Chapter XVI: Part IV: Chap. I (2)

15. §. This _Membrane_, if it be pulled with a most steady hand, and very gently, upwards, it will draw a small transparent _String_ after it to the bottom of the Midle _Membrane_: The said _String_ though for the greater part, _Parenchymous_, yet being strengthened with the _admixture_ of some _Lignous Fibres_; not otherwise visible in either of these two _Membranes_. So that they seem, to be a small portion of those which are inosculated at the bottome of the _Outer Membrane_, and thence produced through the midlemost, underneath the _Chanel_, till at last they break forth into the upper _Cistern_, where they form this inner _Membrane_: a piece of close-wrought _Work_, suitable to the incomparable fineness of all the _Stuff_ out of which it is made.

16. §. The same _Membrane_ is originally entire, as the Midlemost: but being grown to about the bigness of a _Carvi-Seed_, becomes a little hollow near the _Cone_. And the _Lignous Fibers_ abovesaid, ♦ _Tab. 81._ ♦ fetching their compass from the _Base_, shoot forth into the _Cone_; and so make a very small _Node_ therein, for the first _Essay_ towards the _Generation_ of the _Seed_. The said _Fibers_ being thus spun out, to the utmost degree of fineness for this purpose.

17. §. This _Node_, being grown about ⅕ᵗʰ part as big as a _Cheese-Mite_; it begins next to be divided by a little indenture at the _Top_. ♦ _Tab. 81._ ♦ Which growing by degrees still deeper, the _Node_ is hereby at length distinguished into two _Lobes_ or thick _Leavs_.

18. §. So soon as these are finished, their _Basis_ begins afterwards to be contracted, ♦ _Tab. 81._ ♦ and so to be formed into a _Radicle_ or that part of the _Seed_ which becomes the _Root_. As the _Stalks_ of _Fruits_ do grow lesser, while the _Fruits_ themselves are expanded. So that in this estate, the _Radicle_ is, as it were, the _Stalk_ of the _Seed_.

19. §. At this time, the _Seed_ being extream small, the _Lobes_ are not so manageable as to be separated one from the other. But it is most reasonable to suppose that so soon as the _Radicle_ is finished, the next step, is the pushing forth of another _Node_, between the _Lobes_, in order to the making of a _Bud_, and so the perfection of the _Seed_.

20. §. This being done or in doing, the _Radicle_ or _Stalk_ of the _Seed_, containing still more and more at the bottome, hangs at the Inner _Membrane_, only by an extream small and short _Ligament_ or _Navel-String_. Which at last, also breaks; and so the _Seed_, as _Fruits_ when they are ripe, falls off and lies loose in the Iner _Membrane_; ♦ _Tab. 81._ ♦ this gradually shrinking up and so becoming more hollow, to make room for the further _Growth_ of the _Seed_.

Several

LECTURES

Read before the

ROYAL SOCIETY.

By _NEHEMJAH GREW_ M.D. Fellow of the _ROYAL SOCIETY_, and of the
_COLLEGE_ of _PHYSICIANS_.

_LONDON_,

Printed by _W. Rawlins_, 1682.

THE

TITLES

Of the following

LECTURES.

I. _OF the Nature, Causes, and Power of MIXTURE._ The second
Edition.

II. _Of the LUCTATION arising upon the_ Mixture _of several_
Menstruum’s _with all sorts of Bodies._ The second Edition.

III. _An Essay, Of the various_ Proportions, _wherein LIXIVIAL
SALTS are found in_ Plants.

IV. _Of the ESSENTIAL and MARINE SALTS of_ Plants.

V. _Of the COLOURS of_ Plants.

VI. _Of the_ Diversities _and_ Causes _of TASTS; chiefly in_
Plants. _With an_ Appendix, _Of the ODOURS of_ Plants.

VII. _Experiments in Consort, upon the SOLUTION of SALTS in_ Water.

TO THE

Right Honourable

WILLIAM

Lord VisCount _BROUNCKER_,

PRESIDENT

OF THE

Royal Society.

MY LORD,

_ONE Reason why I Dedicate the following_ Discourses _to Your_ Lordship, _is, For that by Your great undeserved Respects, You have obliged me to do no less._

_Another, my_ Lord, _is, Because I could not but Publickly return Your_ Lordship _Thanks, for minding the_ Royal Society _of so good a Way, they are lately resolved upon, for the Management of a great part of their Business. Wherein, my_ Lord, _I do more than presume, that I also speak the Sense of the whole_ Society; _I think, not any one excepted._

_I may with the same Confidence intimate, my_ Lord, _how happy they account themselves, in having a_ Person _so fit to preside their Affairs, as Your_ Lordship. _The Largeness of your Knowledge, the Exactness of Your Judgment, the Evenness of Your Comport; being some of those necessary Qualifications, which His_ Majesty _had in His Eye (as right well understanding what He did) when He fixed His Choice upon Your_ Lordship.

_I know, my_ Lord, _that there are some men, who have just so much Understanding, as only to teach them how to be Ambitious: The Flattering of whom, is somewhat like the Tickling of Children, till they fall a Dancing. But I also know, that Your_ Lordship _unconcerneth Your self as much, in what I even now spake; as_ Cæsar _did himself, when his_ Souldiers _began to style him_ King. _For as he said,_ Non Rex, sed Cæsar: _So let Your_ Lordship _be but once nam’d, and all that follows, is but a_ Tautology _to what You are already known to be. Your being_ President _of the_ Royal Society, _Your being the_ First _that was Chosen, and_ Chosen _by so Knowing a_ Prince; _becomes so real a_ Panegyrick _to Your_ Lordship, _as leaveth Verbal ones without any sound._

_Whence, my_ Lord, _I have a third Reason most naturally emergent, which is, That I dare to submit my self, as to what I have hereafter said, to Your_ Lordships _Censure. You being so able and just an_ Arbiter _betwixt the same and all those Persons therein concern’d; that You can neither be deceived, nor corrupted, to make a Judgment in any Point, to the Injury of either._

_And truly, my_ Lord, _were it only from a Principle of self-Interest, yet I could not desire it should be otherwise. For the_ World, _if it lives, will certainly grow as much more knowing than it is; as it is now more, than it was heretofore. So that we have as little Reason to despise_ Antiquity; _as we can have willingness, that we our selves should be despised by_ Posterity.

_Yet some difference there is to be made;_ viz. _betwixt those of all_ Ages, _who have been modestly ignorant; and those who have thought, or pretended, that they were Omniscient. Or if knowing and acknowledging that they were Ignorant; have yet not been contented to be so; unless, with as good manners, as sense, they did conjure all Mankind not to offer at the knowing any more than themselves._

_Upon the whole, my_ Lord, _I desire not You should be a_ Patron, _any further than You are a_ Judge. _For if this small_ Essay _hath deserved the least acceptance, I am sure, that in being one, You will be both._

_I am_,

My Lord,
Your _Lordships_ most Faithful
and Obedient Servant,

_NEHEMJAH GREW_.

A

DISCOURSE

Read before the

ROYAL SOCIETY

_Decemb. 10. 1674._

Concerning the

_NATURE_, _CAUSES_, and _POWER_

OF

MIXTURE.

HAVING the honour to perform the Task of this day; I shall endeavour to conform to the _Phylosophy_, which this _Society_ doth profess; which is, _Reasoning grounded upon Experiment, and the Common Notions of Sense_. The former being, without the latter, too subtle and intangible; the latter without the former, too gross and unmanageable: but both together, bearing a true analogy to our selves; who are neither Angels, nor meer Animals, but Men.

The Subject I have chosen to speak of, is _Mixture_. Whereof, that our _Discourse_ may be the more _consistent_, and the better _intelligible_; all I have to say, shall be ranged into this Method; _viz._

1. First, I shall give a brief account of the received _Doctrine_ of _Mixture_.

2. Next, lay down some _Propositions_ of the _Principles_ whereof all _Mixed_ Bodies consist.

3. Then, open the true _Nature_ of _Mixture_; or say, _What_ it is.

4. And then enumerate the _Causes_ of _Mixture_; or say, _How_ it is made.

5. Lastly, I shall shew the _Power_ of _Mixture_; or, _What_ it can _do_.

CHAP. I.

_Of the received Doctrine of_ Mixture.

FIRST, As to the received _Doctrine_ of _Mixture_; not to trouble you with tedious quotations of what _Aristotle_, _Galen_, _Fernelius_, _Scaliger_, _Sennertus_, _Riverius_, and other Learned men say hereof; we may suppose the whole summed up in that _Definition_ which _Aristotle_ himself hath given of it, ♦ Lib. 1. _de Generat. & Corrupt._ Cap. ult. ♦ and which the greater number of his Followers, have almost religiously adhered to; _viz._ that ’tis, τῶν μικτῶν ἀλλοιωθέντων ἕνωσις, that ’tis, _Miscibilium alteratorum unio_. Which _Definition_, as it is usually explicated, is both _Unintelligible_, and _Unuseful_.

2. §. Two things are _unintelligible_; what they mean by _Alteration_; and what by _Union_. In this _Alteration_, they say, That the very _Forms_ of the _Elements_ are _altered_. And therefore lay it down for an _Axiom_, _Quod in Mixto, Formæ Elementares tantum sint in potentia_, But let us see the consequence. For if in a _mixed_ body, the _Forms_ of the _Elements_ are but in _potentia_; then the _Elements_ themselves are but _in potentia_: for we all say, _Forma dat esse_. And if the _Compounding Elements_, are only _in potentia_; then the _Compounded Body_ it self can be only _in potentia_; yet to say it is no more, is most absurd.

3. §. As for the _Union_ of _Elements_ in a _mixed Body_; they make it such, as brings them at last to assert, the _Penetration_ of _Bodies_, and that the _Union_ of _mixed Bodies_ is nothing else. For they say it is made in such sort, that every particle of the _mixed Body_, partaketh of the _Nature_ of the whole. Which _Nature_, ariseth from the contemperated _Qualities_ of the four _Elements_. Whence they conclude, That every particle of the _mixed Body_, containeth in it self all the four _Elements_. Which is plainly to assert a _penetration_ of _Bodies_. For every _Element_ is, at least, one particle; if therefore every particle of the _mixed_ Body, containeth four _Elements_; then four particles are but one. I conclude then, That the received _Doctrine_ of _Mixture_ is _Unintelligible_.

4. §. Whence it follows, That it is also _Barren_ and _Unuseful_. For who can make any use of that which he understandeth not? And the experience of so many years, wherein it hath been ventilated by the disputes of men, proveth as much: Scarce any of them, except the Learned _Sennertus_, daring to venture upon Experiment, for fear they should come to understand themselves.

5. §. It is confessed, that many gallant things have been found out by artificial _Mixture_. But no thanks to this _Definition_ of it. For as an _Ignorant_ Man may make bad _Work_, and a good _Rule_ be never the worse; so one that is _Ingenious_ may make good _Work_, and a bad _Rule_ be never the better. The question is not, what have men done? but what have they done upon this foundation, _Quod Mixitio sit miscibilium alteratorum unio_. Had this ever taught them to do any thing, even so much as to make the _Inke_ wherewith they have wrote, all their _Disputes_; I confess, they would have had something to shew for it. But the truth is, their _notions_ of _Mixture_, have been so far from doing us any good, that they have done us much harm: being, through their seeming subtlety, but real absurdity, as so many phantastick _Spectrums_, serving only to affright men from coming near them, or the Subject whereof they treat.

6. §. I shall therefore endeavour to open the true _Nature_ of _Mixture_. And I shall build my _Doctrine_ upon the _Common Notions_ of _Sense_: which none can _deny_; and every one may _conceive_ of. In order to which, I shall take leave to lay down some _Propositions_, of the _Principles_ of all _mixed Bodies_.

CHAP. II.

_Of the Principles of Bodies._

AND first, by _Principles_, I mean _Atomes_, or certain _Sorts_ of _Atomes_, or of the _simplest_ of _Bodies_. For otherwise they would not be _Principles_; for a _compounded Principle_, in strict speaking, is a _Contradiction_. Even as _Fives_, _Threes_, or _Two’s_ are not the _Principles_ of _Number_, but _Unites_.

2. §. Whence, secondly, it follows, that they are also _Indivisible_. Not _Mathematically_; for the _Atomes_ of every _Principle_ have their _Dimensions_. But _Physically_; and so, what is but _one_, cannot be made _two_. If it be asked, Whether a Stick cut with a Knife, be not of one, made two? I say, that a Stick, is not _one_ Body, but _many millions_ of Bodies; that is, of _Atomes_; not any one whereof is _divided_ within it self, but only they are _separated_ one from another, where the Knife forceth its way. As in the drawing of a mans Finger through a Heap of Corn; there is no _Division_ made in any one _Grain_, but only a _separation_ of them one from another, all remaining still in themselves entire. I say, therefore, that what is _Physically one_, is also most firm, and _Indivisible_, that is, _Impenetrable_: for _Penetration_ is but the _Separation_, not the _Division_ of _Atomes_.

3. §. Hence, thirdly, they are also _Immutable_. For that which cannot be _divided_, cannot be _chang’d_. So that of the whole World of _Atomes_, not any one hath ever suffer’d, or can suffer the least _mutation_. Hereupon is grounded the _Constancy_ of _Causes_ and _Effects_. So that, in all _Generations_, it is not less certain, that the self same _Principle_ is still _propagated_ from the same; than, that _Man_ is from _Man_. Wherefore, _compounded Bodies_ are _generated_; but _Principles_ are not, but only _propagated_; that is, in every _Generation_, they pass, in themselves unaltered, from one Body, into another.

4. §. If _Principles_, or _Atomes_ are all _Immutable_; it again follows, That they are of _Divers Kinds_. For one and the same _Principle_, or _Kind_ of _Atomes_, will still make the _Same_ Thing, and have the _same Effect_: so that all _Generations_ would then be the _Same_. Wherefore, since they are _Immutable_, they must be _Divers_.

5. §. This _Diversity_, for the same reason, is not small, but very _Numerous_. For as the _World_, taken together, is _Natures Shop_; so the _Principles_ of Things are her _Tools_, and her _Materials_. Wherefore, as it speaks the _goodness_ of a _Shop_; so the _Perfection_ of the _Universe_, That it is furnished with many _Tools_ wherewith, and many _Materials_ whereupon to _work_. And consequently, that _Philosophy_ beareth best its own name; which doth not strain all to two or three _Principles_, like two or three Bells in a Steeple, making a pitiful _Chime_: but tryeth to rise up to _Natures_ own _Number_, and so to _ring_ all the _Changes_ in the World.

6. §. Yet doth not this vast _Diversity_ take away the _Regiment_ and _Subordination_ of _Principles_. There being a certain lesser _number_ of them, which either by their greater _quantity_, or other ways, have _Rule_ and _Dominion_, in their several _Orders_, over all the rest. For where-ever the _Subject_ is _Multitude_, _Order_ is part of its _Perfection_. For _Order_ is _Proportion_. And how can _Nature_ be imagin’d to hold _Proportion_ in all things else, and not here? Wherefore, as certainly, as _Order_ and _Government_ are in all the Parts of the _Rational_; so certainly, of the _Material World_. Whence it is, That although the _Species_ of _Principles_ be very _numerous_; yet the _Principles_ called _Galenical_, _Chymical_, or any others, which do any way fall under the notice of Sense, are notwithstanding _reduceable_ to a _smaller number_: _viz._ according to the _number_ of _Predominant Principles_ in _Nature_; or, rather in this part of the _Universe_ which is _near and round about us_. To the _Power_ and _Empire_ whereof, all other _Principles_ do submit. Which _Submission_, is not the _quitting_ of their own _Nature_; but only their appearance under the external Face or _Habit_ of the said _Predominant Principles_.

7. §. As there can be no _Order_ of _Principles_, without _Diversity_; so no _Diversity_, but what is _originally_ made by these two ways; _sc._ by _Size_ and _Figure_. By _these_ they may be exceeding different: and all other _Properties_ besides, whereby they differ, must be _dependent_ upon _these Two_.

8. §. Nor therefore, can they be of any other _Figures_, than what are _Regular_. For _Regularity, is a Similitude continu’d_. Since therefore all kinds of _Atomes_ are _divers_ only by their _Size_ and _Figure_; if the selfe same _Size_ and _Figure_ were not _common_ to a certain number of _Atomes_, they could not be said to be of any _one kind_: and consequently, if there were no _Similitude_ of _Atomes_, there could be no _Distinction_ of _Principles_.

9. §. Hence also, these two _Modes_ of _Atomes_, _viz._ their _Size_ and _Figure_, are the true, and only _original Qualities_ of _Atomes_. That is, an _Atome_ is _such_ or _such_, because it is of such a certain _Size_ and _Figure_.

10. §. Lastly, As these two _Modes_, taken severally, are the _Qualities_ of an _Atome_: so consider’d together, they are its _Form_. A _Substantial Form_ of a _Body_, being an unintelligible thing. I say of a _Body_; for although the _Rational Soul_ be a _Substantial Form_, yet is it the _Form_ of a _Man_, and not of a _Body_. For the _Form_ of a _Body_, we can conceive of no otherwise, than as of the _Modification_ of a _Body_, or a _Complexion_ of all the _Modes_ of a _Body_. Which also agrees with that _Definition_ of a _Form_, which amongst the _Peripatetick Philosophers_ is well enough accepted, _viz._ _Quod sit, Ratio ejus Essentiæ, quæ cuique Rei competit_. Which _Ratio_, if it be referred to a _Body_, what is it, but the _Modification_ of that _Body_? Having thus proposed a Summary of my _Thoughts_ about _Principles_; I shall next proceed to shew what their _Mixture_ is.

CHAP. III.

_Of the NATURE of_ Mixture.

AND first of all, from the _Premisses_, we arrive at this _Conclusion_; _sc._ That the _Formation_ and _Transformation_ of all Bodies, can be nothing else, but the _Mixture_ of Bodies. For all _Principles_ are _immutable_; ♦ _Ch. 2. §. 3._ ♦ as we have above proved: and therefore not _generable_, _formable_, or _transformable_. And the _Forms_ of _Principles_, being but their _Modes_, are also _immutable_. ♦ _Ch. 2. §. 10._ ♦ So that the whole _Business_ of the _Material World_, is nothing else, but _Mixture_.

2. §. Again, as _Nature_ worketh every where only by _Mixture_; so is this _Mixture_ every where but _one thing_, and can be but _one_. For whether it be the _Mixture_ of _great_ Bodies, or of _small_; of _Compounds_, or of _Atomes_; it is every where _Mixture_, and the _Mixture_ of _Bodies_. ♦ _Ch. 2. §. 2._ ♦ Wherefore, _Mixture_ is either an _intelligible Affection_ of _all_ Bodies, or of _none_; which later, no man will say. As many ways therefore, as we can _see_, or _conceive_ the _Mixture_ of any _gross_ Bodies, which we hold in our hand; so many ways, we may, of the _subtilest Mixtures_ which _Nature_ maketh, or of _Atomes_ themselves; and no other ways.

3. §. Now all the ways we can distinguish _Mixture_ by, are, in general, these _Two_; either in respect of the _Bodies Mixed_, or else of the _Modes_ of the _Mixture_ it self.

4. §. In respect of the _Bodies Mixed_, _Mixture_ is distinguished also _two_ ways; _viz._ by _Conjugation_, and by _Proportion_.

5. §. By _Conjugation_, I mean, a _Mixture of some certain Principles, and not of others_. Which is _threefold_. _First_, As to _Number_: as when one Body may be compounded of _two Principles_, another of _three_, a third of _four_, a fourth of _five_, and so on. _Secondly_, As to _Kind_: where, though there be a conjunction of the same _Number_, yet not of the same _Kind_. _Thirdly_, When they differ from one another both in _Number_ and _Kind_. So many ways the _Principles_ of Bodies may be conceived to be _Conjugated_; and therefore are: for here, that which _may_ be, _is_. The Consequence is clear. For _first_, _Nature_ hath various _Materials_ wherewith to make these _Mixtures_; as we have shewed. ♦ _Ch. 2. §. 5._ ♦ _Secondly_, By these _Mixtures_ she _may_, and without the concurrence of any imaginary _Forms_, _must_ produce all the varieties in the _material World_; as likewise hath been said. ♦ _Ch. 3. §. 1._ ♦ Wherefore, since all imaginable _Mixtures may_ be _made_, and that to _some purpose_; if they should not be _so_, _Nature_ would be _Imperfect_: because we our selves can think, how she might put her _Materials_ to further use, then _so_ she would do. To think therefore, that all _Kinds_ of _Principles_, or all _Elements_ go to make up every _Compounded Body_, as by the _Peripatetick Philosophy_ we are taught; is a conceit, no more to be credited, than one that should tell us, all _Kind_ of _Wheels_ and other _parts_ of a _Watch_, were put into a _Clock_; or that there were no other _Materials_ wherewith to build an _House_, then for a _Tent_ or a _Ship_. For why should _Nature_, the great _Artificer_ by which all _perfect Works_ are made, be feigned to cram and ram _all things into one_, which we our selves look upon as absurd?

6. §. _Secondly_, The _Mixture_ of _Principles_ is diversifi’d, as by _Conjugation_, so also by _Proportion_. That is, by the divers _Quantities_, of the several _Principles_ or _Parts mixed_ together. As if the _Quantity_ of one, were as _five_ to _ten_; of a second, as _five_ to _fifteen_; of a third, as _five_ to _twenty_, &c. Or if that of one, be as _five_ to _six_; of a second, as _six_ to _seven_; of a third, as _seven_ to _eight_. By which, and by other _Proportions_, _Mixture_ may be varied innumerable ways.

7. §. _Again_, As _Mixture_ is varied with respect to the _Bodies Mixed_; so likewise in respect of the _Mixture_ it self, which I call the _Location_ of _Principles_, or the _Modes_ of their _Conjunction_. Which may be various, as well as their _Conjugation_ and _Proportion_. Yet are they all reduceable unto _two_ general _Modes_: ♦ _Ch. 2. §. 2._ ♦ all _Bodies_, and therefore all _Principles_, being _mixed_ either by _Mediation_, or by _Contact_.

8. §. Now all _Contact_, whether of _Compounds_, or of _Atomes_, can be no other way, than such as is answerable to their _Figures_. Whereof, therefore, we can conceive but _three_ general ways, _viz._

_First_, By _Contact_ in a _Point_, or some _smaller part_: as when _two Atomes_ meet, which are _globular_ or otherwise _gibbose_. _Secondly_, By _Contact_ in a _Plain_: as in the conjunction of the _sides_ of _Triangular_ or _Quadrangular Atomes_, or otherwise _flat_. _Thirdly_, By _Contact_ in a _Concave_: as when one _Atome_ is admitted into the _Concave_ or _hole_ of another; as a Spigot is into a Fosset. The _first_ may be called, _Apposition_; the _second_, _Application_; the _third_, _Reception_ or _Intrusion_.

9. §. In the _two last_ ways, _Atomes_ may be joyned by _Mediation_; but best of all the _last_. As when the _two extreams_ of one _Atome_ are received into the _Concaves_ or the _holes_ of two others.

10. §. And these are all the _general_ ways, whereby we can conceive Bodies to be _Mixed_ together; _sc._ by their various _Conjugation_, _Proportion_ and _Location_. So that the _Composition_ of _Atomes_, in _Bodies_; is like that of _Letters_, in _Words_. What a Thunderclap would such a _Word_ be, wherein all the four and twenty _Letters_ were pack’d up? One therefore is compounded of more, another of fewer: this of some, and that of others: and both the _Conjugation_, _Proportion_, and _Location_ of _Letters_ is varied in every _Word_: whereby, we have many thousands of _differing Words_, without any _alteration_ at all, in the _Letters themselves_; and might have ten times as many more. In like manner, therefore, or in the self same analogous way, as the _Letters_ of the _Alphabet_, are the _Principles_ of _Words_; so _Principles_, are the _Alphabet_ of _Things_.

11. §. What we have said of _Principles_; and of _Mixture_ as consequent thereupon; may be a _foundation_ for an _intelligible_ account, of the _Nature_ and _Cause_ of most of the Intrinsick _Properties_, and _Qualities_ of _Bodies_: as of _Gravity_, _Levity_, _Fixity_, _Fluidity_, _Angularity_, _Roundness_, _Heat_, _Cold_, _Blackness_, _Whiteness_, _Sowerness_, _Sweetness_, _Fragrancy_, _Fetidness_, and very many more. I say an _intelligible_ account; _sc._ such as is grounded upon the _Notions_ of _Sense_, and made out _Mechanically_. But the exemplification hereof, being too large a field for this, or any one _Lecture_, I shall, before I come to the _Causes_ of _Mixture_, only deduce from the _Premises_, these following _Corollaries_.

12. §. _First_, That there is no _alteration_ of _Principles_ or of _Elements_, in the most _perfect Mixture_ of Bodies. It _cannot_ be; for _Principles_ are _Immutable_, as we have said. ♦ _Ch. 2. §. 3._ ♦ And if it could be, yet it _needeth not_ to be: for they are also _many_, and _compoundable infinite_ ways; ♦ _Ch. 2. §. 5._ ♦ as hath been shewed. So that we have no need to perplex our selves with any of those difficulties, ♦ _Ch. 3. §. 10._ ♦ that arise from the _Doctrine_ of the _Alteration_ of _Elements_. The ground of which conceit, is that, of there being but four _Elements_, and all in every particle of the _mixed Body_. And so men being puzeled, how from thence to make out the infinite _variety_ of Bodies, they feigned them to be alterable, and _altered_, upon every _perfect Mixture_. Not considering, that if their four _Elements_ be _alterable_; as few as they are, no fewer then _three_ of them may be spared: for _one Element_, if _alterable_, may be made _any_.

13. §. Hence, _Secondly_, may be solved that great _Dispute_, Whether such as we call _Lixivial Salts_, are _made_ by the _fire_? For _first_, No _Principle_ is made by the _fire_: ♦ _Ch. 2. §. 3._ ♦ all _Principles_ being _unalterable_; and therefore _unmakable_. _Secondly_, We must therefore distinguish betwixt the _Principle_, and its various _Mixture_ with other _Principles_; from whence it may receive different _Shapes_ and _Names_. Wherefore, a _Lixivial Salt_, _qua Lixivial_, is certainly _made_ by the _fire_. But _quatenus Salt_, it is not: that _Principle_ being _extractable_ out of _most_ Bodies; and by _divers_ other _ways_, then by the _fire_. For whether you _Calcine_ a body, or else _Ferment_ it, (after the manner shewed by the _curious Improver_ of _Chymical_ Knowledge, _Dr. Daniel Cox_) or _putrifie_ it under ground, or _drown_ it in the Sea; it still yieldeth _some kind_ of _Salt_. All which _Salts_ are _made_, not by _making_ the _Saline Principle_; but only by its being differently _Mixed_, by those several ways of the _Solution_ of Bodies, with other _Principles_: from which its different _Mixture_, it receives the _various Denominations_, of _Marine_, _Nitrous_, _Volatile_, or _Lixivial_.

14. §. Hence, _Thirdly_, the most _perfect Mixture_ of Bodies, can go no higher than _Contact_. For all _Principles_ are _unalterable_; ♦ _Ch. 2. §. 3._ ♦ and all _Matter_ is _impenetrable_; as hath been said. ♦ _Ch. 3. §. 2._ ♦ In the most _visible_ and _laxe Mixture_, there is _Contact_; and in the most _subtile_ and _perfect_, as in _Generation_ it self, there is _nothing more_.

15. §. Hence, _Fourthly_, we easily understand, how divers of the same _Principles_, belonging both to _Vegetables_ and many _other_ Bodies, are also _actually_ existent in the Body of _Man_. Because even in _Generation_ or _Transmutation_, the _Principles_ which are translated from one Body to another, as from a _Vegetable_ to an _Animal_, are not in the least _alter’d_ in themselves; but only their _Mixture_, that is, their _Conjugation_, _Proportion_ and _Location_, is _varied_.

16. §. Hence also the difference of _Mixture_, arising from the difference of _Contact_, is intelligible; _sc._ as to those _three degrees_, _Congregation_, _Union_, and _Concentration_.

_Congregation_, and _Inconsistent Mixture_, is when the several _Atomes_ touch but in a _Point_, or _smaller part_. ♦ _Ch. 3. §. 8._ ♦ In _which_ manner, I have divers arguments, inducing me to believe the _Atomes_ of all _Fluid Bodies_, _qua Fluid_, do touch; and in _no other_.

♦ _Ch. 3. §. 8._ ♦ _Union_, is when they touch in a _Plain_. As in the _Crystals_ and _Shootings_ of all _Salts_, and _other_ like Bodies. For if we pursue their divided and subdivided parts, with our eye, as far as we can; they still _terminate_, on every side, in _Plains_. Wherefore, ’tis intelligible, That their very _Atomes_ do also _terminate_, and therefore _touch_, in _Plain_.

_Concentration_, is when two, or more _Atomes_ touch by _Reception_ and _Intrusion_ of one into another: ♦ _Ch. 3. §. 8._ ♦ which is the _closest_, and _firmest Mixture_ of all; as in any _fixed unodorable_, or _untastable_ Body: the _Atomes_ of such Bodies, being not able to make any _Smell_ or _Taste_, unless they were first _dissolved_; that is to say, _unpin’d_ one from another.

17. §. Hence, _Sixthly_, we understand, how in some cases, there seemeth to be a _Penetration_ of _Bodies_; and in what _sense_ it may be admitted: _viz._ if we will mean no more by _Penetration_, but _Intrusion_. For the _Intrusion_ of one _Atome_ into the _Concave_ or _hole_ of another, is a _kind_ of _Penetration_; whereby they take up less room in the _mixed_ Body, then they would do by any other way of _Contact_. As a naked knife and its sheath, take up almost double room, to what they do, when the knife is sheathed. Whence we may assign the _reason_, Why many _Liquors_ being _mixed_; take up less room or space, then they did _apart_; as the _Ingenious_ Mr. _Hook_ hath made it to appear by _Experiment_, that they do. I say the plain _reason_ hereof, or at least one reason, is the _Intrusion_ of many of their _Atomes_ into one another. Which yet is not a _Penetration_ of Bodies strictly so called.

18. §. _Seventhly_, If all that _Nature maketh_, be but _Mixture_; ♦ _Ch. 3. §. 1._ ♦ and all this _Mixture_ be but _Contact_ ’tis then evident, That _Natural_ and _Artificial_ Mixture, are the _same_. ♦ _Ch. 3. §. 14._ ♦ And all those _seeming subtilties_ whereby _Philosophers_ have gone about to _distinguish_ them; have been but so many _Scarcrows_ to affright _Men_ from the _Imitation_ of _Nature_.

19. §. _Eighthly_, Hence it follows, That _Art_ it self may go far in doing what _Nature_ doth. And who can say, how far? For we have nothing to _Make_; but only to _mix_ those _Materials_, which are already _made_ to our hands. Even _Nature_ her self, as hath been said, _Maketh_ nothing _new_; ♦ _Ch. 3. §. 1._ ♦ but only _mixeth_ all things. So far, therefore, as we can govern _Mixture_, we may do what _Nature_ doth.

20. §. Which that we may still the better understand; let us before, and in the next place, see the _Causes_ of _Mixture_. ♦ _Ch. 3. §. 18._ ♦ For since _Natural_ and _Artificial Mixture_ are the _same_; the _immediate Causes_ of both, are and must be the _same_.

CHAP. IV.

_Of the CAUSES of Mixture._

NOW all the _Causes_ of _Mixture_ we can conceive of, must, I think, be reduced to these _six_ in _general_; _viz._ _Congruity_, _Weight_, _Compression_, _Solution_, _Digestion_, and _Agitation_.

1. §. _Congruity_, or aptitude and _respondence_ betwixt the _Sizes_ and _Figures_ of _Parts_ to be _mixed_: whereby Bodies may be truly called the _Instrumental Causes_ of their own _Mixture_. As when a _Plain_ answers to a _Plain_, a _Square_ to a _Square_, a _Convex_ to a _Concave_, or a _Less_ to a _Greater_ or an _Equal_, &c. according to which _Respondencies_ in the _parts_ of Bodies, they are more or less easily _mingleable_.

2. §. _Weight_, by means whereof all _Fluid_ Bodies, upon supposition of the _Congruity_ of their parts, must unavoidably _mingle_.

3. §. _Compression_; which either by the _Air_, or any other Body, added to _Weight_, must, in some degree, further _Mixture_. Because, that _Weight_ it self, is but _Pression_. For further Proof of all the said _Causes_, I made this _Experiment_; Let _Oyl_ of _Aniseeds_, and _Oyl_ of _Vitriol_ be put apart into the _Receiver_ of an _Air-Pump_. And, having _exhausted_ it of the _Air_, let the _two_ said _Oyls_ be then affused one upon the other. Whereupon, _First_, It is visible, that they here _mix_ and _coagulate_ together; that is, their parts are _wedged_ and _intruded_ one into another, without the _usual compression_ of the _Air_; for that is _exhausted_, and therefore only by the _Congruity_ of their receiving and intruding parts; and by their _Weight_; by _which_ alone they are so _compressed_, as to make that _Intrusion_. _Secondly_, It is also evident, That although they do _Coagulate_; yet not altogether so much, as when poured together in the same manner, and quantity, in the _open Air_. Wherefore, _Compression_, whether made by the _Air_, or any thing else, as it doth further the _Dissolution_ of some Bodies, so the _Mixture_ of others, and the greater the _Compression_, the more.

4. §. _Solution_; For all Bodies _mix_ best, in _Forma fluida_. And that for two reasons. _First_, Because the _parts_ of a Body are not then in a _state_ of _Union_, but of _Separation_; and therefore, in a more capable _state_, for their _Mixture_ and _Union_ with the _parts_ of _another_ Body. _Secondly_, because then they are also in a _state_ of _Motion_, more or less; and therefore, in a continual tendency towards _Mixture_; all _Mixture_ being made by _Motion_. Wherefore all _Generations_, and most _perfect Mixtures_ in _Nature_, are made by _Fluids_; whether _Animal_, _Vegetable_, or _Mineral_. Which is also agreeable to the _Doctrine_ of the _Honourable_ Mr. _Boyle_, in his _Excellent Treatise_ of the _Nature_ and _Vertues_ of _Gems_. And it is well known, That Bodies are ordinarily _petrified_, or _Stones made_, out of _Water_. That is, out of _petrifying parts_ dissolved _per minima_ in _Water_, as both their _Menstruum_ and their _Vehicle_. Wherefore, if we will talk of _making Gold_; it must not be by the Philosophers _Stone_, but by the Philosophers _Liquor_.

5. §. _Digestion._ For which there is the same reason, as for _Mixture_, by _Solution_. For, _First_, All heat doth _attenuate_, that is, still further _separate_ the _parts_ of a Body; and so render them more _mingleable_ with the _parts_ of _another_. And therefore, _Secondly_, Doth also add more _Motion_ to them, in order to their _Mixture_.

6. §. _Agitation._ Which I am induced to believe a great and effectual means of _Mixture_, upon divers Considerations. As, _First_, That the _making_ of _Blood_ in the _Bodies_ of _Animals_, and the _mixing_ of the _Chyle_ therewith, is very much promoted by the same means; _sc._ by the _Agitation_ of the parts of the _Blood_ and _Chyle_, in their continual _Circulation_. _Again_, from the _making_ of _Butter_ out of _Milk_, by the same means: whereby alone is made a _separation_ of the oleous parts from the _Whey_, and Conjunction of the _Oleous_ together. _Moreover_, From the great _Effects_ of _Digestion_; well known to all that are conversant in _Chymical Preparations_. Which _Digestion_ it self, is but a _kind_ of _insensible agitation_ of the _parts_ of _digested_ Bodies. ’Tis _also_ a known _Experiment_, That the readiest way to dissolve _Sugar_ in _Wine_ or other _Liquor_; is to give the _Vessel_ a _hasty turn_, together with a _smart knock_, against any _hard_ and _steady_ Body: whereby all the parts of the _Sugar_ and _Liquor_, are put into a vehement _Agitation_, and so the _Sugar_ immediately dissolved, and _mixed_ with the _Liquor_. And I remember, that having (with intent, to make Mr. _Matthews’s Pill_) put some _Oyl_ of _Turpentine_ and _Salt_ of _Tartar_ together in a Bottle, and sent it up hither out of the _Country_; I found, that the continual _Agitation_ upon the _Road_, for three or four days, had done more towards their _Mixture_; than a far greater time of _Digestion_ alone had done before. And it is certain, That a vehement _Agitation_, especially, if continu’d, or joyned with _Digestion_; will accelerate the _Mixture_ of some Bodies, ten times more, than any bare _Digestion_ alone; as may be proved by many _Experiments_. I will instance in this one. Let some _Oyl_ of _Turpentine_ and good _Spirit_ of _Nitre_ be stop’d up together in a Bottle, and the Bottle held to the Fire, till the _Liquors_ be a little heated, and begin to bubble. Then having removed it, and the Bubbles by degrees increasing more and more; the two _Liquors_ will of themselves, at last fall into so impetuous an _Ebullition_, as to make a kind of _Explosion_; sending forth a _smoak_ for the space of almost _two yards_ high. Whereupon, the _parts_ of both the _Liquors_, being violently _agitated_, they are, in a _great portion_, _incorporated_ into a _thick Balsam_ in a _moment_: and that without any _intense_ heat, as may be felt by the Bottle. And thus much for the _Causes_ of _Mixture_.

CHAP. V.

_Of the POWER and USE of Mixture._

HAVING enumerated the _general Causes_, we shall, lastly, enquire into the _Power_ and _Use_ of _Mixture_; or, into what it can _Do_ and _Teach_. And I shall Instance in _six_ particulars. _First_, to Render all Bodies _Sociable_, whatsoever they be. _Secondly_, To _Make Artificial_ Bodies in Imitation of those of _Natures_ own production. _Thirdly_, to _make_ or _imitate_ the _sensible Qualities_ of Bodies; as _Smells_, and _Tasts_. _Fourthly_, To _make_, or _imitate_ their _Faculties_. _Fifthly_, It is a _Key_, to discover the _Nature_ of _Bodies_. _Sixthly_, To discover their _Use_, and the _Manner_ of their _Medicinal Operation_.

INSTANCE I.

_FIRST_, To render all Bodies _Sociable_ or _Mingleable_: as _Water_ with _Oyl_, _Salt_ with _Spirit_, and the like. For _Natural_ and _Artificial Mixture_, are the same; as we have before proved. ♦ _Ch. 3. §. 18._ ♦ If therefore _Nature_ can do it, as we see in the _Generation_ of Bodies she doth, ’tis likewise in the _Power_ of _Art_ to do it.

2. §. And for the doing of it, two _general Rules_ result from the _Premisses_, _sc._ The _Application_ of _Causes_, and the _Choice_ of _Materials_. As for the _Causes_, they are such as I have now instanc’d in. ♦ _Ch. 4._ ♦ And for the _Application_ of them, I shall give these _two Rules_.

3. §. _First_, That we tread in _Natures_ steps as near as we can; not only in the _Application_ of such a _Cause_, as may be most proper for such a _Mixture_; but also in allowing it _sufficient time_ for its _effect_. For so we see _Nature_ her self, for her more _perfect Mixtures_, usually doth. She maketh not a _Flower_, or an _Apple_, a _Horse_, or a _Man_, in a _moment_; but all things by _degrees_; and for her more _perfect and elaborate Mixtures_, for the most part, she requireth _more time_. Because all such _Mixtures_ are made and carri’d on _per minima_; and therefore require a greater time for the compleating of them.

4. §. A _second Rule_ is, Not only to make a due _Application_ of the _Causes_; but sometimes to _Accumulate_ them. By which means, we may not only, _imitate Nature_, but in some cases go beyond her. For as by adding a _Graft_ or _Bud_ to the _Stock_, we may produce _Fruit_ _sooner_, and sometimes _better_, than _Nature_ by the _Stock_ alone would do: So here, by _accumulating_ the _Causes_ of _Mixture_, that is, by joyning _two_, _three_, or _more_ together; or by _applying more_ in some Cases, where _Nature_ applyeth _fewer_; we may be able to make, if not a more _perfect_, yet a far more _speedy Mixture_, than _Nature_ doth. As by joyning _Compression_, _Heat_, and violent _Agitation_, and so continuing them all together, by some means contrived for the purpose, for the space of a _Week_, or _Month_, or _longer_, without cessation. Which may probably produce, not only _strange_, but _useful Effects_, in the _Solution_ of some, and the _Mixture_ of other Bodies. And may serve to _mix_ such Bodies, as through the _small number_ of their _congruous_ parts, are hardly _mingleable_ any other way. _Agitation_ being, as carrying the _Key_ to and fro, till it hit the _Lock_; or within the _Lock_, till it hit the _Wards_.

5. §. _Secondly_, For the _Choice_ of _materials_, if they are not _immediately_, that is, of themselves, _mingleable_; we are then to turn one _Species_ of _Mixture_ into a _Rule_; ♦ _Ch. 3. §. 9._ ♦ which is, To _mix_ them by _mediation_ of some _third_, whether more _simple_ or _compounded_ Body, which may be congruous _in part_ to them _both_: as _Sulphurous Salts_ are to _Water_ and _Oyl_; and are for that reason _mingleable_ with _either_ of them. Or, By any _two_ congruous Bodies, which are also, _in part_, congruous to _two others_: and other like ways. Whereby the _parts_ of Bodies, though never so _heterogeneous_, may yet be all _bound_ and _lock’d_ up together. Even as _twenty Keys_ may be _united_, only by _uniting_ the _two Rings_ whereon they hang.

6. §. The Consideration of these things, have put me upon making several _Experiments_, for the _mingling_ of _heterogeneous_ Bodies. I shall give two Examples of Tryal; the one upon _Fluid_, the other upon _consistent_ Bodies.

7. §. For the _first_, I took _Oyl_ of _Aniseeds_, and pouring it upon another Body; I so order’d it, that it was thereby turned into a perfect _milk-white Balsam_, or _Butyr_. By which means the said _Oyl_ became _mingleable_ with any _Winy_, or _Watery Liquor_; _easily_, and _instantaneously dissolving_ therein, in the form of a _Milk_. And _note_, That this is done, without the _least alteration_ of the _Smell_, _Tast_, _Nature_, or _Operation_ of the said _Oyl_. By somewhat the like means, not only _Oyl_ of _Aniseeds_, but any other _stillatitious Oyl_, may be transformed into a _milk-white Butyr_; and in like manner be _mingled_ with _Water_ or any other _Liquor_. Which is of _various use_ in _Medicine_; and what I find oftentimes very convenient and advantageous to be done.

8. §. Again, not only _Fluid_ but _consistent_ Bodies, which of themselves will _mix_ only with _Oyl_; by due _mixture_ with other Bodies, may be render’d _easily_ dissoluble in _Water_; as may _Rosin_, and all _resinous_ and _friable Gums_. As also _Wax_: and this without changing much of their _Color_, _Tast_, or _Smell_. Whereof likewise, whatsoever others may do, the _Physician_ may make a manifold _Use_.

INSTANCE II.

BY _Mixture_ also, we may be _taught_ to _Imitate_ the _Productions_ of _Nature_. As to which, from what we have before said of _Mixture_, we may conclude; That there is no _Generation_ of Bodies _unorganical_, but what is in the _Power_ of _Mixture_ to _imitate_. As of _Animals_, to Imitate _Blood_, _Fat_, _Chyle_, _Spittle_, _Flegm_, _Bile_, &c. Of _Vegetables_, to Imitate a _Milk_, _Mucilage_, _Rosin_, _Gum_, or _Salt_. Of _Minerals_, to Imitate _Vitriol_, _Allom_, and other _Salts_; as also _Metals_, and the like.

2. §. I do not say, I can do all this: yet if, upon good _Premisses_, we can conclude this possible to be done; it is one step to the doing of it. But I will also give an _Instance_ of somewhat that may be _done_ in _every kind_. And,

3. §. _First_, For the _Imitation_ of an _Animal Body_, I will instance in _Fat_. Which may be _made_ thus; Take _Oyl Olive_, and pour it upon high _Spirit_ of _Nitre_. Then _digest_ them for some days. By degrees, the _Oyl_ becomes of the _colour_ of _Marrow_; and at last, is _congealed_, or hardened into a _white Fat_ or _Butter_, which _dissolveth_ only by the _fire_, as that of _Animals_. In converting _Oyl_ thus into _Fat_, it is to be _noted_, That it _hardens_ most upon the _exhalation_ of some of the more _Sulphureous_ parts of the _Spirit_ of _Nitre_. Which I effected, well enough for my purpose, by unstopping the glass after some time of _digestion_; and so suffering the _Oyl_ to _dissolve_ and _thicken_ divers times by successive _heat_ and _cold_. Hence, The true _Congealing Principle_, is a _Spirit of Nitre separated from its Sulphur_. For the better doing whereof, the _Aer_ is a most commodious _Menstruum_ to the said _Spirit_ of _Nitre_. Whence also, if we could procure such a _Spirit_ of _Nitre_, we might _congeal Water_ in the midst of _Summer_. We might also _refrigerate Rooms_ herewith _Artificially_. And might _Imitate_ all _frosty Meteors_. For the _making_ of _Fat_, is but the _Durable Congelation_ of _Oyl_: which may be done without _frost_, as I have shewed how.

Hence also it appears, That _Animal Fat_ it self, is but the _Curdling_ of the _Oyly_ parts of the _Blood_; either by some of its own _Saline_ parts; or by the _Nitrous_ parts of the _Aer_ mingled therewith.

Hence likewise it is, That some _Animals_, as _Conies_, and _Fieldfares_, grow _fatter_ in _frosty_ weather: the _oily_ parts of the _blood_, being then more than ordinarily _coagulated_ with a greater abundance of _nitrous_ parts received from the _Aer_ into their _bodies_.

For the same reason it is, That the _Fat_ of _Land-Animals_ is _hard_; whereas that of _Fishes_ is _very soft_, and runs all to _Oyl_, _sc._ Because the _Water_, wherein they live, and which they have instead of _breath_, hath but very few _nitrous_ parts in it, in comparison of what the _Aer_ hath.

4. §. _Secondly_, For the _Imitation_ of a _Vegetable Body_, I will give three _Instances_; In _Rosin_, _Gum_, and a _Lixivial Salt_. The _first_ may be made thus; Take good _Oyl_ of _Vitriol_, and drop it upon _Oyl_ of _Anise seeds_; and they will forthwith _incorporate_ together; and by degrees, will _harden_ into a _perfect Rosin_; with the _general_ and _defining Properties_ of a _truly Natural Resinous Gum_. Being not at all _dissoluble_ in _Water_; or at least, not any more, then any natural _Rosin_ or _Gum_: yet very _easily_ by _fire_: as also highly _inflamable_: and exceeding _friable_. Although this _Artificial Rosin_, be the result of _two Liquors_, both which very strongly affect the _Sense_: yet being well _washed_ from the _unincorporated parts_, (which is to be done with some care) it hath scarce any _Tast_ or _Smell_.

The _Concentration_ of these _two Liquors_, is likewise so _universal_; that the _Rosin_ is not made by _Precipitation_, but almost a _total Combination_ of the said _Liquors_; and that with scarce so much, as any _visible_ fumes.

5. §. _Again_, Having taken a certain _Powder_ and a _Saline Liquor_, and mixed them together in a bottle, and so _digested_ them for some time; the _Powder_ was at last transmuted to a perfect _Oily Gum_; which will also _dissolve_ either in _Oyl_ or in _Water_; in the self same manner, as _Galbanum_, _Ammoniac_, and the like will do.

6. §. And _Lastly_, A _Lixivial Salt_ may be _imitated_ thus; Take _Nitre_, _Oyl_ of _Vitriol_, and high _spirit_ of _Wine_, of each a like quantity. Of these _three_ Bodies, not any _two_ being _put together_, that is to say neither the _Nitre_ with the _Oyl_, nor the _Oyl_ with the _Spirit_, nor the _Nitre_ with the _Spirit_, will make the least _Ebullition_: yet all _three mingled together_, make a very _conspicuous one_. The _Spirit_ of _Wine_ being as the _Sulphur_; and so that, and the _Nitre_ together, standing, as it were, in the stead of an _Alkalizate_, that is, a _Sulphurious Salt_, against the _Oyl_ of _Vitriol_. Divers other _Experiments_ may be shew’n of the like Nature.

7. §. In the last place, for the _Imitation_ of a _Mineral Body_, I will instance in _two_, _sc._ _Nitre_ and _Marine Salt_; if I may have leave to reckon them amongst _Mineral Bodies_. As for _Nitre_, by mixing of _four Liquors_ together, and then setting them to _shoot_; I have obtained _Chrystals_ of _true_ and _perfect Salt_; which have had much of a _nitrous tast_; and would be _melted_ with a _gentle Heat_, as _Nitre_ is; and even as easily as _Butyr_ it self: I mean not, by the addition of any sort of _Liquor_, or any other Body, to _dissolve_ it; but only by the _fire_.

8. §. And as for a _Sea-Salt_, that I might _Imitate Nature_ for the _making_ thereof, I consider’d, That the said _Salt_ is nothing else but that of _Animals_ and _Vegetables_, freed from its true _Spirit_ and _Sulphur_, and some _Saline particles_, _specifically Animal_ or _Vegetable_, together with them. For both _Animal_ and _Vegetable_ Bodies being continually carried by all _Rivers_ into the Sea; and many likewise by _shipwrack_, and divers _other_ ways _immersed_ therein: they are at last _corrupted_, that is, their _Compounding_ parts are _opened_ and _resolved_. Yet the _Resolution_ being in the _Water_, is not made _precipitately_, as it is in the _Air_; but by degrees, and very _gently_; whence the _Sulphurious_ and other _Volatile_ parts, in their _Avolation_, make not so much _haste_, as to carry the more _fixed Saline_ parts along with them; but leaveth them behind in the _Water_, which _imbibeth_ them as their proper _Menstruum_.

And the _Imitation_ of _Nature_ herein, may be performed thus; Put as much of a _Lixivial Salt_ as you please, into a wide-mouth’d Bottle, and with fair _Water_ make a strong _Solution_ of it; so as some part thereof may remain _unresolved_ at the bottom of the Bottle. Let the Bottle stand thus for the space of about half or three quarters of a year, all the time unstopped. In which time, many of the _Sulphurious_ and _other Volatile_ parts gradually flying away; the top of the _unresolved Salt_ will be _incrustate_, or as it were _frosted_ over, with many small and hard _Concretions_, which, in their nature, are become a true _Sea-Salt_. Whereof there is a double Proof; _First_, In that most of the said _Concretions_ are of a _Cubical_, or very like _Figure_. Especially on their _upper parts_; because having a _fixed Body_ for their _Basis_, their _under_ parts, therefore, contiguous thereto, are less _regular_. Whereas the parts of the _Salt_ in the Sea, being environed on all sides with a _Fluid_; their _Figure_ is on all sides _regular_. _Secondly_, In that a strong _Acid Spirit_ or _Oyl_ being poured upon a _full body’d Solution_ hereof; yet it maketh herewith no _Ebullition_, which is also the _property_ of _Sea-Salt_. And thus much for the more _General Imitation_ of _Bodies_.

INSTANCE III, & IV.

FROM the aforesaid _Premisses_, and by the aforesaid _Means_, there is no doubt to be made, but that also the other _sensible Qualities_ of Bodies may be _Imitated_, as their _Odors_, and _Tasts_. And that not only the _general_ ones, as _Fragrant_, or _Astringent_: but also those which are _specifical_ and _proper_ to such a _species_ of Bodies.

2. §. Thus for _Example_, by _mixing Spirit_ of _Nitre_ or _Vitriol_ with _rectified Oyl_ of _Turpentine_, and some other _Vegetable Oyls_, severally, and in a due _Proportion_ and _Time_, I have _Imitated_ the _Smells_ of _divers Vegetables_; as of _Tansy_, of _Lignum Rhodium_, and _others_. And I conclude it feasable, To _Imitate_ the _Tast_ or _Smell_ of _Musk_, or _Ambergreece_, or _any other_ body in the world.

3. §. Hence also we may be _Taught_, How to _Imitate_ the _Faculties_, as well as other _Qualities_ of Bodies. The reason is, because even _these_ have no dependance upon any _substantial Form_: but are the meer result of _Mixture_; effected by the same _Causes_, whether in _Nature_ or _Art_; as I think I have made to appear in the foregoing _Idea_. ♦ _Id. §. 55._ ♦ _Ch. 2. §. 10._ ♦ _Ch. 3. §. 10._ ♦ And as in the _Premisses_ of this _Discourse_ hath been shew’d.

INSTANCE V.

FROM whence, _again_, it is likewise a _Key_ to _Discover_ the _Nature_ of Bodies. For how far soever we can attain to _Mingle_, or to _Make_ them, we may also know _what they are_.

2. §. For Bodies are _mingleable_, either _of themselves_, or by some _Third_. As to those which _mingle of themselves_, we may certainly conclude, That there is a _congruity_ betwixt them, in some respect or other. So upon various Tryals I find, That _Essential Oyls_ do more easily _imbibe_ an _Acid_, than an _Alkaly_. Whence it is evident, That there is some _Congruity_ and _Similitude_ betwixt _Essential Oyls_, and an _Acid_, which there is not betwixt the said _Oyls_ and an _Alkaly_.

3. §. As to those that mingle only by some _third_; we may also certainly conclude, That though the _two extreams_ are _unlike_; yet that they have both of them some _congruity_ with that _third_, by which they are _united_.

4. §. _Moreover_, We may make a _Judgment_ from the _manner_ or _Degree_ of _Mixture_. Thus the _Acid Spirit_ of _Nitre_, as is said, will _coagulate Oyl-Olive_, and render it _consistent_. Whence it might be thought, That any other strong _Acid_ will do the like; and that therefore, there is no great difference in the _Nature_ of the said _Acid Liquors_. But the contrary hereunto, is proved by _Experiment_. For having _digested_ the same _Oyl_ in the same _manner_, and for a much _longer_ time, with strong _Oyl_ of _Sulphur_; although it thence acquired some change of _Colour_, yet not any _Consistence_.