C 370 
We may here give a probable reafbn, why a gentle 
Infufion or Maceration of Rhubarb, is a very fure Purge, 
but the Subiiance or Powder of Bjiubarb, oraDecoSi- 
ori thereof, u ill have a quite contrary cffedl and bind. 
We may, I fay, think, tnac the (harp and tart Juice in 
Rhubarb, wherein its Purging Faculty lies, is by a gen- 
tle Infufion fo Extrafted, that it turns not to Gum in 
our Stomach. For I cannot thiilk, that the rov\ er Juice 
oF Rhubarb, is a rpecically diftinft Liquor from the 
Gum , which I believe to be only an accidental Coagu- 
lation. 
Qu. Whether the drying of Plants do not alter their 
Juices? Whether a long and competent keeping of our 
Englijh Rhubarb, will not quicken and encreafe its Purg- 
ing Virtue ? Whether the Juice of dryed Plants, fpend 
their Juices upon Maceration or Dccociion kfTer, or 
more freely then green ones? What difference be- 
twixt a Decoftion or Maceration of green and dryed 
Plants ? 
Green Plumbs or Sloes do often break forth with a 
Gum, which is clear and tranfp5rent, and it feems to 
haften if not ripen, at Icaft the red Colour. I have cut 
them, to the end that I might have gathered Gum in 
the Wounds, which, indeed I did ; but yet long after, 
when the Wounds feemed to be Cankered, and that 
but in a fmall quantity to what tlK^y voluntarily 
fpend. ^ 
Lauro cerafiiSy a beautiful ^Winter Green, which we 
have adopted to adorn ^ur Court -Walls with, yields a 
clear Gum very plentifully .- It 'is very white and 
very clear. 
Qu, At what time of the Year, in this or any o- 
ther Plant, the Gum may be drawn, whether in Spring 
only, or in Autumn alfo ? 
There 
