SECTION I.

HAving resolved to write a little, concerning the use of this Sim­ple, called Mace, I shall begin with a short descrip [...]on of it, make­ing [Page 2]use only of Schroder, as one of the best of our Modern wri­ters.

In his Pharmacopoea Medico-Chymica, lib. 4. cap. 219. he calls it a Rinde or Bark, which groweth about the Nutmeg, which is called Nux-moschata, & Muscata, Nux Aromatica, Nux Myristica, sen Ʋnguentaria; & Nucista.

Clusius affirmeth, that there is a lesser sort, called the Fe­male, and a greater, the Male.

It groweth in an Yland called Banda in the East-Indies.

It is covered with a twofold husk or bark, the outmost of which is the grossest or thickest (like that of the Walnut) which openeth, when it com­eth to maturitie; so that the [Page 3]other, being the Mace, doth appear, surrounding the Nut­meg, like a little Net-work. But there is betwixt the Mace and the Nutmeg, a thin shell, broun without, like the skin of a Chesunt; which Schroder men­tioneth not, as doth Perkinson.

The Mace of the Ancients (called Macer) is the lignous, or woodie Bark of a tree, which used to be brought from Bar­barie.

There is also a sort of Macer in the Oriental Ylands, which, perchance, is the same with that of the Ancients.

The Nutmeg is hot and dry, or heats and dryes, with as­tringency. It is good for the Stomack, Head and Womb. It dispelleth Wind, helpeth Di­gestion, [Page 4]correcteth the stink­ing-Breath, refresheth the Con­ception, aideth the Suooning and Palpitation of the Heart, lessneth the Splen (or rather the pains thereof) stopeth Fluxes, and stayeth Vomiting.

The same Vertues are as­cribed to the Mace. But, be­cause it is of more delicat parts it is therefore thought more efficacious, and penetrant in its operation.

These things Schroder affir­meth.

SECTION II.

IN the second place, I shall add a few words concerning its temperature (the only com­petent [Page 5]judge whereof I appre­hend to be the Taste) which I beleeve to be, as is before ex­pressed. And the learned Au­thor not having adventured, precisely to condescend upon the degrees of its heat and dry­ness, neither shall I, who could never find the Scales & Grains, by which to measure them; and have much admired, the confidence of many, who hav­ing neither seen nor handled them, yet have peremptorily determined, the degrees of heat cold, moisture, and dryness in all Concrets Vegetable or Mineral; without giving the least shew or reason for their assertions.

Although the Mace be not so grateful to the smell and taste as is Cinamon, yet I humbly [Page 6]conceive, that of all Spyces, its sulphureous parts (which are the chief) are most amicall to the animall spirits. First, Be­cause (if without offence to the more refined I might aver) that in Cinamon, there are two degrees (if not moe) of in­flaming heat, for one in Mace; which is demonstrat by the taste. Secondly, It may be used in Fevers &c. (of which more hereafter) with much less ha­zard, then Cinamon.

The debate amongst Natu­ralists (I mean those who wrote most acuratly, concerning the old manifest qualities of Sim­ples) hath been so great, that they cannot agree, anent the heat and cold of natural Bodies, All the Antients affirming A­romaticks [Page 7](or Spyces) and Salts to be hot, and the juices o [...] Li­mons Sorrels, &c. and Vinegar, to be cold.

And of late, some alleadge most confidently the foremen­tioned juices, and Vinegar, to be also hot, that is such bodies, as do excite inflammations, when admitted into the body of man.

Having formerly, and at large, offered to the considera­tion of the Ingenious, my opi­nion concerning this affair, I shall not here trouble the Rea­der therewith, but refer him to Moffet-Well, pag. 60. &c. to pag 80.

Being thus engaged to men­tion that Tractat, I must desire to be excused, for taking li­berty [Page 8]here to insert (tho hete­rogeniously to this subject) two things, which tho they did not occur to me, untill after the publication of that Trea­tise, yet may prove usefull or delectable to some.

The first is, I being one day discoursing, with a most lear­ned Professor of Phylosiphy at Edenburgh, anent the nature of that Water; and he mantain­ing the vulgar opinion, that it did run through Brimston, I answered thus.

Because the Water of Moffet-Well, smelleth most like to the dross of Gun powder, remaining in a Gun, which hath been of­ten shot ( Gun-powder consist­ing for the most part, of Brim­sten and Nitre) it is the vulgar [Page 9]opinion of Phisicians that this Water runeth through Brimston to which I do opose these two reasons.

First This Water Vomiteth and Purgeth. But none of the forementioned Assertors, can instance one Medicin made of Brimston which commonly do­eth either. I say commonly: because Brimston may cause some one or two persons vo­mite or purge, by reason of some naturall antipathy. As I have heard it reported, that there is a family in France, all the branches whereof, have such an antipathy at the Rose, that (notwithstanding it be a flower most refreshing to man­kind) they would faint at the smelling or tasting of it. Se­condly, [Page 10]It is sufficiently well known, to all Physicians, that all Medicins made of Brimston, (as the Flowers, Magistery, or Lac Bolsam, Tincture, Spi­rit, &c.) are most effectuall in cureing Consumptions. But it is as well known, that this Water is as inimicall to all persons who have this Disease, or whose Bodies are in a disposi­tion to take it: for it hath often posted such unto Eternity.

I doe therefore adhere to my own opinion, viz. that this Water is impregnat with the Sulphur of Antimony, which I have separated from Antimony (in the resublimation of its Cinnabar) and found it Yellow and inflamable as common Brimston, & to effect the Nose­triles [Page 11](when inflamed) just as common Brimston doth, by its vapour which ascendeth from it, when it is inflamed.

If those things had tymous­ly occured to me, I wold have inserted them in the middle of pag. 60.

The Second is, Being infor­med, that an English-man did extract much Salt out of the Water and sold it in great quan­tities, to all sorts of persons, to be drunk with the Water, in the Year 1669. I went thither, and essayed the operation, ex­tracting only the half of a drahm out of every Scottish-pynt. This Salt I found to be so sharp, and attractive of the Air, that in August, it dissolved into one of my pockets, tho [Page 12]the Salt of Tartar (which is the most attractive of the Air, as yet known) did continue most dry in the other. When I re­turned home, I did fully dis­solve it in water, and coagulat it again and am necessitated to keep it in a glass, as closs as I do my Potential Canters.

As yet I have attempted no experiments with it, and doe wish that some, who have bet­ter opportunity, would do it, for the good of our Countrey.

These words, I would have inserted, pag. 82. immediatly before the use or the Water.

SECTION III.

Thirdly, As to the use of Mace, in Meat or Drink, I [Page 13]shall only give my advice, a­nent the manner of useing it; especially seeing the most part do not only put themselves to much needless expense for it, but also do abuse it & deprive themselves of the most usefull part thereof, viz its sulphureous Oyle.

The Vulgar use of this Spyce in the Kitchen, is either first, Boyling it amongst Broth &c. secondly, or pulverising it for Sauces and Drink.

As to the first, It is the com­mon custom, to put two or three pieces of whole Mace; amongst the cold water, and to permit them to boyle all the time, that the Broth is a mak­ing, so that the spirituous and balsamick parts thereof, doe [Page 14](almost totally) vaporat with the vapor, which is constantly ascending from the Broth, which retaineth but very little of its Taste.

Were it not then greater fru­gality, when the Broth is fully boyled, to put in a lesser quan­tity of the powder of Mace, which will impregnat more strongly ere it be for the table if the pot be closly covered.

The reasonableness of this advice will soon appear to any who understand how to make Ale. For, such persons doe not take the Malt, ere it be grinded to powder, and boyle it with the water, or infuse it a­mongst the warme water; the last whereof, if they should doe they would waste much Malt, [Page 15]ere they made a little good- Ale. But there is far more reason of caution, in the use of Mace, see­ing its spirits are richer, and far more easily extracted, or fugat by heat.

The second use of it, is pulve­rising for Sauces and Drink, I must here also regrate, the too vulgar custom of depriveing the Mace, of its forementioned spirituous Oyle, by drying of it, that it may be the more ea­sily pulverised. The trueth whereof will be soon evident to any, who will be at the pains and expense, as to dry and pul­verise only a quarter of an ounce of Mace, and then put it up in a paper. At the same time pulverise alse much un­dryed, and put it in another [Page 16]paper. After a few houres, the last paper, will be sound much more altered, and oyled, than the other.

That we are necessitated to dry Mustard seeds, ere we can get them pulverised (other­wise you shall beat them into a Paste, as if it were dough, and make their oyle, with the a­queous moisture, dissolveable amongst water, as when we make Emulsions of the seeds cal­led cold, &c.) is no argument, against what I have affirmed, seeing the Oylie spirits of the Mace, are much more volatile; than those of the Mustard-seeds.

It were therefore expedient, to keep the pulverised Mace in a Box of Silver, Tin, or Wood, which would imbibe none, or [Page 17]but little of its spiritous Oyle. The same advice may be asser­ted anent Mustard, the powder whereof, in a few houres, will make paper transparent, as if it had been wet with Oyle.

The Mace being thus prepa­red and preserved, a very little warmth and in a suitable time, will make a small quantity of it, communicat its spirits and taste, to any liquor, used as Meat or Drinke.

What hath been said, being most probable, it would much conduce, to the health of ma­ny valetudinatie persons, hav­ing weak Stomacks, &c to im­pregnat their Ale or Beer, with the corroborating spirits of this Spyce, by putting hal [...] an ounce (more or less, or every [Page 18] Scottish-Gallon) of its powder, into the Barrell; immediatly before the liquor be put into it.

SECTION IV.

IN Medicin the Mace is made use of first, either intire as Nature framed it; that is, only reduceing it to powder, and not separating any of its con­stituent parts from one another Or, secondly, it is used in its parts separated. These com­monly are, its Oyles, by expres­sion [the externall use whereof is sufficientlie well known] and distillation; and its Earth, which after the expression of the Oyle, may be used by the poor, who are not able to buy the Mace it self.

Intire Mace may be made use of, first, in a more simple way, or as Medicin it self, se­condly, Or in a more compound manner, viz. with other Me­dicinal Simples.

Internallie, I know no bet­ter corrobarater of the Stomack and Brain, to which its spirits are most refreshing, when ex­tracted by infusion, amongst any convenient liquor. I use it most with Ale, taking alse much of the powder, as will ly upon a large sixpence, to eve­ry pound of the liquor; which also I sweeten a little with Su­gar, and that in these cases.

First, If one have catched Cold, whereby a pain in the head, or breast (which are rare­ly separat, in this condition) [Page 20]and the Cough, are usually oc­casioned, a large draught [ta­ken with an empty Stomack] of good Ale thus prepared; will ordinarly occasion a sweat and sleep; whereby the Ar­cheus fureus, or disturbed Na­ture will immediatly be com­posed, and the molesting symp­toms abated after two or three Deses (at most) taken very warme at night, or in the mor­ning, or both.

Many can testifie the trueth o [...] what I affirm, and doe ther­fore never go abroad to jour­ney, without this powder.

Secondly In Fevers, Pleuri­sies, &c. when there may be need to corrobort the Stomack, I doubt i [...] the [...]e be any Spyce, which may be so liberally (if [Page 21]at all) used, as this for aroma­tifting of Ptisans, Broths, &c

Thirdly. After the operati­on of a Vomitive [or purgative] Medicin, within one houre, I use to give to Patients this drink and to cause them go to bed, and sleep two or three houres; after which, they used to be als well composed, as I have seen others (who got it not) the day after they had vomited.

Fourthly, In the beginning of Fluxes, with gripping of the Guts, there is no better Medicin then a draught of sweet Whey, warmed with the same quanti­ty of Mace, and drink once or twice a day, for two or three dayes together.

Hermannus Vander Heyden, a Physician of Gaunt, hath writ­ten [Page 22]a Treatise (called, Speedy help for Rich and Poor) the first part whereof, is touching the vertue of Whey, in the cure of the griping Flux and Dysenterie which hath been printed in French Latin, and English.

Fifthly, There is nothing [of this kind] better for the Stomack, than to mix a little of this powder, and a little Sugar, which a cold mornings draught.

Externally used, there is no such Anodine of this nature.

First, The warme infusion of Mace, in Claret wine [which ought to be made stronger thā for internall use] having a fourfold Linnen-cloath diped into it, and applyed to the Re­gion of the Splen, or Stomack, doeth soon ease the paines of [Page 23]them. And a Clove or two be­ing added thereto, it will ope­rat the more strongly.

Secondly, it easeth also the pai [...], occasioned by a Pleuresie; especially if it be of the bastard sort, which is amongst the In­tercostal-Muscles.

Thirdly It is also very useful in Rheumatick-paines; which most frequently assault the Back, about or betwixt the Shoulders. But I must tell you, that I have often seen a little warme Salt, in a small Linnen­cleath doe better; by attracting and imbibing much of the Se­rosity, affecting the Membrans; whereas the other doeth only discuss, by corroborating the Animal spirits, which are the chief agent, in this operation. [Page 24]I know a very honest Carpenter who will testifie the trueth of this; and who was also cured of the Sciatica, by bathing in the Sea; which disease he con­tracted, after intermitting this bathing for three years.

Seeing all are convinced of its usefulness Internally used, for expelling of Wind or rather for strengthning the Digestion, and so prohibiting the genera­tion of more, I hope none will controvect, the probabilitie of its easing of pain, from the same cause, when Externally applyed.

Fourthly, Then it must be a proper Ingredient for Epithems Cueusa's, and Suffumigations, when needfull.

Before I proceed, I can not [Page 25]but desire the Ingenious to ob­serve, that when the powder of Mace is put amongst the Ale, (which ought to be in a vessell with a closs cover) the most part thereof swimeth above; and as the liquor warmeth, it gradually disappeareth by fal­ling to the bottom. Dureing this operation, if you take the Stoupe from the fire, and looke into it, you will perceive the Atoms of the Mace, continual­ly ascending from the bottom to the top or superfice of the Liquor, and immediatly de­scending again, untill the Li­quor be fully saturat, with the spirituous and oylie parts; after which none of the powder ap­peareth above, which will come to pass very near also [Page 26]soon, as the Stoupe [being set by a little fire] shall become so hot, that one can only re­move it speedily from the fire.

The consideration of this, and the Observations following did perswad me to believe, that as the World is circular in its fi­gure and motion, so also the most part of one motions therein (whether naturall o [...] artificial) are of the same nature.

As for the naturall doe we not daily perceive? first the circular motions of the coelesti­al Lights round about us; or, ou [...]s upon, and with the Earth, about some of them. And have not Astronomers demonstrat­ed the motions of some of them round their own Centres. Secondly, The circulation of [Page 27] Water in the Macrocosm, accor­ding to Eccles. 1. All Rivers run into the Sea, yet the Sea is not ful; unto the place from whence the Rivers run thither they do return again. Thirdly, The circula­tion of Blood in the Microcosm; and in the bodies of all crea­tures, which have it. Fourthly, Vapours ascending from the Earth into the Air, and descen­ding again in Rain, Snow &c.

The artificiall metions also, we see to be, for the most part, circular [as in Clocks, Milns, Spinning-wheels, &c.] and such as are not, are either directed by a circular motion (as a Ship, by the circular motion of the Rudder upon its hinges; of the Cart in the Compass, upon the Prick; and of the celestiall-bo­dies) [Page 28]or much facilitated and promoved, by one circular motion or other. Hence it is, that Chain-Pumps are most use­full in great Ships; and one Horss will draw a greater weight upon a Cairt or Wagon, then u­pon a Slade. Moreover, whilst the Weavers-shutle is moving in a straight line, from the one side of the Web to the other, doeth not the Pirn move circu­larly within it? Finally [...] the most difficult mechanical ope­rations, are most easily done, by instruments moving circu­larly; as is evident in the bore­ing of Mettals or Wood, with Drils and Wimbles, and the moe blocks that be upon a Ships tack­ling, the sewer men will serve to load, or unload therewith.

The following Observations doe far her prove, the Artifi­cial motions to be circular [tho no [...] sph [...]rical] and very plea­sant to behold.

First Dureing the action of pure Aqua fortis upon crude Mereurie in a tra [...]sp [...]rent Glass, you will clearly perceive, the continual [...]scent and descent of the Mercurial-Atoms, betwixt the superfice and bottom of the Laquor, untill it be fully sat [...]at with them.

Secondly I did lately observe this circular motion, whilst the well defecat juice of Limons, was dissolving very red & fi [...]e Coral; which being totally robed of its redness [as the juice of its Aciditie] the Atoms re­maining, were almost also [Page 30]white as this Paper.

Thirdly, Dureing the ope­ration of the Acidum Vitrioli [wherewith I mixed some Bo­rage water] upon the Limatura Chalybis, in making the Vitrio­lum Martis [commonly called Sal-Chalybts] there is no doubt, the same circular motiō which tho it cannot be discerned, be­cause of the opacitie of the Li­quors, yet may be concluded, from alse pleasant and conside­rable a motion, which is this. When these Liquors are affus­ed to the limatura, there ariseth immediatly such a heat and e­bullition, that it there be not near three parts of four empty, they will boyle over upon the Table. This ebullition conci­nueth but a little, and the Li­quor [Page 31]no sooner setleth, than in­numerable Aqueous Atoms, do constantly ascend two or three inches above its superfice, to which they descend again. If this operation be done in a Cup­ping glass (as I use to doe it) many of those Atoms (whose taste doth demonstrat them to be impregnat with the Atoms of the Chalybs) will fall upon the outside of the glass, where they will lye like dew in a Sum­mers morning. The action of the Menstruum being ended, this pleasant shower ceaseth.

Were it not better for Pro­fessors of Philosophy to pry into such Experiments wherby they might be prompted with ex­cellent notions and arguments, relative to Matter and Motion, [Page 32]than to spend so much time, u­pon Ens rationis universale &c. which can never be usefull in Medicin (save to make a man Hypochondriack, and so necessi­tous thereof) or Mechanicism, so as to gain one penny thereby

Many such Curiosi [...]ies have been little noticed by many Artists who like covetous and ignorant Travellers, to the City where they expect most gain, take no notice, of much more pleasant places, in their jurney; and intending only the pur­chasing of coyned money, doe often overlook alse good ly­ing in some small Springs; and far less make it their business, to search for the Mines them­selves. The truth of this, is fully demonstrated to any, who [Page 33]will peruse the most ingenious and learned Physic [...] Theological considerations, about the possibili­tie of the Resurrection: written by the Honorable Robert Boyle; wherein, by such Curiosities, by him accuratly noticed, he de­monstrateth, the possibility of that great Article of our Chri­stian faith viz. The Resurrection of the dead at the great day of ge­neral judgment; for the further confirmation of which, we may also consider the foremen­tioned circular motion, in rela­tion to our own Bodies and Soules.

Seeing it is undenyable that we cam from the Earth, and do daily return unto it by death; and that our spirits doe then re­turn to God who gave them; [Page 34]Why should any rational crea­ture doubt? of the Soul its re­turning unto the Body, its old habitation; or of the return of both to God for ever; seeing he, who is Almighty, hath gi­ven his Word for it.

I shall conclude this part of this Section, with regrateing the custom of many, who get­ing Wine, that is decayed in its colour and taste, and conse­quently, as to its [...], by burning it with Mace, Cloves, &c. they exhaust the most part of its remaining spi­rits and the best of those in the Spyces and hen drink the worst of both. For when the spirits, are by distillation separated from the best of Wines, that which remaineth in the Still, [Page 35]is liker to fresh Vrine, than to any other liquor.

It were then much better, only to infuse those Spyces in such Wine, and by all means to retain the remaing spirits, by the clos [...]ess of the vessel.

Secondly Mace is medicinal­ly made use of, in a more com­pound way and that either intire or in its parts.

First Intire as a most ex­cellent corrective of all Purga­tives; or mixed with other A­romaticks in a omaticall Pow­ders Tablets. Electuaries, or Spirits.

Secondly In its parts and that either Internally or Externally.

Internally there is no better Oyle, for mixing with Stoma­chick, Cephalick, or Splenetick [Page 36]Piles &c than is its liquide.

Then what an excellent E­lixir must it make, when asso­cia [...]o a convenient Menstruum which could speedily usher it, into the Archeal Court, & make its address, to all the noble A­nimal spirits, whose loyal and peaceable Actions it would che­rish, and compesce their intes­tin Commotions.

Externally the Oyle by expres­sion being so usefull, no doubt a Balsam made of it, and the Li­quide, must be much more ef­fectual.

When any such Medicin is made use of, it ought to be done after friction with a warm cloath, near to the fire; in the doing of which, there are two vulgar errors, very prejudicial [Page 37]to be forsaken.

First, The rubing of the Legs or Armes down wards: for thus moe humors are drawn from the Body to those Members (af­fected with pain) which have no way to evacuat them, but by the pores of the Skin in swea­ting; whereas, when they are by friction forced to retire to the Cavities, they may be eva­cuated by Vomite, Stool Vrine, Spiting Sweating &c or con­sumed by the concoction of the greater natural heat, there re­siding.

Secondly, In such cases, peo­ple doe ordinarly mix Brandie, or Aqua-vitae, with unctuous substances (as the Grease of Harts, Capons, &c.) and hav­ing melted them with a little [Page 38]heat, by stiring they essay the mixing of them [but to no pur­pose] and then doe anoynt the place affected with any Pain. But it were better, first to rub with the Brandie (that what the Skin will imbibe of it, it may doe it without any lett) and then the Skin being dryed, a­noynt with the Grease, or Oyles: for these two bodies, will not mix, as Wine and Water; so that where the unctuous substance lighteth first, the Brandie can not get entrance.

SECTION V.

IN the Fifth place, I shall take notice of the Signature of the Mace, whereby I shall have [Page 39]occasion, to hint at the Signa­tures of several other Simples, heretofore not noticed.

And because I know no Trea­tise, in our Language, concer­ning the Signatures of Simples, I shal first crave liberty, to give a little hint thereof, out of the two most famous Authors, who have written expresly, concer­ning that affair, and that in ve­ry few words. Because it is a most hatefull thing, to rescribe and reprint, other mens Notions but in so far as there is an abso­lute necessity so to doe, that what a man is about the doing of himself, may be the better understood by others. As is the citation of Euclide, his Pro­positions, by a demonstrating Mathematician; or of Legall [Page 40]Maxims, by a Barrester, or Ad­vocat.

As the sweet singer of Israel said, Psal 19.1. The Heavens declare the glory of God and the Firmament sheweth his handie­work; so did the old Poet ex­press the same thus, ‘Prasentemque refert qualibet herba Deum.’

And the famous Glauber, in the 1. page of his Treatise de sig­natura Salium, writeth thus, The Omnipotent God, hath put upon all his Creaturs great and small, his certain marks, and as it were, set painted Lineaments, before the eyes of men from which they may know what is the nature and property of every one and what profit and advantage they may or can confer upon mankind.

But this divine writing, by the divine finger is drawn upon every thing, that frrom it we might learn the nature of all things.

And Oswaldus Crollius, in his Epistle Nuncupatorie, prefixed to his Treatise, concerning the internall Signatures of things, calleth it, A Garden furnished, appointed, and adorned with most beautifull Simples, exhibiting & representing in a most pleasant spestacle, from the innate signa­ture, the most wonderfull harme­nie and correspondence with the members of our bodie.

I shall only set down a few of his Instances, which will ful­ly answere my present design.

He begins with the Head, shewing why such and such things are to be made use of, [Page 42]for cureing its distempers; As,

First, The Chesbow with a Crown, (viz. after the flowres are fal'n) representeth the Head and Brain: therefore its decoction is profitably given in many distem­pers of the Head.

Then the seeds of Cicer A­rietinum [which more exactly represent the Head of a Ram] must be good for the Desease, wherwith Sheep are much trou­bled, viz. the Rot, which is in them a Hydropsie. And they are by Botanists reckoned amongst Diureticks (that is, Provockers of Vrinet) which are proper for that Disease, in Man or Beast, for the like reason, Persicaria maculata, must be an excellent Antiscorbutick, its spots being of the same colour, with those [Page 43]that affect the Legs and Armes of Scorbutick persons.

Secondly, Wal-nuts, have the intire signature of the Head their exteriour Bark, or herbaceous co­vering, of the Pericranium, wher­fore the salt of the barks, is singu­lar for wounds of the Pericranium

The inner, harder, or woodie bark or shell, of the Soul.

The Membran surrounding the Kernel, of the Meninges, and Membrans of the Brain.

The Kernell hath the figure of the Brain it self.

I shall take liberty to add, that rather the woodie Membran, divideing the Kernel in several places, resembleth the Dura-Mater, which divideth the Ce­rebellum from the Brain, and this in two parts, by the Falx, [Page 44]which is nothing but a pro­duction of the Dura-mater, and that the forementioned Mem­bran (which is very thin) cor­respondeth the Pia-mater.

Therefore it is good for the Brain, and hebetateth poysons. The Kernel beaten, if it be moist­ned with the quintessence of Wine it doeth powerfully comfort the Brain and Head.

Thirdly, Pag. 47. Calamus Aromaticus and Cassia Fistula, for the Intestines, to which they are very like.

Fourthly, Pag 52. The per­forated leaves of St. Iohn's Woort have a signature; they take away the obstruction of the Pores of the Skin, and force sweat. And pag. 70. The perforated leaves are good for all externall and internal [Page 45]hurts of the Skin. And because its flowers also after putrefaction doe go away informe of blood they shew a peculiar use for wounds.

I can not but admite, that he mentioneth not the Fungus Sambuci, which most exactly representeth the Ear of a Man; wherefore it is ordinarly cal­led Auricula Iudae, or Indas his Ear. Neither the Accorn, re­presenting the Vvula; but ra­ther the Penis, whose Praputi­um its Cupula resembleth very much, as the Accorn doeth the Glans. However, it may be made use of for the distempers of both these members, when they need Astringents.

I shall now set down his O­pinion, concerning the Signa­ture of the Mace, which maketh [Page 46]the fifth & last Instance, which I have excerped from him.

Fifthly, Pag. 51. Mace also resembleth the Signature of the Womb: for the Mace containeth the Nutmeg (the Signature of the Child in the Womb) as the Womb the Conception or Embrio.

Having in the first Section gi­ven a description of the Mace and Nutmeg, I shall here offer my opinion, as to the Signature of both. And seeing all resem­blances of this nature, are not to be expected exact, as to eve­ry part (for Omnis similitude claudicat) I hope the Ingenu­ous will censure it little.

I thinke then, that the exte­rior green and gross Husk con­taining the Mace and Nutmeg, resembleth the Musculous skin [Page 47]of the Head, the Mace is like the Pericranium, the hard shell is like the Scul, and the Nutmeg representeth the Brain it self, most exactly; as will appear to any, who will but scrape off a little thereof with a knife: for it is white, mixed with turning and winding blackish divisions as is the Brain, whose upper part is called Varicous, because of them.

The trueth of this may pro­bably appear to any, who will [after Dr. Nehemiah Grew his method] Anatomise those Sim­ples, with the help of Microscops and possibly in the gross Husk, there may be found different parts resembling the Muscu­lous skin: and within the shell, some things like the Meninges.

However Schroder his fore­cited account of the Vertues of both, doth quadrat much with both these opinions of the Sig­nature, I can not but add, that I am experimentally convin­ced, that when the Stomack, be­ing oppressed with Bilious and Acida Humors causeth a great pain in the Head, by affecting the Meninges and Pericranium (of the realitie of which I have no doubt, but only of the man­ner how it cometh to pass) af­ter vomiting those Humors, the infusion of Mace being drunk, will more speedily and effectu­ally ease the pain, than that of the Nutmeg.

I shall not deny that there is much trueth in those words of Glauber and Crolliut in Thesi, [Page 49]nor controvert Crolli' his fore­cited hypotheticall instances, or any other of them. Yet I doe not think those Signaturs, the only or chief mean, by which Man hath acquired the know­ledge of the usefulness of na­turall Concrets or Simples (whe­ther Mineral, Vegetable, or A­nimal) for preserving his own body (or his Beasts) in health, or restoring it to health, when impaired: because there are two other, viz. Revelation and Imitation.

The first is demonstrate by the Prophet Isaiah his advice, [2. Kings 20.7.] concerning the application of a lump of figs, to Hezekiah his Boyl.

If it should be alleadged, that the Prophet did give this advice [Page 50]according to his knowledge of the doctrine of Signaturs (a fig representing a Tumor of that nature) I shall not deny it. But it being impossible, from the said Doctrin, to give a reason for the many known vertues of many Simples, we must in the first place own Gods revealing them, as the cause of our know­ledge of them.

Who could ever, according to the Signaturs, give a reason why (or have discovered, that) Antimonie is Vomitive Purga­tive, and Diaphoretick; seeing none of these faculties doe pro­ceed from it, when used as Na­ture framed it, but after it hath daunced, once twice, or thrice upon Vulcan's stage, in Nator's armes. Or, that one ounce of [Page 51]a Medicin made of it should for many years, continue to im­pregnat the frequently affused Menstruums, without any sen­sible diminution of its quantity, weight, or colour; which I affirm because I have had these 19 years, such a one; of which I may say as of the Memorie, ex­colendo augetur: for these seven years bygon it never failed, to enervat the Tertian-Aguish ferment, at the very first exhibi­tion of it. Or, that the distil­ed Oyle of our Lithanthrax, is a good Antipodagrick Medicin, either alone, or mixed with o­thers; and that its Acide spirit, is a most excellent Anodine for Luxated Ioints, when mixed with an emollient and anodine Decoction, than which I know [Page 52]no better Fomentation, in this case. If I had discovered this sooner, I would have inserted it, in my little Treatise, con­cerning the Oyly Well at Lib­berton.

God hath revealed such things unto Man, two severall wayes.

First, In a more extraordi­narie way,

Thither may be reduced, First, what we read in the holy Scripturs; as the forementio­ned instance of the Figs; and that with greater prabability, than to the Signature: seeing at the same time, the prolonga­tion of the Kings life, was also revealed unto, [and intimat­ed by] the Prophet. No doubt also, the qualifications of Iubal and Tubal Cain (Gen. 4. in the [Page 53] Worlds infancie) for Inventing and instructing in Musick, and working in Brass and Iron, and the skill of those who did build Noah's Ark, as also the know­ledge of Bezaliel and Acholiab [ Exodus 15.] For making any manner of cunning work, and Sa­lomon his knowledge, whereby he spake of Trees from the Cedar in Lebanon, even unto the Hysop; that springeth out of the Wall &c (1. Kings 4.) were of the same nature.

Secondly. The following, or like storie, may be comprehen­ded here also.

I was informed, by a very honorable and worthie Lady (in this same Countrie) who li­ving in her Grand fathers house in the Harvest, one of the maids [Page 54]being very warme, with cut­ting down Cornes, when dinner was brought to her, and to the rest, she did take a large draught of small Ale, which immediat­ly occasioned a giddines in her head, and necessitated her to ly down upon the ridge, with her hands beneath her brow. The rest having dyned, she was not able to open her Eyes, which perceived no object, whē they were opened to her by others, altho they had no blemish per­ceptible, more than when she was in perfect health. She be­ing carried home, was present­ly bled in the Arme, and Physi­cians (who affirmed her to have the Gutta serena, which is an ob­struction in the Optick Nerve) being employed, she was often [Page 55] Purged, and Ventosed in 14 days time, but to no purpose. When all hope of recoverie was gone, about a moneth (all which time; she could not open her Eyes, without the help of o­thers) after she contracted the distemper, and had resolved to quyte her service, in the night time she dreamed, That one did beat raw Onions in a morter, and did apply them to her Eyes, and that she recovered her sight. The next morning, she having told this to the Ladyes Waiting, maid (who perswaded her, that she could not be the worse to try it) the application was tryed at night, with one of her Eyes. which the next morning she was able to open; and there­with perceived Day-light. So [Page 56]the next night, they did beat many, and applyed them to both her Eyes, which by this Remedie only, did the next morning, recover their former health.

The reason of this effect, I conceive to have been; that see­ing the Eyes doe water much, upon the approximation of O­nions, from which (as from the Horss-Radish, prepared Mustard, &c.) there are perpetuall efflu­via's of sharp and spirituous A­toms, which occasion the humors within, to contract a brisk mo­tion, whereby the little matter obstructing the Nerve, as by a Torrent, was removed from that place, where it had fixed it self; as when a Bridge or Dam, is o­verturned by the violence of Water.

Yet in this case, none would adventure to use prepared Mu­stard seeds (than which there is no better Medicin, for several cutaneous distempers) because their effluvia's are for the most part sulphureous & consequent­ly much more inflaming, and so would occasion an Ophthalmia; whereas those of the Onion, are more saline, and only deobstru­ent, and [as all Acides] coole­ing; the trueth of which Para­dex, may thus be evinced, to any intelligent person.

In Fevers, none durst ever make use of the Oile of Cinamon [or of any other Spyce, so hot, either alone, or mixed with o­ther things] amongst Prisans, or Iuleps, for quenching of Thirst, provoking of Vrine, or [Page 58] deebstruating any part of the bo­dy; whereas nothing is more ordinary [to those who know a little, above the common me­thod] than in such cases, to use the salinous spirits, of all sorts.

This effect of the Onion, might also have been conjectu­red from its Signature: for it may be well alleadged, that by its round figure, many Tunicles, and spirituous effluvia's [resem­bling the emission of rayes, by which some alleadge that we doe see] it resembleth the Eye; the haires of whose Lids, are al­so represented, by the roots of the Onion; whose Stem also re­sembleth the Optick Nerve.

From what hath been said, it may be probably conjectur­ed, that it were better to con­tuse [Page 59] raw Onious, and to mix them with Cataplasines; for Schirrhous Tumors; which is contrary to the common prac­tise, and to the learned and ac­curat Ioan. Vigerius, who in his Armamentarij Medico-Chirur­gici cap. 14. de Medicamentis Maturantibus, writeth thus, Cepa cruda acr is est & mordax, sed sub cineribus cocta, acrimoni­am amittit & pus movet, prae­sertim in his tumoribus, qui a­gre suppurant.

Considering the most la­mentable loss, of our most ac­complished Countrey Man, Mr. Iames Gregorie, Pofessor of the Mathematicks at Edenburgh, (who in October 1675 was sud­denly seased with a Gutta sere­na, having got cold by stand­ing [Page 60]long bare-headed sub die, af­ter which he dyed, within 14 dayes) I thought the noticeing of the forementioned Observa­tion, might possibly prevent the like Disaster, in some other person hereafter.

Secondly, In a more ordinarie way ( Iames 1.17. Every good gift cometh down from the Father of lights, &c.) gradually sug­gesting to our mindes, that this Simple may be good for one Disease, and that for another (though not alwayes by the mediation of Signatures) and so prompting us, rationally & cauteloufly, to attempt the try­all of their Energies, upon our selves, when there was little or no ground to fear danger, or u­pon Beasts, when otherwise. [Page 61]Thus empirically began Medi­cin; which gradually made its progress, according to the Pro­verb, Facile est inventis addere; and so became Dogmatical.

This sort of Knowledge in Man may be called Wisdom and Invention.

The second way how Man hath attained the discovering of the medicinall vertues of Simples, was Imitation of Beasts (which no man needs to cavil at, seeing the Almighty; chal­lengeth men for not learning from their practises; our duty to himself, Psal. 84.3.4. Isai. 1.2.3. and 43 20.21.22. & Ierem. 8.7.) to all which, no doubt, their Creator hath given a competent knowledge, of what may be good for, or pre­judicial [Page 62]unto themselves, or their Masters, which we may call Instinct; as also a docibitie by Man (for Iames 3.7. All sorts of Beasts have been tamed by man and, Longa dies homini, docuit parere Leones) which in them may be called sagacitie, and is most conspicu­ous in Dogs and Horses▪ Yea, I have been informed by verie credible Persons, that some Dogs have offered to hinder their Owners, from going to places of hazard or danger, and when disobeyed have absented themselves from beholding it; and that others have discove­red the perpetraters of Murders committed upon their Masters: which things are worthy of the disquisition of Divines and Philosophers.

For proose of what hath been asserted, concerning Mans imitation of Beasts, in the Medi­cinal use of Simples, I shall only trouble the Reader with these few Instances.

First, Celandin was first used for distempers of the Eyes: be­cause the Swallow was observed to apply its juice, to the distempe­red eyes of her young ones; for which cause also it got its name Chelidonia, from the Greek word [...], which signifieth a Swallow.

Secondly, I was informed by a worthy and credible Gentle­man, that his Brother in Law (living six miles West from E­denburgh) had a Dog, subject to the Epilepsie; for which, when he found the Paroxism begin­ing, [Page 64]he did immediatly (in the Summer) run to the Medow, where he snatched up some Herb, which did preveent his falling, if he reached thither; and in Winter he got towards the Hay-stack, with the same success. As did my Informer, so must I, regrate, that none did watch the Dog, for disco­vering what the Herb was.

Thirdly, It is sufficiently wel known, that wilde Hawks doe swallow small white stones (ly­ing by the brinks of Rivers) for to cause them vomite vis­cide humors, oppressing their Stomacks; for which cause Fal­coners give the same Medicin to their tame ones. Moreover, I knew a friend of my own, who was much troubled with Coli­call [Page 65]paines, which were most eased, by his swallowing 4 or 5 of such stones: for they did purge him downwards severall times, and did immediatly cure the paroxismes, for which he did often make use of the same individual stones.

Before I conclude this Secti­on, I cannot forbear to mention Dr. Levin. Lemnius, his ex­cellent Treatise (which might be very usefull to Divines) In­tituled, Similitudinum ac Para­bolarum, quae in Bibliis ex herbis at que arboribus desumuntur, di­lucida explicatio. In which Trea­tise he sheweth, that the dictat­ing Spirit of God, from the Sig­naturs [tho not expressed] of some Simples, and the known Qualities of others, doth teach [Page 66]us divine Lessons. The conside­ration whereof doth fully re­fute the old Atheist, who said ‘Non rebus exiguis vacat ad­esse Iovi.’

I shal only mention one, viz. the Willow-Tree, of which in his 8 chapter, the summe wher­of take in these few words.

The Evangelical Prophet Isai. chapter 43. having foretold the ruine of Babylon, alse easily as Tow is consumed by fire, in the 44 chapter God comforteth his Church, promising the affluance of all worldly comforts, and particularly ( v. 4) That they shall spring up as among the grass; as Willows, by the water courses. For, this Tree by the Latines was called Salix, à Saliendo, from jumping, or louping be­cause [Page 67]it ariseth speedily, and soon becometh a Tree And the Germans call it Willige, [hence Willow] because it is prompt & voluntarie in grow­ing. It was of that fort, whose Leaves are whitish, have a plea­sant smell, and do mitigat the heat of the Air; for which cause the Hollanders, doe there­with garnish the Beds of Sick-Persons.

Secondly, According to Psal. 137. the Iewes being c [...]ptives in Babylon, and the Heathens in derision, desireing them to sing one of the songs of Zion; they wept, and hanged their Harps upon the Willows, and that appositely: because this Tree is either bar­ren, or loseth its Fruit or Seed, ere it come to maturitie. More­over, [Page 68]it is bitter to the Taste, neither so beautifull or plea­sant in aspect, as are the Plain, Cedar, and Cypress-Trees. Wher­fore Exyle is fitly compared to it.

SECTION VI.

IN the next place, I thought it would be very suteable to the Premisses, by way of Con­clusion, to add a few lines con­cerning Wind or the Flatuosity in the Stomack and Intestines for the dispelling of which, the Mace is so much commended.

Having lately seen and per­used, A new and needfull Trea­tise of Wind offending Mans bo­dy, In which is described, the na­ture, [Page 69]Causes and Symptoms of Wind, together with its speedy and easie remedy. By W. R. M. D. one of the Trinm-viri, who translated Riverius, his Practice of Medicin, to whose Epistle to the Reader, he hath subjoined a few pittifull Verses, shewing who are Doctors, and who not. Printed 1676. I cannot but re­grate, that in this learned and accurat Age, any pretending to Degrees should have obtruded upon his Contemporaries a fardle of such antique, reasonless (for the most part) Assertions, whose Errors have great need to be purged, Ignorance corrected, and Lameness reformed; as will be evident to any▪ who will but take notice of the few Instances, after mentioned.

Er I proceed further, I must here so far exercise your Can­dor and Patience, as to tolerat a short Digression concerning this Book.

After I had perused it, and taken notice of many things, which cannot but offend the Eyes and Ears of any Person re­lated to Medicin, I did meet with a Gentleman, who having accidentally also met with it, in my Patients chamber, he pro­duced it to me, with Ioannis Fi­eni Andoverpiani de flatibus, humanum corpus molestantibus, Commentarius novus ac singula­ris, in quo flatuum natura causa & Symptomata describuntur ea­ramque, remedia facili & expe­dita methodo indicantur. Tel­ling me, that the former was on [Page 71]ly a Translation of this (which, by comparing them, we pre­sently discovered) without making any mention of the first Author, which Plagiarie Act, is rarely to be paralleled. The Author [or rather Trans­later] being conscious to him­self of this guile, did in the E­pistle Dedicatorie, provide for himself, a poor refuge, from the deserved challenges of the Ingenuous, in these words. I shal not cease to hope, but this transla­tion, and Contribution of this kinde of knowledge to the English, and its humble Dedication, will have a fair and kynd acceptation, with your Wisdoms. Not in the least supposing either the Subject, [being of Wind and Spirits] or this discourse, can be strangers to [Page 72]your generall reading.

A Critick did deservedly give this extemporarie Verdict of this Translation,

Before I mention any of the promised Instances, I shall de­sire you to consider.

First, That this Treatise is dedicated to one of the most learned and famous Societies, [viz. To the Royal Society, the Virtuosi] in the World, which hath hudgely improven the Knowledge of Naturall Phyloso­phy, [Page 73]and Medicin, by many new Experiments, for solveing many Phaenomena, which puz­led the Pates of our Ancestors. Yet in all this Book there is not the shadow of an appearance, that either the Author (who is more excuseable, considering the time when he wrote) or the Translater, did ever hear of the Fermentation of Humors. Only it seems, that some few Chymi­call words, have been Echo'd in­to their Ears, for, pag 80. he ordereth a Decoction to be made in B. M. pag. 104. Cinamon Water, Aqua Vita Ol. Anisi pag. 106. the Oyles of Spike, Nut­megs. and Mace. pag. 144. and the Ashes of a Fig-tree, or Iuni­per, are mentioned, which is all the Chymistrie, to be found in [Page 74]this Treatise; whose Dedication to the Royall Society, is alse im­pertinent, as if one should de­dicat a System of Aristotelian-Phylosophie, unto a Cartesian So­ciety.

Secondly, In the Epistle to the Reader (which in the Transla­tion, is made up of the Authors two Epistles) both these Blades doe pay their respects, to the most deservedly famous, and admirably ingenious Hippocra­tes, in these words. Of Wind, Hippoc. hath written so that lit­tle benefit is to be gotten thereby—he useth Arguments far fetcht; and such as teach rather the wit of the Author, than the knowledge or cure of the Diseases that come from them. — Who wrote on this Subject, more learnedly than [Page 75]profitably. But I am confident, that all, who are void of Inte­rest, and purged from the dregs of adhaerence to any thing but Trueth, will be easily convin­ced, that in all that long flux of Time, betwixt Hipp. and us, no one amongst the numerous swarm of Pathologists, hath showen less Wit, or spoken less to the business taken in hand, than have these, the Author and Translater, from the contagion of whose unequall undertake­ings, the reputation of that most antient pillar of Medicin (whose memorie hath been, and still will be, embalmed, with the Elogicall commendations, and ad­mirations of the judicious and learned in all Ages,) will never suffer detriment, disparage­ment, [Page 76]or obscurity, in this or any other matter; which we hope, some more judicious and elegant Hand, will set about to demonstrat more fully, then we have here only intended to hint at.

The first Instance which I mention, is the lame description of Flatus or Wind (mentioned pag. 9. which he calleth, an a­bundance of vapours from spirits, or meat or drinke, of flegm or me­lancholy, raised from a weak heat in the body. Yet pag. 1. he say­eth, That substance whether Air, Wind, or Blast — is called a spirit.

Secondly pag. 16. Wind trou­bles such commonly, that drinke thick sweet Ale, Milk, or Water betwixt Meals chiefly: for that [Page 77]corrupts concostion, and weakneth the action of the Stomack, as if you should pour cold water into a boyling Kettle.

Thirdly, Pag. 26 Galen saith, all the faults of water are from its coldness, by which it lyeth long in the Stomack, and causeth fluctua­tions, and turns to wind, and cor­rupts and weakens the Stomack, so that it concocts worse.

Fourthly, Pag. 28. If you drinke presently after meat, the concoction is interrupted, & there will be crudities, which cause fluc­tuation and inflation of the Belly, like a Drum.

The falsity of these three last Assertions, as to cold water, shall be shown hereafter.

Fifthly, Pag. 29. Keep thy feet from cold (which our High-Landers [Page 78]doe not: for they use every morning to bath them in cold water, for preventing of Diseases) for Nerves go from thence to the Stomack and pre­sently cool it, and the Colick and all inflations, are caused thereby.

This is alse excellent an A­natomical Notion, cōcerning the originall of Nerv's, as was that of anothers, who affirmed that the Blood was first generat in the Brain; tho the Assertor might more probably, but alse falsly, have affirmed, that the Chile owed its originall to it.

Sixthly, Pag 22. What op­presseth the naturall heat of the Stomack, is the cause of Wind, as Pulse, &c Boyle Beans alse much as you will, they are windy. — but fry them, or any other [Page 79]Pulse, and they are not windy but very hard of concoction [which must certainly be, by their op­pressing the natural heat, which is the cause why] they pass away slowly and make gross juice. But any way dressed they swell the bo­dy. Notable Contradictions Al­so all Summer-fruits, are like these. — they are flegmatick and Windy. O brave Cherries and Strawberries, notwithstanding!

Seventhly. Pag. 24. Onions, and all Roots except a Parsneep and Schiroots (with which Par­sley's might have been associat) Leeks, and dry Figs (how come these here,) are windy. Yet pag. 12. of Beans he sayeth, that some add Onions to prevent wind: because hot and attenuating things correct Wind.

Eightly, Pag. 55. Begin not Dinner, nor Supper with Drinke (and why not the Breakfast al­so?) nor drinke a great draught, as the custom is, after they have eaten a bit or two. — Let liquide things be eaten before hard, and loosners before Astringents. Ex­cellent coherence.

Ninthly, Pag. 61. I allow not Cassia it is windy. Yet pag. 65. he prescribeth Diacathol. &c. and pag. 88. Confectio Hamech, and Diaphaenicon, which to the Stomack, in comparison with Purgative Tinctures, are like Bread made of Malt, compared with Ale.

Is it not evident, from all those witnesing citations, that the Author Fienus, hath been ignorant of the Doctrine and [Page 81] Nature of Fermentation; and that this Translater, hath never read the most ingenious and learned Diatriba de Fermenta­tione, written by his Countrey­man, Dr, Tho. Willis, neither his Pharmaceutice Rationalis par. 1. (Printed in the Year 1674.) in the 3 Sect. whereof, and Chap. 1. He, most ingeniously (ac­cording to his forementioned Treatise, and Principles therein) describeth the manner how Wind (by him called Flatus) is bred in the body of Man.

Dum Alimenta invisceribus subacta & digesta à fermentis & calore ipsorum dissolvuntur, ef­fluvia quamplurima decedunt, quae si spatium liberum & aper­tum obtinerent, in auras migra­tura evanescerent; verum ea mem­branâ [Page 82]conclusa & simul aggesta, vaporum congeriem quasi ven­tum constituunt qui intestina sae­pe inflat ac distendit, & qua data via ruens secum excretiones pro­movet; conclusus vere tormina, & non rare ventris inflationem creat. —Hoc etenim insigniter praestat, succorum non rite misci­bilium colluctatio & effervescen­tia. Quippe dum humores ad­ventitij aut ingesta heterogenea, ac imprimis Medicamenta, cum alijs intestinorum contentis fer­mentescunt, à mutua particula­rum refractione corpuscula quam­plurima decedentia, in vaporem aggeruntur. &c.

My Design being chiefly to inform the Vulgar (who know not the many different parts & humors in Mans body) how [Page 83]this Wind is bred in the Stomack and Intestines, I shall only il­lustrat the manner thereof (and that conforme to Dr. Willis his Principles) by this familiar simi­le; daily obvious to the Eyes, and Capacities of any.

Meat and Drink, whilst they are digesting in the Stomack [and further in the Intestines] by the help of a little Liquor (called the Ferment) and heat, they are so altered, that they become like Milk, called Chile. And if either, through the too great abundance or diversity of Meats and Drinks received, [which are great impediments in Digestion, wherefore it is, that simple Brandie, doeth not occasion such belching of wind, as doe the other Strong-waters, [Page 84]for which one called it unthank­full; and one dish of Meat, is more easily digested, then is a mixture of many) or the super­abounding heat (occasioned by too much strong drinke) or de­ficient [proceeding from the oppression of too much gros­ness, or great varietie in the Stomack] the digestion be per­verted, the Chile and other hu­mors, contained in those places doe become altered, as is the decoction of Malt (called Woort) when the Yest or Barm [which is the Ferment] is mixed with it: for when the Liquor in the Hogs-head swelleth and bubleth or belleth, the vapours ascend­ing from them as they break, doe resemble (or, are resembled by) the belching of Wind, either [Page 85]upward or downward. And as a Barrell filled with Ale, in this motion, if closly stoped, would burst asunder; so when those vapours, arising in our Bodies (as is said) can not get vent, by either of the forementioned wayes, first swelling, and then pain [occasioned through the distending of the Stomack and Intestins] doe arise. Moreover, when the naturall heat is in a good condition, and the diges­tion is performed aright, the Chile is uniforme, having all its constituent parts proportio­nably mixed, as hath recent Milk: but when the Fermenta­tion becometh irregular [as is ordinary, after taking too much, especially of different Meats & Drinks] and the salinous parts [Page 86]begin to pred [...]e over the rest, (which Dr. Willis calleth Sal fluorem adeptus) as when Milk in a Churne, or Kirn, be­cometh Acide or Soure; then the vapours arising from thence, doe excite dulness, oppression of the spirits oscitation or gaunting, and pain in the head. For which I know nothing better, (if the person be unwilling to provok Vomiting) thē to take a draught of Spring-water, an houre or two after Meat, when those symptoms begin to arise; or to take it immedially after Meat, for preventing of those symp­toms. For the cold water con­stringeth the upper orifice of the Stomack, whereby the digestion is helped, and debilitateth the activity of those salinous parts, [Page 87]and so doeth rectify the irregu­larity of the Fermentation; as when a Pot is boyling over, a little cold water, doeth sedat the furious ebullition. Thus I hope the forementioned Assertions, concerning cold water, [in the 2.3. and 4. Instances] are in some measure refuted.

Likewise is not Hermannus Vander Heyden [formerly men­tioned] his Treatise (contain­ed in his Speedy help for Rich and Poor) concerning the cure of the Gout by cold water, inter­nally and externally used, a greater evidence of the falsity of those Positions.

But it is not in this case, that persons are troubled with the belching of Wind, so much as when through the debility of [Page 88]the natural heat, viscide Flegm is generated in, and becometh fixed to the sides of the stomack [for the prevention of which, doubtless the Mace is good] where, by its long stay and the action of the naturall heat, it becometh a praeternaturall fer­ment, occasioning the boyling of humours, the hubles or bells whereof, when they burst a sun­der doe occasion the unplea­sant Eructations (like to the smell of too much rofled Eggs, &c) of Wind, either upward or downward.

Any may be convinced of the probability of this, who will consider that if unferment­ed Ale (which we call Woort) be put into a Barrell, contain­ing the Dregs and old Barm of [Page 89] Ale, or have them mixed with it; that tho the fermentation will begin and proceed, yet the Ale thus made, will not be so good, or pleasant, as that which was Fermented with recent Barm.

Here I can not but informe you, that I once was called to a Merchants wife who had been for two houres troubled thus. For a little time she did unces­santly belch wind upward, a­bour 30 or 40 times; then she had alse long respite; and im­mediatly she moaned grievous­ly alse long, because of a pain in her left-Iawes, amongst her Teeth [the discase by this Au­thor called, The Tooth-Ach from Wind] which ceasing, within a little time she began to belch [Page 90] Wind, as before; and continued so doing interchangeably, for the space of one other houre.

Lastly, Is it not sufficiently well known [...] that as pains in the Stomack and Colon (the Theater, upon which the cruel Colick, hath acted many a Tra­gedie) are occasioned either by Acrimonious humours, or Wind, excited by them; so whē hot Medicins (as Spanish wine, Spyces, &c. which are most pro­per, when Wind troubleth) have been ineffectuall, cold wa­ter hath been most succesfully used: because thereby the A­crimony of the Humours hath been blunted (as when you mix with one ounce of Vineger, or Salt water, 4. or 5. times alse much of Fresh water) and they [Page 91]excerned by Vrine and Stool.

My design being only, to in­form the Vulgar, concerning those ordinarie Means of Health, I shall not offer any thing relative to the rectifica­tion of peecant Humours, by Spa­gyricall Medicins: but refer the same to a more accuratpen.