Chapter XVII: Part IV: Chap. I (3)

5. §. _Again_, Because the said _Spirit_ of _Nitre coagulates Oyl-Olive_; it might be expected, it should have the same effect upon _Oyl_ of _Aniseeds_; or, at least, that if other _Acids_ will _Coagulate Oyl_ of _Aniseeds_, that this should do it _best_. But _Experiment_ proveth the contrary. For of all I have tryed, _Oyl_ of _Vitriol_ is the only _Acid_ that doth it _instantaneously_. _Oyl_ of _Sulphur_, if very strong, will do it; but not so _soon_, nor so _much Aqua fortis_, and _Spirit_ of _Salt_, for the present, _do not_ at all _touch_ it. And _Spirit_ of _Nitre_ it self will not _coagulate_ it, under _eight_ or _ten_ hours at least.

INSTANCE VI.

_LASTLY_, and _consequently_, It is a _Key_ To _Discover_ the _Medicinal Use_ and _Operation_ of Bodies. Thus, for _Example_, by the _Imitation_ of _Rosins_ and _Resinous Gums_, we certainly know what all of them _are_, and _when_, and _wherefore_ to be _used_. For what are _Mastick_, _Frankincense_, _Olibanum_, _Benzoin_, and _other like Rosins_, or _Resinous Gums_, for their _principle_ and _predominant_ parts, that is, _quà Rosins_; but Bodies resulting from _Natural_, in like manner, as I have shewed, they may be made to result, from _Artificial Mixture_? That is to say, the _Oleous_, and _Acid_ parts of _Vegetables_, being both _affused_ and _mingled_ together, _per minima_, in some one sort of _Vessels_ in a _Plant_, they thus _incorporate_ into one _consistent_ and _friable_ Body, which we call _Rosin_.

2. §. Now from hence it is, That the said _Rosins_, and _Resinous Gums_; as also _Amber_ and _Sulphur_ for the same Reasons; are of so great and effectual _Use_ against most _thin_ and _salt Rheums_; _sc._ as they are _Acidoleous_ Bodies. For by their _Acid_ parts, which in all these Bodies are exceeding _copious_, they _mortifie_ and _refract_ those _Salt_ ones, which feed the _Rheum_. And by their _oleous_ parts, the same _Salt_ ones are also _Imbibed_. Whence, they are all, in some degree, _incorporated_ together; that is, The _Rheum_ is _thickned_: which is the desired _effect_.

3. §. Whereas, on the contrary, if the _Cough_ proceed not from a _thin_, and specially a _Salt Rheum_, but from a _Viscous Flegm_; the use of _many other_ Bodies which are also more _oleous_, and abound not so much with an _Acid_ as _these_ do, especially _some_ of them, is more proper: such as _these_, in this Case, proving sometimes not only _ineffectual_, but _prejudicial_. Since the very _Cause_ of the said _Viscousness_ of _Phlegm_, is chiefly some great _Acidity_ in the _Blood_, or in some other _part_, as may be proved by divers Arguments.

4. §. Many more _Instances_ might be hereunto subjoyned: and may hereafter be offered to the acceptance of such, who are inquisitive into _matters_ of this _Nature_. If I shall not herein anticipate, or reiterate the _Thoughts_ and _Observations_, of those two _Accurate_ and _Learned Persons_ Dr. _Willis_, and Dr. _Walter Needham_, as to what the one hath already _published_, and both have put us in _Expectation_ of. But the _Instances_ already given, are sufficient to evidence what I have said. And, I hope, this present _Discourse_ to prove, in some measure, thus much; That _Experiment_, and the _Common Notions_ of _Sense_ are _prolifick_; and that nothing is _Barren_, but Phansie and _Imagination_.

_An Appendix to the precedent discourse of
Mixture._

HAVING, in the first Edition of the foregoing Discourse, ♦ _Ch. 5. Inst. 1. §. 8._ ♦ made mention of the preparation of _Essential Oyls_, so as to become easily mingleable with any _unoyly Liquor_. I shall here acquaint the Reader, That this may be done, by digesting any of the said _Oyls_ with about an equal quantity of the _Yelk_ of an _Egg_, with a very soft heat, like that of the _Meridian Sun_ in _Summer_, continued for the space of three Weeks or a Month; and in the mean time, to be now and then stirred a little together. The _Yelk_ will by degrees, imbibe the _Oyl_, and at length be incorporated with it, and become a _Balsam_, as _white_ as _Milk_, easily dissoluble in any _watery_ or _winy Liquor_.

2. §. I confess, that it will be very difficult to prepare any good quantity for use, this way. But this being a sufficient proof of the possibility of such a _Mixture_; I considered, whether the application of some other forementioned _Cause_ of _Mixture_, might not supply the defect of this: and hereupon, have made several successful tryals; not only for the mixing of the said _Oyls_, but likewise of all sorts of _Rosins_ and _Gums_ with any _winy_ or _watery Liquor_, in great quantities, in a short time, and without much trouble. But for the mixing of some of them, the _Yelk_ of an _Egg_ alone will not serve, without the intervening of some other sociable Body, ♦ _Ch. 5. Inst. 1. §. 6._ ♦ according to one of the _Rules_ given in the foregoing _Discourse_.

3. §. In the same _Discourse_, upon certain premises, I have laid down this following conclusion. ♦ _Ch. 5. §. 5._ ♦

“---- By accumulating the _Causes_ of _Mixture_, that is, by
joyning two or 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 altogether, 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_.”

4. §. For the proof whereof, and that I had throughly weighed what I have said, Mr. _Pappin_ hath since given us an ingenious Instance, in his new _Digester_. Which is, a _Balneum Mariæ clausum_: all _Infusions_ and _Digestions_ made with _Double Vessels_, having hitherto been made with the outer _Vessel_, open. So that whereas by the old way of _Digestion_, there is no other _Power_ made use of but that of _Heat_: in this way, that also of _Compression_ is joyned therewith.

EXPERIMENTS

IN

CONSORT

OF THE

LUCTATION

Arising from the Affusion of several

MENSTRUUMS

Upon all sorts of

BODIES,

Exhibited to the _Royal Society_, _April 13._ and
_June 1. 1676_.

_THE intent of the following_ Experiments _is two-fold. The one, to be as a_ Demonstration _of the Truth of one, amongst other_ Propositions, _laid down in the precedent Discourse of_ Mixture, ♦ _Ch. 5. Inst. 5._ ♦ _sc._ That it would be a Key to let us easily into the knowledge of the Nature of Bodies.

_The other, and that consequently,_ To be as a Specimen of a Natural History of the Materia Medica: _that is to say, a multifarious Scrutiny into the intrinsick Properties of all those Materials, which have been, or may be used in_ Medicine: _for the performance whereof, the following_ Method _is exhibited as one, amongst others, necessary to be insisted upon. For what Dominion a_ Prince _hath over the_ Moral, _that a_ Physician _hath, as one of God Almighty’s_ Vice-Roys, _over the_ Corporeal _World. Whom therefore nothing can more import, than a particular knowledge of the_ Genius _of all his_ Subjects, _those several_ Tribes _of_ Matter, _supposed to be under his Command._

_There are some known_ Observations _of this nature: but there is no Author, I think, who hath given us a_ Systeme of Experiments upon the Subject: _The performance whereof is here intended._

_The_ Experiments _may seem too numerous to be of one_ make. _But no less a number would have answered the design of an_ Universal Survey; _which, though less pleasing, proves the more instructive in the end: not being like angling with a single Hook; but like casting a Net against a shole: with assurance of drawing up something. Besides the advantage of_ comparing many together; _which being thus joyned, do oftentimes, like_ Figures, _signifie ten times more, then standing alone, they would have done._

_How far the_ Corollaries _all along subjoyned have made this good, is left to the_ Reader _to judge. And also, to add to them, so many more, as he pleases: for I make my own Thoughts no mans_ Measure.

CHAP. I.

_What is generally to be observed upon the_ Affusion _of the_
Menstruum; _and what, particularly of_ Vegetable Bodies.

THE Bodies whereupon I made tryal, were of all kinds, _Animal_, _Vegetable_, and _Mineral_. Amongst _Vegetables_, such as these, _scil._ _Date-stones_, _Ginger_, _Colocynthis_, _Pyrethrum_, _Hawthorn-stones_, _Staphisagria_, _Euphorbium_, the _Arenulæ_ in Pears, _Semen Milii Solis_, _Tartar_, _Spirit_ of _Scurvygrass_, _Spirit_ of _Wine_, &c.

2. §. Amongst _Minerals_, several sorts of _Earths_, _Stones_, _Ores_, _Metals_, _Sulphurs_, and _Salts_.

3. §. Amongst _Animals_; such as these, _scil._ _Hairs_, _Hoofs_, _Horns_, _Shells_, and _shelly Insects_, _Bones_, _Flesh_, and the several _Viscera_, _Silk_, _Blood_, _Whites_ and _Yelks_ of _Eggs_, _Sperma Ceti_, _Civet_, _Musk_, _Castor_, _Gall_, _Urine_, _Dungs_, _animal Salts_ and _Stones_.

4. §. The _Liquors_ which I poured hereupon severally, were these, _sc._ _Spirit_ of _Salt Armoniac_, _Spirit_ of _Harts-Horn_, _Spirit_ of _Nitre_, _Aqua fortis_, _Oyl_ of _Salt_, _Oyl_ of _Sulphur_, and _Oyl_ of _Vitriol_; commonly so called.

5. §. In the _Mixture_ of these Bodies, two things, in general, are all along to be observed, _viz._ _First_, which they are, that make _any_, or _no Luctation_. For, as some which seem to promise it, make none: So, many, contrary to expectation, make a considerable one.

6. §. _Next_, the _manner_ wherein the _Luctation_ is made; being with much variety in these _five_ sensible _Effects_. 1. _Bullition_; when the Bodies mixed produce only a certain quantity of froth or bubbles. 2. _Elevation_; when, like Paste in baking, or Barm in the working of Beer, they swell and huff up. 3. _Crepitation_; when, they make a kind of hissing and sometimes a crackling noise. 4. _Effervescence_; then only and properly so called, when they produce some degree of heat. 5. _Exhalation_; when not only fumes, but visible steams are produced.

7. §. Of all these, sometimes one only happens, sometimes two or more are concomitant. Sometimes the _Luctation_ begins presently upon mixture, and sometimes not till after some intermission. In some bodies, it continues a great while; in others, is almost instantaneous: Examples of all which I shall now produce; beginning with _Vegetables_, as affording the least variety.

8. §. _And first, if we take Spirit or Oyl of Salt, Oyl of Vitriol, Spirit of Nitre, or Aqua fortis, and pour them severally upon the several parts of Vegetables, as Roots, Woods, Stones, &c. we shall find, that they are, generally far less apt to make a Luctation, than either Animal, or subterraneal Bodies._ Whence, as from one argument, it seemeth evident, That in most _Vegetables_, and in most of their parts, the predominant _Salt_ is an _Acid_. But that, on the contrary, the predominant _Salt_ in most _Minerals_, and parts of _Animals_, is an _Alkaly_: in the former, usually a _fixed_; in the latter, a _volatile Alkaly_.

9. §. _Again, although the Luctation which most Vegetables, and most of their parts make with Acids, be but small, yet some they make; especially with some Acids, as with Spirit of Nitre and Aqua fortis._ Whence it seemeth plain, That there is an _Alkaline Salt_ existent in many _Vegetables_, even in their _natural estate_; and that it is not made _Alkaline_, but only _Lixivial_, by the _fire_. Or, there is some quantity of a _Salt_, call it what we will, in the said Bodies, which is so far different from an _Acid_, as to make a _Luctation_ therewith. But to give particular instances of the several _proportions_, or _manner_ of _Mixture_, wherein it appears to be in several _Plants_.

10. §. _And first, of all vegetable Bodies, Date-stones are amongst the least apt to make a Luctation with Acids, if they may be said to make any at all._ Hence they are not so potent _Nephriticks_, as many other Stones, which make a more sensible _Luctation_.

11. §. _Ginger makes a small Bullition_ with _Aqua fortis, only observable by a Glass_. Hence the _pungency_ of Ginger lyeth in a _sulphureous_ and _volatile Salt_, which yet is very little _Alkalizate_.

12. §. _Scurvygrass-seeds make a very small Bullition with Aqua fortis, like that of Ginger. So doth also the Seed of Purslane._ Hence, although there is much more of a certain kind of _volatile Salt_ in Ginger or Scurvygrass, than in _Purslane_; yet there is little more of an _Alkaly_ in any one, than in an other.

13. §. _The Pulp of Colocynthis, Fruit-Stones, the stony Covers of the Seeds of Elder, of white Bryony, of Violets, and others, with Aqua fortis make a Bullition just perceivable without a Glass._ Hence it appears, That the great _Cathartick_ power of _Colocynthis_ lieth not so much in an _Alkaly_, as an _Acid_; as making a much less _Bullition_, than some other _vegetable Bodies_, which are less _Cathartick_. For which reason likewise it is, That the best Correctors, or Refractors of the force of _Colocynthis_, are some kinds of _Alkalies_, as particularly that of _Urine_, as _Riverius_ hath somewhere observed.

14. §. _The Root of Pyrethrum, with Aqua fortis, makes a Bullition and huff, in a short time._ Hence, the Cause of a _durable Heat_, upon the Tongue, is an _Alkalizate Sulphur_. For the Heat of Ginger, though _greater_; yet abideth _nothing near so long_ as that of _Pyrethrum_; which, as is said, maketh also a more sensible _Bullition_ with _Acids_.

15. §. _Kermes-berries, commonly, but ignorantly, so called, with the said Liquor, huff up to an equal height, but in a somewhat longer time._ Hence they are gently _astringent_; _scil._ as their _Alkaly_ binds in with some preternatural _Acid_ in the stomach.

16. §. _Hawthorn-stones, with Aqua fortis, huff up equally with the former Body; but the Bullition is not so visible. The life is also observable of Medlar-stones._ Hence, as they contain a middle quantity of an _Alkaly_, they are not insignificantly used against the _Stone_.

17. §. _Seeds of Staphisagria, with Aqua fortis, make a Bullition still more visible. But it quickly ends._ This confirms what was said before, _sc._ That the cause of a _durable Heat_ is an _Alkaline Sulphur_; these Seeds producing a _durable Heat_, as doth the Root of _Pyrethrum_.

18. §. _The Seeds also of red Roses, Borage, and Comfrey do all with Aqua fortis make a considerable Bullition and huff; and that very quickly._ So that amongst all Shells and Stones, those generally make the greatest _Bullition_, which are the hardest and the brittlest, and so the fullest of _Salt_.

19. §. _Euphorbium makes a Bullition yet more considerable, with much froth, and very quickly._ From which Experiment, compared with two of the former, it appears, That _Euphorbium_ is not an _Acid_, but an _Alkaline Gum_. As also, that the cause of its so very _durable Heat_, is an _alkaline Sulphur_, as of _Pyrethrum_ and _Staphisagria_ hath been said. It seems also hence evident, that the power of all great _Sternutatories_ lyeth not in their _Acid_, but their _Alkalies_.

20. §. _The Arenulæ or little stones in Pears, cluster’d round about the Coar, with Aqua fortis, presently huff up, and make a great Bullition and Effervescence, much greater than do any of the Bodies above-named._ Whence, although, so far as I know, they have never yet been used in _Medicine_; yet it is probable, that they are a more potent and effectual _Nephritick_, than any of the Bodies aforsaid, some of which are usually prescribed. It is hence also manifest, That, according to what I have elsewhere said, ♦ _Anat._ of _Plants, B. 1. Ch. 6._ ♦ for the sweetning of the Fruit and Seed, the _Tartareous_ and _Alkaline_ parts of the _Sap_, are _precipitated_ into their Stones, stony parts, and Shells.

21. §. _The last Instance shall be in the shells of the Seeds of Milium Solis; which not only with Aqua fortis, but some other Acids, make a greater and quicker Bullition and Effervescence, than any other vegetable Body, upon which I have yet made tryal, in its natural estate._ Hence, as well as from divers of the last fore-going Instances, we have a clear confirmation of what I have, towards the beginning of this Discourse, affected; _sc._ That there is some kind of _Alkaline Salt_ in _Plants_, even in their _natural estate_. As also, that they are as significantly used against the Stone, _quatenus alkalizate_, as _Millipedes_, _Egg-shells_, or any other _testaceous Bodies_ of the same strength. To these I shall subjoyn one or two Examples of Vegetable Bodies which are more or less altered from their _natural estate_.

22. §. _Neither Crystals of Tartar, nor Tartar it self (although they have some store of alkaline mixed with their acid parts) make any Effervescence with Acids, but only with Alkalites, as Spirit of Harts-Horn, &c._ Hence the _calculous sediment_ or _Arenulæ_ in _Urine_, may not so properly be called the _Tartareous part_ of the _Urine_; the events following the mixture hereof with the aforesaid _Salts_, being quite contrary; as will be seen in the _Last Chapter_.

23. §. _Spirit of Scurvy-grass maketh no Luctation with any Acid._ Hence (as from a former Experiment was above-noted) it seems, That there may be a kind of _volatile Salt_, which is neither _acid_, nor _alkaline_; such as this of _Scurvygrass_ and other like _Plants_ seems to be: yet contrary to an _acid_; as experience shews in their efficacy against the _acid Scurvy_.

24. §. _Rectified Spirit of Wine, both with Spirit of Nitre, and with Oil of Vitriol, severally, maketh a little Luctation._ Which argues, that there is contained, even in this Spirit, some portion of a _volatile Alkaly_.

25. §. _Spirit of Wine, and double Aqua fortis, as the strongest is called, make an effervescence so vehement, as plainly to boil._

26. §. _Besides the vehemency hereof, there is another surprizing circumstance. For whereas all other Liquors which make an Effervescence together, will do it in any proportion assigned, although but one drop to a thousand: these two,_ sc. _rectified Spirit of Wine and Aqua fortis, require a certain proportion the one to the other. For if, suppose, into six drops of Spirit of Wine you put but two or three of Aqua fortis, they stir no more than if you put in so much Water: but drop in about seven or eight drops of Aqua fortis, and they presently boil up with very great vehemency._ Hence we may conceive the reason of the sudden access of an _acute Disease_, and of its _Crisis_. These not beginning _gradually with the Cause_; but then, when the _Cause_ is arrived unto such an ἀκμὴ, or such a certain _Proportion_, as is necessary to bring Nature to the contest. And these may serve for Examples upon _Vegetables_.

CHAP. II.

_What may be observed of MINERALS._

HAVING given several Instances of tryal upon _Vegetables_; I next proceed to _Minerals_, which, for some orders sake, I shall distribute into five or six sorts, _sc._ _Earths_, _Stones_, _Ores_ and _Metals_, _Sulphurs_, and _Salts_.

2. §. _First for Earths. Oyl of Vitriol upon Fullers Earth, doth not stir it, or cause the least Bullition. Nor upon yellow Oker. Nor upon the Oker which falls from green Vitriol. The same Oyl of Vitriol and Spirit of Harts-Horn poured severally upon Bolus Armena of two kinds, and upon one kind of Terra sigillata, stir none of them._ Hence _Bolus’s_ are the _Beds_, or as it were, the _Materia prima_, both of opacous _Stones_, and _Metals_; into which the said _Bolus’s_ are transmuted, by being _concentred_ with divers kinds of _Salts_ and _Sulphurs_, which successively flow in upon them.

3. §. _Aqua fortis, and Oyl of Vitriol being poured severally upon another sealed Earth, which was vended by the name of Terra Lemnia; they both made a very considerable Effervescence herewith._ Whence it appears, That there is no small difference in the nature, and therefore the operation of _Bolus Armena_ and _Terra Lemnia_. As also, betwixt the sealed Earths themselves, one making a great _Effervescence_, another none at all. Whereto those that use them, are to have regard.

4. §. _Next for Stones. And first, Irish Slat, with Spirit of Harts-horn, maketh a small, yet visible Bullition: and it presently ceaseth._ So that it seems to be nothing else but a _Vitriolick Bole_. As is also argued from its taste, which is plainly acid, and somewhat rough. Whence also it is with good reason given upon any inward Bruises. Because by coagulating the Blood, it prohibits its too copious afflux into the affected part. Yet being but gently astringent, and so the Coagulations it makes, not great; they are likewise well enough carried off from the same part in the Circulation; by both which means an Inflammation may be either prevented, or the better over-ruled.

5. §. _Lapis Hæmatites maketh no Effervescence at all either with Alkalies or Acids._

6. §. _Powder of the green part of a Magnet with Oyl of Vitriol maketh some few bubbles, yet not visible without a Glass. But the powder of the black part of a Magnet, which is the said stone fully perfect, stirreth not with any acid. Neither doth the calcined Magnet._ Hence there is some considerable difference betwixt _Iron_ and the _Magnet_.

7. §. _Lapis Lazuli, with Oil of Vitriol, and especially with Spirit of Nitre, maketh a conspicuous Bullition._ Hence its _Cathartick_ virtue lyeth in an _Alkaly_. For which reason it is also appropriate, in like manner as _Steel_, to the cure of _Hypochondriacal Affections_; originated from some kind of fermenting Acid.

8. §. _Osteocolla, with Spirit of Nitre maketh yet a greater Effervescence._ How it comes to be so great a knitter of broken Bones, as it is reputed, is obscure. It seemeth, that upon its solution by a _Nitrous Acid_ in the body; it is _precipitated_ upon the broken part, and so becomes a kind of _Cement_ thereto.

9. §. _Lapis Tuthiæ, with Spirit of Nitre, maketh an Effervescence much alike. And with Oyl of Vitriol very considerably. But Lapis Calaminaris with Oyl of Vitriol grows stark; as the powder of Alabaster doth with water. With Spirit of Nitre it maketh a little Bullition, and quickly. But with Aqua fortis, a great one; beyond any of the Stones above named._ Hence both _Tutty_ and _Calamy_ are _Ophthalmicks_ from their _Alkaly_. Which is also confirmed, from the efficacy of some _Alkalies_ of the like use. Hence also _Calamy_ seemeth to partake somewhat of the nature of _Silver_: as by tryal made upon that also, will hereafter better appear.

10. §. _Chalk and Oil of Sulphur or Vitriol make as strong an Effervescence as any of the rest._ Whence it is sometimes well used against a Cardialgia.

11. §. _Whiting makes as great an Effervescence as Chalk._ So that it seems the saline parts are not washed away with the water, wherein the Chalk, for the making of Whiting, is dissolved.

12. §. _Talk will not stir in the least either with Spirit of Nitre, or Oyl of Vitriol. But the Lead-Spar maketh a considerable Effervescence with both of them severally._ Hence, however this be also called _English Talk_, yet there is no small difference betwixt this, and true _Talk_.

13. §. _To these Stones may be added petrified bodies. As petrified wood; which (that upon which I made tryal) no acid stirreth in the least. Petrified shells; upon four or five several sorts whereof, Oyl of Vitriol being poured, produceth a great Effervescence. The Root or rougher part of the stone called_ Glossopetra, _with Spirit of Nitre, makes a conspicuous Bullition._ Asteria, _the Stone so called, and found in some places in_ England, _with Oyl of Vitriol, maketh an Effervescence at the same degree. So doth the Belemnites, or Thunder-Stone, both the larger and the lesser kinds._ So that none of these are _acid_, or _vitriolick_, but _alkalizate_ Stones.

14. §. _Coraline, with Oyl of Vitriol, makes a conspicuous Bullition, yet mild and gentle; that is, with very little, if any heat, and without any visible Fumes. And red and white Coral do the like._ Hence they are all of a very gentle operation, and fit for Children, as the case requires.

15. §. _Magistery of Coral (prepared the ordinary way) stirreth not in the least, either with Alkalies or Acids._ Whence it is evident, That its active Principles are in its preparation destroyed and washed away: that is to say, It is an elaborate Medicine good for nothing. And thus far of Stones.

16. §. _I next come to Metals and Ores. And first for Lead; upon which Spirit of Salt, Spirit of Nitre, or Aqua fortis being dropped, it stirreth not in the least with any of them: but with Oyl of Sulphur, and especially with Oyl of Vitriol it maketh a slow Bullition and froth._ Hence it seemeth to be _the most alkalizate Metal_. Which is also confirmed by a foregoing Experiment upon the _Lead-Spar_, which maketh a considerable Effervescence with any sort of _acid_. And which likewise, being calcined, yieldeth a good quantity of _Lixivial Salt_.

17. §. _Lead-Ore stirreth not at all with Aqua fortis or Oil of Vitriol. But Spirit of Salt makes it bubble, and Spirit of Nitre makes it boil._ Hence there is a considerable difference betwixt the perfect Metal and the Ore.

18. §. _Burnt Lead and red Lead, make a very small Bullition with Oyl of Vitriol, with Spirit of Nitre a far greater._

19. §. _Mercury, with Oyl of Vitriol, will not stir, nor with Oyl of Sulphur. But with Spirit of Nitre presently boyls up._ Hence _Mercury_ is a _subacid Metal_; _Spirit_ of _Nitre_ being a _subalkaline Acid_.

20. §. _The filings of Iron or Steel, with Oyl of Vitriol, make a fair Bullition, like that of Minium. But Spirit of Nitre makes them boil with much celerity._ Hence Iron is likewise a _subacid Metal_.

21. §. _Steel prepared with Sulphur maketh a far less Effervescence with the same Spirit of Nitre, than do the filings._ Hence there is a great difference in their strength. So that ten grains of the filings unprepared, will go as far as fifteen grains or more of those which are prepared, as above-said. Yet in some cases the weaker and milder may be the better.

22. §. _There is one Circumstance in the mixture of Steel and Aqua fortis, which is surprizing; and that is this, That strong Aqua fortis, dropped upon Steel, will not, of it self, make the least Bullition: but if hereto you only add a drop or two of Water, they presently boil up with very great vehemency._ The Cause is obscure; yet it is well known, that _Water_ it self will dissolve _Iron_: so that it appears, as well by this, as by some other Experiments, that even in common Water, as mild as it is, there is some kind of corrosive Principle.

23. §. _Antimony with Spirit of Nitre, and Aqua fortis severally, maketh an Effervescence; somewhat lower than Iron. With Oil of Vitriol the Bullition is so small, as difficulty to be perceived with a Glass._ Hence it seemeth to be of a very compounded nature; if I may so call it, a subacid-alkaline Metal.

24. §. _Antimonium Diaphoreticum, with Spirit of Nitre and Oil of Vitriol severally, makes a considerable Effervescence._ Wherefore it is not an useless _Preparation_; as from the _Calcination_ and _Ablution_ used therein, some have thought.

25. §. _Bezoardicum Minerale, (that upon which I made tryal) stirreth not at all either with Alkalies or Acids._ To which, let those who make use of it, have regard.

26. §. _Tin, with Spirit of Nitre, makes so hot and vehement an Effervescence, that it turns presently, as it were, into a Coal. It makes also a fair Bullition with Oyl of Vitriol. And a gentle one with Spirit of Salt._ Wherefore, it hath something of the nature both of _Iron_, _Lead_, and _Copper_.

27. §. _The like remarkable circumstance is seen in the mixture of Aqua fortis with Tin, as with Iron. For Tin and strong Aqua fortis of themselves will not stir; but add a few drops of water to them, and they boyl up with the greatest vehemency._

28. §. _Copper, with Spirit of Salt, and Oyl of Vitriol severally, stirs not at all. Spirit of Nitre, and Aqua fortis, both boil it up vehemently. Neither Spirit of Harts-horn, nor spirit of Salt Armoniac maketh any Bullition therewith. But both of them, by a gentle solution, that is, gently separating its Sulphur from its Salts, turn it blue._ Hence _Copper_ hath a greater proportion of _acid_ than _any_ of the forementioned _Metals_.

29. §. _Silver, neither with Spirit of Salt, nor Oyl of Vitriol makes any Bullition. With Spirit of Nitre it makes one, but ’tis soon over: and then continues to dissolve slowly into white Coagulations. It also maketh with Spirit of Harts-horn, or of Salt Armoniac, a full and deep blue._ Hence there is a greater proportion of _acid_ in _Silver_, than in _Lead_, _Mercury_, _Iron_, _Antimony_, _Tin_, or _Copper_.

30. §. _Litharge of Silver maketh the greatest Effervescence with Oyl of Vitriol. Yet some with Spirit of Nitre. And with Spirit of Salt Armoniac maketh some little huff or elevation. And being mixed with Spirit of Nitre and Spirit of Salt Armoniac both together, produceth a faint blue._ Hence, although the far greater part of this _Litharge_ be but _Lead_; yet, it seems, it hath some small mixture of _Silver_. But that of _Gold_ seemeth, for contrary reasons, not to have any _Gold_.

31. §. _Gold maketh no Effervescence with any single Salt I know of. But it is commonly dissolved with Aqua Regis, which is known to be an alkaline Liquor._ Whence it seemeth, That as _Lead_ is the _most alkalizate_, so _Gold_ the _most acid_ of _Metals_.

32. §. These things considered, and other observations added hereunto, may possibly give some directions, not only for the ordering and using, but even for the making, imitating and transmuting of _Metals_. Thus far of _Metals_.

33. §. _I will next give one or two Instances of tryal upon Sulphurs. And first Sulphur vive, with Aqua fortis, maketh an apparent Bullition, but it is some time, before it begins. But the factitious or common Brimstone, maketh scarce any, if any at all._ So that there is no small difference betwixt them.

34. §. _White and yellow Arsenick make no Bullition either with Alkalies or Acids._ Wherefore the strength of its operation on the Body, lies more in a _Sulphur_ than a _Salt_; or in a Salt drowned in its _Sulphur_.

35. §. _The ashes either of Pit-Coal, or Sea-Coal, make no Effervescence with Alkalies or Acids._ Whence the saline Principle is altogether volatile, and sublimed away by the fire.

36. §. _Lastly for Salts. And first of all, Borax maketh no Effervescence nor any Fumes with Oyl of Vitriol or Spirit of Nitre._

37. §. _Oyl of Vitriol and Nitre make fumes or steams, though no Effervescence._

38. §. _Green Vitriol, with Spirit of Harts-Horn, is scarcely moved. White Vitriol, with the same Spirit, maketh a conspicuous huff. And Roman Vitriol a vehement Effervescence._ Whence the _former_ is the _least acid_, and the _latter the most of all_. Which also confirms what I said before of the like natures of the several _Metals_ to which they belong.

39. §. _Salt of Vitriol, though a fixed Salt, and made by Calcination, yet maketh no Effervescence with the strongest acid; but only with Alkalies; as may be seen upon their mixture, but much better heard by holding the mixture to ones ear._ Hence, there are _fixed Acids_. Which further confirms what I have above asserted concerning the nature of _Gold_, _sc._ That the _predominant Salt_ thereof is a _fixed Acid_.

40. §. _Sal Martis, with Spirit of Harts-horn, maketh a considerable huff._ Hence it is much more _acid_ than _green Vitriol_; and is therefore a cooler body.

41. §. _Alum and Spirit of Harts-horn make a plain Effervescence._

42. §. _Saccharum Saturni, with Oyl of Vitriol, stirs not at all. With Spirit of Salt, huffs a little. With Spirit of Nitre much more._ Hence the _acid_ of the _Vinegar_, and not the _Alkaly_ of the _Lead_, is the predominant Principle.

43. §. _Common Salt stirs neither with Spirit of Salt, nor with Spirit of Nitre; nor with Aqua fortis. But with Oyl of Vitriol it maketh a great Effervescence with noise and steams._ Hence, even common Salt, though it be not reckoned amongst _alkaline Salts_, yet is far nearer in nature to _that_, than to an _acid_. Hence also the _Spirit of Salt_ is a _subalkaline Acid_, and of a very different nature from _Oyl_ of _Sulphur_ or _Vitriol_.

44. §. _Salt Armoniac, with Spirit of Nitre, stirreth not. But with Oyl of Vitriol it maketh a great Effervescence._ Hence _Spirit of Nitre_ is a _subalkalizate Spirit_.

45. §. _Oyl of Vitriol and Spirit of Nitre, though both acids, yet make a great smoak; greater than that which the Spirit maketh of it self._ Which confirms the last precedent _Corollary_.

46. §. _Oyl of Vitriol and Spirit of Salt, though both acids, yet make a strong Effervescence, with noise and fumes._ Which further confirms, what was noted before, _sc._ that Spirit of Salt is a _subalkaline Acid_.

47. §. _Spirit of Salt Armoniac, with Oyl of Vitriol, makes an Effervescence so extraordinary quick, and as it were instantaneous, that nothing seemeth quicker._ Whence it is probable, That if _Gun-powder_ were made of _Salt Armoniac_, instead of _Nitre_, or with _both_ mixed together; it would be _far stronger_, than any kind now in use. And thus far for _Minerals_.

48. §. I have only one _Corollary_ to add, from the whole; which is, That whoever doth undertake the _Natural History_ of a _Country_, (such as that the Learned Dr. _Plot_ hath exceedingly well done of _Oxfordshire_) the foregoing _Method_, seemeth so easie, cheap, and indeceitful, for the finding out and well distinguishing the natures of all kinds of _Metalls_, _Ores_, _Salts_, _Earths_, _Stones_, or other _subterraneal Bodies_; as cannot, I think, be supply’d, but by others of greater difficulty and expence.

CHAP. III.

_What may be observed of the PARTS of_ Animals.

I NOW proceed to the several _Parts_ of _Animals_; as _Hairs_, _Hoofs_, _Horns_, _Shells_ and _shelly Insects_, _Bones_, _Flesh and the several Viscera_, _Silk_, _Blood_, _Eggs_, _Musk_, _Castor_, _Gall_, _Urine_, _Dungs_, _Salts and Stones_.

2. §. _And first of all, the Hair of a mans head, with Oyl of Vitriol, maketh no Bullition at all. Nor yet with Spirit of Nitre._ So that although it contains a good deal of _volatile Salt_; yet it seemeth either not to be _alkaline_, or else is _centred_ in so great a quantity of _Oyl_, that the _acid menstruum_ cannot reach it.

3. § _Hares Fur, with spirit of Nitre, maketh, although a short, yet very plain Bullition and huff._ Hence the _Hair_, and therefore the _Blood_, of some _Animals_, is fuller of _Salt_, at least of an _Alkaline Salt_, than that of some others. And perhaps the _Hair_ of some men, as of _Black’s_, may be so full of _Salt_, as to make a Bullition like _Hares Fur_.

4. §. _The shavings of Nails stir not at all, either with Oyl of Vitriol, or Spirit of Nitre: only with the latter they turn yellow. But Elks Claws, with Spirit of Nitre, make a small and slow Bullition._

5. §. _Horses Hoof, with Oyl of Vitriol, stirs not of many hours. But with Spirit of Nitre, allowing it some time, makes a very plain Bullition, and huffs up very high._

6. §. _Cows Horn, neither with Oyl of Vitriol, nor with Spirit of Nitre, maketh any Bullition, only turneth a yellow colour._

7. §. _Rams Horn stirs not with Oyl of Vitriol; but with Spirit of Nitre, makes a small and slow Bullition._

8. §. _Harts-Horn makes a considerable Bullition and huff, even with Oyl of Vitriol, which the rest of the Bodies abovesaid, will not do. But with Spirit of Nitre, it makes yet a greater._ From the foregoing Experiments, and almost all that follow, what is before asserted of the _Salts_ of _Vegetables_ and _Minerals_, is here also evident concerning that of _Animals_, _scil._ That it is not _made_, but only _separated_ by the fire. It likewise hence appears, That the _proportion_ of _Salt_ in the forementioned _parts_ is very different; and that therefore some of them are never, and none of them but with good discretion, to be substituted one for another in Medicine. As also, that there is a different proportion of _Salt_ in the several _Animals_ themselves, to which the said _Parts_ belong.

9. §. _Next for shells; as those of Lobsters, Eggs, Snails and Oisters: all which make an Effervescence, both with Oyl of Vitriol, and Spirit of Nitre. But with Spirit of Nitre the greatest. Lobster-shells make a considerable Bullition and huff, but no noise nor steams. Egg-shells make a Bullition and huff, with some noise, but no steams. Snail-shells make an Effervescence with noise and steams. Oyster-shells make one with the gratest noise and thickest steams._ Hence we may judge, in what case to administer _one_ more appositely than _another_. As also _in what proportion_, according to their different strength. Some may be better for _Children_, as being milder. Or for a Body whose very sharp _Blood_ or other _Humors_, are more easily kindled into _Ferments_. Or else may be safest, to avoid a sudden _precipitation_ of the _Humors_; or for some other cause.

10. §. _Oyster-shells, and the rest above-said, make a quicker Effervescence, not only with Spirit of Nitre, but even with Spirit of Salt, than they do with Oyl of Sulphur, or Oyl of Vitriol._ So that _these bodies_, as well as _Metals_, have their proper _Menstruums_ whereby they are be dissolved.

11. §. _Egg-shells calcined, make with Oyl of Sulphur, or Oyl of Vitriol, or Spirit of Nitre, a greater Effervescence, than when uncalcined. As also with steams, which uncalcined, they produce not. The like is seen in calcined Oyster-shells. And the longer the Calcination is continued, the quicker and stronger will be the Effervescence. This I tryed at several terms, from a quarter of an hour, to five hours. So that after so long a Calcination, they make an Effervescence almost instantaneous._ The reason hereof is, Because the several _Principles_ whereof the _Shells_ consist, being relaxed, and the _Sulphur_ for the greatest part, driven away by the fire; the remaining _Salt_ lies now more open and naked to the attaque of the _Menstruum_, so soon as ever they are mixed together. From hence it is plain, That _Egg-shells_, and the others above-said, being _burnt_, are far _stronger_ Medicines, than when _unburnt_. It is hereby likewise evident, That a great portion of their _Salt_, is not a _volatile_, but a _fixed Alkaly_. To these may be subjoyned all kinds of shelly _Insects_. I will instance in three or four.

12. §. _And first Bees, with Oyl of Vitriol, stir not in the least. With Spirit of Nitre they make an exceeding small Bullition, without any elevation._

13. §. _Cochinele_ (the _Nest_ of an _Insect_) _makes some Bullition with Oyl of Vitriol, but very small: for the bubbles are not to be seen without a Glass. But with Spirit of Nitre the Bullition is more visible, and joyned with some elevation._

14. §. _Cantharides make no visible Bullition with Oyl of Vitriol. But with Spirit of Nitre they do, and huff up rather more than Cochinele. Yet is this done very slowly, and comparatively with many other bodies, is not much._ Hence it is not the _quantity_, but the _quality_ of their _volatile Salt_, which makes them so strong an _Epispastick_. For most of those Bodies above, and hereafter named, make a greater _Bullition_, and yet are neither _Caustick_ nor _Epispastick_ in the least. It is hence also evident, as hath been before suggested, That there are divers kinds of _Volatile Salts_, eminently different; some being highly _alkaline_, others very _little_, and some scarce any thing so: such as those of _Scurvy-grass_, _Anemone_, _Crowfoot_, and many the like _Plants_; to whose _Salts_, this of _Cantharides_ seemeth to be very near of kin.

15. §. _Millepedes make a Bullition and huff, much greater and quicker, than any of the Insects above-named: and that both with Spirit of Nitre, and Oyl of Vitriol it self. Yet is this Insect of a very temperate nature._ Whereby is further demonstrated, That the being _simply alkaline_, is not enough to make a body to be _Caustick_.

16. §. _Again, although Millepedes make a Bullition, greater than any of the Insects above named: yet is it much less, than that of Oyster, Snail, or even Egg-shells; and of divers other bodies above, and hereafter mentioned._ Hence, being given to the same intent, as any of those bodies; it is the mildest and gentlest in its operation of them all.

17. §. _Millepedes likewise calcined, makes a stronger Effervescence, than when uncalcined, as do the Oyster-shells, &c._ So that it appears, That _all Testaceous Salts_, are at least in part, _fixed Salts_.

18. §. _I next proceed to Bones. And first Whale-bone maketh no Bullition at all with any acid. A Cartilage, with Spirit of Nitre, makes some very small bubbles, not to be seen without a Glass._

19. §. _The Bone in the Throat of a Carp, makes a little and slow Bullition with Spirit of Nitre. The Spina of a Fish (that which I used was of a Cod-fish) maketh a Bullition one degree higher._

20. §. _All sorts of Teeth, as Dogs, Boars, the Sea-horse, Elephant, make the like. As also the Bone of an Oxes heart._ So that all these are very gentle in their operation, and fit for _Children_.

21. §. _Sheeps and Calves Bones both of them make a Bullition yet a little higher, especially with Spirit of Nitre. Cocks Bones somewhat higher than the former. Cranium humanum a little higher than all the rest._

22. §. _Bones likewise, being calcined, make a Bullition with Acids. And so doth also calcined Harts-Horn. But in neither of them, is the Bullition advanced by Calcination, any thing comparable to what it is in shells._ Whence it appears, That the _Salt_ of _Horns_ and _Bones_, is much more _volatile_, than that of _Shells_.

23. §. _Next for Flesh and the several Viscera. And first, dryed and powdered Mutton, with Oil of Vitriol, stirs not at all. But with Spirit of Nitre makes a small Bullition and huff. Sheeps Heart doth the like somewhat more apparently. Vipers flesh produceth a froth, but huffs not, Powdered Earthsworms make a great froth, and huff a little. Powdered Tripe makes only a little Bullition. Lamb-stones do the like. Kidney, Spleen, and Liver, with some elevation. Lungs, with bubbles very large; because extraordinary slowly. Dryed Brain makes also a little and slow Bullition._ Hence there is a greater proportion of _Sulphur_ or _Oyl_, and less of _an Alkaly in all these parts_, than there is in _Bones_, _Shells_, and divers other _parts_ hereafter mentioned. And in some of them, as in the _Brain_, that _Alkaline Salt_ which there is, may rather be lodged in some _sanguineous_ parts mixed with them, than in their own proper substance.

24. §. I proceed to instance in all sorts of Animal _Contents_. _And first, raw Silk, with Spirit of Nitre, makes a very small Bullition, but the elevation is considerable._

25. §. _The grumous part of the Blood dryed, with Oyl of Vitriol, stirs but little. But with Spirit of Nitre it huffs up considerably._

26. §. _Serum of Blood dryed, with the same Spirit makes a plain elevation, with a little Bullition. Herewith may be reckoned the White of an Egg, which is nothing but a pure Crystlalline Serum separated from the common stock. This being dryed, with Spirit of Nitre, huffs up rather more than even the grumous part of the Blood, the Bubbles are much larger, break oftner, and the elevation sooner made._ Whence it seemeth, that there is a greater quantity of a _volatile Alkaly_ in proportion to the _Sulphur_, requisite to the _Generation_, than to the _Nutrition_ of an _Animal_.

27. §. _The Yelk of an Egg is scarce moved with spirit of Nitre, producing only a very few Bubbles._ The _Salt_ being either little _alkalizate_, or else _immersed_ in so great a quantity of _Oyl_, that the _Menstruum_ cannot reach it. _For the same reason Sperma Ceti stirs not with any Acid. Neither doth Civet._

28. §. _Russian Castor, with Oyl of Vitriol, stirs not. But with Spirit of Nitre makes a considerable huff and froth. Yet it requires time._ Wherefore it seemeth, That _Castor_ by virtue of its _alkaline sulphur_, becomes so good a _Corrector_ of the _acid-alkaline sulphur_ of _Opium_; so I take leave to call it, having some reasons to believe it such.

29. §. _Musk, with Oyl of Vitriol, stirs not. But with Spirit of Nitre it makes a considerable and quick Bullition, with large bubbles, which often break and rise again._ Whence there is a very eminent difference betwixt _Musk_ and _Civet_. Hence also, _Musk_ is Cordial, not only from its _Sulphur_, but its _Alkaly_; by both directly opposite to preternatural _Acidities_.

30. §. _Dryed Gall with Spirit of Nitre, for some time, is still: but at length it makes a considerable Bullition and froth._ The reason why it is so long before it begins, is because the _Salt_, (as was observed of some other _Parts_) is locked up in so great a quantity of _Oyl_. The abundance whereof is manifest, not only from _Destillation_, but also from hence, In that the dryed _Powder_, in lying by, incorporateth all together into one body, as _Mirrh_, and some other softer and oily _Gums_ are used to do.

31. §. _Extract of Urine, with Spirit of Nitre, makes a Bullition with some Effervescence, which continues for a considerable time; and at last it huffs up with great bubbles. The Bullition begins presently: the Salt being copious, and the Oyl but little._

32. §. _The same Extract of Urine makes a considerable Bullition and froth, not only with Spirit of Nitre, but even with Oyl of Vitriol._ Hence the _Salt_ of _Urine_ is more _alkaline_ than that in most of the afore-said _Contents_. From this and some of the following _Experiments_, it also appears, That the _Salt_ which concurs to the generation of _Gravel_ or of a _Stone_ in the _Kidneys_ or _Bladder_, is of a very different nature from the _Salt_ of _Urine_.

33. §. _Next for Dungs. And first, dryed Goats-dung makes with Spirit of Nitre, a small Bullition, but no elevation. That of Mice the like. And that of Cows. So that of all I have tryed, these three stir the least._

34. §. _Goose-dung, with Spirit of Nitre, makes a very small Bullition and some elevation. But it requires time. Oyl of Vitriol stirs it not._

35. §. _Album Græcum, with Spirit of Nitre, besides innumerable small bubbles, rises up with some great ones, exactly resembling the huffing up of Yest or Barm. Also with Oyl of Vitriol it maketh some little froth, but slowly._ So that it should seem, that the _Bones_ are a little _opened_ by some _acid Menstruum_ in the Dogs stomach (as the body of _Steel_ is in its preparation with _Sulphur_) whereby it becomes a good mild _Topick_ in _Quinzies_.

36. §. _Hens dung, with Spirit of Nitre, makes a very great bullition and huff: greater and quicker, than any of the rest above-named._

37. §. _But of all I have tryed, Pigeons dung, with the same Spirit, maketh the greatest and the quickest Effervescence and huff; and that not without steams. Yet neither the same Dung, nor that of Hens, is moved in the least with Oyl of Vitriol._ The Cause of so great an _Effervescence_ in these, more than in the rest, is that _white part_ which is here mixed in a great quantity with the _Dung_. Which _white part_, descendeth not from the _Stomach_, but is an _Excrement_ separated from the _Blood_ (as the _Urine_ in other _Animals_) by a peculiar _Organ_, which evacuates it into the _Intestinum rectum_; whence, together with the _Stercus_ it is excluded. Hence it is evident, That in the said _white part_ of _Hens_, and especially _Pigeons dung_, is contained a great quantity of a _volatile Alkaly_.

38. §. _I proceed to Salts. And first Salt of Blood and Urine both make a more durable Effervescence with Acids, than doth Salt of Wormwood, or Salt of Fern._ Hence the former are more _alkaline_, than the latter.

39. §. _Again, though divers other Animal Salts will not stir with Spirit of Salt, or with Oyl of Sulphur or Vitriol; yet the Salt of Blood will make an Effervescence with all kinds of Acids._ Whence it is further argued to be highly _alkaline_, and very proper for the _correction_, of all sorts of _preternatural Acids_ in the body. There is little doubt, but that _Spirit_ of _Harts-horn_ will do the like.

40. §. _The Gravel which is precipitated out of Urine; with Oyl of Vitriol makes no bullition in the least. Nor with strong Spirit of Salt. But with Spirit of Nitre, it makes a very great one, with Effervescence and steams._ From hence it appears, That there is much difference to be made in the use of _acid Diureticks_, _Nephriticks_, &c.

41. §. And that I may not altogether omit to mention, what may be so much for the good of mankind, I do here declare, That for preventing (I say not, the breaking, but preventing) the generation of the _Stone_, either in the _Kidneys_, or in the _Bladder_, there are not better _Medicines_ in the world, than some certain _Preparations_ of _Nitre_, duly administred. Whoever shall think that any kind of _acid_, as _Oyl of Sulphur_, _Oyl of Vitriol_, _Spirit of Salt_, or the like, will have the same effects, will find themselves much deceived in their practice.

42. §. _I conclude with Stones. And first, Spirit of Nitre droped upon a Stone of the Kidneys or Bladder, produceth the very same effect, as upon the Gravel in Urine. That is to say, it makes it boil and huff up, until at length it is perfectly dissolved into a soft Pulp; which neither Oyl of Sulphur, nor Oyl of Vitriol, nor Spirit of Salt will do; nor give the least touch towards its dissolution._ This confirms what said before of the use of _Nitre_ and _Nitrous Spirits_, if duly prepared and administred, above any other _Acids_, against the breeding of the _Stone_.

43. §. _Pearls, with any Acid, make the like Effervescence, as do Oyster-shells. But Magistery of Pearls, as usually prepared, stirs not at all, with any Alkaly or Acid._ So that as to the effect frequently intended by it, it is very insignificant; as of that of _Corals_ hath been said.

44. §. _Crabs Eyes, with any Acid, make an Effervescence, almost as quick as that of Oyster-shells._

45. §. _Crabs Eyes likewise calcined, make a stronger Effervescence, than when uncalcined._ So that _these_, as well as _Shells_, contain a _fixed Alkaly_.

46. §. _The Stones in Whitings heads make a strong Effervescence like that of Oyster-shells._

47. §. _Stone of humane Gall, Stirs not with Oyl of Vitriol. But with Spirit of Nitre maketh a little bullition just upon mixing, and after a considerable time, a little froth. Much less than what was observed before of the Gall it self._ So that it seemeth to be generated of the _Gall coagulated_ by some _Acid_, which hath already _refracted_ the _Alkaly_ wherewith the _Gall_ abounds. This confirms the use of those _Medicines_ in the _Jaundies_, or any other bordering _Disease_, which destroys those _Acidities_ by which the _Gall_ is _curdled_ or _coagulated_, and so rendred more difficulty separable into the _Guts_.

48. §. Since the first publishing of these Observations, Mr. _William Matthews_ an _Apothecary_ in _Ledbury_, sent me part, as I take it, of a _Stomach-stone_, as big as a _Wallnut_ of the largest Size, voided by a woman about 82 years of age, sometime after an _Autumn Fever_. It consisteth of the same _Striæ_, as the _Bezoar Stone_; and maketh some _Bullition_ with _Spirit_ of _Nitre_.

49. §. _Bezoar, neither the Western nor the Eastern, doth stir at all with Oyl of Vitriol._

50. §. _Western Bezoar, with Spirit of Nitre, makes a very little thin froth, and that’s all; and that it doth very slowly. But Oriental Bezoar, with Spirit of Nitre, after some time, maketh a very great Effervescence, froth, elevation, noise, and steams (as if you poured Oyl of Vitriol upon Salt of Tartar) till it be wholly dissolved by the affused Spirit, and turned into almost a blood-red._ Hence it may seem to be no mean _Remedy_ against such _fretting_ and _venenate acids_, as oftentimes in _Fevers_, and other _Distempers_, lye about the _Stomach_, and are thence frequently translated to the _Heart_, _Brain_, _Nerves_, and other _parts_. The difference likewise betwixt the _Western_ and the _Eastern Bezoar_, is so great, that in any case of danger, and where the _Bezoar_ is relyed upon, it is an unpardonable fault, for the _Apothecary_, or any _Person_, to _substitute_ the one for the other: unless he will take _ten times_ as much, or _ten times_ as little of the one, as he would have done of the other: if that will serve turn.