IN the former attempt upon this Subject, I curso­rily, immethodically, and briefly, toucht upon some errours in the Notion and Practice of Fe­vers: But since considering the great impor­tance thereof; the mortal events daily depending thereon, excites me to a farther inquiry, and me­thodical digestion, for future caution in this peri­lous matter. Nunquam satis dicitur, quod non satis discitur.

For many lives have been cast away upon this Rock, both of the Wise and the Wealthy, the Good and the Great, Princes, and People of all sorts, have had their Fate, by great mistakes herein, and evil conduct of the undertakers for their preservation.

After the many Volumes that have been writ, and so much Paper wasted upon this subject of Fevers: After so much experience from the living, that have evaded this sickness, and the Millions of People, that have died with Fevers, or in a febrile state: I find Writers and Practisers in this Art, to have wan­dred from the right way, in their designs and me­thods [Page 2]of curing, not truly discerning what a Fever is, though daily talked on, and practised upon.

Nothing more frequently presents to Physicians in Practice than a Fever: (Comes omnium morborum est. Hippoc. [...].) And nothing more perni­ciously mistaken (to the loss of innumerable Lives) than that which is called a Fever; supposed to be a Disease, but is none: which errour is as old, as the Rise of Physick, yet received for truth at this day; not only by Professors of the lower Class, but also by Physicians of the first Rank, (trusting to tradition) who frequently blunder in prosecuting a Symptomatic depending Fever, and oversee the Disease.

This is manifest from their Methods, and Medicines in the designs and intentions of curing; aiming at, and endeavouring to extinguish Fevers, by cooling Apozems, Juleps, Ptisans, Emulsions, Phlebotomy: And a strange invention, to draw out the Fever with (E­pispastic) blistering Plaisters.

All which projects, and proceedings in Practice, are irrational and erroneous; absurdly wide from the true Notion of Fevers, as hereafter doth ap­pear.

'Tis commonly said (and from the Physicians mouth) this and that Person is sick of a Fever; and such a one died of a Fever; both which are great mistakes.

True it is, few are sick, and very few, or none die, without a Fever; that is a febrile heat attend­ing their sickness, or Death: But this preternatural [Page 3] Heat, is not their Disease; no more than Thirst is their Disease, or cold chilness, or loathing of meat, or weakness and weariness, watching, or Pain, &c.

But if you will have all these preternatural and symptomatical affects, to be Diseases, and like so ma­ny Dogs worrying of a Man; you have not a right understanding thereof: And designing of cures to this, or that Symptom, under the notion of a Dis­ease, your proceedings are ill grounded, and the success from thence not hopeful.

I wonder Physicians should be so short sighted, as not to fee beyond the Fever: That they should take a symptom for a Disease, is a great mistake; and which too often hath proved a mortal errour: For, if the Fever (as sometimes) be the symptom of a dangerous Disease, 'tis probable the Patient dies by male Practice, the Physician directing his cure against the Fever, neglecting and not discerning, from whence, or what Disease, the Fever does de­pend on.

For Fevers (occasionally procured) are almost as many, as there are Diseases: Colic Fevers, Apo­plectic Fevers, Soporiferous, Pleurific, Malignant, Apostematic, Ʋlcerous, Traumatic, Verminous, &c. hundreds: All the Acute Diseases, and most of the Chronit, have Fevers attending, or depending on them.

In a late Tract (Inquiries into the general Catalogue of Diseases) shewing the errours of that draught; as to the Number, Divisions and Denominations thereof: For sufficient reasons, I struck out the first Division [Page 4](called Similar Diseases) of that Catalogue, because the supposed Diseases contained therein, (upon the Inquest) were found to be no Diseases, but Symptoms only, and properly belonging to that Tribe, where­in Fevers are also contained.

For, in the number of Symptoms (by your own Au­thors) I find Qualities preternatural: And amongst them (intemperies calida) a hot distemper or febrile Heat, necessarily included: Now Heat being an eminent Quality in Human Nature, and frequently is changed from its moderate natural state, in most Morbous alterations; then this Quality thus gradu­ally exalted (idem specie) is that which you call a Fever.

Thus changing its denomination; this Quality pre­ternaturally graduated, then passeth for a Disease, (they not knowing, from what Principle it assurgeth) and a formidable invader of the Life, requiring all endeavours to oppose, and reduce it by the use of contraries, being so taught by a false Canon: Con­trariorum contraria sunt remedia.

That this is so in your Sense, and the Practice for­med against it, (which is no sence) I shall prove from the Definition of a Fever; and also from the curative means adapted thereto, in their due places.

A Fever is thus defined, by consent of most Hip­pocratic, and Galenic Writers: Febris est calor praeter naturam in Corde accensus; & ex eo in to­tum corpus diffusus. By this definition, Heat is the ratio formalis, or Essence of a Fever; the Heart is the focus, place and seat thereof. Now let us ex­amine how much truth there is in this established Doctrine, or whether there be any.

Fever is a preternatural Heat.]

If so, then I observe, first, that a Fever is but a Symptom, and not a Disease; (by your own do­ctrine) for they that gave this definition, do also determine Qualities preternatural to be Symptoms; and Heat, being one of the tactil Qualities of the first rank (by the same Authors) can be but a sym­ptom.

Now preternatural febrile Heat, being only a Sym­ptom, and none of the urgent Symptoms; there is, (at least there ought) no cure belonging to it; but to that Disease, on which the febrile Heat is depen­dant; and those Diseases are many, and various: For, methods, and medicines are indicated from the [Page 6] Disease, not from the Symptom; and their adapta­tion proper and peculiar, only to the Disease, not to the Symptom; to causes, not to consequents, and de­pendants.

Since it is so, why do you create such fears in the Sick, and make so much bustle at the Shops, about this febrile Heat? designing multiplicity of Medi­cines against it (and those very injurious) since this feverish Heat, being only Symptomatical, gives warning, and is a signal only of some latent Disease, the which being found out, curing lies there, and there only; the depending Fever is included therein, and falls of course with it.

In Corde accensus.] In the Heart (you say) a Fever is kindled, as the place of its rise: But I rather think cujus contrarium, that a Fever is communicated or transmitted to the Heart from all Parts of the Body, at several times, by several Diseases: For, if preternatural Heat (Febris) be the general, and most common Symptom of Diseases, caused thereby, and depending thereon, rising and falling with those va­rious Diseases, seated in divers Parts of the Body; then all their Symptomatical Fevers, must have their rise and seat in the several diseased Parts; and the Heart only by consent, and transmission (per vasa) through the vessels of communication.

The vital Principle or Spirit of Life, that presides over, and is planted in every Part of the Body, to govern each member; raiseth a Fever, upon any morbific matter there offending; and the Heart be­ing a principle Part in office, is soon made sensible, and raiseth the Pulse, as a signal of condolence, if [Page 7]any disturbance be in the Body: And sometimes the Head also is affected thereby, and drawn into con­sent.

If the Foot be greatly pained by Gout, or other­wise; the Heart is grieved, and frebile Heat is kind­led; but this Fever first riseth in, and is communi­cated from the diseased Parts (the Foot) primarily affected; and the Heart disturbed and heated only (secundariò) by consent: And the Fever thus raised, requires curing, not in the Heart so affected, but in the Foot diseased, having its rise there, and depen­dance there, not in the Heart.

Therefore Cardiac medicines, are not curative in the case, nor conducing; but such means as are pro­per for the diseased Part first complaining; and the cure of this Gout-fever lies there only; which be­ing rightly applied to, the Symptomatic febrile Heat abates and vanisheth, as the Disease is tamed and subdued. The like may be said, and holds true in all other Fevers, arising from several Parts of the Body diseased.

But a late famed Author, Dr. Willis in his Book of Fevers, though he agrees with these Writers, that the Heart is the Fire-place, where Fevers are kindled, yet he differs from them in the manner how, and the combustible matter what. ‘ Sin verò sanguis ob sul­phuris evecti copiam, aut effluvia cohibita, aut victum calfacientem, nimis luxurians & turgescere aptus evadat; ejus in corde, sive accensio, sive fermenta­tio, plurimum intenditur, ita ut exinde calor febrilis: & effervescentiae solito majores in toto concitentur. p. 114.’

He makes preternatural fermentation to be the ratio formalis of Fevers, and prosecutes upon that notion, through the several sorts of Fevers, and gives this description: Febris est motus inordinatus sanguinis, ejusque nimia effervescentia, cum calore. — p. 117. using effervescence and fermentation as synonumous and univocal, all along.

True it is; febrile Heat sometimes does follow preternatural fermentation (from thence occasionally procured) yet not always arising out of fermentation, as the proper and only effect thereof; but issuing from the governing vital Principle, or Spirit of Life (fons caloris) disturbed and aestuating.

In like manner preternatural fermentation (motus inordinatus sanguinis) is caused by febrile aestuation. They follow one another, and often meet together in sickness, yet are distinct, and different from each other.

Fever and Fermentation, differ in Predicament: fermentatio est motus; calor febrilis est qualitas.

Vomiting and Fever meet sometimes, and are com­plicated.

Also Fluxes of the Belly, with Fevers.

And preternatural fermentation with Fevers: But they are all different symptoms, and may exist sepa­rately.

So that preternatural fermentation, is not insepa­rable from Fevers; and cannot be so essential there­to, [Page 9]that posito uno, ponitur & alterum; but an ad­junct, that may, or may not be, and a Fever in Being rightly denominated so.

For Fever (ex vi vocis) from the etymon of the word importing heat, denotes the nature thereof: febris à ferveo vel ferbeo, to be hot; and [...] graecè, à [...] ignis, shewing Heat to be the great di­stinguishing character of a Fever.

A Sulphure accenso & deflagrato.] Febrile Heat (says that great Author) is kindled from Sulphurous inflaming matter. ‘ Sin ultra crasin naturalem, san­guinis pars sulphurea seu oleosa incalescat, statim ef­fera & cum caeteris improportionata evadit, ita ut fere tota, à cordis fermento velut in flammam acta, san­guinis massam immodice effervescere & ebullire cogat. Dr. Willis. Lib. de Febribus. p. 158.’

Several other places, I might recite in that Book; setting forth the combustible matter of Fevers, and how kindled; which for Brevity sake I omit, and having enough to discourse on.

But my Reason informs me otherwise, and deter­mines: First, that natural Heat and preternatural, is the same (in specie) in kind, arising from one and the same Principle or Fountain, and differ (gradu tantum) only in moderation and gradual state: Quic­quid in sanis edit actiones sanas; id ipsum in morbis edit actiones vitiatas. Axiom.

Therefore that vital Spirit, which heats Man na­turally in a State of Health: The same does preter­naturally [Page 8] [...] [Page 9] [...] [Page 10]aestuate, and burn in Fevers, being distur­bed at hostile morbous matter.

Secondly, Febrile Heat does not arise, (à materia sulphurea, oleaginosa, combustibili) from any sulphu­rous, oleaginous, combustible matter kindled (as that Author asserts) but from any offending matter (that's the fomes Morbi, the fuel of Fevers) that provokes and stirs up the vital governing Spirit to kindle, aestuate and become fiery; labouring and endeavour­ing (nisu quodam irato) thereby to exterminate and expel it. Fevers are not kindled, nor continued, à materia flammante; but à materia peccunte quacun­que: A stone in the Kidney, without the help of Oleagenous, Sulphureous combustible matter, will rea­dily procure a Fever.

Thirdly, Febrile matter remains after the Patient is dead; but febrile Heat is then gone; and why then? Because the vital spirit is extinct: which plainly does shew, that preternatural febrile Heat (efficienter) is seated in the Life: And that peccant febrile matter (non fervet ex se) contains no such heat in it self, but produceth (excitativè) by irrita­ting the vital Heat (spiritus impetum faciens) beyond moderation, and its natural temper.

Fourthly, A wound received, and pain arising thence, begets a Fever; though a great effusion of blood doth happen therewith. Now letting out the sulphur (if such there were) with the blood, was more likely to prevent a Fever, than to cause it, (if that Doctrine were true;) but I find the contrary, that pain continuing, the Fever continues also.

Fifthly, Persons that are heated by great labour, violent exercise, or heat of weather, if they drink a glass of Sack, or other spirituous hot liquor, it re­duceth them safely to good temper, and prevents a Fever: But if they drink much small Beer, after such heats, thinking to cool themselves sooner, that cold liquor commonly makes them sick, and raiseth a Fever thereby.

Now observe, that Sack and not spirits, are more likely to kindle Sulphurous inflamable matter, and a Fever from thence; as small Beer and cool liquors, most likely to prevent Fevers (by that Doctrine.) But the contrary hereof does prove, that inflamed sulphur is not the material cause of Fevers, but any other offending matter.

Sixthly, Wet, and cold taking, are oftentimes the causes of sickness, and a Fever: But such causes are so far from kindling Sulphur, that they are more likely to damp, and extinguish Sulphur kindled, if any such inflaming matter were in Human Bodies: All which does plainly shew, that Fevers have not their Rise, or any dependance from sulphur kindled in the Heart; and that Doctrine erroneous, founded upon false Principles.

I must now make this observation: not to follow an Author by the cry of the People. nor the Vogue of the learned Party, who commonly are catcht with a fine dress of good latine, not suspecting, or not dis­cerning the substance, and matter thereof.

Since my writing, I lately met with another Piece de Febribus, much differing from the former Author, [Page 12]who derived all the causes of Fevers, from Sulphur of the Blood; this, only and wholly from a vene­mous Ferment, infesting the Animal Spirits. Dr. Morton, Puretologia.

This novel Doctrine coming in my way, I cannot pass it by without regard, but must inquire into the verity thereof. The common received learning, that asserts Humours and Qualities, this Author re­jects, as fictitious and useless, to set forth and ex­plain, the causes of Diseases, and their Symptoms. Hoping to give a better account thereof, by this new Hypothesis: For setting forth and explaining of which, he premiseth ( postulata quaedam, Pag. 6.) some precarious concessions; promising to prove them afterwards, which are these following.

1. Dari reverà Spiritus animales.

This Assertion of Animal Spirits, was the com­mon received Opinion in former Ages; and does yet keep up as a Truth not to be questioned, (in the Judgment of most) for that they perform such neces­cessary offices in the Body, as without their help many Functions (they think) must cease: And in giving an Account of many Diseases; especially such as are attributed to the Brain and Nerves, they can give no probable Reasons, without alledging and ac­cusing the Animal Spirits; setting forth their exor­bitant Motions, or preternatural cessations, their in­terruptions, or impetuous Influx, their sluggish, dull, and torpid Fixations: And scarce any Passion is named, but the Spirits are Actors, and by them, All that is done, or should have been, is imputed to the Spirits.

And Dr. Morton gives a greater Prerogative, and ascribes more Power to Animal Spirits in the Go­vernment of the Body, than others have; ( primum Principium activum totius Machinae. p. 6.) and bot­toms his new Hypothesis upon Animal Spirits, ( quasi fermentum universale totius corporis. p. 12.) making them universal in the causes of Diseases, and as ge­nerally necessary in a State of Health, to perform all vital Actions. If this be so, 'tis very fit we should all know, and assent to it.

Notwithstanding it is so undoubtedly asserted; I question whether there be any such distinct Beings in Human Nature, as Animal Spirits; or only the Fancies of Mens Invention: And my Reason per­swades me to deny their Existence.

First, Because their Matter and Manner of Gene­ration; their Ways and Motions, are so uncertainly, and contradictorily set forth by disagreeing Judg­ments.

Secondly, For that all human Actions, internal and external; may be performed without their help; and a rational and full Account of all Diseases, may be given without them.

Entia non sunt multiplicanda, sine Necessitate.

I shall therefore divide Human Nature, into these two grand Principles.

An Invisible Spirit.

And a visible organized Body; with canals contain­ing liquid alimentary Juices, to feed and supply this wonderful Machine.

The first, a Vital, Active, Regent Principle. The latter altogether Passive and Instrumental, under the Power and Domination of the former, which is the Life.

More than these two comprehensive Principles, I know none; nor can admit of, as necessary, or use­ful in the composition, or oeconomy of Human Nature: No Subordinate, nor Co-ordinate Agents; such as, Archeus Helmontii, or Anima Sensitiva of the An­tients: Nor as Dr. Willis understands and holds, the Animal Spirits to be the Sensitive Soul.

That Plastic, or formative vital Principle (term­ed Anima) that delineated, and fabricated the Body in the Womb; does also govern, and is the sole Effi­cient cause of vital Actions, in the state of Health; and also in Sickness: Ʋnicus tantum est vitae Modera­tor, nec plures. From hence Vegetation, Sensation, and Loco-Motion; without a Duplicity, or Tripli­city of Souls, which elsewhere, is set forth and proved, (Monarchia Microcosmi) that I shall not re­peat here.

True it is; that the contained current liquors in the Body, are various in colour, consistence, use, and gradual Perfection: Some elaborated as finer, and more spirituous; in the common Sence and Accep­tation, of artificial rectified Spirits: Yet when all this is done, by Defaecation and refining; they are but liquors still; of one continued, cohaerent, visible, [Page 15]expanded Body; and not separate Atomical Beings, to act (conjunctim aut divisim) as divers Agents, in combination or separation, upon Occasions so requi­ring; as the Notion of Animal Spirits does insinuate; and are so alledged and taken in that Sence.

Now if what we have said be true, and the Rea­sons cogent; then Animal Spirits have no Residence nor Office in Human Nature; and the Basis of that Author's new Hypothesis is annihilated; and all the derived Doctrine, and depending Practice thereupon, comes to nothing or to naught.

But in casting off so antique, and beloved Opinion; so frequently made use on, to set forth the causes of many Diseases; and that Book de Morbis universal. acutis, brings in Animal Spirits invenom'd, almost into all Diseases, as principal Causes: That I may not be thought singular, and absurd in denying the Existence of these Animal Spirits, so positively asser­ted, so much noted, and often quoted: I shall there­fore call in some other Men, eminently learned in this Science, and justly so reputed; to give their sentiments upon this matter controverted; which perhaps may be more perswasive, and definitive, than what hath been said by me.

Dr. Charlton, in his Enquiries into Human Nature; there treating of Motion voluntary, and how per­formed by Animal Spirits, according to the Opinion of the Ancients: He saith, Page 495. ‘But in this our more illuminate Age, Fate hath brought forth some Physicians of this Nation and Colledge, of most profound Learning, and admirable Sagacity of Spirit; who laying aside that so antique Hypothe­sis [Page 16]of Animal Spirits; as both improbable and un­necessary: hold it to be sufficient to solve all the Phaenomena of voluntary Motion, if it be supposed, That the dictates of the Soul are transmitted from the Brain, to the Nerve and Muscle to be used, not by emission of any Substance whatsoever, but by a meer contraction of such fibres of the Brain, as are continued to that Nerve.’

And Page 501. he saith deridingly: ‘We Physi­cians indeed speak magnifickly of Spirits Animal, as of the plenipotent, and immediate Instrument of the Soul, in all her Operations upon the Body: — Yea more, in a preternatural State also, we make them only not omnipotent. For, what Dis­ease of the Brain can ye Name, which hath not been referred to their Vices.’

Afterwards, Page 503. ‘And yet notwithstanding, after all our specious Discourses of these Emissaries of the Soul, Animal Spirits; we are distracted by various Opinions concerning them: still anxiously inquiring, of what Matter, in what Place, and how they are generated; what are their Qualities, Mo­tions, Ways, and Manner of acting; and in fine, uncertain whether they be real Creatures of Nature; or only the Idols of human Imagination.’

And Page 515. he adds: ‘Perhaps then we are equally uncertain, whether there be in rerum Na­tura any such things as Animal Spirits, of distinct Species from the vital Spirits, or not. Truly my Opinion is, that we are so:’ And no less Man than Dr. Harvey expresly denied their existence; De ge­nerat. Animal, exercit. 70. Nihil sane in corpore anima­lium, [Page 17]Sanguine prius aut praestantius reperitur; neque Spiritus, quos à Sanguine distinguunt, uspiam ab illo separati inveniuntur.

So do all the Peripatetics hold against Galen; ‘ Ʋnum esse duntaxat spiritum, vitalem, singulis par­tium omnium officiis deservientem. Joan. Imperial. de Ingen. human.’ Page 52.

And Sir G. Ent ( Antidiatribae. pag. 141.) Ego, ‘ praeter unum sanguinis calorem, nullos in animali spi­ritus agnosco; sed in partibus singulis privum hospitari sensum, qui ad Animae imperium excitetur.’

You see now the concurrent Opinions of these great Philosophers and Physicians against Animal Spi­rits; and that they have, no Being, but only in the Fancies of some Men. Then Dr. Morton's whole Doctrine of various kinds of Fevers, is fictitious, null and void; and the Indications from thence in Practice, must needs be false Guides, extravagantly leading out of the right way of Curing. And now, I must make use of this Author's own words, as level­ling against himself. ‘ An enim fas est, ut ii qui falsas & fictas tantum Morborum causas contemplantur, ve­ram eorundem & vivam Ideam ratiocinando unquam formarent, eventum certum denunciarent, vel justas Indicationes, at que aequam Medendi Methodum Stabili­rent? Praefat. ad Lectorem,’ Pag. 11.

To establish the verity of Animal Spirits, and to perswade a belief thereof: This learned Author tells us; that the Existence of Animal Spirits, may be proved with as much Demonstration, and a like Reason, as the Soul it self: Because they are both [Page 18]known, only by their effects, and not à priori. ‘ Hoc modo existentia Spiritus Animalis atque Animae ipsius aequaliter demonstrari potest, adeo ut utriusque existen­tia pari ratione vel agnoscenda vel neganda sit.’ Page 7.

I beg his pardon, and must deny that equality of Proof, for Reasons following.

First, There is a Necessity of allowing and own­ing the Architectonic Spirit, the vital Principle Anima, that formed the Machine of Human Body; and is Supreme Moderator in the Government. The Specific Form is not to be questioned, or doubted, in every Creature, but that there is such, which gives the Being, and the Distinction from others; only the quiddity and quality thereof, may be doubted, and controverted.

Secondly, None have denied, nor so much as doubted of the Souls Existence, the Heathen Philo­sophers not excepted; but they have denied Animal Spirits, from the difficulty of Admittance.

Thirdly, There is a great Disproportion, and In­equality of Proof; between a Thing that must be, and can by no Reason be denied, but assented to by All; And a Thing dubious that may not be; that by many is denied to be from valid Reasons: where there is no Necessity for the use of it; and where is great Difficulty and Discord of Opinions in pro­ving the Reality and Certainty thereof.

Fourthly, The Effects of the one, are so manifest, as altogether undeniable: But the reputed and sup­posed [Page 19]Effects of the other; are so dubitable, dispu­table, and improbable; that many learned Men of the highest Rank, do not own such Effects, to pro­ceed from Animal Spirits; but have assigned other causes to produce those Effects. Wherefore, Equa­lity of Proof, does not, and cannot possibly so ap­pear.

Here we might end; as not expecting to gain In­formation of Fevers, by farther Disquisition here­in; since this first Position, being the Basis of the whole work; is but an imaginary, and erroneous Sup­position: Yet for Discourse sake, and to observe the Novelties dependant upon these Supposed Ani­mal Spirits, we will proceed a little farther, and take notice of some remarkables.

‘ Spiritus Animales esse, [...], seu primum Principium activum, & quasi fermentum universale totius Corporis, à quo Sanguis & humores varie agi­tantur & immutantur non dubito. Dr. Morton de Puretolog.’ Pag. 12.

This is a Note above Ela, that passes my under­standing: This Sounds Metaphysically, appertain­ing to non Entities (such as Animal Spirits) and above the lower Region of Notions in Physick.

If this Report be true; there is a strange Revo­lution in the Monarchy of the Microcosm: The Su­preme regent Principle Anima, is dethroned; and Animal Spirits have usurp'd the Government. Ani­ma which was Forma informans; and always Princi­pium Regens; must now truckle under the Power of Animal Spirits, according to this new Doctrine.

I never met with any that ascribed such a Domi­nation; that gave away the Priority and Supremacy to Animal Spirits: That is an Assertion against the Prerogative of the Regent vital Spirit Anima, which is [...], the first active Principle; and the last acting ad terminum vitae; and the only acting Principle potestate propriâ, in Human Nature. This is the Spring movent; and all the rest are moved.

Animal Spirits were never allowed but a delegated Power to act instrumentaliter, (not as primum Prin­cipium activum) and always supported by the Ener­gy and Emanations of the vital Principle, the Life. Instrumentum non movet, nisi motum. Ax. For when the Life ceaseth to act; where then, and what be­comes of your Animal Spirits? They are inactive, and cease from motion; shewing their Dependancy, (if any such were) and actuated; not primum Prin­cipium activum. I cannot therefore imagine with Reason; how Animal Spirits should be the first, or chief active Principle, since they are generated daily (as commonly said) of the arterial Blood; then there must be a Principium generans, preceding that which is generated; and much superior.

But how will you reconcile these two repugnant Antitheses. Pag. 6. affirms, Spiritus esse primum principium activum totius Machinae. And Pag. 7. he saith, Animal Spirits are Animae Organon.

Here is contradictio in terminis, & in rebus: or else, Animal Spirits must be of a Protean Nature; both active and passive, Agents and Instruments. They cannot be termed an active Principle; because [Page 21]they can have no Power but what is derivative from their generant Principle Anima; and are only In­struments, acted and used by the [...], the vital Principle: So that Animal Spirits (when al­lowed) at most, are but [...]; and of a latter production.

‘ Cerebrum esse officinam & quasi Cisternam commu­nem Spirituum, ex illius fabricâ peculiari patet.’ Pag. 11. Puretolog.

This Author tells us; the Brain is the office ap­pointed for elaborating Animal Spirits. To which I shall give no other Answer at this Time; but re­cite the Sentiment of a most judicious Physician up­on this Point.

‘If any Man shall seriously, and without Prejudice consider the great bulk, cold Temperament, va­rious Parts, Fabrick and Texture of the Brain; he will at length find but little Reason to believe, that Nature hath framed it chiefly for a Laboraty of Spirits. They tell us, that these Spirits are made of the most subtile, most refined, and vola­tilized parts of the arteriose Blood, by way of Sub­limation: But can a Part so dense, so cold, so clammy, and so like a Bogg, as the Brain seems to be; be thought an Instrument fit for Sublimation or Rectification of a Spirituous Substance? —Dr. Charleton.’ Of Human Nature. 6th Praelect. Pag. 515.

‘ Promanare verò hos Spiritus à Cerebro, uti radios à Sole, in totum Systema corporis influere, — Dr. Morton Puretolog.’ Page 10.

He compares the Motion of Animal Spirits with the Rays of the Sun, imperceptible for swiftness: And in Page the 9th. to Lightning, for their instan­taneous motions, darting through the Body of Man. All which, is very much doubted by some; and flatly denied by others.

The learned Dr. Charleton finding so many Diffi­culties, and Dissention of Opinions concerning the Matter, Generation, and Qualities of Animal Spi­rits, saith: ‘Equally uncertain it is, by what kind of Motion these invisible Emissaries are transmitted from the Brain through the Nerves; whether they fly swiftly, or creep along slowly. For some there are, who fond of the Chimaera's of their own Ima­gination, and carried away by Affectation of Glo­ry from the Invention of I know not what new Theories in Physick; (as if Philosophers were like young Ladies, best pleased with Novels;) have con­fidently taught, that these Spirits are not only moved, most rapidly in the Brain and Nerves, as Lightning is darted through the Air; but as it were Shot out, at the command of the Phansie into the Nerves; and recall'd again by the same ways in an Instant, according to the exigence of these Actions to be performed by them. And yet neither of these motions seem consonant to right Reason. And goes on to prove — Pag. 505, 506.’

In the next Page, he brings in another Dissenter herein; whom he admires and applauds for his Sa­gacity and profound Judgment. ‘No wonder then if Dr. Glisson, plainly discerning the Incongruity, of this most rapid and recriprocal Motion, attri­buted [Page 23]to the Animal Spirits; not only wholly re­jected it, but excogitated another plainly contrary thereto. For he concludes, that the Spirits lodged in the Succus nutritius, are carried from the Brain through the Nerves, by a Motion not impetuous, or rapid; but gentle, slow, and placid, — As the Juice of Plants is believed to creep up from the Roots, along by their Fibres—’

The Notion that Dr. Glisson, and Dr. Charleton had of Animal Spirits; is far different from what our Author of Puretologia affirms them to be: For they do not allow of Subtility, Volatility, and Velo­city of Animal Spirits, for many perswasive Reasons; shewing the Inconvenience, and Improbability there­of. And therefore in Page 504. Dr. Charleton saith.

‘But these and other Reasons, induced our most excellent Dr. Glisson ( de Ventric. and Intestin. cap. 8. num. 7.) to form his Animal Spirits of a consti­tution exempt from all these inconvenient Quali­ties. He describes them to be mild, placid, sedate, fixt, sweet, nutritive, corroborating, and apt to consolidate; and in all these respects, exactly like the Spirits contrived in the white of an Egg. — Concluding, that the select part is changed into Animal Spirits, not by Sublimation, or Meteoriza­tion (as all others held before) but by mitigation, Refrigeration, and whitening. So that in fine; if their Nature agree with this character; I do not see by what right they can be called Spirits, accord­ing to the common Notion Men have, of all things known by that Name.’

Having given you the Sense of these two great Philosophers, and expert Anatomists upon this Point; I need add nothing more, until Answer be given thereto.

And thus much briefly, by way of Dubitation, and Improbability, to the Preliminary, and positive Asser­tions in Puretologia; whereby that Author endea­vours to establish his new Hypothesis. Upon the Re­view, of what hath been said concerning Animal Spirits, you may plainly see, how uncertainly and weakly they are bottomed; as unfit to lay the whole Practice of Physick thereupon.

I proceed now, to enquire nearer into the Doc­trine of Fevers; where this Definition first pre­sents.

‘ Febris acuta in genere est calor preternaturalis, in Sanguine accensus à Spiritu animali; miasmate quo­dam deleterio contaminato, & ex accidenti quodam irritato, atque inde insolito more praeter Naturam suum expanso.’ Dr. Morton Puretolog. P. 50.

Febris est calor preternaturalis. So far I agree; from the etymon of the word, Febris à ferbee vel ferveo. But I cannot assent to what immediately follows.

"In Sanguine accensus à Spiritu animali. This be­gets a Dissertation; and I cannot allow febrile Heat to arise from the Animal Spirits. For; first you must prove, the Animal Spirits to be (fons caloris) the Origine of Heat in Human Nature. Or Second­ly; [Page 25]you must prove febrile Heat, to be so distinct, and differing from natural Heat; as arising from two several different Principles.

The first is not probable, or rational: Because Chylification and Sanguification, precedes, and is per­formed before the Production of Animal Spirits (by the Assertors of animal Spirits) and those Opera­tions are not performed without vital Heat, issuing from the vital Principle; and there can be no other rationally assigned.

The Second, as improbable and difficult to be proved: For, the Heat of animal Spirits, is but mutuatitious (at best) borrowed, dependant, and supported by vital Heat; and not arising from an in­dependant Principle. This preternatural Heat, ascri­bed to animal Spirit; is the same in Specie, with na­tural Heat; and they differ only in gradu; Febrile Heat assuring from the same Principle, as natural Heat.

But why in Sanguine accensus, and no where else?

As if the Blood were the first, and the only Place, where Fevers do begin, and have their Residence: which Doctrine I cannot comply with, and must as­sert otherwise.

That Fevers, being only the preternatural Heat of the Life incensed, and Symptomatical only: what ever the Morbifick cause be; and wheresoever it be, in any Part of the Body; there the Fever begins, and from thence it is continued, until the Morbous Matter be removed, or much abated. For, no Part [Page 26]of the Body is injured, but the Life (being ubiquitary in the Microcosm) is first sensible of the Hurt, and is disturb'd thereby; grows angry, hot and fiery; (nisu quodam irato) endeavouring thereby, to extri­cate and free her self from the mischief.

‘ Miasmate quodam deleterio contaminate, & ex ac­cidenti quodam irritato, —’

Here 'tis said; the Animal Spirit is contaminated with some Venom, and irritated thereby, — This being the Definition of acute Fever in general, then all sorts of acute Fevers, must arise after this manner, and from such a cause; as venemous Matter. Quic­quid praedicatur de genere, praedicatur etiam de Specie. Ax.

Let us know first, what this learned Author means by venemous miasm; of which we have no better Ac­count than this, from himself. ‘ Hujus miasmatis heterogenei descriptionem nemo sane à nobis requirat, quandoquidem omnes nostros sensus plane Superat. Pa. 50.’

Here is an imaginary venom; seizing and affect­ing imagined, and supposed animal Spirits; and up­on the Result, or conjunction of these two dubious and difficult conceptions to be proved: The Doc­trine of Fevers is founded; and a general Practice conform to these Notions, is regulated thereby. But I should be loth to venture my Life, or the Lives of others, upon such Ʋncertainties and Improbabilities, for the Rule of Curing. To shew therefore the in­comprehensiveness, and unfitness thereof, to govern and direct the general Practice of Fevers; I shall pro­pose [Page 27]some cases of acute Fevers, that we may see how these Positions do prompt and indicate proper Means, and sutable Methods of Cure: And from thence we may rationally conclude, the Verity, or Errour there­of.

A Person that hath eat and drank too much; the night following, is very restless; next morning com­plains of fulness, and loathing of any Food; is very Fevorish, hot and burning.

A Fever now presents plainly; but what is to be done in the case for Remedy? By the Doctrine afore­said, the animal Spirits are invenomed, and the Pa­tient must be Cured with Alexipharmacal Antidotes, to expel the Poison, that causeth this Fever: Such as the Jesuits Powder, that hath no manifest opera­tion; but an occult vertue to resist venemous Matter. And this is the Febrifuge so much magnified, and used by Dr. Morton, as excelling all others.

But my Judgment leads me another way in this case: Here is an oppression from Meat and Drink loading the Stomach, not being digested and duly sent away. Now what does this case indicate? but only a discharge of the matter offending, either up­wards, or downwards, by Medicine of Such Operation.

The Fever is plainly perceived; and the cause as easily understood: But where the venom afflicting the animal Spirits in this Fever will be found, I know not; nor do I think there is any such.

Another is afflicted with the Colic, by great Tor­sions and Pain from Obstruction, or acrid lancinating [Page 28]humoral Matter in the Colon: These Pains being violent and continued; prevents sleep, and unavoid­ably raiseth a Fever. The vital Regent Principle being molested and provok'd hereby; then aestuats with Inquietude, and grows hot with Indignation, being disturb'd in Government.

Now what manner of Cure is here required for this Fever? But only some good Aperitive, and Abster­sive Medicine, to open, cleanse and free the Guts, from all degenerate, obstructing, flatulent Matter, that causes these Pains; Which being well perform­ed by a true Purgative (and not of the common viru­lent sort) the Pains ceaseth; and the Fever is gone; because the Life is then pacified, at Ease and Rest, cool and temperate; the offending Cause being re­moved.

What Occasion, or what need was here for a Febrifuge? But only what was Curative as aforesaid; for removing the Cause aforesaid. The Jesuits Pow­der would contribute nothing to this Cure, (so much admired and used by some) I rather think it might do Hurt in this Fever; as the medicine by its nature does Suggest, which we shall enquire into anon. No Venom I can discover in this case, requiring such an Antidote.

Pains of the Gout, or from the Stone, raiseth a Fe­ver, (for the Reasons aforesaid) being the common Symptom attendant upon all dolorous Diseases, that disquiet and incense the Life. Here is no need of a Febrifuge in these Fevers; but only such proper Means, as these Diseases require. The febrile Heat goes off, or abates; as the Diseases yield to the [Page 29]Power of Medicine. Symptoms come and go with their Diseases, on which they depend; and febrile Heat is only Symptomatical, as before proved.

Here we might enumerate, and run over many de­pending Fevers; where no such Poyson is to be found: But these may suffice to inform; that acute Fevers are not so venomous in their nature generally, as the Definition of Fevers recited, would have us to be­lieve. Genus praedicatur de omnibus Speciebus sub se contentis. Ax.

But now let us understand (if it can be under­stood) what this Venom is, that our Author assigns to be the material Cause of Fevers, and of most other Diseases; that is so frequent and common; and requires Curing by Alexipharmacals. The Inven­tor and Assertor of this Novel; probably can give us the best Account, who defines Poyson thus.

‘ Venenum seu toxicum est quid deleterium, atque vitae principio, seu spiritibus animalibus inimicum, unde facultas corum expansiva penitus obruitur, & flamma vitalis necessarie extinguitur.’ p. 147.

We must consider this Definition in its several Parts distinctly; whereby we may the better apprehend the Result and Comprehension of the whole. This is the Standard set; to examine and know febrile venemous Ferments by; and to shew the manner of their acting destructively: For by this Definition of Poyson in general; he would have us to understand analogically, the Nature of that Poyson which causeth Fevers; as he intimates in the same Page.

This is idem per idem, or ignotum per atque igno­tum. We must proceed on for better Information atque vitae Principio, seu Spiritibus animalibus inimi­cum, Here the Life, and animal Spirits are made one and the same; or equal at least in vitality; for so I must conclude: First, From the Particle seu, connecting those words as Synonimous: And likewise He useth seu equivalently, and for that purpose in the front of the Definition; Venenum seu Toxicum, signifying the same Poyson by two words.

Secondly, From the words immediately follow­ing.

‘ Ʋnde facultas eorum expansiva penitus obruitur & flamma vitalis necessario extinguitur.’

The which do declare; Febrile Venom to have An­tipathy against animal Spirits, as to the Principle of Life: That the Stress of Poyson aims at, and lies upon animal Spirits, as upon the Life. That the fatal stroak is given there; and the ratio formalis of Dying represented, by Contracting and Stifling the Expansion of animal Spirits; which puts a Period to Vitality: And that animal Spirits are the Biolick­nium, the Lamp of Life. What more or greater can be said of Anima, the plastic and the Regent Principle; than now is attributed to animal Spi­rits?

This is Strange Philosophy to me, such as I never knew before, deeper than my Reason can fathom; [Page 31]and above my Faith to believe: That animal Spirits, so much questioned and doubted, whether they have any Being in Humane Nature (though so unnecessary and improbable) should now be exalted as Supream or made coequal at least, in dispensing and managing vital Operations. Credat qui volet.

Let animal Spirits be first proved ( [...]) convincingly; that there are such, from the necessi­ty of their use; we may then more likely be in­duced to believe, the new Hypothesis founded there­on.

AƲthors concurring in common Doctrine; have made this Difference, and Division of Fevers; (à subjecto in quo calor febrilis insidet) from their place of Residence; in the Spirits, Humors, and so­lid Parts: which makes this tripple Division of Fevers.

Ephemeral, Humoral, and Hectic.

Famosa & Vulgatissima est Febris essentialis differen­tia; qua Febris in Ephimeram, Humoralem, & Hecti­cam, dividitur: quae tota à subjecto Febrium petitur, Troph. Serrier Pyretolog. p. 13.

Ephemeral Fever, is an effervescence of the Spirits only; and continues but a day, or two.

Humoral, is the esservescence of putrid humors; and continues a longer time.

Hectic, is a preternatural Heat in the Solid parts; and is most durable, and fixed.

All these Fevers must take their rise in the Heart, (by the common definition) that's the Center; and [Page 33] Seat thereof. You have brought all Fevers into a little compass (the Heart) where we may soon find them, if they were there to be found: And if all this were true; what advantage, and what use can we make of it? What cunning ways will you invent, to make your Practice answer this Doctrine? and how will you make this Doctrine serviceable in Practice?

This Celebrious Division is essential, general and comprehensive: But (quid inde boni?) what shall we learn thereby?

If you come to a Patient, whose Fever is begin­ning; and the Fever is one of these three Sorts, comprised in the general Division: you have no help by this Doctrine (if it were true) no informa­tion to determine what; or prosecute with what.

You cannot ask the Patient, how are the Spirits of your Heart? How the Humors? And how the Flesh? but you must look off the Heart, and cast about somewhere else; inquiring here, and there: How is your Stomach? have you good Appetite, and digest well? are you Costive? how is your Head? do you urine freely? have you pain any where? and so forth —

After all these and such like necessary Questions; 'tis very probable, you may find out the place where the Fever is bred, and what is the Cause thereof: If so, as true it is; what then have we to do with the Heart; but only to examine by the Pulse; how affected, or afflicted in the case; what consent from thence, or condolence; what vital Signals by that Pulsation; not what Sort of Fever.

Now after all the subtle and nice distinction of Ephemeral, Humoral, and Hectic; we must examine most Parts of the Body (the principle at least) to find out the Rise and Seat of the Fever; and then it will appear to be; not in Corde primò accensa, (as you say) but in Corde per consensum; and that some other Part, is the original cause of the Fever, where the Cure is to be directed.

If there must be a place, or places in the Body, assigned for Fevers, as the Rise and Seat thereof: And since they are all Symptomatical and dependant upon various Diseases in divers Parts of the Body, as their causes occasional; (Sedes Morbi, est Sedes Febris) then where the Disease is, there is the Seat of Fevers; So that the difference of Fevers from thence, will not be triplex, (according to this an­tique approved Division) but multiplex.

I wish you good Success with your Doctrine of Fevers; but I should be loth to be a Patient under it; least the first tryal of your Skill upon me, should be the last Scene of my Life.

There is another received distinction of Fevers; into Essential, and Symptomatical.

And this I must take notice of; because it byasseth Practisers from the right Notion of Fevers; and causeth errour in the designs of Curing. For this Distinction may well be set aside; when as there is no Fever essential (therefore no Disease) but all are Sym­ptomatical; arising from and dependant upon some [Page 35] Disease, morbific Miasm or Seminary, and a Sym­ptom thereof.

And this appears from the Definition of Fevers; (Febris est calor preter naturam—) preternatural Heat being the genus; comprising all Fevers under it: And this Heat, (by your Doctrine) a Symptomatical Quality only: The distinction then of Essential and Symptomatical Fevers, is void; unless you will hold a contradiction, in your own learning.

But why some Essential, others Symptomatical? Riverius gives this account: essentiales dicuntur; quando putredo in venis communibus, & extra partes privatas accenditur. Symptomaticae verò, quando in parte peculiari inflammata, putredo aut suppuratio fit: a qua ob vasorum communionem vapor putridus cordi continuo communicari potest; — lib. de febr. p. 373.

They that will take this for good Reason, may be so satisfied; and probably they may not see the Definition of Fever therein contradicted: (Calor in Corde accensus, & ex eo —) and the Doctrine discordant in it self.

Another Distinction of Fevers there is; which divides them into Continual and Intermitting.

This difference is apparent to vulgar understand­ings; but the manner how; the matter what; the place where generated; causes occasioning and pro­moting: These are not so well known; which hath produced diversity of opinions among the learned: and these I shall take notice of in their due places.

Continual Fevers are distinguished into Putrid, and Imputrid.

Intermitting Fevers, are all adjudged Putrid.

Some have made this general Division of Fevers; into Simple, Putrid, and Pestilential.

There are also Distinctions of Fevers, termed ac­cidental differences; and these Fevers are called by their Names: (which serves only to confound young Practisers and amuse the people) thereby making Fevers more perplext, and difficult to be under­stood, by additional cognominations, from complica­tion of Symptoms.

As Epiala, Lipiria, Causus, Syncopalis, Soporiferae, Assodes, Elodes, Tiphodes, Phlegmonòdes, &c.

Fever by Denomination; and different Fevers by Cognomination is strange Doctrine: Thus compound­ing of Symptoms, is the confounding of Reason in Practice.

Since all Fevers, or febrile intemperature, is only the aestuation, and disturbance of the vital govern­ing Spirit; by provocation from some Disease, or Morbific Cause; producing various Symptoms in seve­ral Parts of the Body: Tacking such Symptoms to­gether by Cognomination; that have no dependance upon each other in causation, or existence; is no good fashion, nor good reason.

At this rate of diversifying and denominating of Fe­vers, by coupling them with Symptoms, and Disea­ses; you may make five hundred sorts more of Fevers, and draw all the practice of Physick upon Fevers: Plurisie fevers, Stone fevers, Colic fevers, &c. All the Acute, and most of the Chronic Diseases, have Fevers adjoined.

The Practice of Fevers after this manner; may be as large, as the Practice of Physick: And by this va­riation of Fevers in Masquerade; from Complica­tion with other Symptoms, and Diseases; the Doc­trine of Fevers will stretch in infinitum; not to be comprehended by human understanding.

They might have put in Camp Fevers, and Fleet Fevers for variety, among the rest: But if you un­derstand Fevers no better, than what your Books and Tradition does inform; Princes are like to have but a melancholy return of their brave Souldiers and Seamen; as too oft it falls out so.

And here I might give you a sad Account of Men, and Money lost after this manner; by the formality of Physick, and deficiency of the Professors: But I troubled my self once before in this matter; and I shall trouble my self no more; But this obiter.

If all other Symptoms and Diseases, were to have various names affixed to them, from the diversity of Symptoms happening contemporary; from Complica­tion with other Diseases: They might also be varied abundantly, (to no purpose) by differing adjunct Titles, as properly as Fevers are thus multifariously [Page 38]distinguished and denominated; wherein there is no reason, nor advantage for Curing.

Symptoms supervening and complicating with Fe­vers are such as these: Horror, Rigor, Pandiculation, Oscitation, Vomiting, Fluxes, Watchings, Deliriums, Hamorrhages, &c.

Hereby shewing the various deportments, Passions; Agonies, and strivings of the vital governing Spi­rit; (Spiritus impetum faciens) preternaturally af­fected and provoked; according to the diversity of Morbous irritating causes; And also shewing the dif­ferent Parts infested therewith; labouring under the impulsions, and expulsions of incensed vital power; endeavouring by such extraordinary motions, to ex­pel and cast out what is offensive and hostile to sedate vital government.

But Writers have given themselves much trouble to find out, and set forth the Causes of such Symp­toms; assigning them, as particular Characters to distinguish Fevers by: Herein shewing their Inge­nuity, Nicity, and Exactness, in giving a full Account of all things appertaining to Fevers; (as they would have the World believe) But the Insufficiency of the Reasons, and unprofitableness of those Endeavours are such; that I shall not trouble the Reader with the Inquiry, and Examination of the Validity thereof.

BEfore I set down the difference and distinctions of putrid Fevers, delivered to us by Authors, An­tient and Modern; I think it necessary, first to in­quire into the word Putrid: that we may know what is meant by Putrefaction, and putrifying in their sense; that first taught; and those who now support the Doctrine of putrid Fevers: whether they be all of a mind; and what confidence we may have in this learning, upon their dissent; or to whom we may adhere.

In determining of putrefaction, I find there are va­riety of opinions, and from thence several Defini­tions.

Galen's definition seems to agree with Aristotle's: And (for brevity sake) I shall only give you the ex­planation and sense of both these great Men; well done by another Author in these words. Putrefactio nihil aliud est, quam corruptio caloris nativi, in hu­mido radicali existentis alicuius mixti corporis, facta ab externo & peregrino calore. Kercherus.

Herein external peregrine Heat, is made the agres­sor, and invader of the Life of every mixt Body: [Page 40]That natural Heat is set upon and destroyed, and consequently radical moisture is consumed.

This is the sense and meaning of the celebrated Definitions of Aristotle and Galen; wherein there are these great mistakes.

1. Calor innatus and Humidum radicale are supposed and made substantial Principles in nature; when (re­verà) they are but Qualities assurging from their Principles.

2. They are made the support of every Animal; and to these they have attributed too great a share in mixt Bodies; as if the Being thereof depended essentially thereupon.

3. That innate Heat, is seated in radical moisture; where putrefaction and corruption begins; and that the Life of an Animal consists in these two: That they are Animae domicilium; the which failing, Life departs.

4. Hence it is that Putrefaction is defined, by the alteration, and perdition of these two Principles in Nature, which Galen often calls, totam rei substan­tiam.

The Doctrine of Physick fails much from these grand errours; which biasseth Practisers in the Cure of many Diseases.

For Putrefaction is caused, not only by external ambient Heat; but also by external Cold: And par­ticularly in the case of putrid Fevers; cohibited [Page 41]transpiration by cold occluding the Pores; is one chief cause assigned by most, if not all Writers. And likewise we find that other Animals, and also Plants, are mortified by extreme cold, which their natures could not bear; and from thence you need not doubt but Putrefaction follows.

Putredo, Putrefaction is not rightly defined by al­teration of Qualities, Heat and Moisture; that may, or may not be; and are accidents, not essential to Putrefaction: For Dry, and Cold Bodies are subject to putrifie; as Bones, Straw, Wood, &c. wherein is no sensible Heat or Moisture; and do putrifie into dry powder.

Heat and Cold; and I may add the other two first Qualities also, Wet and Dry; though they may be causes of putrefaction sometimes; and sometimes the effects thereof; yet they are not sufficient, to set forth and illustrate Putrefaction, as the ratio for­malis thereof; and a result differing from all other preternatural alterations and transmutations. Nor does this Definition, make distinction between pu­trefaction, and combustion (à calore externo): nor sufficiently extinguisheth putrefaction from fermen­tation.

And thus much concerning putrefaction in gene­ral, from the two celebrated Definitions of Aristotle and Galen: if you be satisfied therein, I am not, They sound great in the Greek; but signifie little in English.

I might write the Definitions of many others; Zeigler, Capivactius, Kyperus, &c. The examining [Page 42]and comparing whereof, would give more trouble than satisfaction: And therefore to draw home­wards, and come to the business intended; putre­faction in Fevers particularly; wherein also we shall find Authors much dissenting.

Riverius a noted French Author, much consulted with, and followed in his methods; because abound­ing with variety of Medicines; taken up upon trust from other Writers. We will inquire into his Pra­xis of Fevers, and see what he grounds himself upon, in designing the Cures of Putrid Fevers.

He makes all putrid Fevers to arise, and have their difference from the four Humors in the Mass of Bloud; according to the old Galenic doctrine. The more temperate part, called Blood specially and particu­larly: The hotter part, Choller: The crude and colder part, Phlegm; The grosser and more faecu­lent, Melancholy.

When any of these four parts of the Blood do abound and putrifie; then a putrid Fever ariseth and particularly denominated; as Sanguinious, Bilious, &c. putrid Fever.

And if these Humors putrifie (in majoribus vasis) in the great Veins and Arteries; then putrid Fevers Continual are generated: But if (in prima corporis Regione) in the first Region; then Intermitting Fe­vers (in English, Agues) are produced.

The putrid Continual, are distinguished by their exacerbations; into Quotidian, Tertian, and Quar­tan: [Page 43]And putrid Intermitting Fevers, Quotidian, Tertian, and Quartan; by their paroxisms.

I might give you some more distinctions; but here's enough: For they all refer to, and rest upon the word putrefaction, of which we have only a bare name; but the sense and true meaning thereof, is yet obscure and dubious: And after so much nice distinguishing, and dividing of putrid Fevers, by putrefaction of different humors; and by difference of place or seat thereof; yet put refaction in the true notion of it, is not set forth; (by this Author) and distinguished from other degenerate alterations.

After all this formality, distinctions, and divisi­ons of putrid Fevers; they rest upon an imaginary foundation, which wants good proof to secure and establish the Doctrine.

For First; The Mass of Blood supposed to be com­pounded of four different Humors, Blood, Phlegm, Choler and Melancholy; is an antiquated opinion, now exploded by the best Modern Writers; that I need not trouble the Reader with more Arguments against it.

‘ Cruoris massa ex opinione veterum, quatuor humori­bus, nimirum Sanguine, Pituita, Bile, & Melan­cholia constare perhibetur — Haec sententia, licet à Galeni usque temporibus medicorum Scholis incre­buerit; nostro tamen seculo; cui sanguinis motus cir­cularis, ejusque aliae affectiones, prius incognitae, in­notuerunt, aliquantulum suspecta esse caepit, nec ita passim pro solvendis Morborum phaenominis usurpart: quippe ejusmodi humores sanguinem minime constituunt, [Page 44]verum qui sit appellantur (excepto sanguine) sunt tan­tum cruoris recrementa, quae deben [...] ab ipso continuo secerni: est enim sanguis reverà humor unicus — D. Willis lib. de Febr. p. 99.’

Secondly; The forenamed Author though he pro­ceeds so nicely and positively, upon the diversity of putrid Fevers; yet hath not set down putrefaction in fevers, how it is performed; nor in facto esse, what it is in the result: But depends upon Galens definition of putredo in general; which declares it to be caused, (à calore alieno ambiente) from external Heat; and this is contradicted in the chief cause as­signed for producing putrid Fevers, by this, and most Writers: viz. that they arise (à calore non expirante) from transpiration restrained; the which frequently is impeded à frigore externo.

Notwithstanding all this discourse of putrid Fe­vers; speciously set forth: Febres putridae, aedhuc sunt febres igno [...]ae: Then the followers of this Doc­trine in their Practice, do prosecute they know not what: And thus the Blind, leads the Blind; the Pa­tient then is in a hopeful condition!

I must inquire farther for satisfaction in this mat­ter; and consult another Author, elaborately treat­ing upon this subject, but otherwise bottomed in his learning.

Dr. Willis setting forth the Anatomy of the Blood; thereby shewing what parts it is composed; he makes the analysis thereof into these five principles: Spirit, Water, Salt, Sulphur, and Earth.

‘ Insunt igitur sanguine, veluti liquoribus quibuscun­que ad fermentecendum aptis; plurimum Aquae & Spiritus, modicum salis & sulphuris, & aliquantulum terrae. D. Willis, lib. de Febr. p. 100.’

Upon these principles his Doctrine of Fevers is founded; making all febrile alterations, and effer­vescency of the Blood, to depend upon the different exaltations, depressions, and combinations of these Principles.

As touching the matter now in hand; and shewing how putrid Fevers do arise, he saith: ‘ Cum pars sanguinis oleosa sive sulphurea, nimis excalefacta, supra modum turgescit, ac veluti in flammam adigitur; ideoque à similitudine qua humida putrescentia fervo­rem concipiunt, hujusmodi sanguinis ebullitio, quia ca­lorem immodicum inducit, Febris putrida appellatur. p. 164.’

That these five parts (called principles) may be produced out of Blood by a Chymical Analysis, I doubt not: But that all these were pre-existing in the Blood, and distinct in form, to exercise their power, for producing various febrile mutations, by their ex­altations, and domination over each other by turns; is a Doctrine that I must deny.

For it is questioned, and not yet proved; whe­ther the fire be a true divider and separator of the parts of mixt Bodies; since all the transmutations that are made by fire upon Bodies; and the diversity of separated parts from thence, are not the natural constituent parts of the mixt, but products of the fire.

To wave the prosecution of these Principles, as they are asserted the Elements of all natural things, (which would be long and tedious) and to bring them down to our present purpose; examining how far they do declare the nature of Fevers, and parti­cularly now that of putrid Fevers.

Here are two things to be inquired: First, Whe­ther there be such an Oleaginous inflammable Sulphur in the blood, as this Author affirms: And whether the Heat and Ebullition of the Blood, does arise from this Sulphur inflamed, causing a putrid Fever.

Upon the opening of a Vein, and the Blood stand­ing a while; there may be sometimes (not often) a greasy Scum, or Oiliness floating a top, separa­ted from the other parts, and appearing uppermost: But granting this, what does it prove? Nothing to the kindling of Fevers.

For this Sulphureous oleaginous matter, that now separates; (the blood being out of the Veins, cold and putrifying) was not so; in conjunction and com­mixture with the rest; (when hot in the Veins, its proper place) making one Homogeneous liquor, be­ing then under subjection to vital power.

And I answer this Author in his own words; re­suting the Galenic doctrine of the four humors of the Blood: est enim sanguis revera humor unicus. And presently after he adds these words. Sed liquor in vasis effervescens solummodo sanguis & ubicunque loci per singulas corporis partes defertur, usque idem est, & sui similis. D. Willis. de febr. p. 99.

If the Blood then be in such a state (as this Author even now said) perfectly mixed and homogeneous in the vessels: I see no cause why; and cannot under­stand how this sulphureous part thereof (if such there be) in living Blood; that it should be apt and ready to take fire, and produce the effervescency and ebul­lition of putrid Fevers.

Nor can I reconcile this learned Man to himself; where in another place, setting forth putrid Fevers; he saith: ‘ Cum vero cruoris materies sulphurea ex­candescens supra modum effervet, mixtionis vinculum maxima ex parte solvitur, ut principia ejus à fermen­to cordis fere in totum distrahantur, & particulae activae (meaning spirit and sulphur) à misto solutae velut in flammam erumpant.’ Ibidem. p. 164.

In one place he affirms the Blood to be a liquor united in its principles, woven together into one uniform nature: and in another place he says; the parts of the Blood are loosed, and in a state of sepa­ration.

Now when the Blood is thus dissolved; the Sul­phur does not abide to take fire, but takes flight; ‘ Substantia Sulphuris nusquam sincera cernitur, imo seorsim ab aliis non consistit, quin tenues evanescit in auras:’ D. Willis lib. de ferment. p. 7.

Observe from hence: The Blood in its compage and texture, is not capable of firing and deflagration; in its retexture and dissolution, the inflammable Sul­phur abides not for a combustion, but disperseth and vanisheth; & haec tota Doctrina in flammam abit: Sic transit gloria ficti.

Notwithstanding these incongruities; He proceeds to make out the deflagration of the Blood in putrid Fevers: ‘That the principles of the Blood are sepa­rated by the ferment of the Heart; and being there rarified and kindled; from thence with a most swift motion, (motu rapidissimo) is carried through the ves­sels, and in the deflagration disperseth many effiu­viums of Heat. Ibidem, p. 164.’

This is soon said, but not so easily proved. And in answer to all this; I will give you the sentiment, and determination of a late Physician of great repute, reasoning and denying all this, as irrational.

‘ Verum nec in sanguine talem ebullitionem excitari; nec in corde hujusmodi fermentum adesse, facile erit ostendere: quanquam enim inter corpora quae ex sali­bus contraria prorsus indole praeditis constant, ubi com­miscentur, magna effervescentia atque lucta exoritur, multaque effluvia discedant; dissimilis tamen omnino & magis benignae naturae Sanguinis liquor existit, quam ut in corde aut vasis suis, tam aestuose & subito effer­vescat: quippe novimus, quam mitis ejus liquor, quam benigno plerumque succo perfusus, quam lenis & pla­cidus ejus in venis versus cor refluxus;— D. Lower, de corde.’ p. 57.

And farther, to null this fiction of abounding sul­phur, and effervescency from thence in putrid Fevers: Take the testimony of a learned Chymical Physician, demonstrating by fact.

‘The pretended sanguine sulphur, or Cacochymy of any in a high Fever, doth afford more salt, wa­ter, [Page 49]and Earth, each of them, than sulphur. I have taken that Diseased Blood termed Corrupt; which might seem to some, to abound with sulphur: And being cleanly conveyed into a Retort with a Receiver joined thereto, I have by a gradual fire re­gulated very strictly, brought over what possibly I could. In the upshot upon the separation of the se­veral parts, I have found very little of sulphur, in comparison of each of the other.’ Dr. Thompson. Aimatiasis, chap. 6. p. 51.

Then he gives you another experiment: ‘I pro­cured (saith He) the purest Blood I could get from a healthful person, putting it to the same igneous tryal, as the former degenerate, of equal propor­tion to it: Then after sequestration of the parts, I could not perceive any considerable difference, in the quantity, or quality of the several parts of the Sound, and that seeming Corrupt; which gives testimony that a Fever doth not principally arise from an excess of Sulphur, Idem, Ibidem.’

Much more might be alledged against this impro­bable opinion: But I think there is enough said to dispel the fiction of inflammable Sulphur in the Blood; which is made the rise of putrid Fevers, causing effer­vescency, ebullition, and deflagration.

And now I cannot but admire, that the learned of this Nation, should receive this phantasm with such applause; and what advantage it brought to the In­ventor: But the handsome latin Dress that this was presented in; so captivated their understandings, that they could not perceive the errour and vanity of [Page 50]the Doctrine; that set it off; and so it pass'd with­out suspicion.

And frequently since, we have had other Physick works come abroad; which affords me more matter, and Men to oppose; but little to inform, and be a gainer by: yet if it be latin, then it is learned with many: But I do not judge of learning, nor of men learned, after that manner: I am not to be snared with any language, when I expect something else that I seek for, Truth, is truth in any language; errour is so likewise: 'Tis the matter in writing, not the Stile of writing, that is useful, and praise wor­thy in Physick. But this by the way.

Now after all this labour, and ingenuity of inven­tion by learned Men, setting forth how putrid Fevers are generated; I find Helmont that great Philosopher and Physician, denying there are any such common Fevers.

Sciant igitur Scholae, cruorem in venis putrefieri nun­quam, quin simul ipsamet vena putreat, ut in Gangrena & mortificationibus. Helm. lib. de Febr. cap. 2.

He acknowledgeth the putredinous excrements in veins; not the Blood to putrifie: And he subjoins this reason; quippe qui juxta Sacra; est Sedes, & thesaurus vitae. —si vitanon servet à putridine san­guinem in quo gliscit, quomodo preservabuntur ossa. Ibidem.

The meaning of all this I judg; is to take away the frequency of putrid Fevers; that they are not so common as Authors and Practisers do make them: [Page 51]That the putrid matter of Fevers Salutary, is not pu­trefaction of the Blood: For when the Blood is pu­trified, the case is mortal. A Corrupto sive privato, non datur regressus ad vitam.

If the mass of Blood comes to be corrupt in the great streams of the Veins and Arteries, there is no hopes of reducing it; but death soon follows.

Now you must understand the difference, and distinguish between putrifying, and putrifyed: putre­factio incipiens, infieri; and putrefaction in facto esse, finished: The first is curable, the latter incurable. But after all this Dissention and Contention in and about putrid Feavers; what certain knowledge have we in this Disease so called, but a Name? Since the material Cause, or Matter offending (giving the De­nomination) is not adjudged and agreed upon: And how then shall a proper Method, with effectual true Medicines be adapted for their Cures?

I must confess; had I no Knowledge, nor Guide to direct me herein, but Books; I should be at a stand, and much puzled what Course to steer; and with what Means to do the Business required or aim­ed at, when such Fevers present.

But how pernicious are the Methods and Medi­cines for the Cure hereof, as appointed by Authors; we shall see anon, when I come to set forth the Prac­tice.

ACcording to Method and Custom: I have not omitted this Difference and Distinction of Fe­vers; but shall say no more in this Place, than what distinguisheth one from the other.

Continual Fevers are such as have no perfect Inter­mission; but only sometimes they have Intensions and Remissions: And from the difference of their exacer­bations in Distance; whether every Day, or every third, or fourth Day; they are called Continual Quotidian, Tertian, or Quartan. But the conside­ration hereof, is not of such Moment in Practice, as to require various Methods of Curing; and therefore I shall not trouble you with the Niceties and Distinc­tions of Authors, reasoning thereupon.

Intermitting Fevers are such, as in the English are called Agues: And these are Quotidian, Tertian, and Quartan; from their Cessations and Intermissions, coming and going on such Days.

In assigning Causes for the periodic Returns of these Fevers on Certain and Several Days; and for their Duplication, and Triplication; Authors do so [Page 53]much differ in their Opinions; that an Account of their Conjectures, Reasonings, and Probabi­lities; would give us more Trouble, than Pro­fit: I shall therefore wave those Disputes, that we may sooner come to the Curative Part, which is more Satisfactory and Useful; that proves more certainly, what is true, or false.

HERE we make Malignant as the Genus, com­prising several Species under that general Deno­mination. I shall first examine the Import of the word, what is meant thereby; and then inquire in­to the particular differences of Malignant Diseases: For if we have not a true knowledge of the Sense and Import of the generical word; we cannot have a distinct intelligible Account of the Species or kinds thereof.

I hear great talk of Malignant Fevers sometimes; and I Consult Authors upon that Subject: But I am not satisfied what they mean; and so far as I can ga­ther by the Discourses, they do not well know what they mean themselves; at least, not how to set it forth: For they have laboured to explicate the In­tention and Scope of the word Malignant; and rank it with intellible Doctrine: But in fine, the Result terminates in occult Qualities.

And this is acknowledged by a late famous Author, treating of malignant and pestilential Fevers. ‘ Ig­notam ducunt originem, ut earum Causae, & essentia [Page 55]sine recursu ad occultas qualitates raro explicentur. Dr. Willis de Febr.’

How comes this word Malignant, to be tackt, as an Adjunct belonging to Fevers? Malignant Fevers so much, and often treated; I know none such. For, all febrile Heat (in gradu Summo, & remisso) is but the same Heat in specie, issuing from the same vital Principle, and only differing gradually.

Furthermore, those Fevers which are called Ma­lignant; are observed by the best Judgments, to have their Heat more mild and moderate, than other Fevers that are accounted, and termed benign: Therefore malignant affixed to Fevers, as a distin­guishing Character; is an improper Compounding, and Confounding of words together; making the Sense and Meaning thereof intricate and perplext; which breeds confusion, and mistakes in Practice.

Clarioris Doctrinae gratiâ, nec non verioris; we must first understand, what that thing is, which truly may be called Malignant. Then Secondly; to what, this Malignant Thing bears Enmity or evil against, which it would hurt. These two Points being right­ly stated; illustrates and clears the Doctrine from Obscurity, Ambiguity and Intanglement.

Malignant by the Import of the word, signifies Evil, Malicious, and Hurtful: And it is used by Phy­sicians to set forth that which is very Evil, Perni­cious and Dangerous, more than ordinary. And therefore Diseases arising from such malignant Causes are accounted worse than others.

That which denominates and makes Diseases Ma­lignant; is either some inbred Matter in Human Bo­dies, highly and variously degenerated into a malig­nant venemous state; as producing Cancers, Gan­grens, Leprosie, Small-Pox, &c.

And this variously depraved malignant Matter; is capable of no other Description and Distinction; than what the Symptomatical Products and Effects thereof, does manifest the Heterogenity of such causes in Human Bodies. Pertinent to our Purpose Van Helmont Speaks, tho' about to prove something else: ‘ Excrement [...]m venenosum in Febribus, praecordis, in­cludi, producens sopores, deliria, &c. ergo virus ano­dinum est, & amens. In caducis paritur esse venenum insensitivum & amens, pro spatio affligens, in praecor­diis stabulatum. In Amentiis hypochondriacis, venenum fur [...]osum, vel cum joco delirans. In vertigine, virus rotans. In apoplexia, tollens sensum & motum,—’ p. 268.

Hence you may understand; that great variety of venemous malignant matter, is sometimes generated in Human Body, producing many different, and dan­gerous Effects, afflicting variously.

Or else Secondly; Malignant Diseases are caused and received from without: As when the Air (that surrounds and enters the Body) is infected with noxious exhalations, and vaporous malignant efflu­viums, arising out of the Earth; from carrion or dead Bodies; expirations of venemous Creatures; or by Influx of the Stars; producing epidemical Malig­nant Diseases: As the Pestilence; or Pestilential, and [Page 57]malignant in a lower Degree. Or by the Bite of some venemous Creature; or by depraved Corrupt Food, or virulent Physick.

And this malignant matter, whether inbred; or imperceptible Miasms from without: they do shew their Pravity, Taint and Infection, by the direful destructive Symptoms, that attend their Operations, and Alterations made in Human Body variously. Quicquid recipitur, recipitur per modum recipientis.

Some malignant Matter being more acute delete­rious, does destroy sooner: Others not so fierce and active, do take more Time in killing; yet are more difficult and obstinate in yielding to means, than other Diseases that are not malignant.

All which does prove; that Diseases are rightly called malignant, from the material Cause only, of which they are bred.

Secondly; We must discern to what more imme­diately and directly, this malignant matter is oppo­site to, and where it makes the first Attack, and Im­pression; where the Stress of Malignity aims first, and lyes most upon.

Not to, and upon animal Spirits; because the En­mity and Contrariety, is not founded between them as Antagonists: For, granting there were no animal Spirits in Human Nature; the Repugnancy, Discord­ance, and Hostility by malignant venom would be the same; and the symptomatical Effects in like man­ner the same.

And it is but rational so to determine: Because Sympathy and Antipathy, Amity and Opposition in the nature of Creatures; issue immediately from the Life of one, and points directly at the Life of the other. Inclinations and Aversations arise from thence, and the first Impressions are made there, for mutual Complacency, or Resistance.

That which is venemous and destructive to one creature; is not hurtful to another; and serves for Food to some: The Dog and other Animals, eats Carrion; and it's good Food for them; The which would be destructive to Man, as Poyson. What can make this difference of good and evil among the Creatures, but the Specific Formative Principle, that fabricated those Bodies, and from whence all the di­stinguishing Properties do flow?

And not only Creatures of a different Species; but also Individuals of the same Species, do differ much in their Appetitions and Aversations: according to the Proverb; one Man's Meat, is another Man's Poy­son. And this Peculiarity and Individual Propriety, does arise from the Life, and not otherwise from animal Spirits; The Discordancy and Reluctance, is not founded there.

The vital Principle, the Life or Form; is that which distinguisheth all the Creatures essentially in their Being: And also gives them their different In­clinations and Dispositions, Properties and Quali­ties.

From hence we may understand; that the first As­sault and Injuries offered, either from without, or within the Body, is made upon the Life: That what agrees or disagrees, is by Approbation, or Rejection and Displicency of the Life.

The animal Spirits (if such there be) do not re­ceive the first Assault of Malignant and Venemous matter; they are not primely concern'd therein: But (ex falsis suppositis) they can only feel the mis­chief, secundario & consequenter, from the conflict and struglings, the irregular and disturb'd Impulses of the Life: They being supported, and ill govern­ed thereby, in the execution of their Functions.

I must not believe, the first Commotion and Di­sturbance to make a Disease, is begun among the animal Spirits; or any thing else so inferiour in Hu­man Nature, that's Subservient, and instrumental: Nor can I think the continuation of Diseases to de­pend upon them. The Life or vital Principle, being ubiquitary in its Dominions; always guarding and upon the Defence; is first sensible of injury offered; forthwith endeavours Repulsion and Expulsion, and that's the Disease begun.

If Helmont says true (as I am apt to believe;) mor­bem omnem in vita Consistere. P. 444. Then doubt­less Diseases must there first begin; nor does it end, until the Life be clear, and quit thereof; by the As­sistance of good Means when greatly assaulted and seized. And he confirms this in another place: ut Sanitas consistit in vita integra, ita morbus, in ipsa­met vitaoblasa. p. 442.

All which does suggest and prove; that animal Spirits (if such there were) are not primely con­cern'd and affected, with any discordant malignant Matter that is fomes Morborum; but collaterally or consequentionally, from the Irritations and Discom­posure of the Life; by whom they are supported, managed, and act instrumentally.

If so as most probably appearing; then the new Hypothesis, setting forth the Rise, and Continua­tion of Diseases by animal Spirits principally affect­ed; is not rightly bottom'd and stated; but found­ed upon unsound Principles; and the Practice form­ed hereby, erroneous and unsafe.

Now I have shewed what malignant Matter is, that causeth such a Disease; And to what this Matter aims, or where it primely affects and seizeth, to produce a Disease called Malignant. We are next to inquire how properly, or improperly and inju­riously, Fevers are denominated Malignant.

Fevers upon due examination, unfitly are called malignant.

First, Because malignant denotes only, and spe­cifies Matter, properly distinguishes it from other Matter and Morbifick Causes: And Fever imports only febrile prenatural Heat, arising from the Life or vital Principle incensed, from any disturbing cause whatsoever. Malignant can give no distinguishing Character to Fever; for febrile Heat in all cases is (idem specie) the same in kind; and only differing in Degree, as being more, or less. Febrile Heat there­fore [Page 61]cannot be Malignant, because the Spring or Principle of that Heat is the Life.

Secondly; They dissent by Indications in Curing: Malignant requiring Alexipharmacal, and Bezoardic Medicines: And Fever or febrile Heat, indicates refrigerating or Cooling means, according to the common Practice and Galenic Canon: Contraria con­trariis Curantur. But I say, Febrile preternatural Heat being only Symptomatical and dependant upon the Life; requires no Curing means directly and pe­culiarly thereto; but is allayed and reduced of course; by various Means, such as is proper only for that Disease, which causeth the Life to aestuate, and be discomposed.

Thirdly; They differ widely, and are incongru­ously yoaked; because (as coupled) they do not thereby illustrate and direct; but darken and amuse a Practicer, in determining the quid agendum, and quibus auxiliis. You must therefore divide, and se­parate Fever from malignant; considering them apart in their single distinct Natures, as proceeding from much different Principles; that you may rightly le­vel at, and oppose the evil; and not stifle the inno­cent.

Fourthly; Malignant is improperly affixed to Fe­ver; for that which makes the Fever efficienter, and from whence febrile Heat does issue; is (fons calo­ris) the very Life it self: Therefore Fever is not ma­lignant, but the Disease may fitly be called malignant; from the morbifick malignant matter, which is the constituent cause thereof. From whence we may un­derstand; that many and various Diseases, going un­der [Page 62]the Name of Fevers; are very indirectly dealt with, by a wrong Information, as being falsly deno­minated and mistaken.

Fifthly; Malignant is injuriously added to Fever, as an appellative and distinguishing character; be­cause Fever is no Disease, but a Symptom; or (sig­num commune) a signal only that the Life is male af­fected: But how, or with what, febrile Heat makes no Discovery; nor requires any curative Considera­tion: But malignant denominates a Disease proper­ly; distinguisheth the Morbific cause from other Matter, and thereby indicates the Curing means: Therefore Malignant having no Relation to Fever, but remotely and occasionally; is no distinguishing Title for Fever; and joining them together; does not inform, but amuse by contraindication.

Sixthly; Symptoms arising from morbific Matter; as Vomiting, Fluxes, immoderate Sweating, and such like; may receive a distinguishing Denomination, peculiar and apposite, as shewing the Nature there­of; and if urgent may require Means for Palliation and Mitigation: But febrile Heat, a common Sym­ptom of the Life male affected; is not capable of Distinction by any Addition; because it proceeds al­ways from one and the same Principle, tho' the pro­curing or occasional Causes be ever so different and various: And requires no Means peculiar thereto, but such as is proper and Curative for the Disease only, that occasioned the aestuation.

By the common Doctrine, we are hitherto at a loss in the Notion of Fevers; being no Disease, and requiring no Curing means adapt thereto; giving [Page 63]little Information, and is no true Guide in the cure of any Disease that is Couched under that Denomi­nation: But they being entituled Fevers, hath cau­sed great mistakes, and dictated injurious Methods and Medicines; deceiving many Practisers, with the Ruine of many Patients: The appearance of a Fever, hath so long detained them unnecessarily and perni­ciously, in applying to damp and extinguish the fe­brile vital Heat, (thereby suppressing the fortitude of Nature) and giving Time to the morbifie Cause for prevailing.

Having gained little satisfaction in the doctrinal Part of Fevers; we will now pass on to the next Stage, the Curative Practice. We shall then see whether Curing comes by Chance, and sometimes only; or is the Effect of certain true Design, and right adapted Means, as the most frequent Event.

BEfore I give my Sentiment of this famed Remedy, so much used against Fevers; I shall first recite the Opinions of some Authors thereupon: And then comparing Judgments, with the matters of Fact, you may easily know, who comes nearest the Truth; in determining the virtue, or Vitiosity of this Me­dicine.

Dr. Willis in his Book de Febribus, put forth in the Year 1660; makes mention of this Cortex, which he had often used, and was then reputed a certain Febrifuge: But he does not say it was a Remedy adapt to his Doctrine of Fevers; but only an empyrical Medicine, and pretends not to know the [...]; why, and how this should Cure Fevers. p. 154.

And in another Place he saith: ‘That sometimes it did prevent the next Fit to come, but if not, then the second, or third Fit was thereby prevent­ed, and the Fever Cured: Yet this Cure lasted for a while only; for within twenty or thirty Days (sae­pissime redire solet) most often it returned again. P. 152. Then the Pouder was to be given again; and that would make another Cessation. And af­ter this manner (saith He) I have known many af­flicted [Page 65]with a quartan, a whole Autumn, and the Winter following, to be thus handled: The Fever kept off for a Time, and returning again, until the Spring came: Then by the Help of Physick, and the Change of the Season, the ill Disposition of Blood was altered, and the Fever by Degrees va­nished.’ P. 152.

What great Cause is here to boast of, and pro­claim the Jesuits Powder, for an excellent Febrifuge? many of the common Medicines have done as much.

And in the Page following; He adviseth this Me­dicine to be given (urgente Necessitate) ‘When the Patient is worn down by continuance of Fits; this Febrifuge makes a Ceslation for a Time, that Strength may be recovered, to be able to contend with the Disease. And if you would have a long Truce, you must take larger quantities of the Pow­der; by that means you will be longer free from your Ague.’ P. 153.

Thus he commends it for a Palliative only; not a compleat Curative Medicine. This Physician of great Name, and a vast Practice; had more oppor­tunities to try the worth of this Bark, than any Man in the Kingdom: And by his writings you may see, that he had made various Tryals thereof; whose Judgment in the use of it; and the Verity in matters of Fact, I do depend upon: And therefore shall esteem of it, no more, than what He saith of it. Du­bitandum non est, quin alia in rerum natura extent Me­dicamina, quae sunt aeque febrifuga. P. 156.

For my Part; I never had such an Opinion of it, as to put me upon many Experiments in the use of it: Because I had another Medicine, which proved more certain, in Stopping any Quotidian, Tertian, or Quartan Ague; and also for removing the Morbific Matter out of the Body, to prevent any Return: And without such Security, the Patient is not safe, and in a hopeful condition.

Dr. Morton in his Pyretologia is of another mind; and extols this Pouder above all things ( efficaciae mi­rabilis sanè ac Stupendae. p. 242.) and as a universal Remedy, appoints it in Fevers and most Diseases: This being chosen as adapt, to support the new Hy­pothesis of animal Spirits male affected in all cases; by venom in the most, requiring Alexipharmacals. And this Aetiology of Diseases (against the antient Doctrine of Humors) he espouseth, and labours to maintain; by proving the methods of Curing, to be governed hereby; and the Jesuits Pouder as the chiefest Remedy.

I am not so much a Humorist, as to assert the qua­ternary of the Galenists; deriving all Diseases from thence; distinguishing them thereby, and adapting peculiar Medicines thereto: But in all Diseases (as the Cause, or the Product) there is degenerate Mat­ter so various in divers Persons, as not to be redu­ced to four Heads; and we may rationally judge the depravedness thereof, by the symptoms arising from thence; more or less dangerous as the Faculties are disordered or hurt; and Curing results from bri­dling and discharging such offensive Matter. To dis­course this farther, would draw us more out of the [Page 67]way of our present Purpose; therefore I wave it, and return to the Peruvian Bark.

To have a true aestimate of this Remedy; we must examine it, by the manifest Qualities it is endowed with; By the manner of its Operation: And from the Effects or Success, that usually attends it. These are the only ways to discover the genuine Nature, and Virtues of this Cortex.

Herein I shall not be guided, or byassed by the Accusations, and Invectives of some foreign Wri­ters (Men of Note) against this Cortex: I shall wave their Arguments, and the Faults they object; that I may not be accounted an Enemy to this Medicine, by joyning with the great opposers of it; tho' I can­not say, I am so much a Friend, as to promote and incourage the use of it. But I ground my Judgment of this Remedy, from those that are the great Ap­plauders of it; who give all the Advantages they can, in setting it forth by Argument and Fact: From their Expressions and Confessions, I shall raise some Doubts; and make some Exceptions against the validity and worth of this famous Febrifuge.

The manifest Qualities attributed to it, and de­clared, are these: Hot, and Dry, Bitter, and Stip­tic or restrictive. But these do not perform the great work of a Counter-Poyson; That is effected by an occult Quality, they say: And I will grant your occult Quality, wherein you place the Efficacy of this Antidote: But with this proviso; that you make it out clearly, and prove it by the Effects: For, if you cannot make it appear à pricri, in the [...]; you must [Page 68]make it manifest in the [...]; else we must believe against all Reason and Sense.

The Hypothesis occult (as not fairly proved) and the Remedy occult, in its chief reputed virtue: I wish the good effects and success, may not be occult also; or only to found, inter rar [...] Comingentia.

The three foremost Qualities named, I like well, and the fourth, I do not dislike in some Cases: But when Nature is upon the Expulsion, and makes an Effort, to send off the Morbific Matter by Vomit, or Stool: Then the Astriction may be injurious, and checks Nature in freeing her self from that which is hostile: And tho' it may be said, the restringent virtue is moderate; that seems to mitigate à tanto: Notwithstanding this Febrifuge not being indicated in the Case; may be blamed, and be the occasion or cause of much mischeif; in keeping out another Me­dicine which ought to come in use, as more proper and fit at such a time.

The Cortex Cinnamomum is much more grateful and Stomachical, than this Peruvian Drug: But to give that innocent and wholesome restringent Car­diac, to check a Flux Diarrhaea, or Lienteria; is not according to the Rules of Art; But an abstersive true Purgative, is in Reason, and by Practice confirm'd, most safe and successful.

I grant you; when Malignity and venemous Mat­ter is the Stimulating Cause: As in the Small Pox, Spotted Fevers, or Pestilence; the best Alexiphar­macals, and Diaphoretics, are then the greatest and securest Help. (But whether the Jesuits Pouder be [Page 69]the supreme Antidote, and most to be confided, in such cases; we shall inquire anon) But Fluxes per Alvum most commonly are not so malign, and the Ferment not venenate; and do then require only a true gentle Purgative: This most Practisers will free­ly assent to.

I do not accuse the Medicine of Evil in the Nature of it; but the evil use of it; and therein the best of things may do hurt; and so may this, when used, more often than necessary; under the Pretence of animal Spirits invenom'd in Fevers, and most Dis­eases; according to the new, and false Hypothe­sis.

For the Manner of Operation; those that confide most in this Medicine, cannot shew how it operates; but tells us negatively: Not by Salivation, Vomit, Stool, Urine, or Sweat; as Dr. Morton saith; Py­retol. p. 142. And for my Part; I should not esteem the Medicine worse or less, for the insensible Opera­tion; always provided, it did perform the work intended, and give sufficient Proof thereof.

But when I see a Failure in the Performance, or a seeming and fallacious Performance, pro tempore only, or commonly so: (as Dr. Willis observes) Then my Faith staggers, and begins to fail; that I cannot hope, or trust any longer, in secret and insensible Operation: For, the morbifio cause being laid asleep only, and a Cessation made for a Time; yet it will, and frequently does resurge again; shewing its Pra­vity in acting as before: This Experience does con­firm, from Authors of Credit; and by common Fame.

If the Jesuits Pouder thus deceive us; in the only, or chiefest cases, wherein we wanted extraordinary Help; as, for Intermitting Fevers; especially the Quartans: Then where is the excellency of that Fe­brifuge? For other occasions there are Medicines enough; and for those Agues (for ought I yet see) there are as good; and some that are better.

But notwithstanding the Operation is said to be so secret and charming; yet sometimes it plays Tricks openly and unexpectedly: By Vomit, by Fluxes downward, and profuse Sweats. And this is ac­knowledged by a great admirer of this Pouder; who tells us that such Evacutions are Symptomatical, from the Irritation of the Medicine. (Dr. Morton Pyre­tol. p. 142.) So that it is not so calm, still, and in­effensive to all People; but sometimes it gives Di­sturbance, with such unprofitable evacuations; as He accounts them so in the same Page: And truly I should be angry with any Medicine; that should give me so much Trouble, without any Benefit.

From whence I remark; that this Author will not own any Evacuation to be proficuous, and condu­cing to these Cures; least the Doctrine of Humors, should gain Advantage thereby; and the new Hy­pothesis infringed. But in this case; it is not rea­sonable to expect, Advantage from such sympto­matic Evacuations, occasioned and arising meerly from disgust, and Disagreement of the Medicine ( Hoc Pharmacum suâ Naturâ non admodum gratum. P. 173.) else, Evacuations otherwise procured, by good Medicine kindly operating; have been bene­ficial and Curative.

My Reason does not persuade, nor Experience urge me to believe; that secret and insensible Ope­ration, by an occult Quality; is so prevalent and wonderful in Curing, especially in various cases and causes; as to denominate this single, and simple Pou­der, a Polychreston, Pharmacum hoc divinum, & in pluribus alus morbis, aeque ac in Febre intermittente proficuum, P. 136. as he saith.

Some Specifics, are said to operate after a secret manner; and there is no Reason given why, or how they do perform such effects: But these are limited and restrained, to particular Purposes and Diseases; and they are the Secrets of Nature, which as yet are not revealed to us.

But the Jesuits Pouder, goes beyond all those in Latitude and Comprehension; for few cases present, that are not within the Virge of its Power, as some would have us believe: And it must be a Polychrest, of large extent in Virtue; that makes such Preten­sions of Curing all Fevers; because Fevers are ad­joined, and dependant upon most Diseases.

When Causes are manifestly various; also situate variously in the Body; and the Operations or Functi­ons of Nature are manifest, and different; to dis­charge and free her self from such superfluous, ex­crementitious, and useless Matter; both in her daily course of Preservation; as also in extraordinary Cases and Exigencies: And since curing is but in Imitation of Nature; to give Help, and assist her in her own Methods, and by the ways of her own In­stitution. Natura est Morborum medicatrix.

These being considered; I cannot then understand, this new way of Conjuring Nature into good Order; and restoring her insensibly, and occultly into a State of Sanity; from various Diseases and Sickness. But we will argue no farther about the Qualities, and Manner of Operation now; that we may come to the decisive and undeniable Proof; by Matters of Fact, the effects in Practice; which determines all the Doubts, and Difficulties in Controversy.

To confirm the new Hypothesis, and prove the Excellency of Curing by the Jesuits Pouder; Dr. Morton gives us an Account, of several Cures that He hath done by this Febrifuge; and sets down the Names of the Patients, and Places of their Abode.

The historical verity, I question not; but how that Practice, does answer the Hypothesis of ani­mal Spirits invenom'd; and proves the wonderful Alexipharmal power of the Peruvian Antidote; as yet is not apparent to my dull understanding: where­fore give me leave to doubt, and to enquire farther. If those Cures had been performed by the Antidote only; or chiefly, and with a little Help of another Medicine, pro re nata: I should have as good Opi­nion of the Pouder, and extol it as much as He doth; and perhaps thereby might become a Proselite to the new Doctrine.

But when I see Bleeding, and Blistering, Pericar­pia, and Suppedanea, Juleps, Apozems, Purges, Vo­mits, Opiats, &c. (as other Physicians use) appoin­ted in the Methods of his Cures. And if we must believe; those several Means to act their Part, and [Page 73]nothing appointed but what was necessary, and by Indication: Who can tell now, upon which the stress of those Cures did lye? When those Partners in Curing, have each their due share of Praise allot­ted; How much, or rather How little Glory, will be left for the Jesuits Pouder? For we must suppose, that such various means was necessarily contributing, (which I shall not dispute now) How then does the Super-Excellency of this Febrifuge appear, to de­serve the high Titles of Pharmacum divinum, in Sa­nitate in Gentium, ex arbore vitae, &c. And how does this Practice, differ from other Physicians, that con­form to the Doctrine of Humors and Quali­ties?

We do know; at least every Practiser ought to know; that one morbific cause, perambulating and irritating, or protruded from Part to Part, or by consent of Parts; does raise various symptoms, afflicting several Faculties, and perverting their Functions. If we apply several Medicines, to such various symptomatical Appearances; and endeavour to help the Sick after that Manner, by a Method and Series of Medicines: Then we cannot boast, of any particular Medicine as a Catholicon or Polychreston; and extol it as an extraordinary Curing Remedy, and Salutiferous above all other. Besides, if true Medicine be rightly exhibited against the morbific cause; there is no farther need of Application, to symptomatical dependants.

For my Part; I am for promoting a general and generous Medicine, extensive and comprehensive; that is applicable and efficacious in various Cases and Persons: To ease the People (especially some sort) [Page 74]from variety and multiplicity of Medicines, that are both irksom, and chargeable: And herein I am a­bundantly satisfied, that such Help there is.

But no Medicine can be so generally useful, and successful; if it hath not a Manifest Operation, by which to discharge impure morbific Matter, for clean­sing and purifying the Body. And no Operation so advantagious and comprehensive, against many and the most of Diseases, as true Purgative Operation; and also is the best preventive Means: Not per­formed by the common virulent reputed Purgatives (that have defamed this Operation) But by Medi­cine composed of such wholesome Ingredients, to do that most necessary work, as it ought to be done.

When the People are sensible of this, and can pro­cure such Medicine; they will be the better provi­ded to maintain, and to regain lost Health; this I am assured of. And then they need not have such Recourse to the Waters; whereof some do complain afterwards, and not a few; by pouring in such large hazardous Quantities, to force a Passage. Mundus vult decipi, & decipiatur. Information and Caution signifies little; Custom, and Example of others, prevails much more; and they chuse rather to suffer, and Dye with the Multitude, than go out of the Road they have been us'd to.

As for such Medicine whose prime Quality is oc­cult, and operateth occultly; I cannot believe it to be so generally useful, and so certain in Curing, as a Medicine working Manifestly: Moreover, if a Me­dicine be set up, as an insignal Polychrest, and to out­do [Page 75]all other: Let us see it act its Part singly and alone; then we shall plainly see what it is: But if the Peruvian Pouder, be introduced with a crowd of other Medicines; and by much strugling with one and the other, a cure at last is gained? Who then can say, which of those many did the Cure; since all bore a Part; and it may be hard to tell, which did most, or best; the occult, or the manifest Quali­ties.

I always thought, and do think so still; that an Antidote against any venom (worthy of that Name) was a certain and speedy Remedy to kill the Poyson; and needs no more to do; at least very little: And this Pouder so magnified, for a stupendious Febri­fuge, and an expester of febrile venom; I expected some wonderful Performances, by its occult vertue; but either I cannot see those rare effects; or they are invisible Facts, hid in the crowd; and matter of Faith only.

If the new Hypothesis be true Doctrine; That there is a venenous Ferment, seizing the animal Spi­rits; thereby producing various Symptoms in di­vers Parts of the Body: Fevers, Fluxes, Spasms, Vomitings, Rigors, Erratic Pains, &c. And also if it is as true; that the Jesuits Pouder is a certain An­tidote against this venemous Matter or Miasm: Then it necessarily follows; that all those Symptomatical and dependant Affects, must cease and vanish, by the use of that Medicine which subdues the morbific cause. Sublatâ Causa, tollitur effactus.

But if Curing be not the Result hereof; then we may conclude; that either the Cause is mistaken; or [Page 76]the Medicine is not of such force and virtue, as to master and reduce this Venom. Failure in Curing we have found, and that often; as attested by ma­ny: Therefore the Doctrine, or the Medicine, or both; may be questioned as deficient and faulty.

This venemous Doctrine, I doubt is apt to intoxi­cate the Brain; Seduce Reason, and lead out of the way, in delirant Contemplation. And therefore by comparing, I have a more firm opinion of the Doctrine of Humors and Qualities (rightly stated) to fix the Aetiology of Diseases upon; than upon animal Spirits invenom'd. And although that Au­thor hath pronounced Damnation against the Doctrine of Humors (exulet, per me in aternum exulet Philo­sophia ista, & Scientia falso sic dicta. Pyretol. ad Lectorem) yet I hope the Execution of that severe sentence, may be suspended, as long as I shall live, and for future Ages.

But waving the Doctrine; let us enquire a little farther into the Medicine, about the Dose and Man­ner of use; from the same Author that most oft useth it, as the chiefest in Practice.

The usual Dose for Man or Woman, was two drams: But that which is sold in the Shops now be­ing counterfeit, decayed, musty or stinking; two ounces is but sufficient, says our Author: Cortex offi­cinarum adulterinus, &c. p. 169. The Patient that knows nothing of the Matter, is finely brought to Bed! when he must take two ounces of bad; instead of two drams of good. Here is Quantity, and Qua­lity offensive; where is the Incouragement, to ven­ture upon this Remedy?

And I must remark; that since there is so great Abuse in this Drug, simply used and alone; what security have you, for all the compound Medicines, where Fraud cannot be detected? does it not behove every Physician, to take upon him the Charge and Care of Medicines? when Physicians who rely upon the Care and Honesty of Apothecaries, do thus con­fess, and proclaim.

Yet some People are so far out of their Wits, or Bewitched in their Understanding; that think a Phy­sician who takes upon him the Preparation of Medi­cines (according to the Custom of the Antients) to be a Degree lower, than him that prescribes to the Shops; not discerning the Elder, from the Younger Brother: And do think a Fee is scarce due to him; at least not so much (cujus contrarium, verum est) such sort of Fools deserve the Cheat, that are so ready to deceive themselves: I am sure they are paid off for their Folly. But this by the way.

The same Author appoints the Peruvian Bark, to be reduced (in alcool) into the most minute or finest Pouder (quo facilius per habitum corporis trajiciatur. p. 179.) that it may the more readily pass through the habit of the Body. But if I were to use this Pouder, I should chuse rather to have it grosly beaten; that the vertue may be extracted only, and conveyed where and how nature pleaseth: But the Substance more fitly to be carried downwards, to be voided with Excrement. For, I cannot think it safe; that so much Pouder, of a ligneous indissoluble Substance, should commix with the Blood, and be imported into the smaller vessels; but by incrassating that stream, [Page 78]it must cause obstructions of very ill consequence, tho' the Pouder be genuine und true.

But since it is so much adulterated and abused, as this Author tells us; and the Dose therefore to be augmented double, or treble: I cannot think other­wise, but it must then make ill work in the Body; and that there will be need of another Antidote, or a Course of Physick, against the mischief of this fa­mous Febrifuge: And this medicine making no ma­nifest Operation; we may fear, that both the Dregs of the Disease, and the Dregs of the Medicine, do remain in the Body.

Therefore I am apt to believe, it was not for no­thing, or no cause; that Vopiscus Plempius a learned Physician of Note, did charge this American Bark, and condemn'd it as guilty of many misdemeanors, and Homicide. His words are these: Plures tertio vel quarto reciderunt: plurique cachectici facti, non­nulli mortui. Item Magnates hujus Aulae nominare possem, qui ab usu Pulveris, extenuati sunt, & ad Phthisin pracipites facti, in usu longo lactis Asinini re­stituti fuissent.

I do not think it necessary; that this Pouder, or any Medicine of that substance; should be conveyed Materialiter, into every Part of the Body, to dis­charge its virtue: Nature does not operate after that manner with Medicinal Help; is not bound to transport by Canals for her Relief; but transmits virtualiter and influentially; penetrating tatam Par­tium Compaginem. Diaphoretics operate after the same manner. Nor do I think it necessary or conve­nient; the best and richest Cordial Pouder, should be in­troduced [Page 79]into the Habit of the Body. But let that pass.

The Jesuits Pouder was cried up, and promoted in Italy, by Sebastian Badus a Physician of Genoa: And there were others, that as much decried it; as not being steddy and constant in good effects; or doing no Hurt; but oftentimes as being the cause of much ill; and thereby went under an ill Name. Which Party we are to credit in this matter, I leave every one to Judge.

This we well know; that the Duke of Savoy, by several Accounts received, about two years since; was in a valetudinary State for a long Time; caused by an Ague: which for many Months continued in going, and coming again. Very probably this Fe­brifuge was the chiefest Remedy, which put by the Fits for a Time: But the minera Morbi, the morbi­fic cause not being discharged, and sent forth; the Fits returned again several Times. But Supposing his Physicians did not advise the use of this Medi­cine; or did not continue the use of it: we may conclude, it was under some disgrace, or not in such Repute there, as formerly. But let us go on.

The Pouder is appointed to be taken in the Inter­missions of Ague Fits, every fourth Hour: And when there is such a Cessation of the intermitting Fever or Ague, as seemingly Cured; yet that is no security; but you must Continue the use of the Pou­der, thrice a Day for three Weeks, or a Month, intervallo octo vel decem Dierum, as our Author ap­points. P. 132.

I find hereby, that this famous Bark, makes but an uncertain, and a tedious Cure; for when it will be perfected, who can tell? Our Author gives us the Reason thereof in another Place. P. 76, and 77. to this purpose. ‘That the febrile venom hath a fix­ed and determined Time of Duration; either for weeks, months, and sometimes years: That al­though it be subdued and seemingly cured for a Time; yet it will revive again, until the venemous fomes (metam suam ultimam attigerit) hath run its Course, and spent it self.’ P. 76, and 77.

If it be so; how does the virtue and great Power of the Antidote appear? This is small Hopes for the Patient and little Incouragement to use Means; since there is such a determinate Time of Cure; and before which it cannot be: But to make us Amends for this great Impediment; And to keep up the Re­putation of the Febrifuge.

He saith; ‘We may be glad, that we have such a Remedy; as can relieve Nature oppressed and worn down, when we please by this Febrifuge; and pre­vent the fatal event.’ P. 77, 78. So that, we are hereby secured from Death; but when we may be rid from the Fever or Ague; that's uncertain, tho' we use this great Antidote, famed so potent against the febrile venom.

If this be all, that can be expected from this Pou­der; then I shall not trust, to the occult Quality of this Medicine; and which makes only an occult Ope­ration in the Patient; least the good effects prove occult also. But I am for a Medicine that works ma­nifestly; [Page 81]and therein more probably, to effect a cure more certainly; by Operations that we know how, and which way a Disease goes off.

And such is the Catholic Extract; that makes a manifest Operation, but very gentle; which is much more pleasant, and easie to take, than the Peruvian Bark: And we have more Reason, to hope and ex­pect the desired effects, from this Catholic Purifier; because it carries off, and frees the Body from offen­sive, depraved, impure Matter, the minera morborum (termed venom by this Author) thereby it does per­form a radical Cure of Agues; (not a fallacious Ces­sation) and we shall not fear a Relaps or Return. (And so much I dare promise, upon a Forfeit.) By such certainty, properly and only; we may call Cu­ring.

This Catholic Extract, being of my own Elabo­ration, perfected by divers Alterations and gradual Improvements; I can presume upon (from many Proofs) to do more, and better service in Fevers; (therefore in various Diseases whereon they depend) than any single Medicine, that I can know of, Ex­tant in the World: And I have examined the best Au­thors, and Pharmacopoeia's for that Purpose. As for Prescripts, the sudden Inventions pro re nata; and suddenly to be made at the Shops: I do not inquire for any extraordinary piece of Art in that way, nor in Reason can we expect it there.

I shall not here Discourse, the Latitude and Com­prehension of this Medicine: The excelling Proper­ties in Operation and Performance; its Commo­diousness for use, Durability, and Portage, for emer­gent [Page 82]occasions abroad. For my own Part, and particular private use; I had rather be desti­tute, of all other Medicines, than to want this; For, I am more beholden to this Extract, in eminent Dangers; and for common support of my Life since; than all other Medicines I have designed, and proved in Forty Years Prac­tice.

For a farther Account of the Catholic Medi­cine, I refer to these Tracts: The Mystery of Curing Comprehensively, &c. Or The Efficacy and Extent of true Purgation. Where you have more Satisfaction.

But above all Reading and Reasoning; try the two Medicines in like Cases: And observe well the Symptoms and Circumstances attend­ing the one, and the other: in fine, tell me then which did best; the manifest, or the oc­cult Operation: Then give the Preference to the most deserving; that performed citò, tutò, jucunde.

The Jesuits Pouder, is not the Jesuits Se­cret; nor an extraordinary piece of Art, that any Man may claim as his own: But meerly the Product of Nature, (Casu & Experien­tiâ) by Tryals found to do something, but no such great Matters. And therefore no Man is lessened, if that be lowered in Aestima­tion. Yet if any one, can see farther into it, than another; and discover more virtue, than what common Fame hath done, per me licet: [Page 83]Every Man hath a Freedom herein, to say what he knows by Fact; or by rational Probabili­ty, for or against: And no man ought to think himself affronted, or injured by contra­dictions; if it be done without Animosity, and personal Reflection.

HElvetius a French Doctor (well esteemed at the Court of France) setting forth the Nature of the Jesuits Pouder; gives this Account thereof: ‘Af­ter taking it; one Complains of an intollerable weight, and Pain in his Stomach. Another, that there is a disturbance in his Breast: A third, that he feels an extraordinary Heat: Another, that he is scorcht vp by it. In fine, we see some every Day, tho Cured by its means; yet resolve never to make use of it any more.’

I mention not the Complaints generally made by ‘the Sick; nor the Inconveniences most known; be­sides these particular ones which I am going to speak of: viz. the illness of Taste; the Nauseous­ness and Bitterness which always attend it, if taken by the Mouth, vary how you can in the manner of giving it. That which is so much the greater Pain and Trouble to the Patient, (notwithstanding the greatest Aversion after the first taking it) is the ab­solute Necessity of repeating it every Day; some­times for the Space of six Weeks, or more: And after all, in Case of Relapse; the Vexation of be­ing [Page 85]forced to begin all again. Helvet, Method of Curing Fevers.’ P. 3, 4, 5. 2d Impression.

By this Account of his; it plainly appears that this Medicine is not so innocent, and rare, as some, have extolled it to be: But on the contrary, it looks like a very ugly, unwholsome thing; very offensive to the Stomach, and much ingrateful to the Pallate: And upon this Consideration, Dr. Helvet did Judg it not fit to be taken at the Mouth; but to be given only at the Posteriors, by Clyster; that it might do no Mischief, to the more noble Parts.

This way of using it by Clyster, I own is not so bad; and if no better Remedy can be had, you must be contented to take it so: But when I consider the Trouble that attends this way of receiving it; and the irksome Repetitions thereof; with the uncertainty, of effecting the Purpose intended; I cannot applaud the Medicine, nor incourage the use of it so given. For this Author thus tells us.

This is a very troublesome way of Curing, if it suc­ceeds well at the long run; after so many Times poking in the Breech. But to have all this trouble, and wait so long, and not be Cured hereby, is too bad; and, it proves too oft so. Yet this is not all the Trouble, and Charge, that attends this way of Curing; for you must make use of other Medicines also, as this Author appoints.

‘But I advise in the Time of taking their Clysters, that they neglect not the use of Emeticks and Ca­tharticks. p. 18.’

This is very Cunningly advised; to hook in Vo­mits, and Parges, that they may be Assistants in Cu­ring; [Page 87]but the Bark must have all the Reputation, when a Cure is thus effected by joint Agents: And without the Help of other Medicines, it will not do. He therefore appoints several Cordiuls to be used, as the Accidents that attend the Ague do require; as you may see them set down in Page 18, 19, 20. of that second Impression.

Thus the Bark is magnified for a wonderful Febri­fuge by Clyster; when other Medicines are introdu­ced to bear their Part, and form a Method: who can tell when a Cure is effected, which of them did most, or best? But with all the Assistance they can give with the Jesuits Pouder, they prove but deceitful and uncertain Remedies; for which we have two noto­rious Examples; one of the Duke of Savoy, not long since: And very lately, the several Accounts we have had, of the King of Spain, long lingering, and often relapsing under an Intermitting Fever.

If such great Men are thus handled ignorantly, with deceitful frivolous Medicines; you may readily think, how meanly the middle, and lower Rank of People are provided for in Sickness. Doubtless their Physicians tryed the Bark to the utmost of their Skill; but how ineffectually, and shamefully, the Events did manifest. The Minera Morbi was remaining; which the Jesuits Pouder could not remove; and from hence new Insults of the Disease did arise, un­til Nature by length of Time, was able to spend, and overcome it.

By what hath been here said; and what was done; and what was undone, that the Peruvian Bark could not do: It plainly appears, this is not a true Febri­fuge, [Page 88]and undeserving that Name; use it which way you will, by the Mouth, or at the Fundament.

And now I must not conceal, what is much better, and a more certain Remedy for intermitting Fevers, (called Agues) Quotidian, Tertian, or Quartan: And that is the Catholic Extract; more easily mana­ged, more pleasant in the use of it; and more effi­cacious in performance of the desired effects. This Medicine will do true service, and deserves to be made known; and is much esteemed by those that have us'd it, in these, and many other cases; of which more at large else where.

PRactice grounded upon false Doctrine, cannot be hopeful, or Safe: But there are some, and not a few; who mistaking Fevers in the true Notion thereof; have a common Method of Cure, by Bleed­ing, Blistering, Juleping, and other ways of Cooling; to damp and suppress preternatural Heat: not know­ing what this Heat is; from whence it proceeds, and the Principle thereof.

There is nothing duly administred in Practice, without Indication to direct; what is properly re­quired to be done. Fever quatenus Fever, barely and solely considered, as preternatural Heat, and only a Symptom of the Life so affected; requires no Reme­dy adapt thereto; but only to that Disease, or mor­bific Matter, which is the occasional Cause, provo­king the Life, or vital Principle to aestuate.

If so; as true it is, by the Discourse and Reasons preceding; then the Practice, is governed, by every such Disease particularly; and Fever not to be re­garded in Curing, otherwise than as signal; shewing the Life to be disturb'd, and in a preternatural state: But how, and with what, is not thereby appearing; [Page 90]but to be sought for, and inquired elsewhere, among the Causes; and you have no more to do with Fe­ver.

The Curative means are to be appointed, as every Disease doth require: Then the Practice upon Fevers is out of Doors; and nothing to be done there; the Fears, and the bustle about Fevers is vain, or rather pernicious. How absurd it is, for any Man to say, He is Curing of a Fever; when he is Curing some­thing else; he is busie to no Purpose; or rather, he is doing of mischief: For he is doing in the dark, and what can you expect from thence?

To institute a Practice for allaying of Fevers; to adapt rightly, safely, and hopefully therein; is to appoint, and go through, almost the whole Practice of Physick: For most Diseases have Fevers attending, and following after them; yet as dependants-remote­ly related thereto; and arising immediately from the Principle of Life. But if you will fix your Eye upon Fevers chiefly, and Characterize them with the Denomination, in all those cases; as deeming Fe­ver of greatest Importance, and the Disease princi­pally to be Cured: Then the Practice upon Fevers is very erroneous, and dangerous: But the Practice which ought to be in Fevers; is as various, as the In­firmities of Human Nature, are different from each other; and by their Cures, Fevers are cured (con­sequenter) of course.

Contrary to all this; I find a late Writer, who tells us of the Protean Nature of Fevers disguised; ‘ Sub larvâ Algoris funesti, vomitionis indefinentis, Diarrheae torminosae, Colicae Ventriculi, Hemicraniae [Page 91]periodicae, Apoplexiae, Syncopes, Rheumatismi, Spasmi, universalis, Pluritidis, Peripneumoniae, vel alterius morbi securè delitescens, — Dr. Morton Pure­tolog. p. 189.’

He would have Fever, to act all these tragick Parts, and many more; as being variously disguised and hid, under such several Appearances; and their Cures to be included, in Curing the Fever. Cujus contrarium — He draws all the Practice upon Fevers; and I take all the Practice off from Fevers, and apply it elsewhere.

Here I demand the Reason, why Fever or febrile Heat, which is but a Symptom; should be exalted above the rest of its fellow Symptoms, as most dan­gerous; and be (Dux gregis) the Master symptom; or rather, as this Author would have it; to be Geni­tor Symptomatum; the Father of a numerous off­spring, and the first, and chiefest to be aimed at in Curing.

The contrary whereof does appear; for as much as febrile Heat is the consequent, occasioned by such various Disorders, and preternatural Affects; not the Producer, or Leader of them. And therefore, they are of greater Importance, and threaten with more Danger, than Fever doth: Because they are descended from, and do participate of Morbific causes, Matter or Miasm in their Nature: But fe­brile Heat, is vital Heat; nearly allied to Human Nature, a Symptom of the Life; only exceeding na­tural Temper, provok'd thereto by such morbific Causes.

Now tell me where, and to what Curing is to le­vel at; when those various Phenomena present? The same Author hath given an Answer; and directs our Aim at febrile Venom, or fermentum febrile.

But why fermentum febrile, and not fermentum emeticum, apoplecticum, Catharticum, Spasmodicum, dolorificum, &c? When the fermenting Matter or Miasm, produceth such Operations and Effects appa­rently; why should they not bear that Denomination, which is most significant, and shewing the nature of the ferment, the Tendency, or motion thereof?

If the fermenting Matter must have a Name; give it a proper Name, a distinguishing Name, that does indicate: But febrile, gives no information of the Matter, of what condition it is; therefore an impro­per and useless Title, as making no distinction. At this rate, a Stone in the Kidney may be called fer­mentum febrile, because it occasions a Fever; but how fitly, let every one Judge: And all the Morbi­fick causes in Aetiologia, may as unfitly be termed fe­brile Ferments.

If causes that have been set forth so various, can be reduced under this one Head, Fermentum febrile; (few excepted) then the Practice of Physick, will be very concise and easie, now the Jesuits Pouder, is so effectual against febrile venom, as some will have it to be. But I do not find the virtue of this Febrifuge so great; but will require much Assistance from other Means, in the performing of Cures: And we will go no farther for Proof hereof; than the Examplars [Page 93]set forth in Pyretologia of the same Author last named.

After a long Harangue upon Fevers; shewing the Diversity, Difficulty, and Dangers thereof: when we come to the Curing Part; there is nothing to be Cured, that properly and truly is called Fever; but something else. They lay all the load upon Fever; charging the mischief and Ruine, of Sickness and Diseases upon Fever; and that is the least Part of the Sickness.

Then put the Saddle upon the right Horse: The variety of Fevers, is the Diversity of Diseases; un­der false Denominations, and the Umbrage of Fever. But by false Accusations; Fever is a horrid and ter­rible Disease; being made the Epitome of Diseases. Fever bears the Blame for all, but is wrongfully charg'd.

Insons febris; Innocent Fever, a general signal of complaint; to let you know; that the Life or vital Principle, is uneasie, injured or in Danger, and calls for Help; being impeded in Government, and at­tack'd by Morbific Causes: Requiring such Assist­ance, as requisite for the case; which may be as Va­rious, as Diseases are numerous and different.

Then let every such Cause and Case, bear its pro­per Name; and not be Shrowded and mask'd, with a false Denomination of Fever; under a Pretence of the Protean Nature thereof: which if allowed; the Practice upon Fevers, will deceitfully be extended; and engross the greatest Part of the Practice of Phy­sick: The consequents whereof, must prove fatal.

Observe what great Helmont saith: ‘ Infebribus universis, est unica Archei accensio sive indignatio; unde & in essentia, & nomine febrili conveniunt: So­lum autem per causam occasionalem distinctae. De febr. cap. 13.’

When the Life aestuates and complains; it is not without a cause; and you must find that cause out, and apply proper means there: Then you are in the right way of Curing; and there is no other safe, and hopeful way, to allay febrile Heat: Farther you need not trouble your self about Fever.

What Indication have you from Fever or febrile Heat? by the Galenic Rule of contraries, you will say, Cooling is indicated; but that is the ready way for killing in some Fevers; and in all other, frustra­neously and injuriously used: Because Indication for Cure in all febrile cases, is taken for Diseases and their Causes; not from febrile Heat, a symptom of the Life. Fever therefore does but amuse the World, and leads the unwary, and herein unknowing, out of the way for Curing.

When a Person is wounded, fractur'd, or dislo­cated; a Fever commonly ariseth, as the consequent of Pain: But this Fever makes no Curative Indica­tion; gives no Direction for Curing the Wound, Fracture, or Dislocation; and forbids nothing that such cases does require. The Chirurgical Means are indicated by those several cases; and the Surgeon is not to regard the Fever, but proceed by the true Indications according to Art. So likewise in all other Diseases, and Causes: Because febrile pre­ternatural [Page 95]Heat, is but a Symptom of the Life hurt; not a Symptom of the Disease, or morbific Cause, immediate.

Whereas I have in this Discourse, asserted Fe­ver to be a Symptom, dependant upon Diseases; my meaning is; a dependant remotely concern'd, and occasionally procured: But properly, approxi­matly and intimately; preternatural Heat ariseth from, and is dependant upon the Life, as its Prin­ciple, and an Emanation thereof.

The Major Proposition, is the Doctrine of the Methodus Medendi, generally received, nemine con­tradicente: The Minor appears true, and fully proved, from the preceeding Reasons, and needs not Repetition.

Since Fever (being no Disease, nor morbific Cause) does not indicate a Remedy; and is not to be regarded, as requiring Curative Means, directly pointing, and aiming thereto: Then why so much noise, and so much to do about Fevers? 'Tis all a great mistake, and bluster­ing in the dark; giving false Names to Sickness; and adapting Curatives, where none are indicated, or required.

Thus much in general, of male Practice upon Fevers: In the next Place, we will examine more [Page 96]particularly the Methods, and Means Chirurgical and Pharmaceutic, commonly appointed and used; as Bleeding, Blistering, Juleping, &c. how they do properly answer their Intentions, as truly indi­cated by Fevers: Or rather, how erroneous and wide, from what they ought to aim at.

UPON the Doctrine delivered, we are now to Inquire, how fitly Phlebotomy does answer, as a proper and sutable Remedy, in the Cures of Fevers; being so generally used, and most commonly ap­pointed in the first place, as of right, to begin the Method of Curing.

The Blood may well be accounted the Treasury of Nature; for as this Store-House is full or empty, with good or bad; the Person is chiefly adjudged to be in a good, or bad State; ut Signum & Causa. The de­pendants from hence are so many, and so great; that much Caution and Circumspection is to be used in the Diminution of it; not prodigally to be wasted upon slight, and seeming occasions; but upon very urgent and necessitous Cases.

Some there are that appoint Bleeding; not consi­dering so much an Indication for it, as the Custom and present Fashion of Physicians so to do: Think­ing their Method of Cure not compleat, unless this come in course.

Causes in Sickness are always to be principally re­garded, and sought for; where the Seat of the Dis­ease is, and from whence it ariseth.

If the cause of febrile Heat, does not lye in the Blood; as many Times, and more often it does not: Then Bleeding is vain, and gives no Relief in such cases; but rather Hurt, by debilitating Nature.

Diseases take their Rise, more frequently from the Stomach, than any other Part of the Body. This be­ing the first, and chiefest office of Elaboration for supplying the whole Body: And being the Seat of the Life more eminently, where the Power of Go­vernment is distributed, and does virtually or in­fluentially preside over the rest: There you may ex­pect to find the Origine of Diseases mostly, or more often.

The Defects and Insufficient Performance of that Office, lays the Foundation of most complaints; ei­ther by Transmission of ill matter; by Consent; or Debility of Influx, to enable the several Parts go­verned, for acting their Duties.

Curing must begin, where Diseases have their Be­ginning. What advantage then will Bleeding afford, when the Stomach requires rectifying, and corrobora­ting? no Benefit, but much harm thereby.

All Remedies are, or ought to be; adapted to Dis­eases and their Causes: Fever is no Disease, (as be­fore proved) but a dependant upon Diseases; there­fore bleeding in Fevers, for Fevers sake only; is er­roneously instituted.

Inquire into some of the Diseases that commonly have Fevers attending them. As when a Fever pre­sents [Page 99]from a Surfeit and over-charge of the Stomach, from too much received; or something disagreeing, and not digesting, but oppressing. Such cases are ve­ry frequent; for most Sick People complain at the Stomach; of Nauseousness, Fulness, or Heaviness and Oppression. Now what can Bleeding do in such like Complaints? How shall the Stomach receive any Benefit thereby? Bleeding empties the Veins, but it does not discharge the Stomach of peccant Matter: does not cleanse and roborate that principal Part: Therefore is no Curing Means in such Cases.

A Fit of the Stone produceth a Fever. And like­wise the Gout with continued Pain, hath a Fever at­tending.

The Colic also will procure febrile Heat.

Obstructions of the Spleen, causing Pain in that Part, raiseth a Fever: And all other Pains of the Bowels continuing, begets a Fever.

Now inquire rightly into the true Causes of all these Pains; you will not find the Blood so much con­cern'd, as the Cause thereof, for to let it out.

You are to distinguish a Fever, arising from the vitiosity of the Blood, as the continent Cause of Stag­nation in the smaller venal Pipes, which is rare: And a febrile Distemper Communicated to the Blood, which is frequent; occasioned from some remote Cause, disturbing the vital Stream by Superfermen­tation.

When the cause of Fever is in the Blood Vessels, you have then some pretence to appoint Phlebotomy: But when the cause of Fever is extraneous, and not in those Tubes of conveyance; the Blood affected by Consent only, from the disturbance elsewhere: in all such cases, and which do commonly present; there is no occasion to use the Lancet.

In all Sickness, and Diseases whatever; the Forti­tude or Strength of Nature, is to be kept up: Then 'tis a Crime to waste it prodigally, when no Benefit does accrue thereby.

It is denoted to us in Sacred Writt; That in the Blood, is the Life. Then it necessarily follows; so much Blood let out by opening a Vein; so much of the Life is gone; and so much Strength abated. For the Blood may well be accounted the Treasure of Hu­man Nature; and as this Treasury is full, or empty; good, or bad: The Man is adjudged to be in a good, or bad State; vigorous, or declining, ut signum & causa: The Dependences from hence are so many, and so great; that much caution and great circum­spection is to be had, before the Diminution of it; and not to be done, but upon very urgent occasions; of which I do account Fever, quatenus Fever, to be none.

Galen was much for Bleeding in Fevers, as a chief Remedy, 11. Meth. Med. cap. 15. And for a conti­nual Fever not putrid, He adviseth to take away Blood, (ad Animi usque deliquium) until the Patient falls into a Swoon, 9. Meth. Med. cap. 4. Physicians [Page 101]that are his Admirers, and followers of this great Master, do imitate him in Practice, and are guided thereby: wherefore the French, Spaniards, and Ita­lians are profuse in letting out the Blood; not so much at once, but by Repetitions: And most of our English Practisers are little less guilty herein.

But Galen does admonish in another Place, ‘ Ca­vendum ne dum febrem jugulare conamur, aegrum si­mul jugulemus: quod tribus Medicis evenisse narrat; quibus non opinantibus, pro Animi deliquio mors obrep­sit. Lib. de cur. rat. per venae sect. cap. 12.’ what hap­ned to those three Physicians, more eminently and evidently on a suddain: does frequently fall out a­mongst us here; but not so plainly appearing, be­cause it is done gradually; killing by little and little; letting out some of the Life now; more another Time, and other Times: That when the Patient ex­pires his last; you shall not know, that bleeding kill'd him; or brought him so soon to his end: He died secundum Artem: so artificially, that you cannot charge the Patient's Death, upon the good Physi­cian.

Phlebotomy is a deceitful Remedy; because it offers some palliating Advantage by the first Administration; giving an Allay, and Mitigation of the febrile Heat; Not considering, no real true Benefit hereby, but an Injury: For, the Abatement of the Fever by Bleed­ing, is only a Cessation of Nature to contend; as be­ing then less vigorous, and unabled to struggle with the Morbific Matter.

This is Curing the febrile Symptom, and rendring the Disease worse: by disabling Nature, and leaving [Page 102]the Morbific Cause behind; which will appear again in the same shape, or some other, as bad or worse. Curing is not performed by debilitating; but by sup­porting, and assisting Nature, she being Morborum Medicatrix.

To this Purpose, Van Helmont that great Philoso­pher, delivers his sentiment. ‘ Satis sit Medico quod Aeger alioquin inexcusabili debilitate labascat, per Morbum, inedias, inappetentias, inquietudines, dolo­res, anxietates, vigilias, sudores, &c. Neque idcirco fidus Auxiliator debet debilitatem addere debilitatibus: Fraudulent um est levamen, quod venae sectio adfert; ejusque tam incertum est Remedium, quod nemo me­dentum hactenus, ausit polliceri sanationem inde futu­rum. Tract. de Febr.’

And in another place the same Author saith: ‘ Ʋt­cunque rem verteris, ignorantiae plenum est, procurata debilitate sanare velle. However you order the Matter, 'tis great Ignorance to attempt healing, by reducing into a weak state.’

He is in the right, my Reason tells me so: And it argues a great deficiency of efficatious good Me­dicines; else, the Physician need not have Recourse to this Palliative Remedy, of ill consequence. He that Bleeds, and Bleeds in a Sickness; is more be­holding to special Providence for his Recovery, than to his Physician. And farther; those that escape the danger of Fovers, being managed after this manner by repeated Bleeding; they commonly fall into the Scurvey, Dropsy, or Consumption, some such ill ef­fects, will be the consequents of impoverishing the vital Stream.

The Fever does exsiccate and waste the Blood so much, and too much by its fervor; that we shall not need to diminish it, by opening the Veins to let it run out. For Joan. Argenterius, in Galen. lib. de Febr. tells us, ‘That upon Dissection of the Body, of one who died of a Fever; there was no Blood left in the Veins.’ And another to this Purpose re­lates: ‘ In quodam Febre extincto, venas majores circa Hepar, sanguine vacuas repertas fuisse. Andr. Spigelius de Semitert. lib. 1. cap. 15.’

Many there are that make Phlebotomy their grand Remedy in Fevers; and repeat it so often, as any fe­brile Heat does manifest: Nature being thus spent, and her Strength exhausted, does Succumbere, leaves off contending, lies prostrate and quiet. And now such Practisers do think, and make others believe, they have conquered the Fever: But more truly it may be said, they conquered Nature, and laid her flat: For, tho' the Heat be abated, the morbific Mat­ter is not lessened by Bleeding: That Spirit of Life, which warms and preserves natural Heat in Health; is the same that aestuates and grows hotter in Sickness. So that aiming only, or chiefly to allay febrile Heat, after this manner; is endeavouring to suppress Na­ture, the Life; not the Disease: For, causa peccans in febri, non calet ex se; sed tantum excitativè & oc­casionaliter; provoking the Life to aestuate, and in­surge against an inbred enemy.

In shunning Charybdis, they dash upon Scylla, fear­ing so much the seeming and supposed danger of the Fever; they precipitate the Patient into a contuma­cious Scurvy, and lingering Consumption, or some [Page 104]mischief bearing another Name. 'Tis a long Time before Persons so cured of Fevers, recover their Strength, and Integrity of their Faculties, if they wade through that Sickness, called a Fever.

A late famed Author in his Tract of Fevers, makes this observation. ‘ Quod crebra sanguinis missio, ho­mines Febri aptiores reddat. D. Willis. Those who use often to bleed, are more apt to fall into Fevers.’ If this be true, that Phlebotomy is one procuring cause of a Fever: Then I may rationally conclude; it cannot be a good curing Remedy against a Fever. Idipsum mem [...]isse debebat, ne ipse in Febribus sanguinem mit­teret, says a good Author.

Galenic Phlebotomists are religious expecters of a Crisis in Fevers: but their much bleeding makes the Crisis long in coming; if ever it does come; for Death is often procured thereby, and prevents the Crisis. A good critical Evacuation is a sign of Victo­ry; that Nature hath prevailed over the Disease, by expelling and casting out the morbific Matter: And according to her Power, she is continually stri­ving to effect this for her Relief. Then we may reasonably think; the more vigorous and strong Na­ture is; the better will be the Event. But bleeding debilitates, and exhausts the strength which should contend with the Disease: how can you then expect a good Crisis, when Nature is enfeebled, and checkt in her encounters; for by the Strength of Nature, the Crisis is procured sooner or latter, as she is strong or weak.

Natura Corroborata est Morborum Medicatrix: If this Truth were rightly considered in the Practice [Page 105]of Physick; there would not be such frequent re­course to enervating Phlebotomy.

To incourage and countenance Bleeding as a laud­able Remedy; and to captivate the Understandings of People: They endeavour to prove the good ef­fects thereof, by ocular Demonstration; exhibiting to the view of the Sick, and by- Standers, the Pravi­ty of the Blood taken away; as appearing variously discoloured, and different in consistence, if compa­red with others.

The Blood (after it hath stood some time) thus presenting to the Eye so depraved; they straitway undoubtingly conclude; it was discreetly and hap­pily taken away for the Patient's good: Thinking hereby, so much matter of the Disease is abated, and let out. And since they find the Blood thus faulty, they charge all the mischief, or mostly; to lye in the vitiousity of the Blood. Quid planius? This incou­rageth to proceed on in the same way; and to repeat this Operation, to draw out some more of the mor­bific Matter, as the most ready way to free the Patient from the Complaints.

But all this while they are not aware of the Er­rours they are under, in this Prosecution: For they do not consider the different State of the Blood, un­der the Power and Protection of the Life, in its pro­per native Place, the Veins and Arteries; and how apt it is to change, and variously to degenerate, when extravasated and exposed to the Air; The Blood is not the same now 'tis exhibited to the View, as it was in the Vessels of conservation.

The Life was in the Blood before; but now in the Porringer, it is dead Blood. Between the Dead and the Living, there must needs be great disparity, so that the Judgment passed upon the dead Blood; does not affect, or represent the live Blood; for it is not, what it was. Tho' it is now ill coloured, co­agulate; or in a state of separation, and abounding with Serosity: Before it was more ruby, florid, Bal­samic and more intire, when running in the Veins and Arteries, which have a conservative Power.

I do not deny the Blood of several Persons, to differ in Purity and Goodness; and the difference thereof in the same Persons; as they are in a good, or bad state of Health: But I do not approve of the severe rash Judgment pronounced upon the Blood extramitted, from the dead Aspect thereof: con­cluding from thence, it was fit for no other use but to be thrown away; and better to be out, than in the Body.

True it is, there are some Diseases, that the Blood is much in fault, as the Cause of such Maladies; yet notwithstanding, that is not a sufficient Cause to let it out: since there are efficacious purifying Remedies, to reduce the Blood into a better Condition; and not prodigally to waste that vital Stream, so necessarily useful, and serviceable to the whole Body. For, the Mass of Blood is not depraved and amended by Phlebotomy, let out as much as you will; equal Parts of good and bad, will remain behind, from this promiscuous evacuation.

Besides; A degenerate bad Blood, does arise most­ly from the insufficiency and depravedness, of the previous alimental Juice, of which Blood is made: And then the fault to be remedied, is not in the Blood, or office of sanguification; but in the prepara­tory offices, and those Parts defective, upon which Bleeding hath no Influence, nor possibility to re­ctify.

And as for Fevers, which arise more oft from o­ther Causes, than from the Blood; there is no Pre­tence for Bleeding in such Cases, if you will be go­verned by Indications, and not go on blindfold. ‘ Nidus Febrium in primis est officinis: extenditur sci­licet à Pyloro per Duodenum, & vasa ibidem multi­plicia, Intestina item, Venas Mesenterii, Lienem us­que ad Hepar. Helm. de Febr.’

According to this great Author, the Seat of Fe­vers, both Continual and Intermitting, is not in the Veins, or Arteries; but in the first Region of the Body, from whence they take their Rise: Then what signifies Bleeding in such cases, but to add more mis­chief. Their Cures are performed by Abstersives, and Depuratives; to cleanse where such morbific mat­ter is bred: And those are the true Antifebrific Re­medies. And not only such; but they are also uni­versal Medicines, required as necessary in all other Cures.

I do allow of Bleeding, upon some suddain great Inflammation, that threatens the Life; and when efficacious discussing Means are wanted, to prevent Apostomation: But otherwise, if it come o [...] gradual­ly [Page 108]and slowly, giving warning; and good Medicine ready for use at Hand; then bleeding is not required, and better to forbear the Lancet.

Some are so bold at Bleeding, that they forbear not in the highest Malignant Fevers, Small Pox, &c. But if the Sick recover, 'tis wonderful Providence that saves them; but more oft Death is procured thereby. In the expectance of the Small Pox, they will Bleed, under Pretence of abating the corrupt Matter that breaks forth; thinking thereby, the Pa­tient may not be so much disfigured with Pustles: and may be a Help to preserve the Face from Deformity, which before was beautiful.

The end proposed was good; but the Medium they go by, is very dangerous, and unlikely to suc­ceed well: For saving a Face, to hazard the Life, is no good designing. They begin at the wrong end of such malignant Distempers; for by Bleed­ing, they aim at, and apply only to the Effects, the producted Matter; and neglect the produ­cing Cause, the Venemous Miasm, or fermen­ting Leven, that corrupts the whole Mass of Blood.

To prevent Impurity, and Corruption of the Blood, is much better, than to lessen and a­bate the Quantity of the Blood, after it is cor­rupted. The main design in such cases; is first how to expel the putrefying venom, before it spreads and taints the whole; at least so to for­tify Nature, that she may be able to Master it, and defend her self.

The Indications for Cure are these; to assist and strengthen the Life, that she may be able to resist the Venom: And to Mortifie the malign Ferment, by proper Alexipharmacals; thereby to preserve the vital streams from mortal Putre­faction, or Coagulation. But bleeding is quite contrary to this Method, and Intentions for Cure; and is the ready way for killing.

That which makes a promiscuous evacuation of good and bad together; is no true Remedy for Curing: Phlebotomy does not distinguish the better Part of the Blood, from the worse; but lets both out together; the remainder in the Vessels, is not amended thereby; but equal Proportions continue behind of good and bad.

Therefore abating the Quantity of naughty Blood, in any case by bleeding, is an indirect way to amend it: and consequently an unprofi­table attempt for Curing: But in Fevers Mali­gnant, a most dangerous Practice, to weaken Nature by letting out the Balsam of Life; and thereby retracting inwards, what should be pro­truded outwards, to the universal covering Mem­brane; and from thence to be sent away by Transpiration.

The chiefest Pretence for bleeding is Pleni­tude; if you can be assured, that the Blood-ves­sels are full to distention, and over-loading Na­ture; as when some Customary Evacuation is stopt, that ought to be free; and the Body [Page 110]does superabound with Blood, Being convinced thereof by evident Signs; it may lawfully then be diminished by the Lancet; if no Contra­indication at that time forbids; determined at the Discretion of a Judicious Physician, in such du­bious Cases.

IN the Cure of Fevers, 'tis now become a great Mode amongst Physicians, even those reputed of the first Rank; to appoint Vesicatory Plasters, as a necessary Help to allay Fevers. This Invention is most frequently used, as urgently required in their Methods of Curing. What Benefit may arise hereby; or rather what Hurt from thence procured, we shall now strictly inquire into that Practice.

For the better managing whereof; more clearly, satisfactorily, and to avoid Repetitions; I shall exa­mine this Matter upon different Heads distinctly; in­quiring particularly as followeth.

First; Into the Nature of the Ingredients, of which Vesicatories, or blistering Plasters are composed.

Secondly; After what Manner they perform their Operations.

Thirdly; For what Intentions they are used.

Fourthly; Whether they do attract Morbific Mat­ter; or make ill Matter, where none was.

Fifthly; Whether their Operations be auxiliary, and pleasing to Nature; or otherwise, disturbing and crossing her endeavours to help her self.

For Satisfaction to the first Head or Division; you must know, that in the Distribution of Simples which have some Affinity, and ranked under proper Classes; there are a sort termed Pyrotics; so deno­minated from their Nature, being hot and fiery as the word imports.

Of these Pyrotics there is a gradual difference; and therefore they have several Names: Vesicatories, Catharetics, Septics, and Caustics. All of them, more or less; blistering, burning potentially, putre­fying, corroding, exulcerating and consuming: some whereof are very malign, and enemies to the Life. In appointing and making of Vesicatories, Practisers do differ by electing and compounding variously this and that together: But every such Composition, that performs the Intention of Blistering, must have some of the forenamed Pyrotics.

2. Then it appears from hence, how they pro­duce such Effects; viz. by Quality extreme, in the third and fourth Degree; and by malign venemous Pro­perties, tota substantia, hurtful and destructive to Human Bodies: As also inimical and hostile to Hu­man Nature, the Life; they acting as venoms. This Account is given (by good Authors) of the simple Ingredients of such external Medicines, and they operate per se, as such.

3. The Purposes for which Vesicatories, Blistering Plasters are used so frequently in Practice; and the Benefits expected, or prefended from them, are these. To qualifie and allay the Heat of Fevers; to make Revulsion, or Derivation of Humours inconve­niently lodged, infesting and paining some noble, or tender Part: By casting off, and giving a remove of ill matter; and to discharge it outwardly by the Skin.

These Intentions are advantageous, and very good; but the Mediums they go by to arrive thither; the Means used to effect such designs; I doubt, are not suteable and probable to answer; as will appear fol­lowing.

4. We are now to inquire; whether Vesicatories do draw the Morbific Matter from Parts remote, ill­affected therewith: or do make ill Matter, in sound Places; whereto such Plasters are applied: And here also we shall examine the Probability, or Possi­bility of that Invention, to abate and draw out the Heat of Fevers.

Pain being a Common Cause of Fevers; always rai­sing, or continuing a Fever, if the Pain be great: Then Blistering Plasters, that add more Pain to the Patient Sufferer; are very unlikely means to allay a Fever; but on the contrary more like to aggravate, and augment the febrile Heat: For, the Ingredients of such Vesicatories, are very hot in their Nature and Operations; and so hot, as to blister the Skin, as if burn'd, or scalded. Thus here is adding Heat, to Heat.

And consider; that febrile Heat, is vital Heat; you are to esteem it so, and treat it as such; fairly to reduce it into Moderation, and Natural Temper; by subducting the irritating Causes, that provokes the Life to aestuate, and be disquiet. But by apply­ing venomous, scorching, blistering plasters; they ra­ther give a disturbance, than Pacify; and the Life is more uneasie, and incensed thereby.

From hence it does appear, that Vesicatories appli­ed, to asswage Fevers is a vain attempt; and rather Fomenters, than Mitigators of febrile Heat; which is vital Heat preternaturally graduated.

Furthermore, you will find as much Improbabili­ty, of operating upon the occasional causing Matter; as upon the producted Heat: For, those vesicatory Plasters, if I grant, they have an attraction of hu­moral Matter; it is promiscuous only, not elective and peculiar, of this or that Morbific Humor, at your pleasure and appointment.

What probable good Reason can you give, for dragging of Morbous Matter, or Miasm, from cen­tral remote Parts, to the cutany Circumference, by unknown difficult ways (if it could so be) when more likely, ready and convenient Passages there are; to convey and discharge, by known Ductures, fabricated by Nature for that Purpose?

True it is; that a good Diuphoretic Medicine, does send forth (expulsive) from the Center to the Circumference directly, and linealy, with much Be­nefit, in cases so requiring; such as Fevers, especial­ly [Page 115]the Malign, that mostly stand in need of that Ope­ration, and Help. And this is frequently, and free­ly performed, because Nature is prompt and comply­ing therewith; (this being an Operation of her own Institution) opening upon such Occasions, all her Se­cret invisible porous Passages for a free transmission and curess, on all sides. Totum Gorpus est perspi­rabile.

This work Nature does willingly perform, with the Assistance, and Provocation by good internal Me­dicine▪ But to virulent blistering, painful Plasters; Nature is not so obedient, and complying therewith; does not dilate and open her imperceptible vents of Communication, Transmission, and Perspiration, to such irksom, injurious, and improper Applications.

From what hath been said, I rationally conclude: That such Humor discharged by the Blisters, is no far-fetcht Matter; not from the Diseased Part pri­marily affected, the Seat of the Disease far off, cau­sing a Fever: But it is only a putrid Water, from a colliquation of the Flesh; and a depraved Alteration of the nutricious Juices, of the Part applied to, so converted by the virulent corrosive Nature of the Ve­sicatory Plaster.

And yet notwithstanding; those Physicians have believed (at least they would have Patients to be­lieve) that it is morbisic febrile Matter, attracted thi­ther to the Skin (è longinquo) by virtue of the To­pical Medicine; (credat qui volet) which is against all Reason: For; this blistering Plaster, shall make the same ichorous Water issue from the sound and healthful; as from the sick feverish Person: So that [Page 116]I am well satisfied; this Water thus extracted, was not morbific pre-existing; but factitious Matter, trans­muted by the external Medicine; and so vented by blistering.

Medicines are to aim, and level at Diseases, where they are seated; and to discharge their Power there, as well and truly designed: If so, then these Vesicato­ries must draw away the febrile Matter from the Heart; (sedes Morbi, according to their Definition of Fever). But if those corrosive Plasters, shall send their virulent virtue to the Heart; the Patient then, must be very Heart-sick with that Operation. And grant it should extend thither; (quod non est supponen­dum) How shall the peccant Matter find the way out, from the Center to the Circumference; this being an obscure impassable way; at least, not to be found, unless by the extraordinary secret conduct of Nature; who (as I said before) is not pleased, nor comply­ing with this irksom blistering Invention. (Invitâ Naturâ, irrita sunt omnia. Ax.) Wherefore, no good can be expected from them, in Curing Fevers.

In Sickness when Nature does protrude, and send forth any ill Matter to the extern Parts, appearing upon the Skin; it is a good sign she will be victorious, having dislodged Morbific Matter from within, and safely brought it to the confines of the Body; as in the eruption of the Small-Pox. And also, when Nature does shew any tendency that way, by breathing Sweat; it behoves the Physician to pro­mote, and help forward with wholesom internal Me­dicine, for that Purpose.

But if you think by blistering, to prompt, or put Nature upon expulsion that way; you rather distract, and disturb her good Inclination, than put forward that beneficial Operation, for the Reasons afore­said.

'Tis a great Errour; so formally and constantly, to appoint Vesicatories; as necessary to compleat the Methods for Curing Fevers: As if Nature had not sufficiently provided other ways, to discharge Mor­bific Matter; and this were the principal way inven­ted, and not to be neglected.

When a Person is Sick, oppressed at the Stomach; a Fever commonly ariseth from such complaints: And this sort of Sickness, from Fulness or Foulness; is most frequent. What have you to do with blister­ing in such Cases? Can you draw this oppressing un­digested, or depraved Matter, out of the Stomach by Vesicatories: Or if they had such a power of Attra­ction, as to bring it forth to the Skin; is it not very unfit and unreasonable; to draw such foul Matter, and often very gross Matter, directly through the Habit of the Body, and leaving Dregs in the Passage; when other patent ways, are ready to transmit it, upwards or downwards, by Natures Design and Ap­pointment.

To avoid this Censure in part; perhaps they will, say; we intend to carry off the vitious Matter, by Purging, or Vomiting; the Vesicatories are to draw out the Fever, and keep that under.

I don't like your Policy; for this erroneous Pra­ctice of blistering, is but blustering in the dark; and proceeds from gross Ignorance; having a false No­tion of Fever; what febrile Heat is, and from whence it does arise. Take away the Morbific Matter by unloading the Stomach; set that right by cleansing, and roborating with good internal Medicine; and then the whole work is done; that you need not trou­ble your self, or the Patient, about the Fever; that abates and goes away of course, as you discharge the Stomach from the offending Cause.

So likewise; a Fit of the Colic, or Stone, raiseth a Fever; and this Fever not to be regarded: But proper Medicines to be used, only respecting the Stone, or Colic.

An hundred other Diseases and Cases we might name; wherewith Fevers are attended; but not to be considered otherwise, than as signal; shewing that the Life is disturb'd, and incensed by some Morbific Matter, or Cause in this, or that part of the Body: Find that Cause out; what, and where the offending Matter is; and prosecute there only with good Means: The Fever needs no other Cure; than the Cure of that Disease, which caused the Life to be un­quiet, to aestuate and grow hot.

Upon the Appearance of a Fever, Physicians are much, and over much concern'd; straightway fall on upon the Fever with bleeding, blistering, and Ju­leps, to suppress and keep that under; to secure that Bugbear in the first place; as chiefly threatning the Life of the Patient. The Sick and their Relations be­ing [Page 119]very apprehensive of the Danger; how many have died by Fevers, (as commonly; but falsly said) resign up freely to the Doctor's great Skill; and Care herein; submitting to the Risk of all the male Pra­ctice, in bleeding, blistering, &c. the ready way to Destruction.

After this manner, slight and trivial Sickness, be­comes long, and sometimes hazardous Sickness; ma­ny times mortal. And I do account it a special Pro­vidence, that delivers out of such perilous Pra­ctice.

In Sickness we are always to observe the Inclination and Tendency of Nature; which way she thinks best, and most expeditely to discharge Morbific Matter, according to the Precept of Hippocrates, Quò Natura vergit, conducere oportet. And that is sometimes by the Intestines, by Ʋrine, by Expectoration, by erup­tion of Blood at the Nose, per Ʋterum, and by the Skin: Not to thwart and cross her endeavours; ex­cept she be forced into a wrong course by stimulating Matter, and thereby becomes apparently extrava­gant therein: As when a Symptomatical Flux per Al­vum is extream, then to mitigate and allay it, by good internal Means; but not by Vesicatories, to at­tract injuriously, a contrary way.

If the cause of Fever be (in primis viis) in the first Region of the Body; as most frequently it is; then 'tis great Imprudence, to attempt drawing outwards by Vesicatories, when other Ways, and convenient Ductures are open to transmit it. When Nature in­clines, and shews a disposition to free her self by the Guts; 'tis very injurious to divert her Intentions, by [Page 120]attracting outwards, and endeavouring to vent by the Skin; drawing a contrary way.

Si Materia turgeat, says Hippocrates: If the Mor­bific Matter ferments and swells for vent; let it go that way most expedite, and inclinable thereto: by Stool, by Ʋrine, bleeding at the Nose, &c. Some­times Nature hath a Tendency, and is prompt for evacuation by the Skin; which is advantageous, and to be promoted by good Means. But I do not ac­count blistering in the Number of good Means to pro­mote that Operation; except some Matter be collecti­ed in a particular Place under the Skin, and wants some Help to bring it forth: Then a Vesicatory ap­plied, or Cupping, is rational and good.

But when Nature makes a critical effort, by the Skin generally (per Diaphoresin) breathes out eff [...]u­viums on every side: Then Vesicatories, are useless; and not only so, but hurtful; by troubling that Ope­ration.

To apply Vesicatories in the beginning of Fevers; is to compel Nature to discharge that way, which perhaps she hath no Intention to do; and no occasion for it, but rather another way. But if there be an Inclination, and good occasion to operate that way; it is more safe and better, to assist and promote with internal Means, that certainly roborates and expels (à Centro undique) every way outwards to the ex­tream Parts: Much rather, than trust to dubious at­tracting external Means (in puncto circumferentiae) upon a narrow Spot, that gives no Ability to send forth; but painfully and doggedly coerceth, nolens volens: and that's the best of it, if attractive power be granted.

'Tis agreed by all, that Medicines are to level at Diseases where they are seated: And if so then these Vesicatori [...], must draw away the febril [...] Matter from the Heart, (according to the in de [...]i­ [...]iction of Feven.) But if the corrosive Plasters shall send: their [...] attractives Vertue to the Hear [...] the Patient then must be very Heart sick, [...] Operation.

And if granted, this topical Medicine does ex­tend its power thither; how shall the peccant Mat­ter find the way out, from the Center to the Cir­cumference? Being an obscure impassable way, not to be found, without the extraordinary secret con­duct of Nature; who (as I said before) is not pleased nor complying with this blistering Invention. Invita Naturâ, irrita sunt omnia.

Some Years since, being called to two Chil­dren, sick (as commonly said) of a Fever; with whom the Apothecaries were concern'd, as Practi­sers, or Ʋndertakers: And being informed of their Intentions, to apply Vesicatory Plasters; I caution­ed the Relations not to suffer it: But when I was gone, they were over-perswaded by the Apothe­caries; and blistering Plasters were applied with great Diligence, until both the Patients were dead. Some time after, meeting with the Relations, who related to me what was done; I blamed them for not following my Advice; who answered; that the Apothecary said, it was the Practice of the great Doctors of the Town; therefore it might safely be done. From thence I might remark at [Page 122]large, upon Apothecaries Practice, in Imitation of their Doctors; and the shameful Prestitution of this Art. But upon this Subject, something hath been said elsewhere; therefore I pass it over. And although Blistering and Juleping, be the modish Practice of the Town; yet being instituted upon false Notions of Fever, and apparently injurious; I shall not follow that Fashion.

FAlse Notion of a Disease, begets an erroneous Pra­ctice, both in Method and Medicines. Fever not being rightly understood; judging it to be, what it is not; the Prosecution against it is ineffectual; and not only so, but also injurious and hazardous to the Patient.

Fever supposed to be the Disease (not known but by its Name) and is only a general Symptom, of all fierce Distempers and dolorous Diseases; being appa­rent to the standers by, and confirm'd by Sentence of the Physician; takes up most of their Thoughts, in designing how to Master, and Secure this com­mon Enemy, that stands foremost in view: And as their Eyes are most, and chiefly upon the Fever; so their Fears are from thence, and their Endeavours are bent, to abate and suppress the febrile Heat, at the first Appearance thereof: But when this preternatu­ral Aestuation is raised to a Degree; all Helps are then thought of, to damp and extingush this kindling Flame, as great and threatning Danger from thence; which byasseth the Physician from his right Aim, at the morbific Cause of all this Disturbance.

From hence ariseth all the Inventions of Cooling, so frequently used in Fevers: Juleps, Emulsions, Pti­sans, cooling Apozems, Embrocations, &c. which make a great clutter of Gallipots, and Glasses about [Page 124]the Sick; and nothing more advantagious, to Physi­cian and Apothecany; than trifling away the Time, with such insignificant, and ineffectual Medicines.

But loss of Time, and unnecessary Charge, is not all the Prejudice: For if we consider the Rise, and State of those Diseases, which raiseth Fevers; and whereon Fevers do depend: we cannot but be sensi­ble of the Injury; and oftentimes great Hazards, by Juleping, and other cooling Practice.

There are two Causes, generally and principally assigned, for the Production, and Continuance of Diseases; viz. depraved noxious Humors, and Ob­structions. And to these Causes, Physicians do always aim at in Curing; tho' the Diseases be distinguished by various Names: Then the stress of Curing lyes here only; for opening Obstructions; and cleansing away all foul degenerate Matter.

The design for Cure therefore, in all Cases when a Fever appears; is to find out where; and what the Matter is, that disquiets and provokes the Life to be hot, and exceed its natural Temper: And to such Causes the Physician should bend his Endeavours; and the Medicines to level against the Disturbers of the Life. Not regarding febrile Heat, otherwise than as signal, and which requires no means directed thither, but to the Disease only, that causeth the Life to aestuate.

What Advantage can you expect from Juleps, or other Coolers in any Case of a Fever? Since they Cure no Disease, nor do they seem as likely means. Will a Julep Cure the Gout, Stone, Pleurisy, Colic, Spleen, &c. [Page 125]any other Disease, upon which Fevers do depend? And if not; then vain are the use of these Cooling Inventions, and frustraneous.

But the doing of no good; that's not all the loss by Juleps; for they do much mischief: As when the vi­tal Spirit, the Life, heats and strives to expel morbi­fic Causes; thereby shewing the endeavours, and vi­gour of vital strength: Juleps may then damp this vi­tal Heat, and disable Nature; but they remove no peccant Matter: They check and oppress the Sto­mach, that is too flat and dull in Fevers; and re­quires then, something to whet and sharpen the Fer­ment thereof: But instead of such an assisting Reme­dy; they ply the Sick with injurious Coolers, that act against the Fortitude and Endeavours of Nature; and giving no Satisfaction to the languishing Patient, de­sirous of other Drink.

How many thirsty Sick Persons, have long'd, and earnestly beg'd for a Draught of Beer? But was de­nied to them, because the Doctors forbad it, and ap­pointed Julep, Barley water and such Stuff. After this manner Thousands, or I may say, Millions have been kill'd, by the Ignorance of their Undertakers for Curing. The faint sick Man cannot eat; and his Physician will not let him Drink, what he likes, and is most likely to do him good: We may rationally judge, that Sick People cannot live long under such Circumstances.

But this is not all the mischief yet: For, the Ha­zards of this Juleping, and Cooling Practice, will further appear; if we consider the Frequency, La­tency, and Danger of this Series and Transition; of [Page 126] Pains, to Inflammations, Tumors, Apostems, Ʋlcers, Gangrens, and Mortifications, internal: The common Stages and Progress of mortal Sickness; but disgui­sed, and couched under some other Disease, more apparent, or more known by some Vulgar Name.

This latent dangerous Train, more frequently lurking, than discovered; not suspecting, or sought for; hath brought more to the Grave, than any commutation, or complication of Diseases whatever. For tho' there be a great Number of Diseases (mul­tiplied by Names) whereunto Human Nature is lia­ble; and many of them do come, and go off again in the course of Life, facile curabiles; yet most, if not all the Contumacious, are therein concern'd; and such as become Mortal; do terminate in this Series, as the Catastrophe and last Scene.

Mortal Diseases I said; because, when this com­mon Train of Diseases, is stopt in its Progress, and hath not its full course, but taken off, and prevented by effectual good Means, or great Providence; and then Pain may exercise its Power singly, and alone for a Time, by Intervals: Or Pain may contract and associate a Tumor; sometimes an Inflammation; and yet all this may end well; these may go off again, or be sent off by Medicine, and proceed no further; the Patient may recover, and return to a good state of Health.

But too often it proves otherwise; by neglect and Delay, in the use of good Means; by improper Me­thods, and evil Medicines; by Juleping and Blistering, such male Practice; the frequent Train of Diseases, goes on gradually to the last; and ends with Death.

How many Fevers depend upon Obstructions; by depraved Matter lodged, and stopping some Canal, or Ductare, that ought to be free and open for Trans­mission? Very many; and very often, this is the ge­nerating Cause and this is the continuing Cause: You may then give Julep, after Julep, from Day to Day; and never Cure such Fevers after that manner.

Obstructions most commonly cause Pain; this Pain raiseth a Fever; and sometimes an Inflammation, in the Part pained: This Inflammation forms a Tumor; internal and not perceived, or suspected. This Tu­mor sometimes Apostemates; or becomes Schirrous and indurate: Or Gangrens, and soon kills the Pa­tient; not coming to any Suppuration: And then the Patient is said to Die of a Fever; they could not quench this Fever: I readily believe that; it was not like to be done, by Juleping, Blistering, &c. such nonsensical Practice.

After this manner, so many Thousands have died of Fevers, or rather in Fevers; by the Ignorance and great Mistakes, of the Pretenders to Cure Fevers, which they understand not.

Such Cases of internal Tumors, and Inflammations; come oftner into the Physicians Practice, than taken notice of; and Thousands have died upon this Ac­count; when the true state of the Case was not dis­cerned: But the Patient died of a Fever; the Fever was apparent and aimed at; the rest was latent, and therefore proved mortal.

The obscurity of this lurking satal Train; thus commuting, and making Progress unseen and un­sought for by Physicians: The neglect and oversight thereof; does proceed chiefly, from the [...] general Catalogue of Diseases; ranking them all un­der these three Divisions Similar, Organical, and Common: Which first Division I cashiered; (for suf­ficient Reasons, in another Tract) as not being Dis­eases; but Symptoms only. And this first Division of supposed Diseases; hath made more Bustle, (where­of febrile Distemper the chief) and so engrossed the Practice of Physick, that most endeavours have vain­ly been spent thereupon; much Time and Opportuni­ties lost; the considerable and most important Dis­eases overseen; and the frequent Progress of this dangerous Train, so seldom under Consideration, in Consultation; being Mask'd and Covered; with the external Appearance, and outside Garb of a Sympto­matical Fever; which mistake and oversight, hath lost Myriads of Lives.

The Proceeding and Advance of this dangerous Commutation, being frequent, and disguised under Fe­vers; the cooling Inventions of Juleps, Barly­water, &c. against febrile Heat, are very pernicious upon the Account of this latent Series of Diseases, al­ways to be suspected: But at best, and in other Fe­vorish Cases; those Coolers are a great delay in Curing of any Fever: yet after all this trifling, and Hazard; if the Patient escapes, (by good Providence only) the Doctor is applauded for bringing them out of a tedious and dangerous Sickness; tho' long and hazar­dous of his own making, by a refrigerating Mode of Practice.

And although the Patient escapes the Fever, and wades through that Sickness; yet by such male Pra­ctice, they fall into Dropsies, Scurvey, Jaundice, Ca­chectic. Habits of Body; an obstructed tumefied Spleen, Liver, Mesentery, &c. or it breaks out upon the Skin afterwards; or settles in a Limb, and dis­ables the Part.

And it is but rational to expect such Effects, from such injurious ways of Curing: For; the morbific Mat­ter which caused the Fever, being fixed and retained, by checking and cooling the febrile Fermentation; and not observing the Aphorism, quò Natura vergit, this Morbous Impurity must precipitate, and settle in some Part: Then an after-game is to be played; and probably more difficult, than that of the Fever.

But oftentimes, the Event, and Effect of this Cooling Practice, proves fatal; and a Discovery, with Conviction of such erroneous and dangerous Proceedings; is by Dissection after Death, and plain Demonstration to the Eye: As when the Physician dubiously, giving in an Account of the Sickness; and the Relations are not therewith satisfied, concerning the Death of the Patient: Dissection then is appoin­ted; which lays open (when too late) and pre­sents to view; an Apostem, Ʋlcer, or putrid decay of some internal Part, Gangren'd or Mortified; which makes evident, what before was little thought of.

But upon this Discovery of Miscarriage; by great Mistakes in the gradual Progress of the Sickness; and improper Designing of Medicines, aiming only, or [Page 130]chiefly at the Fever: Indemnification is thus contri­ved and framed, with à salvo judicio: When the Corps bears any of these Characters; the Account is given; that the Patient was in such a desperate Con­dition; as it was impossible to retrieve and re­cover.

After this manner, by such Inventions, the Ble­mish is wip'd off the Physician; and he passes never­theless, for an able judicious Practiser as before: When indeed this funeral Conclusion was brought about, for want of a true Notion, and due Considera­tion of this latent, and frequent Progress of Diseases; which might have been prevented; or timely stopt in their course of Transition and Commutation; if the Design of Cure had look'd that way, to obviate the Danger secretly coming on.

But the Fever; this ignis fatuus leads all out of the right way of Curing: Oh, the Fever is very high, (Sulphur accensum in Corde) this Bugbear scares them all, not knowing what evil Thing it is; ( & deflagratum, says Dr. Willis) the Sick Patient is set on Fire: Then to quenching and cooling as fast as they can; for there is no ensuring Office to make good the Damage. Now here is Subject enough for Satyr, or Ridicule; but I shall not prosecute in such Manner.

The Practice upon Fevers cannot be hopeful and helpful; for as much as, the Methods and Medicines for Curing, are designed by a false Canon, of healing by contraries, (Contrariorum contraria sunt remedia) which is the quite contrary way for Curing; then the whole proceeding is an Accumulation of Errours.

Let us examine the Practice in Fevers by that Rule: Fevers are hot, therefore (you say) they are to be Cured by Coolers, which are contraries; as the Ca­non appoints: herein I differ from other Practisers; they endeavor to Cool with Contraries; I Cool and Cure with Similars. They go about to Cool Fevers with Juleps, Ptisans, Emulsions, &c. and they go a great way about. I Cool and Cure with hot Liquors and Spirits; which is the ready way.

But here is the Mistake which causeth the Differ­ence: They suppose Heat to be the Disease in Fe­vers; and I look upon Heat as a Symptom, and Signal only. They apply to Symptoms depending; I level at Diseases producing, and continuing them; valu­ing not the Heat of Fevers; but am very solicitous to find out, and have a careful Eye, upon the Disease that causeth the Fever: Curing lyes there, and there only; the depending Fever is included therein, and falls of course.

Since febrile Heat, does not arise from any Sulphu­rous Matter, (as before-proved) but from various other Material Causes, not inflammable; but provo­king the vital Spirit the Life, to aestuate and become hot preternaturally; which Heat riseth and falls, as morbous Causes are intended and remitted.

What are now the Curative Intentions, to be aim­ed at in all Fevers? but only to remove those several Diseases, which incense the governing vital Prin­ciple, to exceed its bounds of natural Temper and Moderation: Level at, and overcome the Disease; the Fever then is gone also. Sublata causā, tollitur ef­fectus.

But what Probability, or Reason is there, for such Coolers to Cure any Disease, that produce Fe­vers? for whether it be Obstruction in any Part; or oppression at the Stomach, by undigested, degenerate, or discordant matter; or by Wind and Flatulency; by any exotic generation, as Worms, Stones, &c. any Tumor or Apostem breeding; Inflammation, or Ʋlcer planted, &c. These cooling and cold Inventions, touch not the Disease (except to exasperate, and do mischief) and remove no morbific Cause: For the nature of these Causes and Diseases, requires Cathar­tics, Aperitives, Abstersives, Discussives, Dissol­vents, Sarcotics, &c. some such Medicaments of these Operations.

But those Coolers, stand in Opposition, and act re­pugnant to such Medicinal Properties; and conse­quently to the Cures of those Infirmities: By obstruct­ing of Ductures, and the Pores; incrassating what should be attenuated; coagulating what should be kept fluid; condensing what ought to be rarified and dis­cussed; fixing and retaining, what should be moved and sent away; impeding Transpiration, and promo­ting Putrefaction: generally, they check and damp the Power of Nature, endeavouring to extricate and quit her self, from those Incumbrances, and growing Evils, that assault and oppress her.

In what Case soever; a Fever or vehement Heat shall arise, with ebullition and preternatural Fermen­tation of the Blood; Cooling Medicines are very pre­judicial, in many Cases mortal; for whether it be a malign miasm, seminary, or taint; or other Impuri­ty and Feculency of the Blood, that Nature intends [Page 133]by this febrile disturbance and general Aestuation, to separate and throw off; which Nature sometimes, without any Medicinal Help does perform, and makes a good Crisis: But these Coolers act counter to such Intentions, and prevents Natures intended good work; checking the Fermentation, and thereby hin­dering the separation of any depraved or noxious Admixture.

And the Reason of these ill Consequents from Cool­ing Medicines, does chiefly lye here: Since the Sto­mach doth preside over, and hath great Influence up­on the subsequent Digestions, and all other Faculties, whose vigorous and true performance depend much thereon; so that whatever subverts the Tone of the Stomach, and flats the acuteness of this principal Part, and prime office of Digestion (as Juleps, &c. do) injures, allays and abates the energy of the rest; impedes the Fermentation of the Bloud, for Depura­tion in such Cases; as also for conservation and sup­ply in the constant daily work.

It may be objected and said; that Lemons and Oranges are used in Fevers with good effects from their cooling: I answer, that Lemons, Oranges, Barber­ries, and such like, are allowable in Fevers as proper and fit to be used; but what Benefit ariseth from them, is not to be ascribed to their cooling virtue (if any such per se) but only to their Acidity, which acuates and sharpens the Ferment of the Stomach; by whose reinforcement, and strength regained by this means; the whole Body is refreshed, fares the bet­ter, and some allay; at least more Ability to bear the febrile Heat, and to contend with the Disease, that occasions the Fever.

Wherefore such fruits, and such liquors are to be granted the Patient for Refreshment and Support, as are most agreeable to the Stomach, and desired by the Sick: And the Dictates, or Appetitions of Na­ture in these Cases, are to be regarded; who often­times prompts for her own Help and Satisfaction.

And generally 'tis observed, the Drinks so de­sired by them, are fermented Liquors (no Juleps, &c.) Beer, Ale, Cider, or Wine: And commonly such are most agreeable to the Stomach in Sickness, as was most acceptable in Health; which being discreetly used, are no Promoters nor Continuers of the Fever; tho' they be spirituous and brisk upon the Palate; yet beneficial and great Relief to the Sick: But always to impose medical Drinks, upon weak sick People, as if they were to be nourished, and live by Physick on­ly; is very irrational and absurd.

And I must tell you, wherein I differ from other Physicians, when I allow Patients cooling Drinks; as Whey, Buttermilk, Cider, Meath, when desired in Fevers, or hot Bodies: They lay a stress upon Coolers, as Curative and principal Means against Fe­vers, and hot Bodies, thereby to reduce the Distem­per: I allow them, not as Physick against the Dis­ease; but as Refreshment to Nature, being coveted and pleased therewith: So that I do not impose as of Necessity; because they Cure not the Disease where­on the Fever depends; but observing the Propriety of some Bodies, being delighted and comforted with such liquors, I readily grant them, unless there be a contraindication that forbids.

A labouring Man that toils and heats himself, must have drink to quench his thirst and refresh him; and requires more Drink than another Person: even so it is with a Man in a Fever; he labours under a Dis­ease to remove it; and he is then more thirsty, re­quiring more Drink than at another Time: And it must be such as delights him, that Nature does de­sire; not Barley Water, Juleps of Still'd Waters and Syrups; such slops that the Patient is averse to, and gives no satisfaction.

Keep a labouring Man with Julep, and Barley Wa­ter; and see how long he will keep his Stomach, and keep his Strength, to be able for work: He will not hold it out long, in good condition, and ability for Service. Observe then; if these Drinks shall make a well Man, and a strong Man decline; if they pluck him down; you cannot in Reason expect, they can be helpful to raise up a weak sick Man, to Health and Strength.

All this considered it plainly appears; that from what Cause soever a Fever doth arise; this Juleping and Cooling Mode of Practice, is dangerous more or less, as the Disease is in its self; whereon the Fever does depend: But in no Case advantageous; making acute Diseases to Commute, and terminate in chronic; and lingering chronic Diseases, to hold on their Course, and become more Contumacious.

Febrile Heat is much safer, and sooner allayed with hot things, than with cold; for Coolers only, are but like the sprinkling of Water upon Fire, which burns the fiercer for it afterwards: Coolers cast a damp for [Page 136]the present; makes a short suppression of Heat, and it soon bursts out again: But hot Medicines that have Spirit and Life in them, do assist Nature in ejecting of the peccant Matter, which being cast out, Na­ture then returns to her sedate moderate temper: Therefore one good Sudorific Medicine, checks a Fever; better than ten Juleps.

Here I shall make some Observations useful in Pra­ctice: First, from the Denominations of Fever and Inflammation; what affinity there is, and near rela­tion they have to each other; for from the Etymon of the words, they seem to import a Parity, as deno­ting only an extraordinary Heat: [...] febris, from [...] ignis; [...] inflammatio, from [...] uro.

But the difference lyes here: Fevers are known, and defined by preternatural Heat and effervescency through the whole Body. Inflammation is a preter­natural Heat of a particular Part. Hence we re­mark; that Fevers are general and dilated Inflam­mations; Inflammations particular Fevers of a Mem­ber: Thus they differ in Latitude and Extent: But withal observe the order of Causation; Inflammation commonly precedes and lays the Foundation in this or that Part; there is the fomes & minera Morbi: A Fever follows upon the whole Body, caused by consent from thence, and condolency.

Here you may take notice, that Fevers are errone­ously defined by Authors; à calore praeter Naturam in Corde accenso; assigning the Heart to be the focus, where febrile Heat is first kindled, and from whence it is maintained; when almost in any other Part of the Body, if an Inflammation happen there; a Fever [Page 137]will follow, taking its Rise from thence, not from the Heart: So that the Heart, then suffers Sympa­thically by consent; not idiopathically and primari­ly as Sedes Morbi.

Since most Inflammations cause Fevers, and Inflam­mations so frequent, as being the certain Consequents of great Pain; then two things are to be noted: First, that upon the appearance of a high Fever, you may suspect an Inflammation couched under it; from whence as the Spring, this Fever doth arise.

Secondly, that the Cure of many Fevers ought so to be designed and managed, as respecting and aim­ing chiefly at a particular Inflammation of some Part, upon which the Fever doth depend: And when a Fe­ver ariseth upon this bottom (as often it doth) then little regard is to be had to the general Fever; but the stress of Cure, lyes upon removing the occasional and material Causes of Pain and Inflammation in the particular Part, the Foundation of all the rest; which being removed, the depending Fever falls of Course.

Thus all our endeavours tend, to make a true Dis­covery of Causes; that when preternatural Heat does arise in the Body, and begets a Fever; you may know, not only what to call it, but also what to do; by levelling at the right Mark.

And I must tell you also, how a Fever sometimes does arise, and not from Inflammation of a pained Part: That is, when some depraved discordant Mat­ter, or some malign venenate Miasm, is mingled or got into the Blood; Nature which is the Life, rais­eth [Page 138]a preternatural Fermentation, and febrile effer­vescency in the Mass of Blood, for a Purification and Separation of this exotic Mixture; and admits of no sedation or rest, until that work be finished.

From hence you may be warned of the dangerous common Practice in Fevers, by Juleps, Barley-Water, and other such like Coolers to allay the Heat; from a great Mistake of Fevers, and from whence that Heat doth assurge: For, whether the Fever does depend upon a particular inflamed Part; or a general Fer­mentation of the Blood for Purification; in both Cases of Fevers, such Cooling Medicines are pernicious, and have killed thousands: For by insisting so much upon them, and aiming to suppress the Fever by Coolers (not possible to be done that way) thus mischievous­ly spending Time, the opportunity of Curing is lost, and the Disease prevails.

The Error of those Cooling Medicines is apparent, from the insuccess thereof; for never was the Thirst of a sick Person satisfied by Juleps; but a Draught of good Drink, such as the Patient's Stomach affects; that is refreshing and relieving.

Julops are but Cold Comfort, or rather no Com­fort to a Fevorish sick Man; for those Cold Medicines imposed upon the sick, are no Coolers in effect; and are so far from assisting Nature to do the work she is strugling about; that they nauseate and flat the Sto­mach, which should vigorate and inforce the other Faculties; they damp and check the Power of Na­ture contending with the Disease; and leave her languishing for Refreshment, coveted in her natu­ral common Drink: Thus cheating the Patient of [Page 139]that desired assistance by Drink, which would be Comfortable.

And thus much may suffice, to shew the Vanity and Insufficiency of Juleps, and other Cooling Inven­tions, to allay the Heat of Fevers.

Having now gone through the Common Practice upon Fevers; shewing the Errors and Dangers there­of, in their Designs for Curing: All which ariseth from their Mistakes in the true Notion of Fevers, not knowing what they are, and from what Principle they proceed. It remains now, that I set forth the direct Ways, and due Means for effecting their Cures; which will appear more plainly and probably Succes­ful, being compared with the common irrational Practice, grounded upon false Notions of Fevers, wholly mistaken.

IN the first place, I shall set before you the Com­mon Prctaice upon Fevers; and take the Account thereof from Riverius a French Author of great Re­pute; much consulted with, and followed by most Practisers: He having Collected from the best Wri­ters, what is most remarkable, and thought most useful for Curing; so that in his Praxis you have the Methods, and chief Matter of all the rest. And his Book being furnished with variety of Medicines, ma­ny that are inquisitive after Physick do peruse and esteem that Book.

I shall here only take notice, and cursorily view the great Magazine of Medicines, disposed under the se­veral Divisions of Fevers; as properly and necessarily assigned, to answer all the Indications of those diffe­rent Fevers, variously. denominated, and distinguish­ed; as Diseases requiring different Methods, and va­rious Remedies.

But how unnecessary, improper, and injurious, most of that trouble and charge of Medicines will ap­pear, upon inquiry into the Nature and Vanity of them: As also by comparing with our Design of Cu­ring; which is performed with very little.

In putrid Continual Fevers, (so called) he pro­ceeds thus: Bleeding is appointed two or three Times most commonly. If good Blood first appears; you must continue to take away, until the putrid bad Blood comes; and then diminish that: But if bad corrupt Blood comes forth first; you must continue letting out, until it appears good. All which is so absurd and ridiculous; that I shall not spend Time to expose the folly, but refer you to what hath been said.

And if Bleeding be not thought fit; then Cupping with Scarification, is to supply that Place. This is like the rest.

His Pharmaceutic Remedies, are all comprised un­der these two Heads: Evacuating, and Alteratives. Under the first, are comprehended Purges, Vomits, Sweating Medicines, and provokers of Ʋrine.

His Purgatives are Cassia, Manna, Tamarinds, Ca­tholic Electuary, Lenitive Electuary, Electuary Dia­prunes, Syrup of Roses, Syrup of Cichory with Rhu­barb, &c. and these are variously compounded, and made into Potions, with Still'd Waters, or Decocti­ons: Or else given in the form of Bolus, by adding some Pouders to them.

They that know no better, do appoint such as these are; and the Sick must submit thereto: And these I did use in the beginning of my Practice, when I was a Prescriber, (Forty Years ago) and guessed at Medicines, as others now do, that Prescribe to the Shops; any thing will serve for a Recipe, because you are to have Variety of them, and a long Course. But [Page 142]I have given sufficient Information elsewhere, con­cerning this Matter; that I shall not repeat here.

Clysters this Author appoints to be given often; every Day, or every other Day; made of Decoction of Emollients and Coolers: Barly, Prunes, Mallows, Violet leaves, Lettice, Endive, Housleek, &c. And dissolve in the Decoction Electuary Catholicum, Dia­prunum, Cassia, Oil of Water-Lillies, or Violets.

The Cordials many and various; which I shall not recite; a Glass of good true Wine, better than all that; and less to do. But to make Sickness charge­able and hazardous; to invent much Business for the Shops, and occasion the Physician to visit often, to know the event thereof; many things are devised, unnecessary, frivolous, or injurious.

And he that does not promote the Trade of Phy­sick after this manner; shall be defamed and vilified, with the Title of Quack; and the Silly People are wheedled into a Belief, that he is no better: Tho' he be a legal Physician, and his knowledge much be­yond the Prescribing Practice. Now whether such blinded, trapt sort of Folk, are to be pitied; or de­rided and scorn'd, when they Suffer in Sickness: I leave it for others to give Judgment in the Case.

There are also Medicated Broths appointed, of Roots and Herbs, boiled with Chicken, Hen, or Ca­pon: So that you must neither Eat, nor Drink, but what is Physick'd.

In the same Chapter, he distinguisheth Fevers into Phlegmatic, Choleric, and Melancholic; and appoints [Page 143]particularly, and differently for each. And as for Spurious Fevers (so termed by him) arising from the mixture of various Humors, the forenamed Me­dicines are to be Compounded, with regard to the predominant Humor; that the greater Quantity be appropriated to the luxuriant prevailing Humor.

All this is to make the World believe; what nice and exact Distinctions are framed; and Medicines formed adaptly thereto; for Curing Fevers by the best and most certain Rules of Art. But how vainly, and fallaciously (tho' speciously offered) all this will appear; when I come to set forth, what is necessary in Curing all the pretended Sorts of Fevers; and with how little it may be performed; and not load a weak sick Person, with a multitude of trifling ill-designed Medicines; under the Pretence of adapting to vari­ous kinds of Fevers, injuriously so feigned.

Besides all these internal Medicines (and I named but some of them) there are various external Appli­cations appointed, to allay the heat of putrid Fe­vers: some are applied to the Heart; others to the Region of the Liver, the Testicles, Hands and Feet.

To the Heart there are both Liquids and Solids to be applied: To the other Parts, Still'd Waters, Juices of Herbs, Ʋnguents, and Liniments, amply set forth in that Chapter, where you may see them, if you think they are worth seeing.

All which unnecessary, troublesom, and ineffectual Inventions, do proceed from want of the true Knowledge of Fevers; not discerning what febrile Heat is, and from what Principle it does arise.

After all this much to do upon putrid Fevers; with so many internal, and external Medicines; there re­mains, as much Business with the Symptoms of putrid Fevers; and there are yet more variety of Medicines appointed for them: But I shall not trouble you, nor my self, to give the Account of them.

I always thought, and do think so still; that true curative radical Medicines against any Disease; are the surest Allayers, and safest Curers of Symptoms that depend upon that Disease: so that no peculiar Provision of Medicines need to be appropriated to Dependants.

But now all this is said; we have not run through a third Part, of the Practice upon Fevers; nor na­med a quarter of the Medicines: But (waving the Practice upon all the other Sorts of Fevers) here is enough to let you understand what the Practice of the Learned is, and hath been; this Author having ga­thered from the rest, and disposed it into his own Method.

You that like it, may make Trial thereof, when you are Sick; and then tell what it is to your Cost, and Hazard. This was the Practice of an Eminent Doctor to the Court of France: And the Practice in other Courts of Princes, is much-what like this. The Prescripts from Consultations are no better; and some are worse.

The King of Spain hath been treated no better by his Physicians; else he had not lingered so long, nor relaps'd so often into his Fevorish Distemper: [Page 145]but endeavouring to Cure they know not what; it may in Time perchance be done: but none can say when; probably and rationally from such Doings.

This Great Prince, has great Physicians about him, for He made them so: But if they were as good, as great; they would have done better for Him.

Having shewed you the Common Practice of others upon Fevers; now I must give you an Account of my own, and then you may compare them.

There are three principal Evacuations appointed by Nature, to send off, and free the Body, from all superfluous unserviceable Matter, the Relicts after Digestion: And this useless or offensive Matter, goes out by three several and different ways; by the Guts downwards, by the Ʋrinary Ductures, and by the Pores outwards to the Circumference.

When there is a Failure, or insufficient Perfor­mance of these daily Operations, by the Debility of Nature; or by Food received unfitly in Quantity, or Quality; or other Impediments that may obstruct, or pervert these necessary grand Operations, from cleansing and carrying away all excrementitious, de­praved, injurious Matter, which ought to be sent forth: The remainders lodged here, or there, in­festing any Part of the Body; does breed all the Dis­eases, which produce several Fevers.

This premised as certain and true: The Curing of all Fevers lye fair and open before you; for they are performed by promoting the three grand Evacua­tions named: viz. by Stool, by Ʋrine, and by Tran­spiration; [Page 146]whereby the Body is cleansed and dis­charged, from all indigested and degenerate Humoral Matter, or Miasm; that breed those Diseases, upon which Symptomatical Fevers do depend.

The Curing of all Diseases after this Manner; is also the Curing of all Fevers, which are only Depen­dants thereon: And there is no other and true way; but by the Operations aforesaid.

It remains now, that I assign the Means, to per­form truly and effectually, those necessary Curative Operations: And they are only these two Compre­hensive Medicines, universal in their Classes. A Ca­tholic purifying Extract; and a Sudorific.

The purifying Extract operates by Stool, and Ʋrine; sending forth by these Canals of Emission; all morbific vitious Matter, that must pass those ways, opens Obstructions of the Spleen, Liver, Pan­creas, Mesentery, Kidneys, &c. of which more at large, in a peculiar Tract upon this great Medicine. The Mystery of Curing Comprehensively, &c.

The Sudorific Medicine opens all the Pores, to breathe out Impurities that infest the Habit of Body, and external Parts: Clears and takes away all Cutany Defoedations, Spots, Scurf, Scabs, Pustules, Tettars, Itch, &c.

In all malignant, contagious and pestilential Fevers; as Small-Pox, Measels, Plague, Spotted Fevers, and the like; I account this Medicine most Necessary and Powerful.

These are the safe and surest ways of Curing; be­ing the ways of Nature's Institution. Let the mor­bific Matter be as various, and different in several Persons, as you can find out, or form a peculiar Name for: Let it be lodged and fixed here, and there, in any Part of the Body; or if it be moving and erratic, troubling many Parts, at Times: one of these two Medicines, or both by Turns in a Method and Or­der; will send forth the offending Matter, and clear the Body, whether the Fever be continual or inter­mitting, malignant, &c. of what sort soever.

I have heard of intermitting Fevers (called Agues) of a Year, or two Years continuance under the use of Means; but I never yet was so baffled with any Ague.

I will ingage to Cure more Fevers with these two Medicines only; than any of you shall with the two hundred Medicines appointed by Riverius, in his Pra­ctice upon Fevers: And you shall have the Liberty, to use as many more, pickt out of other Authors.

Mine are no Book Medicines recommended by Au­thors, and taken up upon Trust (as they do from one another) I like 'em not: But I depend upon my own Labour and Experience; what I have form­ed, reformed, and proved often.

Most People are pleased with a Book stuft full of Medicines; for this, and for that, and for hundreds of Diseases: And they rove amongst them uncertain­ly; venture upon them unsafely; and most commonly unsuccessfully. Very probable it should be so; for [Page 148]they promise very little, to Him that understands the designing and forming of true Serviceable and Safe Medicines.

Now Judge you; if two Extraordinary Medicines thus designed, and proved to work through all Parts of the Body, by Cleansing and Purifying both the Or­gans, and nutritious Juices; are not more hopeful, less troublesom, or chargeable; than two hundred ill-composed, uncertain Medicines.

The two Medicines Proposed (Catholic in their Classes) Cure manifestly; that is, by known ways and out-lets; such as Nature hath framed, for ordinary daily use; and for extraordinary occasions, in Sickness and Diseases.

I cannot believe a Disease is gone; except I see, or know, which way, and how it went. There are Medicines to Charm Agues, and other Diseases; such as Jesuits Pouder, and many more of that kind; but I cannot confide in such Cures.

I call it Charming; when a Medicine stops the Course of a Disease, suppresseth the Insults or Fits; and you know not which way, or how the morbific Matter went; but you may rather suppose it re­mains: For, the Medicine made no manifest Dis­charge, or Evacuation this way, or that way; so that the Disease is only laid asleep for a Time, and will wake again, and appear in its former Shape; or be transformed into some other Disease, that may prove as troublesom a Guest, or worse than the Ague.

For, morbous Matter, the longer it continues in the Body, it grows worse, and not better. Exam­ples of this Nature we frequently meet with; of changing one Disease for another: They were Cured of their Ague; but the Scurvey, Dropsy, Tumor in the Bowels, or tumified Legs, &c. was the conse­quent and the proper effect of a fallacious bad way of Curing.

The Curing of Fevers, is the Curing of all Dis­eases, upon which Fevers do depend; for they are only Symptoms thereof: And no Disease of what De­nomination soever; but requires such Operations for Cure, as these two Medicines do perform; either of the one, or of both.

You regard the Names of Diseases, and they de­ceive the World: I consider only the Nature of Dis­eases in their material Causes, and from whence they arise. If you multiply Diseases Circumstantially by various Names, and make a Thousand more than now are; yet in Curing you are confined to the same Ope­rations.

Whatever the Matter of Diseases is, tho' various by Name, or Nature; the manner of sending it away is not so different a Way; but by the Common known ways of Nature's Institution, and they are very few, as before named.

Purifying is a Catholic Operation, required in the Cure of all Diseases, by what various Names soever Circumstantially denominated and distinguished: And if that necessary Work will be done by one, or [Page 150] two Medicines extraordinarily performing: better it is, than by two Hundred of the Common Medicines, of mean Performance; if possible to be effected by such.

From hence you may understand, that the Thou­sands of Medicines invented and dispers'd abroad in the World; do keep the People Doing; and some­times to their undoing; venturing upon they know not what; proved by they know not whom.

Curing lies in a little compass, if it can be done; and by a little of radical true Medicine, more likely to be done; than by many ill-contrived, operating uncertainly at Random: wherefore doubting and mistrusting the Ability of a few; they muster up ma­ny, to supply their Insufficiency. (Si non juvet unum, alterum juvaturum sperant.) If some miss the Disease; the other they hope may arrive thither.

In all Diseases and Sickness, the surest and safest Design is; to aim and level, at the common and ge­neral Cause; impure, depraved, and unserviceable Matter, that perverts the Faculties, infests divers Parts, and lay the Foundation of various Infirmities: which being removed and sent forth (by the ways aforesaid) the great Work of Curing, is much-what performed. The remainder to be done, is on­ly roborating and confirming the Faculties, for due performance of their Functions afterwards; to pre­vent relapsing into the former ill State.

If all Medicines had been designed, by the Opera­tions that Nature performs in Human Bodies; and not formed by and to the Names of Diseases: The [Page 151]whole Practice of Physick, had not been a quarter so much enlarged, as now it is; nor a tenth Part of the Medicines, so extravagantly invented.

By what hath been said; you may see where the stress of Curing does lie; and with how little it is to be done, if you go rightly about it: And thereby also you may understand; how unnecessary and vain, the Multiplicity of Medicines are, in the Practice of Fevers; or other Diseases, where no Fevers are de­pending.