The flower of phisicke VVherein is perfectlie comprehended a true introduction and method for mans assured health: with three bookes of philosophie for the due temperature of mans life. In which easily may be perceiued the high & wonderfull workes of God in the gouernance of all thinges. Written by W.C. as a glasse of true knowledge for the better direction of al willing [et] vertuous practitioners.

A generall Diet both for ſicknes AND HEALTH.

IN all former ages to this preſent time, in which we now liue, the opinion of writers was neuer doubted of, whether abſtinence or fulneſſe did ouercharge or moſte offend bodily health: And neuer yet found out to the contrarie, but that euery degree of the world, haue both felt and confeſſed, eyther of them in their exceſſe, were ſharpe and expreſſe enemies both to the lawe of nature, and bodilie temperance of this life. Yet ſeeing both the learned as the vnlearned, although with difference, had rather offend both the ſound as the ſicke, with the immoderate ſaturitie, then with ſparing abſtinence, for which cauſe in miniſtring of medicines it were needefull to ſhewe their inconuenience on eyther ſide. A full and ſatiſfied bodie is chiefly preſerued, fortified and continued with ſtrength and flouriſhing liuelihood by wholeſome Iulepes and ſuch like, clarified potions according to the property of the ſickneſſe. And a pennurious bodie is weakened, puniſhed, exhauſted, and oftentimes periſheth in moſt ſharpe agonies, except it be comforted, preſerued and renewed by ſome reſtible electuaries and ſuch like. And ſurely ſuch bodies which are perfect vnder temperance and ſtrength, if at anie time they be diſtempered with griefe or ſicknes, may forthwith be tempered, ſeaſoned & ſalued by medicinable help: for medicine moſt of al reioyceth to ſhew forth power & work high effects in a ſtrong nature. Certainly Auycen hath a very ſecret and metaphiſicall iudgement heerem, who commandeth that nature and medicine, whether in ſtrength or weakeneſſe, be alwayes vnited, and neyther in health nor ſickneſſe do diſſociat, but ſolutiue medicines, eſpecially ought to be of diuers natures, conuenient and agreeable for their propertie, in euery ſeuerall age, and naturall complexion, with their iuſt and comprehenſible maner of dyet to be in like ſorte obſerued therin: although moſt commonly neglected, and that not without decaie both to body and health: onely and becauſe equall meaſure of medecine, with equall dyet, and equall diſpoſition, is not added, neyther with conſideration, of what cauſe the ſickneſſe ru •• e • h: whether there be a likelihood therein to continue for any long time, or ſhortly to be perfected: or whether it be gentle or ſharpe, and whether it conſiſteth and ſlayeth in one courſe, or in hereticall nature confirmeth: All which as before ſayd is vtterly vnreſpected. Some ancient writers holde at ſpeciall veritie aſwell in great reading as in principall experience, that headdie and ſtately diſeaſes, happening in the conſtitution of ſtrong bobies, 〈◊〉 dyet ſhal miniſter beſt remedie for their mittigation: ſo when long and languſhing ſickneſſes diſtemper and vexe the bodie, thinne dyet is verie daungerous. For conſider that fulneſſe of bodie in ſharpe and ſodaine ſickneſſes is moſte difficult, putting this difference in either of them: that as continuall fulneſſe peſtreth and inageth the diſeaſe in a fleſhie bodie to become more ſtronger, ſo on the contrarie, if a patient bee incombred and infeebled with the feuer Ephimcras or anie ſuch like ſickneſſe, ſurely thinne dyet is not then meete for ſuch a thinne body, ſeeing ſtrength thereby is decayed, and thorowe variable tormentes all the members venomed, the vitall bloud corrupted and benu 〈…〉 ed, as the ſpirituall partes of man diſtructioned: the remedie heereof aſwell to the firſt as to the laſt, is to obſerue the conſtitution of the body, that like as hote fires are ſoneſt quenched with cleere and pure water before it exceede: ſo theſe fleſhly rages are ſubdued, if the extreame thirſtineſſe of the body thorow colde remedies, bee quieted and mittigated before it 〈…〉 tch to the fartheſt boundes and becommeth contumatious and without remedie. Alſo a bodie almoſt deuoured with emptineſſe, and where both nature vigour and bloud are quite ouerthrowne, cannot eaſily be recouered except by artificiall remedie, and thorow due oportunitie be nurſed vp: therefore it is a moſt ſingular ſkill commended by the learned writers of all ages, in ſickneſſe to preſerue and continue nature in her full power and ſtrength. And to comfort, nouriſhe and increaſe ſtrength and 〈…〉 re in a body fallen away. For oftentimes a ſtrong bodie in ſickeneſſe fauoureth himſelfe, is both ſimiliar and defenſible againſt ſickneſſe, reſiſting the aſſaults of many diſeaſes interchancing in mans life. Wheras a thinne and leaue bodie eaſily is vanquiſhed, when both ſickneſſe and penurye, dangerouſly attempt the ruin and decay therof. As the deſperate eſtate of man in ſickneſſe, is eyther furthered or hindered by fulneſſe or emptineſſe, ſo will not I confirme, thoſe bodies who haue ingroſſed their garbages with exceſſe fatneſſe, and ſtuffed all their members with ſuperfluous humors, as hauing fed vpon ſundrie inordinate varieties of meates, or infected with varietie of diſeaſes. As they liue without order, ſo I purpoſe not to preſcribe an order, where fatal confuſion hath ouerrun them.

Furthermore, ſet not the blind ignorance of many vnſkilfull practitioners be herein pertermitted, who ſhould with moderate cheriſhing help nature, doe with immoderate chaſing hinder and inflame thoſe hote bodies which were before infected by the moſt hot ſeaſons of the yeare. In ſteade of thin nutriment doe ingurge their ſtomackes with thicke ſpices, or drudges of hygh hot and ſubtill operation: whereas in thoſe ſickneſſes regard and view muſt be taken vppon ſundrie and ſeuerall caſualties, which ſtrangely fall out in ſickneſſe that neyther appetite be cloyed, or clunged with ouermuche or ouer little reſection: nor yet that nature be ouerdried, eyther by great ſweates, or ouermuch reſiſting, or wraſtlinges with the force of ſickneſſe.

Theſe ſtrong diſeaſes moſte commonlie happen vnder a ſwift chryſis, whoſe mightie predomination ouerruleth, difframeth and diſſeperateth thoſe bodies from due temperance, which ſhoulde be thereto ſubiect and framed. Theſe diſeaſesThe ſtrength of nature furthereth all medicines by a right conſtitution in ſickneſſe. moſt violently and ſwiftly ſettle in the roote of the heart, except preuented and aleuiated by preſent medicine, aſwell that nature may weaken the force, as diſplace and expell the poyſon of the diſeaſe. And for as much then as it doth ingender vppon the liuer, from which place the bloud is ſooneſt corrupted, and therewithall draweth and ſtaineth all the inward partes of man: In the end becommeth peſtilentiall, and therewithall, the ſences thorow the ſame ſo farre ouercharged, as that manie times col • quation or deſtruction inua • eth the mind, in the loſſe of life. Therfore whoſoeue • deſireth to cure theſe or ſuch like infectious diſeaſes, muſt chiefly prepare and ſeaſon the body with waters of cold and naturall hearbes, in the firſt and ſecond degree, beforeThe peſtil • nc • ought to be preuented before • o • the taken at the heart, and th • medicine muſt be ſtronger th • n the diſeaſe. the diſeaſe be poſſeſſed: then foorthwith flux the body, by ſome gentle and potatiue electuarie, in equall and artificial • degree, fauourably caſting out the infected humours. Forthwith after theſe painefull defatigations, let naturall ſweate and quiet ſleepe, conſolidat and refreſh the body, to become more v • gent, and the ſtomacke more ſharpe. Then next thereunto: it were not good, that emptineſſe or abſtinence were vſed, but to haue ſuſtinance in continuall practiſe, not of the groſeſt, but of the choſen ſortes of meates: for if the poores thorow emptineſſe, be left open and vnſhut, for want of nouriſhment, to increſe naturall bloud and ſtrength, are not onely in danger againe to be corrupted, but doe ſtain, foyzen and infect others. Then howe grieuous a thing is it, in beholding ſome buſie medlers, repayring vnto ſicke pacientes, doe not in anie perfect ſkill, diſtinguiſh vpon the diſeaſe, whether there be any crud and rawe matter, or concockt ſetled in ſome part of the body: or whether the diſeaſe conſiſt and ſtand at a ſtay, or increaſe: or whether nature be of any forcible power in the body or no: but without ſearching the cauſe or vnderſtanding the matter of the ſickneſſe, doe preferre their owne hazard, and exaſperating the diſeaſe, eyther with fulſome medicine, or groſſe nouriſhment, ſtuffing their ſicke bodies, eyther by entiſement or force. And whereas before they had ſome abilitie, appetite forthwith waxeth wearie and lotheſome in them. Galen affirmeth that the perfecteſt rule toThe patient might bee nouriſhed and meaſured vnder appetite. health, is to repreſſe a cold ſickneſſe by nouriſhing foode, ſo that nouriſhment and appetite agree. He giueth no ſuch large libertie to the hote diſeaſes: notwithſtanding, manie haue aduentured in the greateſt heate and trauell of diſeaſes, not onely to purge the bodie, to cut vaines, and let bloud, but alſo haue ſtifeled their bodyes, rather with inchaunted meates, then wholſome medicines: and for that nature canot diſgeſt ſuch groſſe imperfections, ſtand in ſo hard a ſtay of recouerie, as commonly in the end become immedicable and mortall. Cornelius Celſus, a moſt excellent writer, affirmeth that a ſatictie and fulneſſe of meate in ſickneſſe, is neuer profitable, a •• therefore to auoyd eyther miſchiefe, doth appertaine to ſingular ſkill. The ſafeſt and directeſt paſſage, for the vnſkilfull phiſition herein, is, that the patient rather be continued with a thinne diet, then vnordered fulneſſe, ſo that he be not ouermuch extenuated.

Galen and Hypocrates both conſenting together affirme that faſting and thinne diet, doe ſurely and ſecretly mortifie ſuch diſeaſes, which happen vnder ſurfet, or anie other vnordered and glottonous meates, and a ſtaying of manie ſharpe diſeaſes that followe thereupon. And ſome high clarkes holde opinion that abſtinence ought in time of ſickneſſe to be guided with diſcretion, and all medicines to be congruent and martched vnder perfect conſtitution, and of double operation, which is aſwell to comforte nature, as to expell the diſeaſe: for if the ſubſtance of ſtrength be diminiſhed, and the malice of the diſeaſe increaſed, appetite and nature, are eſtranged and variable within themſelues. For nature manie times deſireth thoſe thinges which appetite abhorreth: the reaſon is, for that appetite is ouercloyed with diuerſitie of meates, and interchaunge of medicines, that both the ſtomacke and all the luſtes of the body inceſſantly are purſued, fatigated, and improuidently throwne vpon many dangerous extremities.

Therefore vnder theſe meane conſtitutions: whereas tranquilitie and appetite flouriſh and beare ſway, there is a good and happie expectation: as if the vitall partes be not wearied, the diſeaſe may be cured, and the decayed ſtrength by little and little reſtored. Surely when the heart, thorow ouer great abſtinence, is languiſhed, the ſtomacke cloyed, and the liuer viduated and forſaken of the wholſome bloud. All thinges thereby haue loſt their naturall and proper courſe, that forthwith opi • ations and ventoſites in the guttes, worke all contrarie indirections to health: and the rather becauſe the miſeriake vaynes, which are the conduit pipes of all good bloud from the liuer, are obſtructed and ſtayed, it were not immethodicall ſo to diſtinguiſh theſe cold and hote diſeaſes, as that one of them in their qualitie and originall may be knowne from the other, and the better vnderſtood and furthered thereby to health. For theſe cold diſeaſes proceede of earthly 〈…〉 ſes, are ſubiect and bound to watery elementes, whereupon cold and humid vapours of congealed thickneſſe ingender into groſſe ſubſtance: ſo that all naturall heate is excluded, from comfore • ig mans bloud, thorow which melancholike heau • neſſe is generated, which moſte principally oftendeth. And the malicious operation that reſteth in this humour, maketh the bodie leaue and colde, ſtir • eth vp the paſſion of the hart, int • icateth the wit and vnderſtanding to all du • neſſe, and blunteth memory. Theſe bodyes are much incumbred with putriſied ſeuers, which proceede of vndigeſted hum • dities, and augmented with • uming ven • oſites, putrified about the muſkels, vaynes and ioyntes. Furthermore, all maner of ruines, are hereby drawne to all the partes of the body, which vapours after that coldneſſe hath ingroſſed them to the lowe partes of man called Ca • arrizans, the paſſages and proper wayes of nature, from the ſp • eane to the mouth of the ſtomacke, are intercluded.

Be it further knowen, that theſe colde rewines thereby iſſue from one member to an other, and infect the bodie with manye cold diſeaſes, and are called by three names: Catarri, Branchus, & Corizan, for ſo Arnoldus de noua villa ſetteth them foorth. Catarri infect the lightes: Branchus infecteth the heade and cheekes: Corizam ſtuffeth and infar • eth the noſtrels with moſt humid fluxes: and ſometimes concockt into verie hard ſubſtance by meanes of continuance. Theſe bodies are beſt conſerued by a naturall & perfect coniunction of drie meates, inwardly digeſted by artificiall means, reuiuing the principall members before decayed, for lacke of naturall heate. In theſe and ſuch like bodies, I doe greatly commend a greedy appetite, and a plenary dyet: eſpecially in regard that many ſuch complections are f •• xible, and ouermuch ſpend nature of their owne inclinement. Therefore plenarie, freſh variety of ſuſtenance, helpeth many of theſe ſortes of men to naturall heare, euen as the hard ſtone is molified and findered to nothing by manye droppes of raine, or as the ſtrong and ſlately oake, thorow moyſt iſſues becommeth putrified: ſo theſe cold and moyſt complections, in their natures waſh and vaniſh to nothing.

The moyſt • ra • p the ſhaking palſie, the dangerous dropſie, the collicke in ſundry degrees are the generable 〈◊〉 her 〈…〉 , ben •• mning the members, to become 〈◊〉 one to another for vpon theſe diſeaſes the vaines become conugated and appetite diſfranchiſed, for that corrupt humours may not haue perfect reſolution, beſides all which, the whole body is inſtated with colde influences, producing theſe ven • me •• 〈…〉 rpions Aſclides, 〈1 line〉 Ipoſarca, and Timpana, the one is the mater •• l cauſe in offence of nature, the ſecond is an actiue cauſe inflat • ng al the members to become ſwelling and monſtrous: the ſmall cauſe is delatiue, conuerting all good and perfect nouriſhmentes to windie and waterie ſubſtance, ſo when theſe extr • mities grow vppon the guttes, called Colon and Ylyon, are ſhut vp: and thereby both the Dropſie, Tympany, the wind and ſtone Collicke, prepoſterouſly creepe in: beſides which the raynes of the backe, by a graueſly congeſted ſubſtance, heereby bendeth and be •• mmeth crooked. All which are not to be deueyded, without pure and regular dyet, of increaſing wholeſome bloud, to become vigent in nature. Therfore the diſeaſe hauing a ſcowring vertue is principally comforted and cheriſhed with ſweete meates, tarſed with vineger 〈1 line〉 to worke a ſharpe diſpoſition, contrarie to eua • uation, leaſt that the bodie grow ſubtile, inciſiue and euer reſolutiue. And yet Galen plainly affirmeth, that ſweete meates are aptly conuerted to choller: but • a • t viniger commixed therewith, doth greatly fortifie the ſubtle pear • ing and •• tring vertue, cauſing the groſſe humours to become pure and eaſily to iſſue.

Galen ſayth, Non quoſuis, ſed rudes duntaxat videor taxare morbos, atque potiſsimum, non incerta diuinatione, quam probabili conucl • ra egrorum indagatione conditionem: which is, I doe not preſcribe and limit euerie diſeaſe, but the groſſe and moſt dangerous diſeaſes, and chiefly doe I ſ • arch out their natures not by vncertaine g • ſſe, as by probable coniecture: then let not occaſion be omitted of more larger ſpeech in ſuch bod •• s, ſubiect to theſe moyſt ſickneſſes before ſpoken, and of another ſort of men, which oftentimes paſſe from this world by vntimely death in ſtrength of youth, being groſſe and corpulert in their ſtature, which men difficultie indure any adicction to alter nature, when ſickneſſe languiſheth vpon them.

And although they are of meaſurable abilitie in naturall vigour, yet vnable to beare the burthen of ſickneſſe, or ſubiect their bodies to any ſtronge accidence: but foorthwith their gathered groſneſſe is conuerted to a thinne and weake debilitie: for that in the firſt degree of ſicknes, the vertue digeſtiue is taken away, ſo that moſt commonly meat becommeth loathſome to their ſight, whereas in health the vertue digeſtiue beeing moſt ſtronge, did eat much, and made few meales. Whoſoeuer therefore will eyther counſell or comfort any ſicke patient, muſt obſerue the naturall complection, with diet thereunto, and that ſupplement of medicene both in qualitie and quantity, be framed aſwel in preſeruation, as reſtauration of nature: and therewithall by contrarie effectes alter the diſeaſe as may beſt ſerue to the opportunity of health.

Galen playnly affyrmeth, that hot complections are altered with cold ſickneſſes, and cured with moderate medicines. And Auycene agreeth hereunto, that if the complection of man may haue alteration, either by medicine, or diſeaſe, and once recouered to health, is euer after moſt perfect, and of longer continuance in this world, and leſſe ſubiect to ſickneſſe: for that nature taketh ſuch regiment in it ſelfe ouer them, that commonly they ſcower, waſh, and drie their naturall propertie of the body, from thoſe corrupt influences of the ayre, which by infection they were before ſubiect vnto.

Furthermore it is a greate ſecuritye to drawe ſome generall rules both for hot, cold, and myxt complections, to ſerue this our purpoſe, that euery one may be inſtructed vnder meaſure, fit for their inclinement of heat and cold, or all other motions good or bad, whereunto any change is made in the vexation of ſicknes Therefore chieflie there muſt bee a conſideration had to vnderſtand what maling humours haue poſſeſſed the body, and whether the diſeaſe by reaſon of weaknes deſireth ſtrength, or by ouermuch fulneſſe diſſolution: if the diſeaſe thorow weaknes hath loſt appetite, then a profitable medecine to health is required, aſwell to ſearch the propertie of the diſeaſe: as to chace the infectious vent •• s from the v • tall partes: For as in fulnes of ſtomack 〈◊〉 is ouercruſhed, ſo appetite is fauourably intyſed in weakneſſe of ſtomacke. And in theſe ſharp ſickneſſes, equall propertie of medicine muſt be reduced to equall propertie of d •• t, for the pacients appetite muſt be framed according to ſtrength and corporall might, deſiring alwaies to make ſuſtinance, appetite, & the diſeaſe familiar one with another, remembring what Thriuerus ſaith, In egritudine longa non eadem virium ratio, in egritudine infeſta non eadem victus proportio, that in long ſickneſſes there cannot be equall maner of ſtrength, neither infectious ſickneſſes haue equall portion of diet: therefore both diet & medicines, ought in ſicknes to be deuided into ſeuerall conditions of men in health: for thoſe which haue liued both daintly & pleaſantly in health, their ſtomack cannot beare groſſe medicines, nor groſſe diet in ſicknes, as they who haue liued more rudely, and fed more baſely. Yet Auycene affyrmeth, that medicine and diet in ſickneſſe, is brooked according to the ſtrength and weakneſſe of ſtomacke. Therefore Hypocates moſt wiſely and learnedly ſpeaketh of the Phiſitian, who in a common infection of ſicknes, commeth to diuers eſtates of men of ſeuerall maners, ſeuerall education, and of ſeuerall appetites, hazarding his credite to be praiſed or diſpraiſed among them, is like a ſwift ſhip, pearcing many bluſtering ſtormes, or dangerous rockes of the ſea, hardly eſcapeth drowning: or to a Pilgrym paſſing ouer the wilde deſart, compaſſed on euery ſide with wilde beaſtes, ſcarſly eſcapeth ſlaying. So dooth it fall out, that although many times the learned Phyſition putteth all the wholſome rules of phiſicke in vſe and practiſe in the times of ſo great infections and mortalities, yet by the immeaſurable mindes of men (for their trauels and ſkill) are they either ouermuch contemned, or ouer litle commended. The rudeſt & baſeſt ſort of the world, with their ſharp ſlanderous tongues practiſe nothing els, then to murder and ſlay the Phiſitions credite, whereas the Phiſition deſerueth renowme & honour.

I further doo wiſh that in all generall diſeaſes that the godly Phiſitian behold and reſpect generally not onely the complection of the pacient, but the courſe of his liuing in health, and whether the corruption of old diſeaſes haue drawen any freſh alteration to the body by infection, and of what nature the diſeaſe is of, and vnder what ſeaſon of the yeare the infection falleth out: Laſtlie, what perilous influence doeth then trouble and foyzen th ayre: likewiſe to conſider, what diſeaſes happen in the diuers ages of men: As whether aboundance of bloud, or drines doo abound or want. And in middle age, whether the body be moyſt, dry, or hot, or whether in that age, the mouth of the ſtomacke be cleane, for that in thoſe yeares man is moſt apt to ryot and ſurfet, infeſtring the •• ward partes with innumerable corruption. I wiſh therfore that middle age be conſidered vpon, againſt the miſerable dayes and dangers of old age, ſeeing that the offenſiue dayes of middle age by diſeaſes taketh hold, continueth and gnaweth vppon old age to death, as ſometimes by one diſeaſe, ſometimes by an other, ſo that the naturall ſpirites hereby are ſo ouerthrowne, whereby their firſt qualities of cold moiſt and drought are vtterly extinguiſhed, neither can be tempered in the laſt daies of man to any good health by art: eſpecially and the rather when two places in the inward partes called Myrac, Syphax are eyther dryed vp, or ingurged with ſuperfluous and vnnaturall floudes of immateriall water: therefore man is to reſpect the dayly trymming of his bodie in health, with wholſome dyed, and artificiall 〈1 line〉 medicines of perfect operation in ſickneſſe: for ſo nature is fortified in all duties without exceſſe, and beware that appetite doo not ſettle to any loathſome or odious cuſtome of gluttonie or drō kinnes, which can hardly afterwards be repreſſed. Therefore learned Hypocrates ſpeaketh moſt phth • ly, Crapula ineſcantur robuſt qlimi athletae: The moſt ſtrong champions of the world are vayned thorow ſurfet, hereby become weake and without ſtomacke.

Therefore it is moſt greate wiſedome to beware that cuſtome do not alluae the outward ſences to mordinate appetite, and de • our the inward pati • tes of man at length, to become fulſo • e and deadlie in t ••• r owne feeling. For ryot and exceſſe ſometimes aſia fit the ap 〈…〉 of the moſt wiſeſt men: yet ſo ſtaied in their owne diſpoſitions, as that neuer vtterlye vanquiſhed hauing alwayes prickes and ſharp defences to diſpoſſ • ſſe thoſe corrupt burthens, which vniuerſally prepare to op 〈…〉 their ſences, ſometimes by naturall purgations, ſometimes by naturall vomites, ſometimes by naturall ſweates, ſometimes by one meanes, ſomtimes by an other. It ſtandeth far otherwiſe among the ruder ſort, hauing ſtuffed and ingorged their ſtomackes by outragious and mightie ſurfettinges, doo expoſe their bodies and ſences to all rauening diſeaſes, neither by reuerent abſtinence, or any other approoued remedy, can leaue off, in fauour of their infeebled and ſtuffed affections, for that greedines of appetite hath ſo ſnared them. Theſe men permit prodigall ſurfet, in large breadth & length, to creep more & more vpon the bounds of nature, ſo that profiand healthfull dyet becommeth contumelious and contrarie to table their diſpoſition.

Theſe and ſuch like men ſhall find ſobriety to become holie and wholſome appetite, and nature ſubdued to a ſufficient contentment one with an other, if in the firſt onſet, vnreaſonable conditions be repulſed thorow reaſonable and moderate manners.

I doo not ſpeake herein as Menardus putteth downe, as either to choke nature, or cruſh the bodie in peeces, or vniuerſally ſuppreſſe all the luſtfull inclinations of man. Seeing all thinges are for the vſe of man created, it is without offence to take his reaſonable benefite thereof. Surely theſe creatures deſire a ſpedy diſſolution, & reſtauration to more excellent perfectnes, as ouerfatigated and in their ſeruice to mans corruption, ſhewing and confirming the ſame thorow many prodigious ſignes. And alſo becauſe nature is oppreſſed, the ſences ſubdued, the dody diſtempered thorow mans ouer great gluttonie & dronkennes, the elements thereby ſo offended in their naturall courſes poure downe ſuper aboundaunce of moiſting ſhowers, diſſeaſoning the earthlie fruites of mans mortall eſtate: ſo at ſundry times, great famins, and mortalities ouerſpread mighty kingdomes and nations of the world, thereby the naturall order of all thinges are diſcomforted, and the temperance of naturall heat quite taken away, for ſurely there can be no motion of attraction, where ther is no motion of expulſion. Therefore in thoſe miſerable ſeaſons of the world where famine and hunger increaſeth, the mortal peſtilence ſhortly after rageth, as the inſtrument of wrath for the ſin of fulnes. The reaſon hereof is, becauſe emptines of mans body draweth in ſt 〈…〉 ing cōmixed vapours of the ayre, which corrupt & ſmuge the naturall ſpirits, that al the parts of man therby looſeth his natural generation of blood: therefore Hypocrates moſt aptly ſayth, Niſi pecoribus ſimus rudiores, non aliter componamus fam • m, quae ex infami, antionae, caritate, contingit, quam nimi • ſaturitatis, & ſatietatis antea vindicta, & ruina. which is, except we be more rude then bruit beaſtes, and ouer groſſe in our owne conceites, may not otherwiſe compare, reckon or account hunger and famme, which thorow a notable dearnes of victuals happeneth, then a very reuenge & ruine of ouer great fulneſſe and ſatiety before. And in another place ſaith, Ʋi • tum tenuem & exquiſitum, ſi antea paulo plentor fuerit, magis periculoſum eſſe, agnoſcamus. Let vs confeſſe a thin and exquiſue diet is more dangerous. if it were before a full diet. Then is it to be marueiled, why the creator denieth not to giue hys creatures food in due ſeaſon, cōſidering how much, how greatly and wickedly, they are abuſed and diſhonoured in the ſenſual libertie of mans nature. Surelye ſuch is the diſpoſition of man, who had rather lead appetite to a deſperate ryot of all thinges, then to the cuſtome of a ſatiſfied and contented meaſure: the firſt doth nothing varie frō the deſire of bruit beaſts, the other commeth more nearer naturall appetite.

Galen therefore reprooueth mans fauour towardes inexpleble libertie with theſe wordes, Natura tantum appetat, quantum ferri poteſt, & quantum facillime concoqui poteſt Let nature only deſire aſmuch as can be borne, and as much as eaſily may be digeſted, but the cold ſtomach vouchſafeth not to indure this 〈◊〉 of liuing, for that appetite ouerreacheth dig 〈…〉〈◊〉 warme 〈◊〉 miſliketh where appetite is 〈◊◊〉 their digeſtion: yet there cannot bee at all times an • q • all preſcription obſerued. For an ordinarie diet to a • ound bo • y hat • the qu • ckeſt meanes to health, if the body bee 〈◊〉 prepared, that the diſeaſe more eaſier may bee exp ••• d And thoſe diets are moſt directeſt to all ſicke patientes, • hoſe properties are both curatiue, as reſtoratiue.

Manardus in his ſecond booke of diſeaſes, counſelleth to find the apt conſtitution of the bodie both in ſicknes & health. In ſicknes, becauſe the diſeaſe may be outwardly 〈◊〉 and inwardly corrected to amendment. In health 〈◊〉 be ha • becauſe euery man may vnderſtand what is 〈◊〉 vn 〈…〉 t. it for his diſpoſition, that he neither exceede • o 〈◊〉 , for the dangers before expreſſed, Nor decline to 〈◊〉〈…〉 s, becauſe ventoſire motions are eaſily ingend • ed thorow moouing vapours: For nature immediatly 〈◊〉 vpon ſome labouous and ſuperfluous matter, ſinding no 〈…〉 nance otherwiſe to feede vpon. And yet I find that 〈◊〉 in old diſeaſes is a preſent remedy, for therby the matter is •• mini • hed, dried, ripened & conſumed: for when nature finde •• no matter or ſubſtance to work vpō, altereth it ſelf vpon the diſeaſe, quite chaſeth & diſperſeth the ſame. Yet let heed be taken, that the ſubtil humidities be not ſo much reſolued & dried, wherin nature is vtterly repreſſed: let heed be taken that no maling humor being poſſeſt of one part of the body, foorthwith poſſeſſe an other part, & ſettle in the root o the heart: Take heed the ſinewy members be not ouerweakned, eſpecially the ſtomach which is a ſinewy mēber: take heed the poores be not ouermuch opened or ſtopped, for the one may extract variable vapors of corruption, & the other ſtop the fulſome matter vnder the ſkin, breaking out to outward fluxes & blaines, which may moſt ragingly ouerſpread mans bodie, for that the inward cauſe was not before perfectly corrected.

Indeed this abſtinence very well beſeemeth old and moiſte diſeaſes: otherwiſe in fadoming the bottome of mans nature, ſuch deepe abſtinence is not permitted. • et in theſe ſa • ter ages, and among ſome new practitioners, this kind of abſtinence is drawen to vſe, in cu • ing the moſt fulſome and filthy diſeaſes of the world, thorow which mans body is infectuouſly ſtained by the ſlimy & ryotous courſe of his life: ſo that hereby euery 〈…〉 full man that can bring to knowledge the names of ſome cert ••• ſimples, although without propertie, compoſition, prop 〈…〉 n or degree, foorthwith among the ignorant ſort 〈◊◊〉 , without learning, knowledge, method or eſtimation, 〈◊〉 names of Phiſitians. Surely they which row at an vncertaine marke ſhal nothing preuaile: eſpecially for that being ignoraunt of the complection, as alſo the medicine being repugnant, more harmeth then profiteth: wherefore many are ſecretely and ſodainly ouertaken with death vnder the vſurped regiment of a painted diet, aſwell when they thinke to mortifie the inward corruptions, doo ouermuch excie • ate the bodie, as alſo ſtop vp the entercourſes of blood, in ouerſtirring nature, to a freſh increaſe: ſo that intemperance euer after purſueth theſe men to their graue.

Many times theſe diets are ioyned to vnſkilfull practitioners as high iuſt plagues for wicked offences, both for that by them naturall heate is extinguiſhed, appetite deſtroyed, and the complection diſcoloured.

Theſe diets ought to be tempered to this good effect, as that drines and humiditie are to be vnited of one ſubtill coniunction and propertie. And therefore Cornelius Celſus ſaith, that drie, ſubtil and hungrie airs are moſt beſt for theſe diets, if their complections be thicke and groſſe: But low and vaporous ayres are moſt preſeruing of thin pearcing bodies and open diets.

And further ſaith, that interchanges of diets and ayres, for winter and ſommer by ſeuerall habitations, produce health and long life. But Manardus affyrmeth that commixed bodies continue long liued vpon high grounds, open ayres and full diets. Therefore it is a moſt excellent contemplation for euerie man to caſt vp his ſences, and perfectly find vnder what temperance hee liueth, for the wholſome regiment of health, and therewithall to way his bodily complection: alwaies directing his diet, habitation, and courſe of lyuing according to the ſame. And laſtlie, let euery man beware of varietie and groſneſſe of meates, and varietie and groſnes of diets which ingender and bring foorth varietie and groſnes of diſeaſes.

Howe times and ſeaſons ought to bee obſcrued vvhen diſeaſes doo moſt abound.

OPportunitie of very propertye and naturall diſpoſition euerie where, perfourmeth great occaſion in the accompliſhment of all thinges. And trulie in healing and curing of diſeaſes moſt greateſt of all: for not without great difference and varietie, the ordinance of meat and medicine are two ſpeciall meanes, thorow the which euery Phiſitian altogether preuaileth in furthering of all ſickneſſes to health, yet ſometimes moſte notable danger and hurt ariſeth thereby: for medicine in the tedious and wear • ſome waies of ſicknes, may at ſome one time bend down to a hurtfull and intricate purpoſe, which was to the Patient before an effectua • l remedie. Neyther is there any leſſe then great offence committed, if meate be geuen to a ſicke patient, whereas it ought to bee taken away, although it bee good, wholſome, and perfect: or that meat be taken away, when, and where it ought to be geuen: wherefore wiſedome ought to be had in high conſideration, that all thinges in this life depend vpon opportunities, times and ſeaſons. For Galen ſaith, nothing can neither bee well ſpoken or done by the vſe and benefite of one reaſonable creature to an other, if the difference of times and ſeaſons bee not rightlie vnderſtood,

And the writers of this latter age moſt iuſtly are reprooued, for that not a • re one of them haue drawne the times and ſeaſons of ye ••• in a right method • call obſeruation. For Galen and 〈…〉 rates haue euermore conioyned, that all diſeaſes ſtay vp •• accidentes and concoction in the diſeaſed patient. And accidentes onely apperta •• e to the infection & corruption of times and ſeaſons vncertain • y and ſwiftly breaketh out eyther in their owne vniuerſall rottenneſſe, or els by the contagion of mans bodie, which moſte eaſily lyeth open vnto them: ſo all diſeaſes 〈◊◊〉 deſire to 〈◊〉 their poyſoned ſtrength 〈◊◊〉〈…〉 exions, as are ſooneſt by them vanqui 〈…〉 And co • coction is the moſt eaſieſt & comfortableſt ſignes 〈…〉 kneſſe which eſpecially conſiſt vpon theſe markes, and ſig 〈…〉 tions, as followeth. That is if nature be in full power and ſtrength, the materiall ſubſtance of the ingendered humours, di 〈…〉 h and vaniſhe by little and little quite away, or els concocteth, ſetleth and poſſeſſeth ſome one place, or propertie in the bodie: otherwiſe if nature be weake & feeble, and the diſeaſe inforcible, malignitie inſulteth ouer the bodie, haſtening ſwiftly towardes the borders of the diaphragm, or els vanquiſheth the diaphragm, and entereth vpon the ſpirituall partes, whereas forthwith, nature is deadly, medicine vnperfect, and the diſeaſe vnable to retire backe, death preſently inuadeth thereupon: for medicine is beſt entertained, when the vertue thereof gathereth the diſeaſe together, whileſt nature is fauourable, the diſeaſe vn 〈…〉 , or the body vnuenomed with corruption and able to be de • uered from the power of the diſeaſe by expulſion.

Here may be ſet forth a more playner declaration of ſuch feuers which ingeader vpon the body of man: for as ſome there be depending vpon vnnaturall inflamations, congeſted by an euill humor, or ſome vehement hote bloud poſſeſſed in ſome one part of the body, as of the loonges or ſide: ſo there is another kind of feuer which vnnaturally is kindled at the heart, deducted from thence by the vaynes and arte •• es, and by the meane of the ſpirit and vaynes into all the bodyes ſenſible hurting the naturall ope 〈…〉 . Furthermore if ſome ſpecial cauſe of ſickneſſe were not 〈◊◊◊〉 the vrine, or ſome other alteration of the excrementes, it were a hard thing to finde out the difference of ſimple feuers, from thoſe feuers which hold vpon inflamation, for ſingle feuers are known, eyther by the corruption 〈1 line〉 of the aire, or by diſtemperance of heate or colde dangerouſly crept in, diſquieting the naturall diſpoſition of ſuch bodies which are thereunto ſubiect, or by the vnnaturalneſſe of the bodie it ſelfe, in exceſſiue • aſkes by ſurfetting ſweates, by ouer great faſting by incontinent opening the poo • es, by 〈1 line〉 troubled trauels in thirſtineſſe, by inordinate ſleepings 〈◊〉 ouer great watchings. So other feuers which h • ld vpon 〈◊〉 dentall inflamation, as their propertie is euermore regarded by ſpeedineſſe of their accidentes towardes the vitall partes alwayes flaming out vnder ſome propoſterous Ch • yſis.

Theſe inflamatiue feuers muſt eyther haue a chryticall expulſion, or els doe they alter from one degree to another, after the greatneſſe and inſatiableneſſe of their accidentes. There is a chiefe and principall cauſe mouing vs herein to ſpeake of ſome humorall inflamations, which are cowched vnder a hard and thicke couering, of ſtraunge congeſted vaporous humour vppon the ſide, or by impoſtumation of the loonges, whoſe ſubſtance once perfectly growne is not remoued or extenuated, except by little and little, or els by preſent immiſſion of bloud in the baſilicke vaine, as all and euerie of theſe ſeuers happening to haue egreſſe eyther vpon the animall andThe cōsu • ption is • n nature 〈◊〉 hect. • 2. vitall partes of man: ſo the other onely deſire a long and tedious conſumption, nouriſhing themſelues vppon the morall partes, by continuall fretting, labouring, foming, waſting and deuouring the outward fleſh, doe by a ſuper 〈…〉 s trauerſe inuade nature: and the more the bodie waſteth and vaniſheth away, the more redolent the ſtrength and power of theſe feuers abound.

But for the better vnderſtanding of theſe raging diſeaſes, it were a moſt neceſſarie diſcretion, ſo to marke them in their degrees, as that they may be better knowne, and more eaſier prouided for heereafter: for chiefly there ſpittle is cla • n • e, tough, ſtimte, and ſometimes full of bloudie and matterie corruption: their breath is almoſt ſtopped, doe reache and d •• w farre and ſlowly for the ſame. The cough is hard, hollowe and ſhort, cannot without greeuing other partes of the bodie, deliuer it ſelfe: Their vrine is fearce, furious and of moſt high complexion and of ruddie blacke colour.

Touching theſe and ſuch like ſickneſſes infeſtered with inflamations, happening vnder diſtemperance of times, are chiefly regarded, helped and cured in their concoction, but not in their accidentes. As they are neuer aduaunced together at one time, ſo the greater place is giuen in concoction, the accidence becommeth more peaceable and quiet. Yet there is great diſagreement among the latter writers, that if the diſeaſe be vnualurable ineſtat or faſhion, how can the accidents of the diſeaſe be valurable or ſharpe: and if putrifaction, or corruption be moſt great and forcible in eſtat, how can concoction be moſt perfect, for concoction is contrarie to putrifaction. Howſoeuer it doth heere fall out by controuerſie, the ſureſt ſtay vppon the ſicke patient is, when the diſeaſe is ſetled, the infection is peaceable: for then the medicine more certainly expelleth the cauſe.

And therefore beholde that all diſeaſſes, breake forth their malice, by depending vpon ſpeciall ſeaſons of the yeare: So that there is a double kind of offenſiue matter in all feuers, one which can neuer be corrected, and the other which by little and little ſetleth, and at length thereby expelled. And yet there be ſome moſte dangerous feuers, ſo alienated, and eſtranged in their natures, as neyther will rypen of themſelues to be vtterly deuoyded, nor yet be altered by any medicine, to become certaine.

Theſe and ſuch like feuers in their ſtrong operations, are chiefly dom ••• ed by vomites in the ſuperiour partes of the ſtomacke, or els by fauourable gliſters not onely ſhall ſearch many ingendred humours and corruptions, but cleareth, cleanſeth and ſearcheth all the principal parts of nature: ſo that the troubled ſences after many paynes, ſhall hereby be drawne to quietneſſe and reſt.

Therefore Galen moſt ſapiently diſtinguiſheth aſwell vpon ſingle as inflammatiue feuers, as of the pluriſie and ſuch like. Manie moſte excellent writers verie much haue complayned of tymes and ſeaſons of the yeare as not ſufficiently elucydat or ſet forth to the knowledge of men, after the needful maner of ages, for that ſeuerall nations and countries of the world, doe follow their ſeaſons and times by the due courſe of the elementes, and after the propertie of the ſunne in vpriſing and downe ſe • ting, who giueth refreſhing, growing, naturall moyſtneſſe and ripening to all liuing thinges, according to the ſoyle and ſituation of all ſuch groundes and places, vppon whome it giueth a ſhining comfort, be it either early, or late, ſhort, or long. I finde by all good writers that Autum is the moſte dangerous and poiſoned ſeaſon of the yeare, vnder Europe, and moſte complayned of, both for the indirect temperature thereof, as that eſpecially the effectuall cauſe of all peſtilence then, breaketh out, as alſo in that the ſtrong heate of ſommer is weakened, and tranſumpted vntill another yeare, and alſo becauſe variable diſtemperaunce of warmth and colde then aboundeth in libertie of all corruption and rottenneſſe: for the cleare ſunne, hauing conſumed his naturall ſtrength and mightie force vpon all liuing earthly things is vtterly weakened, not able to indure ſo ſtrong a courſe anie longer, vntill a freſh direction be renued from one degree to an other.

Whereas coldneſſe and drineſſe are in that ſeaſon of the yeare coniunct, ſo rottenneſſe and corruption, before intricated in anie part of man, preſently breaketh forth: for as colde hath ouerſhadowed heate, ſo drineſſe vanquiſheth moyſture, for which cauſe both morning, noone, and euening, haue their ſundrie operations in that ſeaſon of the yeare.

Auycen ſayth it muſt needes fall out that eyther ſorts of feuers in thoſe ſeaſons moſte readily ſhewe their furie. For colde and heate gelied together in one ſubſtaunce of drineſſe, maketh demonſtration of elimentall corruption, and therefore doe vnperfectly rypen. And groſſe humours alſo before ſetled, doe openly inſtat within the poores of man: ſo that corruptions may not a •• e more bee couched, but breake foorth in open rage. Hypocrates in his firſt booke of Aphoriſmes, ſayth the appro • hing, aſſentings, and conſtitutions of diſeaſes doe ſhewe both the paſſing away of the yeare, and a ſucceſſiue increaſe of diſeaſes by interchangeable courſes of times, as whether it be euery day, or euery other day, or by a more larger compaſſe, and ſpace: For in the iudgement of Raſis, moſte dangerous diſeaſes fall out, in theſe wauering ſeaſons of the yeare, as when the body and the elementes are both corrupted together, preſently without ſtay, are bewrayed in their own natures. For doe we not behold theſe winter diſeaſes, are ſearched in the bottome of their corruptions, by colde froſtie weather, which were before infected with moyſt ſeaſons, and heereby breake forth into quartan and tertian feuers, ſo that it is further to be conſidered, that theſe conieſted diſeaſes of winter immoderately in the ſpring time aſſayle the body, eſpecially in thoſe natures whoſe bodies are euermore incombred with fumaticke groſſeneſſe, their paſſage in their vaynes is interdicted, their bloud cannot with eaſte diſſolution aſcend and deſcend, doe by infection apprehend, cold conſuming feuers: ſo alſo theſe and ſuch like vaporous diſeaſes: their bloud being thorow a contagious ſpring time diſcoloured, tainted, and vnperfected, draweth and ingendreth a venomous nature vpon the liuer, and whoſe fortitude and vertue aſſimilatiue thereby diminiſhed becommeth praſſiue in it ſelfe, all which is moſt venomous to the vitall partes.

Herein may be perceiued, that all contrarie interchanges of the yeare, doe approue and trie their inclinations of one ſeaſonThe vapours of the ſpring or winter ſeaſon are exhauſted into the elements & are ſcowred and cleared by a hote ſommer from the elements into the body of man▪ vnder the corruption of the bodie, for one corruption entertaine •• another. by another, and the rather for that all vnnaturall diſeaſes grow and ingender by meanes eyther of ſtincking and vnſeaſonable groundes, or corrupt vapours in the ayre, infecting and weakening thoſe bodies which are emptie and voyd of ſubſtance: or els diffloriſheth the laudable generation of bloud in groſſe bodies: or els vniuerſally infeeble and excoriat the bowels of all men, either by a peri •• ons fluxe called Diſſenteia and ſuch like, in the approching of ſummer: or els by a ſecret Chryſis in the dog dayes, vpon the liuer, ſtomacke, loonges, and giddineſſe of the head.

And ſurely vpon the accidentes of theſe diſeaſes, the patient is infected with venomous humours as aforeſayd, as groſſenes of bloud impoſtumated in the liuer, the face diſfigured, the arteries diſcoloured with yellow blacke humours, and the rather for that the gall ſpeweth and ſtayneth all the ſuperiour partes of man.

Wherefore as theſe and ſuch like diſeaſes fall out by interchanges of ſeaſons, aſwell from ſome accidentall influence in the diſtemperance of the elementes, as alſo in the corruption of the body it ſelfe: So ſuch dangerous and fluxible diſeaſes after the iudgement of Dyoſcorides are beſt comforted, ſcowred and reſtored by potatiue vnguentes inwardly taken. Touching thoſe ſingular feuers, are in their firſt beginning very remotiue, and giue eaſie place to medicine: ſo if thoſe feuers be not in their firſt onſet oppreſſed, will waxe ſturdie and verie forcible ouer nature, for which cauſe the counſell of Hypocrates principally is herein to be followed. Cum morbi inchoant, ſi quid mouendum, moue, cum conſiſtunt, & vigent, melius eſt quietem habere: When ſickneſſes and diſeaſes doe begin, remoue them, before they take roote, but if the diſeaſe ſtand at a ſtay, for ſome good propertie in it ſelfe, it is farre better the patient take reſt. And yet no ſuche preſcription is of neceſſitie here ſet downe, but if the diſeaſe haſten to concoction, may the better be curable, and operatiue, both in medicine and nature, although oportunitie was omitted in the firſt beginning of the ſickneſſe.

Furthermore manie writers of this latter age approue this place of Hypocrates by the compariſon of a botch, or ſome other prepoſterous outward ſore, which doe congeſt and gather vpon the fleſh vnder ſome vile and inordinat ſubſtance, is not to be cleared and cured from corruption, before it come to perfect eſtate, both of ripeneſſe and rottenneſſe. So theſe ſingle diſeaſes are not to be remoued in the firſt beginning of their infection, but in the beginning of their increaſe to concoction, ſo Hypocrates meaning is receiued of the beſt ſort. And yet the beſt meanes is not denyed, but that euerie ſkilfull wiſe man, may in the excellencie of his knowledge, at the firſt entrance of the infection, miniſte • medicine, not onely for the eaſing & mittigaiting the rigour of the infection, but for a ſpeedie performance of the ſame to concoction. It ſtandeth farre otherwiſe in thoſe infla 〈…〉 tiue and ſharpe diſeaſes of the pluriſie and ſuch like, whoſe accidentes is to be preuented and ſubdued in the firſt beginning, for if theſe • ur • ous diſeaſes grow to perfection, they wil be immed •• able and without remedie. For as there muſt be a perfect con • ection and medicine aptly framed to diminiſhe the ſame; ſo there muſt be a thin reformed dyet, both becauſe of thickneſſe of hote fleame, and the vnnaturall heat of the diſeaſe it ſelfe. And as theſe effectes muſt be wiſely decerned, ſo theſe pota • i • e confections muſt be made meete, equall and apt to the ſame conſtitution.

As firſt regarding the groſſeneſſe of the accidentes, and ſecondly to vnderſtand more artificially by experience, from the varietie of excrementes, that is to ſay, by the ſignes eyther of ſome raw or concoct matter poſſeſſing ſome one part of the bodie, beſides which, if there is one orderly progreſſe in the diſeaſe. As when the diſeaſe beginneth to ſettle, then the increaſe thereof finiſheth: And when the perfection of the diſeaſe manifeſteth in the higheſt degree, there is the diſeaſe in full eſtate: and when the accidentes are generall, there is the infection ſharpeſt in nature: when the diſeaſe beginneth to giue ouer, and to looſed, then an vniuerſall alienation ſheweth the ſame: for that the vrine is not raw as in the beginning, groweth to ſubſtaunce, colour and verdour, the countenance thereof is ſcowred, cleered and perfected like a faire bright daye, after a ſtrong and ſtormy tempeſt.

Next and laſtly there followeth a diſeaſe, called Dyſpnaea ſo ſet forth by Auycen, moſt commmonly doth breake foorth in ſommer ſeaſon about the iudiciall dayes, and gathereth ſtrong vapours into the body about the breſt, by reaſon of a diſſeaſonable winter or vnnaturall ſpring before: Or by reaſon of a great retent • on in thicke bloud, inordinately congealed about the breſt or heart of man. So that the paſſages of the inward parts are ſtopped vp, that one member cannot haue vſe and ſeruice of another, matched with a difficult extremitie of certaine drie knottes or knottes vpon the liuer, lightes and loonges: beſides which all materiall ſubſtance is quite exhauſted, for lacke of excellent and perfect moyſture in that place.

Theſe pectoral diſeaſes are beſt knowne, for that there ſpittle is tough, thicke, bloudie, proceeding o • blacke colour, reacheth deepelie, draweth winde hardly, for their winde pipes are ouercharged, aſwell with humorall ſubſtaunce, as that ſometymes alſo, their loonges are vtterly waſted. Euen as a hote fire cauſeth a pot to fome ouer, ſo the boyling heate heereof inwardly chafeth theſe diſeaſes, to become more extreme and fierce.

Theſe diſeaſes I ſay are beſt eaſed and reſolued both by opening the nether partes by gliſters, and comforted in the vpper partes by cullicies of thinne ſubſtaunce, without addition of anie hote cauſe put therein. So that by the comforting of the one, and opening the paſſages of the nether partes in the other, the diſeaſe is diſſundered and eaſily auoyded downward: it hath beene ſeldome ſeene, that verie fewe haue eſcaped this dangerous contagion.

Here might be placed ſondrie other daungerous diſeaſes, eſpeciall feuers happening in mans bodie vppon contrarie and diſſeaſonable operations of times: But theſe are ſufficiently preſcribed as a vniuerſall admonition, with care to regard health from ſickneſſe in euerie ſeuerall conſtitution more exactlie then heeretofore.

WHAT IS TO BE DONE IN THE BEginning of euerie diſeaſe.

OLde writers among many wholſome diſciplines and neceſſarie lawes deliuered out for the gouernment of mans body, haue not omitted what rules are beſt to be obſerued in the beginning of euerye hot diſeaſe and ſickneſſe, that is with gentle and fauourable medicine, mollifie the harde excrements of the body, and not only becauſe nature is departed from due diſpoſition, ſhall hereby the better be reſtored, as alſo in that the ſtronge heat of ſickneſſe, with thickneſſe of blood hath ſtained the humours, as that all moiſt paſſages dangerouſly are ſtopped vp. Therefore by thys molifieng, humous are thereby made more agitatiue, and the poores to receiue ſuch comfort, are redilie opened, ſo that both bodie and nature yeeld together more flexible, and the ſtubbornneſſe of the diſeaſe hereby is made more obedient.

Auycen called this mollefaction the libertie of nature: Dioſcorides ſaith, it is the meſſenger of health: And Galen ſaith, it is the controller of ſickneſſe: Arnoldus de noua villa ſaith, it is the glaſſe of true knowledge in ſickneſſe. This mollefaction is of moſt gentle qualitie, both in attracting of good digeſtion, in retention of perfect ſubſtance and ſtrength for the behoofe of nature, and the ſuperfluous ſpum of moſt groſſe and vnperfect humours therewithall are prouoked more apparant: for the cauſes of diſeaſes are not onely hereby ſtirred to readineſſe againſt euacuat • on and expulſion, But the nature of the diſeaſe it ſelfe wholly is diſcouered in the worke of medicine, and the P • iſi • ians knowledge hereby made more lu • ulent.

There are ſome which haue miſtaken this kinde of mollefaction in ſtead of minoration, and are altogether therein deceiued, for that mynoration is an attractiue medicine, ſearching & proouing the qualities of the complexion, or els galding & chaſing nature by ſome ſuperfluous repreſſing or altering the drift of the diſeaſe. For ſickneſſe in the firſt beginning hath no abſolute place, eſpecially thoſe which be laborious and ſharp: yet many haue great opinion of that place of the Aphoriſms, as at the firſt beginning of diſeaſes, remooue that which is to be remooued: but when diſeaſes keepe at a ſtay it is better to take reſt.

Many writers of the ſame function which Theophraſtu • Paracelſus is of, hauing allowed this mynoration, durſt neuer take in hand that waighty matter vnto which other were perſwaded by them.

Galen ſo euidently diſtinguiſheth thoſe ſharpe diſeaſes, as no man is occaſioned to doubt what is to be done, either in the beginning, middle courſe, or end thereof: for he faſhioneth them in their firſt enterance to be called Inſulſum, that is, vnſauory and without feeling,

And Ieremias Thriuerius doth cal the accidents of euery diſeaſe Inſultum, a brag, in reproch of the whole body.

In the ſecond courſe of ſickneſſe, it is called Acceſſio, which is an augmentation to a more ſupreame power ouer the bodye. And this third placing of this ſicknes is called concoction, which is a preparatiō of manifeſt matter to ſome certaintie, ſo that the medicine is the more aptly conſtituted for the perfect expelling and fluxing of the ſame. Foraſmuch as all accidentes of diſeaſes may haue one violent drift in the beginning, and alter in the eſtate, & both of them within themſelues may diſſunder in operation, and ingender a ſeuerall diſpoſition contrarie to euacuation: for the one may ſwiftlie inflam, conuert to choller, and ouercharge the eſtate of the ſickneſſe, and the other may attract ſome vertuous propertie and thereby comfort nature, and expell the diſeaſe without medicine.

Auycen willeth that in the accidence of euerie diſeaſe, there be a true obſeruation, to conſider whether the diſeaſe be ghoſtly or bodily: moiſt, or drie: and whether the bodie be of good or euill complexion: whether the ſtomach and the liuer bee cold or hot, whether the humours be quick or dead, and whether the operations be heauie or ſharp: Whether choller hath a burning preheminence in the lunges or mouth of the ſtomach: or whether a duſt choller haue kindeled an vnproper heat vpon the ſpleen.

The ſecond obſeruation is, when the diſeaſe conſiſteth & ſtaieth in a propertie, whether the humours haue paſſage and due courſe by the ſtraight conduites of the bodye or no, or whether there be a quicke ſpringing bloud in the vaines, or whether the diſeaſe relinquiſheth or retaineth nature.

The third obſeruation in concoction is, to conſider the pulſes, whether they be hard or ſoft, hot or colde, moiſt or drie, and whether the humours haue perfect reſolution or no. Surely without perfect regard of all theſe cauſes to be eyther direct or indirect in ſickneſſe, there is no intermedling with purgation, before cuncoction be pefectly comprehended: for if in ſicknes there be no alteration, why ſhould nature be vehemently vexed: As purging when the accidentes are moſt ſtrong, doth nothing els but ſtyrre and chafe the diſeaſe, to wax more powefull and cruell, And to purge when the diſeaſe conſiſteth, diſquieteth both the diſeaſe, and the patient alſo being at reſt: beſides which not onely diſperſeth, but venometh the diſeaſe to be in all the parts of the body vnperfect, ſo that neyther in the beginning, or the • ſtate, medicine auaileth in the diſeaſe: but the ſureſt paſſage for health & life, in al ſicke patients is, that in the vttermoſt courſe of ſickneſſe purgation be placed: that is, when al putrified infections be gathered to a certaintie by cōcoction: notwithſtanding there is an vniuerſal iudgement pronounced of the beſt ſort, that all ſuch medicines which extenu • te and diminiſh, eyther the extremity of the diſeaſe, or vnſettle other congeled humours therwith, are to practiſed, a lowed and vſed, both in the beginning, and eſtate, ſo that the diſeaſe thereby may more ſwyftly bee haſtened and rip • ned to concoction: yet it is not herein ſo ſpoken, that ſo large a libertie is graunted, as to vſe any purgation at all, except mollefaction or extenuation, which only is permitted in ſtrong acciden • s, for ſtyrring vp congeſted humours or prouoking bodies inſoluble. And ſo long as the beginning of euery diſeaſe continueth, ſo long theſe weake medicines may be perfectlie permitted, it cannot hold together that the ſickneſſe of one moneth hath equall beginning with the diſeaſe that hath continued but one weeke: and yet who dare be ſo bolde as to purge within the compaſſe thereof, before the ſignes of manifeſt concoction appeare?

Certainly if the beginning of the diſeaſe continue in one accidence ſixe monethes, or a whole yeare, before concoction be gathered, yet there ought to be no troubling, or moleſting the body with purgatiue medicine, both becauſe the diſeaſe is thereby vnperfected, and the courſe to concoction quite ſtopped vp. It is to be wiſhed and counſelled for all ſuch to take heed and be hereby aduertiſed, which run at haſard with preſent purgation vpon all diſeaſes: for the learned Phiſitian, which in iudiciall reading is before made to vnderſtand the ſame, is neither to bee warned, counſelled nor taught.

Laſtlie, no practioner is abridged, either by medicine, or diet, or any, or all good indeauours to drawe ſuch diſeaſes to concoction, as a ready preparatiue for purgation, which is a ſingular and perfect way to health, agreeable to all the rules of Phiſicke. Theſe thinges ſo highly conſidered, who dooth not maruell to behold ſome careleſſe rude perſons, who vnder the counterfeit ſhewe of Phiſitians, doo in the firſt beginning of diſeaſes profer three or foure draughtes of deſperate phiſicke, with purgations, inchaunt the bodie of the ſicke patient, not onely to innumerable inconueniences, but moſt commonly to d • ath it ſelfe? Theſe rather deſire to behold the number of phiſicke cuppes ſtanding vpon tables round about them, then the motion of nature in the diſeaſed patient.

Heare may rightlie be vnderſtood and perceiued, that concoction ought to haue a moſt high ſuperioritie in gathering & preferring the vniuerſal corruption of the body on a heape, before purgation take place. But there is a conſociety of very daungerous perſons in this our age, whoſe cuſtome and maner is, the very ſame inſtant and day, when they approch and drawe neere the ſick patient, doo firſt preſcribe minoration, doo the ſecond day expect concoction, the third day eradication, the fourth day a potion conſortatiue: the cuſtome hereof is doubtfull to be allowed, both becauſe the diſeaſe is caried by ſo large a compaſſe without ſtay into many afflictions, • ooſeth his ſtomach & grace, lieth dead in the body vnmoueable, and euerie ſeuerall confection may haue hereby a ſeuerall operatiue nature to doo harme, in ſome freſh and contrarie propertie.

Auycen vtterly diſaloweth their practiſe herein. Howe much the preparing and ſeaſoning of the body auaileth, for the perfect altering of the diſeaſe to concoction, whereby purgation may more naturallie and effectually doo the duetie of a truſtie meſſenger, in perfourming the intent of the Phiſition, the ſicke patient ſhal euidentlie find the eaſe thereof, being releaſed from ſuch and ſo great continual dolours.

Galen, Hypocrates, Auycen, Dyoſcorides doo confound and conſent with this vertuous and medicable indeuor, whereas theſe rude and corrupt practitioners in the firſte inſtant and beginning of the infection, miniſter a ſtrong purgation in offence of the whole conſtitution, is like as if a rotten fulſome channell were raked or ſtirred to the bottome, corrupteth the ſences and infecteth the ayre in more poyſoned putrifaction, ſo that many daungerous effectes inſue thereby. The ſkilfull phiſitian dooth farre otherwiſe, that as the ſweete fountaine water, or the pure celeſtiall ſhowers of raine, by litle and litle purge and purifie the fulſome ſauours and contagions of the earth, doo not onely keepe them vnder, whereby their fulſome ſmelles breake not out, but alſo by litle and litle vtterly taketh away both their intollerable foyzing the ayre, as the corrupt ſtopping vp, and poyſoning, the comfortable and eſſentiall eſtate of mans health.

Here followeth an other diligent obſeruation, that all bodies ouertaken with any vniuerſall malefaction, are not, beeſides the which, clear & free from other corruptions, as hauing ingenderment with black fleamie & yellowe choller, ſo that one of them are verie offenſiue to an other, and therefore ought they to be mundified and diminiſhed, as two offenſiue cauſes inconuenientlie conioined in one diſeaſe. For if they • ee not concocted and gathered to a mutuall certaintie, their groſſe and thicke matter being diſcouered and eſtraunged, thinlie and vncertainlie breaketh into all the partes of the bodie. For Auycen ſayth, thicke thinges are eaſily comprehended, and ſwiftly excluded, as euidently is perceiued in thoſe diſeaſes which happen in the breaſt: as whether their ſpytcle bee thicke or thin, is ſcarſlie reached vp, becauſe the ſhortnes of breathing from the lungs preuenting, muſt of neceſſitie retire back. Therfore when theſe partes cannot bee ſcowred by naturall action in the qualitie of the breath, muſt in theſe ſeaſons of infection be concocted & ſeaſoned together by medicine, ſo that the one with the other may be confluxed out of the body. There is an other obſeruatiō that choller of what nature ſoeuer it be, is not in his owne propertie to be more ſtyfned, but drawne more thin and open, i • the humour of the ſickneſſe bee thicke, but if the humour of the diſeaſe bee thinne, then both choller and fleame muſt into due concoction bee thickly gathered: and yet thoſe bodies which be naturally fluxible, are the eaſier emptied of thoſe ex • rements againſt the difficult bruntes of ſuch infections.

And my further deſire is, that herewith bee ſet downe an other obſeruation of naturall and vnnaturall choller, which moſt vehemently aggrauateth the cauſe in ſickneſſe, as being mingled with groſſe and thick • leame, burneth in it ſelfe, and inflameth the diſeaſe, for that the propertie thereof cannnot bee ſeperated therefrom. Alſo ther is choller which hath no iſſue, is of a red bloody condition, it is ingendred vpon the liuer, redilie conioined with thoſe diſeaſes which happen vnder ſome prepoſterous chryſis. Furthermore, ther is a choller ingendred of euil meats, which not perfectlie digeſted, groſly gathereth into y• vaines, do lie open to all infectious ſickneſſes, altereth with the diſeaſe it ſelfe, and tergiuer ſateth from his owne propertie.

There is an other choller, which reſteth in the gall, or els conuerteth to wholſom blood, euerie diſeaſe by this choller is made more perfect and excellent, doeth comfort the body in health and doeth of his owne propertie comfort the diſeaſe to concoction in all generall infections.

Furthermore in the beginning of euerie ſickneſſe you ſhall vnderſtande whether there be any groſſe choller adioyned therewith by two ſpeciall notes: the one, if the vrine haue a verie thicke ſubſtance: and the other, if moſt vehement heate ariſe in the complection. Surely, ſurely let this be an vniuerſall doctrine, that all infections doo ſearch and ſeeke after ſome excrementall ſuperfluitie, to become of more higher corruption in their ſupreame dignitie and eſtate, As by hot choller the infection more vehemētly rageth, as by melancholike thoughts the diſeaſe becommeth more groſſe and heauie: by fleame, the diſeaſe becommeth mo • e cankered, and yet naturall fleame conuerteth to nutrimentall ſubſtance, and many times of verie propertie is a perfect medicine to withſtand the aſſaultes of all hard and extreame infections.

Thus to conclude, euen as the learned Phiſitian neuer aduentureth his Patient at haſard, ſo let all Practitioners by degrees, regard euery diſeaſe from the beginning, then by wiſedome health is vniuerſallie maintained not by hazard, as in the ſame artfull knowledge many grieuous diſeaſes are recouered from euill and venomous corruptions.

Next followeth to ſhewe what is to be done in the time of the increaſe, eſtate, decreaſe and falling away of euerie ſickeneſſe.

IT now may be lawfull ſomewhat to take in hand a practiſe for purgation and yet no otherwiſe to purge, then as concoction hath yeelded, & giueth leaue vnto: For it is reaſon that nature be ſomewhat ruled and reformed, whereby the tediouſneſſe of her burthen may be meaſurablie performed, and ſhaken off moſt lightly. The antient fathers although they haue layed open all the counſels of Phiſicke verie largely, yet none of them doe conſent, that it ſhould be a lawfull action, at the ſame inſtant to purge, when the increaſe of the diſeaſe is powerfull, for then is it doubtfull whether nature hath reſigned her motiue courſe: And therefore medicine ought to be ſtayed, vntill nature returne againe in her owne propertie to the vttermoſt. Some are in contrarie opinion doubtfull and vncertaine, whether nature haue an actiue motion in the increaſe of euery ſickneſſe: for if the chryſis be perfect and certaine, there is then diſeaſe languiſhing, and laborious: if not, then ye diſeaſe is in ſome part diſcouered, ſo that the remnaunt more eaſily is perfourmed. By which meanes, it ſo commeth to paſſe, that there is a ſodaine alteration and change of nature to a more better & excellenter hope: for in all ſuch like diſeaſes, nature is approoued in her higheſt ſubſtance, whether ſhe be able to indure or no.

And when there is a ſubſtantiall diſſolution of the diſeaſe in the behoofe of nature, the ſame is eaſily known and perceiued, either by vrine, or ordour, or the temperature of the body. And yet in all ſharpe ſickneſſes the ſame is no conſequent diſcouerture. But it cannot be denied in thoſe ſickneſſes which haue length and continuance, that if nature perfectly be deſcryed is be ſtrong, powerfull, and repleniſhed with liuel • hood, then the ſickneſſe hath free paſſage and euident approchment to full increaſe, and therewithall manie times, the bodie purgeth, and fluxeth off her owne free propertie, ſo that the motion of nature is greatly therein reuealed: and ſurely the phiſitian▪ is cleared from any exceſſe daunger, that may inſue thereof, ſo neyther is hee partaker of any good perfection that commeth thereby. For in all diſeaſes there are good and euill workes in the propertie of nature, and withall, there ought to be moſt high conſideration in the ſtudie and indeuour of the phiſitian, for the reſtauration both of nature and health together. Whereas in ſharpe diſeaſes the phiſitian doth euacuate the principall partes of the diſeaſe by medicine: ſo nature ought to be fauoured, and maintained in perfect ſubſtance, for if ſhe be not in potentiall eſtate, ſhee preſently decayeth and falleth away aſwell thorowe the ſharpeneſſe of the medicine, as the painefulneſſe of the diſeaſe. For where nature performeth her ſtrength, there ſhe not onely preheminently vanquiſheth the diſeaſe, but expelleth and chaſeth the infection thereof quite away: ſo that theſe operations of nature are accuſtomed aboundantly to poure forth their gracious fruites in the conſeruation and conſolation of bodily ſtrength, and are moſt certainly tried, when the diſeaſe conſiſteth or ſtayeth: as if it were in the tyme of health, if the phiſitian doe at anie time feare the decay of nature, he ought by artificiall ſkill, practiſe, not onely to fortifie the naturall courſe of the bodie, but there withall ſearche the nature of the diſeaſe. Notwithſtanding the phiſitian is forbidden to intermeddle with the works of nature, when ſhe of her owne propertie, hath anie mouing towardes health: but ſurely in dangerous ſickneſſe if nature ſometimes ouerexquiſitely purgeth of her owne propertie, then take heede that neyther the flure exceede, nor yet concoction ouerrun the perfect courſe and wayfare to health: Remembring the olde ſaying, Quum fluor excedat, mors intrat, vita recedit. The phiſitian ought to ſurpaſſe the diſeaſe both in wiſedome, experience, and high counſell with naturall cauſes, both in releaſing the languiſhing compunction of infection, as to gather all crud and raw cauſes together, whileſt the diſeaſe hath a time of increaſe, and to profer a practiſe by ſome meete framed medicine, to ripen the diſeaſe, except the diſeaſe conſiſt and ſtand at a ſtay. And in miniſtring of purgatiue medicines there muſt be called to remembraunce whether nature haue ready ſtrength and full power, to performe a limited dutie in purgation or no. And heede muſt be further regarded whether nature be ouercharged with the forraine eſtate of the diſeaſe not then to be troubled or drawne to worſer inconueniences, by vnſeaſonable medicines.

Auycen ſayth euery diſeaſe is both powerfull and wauering when it decreaſeth: but when it conſiſteth, is more certaine and better ſtayed, and then moſt eaſily ouercome by nature and medicine, for which cauſe not onely crud and rawe matter, but alſo dured and ſetled matter is then principallie expelled.

And yet many approued writers affirme that the greatneſſe of accidents are to be appeaſed by the phiſitians ſkill, and not permitted to ſtraggle out, except equally meaſured to concurre one with another in the motion of nature. And it is moſt inconuenient at the ſame time to prouoke the accidentes with any heauie or ſturdie medicine, which neyther the diſeaſe nor nature can then brooke.

Cornelius Celſus verie prec •• ely ſtandeth vpon the words of Hipocrates, Si quid mouendum videtur in principi • , moue. Who vnderſtandeth that the increaſe of the ſickneſſe, is a p •• t of the beginning. Ierimias Thriuerius a learned writer ſaith, that if any act hath beene ouerpaſſed in the increaſed of thoſe ſickneſſes which haue bene more proſir, then caſefull, may be more ſtrickly regarded in their full and perfect eſtate not becauſe it was an error, or neglected, but becauſe the increaſe of the diſeaſe required no ſuch thing, vntill there were a full 〈…〉 neſſe in the diſeaſe accompliſhed. Galen writing to Gla ••• in his booke de arte curatiua ſeemeth to interdict euery medicine, before the eſtate: eſpecially where crud matter poſſeſſeth it ſelfe. And caſt aſide, ſaith Galen, all ſolutiue and hote medicines: and whoſoeuer proffereth any medicines at all in ſuch diſeaſes, which are ſtuffed with crud, raw and ſluny ſubſtance, before ſome eaſe and releaſement in the diſeaſe be finiſhed, ſhall bring double dangers vpon the diſeaſe. For being before ſingle and of one propertie, thereby both the diſeaſe and nature are altered vnder double griefe, aſwell of great inflammation, as opilation, whereby the ercrementes, looſe the due diſpoſition, and the bloud corrupted, and the arte • is whereinThe 〈◊〉 a are 〈…〉 a • d like to the vaynes. the ſpirite of life walketh, are expoſed to innumerable dangers.

Now as you doe vnderſtand, what is to perfected in ſuch diſeaſes contayned vnder crud and rawe matter comming to their eſtate: So there muſt be a like caution taken, in theſe ſharpe diſeaſes happening vnder ſome euill and dangerous chryſts, not to interdeale therewith by ſturing, before ye diſeaſe, with all inconueniences thereto appertaining be fully ſetled.

There is a certaine groſſe and vnperfect ſubſtance ſo ſetled in the propertie of theſe and ſuch like feuers, as if they doe aſpire to a high ſtrength and eſtate, are vnable to be vanquiſhed and driuen away, both becauſe nature is weake and feeble, as alſo for that the medicine hath no direct operation.

Be it aſſuredly knowne that where nature is more weaker then the diſeaſe, and therewithall the propertie of medicine lothſome to the diſeaſe, is a plaine indication of death: and although nature may herein, for a time be ſuccoured, yet can neuer be recoured.

The ignorance of manie are greatly to be lamented, who after nature is ouerthrowne, ſeeke a life in the middeſt of death: therefore Galen in his 29. Aphoriſm of his ſecond booke, denounceth ſafegard to all ſuche, which in the time of long ſickneſſes are proſpered with nature. And although medicine is ſuch a general thing as may be framed to ſerue in euery degree of ſickeneſſe with vertue, meaſure and time: yet whoſoeuer, eyther by vnequall vertue, vnequall meaſure, and vnſeaſonable time, reacheth into anie ſuch diſeaſe, when nature is before decayed and oppreſſed, is to be adiudged in a damnable eſtate for the death of that perſon.

Then let the Phiſitian thorowly conſider both bodily conſtitution, and the courſe of the diſeaſe, before he attempteth any thing: for by raſh enterpriſe, the courſe and motion of nature may be preuented, and the diſeaſe offended.

Surely when nature neither mooueth, nor innouateth, there is no enterdealing with medicine for euacuation: as whether it be by potatiue electuarie, pilles, or otherwiſe, all is vaine and therein vtterly to be refuſed, for reſt and quietneſſe in thoſe diſeaſes moſt preuaileth.

Then laſtlie whoſoeuer neglecteth theſe wholſome rules, and without obſeruation runneth at hazard, not onely vainly magnifieth himſelfe among the rude and ignorant ſort, but thorow their vnſkilfulnes either doe they dull and blunt the diſeaſe or els cheriſh and continue the danger of the ſame: for by ſuch rude perſons, nature is both ſpoiled & troubled, the worthy knowledge of phiſicke ſlaundered, the deſerts of the worthier ſort derogated, and the publike eſtate of the people offended.

Here next follovveth howe meate ought to be increaſed or taken avvay, according as the times of ſickeneſſes require.

NOwe remaineth to ſearch out not onely the nature of ſickneſſes, but in what ſeaſons diſeaſes are moſte perillous and apt in offence of bodly health, and alſo how meat ought to be increaſed, withdrawne, or quite taken away, the which part is moſt hardeſt of all: for neither olde writers haue clearely and purely expreſſed it, neyther yet newe writers ſufficiently reuealed the darkneſſe and obſcuritie thereof. Yet that auncient Hypocrates in his firſt of the Aphoriſms vouchſafeth to giue aduertiſement, that when diſeaſes both beginne, increaſe and come to eſtate, full meates are to be abſtracted, and thinne dyets moſt chiefly commended, vntill both nature and the diſeaſe be well pleaſed with the thinneſt of all. For it is a manifeſt rule, that there belongeth to euerie degree of ſickneſſe a due ordinance: that is, when meate is quite taken away, ſome great practiſe is to be expected and accompliſhed by medicine, which then, and thereby, muſt worke moſt effectually and ſoundly.

Yet Galen on the contrarie doth ſeeme to command the patient in time of ſickeneſſe to proceede from a barraine and vnfruitfull dyet, to a ſatiable, vberious, and complet dyet, which of the writers in this latter age is vnderſtoode, that after great emptineſſe, nature is greedy to recouer her former perfection. All which muſt be done with ſuch diſcretion as that meate and meaſure concurre vpon the eſtate of the diſeaſe: But in theſe inflammatiue diſeaſes of the ſides, liuer, loonges, or ſuch like, all nouriſhment in the beginning of ſuch diſeaſes is denyed and quite taken away: Eſpecially if the ſpittle be clammie, gluttonous, or deuoyded out with thicke bloud, then except the diſeaſe be looſed, eyther by cutting off the baſilicke vayne, or by ſome other ſkilfull attraction, the patient is throwne headlong vpon death. For although ſome vſe ptiſans, made of exoriated and vnhuſked barly to be dronk, in mitigation of ſuch extreame furious diſeaſes, yet all nouriſhment plainely is denied, before ſome thing in ſo dangerous a caſe be perfected.

There is a farther counſell to be here in extended, that if the patient be deſirous of ſuſtenance, or ſome ſupping, and will not there from be refrayned: then ſhall be miniſtred vnto him ſome ſlender foode in verie ſmall quantitie, as is neyther operatiue, nor nouriſhable, both becauſe of the drineſſe and diſtemperature of the body.

Many very good writers agree and conſent that fountaine water, & ſharpe vineger, not ſophiſticall, but ſeaſoned from the naturall grape, aromatized with honny, is of ſ • owring propertie, if it be well boyled together, and dronke next the heart morning and euening: alſo it is a moſt wholeſome oxin • ell to mundifie fleame in the ſtomacke, gently penetrateth congeſtedAn oximell is pure to mundifie the ſtomocke in ſickneſſe. bloud in the ſides, doth quench and appeaſe the furie of flammatiue feuers, and ſharpeneth the ſtomacke, therein ſhall be found moſt preſent helpes, in ſo hard dangers. Next it is good to vnderſtand how the patient profiteth or diſprofiteth by theſe ſignificatiue markes as followe. That is, when the increaſe of the ſickeneſſe proſpereth towardes health, the concoction therewith proſpereth alſo to a full eſtate, as appeareth by the mouth waxing moyſt, or elſe reaching vp from the loonges ſome concoct matter of ripe qualitie to be eaſily deliuered foorth in full quantitie: For the more aboundant thoſe excrements be purged out, ſo much the rather the ſtomacke is framed, and ſharpened • it for foode and ſuſtenance. Then it behoueth to yeeld the body ſome ſlender reliefe, ſo that continually it be limitted within iudication. For as euery diſeaſe is rather qualified vnder a barraine dyet in the beginning: ſo a ſmall and thinne dyet is commended in the increaſe of euery ſickneſſe.

Surely a thinne dyet is beſt approoued in the opinion of Auycen: that is, when the diſeaſe conſiſteth and ſtayeth in one courſe towardes health: But if the diſeaſe in forceable aſſault runneth forward without ſtay, then all dyets are ſubſtracted, vntill the nature of the diſeaſe appeare more open and perfect. For the bodie hauing eſcaped theſe and ſuch like perils of ſickeneſſe, is like a wayfaring man hauing paſſed a tedious and hard iourney, through long faſting, and much labour, deſireth foode: So theſe bodies ouerpaſſing and preuenting variable hazardes by fatigable wreſtling, and painefull induring both the beginning, increaſe with the eſtate and perfection of the diſeaſe, are like a ſtrong captaine, after conqueſt and victorie, deſireth quietneſſe, reſt, meate, and ſuſtinance. And yet many of theſe diſeaſes, recouered both by good ordinance of medicine, and wholeſome foode, haue returned backe to their olde dangers, and not ſtaied their courſe before deathe. All which falleth out, both becauſe there was ſome diſordered ſurfet before health ſetled in perfection, and the diſeaſe not quite rooted out.

Auycen ſaith, that if the bodye fall into preſent miſgouernance, after that it hath bene recouered from ſharpe ſickneſſes, eſpecially inflammatiue diſeaſes, and before nature be reſtored to her preſtinat and potentiall eſtate and dignitie, death without commiſſeration inſulteth ouer life. And therefore he aduiſeth all men vniuerſally to ſettle nature, to ſharpen the ſtomacke, to ſhut the poores, and to entertaine ſleepe and quiet reſt, after ſickneſſe, before they expooſe their body to any hard practiſe. Now theſe perfect canons, holden by generall conſent haue confounded and ouerthrowne the controuerſies of new writers, and retired vnto their antient and former ſeparation of diſeaſes, and ſecretly therewithall holde backe, and inwardly contayne their knowledge and counſell, touching ſimple diſeaſes, As though no ſuch thing appertaine vnto them: But largely comprehend the eſtate of theſe inflammatiue feuers in eyther of their natures vnder one generall method for remedie to eyther of them: ſo that theſe diſeaſes haue diuers natures and operations, aſwel in their accidentes as in their concoction. And many times it ſo falleth out, that medicine altereth and ſetleth them, not onely to concoction, but alſo to be of an nature: whereas before they were in their accidentes, variable, and diuers in their courſe and propertie. Touching the difference of theſe ſimple and cō pounded feuers, I cannot finde no direct agreement, betweene Hypocrates in his book, de ratione victus, & other writers, but Hypocrates and Leonard Fuchſins, doe conſent, and with a true report ſound out, that all diſeaſes happening in the ſpring, ought to be vnder a moderate dyet in their beginning, becauſe nature is then moſt occupyed in digeſting raw flegmatike humours congeſted the winter before, and by the naturall aſcending of bloud, painefully diuerteth from common courſe. And alſo the bodye which is repleniſhed with humoures, is in the ſpring ſeaſon more troubled, then anie other time.

But touching thoſe diſeaſes which fall out in ſommer, thinne dyet is then moſt meeteſt: for that both naturall and vnnaturall heate, exceede moyſtneſſe, and thoſe diſeaſes which then happen, are moſt apteſt to inflame.

But all thoſe diſeaſes which happen in Autume, meate is meaſured according to the diſeaſe: for no perfect dyet (ſayth Fuchſins) can be preſcribed, for that diſeaſes are then of diuers properties and contagions, And therefore to be meaſured according to the phiſitians ſkill, knowledge and diſcretion. So alſo ſuche diſeaſes which fall out in winter, are furthered or hindered according to the ſeaſonableneſſe, or vnſeaſonableneſſe of the time. For moyſt foggy winters ingender corrupt diſeaſes in the body to the vttermoſt: And naturall whether of froſts and ſnowe approoue and ſearch the body eyther to great welfare of much health, or els to ſpeedie death: therefore Fuchſins Froſt & cold purifieth the vaynes and ſinewes for the bloud aſcending in the ſpring ſeaſon. ſayth, diſeaſes in thinne bodyes are then guided with reſtoratiue dyets, for oftentimes ſuch bodyes are in thoſe ſeaſons apt to be conſumpted and vtterly waſted, both becauſe the naturall bloud is departed in the deepeſt vaynes, and ſtrong bodyes inwinter ſeaſons ſubiect to ſickeneſſe are beſt pleaſed and approoued with meane ſtipticall and ſauorie dyets. If in theſe bodies both medicine and dyet by preſent remedie haue not a poſitiue operation to conſerue a ſtrong eſtate in nature, Forthwith nature periſheth. For as they are not able to indure the pinching cold outward, ſo their fleſhie foggines cannot inwardly ſuffer for want of perfect and pure bloud: ſo that no outward ſhelter, nor inward nouriſhment counteruaileth to recouer health in thē.

Let vs returne to the ſubſtance of our purpoſe, for the ſearching out the beſt diet in al diſeaſes, either ſimple or cōpound. Galen in the firſt of the Aphoriſms, the ſeuenteeth Comment wiſheth a thin and ſharpe diet to be eſtabliſhed in all ſharpe diſeaſes, both becauſe the body is infected with moſt greateſt fleames, and becauſe inflamations doo therein moſt abound.

One Hugh Senenſis a learned man, diſputeth that thin diets are meeteſt in the beginning of ſharpe ſickneſſes, both becauſe ſtrength is in full propertie vndecaied, and the materiall ſubſtance of the diſeaſe ouer rebellious, and thereby without ſtay eaſily ſubdueth the body.

Hypocrates generallie and deeply ſpeaketh of all feauers, eyther ſimple or compound: that firſt the diſeaſe is vnſetled, and vncertainly roueth in the bodye: and next, for that it dooth abound with paynfull trauels, difficultlie wraſtleth, ſkyrmiſheth and trauelleth, either to ſettle and poſſeſſe ſome one part of the body, or after the ſpyrituall partes poſſeſſed, inuadeth all the partes of the body to deſtruction.

Herein is it manifeſtly prooued, that in the beginning of diſeaſes nature hath no need of ſuch nouriſhments: for if appetite were gredy and deſirous thereof, yet not able to beare that which is wiſhed and lingred vpon. For whoſoeuer infarceth and inforceth nature in the firſt entrance of euerie ſuch ſicknes, both cheriſheth the diſeaſe, weakeneth and defoyleth nature.

Galen in his firſt booke de arte curatiua, writing to Glawco, in his chapter de cura febrium continuarum, ſaith, that if continuall feauers conſiſt in one eſtate, & the body very weake are beſt ruled vnder an exquiſite and ſharp diet, if ſtrength and age agree therewith: but if the diſeaſe exceed beyond that lymittation, is then to be vnderſtaied with a plenarie & ſtronger food, ſo the ſame be apt to conſtitution.

Auycen ſaith, when the eſtate is perfected in the diſeaſe, let the diet be more plentifull, or otherwiſe, let the diet be augmented, or diminiſhed as the diſeaſe increaſeth or vaniſheth away. So alſo this is a generall agreement among all the auntient Fathers, for the regiment of mans health, hauing put foorth an vniuerſall edict, that in all meſtiue mortalites, thin diets are moſt pertinent, for medicine to work vpon, becauſe their accidentes are infectious and of indiuertible ſubſtance, and eſpeciallie ſo long as theſe infections in their accidents are conioyned to the beginning: otherwiſe if the increaſe of the diſeaſe proſper and proceede to be perfected and ſetled to ſome verie likely eſtate, they ought to be ſollicited more at large, either by curatiue medicine, or diet, vntill the vſurped properties be expelled: after which, the body is to be inlarged to a full diet vntil nature be reuiued, reſtored, and recouered in full ſtrength.

Theſe rules and reaſons proceede from men of great countenance, of ſound and vpright iudgement, repugning the wrongfull and erronious interpretations and opinions of certaine newe writers, who hauing ſet open their ſhoppe of counterfect practiſes in defrauding the good conſtitutions of heath in mans body, who in the beginning of ſimple feuers in place of a gracil and thin diet, haue conſtituted and put in place a free and bountifull diet.

Secondly in ſimple feuers, when the diſeaſe increaſeth, doo prefer a thin diet in ſteed of a compleat diet.

And thirdlye, they doo in the eſtate of compound and inflamatiue feuers magnifie a full diet, in ſteede and place of a thin and peaceable diet. Surely Hypocrates ſomewhat bendeth to the ſecond controuerſie, that in the increaſe of al ſimple feuers, a competent diet is moſt meeteſt, ſo that if the diſeaſe doo proceede in the increaſe, or forſheweth any ſimilie end, either by ripeneſſe to ceaſe, or els take ſafe degrees to eſtate: Then the Phiſitian hath full power ouer the diſeaſe, eyther to recouer health, or els to ſtay the patient from large and ſtrong ſuſtenance.

Petrus Briſſotus and Lionicius doo ſay, if in the eſtate of ſimple feuers, ſuſtenance bee denied to the patient becauſe of the ſtrength of the diſeaſe, then what ieopardie are thoſe pacientes put into in their time of eſtate, when inflamations and accidentes together yeeld no place to reſt, their bodies beeing ſtrenghened with nutrimentall ſuſtenance, doo continue the diſeaſe moſt cruell, fierce, dangerous and outragious, vnto the approchment of death.

Hereby all patientes may perceiue, that all diſeaſes within the knowledge and helpe of man, are vnder lawes and ordinances: Therefore whoſoeuer ſhall either violate or miſtake theſe lawes and ordinances, offendeth both the ſicke patient and his owne conſcience.

And furthermore, if the ſicke Patient will not bee ordered, but rebell againſt this wholſome gouernment, preferring both his owne wilfull minde and reaſon before the ſounde and perfect counſell of the Phiſitian, Let him be adiudged guiltie of his owne death and diſtruction.

The firſt Booke of the Temperamentes.

AN Element is the leaſt part of euery proper thing compounded and vnited into one ſubſtance, perfourmeth not the leaſt, but the immixt parcels of the ſame thinges to bee made a perfect element, and equally to place thoſe ſmalleſt things to be tempered with the higheſt, as that (not in any behalf) any one of them be immixt from an other. It is an high onderſtanding: wherefore we oguht to deuide the leaſt portion of euerye tempered bodie as followeth. That is, there ought to be in number foure elementes, neither ought there to be more or leſſe: and yet can there be but one element alone, for that with an vnreprooueable qualitie all things returne to deſtruction: neither can there bee two elements, as fire and ayre, becauſe all interiour thinges woulde preſentlie be conſumed with their coniomed ſtrength of heat. Then may it be imagined, that nature might haue framed fire and water to beare their ſeueral courſe alone, both becauſe they doo in variableneſſe differ one from another, or that they might ſeeme more durable in their courſe aboue the reſt.

The third element is the ayr, which nature hath ſo placed between the reſt, as that moiſtneſſe is ioined to water, and heat to fire: neither do theſe three elementes ſuffice, except there be a fourth element conioyned hereunto, that is ſay, the earth, not only becauſe it is the ſeat and habitation of men in this world, but alſo and much rather being commixed with water, dooth by her coldnes, temper the other two elements: therfore nature moſt decently hath bound, not one, nor two, nor three, but four elements, and that with a ſtraight and agreeable concord, as when they were diſ • ramed and diſſociated from their equall places: As when the earth was downward, the water and the▪ ayre in the middle, and the fire vpward, although there are not onely ſome philoſophers, but verie Chriſtians which haue practiſed to diſcouerWhich is taken as an errour. for the knowledge of man, a certain dark, thicke, and ſhadowed fire, about the point & centre of the earth by a direct light gleaming and irradiating from the ſtarres, The which fire is veſtall & pure, not elementarie. Herein if we conſider that both the earth and the water doo not onely entertaine the ſame fire, but the ayre interiected, forthwith followeth the ſame: euen as there is a coniunction of the earth to the ayre, ſo is the water placed betweene both of them otherwiſe the ayre ſhould wholly remaine moyſt, being placed between two drie elements.

Galen and other graue Philoſophers doe ſeem otherwiſe to thinke, who on their behalfe call the water moſt moyſt, and is ſo adiudged in the abſolute power of nature, for by touching the ſame is perfectly bewraied: whereas the ayre is not comprehended at all by touching, therfore the ayre is more moyſt: & yet becauſe water is of more rounder and compact ſubſtance, then of an intentiue qualitie, ſome philoſophers report water is more moiſt then ayre: otherwiſe how ſhould yſe more coole then water? and yet not more colder.

Galen affirmeth water to be moſt moiſt, for that it is cleare, and no drineſſe is contained within the ſubſtance thereof. By this reaſon no ſimple medicine can ſhewe in his vttermoſt nature to be either hot, colde, moiſt, or drie in the higheſt degree, in reſpect of equalite 〈…〉 ature from contrary pla • ing, therefore this reaſon moſt pro • pereth and prooueth in • urt bodies: and although the ayre were clearely hot, yet not in the higheſt degree: So likewiſe if water were clearlie moiſt, yet not in the higheſt degree, for it • s repugna • t in the reaſonable on • e: ſtanding of elements, that there ſhould be two qualities, or els no • at all obtained in the higheſt degree: for if ayre hath not mayſtneſſe, it ſhoulde then vnnaturally exceede in the vttermoſt place, which is againſt the nature and order of the elements.

And furthermore, it is greatly to be marueyled, that certain new Philoſophers with ſome counterfeit weake reaſons, blaſte abroad in the world, that water is more moyſt then ayre, which cannot holde: for then the elements ſhoulde fall out in contrarie order, which otherwiſe haue an equall conſtitution in the reſt of the bodies one after an other, although they bee of diſframed conditions and qualities: or els we may iudge of mans bodie to haue more earth and water, litle ayre and leſſe fire, whereas it is in holie writing farre otherwiſe declared, that man was not faſhioned, neither of ayre, water, nor fire, but of the earth, ſhewing that earth & water are imperious & ruling elements.

This element as a heauie ſubſtance doth beare great ſway in the conſtitution of man, for that heat and drineſſe are of more lighter matter: Then doeth it ſtande by naturall reaſon, that heat among other qualities is actiue, and as the qualitie therof is moſt plaine, ſo the leaſt portion thereof as in man: for which cauſe theſe two outward bodies colde and heat, may bee perceyued, and that coldnes is tempered by heat, and heat dela • ed by cold, drines by moyſtneſſe, and moyſtneſſe by dreneſſe, that one of them ſhould haue equall ſeruice by an other: ſo there is alſo a motiue cauſe of coldneſſe and drineſſe thorow the ſinewes, ſo alſo there is coldnes and moyſtnes in the braine, where the conceit and ſence beginneth their place. The hart is the inſtrument of life, the liuer the inſtrument of blood, the which of neceſſity are hot and moiſt: and ſo from thencefoorth there are certaine inſtruments of neceſſitie, ſome cold, ſome hot, ſome moyſt, and ſome drie: if any one of them at any time do bend or writh aſide from theſe iuſt temperature, their actiue qualitie muſt be diſured and fall away therewith, for that the inſtrument which leadeth the ſame, is decaied. Therefore the bodye of neceſſitie is to poſſeſſe and inioy a perfect eſtate in his members, in ſeruice of all the offices appertaining thereunto.

And the rather becauſe all bodies haue a coniunction of the foure elementes, otherwiſe choller which is hot, drie, and colde, cannot ſerue the body in perfect nature and operation, for that vnnaturall choller corrupteth the whole body.

And furthermore, as the foure humours are ſeperated one from another, in ſeueral eſtates and conſtitutions, ſo ſuch members which are inſigned vnder any one of theſe humors▪ are commoderated one by an other, vntill there be a iudicial temperance raigning ouer all the wholl members: for although any ſuch inſtrument were of neceſſitie cold, yet it is not conuenient ſo to be in the higheſt degree, for that certaine immixt elementes doo want the temperance of the ſecond qualitie. Now if ſucceſſiuely theſe inſtruments were by this means moſt righteous and equall, they ought not to be tempered on ſome one behalfe, but on euery behalfe: for no inſtrument can bee meete, whereas if any part thereof be vnmeete. And for this cauſe it is not onely a ſeemely ſight, that theſe elements after their greateſt portions, ſhould be groſly mingled in a myxt body, but that in the whole they become perfectly vnited, and that there be no want in any part thereof.

Therefore as diuers elements are ſo mixed in one body, as that there is a ful ſeruice of al the members one to another. So was it righteous, that there ſhould be a whole perfect coniunction in the iuſt commoderation of all other inſtrumentes: for if all and euery part were not equally moderated, one part would decay and fall away from another. For is not the body conſerued and ſatiſfied by the ſaid elements from hunger and thirſt, which otherwiſe would in al the partes thereof languiſh and falWine is a bounti • ull element, ordained to me perfect properties. away: therefore man is nouriſhed of the foure elem • ts, in that the heat of the ſunne is commixed with the earth, and the water and ayre commixed, are of generable nature, producing ſuſtenance, agreeing with all natures indumentes.

And furthermore conſider, that whoſoeuer drinketh w •• e for coldneſſe of ſtomach, dooth not poure or infuſe fire into his body: although the moiſtneſſe of water is tempered with a fiery element to frame a perfect body, not in outward action, but by the pure power of heat.

This verily proueth that one element is faſhioned with another, ſo that all the elementes are of equall power and propertie one with another. Otherwiſe if man were framed of one element, he were impaſſible, and without ſuffering: Or if there were ſuch a diſſimilitude in the elementes, as that not one of them could be drawne in agreement with the other, but ſtill continue a contrarietie, then all paſſiue actions were diſpropriated and vnperfectly diſequalled. Euen as there is manifeſtly ſhewed forth all neceſſarie cauſes to the conſtruction of euery one body: So theſe elementes all in all, are commixed without ſeparation, following vpon the immixion of humours in mans body, vnto which euerie liuing man is ſubiect and bound vnto by natures ordinance. And there are ſome which wallowing in their owne wils doe affirme, that bloud is nothing els, but a certaine confounded humour, extracted out of three humours: although the ſame is vtterly falſe, Yet may it manifeſtly proue a great varietie in the permixiō of elements. Therefore if it be poſſible that foure humours are confoundedManers doe follow the humour of bloud. within themſelues, and yet their formes kept together vndiffacioned, or that one forme or faſhion appeareth for them all: then ſurely theſe elementes are aſwell commixed in theſe humours, as wholly perfected thorow the body it ſelfe: that although their formes were eyther diſfigured, or in ſome part abſtracted, yet there qualities are vndefaced. Otherwiſe the reaſon and meaſure of mixture ſhould periſhe together both in forme and qualtie, touching corporall formes as they are neuer taken from their ſubſtance. So not the forme, but the qualit • e hath increaſed by the mutuall actions of the forme and qualities together. It is therefore moſt difficult to withdrawe nature and qualitie, from theſe moſte excellent temperatures,The difficulneſſ. of the o • e is caſed by the perfection of the other in the courſe of the vaynes. which of the ancient Philoſophers are called complexions, poſſeſſing diuers partes of man, as coldneſſe and drineſſe in the bones, and hote and moiſt in many other parts of the body. So the rather may it be perceiued, that all cold things in mans complexion are ouercome with hote and moyſt temperatures, nouriſhing bloud in euery man to be perfected after naturall inclimation. Therefore hee hath finiſhed a good and perfect worke, which can vprightly diſcerne a perfect temperature in the eſtate and conſtitution of all men.

The Phiſitian is largely to diſtinguiſh vppon the naturall complexion of all men, for it is his part and dutie to compare man with man, and all men to be vnder ſome one temperance. And yet there are many differences to be found vnder theſe temperatures.

Galen ſheweth by experience of ſome men which are ouertroubled with fleame, that although ſome part be taken away, and not in all, yet the ſuperfluous humour that remayneth, is made more moyſt, and the eaſier digeſted and reſolued. Auycen ſayth thoſe thinges which be ouer moyſt are tempered by drineſſe: then there ought to be an accidentall heate indifferently and equally compounded with humiditie: but yet the intemperance of heate and moyſtneſſe is an vnequall commixture. For Galen ſayth that the decay of complexions are vpon ſuperaboiuidant qualities one with another, which is the ouerthrowe of nature, and bringeth death.

Leonard Fuchſins ſayth, if the ſeaſons of the yeare ſhould be compared according to their temperatures, the ſpring ſeaſon is moſt wholeſome and temperat▪ becauſe it is hote & moyſt, if that by ſtraunge exhaltations it be not corrupted. And Autume ſeaſon (ſayth hee) is moſte intemperat, for that it is colde and drie.

Galen ſayth otherwiſe, that if the ſpring be compared or co • oyned with an vnnaturall ſommer following, ſhalbe then • old and moyſt, becauſe of the ſtrong exhaltations of heate following thereupon. And on the contrary, if it be compared or conioyned with the vnnaturalneſſe of winter, it is hote & drie, becauſe of the elementes were diſtramed with heate, by an extreame and vnnaturall courſe in the elementes the ſeaſon before. Surely Dyoſcorides very vprightly toucheth the mark, that the temperature of the ſpring time ought to be regarded and marked of naturall and vnnaturall properties in it ſelfe, and not by the compariſon of another ſeaſon.

Arnoldus de noua villa affirmeth, that the ſpring ſeaſon is found neither hote nor moiſt, but temperate: ſo that neyther ſuſuperfluous moiſtneſſe nor exceeding drineſſe doo abound: for the Spring indifferently ſeaſoneth all thinges.

Ieremias Thriuerius ſaith, that Springe hath no perfect temperaunce, thorow which, eyther the winter before, or the ſommer after haue loſt their temperaunce in the heate of the earth: when as the vaines and ſweet fountaines of the earth are decaied, hauing not onely loſt their naturall progreſſions, but thorow ſtrange exhalations the aireis diſtemptred and becommeth groſſe, loathſome, and furiousin all open corrupitons.

So on the contrarie, al the partes of the earth may bee inraged with hot drineſſe, for that the elementes exceedinglie doo ſucke the ioyce of the earth, drawing in all filthye corruptions, which infeſter in the higheſt degree: ſeeing the ſpring time is then of propertie and nature moſt comfortable, and that in all naturall and wholſome temperanre, doth neuer bring forth ſicknes, except by ſome former corruption, which hath foreſtalled the ſweete refreſhing ioy thereof.

It is good to conſider then the temperances of the yeare • how they doo agree with the complections of men, both for the conſeruation of health, and the auoiding of ſickneſſe: for collerick perſons doe beſt take comfort and ioy in themſelues in winter, for the heat of their complections is beſt delayed and tempered with the moiſtneſſe of that ſeaſon: Flegmatike perſons do liue more ſafer in ſommer, then in the ſpring time, for this temperature chiefly agree with their complecions: ſo may wee not forget that women doe liue in greater ioye of nature and: norwholſome in ſommer, then either in winter, or ſpring ſeaſon: and Hypocrates dooth ſimply graunt that women are both in the ſpring and ſommer ſeaſon moſt prone, and then principally eſteemed with men, yet Raſis ſayth, that chol • erike women both in winter & ſpring ſeaſon are exceſſiuely ſtirred vp with natures inclinements, and then moſt of al poſſeſſed inwardly with great heate and very apt to digeſtion, and therefore their naturall courſes and prouocations are then moſt apt and plentifull.

Arnoldus de noua villa affyrmeth, that there are ſuperfluous humours, which of their owne malicious propertie, redilie are prepared to infect the flemmatique woman, and are open to many other vnnaturall accidents, and yet ſometimes by a fauorable propertie of nature doo releaſe themſelues: Therefore Theophraſtus Paracelſus ſaith, that if thoſe accidentes did not performe great works of natures inclinements of moyſtneſſe and heat, in the change and alteration of the moone, A woman were then colde and drie in the perfection of death. But yet thoſe bodies which are of their owne propertie both temperate and long during in the perfecteſt conſtitution of a womans body, is hot and drie.

Now furthermore, it were a very good and ſpecial doctrin, ſomewhat moſt largely to diſcouer the properties and variable conditions of Autume: and the rather for that many haue fayled in the true explication thereof. Some affyrme that ſeaſon to be hot and drie: other ſome ſay it is cold and drie: and ſome other ſome ſay, that the qualities and diſpoſition of this ſeaſon dependeth vpon daies, weekes, and monethes, and the diuerſities thereof, happen not like as other times and ſeaſons, as cold in the noone time, and hot in the morning and euening, al which ouerpaſſeth the right and equall proportion of temperance.

Cornelius Celſus ſaith, that in Autume there is a contrary motion of the Elementes in all ſuperiour cauſes, ſo in theſe inferiour cauſes there is alſo a chaungeableneſſe in all things: as from moyſtneſſe and greeneſſe, to ripeneſſe and rottennes, thorow which diſtemperance many thinges doe drawe ſtrange vapours of the aire into their qualitie, whereby many infections doe corrupt and take holde of the body, in gendring variable diſeaſes. Beſides which their is a contrarie motion of the elementes corruptly rouing abroad in thoſe ſeaſons: Not onely becauſe heate and moyſture are coniuncted in the variable partes of the elementes, but alſo for that there is no certaine nor conſtant induction of the weather for health and wholeſomneſſe, to comfort mans body withall. For firſt the planets are in their courſes vtterly difframed one from an other, ſo the ſunne vppon the nightlie and north paſſage, fretteth vpon the circle, deuiding the halfe ſpheare called horyzon, as alſo hauing entered vpō a contrary poynt of Ar • es, inforceth the mornings of thoſe ſeaſons to be hote, moyſt, and ſoultrie. And after the diſſolution of this ouerraging heate, the north groweth to a moſt extreame vapour of colde about the noone ſeaſon. This may eaſily be gathered hereof, that the oppoſite poyntes of the north and the ſouth, hauing ſtrangely and diuerſly altered both their properties and courſes, the inferiour cauſes are ſo poyſoned in a corrupt degree, as that ouerraging peſtilences are inkindled in ſuch like ſeaſons, and there ſhalbe perceiued great lightes and furious flames of heate ariſe in thoſe partes of the north, all which foreſheweth exceſſiue gluttes in the vnſeaſonable aboundance of raine the winter following.

Some new writers perſwade the worlde that mans body is ouerweakened by thoſe ſeaſons: aſwell becauſe of the vnnatuturall diſtemperance, as alſo for that the vygent heate of bloud not onely deſcendeth, but eyther thereby decayeth, waxeth thin, or corrupteth in vnordered bodies.

It is a moſt high contemplation in the hearbes and plantes of the earth, whoſe fortitude and power is in the coldneſſe and drineſſe of this Autume greatly diminiſhed and fallen away, ſo alſo ſubiect to putrifaction and corruption therewith. For the generation of humours which were cleerely nouriſhed by the pureneſſe of the ſpring ſeaſon, are nowe vtterly ſurpriſed, eyther by euacuation, corruption, or putrifaction.

Auycen ſayth, that Autume is like a woman which when the time is come cannot conceale her trauell, ſo Autume cannot be couered or hid, which tryeth and approueth mans body, whether that it be with diſeaſes infected, or no: which may be alſo

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After threſcore and tenne yeares, this fleame knitteth in the ioyntes, ſ • oppeth the vaines, ingroſſeth nature, decayeth digeſtion. And in the canicular dayes this fleame becummeth ponderous, and by an exceſſiue and inordinate heate, odiouſly ſtencheth in the lower partes, eſpecially vpon the legs, and that vntill putrifaction be perfected therein.

There is another watriſh fleame, thicke and ſubtle moſt hard to be digeſted, gluttonous and dronken perſons are much herewith infected, and this fleame about the fal of the leafe, is white, thicke, hard and corme: it offendeth the brames and noſteels verie much, except it be addreſſed with warmeneſſe: this fleame moſt of all offendeth in winter ſeaſon, and by reaſon of outragious coldneſſe and diſtemperance of weather, altereth at the ſame ſeaſon more than anie other time, for that the cold and hot humours diſagree one with another.

There is a moſt dangerous fleame called by Cornelius Celſus, Rallium, of others, Gibſeum: this fleame ſetleth in the ioyntes, and ſometimes in the arteries, drieth into hard kernels not onely ingendreth putrifaction, but remedileſſe gowtes: and as all maling diſtemperatures haue conſpired herewith, ſo doth it craſe and breake forth in open libertie by all diſtemperate ſeaſons of the yeare.

There is an other heauie and clammie fleame, proceeding from the lightes, and ſheweth it ſelfe moſte principally in the Autume ſeaſon, like to yſe, becauſe the bloud diſcending, is ouertaken with coldneſſe.

There is a fleame which manie times is incident to verie blacke and chollericke perſons, and ſheweth a dangerous nature in the finiſhing vp of Autume, it proceedeth chiefly by inordinate and euill cuſtomes of youth, as exceſſiue lecherie, and ſuch like bloudie vnctious and greaſie contagions. This fleame is ingendered vppon the heart, kidneys and raynes of the backe. There is a chollericke fleame, ſhewing moſte of all in Autume, ingendred of ſalt meates.

This fleame moueth a belching hicket in the mouth of the ſtomacke, cauſeth great penſiueneſſe and ſorrow of minde, proceeding of greedie eating of rawe fruites before the naturall heat of the ſun, be perfectly coagulated therein, and yet if there be pefect digeſtion hereof, it is conuerted to blood.

There is alſo an other humor annexed hereunto called choller, the which is either naturall or vnnaturall. Choller vnnaturall is an outward cauſe knowen thorow the whole body, and melancholiouſly mingled: it is cytrin, or like the collour of gold,Cytrin is the collour. of an O • renge. it is intermixed with ſubtle fleame, and ſometimes of ſmaller ſubſtance, and in ſimilitude of the yolkes of egges, and enterioyned with groſſe fleame and naturall choller. There is a choller burn • ng in itſelfe, and conuerted to aſhes: there is alſo adioyned herewith a melancholious choller, which is of a reddy collour ingendred vpon the liuer. There is a choller ingendred vpon euill digeſtion of meates, & it is ingendred in the vaines by other euill humours, this is praſſiue choller, like to the hearb Praſſion: it burneth vntill there be no moiſture left therein, and the drineſſe thereof waxeth white.

Furthermore, as all theſe temperatures of the body, coneur with the temperatures of the yeare, and as yet no temperature certainly is found out at any time, which ſheweth ſome great reproch to nature, both becauſe ſhe hath ordayned nothing certainly to continue, neither hath ſhe perfourmed all things alike: & as many accidēts of vnnatural influences do on ſome variable behalfe corrupt and diſtemper the vniuerſal earth, ſo by greate murrayne in cattell, by exceſſe peſtilence in mankind, and by putrifaction of earthly fruites, ſhew foorth a variable alteration of the foure elementes in all other liuing creatures. Therefore Hypocrates ſaith, it were more then reaſonable in nature, if all ſeaſons of the yeare were tempered or diſtempered alike, for therin the gouernment of mans complection oftentimes falleth out by the naturall or vnnaturall courſe of times: for the worke of nature cannot bee ſhewed or tempered in any thinge more glorious, or a greeable, then that temperance or diſtemperance are framed to ſerue equally in their places, as the foure ſeaſons of the yeare fall out, vnder which mans complexion is beſt ordered, or worſt diſordered according to the proportions of the ſayd times.

Galen calleth the eſtate of man in the ſpring time of the greeke word EVCRATON, which is that nothing can bee chaunged from his temperature.

The new writers haue indeauoured their wits to prooue, the moſt wholſommeſt and ſitteſt eſtate for the health of mans body is that ſeaſon, which is moſt beſt tempered vnder moyſture and heat, and that the flemmatike man is beſte delighted therewith: yet if we doo both approoue by experience, and alſo for our further doctrine vnderſtand, what Hypocrates ſaith hereunto: that no ſeaſons of the yeare are more corrupted, then thoſe which happen vnder the eſtate of moyſt and heat, And chiefly if the ſaide eſtate be either long or ſuperfluous: vnder which ſaid times, often falleth out great changeableneſſe in nature: for that not onely ſimple corruptions are then eaſily taken hold of, but all generall infections of peſtilences are ouerſpread, in ſwalowing vp the life of men, for which cauſe moyſtneſſe and heat, and of moſt excelling quickneſſe and full of life: and yet diſtemperance therewith hath full and large coniunction and corruption to doo harme herein. For Galen himſelfe confeſſeth, Humidiſſimam naturam eſſe vinaciſſimam, cum intemperatis, non autem temperata confert, The moiſt nature is moſt quickeſt in the ſtate of intemperate thinges, but it nothing preuaileth in thoſe thinges which are temperate: for certainly ſuperfluous moiſtneſſe, ſcarreth and breaketh naturall collour.

Some hold in opinion, that if heat by a ſtrong proportion do ſuperabound, cannot offend at all: as if it be tempered with excellent moiſtneſſe dooth alwaies conſerue a liuely temperance.

This opinion is much reprooues by Dyoſcorides, who iudgeth thoſe bodies which of neceſſitie exceed and ouerflowe in fleame, doo alſo exceede in heate and moyſtneſſe: and in like ſort, they are ſo deſeperate one from an other, as that they cannot per • ake or comprehend any perfect quickneſſe at all, conſidering that nature is rather hurt by the exceſſe of two properties then one: for there ought to be alwaies a medio • ritie and an indifferent eſtate in nature. Therefore it is neceſſarie that heat doo not extend in a ſanguine man more then humiditie: for if moyſt humour preheminentlie be placed, the intemperature of the ſanguine complexion is more quicke then any other temperatures, and yet not in a temperate diſpoſition. As ſuch intemperatures are of a more quicker operation then the reſt, ſo are they more vnwholſommer and eſieſt ſuſpected of their vnſoundnes, and nature oftentimes ſpeedily periſheth in them: eſpecially for that contag • on is ouer powerful therein: although this may be true, yet was there euer any that ſearched the true vnderſtanding thereof? For ſurely theſe ſanguine complexions, as they are hot and moyſt, ſo their bones, ſinewes, and vaines are couered with thicke fleſh ingendring great aboundance of blood, many of them thorow exceeding great ryot, eaſily do intertaine many diſeaſes, vntimely deuouring and ouerthrowing them.

And in very deed ther is in theſe ſanguin complexions a contagion which falleth out, both by ſtraunge and vnnaturall heat, which eaſily gathereth both becauſe the ſame is forenſical and improper, and alſo for that it hath a principall power in it ſelfe, ſo that the old pruerbe herein is verified: that ſmoke is next fire. And as it inſulteth vpon moyſtneſſe, ſo is it eaſily conioyned, & yet not nouriſhed therwith. The reaſon falleth out, for that heat and mo 〈…〉 e were diſtemperatly vnited: Alſo drineſſe verye hardly intertayneth heat. Yet if it be a hot drineſſe, contagion is very greatly repugned and withſtood thereby. Therefore it ſtandeth with dayly experience, that whatſoeuer things can be preſerued, ſa • ored or tempered with vimger or ſalt, from corruption, is wholſome and pure. It is a moſt excellent workmanſhip in like ſort to continue the ſound eſtate of man, vnder good and perfect ordinance in the time of heat and moiſtnes. Yet ſome writers verily think ſuch ſeaſons can hardly be recouered from corruption, but that ſome one diſeaſe or other, falleth out vpon the diſtemperance of the weather.

Furthermore, the authority of Ariſtotle or Theophraſtus ſhall not any thing herein preuaile, who wrongfully place the life of man between heat and moiſture, in the definitiue ſentence of death.

The old writers neuer did ſo thinke, hauing by three means gathered heat, cold, moiſtneſſe, and drineſſe: although the earth is more drier, notwithſtanding the quality thereof is impermixt: 〈2 pages missing〉 their bodies forthwith decline. And ſurely the indowment of theſe ſanguine complexions, are neyther hote nor colde, but temperate. They are men compounded of moſte excellent diſpoſitions: and for that they are of yellow whitiſh haire like flax, much good ſpeach is vſed of them, both by Galen and Dyoſcondes: they indure health ſtrongly, and doe reſiſt and beare out the danger of ſickeneſſe familiarlie, withſtand the furie of accidentall diſeaſes, (called infections) moſt ſtifly, and the rather by reaſon of the varietie of their permixion and confuſed humours.

Furthermore, for that we are diſtinctly to handle not onely the conſtitution of mans body, but chiefly the ſeuerall complexion, vnder which euery man is gouerned: therefore are we next to conſider of two ſortes of melancholicke men, of the which one kinde hath a helpefull humour and is appropriat to nature, the other is improper, or rather vnnaturall. The diſeaſe of the melancholicke perſon, is ingendred of two parts: of which one entreth into bloud, and poſſeſſeth the vaines, and the other is conuered into the ſpleane. It is profitable if the bloud thereof be thicke, whereas it was before thinne, watriſh and weake, being ſo conuerted doth muche ſtrengthen all the members of mans bodie.

There is a melancholious humor ingendred vpon the liuer, which ſimple is neyther hote nor colde, but abſolutely drie and cold. And as Galen reporteth Socrates to be a melancholicke perſon, and a man of a thin bloud, by reaſon he had no actiue increaſe in heat, & of a rough ſkin, becauſe continuall vapours frō the ſtomack moued intentiue coldneſſe, becauſe the comfortable bloud did not freely at all times returne to proper courſe, his bones, mouth and braine were drie, and his ſtomacke feeble.

Cornelius Celſus ſayth, that Socrates was a melancholike perſon on the worſt part, both for that the liuer bloud was not perfect, neyther had free and open paſſage or recourſe vnto the vaynes, or yet was temperately conueyed vnto the ſpleane, in which places bloud ſhould be plentifull, vigent and nutrimental, and by which meanes all melancholious ſuperfluitie ſhould be expelled.

Melancholy which is taken in good part manie wayes profiteth the body, to all wholeſome comfortes, and hath a ſpeciall regiment in the higheſt and beſt place to the ſpleane. But if it poſſeſſe the body on the worſe behalfe, becommeth a duſt, ſaltiſh, ſower, and boyleth vpon the inward partes, and is altogether groſe, rumous, and hath a finall inclinement to death.

A melancholike man is of countenance blacke and yellowe, and of nature in two degrees, & the one more tollerable in condicion then the other. The one ſort are moſt vnconſtant, and readily doe tergiuerſat from euery perfect purpoſe. Whoſoeuer readeth the opinion of Auycen in a certaine epiſtle ſuppoſed to be written to a noble Duke of Sabelayn Hiſpalis in Spaine, ſhall finde there deſcribed more certainly the properties of a melancholious perſon, then I purpoſe to intermedle withall. Yet Dyoſcorides maketh a very commendable report of a certaine excellent potion, called Dioſpoliciton, firſtAn excellent potion called Dioſpolic • ton. deuiſed and approued by Architas, Prince of Tarentum, a moſte ſoueraigne remedie againſt all melancholious diſeaſes. And Galen in his booke de ſanitate tuenda, Speaketh moſte deuinely, and reputeth thoſe men to be me • of high happineſſe, who in their diſpoſitions vnderſtand the wor • es of nature, do by inward contemplation, as by wiſedome and experience continually conſider, to inſtruct and reforme nature, to a better inclinement, vntill perfect grace, olde yeares, and gray hayres haue preuented the inconuenience of ſuch deſperat humours, and alſo to haue made an vtter conqueſt of all the euill practiſes thereof.

It is further to be noted, that many euil maners doe grow vpon the naturall diſpoſition of man like weedes, and that aſwell by dayly vſe and cuſtome, as by exceſſiue diſtemperance, dipt and coloured euery dayin wicked practiſes, from the pureneſſe of their firſt innoce • tie, as that ſometimes they are become vnreformable. And Galen affirmeth, that no greater per • l happeneth vnto man, then when euill cuſtome ouerruleth, ouerrunneth and ouerreacheth both diſpoſition and temperance, which ought to vnderſet and prolong the body with great fe 〈…〉 e and health: Therefore let vs herein following, ſet downe 〈…〉 two kindes of temperance. The firſt is obſerued and referred to waight, or heaule burthen in reſpect of the elementes: as that no qualitie doe therein exceede another, both for that all bodyes are of equall wayght in the qualities of the elements called temperate: for it is impoſſible that temperance ſhould be ſetled, eyther vnder exceſſe or defect. For as it ſeemeth the foure elementes are commixed within the comprehenſion of the ſame waight: And as fire hath his naturall qualitie, and actiue motion with the other elementes: ſo if there be a greater portion of fire then earth, ſurely heate with a preheminent dominion ſurpaſſeth coldneſſe.Hipocrates is miſſenſed or miſtooke.

There are many which deſpiſe Hypocrates in his Aphoriſines, altogether miſſenſing his doctrine of heate, not vnderſtanding ſimply heate, but a hot body, that is to ſay, the breath and bloud of the body. And doctor Meaſues ſayth, that children haue more breath and bloud, according to the proportion of their body, then others of higher age: that euen as a fire of greene woode burneth moſte ſtrongly and vehemently, ſo the heate of the children, (according to naturall meaſure and temperance) ouerpaſſe higher ages.

Leoncenus ſayth, neyther the one, nor the other ſtand with trueth, becauſe both ſortes are of one and the ſame degree according to proportion. But Galen by the way plainely admitteth children to haue more heate: not becauſe heate is in them more intentiue, but more aboundant: the which is moſt certain and true. For ſeeing breath and bloud are of neceſſitie more aboundant in children, it cannot otherwiſe be, but that naturall colour ought more aboundantly to poſſeſſe them.

Galen putteth downe next hereunto a ſecond maner of temperance to righteouſneſſe, as a poſitiue lawe to be obſerued of all men: the which righteouſneſſe conſiſteth to pay euery man his right, as well in due deſerts, as to him that receiueth it, as in diſcouering the glorious workes of naturall▪ duetie in the payer: for herein not onely conſiſteth a ſimple temperance, for that it is a principall thing, agreeable with equitie, but alſo becauſe it is begotten and brought foorth, as a fructifieng tree, from natures perfect inclination. Wherefore wee are to thinke of, and inquire, whether nature hath fauoured one place, and countrey more then an other, in the fauourable behalfe of temperaunce, not onely for dutie in righteouſneſſe, but for the perfourmance of all honeſt actions. In perfourming which purpoſe, Greece is magnified and highly regarded as a temperate countrie, both becauſe famous and excellent wits haue ſprong vp therein, as that experience hath tried them a famous people in ordinance of manners, and the workes of wiſedome haue diſcouered them by their wholſome lawes both for martiall, polliticke, and ciuil gouernment, And the inclination of nature hath poliſhed them to walk moſt temperately in their conditions, during the courſe of this life.

Demoſthenes in his orations againſt Philip of Macedonia, perſwadeth them to liue according to the temperate ſoyle of their countrie. And yet if we behold all liuing men in their order, there is not one ſo to be found, which attaineth that excelcellencie of wiſedome and vnderſtanding, as hee ought to the vttermoſt of natures indowmentes, except ſome few perſons preſigned thereunto. And yet euery liuing creature redily perfourmeth ſome temperate worke of nature: as ſome men in running ſwiftly, ſome men in reſiſting ſtronglie, and ſome men in agilitie, and ſome men in policie, but fewe men in learning, wiſedome, grauity, and the naturall facultie of eloquent ſpeaking: and the feweſt of all in the confeſſion of their creation: And yet euery one hath a ſeuerall worke of perfect temperance in the beſt behalfe.

So certainely all other vnreaſonable creatures are framed out of this naturall mould, to ſome temperate propertie or purpoſe, or other, as the horſe for ſwifenes, the Cow for fruitfulfulnes, the ſheepe for profitableneſſe, and many other pretious workes temperatly doo herein excell.

There is an other temperate creation in the plantes and hearbes of the fleld: although their vertue is quicke and vegetable,Vnequal qualities of diuers hearbes are made of one proper operation by the art of man. yet cannot ſkilfully vſe their owne propertie, but their properties are knowen, vſed, and ſearched out by the art of man: and as many qualties exceeding one another, are ſo made and compo • nded one by an other, into one quality of medicine, as that they doo not ſwarne or exceede one aboue an other in operation. For as hot water and cold ſnowe commixed together, are made one perfect temperance of warmneſſe, ſo all bodies or naturall qualities appereinent thereunto, are contayned or compaged vnder one bur • hen, ſtoope downe and take holde of ſeaſonableneſſe in euery kinde of coniugation or knitting together. Therefore the Phiſitian not onely croppeth all theſe hearbes of the field, but taketh his beſt delight and ioy in the propertie and vertue thereof, for recoueryng, helping, and comforting his ſicke patient by ſome confected medicine, aptly and wholſomely framed to the bodyly conſtitution: for which cauſe, ſurely, this man in all the partes and practiſes of honeſt duetie is a moſte perfect temperate man,

But let vs returne to our purpoſe, and inſert vnder this volume a moſt high, and ſecrete workmanſhip touching the forming of mankind in his creation, which moſt ſufficiently ſhall be prooued both by reaſon, argument & demonſtration: and that mans proportion had a begunning by the inſight of a deuine creature, firſt formed vnder an inuiſible ſubſtance, and afterwardes viſible, poſſeſſed vnder an anathomie of fleſh and blood, yeeldeth to a naturall inclinement in euery one to ſome ſeuerall property or other; ſo that one of them from thencefoorth hath from time to time increaſed in the fleſh and blood of an other, and chiefly vnder the protection of the deuine prouidence, as wel as by the continuance both of the earth and elements in one due progreſſe and courſe of all things.

Hereby may be perceyued that mans generation hath growen vp from age to age, vnder temperance and diſtemperance of the foure elementes: not onely vntill euery ſeuer all office of the ſame, he perfourmed in quality and quantity of a proportion able body, as alſo to be perfected in faſhion, that • a • ure beginneth competently to pertake her wonderful & admyrable works, therewith vnder cauſe and effect.

Then herein is to be required a commoderate difference of theſe bodies, whether the ſubſtance, as the in •••• ents appertaining hereunto be naturall or artificiall: if naturall, then their forme is vnder wholſome or vnwholſome temperance. The diſagreements ſhall be herein moſt largely declared: for the firſt beginning of artificiall forme, was comprehended vnder the handes of man: as eyther by etuming caruing, or ſkilfull payating. The chiefe maiſters of that facultie was Policletus or Apelles, their workmanſh • p was without natural temperance, actiue motion, or ſenſible feeling: And for that the foure elemēs had not tempered or vnited a motiue life or breath in them, the • r worke is not paſſiue, nor ſubiect either to temperance or diſtemperance, health nor ſickneſſe: they f • e • e neyther friendſhip nor hatred, good nor harme: when they are in tired they cannot reuenge, nor yet requite any good benefit beſtowed vppon them: they are ignorant of the alterations and chaunges of ſeaſons: They neyther feele the pleaſure of life, nor the paine of death: Their complexion is without diſpoſition or inclination, to any good or euill thinges, where as naturall forme, hath a moſt high place in the worke of a viſible ſubſtance. So that Lyonicenus hereunder, placeth Phyſiognomy to bee conioyned and annexed vnder naturall forme, and therewithal the partes and geſtures of the body are framed, accordyng to the manners of the minde. Ariſtotle in like ſort dooth reckon the actions of the body, to be agreeable with moſt men, after the manners of the mind.

Fuchſyus ſaith, a temperate body is not conſidered or meaſured in the waight of the elements, but in the perfect action of euery ſeueral mēber. If which reaſon be true, then thoſe bodies cannot be temperate, which are not faſhionable: then alſo thoſe actions which are done without forme, are neyther perfect nor effectual. No credite is aſſumed hereunto, eyther of learning, wiſedome, or experience: for otherwiſe the head cannot conceiue any good purpoſe, if the ioyntes be peruerted from nature.

Surely the higheſt and happieſt temperance appertaining hereunto, is when the mind in naturall propertie is prouided to all good deedes and perfect workes, and that nothing may hinder or entercept the honeſt intent thereof, this is perfect temperance. For otherwiſe if there wanted handes to doo a good ſeruice, in diſtributing: if the compoſition of the body were vytiate, eyther in the mothers wombe, or by the vnſkilfulneſſe of the Mydwife, in ſome one ioynt, ſhall this prooue the childe to bee diſabled from all temperance, and vnperfect in all actions, and therefore in him all neighbourly beneuolence were to bee quite taken away, if in any ſuch reſpect temperaunce did conſiſt. This ſtandeth far both from reaſon and iudgement, therefore ſeeing a temperate worke, frameth a temperate man, to be equall and meaſurable, we are to vnderſtand, that formitie and faſhion is an inſtrumentall cauſe, not effectual without the qualit • e of the minde, ſo that an elementall bodie meaſurably commixed in diſpoſition, may be temperate although the ſame bee not faſhionable.

Vliſses may be adioyned an example hereunto, who was far wyſer then Achilles, notwithſtāding he wanted outward induments & comely forme, which both Achylles & Nereus poſſeſſed. I wil poſſith foorth a liuely picture in the perfect diſcription of this matter, of one Acſop a Philoſopher, of all men that liued in his age, was in all the partes of his body moſt deformed, as being goor-bellied, bowe-legged, crooked-backed, a miſhapen head, with a crooked necke, the carootes thereof were both, ſhort and ſlender, hauing alſo flat noſtrels, and hanging lips ouerreaching their ſights in all miſhapen deformities: notwithſtanding, nature indued him with a temperate brame, hee was moſt wittie, pregnant, fruitfull, and in ſetting foorth of fayned fantaſies and ſodaine deuiſes among al men then liuing moſt happy. Therefore it followeth, that the beſt faſhion in body doth not attaine the beſt and wholſommeſt temperance, in the ornament of the mind. Manardus is deceiued, affyrning that outward forme is better then inward temperance: which if it ſhould ſo fall out, forme is the principall and efficient cauſe, and inward temperance is a cauſe coniunctiue following. For Aiax was of a faſhionable, ſtrong, and mighty body: yet was he mad, raging and furious: ſo that it is to be prooued, that the outward frame and forme (although it be neuer ſo faire and beautifull) cannot be well directed and gouerned, where inward temperance wanteth. And Hypocrates affyrmeth that forme and faſhion, with reaſonable creatures, ought to be poſſeſſed vnder a proportion or meaſure of the inward qualities, and that temperance is a ſeaſonable gift, from that heauenly workman, infuſed in man contriuing all inward qualities to become moſt ſplendant and vertuous in all metaphiſica • . cauſes, farre beyond mans conceit.

The Philoſopher ſayth. Homo hominem generat & ſol. Man and the ſunne doe generat and bring forth man. Therefore inferiour cauſes doe not inforce the ſuperiour cauſes from aboue.

And Galen ſayth, that the deuine cauſe hath faſhioned the proportion of the body, after the maners of the minde, and doe many times oen of them agree with an other, which if it doe ſo fall out, then corporall actions and naturall conditions, depend within themſelues, one vpon another, by a mutuall conſent in temperance.

Arnoldus de noua villa ſayth, that euery member in a ſeruiceable body, obtaineth perfect temperance from the inward minde: and yet he doth further report that bloud and humours are more thicker in an vntemperate body, and therefore degenerate in conditions.

Auycen concludeth, that the foure elementes are congeſted into euery ſeuerall body, predominating euery man, in ſome ſpeciall diſpoſition of good or euill, touching the qualities of the minde, of what faſhion or diſfaſhion ſoeuer the body is: but the power of heauen ouerruleth all.

Dyoſcorides ſayth, innocencie hath begotten man, in a perfectMans innocencie compared to a paynters tinſell. minde, in the beginning of his dayes, and was ſtayned afterwardes by 〈◊◊〉 or larger corruption, like a paynters tinſell, from white to red, in the carnation of mans bloud, but the celeſtiall power by a regular order, reformeth all thinges.

Thus endeth the firſt booke of temperaments. The Lord made heauen and earth and all things therein, Bleſſed be the workes of his hands.

HERE FOLLOWETH THE SECOND Booke of Temperamentes.

SEing in this firſt booke wee haue ſpoken of the nature, number, and order of elementes, aſwell of their proportion and ſubſtance in body, as their propertie in qualitie, haue found out not two, but foure compounded temperamentes. So alſo by delatiue circumſtance, haue we diſtinguiſhed, in the temperatures of times and ſeaſons of the yeare: the one by vniuerſall ſubſtance, the other by vniuerſall nature: the one in temperature or diſtemperature of heate, drineſſe, moyſture and coldneſſe, and the other touching pureneſſe in health, as corruptions in ſickeneſſe, happening vnder the good or euill regiment thereof.

We are further now to proceede, vntill by rule and order we finde out, by an vttermoſt indeuour, the plenary parts of mans eſtate, and condition in this life, the comprehenſion thereof, is in one behalfe naturall, and the other animall: So that a temperat man is by rule and 〈◊〉 in 〈◊〉 kindo of worke, by good manuring, and ciuill framing of his outward members, made inwardly perfect, for that voluntary motion hath before performed many ſeuerall duties in the moſt excellent ſences of a vertuous man. And yet it is a neceſſarie thing to diſcerne vnder theſe ſences a common ſence: ſo the inſignes and renowmed tokens thereof are ſt • ntomaticke, for that all cogitations in the heart of man are ſhut vp vnder ſleeping, and ſet at libertie vnder waking.

The excellencie hereof is incomprehenſible in a perfect vertuousCardo eſt cordis ienua. vt animantia motū a corde ſuſcipiunt, it • fores a cardine. Taſting. Feeling. Touching. Hearing. Seeing. Melancholicke men naturallie excell in memorie. man. Yet among the Pythagorian philoſophers, hee is accompted moſt vnhappie, which interdealeth any thing at all in thoſe primarie faculties, vnder which is contayned phantaſie, reaſon and memorie: as among the other ſenſes is inſerted a primary and perfect operation, thorow which, all the animall powers of a man are moued. And yet as a melancholicke perſon vnder his temperance, may be indewed with a ſtrong and ſtiffe memorie, yet by the ſame propertie hee ſhall nothing preuayle eyther in imagination or conceit: ſo alſo ſome others may be inſigned to preuayle in other good ornamentes, as abilitie of learning, or ſharpeneſſe of wit and vnderſtanding, except memorie which is not placed a like in all men: for no man is happie on euerie behalfe.

Surely ſenſible creatures (as Auycen affirmeth) on the greateſt behalfe, doe followe the temperature of bloud, and that he alone is temperate, which is ſo meaſurable in all primarie powers, chiefly to ſatiſfie all naturall workes, which ought of dutie to be performed.

For the more plainer vnderſtanding the deepe reach hereof, there is to be conſidered foure ſpeciall and naturall operations: atraction, retention, concoction, and expulſion. Theſe are placed in double vſe for the ſeruice of the whole body, not onely touching the inward parts, properly belonging to the ſtomacke and liuer, but there are ſome outwardly deputated, for continual vſe to miniſter inward reliefe and nouriſhment, for the preſeruation of the whole bodie: ſo that he which is perfect in euery worke hereof, is highly preferred in temperance.

Theſe thinges are manifeſtly inough diſcouered, and their difference onely conſiſteth herein, for that euery one ſerueth hys place to ſome proper worke. And yet theſe inward workes manifeſt themſelues to euerie one that outwardly, and ſeriouſly beholdeth them: as boldneſſe, feare and ſuch like. Therefore a temperate man is neyther bold, nor feareful, but ſtrong: neyther headlong, nor ſlowe, but ſpeedie: neither cruell nor ſoft, but gentle: neither enuious, nor yet a negligent deſpiſer of other mens ſubſtance, but a louer of his owne eſtate: no tyrant, nor raſhly mercifull, but righteous: neither full of hatred, nor loue, but a louer of his friends. Theſe affections are poſſeſſed vnder the liuer and lightes, in which place loue and deſire haue their chiefe and principall manſion: And therfore this prouerbe hath bene vniuerſall among philoſophers, that the liuer is the cauſe of loue, and the ſpleane moueth laughter, although oftentimes ſadneſſe draweth occaſion from the ſpleane thereunto.

Galen in his third booke of affections, the fourth chapter, calleth theſe affections morall workes, and vnreaſonable, for that they proceede from an vnreaſonable ſoule. And Galen ſayth that ſo long as the ſoule and the mind conflict within them ſelues, theſe differences are made: that the minde is increaſed with morall paſſions, and the ſoule with principall faculties.

The ſoule is a created ſubſtāce, inuiſible, hath no image nor faſhion but onely of his creature: The minde after the opinion of the philoſophers, poſſeſſeth the heart, foraſmuch as from that place proceedeth boldneſſe, valiantneſſe, and ſtoutneſſe, fearefulneſſe, and cowardly daſtardneſſe.

There is no man that denieth, or may interdict the minde from participating with the heart: Therefore the minde and the heart mutually inhabite one with another, and ſometimes the ſoule conſenteth with all the paſſions of the minde, and paſſe ouer in mutuall agreement alike: hereby the ſoule is ſo humbled with the minde, that the ſupreame dignitie thereof, falleth downe into the morall partes.

And Dyoſcorides ſayth, that when the ſoule and the minde are vnited and compaſſed within the morall paſſions, ſadneſſe, feare, boldneſſe and ſuch like belongeth thereunto: all which doe ſeaſon the perfect nature of a temperate man.

Ieremie Thriuerius ſayth, ye although the minde is poſſeſt with reaſon & vnderſtanding vnder the power of the ſoule, yet if conceit eyther decayeth, or ſwarueth aſide, frō the right vſe of the principall faculties, the wit is vanquiſhed, and the minde wandreth at large, hauing neyther guide nor place: heereupon falleth out the diſeaſe of madneſſe. Yet if the wits and the mind ſometimes appeale to the primarie ſences, and vncertainely retire againe, then the diſeaſe is lunaticalli following the temperance, or diſtemperance of the moone and the elementes. And alſo when the wit is apprehended by ſecret motions, and by ſodaine alienations carried a farre off, the diſeaſe is then called Lethargye when the principall faculties are decaied and ouerrun by olde age, ſickneſſe or any ſuch diſtemperance, ſo that the conceit is alſo ouer tyred, blunted or dulled, that the wit therby cannot perfourme any dutie or office of ſharpneſſe, or redyneſſe, in any perfect temperance, then this diſeaſe is called dotage, or a defection in the primary ſences: for ſurely a meaſurable and moderate man, ought to bee perfect in all naturall, animall, primary and morall works, and euery one ought to perfourme them as from a moderate body, diſpoſed to all temperance, and the ſignes of a ſeaſonable ſubſtance are, that the body he neither hard, nor ſoft, warme nor c • lde. And although theſe inſignes faile either outward or inward, yet certainlie, they may be true and approoueable in all temperate workes.

Galen conioineth vnto this temperature, a naturall, actiue, and contēplatiue motion: and ſaith, that a man which is compoſed of foure elementes ought to be indifferent in all theſe properties, aſwell in collour, ſtature and ſmoothneſſe, as courage, ſtoutneſſe, and all other conditions belonging to mercifull temperance in a bleſſed mind.

Hereunto alſo is commended vnto vs, an excellent temperance in the hayre of the body, which is beſt agreeable to yoong men, natiuely brought vp in temperate regions: It largely ſheweth the powerful and luſtie gouernment of youth, adorning yoong yeares aſwell in nature, as in complexion: For all other ages are intemperate. Wherefore in reckoning vp the drift of ages by dyuiding and directing the life of man into diuers and variable courſes, from his firſt age to his laſt and finall end, we are firſt to conſider of infancie, which hath continuance from the firſt natiuitie, to the ſpringing of the teeth: Then childehoode afterwardes taketh place vntill yoongmanſhip, called adoleſcencie (which is the ripeneſſe of time to generation, to bee perfourmed) which age is commonly knowen by hayres, eyther about the chin, or priuie partes: this age is very hot and moyſt.

Galen ſaith, this age beginneth in virgins at twelue or fourteene yeares, and continueth to twentie and ſomewhat beyond: And in this age drineſſe hath his beſt place and chiefeſt felicity although heat and moyſtneſſe in moſt part of them, continueth vntill thirtie and three, as the laſt and fartheſt driſt of adoleſcencie. Petrus Galienſis calleth that age, the ſpreading, gathering and ſtretching foorth of the body, as then dooth it moſt chieſlye lout in ſtrength. Arnoldus de noua villa ſaith, that the moſt part, eſpeciallie women, beginning their adoleſcencie before ripeneiſe of age hath geuen them libertie thereunto, doo afterwards • iue like vntimely fruite: as peares, plummes, or apples gathered before ſcaſonableneſſe and ripeneſſe hath perfected them, doo moſt ſpeedilie drie, rot, decay, and vtterly periſh.

This commonly is well perceiued and knowen to fall out in ſouth countries, where heat and moyſture exceſſiuely ouermatcheth with many corruptions and diſeaſes, in ſuch raſh ages.

Petrus Galienſis ſaith, that although the ſouth countries bring foorth ſtrong men, yet their age is not certainlie of hotte and moyſt temperance, nor yet conſtant vnder drineſſe, but rather moſt of all bendeth to extreame heat, which moiſtneſſe being ſo much inflamed therewith, as that the yoong and tender ſkinne is vtterly vnable to containe the meaſure thereof, but naturally ſpeweth and breaketh foorth without artificiall expulſion.

Next followeth mans eſtate, which ſtandeth for a while at a ſtay. And although their bodies by little and litle decaieth, yet their ſences continue vnbroken aboue fourtie yeares: and in ſome men of ſtong and ſound complexion vntill threeſcore and aboue.

Then commeth olde age, alienating and declining aſide, altogether repleniſhed with melancholious coldneſſe and dryneſſe, at which ſeaſon, blood and heat are ſetled and commixed in the bottome of the arteries, and vaines like dregges: And the longer they are ſtayed and lodged, ſomuch the ſooner the artion of blood is obſtructed and combuſted, and the ſtrength infeebled and diſabled: the which falleth out, aſwell becauſe of thickneſſe in the ſhinne, growen and faſtened with the bones and ſinewes, as alſo becauſe the excrementes haue bene there long ſtaied and cloſed vp: The which calamitie many men in their decrepit, and extreame age, vndertake and ſuſtaine. For their former impuritie of luſtie youth, is not onely vanquiſhed, but partched in ther bodies with fuliginous ſuperfluities like ſoote to a chinmey, afflicting them with drie coldnes vnto death.

Therefore happy is luſty olde age, whoſe former puritie hath drawen comfort, eaſe and ioy vpon gray haires, whoſe bloud is odiferous and ſweet, whoſe breath is eaſie and who ſom, wh • ſe bones vaines and ſinews are direct, whoſe digeſtion is eaſy and light, whoſe expulſion is naturall, in whome the temperance of heate, as drineſſe of bones, and moyſtneſſe of blood, are to olde yeares moſt nouriſhable: that like as the dry hot ground is not corrupted with euery moyſture of rayne, but the diſtemperance thicketh and freeſeth aboue the ground, before it pearceth: euen ſo temperate hot bodies are not eaſily pearced with the contagion or diſtemperance of moyſt coldnes, or any ſuch like ſuperfluous vapours.

Galen herewith concordeth that drie braines are leſſe incumbred with ſuper fluities, and moiſt braines naturallye appertaineth vnto ideotes and fooles, which lack diiſcretion, for that their primary faculties, are ouerf • oted or intermixed with ſuperfluous groſnes: ſo likewiſe a woman of moiſte complexion is moſt menſtruous, eſpecially if ſhe want the vſe of man, yet this rule and order is manifeſted by Galen in theſe words, Si virago fuerit fortis pre caliditate & ſiccitate, nunquam hoc profluuium admittet. Therefore hot and drie bodies of ſome women, are euenmuch infarced with excrements and growe into many inward diſeaſes for want of naturall deuoydance of their inconcocted ſuper fluities: for which reſpect their piteous fulſomnes, vnnaturally gathered, yſſueth by their noſtrels, therefore by th • s reaſon women of moiſt complections are moſt wholſome for the vſe of man.

It falleth out farre otherwiſe after the courſe of nature, in mens conſtitutions, for that Dioſcorides holdeth his opinion after this maner, who ſaith, Mallem ſiceitatem plenitudinis, humiditatem, incoctarum ſuperfluitatum, occaſionem eſſe. I had rather drineſſe ſhould be the occaſion of fulneſſe, then moiſtneſſe the occaſion vndigeſted ſuperfluities: For a moyſt bodie in a man is eaſily ingurged, difflated, puffed, and as it dooth greedily deſire ſuſtenance, ſo dooth it redily nouriſh excrementes, tranſcormeth much blood into watrie matter, ouermuch inſumeth and ſpendeth vpon nature: whereas on the contrarie, a dry body ſcarſly admitteth or indureth moſt nouriſhment, but that it doth preſently comprehend thereby a pure blood into the vaines, drieth and vtterly conſumeth al waterye and matery ſubſtance for drineſſe in adoleſcencie, furniſheth the bodie with good blood, diſouereth the body from raw excrementes, drieth, purgeth and perfecteth the bodie from all corruptions: As for exa • ple: Let vs diſtinguiſh between a flegmatick and a melancholike perſon, between a moyſt and drie braine: that hereby a moiſt temperance in reſpect of a drie is perceiued & knowen to haue moſt ſuperfluous humors abounding, and many times old men are more ſtuffed with excrementes then yoong men: the cauſe hereof is want of nouriſhing blood, which produceth coldneſſe. For prooffe, if two olde men were placed vnder one ayre, did both feede▪ vpon one diet, and were of one like age, ſurely hee which of them generateth a moyſt temperance, ſhall abound with the greateſt ſuperfluities. For it cannot bee otherwaies found out, but that drineſſe alwaies is the cauſe of puritie, and mayſtneſſe the occaſion of great impuritie. For all men doo obtaine the firſt partes of moyſtneſſe by carnat generation and therefore children are nouriſhed by ſleepe in their mothers wombe.

The ſecond part of cold ſuperfluities, are obtained by moiſtnes of complexion, which naturally diſfigureth many flegmatike old men, and draweth them ſubiect to euery vnconſtant vapour.

Auycen aſſigneth the cauſe of theſe and ſuch like piteous excrementes in olde men rather of an immoderate maner of diet, then of natures diſtemperance.

Galens opinion is moſt ſauorie to our ſences: and yet diſagreeing from Auycen, who ſayth, that although olde mens dyet, were much more dryer then y• dyet of yong men, yet for that exceſſiue coldneſſe puri •• eth them, muſt of neceſſitie abound with ouergreat excramentall ſuperfluitie.

There are many which haue wandred very wide, both in the conſtitution of old men and children, eſpecially Manardus firſt declaring that olde men be inforced with fleame, by reaſon of riotous youth and euerie variable accidence exhauſteth their bodies, with moſte perrillous peſtilences. This is contrary to Galen, who plainely affirmeth, that after olde age draweth on, the body is ſet free from all accidence, and bringeth forth diſeaſes of naturall propertie, for that nature eyther alienateth, or then weakeneth, or els quite decayeth.

And furthermore, whereas Manardus ſeemeth to conioyne coldneſſe, as a naturall eſſence in children, his reaſon is proper, onely for that they tooke the ſubſtance thereof in the firſt place of generation, and their heate is afterwardes gathered rather by nouriſhable meates then of naturall ſubſtance. This is contrarie to Galen, who is fortified with experience on the one ſide, and ſtandeth highly vpon the works of nature, on the other ſide, doth thinke that children are more hote and moyſt then adoleſcency.Children are apt to increaſe bloud. And why is Galen moued ſo to thinke? Firſt, for that children hath multitude of bloud. Secondly, they haue greedineſſe in appetite. And laſtly, they haue a ſubſtantiall valour in concoction.

As theſe reaſons ſhewe a great ground why there ſhould be more aboundant heate in children, ſo he denieth their heate to be intentiue. For Dyoſcorides verily affirmeth, that adoleſcencie hath more aboundance thereof, not according to the proportion of the body: For the body of a child, although in the ſmall quantitie thereof hath not more intentiue heate, yet hath more coyious and intentiue bloud, then adoleſcencie. Surely children in their proportion obſerued and conſidered, haue a greedie and quicke deſire to ſuſtenance, and are of redie digeſtion therunto. Therefore I thinke it extreame madneſſe in Theophraſtus Peracelſus, who abſolutely granteth a larger ſuſtenance to children, then adoleſcencie, ſeeing naturall operation refuſeth to be more ſtronger in children, and yet there heate is moſt plentifull, and their digeſtion moſt redie. Yet I doe not miſlike his difference made betweene children and infantes. For infantes in their firſt natiuitie, are colde, and therefore whollie giuen to ſleepe: but growing vp to children, are euery day more ſanguine, and therfore more hote and moyſt: for as heate prouoketh appetite, ſo moyſtaeſſe, is the cauſe efficient, aſwell to nouriſh great ſleepe in the body, as to aduaunce therewith the office of good nouriſhment.

And truely Dyoſcorides affirmeth, that children are vnder diuers inclinements, both of weakeneſſe and ſtrength: And the ſame is well diſcerned vnder a double operation of their excrementes, as that the one being ouerſoft, and the other vtterlie voyd of moyſtneſſe. The firſt argueth moyſt coldneſſe, which ſtirreth vp a naturall deſire and diſpoſition to ſleepe in children, the other prouoketh and increaſeth bloud, releeueth and comforteth the vitall partes.

The Philoſopher is woonted to declare, that moyſtneſſe is the firſt cauſe of ſleepe, and coldneſſe is the ſecond cauſe: And therefore when the humours of the body be de • ected eyther by nature or art, both moyſtneſſe and coldneſſe both in the firſt and ſecond degree are poſſeſt in the body. Yet theſe colde humid de • ections vpward, manie times infeebleth the ſtomackes of children with cold diſtemperance, and doe egerly ſcower, waſt and extenuate their bodyes downeward, as that thereby all their naturall vertues are quite weakened and their facultie of appetite, quite ouerthrowne.

Then ſurely we haue iuſt cauſe, to make further ſearch & inquierie as touching the difference betweene adoleſcencie andIn reſpect of naturall ch • ller adoleſeencie exceedeth children in • eate or els not. children in their heate, which is chalenged, that adoleſcencie exceedeth children in larger aboundance of heat in reſpect of naturall choller, which more ſharpely inflameth and purſueth the body. And except the ſame be preuented, oftentimes in gluttonous und glaſſie corruption, exceſſiuely draweth the body to inflaming diſeaſes therby: In this reſpect adoleſcencie ſurpaſſeth children in heate, or els not.

For the better vnderſtanding hereof, let vs vſe this compariſon following, and agreeable hereunto: that if two cuppes being of vnlike quātitie, filled with hot pure water, without ſlime or corruption put thereunto, the qualitie of the leſſer, may exceed the quantitie of the greater in heat: and yet their equall quantity according to proportion is nothing diminiſhed. Euen ſo blood may according to proportion be matched in children and adoleſcencie alike, & yet their heate may exceed one aboue another.

This is onely ſpoken, for that heate is eſtabliſhed by bloud: for as in ſome diſpoſitions, nature is earthly and colde from their conception, ſo heate of bloud aduaunceth and promoteth the ſame, to become vegetable and wholeſome in the vniuerſall partes of the body by nutrimentall meanes. For which reſpect if the qualitie be vnlike, yet the quantitie according to prportion may equally agree together. This proueth, heat in children and young men ought to haue ſeuerall proportions in ſubſtance, and yet in qualitie they doe exceede vnlike: for as heate in yoong menne may be more ſharper, ſo in children more ſweeter and taſtefull. And whereas bloud is in Children more intentiue, ſo heat is in yong men more intentiue, as is aforeſaid. For which cauſe, medicines prepared for yoong men, are of more higher degree, both in nature and operation, Otherwiſe vnforceable to reach the conſtitution of adoleſcencie, onely and becauſe of their high courage and ſtrength, which is in the ſubſtance of thetr intentiue heate: for which cauſe, the greateſt ſkill that belongeth to the heedefull and wiſe phiſitian is euermore, to conſider aſwell of the cauſe as the conſtitution, that temperance may thereby be perfected into good eſtate and condition, by qualitie, and that medicine and the body doe not exceede one another. For heate ought to be more ſharper comprehended therein, not by a variable ſubſtance in it ſelfe, but by artificiall helpe aduaunced thereunto, ſo that ſometimes bodies of cold and raw conſtitutions doe ſwiftly haſten towardes many dangerous diſeaſes, except onely tranſlated into ſome other more perfect nature, or otherwiſe reuiued both in ſubſtance of bloud, and ſtrength of heate. As if a hote ſtone being dipped in a cold bath, or a colde ſtone in a hote bath of water, doth forthwith alter both the water and the ayre, to be of a like qualitie with the ſtone. So theſe diſtempered bodies are reformed by artfull knowledge to become in equall temperance alike: and yet not in operation, for want of bloud, ſo that heate may be reſtored, or the exceſſe thereof diminiſhed. For like as difference is interpoſed betweene a cleere and groſſe ayre, as hauing like qualitie of heate, yet not like neyther in ſubſtance nor naturall operaion, ſo diuers conſtitutions by this meanes may be l • ke in qualitie, and the variable eſtate thereof may become alſo of one temperance and operation.

There is a difference to be ſet downe in the outward eſtate of two temperat bodies together. As firſt, to regard their differences, by touching and feeling the ſubſtance, according to proportion of euery ſeuerall part by it ſelfe: for many times by the proportion of outward thinges, the good and euill eſtate of inward thinges, are knowne & beleeued, as onely by a ſuppoſed Hypotheſis. For if the heate of adoleſcencie and childhood, may be found equall by teeling, then would it fall out, that the compariſon of ages betweene adoleſcencie and children, were of neceſſitie equall: vnto which there muſt be adioyned both diſcretion, conſideration and conſtant ſtay. For Cornelius Celſus ſaith, that yong men which are perfect in conceit & vnderſtanding, are of hote diſpoſitions, & haue verie little deſire to ſleepe, the which thing ſomewhat bendeth towardes drineſſe:Hote braines are apt and inuentiue and ſmall deſire to ſleepe. And yet nothing is in the obſcure workes of nature to be diſcerned in them either by feeling or touching.

Galen in his booke de ſanitate tuenda, rehearſeth manie high and variable diſpoſitions, both in adoleſcencie and children, and putteth forth moſte excellent preſeruations in eyther their defences.

Theophraſtus Paracelſus ſaith, that heate belonging to children is increaſed and multiplied with nouriſhmentes, vntill adoleſcencie be perfected, and afterward ſhorteneth, decayeth, and falleth away, as the ſomme • dayes, vpon the approchment of winter: And therefore he ſayth, that generation is colde and moyſt. As a kernell throwne into cold earth, is by the naturall operation of the earth, nouriſhed by one degree to another, vntill it become a plant, and ſo forth vnto a perfect tree, ſo is bloud and heate directed to increaſe, and ariſe from generation to conception, vntill a perfect birth be performed to infancie, and then forwardes to childhoode, vntill adoleſcencie be conſummat. This reaſon ſtandeth verie proper to manie diſpoſitions.

As touching adoleſcencie, it is moſt largely ſet downe in the ſecond of the Aphoriſines, touching wormes in yoong men, proceeding of an intentiue heat, and by the ſame reaſon, adoleſcency more eaſily falleth into ſharpe feauers than children. Firſt, not onely becauſe heat is in them more intentiue, but alſo ſharpe and dry: all which is manifeſted by touching and feeling the complexion, whether in the courſe of blood, it be ſoft or hard: for thoſe kindes of feauers are of diuers natures, which eyther by an extreame deuoydance, or defect of blood, doo aſwell offend the arteries, as other principall members, the heart, the lyuer, the lunges, the ſtomach, and the raines, which in their vegetatiue nature are waſted and conſumed: ſo that by the higheſt degree of daunger, the ſpirites vitall, naturall, and animall, are exceſſiuely infoizned: or in an other reſpect, the naturall humoures boyles and ſeethes about the ſtomach, or the braines, oftimes are vanquiſhed by ſtrong vapoures, ſo that both giddineſſe diſtempereth the head, and diſapetteth the ſtomach: and the rather if naturall heat be interdicted from all rightfull and due paſſage in the vaines: for which reſpect theſe rotten feauers doo growe vpon adoleſcencie in the contagion aforeſaid: or els by reaſon of groſſe blood, ſalt fleame, or praſſiue choller, or melancholious ſorrowe, or by diſtemperance of mordinate heat in the ſunne, or putrified ayres, or inordinate ſurfets, or for lacke of exerciſes.

There are diuers ſortes of theſe feauers, hauing diuers natural inconuemences attending vpon them: Some of them are called humerall, ſome are called Ephimerae, ſome are called Hecticae, ſome are called Capillares. Theſe feauers haue diuers ſecreet perils depending vpon them, and oftentimes when their conſtitution is inwardly drie, doo denunciate great outward moyſtneſſe. For as wax is moyſt and drie, or colde and drie in one nature, ſo theſe feauers may be more noyſome • , aduerſible and impedimental, for that nature moleſted by cold drineſſe is like ſoft clay congealed to drie hardnes, of a frozen compact ſubſtance: which reaſon declareth that colde drineſſe taketh his firſt ſubſtance from colde moyſtneſſe. In which dangerous degree immedicable corruptions depend hereupon, nature being tranſperſed in the firſt maner of compariſon, as the elements reſerue in thēſelues a perfect ſubſtance, and yet diſpoſe and alter the qualitie an other way. For where the ſubſtance falleth away, there putrifaction beginneth a common calamity, nature vtterly deſiſteth, and leaueth of her common and operatiue courſe thereby.

Theſe differences of moyſtneſſe and drineſſe (by alteration of nature) are knowen in ſuſtance of all liuing things. For wher liquid propertie of fluxing hath power, there the courſe of corruption poyſoneth and putrifieth all thinges: for fluxible things are moiſt, ouerflowe and run foorth, abroad to euery detrimental miſchiefe, and thoſe thinges which eaſilie concreat are ſpeedilie drie, and will not afterwardes vnderbend to the qualitie of moiſtneſſe. So after this manner the contrarieties of drineſſe and moyſtneſſe, are in their natures eſteemed and accounted off. We are then to conſider not onelie the humours, which euery man is beſt diſpoſed vnto, but all the partes of a man, vnder what conſtitution, eyther of drineſſe or moyſtneſſe he doo wholly depend. As firſt, wee are to pleade vpon the highneſſe and excellencie of fatneſſe, which is ſo much aduanced in the bodie of man, As that thorow that mediocritie all voluptuous delightes are proſpered, and by the exeſſe thereof the vitall blood is much corrupted: And as pure fatneſſe is contayned vnder health and wholſomneſſe, ſo fat which commeth of gluttonous ingurgitation is verie deceitfull to the body. And therfore fatneſſe is contayned vnder diuers kindes, and after diuers complexons, ſo the propertie thereof is alſo diuers. For as faines inlarded vpon the fleſh, is moſt purely congeſted into ſubſtance, ſo is it moiſtly nouriſhable in digeſtion. And yet the parchment ſkin called the membrans, as the calleThis moiſtnes is like a running gutter which if the fountaine be ſtopped aboue the gutter forthwith drieth beneath. and fylme, wherin the guters or bowels are lapped, are moſt drie after the opinion of Theophraſtus, both becauſe their moiſtneſſe ſwiftly is tranſported into the liuer vaines, and oftentimes deuoided away by the vrine, or ordour, and alſo for that all the inward partes continuallie, as alſo hotly and exceſſiuely breathing thereupon made thereby of neceſſitie drie: although hot moiſtnes reeketh thereupon, yet can it neuer growe into perfect ſubſtance therewith.

There is an other fatneſſe impertinent from the temperature of man, called tallow, onely belonging to Oxen and other ſuch like vnreaſonable creatures, partible in the hooffe, the which is both drie and yearthly.

Likewiſe there is an other fatneſſe called greaſe, which nothing appertaineth to man, except that which moyſtlie is gathered in the gall. And as that greaſe which is ſo gathered is moyſt, ſo is it moiſtlie digeſted, and drawen into moiſt ſubſtance, eſpeciallie vpon claw footed beaſtes and foules of the ayre.

Auycen aſſureth, that nothing is more preſeruing to mans life then naturall greaſe, gathered vpon pure and perfect ſuſtenance, yet many make no choiſe of their meates, but in their feeding doo groſlie ſatiſfie appetite, greedilie furniſh their ſtomaches, and in purſuing their owne delightes, doo thereby vtterlie diſfauour complexion, corrupt blood, and nouriſh diſeaſes: And the fatneſſe ſo gathered vppon ſuch ſlymie and loathſome ſuſtenance, is moyſte in the higheſt degree: thorowe which the bodie is ingroſſed, the guttes puffed, the braines inuapoured, and the ſtomach ingurged, Beſides which, it dooth congeale into a variable viſcous, and matery ſubſtance of waterie blood, inundating between the ſkinne and the fleſh: ſo that ſwelling tympanies oftentimes breake foorth in the fulſome generation thereof.

Auycen ſayth, that whoſoeuer deſireth health and long dayes, let him make his choyſe of drye meates to feede vppon, and thereby to increaſe and gather perfect ſubſtaunce of fatte, ſo that the fleſhe and the fatte may bee equallye inlarded-agreeable one together with an other, as that nothing may exceede therein one from another, vnder Natures temperaunce: And that the vitall bloud taking perfect liking and pleaſure therewith, may fruitfully flowe into all the partes of man without opilation.

There is moreouer a fatte deeply couched in the bones, which Auycen calleth the pyth and kernell of the bones, it is hot and drie, and beeing melted, preſently yeeldeth and ſpreadeth to bee liquid, and yet forthwith returneth to the ſame naturall ſubſtance as before.

This marrowe is of diuers qualities in the diſpoſition of theThe ſpinall marrow is the backe bone marrowe. Ther be two oments, one in the head, called P • a mater, and the other belonging to the open fat ouer the belly bones. As firſt in the braines, next in the fiat, broad, hollow and round bones.

Galen ſayth, that the marrow of the bones is moſt drie, and the ſpinall marrowe moiſt in the ſecond degree: for the bone marrowe is perfected and made pure, naturallye compacted within the hard ſhell of the bones, and the oment marrowe is liquid in the celles of the head, and void of all during ſubſtance, for that the humours haue ſuch large acceſſe thereunto, that the ſame is thereby continually molified and verie highly weakened in operation.

Surely it is a wonderfull myſterie to conſider, and thorowly weigh this excellent worke of nature, for the variable couching this pyth, in the deepe bottome of the bones, ſowpling, ſcouring, renuing and fortifieng the ſtrength and ſwiftnes of the body thereby.

Galen hath many degrees in the variable art of nature, touching marrow of diuers kindes and properties: and touching the vniuerſall frame of the bones, is nothing els but an outward anathomie of the whole bodie, couered and ſet foorth with fleſh, blood, ſ • i • , vaines & ſinewes. So alſo there wanteth no neceſſarie office within, that appertaineth to the life of man. But touching meaſelled or kernelled fleſh, with which we haue not to interdeale within the drift of this our purpoſe, both beccauſe it is a monſtrous miſhapen ſubſtance, gathered within the fleſh, contrary to nature, and alſo becauſe ſundrie infections ariſe thereby, in mutuall conſort one with an other, ſo that hauing this ſpoken of the inwarde worke in the outward temperance, are not to omit alſo the temperaunce of the inward motions.

Touching the lightes, ſpleane and raines which are of hot and moiſt diſpoſitions, and yet their ordinances miniſter many drie effectes in the body: for there are ſome writers, as Petrus Briſſotus, Petrus Galienſis, Iohannes Glarenſis, Michell Scotus, or Cornelius Celſus, who ſuppoſe the loonges to be indued with leſſer moyſtneſſe then the liuer, and the rather, becauſe cholericke bloud is not intermingled therewith, except that which perfectly purgeth the ſame.

Theophraſtus Paracelſus concludeth the loonges to be a certaine ſpungie inſtrument in the ſide, and is of ſuch hote propertie, as that moſt chiefly it is nouriſhed by extracting moyſtneſſe from the liuer: And alſo it is to be adiudged vnder the nature of drineſſe, for that the ſpirite and breath hath ſuch a forceable exhalation from the ſame. Therefore Auycen affirmethThat which is hote is eaſily corrupted with cold. that as all accidentall hearbes, doe much comfort the loonges, ſo all accidentall coldneſſe, is moſt harmefull thereunto, as generating tyſickes, coughes, belchinges, ſhort breathinges. And yet the loonges are much comforted vnder a naturall choller, in theſe bodies which can beſt poſſeſſe & inioy the ſame: whereas the liuer bloud is moyſt and earthly, and vnder a melancholious temperance, and a melancholious body is very thicke, and ſubiect to putrified corruptions in the ayre, and therefore ſubiect to peſtilence, eſpecially vnder euery colde and drie diſtemperance.

Galen ſpeaketh of certaine hot moyſtneſſe, in mucilaginous fleſh, inclineable to the ſecond degree: ſuch bodies doe drawe from the loonges and liuer, by an exceſſe exhalation, eyther of temperance or diſtemperance, the corruption heereof is eaſily found out by a ſtincking and contagious breath, and other ſuperfluous excrementes deuoyded by fleanie. And although the morning breath may be vnſauorie by filthie and hurtfull contagions, proceeding eyther by long faſting, emptineſſe of the ſtomacke, or the breath cloſly detayned vnder long ſleepe, gathereth excrementall filthineſſe thereby: ſo ſurely all the fathers and beſt writers, doe attribute the efficient cauſe, vpon a ſlimie decay, and noyſome corruption in the loonges, which neceſſarily falleth out by the moyſtneſſe of the liuer, feeding the ſame.

It is a very hard thing to finde one member hote and drie together, except the hart, which ſtandeth vpō the dyaphragm • , which maketh diuiſion vppon the ſpirituall partes: Therefore Auycen placeth the hart abſolutely drie.

Dyoſcorides ſomewhat doth contradict Auycen heerein, Who ſaith, that although the loonges giue breath, yet their comfort proceedeth from the heart, giueth heate and ſtrength thereunto: And alſo breath by either partes adioyned thereunto, is made more hoter. So likewiſe the liuer bloud is deferued and ſtrengthened in heate, by purſuing and ſearching vppon other parts of the body adioyned thereunto, otherwiſe it is earthly, eſpecially when accidentall effectes in diſeaſes are tranſferred beyond the power of nature: And as the breath followeth the nature of the loonges, ſo the bloud onely followeth the nature of the liuer, and yet in their propertie they doe both decline, for breath is moſt filthily corrupted aſwel by inward excremēts as inward diſeaſes. So the bloud by ſweete and delicious nouriſhmentes is conuerted to choller, and is then both hote and inflammatiue: So that diſcrepating frō his firſt propertie, vtterly orrupteth, decayeth, becōmeth abſumpt in the degree of death.

Cornelius Celſus ſayth, the ſpirite, the heart, the bloud, the liuer, the ſingle fleſh, the muſculous fleſhe, the ſpleane, the raynes, the arteries, the vaines, are hote by accidentall meanes, otherwiſe they are cold: this his meaning is left raw and vnſeaſoned: it is to be coniectured he meaneth thoſe accidentes to be the nouriſhment which increaſeth, proſpereth and cheriſheth thoſe parts of the body, in qualitie and quantitie, which otherwiſe after the maner of the membrance, woulde debilitate and ſurceaſe their power. All this conſidered, as the ſpirite is more exquiſite and ſearching ſo is it alſo in due propertie more warmer then bloud. Likewiſe and on the contrary, the arteries with the vaynes and fatneſſe, are hote, and yet by all and euery euill and ſubtill accidents, colde, if the body infecting or touching be found ſoft, it is not forthwith moyſt: for reaſon may not iudge ſuch a bodie to be ſoft, which by vnnaturall humour is manie times fluxible. For euen as wax is not of his owne propertie onely moyſt, as by the exceſſe of accidentall heate put thereunto, ſo cleere water, is thickned or hardened by accidentall colde. This proueth all thinges to be vnder ſome vnnaturall propertie, and reuertible from their firſt freſh floriſhing natural courſe. So that hitherto hauing defined temperance with all meaſurable moderation, ſo alſo haue we differenced ages and proportions of yoong men, from olde men: and olde men from children: and children from infantes.

Next, after the opinion of Galen we are onely to ſhewe the temperature of theſe accidentes, which verie highly varie many times from nature and become deformed and unproper in thē ſelues: As ſlenderneſſe, thickeneſſe, corpulencie and a meaſurableneſſe in the naturall condition of all men. And touching ſlenderneſſe, there are two euidences thereby ſignified, that is, aſwell the ſmall quantitie of fleſh, as the pu • r fatneſſe concreated vpon drie bodies, thorow which the dyaphragma is thereby ſafeſt preſerued from contagion: as the reaſon and vnderſtanding vnuanquiſhed, ſo that a large and liberall life, with ſondrie excellent indowmentes are appertayning to thoſe bodyes. But corpulencie declareth the aboundance of fleſhe, which ingroſſeth and vapoureth vpon moiſtneſſe, bringeth forth manie noyſome and filthy diſeaſes in the body: Whereas thinneſſe and ſmaleneſſe of fleſh, ſheweth perfect drineſſe, ſo corpulencie doth ſhew coldneſſe and moyſtneſſe.

Cornelius Celſus doth affirme, that a thinne body ſheweth frugall fatneſſe, nouriſhed in the warmeneſſe of a thinne bloud. So theſe groſſe bodies nurſe vp thicke bloud, and venomed humours.

Theſe men are in a moſt dangerous caſe, if there be a colde congealement in the vaines and other members, which belongeth to ſurfetting dronkardes and ſuch like diſordered perſons.

Galen affirmeth, verie muche good appertaineth to thoſe men, which are perfected vnder a meaſurable comprehenſion. Firſt if their bloud be hote, thinne, and clearely recourſeth in the vaynes: if their breath be ſharpe, ſweete and thinne: if their bloud be warme, ſharpe and ſweete, all which maketh indication of a perfect ſubſtance, except theſe natures be poyſoned otherwiſe by ſome cold vaporous accidentes: for colde things doe eaſily concreate vppon a warme ſubſtance: or except alſo this vnnaturall, diſtemperat coldneſſe, falleth out in melancholious complexions, whoſe bloud is thicke, ſlimie, and ſower. And yet there are ſome ſanguine complexions of inclineable fat, as they doe greatly fauour daintie meates, ſo doe they yeld good liking to euery ſeuerall office and portion in the body. And nature euermore fauoureth, comforteth, nouriſheth and purgeth theſe complexions in her owne propertie.

Theſe complexions doe neuer concord with anie earthlie exhalations, but ſpeedily decay and periſh therewith.

Galen ſayth in his booke of ſimples, that the naturall fat in theſe men is both hote and taſtfull: And the waterie fat, which is congeſted into ſubſtance vpon theſe men is ſower, bitter, and expoſed to innumerable perils. Alſo when thinne portions of this earthly bloud, thorow cold vapours is made thicke, and thorow ſlender vaynes falling downe, beſt liketh and deſireth to poſſeſſe the coldeſt partes of the body, forthwith congealeth into cold fatneſſe, not onely thereby pearceth the thinne ſubſtance of the body, but alſo hurteth the naturall actions in the ſenſes, eſpecially by the diſeaſes of ye crampe, ſtitches, feauers, rewnis, crickes, lameneſſe, numneſſe, painefull gripinges and ſuch like: whereas otherwiſe, good nouriſhment, warmeneſſe, comfortable ſweates, bathinges, opening the poores, electuaries, purginges, omiſſion of bloud, choyſe of meates, might be ſufficient meanes, to chaſe away the intollerable hurtes and perilles that may inſue heereof, as alſo by preſeruing and nouriſhing of a more hotter and ſweeter bloud.

Next followeth that whatſoeuer hath bin ſpoken heretofore, touching drineſſe in the oment of the belly, which is a couerture aboue and beyond the filme, vnder which all the guttes are lapped, ſo there is another oment in the head which is moyſt called the ſkinne or rim of the brayne and commonly called of the chyrurgians pia mater: It is coarcted in the middle partes of the head, with many offices and appurtenances thereto belonging. Therefore aſwell ſuch men as women, whoſe bodyes are inueſted with corpulent and fattie fleſh, are moleſted in the ſubſtance thereof with an interflowing inundation, ſo that their complexion is commonly moyſt and there oment in the head moyſter.

Yet ſurely there are ſome natures, ſo equally compacted in the order of the foure elementes, whoſe temperance is vnder the gretlie word EVCRATON, which is neuer changed or moleſted with any malignitie, but ſtand mightilie againſt all diſtemperances. And as their temperatures are indifferent in all meaſures, ſo are they neuer deprehended by any impropertie or euill accidence: if the bloud be thicke, then the vaines be ſtraight and narrowe, and the blood ſlowlie interfloweth.

The which ſort of men are troubled with giddines and ſwimming in the head, are vnable to indure any paines, or vndertake faſting or honger: Whereas the other temperatures vnder this word EVCRATON vndertake ſtrongly, are ſwift in digeſtion, do wholſomly nouriſh al ſuſtenance: into perfect ſubſtance their blood floweth and comfortablie interfloweth in the courſe of the whole bodie: Their ſleep is ſweete, chearable and reſtfull: they liue in health: Their yoong daies are ioyfull, and their old daies peaceable to their graue.

And ſeeing we are farther to purſue the bodie of man in hys whole and ſubſtantiall eſſence, wee are next to conſider the temperatures of the ayre. And although Auycen reporteth, that the bones of man hath more drineſſe then the hayres, yet I cannot otherwiſe reade, but that hayres haue encreaſe of an earthlie vapour, and the bones are vnder a ſharpe thinne vegetation of blood: and the ſtronger nature is, there the increaſe is made more valourable, thicke and ſtyffe: and as nature is inſigned out in the worke hereof moſt perfect to the eies of all men, ſo doo they valiantly ſuſtaine the trauels and miſeries, which appertaine to this life.

Here might be a gathered coniunction in the temperatures of the griſtles or the griſtely lygumens, the tendons, which are the great ſinewes, or the cordes of the body: as alſo the arterick vaines, where the ſpirit of life recourſeth, and the hard and ſoft ſinewes ſenſitiue, with the ſpinall marrowe. For the more ſofter theſe portions doo appeare, the rather doo they obtaine and generate an indifferent nature, both of moiſtneſſe and drineſſe, aſwell of heat, as of colde: ſo that the good temperature of all theſe portions in the body, doo yeeld a perfect increaſe and nouriſhment to the hayr of the head, except they be diſtempered thorow any ſuperfluous accidence otherwiſe.

Therefore Raſis ſayth, that the haire is a materiall cauſe deriued from the humours of the inward partes of the body, as of the vaines. Ruellius ſaith, that ſtrong is the officient and perfect cauſe of thicke haire, which ſomewat conſiſteth and • ayeth vnder the eſtate and condition of the ſkinne, and is not generated of euery ſuperſiuitie, ercept onely of that ſuperaboundant temperature, which is gathered in the extreame partes of man: and thoſe excrements are variable. As firſt, the excrementes in the bleather are of two ſortes: the one cleare, and the other thick: the one is called Hypoſtaſis, which by a perfect digeſtionThe excrement of moiſture is of two ſortes. is aduanced in the ſubſtance of the brine, and either is in the blather or ſeroot, or ſtrained and extenuated from the bodie, is paſſed ouer into vapours, for the increaſe of hayres: or els in ſtyrring and chafing the body, is deliuered foorth by ſweates, or els groweth into flegmatike inundations.

Galen auoucheth that there is one part thereof aſcending vp and peacing the braines, deliuered and abſumed away, by a dry rewmatike ſpyttell, an other part is deliuered away by common courſe of excrementes at the noſtrels, and an other part is deliuered away by ſwea • es, an other part is deliuered away by ſorrow of the eyes, in weeping, an other part is left for the increaſe of haires: ſo that whatſoeuer remaineth, is congeſted into the moiſt partes of the body. For although humours doo ſometimes abide within thoſe thin breathinges, yet haue they no due ordinance from nature: and therefore for that nature hath no power nor force in thoſe degenerate humours, doo retire backe, and in reſpect of exceſſe moyſtneſſe, cannot continue themſelues within their poores, or breathing places, vntil there be a ſufficient generation gathered together, ariſing vp into a fulneſſe of hayres, in the head, beard, or priuie partes, in whichNature wolde not diſornate the beautie of the face with h • iree, but place them in a ſeemlye orde • . places the humours doo longeſt abide and ſettle. And nature hath prepared a way and paſſage for thoſe excrementes, to inflowe by the banke and brinkes of the cheekes, to the chinne, whereby there ſhould be a comely grace in the haires, vpon the fauaur of the face.

There remaineth a probable coniecture for vs to thinke, that haires doe onely increaſe of excrementes thicklie congeſted: and the rather are we ſo to thinke and iudge herein, for that ſome part of thoſe excrements ſenſiblie paſſe away by weakneſſe, as alſo for that they are vniuerſal throughout the body. For when the body is diſturbed, by any fuliginous or ſmokie vapours, then the outward forme of the bodie altereth and changeth therewith: beſides which, the haires doo eyther alter in their outward forme, and fall away, as leaues decay from the moyſture of the tree.

And ſurely it is a high Philoſophie to conſider, that when the body is looſe and purgatiue of nature, ſuch excrementes foorthwith doo yeelde and deuoyd, that the poores therewithall open, waxe weake and looſe, ſo that many times thoſe open exhalations doo not onelie diſturbe the bodie, but as ingroſers of pure bloude, diſcouer themſelues, yet in ſtay of their malice become ſubiect both to naturall and artificiall purgation. Therefore Dioſcorides ſaith, that excrementall exhalations are no cauſe of growth in the hayre, but good blood: and that as blood flouriſheth and decayeth, ſo hayres both in youth and age, diſcouer and open themſelues: and alſo for that ſickneſſe extenuateth blood, dooth alſo decay haires in the bodie, being extenuated from blood. Alſo as health increaſeth blood and good liking in the body, ſo the haires therewithall proſper, flouriſh and growe foorth at large.

Auycen diſcourſeth and trauelleth moſt highlie heerein, that blood is no cauſe of hayre, but rather a vaporous exhalation from blood: And as blood changeth, ſo exhalations doo herein alter: ſo that Avycen agreeth not with Dyoſcorides. Yet Galen flatlie concludeth, that moiſtneſſe is the cauſe of hayres: and although the bodie bee ſtrooke aſunder from the head, yet there is an increaſe of hayres, ſo long as there is moyſtneſſe in the heade, and therefore deade men haue increaſe of hayres, vntill all moyſtneſſe be abſumed by putrifaction.

Let vs alſo in this treatiſe ſomewhat diſcouer the growth of hayres, which after the ſtraightneſſe or crokenedneſſe of the poores be either curled or ſtraight.

Theſe curled haires fall out of diuers cauſes: not becauſe the ſkinne is ſoft of it ſelfe, neyther becauſe the exhalation is weake, but becauſe the paſſage of the exhalation is croſſe, and the poors crooked, otherwiſe haires are inlarged in a right courſe, aſwell by ſtrong vapours, by temperate moiſtnes, and ſoundnes of the body.

Theophraſtus Paracelſus reproteth an other cauſe of curled haires: as both becauſe the rootes of the haires, are wrinkled in the right paſſage, thorow exceſſe drineſſe, as alſo becauſe exhalations are in their natures ouer drie, fuliginous and ſtretched: And (as Raſis ſaith) for that, moyſtnes is deuoured and ſwallowed vp by a contrarie effect of drineſſe: Wherefore haires both in collour and curlednes, and playnneſſe do differ according to theſe courſes. And yet Raſis ſayth, all hayres follow their natural complexion in collour, vntil old age conuneth on, and altereth all thinges,

Let vs take better examples hereof, in the difference between the haires of a man, and a beaſt: for that the moyſteſt ſkin is allowed by naturall courſe, to haue the thickeſt and ſhorteſt haire, & the rather for that hot moiſture floteth and ſwimmeth between the ſkin and the fleſh, is of like quality in all the parts, aſwel of clouen hofed, as claw-footed beaſts, ſo that the growth of haire in a beaſt, is like a flaſhie freſh medowe ouer floten with a ſhalow water in the rootes, and the graſſe therewithall ouer floriſheth: but cold froſtes and alteration of weather decayeth and periſheth the roots thereof. Euen ſo intemperate calamities of times and ſeaſons, ouerturneth the naturall temperance of haire, in all vnreaſunable creatures. So likewiſe in theſe humain complexions, whoſe hayre although it be of moſt high qualitie in plentifull growing, yet thorow exceſſe benerie falling into cold diſeaſes, their haire decayeth, waxeth thin, and vtterly looſeth in the roots, eſpecially when the poores in a mans body are ouer traueiled by a moyſt exhalation.

Thophraſtus Paracelſus putteth foorth theſe reaſons, that footſteps in moiſt groundes, are eaſilie with euery ſtorme waſhed away, but footſteps in drie groundes doo longeſt indure & abide. So that, as theſe moiſt exhalations in the fleſh, do nouriſh and greatly comfort the haires, ſo alſo if thoſe exhalations bee altered, either by malign vapours, or corrupt blood, or diſtempered by the contagion of colde diſeaſes, the haires decline and vaniſh therewithall.

Now furthermore there are ſome bodies, whoſe drineſſe exceedeth on the contrary, and yet vnder ſome moyſture produce a competent number of hayres: but when their drineſſe becommeth combuſt, are like to ſtarched earth, which without ſome moyſture cannot bring forth graſſe. This drineſſe vnder the diuers ages of men happeneth in the braines. So alſo there is another ſorte of men who are like vnto moyſt tempered clay in ſpring ſeaſon, or beginning of ſommer, yet partched vp and ouerdried in the latter end of the yeare, bring forth nothing but barrenneſſe and duſt. So there is a moſt vnhappie ſort of men, who by ex • eſſe drineſſe in their adoleſcencie, become bald, bare and barrainous in their braines, towardes their latter age.

It is to be marked that hayres in al ages, follow the courſe and temperance of nature, and leaue off to ſhew themſelues vnder thoſe properties, vnto whome they doe appertaine.

Cornelius Celſus ſayth, that a bald-headed man, is deſtitute of moyſtneſſe in the braine pan, & the rather becauſe the vaynes of the necke, beeing called the guides, are obſtructed, doe not perfectly recourſe, except vpon the hinder part of the head.

Ieremias Thriuerius ſayth, that it is as vnpoſſible a thing, for lobſters or crab-fiſhes to beare feathers, or oyſters wooll, as a bald-headed man to produce naturall hayre: not onely becauſe there is both an opilation in bloud, but alſo becauſe there is an extreame drineſſe, and ſhrinking of the ſinewes, in thoſe materiall partes of the braine.

Surely all drie complexions of black chollericke inclination, are hearie in the higheſt degree, but falling into contagion and hote diſeaſes thorowe the ſame, as they doe become bare and bald, ſo are they men of verie euill and dangerous maners. Yet Auycen greatly commendeth bald men, of ſanguine complexion and flaxen hayre, to be truſtie, honeſt, and verie preciſe and deuout: and yet manie of them haue reaching wittes in high cauſes.

Hypocrates ſayth there can be no direct temperance in baldneſſe: for that in the firſt place, thoſe thinges which be hearie onely are hote and moyſt: In the ſecond place bald men are drie, and in the third place, bald men are in their extreames: ſo of ſickeneſſe and diſcaſes, doe ſwiftly approoue in the nature of cold and drie: therefore we are verely to coniecture, that all ages of men, denunciat their natures after the temperance of the regions and countries, vnder which they are borne, aſwell as their owne priuate complexion and age: for as the ages of youth are hote drie and hayrie, ſo infancie is ſmooth colde and moyſt and without hayre. Then ſeeing there muſt altogether fall out a perfect ſympathie, or equall combination vnder the temperatures of countries, and that hayrie men natiuely appertaine vnder regions hote and drie: ſo then there muſt be a temperat cauſe in contrarietie hereof, for that Theophraſtus Paracelſus holdeth in opinion that hote and drie countries, abſinne and quite take away all the humours, which intentiuely nouriſh hayres.

Auycen ſayth, that heate and drineſſe in thoſe bodyes, are not ſo eaſily nouriſhed, and therefore heate and drineſſe of thoſe countries, are nothing profitable in the generation of hayres after the naturall ſimpathie, and mutuall combination in temperance of the bodies themſelues.

Galen ſpeaketh of young men of the Ethiopians, who of their owne complexion and naturall inclination, are hote and drie, in reſpect of other countries, the which propertie furniſheth their bodies with an exceſſe ſtrength of hayres: And although curled, yet not diuerſty coloured like other countries, which ſignifieth the ſuperaboundant heate, vnder which they liue.

Surely I am perſwaded, it is a moſte direct poynt, not to compare nature with age, but to compare countries with ages, which in all the conditions of hayres, may be beſt accompted of: For the Ethiopian yoong men in temperance of hayres, both in multitude and ſtrength, exceedes the yoong men of theſe our countries in the higheſt degree.

Let ſomewhat more, in this our treatiſe, be attended vpon, and diligently cōſidered in the temperance of women, touching hayre, for that there are ſome who thinke the ſame farre diſagreeing frō this our purpoſe: that is, a woman of cold & moyſt tēperance, is indewed with a vecie thick hayre, who for the materiall ſubſtance of moyſtneſſe following vpon her, hath not onely many hayres, but moſt long hayres, for which cauſe, women of moiſt complexions can neuer be bald. And a flegmatike woman following the temperance of the whole body, cannot in any reſpect, want hayres, and ſometimes exceedes therein farre otherwiſe then common courſe, Except a woman of moderate and due temperance, which cannot ouer paſſe the boundes and limites of nature, in the ornature of the body: for thoſe women are of pure feminine complexion, and are not bearded like men for two cauſes: the one, becauſe the vapours of the matrix, are ranckly deuoyded by naturall profitmitie, as alſo for that the aſcending moyſture thereof, is ſubtilly occupied in the braines, for the plentifull generation of haires, ſo that the • hin partes are vtterly barrained thereby. Then touching thoſe hayres, which haue comely treaſes vpon the eye-lids, & bankes of the browes, doe ſhewe the excellent ornature and ſeemely grace of nature, by a certaine liberall benefite, in beautifi • ng the womans proportion, tarre aboue all other creatures: for as theſe hayres are outwardly planted, ſo are they regarded as increaſing, and ſpringing vp in their due diſpoſition, by an outward view, for if they did follow the temperature of men, they ſhould grow confuſedly and without order. Then how greatly doe thoſe women ſcandelize both nature and affection, which by colouring, criſping, platting or ſtriking forth of their haires, doe deforme and diſguiſe their fauour and countenance, in the open ſhame of the world: notwithſtanding all which, are not able to alter the ſeemely ſhewes of nature, whoſe power both in the head, banckes of the browes, and eye-lids, is both abſolutely and artificially expreſſed. And I would haue it further knowne and marked, that the difference of moyſtneſſe and drineſſe in natures goodly works, is vnlike: as if graine or ſeedes were planted, or ſowed in earth of two natures, ſo that the one ſhould be in temperance more fruitfull then another, ſo doth the haire followe the temperance of the ſkinne, both in ſubſtance, complexion and colour. In like ſort, as the hayres in the heads of women, be moyſt or drie after their temperance, ſo vniuerſallie, both the hayres in the bankes of the browes and eye-lids are drie, becauſe the continuall humectation of the eyes purgeth the ſame.

But twiſe and once is either man or woman happie, who ſafegard their head vnder a drie temperance: for that moyſt corruptions within, do ſpeedilie and dangerouſly alter the outward hayre, to become gray and griſly, and the rather, if the body be vnequally diſtempered, by any colde and vaporous diſeaſe.

Therefore two ſortes of gray hayres are to be conſidered vpon herein. The firſt ſort, thorow the rage of ſurfetting youth, in the vntimely age of man, eſpecially when the temperance is altered by cold venerian vapours, the extreame malice whereof, ſuggeſteth theſe colde and perfect diſeaſes of feuers, bloudy eyes, flegmatike ſpittle, impoſtumations, ſhort breathinges, head aches, as alſo the whirling and giddineſſe of the braines. There are alſo gray hayres, which naturally fall vpon the pure olde age of man, ſignifyeng temperance, chaſtitie, ſoundneſſe of body, as pleaſure and health to the graue. As theſe graye hayres were attained and gotten by wiſdome and good aduiſe, ſo are they preſerued and continued, as an ornament of great and ineſtimable honour to olde age.

Likewiſe, after the temperance of hayre, the nayles of the hands and feete, are preſerued or decayed in good or euill condicion and eſtate: and yet they doe not ſo ſpeedily alter, by the interchange of the inward humours, as the hayre doth.

Dyoſcorides ſayth, that the increment of nayles, proceedeth of pure bloud: his reaſon is, for that if the nayles decline and putrifie, a freſhe nouriſhment ſpringeth thereof againe.

Cornelius Celſus ſayth, becauſe the vaines beginne and end in the fingers and toes, therefore nature ſheweth an outward worke, like a comely pentiſe to couer the ſame.

Ruellius ſayth, the flegmaticke and moyſt man hathe a moſte prolixe increment in the nayles, for that there is a continuall moyſte interflowing vapour from the ſinewes, feeding and nouriſhing the ſame. So the hot and chollericke man hath ſharpe, thin and little nailes, becauſe large moiſture from the ſinewes wanteth thereto.

Theophraſtus Paracelſus ſaith, a moyſt woman hath thinne ſhort nailes, if ſhee bee aptlye menſtruous, or els not.

Galen ſaith, if the plat, cheſt, or bulke of the bodie be wide and broade • , ſo that the heate of the hearte hath free and plentifull paſſage • , the increaſe both of the haires and nayles, areThe heart hath a drie heat. much proſpered therewith, eſpecially if the heat of the heart bee both pure, excellent, and nouriſhable: Whereas if ſlenderneſſe and ſtraightneſſe bee in the bulke, dooth ſhew the naturall drineſſe of the heart and cheſt from the byrth day, thorow which there is greate obſtruction from the naturall courſe of good blood, offending the vegetation both of the nailes, haires, and all other partes. Therefore the ſtraightneſſe of the bulke, is perrilous to the wholſome ordinance of health, for thoſe bodies are commonly preſerued with naturall feuers all the daies of their life, doo not onely abſume in the tenuity of their fleſh, but many of them periſh and decay in the ſubſtance of the heart. Some certaine, aſwell by the ſtrength of nature, as by yeare and time, ouergrowe the eager humour, and ſo eſcape the dangers hereof. And yet many of them after any ſuch recouery, are greatlie incumbred with a tiſich vpon the lunges. Although it is poſſible by medicinable art, to repreſſe and reprooue the drineſſe of theſe partes, yet not ſo perfectlie, but that a ſmache thereof will followe vpon them vnto their laſt end.

There is an other ſort of men which are both of hotte ſtomaches and ranke liuers, as their red coloured countenances declare the ſame: they are alſo purple-noſed and hayrie about the breaſt: Auycen reporteth them to be men of forcefull ſtomaches, apt to warfare, and yet their courage very much ſubdued from inflamation, and deſire to lecherie.

Dyoſcorides ſaith, that a true martiall man is altogether without luſtfull pleaſure, or deſire towards women: and yet ful of mercie and loue towardes them. And furthermore, alechemus man is not alwaies bolde: for both by qualitie as quantitie, his thighes and loines and other lineamentes, ſhewe the conſtitutione of a faint liuer. So alſo the broadnes of the breaſt, and length of the necke, are the outward ſignes of an inwarde troubleſome minde.

Theophraſtus Paracelſus ſaith, that a ſhort necked man, is apt to conceiue, pregmaticall, and verie of dangerous diſpoſition, and yet his body verie ſubiectiuelie is vanquiſhed, vnder euery ſtraunge accideniall diſeaſe. A wrie necked perſon, hath verie high conceites to accompliſh, and their mindes are eaſilie infected vnder many dangerous practiſes.

Galen ſaith, that reaſon cannot inſtruct vs in theſe outward ſignes of nature, but an inward and direct conſtitution, maketh a perfect experience hereof.

Auycen ſaith, that if the outward complexion be cold, the inward conſtitution is hot. If euill maners bee outwardly diſcouered, the inward thoughtes are more eaſilie coniectured, which is more ſuffientlie prooued by the eſtate of ſeaſons and countries, for that all men generallie are procliue and apt to ſhew the maners of their countrie, in their conuerſation, whether it be in pouertie or pride: either in rudeneſſe, or ciuilitie. We are therefore the rather to ſuſpect the wonderful and high conſtitutions of nature inwardlie, by theſe outward euill properties and diſpoſitions: For in the ſouth regions all outward things are hot, and all inward thinges colde. So on the other behafe, all outward thinges vpon the north partes are cold and freeſing, when the inward eſtate is warme, and the temperance therewithall yeeldeth hot: whereby it commeth to paſſe, that the people borne in thoſe partes of the world, are of moſt fierce courage: and although verie bolde, yet in all their enterpriſes headlong.

Auycen ſaith, thoſe which be borne vpon the Meridian point, are vnmeete for warres. So Iuſtin reporteth, that men of the north partes of the world, are in the beginning ſtout and fierce to battel, but their heartes in the end, are ſoluble and melting with the ſnowe. For all outwarde temperaunces doo retire and flie backe to the inwarde partes of man, by reaſon of outwarde colde: wherefore they haue not a ſtronge digeſtion, but all inward thinges are in them thereby of great valour.

Some may think that Hypocrates reaſoning with Galen, hath made a very vnlikely argument or proofte herein, as the Europians, are more fiercer then the Aſians, for that they indure greater inequalities of ſeaſons: and whereas ſummer is verie hot in the one, and winter verie colde in the other, ſo an inward heat is contemperated vnder the condition or eſtate of either temperance. Cornelius Celſus verily thinketh, that Hypocrates reſpecteth the experience which thoſe countries approoue by by war, or by ſuch great inequalities of ſeaſons, are the better prepared to abide and ſuffer all interchangeable calamities of the bodie, which ought to be borne and ſuffered in warres, and therefore theſe ſortes of pleople are more fitter for wars then other countries.

It is moſt certainlie to be credited that thoſe which inhabite the Meridian point, are more hotter in the liuer and hart, then other countries: yet their heat is ſtrange, not naturall: they haue plentie of good blood and breath: they are wiſe, but not valiant: And thoſe which inhabite thoſe cold regions, are therefore flerce, ſtout and apt for warfare, and haue a conioined ſubſtance of breath and blood aboundantlie in their bodies. And therefore Auycen reporteth, that thoſe which inhabite vnder the Bear, doo in fiercenes, courage and valour giue place to no man. And Hypocrates doth call their temperance flerce and ſharpe, becauſe their heate is vnited and ouermatched with colde. Alſo in thoſe temperate regions which inhabite the Meridian point, heat draweth and inforceth heat, as may be well perceiued and vnderſtood in thoſe extreame and hot ſeaſons of the year, wheras ſtrong and flerce corruptions, doo infect and draw vpon the bodie of man, by hotte and malicious contagions. So in theſe Europian countries, the times and ſeaſons of the ſommer, exceſſiuely inforceth heate vppon the extreame partes of man: and alſo their winters are ouer much colde and very bitter to the outwarde paries: ſo that their digeſtion in winter time is more ſtronge, and their naturall heate more aboundaunt.

There is a ſufficient diſcourſe in in the firſte booke of theſeChollerike men haue great tranquility in winter. Temperamentes of chollericke men, inhabyting theſe Europian countries, whoſe outrage hath the greateſt domination in ſommer, and doo liue at moſt pleaſure, quietneſſe, and reſt in winter. So flegmatike men, haue their ioy in ſommer & greateſt diſtemperature in winter. Yet Theophraſtus Paracelſus ſayth, that ſeeing nature hath differenced the chollerike man from the fiegmatike, by vnequalneſſe of ſeaſons, ſo the inwarde heat in the time of winter, is more ſhorter in the one, & naturall heat in the time of winter is more ſtronger in the other, which if it be ſo, then all liuing creatures (without exception) are to haue a more pleaſant and happie eſtate of life in winter then ſommer, becauſe naturall heat is the artificer and inſtrument of all liuing thinges.

Cornelius Celſus ſaith, that like as the ſunne is lodged vnder the darke vaines of the clouds, in the night ſeaſon, ſo heat is hidde and ſhrowded in the ſecrete vaines of all thinges in winter, and waxeth more outward and ſtronger with the increaſe of the yeare, vntill by the temperature of the ſunne it bee powerfull and mightie.

Arnoldus de noua villa affyrmeth, that the complexion of man ariſeth and falleth, with the temperature or diſtemperature of the yeare: ſo may we gather hereby that choller rageth and ſuper aboundeth more in ſommer then winter, only by an intentiue qualitie. Then fieam doth not argue no ful quantitie of heat in winter, but rather ſheweth ſome remiſſiueneſſe therein: for which we haue ſome opportunitie offered, to diſcouer theſe liuing creatures of the water, as the crab-fiſh, and other ſhel-fiſhes, whoſe outward veſiure is alwaies hard and drie, yet there inward temperance is moyſt and ſoft, eſpeciallie in winter.

The Phiſitians doe miniſter theſe and ſuche like fiſhes to patients, which are waſted and conſumed vppon the loonges and liuer, and other affected partes of the body, as a ſpeciall nouriſhment and reſtoratiue. They are much deceiued herein: for the egredience thereof, proffereth litle moyſture, is of ſaltiſh taſte, and ſtubborne digeſtion. And thoſe which are indangered and vexed with that diſeaſe, doe take beſt liking of eaſie, and light meates, which ſpeedily doe digeſt.

There is another kinde of ſhell fiſhe, called an Oyſter, is in operation eaſily conuerted to choller, the conſtitution therof is moſt wholeſome in winter, vnder qualification of ſtrong and eger fe • ſtes: they haue perfect digeſtion in the body of man, by the bountifulneſſe of pure good wine, eſpecially if the ſameIt is an errour that rackt wines may be perfected by obſeruing ſeaſons of the yeare. wine be vertuous in odour, colour, ſapour, and feruour, then doth it putrifie corrupt bloud, vnſetleth euill humours, refreſheth the ſenſes. But rackt wines are moſt vnwholeſome for the body of man, although the ſeaſons of the yeare be obſerued, for perfecting them, in their degree.

And furthermore wee muſt make coniecture of the inward temperance of fiſhes, by their outward proportion and propertie, of which there is foure ſortes: as chruſtie, ſhellie, ſcalie, ſoft and ſleeke ſkinned fiſh. Their inward cauſes doe moſt eaſily conuert into dangerous diſeaſes, if that circumſpectly they be not remedied and preuented in their ſtrange operation. For whereas ſome kinde of fiſh, are in their naturall propertie cold, ſo are they flegmatike, nouriſhing, variable and groſſe ſubſtance. Whereas ſome kinde of fiſhe are hote, ſo are they chollericke and of moſt churliſh operation in the body of man.

Alſo there is ſome kinde of fiſh drie, vnnouriſhable, and returneth to ſlender excrementes. But Auycen affirmeth, that chollericke fiſh, is beſt brooked and digeſted in winter, and flegmaticke fiſhe in ſommer.

And Ruellius with many other excellent writers, doe commend the Sammon king of fiſhes, which of verie nature miniſtrethIf the S • mon be moderately eaten is eaſily digeſted. great ſafetie to the body of man, both in ſickeneſſe and health, and hath a very perfect conſtitution to be reſolued into pure bloud, eſpeciallie being dronke with wine: as Cornelius Celſus ſayth, is an approued medicine for coſtiueneſſe in the loonges, and perfecteth the opilation of the liuer.

So alſo, a moſt high and ſingular commendation belongeth to the conſtitutiō of the Gurnet. And although fiſh is a lenitiue foode, being of an extenuatethinne ſlimie ſubſtance, yet are they of diuers temperatures and orders, and hardly coniectured vpon, in their ſeuerall operations: for flegmaticke and vaporous fiſh nouriſheth hollow belching, immoderat thirſt, ſower & ſharp fleame, and as manie haue a moſte greedie deſire thereunto, ſo their ſtomackes are mordicated and ouercharged vnder vilde, monſtrous and vaporous humours, and not by the vnmeaſurable meanes of anie diſtemperance otherwiſe.

And ſurely the ſtomacke indureth theſe vaporous humectations, rather by euill nouriſhmentes then anie diſtemperance of the bodie, or putrified corruptions in the ayre. And yet there are very great conſiderations to be herein vnderſtood: whether theſe belchinges, or coughinges proceede of euill nouriſhments, or of naturall humours in the body, or from accidentall corruptions in the ayre. For if groſſe feeding and euill nouriſhments, be cauſe heereof, then the vniuerſall body is infected, with fuliginous vapours, of diſpoſition, yeelding to be pituitous and flegmaticke: And if it proceede of naturall humours; and the body inclined thereunto, then the fleſhe abſ • meth, and by litle and litle mynorateth, not onely in ſubſtance, but digeſtion waxeth weake, the guttes clung, the liuer and loonges waſte, the ſinewes and vaines in their naturall and iuſt courſe of bloud ſtoope. And alſo if it proceede of the corruption and interchange of the ayre, the euidence thereof is regarded in the alteration and deflowring of the excrementes, by a pituitous diſpoſition of rewins in all partes of the body.

There is alſo another moſte hote and contrary excrement, called choller: as it is deciued from the liuer, ſo doth it outrage, and ſuperabound in the bodies of thoſe men, ouer whom it beareth rule. If the ſtrength thereof grow great, and troubleſome it is beſt remedied by euacuation downeward, ſo that the humours be before vnſetled, by ſome preparatiue medicine: But if the ſtomacke be therewith ouercharged, it were not amiſſe, by moyſt vomites, to be aduaunced vpward. And yet there be manie, which cannot be ſo helped: both for that they be naturallie diſframed, as alſo for that their paſſage from the gall to the bowels, is ouer-little, and more larger about the ſtomacke, comprehending exceſſiue excrementes, which impureth vitall bloud ouer groſly. For vnto whome ſuch choller is generated in the ſtomacke, cannot otherwiſe be withdrawne, except by naturall euacuation downeward: therefore it is both vnnaturall, and without arte, to purge them vpward, except there cannot be deuoydance otherwiſe, eſpecially and the rather becauſe of a greene rotten praſſiue ſubſtaunce congeſted in the ſtomacke. There is a further and a more higher waight to be heere in reſpected, as not onely in putting a difference in knowing the diuers natures of this choller, but an artfull experience, in purging and putting away the ſame: For if it proceede from the liuer, it is yellow and pale: if it ingender vppon the ſtomack, it is greene, like to the colour of a Leeke: if it breede thorow a malicious corruption, it is ouerpraſſiue, and an enemie to all the naturall and ſenſible members of the body, deflowreth, diſcoloureth and defaceth mans natiue and perfect complexion, and in it ſelfe, fauoureth a venomous propertie.

Galens opinion is, that if a cold liuer be warmed vnder anie accidentall heate, it increaſeth and ingendreth a profluous choller, exceedeth all the heates of ſtomacke, and all other partes of the body, although they be neuer ſo full of feruour and heate. And greene choller hath for his condition and qualitie, an exceeding heate, which thorowe any accidentall diſlike, it be chaſed from the ſtomacke, doth forthwith recourſe to the liuer, and deſireth a perfection therein.

Although appetite delighteth to gnawe and whet vpon groſe and fulſome meates, and to infarce and ingorge the ſtomacke therewith, ſo doe they contagiouſly breede, nouriſh and infeſter venomous choller to become high ſtubborne and vnuanquiſhable.

So alſo there are ſome meates which in their owne propertie, (thorow their exceeding corruption in the ſtomacke) doe euaporat and defume the braines, with greeuous ſwimming aches in the head, payneth & aggrauateth the eyes. So hard egges, honie, ſhell-fiſh and ſuche like, as great and perillous inſtruments of inforcing the danger hereof: And nature is alſo hardly and painefully occupied in digeſting them, into a readie and perfect ſubſtance. As if it were ſowes fleſh, or buls fleſh, which impreſſeth and ſetleth rawe humours moſte deepely, to ouermelt & tranſſpread the whole body of man, ſo that no medicineable meanes, neither vpward nor downeward, maketh expulſion thereof.

Surely the diſpoſition of the head, ought to be alwayes regarded vnder ſome temperance: as whether it be cold or moiſt, hote or drie: for coldneſſe bringeth foorth flegmatike humours, whoſe often and dayly diſtillations, abſumpt the good indowmentes of the braine. For mordicat rewmes are hurtfull to all naturall operations, looſen the rootes of the hayres, diſcloſeth the body to all peſtiferous corruptions and ſtenches, dimmeth and obſcureth the eyes, dulleth the ſences, benummeth feeling, aſtonieth hearing, diſſmacheth taſting, and ſtencheth ſmelling: yet many groſſe contagious meates, are by wholſome ſauces qualified and delayed in the artfull knowledge, and ſkifull handling of good cookes. So alſo redolent wines, if they be intertainedA good cooke is in the nature of a good phiſitian. into a perfect body, are both conuerted to fragrant bloud, and eſtabliſhe the complexion, to become delightſome and remedious herein.

Ruellius affirmeth, that great operation conſiſteth in the vertue and propertie of a rawe or reare egge, eſpecially for the rewme, if it be wholeſomely taken: for then it purgeth foule bloud, ſtrengthneth nature, clenſeth the liuer, fortifieth the ſtomacke, ſharpneth the ſences, melloweth and increaſeth appetite. And wine is much commended, if it be of good and perfect flauour and ſubſtance, to be dronke therewith in the morning. All which being equally tempered doth much preuayle againſt flegmaticke rewmes, for certainely theſe rewmes happen and fall out many times, by alterations and vncertainties of diets: Therefore it is to be diſtinguiſhed, whether it be an iſſue from the braines downeward, or a vapour from the ſtomacke vpward: And yet manie times alſo, the body is inclinatiue to theſe rewmes vnder ſtrange accidentes, by alterations and varietie of ſeaſons: then is it vnpoſſible to ouercome the incomprehenſible diſtemperances of nature.

And laſtlie, there is a coniecture by ſome methood, to be outwardly diſcerned and regarded, not for inclinatiue diſpoſitions onelie, but for ſundrie naturall infirmities and diſeaſes which moſt bodies vnder ſome elementall diſtemperan • ance are ſubiect vnto. Examples hereof may be taken from the primary reaſon, which is ioyned in propertie with fantaſie, and groweth in cuſtome both together to be bewrayed with Phiſiognomy, or outward geſture, whether it be in countenance or body. And as they are altogether vnited, and inſeperably magnified, to be of one perfect ſubſtance both in mind and maners, ſo euery man is thereby inwardly prooued or reprooued, in the whole vniuerſall proportion of his ſaid bodie: ſo that as Raſis affyrmeth, that a flat noſed man, is of drie complexion, and a man hauing a camoyſed noſe, indicateth much chollerike drineſſe. If he be indued with hollowe eies, ſignifieth drineſſe in the head: if he be of ſallow and pale countenance, ſignifieth moiſtneſſe: and yet many men are in formes and faſhions contrarie to their diſpoſitions. And that howſoeuer nature hath portrayed with thin and hayrie legs, ſheweth a naturall drineſſe in the liuer, ſo red and fierie eies declareth the purity and ſmall quantitie of blood.

Blacke eies ſignifie the impuritie, thickneſſe and ſuperaboundance of blood: graie eies obſerue the indifferent eſtate throughout the whole body: thoſe eies which are blew like the ſkie, doo exceed in ſome ſeaſon of the yeare, in great drineſſe, and on the contrarie in ſome other ſeaſons do ſurpaſſe in moiſtneſſe: litle twinkling eies like Ferrets, ſignifie moiſtneſſe: bleared eies haue diuers eſtates and operations in the bodie of man, both of flegmatike humours and chollerike vapours, digreſſing from their owne kind and propertie: the one proceedeth of cold moiſture, and the other of a hot tyrannous fretting humour generated & contracted to the eyes in the ſuperaboundant heat of the braines, or by and exceſſe heate in the ſtomach, vapouring to the cels of the head.

Raſis affyrmeth, that although greate inundations and intercourſes, either of ſuperfluous moiſtures in the head, or venomous vapours in the ſtomach, defluxing and galding the eies, yet the pretious eie-ſight may long be preſerued and continued without darkneſſe and decay: and yet confeſſeth that continuance vtterly ouerthroweth and ſinketh the pearle to the bottome. The ſame Raſis ſaith, that a waall-eyed man is of drie diſpotition vpon the liuer, and the liuer-blood thereupon is made moſt pure: yet theſe waall-eyed, ſquynt-eyed, and lame-eyed men, are moſt rumatike, are ſo far ſubiected in their owne nature, as that the whole vniuerſall infections of rewmes concur vpon them.

But touching the dangerous conditions, and moſt villanous manners, which that ſort of men are inclined vnto, are ſufficiently portraied and painted foorth by Auycen.

I will not therein intermedle ſo largely as they deſerue: and for that my purpoſe only tendeth to finde out the due temperance, which euerie man is ſubiect vnto. And yet Galen thinketh, that for aſmuch as man hath a deuine beginning from his creation, temperaunce ought not to bee coniectured vpon.

Leonardus Fuchſyus ſaith, They which iudge vpon temperance of many ages, offend very much. For doo not the outward ſignes of haire, both by ſickneſſe and age, alter after the inward diſpoſition? And likewiſe, all members wrinkle and alter, after the inward corruption of naturall blood? Then the eaſieſt and perfecteſt iudgement that herein is to bee required vpon the ſeuerall temperatures of man is to coniecture vppon melancholike temperance, whoſe inclinement is colde and drie, and their blood ſooneſt dooth corrupt, which is beſt outwardly regarded by the outward alteration, and diſfaſhionment of hayres, which inwardly proceedeth of fuliginous blood and ſmokie humours: for the olde pouerbe is true, that ſoote is next ſmoke, and ſmoke next ſtre: & wax after it is tempered, is more eaſile imprinted vpon with a ſcale. So likewiſe infections alter the humours, and humours alter the outward eſtate of man: and after that nature is made ſubiect to coruption, a ſtrong impreſſion followeth euer after vntill death.

And furthermore, there are many which cannot be recouered from this errour, affyrming, that temperature ought not to bee adiudged vpon in old men, eſpecially if they be flegmatik: for as old flegmatike men be cold an moiſt, ſo their excrements are vncertaine and ſubiect to bloody fluxes, ſcowring laſkes, the vrine muddie, bloody, blacke, and thicke: and likewiſe a melancholike man, whoſe youthfull temperature conſiſteth vpon a perfect blo •• : but naturall complexion is drie and cold, when age commeth vpon them.

Theophraſtus Paracelſus geueth counſell, and therewithall aſſureth, that no good ſcarch • r of mans diſpoſition, after fourtie and ſixe yeares of age, inderdealeth with the excrementes.

Arnoldus de noua villa geueth more larger libertie in perfect bodies, vntill fyftie and fiue yeares bee accompliſhed. For as many old men haue a hot drie bodies, ſo manye others haue yearthly and waterie bodies, vnder which, ſeuerall diſpoſitions in old age falleth out.

Laſt of all, it is a doubtfull and vncertaine thing, to diſcerne the temperature of euerie olde man, in age and ſicneſſe.

Raſis holdeth in opinion, that in age nothing is to be gathered, neither from excrementes, neither from fourme, nor ſhape, nor ſcarſe from operation: for operation of ſome part, by occaſion of variable diſpoſition, may be confounded in an other part.

I doo let paſſe the opionins and iudgmentes of manye Writers, how the ſignes of diuers ages differ in ſickneſſe, neither thorow out the whole ages of man doo they obtaine or continue any one perfect ſignificatiue agreement. Therefore whoſoeuer traueileth in the variable temperances of man, let his beſt direction bee taken from the pulſes, as feeling euery office of the bodie in his proper worke: Yet ſurelye whatſoeuer is ſpoken againſt the view of excrementes in the ſicknes of old men. Ruellius ſaith, that excrementes are not altogether to be reiected or diſpiſed, but according to the ſtraungeneſſe of the ſickneſſe and accidentes of the diſeaſe, duely to bee conſidered vpon.

To conclude, euerie practitioner hath a large field to trauell in, in the time of ſickeneſſe. As firſt, to vnderſtand the diſeaſe, by feeling the pulſes. Nexte, to conſider whether euerie office of the bodie laboureth alike or no. And thirdlie, whether the Accidentes doo ſtay in any one parte of the body, more then an other. And laſt of all, whether the duetie of the excrementes be perfourmed in a naturall courſe, or no.

Thus endeth the ſecond booke of the Temperamentes. The Lord made heauen and earth, and all thinges therein: bleſſed bee the w • orkes of his handes.

HERE BEGINNETH THE THIRD booke of the Temperaments.

IN theſe former bookes there is ſet open, the differences, ſignifications and accidentes of cold, hote, moyſt and drie thinges in their actiue natures, and to finde out the reaſon not only why they ſhould be approued in action, as alſo why they ſhould obtaine their equall qualities to be comprehended and eaſily perceiued by touching. I will not much herein trauell. For as one of them hath no powerfull, nor perfect conſtitution without the equall trauell and furtherance of one another. So one conſtitution doth ſtill appeale vnto another, vntill the occaſion, (which before was obſcure and vnperfect) be drawne vnto manifeſtation, power, ſtrength and agreement, which (as Galen ſayth) doth confirme all medicinable confections. And there muſt be hereunto alſo annexed not onely the ſenſible vnderſtanding of theſe naturall cauſes, but a iuſt cōſenting of their forcible power and vertue to haue one ſucceſſe. Alſo there muſt be a very high regard had, that medicines do nothing in nature digreſſe from the aſſenting inclination of ſuche bodyes, vnto which they owe their defence, helpe and ſuccour. For contrary medicines dangerouſly doe imprint their malice & power, inforcing the griefe to become more outragious inflammatiue and vnſetled: Experience may inſtruct heerein, that a powerfull medicine in the fourth degree hote, cannot eſcape, or be driuen backe, fromCauſticke i • burning. ſome verie dangerous action. For theſe putrifactiue or coroſiue playſters which in their cauſticke nature doe worke vpon outward ſores, although they be ſodainly taken away from that place, ouer which they did worke power and effect, yet their impreſſion or action of heate, cannot ſodainly or vnawares be taken away, for the deepeneſſe of the ſore hath comprehended the power thereof. And therefore theſe inflammatiue actions, without more larger libertie and ſkill, cannot bee extinguiſhed.

The ſame thing by colde medicines is more clearely perceiued and vnderſtoode. For blacke popy cannot in the fourth degree, vnawares be intertained into the body, but that, by the ſame meanes, doth oftentimes forthwith alter the body, and the actiue mouinges ſenſible hindered, in the vnnaturall courſe and action thereof.

It is otherwiſe with hote medicines, which although they exceede from vs in common courſe of heat, yet the power thereof, many either be mitigated or vtterly put out.

As touching cold medicines, the reaſon and vnderſtanding is not heereunto alike, becauſe coldneſſe, not onely deepely lurketh in the vaines, but ſtoppeth the vegetation and quickeneſſe of nature, hauing once ouercome the ſenſible partes of man: that although warme thinges be proffered for reſtoring, quickning, and lifting vp of that ſleepie and deadly inuaſion, either ſhal it nothing at all preuaile, or els the ſenſible and naturall partes cannot be recouered to a perfect, and due eſtate and diſpoſition as before. For if colde water by a ſecret potentiall eſtate, be intertained into a warme body, and the body by a variable diſpoſition therof, altereth into a more higher degree of coldneſſe, doth extenuate nature, and decayeth the power of bloud, although the ſtrength of the body exhauſteth the ſenſible coldneſſe thereof, yet there remaineth a ſharpe impreſſion for many diſcaſes to inſue.

Furthermore warme water, being receiued into a hote bodie, although it be poſſeſſed with the body for a whole dayes ſpace, as it hath nouriſhed vnder ſome naturall warmth by the ſtrength of the body, ſo can it not be otherwiſe knowne or perceiued, but that the body is made more colder thereby, although vnder naturall warmneſſe, it paſſeth from the bleather againe.

So doe we beholde the power of a cataplaſma, which although it hath a naturall power of coldneſſe, yet if it be remoued and the place touched, all inflammations ſhall ſenſibly appeare more ſubdued, moderated and ſeaſoned, for inducement of a more higher and excellenter practiſe in the worke thereof, which as ſome holde in opinion is contrarie in powdred medicines, whoſe power is onely to purge, drie, and excoriat. Yet no doubt there are ſome powdred medicines which in reuealing an imagination of drineſſe in ſubſtance, are in propertie altogether moyſt. And except the body be of a drie chollericke diſpoſition, ſhall nothing preuaile to accompliſhe any drie action to become perfect and ſound.

Some will maruell, why the qualitie of elementes ſhoulde miniſter health, eaſe, and ſafegard to one, And ſhewe no potentiall act, but rather offence, in another.

Certainely as all inferiour cauſes are ſubiect to the alteration of celeſtiall diſpoſitions, ſo celeſtiall bodies are ſtable, firme, and perfect, and in their properties are voyd from alterations. Then no ſcruple herein neede to ariſe, whether this potentiall eſtate be ingendered or giuen to medicineable hearbs from nature, or from celeſtiall bodies.

I doe thinke not onely power, but all indicible properties inioy a metaphiſicall effect. And ſurely forme or bodily ſhape, which heerewith is adioyned, hath an indifferent participation from the complexion of elementes, and the condition of celeſtial thinges. Yet the iudgement of olde writers is, that the propertie of theſe naturall cauſes, to be no other thing, thē an indicibleAll indicible thinges haue a indicible temperance. temperature, hauing ſome indicible propertie: and forme is no other thing then a temperance in his owne nature, or the immediate and extraordinarie reaſon from the celeſtiall influence: therefore the naturall philoſophers haue not ſpoken in vaine, that Man and the ſonne did beget man: Then ſurely the ſtarres are nothing at all occupied in the generation of mixt things, rather doe they claime a moſt great part to themſelues of that which appertaineth to theſe immixt properties and powers: And it is no maruell, but that theſe vertues, powers and ſtrength, are ſo oppoſite and manifeſt to our feeling and perceiuing, that heate and colde ſhould alſo haue a ſingular prehemmence in the ſtars. Theophraſtus Paracelſus ſayth that all theſe medicineable hearbes are not elementarily ingendred. But brought forth, of ſome deuine power, from the pure celeſtiall eſtate aboue. But yet theſe elementall qualities ſo highly doe beare their force in the countenance of all inferiour thinges, and their powers are ſo full and large in all medicineable effectes, that no furtherance or meanes preuayleth, eyther to confirme them, or els bring them backe, to any other ſtrange act, or vnuſuall alteration.

Dyoſcorides ſayth, that the deuine power moueth the elementes to become eyther naturall, or vnnaturall to the earth: And the earth withall the bountifull creatures therein, do take their eſſence, increaſe, or decreaſe from the due courſe or alteration of the ſaid elementes.

The chiefe Philoſophers doe ſay, that the high fruitfull ſcituation of the ſunne, worketh vpon all liuing creatures, that all naturall cauſes greatly preuayle thereby.

Then it is no maruell that ſingle medicines, haue an appropriat inclination in themſelues, but artificially qualified from their owne nature, haue a more clearer and peaceable effect: And although the ſunne, doth in euery place eaſt her ſeaſonable power and ſtrength, yet not with one indifferent qualitie of warmeneſſe and heate, to be intertained into all thinges alike, not for that there is any defect in the primarie propertie of the ſunne, but becauſe there is a ſeuerall propertie from the complexion of elements. For as no phiſitian can frame one medicine, to be indifferently receiued and intertained into euerie ſeuerall conſtitution: So the ſunne is ſhewed forth in one force, and potentiall eſtate alike, although the action vpon all inferiour cauſes vnlike for that, euery thing followeth the propertie of nature from the complexion of elements in generation and the propertie of the ſunne in augmentation.

The vnſeaſonable elementes doe oftentimes darken the ſun, and thereby diſtemper and diſſeaſon the inferiour cauſes of the earth. So alſo the confuſed courſes and running together of the fl •• s, 〈…〉 ourſing by an vnſingled and variable power within themſelues, is the onely cauſe why all the hearbes and fruits of the ſtelde, are of medicionable and ſaluing condition ouer one, and nothing at all profiting but rather hurting vnto another.

Therefore the power of all theſe thinges are diſtinguiſhed three maner of waies. As firſte, their poſſibilitie hath one ordinarie power in themſelues. Secondlie, that a ſupreame naturall ſubſtance, coagulateth in the power of all inferiour cauſes. Thirdlie, dooth in the ſame power obtaine and accompliſh ſome effectuall propertie in it ſelfe, which by any forraine accidents can neither be interuented, nor altered, except inforced from one propertte to an other, to ſome ſupreame exceſſe within their owne naturall eſſence.

Therefore theſe medicines whoſe vertues are determined hot in the ſecond degree, are moſt eaſily made hot in their action, and alſo moſt eaſily are they conuerted to fire in open extremitie, exceeding their natures: as vnflaken lune, roſenne, or gumme, which yſſueth from the exceſſe vapours of trees.

But the greateſt danger happeneth in colde medicines, eſpecially if nature hath determined their operation hotte, and their action colde: as the Hemlock, which of Dyoſcorides is called Cicuta (a moſt poiſonſome practiſe in the fourth degree,) hath not onely a hot propertie and troubleſome effect, but an impreſſiue action of a colde benumming the ſences, which cannot bee afterwards raſed out. And yet many times ſome ſtrong & forcible complections will rather alter and ſubdue ſuch ſtrong medicines, to become inclinable to the body, then indure themſelues to be altered or ſubdued af the body.

Theophraſtus Paracelſus ſaith, it is no perfect opinion, neither of the olde nor new writers, that medicines ought to bee firſt drawen into actuall preheminence, before the corruption bee ſtyrred and prepared by ſome preparatiue or gentle mollefaceion, the eaſier the power of of purgation is extended to mortifie and ſlay the diſeaſe: Alwaies prouided that medicines be matched with the nature of the bodie aſwel in ſickneſſe as in health. Like as clear water contemperated with pure wine, doth much profite, and ſeaſon a hot and inflammatiue bodie, to become ttmperate: After the ſame manner weake medicines, gentely are framed to doo their effect, then thoſe medicines which are of high and groſſe operation. For the more weaker medicines are compoſed, for ſlender bodies▪ the eaſier their ſtrength is euidently knowne, their limits and bounds diſcouered, and therby leſſe feared. Whereas groſſe, hot and ſtrong medicines are ſubtill, fierce, eaſily doo inſinuate and winde themſelues into all the partes of man, and although they be moſt charily regarded, yet will they many times exceed art: wherefore medicine ought to be framed, and drawen after the meaſure of bodyly heate, otherwiſe it is no equall inſtrument of nature, neither can nature be vſed in her potentiall meaſure for the ſpeedy ouerthrowe of the diſeaſe. For as medicine ought to be framed moſt like vnto nature, ſo the diſeaſe from time to time, is directed by nature: Therefore medicine ought to bee receiued into the body, vnder the warmneſſe of newe milke, or mans blood, although Galen counſelleth that medicines in ſommer ſeaſon bee proffered vnto ſome bodilie conſtitutions vnder the coldneſſe of fountaine water.

But touching medicines outwardly applyed, ſome high and ſingular practiſe muſt be attained, for healing and curing ſuch outwarde ſores. Firſt, by rubbing and ſearching the grieued place of the patient, whereupon ſometimes the inflammatiue infection of the furious and hot humour increaſeth, and far ſurpaſſeth the boundes both of medicine and nature, except peraduenture, it be corrected by ſome drieng drinke, or purgatiue potion inwardlye taken: or that the outwarde medicine bee of ſome very colde and ſlender power in operation, which ſenſibly is perceiued. For and if medicines be vnapt, they will contrarile wraſtle, both againſt nature and the afflicted ſore, as ſwiftlie, vncertainlie, and groſlie winde in their power and ſtrength. But if colde medicines be ſlowe, they may be remedied and preferred (after the ſkill of the Chirurgian) to a more fuller and larger eſtate and degree.

Yet hot ſearching and inflammatiue medicines, are neceſſarilie required in fulſome, putrified and cor • ſiue ſores eyther for ſearching, ſearing, ſcowring and fadoming the deepeneſſe thereof, as for the ſtaying and ſtopping of ſome further impendent danger. And as ſome medicines are changed in their own qualities, ſo there are alſo ſome medicines, which thorow their lenetiue nature paſſe ouer into the ſubſtance of the body.

Ther is alſo an other cauſe in the vniuerſall participation of ioyning ſuperiour cauſes together, into one perfect ſubſtance is ſo duly regarded in them, as that their qualitie in action hath no domination in it ſelfe, but their properties are rather deducted and brought downe from the ſtarres into the power of hearbes. Otherwiſe this wandring deſert hearbe Scanmionyum, which vnperfectly purgeth choller, and leaueth the conſtitution of the body in more worſe eſtate then before, ſhould be as familiar to the body, as Succorie, Endiffe, Bugloſſe, and ſuch like hearbes of ſaluing and curing nature. And yet Dyoſcorides ſaith, that Succory is of diuers kindes: one is cheriſhed in Gardens as a pretious treaſure, preſerued for bodilie health, ſo the other is wilde and of more reſiſting vertue. Yet becauſe they doo both alike drawe a naturall power from the ſtarres, in one perfect kind and ſubſtance, doo equally agree in one manner of operation: for they are ſo indicible and euident, as that their propertie is not knowne onely by reaſon • , as by experience, as alſo highlie occupied in the gouernment of mans health although they haue a right and due propertie of euident vertue, which mans art cannot ſeperat or put away: & therefore action and paſſion are due vnto their qualities, aſwel for that they haue a whole and perfect ſubſtance of moouing power, as alſo for that there is an eaſie tranſmutation of their nature, into the naturall ſubſtance of mans body.

There is alſo an hearbe called Molios, which draweth a power from the high gouernour of Spirites, called Amy, and hath ſixteene legions vnder his dominion, as Dyoſcorides reporteth in his third booke, and the fiftie two chapters in the Commentes of Barbarus, and Virgilius, that this hearbe is of an outward vertue moſt excellent, it hath great power againſt witchcraft, ſouth ſaieng, and coniuration: it is not inwardly to be taken, but outwardly to bee caried about: it is of a propertie by it ſelfe, and wil not inwardly be changed into the ſubſtance of mans nature, neither doeth it preuaile in remedy of any diſeaſe, except the falling ſickneſſe.

And ſurely, all other hearbs haue ſome naturall or vnnatuturall portion, with our bodie. Yet it is vnpoſſibly, that they ſhould be of one power and effect together, neither is there a like alteration one with an other: For if their properties were of equall agreement, then one ſubſtance could not haue equall operation into an other.

Euen as theſe prrperties doo verie much diſagree within themſelues, ſo can they not foorthwith paſſe ouer into mutuall ſubſtance of mans bodie, without artful knowledge, aptly compoſing them thereto. As fire ſodainly without art, can not bee traſformed into water, nor ayre into earth.

So by the ſame difference medicines are diſtinguiſhed and and knowen from nouriſhments. For as nouriſhmentys agree with the natural comfortes of men, ſo medicines haue their properties, differing from the properties of men. And as medicines are repugnant to the diſeaſe, ſo both the body and the diſeaſe not onely become ſubiect, but refourmed to medicine, for health and ſafetie thereby. And although Art domifieth them, to become gentle, kinde, and naturall: yet art neuer depriueth them from their free propertie: For how much the rather they are of contrarie ſubſtance, ſo doo they ſhew themſelues the rather in the ſimilitude of a more greater action: and yet for that one ſubſtance is paſſed ouer into an other, they are qualified alſo in power: therefore let vs once againe diſtinguiſh the eſtate and condition of medicines within themſelues.

Although there is an artificiall forme in the conſtitution of all medicines, framed to ſome ſpeciall appointed purpoſe, yet as Galen ſaith, there are ſome hearbes colde, which take a verye litle portion of change in the heate of mans blood: And many times, not onely becauſe they are of colde nature, but venomed in ſome degree of poiſon, very notably do they corrupt mans body: As the mandragoron and ſuch like. There are alſo ſome other poiſoned hearbes, in a moſt hot degree of ſtrong venym▪ as the Daphnaydes the Coloci • tida •• the▪ I • ios. As they do exceed the heat of mans body, ſo do they reach moſt highly beyond mans nature, do forthwith oppreſſe life, and entertaine death, if their ſtrength be not artificially remedied.

There are alſo medicines, neither of hurting nor ſaluing power, neither of hote nor cold operation, neither doe they nouriſh nor yet deſtroy, but very indifferent to the body of man.

There are alſo compoſed medicines of honnie, butter, ſweet oyle, as they are not of no pure nor cleere verdoue, ſo are they verie nouriſhable and reſtauratiue to nature: And as nouriſhmentes are eaſily changed into nature, ſo the power of all other medicines doe comprehend a worke in their owne properties, and therefore it is impoſſible, their power ſhould be both kept and changed.

Galen doth make further report, that ſo long as medicines doe continue their nature and degree, vnder the equall condition of the body, are not onely gentle and fauourably incertayned, but changed into bloud with the nature of the body: are no more vnder the compaſſe of medicines, but rather followe the due courſe of vegetation, preſeruation and ſimpathie, with natuturall operation, both in qualitie and power of the body.

Whether Galen hath extended his reaſons to hote medicines, I know not, but I feare not to ſpeake, that oftentimes both hote and cold medicines are vnder one propertie turned into bloud, when as the body meanely is ſubdued with coldneſſe from the extremitie of heat, and aduaunced to heat, from the extremitie of coldneſſe: for then is it impoſſible that any impropertie, ſhould at all remaine, where many properties are duely changed.

And alſo it is a moſt hard and difficult eſtate, if ſubſtance in the nature of euerie one thing, ſhould whollie be taken away or diminiſhed, ſo neyther then, is any ſuche bloud left alone to doe good in abſolute power: for humours, doe nouriſh themſelues, where good bloud wanteth. And euery naturall thing hath no naturall operation nor meaſure, where any ſuch defect is. ForWhere no naturall operati • is, there is no meaſure. ſurely there is no doubt, but whoſoeuer ouer-largely feedeth vpon honnie, cannot eſcape, but that at length his complexion is diſcoloured, defiled & ſtayned with a hott flegmaticke bloud. So likewiſe in ſommer ſeaſon, ſome bodies, by eating of cold Lattice are drawne to ouer great comminution, and heate, nature and bloud are many times extenuated, weakened and altered in their due courſe. Let euery one therefore moſt highly call to memorie, that meaſure and moderation are much preferred vnder the conſtitution of mans health.

Thruſianus an old fatherly writer (as one falfly perſwaded) doth ſay, that nothing is caryed, or conueyed beyond the heate of mans body, and that bodily heat congruently conſenteth to all forraine heates, being of neuer ſo ſtrong and high valour: and ſaith further, that ſingle medicines cannot be changed, beyond their owne nature. The which wrongfull opinion and iudgement hee ſeemeth to conſent with Paracelſus, who affirmeth that euerie thing is borne and brought foorth into this world, to aduouch his owne propertie in the actuall accompliſhing of ſome effectuall vertue, for the helpe or hinderance of an other thing. And yet this nothing proueth why any qualitie either of heate or bloud ſhould be aduaunced beyond his own nature, except by ſome inforced extremitie: or except only becauſe the maner of dyet, is more ſtronger in one body then another: or except ſome bodies are diſpoſed to feede vpon groſſer ſuſtenance then another: for that body doth inioy and obtaine greateſt health which feedeth vppon the pureſt, cleereſt and moſt choyſe ſuſtenance.

Surely as the body begetteth his portion of heate after the greatneſſe, maner and meetneſſe of ſuſtenance, ſo warmeneſſe of bloud, equallie either by tenuitie, indifferencie, or fulneſſe, is matched and aduaunced with the bodie: but the office of the liuer is not herewith compared, hauing no naturall indowment of heate from the affluence of heate, and bloud in the body.

There is a conſtitution of variable humours by the ſame temperance of the liuer, vnder which one is more colder then the liuer it ſelfe, and the other more hotter after the condition of ſome materiall cauſe, from whence the heate of the liuer is deriued, eſpecially for that nothing is ſo ſingle in nature, but that it is variably altered by the heate of the ſunne: ſo that ſome bodies, in the variable diſpoſition of man are like vnto waxe molified, or clay hardned by the vertue and ſtrength of the ſunne.

Dyoſcorides reporteth, that the complexion of euerie man draweth vpon the ſunne, and the grace of the ſunne hath a differing action vpon all ſeuerall thinges variable, being comprehended in it ſelfe: and that euerie man is diſpoſed alter the foure orders of the elementes. So that ſome men are white, ſome men blacke, ſome men red, ſome of one colour, ſome of another, thereby Galen ſaith that herein may be perceiued that all heates feede vpon the ſunne. And furthermore doth ſay, that like as fire is ſtroke from the hardneſſe, and ſecret vaynes of the flint, ſo the liuer is fed and nouriſhed by an intentiue hote humour inforced from the ſunne. For which cauſe and after this maner nouriſhment ſubtilly and moſte ſecretly paſſeth into the naturall heate of mans body, chiefly when nature ioyneth in propertie therewith.

So nouriſhment nothing diſagreeth from wood ioyned vnto fire, which firſt ſtandeth at a ſtate, then preſently altereth into the nature of fire, and becommeth into one perfect ſubſtance therewith. And as heate is more weake in one body then another, ſo heate according to the copiouſneſſe of ſuſtenance increaſeth throoughout the whole body: And heat alſo more ſpeedily flameth out after the conſtitution of a hot, high, and ſtrong ſuſtenance, then by a cold, thinne and weake dyet. And therfore foode ought with care and diligence to be wayed and regarded, both for the preſeruation of mans life, as alſo for that ſome bodies are thorow euill regiment eaſier corrupted and ouertaken then others.

Then haue we iuſt cauſe to thinke that heate is not properly nouriſhed of anie propertie in it ſelfe, but either violently drawn from ſome other inferiour and naturall cauſes of fire, or els from the ſupernaturall comfort of the ſunne, which is the onely reſtauration of all inferiour cauſes, to become with them of one parmanent and firme operation.

Surely then nouriſhment is receiued into the body by three maner of meanes: as firſt, when an exceſſe quantitie of dyet is receiued into the body, bringeth forth ſome monſirous or vnnaturall diſpoſition in it ſelfe: And ſuch ſtrange diſpoſitions will not conſent euer after, to follow the right direction of perfect nouriſhment. As wine although it be of excellent qualitie, and moſt eaſily retayned and digeſted downe into the body, yet being receiued by exceſſe quantitie, oftentimes doth benumme and ouercoole naturall temperance, and doth of it ſelfe conuert into cold humours, by ſome ſtrange alteration, for that not onely the aboundance therof confoundeth heat, and the verdour being ouer charged by a ſurfetting diſtemperance, oppreſſeth both the power of heate and nouriſhment, and altogether therewithall ſurpriſeth bodily conſtitution.

There may be alſo wayed a conſideration in the ſecond degree, how nouriſhment altereth and tranſferreth it ſelfe. For while it continueth, the ſtomacke hath the onely effect of foode: but being digeſted from the ſtomacke paſſeth from one office to another, vntill the ſubſtance, ſtrength and power thereof, be diſtilled, conuerted and altered, to become of one vnion in mans body: and when the body is vnapt to intertaine perfect nouriſhment, both ſheweth a degeneration of nature, and the diſtemperance of the body reclined to ſome forraine contagion.

There is an abſolute comprehenſion in the third degree, which is moſte perfect both to health, long life and the naturall ſubſtance of man, that is, when meate moſt ſufficiently brooketh mans body, and the body taketh good liking and reliſhe of the meate, are foorthwith reſembled into one ſimilitude together.

And yet there are foure degrees, which are called ſecond humidities, beſides foure humours which participate vpon the liuer. The firſt cauſe is contained vnder the ſubtile vaines and arteries: and therefore becauſe heate is not onely degenerated, but ſetled and concocted in a corrupt bloud, there is a plaine digreſſion of nature, and all moyſtneſſe doe waxe thinne thereby.

The ſecond degree of theſe Humidities, is when a diſperſed due interfloweth from ſuſtenance, into all the partes of the bodie, the which if by alteration of ſtrange humours it falleth into corruption, is the onely efficient cauſe of a third humiditie, and no nouriſhment is fauourable vnto the body, and all gluttonousExanguit, that is without bloud. cauſes are quite ſeparated from the body, by meanes it is exanguit, conſumpted, and quite deuoyded from heat: yet it cannot be denied, but that there is ſome clammie matter impendent vpon the loonges, which gnaweth vpon the deſire of ſuſtenance, alwayes belonging to ſuch humid diſeaſes. The fourth humidity repreſenteth a hungrie nouriſhment.

Galen in his ſixt booke in the cauſes of Symptomatickes doth ſay, that although they haue diuers names, yet are they of one ſharpe hurtfull operation in nouriſhment, except that which maketh ſome delay either in the ſtomach or in the maw, & that the vaines may extract a mouing comfort therefrom.

And alſo we muſt vnderſtand, that this nouriſhment extendeth to the extreame partes. Otherwiſe truelie in my opinion, other parts need not to contract nor trauell with the ſtomach and lyuer for moyſture to their better nouriſhment. Al which perfectly ſheweth that nature draweth a potentiall ſubſtance for the ſtrength of nouriſhment: and the more nearer there is a communion of ſubſtance in all the partes of the bodie, the more eaſier is there a returne of nouriſhment, except it otherwiſe happereth by meanes of any forraine accidence. For ſowes fleſh, although it hath great affinitie and nearneſſe with mans fleſh, yet by the good operation of wine, it is paſſed ouer into a perfect ſubſtance, and the digeſtion thereof is ſlowe, ſower, and heauie, for becauſe the vnion hereof is of a more thicke and growne ſubſtance, it is operatiue and ouerburthenſome, then familiar, vſuall and accuſtomed. Therefore the power of hotte thinges, haue a double difference, for which cauſe ther are medicines of on operation, and nouriſhmentes of an other, the which nouriſhmentes ought to haue an eaſie gracious nature, eyther to helpe nature decaied, or to pacifie the troubles of any diſeaſe offending wholſom conſtitution, doo iuſtifie and continue the health and ſafegard of the bodie, are preferred before all medicines, and nature the more graciouſly, and eaſily dooth accept them to bee placed in ſome due ordinance with the body. For ſuch like nutritiue medicines, as they haue an inward mollifieng operation, ſo haue they an outward application. And yet ſome, according to the demonſtration of Galen doo thinke that nutritiue medicines inwardly taken, hauing poſſeſſed and matched their heat, vnder the fourme of a hot complexion, are of moore greater force and ſtrength, and ſuch medicines are eaſily reduced, and manifeſted in their owne nature and propertie more quicklie.

Theophraſtus Paracelſus ſaith, that medicines outwardly miniſtred more ſpeedily doo ſhew their nature, then thoſe which be inwardly intertained, eſpecially if in their action they be hotte and firme: and although vnder the ſkinne are more inwardlye tender, then is outwardly ſhewed, yet haue they a more ready dutie hereby, to ſearch the deepneſſe of the wound, and gri • ued place, and the deepneſſe of the ſore, more ſpeedily doeth yeeld and open, if the inward humor be corrected by ſome purgatiue drieng drtnke, the diſeaſed and grieued ſore preſently altereth his yſſue, yeeldeth to a ſound vnion, and is preſently comprehanded vnder one fafe ſubſtance of the body.

Ariſtotle in his Probleames (ſpeaking of viniger and ſuch like ſharpe ſauces) dooth ſay, that the aſwell inward, as outward applications, very ſenſibly doo freate, and if heat bee bewrayed of a more ſtronger power in the pacient, dooth growe to an inward exceſſe, and outwardlie offendeth: yet a ſtrong and hot body will eaſily and verie much blunt and dull the power hereof. As firſt, by extenuation and comminution. Secondly, by concoction, and thirdly by motion, for that they are rouing, neuer continuing themſelues in one eſtate, but diſpoſe them ſelues into al other partes. As fourthly by ſeperation, eſpecially of thoſe partes▪ which are more ſharpe, as prepared, purged and ſifted either by fluring, either by vrine, or vomite and breathing vapours from the ſtomach, rather then of thoſe parts of the body, which are more calme, ſound, bening and bountifull. In which it is to be marked whether nature be impaired, in the excluſion of one part more then an other, or remaineth wholly, ſound, and perfect. Alſo whether the blood bee made cleare and kindly by a freſh and newe coiunction. Alſo whether the rind and barke of the vaines be wrinkled, dimiſhed, and broken in peces, and whether medicine haue a naturall power to vnite, and conioine in the nature of the body, for if the medicine be blunted and dulled by the ſtrength of the body, then the body is vtterlie vnable to defend it ſelfe from corruption, but preſentlie infected with all kind of vlceration. And theſe kind of vlcers are comprehended either from ranke aboundaunce of melancholious corruption ariſing betweene the fleſh and the ſkinne into ſome outward prepoſterous ſore, or els moſt commonly by reaſon of ſome hotte fluxing humour vnnaturally ſetling in ſome part of the body, wherein ſome vnkindly worme breedeth and ouereateth, except ſome preſent ſtay and remedy be had, And Galen ſaith there are diuers ſortes breeding in their kind according to the nature and diſpoſition of the body.

And although the Chirurgians do giue them ſeueral names yet they ought not ſo to doo, becauſe they are wormes gathered and miſhapen according to the monſtrouſneſſe of the humour, and neuer continue in one kind.

And yet ſome olde writers deuide theſe ſortes of ſores into foure names: Herpes, Phagedina, Chironia, and Telephia, The firſt is of verie affinitie with a plague ſore. The ſecond is ſome filthy blacke worme, or Fyſtula fretting betweene the fleſh and the bones. The third is a foule ſore, hard to be cured, and being poiſoned with the melancholiouſneſſe of the humour is called, Noli me tangere. The fourth complecteth it ſelfe vnder the name of all Boyles or Carbunckles: and ſurly al ſharp, ſower, ſwift, ſtyffe and cruell medicines, whether they be hotte, or colde, haue in themſelues a naturall poyſon to doe hurt hereunto: And they are more harmefull beeing eaten, then when they be outwardly applyed, for in their nature, they do not only intoxicate the primary partes of man, but deepely pearce the power of the heart.

We haue a manifeſt and rare example of Socrates, who liued in ſtrong power of health, except by drinking that daungerous and murtherſome hear be Cicuta, who ſenſiblie feeling the coldnes and power thereof to inſinuate and wind it ſelfe, did vanquiſh the highneſſe and mightines of his heart: confeſſed that Cicuta was the ſting of death, and the venym of deſtruction.

Dyoſcorides diſcribeth this hearbe Cycuta, to be both in nature and growth, like to our engliſh Henilocke.

Surely theſe medicines do litle hurt being outwardly applied, but they are poiſonſome and deadly, being inwardly taken, except the ſmall quantitie thereof be ſuch, as that the body bee of ſtronger power to vanquiſh and ſhake off the mortalitie thereof.

There is alſo a certain ioyce nowe in vſe, ſtrained & ſqueaſed out of the leaues of Laſcrpitium. Antonius Muſa ſaith, it is the gum of the tree it ſelfe called Roſen, or Belſwyn, and Bewguyn.

There is no difference whether it proceed of the ioyce, or weeping teares and licour of the tree. But certainly, that Roſen which groweth into a gum, by meanes of teares and weeping of the trees, ſheweth thorow an vnnaturall heat, in the elementes a generall infection and diſeaſe vpon the trees, either by vnnaturall heat in the elements, or by a diſtemperate and furious courſe in the ſtars, and the ſubſtance therewithall, is thickened, hardened and congealed.

As it is not our purpoſe to ioine together theſe differences, ſo neither are we to ſearch out their particular power & ſtrīgth neither their forme, likeneſſe nor ſhape, • or their good vſe, or euill abuſe therof. How much could I here vtter in diſgrace of the Pandect, for falſe expoſition of theſe and ſuch like ioyces, or congealed gums, which of the common people are one for an other, falſly put in place: as the firſt miſordering of Aſa fetida, which the Arabians do rather ſeeme to put in place of Mumy, and many very • ſophiſtically doo frame the filth of men long dead to ſerue herein.

But there are two principall ſortes of Mumy: the beſt ſort proceedeth of the rich Ba • ſamum, Catabalſamum, frankenſence, Oppobalſamum, Myrre, Alloes, Beniamyn, and many other ſweete odours, imbalmed within the dead▪ coorſes of moſt noble perſonages which doo cendenſate into ſubſtance with the fleſh by long continuance, as is afterwardes taken vp for perfect Mumy. Ther is an other ſort of Mumy which commeth by means of men trauelling ouer the high mountaines of Arabia, are oftentimes ſwallowed vp in the dangerous deepneſſe of the ſandes, & their fleſh by large continuance of times, concreat therwith, growing to be of one perfect ſubſtance & nature together: the Arabian writers do much commend this kind of Mumy.

Now to returne to our purpoſe in the naturall cauſes of cold and heate, for that there was neuer anie able to ſhewe the action of colde and heate in one like qualitie of the ſame. And who was euer able to draw, the ſtrength of hote cauſes to take effect, from mans naturall heate? Or who was euer able, or yet would bring to paſſe, that cold thinges ſhould take their action of colde and heate in one like degree, from mans naturall heate? Except in ſuffocating the ſences vtterly thereby. For cold medicines do in their owne propertie and nature follow their owne ſtrength and qualitie in the bodie.

Galen proueth by the example of cold water, which if it be inueſted with an accidentall heate, will by potentiall eſſence in it ſelfe, returne to a naturall propertie of coldneſſe. For as water hath a ſecret interflowing from the vaines of the earth, which although it hath ſome ſecret heate by vapours, or the influent exhalations of the elementes, aſcending and diſcending, yet is it in propertie altogether cold, without alteration, and therefore it is to be regarded that hote fire is extinguiſhed and put out with ſcalding water, ſo medicines many times haue an action of heate, yet of their potentiall power they doe ouercoole and infrefe the body.

So likewiſe there is another degree of medicines of cold actions, which although they be altered by art, to become of a more hote power, yet doe they returne to the former firſt frigiditie, yet altogether without excellencie in it ſelfe. So water doth returne alwaies to a peculiar and naturall coldneſſe. Therefore if medicines be miniſtred in anie degree to the body, and therewithall doe congeale and extreame with coldneſſe, it is done in the propertie and nature of medicine, not becauſe they are preferred beyond their accuſtomed action.

Now it is further to be inquired, whether medicines in the fourth degree, dronke vnder euident coldneſſe, may in anie ſort be quite tranſlated from the naturall heate of man. For that it doth not much appertaine to our queſtion, wee will not much here diſpute with Galen, neither is it a matter of anie importance or waight.

It cannot be denied, but if theſe cold medicines be in ſmall quantitie proffered vpon anie diſtemperance of the body, cannot eſcape altogether the worke of nature, but therewithall profiteth the bodie. For like as medicines framed and compoſed of fumitorie, much preuaile in helpe of the dropſie, ſo the diſeaſe called Hydros, that is, when the ſkinne is filled with water, is preſently cured with blacke popie. And Galen ſomewhat touched in conſcience, practiſeth to waſh away his former obiection againſt the preparation of popie, ſeemeth to admit the vſe thereof againſt thoſe hote vlcerations, ſo it be both artificially tempered and naturally compoſed with the complexion.

Then ſuch medicines are not in ſame quantitie alwaies ſo deepelie foreſet with cold, but that they may haue ſome naturall inſtinct of heate, eſpecially ſuch hearbes which are in the ſecond and third degree colde, and may not altogether reiect and diſpoſſeſſe themſelues from the ſtrength of heate: So doe they eaſily conuert themſelues to become in vnion with bodily heate, and their wholeſome kindly temperance, quietly, ſecretly and ſodainly ſubdueth and appeaſeth all extreame diſtemperances of heate in the bodie.

But Theophraſtus Paracelſus on the contrarie affirmeth, that Galen is herein greatly deceiued. For he further ſayth that cold medicines haue a priuate and effectuall nature of cooling and intertained into the body, as poſſibly to be indured, vntill it be regenerat with bodily heate. Paracelſus reaſon herein is, for that heate and cold may in both their properties obtaine a double diſtinction: as either are they to do ſome effect in their own properties, or els by accidentall meanes, the which hath bene ſufficiently handled in the former books of theſe temperaments eſpecially in the qualities of dry and moyſt thinges.

We may finde out ſufficient ſimilitudes and teſtimonies of cold and hote things, as popie being of cold nature, ſo Henbane is of ho • e nature, although they be hotly tempered in their ſingle natures together, without artfull confection into the body, are not of equall operation: ſo are their actions vnequall and diſcrepant one from another, and their accidentall heate, hath ſupreame intendment in the one, and diſgraceth the other.

So likewiſe if Celledin be dronke in naturall kindneſſe of it ſelfe, much profiteth the body, but being receiued into the body by an accidentall heate, doe greatly hurt and diſtemper the vital parts of man, not ſo much in reſpect of action as of operation. And certainly, as there may be a tranſlation of all thinges beyond nature. So oyle is not ſimply called hote, becauſe it is turned into a flame of fire, but becauſe it hath a natural and powerfull heate in it ſelfe. For ſurely hote nouriſhmentes, although they be put into the bodie in the nature of fire, yet are they no fire: for ſuch kinde of nouriſhmentes are oftentimes to profite the body in place of medicines, and yet the ſame traſferred beyond the common courſe of temperance, diſprofiteth and diſtempereth the body. I would haue it to be heere vnderſtoode, that whatſoeuer altereth the diſeaſe is a medicine, except onely that meate and ſuſtenance which aduaunceth it ſelfe beyond common temperance: otherwiſe all foode miniſtred vnto the bodie ſhould be medicinable, ſheweth ſome naturall effect eyther of liking or diſliking propertie. For ſome are of equall power to comfort and nouriſh the body, ſome doe alter the body to ſome vnkindly diſtemperance, ſome doe purge the bodie, ſome do ſurfet the body, and ſome doe poyſon the body. We may not therefore coniecture, that all ſortes of meates, ſuffered in the body are medicines, but we muſt certainly perſwade our ſelues that all purgations miniſtred vnto the body, are poyſon ſome for preſent operation, although not deadly: for purgatiue medicines are of three natures. In their firſt nature, lenitiuely doe approue and molifie the body: In their ſecond propertie, vehemently doe ſearch and ſtrongly feede vpon the body. They doe in their third propertie, inſume nature, vtterly oppreſſe the bodie by a ſharpe aduſt fluxing of bloud, or cls a deadly benumming of the vitall partes.

As all naturall ſuſtenance agreeing with the body, is conuerted to the ſubſtance of fleſh and bloud, ſo all poyſons of what condition ſoeuer they be, after they be chaſtiſed from their poiſonſome malice, are moſt curable antidotes, and remedies againſt all venims and ſtenchfull corruptions, which eyther offend or ouercharge the wholeſome eſtate of mans life. Yet Galen ſayth that whoſoeuer drinketh iuyce of the vyper or aſpes, is deadly poyſoned, can neuer be healed, nor the poyſon thereof ſubdued, corrected or ſurpriſed, by any art in man. Yet Dyoſcorides ſayth, that the ſtone taken from the corſe and ſepulchre, of ſome ancient king, after hee hath bene long dead, is a ſpeciall remedie againſt the poyſon of vyper or aſpes, and all other poyſons in the higheſt degre.

Galen calleth euerie diſtemperate action (in propertie) deleterion, that is venomous, to which hee rehearſeth two ſeuerall kindes of hote and colde poyſons as aforeſaid.

Dyoſcorides reporteth that the natures of poyſons, are of ſondrie degrees to mans body: And this contrarietie not onely reſpecteth a moſt miſchieuous operation for a peculiar qualitie in it ſelfe, but hath alſo an indicible propertie in his owne ſubſtance, which is not onely contrary, vncertaine and gathered from the moſt diſtemperat influences aboue, but of the moſte contagious vaporations beneath, all which eaſily is knowne by a certaine ordinary mutation going betweene: ſo that all thoſe which continently doe not paſſe ouer in agreement with nature, are contrarie in their power to bodily ſubſtance, although they doe in eyther qualitie diſagree. As manie of theſe vnnaturall poyſons, are within themſelues, of one proper qualitie, ſo manie of them are of two qualities, one diſagreeing from another, and yet are they not contrarie in their ſeueall operatiue malice.

There are on the other ſide, many poyſons which in their owne proper qualities reſiſt againe, and yet in their kinde are not contrarie: therefore ſome extraordinarie mutation may determine, and correct this onely contrarietie.

Yet I doe greatly maruell that Auycen holdeth opinion, that all colde poyſons are whollie contrarie to mans nature, in their kinde and propertie, as that they may not be corrected, or delayed.

Dyoſcorides reporteth, that an olde wife of Athens, made a contrarie experience hereof, tranſmuting the heath Cicuta, by litle and litle without danger agreeable to purge her owne nature. And Galen in his third booke of Simples the xxi. chapter doth ſay, that all cold poyſons, ſhewe their venome not in nature, but in quantitie, neither can they be altered from their malignitie, nor yet paſſe ouer into ſubſtance.

Theophraſtus Paracelſus ſaith, this opinion is very dangerous, neither can it be true, that poiſonſome medicines obtain their force, rather from powerfull quantitie, then actiue malignitie: for the force of colde poyſons beeing loſte vnder the action of heate, manifeſtly doe infrigerate the body, which cannot be more notablie diſcouered, then if colde water being made of an accidentall heat, from a former propertie of cold, not onely returneth to nature, but becommeth more colder, then before.

So whoſoeuer drinketh cold medicines, being drawen into accidentall heate, do in their operation return to former propertie, and not onely alter, in their owne power, but are preferred to a more greater manifeſtation. For oftentimes colde fieame is ſo diſcerned, as if the vrine be thicke and clammie by contemplation, or by ſome forraine corruption, hath an vſurping accidence of heat, which although natural medicine hath ſome operatiue inclinatio, nyet there may be a texgiuer ſation to their former propertie and power of coldneſſe, and thereby oftentimes greatly offend vs, except the ſtrength of our nature ouertrauell the danger thereof, or that the quantitie be ſmall, or becauſe litle heat is obtained and gotten in the vertue thereof, is the more eaſier deiected.

We haue an example of the Salamander, who hath a continuall propertie of fire, and yet beeing of extreame naturall power of coldneſſe, extinguiſheth and quencheth all fire. Euen ſo this hearbe Cycuta and ſuch like vnconſtant poyſons, haue an outward affynitie with fire: yet the practiſe thereof benummeth the moſt perfect heat of the body, to become vncertaine and wauering.

Dyoſcorides affyrmeth, that although artificiall practiſe ſhould delay this hearbe Cycuta to worke in a moderat propertie, yet wil it returne to a former affliction and euill diſpoſition in it ſelfe: Which eaſily may be perceiued, in that al cold poyſons are of contrary natures to hot poiſons. So both of them are two dangerous contrarie •• es to the ſubſtance of the body: as alſo ſuch medicines which work beyond common courſe are poiſons, and all ſuch medicines which haſten the diſeaſe to become more ſwift, ſharp, and inſult the ſpirituall partes are po • ſons. And all ſuch medicines which diſgrace the diſeaſe, are ordinarie and of high condignitie with nature. And all ſuch medicines whith purely frame and vnite with the body, are prepreſeruations for the helpe, both of health and long life to the bodie.

Therefore in miniſtring of medicines, there is both an ordinarie and an extraordinarie compoſition: miniſtration and operation. For medicines are rather framed of an actiue, then paſſiue nature. As Pepper or Muſtard ſeede are actiue: ſo wine and honnie are paſſiue in operation.

Alſo there be other ſimples of doubtfull propertie in their worke. As the Lettuce, which although Galen commendeth the propertie thereof, to bee wholſome againſt the heate of the the ſtomach, yet Theophraſtus Paracelſus reporteth, that it hath an energiecall worke to moderate, coole, and ſeaſon the body in the middeſt of hotte infectious diſeaſes, but neither Valerius Cordus, neither the Pande • t, nor yet the Luminarie make any ſuch rehearſall.

But Petrus Galienſis ſaith, that both the Lettuce, and hearbes of ſuch like vertue, drawe vpon the north Pole: as ſome more nearer, and ſome farther off, and therefore in degrees they exceede one an other. And ſaith, all hearbes whoſe properties are leuied from the ſouth hot, are mitigated, meaſured, and equally compounded by an increment of the north • ind.

And he further ſaith, that all ſingle hearbes, worke after the coaſtes of the elementes: except hearbes of cold propertie, which of themſelues haue no elemental attraction, the Fuſun notwithſtanding hath a ſingular conflexion vpon them. And although it was before ſpoken in the firſt booke of theſe Temperaments that the Sun ſplendeth or diminiſheth her force vpon all liuing creatures, yet there muſt bee vnderſtood, that the Sun hath a permanent reflection in her owne power and nature, but onely that the heat of the Sun is ſtyrred and prouoked to be of greater ſtrength in ſommer by meanes of certaine hot planets, which then haue ſpeciall domination in the elementes. So on the contrarie, the coldneſſe of the elements in winter doo weaken and infeeble the heat, and yet the ſunne hath one like power both in winter and ſommer: ſo that as the ſunne arriſ • th in heat, by the temperance of the year a • ſo the fruits of the ground ariſe and ripen therewith: and as the ſun with the courſe of the yeare falleth, ſo doo the naturall fruites of the earth recline.

Then are we rightlie to coniecture, that the hearbes of the field attract from the elements an operatiue power in the vniuerſall eſtate of mans health: for the hearbe Peperites hath a wonderfull and excellent operation, againſt the commi • iall diſeaſe, called the falling ſickneſſe, and draweth vpon the full of the moone in the eaſt: and the ſaid hearbe in growth is alwaies aſcendent and diſcendent, with the increaſe and decreaſe of the moone. So alſo there is an other hearbe called Scopa Regia, which draweth a moſt high dignitie from a ſtarre, which followeth the newe moone, called Occulus Lunae, and is of right vertue to heale a ſwelling congeſled blood in the throat, called the kinges euill.

Petrus Galienſis ſaith, the hearbe Dragon is of cold operation and draweth a vertue from the Lode ſtar. The heate of the Sun without difference warmeth all thinges, yet in deeper penetration of one thing more then another.

Herewithall it is a moſt excellent thing to conſider the propertie of Honie: the which honie is reſpected to be in the vſe of man in one degree, and in the vſe of a Bee in an other degree. For as the heate of the Sun is ſincere and pure in nature and propertie, ſo dooth it conioine with the courſe of ſtarres diſcending by a certaine mellifluous dewe, inſeaſeth it ſelfe vpon the hearbs of the earth by attraction. Neither is it of right iudgment that this hony, is naturall & indifferent to all the hearbs of the earth, although the Bee hath a generall portion thorowout. Therfore Dyoſcorides ſaith, that the naturall Bee ſucketh the moſt mellifluous fruites of the earth. But the vnnaturall Beeroueth and rangeth aſwell vpon the one as the other, eſpecially all wilde and ſauage weedes.

And yet as the Magnet or Lode-ſtone is vnforceable to attract vppon euerye complexion, ſo all ſortes of hearbes are not drawen from the Elementes: for theyr attractiue aptneſſe many times fall out diuerſly, after the complection of men. For as there be hearbes of thin and light operation, ſo there are thin and light humours in men. And as there be thick and groſſe operations in hearbes, ſo are there alſo thicke and groſſe humours in men. Therefore the power of hot thinges, may not be adiudged by touching, neither yet vnderſtood by reaſon, for that al things are diuers in operation. For as hot things are not alwaies thin and light, ſo thicke things are not alwaies cold: yet doth it commonly fall out, that ſolutiue medicines are alwaies hot, ſharpe, and bitter. But we may not iuſtlie affirme that all ſweet medicines are hot, for that bitter medicines are ſhadowed many times with outward ſweetnes, As Galen ſaith Sub melle venenum tegitur. Surely al hot things are of ſubtill extenuation, and yet oftentimes through a hotte ſubſtance in themſelues, doo growe into ſleſhie thickneſſe.

Hypocrates reporteth his helpe towardes a yoong man which was ouergrowen with fleſhie thickneſſe both of bellie and other partes of his bodie, did aboundantlie waſh, bath, and ſoke himſelfe in the middeſt of ſommer in colde water: And whereas chieflie his face, and other partes of his body were ſtyffened, thickened and bound with cold humours, and for the exceeding thickneſſe of his ſkinne, the deflation of heate was repreſſed, foorthwith a righteous experience tooke a prooffe. For that, freſh vnion and naturall collection of heate did follow.

This excellent temperance followeth the elementes by a natural repercuſſion of all cold temperatures, into the ſweete and medicionable ſpringes of the earth: for that the hot ſommer courſe, in the Elementes hath repreſſed all colde temperaments of morning dewes, into the vaines and hart of the earth, the water ſpringes become thereby potatiue, wholeſome and medicionable, and both within, as without the bodie of high operation. For now as the increaſe of heate is hereby ſtyrred vp, ſo alſo the exteame coldneſſe, and ouer great thickneſſe of the ſkinne, conceiueth a free relaxation in the poores, whereas alſo both the bloud and breath were inwardly repulſed, ſo the one freely interfloweth the vaines, and the other hath a temperate and equall propertie from the loonges. And alſo the humours which were before halfe ſetled, doe become nowe more plentifull and are perfected into a regular order, and heate herewith regenerated, doth firſt ſpring vp and forthwith returne and ſtrike backe againe, thereby at length heate ouercommeth colde in the extreame and vttermoſt partes, and permanently there doth ſettle.

Galen doth ſeeme to call this repercuſſion, onely the ſame repulſion, which is made after the concoction of humours. Neither is it to be maruelled if heate heereby, returne more plentifull, both becauſe the bloud being increaſed and renewed, the heate alſo muſt of neceſſitie be increaſed.

Theophraſtus Paracelſus ſaith, I doe eſteeme heate to be borne out more euident and manifeſt to outward things by manie repercuſſions, although no increaſe of bloud ſhall follow in outward thinges▪ for certain momentanie repercuſſions may hinder bloud anie more to bend, yet it may not be ſaid, that the cauſe thereof hapneth in the ripeneſſe of vnperfect humours. For this cauſe doth it ſeeme to come to paſſe after this maner, that bloud cannot eaſily be drawne, when it is chaſed from the outward plentie and fulneſſe, vncertainly to poſſeſſe the inward partes: after which beeing againe inforced to anie outward operation, draweth a portion of humours to purſue thoſe vaynes euer after, as the old prouerbe is. Fluxus, fluxum prouocat.

Therefore it is a moſte excellent ornament to beholde the ſignes of the elementes in all euacuations. For ſeeing inferiour cauſes do expreſſe and exerciſe the nature of ſuperiour cauſes, it ſtandeth with equitie they ſhoulde be obeyed: Eſpeciallie the tides of the ſea, drawing vpon the courſe of the moone: the ſunne giuing increaſe to the vniuerſal creation: The hearbs hauing an excellent, pure and ſecret vſe in the ſtarres: The plannets hauing their temperance or diſtemperance in the complexions of all thinges. So then it is a moſte high aſſurance, that euerie ſickeneſſe, which diſtempereth in offending the life of man, ought to be conſidered vpon, after the high temperance, or diſtemperance of the elementes, aſwell as the complexion of the patient. I ende to the laud of God and profite of chriſtian health.

Thus endeth the third Booke of the Temperamentes.

The Lord made heauen and earth and all thinges that therein is, bleſſed are the workes of his handes. At my next conuenient leyſure three bookes more are to come forth vnder one volume as followeth. A booke of the Diſtemperamentes. An Apologie to the Pluriſies. A diſcourſe vpon the diſeaſes in the Arteries. FINIS.