often cause most dismal and tedious Vomitings and when they fall to relieve by rejecting the grieving Matter Hiccoughs Anxieties Distresses Syncopes and sometimes fatal Succumbencies Nature and all Endeavour failing to work any farther for the Animal's Relief These Things happen most commonly when indigeslible Rosin sticks to the Stomach especially if they be join'd with any Pungent Volatile or Acrimonious Particles Hence it is that Resinous Vomits are quite banish'd out of the Practice of Physick and it were well if Resinous Purgers were so also especially such as have considerable Acrimony unless given with the Yolk of an Egg Lixivials or in Tinctures with Spirituous Things to keep the Resinous Particles from Coalescence and adhering to the Stomach c. 1. Note for we shall have some Occasion for it That Resinous Things join'd with Volatile irritating Particles have all the ill Qualities aforementioned viz. Hardness of Digestion Aptitude to stick to the Stomach and Volatile Particles to irritate and tear its Coats all the time they so stick to it and therefore such Things have dismal Effects especially in weak Stomachs that cannot Digest them 2. Note That the Distresses at Stomach caused by a grievous Sensation are of Two sorts 1. Such as are the Endeavours of Nature or the Sensitive Soul in Defence of the Animal as all Vomitings Purgings Convulsions Hiccoughs Throws Strugglings Agitations Contractions Watchings c. which are accompanied with Melancholy Fretfulness ill Humour c. because of the Grievance 2. Such as follow the Yielding and Succumbency of Nature or the Sensitive Soul after being tired and over-born by the Fatigue of Defensive Contraction as Faintings Distresses Agonies Syncopes and Leipothymies 3. Note That Syncopes or Leipothymies are caused by the Sensitive Soul's being over-born as was said tired and spent and giving over his fruitless Contractions Defensive and Vigilative upon a sudden as being to no Purpose as he does gently and gradually give over Vigilative Contraction to cause Sleep so that Syncopes are only greater suddener and more absolute Derelictions of the whole Concern of Contractions Hence it is that Perspiration is greater in Syncopes or Leipothymies than in Sleep the Laxity of the Cornea and the whole Body greater the Feeling less or quite gone that all Motions become much slower or none by the want of Compression of the Animal Spirits and dismal Derelictions of all Contractions by the Sensitive Soul Hence it is that all the Effects of Sleep are yet greater in Syncopes 4. Note That therefore it seems all the Difference between Sleep and a Leipothymy is that in this the Sensitive Soul quite throws the Reins of Contractions away and in Sleep keeps hold thereof and only lets them loose and as Refection is made straightens them more and more till they come to the Degree of Vigilative Contraction which perfectly awakes them Therefore Sleep grows slighter toward Morning because Contraction gradually comes on Here you may see but I must stop lest I run too far why every Thing that causes Contraction of the Sensile Parts as Pain and all Grievances are apt to awake People and keep them so as Relaxers cause Sleep and continue it 5. Note That tho' I have particularly spoken of the Somach as being most concern'd and the best Example of any Membrane yet do not I exclude any Membrane from being capable of Pleasure by the like Things As for the Effects of Pleasure upon the Sensitive Soul I have upon several Occasions said or intimated enough concerning them and even the Vulgar know that Pleasure or being pleased makes People good and gay humour'd That it elevates the Spirits raising Courage as Wine does and enables every Animal to Labour or Travel the better as Horses by the Sound of Bells especially if tunable and in Company with another Horse that they have a kindness for How Soldiers March more easily with Merry Comrades that are full of Iests and pleasant Stories or with Drums Trumpets Kettle Drums 〈◊〉 and other Musick that please the Ear How much more briâ—k and blith are we in a fair Sunshine which pleases the Eye than at other times Some â—ink according to the Vulgar Errour that iâ— is the Goodness of the Air does it but it is plainly otherwise for you find the change most remarkable in your self just upon going out of Doors into the Sun-shine whereas you had the same Air in your Chamber nor is that fine Lightness of Humour to be found if it be Cloudy tho' the Air be better as may be observ'd by the Barometer and other Weather-Glasses nor in the Night Time nor where the Sun does not come nor are blind People so affected therefore it is the Pleasure of the bright Sunshine that causes it If Mean Slight Transient and External Pleasures cause such Effects how much more then will an intense internal and continued Pleasure upon the most exquisitely disposed Part for Sensation of all the whole Body which is mainly design'd for those Purposes of Pleasing and Comforting to invite us to nourish our selves and to satisfie the grievous Sensations of Hunger and Thirst by the Pleasure of Meat and Drink such Pleasant Effects Thus the Fretfulness Peevishness ill Humour Melancholy Pusillanimity Inaptitude and Listnesness that attend the grievous Sensation of Hunger are taken off and cured by the pleasant Sensation that a good Meal or some Glasses of Wine do cause Hence it is that we cannot Sleep when Hungry because grievous Sensation contracts the Sensile Parts and are apt to it after Meals the Pleasure of which relaxes us if we sit or lie quietly and silently but if we do not we are more lively and fit for Business Instances of this Kind are so numerous and notorious that I need say no more of the Effects of Pleasure in causing a good Humour Elevation of the Spirits Satisfaction Content Composure c. Is it possible that one should be highly pleased and not take Comfort therein take Comfort and not be elevated in Spirit well satisfied and contented Therefore it is strange and very strange that People should leave Wine Cordials Meats Spirits c. actually and sensibly pleasing satisfying and comforting us at Stomach where there is a Membrane most exquisitely disposed for Sensation and run after Fumes and Effluvias that were never in our Case in being to the Brain or Bloud that have no sense to entertain them and consequently can receive no sensible Comfort by them If this be not seeking a Needle in a Bottle of Hay where it never was when it sticks most sensibly in their Fingers nothing is We should think it a strange ridiculous Action in a Child or Natural Fool but great is the Privilege and Authority of the Learned So much may suffice as to the Effects of Pleasure upon the Sensitive Soul As for the Effects of Pleasure upon the Body it is Relaxation of all the Sensile Parts thereof as appears 1. Because it 's contrary viz. Displeasure or sensitive
increase more and more and make one more and more remote from waking 4. Why should warm Baths Fomentations Feetwashes Head-washes warm moist Weather the Act of Venery the Pleasure of sweet Melody gentle rubbing of the Head in a pleasant manner scratching the Back where it itches and all gentle Pleasures that are consistent with lying or sitting still which do all cause a very free Perspiration of Fumes at the Pores that are then most certainly opened by all those Causes as may be proved by statick Demonstration Magnifying Glasses c. cause Sleep seeing they all cause a spending of the Fumes Obj. Some half-witted unthinking Caviller may say That such Things stir up the Vapours c. Answ. What such mean by Vapours stirr'd is not easily determinable but this I know that all stir of Humours or any other thing hinders Sleep and that the longer such Causes of opening the Pores and consequently of perspiring Fumes do last the more we are inclin'd by them to Sleep so that the more our Fumes have been spent the more we are inclined to sleep which is a strange Contradiction if Fumes be the cause of Sleep I can but smile to think how most Physicians come to call several things Vapours First they say that Sleep is from Vapours then call every thing Vapours right or wrong that inclines us to sleep by reason of that false Supposition How then comes Camphire not to be a great Causer of Sleep that is so apt to evaporate 5. Fear Sorrow Grief Melancholy Depression of Spirits Cold c. do most certainly close the Pores as appears by statick Experiments by which means Vapours are much crowded in the Body yet all such Grievances do hinder Sleep as they also do the Effects of Opium and Drunkenness Therefore they do not proceed from Fumes as the World imagines for then these things that crowd in the Fumes and Vapours would promote not hinder Sleep 6. If Fumes are the cause of Sleep then are the cause of Sleep and Vertigo's as the Vaporanians allow the same it follows then that we could never sleep without a Vertigo 7. Many as Dr. Willis says eat their Meat take their Drink c. as other People yet do not sleep at all for many Weeks together which were impossible if the Fumes of Meat and Drink caused Sleep for they by eating and drinking must have those Fumes and consequently Sleep as other People if that were true Thirdly They suppose and take it for granted which I do not for I know the contrary That Opium while it is at Stomach can affect the Brain c. no other way but by Fumes which is a most groundless Supposition For 1. How should a Lump of Curd at Stomach or the Hast of a Knife swallow'd and many such things which can send no Fumes to the Head cause Convulsions Head-achs Vertigo's Syncopes Leipothymies of the whole Man Manias Furors c. if there were not another way for things to affect the Nervosum Genus c. while at Stomach besides sending up Vapours to do it But of this matter to shew how a thing at Stomach may affect the Brain and the whole System of the Nerves c. and how Opium does it without Fumes the 17 18 19 20 c. Chapters will shew you at large Therefore I shall say no more of this at present for it is fit for us first to overthrow that Supposition of Fumes and Vapours before we establish our own For farther Satisfaction then as to that general Supposition of Fumes let us duly and fully consider Things for it is not a slight matter to proceed against a General Opinion that has continued through all Ages or to wipe off the Prejudices acquired thereby Observe 1. That the Brain is a Principal Part. 2. That it is very soft tender and next to a Fluid 3. That very small fine and gentle Things do highly offend it as the Effluvia's of sweet or ill-scented Things causing hysterick and epileptical Fits Syncopes Faintings c. It is also notorious among us Physicians that a little Fume scarce sensible as to Quantity or Quality rising from a Toe Finger c and arriving at the Brain causes dreadful epileptical Fits Vertigo's c. 4. That our Wise and Provident Creator has therefore secured and fortified all the Avenues of the Brain in a more particular manner by several Circumvallations viz. First With the Pia Mater Secondly With the Dura Mater called so from its Hardness Solidity and Strength Thirdly With a strong Skull of a round or arched Figure Fourthly With the Pericranium All which belong to it particularly besides other Integuments common to it with other Parts as 1. The Skin 2. The Cuticle 3. The Membrana Carnosa 4. The Periostium All which do surround it and after all it is Thatched as it were with Hair 5. That the same Providence has taken care which is very observable that none of the Objects of Sensation nor probably any Particle or Effluvium that flies from them should ever reach the Brain but only bare Impulses and they not immediately convey'd but by the Intervention of a fine tenuious soft gentle and most agreeable Aura viz. the Animal Spirits lest any Offence should be given in the least manner to this most tender delicate principal Part and Royal Seat of the Soul all which Care had never been without Necessity for God and Nature do nothing in vain And if you 'll duly consider the Organs of Sensation that are near the Brain you 'll find that they are contrived as Shutters to exclude all extraneous Particles from the Brain for Impulses might have been contrived without their Intervention because they do not alter or improve the Impulses received from Objects for if they did we should not have true notice of Things And seeing they do not alter or improve the Impulses of what Use should they be but to exclude extraneous Particles Eumes Effluvia's c. For instance The tremulous Motion of the Air in the case of Sound would have as truly hit the Auditory Nerve or Membrane without the Tympan and very often much truer without it because of the several Faults and Disorders that it is liable to Yet so necessary was it thought by the best of Iudges who cannot err that it was rather to be placed there with all its Inconveniences that might follow than any way expose the Brain though to the most gentle of Bodies viz. the Air by which in all probability the Animal Spirits themselves are nourished or sustained Were it not that extraneous Particles or Air would offend the Brain What need is there of the Tympan when we know as well by Experience as by the aforesaid Reasons that a Dog c. can hear as well without it upon the first taking it off but that the Hearing will afterward decay because the Brain c. being exposed will be injured What is evident in the case of the Ear may be made so
only in those Membranes but also in the more exquisitely disposed Membranes for Sensation at Stomach and soon after all over the Body 5. It prevents and takes away Grief Fear Anxieties Peevishness Fretfulness c. for the aforesaid Reasons which cause a blith gay and good Humour Promptitude Courage c. for it is impossible to be gay and good Humour'd Serene Chearful Courageous and Magnanimous and at the same Time Sorrowful Fearful Peevish Fretful c. If the bare Sense of an ordinary Meal of Meat at Stomach which causes but a slow Pleasure in comparison with Opium takes off the Peevishness Fretfulness c. that the grievous Sensation of Hunger causes how much more must the intense and charming Pleasure caused by Opium that is so agreeable even far beyond Wine it self as has been set forth take away all ill Humours Fretfulness Peevishness c. Obj. But it may be said That Sleepiness which depends also upon Relaxation as the Effects of Pleasure do causes a Peevish Fretful Humour as is commonly observed Ans. It is so far otherwise in the Case of Opium that it is quite contrary for 1. The Sleepy are not Peevish unless you put them by some Means out of the Pleasure of enjoying Sleep or Relaxation for if you let them alone they will not trouble you with Peevishness nor any ill Humour but it is the calling them from their relaxed Condition to the grievous Task of Contractions that vexes them so that it is the Want of continuing under the Relaxation that frets them and the more because the Fatigue and Tedium of Contraction did put them upon the Relief of Sleep of which if disappointed they are much vexed But in the Case of Opium you cannot so easily rob them of their Pleasure which they carry continually within them in an uninterrupted manner unless some very grievous Thing happens which causes more defensive Contraction than the Opium causes Relaxation tho' even this also is generally soon overcome by the Pleasure continually inviting the Relaxation and promoting it whereas the Interruptions thereof are transitory but at the worst it is but taking more Opium and the Work is done for I observe that the Dose of Opium must be sufficient to introduce such a Sense of Pleasure as causes a Relaxation of the Contraction caused by the Grievance Hence it is certain that a greater Pain requires a larger Dose of Opium as has been intimated 6. All know that Pleasant Diversions as Musick Pleasant Iests and Stories fine Sights c. do cause Euphory and an easie undergoing of Iourneys Labour c. Therefore if such interrupted transient and slight Pleasures do it so much it will be easily granted me that a continual and more intense Pleasure that is always present without any Interruption or Intermission as that of Opium must cause a more eminent and permanent Euphory proportioned to the Pleasure which causing Relaxation prevents the Fatigue or Lassitude that is caused only by Contractions either Vigilative Dâ—fensive or Intentive as I have proved So that I do not conceive how the Noctambuli or such as Walk in their Sleep can ever be tired if they Travelled ever so far if they could Eat and Drink because the Relaxation of the Sleep recruits them as much as they spend of Spirits c. so Persons that cause such Relaxation by Opium and so repeat it as to maintain the Relaxation can hardly be weary which is the true plain and Mechanical Reason why the Turks and other Eastern People do by the Help of Opium perform prodigious Iourneys without being tired which may therefore in Allusion to the Noctambuli be call'd Opiambuli or Opambuli as being a kind of Artificial Noctambuli because they are much relax'd by the Pleasure that Opium causes as the other are by Sleep Qui Laetitiâ aâ—iciuntur says Sanctorius nuâ—lam in Itinere Defatigationem sentiunt That is The Merry are not Weary as the Saying is because Mirth being pleasant causes Relaxation as Opium does in some measure Note That as to all the foregoing serene and brisk Effects a full and liberal Perspiration which it also causes as will be shewn contributes much thereto a posteriori for as Fire burns slowly and dully if the Smoak does by any means return upon it and very serene if not so it is with the Flame of Life if clouded with or clear'd from Vapours by Perspiration Sanctor Sect. 7. Aph. 17. Mâ—lancholia superatur liberâ Perspiratione Aph. 30. 31. Edulia aperientia Gaudium movent That is Such as open the Pores and cause Perspiration cause Ioy or Mirth 7. It lulls sooths and as it were charms the Mind with Consent and Acquiescence for the several Reasons couched in the Premises and because the fine continual and charming Pleasure of Opium such as some Glasses of generous Wine causes must needs have such an Effect 8. It quiets allays and composes all Perturbations and Commotions of the sensitive Soul Spirits c. 1. Because it so lulls sooths and charms the sensitive Soul as is aforesaid who is the Original of all Motions in the Animal 2. Because all Motions are by the Relaxation proportionably abated as was demonstrated Thus Opium takes off Hysterick Fits Fevers from Commotions of the Spirits convulsions Stops Hemerrhages or Bleeding c. 9. It causes a Relaxation of all the sensile Parts of the Body by Reason of the great and continual Pleasure that it causes and how Pleasure causes Relaxation I have shewn in Chap. 14. 10. It causes Indolence or Exemption from Pain by causing so high and lasting a Pleasure 1. Because that Pleasure takes up the Attention of the sensitive Soul who delights in 't 2. Because a sense of Pleasure and Pain cannot be at the same Time in the same Subject being they are Contraries 3. Because the Membranes being relaxed and the Animal Spirits expanded the Impressions of Pain cannot be carried to the sensitive Soul because they cannot convey Impressions smartly being thus relaxed and expanded as has been demonstrated by the Comparison of a Gut half full of Air c. and all Impressions of Pain must be smart or else they are not Impressions of Pain for gentle Impressions are such as belong to Oils smooth and soft Things or when the Animal Spirits can hardly carry any Impressions but gently as in Sleep and other Relaxations as that upon Pleasure c. which is our Case Note That it will cause Indolence without causing Sleep because Sleep requires Relaxation and Quiet of the Spirits but Indolence requires only Relaxation as was shewn which always follows the charming Pleasure of Opium 11. It stops moderates or palliates most Fluxes and promotes Perspiration because the Relaxation takes away the sense of the Irritation of Humours which causes a Contraction to squeese them out and that the same Relaxation opens the Pores to let the Fâ—mes out which pass by their own Levity upon the opening of the Pores Nihil magis says Sanctorius
Darkness of the Eyes seeing Things double various Colours before the Eyes Loss of Feeling Ease from Pain c. Deadness of the Eyes to the View Dilatation of the Pupilla Efflorescence of the Skin Laxity of the Lower Iaw Intumescence and Laxity of the Lips Faltring of the Tongue Sardonick Laughter Laxity and Weakness of all Parts a general Ineptitude to Motion Failure in making Water going to Stool and in all Things that require Strength Contraction Motion c. Difficulty of Breathing a wide and slow Pulse a Condition in general very like that of Drunkenness which also proceeds from Relaxation Secondly When you are satisfied that Relaxation is the Cause use all Means to procure a due Contraction of all Parts which is to be done 1. By removing the Cause of the Relaxation 2. By using all good Means for Contraction First therefore give a brisk quick and strong Vomit both to discharge the Opiate and cause Contraction of Parts by a grievous Sensation Proportion it to the Deadness Stâ—pidity or Sleepiness of the Person so as to give it of twice the ordinary Strength of Vomits in Case there is great Danger from those Symptoms and that they are of a high Nature After the Person has Vomited 3 or 4 Times or so often as that you may judge the Stomach well cleared of the Opiate give Half an Ounce of Cream of Tartar finely poudered in thin Broth Whey Water Small Beer or any convenient Liquid which will correct the Opiate if any remains at Stomach turn the Vomit to a Purger to clear the Intestines also and contribute much to the Contraction of Parts which you must always have in your Thoughts as the ruling Intention in this Case Therefore Secondly You must use Contracters all the Time the chief of which are Cold grievous Sensation or Pain Terrour Fear Voluntary Motion and Acids which last cannot be so well used during the Vomiting lest they stop it Therefore especially if the Person be very Stupid keep him very Cold for he will hardly feel it nor take Cold because the Relaxation and the Insensibleness of Grievance by Cold c. keeps the Pores open let him be if possible in some Motion as Walking Hewing Sawing Knocking Tugging c. the more violent it is the better because it causes more Contraction and Agitation to prevent Sopors To force him to Motion if need be Pricking Pinching or Whipping him about the Legs c. will be of good Use because grievous Sensation adds defensive Contraction which is the greatest sort to that of the intentive Contraction by voluntary Motion These Means failing he should be exposed stark naked to the coldest Air and in desperate Cases thrown suddenly at unawares into cold Water by which Means you cause Terrour Surprise and Cold which are the highest and most forcible Contracters to conspire to the Contraction of Parts Hence it is that Drunken People who are so from Relaxation become Sober as in a moment by that Means All the time but during the Vomiting let him use cold Acids in great Plenty and very manifestly acid for they will not only contribute to Contraction but very much correct the Opiate To this End Iuice of Oranges or Lemmons Verjuice or Water acidulated to a good degree by Verjuice Vinegar Iuice of Lemmons Spirit of Vitriol Sulphur or the like will be very proper Where you have not the Convenience to plunge them into cold Water as is directed dashing or pumping very cold Water or Water with a Fourth Part of Vinegar upon their naked Bodies will be of great Use especially if surprisingly done to cause the more Terrour and Concern These Things may be done more or lâ—ss as Cause may require which must be left to the Discretion of the present Physician or Friends and Standers by in Case there be no Physician I only Caution that Contracters should not be used too sparingly and that you should never cease to advance in the Use of them till you perceive their good Effect and then to continue them as occasion requires Note That the Case may well happen that the Rosin may stick at Stomach and yet no Signs or Symptoms appear but those of Relaxation by Reason that the Feeling at Stomach may thereby be disabled to take any notice of it To be sure of this you have no other Means because the Symptoms and Effects of grievous Sensation cannot appear where it is not for the aforesaid Reason but to examine whether the Opiate was a resinous one as crude Opium Extract out of Spirit of Wine or the like for then you may conclude especially if they were given in a massy solid Form as that of Pills c. without severing the Particles of the Rosin by other Things as the Yolk of an Egg c. that the Rosin may in all Probability stick at Stomach tho' its Symptoms do not appear for the aforesaid Reason In such a Case the best Advice that I can give is externally to use all Contracting Means as is directed and internally the Means prescribed for Dissolution of the Rosin for you 'll thereby answer both Intentions Failure of making Water often happens in these Cases which you may generally help by only clapping the Scrotum to the cold Chamber Pot or into cold Water and if that will not do put some Vinegar into the Water and that failing he must be stript and cold Water pumpt or dashed upon the Region of the Bladder III. To Cure the ill Effects of a long and lavish Use of Opium These Effects as you may easily observe if you take a View of them where they are enumerated in Chap. 6. are either 1. From an over-much and habitual Relaxation of Parts as Weakness a Moapish Disposition Diminution of Appetite Weakness of Digestion Dropsies Weakness of Memory c. Or 2. From Acrimony as frequent Irritations to make Water Priapisms Erections of the Penis fruitleâ— Inclinations to Venery c. In this Case as in that of old Drunkards which is much the same there is no good to be done till the habitual Cause is removed viz. the Taking of Opium which suddenly to leave off is as was shewn very dangerous Therefore in order to leave it off safely 1. You must stop your Hands and not increase the Dose that is taken by which Means it will come gradually to have little or no Effect 2. When you find that it is come to that pass your Work is half done then only lessen it 100th Part every Day till you come to take none at all 3. If during this retrograde Course you find any Faintness drink a Glass of good Stomach-Wine toties quoties as Gentian or Centary Wine or the like made by Infusion in Claret or if you want such a Glass of the Claret it self which Things will excite the Spirits and help Digestion 4. When you have quite ended the Taking of Opium continue to Use such Wines when you are faint and every Morning take in a Glass of
best Parts of Opium which is so much the better the more it abounds with them 9. If it yields any other Tincture than Red it is not right and the duller or paler the Red is the worse or weaker it is 10. The best is heavier in proportion to its Bulk which you may soon experiment thus Weigh an Ounce of each in the Air then weigh them just as they are in the Brass Scales in Water and the heavier will out-weigh the other in Water for the heavier any thing is the less Water takes from its Weight in proportion to its Bulk this is an infallible and most ready way to know the Weight of any thing in proportion to its Bulk Note That my Discourse is most particularly concerning the best sort of Crude Turky Opium that is the best that we have in common Use and that its Effects and not those of any Preparation thereof are set down in the following Chapters CHAP III. The Effects of Opium used externally OPIUM used externally has two sorts of Effects upon a Humane Body 1. As an Opiate to cause Sleep take away Pain c. 2. As an Alterative of the Parts it is applied to I. As an Opiate It is of very uncertain and uneven Effects when applied externally for sometimes it causes Sleep takes away Pain but it often fails therefore it is generally much better safer more certain and effectual to use it internally I do scarce know the case wherein 't is better to use it externally than internally unless it be to smell to in some cases But of these Things more particularly when we come to the Use of Opium in Curing Preventing or Paliating Diseases for here we only lay down Effects in order to a Disquisition of the Cause of the Operation of Opium to which its internal Effects will mainly contribute however it may be very useful to that end to lay down its alterative Effects for thereby we shall in good measure know the Prin ciples by which it operates II. It s external Effects as an Alterative are these viz. 1. It incides resolves and discusses 2. It relaxes and mollifies 3. It maturates and suppurates 4. It exulcerates or causes Blisters if it be very strong and applied to Persons of a fine Texture where the Skin is tender but this Effect belongs more properly to the Maslack or true 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that drops from the Incisions made in the Heads of the Poppies especially the Theban which affords a very powerful Juice Hence you may observe that the more it exulcerates or blisters the better is the Opium vice versâ 5. It is a Psilotherick for it prevents Hair to grow and causes the shedding thereof 6. It is hurtful to the Eyes and Ears 7. It excites Itchings applied in a moderate manner to the Skin 8. It excites Venery applied to the Perinaeum CHAP. IV. The Effects of Opium used Internally in a moderate Dose 1. THE moderate Dose in ordinary Use to produce the following Effects is from one to three Grains more or less according to the Circumstance Condition Case Constitution Age c of the Person who takes it 2. It operates generally in a short time after it is in the Stomach that is in about half an Hour more or less if taken in a liquid Form and in about an Hour more or less if in a solid Form drinking a Draught of Water or some Liquor after it otherwise it may be sometimes near an Hour and a half before it has its full Effect But the time of its Operation has a considerable Latitude according to the Disposition of the Stomack and other Circumstances as the Vehicle it is taken in c. The constant Effects of Opium used internally in a moderate Dose 1. It causes a most agreeable pleasant and charming Sensation about the Region of the Stomach which if one lies or sits still diffuses it self in a kind of indefinite manner seizing one not unlike the gentle sweet Deliquium that we find upon our entrance into a most agreeable Slumber which upon yielding to it generally ends in Sleep But if the Person keeps himself in Action Discourse or Business it seems especially when given in a Mornning after a moderate Rest at Night like a most delicious and extraordinary Refreshment of the Spirits upon very good News or any other great cause of Ioy as the sight of a dearly beloved Person c. thought to have been lost at Sea or the like causing such a pleasant Ovation of the Spirits Serenity c. as we find after a competent Measure of generous Wine ad Hilaritatem as Men use to say It is indeed so unexpressibly fine and sweet a Pleasure that it is very difficult for me to describe or any to conceive it but such as actually feel it for 't is as if a Good Genius possessed or informed a Man therefore People do commonly call it a heavenly Condition as if no worldly Pleasure was to be compar'd with it Helmontianus would doubtless express it by the Archeus in his very best Humour It has been compar'd not without good cause to a permanent gentle Degree of that Pleasure which Modesty forbids the naming of and 't is well worth a Remark that both are Pleasures of the same Sense viz. that of Feeling for it cannot be a Pleasure of any other Sense since it is internal 2. It causes a brisk gay and good Humour Nor do I doubt but it has this Effect upon sleeping Persons as far as their Condition is capable of observing it for you shall have them often tell of pleasant Dreams after it when they remember them and speak of any See Bauchin and the Authors mentioned below under the 4th Effect of Opium 3. It causes Promptitude Serenity Alacrity and Expediteness in Dispatching and Managing of Business To which end and that of a good and gay Humour which are near of kind it is commonly taken in the Morning in the Eastern Countries with most certain Effect The truth of which Wedelius is forced to confess though quite contrary to his Hypothesis of Opium's fixing and coagulating the Spirits giving an instance of a certain serene Person who when she had any Affair of great moment to dispatch did before-hand take Opium with great advantage for she thereby found her self every way better disposed for Business and more enabled to bear the Fatigue thereof Which is the Substance of what he writes in Latin Many other Authors confirm the Truth of these Effects but above all the constant Experience of the Eastern Nations puts it out of all doubt 4. It causes Assurance Ovation of the Spirits Courage Contempt of Danger and Magnanimity much after the manner that generous Wine does instead of which the Turks c. use Opium before Engagements desperate Attacks c. as is most notorious to make them Courageous which it certainly does For your satisfaction as to this and other Effects of Opium not so commonly observed
a very long and lavish use thereof The Inconveniences of leaving off the Use of Opium do bear a certain Proportion to the Time and Quantity that it has been used in 1. Note That the Turks do drink some Water always after the taking of Opium as being the best Menstruum to dissolve it 2. Note That it is usual with them to take a Drachm in the Morning and so much in the Afternoons and so may we as well as they if used to it and 't is a very silly saying that you 'll find in Authors That they are better able to bear it because of the Climate c. whereas the more Northern Persons are better able to take it than the Southern as will hereafter appear most plainly I am told of one near Banbury that takes Two Ounces a Day 3. Note That among the Effects of Opium may be observed many seeming Contradictions yet is there nothing more certain than the several different Matters of Fact which no doubt has been a great Cause to puzzle the World about it and to run Men into strange Absurdities concerning its Operation and all to deviate so far from the Truth that nothing in Nature can be farther unless you 'll say that Heat cools or what pleases the sensitive Soul is at the same time abhorr'd by it Now because these seeming Contradictions in the Effects of Opium are the greatest Rubs to be met with and that the Reader may take the better Estimate of the Undertaking and my Explication of its Effects when I come to it I shall not fear to enumerate them distinctly tho' they will make the strangest Catalogue of Riddles that ever was seen trusting in Him that created this wonderful Medicament that he will enable me to explain all its Effects The seeming Contradictions in the Effects of Opium 1. It causes Sleeping and Watching 2. It causes and prevents Sweat 3. It relaxes and stops Loosenesses 4. It stops Fluxes and causes that of Sweat c. 5. It stupifies the Sense of Feeling yet irritates by that Sense to Venery 6. It causes Stupidity and Promptitude in Business Cloudiness and Serenity of Mind 7. It excites the Spirits and quiets them 8. It is very hot yet cools in Fevers 9. It is hot and bitter yet lessens Appetite even in Cold Stomachs 10. It stops and promotes Urine 11. It relaxes and weakens yet enables us to undergo Labours Iourneys c. 12. It causes and prevents Abortions 13. It stops Vomiting above all things yet causes most violent tedious and dangerous Vomitings 14. It stops Purging in a most eminent manner yet sometimes causes it 15. It is very acrimonious yet as all say obtunds Acrimony however it allays Pain proceeding from Acrimony 16. It causes a furious Madness yet composes the Spirits above all things 17. It causes 〈◊〉 yet sometimes cures them as Willis says 18. It causes Palsies yet have I known it to cure a Palsie 19. It causes Drinâ—ss in the Mouth yet takes off Thirst in Fevers 20. It cures and causes a Hiccough 21. It stanches Blood yet causes the Blood to come outward as appears by the Efflorescence or Redness of the Skin that it causes yet moves the Menses and Lochia 22. We have many Instances of it promoting and hindering Critical Motions 23. It raises very weak People when nothing besides will do it yet it kills other weak People 24. It causes and cures Convulsions 25. It causes Relaxation and Contraction of the same Parts 26. It Relaxes yet causes Rigidity Tension and Erection of the Penis Priapisms c. Thus have I fairly and faithfully laid the whole Onus of the Operations Effects and Contradictory Phenomena's of Opium upon my Shoulders however I come off and clear my self of the Intricacy Mazes and cross Effects thereof by explaining them which none upon the View thereof will think possible and none before me durst as much as enumerate for that End CHAP. VII The Author contrives a Compendious Way of Examining all Opinions concerning the Operation of Opium HAving without any sly or sordid Evasion or considerable Omission which has been the persidious Course of Authors in this Case fully and truly enumerated the sensible and certain Effects of Opium in Humane Bodies and thereby empannel'd a Iust Iury for the Trial of Hypothesises which must be Judged by the Effects or Phenomena's of Opium I will now proceed to their Examination But because it would be endless to take every one particularly into Consideration I will use their Stratagem who blow up Foundations to save the tedious Pecking at all the Parts of the Superstructures which in this Case would require an Age and take up all my Time in demolishing them which may be better employ'd in erecting something that may be useful I have considered and find That the Foundation in which all Authors both Ancient and Modern agree and whereupon they have hitherto endeavour'd to build looking upon it as firm and Warrantable in all Ages is this viz. That Opium operates by diminishing or disabling the Spirits meaning the animal Spirits The Ancients affirming That it did so by an extreme cold Quality c. And The Moderns who observed it to act while it is at Stomach by affecting the Brain Nerves Animal Spirits c. and concluded no Action was perform'd without Contact infer'd and agreed because no visible Passage could be found from the Stomach to the Head that it must of absolute necessity act by Fumes Vapours Auras or Effluviums sent up out of the Stomach to the Brain Nerves c. So that all the remaining Question among the Moderns is Which Way those Fumes or Vapours do the Feat all allowing the Fumes do it One saying That they stuff the Pores of the Brain and so hinder the Generation of Animal Spirits A Second That they constringed and closed the Pores together thereby hindering the said Generation A Third That they fix'd and coagulated the Animal Spirits as Wedelius and others A Fourth That they clouded the Animal Spirits A Fifth That they acted as a Poison as Willis and many others A Sixth That they clog'd the Animal Spirits by adhering to them c. Not knowing nor I think caring what they said so they humour'd their own Imaginations and Hypothesises tho' utterly incapable of solving the Effects of Opium especially its most constant proper and genuine Effects For how can a cold Quality which Opium never had cause a gay and brisk Humour Bravery Magnanimity Euphory in Labour Promptitude to Venus c. And how can Clouds of Vapours hinder the Generation of Animal Spirits by stuffing or constringing the Pores of the Brain Poisoning fixing coagulating clogging or clouding the Animal Spirits cause a fine Ovation thereof a Gay Brave Couragious and Magnanimous Disposition Euphory Promptitude to Venery Serenity Expediteness in Management c. Which are as has been said the constant and proper Effects of Opium Nor indeed was any of those Authors so fool-hardy as to attempt it
c. as Wine hot Liquors and Opium do 12. Opium does very much open the Pores and cause Perspiration c. which only Heat as that in Baths Bagnios Hot Houses and Hot Things do but Cold shuts the Pores as all know Therefore 13. Opium cures and prevents Colds which is another Argument of its Heat 14. It is a great Aphrodisiack or Exciter to Venery which Cold Things chill but Hot Things as Cantharides Bees Pismires Onions Garlick Leeks Rocket Squills Horse Radish Sem. Human. c. do promote 15. Nothing causes Indolence given internally but Wine Hot Liquors c. as I can think of and Opium causes it much after the same manner as Wine does first causing Mirth and Iollity and upon increase of Quantity very considerable Indolence It is true that Cold will externally cause a Stupor if it be intense so as to constringe the Parts and exclude the Spirits but otherwise it makes the Feeling more nice as all know by Experience because every little Hurt affects us more when we are cold than hot But this is not the Case of relaxing Opium which is used internally to take away Pain as Wine c. 16. Nothing takes away the Effects of Opium or Drunkeness better than cold Things internally and externally as acids dipping in Cold Water c. 17. Opium relaxes all Parts which Heat does and Cold constringes as was intimated 18. Wedelius confesses tho' it makes against what he says that he never observed a Soporose Distemper where there was not a Preternatural Heat Opiolog Lib. 1. Sect. 1. Cap. 12. P. 46. 19. If it causes Sleep by its cold Quality then all Things that are cold would do it proportionably Cucumers Purslane c. would be so great Hypnoticks that we should not be able to eat a Drachm of them but that they would cause a great Sopor but there is no such thing and hot Things are much more apt to cause Sleep or a Sopor as Wine hot Spirits Onions Garlick and such like 20. Opium causes a Redness or Efflorescence of the Skin making it sensibly warmer as Heat Wine and Strong Liquors do 21. It causes also an Itching of the Skin which only hot Things do 22. Half a Drachm of Opium in Clysters has caused a violent Heat in the Guts 23. It stops Diarrheas or Loosenesses which Cold causes 24. It stops Defluxions Coughs c. which Cold causes 25. To pin up all its predominant Principles appear by Autopsie upon its Chymical Analysis to be Volatile Salt and Sulphur Besides this Opinion of the Coldness of Opium is very much exploded and indeed it is so apparently false and absurd that I should not have thought it worth while to argue against it but that it lay so in my way that regularly I could not well avoid it without Breach of Order and Method I might have added that it resolves attenuates c. but it is needless to say any more It is very false and erroneous that it stops Fluxes by incrassating and binding which are accounted cold Qualities if so how should it stop them when Pounds of Incrassatives and Binders have failed tho' the Opium was given only in the Quantity of a Grain or Two How should it stop or moderate Fluxes even while it is yet at Stomach as it most certainly does It bears as Etmuller well observes no Proportion to the Bloud and Humours to have any Effect that may be remarkable upon them for a Grain is but as 1 to 115200 to the Blood of him that has 20 Pound of Blood which an ordinary Man has Besides How can Altenuatives Resolvers and Discussers incrassate or bind But more especially How can so great a Relaxer of Parts be a Constringer thereof That is perfect Contradiction And how can a meer Sal Volatile Oleosum in which all its Vertue lies as will plainly appear thicken and bind The Truth is that it stops Fluxes as Sleep doth by taking away the sense of the Irritation of Humours which solicite the Parts to contract and so to extrude and squeese them out it promotes Perspiration by relaxing the Pores as Sleep doth it also seems to thicken Rheum as Sleep doth because it causing Sleep or at least taking away a sense of the Irritation of the Rheum is thereby suffered to stay till it thickens by the Heat of the Body the Irritation also at Windpipe being less because the Flux of the Rheum is moderated for the Reason aforesaid But of these Things more fully when we come to explain the Cause or Causes of the Effects of Opium CHAP. X. It is proved That Opium sends no Fumes c. from the Stomach to the Head Brain c. and therefore that it does not diminish or disable the Spirits c. by that means THO' the Opinion of the Cold of Opium is much exploded that of Fumes Vapours or Aura's arising from the Opium at Stomach and mounting up to the Brain c. is as much received and embraced I know none but such as think it absolutely necessary considering that it is most certain and allow'd by all observing Men That Opium produces all or most of its Effects while it is at Stomach That the Genus Nervâ—sum is mostly concerned in its Operation and that as was said there is no Operation or Action but by Contact So that the Moderns acquiescing in the Necessity of its operating that way because they could conceive no other which is no Proof but a Defect of their Conception look upon it as invincible and uncontrolable Eviâ—ence oâ— its operating by Detachments of Fumes or 〈◊〉 sent up to the Brain from the Stomach which appear'd so undeniably conclusive that neither the want of a sensible Passage nor any other Inconvenience signified any thing with them to the contrary therefore it became an established Foundation by common Consent only they differ'd as was shewn in the manner how those Fumes produced the Effects of Opium And well they might seeing there is no such thing nor possibility if they were of ever explicating the various Effects of Opium by that means as will manifestly appear I confess that if Opium operated by such Fumes passing from the Stomach to the Brain c. it would be easie to conceive how it should diminish or disable nay utterly ruine the animal Spirits and indeed impossible rationally to conceive how they could do otherwise But then the enlivening invigorating and encouraging Effects of Opium which are its constant and most genuine Off spring would lie upon our hands without any possibility of giving an account thereof for certainly dull heavy unnatural undigested and cloudy Fumes or Vapours could not advantage the animal Spirits cause a Triumph or Ovation thereof at their access Courage Serenity Promptitude Magnanimity Euphory Inclination to Venery c. which we are most obliged to regard as being its most natural and proper Effects This Opinion of the Moderns does presume or suppose for they prove nothing First That Fumes
as to the Nose and Eyes for though some of my Readers may not easily conceive it the Representation of Things might have been conveyed by Reflections and Refractions of Light without excluding the Air but that it was more convenient and safe for the Brain and Optick Nerve which is much the same matter with the Brain and a Production thereof that the Air should be excluded 6. Notwithstanding all this Care to exclude extraneous Particles how fine soever we do find that those very Impulses conveyed by the Animal Spirits themselves in the most gentle manner imaginable do often offend the Brain Now fairly consider the great Excellency and Use of the Brain viz. to separate the Animal Spirits to accommodate the Soul with a fit Seat for it its Tenderness and Softness to be next to Liquidity how carefully it is guarded with about nine or ten Circumvallations or considerable Integuments that those we commonly call Organs of Sensation are contrived for Shutters out or Excluders of the least extraneous Particles Effluvia's or Aura that the least Fume that rises from any Part and arrives at the Brain causes such terrible and dismal Effects and that most gentle touches of the Animal Spirits do offend it so as to cause tragical Events as hysterick Fits Vertigo's c. Is it likely that notwithstanding the Considerableness Tenderness Use and Excellency of the Brain the extraordinary Providence used in guarding it from Effluvia's or extraneous Particles how fine soever and the apparent Mischiefs that the least Fume nay bare Impulses presented by the Animal Spirits do cause that the same Providence that so guarded it which does nothing in vain should after all its Care and nice Circumspection to exclude the least Fume c. permit and freely let loose upon it and into it whole and even continual Gusts Blasts and Vulcano's of acid acrimonious putrid hot stinking corrosive Fumes Vapours and Steams arising from glutted debauch'd and surfeited Stomachs containing all imaginable Trash Hodge-podge Vermine Choler c. sure it is much fitter quite to discharge and rid Nature of them at Mouth or rather send them downward with their fit Companions the stinking Ordure and Excrements than prefer them to the Highest and Noblest Part of the Animal and Sacred Mansion of the Soul For if there be so ready free open and constant a Passage sensible or insensible for the Fumes of Opium which never fails of its Effects then certainly must the Passage be alike free to all other Fumes from the Stomach seeing they are so to those gross venomous and pernicious Fumes of Opium as Willis and most of the modern and ancient Physicians do state them to be Then farewel Soul Brain Life and all for it is not conceivable that the Man can hold out one Houâ— under such horrid and dismal Circumstances and dreadful Eructations of rude and crude Fumes who could not bear the arrival of the least Vapour scarce sensible in Quantity or Quality arising from any other Part Or is it a peculiar Priviledge that the Stomach has thus to send Farts with their Heels upward as Belching is call'd without any offence to perfume the Soul's Presence-Chamber saving your Presence however Foh for shame What sort of Opinions are these What thick stinking and dark Clouds Scotomies and Stupors must the Opiniators be under by their own Consent 7. If this were the case no Part in the whole Body would be in such a miserable state as the Chief for the Rectum or Colon are fitted and fortified by Nature to bear such Things so is not the tender Brain 8. What Horse's Brain much less Humane one could bear incessant Rakings Penetrations Stuffings of such unnatural indigested heterogeneous rugged acid acrimonious putrid and impetuous Fumes If Gutta cavat Lapidem non vi sed saepe cadendo What would become of the tender Brain thus â—udely rubb'd and grated all the days of our Lives if it could hold out any for it is incredible it should 9. How would the Pores of that soft Substance which have no less Office as 't is universally received than to separate Animal Spirits which are or should be the finest and most subtile tenuious and principal Things in an Animal next the Soul it self be discomposed torn dilated stuffed What a blessed Sâ—retion of Animal Spirits if any would there be 10. It is observed by all That the Brain tho' very soft receives the least Change of any Part of the Body which could never be considering its tenderness if it were so raked by all sorts of Fumes for then doubtless such a Body would be most changed of any in Colour Substance Texture Bigness c. What would become of Memory and indeed of all the Faculties of the Brain Can a soft yielding Substance continually discomposed preserve Impressions made thereon If Fumes flow'd continually through the Brain they must wear out all Impression yea and the Brain it self in a short time 11. It would be very dangerous to eat or drink if the Brain must suffer so much by the Fumes of Meat Wine c. It would be hard to know whether it was best to eat or not for both must be fatal 12. What a vast Difference should we observe as to Serenity of Mind c. when empty and full For in this last case the Brain must be all in a Cloud or a Cloud in it or both yet are Men much more serenâ— prompt and fit for any thing after some Glasses of Wine than before and after moderate Eating than when Hungry which makes them faint peevish ill-humour'd and listless 13. If the Vapours or Fumes of Opium flying up to the Brain caused all its Effects it is very strange that our Fumi venduli had not long since found out the Mountebank Gambol of standing upon their Heads to prevent all Mischief from Opium taken in a great Dose for Fumes in a warm living Body would not descend into the Head I wonder they did not find out such an easie and natural Consequence of their Hypothesis if true they might then have boldly mounted any Stage freely taken Opium in the sight of the admiring Rabble their Summersets Going upon their Hands c. would have secured them and turn'd Danger topsie-turvy by the help of a comical Gesture This is indeed somewhat to purpose if it succeeds if not I should think 't were enough to ridicule their Hypothesis out of all Credit without any farther Arguments I dare join Issue with them upon that Point that it will not succeed though a necessary Consequence of their Opinion if true wherein they will have this Advantage That they 'll confess with one that never did or will try it as being well assured of the Falsity of both the Hypothesis and the Experiment without such a Trial of Skill Now I think that I have said enough and would willingly give over arguing and spending any more Time to confute an Hypothesis so absurd that it must needs appear so to
of Man because of its ill Effects lavishly used Therefore none can argue from that that Opium diminishes or disables the Spirits any more than Wine or Bread does a Surfeit of which is most dangerous Omnis Repletio mala Panis vero pessima corruptio optimi est pessima That is All Repletion is bad but that of Bread is the worst and the Corruption of the best is the worst The short is this Wine and Opium agree in all their Effects saving such as are Consequences of their different Accidents as the Quantity of Wine that must be used to cause the same Effects with a little Opium and Wine having been fermented and Opium as may be shewn having some crude and viscid Rosin in it which sometimes sticks to the Crusta carnosa c. of the Stomach whence it happens that Wine loads one more heats more and is more troublesome upon those Accounts and that Opium offends the Stomach oftner even in a moderate Dose causing Vomitings Hiccoughs Anxieties Distresses at Stomach Deliquiums c. because of the indigestible Rosin sticking to the sides of the most sensile Stomach as I shall farther prove hereafter by God's Help shewing very easie Ways and Means to separate that Rosin and so make it as safe and less troublesome as it is more effectual than Wine Opium cannot diminish or disable the Spirits because as has been proved it sends no Part Fume or Effluvium to the Brain or Animal Spirits to cause such bad Effects while it is at Stomach yet does it produce them while it is there for as the Vaporarians themselves and indeed all Men allow there can be no Destruction without contact Sanctorius doth well and truely observe by the Help of his Staticks that nothing causes liberal Perspiration but it raises the Spirits it is most certain that nothing in Nature opeâ—s the Pores and causes Perspiration more than Opium Therefore nothing should according to his Observation elevate the Spirits more and indeed nothing does as appears by all that has been said and will yet more plainly appear Loss of Memory by Opium as some argue is not so much a Loss of Spirits as Lanity of the Brain for People in Drink do not want Spirits but there is a great Relaxation of the Brain and its Membranes and of the whole Ienus 〈◊〉 which Relaxation causes a soft loose and labile Brain that like Liquid Things retains no Impression besides that I shall God willing shew you hereafter that Impressions cannot be so well made upon the sensitive Soul by the Animal Spirits upon Relaxations of the Sensible Parts as in Sleep c. for a very plain Mechanical Reason to be shewn in due time Thus have I by the Assistance of its Maker who best knows it cleared Opium from the false Aspersions of an extreme Cold Quality and Parcotick Fumes both which were commonly call'd Venemous fatal and by all the ill Names imaginable but as good Luck is they abused nothing because 't is manifest that there is no such Thing nor has it any Quality by which it diminishes or disables the Spirits as is most evident from the Premises so that all that has been said of Opium by way of Hypothesis to explain its Effects depending upon its diminishing or disabling the Spirits by a Cold Quality or Fumes is come to nothing I wish it had been as innocent CHAP. XII Shews what must be the true Cause of the Operation of Opium ALL the general Foundations upon which Authors either Ancient or Modern erected their several Hypothesises concerning the Operation of Opium having as manifestly appears no real Existence What Enchanted Castles in the Air or vain Phantasms must their Structures be And how like deluded Wizzards must they appear while they seem'd to take high Flights and glorious Prospects of Causes that had no Reality Thus am I left utterly distitute of either Foundation or Model unless I find out that and frame this which I hope may be easily done because the cloudy Supposition of Vapours having vanished away there now remains but Two Ways by which an Internal Medicament can Operate viz. 1. As an Alterative of the Blood c. Or 2. As affecting the Sense of Feeling either grievously as Vomits Purgers c. Or pleasingly as Cordials generous Wines titillating Amphrodisiacks comfortable Warmth Anodynes and such like that please the Nerves and Membranes which way of Operating is too little observ'd by Physicians tho' they take great Notice of the Operation of Things by grievous Sensation as Irritatives to Vomit Purge Salivate c. by their Acrimony whereas the Pleasers of Sensation which must as Contraries have contrary Operations are little regarded or thought of 1. Opium does not Operate as an Alterative of the Bloud c. First Because it Operates while it is at Stomach or at least before it arrives at the Bloud which manifestly appears several Ways as 1. Because it often Operates in a Liquid Form in few Minutes and very commonly in a Quarter of an Hour in which time it must be at Stomach or at least far from arriving at the Bloud 2. Because it has been very often Vomited up after it has Operated and produced its usual Effects for 1 2 3 4 5 6 8 10 and sometimes more Hours as evidently appear'd by the Smell Colour Taste c. of what was Vomited and by its Operation ceasing after such Vomiting of which common Experience and Authors do inform us See Helmont Ius Duumvir 62. where he tells of Opium Operating at Night and Vomited up next Morning 3. It s bare causing Vomiting after it has Operated for a good while is of it self tho' its Taste Smell c. did not discover it an infallible Argument of its Operating while it is at Stomach for 't is against all Reason to imagine that Things should irritate it to Vomit after they are gone into the Bloud and not do it while they are in the Stomach it self as all Vomitories do The Reasons why it stays so long at Stomach are 1. It s Indigestibleness which plainly appears by Stools Urine and Sweat smelling of it when taken in any considerable Quantity all the Coctions Digestions Circulations c. that it passes in the Body signifying very little to it which its causing Itchings in the Skin and affecting the Venereal Membranes after its passing the Bloud do also argue 2. The clamminess of its resinous Parts sticking to the Stomach cause as I shall plainly prove hereafter its long stay in it for if the Rosin be separate from it 't will not then make such a long stay at Stomach as I have often Experienced 4. We actually feel it causing a sense of Pleasure at Stomach during its Operation therefore it is then in it 5. It has been carried off by Stool after it has produced its usual Effects Therefore it Operated before it arrived at the Bloud 6. All Observers do allow that Opium Operates while it is at Stomach
Mediums of Sensation viz. 3. It is requisite or convenient at least that the Air have an homogeneous Continuity which much more advances it in conveying Impulses or Impressions than when it is discontinued divided or sever'd by other heterogeneous Particles especially if these be in motion between the Parts of the Air for then they very much disappoint and disgregate the Impressions made thereon Therefore it is that we hear so much better after Sun-set or in the Nights especially the Summer-time than in the Day when the Particles of Heat and others thereby raised do too much divide discontinue and disgregate the Impressions and the Parts of the Air Where you may observe how Good and Wise Providence orders Hearing to be more useful in the Night when Seeing fails It is a vulgar Errour tho' little thought so to be That the Cause of the Difference of hearing Sounds before and after Sun-set is the Noise that is made in the Day-time and the Silence of the Evenings and Nights which one single Instance tho' thousands may be given will fully demonstrate viz. In the Famous and Well-governed University and City of Oxford there is scarce any Noise made at the Times of Divine Service on the Lord's Day all People being either silent at Church or shut up quietly and silently in their respective Houses or Colleges the Heat of the Days in Summer-time but mostly the good Order of the Place causing it But after Sun-set most People are out walking and discoursing or talking at their Doors Arbours or Gardens and all Children that noisie Part of Mankind are now permitted to go out who act their Parts in Playing Running Calling Yawling and Crying out one to another insomuch that all things consider'd I cannot imagine but there must be in general an hundred times more Noise made then than in the the time of Divine Service in the Heat of the Day yet may you notwithstanding all the Noise heaâ— in the Twilight any thing twice as far as in the time of Divine Service in the Heat of the Day I believe I might have said four or six times as far The same may be observ'd in any Town or City that is kept in good Order at the time of Divine Service or in Camps c. upon several Occasions It is not only consonant to Reason that the Air should be so discontinued by the Particles of Heat c. but obvious to the Sight that it is so for in a great Heat the Summer-time and clearest Day you may see the very Air in a wavering tremulous Motion which could not be seen of it self without the mixture of other Parts for disgregation of Parts as you see even in pellucid homogeneous Things powder'd causes Opacity III. The Business or Office of the Organs of Sensation in the Oeconomy thereof being to receive and communicate the Impressions to the Animal Spirits with all the smartness they can it is manifest that in the Membranes or Organs Tension is their main Requisite Hence it is that when the Tympan of the Ear is tense the Cornea and other Tunicles of the Eye sufficiently so we hear and see acutely and accurately to that end God has given us a Power to render the Tympan more tense when we listen to contract the Pupilla of the Eye when we look very intently c. And we see that when the Cornea is relaxed as it is always when the Eye looks deadish as in Sleep Drunkenness fainting Fits c. yet then we either not se et at all or much worse So it is when the Tympan is relaxed We also always put the Tongue in a tense condition when we would taste a Thing exactly So when any Part is relax'd by Warmth c. we do not feel so well and nicely as when the Part is cold or more tense or rigid nor in Sleep as when awake because all Parts are relaxed in Sleep and contracted when we are awake which manifestly appears 1. Because we perspire less when we are awake than when asleep which happens because the Pores are closed by the Contraction or Constriction when we are awake and opened or loosened by Relaxation when asleep In all Relaxations as that which happens by Pleasure Warmth Leipothymies Sleep c. we perspire more and less in Contradictions by Cold Fear Grief Pain or any grievous Sensation or Passion 2. Because all Parts are firmer when we are awake and more loose and flaccid when we are asleep none can doubt but Firmness is from Tension or Contraction But in this matter you may expect farther Satisfaction by and by Obj. Some may needlesly say How came Tension and Contraction to be Concomitants or Effects one of the other seeing we make Things more tense as a Drum's Head c. by Extension not Contraction Answ. I purposely started this Objection to clear the Case Therefore 1. Observe That Violin-Strings will grow so tense as will any thing else of like Nature by Contraction in moist Weather that tears them to pieces sometimes upon that account and always puts them upon a greater stress for when a thing is fixed at both ends it is the same thing to shorten or contract the String to render it tense as to take something from its length between those two fix'd Points both the Contraction and the Winding do only take something of the Length away that is between those two Points where the Ends are fastned which causes a great stress of the shortned String to reach those two Points that it is fastned to As suppose you have a String of 11 Inches long fastned at both ends at the distance of 10 Inches it will be very loose then shorten it one Inch by winding up so much or by some means contract the String to 10 Inches or any way shorten it an Inch then it will just reach the Points and be tense if fastned at them So there is Contraction necessarily causing Tension which was to be demonstrated It will be the same in effect if a String put round any thing is shortned by Moisture or otherwise it must grow more tense and so must 500 Strings if so shortned or an entire Membrane that covers or includes the whole Thus Membranes as a Gut contracted upon included Air must when they contract grow more tense upon the included Animal Spirits in the Nerves or otherwise for it is the same as forcing much Air into a narrow or contracted Gut or Bladder which must make them tense while the elastick Body must thrust out the harder the more it is compressed And that the Membranes and all sensile Parts are more contracted when we are awake doth farther most plainly appear Because 3. The Cornea of the Eyes which is a visible and certain sign of the Relaxation of all the sensile Parts of the Body is relax'd in Sleep as any one may see for that is the cause of the deadness of the Eye in Sleep which upon awaking is immediately gone by the Cornea
contracting into a tense condition upon its Contents by which means it becomes tense rotund hard smooth shining and reflects a brisk Speck of Light as round Things do which makes it look lively whereas when 't is lax as in Sleep Syncopes Faintings c. it is uneven soft and reflects an uneven dull indefinite Light all which causes the deadness of Looks Therefore as was intimated there is no better sign of Relaxation than deadish Looks 4. The Pupilla which is another sign of Relaxation is relaxed or dilated in Sleep and contracted when we are awake 5. All Motions of the Body are better performed when we are awake which argues the greater contraction of Parts for Relaxation as in Sleep Deliquiums Drunkenness c. weakens all Motion 6. That Efflorescence of the Skin which People have when asleep which is caused by the Relaxation of the Skin admitting the Bloud more into it as Paleness is by the Contraction of the Skin in Cold Fear c. repelling the Boud disappears upon awaking by reason that the vigilative Contraction so I call it does send the Bloud out of the Skin by squeezing it back or repelling it 7. Measure the Body ingeniously and accurately and you 'll find it contracted and narower after awaking than in Sleep 8. Hence it is that you find when the Body is pretty full of Moisture and the Weather hot a â—udden Sweat upon awaking because the whole Body contracting does like the contortion of wet Linnen cause an exudation of its Moisture by a mechanical expression or squeezing 9. Hence also it is that we are subject to take Cold even in a warm Room if we watch long because the Pores being closed by that vigitative Contraction hinder Perspiration too long and too much Therefore it is that all Colds are worse towards the Evenings because that Contraction closes the Pores all day and not only Colds but many other Distempers especially such as Perspiration is good for as indeed it is for most Diseases as being the most natural and considerable Evacuation Most natural because it requires no voluntary Motion or Irritation of the sensile Parts as that of Siege Urine c. which either require the Will or Irritation by Quantity or Quality or both or all three but Perspiration like Fumes in a Chimney requires only that its little Funnels the Pores should be open because our Fumes pass as the other do by their own natural Levity And it is most considerable because universal and that much more is evacuated that way than by all Means and Ways whatsoever Hence it is that all Membranes gaining a Tension by the vigilative Contraction in manner aforesaid are more rightly disposed to receive and communicate smart Impressions to the Animal Spirits while we are awake which was the Thing aim'd at and will be much more illustrated by the Consideration of the Animal Spirits and the Sensitive Soul Note That the Membranes Vessels and Roads of the Animal Spirits being much narrowed and compressed by this vigilative Contraction Two other main Requisites for exact Sensation do of course follow so consentaneously do the Works of God conspire to their Ends viz. First That an Impression made upon the Animal Spirits in Pipes so narrowed is better more exactly and smartly convey'd to the sensitive Soul as has been shewn by the Analogy of the External Medium in slender Pipes It is by such narrowing of the Nerves Pipes Roads c. of the Animal Spirits that cold Weather which contracts the Parts makes our Feeling more nice and smart than warm Weather which relaxes the Vessels and gives the springy Animal Spirits for such they are as shall by His Assistance that made them appear leave to expand by which means and the Vessels widening the Feeling grows duller for want of compression of the Spirits By what has been said you may see why Persons of a fine and delicate Texture that is of smaller and slenderer Vessels have a more exquisite Feeling that little Animals as Spiders Flea's and many such have most nice and accurate Feeling because their Nerves Vessels Pipes c. are proportionably small and the smaller they are the more accute is their Feeling for the Reasons aforesaid which was absolutely necessary because they deal with small Things proportionably as their Food Treading c. and that small Things may harm them unless they take distinct notice thereof to defend themselves whereas Elephants Camels Horses c. can because of their large Vessels scarce feel such Impressions as would crush those little Animals to pieces Lord how manifold are Thy Works In Wisdom Thou hast made them all It is from this Fineness and delicate Smallness of the Nerves Fibres and Membranes c. that one Part has a more exquisite Sensation than another and that the extream Parts have generally speaking better Feeling Secondly It follows that by reason of the vigilative Contraction of the sensile Parts the Animal Spirits must gain a considerable compressure whereby as the External Medium is rendred fitter to convey Impressions by the help of Compression they are better disposed to convey Impressions to the sensitive Soul for the Internal and External Medium having like Office in the Oeconomy of Sensation and as you 'll find like Qualifications must be affected alike by Compression but whether they are the same thing or no I shall not need the Discussion of that Point here therefore I leave it to my Tract of Animal Mechanism IV. The Office or Businâ—ss of the Animal Spirits or Internal Medium being to receive Impressions from the Organs and convey them to the sensitive Soul as that of the External Medium or Air was to receive them from the Object and convey them to the Organ the requisite Dispesitions for its purpose are manifest from the Analogy of the External Medium viz. First That they should be springy or elastick and that they are so appears 1. From their very Office which being tenuicus and fluid they could never perform as the Air cannot without being springy 2. If they were not elastick and thereby compressible their Vessels could never be so contracted as has been shewn without squeezing them quite out of them which is a Disorder not to be supposed in the Works of God 3. If they were not elastick or springy they would not fill their Vessels upon Relaxation thereof which would leave a Vacuity and thereby cause a discontinuance of Motion or at least a great disorder of it which would cause dismal Convulsions if not Death it self which is most likely 4. They could not be so active nor indeed at all active without springiness for they cannot act up and down and all manner of ways as they do by either Levity or Gravity or by any other known or imaginable Qualification but Elasticity or Springiness 5. It cannot be conceived why they should be more active one time than another without Elasticity but they are more active at one time than another
the Body be well fill'd with Moisture To shew the Cause of which Difference will be the Business of my Tract of Animal Mechanism if I have not hereafter an Occasion to do it in this Tract as I suppose I may 8. Why Sleep cures Colds by opening the Pores 9. Why the Skin is more florid in Sleep because as has been said it being relax'd admits the Bloud into it which Vigilative Contraction does in good measure repel and thereby cause the Skin to appear more white and pale as it is and any one may observe upon awaking 10. Why the Eyes look deadish in Sleep viz. because as has been shewn the Humors do not fill up the relaxed Cornea to a due Tension and Roâ—undity which as was said makes the Cornea shine sparkle and particularly to reflect a brisk Speck of Light as shining round Things must do which Speck if Painters omit the Eye looks deadish therefore they should when they have a mind to express the Deadness of the Eyes as in Fainting Fits Syncopes Sleep Death Wanton loose Oglings of Lovers Drunkenness c. omit that Speck or rather draw it duller wider and discomposed in Figure with the Pupil very large and the Upper Eyelid falling down loosely which would exactly express the Deadness of the Eye in all those Cases of Relaxation in which alone it so appears Note That the Reason why some in such Cases see divers Colours before their Eyes is because the uneven Cornea variously retracts and reflects the Light which I mention because none that I know of have observed the Cause 11. Why People are more sleepy in warm moist Weather viz. because the Parts are more relaxed and the Pressure of the Atmosphere less to assist the Vigilative Contraction to keep us in a waking State by the Compressure of the Animal Spirits How much better therefore is a cool and dry Air that raises the Mercury high in the Barometer or Weather Glass both for Heath and Action because it renders the Animal Spirits more powerful prompt and flippant by the Compression This should be observ'd by such as are to run Races alone lift Weights or perform any Thing that requires Strength Vigour or Speed nor can I doubt but if we had an Artificial Means to compress Men's Bodies in a high manner as by putting them into convenient Cavities and forcing Air upon them but they would be much stronger for the Time and thereby enabled to do Exploits beyond their ordinary Strength which puts me in mind of several Things that confirm it very much as Mens lifting of greater Weights in low Places than on the top of very high Hills where the Pressure of the Air is less to compress the Animal Spirits The Contraction of all Parts in lifting of great Weights The prodigious Leaps and Swiftness of some Persons in great Frights Terrors c. which mightily contract the sensile Parts and Vessels of the Animal Spirits by which Means they are render'd more springy and powerful Note That the true Cause of Strength is the Compression of the Animal Spirits and that probably the Force of Muscles may some way or other depend upon 't which is not my Business to explain at present Note That it is the Membranes are primarily contracted and the Medullary Part of the Nerves Spirits c. compressed thereby by Consequence 12. Why the soft fleshed and moist are more sleepy as Children c. viz. because the Compression of their Animal Spirits is not so great by Reason of the laxity of their Parts so are they weaker for the same Reason which tells you why little Men whose Flesh is firmer that are no bigger than Boys are much stronger than Boys or Women of the same bigness 13. Why warm and emollient Baths Fomentations Feet or Head Washes c. do as moist and warm Weather cause Sleepiness and indeed all Things that cause Relaxation or incline the sensitive Soul to leave off contracting as Weariness c. do cause Sleep Note That in dry Bodies as old People c. such Emollient Baths Fomentations c. with the Use of Emollient Moistners inwardly will cause Sleep very finely when Opium it self will not and that Opium in such Cases should be used with such Things both internally and externally but which is not observ'd the Baths Fomentations c. should not be above the Warmth of Bloud because the Heat may otherwise cause too much motion of the Bloud and Spirits which is a great Enemy to Sleep that consists in their Rest and the aforesaid Relaxation of Parts by both which co-operating you may and cannot fail to cause any Man to Sleep if you can make them concur 14. The same Relaxation causes the Pulse to be larger and slower in Sleep Nocturnal Pollutions want of due Contraction and Sensation at Stomach by which Means the Meat stays longer there in our Sleep than when we are awake So 15. Frets Commotions and Perturbations of the Spirits c. are composed by Sleep because the sensitive Soul who is the Original of all motion is at Rest and that the Animal Spirits being expanded are nearer their absolute Rest which consists in a full and perfect Expansion so that there is no farther Endeavour towards Motion 16. Sensation being much lessened by the Expansion of the Animal Spirits upon the said Relaxation the Sense of the Irritation of Humours is thereby lessened or quite taken away whereupon all Fluxes occasioned by the Irritation of Humours as Diarrhea's Disenteries Catarrhs c. are stopt or moderated at least by Sleep Besides that Relaxation being quite contrary to Contraction by which those Humours are squeesed out le ts the Humours stay quietly where they are Relaxation being more for receiving containing detaining and suspending Humours in the Parts than sending them forward as you see in a Spunge first contracted and afterward suffered to dilate or expand it self in a Dish that has some Water in it which it takes into it self and suspends till something squeeses it out by contracting it 17. Therefore it is that the Spittle does not come into the Mouth in Sleep or very little and that People are apt to awake thirsty tho' it is soon taken off in some measure by the Vigilative Contraction squeezing out the Spittle into the Mouth unless there is some special Cause to the contrary 18. For the same Reason the Menstruum of the Stomach comes but very slowly into the Stomach in Sleep which is one Cause that Digestion goes on but slowly in Sleep Note That Digestion and sending the Chyle out of the Stomach depending both upon Contraction they are hastned and retarded in exact Proportion so that the Extrusion keeps equal Pace with the Digestion How equal and duely proportioned are the Works of Nature 19. It is plain also from what has been Stated concerning Sleep why Ague Fits seldom if ever take People in the time of their first sound Sleep because the Shivering is caused by a grievous
which have been in some measure enumerated in the Case of Natural Sleep in this Chapter viz. Satisfaction Composure of Frets and Commotions as of diary Fevers hysterick Fits c. Perspiration quieting of Vomitings Hiccoughs c. lessening of Feeling and consequently a stop and moderation of all Fluxes that depend upon Irritation of Humours as Diarrhea's Dysenteries Catarrhs Vomitings Driness of the Mouth as in Sleep for want of the Contraction to squeeze the Spittle out of the Glandules into the Mouth Nocturnal Pollutions c. But of the Nature and Effects of Pleasure you 'll find more in the next Chapter Besides the Vigilative and Defensive Contractions which seem to be Things of course upon Waking and Grievances the sensitive Soul has a Contraction at Will as that of the Pupilla when an Animal is intent upon Seeing of the Tympan when intent upon Hearing of the Musoles of the Legs when intent upon Walking and so of all the Muscles of the Body which I call Intentivâ— Contraction that he can perform either along with or without the other Contractions or without any great degree thereof as when one is considerably relaxed with the Pleasure of Wine very good News c. nay sometimes even in Sleep as is manifest by the Noctamâ—uli or such as walk in their Sleep and such as speak strike c. while asleep And as the Defensive Contraction does all it can in our Defence without the Direction of the Will as in Vomiting Sneezing Purging c. upon sensible Irritation so this Intentive Contraction does all it can to the same Purpose by the Direction and Dictates thereof Note That inâ—ensile growing Things that do not move as Trees c. have none of these Contractions but what happens by Cold and Compression of the Atmosphere which are sufficient it seems for Nutrition but not for Sense and Motion it follows That in compleat Syncopes when the sensitive Soul gives over all Contractions that we are much in the state of a Plant. All those three Contractions viz. the Vigilative Defensive and Intentive do because they promote Motion and cause it more or less as you find the Vigilative causes much more of it than Sleep and the Defensive more than that c. spend the Spirits cause Weariness c. The Vigilative Contraction does of it self without any considerable Grievance or Labour that is without the Denfensive or Intentive Contraction tire the sensitive Soul in about 16 Hours Hence it is that the idlest Person that is most free from Care Trouble or Pain cannot well hold out without the Recruit of Sleep any longer The Defensive Contraction or that of Grievances being added to the Vigilative Contraction the Spirits are faster spent and the Person tired proportionably sooner according as the Grievance is more or less and consequently the Endeavours of the sensitive Soul to be rid thereof To both which Contractions viz. the Vigilative and Defensive if you add the Intentive or Labour then are you sooner and more tired than by only those two former Contractions for this last Case is labouring in Pain or under a Grievance which notoriously tires Man or Beast sooner than ordinary The direct contrary to which is sleeping soundly and sweetly without Trouble Pain or Dreams for a dreaming Condition has too much of the vigilative Contraction in it to be pure Relaxation and Recruit Now according as these Contractions are or are not added one to another we are sooner or later before we are tired speaking generally and not considering Custom and Habit which concerns us not You see that all the three Contractions conourring do soon and sadly tire us that no two of them tire us as much as the three together that iâ— neither the Vigilative and Defensive without the Intentive nor the Vigilative and Intentive without the Defensive and the Vigilative alone least of all Yet allowance must be made for the Intensness of the Defensive and Intentive for either of these two being very intense may tire as much as both in a moderate degree Thus a Man may be tired with violent Labour in four Hours tho' not in Pain as much as one that moderately labours in some small Pain for the same time Observe That we recruit in eight Hours generally speaking as much by relaxation in Sleep as we spend by vigilative Contraction in sixteen I take the Reason of that to be That Relaxation widening all the Passages of the Body the Nutriment is admitted into them more fully and freely as the Bloud is into the Skin in Sleep and all Relaxations which cause an Efflorescence thereof in those Cases Hence it is that we are so much recruited and nourished in Sleep that Children grow more than others proportionably that Relaxers cause the Breasts c. to grow Note What a mighty Restaurative Relaxation is By its help for eight Hours in twenty four we can watch all and labour most of the other sixteen all the days of our Life It follows That if we could any way half relax the vigilative Contraction while we Labour take a Iourney or the like that we might perform prodigiously without being â—ired Hence it is That because Pleasure as has been intimated relaxes as Grievances contract of which you may expect farther Proof in the next Chapter that such as work or travel pleasantly diverted all the time are tired very little or nothing in a long time and that some will dance whole Nightâ— with sweet Musick and agreeable beloved Company without being so much tired as they would be if they us'd the same Motions for a quarter of the time without either of the pleasant Diversions The like is to be said of any other Pleasure as drinking a good Glass of generous Wine every half hour or so often as to continue the sense of its Pleasure at Stomach all the time they labour or travel for 't is a vulgar Errour tho' the universal Sentiment of Mankind both Learned and Unlearned That Wine Cordials c. do comfort elevate and excite the Spirits as 't is call'd by adding their Spirits to or joining them with ours whereas it is only by causing a pleasant Sensation particularly at Stomach For which Paradox I am obliged tho' in great haste to come to the Explication of Opium to give my Reasons which are as follows viz. 1. It cannot be imagined how a sensitive Creature as such can conceive any Comfort or be sensible thereof but by Sensation To say he is comforted and not sensible of the Comfort is a Contradiction for Comfort as such belongs to a perceiving Being and an Animal as such perceives nothing but by the Senses and therefore there can be no Comfort but by pleasant Sensation nay as such it is his Comfort So Musick pleasant Sights Odours and agreeable Objects of all the Senses are comfortable because pleasant I hope that none will say That Musick Sights good News c. which highly comfort have any Spirits to add to ours The
be well removed This proves how useful Removals may be and how convenient in Plague Time it would be to remove to the Wind-side of a Town or City that is tainted according as the Wind changes and how convenient Winds are to convey away the Effluviams and good Stomachick Cordials that are warm and pleasant to fortifie the Stomach and open the Pores which all Things that cause a sense of Pleasure do as Wine Spirits c. to which if some good Preparation of Opium were added it would be most convenient How many Stories have we of Persons well fill'd with Wine who wonderfully escaped Infection I pray God this Hint may be improv'd to the Preservation of Mankind Therefore I add that much may be in a good Quantity of Wine in this Case 1. Because Quod intus est prohibet alienum that is What is within hinders ingress of another Thing 2. Because the Perspiration will be the greater both upon the Account of the greater opening of the Pores by the Pleasure of the Wine and the greater Quantity of Matter to be perspired carry off the venemous Particles 3. Because the Sensitive Soul is thereby much comforted refreshed and invigorated but I would have the Wine so used as to keep a continual Warmth Pleasure and Comfort at Stomach which is the main Cause of all the good I think a Glass every Hour after taking 2 or 3 at first may hit the Mark best the Reason of which will appear hereafter Thirdly The Stomach 's exquisite Disposition to Sensation above all other Organs and Membranes appears by this viz. That the Offences of the other Organs of Sensation even by their proper Objects do often affect the Stomach more than those very Senses or Organs themselves For Instance If we smell a great Stench the Stomach is often more offended thereat than the Nose as is manifest from the Vomitings Faintings and Deliquiums that are caused by the Stomach upon that Account so the bare Seeing Feeling and Tasting of a nasty Thing do cause Nauseas c. at Stomach yea the very naming of such Things has much offended it and caused such Effects which may be thought very strange considering that there pass no Effluvias from the sound of Words but the Reason will appear in the following Paragraph Fourthly All Passions Commotions and Perturbations that happen in the Body do often affect the Stomach and sometimes so grievously as to cause Nauseas Vomitings great Anxieties at Stomach Faintings c. Thus Fear Terrour Surprizes Anger Grief Pain in other Parts c. causing some Motion in the Animal more than ordinary of which the Stomach being sensible do cause the aforesaid Disturbances Therefore it is no Wonder if the Hearing one mention a Nasty Thing which causes an Abhorrence and the Motions consequent thereunto should as was said in the precedent Paragraph cause the nice Stomach to be offended It is most manifest from the Premises that no Organ or Membrane can compare with the Stomach as to its exquisite Disposition for Sensation it follows then That Grievances or Pleasure at Stomach must have the greater Effects 1. Because the Intenseness of either will be proportionable to the Sensation 2. Because the Powers of the Animal that are to defend it which are Contractions are affected according to the Sensation and that it is there most requisite sensibly to affect them 3. Because what affects the Stomach influences the whole Animal more than the Sensation of any other Part. 4. Because of the considerable Stay that Things make at Stomach to cause Grievance or Pleasure whereas that of Pleasure is generally very momentary in other Cases 5. Because being within the Body we carry our Pleasure or Grievance with us as a Vade Mecum wherever we go and therefore 6. It is a Pleasure c. that cannot so well be taken away from us as that of the Tongue Ear Nose Eye c. may by removing the Objects and therefore it remains with us in our very Sleep as far as we are capable of Sensation at that Time causing pleasant Dreams c. and so agreeably entertaining us Sleeping or Waking when the Pleasure of all the other Senses fails us Which will appear farther hereafter The Pleasure at Stomach excells even that of Venery if not in Intenseness yet in several other Respects viz. 1. Because of its duration that of Venus being momentary but that of Wine at Stomach lasts a good while and that of Opium many hours 't is therefore that the Effects of these Two are more remarkable and taken notice of 2. Because that at Stomach may be continued as long as we please by a new supply of Wine Opium Cordials c. 3. Because it may be excited when and as often as we please if we have those Cordials at Hand 4. Because it is not attended with any Expence of Strength Depression of Spirits c. as that of Venery but the quite contrary viz. with more Vigour Elevation of the Spirits c. one being by Emission and the other upon Admission of what is agreeable It is for the several Reasons contain'd in the Premises that the Effects of Grievance as Hunger c. or Pleasure are more considerable and remarkable at Stomach and that Things agreeable thereto have by way of Eminence gain'd the Name of Cordials That Wine Spirits Opium c. do cause a more permanent and notable Gaity Pleasantness Good Humour Serenity Promptitude Ovation of the Spirits or Sensitive Soul Bravery Courage Magnanimity Euphory or easie undergoing of Business Relaxation with all its Effects as Deadness of the Eye Dilatation of the Papilla Perspiration c. which are hardly noted in other short Pleasures unless it be in that eminent tho' short one of Venus which is a Pleasure of the same sense of Feeling as that of Opium and Wine are Therefore pleasing the Stomach is one of the greatest Things to be regarded in the Practice of Physick to Comfort Satisfie or Compose the Spirits by which Means I have often performed such Cures that neither I nor I suppose any other could otherwise perform namely Dejections of Appetite Untowardness at Stomach c. when all the ordinary and usual Means have failed by asking them what they mostly desired or long'd for and letting them have it or if they could not tell of any Thing that they long'd for I have mentioned to them all the Relishing Things that I could think of and such as were grateful to the Stomach till they fasten'd upon somewhat that they liked or fancied and then being given them it generally had the desired Success The Stomach is grieved for it will concern us to know how because Opium causes Vomiting c. generally speaking 1. By Things hard of Digestion as heavy Bread Mushroms Rosins and such like 2. By Things acrimonious or pungent as Vomitories of Asarabacca Groundsil Squills c. which abound with Volatile salt 3. By Things that stick to the Stomach which
which argues That the Specifick Combination of the Oily and Volatile Parts baffles all Coctions Digestions Circulations and Percolations that have happened in the Body Dioscorides and Aeginela speaking of Opium say 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that is The smell of the Medicament is expanded over the whole Body Which Things of its Nature do as Garlick Onions Semen Animale which causes Rankness all over Male Creatures as Rams Boars Bulls c. 14. Le Febure in his Chymistry Part 2. p. 33 says That Opium has a Volatile Salt inseperably mixt with Sulphur or Oily Parts 15. Wedelius in his Opiologia Lib. 2. Sect. 1. Cap. 4. P. 91. speaking of Opium says Sal ejus cum sulphure intime combinatum sudores efficit that is Its salt being intimately combined with sulphur or Oil causes Sweat And Lib. 2. P. 143. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 obtinuit non facile dissipabilem that is It has a contexture not easily dissipable 18. All know how apt Volatile Salt and Oily Parts are to combine Therefore Opium acts and produces its usual good Effects by a Sal-Volatile-Oleosum somewhat more active than that in our Membranes whose Principles are most intimately and strictly combined and so that it is qualified in the highest degree for our Purpose Because 1. It agrees in Principles with our Membranes 2. That its Sal-Volatile-Oleosum is more active and vigorous than that of the Membranes to actuate and excite the Spiritus insiti and finely to tickle and gratifie the Membranes 3. That the Volatile Salt and Oily Parts being so intimately combined do deliciously qualifie one the other for that Purpose While the Oily smooths and lenifies the Volatile Salt and the Volatile Salt actuates and quickens the Oily And that being so combined 4. Both conspire to a permanent and exalted Pleasure of the Membranes especially at Stomach and the Venereal Parts where they are so exquisitely disposed for Sensation Therefore the Sal-Volatile-Oleosum of Opium separated from its Rosin is most consummate and best qualified that possibly can be imagined to please gratifie and finely to titillate our Membranes or Organs of Sensation which was the Thing required I cannot better illustrate its Nature than by the most exalted Thing in an Animal viz. it s Semen Therefore for Confirmation of its Principles and Excellency therein I will consider its Likeness and Agreement therewith 1. In being both a Sal Volatile-Oleosum 2. In having a more active vigorous and exalted Sal-Volatile-Oleosum than any Part of the Animal 3. In having the Volatile Salt and Oleous Particles intimately combined for Semen Animale will as Opium keep very long uncorrupted as appears by its long stay in the Vesiculae seminales of some Animals that do not excern it in many years 4. In that both are apt to mix with all forts of Menstruums and both Mole minima Virtute maxima 5. In having much the same Smell viz. a rank and vehement one 6. In tainting the Body therewith as has been shewn 7. In being much of the same Weight as appears by both sinking in Water c. 8. The Taste must in all Probability have a Rankness in it like that of Opium because it gives a rank Taste to the whole Body of Male Creatures 9. Both excite Venery cause Erections Venereal Fury and Nocturnal Pollutions c. 10. Both cause Boldness Courage and Magnanimity which are reckon'd among the Effects of Opium and are the common Effects of Plenitude of Seed in Animals that are otherwise pusillanimous in Times of Copulation so Modest and Sheepish Boys grow much more assured â—old and as they commonly call it Manlike upon Puberty and Girls grow more Womanlike in their Dispositions and 't is my Observation That the Men who breed most of the Sem. Virile are generally if not always the most Valiant 11. Both do cause a great Relaxation upon the Pleasure thereof as appears after a good Dose of Opium and upon Emission of the other by the Deadness of the Eyes or Laxity of the Cornea in both Cases Dilatation of the Pupill Floridity of the Skin large Perspiration laxity of the Limbs Sleepiness loss of Memory and Sense alienation of the Mind a wide Pulse Indolence loss of Feeling in both Cases and other Signs of Relaxation 12. Both Opium and Puberty cause a growth of the Penis Breasts and increase Milk by Reason of the Relaxation that they cause which as in Sleep causes the greater Nutrition but of the manner how it happens upon Relaxation more hereafter if there be occasion Hence it is 13. That both Opium and Puberty are apt to bring down the Menses and open the Viae by the Relaxation and that Marriage or the Pleasure of Venereal Acts do by the like Relaxation promote the Menses That both Opium and such Acts are apt to cause Miscarriages by relaxing the Neck of the Womb c. 14. Both cause Sadness and Dejection when the Operation is over as indeed Pleasure generally does especially if intense 15. Both Opium and Sem. Animale prevent Lassitude and cause Euphory or easier Undergoing of Labour Hence it is that Stone Horses will not be so soon tired when full thereof and quickly recover if tired which might doubtless be observed in other Animals but that they are not used to Labour and so not obvious to be observed 16. Authors do say That Sem. Virile takes of Venereal Impotence procures Love c. which doubtless must be by exciting to Venery as Opium does Thus the Genitals of Bucks Boars Bucks of Hares Cocks c. do as Opium excite Venery and the Seed of Animals as of a Camel and the aforesaid Creatures come to be esteemed Hypnoticks and doubtless all Animal Seed especially of the more Salaceous Creatures is an Opiate in some degree To be short The main if not all the Difference in their Effects arises only 1. From the Different Parts that they affect because Opium affects the Stomach the Venereal and all the Membranes in general and Sem. Animale only the Venereal Parts immediately tho' an intense Pleasure of one Part does affect the whole 2. That Opium does affect with a Sense of Pleasure more permanent viz. for many Hours as has been said and that the Pleasure of the other is Momentary Therefore Opium acts by causing an intense permanent and charming Pleasure of the Membranes in general but more particularly of the Stomach and Venereal Parts as being more exquisitely disposed for Sensation for the Preservation of the Individuum and Species It cannot be much wondred at considering our Active Principles are a Sal-Volatile-Oleosum and that Opium is such and that we naturally carry an Opiate within us that in some Cases our ordinary Sal-Volatile-Oleosum or that of the Choler Semen c. being by some accident exalted towards the Nature of Opium may have the Effect of an Opiate upon us by causing Sopors and Lethargick Distempers Fuâ—or uterinus by Titillation c. Thus the Spume of some Male Animals Mummy c.
by diminishing or disabling the Spirits except it be that the pernicious Rosin may do something of that kind by its aforesaid ill Effects but by pleasantly affecting the Membranes at Stomach Venereal Parts c. 2. That Sleep is caused by Relaxation and quieting the Spirits 3. That Pleasure especially if intense and lasting as that by Opium comforts enlivens encourages and causes an Ovation of the sensitive Soul and Spirits and Displeasure causes Sadness Dejection c. 4. How Pleasure must cause Complacency Satisfaction Content Acquiescence and Composure of the sensitive Soul and Spirits as Grievances cause the contrary 5. How Pleasure elevating and keeping up the Spirits and causing an entire Relaxation of the Defensive and a great Relaxation of the Vigilative Contraction which tire the sensitive Soul must cause Euphory or easie undergoing of Labour Iourneys c. without Lassitude as Experience shews 6. How Pleasure causes Relaxation of all the sensile Parts 7. How the said Relaxation as in Sleep does by suffering the Animal Spirits to expand and thereby making them unfit to carry Impressions smartly which is necessary to convey a sense of Pain for a smart Impression is the very cause of it take away Pain To which you may add That the sensitive Soul's attending willingly to the Sense of Pleasure is diverted from Pain and that a Sense of Pain cannot be in the same Subject with Pleasure which being therefore once excited Pain must disappear but that of taking away all smartness of Impression by Relaxation is a plain Mechanical Cause 8. How therefore all Fluxes that are caused by or require a grievous Sensation or Irritation by Quantity or Quality to maintain and continue them by causing a Contraction of the Parts to squeese out the Humours must be moderated for want of Sensation upon such Relaxation to irritate the Parts as it happens in Sleep or in any Case where Relaxation and thereby Expansion of the Animal Spirits incapacitates them to carry Impressions smartly which is of the Essence of Pain as has been shewn 9. How Perspiration must be promoted by Relaxation which opens the Pores 10. How that by the same Means Sweat also must be promoted if the Body be full of moisture 11. How Opium or Semen Animale being of the same Principles and of like Principles with Cantharides Pismire Bees Garlick c. must excite to Venery cause Itchings of the Skin c. 12. How Opium may by too high an Ovation of the Spirits cause Watching while Pleasure causing Relaxation c. may take away Pain for Relaxation as in Sleep Syncopes c. is enough to take away Pain but to Sleep Quietness of the Spirits is also required as well as their Expansion by Relaxation so that Pain may very well be taken off without Sleep as it often is by Opium that always relaxes 13. How the Pleasure that Opium causes is as was said by the same Principles and therefore of the same Nature with that which Animal Seed causes upon the Membranes but that Animal Seed causes it only upon one Part and Opium upon the Membranes of the Stomach Venereal Parts and all other in general and that only for a Moment but this of Opium for many Hours by which Means the Effects of Relaxtion by Pleasure come to be more remarkable as after much Wine whose Effects is somewhat lasting and internal as that of Opium is 14. How the Rosin of Opium causes its ill Effects by its Indigestibleness adhering Quality and tedious stinging of the exquisitely nice Coat of the Stomach by continually teazing and urging it by its Actimony and acute Volatile Points or Spiculâ— Therefore having 1. A most perfect and compleat Sol-Volatile-Oleosum in Opium of the same pleasing Principles as to all Membranes as Animal Seed is to the Membranes of Venus whereby they must be pleased tickled and relaxed 2. A pernicioâ—s Rosin indigestible sticking and arm'd with acrimonious and stinging Points which must highly offend the most sensile Coat at the Stomach I am now ready by God's Assistance to explain every Phenomenon or Effect of Opium however Amazing and Mysterious hoping they will not remain long so CHAP. XVI The Explication of the Effects of Opium used Externally ITS Effects Externally used are of Two sorts either I. As an Opiate or pleasing Tickler of the Membranes Or II. As an Alterative of the Parts that it is applied to First As an Opiate or Pleaser of the Membranes it has the same Effects as Opium used internally and for the same Reason therefore the Cause of its Operation in this Case will be better seen by the Explication of its Internal Effects which are far more perfect compleat and certain Secondly As an Alterative of the Parts that it is applied to which are the following viz. 1. It incides resolves and discusses by its pointed penetrating and volatile Salt insinuating it self into the Parts and Humours of the Animal because its Particles are fine minute and agreeable thereto as Menstruums to the Things to be dissolved Then by its Volatility it discusses what it has so incided and resolved 2. It mollefies and relaxes by its Sal-Volatile-Oleosum so resolving the Parts and Humours and thereby kindly loosening them Thus Opiates as Solanum Lethale or deadly Night Shade Hemlock Mandrake c. come to be of excellent Use in hard Tumours of the Spleen Tophousness c. 3. It Maturates and Suppurates for the aforesaid Reasons for nothing can better dispose towards Maturation and Suppuration than relaxing mollefying and resolving 4. It exulcerates or causes Blisters or at least rubifies tender Skins if it be very strong because of its Volatile Salt as Cantharides Spearwort and other Things do upon the same Account But this Effect belongs mainly to the true Mastack or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 that drops from the Incisions made in the Heads of the Poppies more especially the Theban which affords a most powerful Iuice for Exulcerating or Blistering is but a stronger fuller and therefore painful Resolution as you see by the Cuticle upon Blisters resolved into a kind of Jelly 5. It is Psilothrick for the same Reasons for while it so resolves the Parts it loosens the Roots of the Hair and so causes its shedding 6. It hurts the Eyes because of its Acrimony by Reason of the Volatile Salt 7. It causes Itching in the Skin by the Titillation of the same Volatile Salt as you find by the Application of Squills and the like 8. It excites Venery by the same Titillation on the Veneral Membranes CHAP. XVII The Explication of the Effects of Opium used internally in a moderate Dose NOte That because Opium has been generally hitherto used either Crude or with its Rosin in it the Effects of Opium are accordingly considered as common Experience thereupon has given Opportunity of Observing them but as I proceed I shall shew you where the Resinous Part of Opium is concern'd in the Effect 1. It is manifest why Opium may well
the Pleasure yet was neither discovered for many Thousands of years especially considering also that in the Case of Opium Thousands of Ingenious Men have diligently enquired after the Cause of its Operation who made no farther step in 't than to state Things that have not as much as Existence viz. a Cold Quality and 〈◊〉 flying from the Stomach to the Head to be the Cause thereof Therefore it is plain That neither is he that Planteth any Thing neither he that Watereth but GOD that giveth the Increase of Knowledge and of other Things To whom be all Glory CHAP. XX. The Explication of the Effects of the Declination of the Operation of Opium in a Moderate Dose 1. A General Return of all Diseases and Disasters when the Operation of Opium is over because it does not as was shewn operate as an Alterative but a pleasing Diverter of the sensitive Soul for some Time during which it causes a general Relaxation of all the sensile Parts whereby the Animal Spirits being expanded grow unsit to convey Impressions smartly which is requisite to cause a sense of Pain c. as has been often said But it cures several Distempers viz. such as pleasing and comforting the sensitive Soul composing the Spirits Relaxation Perspiration Sweat c. can quite take away Of which more particularly when we come to speak of the Use of Opium in Cure 2. Sweat happens in the Declination of its Operation as Sir Theodore Mayern my self and others have observed because that now all the Parâ—s contracting which by their Relaxation suspended all Humours during its Operation do Mechanically squeese out the congested Humours there being less Room in the Body as was said of Sweat upon awaking by the Return of the Vigilative Contraction after Relaxation during the Sleep which is to be compared to the Relaxation during the Operation of Opium and the Return of the Contraction when 't is ended besides that both upon the Going off of the Operation and Awaking the Motion of the Heart growing more vigorous as it does upon Motion by the Intentive Contraction does more powerfully propell the Humours out at the Pores as happens in Sweat upon Motion 3. Frequent making of Water happens partly by the Titillation of the Volatile Salt as by Cantharides c. that is now separated from the Bloud partly by the Contraction of the whole Body squeesing it out at the Kidneys as when People are Cold they make more Water for that Reason 4. A Looseness may and does happen sometimes from the like Contraction squeesing out the Humours that were suspended during the Relaxation by the Opium which is common for such Contractions to cause as by Cold Terrour c. and because Sensation grows more nice and irritable by the Humours by Reason of the Contraction which is the more for the Grievance of failing of the Pleasure of Opium Therefore 5. Diseases Pains c. seem worse upon the Return of the Grievances because of the great Ease they had during the Operation of the Opium Contraria inter se magis elucescunt and it is particularly observed of Pleasure That it leaves Men worse then it found them Thus a Man is worse more sad c. Post Coitum more Melancholy after all sorts of Pleasure insomuch that it is grown to a Proverb viz. After Merry comes Sorry or After Mirth comes Sorrow as also Minus gaudebis minus dolebis Therefore 6. Melaneholy does often if not always happen in some degree after its Operation is ended 1. Because of the Return of the Contractions or Toil of the sensitive Soul 2. Because as was said the Sense of Pleasure newly lost aggravates the Sorrow as has been shewn after Coition c. 7. The Pulse is narrow because the Contraction returns with Melancholy and Return of Disasters improve when that so happens as it generally does 8. Itching of the Skin happens about this time because that now the Volatile Salt which causes Tuillation is arrived as far as the Skin upon its march out of the Body CHAP. XXI The Explication of the Effects of Opium in an Excessive Dose THE Cause of most of these Effects will be evident from the Explication of the former because the Difference is only in the Quantity of the Opium therefore I am often necessitated to speak much the same as I have done before You cannot expect any good Effects from its Excess any more than you have from Wine tho the best of Cordials next to the Sal. Volatile Oleosum of Opium but rather less because Opium is join'd to a pernicious Rosin which you may be sure will be very grievous to the Stomach in great Quantities if it was so in little The Evil Effects in this Case do mainly proceed either from too much Relaxation as in Drunkenness or from the Rosin at Stomach 1. A Heat at Stomach is caused by the intense Heat of the Opium in a great Quantity it being sensibly a very hot Thing 2. The Sense of Weight at Stomach is caused by the great Relaxation that it causes which renders the Stomach proportionably weak and unable to endeavour its own Relief so that the Rosin c. lie heavy upon 't Thus we find a great Heaviness at Stomach when any Thing grieves it that it cannot reject or discharge 3. Gaity of Humour is caused at first as by the Pleasure of a great Quantity of Wine by its pleasing Agreeableness to the Membrane at Stomach till the Relaxation grows enormous as by a great Dose of Wine suddenly drank to which it is very like in all its Effects except such as proceed from the Rosin sticking at Stomach which Wine has not 4. Sardonick Laughter is caused as you see in Drunken People when they are disabled by the great Relaxation that they cannot well Express themselves by the failing Tongue they endeavour it by a silly kind of fained or made Laughter as they call it while the pleasing Titillation at Stomach much inclines them to Mirth if they knew how to manage and carry it on 5. Laxity and consequently Debility of all Parts is caused by the extraordinary Relaxation of them by a continual and permanent sense of Pleasure which happens considerably in the Momentary Pleasure of Venus much more in this continual and lasting Pleasure when a great Dose makes it intense as in Drunkenness 6. Alienation of the Mind is caused as in Drunkenness by an over Relaxation of the Brain and its Membranes 7. Loss of Memory happens by the same Means as in Drunkenness So 8. Darkness of Eyes is caused by a Relaxation of the Coats and Membranes of the Eyes but mainly by the Expansion of the Animal Spirits by that Relaxation which as in Sleep renders them unfit to convey the Impressions of Light c. 9. Laxity of the Cornea is from the same Relaxation 10. Appearance of various Colours happens by as was said the unevenness of the Cornea c. when so relaxed whereas when 't is duely
contracted it is round even polite and truely represents Things 11. Deadness of the Eyes to the View is as has been shewn from the Laxity of the Cornea which makes it flag lie loose look dully and not duely reflect a smart and brisk speck of Light as it does when tense round and polite by its Contraction on the contain'd Humours which then duely fill it 12. Faltring of the Tongue is from the same Relaxation as in Drunken Persons 13. A Sopor is from the same Relaxation over all the sensile Parts of the Body by which Means Sense and Motion are diminished or lost by the Expansion of the Animal Spirits which as has been said being not duely compressed become unfit for both at the same time 14. A slow and wide Pulse is from the same Cause because the said Relaxation permits the Arteries to widen and the Animal Spirits to expand and consequently renders the motion of the Heart slow which is the cause of the Pulse 15. A high Colour or Efflorescence of the Skin has been explain'd 16. Looseness of the Iaw and Lips is from the same Relaxation as was shewn and so is 17. Intumescence of the Lips as has been shewn 18. Difficulty of Breathing may be from Two different Causes either by the Relaxation weakening the requisite Motions for want of Compressure of the Animal Spirits and by the Flaccity of the Parts themselves Or by a great Grievance at Stomach upon the Account of the Rosin sticking to it and causing a Convulsion of those Parts both which may happen 19. Fury and Madness may also happen either by the exalted Pleasure of its Titillation as in Drunkards who therefore scarce know what they do the Mind being as was said alienated Or it may happen as I have often known a kind of Madness to be produc'd by a great Grievance at Stomach which may well be from the Rosin grieving and teazing the nicely sensile Stomach They may be easily distinguished one viz. that from the Rosin at Stomach being with great Distresses Anxieties Convulsions c. and the other without any 20. Venereal Fury proceeds from the high Titillation of the Venereal Membranes by the Volatile Salt of so much Opium as if Cantharides Bees c were taken internally but that these cannot so agreeably titillate those Parts as Opium does whose Volatile Particles are render'd more pleasing by oily ones and therefore much of the Nature of Semen Virile 21. Priapisms are caused by the same continual Titillation 22. Violent Itchings of the Skin are caused by the same tickling Volatile Particles in great Abundance proportionable to the excessive Dose 23. Nauseas are caused by the Rosin sticking at and soliciting the Stomach to Vomit 24. Swimmings in the Head are by conseâ—it because the Stomach is grieved by that Rosin as is observed in many Cases from a grieved Stomach upon a Tendency to Vomit as when it is overloaden with Wine or indigestible Victuals or when Persons are Sea or Coach-sick c. for it is not in these last Cases because the Brain is offended as People imagine that they are Sick or Vomit but the Swimming in the Head and Offence of the Brain happens because the Stomach is offended by the Motion of the Coach or Ship by Reason of its most exquisite Sensation which the Effluvias of a Cat pestiferous Particles and Commotions caused by mear Passion can and do offend as was said so as to cause Vomitings Anxieties c. much more then may the Motion of a Ship or Coach do it I shall not here enter into Controversie with those that assert That it is the Head is first offended in a Coach or Ship it is sufficient for my Purpose that Grievances at Stomach do commonly cause Swimmings in the Head for taking off those Grievances cures them as Eating when it is from the Grievance of Hunger or Wind at Stomach and discharging the Stomach of a great Load of Wine Ale or indigestible Matters when such Things cause it do cure such Swimmings in the Head The Way how Grievances at Stomach do cause those Swimmings is by causing a Contraction as all Grievances do but especially those at Stomach of the Membranes of the Brain as it does of all other but mainly of these because very sensile by which means the Animal Spirits being compressed grow more irrequiete and skipping up and down and the Compression not being continually alike in general or the Arteries affording an uneven and forcible supply of them or Fumes from the Bloud by the Compression nor affecting all Parts of the Brain with equal Force because the Pleasure endeavour to relax c. there must thence arise Eddies Vortices or Whirls thereof which cause Swimmings Vertigo's c. according as they happen to be moved That they happen from such Contraction is manifest 1. Because the Grievance at Stomach can add nothing else to the Brain or its Membranes 2. Because they are taken off by pleasing the Stomach and consequently by Relaxation as by a Glass of Wine Victuals an Opiate that is not resinous c. It is here well worth your notice That all consent of Parts a Thing much admir'd is only by Contraction or Relaxation which suddenly affect the whole Systeme of the Nerves and Membranes 25. Vertigo's are from the same Cause 26. Vomitings are caused as was said by the great Grievance of the acrimonious Rosin sticking to the Coat of the Stomach 27. Hicconghs are from the same Cause which happen upon the decay of Power vigorously to Vomit dwindling into those fruitless Convulsive subsultory Ierâ— or Half Endeavours 28. Distresses and Anxieties must necessarily attend such a grievous Sensation and Desection of Naturâ— Endeavour as being overborn and disabled to work for it self 29. A turbulent Pulse must be an Effect of the foregoing Tumults 30. Convulsions happen as was shewn by the enormous Compression of the Animal Spirits by Reason of the violent Contraction upon the great Grievance by the Rosin at Stomach which causes them to skip and fling up and down very forcibly under the squeese of the Compression and possibly skirmishing under the Vicissitudes of it and Relaxation 31. Faintings and Leipothymies are caused as has been explain'd by the sensitive Soul's being over-tired by the Fatigue of Defensive Contraction and yielding himself to Rest from all Contraction as the last Relief c. whereupon Sense and Motion do fail for want of Compression to render the Spirits springy active and fit for the Purpose 32. Cold Breath is but a necessary Consequence of the Loss of Motion and therefore of Heat by such Leipothymies and Faintings 33. Death is caused Two manner of Ways that is either by an utter Expense of Spirits and thereupon a Dereliction or Extinction of the sensitive Soul by reason of those Distresses and Fatigues upon the Account of the invincible Rosin Or by too much Relaxation disabling all the motions of the Body as in such as dye being dead Drunk
and Alteration in an Animal This Helmont couches under the Name of pleasing the Archaeus 3. That it should take away all Grievances of the sensitive Soul or Archaeus because its Grievance is the Essential Form of Diseases for even Morbid Matter unless it causes a Grievance causes no more Disease than it does in a dead Carcass as Helmont and common Reason assures us therefore Disease and Grievance are only Two Words signifying the same Thing and nothing is capable of Grievance in an Animal as such but the sensitive Soul 4. It should compose comfort enliven encourage and invigorate our sensitive Soul and Spirits as being the Principles of Motion in our Animal Nature in order to self Preservation for Nature or those active Principles within us is the Curer of Diseases and we Physicians only its Ministers to offer it good Means c. 5. The Principles of a Panacea should be agreeable to the best noblest most active and predominant Principles of our Bodies 6. Those Principles in the Panacea should be more vigorous than ours to reduce them when deficient and exalt them when depressed clog'd c. 7. It should be a general Resolver of Humours for which Cause the Liquor Alcahest is so much extolled for a Panacea Hear what the great Physician Claudius de la Courvee says Uni morbosae semper preter Naturam humorum coagulationi unique eorundem colliquationi oui perpetuo intendit natura diligenter studeas hujus adjuvandae illius corrigendae modum si assecutus fuâ—ris habebis in Praxi secretum onmi auro potabili omnique Antidoto prestantius denique plus poteris in Praxi quam si cursus Astrorum Metallorum vires aut totam callueris panaceam 8. It should after such Resolution of Humours compose concentrate combine and unite the good Principles 9. It should discuss the bad and useless Parts 10. It should open the Pores to give them their Exit by that most universal natural plentiful kindly and easie Evacuation 11. That after all it should like the Liquor Alcahest remain very much unaltered in it self Now whatsoever is endued with these Eleven most noble Qualifications must be in the Estimation of any Rational Physician or Phylosopher a glorious Panacea that is fitted to take off the Matter and Form of all Diseases or Grievances as far as it is in the Power of a Natural Medicament or Alterative so to do Therefore let us see how the pure Sal-Volatile-Oleosum of Opium is furnished therewith 1. It is so highly agreeable and pleasing to our most nice Sensation at Stomach which is given us for a Touchstone Watch and Iudge of what is agreeable and beneficial to our Bodies that nothing in the whole World is so agreeable and pleasing to it and therefore nothing is more agreeable and beneficial to our Animal Nature it would imply a Contradiction that the Stomach which is given us and accordingly qualfied to make a true Report of what is or is not agreeable and beneficial to us should always tho' it may by Accident possibly give us a false Report of the Agreeableness of Things It would be more than Prophaneness to attribute such deceitful unkind and unwise Contrivances to the infinitely Good and Wise therefore the Stomach does infallibly testify and assure us that it is most agreeable to our Nature seeing it is always so to it Agreeableness and Disagreeableness with which is appointed and ordain'd by God and Nature to be the Test and Touchstone of what is agreeable or otherwise to our Animal Nature Obj. Why then being so agreeable to the Stomach should it not create an Appetite but rather lessen it Ans. Tho' some may be so weak as to make such an Objection because Things agreeable to the Stomach are commonly reputed to cause an Appetite yet the Matter duely considered the Case is quite contrary for Appetite or Hunger is a grievous Sensation at Stomach which cannot be expected from Things that gratifie and please the Stomach which are the adequate Cure of a grievous Sensation or Hunger Thus Meat and Drink as has been shewn cure an Appetite grievous Sensation or Hunger Thus Wine and Opium do by pleasing the Stomach cure a canine Appetite c. Therefore you may Note by the by that all Meat and Drink that please the Stomach and gratifie its Sense are really Opiates in some degree causing good Humour Sleepiness c. Appetite or Hunger tho' it is a convenient Call or Intimation of Want of Supply and Recruit is as such a consequent of defect and so unnatural tho' call'd Natural because it is a Thing that happens of course to direct us how to proportion Things to the Exigence of Nature of which there would be no need if we could otherwise proportion good and agreeable Refection to our Wants thereof In short it is a Disease which Things agreeable and pleasing to the Stomach as our Panacea must cure or else it would not be a Panacea and as was shewn nothing can be a more proper Cure of Grievance or Displeasure than Pleasure Therefore what is agreeable to our Stomach and consequently to our Body must cure not cause Appetite as Meat and Drink c. Obj. But it may be said That Appetite argues a good Digestion which is good for the Body Ans. It does indeed argue a quick Digestion and great Expence of the Recruits taken in but still it is all bottom'd upon Deficiency and Digestion may be and is very often too quick as in the Boulimia or canine Appetite Nature delights in a gentle kind and gradual Dissolution of the Meat at Stomach to which you 'll find by and by that Opium very much conduces by its resolving Quality 2. Nothing in Nature is more pleasing to the sensitive Soul as appears by the whole Series of our Discourse and the explaining all the Phenomena or good Effects of Opium by that very Pleasure of the sensitive Soul Therefore 3. It as was manifestly shewn does thereby take off all Grievances which are the essential Forms of Diseases and the essential Forms of Diseases being taken away which give them being and make them to be what they are according to the Definition of an essential Form the very being of Diseases must be taken away Therefore our Sal-Volatile-Oleosum is a compleat Panacea that takes away the Essence or Being of Diseases in taking away the Grievance thereof Here it may be said that the Matter of the Distemper remains and consequently a Disposition to a Relapse as soon as the Sal-Volatile-Oleosum has ended its Operation But what need it end at all if you please It may be renewed without Danger for this is not as resinous Opium till the Matter is subdued thereby which it will also do as appears more manifestly by the following Qualifications For as has been shewn 4. It composes comforts enlivens encourages invigorates and causes a great Euphory of the sensitive Soul and Spirits which are our Natural active
Principles of Motion by which all ill Matter is effectively subdued when they act with Alacrity and Vigour they being the Principal Agents and we Physicians but as was said Ministers or as Handmaids to offer or hand good Matter Medicaments or Instruments to those Principal Agents of Nature and that this Sal-Volatile-Oleosum of Opium is the most proper Matter or Medicament we can put into Nature's Hands so invigorated appears manifestly in that 5. Its Principles are the most agreeable to the best noblest most active and predominant Principles of our Bodies as has been proved most evidently plene plane nor is it only agreeable but 6. More vigorous and powerful to actuate reduce alter or exalt our Principles according to the Direction of our invigorated Nature or sensitive Soul and Spirits which having so convenient an Instrument and highly qualified a Matter will soon alter the perverse renew the decaid acuate the dull and elevate the depressed effete and pall'd Humours of our Bodies especially seeing 7. That the Sal-Volatile-Oleosum of Opium being so agreeable and powerful must be the greatest Resolver of Humours that can be imagined for all Resolution is by an Agreement of Particles which makes them easily miscible insinuate into and penetrate each other especially if one be somewhat more vigorous and penetrating than the other as the Sal-Volatile-Oleosum has been plainly proved to be Thus it is that all Menstruums do so resolve things of their own Nature and so purifie and cleanse them by taking to themselves what is meerly and purely of the same Nature and rejecting or letting go their Hold of what is otherwise Where it is worth noting how upon the Account of the intimate Combination and Union of the Volatile Salt and Oily Parts in our Panacea it is dissolvable in all Menstruums and consequently an universal Resolvent of all the Humours of our Bodies which its external resolving of all Humours and Tumours does also prove Now if it be such a Resolver of which there is no Place to doubt then as Claudius de la Courvee says it must excell all Things in altering and reducing all the Humours of our Bodies to a good and agreeable Condition Nor does it only thus resolve them and thereby separate as was said the good from the bad but 8. When it has so done it by the amicable Agreeableness of its Sal-Volatile-Oleosum composing Faculty strict Combination of its Principles joins to concentrates congregates and as it were cements the best and most agreeable into a close Union and firm Texture by as was said the Direction of invigorated Nature which is of it self the good being once separated from the bad highly sufficient without any other Help to unite Parts so agreeable and of themselves inclined to unite and combâ—ne tho' all tho Parts of Opium like those of the great Dissolvent were gone and when that is done 9. The high discussive Quality of the Sal-Volatile-Oleosum must be very effectual for the Difflation and Discussion of the sever'd effete Particles which must be highly assisted and improved by the brisk and chearful Motions of Nature viz. the sensitive Soul and Spirits so as is aforesaid invigorated Nor is this all but to compleat and perfect the Operation 10. It lays open all the Pores of the Body as has been Demonstrated 〈◊〉 them out and give the ill Particles their â—inal Exit by the most natural and plentiful Way of Evacuation leaving the Body free from all Miasms and Impurities 11. I have sufficiently shewn how unalterable it is in it self Chap. 15. so that like the Liquor Alcahest it is not made to be subdued but to subdue and resolve Humours Now what can be required more in a Medicament and how can the sensitive Soul and Spirits or Nature so invigorated and endued with all Euphory and Chearfulness by this glorious Medicament whose Principles are not only agreeable to our noblest ones but more powerful and intimately combin'd so resolving of Humours ready to unite the good and to discuss the bad and carry them off by the Pores ever fail being duely administer'd of good Effect in altering all the Humours of our Bodies Hippocrates in his Book De Naturâ— Hominis states the Cause of Diseases to be a Disgregation of Humours by which he seems to imply that the Power of congregating and concentrating of Humours were sufficient to accomplish a Panacea which is but one single Qualification in eleven of our Sal-Volatile-Oleosum tho' this alone as is experienced even in common Preparations of Opium suffices very often to cure Diseases by composing Commotions as in Diary Fevers from Perturbations c. Thus the bitter and firm textured Cortex as I have shewn in my Book De Febribus intermittentibus takes off Ague Fits by re-combining the segregated Humours with the Bloud which it suddenly doing leaves a Disposition in the Bloud when ever it meets with a segregating Cause as Purging violent Motion Insolation intemperate Drinking c. to a Relapse by a second Separation of the Morbid Matter from it as you have it more at large in my said Book p. 166 167 c. 242 243 c. where you may see how Opiates conduce very much to a speedy Cure by the Cortex by composing c. Martianus says Coâ—m de locis in Homine p. 76. Opium sist it prohibet humorum Disgregationem That is Opium hinders Disgregation of Humours Now you may perceive the true Qualifications of a Sal-Volatile-Oleosum so much sought for by the Learned as a Panacea and how far the common ones that are sold in the Apothecaries Shops are from being such Sylvius indeed had an excellent one with which he did many and great Cures which being considered had he not confessed his Ignorance of the Cause of the Effects of Opium and the Narrative he makes of its Vertue and Performance in his Preface to the first Book of his Praxis and that he delighted so much in the Use of Opium even when he was young that he was call'd by the Name of Doctor Opiatus and that he declares no Oil was added in its Preparation and that it is intimated that the Oil and Volatile Parts were strictly combined would have made me suspect that it was the Sal-Volatile-Oleosum of Opium that he used which if it was not I dare be confident that notwithstanding all its Excellency it was not as good I am very well satisfied that a true and consummate Sal-Volatile-Oleosum is not to be made barely by Art Enquirers might have better success if they sought it among the Natural Tribe of bitter Plants that are agreeable to the Stomach which have all in them a Sal-Volatile-Oleosum but how to pick and cull is I think best seen by the requisite Qualifications of a Panacea that I have stated There have been many in whose Hands bitter Things have been as a Panacea One in Germany cured most Diseases with Wild Sage Some have done great Things with Agrimony others
with Bean Trefoil some with Centaury others with Gentian c. and the famous Dr. Lower's Practice ran almost altogether upon bitter Things which did him great Service in his Tincture of Steel as he call'd it that he often made in Destill'd Waters that could take little or nothing to Purpose of the Tincture of Steel whether out of Ignorance or Design I will not tho' I may determine which shews that it was the bitter Things that did the good and made it as a Panacea and not the Steel However certain it is that promoting the Dissolution of Meat at Stomach which the bitter Salia-Volatalia-Oleosa do is a great Foundation for Cure and no doubt our Sal-Volatile-Oleosum does by its inciding dividing and resolving Quality contribute very much to a due solution thereof at Stomach by Connaturalness as all Menstruums do especially if it be Flesh which we use mostly and requires most help to be resolv'd which may very well be tho' it lessens Appetite by pleasing Sensation for as was shewn it is quite another Thing to cause Appetite or a grievous Sensation and Resolution or Digestion of the Meat at Stomach for Wine helps Digestion yet by the pleasing Sensation that it causes at Stomach it cures a canine Appetite and at any time if you 'll observe it takes off the Eagerness of Appetise for the present you can better stay without Meat after a Whet before Dinner than you could without it so that the Wine answers that of a Whet as to Digestion tho' not to Appetite or Hunger which is a grievous Sensation that Wine must rather Cure than Cause It is true that Wine or Opium may by causing a sense of Pleasure at Stomach cause some stay of the Meat at Stomach but it does not thence follow but the Digestion may be the truer because more gentle and gradual as it may and does happen in Sleep when Things that are not very hard of Digestion are eaten which are not good at any Time You may remember how Blisters to which Opium is near of Kind as has been shewn do quickly by their resolving Nature turn the Cuticle as if digested into a sort of Gelly what a mighty Help would such a Degree of Resolution be to the Digestion at Stomach when it is by that Means like the Skin of a well boil'd Cow-heel half turn'd to a Gelly and from a Thing that is very hard of Digestion to be very easie as is also a Boar's Skin in Brawn by reason of the prior Resolution in the Boiling If as Sanctorius says insensible Perspiration hinder'd is the Cause of most Diseases what is more proper to Prevent or Cure them than this Sal-Volatile-Oleosum which causes Perspiration above all Things I have been lately inform'd That in some Parts of the most Eastern Countries they Use Opium as a general Medicament or Panacea Dr. Willis and Sylvius say it hinders the Coagulation of the Bloud how many Chronical Diseases may it then Prevent or Cure That is the great Effect of the Alcahest and that is it that mainly qualifies a Medicament for a Panacea as Courvee asserts and all Ingenious Men allow Wedelius says That it happily restores the Tone of the Bloud What is then wanting to the Preservation of Health Paracelsus says That Tam homini quam Morbo somnum conciliat That is That it puts the Disease asleep as well as the Man ☞ Platerius cured the Gout with it safely quickly and pleasantly and I know one that can do it especially if it be at the first coming of the Fit Willis gives an Instance of one perfectly cured of a Dropsie and Pocky Pains by the Use of Laudanum ☞ Horstius perfectly cured an Hypochondriacal Person that was troubled with Stupidity Watchings Loss of Appetite Trembling and direful Epileptical Convulsions and past all Hopes by the Use of Opiates I my self have often seen Defluxions and Catarrhs cured by the use of Opiates and one of an inveterate ill Habit of Body of many years standing Wedelius says That it resolves the Grumescence of the Bloud alters and dissipates the tenuious Parts of it tempers the acrimonious c. The Ancients used it against Agues with great success You may to confirm this Matter farther observe that among the constant and frequent Effects of Opium there is no bad ones unless there be 2 or 3 purely upon the Account of its Rosin as has been shewn therefore when it is separated from it there is no Cause to fear the Use of the Sal-Volatile-Oleosum unless it be as in the Case of Wine when 't is taken in an excessive Dose or used too long in a lavish intemperate manner so that when I have shewn how duely to prepare it and the moderate and safe Doses thereof it may be used altogether as safely as Wine in a proportionable Dose for what Harm can there be in moderately pleasing the Membranes particularly at Stomach which all the best Things we use as Wine Cordials Meat and Drink do which are therefore all Opiates in some degree thereby assuring us of their Goodness and Agreeableness to our Bodies tho' they do it not in so high a dgree as our Sal-Volatile-Oleosum does which is the more Authentick Certificate of its Excellency tho' it is to be still confessed that Excess of the best Things as Ioy Comfort Pleasure Wine Cordials c. have and may do mischief but what need Excess therein any more than in Wine Meat Cordials c. which then like it are all inconvenient and injurious to the Body All this I have said to administer Cause to improve the Practice of Physick by the Use of this Panacea now that it is known by introducing its noble Use as an Alterative to Cure as well as formerly to palliate Diseases it being a far more beneficial Thing to Cure than palliate Remember how the Cortex Mercury Antimony and other the most effectual and glorious Medicaments have been traduced and scandalized by the ignorant Imaginations of the Unlearned who having no true Knowledge of the Vertue of Things wholly depend upon Fears and Iealousies to guard them from their imagined ill Effects which generally speaking only the same Ignorance Fears and Iealousies gave a Phantastical Being to It remains that I in the next Place shew you 1. The true Preparation of this Panacea or Sal-Volatile-Oleosum 2. Other Preparations of Opium that are next it in Safety and good Effect and why they are so 3. The moderate and truly safe Dosing of them all there being no Danger in well prepared Opium but from Excess in the Use thereof CHAP. XXV Of the Preparation of the Panacea or true Sal-Volatile-Oleosum of Opium SEeing that the Sal-Volatile-Oleosum of Opium must be such an effectual generous and general Medicament that is both cordial and alterative in so transcendent a manner it well deserves a careful and curious Preparation therefore I will be very particular therein To that end 1. It must be separated from all the
Parts themselves do also duly contract which Opium hinders 6. You have much the same Reason not to give them soon after other large Evacuations where a due Contraction of the Parts is requisite as after Tapping or Paracentesis in Dropsies Child-birth c. 7. Opiates are best given in the Morning to cause Euphory or brisk Effects because the Refreshment gain'd by the Night's Sleep does not only concur towards Euphory and Briskness but also much oppose Sleepiness and Drowsiness which are not consistent with brisk Effects VI. As to Persons 1. It is not convenient to give Opiates to Persons very young or very old 2. They agree better with Men than Women or Children With Men of a robust and hard rather than of a weak fine tender and soft Texture with such as have a strong Digestion than a weak and in general with the strong rather than the weak Therefore 3. Never give them to Persons that are very weak especially if they take or digest no sustenance or extreamly little for Reasons already given nor to such as are near their End or almost expiring ☞ Except it be for want of Opium or by Extremity of Contraction by Terrour Pain Cold Convulsions c. for then it will do Wonders in preserving People that are otherwise past all Hopes by relaxing taking away Pain Contractions c. 4. It is not so agreeable to the very fat or moist because they may be over-relaxed nor to the very lean and dry c. especially to cause sleep because it is apt to irritate and actuate their Spirits too much by which means Sleep is much hinder'd VII As to Maladies and Diseases c. I. Opiates are not convenient in Relaxations as such as general Palsies Hemiphlegia's Palsies of the Eyes Deadness of them Dilatation of the Pupil Relaxation of the Tympan of the Ear of one side of the Face which makes the other side contract and and so draw the Face awry for 't is not a Spasm or Convulsion as Men imagine of the contracting side but a Resolution of the other which permits the Antagonist Muscles of that side to contract without Opposition and draw the Face toward the strong or sound Side Relaxation of the Uvula or the annex'd Valu◠which last is known by Snuffling without any other evident Cause or by observing that it does not shut in sounding u in but cut c. by it self Relaxation of the Larynx and Windpipe which is known by a hoarse kind of Whisper without a Cold or any evident Cause Of the Pharynx or Gullet which is known by a Depravation of swallowing without Pain or Tumor or any evident Cause A Paralytical Asthma or difficulty of Breathing wherein Men heave the Shoulders without any apparent Cause Relaxation of the Stomach as when Meat stays too long at Stomach c. A. Palsie of the Intestines or Guts as when one is bound and cannot refer it to any other Cause Of the Bladder when one cannot make Water without any other Cause to refer it to Relaxations of the Sphincters of the Bladder and An◠that is when Urine or Ordure fall from one involuntarily nor are they convenient in Baths unless great Relaxation as for Passage of the Stone c. is intended Nor in Ruptures as Bronchocele of the Windpipe Exomphalos of the Navel Bubonocele of the Groin or the Fall of Humours Guts Fat c. into the Scrotum or of the Fundament Womb or the Vagina c. except it be to reduce them Nor in Lunations Sprains Laxity and Weakness of Ioints Limbs Back c. Extensions of Nerves Tendons Ligaments c. Nor where Relaxation does or may improve the Distemper or do harm as in Apoplectical and soporose Cases as Coma Caros Lethargy c. Weakness of Memory Stupidity Morosi◠Nightmare Drunkenness c. Syncopes and Faintings from Relaxation as the original Cause as from Excess of Ioy Pleasure Large Evacuations when the Parts cannot well and duly contract upon what remains as after Child-Birth profuse Hemorrhages Tapping or Paracentesis or any large Evacuation of Humours in Dropsies of the Belly Breast or Head nor as has been hinted in Dropsies tho' without any such Evacuation unless it be upon some special Consideration of the learned nor in Tremblings or Shakings of the Head or Hands c. from Weakness as in old Age Nor in Fluxes from Relaxation as too much Sweat Gonorrhaea Simplex Diabetes nocturnal Pollutions Chylou◠Flux Lientery involuntary Flux of Urine or Ordure and some sorts of immoderate Fluxes of the Menses or Lochia which owe their Cause to Relaxation or Aptitude to Abortion from that Cause and indeed generally in Women with Child lest it should cause Abortion by relaxing the Neck of the Womb. Or where Contraction is beneficial as to empty a foul or replete Stomach Choler c. by Vomiting or Stool or an ill Humour any way Therefore II. Opiates are not convenient when grievous Sensations are useful as to excite Expectoration when Matter threatens Suffocation in Vomicas Pleurisies Peripneumonias Consumptions Spitting of Blood c. When Hunger calls for Food and Restauratives that of stuffing at Stomach excites Vomiting that of Urine solicites us to a due Excretion thereof that of ill Matter at Guts causes an Evacuation thereof so that when a Crisis is to be by the Help of grievous Sensation or Irritation Opiates are not convenient for it takes off the Sense of Irritation but when a Crisis is to be by Relaxation as by opening the Pores to cause Sweat Perspiration c. then is it of excellent Use So that great Question that has very much puzzled the learned whether Opium is convenient before a Crisis c is plainly and mechanically answer'd III. Opiates are not convenient where Titillation by the Acrimony of volatile Salts is the Cause of the Disease as in troublesom Erections Priapisms Nocturnal Pollutions Venereal Furies too much Salacity and Titillation Itchings of the Uterus Scrotum Penis Skin in general c. IV. I scarce need tell any that Opiates are inconvenient when the Meconium of Children should be evacuated or when one is bound in Body or apt to be so but there may be a Time when the learned Physician may think fit to give them even to the Costive in urgent Cases for he can order somewhat along with them or soon after to open the Body who may also see Cause sometimes to vary from these general Rules when Necessity and good Reason direct him so to do tho' they are nevertheless general in their Nature and not to be transgressed without special Cause and mature Deliberation V. Opiates are not so convenient where there is much slimy moist and phlegmatick Humours by Reason that the Parts are subject in such Cases to be too much relaxed I have been the fuller especially upon the Head of Diseases that I may hereafter have nothing to do but to shew the beneficial Use of Opiates duly prepared more particularly of the Panacea's
Vagina in which Cases it is of neat Use both by relaxing and taking away Pain during the Operation It may be also of Use when the strictness of the Collum Uteri hinders the Admission of Sem. viril both as a general Relaxer and as causing greater Pleasure of those Parts and a proportionable Relaxation thereof for it is by the Pleasure in Coition that the Collum Uteri is opened or relaxed as is observed which immediately closes again when the sense of Pleasure is ended yea and so much the stricter because the Loss of Pleasure is as was shown a Kind of Grievance hence it is that omne Animal post coitum est triste and not because of loss of Spirits as is vulgarly imagined for we can lose little or no Spirits by that which is so separated for Excretion before hand as the Semen is 5. To enlarge any Part for the due Reception of what is convenient or necessary as the Breasts to receive Milk by which Means it comes to be such great Increaser of Milk The seminal Vessels as Sem. virile does upon Puberty to receive the Semen Thus it causes the Penis to grow as the Semen upon Puberty causes it and Cocks Combs Turkey-Cocks red Bags at the Neck Proboscis c. to grow as the Time they are fit for or begin to tread for the Relaxation caused by the Pleasure of the Semen makes the Party more capable of the Nutriment Thus it is that Sleep causes the Growth Fatning and Thriving of Animals and red Noses to grow so large by frequent Relaxation upon the Pleasure of Wine Ale c. as was said to which Quantity distending the Parts may in the last mentioned Case contribute I. The Form of Opiates in this Case may be either solid or liquid as you think â—it II. The Dose must be proportioned to the Relaxation that you desire for more relaxes more and less less so must it be also proportioned to the Contractions that it is to take away therefore very grievous Passions or Sensations which cause proportionable Contractions require greater Doses because their Grievance and Contraction do strongly oppose the Pleasure and Relaxation that Opiates cause therefore great Pain as you 'll find in its due place requires an extraordinary Dose III. The Vehicle in Contractions from grievous Passions should be VVine or some comfortable Cordial except they be the more turbulent Passions as Anger Fury c. where Composers as Emulsions Milk and VVater c. are best In all other Cases emollient and suppling Vehicles are most proper as soft smooth and slipper◠〈◊〉 Broths c. IV. The Time to give them is at the due Distance before Bed Time when the Intentions are consistent with Sleep which it self is a great Relaxer otherwise any Time will serve as Occasion or the Intention of the Physician requires it V. The Regimen 1. As to Meat and Drink is using moist emollient and lâ—bricating Things as smooth Broth somewhat â—at butter'd Roots Herbs Sawces 〈◊〉 Milk-Meats young Flesh as of roasting Pigs 〈◊〉 Lamb c. Smooth Drinks as Alc 〈◊〉 c. 2. As to sleeping and waking that relaxes and this contracts therefore that conduces this hinders 3. As to Rest and Motion that relaxes and this conâ—racts 4. As to the Passions of the Mind the Pleasant as 〈◊〉 Ioy Pleasure Comfort and all such do relax and the Grievous as Terrour Fear Grief Melancholy c. contract as Pain does 5. As to Air the warm and moist or that when the Quicksilver is low in the Barometer or VVeather-glass does relax as do warm Baths Fomentations c. especially if emollient Dry and cold Air and that when the Quicksilver is high do cause Contraction 6. As to Excretion and Retention generally Excretion does make Room and Way for things to pass through or into the relaxed Parts as Clystering for Passage of the Stone Child Reduction of Hernias c. But be sure not to make the Excretions grievous because all grievous Sensation causes Contraction CHAP. XXXIV Of the Use of the Panacea of Opium c. to take away Pain or grievous Sensation THIS it does as was shown by diverting the sensitive Soul and introducing a Sense of Pleasure which being contrary to grievous Sensation or Pain cannot be in the same Subject with Pain but chiefly and mechanically by relaxing all Parts and permitting the springy Animal Spirits to expand and so become unfit to carry Impressions smartly which is requisite to cause a sense of Pain as has been proved Therefore it is of most happy and glorious Use in all Pains but especially to be used 1. In such as are not for any Benefit to the Person pain'd in Order to alter or evacuate the grieving Cause as in Pocky scorbutical or hypochondriacal Pains or such as proceed from any ill Habit of Body c. 2. Where Pain hinders the taking away of its Cause or some Benefit as when the Pain of the Stone does by contracting the Parts hinder its own Passage that of a Tenesmus hinders going to stool that of the Sphincter of the Bladder hinders its opening to let out Urine clodded Bloud Phlegm Matter or any such Thing when that of the Neck of the VVâ—mb hinders Delivery of a Child After-Birth Mole clodded Bloud c. that of the Mouth of the Stomach hinders Vomiting when requisite or that of the Pylorus hinders the Detrusion of Chyle or that of the Intestines as by an Inflammation c. stops the Passage of the Ordure and causes an Iliack Passion or that of the Guilet hinders swollowing of the Larynx Breathing or that of any Part hinders Perspiration or desired Sweat or that of the Venereal Parts stops the Menses or Lochia c. In all which Cases it is and must in all Reason be of excellent and if duly managed of almost if not altogether infallible Effect by taking away the Pain which causes the Part to contract and make the Stop c. 3. Where the Cause of the Pain cannot be remoued but by Perspiration Sweat Menses Lochia or Urine â—s in Pains in the Habit of the Body Limbs c. From Cold Wind or Vapours Gout Rheumatisms Stitches Pleurisies Inflammations and many of the Cases aforementioned it is excellent As it is 4. Where the Pain Irritation or grievous Sensation causes Nature to work irregularly as in Iliack Passiâ—ns hysterick Fits Fruitless Convulsions canine Apâ— c. In which Cases it excells all other Means for many Reasons 5. Where the Pain is not likely to have a timely Effect for good till People may be too much worn out 6. In all Pains that have not any matâ—rial Cause from the Humâ—urs c. of the Body as such as happen from Passions Wounds Pricks of Nerves Tendons Fractures Dislocations Amputations severe Chirurgical Operations c. 7. In all Pain from Inflammations Suppurations Abseesses Tumors where Repulsion is not convenient or possible 8. In all Pains that are more likely to cause Fevers than any
't is best liked and most suitable to People's Minds Palate c. II. The Dose moderate except it be 1. Where some by Accident require otherwise as Pain Loosenesses Vomitings and to titillate the Venereal Membranes because remote which see in the respective Chapters of the Use of Opiates in those Cases 2. Where the general Rules direct otherwise as in the soft fleshed People Children Women c. where the Dose must be less III. The Vehicle must be the same as is directed to Compose but in old People 't is observed that smooth Spirituous Things as good Ale c. conduce very much to cause Sleep because Sulphurs do qualifie-the Volatile Salt of the Opium as was shewn IV. The Time in general is at the due distance before Bed-time that is directed in the general Rules but Opiates may be given at any Time when the Case requires as in the Small-Pox about 12 1 or 2 in the Afternoon according as the â—tions which happen in the Afternoon or towards the Evenings do seise them and in Agues at the due distance before the Paroxysm invades them 〈◊〉 that the Operation thereof may be fall and compleat before the Time that the Fits are to begin and so in all other Câ—ses of the like â—ind V. The Regimen in this 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Twosold Aspect 1. To promote 〈◊〉 2. To compose and quiet Motions 〈◊〉 â—tions of the Spirits 〈◊〉 c. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Quiet being the Two 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 As to the first the Regimen must be the same as is directed in the Chapter of the Use of the Panacea c. to relax but as to composing and quieting the Spirits I shall add somewhat tho' Relaxers are generally good for this Purpose unless join'd with some agitating Accidents as Heat or the like 1. As to Diet it should consist of cooling incrassating inviscating Things that are not aromatick acid or saline such are Milk-Meats Emulsions Almond Milks Chicken Broth with cooling Herbs Water-gruel fresh and young soft Flesh Lettuce Purstane Spinage Herb Mercury Mallows and such like Mucilages as of Quince Fleabane c. The Drink may be Milk and Water Whey or such unfermented Liquors or smooth Small Beer not too old for all stale Drink is naught Water where it agrees c. 2. Rest of Body and Spirits must be contrived by all means as by leaning lying or sitting still without any motion after it is taken till Bed-time and therefore let the Person if the Season permits be as much undressed as may be in a loose Garment or Morning-Gown all that Time and be help'd off with his Cloaths that he may not agitate his Body when sleepy and not before let him go into a cold Bed in Summer and but a little warm'd in Winter and only have what Bed-cloaths suffices and pleases him best and then lie absolutely still without Noise Light or Fire in the Room 3. Rest and Tranquility of Mind is very necessary which should be not only free from grievous Passions but from all Excess of Joyous ones which too much agitate the Spirits 4. The Air should be moist and moderate and if not such by the Weather render'd so by Art especially in Fevers 5. All Evacuations should be made that may any way disturb his Sleep before he betakes himself to it nor should the Stomach be overfull or empty lest any Grievance may be thereby created 6. Emollient tepid Baths Fomentations Feetwashes c. do finely dispose People to Sleep but take care they be not too hot for heat causes a stir of Bloud and Spirits which is an Enemy to Sleep 1. Note That long Sleeps after great Fatigues or long Watching ought not to be very frightful if the Dose was moderate and that the Person takes Sustenance 2. Note That old or dry Persons or such as are very unapt to Sleep after Opiates are often caused to Sleep by smooth Wine Ale Cowslip Wine or the like because the gentle Oiliness of such Liquors do correct the Acrimony of their Volatile Salts and at the same time cause a Sense of Pleasure which relaxes and causes Sleep It has been observed that even Ambergrise and Musk which exagitate the Bloud and Spirits cause old Men to Sleep which happens by their fine Sulphur readily fastening upon the acrimonious Volatile Salts as Spirit of Wine does upon Sal Ammoniac which being mixed do soon coagulate Therefore I am apt to think that Camphire would be of excellent Use to correct the Opium and the volatile Salts of the Body in such Cases because it is Experimentally certain that it corrects the Acrimony of Urine of Semen Virile Cantharides c. 3. Note That the drier the Body is the more unapt are Opiates to cause Sleep therefore dry Bodies as of old Men Hectical Persons c. should be well moistened by incrassative Moisteners as Emulsions and such Things as are above mentioned and ordered in the Chapter of the relaxing Use of Opiates From what is said I do conclude that Opiates do cause Sleep very readily where the Oily Parts abound and that Things that have a fine Oleous Sulphur are very good Correctors of it where acrimonious Volatile Salts abound in order to cause Sleep and that hence it is that some ancient People will often Sleep better by the Use of the aforementioned smooth fermented sulphureous Liquors than by the Use of Opium from all which it appears that Sleep is not such a Property of Opium as People make it to be because that besides relaxing Sleep also requires a great Rest of the Spirits and the sensitive Soul It seems very probable from the Premises that Anodyne Sulphur of Vitriol would be excellent to cause old Men to Sleep for it doubtless causes Sleep only by obtunding and qualifying our Volatile Salts as White 〈◊〉 and other Balsamicks will often do CHAP. XXXVI Of the Use of the Panacea of Opium c. to stop Fluxes IT palliates moderates and stops Fluxes 1. By taking away the sense of the Irritation of Humours which cause Contraction to squeese them out and promote their motion 2. Because it composes and stills the motion of Humours by the Relaxation and the Sleep that it causes which quiets motions 3. Because thereby and by its combining Agreeableness and Texture it congregates the disgregated Humours 4. Because the Relaxation suspends the Humours 5. Because it discusses ill Humours 6. Because the Pores being opened by the Relaxation the Humours that caused the Fluxes are gradually perspired by that most natural and universal sort of Evacuation for 't is plain Reason and common Observation that a plentiful Evacuation at Pores stops Fluxes per Anum c. and if it continues perfectly cures them ☞ Hence it is that the Use of Opiates continued does happily not only palliate but perfectly cure Diarrheas Dysenteries Defluxions Catarrhs c. It therefore follows that it is of great Use 1. To palliate moderate or cure all Fluxes that proceed from Irritation of Humours as Vomitings
Loosenesses caused by the Humours of the Body or Things given as Diarrheâ—s Dysenteries Artificial Purging Iliack Passions Cholera Morbus after the Humour is somewhat spent Defluxions Catarrhs immoderate Spitting Gonorrhea Notha that is of slimy Humours by Reason of Acrimony Fluor albus from the like Cause or any other Flux of that Kind 2. To moderate or cure Fluxâ—s that proceed from too much motion of the Bloud Humours c. as Hemorrhages at Nose Lungs Stomach by the Hemorrhoids Pissing of Bloud immoderate Flux of Bloud by the Menses Lochia Stool c. when they proceed from that Cause as may also some Defluxions 3. To stop Fluxes that proceed as Hippocrates says from Segregation of Humours by composing and combining them from which Cause many such Fluxes as I have mentioned do happen But it is not advisable to use them in Fluxes that are apparently or very probably for speedy and ready Benefit otherwise as was said of Pain use them to respite Nature which they do as Sleep does nay in many Cases the Continuance of their Use may quite Cure them for the several Reasons given in the beginning of this Chapter What a pleasant Cure then do some refuse that reject them leaving their Patients to be worn out with dismal Pains tedious and profuse Evacuations want of Appetite and Digestion the common Consequences of Diarrheas Disenteries c. I. The Form of Opiates in this Case should generally be solid because it sticks better to its Work whereas the fluid is more subject to be evacuated in Diarrheas Dysenteries and Vomitings tho' sometimes the Liquid may be convenient in Vomitings as when that Form is more agreeable to the Stomach or that you would have a more speedy Effâ—ct c. In other Fluxes where the Opiate is not liable to be evacuated too soon it is indifferent what Form you use II. The Dose in Fluxes where 't is probable some Part of the Opiate may be carried off without Effect as in Vomitings Diarrheas Dysenteries Choleras c. the Dose must be generally speaking pretty large otherwise a moderate Dose may serve In such Cases due Consideration is to be had of what is lost by the Evacuation at which you may easily guess in Vomiting by what comes up if its Colour Smell Taste be observed as also by the Frequency and Violence of the Vomiting and noting how the Stomach clears it self of what is ingested by the Quantity and lastly by the Effect of which if what was given fails more of the Opiate must be given by degrees till it stops the Vomiting in some measure In Loosenesses give Half the first Dose every Four Hours till the Flux begins to be moderated then be more wary in giving it for what is afterward given may have its full Effect therefore be very cautious by giving but small Quantities both in this Case and in Vomiting when they are moderated in some degree because Opiates then have their full Effect without any Diminution or Opposition thereof In other Fluxes a moderate Dose may serve as in Desluxions Catarrhs c. however let the Dose rather incline to the highest than the lowest and suffice if possible to cause Sleep which is a great Effect in these Cases III. The Vehicle in Vomiting should be small in Quantity pleasant comfortable and warming lest you should by either Quantity or Quality give any offence to the Stomach pleasing it answers the same Intent with the Opiate it self and has often good Effect without Opium for indeed every Pleaser is proportionably an Opiate and Opiâ—m is only such in an intense and permanent manner therefore the Vehicle must be agreeable as Wine Hippocras or Wine burnt with Spices Rosemary c. or the best Cordials or Wine with some 〈◊〉 Câ—viare or Anchovis or a little old Châ—ese dissolved in it upon the Fire according as the Person likes one or the other which last tho' not used in common Practice are of very great Benefit where they are pleasing and well liked of In Loosenesses such Wines and Cordials as are sâ—bastringent should be afforded after the peccant Matter is evacuated to comfort the Bowels but the mentioned Salt Things are not convenient in this Case In Defluxions incrassative Composers are the best Vehicles as Emulsions c. See the Vehicles for Composing for they are all proper in this Case also IV. The Time is at any Hour when there is Occasion but Sleep conducing the proper Time will be unless Need otherwise requires at the due and directed distance before Bed-time V. The Regimen 1. As to Diet in Vomitings offer nothing to the Stomach but such Things and in such Quantities as was directed for Vehicles only in Vomiting before the grieving Matter is discharged it will be often convenient before the Opiate is given to give good Quantities of innocent Diluters as luke-warm Water plain or Carduus-Posset between the Vomits to dilate and render the Vomiting more easie but when you would stop the Vomiting use but small Quantities of such Things as are above directed for Vehicles Diluters in great Quantity do also succeed very well in Loosenesses to wash off the ill Humours before the Opiate is given and it is the best Practice that can be but the Chalybeate Waters are the very best for that Purpose tho' Posset or very thin Chicken or Mutton Broth are useful for it answers all good Intentions it dilutes and quâ—lifies the peccant Humours strengthens the Bowels leaves a binding Quality after the Dilution is made restores Appetite and Digestion which are both much amiss in such Cases and adds moisture to the Bloud which is under a Frâ—t or Febricula for want thereof because all Liquids are carried off by Stool but much of this goes to the Bloud where it also washes off ill saline Particles so that believe me it is of it self a most compleat and adequate Remedy in such Cases if taken to 3 or 4 Quarts for 1 2 or 3 Days 1. Solid Meats or Things hard of Digestion must be avoided because the Digestion is infirm but Milks thicken'd with Rice or Flower Rice Gruâ—s a light Bread or Rice Pudding Gellies Marmalet a Tâ—st out of Claret with Nutmeg Cinnamon and some Loaf Sugar Emulsions Almond Milk Cheese-Cakes Custards and all subastringent Incrassatives are best as also in all Defluxions 2. As to Sleeping and Waking that 's good and this bad 3. As to Rest and Motion that is convenient this not 4. As to Passions the joyous are convenient the grievous not 5. As to Air the dry and temperate is best 6. As to Excretion and Retention what is said above is sufficient saving that Vomits are very often convenient especially if the Looseness is occasioned by the Stomach to moderate it before the Opiate is given CHAP. XXXVII Of the Use of the Panacea of Opium c. to cause Fluxes or Evacuations as Perspiration Sweat c. IT as was shewn promotes some Fluxes or Evacuations by relaxing and opening
Impressions of great Concernment may escape his notice and consequently want his Assistance by Way of Defence For It is manifest That when his Attention is diverted by any Object more especially by such as mightily pleases him as in the Act of Venery and other Pleasures especially if intense that he does not perceive other Objects at the Time that he is so diverted and if the pleasant Diversion be intense and permanent as in the Case of Opium and Wine drank in a considerable Quantity he is so taken up diverted or charm'd therewith that he does not attend to the Business of Sensation This is one Reason why such as are far gone in Drink have none of their Senses aright but as to the Illustration of this Matter you may expect more hereafter Note That the sensitive Soul is the only Thing i◠an Animal that has Perception and therefore the only Thing that is sensible of any Grievance Weariness Hunger Pleasure Comfort c. Secondly It is requisite that it should use all Means that is in its Power that the Impressions should be brought to it very entirely exactly smartly c. so as to have due notice of all Objects and the smallest Impressions that may be For which good Ends and Purposes God has endued the sensitive Soul as will be fully proved with a Power of contracting all the sensile small and slender Pipes Vessels or Passages of the Animal Spirits for the more express distinct and accurate Conveyance of all Impressions by the Help of Compression Therefore the sensitive Soul taking the Advantage thereof for better Information in order to Self-Preservation does by the Appointment of the Preserver of all Things execute his Power by the aforementioned Vigilative Contraction of those Parts to cause their Tension and greater Compression of the Animal Spirits to improve the Impressions that are to be convey'd to him and render them more observable This God who has made nothing to be idle and particularly ordered the sensitive Soul in Adam for Labour especeally in Reference to their own Safety and Preservation has made to be the ordinary Employ or Day-Work of the sensitive Soul that by the said Vigilative Contraction the Organs Membranes Vessels c. may be render'd more tense and firm and the Animal Spirits more compressed springy prompt flippant and forcible for the Benefit of Sense and Motion upon all Occasions of Defence Flights Struggles c. which is our State of Vigilancy as has been intimated But the keeping of the said Parts Membranes c. in continual Contraction even against the Renitency of the elastick Spirits which resist and thrust the harder against their Vessels by how much the more they Compress them by the Vigilative Contraction being a continual tedious Labour and Fatigue of which the sensitive Soul being sensible as the only Perceiver of Lassitude or indeed of any Thing besides in an Animal and in his Nature but material changeable fatigable frail subject to be worn out and capable of Decay which makes the Certainty of Death in all Animals and in us since the Fall into an Animal Nature does upon that Account and lest the continual Contraction and tensive Stress of Parts by that Means should spoil their Tone and to recruit the wasted Sprits by Rest after tuggingall Day at the Vigilative Contraction grow willing to give over the Drudgery however convenient for the Uses aforesaid Therefore being allow'd convenient Rest by his Maker he for the great Benefit of Refection without which he cannot continue his Being and for the sweetness of Ease loosens the Reins of Vigilative Contraction whereupon Sensation and Promptitude to Motion which were maintain'd by that Contraction causing the Tension of Organs and Compression of the Animal Spirits as has been Mechanically demonstrated fail by the Relaxation of those Organs Membranes and Vessels of the Spirits and the consequent Expansion of the Animal Spirits so that now only the Compression of the Atmosphere remains which as you see in a Gut half full of Air under that Pressure is not sufficient to convey the Impressions with any Smartness or cause the Animal Spirits to spring vigorously into Motion which Decay or Failure of Sense and Motion by Relaxation and the consequent Expansion of the Animal Spirits is the State of Natural Sleep Note That Relaxation is a necessary Consequence of the Privation of Contraction and requires no Labour but a bare Remission of that Contraction Note That the Watching Part of our Lives is upheld by Force and that Nullum violentum est diuturnum and consequently a necessity of Sleep and at last of Death it self Thus have you the true Reason of Sleeping and Watching which will naturally plainly and easily solve all the Phenomena's thereof for it is most evident from the Premises 1. Why Watching and Sleeping observe a Proportion between them the being tired with one being the cause of the other 2. Why Sense and Motion do fail so much in Sleep viz. by the Relaxation of all Parts and Expansion of the Animal Spirits 3. Why they always fail together and in like Proportion 4. Why they do not wholly fail in Sleep because the Compressure of the Atmosphere c. remains 5. Why in Sleep the Limbs are like a Gut half full of Air lax limber flaccid and yielding all manner of Ways because all the innumerable small Vessels that contain the Elastick Animal Spirits are as that half fill'd Gut I mentioned not tightly fill'd which if they were would be firm and tense as such a Gut blown up very full and forcibly is which Vessels being all over the Body confirm the whole Tone when we are awake and the Vigilative Contraction compresses the Animal Spirits into a Steadiness and as it were a kind of Solidity 6. Why as appears by Statick Demonstrations and Experiments we perspire more when asleep than awake because the Pores are closed by the Vigilative Contraction and open'd in Sleep by the contrary Relaxation which therefore always causes free Perspiration where ever it happens as in fainting Fits Syncopes Leipothymies and by Warmth especially if moist and emollient as in Baths Fomentations Feet Washes Head Washes c. as also when Pleasure relaxes as in the Act of Venery great Joy after good Meals or some Glasses of Wine c. all which cause plentiful Perspiration because they relax and thereby open the Pores as more fully appears in the following Discourse by Reason of the Pleasure that they cause which diverts the sensitive Soul from his Employ of Contraction 7. Why the Pores being open by the Relaxation we sweat in our Sleep if we are fill'd with Matter for it viz. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 That is Much Sweat in Sleep argues that much Food or Nutriment was taken of which Drink is the greatest Part in Bulk even in Sober Persons I mention this to shew the Difference in the Case of Perspiration and Sweating for that always happens in Sleep but not Sweat unless