Chapter I: Front Matter (1)

A

TREATISE

ON

_Tobacco_, _Tea_, _Coffee_, and _Chocolate_.

A

TREATISE

ON

TOBACCO,
TEA,
COFFEE, _and_
CHOCOLATE.

IN WHICH

I. The Advantages and Disadvantages attending the Use of these Commodities, are not only impartially considered, upon the Principles of _Medicine_ and _Chymistry_, but also ascertained by _Observation_ and _Experience_.

II. Full and distinct Directions laid down for knowing in what Cases, and for what particular Constitutions, these Substances are either beneficial, or hurtful.

III. The _Chinese_ or _Asiatic Tea_, shewn to be the same with the _European Chamelæagnus_, or _Myrtus Brabantica_.

_The Whole Illustrated with_ COPPER PLATES, _exhibiting the_ Tea _Utensils of the_ Chinese _and_ Persians.

Written originally by SIMON PAULI;

AND

Now Translated by Dr. _JAMES_.

_Ante omnia scire convenit Naturam Corporis; quia alii graciles, alii obesi sunt, alii calidi, alii frigidiores, alii humidi, alii sicciores, alios adstricta, alios resoluta, alvus exercet._

Celsus, _Lib. 1._ _Cap. 3._

_LONDON_:

Printed for T. OSBORNE, in _Gray's Inn_; J. HILDYARD, at _York_; M. BRYSON, at _Newcastle_; and J. LEAKE, at _Bath_.

M,DCC,XLVI.

A

TREATISE

ON

_TOBACCO_, &c.

As _Nicolaus Monardus_, in _Simpl. Med. Histor._ has given so full and accurate an History and Description of _Tobacco_, that others have only borrowed their Accounts of it from his Works, we shall, in the Words of that Author, in _Cap. 14_, inform the Reader what _Tobacco_ is, where it is produced, and to what Uses it is applied.

"The Plant _Tobacco_, says he, was formerly used by the _Indians_, and especially by the Inhabitants of _New Spain_, for the Cure of Wounds. A few Years ago it was imported into _Spain_, rather for the Decoration of Gardens, than on Account of its medicinal Virtues: But it is now more celebrated for the latter, than used for the former.

"This Plant is among the _Indians_ called _Picelt_; for the _Spaniards_ first called it _Tobacco_ from a certain Island of that Name, where great Quantities of it were produced.

"It rises to a great Height, and is sometimes as tall as the _Lemon-Tree_. Its Trunk is strait, and sends out many large Branches, which bear Leaves almost resembling those of the _Lemon-Tree_, but larger, like those of the _Burdock_, of a faint green Colour, and a little rough and shaggy, as the Whole of the Plant is. The Tops of the Branches bear Flowers of the Shape of a small Bell, which are white at the Extremities, but of a purple Colour in the Middle; and when these Flowers fall off, they are succeeded by small Heads, which resemble those of the _Black Poppy_, and contain a very small cineritious blackish Seed. The Root is thick, divided into many Parts, internally of a ligneous or woody Nature, Saffron-coloured, bitter, and easily deprived of its Bark: But I am acquainted with no medicinal or other Quality of which it is possessed.

"The Plant grows in most Places of the _Indies_, and especially those of a moist and shady Nature, and in light well cultivated Soils: It may be sown at all Seasons; but when it appears above Ground it is to be preserved from the Cold, and may be transplanted for the Decoration of Garden-Walls; for, like the _Citron-Tree_, it continues green through the whole Year.

"The Leaves are only used; though when these cannot be had, some use the Seeds in their Stead. The Leaves are preserved by passing a Thread through them, suspending them in a shady Place, and thus drying them, after which they are used either whole or reduced to Powder.

"_Tobacco_ is hot and dry, and consequently heats, resolves, cleanses, and is a little astringent, as will appear from these following Virtues, of which it is possessed.

"The Leaves of _Tobacco_ heated and applied, prove an excellent Remedy for a _Cephalæa_, and _Hemicrania_, provided these Disorders arise from a cold Cause, or Flatulences, but the Use of them is to be often repeated, till the Disease is removed. Some, before the Application of them, anoint the Head with the Oil obtained from the Flowers of the _Orange-Tree_. The same Remedy is beneficial for a Rigidity of the Neck or _Tetanus_, and for Pains of the whole Body, arising from the same Cause.

"When a Tooth-ach proceeds from a cold Cause, the wiping the affected Tooth with a Linen-Cloth, soaked in the Juice of _Tobacco_, and then putting a Piece of the Leaf, made up in Form of a Pill, into the Hollow, not only removes the Pain, but also prevents the spreading of the Corruption.

"A Decoction of Tobacco-Leaves with Water, and a _Linctus_ prepared of the same Decoction, are beneficial in Disorders of the Breast, inveterate Coughs, Asthma's, and other similar Disorders proceeding from cold Humours. A small Quantity of a Syrup prepared of Sugar, and a Decoction of the Leaves eliminates any putrid Humours lodged in the Breast. The Smoak of Tobacco-Leaves received into the Mouth, sometimes affords Relief to asthmatic Patients; but proper Evacuations ought previously to be made, if the Patient's Condition can possibly admit of it.

"Tobacco-Leaves heated under the Ashes and applied to the Pit of the Stomach, without shaking the Ashes off, afford Relief to Persons afflicted with a Rumbling of the Intestines, and Flatulencies. For the same Purposes others bruise the Leaves with their Hand, anointed with Oil, and apply them to the Region of the Stomach. The Leaves triturated in a little Vinegar, long used by way of Ointment, and bound upon the Parts affected, are beneficial in Obstructions, or schirrous Tumours of the Stomach and Spleen; but over this Preparation warm Leaves, or a Cloth soaked in the warm Juice of the Leaves, are to be applied frequently every Day. When the Leaves cannot be had, Snuff may be mixed with any deobstruent Ointment, and the obstructed or tumid Part long anointed with it.

"The _Indian_ Women greatly extol the Use of _Tobacco_, not only for Children, but also for adult Persons who are afflicted with Crudities of the Stomach; for after anointing the _Abdomen_ with Lamp-Oil, the Leaves heated under the Ashes, and applied opposite to the Stomach, on the Breast and Back, concoct the Crudities, and render the Body soluble, provided the Application is repeated sufficiently often. A small Quantity of the Juice of _Tobacco_ Leaves, concocted and depurated with Sugar, expels both flat and round Worms from the Intestines; but for answering this End more effectually, the triturated Leaves ought to be laid upon the Navel, and a proper Clyster injected.

"The Leaves heated under the Ashes, and applied as hot as the Patient can bear, afford great Relief in nephritic and flatulent Pains, provided the Remedy be sufficiently often repeated. _Tobacco_ is also in many Cases an useful Ingredient in Clysters, Fomentations, and Plaisters.

"In Suffocations of the _Uterus_, the Leaves rendered sufficiently hot, and applied to the Navel, and Region of the _Uterus_, afford present Relief; and if a _Deliquium_ should succeed, which it frequently does, the Patient will be forthwith roused from it by blowing the Smoak of _Tobacco_ up her Nostrils. This Practice is so common among the _Indian_ Women, that for this very Reason they carefully preserve and greatly esteem _Tobacco_ Leaves. Some for uterine Disorders previously apply odorous Substances to the Navel, and then lay _Tobacco_ Leaves over them: But the most proper Substances for this Purpose, are _Tachamahach_, Oil of liquid _Amber_, _Peruvian_ Balsams, _Caranna_, or a Plaister of all these together worn daily on the Navel.

"_Arthritic_ Pains, provided the Humours are cold, or at least are not too hot, are greatly relieved by the Application of the warm Leaves, or of a Linen-Cloth soaked in the warm Juice of the Leaves; for these resolve and digest the Humours; for which Reason they are advantageously laid upon œdematous Tumours, previously washed with the warm Juice of the Leaves.

"It is certain from Experience, that _Chilblanes_ are cured by rubbing them three or four Times with _Tobacco_ Leaves, and then washing the Hands and Feet in warm Water and Salt.

"A few Years ago _Tobacco_ has been found to resist Poison, even that of the most virulent Kind, with which the _Cannibals_ taint their Arrows. It was formerly customary to sprinkle _Sublimate_ into the Wounds thus inflicted; but the _Spaniards_ found a Method of subduing the Force of the Poison by Means of _Tobacco_.

"A Company of _Cannibals_ made an At-tack upon a Body of _Indians_ and _Spaniards_, some of whom were killed and others wounded with their poisoned Darts. But as those who survived had no _Sublimate_, they were advised by a certain _Indian_ to pour the expressed Juice of _Tobacco_ into their Wounds, and then apply the triturated Leaves of the same Plant to them, by which Means their Pains were forthwith alleviated, the Symptoms checked, the Force of the Poison subdued, and the Wounds cured. This Accident laid a Foundation for the subsequent Use of _Tobacco_ against Poisons; and the King of _Spain_, in order to be convinced of its Efficacy, ordered a Wound to be made in the Throat of a Dog, and to be anointed with the Poison used by Hunters; soon after which a large Quantity of the Juice of _Tobacco_ was poured into the Wound, and the triturated Leaves of the Plant applied to it, by which Means the Dog was effectually secured against the Symptoms usually produced by Poisons.

"_Tobacco_ Leaves laid upon pestilential and malignant Carbuncles induce an _Eschar_, and induce a Cure; nor are they a less present efficacious Remedy against the Bites of poisonous Animals.

"The Leaves, when laid upon recent Wounds, immediately stop the _Hæmorrhage_, and produce a Conglutination; but if they are large, they ought to be previously washed with Wine, their Lips brought into Contact, and sprinkled with the Juice of the Leaves, after which the triturated Leaves are to be secured upon the Wound: The same Measures are to be taken the next and subsequent Days, and a proper Regimen observed.

"An Instillation of the Juice, and an Application of the triturated Leaves deterge, cure, and cicatrise old Ulcers and Gangrenes; provided due Evacuations are made, a sufficient Quantity of Blood, if necessary, is taken away, and a proper Regimen observed.

"By this Means Ulcers are not only cured in Men, but also in Animals. For through all the _Indies_, Cows, Sheep, and other Animals, are much subject to Ulcers, which, on Account of the excessive Humidity of the Climate, easily become putrid, and full of Worms. In these Ulcers it was sometimes customary to sprinkle _Sublimate_, the Inhabitants being destitute of better Remedies. But as this Medicine is dear in that Part of the World, what was used for the Cure of these Ulcers generally cost more than the Animal was worth. For this Reason the Inhabitants, conscious of the Efficacy of _Tobacco_ on Mankind, transferred its Use to the putrid, fetid, and wormy Ulcers of Animals; and accordingly found that its Juice instilled into them, not only killed the Worms, but also cleansed the Ulcers, and induced a _Cicatrix_. _Tobacco_ is also good against the Gallings of Cattle, for which Reason the _Indians_ always carry the Powder of it about with them.

"I knew a certain Person afflicted with Ulcers of the Nostrils, which discharged a seemingly contagious _Sanies_. By my Advice he dropped the Juice of _Tobacco_ into them; after the second Instillation a large Number of Worms fell away; then a smaller Quantity and after a few Days the Ulcers were cured, though the Parts eroded were not restored. The rubbing Ring-worms and Scall'd Heads with _Tobacco_ Leaves is also a beneficial Practice.

"_Tobacco_ is the celebrated Plant used by the _Indian_ Priests before they give their Responses; for it is customary among the _Indians_ to consult the Priests with respect to the Event of Wars, and other Affairs of Importance. Upon such Occasions, the Priest consulted, burnt dry _Tobacco_ Leaves, received the Smoak of them into his Mouth through a small Tube contrived for that Purpose, then dropt down as it were in an Extasy, lay totally destitute of Motion, and remained in that Condition for some Time. When the Fumes of the _Tobacco_ were discussed, he returned to himself, told that he had communicated the Affair to his Demon, and gave such ambiguous Responses, that, whatever the Event should be, the superstitious Crowd might be easily perswaded, that he had prophesied rightly. Thus the credulous _Barbarians_ are miserably hood-wink'd by the impious and fraudulent Stratagems of their Priests.

"The common People among the _Indians_ also receive the Smoak of _Tobacco_ into their Mouths and Nostrils, when they want either to be transported with pleasant Dreams, or to predict the Events of their Affairs from the Occurrences which happen to them during Sleep; for as the grand Impostor, the Devil, knows the Virtues of Herbs, he has taught them the Qualities of _Tobacco_, in order to deceive them by means of these Dreams.

"Various Plants, when chewed, or taken internally, are observed to excite false and delusory Representations and Ideas of Objects. Thus _Dioscorides_, in Cap. de _Solano Maniaco, seu Furioso_, tells us, that a Dram of the Root of this Plant, drank in Wine, produces false, tho' not unpleasant Representations; that double the Quantity produces an Alienation of Mind, which lasts for three Days; and that four Times the Quantity proves mortal. It is also reported, that if a Person, when he is going to sleep, eats _Aniseeds_, they excite pleasant and agreeable Dreams; whereas, the eating of _Horse-Raddish_ procures those of a turbulent and ungrateful Kind.

"_Garcias ab Orta_ informs us, that the Juice of a certain Plant called _Bangue_, mixed with some other Juices, produces Alienation of Mind, excites Dreams, and frees the Mind from all Anxiety and Uneasiness: The like Effects are brought about by _Opium_, which is much used by the _East-Indians_, and concerning which _Garcias_ has treated very largely.

"The _Indians_ also, when fatigued by carrying Burdens, or by any other violent Exercise, smoak _Tobacco_, by which Means they become as it were stupid, and fall asleep; but when they awake, they find themselves refreshed, and their Strength repaired. The _Ethiopians_ brought thither as Slaves, following the Example of the Natives, smoak _Tobacco_ too frequently, for which their Masters chastise them severely, and burn their _Tobacco_, in order to deprive them of an Opportunity of using it, which, however, they continue to do secretly and in private.

"_Tobacco_ is also used by the _Indians_ in order to allay Hunger and Thirst; for they calcine some Shells of River-Snails, and by Trituration reduce them to a fine Powder, of which, and _Tobacco_ Leaves, they take equal Parts, and chew them together till they are reduced to a Kind of Mass, which they form into Pills, larger than a Pea: These they dry in a Shade, and preserve for Use. When they intend to travel through Desarts, where they expect neither Meat nor Drink, they take a sufficient Quantity of these Pills along with them, put one between their Under-Lip and Teeth, and constantly suck the Liquor from it; so that when one is consumed, they supply its Place with another, and thus they perform a three, and sometimes a four Days Jour-ney; during which Time, they say, they neither feel the Effects of Hunger nor Thirst: The Reason of this probably is, that as they continually suck these Pills, they draw the pituitous Humours from the Brain, which being swallowed, moisten the Stomach, and allay its natural Heat, but are at last consumed by it for Want of other Aliments. Instances of a similar Nature may be observed in many Animals, which, during the whole _Winter_, confine themselves to their Holes without any Food; because the natural Heat of the Stomach is employed in digesting and consuming the Fat which they had gathered in the _Winter_."

These are all the Virtues and Qualities of _Tobacco_ known to _Monardus_: But, besides this, _Zacutus_, in _Observat. Lib. 1. de Medic. Princip. Histor._ informs us, that he had often found the Juice of _Tobacco_ effectual for the Cure of an _Alopecia_ or Falling off of the Hairs: Nor is this to be wondered at, since, as the Medicine indicated ought to bear an Analogy to the indicating Symptoms, as _Tobacco_ is hot and dry, resolvent, cleansing, and somewhat astringent; and as all these Qualities are, according to _Galen_, indicated in an _Alopecia_, _Zacutus_ might succeed in the Cure of it by means of _Tobacco_. I remember two Girls, who being indisposed, had a _Lixivium_, in which dry _Tobacco_ Leaves were macerated, prescribed for taking the Scales off their Heads; but the one was seized with a gentle _Vertigo_, and the other thought she perceived herself, as it were, drunk. But I mention these Accidents for the Sake of young Practitioners, without any Design to discourage them from applying _Tobacco_ and its Preparations to other Parts of the Body; for the celebrated _Hartmann_ seems to have thought the Essence of the green Leaves of _Tobacco_, obtained by Infusion in _Malmsey_ Wine, a Specific for the Cure of the _Palsey_; and after a Sweat has been procured, orders the paralytic Limbs to be long rubbed with it; by which Means, he says, he has often seen them happily restored.

Though _Tobacco_ is a valuable Herb, yet the Abuse of it, which we shall afterwards consider, is intolerable, and highly noxious. Besides, _Monardus_, _Ægidius Everartus_, in 1587, at _Antwerp_, published a beautiful Commentary upon the Virtues and Uses of _Tobacco_: And when the same Work was reprinted at _Utrecht_ in 1644, various Treatises concerning _Tobacco_ were added to it; such as the _Misocapnus_, or a Treatise on the Abuse of _Tobacco_, taken from the Works of King _James_ the Sixth of _England_; _Tobacologia Johannis Neandri_. _Epistolæ ac Judicia clarissimorum aliquot Medicorum_; and the _Hymnus Tabaci Raphaelis Thorii_. After these Authors appeared _Chrysostomus Magnenus_, Professor of Medicine in the University of _Padua_, who in 1648, published very learned Exercitations concerning _Tobacco_. Not only from the Authors already mentioned, but also from _Andreas Cæsalpinus_; _Dalechampius's Historia generalis Plantarum_; _Lobelii Adversaria_, _Clusius in his Notæ ad Monardum_; _Dodonæus_; _Tabernamontanus_; _Nardi Antonii Recchi Res Medicæ Novæ Hispaniæ, cum Terentii Lyncei Notis_, we learn what is the native Soil of _Tobacco_, and how the knowledge of it was introduced into _Europe_ after the Discovery of _America_ by _Christopher Columbus_ and _Americus Vesputius_. Some of these Authors have also described its Virtues and Use, whilst others of them have treated very fully concerning the Abuse of it. Following the Example of these great Men, I shall proceed, without any Partiality, and with that Freedom which is always peculiar to Truth. This is certainly a difficult Attempt, considering the Opposition and Prejudice with which I have to grapple. But before I proceed, I shall take Notice of the Error of _Libavius_, who, according to _Magnenus_ in _Exercitat. 1. Par. 1._ asserts, that _Tobacco_ was a Native of _Europe_, since it was found in the almost inaccessible Places of the _Hercynian_ Forest: But adds this Author, _Who denies that Seeds are dispersed, and carried every where by the Winds?_ But it is by no means probable, that the Seeds of _Tobacco_, which, comparatively speaking, are as small as the Atoms of _Democritus_, could, by a Whirlwind, be conveyed to the _Hercynian_ Forest in _Germany_, from _France_, _Italy_, or _Spain_, much less from _America_. This is a Plant of a particular specific Kind, and the Native of _America_: Neither does any Historian mention such a Whirlwind for the Dispersion of its Seeds. It is true, Mount _Ætna_ in _Sicily_, and Mount _Hecla_ in _Iceland_, by their sulphureous Eruptions, throw the Ashes to a vast Distance: But it does not to me seem probable, that the Air should ever be in such a gyratory Motion, as to convey Seeds from one Quarter of the World to another, or from one Country to another, though it is not to be denied but they may be carried from a Plain to a rising Ground, or from one Garden to another adjacent to it.

Those Authors, who have called _Tobacco_ _Herba rixosa_, the Strife-producing Herb, and _Herba insana_, the Plant which excites Madness, seem not to have been very much in the wrong; for what is more frequent than for People of all Denominations to spend the whole of the Day smoaking _Tobacco_ in Ale-Houses and Taverns? Nay, so fond are young and old Men of _Tobacco_, that the Father forgets the Interests of the Son, and the Son those of the Father for its Sake. Thus some Men use large Quantities of _Tobacco_, whilst, perhaps, their Families are starving at Home: Whereas some Children spend upon _Tobacco_ what their industrious Parents had, with Toil and Care, amassed for their Use. Nay, such is the Madness of some _Europeans_, that they will, for a Trifle, dispose of their Goods, in order to gratify themselves with _Tobacco_.

* * * * *

King _James_ the Sixth of _England_ tells us, "that, among the _Americans_, a Servant addicted to the Smoaking of _Tobacco_, can hardly find a Purchaser; so odious is that Custom to the Authors of it themselves." We _Europeans_, however, are so infatuated and hood-winked, as yearly to sail to _America_, spare no Expences, and expose ourselves not only to Storms and Tempests, but also to Sickness and Death, for the Sake of _Tobacco_; and it is certain, that our Men, on their Return from _America_, spread through all _Europe_ the _Neapolitan_ Disease, which, as _Fiorovanta_ thinks, was endemial to the _Americans_, on Account of their eating human Flesh. This, to use the Phrase of _Agrippa, de Vanitat. Scientiarum_, Cap. 84. _is to purchase Death at a great Price_. The _Indians_ and _Barbarians_ have such an Aversion to the Abuse of _Tobacco_, that they severely chastise the _Ethiopians_ and Slaves for it, and burn their _Tobacco_; probably, because they suspect that it renders them valetudinary, and disables them to work; in which Situation they are a Burthen upon their Masters. According to _Viganenus_, in _Lib. de Ritibus Moribusq_; _Turcarum_; and _Johannes Chrysostomus Magnenus_, in _Exercitat. de Tabac. Exercit._ 6. §. 10. _Amureth_, the 4th Emperor of the _Turks_, by an Edict, prohibited the Use of _Tobacco_, under Pain of Death, lest, by the Abuse of it, his Subjects should become effeminate, feeble, and barren. According to _Adamus Olearius_, in _Lib. 3. Cap. 6._ the Emperor of _Muscovy_, in 1634, by an Edict prohibited the Importation of _Tobacco_ and _Snuff_ into his Territories, under the Penalty of being beat with Rods, and having the Nostrils slit in Case of Disobedience: And the same Author says, he saw some who had these Marks of Infamy inflicted upon them. In _Lib. 5. Cap. 31._ he also tells us, that _Schach Abas_, the _Persian_ Monarch, prohibited all Use of _Tobacco_ in that Army, which he raised against _Tameran Chan_ under the Penalty of the Offender's having his Nose and Lips cut off; nay, he was so rigid, or rather cruel in his Discipline, that when a certain _Persian_, ignorant of the Edict, came into his Camp with some _Tobacco_ to sell, he ordered both him and his Commodities to be thrown into one Funeral Pile and burnt.

* * * * *

These, and other similar Examples, might perhaps have a lucky Influence on some _Europeans_, unless the Custom of using _Tobacco_ had become so prevalent and universal, that _James_ the Sixth said he believed "that a whole Wood in _England_ would hardly afford Trees enough for hanging the Dealers in _Tobacco_." _Hoffman_, in _Lib. 2. de Medicam Officinal. Cap. 3._ informs us, "that this Prince, in the University of _Oxford_, disputed publickly against the Use of _Tobacco_, giving Instances of Persons who used it, who were afflicted with incurable Disorders of the Breast, Deliriums, Watchings, and Convulsions; and after whose Death, the Lungs were found black and parched, just as if they had been indurated in Smoak." The same _Hoffman_ informs us, that he was told by some Soldiers who had resided in _Holland_, "that upon dissecting the Heads of some Snuff-takers, who had been executed, they observed, that the whole internal Part of what Anatomists call the _Patera_ of the Brain, was black with Snuff." He was also told by _Patricius Noræus_, "that in the last _Bohemian_ War, he saw all the Heads of the _English_ Soldiers, who were killed, in the same Condition." _Nardus Antonius Recchus_, in _Lib. 5. Rer. Medicar. Nov. Hisp._ observes, "that those who use _Tobacco_ too frequently, become ill coloured, have a squalid, sordid Tongue, a Palpitation of the Throat, and a preter-natural Heat of the Liver, and fall into Cachexies and Dropsies, by which they are at last cut off." Thus they suffer for their Folly in gratifying themselves in so preposterous a Manner.

* * * * *

But without expatiating farther upon Things so obvious, let it suffice to have warned the Reader of his Danger, by the foregoing Observations. That Smoaking is more prejudicial and injurious than Snuffing, I think may be justly asserted, if we consider the Instances which Anatomists give us of the Effects produced by each, which we shall hereafter do: I must, however, here observe, that we cannot enough admire the Zeal of _James_ the Sixth of _England_, for the Good of his Subjects; since, in the last Words of his _Misocapnus_, he expostulates with them in the following pathetic and affectionate Manner: "At last, therefore, O Citizens, if you have any Sense of Shame, or Dread of Infamy, left in your Bosoms, lay aside the Use of _Tobacco_, a Custom attended with Ignominy, received through Error, and established by Stupidity. By its Means the Wrath of Heaven is excited against us, the Health of our Bodies impaired, our Substance wasted, and the Dignity of our Nation not only diminished at Home, but also despised Abroad; for _Tobacco_ is a Substance loathsome to the Sight, disagreeable to the Smell, noxious to the Brain, injurious to the Lungs, and, by its Clouds of black Smoak, nearly resembling the horrid Steams of Hell."

If any Champion for the Interests of _Tobacco_, deaf to my salutary Instructions, should ask me whether I would have the Pope, the Emperor, and all the Kings, Electors, Princes, and Dukes in _Europe_, prohibit and discharge the Use of _Tobacco_? I answer, that such a Revolution is really to be wished for, on Account of the Abuses of _Tobacco_ before enumerated. But, before I proceed to give a fuller Answer, I would have the Person who asks this Question, attentively listen to the following sublime and truly noble Sentiments of _Seneca_, in _Lib. de Vita Beata, Cap. 1._ "Nothing, _says he_, is more worthy in itself, nor more becoming the Dignity of a free-born Soul, than not, like the Cattle, implicitly to follow the Van of the Flock, going, not whither we ought to go, but whither they go before us. But nothing involves us in more terrible Misfortunes, than our judging of Things by Fame and Report, esteeming those Things best, which are most universally assented to, and approved, as we find in numberless Instances. We neither live agreeably to the Dictates of Reason, nor in a Manner that is uniform and consistent with itself: Hence it is, that such Numbers of Individuals fall, as it were, upon others. In a large and crowded Army, none falls without drawing another along with him, and the foremost prove fatal to those who succeed them. The like happens in every Part and Circumstance of human Life; for it is the universal Practice to impose upon our own Reasons, and, by that Means prove the Cause of Errors to others." It is therefore to be lamented, that we _Europeans_ should thus brutally follow the Custom of the _Barbarians_, without listening to Reason, in which we so far excel them, since, to use the Expressions of _Salust_, "They are addicted to Intemperance and Sleep, so rude and uncultivated, that they seem to lead the Life of Brutes, rather than that of Men, since they indulge themselves in Voluptuousness, whilst their Souls are a Burthen to them." In a word, they live in a no less brutal Manner, than the Inhabitants of the Main Land of _Africa_, who, according to _Hippocrates_, in _Lib. de Morbo sacra_, "lie upon Goat-Skins, and eat Goat's Flesh, without any Bed-Cloths, or Garments, or Shoes, except what are made of Goat-Skins." The _Americans_ are still worse, since they feed upon human Flesh, have nothing to cover them, and pass their Time in desart Places, and lurking Holes. Since, therefore, the Climate, Soil, and Non-Naturals of the _Americans_, are widely different from those of the _Europeans_, it is highly reasonable, that we should neither admit, nor tolerate, the continual and habitual Use of _Tobacco_ in _Europe_.

_Cornelius Agrippa_, in _Lib. de Vanitat. Scient. Cap. 84._ seems, with a good deal of Reason, to think, "That it would greatly contribute, not only to the Health of Mankind, but also to the Interests of particular States, to prohibit the Importation of foreign and exotic Drugs, which are often counterfeited, or adulterated, by those who deal in them, to the great Detriment of the State." No less salutary and reasonable is that Law enacted at _Rome_ by _Nero_, which runs in the following Tenor: "Apothecaries are hereby injoined, to use no other Medicines, but those found in _Italy_, since these are not only better suited and adopted to the Constitutions of _Romans_, but may also be had far fresher, more genuine, and with less Difficulty, Expences, and Danger, than foreign Medicines, the most of which are justly to be suspected, as sophisticated, spurious, spoiled in the Ship, corrupted by Age, or not collected at due Seasons, or in proper Places." Since the Diseases described by the Antients, sometimes seize the _Europeans_, though with new and uncommon Symptoms; and since new Diseases also appear in _Europe_, I think it is not to be doubted, but the Meats, Fruits, and other Delicacies, sent from _Asia_, _Africa_, and _America_, into _Europe_, are, in some Measure, the Sources of our Calamities.

But, without any farther Digression, I shall confine myself to the Abuse of _Tobacco_. That _Tobacco_, when used with Prudence and Propriety, is a salutary Medicine, I do not deny; since I myself use it with great Advantage in the _Spring_ and _Autumn_, at which Seasons I am afflicted with catarrhous Defluxions. Most People, when only seized with a gentle Cough, are so cautious, as not to venture upon a small Dose of the Syrup of Violets, or Liquorice, without consulting their Physicians, Friends, and Nurses; but vast Numbers of the _Europeans_, without any Advice, greatly incommode and disturb the Brain, the Seat of their Reason, by using the highly penetrating Smoak of _Tobacco_, in the Morning and Evening, in the Night as well as the Day, and in all States and Constitutions of the Weather, calm and serene, as well as cloudy and over-cast. Let us therefore lay aside this barbarous Custom, so fatal and prejudicial to Health.

Besides, it is probable, that the crafty _Americans_, sensible of the vast Quantity of _Tobacco_ yearly imported into _Europe_, may, for the Sake of Gain, impose upon us; for it is certain, that our own Merchants, influenced by a base and sordid Principle of Avarice, have long ago found Methods of adulterating _Tobacco_ by Means of Brine, Lemons, Vinegar, Wine, and Euphorbium. But with respect to these Frauds, the Reader may consult _Neander_ in his _Tabacologia_. Besides, it is hardly credible, that the Roaps brought from _America_, under the Name of _Tobacco_, consist intirely of good and sound _Tobacco_ Leaves: For almost every one knows, that the Marks of the Goodness of _Tobacco_, whether drawn from the Colour, Smell, Taste, or Weight, vary very greatly among the _Europeans_, who, to their Disgrace be it said, have learned to hang their _Tobacco_, when corrupted, insipid, or light, in Houses of Office, or Vaults, in order to be rendered more acrid and ponderous by the volatile Salts of human Urine and Excrements, under a specious Pretence, that these Salts render it beneficial and salutary, by cleansing the Head; which, they say, is highly beneficial to Persons who drink much. But this is certainly an improper and prejudicial Method of treating the Head, and evacuating its Excrements; concerning the copious Production of which, by means of the corrupted Temperature of the Brain in Persons who daily smoak _Tobacco_, we shall afterwards treat.

Having premised these Things, we now come to decide a Question lately begun to be agitated, namely, Whether Snuffing or Smoaking is the more innocent and safe Custom? I affirm, then, that both are generally pernicious, and none of them to be recommended to any one without great Caution and Deliberation: Though I remember I was formerly a Smoaker of _Tobacco_, yet, I am of Opinion, that Snuffing is a less injurious and hurtful Practice. Some are of Opinion, that by the constant Use of Snuff, the Sight is rendered more clear and penetrating; but with how great Danger this Practice is accompanied, is sufficiently confirmed by _Adrianus Spigelius_, in _Corp. human. Fabr. Lib. 7. Cap. 2._ where he proposes a Problem, together with its Answer, in the following Words: "What is the Cause, why many Persons, by often repeated Sternutations, especially when industriously excited, suddenly become blind? This happens, either because the Ramifications of the caroted Arteries, which are so near the Optic Nerves as to touch them, are so filled, as to compress them; or, because a large Quantity of pituitous Humours is conveyed from the Brain to the Optic Nerves, which are thereby obstructed. When the Disorder arose from the former of these Causes, I have seen the Patients cured by a _Seton_; but, when it proceeded from the latter, I never remember to have seen it cured." _Joh. Chrysostomus Magnenus,_ in _Exercitat. 8. de Tabaco. §. 1._ affirms, "that by violent Sternutation, some Persons have died; since by it the Head has been so strongly agitated, as by the Effort to burst the _Meninges_, and relax the _Compages_ of the Brain." And this Opinion he confirms by the Example of a certain Baker, mentioned by _Famianus Strada_, "who, when he had twenty-four Sternutations immediately succeeding each other, died of the twenty-fifth, by the violent Shock, of which the Arteries of the Brain, and Membranes surrounding it, were broken." The same Author, in _Sect. 4._ of the last-cited Chapter, affirms, "That he saw a certain Man, who by the excessive Use of Snuff, had the chrystaline Humours of his Eyes corrugated, so that all Objects seemed to be in a Kind of fluctuating Motion before him."

If it should be objected, that such Accidents are rare; I answer, that though they are rare, yet they are not impossible; and, what has happened to some, may also be the Fate of others. Though, therefore, the _Falx_ of the _Dura Mater_, and the _Torcular_ of _Herophilus_, the fatal Seat of an _Apoplexy_, are not forthwith so disordered as to yawn by Snuffing, yet the Interests of the Five Senses are but ill consulted, by often drawing from the Brain with Snuff, what we call _Snot_ or _Mucus_, which is evacuated through the Nose; or rather, according to _Galen_, and other Anatomists, through the _Os Ethmoides_, which is the Organ of Smell, but not at all destined for eliminating the Excretions of the Brain. Thus Persons who use Snuff to Excess, instead of bettering, rather impair their Sight, and for their Pains generally lose the Sense of Smelling.

As the Person who, for his Crimes, has lost his Ears, is looked upon with Infamy; what better Treatment does he deserve, who, either through a Contempt of Medicine, or an obstinate Fondness to gratify his own Inclinations, either impairs or destroys those Senses, which indulgent Heaven has bestowed upon him for so noble Purposes! With respect to Instances of this Misfortune, and the Reasons why it happens, _Magnenus_ in _Tr. de Abusu Tabaci, Exercitat. 6. Sect. 15._ speaks in the following Manner: "The Sense of Smelling, as I have been told by many, who have either snuffed or smoaked to Excess, is abolished by the Abuse of _Tobacco_, because the mamillary Processes are thereby dried, so that when they are rendered drier than the Effluvia exciting the Perception of any Smell, they cannot be duly acted upon by such Effluvia; for Smell, according to _Aristotle_, in _Lib. 3. de Animal._ consists in the dry Effluvia surpassing the Moisture of these Processes; so that the common Sensory may have a Change produced in it by proper and adequate Objects." _Magnenus_ also, in _Exercitat. 28. Sect. 1._ tells us, "That he knew a Man, who, in one Day, snuffed four Ounces." After which, he proceeds to enquire into the Advantages and Injuries attending the Use of Snuff; and to consider why it excites Sternutation in those who are not accustomed to it, but not in those who are. This accurate Author also, among other Reasons against the excessive Use of Snuff, advances this, that it may enter the Passages of the _Os Ethmoides_, form itself into _Concretions_, and there lodge for a great while. Hence, it is sufficiently obvious, that when the Passages and Perforations of this Bone are obstructed by Snuff, the Air can neither have Access to the Brain for its Ventilation, nor can the Effluvia of odorous Bodies be conveyed to it; in Consequence of which, the Sense of Smelling must necessarily be lost. Though this should, perhaps, be looked upon as a trifling and inconsiderable Loss; yet Snuff, by its highly narcotic, heating, drying, penetrating, and unctuous Qualities, has such an unlucky Influence on the eighth Pair of Nerves of _Spigellius_, or the first of _Bartholin_, which are appropriated to Smelling, that it gradually impairs, and, in process of Time, totally destroys that Sense; because this Pair of Nerves is conveyed to the mamillary Processes, which are situated in the interior Part of the Brain, near the _Os Ethmoides_, which is covered with the _Dura Mater_. Since, therefore, a large Quantity of Snuff is violently attracted towards the Root of the Nose; and since, according to the Doctrine of _Hippocrates_, Nature is never one Moment idle in a living Body, all whose Parts are pervious and transparable, it must necessarily happen, that the Parts subservient to the Sense of Smelling must be greatly injured by the narcotic Quality of Snuff. Having said thus much of the Misfortunes produced by excessive Snuffing, we now come to consider those attending the Abuse of Smoaking; in doing which, we shall confine ourselves to Examples, which have a better Effect on the Vulgar, than the nice and fine-spun Deductions of a Philosopher's Reason.

It is therefore certain that _Tobacco_ is possessed of an highly penetrating Quality. Thus the celebrated _Heurnius_, in _Lib. 1. Method. ad Prax._ speaks of it in the following Manner: "_Tobacco_, when smoaked, produces very singular Effects, since it draws a surprizing Quantity of Phlegm from the Mouth and Nostrils: The Smoak arising from its dry Leaves laid upon live Coals, when received into the Mouth by a Funnel, pervades the whole Brain, and is also conveyed to the Ears, and _Uterus_. But I can affirm, that this Herb is, in a peculiar Manner, appropriated to the Brain; easily conveys its Virtues thither, and evacuates all its _Sordes_: For, about a Year ago, when I was afflicted with the Tooth-ach, I made a Decoction of _Tobacco_ with Water, adding some _Camomile_ Flowers: A Spoonful of this Decoction, when tepid, I put in my Mouth, and spit it out some Time after; and this I did for two Hours; by which Means my Pain was considerably alleviated. Next Day, when I went to my Garden, and stooped to pull up a Weed, a large Quantity of a Saffron-coloured Liquor, which smelled like _Tobacco_, flowed from my Nose, upon which my Tooth-ach was immediately removed. During the whole of my Life, neither Blood, nor any other Liquor, except a ferous Phlegm, had flowed from my Nose, but upon this Occasion I never saw any Liquor of a deeper yellow Colour." Other similar Accounts of the penetrating Quality of _Tobacco_, I have had from my old Master, _Henningus Arnesæus_, Physician to _Christianus_, the fourth King of _Denmark_, who affirmed, "That not only the Smoak of _Tobacco_, but also that of every other Substance received by the Mouth, was penetrating on Account of its Acrimony; in Consequence of which, it must pervade and alter the whole Substance of the Brain, both _Meninges_, and all the Vessels, and Contents of them." Besides, as the Smoak of _Tobacco_ is hot, proceeding immediately from kindled _Tobacco_; and as, according to _Aristotle_, it is the Property of Heat to collect homogeneous, and separate heterogeneous Substances, it must necessarily happen, in the very Nature of Things, that this Smoak should fuse and colliquate the Phlegm, the Receptacle of which is the Brain, which, according to _Hippocrates_, is the largest of all the Glands. I do not in the least doubt of the Truth of _Arnesæus_'s Opinion; for I think that all the Fore-runners of Catarrhs, such as Sternutations, Spittings, and Discharges of Saliva, are produced by Heat, which is the necessary Cause of Catarrhs, though not the productive Cause of the morbific Matter. Thus the celebrated _Hoffman_, in _Lib. 3. Institut. Medic. Cap. 193._ informs us, "That Heat alone, and, for the most part, of the external Kind, such as that of the Sun, or that procured by Exercise, Wine, and Aromatics, among which are _Cinnamon_ and _Saffron_, with which we so plentifully season our Aliments, is sufficient to fuse and colliquate the Phlegm, or acrid Serum." Thus a Pipe filled with the burned Wicks of Candles, gathered out of Snuffers, or with a Piece of Match used in discharging Cannons, or with a Piece of bituminous, fossile Earth, especially that of _Holland_, will procure as copious a Spitting, as a Pipe of the best _Virginian_ Tobacco. Soldiers also, and Sailors, produce the same Pleasure and Effects in themselves by smoaking kindled Paper, as are produced by smoaking _Tobacco_. Since, therefore, acrid Smoak and Heat of every Kind, conveyed to the Brain, fuse the Phlegm, and eliminate it by the _Os Ethmoides_ and _Sphœnoides_, the Nose and the Palate of the Mouth, I see no Reason why _Heurnius_ should affirm, "That it has a surprizing Faculty of drawing the Phlegm from the Mouth and Nostrils; that it is peculiarly adapted to the Brain, easily conveys its Virtues thither, and eliminates all its Sordes."

As _Tobacco_ is hot, dry, unctuous, and penetrating; it must, on account of these Qualities, soon take Flame: And, as it is possessed of an highly narcotic Quality, it, by its narcotic Sulphur, stupifies those who use it, corrupts the Temperature of the Brain, and destroys its Tone; whereas, the moderate Smoaking of _Marjoram_, _Betony_, _Rosemary_, _Amber_, and other Substances of a like Nature, would eliminate the Phlegm more safely, and without producing any of these ill Consequences. This narcotic Quality of _Tobacco_, is the Reason why great Smoakers are, during the whole of their Lives, afflicted with a continual Spitting, as I have observed in _Histor. Pompinellæ Class. secund. Quadripartit._ Though by the frequent Use of _Tobacco_, a large Quantity of Phlegm is eliminated from the Brain; this Plant is not, therefore, a peculiar Specific, adapted to that Organ: For, on the contrary, since it manifestly abounds with a narcotic Sulphur, it is highly injurious, not only to the Nerves, but also to the whole Substance of the Brain. Hence, as I observed before, many Users of _Tobacco_, not only have their olfactory Nerves so injured by its narcotic Sulphur, as to lose the Sense of Smelling, but are also observed not to have a very exquisite Taste, the fourth and seventh Pairs of Nerves being affected. Persons of this Kind are also observed to be fond of Malt Liquors, and to complain of a languid Appetite; because the sixth Pair of Nerves, which descends into the Stomach, is stupified by the narcotic Sulphur of the _Tobacco_: It is, therefore, absurd to maintain, that _Tobacco_ is of a cephalic Quality, and peculiarly adapted to the Disorders of the Head, since it is so unfriendly to the Nerves as to produce a Stupor in them. It is more reasonable to argue thus: _Tobacco_ is hot, consists of very subtle Parts, and is highly penetrating; therefore, being at the same Time narcotic, it will prove the more hurtful, the more penetrating it is; because the narcotic Quality of _Tobacco_, which is otherwise slow, like that of _Opium_, or _Hemlock_, is, by its other Qualities, exalted, and put in Action; or, to speak my Sentiments more freely, by means of the Acrimony ascribed to its Salt, whether fixed or volatile, the narcotic Sulphur is conveyed in its full Strength to the Nerves of the Head. That this Sulphur remains pretty long intire, even in a living Person, is sufficiently evinced, by that Saffron-coloured Liquor, smelling like _Tobacco_, which was discharged from the Nostrils of _Heurnius_, next Day after the Abuse of a Decoction of _Tobacco_ and _Camomile_ Flowers. I would not have any one imagine, that as soon as he lays by his Pipe, his Brain is no longer heated by the Smoak, which, for two or three Days after, he smells, or expires, when he sneezes. Thus, this narcotic, unctuous, and strong-smelled Sulphur, adhering to the Membranes, Ventricles, Gyrations, or other latent Passages of the Brain, and being left alone without either Smoak or Heat, gradually and insensibly corrupts the whole Mass of the Brain, by which Means _Tobacco_-Smoakers are obliged to spit and expectorate continually. When the Brain is thus weakened by the copious Spitting excited by the narcotic Sulphur, neither the _Tonsils_ nor the _Thymus_, which are destined for imbibing the natural excrementitious Humours of the Brain, are any longer fit for that Purpose. When such an Accident happens, the _Tobacco_-Smoaker begins to yawn, to have a hoarse and shrill Voice, and a stinking Breath, like those labouring under a _Lues Venerea_.

I think I have now sufficiently proved, that as _Tobacco_ is of a narcotic Quality, and its Fumes penetrate intimately into the Brain, so, of course, Smoaking must be more prejudicial than Snuffing. But, if People will still obstinately indulge themselves in the Use of this noxious Plant, all I can do farther, is to warn them of their Danger.

A

TREATISE

ON

_TEA_.

I Have hitherto strenuously endeavoured to preserve the Health of the _Europeans_, by discarding and exploding the Abuse of _Tobacco_: But if any one should ask my Sentiments of _Tea_, which some Years ago began to be imported from _Asia_, and the _Eastern_ Countries, and which has Qualities quite contrary to _Tobacco_, since it prevents Sleep, and therefore is by some Authors highly commended as an excellent Cephalic, and very grateful to the _Viscera_, subservient to Nutrition: I answer, that no satisfactory Reply can be made, till we know the Genus and Species of _Tea_, and to what Species of _European_ Herbs it may be referred or compared; for _Tobacco_ is by us called the _Peruvian Hyosciamius_, but we give no Name of any of our Plants to _Tea_: Nay, it is not known, whether _Tea_ is what the _Greeks_ call Ποα, an Herb, or Θαμνίσκιον, a Shrub, which Words, according to _Ruellius_, _Morantha_, and others, are so confounded by _Dioscorides_, _Theophrastus_, and other Botanists, as to occasion great Disputes among the Learned. But the Authors, who have most faithfully collected whatever has been wrote upon _Tea_, either in the _Spanish_, _French_, _Latin_, _English_, or _Dutch_ Languages, are _Nicolaus Tulpius_, and _Nicolaus Trigautius_, from the Works of whom I shall enquire,

_1st_, Of what Kind and Species the Herb _Tea_ is?

_2d_, Whether _Tea_ is only the Produce of _Asia_, and whether it is ever found in _Europe_, or not? And,

_3d_, Which of the _European_ Herbs may be most properly used in its Stead.

_Tulpius_, then, speaks in the following Manner: "In the _East Indies_ nothing is more common than drinking the Decoction of an Herb, which the _Chinese_ call _Thee_, and the _Japonese_, _Tchia_. As my Accounts of this Plant were received from the best and most impartial Authors, I shall willingly hand them down to Posterity. The Herb _Tea_, therefore, has long acuminated Leaves crenated about the Edges. Its Roots are fibrous, and divided into very small Shreds. It grows not only in _China_ and _Japan_, but also in _Chiam_, only the Leaves of the _Chinese Tea_ are of a blackish green Colour: Whereas the _Japonese Tea_ is of a fainter Colour, and more grateful Taste. Hence it also happens, that the _Tchia_ of the _Japonese_, is far more esteemed than the _Thee_ of the _Chinese_; since one Pound of the former is frequently sold at an Hundred _Libræ_; for it is in these Parts of the World believed, that nothing is more salutary and beneficial than this Herb, whether for protracting Life to extreme old Age, or for preventing the Attacks of Diseases. It not only renders the Body vigorous and active, and prevents the Stone, to which none of the Inhabitants are for this Reason subject, but also removes Head-achs, Stuffings of the Head, Inflammations, and Distillations of the Eyes, a Difficulty of Breathing, Weakness of the Stomach, Gripes of the Intestines, and Weariness. It also so effectually prevents Sleep, that those who drink it at Night, can sit up, without feeling the least Inclination to sleep: for it is moderately heating, and by constricting the Mouth of the Stomach, hinders the Ascent of those Vapours which are necessary to procure Sleep; so that, by its Means, nothing hinders or interrupts those who intend to read or write all Night.

"This Plant, however, seems neither to have been long known, nor long used, among the _Chinese_, since they have no hieroglyphical Characters, such as most of their Letters are, which express its Nature and Qualities. These two Nations also differ widely, with respect to the Manner of using _Tea_; since the _Japonese_ mix the _Tea_, powdered in a Marble Mortar, with warm Water: Whereas, the _Chinese_, boil the Plant itself with some Liquor, adding a few Grains of Salt, or Sugar. This Decoction, they drink with their Friends and Visitors; and even their leading Men do not think it beneath them, but rather a Piece of Honour to prepare the _Tea_ for their Guests; for which Purpose they have Closets in their Palaces, fitted up on purpose, in which they keep their Pots, Tripods, Tunnels, Cups, Spoons, and other _Tea_ Utensils, which they buy at an exorbitant Price, preserve in Silk, and only use when their best Friends visit them. These, they esteem as much as we do Adamants, Gems, and the most precious Stones. See _Joh. Maffæus_, _Rer. Indicar. Lib. 6. & 12._ _Ludovic_, _Almeid. Select. Epist. Lib. 4._ _Petr. Garric. Tom. 2. Lib. 2. Cap. 17._ _Matth. Ricius, de Christ. Expedit. apud Sinas, Lib. 1. Cap. 7._ _Alois Frois, in Relat. Japon. Jac. Bontius, Dialog. 6._ _Med. Indorum, & Johan. Linseot, Cap. 26._"