Chapter III: Book 4: Anatomy of Leaves, Flowers, Fruits and Seeds (2)

21. §. HAVING THUS far examined the _Organical_ and _Containing Parts_ of _Vegetables_; ♦ The Third General _Mean_. ♦ it will be requisite, more designedly, to observe those also which are _Fluid_, or any others Contained in them: and that, for our better understanding both of the _Nature_ of _Vegetation_, and of the said _Contained Parts_. And to make inquiry, _First_ of their _Kinds_; as _Spirits_; both such as agree, in general, in being _Vinous_; and those that are Special, to particular _Plants_. _Aers_ and _Vapours_; for the existence whereof, in all _Vegetables_, there are Arguments certainly concluding. And for the difference of their _Natures_, in being more dry, or moist, more simple or compounded, as they are existent in several _Parts_, there are probable ones. _Lympha’s_ or clear and watry _Saps_; which most _Plants_, in one _Part_ or other, at some time of the Year, do _Bleed Mucilages_; as in _Mallow_ and _Violet Leaves_; in many _Seeds_, as of _Quinces_, _Clary_; _Fruits_, as in _Cucumers_; distinct from the watry _Sap_, as by permitting it to stand and gelly upon the _Vessels_ from whence it issues, is plain: And in the young _Berrys_ of White _Bryony_, when about the bigness of a _Pepper-Corn_; the juyce whereof is so Viscous, that the twentieth part of a _Grain_, will draw out above a _Yard_ in length. _Oyles_; not only in _Seeds_, and some _Fruits_, but other _Parts_; as in certain little cavities in the _Leaves_ of _Savine_, visibly collected while they are growing. _Gumms_ or _Resines_; as in _Pine_, _Fir_, and others of this Kind. _Milks_; as in a vast number of _Plants_, and amongst them, many not suspected to yield any. For, of _Herbs_, not only most of the _Umbelliferous Kind_, are _Milky_; but all or most of the _Intybous_; _Poppys_; _Tracheliums_; _Perwinkles_; divers _Thistles_; and even _Onions_, if cut at the bottome; with a great many more. Of _Trees_, not only the Little _Maple_, but the young _Shoots_ of _Lawrel_, especially being crushed; as also those of _Elder_, and some others. To which may be added, such _Mucilages_, which though not so properly contained _within_ the _Parts_, yet are found lying _over_ them; as over the first _Spring-leaves_ of all kinds of _Docks_; betwixt the _Leaves_ and the _Veil_ wherein they are involved. That fine white Flower or Powder, which lies over the _Leaves_ of some _Plants_, as of _Bears-Ear_: And in _Princes-Feather_, about certain _Apertures_ only on the edges of the _Leaves_.

22. §. Of all these should be observed, _first_ their _Receptacles_; some of them, being proper to one; others, common to two or more of them: since it is certain, that some of them do Transmigrate from one, into another _Receptacle_, or that the same _Receptacle_ is filled with Fluid Bodies, of a quite different Nature, at the different _Seasons_ of the _Year_, and _Ages_ of the _Vegetable_. And it is also very probable, That two of some of them, may, sometimes, be contained in one _Receptacle_, at the same time; as in _Animals_, the _Lympha_ in the D. _Thoracicus_, and that, and the _Chyle_, in the _Sanguineous Vessels_.

23. §. Then their _Motions_; both _Natural_, and such as may be effected by _Art_: and those either by Descent or Ascent; And in ascending, through what different _Chanels_ or _Parts_ of the _Trunk_; since it is certain, That there is a variety, both in respect of the _Season_, and of _Vegetables_. Where it will fall in, To observe the _Tapping_ of _Trees_. As also their _Bleeding_: to what _Trees_ it is proper to _bleed_: in those to which it is, with what difference of _Celerity_: and when their peculiar _Season_: for none will bleed at all times; neither will all _bleed_ at the same. And then their Collateral _Motion_, together with the Mode of their Transition from one _Organical Part_ to another.

24. §. Next their _Quantities_, either of _one_; as the Comparison is made betwixt several _Plants_, or betwixt the _Parts_ of the same. So the true _Seed_ of all _Plants_, containeth more _Oyl_, in proportion, than any of the other _Parts_. Or else of _divers_, as coexistent and bearing such a proportion one to another in the same _Part_: of most of which, it may be known by their respective _Receptacles_. Yet the Computation must not be made from the number of the said _Receptacles_, _simply_; but as that is in conjunction with their _Capacity_; and as their _Capacity_ is proportioned to their surrounding _Sides_; the _Sides_ of those of the least _Capacity_, being usually as thick, as those of the greatest: so that suppose Ten lesser, to lye within the compass of One greater; the _Content_ of these altogether, would scarce be equal to half the _Content_ of that One.

25. §. Also their _Consistence_; _scil._: of so many of them as are discriminable by Touch; in being Soft or Hard; Thin or Thick; Mucilaginous, Gummous, Glutinous, Friable, _&c._ And these in their several Degrees; in which there is a Variety, as in the _Milks_ of some _Plants_, which are more _Dilute_, than that of others: _Mucilages_; which in some, are very thick and _Viscous_, in others, more diluted and coming nearer to a _watry Sap_. And by This, to be compared in the same manner, as by their _Quantity_.

26. §. Likewise their _Colours_, _Smells_, and _Tastes_: The general and particular Kinds of all which should be noted. And to what _Contained Parts_, and in what Variety, they appertain. So most _Resinous Gumms_ are Tinctur’d, some, not; as that which drops from the _Domestick Pine_, is as clear as Rock-water. The _Milks_ of some _Plants_ are _Paler_, as in _Burdock_; of others _Whiter_, as in _Dandelyon_, _Scorzonera_; _Citrine_, in the Root of _Trachelium_, _Angelica_; _Yellow_, as in _Lovage_. In some _Plants_, _Odorous_, as in _Umbelliferous_; in others not, as in _Cichoraceous_. That of Little _Maple_, _Tasteless_; of Garden _Chervil_, _Sweet_; of _Fenil_, _Hot_; of _Scorzonera_, _Astringent_; of _Dandelion_, _Bitter_; and generally, in other _Plants_; but with many Degrees of Strength, and in conjunction with other _Tasts_. But most _Mucilages_, have little either _Colour_, _Taste_, or _Smell_; and the like. Here also the same _Qualities_ are to be inquired into, as, in general speaking, they are said to belong to a _Vegetable_. Since it is more than probable, that all _Colours_ (excepting _White_, which is sometimes common both to _Containing_ and _Contained Parts_) all _Odours_, and _Tastes_, which are more immediately, and without a resolution of their _Essential Principles_, perceptible in a _Plant_; are not ascribable either to the _Organical_, or _Containing Parts_; but only to Those, Contained in them; as from divers reasons hereafter may appear.

27. §. And _first_, their _Colours_; where, with respect to several _Plants_ and _Parts_, they are more _Changeable_; as Red, in _Flowers_; or _Constant_, as Green, in _Leaves_. Which, with respect to several Ages of one _Part_, are more _fading_, as Green in _Fruits_; or _durable_, as Yellow in _Flowers_. In what _Parts_ more _Single_, as always in the _Seed_; or more _Compounded_, as in the _Flower_; and in what _Plants_ more especially, as in _Pancy_. Which proper to _Plants_ that have such a _Taste_ or _Smell_, as both, in _White Flowers_, are usually less strong. To _Plants_ that flower in such a _Season_, as a _Yellow Flower_, I think, chiefly, to _Spring Plants_. And to _Plants_ that are natural to such a _Soil_ or _Seat_, as to _Water-plants_, more usually, a _white Flower_. What, amongst all _Colours_, more Common to _Plants_, as _Green_; or more Rare, as _Black_. And what all these Varieties of _Colours_ are upon _Cultivation_, but chiefly, in their natural _Soil_. To observe also with their superficial _Colours_, those within: so the _Roots_ of _Docks_, are _Yellow_; of _Bistort_, _Red_; of _Avens_, Purple; but of most, White. Where the Inward, and Superficial _Colours_ agree; as in the _Leaves_; or vary, as in the other Parts frequently. And in what manner they are _Situated_; some universally spreading, others running only along with the _Vessels_, as in the _Leaves_ of Red _Dock_, and the _Flowers_ of _Wood-Sorrel_.

28. §. Next their _Odours_; what may be their principal _Seat_; whether one or divers _Seats_ in the same _Plant_. What the chief _Matter_ out of which they are continually bred. What similitude betwixt the _Smells_ of divers _Vegetables_; as betwixt _Baume_, and a _Limon_; the Green _Leaves_ of _Meadow-sweet_, and the green Rinds of _Walnuts_. Or betwixt those of _Plants_ and _Animals_; as the _Smell_ of green and well-grown _Carduus_, is like to that rank _scent_, _ab aliquorum axillis spiranti_. Which have a more sensible _Smell_; as most have; and which have less, as _Corn_. Where the green _Leaf_ is the most Fragrant _Part_, as in _Musk-Cranesbill_; where the _Flower_, as in _Roses_; the _Root_, as in sweet _Calamus_. Where all the _Parts_ have some _Odour_, where some, or one, only; as in _Scurvy-grass_, only the _Flowers_, unless the _Leaves_ are bruis’d; and in _Arum_, the _Pestil_ only; for neither the _Leaf_, nor _Root_ hath any _Smell_, unless cut; but this is strong enough, not much unlike to _Humane Excrements_.

29. §. But especially their _Tastes_, which it much importeth us more precisely to distinguish; _First_, by their general _Kinds_; for the number, even of these, may be computed greater than usually it is. I remember not, that _Heat_ and _Acritude_, with respect to _Taste_, are distinguished; yet _Arum-Root_ is very _Pungent_, without any proper _Heat_; and _Cloves_, are very _Hot_, without any proper _Pungency_. So the White _Roots_ of _Yarrow_, have a _Taste_, hardly any other way perceptible, than by causing a gentle _glowing_ and _continued Warmth_ upon the Tongue. Also their _Respondencies_ one to another; as that of _Zedoary_, and of the lesser _Cardamoms_, is somewhat like to _Camphire_. Likewise their _Degrees_; in which there is a great latitude, and may be extended from _One_ to _Ten_, or with easie distinction, from _One_ to _Five_: So the _Root_ of _Sorrel_, is Bitter in the _first_; of _Dock_, in the _second_; of _Dog-Rose_, in the _third_; of _Dandelyon_, in the _fourth_; of _Gentian_, in the _fifth_: observing them, not only as they vary in several _Kinds_ of _Plants_, but the several _Species_ of one, as in _Cichory_, _Hawkweed_, _Dandelyon_. And then their _Compositions_; for _Tastes_ are as truly _conjunct_ in one _Part_, as _Colours_: by which, the latitude is still greater; In that all Kinds of _Tastes_, in all their Degrees, and in differing Numbers, may be variously Compounded together: For the most part, _Two_, as in the _Leaves_ of _sharp-pointed Dock_, _Astringent_, and _Sowre_; in _Sorrel-Roots_, _Astringent_ and _Bitter_; and in _Aloes_, _Bitter_ and _Sweet_; the one in the _fifth_, the other, in the _first Degree_; as upon an unprejudiced tryal may be perceived: and yet more evidently in the _Gall_ of any _Land-Animal_. Sometimes _three_, as in _Agrimony_, _Bitter_, _Rough_, and _Sowrish_ and in _Agarick_, _Bitter_, _Rough_, and _Sweet_. And sometimes, perhaps more. The Sensible distinctions of all which, may lye almost as wide, as of _Plants_ themselves. Wherefore, although it may be thought rashness, to take away the distinctions of _Hot_, _Cold_, _Moist_, _Dry_, _Thin_, _Gross_, and other _Qualities_, in their several Degree, which the _Ancients_ have affixed to particular _Plants_: yet since they have done it, to many of them, with much uncertainty; and that, withal, they are, more properly, the _Effects_ and _Operations_ of _Plants_, than their _Qualites_; Practical Observation, may therefore approve it useful, to add these Sensible Ones of various _Tastes_, precisely distinguishing their _Conjugations_ and _Degrees_. Lastly, their several Varieties and Mutations, with respect to the Subject wherein they reside, should also be noted. As, of all _Tastes_ found in _Plants_, _Bitter_ and _Sowr_, are most common; _Sweet_ and _Salt_, most rare. Which latter, is not only perceptible in some _Sea-Plants_; but upon some others, as upon the fresh _Leaves_ of _Tamarisk_; which being licked while they grow, or when immediately gathered, are plainly _Saltish_. How they vary with the _Age_ of the _Plant_, or _Part_; as the _Roots_ of _Radishes_, growing up to _Seed_, lose the strength of their _Tast_; so most _Fruits_ are first _Sowre_, then _Sweet_. What proper to the several _Parts_ of any one _Plant_; so the _Leaves_ of _Wormwood_ are extraordinary _Bitter_; the _Root_ scarcely so at all; of an _Hot_, but quite different _Taste_. What more Common, or Rare, to any _Part_; so no _Root_ that I ever tasted, is _Sowre_. And how they Alternate in several _Plants_; as the _Root_ of _Stock-July-flower_ is biting, not the _Leaves_; on the contrary, the _Leaves_ of the _Water-Arsmart_, are _Biting_; but not the _Root_; and the like. To which we may add the difference of Time wherein the _Tastes_ of _Plants_ are perceived; as those of _Arum_, and _Rape-Crowfoot_, are both _Biting_; but that of the first, as it is slowly perceived, so it continues long; that of the other, quickly comes, and quickly goes.

30. §. Amongst the other Adjuncts of the _Contained Parts_, though not of these only, the _Faculties_ of _Vegetables_ are to be reputed. For so the _Rosin_ of _Jalap_, which is Purgative, is as truly contained in the _Organical Parts_ of that _Root_, as Blood is in _Veins_: It will be requisite therefore to make particular observation of these also. And first, what _Faculties_ chiefly may reside in _Plants_, above others: so there is none of known use in _Salivation_, except by holding in the mouth: Although we may ask, Why some amongst them, may not (being Taken inwardly) have a power to evacuate by This, as well as other Violent ways? Where the _Faculty_ is more universally spread over all the _Parts_ of a _Vegetable_, as in _Asarum_. Where belonging chiefly or wholly to any particular _Parts_ or _Part_; as chiefly to the _Root_ of _Rhubarb_; and only to the true and proper _Seed_ of _Barbado Nuts_. Whether some _Faculties_, may be proper to some _Parts_ especially. What conjunction they may have with any sensible _Qualities_. So, many _Purgers_, are not only _Resinous_ and _Gummous_; But also _Mucilaginous_; as _Bryony_, wild _Cucumer_, _Lapathum Sativum_; and therefore probably _Rhubarb_, when growing; _Mallows_, _Violets_, _&c._ Such as are Purging and Vomitory, though some of them have a strong _Taste_, yet the greater part, and of those, many of the stronger sort, have no _Taste_, or not Great; as _Senna_, _Jalap_, _Scammony_, _Hellebore_, _Asarum_, and others. Amongst which, although _Hellebore_ hath a very _Durable Taste_, yet is it not very _High_ or _Great_. So also, those that are most sensibly tasted, are, I think, for the most part, more or less _Bitter_; either simply, as _Colocynthis_; or _Bitter_ and _Astringent_, as _Rhubarb_; or _Bitter_ and _Sweet_, as _Aloe_; or _Bitter_, _Astringent_, and _Sweet_, as _Agarick_. Few are _Hot_, as _Iris_. Or _simply_ Sweet. And though some may be Subacid, that are Mollifying or Lenitive, yet no proper Purge or Vomit is _Sowre_. Such _Plants_ as are of a soft and sweetish _Taste_, without Viscosity, may be accounted good _Antiscorbuticks_, especially against the _Sea_, or other _Salt-Scurvey_; as are good sweet Pease: And sometimes the _Water_ or _Spirit_ of the _Shells_; which may easily be drawn from them, being first duly fermented, and hath a true _Vinous Taste_; but very mild, and not unpleasant. Those _Plants_, whose Parts are not only _Hot_ but _Volatile_, as _Onions_, are generally good for _Burns_. Such as have a _Balsamick Taste_ or _Smell_, with a little _Astringency_, as _Hypericum_, _Golden-Rod_, _Lamium Luteum_, _&c._ the best _Wound-Herbs_. And such as are gently _Bitter_, and _Penetrant_ upon the _Tongue_, or in the _Throat_, as _Daisy_, _Anagallis_, good _Cleansers_. That such _Bodys_, principally, are _Anodyne_, which are _Yellow_, I think, is more than a conceit; Yelks of Eggs, Fœnugreek Seeds, Lint-seed Oyl, May-Butyr, Marrow, _Pinguedo Humana_, _Hyoscyamus luteus_, Safron, Sulphur, Opium, all _Anodyne_ and _Yellow_. How likewise their _Faculties_ and _Qualities_ may vary their Degrees, either differently or together: so _Aloe_ and _Colocynthis_, are both _Bitter_ in the highest Degree; yet _Aloe_, which is also _Sweet_, Purgeth more moderately; _Colocynthis_, which is _Bitter_, but not _Sweet_, most Violently. How far the _Faculties_ of _Vegetables_, as well as their _Qualities_, may be Compounded; where, and which chiefly; as Astrictive and Purgative in _Rhubarb_. Where this Question may be put, Whether divers other, and yet more extreme _Faculties_, as well as these of Astrictive and Purgative, may not somewhere or other be also found, or made, to meet: whereby the same _Plant_, or some _Preparation_ of it, may be most Potent, and yet most Innocent; the _Malignity_ thereof exerting its Power, and the _Virtue_ its Sovereignty at the same time. And lastly, what _Affinity_ there may be betwixt them; as most _Plants_, that are strong Purgatives, and especially Vomitories, I think, are also _Sternutatory_; as white _Hellebore_, _Jalap_, _Tobacco_: and on the contrary, such as are _Sternutatory_, are some of the most proper and most potent _Medicines_ for the Head, Brain, and _Genus Nervosum_, Taken inwardly, as _Lilium convalle_, _&c._ and the like.

31. §. Thus far a particular observation of the _Qualities_ and _Faculties_ of the _Contents_ of _Vegetables_ may proceed, as they are existent in their _Natural Estate_. From which, although some probable Conjectures may be made, of their Material and Formal _Essences_, and of the _Causes_ of their determinate Varieties, or the _Modes_ of _Vegetation_ necessary thereunto: yet will our Conceptions hereof be more facile, clear, and comprehensive, if by all other Ways of Observation, they be likewise examined, according as _Experiment_ maybe applicable to any of them.

32. §. As by _Contusion_; so some _Plants_ give their _Smell_, not without Rubbing, or not so well; as the green _Leaves_ of _Stramonium_, _Scurvygrass_, and many more: others lose it by Rubbing, as the _flowers_ of _Violets_, _Carnations_, _Borage_, _&c._ others yield it both ways, as _Rosemary_, _&c._ So some _Apples_ mend their _Taste_, by Scoaping, and _Pears_ by Rowling, especially that called the _Rowling Pear_.

33. §. By _Agitation_; which doth that, sometimes, by Force, which _Digestion_, doth by Heat: so any cold _Oyl_ and a _Syrup_ being, in a due manner, agitated together, of two Fluid bodies will become one Consistent, as is known.

34. §. By _Frigifaction_; how far the _Juyces_ of _Plants_, either without or within them, may be any of them, or some more than others, subject to _Cold_: and thereby to be deprived of their _Motion_ or natural _Consistence_, or may suffer alteration in their _Colour_, _Taste_, or _Smell_.

35. §. By _Infusion_; where I mean _Infusion_ only in Common Water; So both _Cassia Lignea_, and _Cinnamon_ are a little Mucilaginous; but the former most. Some of the _Contents_ of _Plants_, may be wholly dissolved in Common Water; some but in part, others not at all; or very little; which is proper to some _Milks_, as well as _Gums_. The _Colours_, _Smells_ or _Tastes_ they hereupon yield, are found various; and in some very unexpected: So the green _Leaves_ of _Bawm_, being duly infused in common Water, without any other Body added, tincture it with a clear and deep Red, near that of _Claret Wine_, as I have often tryed.

36. §. By _Subsiding_; So the Juyce of _Sorrel_, being ordered as that of _Grapes_, will, in time, let fall a kind of _Tartar_ or _Essential Salt_. And so perhaps will that of many other _Plants_, without any previous _Decoction_; although that be commonly thought to be necessary.

37. §. By _Digestion_ with _Fermentation_; either of the entire _Vegetables_, or of the _Juyces_, or other _Contents_; and these by themselves, or with common Water. And hereby to note, what difference may be in the Strength, Celerity, or Continuance of the _Fermentation_. Likewise, how their _Qualities_ may thereby be altered; as the Smell of _Violet-flowers_, from a most excellent _Fragrancy_, may, by _Digestion_, be reduced to an odious and abominable _Stink_, like that of the black Mud of _Gutters_.

38. §. By _Digestion_ with _Calefaction_; so the _Colour_ of the _Juyce_ of _Limons_, from Transparency (if that be a Colour) may be turned to a perfect Red. Whence it is that many are deceived in the _Preparation_ called the _Tincture_ of _Corals_; supposing the _Corals_ to give the _Menstruum_ its Colour. Whereas the _Menstruum_ will obtain it, only by _Digestion_, without any _Corals_, mixed with it.

39. §. By _Decoction_; either of _Vegetables_ themselves, or of their _Liquors_; and to observe what alterations follow. So _Turpentine_ boiled becometh friable, _Sugar_, _Bitter_, and of a Brown Red. _Turneps_ lose their Biting _Taste_; _Onions_, their Picquancy; yet neither of them convey those self same _Qualities_ to the Water. The same may be observed in the _Decoction_ of _Sweet-Fennel-seeds_, _Aniseeds_, and others, losing much of their _Tastes_ themselves, and yet conveying very little of them to the _Liquors_ wherein they are boiled; the greater portion of their Volatile parts, and so their _Virtue_ and _Taste_ therewith, flying away. Whereof therefore it is much better to make an _Emulsion_, than to _decoct_ them; or to make an _Emulsion_ from them, with their own _Decoction_, especially if the _Medicine_ be intended to be _Carminative_, as I have frequently observed. The _Decoction_ should also be carried on throughout all degrees to that of an _Extract_; by which the _Qualities_ thereof, sometimes, are much altered; as the _Colour_ of all or most green _Leaves_, from a kind of Yellow, deepens at last into a dark one, as Black as Pitch.

40. §. By _Distillations_; both with the cold _Still_, _Alembick_, _Chappel-_ and open _Furnace_: and to note what _Vegetables_ thus give their _Smell_ or _Taste_, and in what Degrees of strength, either under, or over their natural ones; as _Mint_, _Pennyroyal_, and the like, which are _Aromatick_ and _Hot_, give their _Tastes_ perfect: but _Wormwood_, which is _Aromatick_ and _Bitter_; gives it but by halfs, pretty fully as _Aromatick_, little as _Bitter_. And _Carduus_, though also so exceeding _Bitter_, yet not being _Aromatick_, yieldeth a much weaker _Taste_. Also what _Vegetables_ yield _Oyl_ most plentifully; and what difference may be in those _Oyls_, as to their _Colour_, _Weight_, or otherwise; as that of _Cloves_ is sometimes Red; of _Cinnamon_, limpid; both Ponderous. So to distil _Juices_, _Gums_, or other _Contents_, with an hot _fire_; and to see, what Bodies they yield, and of what _Qualities_; as _Turpentine_ is known to yield, besides its _Oyl_, a subacid _Water_; _Vinegar_, an Eager _Spirit_; as that part may be called, which _Chymists_ are wont to call the _Phlegm_.

41. §. By _Arefaction_; so _Milks_ which are Liquid, and White in their Natural Estate, in Standing, grow Gummous, Yellow, and otherwise different, so doth that of _Scorzonera_; and that of _Fenil_ becomes a Balsamical, but Limpid _Oyl_. The _Roots_ of _Angelica_, being dry’d, and cut by the length, exhibit their small _Veins_ fill’d with an Aromatick _Rosin_. In the whiter parts of _Rhubarb_, is gathered a kind of _Saline Concret_; by which, this _Root_, in chewing, seems as if it were a little gritty. _Cabbage-Stalks_, sliced, and laid in the Shade to dry, gather on them a kind of _Nitrous_ Hoar. _Raisins_ and _Corins_ contain, not only a sweet Juyce, but also a true _Sugar_, which lies _curdled_ in the _Pulp_, as the more _Saline_ parts do in Green Soap. And the like is gather’d on the out-side of a _Fig_; saving, that it is more _Nitrous_, as lying next the _Aer_. The _Roots_ of _Arum_, upon drying, lose much of the strength of their _Taste_; but the contrary may be noted of many other _Roots_, which, upon drying, increase it. Some, being cut and laid by, change their Natural _Colours_, into Red, Purple, Yellow, Green, or White; as _Liquorish_, into White, in some places; and _Peony_, into Red: and sometimes into two; as _Patience_, into Yellow and Red.

42. §. By _Assation_; thus _Apples_, by roasting, eat more Sowre. The _Root_ of _Horse-Radish_, toasted, tasteth like a _Turnep_. _Potatoes_, _Onions_, and many other _Roots_, and _Parts_, have their _Tastes_, either Altered or Refracted; which chiefly, and in what manner, should be observed. There is one alteration, as remarkable, as commonly known; and is that which followeth upon roasting or baking in one kind of the _Waldensian Pears_, which, for a _Walden_, we corruptly call a _Warden_.

43. §. By _Ustion_; wherein some _Plants_, or _Parts_ of them, burn very quietly; others, not without violent motions; so _Fenil-Seeds_, held in the flame of a Candle, will spit and spurtle, like the _Serum_ of _Blood_. Some _Vegetables_ lose their _Smell_, as _Roses_; others, keep it, as _Rosemary_; and others, mend it, as _Lignum Aloes_, To note, not only the alteration of their _Qualities_, but what they yield; as _Turpentine_, which, in _Distillation_, yieldeth _Oyl_ and _Water_, both limpid; upon _Ustion_, sheweth nothing but a black _Soot_. So _Benzoine_, by _Distillation_, _Oyl_; by _Ustion_, white _Flowers_, as is known.

44. §. By _Calcination_; and here to observe, wherein the _Caput Mortuum_ of one, may differ from, or agree in Nature with that of another; and also to compare these with those of _Animal Bodies_. As also in their _Quantities_. And to compare them with what they yield by _Distillation_ and _Ustion_ as to both. Thus far they have been tryed _singly_, or by themselves. They should also be examined.

45. §. By _Composition_; not only with _Water_, as in simple _Infusions_, _&c._ but with any other Bodies, which may have a power of acting upon them, or upon which, these may have a power to act. And so to make _Infusions_, _Destillations_, _Decoctions_, _Digestions_, in divers kinds of _Liquors_, as _Vinegar_, _Urine_, _Spirit_ of _H. H. Wine_, _Blood_, _Milk_, or others. So in _Infusions_, some Red Colours are heightned by _Acids_; Blews, turned Purple. So fetid _Spirits_ (as of _H.H._) may be rendred much more grateful, by being _Rectified_, once or twice, with fresh _Aromaticks_, To observe also what follows, upon mixing the _Liquors_, or other Parts of _Plants_ together, as _Oyl_ of _Turpentine_, by _Digestion_ with a _Lixivial Salt_, extracteth thence a Red _Tincture_. Or with _Salts_, _Earths_, _Metals_, or any other Bodies; as the _Juyce_ of the green _Leaves_ of _Rasberry_, _Primrose_, and divers other _Plants_ (I think principally such as are Astringent) expressed upon _Steel_, as it drieth, becometh of a _Purple Colour_.

46. §. Lastly, by _Compounding_ the _Experiment_ it self, or joyning two or more of them, upon the same matter: as _Fermentation_ and _Destillation_, as is used for some _Waters_. _Infusion_ and _Fermentation_, as in making of _Beer_. _Fermentation_ and _Coction_, or rather _Assation_, as in making of _Bread_. _Arefaction_ and _Destillation_, as may be tryed upon some _Herbs_; and with what difference from what may be noted, upon their being distilled, moist.

47. §. Having proceeded thus far, by all the above particular Ways of Observation; a Comparative Prospect must be taken of them: by which, at last, the _Communities_ and _Differences_ of the _Contents_ of _Vegetables_, may be discerned; the manner of their _Causation_ and _Original_, partly, be judged of; and wherein it is, that the _Essence_ of their several _Natures_ and _Qualities_ doth consist, in some measure comprehended. And consequently, both from the knowledge of their particular _Natures_, and the Analogy found betwixt them; we may be able, better to conjecture, and try, what any of them are, or may be good for. For certainly, we shall then know, more readily, to apply things unto, and more fitly to prepare them for, their Proper Uses, when we first know, _what they are_. Notwithstanding, since the _Faculties_ of _Plants_, do often lie more recluse; it is best,therefore, not wholly to acquiesce in such Conjectures, as their _Tastes_, or other _Sensible Properties_ may suggest; but to subjoyn _Experiment_. In making of which, and in passing a Judgment thereupon, many Cautions, both in respect of the _Plant_ whereof, and the _Subject_ whereupon it is made, are requisite to be attended. Which yet, in regard they result not so directly from the Matter at present in hand; I shall not, therefore, here insist upon them, And thus much for the Third General _Mean_.

48. §. THE _Contents_ of the _Organical Parts_ of _Vegetables_, having been thus duly Examined: ♦ The Fourth General _Mean_. ♦ it will be requisite to make the like Inquiry into their _Principles_; or the _Bodys_, immediately concurrent and essential to their Being. And of these, we are to observe, First, their _Number_; whether well reducible to _five_, _six_, _seven_, or _more_, or _fewer_: and the Special Differences observable under any one General; since there are many Bodies, of very different Natures, confounded under one Name. Next their _Conjugation_; which they are, that either under or over those observable in _animal_, or other _Bodies_, are here joyned together in a _Plant_; How far common to the _Organical Parts_ of divers _Plants_; or to the several _Organical Parts_ of one; or how far different in them. So the predominant _Principle_ of the _Parenchymous Parts_ of a _Plant_, that it is an _Acid_, seems evident, From the general Nature of _Fruits_; and of _Corn_; and most _Parenchymous Roots_, which are either Spirituous, or Sower, or by Digestion, do easily become such. Likewise their _Proportions_; which stand in the greatest, which in the least, or in the meaner _Quantities_, and in what Degrees; both in divers _Vegetables_, and in the several _Organical Parts_ of one. And then the _Concentration_ and _Union_ of them altogether; as to the degrees of their Closeness or Laxity; or the manner of their Implication and Coherency; or as to their Location, one being more Central, another more Exposed and Rampant over the rest; or otherwise different. To examine these _Principles_, by their _Colour_, _Taste_, _Smell_, _Consistence_, _Fixedness_, _Volatility_, _Weight_, _Figures_, or other _Accidents_. And to these purposes, to go through the formentioned Ways of _Experiment_; as _Ustion_, _Calcination_, _Destillation_, _&c._ as any of them may appear applicable hereunto. So the _Essential Salt_ of _Wormwood_, which may be obtained from the _Lixivial_; is _Bitter_, transparent, and commonly, of a _Cylindrick_ figure: whereas that which is obtained by _Coction_, or from the _Extract_, is _tasteless_, greyish, and almost _Cubick_: and that in the Extract of the Green _Leaves_ of _Violets_, appears in fine transparent _Shoots_, like so many little Needles. And it is probable, That the _Salts_ of most Kinds of _Plants_, whether Lixivial or Essential; and of these, whether obtained by _Decoction_, or otherwise, have either their _Figure_, or other _Qualities_, proper to themselves, whereby they are all distinguished one from another. And lastly, to make _Experiment_ upon these _Principles_, mixing them with one another, or with other Bodies, or otherwise.

49. §. I know it will be difficult to make observations of this kind upon the _Organical Parts_ of _Plants_, severally. Yet I have thought of some Ways, whereby true and undeceivable ones may be made. And the better to illustrate what I mean, I shall give one or two Instances of Tryal to this purpose. For the making of which, and some others of the like nature, I considered, That upon the _Anatomical Analysis_ of all the _Parts_ of a _Plant_, I had certainly found, (and shall hereafter shew) That in all _Plants_, there are _Two, and only Two Organical Parts Essentially distinct_, _viz._ The _Pithy Part_, and the _Lignous Part_, or such others as are analogous to either of These. So that, if we can think of any _Plants_, which will afford us either of these two, though not perfectly, yet in some good measure, simple and unmixed: We may then see, by putting them to a _Chymical Test_, what _Principles_ and _Proportion_ of _Principles_, concur to _specifie_ their _Substantial Forms_.

50. §. To the _Pithy Part_, _Starch_, or pure _Manchet_ is analogous, as having very little of the _Lignous_ mixed with them. I therefore ordered ℔ ij of _Starch_ to be put into a _Retort_, and with a _Receiver_ affixed, to be set in a _Sand Furnace_; and that all it would yield, should, by degrees, be forced over; which, besides what was evaporated at the Neck of the _Receiver_, was about ℔ j. of an acid and eager _Liquor_, of a heavy and blackish _Oyl_ ℥ ss, and of a light _Oyl_ ʒ j. The _Caput Mortuum_ could not be reduced to Ashes, by the strongest heat which a _naked fire_ in that Furnace would produce.

51. §. To the _Lignous Part_, _Hemp_ or _Flax_ is analogous, having very little of the _Pithy_ mixed with them. I caused therefore ℔ ij of _Flax_ to be put into a _Retort_, and manag’d as the _Starch_: whereupon, it yielded a Liquor, as I remember, somewhat like the former, and about the same quantity; no _Oyl_ which remained liquid, when cold; but instead of that a _Butyr_, almost of the Consistence and Colour of the _Oyl_ of _Mace_; and of this above ℥ iij, or near six times the quantity of the _Oyl_ which was yielded by the _Starch_. The _Caput Mortuum_ being burned to a white _Ash_, yielded some portion of a _Lixivial Salt_.

52. §. From whence, I shall, at present, only make these two Remarques; _First_, That although the chief portion, as to quantity, in both these _Bodys_, (as in most _Plants_) is an Acid Liquor; yet the latter, yields also some of an Alkaly, which the other doth not. So that they are the _Lignous Parts_ of a _Plant_, generally, which yield the _Alkalick Salt_, or at least in the greatest Proportion. _Secondly_, That the _Sulphurious or Oleous Principle_, is also much more predominant in the _Lignous Part_, than in the _Pithy_. To these, the like Tryals upon other _Plants_, should be added; and other ways. So, in regard the _Soot_ of most _Woods_, yields a _Volatile Alkaly_; it were fit to examine, Whether the _Soot_ which is made of the _Pithy Parts_ and that, of the _Lignous_, afford the said _Alkaly_, in equal qantity; or whether, as is most likely, that of the _Lignous_ doth afford it in a far greater: and the like.

53. §. The prosecution of what is here proposed, will be requisite, To a fuller and clearer view, of the _Modes_ of _Vegetation_, of the _Sensible Natures_ of _Vegetables_, and of their more Recluse _Faculties_ and _Powers_. First, of the _Modes_ of _Vegetation_. For suppose we were speaking of a _Root_; from a due consideration of the _Properties_ of any _Organical Part_ or _Parts_ thereof; ’tis true, that the real and genuine _Causes_ may be rendred, of divers other dependent _Properties_, as spoken generally of the whole _Root_. But it will be asked again, What may be the _Causes_ of those _first_ and Independent ones? Which, if we will seek, we must do it by inquiring also, What are the _Principles_ of those _Organical Parts_? For it is necessary, that the _Principles_ whereof a Body doth consist, should be, if not all of them the _active_, yet the _capacitating Causes_, or such as are called _Causæ sine quibus non_, of its becoming and being, in all respects, both as to _Substance_ and _Accidents_, what it is: otherwise, their Existence, in that Body, were altogether superfluous; since it might have been without them: which is so, it might then have been made of any other; there being no necessity of putting any difference, if neither those, whereof it is made, are thought necessary to its Being. Wherefore if we will allow a Body, and so the _Organical Parts_ of a _Vegetable_ to have _Principles_, we must allow these _Principles_ their necessary Use; and that the Shapes or other Properties of the said _Parts_, are as much dependant upon the _Nature_ of These; as is the Roundness of a Drop of Ink, upon the Fluidity of Water, ingredient to it.

54. §. Again, the _Principles_ of the _Organical Parts_ being known, we may from thence obtain a further knowledge of the _Natures_, and _Causation_ or _Original_ of their _Contents_; since these _Contents_ are not only included in the said _Organical Parts_, but also Created by them: and must needs be so, whether we will suppose the _Principles_ of these _Contents_ to be præ-existent to their reception thereinto, or not. For, if not præ-existent, what can be clearer, than that the said _Parts_ give them their Existence? And if præ-existent, yet in regard they are distinguished, and such only of them admitted in such sort into an _Organical Part_, from amongst others, as are apt to combine and mix together in such a _Form_, and so to constitute such a _Liquor_; it is as clear, that the Existence, if not of those _Principles_, yet of that _Liquor_, is dependent on the said _Part_.

55. §. And if by means of the said _Organical Parts_, it is, that their _Contents_ become _such_ and _such_ peculiar _Mixtures_; it is hence also manifest, That, by the same means, they are of _such_ distinct _Faculties_ and _Powers_: Because the _Faculty_ or _Power_ of a Body, lieth not in any of its _Principles_ apart; but is a Resultance from them all; or from their being, in such peculiar sort and manner, United and Combined together. So the _Principles_ of the Purgative Parts of a _Root_, as of _Rhubarb_, although we should suppose them to be existent in the surrounding _Earth_, yet we cannot say, That _that Earth_, or the _Principles_ therein contained, are Purgative; but only that they are such, as by being combined together, in such a peculiar way, may become _so_. So the several parts of a _Clock_, although they are and must be all præ-existent to it, and it is their _Form_, by which they are, what they are; yet is it the _setting together_ of such _Parts_, and in such a way only, that makes them a _Clock_. And since we see that the _Mixture_ of two Bodies of two different _Qualities_, as of Two _Colours_, will produce a Third _Colour_, differing from them both; as Blue and Red, do a Murrey: Why should not Two or More Bodies of different _Natures_, be so combined together, as to produce a Third _Nature_? Or wherefore may not that be allowed to be performed by _Nature_, which by Artificial Compounding of _Medicines_, or other Bodies, is designed, and often times effected? I’ll give but one Instance; _Water_, _Grease_, and an _Alcatizate Salt_, may be easily so ordered as to be inverted with new _Qualities_, _Nature_, and _Powers_; the _Salt_, to lose its extreme fiery Pungent _Taste_; the _Tallow_, its _Smell_; and being before unsociable with the _Water_, to mingle therewith: neither _Tallow_, _Salt_, nor _Water_ alone, will fetch out a spot of _Grease_; but all united easily do it: the same Three Bodys united, are, in some Cases, as in the _Jaundies_, no ill _Medicine_; any of which, given alone, may rather prove prejudicial, than a cure: and all this done, only by duly boiling them together into one Body, which we call _Sope_.

56. §. Whence again, if it be such an _Union_, and _Proportion_, of such a _Sort_ of _Principles_, which produceth such a _Faculty_; and that we may, by any means, come to know what these are; we may, possibly, also attain to the knowledge of such _Rules_, whereby any kind of _Faculty_ may be made; as to Compound such Bodies, which are neither Purgative nor Vomitory, so together, as to be Invested with those _Faculties_. And if to Make them, then consequently, to Mend, Exalt, Strengthen, and Enoble them, with greater ease and certainty. And thus much for the Fourth General _Mean_.

57. §. HITHERTO, We have considered the _Materials_ of a _Vegetable_, only as Ingredient to it: ♦ The Fifth General _Mean_. ♦ there yet remains a _Fifth Story_ to be ascended; which is, to consider these _Materials_ as they are derived from _abroad_: or as, after they are received and naturalized, they may, with others yet abroad, have any kind of correspondence. And these are _Four_ in general, _scil._ _Earth_, _Water_, _Aer_, and _Sun_; all which, in that they contribute so universally to _Vegetation_, and to whatsoever is contained in a _Vegetable_, it is therefore requisite, that of These likewise, Particular Observation should be made.

58. §. And First, of the _Earth_, and of all Solid Receptacles of _Plants_. Where we are to consider their several _Kinds_; as Mellow, Sandy, Clayie, Chalky, and others. Their _Ingredients_; as Rank and Mellow _Earth_, with Sand, or with Clay; or Sand with Clay; or altogether; and in what Proportions. The _Principles_ whereinto any one of these _Ingredients_, separated from the rest, and put to the Test of _Distillation_, _Ustion_, _Calcination_, or other, either alone, or by mixture with other Bodies, may be Resolved. And by their _Qualities_, as _Colour_, _Smell_, _Taste_, _&c._ both _Ingredients_ and _Principles_ to be examined. To make tryal of the growth of _Plants_, in all kinds of _simple Soils_; either _Earthy or Mineral_, as Clay, Marl, Oker, Fullers Earth, Bole Armeniac, Vitriol, Allum, _&c._ or _Vegetable_, as Rotten Wood, Brans, Starch, or Flower, _&c._ or _Animal_, as Dungs, pounded Flesh, dried and powdered Blood, and the like; that it may appear, how far any of these may contribute to the growth of a _Plant_; or to one, above another.

59. §. Next of the _Water_, and of all Liquid Receptacles. Where the several kinds of _Water_, from Wells, Springs, Rain, and Rivers are, by their _Qualities_ and _Faculties_, to be examined; as these, and by these, their _Principles_, either in their Natural State, or upon Digestion, or otherwise, may be observable: since Common _Water_ it self, is undoubtedly compounded of several _Principles_; the simplicity thereof, not being argued, from its Clearness and Transparency; for a Solution of _Alum_, though it containeth a considerable quantity of _Earth_, is yet very Clear: nor from its seeming to have neither _Smell_ nor _Taste_; for _Water-drinkers_ will tell you of the varieties of both in different _Waters_. Besides, if these _Qualities_ should be accounted rather Phansie, than Sense; the difference of _Waters_ is yet more manifest, from their different Effects, observed by _Cooks_, _Laundresses_, _Brewers_, and others, that have occasion to use them: for not to mix with _Sope_, without curdling; not to boil Meat tender, or without colouring it red; and the like, are the vices of some _Waters_, not of others, which yet would seem, in Colour, Taste, and Smell, to be the same. Tryal should also be made of the growth of _Plants_ in all kinds of Liquid Receptacles, as _Common Water_, _Snow Water_, _Sea Water_, _Urine_, _Milk_, _Whey_, _Wine_, _Oyl_, _Ink_, _&c._ Or any of these, with a solution of _Salt_, _Nitre_, _Sal prunellæ_, _Sope_, or other body. And hereby to observe what follows, either in the _Liquor_, or in the _Plant_ it self: as if any _fixed_ Body, being weighed before its dissolution in _Water_; and if the _Plant_, set herein, groweth; the _Water_, being then evaporated; whether the quantity of that dissolved body, continue the same, or is lessened. So, whether any _Vegetable_ will become _Opiate_, by growing a considerable time in a plain Solution or Water-tincture of _Opium_; and the like. Which _Experiments_, what event soever they have, yet at least, for our further instruction in the _Nature_ of _Vegetation_, may be of use.

60. §. Next of _Aer_, where it will be requisite to inquire, what sort of Bodies may be herein contained: It being probable, from the variety of _Meteors_ formed herein; and of _Vapours_ and _Exhalations_ continually advanced hereinto; that some or other of them, may bear an Analogy, to all Volatile Bodys, whether _Animal_, _Vegetable_, or _Mineral_. The flourishings also of _Frozen Dew_; and the Green Colour, which the _Aer_ gives the Ground or Water, when, for some time exposed to it; and other effects; seem to argue, that it is Impregnated with _Vegetable Principles_. To consider also the peculiar Nature of that Body, which is strictly called, _Aer_, And of that true _Aerial Salt_, which to me, seemeth probable, that it is dissolved in the _Æther_, as other _Salts_ are in _Water_, or in the Vaporous parts of the _Aer_. As also to try, what different Effects, a diversity of _Aer_ may have upon a _Vegetable_; as by setting a _Plant_, or _Seed_, either exceeding Low, as at the bottom of a deep Well; or exceeding High, as on the top of a Steeple. Or else by exposing some _Soil_ to the _Aer_, which is assuredly free from any _Seed_, and so, as no _Seed_ can light upon it; and to observe, whether the _Aer_ hath a power of producing a _Vegetable_ therein, or not: and the like.

61. §. Lastly of the _Sun_; as to which, it may be considered, What Influence it may have upon the _Plant_ it self; upon the _Soil_; Or upon the _Aer_. Whether that _Influence_ is any thing else besides Heat: or may differ from that of a _Fire_, otherwise, than by being Temperate, and more Equal. That it doth, seems evident from an _Experiment_ sometime since given us, in one of the _Parisian Journals des Scavans_, and which I therefore think very applicable to our present purpose. If you hold a _Concave_ at a due distance, against a Fire, it will collect and cast the Heat into a burning _Focus_: but if you put a piece of plain Glass between them, the Glass will scatter the Heat, and destroy the _Focus_. Whereas the _Sun-Beams_, being gathered in like manner, will pass through the interposed Glass, and maintain their _Focus_. As for That, of the Collection of the _Sun-beams_, by the help of _Glasses_, in the form of a _Magistery_, or of _Flowers_, and such like, I desire to suspend my thoughts of them, till I see them. I will only say thus much further at present, That I do not understand why the _Sun_ should not have some Influence upon Bodies, besides by Heat, if it may be granted, That the _Moon_ hath; for which, it should seem, there are some good Arguments.

62. §. WE HAVE thus far examined the _Principles_ necessary to _Vegetation_. ♦ A Sixth General _Mean_. Only hinted. ♦ The _Question_ may be put once more, In what manner are these _Principles_ so adapted, as to become capable of being assembled together, in such a _Number_, _Conjugation_, _Proportion_, and _Union_, as to make a _Vegetable Body_? For the comprehension whereof, we must also know, What are the _Principles_ of these _Principles_. Which, although they lie in so great an abyss of obscurity; yet, I think, I have some reason to believe, that they are not altogether undiscoverable. How far they may be so, I am so far from Determining, that I shall not now Conjecture.

♦ The Conclusion. ♦ 63. §. THIS is the _Design_, and these the _Means_ I propose in order thereunto. To which, I suppose, they may all appear to be necessary. For what we obtain of _Nature_, we must not do it by commanding, but by courting of Her. Those that woo Her, may possibly have her for their Wife; but She is not so common, as to prostitute her self to the best behaved _Wit_, which only practiseth upon it self, and is not applied to her. I mean, that where ever Men will go beyond Phansie and Imagination, depending upon the Conduct of _Divine Wisdom_, they must Labour, Hope and Persevere. And as the _Means_ propounded, are all necessary, so they may, in some measure, prove effectual. How far, I promise not; the Way is long and dark: and as Travellers sometimes amongst Mountains, by gaining the top of one, are so far from their Journeys end; that they only come to see another lies before them: so the Way of _Nature_, is so impervious, and, as I may say, down Hill and up Hill, that how far soever we go, yet the surmounting of one difficulty, is wont still to give us the prospect of another. We may therefore believe, our attainments will be imperfect, after we have done all: but because we cannot attain to all, that therefore we should endeavour after nothing; is an Inference, which looks so much awry from the Practical Sense of Men, that it ought not to be answered. Nor with better Reason, may we go about determining, what may be done. The greatest Designs that any Men undertake, are of the greatest uncertainty, as to their Success: which if they appear to be of good Import, though we know not how far they are attainable, we are to propound the _Means_, in the utmost use whereof only, we can be able to judge: A _War_ is not to be quitted, for the hazards which attend it; nor the _Councils_ of _Princes_ broken up, because those that sit at them, have not the Spirit of Prophecy, as well as of Wisdom. To conclude, If but little should be effected, yet to design more, can do us no harm: For although a Man shall never be able to hit _Stars_ by shooting at them; yet he shall come much nearer to them, than another that throws at _Apples_.

_FINIS._

THE

ANATOMY

OF

PLANTS,

BEGUN.

WITH A

General Account

OF

VEGETATION,

Grounded thereupon.

The FIRST BOOK.

Presented in Manuscript to the ROYAL SOCIETY,
Sometime before the _11ᵗʰ._ of _May, 1671_.

And afterwards in Print, _December 7._ of the same Year _1671_.

By _NEHEMJAH GREW_ M.D. Fellow of the
_Royal Society_, and of the _College_ of _Physicians_.

=The Second Edition.=

_LONDON_,
Printed by _W. Rawlins_, 1682.

TO THE

RIGHT HONOURABLE

WILLIAM

Lord Vi-Count Brouncker,

THE

PRESIDENT,

And to the

Council and Fellows

OF THE

ROYAL SOCIETY,

The following

ANATOMY

Is most HUMBLY

PRESENTED

By the AUTHOR

_NEHEMJAH GREW_.

TO THE

Right Reverend

JOHN

Lord Bishop of

CHESTER.

_MY LORD_,

I Hope your pardon, if while you are holding _That best of Books_ in one Hand, I here present some Pages of that of _Nature_ into your other: Especially since _Your Lordship_ knoweth very well, how excellent a _Commentary_ This is on the _Former_; by which, in part, _GOD_ reads the World his own Definition, and their Duty to him.

But if this Address, _my Lord_, may be thought congruous, ’tis yet more just; and that I should let _Your Lordship_, and others know, how much, and how deservedly, I resent _Your_ extraordinary Favours. Particularly, that you were pleased, so far to animate my Endeavours, towards the Publishing the following _Observations_. Many whereof, and most belonging to the _First Chapter_, having now lain dormant, near seven years; and might still, perhaps, have so continued, had not _Your Lordships_ Eye, at length, created Light upon them. In doing which, _You_ have given one, amongst those many Tokens, of as well _Your_ readiness to promote Learning and Knowledge by the hands of others; as _Your_ high Abilities to do it by _Your_ Own: Both which, are so manifest in _Your Lordship_, that, like the first Principles of _Mathematical Science_, they are not so much to be asserted, because known and granted by all.

The Consideration whereof, _my Lord_, may make me not only _Just_, in owning of your Favours; but also most _Ambitious_ of your _Patronage_: Which yet, to bespeak, I must confess, I cannot well. Not that I think, what is Good and Valuable, is always its own best Advocate: for I know, that the Censures of Men, are humorous, and variable; and that one _Age_, must have leave to frown on those _Books_, which another, will do nothing less than kiss and embrace. But, chiefly, for this Reason, Lest I should so much as seem desirous, of _Your Lordships_ Solliciting my Cause, as to all I have said. For as it is your Glory, that you like not so to shine, as to put out the least Star; so were it to _Your_ Dishonour, to borrow _Your_ Name, to illustrate the Spots, though of the most conspicuous. I am,

_My Lord,

Your Lordships

Most Obliged,

And

Most Humble Servant_

NEHEMJAH GREW.

Coventry,
_June 10. 1671_.

THE

CONTENTS.

CHAP. I.

_Of the Seed in its State of Vegetation._

_THE Method propounded, §. 1. The_ Garden-Bean, _dissected, 2. The two_ Coats _Described, 3, 4. The_ Foramen _in the outer_ Coat, _5, 6. What generally observable of the Covers of the_ Seed, _7. The Organical_ Parts _of the_ Seed, _8. The Main Body, 9, 10. The_ Radicle _in the_ Bean, _11. In other_ Seeds, _12. The_ Plume, _13, 14. The Similary_ Parts, _15. The_ Cuticle, _16, 17. The_ Parenchyma, _18, 19, 20. The_ Inner Body, _21, to 29. No solid Account yet given, of_ Vegetation, _30. The_ Coats _how in common subservient to the_ Vegetation _of the_ Seed, _31. The_ Foramen, _of what use herein, 32. The use of the_ Inner Coat, _33. Of the_ Cuticle, _34. Of the_ Parenchyma, _35. Of the_ Seminal Root, _36. How the_ Radicle _first becomes a_ Root, _37. By what means, the_ Plume _all this while preserved, 38. How after the_ Root _the_ Plume _vegetates, 39. How the_ Lobes, _40. But not in all_ Seeds, _41. That they do in most, demonstrated, 42, 43, 44. What hence resolvable, 45. The use of the_ Dissimilar Leaves, _46, to the end._

CHAP. II.

_Of the Root._