Hence it is, that about the _Vernal_ and _Autumnal Equinoxes_, or _Solstices_, all Sorts of Diseases, and especially those of the endemial or epidemical Kind, rage; such as the _Scurvy_, _Measles_, and _Small-Pox_, as also the _Plague_, though often these Disorders are confined to one City. A memorable Instance of this, we have in the Cities of _Hambourg_ and _Amsterdam_, which, in 1663, and 1664, were afflicted with a Pestilence, which, however, did not spread itself to _Denmark_, _Sweden_, _Britain_, _France_, and _Germany_. But, as the _Plague_ is imported from _Africa_, it is probable, that the Salubrity of the Atmosphere, in those Countries which escaped, checked the sulphureous, saline, and pestilential Atoms, which first contaminated the Air of _Amsterdam_, and then that of _Hambourg_. But all Countries differ so widely, with respect to Air, Water, and Situation, that none of them, even the most contiguous, are exactly alike, and conspire in producing the same Effects. Thus, among the _German_ Wines, the _Rhenish_ is the best; though it also differs in Goodness, according to the particular Parts in which it is produced. The like holds in the _French_ Wine, the worst of which is reckoned that of _Orleans_; for which Reason, _Quercean_, in his _Diæticum, Cap. 6._ tells us, "That in the Oeconomy of the King of _France_'s House, it is enacted, by a domestic Law, that the Steward shall give the King no _Orleans_ Wines;" which, however, has a very grateful Taste. The same holds, not only in Ales, but also in other Things: Thus, the _Noremberg_ Cakes, on account of the peculiar Qualities of the Water with which the Meal and Aromatics are made up, are far better, and more pleasant to the Taste, than those prepared in the same Manner, in any Part of _Europe_. This is what the Philosophers have been at so much Pains to account for. The Air, Water, and Situation, also constitute the Reason, why _Tea_ in _Europe_ does not produce the same Effects it does among the _Asiatics_, especially the _Chinese_. Many Persons of Rank and Distinction have informed me, that they could never be sensible of the so-much-extolled Virtues of _Tea_, nor perceive that it prevented Sleep, or rendered them more brisk, and fit for Business. One or two Persons, however, subject to Catarrhs, have confessed to me, that they have become far better by the long Use of _Tea_. Thus, I have heard, that a certain Ambassador to the _Dutch_, who before laboured under a Difficulty of Hearing, had his Disorder totally removed, by the large Quantities of _Tea_ he drank at the _Hague_. I, myself, have found _Tea_ to be diuretic. I own, two or three Persons who have travelled, not only through _Europe_, but also through the _East Indies_, have affirmed to me, that in _Japan_, the drinking of _Tea_ infallibly removes Intoxication, and prevents Sleep; but this Effect is not at all produced by it in _Europe_. Thus, I have been informed, that Strangers, upon their Arrival in _Muscovy_, can