(seq. 11)

2

Introduction

Introduction

I shall begin this course of Lectures by first pointing out the
best, and most easy method of acquiring the knowledge of the
virtues of vegitables. There are four 1st Chimical Analogy
2d Their sensible qualities 3d Botanical Affinity 4th
Experience; the first mode is extremely fallacious and not to be
rely'd on, as the product by analysis is often the same from
plants and substances of verry different and opposite properties;
thus the Abe Fontana found the base of Gum Arabic a
verry mild bland substance, to be the same, with the venom
of the viper; the sensible qualities are taste, smell, and colour;
taste and smell are extremely natural but liable to some
exceptions, some of the most powerfull are destitue to of both;
Dr Cullen lays it down as a general rule that all bodies
that are bland or mild ought to be rejected from the
Materia Medica. The Abe Fontana tells us the venom
of the viper, is insipid with water; this is extremely
doubtfull, his experiments do not coincide with mine, made on
the venom of the rattle snake on my tongue, and diffused it
finely through my mouth, the effect was contrary to that
of Fontana's, it imparted a peculiar indiscribable sensation,