ZYMOLOGIA PHYSICA, Or a brief Philosophical Discourse OF FERMENTATION, From a new Hypothesis of Acidum and Sulphur.  
WHEREBY The Phoenomena of all natural Hotbaths, the Generation of Minerals, the Production of many Acidulae or Spaw-waters, the Grand appearances of Heat, Fire, and Light, throughout the triplicity of Nature's Dominions, in the productions of Bodies, are solved from the intestine duelling and inward collisions of the foresaid principles.  
Whereby also Various other subterraneal Phoenomena, as Damps, Earthquakes, Eruptions, etc. likewise the appearance of Meteors etc. and divers other no less remarkable ●…●●aining, are from the same Doctrine of Fomentation genuinely solved.  
With an additional Discourse of the SULPHUR-BATH at KNARSBROUGH.  
By W. SIMPSON, M. D.  Altiora cogitando robilitatur mens humana. 
LONDON, Printed by T. R. & N. T. for W. Cooper at the Pelican in Little-Britain, 1675.   

TO THE Right Honourable THE PRECEDENT & FELLOWS OF THE ROYAL SOCIETY.  
The following DISCOURSE OF FERMENTATION Is most Humbly Presented BY THE AUTHOR W. SIMPSON.   

THE PREFACE TO THE READER.  
HE that attempts any thing that is new, whether in Natural Philosophy, or other Sciences, aught with the famed Archimedes, to beg a sure footing; and he that builds had no less need to lay a good Foundation, lest in the former he be driven back, and in the latter, the fabric by over-hanging, endanger its fall by its own weight. What care I have taken herein, I am now likely to run the hazard of thy carping or candid interpretation, the common fate to all Books.  
We here present to thy view, (Candid Reader, if such thou art) a small Scheme (such as it is) of the principles of Nature, which though few, yet probably very teeming: We offer here a little draught of those pregnant mechanical agents, Nature (we suppose) useth in the Formatations and Transformations of all bodies, drawn as near as we can to the life; which at present we have comprised into this Epitomised bulk, lest by the swelling of its Volume, thou shculdst conjecture its Title before thou readest its name. I have been not a little cautious in the modelling this small Platform, (though perhaps not without its Chinks and Chasmes, discernible to a curious prying Eye) by which (if it take) a larger draught probably may afterwards be drawn; having endeavoured to calculate this Physiological Scheme, according to the meridian of an inquisitive searching Age.  
When I had well nigh finished another piece, entitled Lithologia Physica; as also another, which bears in its front Halologia Chymica, (both writ in Latin) two as considerable Subjects (I mean Petrification and Salification) as I could then pitch upon, both grounded upon a different Hypothesis than was that extant: before (I say) I had completed the two foresaid Tracts, it came into my mind, to give a little compondious account of a new Hypothesis I had of●en ruminated upon, which I thought I could not better do, then by undertaking thereby to solve some of the most remarkable and entertaining Phoenomena of Nature, such as are natural Hot. Baths, the generation of Minerals, the appearances of Heat, Fire and Light, etc. which therefore we made the subject matter of this ensuing Discourse: and do therein ever and anon, refer to what we writ in those other mentioned pieces.  
And when I had well nigh finished this small tract, I began to look about me, and to consider on which of the Philosopher's side I was (seeing they by their various and different Hypotheses are apt, instar Audabatum, to fight in the dark) I could not tell of a good while, till at length I considered, that the great Hypocrates himself has given touches thereof, 
Tach 84. Jord. 114. De Dicta lib. 1.  while in his Book de Dicta he tells us, Constituuntur tum omnia animantia, tum homo ipse ex duobus, igne & aqua: And that our Doctrine doth coincide with his contenentia, contenta, & impetum facientia: The contenentia are vasa & viscera: The contenta are Fluids, viz. Water the material principle of bodies: The impetum facientia are Ferments, or Acidum and Sulphur put into an intestine collision or Fermentation: And as he tells us all things are made of Fire and Water; and that these two are sufficient for all generations: so he adds, that Fire gives motion, and Water nutrition: which how it agrees with our Hypothesis, let the ensuing Discourse speak for itself.  
So that it appears that Fermentation in our sense, is the same with his Spiritus impetum faciens with his 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉, Fire hid in bodies, It's also the same with that Aetherial matter, the Panspermion of other abstruse Philosophers, that divinioris aurae particula implanted by God (the Parent of Nature) in Water; which from seminal originals, produce, by a genuine expansion, all concrete bodies: it's likewise the same which the noble Helmont calls semina rerum. Those indeed foecunda semina rerum, which as the Poet goes on, Vivaci nutrita solo, ceu matris in alvo, creverunt.  
And by the more recent Spagirical Physiologists it's called Spirit, or a combination of Spirit, Salt, 
Tach. clar. p. 40.  and Sulphur: It's what Tachenius intends by his Acidum pinguae & filius solis, etc.  
And lastly, (to name no more) its what in a more plain dialect has been represented to us by the Poets from the ancient sage Philosophers, where one of them saith, 
Quip ubi temperie sumpsere humorque colorque  
concipiunt; & ab his oruntur cuncta duobus.   
When I had viewed the many high roads and broad tracks (distinguished by the first tracers, and bore their names) at the first sight each seemed large enough, and promised a fair passage into the beautiful Garden of Nature. But I found, that as often as I took along them, though I went on pretty merrily at first, because the path was well beaten, store had gone that way, yet I had not gone long, ere I perceived still they ended and spent themselves into a wide barren Common, where I was ever and anon bewildered, and at a loss whither to turn: so that amidst such difficulties of Rocks, Precipices, Hilly-places, etc. I was glad I got safe off: at length I espied a little narrow way that had been little beaten, so that the footings of those who had tracked it was scarce discernible; and it lay off from all the rest of the broad paths: so that (after I had tried in vain most of the rest) I took into that, kept in it as well as I could, which was difficult to do from its foresaid narrowness, and its being unbeaten: and although I now and then deviated, yet I found I was not strayed so wide, but that with some trouble I got in again; and following this path, it led me directly into the amiable Garden of Nature: where, what contemplation I made, what prospects I took of those curiosities and rarities I met with, let this ensuing discourse give some foretastes, which as it finds admittance into the World, may give encouragement to publish more.  
And here I might take the liberty to assure the World, that nothing doth give a man a fairer prospect into the inward recesses and secret retirements of Nature, nor doth offer a better view into Nature's Landscapes, nor doth more open the Cabinet of her choicest rarities, than that most admirable Mistress of Arts and Sciences, the noble Chymia, that clavigera arcanorum naturae, which gives admittance into the surprising Arcana of Nature, whose entertaining Phoenomena in her genuine encheiresis, are such as may strike admiration (not to say amazement) in the Artist: I mean not here that spurious brood of swarming Chemists, those fumivenduli, who fill the World full of Smoke and Noise, who are but indeed the blemishes of that noble Mistress; the spots in that solar Beauty, the soils that set off the Lustre of the legitimate Sons of Art, who will shine with an oriental Lustre amidst such empty Clouds.  
He indeed that would be a diligent searcher of Nature (thereby to become useful in his generation) must not disdain the soiling his Fingers with Coals; nor think it below him to converse with the meanest of mechanics, but may take time to wipe his Fingers while he is refining his notions, and rectifying his contemplations by remarking the obvious Phoenomena of his or others works.  
If this Essay hold good, as its probable in the main it may, it will in great likelihood be as an introduction to further and more clearer discoveries in the knowledge of the hidden mechanical agents, employed by the divine hand in the fabric of all bodies: and gives great probability of being an inlett into a better understanding of the causes and efficients of Diseases, and their Cures, then at the first can easily be apprehended: and in general may be as a foundation towards further improvements in all manner of Physiology or Natural Philosophy.  
We would not presume to say, that all other Hypotheses ought to truckle (far be it) but shall leave the Peripatetics quadriga of Elements, with their first and second qualities, their matter and form, etc. The Epicurcan or Corpuscularian Doctrine, founded upon Matter, Figure, and Motion, the Figures depending upon those of round, quadrate, acute, cylindrical striate, etc. of Atoms, making a pleasant Methematical Scheme, adorned by the curious notions of Cartesius and others: The quinary of the late Spagyrists, The ternary of the Chemists (although that in a genuine acceptation is the most plausible) The Binary of the Tachenians, etc. But shall I say, leave each of the foresaid to the judicious, to compare with this, and to judge of according to their worth and intrinsic value.  
And only shall refer to the computation of the unbyass'd Reader, whether an ingenious person may not be enabled to take a further prospect into the nature of things, and be capable of making better inspections into the insides thereof, and of taking larger measures towards a further and future improvement, then from any other yet extant: where, although I should be found wandering, yet would not (Candid Reader) despair of thy favourable aspect, and that upon the very foresaid reasons, viz. both of the uncothness and untractedness of the path, having neither guide nor leader, yea scarce any Landmarks, but what was set up by the industrious labours of the Spagyrical Science, whose ne plus ultra Pillars are beyond our hopes of ever reaching.  
I would here once for all say, that I only propound my Hypothesis as a modest Essay towards the further improvement of that noble Doctrine of Fermentation: For not being satisfied with any thing I have yet seen extant upon that Subject, has given me occasion to search further into the nature and causes thereof: not being content with a bare ipse dixit, or to sit down under the dogmatical placets of Authors, at the foot of such Gamaliels, gave myself scope to trace nature (if I could) in her more hidden paths and secret tracts.  
And indeed the only right way of establishing any sort of Hypothesis, is first to procure a set of parallel experiments, and to be furnished with a competent stock of mechanical Trials, which are so well to be contrived, as to accord amongst themselves in their most remarkable appearances; and this is to be observed in the erecting any Hypothesis, whether Physics, medics, or any material branch of either, as the true basis to build upon, consulting in the one the experiments, in the other, the observations of ingenious persons, in order to the raising such a structure as will not easily fall, and of confirming such a Theory as will abide the test of after ages.  
Now how ours of Fermentation square herewith, I must appeal to the judicious Reader; For after we had laid a great many of experiments together, and had found where, in their most observable Phoenomena they hit and concentred; by an induction I say of which particular experiments, conspiring in the reasons and causes of their main solutions, we began to propose to ourselves an Hypothesis which might best suit therewith, and most genuinely result therefrom, and found from its congenialness to the principles of Nature, not only to hold good in those which at first fell under our consideration, but also in others which afterwards occurred to our thoughts, and that from the consonancy and consistency of Nature to herself in all her actions, both in the genesis and analysis of bodies.  
And now, kind Reader, (that I may conclude) thou hast viewed the front, and passed the Portal, if thou has taken any pleasure therein, and art at leisure, my advice is, that thou forthwith enter, and I would lead thee by the hand into the building it self; consider the materials, look at the foundation, pry (though not too narrowly) into the cement, pass through every Room, observe the proportion and symmetry of the parts; and if thou canst not otherwise come to a resolve in thy judgement, yet at least guests at the design from the contrivance of the plot: if thou say it wants finishing work, we confess it, by acknowledging it to be the first, and therefore more rude draught: if thou say our Lights are too much shaded, we say so too, owning our weakness in that Art; if, that our Fires which should warm, dry, and do other offices to the Natives, are too much clouded with fumes, we will not contend: only beg of thee, by putting things into a just balance, to weigh them well before thou pass thy severest judgement, and thou wilt oblige him to concern himself further in the like matters, who remains Thine  
W. S.   

BIBLIOPOLA-LECTORI.  
Gentle Reader,  
THe Authors more earnest occasions not permitting him time to wait upon the Press, hath occasioned some literal mistakes; and although small ones, yet will not the exact curiosity of the Author pass them by, but that I must lay them open to thy view, and crave thy Correction. But more especially I beg yours and the Author's excuse for a more considerable mistake by me committed, in returning to the Printer a wrong Paragraph in page 11. an atonement for which I have endeavoured to make, by giving you the corrected one, which you will find Printed at the end of this discourse.  
VALE.   

PAge 17. l. 13. minglable, p. 30. l. 2. viride aeris, l. 7. incorporated, p. 37. l. 21. hewing, p. 42. l. 10. corked, p. 44. l. 28. patent, p. 51. l. 7. bilious, p. 36. l. 17. are pleurisies, l. 28. before gentle add seasonable, p. 61. l. 27. maternal, p. 62. l. 1. invigorating, l 25. turns, p. 63. l. 3. cuelling, l. 5. vitali, l. 17. leffas, p 69. l. 24. tempered, p. 71. l. 13. of r. upon, l. 23. barm, p. 72. l. 17. Buy, l. 22. your r. yea, p. 73. l. 20. their r. the, p. 74. l. 29. fat r. fall, and florid r, soft; p. 76. l. 20. maturations, l. 24. neutral, p. 77. l. 1. there r. thereof, p. 79. l. 15. wood. r. woad, p. 80. l. 2. Urinou, p. 85. l. 21. with rwhich, p. 87. l. 17. Tabes, p. 88 l. 4. deal world, l. 28. closing, p. 98. l. 4. after closing add with, p. 105. l. 6. intenceed deal d. p. 113. l. 7. spring r. syringe, p. 118. l. 5. intromission, p. 121. l. 12. breathed, p. 123. l. 18. globuli, p. 139. l. 24. dyscrasy, p. 142. l. 6. tinge. Sulphur-Bath, p. 25. l. 11. solvent.   

A Philosophical Discourse OF FERMENTATION.  

CHAP. I.  
WE shall not here ravel into the opinion of others concerning this great doctrine of Fermentation, which whether we look upon in a more large sense, as the very Basis of Nature's workings in the formations and transformations of Bodies, or in a more strict, limiting it (as some Authors do) to the bare confinements of some animal and vegetable juices: If the former, it might come in competition with all other sorts of Principles, laid down in the various kinds of Hypotheses by divers Physiologists, whether Peripatetics, Epicureans, Cartesians, (which is but the latter polished) Paracelsians, Helmontions, Willesians, Tachenians, etc. and so might require a larger discourse than here we intent: If the latter, we stint and straiten Nature in her more ample work of generations, making her square to our straitlaced and biased notions: We shall in neither sense, I say, take an occasion to examine the Opinions and Judgements of others, referring that task to another place. But shall without any unnecessary Prologue fall to our intended work.  
Only we would premise, that whereas the Corpuscularians (who are now the most recent Physiologists) suppose matter under the consideration of motion and figure, to be the competent Elements and Principles of Bodies, we shall anon show, that by the power of Fermentation, one part of matter mechanically indivisible, may for aught we know be splitt and subdivided by a subtle comminution into 1000 perhaps 10000 parts: now whatsoever figure these (not almost but altogether) unimaginable minute parts have or may be supposed to have, yet can signify nothing in the fabric of Bodies, till they jump together again or coincide into a stricter compage: So that such parcels of matter as come nearest to a mechanical division, or at least come nearest to be perceptable to the acutest Organs of our Sense, fortified by artificial contrivances, are such as we ought chief to look after, and to consider as principles in order to the genesis and analysis of Bodies.  
Nor are we to look at the Elements of Bodies as confined to such narrow limits, that thence of necessity they should be penned and thrust up into indivisible figured points: So that matter under the notion of figure, as of round, square, cubes, etc. in Physically indivisible points, cannot truly and in a genuine Physiological sense, be reputed the Elements of bodies: For the reason, suppose, of extension of matter in the concretion of Bodies, consists, (we conjecture) chief, if not solely, in a coagulating texture of pliable parts of matter, wrought up before while in Succo Soluto, by Fermentation: and not only extension but divisibility of matter previous to extension in the production of concretes, we ascribe to the same cause: so that whatever the Corpuscularians, attribute to motion, divisibility, and figure or size of particles of matter in order to make up the Elements of Bodies, we see no other cause but to ascribe to matter, viz. (water or watery particles) set into a Fermentative motion, which without any more ado, performs the whole business, as we shall in the sequel of this discourse illustrate, this being premised.  
The Method we intent to insist upon and to trace in order to the right understanding, and towards prosecuting the due improvements of the doctrine of Fermentation, according to our Hypothesis, will be first to explain what we mean by Fermentation, giving as concise a definition as the nature thereof will admit; next, to signify of what large extent it is in the whole round of Nature's workings, which will be elucidated by an induction of particulars, viz. how the Phoenomena of hot Baths, the production of Minerals, the origin of some Acidulae, or Spa waters, the grand appearances of Heat, Fire, and Light, throughout all Concretes, whether in the family of Minerals, Animals, or Vegetables; also how many other sorts of Phoenomena, obvious in the large field of Nature, may without straining be solved from the true principles thereof, consonant to Nature in all her workings.  
In the handling of the first, we may take leave to say, That Fermentation in the true genuine sense thereof, is nothing else, but an intestine Collision or mutual wrestling betwixt Acidum and Sulphur, put together by Nature, (or by Art in imitation of Nature) and set in a combating motion, in order to the production of some Concrete, or to some other equivalent end, whereby, if not interrupted, in liquid juices, heterogenities are separated: whose first on-sets are sometimes, especially in the Embrio-state of some things, slow and indecernable motions, whilst in other Stades they pass through, they arrive at more brisk frettings, and yet heightened, may sometimes arise to actual flagration, as we shall show afterward: And that nature (as we shall anon show) useth these two as the grand mechanical principles in the productions of all concretes, whether mineral, animal, or vegetable, and that too not only in their concretions, but reductions, in their genesis, but analysis evolutions and revolutions, weavings and unweaving, wind on and off in all Bodies.  
Only, First with this difference in the threefold Kingdom of Nature, that though the acids of vegetables be different from those of animals, and both from those of minerals, retaining a specifical difference amongst themselves, whereby they constantly keep up the bad e of their distinction in their several Classes, yet all are in a true (and not metaphorical) sense, acids, the like may be said of their Sulphurs, which are truly (and not analogically) Sulphurs.  
And Secondly, with this difference amongst the same Acids and Sulphurs, as they are considered under the notion of the genesis and production of Bodies, from what the same are in the right understanding of the analysis, reductions and unwearing of Concretes. So that nature hereby is every where uniform to herself, and that ●o from the consonancy and harmony of her principles: We say therefore and shall prove in the series of our following discourse, that there are no concretions of Bodies, as they assume their birth from the legitimate broodings of nature in all seeds and seminal offsprings, without the concurring efficients and principles of Fermentation, which as they are hid and close shut up in the very primordial seedlings of things, and are known to us only a posteriori (inasmuch as they are indiscernible a priori, but by an intuitive knowledge) yet ex ungue leonem, we may easily take their measures from those Scantlings we can trace in their footings.  
Now for the better rendering our Doctrine of Fermentation intelligible, viz. how nature by the foresaid principles set to work in the very primordials of things, goes on (if not interrupted) in a linear process towards the productions thereof, we shall begin with the mineral Kingdom: where we shall illustrate the veracity of our principles of Fermentation, by thence solving the Phenomena of hot Baths, the productions of minerals, and other subterraneal appearances, as they will in course fall in our way.  
In order to the right understanding of hot Baths, and to demonstrate they have their original from Fermentation of mineral juices, our method will be to lay down two positions, the first whereof is, that ●●re is no hot Bath without Sulphur. The Second, That an Acid is necessarily requisite in all mineral Fermentations; and that all Acids so concerned, are either native or super-induced, also to show what we mean by Sulphur, and how hot Baths differ chief according to the difference of their Sulphurs: And which amongst them are not safely to be taken inwardly and which are: Then to show how from the foresaid principles put together into an intestine collision and Fermentation, the waters that pass through them, must necessarily become hot, and this is then to be confirmed by an induction of mechanical Experiments, also to show how Sulphur by Fermentation, becomes comminuted volatized, and capable of Solution in Water, as happens in all hot Baths, and to signify a parallel betwixt mineral and vegetable Fermentations, etc.   

CHAP. II.  
AS to the truth of the first position, viz. that there is no hot Bath without Sulphur, appears, because as there is no heat without Fermentation of mineral juices (I mean as to subterraneals) as we shall make evident afterwards, so no Fermentation without Sulphur; For although indeed from mixtures of Acids and Alcalies, (whether fixed or volatile) Fermentation and Heat doth necessarily result: yet because they are artificially produced; and next, because it will be difficult to find out the sources of these heats, and the true genuine causes of such Fermentations, from the variety of those efficients, I mean alcalies: for notwithstanding there be plenty of alcalizate alcalies, (as I may call them to distinguish from lixivial) wrapped up in the texture of Petrifick concretions, yet there must be store of very Corrosive acids, that can be sufficient to cause so great a Fermentation, which we may never expect to find: Therefore Tachenius his Hypothesis of acids and alcalies, will not do our work, as being too narrow in the foundation to raise so large a structure of philosophy upon, as genuinely to solve the various Phoenomena of nature, and particularly in this appearance of hot Baths, as anon will be more evident.  
By Sulphur I do not confine myself in my Hypothesis to that particular mineral Concrete called Sulphur or Brimstone, which although that be a Subject in whose concretion more plenty of that matter I call Sulphur is interwoven, or rather coagulated, then in any other: yet by that term, I do not only mean what is flammable in that body; but also the like anologous' flagrable matter in other minerals or metals, as to minerals whether in Antimony, native Cinnaber, Arsncck, Auripigmentum, Marcasites, Pyrites, Succinum, Ga●ates Lythanthrax, etc. As to metals in Lead, Tin, Iron, Copper, and Quicksilver, or in both, viz. Vitriols, which are metals, especially Mars and Venus reduced into that form by the help of mineral acids; I say I do not only mean what is flagrable in the foresaid Bodies, or may be separated in a combustible matter: But also I include all bitumen and unctuous matter; whether reposed in Earth, Stones, or the like: As to which Sulphurs, even in all combustible Concretes, we know not that ever they appear sincere, but always more or less complicated with their connate acids, and upon every sort of Fermentation, (as we shall show more afterwards) whether in the slow or quick, low or high degrees thereof in vegitation, animation, mineralization, ignition and flagration, they continually wind off, and do tenues evanescere in auras.  
And also in the fore said Bodies wherein Sulphur predominates, or is separable, an acidum is plainly discoverable to be the inmate or companion thereof, as is obvious by the burning of Brimstone, the Sulphur of Antimony, etc. which by condencing the fumes, give an acid Spirit (which whether all combustible matters amongst animals, vegetables, and minerals, will yield peculiar sorts of acids, I may elsewhere treat) yet because the Sulphurous principle hath the pre-eminence in such concretions or unctuous Liquors, we shall therefore discourse of them under the notion of Sulphur.  
Now to prove that Sulphur, either crude or volatile, is found in most, if not all known hot Baths, let us consult what Authors say herein: who have seen and made observations upon them.  
Thus in the aqua Aponensi that famed hot Bath near Milan, so much discoursed by Fallopius, certo collegi (saith he) etc. vaporem Sulphureum in illa aqua Aponensi contineri, and saith further, est aqua ferventissima, & dum calida est sapit Sulphur & Bitumen, etc. The learned Dr. Ed. Brown fellow of the Royal Society in his Travels tells us his observations: Sulphur (saith he) which is in great quantities in many hot Springs, flieth away continually, and is not to be found in them, if you boil or evaparate the Bathwater: and therefore to discover it, I thought it more rational to look out of the water, then into it; for upon many places which were over the Baths, and received the Steams of the hot wait, I have seen Sulphur stick: And to satisfy my curiosity further herein, I caused once a Pipe to be opened at Baden in Austria, through which the hot water continually ran, and took with my hand from the upper part of the Pipe, divers Boxes full of a substance scarce to be distinguished from Flower of Brimstone.  
Thus we see how Sulphur dissolved in these Baths doth sometimes precipitate along the sides of the Channels through which it runs as also being volatized doth pass away (I mean the purer part) in vapours or steams insensibly till arrested by some particular bodies, it settles and sticks thereto: Thus the foresaid Author observed, That walking about one day in the lower Bath at Baden, and leaning over the Balisters, perceived that his Buttons, and what else he wore that was Silver, were all turned yellow of a fair Gold colour, although he was at some distance from the Water: whereupon he tried this Experiment, viz. of hanging money over the Bath at a foot distance, or at a greater, and found it coloured in a minute's time, and that which was nearer, in half a minute.  
Next we are to consider how these Thermae or hot Baths differ amongst themselves (which as we conceive) chief proceeds from the difference and great variety of Sulphurs or Mineral Bodies, wherein are wrapped up a diversity of Sulphurs, through which they pass, and with which they are impregnated, together with some other mineral parts which they take in, either at the place of Fermentation, or afterwards in their passage. For Sulphurs (which we suppose to be chief concerned in all mineral Fermentations differ much amongst themselves, common Brimstone being different from that of Antimony, and that from the Sulphur of Vitriol, Pyrites, and other mineral Marcasites, all which are yet different from Arsenical Sulphurs, and from bituminous matters, one sort or other of which are most what the predominant ingredient and mineral principle of these hot Baths.  
Hence it is that some of these Sulphurous waters, may with good success in order to the cure of some diseases, be taken inwardly, others not, Those that may not, are generally such whose Sulphurs are Antimonial, Arsenical or Bituminous, or at least border upon such minerals as are allied thereto; of which are the generality of hot Baths, and in particular those of our own Nation, of which the Sommersetshire being the hottest, are found altogether unfit for inward uses, are not safely to be drunk, inasmuch as they are impregnated (as I conceive) with antimonial, or perhaps bituminous Sulphur, or the Sulphur of some Pyrites or other Marcasite, a kin to Antimony or Bitumen, which lodgeth in the bowels of those great Mountains, at the Foot or Centre of which those hot Baths break forth: for the acid which concurs necessarily (as we shall show afterwards) to those Fermentations, as an indispensible principle, opens the body of those Sulphurs, or detains them whilst in fieri in their crude nature, and thereby renders them wholly noxious for inward use, as we could further illustrate, but that we hast.  
Nor is Buxton Bath in Derbyshire (from the same cause, although in a remiss degree) fit for taking inwardly: inasmuch as that according to all probability, partakes of a bituminous Sulphur, and that I gather from the plenty of a bituminous or oily substance, got out of the very Clefts of the Stones in the Peake, yea this bituminous or oily matter is found in the very Pores, Clefts and Cavites of the Stones themselves, as was communicated to me from the judicious, and my worthy Friend Mr. Jossop, whose Father (as he acquainted me) got two Spoonfuls out of one crevice in a Stone, which bituminous matter is lodged not only in those stones, but also in a sort of light lithanthrax: which rubbed (being a smooth polite body) is Electrical (as I have found by trial) which distilled, yields an oil and acid Spirit, almost like that of Amber, as the ingenious Mr. Fisher informed me he found by trial, yea the same bitumen is imbibed into a fungus matter, which Dr. Lister supposeth (and that very likely) to be rotten wood long buried in the earth, into which this oily matter or bitumen hath sunk, which keeps (as I have found) continually moist, though kept in a dry place. I say, it's very probable that the Sulphurous principle of Buxton Bath, hath its determination from this sort of bitumen; And as to those Sulphurous waters which may safely be taken inwardly, are chief the Sulphur-well at Knarsbrough, of which we shall further discourse in a Chapter by itself afterwards.  
And as to the different degrees of heat in Baths, may proceed either from the more remiss or intense Fermentation of mineral juices, or from the different place of Fermentation, as it may be deep within the bowels of the Earth, or near the place of its Exit, thus if the Fermentation happen to be far within the Earth, and so remote from the place of Eruption, that the Sulphur therice become much what precipitated, or left in the colander or filter of Sand, through which it passeth, and the acidum thereby so dinted as to become very languid (if at all perceptable) in the Water, and yet by reason of its closeness from the air, may retain somewhat of its first conceived warmth, of which sort are those Sulphur Baths near Villock in Carinthia, which are gently warm, (as the learned Dr. Brown notes in his book of Travels) as also as I suppose, Buxton Bath in Derbyshire, whilst in other parts of the earth, the foresaid Fermentation may be strong both from the plenty of the two combating principles, as also from their nearness to the place of breaking forth, of which sort are those at Glass-Hitten, Eisenbacke, both not far from Schemnitz in Hungary (where are silver mines) also those of Stubn near Newsol in the same Country, those at Baden in Austria, and especially ours at the Bath in Sommersetshire.  
We say also, that Fermentation of mineral juices is most necessarily requisite to the producing of all hot Baths, and consequently all hot Baths depend thereon, because hereby is made a comminution of Sulphurous, or other bituminous juices, which thence become communicable to, and dissolvable in ordinary spring-water, for hereby the Sulphur is severed into volatile parts, easily permeating the body of water. The parallel of what is produced by Fermentation in vegetables to what is performed by the same amongst mineral juices in order to the making hot Baths, is not inconsiderable, whether we look at the agents, or at Fermentation its self, or lastly at the effects, as to the agents, which here are requisite to perform mineral Fermentations, we shall demonstrate afterwards to be no other, than mineral acids and mineral Sulphurs intoris mineralibus: That also Acids and Sulphurs (to wit of their own kind) are the true agents in the performing all vegetable Fermentations, we may elsewhere ex instituto discourse: as to Fermentation itself, which whether in minerals or vegetables, is nothing else but an intestine motion of the essential constituent principles of Acidum and Sulphur, which is in a more remiss or intense degree, and the heat consequently more or less, according to the slower or more brisk on-sets and inward struggle of those combitant principles; Lastly, the parallel will hold good in the effects of Fermentation. Thus as the effects of the sensible Fermentation in all vegetable Fermentative Liquors is the comminution and volatization of their Sulphurs, as that what before such sensible Fermentation was separable in the form of an Oil by bare infusions and distillations in ordinary water, is now by the comminution of previous Fermentation, so divided, subdivided, and volatized, as that these vegetable Sulphurs will not only arise by the gentlest heat, but will also easily dissolve in any water or common vehicle; As we plainly see that any vinous Spirit made from vegetables by Fermentation, will easily mix with ordinary water: which the oils of those vegetables separated before Fermentation would not do; So likewise the effects of those sensible (at least by their heat) Fermentations in mineral Fermentative juices, is no other than the comminution and volatization of their otherwise crude Sulphurs, For what is it (would I ask) that can render Sulphur and bituminous juices capable of incorporating with Spring-water? Seeing that neither fire (which what that is in a true Physiological sense according to our Hypothesis, we may elsewhere declare) in the vulgar notion thereof, nor Salts (I mean fixed or volatile) can alone perform that work, For by fire if in open Vessels, Brimstone being burnt, it ariseth with a fume condensible into an acid Sulphurous Liquor, witness the oil of Sulphur per Campanam, made by flag ration, and in close Vessels, it makes no alteration, arising only in Flowers, which are nothing else but the entire body of Brimston, unaltered or opened: and as to fixed vegetable Salts, those indeed open the body of Common Sulphur, or Sulphur of any of the minerals, so as to make them more capable of dissolving in those congenial menstruas of Oil, or vinous Spirits, but do not at all procure their solution in common water, for water being poured to any of the foresaid solutions of Sulphur, made either with Oils or vinous Spirits by fixed Salts, do forthwith lactescere, causing a precipitation of the very body of Sulphur in a milky form called lac Sulphuris; So that it remains that nothing else short of acid juices, can perform this great work of dissolving mineral Sulphurs, so as to make them mingable with water; which is performed one of these three ways, viz. either by bare solution, distillation, or Fermentation; in all which the acidum must have the pre-eminence before such sort of alteration upon Sulphur can be made; thus as it is ex intuitu Sulphuris, that all metals are dissolvable in the Stygian or other proper menstrua, which being taken in pieces by acids (together with their congenial Sulphurs) the mercurial and other parts complicated in the texture of that body, doth colliquescere: So likewise it is ex intuitu acidorum that all mineral Sulphurs., or Sulphurous Concretes, do either dissolve in water, or are capable of distillation into Liquors; or lastly, do undergo Fermentation and the products thereof.  
First, As to solution in water thus vitriol or vitriolin marcasites, which contain plenty of Sulphur do either per se, or exposed to the air, become capable of dissolving most what in water, and that from the prevalency of their acids above their Sulphurous principle, whereby the Sulphur lurks under the mask of the acid.  
Secondly, As to their distillation, I mean of Sulphurs in the form of Liquors, that happens also from the powerfulness of their acids assisted by the acidum of fire, used in such distillations, whereby the Acidum and Sulphur do colliquescere into a corrosive Liquor, as appears in Oil of Vitriol.  
And Lastly, This Acido-Sulphurous-Liquor, (and others of the like nature prepared as aforesaid, by distillation) if diluted by the addition of a little water, or of any oily Liquor, or vinous Spirit be mixed therewith, the Sulphur is presently set upon by the acid, from whose mutual assaults ariseth a strong Fermentation, making the Glass intensely hot, and thereby sometimes comes near to an actual flagration: So that it is the acidum variously treating the Sulphur, whence all these varieties of operations proceed; And by this last work of Fermentation, the Sulphur is more comminuted, volatized, and altered, then by either of the two former. It's true indeed, that fixed alcalies, or Calx vive (being analogous to the former) doth so work upon the body of common Sulphur, or Sulphur of some minerals, and thereby opens it, so as meeting with an acid juice, may make a resemblance of some Sulphur waters, as we have elsewhere largely discoursed in our Hydrologia Chymica, concerning the Sulphur-well at Knarsbrough, which is without doubt, I mean the precipitation by the supervening acid, the cause of the strong smell of this and some other the like waters.  
Amongst the causes assigned by divers Authors of the heat in natural Baths, those of subterraneal fires are not the least, which because we have by sufficient arguments at large exploded in our Hydrologia Chymica, shall now therefore wave: But the great and most authentic opinion is that of Dr. Jordens in his book of natural Baths, which by many learned persons, hath (and that not unworthily) the kind acceptance, and the most general applause which is grounded upon a Fermentation from a seminary Spirit of minerals, in the bowels of the earth, meeting with convenient matter, from which Spirit acting upon the matter in generation of minerals, is caused that heat which perpetuates hot Baths.  
It would be too tedious a task, for this intended short tract, now to wade into a deep examination of the Hypothesis of this learned man, I shall only say (leaving the rest of that doctrine in its own worth) that had that judicious person been better acquainted with the understanding of the true and genuine sense of Fermentation, would no doubt have polished his notions much better than we find them, and would have told us wherever Fermentation was found (in whichsoever of the triplicity of nature's Kingdoms) that there necessarily must concur the principles of Fermentation; and that Sulphur or Bituminous matter (being a kin to Sulphur) must be one of those principles, as to the mineral Kingdom, and consequently be an indispensible ingredient in all hot Baths: For Fermentation can no more exist without its own principles, than fire can without combustible matter (or the principles of firing) nor then animal bodies can be sustained without their peculiar Ferments, which what analogy these, viz. vegetable and animal juices in their Fermentations, as to their constituent principles bear to those of minerals, we may elsewhere give an account.  
Only here we shall take occasion to answer that grand objection the foresaid ingenuous Author makes against Sulphur, being the cause of heat in Baths: For though we do not assert, that Sulphur singly considered, is the cause of Fermentation or Heat, but that it is one of the principles of Fermentation: yet we judge that objection toucheth upon the Verge of our Hypothesis, and therefore worthy our solution: The Objection is, That if Sulphur can give actual heat to our Baths, it must burn; the like he saith of bitumen, that unless it be kindled, it can yield no heat to our Baths.  
I answer, That hereby it is obvious, that the foresaid Author did not throughly understand the true efficients of Fermentation in mineral juices; for if he had, the question had been beyond dispute; for though Sulphur or common Brimstone in its concrete substance, is not the Sulphurous principle nature useth in the producing of Fermentation in the primary disseminate juices, where such things are in Embryo, or in solutis principijs; yet even that very concrete body, whether in the form of Brimstone, or complicated within the texture of other minerals, Pyrites, etc. is by the supervening of a powerful acidum, capable of Fermentation, and thence of imparting its more subtle apporrhea or steam (by the comminution of the foresaid Fermentation) and susceptable of the virtues thereof: So that it appears, that Sulphur may be one of the efficients of heat in Baths; and yet its flagration not requisite at all: the same we may safely say of Bitumen.  
Now as we have endeavoured to prove Sulphur whether in succo soluto in the very primordial shaping or generations of minerals, or the same reduced from mineral concretions by the superinduction of congenial acids, to be one of the two ingredients or mechanical Organs nature useth in mineral Fermentations: This therefore leads me to our second position, viz.   

CHAP. III.  
THat there is no Fermentation amongst mineral juices, wherein an acid is not concerned: Or thus, That an acid is necessarily requisite in all mineral Fermentations: By acidum here I mean one of these two sorts, (viz.) are such as are imbred in the same mineral concretion, whilst in succo soluto, etc. in the beginnings of its generation: Or Secondly, a superinduced acidum, which is powerful in the reductions of minerals already concrete; so that if we have our eye upon Fermentation from mineral concrete bodies, which have already past their Embrio-state, and are come to the solidity of complete bodies; then by acidum we do not mean such a one as is intrinsic, connatural to, and implanted in all Brimstones and mineral Sulphurs, more or less, for no Sulphur nor Sulphurous body as such, can alone be the cause of Fermentation or heat in the Earth: but an extrinsic supervening acid, which must by reduction set those minerals by a kinship or consanguinity of parts into Fermentation de novo.  
Now therefore it remains to prove, that there are acid juices in the bowels of the Earth, and that these are either embryonative to the same mineral where the Sulphur is, or else peculiar to some other bodies by which the transient waters become acuated, which if the former, than the Acidum and Sulphur being natives of the same mineral, do more easily by their mutual contact and intestine struggle, cause a Fermentation, even whilst the minerals are in solutis principijs, which being constant, those waters which pass through them must as certainly and constantly be heated. So that from the unerring rules of nature from perpetuating the cause, the effect must be no less: The acid which causeth the latter sort of Fermentation we shall shortly touch upon.  
First then, the acids of the former classis will be apparent to us, if we consider that there are no minerals produced in their peculiar beds, in the entrails of the Earth, without a previous Fermentation from their congenial principles of Acidum and Sulphur. For our Hypothesis concerning the generation of minerals is grounded upon Acid and Sulphur; from which foundation we say, that these two being actually put into motion by the mineral seed in Embryo, distinguished according to the lubet of the divine fiat, in the great wheelwork of generation, do by their mutual innate wrestle, cause a Fermentation, and this to be one (yea the chief) cause of heat in natural Baths.  
These indwelling acids, I say, are manifest, and easily discoverable to us a posteriori, from their not difficult separations out of the bodies of most known minerals, thus we see plenty of an acidum separable from common Brimstone by bare flagration, and the sleight artifice of condensing those fumes: witness the Oil of Sulphur per Campanam, which is acid: Thus also we have separated an acidum from Saturn Ore; and know how to do the same from Antimony, both which are performed two manner of ways, viz. First, By separating their Sulphurs, (which I have done both from the Ore of Saturn, as also from the minera of Antimony) which by flagration like common Brimstone, yield an acid. Secondly, By distilling the foresaid minerals (I mean Led Over, and Antimony) per se in close Vessels by a peculiar way, may be drawn an acid.  
Thus likewise out of both Vitriol and Alom, as also from common fossil (which is all one, marine) Salt and Nitre by bare distillation in close Vessels are frequently acids drawn, which are singly or jointly thence preparable, witness Spirit or Oil of Vitriol, Aqua fortis, Spirit of Salt, Spirit of Nitre, etc. all of them sufficiently acid. Thus out of all the Pyrites may an acid be separated; yea further, out of bitumen, amber, jet, (which is kennel coal) and other sorts of Lythanthrax, may by distillation an acid Spirit or Liquor be easily separated. Thus my ingenious Friend Mr. Fisher hath separated an acidum out of a concrete bitumen got out of Lead-mines in the Peake in Derbyshire (not far from Buxton hot Bath) which is an Electrical Concrete, as also hath done the like from the rest of the last recited mineral bodies: And the like acidum hath been drawn from a bituminous fungus found in those parts.  
Now come we to treat of our second sort of acidum, which is one of the chief ingredients or principles of our latter sort of Fermentation to be numbered amongst the causes of some hot Baths, and that is a superinduced acidum, viz. the current of a living Spring (as such are called) in its subterraneal passages, meeting with some Salts in Embryo or Bed of Earth, impregnated with acid juices, of which sort are all or most of the mineral Salts, whilst in fieri before they by a further maturity reach the state of concretion, I say passing through these Beds, becomes (by reason of its facile imbibition of such juices) acuated therewith, and then falling into a bed of Brimstone, or other minerals or pyrites, etc. impregnated with Sulphur, gins a solution thereof, so raiseth a Fermentation betwixt the Sulphur and the supervening acid: which gives heat to the water; and becomes more or less hot, according to the more or less powerfulness of the Acid and Sulphur as it passeth: As also according to the nearness or remoteness of the waters exit from the source of Fermentation: which acid dividing, subtilizing, and volatizing the Sulphur, doth broke it into such small parts, as that it becomes (I mean as to the purest part thereof) dissolvable in water (according as we have more largely explained above) and thence it is (I mean from the Fermentation made from Acid and Sulphur, whether performed the former or latter way) that all hot Baths have somewhat of Sulphur in them more or less.  
This last sort of Fermentation, which I may call (if we have respect to the already concrete body of Sulphur, or Sulphurous minerals, and that not improperly) Fermentation at the Second hand, I say, is no less to be performed by minerals than vegetables: For as amongst vegetables, Corn, when ripe and reaped, its fermenting principles of vegitation (as we may elsewhere show how all vegitation is nothing else but a natural slow-paced Fermentation from each plants peculiar principles of Acid and Sulphur) are shut up, and would constantly remain dormant, till it either be committed to the ground, in order to fresh vegitation and multiplication of its species, or be malted, whereby its vegitative Fermentation is perverted, and the same principles driven on to another design of fermenting in water after malting, in order to the making of our drink: wherein both (viz. Vegitation and Malting) the same fermentative principles are kept afoot though to different ends.  
So likewise it happens (by a parity of principles amongst minerals, where when the Fermentation necessarily in their production sometimes terminate in concretion, in which the Sulphurous principle (being prevalent) most what coagulates the acidum, and both with some other heterogeneous parts, combine to the making up this or the other mineral Sulphurous concrete; I say there in that concrete the principles of Fermentation cease to act, and so would (if unexcited) remain always dormant, until by a congenial powerful supervening acid, the intrinsic principles be put into a fresh intestine struggling or regular motion, which we call Fermentation, which heating the transient waters, becomes the efficient cause of some natural hot Baths.   

CHAP. IU.  
HAving already shown that Acidum and Sulphur are the chief ingredients of hot Baths, as the essential principles thereof: Now come we to demonstrate how and in what manner the waters in hot Baths become hot: which to do, we must endeavour to show, that some sorts of acids have so powerful an operation upon Sulphurs, or Sulphurous concretes, as that being actually set a work, or put into motion, are sufficient causes of Fermentation in mineral juices; and next, that heat (which will necessarily follow) is the immediate result of such Fermentation.  
The First we shall elucidate with an induction of many parallel instances, whereby we shall perform two things at once, viz. both illustrate our doctrine of Fermentation, grounded upon the genuine principles of Acidum and Sulphur, as also solve the Phoenomena of the occurring instances: The first mechanical instance shall be, the solution of any metal (except Gold) in an Aqua fortis, and of Gold itself in an Aqua Regis, which are no sooner put together (both being duly qualified) but the action of Fermentation is plain to any eye, in the dissolving or breaking to pieces that metal: what it is that causeth Solution and Fermentation, which immediately happens upon the working of the solvent on the solvend: It is not (as I conceive) from the complications of the fluid Salt in the menstruum, with the fixed Salt in the metal, whereby the metallic compage is broke, and the particles thence hid in the pores of the menstruum, according to the judgement of the learned Dr. Willis. Nor need we with him imagine a vitriolic Salt in Silver, or an armoniac in Gold, but is it not rather the Sulphur in the metal, and the acidum of the menstruum; for the sake of which Sulphur the mercurial part is also broken to pieces, and the whole by that Fermentative motion dissolved: cujus Sulphuris intuitu totum liquescit metallum, in which corrosion or solution of the imperfect metals in Aqua fortis, or the like corrosive menstrum, there is no such great danger of breaking the Glass if stopped, as happens inevitably in the solution of the Sulphur of the more crude minerals, the reason of which is from the more fixity those Sulphurs arrive to by metallization, from what they are in unripe marcasites or minerals. Hence we may certainly conclude, that in the Fermentation requisite for hot Baths no metals are concerned; and that both because of the more fixity of their Sulphurs, as also from the deficiency of such corrosive menstrua in the earth: for nothing short of an Aqua fortis or Aqua Regis can make a Fermentation with a metal. Hence also nothing but minerals (or liquid bituminous juices) wherein the connate Sulphur is of a more lose compage, also more volatile, and consequently easily fermentable by more lanquid acids, are the proper and essential ingredients of hot Baths; where we may observe both by the preceding, and by this following instance, That the Sulphur in the metals acting upon the acids, or vice versa, are the true causes of corrosive Fermentations, and thence of heat. Thus the caput mort ' of viridaris (from which I had according to Zuelfer, drawn off the concentred acetum) being a subtle calx of Venus, I mixed with an equal quantity of Sal armon: (in order to the preparing a sort of that (vulgarly called) ens veneris) which mixture (being well impropriated by a sufficient triture) within less than one quarter of an hour caused so strong a heat as I could scarce get it into the retort without burning my hand.  
The next instance therefore shall come nearer to the matter in hand, and that shall be concerning Sulphurs more Crude, as they stand related to the minerals. Thus in the affusion of Aqua Regis upon Antimony, or Spirit of Nitre upon butirum Antimonij, where the acidum of the menstruum acting upon, and struggling with the crude Sulphur, either of crude solatary Antimony, or of the same carried up by Salts in the form of a butirum, doth cause a very strong Fermentation, where the Sulphur by the assaults of those corrosive acid Spirits grows so high in its Fermentation, as that it almost takes flame, passing off with a strong stifling and incoarcible arsenical vapour, by the former of which prepared with common Salt, my ingenious Friend Mr. Wilkinson and myself have after Fermentation separated a Sulphur out of Antimony, not unlike the common greener sort of Brimstone.  
That the Fermentation caused in the last of which experiments (I mean betwixt Spirit of Nitre, and Butter of Antimony) is not (as some might urge) from the Salts in the Sublimate, mixing with the acidum in the menstruum, appeareth, because the same menstruum poured upon the same Salts, while incorporated with Mercury in the form of Sublimate, causeth no such Fermentation; yea, on the contrary, I have seen Sublimate (wherein the foresaid Salts are lodged, which are in butirum Antimonij) dissolve in an acid menstruum, without the least tumultuous Ebullition, even almost like (and perhaps near as soon) as Ice in warm water.  
Another mechanical instance shall be from the pouring an Aqua Regis upon well dried Danzick vitriol, upon which well blanched, I poured the foresaid menstruum, from whose mixture (being made per vices) such a strong impetuous Fermentation, with thick red fumes was caused, as that it seemed to come little short of actual fire, causing an intense heat: Now that it was the Sulphur in the vitriol, which meeting with the acids in the menstruum, produced that violent Fermentation and Heat, is evident, because out of a pound and a half of well dried vitriol after the Fermentation was over, and that the fumes had passed off in a thick cloud, there remained after the solution in a distillation in a coated Glass retort (being at length urged with a very strong fire) searce five Ounces of a Spongy red coloured cap' mort ' totally insipid. The like may be performed by acids upon any of the Pyrites, or other imperfect minerals, whose native Sulphur being crude, hangs but loosely in the compage of such concretes.  
That this foresaid Fermentation proceeds not (as some may object) from the Salts in the Vitriol, is evident, because if the Salt of Vitriol prepared by Fire (by whose stress the Sulphur is either banished or fixed) be mixed with such sort of acid menstruum, it causeth no Fermentation: besides which, this Fermentation happens betwixt the acidum of the menstruum, and the Sulphur of the body dissolved, where there is no suspicion of implanted Salts, (other then what is acid) which the foresaid instance of Fermentation from aqua regia upon crude Antimony, sufficiently evinceth.  
Lastly, As acids working upon the Sulphur of metals, cause a Fermentation, and thereby their solution, and setting upon minerals (which comes nearer to our purpose) doth cause a most strong Fermentation, unhinging their Sulphurs, which being unripe, are the more apt to ferment; So likewise meeting with bituminous juices, they do in like manner, become the efficients of Fermentation, which sort of bituminous Oils, I account to be of a middle nature betwixt mineral and vegetable Sulphurs, and therefore we shall illustrate the manner of their Fermentation with acids by vegetable Sulphurs.  
And so mineral acids mixed with vegetable Sulphurs, cause Fermentation this threefold way, viz. First, as meeting with them in a more solid substance, as with turpentine, rosin, resinous gums; or Secondly, in a more liquid form, as of Oils; or Lastly, in a comminution of those Oils into highly rectified vinous Spirits, where the vegetable Sulphurs are comminuted and subtilised by Fermentation into smaller parts.  
Thus as to the first, aqua fortis, with turpentine, rosins, or resinous gums, makes a Fermentation, which happens from their implanted Sulphurs, (mask in that solid form) and the acidum in the menstruum. Hence it is, that some resinous gums, for instance Camphire, will dissolve in Spirit of wine, or aqua fortis singly; but not jointly, the reason whereof seems to be this, that in the former it dissolves from the analogy of Sulphurs (comminuted and volatized Sulphurs the more easily permeating from the nimbleness of their parts, the like Sulphurs lurking in more solid forms) which indeed is the reason why vinous Spirits are the proper menstrua for dissolving many resinous woods, roots, gums and inspissated juices, as of Turbith, jalap, Mecoacan, Scamony, Myrrh, Aloes, etc. by extracting their resinous or sulphurous parts. In the latter, (I mean aqua fortis) Camphire dissolves from the acidum of the menstruum, and from the same cause, (viz. of acids working upon Sulphurs) it is, that other resinous gums do also dissolve in acids, as we find Ammoniacum, Galbanum, Tachamahaca, etc. do in Vinegar. But these two menstruas being mixed, after Fermentation degenerate into a quid neutrum, will not then dissolve Camphire, as the ingenuous Dr. Lister hath tried.  
As to the second sort, Oil of Vitriol being mixed with Oil of Turpentine, causeth a strong Fermentation and Heat; and by distillation gives plenty of a Brimstone: which Fermentation and Separation of Sulphur being rightly understood, is (as we judge) from no other cause, then from the acidity in the Vitriol, working upon the vegetable Sulphur in the Oil, and thence the Fermentation, (according to our Hypothesis) whereupon having deserted its own mineral Sulphur, contained in itself, gives cause of the facile separation of its formerly implanted Brimstone.  
Lastly, Thus Spirit of Nitre, or Oil of Vitriol, being mixed with a highly rectified vinous Spirit, (which is prepared from the Fermenting juice of Grapes, or with any other vegetable fermentative Spirit, doth presently cause a violent Fermentation, which heats the Glass (it's done in) so intensely, as that it can no more be touched then fire; whose cause (as I apprehend) is no other than from the strong acidity in the menstrua, which meeting with the highly graduated Sulphur of Vegetables, in those admirable depurated and volatized Liquors, the one frets upon the other, causing that intestine collision, which we call Fermentation, whence immediately results the heat: which Fermentation betwixt the Acidum and the Sulphur in that violent hurricane of rapid motion, wheels off along with it a great part of the Sulphur contained in the corrosive acid menstruum.  
Another argument why the Fermentation in mineral juices, is the cause of heats in Baths, may be taken from the perpetuation of their cause; for seeing no other incessant cause can satisfactorily be assigned, which may in all things so well square with the nature of hot Baths, as the aforesaid, therefore till a more rational cause can be found out, (if any such there be in nature) it may not be unacceptable to the ingenious.  
Now that their cause is certain and constant (according to our deposited Hypothesis of Fermentation of minerals in their production) is evident from their continual generation; for where once begun, they cease not to perpetuate their Offspring: which is evident from the observation of Mine-works. Thus Saltpetre men find, that when they have extracted Saltpetre out of a floor of Earth one year, within three or four years after, they find more Saltpetre generated there; and work it over again, the like is observed (as Dr. Jorden notes) in Alom or Copperass or Vitriol. And this is not only usual to all minerals, but also the same may be said of metals: For the Tinners in Cornwall have experience (as the foresaid Author well observes) of Pitts, which have been filled up with Earth after they have wrought out all the Tin they could find in them, and within thirty years they have opened them again, and found more Tin generated: The like hath been observed in Iron, as Gaudentius Merula reports of Ilva, an Island in the Adriatic Sea, under the Venetians, where Iron breeds continually as fast as they can work it, which is confirmed by Agricola and Baccius, and by Virgil, who saith of it, Insula inexhaustis Chalybum generosa metallis.  
The like is found at Saga in Lygis, where they dig over their Iron mine's every tenth year: Mathesius also gives examples in almost all sorts of minerals and metals, which he hath observed to grow and regenerate. Erastus (as Dr. Jorden notes) affirms, that he saw in S. Joachims' Dale, silver grown upon a beam of wood, which was placed in the Pit to support the works: The like of reproductions of metals, is also observed in the Lead-mines at Mendip and the Peake, which do not only stretch further in extent of ground, then hath been observed heretofore, but also are renewed in the same ground, which hath been formerly wrought, which we have touched upon in our Hydrological Essays.  
Wherefore seeing minerals are continually generated, their constitutive principles in their fermental operation, must as constantly be at work, especially where concretion is interrupted by a continual flux of water, as happens in the source of most of these hot Baths.  
Now where the seeds of minerals are once begun, that their active principles are set a work, in order to the heaving forth a body answerable to the type implanted in the primordials thereof. If this happens, I say, where water in his subterraneous passages hath its constant current, it can never arrive at the completing of the body according to the intention of nature; for although it be always aiming at the perfecting of a solid concretion; yet the constant afflux of waters, impedes that attempt, and only serves to keep the fermentative principles in a constant motion; so that water doth but set the inbred principles of Acidum and Sulphur more into an inward struggling, and makes the Fermentation the stronger, and consequently the greater heat, a very pertinent instance, which may lead us to a better and more familiar understanding, how this Fermentation is promoted by water, we may (not unaptly represent by Oil of Vitriol and Water; for a little water being put thereto, it presently sets the fermental principles of Acidum and Sulphur (connatural to that Oil) into a strong Ebullition or Fermentation, whence results so great a heat as the Glass (it's done in) is scarce tolerable to the hand; especially if the Oil be well rectified: whereas, before the addition of water, the Glass (wherein was the Oil) was cold to touch, the principles lying dormant from the thickness of the Liquor, and its tendency towards the concretion of a more solid body; but upon the addition of a little water, it thins that Liquor, at least in some measure, and so puts the foresaid principles into Fermentation: And that in the production or generation of minerals; Fermentation of their implanted principles is chief concerned, is further evident in what Agricola and Erastus saith from the observation of Mine-works, who affirm, That in many places they find their Mines so hot, as they can hardly touch them; from the same reason of Fermentation it is, that the minera of Allom or Vitriol, being broke and exposed to the air, contract a strong heat, which sometimes may arise to that height, as to cause an actual ignition, by which, not long since, a Barn at Yeeland near Hallifax was burnt; and from the same cause the minera of Tinglass being exposed to the moist air will become very hot; for upon the access of moisture in the air, the intrinsic acids of the foresaid minerals are dissolved, which as they dissolve work upon their implanted Sulphurs, from whose mutual Collision and Colliquation is caused the foresaid Fermentation and Heat.   

CHAP. V.  
HAving thus delivered our Hypohesis of the causes of hot Baths, from the Fermentation of mineral juices, whose mechanical and efficient principles consist in an Acidum and Sulphur, it will not be difficult from hence to solve various other subterraneal phoenomena, such as are damps, (and from thence the reasons of poisonous Springs, Baths, Pools, Lakes) also Earthquakes, Erruptions, etc.  
First, As to Damps, to me they seem to be nothing else but certain gusts or steams arising from mineral Fermentations, which are more or less noxious or mortal, by how much they proceed from minerals, whose Sulphurs are more or less venomous: for if either a Fermentation happen in the very generation of some poisonous mineral, as suppose Arsenic, Risogalla, Auripigmentum, Sandaracha, Rusma, Cadmia, etc. from the intestine struggle of their innate Acidum or Sulphur; or if it happens from the supervening of an acidum upon the minera of any of the aforesaid poisonous juices, I say from either way an effluvium doth forthwith arise, which (being the product of Fermentation) is very subtle, and thereby can easily permeate the Crannies of the Earth, and reach at a great distance from the first source of Fermentation, which is able by its Sulphurous Arsenical odour, not only to extinguish a Candle or Lamp, but also exsufflate or puff out the very vital taper of men or other animals, that it meeteth with in subterraneal passages, whence many men have suddenly perished by the breath thereof in Mines: yea so strong is it sometimes, or in some places, that it infects some waters that lie over it, or come within the orb of its action; whence posonous Springs, Baths, Pools, Lakes, etc. take their beginning, which will kill suddenly, as at Circum in Thracia, Fons Neptunius in Terracina, at Perant by Mompelier: the Lake Avernus, the Cave of Charon by Naples, etc. yea, from hence those waters take their original, which by their mortal odours kill Fowl that fly over them, of which sort are the foresaid Lake Avernus, as also the vapours arising from Charon's den, between Naples and Puteolum, etc.  
Next to which, the Phoenomena of Earthquakes are (from the aforesaid principles) not difficult to solve, if we in rendering an account thereof, shall say, that they are likely to happen, when some Sulphur or Sulphurous body, either in Liquid or Concrete, meets with a fermenting acidum in the bowels of the Earth, in some narrow passages, where, when that elasticity and explosiveness of Sulphur by a supervening acid is excited, and being penned up in the straits of the Earth, cannot easily get forth, forceth and presseth on all hands upon the adjacent bulks, heaves and lifts like a mole in its subterraneous workings, and thence causeth that terrae tremor, which may not improperly (amongst the rest) be illustrated by these following instances: First, I took floors of Brimstone (which is all one with Crude Brimstone) two drams, upon which I poured about half an Ounce of that sort of aqua regia, which is called (by Mr. boil) menstruum peracutum, which though at first, for a while, it kept quiet, causing no sensible ebullition, but afterwards the menstruum began to work thereon, and to bring the Sulphur to a gelid matter: this Glass I set loosely upon the very surface of my Sand digesting Furnace, whose heat was very soft and slow (possibly the same might happen though it had no external warmth at all) yet although the Glass had a long neck (being a bolt head) and but slightly cracked, it broke all in pieces; and with the force thereof broke another Glass by it.  
Thus Secondly, by putting one Ounce of Sal armoniac to four of Aqua fortis, if the Glass Viol. be close stopped, it will presently with a great noise break the Glass into a Thousand shivers; for the acidum in Common Salt, which is in Sal armoniac, meeting with the Sulphur in the Aqua fortis, sets upon it, whereby a strong Fermentation is presently raised: which wanting room, breaks all in pieces before it.  
Thus Thirdly, by pouring Aqua regia upon Antimony, or the Spirit of Nitre upon butirum Antimonij, put into Glasses, or the strongest of Vessels, and close stopped up, would break them (though never so strong) into many pieces; and that from the foresaid Fermentation, which happens from the acidum in the menstruum, and the Sulphur, either in crude Antimony, or the Butter thereof; many more of which sort of experiments we further illustrate in our Halologia Chymica.  
Thus also from the aforesaid experiments, may (without any more ado) an account be given of many subterraneous Eruptions: for I have by them at once given a sufficient demonstration (as I think) both of the reasons and causes of Earthquakes, and also of Eruptions, inasmuch as that Fermentation from mineral juices made in strait meanders of the Earth, when it cannot find vent, if moderately strong, they only cause terra tremor; but if very violent, even nigh an actual flagration, than the greater the weight of Earth, Rocks, or other matter is, which lieth upon it, the stronger and more hideous are the Eruptions: breaking in pieces all before it. So that I suppose all Eruptions and subterraneal belchings, to proceed from one of these two causes, viz. either from subterraneal fires of Sulphurous minerals actually, but accidentally kindled, witness those Vulcano's of Aetna, Visuvius, Strongilo, etc. of which we have discoursed in our Hydrological Essays, or else from subterraneal Fermentations, amongst which, some may possibly rise so high and strong from the great plenty of Sulphur and Acids, set into an actual Ebullition, as that they may (by the air which may probably reach them through some small crevices) actually take fire and burn. Thus besides the foresaid instances, if Spirit of Wine be mixed with Spirit of Nitre, or be added to a mixture of Oil of Vitriol, and Spirit of Nitre, maketh an exceeding strong Fermentation, even almost into an actual flame; and the Glass will be intensely fiery hot, as that one's hand may as long endure a hot coal as it, which if penned up, would for want of room to expand it self in its Elastic power, would I say, by its explosive force, break all before it.  
In the next place, we shall endeavour to demonstrate, how, from the premised Doctrine of mineral Fermentations, may also, not only Brimstone or other mineral concrete Sulphurs be generated de novo, in some parts of the Earth, but likewise how many of the fontes acidi may thence take their original. As to the generation of concrete Sulphurs, we suppose it thus, viz. when or where a strong Fermentation happens from mineral juices, whilst in Embryo; and that there is no immediate current of water to carry off the loser part of the principles, as they ferment (as happens in all hot Baths, as we have before sufficiently declared) which not being penned up, as happens in the most usual Earthquakes and Eruptions, as aforesaid, but finding room enough in the most potent places of the Earth, percolates some more lose bed of Earth, and thereby leaves that Sulphur (which was carried up along with the fermenting steam) as it were in the filter; For that the acidum being prevalent in the foresaid Fermentation, may in those steams it ariseth with the Sulphur, in some peculiar colanders of the Earth, desert its former companion, may somewhat appear to us, by pouring Oil of Vitriol upon Antimony, or the minera thereof, and distilling it thence. The Sulphur in the Oil after Fermentation, becomes separated, and as it were percolated, by the body of the Antimony, while the acidum ariseth more simple, leaving the Sulphur behind, which afterward by a stronger fire is carried up in the form of Brimstone, taking along with it (through the congenialness of parts) some of the Sulphur of Antimony.  
Next to which, how many of the fontes acidi, may from the foresaid Fermentation of mineral juices, take their original, we shall thus explain, viz. by supposing that in some mineral Fermentations, whilst in Embryo (and where no current of waters nor straight passages happen, for causes aforesaid) the Ebullition from their Acidum and Sulphur, may be so intense, as that thereby a fresh acidum may be engendered, or the former multiplied (vires acquirit eundo) with deserting Sulphur its companion in the colander of some Earth's, may be sublimed and carried in steams (as a thinner and more subtle acidum, at a great distance from the Source) where afterwards, touching upon and irroreating some Earth, or some Stammina of the mineral beds of Iron, or Alom-stone, impregnates them to further uses: So that where a current of water toucheth either upon that Earth, and afterwards upon either of the foresaid mineras, or doth touch upon those mineras impregnated with the aforesaid acidity, I say, either way are made vitriolin or aluminous waters or spaws.  
Now that an acid may (after the foresaid manner) thus ascend from fermenting juices, barely from the Ebullition of the principles, even without any extrinsic heat, will appear from this following mechanical experiment, viz.  
I poured six Ounces of rectified Spirit of Wine upon half a pound of Spirit of Nitre, which I put into a double bolt head, with a pretty long neck, after a while, as soon as the vinous Sulphur in the Spirit of Wine, had set the Acidum and Sulphur of the Spirit of Nitre a work, they caused such a furious Fermentation, that it drive up the stopple, and forced itself forth up to the top of the Room, whereby a great part was lost, whereas, if the Glass had been very close stopped, it would without doubt have broke the Glass into shivers: to what was saved, I added of the same ingredients of each four Ounces, it began, after a while, to fall into a strong fermenting Ebullition, so boiled, and bubled forth very fiercely, and sent forth a strong fume, which heated the Glass so intensely, as I could not hold the very top of it in my hand, than I set a small Glasshead over the Glass, to condence some of the fumes; which I found gave a very smart acid Spirit, not but that there are other causes of some of the foresaid acidulate Spaw-waters, concerning which, we have at large discoursed in our two books of Hydrologia Chymica, and its Vindication.  
And now that I have laid down my Hypothesis of the causes of hot Baths (branched into many sorts) subterraneal Damps, Earthquakes, Eruptions, Regeneration of some Sulphurous concretes, and of the original of some of the fontes acidi, all from the Fermentation of mineral juices, as aforesaid; which how well grounded, and how further improveable, I shall leave to the  reader to examine and judge; as also to consider, whether from the same Hypothesis or supposition of causes, may (and that not impertinently) be solved the Phoenomena of the diversity of Winds, the vicissitudes of heat and cold, the reasons of Snow, Hail, Meteors, and other appearances, common to, and peculiarly obvious in the Atmosphere. So here, I would take an occasion from the nature of the foresaid Fermentation, to insist a little upon the two grand Phoenomena's of heat and light, found in concrete bodies from the same principles.   

CHAP. VI  
I Shall not here (by climbing so high) insist upon the causes of heat and light, in that great and inexhaustible Fountain thereof, the Sun; whether its perpetual Spring, and incessant emanation, may not consist in a peculiar Fermentation of its own, set a work by the divine Fiat, and kept a foot by a continual circulation of aethereal matter, concerning which, we may elsewhere modestly propound our thoughts, nor shall I descend so low, as to treat any further of the causes of heat in those known subterraneal Vulcano's.  
But shall at present make it my task in short to show, First, That Fermentation is made from the mutual struggle and intestine combatings of Acid and Sulphur, in all juices and concrete bodies where it is evident: And how heat is produced from Fermentation in all such bodies where it is found. Secondly, To show how from the same principles, and after what manner, light is made.  
That Fermentation and Ebullition in mineral juices, whether naturally or artificially prepared, proceed not from the contrariety of Salts (as many worthy persons urge) is evident, because there is no such Ebullition amongst Salts, but what are from the contrariety and struggle of Acids and Alcalies, whereas no man ever yet could make it appear that those minerals either in succo, or in actual concretion, contained any sort of Alcalies, either fixed or volatile. But on the contrary its most certain, from irresragrable experiments, that Sulphurs and Acids are separable from them all.  
And as before we have showed, the Fermentation of minerals to consist in the collision and intestine wrestle of their Acid and Sulphur, as the causes of hot Baths, etc. So the Fermentation in animals is no less observable to proceed from the like inward struggle of their imbred Acid and Sulphur, continually (till they die) kept on foot in the body of animals, and that will appear, if we consider their implanted acid juices (the very foundation of all Ferments) and the daily occurrence of such sort of Food, in whose texture both Acid and Sulphur, chief Sulphur, doth reside, in order to the keeping those Ferments at work, for the nourishing and upholding the fabric of those bodies.  
The first wheel (as I may say) of these Ferments, or the primordial Stamina of acids in animal bodies (after their formation) are placed in the Stomach, where the Fermentation gins from the native acidum, acting upon the acquired Sulphur of nutritive food, and is carried on into the second digestion into the intestines, where a fresh gentle acidum from the pancreatic juice, and a Sulphur from the Gaul, sent thither by the ductus biliaris, promote and assist a further Fermentation, and thence carried into the blood, where the same principles of Fermentation, together with a volatile Salt, complicated with the Sulphur and Acidum, are still at work, and undergo new separations and depurations, as also acquire new helps of volatization from the continually inspired Air into the Lungs, (through which the blood passeth) which still promotes the begun Fermentation, in order to the circulation thereof, and nourishment of the whole.  
So that the native acid juice of the Stomach, is not in a strict sense a Ferment, till such times as it finds some Sulphurous food, upon which, as its proper subject, it gins to work; and then upon its action, collision, and mutual struggling with the Sulphur in the assumed aliment, gins the Fermentation, which being vital, we suppose to be the very first spring of heat in the animal body, after it hath passed its Embrio-state.  
Yea, all the rest of the Fermentations in the body, are but the continuations of this Fermentation begun in the Stomach; for the blood is made up of that Chyle, which by Fermentation is wrought in the Stomach, retaining so much of its first principles of Acid and Sulphur, mixed in a just temperature (assisted with the pancreatic and bilous juices) as may be sufficient to keep that Liquor still in a Fermentative motion, such as may help to supply with a new offspring of animal Spirits (the very product of that Fermentation) as also to fill up the interstices of that matter, or those parts, which are continually upon the wheel, winding off through the perspirable Portals of the body, as we may elsewhere, God willing, take an occasion further to discourse.  
How powerful a menstruum this Stomachial acid (the first efficient of heat) is, doth appear both by the great force of working upon, and dissolving all alimentary things, which are all of them such, as wherein Sulphur, whether vegetable or animal, is more or less complicated, and cujus intuitu, viz. for the sake of which, all the rest wrapped up in the same concrete, are also dissolved, as likewise doth appear from those strong vellications of the Nerves and Tunicles of the Stomach upon hunger, being a nothing else but that aforesaid acid menstruum, preying upon the next adjacent parts, through the want of some Sulphurous subject to work upon.  
That Sulphurous concretes, whether animal or vegital, are the proper Subjects for the native acidum of the Stomach to work upon, in order to Fermentation, is clear; because neither Stone, Day, Earth, Marle, Wood, nor such like, wherein are no Sulphurous parts, or at least, such as are not congenial to the foresaid acidum, can become capable of being food, inasmuch as no genuine Fermentation (essentially necessary to the upholding the fabric of an animal body) can thence be made.  
Not now further to show, how Fermentation begun in the Stomach, and carried on in the blood, and other humours, is not only the efficient cause, and effectual source of heat, but also of all animal Spirits, carried thence by the conduit-pipes of the Nerves, into the habit of the body, in order to the performing those peculiar functions of sense and motion, both (viz. heat and animal Spirits) being the immediate products of animal Fermentations.  
We say, that in the circle of nature's operations, throughout her triplicity of bodies, there is no such thing as Spirits separable, but what are the immediate results of Fermentation: For, however, among some Physiologists, they are reputed inter principia corporum: yet according to our Hypothesis, they are no principles, but the posterior products of Fermentation, and appear in bodies according to the slow or quick, low or high degrees of Fermentation, from whence proceed their threefold order in the productions of concretes: For either these Fermentations are to be considered in their primordials, or first workings in bodies, in order to the fabric thereof, and so the Spirits which thence result are in a low depressed state, deeply immersed in corporeal bulk, as appears in vegetables, etc. in their state of Infancy and Crudity.  
Or Secondly, These Fermentations are to be considered in the further progress, and closer interweavings of the principles, whereby they become to be more quick and high; the Sulphur gradually softening and sweetening their connate acids, and thence the bodies wherein those Fermentations happen, becomes more pregnant with Spirits, being now more plentifully engendered, and more easily set at liberty by the power of Fermentation, than before: And this is evident in all things brought on to maturity, and becomes sensibly apparent chief in all odorous Plants and Fruits.  
Or Lastly, They are to be considered in the more sensible brisk conflicts of the principles, even after the bodies they work in are brought to maturity, one dulcifying the other, by the concurring causes of solar heat, etc. the principles, I say, being yet kept on in motion in all fermentable juices and grains, do produce the greatest plenty of Spirits, which being set at liberty, are all those we call vinous Spirits, in animals those we call animal Spirits, the genuine product of vital and animal Fermentations, and in minerals their Spirits in some places after heating transient waters for hot Baths, appear in volatized Sulphurs, otherwhere in subtle acids, as the causes of some aciduloe; and elsewhere in apporrhea, steams, etc. (as elsewhere we have showed) Thus in all fruits, brought on to maturity, and all grains ripened for the harvest, the principles in their mutual Collisions are so pregnant, as that by being put nearer together (which happens by their being juiced or malted, they are thereby set a work into a sensible Fermentation, as appears in all fermentable juices and malted grains, the immediate result of both which, are vinous Spirits.  
Thus in all natural animal Fermentations of their juices, requisite for circulation of the blood, nourishment of the body, and for the performing other functions peculiar thereto the animal principles are so pregnant, as in their continual wrestle and inward collisions, incessantly to produce such a stock of Spirits, a being rightly disposed, and carried in their proper Conduits, the Nerves are sufficient to th● absolving the functions of sense and motion And the like in their kind may be said of minerals, concerning which, viz. the origin of animal Spirits from the foresaid Fermentation, we may elsewhere largely discourse.  
We shall only say at present, that as the natural Fermentations in animal bodies, are produced from the intestine collisions and inward struggle betwixt the native acid of the Stomach (fortified perhaps by some connatural acidum in the aliment) and the acquired Sulphur of nutritive concretes, separating Hetrogenities, and graduating themselves by successive depurations, till they in their proper juices, perform those circulations requisite to the peculiar funcitons of the body. So likewise from the Catastrophe of the natural, and superinduction of other not congenial acids, may be made such mortifications, precipitations and depravations of the genuine ferments, and such new complications betwixt the recent acid, and the Sulphur in the otherwise natural fermenting juices, as to lay a foundation of new spurious Fermentations, the causes of Fevers of all sorts.  
Not to say here, how most, yea, (for aught I know) all sorts of Fevers, are nothing else but spurious Fermentations of the blood, and other juices of the body, distinguishable, or (if I may say) specificated by variety of acids, not congeneal, but wholly disagreeable, gradually heightening the natural, and otherwise slow paced genuine Fermentations: whose various degrees of Fevers are most what differenced or specificated from the low or high, slower or quicker degrees of spurious Fermentation: or to speak in a more plain dialect, how Fevers are various sorts, or different degrees of inflammations of the blood and other juices. For an inflammation, according to our Hypothesis, is nothing else but a heightening of Fermentation from a more strong collision of the principles, whereby, from their mutual wrestle, they arrive to the height of caustics (which as we show elsewhere, differ from corrosives, only from the difference of their acids) such I mean, as in a lower degree pleurising from an inflamatory transposition of the fiery particles of the blood upon the pleura, and in a higher degree, as are the plague and pestilential Fevers, which are Fevers in their highest inflamatory and fiery degree, witness the Anthrases, Carbuncles, and other pestilential badges, which show perfect Eschars upon the skin as if performed by cauteries Lixivial, or fiery: which are with due caution to be cured by such ways and methods, as allay that furious fiery Ebullition by Phlebotomy, and gentle breathing Sweats: but here we must cut short, intending (as this finds acceptance) a fuller and more free discourse of the nature of Fevers, how essentially specificated, and what methods accordingly they best yield too; concerning which, we may (Deo dante) treat in another place.  
Only this (by the by) we would observe, that amongst animal juices, those from vegetables made by animal Ferments, suppose Milk, by the various actions of the innate or adventitious acids, upon their inbred Sulphurs, happen different products: First therefore, as to the coagulations and alterations, to be made from the inbred acidum thereof.  
Thus Milk, while in an equal temperature of its constituent ingredients, undergoes no separation of parts, remaining in an uniform Liquor, but being exposed to the Air, after a while the innate acidum of the Milk, being acuated by that of the Air, makes a spontaneous separation of a cremor from the more thin part, which Cream having some acidum in it, (as we elsewhere prove, that all Cremors, Oils, Fats, Axungia's, &c. are but different disguises of animal Sulphurs, have their implanted acids) by keeping, grows more sour, this by concussion of the parts (in that motion we call Churming) undergoes a Fermentation of its kind; from whence happens another sort of separation, viz. into Butter, (which is Sulphur in another form then before) and a more serous part, called Buttermilk.  
And as Milk after the separation of Cream, by longer standing, comes to a thick, and almost gellyed consistence (by Country people called Loppard) and by a little heat splits into Curd and Whey: so Buttermilk, if kept long, will come to the like consistence; but if heated, the acidum presently coagulates the Curdy part: if that coagulation be made in heat after the mixture of New-Milk, the acidum in the Buttermilk, coagulates both the Curdy parts of its own, as also Butirous and Curdy parts of the New-milk, into that sort of sour coagulum called hatred Milk, which is more or less sour, according to the prevalency of the acidum, or more or less affusion of New-Milk.  
And Lastly, As the foresaid alterations are made from the various coagulations of Milk from its implanted acid. So likewise other sorts of coagulations thereof are produced from additional acids: Thus any Fermentative potable Liquor, as Wine, Ale, Beer, Cider, etc. mixed with Milk, the acidum in such Liquors coagulates the Sulphurous parts into a Curd, separable from the serus Liquor; the like will a few drops of any acid juice do, whether vegetable or mineral, as of Vinegar, Vitriol, Sulphur, Salt, etc. yea, the rennet which is made up of Milk coagulated by the Stomichal acid of an animal, which by keeping, sours yet more, and is made up with Salt to preserve it from decaying, by the addition I say of the foresaid acid ferment, or animal Runnet, to Milk especially in heat, is made that coagulation of the Sulphurous and Curdy parts, out of which our Cheese is usually made.  
So that from the different actions of the acid (whether native or additional) upon the Sulphur, are produced those usual coneretions, or rather coagulations of Butter and Curds, separable from the more liquid serum: which Butter has also its connate acid, which is the cause of its liquidity in heat, and coagulation in cold, as we could sufficiently demonstrate the liquidity and coagulation of such, the succulency and concretion, the softness and hardness of other sort of bodies, chief to depend upon the various modes of acids, either considered in Fermentation or Concretion, and as assisted by other concurring causes, chief of the Air, which we now with difficulty, and chief for brevity sake, refer to another place.  
We might (if willing to enlarge) take an occasion here amongst animal Ferments, to insist upon the causes and reasons of those strangely surprising effects resulting from the invigorated Ferments of some venomous animals, and show, that all their poisonous properties consist chief and solely in the Ferments of their juices, which may be invigorated to that height, as to become poisonous Fires, which by a bite (or the like) getting admission into the blood of a humane body, will, according to the degrees of their exasperation, make their transits in the bearing down, and mortifying our animal Spirits.  
Hence those fiery Serpents we read of, were probably such whose Fermental principles was by exasperation wrought to that height, as to become a venomous Fire, by whose least entrance into the blood by their sting, or the like, did presently mortify the Spirits of those who were bitten, whereby they were suddenly killed.  
And to show, that as the strength of our bodies depends upon the energy of the animal Spirits, the product of vital Fermentation, according to whose remiss or intense degrees of depuration, sublimation, and eradiation in their proper Channels the Nerves, the weakness or vigour, yea the whole crasis of the body subsists, (Diseases generally prevailing upon us from their various assaults which are made upon these in their original source of production, I mean in the fermentable juices of the body) so likewise the Spirits of venomous animals (the product also of the Fermentation peculiar to their juices) being by exasperation so subtilised, as that they are highly in vigorated, and beyond imagination Spiritualised, do by their sudden fiery vibrating motion, (if admitted) make their transits quasi ictu oculi, through our Fermenting juices, presently arrest our Spirits, and by coagulations, and other manner of mortifications, suspends their generation and motion, which being precipitated and born down, and the future vibrations of the vital Acidum and Sulphur mortified, must needs bring on death, which is nothing else but a period put to the mutual collisions of the vital principles.  
Where we might show, that the deleterious properties of venomous Animals, as Vipers, Adders, Snakes, Scorpions, etc. reside not at all in their flesh, because they may and are frequently eaten, not only without harm, but also in some cases with good success, but in their peculiar Ferments (consisting (according to our supposition) of Acidum and Sulphur of their kinds) which being capable of exasperations and heightenings, are also as liable to have their Spirits invigorated, insomuch as the more those animals are angered (as I may say) the stronger the Fermentation, and the more subtle the Spirits are, yea the more mortal their fire, which bearing the character of their material principles, have the foresaid sudden mortifying influence upon our vital juices, and the Spirits thereof.  
We might also show, how those sorts of Ferments in their strong inveterating motions, do sometimes fix themselves upon some peculiar matter, or coagulated juice in their bodies, where the Ferments lurk as in a seminary; and this is the reason why that matter vomited by some sort of venomous Scorpions, (If I mistake not) called Gecco, upon their being whipped and hung up (thereby having their Ferments exasperated) is used by the Indians as a speedy death to their malefactors, by pricking the skin under one Nail of the hand, and applying a little quantity thereof to it, which immediately thereby getting entrance into the blood, presently suspends the Fermentation thereof, mortifies the Spirits, killing them presently; yea, at Macassar a Town in the Island Celebes, belonging to the Molucco Islands, there is a sort of poison (whether made by the foresaid artifice from enraged venomous animals I know not) which the King of that place uses for expeditious killing those he would dispatch out of the way, by applying it to any breach of the skin, it immediately from its Fermental corrosive poison, not only kills, but burns the whole body into a corruptive putrilage; concerning which, and many other things of the like nature, we now for brevity sake willingly desist to enlarge.   

CHAP. VII.  
HAving in brief thus signified the causes of the Fermentations in animals, to consist in a brief, but suitable intestine dwellings betwixt the two principles Acid and Sulphur, which coincide in puncto vitalo, according to our Hypothesis, and that their heat is immediately thence produced.  
In the next place, let us consider whether the same Hypothesis may not hold good in the due explicating the Phoenomena in that other kingdom of nature, I mean the vegetable, where (besides what we have already said) vegitation in our account, is no other than a gentle vibration, and slender collision of the Vegetable Acid & Sulphur, from which two principles, put into a wrestling motion in every seed, after the loosening its body or husk in the lessas terrae, is begun the vegetable Fermentation, which ceaseth not till the body (shaped according to the form of those minute Types, wrapped up in the seedlings) and in some obvious to the eye, assisted by good microscopes, is brought in all its pourtraying upon the visible Stage of the World.  
And from this Fermentation, set afoot in the very primordials, seedlings, and first hew of vegetable forms, are deducable all the observable Phoenomena of vegetables; for not only vegitation itself consists in a slow-paced motion of the foresaid principles, set into a slender easy Fermentation, but also their colours, sapours, odours, also other medicinal qualifications, and their propagation by Seeds, and their future Fermentations, as of Corn, Grapes, and Fruits, etc. in order to our Bread and Drink, are referrable to the various intestine wrestle of the inbred Acid and Sulphur.  

First, As to Vegitation itself, we have already hinted, how it's performed by a secret Fermentation from the inward combating of their peculiar Acids and Sulphurs.  
Secondly, What are Colours but the ludicra Sulphuris? the sport of vegetable Sulphurs, from whose interweavings and coagulations upon their genuine acids, are struck those beautiful colours which so gratefully salute our Optics, and that by making such alterations in the texture of the parts, as to admit those various reflections and refractions of Light, and causing such mixtures of Shades and Lights, as lively to represent those amiable, and no less admirable appearances of Colours to our Eye.  
Thirdly, What are their Sapours but the deductions of Plants by their peculiar vegitative Fermentations, to any equal temperature, whereby they become pleasant or ungrateful to the Palate, and whereby those that are for food become nutritive; whose grateful gust in all, especially Fruits brought on to maturity, signify the soft sweetenings of their Acids, by the ripening of their Sulphurs; whereby they become sit objects for the Ferment of the Stomach to turn into nutritive juices, quod sapit, nutrit, is from this ground most certainly true.  
Fourthly, Again, what are all odours of Vegetables, but the efflor scence of their Sulphurs from vegitative Fermertations, whereby, from the continual hits and incessant touches of the native acid upon the Sulphur, the Sulphur thereby becomes in part so comminuted and volatized by that gentle Fermentation, as to pass off (especially in the more odorous Plants) in a sensible apporrhea, able to smite the Nostrils at a great distance; So that Vegetable odours are the immediate products of intrinsic Fermentation, which by how much the nobler the specific Sulphur is, and by how much the higher graduated, the more gratefully are we accosted by it, odour, and at the greater distance it is carried.  
Fifthly, How much the medicinal properties of vegetables depend upon the foresaid Fermentation, will not be unaptly represented by observing their chief dependence upon their Sulphurs: For what is it in most vegetables that we seek after, or that doth the work, but the Sulphurous and Oily principle, which is no otherwise brought on to maturity, but by the uninterrupted collision and inward wrestle with its connate acid, whereby it sweetens the Acid, is itself volatized and graduated. and most what complicated with a volatile Salt, the product thereof.  
Sixthly, As to the propagation of vegetables by Seeds, how that also is performed by the foresaid Fermentation, will be evident, if we consider, That as Fermentation in vegetables gins in a seminal punctum, wherein is delineated all the organical parts (if I may so say) the whole plant-Embrio, (being by the great and most skilful contriver of nature) epitomised into a punctum mechanically indivisible, only discoverable to the Eye, in some Seeds, by the help of good Glasses, according to the excellent and curious micro-scopical observations of the worthy Malpigius. So I say it ceaseth not till it terminates in a new seminal punctum, it's set afoot in the very first motions of Seed, and ends not till it have by the same wrestle of Acid and Sulphur, produced a new Seed, or rather a new Clothing for the Seed, nor doth it then cease to be a Ferment, only lies dormant, close shut up, as in a Prison, in the husk of the Seed, till it be set a-work again, by being put into a proper matrix or analogous moisture, and then the compage of its body is loosed, the Prison doors are set open, and the Embryo Captive set at liberty: yea, if Fermentation of vegetables was duly understood, and carefully attended, it would never cease to act, during the world: for if when by Fermentation the two principles concenters themselves in punto, shaping a new domicil (for their retirement a while, till other assisting causes, according to the appointment of God, conspire at their due seasons) should then immediately be committed to its proper matrix, the Fermentation would keep onwards in its pace, which being continually observed, would never cease to act. But because God the great Builder of all things, hath limited the Fermentations and Productions of all vegetables to certain seasons, therefore do the principles take sanctuary for a time in those visible ●rains and husks we see; which husks, although to us they seem new Seed, yet they are but new Cloathings at the best, to that inward Seed, which ceaseth not, and from this Fountain it was, that Paracelsus and Helmont truly tell us, that essentiae rerum non pereunt.   
And indeed we cannot but look upon Seeds, or Seminary principles, in all things thence producible, as Embrio-Ancherites, concentred and thrust up (by the great skilful Builder and Contriver of all things) into small parcels of matter, which (at least in some) are mechanically (I dare not, nor indeed can say Phisically) indivisible: Now that these Plant-Embrio's are so minute in most, as to escape any mechanical division, and in some so inconspicuous, as not to be discernible by the most curious, assisted by the best and most skilfully contrived Glasses, is very evident to those who are very inquisitive herein: And yet these so minute points, mechanically indivisible (which is worth our remarking) being put into their proper matrix, or having a competent moisture allowed them, do by a slow Fermentative motion, compitible to all vegitation, begin to make intestine collisions and inward wrestlin's of their inbred principles of Acid and Sulphur, whereby that little parcel of matter, so small as not to be obvious (at least in some) to the Eye, assisted as aforesaid, is by the power of its implanted Ferment, capable of being split and subdivided into plenty of yet more minute parts.  
Lastly, (for at present we only design transient sleight touches upon each) That the Fermentations of vegetables, as of Corn, Grapes, Fruits, etc. in order to the preparing our Bread and Drink, depends upon the foresaid collision and inward struggling of the two principles Acid and Sulphur, is hence evident, because if the Acidum of Paste, Must, Wurt, or the like Fermentable Liquors, be by the addition of any other thing precipitated, altered, or mortified, then will those Liquors never Ferment. Thus if quicklime, coral, Crabs Eyes, or any sort of fixed livial Alcalies, be added thereto, either before it begin, will prevent, or if while Fermenting, will cause the Fermentation to cease.  
Ferments are so obvious in the preparing our Bread and Drink, as that usually Fermentation, (through the defect of the right understanding the nature and due improvement thereof) hath been imputed to few other things. The brisk effervescence of Wines, which work without any additional Ferments, own their Fermentative motion to no other, then to the quick struggle, and inbred collisions of their native Acid and Sulphur; a great part of whose superfluous Acidum and Sulphur, complicated with a volatile Salt, together with other Heterogenities, are, during Fermentation, rejected and precipitated in the form of Tartar (of which more in our Halologia) The rest from a genuine wrestling of the principles compose an equal temper, and generous potable Liquor, viz. Wine, the noblest of vegetable Fermentable juices. The like may be said of all other vegetable Fermentative Liquors, such as are Ale, Beer, Cider, etc.  
If the efferuescence of Wines prove strong, either from the too brisk assaults of the inbred Acidum and Sulphur, (as sometimes happens in new Wines) or from the reimbibition of the formerly deposited Tartar, or rejected rich Lee or Faeces, (both well Saturate with the foresaid principles) or from too great agitation, or immoderate warmth, or some heterogeneous Acids, as of different sort of Grapes pressed into one mustum, or from the addition of Mercury sublimate (wherewith sometimes it is adulterated) or the like; if I say, from any of the foresaid ways, Wines be set into a Fermentative motion de novo, and put into a high efferuescence, the remedy chief consists, either in the racking it oft, whereby the contracted fervour is to be abated, and future imbibitions are to be prevented; or by precipitations of the foresaid Tartarous particles, or extraneous bodies, which is to be performed by affusion of plenty of Milk, or such sort of Liquors; by which, not only such kind of precipitations are well performed, but also doth help to allay those Fermentations too much exalted from agitation by Carriage; or which happens from immoderate heat, by attempering and softening inordinate exaestuations.  
And as this is to be done in Wines, whose principles are too active; so on the contrary, in the great impoverishment of Wines from the depressed state of the principles, somewhat of a like Ferment should be added, such, I mean, as may not only acuate the dormant principles, but also may inspire a new sort of Ferment, congenial to the former, of which kind, is a well impregnated Tartar, or stung Lee to be put thereto, or a Fermental Syrup composed from a generous Wine, Sugar, or some Aromacticks, to bring on a fresh Fermentation, or a little Fermenting Wine, freshly working upon its Lees; if in Ale, which wants a due Fermentation, either a little fresh Ferment, I mean the flores Cerevisiae, called Yeast or Barn, or a little new working Ale is to be added, especially after a cohobation of fresh Malt, or upon Malt once by infusion extracted; or some dust of Malt, and some sliced Ginger; or Eggs well beat; but to return:  
Yet some of these will not easily Ferment per se, but require an additional Ferment to excite their implanted Acidum and Sulphur, into a brisk motion or struggling, which we call Fermentation. Thus in the making Ale or Beer, from the infusion or juice of Malt, a congenial Ferment, viz. Yeast or Barn (which is flos Cerevifiae, or the seedling of its Fermentation, able from its Symbolical principle, to propagate ad infinitum, of which more elsewhere) is to be added, to rouse up the like principles of Acid and Sulphur, in the foresaid juice, to a Fermentative motion.  
Thus also in the preparing the potable Liquor from Sugar (which if done with Birch-water, makes it the more medicinal) a Ferment of Yeast, or the like, is to be added, which sets the foresaid principles in the Sugar, into a Fermental motion, whereby it becomes a good potable Liquor, bearing some resemblance to Wine: Now that there is Acidum and Sulphur in Sugars, Grapes, Apples, Berries, Cherries, and other Fruits and Grains, is very obvious: First, As to their Acids, those are plainly discoverable both by the facile degenerating of Liquors or Juices hence made into Acids or Vinegars, if I may so call them; thus Sugarcanes, laid by in Troughs, becomes very Acid, and so of the rest: As also by their distillation, as appears in the distillation of the Floors of Wheat, Wry, etc. which give an acid Spirit; so all Fruits, Sugars, Honey, etc. which by Fermentation are capable of becoming potable Liquors, by distillation yield an acidum, witness the acid Spirit of Sugar, Wheat, Honey, etc. Your Bread distilled yields an acid Liquor, chief from the added Ferment, which sets the Acidum of the Corn more at liberty; from both which proceeds that acid menstruum taken notice of by the honourable Boil, which will draw a tincture from Stybium, as we have tried.  
And as to Sulphurs, they are demonstrable to be in all the foresaid Fruits, Sugars Grains, etc. First, By their Vinegars, in all which lurk an Oil, separable by Art two or three ways, as we show in our Lithologia and Halologia: For when the Acid prevails, it dissolves the Sulphur per minima, and hides it in itself, under the mask of an Acetum. 2ly. By Distillation, as when urged by stress of Fire, they give besides their acid Spirit, an Oil, which from the forcible actings of the Acid upon the Sulphur, and some terrestrial parts, by the violence of Fire makes it become Empyrhumatical, (as in our Halologia we further enlarge.) 3ly. By putrefaction and Distillation they give an Cyle. 4ly. By Fermentation and Distillation, whereby they become vinous Spirits, whose Sulphur is discernible from their flagrablity. And Lastly, (to omit what might probably be done in order to the separating genuine Oils from some of them by bare Distillations in water) by their preparations of their juices, and extractions by vinous Spirits, whereby their tinctures are drawn, which are nothing else but specimen of their Sulphurs.  
As to Corn, suppose Wheat, or any other Grain, the same principles of Fermentation are evident; for when wrought into a mass with water, and the addition of a little vegetable Ferment, suppose Yeast; this by the congruity and congenialness of its parts to the similer Ferments implanted in that Grain, sets it into motion; for all additional Ferments do no more but excite the principles of Fermentation, native to the body, or Liquor to be Fermented: for neither Yeast put to water, nor Old Leaven put to powder of Stone, mixed with water, will cause either of them to work for want of Symbolical principles.  
Yet this last Paragraph we are to balance with this following consideration, and that is to illustrate the reason why Corn (for instance Wheat) sprouted by overmuch wet in the reaping, or moisture by bad laying up, will not make good Bread, at least, other sorts of Table Food, because hereby the vegetative principles of Acid and Sulphur are excited, which should either go on in order to propagation by vegetation or germination, or that design of nature being perverted by artificial malting, might thence be used for preparing a Fermentable, and afterwards potable Liquor: but being employed for other purposes, from the activity of the principles, already set into a vegitative Fermental motion, as soon as they feel the Heat retaining their vegitative sprouting motion, break the Prison doors; and in short, if the heat was answerable, would Sprout and Grow; but because the heat is stronger than is required for such purposes, it only makes the Mass Fat, or become more Florid; and thence it is that such paste bakes not solid and firm, but falls and runs in the Oven, as being more fit for making Malt then Bread, or other such Food.   

CHAP. VIII.  
NOw that there is some gentle warmth in all vegetable Fermentations, undiscernible to our senses, is apparent, because the same principles of Fermentation being invigorated in their brisk intestine duelling, may become sensibly hot, witness the heat of steeped Barley, laid on a heap in order to Maltin, which if neglected for want of turning and ventilation by Air, will become so hot, as one cannot induce his hand long in it: Yea, and from the same principles, yet heightened in their inward Collisions, may an actual burning Fire be produced: Witness Corn wet, laid in heaps in Chambers if neglected, will take Fire: Also Mows of Corn laid up too moist and close, have been Fired. So likewise a Rick of Hay is sometimes burnt to Ashes, from the violent and furious Fermentations of its principles, and that from its moistness and closeness, setting its principles of Acids and Sulphur into a violent motion, so as to break forth into acival Flame.  
Not to say here how Acids are sweetened by Sulphurs, and sometimes coagulate into a neutral body: For although all Fermentation is certainly (at least according to our Hypothesis) cause d from the Collisions and inward combatings of Acids and Sulphurs in the production of things: yet as Acids amongst bodies (as I have before, and may more largely hereafter show) differ amongst themselves, so they make different assaults, and are variously reacted by Sulphurs, whence both, by their mutual actions, undergo various changes and different modifications amongst bodies in their transformations.  
And as some Acids ferment with their Sulphurs in an inward wrestling, the Sulphurs afterwards as they predominate upon the wheel of operation, softening, sweetening, and ripening their Acids, making gentle coagulations in their naturations, both amongst animals, vegetables, yea, and Minerals too (although more obvious in the two former) so likewise some Sulphurs ferment with some Acids, while with others they combine in a natural texture, to confirm which we shall only (because in haste) give this single mechanical example, which shall be in Mercury or Quicksilver, to which if a Spirit of Nitre or Aqua fortis be added, the mixture presently ferments from the collision of the Sulphur in the Mercury, and the Acids in the Menstruum, whereby the compage there is broken from the intimate commixture of the Sulphur with its Mercurial parts, whence a solution of the whole: But if in lieu of that corrosive Menstruum, the dry Salts (of which that Menstruum by a colliquating fluor with their inbred Sulphurs by Fire is made) be mixed and sublimed together, there happens no Fermentation, but arise in a corrosive sublimate; to which, if such a due proportion of fresh Mercury be added and resublimed, they coagulate and sweeten each other into a solid concretion of a neutral texture, which is that trite preparation we call Mercurius dulcis, in which the acid Salts of Vitriol and common Salt is so dulcified by their interweavings with the Sulphur of the Quicksilver, as that it will not coagulate Milk, and so becomes (being well prepared) a very harmless and innocent Medicine: whilst the same sublimate (thus sweetened by the Sulphur of its Mercury freshly added) if therewith Antimony in lieu of Quicksilver be mixed, the same acid Salts, meeting with a different Sulphur in Antimony then in Mercury, falls into a colliquation and fretting Fermentation, causing a great heat, and becomes a strong corrosive.  
And as from the difference of Acids amongst themselves, and their various assaults upon their Sulphurs, cause various changes in the gevesis and transformations of Bodies, both in the texture of Liquors, and the concretions of Bodies: So from various modes of aggression of our principles, justling differently, according to various applications, are produced varieties of effects, which are discoverable from the difference of Spirits thence separable, which in some (at least upon rectification) smite our Organs of sense with great variety, as will appear these following ways: Thus, First, If the principles are set a-work in the seminals of things, in a generative way, as suppose in Vegetation, here the principles by an evolution, expand themselves in a slow but genuine Fermentation, whose effects (I mean their Spirits) most what guise themselves in the minute effiuvia of odours, especially in odorous Plants, and that chief in the opening of the Flower (though in many through the whole plant) when the Sulphur is by circulation (as I may say) so sublilized by its connate acid, as to pass off in a subtle Steam, for hereby the acid not only strikes the colour, (according to the varieties of Acids acting upon their proper Sulphur) but also causeth an expansion and emanation of subtle parts. Secondly, If this Fermentative Vegetation be carried on to the maturation of Fruits, and in their Juices the foresaid principles be again set a-work, they then make different assaults, combining in other manner of collisions then before, as is evident from the vinous Spirits thence easily separable, which partake much of the volatized Sulphur. Thirdly, Thus if during Fermentation, any quantity of a plant (suppose Wormwood, Mugwort, Tansey, etc.) should be gathered and laid together in heaps: Here the principles make new and different collisions then before, making retrograde motions, which tend to a putredness of the Plants, the product of which Fermentation is a volatile urinous Spirit, as appears by Distillation thereof: which is so strong in some Plants, as that it doth very discernible ferire nares, as I have felt in the Glastum or Wood, prepared by that artifice of putrefactive Fermentation, yea, the workers thereof told me, that when after a previous preparation (by Grinding and exposing to the Air in Cakes) they are laid in heaps, the Fermentation is so very strong, as the urinous Spirits thence issuing, are searce tolerable to those that are near it: which last named Spirits are as much a product of that sort of Fermentation, as the two former are of theirs; and therefore as we are not to guests at the quantity of vinous Spirits, separable by that Fermentation peculiar to those Fermental juices, as if pre-existent; nor of Odours in Plants, as aforehand, in their minute seedlings before the openings of those powers by their own vegitative Fermentation: so neither indeed ought we to esteem those vinous Spirits, pre-existent in the Plants before putrefaction.  
And as the different modes of the principles, aggressions, and collisions, cause various sorts of Fermentations, and different kinds of Spirits, thence separable in the Vegital; so likewise with some variation, they do the like in the animal Family, I mean, that according to the vi●ious methods of the principles mutual 〈◊〉, different sorts of Spirits thence result: thus from the intestine struggle betwixt the native Acidum of the Stomach, and the Sulphur in the Food begun in the Stomach, carried on by the intermediate Ferments, and compieated in the blood, are produced those sorts of Spirits we call animal.  
Thus from the same principles acting upon each other in a retrograde motion, which is that we vulgarly call putrefaction, are all other sorts produced; and so of the rest, which we shall not now enlarge upon; and as to what results from mineral Fermentation, we have elsewhere discoursed.  
That moisture or water (the former of which is but the latter rarified) is absolutely necessary, both to the setting the principles of Fermentation a work, as also to the keeping them afoot even in all such motions, from the very lowest degree of vegetable Fermentation, to the highest of actual flagration, is evident in most things throughout the series of nature's triplicity; thus Vegetables necessarily require moisture, not only to set, but also to keep their principles of Fermentation in a constant Spring. Thus the Ferments of our Stomaches do really need the pouring down of Water, Wine, Ale, Beer, or other potable Liquors, for the perpetuating and invigorating their active principles.  
And hence, for aught we know, may be the reason why a Glass of Water, taken after a plentiful repast, is found to help the digestion, by setting the Fermentation a-work, which otherwise, by the glut of Food might be interrupted, and that too by diluting the assumed aliment, and so setting the Acidum of the Stomach and Sulphur of the food into a mutual collision, even as a little water poured to the thick Oil of Vitriol, by diluting, sets the inward principles of Acidum and Sulphur into a Fermentation, thence producing a considerable heat, as we elsewhere further treat.  
So likewise do the principles of mineral Ferments, in their source no less require the continual afflux of Water, in order to the heightening their heat, and making of hot Baths: Thus also Brass Lumps (which are a sort of vitriolin marcasite) laid in heaps, do from the moisture of the Air, or sprinkling of water, suffer their principles of Acid and Sulphur, by their mutual collisions, to be set a-work, which are invigorated to that height, as to rise to an actual flagration.  
The same will Metal-Coals, Mines of Tinglass, Alom, etc. do, and that from the identity of causes with the former: So likewise moist Hay, Corn in Green or Moist Sheafs, Corn Steeped or otherwise Moistened, do all of them from the same heightening of the action of their principles by moisture, conceive heat, yea take fire too, as is abovesaid. So that wherever Fermentation happens, and that there is plenty of moisture or water, there the Fermentation is considerably heightened, as may be illustrated by all the foresaid instances. And wherever there is heat, proceeding from the same principles of Acidum and Sulphur, if these by the addition of moisture become sufficiently intended, will certainly cause Fire.  
Yea perhaps fire itself, I mean, the culinary made up, and fed with combustible concretes, doth as necessarily require a moisture in the Air, to the performing its quick rapid Fermentation of ignition and flagration, so as to make 〈◊〉 principles liquid in the very act of flagration 〈◊〉 that mineral corrofive Fires do require the addition of moisture or water, upon no other account then for the dissolving and putting into Fermentation, their corrosive Acids and Sulphurs, is evident, not only in the Oil of Vitriol, but also in the Stygian waters, viz. Spirit of Nitre, Aqua fortis, and Aqua regia, the two former of which being the same thing, as made from the same principles of Acid and Sulphur, (dissolved by the help of fire in water, as we further declare in our Halologia) all which are corroding menstruas, or liquid burning fretting fires, which while in the form of dry Salts or Sulphurs separated, are not at all apt to make such corrosions of Metals, Minera s, etc.  
For according to our Hypothesis, corrosive menstrua, are not made from Salts in fluor, nor are they bore acetous Liquors, or Saline particles driven by force of fire, from the embraces of their own Earth, as the learned Dr. Willis would have them, but are an Acid and Sulphur brought over in a Liquid form: That they are all Acids, needs no proof; and that they have all Sulphurs, may very easily be made to appear, by the resinous, oily, or other Sulphurous separations to be made from all of them, even from the leanest, I mean distilled Vinegar, (as we demonstrate in our Lythologia Physica, and Halologia) so that Acidum and Sulphur by stress of Fire, raising up some Liquid or watery parts, fall into a fluor, and thereby become corrosive menstrua: For mineral Salts never become corrosives, till their Sulphurs and Acids' colliquate, and that they do, either by distillation from stress of fire, the acidum of the fire assisting their colliquations, as is evident in the making of the Stygian, and other corrosive menstrua, or by Fermentation, as appears in the mixture of Mercury sublimate, and crude Antimony, or regulus of Antimony, where the acidum of the Salts, catch hold of the Sulphur in the crude or reguline Antimony, and cause a Fermentation, colliquating together, or rather by their colliquations, cause a Fermentation, which you will; for we see upon the Fermentation, the mass of Salts and Antimony flow together, appearing in a liquid, although thick form, which Colliquation and Fermentation is performed, without the least specimen of any alcali, or quid alcali analogum: to which many ingenious persons (for want of a true Basis and right Ariadne's Thread to extricate them from difficulties) are driven to take Shelter in the solving these and the like Phaenomena.  
And not only corrosives, but caustics also, we suppose (according to our Hypothesis) to consist both of them chief in the vigour of Acids, raised to the height of Fermentation, and to differ only in this, that caustics are made from the acidum of Fire, and that either as in its own rapid motion of Fermentation, happening betwixt the Acidum and Sulphur of the combustible concrete, or as its Acidum is fixed inter cremandum upon such sort of bodies as can grasp hold of, and detain it in its entrails, of which are all sorts of fixed Alcalies (as they are called) minium, calx vivae, etc. whereas Corrosives are made from the acids of Minerals, complicated with their Sulphurs, and heightened by Fire, which by the medium of an ingeint moisture, or by a colliquation betwixt themselves, become liquid corrosive Menstrua; of which, more elsewhere: And of whose manner of workings in the solution of Metals, we have above given a short account, according to our deposited Thesis.  
Yea, and that some Acids and Sulphurs will colliquescere, even without the help of Fire in distillation; and in that colliquation will cause a strong Fermentation and intense heat, is evident from the mixture of Antimony, or the regulus of Antimony and mercury sublimate, with dry powders, will melt (being mixed) as if fused in a crucible.  
We shall not here say, how by the Fermentations of our foresaid principles, all vegetable and animal concretes, (for the texture of whose bodies, water, as a material principle, is absolutely requisite, and which is wrought up into those bodies in their natural generation) are continually, by a constant wheeling off, after a little rotation in the Air, in the great capitellum of the Amosphere, turned into water again, or into watery vapours, which are but water rarified, and how that watery vapour is as one spring in the Air, for the setting all other Fermentations a-work; not only useful towards the actual flagration of combustible matter, maintaining thereby the great round and circulation of generations and reductions of all bodies. But also from the same moisture in the Air, carried thither in the great circulation, and fed by incessant subterraneal steams, arising especially from Springy and other watery places, which whether in the form of Dews, helps to feed Corn and Grass, kept back by long droughts, or whether wrapped up more invisibly in the Air, doth yet reach some of the tender veins of other vegetables, or uniteth with the slender fibers of their roots, placed in Sandy, Gritty, or other barren Ground, and thereby either way by a sort of filtration, is communicated to their Juices, whence such Plants (which otherwise could scarce be thought to receive any sufficient supply from such barren Soils) admit of a competent stock of moisture, able to carry on their vegetative Fermentation, whereby they grow and thrive well: And hence it is, that C●pin, and several other Plants, only set in Sand, and sometimes sprinkled with water, doth from the foresaid moisture in the Air, vegetate and like well.  
Nor here to show how Air, after a double manner, contributes towards the Fermentation both of animals and vegetables: yea, towards the producing the highest of Fermentation, Fire; nor shall we take time here to insist upon water, as the true material principle, indispensibly necessary for the production of all bodies, the want of which in the grand circulation of nature, bring on a consuming drought in all bodies, whereby those concretes (whose natives the principles are) whither and die, because their principles of Acidum and Sulphur, having not whereon to work, and model bodies with, desert them, taking wing into their own aether, leaving their former receptacles to pine away in a continual marasme, and unavoidable tabers; Nor to show, how water is indeed as essentially requisite, materiae gratia for natural, as Stone and Wood, are for artificial fabrics; whilst the active principles of of Acidum and Sulphur, are the inward artificers, the implanted fabers, yea the hidden limners, who by the manuduction of Seeds, hews out forms, shapes, and draws forth the lineaments and portraitures of all things, answering ad vivum (from the unerring rules of nature) their beautiful antitypes, invisibly couched in the initials of all bodies: But (now studying brevity) shall leave them to a further discourse.  
From what is premised concerning this our Doctrine of Fermentation, how it is performed in all vegetation, as being the lowest orb (in the whole round world of nature) it moves in, and yet is the true beginnings of all fire in bodies; and that the most violent of fires, is no other than this Fermentation in the most rapid manner; the principles furiously driving upon each other, will be evident, and very obvious from this following mechanical experiment. Take the subtle aethereal Spirit of Venice Turpentine four Ounces, (which is nothing else but the Sulphur of that vegetable resinous gumm, comminuted and subtilised by gentle distillation, and intimately married to a defaecate implanted acid) as also Aqua fortis six Ounces, both recently drawn, mix them together in a Glass-Viol, and they will presently fall into a furious Fermentation, which will arise to that height, as actually amongst the thick clouds of fumes to burn and blaze out of, and above the Orifice of the Glass in a visible flame.  
Now what is observable in this Fire, thus by the foresaid mechanic produced, and whence the causes, the same may truly (we think) be said of all other fires in combustible concretes, for here the Acidum in the Aqua fortis (lately made) is very strong, closeth with the Acid in the Spirit of Turpentine, immediately sets upon the Sulphur in the same vegetable Oily Liquor, which Sulphur being congenial (as Sulphurs usually are to each other) to that in the Aqua fortis, increaseth in its vigour, whereby both the Acid and the Sulphur, even in both Liquors become fortified, and forthwith fall into an intestine Collision, whence the Fermentation gins, which being by the purity and sincerity of the principles, more and more heightened and invigorated, (having no heterogeneous matter to interrupt their inward duelling) at length arise to that degree, as to colliquate into an actual fluid flame, which is the very same cause we elsewhere assign to to the production of all usual Fire in combustible concretes, only with this difference, that in such stagrations, conceived from the immediate conflicts of the principles, there are not, as I said, those heterogenities interwoven, as in other combustible concretes, set into that rapid motion by kindling or firing.  
Thus I say these actual flagrations, whether from the furious assaults of fiery acido-Sulphurous Liquors, as is apparent from the foresaid mechanical experiment, or from Acids and Sulphurs, set into intestine conflicts in combustible concretes, as is evident in all usual Fire, is no other than our foresaid Fermentation in a most violent hurry, the principles acting furiously upon each other; while other slower Fires are maintained by slighter, and more gentle touches of the same principles. Hence methinks, when I behold the varieties of Vegetables, I cannot but esteem them as so many igniculi, little Fires, showing their various lustre in their peculiar colours.  
Yea to me the whole appearance of nature in the concretions of most bodies throughout the triplicity of her dominions (some Petrificks, and such like anomolous productions excepted) is nothing else but so many Lamps burning in water, each of them distinguishing a parcel thereof, into this or the other visible figuration which we commonly call bodies or concretes, so that the Philosophers ignis aqua, I mean, both their Mercury, and the grand Solvent the Alchahest, in which the ignis Sophorum is artificially implanted in the mercurial or watery juices, is but an Epitome of what nature in the great volume of the World, sets down in Folio; yea, is no otherwise preparable by art, than what (to a Philosophic eye) nature is constantly performing in its great orb of productions.  
And as each Body carries its central Fire shut up in its Bosom, expanded or blown up by the evolution of its seminals, depending upon the implanted active principles of Fermentation; so likewise that adventitious heat, which helps to foster Fermentation, (in such juices or concretions, where the active principles seem to be immured, in the weighty bulk of terrestrial strial parts) ought in its degree to be gentle, soft, and symbolical to the Fermentative principles: which if it exceed, in lieu of chenishing, dissipates the nimble agents, and spoils the act of Fermentation, and this is evident, not only in the concretions and maturations of Fruits, but in the Fermentations of potable Liquors.  
Thus as to the First, Fruits while upon the Trees, by the help of the Sun, have their vegetative Fermentations completed by the Sulphurs, sweetening and maturating their Acids, the like is done (though nothing nigh so well) in Fruits taken off the Trees before they be ripe, and laid by in Straw, Hay, or the like, whereby the warmth of the Air, there formerly begun Fermentation, is in some measure carried on to maturation: whereas, if exposed to a more warmth, or a greater degree of heat, if done in Water, they are Coddled; if before the Fire, they are Roasted: In both which, although somewhat sweetened from what they were, yet are far short of the pleasant gust and delicate colour they arrive at, by their more natural and gentle maturating heat.  
Thus if any Grain, suppose Barley, etc. be steeped, and afterwards laid in heaps till it contract a spontaneous heat: this very heat transcending that which is peculiar to its own vegetative Fermentation suspends, or rather indeed perverts the intention of nature, whereby it will never so vegetate afterwards, as to go on to a propagation by Seed, but only if permitted (by neglect of turning) will shoot forth a spurious branch, called vulgarly an Acrespire.  
Thus as to the last, Fermentative Liquors, if they have any other heat but what results from the collisions of their own active principles, or at least in degree is congenial thereto, than the intention of nature is perverted by the dissipations of the principles of Fermentation, or at least, by the graduations of the Acid above the Sulphur, as appears in heating the Fermentative Liquor too much, or in putting it up too warm in the Vessels: the like happens (I mean a dissipation of the Fermentative agents, or an exorbitancy of the Acidum) in hot seasons, or with the percussions of the Air by the noise of Guns or Thunder, or from insolation, or the like; In all which the crasis of Fermentable Liquors are perverted, and the Acidum by overpowering the Sulphur, grows exorbitant, subverting the temperature of the whole.   

CHAP. IX.  
HAving thus slightly (for brevity's sake) run through the reasons and causes of Fermentation, from the lowest to the highest degree thereof, in all natural productions throughout the threefold kingdom of Nature, and shown those from the genuine causes and natural principles, to be the fountain of Heat in and amongst bodies: Now come we to consider of some other sorts of Heat, that seem to arise either from other manner of Fermentations, or from other causes: of which are all Fermentations or Ebullitions made betwixt Acids and all kinds of Alcalies, whether lixivial or alcalizate, fixed or volatile; the Fermentation and Heat obvious in quicklime, made by the affusion of water, heat also caused from the collision and attrition of solid bodies. For indeed, from a due examination I find, there is no Heat produced amongst bodies (I mean from their own intestine principles) what sort soever it be, but what is referable of one of these two, viz. either Acids and Sulphurs, or to Acids and Alcalies: The first is the natural cause of Heat as thence springing from its genuine source, which admits of degrees even to actual flagration: The other is artificial, and never arrives to the height of the former.  
I found therefore upon due consideration, that the foresaid Fermentations and Heat reckoned amongst those which arise betwixt Acids, and some sorts of Alcalies, might be solyed from one of these two causes, viz. either from our deposited principles of Acid and Sulphur, or from a mutual fretting betwixt Acids and urinous Spirits: Thus we suppose (and elsewhere in our Lithologio Physica illustrate) in all Petrifick concretions, somewhat of a Sulphurous principle locked up in the strict texture of the petrifying native Alcaly; which when an acid menstruum comes to terebrate, finding the Sulphur its proper object, closeth therewith; and from their mutual struggle, happens the solution of the body; thence proceeds the Ebullition, and consequently in some (where it is strong) Warmth: For we suppose a Sulphur or Sulphurous principle, to be as a cement, to bind up the petrifick Alcali in all or most of stony concretions.  
Thus also we suppose in all fixed lixivial Alcalies, (or fixed Salts as they are vulgarly called) a Sulphurous principle, to be close shut up in the texture thereof; and that every fixed lixivial Alcali, is a new compage of the same preaexistent principles, produced and bound up by the Acidum of Fire, where the Acidum and Sulphur are so interwoven with a volatile urinous Spirit or Salt, as that by force of Fire they do colliquescere, melt down into a body dissolvable per deliquium, which is generally esteemed a simple Salt, but having discoursed largely thereof in our Halologia, shall now wave it, and only say, that these fixed Alcalies (vulgarly reputed solitary Salts) being new textures of the intrinsic principles, do by that neutrality of Essence they are wrought into by the Fire, from new complications, I say, do make different assaults upon Acids then before.  
Hence it is, that upon a double account, as I said, that Acids mixed with these Alcalies may cause an effervescence, viz. either as meeting with the Sulphur close bound up with the Acid and urinous Spirit or Salt in the compage of the Alcali, and so to cause an Ebullition and Heat, according to our foresaid principles; or as meeting with the volatile urinous Salt close riveted with the Sulphur and Acid, may either way cause an effervescence.  
Only this difference (which is considerable) is to be noted betwixt these Fermentations made between Acids and Sulphurs as they happen in petrifick concretions, and fixed lixivial Alcalies; from those which happen in the general course of nature, inasmuch as Fermentations which are set a-work amongst animals, vegetables, yea, and many minerals, do produce a quite different effect from those lately cited, as appears in animal Fermentations, their effects are the production of animal Spirits, etc. In vegetable Fermentations their effects are either such which immediately result from the slow paced motion of the principles, viz. Vegetation, Volatization of their Sulphurs, Odours, etc. or are the effects of the more sensible Fermentations in all vegetable juices, in order to potable Liquors, which are vinous Spirits, or the effects of mineral Fermentations, which if done in the bowels of the Earth, where no current of water happens) are the productions of mineral concretes, etc. If where waters have their Channels (in their great circulation) their effects are hot Baths, etc. Or Lastly, if the Fermentation be from mineral bodies, and corrosive menstrua, the effects are stifling fumes, etc. All which in their different classes happen from the looseness of the compage of their Sulphurs, and from their facile inclination to volatization. But in the late cited effervescences betwixt Acids and Alcalies, whether in Petrifick or lixivial Salts, their Sulphurs being naturally fixed, as in Stony concretions, and are made so in lixivial alcalies: So that although Acids may touch upon them, and cause a little fretting effervescence, yet cannot volatize them; therefore upon their collision and Ebullition, we find no different hogo to smite our Nostrils, the usual products of other Fermentations.  
And then as to volatile Alcalies, which put to Acids, cause a fretting heat, they do consist of an Acid and an urinous Spirit (as in our Halologia we further demonstrate) which being complicated together, retains so much of the Acidum, as is sufficient to its concretion into a saline form, and yet is so much subjugated by the urinous Spirit, as to be overpowered thereby; and from the neutrality of their nature to cause the foresaid effervescence, being mixed with Acids.  
In the next place, as to the reasons of Fermentation contracted in quicklime, from the affusion of water; in short thus, we suppose (and think to demonstrate) that heat to proceed from a Fermentation, betwixt Salts of a different nature; which upon the affusion of water are dissolved, and thereby set into an actual struggling. These different Salts are an Alcali and an Acidum: Now that fixed alcalizate Alcalies (not lixivial of Plants) are disseminated in the bowels of the Earth, to which petrisick concretions chief own their original, we at large show in our Lithologia Physica; and that such a sort of Alcali is implanted in calx vive (which in the calcination required to the making thereof, becomes yet heightened) is evident, First, by its mortifying and sweetening Acids, witness its being put to water acidulated with Spirit of Salt, Nitre, etc. the acidity will presently be altered, and mortified: next by its closing Acids wrapped up in the texture of another body, as appears by its mixture with Sal armoniac, where its Alcali, (for it can be no other) catcheth hold of the Acidum of Sal marine, and so breaks the compage of the Armoniac Salt, setting the volatile urinous Spirit at liberty. Thirdly, by the heat it makes (after extinction by affusion of water) with an acid Spirit, as when Spirit of Vitriol is poured upon extinguished Lime, a heat is thence caused. Lastly, By the observing that the water of its extinction, will serve to open the body of mineral Sulphur, by boiling them together, which it will do almost as well as if the water had been acuated with fixed lixivial Salts: both which work upon mineral Sulphurs by their Acids, as we shall demonstrate more clearly afterwards.  
And as to the Acidum in quicklime, we say, it owes its original to no other than to that of Fire, contracted in the calcination of the Stone, and that it was not pre-existent before calcination. Now that Fire in the actual flagration of combustible bodies, doth (in that violent Fermentation of its principles) fix its acidum (while the Sulphurous principle wheels off into the Air) upon some bodies it meets withal, suitable for the reception thereof; and how that from the difference of Acids in several combustible concretes by flagration, entangling themselves with, and fixing upon other bodies, different effects are produced: I might confirm by many instances.  
The former is evident (amongst the rest) in the reverberatory calcination of Lead, in its preparation into minium, where the Acidum in the flame of Wood, centres and fixeth itself upon the Lead, and gives considerable increase of weight thereto: So in like manner (to come nearer to our purpose) the Acidum of Cole in the calcination of Limestone, doth by a continued reverberation, fix itself in the crannies and inward recesses thereof: Thus in the calcination of Vitriol by the rays of the Sun, in the preparation of the Sympathetick powder, the pondus thereby becomes increased.  
And then as to the latter, viz. the different effect upon bodies from the variety of Acids in actual ignition or flagration, either fixing themselves thereon, or at least by some slighter intrusions, showing a different operation, we could demonstrate from our observations upon burning of Bricks, hardening of Iron or Steel, calcinations of minerals and metals, various reverberations, and many other mechanical operations, (solely owing their original to the difference of the foresaid Acid;) nor to say here, how amongst other Phoenomena, the difference of colours amongst minerals and metals, contracted by calcinations and reverberations, own their original to this source of varieties of Acids in different sorts of Fires, which for brevity sake we now omit, referring to a further discourse thereof in another place.  
By the power of the foresaid Acidum in quicklime, communicated thereto by Fire, in the calcination thereof, it is, that the water of Lime will perform what other more usual Acids cannot; for instance, That Limewater mixed with any volatile urinous Salt, and distilled therefrom, fixeth, yea, turns the Salt into an insipid powder, or indissolvable calx; concerning which, the ingenuous Zuelfer well notes, quin etiam (saith he, speaking of this very thing) huic aquae recenti salia volatilia jungerem, moxque vidi effectum, sc. salium dictorum totalem destructionem, & eorum in calcem vel pulverem insipidum indissolubilem, omni odour, & sapore, privatum, ignisque violentiam in posterum strenue sustinentem, conversionum. The like probably would minium do to the same volatile Salts, if mixed therewith, and that from the same cause, viz. the Acidum contracted by the Fire, and from the same Acidum it is also, that water of Lime cast plentifully upon boiling Milk, will curdle it. And from these two, viz. the Alcali and Acidum (which we have demonstrated to be in quicklime) put into a struggling fretting motion, by their solution in water, is (according to our Hypothesis) the very cause of heat, obvious in quicklime: For unless these two be dissolved, no Fermentation happens, and consequently no heat. Hence it is, that although rectified Spirit of Wine, Spirit of Turpentine, or other such like Sulphurous Liquors be added, yet cause no heat, because they are not competent menstrua, nor suitable Liquors for the dissolving the foresaid Alcali and Acidum, from whose solution and combating motion, proceeds the heat: But we have at large discoursed upon that subject in our Lithologia Physica, to which I refer the Reader therefore shall now forbear further to insist thereon.   

CHAP. X.  
LAstly, as to heat, and sometimes ignition, which is caused from the collisions and attritions of hard solid bodies, we may without any difficulty solve from our formerly deposited principles: As (for instance) that heat and ignition which proceed from the attritions and percussions of Flint and Steel, the attritions of Steel and Wood, of Steel and Pyrites, or any other Gritt or Freestone: The attritions of either sappy or dry wood, as happens in the violent motion of the Axis, or Wheels of Coaches, Chariots, Wagons or Mills: all which Phoenomena we can well (and we think rationally) charge to the account of our former Hypothesis, viz. That they are performed no other way, then by a quick and sudden excitation of the implanted principles of Acid and Sulphur, being by percussion, allision or attrition put into a speedy Fermentation.  
For the better understanding whereof, we are to consider both the nature and temperament of those bodies, as also the manner of the production of Heat or Fire therefrom, as to the first, they are all of them such, in whose texture our principles of Fermentation, viz. Acid and Sulphur, lie scattered and interspersed; what are Flints and other Pyrites, but stony concretions, who have a Sulphurous principle for their cement, which lieth close shut up in their bodies, especially in some of them, the flagrable Sulphur is so fast locked up, as that it appears not by any usual manner of way: unless either by attrition of other bodies (wherein an Acid and Sulphur hang more loosely, viz. Iron or Steel) or by the solution of some powerful menstruum, such as the grand solvent the Alchahest: whilst others of them have their Sulphur more easily extricated: of which last sort it is G. Fabricius speaks when he saith, that out of any the Pyrites; equo excutitur ignis, excoquitur etiam Sulphur.  
What is Iron or Steel (the latter being but the former hardened) but a metal wherein eminently (above the rest of metals) doth appear an Acidum? witness it's easy mouldering into Rust, being a natural calcination thereof by the bare acid moisture of the Air: For what Fire by its Acidum, doth to Iron, loosening the innate acidum thereof by actual calcination, the same in a longer tract of time doth the connate acidum of the Air to the inbred acid of Iron, which then working upon the native Sulphur doth unhinge it, and so together taketh in pieces the whole body into a crocus; And although Copper hath also an implanted acidum (the chief cause of its contracting an erugo in the Air) yet it is not so easily extravertable by the acidum in the Air, and therefore defends itself the better from the injuries thereof.  
Lastly, (not now to name any more) what is Wood, whether in a sappy Branch or dry (but firm) stick, but the more strong concretions of vegetable juices, wherein the foresaid principles of Acid and Sulphur are, in the one freshly acting in the work of vegetation, and in the other lie dormant under the bonds of coagulation: So that if the same principles be actuated and accelerated in their motions, as they are by sudden collisions and attrisions, they may thereby be put into stronger Fermentations; and at length be invigorated to that height, as actually to take Fire: which (according to our Hypothesis) is the very reason why a Green Branch or Stick, by strong and frequent attritions (one part upon another) will Fire; also why the Axis, Staves, or Wheels of Coaches, Wagons, and Mills, will from strong and violent motions and attritions, take Fire and burn. The like may be said concerning all the other foregoing Subjects, as to the causes, or manner of their striking Fire; which now we shall insist no longer upon: only this (by the by) I would take notice of (before I have done with this matter) that frications (which are slight attritions) of the parts of the body, which by the Ancients were much in use, towards the assisting the cure of many Diseases, whose peccant matter lay much in the habit of the body, were grounded upon this very reason, viz. that they thereby helped the Fermentation of the blood, and other dormant juices, which lay coagulated in the outward parts of the body, benumbing the Nerves, Muscles, and other outward parts; and that if Physicians would now more frequent the use thereof, might probably find an advantage thereby in order to the Cure of Diseases by invigorating those dorming Ferments, putting them into action, whereby the offending matter might the better be discussed and evaporated.   

CHAP. XI.  
THus having (as compendiously as we could) run through the causes of Heat and Fire, as the result from all sorts of Fermentations, in the triplicity of nature's Empire: and shown Heat to be Fire in a remiss, and Fire Heat in an intenced degree, or if you will a slow or more quick motion of the principles (I mean Fermentations) solves both; and shown also these Fermentations to proceed from a wrestling of Acidum and Sulphur, excepting those made from an intestine struggling of Acidum, and a fixed Alcali, or Acidum and urinous Spirits: Now come we to the last thing we propounded, and that is, how from our deposited Doctrine of Fermentation, to solve that other grand Phoenomena, viz. Light.  
Not now to treat of Light as it is communicable to us from the great Fountain thereof, the Sun, which, as we suppose, consists in an illumination of Air by a perpetual emanation or eradiation of solar beams, springing from an incessant, but peculiar Fermentation in the body of the Sun, and fostered by an unwearied circulation of Aethereal matter, Light and Heat, as proceeding from the great scuree thereof, we conceive to differ only in this, viz. That Light is the bare illumination of the medium the Air, by a direct progressive motion of Aethereal matter, from the foresaid Fermentation, as the proper object of the Eye, and by which all other things are seen, while heat is the reflection or reverberatory motion of the same luminous beams (proceeding from the said Fermentation) from the Earth or other solid bodies, affecting (by that Fermentative motion) our Organs of feeling, concerning which, we may elsewhere modestly propose our opinion.  
Our design at present is, only to discourse of the nature and manner of such sort of Lights, which we find amongst bodies we usually converse with upon the Earth, and within the verge of our Atmosphere: which are as followeth, viz. the Light of culinary Fire; I mean, of most usual combustible concretes, the Light of all Sulphurous matters, whether in the form of mineral Sulphurs, Gums, Rosins, Turpentine, Axungia's, &c. or in liquids of Bitumen, Oils, vinous Spirits, etc. The Light of rotten Wood, long dried Fish, as Cod's, &c. who have an incipient putrefaction; The Light of Glow-worm's, Cats-Eyes, Light from attrition of Wood green or dry, which have thereby taken Fire, from the attrition or percussion of Steel and Flint, or any Pyrites, from the frication or pectation of animals: such as are Light from the Combing a Woman's head (as sometimes hath been known) Light struck in the currying of a Horse; and that Light I have seen from a sudden frication upon a Catts-Back; of some Liquors the Light of subterraneal Lamps; the perpetual Light preparable by the exuberate Mercury of the Philosophers, graduated by circulation and cohobation, according to our English Anonymus, who had seen it done.  
The Light of some precious Stones, as Carbuncles; some sort of Diamonds, magnetical of Light, as the Bononian-stone, prepared by an artificial calcination. Lastly, The Light of meteors, amongst which may be reckoned Lightning, flashes of Fire, or Light seen in Storms upon the Sea, also those luminous meteors which in great Storms at Sea are seen to cleave to the tops of Main Masts, and at the Sterns of Ships, by the Ancients called Castor and Pollux, by our Englishmen corpusants, and very probably is the same with that meteor we call ignis fatuus, of which, as also concerning the Light seen upon the impressions of footings in the Sand upon Seashores: we shall shortly speak more.  
All which give Light in the Dark, viz. in the Air not illuminated by any Light from the Sun; so that we may say of things that occur to our sight, that they carry Fire and Light in their Bellies, and that by an excitation of their intrinsic Ferments, their inside tapores are set above board: It remains therefore that we try these Lights, and examine whether all or most of them, may not (according to our Hypothesis) be solved from various degrees of Fermentation, grounded upon our principles of Acidum and Sulphur, from various causes differently excited.  
We shall begin with that which is most obvious, viz. culinary Fire, and examine how Light is produced therefrom: no sooner are the inbred Acidum and Sulphur of any combustible concrete, set into a violent Fermentation, kindled by the Fire or symbolical Fermentation (already in actual motion) put to it, but forthwith by the help of the Air, the principles are set into a rapid intestine motion: which yet more and more being sharpened by the Air, ariseth by degrees to that pitch, as to fall into an actual ignition; and from thence being yet more thin'd by the interweavings of the Air, breaks forth into flagration, or ignition with Flame; Fire and Flame seem to differ only in this, that in the struggle of the principles, and thereby in the rejecting the heterogenites, the Air is more complicated in making Flame, then in bare ignition, Flame being but Fire, rarified by the intertexture of Air, which by such rarifaction of a dark cloudy smoke or fume, makes a diaphanous Flame.  
Air is necessary for ignition and flagration upon a double account: First, from its moisture (brought into it from the grand Fermentation and Circulation of other Bodies) whereby the principles of Firing become more liquid, and thence fall into a more intensely furious and colliquating Fermentation, according to that of Silenus the Epicurean, brought in by Virgil, semina terrarum, etc.— Et liquidi simul ignis; next by its own peculiarly, pliable, penetrative, and circulating nature, whereby it insinuates into every of the principles actings, keeping them in a constant agitation, thereby maintaining their wheel of motion, as long as any combustible matter remains, and is well put together.  
So that by the first qualification, Air by its spongy nature, imbibes moisture, wheeling off from other bodies in their incessant Fermentation, and thereby becomes qualified for keeping other Fermentations afoot, and then by its other qualification of penetration, and being as a Fan to blow off the lose Corns, (as I may say) or heterogeneous matter, engendered by the foresaid rapid Fermentation: And by both it becomes truly capable of assisting the principles of Acidum and Sulphur in their furious combating, as thereby to turn vast bulky bodies of combustible matter, first into Fire and Flame, and at last (by winding off) into water, leaving some few Ashes, wherein remain some Salt, and in some vegetable concretes, the seedling of the former body: For all combustible bodies, are by this agitation of the innate Acidum and Sulphur, with the co-operation of the Air (in that double foresaid respect) reduced after a little rotation into the Air, to water again; And although Fire moistens no bodies put thereto, yet doth it really go off, not only in a liquid, but humid form, witness the condenced steams of mineral Sulphur, or Brimstone, burning under a Glass campane, is saved in an acid Liquor, also Spirit of Wine, fired and condensed by such an artifice, appears in an insipid water: yea, for aught I know, the like might happen (with some small variation) to most combustible bodies, if their fumes were condenced by such a contrivance: however the Air at the long run condenceth all those steams (Fire wheeleth off in) into water.  
This being premised, we say that the highest degree of Fermentation, whereby the principles are put into a rapid motion, maketh Fire, and that is done by the help of Air as aforesaid, which Fire of ignition gives Light by a continual winding off in luminous rays, springing from the foresaid Fermentation, and that by the further complications of Air, interwoven in the texture of Fire, whereby the otherwise gross fumes gains a more Aethereal liquidity, is that we call Flame, which is yet more luminous than bare ignition.  
Not here to insist, whether Light, either of the Sun, or other luminous bodies, be made any other way then by refraction; for although the rays of the Sun make their exit in right lines from the source of their Fermentative motion: yet being to wade through a fluid medium, I mean our Atmosphere, where, ever and anon hitting upon liquid particles of rarified water, born up by a Column of the same, extended perhaps as far as the surface of the Earth, (and may be further) must needs have their Lines broke, their Files disordered, and their Rays much altered, being put into obliqne motions, amongst such a Sea of watery atoms: Notwithstanding which refraction, a luminous body may not undergo any sensible variation as to locality, and that because our Eye is placed in the same medium with the luminous body, (if such as represented to us here below) And as to the Sun, perhaps that may be the very reason of the difference betwixt the apparent and real place thereof: whereas, an object so situate, as to have the reflecting luminous rays to pass through two mediums of different textures, must need sustain a greater difference, as to the locality thereof, witness an oar part immersed in water, part out, or a piece of Silver in a Basin of water. But a luminous body, becoming such by having its principles of Acid and Sulphur, heightened by a furious Fermentation, and being placed in the same medium with our Eye, the luminous rays continually winding off in that rapid motion of the combating principles, although (I say) they make their Exit in right Lines from the Source of their motion, (viz. the body they issue from) yet must they be continually hitting upon watery Atoms they meet with in the Air, which are many times backed with strong Cylinders of the same, whence they are distorted from their right Lines, and become refracted from each of the adjacent watery bullas, whereby, for aught we know, the rays of such bodies in their illuminating motion, may become the more intended, then if they should have reached the Eye in right Lines, directly from the object.  
For hereby those watery particles may become as so many minute apake Specula's, by which, each of these luminous rays, being once broke from its direct line, becomes by various reflections and refractions multiplied, first hitting upon one, then slanting off another, and so ad infinitum, yet retaining their first impulse from the Fermentation or transmission from the luminous bodies, whereby those rays of Light are infinitely increased in their illuminating property, easily communicating a diaphaneity to the adjacent and ambient Air, to confirm which, we may observe how notably a stream of watery particles cast from a Spring, through a Cylinder of Sunbeams (the eye being placed in the shade) cutting it at Angles, intends the Light thereof, make by reflections and refractions new appearances of Light.   

CHAP. XII.  
THus much concerning Light, as proceeding from culinary Fire, or from ordinary combustible concretes, put into that rapid furious Fermentation we call Fire: The same we may say of the causes of Light in all Sulphurous matters, whether in the dry form of mineral Sulphurs, resinous Gums, Turpentine, etc. or in Liquids', as Bitumen, Oils, Vinous Spirits, etc. All of them in their flagration or flammability requiring Air, and that in the double acceptation thereof, as aforesaid. We shall therefore in short take leave to say, that these have their intrinsic principles of Acid and Sulphur, set a-work into an actual flagration, by being kindled by some congenial fiery Fermentation, and that by the assistance of the Air both as a Sponge and as a Fan, especially the last, which thereby not only promotes the incipient Fermentation, but also is necessarily required for the perpetuation thereof, as long as any of the principles remain yet unwound off by flagration.  
That there is an acid principle in all these, we may elsewhere prove by demonstrable and undeniable arguments, etc. That there is also a Sulphurous principle, no eye will doubt it, upon beholding their flagration, inasmuch, as according to the vulgar acceptation, Sulphur must be in all combustible matters, only we may observe, this difference there is betwixt common culinary combustible matters, and those last named, viz. That the first are complicated with more heterogeneous matter, wrapped up in the texture of those concretes; the latter are more simple, come nearer to the nature of the principles themselves, and therefore are the more readily and easily flagrable, and consequently sooner give their exuberant Light; to which the Air hath more easy admission, towards the keeping the principles at work, and to the facile boying them up in a constant luminous aereal flame, burning without glowing, or any considerable residence of a Caput mort ', especially in some Oils, and in all rectified vinous Spirits.  
The same may be said of Light, arising from attrition of Wood green or dry, which having its inward principles of Acid and Sulphur roused up by so quick a motion as attrition produceth, gives the same appearances of Fire and Light, and that from the same causes, as that which is done by actual flagration from other external Fire added thereto.  
So likewise the same may be urged in the solving the Phoenomenon of Light, arising from attrition or percussion of Steel and Flints, or any Grit-stone or Pyrites; for as by that sudden motion of attrition or percussion, the acidum of the Steel and the Sulphur in the Flints or Pyrites, are set into a rapid Fermentation, whence (as we have showed before) ariseth Fire: So Light being the immediate product and result of Fire, must needs appear. Wherefore the causes of Fire and Light arising hence, are the same with those produced from others more obvious, only are differently put into action, yea the Air is as much interested in the excitation of the one, as the other: And that according to the qualifications and manner aforesaid.  
Nor need we go much further for solving the reasons of Light, which appeareth from frication or pectation of some animals; such as are Light from the Combing of a Woman's head, (as hath been known) that struck in the currying some Horses, and that from a sudden frication of a Cat's back, if we consider the two first, as depending upon the peculiar texture and singular disposition of the Fermentative juiees; For it is not all individuals of either of the species, from which that appearance of Light is obvious; but only those in whose constitution the principles arise, or are graduated to a peculiar efflorescence, in the very formation or genuine production of animal Spirits, carried by the nervous juices, as their proper vehicle, into the habit of the body, which being excited by that sudden motion of pectation, etc. readily by the help of the Air, give those quick flashes of Light. And as to the last, viz. the striking Flame or Light from a Cats back by frication in the dark (as I have sometime taken pleasure to see done) that I cannot otherwise impute, than also to proceed from the peculiar graduation of the principles Acid and Sulphur, in the texture of that animal, and what is done by that sleight artifice in exciting the efflorescence of the principles in a luminous flame, may (for aught we know) be done naturally by a brisk, but slender woven Fermentation, performed either in the texture of their eyes, or rather in the very fabric of their animal Spirits, being a brisk floridues of those juices, proceeding from a most depurate and heightly volatized Sulphur, carried away to the Eyes by the optic Nerves, from whence we suppose it is that their Eyes shine and give Light in the dark.  
Which last I am induced to believe, viz. That this luminous efflorescence, peculiarly resides in the animal Spirits, even in all the foresaid instances, carried by the nervous juices into the habit of the body, because (in the last instance) the frication being made along the Spina, running down the vertebre of the back, excites that volatile and highly depurated Sulphur, into a luminous flame: whence its very probable, that many other animals, especially those which are highly fed, and whose animal Spirits are of a fine spun texture, having their Sulphur highly volatized, would I say upon trial be found, (from the foresaid causes excited by attrition, pectation, or the like) to give the same luminous flame.  
In the next place, we come to give the reasons of Light in rotten Wood, and dried Fish, etc. where we are to observe, that as in the causes of Light aforesaid, from the principles of Acid and Sulphur, variously put into motion, being excited into a Fermentation divers ways: So amongst the rest, this by putrefaction is not the least; for Wood shines not tift its principles of Acid and Sulphur, by a retrograde motion, fall into a new sort of Fermentation, whereby it winds off what the principles in their generative Fermentation wound on, viz. unravels its own Clew, taking in pieces what the other built up, in which putrifick analysis, the foresaid principles make different assaults upon each other, by the intermission of moisture in the Air, fortified perhaps with an acidity, repugnant to that of the concrete: And as moisture in the Air, is necessary towards the promoting Fermentation in a generative way; so likewise as necessary to the helping forward the destructive or retrogressive Fermentation in taking bodies in pieces.  
For putrefaction always gins where the principles terminate their actions in generative motions, viz. upon the external superficies, or outward rims of all Bodies, where the ambient Air touch them, and thence begin their retrograde motion in the natural analysis of Bodies; which is evident from this observation, viz. That I know by an artificial exclusion of Air, how to preserve most (perhaps all) sorts of Fruits, newly taken off the Trees, as suppose Gooseberries, Apricocks, Damsens, Cherries, etc. so that in January I have had Tarts made of them to entertain Strangers with, as we elsewhere in our Lithologia Physica further show.  
So that it is from a peculiar sort of Fermentation betwixt the Acidum and Sulphur in the unhingeing the compage of the concrete; whence proceeds the flaming brightness of rotten Wood; For the principles are not all wound off, but only are a going off in a luminous brightness, whence also proceeds its facile susception of Fire from any Spark thereof: insomuch, as the last Threads of natures unraveling in the reduction of bodies by putrefaction, (especially in some) is of the finest sort, the volatile Sulphur winding itself off (by slender vibrations from the connate acid) in a subtle but luminous rotation.  
The like account may be given of Light, from some sorts of Fish, hung up till they undergo an incipient putrefaction: For while their principles of Acid and Sulphur, do by the moisture in the Air, undergo a putefactive Fermentation, the Sulphur by those retrograde motions, becomes more volatized, and by gentle touches from its inbred Acid, winds off in a luminous flame: In which supposition we are the more confirmed, inasmuch, as they shine not till a sleight putrefaction of their juices be already begun: To which may be added, that in their putrefactive reductions, a mucilage is made to appear, which is the receptacle, and as it were sperm, wherein the two principles do the better show themselves in their vibrations and luminous productions: which mucilage the Fish imbibed and incorporated into its self, (according to all probability) from the estuations of the Sea, upon Storms and Tempests, of which we shall speak further below.  
As to the Light from Glowworms, its probable that sort of insect takes its original from the putrid juice or excrements of some animal or other insect, wherein the principles are winding off in a slender texture of an eradiating brightness, which juice that insect yet retains: For I look upon the slender woven flame inherent in Glowworms, and other foresaid putrid juices to proceed from a mutual, but gentle vibration of the principles in their retrograde motion; which although without any sensible heat (that it has none, we dare not say) yet ceteris paribus, to be in some measure answerable (as to the ground of the causes) to that flame, made from the principles in their generative motion, heightened by frication, attrition, or the like, into a burning luminous flame.   

CHAP. XIII.  
NOw come we to treat of the production of luminous Meteors, and to inquire into the causes of their Light; such I mean, as happen within the compass of the Atmosphere: For the better understanding whereof, we are first to conceive of the Earth, as a body, in whose entrails various Fermentations (especially such as relate to minerals) are continually at work to the completing the generation of Minerals and Metals to the making Hotbaths, the producing the fontes acidi; and to the perpetuating other grand Phoenomena of Nature: Next, that these Fermentations of subterraneal juices (I mean as to the effects thereof) terminate not always upon the external cortex of the Earth; but are continually breath forth: whose subtilised and volatized particles, (especially the Sulphureous) are incessantly passing off in the slenderest of textures, viz. in a subtle apporrhea, or invisible steam into the Atmosphere, filling it with plenty of agile nimble parts, floating in the Air, as in their proper Sea, and dissolved therein, as in their peculiar fluid menstruum.  
Also we are to conceive, that the Atmosphere doth not only lodge plenty of the foresaid effiuvia, arising from mineral, but likewise from animal and vegetable Fermentations, wheeling off in tenuious combinations, and slender woven nexures, (undiscernible to our Eyes, although fortified by the best microscopes) whereby the Air becomes the common receptacle of innumerous multitudes and swarms (as I may say) of volatized Acid and Sulphurous particles, not only issuing through the pores of the Earth, but also from other bodies upon the surface thereof, continually spending themselves in insensible effuvia, kept a foot by their unwearyed Fermentations.  
In which consideration we are to apprehend of the Earth, not only as the common matrix, impregnated with those intestine Fermentations from mineral juices; but also as from whose exuberant lap, plenty of other more simple, and sometimes sensible (I mean watery) steams, are, especially from springie places, continually issuing forth: insomuch, as those last are discernible to a curious eye, intently looking upon the surface of the Earth, a little after Sun-rise, the eye being somewhat elevated above the Level of the ground, and directed towards the Sun, by which curious observation, Springs themselves are sometimes found out.  
And as the Earth in the consideration aforesaid, so also every particular concrete has its Atmosphere, more or less extending its orb of activity, according to the quick or slow paced inward Fermentations, I mean, according to the more brisk or flat onsets and encounters of their principles Acid and Sulphur: And further, that many of those slender woven combinations, are by reason of their tenuity, so indissipable, as to retain the specimen of their first original, even after long, at least succedaneous rotations in the Atmosphere, whereby they become capable of performing other effects, to which they are naturally propences, from the occurrance of other coworking causes, as is evident in many unusual effects in or from the Air, whose causes, lying so remote from our senses, we do not easily apprehend, concerning which, we have not time now to reckon.  
These considerations being premised, it will not be difficult hence to solve the Phoenomena of those short lived luminous textures, Meteors: where we shall not need to our help, to call in, either the exhalations of the Peripatetics, because grounded upon improbable causes, amongst which that of the supposition of extrinsical heat, as the efficient, is not the least: Or the Cartesian Globeloy. Or Gassendus, his Glomeres, being supposed complications of Nitro-vitriolick-Sulphurous-steams: Or Nitro-aereal particles, common to the Air and Nitre, according to the Hypothesis of a late Author. Nor last shall we call in any other Hypothesis to contribute to our assistance: But shall study to trace the sootings of our own principles, although making their way through (as yet) hidden and unknown paths; making our free inquest, whether Meteors, may not from our foresaid principle, be genuinely and satisfactorily solved.  
We say therefore, that amongst the Mineral and other Apporrhea, the Sulphurous, especially the Acido-Nitro-Sulphurous are not the least; which mustering in long-droughts, when the Clouds ride high, being born up at those seasons by a stronger elasticity of the Air, upheld by strong and long Columns thereof, and one Cloud being higher than another, by its own weight (and wanting stress of Air to bear it up) falls upon the subsiding; which by the sudden percussion of the Air, makes that explosive motion or crack we call Thunder, together with a rushing wind, which usually attends those Thunderclaps, which is nothing else but a pressure of Air, circulating from the coincidence of the two Clouds: Now by the sudden allision of the foresaid Clouds upon the Acido-Nitro-Sulphurous-complications, floating in the Atmosphere (as aforesaid) heightens them into a quick vibration, and momentary flagration, we call Lightning; which although it be done in the very same moment with the crack, as proceeding both from the same causes with different respects; yet because luminous percussions do more quickly make their transits through the medium, therefore it is sooner seen, than the other heard, (as might further be illustrated, if I would now insist upon it.)  
So that Lightning owes its causes to the sudden percussions, or attritions of the Acido-Nitro-Sulphurous apporrhea in the Air, made by the sudden falling of one Cloud upon another: which we cannot better represent by similitude to our understanding, then by the observation of a sudden flash of Fire or Light, struck from the allision of a Flint and Steel: For the thin Acido-Nitro-Sulphurous textures, are in that part (as well as in others) of the Atmosphere, which is comprehended betwixt two Clouds, and the percussion of the Air, as also of those foresaid minute effluvia, wheeling in the Air, make them to appear in a sudden flash, as happens from the foresaid allision of Flints and Steel.  
Not here to insist upon the reasons, why (according to our Hypothesis) Lightning is sometimes so penetratively powerful, as to kill men, or other animals, without the least appearance of any bones broke, or breach of skin; How so piercing and liquifactive a caustick, as to melt a Sword in the Scabbath (which sometimes has been known) while the Scabbath itself has remained safe? Why it comes with such force and fury, as sometimes to tear up by the Roots the strongest Oaks, and other Trees of mighty bulk; and other-while breaks and splits the bodies of huge Trees; throws down Houses, overturns Windmills, and causeth other the like Catastraphies, dismal and frightful to behold: witness amongst the rest, the late sad and dreadful calamity, which happened from Lightning and Thunder the last year, in several Cities in Holland, but chief in Vtrecht; which although that, and the like, be Judgements from GOD, yet are not without their natural causes.  
And from the foresaid Acido-Sulphurous effluvia, passing through the Sea, and sometimes gliding upon the surface thereof, happens those sudden flashes of Fire or Light, taken notice of by some Seamen, by them seen in Storms upon the Sea, shining in the Night like Fire, being struck up by sudden percussions betwixt Air and Water from the furiousness of Storms; whose corruscation is observed in more plenty, during the collisions of Clouds, Winds and Seas, whence Storms and Tempests then at any other season.  
The like may be said as to the causes of those luminous, but narrow-sized Meteors; which in great Storms at Sea, are seen by Mariners to cleave to the Masts and Sterns of Ships, anciently called Castor and Pollux, by our Seamen Corpusants; in both which, the foresaid apporrhea, whether floating in the Sea, or Air, conterminous to the Sea, being agitated, the one into a Fermentative flagration, or thin-woven flame, the other into a figured Meteor; in both, I say, the foresaid Acido-Sulphurous effluvium is struck up into a luminous flame, by the forenamed attritions and percussions.  
Which last, I mean the Corpusants, are very probably (as my ingenious Friend J. R. well observes) the very same Meteor, upon the Land, we call ignis fatuus, which seemeth to run before people, and is sometimes in Storms seen to cleave to Horses Manes; which I say is very likely to be carried by Storms ashore to inland places, and that too at remote distances from the Sea: which ignis fatuus, or noctivagus, is observed in greater plenty in or upon Storms, and more rare in a clear and serene Sky.  
And lastly, (to name no more) we may reckon that sort of Light, to be from the same causes with that of Meteors, which my foresaid ingenuous Friend (whose unsuspected veracity in matter of fact, is sufficiently obliging to me, to be credulous of his relation) has observed to appear in dark Nights, upon walking on the Seashore, in every impression of his Foot, upon the lifting up his Heel, he espied a Light, or sparkling brightness, with which being surprised, and desirous to know what, and whence it was, fetched a Lantern and Candle, took up in his hand some of that matter which gave the Light, which he found to be a mucid matter fere instar pituitae, and that he had often seen this matter, which was a pellucid recrement, cast off upon the Shore, from a boiling Sea aestuating with Storms.  
So that it should seem, as if by the percussions and attritions, betwixt Wind and Seas, made by Storms, upon the mutual collisions of the aforesaid principles, or effluvia, whether in Water or Atmosphere, or both, not only the foresaid sudden appearances of Meteors happen, but also by the estuating of the Seas, a mucilaginous matter is engendered, wherein as a sperm, those forenamed luminous effluvia (I mean such as are struck up by percussion and attrition) fix themselves, which sometimes is hover in the Air, and cleaves to Masts or other parts of Ships; other while is carried off by Storms upon the Seacoasts, and thence further in Land, gives those appearances of ignis fatuus and the like: and sometimes, or in part is rejected upon the Shore, and gives cause for that foresaid Phoenomenon of Light in the impressions or footings upon the Sands, after Storms are over; and may contribute to the making some sorts of Fish, upon their putrefactive resolutions, give that usual appearance of Light, according to the account we have given thereof above.  
We might here take an occasion of insisting upon other sorts of Meteors, as Mildews, Blast, etc. all which proceed from the same Acido-sulphurous effluvia, floating in the Atmosphere, and struck up, by the mutual attritions and collisions of winds, clouds, and the like; being carried in certain Channels or Peroledi of the Air, to the producing their usual effects, but shall now wave any further discourse thereof.   

CHAP. XIV.  
NExt to which, we come to inquire into the reasons of Light from precious stones; of which there are three sorts, which will give light: first such as show their native lustre, by shining in the dark, without any previous excitation; of which sort are native Carbuneles. Secondly, Such as need a previous frication to the exciting their Light and Lustre: of which are some peculiar sorts of Diamonds. Or lastly, Such as are magnetical by a preparatory calcination, of which sort is the Bononian stone.  
As to the first, viz. That of Carbuncles, the cause of whose luminous rays we can not otherwise attribute, then to the irradiation of a glaurious incombustible Sulphur, disseminated through its whole body, imbibed in, and fixed to, a most defecate matter, (imbibed, I say, whilst that tightly pure petrifick matter, was yet in its pristine juice) through which that highly graduated tincture, or Philosophic Sulphur, is incessantly vibrated; concerning which we have discoursed more at large in our Lithologia Physica.  
The same we may say of some sorts of Diamonds, only with this difference, that these to show their Lustre, require a gentle excitation by a previous frication, whereby the foresaid luminous incombustible Sulphur gets more at liberty, and darts forth the better.  
Now that some particular sort of these do by a gentle frication show their lustre in the dark, I have from the autopsy of my worthy Friend Mr. Shippen: Yea that some sorts of Diamonds are not only luminous, but also electrical of a Needle after a previous excitation by frication, I am assured by the honourable Boil, who acquainted me, he has had one of that sort: As also, that the King (as he told me) has one that will do the same very remarkably.  
As to the cause of Light in those which by a foregoing calcinatory preparation, become magnetical of Light, of which sort is the Bonian stone, (and perhaps others might be found out, that by the like artifice would perform the same.) It depends, I say, on, and proceeds chief from, the peculiar texture of such sort of Stones, so wrought upon and altered by the Fire, as not only to imbibe as it were, the rays of the Sun, but also for a time to fix them, suffering them leisurely to go off again, and so become by fresh impregnation, capable of performing the like emissions of Light ad Lubitum: concerning which Light issuing from the three foresaid noble petrifick bodies, we insist more largely in our Lithologia Physica, to which (when extant) we refer the Reader.  
And as to the Light of subterraneal Lamps, although those be generally reputed (and that too by very learned and intelligent persons) amongst Chimaeras, supposed to be merely fictitious, yet I am not altogether of their opinion; but do think, there is a possibility in nature for them to have been really performed. Now the reason why it is generally concluded in the negative, is taken from the defect of Air in those close caverns; inasmuch as all sorts of vulgarly known Fire, need the access of Air to the keeping up that rapid motion in combustible bodies, which being secluded, those Fires thence depending, of necessity must die.  
But we suppose, and in part know, that there is lodged in most, especially in some particular bodies, an incombustible Sulphur, known chief to the Adepti, to whose invigorating actions, and enlivening operations, the outward Air of our Atmosphere doth not at all contribute, yea during some particular seasons of working, ought wholly to be excluded. To confirm the possibility in nature of such kind of Fire that may be maintained and perpetuated without Air, I might add, that I have with my own Eyes seen a Flame or Fire in the cavity of a Glass, which as soon as the Stopple was taken forth, became (contrary to the Genius of all vulgar Fires) immediately extinguished: So why might not those sorts of Lamps recorded in History, to have been performed by the Ancients, (viz. amongst the Romans, who might probably have the Art from the Grecians, and those from the Egyptians) have been Fed with such kind of Fire, even in the greatest seclusions of Air, and upon their being exposed thereto, when found, might as easily and speedily extinguish: concerning which, we may probably elsewhere further enlarge.  
Lastly, as to the perpetual Light, preparable by the Philosopher's exuberate Mercury, graduated by circulation and cohobation, as also a luminous Liquor demonstrable by Art: upon which we shall not now insist, both because we do not pretend to be a Master of any such thing; as also because we have touched thereon in our Lithologia Physica.   

CHAP. XV.  
THus having compendiously run through the great varieties of Fermentations in the threefold Kingdom of Nature, and shown the various Phoenomena of Light in different bodies, in that part of the Scene of visibles we converse with, solvable by our principles from different causes, put into various motions. Now it remains to conclude this Doctrine of Fermentation, first by elucidating our principles from collateral authority: Next, by showing how from the great udriety of Acids acting upon Sulphurs, may divers other Phoenomena be naturally solved.  
As to the first, viz. to confirm and illustrate our principles to be in all concretes throughout the triplicity of nature's Empire, besides what we have in brief said, and reserve also for a further discourse, we might here bring in the Authority of the great Hypocrates, and some others of the Ancients, to show how this concordia discors, the principles I mean of Acidum and Sulphur, contracted into Seedlings, are interspersed in the seminals of all things; whence by such kind of Fermentation (as aforesaid) all things vegetate, come to their acme and decline; yea, from which the whole Scene of visible concretions, are by a certain s●●●gling from their central Fires, brought into action, lively portrayed upon the Stage of the World.  
But because we take an occasion in our Epistle to touch thereon, we shall forbear; and at present only add the authority of the intelligent, learned, and worthy Borichius, who in his late piece de Hermetis, Aegyptiorum, & Chymicorum sapientia, a tract highly valuable, and worthy the perusal by all ingenuous persons) in one place, as if measuring forth our principles, saith to this purpose, viz. Nullum animal ostendi potest, 
p. 413.  ex quo oleum [& hoc est animalium Sulphur] educi nequeat; nullum, ex quo nihil aciduli possit seperari: nulla planta, quae non vel oleum vehat, vel spiritum admoto igne flammantem; nulla, quae non pressu succum profundat, si sibi permittatur, in acidum quiddam sponte abiturum. Metallica ut robustioris temperamenti, Sulphur & Mercurio non carent, equidem hoc primum illis cum animalibus & plantis commune est, quod rara minera illa sit, quae Sulphur verum & flammaturum solicite inquirentibus non offerat; nulla, quae ingeniose in alkohol tenuata, & aeri, si opus est, tantillum exposita, distillatione non spiritum acidulum expromat.  
Not here to insist on what the learned Dr. Willis saith in this matter in his Doctrine of Fermentation, who as he urgeth, ob salis fluorem (how rightly let others judge) so we, 
De Ferm. p. 10.  ob acidi predominium, vinum, lac. sanguis, cerevisia, edulia prius grata & dulcia, quando corrumpi incipiunt, ingrate acescunt. To which we shall add the suffrage of the industrious Tachenius (a consideration highly worth his own due and well-weighing inspection) Lac (saith he) sponte acessit, 
Hip. Chym. p. 90, 91.  sicut & reliqui succi tum vegitabilium quam animalium, cum in putrifactionem tendunt: imo nil putrere neque generari potest novi, nisi praecedat aciditas.  
As to the last thing propounded in order to the concluding this discourse: we might say, that Acids in order to the concretions and reductions, coagulations and liquifications, condensations and rarifactions, solidity and fluidity, and other various modifications of bodies, differently denominated, according to the different impressions they make upon our sensual Organs; I say, Acids in the solving the foresaid appearances of bodies in the main, fall under a double consideration, viz. either as active and fluid, or passive and consistent.  
Under the first, viz. while its active, and so its succulent, liquid, or fluid, after which manner it appears in all actual Fermentations, whence immediately result those grand distinctions of concrete bodies, known to us under the notion of animals, vegetables, and minerals; which Fermentation is previous to all manner of concretions in the triplicity of nature's workings (as we have in the foregoing discourse briefly illustrated) For while vegetation amongst Plants, animation in the composure of juices, and thence of the structure of animal bodies, and mineralization in order to Hotbaths, are performed; the Acids concerned, must, I say, of necessity be fluid and actually succulent; otherwise a stop or let would immediately be imposed upon the workings of nature in the formations and transformations of bodies, and consequently would cease to propagate themselves.  
For no growth or accretion of parts in the genesis of natural bodies is performed, without a succulent Fermentation, where an Acid is in an actual, yea fluid motion: From which succulency of Acids together with intermediate coagulations and hardening, performed at due seasons, all concrete bodies in the threefold Kingdom of nature are produced: and from these two, viz. Acids in succis solutis, working upon their inbred Sulphurs by a natural Fermentation, and from the concretions of these juices by the help of the ambient Air, always (in the genoration of bodies) conspiring to such effects, I say from the motion of liquid acid juices, and their weavings by concretion seasonably performed, it is, that from very minute seedlings, Plants are brought on to great bigness.  
Thus from Oak-Seedlings, called Acorns, (whose seminal part lieth in a very small and inconsiderable compass) may be produced too, and is daily growing to be, great bulky Oaks: So that when we see a vast spreading Oak, and look at a small seedling, whence such in process of time, is produced: if we consider what has been done, and which way nature has so busied herself, as to bring forth so disproportionable a bulk to the little plant Embryo comprised in the seedling: we cannot, I say, choose but view the inward agents, set at work in the epitomised Oak, in a fluid state, which by the expansive motions of their juices in their natural Fermentative vegetation, as they come to the Air, become thereby woven into Stems and Leaves,, and by further hardenings, are condenced and incrustated in part into Wood and Bark: So that by the concretions of the Sap (wherein the principles are in a liquid state or Fermentation) carried up betwixt the Bowl and Bark, are made considerable increase in Bulk, till at length it swell to that huge stature, we see many of them grow too.  
As to the bulk itself of an Oak, Ash, etc. it oweth its original (as well as all other concretions do) materially to water: But that water should be formed, coagulated, and put on the shape of an Oak, Ash, etc. that is wholly ascribable to the intrinsic agents or intestine principles of Acid and Sulphur, set in the seedling into a Fermentative motion, displayed into that figure by the manuduction and evolution of the contracted and shut up Seed, carried up and conveyed by their proper Vessels, whether by the names of veins, arteries, etc. with their accompanied Air Vessels, according to the ingenuous Malpigius, and our Countryman Dr. Grew. What we have said of an Oak is compatible suo modo to all other vegetables.  
Then as to the other consideration Acids fall under, in order to the fabric of bodies, whether in the form of natural or artificial concretions, viz. as it is passive, or becomes consistent, so it stands in opposition to fluidity, or rather is the compliment thereof, determining it into solid bodies: For we see no other cause to which natural concretions, coagulations, incrustations, consolidations, congelations, etc. comprised under the notion of binder's up of bodies, can or aught to be more genuinely referred then to Acids, under this consideration: what I pray are Stalks, Leaves, Husks, Grains, etc. of Plants or lesser vegetables, but the Acidum woven and condenced (with some Sulphurous parts) into those forms by the access of Air? what are the bowl, bark, and branches of Trees, or larger sized vegetables, but the concretions and hardening of the native Acid juices, together with the enclosure of some Sulphurous parts, by the co-operation of external Air? what the Fruits of Trees, but the coagulations of Acids, sweetened by their Sulphurs, thereby brought on to maturity, and thence made fit for other Fermentations, in order to potable Liquors?  
What, amongst animals, is flesh and musculous parts, but the coagulation of the blood and other humours, to whose constitution a genuine Acidum in a due proportion is essentially requisite? What the Bones, but parts consolidated from implanted Acids, in whose coagulation or condensation, some Sulphurous parts are also taken in? And as in the natural constitution of the body, and eucrasy of the humours, Acids are chief concerned in the concretions, coagulations and consolidations of the parts; so likewise in the dycrasie of animal juices, and preternatural concretions and indurations, etc. of the body, Acids are primarily concerned: Thus what are Fistula's, but callosity and obdurate hardness of the inward parts, viz. the veins, arteries, etc. being hardened by a spurious Acidum lodged in those particular parts? What are the podagrical Tophi and Nodi, but the Synovia of the Joints, hardened and congealed by a gouty Acidum, fixing itself by coagulation upon those parts? What are hard tumors, but swell from Scorbutic Acids, or from Acids of some badly cured Disease, lurking in its Acid seminary for a time, till other concurring causes sets the spurious Ferment more a work, and by the predominant Acidum (the general faber of pains and dolours) the Vessels are obstructed, and the humours of some particular parts coagulated into those obdurate swell. Lastly, What is the Stone in the Gaul, Bladder, or other parts of a humane, or other animal body, but chief an Acidum fixed upon a petrifick Earth, and urinous Alcali or volatile Salt, taking in some Sulphurous parts, but espcially, as I say, bound up, or knit together by the vinculum of an Acid: Of which, further in our Lithologia Physica.  
Amongst Minerals, What are all fossil and other mineral Salts, but concretions chief performed by the power of Acids in the bowels of the Earth? In particular, what are Sal marine, Vitriol, Alom and Nitre, but concretions of acid juices? And indeed what are the generality of artificial Salts, or such as are made by mixture, but such in whose texture Acids are chief and primarily concerned, and without which scarce any saline concretion at all doth appear? What are Stones made in the bowels of the Earth, but liquid subterraneal juices of alcalizate, or other proper matter, arrested by acid steams, arising from some Fermentation of mineral juices, which together pass into those petrifick concretions; as we sufficiently (and that de industria) demonstrate in our Lithologia Physica and Halologia Chymica.  
What are Minerals themselves (being immature Metals, having the principles of Metals but after a crude, volatile, imperfect manner) such as Brimstone, Antimony, Pyrites, Auripigmentum, etc. but Sulphurous concretions, bound up by their intrinsic acids, taking into their compage other Heterogenities, as we have in short above declared, and may more at large, God willing, in another place. Yea, to go higher, what are the Metals, but a metallic Sulphur, bound up by a peculiar implanted Acidum, in the mercurial juices, whose mixture being not perfect, through a complication of some heterogenities, makes the imperfect, but those being removed by a closer bond of the metallic principles, gives the perfect Metals, unseparable and unalterable by the power of the strongest culinary Fire.  
We might go yet further, and ask what is the Philosopher's Elixir, (if such there be in rerum natura) but such a close weaving of metallic principles, (whose Acidum is intimately and inseparably united) all so highly graduated, as to become a fixed coagulated tincture, of so extensive a nature, as to be able to make quick transits through, and thereby to hinge into its own fixity and purity, other imperfect metallic bodies?  
So that upon a serious inquiry with our Eye directly leveled into the works of nature, we cannot but conclude; First, That all manner of coagulations, congelations, condensations, salifications, petrifications, yea all sorts of concretions of bodies (or of juices into bodies) are primarily ascribable to Acids, as their grand faber, of which we discourse largely, and demonstrate (we think) clearly in our two foresaid Tracts. Secondly, That by these foresaid coagulations, salifications, petrifications, and other concretions, the connate Acidum doth so combine with the Sulphurous parts it closeth with, as that both pass into a quid tertium, or neutral result, partaking of both, and yet distinguishable by neither: insomuch as the Acidum by such sort of coagulations and concretions, looseth its Sting, and becomes thereby altogether unperceptable: And hence is the reason why although Acids be the very foundation of all coagulations & other concretions of bodies, yet are themselves, as to our gust, in many things the least discoverable; which because we cannot easily get to the insides of bodies in their natural productions, shall therefore endeavour to demonstrate and ellustrate by artificial mixtures, resembling the natural.  
Thus in mixing the Runnet or usual Ferment to New-Milk upon heat, or while warm after Milking, the acidity of the Runnet, not only makes the Milk split into Curds and Whey, but is itself so coagulated with the Curds, as not to become perceptable at all: so that Cheese is nothing else but a neutrum, or neutral result from an Acid, and curdling parts of Milk, coagulated together, while Cream is the Sulphurous parts of Milk; and Butter is the coagulum of that Cream, separated by a slender Fermentation procured by the motion of Churming; which very coagulation of Butter is from a combination of some small quantity of Acidum with the Sulphurous parts.  
Thus also from the Acidum in Wines (of all sorts) in Ale, Beer, Cider, etc. being poured upon warm or boiled Milk; from the Acidum, I say, in any of the foresaid Liquors it is, that the Milk separateth into Curds and Whey, or posset-drink; the former of which are made lighter or stiffer, according to the difference of the Acids, and various manner of application of the ingredients; in which Curds, the acidum of the Fermentable Liquor is wholly coagulated, which is a good way of mortifying or correcting all sorts of fretting Acids, whether in bad Wines, or other Liquors, which all fix (if there be Milk enough) in the Curd: and yet that Curd is a neutral, and the Acid not at all perceptable therein; yea in case of bad Wines or other Drinks, where the Acedum is too eager and fretting, to those who do not care for Posset-drink, and yet would not lose their Wines, or other Liquors, I would (being prompted from the foresaid cause) propound as an expedient, to put a spoonful or two of boiling Milk upon a Pint or Quart of such sort of Liquors, stir it about, if the Curd rise to the top to skim it off, if not to run it through a filter, whereby it will become clear: and so you have corrected your Wines, etc. and made them fit for drinking, or in lieu of that to put a tossed of old Wheat bread therein, which will imbibe much of the superfluous Acidum, and make the Drink thereby more wholesome.  
From the foresaid cause of Acids it is also, that Fat congeals in animals, which is but the Sulphur of the blood congealed by its own, or at least acquired Acidum of the Air: which after melting by heat, (whereby the Acid becomes fluid) congeals again in cold, into that consistence called Saem or Tallow; and from the facile congelation of the Sulphurous parts of the blood in some animals, from the acidum under either or both considerations, viz. of native, or acquired from the Air, it is, that for instance Coneys and Fieldfare, become Fatter in Frosty weather: and from the like cause, the Fat of Land-animals is hard (as the ingenuous Dr. Grew notes in his discourse of mixture) while that of Fish is very soft, and in great part runs to Oil, viz. because the first sort are exposed to the acidum floating in the Air, and thereby continually (to proper ends) inspired: and the latter, being always immersed in water, is much what deprived of that congealing acreal acidum.  
And as Acids are remarkable in the various concretions of animals, viz. in the coagulations into Flesh, consolidations into Bones, congelations into Fat, etc. whereby they show their different operations upon various juices of animal bodies; and thereby also combine into neutral results as aforesaid: so likewise, the same is evident amongst vegetables: Thus expressed Oils, especially when the innate acidum so prevails by some acquirements from the aereal, do by keeping, grow rancid and thick; as also is further apparent in the mixture of acid Spirit of Nitre, with Oil Olive; whereby the vegetable Oil is coagulated, and made consistent, being congealed thereby into a white Fat or Butter (as Dr. Grew observeth.)  
And as nature produceth Rosins and Gums in Plants and Trees, congealing the juices of wounded Stems, Bowls, Stalks, Heads, etc. by the acidum of the Air, according to the disposition and genius of the Plants, whence Rosins, as of Turpentine Scamony, etc. Gums, as Camphire, Opium, etc. so in like manner Art in imitation of Nature, and from the same principles, can produce somewhat equivalent thereto: Thus if the acid Oil of Vitriol be mixed with the Oil of Aniseeds, the vegetable Oil is immediately (by the acidum in the mineral distilled Liquor) congealed into a perfect Rosin.  
Yea, and by the addition of Acids to some vegetable Oils, may be resembled the production of Turpentines: Thus Oil of Vitriol added to the distilled Oils of Turpentine, Nutmegs, Juniper, etc. after Fermentation become of a consistence altogether emulating usual Turpentine, without the least appearance of Oil swimming on them; nay, although Spirit of Wine be afterwards added, yet will it cause no separation of any of the Oil: But the contrary happens, if you add Spirit of Wine to an essential Oil, before mixture with the Oil of Vitriol; for then the Spirit of Wine and Oil of Vitriol unite, and reject the essential Oil to the superficies: So that the reason why distilled Oils by the foresaid artifice, subside in the form of a liquid Turpentine, is because, that upon Fermentation from the foresaid mixture, the Oils receive such an alteration, by suffering their volatile parts to go off, as that what remains, combining with the Acidum of the Vitriol, becomes thence more a Turpentine then an Oil, and consequently, as heavier, must subside, although Spirit of Wine be put thereto, which otherwise would swim above it.  
So that from the premises it will naturally follow, that Turpentines are indeed but liquid Rosins; and Rosins, no other then concrete Turpentines, and further, that Turpentines are Oils incrassated or condenced by addition of Acids: yea all, but several disguises of Sulphur, altered according to different degrees of Acids, and their various assaults upon Sulphurs.  
It's worth (by the by) our observation, that even from the mixture of some Acids and Sulphurs, sanguification (I mean as to its tincture) may as well be imitated and shadowed forth unto us, as from those of volatile Alcalies and Sulphurs: Thus the acid Oil of Vitriol, mixed with the essential Oils, either of Turpentine, Juniper, Nutmegs, or Amber, Strikes (besides the Fermentation and intense heat they cause) a deep blood red colour, as I have tried; And I do not know yet, but that even Alcalies, whether fixed or volatile, may from the same reason of their hidden and shut up Acids, intent the colours of Sulphurous vegetables: concerning which Acids we elsewhere touch: yea, and from the same operation of the genuine Acids upon their proper Sulphurs, in the great work of vegetative Fermentation, are struck those various, and no less admirable colours, in the great field of vegetables, as we have hinted before.  
And to conclude, as we have showed water to be the material principle of all concretions: so the distinction and specification thereof, depends upon Fires or Ferments, lodged and hid in the inwards of Seeds: which Fires or Ferments are differenced from the great variety, chief of Acids, not only in Fermentation, but Concretion, in Fluidity but Solidity, and consistency of bodies: For what's the tapestrey of vegetables, in their peculiar verdure, spangled with an amicable lustre, but so many central Fires or Ferments, at first hid in their seminals, and afterwards by the co-operation of other conspiring causes, displayed into almost infinitely variety of Plants, branching themselves in their different, delicate, and beautiful colours? And what are animals, but vital Lamps burning in bodies; and yet those bodies no otherwise consumed, but by the glowing, dwindling, and at last extinguishing of those vital tapers? whereby not only animals, but also vegetables are apt (besides their common putrilage from plenty of moisture) to spend themselves (by the declining of the foresaid Ferments) in hectics and wearing marasmes, which vital Ferments are more noble than the vegetable, because working in greater varieties of Vessels, and therefore the more highly by circulation, sublimed and graduated into animal Spirits, the ultimate product of vital Ferments, yea in humane bodies is the very vinculum of the rational Soul (that Heaven born Creature) to the body, being its vehicle: here a large Field is open, where I could freely let my thoughts and pen run; but shall at present set up my staft, and content myself (although unwilling) in drawing the Curtain over the rest, and indeed at length, after many conclusions, make an End.   
FINIS.   

This following Paragraph is to be inserted instead of that in page 11. line 29.  
HEnce it is, that some of those Sulphuroushot-waters, may with good success, in order to the Cure of some Diseases, be taken inwardly, others not; Those that may, are generally such, whose Sulphurs are either from Common Brimstone, Vitriol, or Antimony, or from Marcasites and Pyrites bordering thereon: of which sort (among the rest) are those of the Bath in , which take their original from such kind of Minerals, or Mineral juices, lodged in the bowels of those great Mountains, at the foot or centre whereof those Baths break forth; which although of late are found to be successful in the Cure of ome Diseases; yet it's very suspicious, they injure other persons, who, without good advice, drink those waters; so that as to a universally medicinal water, they come far short of the Sulphur-water at Knarsbrough in Yorkshire. And indeed these hot-Sulphur-Bath-waters, aught to be drunk with a great deal of caution, and but by some persons, and that too in extraordinary cases, yea in no wise to be drunk as a general healing water. Those Sulphurous hot-waters, which are altogether improper for inward use, are such as are impregnate with the Sulphurs of Bitumen, Arsneck, Risogalla, etc. or with the Mineras thereof, or at least with such Marcasites as participate therewith, they are such as we elsewhere name. Now the acidum which necessarily concurs to those Fermentations, as an indispensible Sulphur, opens the bodies of those Sulphurs, and thereby either detains them while in fieri, in succis solutis, or from concretions reduce them to such; by either way, renders some wholesome and healing, others noxious for inward use, according to the difference of the foresaid Sulphurs.   

An Advertisement to the Reader.  
THere is now published a Second Part of the Catalogue of Chemical Books in English, to be added to the First Part, formerly Printed with the Philosophical Epitaph, together with a Third Part of the Chemical Catalogue, or a Collection of such things published in the Philosophical Transactions of the Royal Society, as belong any way to Chemistry, or the study of Nature by Art in the Animal, Vegetal and Mineral Kingdoms; which Catalogues, with most of the Books contained in them, (with many others of that Subject in Latin, a large account of which Borellus hath given in his Bibliotheca Chymica) are to be Sold by William Cooper at the Pelican in Little-Britain, London.   

A DISCOURSE OF THE Sulphur-Bath AT KNARSBROUGH IN YORKSHIRE.  
BY WILL. SIMPSON, M. D.  
LONDON, Printed for Will. Cooper at the Pelican in Little-Britain, 1675.   

A Discourse of the Sulphur-Bath at Knarsbrough, concerning its Causes and Virtues.  
THat I may not be injurious to what I have already writ in my two former Books, entitled Hydrologia Chymica and Hydrological Essays, concerning the Sulphur-Well at Knarsbrough, as a mineral water of great use in its virtues inwardly taken. But now designing an account thereof, as a Bath for outward use, shall therefore, in order to the better understanding of what I aim at, here resume so much of my former discourse, concerning the Essential ingredients, and necessary principles of that Water; together with an addition of some more recent observations, as may serve to illustrate what I now intent to be my present task: Our method will be as followeth.  

1. To lay down the constitutive ingredients or mineral principles of that Water.  
2. To show the process (as near as we can apprehend) Nature useth in the preparing this excellent water.  
3. To show the difference betwixt this and other natnral Hotbaths, as in their original and inbred principles; so also in some sort as to their virtues.  
4. To show how, and by what means, the Sulphur (as the chief mineral ingredient in this water) is so opened, as to become, not only so subtle, as thence to be solvable odour tenus therein; but also so volatile, as to pass off in a continual steam, and insensible effluvium.  
5. How this Sulphur-water comes not much short, as to its original principles, nor is much (if at all) inferior in its efficacy, to some other Sulphur-waters, which are Hotbaths; inasmuch as this is lately found to be successful for outward applications, as well as those by late observation are remarked for inward use.  
6. To show, that the artificial heating of the Sulphur-water, bears some analogy to the inbred heat of other Baths, as they come hot out of the Earth.  
7. To show, how Art may imitate Nature. (but yet from the same principles) in the resemblance of most Baths, viz. how to prepare such Baths artificially, as are natural.   
Lastly, To inquire how and after what manner this Sulphur-water performs those expected helps, as a Bath: where, in short, will be illustrated its various virtues in order to the help of several Maladies.  
First, As to the constituent ingredients or mineral principles of this water? We say they are comprised in these three, viz. 1. A marine or fossil Salt. 2. A Sulphurous Apporrhea or steam of Sulphur. Lastly, A little aluminous acidity. As to the first, viz. Salt, is apparent both from its brackish taste, as also from what remains upon its distillation or evaporation; of which we find betwixt one and two drams in a quart thereof: as we further show in our Hydrologia Chymica, etc.  
2. As to the Sulphurous principle, that's manifest, 1. From its Taste and Smell; as also from its hogo upon the rifle and regurgitations of the Stomach, after taking thereof. 2. From its colouring of Silver dipped therein; which it doth as readily as the solution or washings of crocus metallorum from the Sulphur of the Antimony; or as the solution of common Brimstone in the preparing Lac Sulphuris, both being made from the Acids of alcalizate Salts, as will appear (although a paradox) more clearly anon.  
And lastly, from its colouring of Silver by its very Steams, as we shall show more afterwards.  
Now the question may be asked, whence this mineral water has its Sulphur? I answer, that there are plenty of vitriolin Marcasites well saturate with Sulphur, out of which I have, by an artifice (taught in my Hydrological Essays) separated perfect Brimstone, which melted into magdalions or rolls, are not distinguishable any manner of way from the common: besides which Marcasites (found not far off this Spring) the very adjacent Earth is full of Brimstone.  
Lastly, As to the ingredient of Alom, its discoverable these ways following, first from the Alom-Bed through which this water at last passeth, or at least toucheth upon, as is obvious to any eye that will look at it, being close adjoining to the exit of the water.  
2. By its acidity in the water, as is evident from its curdling of Milk: for the Salt separated from the Sulphur-water, being put into boiling Milk, will make it shil into Curds and Whey, as if some acidum was poured thereto, which common Salt will not do; for we tried both, and that in the same proportion, and found the Sulphur Salt to cause a speedy separation, and that in great quantity; and the common Salt made a little separation, of a lighter coagulum, but did not make it shil, or alter the seeming colour or consistence of the Milk: And lastly, if the powder of Coral or Crabs-Eyes be put thereto, they imbibe or mortify the acidity of the Alom, and cause a Milkieness from the volatile Sulphur.  
And as the three aforesaid ingredients are found to be the constitutive principles of this water, so that neither vitriol nor nitre (however some imagine the contrary) are contained therein, is evident, first as to vitriol (which gives the most suspicion from the plenty of its Marcasites, found not far from the Well) because it will strike no tincture with Galls, as we shall shortly further evince: And as to Nitre, there is not the least suspicion, either from what is separable from the water, nor from any mineral glebe adjacent thereto, that we have yet discovered.  
Secondly, As to the process Nature useth in the preparing this excellent mineral water, or the manner of her mixing the foresaid ingredients, by her Chemistry in the bowels of the Earth, in order to the making up the forenamed Sulphur-Bath: In short thus, a water Spring, suppose, passing through or by a minera of fossil Salt, part of which it dissolves, and afterwards in its current either meeting with some acid juice, whether of vitriol or of other mineral glebes, becomes impregnate therewith, and obviating, or rather supervening a Sulphurous Mineral, from the concourse of which two, happens a Fermentation: or else, this Saline Solution comes upon a minera, whether that of vitriol, or what other soever it be, in the meanders of the Earth, whose principles are yet crude, and only embrionative; whereupon it sets those native and congenit principles a-work, into a Fermentation, either way, I say, it becomes capable of raising that intestine motion, we call Fermentation, and thence of so subtilizing and volatizing the Sulphur, as to make it solvable in water, (as we have illustrated more demonstrably above in our Doctrine of Hotbaths.) But not staying here, because of the continual afflux and pressure of water, at length it passeth through an Alom-bed, whose acidity precipitates in great part the body of the dissolved Sulphur; in which very precipitation happens its fatid smell, and Sulphurous hogo, which only passing through a slender Colander of Sand, retains its lately contracted odour; where it filters off from the more gross precipitated body, and so makes its exit.  
Which gives great probability of heat in the source of its original mixture, and that if the Spring did immediately after that Solution and Fermentation break forth, it would be hot, at least warm, after the manner of other Hotbaths; but being carried on in a longer line, in its subterraneal current, before it breaks forth, looseth that heat contracted upon the Fermentation of the aforesaid mineral juices.  
And this is likewise remarkable concerning Alom interested in the fabric of this water, viz. that I have (as often as I pleased to make the experiment) taken some of the succulent Alom slate or stone (found close by the Well) which has had the Salt discernably extraverted, which when I scraped into simple water, would with Galls forthwith strike a deep Purple: after the manner which the succulent Alom-stone doth, which is got upon the Scarbrough Bank, near that Spa [about which our great controversy, concerning that waters being aluminous, and not vitriolin, did chief depend] which experiment I have several times showed to persons no less ingenious than inquisitive.  
I also ordered an infusion to be made of some of the same Alom-stones in above a Gallon of fresh water, then to be evaporated to about half a Pint, which filtered, I evaporated further in Balnco M. to try if it would shoot per se, but it would not, only came to a soft sort of matter or mellago.  
3. As to the third thing propounded, viz. the difference betwixt this and other natural Hotbaths in their original principles, and primary causes: We think that from what has already been said, and especially what yet remains to be discoursed of, in the next, and other succeeding proposals, that the difference of these from other Sulphurous waters, both as to their origin and virtues, will sufficiently be declared: And that Sulphur (of one sort or other) is chief concerned in the fabric of all Hotbaths, and other Sulphurous waters, completing with other concurring juices, the essence of them both.  
4. As to the fourth proposal, viz. how, and by what means, the Sulphur (as the chief mineral ingredient in this water) is so opened, as to become, not only so subtle, as thence to be solvable odour tenus, but also so volatile, as to pass off in a continual steam, and insensible effluvium; For the great query is, how Sulphur may be so opened, as to make the Sulphur-well, and other Sulphurous waters of the like nature.  
While I was therefore seriously ruminating upon this matter, viz. what it was that might truly be said to open the body of crude Sulphur, whether it was an Acid or an Alcali, I began to consider how many ways, and by what means, it was usually so opened, as to make a solution in any Liquor: First I considered it was solvable for the most part in all Oils, by the help of Fire: and that I imagined happened from the analogy of parts, betwixt Oils and Sulphurs; both of them being chief Sulphurs under a disguise, the one in a concrete, the other in a liquid form; both of them also in their bellies hiding their intrinsic Acids, the Oily or Sulphurous parts of both by Fire melting together, in the fluid form of a Balsam, while the acidum, chief of the Sulphur, being thereby in part separated, doth concrescere into a saline form, under the appearance of crystals, as is obvious in the preparing the Balsam of mineral Sulphur or Brimstone.  
And as vinous Spirits are vegetable Sulphurs, comminuted and subtilised by Fermentation; so these are also succedaneous to Oils, in the solutions of Brimstone, yet need previous preparations by fixed Alcalies, (as they are called) for being so spiritualised, are not such apt menstrua for solutions of crude Minerals, as Oils are, although either of them are powerful enough for making very strong and furious Fermentations with the aforesaid mineral Sulphurs, once by their congenial Acids, brought, by help of Fire, into a fluor, in the form of corrosive menstrua: witness the high ebullitions betwixt vinous Spirits or Oils, and Spirit of Nitre, Aquafortis, Oil of Vitriol, etc. some of them so very furious in their Fermentation, as to arise to an actual flagration (as we elsewhere demonstrate.)  
So that crude Sulphurs, unopened by the acuations of the acidum of Fire, (which also sharpen the implanted Acids of such Minerals) do dissolve quietly without any tumult, (if done leisurely) and melt together into one Balsamic Liquor, (though if hastily done with a pretty smart Fire, they make a crackling noise) whereas the foresaid mineral Sulphurs being subtilised by their own Acid● fortified by the acidum of Fire, in their distillation, are brought thereby into a fluor of both principles, and if then mixed with the foresaid vegetable Sulphurs, contract a furious Fermentation, from the fresh collisions, betwixt Acids and Sulphurs, and if close shut up, would break in pieces the strongest Vessels art could contrive.  
And as the foresaid solutions of mineral Sulphurs, are performed by Oils and vinous Spirits, from analogy of parts; I considered whether other sorts of solutions of crude Brimstone, or the like Sulphurous Minerals, might not also be done, by the like analogy, and then I pondered upon the alterations made upon Brimstone, etc. by fixed alcalies (which how properly called, we show in our Halologia) and quicklime, and by well weighing the matter, found, that as Brimstone was dissolvable in Oil and Spirit of Wine, as aforesaid, so fixed alcalies work upon Sulphurs, no otherwise then as they are acido-sulphurous Salts.  
For I considered that volatile Alcalies, such as are all urinous Spirits, work not at all upon not cause any alteration in Sulphurs: therefore it must needs follow, that wherein fixed and volatile alcalies do agree, or in that property, which is common to them both, I mean, their precipitating faculty, neither of them is concerned in the solutions of Brimstone, and that is common, both to fixed and volatile Alcalies, to precipitate, what Acids have dissolved. Now the reason why urinous Spirits, I mean volatile Alcalies (as they are call d) do not at all work upon Brimstone, is, because they contain so very slender a texture of Acids, and no Sulphurs (if highly rectified) and therefore are incapable by analogy of working upon the aforesaid bodies: how fixed Alcalies are a new compage of their own native Acids and Sulphurs, together with the intertexture of urinous Spirits, (from whence proceeds its precipitating faculty) all bound up by the acidum of the Fire, (which is their vinculum) and not a simple Salt, we elsewhere in our History of Tartar, declare more at large.  
While I was pondering upon this matter at length methought I espied a great harmony in nature's works; I saw that she performed the fa e solutions of mineral Sulphurs, in some parts of the bowels of the Earth, by her own menstrua of Acids, prepared by her dextrous Art of Chemistry (the very foundation and exemplar of all we call Artificial) as she did in other actions, reputed (amongst most Authors) Heteroclites; and was the same in the latter, as the former; and from hence I saw, that reputed caustics, I mean fixed lixivial Alcalies, were no other than Acids, viz. of the Fire, fixed upon bodies: so that I found nature symbolical in all her actions, and always consonant to her own principles.  
And that I might improve this notion the better, (not taken notice of by any other Author I know) I began to make a strict scrutiny into the nature of fixed Alcalies; I considered, First, That the more Fire they endured, and the higher they were calcined, and the sooner used after calcination, the stronger and more fiery Caustics they were.  
2. That they would never calcine to a strong Salt, unless performed in open Vessels or Crucibles, where the Fire might more immediately touch upon them, and concentre its own acidum.  
3. That if after they were cold, and kept from the Air, and then Spirit of Wine or Water was put thereto, thence a heat was presently produced, which as I conceive, was from no other cause then this, viz. That either of those Liquors, sets the acidum, contracted from the Fire, and the Sulphur or volatile Alcaly in the Salt, into a sudden Fermentation, dissolving, and so putting them into an intestine collision.  
4. And fourthly I considered, That the longer these Salts were exposed to the Air, even to a solution per deliquium, the more mild and soft in operation they become; losing thereby gradually their Acids imbibed from the Fire; insomuch as by often solution per deliquium, the compage of that Salt, from the vinculum of the fiery Acid, is taken off, as that the whole may thence be reduced into an insipid Water and Earth (and no Arcawm neither.)  
Lastly, That although these fixed lixivial Salts, do make strong Ebullitions with Acids put to them, yet that happens, either betwixt the additional acid, and the Sulphur in the Salt, or betwixt it, and the volatile alcaly, bound up in the artificial concretion: That there are Sulphurs in those Salts, or new textures of Plants, appears from their lixivial or saponary property: and that there are also volatile alcalies, is evident from their precipitating faculty, and from their intestine struggling with acids.  
To which may be added this observation, that after fixed alcalies have lost the acidum contracted from Fire, (which they do by keeping, and sometimes exposing to the air, together with the addition of somewhat which dints the foresaid Acidum) may then by Art, be made to split into Oil and urinous Spirit, or volatile Salt.  
As to that great objection against the acidity of fixed lixivial Alcalies, viz. the precipitation of such solutions made with Alcalies by Acids, inasmuch as it is generally observed, that what solutions Alcalies make, are most promptly precipitated by Acids. I answer, First, That although what more simple, I mean, volatile Alcalies do dissolve, are precipitated very readily by Acids, & vice versa, yet where Alcalies are more complicated, and interwoven with other essential parts, there the precipitation by Acids, of what those already have dissolved, are in no wise wholly ascribable to them as alcalies, but equally compitible to other parts in the concretion.  
And in the next place I answer, that even some acids are capable of precipitating what others have dissolved; to prove and illustrate which, I tried this following instance, viz. I took a clear solution of saccharum Saturni, which I had prepared with distilled Vinegar, which no man will deny to be an Acid; upon which I poured a pretty smart Spirit of Vitriol, whereupon it presently became Milky, and caused a precipitation of a pure white calx of Saturn, which precipitation may also be done with Spirit of Salt.  
The same likewise will Spirit of Salt do, poured upon a solution of refined Silver, made in double its weight of Aqua fortis, in preparing that admirable anomolous neutral concretion, called Luna Cornea, mentioned by the honourable Boil in his origin of forms: and not only Spirit of Salt but also Oil of Vitriol will cause the like precipitation.  
Whence its obvious to any eye, that what some Acids dissolve, others may precipitate from the congenealness of the solvend, to one solvend more than another: For both those wherein the solutions of the metals were made, viz. Spirit of Vinegar and Aquafortis, are as undoubtedly acids, as those which cause the precipitations, viz. Spirit of Vitriol, and Spirit of Salt.  
So that the precipitation of bodies depend not upon acid or alcalizate Liquors, as such; but upon the consanguinity (if I may so say) of bodies or solvends, to liquors or solvents, viz. whilst an acid having dissolved one body, meeting with another akin thereto, let's the former fall, and from an abstruse affinity of parts, dissolves the latter.  
From whence it need not seem heterodox, (although to the most it may, as yet, a paradox) to say, that fixed Alcalies open the bodies of mineral Sulphurs, as they are acido-Sulphurous Salts; and that chief as they partake of the acidum of Fire, assumed by calcination: and that precipitations of the same folutions may be performed (and that too without the least absurdity in Philosophy) by other supervening Acids, as we have even now demonstrated.  
As I observed all fixed Alcalies made out of Vegetables, to work upon Mineral Sulphurs, on the account of their being Acido-Sulphurous-Salts; so I could not otherwise (whilst I looked upon the matter with a very intent eye) judge of calx vive; whose manner of operation, in opening the bodies of Brimstone, and other Mineral Sulphurs, I could not charge to any other than its Acid, which it had contracted from the Fire, in the very calcination of that sort of Stone, called Lapis calcarius, (viz. Freestone or Limestone) which that it chief partakes of the Acidum of Fire, and thereby performs not only that, but various other effects, we have already in short demonstrated, and shall further in Lithologia Physica.  
From the premises it will easily appear, in eonfirmation of our former Doctrine, that all solutions of Mineral Sulphurs in the bowels of the Earth, are made by their peculiar Acids; and that other solutions made by Art, are but from the same principles under other disguises; Therefore that which opens the body of Sulphur in these Mineral Marcasites, through which this water (we treat of) runs, must of necessity be an Acidum, which afterwards is precipitated by another Acid of the Alom-bed, through which at last it passeth.  
As to that experiment we gave to illustrate the cause and manner of making that water, by opening those vitriolin Marcasites with quicklime, in our Hydrological Essays, although we there imputed it to the alcali; yet now from second and more mature thoughts, grounded upon experiment, as aforesaid, find it otherwise; where we profess such an avowed proselyteship to truth (sufficiently amiable and worthy in itself) as upon nearer apprehensions thereof, grounded upon better weighed principles, to decline what we have formerly at greater distance in any matter opiniated, and in this particular, have thence reason to wave the former, and to ascribe the solution of this great Phoenomenon to the latter, viz. to the Acid in calx vive, which, in some measure, bears an analogy with that Acidum, nature useth by her own Chemistry, in the entrails of the Earth, for the solutions and extractions of Sulphurs.  
As to the 5th thing proposed to discourse of in this our method, viz. how this water comes not much short, as to its original principles, nor is much inferior in its efficacy, to some other Sulphurous waters, which are Hotbaths, which is evident (besides what has already been said) by the sequel thereof, viz. because the manner of use of both, in respect of what they have been, are now reciprocal; those of Hotbaths being formerly chief known for outward, and these for inward use. But now of late are found, the former in some cases to be successful for inward use; the latter by observation, are now eminently remarkable for outward application: so that the manner of use of them per se considered, is inverted, and in a mutual respect, is reciprocal.  
As to the virtues of those Hotbaths (which are lately found remarkable for inward as well as out ward use) I mean especially those of our own Country, the Reader may consult Dr. Jorden his discourse of Natural Baths, and of late the Physicians, who have and yet do attend those waters.  
As to the virtues of this Sulphur-water (our present Theme) as to the use thereof as an inward Medicine, the Reader may consult Dr. French his Book, and the patiented the Physicians there. It remains now to speak of it in relation to outward use, as a Bath, and this leads me to the next considerable, viz.  
6. That artificial heating of the water, bears some analogy to the inbred heat of those other Baths, as they come hot out of the Earth.  
To the illustrating of which we are to consider Sulphur or Brimstone (according to our former Doctrine, that it may become solvable in water, is either to be comminuted and volatized by the native or superinduced Acids, and that by a brisk Fermentation from the mutual collisions of the two principles, whence the heat of natural Baths, as aforesaid, or else the Sulphur, by slighter touches, and slenderer vibrations from congenial Acids, becomes solvable in a preterlabent water, whose heat therefore (if any) in the source of Fermentation, is but gentle: yet by that sleight solution of Sulphur, it becomes capable of precipitation by another Acid, (viz. of Alom) as happens in this water we treat of: That a body of Brimstone is precipitated is evident from Dr. Neals observation, concerning a crust of Brimstone which he found under the Stones of the Old-Well at the removing them, through whose crevices the water sprang: and that the Acidity by which the precipitation is made, is from the Alom, doth as clearly appear from the Aluminous black Stones, found in the further digging for a better Spring. Now what remains in the water after the foresaid precipitation, is no other than the apporrhea, or subtle affluvium of Sulphur, which being dispersed through the whole body of the water, is always upon the wing, flying off continually.  
This effluvium of Sulphur complicated with Salt in the body of the water, although it be very volatile, (as I said) yet that it may the better permeate our bodies, in order to the performing those expected helps, its necessary (as to outward use) that the waters should be heated, by which the volatile parts are put into a more vigorous motion, and made capable of penetrating our juices the better: For although in frigido, the Sulphurous parts are by a volatility continually winding off, yet by heating, it's put into a more lively action, and made more readily Fermentable with the humours of our bodies.  
Now that the Sulphur in this water consists of tenuous parts, and very volatile, is evident (besides what already has been said) by this following observation, viz. that during the time I Bathed therein, and afterwards went to Bed, having laid my Silver-studded Watch upon the Table, thereby to observe the time of Bathing and Sweeting, I found the steam of the heated water had guilded it at such a distance; and is so conspicuous, as to change the colour, (as I have observed) of the Brass-Candlesticks which stood in the next room to the Bath: Yea, although this be very volatile, yet that it doth not suddenly take wing, is hence evident, because after three hours' time, that the water had been heated, when I got up, I dipped a  therein, which it still guilded very readily.  
7. As to the artificial resemblance of Sulphur Baths by imitation of Nature: First as to Hotbaths, that indeed we fall short in, because its the work of Nature in the great Fermentation of Mineral juices, in order to the production of Mineral concretes: And seeing Art doth of necessity always petere principia from Nature, and that those principles are seminal, therefore not to be imitated by Art; But inasmuch as all Fermentation amongst Minerals, (as we have formerly showed) consists in the inward conflicts of Mineral Acids and Sulphurs, and that according to the different assaults of the said Acids, upon varieties of Sulphurs, depend the specification or formal difference of Mineral Waters; so in particular this Water being chief composed of a Sulphur, wrought upon by an Acid, and afterwards precipitated by another; the resemblance by Art must be from the same sort of principles, grounded upon the natural: Thus what an Acid, (native or superinduced) performs upon Mineral Sulphur, in order to the making that Mineral Solution, required for the natural composure of this Water; The same will the Acidum of calx vive, or of fixed Alcalies do suo modo to Common Brimstone, or other Mineral Sulphurous Concretions, as aforesaid.  
And lastly, As to the virtues hereof: This Water being gradually heated (as is said) becomes a Bath, whose Sulphur hereby first penetrates the better into our Fermental juices, exciting them, if languid through Hydropic Acids, or spurious, through Scorbutic Acids, in the one by helping (with other concurring Medicaments) to remove obstructions from coagulated Acids; in the other, by precipitating, altering and sweetening Scorbutic Acids, the cause of pains and particular tumors.  
2. Hereby it the better reacheth to dint that Fermental Acor of the Gout, impressed upon the Synovia of the Joints, so easily communicable to the adjacent Nerves; hence is the reason why it's found so effectual for the Scurvy, Gout, etc. viz. because these forenamed Diseases are chief determined and specificated by Acids, coagulated upon different humours and parts: For it's the Essential efficacy (if I may so say) of a subtilised Sulphur to dint Acids, and thereby to resolve such as are coagulated; so that to me the discussion of all tumors, whether Scorbutic or others, depend upon the resolving those coagulated Acids, the intimate and real efficients thereof; No sooner doth a Spurious predominant Acid coagulate any portion of the blood, or other juice in any part of the body, but presently an obstruction of those parts happen, more or less, according to the intense or remiss degree of the prevalent Acid, which as it falls out in Vessels or Bowels reputed more or less noble, viz. intensely or remissly concerned in the fabric and circulation of vital juices, and animal Spirits, so it becomes the patron of different sorts of Diseases; some whereof easily bending to more facile methods of Cure; others more stubborn (of which are the last mentioned) not yielding but to more volatile, subtilised, and penetrative Sulphurs, such as are in this and other Sulphureus Baths.  
By which (I mean our Sulphur-Bath) Scorbutic and Podagrick Patients have received considerable relief: for which cause, many persons, finding thereby so much alleviation of the otherwise grievous Symptoms, and such a mitigation of the severity of future fits of the Gout, (I mean as to what they might have expected, without such a previous help) do voluntarily make their annual returns to the Bath: of which I could give several instances, but that it doth not suit my present design.  
3. By the use of this Bath, the blood and humours are purified, whence it becomes proper for Bl●●ches, Scabs, Itches, Elephantiasis, or Bastard Leprosy, and other Scorbutic impurities of the Blood; For it procures most excellent Sweats, whereby the other impure Acids, (which are precipitated or cast off from the Blood in its circulation, and topically fixed upon this or the other external part) are loosened, dissolved, or mortified; which depraved Acids lodge in the habit of the body, having their very Roots fixed in the ultimate digestion, vitiating the Blood and Latex, sent thither for the ordinary nutriment of the body, in the common circulation thereof; yea, they are sometimes so fixed upon their own Roots, as to transmute the otherwise alimentary juice, by their Ferments, into those external impurities: which they do as really as a Crab-tree-stions, or Bud, ingraffed into a good Apple-stock, doth (from its own seminal Ferment) turn the juice of the Stock, into the nature and property of a Crab: So that in such external vitiating of the humours, which are only skin deep, the applications in order to Cure or Abstorsion, must be such as can mortify, dissolve, altar or correct the foresaid externally situated Acids, which may be, and is, most aptly performed by this Sulphur-Bath.  
So that in many the like cases, where those Acids are most pertinacious, and the Maladies thence have taken deepest root, viz. in the Elephantasis, Psora, Leprosy, etc. the most common and usual Purges and Diaphoreticks, are altogether insignificant, because they reach not those deeply impressed Acids, nor correct those spurious Ferments, seated, yea rooted in the habit of the body; which such subtilised Sulphurs, as are in this Bath skilfully applied (with other assisting Medicines) are apt chief to perform.  
Amongst which external impurities, the Lues Venerea (being made by carnal contract) may not improperly be reckoned; which consists in a peculiar sort (in its kind) of a contagious Fermental Acid, thence communicable to the juices of the body, especially where the contagious Ferment, by the first contract, entered; which by its corroding acor, as a caustick, fretting and inflaming those tender parts, or coagulating the juices of some particular parts (brought thither by an afflux of humours) into venereal tumors, whose restless Ferments yet lodge in their Bellies, or inwards, in both become the Authors of Noctunal pains, pollutions, etc. to the dinting of which spurious Fermental acor, (the cause of the aforesaid dolours) the just mulct of that Sin must be chief aimed at, in the curing thereof: which besides other Diaphoreticks, may very well be performed by the help of this Bath: And that too, because Sulphurs, (especially such as are prepared and volatized by the admirable Chemistry of Nature in the body or bowels of the Earth) do sweeten and mortify all such sort of Acids: For which purpose, in order to the Cure thereof not only Bathing, (and some other assisting Diaphoreticks) but also the drinking the same water is requisite.  
4. By the use of this Bath, the nervous maladies are also much helped, of which sort are Cramps, Convulsions, Palsies, Apoplexies, being caused from the various seizures upon these juices, also from the contortions and disablements of the Vessels or Conduit-pipes, (the Nerves) those juices are circulated, or at least carried in, being the Organs wherein the animal Spirits move in order to sense, motion, and other vital functions, proper thereto, whose tone are altered, contorted, contracted, or relaxed by several sorts of supervening Acids, sent up in flatulent steams, resulting from some spurious subordinate Fermentation, whose Acids being strong, have prevailed, and by a sort of sublimation are at length fixed upon those animal Cords, causing obstructions, contractions, relaxations, etc. (according to the morbid Acids) the causes of Diseases relating to the genus nervosum.  
Now as Acids are the cause why Nerves undergo those various alterations in their tone or texture, by contractions, relaxations, etc. and in their juices by coagulations, and thence obstructions, or other debilitudes, whereby the volatile nimble animal Spirits become interrupted in their motion, being blocked up by such sort of coagulations: so in order to the Cure of these Diseases, such Medicaments and Methods are to be inquired into, as may dint, altar, and dulcify such kinds of Acids, and thence may loosen the contracted, smooth and make even the contorted, may strengthen the relaxed Cords, yea and may every way answer the indications of the depraved tones of those animal pendulas or vital strings, whereby the imprisoned Spirits, (the immediate product of vital Fermentation may again be set at liberty, and all the animal functions be restored to their pristine state: of which sort are our Sulphur-Bath, which by correcting the Acids, supple and soften the contracted, strengthen and bind up the weak, and very much repair, in the main, the depraved tone of the genus Nervosum.  
Lastly, By the use of this Bath, the contraction of the tendons, and musculous parts, I mean stiffness of the Limbs, Joints, etc. (where the contraction is not too fixed) are often remedied: For these outward maladies being caused through some rejected Acids, which wanting a due Fermentative motion to give them wing by perspiration, are coagulated or hardened (partly by the assistance of the Air) in the external parts; but by the Sulphur in the Bath, the pores being opened, and they dissolved, and put into motion, are either sweetened or carried off.  
Also its proper for alleviating Aches, Old pains, Strains, Sciatica's, (which is a sort of Gout in those parts) Rheumatisms, and other griefs now too tedious to relate: concerning most of which we might have given some particular instances, but that it doth not suit with our present design, undertaking chief a rational account of its causes, and in general of its virtues: As to the particular cases themselves, which may confirm what we have already deposited as to the medicinal efficacy thereof, we shall refer to another opportunity.  
The END.