the mollifying matter acquires some degree of solidity. AXIOM XXVII. A frequent renovation of the reparable parts, renews also the parts that are less reparable. EXPLANATION. We observed, in our general introduction to this history, that in the natural progress of death, the more reparable parts perish in the embraces of the parts less reparable; and that the utmost efforts were to be used for repairing these less reparable parts. Admonished, therefore, by the observation of Aristotle upon plants, where he says that the shooting out of new branches causes also a renewal of the trunk, by the passage of the new juices through it; we judge the case might be the same, if the blood and flesh of the human body were frequently renewed; and that the membranes and other parts, even the bones themselves, though less reparable in their own nature, might be refreshed, recruited, and renewed partly by a brisk passage and circulation of new juices in them; and partly again by the new clothing, of recent flesh and blood, brought upon them. AXIOM XXVIII. That kind of cooling, which does not pass by the stomach, is conducive to long life. EXPLANATION. The reason is obvious; as not a temperate, but a powerful degree of coolness, especially in the blood, is a principal requisite to long life: which coolness cannot be procured in the necessary degree, by any thing taken at the mouth; without prejudice, and destruction, to the stomach and viscera. AXIOM XXIX. This complication, that both consumption aud repair are the operations of heat is the greatest obstacle to long life. EXPLANATION. Most great works are prevented or destroyed by complicated natures; what proves serviceable in some respects, proving prejudicial in others so that a consummate judgment, and a discreet practice, are here required. This we have, so far as the subject allows, and our present thoughts can reach, endeavoured after; and done our utmost to separate the benign and fa vourable heats from such as are unkindly or hurtful; and given our directions and cautions with regard to both. AXIOM XXX. The cure of diseases requires temporary medicines; but long life can only be expected from a regimen and diet. EXPLANATION. Those things that happen by accident cease upon removal of their causes; but the course of nature is a continued thing, which, like a rapid river, requires to be continually rowed against: whence to prolong life, we must work regularly by a regimen. Regimens are of two kinds; 1. stated; or to be observed at certain times; and 2. familiar; which should be brought into daily use. But stated regimens, or a series of remedies continued for a season, are the most powerful. For things, of that efficacy as to turn nature back in her course, must generally be stronger and productive of more sudden alterations, than those that can, with safety, be brought into frequent and familiar use. Our intentional remedies turn but upon three stated regimens; viz. 1. the opiate regimen; 2. the malaxing regimen; and 3. the discharging, and renovating regimen. Among the most effectual things prescribed, in our familiar and daily regimen, and which almost equal the force of stated regimens, are 1. nitre and its substitutes; 2. the government of the passions, and regulating the kinds of study; 3. methods of cooling, that pass not by the stomach; 4. balmy drinks; 5. the impregnation of the blood with a firm substance, as that of pearls or wood; 6. proper unguents to exclude the air, and keep in the spirits; 7. proper external methods of heating, during the time of assimilation, after sleep; 8. a cautious use of such things as inflame the spirits, and give them a sharp consuming heat; for example, wines and spices; and, 9. a moderate and seasonable use of such things as give a robust heat to the spirits; for example, saffron, cresses, garlic, ellicampane, and compound opiates. AXIOM XXXI. Flame is a momentary substance; air a fixed substance: but the vital spirit of animals, is a middle substance, betwixt both. EXPLANATION. This is a matter of deep enquiry; and requires a larger explanation than belongs to the present subject. Let it be observed, however, that flame is continually generating and dying so as to exist only in succession. But air is a permanent body that does not perish; for although new air be generated from aqueous moisture, yet the old air still remains: whence proceeds a surcharge of air. The vital spirit participates of both natures; and is at once flamy and aerial. And accordingly its pabulum or fuel, are oil and air; the oil being homogeneous with flame, and the air with water: for spirit is not fed, or nourished by oil alone, or by water alone; but by both. And though air neither comports well with flame, nor oil with water: yet they suit in mixture or composition. Again, spirit has its ready and delicate impressions from the air; but its noble, powerful, and active motions from flame. So, likewise, the duration of spirit is a compound duration; not so momentary as that of flame, nor yet so permanent as that of air. It differs also so much the more from flame, because flame is extinguished by accident or by contraries, and the surrounding bodies that destroy it; but spirit, has no such cause nor necessity of its destruction. Lastly, spirit is repaired, or recruited, from the vivid and florid blood of the finest arteries; which creep along * See more of this in the ensuing History of Winds. |