( 9^9 ) 
nntcnefs of their Parts, and Rapidity of Motion, they "pe- 
netrate ^^^i Bodies, break thro their Contexture, anr' 
ftroy i:aem. Agreeable to this Idea is the DefcriptiCi. 
Tap, 
Getter a du figure in varii afpetti 
Di Piramdi acute il fottel fuoco. 
How little does this differ from the Account given by the 
Moderns of Infenfible Parts of their Acid, who unani- 
moufly affirm them to be exceeding minute, (harp and 
pointed. Again, as Water, after the Theory of Hippo- 
crates^ is a PafTive Principle, which ferves to take off the 
Edge of the Fire, and make a Temperate Body in Combi- 
nation with it 3 fo Alkali is reprefented as a Porous Mat- 
ter, fit to receive and (heath thefharp Points of an Acid, 
and concur with them in forming a Compofitum, which 
does not fenfibly partake of the Extreme Qiialitics of 
-either. 
But fetting this afide, whither Ancient or New, or any 
other ufe made of thefe Principles, 5*. Sanguineti conli- 
ders them no farther than as they concern Animal Bodies. 
Helmont thinks no Acid can be lodg'd naturally in any 
part of the Body except the Stomach, and there it is ne- 
Geffary, and the chief Efficient in Digeftion, and the Al- 
teration which the Aliment receives ^ but if it (hall ex- 
tend farther it becomes unnatural, infeds the Sweet and 
Balfamick Juices, and is the Caufe of moft Difeafes inci- 
dent to Animal Bodies. 
Whether Digeftion and Chylification be effeded by the 
help of an Acid in the Stomach may be very much quefti- 
oned. The Ancients afcribe this to their Calidum inna^ 
turn : Sylvius to a Mixture of the Saliva and the Remains 
of the former Meat, alfifted by a Warmth convey a from 
the Arteries of that and the neighbourmg parts. Rut 6*, 
Sangmmti thinks none of thefe fo proper as a certainSaline 
• Ar^ - 
