Whatever Things agree in Form and Virtues, are of the same Species:TheChaof theTartars, theTheeof theChinese, and ourChamelæagnus, agree in Form and Virtues:Therefore, they are all of the same Species and Kind.
Whatever Things agree in Form and Virtues, are of the same Species:
TheChaof theTartars, theTheeof theChinese, and ourChamelæagnus, agree in Form and Virtues:
Therefore, they are all of the same Species and Kind.
But Physicians may object, that I am still bewildered, and at a Loss; since theChinese Tea, and ourChamelæagnus, produce different Effects: For, as all the Effects which theChineseorIndiansascribe to theirTea, seem to arise from the Diversity of its Parts, some of which are moderately warm, others excessively dry, some gross, and some subtle: Hence, bothTeaand the trueMyrtle, prevent Intoxication; nay, an Infusion ofTeasurprizingly keeps those who drink it inChina, from sleeping for some Nights. It may, therefore, be objected to me, that theChamelæagnusis so far from preventing or removing Drunkenness, that it forthwith intoxicates the Person who drinks the Ale in which it has been boiled; but these Effects are as diametrically opposite to each other, as those others are of theChinese Tearemoving anHemicrania, and Head-achs, and theEuropean Chamelæagnusexciting them: I answer, all this is true; but, at the same time, it is to be remembered, thatGalenevery where demonstrates, of how great Efficacy, the Diversity of Parts, in a compound Body, is; a memorable Example of which he has given, inAcornsarrived at perfect Maturity, inTr. de Composit. Medicament. Loc. 1. Lib. 6.I shall not affirm, that this Diversity of Parts alone, is sufficient to account for all the Effects produced by Tea, and theChamelæagnus: But I am of Opinion, that both considered, with respect to their whole Substance, and the Mixture of Parts peculiar to each, act not so much by their weak Heat, as by their excellent drying Virtues; so that they produce their respective Effects only by their primary or secondary Qualities. But I can easily prove, whence this Disagreement of Qualities derives its Origin. We are, therefore, to consider, that theChamelæagnusabounds with a Salt, and a glutinous Sulphur, of which, according toDodonæus, the Seeds and Fruit cannot be destitute: But, I deny that this Sulphur is, in the least, offensive to the Brain and Nerves; and affirm, that like the Wreaths ofMyrtles, wore by theLesbians, it, by its Fragrance, comforts and revives the Brain; for, if it was otherwise,I do not see how Ministers and Ambassadors to the Courts ofChina, should often, by the Use ofTea, be enabled to attend Business for whole Nights, without sleeping: This Account, however, must either be confirmed, or refuted, by Experience.Diogenes Laertiusinforms us, thatDemocritus, when nothing else could be of any Service to him, protracted his Life three Days longer, only by the refreshing Smell of Bread, newly taken from an Oven. Thus, also, the moderate Use of Wine revives, corroborates, and, by its Sulphur, dries the Nerves; which is sufficiently known by Dancers, who frequently bath their Feet in Wine, in order to strengthen them; and by Musicians, who take the same Measures with their Hands: And if other Persons would frequently bathe their Feet and Hands with Wine, impregnated either withRosemary,Sage, orBetony, it is incredible, how much it would contribute to their Health. Besides, it may happen, that, by this Means, malignant Disorders may be prevented. This Redundance, therefore, of a volatile Sulphur in theChamelæagnus, which palpably affects the Smell of those who walk in Copsy Ground, disturbs the Brain, intoxicates, and produces Head-achs. Thus, in Wine-Vaults, a Person is intoxicated by drinking, sooner than elsewhere, because the Wine, though contained in closeCasks, sends forth sulphureous Exhalations, which escape the Sight. It is certain, that theTartarsimport theirCha, orChamelæagnus, intoChina; but, it is not, to me, probable, that they prepare it in the same Manner with theChinese: For, if we consider the Customs and Regimen of theTartars, we find them intolerably addicted to Drunkenness; notwithstanding which, they are very robust and hardy: Hence, if they eat Herbs crude, and also boiled, as they do theirBaltracan, it is probable, they toast theirCha, or dry it, and use it, whether after aCrapula, or not, and whether they are afflicted with a Pain of the Head, or not; provided they are intoxicated with it, as the Country People ofEuropeare with theChamelæagnusIn order to correct this intoxicating Quality of theChamelæagnus, theChinesegather the Leaves in theSpring, and not in theSummer: Now, it is sufficiently certain, from chemical Observations, that the sulphureous Parts of Herbs are easily exhaled. This was well enough known toGalen, since, inLib. de Aliment. Facultat. Cap. 18.he tells us, that the drastic Qualities of Substances, that is, their saline, sulphureous, and volatile Parts, are corrected, or drawn out by boiling, roasting, or Maceration. Hence, theChinesetoast, or carefully dry theirTea, in a Stove; after which, they macerate itfor a Quarter of an Hour in warm Water, but do not boil it, lest, by that Means, it should be deprived of all its Virtues: Thus, it is sufficiently known, thatRhubarbis deprived of its purgative Qualities by toasting it, andAlexandrian Sennaby being boiled, and strongly expressed. If, therefore, as I before hinted, theEuropeanswould imitate theChinese, they would only use those Leaves of theChamelæagnus, which are gathered in theSpring; but not the Shrub itself, nor the Flowers, nor Seeds, boiled in Ale instead of Hops; for the Leaves ought only to be macerated: Nor is it probable, that theChamelæagnuswould intoxicate so soon, if it was intirely deprived of its Seeds; for this Effect is produced by the Sulphur which abounds in other Herbs and Shrubs, as well as theChamelæagnus, and is sometimes more, and sometimes less volatile, or fixed: Thus, the Scent of the Heart of theMoschatellais intirely lost, by being frequently smelled. TheGeranium Moschatumalso, has this peculiar to itself, that when it appears half withered, it emits no Smell; but sends forth a strong one when gently rubbed between the Hands; for if it should be bruised, the Labour would be lost.Ruealso contains so volatile a Sulphur, that, when it is dry, it has almost no Colour, whilst its Seeds are oleous and sulphureous.Wormwoodholds a Kind of Medium,consisting of one highly volatile Principle, which greatly affects the Head; for which Reason some would have it washed in warm Water before it is used for the Preparation of theVinum Absinthites, and another of a more fixed Nature; as also a volatile and fixed Salt: Thus, also,Garlick, Mother of Thyme, and especially theLaurel, abound in Sulphur, as well as theChamelæagnus, in which, indeed, it is more slowly and difficultly consumed, than in the others. When, in order to investigate the Virtues and Faculties of theChamelæagnus, I kindled some Part of it, together with the Seeds; it did not burn suddenly, like theJuniper, but slowly, like theBeech, with certain Noises, or Kinds of Explosions, intermixed. The Smoak, which filled the whole Laboratory, was of an acrid Smell, highly resembling that of the kindled Twigs of theBeech: Hence, we infer, that theChamelæagnuscontains a large Quantity of Sulphur and volatile Salt. From these Reasonings and Experiments, I think it is sufficiently obvious, that it is, upon account of the grateful and duly corrected Sulphur of theChinese Chamelæagnus, that the Brain is so much refreshed, and that Persons who use it inChina, can, without any Loss, sit up whole Nights in transacting Business; a memorable Instance of this we have inAlexander Rhodius,who always had Disorders of his Head removed by drinking it: Whereas, theEuropean Chamelæagnus, especially that which is full grown, and abounds with Seeds and Flowers, when boiled in Ale, intoxicates those who drink such Ale, procures Sleep, and excites Head-achs. These Circumstances, when impartially weighed, will vindicate me from Partiality, when I despise the costlyChinese Chamelæagnus, and, in its stead, substitute our own, a Shrub of uncommon and excellent Qualities against Poison, and the Bites of Serpents: Since, according toPliny, these noxious Animals cannot endure the Smell of it. These Virtues of theChamelæagnus, we can teach theAsiatics, but can hardly believe that, by Virtue of theirTea, Persons may sit up all Night, without sustaining any Loss.
Every one is convinced that two Kinds ofTeaare sold in the Shops, one of a blackish Colour, and the other of a faint Green; the one pretty much, and the other far less crenated: This Variation of theChinese Tea, I can sufficiently account for; sinceTulpiustells us, that the Leaves of theChinese Teaare of a dark green Colour; whereas those produced inJapanare of a fainter Colour, and more grateful Taste; for which Reason, one Pound of the latter is, in theIndies, frequently sold for an HundredLibræof Silver, or, according toTrigautius, only for ten or twelveNobles. Notwithstanding this, the Shopkeepers ofAmsterdamandHamburgsell a Pound of this Commodity for eightNobles, as I have often before observed.
I cannot, on this Occasion, forbear recommending the Conduct ofOluis Wormius, who, in hisMusæum, Lib. 2. Cap. 14.informs us, that he macerated a certain Quantity of both Kinds ofTea, in warm Water, and found the Leaves of the one, when spread, of a dark green Colour, crenated likeRose-TreeLeaves, oblong, and about an Inch in Length. Mr.Harford, the King's Apothecary, made me a Present of two large Boxes full ofTea, of different Colours: In the one Box, which contained the green, I found neither Stalks, nor Flowers, nor Seeds of the Plant, but only the Leaves; but, in turning over theBohea Tea, contained in the other Box, I found three Stalks, so nearly resembling those of theMyrtle, that, not only Mr.Harfordand I, but also some others, thought that they might be justly accounted the Stalks of theMyrtle:This, in so dubious a Case, is a pretty strong Argument, thatBohea Teais adulterated withMyrtle, which may, very properly, be substituted, in its stead, or rather exactly agrees with it.This blacker Species ofTea, orMyrtle, is far cheaper among theIndiansthan the green Kind. The celebratedOlaus Wormius, on account of the vast Diversity in the Leaves ofTea, suspects that the Leaves of some other Plant are often sold in their Stead. This also, as I before observed, often happens with respect toTobacco. That I might not, however, be charged with Rashness, or falsly accusing theAsiaticsof Fraud, I thought it incumbent upon me, attentively to view theChinese Tea; for which Purpose, I ordered Mr.Harford's two Apprentices, to pick out some of the largest, and most perfectTeaLeaves, to be macerated in warm Water, and then spread and unfolded: Accordingly they shewed me ten, which were neither lacerated, nor torn; and two of the most perfect of which were accurately engraved byAlbert Halwey, the King's Engraver. SeeHistor. Cochlear. 4. Class. Quadripartit. Botantic. These Leaves were of different Shapes and Bulks, but so like those of theChamelæagnus, that the one could hardly be distinguished from the other. The Leaves of the green Kind seemed to be produced by an Herb, or Shrub, of a quite different Species from theChamelæagnus, the Leaves of which, when gathered small, and in theSpring, make, in my Opinion, the most genuineTea.
But though I have before shewn, from the Authority ofBauhine, that the Leaves of one and the sameChamelæagnus, sport and vary considerably from each other; yet, I would not, because this may also probably happen to theChinese Tea, have any one infer, that, inChina, theTea, which some maintain to be theChaof theTartars, is not adulterated. I am, indeed, of Opinion, that it is adulterated, but never either affirmed, or so much as intended to insinuate, that Nature sported and varied so in theChamelæagnus, either of theTartars, orEuropeans, as to produce Leaves of a different Species: Nor is this Variation, and Sporting of Nature, surprizing in theChamelæagnus; since it is equally, if not more, palpable, in Prunes of different Colours, Peaches, Apricots, sweet and bitter Almonds, and the Leaves produced by these Trees. I have often carefully viewed and turned over all the three Thousand Plants, with which my Repository is enriched, in order to see whether any of them resembled the spuriousChinese Tea, or that with which the genuine is adulterated; and I found the Leaves of two Shrubs highly similar to those of the spuriousTea: The one is byCarolus ClusiusinLib. 5. Rarior. Plantar. Histor. Cap. 20.calledPyrola quarta Fruticans; andBauhine, in hisPinax, calls it thePyrola Frutescens Arbuti Folio: Theother is a Shrub, called byClusius, inLib. 1. Histor. Plant. Cap. 53, theSpiræa Theophrasti, and byBauhine,Frutex Spicatus Foliis Salignis Serratus dictus.
As it was expedient to compare my Description of theChinese Teawith those whichDodonæusgives of the HerbBetony, and theChamelæagnus; so, in this Place, I think it proper to insert the Descriptions whichClusiushas given of thePyrola Fruticans, and theSpiræa Theophrasti; the former of which he describes in the following Manner: "One Genus of this Plant is sometimes of a shrubby Nature; for new, short, and small Branches springing up every Year, remain firm and green for some Years, and rise above the Earth, till by their own Weight they bend downwards, hide themselves in the Ground, and sometimes send out fibrous Roots. Two, three, or four small carnous Leaves generally grow between the Nods: The superior Parts of these Leaves are of a deep green Colour, and shining, whilst, in Form and Bulk, they almost resemble those of theChamædaphne, orLaureola, only they are serrated about the Edges, and of an highly drying and bitterish Taste, like the Leaves of the other Species ofPyrolæ." These last Words ought carefully to be adverted to. The sameClusius, inLib. 1.inRarior Plantar. Histor.describes theSpiræain the following Manner: "It rises to about the Height of two Cubits, with small Branches, or Twigs, covered with a reddish Bark. Among these Branches arise, without any Order, numerous, long, and narrow Leaves, resembling those of the Willow, serrated about the Edges, with their superior Surfaces of a faint green, and their inferior as if they were besprinkled with Verdegrease: They are of a drying and kind of bitter Taste." The last Words of this Description are also to be carefully adverted to, since the Leaves ofTeaare not only serrated, but also of a drying and bitter Taste. As, therefore, thePyrola FruticansofClusius, and theSpiræaofTheophrastus, and especially the former, are of a drying and bitterish Taste, it is highly probable, that theChinese Teamay be adulterated with one, or both of these; especially, since they not only greatly resemble each other in Form, but also in Taste. A Cut of one Leaf of thePyrola, I have annexed to the Description ofScurvy-Grass, in myQuadripartitium, No. 9. and another of aTea-Leaf, produced inChina. As for a Cut of theSpiræa, the Curious may have recourse toClusius, or they may find one Leaf of it accurately engraved in Plate 2, of this Work; wheretwo Leaves ofChinese Teaare engraved. The larger of these is so like theSpiræaofTheophrastus, both in Length, Breadth, Bulk, the Course of the Veins, and the Disposition of the Crenations, that there is hardly the smallest Possibility of distinguishing the one from the other: But both these Leaves are vastly unlike to thatTeaLeaf which, in No. 7. of the last cited Plate, I ordered to be engraved, with theCochlearia Danica: But the other small uncrenated Leaf is like theChinese Tea, as the latter is like theChamelæagnus, which, as I have already observed, sports and varies very surprizingly in its Leaves: This latter, I take to be genuineTea; whereas, I am of Opinion, that the former, resembling theSpiræa, is spurious. Since, therefore, bothTartaryandChina, abound with thePyrola, and theSpiræaofTheophrastus, I think we have just Reason to conclude, that all the Leaves sold among us forTea, have not been gathered from one Species of Shrub, or Herb, but are adulterated with those of thePyrola, theSpiræa, or some other Shrub; among which, we may justly reckon theRhus, orSumach, on account of the Similarity of its Leaves, Flowers, Taste, and Bulk; though I am sensible, that the celebratedBauhine, in hisPinax, has placed it among the Species ofAgnus Castus, and made it a Kind of intermediate Plant, between theVitexandLigustrum, calling it FrutexSpicatus Foliis Salignis serratis. In consequence of this, it seems dubious to what Kind of Shrubs it is principally to be referred: Its Flowers grow in a spicated Order, on the Tops of the Twigs, like those of theAgnus Castus; so that theSpiræavery much resembles theVitex: But, when the Flowers, and crenated Leaves of theSpiræa, are accurately viewed, we find, that it is more justly referred to theRhus, orSumach, than to any other Species of Shrub. As neitherTheophrastus,Clusius, norBodæus a Stapelen, have mentioned its Virtues, I shall not assert that they agree exactly with these of theChinese Tea; only, it is highly probable, that theChinese Teais adulterated with theSpiræa, either by theAsiaticorEuropeanDealers. Avarice has not only prompted People to this Piece of Fraud, but also to lodgeTobaccoin Office-Houses, in order to render it more acrid. In order to evince how like theChinese, orJaponese Teais to theSpiræa, I refer the Reader toTab. 1. Fig. 6, & 7, the former of which is a Leaf ofTea, and the latter that of theSpiræa.
Happening one Day to visitHieronymus Molmanus, a learned Jesuit, to whom I communicated my Paradox aboutTea; that Gentleman, upon my commendingTrigautiusandRhodius, ordered me to readMartini Martinii novus Atlas Sinensis, as the best and latest Account of theEast Indies, or rather ofChina. When I found this Work, I was glad to meet with a Description of theCha, in the Account of the TownHojechuinNanquin, in which the Author affirms, that it is no where better and more valuable.Martiniusinforms us, that theChinese Teabelongs to theRhus, and is highly similar to it: But thisRhus, as I have already shewn fromPliny,Clusius,Dodonæus, andDalechampius, is the same with ourChamelæagnus. Hence, it is not only obvious in itself, but confirmed by the Authority ofMartinius, that theChineseare guilty of Fraud and Imposture in adulterating theirTea.
The Description whichMartiniusgives of theThee, is as follows: "The Leaves, most commonly known by the Name ofCha, are no where more valuable, than in the Province ofNanquin; and, for the Sake of the Curious, I shall describe them as briefly as possible. The Leaf is exactly similar to that produced by theRhus Coriaria; and I am apt to think the former is a certain Species of the latter, though theTheeis not wild, but cultivated, is not a Tree, but a Kind of Shrub, sending forthvarious small Branches: The Flowers of the one do not much differ from those of the other, except that those of the latter are of a more yellowish White than those of the former. TheTeaflowers in theSpring, and the Flower emits a gently fragrant Smell. It is succeeded by a green Berry, which soon assumes a blackish Colour: The tender Leaves appearing in theSpring, are thought best. These, when gathered, they put into an Iron Pan, over a slow Fire, and heat them a little; then they put them in a thin fine Cloth, and again expose them to the Fire, till they are intirely dry, and shrunk up. When thus prepared, they generally keep them close stopped leaden Vessels, in order to prevent Evaporation, and the free Access of the Air. After they have been kept a long Time, they resume their primitive Verdure, and expand themselves when put into boiling Water, in which they produce a greenish Colour, and communicate to it a pretty grateful Taste, especially to those who are accustomed to drink it. TheChinesegreatly extol the Virtues of this warm Liquor, which they frequently use by Day and Night, making it the common Entertainment for Strangers and Visitors. The Price is very various, since a Pound ascends from an Halfpenny, to two, ormore,Nobles: To this Liquor, it is principally said to be owing, that theChineseare never afflicted with the Gout and Stone. When drank after Meals, it removes Crudity and Indigestion, for it greatly assists Concoction: It affords Relief after hard Drinking, and Surfeits of every Kind; for it is of a drying Quality, removes superfluous Humours, expels somniferous Vapours, and prevents Drowsiness and Oppression in those who incline to study: It has various Names inChina, according to the Places where it is produced, and the different Prices of it. The best inNanquin, is generally calledSunglocha. For a farther Account, the Curious may consultRhodius de Regno Tunking."Martiniusalso informs us, that the CityLuchen, in the Province ofKiangnan, is celebrated both for the great Quantities, and the Goodness of itsTea.
I could heartily wish, that all the practical Physicians inEuropewould concur to giving a Sanction to this Doctrine by their Practice; for, besides the Testimonies ofTrigautiusandRhodius, I am certain from Experience, that theChais theRhus Coriaria, or a certain Species of it, whose Qualities and Marks are known from what hasbeen already said. I do not, in the least, doubt, but theChaof theTartars, or theTheeof theChinese, is ourChamelæagnus, orPliny's HerbRhus; especially sinceClusius, inAuctar. Exoticor. Libror. expresly asserts, that from the Cuts of someChineseBooks, whichPaviusandJoseph Scaligerreceived in a Present from someEast IndiaMerchants, though coarsely engraved, he perceived that manyChinesePlants are exactly similar to some of those produced inEurope. This Circumstance renders it highly probable, thatChinawhich borders uponTartary, produces ourChamelæagnus. I am heartily sorry, however, that I have not had an Opportunity of conversing withMartiniuson this Subject, since, according toGalen, inLib. de Compos. Med. Cap. 3.reading an Author's Works, is not so satisfactory, as a personal Conversation with him. However, as I have only followed Reason, and the Course of my own Thoughts, I hope I shall have no Cause to repent my Labour; since, according toCornelius Tacitus, inAnnal. 15.many Things are obtained by Experiments and Efforts, which, to the lazy and sluggish Part of Mankind, seemed highly difficult, if not impossible. Thus theRomans, by Bravery and Activity, raised their originally petty State, to a most extensiveand powerful Empire.ColumbusdiscoveredAmericaby Reading and making Efforts for that Purpose.Copernicus, andTicho Brahe, by their extensive Acquaintance with Mathematics, discovered and demonstrated many important Things, unknown to our Forefathers. The illustriousHoffman, inParalcip. Officinal, when giving a noble Scope to his Imagination, in the Investigation of Mineral Waters, tells us, that the advancing probable Things, is an Advantage to the Cause of Truth, and was always looked upon as such byPlato,Aristotle,Galen, and all other Philosophers. Notwithstanding the incomparable Learning and Industry ofMartinius, I cannot comprehend some Things in his Description ofTea; for I cannot conceive why he asserts, that theRhus Coriariais not wild, but cultivated among theChinese; sinceMatthiolus,Bauhine, andHoffman, do not, withGalen, make a Distinction between theRhus Coriaria, andCulinaria, which, byTrigautiusandRhodius, is called theCha, orThee; but ifMartiniushad mentioned theMyrtle, I should have conjectured, that he followed other Botanists, who exclude theMyrtus Sylvestris Dioscoridis, in the Shops known by the NameRuscus, orBruscus, from the Species of trueMyrtles. ThusMarcellusVirgilius, inComment. in Dioscorid. Lib. 1. Cap. 132.makes a great Difference between them in the following Passage: "TheMyrtus SativaofPliny, which I describe in this Chapter, is not like other Plants, sown in continued Tracts of Ground; and though it thrives better in Gardens, than in uncultivated Soils, this is not the only Difference between it and theMyrtus Agrestis, which is a Plant of an intirely different Kind, which theGreekscallOxymyrsene, and theLatins,Ruscus; for, upon Comparison, theMyrtleis milder than theRuscus, whose cuspidated Leaves are pricking and sharp. It is, however, certain, that theRuscuswas, by some of the Antients, calledMyrtus Sylvestris." I do not remember, that any Botanist has brought such a Charge against ourChamelæagnus, since it is universally enumerated among the Species of trueMyrtle, though of the wild Kind. The Reason whyMartiniuscalls theChamelæagnusa cultivated Plant, as I suppose, is, because theChinese, seeing us so fond ofTea, have begun to cultivate it, in order to draw the Profits arising from it, just as theEuropeansdo the Vine, for the Sake of the Grapes, thePersianstheMulberry-Tree, for the Silk; the Inhabitants ofNarbonandProvence, theIlex Coceigera, for the Sake of theCochineal; or theAmericanstheTobacco, on account of the large Quantities of it imported intoEurope. AsTrigautiusthinks it not impossible forTeato grow in some Parts ofEurope, and asRhodiusaffirms, that theChineseare as busy in the Time of gathering theirTea, as theEuropeansare in their Harvest; so, it is probable, that some Tracts of Land may be sown withTeainChina; notwithstanding which, it is more agreeable to the usual Way of speaking, to callTearather a wild, than cultivated Shrub. TheChinesealso, according toRhodius, do not gather all the Leaves produced by the Shrub, but only such as appear first in theSpring, and are soft and tender, which they also gather, one after another. Hence I infer, that the Leaves in theSummer, are very unlike those in theSpring, which is also observed in those of ourChamelæagnus, with respect to Softness, Smoothness, and Colour; so that it is not to be wondered at, if theChinese Chamelæagnusappears milder than our own; since they collect, prepare, and dry theirs in a quite different Manner from us: "For, first, they put it in an Iron Pan, and warm it gently over a slow Fire; then, they wrap it up in a smooth, thin Cloth, and again expose it to the Fire, tillit is corrugated, and shrivelled up." Hence it is, that ourChamelæagnus, when macerated in warm Water, is of a different Colour, Taste, and Smell from theChinese Tea, though their Effects are the same, only those of the former are stronger and more considerable than those of the latter. If, therefore, in our Country, theChamelæagnuswas gathered with the same Circumstances, Pains, and Precautions observed by theChinese, I doubt not but it would be equal to, theirTea; for if the same Measures are not taken in the Preparation of the same Herb, how is it possible, that it should produce similar and uniform Effects, especially if the one is gathered in theSpring, and the other in the End of theSummer: The one artificially dried in the House, and the other dried in the open Air by the Heat of the Sun; the one collected when it begins to appear, and other when the Plant is full of a roscid, sulphureous Dew, and bears Flowers, and Seeds. For this Reason,Scherbiusjustly observes, "That when many Things concur to the Production of the same Effect; all these Things ought to be exactly the same."Hoffman, inComment. Lib. 7.represents this Doctrine in the following accurate and beautiful Manner: "Individual Objects often appear to our Senses to have no Difference;whereas, a very considerable one is observed in their Effects. This Circumstance constitutes that Individuality, which cannot be described, and which, I remember,Scherbius, my old Master, used to illustrate by the followingSimile: If a Bell-Founder should make twenty small Bells, of the same Metal, in the same Mould, at the same Time, and in the same Place; yet the Sound of no one of them will be perfectly similar to that of another. What can be the Cause of this Variation? The Artist, the Mould, the Metal, and the Fire, concur to produce the same Effects, which, however, is not obtained. Besides, if we were carefully to examine these Bells by the Sight, the Touch, the Weight and other Circumstances, we can discover no Difference; which, however, is sufficiently evinced by the Sound. Some Things, said my Matter, can neither be described, nor expressed, and of this Kind are these Differences. Perhaps, in this Case, there is not an equable Thickness of the Metal, because the Fire has not equably pervaded all its Particles. Perhaps the Surface is not every where smooth because the fused Metal might have been in some Parts more refrigerated than in others: and perhaps, there maybe other Variations;for, unless all Circumstances exactly concur, the same Sound cannot be produced in all the Bells." I have quoted this Passage fromHoffman, lest any Person, observing some Differences between ourChamelæagnus, and theChinese, orTartars Tea, should forthwith doubt,—whether they are Shrubs of the same Species, as I have already proved them to be. TheChinese Tea, therefore, and ourChamelæagnus, are Shrubs of the same Species; though, for the former, we go beyond theCape of Good Hope, intoChina, cross theEquatorfour Times in every Voyage, and expose ourselves to uncommon Hardships and Dangers, in order to bring Home the Leaves of an unknown Shrub, which has not the same Virtues and Qualities for which theChinese Teais celebrated inChina, and to which ourEuropean Betonyis preferable. Since, therefore, theChamelæagnusis now sufficiently known, we have no more Occasion forTeafromChina, than we have forArumfromAsia,WormwoodfromPontus, orScordiumfromCrete.
I now proceed to consider the peculiar Virtues commonly supposed to reside inTea, but which I assert are equally to be found inEuropeanPlants; for theChineseare guilty of a fulsome Exaggeration, when theyassert that it has a Tendency to prolong Life. The Virtues, then, of theTea, seem to be most accurately described byRhodiusandMartinius, who seem to have reduced them to three Heads; the first of which, according toRhodius, is, that it alleviates Pains of the Head, and represses Vapours: The second, that it corroborates the Stomach: And, the third, that it expels the Stone and Gravel from the Kidneys. These Virtues are, byMartinius, recited in the following Order: To the drinking of this warm Liquor, it is said to be owing, that theChineseare Strangers to the Gout and Stone. When drank after Meals, it removes Crudities and Indigestion. When exhibited to drunken Persons, it affords them Relief, and prevents the bad Consequences of Surfeits; for it is of a drying Nature, carries off superfluous Humours, expels somniferous Vapours, and removes the languid State of Students, who are oppressed by long Application. These Virtues are, at present, to be carefully examined. I shall not here speak of those Qualities, which are the Result of its Temperature; since I before evinced, that the whole Substance of theTeawas grateful to the Brain; but at the same time shewed, from a singular Observation, thatBetonywas possessed of the same Virtues and Qualities.
First, then, it is asserted ofTea, that it removes the bad Consequences of Surfeits, because it is of a drying Nature, and carries off superfluous Humours: The same Effects are also produced byBetony: But as for the Expulsion of somniferous Vapours, and removing the languid State of hard Students; these Properties are more frequently ascribed to the trueMyrtle, than toBetony; which, however, as we shall afterwards shew, is also recommended against Intoxication.
The second Virtue ofTeamacerated in warm Water, is, that it corroborates the Stomach; which Effect is also remarkably produced byBetony.
The third Virtue it is said to be possessed of, is, that it frees the Kidneys from Stones and Gravel; for which Reason, according toMartinius, theChineseare Strangers to nephritic and arthritic Disorders.Betonyremarkably produces this Effect, and, at the same time, is a powerful Preservative against the Gout. The other Qualities ofTea, enumerated by other Authors: I shall not here mention, that I may, at more Length, compare it withBetony. The Reader may, however, consult myQuadripartitium, andAntonius Musa, who, inLibell. de Betonica,affirms, thatBetonyis possessed of so excellent medicinal Virtues, that it cures no less than forty-seven Disorders; which none of theChinesehave ever dared to assert, concerning theirTea: TheAsiatic Teais, therefore, far inferior to theEuropean Betony. The same Author affirms, "ThatBetony, previously taken, prevents Intoxication." By which Words,Musainsinuates, that it guards against a Surfeit, and, consequently, frees us from Drowsiness; so that the whole Substance of it is equally grateful and refreshing to the Brain withTea. It were to be wished, that this Physician had directed the Method of preparingBetony, in order to prevent Intoxication; by which Means theEuropeanswould, in all Probability, have been encouraged to greater Care and Diligence in cultivating, drying, and separating the small from the large Leaves of ourChamelæagnus, a Decoction of whose Flowers would have been as grateful to them as that of theChinese Teais to them. But if any should foolishly dread the Use of theChamelæagnus, which, however, is much used, and greatly extolled inDenmark, and the LowerSaxony; such Persons may, I think, substituteBetonyin its Room. But, if a Physician should order anEuropeanCobler, or Day-Labourer, frequently to use a Decoction ofBetony, they would sneeringly bid him use his insipid Water himself. But the Custom of drinkingTeaonly prevails, because it is a new Thing, unknown to the Forefathers of theChinese, and is imported fromAsiaintoEurope, whose Inhabitants of all Ranks are so excessively fond of it, on account of its grateful Bitter, and sub-astringent Taste: The same may be said of theIndian Chocolate, and the Water impregnated with theChavvaof thePersians, since these three Liquors have generally no more grateful a Taste, than a Decoction of coarseEuropeanPears, or what theGermanscall aPear-souse.
But, asAntonius Colmeri de Lodesmahas given a distinct Account ofChocolate, and the Method of preparing it, the Reader may expect that I should say something of the Use and Method of preparing the Water ofChavva; and this I shall the more willingly do, because no Physician, or Botanist, so far as I know, has expresly, but only accidentally, and imperfectly, given the History of theChavva. But I would advise Physicians to order the Use, not only ofChocolate, but also of theChavva, very sparingly; though both Liquors are highlycommended by the high and learned, as well as the low and illiterate Part of Mankind: ForHieronymus Benzo, who, according toDalechampius, Lib. 18. Histor. General. Plant.calls it, "A Wash rather fit for Hogs, than a Liquor proper for human Creatures."Benzo, after residing above an Year in the Province ofNicariquan, inAmerica, had, all the while, a mortal Aversion to this Liquor; till, falling short of Wine, he learned to imitate the Natives, that he might not be under a Necessity of drinking Water perpetually. This Liquor, by its somewhat bitter Taste, refreshes and refrigerates the Body, without intoxicating those who use it. This is the principal and dearest Commodity of those Countries; nor do theIndians, who use it, esteem any thing more highly, according toClusius, Lib. 2. Exot. Cap. 29.andAnonym. Auctar.inDodon. I must own I should, withBenzo, have preferred pure Water to this unnatural Mixture, which, as well asCoffee, andTea, theEuropeansmay very well want, without any Loss of Health: And it were to be wished, that the excessive Demands for all these, did not excite People of sordid Tempers, to adulterate them, with Substances of heterogeneous Parts, and such as are unfriendly to Nature. This, as I have beforementioned, with respect toTobacco, is the Reason why, in our Age, we are seized with Disorders, the Names of which are not so much as mentioned in the Writings of the Antients. HenceBartholinthinks, "That Aromatics and Spices, which are no less the Causes of Wars inEurope, than of Commotions in the Body, ought to be prohibited; since the Purposes of Life and Health will be far better answered, by cleansing the Blood now and then with the Leaves of theColuthea, Water-Cresses, orFumitory. We are also to chuse an Antidote for common Use; but not theTheriaca, of which the EmperorAntoninustook the Bulk of a Bean every Morning, nor theMithridate; for these are injurious by their Heat, and consequently improper for us. But we are to useConserve of Roses,Rob.ofElder, Electuaries ofMarygolds, theMorus Norvegica, and other indigenous Plants, whose Qualities are best suited to our Temperaments and Constitutions." But the Use of the HerbTea, if it could be brought fresh and recent fromChinaintoEurope, would be more tolerable than that ofChocolate, andCoffee, which is of all others the worst: Since a Decoction of theChavvasurprizingly effeminates both the Minds and Bodies ofthePersians; by imitating whom, we shall never arrive at that Vigour and Hardiness, whichJulius Cæsar, andCornelius Tacitus, so much admired in our Forefathers.
We have before observed, thatAmurath, the fourth Emperor of theTurks, under Pain of Death, totally prohibited the Use ofTobacco, lest his Subjects should become barren. But weEuropeansheedlesly go on by the Abuse ofCoffee, to emasculate ourselves like thePersians, who are fond of Sterility, and, according toOlearius, much more salacious than theEuropeans; But of this Effect ofCoffeewe shall afterwards treat.
As the Fruit of theCacao, orCacarate, which resembleAlmonds, are the Basis ofChocolate, they are found engraved inTabernemontan. Lib. 3. Cap. 16. So that I shall here give no Cuts of them, since I have done that inQuadripartit. Botan. Class. 3. No. 11, 12.when, describing the SeedBon, orBan, which is also calledBuna, orBuncho, andBunea, or the Seed from which is prepared theCoava,Caova,Cavve,Choava, andCahvve, which, by a Corruption, is, no doubt, theCoffeeof theEuropeans.
If it should be asked, to what Class ofSimples, whether that of Herbs, or Trees, we are to refer the Plant which bears the SeedBon, from which the Water ofChavveis prepared, and which is also mentioned byOlearius, inItinerar. Persiæ, Cap. 17. I answer, that some, ignorant ofBotany, may take it for an Herb, whose Seeds resemble those of theTurkishCorn, or theIndianCorn, byBauhinecalledMays, or for our Wheat: Whereas, it is no Herb, but a Tree, byOlearius, in the last quoted Passage, described in the following Manner: "ThePersians, in smoakingTobacco, have always the black Water ofChavvepresent. The Fruit with which they prepare this Liquor is sent fromEgypt; and, in the inner Side, resembles theTurkish, though on the outer Side, theEuropeanWheat. This Fruit is of the Bigness of aTurkey Bean, and the Shrub bears a white Flower. The Fruit, or Berries, they burn, or roast, in a dry Pan; after which they grind them, and boil them in Water, which they drink, and which has a Kind of hot, unpleasant Taste. It is esteemed a great Cooler; for which Reason it is drank by most; but if it is used to Excess, it extinguishes the Inclination to Venery, and induces Sterility." The SeedBon, orBan, is collected from a Tree bearing its own Name, if we may believeProsper Alpinus, Lib. de Plant. Egypt. Cap. 16. This Author, after residing some Years inEgypt, saw theBhon-Treein the Green-House ofHali Bei, theTurk. An intire Description and Cut of this Tree is also to be found inTom. 1. Lib. 4. Histor. Plantar. Univers. Cap. 5.Since, therefore,Alpinuscompares this Tree to ourEuonymus, and says, that the former resembles the latter: HenceCaspar Bauhine, in hisPinax, places it among the Species ofEuonymus, and calls it theEgyptian Bon, like the Euonymus, with a Fruit like Bay-Berries, from whose Seeds the Egyptians make their Liquor, called Coava.Though this Fruit, with respect to Figure, Bark, and Colour, is highly similar to Bay-Berries, yet it is far less in Bulk. In my Opinion, it most resembles the Seeds of the admirablePeruvianTree, Decoctions of which, are used by theEasternNations, theEgyptians,Turks, andPersians, for corroborating a cold Stomach, assisting Concoction, and removing Obstructions of theViscera. They also, with Success, use this Decoction for many Days against old Obstructions, and cold Tumors of the Liver and Spleen. This Decoction, according toAlpinus, seems also appropriated to theUterus, which it warms, and frees from Obstructions: Thus, theEgyptianandArabianWomen, for the dueEvacuation of theirMenses, use this Decoction for several Days after they commence. Hence, according toOlearius, thePersiansare not afraid, lest the Decoction ofCavverender them cold; unless we should also say, thatAgnus Castuswhich induces Sterility, is also of a cold Temperature: But this Doubt will be cleared by-and-by. It were to be wished, that the celebratedJohannes Weslingius, who also travelled intoEgypt, had had an Opportunity of seeing this Tree; since he would have given us a more accurate Description of it, than we have hitherto got; for, inCommentar. in Prosper. Alpin.he tells us, that the Fruit of this Tree is brought fromJamin, orArabia FelixintoEgypt; and, that a Decoction of it is sold in some Thousands of Taverns atMemphis.Prosper. Alpinusalso, inLib. de Medicina Egyptor. Lib. 4. Cap. 3.when treating of the Decoctions used by theEgyptians, whether sick, or in Health, tells us, that, in a particular Manner, they make use of the Decoction calledChoava, prepared with the Coats or Husk of the Seeds calledBon. Then he describes the Preparation ofBon, by telling us, that it smells like Corn, Rye, Barley, or Pease, when thrown upon live Coals, and burned a little.Alpinus, however, endeavors to evince, that the Seeds ofBonconsist of two Substances, the one thick and earthy, by which they brace up and corroborate, and the other thin and subtile, by which they heat, absterge, and remove Obstructions. That they are highly drying is certain, but I cannot for this Reason comprehend whyProsper Alpinusasserts, that Cold prevails moderately in them; for they act by their whole Substance, both by their Salt and both Kinds of Sulphur: So that it is highly probable they produce these Effects, on account of their ungrateful Taste and Smell. But it is said these Seeds are corrected with Sugar. ThusWeslingiusinforms us, "that some correct the Bitterness of this Decoction with Sugar, and preserve the whole Kernel of the Fruit incrustated with Sugar. Nor is this only customary inEgypt, but also through all the Provinces ofPersia. This renders the SeedsBonnot only dear, but scarce, inEurope." ThoughWeslingiusthinks that these Seeds are useful to theEuropeans, yet I am of a different Opinion; for, in like Manner, theEuropeanshave resolved to sweeten, not only theirCoffee, but also theirChocolateandTea, without having any View to prevent Disorders, or recover Health; but only to follow the Customs of theAsiatics, andindulge themselves in a Liquor, whose Taste is pleasant to them.
If it should be said, thatTulpiusinforms us, that theChinesedissolve a few Grains of Salt, or Sugar, in their Infusions ofTea, I answer, we here enquire not what is done, but what ought to be done; not what is palatable, but what is conducive to preserve Health, and restore it when lost. Though I do not altogether disapprove ofSaltinTea, yet I absolutely condemnSugar. How ill theEuropeans, especially those of theNorthernCountries, consult their Health, by mixing theirMustard, and their Sauces ofVinegar, andHorse-Radish, designed as a Preservative against theScurvy, withSugar, I have already shewn, inClass. 3. Quadripartit. Botan.For the same Reason,Sugar, mixed with an Infusion ofTea, infringes and impairs its Virtues; so that, by this means, we drink, not a medicated Water, but little more only than simpleEuropeanWater, edulcorated withSugar. This, no doubt, is an excellent Remedy against Intoxication; but certainly if we read both antient and modern Authors, we shall find, that Drunkenness may be removed by drinking cold Water. Besides, an Intoxication, next to Madness, may be greatly alleviated by wrapping up theScrotumin Cloths dipped in coldWater. Hence we have but little Reason to bringTeafromChina,Tartary, andJapan, at an extravagant Price, which might be far better laid out, in relieving poor indigent Families at Home. But the presentEuropeansare vastly different from what they were before theAsiaticEffeminacy was known among us. TheEuropeansmight, perhaps, be indulged in the perpetual Use ofTea, provided their Regimen was the same with that of theAsiatics. Now, Regimen includes all the five Non-Naturals, which are Air, Meat and Drink, Excretion and Retention, Motion and Rest, Sleep and Watching, and the Passions of the Mind. Now, all these, inEurope, are vastly different from what they are in theIndies, as is obvious from the faithful and impartial Accounts, given us byMartinius, andMandelslo. This Subject is excellently handled byHippocrates, inTr. de Aere, Aquis, & Locis, who joins these three together, with great Judgment, and for very sufficient Reasons; since each of the three has Atoms, in a manner, peculiar to itself, which it continually sends forth, and diffuses even to a great Distance: So that some Bodies, according toBartholine, may, by means of the Atoms they emit, propagate the Sphere of their sympathetic Actions, to the Distance of a Thousand Miles. AbouttheEquinoxes, andSolstices, the sudden Changes of the State of theAtmosphere, and the Variety of Vapours exhaled from the Earth, produce surprizing Alterations in Health. And these Exhalations rise sometimes in such large Quantities, as to be condensed, and by their own Weight to fall down, in the Form of sulphureous Showers: A memorable Instance of this we had inNorway, where, onMay 19, 1665, a violent Tempest, accompanied with uncommon Thunder, and thick Clouds, broke out: During this Storm, there fell from the Clouds, a Substance, highly similar to Sulphur, which not only floated on the Water, but also seemed to cover the Earth. WhenStobæussubjected this Matter to an Examination, he found, after drying, and passing it through a Sieve, that when it was become moderately warm, on an heated Tile, it emitted a fetid Smoak of the same Colour with that of the Spirit ofNitre, in Distillation. But this Matter could not be fused by the strongest Fire; by which Means, however, it became inodorous, and like small Sand, though before it resembled a fetid, coarse Sulphur, reduced to Powder. The same Author, in his Letters also, informs me, that, when about as much of the recent Matter, as would lie on the Point of a Knife,was laid upon a red hot Tile, it was spontaneously kindled, made a Kind of Noise, and emitted a reddish fetid Smoak. Next DayStobæusendeavoured to sublime this crude and sulphureous Matter, by itself, without any Addition, in order to discover, whether Flowers of Sulphur could be obtained from it; but his Labour was in vain; for though the Matter became red hot by due Degrees of Fire, yet no Flowers appeared; only the first Steam, which, in the Alembic, appeared reddish, in the Water, assumed a dark ferruginous Colour: Then, by augmenting the Fire, a whitish Spirit appeared, which gave a similar Colour to the Water. This Steam and Spirit appeared in Distillation to be of an acrid Taste; so thatStobæusjustly concluded them to contain a volatile Salt, of a particular Kind. The same Author informs me, in his Letter, that the Rain which fell, during the Thunder, smelled of Sulphur: And from this Observation, he thinks, the Chemists Doctrine, concerning the Generation of Thunder, may be confirmed. As every Substance does not act upon every other Substance, nor sulphureous Things on those of the same Nature, he put this Matter into Spirit ofTurpentine, and digested it by a gentle Fire; by which Means, it gave the Liquor aa yellowish Colour, and a Smell, very like that of Balsam ofSulphur: But of these I shall not treat at greater Length, since I am perswaded that Miracles have ceased, and that Providence disposes of second Causes according to wise and stated Laws. Hence it is, that about theVernalandAutumnal Equinoxes, orSolstices, all Sorts of Diseases, and especially those of the endemial or epidemical Kind, rage; such as theScurvy,Measles, andSmall-Pox, as also thePlague, though often these Disorders are confined to one City. A memorable Instance of this, we have in the Cities ofHambourgandAmsterdam, which, in 1663, and 1664, were afflicted with a Pestilence, which, however, did not spread itself toDenmark,Sweden,Britain,France, andGermany. But, as thePlagueis imported fromAfrica, it is probable, that the Salubrity of the Atmosphere, in those Countries which escaped, checked the sulphureous, saline, and pestilential Atoms, which first contaminated the Air ofAmsterdam, and then that ofHambourg. But all Countries differ so widely, with respect to Air, Water, and Situation, that none of them, even the most contiguous, are exactly alike, and conspire in producing the same Effects. Thus, among theGermanWines, theRhenishis the best; though it also differs in Goodness, according to the particular Parts in which it is produced. The like holds in theFrenchWine, the worst of which is reckoned that ofOrleans; for which Reason,Quercean, in hisDiæticum, Cap. 6.tells us, "That in the Oeconomy of the King ofFrance's House, it is enacted, by a domestic Law, that the Steward shall give the King noOrleansWines;" which, however, has a very grateful Taste. The same holds, not only in Ales, but also in other Things: Thus, theNorembergCakes, on account of the peculiar Qualities of the Water with which the Meal and Aromatics are made up, are far better, and more pleasant to the Taste, than those prepared in the same Manner, in any Part ofEurope. This is what the Philosophers have been at so much Pains to account for. The Air, Water, and Situation, also constitute the Reason, whyTeainEuropedoes not produce the same Effects it does among theAsiatics, especially theChinese. Many Persons of Rank and Distinction have informed me, that they could never be sensible of the so-much-extolled Virtues ofTea, nor perceive that it prevented Sleep, or rendered them more brisk, and fit for Business. One or two Persons, however, subject to Catarrhs, have confessed to me, that they have becomefar better by the long Use ofTea. Thus, I have heard, that a certain Ambassador to theDutch, who before laboured under a Difficulty of Hearing, had his Disorder totally removed, by the large Quantities ofTeahe drank at theHague. I, myself, have foundTeato be diuretic. I own, two or three Persons who have travelled, not only throughEurope, but also through theEast Indies, have affirmed to me, that inJapan, the drinking ofTeainfallibly removes Intoxication, and prevents Sleep; but this Effect is not at all produced by it inEurope. Thus, I have been informed, that Strangers, upon their Arrival inMuscovy, can drink such large Quantities ofBrandy, as would put an End to their Lives in other Countries. Thus, it may happen, that theChinese, orJaponese Tea, with the Assistance and Concurrence of other Things, may produce a particular Effect, whichTeawill not do inEurope. But all these Effects are produced byBetony, an Herb universally known inEurope: Thus, it is certain, that ourChamelæagnusis theTeaof theChinese, orJaponese. But to illustrate my Subject the better, I shall make a few Remarks on the peculiar Genius, Regimen, and Method of living used among theIndiansandChinese. TheIndiansthen are fond of moistening Aliments,which guard against the Heat of the Sun; such as Cherries, Fruits of all Kinds, Pot-Herbs, Fishes, Oysters, Crabs: Besides,Michael Boym, a learned Jesuit, in his Flora Sinensis, mentions various Fruits which are not produced inEurope; whereas Nature has furnished theChinesewith others, either like to, or exactly the same with, those of theEuropeans. The former of these, and the other similar Delicacies of theEast Indies, do, in all Probability, give rise to new Diseases inEurope. This Jesuit speaks ofChinain the following Manner: "The Kingdom ofChinais, as it were, a Compound of the whole Globe, or rather, a Gem, in which more Riches are to be found than in all the rest of the World besides. In theSoutherlyParts of the Country, the Heats are most intense, and produce large Quantities of all theIndianFruits, such as Dates, Mangas, Ananas, and others: Whereas theNorthernParts produce Figs, Chesnuts, Nuts of all Kinds, Peaches, Apricots, and Pears of various Kinds." Thus provident Nature has furnished theSouthermostParts ofChinawith Fruits intirely unknown to theEuropeans; whereas, theNorthernParts produce such as are known inEurope, and suited to its Soil and Climate: Since, in the former, the Heatsare very intense, but not so in the latter. Thus Nature seems to have prohibited us the Use of the former of these Fruits, by placing us at such a Distance from them, and to have indulged us in the Use of the latter, by placing us so near them; for the Precept, of sometimes using Things to which we are not habituated, does not hold in this Case: Since, beingEuropeans, we ought to use the Regimen, Aliments, and Drinks, peculiar toEurope; for it is no less generally than justly observed, that the natural Produce of any Country is best suited to the Constitution of its Inhabitants. ThusTeaseems by Nature adapted to the Inhabitants ofChina,Coffeeto those ofPersia,Chocolateto those ofAmerica, andAleandWineto those of the different Parts ofEurope. Thus the antient Inhabitants ofSaxonyandMegapolis, before they became fond of foreign Delicacies, used to say proverbially,Drink Wine, and reap Benefit from it; drink Ale, and become fat; drink Water, and die.It is also certain, that in former Times, the Inhabitants ofIcelandandNorway, when they used a simple Regimen, and were Strangers to foreign Luxury, enjoyed good Health to an incredible Age; whereas, their Posterity are not only weaker, but hardly live beyond the thirtieth, fortieth, or fiftieth Year of their Age: Sothat theLyricPoet seems to have made a just Prophecy of our own Generation, in the following Lines: