Chapter XIX: Part IV: Chap. I (5)

24. §. And therefore, _Secondly_, it is to be considered, That as there is not one only, but divers _Saline Principles_ in the _Aer_; so are there also in the several _Parts_ of one _Plant_; as in the _Root_, of one sort; in the _Leavs_, of another; in the _Flower_, of another; and so in the other _Parts_. For since the _Figuration_ of the _Parts_ of a _Plant_ dependeth chiefly upon the _Saline Principles_: and that the _Flower_ hath a different _Figure_ from that of the _Leaf_: it follows, that there is some _Saline Principle_ in the one, which is not in the other, especially, all in such _Flowers_, whose _Figures_ are cut out by a greater _Variety_ and _Complication_ of _Lines_. The _Leavs_ therefore, though variously shaped, yet agreeing so far in one common _Figure_, as usualy to be _flat_; it therefore seemeth plain, that there is a _Saline Principle_ in them all, so far _one_, as to be the chief _Cause_ of that common _Figure_: and in concurrence with the _ambient Aer_, to be likewise the chief _Cause_ of one common _Colour_, _sc._ a _Green_.

25. §. Whereas the _Figure_ of the _Flowers_, and therefore their _Saline Principle_, being more various, and commonly distinct from that of the _Leaf_; it will easily concur with as a great _Variety_ of _Salts_ in the _Aer_, whether _Acid_, _Alkaline_, _Nitrous_, _Urinous_, _Armoniacal_, or any other therein existent, to the _Precipitation_ of the _Sulphur_ into the like _Variety_ of _Colours_. Thus far of the _Colours_ of _Plants_ as they appear in their _Natural Estate_.

CHAP. II.

_Of the COLOURS of_ Plants _by_ Infusion.

THE next general _Inquiry_, proposed to be made, was this, After what manner the _Colours_ of _Plants_ shew themselves, upon their _infusion_ into _Liquors_. The _Liquors_ I made use of for this purpose, were three, _sc._ _Oyl_ of _Olives_, _Water_, and _Spirit_ of _Wine_. The _Water_ I used was from the _Thames_, because I could not procure any clear _Rain Water_, and had not leasure at present to distill any. But next to this, that yields as little _Salt_, as any.

2. §. As for _Oyl_, it is known, that most _Plants_ either by _Coction_ or long _Infusion_, will give it their _Green Colour_. I have likewise tryed some _Yellows_, and find they will do indifferently well; as _Saffron_, which, by _Infusion_ in _Oyl_, gives it a light golden _Tincture_.

3. §. Divers _Aromatick Plants_, as _Mint_, _Majorane_, &c. being dryed and infused in _Oyl_ give it a double _Tincture_, both _green_ and _yellow_; one drop of the _Oyl_ shewing _green_; but a good quantity of it held up against a candle looketh _redish_ or of a deep _yellow_.

4. §. But there is no _Vegetable_ yet known which gives a true _Red_ to _Oyl_, except _Alkanet Root_: with which, some colouring either common or other _Oyl_, vend it under the name of the _Red Oyl_ of _Scorpions_.

5. §. These things confirm what we have said concerning the _Causes_ of _Colours_ in the _Leavs_ and _Flowers_ of _Plants_, upon this twofold Consideration. ♦ _Discourse_ of _Mixture_ Ch. 5. Inst. 2. §. 3. & Inst. 5. ♦ _First_, that _Oyl_ is the most proper _Menstruum_ of _Sulphur_. _Secondly_, that _Oyls_ have a greater congruity with _Acids_ than with _Alkalies_; as I have formerly shewed.

6. §. I say therefore, that in _Blews_, _Purples_ and especially _Reds_, the _predominant Principles_ being _Sulphur_ and _Acid_, the _Oyl_ either abstracts the _Sulphur_ of it self, or at least, unlocks it from the _Acid Parts_; whereby both of them are bestowed seperately to their like parts in the _Oyl_; upon which their disunion the _Colour_ vanishes: that depending, not upon either of them alone, which of themselves are _Colourless_, but upon both united together.

7. §. On the contrary, a _Green Colour_ not depending on a _predominant Acid_, but an _Alkaly_, or some _Saline Principle_ different from an _Acid_; this will not so easiely be imbibed separately, into the _Pores_ of the _Oyl_, but only by mediation of their _Sulphur_. So that being both imbibed without any disunion, they still retein the same _green Colour_ they had before in the _Plant_.

8. §. Hence also it is, that _red Roses_ being dryed and infused some time in _Oyl_ of _Anise Seeds_, a more potent _Menstruum_ than _Common Oyl_; they wholly lose their own _Colour_, and turn _white_; the _Oyl_ remaining _Limpid_, as at the first. That is the _Sulphur_ or that part of it on which cheifly the _Red_ depended, is absorbed separately by the _Oyl_, and so the _Colour_ vanishes.

9. §. A SECOND _Menstruum_ I made use of, was _Water_. And _First_, _Alkanet Root_, which immediately tinctures _Oyl_ with a deeper _Red_, will not colour _Water_ in the least.

10. §. Next it is observable, That _Water_ will take all the _Colours_ of _Plants_ in _Infusion_ except a _Green_. So that as no _Plant_ will by _Infusion_ give a perfect _Blew_ to _Oyl_; so their is none, that I know of, which, by _Infusion_ will give a perfect _Green_ to _Water_.

11. §. But although the _Green Leavs_ will not give their _visible Colour_, by _Infusion_ in _Water_; yet they will give most other _Colours_, as well as the _Flowers_ themselves. So the _Green Leavs_ of _Cinquefoyl_, give a _Tincture_ no higher than to resemble _Rhenish Wine_; those of _Hyssop_, _Canary_; of _Strawberrey_, _Malaga_; of _Mint_, _Muscadine_; of _Wood-Sorrel_, _Water_ and some drops of _Claret_; of _Blood-wort_, _Water_ and a dash of _Claret_; and those of _Bawm_ make a _Tincture_ near as _red_ as ordinary _Claret_ alone. All _Aromatick_ hot _Plants_, give a _yellow-red Tincture_, or _colorem ex luteo rubrum_. All _Plants_ with a _yellow Flower_ give either a pale _citrine_ or _yellowish Tincture_; and the like. Yet all give not their _Tincture_ in the same space of time; some requiring a fortnight, others a week, others five, three or two days, and some but one, or half a day. From hence it appears, that the _Colours_ of most _Flowers_ are begun in the _Leavs_; only _Green_ being therein the _predominant Colour_, as a _veil_ spred over them, conceils all the rest. But passing on into the _Flower_, where the _Aer-Vessels_, as is aforesaid, are under the dominion of the _Lymphæducts_; they show themselves distinctly.

12. §. A THIRD and the last _Menstruum_ I made use of, was _Spirit_ of _Wine_. And here it is to be remarqued; That as _Oyl_ rarely takes a _Red_, there being but one known _Instance_ of it; nor _Water_, a _Green_: So neither _Spirit_ of _Wine_, a _Blew_. I have tryed with several _blew Flowers_, as of _Lark-heel_, _Violet_, _Mallows_, _Burrage_, and others, whereof it will not take the least _Tincture_.

13. §. Again though no _Blew Flowers_, that I know of, will give a _Blew Tincture_ to _Spirit_ of _Wine_: yet having been for some days infused in the said _Spirit_, and the _Spirit_ still remaining in a manner _Limpid_, and void of the least _Ray_ of _Blew_; if you drop into it a little _Spirit_ of _Sulphur_, it is somewhat surprizing to see, that it immediately strikes it into a full _Red_, as if it had been _Blew_ before: and so, if you drop _Spirit_ of _Sal Armoniac_ or other _Alkaly_ upon it, it presently strikes it _Green_. Which further confirms what have been before said of the _Causes_ of _Vegetable Colours_.

14. §. It is also observable, That the _Green Leaves_ of _Bawm_, which give a _Muscadine Red_, with some _Rays_ of _Claret_, to _Water_, gives a pure and perfect _Green_ to _Spirit_ of _Wine_: and is the only _Plant_ of all that I have yet tryed, which doth the like.

15. §. It is likewise to be noted, That both _Yellow_ and _Red Flowers_ give a stronger and fuller _Tincture_ to _Water_, than to _Spirit_ of _Wine_; as in the _Tinctures_ of _Cowslip_, _Poppys_, _Clove-July-Flowers_ and _Roses_, made both in _Water_ and _Spirit_ of _Wine_, and compared together, is easily seen. So that for _Tinctures_ made with _Flowers_, whether for _Medicines_, or other purposes, _Water_, with respect to the _Colour_, is the better _Menstruum_. I say for _Tinctures_ made with _Flowers_; for there are some other _Parts_, especially _Gumms_, as _Gamboja_, _Myrrh_ and _Aloes_, which give their _Tinctures_ full and clear, only to _Spirit_ of _Wine_. Some of which are used by _Leather-Gilders_, and others, for the washing over of _Silver_, so as to give it the _Colour_ of _Gold_. Thus far of the _Colours_ of _Plants_ as they appear upon _Infusion_.

CHAP. III.

_Of the COLOURS of_ Plants _produced by their_ Mixture
_with other Bodies._

THE last general Enquiry proposed to be made, was this, After what manner they would exhibite themselves upon the _Mixture_ of those _Infusions_, or of any one of them with some other _Liquor_.

2. §. A strong _Infusion_, or the _Juyce_ of the _Leavs_ of _Rose-Tree_, _Raspis_, _Strawberry_, _Cynquefoyle_, _Goosberry_, _Primrose_, _Jerusalem Cowslip_, _Bears-eare_, _Bearsfoot_, _Peony_, _Bistort_, _Lawrel_, _Goats-beard_, droped upon _Steel_, make a _Purple Tincture_. But that of _Vine Leaves_ scarce maketh any _Tincture_ at all. So that there is something else besides _Sowerness_ concurring to the _Purple_ upon _Steel_.

3. §. _Saccharum Saturni_ droped on a _Tincture_ of _Red Roses_, turneth it to a _faint pale Green_.

4. §. _Salt_ of _Tartar_ droped upon the same _Tincture_, turneth it to a _deeper Green_.

5. §. _Spirit_ of _Harts Horn_ droped upon a _Tincture_ of the _Flower_ of _Lark-heel_ and _Borage_ turn them to a _verdegreese Green_.

6. §. _Spirit_ of _Harts Horn_ droped on most _green Leavs_ doth not change them at all. The like Effects have _Aq. Calcis_, and _Spirit_ of _S. Armoniac_.

7. §. These _Experiments_ seem to confirm, That it is some _Alkaline_ or other like _Salt_ in the _Aer_, which is _predominant_ in the production of _Green_ in the _Leavs_ of _Plants_.

8. §. _Salt_ of _Tartar_ droped on the _white Flowers_ of _Daisy_, changeth them into a _light Green_. Which as it further confirms the aforesaid _Position_; so likewise argues, That _Whiteness_ in _Flowers_, is not always from the defect of _Tincture_: but that there may be _White_, as well as _Yellow_, _Green_, _Red_ or _Blew Tinctures_.

9. §. _Spirit_ of _Sulphur_ droped on the _green Leavs_ of _Adonis Flower_, _Everlasting Pease_, and _Holy Oak_, turns them all _Yellow_.

10. §. _Spirit_ of _Sulphur_ on a _Tincture_ of _Saffron_ changeth it not.

11. §. _Spirit_ of _Sulphur_ on the _Yellow Flower_ of _Crowfoot_ alters them not. Neither are they changed by the _Affusion_ of _Alkalies_.

12. §. So that it seemeth, that in all _Yellows_, the _Sulphureous Acid_ and _Alkaline Parts_ are all more equal.

13. §. _Spirit_ of _Sulphur_ on a _Tincture_ of _Violets_ turns it from _Blew_ to a true _Lacke_, or midle _Crimson_.

14. §. _Spirit_ of _Sulphur_ upon a _Tincture_ of _Clove-July-Flowers_ makes a bright blood _Red_. Into the like _Colour_, it hightens a _Tincture_ of _Red Roses_.

15. §. So that as _Alkalys_, or other _Analogous Salts_, are _predominant_ in _Greens_, so _Acids_ in _Reds_, especially in the brighter _Reds_, in the _Leavs_ and _Flowers_ of _Plants_. Hence it is, that _Spirit_ of _Nitre_ droped upon the _Blew Flower_ of _Ladies Looking-Glass_, _Larkspur_, _Borage_, turns them all _Red_, _sc._ into the _Red_ of _Common Lychnis_. But (which is particularly to be noted) being droped on the said _Red Flowers_ of _Lychnis_, alters them little or nothing: because, that very _Colour_ is therein produced by a copious admixture of the like _Principle_.

16. §. The Summ therefore of what hath now been said, of the _Causes_ of _Vegetable Colours_, is this: That while their _Sulphur_ and _Saline Principles_, only swim together, and are not as yet united into one _Precipitate_, no _Colour_ results from them, but the _Contents_ are rather _Limpid_; as usually in the _Root_, and many other _Parenchymous Parts_.

17. §. When they are united, and the _Alkaline_ are _predominant_, they produce a _Green_.

18. §. When the _Sulphur_ and the _Alkaline_ are more equal, they produce a _Tauny_.

19. §. When the _Sulphur_, _Acid_ and _Alkaline_, there a _Yellow_.

20. §. When the _Sulphur predominant_, and the _Acid_ and _Alkaline_ equal, there a _Blew_.

21. §. When the _Sulphur_ and _Acid_ are _predominant_ to the _Alkaline_, then a _Purple_.

22. §. When the _Sulphur predominant_ to the _Alkaline_ and the _Acid_ to them both, a _Scarlet_.

23. §. _Lastly_, When the _Acid predominant_ to the _Alkaline_, and the _Sulphur_ to them both, a _Blood-Red_: which is the highest and most _Sulphurious Colour_ in Nature.

24. §. From the _Premises_, divers Rules do also result for the making of _Tinctures_, either for _Medicines_, or for any other purposes.

25. §. I shall only add one or two Notes. As first, that of all _Colours_, _Yellows_ are the most fixed and unfading. As for instance, if you drop either a _Solution_ of _Tartar_, or of _Spirit_ of _Sulphur_ upon a _Tincture_ of the _Yellow Flowers_ of _Crowfoot_, of _Adonis_, or of _Saffron_, neither of them will alter their _Colour_. Which shewes the strength of most _Yellows_, to resist all manner of impressions from the _Aer_.

26. §. Again, that the use of _Salts_, is not only to highten or deepen _Colours_, but also to fix and make them permanent. As for Instance, The _Tincture_ of _Clove-July-Flowers_, made either with _Water_ or _Spirit_ of _Wine_ being exposed to the _Aer_, will often turn into a _Blackish Purple_. But the addition of a few drops of _Spirit_ of _Sulphur_, doth not only highten the _Colour_, but renders it stable and permanent.

27. §. Likewise, of _Salts_ themselves there is choice to be made. For there are some, which although they fix the _Colour_, yet, will a little _give_, as we say, and not hold throughly dry; as most _Lixivial Salts_, and _Stillatious Acids_. But there are some _Salts_, which will not _give_ in the least, as _Alum_, that in _Lime-Water_ and some others; which latter, is so far from being moystened, that it is rather petrified by the _Aer_. For which reason I take it to be one of the best _Liquors_ for a stable and permanent _Green_, and some other _Colours_.

28. §. Amongst all _Water-Colours_, the rarest, and most difficult to make clear bright and permanent, is a _Blew_. There are many _Flowers_ of an excellent _Blew_, as those of _Bugloss_, _Lark-heel_ and others; but they easily fade. And there are very few _Flowers_ that will strike into a _Blew_ by any _Liquor_; being almost all changeable into _Green_, _Purple_ or _Red_. Yet some few there are, in which this _Colour_ may be produced. As for instance, the _Flower_ of _Lathyrus_ or _Parseverlasting_; which upon the affusion of _Spirit_ of _Harts-Horn_ is changed from a _Peach_, to as pure a _Blew_, as the best _Ultramarine_: that which hitherto is, I think, wanting in _Water Colours_. _Spirit_ of _Harts Horn_ was the _Liquor_ I used; but I question not, but that other _Alkalies_, and particularly _Lime-Water_, will have the like Effect, and so render it the more stable.

29. §. From what hath been said, we may likewise be confirmed in the use of the already known _Rules_, and directed unto others yet unknown, in order to the variation of the _Colours_ of _Flowers_ in their Growth. The effecting of this, by putting the _Colour_ desired in the _Flower_, into the _Body_ or _Root_ of the _Plant_, is vainly talked of by some: being such a piece of cunning, as for the obtaining a painted face, to eat good store of _white_ and _Red Lead_.

30. §. The best known _Rules_ are these Two; First, that the _Seed_ be used above any other part, if the variation of the _Colour_ be intended. One reason whereof is, because that part being but very small, the _Tinctures_ of the _Soyl_ will have the greater over proportion to those of the _Seed_. Besides, the tender and _Virgin Seed_, being committed to the Soyl, will more easily take any peculiar _Tincture_ from it, then an other _Part_, which is not so susceptive, and hath been tinctur’d already. All the strange varieties in _Carnations_, _Tulips_, and other _Flowers_ are made this way.

31. §. The other _Rule_ is, To change the _Soyl_, or frequently to transplant from one _Bed_ to another. By which means, the _Plant_, is as it were, _superimpregnated_ with several _Tinctures_, which are prolifick of several _Colours_; which way is taken for _Roots_ and _Slips_.

32. §. The consideration whereof, and of the foregoing _Experiments_, may direct us not only in changing the _Bed_, but also in compounding the _Soyl_, as by mixing such and such _Salts_, or _Bodies_ impregnated with such _Salts_, I say by mixing these Bodies in such a proportion, with the _Soyl_, as although they have no _Colour_ in themselves, yet may be effectual to produce a great variety of _Colours_ in the _Plants_ they nourish; supplying the _Plants_ with such _Tinctures_, as shall concur with the _Aer_, to strike or precipitate their _Sulphur_ into so many several _Colours_, after the manner above explicated: and so to bring even Natures Art of _Painting_, in a great part, into our own power.

A

DISCOURSE

OF THE

DIVERSITIES and CAUSES

OF

TASTS

CHIEFLY IN

PLANTS.

Read before the _Royal Society_, _March 25. 1675_.

CHAP. I.

_Of the several Sorts of SIMPLE and COMPOUNDED_ Tasts; _and the
DEGREES of both._

I HAVE formerly published some Notes, concerning _Tasts_. ♦ _Idea, §. 29._ & _Anat. of R. P. 2. §. 68_, &c. ♦ Since then, I have made other _Observations_ upon the same Subject: and these have produced further _Thoughts_. I will summ up all in giveing an account, First, of the _Diversities_; and then, of the _Causes_ of _Tasts_, chiefly in _Plants_.

2. §. The _Diversities_ of _Tasts_ are so many, and so considerable; that it seemeth strange, to see the matter treated of both by _Philosophers_ and _Physicians_, with so much scantness and defect. For the _Subject_ is not barren, but yieldeth much and pleasant _Variety_. And doth also appear to be of great import unto _Medicine_. Besides, it is preposterous to discourse of the _Causes_ of _Tasts_, before we have taken an account of their _Diversities_; Whereof therefore I shall in the first place, exhibit the following _Scheme_.

3. §. TASTS may be distinguished by these Three general ways. First, with respect to the _Sensation_ it self. Secondly, with respect to its _Duration_ and _Terms_. Thirdly, with respect to its _Subject_.

4. §. The _Sensation_ it self is differenced two ways, by its _Species_, and by its _Degrees_. With respect to the _Species_, _Tasts_ are _Simple_, or _Compounded_. By _Simple Tasts_, I mean not such, as are never found in conjunction with other _Tasts_: but the _Simple_ or _Single Modes_ of _Tast_, although they are mixed with divers others in the same _Body_. As for example, the _Taste_ of a _Peppin_, is _Acidulcis_; of _Rhubarb_, _Amarastringens_; and therefore _Compounded_ in both. Yet in the _Peppin_, the _Acid_ is one _Simple Taste_, and the _Sweet_ another; and so in _Rhubarb_, the _Bitter_ is one _Simple Taste_, and the _Astringent_ is another.

5. §. Two faults have here been committed; the defective _Enumeration_ of _Simple Tasts_; and reckoning them indistinctly among some others which are _Compounded_.

6. §. SIMPLE _Tasts_, (of which, properly so called, there are commonly reckoned but Six or Seven Sorts,) are, at least Sixteen. _First_, _Bitter_, as in _Wormwood_: to which, the contrary is _Sweet_, as in _Sugar_. _Thirdly_, _Sower_, as in _Vinegar_: to which, the contrary is _Salt_. _Fifthly_, _Hot_, as in _Cloves_: whereto, the contrary is _Cold_. For we may as properly say, a _Cold Taste_, as a _Hot Taste_: there being some _Bodies_, which do manifestly impress the _Sense_ of _Cold_ upon the _Tongue_, though not by _Touch_. So doth _Sal Prunellæ_, although the _Liquor_ wherein it is dissolved, be first warmed.

7. §. _Seventhly_, _Aromatick_. For it doth not more properly agree to an _Odor_ than a _Taste_, to be _Aromatick_. And that an _Aromatick Taste_, is distinct from an _Hot_, is clear; In that, there are many _Bodies_ of a _Hot Taste_, some meanly and others vehemently _Hot_; which yet are not in the least _Aromatick_: as amongst others, is apparent in _Euphorbium_. So that although an _Aromatick Taste_ be often conjoyned with _Heat_; yet it is not that _Heat_ it self, but another distinct _Sense_.

8. §. _Eighthly_, _Nauseous_ or _Malignant_, contrary to the former. Such as is perceived, together with the _Astringent_ and _Bitter_, in _Rhubarb_; or with the _Bitter_, and _Sweet_, in _Aloes_. It may be called _Malignant_, because distastful although mixed in a low degree with other _Tasts_: whereas other _Tasts_ will render one another grateful.

9. §. Again, _Tasts_ may properly be said, to be _Soft_ or _Hard_. A _Soft Taste_, is either _Vapid_, as in _Watery Bodies_, _Whites_ of _Eggs_, _Starch_, _Fine Boles_, &c. Or _Unctuous_, as in _Oyls_, _Fat_, &c.

10. §. A _Hard Taste_ is Fourfold, _sc._ _Penetrant_, _Stupifacient_, _Astringent_, _Pungent_. Contrary to a _Vapid_, are _Penetrant_ and _Stupifacient_.

11. §. _Penetrant_, is a kind of _Taste_, which worketh it self into the _Tongue_ (as some _Insects_ into the _Skin_) without any _Pungency_; as in the _Root_ and _Leavs_ of _Wild Cucumer_.

12. §. _Stupifacient_, as in the _Root_ of _Black Hellebore_. Which being chew’d, and for sometime reteined upon the _Tongue_; after a few minutes, it seemeth to be benum’d and affected with a kind of _Paralytick Stupor_; or as when it hath been a little burnt with eating or supping of any thing too hot.

13. §. Contrary to an _Unctuous Taste_, are _Astringent_, and _Pungent_; as in _Galls_, and _Spirit_ of _Sal Armoniack_.

14. §. Again, _Tasts_ are either _Continual_, as most commonly: or _Intermittent_; as that of _Dracontium_, especially in the _Root_. For after it seems to be lost and extinguished; it will then again (chiefly upon the _Collision_ of the _Tongue_ and _Goomes_) be plainly heightened and reviv’d.

15. §. _Lastly_, _Tasts_ are either _Still_, as usually; or may be called _Tremulous_, as the _Heat_ produced by _Pyrethrum_. _Distinct_ from that of _Cloves_, _Ginger_, and many other _Hot Bodies_, in that there the _Heat_ is _still_; but here in _Pyrethrum_, ’tis joyned with a kind of _Vibration_: as when a _Flame_ is brandished with a _Lamp-Furnace_. Thus far of the Sorts of _Simple Tasts_.

16. §. COMPOUNDED _Tasts_ are very numerous; being made by the various _Conjunction_ of _Simple Tasts_, as _Words_ are of _Letters_. Sometimes of two, as in _Saccharum Saturni_, of _Astringent_ and _Sweet_. Sometimes three, as in _Aloes_, _Malignant_, _Bitter_ and _Sweet_; in _Rhubarb_, _Malignant_, _Astringent_ and _Bitter_. Sometimes four, as in _Agarick_, _Malignant_, _Astringent_, _Bitter_ and _Sweet_. And in some _Bodies_, five or six _Species_ may be joyned together.

17. §. For the more accurate _Observation_ whereof, there are these easie _Rules_. That not too many be tasted at one time: least the _Tongue_ being surcharged, become less critical. That the _Mouth_ be washed with warm water betwixt every tasting. And that those things be first tasted which produce a less durable _Taste_; that so one may be throughly extinguished, before another be try’d.

18. §. Of the numerous _Conjunctions_ of _Tasts_, which may thus be observed, there are only Six to which the penury of _Language_ hath allowed (if I may call them) _Proper Names_, sc. _Acerbus_, _Austerus_, _Acris_, _Muriaticus_, _Lixivus_ & _Nitrosus_. Most of which are commonly taken in to make up the number of _Simple Tasts_. But very improperly; being all of them _Compounded_ and _Decompounded Tasts_: to which _Class_ they ought therefore to be refer’d. For

19. §. _Austere_, is _Astringent_ and _Bitter_; as in the green and soft _Stones_ of _Grapes_.

20. §. _Acerb_, properly so called, is _Astringent_ and _Acid_; as in the _Juyce_ of unripe _Grapes_.

21. §. _Acris_, is also _Compounded_. For first, simply _Hot_, it is not: because there are many _Hot Bodies_, which are not _Acria_; as the _Roots_ of _Zedoary_, _Yarrow_, _Contrayerva_. Nor Secondly, is it simply _Pungent_, because there are also _Bodies_, which are _Non-acria pungentia_; of which kind is the _Root_ of _Arum_. Wherefore _Acritude_, is _Pungency_ joyned with _Heat_.

22. §. _Muriatick_, is _Saltness_ joyned with some _Pungency_, as in common _Salt_.

23. §. _Lixivial_, is _Saltness_ joyned with _Pungency_ and _Heat_.

24. §. _Nitrous_, is _Saltness_ joyned with _Pungency_ and _Cold_.

25. §. Besides these Six, or perhaps one or two more, there are, as is said, a great number of _Conjunctions_, for which we have no _Proper Names_. For admit that there were but _Ten Species_ of _Simple Tasts_, _sc._ these _Ten_; _Amarus_, _Dulcis_, _Acidus_, _Salsus_, _Calidus_, _Frigidus_, _Aromaticus_, _Malignus_, _Astringens_, _Pungens_. And of these _Ten_, but _Two_, or at most, but _Three_ to be compounded together in any one _Body_. If only _Two_, they produce 45 _Compounded Tasts_. For the _First_, may be compounded with all the 9 following; the _Second_, with all the 8 following; and so, the rest: which together make 45. But if the same _Ten_ be compounded by _Threes_ together; they produce no less than 120 _Variations_: as by the _Table_ made of them all doth plainly appear.

26. §. Some few of the _Conjunctions_ therein set down, may not be found actually existent in _Nature_. The abatement of which, will be much more than compensated two ways. _First_, by the other _Six Species_ of _Simple Tasts_, which are also sometimes compounded. And by other more complex _Conjunctions_, as of many _Quadruples_, and perhaps some _Quintuple_ or _Sextuple_ ones. Thus far of the _Simple Species_, and _Conjunctions_ of _Tasts_.

27. §. THE DEGREES of _Tasts_ are also numerous; and each _Species_, in every _Conjunction_, capable of _Variation_ herein. For the more accurate observing whereof, it will be best, To take those _Bodies_, whose _Tasts_ are, as near as may be, the same in _Specie_: and that those be first tasted, which are less strong; whereby the true _Degree_ will be more precisely taken.

28. §. The _Tasts_ of _Bodies_ will thus appear to be varied, in most _Species_ unto _Five Degrees_; and in some of them, unto _Ten_. So the _Root_ of _Turmerick_, is bitter in the _First Degree_; of _Gentian_, in the _Tenth_. The _Root_ of _Carduus Benedictus_, is _Hot_ in the _First Degree_; the _Green Pods_ or _Seed-Cases_ of _Clematis peregrina_, in the _Tenth_. So that, allowing some to vary under _Five_; yet by a moderate estimate, we may reckon every _Species_, one with another, to be varied by at least _Five Degrees_. Which being added to the several _Species_ of _Tasts_, in all the _Treble Conjunctions_ of the aforesaid _Table_, come to 1800 sensible and defineable _Variations_ of _Taste_. And these are the _Diversities_ of _Taste_, with respect to the _Sensation_ it self.

CHAP. II.

_Of the DURATION and several TERMES
of_ Tasts.

THE next general way of distinguishing _Tasts_, is by their _Duration_, and their _Terms_, or their _Motion_ of _Intension_ and _Remission_ from one _Degree_ to another. For there are many _Tasts_, which have their _Motions_ analogous to those of _Diseases_; and by those may be distinguished in the same manner. For as of _Diseases_, so of _Tasts_, there are Four _Times_, as _Physicians_ call them, or _Terms_ of _Motion_; sc. _Principium_, _Augmentum_, _Status_, _& Declinatio_.

2. §. For the distinct observing of which, those _Bodies_ which are hard, and so their tastable parts less easily extractable by the _Tongue_, should be reduced to a fine _Powder_: otherwise, the true measure of the _Principium_ will be lost. And for the precise measuring of all the _Four Termes_, it should be done by a _Minute-Watch_ or a _Minute-Glass_. For so it will appear, that the _Variations_ of each, are divers and remarquable.

3. §. To instance first in those of the _Principium_. Which I call, That space of time, betwixt the first _Contact_ of the _Body_ to be tasted, and the first manifest _Perception_ of the _Taste_. For Example, those _Bodies_ which are _Acid_, or _Bitter_, as _Vinegar_ or _Wormwood_, are presently perceiv’d, _quatenus Acid_ or _Bitter_, upon the first _Contact_; or have _Principium brevissimum_. Those _Bodies_ which are _Acrid_, have their _Principium_ somewhat longer. So the _Seed Cases_ of _Clematis peregrina_, although they have a vehement _Acritude_, even in the Tenth _Degree_; yet is not that _Acritude_ so soon tasted, as the _Bitterness_ of _Roses_, which is but in the second. But the _Principium_ of _Hot Tasts_, is generally longer than that of any other. So the _Bitterness_ of the _Root_ of _Black-Hellebore_, which exceedeth not the second _Degree_, is yet presently tasted: but the _Heat_ proceeding from the same _Root_, and which ascendeth to the third _Degree_, is not perceived at all, till after two full _Minutes_. And so the _Bitterness_ of _Enula_, which exceedeth not the 4ᵗʰ _Degree_, yet is sooner tasted than its _Heat_, which ascendeth to the 8ᵗʰ.

4. §. Next, in those of the _Augment_. Which I call, That space, betwixt the first _Perception_ of the _Taste_, till it be come to the heighth. So the _Heat_ of _Galangale_, is not only presently perceived, but ariseth to the heighth within half a _Minute_. But the _Heat_ of the _Root_ of _Enula_, comes not to the heighth till after a whole _Minute_. And the _Heat_ of _Black-Hellebore_, not till after four full _Minutes_ from the first _Contact_.

5. §. The _Status_, or space wherein the _Taste_ continues in its heighth, is also divers. So the _Heat_ of the _Seed-Case_ of _Helleboraster_, comes to its heighth, and begins to decline within half a _Minute_; that of the _Root_ of _Garden-Scurvygrass_, not till after a _Minute_; and that of the _Root_ of _Asarum_, not till after two full _Minutes_.

6 §. And _Lastly_, the _Declination_, or the space betwixt the first _Remission_ of the _Taste_, and its total _Extinction_. For instance, The _Leavs_ of _Millefolium_, are _Bitter_ in the 4ᵗʰ _Degree_, and _Hot_ only in the 1ˢᵗ yet the _Heat_ continues for sometime, and the _Bitter_ presently vanishes. _Calamus Aromaticus_, is _Bitter_ in the 4ᵗʰ _Degree_, _Hot_ in the 1ˢᵗ, and _Aromatick_ in the 3ᵈ: yet the _Bitter_ quickly vanishes, the _Heat_ continues two _Minutes_, and the _Aromatick_ seven or eight. The _Heat_ of the _Root_ of _Contrayerra_, is extended, almost to two _Minutes_; the _Pungency_ of _Jalap_, almost to six; the _Heat_ of _Garden Scurvygrass_, to seven or eight. And even the _Bitterness_ of _Wild Cucumer_, to near a quarter of an hour. But the _Heat_ of _Euphorbium_ dureth much longer, as also that of _Black Hellebore_, _sc._ above half an hour.

7. §. So that the _Augmentum_, is seldom extended beyond Four or Six _Minutes_, from the first _Contact_: but the _Declination_, sometimes to Thirty, Fourty, or more. Thus far of the _Terms_ of _Tast_, or the manner of their _Intension_ and _Remission_.

CHAP. III.

_Of the SUBJECT or SEAT of_ Tasts.

THE _Third_ and _Last_ way of distinguishing _Tasts_, is by their _Subject_, or the _Part_ or _Parts_ where they are either wholly or chiefly perceived. And so, _Tasts_ are either _Fixed_, or _Movable_.

2. §. A _Fixed Tast_, is that which keepeth within the compass of some one _Part_, all the time of its _Duration_; as upon the _Tip_, or the _Root_ of the _Tongue_, or other _Part_.

3. §. A _Movable Taste_, is either _Diffusive_ or _Transitive_.

4. §. A _Diffusive Taste_, I call that, which by degrees spreads abroad into divers _Parts_, and yet in the mean time, adheres to that _Part_ in which it is first perceived. So the _Bitterness_ in the dryed _Roots_ of _Black Hellebore_, is first felt on the _Tip_ of the _Tongue_; from whence it spreads it self to the midle of the same. And the _Bitterness_ of the _Leavs_ of _Wild Cucumer_, spreads from the _Tip_, to the _Root_ of the _Tongue_.

5. §. A _Transitive Taste_, is that, which after sometime, wholly quitting the _Part_ wherein it is first perceived, is thence transfered into some other _Part_: as the _Bitterness_ of _Gentian_, imediately from the _Tip_, to the midle of the _Tongue_. And most of the _Diffusive_, are also _Transitive_.

6. §. The several _Parts_ which these ways become, and with some latitude may be called, the _Seats_ of _Tasts_, are, the _Lips_, _Tongue_, _Palate_, _Throat_ and _Gulet_.

7. §. Upon the _Lips_, the _Root_ of white _Hellebore_, as also of _Pyrethrum_, being chewed, make a sensible _Impression_; which continues (like the flame of a _Coal_ betwixt in and out) for 9 or 10 _Minutes_. But the _Heat_ in other _Parts_ much longer.

8. §. Upon the _Tongue_, _Tasts_ are perceived in Three places, as hath been intimated. On the _Tip_ or _Cone_ of the _Tongue_; as most commonly. On or near the _Basis_ of the _Tongue_; where the _Taste_ of the _Leavs_ of _Wild Cucumer_ chiefly fixeth it self. Or on the _Vertex_ or midle of the _Tongue_; in which place it is observable, that the _Tast_ of _Gentian_, _Colocynthis_, and divers other _Bodies_, is then considerably strong, when not at all perceived at the _Tip_ of the _Tongue_ or in any other _Part_.

9. §. Upon the _Palate_ or _Roofe_ of the _Mouth_, the _Root_, as I take it, of _Deadly Nightshade_ maketh its chief _Impression_; and there continues about four _Minutes_ in some degree.

10. §. The _Throat_, or the _Uvula_, _Larinx_ and other adjacent _Parts_ are oftentimes the _Seat_ of _Taste_. For there are many _Bodies_, which although they have scarce any _Taste_ upon the _Tongue_, or any other of the aforesaid _Parts_, yet make a strong _Impression_ on the _Throat_: as the _Leavs_ of little _Daisy_, little _Celandine_, and of _Pimpinel_; as also the _Roots_ of _Jalap_, _Mercury_, _Asparagus_ and others. Which being chewed make little or no _Impression_ on the _Tongue_, but their _Juyce_ being swallowed, causeth a kind of pricking in the _Throat_; as when one is provoked by a sharp _Rheum_.

11. §. And that this _Taste_ or _Sense_, is truly distinct from either the _Heat_, _Pungency_, or _Acritude_ upon the _Tongue_, it is hence further manifest; In that _Pyrethrum_, which is very _Hot_, and _Cortex Winteranus_ which is very _Pungent_ upon the _Tongue_; yet their _Juyce_ being swallowed, causeth no _Heat_, _Pungency_ or _Exasperation_ in the _Throat_.

12. §. _Lastly_, if we will take the word (_Tast_) in a larger sense, the _Oesophagus_ it self may be said to be sometimes the _Subject_ thereof; as of the _Heat_ produced by the _Root_ of _Common Wormwood_. For of this _Heat_ it is remarquable, that being first perceived on the _Tip_ of the _Tongue_, it thence maketh its _transit_ to the _Root_ of the _Tongue_, and so into the _Throat_, and by degrees descends into the very _Gulet_; where it seemeth to warm the _Stomach_; and so continues, in some degree, almost ¼ of an hour. And the _Transition_ and _Descent_ of this _Heat_ is made, although none of the _Juyce_ be swallowed. And in this maner _Tasts_ are distinguished with respect to their _Subject_.

13. §. So that the general _Diversities_ of _Tasts_ are these. With respect to their _Species_, they are _Simplices vel Compositi_; To their _Degree_, _Remissi vel Intensi_; To their _Duration_, _Breves vel Diuturni_; To the _Terms_ of their _Motion_, _Celeres vel Tardi_; and lastly, To their _Subject_, _Fixi, Diffusivi & Transitivi_.

14. §. I HAVE thus endeavoured to draw up a _Scheme_ or _Inventory_ of the several sorts of _Tasts_. In which, some may think, that I have over done: and that as _Galen_ hath been censured for being too curious in the _Distinctions_ of _Pulses_; so have I been, in these of _Tasts_. Not to enquire now, how far the _Differences_ of the _Pulse_ may be extended, or be fit to be taken notice of; I shall only say, That we have not so much reason to censure him, if he hath given us some few which are coincident; as we have to thank him, for observing so many which are really distinct.

15. §. By the _Scheme_ of _Tasts_ here represented, we may be able, so to enumerate the _Modes_ of any _Tast_, as to make a _Scientifick Definition_ of it. Which is pleasant _Instruction_ to any inquisitive mind; these things being all matter of sense and demonstration; wherein lyeth, though not always the most plausible, yet the most satisfying _Philosophy_; and where men, after they are grown weary with turning round, are oftentimes contented to rest.

16. §. But the usefulness of this _Schem_ will further appear, in two respects; _sc._ In conducting us to a cleerer and more particular _Explication_ of the _Causes_ of _Tasts_: and the _Investigation_ of the _Virtues_ of those _Bodies_ in which they reside. Whereof in the following _Chapters_.

CHAP. IV.

_Of the CAUSES of_ Tasts.

TO speak of the _Causes_ of _Tasts_, before we have well enumerated and distinguished them; is to provide _Furniture_ for a _House_, before the _Roomes_ have been counted and measured out. But the _Varieties_ of _Tasts_ having been first laid down; it will induce us to believe, and investigate as great a variety in their _Causes_.

2. §. Now the _Causes_ of _Tasts_, particularly of the _Tasts_ of _Plants_, whereof we chiefly speak, are, in general, these Four or Five, _sc._ The _Bed_ out of which they grow; The _Aer_ in which they stand; The _Parts_ of which they consist; The several _Fermentations_ under which their _Juyces_ pass; And the _Organs_ by which their _Tastable Parts_ are perceiv’d: as will appear upon _Instance_.

3. §. But the immediate _Causes_, besides the _Organs_ of _Taste_, are the _Principles_ of _Plants_. As many of which, as come under the notice of _Sense_, we have already supposed to be these Seven, _Alkaline_, _Acid_, _Aer_, _Water_, _Oyl_, _Spirit_ and _Earth_. The _Particles_ both of _Alkaline_ and _Acid Salts_, are all _angular_ and _poynted_. Those of _Aer_, properly and strictly so called, are _Elastick_ or _Springy_; and therefore also _Crooked_; as I have likewise formerly conjectured. And I find the Learned _Borelli_, in a Book of his since then published, to be of the same Opinion. Those of all _Fluid Bodies_, _quà Fluid_, and therefore of _Water_, _Oyl_ and _Spirit_, I conceive to be _Globular_, but _hollow_, and with holes in their Sides. Those of _Water_, to be larger _Globes_, with more _holes_; those of _Oyl_, to be lesser, with fewer _holes_; and those of _Spirit_ the least. Lastly, that the particles of _Earth_ are also _Round_; yet angular; and nearer to a _solid_.

4. §. These _Principles_ affect the _Organs_ of _Sense_, according to the variety of their _Figures_, and of their _Mixture_. So those which are sharp or poynted; and those which are _springy_; are fitted to produce any stronger _Taste_: and those which are round, are apt, of their own _Nature_, to produce a _weaker_ or _softer_ one. And so by the diversities of their _Mixture_; not only with respect to their _Proportion_, but also the very _Mode_ of their _Conjunction_. Hence it is, that many _Bodies_ which abound with _Salt_, as _Ambar_ with an _Acid_, and the _Bones_ of _Land-Animals_ with an _Alkaline_, have notwithstanding but a weak _Tast_; the _Saline Parts_ being in the former drowned in the _Oyl_, and in the latter also buried in the _Earth_.

5. §. The same is further confirmed by an _Experiment_ mentioned in a former _Discourse_; ♦ Of _Mixt._ Ch. 5. ♦ _sc._ the _Transmutation_ of _Oyl_ of _Anise-Seeds_, with the help of _Oyl_ of _Vitriol_, into a _Rosin_. For both those _Liquors_, though so strongly tasted, apart; yet the _Rosin_ made of them, being well washed, hath a very mild _Taste_, and without any smatch of that in either of the _Liquors_. Whence it follows, that the very _Mode_ of _Mixture_ is sufficient, not only for the variation of the _Degrees_ in any one _Species_ of _Tast_; but also for the destroying of one _Species_, and the introducing of another.

6. §. THESE things being premised, I conceive, That as an _Unctuous Tast_ dependeth upon _Oyl_; so a _Vapid_ either on _Water_, or _Earth_: or upon such an intimate _Mixture_ of other _Principles_, as renders them indissoluble by the _Saliva_, and so, in a manner, untastable.

7. §. That a _Pungent_, is made either by an _Alkaly_ or an _Acid_ sharpned or whetted; that is, cleared from the soyl of other _Principles_; as in the _Spirit_ of _Sal Armoniac_ or of _Sulphur_. And so in those _Plants_ which have a _Pungent Tast_; whose _Juyces_ or _Tinctures_, although they consist of divers _Principles_, yet all so loosely mixed, that being dissolved by the _Saliva_, the _Saline_ are hereupon left naked. Wherefore _biting Plants_, _qua biting_, are _Nitrous Plants_. So that the _Juyce_ of such _Plants_, is a kind of _Spirit_ of _Nitre_, made by the several _Parts_ of the _Plant_. Hence _Arum_ grows best under an Hedg; where the Ground, not being exposed to the _Sun_, but the _Aer_ only, like those _Rooms_ in _Houses_, which are covered, is impregnated with a greater quantity of _Nitrous Salt_. And those _Roots_ which are _Biting_, have but few or but small _Aer-Vessels_; whereby fewer parts of the _nitroaereal Sap_ are carryed off into the _Trunk_. For the same _Cause_, it is no wonder, that many _Aquaticks_ are _Biting_; _Water_ being, though it self cold, yet the _Menstruum_ by which all _Salts_ are imbibed most easily, and in laxer state of _Commixture_ with other _Principles_.

8. §. _Penetrant_ (something slower than _Pungent_) is made by any _Salt_ that is also soiled or guarded with _Earth_. _Sower_, by an _Acid_ only soyled with _Earth_. _Salt_, by an _Acid_ guarded by an _Alkaly_, and soyled with _Earth_. _Cold_, by an _Acid_ drowned in _Water_, and soyled with _Earth_.

9. §. In all these, the _Salts_ are _predominant_; In _Heat_ the _Oyl_ or _Sulphur_. The particles whereof being _Spherick_ and _bored_ with _holes_; those of _Salt_ stick in them, as the _Spokes_ do in the _Hub_ of a _Wheel_, or as the _Quills_ in the _Skin_ of a _Porcupine_. Whereby, as in _Common Fire_ the _Sparks_ of _Sulphur_ being agitated and whirled about by the _Aer_; with the help of the _Salts_, which stick in them, tear in pieces all kinds of _Bodies_: so here, being agitated by the _Circulation_ of the _Blood_, they make a kind of hurry or combustion; and so, according to the degree and strength of their _Motion_, tear in pieces fewer or more of the _Fibers_ of the _Tongue_; and in a greater quantity, would raise a _Blister_ upon it; the common _Effect_ of _Fire_, or any strong _Epispastick_. So that a _Hot Tast_, is produced by _Sulphur_ toothed or armed with _Salts_. Wherefore all _Stillatitious Oyls_ are _Hot_; being strongly impregnated or armed with the _Essential Salts_ of the _Plants_ from whence they are distilled. And as those _Plants_ which are very _Parenchymous_, from the predominancy of their _Volatile Acid_, are _biting_: So those which are _Lignous_, that is, have a good quantity of _Lympheducts_, from the dominion of their _Sulphur_ are commonly _Hot_. For the same reason it is, that many both _Biting_ and _Hot Plants_, as the _Roots_ of _Dragon_, _Garden-Radish_, _Onion_, _Iris_, _Rape-Crowfoot_, &c. being corked up in a bottle with _Water_, and set in a Cellar or other cool place; they do all of them turn _Sower_ in a few days: The same _Fermentation_, at once sullying the _Salts_ of the one, and disarming the _Sulphurs_ of the other. But some, wherein the _Sulphureous_ parts are more copious, will hardly ever become _Sower_. Hence also, some _Plants_, whose _Roots_ are neither _Hot_, nor of any strong _Taste_, as those of _Wild Anemone_; yet their _Leaves_ and _Flowers_ are plainly _Caustick_: So that it seems, that as their _Juyces_ rise up into the _Trunk_ or _Stalk_, and are therein further fermented, the _Sulphurous Parts_ thereof, are at the same time relaxed from the other _Principles_, and acuated with an _Aereal Salt_.

10. §. A _Stupifacient Tast_ (as the _Impression_ which some _Hot Plants_ make upon the _Tongue_ may be called) is in some sort, analogous to the mortifying of any part of the Body by the application of a _Caustick_. For as there the mortification succeeds the burning pain, so here, the _Stupifaction_, neither comes before, nor with the _Heat_, but follows it.

11. §. _Sweetness_ is produced, sometimes by an _Alkaly_; smoothed either by a _Sulphur_, as in _Lime-Water_; or by both a _Spirit_ and a _Sulphur_, as in the _Stillatitious Oyls_ of _Animals_. But most commonly, by a smoothed _Acid_; as in _Malt_, _Sugar_, _Hony_. Hence a _Sweet Taste_, is generally founded in a Sower; So Sower _Apples_, by mellowing, and harsh _Pears_, by baking become sweet; the _Spirit_ and _Sulphur_ being hereby at once separated from the other _Principles_ and brought to a nearer union with the _Acid_. So the Sower _Leaves_ of _Wood-Sorrel_, being dry’d, become sweet: and those of a sower _Codlin_, while they hang on the _Tree_, and even of a _Crab-Tree_, are neither _Astringent_, nor sower, but sensibly sweet. And so commonly, wherever the said _Principles_ are a little exalted by a soft _Fermentation_; as in the _Juyce_ of the _Stalk_ of _Maze_ or _Indian Wheat_, which is as sweet as _Sugar_; and in the _green Stalks_ of all sorts of _Corn_ and _Grass_, in several degrees. So likewise _Tulips_ and some other _Roots_, being taken up, in open weather, sometime before they _sprout_; if tasted, are as sweet as _Liquirish_ or _Sugar_; and at no other time: not only _Fruits_, but many _Roots_, _Seeds_, and other _Parts_, upon their first or early _Germination_, acquiring a curious _Mellowness_, wherein, all their _Principles_ are resolved, and their most _Spirituous Parts_ exalted and spread over the _Acid_. Wherefore also most _Roots_, which are not meerly long, but grow deep in the ground, have at least some of their _Juyces_ of a sweet _Tast_; as _Liquirish_, _Eryngo_, _Hounds-Tongue_, _Garden-Parsnep_, _Black Henbeane_, _Deadly Night-shade_, _&c._ Even the _Juyce_ of _Horse Radish_, which bleeds at the _Lympheducts_, is of a sweet _Taste_. And of the same kindred those which grow the deepest, are the sweetest; as a _Parsnep_ is sweeter than a _Carrot_, especially if you tast the bleeding _Sap_; and the _Root_ of _Common Tall Trefoyl_ tasteth somewhat like _Liquirish_, but is not near so sweet. For all deep _Roots_, are fed with a less _Nitrous Aliment_: and being remoter from the _Aer_, their _Juyces_ pass under much more soft and moderate _Fermentations_.

12. §. _Bitterness_ is produced by a _Sulphur_ well impregnated, either with an _Alkaline_, or an _Acid Salt_, but also shackled with _Earth_. And therefore the _Bitterest Plants_, commonly yield the greatest quantity of _Lixivial Salt_. So also many _Stillatitious Oyls_ digested with any strong _Acid_, will acquire a _Bitter Taste_. Wherefore this _Taste_ is often founded either in a _Hot Taste_, or a _Sweet_. Hence it is, that the _Leaves_ of all sweet _Roots_ are _Bitter_. And that the _Fig-Tree_, which bears a sweet _Fruit_, bleeds a _Bitter Milk_. So likewise those _Plants_, which bear a _Bitter Stalk_, have not _Bitter_, but _Hot Roots_, as in _Yarrow_, _Primrose_, _Wormwood_, _Rue_, _Carduus benedictus_ &c. is manifest. So the _Coats_ of the _Seeds_ of _Viola Lunaria_ are of a _hot_ and _biting Tast_; but the _Seeds_ themselves, in which the _Salts_, though copious, yet are also immersed in a greater quantity of _Oyl_, are _Bitter_. And that the _Earthy Parts_ do also contribute something more to this, than to most of the forementioned _Tasts_, is argued from its being more _Fixed_; that is, the _Body_ in which it resides, is either more _Fixed_, or else flyeth not away in that same state of conjunction, by which it maketh a _Bitter Taste_. For whereas _Hot_, _Biting_, and divers other _Plants_ lose the strength of their _Taste_, by drying; most of those which are _Bitter_, do hereby increase it. And although the _Extract_ of _Dandelion_ and some other _Roots_, which are very _Bitter_, hath scarce any _Tast_, yet generally, they are _Bitter Plants_, which are best for the making of _Extracts_. And the distilled waters of _Plants_ which are _Hot_ and =Bitter=, notwithstanding that they always tast high of the _Heat_, yet rarely and very faintly of the _Bitter_.

13. §. _Astringency_, is made, partly, by the further increase and more intimate union of the _Earth_. And therefore this is seated still in a more _Fixed Composition_, than a _Bitter_. And partly, by the diminution of the _Sulphur_. And therefore the _Acid Parts_ ingredient to it, either by _Fermentation_ or otherwise, are easily exposed. _Astringency_ being the _Womb_ or _Bud_ of a _Sower_. For all or most _Astringent Roots_ bear a sower _Leaf_, or a sower _Fruit_; as those of all _Docks_ and _Sorrels_, _Black-Thorn_, _Dog-Rose_, and others. Wherefore also, _Astringency_ is often found in conjunction with _Bitter_, _Sweet_, or _Sower_; but scarce ever with _Pungent_, or _Hot_.

14. §. An _Aromatick Tast_, seems to be produced, chiefly, by a _spirituous_, _acid_, and _volatile Sulphur_; as in _Ambar-griese_, _Cardamon-Seeds_, many _Stillatitious Oyls_ &c. A _Nauseous_, by a _Sulphur_ less _Spirituous_ and _Volatile_, and more _Alkaline_; as in the _Root_ of _Dog-stones_, _Sheep scabious_, the young and green _Leaves_ of _Coriander_, or the _Seeds_ of _Cumine_. The _Spirit_, as it enters the _Nerves_, carrying the _Alkaline Sulphur_ along with it; as when a City is betrayed by one of its Inhabitants to an Enemy.

15. §. An _Intermittent Taste_, as in _Arum_, seems to have its dependance upon a simple and very pure _Nitre_, which by its subtilty enters into the very _Concaves_ of the _Nervous Fibers_ of the _Tongue_: and so being lodged there, is little affected or stirred, by the _Motion_ of the _Blood_; but only when the _Tongue_ it self is moved, at which time it causeth a kind of pricking _Taste_.

16. §. A _Tremulous Taste_, as in _Pyrethrum_, dependeth probably, upon an _Aereal Sulphur_; which being agitated by the _Blood_ in its _Circulation_, the _springy Motion_ or _Vibration_ of the _Aereal Parts_ produce that _Taste_.

17. §. A _Tast_ is _Lingual_, _Guttural_, &c. according to the grosness or fineness or other difference of the _Membranes_ into which the _tastable parts_ are admitted. For _Tasts_ are made not meerly by the outward _Contact_, but the _Ingress_ of the _tastable parts_. Now the outer _Skin_ of the _Tongue_, which is commonly observed to pill off in boyling, like the _Cuticula_ in other _Parts_, hath either no sense, or much less than that which lies under it; and is therefore, but a _Sieve_ or _Strainer_ to the _tastable parts_. So that being of different fineness in the several parts of the _Tongue_; it hereby comes to pass, that according as the _tastable parts_ of any _Plant_ are more or less penetrant, subtle, or dissoluble, they are admitted into one part of the _Tongue_, and not another. And in the _Throat_, the outer _Skin_ it self, seems to be the immediate _Sensory_; and so, to be evidently affected with the _Juyces_ of some _Plants_, from which the _Tongue_ receiveth little or no sensible _Impression_.

18. §. When the _Tast_ is _Permanent_ and _Fixed_ in some one _Part_; it is a sign, either that the _Gustable Parts_ are less dissoluble; or more subtle, so as to enter the _Concaves_ of the _Fibers_; and that there is an admixture of an _Aereal Salt_, or a like _Sulphur_; some of the parts whereof, being crooked, hang like _Hooks_ on the _Fibers_ of the _Tongue_. For the reception of such a _Tast_, is not to be looked upon as a wound made with a _Lancet_, and so the _Lancet_ taken away; but with the _Lancet_ sticking in the wound; until in time, ’tis carryed off by the _Circulation_ of the _Blood_; which like the _Stream_ of a _River_ in a _Flood_, carries all before it, but those things last, which stick in the _Mud_.

19. §. But when the _Tast_, though _Permanent_, yet is _Diffusive_ or _Transitive_; it seems probable, that as there is a less admixture of _Aer_; so a greater subtlety of the _Tastable Parts_, whereby they are conveyed, through the _Nervous Fibers_, from one _Part_ to another.

CHAP. V.

_Of the Judgment which may be made of the VIRTUES
of_ Plants, _from their_ Tasts.

AS by duly observing the _Tasts_ of _Plants_, we may be directed to understand their _Causes_. So also the _Use_ and _Virtues_ of those _Plants_ or _Parts_ of _Plants_ in which they reside. For the proof whereof, an _Instance_ might be fetched from every particular difference of _Tast_ before set down. But it may be enough, to give these which follow.