A DISCOURSE Made before the ROYAL SOCIETY.
HAVING the honour to perform the task of this day; I shall endeavour to conform to the Philosophy, [Page 2] which this Society doth profess; which is, Ratiocination, grounded upon Experiment, and the Common Notions of Sense. The former being, without the latter, too subtle and intangible; the latter, without the former, too gross and unmanageable: but both together, bearing a true analogy to our selves; who are neither Angels, nor meer Animals, but Men.
The Subject I have chosen [Page 3] to speak of, is Mixture. Whereof, that our Discourse may be the more consistent, and the better intelligible; all I have to say, shall be ranged into this Method; viz.
1. First, I shall give a brief account of the received Doctrine of Mixture.
2. Next, lay down some Propositions of the Principles whereof all Mixed Bodies consist.
3. Then, open the true [Page 4] Nature of Mixture; or say, What it is.
4. And then enumerate the Causes of Mixture; or say, How it is made.
5. Lastly, I shall shew the Power of Mixture; or, What it can do.
SECT. I.
FIRST, As to the received Doctrine of Mixture; not to trouble you with tedious quotations of [Page 5] what Aristotle, Galen, Fernelius, Scaliger, Sennertus, Riverius, and others say hereof; we may suppose the whole summed up in that Definition which Aristotle himself hath given of it, and which the greater number of his Followers, have almost religiously adhered to; viz. that 'tis, [...]. Lib. 1. de Gener. & Corrupt. Cap. ult. that 'tis, Miscibilium alteratorum [Page 6] unio. Which Definition, as it is usually explicated, is both Vnintelligible, and Vnuseful.
Two things are unintelligible; what they mean by Alteration; and what by Vnion. In this Alteration, they say, That the very Forms of the Elements are alter'd. And therefore lay it down for an Axiom, Quòd in Mixto, Formae Elementares tantum sint in potentia. But let us see the consequence. [Page 7] For if in a mixed body, the Forms of the Elements are but in potentia; then the Elements themselves are but in potentia: for we all say, Forma dat esse. And if the Compounding Elements, are only in potentia; then the Compound; Body it self can be only in potentia: yet to say it is no more, is most absurd.
As for the Vnion of Elements in a mixed Body; they make it such, as brings [Page 8] them at last to assert, the Penetration of bodies, and that the Vnion of mixed bodies is nothing else. For they say, it is made in such sort, that every particle of the mixed body, partaketh of the Nature of the whole. Which Nature, ariseth from the contemperated Qualities of the four Elements. Whence they conclude, That every particle of the mixed body, containeth in it self all the four Elements. [Page 9] Which is plainly to assert a penetration of bodies. For every Element is, at least, one particle; if therefore every particle of the mixed body, containeth four Elements; then four particles, are but one. I conclude then, That the received Doctrine of Mixture, is Vnintelligible.
Whence it follows, That it is also Barren and Vnuseful. For who can make any use of that which he [Page 10] understandeth not? And the experience of so many years, wherein it hath been ventilated by the disputes of men, proveth as much: Scarce any of them, except the Learned Sennertus, daring to venture upon Experiment, for fear they should come to understand themselves.
It is confessed, that many gallant things have been found out by artificial Mixture. But no thanks to this [Page 11] Definition of it. For as an Ignorant Person may make bad Work, and a good Rule be never the worse; so an Ingenious Person may make good Work, and a bad Rule be never the better. The question is not, what have men done? but what have they done upon this foundation, Quòd Mixtio sit miscibilium alteratorum unio. Had this ever taught them to do any thing, even so much as to make the Ink [Page 12] wherewith they have wrote all their Disputes; I confess, they would have had something to shew for it. But the truth is, their notions of Mixture, have been so far from doing us any good, that they have done us much harm: being, through their seeming subtlety, but real absurdity, as so many phantastick Spectrums, serving only to affright men from coming near them, or the Subject whereof they treat.
[Page 13] I shall therefore endeavour to open the true Nature of Mixture. And I shall build my Doctrine upon the Common Notions of Sense: which none can deny; and every one may conceive of. In order to which, I shall take leave to lay down some Propositions, of the Principles of all mixed bodies.
SECT. II.
1. AND first, by Principles, I mean Atomes, or certain sorts of Atomes, or of the simplest of Bodies. For otherwise they would not be Principles; for a compounded Principle, in strict speaking, is a contradiction. Even as fives, threes, or twos, are not the Principles of Number, but Vnites.
2. Whence, secondly, [Page 15] it follows, that they are also Indivisible. Not Mathematically; for the Atomes of every Principle have their dimensions. But Physically; and so, what is but one, cannot be made two.
If it be asked, Whether a Stick cut with a knife, be not of one, made two? I say, that a Stick, is not one body, but many millions of bodies; that is, of Atomes; not any one whereof is divided within it self, [Page 16] but only they are separated each from other, where the Knife forceth its way. As in the drawing of a mans Finger through an heap of Corn; there is no division made in any one Grain, but only a separation of them one from another, all remaining still in themselves entire. I say therefore, that what is physically one, is also most firm, and indivisible; that is, impenetrable: for penetration is [Page 17] but the separation, not the division of Atomes.
3. Hence, thirdly, they are also Immutable. For that which cannot be divided, cannot be chang'd. So that of the whole World of Atomes, not any one hath ever suffer'd, or can suffer the least mutation.
Hereupon is grounded the Constancy of Causes and Effects. So that, in all Generations, it is not less certain, that the self same [Page 18] Principle is still propagated from the same; than, that Man is from Man. Wherefore, Compounded bodies are generated; but Principles are not, but only propagated; that is, in every Generation, they pass, in themselves unaltered, from one body, into another.
4. If Principles, or Atomes are all Immutable; it again follows, That they are of divers kinds. For one and the same Principle, [Page 19] or kind of Atomes, will still make the same thing, and have the same effect: so that all Generations would then be the same. Wherefore, since they are Immutable, they must be divers.
5. This diversity, for the same reason, is not small, but very numerous. For as the World, taken together, is Natures Shop; so the Principles of Things, are her Tools, and her Materials. [Page 20] Wherefore, as it speaks the goodness of a Shop; so the perfection of the Vniverse, That it is furnished with many Tools wherewith, and many Materials whereupon to work. And consequently, that Philosophy beareth best its own name; which doth not strain all to two or three Principles, like two or three Bells in a Steeple, making a pittiful Chime: but tryeth to rise up to Natures [Page 21] own number, and so to ring all the changes in the world.
6. Yet doth not this vast Diversity, take away the Regiment and Subordination, of Principles. There being a certain lesser number of them, which either by their greater quantity, or other ways, have Rule and Dominion, in their several Orders, over all the rest. For where-ever the Subject is Multitude, Order [Page 22] is part of its Perfection. For Order is Proportion. And how can Nature be imagin'd to hold Proportion in all things else, and not here? Wherefore, as certainly, as Order and Government are in all the parts of the Rational; so certainly, of the Material World.
Whence it is, That although the Species of Principles be very numerous; yet the Principles called Galenical, Chymical, or any [Page 23] others, which do any way fall under the notice of Sense, are notwithstanding reduceable to a smaller number: viz. according to the number of Predominant Principles in Nature; or, at least, in this part of the Vniverse which is near and round about us. To the Power and Empire whereof, all other Principles do submit. Which Submission, is not the quitting of their own Nature; but only their [Page 24] appearance under the external Face or Habit of the said Predominant Principles.
7. As there can be no Order of Principles, without Diversity; so no Diversity, but what is originally made by these two ways; sc. by Size and Figure. By these they may be exceeding different: and all other Properties besides, whereby they differ, must be dependent upon these two.
[Page 25] 8. Nor therefore, can they be of any other Figures, than what are Regular. For Regularity, is a Similitude continu'd. Since therefore all kinds of Atomes are divers only by their Size and Figure; if the self same Size and Figure were not common to a certain number of Atomes, they could not be said to be of any one kind▪ and consequently, if there were no Similitude of Atomes, [Page 26] there could be no Distinction of Principles.
9. Hence also, these two Modes of Atomes, viz. their Size and Figure, are the true, and only original Qualities of Atomes. That is, an Atome is such or such, because it is of such a certain Size and Figure.
10. Lastly, As these two Modes, taken severally, are the Qualities of an Atome: so consider'd together, they are its Form. [Page 27] A substantial Form of a Body, being an unintelligible thing. I say of a Body; for although the Rational Soul be a substantial Form, yet is it the Form of a Man, and not of a Body. For the Form of a Body, we can conceive of no otherwise, then as of the Modification of a Body, or a Complexion of all the Modes of a Body. Which also agrees with that Definition of a Form, which amongst the [Page 28] Peripatetick Philosophers is well enough accepted, viz. Quod sit, Ratio ejus Essentiae, quae cuique Rei competit. Which Ratio, if it be referred to a Body, what is it but the Modification of that Body? Having thus proposed a Summary of my Thoughts about Principles; I shall next proceed to shew what their Mixture is.
SECT. III.
AND first of all, from the Premisses, we arrive at this Conclusion; sc. That the Formation and Transformation of all Bodies, can be nothing else, but the Mixture of Bodies. For all Principles are immutable; as we have above proved: and therefore not generable, formable, or transformable. And the Forms of [Page 30] Principles, being but their Modes, are also immutable. So that the whole Business of the Material World, is nothing else, but Mixture.
Again, as Nature worketh every where only by Mixture; so is this Mixture every where but one thing, and can be but one. For whether it be the Mixture of great Bodies, or of small; of Compounds, or of Atomes; it is every where Mixture, [Page 31] and the Mixture of Bodies. Wherefore, Mixture is either an intelligible Affection of all Bodies, or of none; which latter, no man will say. As many wayes, therefore, as we can see, or conceive the Mixture of any gross Bodies, which we hold in our hand; so many ways, we may, of the subtilest Mixtures which Nature maketh, or of Atomes themselves; and no other wayes.
[Page 32] Now all the wayes we can distinguish Mixture by, are in general these two; either in respect of the Bodies Mixed, or else of the Modes of the Mixture it self.
In respect of the Bodies Mixed, Mixture is distinguished also two ways; viz. by Conjugation, and by Proportion.
By Conjugation, I mean, a Certain Mixture of some such Principles, and not of [Page 33] others. Which is threefold.
First, As to Number: as when one Body may be compounded of two Principles, another of three, a third of four, a fourth of five, and so on.
Secondly, As to Kind: where, though there be a conjunction of the same Number, yet not of the same Kind.
Thirdly, When they differ from one another both [Page 34] in Number and Kind.
So many ways the Principles of Bodies may be conceived to be Conjugated; and therefore are: for here, that which may be, is. The Consequence is clear. For first, Nature hath various Materials wherewith to make these Mixtures; as we have shew'd. Secondly, By these Mixtures she may, and without the concurrence of any imaginary Forms, [Page 35] must produce all the varieties in the material world; as likewise hath been said. Wherefore, since all imaginable Mixtures may be made, and that to some purpose; if they should not be so, Nature would be Imperfect: because we our selves can think, how she might put her Materials to further use, then so she would do.
To think, therefore, that all kinds of Principles, [Page 36] or all Elements go to make up every Compounded Body; is a conceit, no more to be credited, then one that should tell us, all kind of Wheels and other parts of a Watch, were put into a Clock; or that there were no other Materials wherewith to build an House, then for a Tent or a Ship. For why should Nature, the great Artificer by which all perfect Works are made, be feigned to cram and [Page 37] ram all things into one, which we our selves look upon as absurd?
Secondly, The Mixture of Principles is diversifi'd, as by Conjugation, so also by Proportion. That is, by the divers Quantities, of the several Principles or Parts mixed together.
As if the quantity of one, were as five to ten; of a second, as five to fifteen; of a third, as five to twenty, &c.
[Page 38] Or if that of one, be as five to six; of a second, as six to seven; of a third, as seven to eight. By which, and by other Proportions, Mixture may be varied innumerable ways.
Again, As Mixture is varied with respect to the Bodies Mixed; so likewise in respect of the Mixture it self, which I call the Location of Principles, or the Modes of their Conjunction. Which may be various, [Page 39] as well as their Conjugation and Proportion. Yet are they all reduceable unto two general Modes: all Bodies, and therefore all Principles, being Mixed, either by Mediation, or by Contact.
Now all Contact, whether of Compounds, or of Atomes, can be no other way, then such as is answerable to their Figures. Whereof, therefore, we can conceive but three general ways, viz.
[Page 40] First, By Contact in a Point, or some smaller part: as when two Atomes meet, which are globular or otherwise gibbose.
Secondly, By Contact in a Plain: as in the conjunction of the sides of Triangular or Quadrangular Atomes, or otherwise flat.
Thirdly, By Contact in a Concave: as when one Atome is admitted into the Concave or hole of another; as a Spigot is into a Fosset.
[Page 41] The first may be called, Apposition; the second, Application; the third, Reception or Intrusion.
In the two last wayes, Atomes may be joyned by Mediation; but best of all the last. As when the two extreams of one Atome are received into the Concaves or the holes of two others.
And these are all the general ways, whereby we can conceive Bodies to be [Page 42] Mixed together; sc. by their various Conjugation, Proportion, and Location.
So that the Composition of Atomes, in Bodies; is like that of Letters, in Words. What a Thunderclap would such a Word be, as wherein all the four and twenty Letters were pack'd up? One therefore is compounded of more, another of fewer; this of some, and that of others: and both the Conjugation, Proportion, [Page 43] and Location of Letters is varied in every Word: whereby, we have many thousands of differing Words, without any alteration at all, in the Letters themselves; and might have ten times as many more. In like manner, therefore, or in the self same analogous way, as the Letters of the Alphabet, are the Principles of Words; so Principles, are the Alphabet of Things.
[Page 44] What we have said of Principles; and of Mixture as consequent thereupon; may be a foundation for an intelligible account, of the Nature and Cause of most of the Intrinsick Properties, and Qualities of Bodies: as of Gravity, Levity, Fixity, Fluidity, Angularity, Roundness, Heat, Cold, Blackness, Whiteness, Sowerness, Sweetness, Fragrancy, Fetidness, and very many more. I say an intelligible account; [Page 45] sc. such as is grounded upon the Notions of Sense, and made out Mechanically. But the exemplification hereof, being too large a field for this, or any one Lecture, I shall, before I come to the Causes of Mixture, only deduce from the Premisses, these following Corollaries.
1. First, That there is no alteration of Principles or of Elements, in the most perfect Mixture of Bodies. [Page 46] It cannot be; for Principles are Immutable, as we have said. And if it could be, yet it needeth not to be: for they are also many, and compoundable infinite ways; as hath been shewed. So that we have no need to perplex our selves with any of those difficulties, that arise from the Doctrine of the Alteration of Elements. The ground of which conceit, is that, of there being but four Elements, and [Page 47] that all the Elements must needs be in every Body. And so men being puzled, how from thence to make out the infinite variety of Bodies, they feigned them to be alterable, and alter'd, upon every perfect Mixture. Not considering, that if their four Elements be alterable; as few as they are, no fewer then three of them may be spared: for one Element, if alterable, may be made any.
[Page 48] 2. Hence, secondly, may be solved that great Dispute, Whether such as we call Lixivial Salts, are made by the fire?
For first, No Principle is made by the fire: all Principles being unalterable; and therefore unmakeable.
Secondly, We must therefore distinguish betwixt the Principle, and the Modification of a Principle; or its various Mixture with [Page 49] other Principles, whence it may receive a various denomination.
Wherefore, a Lixivial Salt, qua Lixivial, is certainly made by the fire. But quatenus Salt, it is not: that Principle being extractable out of most Bodies; and by divers other ways, then by the fire. For whether you Calcine a body, or Ferment it, (after the manner shew'd by the diligent and curious Improver of Chymical Knowledg, Dr. [Page 50] Daniel Coxe) or else putrifie it under ground, or drown it in the Sea; it still yieldeth some kind of Salt. All which Salts are made, not by making the Saline Principle; but only by its being variously Mixed, upon those various ways of the Solution of Bodies, with other Principles: from which its various Mixture, it receives the various Denominations, of Marine, Nitrous, Volatile, or Lixivial.
3. Hence, thirdly, the most [Page 51] perfect Mixture of Bodies, can go no higher then Contact. For all Principles are unalterable; and all Matter is impenetrable; as hath been said. In the most visible and laxe Mixture, there is Contact; and in the most subtile and perfect, as in Generation it self, there is nothing more.
4. Hence, fourthly, we easily understand, how divers of the same Principles, belonging both to Vegetables and many other Bodies, are [Page 52] also actually existent in the Body of Man. Because even in Generation, or Transmutation, the Principles which are translated from one body to another, as from a Vegetable to an Animal, are not in the least alter'd in themselves; but only their Mixture, that is, their Conjugation, Proportion, and Location, is varied.
5. Hence also the difference of Mixture, arising from the difference of Contact, is intelligible; sc. as to [Page 53] those three degrees, Congregation, Vnion, and Concentration.
Congregation, and Inconsistent Mixture, is when the several Atomes touch but in a Point, or smaller part▪ In which manner, I have divers arguments, inducing me to believe the Atomes of all Fluid Bodies, qua Fluid, do touch; and in no other.
Vnion, is when they touch in a Plain. As in the Crystals and Shootings of all Salts, and other like Bodies. For if [Page 54] we pursue their divided, and subdivided parts, with our eye, as far as we can; they still terminate, on every side, in Plains. Wherefore, 'tis intelligible, That their very Atomes do also terminate, and therefore touch, in Plain.
Concentration, is when two, or more Atomes touch by Reception and Intrusion of one into another: which is the closest, and firmest Mixture of all; as in any fixed, [Page 55] unodorable, or untastable body: the Atomes of such bodies, being not able to make any Smell or Tast, unless they were first dissolved; that is to say, unpin'd one from another.
6. Hence, sixthly, we understand, how in some cases, there seemeth to be a Penetration of Bodies; and in what sense it may be admitted: viz. if we will mean no more by Penetration, but Intrusion. For the Intrusion of one Atome [Page 56] into the Concave or hole of another, is a kind of Penetration; whereby they take up less room in the mixed Body, then they would do by any other way of Contact. As a naked knife and its sheath, take up almost double room, to what they do, when the knife is sheathed.
Whence we may assign the reason, Why many Liquors being mixed; take up less room or space, then they did [Page 57] apart; as they very Ingenious M. Hook maketh it to appear by Experiment that they do. I say the plain reason hereof, or at least one reason, is the Intrusion of many of their Atomes one into another. Which yet is not a Penetration of Bodies strictly so called.
7. If all that Nature maketh, be but Mixture; and all this Mixture be but Contact: 'tis then evident, That Natural and Artificial Mixture, [Page 58] are the same. And all those seeming subtilties whereby Philosophers have gone about to distinguish them; have been but so many Scarcrows, to affright Men from the Imitation of Nature.
8. Lastly, Hence it follows, That Art it self may go far in doing what Nature doth. And who can say, how far? For we have nothing to Make; but only to Mix those Materials, which are already made to our [Page 59] hands. Even Nature her self, as hath been said, Maketh nothing new; but only Mixeth all things. So far, therefore, as we can govern Mixture, we may do what Nature doth.
Which, that we may still the better understand; let us before, and in the next place, see the Causes of Mixture. For since Natural and Artificial Mixture are the same; the immediate Causes of both, are and must be the same.
SECT. IV.
NOW all the Causes of Mixture we can conceive of, must, I think, be reduced to these six in general; viz Congruity, Weight, Compression, Solution, Digestion, and Agitation.
1. Congruity, or aptitude and respondence betwixt the Sizes and Figures of parts to be mixed: whereby bodies may be truly called the Instrumental Causes of their [Page 61] own Mixture. As when a plain answers to a plain, a square to a square, a convex to a concave, or a less to a greater or an equal, &c. according to which Respondencies in the parts of Bodies, they are more or less easily mingleable.
2. Weight; by means whereof, all Fluid Bodies, upon supposition of the Congruity of their parts, must unavoidably mingle
3. Compression; which either [Page 62] by the Air, or any other body, added to Weight, must, in some degree, further Mixture. Because, that Weight it self is but Pression.
For further proof of all the said Causes, I made this Experiment▪ Let Oyl of Aniseseeds, and Oyl of Vitriol be put apart into the Receiver of an Air-Pump. And, having exhausted it of the Air, let the two said Oyls be then affused one upon the other. Whereupon
[Page 63] First, It is visible, that they here mix and coagulate together; that is, their parts are wedged and intruded one into another, without the usual compression of the Air; for that is exhausted: and therefore only, by the Congruity of their receiving and intruding parts; and by their Weight; by which alone they are so compressed, as to make that Intrusion.
Secondly, It is also evident, That although they do Coagulate; [Page 64] yet not altogether so much, as when powred together in the same manner, and quantity, in the open Air. Wherefore, Compression, whether made by the Air, or any thing else, doth somewhat further the Mixture of Bodies, and the greater the Compression, the more.
4. Solution; For all bodies mix best, in Forma fluida. And that for two reasons.
First, Because the parts of a body are not then in a [Page 65] state of Vnion, but of Separation; and therefore, in a more capable state, for their Mixture and Vnion with the parts of another body.
Secondly, Because then they are also in a state of Motion, more or less; and therefore, in a continual tendency towards Mixture; all Mixture being made by Motion.
Wherefore, all Generations, and most perfect Mixtures in Nature, are made by Fluids; whether Animal, Vegetable, or [Page 66] Mineral. Which is also agreeable to the Doctrine of the Honourable Mr. Boyle, in his excellent Treatise of the Nature and Vertues of Gems.
And 'tis well known, That bodies are ordinarily petrified, or Stones made, out of Water. That is, out of petrifying parts dissolved per minima in Water, as both their Menstruum and their Vehicle. Wherefore, if we will talk of making Gold; It must not be by the Philosophers Stone, [Page 67] but by the Philosophers Liquor.
5. Digestion. For which there is the same reason, as for Mixture, by Solution. For
First, All heat doth attenuate, that is, still further separate the parts of a body; and so render them more mingleable with the parts of another. And therefore
Secondly, Doth also add more Motion to them, in order to their Mixture.
6. Agitation. Which I am [Page 68] induced to believe a great and effectual means of Mixture, upon divers considerations. As
First, That the making of Blood in the Bodies of Animals, and the mixing of the Chyle therewith, is very much promoted by the same means; sc. by the Agitation of the parts of the Blood and Chyle, in their continual Circulation.
Again, From the making of Butter out of Milk, by the [Page 69] same means; whereby alone is made a separation of the oleous parts from the whey, and a mixture of them together.
Moreover, From the great Effects of Digestion; well known to all that are conversant in Chymical Preparations. Which Digestion it self, is but a kind of insensible Agitation of the parts of digested bodies.
'Tis also a known Experiment, That the readiest way [Page 70] to dissolve Sugar in Wine or other Liquor; is to give the Vessel a hasty turn, together with a smart knock, against any hard and steady body: whereby all the parts of the Sugar and Liquor, are put into a vehement Agitation, and so immediately mixed together.
And I remember, that having (with intent to make Mr. Mathews's Pill) put some Oyl of Turpentine and Salt of Tartar together in a bottle, [Page 71] and sent it up hither out of the Country; I found, that the continual Agitation upon the Road, for three or four days, had done more towards their Mixture; then a far greater time of Digestion alone had done before. And it is certain, That a vehement Agitation, especially if continu'd, or joyned with Digestion; will accelerate the Mixture of some bodies, ten times more, then any bare Digestion alone; as may be [Page 72] proved by many Experiments.
I will instance in this one. Let some Oyl of Turpentine and good Spirit of Nitre be stop'd up together in a bottle, and the bottle held to the fire, till the Liquors be a little heated, and begin to bubble. Then having removed it, and the Bubbles by degrees increasing more and more; the two Liquors will of themselves, at last fall into so impetuous an [Page 73] Ebullition, as to make a kind of explosion; sending forth a smoak for the space of almost two yards high. Whereupon, the parts of both the Liquors, being violently agitated, they are, in a great portion, incorporated into a thick Balsam in a moment: and that without any intense heat, as may be felt by the bottle. And thus much for the Causes of Mixture.
SECT. V.
HAVING enumerated the general Causes, we [Page 74] shall, lastly, enquire into the Power and Vse of Mixture; or, into what it can Do and Teach. And I shall Instance in fix particulars.
First, To Render all Bodies Sociable, whatsoever they be.
Secondly, To Make Artificial Bodies in Imitation of those of Natures own production.
Thirdly, To Make or Imitate the sensible Qualities of Bod [...]es; as Smells, and Tasts▪
Fourthly, To Make or Imitate their Faculties.
[Page 75] Fifthly, It is a Key, to discover the Nature of Bodies.
Sixthly, To discover their Use, and the Manner of their Medicinal Operation.
Instance I.
FIRST, To render all Bodies Sociable or Mingleable: as Water with Oyl, Salt with Spirit, and the like. For Natural and Artificial Mixture, are the same; as we have before proved. If therefore Nature can do it, as we see in the Generation of bodies she [Page 76] doth; 'tis likewise in the Power of Art to do it.
And for the doing of it, two general Rules result from the Premisses, sc. The Application of Causes, and the Choice of Materials. As for the Causes, they are such as I have now instanc'd in. And for the Application of them, I shall give these two Rules.
First, That we tread in Natures steps as near as we can; not only in the application of such a Cause, as may be most [Page 77] proper for such a Mixture; but also in allowing it sufficient time for its effect. For so we see Nature her self, for her more perfect Mixtures, usually doth. She maketh not a Flower, or an Apple, a Horse, or a Man, as it were in a moment; but all things by degrees; and for her more perfect and elaborate Mixtures, for the most part, she requireth more time. Because all such Mixtures are made and carri'd on per minima; and therefore require [Page 78] a greater time for the compleating of them.
A second Rule is, Not only to make a due Application of the Causes; but sometimes to Accumulate them. By which means, we may not only Imitate Nature, but in some cases go beyond her. For as by adding a Graft or Bud to the Stock, we may produce Fruit sooner, and sometimes better, then Nature by the Stock alone would do: So here, by accumulating the [Page 79] Causes of Mixture; that is, by joyning three, or four, or more together; or by applying more in some cases, where Nature applyeth fewer; we may be able to make, if not a more perfect, yet a far more speedy Mixture, than Nature doth. As by joyning Compression, Heat, and violent Agitation, and so continuing them all together, by some means contrived for the purpose, for the space of a week, or moneth, or longer, without [Page 80] cessation. Which may probably produce, not only strange, but useful effects, in the Solution of some, and the Mixture of other Bodies. And may serve to mix such Bodies, as through the small number of their congruous parts, are hardly mingleable any other way. Agitation being, as carrying the key to and fro, till it hit the lock; or within the lock, till it hit the wards.
Secondly, For the Choice of [Page 81] Materials, if they are not immediately, that is, of themselves, mingleable; we are then to turn one species of Mixture into a Rule; which is, To mix them by mediation of some third, whether more simple or compounded body, which may be congruous in part to them both: as sulphurious Salts are to Water and Oyl; and are for that reason mingleable with either of them.
Or, By any two congruous [Page 82] Bodies, which are also, in part, congruous to two others: and other like ways. Whereby the parts of Bodies, though never so heterogeneous, may yet be all bound and lock'd up together. Even as twenty keys may be united, only by uniting the two Rings whereon they hang.
The consideration of these things, have put me upon making several Experiments, for the Mingling of heterogeneous Bodies. I shall give two [Page 83] Examples of tryal; the one upon fluid, the other upon consistent, Bodies.
For the first, I took Oyl of Anise-seeds, and powring it upon another Body; I so order'd it, that it was thereby turned into a perfect milk-white Balsam, or Butter. By which means the said Oyl became mingleable with any other Liquor, Oyl, Wine, or Water; easily, and instantaneously dissolving therein, in the form of a Milk▪ And note, That this [Page 84] is done, without the least alteration of the smell, tast, nature or operation of the said Oyl.
By somewhat the like means, not only Oyl of Anise-seeds, but any other stillatitious Oyl, may be transformed into a perfect milk white Butter; and in like manner be mingled with Water or any other Liquor. Which is of various use in Medicine; and what I find oftentimes very convenient and advantageous to be done.
[Page 85] Again, Not only fluid but consistent bodies, which of themselvs will mix only with Oyl; by due mixture with other bodies, may be render'd easily dissoluble in Water; as may Rosin, and all resinous and friable Gums. As also Wax: and this without changing much of their Colour, Tast or Smell. Whereof likewise, whatsoever others may do, the Physician may make a manifold Vse.
Instance II.
BY Mixture also, we may be taught to Imitate the Productions of Nature. As to which, from what we have before said of Mixture, we may conclude; That there is no generation of Bodies unorganical, but what is in the power of Mixture to imitate. As of Animals, to Imitate Blood, Fat, Chyle, Spittle, Flegm, Bile, &c. Of Vegetables, to Imitate a Milk, Mucilage, Rosin, Gum, or Salt. Of Minerals, [Page 87] to Imitate Vitriol, Allom, and other Salts; as also Metals, and the like.
I do not say, I can do all this: but if upon good premisses we may conclude this may be done; it is one step to the doing of it. But I will also give an Instance of somewhat that may be done in every kind. And
1. First, For the Imitation of an animal body, I will instance in Fat. Which may be made thus; Take Oyl Olive, [Page 88] and powr it upon high Spirit of Nitre. Then digest them for some days. By degrees, the Oyl becomes of the colour of Marrow; and at last, is congealed, or hardned into a white Fat or Butter, which dissolveth only by the fire, as that of Animals.
In converting Oyl thus into Fat, it is to be noted, That it hardens most upon the exhalation of some of the more Sulphureous parts of the Spirit of Nitre. Which I effected, [Page 89] well enough for my purpose, by unstopping the glass after some time of digestion; and so suffering the Oyl to dissolve and thicken divers times by successive heat and cold.
Hence, The true Congealing Principle, is a Spirit of Nitre separated from its Sulphur. For the better doing whereof, the Air is a most commodious Menstruum to the said Spirit of Nitre.
Whence also, if we could [Page 90] procure such a Spirit of Nitre, we might congele Water in the midst of Summer. We might also refrigerate Rooms herewith artificially. And might Imitate all frosty Meteors. For the making of Fat, is but the Durable Congelation of Oyl▪ which may be done without frost, as I have shew'd how.
Hence also it appears, That Animal Fat it self, is but the Curdling of the Oily parts of the Blood; either by some of [Page 91] its own Saline parts; or by the Nitrous parts of the Air mingled therewith.
Hence likewise it is, That some Animals, as Conies, and Fieldfares, grow fatter in frosty weather: the oily parts of the blood, being then more than ordinarily coagulated with a greater abundance of nitrous parts received from the Air into their bodies.
For the same reason it is, That the Fat of Land-Animals is hard; whereas that of [Page 92] Fish is very soft, and in a great part runs to Oyl, sc. Because the Water, wherein they live, and which they have instead of breath, hath but very few nitrous parts in it, in comparison of what the Air hath.
2. For the Imitation of a Vegetable Body, I will give three Instances; In Rosin, Gum, and a Lixivial Salt. The first may be made thus; Take good Oyl of Vitriol, and drop it upon Oyl of Anise-seeds; and they [Page 93] will forthwith incorporate together; and by degrees, will harden into a perfect Rosin; with the general and defining Properties of a truly Natural Resinous Gum. Being not in the least dissoluble in Water; or at least, not any more, then any natural Rosin or Gum: yet very easily by fire: as also highly inflammable: and exceeding friable.
Although this artificial rosin, be the result of two Liquors, both which very strongly [Page 94] affect the Sense: yet being well washed from the unincorporated parts, (which is to be done with some care) it hath scarce any Tast or Smell.
The Concentration of these two Liquors, is likewise so universal; that the Rosin is not made by Precipitation, but almost a total Combination of the said Liquors; and that with scarce so much, as any visible fumes.
Again, Having taken a certain Powder and a Saline Liquor, [Page 95] and mixed them together in a bottle, and so digested them for some time; the Powder was at last transmuted to a perfect Oily Gum; which will also dissolve either in Oyl, or in Water; in the self same manner, as Galbanum, Ammoniac, and the like will do.
And Lastly, A Lixivial Salt may be imitated thus; Take Nitre, Oyl of Vitriol, and high Spirit of Wine, of each a like quantity. Of these three Bodies, [Page 96] not any two being put together; that is to say, neither the Nitre with the Oyl, nor the Oyl with the Spirit, nor the Nitre with the Spirit; will make the least ebullition: yet all three mingled together, make a very conspicuous one. The Spirit of Wine being as the Sulphur; and so that, and the Nitre together, standing, as it were, in the stead of an Alkalizate, that is, a Sulphurious Salt, against the Oyl of Vitriol. Divers [Page 97] other Experiments I can shew of the like nature.
3. In the last place, for the Imitation of a Mineral Body, I will instance in two, sc. Nitre and Marine Salt; if I may have leave to reckon them amongst Mineral Bodies. As for Nitre, by mixing of four Liquors together, and then setting them to shoot; I have obtained Crystals of true and perfect Salt; which have had much of a nitrous tast; and would be melted with a gentle [Page 98] heat, as Nitre is; and even as easily as Butter it self: I mean, not by the addition of any sort of Liquor, or any other body, to dissolve it; but only by the fire.
And as for a Sea-Salt, that I might Imitate Nature for the making hereof, I consider'd, That the Salt so called, was nothing else but Animal and Vegetable Salt, freed from its true Spirit and Sulphur, and some Saline particles, specifically Animal [Page 99] or Vegetable, together with them. For both Animal and Vegetable bodies being continually carried by all Rivers into the Sea; and many likewise by Shipwrack, and divers other ways, immersed therein: they are at last corrupted, that is, their Compounding parts are opened and resolved. Yet the Resolution being in the Water, is not made precipitately, as it is in the Air; but by degrees, and very gently. [Page 100] Whence the Sulphurious, and other more Volatile parts, in their avolation, make not so much hast, as to carry the more fixed Saline parts along with them; but leaveth them behind in the Water, which imbibeth them, as their proper Menstruum.
And the Imitation of Nature herein, may be performed thus; Put as much of a Lixivial Salt as you please, into a wide mouth'd [Page 101] bottle, and with fair Water make a strong Solution of it; so as some part thereof may remain unresolved at the bottom of the bottle. Let the bottle stand thus for the space of about half or three quarters of a year, all the time unstopped. In which time, many of the Sulphurious and other more Volatile parts gradually flying away; the top of the unresolved Salt will be incrustate, or as it were frosted [Page 102] over, with many small and hard Concretions, which for their nature, are become a true Sea-Salt. Whereof there is a double proof; First, In that most of the said Concretions are of a Cubical, or very like Figure. Especially on their upper parts; because having a fixed body for their basis, their under parts, therefore, contiguous thereto, are less regular. Whereas the parts of Salt in the Sea, being environed [Page 103] on all sides with a fluid; their Figure is therefore on all sides regular. Secondly, In that a strong Acid Spirit or Oyl being powred upon a full body'd Solution hereof; yet it maketh herewith no Ebullition; which is also the property of Sea-Salt. And thus much for the more general Imitation of Bodies.
Instance III.
FROM the aforesaid Premisses, and by the aforesaid Means, there is no doubt to be made, but that also the other sensible Qualities of Bodies may be Imitated, as their Odours and Tasts. And that not only the general ones, as Fragrant, or Astringent: but also those which are specifical and proper to such a species of Bodies. [Page 105] Thus, for example, by mixing several Bodies together, in a due proportion, I have Imitated the Smells of divers Vegetables; as of Tansy, of Lignum Rhodium, and others. And I conclude it feasable, To Imitate the Tast or Smell of Musk, or Ambergreece, or any other body in the world.
Instance IV.
HENCE also we may be Taught, How to Imitate the Faculties, as well as other Qualities of Bodies. The reason is, because even these have no dependance upon any substantial Form; as in the first Part of my last Book of the Anatomy of Vegetables, I think, I have, in a few lines, clearly made out: but are the meer result [Page 107] of Mixture; effected by the same Causes, whether in Nature or Art; as also in the premisses of this Discourse hath been shew'd.
Instance V.
FROM whence, again, it is likewise a Key to Discover the Nature of Bodies. For how far soever we can attain to Mingle, or to Make them, we may also know what they are.
[Page 108] For Bodies are mingleable, either of themselves, or by some third. As to those which mingle of themselves, we may certainly conclude, That there is a congruity betwixt them, in some respect or other. So upon various tryals I find, that Essential Oyls do more easily imbibe an Acid, then an Alkaly. Whence it is evident, That there is some congruity and similitude betwixt Essential Oyls, and an Acid, which [Page 109] there is not betwixt the said Oyls and an Alkaly.
As to those that mingle only by some third; we may also certainly conclude, That though the two extreams are unlike; yet that they have both of them a similitude to or congruity with that third, by which they are united.
Moreover, We may make a Judgment from the Manner or Degree of Mixture. Thus the Acid Spirit of Nitre, as is [Page 110] said, will coagulate Oyl-Olive, and render it consistent. Whence it might be thought, That any other strong Acid will do the like; and that therefore, there is no great difference in the Nature of the said Acid Liquors. But the contrary hereunto, is proved by Experiment. For having digested the same Oyl, in the same manner, and for a much longer time, with strong Oyl of Sulphur; although it [Page 111] thence acquired some change of Colour, yet not any Consistence.
Again, Because the said Spirit of Nitre coagulates Oyl-Olive; it might be expected, it should have the same effect, upon Oyl of Anise-seeds; or, at least, that if other Acids will coagulate Oyl of Anise-seeds, that this should do it best. But Experiment proveth the contrary. For of all I have tryed, Oyl of Vitriol is the only [Page 112] Acid that doth it instantaneously. Oyl of Sulphur, if very strong, will do it; but not so soon, nor so much. Aqua fortis, and Spirit of Salt, for the present, do not at all touch it. And Spirit of Nitre it self will not coagulate it, under eight or ten hours at least.
Instance VI.
LASTLY, and consequently, It is a Key, To Discover the Medicinal Vse and Operation of Bodies. Thus, for example, by the Imitation of Rosins and Resinous Gums, we certainly know what all of them are, and when, and wherefore to be used▪ For what are Mastick, Frankincense, [Page 114] Olibanum, Benzoin, and other like Rosins, or Resinous Gums, for their principal and predominant parts, that is, qua Rosins; but Bodies resulting from Natural, in like manner, as I have shewed, they may be made to result, from Artificial Mixture? That is to say, the Oleous, and Acid parts of Vegetables, being both affused and mingled together, [Page 115] per minima, in some one Vessel of a Plant, they thus incorporate into one consistent and friable body, which we call Rosin.
Now from hence it is, that the said Rosins, and Resinous Gums; as also Amber and Sulphur for the same reasons; are of so great and effectual Vse against most thin and salt Rheums; sc. as they are Acidooleous [Page 116] Bodies▪ For by their Acid parts, which in all these Bodies are exceeding copious, they mortifie and refract those salt ones which feed the Rheum. And by their oleous parts, the same salt ones are also Imbibed. Whence, they are all, in some degree, incorporated together; that is, the Rheum is thickned: which is the desired effect.
[Page 117] Whereas, on the contrary, if the Cough proceed not from a thin and especially a salt Rheum, but from a Viscous Flegm; the use of many other Bodies, which are also more oleous, and abound not so much with an Acid as these do, especially some of them, is more proper: such as these, in this case, proving sometimes not only ineffectual, but prejudicial. [Page 118] Since the very Cause of the said Viscousness of Phlegm, is chiefly some great Acidity in the Blood, or in some other part; as may be proved by divers arguments.
Many more Instances might be hereunto subjoyned: and may hereafter be offered to the acceptance of such, who are inquisitive into matters of this Nature. If I shall not herein anticipate, or [Page 119] reiterate the Thoughts and Observations, of those two accurate and Learned Persons Dr. Willis, and Dr. Walter Needham, as to what the one hath already published, and both have put us in expectation of. But the Instances already given, are sufficient to evidence what I have said. And, I hope, this present Discourse to prove, in some measure, thus much; [Page 120] That Experiment, and the Common Notions of Sense are prolifick; and that nothing is barren, but phancy and imagination.