincture is nothing but the Sulphureous or oily part of Ambar, which Spirit of wine (a Sulphur) does become impregnated with: a liquor that were not ſulphureous would perhaps diſſolve the Ambar, but that which is diſſolved by it would be the more impure; wherefore you muſt always uſe ſuch a diſſolvent as is of the ſame nature with the ſubſtance that you would diſſolve.

Half the Spirit of wine is drawn off, to make the Tincture the ſtronger.

Diſtillation of Ambar, and the Rectification of its Oil, and Spirit.

Fill with Ambar groſly beaten two thirds of an earthen Retort, or glaſs one luted; place it in a Furnace, on two iron bars; fit to it a large Receiver, and luting the junctures cloſe, give under it a ſmall Fire to warm the Retort, and drive out the Phlegm. Afterwards augment it by little and little, there will come forth a Spirit, and an Oil; continue the Fire until there comes no more; then let the veſſels cool, and unlute them. Pour about a pint of warm water into the Receiver, and ſtirring it ſoundly about, for to diſſolve ſome volatile Salt that often ſticks to the ſides of the Receiver, [Page] pour all the liquor into a glaſs Alembeck; fit to it a Receiver, and luting well the junctures, make a ſmall Fire to heat the veſſel, then augment it a little, the water and Spirit will riſe, and carry with them a little white Oil; continue the Fire, until there riſes no more, and the thick Oil remains at bottom of the Cucurbite without boiling: ſeparate the white Oil that ſwims above the Spirit and Phlegm, and keep it in a Viol well ſtopt; it is given inwardly in Hyſterical Diſtempers, in the Palſie, Apoplexy, and Epilepſie; the doſe is from one drop to four in ſome appropriate liquor: it may be mixed with a little yelk of an Egg, to diſſolve it eaſily in water or broth.

The water and Spirit do remain mixed confuſedly together, now to ſeparate them you muſt pour this mixture into an earthen or glaſs diſh, and evaporate over a very gentle Fire two thirds of it; that which remains is the Spirit of Ambar, keep it in a Viol well ſtopt.

It is an excellent Aperitive, and is given in the Jaundiſe, ſtoppage of Urine, Ulcers of the neck of the bladder, and in the Scurvy; the doſe is from ten to four and twenty drops in ſome convenient liquor.

The Black Oil which remains in the Cucurbite may be kept apart for outward uſes, to chafe the Noſe and Wriſts of women in Hyſterical maladies.

If you would rectifie it, you muſt mix it with ſo much ſand as is neceſſary to make it into a Paſte, and put it into a Retort, and placing it in a Furnace in a naked Fire diſtil all the Oil; the firſt that comes forth will be red, but exceeding clear, keep it by it ſelf; It may ſerve inſtead of the white.

[Page]The Oil of Jet may be drawn as the Oil of Ambar, but becauſe Jet is more terreſtrious, it requires a ſtronger Fire.

Remarks.

The Oils of Ambar and Jet do work in Hyſterical caſes, chiefly by their ill ſmell; for we ſee that whatſoever is ungrateful to the ſmell does commonly allay ſymptoms in diſeaſes of the matrix, and that good ſmells do increaſe them.

The reaſon of theſe effects is not very eaſie to find, ſeeing that all that has been hitherto ſaid for explication of them has only come to this, that the matrix ſympathizing with the brain does riſe upwards to ſhare in the good ſmells of the brain, and ſinks downwards when the noſe is offended with that which is unpleaſant. Nay ſome have thought the matrix to be a little animal, by reaſon of the many motions that have been obſerved in it. Theſe kinds of diſcourſes are indeed very proper to leave people in the ſame doubts they were in before, and I don't think any body has received any ſatisfaction from them. Therefore let us try whether we can ſay any thing more to the purpoſe.

When a woman receives an agreeable ſmell, the tickling pleaſure which this ſmell produces in the brain by means of the olfactive nerve, does move the Spirits and determinate them to run into the veſſels in a greater abundance, and with more agility than they did before. Then alſo is perceived, if ſhe minds it, a certain titillation of the parts, [Page] and all the ſenſes do ſeem willing to partake of this good ſmell. All this is common to men as well as women.

But becauſe the veſſels which go from the brain to the matrix do ſwell with this affluence of Spirits, they muſt of neceſſity be abbreviated in their length, as a cord is found to ſwell and to ſhorten when it is wetted, or as the Fibres of a glove do ſhrink when the humidity that is within them is rarefied by the Fire.

Theſe veſſels being thus ſhortned, they muſt needs give ſhocks, and receive like returns from the matrix. And then likewiſe it is perceived to riſe and to move upwards. But becauſe this viſcus does commonly contain a groſs bloud, and humors very eaſie to ferment, which are actuated by theſe ſhocks, there do riſe from it groſs vapours which oppreſs the diaphragm, and do cauſe that which is called the ſuffocation of the matrix. Theſe diſtempers do likewiſe very often happen to women who have no ways been offended with ſweet ſmells, but that which cauſes the ſame ſymptoms does work after the ſame manner.

As for ill ſmells, they muſt produce a quite contrary effect, for by ſtriking offenſively the nerve of the noſe, the Spirits do retire back to their places, and conſequently the veſſels, and the matrix do reſume their ordinary diſpoſition.

But you will ſay perhaps that a grain of Musk or Civet is often applyed to the Navil, to ſettle the mother, and to lay the vapours.

This has been practiſed indeed by ſome, but without any proof that ever it did any good, or that it gave any eaſe. Civet is put into the middle [Page] of Galbanum Plaiſters, or the Oxycroceum, which is applied to the Navil, but there is more reaſon to attribute the effects which come from this remedy rather to the Plaiſters than to the Civet. And beſides, it cannot be ſaid that this Civet, or this Musk thus applied do yield any good ſmell.

Many men are likewiſe very ſubject to vapours, and among others thoſe that are of a Melancholick temper do ſeem to feel the ſame ſymptoms as women, upon any ſweet ſmells. This comes from obſtructions in the veſſels, which have communication with the brain, for theſe humors which do cauſe the obſtruction being thereby moved may produce theſe effects.

That which is called Spirit of Ambar is only a volatile ſalt diſſolved in a little Phlegm.

Some Authors pretend, that putting this Spirit into a matraſs with its blind-head, they can ſublime a volatile ſalt from it as from Animals, but I could never find experience anſwer their pretences; for after having followed them ſeveral times in this Operation, I could never gain one jot of that ſalt, which hath given me occaſion to examine this Spirit, and to enquire what kind of ſalt it might contain.

I found this Salt was acid, and like unto that of Plants which is called Eſſential, whereof I have ſpoken in the Principles. This Salt being leſs volatile than that of Animals, cannot riſe ſo high, beſides that it is heavier than the Phlegm which muſt riſe firſt. Wherefore to ſeparate it, you muſt evaporate about a third part of the Spirit, over a very gentle fire, and then put the remainder into a cool place, and leave it there ten or [Page] twelve days without ſtirring it, you'l find little Cryſtals which you may take and keep in a Viol well ſtopt. This Salt hath the ſame virtues as the Spirit: the doſe is from eight grains to ſixteen, in Raddiſh, or Pellitory water; but it is better to keep it in the Spirit, for beſides that it is more eaſily preſerved ſo, there always flies away ſome part of it with the Phlegm in the evaporation, let the fire be never ſo moderate. But now I ſhall give you a preparation of the volatile ſalt of Ambar, that may be eaſily made, and may keep dry.

The Volatile Salt of Ambar.

Put two pounds of Ambar powdered into a large glaſs or earthen Cucurbite, let it be filled but the fourth part, ſet this Cucurbite in ſand, and after you have fitted a head to it, and a ſmall Receiver, lute well the junctures, and light a little fire under it for about an hour; then when the Cucurbite is grown hot, encreaſe the fire by little and little to the third degree; and there will diſtil firſt of all a phlegm and Spirit, then the volatile ſalt will riſe, and ſtick to the head in little Cryſtals; afterwards there diſtils an Oil firſt white and then red, but clear: when you ſee the vapours riſe no longer, you muſt put out the fire, and when the veſſels are cold unlute them. Gather the volatile ſalt with a Feather, and becauſe it will be but impure as yet, by reaſon of a little Oil that is mixed with it, you muſt put it into a Viol big enough that the ſalt may fill only the fourth part of it, place the Viol in ſand, after you have ſtopt it only with [Page] paper, and by means of a little fire, you'l ſublime the pure ſalt in fair Cryſtals to the top of the Viol. When you perceive the Oil begin to riſe, you muſt then take your Viol off the fire, and letting it cool, break it, to ſeparate the ſalt; keep it in a Viol well ſtopt, you'l have half an ounce.

This ſalt is a very good aperitive, and may be given from eight grains to ſixteen in ſome opening liquor, for the Jaundies, for Iſchuries, Ʋlcers in the Bladder, the Scurvy, Fits of the Mother, and upon all occaſions where there is any need of removing obſtructions, and opening by way of Urine.

The Spirit and Oil have the ſame virtues as thoſe I have ſpoken of. If you would diſtil in a Retort the maſs which remains in the Cucurbite, until there comes away nothing more, you'l have a Black Oil, which might ſerve women to ſmell to in fits.

Remarks.

The Cucurbite muſt be ſure to be large enough, for otherwiſe it will break while the vapours are a riſing.

You will have five ounces and a half of a clear Oil, and one ounce and a half of Spirit, two ounces and a half of a black oil, are drawn from the maſs by the Retort, and that which remains weighs two ounces; it is a black rarefied matter which burns like coals by reaſon of the fuliginoſities that fall upon it.

A clear Oil may be drawn from Ambar in the firſt diſtillation by mixing the Ambar with an [Page] equal weight of ſea-ſalt, and diſtilling it in a Retort the uſual way; there will remain likewiſe ſome volatile ſalt in the neck of the Retort, which may be rectified by ſubliming it in a Viol as I have ſaid.

CHAP. XXII. Of Ambar-Greaſe.

AMbar-Greaſe is a Bitumen found in many places on the Sea-ſhore, but eſpecially in the Indies; it grows hard in the Sun-beams. The beſt is that which is very gray, and dry, and eaſily ſoftens in the heat; when it is wet, it appears blackiſh.

Men have thought it is found no where elſe but in the Oriental ſeas, though ſome of it has been known to be ſometimes met with upon the Engliſh Coaſt, and in ſeveral other places of Europe; moſt of it is brought from the Coaſt of Melinda, and eſpecially at the mouth of the River that is called Rio di Sena.

Ambar-greaſe is an excellent Corroborative, it is given in ſome liquor, or in Electuary to increaſe Seed: the doſe is from one grain to four.

Eſſence of Ambar-Greaſe.

[Page]

This operation is an extract of the more oily parts of Ambar-greaſe, Musk, and Civet, in Spirit of wine.

Take two drachms of good Ambar-greaſe, ſo much Sugar Candy, half a drachm of Musk, and two grains of Civet; beat them ſmall together, and put the mixture into a Viol: pour upon it four ounces of Spirit of Wine well Alcoholized. Stop the Viol cloſe, and ſet it in Digeſtion in horſe-dung four days; then taking it out, ſeparate that which is clear, while it is warm, for it will congeal when cold. This Eſſence works more ſtrongly than Ambar-greaſe in ſubſtance; the doſe is from ſix to twelve drops in ſome convenient liquor.

Remarks.

Ambar-greaſe alone hath ſcarce any ſmell at all, but when its parts are put in motion by Fermentation, Sulphurs do riſe from it which tickle the ſenſe of ſmelling with a great deal of pleaſure; the addition of Musk and Civet have a good effect; as for the Sugar Candy, it ſerves only to ſeparate the reſt, that they may be the more eaſily powdered and diſſolved: for this Tincture is only a diſſolution of theſe ſulphureous matters in Spirit of wine.

The terreſtrious part which remains at bottom may be uſed in ſweet Powders.

THE SECOND PART. Of Vegetables.

[Page]

[Page]

CHAP. I. Of Jalap.

JAlap is a grayiſh root brought out of America, cut into ſlices and dried; it grows in the Province of Mechoacan, and in ſeveral other places; the beſt is that which is moſt compact, and filled with Reſinous veins. It purges watery humors very well, and is therefore uſually given in the Dropſie and Gout: the doſe is from ten grains to a drachm in broth, or White-wine.

Roſine, or Magiſtery of Jalap.

This Operation is a ſolution of the oily or reſinous part of Jalap, made in Spirit of wine, and precipitated by common water.

Put a pound of good Jalap groſly powdered into a large matraſs; pour upon it Spirit of wine Alcoholized, [Page] until it be four fingers above the matter: ſtop the matraſs with another whoſe neck enters into it, and luting the junctures with a wet bladder, digeſt it three days in a ſand-heat, the Spirit of wine will receive a red Tincture: decant it, and then pour more upon the Jalap; proceed as before, and mixing your diſſolutions filtrate them through brown paper. Put that which you have filtred into a glaſs Cucurbite, and diſtil in a vaporous bath two thirds of the Spirit of wine, which may ſerve you another time for the ſame Operation. Pour that which remains at the bottom of the Cucurbite into a large earthen Pan, filled with water, and it will turn into a milk, which you muſt leave a day to ſettle, and then ſeparate the water by Inclination, you'l find the Roſine at bottom like unto Turpentine. Waſh it ſeveral times with water, and dry it in the Sun, it will grow hard like common Roſine; powder it fine, and it will become white. Keep it in a Viol, it purges Seroſities. It is given in Dropſies, and for all Obſtructions: the doſe is from four to twelve grains, mixt in Electuary, or elſe in Pills.

The Roſines of Turbith, Scammony, and Benjamin, may be drawn after the ſame manner.

Remarks.

The Spirit of wine, which is a Sulphur, is likewiſe a very convenient Menſtruum to extract Roſines, which are groſs Sulphurs; you muſt uſe enough Spirit to diſſolve all the Roſine, and give it a ſufficient time to open all the body of the Jalap, [Page] after which a good part of the Spirit of wine is drawn off, and may ſerve for the ſame uſe again, provided you diſtil it with a very gentle fire, for if you let it be too ſtrong, it will carry along with it good part of the Roſine.

A great deal of water is poured upon it, to weaken the Spirit of wine, which held the Roſine diſſolved; and then it revives again, and its parts approaching one another, there is made a kind of milk, which clears up, according as the Roſine precipitates.

If you have uſed ſixteen ounces of Jalap, you will draw an ounce and ſix drachms of Roſine well waſhed and dried.

From ſix ounces of good Scammony, you draw five ounces of Roſine by the like preparation.

Some do evaporate the Spirit of wine, and without uſing any Precipitation, they find their Roſine in an Extract at the bottom of the veſſel, but then it becomes black like pitch.

All the Purgative virtue of the Jalap conſiſts in the Roſine: an Alkali ſalt may be drawn from the remainder but in a very ſmall quantity.

You muſt obſerve to give the Roſine of Jalap always mixt with ſomething elſe that may ſeparate its parts for if it be taken alone, it will be apt to adhere to the inward membrane of the Inteſtines, and ſo cauſe Ulcers by its acrimonious quality.

Moreover Apothecaries ſhould obſerve to mix it in a little yolk of an Egg, when they would diſſolve it in a Potion, for it ſticks to the mortar like Turpentine, when it is humected by any aqueous liquor. It may be likewiſe incorporated with ſome Electuary, and then it eaſily diſſolves.

[Page]Twelve grains of this Roſine work the ſame effect, as a drachm of Jalap in ſubſtance.

It is not yet ſufficiently known wherein the Purgative virtue of mixts doth conſiſt, to give it a right explication. It is eaſily conceived that theſe effects do follow the Fermentation that the Remedy hath cauſed, but no body can find what it is that makes this Remedy be Purgative rather than ſeveral others, which ſeem to have as great a diſpoſition as this to cauſe ſuch Fermentation; wherefore I ſhall not pretend to clear the knowledge of this Phaenomenon. I ſhall only endeavour to give ſome reaſon for a very conſiderable difficulty, which is to know how Hydragogues do work in our bodies, and why they rather purge water than other humors.

A general reaſon that may be given of it is that all Hydragogue Remedies have more acrimony than other Purgatives, and conſequently they are better able to open the Lymphatick veſſels.

But it may be further ſaid that theſe Remedies do ſo cut and attenuate the Viſcoſities which are found in bodies, that they make them be like water, and there is no difficulty in conceiving this laſt reaſon, when it is conſidered, that theſe Remedies which do purge water, are all of them Reſinous or elſe ſalts; for after the ſame manner as we ſee Sulphurs, or Liquified ſalts diſſolve Sulphureous bodies, ſo do Roſines, which are Sulphurs and ſalts, diſſolve Viſcoſities in the body, which are compounded of a great deal of Sulphur.

But there is this difference between the effects of Salt and of Roſines, that the Salt paſſing quick, and making but little impreſſion, doth diſſolve [Page] only that which is found in what is called the firſt Region of the body, wherefore it purges but mildly; whereas the Roſine by reaſon of its viſcous, hooked parts, remains a longer time in the body, and leaſurely cauſes a Fermentation not only about the parts where it immediately works, but operates on the brain, and other remote places, from whence it forces Phlegm to diſcharge it ſelf into the Belly, and this is that which cauſes Roſinous Hydragogues to purge more than Salts.

CHAP. II. Of Rhubarb.

RHubarb is a Purgative root, brought from China. It takes its name from Barbary where it hath grown in abundance; it is likewiſe called Rheum. The beſt ſort is that which being broke appears of a Nutmeg colour within.

Its virtues are ſo many and ſo great, that if they were ſufficiently known, and men could generally uſe it without that nauſeouſneſs which too commonly attends it, mankind would have infinitely leſs need, than they have, of the Art of Phyſick in moſt caſes, and men might perhaps preſerve themſelves from moſt diſeaſes without any other help.

Extract of Rhubarb.

[Page]

This Extract is a ſeparation of the purer parts of Rhubarb, from the terreſtrious.

Bruiſe ſix or eight ounces of good Rhubarb, and ſteep it twelve hours warm in a ſufficient quantity of Succory water, ſo as the water may be four fingers above the Rhubarb; let it juſt boil, and paſs the liquor through a cloth; infuſe the remainder in ſo much more Succory water, as before, then ſtrain the Infuſion, and expreſs it ſtrongly: mix your Impregnations, or Tinctures, and let them ſettle; filtrate them, and evaporate the liquor in a glaſs veſſel, over a very gentle fire, until there remains a matter that hath the conſiſtence of thick honey, this is called Extract of Rhubarb, keep it in a Pot.

The doſe is from ten grains to two Scruples in Pills, or diſſolved in Succory water for diſeaſes of the Liver and Spleen, it binds after the purgeing.

The Extracts of Vegetables are made after the ſame manner, except the Reſinous, whereof I have ſpoken. Likewiſe waters may be uſed for Menſtruums, that are appropriated to the virtue of the mixt, whoſe Extract you intend to draw.

When you draw the Extract of Aromaticks, ſuch as Roſes, and Cinnamon, the liquor may be diſtilled rather than evaporated, whereby you gain a fragrant water.

Remarks.

[Page]

Though the name of Extract ought to be very general in Phyſick, it is confined only to one ſort of Preparation that is reduced to the conſiſtence of an Electuary, it is nothing elſe but a Purification that is made to cleanſe a mixt from its more Terreſtrious parts, that being more open and free it may work with the greater ſtrength. Now this operation is good for mixts that are not Odoriferous, but not ſo for thoſe that are; for by evaporation their beſt part is loſt which conſiſts in a volatile. So that I would by no means adviſe to make the Extract of Aromaticks. Nature is a very good Artiſt to perform this Operation within our bodies, when the Principles are eaſie to ſeparate, as in theſe ſorts of mixts.

There has been a great conteſt among Chymiſts heretofore, in which of the Principles it is that the Purgative virtue of many medicins doth conſiſt. Some have maintained it to be in the Salt, others in the Sulphur, and others again in the Mercury. But when every party had very diligently ſeparated each their Principle, and came to try it, they found after all, that none of them was Purgative; which hath perſwaded many of them to think that this Purgative principle was of ſo ſubtile and penetrating a nature, that glaſs it ſelf was not able to preſerve it from being loſt.

For my part I cannot grant any ſuch indiſcernable Purgative, & I rather am apt to believe that the Purgative virtue of a mixt conſiſts in nothing elſe but [Page] ſuch a different mixture of Principles as is requiſite to produce certain Fermentations in our bodies. So that when once we ſeparate the Sulphur, Mercury, or Salt, the poſition of parts, or proportion of Principles being changed, there remains no longer any Purgative effect, becauſe the Principles being ſeparated can no more produce that Fermentation which they did while they were mixed, and united together ſome kind of way that Art is ignorant how to imitate.

Perhaps ſome who think themſelves good Criticks will ſay this Chapter contradicts the former; for I there maintained that the Roſine of Jalap, which is a Sulphur, doth contain all the Purgative virtue of Jalap; but though I did call the Roſine of Jalap a Sulphur, I did not mean it was a pure Sulphur, it is a ſubſtance out of which all the five Principles may be ſtill drawn; but by reaſon it doth contain great ſtore of Sulphur, this name may be given to it as it often is to others of the like nature.

And thus Salt may be ſaid to be Purgative too; but it doth not follow from thence that the Salt alone muſt be thought to contain all the Purgative virtue of mixt bodies; ſeeing many plants, ſuch as Guaiacum, Box, Carduus, and Wormwood, do contain as much, or more Salt, than Senna, and Rhubarb, and yet nevertheleſs do not purge at all.

CHAP. III. Of the Wood Guaiacum.

[Page]

GƲaiacum called Lignum Sanctum is the Wood of a large Tree that grows in a great many places in the Weſt Indies. It is likewiſe cultivated here in Europe, in Languedoc is good ſtore, but that which is brought out of the hot Countries is beſt eſteemed; this Wood is very much in uſe in Sudorifick Decoctions; the Bark is alſo uſed, and the Gum that runs from it: the beſt Guaiacum is that which is moſt compact.

Diſtillation of Guaiacum.

This operation is a ſeparation of the liquid parts of Guaiacum, from its terreſtrious matter.

Take the ſhavings of Guaiacum, fill a large Retort with them three quarters full, place it in a Reverberatory Furnace, and joyn to it a great capacious Receiver. Begin the diſtillation with a fire of the firſt degree, to warm the Retort gently, and to diſtil the water, which is called Phlegm; continue it in this condition, until there come no more drops, which is a ſign that all the Phlegm is diſtilled. Throw away that which you find in the Receiver, and fitting it again to the neck of the Retort, lute well the junctures. You muſt afterwards [Page] encreaſe the fire by degrees, and the Spirits, and Oyl will come forth in white clouds; continue the fire until there comes no more, let the veſſels cool, and unlute them, pour that which is in the Receiver into a Tunnel lined with brown paper, ſet upon a bottle, or ſome other veſſel, the Spirit will paſs through, and leave the black, thick, and very fetid Oil, in the Tunnel; pour it into a viol, and keep it for uſe; it is an excellent Remedy for rottenneſs of bones, for the Tooth-ach, and to cleanſe old Ulcers. It may be rectified as I ſaid of the Oil of Ambar, and may be uſed inwardly in the Epilepſie, Palſie, and to drive forth the afterbirth: the doſe is from two drops to ſix.

The Spirit of Guaiacum may be rectified by diſtilling it by an Alembeck, for to ſeparate a little impurity that might have paſſed with it; it works by perſpiration, and by Urine: the doſe is from half a drachm to a drachm and a half. It is likewiſe uſed mixt with the water of honey, to cleanſe inveterate Ulcers.

You'l find in the Retort the coals of Guaiacum, which you may turn into aſhes by putting fire to them, which they will ſooner take than other coals: Calcine theſe aſhes ſome hours in a Potters furnace, then make a Lixivium of them with water, which being filtred, evaporate it in a glaſs or earthen veſſel in ſand; there will remain the Salt of Guaiacum, which you may make white by Calcining it in a Crucible in a ſtrong fire. This Salt is Aperitive, and Sudorifick; it may ſerve as all other Alkalis to draw the Tincture of Vegetables: the doſe is from ten grains to half a drachm in ſome convenient liquor.

[Page]The earth, called Caput Mortuum, is good for nothing.

After this manner the five ſubſtances of all Vegetables may be drawn; but becauſe the fire doth give them a loathſome Empyreumatical ſmell, other ways have been invented to draw the Oil of Aromaticks: I ſhall deſcribe them in the ſequel.

Remarks.

During the diſtillation of Spirits, you muſt not make the fire too ſtrong, for they coming forth with a great deal of violence, would elſe be apt to break either the Retort or the Receiver.

Though the Guaiacum that is uſed be a very dry body, yet abundance of liquor is drawn from it; for if you put into the Retort four pounds of this Wood, at ſixteen ounces to the pound, you'l draw nine and thirty ounces of Spirit and Phlegm, and five ounces and a half of Oil; there will remain in the Retort nineteen ounces of coals, from which you may draw half an ounce or ſix drachms of an Alkali ſalt.

The Oil of Guaiacum is acrimonious by reaſon of the Salts it has carried along with it; and it is the gravity of theſe ſalts that does precipitate it to the bottom of the water. The Oil of Box, and moſt others that are drawn this ſame way, do the like.

Theſe ſorts of Oil are good for the Tooth-ach, becauſe they ſtop the nerve with their ramous parts, hindring thereby the air from entring. Moreover by means of the acrimonious ſalts which they contain they do diſſipate a phlegm which uſes [Page] to get within the gum, and cauſes the pain, but yet by reaſon of their fetid ſmell men have much ado to take them into their mouth.

That which is called Spirit of Guaiacum is nothing but a diſſolution of the Eſſential ſalt of the Plant in a little phlegm.

The fixt ſalt is an Alkali that works much like others of that kind, nevertheleſs it is very probable that the fixt ſalts of Vegetables, let them be never ſo much Calcined, do always retain ſome particular virtue of the Plant they were drawn from.

If one would take the pains to Calcine the earth that remains, he would obtain a ſalt, though but very little of it.

CHAP. IV. Of Paper.

THE Papyrus of the Antients, which gave the name to our PAPER, was a tree growing in Aegypt near the river Nilus. The bark of this tree was prepared, and men did write upon it, but our Paper is made of old rags or clouts, which are beaten exceeding fine in Paper-mills, and then put into the preſs in order to make Paper with them.

This Paper has ſome uſe in Phyſick; pieces of it are lighted in a room, and Hyſterical women are [Page] made to receive the fume of it; they are commonly relieved with this diſagreeable ſmell, as by many others of the like nature.

Oil and Spirit of Paper.

Fold white paper into little pellets and fill a great earthen Retort, or glaſs one luted, with them, place your Retort in a Reverberatory furnace. Fit to it a large capacious Receiver, lute well the junctures, give it a very little fire for two hours only to heat the Retort; increaſe it with two or three coals, and continue it ſo for two or three hours, then quicken it to the third degree. The Receiver will be filled with white clouds, put out the fire, when no more will come forth, the operation will be ended in ſeven or eight hours. When the veſſels are cold, unlute them, pour what you find in the Receiver into a Tunnel lined with a coffin of brown paper, the Spirit will paſs through the filter, and a thick, black, and ill-ſcented oil will remain within it, keep the oil for uſe in a Viol.

It is a very good remedy in deafneſs, ſome drops of it are put into the ear with a little cotton, from time to time, it quiets the noiſe of the ear; it is alſo good for Tettars and for the Itch, the parts being anointed a little with it; it cures the tooth-ach, much like the Oil of Guaiacum; it is good likewiſe to repreſs hyſterical vapours, women ſo affected are to ſmell to it.

You muſt rectifie the Spirit, by diſtilling it in ſand. It is an Aperitive, and may be given where [Page] there is occaſion for a diuretick, the doſe is from ſix drops to twenty in ſome proper liquor.

Remarks.

The Vitriol and other drogues which are in Ink might alter the virtue of the Oil and Spirit of paper; wherefore it is better to uſe clean, than written paper. The receiver muſt be large, in order to give room to the vapours to circulate in, for they come forth with that force that they would break the veſſel if they had not room enough to play in; you muſt manage the fire with prudence, for if you make it too great the firſt hours, the Spirits will break the Retort.

If you have uſed in this operation four and twenty ounces of paper, you will draw two ounces and two drachms of Oil, and thirteen ounces and a half of Spirit, there will remain in the Retort ſeven ounces and a half of coals.

The Oil does not paſs with the Spirit, through the coffin in the tunnel, becauſe it is too thick, its black colour, and its ill ſmell, do come from the fire.

It is good for deafneſs, becauſe that diſeaſe is often cauſed by a thick or phlegmatick humor which dries and hardens in the ear ſo as to ſtop the auditory nerve. Now this Oil diſſolves and rarefies this humor, and diſpoſes it the better to come out. And this is the reaſon that it diſſipates the noiſes in the ears, for they were cauſed by winds which this humor had ſhut in.

[Page]The Spirit is very acid in compariſon with other Spirits of Vegetables, becauſe it comes from an eſſential ſalt which has been put into a very conſiderable motion. Again, it is probable that by the many different forms which the flax, and canvas have received, in order to make cloth, and afterwards Paper, and by the fermentations which they may have received, their fixed ſalt may be volatilized, and become of the nature of that which is called Eſſential. Now in the diſtillation all this ſalt has been diſſolved into a liquor by the phlegm, and turned into that which is called Spirit; that which confirms me in this ſentiment is that there can be hardly any fixed ſalt at all drawn from the coal which remains in the Retort, wherefore the coal is thrown away as uſeleſs, it takes fire exceeding eaſily, by reaſon of a light ſoot that is fallen upon it, and which gave it the black colour.

CHAP. V. Of Cinnamon.

CInnamon is the Bark of a Tree as large as an Olive Tree, it grows in the Eaſt-Indies, and is much like that which the Caſſia Lignea is taken from, but it is not the very ſame, as ſome will needs think; the beſt Cinnamon is that which has the ſtrongeſt ſmell, is quick upon the taſte, and of a reddiſh colour.

[Page]The Caſſia Lignea differs from Cinnamon, in that it is not ſo biting to the taſte, ſmells not ſo ſtrong, and becomes mucilaginous in the mouth when it is chewed, which Cinnamon doth not do.

Both Cinnamon, and Caſſia Lignea are good to fortifie the ſtomach, to help perſpiration of groſs humors, to ſtrengthen and rejoice the heart, and in hyſterical caſes.

Oil, or Eſſence of Cinnamon, and its Aethereal water.

Bruiſe four pounds of good Cinnamon, and infuſe it in ſix quarts of hot water, leave it in digeſtion in an earthen veſſel well ſtopt two days: pour the Infuſion into a large Copper Limbeck, and fitting a Receiver to it, and luting cloſe the junctures with a wet bladder, diſtil with a pretty good fire three or four pints of the liquor, then unlute the Limbeck, and pour into it by Inclination the diſtilled water, you'l find at bottom a little oil which you muſt pour into a Viol, and ſtop it cloſe. Diſtil the liquor as before, then returning the water into the Limbeck, take the Oil you find at bottom of the Receiver, and mix it with the firſt: Repeat this Cohobation until there riſes no more Oil; then take away the fire, and diſtil the water that remains in the Receiver, the ſame way I ſhall ſhew hereafter to rectifie Spirit of wine, you'l have an excellent ſpirituous Cinnamon water.

[Page]The Oil of Cinnamon is an admirable Corroborative; it ſtrengthens the ſtomach, and aſſiſts nature in her evacuations. It is given to make women have an eaſie delivery, and to bring their Terms; it likewiſe encreaſes Seed; a drop of it is commonly mixed in a little Sugar-Candy to make the Eleo-ſaccharum, which is eaſily diſſolved in Cordial, or Hyſterical waters.

The ſpirituous water of Cinnamon hath the ſame virtues, but two or three drachms are requiſite for a doſe.

After this manner almoſt all the Oils of Odoriferous Vegetables may be drawn, ſuch as thoſe of Box, Roſes, Roſemary, Lavender, Juniper, Cloves, and Anis-ſeed, which do either ſwim above the water, or fall to the bottom, according as they are more or leſs loaded with Salts.

Remarks.

You muſt make the fire ſtrong enough, for if there be not a ſufficient heat, the Oil will not riſe.

The Cohobation ſerves to open the Body the more, that the Oil may compleat its ſeparation.

Cinnamon yields leſs Oil than other woods, or Barks, and it is very difficult to draw ſix drachms of it out of four pounds, let it be never ſo good.

The Spirituous water of Cinnamon is nothing but a rarefied Oil, whoſe parts are ſeparated in the water by Fermentation, ſo as they become imperceptible: they do make what is called a volatile Spirit, which eaſily mixes with all ſorts of liquors, as doth the Eleo-ſaccharum; for the Eleo-ſaccharum [Page] is properly an Oil, whoſe parts being ſeparated in the Sugar, do eaſily mix in waters.

Tincture of Cinnamon.

This operation is an exaltation of the more oily parts of Cinnamon in Spirit of wine.

Take what quantity of bruiſed Cinnamon you pleaſe, put it into a Matraſs, and pour upon it Spirit of wine one finger above it; ſtop your matraſs cloſe, and ſet it in Digeſtion in horſe-dung four or five days, the Spirit of wine will be impregnated with the Tincture of Cinnamon, and become red; ſeparate it from the Cinnamon, and after it is filtrated, keep this Tincture in a viol well ſtopt; it is an admirable Cardiack, it fortifies the ſtomach, and rejoices all the vital parts: it may be uſed like Cinnamon water, in a little ſmaller doſe.

After this manner the Tincture of all Odoriferous Vegetables may be drawn.

CHAP. VI. Of the Bark of Peru.

[Page]

THE Peruvian Bark, called Quinquina, or Kina Kina by the French, is a Bark that has been brought into theſe parts, ſome years ſince, from Peru; it retains the name of the Tree from which it is taken, the Spaniards do call it Palo de Calenturas, or the wood againſt Feavers. There are two kinds of this Tree, the one is cultivated, and the other grows wild, the cultivated is much better than the other; you muſt chooſe it of a compact ſubſtance, bitter to the taſte, and of a reddiſh colour.

It is the moſt certain remedy that ever yet was known, to hinder the fits of Agues. The manner of uſing it for a great while paſt has been to give the patient the powder from half a drachm to two drachms, with a little white-wine, at the coming of the fit. But this method has been quite changed in our days, for at preſent we do infuſe an ounce of the powder in two quarts of wine, eight and forty hours, in a Balneum; the infuſion is then ſtrained, and the patient is made to drink every day three or four little glaſſes of it, at ſome diſtance from the Paroxyſm. The uſe of this remedy is continued a fortnight at leaſt.

Some do frequently add to the infuſion of this Bark, the leſſer Centaury, Wormwood, Chervil, [Page] Juniper-berries, the bark of the Alder-tree, Saſſafras, Salt of Tartar, and divers other ingredients, thought to be Febrifuges. But the baſis of all is the Bark of Peru, the reſt of the ingredients do no great good. Some do likewiſe mix with it a little Opium, but that ought not to be done without a great deal of precaution.

You muſt obſerve to purge your patient well before you give him the Bark, becauſe this remedy ſhuts up the humors for ſome time, and when they come to ferment a-new, they do ſometimes cauſe more dangerous maladies than he had before, ſuch as Aſthma's, dropſies, rheumatiſms, dyſenteries, ſuppreſſion of the menſes in women, and many others which have too too often ſucceeded Cures by this Bark. For which reaſon many diſeaſed perſons have again wiſhed for their Ague that were cured by this remedy.

The Bark is likewiſe very ill for thoſe who have any Abſceſs in their body, for it fixes and hardens the humor for ſome time, which afterwards ferments and cauſes a gangrene in the part. You muſt forbear the uſe of Milk, and aliments of that nature, when you take this remedy, by reaſon of their cheeſie part, which would lie heavy upon the ſtomach, and be apt to corrupt in the veſſels.

It is probable that the Bark does check the humor of the Feaver, much after the manner as an Alkali does ſtop the motion of an acid ſalt, that is to ſay, it unites with it, and makes together a kind of Coagulum; this humor does commonly remain quiet a fortnight, and the perſon cured does find himſelf a little ſwelled and heavy, eſpecially if he were not purged, before he took it. [Page] Afterwards the Ague returns becauſe the feaveriſh humor having been agitated by the Spirits, or elſe being joyned with other humors of the ſame nature, which have been preparing in the body during the fornights reſpite, it gets quit from the Bark, and ferments as it did before.

But ſometimes, and that eſpecially when the body of one in an Ague has been well cleanſed, if you ſhould perſiſt in continuing the uſe of the Bark, you will ſo fix the humor that you will diſpoſe it to precipitate and be evacuated, either by ſtool, or urine, or by inſenſible perſpiration, and the Ague returns no more, for the Spirits in our body do by their motion puſh outwards, as much as they are able, whatſoever moleſts the oeconomy of the parts.

Tincture of the Peruvian Bark.

This Operation is an extraction of the more oily, and ſeparable parts of the Bark by Spirit of wine.

Put into a Bolt-head four ounces of good Peruvian Bark groſly powdered, pour upon it Spirit of wine four fingers height above the matter, fit to it another matraſs in order to make a double veſſel, lute well the junctures, and place your veſſel to digeſt in horſe-dung, or in a vaporous Bath, four days: ſtir it from time to time, the Spirit of wine will load it ſelf with a red colour, unlute the veſſels, filtrate the Tincture through brown paper, and keep it in a viol well ſtopt.

[Page]It is a Febrifuge to be given in Agues, three or four times a day, at a diſtance from the fitt, and to be continued for a fortnight; the doſe is from ten drops to a drachm in ſome proper liquor, ſuch as Centaury water, or Juniper, or Wormwood water, or wine.

If you put new Spirit of wine to the matter which remains in the matraſs, and ſet it in digeſtion as before, you will draw more Tincture, but it will not be ſo ſtrong as the other, wherefore you muſt give it in a little larger doſe.

Remarks.

This Tincture works like the Infuſion I now ſpoke of; it is a more convenient preparation than the other in this, that it can keep as long as you will, whereas the other does ſowr in a little time. Again thoſe who do not love wine will like it better; but I ſhould prefer the Infuſion before the Tincture, becauſe wine is a more proper menſtruum wherewith to draw the ſaline and ſulphureous ſubſtance of a mixt, then Spirit of wine.

You may ſteep a few Coriander ſeeds, or a little Cinnamon in the wine or water, and after it is ſtrained off diſſolve ſome ſugar in it, and in this you may mix the Tincture of the Bark, and ſo make a kind of Febrifugous Roſſoli, which Infants may be eaſily made to take of.

Extract of Peruvian Bark.

[Page]

This Operation is a ſeparation of the more ſubſtantial parts of the Bark.

Put to infuſe warm four and twenty hours eight ounces of Peruvian Bark in a ſufficient quantity of diſtilled water of Nuts; afterwards boil the Infuſion gently and ſtrain it, make a ſtrong expreſſion of the reſidence, put it to infuſe in new water of Nuts, boil and ſtrain it as before, mix together what you have ſtrained, and let them ſettle; decant the clear liquor, and evaporate it in a glaſs or earthen veſſel, ſet in a ſand-heat, unto the conſiſtence of thick honey.

It is a Febrifuge that has the ſame virtues as the former, the doſe is from twelve grains to half a drachm, in Pills, or diſſolved in wine.

Remarks.

The Wine and Spirit of wine are very proper to draw forth the Tincture of the Bark, but they are by no means good to make the Extract with, becauſe in the evaporation the Spirit carries away with it the more ſubtile parts of the mixt. The water of Nuts is much more convenient, for beſides that it loſes leſs of the volatile ſubſtance, it is a little febrifugous itſelf. Inſtead of this water you might uſe thoſe of Juniper-berries, the leſſer Centaury, or Wormwood-water.

[Page]The Extract is convenient for thoſe who cannot endure the taſte of remedies, for it may be given in Pills wrapped up in a wafer, without partaking of the taſte. But I ſhould prefer the Infuſion, or the Bark in ſubſtance, before this preparation, becauſe it is impoſſible to avoid the evaporation of the more ſubtile parts in the ebullition of it, uſe what precaution you will to preſerve them.

You may draw the fixt ſalt from the reſidence that remains, after you have drawn the Extract, or the Tincture. You muſt dry it, and burn and calcine the aſhes in a crucible, then ſteep them in hot water ten or twelve hours, boil them an hour, and then filtrate this lixivium, and evaporate the water in an earthen pan or glaſs veſſel in ſand, there will remain a ſalt at bottom, which you muſt keep in a bottle well ſtopt. This ſalt is an alkali, as are all other fixed ſalts drawn from plants, it is aperitive, it may be given for a quartan Ague; the doſe is from ten grains to a ſcruple in ſome proper liquor.

You muſt not think that this ſalt retains all the virtues of the Bark, they are rather all deſtroyed in the calcination.

Nor may we think to ſeparate the Febrifugous virtue of this Bark, by diſtilling it dry in a Retort; for on the contrary, this would deſtroy it, by breaking the natural harmony and union of its parts, and you would get only a ſtinking Spirit, and a burnt oil, which would be of no great uſe.

CHAP. VII. Of Cloves.

[Page]

CLoves are the fruit of a Tree as big as the Laurel Tree, its Bark is very much like Cinnamon, but taſts like the fruit Cloves; it grows in many places in the Indies; it is an admirable ſtomachick, held in the mouth it preſerves from the contagion of ill air.

Oil of Cloves per Deſcenſum.

Take ſeveral large drinking glaſſes, cover them with a Linnen-cloth, and tie it round each of them, leaving a cavity in each Cloth to put the powdered Cloves into; ſet a ſmall earthen Cup upon each glaſs of theſe Cloves, let it ſtop ſo fitly that it may ſuffer no air to enter between its brim and that of the glaſs: fill theſe Cups with hot aſhes, to warm the Cloves, and diſtil down to the bottom of the glaſs firſt a little phlegm and Spirit, and after that a clear and white oil; continue the fire until there falls no more, ſeparate the oil in a Tunnel lined with a cornet of brown paper, and keep it in a Viol well ſtopt.

Some drops of it are with Cotton put into aking Teeth; it is likewiſe good in Malignant Feavers, and the Plague: the doſe is two or three drops in [Page] Balm-water, or ſome appropriate liquor. You muſt mix it with a little Sugar-candy, or a little yelk of an egg, before you drop it into water; otherwiſe it will not diſſolve in the water.

Remarks.

I have given you this Preparation to ſerve upon an emergence, when you want in haſte the Oil of Cloves, you muſt only uſe hot aſhes to warm the Cloves, if you deſire to have a white Oil, for if you give a greater heat, the Oil turns red, and loſes a good part of it. You muſt alſo take care to lift up the Cup from time to time, to ſtir about the powder of Cloves. The Oil of Cloves may be likewiſe drawn, if you pleaſe, like that of Cinnamon.

If you uſe a pound of Cloves, to diſtil per deſcenſum, according to the deſcription I have given, you'l draw an ounce and two drachms of white Oil, and an ounce of Spirit; there will remain thirteen ounces and two drachms of matter, from whence might ſtill be drawn a little red Oil.

It is likely that the Oil of Cloves works in eaſing the tooth-ach much after the ſame manner as I ſaid the Oil of Guaiacum did. But this Oil having an agreeable ſmell with it, there is no difficulty in admitting the application of this, as there was in the other.

Some do diſſolve Opium in Oil of Cloves, and do uſe this diſſolution for the tooth-ach; they do put one drop of it into the aking tooth, and this allaies the pain in a very little time, by reaſon of [Page] the Opium, but there is one thing to be apprehended from this uſe of Opiates, and that is deafneſs, ſome have thereby become deaf, though indeed that rarely happens.

You may rectifie the Spirit of Cloves by diſtilling it in ſand. And when you have diſtilled two thirds of it, you muſt keep it in a Viol well ſtopt, and fling away the phlegm which remains at bottom of the Cucurbite. The Spirit of Cloves is a good ſtomachick, it is good to help concoction, to comfort the heart, to perſpire ill humors, and to provoke Seed; the doſe is from ſix drops to twenty in ſome convenient liquor.

CHAP. VIII. Of Nutmegs.

NƲtmeg is the fruit of a Tree as big as a Pear-Tree, which grows in the Iſle Banda in the Weſt-Indies. It is called Nuciſta, Nux Moſchata, Myriſtica, Ʋnguentaria, and Aromatites. While it is green, it is clothed with two Barks, but when it comes to maturity, the uppermoſt chaps, and lets the ſecond appear, which is tender, and very fragrant. This laſt Bark is called Mace, and improperly the Flower of Nutmegs.

The beſt Nutmeg is that which is moſt weighty; it is mixed in Carminative, & Hyſterical Remedies.

[Page]Sometimes a ſort of Nutmegs, called Male-Nutmeg, is found at the Druggiſt, which differs from the common ſort, in that it is longer and weaker.

Oil of Nutmeg.

Take ſixteen ounces of good Nutmegs, beat them in a Mortar, until they are almoſt in a Paſte, and put them upon a boulter; cover them with a piece of ſtrong Cloth, and an earthen pan over that; put your cloth over a kettle half filled with water, and ſet the kettle upon the fire, that the vapour of the water may gently warm the Nutmegs; when you ſhall find upon touching the pan, that it is ſo hot you cannot endure your hand upon it, you muſt take off the boulter, and putting the matter into a linnen cloth, take its four corners, and tye them quickly together; put them into a preſs between a couple of warm plates, ſet the pan underneath, and there will come forth an Oil which congeals as it grows cold: expreſs the matter as ſtrongly as you are able, to draw out all the Oil; then keep it in a pot well ſtopt; this Oil is very ſtomachick, being applyed outwardly, or elſe given inwardly. The doſe is from four grains to ten in broth, or ſome more convenient liquor. It is commonly mixed with Oil of Maſtich, to chafe the Region of the ſtomach. And this way the green Oils of Anis-ſeed, Fennil, Dill, and Mace, may be drawn.

Remarks.

[Page]

The Nutmegs muſt be well beaten, or elſe they will yield little Oil; this way of warming them is called the Vaporous Bath.

The ordinary method is to heat the Nutmegs in a kettle, and then expreſs them ſtrongly, but becauſe the warming them that way carries off a great deal of its volatile parts, the Oil never proves ſo good, as when made with the circumſtances I have mentioned; for thus the matter heats inſenſibly by the vapour of the water, and alters not its virtue in the leaſt; and if any water doth mix with the Nutmegs, it is eaſily ſeparated from the Oil. They who deſire to have it very fragrant, may ſet it over a veſſel of wine inſtead of water.

If you draw the Oil from ſixteen ounces of Anis-ſeed, the way I have deſcribed, you may obtain from ſix drachms to nine drachms and a half of it, according to the goodneſs of the Anis-ſeed you uſe, this Oil will be of a green colour.

The Oils of Almonds, Wall-nuts, Gold ſeeds, Hazle nuts, Poppy, and Behen, muſt be only beaten, and ſo put into the preſs, without heating becauſe they do yield their Oils very eaſily, and becauſe theſe Oils are often taken inwardly, it is better to draw them without the help of fire, to avoid the Empyreumatical impreſſion it would otherwiſe take.

CHAP. IX. Diſtillation of an Odoriferous Plant, ſuch as Balm, its Extract, and fixt Salt.

[Page]

TAke a good quantity of Balm newly gathered, when it is in its vigour: beat it well in a Mortar, and put it into a large earthen pot, make a ſtrong decoction of other Balm, and pour of it into the pot enough to ſwet it ſufficiently; cover the pot, and leave it two days indigeſtion; then put the Matter into a large Copper Veſica, and cover it with its Refrigeratory, or Head, Tin'd on the inſide: ſet it in a Furnace, and fitting to it a Receiver lute the junctures with a wet bladder; make a fire of the ſecond degree under it, and diſtil about half the water you poured upon the Balm, then let the Veſſels cool, and unlute them: You'l find in the Receiver a very good Balm-water, put it into a bottle, and expoſe it to the Sun five or ſix days open, then ſtop it, and keep it for uſe. It is uſed in Hyſterical Maladies, in the Palſie, Apoplexy, and Malignant Feavers, it is given from two to ſix ounces.

Expreſs through a linnen cloth ſtrongly that which remains in the body, and let the Expreſſion ſettle; filter it, and evaporate the water with a gentle heat in an Earthen veſſel, until there remains an Extract in the conſiſtence of thick hony. [Page] 'Tis a good remedy for ſuch diſeaſes as proceed from corrupt Humors, it works by perſpiration, or by Urine: the doſe is from a Scrupule to a Drachm, diſſolved in its proper water.

Dry the Reſidence that remains after expreſſion, and burn it with good ſtore of other Balm likewiſe dried, you may obtain an Alkali ſalt from the aſhes by a Lixivium, the ſame way I ſpoke of concerning the ſalt of Guaiacum.

This Salt is Aperitive, and Sudorifick, the doſe is from ten grains to a Scrupule in Balm-water.

The Water, Extract, and Salt of all Odoriferous Plants, ſuch as Sage, Marjoram, Time, Mint, Hyſſop, &c. may be drawn after the ſame manner.

Remarks.

Perhaps ſome will think it ſtrange that I add water for the diſtillation of Balm, but thoſe who uſe to work on this ſort of Herbs do know well enough, that being dry ſubſtances of themſelves, there is no good diſtilling them without firſt wetting them; and beſides, the water that is added doth only ſerve to imbibe the volatile parts, as the Fermentation operates; and when the matter is heated, the more ſpirituous part as being the lighter riſes firſt, and ſavours much leſs of the Empyreume, than if the herb were diſtilled without firſt wetting it.

You muſt obſerve in theſe diſtillations to give a fire from the ſecond to the third degree, becauſe if it were made too little, none of the Eſſential or volatile Salt of the Plant would riſe; and if it [Page] were too ſtrong, the water would taſte of the Empyreume: wherefore to make a good diſtillation, you muſt let one drop follow another ſlowly.

The waters ſo ſoon as they are diſtilled, have commonly no great ſmell, but when they have lain ſome time in the Sun, their ſpirituous parts that were condenſed in the Phlegm, do diſplay themſelves, and exert their activity; for which reaſon it is that the water becomes fragrant which was not ſo before.

The Extract doth contain almoſt all the Eſſential Salt of the Plant, wherefore it is of greater virtue than the water; you muſt take care to Evaporate the liquor with a mild heat, for fear too much ſhould carry off this ſalt, which is but too volatile of its own nature; for it is in the ſalt that the principal virtue of the Plant doth conſiſt.

CHAP. X. Diſtillation of a Plant that is not Odoriferous, ſuch as Carduus Benedictus, and its Eſſential Salt.

TAke a good quantity of Carduus, when it is in its prime; pound it in a Mortar, and fill with it two thirds of a Limbeck; draw by expreſſion a ſufficient quantity of the Juyce of other [Page] Carduus, and pour it into the Limbeck, that the herbs ſwimming in the Juyce may incur no danger of ſticking to the bottom during the diſtillation: diſtil with a fire of the ſecond degree about half as much water as you uſed juyce, this water is Sudorifick. It is uſed to drive out the Small-Pox, and in the Plague.

Expreſs through a cloth that which remains in the Limbeck, let the juyce ſettle, and after it is filtred, Evaporate with a ſmall fire about two thirds of the liquor, in an earthen or glaſs veſſel: ſet this veſſel in a cool place, and leave it there eight or ten days, there will ſhoot out Cryſtals round about the veſſel, ſeparate them, and keep them in a Viol well ſtopt. Theſe Cryſtals are called the Eſſential ſalt; it is Sudorifick, the doſe is from ſix to ſixteen grains in its proper diſtilled water.

The Extract of Carduus may be likewiſe made the ſame way that I deſcribed for Balm.

Remarks.

Succory, Fumitory, Sorrel, Scabious, Creſſes, and all other Plants that are not Odoriferous, which yield good ſtore of Juice, muſt be diſtilled like the Carduus Benedictus, and this method may ſerve to draw the Eſſential Salt out of any plant whatſoever.

The hot Plants have much more of this Salt than others; Lettice contains leſs than Succory, Succory leſs than Sorrel, and ſo of the reſt.

[Page]Seeing it is in the Salt that the virtue of the plant conſiſts, I would adviſe rather to uſe the decoction of Plants than their diſtilled water, when the Plants are in ſeaſon, and when they are out, then to have recourſe to diſtilled waters, and mix with them a little of their Eſſential Salt, or Extract.

The fixt Alkali Salt may be drawn from the remainder of the Plant, in like manner as I have ſhewed to draw that of Guaiacum.

CHAP. XI. Of Sugar.

SƲgar is the eſſential ſalt of a reed or cane that grows in many places, and eſpecially in the Weſtern Iſlands. The pulp in the trunk of this plant is taken and waſhed, and then ſteeped in hot water, this water is ſtrained, and evaporated, and the Sugar remains at bottom; heretofore it was called Mel arundinaceum, or the Cane-honey, but ſince it has been called Zucharum, or Saccharum.

The firſt elaboration that is given to Sugar, is to purifie it, by diſſolving it in water, filtrating and evaporating the liquor, after which it is made up into Loaves, or elſe it is ſent in Casks or Cheſts, and is called Caſſonnade, or Caſtonnade. There are of it the red, the brown, and the white [Page] Sugar, according as it has been more or leſs purified, it differs in colour. The name Caſtonnade may have been derived from the Casks in which it is brought, called Caſt by the Germans.

When the Sugar has been refined no more then aboveſaid, it is a little fat; now to refine it farther it is diſſolved in Lime-water, it is boiled, and the ſcum taken off; when it is ſufficiently boiled, it is caſt into molds of a Pyramidal form, which have a hole at bottom to let the more glutionous part run through, and ſeparate.

It is ſtill farther refined by boiling it with the whites of eggs in water, for the glutinous quality of the whites of eggs does help to receive and take away the impurities which might remain in the Sugar, and the boiling of it ſerving to drive them all to the ſides of the veſſel in a ſcum, the liquor is paſſed through a cloth, and then evaporated to a due conſiſtence.

Sugar-Candy is only a Sugar cryſtallized; the way to make it, is to boil refined Sugar in water to the conſiſtence of a thick Syrop, it is then poured into pots, wherein little ſticks have been laid in order; it is left in a ſtill place ſome days without ſtirring, and you have the Sugar-Candy ſticking to thoſe ſticks. Red Sugar-Candy is made after the ſame manner.

Sugar is good for infirmities of the breaſt and lungs, becauſe it does attenuate and cut the phlegm which ſometimes oppreſſes the fibres of theſe parts, but you muſt uſe it as little as may be in hyſterical caſes, by reaſon that it raiſes vapours. Red-Sugar is ſometimes mixed with deterſive Clyſters.

[Page]Its ſweetneſs does proceed from an eſſential acid ſalt mixed with ſome oily parts of which it conſiſts, as I have already explicated in the Remarks upon Oil of Antimony prepared with Sugar.

The Caſſonnade, or Cask-ſugar makes a ſweeter impreſſion upon the tongue than our finer Sugar, becauſe it contains more viſcous or fat parts, which do remain the longer upon the nerve of the tongue, and this makes us ſometimes prefer the firſt, as to uſe, before the other. And for the ſame reaſon the finer a Sugar is, the quicker it paſſes off the taſte. Sugar-candy is better for Rheums than common Sugar, becauſe being harder it requires a longer time to melt in the mouth, and beſides it keeps the breaſt moiſter than the common Sugar.

Spirit of Sugar.

This Spirit is a mixture of the acid part of Sugar with the Flowers of Sal Armoniack.

Powder and mix eight ounces of white Sugar-candy with four ounces of Sal Armoniack, put this mixture into a glaſs, or earthen body, whoſe third only is thereby filled, fit a head to the body, and place it in a ſand-furnace; joyn a receiver to it, and lute well the junctures with a wet bladder, give it a ſmall fire for an hour only to heat the veſſel, then increaſe it to the ſecond degree, there will diſtil a liquor drop by drop, and towards the end there will riſe white vapours into the head; increaſe your fire ſtill more, until nothing more comes forth; let the veſſels cool and unlute [Page] them, you will find in the receiver ſeven ounces of a brown liquor, that has but an ill ſmell, and a little black oil ſtuck to the ſides, pour it all together into a glaſs-body, and having fitted to it a head and receiver, and luted the joints, diſtil in ſand ſix ounces of a very acid ſpirit, that is clear and agreeable to the taſte, and without any ſmell of Empyreum.

It is a good aperitive againſt the gravel, and the dropſie, it is good to ſtop diarrhea's, and dyſenteries with, it may be dropt into the Tincture of Roſes, inſtead of other acid Spirits. Some do think it good for diſeaſes of the breaſt; the doſe is eight or ten drops, or to an agreeable acidity in ſome proper liquor.

That which remains in the body after the rectification is a foetid oil, which may be outwardly uſed to cleanſe old ulcers.

Remarks.

The Spirit of common Sugar is made without addition of any thing in the preparation; it is an acid Spirit, but is not ſo ſtrong, nor has ſo great virtues, as that which I have now deſcribed. It is thought good for diſeaſes of the breaſt, by reaſon of the Sugar, which indeed is good for them, but ſo ſtrong an acid is apt to give a Cough.

The body muſt be big enough, in order to give room to the vapours to circulate in, as they do riſe.

A very little Oil of Sugar can be drawn in this operation; for that which remains after the rectification [Page] is not a pure oil, but a remainder of the Spirit tinged with ſome drops of oil, inſomuch that it would be very hard to get one drachm of pure Oil.

CHAP. XII. Of Wine.

WIne is nothing elſe but the Muſte, or juice of ripe Grapes, whoſe Spirituous parts are ſet at liberty in the Fermentation. This Wine is more or leſs groſs, according as it abounds more or leſs with Tartar.

In the making of White-wine, the Muſte of white Grapes is left to Ferment all alone; but Claret muſt Ferment with the Faeces of the Grapes; whence it comes to paſs that the Red is loaded with more Tartar than the White, and remains longer in the body after it is drunk. The wines of hot Countrys do commonly more abound with Tartar than others, by reaſon of the abundance of Salts which they attract from the earth. Muſcat, and Spaniſh Wines do not endure a Fermentation, until good part of the Phlegm is evaporated, either by the heat of the Sun, or by fire; and this is the reaſon they become ſo glutinous as they do, almoſt like Syrup. Laſtly, there may be made as many different Wines, as there can be different [Page] Fermentations to the Muſte. Now let us conſider what it is that happens in theſe Fermentations.

Muſte is a ſweet liquor that ſends no vapours to the head to Intoxicate, though one drinks never ſo much. If you diſtil it, there will riſe firſt of all, good ſtore of Inſipid water, after that a fetid Oil with a few weak Spirits, which are nothing but an Eſſential Salt diſſolved; and laſtly there will remain a terreſtrious maſs, out of which may be drawn ſome quantity of fixt ſalt by making a Lixivium, as we draw other alkali ſalts; but among all theſe ſubſtances we find none of thoſe Spirits that uſe to make Brandy, and yet nevertheleſs when Muſte hath Fermented for ſome time, it turns into Wine from whence you may draw a conſiderable quantity of Inflammable Spirits.

Now to explicate this effect you muſt know that Muſte doth contain a great deal of Eſſential Salt; this Salt like a volatile, making an effort in the Fermentation to deliver it ſelf from the oily parts with which it was before incumbred, does open and divide them, until by its ſubtile and keen points it hath rarified them into Spirit; this effort of the ſalt does cauſe the Ebullition which happens to wine, and which at the ſame time does help to purifie it; for it ſeparates the groſſer parts of the wine in form of a ſcum, of which ſome part does ſtick to, and petrifie on the ſides of the veſſel, and another part precipitates to the bottom, the firſt is called Tartar, the laſt the Lees of wine. The inflammable Spirit of Wine then is nothing but an Oil exalted by Salts, and this is an indubitable proof of what I eſtabliſh, that there was nothing but oil in the Muſte, which was capable of taking [Page] fire: theſe ſame ſalts alſo being a little freed from the cover they were wrapt in, are they that change the wallowiſh ſweetneſs of Muſte into an agreeable Tartneſs, ſuch as we perceive in our French Wines.

It is likewiſe remarkable that a ſufficient quantity of Phlegm is requiſite for the better ſeparation of the Salts in their Fermentation, and an Exaltation of the Oil; for otherwiſe ſeveral changes are apt to happen: for example, when Muſcat, and Spaniſh wine are made, a great deal of Phlegm is ſeparated from them; for the Muſcat Grape is left to dry in the Sun upon the Branches, before it is gathered to put into the preſs, and ſome part of the liquor of the Muſte, with which Spaniſh wine is made, is Evaporated before it is ſuffered to Ferment; which is the cauſe that the Salts not having liberty to expatiate, and to rarifie the Oil as much as they would do if they had room, do make but an imperfect Fermentation. The Oil being thus half exalted, hath ſtill ſtrength enough to hinder the Tartneſs of the ſalt, and therefore only tickling the Nerves of the tongue, makes us perceive in theſe liquors a ſweet taſte. And this is alſo the reaſon, why fewer Spirits are drawn from Muſcat and Spaniſh wines, than from French wines; for whereas the Spirit of Wine doth conſiſt in a rarified Oil, there muſt needs be fewer Spirits in thoſe, than in French wines. But much more of a groſs Oil is drawn by diſtillation from thoſe half fermented Wines.

If on the contrary the Muſte ſhould be loaded with too much phlegm, as it happens often enough, there follows another imperfect Fermentation, becauſe [Page] the Salts being too much weakned by it are not able ſufficiently to cut and exalt the parts of Oil, whence it comes to paſs that theſe Wines are ſubject to turn aigre, or to ſowre. The Wines of Languedoc and Provence being extreamly loaded with Tartar, are groſſer than the Wines of Burgundy and Champaigne, becauſe their Spirits are incumbred with abundance of Salt and Earth. Wherefore the goodneſs of Wine may be ſaid to proceed from a convenient proportion of phlegm and Tartar.

It is objected to this laſt diſcourſe, that the Tartareous part being in a natural way ſeparated from the Wine, ſhould in no wiſe diminiſh the quantity nor the ſtrength of the Spirituous and inflammable part.

But when I aſſerted that the Spirits of divers Wines are extreamly loaded with Tartar, I did not mean that Tartar which petrifies at the ſides of the veſſels, for that is at quiet, and does not hinder the Exaltation of Spirits; but I intended a Tartar that ſtill remains mixt in the Wine after the Fermentation, and which according as it abounds more or leſs, does render the Wines more or leſs thick and groſs. It is eaſy to ſee this Tartar I ſpeak of, if you Evaporate the aqueous part of Wine, for it will remain at bottom in form of Lees. Nevertheleſs there is no need of eſtabliſhing two ſorts of Tartar in one kind of Wine, for the former is only the more ſoluble part of the other.

Divers little Objections have likewiſe been made me on this ſubject, for want of duly examining what I have eſtabliſhed. Wherefore I do not deſire to enlarge in the relation of them, [Page] for I do aim as much as I can, to avoid Repetitions, as being good for nothing but to ſwell a Book and tire the Reader.

Wine diminiſhes the appetite, as ſaith Hippocrates, and the cauſe may be, becauſe the Sulphureous Spirits it is charged with, do dull and oppreſs the Ferment of the Stomach, which by its irritation cauſed hunger.

Vinous liquors may be made of all Fruits, and many other things, by means of Fermentation, as from Apples, Pears, Honey, and Hopps. In like manner Berries, Seeds, Leaves, and Flowers, may be made to Ferment: but becauſe ſeveral of theſe things are naturally too dry to ferment eaſily, they muſt be wetted with water, after they are beaten; and to quicken their Fermentation, a little Yeſt is to be added, and by this means liquors are made, whence burning Spirits may be drawn, as well as from Wine.

That which happens in the fermentation of Wines, may ſerve very well to explicate many diſeaſes, but eſpecially the Small Pox, for it is very probable that in this diſeaſe the bloud does boil and ferment in the veſſels much after the manner as Wine ferments in a veſſel.

The little puſtules of the Small Pox are a Tartar which is ſeparated from the bloud to the skin, after the ſame manner as the Tartar ſeparates from the Wine to the ſides of the veſſel, and indeed they have the ſame effect as ſalt in corroding the skin.

Infants are more ſubject to this diſeaſe than elder perſons, becauſe their bloud is more like to Muſte, and conſequently is more ſubject to ferment.

[Page]The Small-pox does uſually happen but once in a mans life, juſt as Muſte does ferment alſo but once.

Diſtillation of Wine into Brandy.

Fill with Wine half a large Copper body, cover it with its Moors head, bordered with its Refrigeratory, and fit to it a Receiver; lute well the junctures with a wet Bladder, and diſtil with a gentle fire, about a quarter of the Liquor, or elſe until the liquor which diſtils doth not burn; when fire is put to it, that which is in the Receiver is called Brandy, and in French, Aqua vitae.

Remarks.

Brandy is a Spirit of wine loaded with phlegm, that it hath carried with it in the diſtillation; theſe Spirits do always riſe firſt, and ſo it is known that there remain no more in the Cucurbite, when the liquor that diſtils is no longer inflammable.

Brandy may be drawn from all ſorts of Wines, but more of it may be drawn in ſome Countries than others. For example, the Wines that are made about Orleans and Paris do yield greater plenty of Brandy than many others which ſeem to be ſtronger; and the reaſon is, that thoſe Wines which appear ſtronger, being loaded with a great deal of Tartar, have their Spirits as it were fixed, whereas the others containing but a convenient portion of this Tartar, do leave their Spirits at greater liberty.

[Page]When Wine has been drunk, there is made a ſeparation of Spirits in the body, much reſembling that which is made by diſtillation: for the heat of the bowels warming it, cauſes the Spirituous parts to ſpread on all ſides through the pores, and ſome part of them to mix with the bloud, and rarefie it, from whence it comes to rejoyce the heart, and encreaſe the vigour of the whole body; but becauſe theſe Spirits do always tend upwards, the greateſt part flies into the brain, where it quickens its motion, and produces a certain gaiety of mind that is wont to furniſh us with many excellent thoughts.

But now if wine moderately taken is ſo profitable for the Functions of the body, it likewiſe cauſes many miſchiefs, when it is exceſſively uſed; for the Spirituous parts riſing in great abundance do circulate in the brain with ſo much celerity, that they ſoon confound the whole Oeconomy. And then the objects will appear double, and the walls of the place where one is, ſeem to have changed their ordinary ſituation.

This Confuſion remains until the Spirits having ſome good time diſſolved the phlegm, do in part condenſe with it, and in part ſpend through the pores.

It likewiſe then happens, that a man is prone to ſleep, becauſe the Pituita being attenuated either by the Spirits of wine, or by the phlegm they have drawn along with them, glides into the ſmall paſſages of the brain, and retards the Circulation of the Animal Spirits, by gluing them together; for after the ſame manner as the motion of the Spirits in the Brain doth beget watchfulneſs, ſo their repoſe [Page] or condenſation produces ſleep. But I ſhall ſpeak more amply of this ſubject hereafter, when I come to treat of the effects of Opium.

The ſleep which is cauſed through exceſs of Wine doth uſually remain until the Animal Spirits have rarefied this phlegm, and opened a free paſſage. Thoſe who are intoxicated with Beer, Sider or ſome ſuch like liquor, do remain in their Drunkenneſs a longer time, and ſleep more after it, than thoſe who are drunk with Wine, becauſe the Spirit of theſe liquors, carrying along with it a viſcous phlegm into the brain, remains a longer time in the diſengaging it ſelf, and paſſing through the pores. Again it is the viſcoſity of this phlegm, which entring into the Sinus of the brain, does cauſe ſo long a ſleep, becauſe it is ſo hard to rarefie.

Thoſe Accidents that I have related to proceed from the immoderate uſe of Wine, are but the firſt, and the leſs grievous, though indeed they are but little to be deſired; every body knows that a continuation of frequent debauches doth at laſt render a man dull and ſtupid, and this by reaſon the Spirits of Wine do not only trouble the Natural Spirits in their functions, and render them Phlegmatick, but likewiſe by rarefying them do ever carry off and loſe ſome ſtore of them.

Theſe Perſons are likewiſe ſubject to a continual ſpitting, or elſe they are moleſted with defluxions, Catarrhs, and Gout, becauſe the Pituita being rendred more liquid by the Spirits and phlegm of vinous liquors, is forced to deſcend through the Lymphatick veſſels; but if there happens to be the leaſt obſtacle in theſe veſſels, it takes its courſe with the Nerves, and falls upon all the parts of the [Page] body. Laſtly, when exceſs of wine does occaſion falling into the Apoplexy, and Palſie, it is by reaſon the Pituita is rendred too liquid by the Spirits and Phlegm of wine, and cauſes Obſtructions in the head, and hinders the natural courſe of the Spirits into the Nerves. Many other ſad effects of wine-debauches might be here mentioned, but this digreſſion is too long. Let us return to our Operation.

After the wine hath been deprived of theſe Sulphureous Spirits, there remains in the body a Tartareous liquor, which being expoſed a good while to the Sun in a Cask without its ſtopple, turns into good Vinegar.

It may be ſome ſuch thing happens in the Bodies of thoſe who accuſtom to drink too much wine; for whereas the volatile parts, which aſcend to the Brain and Heart, by an agitation of the Spirits, do beget Joy; ſo on the contrary the Tartareous parts by fixing the humors about the Hypochondria, do cauſe by little and little that which is called Melancholy, which proceeds from an acid; whence it comes to paſs that many men making a debauch upon wine, with deſign to paſs away their Melancholy, do afterwards find they have encreaſed it, when the debauch hath had its effect.

If you would by way of curioſity make an exact Analyſis of wine, you muſt take that which remains in the body after diſtillation of the Brandy, and diſtil off all the phlegm, there will remain a Matter like unto Roſine, put it into a Retort, and placing it in a Furnace, diſtil away more phlegm, in a ſmall fire, until it begins to come ſharp. Then fit a large Receiver to the Retort, and luting well [Page] the junctures, ſtrengthen the fire by degrees, to drive forth acid Spirits, and a little fetid Oil, continue the fire until there comes no more.

The Oil is ſeparated from the Spirit in a Tunnel lined with brown paper; for the Spirit will paſs through, and the Oil being too thick will remain. But it is here remarkable, that more of this Spirit and Oil is drawn from Muſte, than wine; which ſufficiently proves the Remark I made before, touching the origine of the volatile Spirit of wine; for ſeeing good ſtore of the Oil of Muſte hath contributed to the making volatile Spirit of Wine, there muſt needs remain but very little Oyl, in the liquor that Brandy is drawn from.

The acid Spirit of wine, and the Black Oil, are like to thoſe of Tartar, which I ſhall deſcribe anon. And an alkali ſalt wholly reſembling that of Tartar may be drawn by a Lixivium from the maſs that remains in the Retort.

Spirit of Wine.

Spirit of Wine is the oily part of wine rarefied by acid Salts.

Fill a large bolt-head with a long neck, half full with Brandy, and fitting a head and Receiver, lute cloſe the junctures; ſet your bolthead upon a pot half filled with water, to diſtil in a vaporous Bath, the Spirit, which ſeparates from the phlegm, and riſes pure: continue this degree of fire until nothing more diſtils, thus you'l have a dephlegmated Spirit of Wine in the very firſt diſtillation.

[Page]It ſerves for a Menſtruum to a great many things in Chymiſtry; half a ſpoonful of it is given to Apoplectical, and Lethargical perſons, to make them come to themſelves; likewiſe their Wriſts, Breaſt, and Face are rubbed with it. 'Tis a good Remedy for Burnings, if applied ſo ſoon as they happen; and it is good for cold pains, for the Palſie, Contuſions, and other Maladies, wherein it is requiſite to diſcuſs, and to open the pores.

Remarks.

The uſual way of making Spirit of Wine, is by diſtilling Brandy in a Limbeck ſo many times over until it comes pure; and to do this, about half the Brandy is drawn by diſtillation, and the phlegm that remains at bottom accounted of no uſe. Again, half the Spirit which was diſtilled is anew drawn off, and the phlegm thrown away; theſe Rectifications are continued, until you find by firing a ſpoonful of the Spirit, that every drop burns, and there remains not the leaſt Phlegm; but becauſe this Operation is very tedious, and it is a hard matter thus to get a Spirit of Wine wholly free from Phlegm, even after nine or ten times repeating theſe diſtillations, let the fire be never ſo ſmall; Artiſts have invented a long Machine, which they call the Serpent, by reaſon of the circumvolutions which it makes. It is fitted to the Cucurbite containing the Brandy, and the top made like a Tunnel receives the head, to which a Receiver is fitted, and the junctures well luted, and the veſſel placed in a ſmall fire, the Spirits of [Page]Wine do riſe by this gentle heat, but the phlegm being too heavy cannot aſcend ſo high, ſo that thus a Spirit of Wine deprived of its phlegm is had the very firſt time. But becauſe this Machine is hard to carry into the country, and other places where one would deſire to make Spirit of Wine, and beſides that it is ſubject to looſen in the joints, through the violence of the Spirits; I have thought that the way I delivered for making Spirit of Wine was more commodious; for provided you have but a matraſs and a head, it will be an eaſie matter to draw as good Spirit of Wine as that by the Serpent, and there's no need to fear the Spirits breaking any way out of the veſſel, if you do but lute well the junctures, as I have ſaid.

The matraſs muſt have a very long neck, that no phlegm may be able to riſe into the Receiver.

The vaporous Bath is fitter than any other to perform this Operation in, becauſe a moſt moderate heat is requiſite to raiſe up the Spirits all alone; now the vapour of water warms very inſenſibly. You muſt continue the ſame degree of fire, until there comes nothing more.

Some perſons do endeavour to reject the method that I have deſcribed for drawing Spirit of Wine, becauſe, ſay they, a long time is required to draw a little Spirit, and by reaſon of the difficulty they conceive in procuring ſuch veſſels well made, at Paris, and much more ſo in the Country.

But it is likely theſe Gentlemen do blame this method becauſe they never tried it; for if they had but taken the pains to make Experiment of it, they would have found that with two or three of theſe veſſels, they might have drawn as much Spirit [Page]of Wine, as they could be able to do with their great Machine; and that this Spirit is not liable to the impreſſion which might be communicated to it from Copper or Tin veſſels. As for the difficulty that there is pretended of getting ſuch glaſs veſſels, there is none at all that I know of, but only for ſuch as will not take the pains to viſit the Glaſs-houſes, for there they would find enough for their turn; and though I uſe a great many of them in my Courſes of Chymiſtry, I never was to ſeek for any yet. But ſuppoſe there were none to be found ready made, methinks they might as eaſily beſpeak them, and have them made at the Glaſs-houſes, as well as beſpeak thoſe grand Copper or Tin Machines, that are commonly uſed. I know that ſuch as are better pleaſed with making a Fair ſhew, than with the effects of things, and who meaſure the goodneſs of an Operation by the trouble it gives one, and by the greatneſs of veſſels and Furnaces, will find here but little to their ſatisfaction. But I am very little concerned at ſuch mens exceptions, I never endeavoured to follow their Track. My deſign is ſimply to facilitate the means of working in Chymiſtry, and to take away, as much as lies in my power, thoſe things which render it myſterious and dark.

Spirit of Wine is good for Lethargical, and Apoplectical perſons, becauſe it puts the Spirits into a greater motion than they were in before. Now becauſe according to all appearance theſe Diſeaſes are cauſed by Obſtructions which hinder the courſe of the Spirits into the Brain, this Spirit ſerves to give them a new vigour, to diſſolve and rarefie theſe Tartareous viſcoſities which ſhut up their [Page] paſſage. It likewiſe diſcuſſes Tumors and Defluxions, becauſe it not only opens the pores, and gives vent to the ſubtler part of the humor to perſpire, but likewiſe diſſolves and rarefies the groſſer part, ſo as to render it fit to circulate with the blood.

The Spirit of Wine is excellent for Burnings, provided it be uſed ſo ſoon as they happen; for then it opens a paſſage for the igneous particles to come out at, and if there ſhould remain any within the part, it unites with them as it uſes to do when mixed with an Acid.

Spirit of Wine Tartariſed.

This preparation is a Spirit of Wine that has carried with it ſome portion of Salt of Tartar.

Put a Pound of Salt of Tartar into a long glaſs-body; pour upon it four pounds of Spirit of Wine prepared as I ſaid before: place your veſſel in Sand, and cover it with a head to which fit a Receiver, lute well the junctures with a wet Bladder, and give it a gradual fire, which continue until three parts of the Spirit of Wine are riſen; then remove the fire, and keep this Spirit in a Viol well ſtopt; it hath the ſame virtues as the other, but is more ſubtile.

The liquor that remains in the body may be evaporated, and a Salt of Tartar got as good as before.

Remarks.

[Page]

This Operation is only a Rectification of the Spirit of Wine, to render it more ſubtile than it was before; becauſe the Salt of Tartar becomes impregnated with the Phlegmatick parts, and hinders them from riſing.

The Spirit of Wine doth likewiſe volatilize, and carry along with it ſome portion of the Salt of Tartar, which gives it a very agreeable ſmell, and renders it a good Remedy for Obſtructions.

A ſign, that the Spirit of Wine has carried along with it ſome of the Salt of Tartar, is this: if you dry gently the Salt of Tartar that remains in the Body, and weigh it, you'l find it diminiſhed an ounce and a half.

You may again put this Spirit of Wine Tartarized to half a pound of more Salt of Tartar, and diſtil it as before, but I have found that it is never a-whit the better for it.

This way of Tartarizing Spirit of Wine is the very beſt and ſhorteſt of all that have been invented, whether you deſire to make it pure, or to impregnate it with Salt of Tartar; and I may venture to ſay, that all the many long and tedious deſcriptions that have been given of this Operation, have been only invented to caſt a duſt into the eyes of Novices; for it is eaſie for any to obſerve, who give themſelves a little to examine things, that after all their long turnings and windings, and circumſtances to no purpoſe, the Spirit of Wine is not ſo well Tartarized, as by the plain method that I have deſcribed.

Queen of Hungary's Water.

[Page]

This Operation is a Spirit of Wine impregnated with the more eſſential part of Roſemary flowers.

Fill a glaſs or earthen cucurbite half full with Roſemary Flowers, gathered when they are at their beſt; pour upon it Spirit of Wine ſufficient to infuſe the Flowers in; ſet your Cucurbite in a Balneum, and joyning its head, and Receiver, lute cloſe the junctures, and give it a digeſting fire for three days, after which unlute them, and pour into the Cucurbite that which may have been diſtilled. Refit your Alembick, and encreaſe the fire ſtrong enough to make the liquor diſtil, ſo as one drop may immediately follow another; and when you ſhall have drawn about two thirds of it, and put out the fire, let the veſſels cool, and unlute them, you'l find in the Receiver a very good Water of the Queen of Hungary, keep it in a Viol well ſtopt. It is good in the Palſie, Lethargy, Apoplexy, and Hyſterical Maladies: The Doſe is from one drachm to two. It is likewiſe uſed outwardly for Burnings, Tumors, Cold pains, Contuſions, Palſie, and all other occaſions, wherein it is requiſite to revive the Spirits. Ladies do uſe to mix half an ounce of it with ſix ounces of Lily-water, or Bean-flower water, and waſh their Face with it, to clear their complexion.

Remarks.

[Page]

You muſt diſtil this water in a Fire that is ſtrong enough, for otherwiſe the Spirit of Wine would riſe alone, or elſe draw along with it but very little Eſſence, as I have obſerved in the working upon it.

The Oyl or Eſſence of Roſemary, may be made as the Oyl of Cinnamon, and ſome drops of it mixed in the Spirit of Wine, and hereby you have a Queen of Hungary's water made upon the ſpot.

The Water of the Queen of Hungary ſometimes gives eaſe to the Tooth-ach, being ſnufft at the Noſe, or applied to the Gums with a little Cotton.

Some thinking to Criticize a little, do ſay, it is altogether uſeleſs to digeſt Roſemary flowers with Spirit of Wine, becauſe their ſubſtance being of a very Volatile nature, it eaſily diſſolves in the Spirit without any digeſtion.

But this Circumſtance is very neceſſary, if we deſire to have a Water well impregnated with the Eſſence of the Flowers, for although there is a Volatile ſubſtance in Roſemary, yet good part of the Oil, in which conſiſts principally the Smell, is involved in the other Principles, and cannot be well rarefied, mixed, and exalted, but only by a digeſtion: and thus we have a very good effect from it.

CHAP. XIII. Of Vinegar.

[Page]

WInes, like all other liquors that uſe to Ferment, do grow ſowr by the diſſolution of their Tartar in a ſecond Fermentation: This diſſolution is commonly made, when upon the Wines going to decay, ſome of the more ſubtile Spirits are loſt; for the Tartar taking their place fixes the reſt of the Spirits which remain in the Wine, ſo that they can act no longer. This fixation is the cauſe that when the Wine turns ſowr, very little quantity of it is diminiſhed, and very little Tartar is found in the veſſels wherein Vinegar is made.

To the end that Wine may quickly ſowr, you muſt ſet the Veſſel that contains it in ſome hot place, and mix the Lees from time to time; for this Tartar will eaſily diſſolve, when heat comes to act upon it.

Perhaps it will be objected that Wine deprived of Tartar and Lees does grow ſowr, when kept a long time in a veſſel, without any diſſolution of Tartar.

But we muſt conſider that Wine, let it be as clear and pure as may be, does always retain the more ſaline and ſubtile part of Tartar, which exalts and eaſily ſmells, when by Fermentation it gets the predominancy of the Sulphureous Spirits, [Page] which held it as it were involved: and thus clear wine ſowrs alone, but it does not ſowr ſo faſt, and the Vinegar is not ſo ſtrong, as when it is made upon Tartar.

Furthermore if we conſider the Principles that wine conſiſts of, we ſhall find, that neither the Oil, nor Earth, nor Water, are capable of yielding any Acidity, and that nothing but the Salt is able to give it. Now it cannot be doubted but that the Salt of wine is in the Tartar.

It may be added here, that the Air to which wines are expoſed, by leaving the veſſel open, when they would have them turn into Vinegar, does likewiſe communicate a little of its Acidity to the wines, by exciting and rarifying the Acid of Tartar.

Diſtillation of Vinegar.

Put ſix quarts of ſtrong Vinegar into an earthen pan; evaporate in Balneum about a quart, which is the Phlegmatick part; and pour that which remains into a glaſs or earthen Cucurbite, and diſtil it in a ſtrong ſand-heat, until there remains at bottom nothing but a ſubſtance like Honey; keep this Vinegar well ſtopt, many do call it Spirit of Vinegar.

Its principal uſe is to diſſolve or precipitate bodies. It is ſometimes mixed in Cordial potions, to reſiſt putrefaction; the doſe is half a ſpoonful: it is mixed with water, and this Oxycrate is uſed to ſtop Hemorrhagies, taken inwardly, and to aſſwage Inflammations, applied outwardly.

Remarks.

[Page]

The Acidity of Vinegar conſiſts in an Eſſential, or Tartareous Salt, which being heavier than the Phlegm riſes laſt; but you muſt evaporate this Phlegm very gently, becauſe the Acid Spirit of Vinegar will eaſily ſublime with it.

I do uſe an earthen pan, rather than a Cucurbite, that the Phlegm of Vinegar finding a large open paſſage may evaporate the more eaſily.

It would be no great fault, if you ſhould diſtil the Vinegar without dephlegmating it firſt; for the ſeparating the phlegm from it is not of ſo much conſideration, as to make it as clear as pure water, that it may not beſtow any particular tincture to the ingredients that are to be diſſolved in it.

The Spirit of Vinegar is much leſs fixed than many other acids, becauſe it partakes of the Sulphureous Spirits of wine which ſtill remain in it.

Common Vinegar keeps its ſtrength a longer time than the diſtilled, becauſe it contains a more Terreſtrious Salt, that doth not Volatilize ſo eaſily. And for this reaſon, you ſhould rather chuſe to uſe Vinegar newly diſtilled, than that which hath been kept a good while. All Acids do prove Cordial, and good againſt malignity of humors, when it is cauſed by too great a commotion, becauſe it fixes and Coagulates them, moderating their motion. Thus in places where the Air is corrupted, and Peſtilential, Vinegar is a good Preſervative; you may every morning take half a Spoonful of it Faſting; but in diſeaſes which proceed from a Tartareous [Page] humor, as the Hypochondriack melancholy, it is rather hurtful than good, becauſe it fixes the humors the more.

Some having dried and calcined the ſweet extract that remains at the bottom of the Cucurbite, after the diſtillation of Vinegar, and having by Solution, Filtration, and Coagulation, ſeparated from it an Alkali fixt ſalt, much like to that which is drawn from Tartar, they do mix it with Spirit of Vinegar, and diſtil and cohobate it divers times, until, ſay they, the ſpirit has carried off all the ſalt, and then will needs have it called Spirit of Vinegar Alkalized, or Radical Spirit of Vinegar, and they affirm that this being much more pure, and entirely united with its proper ſalt, is much the more powerful in diſſolving Metals. But the diſtilled Vinegar is ſo far from becoming the ſtronger through this Preparation, that I can demonſtrate that it breaks and loſes the greateſt part of its edges in contending with the Alkali ſalt, with which it is mixt, for it is the property of this ſalt to ſweeten Acids.

Neither is it neceſſary to believe that by diſtillations is ſo drawn the Alkali ſalt of Vinegar, for it remains fixt at bottom of the Retort with the acids it is impregnated with; ſo that this ſame Spirit of Vinegar to which ſo many great names and uſes have been appropriated, is properly the more Phlegmatick part of diſtilled Vinegar.

CHAP. XIV. Of Tartar.

[Page]

ANY groſs or terreſtrious matter, that ſticks to the ſides of the veſſel, when ſeparated from its liquor by means of Fermentation is called Tartar. But the Tartar I am going to ſpeak of here, is that of Wine. It is found ſticking to Casks like a very hard ſtone, ſometimes white, and ſometimes red, according to the colour of the wine it comes from.

White Tartar is to be prefer'd before red, becauſe it is purer, and contains leſs earth; both one and t'other are had in greater abundance in hot Countries, ſuch as Languedock and Provence, than many other Climats; but the beſt white Tartar of all is brought out of Germany, it muſt be heavy, White, and Cryſtalline.

The Lees of wine are likewiſe a liquified Tartar, they are burned, and the Aſhes that are made of them are called Cineres Clavellati, in Engliſh, Gravelled Aſhes.

Cryſtals of Tartar.

This Operation is a Tartar purified, and coagulated in form of Cryſtals.

[Page]Boil in a great deal of water what quantity of white Tartar you pleaſe, until it be all diſſolved; paſs the liquor hot through Hippocrates his Sleeve, into an earthen veſſel, and evaporate about half of it: ſet the veſſel in a cool place two or three days, & you'l find little Cryſtals on the ſides, which you are to ſeparate; evaporate again half the liquor that remains, and remit the veſſel to the Cellar as before, there will ſhoot out new Cryſtals: continue doing thus, until you have gotten all your Tartar, dry the Cryſtals in the Sun, and keep them for uſe.

The Cryſtal of Tartar is Purgative, and Aperitive; it is good for Hydropical, and Aſthmatical perſons, and for Tertian and Quartan Agues. The doſe is from half a drachm to three drachms in broth, or ſome other proper liquor.

Remarks.

This Operation is, to ſpeak properly, nothing but a Purification of the more Terreſtrious parts of Tartar. You muſt obſerve to boil it in an earthen veſſel, rather than any metallick one, becauſe it would be apt to take ſome Tincture from it.

A Skin that ſwims a-top after evaporation of ſome part of the liquor was heretofore carefully taken off, and there was thought to be ſome difference between it, and the Cryſtal of Tartar. But this Cream or Skin is only a part of the Tartar that begins to Coagulate, and ſo it is the very ſame thing in ſubſtance with the Cryſtal.

[Page]You muſt not imagine that the Cryſtals of Tartar do much differ from common Tartar, for they differ from it only in the containing a little leſs earth, but all the five Principles may be drawn from the Cryſtals, as from common Tartar.

When you would take the Cryſtals in ſubſtance you muſt make them into Pills, or into a Bolus, with ſome liquid ſubſtance; or elſe you may boil them in ſome liquor, but you muſt take the liquor very hot, otherwiſe the Cryſtals will fall to the bottom of the cup you drink out of.

If you ſhould boil theſe Cryſtals in common water, or in broth, and then let it ſtand to be cold, they will return into the ſame form they were in before, both at the bottom, and on the ſides of the veſſel, but the liquor will remain a little ſharp, through the ſolution of ſome part of the ſalt of Tartar into it.

I ſee no reaſon ſo much to wonder as ſome do, why Tartar will not diſſolve in cold water; for although it does contain a great deal of ſalt, this ſalt is involved in Earth, and Oil, which muſt needs hinder the diſſolution, and there is no need of having recourſe, for an explication of this, to a proportionable Union of Volatile ſalts and acids.

Soluble Tartar.

Powder and mix together eight ounces of Cryſtals of Tartar, and four ounces of the fixt ſalt of Tartar, put this mixture into a glazed earthen pot, and pouring upon it three pints of common water, boil the matter gently for half an hour, [Page] then letting it cool, filtrate and evaporate the liquor until it is dry, and there will remain at bottom, eleven ounces ſix drachms of a white ſalt; keep it in a Viol, it is both a good Aperitive, and Laxative, it is good for Cachexies, Dropſies, and all diſeaſes that proceed from Obſtructions: the doſe is from ten grains to two ſcruples in broth, or ſome proper liquor.

Remarks.

This Operation is nothing but a diſſolution that the Salt of Tartar has made of Cream of Tartar, ſo that it can diſſolve in cold water, which it could not do alone; the Cream of Tartar alſo being an acid inſinuates into the pores of the Alkali ſalt, and ſweetens it.

If you boil Cream of Tartar in water, and put into it ſome ſalt of Tartar, there will happen an Efferveſcency between them, but if you mix theſe two ingredients together in cold water, there will be no Efferveſcency; the reaſon of which is, that the acid Spirits of Cream of Tartar being involved in other principles, can have no active power to open the Alkali, unleſs they be actuated by fire.

I uſe to filter the diſſolution, in order to ſeparate ſome terreſtrious part of the Cream of Tartar, which could not diſſolve: this ſalt comes near in virtue to Tartar vitriolated, ſome do call it a Vegetable ſalt.

Chalybeated, or Martial Cryſtals of Tartar.

[Page]

This Preparation is a Cryſtal of Tartar impregnated with the more ſoluble part of Iron.

Powder and mix a pound of good white Tartar, and three ounces of Ruſt of Iron, boil this mixture in an Iron pot with five or ſix quarts of water, for half an hour, or ſo much time as is requiſite to diſſolve the Tartar, paſs the liquor hot through a warm cloth, then let it ſettle in an Iron or earthen pot ten or twelve hours, it will ſhoot into brown Cryſtals, at the ſides and bottom of the pot, pour off the liquor by Inclination, and gather the Cryſtals; then evaporate about half the liquor in the ſame pot, let the remainder ſettle, and take out the Cryſtals as before; continue theſe Evaporations and Cryſtallizations, until you have drawn all your Tartar, dry the Cryſtals in the Sun, and ſo keep them.

They are a good remedy for Obſtructions of the Liver, Meſentery, Spleen; they are given in Cachexies, and for Melancholy, and the Quartan Ague; the doſe is from fifteen grains to two Scruples in broth, or ſome other liquor proper to the diſtemper.

Remarks.

This Preparation is boil'd but little, that the Tartar may diſſolve only the more Saline part of Iron; the liquor is made to paſs through a cloth, [Page] to free it from the Impurities of the Tartar and Iron which could not diſſolve; but you muſt paſs it very hot, for if it were a little cool, the Tartar would Coagulate in the cloth, and ſo none of the liquor would paſs.

Inſtead of Cryſtallizing the diſſolved Tartar, you may evaporate all the liquor, and ſo obtain a brown powder, which has the ſame virtues as the Cryſtals.

When you would exhibite this Chalybeated Cryſtal of Tartar, you muſt make it juſt boil in the liquor you give it in, for otherwiſe it will not diſſolve, and you muſt be ſure to give it as hot as they can take it, for fear it ſhould Cryſtallize at the bottom of the Cup.

Soluble Tartar Chalybeated.

Put into an earthen pan, or glaſs veſſel four ounces of Soluble Tartar, and ſixteen ounces of Tincture of Mars prepared according to the deſcription that I have given, ſet the veſſel in ſand, and with a ſmall fire evaporate the liquor, until there remains a black powder, ſhut it in a viol well ſtopt, and keep it, you'l have eight ounces.

This Martial Tartar has the ſame virtues as the Tincture of Tartar, it is good to remove all Obſtructions, wherefore it is very properly uſed in Cachexies, Dropſies, retention of the Menſes, in Nephritick Colicks, and in difficulties of Urine: the doſe is from ten grains to half a drachm, in broth, or ſome proper liquor, or elſe made into Lozenges.

Remarks.

[Page]

This Preparation of Chalybeate, or Martial Tartar is not only more convenient for uſe than the former, (in that it diſſolves, or mixes in a cold liquor) but has much more virtue in it, for the Tincture of Mars contains only the more ſaline part of Tartar.

Soluble Emetick Tartar.

This Preparation is a ſoluble Tartar impregnated with ſome portion of Glaſs of Antimony, which renders it Emetick.

Put into a glaſs veſſel four ounces of Cryſtals of Tartar powdered; pour upon it Spirit of Ʋrine, until it be two fingers above the matter, there will happen a ſmall ebullition, becauſe the Cream of Tartar will diſſolve in the Spirit of Ʋrine; when the diſſolution is finiſhed, add to it an ounce of the glaſs of Antimony finely powdered, and eight or ten ounces of water; boil it all in a ſand-heat ſeven or eight hours, and take care to put more hot water into the veſſel, as the liquor conſumes; after that filtrate, and evaporate gently in ſand all the liquor, and there will remain three ounces of a greyiſh powder drawing towards white, keep it in a Viol well ſtopt. It is an Emetick that works with little violence; the doſe is from four to fifteen grains in broth.

Remarks.

[Page]

The Ebullition which happens in this Operation, proceeds from the Cream of Tartars meeting with the Volatile and Alkali Salt of Urine; for the Acid of Tartar piercing the Salt of Urine divides its parts, and gives vent to igneous bodies which were contained in it, and which now finding themſelves free do break forth in great haſte.

Volatile Spirit of Sal Armoniack may be uſed inſtead of that of Ʋrine; but then there will be no ſenſible Ebullition, the reaſon of which is, becauſe the ſalt of this Spirit is not an Alkali ſo open as the Spirit of Ʋrine, by reaſon of ſome impreſſion it has of the Acid ſal Armoniack, with which it was mixt; inſomuch that the Cryſtals of Tartar whoſe acid is not ſeparated from the Earth, has points too groſs, and too unactive to inſinuate, into the pores of this ſalt, and ſeparate its parts ſo eaſily as thoſe of the ſalt that is contained in Spirit of Ʋrine, whoſe pores are bigger.

Some part of the Glaſs of Antimony diſſolves in the boiling, and gives the Emetick quality to the powder. It is a very gentle Vomit, becauſe the Tartar fixes, and in ſome meaſure hinders the activity of the Sulphurs of Antimony.

If inſtead of making the aforeſaid evaporation, you ſhould take the veſſel off the fire, when there is but two thirds of the liquor conſumed, and let it ſettle without ſtirring it, in four and twenty hours the ſoluble Tartar, will cryſtallize at the bottom, and on the ſides, but it will be never a whit the better.

[Page]When you would make this Cryſtallization you muſt uſe a flat veſſel, let it be of earth, that the Cryſtals may diſplay themſelves the better. The liquor is to be decanted, and the Cryſtals to be taken and dryed. The evaporations and cryſtallizations are to be continued, until you have obtained all your ſalt.

Another ſort of Soluble Emetick Tartar may be made by boiling in water an ounce of the Glaſs of Antimony powdered with four ounces of Soluble Tartar, for ſeven or eight hours, then upon filtring and evaporating the liquor, there will remain a grey powder of the ſame virtues as the other, and to be given in the ſame doſe.

Diſtillation of Tartar.

This Operation is a ſeparation of the Phlegm, the Spirit, and the Oil of Tartar.

Fill two thirds of a Retort with Tartar groſly powdered, place your Retort in a Reverberatory Furnace, and fitting to it a large capacious Receiver, begin the diſtillation with a very ſmall fire for three hours only to warm the Retort, and drive out the Phlegm drop by drop; throw away this inſipid water, and refitting the Receiver, Lute cloſely the joints, encreaſe the fire by little and little, and you'l ſee Spirits fill the Receiver with Clouds; continue it that the Oil may likewiſe come forth; then when there will come no more, let the veſſels cool, and unlute them; pour that which is in the receiver into a Tunnel lined with brown paper, that the Spirit may filtrate, [Page] and ſeparate from the thick black Oil that remains in the filter: keep this Oil in a Viol, it is good to ſmell to in Hyſterical vapours: it would be good to rub Paralytical parts with, and for cold pains, but by reaſon of its abominable ſmell, it is not uſed.

Pour the Spirit into a glaſs Cucurbite, and rectifie it by diſtilling it in ſand, it is good againſt the Palſie, Aſthma, and Scurvy, it works by Urine, and by Sweat. It is uſed in Hyſterical maladies, and for the Epilepſie; the doſe is from one drachm to three in ſome appropriate liquor.

You will find in the Retort a black maſs, from which a Salt may be drawn, as I ſhall ſhew hereafter.

Remarks.

If you have uſed three pounds of Tartar of ſixteen ounces to the pound in this Operation, you will draw four ounces of Phlegm, eight ounces of Spirit, and three ounces of Oil; the black maſs which remains in the Retort after diſtillation, will weigh two pounds, or two and thirty ounces, and you will draw from that maſs twelve ounces of ſalt.

Almoſt all Authors who have ſpoke of Tartar have aſſerted, that two ſorts of Spirits could be drawn from it by diſtillation, the one very Volatile, the other fixt and acid; wherefore after all had mixed confuſedly in the Receiver, they ſeparated the Oil, and added ſome Alkali, ſuch as Coral, or Crabs-eyes, to that which remained, then they poured it into a Cucurbite, and diſtilled [Page] about half the liquor, which they pretended to be a Volatile Spirit; for the acid Spirit remained abſorb'd by the Alkali, with the Phlegm in the bottom of the body.

But having vowed never to be led by any Authority which is not founded upon Experience, I have examined the nature of Tartar as ſtrictly as poſſible, and after a great many diſtillations of it, I could never perceive this Volatile Spirit, which hath been obtruded upon us; all that I could ever find is this, that Tartar contains good ſtore of Eſſential ſalt, which renders it acid, and that this Salt coming forth by diſtillation, and mixing with phlegm, doth make all the Spirit that can be drawn from Tartar. So that the Spirit of Tartar according to the deſcription of theſe men is only the more Phlegmatick part of the liquor, that is to ſay, the moſt deprived of this Eſſential Salt, becauſe almoſt all of it doth adhere unto the Alkali body of Coral, or Crabs-eyes, which were added to it. But according to the way I have ſet down, the Spirit may be drawn as pure as may be, becauſe I do not leave it to mix with the phlegm, which comes out firſt.

If we do rectifie the Spirit, it is done to purifie it from ſome Terreſtrious parts, which it might have carried along with it in the diſtillation.

Some thinking to do better than thoſe who rectifie Spirit of Tartar on alkali matters, do inſtead of thoſe alkalis uſe biſcuit powdered, but they attain their end never the better, for the biſcuit does ſweeten the acid Spirit of Tartar as much as Coral, or Crabs-eyes.

[Page]A very volatile and alkali Spirit is drawn from the Lees of wine, I ſhall ſpeak of it in the Chapter of the Volatile Salt of Tartar, and perhaps it is this very Spirit that Paracelſus, and Van Helmont do boaſt ſo much of, and which has occaſioned many Authors to write that the Tartar does contain a moſt volatile Spirit.

Fixt Salt of Tartar, and its liquor, called Oil per Deliquium.

Break the Retort which ſerved you for diſtillation of Tartar, and take the black maſs you find in it; Calcine it until it becomes white, then put it into a great deal of hot water, and make a Lixivium, filtrate it, and pour it into a glaſs, or earthen veſſel, evaporate in a ſand-heat all the water, and there will remain a white ſalt, which is called the Alkali Salt of Tartar.

This Salt is Aperitive, it is uſed for to draw forth the Tincture of Vegetables, and is given for Obſtructions; the doſe is from ten to thirty drops in broth, or Laxative Infuſions.

If you expoſe for ſome days in a Cellar this Salt of Tartar in a wide glaſs veſſel, it will diſſolve into a liquor that is improperly called Oil of Tartar per Deliquium.

It is uſed for Tettars, and to diſcuſs Tumors; the Ladies do mix it in Lilly-water to clear their complexion, and hands.

Remarks.

[Page]

In theſe two laſt Operations I have given you the means of obtaining all that can be got from Tartar; but thoſe who have no need of the Spirit or Oil, and would only deſire the Salt, may bruiſe the Crude Tartar, and wrapping it up in paper may Calcine it until it turns into a white maſs; after which they may draw the ſalt by a Lixivium, as I ſaid before.

I do commonly draw this way four ounces of very white, and well purified ſalt of Tartar, from each pound of red Tartar; a little more may be drawn from white Tartar, but it is no better than the other.

I have obſerved that when water is thrown upon the maſs of Tartar newly Calcined, it heats, much like unſlack'd Lime, when wetted; the reaſon of which is the ſame that I have given, to explicate the Ebullition of Quick-lime in water: all the difference is this, that Tartar Calcined containing a great deal of Salt, does more eaſily imbibe water than Quick-lime.

Some do Calcine ſalt of Tartar with a little ſulphur, to hinder it from diſſolving ſo eaſily by the air, and to render it the whiter; but this is no good practice becauſe the acid Spirit of ſulphur deſtroys ſome part of the Alkali; and this does come to happen, by reaſon that the pores of this Salt by being thus Calcined are not ſo open as they were, and the air therefore cannot ſo eaſily melt it. If you would make Salt of Tartar, and other [Page] Alkali fixt ſalts very white indeed, you muſt Calcine them all alone in a great fire, until they become white, and then purifie them by Diſſolution, Filtration, and Coagulation. As for their proneneſs to diſſolve, this is natural to Alkali ſalts, and cannot be taken from them, but by deſtroying their nature.

Nor can I approve the addition of any quantity of Niter to the Calcination of Tartar, as ſome do, becauſe the volatile parts of Niter being exalted, the fixt do remain, and by their acidity do diminiſh the virtue of Salt of Tartar.

Although the Salt of Tartar be tolerably white after the firſt purification, yet if you do calcine threeſcore and four ounces of it, and filtrate it as I have ſaid, you will draw ſtill abundance of earthy matter: and if in curioſity you ſhould dry this earth, you would find three ounces and a half of it.

Alkali ſalts are Aperitive, in that they diſſolve thoſe ſlimy humors which cauſed Obſtructions; and it is for the ſame reaſon that Salt of Tartar does correct Senna, and hinders it from griping, for the ſubſtance of Senna being viſcous, this does rarefie it, and make it work the quicker; it may alſo ſerve to diſſolve ſome viſcous phlegm that ſticks in the guts, which as it is going off, cauſes griping pains.

The liquor or Oil made per Deliquium is only a Salt of Tartar diſſolved by the moiſture of the Cellar, If you would make it quickly, you muſt diſſolve the Salt of Tartar in as much Rain water well filtrated, as is needful to turn it into a liquor. It may be uſed like the former, it cures Tettars, and diſcuſſes Tumors, becauſe being an [Page] Alkali it ſweetens the keen Salts which fomented theſe diſtempers.

When Salt of Tartar, or its liquor is diſſolved in water newly diſtilled from ſome green plant, the water will turn green, and the greener the plant is from which the water was diſtilled, this ſalt does make the water ſo much the greener. The water of Night-ſhade turns greener with it than Balm-water, Balm-water greener than Eye-bright-water, and ſo of the reſt. The reaſon of this effect proceeds from this, that the Alkali ſalt of Tartar does rarefie, and make appear many little parts of the plant, which did riſe with the water in the diſtillation, and did not till then appear. But the water muſt be ſure to be diſtilled with a fire ſufficiently great, for if it ſhould have been diſtilled in a Balneum, or ſuch like heat, there would not appear the leaſt ſhew of green, though an Alkali ſalt were mixed with it.

Cherry-water, Roſe-water and many other diſtilled waters of fruits or flowers, do give no colour, by the addition of Salt of Tartar.

Tincture of Salt of Tartar.

This Operation is an exaltation of ſome parts of Salt of Tartar in Spirit of wine.

Melt in a good Crucible twenty ounces of Salt of Tartar in great fire, and when it is in Fuſion, cover it with a Tile, and put coals round it; blow about it ſo, as to raiſe a greater heat than if you were melting Gold; continue this degree of fire about ſix hours, or until your Salt of Tartar [Page] is of a red marble colour, which you may know by thruſting the end of a Spatula into the Crucible, for when it is drawn out, you may look upon a little matter that is ſtuck to it; then take out the Crucible with a pair of tongs and turn it upſide down into a warm mortar, the matter will coagulate in a little time, powder it preſently, and put it into a matraſs warmed before-hand; pour upon it Spirit of wine Tartarized, until it ſwims four fingers above the matter: ſtop the matraſs with another to make a double-veſſel, lute the junctures cloſe with a wet bladder, ſet your matraſs in Sand, and heat it with a gradual fire, to make the Spirit of wine boil ſeven or eight hours, during which time it will aſſume a red colour. After that let the veſſels cool, and unlute them; ſeparate by Inclination this moſt fragrant Tincture, and keep it in a Viol well ſtopt.

You may pour more Spirit of Wine on the remaining Salt of Tartar, and proceed as before, as long as it will draw out any Tincture.

The Tincture of the Salt of Tartar is an excellent Aperitive, it purifies the bloud, and reſiſts malignity of humors. It is uſed in the Scurvy, the doſe is from ten to thirty drops in ſome convenient liquor.

Remarks.

You muſt place the Crucible in the furnace upon a Tile, for fear leſt the wind which comes through the doors of the Aſh-hole, and fire-room, might be apt to cool the bottom, and hinder the Fuſion of the Salt.

[Page]The Salt of Tartar having been a good while melted in the Crucible, does flame when thrown upon lighted coals, as eaſily as Salt-peter does. This effect proceeds only from this, that the fire has attenuated and volatilized the parts of this fixt ſalt, ſo as to render them fit to exalt with the ſulphur of coals.

Many have writ that it is ſufficient to Calcine the Salt of Tartar two hours in a violent fire, or until the Salt of Tartar becomes blewiſh; but after having tried ſeveral times to make the Tincture according to this deſcription, I could never be able to do it; it is true the Spirit of Wine will be a little Tinctured, but it comes not near that which is neceſſary to call it the Tincture of Salt of Tartar; for it ſhould be red like wine, and to make it ſo, it is requiſite to Calcine it as I have ſaid, and good ſtore of it ſhould be put into the Crucible, becauſe it diminiſhes exceedingly. You muſt likewiſe take care to uſe Spirit of wine well rectified, for if there ſhould be any phlegm in it, it would not turn red.

This Tincture doth not proceed from a fixt ſulphur contained in the Salt of Tartar, as many have pretended; it is only an exaltation of this ſalt in Spirit of Wine; for if by way of curioſity you ſhould diſtil this Tincture, you would recover only a Spirit of Wine; and yet nevertheleſs there will remain at bottom but a ſmall quantity of Salt of Tartar with its uſual whiteneſs; which ſhews ſufficiently that this colour did only proceed from the exact mixture of the Spirit of Wine with the Salt of Tartar, ſeeing upon their ſeparation the colour diſappears.

[Page]The Tincture of the Salt of Tartar loſes its red colour as it grows old, by reaſon that the more ſubtile part of the Spirit of wine is loſt through the pores of the glaſs, and there remains only a Spirit which has not ſtrength enough to keep the Salt of Tartar in its exalted condition.

Magiſtery of Tartar, or Tartarum Vitriolatum.

This Operation is a Salt of Tartar impregnated with the acidity of Spirit of Vitriol.

Put into a glaſs body what quantity you pleaſe of Oil of Tartar made per Deliquium, pour upon it by little and little rectified Spirit of Vitriol, there will be a great efferveſcency: continue to drop more in, till there's no further Ebullition; then place your Cucurbite in Sand, and evaporate the Spirit with a little fire, there will remain a very white ſalt, keep it in a Viol well ſtopt.

It is a good Aperitive, and is alſo a little Purgative; it is given in hypochondriacal caſes, in Quartans, Kings-evil, and all other diſeaſes wherein it is neceſſary to open Obſtructions, and to work by Urine. The doſe is from ten to thirty grains in ſome proper liquor.

Remarks.

Tartarum Vitriolatum may be made with the Salt of Tartar as well as with the Oil; the Ebullition [Page] proceeds from this, that the acid of Vitriol piercing the Alkali Salt of Tartar, doth violently ſeparate its parts, and gives vent to igneous Bodies which were there impriſoned; and this Efferveſcency comes to paſs as often as an Alkali meets with an acid, and remains until the acid can find nothing more to encounter in the alkali ſalt. Then there follows a Coagulum at the bottom of the veſſel, becauſe the acid and alkali claſping together, do loſe their motion, and by their united weight do precipitate to the bottom. And this cauſes the liquor to be much leſs acrimonious than the Oil of Tartar was before, though at leaſt an equal quantity of Spirit of Vitriol was mixed with it. You muſt evaporate it gently, and eſpecially toward the end, for fear the acid ſhould riſe withal.

This Salt is whiter than common Salt of Tartar, as having been ſubtilized by Acids, after the ſame manner as we ſee ſeveral other white things encreaſe in their colour, as they are beaten into a fine powder.

If you do uſe two ounces of Salt of Tartar in this Operation, you'l draw two ounces and a half of Tartarum Vitriolatum. This Augmentation comes from the more heavy and ſtrong part of the Vitriol, for that which is evaporated is very phlegmatick.

You may here uſe the Rectified Oil of Vitriol inſtead of the Spirit, and then the leſs is requir'd, becauſe it is a ſtronger acid, but the Tartarum Vitriolatum will not be ſo white, as when Spirit of Vitriol is uſed, by reaſon of ſome Tincture that always remains with the Oil of Vitriol, rectifie it as much as you pleaſe.

[Page]Though ſome have written, that if Tartarum Vitriolatum were put into a Retort, and diſtilled, one might draw Spirit of Vitriol as good as it was at firſt, nevertheleſs it is certain that it will not be ſo ſtrong a Spirit; for it has loſt the moſt ſubtile part of its acidity, by encountring with the alkali, which may be eaſily judged both by the taſte, and the effects.

If by way of curioſity you would ſearch a little narrowly into this Operation, and obſerve what happens during the ebullition of the acid and the alkali, you would find, that a great many little daſhes of water do fly about, eſpecially if the veſſel is not placed too low, and you hold a lighted Candle near it, for they will be apt to put it out. This effect can have no other cauſe than the violent ſeparation of the parts of the alkali by the acid, which makes the watry part of this liquor to ſparkle upwards, being on all ſides violently driven.

If you uſe Oil of Vitriol, the ebullition is the greater, and the heat the more conſiderable, becauſe its acid being ſtronger, it ſeparates the parts of the alkali body more eaſily.

Now conſidering the ebullition which happens between acid and alkali, I have the leſs opinion of a method that ſome do follow, which is to bathe a little the bodies that are to be embalmed, with Spirit of ſalt, and then to put Salt of Tartar into the embalming powder; for it is very likely, that this Spirit of Salt, which is an acid, by mixing with the alkali ſalt of Tartar, may produce a Fermentation which may ſtir up the remaining humidity of the Carkaſs, and make it to mix with the Ingredients [Page] of the powder, and ſo inſtead of preſerving the dead body, we have reaſon to fear leſt this Fermentation ſhould rather haſten a diſſolution of its parts.

Acids do ſometimes diſſolve and rarifie, and at other times coagulate and precipitate, as may be ſeen by the Operations which have been deſcribed. Theſe different actions do ſeem very ſtrange, for it is hard to conceive how one and the ſame liquor ſhould produce contrary effects; but I'le give you an explication of this Phaenomenon, which becauſe it is built upon experience, may perhaps meet with ſome Approbation.

An Acid proves always a diſſolvent, when good ſtore of it is poured upon the matter that is to be diſſolved; but it makes a Coagulum as often, when being in too ſmall a quantity its points are fixed in the pores of the matter, and have not power enough to get out; and this is plainly perceived, when Spirit of Vitriol is poured upon the liquor of Salt of Tartar; for if you ſhould mix but ſo much as is requiſite to penetrate the Salt, the acids do remain ſheathed in it, and bear it down, whence a Coagulation and Precipitation happens; but if now ſo much more, or a greater quantity of Spirit of Vitriol, ſhould be ſtill added to the liquor, the Coagulum will diſappear, by reaſon that the little bodies which being gathered together maintained their part againſt the acid, and hindred its motion, will be then ſcattered and diſſolved by the acid, that is now grown the ſtronger.

The ſame thing may be remarked in all other bodies which can be diſſolved by acids; for if you take a little of any of thoſe, and pour a little acid [Page] upon it, there is made a great efferveſcency, and after that a Coagulum, but if you add more acid, the matter will all diſſolve.

An acid can likewiſe Precipitate what an alkali hath diſſolved, as we ſee in the Operation of the Magiſtery of Sulphur, and this becauſe the acid having diſſolved and ſeparated the parts of the alkali makes it let go its hold, and the body precipitates by its own weight.

When Milk coagulates by the means of an acid, it is becauſe it contains a great deal of Cheeſe, into which the acid enters, and loſing its motion weighs it down; whence it comes to paſs that the Coagulum which is made with a weak acid, precipitates much leſs than that which is made with a greater quantity of acid; but if you ſhould in curioſity pour a great deal of acid upon the precipitated Coagulum, you would find it diſſolve by degrees.

The fermentation of Dough, and other matters of the ſame nature does proceed from this, that the natural ſalts having been put into motion by trituration or ſome other cauſe do rarifie and diſſolve, as much as they can, whatſoever reſiſts their motion; but becauſe theſe acid ſalts do exert their activity by little and little, and do meet with much reſiſtance, the ſolution is made ſlowly, and the diviſion of ſome parts is with difficulty enough. And this is that which cauſes the matter to ſwell as it does, and to take up greater room than it had before.

Leaven does encreaſe the fermentation in dough, becauſe it ſelf being a paſte whereof the ſalts are become free to act by means of a long fermentation, [Page] theſe ſalts do eaſily join with thoſe of the other paſte, or dough, and do help them to rarifie and diſſolve the whole.

The ſame may be likewiſe ſaid of other acid matters which cauſe a fermentation.

But when the acids have rarified the matter as much as they are able, they loſe their motion in it, and then the matter coagulates, that is to ſay, returns into the ſame extenſion as before.

There is ſtill one effect of acids, which ſeems different from thoſe I have now ſpoken of, that they do preſerve certain bodies which are put into them, as ſalt keeps or preſerves meat. Thus when young Cucumbers, Samphire, or Capers are ſteeped in Vinegar, there is no fermentation with them, and conſequently no corruption.

The reaſon of which is that the parts of Cucumbers and other like things being very viſcuous and ſluggiſh, the acids do inſinuate to diſſolve them, but they have not there their motion free enough to make their joſtles, and to divide the parts minutely, ſo that the acids of the Vinegar do only fix in the pores of theſe matters and coagulate in them.

It is this coagulation which hinders the Cucumbers from corrupting, for theſe acids do ſhut their pores, and ſerve for ſo many little pegs, wherewith to ſuſtain their parts firm and quiet. Sea-ſalt which is an acid does preſerve meat, and many other matters, for the ſame reaſon. I have already ſpoken of that in my Remarks upon the Principles.

The Coagulation then which acids do cauſe may juſtly be ſaid to be an imperfect diſſolution of [Page] bodies, and I could here relate a great many other Examples to prove what I have aſſerted. But I ſhall content my ſelf with thoſe already ſaid. And now let us ſee whether this diſcourſe can furniſh us with any thing that illuſtrates the digeſtion of Aliments in the Stomach.

Moſt of our modern Philoſophers have not ſpared the notion of acid, when they have endeavoured to explicate digeſtion, they have conceived the Membranes of the Stomach to be all impregnated with it, and many of them not contented with this liquor alone have brought ſome more of it from the Spleen and Pancreas: but if all theſe acids were really in the Stomach, the aliments would not eſcape coagulating, and conſequently an Indigeſtion, as uſes to happen, after taking too many acids at Meals; for conceive never ſo great a quantity of them, either there would not be enough to diſſolve the Aliments, or elſe the Membranes of the Stomach would be attenuated and concocted too, as well as that which they contain, which nevertheleſs doth not happen in the natural temper of the body.

There is no need of ſeeking after theſe imaginary acids to cauſe digeſtion; the ſpittle which mixes with the Aliments as they receive their firſt Trituration between the Teeth, will furniſh us with enough to actuate the Fermentation in the Stomach; there is but little acid requiſite to ſet the parts in motion, but when once they are moved, they do contain enough Salts and Spirits of the ſame nature, which being quickned by the heat of this viſcus will break all their Chains, and find a vent out, whence does infallibly follow [Page] an attenuation of the Aliment into a Chylous ſubſtance.

It will be ſaid, without doubt, that the irritation in the Stomach, which is called Hunger, cannot be produced by any thing but an acid, which finding no more Aliments to work upon, uſes to act upon the Membranes themſelves. But I think I ſhall explicate this Irritation better, according to my own opinion, than that of theſe men; for I may with reaſon enough ſay, that the ſpittle finding the ſtomach empty of all nouriſhment, ferments alone, and creates this Irritation, ſeeing that ſpittle, as every body muſt grant, is loaded with a Salt; but as for them, they muſt make an acid to come from the membranes, which nevertheleſs doth not irritate them, but only when it meets with nothing elſe in the Stomach to exerciſe upon, which is a thing hard enough to comprehend.

I know very well that ſome of them to avoid this difficulty will ſay, that the acid is generated in the ſtomach from the remainder of that which is eaten, which continuing ſome time in the ſtomach produces a Leaven after the ſame manner as Dough; but then they muſt explain to me what the Ferment did conſiſt of, which ſerved to digeſt the firſt Aliments that the Infant took.

Another Objection may be made to what I have ſaid touching digeſtion; it is, that whereas I have maintained that acids do diſſolve when they abound, and Coagulate when they are but few in a great deal of matter, it ſhould happen that Spittle ſhould then be apter to Coagulate the Aliments in the ſtomach, and cauſe indigeſtion, than would a greater quantity of acids, for it ſeems, [Page] according to my diſcourſe, the more acids are found in a matter, the more liable it muſt be to diſſolve.

To reſolve this difficulty, which ſeems to be very conſiderable, we muſt obſerve, that the natural acids of Aliments taken into the ſtomach, are ſufficient to rarifie and diſſolve thoſe bodies which hinder their motion, when it has been begun by Maſtication, or by ſome ſalt of the ſpittle, which ſerves as a Leaven to them, much after the ſame manner as the ſalts of meal do rarifie the Paſte, when they have been actuated before by Trituration and Leaven together; but now if there happens to be too much acid in the Aliments that are taken into the ſtomach, they will have the ſame effects as Cucumbers and thoſe other things I mentioned, which are preſerved in Vinegar. The acids will indeed endeavour to cut in pieces what ſtands in their way, but having to do with parts too viſcous and heavy, they will ſoon loſe all their activity, and fix by their quantity, and their gravity the natural ſalt of theſe Aliments, as Vinegar fixes that of Cucumbers; for when the acids do ſhut the pores of the matter, and keep them firm and quiet, the natural ſalt cannot exalt ſo as to cauſe any Fermentation or digeſtion.

The reaſon then why a ſmall portion of acids will cauſe digeſtion in the ſtomach, and a greater quantity will hinder it, is that the ſmall quantity will joyn with the natural ſalt of the Aliments, and have its operation without ſhutting the pores of the matter, whereas a great ſtore of acids will quite fill the pores of this matter, and hinder the motion of the natural ſalt; for it is not enough [Page] that there be a great many acids, to cauſe ſuch a diſſolution, theſe acids muſt have room to move in, and to make their joſtles.

Thus theſe effects do make nothing againſt what I have aſſerted concerning acids, for a greater quantity of them will always have more diſpoſition, and tendency to a diſſolution; but if this great quantity does Coagulate divers things, it is only by accident, and through the diſpoſition of the matter into which the acid points have entred.

What I have here eſtabliſhed concerning acids may ſerve very much to explicate the nature of Feavers, and their principal ſymptoms.

Firſt of all every body muſt grant, that when there are Obſtructions in our bodies, the obſtructed matter does ferment and ſowr, as Dough, Wine, and ſeveral other things grow ſowr by being ſtale.

This matter by Fermenting ſends ſaline or acid vapours into the maſs of bloud, which do cauſe divers alterations in it, according to their quantity, and quality, for theſe acids are commonly mixt with ſulphurs, which are a kind of Vehicle to the acids, and are more or leſs corrupted, according as the matter whence they are derived has ſojourned more or leſs in the obſtructed part.

Now if theſe acid vapours are carried into the veſſels, but only in ſuch a quantity as is fit to make a kind of Leaven, they will then rarifie the bloud too much, and whereas they by conſequence do encreaſe its motion and heat, they do cauſe that which we call a Feaver; this Feaver muſt remain as long as the Ferment continues in the bloud, and according as there comes a new ſupply of matter [Page] in place of that which nature has thrown off.

But if a greater quantity of acids ſhould riſe all of a ſudden from out of the Obſtructions, then there muſt needs happen a kind of Coagulation, for theſe acids thus abounding, and fixing the groſſer part of the bloud, do partly loſe their motion, and quiet the Ebullition of the bloud by fixing its parts.

It is this kind of Congelation which cauſes thoſe cold ſhiverings, which are felt, before the hot fit begins; for as the heat is derived from the motion of the Spirits, the cold is produced from the ceſſation of their motion.

The cold fit continues until the Spirits have by their activity rarified this Congelation; for the Spirits being continually ſupplied with additional forces do make violent aſſaults until they have made their way free.

The Coagulum being diſſolved, the bloud ſhould ſeem to Circulate as it did before, but becauſe the matter of the Coagulum is converted into a Leaven, this Leaven makes the bloud to boil, and ſo cauſes a Feaver; this Feaver continues until the bloud is freed from all this Ferment, either by Tranſpiration, or by Urine.

Now to conceive how this Coagulum may be converted into a Leaven, we muſt conſider that the Spirits of the bloud have loſt moſt of their acidity in diſſolving this Coagulum, and that there remains but only acidity enough to produce a Fermentation.

Nevertheleſs you muſt not think I mean by this Congelation now ſpoken of, a Coagulum altogether like to that in Milk, or to that which happens, when an acid liquor is ſyringed into the Veins of an [Page] Animal, for theſe Congelations are too ſtrong, and there would then happen the ſame thing, or very near the ſame as does to the Animal, who ſoon afterwards falls into Convulſions, and dies, becauſe the courſe of the Spirits and bloud would be intirely ſtopt, and they would never be able to break through ſo great an obſtacle: but I do underſtand here that the bloud is made thicker than it was, and has not ſo free a motion as it had before, which is enough to cauſe ſuch cold fits.

Now it remains for me to explicate how it comes to paſs that Feavers have their returns regularly by fits.

The matter that makes the Obſtructions which I have laid down for the Fundamental cauſe of Feavers, begins not to ſend forth its vapours, nor to diſperſe its acid ſalt into the bloud in order to cauſe a Feaver, until it has got together a certain quantity in the obſtructed veſſels, and then it is probable that there is a new diſcharge of the matter.

This diſcharge or eruption of Feaveriſh matter muſt happen at ſet times, ſo long as the Obſtruction laſts, becauſe the humors which Circulate to the obſtructed parts, and there ſtop, are always in an equal quickneſs and an equal quantity.

Now becauſe in a Tertian, the veſſels wherein the obſtruction happens, do acquire in two days a ſufficient repletion of matter to produce the Eruption and Fermentation I have ſpoken of, the Fits do come to operate every ſecond day.

But becauſe in a Quartan the humors are more tenacious and heavy, and flow with leſs expedition, the Fermentation and eruption muſt needs be [Page] ſlower, and conſequently the fits more diſtant the one from the other.

The Quotidian Ague is cauſed by a Saline Pituita which is naturally fluid enough to make the matter ferment in leſs time, wherefore it is that the fits do return every day.

We may reaſon concerning the other kinds of Feavers upon the ſame principle, and explicate all the accidents that happen, but I have no deſign to enlarge my ſelf further upon this ſubject, I ſhould think it would be too great a digreſſion, and a book ſhould rather be made on purpoſe, to expreſs all the circumſtances which might be deduced from it.

Volatile Salt of Tartar.

This Operation is the Salt of the Lees of Wine, volatilized by fermentation.

Dry the Lees of wine with a gentle fire, and fill with them two thirds of a large earthen or glaſs Retort, place this Retort in a Reverberatory Furnace, and fitting to it a large Receiver, give a ſmall fire to it to heat the Retort by degrees, and to drive forth an inſipid phlegm; when vapours begin to riſe, you muſt take out the phlegm, and luting carefully the junctures of your veſſels, quicken the fire by little and little, until you find the Receiver filled with white clouds; continue it in this condition, and when you perceive the Receiver to cool, raiſe the fire to the utmoſt extremity, and continue it ſo, until there riſe no more vapours. When the veſſels are cold, unlute the [Page] Receiver, and ſhaking it about to make the Volatile ſalt which ſticks to it fall to the bottom, pour it all into a Bolt-head; fit to it a Head with a ſmall Receiver; lute well the junctures, and placing it in ſand, give a litttle fire under it, and the Volatile ſalt will riſe, and ſtick to the head, and the top of the Bolt-head; take off your head, and ſet on another in its place: gather your ſalt, and ſtop it up quickly, for it eaſily diſſolves into a liquor; continue the fire, and take care to gather the ſalt according as you ſee it appear; but when there riſes no more ſalt, a liquor will diſtil, of which you muſt draw about three ounces, and then put out the fire.

This ſalt is in great requeſt for to purifie the bloud, by ſweat or urine: it may be given in the Palſie, Apoplexy, Epilepſie, Quartan and Tertian Agues, and to open Obſtructions; the doſe is from ſix grains to fifteen in ſome proper liquor.

The diſtilled liquor is a Volatile ſalt that is riſen with the phlegm; it is called the Volatile Spirit of Tartar, and has the ſame virtues as the ſalt; its doſe is from eight to four and twenty drops.

After this ſame manner the Volatile ſalt of Beans, Soot, and divers Fruits and Seeds may be prepared.

Remarks.

The Lees of Wine being incomparably more Fermented than the Tartar which is found in the ſides of veſſels, we need not wonder if its ſalt is more Volatile.

[Page]This ſalt is ſublimed in a Bolt-head, to the end the phlegm, which is too heavy to riſe eaſily ſo high, may not mix with it; but it is extraordinary hard to keep this ſalt dry, it eaſily humects and diſſolves into a liquor, wherefore it were much better to draw it in a Spirit, and leſs of the Volatile part would be loſt, being detained by the phlegm.

Nevertheleſs becauſe there are ſeveral perſons who are as well pleaſed with the ſight of things, as their effects, this liquefied ſalt might then be mixt with a ſufficient quantity of Calcined bones powdered, to make thereof a Paſte, which might be made into little Pellets, to be put into a Bolt-head, and fitting to it a Blind-head, this ſalt may be ſublimed or rectified as before, and this pure ſalt muſt be kept in Viols well ſtopt,

The difficulty there is in keeping this Volatile ſalt dry, as well as that of other Vegetables, does proceed from this, that only the more eſſencial part is volatilized, for there remains much ſixt ſalt with the earth in the Retort.

This volatile ſalt becomes alkali by the means of fire, as other volatile ſalts do, whereof I have already ſpoken in my Remarks upon the Principles; and there is no manner of probability that it ſhould have been of this nature, either in the Plant or in the Lees, for the reaſons that I have ſhewn in the ſame Remarks.

I ſhall add here, that if the alkali ſalt did exiſt in the Lees, but is not able to expand it ſelf, and get the predominancy of acids but only by a long Fermentation, as the Chymiſts will have it, who follow the common way of diſcourſing of theſe [Page] things, it would then neceſſarily follow that the more Lees do ferment, the more they muſt loſe of their acidity, becauſe the alkali would deſtroy it. Nevertheleſs the contrary to this happens; for Lees do ſowr as they grow ſtale, & thoſe who make Vinegar, do know well enough how to uſe the Lees, and to make them ferment with their wine, when they would make Vinegar quickly.

It ſeems to me from the conſideration of this effect, that there is little reaſon to follow the Sentiments of ſome, who have writ that the Lees of wine abounding in volatile ſalt, and a ſulphureous ſpirit do contain but very little acid; for it is as plain as may be that this volatile ſalt is acid in the Lees, and is the ſame that makes the acid ſpirit of Vinegar, being more volatile than many other acids, to volatilize with its phlegm in the diſtillation. It is true that ſalt of Tartar drawn by the Retort, does riſe more eaſily than Spirit of Vinegar, but this is from its being volatilized by the violent heat of fire.

Another mark that all the ſalt of Lees is acid, is this, that the Tartar does all diſſolve in the wine, and turns into Vinegar; for very little or no Lees, or other Tartar, is to be found in the veſſels wherein Vinegar is made, although there was ſome naturally before, or though ſome more were added to it as I have ſaid in the Chapter of Vinegar.

Perhaps it will be objected, that Lees are ſometimes added to wines grown ropy and mucilaginous, to make them good again, and yet thoſe wines are not ſowred by the Lees.

[Page]But this effect happens, when the former Fermentation becoming imperfect, through the too great quantity of phlegm for the little proportion of ſalt that was in the wines, the ſalt of the Lees does rarifie, exalt, and conjoin with the Oily parts of the liquor that the Spirit of wine is made of, as I have ſaid in the Chapter of Wine.

For the wine does not ſowr, ſo long as the ſalt finds Oil to act upon, but it does ſo, when this ſalt finds nothing to hinder it from expanding itſelf.

The volatile ſalt of Tartar produces much the ſame effects, as that of Beans, and other ſeeds, and though many will needs give it ſublime and extraordinary virtues in compariſon with other volatile ſalts, I do'nt ſee any reaſon for ſuch high conceits, nor that effects do anſwer their pretences.

Volatile ſalts have a good uſe, when they find the pores & humors diſpoſed for perſpiration, but they are full as dangerous, when the humors are not at all prepared; for by their volatility they do put the humors into ſo great a motion, that oftentimes the Feaver is encreaſed by them, and a tranſlation made to the Brain: wherefore you muſt conſider well the Temper and preſent ſtate of your Patient, before you preſume to give them.

That which remains in the Bolt-head, after the volatile ſalt, and ſpirit are drawn off, is a black and ſtinking Oil mixt with the more phlegmatick part of the liquor; you muſt ſeparate this Oil in a Tunnel lined with brown paper; it is good for the Palſie, for Cold pains, and for Hyſterical women to ſmell to.

[Page]A Lee or Tartar Calcined is found in the Retort, out of which you may draw a fixt alkali ſalt, as out of common Tartar, but in a much leſs quantity, for that the greateſt part of the ſalt of Lees is volatilized.

CHAP. XV. Of Opium.

OPium is a Tear, which diſtils of itſelf, or by Inciſion of the heads of Poppies, found very frequently in Greece, in the Kingdom of Cambaia, and the territories of Grand-Cairo in Egypt: there are three ſorts of it, the Black, the White, and the Yellow.

The Inhabitants of thoſe Countries do keep this Opium for their own uſe, and do ſend us only the Meconium, which is nothing elſe but the Juyce of theſe ſame Poppy-heads, drawn by expreſſion, and then thickned, and wrapt up in leaves to tranſport the better. It is this Drug that we improperly call Opium, and always uſe for want of the true; but being more impure than the true, it hath not the ſame activity, and ſtrength.

A Meconium may be made after the ſame manner with the heads of thoſe Poppies that grow in Italy, Languedoc, and Provence, but it will prove much weaker than the former.

[Page]The Opium which comes from Thebes, or elſe from Grand-Cairo, is accounted the beſt, you muſt chooſe it Black, Inflammable, bitter to the taſte, and a little acrimonious, its ſmell muſt be diſagreeable and ſtupefactive.

Extract of Opium, called Laudanum.

This Operation is the purer part of Opium drawn in water and Spirit of wine, and reduced to the conſiſtence of an extract.

Cut into ſlices four ounces of good Opium, and put it into a bolt-head; pour upon it a quart of Rain-water well filtred; ſtop the bolt-head, and ſetting it in ſand, give your fire by degrees, then increaſe it, to make the liquor boil for two hours, ſtrain it warm, and pour it into a bottle.

Take the Opium which remains undiſſolved in the Rain-water; dry it in an earthen pan, over a ſmall fire, and putting it into a Matraſs pour upon it Spirit of wine to the height of four fingers; ſtop the Matraſs, and digeſt the matter twelve hours in hot Aſhes; afterwards ſtrain the liquor, and there will remain a glutinous earth which is to be flung away.

Evaporate both theſe diſſolutions of Opium ſeparately, in earthen or glaſs veſſels, in a Sand-heat, to the conſiſtence of honey, then mix them, and finiſh the drying this mixture with a very gentle heat, to give it the conſiſtence of Pills, or a ſolid Extract.

It is the moſt certain Soporifick that we have in Phyſick, it allays all pains which proceed from too [Page] great an activity of the humors, it is good for the Tooth-ach, applied to the tooth, or elſe to the Temple-artery in a plaiſter, it is uſed for to ſtop ſpitting of bloud, the bloudy-flux, the flux of the menſes and hemorrhoids, for the colick, for hot defluxions on the eyes, and to quiet all ſorts of griping pains: the doſe of it is from half a grain to three, in ſome convenient Conſerve, or elſe diſſolved in a Julep.

Remarks.

Opium is compounded of a Spirituous part and a groſs terreſtrious Roſine; the Spirituous part may be eaſily diſſolv'd in water, but the Reſinous requires a more convenient Menſtruum, ſuch as Spirit of Wine. You muſt dry the Opium after the firſt diſſolution, leaſt the Spirit of Wine be too much weakned by the watry part that remains, which would hinder the ſolution from being done ſo well as it ſhould be.

Diſtilled Vinegar diſſolves Opium, but the acids may diminiſh its virtue, by deſtroying or fixing its volatile part, which ſerves for a vehicle to the other.

Spirit of wine alone might be uſed to diſſolve both parts of the Opium, but it might be feared it would carry away with it the volatile part in the Evaporation.

All that is in the Opium is preſerved by my deſcription; for the Reſinous part diſſolved in the Spirit of Wine cannot evaporate with it, becauſe it is the heavier; and the other part which I call Volatile in compariſon with the firſt is mixt with a little Roſine that keeps it back, while the water evaporates. The truth of this I have found by experience, and any body elſe may try as well as I [Page] have done, by diſtilling theſe liqours. Laſtly it is hard to uſe any greater precaution than this, for the preſervation of all the pure parts of Opium, and fewer Menſtruums can be uſed that are more convenient.

If in curioſity you weigh the glutinous earth after it is dried, you will find it to be half an ounce.

Almoſt all Authors have appointed to torrifie Opium before it be diſſolved, to the end a certain malignity which they ſay is in it may be evaporated; but that which they call malignity is nothing but the Spirits, or Sulphurs that are moſt volatile, whereof I ſpoke but now; ſo that by the Torrefaction they deprive it of its more active part. They do further add to the Extract commonly drawn with Spirit of Wine, Coral, Pearl, Treacle, Extract of Saffron, Cordial Confections, Hyſterical ingredients and other things which may reſiſt a cold malignity in the fourth degree which they pretend to be in Opium. But experience convinces us that it is not ſo dangerous, when given in the foreſaid doſe, ſo that there is no need at all of loſing its volatile part by Torrefaction, nor of mixing it with other ingredients which may hinder its operation, or retard its effect. It belongs to the Phyſician, when he thinks fit to give it, to judge whether there be any need of an Hyſterick, or Cordial, which he may appoint to be mixed upon the ſpot.

I ſhall not ſtay to examine here whether Opium is cold or hot; they who have made the Anatomy of this mixt, do know very well that it is almoſt all of it Sulphur. I ſhall endeavour to explicate its effects the moſt ſenſibly I can according to the Rules of Chymiſtry.

[Page]The virtue of Opium conſiſts in cauſing ſleep, and that by calming the motion of the Spirits; for ſince watchfulneſs does proceed from the motion of the Spirits, which by rarifying the humors in the little paſſages of the Brain do augment their Circulation, it may ſurely be ſaid with probability enough that ſleep is cauſed by ſome condenſation of the humors, which happens from a repoſe of the Spirits in the Brain. According to this Principle then there muſt be contained in Opium, and all other Soporificks, a certain ſubſtance that inviſcates the Spirits, and hinders them for ſome time from Circulating ſo faſt as they did before. Let us examine now, whether any ſuch thing can probably be found in Opium, by the Analyſis I have made of it: firſt of all I have obſerved a Spirituous part, but after that hath been drawn out by means of Rain-water, there remains a gummous and terreſtrious matter, and this is the ſubſtance that I find ſo proper to produce this effect. For nothing in Phyſick is ſo fit to thicken the bloud, and other humors, as things that are Mucilaginous: Milk, and the Emulſions which are drawn from divers ſeeds, the Water-Lily, Lettice, nay and all temperate Aliments, do frequently incline to ſleep, becauſe they are impregnated with a gummous ſubſtance, which mixing in the bloud, does ſerve to agglutinate the Spirits, and to moderate the quickneſs of their motion; this now being ſuppoſed, it is eaſie to conceive how Opium makes one ſleep, ſeeing it is loaded with Mucilaginous parts, which may be conveighed into the veſſels.

But without doubt it will be here objected, that Opium is full of ſubtile parts, which on the contrary [Page] inſtead of condenſing the Spirits muſt needs rarifie them; and further, that according to my diſcourſe all ſorts of Gummous matters ſhould incline to ſleep as well Opium, which is a thing manifeſtly falſe.

In the firſt place, I anſwer, that the Spirits of Opium being actuated by the heat of the Stomach do ſerve to raiſe the Gummous part, and to conduct it into the little paſſages of the Brain, but having there introduced them, they either fly away through their volatile nature, or elſe condenſe with the moiſture of the Brain. The ſame thing happens, after drinking any Spirituous liquor, ſuch as Wine, Cyder, or Beer; for the Sulphureous Spirits of theſe liquors carrying along with them ſome phlegmatick parts, do conduct them into the little veſſels of the Brain, or elſe do cauſe ſome Coagulation there, whence it comes to paſs that a man who is drunk commonly ſleeps until the Spirits of the liquor he is intoxicated with are in part ſpent, or evaporated out of his Brain.

In the ſecond place, I ſay that all Gummous or viſcous things are not able to cauſe a ſleepineſs as Opium does, becauſe they have not equally the ſame proportion of volatile Spirits to convey them into the Brain. They may indeed, by giving more conſiſtence to the bloud, moderate its motion a little, and excite ſome diſpoſition to ſleeping; but it will not be done ſo quickly as by the means of Opium, and they likewiſe do it with a great deal leſs force.

If you ſhould mix volatile Spirits with the Gummous matters I now ſpoke of, it would not follow [Page] that they would prove narcotick as Opium is, becauſe the Spirits not being capable of ſo ſtrict an union with thoſe matters, as the Spirituous part of Opium has received with its viſcous ſubſtance, they would ſoon ſeparate from one another in the ſtomach, and the gummous matter would want a vehicle to convey it into the channels of the brain, as would be requiſite in order to cauſe ſleep.

The viſcous parts of Opium inſinuating into the ſmall channels of the brain, do there produce a condenſation or inſpiſſation of the humors, until by little and little new Spirits do draw together, which by diſſolving and rarifying this glue, do carry it along with the bloud, or other humors. And then it is that the ſleeping ceaſes, a man finds himſelf awake as before.

Reaſon may be given why pains in many places are aſſwaged after the effect of Laudanum, for theſe pains being cauſed by an agitation of the Spirits, when theſe Spirits are condenſed, the pain conſequently ceaſes. And this Opium does perform exceeding well, as I have ſaid.

Thoſe who fall into Deliriums in a continued Feaver, do find themſelves ſtrangely relieved by the uſe of Opium, by reaſon that the principal cauſe of this accident is an acrimonious ſalt, which is got into the Brain, and irritates its membranes. Now Laudanum which is a viſcous ſubſtance, unites with theſe ſalts by means of its Sulphur, and takes away their Acrimony. It likewiſe ſtops the Dyſentery, the Flux of the menſes, and other Hemorrhagies by ſweetning the acrimonious Salts which fomented them.

[Page]Laſtly Opium may be ſaid to be one of the greateſt Remedies that we have, when it is properly adminiſtred, and in a reaſonable doſe: but when it is given in too great a quantity, it ſo thickens and glues the humors in the brain by its viſcous parts, that the Spirits which come afterwards to ſuccour, not being able to diſſolve this viſcoſity, are forced to ſtop and congeal likewiſe by little and little, until at laſt they loſe all their motion, whence it comes to paſs that many do dye upon the taking of Opium.

It is remarkable, that many do ſo accuſtom themſelves to the uſe of Opium, that at laſt it is ſcarce able to make them ſleep, except when they take three or four times as much as is commonly given. There are ſome men in France, who can venture to take to a drachm, and this quantity does no more in them than two grains in another.

It is well known that the Turks will take of it to the bigneſs of a hazle nut, to fortifie themſelves when they are going to fight. The reaſon that they can do ſo is, that Opium paſſing a great many times into the ſmall veſſels of the Brain, hath in great meaſure dilated them. So that finding the paſſages very large, it makes little or no ſtop, unleſs taken in a greater quantity than before; for the Turks do not only accuſtom themſelves to the taking of Opium by little and little, but being of a hotter Temperament than we, they ſupply more Spirits to the Brain for rarefaction of the humors, which Opium might there have condenſed.

If the Turks do find themſelves fortified ſo ſoon as they have taken Opium, it is by reaſon of theſe volatile Spirits, which work in them much [Page] the ſame effect, as the Spirits of Wine uſe to do with us.

Some have writ in oppoſition to what I have eſtabliſh'd on this ſubject, and ſay, that if we have regard to the quantity of Narcotick vapours that may ariſe from a ſmall doſe of Opium, it ought not to be imagined that thoſe vapours ſhould be able to ſhut the channels of the Spirits and humors which make a defluxion upon ſome part; but that we ſhould rather conclude the mitigation of pains, and ſtopping of defluxions to proceed from a juſt proportion of the ſalt and ſulphur of Opium, and from the ſecret ferment they contain.

But this Objection will give us little trouble to anſwer, when we conſider that although the vapours cauſed by it are but few, yet the veſſels of the Brain, in which the Animal Spirits do move, are exceeding delicate, and eaſie to be obſtructed; and that the too great activity of the Spirits, which often fly into the diſeaſed parts, being thus abated by the viſcous nature of Opium, there muſt needs follow thereupon ſome eaſe and comfort, without any need at all of admitting a ſtoppage of the veſſels which contain the humors.

As for the proportion of ſalt, and ſulphur in Opium, and the ſecret Ferment they pretend to acquaint us with, in order to explicate this matter, I know they are high terms indeed, but illuſtrate the matter very little, for though they ſay theſe ſalts and ſulphurs do unite with Homogeneous particles that they meet with, and deſtroy ſuch as are the cauſe of the diſtemper, yet we can never by this means obtain any clear Idea of that which makes Opium to be ſoporiferous.

[Page]Beſides the virtue which Opium has to cauſe ſleep, I have obſerved that it is often Sudorifick. I conceive this effect muſt not be attributed only to the volatile parts of this mixt, which may be thought to operate this way, after they are diſingaged from its viſcoſity, but rather to this, that during ſleep, the inward veſſels being as it were obſtructed, or in ſome manner coagulated, and the Spirits finding reſiſtance in their paſſage, do reflect, or bend their motion to the outward parts, and draw along with them ſome moiſture through the pores. That which confirms me in this opinion is the conſideration, that divers perſons do uſe always to ſweat, when they are aſleep, though they have not taken any Opium at all. Now it may happen that in the operation of Opium, the Spirits finding more reſiſtance within than they are wont, may tend outwards with the more force, and conſequently incline to ſweat more than in natural ſleep.

Some prejudiced Chymiſt may not reliſh perhaps this my explication, becauſe I do not ſeaſon it with ſalt enough, and Sulphur, and other principles; but although the five principles which may be drawn from Vegetables may alſo be drawn from Opium, I never uſe them but when they are neceſſary to explicate ſome effect; for whenſoever I find they cannot ſatisfie my reaſon, nothing ſhall hinder me from purſuing my thoughts farther, and ſearching otherwhere for ſome better explication. In fine the Beauty of Chymiſtry does not conſiſt in ſuiting our opinions to thoſe of ordinary Chymiſts, who reſolving to explicate all the Events of nature by their Principles, which they manage according to their own faſhion, do [Page] reject as ridiculous whatſoever does not agree with their Sentiments; but it rather conſiſts in examining and imitating what is done Naturally, and ſo ſearching for reaſons that are moſt probable, and ſuch as may be ſaid to come neareſt to truth, though a man be fain to forſake the way that others have trod in.

CHAP. XVI. Of Aloes.

ALoes is the thickned Juice of a Plant bearing the ſame name, it grows in many Countries, eſpecially in Egypt, whence it is brought to us; the beſt is that which is called Hepatick, and Succotrine, becauſe it bears the colour of a Liver, and a great deal of it is brought from an Iſland of Perſia, called Soccotra; the Hepatick is drawn by Inciſions made on the Plant; it is friable, of an offenſive ſmell, and very bitter taſte.

There is another ſort of Aloes, which doth not differ from the former, but only in that being drawn by expreſſion, many Impurities are mixed with it, it is compact, heavy, and ſmells not ſo ſtrong as the other. It is called Aloes Caballina, becauſe Farriers do uſe it moſt for their horſes.

Aloes is not only uſed inwardly, as I ſhall ſhew, ſpeaking of its Extract, but it is alſo uſed outwardly [Page] in many Unguents and Plaiſters that are deterſive, and diſcutient.

Its Tincture is alſo drawn with Spirit of Wine, by the ſame method as I ſhall deſcribe that of Myrrhe; it is diſcutient, deterſive, good againſt Gangrenes, and to Incarnate: it is uſed in Injections to diſſolve gypſous humors, and to cleanſe wounds, and old ulcers.

Extract of Aloes.

This Operation is an Aloes depurated from ſome feculencies which it contained.

Diſſolve eight ounces of Aloes Succotrina in a ſufficient quantity of Juice of Roſes, or a ſtrong decoction of Violet Flowers; let the diſſolution ſettle five or ſix hours, then decant it, and when you have filtred it, evaporate the liquor gently, until the matter remains in the conſiſtence of an Extract, keep it in a pot.

'Tis a good Remedy to purge the ſtomach, fortifying it withal, the doſe is from fifteen grains to a drachm in Pills; it is likewiſe good to bring down the menſtrua.

Remarks.

This Preparation is nothing but a Purification of Aloes into an Hepatick liquor. Pills are made of this Extract, and are called Pills of Frankfort, and ſome do add to them Maſtich, Rhubarb, and other Stomachick Ingredients; it is the Baſis of the Angelical Pills.

[Page] Aloetick Pills may be taken at meat, or a little before meals, they ſeldom purge till the next day. Wherefore they have been called Pilulae ante cibum. They bring the Hemorrhoids, and Terms, in that Aloes do rarefie the bloud by its Fermentative Salt, and ſtimulates it out of the veins with great force.

The Extract of Aloes taken alone is pungent upon the ſtomach. It is given immediately before meat, that the aliments by their viſcous quality may dull the keen operation of this remedy, and ſo may ſerve as a Corrective to it.

CHAP. XVII. Elixir Proprietatis.

THIS Operation is a Tincture of Myrrhe, Aloes, and Saffron, drawn in the Spirits of wine and Sulphur.

Powder groſly, and mix together two ounces of good Myrrhe, the ſame of Aloes Succotrina and one ounce of good Saffron; put this mixture into a Bolt-head, and pour upon it Spirit of wine a fingers heighth above it; ſtop well the bolt-head, and let them digeſt two days, then open it, and add to it Spirit of ſulphur, until the liquor is four fingers above the matter; ſhake it all well together, and having fitted another bolt-head to the former in order to make a Circulating veſſel, ſet it in digeſtion [Page] in horſe dung, or ſuch like heat the ſpace of four days. Then decant the liquor, and ſtrain it, keep it in a bottle well ſtopt.

It is a very good remedy to fortifie the heart, it purifies the bloud, and works by ſweat, it is likewiſe good to help digeſtion, to bring down the menſes, and in hyſterical vapours; the doſe is from ſeven to twelve drops in ſome proper liquor.

Remarks.

The name Elixir has been given to many Infuſions, or Tinctures of ſpirituous bodies prepared in ſpirituous menſtruum's. They would expreſs by this word a very pretious liquor, or a Quinteſſence. Paracelſus was the firſt who deſcribed this preparation. Many others ſince him have changed ſome circumſtances relating to it, but all have tended to the ſame end, which is to draw forth the Tincture of thoſe three ingredients.

I have uſed but one ounce of Saffron, becauſe this little flower is very light, and takes up a great deal of room. Though we ſhould uſe more of it, the menſtruum would receive no more than it does, for there is as much in that quantity as is ſufficient to fill the pores of the menſtruum.

I do leave the ingredients to infuſe two days in Spirit of wine all alone, that only their more ſulphureous part may be drawn by this Spirit. The acid Spirit which is mixed afterwards, being ſweetned by the ramous parts of the Spirit of wine has only force remaining to load itſelf with the Tincture. This mixture of Spirit of wine, and Spirit [Page] of ſulphur do give the Tincture a very pleaſant ſmell, and they have ſome cordial quality beſides. Wherefore I would not adviſe the changing this menſtruum, as ſome do, by ſubſtituting in their place Spirit of Harts-horn.

If you would, you might draw more Tincture from that which remains in the bolt-head, but it will not be ſo ſtrong nor ſo good as the firſt, becauſe it has already parted with its more volatile parts.

CHAP. XVIII. Of Tabaco.

TAbaco called Nicotiana, or Petum, is a Plant with broad Leaves, that grows abundantly in many places of America, as Brazile, and Peru, but the beſt that is brought into France is from Florida, it hath been tranſplanted among us, but our Countrey not being hot enough, that which grows here, is not ſo ſtrong as the Tabaco that is brought out of America.

Tabaco, either chewed or ſmoked now and then, makes a great diſcharge of humors from the Head; but if it be uſed too immoderately, it is apt to cauſe ſeveral Diſeaſes, ſuch as the Palſie, and Apoplexy. It is beaten, and applied to tumors to diſcuſs them, it being full of Spirits which do [Page] rarifie them and open the pores. It is likewiſe infuſed in common water, and Tettars and other Itchings of the Skin are waſhed with this Infuſion, but you muſt have a care that the water be not too much charged with it, for fear of giving a vomit.

Tabaco kills Serpents, Vipers, Lizards, and ſuch like Animals, if you open a hole in their fleſh, and thruſt a little bit into it, or if you ſhould ſmoke them with it.

Diſtillation of Tabaco.

Put into a Glaſs-Cucurbite eight ounces of good Tabaco cut ſmall; pour upon it about an equal weight of Phlegm of Vitriol, cover the Cucurbite with its head, and digeſt the matter in ſand for a day, fit to it a Receiver, and diſtil about five ounces of liquor in a ſmall fire, keep it in a viol.

It is a powerful vomit, the doſe is from two drachms to ſix in ſome proper liquor, it is likewiſe good for Tettars, and the Itch, being rubbed lightly with it.

Put that which remains in the Cucurbite into an earthen Retort, or Glaſs one luted, place it in a Furnace, and fit to it a great Receiver, and luting cloſe the joints, begin with a ſmall fire to raiſe all the phlegm; augment it by little and little, and the Spirits will come forth confuſedly with a black Oil; continue the fire until there comes no more, then let the veſſels cool, and unlute them; pour that which you find in the Receiver into a Tunnel lined with brown paper, the watry part will paſs through, while the black and fetid Oil remains in [Page] the filter, keep it in a viol: a drachm of it may be mixed with two ounces of Hogs-greaſe, it is a good Remedy for the itch, and for Tettars.

An Alkali ſalt may be drawn from the Coals that remain in the Retort, after the ſame manner as the Salt of Guaiacum. This ſalt is a Sudorifick, the doſe is from four grains to ten in ſome convenient liquor.

Remarks.

Tabaco is full of ſuch piercing ſulphurs and volatile ſalts, that ſo ſoon as ever it is in the ſtomach, it falls a pricking the Fibers, and moving to vomit.

The Oil of Tabaco is ſo great a vomit, that if one ſhould but hold ones Noſe a little over the Viol, in which it is kept, it would make one vomit.

One day I made a ſmall Inciſion in the skin of a dog's thigh, and thruſting in a little tent dipt in the Oil of Tabaco, the dog immediately purged both upwards and downwards with a great deal of violence.

The fixt ſalt of Tabaco may be made as I have ſaid, but if you would have any quantity of it, you muſt join a great deal of other Tabaco with it, for receiving ſo little matter out of the Retort, it would be hard to get a drachm of Salt.

CHAP. XIX. Extractum Panchymagogum.

[Page]

THIS Extract is a farrago of the purer ſubſtances of divers purgative and cordial medicines.

Take an ounce and a half of the Pulp of Coloquintida, one ounce of the Pulvis Diarrhodon Abbatis, ſo much good Agarick, and two ounces of black Hellebore, powder them all groſly, and put them into a matraſs: pour upon it rain-water diſtilled, four fingers above the mixture. Stop the matraſs cloſe, and ſet it in digeſtion in hot ſand, or in horſe dung, three or four days, and ſhake the veſſel ever now and then. After this paſs your infuſion through a cloth: pour upon the reſidence a like quantity of the ſame liquor; let it infuſe as before, then ſtrain and expreſs it ſtrongly; mix your infuſions, and let them ſettle, until they become clear, decant them, and evaporate the liquor in an earthen pan in a ſand-heat with a little fire, to the conſiſtence of a Syrop: then mix with them half an ounce of Roſine of Scammony, and two ounces of Extract of Aloes, evaporate the whole to the conſiſtence of an Extract.

It purges all the humors well, the doſe is from one ſcruple to two in Pills.

Remarks.

[Page]

The fleſh or pulp of Coloquintida is nothing but the apple it ſelf cleanſed from its Seeds. It purges the Brain, the beſt is that which is whiteſt and lighteſt.

The powder Diarrhodon Abbatis is Cordial, and reſiſts the malignity of humors, it takes its name from the Roſe, which is its Baſis.

The Agarick is a Roſinous Muſhrom, that grows on the Larix, the beſt is the whiter, lighter, and moſt friable; it is uſed for to purge the brain.

The root of black Hellebore is a very ſtrong purger of Melancholy, wherefore it is given to Hypochondriacal perſons, and even to the Maniacal; it gives a vomit, when taken alone, but with this mixture it fixes downwards; the white is a poiſon, taken inwardly; it is never uſed but for ſneezing powders.

Scammony is a very Purgative reſinous juyce, the beſt is moſt friable, and which being powdered hath a grey colour drawing towards white: its Roſine is drawn from it as that of Jalap.

Aloes is ſaid to purge Choler, I have ſpoken of its virtues ſufficiently already, when I deſcribed its Extract.

Spirit of Wine is commonly uſed to make this Extract, and it may ſeem to be ſo much the purer, being drawn by this diſſolvent, rather than by a watry Menſtruum; for ſpirit of wine diſſolves only the more Balſamick and purer part of mixt bodies: but nevertheleſs I chuſe rather to prefer the [Page] uſe of Dew, or elſe Rain-water, nay and even common water before Spirit of wine for ſeveral reaſons.

Firſt, becauſe in the evaporation of the liquidity of the Extract, drawn by Spirit of wine, a great many of the more ſubtile parts are loſt, which this diſſolvent had volatilized. And indeed it cannot be denied, but ſome uſeful parts will evaporate, let us uſe what diſſolvent we pleaſe; but it is plain there is no ſuch great loſs, when watry menſtruums are uſed, as when Spirit of wine. Now we ſhould always prefer ſuch menſtruums, as are beſt able to preſerve the virtue of the mixt, whoſe Extract we intend to draw.

The ſecond is, becauſe Spirit of wine does always leave ſome impreſſion of heat and acrimony in the Extracts it draws, which the liquors that I uſe do not do.

The third is, becauſe Spirit of wine is not ſo convenient a menſtruum to diſſolve the ſalts which the Ingredients we uſe are full of, and it is in this ſalt, that their greateſt virtue does conſiſt.

Wherefore we ought to chuſe ſuch diſſolvents, as can beſt preſerve the virtue of mixt bodies, and ſuch as are familiar to our nature. We muſt uſe Spirit of wine to extract Roſines, ſuch as that of Scammony, Jalap, Turbith; but whenever an Extract can be drawn with a watry menſtruum, it is better to uſe that, rather than another, for the reaſons I have mentioned.

Purgative medecins have been divided into Melanagogues, Phlegmagogues, and Cholagogues. By Melanagogues are underſtood thoſe that chiefly purge Melancholy, by Phlegmagogues ſuch as purge [Page] Phlegm, and by Cholagogues thoſe that evacuate Choler; ſo then by mixing theſe three ſorts of Remedies, a compoſition is made that is called Panchymagogue, that is to ſay, purging all the humors, as doth the Extract I have deſcribed.

Now to explicate the action of Purgative Remedies upon all the ſeveral humors, you muſt conſider in the firſt place, that Melancholy is a very Tartareous humor, and full of fixt ſalts; that Phlegm is very viſcous, and deſcending from the brain ſticks like Glue to the internal Membrane of the Viſcera, and that Choler is very thin and eaſie to rarifie.

The Remedies which are called Melanagogue, ſuch as Scammony, Senna, &c. are full of Lixivious Salts, which are very good diſſolvents of the Melancholick humor contained in the lower parts, in that theſe ſort of Remedies do always deſcend, and being ſtrong purgers, do raiſe a Fermentation where-ever they come.

Phlegmagogues, ſuch as Agarick, Coloquintida, &c. do purge the Phlegm chiefly that is contained in the Brain, becauſe theſe Remedies are full of volatile parts which eaſily ſublime thither by means of the Natural heat, and rarifying this humor do make it come down by the ordinary ways of Purgation.

Cholagognes, ſuch as Caſſia, Rhubarb, &c. which are mild Remedies, and are not ſtrong enough to excite ſo great a fermentation as the others, do only purge Choler, it being very ſoluble, and eaſie to ferment; but they are not able to reach Melancholy, or Phlegm, by reaſon of their thickneſs; wherefore there is no need of wondring, why a greater evacuation of Choler than other humors is effected by theſe Remedies.

[Page]It is further obſervable, that the Remedies which purge Phlegm and Melancholy, do remain, or leave their impreſſion in the body a longer time than thoſe that purge Choler, becauſe they more abound in Spirits or Salts: Moreover it is not to be imagined, that theſe Phlemagogues, and Melanagogues do evacuate no Choler at all, for they do force away all they can meet with, but becauſe it is then mixt with other humors, it appears not ſo plainly as when it is wrought upon alone.

CHAP. XX. Of Turpentine.

THere are two ſorts of Trees that the Turpentine comes from, by Inciſions that are made into them, to wit, the Turpentine Tree, and the Larix, or Larch-tree; there are a great many of both ſorts in hot Countries, ſuch as Italy, Provence, and even in Dauphiné.

Turpentine is properly a liquid Roſine in the conſiſtence of a Balſom; that which is brought out of the Iſle of Chios is beſt eſteemed, and is alſo the deareſt; that which we commonly uſe, and is called Venice Turpentine, muſt be clear, tranſparent, fragrant, and a little biting on the taſte: it is uſed like a Balſom for Wounds, it is very Diuretick, taken inwardly, and is therefore given in [Page] Gonorrheas, in Bolus, or elſe diſſolved in ſome liquor by means of a little Yelk of an Egg, it gives the Urine a ſmell much like Violets. It is often boiled in water, and then becomes ſolid like Roſine, and being ſo prepared is made up into Pills, the Doſe is from half a drachm to a drachm; if you take too much of it, it gives the Head-ach.

If in curioſity you ſhould boil a little Turpentine in water for a quarter of an hour; and after you have removed it from the fire, if you ſhould pour cold water upon it, you would ſee a little skin ſpread it ſelf upon the water, which has many curious marble colours. And if you gather this skin into a lump, it will become a white Turpentine.

Diſtillation of Turpentine.

This Operation is a ſeparation of the Oil of Turpentine from its terreſtrious part.

Take three pounds of good Turpentine, and pour it into a Retort large enough to remain half empty. Add to it a handful of Stupe, to prevent the thicker parts of the Turpentine from riſing when the liquor diſtils; you muſt cleanſe the inſide of the neck of the Retort, and place it in a Furnace to diſtil in an open fire; fit to it a Receiver, and luting the joints, begin the Diſtillation with a very ſmall fire only to warm the Retort, and drive out a volatile ſpirit, after which augment the fire by degrees, there will come forth firſt a clear Oil, then a yellow oil, and at laſt a red oil; take care to ſeparate theſe liquors as they do diſtil, and when [Page] you ſee the red oil begin to come thick, take away the fire, and when the veſſels are cold, unlute them. Keep all theſe liquors ſeparately in Viols.

The volatile Spirit is an excellent Aperitive, it is given from four to twelve drops in ſome appropriate liquor, to expel Gravel out of the Reins or Ureters, in the Nephritick Colick, or to diſſolve Viſcoſities, it is likewiſe uſed in Gonorrheas.

The firſt Oil ſerves for the ſame uſes as the Spirit; the ſecond and third do ſerve as a Balſom to conſolidate wounds, diſcuſs tumors, and to fortifie the Nerves.

Break the Retort, and you'l find in it a maſs, melt and ſtrain it to ſeparate the Stupe; it is a good Colophone, and is uſed in Plaiſters to dry and to conſolidate.

After this manner may be diſtilled Roſines, Maſtich, Frankincenſe, Tacamahaca, Gum Elemi, Varniſh, Labdanum, and other Gums of this nature.

Remarks.

The Spirit of Turpentine is properly an Ethereal oil mixed with a little phlegm, and Acid Eſſential ſalt, which renders it Aperitive, it is this Spirit that gives the Turpentine its ſmell.

A great fire is requiſite for to draw the laſt oil, and it becomes red, through ſome Fuliginoſities that fall upon it, before it comes forth of the Retort.

If you ſhould continue to raiſe the fire, until there comes no more liquor, you'd find in the Retort nothing but a little light, and very rarified matter that is good for nothing.

[Page]The Oil of Turpentine that is bought at the Druggiſts, is a mixture of Spirit, and yellow oil.

The Oil of Turpentine being mixed with that of Vitriol, there grows a very conſiderable heat, and if the Oil of Vitriol is ſtrong, it makes an ebullition. I have endeavoured to give you a reaſon for it in the Remarks which I have made upon Diſtillation of Vitriol.

CHAP. XXI. Of Benjamin.

BEnjamin called by ſome Aſſa Dulcis, is a Roſine that diſtils from a great Tree in Foreign Countries, the name of it is unknown, though many have thought fit to call it Laſerpitium; this Tree is very common in Samaria, and in many other adjacent Countries.

Benjamin is very much uſed by the Perfumers, and it hath uſe alſo in Phyſick, to reſiſt the malignity of humors, and to fortifie the Heart and Brain; you muſt chuſe it clean, friable, and full of white ſpots, and that ſort is called Amygdaloides.

Flowers of Benjamin, and its Oil.

[Page]

This is an exaltation of the volatile ſalts of Benjamin, and a ſeparation of its Oil, by diſtillation.

Take an earthen pot, high and narrow, with a little border round it, put into it three or four ounces of clean Benjamin groſly powdered; cover the pot with a Coffin of paper, and tye it round about under the border; ſet the pot into hot aſhes, and when the Benjamin is heated, the Flowers will ſublime; take off the Coffin every two hours, and fix another in its place; ſtop up quickly in a glaſs the Flowers you find in the Coffins, and when thoſe which afterwards ſublime do begin to appear Oily, take the pot off the fire; put that which remains into a little glaſs Retort, and fitting a Receiver to it, diſtil in a Sand-heat a thick and fragrant Oil until nothing more comes forth, there will remain in the Retort nothing but a very ſpongy earth.

The Flowers are good for Aſthmatical perſons, and to fortifie the ſtomach; the doſe is from two grains to five in an Egg, or in Lozenges. The Oil is a Balſom for wounds and ulcers.

Remarks.

Benjamin being full of a great many volatile parts, eaſily ſublimes over the ſmalleſt fire; the Flowers do riſe in little needles that are very white; but if you give never ſo little fire more [Page] than ſhould be, they carry along with them a ſmall quantity of Oil, which makes them to be yellow and impure. You muſt therefore perform the Operation in hot Aſhes, or in Sand, to have the Flowers fair.

The Flowers of Benjamin have a very pleaſant acidity.

Tincture of Benjamin.

Take three ounces of Benjamin, and half an ounce of Storax, powder them groſly, and put them into a bottle, or matraſs half empty, pour upon them a pint of Spirit of wine, ſtop your veſſel cloſe, and ſet it in warm horſe-dung, leave it in digeſtion for a Fortnight, after which filtrate the liquor, and keep it in a Viol well ſtopt: ſome do add to it five or ſix drops of Balſom of Peru, to give it a better ſmell: it is good to take away ſpots in the face, a drachm of it is put into four ounces of water, and it whitens like milk, this water ſerves for a waſh, and is called Virgin's Milk.

Remarks.

This Tincture is a diſſolution of the Roſine of Benjamin made in Spirit of Wine. When it is mixed in a great deal of water, it makes a Milk, becauſe water weakens the Spirit of Wine, and makes it quit what it held up diſſolved. If you let this Milk ſettle, the Roſine precipi [...] [Page] to the bottom of the veſſel, and the water becomes clear.

The Storax is added to this Tincture, to encreaſe the goodneſs of the ſmell.

CHAP. XXII. Of Camphire.

CAmphire is a Roſine that diſtils drop by drop from a great Tree that is much like to a Walnut-tree in the Iſland Borneo in Aſia. Little Cakes of it are likewiſe brought out of China, but that is not ſo good; it muſt be choſen white, tranſparent, clean, friable, without ſpot, and ſuch as is hard to quench, when once lighted.

Camphire is compounded of a Sulphur and Salt ſo exceeding volatile, that it is very hard to keep it any time, and it always loſes ſomething, let it be never ſo cloſely ſtopt.

It is an excellent remedy for the Fits of the mother, it is not only ſmelt to by women in this condition, and uſed in their Clyſters, but alſo taken inwardly; for it is lighted, and then quenched five or ſix times in ſome water proper to the Diſtemper, and ſo the water is given to drink; it is likewiſe good for intermittent Feavers, being hung about the neck, becauſe in its evaporating away, it inſenſibly enters through the pores, and [Page] cauſes a rarefaction, and tranſpiration of the humor which cauſed the diſeaſe: and for the ſame reaſon it is that ſeveral Druggs applied to the Wriſts and other places, have often cured diſeaſes: but you muſt obſerve that this ſort of Remedies is always of a very Spirituous nature. Camphire is diſſolved in Spirit of Wine, and this diſſolution is called Spirit of Wine Camphorized, it is good in the Apoplexy, and in Hyſterical maladies; it is alſo found to be of excellent uſe in the Tooth-ach, a little Cotton is dipt into it, and put into the aking Tooth.

Oil of Camphire.

This Operation is a Camphire impregnated with Spirit of Niter, which converts it into a liquor.

Powder groſly three or four ounces of good Camphire, put it into a matraſs, and pour upon it twice as much Spirit of Niter, ſtop your veſſel cloſe, and ſet it over a pot half full of water a little heated; ſtir it ever now and then, to help forward the diſſolution which will be finiſhed in two or three hours, and then you'l find the Camphire turned into a clear Oil which ſwims above the Spirit, ſeparate it and keep it in a Viol well ſtopt.

It is uſed for the Caries of bones, and to touch Nerves that are uncovered, in wounds.

Remarks.

[Page]

This Oil is nothing but a diſſolution of Camphire in Spirit of Niter; for if you pour water upon it to deſtroy the force of the Spirit, it returns into Camphire as before.

Of all the Roſines this is the only one that can diſſolve with Spirit of Niter.

This diſſolution is made without Ebullition, or ſenſible heat, becauſe the Camphire conſiſting of thin diſunited parts, the acids do enter among them and make an eaſie ſeparation: again acids mixing with ſulphurs do never raiſe any ebullition, becauſe they find thoſe bodies too pliant and yielding, to make ſufficient reſiſtance.

If you have uſed three ounces of Camphire in this operation, you will obtain four ounces of Oil, and the Spirit of Niter will have loſt an ounce; this laſt will likewiſe have loſt much of its acrimony.

Some have cenſured this operation, by reaſon, ſay they, of the violent impreſſion which the corroſive Spirit does give to the Camphire in its diſſolution, and that therefore the acrimony of the medicine renders it of a dangerous uſe.

But ſeeing this Oil is not wont to be given inwardly, methinks there is very little reaſon for this ſcruple: there are medecins which are much more acrimonious than this, which nevertheleſs are not eſteemed dangerous to be uſed. Again, there is occaſion for this acrimony in the uſe that is made of this Oil, for the Spirit of Niter which is mixed with [Page] it does very much help the Camphire to deterge wounds, and to cleanſe rotten bones.

CHAP. XXIII. Of Gumm Ammoniack.

GƲmm Ammoniack is ſo called, becauſe it diſtils from a ſort of Ferula, or Fennil-gyant, that grows near the place where the Oracle of Jupiter Ammon ſtood heretofore; the beſt is in large yellowiſh tears, and white within.

It is given inwardly in Deoppilative Electuaries for Schirrhous Tumors of the Liver, Spleen, and Meſentery; it is uſed in Emollient and Attractive Plaiſters.

The way to Purifie it is to diſſolve it in Vinegar, then paſſing it through a cloth all the moiſture is evaporated away over the fire; by this means it is cleanſed from ſome ſtraws or other little impurities that it contained. But ſome part of its Volatile Spirits are evaporated at the ſame time, and in them conſiſts its greateſt virtue, while ſome others are fixed by the acid, which always hinders the motion of Volatiles. Wherefore I would never adviſe this Purification to be made; I would rather, after chuſing it as clean as may be, only powder it in a Mortar, to mix it with what may be thought fit; for though there ſhould be ſome little [Page] ſtraws in it, that would never be able to alter the nature of the Remedy, or diminiſh its virtue ſo much as doth the deſtruction of its Volatile ſalts by the Vinegar.

The ſame thing may be conſidered in the uſe of all other Gumms; & if ſome of them, as Galbanum and Opopanax, are too moiſt to be powdered, you may cut them into little ſlices, & dry them in the Sun.

Diſtillation of Gumm Ammoniack.

This is a ſeparation of the Oil and Spirit of Gumm Ammoniack from its earthy part.

Put a pound of Gumm Ammoniack into an earthen Retort, or glaſs one luted, great enough for two thirds to remain empty; place this Retort in a Reverberatory Furnace, and fitting to it a Receiver, begin the diſtillation with a very little fire to warm gently the Retort, and drive forth drop by drop a little Phlegmatick water. When the vapours begin to appear, throw out that which is in the Receiver, and refitting it, and luting cloſe the joints, encreaſe the fire by degrees, and continue it until all is come forth. Then let the veſſels cool, and unlute them; pour out that which is in the Receiver into a Tunnel lined with brown paper, the Spirit will paſs through, and leave the thick black Oil in the filter, keep it in a Viol: it is good for the Palſie, and Hyſterical diſeaſes: the diſeaſed parts are rub'd with it, and it is given to women to ſmell to.

Put the Spirit into a glaſs Alembeck, and Rectifie it by diſtilling it in Sand. 'Tis a good Remedy [Page] againſt the Plague, and all ſorts of malignant diſeaſes; it is uſed in the Scurvy, and all manner of Obſtructions, the doſe is from eight to ſixteen drops in ſome proper liquor.

The Spirit of all other Gumms may be drawn after the ſame manner.

Remarks.

Two thirds of the Retort muſt remain empty, becauſe the Gumm rarifies exceedingly as it heats, and would be apt to come forth in ſubſtance, if it had not room enough. There is no need of adding alkali's for the Rectification of this Spirit, as many Authors would perſwade us; this circumſtance doth rather more hurt than good, becauſe alkalies do ſpoil theſe ſorts of Spirits, as I have ſaid when I treated of the Rectification of the Spirit of Tartar.

The phlegm is taken out of the receiver before the Spirits come forth, in order to their being the purer. You will have ſix drachms of phlegm, three ounces and ſeven drachms of Spirit, ſix ounces of a black & ſtinking oil, and there remains in the retort four ounces ſix drachms of a black, light and very ſpongious matter, which is to be flung away. It is likewiſe a little inflammable by reaſon of fuliginoſities which have fallen upon it. And this is that which gave it the black colour; a great deal of the aſhes of this matter is requiſite to make a little ſalt, for the ſalt of Gumms being commonly more volatile than fixed, it comes forth almoſt all of it in acid Spirit.

CHAP. XXIV. Of Myrrhe.

[Page]

MYrrhe is a Gummy juice that diſtils from a thorny Tree, of a middle height, by Inciſions that are made into it; this Tree grows commonly in Ethiopia, and Arabia, and becauſe the Inhabitants of thoſe countries are thought to feed on Serpents, the Myrrhe that is brought thence is called Troglodytick. The Antients were wont to collect from the ſame Tree a liquor that fell from it without Inciſion, which was called Stacten; it is only a liquid Gum, but I am apt to think it ſhould have more virtue than common Myrrhe, becauſe it was the more ſpirituous part, which filtrated through the pores of the Bark of this Tree.

You muſt chuſe ſuch Myrrhe as is friable, light, odoriferous, clear, and ſuch as is in ſmall pieces, of a yellowiſh colour, and bitter to the taſte; it is aperitive and diſcutient; it is much eſteemed for obſtructions of the Ʋterus, and to bring the menſtrua, and to quicken womens Labour; it alſo reſiſts malignity of humors, it is uſed in Corroborative remedies, and diſcutient Plaiſters.

Tincture of Myrrhe.

[Page]

This Operation is a ſolution of the oily parts of Myrrhe in Spirit of wine.

Put what quantity you pleaſe of good Myrrhe powdered, into a Bolt-head, and pour upon it Spirit of wine four fingers high; ſtir the matter and ſet it in digeſtion in warm ſand, two or three days, or until the Spirit of wine is loaded with the Tincture of Myrrhe; then ſeparate the liquor by Inclination, and keep it in a Viol well ſtopt. It may be uſed to expedite womens Labour, to bring down the menſtrua, and in the Palſie, Apoplexy, Lethargy, and all diſeaſes that proceed from Corruption of humors; it is Sudorifick and Aperitive; the doſe is from ſix drops to fifteen in ſome proper liquor; it is commonly uſed in outward applications, or mixed with the Tincture of Aloes to diſcuſs cold Tumors, and to diſſolve gypſous humors by way of Injection, and in the Gangrene.

After this manner may be made the Tinctures of Caſtor and Saffron, which are much eſteemed in hyſterical caſes; the doſe of them is from four to twelve drops in balm or mugwort water.

Remarks.

Though Tinctures of Myrrhe are daily drawn in wine, yet the beſt that can be prepared is with Spirit of wine, becauſe this menſtruum receives the more Oily, or Balſamick part of the Myrrhe; [Page] whereas the phlegm of wine does cauſe it to diſſolve, and impregnate with the more terreſtrious part of the Gumm, as well as with the Oily.

Some do uſe to evaporate this Tincture to the conſiſtence of an Extract, but becauſe thereby they are fain to loſe the more volatile part of the Myrrhe with the Spirit of wine, I do conceive it better to uſe the Tincture it ſelf as I have deſcribed it.

The Tincture of Caſtor makes the water white, into which you drop it by reaſon of a Roſine which it contains, which is the ſame I have ſaid, ſpeaking of the Roſine of Jalap.

Oil of Myrrhe per Deliquium.

This preparation is a ſolution of the more ſeparable parts of Myrrhe, made with whites of Eggs.

Boil Eggs until they are hard, then cutting them in two, ſeparate the Yelk, and fill the White with Myrrhe powdered, ſet them on little ſticks placed conveniently on purpoſe, in a plate, or earthen pan, in a Cellar, or ſome ſuch moiſt place, and there will diſtil a liquor to the bottom of the veſſel, which you may take out, and keep for uſe. This is called the Oil of Myrrhe: it is good to take away ſpots, and blemiſhes in the face, applied outwardly.

Remarks.

[Page]

Though this liquor, improperly called Oil, is only the more ſoluble part of Myrrhe humected with the moiſture of whites of Eggs, and the Cellar together, yet it is the beſt of any that have been invented, whether you ſhould draw it in Spirit of wine, or diſtill this Gumm in a Retort; for by Spirit of wine the more volatile part of Myrrhe is loſt, either by Diſtillation, or Evaporation; and it is ſo torrified in a Retort, that it loſes its beſt virtues; whereas per Deliquium what volatile this Gumm contains is preſerved in its natural being, for the wet that mixes with it is no ways capable of deſtroying or altering its nature.

THE THIRD PART Of Animals.

[Page]

[Page]

CHAP. I. Of the Viper.

PAſſing by the fabulous Stories that the Ancients have left us concerning the Birth of the Viper, I ſhall ſay it is a ſort of Serpent, that comes into the world by eating through the belly of her Dam, and killing her; whence ſhe is called Vipera, quòd vi pariat.

This Animal is very common in Dauphiné, and Poictou, from whence it is carried all over France. While it is in the field it feeds upon ſeveral little Animals, but when taken and ſhut up in any place, it may be kept a whole Summer without eating any thing at all, provided it hath Air enough to breath in.

The reaſon why they can live ſo long without eating is doubtleſs that the pores of their skin being ſo exceeding narrow, as they do appear to be upon examination, very few of their Spirits do [Page] come to be loſt; wherefore they have little need of ſucceſſive nouriſhment to beget new ones, as other animals have, who ſpend abundance of Spirits.

'Tis good to take Vipers in the Spring, or Autumn, becauſe then they are fatteſt, and in greateſt vigour. The Cold kills 'em. They differ from other Serpents in that they never grow ſo much; they have two Teeth on the ſides of their Jaws, and thoſe very long, in compariſon with a great many little ones that are round about, and the Gum of each of thoſe long Teeth is full of a Yellowiſh Juyce, in which many do think their venom conſiſts; now Serpents have none of thoſe long Teeth, but only little ones.

Again, they differ in that being taken up by the Tails, they can't wind themſelves like Serpents, to make ſuch circumvolutions about the Arm, or thing that holds them, and this by reaſon of the different connexion of their Vertebra's.

When the Viper is irritated, it ſhoots out a forked tongue, which looks like a little fire-brand, by reaſon of the vigorous motion of its Spirits; thoſe who never had ſeen the teeth of the Viper do think this is that which cauſes all the miſchief, but the tongue is not at all venomous. Some do ſave the tongue, to wear about their neck inſtead of an Amulet, in order to preſerve them from the effects of ill airs. Serpents do likewiſe thruſt out their tongues as the Viper does. But here it may be good to advertiſe you by the by, that thoſe things which are brought to us from Maltha for the tongues of petrified Serpents are nothing but the teeth of a fiſh which that Countrey affords.

[Page]The biting of Vipers is more dangerous than that of other Serpents, but the moſt quick and aſſured Remedy that can be uſed upon it, is to cruſh the head of the Animal, and lay it on the wound, becauſe by opening of the pores it lets out the venomous Spirits that were got in. The bit perſon may likewiſe take the volatile ſalt of Vipers, as I ſhall ſhew hereafter.

It is not yet ſufficiently known wherein conſiſts the venom of Vipers, nor can any good ſubſtantial reaſon be given of the accidents which happen after the biting. Moſt men think this malignity conſiſts in the enraged ſpirits. And this is the opinion of Van Helmont, and Poterius, according to the relation of Zwelfer in his Remarks upon the Auguſtan Diſpenſatory, where he treats of the Troches of Vipers: He ſaith there have been a great many eminent men who have confirmed this opinion with curious obſervations, on the bitings of enraged Animals, particularly of Man, of the Cat, Wolf, Horſe, Dog, Weaſil, &c. And among others Fabritius Hildanus in his Chirurgical Operations, to whoſe proofs he thinks nothing further can be added to confirm the truth of this opinion: If accidents, ſaith he, do happen that are ſometimes more ſevere, and ſometimes leſs, they muſt be attributed only to more or leſs provocation and anger, or ſometimes to a more profound or ſlighter biting of theſe Animals. This opinion ſeems likewiſe to have been confirmed by ſome experiments, which Monſieur Charas relates in his book of Vipers, where he ſhews not only that the enraged Spirits are the ſole poiſon of the Viper, but alſo pretends that the Yellow Juice which [Page] is found in the hollow part of the Jaw, wherein the great tooth is faſtned, and was ſuppoſed to be the venom of this Animal, is no ſuch matter; for having poured ſome of this liquor on the wounds of ſeveral beaſts, not one of them died, nay further, that thoſe perſons who had ventured to taſte it, never found any inconvenience from it. Nevertheleſs Monſieur Redy in a particular Treatiſe on the Viper will not grant the truth of theſe experiments.

On the contrary he maintains, that having put ſome of this Yellow juice into the wounds of divers ſorts of Animals, they ſoon died upon it, and thence concludes that the venom of Vipers conſiſts in the Yellow juice, and not in the enraged Spirits only, as the others have thought, he taking this cauſe alone to be too Metaphyſical.

And in truth who would believe that the Idea which this Animal forms, when he finds himſelf provoked, ſhould be able to imprint on the Spirits qualities ſo malignant?

Now in ſo great an oppoſition of Opinions and Experiments, a certain great man of theſe times found a way to reconcile them, by affirming that the Yellow juice of Vipers did produce different effects, according to the ſeveral places where theſe Animals lived; ſo that Monſieur Redy might have found the Yellow juice to be venomous in Italy, whereas in France, where the Climate is not ſo hot, this juice doth not produce any poiſonous quality, unleſs it be quickned by the Angry Spirits of the Viper, which gives it a ſufficient penetration.

Others do confidently aſſure us they have ſeen ſeveral Animals in France die, ſoon after they [Page] had put ſome of this Yellow liquor into the wounds they had made for that purpoſe, which very much favours the aſſertion of Monſieur Redy.

Furthermore as for what is related, that in France people have ventured to taſte this Yellow liquor without any harm, I find this not to be a convincing proof that it is no poiſon; for although Spirit of Vitriol, for example, or ſome other acid, does not prove mortal, when taken inwardly, nevertheleſs if the ſame quantity ſhould be ſyringed into the veins, the Animal falls preſently into Convulſions, and dies. Now as that which cauſed the Spirit of Vitriol taken inwardly not to be Poiſon was this; the acids do become weak through the mixture of the Saliva, and before ever they come to mix in the Maſs of bloud, their parts do receive ſo great an alteration from the ferment of the places they muſt paſs through, that they are able to do nothing elſe at moſt but cool the Body: ſo the ſame may be ſaid of the Yellow liquor of the Viper, when it is taſted of, that beſides its mixture with the liquors of the mouth and ſtomach, it receives divers alterations from the ferments of the places it muſt paſs through, before it enters into the maſs of bloud.

Many do likewiſe think that the venom of Vipers hath its chief ſeat in the Gall, and thence is eaſily tranſported to the Gums, when they are angry; nevertheleſs in the Anatomy of this Animal there's no paſſage found capable of ſuch a tranſlation. I know very well that the pores of living bodies may be ſaid to be ſo open, that all manner of liquors may be preſumed to paſs through them, but yet no miſchievous effect is diſcovered to proceed [Page] from the Viper's Gall when given inwardly, for it only cauſes ſweat.

Laſtly, others will have the Viper's venom to be diſperſed over all its body. And thoſe who think thus, do adviſe us to whip theſe Animals in a warm baſon to drive their venom into the extremities of the body, before we cut (as is uſually done) their heads two fingers below, and their tails two fingers above; after that, to flea off the skin, and take out the bowels, and then boil the body in water, wherein are added Salt, and Dill, to correct, as they ſay, the remaining malignity. When the fleſh is tender, it is to be ſeparated from the bones, then to eight ounces of this fleſh beaten into a Paſte in a marble mortar are added two ounces of bread dried and powdered, and Troches made of it, which being dried are kept for uſe.

But this long preparation is ſeldom uſed, ſince Experience hath taught us, that no part of a dead Viper is at all poiſonous. The Head and Tail dried and powdered may be taken inſtead of a Cordial, as well as the reſt of the body. I can likewiſe aſſure you, upon my own experience, that the Tooth of a dead Viper is no ways venomous, having by chance been prickt my ſelf till the bloud came, whilſt I was a handling the heads of Vipers newly kill'd that I had a mind to dry, and there did not follow the leaſt ill accident from it.

Furthermore by this Coction the Vipers fleſh is deprived of its volatile ſalts, which gave its greateſt virtue; for they diſſolve in the broth, which is flung away, and only the Faeces remain, wherein there hardly reſts ſo much Cordial virtue as there does in the bread which is mixed for a Corrective.

[Page]But there is no need I ſhould enlarge my ſelf further on this ſubject, becauſe theſe Obſervations are ſufficiently delivered in the Auguſtan Pharmacopoeia.

Wherefore I do conceive it to be much better to uſe the Powder of Vipers newly made, than the Troches.

To make this Powder well, it is good to chuſe Vipers, when they are in the prime of their ſtrength; the Females that are full of Eggs or young ones, are not ſo good as the others: their heads are to be cut off, their skins thrown by, and their bowels taken out, and ſo they are ſet a drying in the ſhade, to be afterwards powdered in a mortar.

But becauſe this Powder is hard to keep, in that worms do breed in it, it will be good to make it into a Paſte with a ſufficient quantity of the mucilage of Gum Tragacanth, ſo form it into Troches, to dry them, and powder them when there is occaſion to uſe them, and thus it keeps good a long time.

This Powder is given in the Small pox, Malignant Feavers, and all other maladies where Alexipharmicks are required, and the humors are to be purified by Perſpiration; the doſe is from eight grains to thirty in broth, or ſome other convenient liquor.

The Heart and Liver are dried in the Sun, and powdered together, and this Powder called Animal Bezoar, hath the ſame virtues as the body of the Viper, only it is given in a little leſſer doſe.

The Gall of Vipers provokes Sweat; the doſe is a drop or two in Carduus water.

[Page]The fat that is found in them is melted, then ſtrained for to ſeparate it from the membranes it ſticks to, it is as clear as Oil. Several Countries do uſe it in the Small-pox, and in Feavers: The doſe is from one drop to ſix in broth, or ſome other convenient liquor. It likewiſe enters into the compoſition of ſome Plaiſters, and into diſcutient unguents.

Diſtillation of Vipers.

This Operation is a ſeparation of the phlegm, the volatile ſalt, and the Oil of Vipers from its earth.

Take twelve dozen of Vipers dried in the ſhade, as I ſaid before, put them into an earthen Retort, or glaſs one Coated, place it in a Reverberatory furnace, fit to it a great capacious Receiver, and luting the joints cloſe, begin the diſtillation with a ſmall fire to warm the Retort gently, and drive out a phlegmatick water drop by drop; when you ſee no more drops to fall, encreaſe the fire a little, and Spirits will come forth, which will fill the Receiver with white Clouds, you will ſee at laſt a black oil come, and the volatile ſalt ſtick to the ſides of the Receiver. Continue the fire until there comes no more, after which let the veſſels cool, and unlute them. Shake about the Receiver a little, to looſen the volatile ſalt from the ſides, and pour it all into a Bolt-head, fit to it a head and a ſmall Receiver, and lute the joints with a wet bladder; you muſt ſet your veſſel in Sand, and with a gentle fire under it, the volatile ſalt will ſublime, and ſtick [Page] to the head, and uppermoſt part of the bolt-head, ſeparate it and keep it in a viol well ſtopt.

It is one of the beſt medicins we have in Phyſick, it is good in Malignant Feavers, and Agues, the Pox, Apoplexy, Epilepſie, Palſie, Hyſterical Maladies, and the bitings of all venomous Beaſts; the doſe is from ſix to ſixteen grains in ſome proper Liquor.

Pour that which remains in the bolt-head into a Tunnel lined with brown paper, the Spirit and phlegm will paſs through, and the ſtinking Oil remain behind; Hyſterical women may ſmell to this laſt, to allay vapours, and Paralytical parts may be anointed therewith; but its ſmell is ſo offenſive that it is hard to endure it.

Pour the Spirit and Phlegm mixed confuſedly together into an Alembeck, and diſtil in a vaporous Bath about half the liquor, you'l have a Spirit that muſt be kept well ſtopt, it hath the ſame virtues as the Salt; the doſe is from ten to thirty drops.

The Phlegm muſt be flung away.

If that which remains in the Retort is Calcined in an open fire, and a Lixivium made of it, as I ſaid concerning fixt Alkali Salts, a ſmall quantity of fixt Salt will remain, which nevertheleſs hath no more virtue than other Alkali Salts I ſpoke of before.

The volatile ſalts of Harts-horn, the bloud, Skull, Nails, Hair, and other parts of Animals may be drawn after the ſame manner.

Remarks.

[Page]

The Receiver muſt be ſure to be large enough, that the Spirits may circulate with greater eaſe, the fire muſt likewiſe be well managed; for theſe Spirits being forced out too faſt do ruſh forth violently, and break the Receiver, or elſe are loſt through the joints.

The Phlegm comes before the other Principles in the firſt diſtillation, but in the Rectification the Volatile Salt riſes firſt, becauſe it is at liberty, and is lighter than the Phlegm.

The Spirit which is drawn from Animals by Chymiſtry is nothing but a volatile ſalt diſſolved in Phlegm.

Your veſſel for ſublimation muſt be very high, that the Volatile Salt may riſe without any Phlegm, for when the veſſel is ſhort, the Phlegm riſeth with the Volatile ſalt, liquifies it, and turns it into Spirit. A bolt-head, or a long body with its head, may ſerve for this Operation, becauſe the Phlegm being too heavy cannot mount ſo high, and therefore leaves the Volatile Salt to ſublime alone, which may nevertheleſs be Rectified to become more pure; you muſt mix it with the diſtilled Spirit, and repeat the Sublimation according as I have ſaid: but becauſe this Salt always carries along with it a ſmall quantity of Oil, a few days afterwards it loſes its whiteneſs, and turns Yellowiſh: now to avoid that, you muſt pour upon it, when it is in the bottle, Spirit of Wine Tartariſed one fingers height, and ſo keep it well ſtopt. [Page] This Spirit of Wine hinders the ſalt from diſſolving its ſelf and the Oil it contained, ſo that after ſome days it turns red, and the ſalt grows white; when it is to be uſed, the Spirit is decanted from it, and the Salt left alone: by means of this Lotion it loſes a little of its former ſmell; but care muſt be taken that the Spirit of Wine be well Rectified, for if there remained any the leaſt Phlegm, the Salt would diſſolve in it. You may alſo ſublime it again as before, after having well waſht it in Spirit of Wine, it will be dry, and very fair.

There is another way of Rectifying the Volatile ſalt, which is by mixing it with four or five times as much bones, or horns burnt white, and putting the mixture into a glaſs, or earthen body, then fitting to it a blind-head, or ſuch a one whoſe Noſe has not been opened, after that luting well the joints, then ſetting the veſſel in ſand, and with a gentle fire the Volatile ſalt will riſe, and ſtick to the head, you muſt continue the fire until there riſes no more.

This ſalt is hereby purified from a great deal of its Oil, which remains in the powder of Bones, wherefore it becomes whiter than it was, and pleaſanter to the palate. It may again be mixt with other Calcined bones, and ſublimed as before, to render it purer ſtill, and take away more of its loathſome ſmell, that's cauſed partly by the Empyreumatical oyl that it draws along with it in the diſtillation.

The Volatile ſalt diſſolved in a little water Cryſtallizes like Sugar-Candy, and then it is eaſier to keep than before.

[Page]There can be drawn from Animals but a very little quantity of fixt ſalt, becauſe the Spirits which abound in them do volatilize their ſalt: for which reaſon this volatile ſalt keeps dry longer than that of Vegetables.

The virtue of Animals doth principally conſiſt in their Volatile ſalt, it is that which gives meat its ſavour, that makes Broths ſtrong, and turns them into a Gelly, according as they do abound more or leſs. The Juſcula Conſummata which are made with a ſmall fire are better than thoſe that are boiled quick, becauſe a ſtrong fire carries away good part of the Volatile ſalts.

Volatile Salts do rarifie the humors of the body, both by reaſon of their piercing nature, and alſo in that being Alkalis they do dull the ſtrength of Acids, which keep the humors condenſed, after which the bloud being in greater motion than before, doth the more eaſily purifie it ſelf, either by perſpiration or by Urine, from heterogeneous bodies which were there gathered together.

This Operation may ſerve to ſhew how the Volatile Salt of all Animals, or any part of them, may be drawn. When the Volatile Salt of Bloud is to be drawn, that of the beſt colour muſt be taken and dried in the Sun, or elſe with a very little fire, and ſo diſtilled like Vipers.

If you diſtil two and thirty ounces of ſhavings of Harts-horn, you'l draw thirteen ounces of liquor, and Volatile ſalt, and there will remain in the Retort nineteen ounces of matter as black as Coal.

You'l draw from the liquor an ounce and a half of Volatile ſalt, ſix ounces of Spirit, and two ounces of Black oil.

[Page]The black matter being grinded on a Marble is good for Painters uſe; if you Calcine it, the fuliginous parts which make it black, will fly away, and leave the Harts-horn very white; you'l have ſixteen ounces of it, and this is called burnt Harts-horn. It is accounted a Cordial, but indeed has no other virtue than to deſtroy acids, as all other alkali matters do.

Some do ſtratifie Harts-horn with Bricks, and Calcining it that way, they call it Harts-horn prepared Philoſophically, they account it more Cordial than it was before; but they are egregiouſly miſtaken, for the Volatile ſalt, and oil, which were the things that ſhould render it Cardiacal, were carried away in the Calcination, and there remains only a Terreſtrious matter that may be called a Caput mortuum. Notwithſtanding it is an alkali, which may ſerve as Crabs-eyes, Coral, and divers other matters of the like nature, which abſorb acids; the Bricks beſtow no virtue at all to it.

If you diſtil forty ounces of Ivory, you will draw thirteen ounces of liquor, and volatile ſalt; and there will remain in the Retort ſix and twenty ounces of a matter as black as Coal.

Afterwards by the Rectification you will get two ounces and a drachm of Volatile ſalt, one ounce and five drachms of a ſtinking black oil, five ounces of Spirit, and four ounces two drachms of phlegm.

If you Calcine the black pieces which remain in the Retort, in an open fire, the ſoot will leave them and they will burn white; this is called burnt Ivory, or Spodium: it has the ſame virtues as burnt Harts-horn, you will have at leaſt twenty ounces of it.

[Page]It is here remarkable that Ivory does contain much more earth than Harts-horn, and doubtleſs that is the reaſon why it is the whiter.

If you diſtil twelve ounces of Hair, you will obtain eight ounces of liquor and volatile ſalt. There will remain in the Retort three ounces and a half of a black matter very ſpongy and earthy, from which no fixed ſalt can be drawn.

And by Rectification you will raiſe into the Head an ounce and ſeven drachms of a very fine volatile ſalt; ſeparate by a filter three ounces of a black and very fetid oil, and by diſtillation of that which is filtrated you'l have two ounces of Spirit, and nine drachms of phlegm.

All Volatile ſalts have much reſemblance in their figure, ſmell and taſte, but that of Vipers is accounted the moſt active, and proper againſt Poiſons; thoſe of Harts-horn, and Mans Skull are thought to be better than others for the Epilepſie, that of mans bloud to purifie the bloud, and ſo of the reſt.

When you Rectifie the Spirit of Vipers, or man's Skull, or Harts-horn, or hair, in order to purifie them from their phlegm, if you ſhould let the liquor continue diſtilling longer than is fitting, the phlegm will riſe after the Spirit, but then it ſeparates from the Spirit as water ſeparates from oil, the Spirit will be uppermoſt, and a little troubled, and whitiſh, but if you keep theſe two liquors together for a month, the whole will mix together, and there will be no longer any ſeparation of them at all.

Theſe effects do happen from this, that the Spirit in riſing does carry with it ſome ſmall quantity [Page] of Oil, which was diſſolved in the liquor by reaſon of ſalts that it contains. This Oil is very volatile, it riſes with the Spirit, and by rendring the Spirit a little oily, it hinders at firſt the phlegm from mixing with it. It is likewiſe this little quantity of oil which makes the Spirit look a little troubled, and whitiſh; but when the Spirit and phlegm are kept a good while together, they mix, and the whole appears like a homogeneous liquor, becauſe there being but little oil in the Spirit, the phlegm inſenſibly enters into, and incorporates with it; wherefore you muſt take care to ſeparate the Spirit from the phlegm ſo ſoon as ever you take the Receiver from the noſe of the head, in caſe you have ſuffered the liquor to diſtil too long.

What I have now ſpoken of does not happen in the Rectification of the Spirit of Ivory, and without doubt the reaſon is that the Ivory does not contain ſo much Oil as the other parts of Animals.

Some do prepare a Sudorifick water with Vipers after this manner.

They do put the Vipers alive into a great earthen body, they fit to it a head with its Receiver, they lute the joints, and diſtil in a Balneum all that will riſe from it; but you muſt take care that the head be well faſtned to the body, for when the Vipers begin to be heated, they leap and fling about with ſo much violence, that they would otherwiſe throw it down, and get out of their ſtove. And then the Artiſt muſt have a care of himſelf, and not be too bold, for theſe creatures being irritated would fling about on every ſide, and a bite of theirs at that time would be twice as dangerous as at another.

[Page]This water which riſes whileſt the Vipers are in their greateſt fury is Sudorifick, becauſe ſome Volatile ſalts have riſen and mixed with it. You may give of it from a drachm to half an ounce in ſome proper liquor.

But to avoid the forementioned danger you might cut the Vipers in pieces before you put them into the body; and becauſe theſe pieces of them do retain life a long time, the water will be little the worſe for their not being intire.

When you have drawn as much water from them as you can, by the heat of a Balneum, you muſt put the remainder of the Vipers into a Retort, and diſtil it as I have ſhewn before; you will thereby have the Volatile ſalt, the Spirit, and the Oyl.

CHAP. II. Diſtillation of Ʋrine, and its Volatile Salt.

THIS Operation is a ſeparation of the Spirit, the Volatile Salt, and the Oil of Ʋrine, from the phlegm, and the earth which it contains.

Take ten or twelve quarts of Ʋrine newly made by ſound young men, evaporate it in an earthen or glaſs Cucurbite in a Sand-heat, until it remains in the conſiſtence of Honey; then fit a head with [Page] its Receiver, and luting the junctures cloſe, continue a ſmall fire to diſtil the reſt of the phlegm, after which encreaſe it by little and little, and the Spirits will riſe in Clouds, carrying with them a little Oil, and after that the Volatile ſalt, which will ſtick to the head like Butter-flies; continue the fire until there comes no more; then unlute the Veſſels, and ſeparating the Volatile ſalt, put it into a bolt-head, pour likewiſe into it the Spirit that is in the Receiver, and fit a blind-head to the bolt-head; lute the junctures with a wet bladder, and ſetting your bolt-head in Sand, ſublime with a ſmall fire all the Volatile ſalt, as I have ſhewed concerning that of Vipers; ſeparate this Salt, and keep it in a Viol well ſtopt. It is a good Remedy for Quartan Agues, and Malignant Feavers, it opens all Obſtructions, and works both by Ʋrine and Sweat: the doſe is from ſix to ſixteen grains in ſome convenient liquor; filtrate that which remains in the bolt-head, the Spirit will paſs through the Filter, whilſt a ſmall quantity of black and extraordinary ſtinking Oil remains, which is good to diſcuſs cold Tumors, and to give to Hyſterical women to ſmell to.

You may diſtil the Spirit in a Sand-heat to ſeparate it from a thick matter that remains at bottom, it hath the ſame virtues as the Salt; it is given from eight to twenty drops in ſome proper vehicle.

Two drachms of it are mixed with two ounces of Spirit of Wine to rub Paralytical parts with; it is likewiſe uſed for cold pains, and for the Sciatica.

[Page]If the Maſs that remains in the Cucurbite ſhould be Calcined and a Lixivium made of it with water, a very ſmall quantity of fixt Alkali ſalt might be gotten from evaporating the water, and it hath the ſame virtues as other Alkali ſalts.

Remarks.

The Ʋrine of young men is to be prefer'd before others, becauſe it contains more Salt. It muſt be newly made, and evaporated with a gentle fire, that the Fermentation, or too much heat, may not cauſe the Volatile Salts to riſe with the phlegm. The Spirit is only a Volatile ſalt diſſolved in a little phlegm; this Volatile ſalt works more by Ʋrine than any of the reſt, but its ſmell is more offenſive.

This Remedy muſt never be given in Broth, for Broth being to be taken hot, the heat evaporates ſome of the volatile ſalts, before it can well be taken.

A Volatile ſalt may be drawn from Ʋrine, after ſetting it ſome months Fermenting in a Veſſel cloſe ſtopt, and then a third part of the Liquor muſt be diſtilled with a gentle fire; it is in this diſtilled Ʋrine, that the Volatile ſalt will be found exalted by the Fermentation. Rectifie this liquor again three or four times, throwing away each Diſtillation the Phlegm that remains at the bottom of the Cucurbite; then putting your Spirit of Ʋrine into a Matraſs with its head, ſublime the Volatile Salt as I ſhewed before. Some do add to it Salt-peter.

This Salt is of a more penetrating nature than the other, but a great deal of time is required to make it.

The Phoſphorus.

[Page]

It is a luminous matter diſtilled from Ʋrine that has been fermented.

Take a good quantity of humane urine, let it ferment, or putrifie in the air in an open veſſel three or four months: then pour it into earthen pans, and evaporate it over the fire, until the remaining matter comes to the conſiſtence of thick honey, put this matter into an earthen body that can endure the fire, and is big enough to be left at leaſt half empty, place your body in a furnace, fit to it a glaſs head with its receiver, and having well luted the joints, give it a little fire for two or three hours to diſtil ſome phlegmatick Spirits which ſtill remained in the matter, after which you muſt encreaſe the fire by little and little to the third degree, there will riſe ſome ſmall quantity of Volatile Salt, which will ſtick to the head, and ſome black oil which will fall into the receiver, continue a good coal fire, until there comes no more Oil; let the veſſels cool, and having taken off the receiver, pour the liquor you find in it into a Tunnel lined with brown paper, the Spirit and phlegm will paſs through, and the oil will remain in the filter, put the oil into an earthen pan, and in a mild ſand-heat dry it until it comes to be as thick as an ointment: take off the head, and you will find in the body a black ſpongey maſs which you are to ſeparate from the ſolid compact matter which remains at bottom, powder your ſpongey matter, and mix it with the dried black [Page] oyl; put it into an earthen retort, ſet it in a Reverberatory furnace, fit to it a large capacious receiver, and luting well the joints, give it a ſmall fire to heat inſenſibly the Retort, then increaſe it by little and little, a Volatile ſalt will come forth which will ſtick to the ſides of the receiver, and a little oil with it, increaſe the fire to the laſt degree of violence, and you will perceive a white Fume, which after it has circulated in the receiver will likewiſe ſtick to the receiver, and will be of a yellow colour; this is the PHOSPHORƲS, continue the fire in its greateſt vigour four or five hours, or until no more will come into the retort.

Let the veſſels grow cold, then unlute them, throw water into the receiver, and having ſhook it ſufficiently about to looſen that which was glu'd to its ſides, pour it all into a large glaſs veſſel, and leave it to ſettle, the volatile ſalt will diſſolve in the water, but the matter of the Phoſphorus, and the oil will precipitate to the bottom; decant the water, and having gathered the matter together, put it into a little glaſs veſſel, add to it a little water, and place the veſſel in ſand, give it a digeſtive heat, and ſtir the matter gently with a wooden ſpatule, the Phoſphorus will ſeparate from the oil, and ſink to the bottom, you may make it up into little ſticks whilſt it is hot, by putting of it into the neck of a very little bolt-head, and taking it out when it is cold, then keep it ſtopt in a little bottle filled with water, for without water to preſerve it, it would ſpend it ſelf and be loſt in fumes.

[Page]To make PHOSPHORƲS liquid, you muſt ſcrape or break off a piece of it, put it into a viol, and pour upon it the clear Eſſence of Cloves to the height of one finger, ſtop the viol cloſe, and ſet it two days in digeſtion in horſe-dung, ſtirring it from time to time, to help the ſolution of the matter, after that take your viol and keep it, you have in it the liquid PHOSPHORƲS. All the matter will not have diſſolved, ſome part of it will remain at bottom.

Remarks.

The word Phoſphorus, comes from the Greek, [...], that is, Lucifer, or the Morning-Star.

Of them there are the Natural, and the Artificial, the Natural are ſuch as Glow-worms, Rotten wood, and many others. The Artificial are made with the Bolonian ſtone, with chalk, with urine, with bloud, and with divers other ſulphureous matters.

The Bolonian ſtone was one of the firſt Artificial Phoſphorus that has been known: it takes its name from the Town in Italy where it was made, he that did prepare it is dead without leaving the knowledge of his Secret, inſomuch that no body 'till the preſent has been able ſufficiently to imitate it, he did calcine it for a certain time, and perhaps after ſuch a manner as we are ſtill ignorant of, then expoſing it to the air it yielded a great light in the dark, which by little and little grew weaker and weaker. This Stone is bituminous, and full of Sulphur, which is the thing that [Page] gives it this diſpoſition to ſhine in the dark, but becauſe its ſulphur is ſpent by little and little, it comes at length to be opake, like another ſtone. When it has not been calcined enough, it yields no light at all, becauſe the ſulphureous parts have not been put into ſufficient motion, and when it is calcined too much, theſe ſulphureous parts are thereby loſt; therefore a medium is to be obſerved, which no body has yet been able to hit.

The Germans being very curious and induſtrious in Chymical concerns, have found out ſeveral kinds of Phoſphorus, and I do not doubt but upon working further upon this ſubject much may ſtill be done. Among thoſe who have particularly applied themſelves to it Balduinus a German has invented a ſort of Phoſphorus, whoſe deſcription I ſhall give anon; Kunkelius a Saxon has written very well upon it, and workt to good effect; Daniel Kraff a German Chymiſt is the firſt inventor of the Phoſphorus which is drawn from Urine, he gives it the conſiſtence of a paſte, or of a liquor, as he pleaſes; and the Honourable Mr. Boyle of London, to whom all the ingenious have ſo much obligation, put forth a Treatiſe in Engliſh about three or four years ago, called Noctiluca Aeria, full of abundance of Experiments, and moſt Curious Remarks which he has made upon this Phoſphorus; he likewiſe found the way to give it a ſolid conſiſtence, and a little while ſince he put forth the ſame Treatiſe in Latin enlarged above half with new Experiments and Obſervations on the ſame ſubject.

You muſt provide a great quantity of Urine for this Operation, for a great deal is neceſſary to draw [Page] a little luminous matter from. The veſſel in which it is put to ferment is left open, that the air entring into it may help the fermentation; and in truth, the more volatile ſalts are hereby loſt, but yet there do remain ſufficient to make the Phoſphorus. When the Urine upon evaporation begins to grow thick, you muſt take care that the matter does not ſwell over the veſſel, for it rarifies very much; you muſt evaporate as much phlegm as poſſibly you can when the evaporation is made in the earthen pans to the end that the operation be ſooner ended in the body, for there is much leſs time ſpent in the evaporation, and it is much more eaſie to keep down the matter when it ſwells in earthen pans, than in a body which is luted, and has its head on. The body muſt therefore be ſure to be large enough by reaſon of this rarefaction of the matter, which will be apt otherwiſe to riſe into the head, and to mix in the receiver with the diſtilled liquor, which would force you to begin the diſtillation anew.

When the veſſels are unluted, you may take the Volatile ſalt out of the head, if there remains any in it, and rectifie it as I have ſhewed ſpeaking of the diſtillation of Urine, but you will find little of it, becauſe the greateſt part of this ſalt was loſt in the fermentation; you might alſo preſerve the liquor which is ſeparated from the oil in the filtration, it is a Spirit of Urine.

The compact matter which remains in the body after that the ſpongy part is ſeparated, is fixed and ſaline; you might calcine it, and draw from it a fixed Salt of Urine by a Lixivium, as other fixed alkali ſalts are ſeparated.

[Page]You muſt heat the Retort very gently, for if you ſhould make too great a fire at firſt, it would break it to pieces.

The Oil which is ſeparated from the Phoſphorus at the end of the operation is a little luminous, but it is very foetid; there is but little of it becauſe ſome part of it has been rarefied by the fire, and turned into Phoſphorus.

Mr. Boyle gives a deſcription of the Phoſphorus, in which he puts to the thickned Urine three times as much ſand.

The Phoſphorus contains more ſulphur than any thing elſe, for water condenſes it, and oyls diſſolve it; it has an offenſive ſmell, and it is partly to correct the ſmell that it is diſſolved in Oil of Cloves, when we make it liquid.

The liquid Phoſphorus gives more light at firſt than the ſolid, becauſe its matter is more rarefied. Open but the bottle in the dark, and it appears to be all of a fire. You might uſe Oil of Cinnamon inſtead of Oil of Cloves, and the light would be ſtill the greater, becauſe the parts of Eſſence of Cinnamon are more volatile than thoſe of the Eſſence of Cloves, but it would endure the leſs time for the ſame reaſon. Add to this, that the Oil of Cinnamon is a very dear commodity.

If you ſhould fire a little piece of the ſolid Phoſphorus with a Burning-glaſs, and quench it when two thirds of the quantity are conſumed, that which remains will be yellow, and a little luminous ſtill; it will eaſily diſſolve in water. This Experiment ſhews, that the more fixed part of the Phoſphorus is ſaline, becauſe it diſſolves in water.

[Page]The Phoſphorus is luminous in the dark at all times, but eſpecially in hot weather; for the cold does a little conſtringe the parts. If you take a little piece of the Solid, or even the ſtopple of the bottle that contains the liquid, and write with it on paper, or upon the hand of a perſon, the letters do ſeem to be a perfect fire.

If you rub a little piece of the ſolid Phoſphorus on paper, and preſs it down with the point of a knife, the paper will be ſet on fire.

After ſome Experiments made one day at my houſe upon the Phoſphorus, a little piece of it being left negligently upon the Table in my Chamber, the maid making the bed took it up in the bed-clothes ſhe had put upon the Table, not ſeeing the little piece: the perſon who lay afterwards in the bed, waking at night, perhaps through the more than ordinary heat he felt, perceived that the coverlid was on fire. It ſeems the Phoſphorus being heated with the body of him that lay in bed had ſet fire to the coverlid, and had before he perceived it burnt a great hole in it.

It is obſervable, that the air lighting the fire by exciting the motion of parts in the Phoſphorus, does likewiſe make it yield a conſiderable light; for when the matter has continued ſhut ſome time in the glaſs, it ſhines no longer, and it recovers its light no more until the glaſs is opened, and the air is let into it.

Nevertheleſs ſome Experiments made a while ſince in Paris, at the houſe of Monſieur d' Alence, by Mr. Homberg a German, do ſeem to evince the contrary, that the air is not always neceſſary to make the Phoſphorus ſhine in the dark.

[Page]The caſe was thus: a very little piece of the ſolid Phoſphorus was put into a little glaſs bottle; a braſs cock was fitted to this bottle, and made ſo as it could enter into another cock belonging to a large glaſs Receiver. Then the bottle that contained the Phoſphorus was heated, and the cock of this bottle was made to enter into that of the great glaſs veſſel, out of which the air had been pumped. So ſoon as the cocks were opened, the air came forth of the little bottle, and at the ſame time was ſeen to come a great train of light like a flaſh; nay ſome did diſcover particles of the Phoſphorus at the bottom of the great glaſs.

The bottle was then taken from the receiver, and the light of the Phosphorus was very much diminiſhed: it ſometimes ſeemed to be quite out, the cock was turned to let in the air, and preſently the Phosphorus recovered its light again.

In the mean time the heat of the Phosphorus grew leſs and leſs, and it yielded but a weak light. We began the Experiment again, the ſame bottle that had the Phosphorus was applied to the great glaſs receiver, and when the air was drawn out of the bottle, the Phosphorus did ſhine brighter; on the contrary when we let the air again into it, the Phoſphorus went out: which is quite different from what hapned whilſt the bottle that held the Phosphorus was hot in the former Experiment.

We repeated the Experiments divers times, and ſaw the ſame thing continually happen: that is to ſay, the Phosphorus being heated loſt much of its light, when the air was pumped out of the bottle wherein it was contained, and it recovered light again when new air was let into it: on the contrary [Page] the Phosphorus being cold did ſhine when the air was pumped out of the bottle, and the light diſappeared when the air was let into it.

It ſuffices to have related two Experiments, as contrary one to another as can be, it is eaſie to judge what would happen when the Phosphorus is not ſo hot as in the firſt Experiment, and when it is not altogether ſo cold as in the ſecond, the alteration of the leaſt circumſtance quite alters the Experiment, but the ſame things always happens in proportion with thoſe already deſcribed.

We made another Experiment thus: we put a little piece of the ſolid Phosphorus into a cryſtal veſſel, and we poured upon it a very fixt acid liquor, I think it was Oil of Vitriol, a great fume aroſe from the mixture; we ſtopt the bottle with paper, and ſtirred the matter ſeveral times after having left it ſome hours in digeſtion. We lookt upon it in the dark, and it appeared luminous, though it were ſtopt, and it has ſtill been alike luminous from about two months ago until the preſent. Indeed the light of it is not ſo great as is that of the Phoſphorus, but it keeps a much longer time.

That which is ſurprizing in theſe Experiments is, that the air does ſometimes make the Phosphorus ſhine, and ſometimes not. Now to explicate this difficulty, I do ſay, that in the firſt Experiment the greateſt part of the luminous matter of the Phosphorus did fly out of the bottle into the receiver, and that that which remained in the bottle after it was ſeparated from the receiver, being deprived of its moſt ſubtle ſulphurs, was not able to give ſo great a light as before; nevertheleſs the [Page] matter ſtill retaining a little warmth, there did riſe from it enough particles to give a light when the bottle was unſtopt, but becauſe by the cold the little bodies do condenſe, and loſe very much of their motion, this Phosphorus likewiſe loſes much of its ſtrength, and gives but a languid or weak light.

When the air was drawn out of the bottle, the matter lookt very light, and when the air was let to it again, it went out, the reaſon whereof is that the light being weak, could not preſerve its ſelf but with a convenient proportion of air, and there was ſome remaining ſtill in the bottle, for though the air be never ſo much pumped out of the veſſel there will ſtill remain a little behind. The Phosphorus loſes its light by the uſual great quantity of air, as a little candle will be put out by being expoſed to the wide air, or a ſmall fire will ſoon go out, when too great a wind blows ſtrongly upon it. So long as the Phosphorus ſends forth a great many vapours, a good deal of air is requiſite to make it appear luminous, and a little air will not be ſufficient. Wherefore when the Phoſphorus was hot, it would not ſhine, until the bottle was unſtopt, but when it was cold, it ſent forth only weak vapors, wherefore then a very little air ſufficed to make it ſhine, and when it received too much, it was thereby ſuffocated.

The laſt Experiment made in the little Cryſtal bottle does further very well prove my explication: the fixt acid liquor which was poured upon the Phosphorus, did ſlacken the motion of its parts, ſo that from that time they could not diſplay their light with ſo much vigour as they did; wherefore [Page] a very little ſufficed to continue its light, ſo that the paper-ſtopple ſerved to give it ſufficient air; but when the bottle was ſtopt cloſely with its Cryſtal ſtopple, no more light was ſeen for ſome time afterwards, becauſe that ſtopple did wholly hinder the entrance of air. It is likewiſe the fixing of the Volatile parts of the Phoſphorus, which preſerves the light ſo long, for the matter having now leſs motion than before it was fixed, its parts do come to be diſſipated with the more leaſure.

But you will tell me, that the great fume which exhaled from it when the acid liquor was poured upon the Phosphorus, is rather a ſign of a greater than leſs diſſipation of parts.

I grant that when this acid acts upon the matter, there is at that time a conſiderable exaltation of parts, but I ſay alſo that when this great motion is once over, that which remains is in much leſs agitation than it was, and you muſt obſerve that the ſtrong acids, ſuch as Oil of Vitriol, and Spirit of Niter upon being mixed with Spirit of Wine do cauſe a much like fume as this, and yet afterwards the Spirit of Wine is much leſs volatile than it was.

Again the light of the Phosphorus which is in the little cryſtal bottle that is ſtopt, may be ſaid to be partly cauſed by an air which is produced by a kind of fermentation, for doubtleſs there is ſome little action between the acid and the matter.

I find therefore that there is a parity of reaſon in the explication of the light which appeared in the viol after the air was pumped out of it, and that which is ſeen in the little cryſtal bottle ſtop'd.

[Page]It is further remarkable that this ſame Phosphorus which went quite out, when air was let into it by means of the Pneumatick Engine, yet did not altogether loſe its light when it received the air the common way, that is to ſay, meerly by unſtopping the bottle, whereof the reaſon is this, the air that is communicated from the Air-pump comes in with a great force and violence through the pipe, and ſo may very well put out the light of the Phosphorus, which the air that has its ordinary motion is not able to do; after the ſame manner as a candle lighted is much ſooner put out when expoſed to a blaſt of wind, than when it is ſet in a place where the air is quiet.

From conſidering all the kinds of Phosphorus, both Natural and Artificial, and the Experiments that have been made upon them, I cannot but conclude, that the general cauſe of the light they give does proceed from a very great agitation of inſenſible parts; and whereas it is very probable that fire is only a very violent motion of little bodies round their center, the parts of our Phoſphorus may be ſaid to have received the ſame determination by the fermentations it has undergone; for Wood never ſhines in the dark until it is become rotten, that is to ſay, until it has undergone a ſufficient fermentation to make its moſt ſubtile parts move nimbly round their center. The Bolonian ſtone is not luminous until it has been calcined a certain time, in order to excite a motion of its parts.

The Viper being irritated darts forth its tongue with ſo much quickneſs, that it appears all on fire. Many little creatures, ſuch as ſome kinds of Caterpillars, and Woodlice do ſhine in the night, becauſe [Page] they have a matter ſo exceeding ſubtile towards their tail, that it produces a ſort of fire; and it is for the ſame reaſon of the motion of parts that Ʋrine does become luminous.

That which gave occaſion to the working upon Ʋrine for the making of the Phosphorus was, that in ſome little holes of the earth wherein there had been ſtanding-puddles of Ʋrine, a light had been obſerved to be ſeen at nights.

But you will ask me then, why the greateſt part of mixt bodies do yield no light, although the ſame means are uſed to excite a motion of their parts.

I anſwer, that all mixt bodies have not their inſenſible parts ſo diſpoſed to a rapid motion, and after ſuch a manner as thoſe I have now ſpoken of. Wood indeed will eaſily enough flame, but you can't make a flame with ſtones, becauſe you cannot give ſtones the ſame determination to motion of parts, as you can to wood. To give light, or to make a fire, bodies muſt be compounded of ſulphureous parts, for ſulphurs are very ſuſceptible of motion.

I do not at all doubt but an infinite number of things, that there is no imagination of at preſent, might ſerve to the making of Phosphorus, when inquiſitive men ſhall have a mind to try it.

It has been obſerv'd in many men, that when they have been in a great rage, or are become extream Cholerick, the very hair of their head has ſhone brighter than uſual; and we need not be ſcrupulous in believing what is ſaid of Alexander the Great, that when he was hotly engaged in the battle, fire was ſeen to ſparkle out of his eyes, [Page] becauſe his humors were then in an extraordinary commotion.

What I have now ſaid may paſs for a general explication on this matter, but if we ſhould deſcend into particulars nicely, it would be very hard to clear ſo well as could be wiſhed a great many doubts that have been raiſed: for example, wherein conſiſts the difference of fermentations, which of many like matters makes this to ſhine, and that not to ſhine, although they do ſeem to have undergone the ſame fermentations and elaborations in a like ſpace of time. Why ſome things that have fermented but little do give a light, and others of the ſame nature, though they have fermented as long and longer, yet give no light. Why one ſide of a matter ſhall be luminous, and the other ſhall not be; we ought to have a very perfect knowledge of the ſtructure and the order of the inſenſible parts of the matter, to give good ſubſtantial reaſons for the reſolution of theſe doubts.

Sometimes there have been found in the Shambles pieces of Veal, Mutton, Beef, which do ſhine in the dark, though they have been but newly killed, and yet other pieces of the ſame kind killed at the ſame time, ſhall not ſhine at all. Nay, this very year was ſeen at Orleans, in a very temperate ſeaſon, a great quantity of meat of this ſort, ſome of it would ſhine all over, and others of it would ſhine only in ſome certain places, in form of Stars. It was likewiſe obſerved that with ſome Butchers almoſt all their meat was found to be luminous, and with other Butchers there was not a bit to be ſeen of that kind. Men concluded [Page] preſently that ſuch fleſh as this was altogether unwholſome to eat of, they therefore flung away a great deal of it into the river, and ſeveral Butchers there had like to be ruined by this accident; but at laſt perceiving that there was ſuch quantities of it, ſome people ventured to eat of it, and at length it was found to be as good meat as any other.

I conceive that this Phenomenon may be imputed to two cauſes.

Firſt to the Paſturage of the beaſts; for it is certain that in ſome countries the herbs are more ſpirituous than in others, and thoſe do give ſuch an active impreſſion to the humors of thoſe beaſts who feed on them, that they may have a diſpoſition to the making this Phosphorus.

Secondly, To theſe beaſts having been heated more than others in their driving upon the road, or elſe to their having been killed before they had ſufficiently reſted after their journey; for the ſpirits being put into a great motion thereby, do not every where loſe it after the beaſt is killed, and ſo long as the ſpirits do continue their rapid motion, ſo long the Phosphorus is to be ſeen, but when the fleſh begins to ſtink, there appears no more light in it, becauſe theſe vigorous ſpirits are then ſpent, or elſe they come to be confuſed in the meat by the means of another fermentation.

But you will not fail to make me this Objection: If the Phosphorus does conſiſt in a violent motion of the inſenſible parts, then ſtinking meat ſhould be more luminous than that which was newly killed, becauſe the ſmell proceeds from the ſeparation of the principles of a mixt body by fermentation, which as they riſe from it do ſtrike the [Page] nerve of Smelling, wherefore there muſt needs be a greater motion of parts in ſtinking meat than in that which is freſh.

I anſwer that that which makes the Phosphorus in meat newly killed is a matter much more active and more ſubtile than that which gives the ill ſmell to ſtinking meat; it is a remainder of the ſpirits which do run with a prodigious ſwiftneſs through the body of a living creature in all its parts, and unleſs the matter be in this degree of motion, it will never become lucid, no more than if the inſenſible parts of inflammable matters be not put into a very rapid motion, they will not take fire.

Perhaps alſo it may be that the meat in the corrupting might receive a ſufficient agitation of parts to produce light, as it happens ſometimes in the ſtanding puddles of Urine.

In conſidering the light which appears upon the ſurface of ſtanding Urines, I have been led to think that there are oftentimes ſeroſities that ſettle in the bodies of ſick perſons which might be in a condition to make kinds of Phosphorus, if they had but air enough to illuminate them; at leaſt they do produce the effects of fire, as in Gouts, in Rheumatiſms, in the Eryſipelas, and in abundance of other Inflammations.

The Hermetick PHOSPHORUS of BALDUINUS.

It is a mixture of Chalk, and the Acid Spirits of Aqua fortis, which makes it lucid.

[Page]Make red-hot about two pounds of Chalk, then let it cool, and powder it.

Take a quantity of Aqua fortis, for example a pound, pour it into a great glaſs body, and throw into it a ſpoonful of your calcined Chalk powdered, it will make a ſtrong ebullition; when that ſhall be diſſolved, throw into it as much more, and continue to do ſo until it makes no ebullition; let the liquor ſettle, and decant it into an earthen pan placed in ſand, and evaporate all the liquor with a little fire, you will have remain a kind of ſalt at bottom.

Put this ſalt into a Coppel, or into an earthen pan unglazed, ſet it in ſand in a gentle heat, the matter being heated will ſwell, continue this gentle heat about an hour, or until it be a little ſunk, cover it then with a cover or lid that has three or four holes in it, increaſe the fire by little and little, until it be ſtrong enough to melt the matter, and when it is melted you muſt expect to ſee a yellow vapour come forth through the holes of the lid: ſo ſoon as that appears you muſt take your veſſel off the fire, and having covered it with an earthen lid without holes inſtead of that with holes, ſuffer it to cool.

You will find on the ſides of your veſſel a border of yellow matter, which is ſometimes to the thickneſs of a finger, this is the Phosphorus, take it and keep it in a box well ſtopt in ſome dark place.

When you would have it appear lucid in the dark, you muſt expoſe it about a quarter of an hour to the light, without which it will not ſhine in the dark.

Remarks.

[Page]

Chalk is a bituminous earth called in Latin Creta, from the Iſle of Crete, where there is abundance of it. It likewiſe abounds in many other Countries. Some Authors do recount three ſorts of it, the white, the greeniſh, and the black, but that which we uſe in this operation is the common, the white: It is calcined in order to make its Sulphur more active than it was before; the more volatile part of it flies away, but there is ſtill enough remaining to make the PHOSPHORƲS.

Although Chalk be bituminous, nevertheleſs it is an alkali, becauſe the Sulphurs which it contains in ſmall quantity are not capable to ſhut the pores of it; and beſides, the calcination opens them more, and diſpoſes this earth to receive more eaſily the impreſſion of acids, which plainly ſhews it ſelf by the ſtrong ebullition that happens when it is thrown into the Aqua fortis. The body muſt be large, and the Chalk muſt be thrown into it by little and little, to hinder the matter from boiling over. The Chalk does all of it diſſolve perfectly in the Aqua fortis; and more is ſtill to be added, until there be no further ebullition; for that is the ſign that the acid ſpirits have rarefied the matter as much as they were able, and that being as it were ſheathed or locked up in the matter, they could not poſſibly diſſolve any more of it; if therefore you ſhould ſtill add more in ſuperfluity, the overplus would precipitate to the bottom. When the Aqua fortis you uſe is good, it [Page] diſſolves very near its weight in Chalk; the ſolution of it is yellow.

That which is evaporated is the more phlegmatick part of Aqua fortis, and the acid Spirits being incorporated with the Chalk do make a kind of auſtere ſalt; this ſalt might very eaſily be diſſolved into a liquor in the air. It is fit that it ſhould be very dry, when it is put into the Coppel, that the operation may be done the ſooner; the veſſel is covered, that the matter may be the more eaſily melted, but the cover muſt needs have holes in it, to give vent to the vapours which riſe from it, and that we may ſee when the vapours do come yellow, that we may then immediately take the veſſel off the fire, for theſe yellow vapours are they that make the Phosphorus lucid.

After Calcination you find at bottom of the pan, or coppel, a terreſtrious matter which muſt be flung away as uſeleſs.

In order to preſerve this Phosphorus the better you may leave it as it is in the veſſel wherein it was Calcined, but you muſt ſtop it cloſe in a box with a glaſs lid.

It is to be kept in a ſhady place, that its parts being thereby the more condenſed, they may ſpend the more ſlowly; and when you would have it to ſhine in the dark, you muſt expoſe it to the air about a quarter of an hour, becauſe the air does put its parts into a motion. This Phosphorus is in its effects very like to the Bolonian ſtone, but that takes the air much ſooner than this ſtone, becauſe it contains abundantly more ſalt; its light does not endure ſo long as that of the Phosphorus which I deſcribed before.

CHAP. III. Of Honey.

[Page]

HOney is compounded of the moſt Balſamick ſubſtance of ſeveral Flowers, which the Bees do ſeparate and carry into their Hives for nouriſhment. They do gather up and order this Honey moſt artificially, as if they took ſpecial care to make proviſion againſt Winter, and thereby they make way for the Fermentation which ſends to the ſides the groſſer part which is like to a Tartar, and called Wax, the Honey being found in the middle; the beſt to the taſte is the White, but for Phyſick the Yellow is the better, as containing more Spirits than the other; it muſt be of a moderate conſiſtence, that is to ſay, neither too hard, nor too clear.

A Hydromel is prepared with it for Diſeaſes of the Breaſt.

A Vinous Hydromel is made of water and clarified Honey, then the liquor is put to Ferment in a veſſel in the Sun, until it is grown as ſtrong as Spaniſh wine; a Spirit may be drawn from it; and Hydromel will grow as ſowr as wine.

Diſtillation of Honey.

[Page]

This preparation is a ſeparation of the Water, the Spirit, and the Oil of Honey from its terreſtrious part.

Put four pounds of good Honey into a large earthen body, and diſtil the water in a moderate Sand-heat, until acid drops begin to come; then take away the fire, and keep this Water in a bottle; it is good to make the hair grow, you muſt either wet your Comb with it every day, or elſe dip a piece of Spunge into it, and therewith ſoak the roots of the hair.

Take that which remains in the Body, put it into an earthen Retort, or glaſs one Coated, but one that's large enough for two thirds to remain empty, and place your Retort in a Reverberatory Furnace; then fitting a large Receiver, and luting the joints, begin the diſtillation with a ſmall fire for three hours only to warm the Retort; then encreaſe it by little and little, Spirits will come forth with a little black Oil, and fill the Receiver with Clouds; continue the fire until all is come out that will, unlute the veſſels, and ſeparate the Spirit from the black and ſtinking Oil in a Tunnel lined with brown paper, (there is but very little Oil) keep them both in Viols: you will have twelve ounces of Spirit.

The Spirit is an excellent Aperitive, ſome of it may be dropt into Juleps, to give them an agreeable acidity.

[Page]The Spirit may be Rectified by diſtilling it in Sand in a glaſs Body, and that which riſes laſt may be kept apart as the ſtrongeſt of all; it is uſed for to cleanſe old Ulcers, and to eat proud fleſh.

The Oil is good to be uſed in caries of bones.

You will have in the retort ſix and twenty ounces of a black very ſpongy matter, which is inflammable by reaſon of a ſoot that remains in it; when it is burnt it yields but very few aſhes, out of which nothing can be drawn.

Remarks.

The Veſſels muſt be exceeding large for the Diſtillation of Honey, becauſe a great vacuity is requiſite for it to rarifie in.

The Water of Honey makes the Hair to grow, becauſe it opens the Pores; ſome do mix it with the Juice of Onion to render it the more effectual.

Sometimes a little Wax is found in the receiver, which came with the Spirit from the Honey in the diſtillation.

CHAP. IV. Diſtillation of Wax.

[Page]

THIS Operation is a ſeparation of the Oil of Wax, from the Phlegm, and Salt.

Melt two pounds of Yellow Wax in an earthen pan, and mix with it three or four pounds of potters earth powdered, or ſo much as is requiſite to make a Paſte of it, form it into little pellets, and put them into an earthen Retort, or glaſs one Coated, a third of which remains empty; place this Retort in a Reverberatory Furnace; fit to it a Receiver, and luting the joints, give a ſmall fire at firſt, and there will come forth Phlegm, then a Spirit; encreaſe the fire a little, and a liquor will diſtil that congeals in the Receiver like Butter; continue the fire till nothing more comes forth; then unlute the joints, ſeparate the Spirit mixed with Phlegm from the Butter, and keep it in a Viol well ſtopt. It is a good opener; the doſe is from ten drops to twenty in raddiſh water, or ſome other appropriate liquor.

Some do uſe the Butter of Wax to diſcuſs tumors, rather than the Oil that I am going to deſcribe.

Melt the Butter of Wax in an earthen pan, and make a paſte of it with ſufficient quantity of potters-earth powdered; form this paſte into little pellets, put them into a glaſs retort, ſet your retort [Page] in a Sand-heat, fit to it a Receiver, and luting the joints, begin the diſtillation with a ſmall fire, a great many Spirits will come forth mixed with Phlegm, after which encreaſe it a little, and a clear yellow Oil will come; having diſtil'd about three ounces of it, change the Receiver, for that which comes at laſt is as thick as Butter. It may be Rectified with other clay, or potters-earth, and it will change into as tranſparent an Oil as the other. Separate the Oil from the Spirit, and keep it in a Viol. It is a good diſcutient for Tumors, and Cold pains: it is mixed in Unguents and Oils for that purpoſe.

The Oil of Wax may be rectified ſeveral other times to make it ſtill clearer than before.

Remarks.

The ſolid conſiſtence of Wax doth proceed from a proportionate mixture of Water, Volatile Salt, and Oil, united and incorporated together; wherefore its ſolidity comes to be deſtroyed, according as the Principles do ſuffer a ſeparation; and this is eaſily obſerved in the Rectifications, for in every diſtillation that is made, ſome conſiderable quantity of water is ſeparated, and the Oil does likewiſe become clearer.

The Clay ſerves only to ſeparate the parts of Wax, and to rarifie it the more.

If by way of curioſity you deſire to know exactly what quantity of liquor, or Spirit, can be drawn from Wax, you muſt dry your Clay as much as you can, or elſe uſe in its place, broken [Page] pots, or Bricks powdered, which are not at all wet: out of three and twenty ounces of Wax, you'l draw in the firſt diſtillation juſt the ſame weight of liquor; to wit, twelve ounces of Phlegmatick Spirit, and the reſt is a Butter; in the ſecond and third diſtillation you'l draw fourteen ounces of Spirit, and ſix ounces of clear Oil.

Spirit of Wax is only a ſmall quantity of acid Volatile ſalt diſſolved in Phlegm; but you muſt not believe what ſome have written, that having diſtilled a conſiderable quantity of Wax, and put that which was drawn into a Bolt-head, they could ſublime the Volatile ſalt like others of that nature. For this ſalt, though it be indeed Volatile, yet it is not Volatile enough to riſe before the Phlegm; it is an acid ſalt much like unto that of Ambar, but is not of the nature of Volatile alkali's, which are known to ſublime ſo eaſily; it were better therefore to keep this Spirit as it is, or elſe to evaporate about half of it with a very mild heat, that it may be the ſtronger.

The Volatile ſalts of many ſulphureous matters are drawn acid, as they are in the mixt, becauſe being clothed with ſoft and ramous parts which give way eaſily to their motion, they do not break their natural keenneſs by endeavouring to ſeparate, when they are forced to it by fire, and ſo they do not receive ſo much terreſtrious and firy matter, as is requiſite to make them porous, like Volatile alkali's.

This Operation, and that of the Diſtillation of Ambar which I have deſcribed, do much confirm what I ſaid before in my Remarks upon the Principle, that all the ſalt of mixt bodies is naturally [Page] acid, and that alkali is nothing elſe but an alteration of the Natural Salt, made by fire. Beſides, all ſorts of Experiments do ſeem to me to confirm and eſtabliſh this opinion; but yet I am not ſo peremptory in the vindication of it, but that I would gladly give place to another, if I could be ſhewed that it is better than mine, for I ſeek after nothing ſo much as to diſcover truth.

FINIS.

THE INDEX.

[Page]

A

ACID, what, Page 24

How different Cryſtals are drawn with different acids, 188

That acids drawn by violent fires do much differ from the natural, 287

How they do become able both to diſſolve, and to coagulate, 453

That they will preſerve bodies from corruption, 455

That Digeſtion and Hunger, are not ſo mnch beholding to acids, as is commonly thought, 456, 457

Acid and Alkali, not the only cauſe of ebullition, 302, 342

Aes uſtum, 123

Alchymy, well defined, 58

Alkaeſt, 309

Alkali, whence ſo called, 22

What it is, 25

Aloes, 477

Roch-Alom, 350

Alom-water, 352

Alumen Saccharinum, 350

Burnt-Alom, 351

Amalgamation of Gold, 65

[Page]Ambar, 363

Ambargreaſe, 372

Antimony, 202

What renders it emetick, 203, 206

Its emetick quality drawn better in wine than other liquors, 207

The violence of Antimonial vomits to be conquered with Cream of Tartar, 231

Antimony Calcined in the Sun, increaſes in weight, 228, 229

Antimonial Cup, 205

Antimonium Diaphoreticum, whether ſudorifick, 224

That it is not an alkali, 225

Cinnaber of Antimony, 234

Regulus of Antimony increaſed in weight by Calcination, 208

What gives the form of a ſtar to its Martial Regulus, 212

Glaſs of Antimony, why more emetick than its other preparations, 217

How it may be corrected, ib.

What gives it vitrification, 216

Sulphur of Antimony, 236

Our Golden Sulphur of Antimony, different from that of the antients, 210

Aqua Regalis, why it diſſolves Gold, and cannot diſſolve Sylver, 313, &c.

Aqua ſecunda, 77

Arcanum Corallinum, 193

Arſenick, 244

What to be done when this poiſon happens to be taken 2inwardly, 246

B

Balm diſtilled, 404

Balſom of Sulphur aniſated, 357

Bath-waters, their heat explicated, 140

Benjamin, 491

Animal Bezoar, 511

Biſmuth, 101

Bolonian ſtone, 525

Butter of Saturn, 111

C

Camphire, 494

How it comes to be an Amulet in Agues, ib.

Carduus Benedictus diſtilled, 406

Chylification explicated, 356

Ceruſſe, 106

Cineres Clavellati, 433

Cinnaber of Antimony, 234

Anatomized, 235

Cinnamon, 389

how it differs from Caſſia lignea, 390

Cloves, 399

Colcothar, the Natural, 330

And the Artificial, 333, 339

Colophone, 490

Colour, what it is, 194, 195, 228

Variety of colours, 199, 344, 345

and the reaſon of them, 201

Coppel, 77

Copper, 118

Coral, 270

The ebullition it cauſes with Vinegar in its diſſolution, thought to be a cold ebullition, 273

The ſolution of Pearl, and other alkali matters, perform'd as that of Coral, 274

Coral prepared, 272

much better than the Magiſtery, 275

Cornachine powder, 225

Crocus Martis, its beſt preparation of all, 132, 133

Crocus metallorum, how often the ſame will ſerve to make the Emetick wine, 221

D

Depart, 62, 79

That Digeſtion owes more to the ſaliva, than to acids, 456

E

Earthquakes, their nature explicated, 140

Ebullition, without the encounter of acid and alkali, 302, 342

Eloſaccharum, 391

Elixir proprietatis, 479

Emetick Syrop, 215

Emetick wine, 218, 222

Extracts of greater virtue than waters, 406

Extractum Panchymagogum, 484

F

Feavers their nature, and their principal ſymptoms explicated, 459, 460

The regularity of their fits explicated, 461

[Page]A Febrifugous ſalt, 321

Fermentation, 26

Fire, how it alters the nature of bodies, 20, 21, 25, 26, 251

How the ſubſtance of fire does increaſe the weight of ſome medicines, 107, 116, 208, 228, 229

What Fire is, 303

Flints, how generated, 263

Fulminant powder, 71

Furnaces and veſſels, 31

G

Gold, 48

The wicked cheats which Alchymiſts do uſe in pretending to make it, 49, &c.

The improbability of making Gold fairly repreſented, 56, 57

Whether it be a Cordial, 58, 59

That it can be volatilized, 60

Purified by an operation called the Depart, 62

Purified by Cementation, 63

Its Precipitation, 68

Its Fulmination from whence, 70

Why it ſpreads under the hammer better than Sylver, 315

Gravelled aſhes, 256

Guaiacum, 383

its Oil why ſo good for the tooth-ach, 385

Gumm Armoniack, its beſt Purification, 497

Other Gumms how Purified, 498

H

Hair diſtilled, 518

Harts-horn diſtilled, 516

Honey, 542

Hunger from what cauſe, 457

Hydragogues, why they do work more on watery humours than the others, 358

Hyſterical vapors why allaied by ill ſmells, 367, 368

I

Jalap, 373

That all its Purgative virtue conſiſts in the Roſine, 373

Inks called ſympathetical, 258, 330

Iron, 130

How made Steel, 131

Preferred before Steel for Phyſical uſes, ib. 132, 133, &c.

That it opens obſtructions by its ſalt, 133

When mixed with Sulphur, and wetted with water, it grows extraordinary hot of it ſelf; which ſerves to explain the nature of Earthquakes, and hot baths, 140, 141

Ivory diſtilled, 517

L

Lead, 105

That it purifies Gold and Sylver, as the white of an Egg clarifies a Syrop, ib.

[Page]increaſed in weight by Calcination, 107

increaſed in weight by Diſtillation, 116

how to be Revived, 115, 118

Lignum ſanctum, 383

Lime water, 254

Litharge, 76

Lutes, 37

M

Mace, 425

Magneſia Opalina, 219

Marcaſſite, 101

Mercury, 154

Why it remains fluid, and why it ſo eaſily volatilizes by fire, ib.

its ill effects, 160

and its good effects, 161

eſpecially in Venereal Maladies, ib.

the raiſing a Flux by Mercury, ingeniouſly, and at large explicated, 162, 163, &c.

proved to be an alkali, 167, 168

why it requires leſs Spirit to diſſolve it than other metals, 172

in what form to be taken inwardly, 185

Mercurius vitae, 236

Mercurial water, 190, 191

Metals ſeven, 46

Milk, its coagulation explicated, 29, 454

Virgins Milk. 493

Minerals, their formation and growth, 45

Minium, 106

Mountebanks, their cheat in taking Poiſons, 182

Myrrhe, 500

N

Niter, ſee Salt-peter.

Nutritum, or Butter of Saturn, 111

Nutmegs, 401

O

Oleum Philoſophorum, or Oil of Bricks, why ſo called, 270

Opium and Meconium, 467

how its narcotick quality is beſt to be preſerved in the Extract, 469

That it ought not to be Torrified, 470

how it is that Opium cauſes ſleep more than other things, 471

Reaſon given why it allaies pains, takes off deliriums, and cures fluxes, 473

The Turks taking ſuch quantities of it, deſcanted upon, 474

Why Sudorifick, 476

P

Paper, both antient and modern how made, 386

Perpetual Pills, 204

not good in the Iliaca paſſio, but good in the Colick, 207

Whether they do loſe their virtue by frequent uſe, 206

Perſpiration inſenſible, two ſorts, 72

That more is Perſpired in the heat and drought of a Feaver, than in the violent ſweat, ib.

[Page]Petrification, how, 264

Petroleum, 363, 364

Peruvian Bark, 393

The greateſt Specifick ever known in Agues, ib.

The different manner of giving it heretofore, and at preſent, ib.

The body to be well Purged, before the Bark is given, 394

The ill effects of taking it irregularly, ib.

To be avoided by ſuch who have an Abſceſs, ib.

How it comes to remove the fit, ib. & 395

Its febrifugous virtue loſt by diſtillation, 398

Phagedenick water, 171

Philoſophers Stone, or Powder of Projection, a miſerable cheat, 51, &c.

Phoſphorus, the ſolid, 523

and the Liquid, 525

Its Inventors, 526

Experiments made upon the Phoſphorus, 528, 529, &c.

Baldwin's Phoſphorus, 538

Plumbum uſtum, 106

Poiſon, what it is, 179

The difference between Coagulative or cold Poiſons, and the Corroſive or hot, 179

How different the Remedies proper to each of them be, 180, 181

Principles of Chymiſtry, 2

That they are not firſt Principles, 5

How much they are indebted to fire in their production, 6, &c.

The five Principles not to be found in Minerals, 9

Pulvis Cornachinus, 225

[Page]Purgative medicines, their different operation explicated, 487

Purgative virtue of mixt bodies, wherein it conſiſts, 381, 382

Pus, how it becomes white, 356

Q

Quicklime how made, 251

Fiery bodies proved to cauſe its corroſion, and ebullition with water, 252, 253

No ſalt to be drawn from it, 253

That Acids will give it a new ebullition, after it is ſlak't, 254

but will make no ebullition with Lime-water, ib.

R

Rhubarb, commended as it deſerves, 379

Roſines, how diſtilled, 490

S

Salivation explicated, 162, 163, &c.

Sal Armoniack, the Natural, and the Artificial, 310

Its Purification, ib.

Its Flowers Chalybeated, 312

Sal Gemme, its origine, 13, 277

Sal Prunellae, often counterfeited, 295

Salt, one chief, of which all the reſt are compounded, 12

Three ſorts of it drawn from Vegetables, 19

That it becomes Alkali by fire, 23, 24

Alkali Salts, how made exceeding white, 446

[Page]Common Salt, 277

its origine, 13

That made by evaporation, not ſo ſtrong as that by cryſtallization, 278

The manner of making Salt at Rochel, 279

Its Spirit drawn without addition of earth, 284

New Spirits drawn ſeveral times from the ſame matter, expoſed to the air after diſtillation, 285

Salt decrepitated muſt be newly made for uſe, 282

Salt-peter, or Niter of the antients different from ours, 289

its origine, 15, 289

That it is not inflammable in it ſelf, nor ſulphureous, 290, 308

That it is a Sal Gemme impregnated with greater ſtore of Spirits, 292

Salt-peter Purified, judged better for uſe than Sal prunellae, 295

Sanguification explicated, 356

Sea-ſickneſs, its cauſe, 278

Small-pox ingeniouſly compared to the fermentation of Wines, 416

Ʋniverſal Spirit, 2

Steel, how made, 131

Stones, how generated, 263

how poſſibly they grow in our bodies, 268

Succinum, or Ambar, 363

Sublimate Corroſive, often counterfeited, and how to be diſcovered, 177

Its Corroſion much greater than that of Arſenick, 182

How from ſo great a Poiſon it comes to be ſo mild as it is in Mercurius dulcis, 185

Suffocation of the Matrix explicated, 368

[Page]Sugar, whence its ſweetneſs is derived, 243, 410

how made, 408

Sugar-candy, how made, 409

Sulphur, 353

Its Flowers, how made white, 354

Its Milk. 355

That half the quantity of its Milk or Magiſtery, is as effectual as double the quantity of its Flowers, 357

Its Spirit ſuſpected in diſeaſes of the breaſt, 360

Its Salt, why ſo much more acid then tartarum vitriolatum, 362

Sulphur vivum, 353

Sylver, 74

how made, or counterfeited by Alchymiſts, 55

The difference between Plate-ſylver, and Coppel ſylver, 79

Its Cryſtals, how Revived, 82

Its Calx how Revived, 86

Sympathetical powder, its preparation and uſe, and its operation explicated, 334, 335, 336

The authors candid judgment of it, 337

Syrop of Mars, 148

T

Tabaco, 481

An Experiment made upon its Oil, 483

Tartar, 433

Its Cream and Cryſtals, 434

Why its Cryſtals will not diſſolve in cold water, 435

No true Volatile Salt to be drawn from it, 443

A quick way of making its Salt, 445

[Page]That water thrown upon Tartar newly Calcined gives it a heat and ebullition like Quicklime, 445

How its Salt mixed with diſtilled waters will make them look green, 447

That its Salt will cauſe a flame, after the manner as does Salt-peter, when thrown upon kindled coals, 449

Chymical Terms explicated, 40

Tinctures how made, 501

Turpentine, 488

Tynn, 92

V

Venereal diſeaſe, its venom proved to be an Acid, 168, 169

Verdigreaſe how made, 127

Vermilion, 157

Vinegar, how made, 429

That common Vinegar keeps its ſtrength longer than the diſtilled Spirit, 431

Good againſt the Plague, ib.

Vinegar of Saturn, 111

Vipers when taken, can live a whole Summer without eating, if they have but air, 505

How the Viper differs from Serpents, 506

The quickeſt remedy for the biting of a Viper, 507

Wherein her venom does conſiſt, 507, &c.

A Sudorifick water of Vipers, 519

Virgins Milk, 112

Vitriol its ſeveral ſorts, 329, 330

The Engliſh how to be diſtinguiſhed from the German, 339

Its Spirit how Revived into Vitriol, 341

[Page]That its ſtrong Oil cauſes heat and ebullition with divers liquors that are not alkali, 342

A remarkable inſtance of its Cauſtick Oil, 343

Volatile Salts, how Rectified, 514, 515

When to be uſed, and when not, 466

Why they become foetid, and are alkalis 21, 22

Vomiting when exceſſive, through the taking Antimonial preparations, is to be ſtopt with Cream of Tartar, 231, 232

W

Wax, 546

Wine, 412

analyzed, 420

Why Claret lies longer in the body, and abounds more with Tartar than White-wine, 412

Its Muſte anatomiſed, 413

No inflammable Spirit in the Muſte, ib.

Its Spirit, what, ib.

Why Muſcat and Spaniſh wines are ſo ſweet as they are, and why they yield fewer Spirits than French wines, 414

The Small-pox ingeniouſly compared with the fermentation of Wines, 416

Its good and bad effects, 418, 419

How it cauſes ſo profound a ſleep, 419

The drawing Spirit of Wine by the Serpent rejected, and another inſtrument preferred, 421, 422, &c.

What cauſes Wine to turn egre, and what will hinder it, 466

FINIS.

BOOKS Printed for Walter Kettilby at the Biſhop's Head in S. Paul's Church-yard.

[Page]

THO. Sydenhami, M.D. Opera Univerſa, oct.

Liſter de fontibus medicatis Angliae, oct.

Jones de Febribus intermittentibus, oct.

Mayow Tractat. quinq.è med. de ſal. nitro, &c. oct.

Charletoni Inquiſitio phyſica de Cauſis catamenionum, & uteri Rheumatiſmo, oct.

Entii Apologia pro Circuitione ſanguinis, contra Pariſanum. Edit. altera, auct. & accuratior, oct.

Loſſii Obſervationes Medicae, oct.

R. Grovii Carmen de Circuitione ſanguinis, quart.

Dr. Charleton's three Anatomick Lectures, 1. Of the motion of the Bloud. 2. Of the Organick ſtructure of the Heart, 3. Of the efficient cauſes of the Hearts Pulſation, quart.

Dr. Webſter's Hiſtory of Metals, quart.

— Grew's Anatomy of Trunks, oct.

— 's Anatomy of Plants, fol.

Dr. Goodall's Royal College of Phyſicians of London, founded and eſtabliſhed by Law, as appears by Letters Patents, Acts of Parl. &c. quart.

Dr. Smith's Portraicture of Old Age, oct.

Burnetii Telluris Theoria Sacra, quart.

Mr. Burnets Theory of the Earth, fol.

Dr. Hicks's Jovian, in Anſwer to Julian, oct.

Plato's Daemon, or the State Phyſician unmask'd, in Anſwer to Plato Redivivus, by T. Goddard, Eſq

Dr. More's Expoſition on Daniel, quart.

— Expoſition on the Apocalypſe, quart.

— Anſwer to ſeveral Remarks on his Expoſition on Daniel, and the Revel. by S.E. quart.

[Page]Dr. More's Anſwer to Dr. Butler about Judicial Aſtrology, quart.

—'s Reply to the Anſwer to his Antidote againſt Idolatry, with his Appendix, oct.

—'s Remarks on Judge Hales, about fluid bodies, &c. oct.

Dr. Falkner's Libertas Eccleſiaſtica, oct.

— 's Chriſtian Loyalty, oct.

— 's Vindication of Liturgies, oct.

Dr. Sherlocks Diſcourſe of the knowledge of Jeſus Chriſt, with his Defence, oct.

Dr. Scott's Chriſtian Life, firſt and ſecond part.

Dr. Fowler's Libertas Evangelica, in purſuance of his Deſign of Chriſtianity, oct.

Mr. Kidder's Diſcourſe of Chriſtian fortitude, oct.

Mr. Hesketh's ſerious exhortation to frequent Communion, oct.

— Piety the beſt Rule of Orthodoxy, oct.

Dr. Worthington's great Duty of Self-Reſignation, oct.

Mr. Needhams ſix Sermons at Cambridge, oct.

Mr. Grails Sermons at Norwich, oct.

Mr. Long's Hiſtory of the Donatiſts. oct.

— 's Character of a Separatiſt. oct.

— Againſt Hales of Schiſm, with Mr. Baxter's Arguments for Conformity. oct.

—'s Nonconformiſts plea for Peace impleaded againſt Mr. Baxter. oct.

Mr. W. Allens Works, in 4 Vol. oct.

Mr. Lamb's ſtop to the Courſe of Separation. oct.

—'s Freſh ſuit againſt Independency. oct.

Dr. Charleton's Harmony of Nat. and Poſitive Divine Laws, oct.

[Page]

Information about this book

Title statement

A course of chemistry containing an easie method of preparing those chymical medicins which are used in physick : with curious remarks and useful discourses upon each preparation, for the benefit of such who desire to be instructed in the knowledge of this art / by Nicholas Lemery, M.D.

Lémery, Nicolas, 1645-1715.

Edition statement

1686

Publication

Publisher

Text Creation Partnership,

Place of publication

Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) :

Date

2009-10 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1).

ID [DLPS]

A47656

ID [STC]

Wing L1039

ID [STC]

ESTC R30931

ID [EEBO-CITATION]

11724925

ID [OCLC]

ocm 11724925

ID [VID]

48366

Availability

This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal. The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission.

Series

Early English books online.

Notes

(EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A47656)

Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 48366)

Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 1486:11)

Source

— A course of chemistry containing an easie method of preparing those chymical medicins which are used in physick : with curious remarks and useful discourses upon each preparation, for the benefit of such who desire to be instructed in the knowledge of this art / by Nicholas Lemery, M.D., Lémery, Nicolas, 1645-1715., Harris, Walter, 1647-1732.. The second edition very much inlarged /.

Extent

[27], 548, [14] p., [3] leaves of plates : ill.

Printed by R.N. for Walter Kettilby ...,. London :: 1686.. (Includes index.) (Reproduction of original in Harvard University Library.)

Creation

Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford.

Editorial practices

EEBO-TCP is a partnership between the Universities of Michigan and Oxford and the publisher ProQuest to create accurately transcribed and encoded texts based on the image sets published by ProQuest via their Early English Books Online (EEBO) database (http://eebo.chadwyck.com). The general aim of EEBO-TCP is to encode one copy (usually the first edition) of every monographic English-language title published between 1473 and 1700 available in EEBO.

EEBO-TCP aimed to produce large quantities of textual data within the usual project restraints of time and funding, and therefore chose to create diplomatic transcriptions (as opposed to critical editions) with light-touch, mainly structural encoding based on the Text Encoding Initiative (http://www.tei-c.org).

The EEBO-TCP project was divided into two phases. The 25,363 texts created during Phase 1 of the project have been released into the public domain as of 1 January 2015. Anyone can now take and use these texts for their own purposes, but we respectfully request that due credit and attribution is given to their original source.

Users should be aware of the process of creating the TCP texts, and therefore of any assumptions that can be made about the data.

Text selection was based on the New Cambridge Bibliography of English Literature (NCBEL). If an author (or for an anonymous work, the title) appears in NCBEL, then their works are eligible for inclusion. Selection was intended to range over a wide variety of subject areas, to reflect the true nature of the print record of the period. In general, first editions of a works in English were prioritized, although there are a number of works in other languages, notably Latin and Welsh, included and sometimes a second or later edition of a work was chosen if there was a compelling reason to do so.

Image sets were sent to external keying companies for transcription and basic encoding. Quality assurance was then carried out by editorial teams in Oxford and Michigan. 5% (or 5 pages, whichever is the greater) of each text was proofread for accuracy and those which did not meet QA standards were returned to the keyers to be redone. After proofreading, the encoding was enhanced and/or corrected and characters marked as illegible were corrected where possible up to a limit of 100 instances per text. Any remaining illegibles were encoded as <gap>s. Understanding these processes should make clear that, while the overall quality of TCP data is very good, some errors will remain and some readable characters will be marked as illegible. Users should bear in mind that in all likelihood such instances will never have been looked at by a TCP editor.

The texts were encoded and linked to page images in accordance with level 4 of the TEI in Libraries guidelines.

Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements).

Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site.