CORRESPONDENCE OF RAY. 69 



which they had put the same quantity of the spirit, was 

 almost insipid. 



They have observed something in the juices of herbs 

 as an indication of their virtues, analogous to what they 

 have observed in mines as an indication of the diseases ; 

 and this in three particulars — the colour, the consistence, 

 and the froth. 



The colour of the juices wiU be of a deeper or a paler 

 red, as hath been formerly observed. 



As to the consistence, they have observed a strange 

 variety of differences. Some will let fall their dregs very 

 soon ; others not under many weeks or months. In 

 some the liquor that swims above will be more crass ; in 

 others more tenuious. The particulars are very many, of 

 which you may have an account, if you think it for your 

 purpose. 



As to the froth they have observed in some herbs 

 proper for the breast (namely, such as they used to give 

 the juice of), — that being shaken, there arises a great 

 froth, which stays in some many days, in some many 

 months, before it tm-n to water. They named the juices 

 of daisies, expressed from the flower and herb together, 

 which they said frothed most of any, being a little shaken; 

 as also ground-ivy, and others, which they held for 

 secrets. 



In one or two proper for the head, they observed little 

 froth ; they named betony. 



They desu-e this experiment may be thoroughly tried, 

 if you, or any of your friends, will take so much pains, 

 because they think it may be of advantage. 



They observe that some herbs, which, singly taken, do 

 not pm-ge, yet, mixed together, will purge strongly. 



Centaury, lavender, hyssop, c;oltsfoot, fennel-roots, 

 of each a like quantity, boiled together in water, and 

 sweetened with a little honey, did violently pm-ge two 

 several persons, who took three spoonfuls of this decoction 

 at morning and night, and gave them ease in a short- 

 ness of breath proceeding from a scorbutic distemper. 



