CHAP. III.
Of the SUBJECT or SEAT of Tasts.
HE Third and Last way of distinguishing Tasts, is by their Subject, or the Part or Parts where they are either wholly or chiefly perceived. And so, Tasts are either Fixed, or Movable.
2. §. A Fixed Tast, is that which keepeth within the compass of some one Part, all the time of its Duration; as upon the Tip, or the Root of the Tongue, or other Part.
3. §. A Movable Taste, is either Diffusive or Transitive.
4. §. A Diffusive Taste, I call that, which by degrees spreads abroad into divers Parts, and yet in the mean time, adheres to that Part in which it is first perceived. So the Bitterness in the dryed Roots of Black Hellebore, is first felt on the Tip of the Tongue; from whence it spreads it self to the midle of the same. And the Bitterness of the Leavs of Wild Cucumer, spreads from the Tip, to the Root of the Tongue.
5. §. A Transitive Taste, is that, which after sometime, wholly quitting the Part wherein it is first perceived, is thence transfered into some other Part: as the Bitterness of Gentian, imediately from the Tip, to the midle of the Tongue. And most of the Diffusive, are also Transitive.
6. §. The several Parts which these ways become, and with some latitude may be called, the Seats of Tasts, are, the Lips, Tongue, Palate, Throat and Gulet.
7. §. Upon the Lips, the Root of white Hellebore, as also of Pyrethrum, being chewed, make a sensible Impression; which continues (like the flame of a Coal betwixt in and out) for 9 or 10 Minutes. But the Heat in other Parts much longer.
8. §. Upon the Tongue, Tasts are perceived in Three places, as hath been intimated. On the Tip or Cone of the Tongue; as most commonly. On or near the Basis of the Tongue; where the Taste of the Leavs of Wild Cucumer chiefly fixeth it self. Or on the Vertex or midle of the Tongue; in which place it is observable, that the Tast of Gentian, Colocynthis, and divers other Bodies, is then considerably strong, when not at all perceived at the Tip of the Tongue or in any other Part.
9. §. Upon the Palate or Roofe of the Mouth, the Root, as I take it, of Deadly Nightshade maketh its chief Impression; and there continues about four Minutes in some degree.
10. §. The Throat, or the Uvula, Larinx and other adjacent Parts are oftentimes the Seat of Taste. For there are many Bodies, which although they have scarce any Taste upon the Tongue, or any other of the aforesaid Parts, yet make a strong Impression on the Throat: as the Leavs of little Daisy, little Celandine, and of Pimpinel; as also the Roots of Jalap, Mercury, Asparagus and others. Which being chewed make little or no Impression on the Tongue, but their Juyce being swallowed, causeth a kind of pricking in the Throat; as when one is provoked by a sharp Rheum.
11. §. And that this Taste or Sense, is truly distinct from either the Heat, Pungency, or Acritude upon the Tongue, it is hence further manifest; In that Pyrethrum, which is very Hot, and Cortex Winteranus which is very Pungent upon the Tongue; yet their Juyce being swallowed, causeth no Heat, Pungency or Exasperation in the Throat.
12. §. Lastly, if we will take the word (Tast) in a larger sense, the Oesophagus it self may be said to be sometimes the Subject thereof; as of the Heat produced by the Root of Common Wormwood. For of this Heat it is remarquable, that being first perceived on the Tip of the Tongue, it thence maketh its transit to the Root of the Tongue, and so into the Throat, and by degrees descends into the very Gulet; where it seemeth to warm the Stomach; and so continues, in some degree, almost ¼ of an hour. And the Transition and Descent of this Heat is made, although none of the Juyce be swallowed. And in this maner Tasts are distinguished with respect to their Subject.
13. §. So that the general Diversities of Tasts are these. With respect to their Species, they are Simplices vel Compositi; To their Degree, Remissi vel Intensi; To their Duration, Breves vel Diuturni; To the Terms of their Motion, Celeres vel Tardi; and lastly, To their Subject, Fixi, Diffusivi & Transitivi.
14. §. I HAVE thus endeavoured to draw up a Scheme or Inventory of the several sorts of Tasts. In which, some may think, that I have over done: and that as Galen hath been censured for being too curious in the Distinctions of Pulses; so have I been, in these of Tasts. Not to enquire now, how far the Differences of the Pulse may be extended, or be fit to be taken notice of; I shall only say, That we have not so much reason to censure him, if he hath given us some few which are coincident; as we have to thank him, for observing so many which are really distinct.
15. §. By the Scheme of Tasts here represented, we may be able, so to enumerate the Modes of any Tast, as to make a Scientifick Definition of it. Which is pleasant Instruction to any inquisitive mind; these things being all matter of sense and demonstration; wherein lyeth, though not always the most plausible, yet the most satisfying Philosophy; and where men, after they are grown weary with turning round, are oftentimes contented to rest.
16. §. But the usefulness of this Schem will further appear, in two respects; sc. In conducting us to a cleerer and more particular Explication of the Causes of Tasts: and the Investigation of the Virtues of those Bodies in which they reside. Whereof in the following Chapters.