ATREATISEONTEA.
I Have hitherto strenuously endeavoured to preserve the Health of theEuropeans, by discarding and exploding the Abuse ofTobacco: But if any one should ask my Sentiments ofTea, which some Years ago began to be imported fromAsia, and theEasternCountries, and which has Qualities quite contrary toTobacco, since it prevents Sleep, and therefore is by some Authors highly commended as an excellent Cephalic, and very grateful to theViscera, subservient to Nutrition: I answer, that no satisfactory Reply can be made, till we know the Genus and Species ofTea, and to what Species ofEuropeanHerbs it may be referred or compared; forTobaccois by us called thePeruvian Hyosciamius, but we give no Name of any of our Plants toTea: Nay, it is notknown, whetherTeais what theGreekscall Ποα, an Herb, or Θαμνίσκιον, a Shrub, which Words, according toRuellius,Morantha, and others, are so confounded byDioscorides,Theophrastus, and other Botanists, as to occasion great Disputes among the Learned. But the Authors, who have most faithfully collected whatever has been wrote uponTea, either in theSpanish,French,Latin,English, orDutchLanguages, areNicolaus Tulpius, andNicolaus Trigautius, from the Works of whom I shall enquire,
1st, Of what Kind and Species the HerbTeais?
2d, WhetherTeais only the Produce ofAsia, and whether it is ever found inEurope, or not? And,
3d, Which of theEuropeanHerbs may be most properly used in its Stead.
Tulpius, then, speaks in the following Manner: "In theEast Indiesnothing is more common than drinking the Decoction of an Herb, which theChinesecallThee, and theJaponese,Tchia. As my Accounts of this Plant were received from the best and most impartial Authors, I shall willingly hand them down to Posterity. The HerbTea, therefore, has long acuminated Leaves crenated about the Edges. Its Roots are fibrous, and divided into very small Shreds. It grows not only inChinaandJapan, but also inChiam, only the Leaves of theChinese Teaare of a blackish green Colour: Whereas theJaponese Teais of a fainter Colour, and more grateful Taste. Hence it also happens, that theTchiaof theJaponese, is far more esteemed than theTheeof theChinese; since one Pound of the former is frequently sold at an HundredLibræ; for it is in these Parts of the World believed, that nothing is more salutary and beneficial than this Herb, whether for protracting Life to extreme old Age, or for preventing the Attacks of Diseases. It not only renders the Body vigorous and active, and prevents the Stone, to which none of the Inhabitants are for this Reason subject, but also removes Head-achs, Stuffings of the Head, Inflammations, and Distillations of the Eyes, a Difficulty of Breathing, Weakness of the Stomach, Gripes of the Intestines, and Weariness. It also so effectually prevents Sleep, that those who drink it at Night, can sit up, without feeling the least Inclination to sleep: for it is moderately heating, and by constricting the Mouth of the Stomach, hinders the Ascent of those Vapours whichare necessary to procure Sleep; so that, by its Means, nothing hinders or interrupts those who intend to read or write all Night.
"This Plant, however, seems neither to have been long known, nor long used, among theChinese, since they have no hieroglyphical Characters, such as most of their Letters are, which express its Nature and Qualities. These two Nations also differ widely, with respect to the Manner of usingTea; since theJaponesemix theTea, powdered in a Marble Mortar, with warm Water: Whereas, theChinese, boil the Plant itself with some Liquor, adding a few Grains of Salt, or Sugar. This Decoction, they drink with their Friends and Visitors; and even their leading Men do not think it beneath them, but rather a Piece of Honour to prepare theTeafor their Guests; for which Purpose they have Closets in their Palaces, fitted up on purpose, in which they keep their Pots, Tripods, Tunnels, Cups, Spoons, and otherTeaUtensils, which they buy at an exorbitant Price, preserve in Silk, and only use when their best Friends visit them. These, they esteem as much as we do Adamants, Gems, and the most precious Stones. SeeJoh. Maffæus,Rer. Indicar. Lib. 6. & 12.Ludovic,Almeid. Select.Epist. Lib. 4.Petr. Garric. Tom. 2. Lib. 2. Cap. 17.Matth. Ricius, de Christ. Expedit. apud Sinas, Lib. 1. Cap. 7.Alois Frois, in Relat. Japon. Jac. Bontius, Dialog. 6.Med. Indorum, & Johan. Linseot, Cap. 26."
Nicolaus Trigautius, inTractat. de Regno Chinæ, Cap. 3.where he treats of the Things produced inChina, gives us the following Particulars, with respect toTea: "I purposely, says he, omit the Description of many Things necessary, such as Marbles of different Colours, Carbuncles, and other Stones and Gems, not unfit for painting; odoriferous Woods, Bitumens, and an incredible Number of other Curiosities; but I neither can, nor ought to pass over, in Silence, two or three Things, unknown to theEuropeans; the first of which is, that Shrub, of the Leaves of which is prepared that celebrated Liquor, calledCia, by theChinese,Japonese, and neighbouring Countries. It is not possible, that the Herb from which this is prepared has been very long used by theChinese; since, in order to represent it, they have no hieroglyphical Characters, such as all their Letters are. Hence it may, perhaps, be suspected, that ourEuropeanWoods produce this Herb. They gather the Leavesin theSpring, dry them in a Shade, and keep them for preparing a Decoction, which they almost continually use, not only at their Meals, but also when their Friends come to visit them; for this is generally the Entertainment to which they invite each other. It is always drank, or rather sipped warm; nor is it ungrateful to the Palate, in consequence of its temperate Bitterness; but it is very salutary, and frequently used for various Disorders.Teais not with them all of one Price; since, sometimes, a Pound is sold for a Noble, and, at other Times, for two or three, if it is accounted good: The best of theJaponese Teais often sold for ten or twelve, and the Method of preparing it with these, is somewhat different from that of theChinese; for theJaponese, having reduced theirTeato a Powder, mix two or three Spoonfuls of it with a Cup of boiling Water, which they drink when moderately cool: Whereas, theChinesethrow some of the Leaves into a Vessel of boiling Water, which, after it has imbibed the Force of theTea, they drink, leaving the Leaves." But, in the seventh Chapter of the same Work, which treats of some of the Customs of theChinese, the Author speaks in the following Manner: "When any one receives a formal Invitation to a Feast;the Day before, or several Days before, it is to be kept, the Master sends him a Kind of Ticket, desiring his Presence: When he is come to the House, and the usual Ceremonies past, he is set down in the first Hall, where he drinks hisTea; after which he is conducted to the Feasting-Room, which is not adorned with Carpets, which they never use, but with Pictures, Flowers, Vessels, and other antient Houshold Furniture." Though these Accounts may satisfy the Vulgar, yet they will not prove satisfactory to Physicians, who want to know, whetherTeais an Herb, a Shrub, or a Species of Copse; for the two last quoted Authors differ from each other; sinceTulpiuscalls theChinese Tea, "an Herb, with darkish, green, oblong Leaves, acuminated and crenated about the Edges, with fibrous Roots, divided into many small Shreds. Whereas, the Leaves of theJaponese Teaare of a fainter green Colour, and of a more grateful Taste." ButTrigautiusaffirms, "that it is a Shrub of the Leaves, of which the celebratedCia, of theChineseandJaponese, is prepared by Decoction." The former asserts, that the HerbTea, grows not only inChinaandJapan, but also inChiam: The latter thinks it is to be suspected, that it is also produced in theEuropeanWoods: But, as I shall afterwards accurately discuss these Points, I shall only here observe, fromOlearius, thatMaffœus, inTr. de Rebus Indicis, affirms, that theJaponese, from a certain Plant, express an highly salutary Liquor, which they callChia; andLinschotanus, inTr. de Insula Japoniæ, tells us, that the Inhabitants ofJapanprepare a Drink calledChaa, from a certain Herb: But these Authors neither mention the Shrub, nor the Leaves, but unanimously assertTeato be an Herb.Jacobus Bontius, Physician in Ordinary to the Town ofNew Batavia, in the Island ofJava, in theEast Indies, inMedic. Indor. Lib. 2. de Conserv. Valetud. Dialog. 6.affirms, "that the Leaves of the small Herb, from whichTeais prepared, resemble those of theDaisyor lesserCousound, and have small Incisions about their Edges." But since, in the subsequent Chapter, he affirms, that the Inhabitants of that Country, though brutally ignorant in every other Respect, have yet such an exact Knowledge of Roots and Plants, that ifPavius, the greatest Botanist of his Age, was to rise from the Dead, he would wonder to find that he could be instructed by these Men; I am surprized, he should have despised their Information, and, contrary to the Custom of their Historiographers, given us (Europeans) such a lame and imperfect Description ofTea, when commenting on theIndianPlants. One would be ready to take it for an Herb, when he is told, that its Leaves resemble those of theDaisy, and have small Incisions about the Edges, whichTulpiusalso ascribes to them. It is worth our Observation, thatTulpius,Trigautius,Bontius, and other Authors, unanimously agree in this, that the Decoction ofTeais of a pretty, grateful, bitter Taste. In order, therefore, to clear up these Difficulties, I must have recourse to the Reverend Father,Alexander de Rhodes, who, in hisSommaire des divers Voyages & Missions Apostoliques, speaks in the following Manner: "Among the most memorable Things in this Country, isTay; the Use of which is not only common to all theEasternCountries, but also begins to be known inEurope: It is justly to be reckoned among the most salutary Substances which I observed in this Country; and I do not know but it is one of the principal Causes, why the Inhabitants not only enjoy such a good State of Health, but also arrive at so extreme an old Age. The Leaves are as big as those of the Pomegranate Tree, and the Shrub itself resembles the Myrtle Bush. Nor doesTeagrow in any Part of the World, except in two Provinces ofChina, which areNanquinandChim, the Inhabitants of which havetheir Harvests forTeaLeaves, as we have for our Grain inEurope. These Leaves they dry in Furnaces, and preserve for Use in close stopped Vessels. It is frequently used through allChina,Japan,Tonquin, and other Kingdoms; and there are such great Quantities of it, that it is sold at a Small Price. For this Reason they use it frequently every Day, or rather each Hour, prepared in the following Manner: They throw the Leaves into boiling Water, which they forthwith take off the Fire; and when the Leaves have subsided, which is generally in a Quarter of an Hour, they drink the Water, from which they find three very happy Effects; the first of which is to repress Vapours, and alleviate Pains of the Head: For when I laboured under anHemicrania, or any other Disorder of the Head, by drinking this Water, I had my Pain so quickly alleviated, as if a Person had done it by the Application of his Hand. When, for the Sake of hearing Confessions, I was obliged to sit up whole Nights, I used the same Remedy, and, by its Means, was not only hindered from sleeping, but also felt no more Uneasiness next Day, than if I had not sat up. I once made an Experiment of this for six Nights successively, but must confess I found myself wearied and exhausted.The second Virtue of this Water, or Decoction, is to corroborate the Stomach, and the third to purge the Kidnies from Stones and Gravel."Bernardus Varenius, inDescript. Regni Japoniæ, Cap. 23.speaks in the following Manner: "Not only theJaponese, but also theChinese, are delighted with Draughts of almost boiling Water, in which the Powder ofTeais sprinkled. The HerbTeais not only Green itself, but also tinges any Liquor with the same Colour. It grows only in some, and not in all Countries, and the finer Kind of its Leaves is thought to be very valuable. These Leaves are, by the richer Sort, kept in large Vessels, close stopped, in order to prevent the Access of the Air. The Leaves, before they are used, are reduced to a Powder." And a little after he subjoins, "This Liquor is pleasant to the Taste, and highly salutary, especially for carrying off the Uneasiness produced by Surfeits, and for removing all pituitous Disorders: So that it is become a proverbial Saying, with respect to the Rich,How is it possible they should not enjoy good Health, since they drink the bestTsia?"Olearius, in the Work before quoted, speaks ofTeain the following Manner: "We have already observed, that at theMaidaninIspahan,there are, among others, particular Species of Inns, calledTzai,Chattai, andChane, in which, as well as in other Places, thePersiansdrink an hot, black Water, prepared of an Herb, brought into their Country by theUsbeck Tartars. This Herb has oblong pointed Leaves, about an Inch long, and half an Inch broad, which, when dried, are of a blackish Colour, and shrivel up into the Form of a Worm; but they are the same with what theChinesecallTea, and theJaponeseandIndians,Chia, andCha. In each of these Nations, this Herb is highly esteemed; thePersiansboil it with Spring-Water,AniseandFennel: Some of them also add a small Quantity ofClovesto it. ThePersians,Chinese,Japonese, andIndians, ascribe uncommon Virtue and Efficacy to this Water, affirming, that it produces the most salutary Effects on the Stomach, Lungs, Liver, Mass of Blood, and all theViscera, which it deterges and corroborates. It also expels the Stone, removes the Head-ach, and dissipates that superfluous Humidity, which produces Lassitude and Drowsiness. By drinking this Water, a Person is rendered so lively, brisk, and alert, as chearfully to bear the Want of Sleep for several Nights, and without any Pain, or Fatigue, apply long to Business of the greatest Importance. This Liquor, when drank in Moderation, not only preserves Health, but also protracts Life to an excessive old Age. This HerbTeais, at present, well known inHolland, since theEast-Indiamenbring large Quantities of it toAmsterdam."Johannes Albertus von Mandelslo, inItinerar. Indiæ Orientalis, Cap. 11.gives us the following memorable Account ofTea: "In our Visits, we make use of the black Water, in which the HerbTeais boiled. This Liquor, which is very common in theIndies, is greatly admired, not only by the Natives, but also by theEnglishandDutch; since it is said to carry off Phlegm, warm the Stomach, and procure Digestion. We drink it three Times a Day, namely, in the Morning, Afternoon, and Evening. ThePersiansalso drink a black Water, calledChavve, which, in Colour, resembles theTea, though its Virtues and Efficacy are different; since theChavveis a great Cooler, and procures Sterility, on which Account, the lasciviousPersianschuse to drink it: On the contrary, theTeamoderately warms, and strengthens, the Bowels and Stomach."
Gulielmus Leyl, a Native ofDenmark, after his Return from theEast Indies, at myRequest, courteously wrote me the following Particulars with respect toTea: "I was informed by theChinese, in the Islands ofJava,Macascar,Celebes, and other Places, that theCha, orThee, grew inChinaandCathaya; but that the best came fromCathaya, a Country belonging to theTartars. The Herb is, in theChinese,Japonese,Tartarian,Persian,Arabic,Turkish, andIndostanLanguages, calledCha; in the Pronunciation of which Word, it is to be observed, that theChis sounded as it is inSpainandEngland; but is by thePersians,Arabians, andTurks, expressed by one of their own Characters. By such of theChineseas border upon the Sea it is calledThe. In these Countries, vast Sums of Money are laid out upon this Herb, which is said to be possessed of very considerable Virtues; for it corroborates the Stomach, and produces a good Digestion; nourishes the Limbs, and dissipates and carries off by Urine, or otherwise, all peccant and redundant Humidity. It also cures the Gout, and prevents, or expels the Stone and Gravel. During my Residence, for many Years there, I never had the smallest Symptoms of the Gout, with which I have been violently afflicted since my Return intoEurope. TheChineseare also Strangers to the Stone, andtheirTeanot only preserves the Body in good Health, but also removes Intoxication. It prevents Sleep, and renders Persons alert and chearful in the Dispatch of Business. The Water prepared of this Herb, is to be drank in a Morning fasting, with preserved Ginger, as also after Dinner, between Meals, after Supper, or at any Time, since the frequent Use of it is not hurtful. They boil a Pint of Water in a Pot, then put a Spoonful ofTeainto it, and cover it close up for a Quarter of an Hour, during which Time they shake it frequently. Those to whom this Liquor is disagreeable, on account of its bitter Taste, put Sugar-Candy into the Cup; but, its Efficacy is greater, when drank without it. The People of Fashion inChinaandJapan, have their particular Kettles, in which they boil the Water by itself, and then pour it upon theTeain another Vessel, which they cover for a Quarter of an Hour, shaking it frequently."
In order to determine that dubious and perplexing Question, Whether theTeaof theChineseis an Herb, or a small Shrub? It is necessary I should previously enquire, whether it is only produced inAsia, or whether any of it is also to be found inEurope; asalso which of theEuropeanPlants is the most proper Succedaneum to it? In these Disquisitions, I must, therefore, have recourse to the Suffrages of the before-quoted Authors. But I must here advise all Physicians to divest their Minds of Prejudice, and carefully peruseHippocrates's Treatisede Aere, Aquis, & Locis, by which they will be informed, how muchAirs,Waters, andSoils, agree, or disagree, and what proportionable Variations, or Alterations, these Agreements, or Differences are capable of producing. The celebratedHoffman, inLib. 2. de Medicament. Officinalibus, Cap. 15.when speaking of theMyrtle, tells us, "That we are carefully to attend to the native Soil and Climate of a Plant, by which it is rendered either better or worse, in consequence of which, its Faculties and Virtues will not be the same in different Countries." This Doctrine I have everywhere inculcated in myQuadripartitium, but especially in the Histories ofBetony,Carduus Benedictus,Scurvy-Grass,Marsh Trefoil,DragonsandSquills. My Design in advancing this is, to shew the Probability of the Production ofTea, not only in the Kingdoms of theEast Indies, such asChina,Japan,Chian,Nanquin, andCham; but also, according to the Conjecture ofTrigautius, in theEuropeanWoods and Forests: And I am the more inclined to this Opinion, because the celebratedOleariusinforms us, that theTartarsofUzbeck, who, according toDe Laet. in Descript. Persiæ,Cap. 1.are separated from thePersians, wage War upon them, and exportTeafromCattajointoPersia: Besides,Gulielmus Leyl, a Gentleman, not only of Distinction, but also of untainted Veracity, informs me, in his Letter, that inJavathe greater,Macassar, andCelibes, he was told by the Inhabitants, thatChaorThegrows inChinaandCatajo; but that the best is, by theTartars, exported from the latter of these Places, Now, it is sufficiently known, thatTartary, on account of the Elevation of the Pole, in many Respects, agrees with theEuropeanProvinces, situated under the same Degree of Elevation; so that, it is by no means absurd to assert that many Trees, Shrubs, and Herbs, should thrive as well in theseNorthernProvinces, as inTartary, which, like them, is diversified with Precipices, Forests, Mountains, Pasture-Grounds, Vallies, and Rivers. In a word, asTulpiusandTrigautiusthink that neitherTea, nor its Use, were long known to theChinese, because they had neither any antient Names for it, nor Hieroglyphics to express its Nature; I am more and more confirmed, thatCha, orThe, grows more plentifully inCatajothan inChinaitself, especially sinceOleariusandLeylinform us, thatChais aTartarianWord; and, according to the latter of these Authors, only some of theChinese, who live upon the Shore, have begun to callCha,Te. Since, therefore, theEuropeansfrequentChina, or its adjacent Islands, much more than they doTartary, and since theChinesecall theChaof theTartarsThe, it is probable, that this is the Original of the WordTeainEurope, But it is to be observed, thatTulpiusasserts, that, theTchiaof theJaponese, is far more valuable than theTheeof theChinese; since a Pound of the former is sometimes sold at an HundredLibræof Silver, which, if I am not mistaken, amount to forty Crowns. ButTrigautiusaffirms, that a Pound of theChineseis sold at oneNoble, and at most for two or three; whereas, a Pound of the bestJaponeseis often sold at ten or twelve. FatherRhodiustells us, thatTeais no where produced, except in two Provinces ofChina,NanquinandChim; and immediately subjoins, That there was such Plenty of it, that it sold at a very low Rate: Though these Accounts are inconsistent with each other, yet it is none of my Business to reconcile them; since my Design is only to shew, that theCha, theTchia, orThee, whether a Species of Copse, or an Herb, is indigenous toTartary. Now, asTulpiusandTrigautiushave shewn, thatTeahas not been longknown to theChinese; and, asOleariusandLeylassert, that it is exported fromTartaryintoPersia, as well asChina, I am of Opinion, that it probably began to be known inChinawhen theTartarsin 1644 made an Incursion into that Country, and that it was first transported intoEuropefrom theEast-Indies. And though the Authors mentioned byOleariusaffirm, that theTheeof theChinesewas known before this Incursion; yet as theTartarshad several Times before laidChinawaste, it is not improbable, but theChinesewere, by theTartars, with whom I believe it is cheap, first taught the Use ofTea, as we were by theChinese: For if, according toTulpius,Teais sold at so great a Rate inChina, or, if a Pound of the bestTeais often sold at twelveNoblesinJapan, I cannot see how the Merchants ofAmsterdamandHamburg, who may reasonably be allowed a fourth of Profit, could afford a Pound for eightNobles. Since, therefore,Tartaryis a very extensive Kingdom; and since, in some Provinces of it, theTeaof theChinesegrows, I think it very probable, that the sameTeamay be found in the similar, heathy, copsy, and uncultivated Places ofEurope. We now come to enquire, whetherTeais an Herb, or a Kind of Copse: Besides the Authors, therefore, already quoted fromOlearius, as affirming that it is an Herb,Bontius,Varenius,Olearius,Johannes Albertus von Mandelslo, andLeyl, also call it an Herb: ButTrigautiusandRhodiuspronounce it a Kind of Copse, or small Shrub. If, therefore, we are swayed in our Judgment by the Plurality of Voices, we must infallibly concludeTeato be an Herb. But as, in all Cases, one Eye-Witness is better than ten who take Things upon Report; and as the two last-mentioned Authors travelled through theEast-Indies, it is more reasonable to trust to their Descriptions, than to those of the others, who, being no professed Botanists, were, in some measure, misled by botanical Authors, who too often confound Words, as we have shewn in the Dissertation onTobacco: However, to reconcile these Differences, we say, thatTeamay be defined and described, either as an Herb, or as a Kind of Copse, or small Shrub; for as Geographers, in their Descriptions ofNova Zembla, and theTerra Australis incognita, make Conjectures about some Things which they never saw, because they were never there; so, why may not I, though I never was inAsia, make an Attempt to delineate anAsiaticPlant, which is the Herb, or Shrub,Tea, in order to prevent that excessive Import of it, which corrupts our Regimen, and impairs our Health no less than theTobaccosent us fromAmerica? Now, thoughAsiafurnishes theChinesewithTea, as a salutary Medicine, yet she obtrudes it upon us, at the same Time we are ignorant what it is; for which Reason I shall describeTea, both as an Herb, and as a Kind of Copse, or small Shrub. "Tea, therefore, as an Herb, has oblong Leaves, acuminated, crenated about the Edges, and about an Inch long, and half an Inch broad. InChinathese Leaves are of a dark green Colour, and of a bitter Taste; whereas those produced inJapan, are of a fainter Green, and more grateful Taste, tinging any Liquor with the same Colour. These Leaves, when dried, become black, and shrivelled up, like small Worms, and the Herb has a fibrous Root, divided into many small Shreds." If any should tell me, that this seems to be a Description ofBetony, I answer, so it is; and I would rather perswade theEuropeansto use this Herb, possessed of numberless known Virtues, than to persist in the Use of the unknownTeaof theChinese, purchased at a great Expence, and calculated for impoverishing Families. It is indeed certain, that, as the moderate Use of it, without producing a preter-natural Heat, conforts and dries the Brain, and whole nervous System, so the immoderate Use of it, cannot fail to be equally noxious to theEuropeansas the Abuse ofWine.Tea, as a Kind of Copse, or small Shrub, may be describedin the following Manner: "Teais a small Shrub, greatly resembling theMyrtle-Bush, with dark green Leaves, as large as those of thePomegranate, but with small Incisions about the Edges, like those observable in the Leaves of theDaisy. These Leaves are carefully collected in theSpring, dried in a Shade, or in proper Furnaces, and preserved in pretty large Vessels, close stopped, in order to prevent the free Access of the Air." If any one should find fault with me for describingTea, both as an Herb, and as a Kind of Copse, or small Shrub; I can vindicate myself, by desiring him to compare each of these Descriptions with the different Accounts given by all the before-cited Authors, whose Veracity cannot be called in Question. But, perhaps, it may be objected, thatBontiusasserts, thatTeais an Herb, and describes it as such, and consequently, that I corrupt what I intended to correct, which happened toEpicurus, attempting to rectify the Doctrines ofDemocritus: I answer, thatBontius, through an Affectation of laconic Brevity, darkened his Description ofTea, by comparing its Leaves, which are crenated, to those of theDaisy, which have small Incisions: Whereas, he might, with more Justice, have compared them to the Leaves of any Shrub, or Copse: But the Reader will, possibly, condemn meforPyrrhonism, orScepticism, and upbraid me with treating of Things, without coming to any fixed and final Conclusion. But, in answer to this Charge, I affirm, in the Words ofVossius de Sect. Philosoph. Cap.20. "ThatScepticismis not absolutely to be condemned; since, though many Things are certain, yet far more are uncertain; and these latter combined and interwoven with the former, impose on the Mind by their Similitude to Truth; so that it is necessary to use all Diligence in distinguishing Truth from Error."Cicero, inLib. 1. de Natur. Deor.professes himself of the same Opinion: "I am none of those,says he, to whom nothing appears true; but I affirm, that Truth and Falshood are sometimes so intimately mixed, and bear so near a Resemblance to each other, that there is hardly any Criterion for distinguishing them." But, leaving all dubious Ratiocinations, we shall now declare our Sentiments in an explicit Manner, and come to a fixed and determinate Conclusion. For this Purpose, let us compare the Descriptions whichDodonæusgives us of the HerbBetony, and of the ShrubChamelæagnus, with those two I have given of theChinese Tea: I am then intirely free from Partiality, when I think that the Properties ascribed to these two, especially to theChamelæagnus, exactlyagree to theChinese Tea; nor, considering how far I am advanced in Years, do I care how much I may be ridiculed for maintaining such an Opinion, since I have long ago formed my Mind upon those noble and exalted Sentiments, whichEpictetus, inEnchirid. Cap. 29.expresses in the following beautiful Manner: "If thou inclinest to commence the Study of Wisdom and Virtue, thou must forthwith prepare thyself for future Reproach and Contempt, since many will hiss thee, upbraid thee with becoming a Philosopher all on a sudden, and sneeringly ask the Reason of thy supercilious Air: Do thou, in the mean time, guard against a supercilious Behaviour, as much as thou possibly canst; but, like a faithful Centinel, placed in a particular Post by thy Master, rigidly maintain and adhere to those Things which, to thee, appear best and most praise-worthy; and, for thy Comfort, remember this, that if thou resolutely keepest thy Post, thou wilt, at last, become the Admiration of those who before derided thee: Whereas, if thou shamefully quittest thy Station, and succumbest to the heedless and unthinking Herd, thou wilt be doubly derided." But, as moral Reflections may be thought impertinent on such Occasions, we shall return to our Subject.Dodonæus, therefore,inPemptad. 1. Lib. 2. Cap. 20.tells us, "thatBetonyhas oblong, broad, and green Leaves, somewhat rough, serrated about the Edges, and resembling those of the Oak, though somewhat smaller." Now,Tulpiusinforms us, that the Leaves ofTeaare oblong, acuminated and serrated about the Edges: AndOleariusaffirms, that they are about an Inch in Length, and half an Inch in Breadth.Tulpiusalso asserts, that inChina, they are of a dark green Colour; whereas, inJapan, they are of a fainter Colour; so that these Descriptions quadrate very exactly withBetony. TheChamelæagnusis, byDodonæus, inStirp. Histor. Pemptad. 6. Cap. 20.described in the following Manner: "TheChamelæagnusis a small and low Shrub, rarely rising to the Height of a Cubit: It sends forth some Branches, which bear small, broad, and oblong Leaves, not unlike those of theMyrtle, but harder, and frequently longer: All the Parts of the Shrub, and especially its Seeds, are somewhat odorous: It delights in wild and uncultivated Soils, which are somewhat marshy and aqueous." The Authors before quoted, have made no Mention, either of the Seeds, or Flowers; nor, though I have had an Opportunity of turning over large Quantities ofTea, have I ever found any Part of a Flower, Stem, Apex, Calyx, Down,Seed, Pods of Seed, Berries, or any Thing analogous to any of these, except some few Pieces, of a Kind of arundinacious Grass; from which we may justly infer, that theChinese Teadelights in uncultivated, aqueous, and marshy Soils, as well as theEuropean Chamelæagnus; which, as described byDodonæus, exactly resembles theTeaof theChinese. The Reasons why I have comparedTeatoBetony, are sufficiently obvious; since my Accounts of the former, taken fromTrigautius,Rhodius, andBontius, exactly agree to the latter; forTrigautiusaffirms, that the Leaves calledTea, when gathered from a certain Shrub, and boiled in Water, afford that celebrated Liquor, so much used by theChinese,Japonese, and their neighbouring Nations: AndRhodiusasserts, that the Leaves ofTeaare, in a great measure, like those of theMyrtle, and, in Bulk, equal to those of thePomegranate. I have, in a particular Manner, mentioned the Crenations of the Leaves, because no such Circumstance is specified, either byDodonæus, in his Description of theChamelæagnus, or byTrigautiusandRhodius, in their Accounts of the Leaves ofTea, which, according toOlearius, are about an Inch long, half an Inch broad, and, when dried, assume a blackish Colour, all which Circumstances hold true of theChamelæagnus.Tulpiusinforms us, that the Leaves ofTeaare of a dark green Colour, oblong, acuminated, and crenated about the Edges; andBontiusdescribes them with small Incisions about the Edges, like those of theDaisy: Besides, if the Reader compares whatDodonæusadvances, with respect to the native Soil of theChamelæagnus, with the Description I have given of it, he will find it probable that it is also produced inTartary; so that we have just Reason to conclude, that theChaof theTartars, andTheeof theChinese, are nothing else but theEuropean Chamelæagnus. Another Analogy is also to be observed between the Leaves ofTea, and those of theChamelæagnus, which is, that only the larger Leaves of each of them are crenated. If it should be objected, thatDodonæusinclined to insinuate, that the Leaves of theChamelæagnusare like those of theMyrtle; and that the Leaves of the trueMyrtleare not crenated: I answer, that I am sufficiently apprised of this; but, at the same time, would have the Objector remember, thatCaspar Bauhinefinds some Things wanting in the Figure of theChamelæagnus, exhibited in theLatinEdition ofDodonæus, and for that Reason, prefers the Figure in theDutchEdition to it. His Description is also very defective, since he neither mentions the Crenation of the Leaves, nor the Sporting of Nature, which are very material Points;since the Leaves are not all crenated in the same Manner, and sometimes not crenated at all, especially at the Points, till they have arrived at a certain Age and Bulk. Similar Sportings of Nature are frequently to be observed; since, in one and the same Mallow, it often happens, that one Leaf is not like another. There is also a surprizing Variety, both in the Form and Number of the Leaves of theEupatorium Canadense Foliis Enulæ Jacobi Cornutiof theLysimachia Lutea MajorandMinor, and of thePseudolysimachia. It is also sufficiently known, that thePeruvianFlower inEurope, varies every Day considerably from the same Flower inPeru; but we are not, for this Reason, to deny that they both belong to the same Species. Thus, though inEurope, there is a Kind of Sporting of Nature in the Leaves of theChamelæagnus; yet all these Leaves, when most accurately compared with theTartarianorChinese Tea, are only found to differ inconsiderably from them in Size, Colour, and Crenations: So that we may conclude, that the ShrubChamelæagnusbelongs to the same Species with theTeaof theTartarsandChinese: But, lest my own Authority should be questioned, I shall, from that of other Botanists, prove this surprizing Variation in our ownChamelæagnus. I am indeed sorry that theChamelæagnusis not sufficiently andfully treated of, either in the last Edition ofTabernemontanus, or in theEbrodunense Herbarium. But we must supply this Defect fromBauhine, who, inPinax. 40. Lib. 11. Sect. 4.tells us, "That theRhus Myrtifolia Belgica, orChamelæagnus, has its Leaves sometimes broad, and sometimes narrow; and I have been told by Dr.Backmaster, that its Leaves are sometimes crenated like those of a Shrub; such as theRosemaryof theNorthernNations, or our ownMyrtle." In 1622, when walking in a Copsy Field, nearRostock, I broke off a small Twig of thisChamelæagnusin theSpring, before it was in the Flower. This I carefully preserved till it was fully dry, and found the Leaves exactly to resemble those of theChinese Tea, in Tenderness, Size, Colour, and Crenations. But that this Affinity and Resemblance might be still farther evinced, I have, inQuadripartit. Botan.given a Cut of one of the tender Leaves of theChamelæagnus, gathered in theSpring, and another of a full grown Leaf, gathered in theSummer; and to these I have added two Cuts ofTeaLeaves, produced inChina: But, some may object, that theChinese Teadiffers from theChamelæagnus, because, according toRhodius, the Leaves of the former appear in the Beginning of theSpringatNanquinandChim; and, when dried, are sofar from resembling Leaves, that they rather seem to be small Buds or Gems of Shrubs, or Trees: Whereas, the Branches of ourChamelæagnusare not cut, till the Middle, or latter End of theSummer, and are negligently hung up in the Shops, with the Leaves, Seeds, and Flowers. These Circumstances, I confess, must produce a considerable Difference in these Leaves, not only with respect to Colour and Smell, but also, perhaps, with respect to Qualities and Virtues. If I should be asked, whether it is expedient to recommend theChamelæagnusas a Succedaneum, to theChinese Tea? I answer, it is highly expedient. If it should be said, that it affects the Head; I reply, so doesBetony, which procures a certain Hilarity, or Agility, to the Brain and Members, by which Means, it greatly invigorates the Animal Faculty: For this specific Quality ofTea, it is so much used by Statesmen, in order to render them brisk and active, for the Discharge of their Offices: For this Class of Men, as well as Physicians, are allowed Angular and uncommon Indulgences byPlato, inLib. 3. de Republica. "The Gods,says he, can obtain no good End by lying to Mortals; but, a Lie may be useful to sick Persons; for which Reason Lying is pardonable in Physicians, immediately employed in their Business, but not at all in Persons of a private Character. In Governors also, Lying is pardonable, when it has a Tendency, either to promote the Good of their Subjects, or frustrate the Designs of their Enemies." Some affirm, that Ale, prepared with theChamelæagnus, excites violent Head-achs, from which they infer, that its Sulphur is injurious to the Head: But I would have such Persons remember, that the best Things may be used to Excess. Thus a Pain is immediately produced in the Head, by the Abuse of the Wine of theRubus Idæus, or that in which thePimpinella Sanguisorbahas been macerated. Hence, if you mix but a small Quantity of theChamelæagnus, full of its Seeds, with Ale, such Ale will speedily intoxicate those who drink it; but if you put only a few of the Leaves to the Ale, it will revive the Spirits as effectually as theAsiatic Tea. At theHague,Sinapiis calledSenney, and in theNetherlands,Mustard; but this Change of Names does not hinderSinapifrom being an Herb of the same Species in these different Parts. InEuropewe are to have a due Regard to the most commodious Time of gathering the Leaves of theChamelæagnus, which, inAsia, is theSpring, and after they are gathered, we are carefully to keep them in large, close-stopped Vessels. Besides, we are to consider, that the Climates ofAsiaandEuropediffer very widely; though Ihave shewn, that from the same Elevation of the Pole, someNorthernCountries have a Climate, not much unlike to that of theTartars. But some may say, granting that theChamelæagnus, orMyrtus Nostras Sylvestris, is really theChaof theTartars, and theTheof theChineseandPersians; yet it never arrives at such Perfection in any Part ofEurope, as inTartaryorChina: This, perhaps, I may grant, with respect toChina, but not with respect toTartary, for the Reasons before specified, and on account of the Climate, which, it is to be suspected, producesTeaof little or no Value; for it is not so much as mentioned in the following Account of theTartars, and their Herbs, given byAntonius Maginus, inComment. Nov. Geograph. "TheTartarslive in a most sordid, nasty Manner; since only a very few of them use Table-Cloths and Napkins at their Meals: They drink Water, Milk, and Ale prepared of Millet. Very little Wine is produced in their Country; and with that which is imported they intoxicate themselves, which is with them considered as an honourable and glorious Thing. They commend the Juice or Milk of Sorrel, because it corroborates the Stomach, and proves purgative at the same Time. They chearfully eat various Herbs, especially such as grow near theTanais,among which they greatly extol an Herb calledBaltracan, which greatly nourishes them, and restores their Strength. At the Season, therefore, when this Herb bears Fruit, theTartarsfreely wander through these Desarts, in which no other Kind of Food or Aliment is to be found; for, if they can provide nothing else, this Herb, which they frequently find, and carry home on Carts and Horses, proves sufficient for their Sustenance." But I shall proceed to contemplate ourChamelæagnus, with greater Accuracy. It is, therefore, certain, thatIceland, a cold and harsh Climate, produces the bestAngelicain allEurope; andNorway, which is somewhat milder, though intolerably cold in theWinter, yet affords those large Quantities ofGentian, and other medicinal Herbs, which the Traders inGermanyandHollandhave annual Occasion for. It is therefore probable, that ourChamelæagnusmay also be possessed of very singular medicinal Virtues; and, that it is so, we shall afterwards fully demonstrate. If it should be objected, that theChineseandTartarian Teashave become famous, but not theEuropean Chamelæagnus; I answer, that the Objection has no Foundation in Reason; because the Qualities and Temperaments of Medicines are not altered by the Time at which they began to be in Repute: ThustheAngelicaofIceland, and theNorvegian Gentianare celebrated inEurope; and tho' it is not to be doubted, butTartary, and other Countries, lying under the same Elevation of the Pole, produceAngelicaandGentianequally good, yet these Medicines are not there celebrated, because the Inhabitants have not ventured upon the Use of them. Thus, the perfumed Gloves sent us fromGreece, are more esteemed than those smelling ofAmber,Musk,Stacte, andCassia, sent us fromItaly, andSpain, only because they were famed before these latter Countries began to use such a Practice; such, and so great, is the Tyranny of Opinion, and the Force of Custom! It is, therefore, merely an ill-grounded Opinion, to believe that ourChamelæagnusis inferior in Virtues to theChineseorTartarian Tea; or that it is to be neglected, and not introduced into the Shops. Nor is it reasonable to infer, that it is not theChinese Tea, because it has never been prepared in their Manner; or that it ought not to be substituted in its stead, because it has hitherto been little known, and only used by a few instead of Hops. Tho' I am always willing to yield to superior and more powerful Reasons, yet I cannot help thinking, that ourChamelæagnusmay be very commodiously substituted to theChinese Tea. Thus theScordiumofCreteis generallythought the best of all others, for no other Reason, but that it grows there. TheGermansandDanes, however, ceased to import it fromCreteandVenice, after they discovered the trueScordium, and found large Quantities of it produced inLapland, which also yielded great Plenty, not inferior to that ofAsia; so that we despise theAsiatic, in comparison of our own. Thus, also, when we found from Experience, that the Qualities of our commonWormwood, were not inferior to those of theWormwoodbrought fromPontusandRome, we ceased to bring it from these Places, and wisely used our own.Hoffman, inLib. 2. de Med. Offic.§. 5. tells us, "That theseEuropeanMountains which are most exposed to a free Air, produce the wild or commonWormwood; whereas, those of thePonticandRomanKinds, are only to be found in Gardens." But how opposite is our Conduct with respect toTea, which, at great Expence and Trouble, we bring fromAsia, when large Quantities of it are produced inEurope? It is certainly unaccountable, and an unpardonable Folly, for a Man, who is rich at Home, to go Abroad and beg: Now, we are equally foolish, for despising that Plenty we have at Home, and purchasing, at a great Price, theChinese Tea, when its Virtues are almost destroyed, as I shall afterwards demonstrate. Some Personsmay, perhaps, reject my Sentiments, unless they found an exact Agreement between the Decoctions ofChineseandTartarian Tea, and theChamelæagnus, in Colour, Taste, Smell, and other Qualities; and I doubt not in the least, but they would find this Agreement, provided ourChamelæagnuswas gathered at a proper Season, treated in the same Manner with theChinese Tea, and prepared in the Method used by them. I would have tried Experiments of this Kind, had not I wrote this Treatise in theWinterSeason; but I thought a Delay of its Publication might be attended with bad Consequences; since allEuropehas large Sums of Money annually drained from it by theAsiatic Tea, I therefore obtest, not only all Physicians, but also others, fairly to examine, whether my Sentiments and Reasonings on this Particular are true, or only probable; for most Truths, according toCicero, have the Disadvantage to be blended with Falshood and Error. But some Persons may say I advance many Things without establishing any. I own it is so; for I am like the Images ofMercuryset up by the Highways of the Antients, which pointed out the Road to others, without ever entering it themselves. Perhaps practical Physicians may blame me for making theChamelæagnusa Succedaneum for theChinese Tea; since it is sufficiently knownthat the former greatly affects the Head. I own, indeed, I am subject to Error and Mistake, as well as other Mortals: But I would have these Physicians consider, thatTrigautiusandRhodiusaffirm, that the Leaves ofTearesemble those of theMyrtle. Now, the Leaves of theChamelæagnus, when arrived at their full Growth in theSummer, are so like those of theMyrtle, except that these last are crenated at the Points, that the one cannot be distinguished from the other. They also produce an Effect similar to those of theMyrtle; we must therefore compare theChinese Tea, the trueMyrtle, and theChamelæagnus, with one another, in order, from this Comparison, to ascertain and determine the Virtues and Faculties of the Leaves of each of them. The Virtues and Faculties, then, ofTea, according toTulpius, are these following: "It renders the Body vigorous, and removes nephritic Pains, to which none of theChineseare, for this very Reason, obnoxious. It carries off Pains and Stuffings of the Head, Inflammations of the Eyes, Defluxions, Difficulty of Breathing, Weakness of the Stomach, Gripings of the Intestines, and Weariness: It also prevents Sleep, heats moderately, and by constricting the Mouth of the Stomach, hinders the Vapours from ascending to the Head. This Liquor, when drank warm,Trigautiusthinks highly salutary in a great many Cases." Though I do not deny these Things, yet, when theChineseassert, that nothing is more conducive to the protracting of Life to an extreme old Age thanTea, they run into an Hyperbole, no less glaring and ostentatious than that ofCicero, when describing his own Return, inL. Calphurn. Pis."Romeherself,says he, seemed to move from her Foundation, in order to contemplate her returning Guardian and Preserver, whom she received with such unbounded and universal Joy, that even the Walls and Temples of the City seemed to rejoice." This Happiness of theChinese, is intirely owing to other Causes; for their Air is clement, and their Regimen so temperate, as, almost, to come up to that of thePythagoreans; though theTartarscannot boast either of such a Climate, or such Moderation. But, with theEuropeans, a fuller and more copious Diet is used, which is therefore productive of more Diseases: Hence, the incomparableBartholine, inConsil. Med. de Cometa.gives theEuropeansa most salutary Advice, by recommending a spare and slender Diet, and condemning a full and copious Regimen: "Moderate eating of Flesh,says he, is to be injoined; since Excess, in this Respect, is the Origin of violent Putrefaction, and various Disorders. ThusDiogenes apud Porphyr. in Lib. I. de Abstinen.used to say, that those who eat much were generally Thieves, and Soldiers; and such as eat Flesh were Sycophants and Tale-Bearers. Hence theQuadragesimalFast, inConcil. Laodicen. Canon. 50.is ordered to be kept with Bread, Salt, and Water, asChristoph. Justellusexplains the Word Ξηροφαγία fromEpiphanius:" Hence the eating little Flesh, but somewhat more Broth, is conducive to the Preservation of Health: So that the slender, spare Diet of theAsiaticsprotracts their Lives to extreme old Age; whereas, the full and luxurious Regimen of theEuropeans, cuts them off, before the natural Period of their Life is expired: So happy a Tendency have a clement Air, and a proper Regimen, if not to protract Life, yet, at least, to preserve Health, and prevent Diseases. Not onlyTea, which we have from theEast, but alsoChocolate, which is imported from theWest Indies, begins to be famous: With respect to this latter Commodity, the Reader may consultAntonius Colmerus de Ledesma, whose Work is translated fromSpanishintoLatin, byMarcus Aurelius Severinus. But I proceed in the History ofTea, which is possessed of admirable Qualities; since, according toRhodius, "It relieves the Head, prevents Vapours, and is a Specific against theHemicrania; since, when he was afflicted with this, or any other Disorder of the Head, he was, by drinkingTea, immediately relieved. It also prevents Sleep, corroborates the Stomach, purges the Kidnies from Stones and Gravel; and, according toVarenius, is of singular Efficacy in removing the Uneasiness arising from previous Surfeits, and all pituitous Disorders."Oleariusalso affirms, that it is possessed of constrictive and astringent Quality, and is highly salutary to the Stomach, Lungs, Liver, Blood, and all the humanViscera, which it deterges and corroborates; that it expels the Stone, removes Head-achs, and dries up all superfluous and redundant Homours, which occasion Laziness and Drowsiness.Johannes Albertus von Mandelsloinforms us, that the Water impregnated withTea, is not only much admired by theIndians, but also highly esteemed by theDutch, who frequently use it for evacuating Phlegm, corroborating the Stomach, heating and strengthening all theViscera; and that he was convinced, that by drinking three Times a-day, large Quantities ofTea, which is of an astringent Quality, he was freed from a violent Uneasiness andDiarrhœaatSurat.Gulielmus Leylasserts, that it corroborates the Stomach, and assists its concoctive Powers, heats the Members, and removes all excrementitious Humours, which it expels by Urine, or in some other Manner; that it removes the Gravel and Gout, as he experienced in himself, when Governor of the Camp ofDanisburg, in the Island ofCormandel, in theEast Indies; that he was racked with the Gout upon his Return intoEurope; thatTearemoves Intoxication, renders Men active in transacting Business, and prevents Sleep. Though I do not in the least doubt of the Truth of these Assertions, yet I shall prove, that the trueMyrtle, is possessed of the same, and other excellent Qualities; since it not only seems to be, but really is, a Species ofTea. If, therefore, the Leaves of theDanishandGermanMyrtle, calledChamelæagnus, vary much among themselves, and greatly resembleTea, may we not conclude, that the Leaves ofTea, theMyrtle, and theChamelæagnus, also agree in Virtues and Qualities. This is what I now intend to evince.Hippocrates, therefore, in order to shew the Efficacy of theMyrtlein curing and removing Diseases, inLib. de Superfætat, Sect. 3.tells us, that when the Mouth of theUterusis præternaturally constricted, it is opened by a Suffumigation, for which Purpose, among other Things, he orders greenMyrtleLeaves contused. He prescribes them green, and not dry, because the former most abound withSulphur and volatile Parts; whereas the latter contain little of these; but, on account of their terrestrial, and somewhat hot Parts, are violently drying; for which Crasis and Diversity of Parts, asMyrtleis but gently, or hardly, hot at all,Galencalls it cold. This Effect, therefore, mentioned byHippocrates, evinces, thatMyrtleconsists of very subtle Parts, and is of a highly drying Quality. I am surprized, that the Writers of theChineseHistory, have not determined, whetherTeawas beneficial for both Sexes. The sameHippocrates, inLib. 1. de Morb. Mulieb. Sect. 5. Ver. 6.among other Things proper for expelling a corruptedFœtus, prescribesMyrtle-Berries,Sweet Flag, andLentiles, boiled in Wine, and, a little after, he recommendsPessaryof the Leaves ofMyrtlefor the same Purpose: And inLib. de Natur. Muliebr. Sect. 5.he orders the Fruit of theBlack Myrtlemacerated in Water, and mixed up with fine Flower, to be exhibited as a Medicine for rendering the Body soluble, and opening theUterus.Galenalso, inLib. 7. Med. Simpl.informs us, "ThatMyrtleconsists of contrary and heterogeneous Substances, that a cold and terrestrial Principle, however, predominates in it, notwithstanding which, it has a certain subtile Heat, in consequence of which, it isof an highly drying Nature: That the Leaves, the Buds, the Fruit, and the Juice, have different Degrees of Astringency; that the dried Leaves are more exsiccant than such as are green; and that all Parts of the Plant are of an astringent Quality, whether used internally or externally." The same Author, inLib. 2. de Aliment. Facultat. Cap. 18.affirms, that, like the Fruit of theJuniper, it nourishes little, though it is possessed of a contrary Quality: "For,says he, it is highly astringent; and, for that Reason, stops Fluxes; but its Coldness does not bear a Proportion to the Degree of its Astringency." (Circumstances which ought to be carefully adverted to in investigating the Virtues ofTea, theMyrtle, and theChamelæagnus) "because it is not only astringent, but also possessed of a certain Acrimony. Besides, it is peculiar to all Aliments, possessed of a strong medicinal Quality, to lose that Quality," (which Words I would have the Reader carefully observe) "by boiling, roasting, or Maceration; after which they afford but little Nourishment, and before none at all: This holds true in Onions and Leeks."Diascorides, inLib. 1. Cap. 156, tells us, "That theMyrtleand its Seeds are of an astringent Quality; and, that theJuice expressed from the green Berries, produces the same Effects, is beneficial to the Stomach, creates a Discharge of Urine, and cures the Bites of venomous Spiders and Scorpions, if drank in Wine." He also informs us, that there are two Kinds ofMyrtles, in like Manner as there are two Kinds ofTea, sent intoEurope, by theChinese.Athenæus, inDeipnosophist. Lib. 15.tells us, "That such of theGreeksas were afflicted with Head-achs by drinking too much Wine at their Feasts, stood in need of a Remedy for their Disorder, which, by a certain Instinct of Nature, they knew to be most expeditiously removed by Bundles of Flowers, and especially by Garlands wore on the Head; for, according toAndreas, when any one was seized with an Head-ach, his Pain was forthwith alleviated by tying it tight up:" (This may be accounted for fromHarvey'slate Discovery of theCirculation of the Blood) "For this Reason they swathed the Heads of those who had drank to Excess, with a Crown wove of an hederaceous Plant, which is plentifully produced without any Culture, which is sufficiently beautiful, and throws a grateful Shade over Forehead and Eyes. For this Reason such Crowns seem to have been dedicated toBacchus, who both invented Wine, and was supposed toremove the Disorders produced by it: But, in process of Time, Mankind became so voluptuous, that they were not content to have the Effects of Drunkenness removed by this Disorder; but also sought to gratify their Smell and Eyes. Then they began to use a Crown ofMyrtle, which is astringent, and dispels the Exhalations of Wine, or a Garland of Roses, which, in some measure, alleviates the Pain of the Head, and cools those who are overheated by excessive Drinking: But over their Cups, they never used the Laurel, which is heating, and of a disagreeable Smell: They also rejected Violets, which by their Smell offend the Head, and every other Thing, which could either create Uneasiness, or produce Obstructions." And afterwards, he declares himself ofPhilonis's Opinion, in the following Words: "But I am intirely of the Sentiments ofPhilonis, who affirmed, that a Crown ofMyrtledispelled the Vapours of Wine, and a Garland ofRosesrefrigerated and alleviated the Pain of the Head."Bodæus, a Stapelen.inComment. Lib. 4. Hist. Plant. Theophr.informs us, fromClemens Alexandrinus, "that theMyrtlewas efficacious for exciting Laughter, which is represented as the Concomitant ofVenus:" And he adds, thatMyrtlewas supposed to be so grateful to thisGoddess, that all who celebrated her Festivals, were adorned with Crowns of it. The same Author, fromAthenæusinforms us, that theLesbianscrowned themselves with Wreaths ofMyrtleTwigs, which they calledHypothymidæ; because, as he tells us, they refreshed and revived the Brain by their grateful Fragrance. Those who desire to know more concerning the Virtues of theMyrtle, may consult theHistor. Plantar. Universal. Ebrodunens. Herbarior. Lib. 5. Cap. 1.where, what we have advanced, is farther confirmed, or similar Qualities of theMyrtleascertained. But we proceed to enquire into the Virtues and Qualities of theMyrtus Brabantica, orChamelæagnus. Though a great deal is not said of this Plant, whichBauhinecalls theRhus Myrtifolia Belgica, either by the antient or modern Botanists; yet that it is possessed of singular Virtues, is evinced from this, thatPliny, inLib. 24. Cap. 11.informs us, that the Herb calledRhus, which, according toClusiusandDodonæus, is ourChamelæagnus, expels Poison, and cures scalled Heads; a signal Proof, that whether green, or dry, it abounds with a singular volatile Salt and Sulphur; which is also farther confirmed, partly by its acrid, tho' not ungrateful Smell, and partly by the Effects it produces. This is sufficiently confirmed by the Authority ofDodonæus, whospeaks of its Qualities and Virtues in the following Manner: "Its Seeds,says he, are intensely hot and dry, almost in the third Degree: Its Leaves are also hot and dry, though in a much smaller Degree: Its Fruit, which is prejudicial to the Brain, when used in preparing Ale, which is customary with many, renders the Ale highly offensive to the Head, and soon productive of Intoxication or Drunkenness. The whole Shrub, and its Fruit, when dried, and laid among Clothes, preserve them from Moths and Worms." It also banishes Dormice, as I have observed in myQuadripartit. Botan.Besides, a certain Person of great Distinction inHolstein, and a Man of the strictest Veracity, informs me, that thePolandersuse ourChamelæagnusfor killing the Lice of their Hogs; for, if this Plant is strewed under them in their Styes, the Lice which infest them will be destroyed in a few Hours; nor will their Nits ever become alive. Besides, Serpents are never found to have their Holes in those Forests, which produce theChamelæagnus, nor are they ever observed to come near it, much less to creep through it, as I have been informed by Forest-Keepers of great Veracity. It is not, therefore, to be denied, but theChamelæagnusis an Herb of singular and excellent Virtues, since it produces these, and a greatmany other uncommon Effects.Dalechampius, Author of theHerbarum Lugdunense, inCap. 1.gives us the following Account of it: "TheRhus Sylvestris Dodonæi, and theRhus Pliniiseems to be another Plant, which is by some called theMyrtus, by others thePseudomyrsine, and theMyrtus Brabantica. It is a low, woody, hard Plant, with many Branches, which bear pretty long Leaves, not unlike those of theBox-Tree. Between the Branches rise many Twigs, bearing, as it were, a great Number of Ears, which are, at first, loaded with many small Flowers, and afterwards with a Congeries of many angular Seeds, full of a certain pingueous Humour, of the same bitter Taste with the Leaves, Flowers, and Fruit, but of a pleasant grateful Smell. The Inhabitants ofRoaninNormandy, whose dark and gloomy Forests produce great Quantities of it, call itPiment Royale, as it wereMelyssophyllum Regium. The Country People inSummergather the Branches loaded with the Leaves and Seeds, tie them up in small Bundles, for no other Purpose, but to give Clothes an agreeable Scent, and hinder them from being corroded by Worms and Moths. Its highly bitter Taste evinces that it is remarkably drying and discutient, and that it is in a peculiar Manner adapted to killand expel Worms, whether exhibited internally, or applied externally: It flowers in the Months ofMayandJune, and bears Fruit inJulyandAugust." An anonymous Author, who makes some Additions toDodonæus, speaks of it in the following Manner: "TheGagelhas, inEnglish, the Appellation of Gold from the Gold-coloured Flowers, or the clammy sulphureous Matter lodged between the Seeds and their Husks.Gagelis, by some, esteemed a good Remedy, in all Cases, wherein the trueMyrtusis used; but this Opinion is false: The Flowers and the clammy sulphureous Substance lodged between the Seeds, and their Husks, are, by some, accounted good in Consumptions and all other Disorders of the Breast. These are also used in making Gold; others use the whole Plant as an Antidote against Poison. Some putGagelinto Beer instead of Hops; whilst others put it into Must, affirming, that it gives the Wine an agreeable Flavour, without injuring the Brain." These last Words excellently describe those Virtues of theChamelæagnus, in which it agrees with theChinese Tea, especially as the Author had before informed us, that, in consequence of its abounding with a viscid, yellowish Dew, or roscid Sulphur, it was of a drying Quality, and that it has hitherto been despised, as an Herb possessed of no other Virtues, than that of intoxicating, when Ale is prepared with it; and certainly, this Effect is to be ascribed to no other Cause, than the large Quantity of Sulphur contained in theChamelæagnus: But I am sensible, that I am entering upon chymical Principles, which I have fully explained in another Work, when treating of malignant Fevers, and especially the Nature, Genius, and Effects of volatile Salts and Sulphurs. Now, as no one has hitherto contradicted any of my Opinions, I hope this seeming Paradox, with respect toTea, will meet with the like favourable Reception; for, from the Comparison instituted between theChinese Tea, and the trueMyrtle, it is evident, that they agree, not only in Form, but also in Virtues and Faculties: And as, not onlyTea, but also theChamelæagnus, is like the trueMyrtle, and may be used as a Succedaneum to it, we cannot doubt, but theChamelæagnusis the genuineChaof theTartars, orTheeof theChinese; and as I have sufficiently demonstrated this, I hope theEuropeanswill not, for the future, be so foolish, as to despise theTeaproduced in their own Climate, in comparison of that which is brought fromChina: Besides, thatTeais nothing else butourChamelæagnus, may be proved by the following Syllogism.