Happening one Day to visit _Hieronymus Molmanus_, a learned Jesuit, to whom I communicated my Paradox about _Tea_; that Gentleman, upon my commending _Trigautius_ and _Rhodius_, ordered me to read _Martini Martinii novus Atlas Sinensis_, as the best and latest Account of the _East Indies_, or rather of _China_. When I found this Work, I was glad to meet with a Description of the _Cha_, in the Account of the Town _Hojechu_ in _Nanquin_, in which the Author affirms, that it is no where better and more valuable. _Martinius_ informs us, that the _Chinese Tea_ belongs to the _Rhus_, and is highly similar to it: But this _Rhus_, as I have already shewn from _Pliny_, _Clusius_, _Dodonæus_, and _Dalechampius_, is the same with our _Chamelæagnus_. Hence, it is not only obvious in itself, but confirmed by the Authority of _Martinius_, that the _Chinese_ are guilty of Fraud and Imposture in adulterating their _Tea_.
The Description which _Martinius_ gives of the _Thee_, is as follows: "The Leaves, most commonly known by the Name of _Cha_, are no where more valuable, than in the Province of _Nanquin_; and, for the Sake of the Curious, I shall describe them as briefly as possible. The Leaf is exactly similar to that produced by the _Rhus Coriaria_; and I am apt to think the former is a certain Species of the latter, though the _Thee_ is not wild, but cultivated, is not a Tree, but a Kind of Shrub, sending forth various small Branches: The Flowers of the one do not much differ from those of the other, except that those of the latter are of a more yellowish White than those of the former. The _Tea_ flowers in the _Spring_, and the Flower emits a gently fragrant Smell. It is succeeded by a green Berry, which soon assumes a blackish Colour: The tender Leaves appearing in the _Spring_, are thought best. These, when gathered, they put into an Iron Pan, over a slow Fire, and heat them a little; then they put them in a thin fine Cloth, and again expose them to the Fire, till they are intirely dry, and shrunk up. When thus prepared, they generally keep them close stopped leaden Vessels, in order to prevent Evaporation, and the free Access of the Air. After they have been kept a long Time, they resume their primitive Verdure, and expand themselves when put into boiling Water, in which they produce a greenish Colour, and communicate to it a pretty grateful Taste, especially to those who are accustomed to drink it. The _Chinese_ greatly extol the Virtues of this warm Liquor, which they frequently use by Day and Night, making it the common Entertainment for Strangers and Visitors. The Price is very various, since a Pound ascends from an Halfpenny, to two, or more, _Nobles_: To this Liquor, it is principally said to be owing, that the _Chinese_ are never afflicted with the Gout and Stone. When drank after Meals, it removes Crudity and Indigestion, for it greatly assists Concoction: It affords Relief after hard Drinking, and Surfeits of every Kind; for it is of a drying Quality, removes superfluous Humours, expels somniferous Vapours, and prevents Drowsiness and Oppression in those who incline to study: It has various Names in _China_, according to the Places where it is produced, and the different Prices of it. The best in _Nanquin_, is generally called _Sunglocha_. For a farther Account, the Curious may consult _Rhodius de Regno Tunking_." _Martinius_ also informs us, that the City _Luchen_, in the Province of _Kiangnan_, is celebrated both for the great Quantities, and the Goodness of its _Tea_.