PHARMACY is the second part of that part of Physick that attends the Cure of Diseases , and teaches the Choice , Preparation and Mixture of Medicaments . This Definition might suffice , did we not know of any other Pharmacy then that of the Ancients , which is call'd Galenic . But in regard the Chymical Pharmacy of the Moderns has many perfections that are peculiar to it , and that thereby the benefit of the Galenic is much improv'd , it deserves to have a particular Definition . I will say then , without swerving from the first general Definition , that Chymical Pharmacy ought to be defin'd to be , An Art which teaches us to dissolve bodies , and by the same means to divide and know the parts of which they are compos'd , to the end we may separate the bad , and preserve the good , and unite them again when occasion requires . For ,

The Name of Pharmacy , which is common to both , is derived from the Greek word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ; which signifies a Medicine , in regard it is the work of both to compose Medicines . The word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is compounded of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , as one should say , I bring a Remedy . We call the Galenic Pharmacy , which has been very ancient , that which was known and practis'd by the Greeks , Romans and Arabians , which has been very much improv'd by Galen and his Followers , and to this day is very much in esteem . We call the Chymical Pharmacy , that which was not known but to some few of the Ancients ; but which at present is very much approv'd and practis'd by a very great number of the Moderns , who have made it their study , and by their continual Industrie have brought to light , and unfolded many Mysteries that lay before conceal'd in riddles , and by that success have encourag'd others to follow their example .

ALL natural things created may be compriz'd under the Name of Medicament ; and they are equally the subject , and object both of the one and the other Pharmacy : So then I say , That Medicament is the general matter that a Student in Pharmacy ought to consider , and know both externally and internally , and which he ought to understand how to prepare and mix as occasion requires for the use of Physick . The exterior knowledge of Medicament is less difficult ; because , that I may speak properly , it is onely superficial : Nevertheless it does not want some difficulty , in regard of the largeness of its extent , and the vast variety of mixtures which are comprehended under the Name of Medicament . But the internal knowledge dives into all the parts , whereof Mixture or simple Medicaments are compounded . And this requires much more skill and experience than the former . Nor can it be obtain'd but by preparation , and by making an exact dissolution of all the parts , which cannot be accomplish'd without the help of Chymical Pharmacy .

Though the Body of Man be the remote object both of the one and the other Pharmacy , it ceases not however to be some part of its subject , in regard it affords parts which are in truth Medicaments , as the Brains , the Blood , the Fat , the Hair , &c. which a Student in Pharmacy ought to consider , and understand how to prepare .

The end of a Physician is twofold , to understand the internal which is the true knowledge , and tends to the perfect preparation of Medicaments ; and the external , which is the health of Man , for which the Physician chooses , prepares , and mixes all his Medicines . The first may be also call'd the Next End ; the other may be term'd the Remote End .

WIthout making any stay upon the opinion of the Ancient Philosophers , who founded the principles of all things upon the four Elements , which they affirm'd to be Air , Fire , Water and Earth , I take part with the Chymical Authors , ancient and modern , who acknowledge no other principles than those which they meet with by Art in the dissolution of all Compounds . Plants , Animals , and Minerals , are equally compos'd of these principles , and we find them very distinctly in the resolution of their parts ; especially of those whose substance is not extraordinarily compacted . These Principles consist in five different substances ; of which the three principal are call'd active Principles ; the other two of lesser note , passive Principles . The three first are called by the Names of Salt , Sulphur and Mercury , by reason of their agreement with Salt , Sulphur , and Mercury natural . They are called active , because they include within themselves , a quality , vertue or power that produces action . Salt is esteem'd to be the ground of all savours ; Sulphur , of all odours , and combustibility ; Mercury , of all colours . Flegm and Earth are the two last principles , which are said to be passive , as well to distinguish them from the former , as also for that they cannot produce any considerable action . They are also call'd Elementary principles , by reason of their conformity with Water and Earth , which were the grosser Elements of the Ancients .

In the distillation of Compounds , the insipid Flegm , which is like Water , appears usually first of all . Next to that comes the Spirit , to which we give the name of Mercury : In the third place appears the Oyl , which we call Sulphur . The Salt , under its own proper name , is found last of all , mix'd amongst the Earth ; which remaining in the Filtre , after the separation of the Salt , is lookt upon as the last principle .

Nevertheless we find that the Salts of Animals and certain Creatures , rise in distillation among the other substances , and that in Rectification they also rise first , by reason of their great volatility , and that there remains but little fixed Salt among the terrestrial part which is found at the bottom after distillation . We also find many times that the Flegm , the Spirit , the Volatile Salt and the Oyl , rise in distillation confusedly together : and that you must of necessity have recourse to Rectification to separate and purifie them . But though Flegm and Earth are accounted Passive principles , and have less vertue than Salt , Sulphur and Mercury , which are the Active principles ; yet are they not altogether to be despis'd . For besides the necessary rank which they hold in the composition of Medicaments , they have their particular vertues and uses , when they are separated from the other principles by distillation , or any other way of preparation . Which obliges me to discourse of them , as well as of the rest , according to their order in distillation .

FLegm is a principle reputed to be passive , which most usually rises first in the distillation of Compounds : especially of such mixt bodies , wherein it abounds . They who agree the Elements to be principles , suppose Flegm to be the Element of Water ; which it most resembles , when well separated from the rest of the principles . Flegm , though to outward shew it appear thin , and almost void of any consistency , is a substance which most abounds in the composition of mixt bodies ; especially of Plants and Animals .

Flegm separated from the other substances of the mixt body , doth not lose its vertue . For it curbs the activity of the Spirits , and qualifies the acrimonie of the Salts , if united to them ; it also serves to dissolve them , and all watry substances . It unites with the Oyls , by the help of the Salts . It is proper in the extraction of several Tinctures , especially of substances , to which it had been united . It is proper in several Fermentations , Distillations , Humectations , and several other Operations . It qualifies the heat of the Oyls ; and binds and unites the Earth with the Salts , redressing the drieness and brittleness of the latter . It refreshes and moistens being alone ; but easily receives the impressions of those substances with which it is mix'd ; it easily corupts , when mix'd with moist substances that are strangers to it ; and hastens their corruption and dissolution . But it may be preserv'd a long time alone in a bottle well-stopp'd . It soon evaporates in the open air , but sooner in the Sun or against the Fire . It usually observes the motion and action of the Spirits , Oyls or Salts , with which it is mix'd ; and from which at all times it may with ease be separated . It ascends in distillation in clear clouds , which presently dissolve into water . In that it differs from the Spirits and Oyls , whose vapors or clouds are much thicker , and harder to be dissolv'd .

SVlphur , acknowledg'd to be the third Principle , is a homogeneous , liquid , oylie , viscous and combustible substance , which in distillation ascends usually like Oyl after the Spirit ; which being purifi'd from the terrestrial and salt parts , is lighter than the Flegm , the Spirits , and all the other substances , so that it swims above them all ; but while it still contains those parts of Earth and Salt , it swims between the other substances , or else it sinks to the bottom , according as it is more or less intermixt . Sometimes also 〈◊〉 happens , that one part of the Oyls swims above the Flegm , another part between it , and a third part falls to the bottom ; as is often observ'd in the distillation of ponderous Woods . Sometimes likewise it happens , that the same compound Body yields Oyls distinct in colour , that swim one above another , as is observ'd in the distillation of Turpentine , where are to be seen Oyls of three different colours , that swim one above another ; not to mention the Spirit , or rather Ethereal Oyl that swims above all the rest . The viscosity of this Principle occasions it easily to stick to those substances that rise with it in distillation ; and particularly to the Salts , or to some other gross and terrestrial parts : So that there is no way to separate it truly , but by Rectification , which separates and raises it above all the other Principles . This Sulphur , being like Oyl , is a substance between Spirit and Salt , so that it may be united to them by Circulation , for the making of Elixirs , Universal Medicines , and all the rare preparations of Chymical Pharmacy . This sulphurous Principle being separated from all the rest , not only resists cold , but of it self never congeals . It is incorruptible , and so preserves those Body's that are embalm'd within it , so that they do not too excessively abound in Flegm . It mortifies the acrimony of the Salts ; it unites and coagulates with them : It resists Spirits , and Aquafortis it self , that it can can do no good upon it . It cherishes the natural heat . It is a great Friend to the Nerves , and facilitates the motion of the Muscles : It is the Balsom of all things . It is a mollifier , lenitive , discussive , and an asswager of pain . It increases the Spirits , in Vegetals and Animals . It is as it were the Soul of Minerals : It is the matter and foundation of all Odours and scents ; and keeps in the middle between the driness of Salt , and the moistness of the fluid Spirit .

SAlt is the Spirit , which after distillation usually remains mixt with the Earth ; which being separated , purifi'd , and dry'd , looks of a white colour , of a dry and brittle consistence . Salt is easily dissolv'd in moisture , and being dissolv'd , it indures the Oyl : It may be also join'd to the Oyl by vertue of the Spirit . Though this Salt seem to us to be very dry , nevertheless there is an internal moisture in it , which renders it apt to run with a great fire . Salt resists Fire , and is purifi'd thereby . It is incombustible , and may be preserv'd as long as you please without any loss , or suffering any alteration of its own nature : The taste thereof is tart and sharp , with a little bitterness : From whence it has been tak'n for the foundation of all savors ; though the other Principles are not without them , by reason of some Particles of Salt that may remain in their substances . It is hot and penetrating ; it hast'ns the running of Mettals ; it helps to preserve all substances . It attracts to it self all that are volatile , and fixes them . It strongly unites with the Spirit , insomuch that if the Spirit exceed it three or four times in quantity , it ascends with it in distillation . It coagulates certain Liquors . It purges , cleanses , opens , resolves , dries up , and consumes superfluous humours . It hinders the consumption of the Oyl . It is the Life and Soul of all substances . Without it the Earth is barren ; through the excess of it , it becomes unfruitful . It preserves Animals in health and makes them fruitful . It consolidates all substances , especially Minerals ; and makes the Spirit corporeal by joining with it . By the way observe , that the Salt of Animals , as also of certain Vegetals , is not found among the Earth at the bottom after distillation : in regard that by reason of its volatile nature it rises like a kind of Spirit , among the Oyl , and with some part of the Flegm ; whence it may afterwards be separated by Rectification . This volatile Salt has some of the qualities of that which I have already mention'd ; but its volatileness carries it thither , where the other cannot reach of it self without the help of this . It penetrates in an extraordinary manner , so that neither the Eyes , nor the Nose can endure the strength of it , in any great quantity ; by reason of its volatileness it cannot resist Fire , which it cannot endure , unless mingl'd with some acid Spirit , or with some fix'd Salt that surmounts it in quantity . The volatile Salt is too smart upon the Nose , the Tongue , the Eyes and the Brain by its penetration ; but it neither has the acrimony , nor the bitterness of the fixed Salt ; nor does it leave any considerable heat behind it , either upon the Tongue , or any other place .

EArth is the last Principle , and the less esteem'd of all . It appears last at the end of Distillation and Calcination ; and when the Salt which was mix'd with it is drawn out of it by Dissolution and Filtration . This Earth thus separated from all the Principles is called Caput mortuum , or the Dead Head , by the Chymists , having no other considerable Quality but astriction and driness . This Principle however is very necessary in the composition of mixt Bodies : for while the Sulphur makes it tenacious , viscous and clammy ; while the Salt makes it hard and firm ; while the Spirit affords it nourishment and motion ; while the Flegm is the cause of growth , and tempers all the other substances ; from the Earth it receives a consistence necessary for its preservation : so that there is no substance in a mixt Body which has not its proper office , and particular service . The Earth after the dissolution of the mixt Body is that which troubles all the active Principles , and must be separated from them ; for when it is mix'd with them , it hinders their action ; It stops the Pores , it engenders Obstructions , it incorporates with the salts and spirits , and begets stones in the bladder and reins , and very much contributes to the Original of several Diseases . The Earth separated from the other substances is often porous and very light ; it easily unites it self with the substances from whence it was separated . It borrows the weight of the other Principles , especially of Salt and Spirits which are the heaviest . The use of it in Physick is only exterior , where there is any occasion to close up and fortifie the parts .

MEdicament is defin'd to be any thing that is capable to change our Nature for the better . Medicament is divided into Internal and External ; and both those into Simple and Compound . The Simple Medicament is that which is produc'd by Nature , though it be in truth compos'd of all the five Principles already mention'd . The Compound is that which depends upon several Simples different in vertue , and mingl'd artificially together . Sometimes a Compound Medicament may bear the Name of Simple to distinguish it from another more compounded , which carries the same Name - Aliment differs from Medicament in this , that being taken inwardly it nourishes and increases our nature : whereas Medicament can only alter it , whether outwardly apply'd , or taken inwardly :

Poyson differs from Medicament in this , that it destroys our Nature : but it may pass for Medicament , in regard that Pharmacy is able to correct and tame whatever it has of wild and mischievous , and render it wholsome , as well when giv'n inwardly , as when outwardly apply'd .

Medicaments differ among themselves , either in their matter , or in their vertues .

The matter of Medicaments is taken from Vegetals , Animals , and Minerals .

By Vegetals I understand Trees , Shrubs , Brambles , Herbs with all their parts ; all things that belong to , or grow upon them ; and in general every thing that has a vegetative Life , and which receiving nourishment from the Earth by some sort of Root or other , grows either above , or near the superficies of the Earth ; like the real Plants whose name is common with that of Vegetals . So then we are to comprehend under the Name of Vegetals , Roots , Stalks , Bark , Wood , Boughs , Leaves , Flowers , Berries , Cods , Seeds , Gums , Rosins , Juices , Tears , Liquors , distilling Waters , Kernels , Mushromes , as well those that grow out of the Earth , as upon Trees and other places ; Water-Nuts , the excrescences of Trees , as Musseltoe , Moss , Cottons , Galls , Thorns , Sugar , Manna , and several other Plants which it would be too tedious to repeat .

By Animals I understand Fowl , Land-Creatures , Water-Animals , and such as are accustom'd to Land and Water : and not only such as are made use of whole , as Scorpions , Frogs , Worms , Chestops , little Dogs , Emmets , Cantharides , Lizzards , &c. but all the parts of the bodies of Animals , which may be us'd in Physick , not excepting their excrements and superfluities , as are the brain , the fat , the blood , the hair , the dung , the urine of Men ; the horn , the pizzle , the stones , the suet , the marrow , the bone of the heart of a Deer ; the liver and inwards of a Wolf ; the grease , milt , the yellow stones , and bone in the heart of an Oxe , the foot of an Elk , the lungs of a Fox , the brains of a Sparrow , the tooth of an Elephant and a wild Boar , the horn of a Unicorn and Rhinoceros . The ring-bone , hoof , fat and dung of a Horse ; the dung of a Mule , or Ass . Musk , Perles , Bezoar , Shells . The jaw of a Pike , the claws , stones , and juice of Craw-fish ; the blood , and fat of a Wild Goat , and Kid. The heart , liver , trunk , head , tayl , fat and skin of Vipers ; the fat , and sperm of a Whale . The liver , and fat of Eels ; the bone of a Toàd , the grease of Bears : the grease , and stomach of a Capon ; the feathers of a Wood-cock , and Partridges ; the stinking oyl of Bezoar-stone . The grease of Hogs , Badgers , Geese , Ducks , and several other Animals . The dung of Cows , Dogs , Mice , Lyzards , their bones , their skins , their excrescences , their hair , their urine , their sweat ; and in general whatever appertains to the bodies of Animals .

By Minerals I understand all Metals , Half-metals , and what belongs to Metals . All sorts of Earths , and Bole-Armoniack ; all Stones , Marbles , Flints , Porphyries , Jaspers , Chrystals , Jacinths , Emraulds , Saphirs , Granats , Blood-stones , Diamonds , and all sorts of Jewels : Sulphurs , Vitriols , Allums , Sal Gem , Bay-salt , Water , Rain , Snow , Ice , Hail , Thunder-bolts , Dew , Manna of several sorts , Morter , Lime , Brick , Oyl of Naphta Amber-griece white and yellow ; Jet , Sea-coal and all Bitumens . Talk , Chalk , Bismuth , Zink , and all Marcasites , the ordinary Earth , Sand , Clay ; and in general whatever is drawn out of the Bowels of the Earth , or Sea ; or descends from the Air , being without Life . Some there are that add to these , Corals and Spunges , which others will have to be Plants .

Here I might take a fair occasion to make a large Catalogue of all the principal simple Medicaments , wherewith Vegetals , Animals , and Minerals , furnish Pharmacy ; but the unprofitable confusion and perplexity , which I have observ'd in some Pharmacop●a's , have diverted me from it , and have made me resolve not to speak of them any otherwise in the progress of this Treatise , than as necessity shall lead me to make more particular Illustrations upon some that need a peculiar explanation .

THE Vertue of Medicaments may be defin'd to be a proper and inseparable accident , upon which their action depends . So that we may say , that the Faculties , or Vertues of Medicaments cannot be well known , but by their action or operation . We observe three Vertues in Medicaments , the altering Faculty , the purging Faculty , and the strengthening Faculty . The altering Faculty is known by the manifest alteration which it makes in our Bodies . The purging Faculty carries away the ill humors , either by expelling them , by making the passages slippery to make them way , or by attracting them together , and forcing them out at the usual vents of Nature . We may comprehend under Purgative , the Diaphoretic Faculty , which sends forth evil humours through the Pores of the Skin ; and the Diuretic , which expells them by Urine . The strengthening Faculty , or Vertue , fortifies and preserves the Body , or some one of its parts , by a specific operation .