A discourse made before the Royal Society, Decemb. 10, 1674 concerning the nature, causes, and power of mixture / by Nehemiah Grew. Grew, Nehemiah, 1641-1712. 1674 Approx. 68 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 69 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2005-03 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A42102 Wing G1948 ESTC R29458 11146939 ocm 11146939 46403 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A42102) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 46403) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 1424:10) A discourse made before the Royal Society, Decemb. 10, 1674 concerning the nature, causes, and power of mixture / by Nehemiah Grew. Grew, Nehemiah, 1641-1712. [17], 120 p. Printed for John Martyn, London : 1675. Reproduction of original in the Harvard University Library. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. 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Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Chemistry -- Early works to 1800. Chemistry, Inorganic -- Early works to 1800. Chemistry, Organic -- Early works to 1800. 2004-09 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2004-10 SPi Global Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2004-11 Jonathan Blaney Sampled and proofread 2004-11 Jonathan Blaney Text and markup reviewed and edited 2005-01 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion At a Meeting of the Council of the R. Society . January 21. 1674 / 5. Order'd , THAT a Discourse made before the R. Society , Decemb. 10. 1674. by Dr. Nehemiah Grew , Concerning the Nature , Causes , and Power of Mixture , &c. be Printed by the Printer of the R. Society . Brouncker . P.R.S. A DISCOURSE Made before the ROYAL SOCIETY , Decemb. 10. 1674. Concerning the Nature , Causes , and Power of MIXTURE . By Nehemiah Grew , M. D. and Fellow of the R. Society . LONDON , Printed for John Martyn Printer to the Royal Society , and are to be Sold at the Bell in St. Pauls Church-yard , 1675. To the Right Honourable WILLIAM Lord Viscount BROVNCKER , PRESIDENT of the ROYAL SOCIETY . My Lord , ONE Reason why I dedicate the following Discourse to Your Lordship , is because by Your great and undeserved respects , You have obliged me to do no less . How much more I cannot say , unless I were able to compute the value of Your obligation . Another Reason , my Lord , is because I could not but publickly return Your Lordship thanks , for minding the Royal Society of so good a way , as they are lately resolved upon , for the management of a great part of their business . Wherein , my Lord , I do more then presume , that I also speak the sense of the whole Society ; I think , not any one excepted . I may with the same confidence intimate , my Lord , how happy they account themselves , in having a Person so fit to preside their Affairs , as Your Lordship . The largeness of Your Knowledge , the exactness of Your Judgment , the evenness of Your Comport ; being some of those necessary Qualifications , which His Majesty had in His eye , ( as right well understanding what He did ) when He fixed His choice upon Your Lordship . I know , my Lord , that there are some men , who have just so much understanding , as only to teach them how to be ambitious : the flattering of whom , is somewhat like the tickling of Children , till they fall a dancing . But I also know , that Your Lordship unconcerneth your self as much , in what I even now spake ; as Caesar did himself , when his Souldiers began to style him King. For as he said , Non Rex , sed Caesar : so let Your Lordship be but once nam'd , and all that follows , is but a Tautology to what You are already known to be . Your being President of the Royal Society , Your being the first that was chosen , and chosen by so Wise a King ; amounteth to so high and real a Panegyrick to Your Lordship , as maketh verbal ones to be superfluous , and leaves them without any sound . Whence , my Lord , I have a third Reason most naturally emergent ; which is , that I dare to submit my self , as to what I have hereafter said , to Your Lordships Censure . You being so able , and just an Arbiter , betwixt the same and all those persons therein concern'd ; that You can neither be deceived , nor corrupted , to make a Judgment in any Point , to the injury of either . And truly , my Lord , were it only from a principle of self-interest , yet I could not desire it should be otherwise . For the World , if it lives , will certainly grow as much wiser then it is ; as it is now wiser then it was heretofore . So that we have as little reason , to despise Antiquity ; as we can have willingness , that we our selves should be despised by Posterity . Yet some difference there is to be made ; viz. betwixt those of all Ages , who have been modestly ignorant ; and those who have thought , or pretended , that they were Omniscient . Or if knowing and acknowledging that they were ignorant ; have yet not been contented to be so ; unless , with as good manners , as sense , they did conjure all Mankind , not to offer at the knowing any more then themselves . Vpon the whole , my Lord , I desire not You should be a Patron , any further then You are a Judge . For if this small Essay hath deserved the least acceptance , I am sure , that in being one , You will be both . Whereby , my Lord , You will not a little nourish and inspire my future endeavours of the like nature : being very sollicitous to approve my self , My Lord , Your Lordships most faithful and obedient Servant , Nehemiah Grew . 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 , 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 to speak of , is Mixture . Whereof , that our Discourse may be the more consistent , and the better intelligible ; all I have to say , shall be ranged into this Method ; viz. 1. First , I shall give a brief account of the received Doctrine of Mixture . 2 : Next , lay down some Propositions of the Principles whereof all Mixed Bodies consist . 3. Then , open the true Nature of Mixture ; or say , What it is . 4. And then enumerate the Causes of Mixture ; or say , How it is made . 5. Lastly , I shall shew the Power of Mixture ; or , What it can do . SECT . I. FIRST , As to the received Doctrine of Mixture ; not to trouble you with tedious quotations of 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 't is , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Lib. 1. de Gener. & Corrupt . Cap. ult . that 't is , Miscibilium alteratorum 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 . 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 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 . 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 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 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 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 . 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 , it follows , that they are also Indivisible . Not Mathematically ; for the Atomes of every Principle have their dimensions . But Physically ; and so , what is but one , cannot be made two . If it be asked , Whether a Stick cut with a Knife , be not of one , made two ? I say , that a Stick , is not one body , but many millions of bodies ; that is , of Atomes ; not any one whereof is divided within it self , but only they are separated 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 but the separation , not the division of Atomes . 3. Hence , thirdly , they are also Immutable . For that which cannot be divided , cannot be chang'd . So that of the whole World of Atomes , not any one hath ever suffer'd , or can suffer the least mutation . Hereupon is grounded the Constancy of Causes and Effects . So that , in all Generations , it is not less certain , that the self same Principle is still propagated from the same ; than , that Man is from Man. Wherefore , Compounded bodies are generated ; but Principles are not , but only propagated ; that is , in every Generation , they pass , in themselves unaltered , from one body , into another . 4. If Principles , or Atomes are all Immutable ; it again follows , That they are of divers kinds . For one and the same Principle , or kind of Atomes , will still make the same thing , and have the same effect : so that all Generations would then be the same . Wherefore , since they are Immutable , they must be divers . 5. This diversity , for the same reason , is not small , but very numerous . For as the World , taken together , is Natures Shop ; so the Principles of Things , are her Tools , and her Materials . Wherefore , as it speaks the goodness of a Shop ; so the perfection of the Vniverse , That it is furnished with many Tools wherewith , and many Materials whereupon to work . And consequently , that Philosophy beareth best it s 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 own number , and so to ring all the changes in the world . 6. Yet doth not this vast Diversity , take away the Regiment and Subordination , of Principles . There being a certain lesser number of them , which either by their greater quantity , or other ways , have Rule and Dominion , in their several Orders , over all the rest . For where-ever the Subject is Multitude , Order is part of its Perfection . For Order is Proportion . And how can Nature be imagin'd to hold Proportion in all things else , and not here ? Wherefore , as certainly , as Order and Government are in all the parts of the Rational ; so certainly , of the Material World. Whence it is , That although the Species of Principles be very numerous ; yet the Principles called Galenical , Chymical , or any others , which do any way fall under the notice of Sense , are notwithstanding reduceable to a smaller number : viz. according to the number of Predominant Principles in Nature ; or , 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 appearance under the external Face or Habit of the said Predominant Principles . 7. As there can be no Order of Principles , without Diversity ; so no Diversity , but what is originally made by these two ways ; sc. by Size and Figure . By these they may be exceeding different : and all other Properties besides , whereby they differ , must be dependent upon these two . 8. Nor therefore , can they be of any other Figures , than what are Regular . For Regularity , is a Similitude continu'd . Since therefore all kinds of Atomes are divers only by their Size and Figure ; if the 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 , there could be no Distinction of Principles . 9. Hence also , these two Modes of Atomes , viz. their Size and Figure , are the true , and only original Qualities of Atomes . That is , an Atome is such or such , because it is of such a certain Size and Figure . 10. Lastly , As these two Modes , taken severally , are the Qualities of an Atome : so consider'd together , they are its Form. A substantial Form of a Body , being an unintelligible thing . I say of a Body ; for although the Rational Soul be a substantial Form , yet is it the Form of a Man , and not of a Body . For the Form of a Body , we can conceive of no otherwise , 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 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 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 , 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 . 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 others . Which is threefold . First , As to Number : as when one Body may be compounded of two Principles , another of three , a third of four , a fourth of five , and so on . Secondly , As to Kind : where , though there be a conjunction of the same Number , yet not of the same Kind . Thirdly , When they differ from one another both in Number and Kind . So many ways the Principles of Bodies may be conceived to be Conjugated ; and therefore are : for here , that which may be , is . The Consequence is clear . For first , Nature hath various Materials wherewith to make these Mixtures ; as we have shew'd . Secondly , By these Mixtures she may , and without the concurrence of any imaginary Forms , must produce all the varieties in the material world ; as likewise hath been said . Wherefore , since all imaginable Mixtures may be made , and that to some purpose ; if they should not be so , Nature would be Imperfect : because we our selves can think , how she might put her Materials to further use , then so she would do . To think , therefore , that all kinds of Principles , or all Elements go to make up every Compounded Body ; 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 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. 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 , 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. First , By Contact in a Point , or some smaller part : as when two Atomes meet , which are globular or otherwise gibbose . Secondly , By Contact in a Plain : as in the conjunction of the sides of Triangular or Quadrangular Atomes , or otherwise flat . Thirdly , By Contact in a Concave : as when one Atome is admitted into the Concave or hole of another ; as a Spigot is into a Fosset . The first may be called , Apposition ; the second , Application ; the third , Reception or Intrusion . 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 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 Thunder-clap 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 , 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 . What we have said of Principles ; and of Mixture as consequent thereupon ; may be a foundation for an intelligible account , of the Nature and Cause of most of the Intrinsick Properties , and Qualities of Bodies : as of Gravity , Levity , Fixity , Fluidity , Angularity , Roundness , Heat , Cold , Blackness , Whiteness , Sowerness , Sweetness , Fragrancy , Fetidness , and very many more . I say an intelligible account ; sc. such as is grounded upon the Notions of Sense , and made out Mechanically . But the exemplification hereof , being too large a field for this , or any one Lecture , I shall , before I come to the Causes of Mixture , only deduce from the Premisses , these following Corollaries . 1. First , That there is no alteration of Principles or of Elements , in the most perfect Mixture of Bodies . It cannot be ; for Principles are Immutable , as we have said . 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 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 . 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 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. 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 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 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 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 we pursue their divided , and subdivided parts , with our eye , as far as we can ; they still terminate , on every side , in Plains . Wherefore , 't is 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 , 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 into the Concave or hole of another , is a kind of Penetration ; whereby they take up less room in the mixed Body , then they would do by any other way of Contact . As a naked knife and its sheath , take up almost double room , to what they do , when the knife is sheathed . Whence we may assign the reason , Why many Liquors being mixed ; take up less room or space , then they did apart ; as the 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 : 't is then evident , That Natural and Artificial Mixture , are the same . And all those seeming subtilties whereby Philosophers have gone about to distinguish them ; have been but so many Scar-crows , 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 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 own Mixture , As when a plain answers to a plain , a square to a square , a convex to a concave , or a less to a greater or an equal , &c. according to which Respondencies in the parts of Bodies , they are more or less easily mingleable . 2. Weight ; by means whereof , all Fluid Bodies , upon supposition of the Congruity of their parts , must unavoidably mingle 3. Compression ; which either by the Air , or any other body , added to Weight , must , in some degree , further Mixture . Because , that Weight it self is but Pression . For further proof of all the said Causes , I made this Experiment ▪ Let Oyl of Anise-seeds , and Oyl of Vitriol be put apart into the Receiver of an Air-Pump . And , having exhausted it of the Air , let the two said Oyls be then affused one upon the other . Whereupon First , It is visible , that they here mix and coagulate together ; that is , their parts are wedged and intruded one into another , without the usual compression of the Air ; for that is exhausted : and therefore only , by the Congruity of their receiving and intruding parts ; and by their Weight ; by which alone they are so compressed , as to make that Intrusion . Secondly , It is also evident , That although they do Coagulate ; yet not altogether so much , as when 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 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 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 't is well known , That bodies are ordinarily - petrified , or Stones made , out of Water . That is , out of petrifying parts dissolved per minima in Water , as both their Menstruum and their Vehicle . Wherefore , if we will talk of making Gold ; It must not be by the Philosophers Stone , but by the Philosophers Liquor . 5. Digestion . For which there is the same reason , as for Mixture , by Solution . For First , All heat doth attenuate , that is , still further separate the parts of a body ; and so render them more mingleable with the parts of another . And therefore Secondly , Doth also add more Motion to them , in order to their Mixture . 6. Agitation . Which I am induced to believe a great and effectual means of Mixture , upon divers considerations . As First , That the making of Blood in the Bodies of Animals , and the mixing of the Chyle therewith , is very much promoted by the same means ; sc. by the Agitation of the parts of the Blood and Chyle , in their continual Circulation . Again , From the making of Butter out of Milk , by the same means : whereby alone is made a separation of the oleous parts from the whey , and 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 . 'T is also a known Experiment , That the readiest way to dissolve Sugar in Wine or other Liquor ; is to give the Vessel a hasty turn , together with a smart knock , against any hard and steady body : whereby all the parts of the Sugar and Liquor , are put into a vehement Agitation , and so 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 , 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 proved by many Experiments . I will instance in this one . Let some Oyl of Turpentine and good Spirit of Nitre be stop'd up together in a bottle , and the bottle held to the fire , till the Liquors be a little heated , and begin to bubble . Then having removed it , and the Bubbles by degrees increasing more and more ; the two Liquors will of themselves , at last fall into so impetuous an Ebullition , as to make a kind of explosion ; sending forth a smoak for the space of almost two yards high . Whereupon , the parts of both the Liquors , being violently agitated , they are , in a great portion , incorporated into a thick Balsam in a moment : and that without any intense heat , as may be felt by the bottle . And thus much for the Causes of Mixture . SECT . V. HAVING enumerated the general Causes , we shall , lastly , enquire into the Power and Vse of Mixture ; or , into what it can Do and Teach . And I shall Instance in six particulars . First , To Render all Bodies Sociable , whatsoever they be . Secondly , To Make Artificial Bodies in Imitation of those of Natures own production . Thirdly , To Make or Imitate the sensible Qualities of Bod●es ; as Smells , and Tasts . Fourthly , To Make or Imitate their Faculties . Fifthly , It is a Key , to discover the Nature of Bodies . Sixthly , To discover their Vse , and the Manner of their Medicinal Operation . Instance I. FIRST , To render all Bodies Sociable or M●ngleable : 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 doth ; 't is 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 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 . Again , Not only fluid but consistent bodies , which of themselvs will mix only with Oyl ; by due mixture with other bodies , maybe 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 , 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 , 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 , 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 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 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 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 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 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 , 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 , not any two being put together ; that is to say , neither the Nitre with the Oyl , nor the Oyl with the Spirit , nor the Nitre with the Spirit ; will make the least ebullition : yet all three mingled together , make a very conspicuous one . The Spirit of Wine being as the Sulphur ; and so that , and the Nitre together , standing , as it were , in the stead of an Alkalizate , that is , a Sulphurious Salt , against the Oyl of Vitriol . Divers other Experiments 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 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 or Vegetable , together with them . For both Animal and Vegetable bodies being continually carried by all Rivers into the Sea ; and many likewise by Shipwrack , and divers other ways , immersed therein : they are at last corrupted , that is , their Compounding parts are opened and resolved . Yet the Resolution being in the Water , is not made precipitately , as it is in the Air ; but by degrees , and very gently . Whence the Sulphurious , and other 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 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 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 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 . 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 Amber-greece , 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 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 . 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 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 said , will coagulate Oyl-Olive , and render it consistent . Whence it might be thought , That any other strong Acid will do the like ; and that therefore , there is no great difference in the Nature of the said Acid Liquors . But the contrary hereunto , is proved by Experiment . For having digested the same Oyl , in the same manner , and for a much longer time , with strong Oyl of Sulphur ; although it thence acquired some change of Colour , yet not any Consistence . 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 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 , 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 , 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 Acido-oleous 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 . 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 . 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 reiterate the Thoughts and Observations , of those two accurate and Learned Persons Dr. Willis , and Dr. Walter Needham , as to what the one hath already published , and both have put us in expectation of . But the Instances already given , are sufficient to evidence what I have said . And , I hope , this present Discourse to prove , in some measure , thus much ; That Experiment , and the Common Notions of Sense are prolifick ; and that nothing is barren , but phancy and imagination . FINIS .