CHAP. I. A Brief Examination of the Original Matter of Natural Bodies, with their Dissolution.

I Shall first declare what Nature is, according to our Philosopher; viz. A Power implanted in the Creature, to act in such a manner and mea­sure according to the will of the Creator, for ends best known to himself. The Course and Order of producing Effects suitable to the [Page 2] first Seminal Cause, is constant, unless hin­dered by cross Accidents intervening, or by some extraordinary stop put thereto by Him, who is the chief Mover of all Essences. I look upon the Materia Prima of Aristotle as im­possible, a meer Chimaera. Galen and his Sectaries are much mistaken in delivering the Four Elements: Earth, Water, Aire, Fire, the Material Cause of all things: which being (as they say) variously mixt and tem­pered by power of an Active Form, bring forth Bodies of different Shapes, and Kind, one from another.

The late Chymical Philosophers reject the former Opinion, and being frequently con­versant in Opening all sorts of Bodies by the Fire (which they will by no means allow to be an Element) and meeting frequently with Salt, Sulphur, Mercury, have confi­dently taught, that these are the Beginning Matter of all things tangible. Others add two more; i. e. Water and Earth: all which (as is Asserted) they can at their pleasure demonstrate, or lay open to View when they make Separations.

This Discovery by Fire indeed seems far more plausible, and favourable for the Foun­dations and Principles of all Bodies, than the former Conceit; yet, upon severe Search, it will not hold true. For as I have published [Page 3] in Haemati. directed by Helmonts Doctrine, these which they call Principles, are made by the Fire, not actually existent before in the Compound Body: Neither can Salt, Sulphur, Mercury be extracted by any Art whatsoever out of all things tractable. More­over, their unsteadfastness shews them to be no Principles, for they are easily changed one into another, contrary to the Nature of what ought to be the Beginning of things. Where­fore Dr. Willis his Doctrine taken from Be­ned. Valent. or Paracelsus, and trimly po­lished for Sale, is to be rejected, as being not only false in the first Instructions concer­ning Nature, but also dangerous and de­structive if made use of, according to what he hath delivered for the Cure of Diseases.

Learned Helmonts discovery of Acidum, i. e. Sharp, of a binding rough Condition, and an Alkalie of a lixiviate smooth Nature, either volatile or fixed, having a property to scour or loosen, is by Tachenius, and some excellent Philosophers owned to be the best of Sensibles; whereby we can most experi­mentally, and effectually, derive the nighest Origination of all things endewed with a Corporeal Being: into which Acidum, and Alkali, Art is able to bring back the same. Besides these two Luminaries in Physick, af­ford the clearest Directions for the Cure of the [Page 4] worst Maladies; the only chief End, for which the upright Physitian is to put out himself: notwithstanding these (how specious soever Principles reputed) are not really so; for they as well as the former may be reduced into Water, which by the Authority of A­cute Van Helmont, and my own Proof in some measure, I set down as the Principle, and Ultimate Matter, the Beginning, and End of all Elementarie Bodies.

For according to the diversity of Ferments, the Activity of the Seminal Spirit, and the peculiar Image delineated by it, this Liquid Matter is moulded into those infinite num­ber of various kinds of Creatures. This is that Abyss, or Deep on which the Spirit of God moved at first, now successively the Spirit of the World, which out of this never failing Treasure of Water, frames those innu­merable Kinds of things obvious to our Sen­ses: Now of all Tangible Essences, Nothing is more similar or freer from Alloy & Mixture than Water, nothing more capable of im­press, nor susceptible of a Seminal Spirit, and so easie to be brought to this or that Form.

Hence 'tis manifest, there is not any thing chiefly more requisite for the production of all Corporeal Beings, than this Material Subject, namely Water: and an Efficient cause, viz. a Spirituous Seed working (by means of Fer­ments, [Page 5] or a certain Volatile, Spreading, Swelling, Chafing Scent) according as it frames that Idea, or Picture of the thing it intends to bring by degrees to Perfection: till which time, the same Agent (if not impe­ded by some Accidents) which began makes a constant progress, till the whole be finish­ed, bringing it to the highest State; from whence, by little and little it declines, at length returning to that, from which it took its first Being.

What I have here delivered, The sensible Seed of Animals, Plants and Minerals Con­firm: for they all consist of a Jelly-like Sub­stance, easily to be brought into Water.

The Corporeal Seed of all Animals are as it were a Mucilage, or the White of an Egg: the Seed of all Vegetables may by digestion be turned into the like Consistence.

As to Minerals, The best Inquirers into them affirm, that a certain green, glutinous, slimy Water flowing in peculiar places of the Earth, gives them their first Birth.

So that an able Chymical Philosopher hath no reason to doubt what Helmont hath set down; to wit, that all Bodies have their Beginning from Water; that he could by means of his Liquor Alkahest, cause them to return again to the same.

This is that Proteus which being altered [Page 6] by an odorous Ferment peculiarly inherent in the Seminal Matter, or the place where it resides, invites such a portion of the univer­sal Spirit (according as it is capable) to mould it by degrees into such a Species, or individual Being, proportionable to the Plat-form laid at first. (All outward Conve­niencies concurring.) Withal, as Concretes or Bodies are generated from VVater, so are they likewise chiefly nourished thereby: For the Experiment of our Philosopher confirms it thus.

He took an Earthen Vessel, filling it with 200 weight of Earth dried in an Oven, in which, moistened with Rain-water, he set the Stem of a VVillow of five pound weight. This being for the space of five Years irri­gated, was nourished only with Rain or di­stilled water as there was need, (the vessel being covered over with a Plate of Tin full of holes lest any dust from without should fall into it) after five years growth the Plant put into the Scales, weighed 169 pound, besides the quantity of Leaves four years eve­ry Autumn left out. Then at last he weighed the foresaid Earth dried, and it wanted of the former weight not above two ounces: upon this account 164 pound of VVood, Bark, and Root sprang from VVater alone. This Experiment of Van Helm. did that excellent [Page 7] Searcher into Nature, the Lord Bacon con­firm, by the encrease of a Shrub kept a con­siderable time in VVater. The same VVater feedeth 40 distinct Plants growing on one bed.

Also divers Animals do plainly arise from a waterish Matter: they are likewise preserved Principally therewith. In the Stomach of the Salmon is seldome any solid matter found: neither can the Sturgeon take into the Sto­mach any gross matter for nourishment, the passage belonging thereto being so small, that scarse any thing but VVater can enter.

Some Men and VVomen have been re­ported to live with VVater alone for many dayes.

That Pretious and Viler Stones are gene­rated by VVater, and encreased by the same, is manifest, according to the Tryal of Van Helmont. Touching those Existents which the Chymists call Principles, they are not really such; for they have their rise from VVater, and may be specified, yea although they seem to be Singular, yet may they be severed into diversity of parts. E. G. Sulphur, which to the eye appears to be all of one Frame, may be brought into a sharp corro­ding Liquor: the same also may be brought into liquid Balsome, or into an Earthy Pou­der. Out of Sallad Oyl a Corrosive Liquor may be made; besides, it may without any [Page 8] difficulty be altered into VVater. Salts may be turned into an Oyly Substance, then after become Insipid: Mercury doth (as Van Hel­mont, and Experience testifie) consist of a double Sulphur Inward, and Outward; This being capable to be separated from it by Art▪

CHAP. II. Of the Efficient Cause, or Primary Agent of all Sublunary Bodies.

THe Best Philosophy teaches us, that al [...] Constitutes have their Material Be­ginning from VVater. How this Liquor comes to be diversified into innumerable kind of Substances, is further to be enquired.

The first alteration of this fluid Body is made by a Sulphureous Ferment, giving a Hogo to it, whereby a Seminal Spirit is ex­cited to dispose and mould the Matter into a Form agreeable to that Image or Type i [...] hath laid.

That which doth chiefly occasion and fur­ther the Fermentation of VVater is, some secret Acide, or Sharpness proceeding from the Aire, or elswhere. This insinuating close­ly, unites with the Alkali in the VVater whence ariseth an Agitation or VVorking [Page 9] commonly observed, when these two meet together: consequently the Watery Parti­cles are exceedingly rarified, acquiring a certain peculiar scent, which they carry a­long with them, infecting the whole Mass, wherein they reside: hereupon the Ar­cheus or Vital Spirit breaks forth into Act, containing in it the true Seminal Idea, or Picture of the thing capable to receive its Form, and Perfection.

CHAP. III. Concerning the Aitiologie, Efficient, Imme­diate and Material Cause of all Diseases.

WHat the Antients generally, and some at this day call the Con­junct, or immediate Cause of Diseases, I shall (with most knowing Helmont) assign to be the Occasional, Provoking, or Incensing. Forasmuch as, whosoever desires to enquire into the Nature of things aright, ought to be informed, concerning the very Being of the same, as it relates to that which made it so.

Now no Disease can have any Subsistence, Mansion or Lodging place, but in a Body endued with a Vital Spirit (albeit in the [Page 10] Dead the Four Humours of the Galenists, and the three Principles of the Chymists be not wanting.) For this Reason the Archeus or Spi­rit must of Necessity be the nighest Fun­damental Beginning of all Maladies what­soever. For as our Health depends upon this Living Spirit, when it is in all respects duly constituted, without any considerable defect in it; so Sickness ariseth when the same Preserver of Strength, is depraved or estranged from that Clearness, Proportion, and Regularity, which ought to be in it. Those Degenerate, or Bastard Juices engen­dered through manifold Errors in the Hel­montion six Digestions, especially the First, are only means to put the Living Spirit into Perturbation, Vexation, and Inordinate Mo­tions, whereby it frames Images of Evils, according to the Condition of the Trouble­some, Abusive Intruding Guest: So that in short, the Seed of this, or that Disease, with an absolute Pattern how it is to be act­ed, is planted in this first Founder of the whole Fabrick: the Grief being as insepara­ble from the Vital Spirit, as Life it self; yea it is even concentrated or seated in the very middle point thereof, and never to be separa­ted therefrom, till the Kernel, wherein this Diseased Image is drawn, be extinct, and quite abolished.

[Page 11]This Doctrine may seem strange to those, who are unacquainted with the Writings of our Profound Philosopher; however so great is the Truth thereof, that 'tis impossible any one should either Prevent or Cure Diseases to a purpose, unless he be well Disciplined in this Solid Knowledge. Hence it is that O­pinionative Doctors do so often blunder and mistake in Healing any Rooted Infirmities; because they either insist upon their four Ari­stotelian Elements and Humours, Analo­gous to them, as Choler, Phlegm, Melancho­ly, Blood, with the Distemper coming from thence, or take their false Measure of Curing from the Principles (I mentioned before) borrowed of the Chymists, which some will have to be the next Cause of Diseases; whereas they being present, only vex, gaul, bring into divers Passions, the Archeus: whereupon that which before did perform all things requisite in the Body, decently and in order, is now become tumultuous, act­ing in an inconvenient preposterous manner. By this means the Ferment or Dissolvent in the Stomach produces many Raw Juices, Fretting Liquors, which congeal the Blood, or melt it into filthy Matter, then follows a detention of Excrements, or a profuse in­discreet throwing out good and bad; also a Specifick Poison is created proportionable to [Page 12] those without: hence a Crowd of sad Sym­ptoms appear. Wherefore I repeat, the great cause why the Galenists have been so unsuc­cessful in their Curing is, because they did not truly distinguish between Prevocative, Occasional, and the Essential inseparable Cause between the Concomitants, Acci­dents, Products, and Consequents of Hu­mane Calamities.

For while they conclude a Feaver to be principally Heat, they have thereby taken a false Indication or Instructions, to free the Body from that Affliction; neglecting to blot out the Image of the Sickness, to ap­pease the enraged Vitals, and to remove the Vexatious, Thorny, Degenerate, Dead Jui­ces, without empairing Nature, wronging the Stomach, or offering any Violence to a­ny shop ordained for Digestion. They may plainly perceive (if Sordid Gain did not blind them) 'tis labour in vain to Purg Bucketfuls of Choler, and Melancholy, (which they suppose to be the Conjunct united Cause of the Evil) to let out great quantity of Blood from the Limbs for the Cure of the Scurvie, &c. sith generally the Patient is more weak­ened, and his Evil oftentimes more confirm­ed hereby. Assuredly did they set Nature up­on her Legs, when she is either sitting, or prostrate under any Calamity, she would [Page 13] soon conquer her Enemy, which kept her in Subjection. Would they but follow Hippo­crates, who taught them that Naturae sunt Morborum Medicatrices, they would speedily renounce Bleeding, and Feeble, Hurtful Purgatives, to be looked upon as Contri­vers, and Factors of filthy Matter, which the Expulsive Power stirred up, casts out with the Poison: So that in reality, the Common Way of Purging is only like Pumping, without stopping the Leak. For as Hippo. delivers, 'tis not how much, but what is cleansed away doth good; the Oc­casional, Exciting, Peccant, Fermenting Matter being often very small as to its bulk.

Humane Sickness hath a Spiritual begin­ning, Progress, State, and Declination, a­rising from a Seed, as all other things; there­fore they have a Real Entity, consisting of an Efficient and Material Cause, both seated [...]n the Spirit of Life, Active and Passive in Contriving its own Ruine, when at any time it is disturbed through any outward Accident. When any thing very injurious to Nature approaches from without, or is en­gendered within our Bodies, the Archeus, or Vital Aire takes notice of it, and being in­censed, it frames in it self some Ill-favoured Dark Images, agreeable to the Cause Offen­sive. According to this Model or Proportion [Page 14] it Acts, never ceasing to follow the Copy or Draught of the Malady made by its own Activity, in a certain determinate quantity of it self, even to its own great damage and destruction, unless the Character of the Di­sease be blotted out, or the Archeus pacified; and diverted by some pleasing Object, or the External Vexing Occasion removed.

Those Defunct Excrements, or Superflui­ties separated from Life, never to be rconci­led to it, are most tedious and noisome to the Vital Spirits: wherefore becoming impati­ent, they Rage, Fret, Chafe at the pre­sence of so unwelcome Guests. Hereupon they stir upon the Ferments, or Instrumen­tal Transfigurators, to become disordered, sometimes to cause a Confusion, Tumult, Boiling, and Huffing in the Juices, where­by a Feaver is kindled; sometimes to pro­duce Congelation of the Blood, otherwhile to turn it into sharp gauling Liquor, causing many long Calamities.

Now the Filth or Dregs lodging in our Bodies, are not Diseases themselves, but stir up the Archeus to create those Evils, we are liable to. These are either Antecedent Causes of our Maladies; or they are Pro­ducts, and Consequents, stirring up Secon­dary Calamities, accompanied with various Symptoms, Accidents, Dispositions, and [Page 15] Alterations. Moreover, the Miseries of our Bodies, do now and then begin from an In­visible, Immaterial Occasion, imprinting in our Phansies, a lively Character of a Disease, which converting the Good Juices into Bad, both Foment the present Evil, also excite the Vitals to procreate more Mischiefs through the Contagion of a Seed implanted in the Life.

That the Phansie can out of a Non Ens, or Nothing, frame Hoc Aliquid, or some­thing of this or that Species, is evident in Women with Child, who upon earnest longing after Fruit, &c. or some sudden Ter­rour, make the Idea, or Figure of what they greatly Covet, or are terrified at in their Spirits, which conveied to the Womb, is absolutely conformed in that part of the Child, which answers to the place, the Woman at that instant touched, when she was so passionately affected. Withal, this Plant or Living Creature pictured in the Skin, shall express all those remarkable Alte­rations, Defections, Vigour, and Matura­tion that the Real Type, or Example of what is shaped is subject to, at certain times of the year.

Thus 'tis plain, that the Spirits being ex­alted, excited, or put into a vehement Mo­tion, through any notable Passion can fashi­on [Page 16] that, (bringing it to visible Light on the Superficies of the Skin) which before lay hid within.

Wherefore I doubt not there is as perspi­cuous a Signaturi of every Disease in the Spirits, as the Platform of the Plant to be produced in a Bean divided. The Principle Difference being, that the one is more Spi­ritual, the other Corporeal.

The Seminal Figure then of all Diseases made in the Spirit of Life is, the only Effi­cient, Active Cause of their Being.

Likewise some Degenerate Portion of the Spirit, wherein the Calamitie is as it were stamped (separated from that which re­mains in its Integrity) becomes the Materi­al Subject thereof.

That 'tis the Blast of Life which conceives and brings forth all manner of Evils is most evident, seeing no Dead Body is capable of Sickness; this being the true only Reason to be given, that the Principal Contrive [...] thereof, viz. the Archeus or Vital Spirit is wanting.

For the Forbidden Fruit which Adam took into his Stomach, having a Power inserted into it of stirring up Lust, or Concupiscence (The Omnipotent for that Reason giving Advertisement to Man not to meddle with) was appropriated; and applicated by means [Page 17] of the Animal Spirits to the Immortal Soul; whereby it presently sets up Images of filthy Diseases, forthwith entertaining the Sensu­al Soul common to all Beasts; being then, so continuing to this day the Fundamental Cause of all Calamities.

I assert; the Irregular Imagination of the Living Spirit of Man in the Stomach, chiefly the Brain, and every Part besides, doth first set on work every Infirmity seizing upon us; which at first seems very inconsiderable, but in process, through the uncessant Motion of the First Mover, it arrives to a great Height of Malignity, as appears by various sad Sym­toms, Accidents, and Products to be di­stinguished precisely from the Substantial Being of Diseases.

For Example, A Stone in the Kidneys, Bladder, or elsewhere, likewise any congeal­ed Matter, or Cancrous hollowness are not Diseases, but the Products, Effects, or Fruits thereof. The Petrifying Imaginary Seed, closely seated in the Archeus, is that which first laid the Foundation of the Stone, carrying the same on, as it began, to full growth: so that although the Stone be re­moved out of the Kidneys, as long as there remains that stonifying Seed, or invisible Be­ginning, the Person before rid of this hard Concretion, may ere long (if the Idea, the [Page 18] Principle of the Congealing be not absolutly brought to naught, or blotted out) be vex­ed, tortured or crucified with the like de­formed Matter again.

That the Archeus should be put into such a disturbance or Passion through any disor­ders in Diet, &c. as to frame within its own Bowels such a dreadful, unhandsome Sub­stance, is to be lamented, but that the Semi­nal Character of the Stone should be contri­ved, fomented, born with us, taking deep root, as we grow up, is far more deplorable.

For Diseased Seminal Ideas derived from the Matrice are hardly to be razed out: they are so incorporated with our Constitutes, challenging as great priviledge to act their part upon the Stage of this Little World in an uniform Manner, and Dress; though depraved, as Nature in its Integrity, direct­ed by wholsome Images, performs all things orderly, according to just proportion and ap­proved Rules of Sanity.

At that very time, when the chief Author moulds the Seed, containing the shadowed Likeness of what is to be made capable of a perfect Form, doth the same Workmaster draw the Pourtraiture of those manifold Mischiefs, which happen to Body and Mind many years after. So fixed are those Heredi­tary Miseries, that although the whole Mass [Page 19] of every Numerical Part of the Body be changed again and again, yet the Radical Tincture or dye of the Congenite Disease shall remain, ready to put forth it self, flou­rish, spread into various Branches, and Fruits, when the full time is come that it meets with an Outward Cause to stir it up.

This is demonstrable in the Gout, the Stone, Consumption, Madness, Small Pox, &c. whose Images for some years lie as it were asleep, till they be roused up through some Provocative Occasions.

The Idea's of Evils, which the Archeus contrives when we are come out of the Womb abroad in the open Aire are flitting, may easily be blurred, wiped off by a stron­ger Figure: these often interfeering each o­ther, at length clash together, and both be­come annihilated.

Infinite are the Number of Idea's or Re­presentations made by a Working Phansie, some of which are no sooner framed, but strait vanish, becoming Non Entia: for they are momentany, and easily thrust out by the next Successour. But when any Object shall often savourly and seriously affect us; then the Representation of the same doth take deep Roots in the Spirit, altering the Tex­ture of the Blood, Latex or Lympha; so that according to the Species of the Immoderate [Page 20] Passion, and the Picture thereof drawn either in the Innate Archeus, or that continually repaired, different Accidents, Symptomes, Signs and Effects arise.

That all Diseases have a Type, Copy, or Example set, (according to which the Ar­cheus that first moulded it, acts) may be con­firmed by the Uniformity, Regular Motion, Inseparable Appearances or Signs belonging to them, from which they receive a Name proper to their Nature: Those tell us of what kind the Sickness is, insomuch a Ju­dicious Physitian is able as well to make di­stinction, between one Maladie and ano­ther, as between a Pippin and a Pearmain; an Almond and a Chesnut; likewise to sort them into several Kinds, Classes, Forms, Degrees; a thing never to be done, if there were not a certain Director, Informer, o [...] first Mover, that laid a Platsom of whatsoe­ver Grief, depending upon an Efficient and Material Cause, as all other Sublunaries.

Again that the Archeus doth first make a draught of the Evil in self, working after­ward accordingly to its own Hurt or De­struction, may be proved by that Intermissi­on, Silence, we find in Feavers, Falling-sick­ness, Gout, Stone, Convulsions Tissick, &c. which as it were sleep for some time, then awake, repeating their former Tragical [Page 21] Act exactly. Certainly if there were not an Agent lead by a strict Rule, it were impossi­ble such a constant Mode and Method could be observed in the Beginning, Progress, Height, Declension, and Determination of Maladies.

Briefly therefore the true Efficient with the Material Cause of all Diseases is, not any Distemper of the Elementary Qualites, not any of the supposed four Humours derived from the four Elements, not Salt, Sulphur, Mercury, &c. not any thing meerly Excre­mentitious, Vexatious, Ambient: but the Vital Spirit stirred up to Indignation, Fear, &c. by some loathsome tedious Object pre­sent: whereupon it makes the very shape, planting the Seed of the Maladie in some Portion of that Aetherial Blast, separated from that in Integrity: upon which Matter, as a Patient, the Seminal Ideal Agent works shooting forth those Manifold Fruits or Ap­pearances in Sickness.

CHAP IV. Of the Therapeutick, or Healing Method.
1. Of Diet in General, respecting the Pre­vention, and Sanation of Mans Infir­mities.

THe Immediate Undoubted Cause of all Diseases made Manifest, their Cure will become more Easie, to the Purpose, Speedy, with less Danger, and Loathsom­ness.

There are two Capital principal Indica­tions, Ends or Marks, which ought to di­rect us in the ordering our Diet as well as Pharmacy.

1. The Support of the Strength or Vital Spirits.

2. The Declining, or Eschewing what­soever is an Enemy to Nature, that Incenses, and puts it into inordinate Passions.

Laudable Diet then both Supports the Vi­tals, encreasing them, also Clarifies, Paci­fies, and Diverts them from making Hurt­ful Images; yea in some proportion Duls, Defaces, and Eclipses those already framed.

Now by Diet are comprehended all those Necessary Succours, Requisites, or Conco­mitants, [Page 23] without which, the Life of Man cannot Subsist. Namely,

1. Ingestion or taking into our Bodies, whatsoever is Alimental, or Nourishable.

2. The Egestion, or Discharge of Super­fluities arising from our Food, and the Re­tention of what is agreeable to our Nature.

3. The Rectification of the Aire.

4. The right ordering of Rest and Moti­on by Turns, in due Measure and Time.

5. A just Allowance of Sleep and Watch­ing.

Lastly, The Moderation, or Regulation of the Passions, aed Perturbations of the Mind.

In the first place, the direct way to up­hold, increase the Spirits, to keep them Clear, Bright, and free from unreasonable, Sickly, Turbulent, Melancholy Idea's, or Impressions, is to have an especial Care of the Fountain, from whence these subtil Par­ticles spring, i. e. the Stomach. This Noble Part is with Care and Tenderness to be re­spected above any other: for this purpose nothing is to be taken, offending it, either in Quality or Quantity. Neither is the Sub­stance and Quality of any Nourishable, to be insisted upon so much, as the just Quanti­ty we are to observe: for if the Stomach earnestly desire what is generally Reputed to [Page 24] be hard of Digestion, or to afford bad Ali­ment; notwithstanding if there be an ea­ger Appetite to the same, this Noble Part is to be indulged, or favoured in such a Case; only allowing a lesser Quantity. Doubtless this most sensible Membrane, of Exquisite Gust doth for the most part best prompt u [...] to what is for the Good of the whole: so that giving a Repulse or Check to a vehement Appetite, hunting after any thing eatable, or drinkable, we oftentimes cause a cloudi­ness, dulness, sullenness, and darkness in the Vital Spirits, bringing them into such a disor­der, that they Coin many foul, black Images, whereas, if the Archeus of this eminent Ven­tricle were gratified and humoured, in what it extreamly desires, there would be a sere­nity and lustre in the Spirits, and then al [...] Actions executed with more strength.

The severity of some Physitians in forbid­ding their Patients to eat that to which their Appetite is exceedingly addicted, hath caused no small discommodity. Neither do they less offend who strictly impose upon them such a Diet, as they, according to some ge­neral Rules, apprehend most fitting, deri­ved from bare Qualities of Heat and Cold, &c. not considering that in all Diseases, e­specially those of long duration, enquiry ought to be made to what Diet the Sick is [Page 25] most naturally inclined to, and accustomed, what his Gust doth best relish, then accor­ding to that account to grant him some small Portion of what he eagerly covets, although usually reckoned amongst Food of hard Di­gestion, of ill juice, of bad quality, or very Hot, &c. For none can give better Argu­ments of a Diet, more proper for the satisfy­ing the Appetite, than a Man himself, espe­cially if he be of years, carefully taking no­tice what doth most agree with the Genius of his Stomach.

I have known Posset-drink, out of an in­tent to cool, prescribed by some Doctors, Humorists, (without farther Examination of an Antipathy thereto) even to the endan­gering the Life, in Malignant, ill-condition­ed Feavers. Such Darkness hath forthwith seized upon their Spirits, and such Loath­some foul Shapes have been delineated there­by: that they have approached the shadow of Death, undoubtedly perishing, had not prevalent Art blotted out speedily those de­formed Figures. So hazardous it is to with­hold what Nature doth most Sympathize with, or to offer what it bears an inbred Ha­tred to. This certainly is to be known by a Mans own Experience, whether he have an absolute dislike to Honey, an Egg, Sider, any Spice, &c.

[Page 26]For this Reason (methinks) 'tis great vanity in those, who will undertake to be Magisterial, and over-rule Persons in Diet, more able to judge of this Matter than Physitians: who presume, no less ridi­culously, than ignorantly, to enjoyn Iohn, Thomas, William, the same Food, Order, Season, and Measure, of taking it alike, with­out having respect to any Individual or Pe­culiar Stamp made upon the Spirits in the Womb, whence Qot Homines, Tot Diaetae observendae: As many Men as there are in the World, so many inseparable Properties are to be indulged as to the election of Eat­ing and Drinking this or that.

If our Galenical Physitians (who stand so much upon their bare Qualities of Heat and Cold in the Cure of Griefs, according to the Rule of Contraries, directing them as they say, but upon false grounds, to extinguish one by another) did rather aim at the Cancel­ling and blotting out these perverse, deform­ed, crooked Impresses or Characters born with us, and in process growing up to such a height, insomuch that they become un­conquerable, Mortals would certainly enjoy both a sounder Body and Mind, be free from Melancholy, enjoying far more clearness of Spirit.

I am Confident that the Stomach, whose [Page 27] Digestive properly is utterly estranged by a Feaver, or long Imbecillity, being whetted by a strong affection may alter a Red-her­ring, Oysters, a Lobster, &c. better than Veal, Chicken, Broth, Gellies, or any such contrived Cookeries. Therefore to urge the Sick to Eat Sodden, when he lusts after Roasted; or Liquid, when he requires Solid, is to cross Nature, supposed either can be made fit for nourishment.

In all those states wherein I find the In­firm Person's Stomach uncapable to make a formal chang of the Food, for want of a kind­ly Ferment or Dissolvent (as for Example, in all Feavers, and very ill habits of Bodies) there I generally injoyn the best Liquors, a­bounding with good Spirits, easily to be al­tered into the Vitals, leaving no considerate foulness or dross behind (the watrish part entering into the Vessels carrying off some Superfluities it meets with, by Urine and Sweat) so that my Practice hath taught me many years what Hippo. hath delivered, Fa­cilius est refici potu quum cibo. The Vital steam is with more speed refreshed, and longer maintained by Spirituous Liquors, than by Flesh, or its Juices, which for want of, a Living Dissolvent, requisite for this chief Cook-room, become Degenerate, Dead, and stinking; whereupon a Feaver is added [Page 28] to a Feaver, the Archeus being encreased in its Fury, makes Idea's of Weakness, De­spair, and Confusion, according to the Truth of the Old Man, Siquis in febre cibum de de­rit, valenti Robur Aegrotanti Morbus. Yet the custome and Authority of Malepracti­cants is so powerful, that the Sick thinks he must be weakned, if he eat not Broth of Flesh, Caudels, Water-gruel, &c. which those Diet-mongers have justified (contrary to the Aphoris.) will turn into Nourishment whereas the Stomach hereby becomes more weakened, Excrements engendered abun­dantly, the rage of the Archeus advanced hence arise Misty, Gloomy Representations, eclipsing the Sun of Life, raising as it were a filthy fog in the Archeus, so that it cannot see how to rectifie its Erroneous Idea's, suf­fering them to become more fixed.

No less Mischievous is the Galenical Doct­rine of Cooling Liquors in Feavers, viz. their Maukish, Spiritless, Dull, Flat Posset-drink, Small-beer, Barly-water, loathsome Decoct­ions of cooling crude Herbs, Pippin Liquors, and the like, which starve the Vital Spirit, bringing a numness upon it, that it cannot do any thing effectually for the expulsion of its Enemy: They likewise wedge in the ill Juices, so that either Nature is totally op­pressed, yielding to its Fate, or led Captive [Page 29] by a long Disease, the Common Event of their Mortiferous Method.

Whosoever then falls into a Feaver, or any other Calamity, I advise him (upon Fundamental Trials made many years) to a­void the aforesaid poor Starvling Liquors, to apply himself to the drinking of that, which will enable the Archeus strongly to resist its Enemy, to frame benign, clear, lightsome Imaginations tending to Health, to subdue the detestable filthy Matter, holding no com­munion with Life, by Sweat, Urine, Spit­ting, Vomiting, or Stool: Yet still let Mo­deration be the Guide in all things, for the most Commendable things may be abused, witness those to whom I allowed to drink now and then a Glass of Sack in a high Fea­ver, who unadvisedly fortewith poured down a whole Quart-bottle to their Pre­judice.

As I never forbid any in a Feaver good Strong Liquors, to quench Thirst, to strengthen the Stomach and Spirits: So I admonish all to make use of Temperance: Neither do I prohibit Broaths, Collises, Eggs in any Maladie, &c. upon any other account, but that they become corrupt in a Stomach, whose Ferment cannot turn them into a nourishable Juice.

He that will take a course to obtain Iu­ventutem [Page 30] in Senectute, to be young and chearful when Old, must have respect to Senectutem in Iuventute, careful to be Tem­perate, Sober, and Discreet, as some Old Men are.

Could we but know our selves aright so far, as to command our greedy Appetite, not to devour more than the Ferment of this [...] is able to conquer, we should frustrate the Common Saying; Plu­res Gula quam Gladius: Multitude of Evils of Body and Mind might be prevented and remedyed.

For sith Natura paucis contenta est; 'tis far better in Eating and Drinking to subsist on this side the Golden Rule of Mediocrity than to transgress beyond: that being more easily corected.

A peculiar Robust Constitution; the course of Life we follow; the Exercise we use; the Region or place we inhabit; the Air we suck into our Lungs; the Agility or Dulness; the Alacrity or Indisposition, we find the morning following the foregoing days Diet, Dictate what Quantity of Food, of what Quality, and at what time we ought to Eat: thus accordingly we are to Regulate and Reform what is amiss.

One of an Athletick Body labouring hard, living in a Mountainous, Clear, Temperate [Page 31] Aire, or much conversant at Sea, Lively, Airy and Spiriteful after Sleep, may justly challenge a greater share of Aliment than a Weakly, Lumpish, Drousie Habit, addict­ed to a Sedentary Studious Life, in a Popu­lous City, or any Fenny Foggy Countrey, remote from the Sea: For I find▪ generally that, Aqua praecipue Marina promovet Dige­stionem. The Agitation of the Body by Nep­tune's Ebullition, the Recentation of the Aire, those Copious Volatile Particles of Acid and Alkali in the Ambient, do power­fully corroborate the Ferments of Digesti­on, carry off insensibly any Recrements with­out any Coagulation or Dreggy Settling left behind: so that many can eat without Dis­commodity Quintuple the portion at Sea, a­bove that at Land.

Large Morning Draughts are for the most part very injurious, likewise frequent Drinking between Meals; for the kindly Dissolution of the Food is retarded hereby, the Fibers of the Stomach by degrees made Flaccid, and the Tone Debilitated. One Meal a day discreetly modefied, and with one or two short snaps beside, may [...] very well suffice most men, using but gentle Motion, and living in places where the Aire is saturated with abundant Exhalations.

[Page 32]Let him beware to eat unless his Appetite invites him, then not till he be glutted; Com­medat non quidem ad repletionem cavitatis Stomachi▪ nec ad voluptatis sive gustus dicta­men. 'Tis the misery of many to have better Appetites, than Nigestions, which is the frequent cause that many raw Juices are con­tracted, the Body becoming more clogged, ponderous and indisposed to stir; for if no more Food be taken in than can be through­ly altered (Excrementitious Superfluitie [...] being sent packing insensibly) one will con­tinue the same weight, or little different many mornings togehter: if otherwise any Caput Mort or Dreggy substance remain be­hind indigested, the Spirits become Dull, Cloudy, and Obscure, and the whole Mass Lumpish and Heavy.

Mastication an exact chewing of what we eat, doth exceedingly avail to a happy Di­gestion: for he that hastily gobleth in his Food, had need to have a Cormorants or an Ostritch's Dissolvent in his Stomach.

Variety of Dishes is a Lure to make us Eat more than ordinary, and a means to pester the Stomach with more than it can Digest, to make a confusion in the separation: so that which is raw being blended with what is duly changed, both are thrown off with­out Distinction. The plainest simple, Home­bred [Page 33] Food is generally to be preferred for holsomness, before the fine, pampering, curi­ously-dressed, far-fetched Dainties. Beef, Mutton rightly prepared before Partrid­ges, Pheasants, &c. Brown Bread Leavened before White.

That Tyrannical, Severe. Overbusie Pre­cepts the Galenists enjoyn their Patients, is to be rejected, for misere vivit qui medice vivit. To be rigidly kept from what is Law­ful and Useful (for want of fitting Reme­dies) is little better than a Turkish Slavery.

Celsus his Rule, Not to be much solicitous or curious in Diet (supposed some measure be observed) is to be embraced by every man who enjoys a competent Health: Yea sith they who are oppressed with any great Sickness (Nature becoming prostrate, sub­ject to the Dominion of the Enemy) can never be cured by the strictest Government in their Food: Therefore even those (when the Maladie shall meet with Remedies able to over power it, ought to take liberty to gratifie their Appetite, and sometimes to in­dulge their Genius more liberally than ordi­nary, with what it is greatly affected: For how often hath it been known the thing the Physitian hath sternly forbidden upon pain of Death, that the same being either secretly stoln by the Patient, or privately of­fered [Page 34] by the Nurse, or some Friends, hath proved the unexpected Means to make Na­ture Mistress of the Disease, the Vital Spirits hereby highly exalted at the presence of that which doth so match their Inclination and vehement Longing, in so much that they have taken Courage, and scattered those black clouds of mischievous Idea's, enter­taining instead thereof, clear, bright Images tending to health. It is no small prudence in a Physitian, to examine to what Diet the sick person hath accustomed bimself, for saith Hippo. Quarum rerum inveteravit Consuetu­do, quamvis deteriores sint illae, minus tamen insuetis male afficiunt. Aphor. 5. lib. 2.

In this case we ought sometimes not so punctually to stand upon what is Holsome, as what is Customary: nor is this any Argu­ment to allow of Poison, Chaulk, Tobacco, Tiles or Coles which some to Admiration have frequently devoured in great quantity, without a mortal Event. But the question is what Indifferent Food may be commended, dispensed, and afforded to the Infirm in rela­tion to custome, and a strong desire, with a capacity of digesting it: for these Considera­tions laid aside, it were by no means to be granted.

In Conclusion I advise that Curiosity, Seve­rity, Nicety in Diet be laid aside; that the [Page 35] Physitian, as well as the Patient, insist upon what the Importunity of the Appetite dict­ [...]tes, the Custome of any Food doth urge, [...]nd the largness of Digestion may permit: [...]or what is earnestly desired, doth conduce to [...] better Alteration; what is well Altered, doth encrease the Vitals, otherwise it doth [...]ut strengthen the Disease & weaken Nature.

It is as possible that flesh thrown into the [...]ennel should not corrupt lying there long, [...]s that food taken into a stomach deprived in greatest part of its Dissolvent or Ferment, [...]hould not Cadaverate or Putrifie; whereup­on the former Calamity is augmented by ano­ [...]her. Not how much we eat, but what is accu­ [...]ately prepared in this Vital Kitchen, is chief­ [...]y to be considered. Veins, Arteries, Nerves, Ligaments, Gristles, Bones are all beholding [...]he Blood and Spirits for their happy subsist­ [...]nce, and those to the Stomach. Wherefore [...] any aim at a comfortable life, ut sit mens sa­ [...]a in corpore sano, let him avoid excess in [...]o­ [...]d and liquid Diet, but especially the first. [...]et him endeavour so far to understand him­ [...]elf, or be governed by those who are know­ [...]ng her in▪ that no more ought to be put in­ [...]o this Membranous Body, than what it's able [...]o convert into a laudable substance for the [...]ood of the whole. Neither let any one [...]hink to be rightly instructed by the Galen­ists, [Page 36] sith they prescribe a Diet according to false Suppositions of Heat and Cold, Recollae [...] nowhere active of themselves in the produ­cing any vital Ens: But let the upright Philo­sophical Chymist be heard, who gives Coun­sel according as the Spirits and their Instru­ments shall dictate. Hereby no considerable Eerror can be committed in the Superstruct­ure as long as the Foundation is so strong.

CHAP. V.

THe next thing Diaetetical to be consider­ed, tending to the bene esse, or Well­fare of mans life, is Evacuation of what is Superfluous or Excrementitious, and the Retention of a Salubrious and Friendly Mat­ter, for the Sustentation of a commodious prosperous Health. That all Foulness (in no wise to be taken into the custody of the Vitals) may be discharged, Secretion or Separation is to be made of Good from Bad, of Pure from Impure, by the Active Separa­tor the Archeus: for when any thing reject­aneous is thrown off promiscuously with any laudable Sudstance fitting to be conserved, many inconveniencies follow, as is frequent­ly observed by the more acute Physitians in Haemorrhagies, or Fluxes, both natural, and [Page 37] Artificial; for what can be more absurd than [...]o cast away the Wheat with Chaff, the Spi­rit of Wine with the stinking dreggy Sulphur.

Now Superfluities the more they are rare­fied, and volatilized by kindly Ferments, the [...]ooner they are difflated or sent packing by Respiration, and Transpiration through the habit of the Body, without the least remain­der of a gross Dregg, in which if it fail, there forthwith follows a declination from Integri­ [...]y, a brisk sound constitution of body, be­coming, according to Statica Medicina, a little more dull and ponderous; if then a consider­able quantity of this filthy setling be accumu­ [...]ated, the occasional cause of a disease is hatch­ing, which if not timely prevented, breaks forth actually, disturbing the Oeconomy of [...]his admirable Frame. Wherefore due cauti­on is to be taken that we ingest not any thing not capable to be digested, that Excrements be strictly egested, or voided by Stool (for ventris torpor omnium confusio) Urine, Expect­oration, sometimes easie Vomiting or Uni­versal Cutaneous Breathing: For the promo­ [...]ion of which, where Nature is difficient, Art ought to supply. A Soluble Belly, and easie transpirable Skin doth much conduce to a Healthful Life. For want whereof, Pil. Poly­chrest and Tinctur. Polychrest, not omitting sometimes Glysters, and Bathing, do much [Page 38] conduce. In Women the Monthly Terms ought to have their just course: If they come short, Elix. propri. Sulphur. Mar. Philosophi­cally prepared do much avail. Also the In­ward Haemorrhoides or Piles opened are to be indulged: for the draning of these, a gen­tle frication to and fro with a Tuft of Grass, when the Fundament is open, is of singular use where there is any propensity in Nature to evacuate foeculent, fretting blood, from the Mesentary or Spleen; I look upon this as a most noble Emunctory to disburden each. Neither ought a supurfluity of Seed to be kept too long in peculiar Bodies, especially if there be danger it may contract an ill odour to the Annoyance of the Kidneys, Spleen, Head: for seeing the Testicles have no small influence upon the parts tending to their hap­piness, if they be in their right Tone, certainly then if out of order they dart hurtful beams to the notable damage of that Organ where they lights. Have a care of transgressing herein too much, for that confounds all.

One thing I must by the way urge, that Physitians have a special care, how they make a Retention of any Degenerate, Malignant Impurities by Astringents, or Opiates, with­out removing the Cause, from whence they flow. The only way to perform this aright, is to pacifie the Arci [...]s, to amend the exor­bitancy [Page 39] of the Ferments, to strengthen Na­ture to carry off at the same time that in a larger quantity with succeeding ease, which before came away by little portions, in a drib­ling manner, without any redress to the de­bilitating the Vitals. Then no doubt the Fi­bers of the Stomach, and other parts, will be corroborated, (the Morbisick occasion of their weakness being sequestred.)

To cleanse away every morning with a Linnen course cloath any cl [...]mmy soulness from the three notable Emunctories, as the Groin, Armpits, Neck, doth somewhat help to preserve from Sickness. The scraping the tongue fasting, ridding it from a viscous im­purity, doth not only profit for the keeping from a Squinsie, but also other Inconveni­encies.

Salt of Pot-ash calcined, mixed with five or six times the quantity of Almond Cake pou­dred fine, doth scour the Mouth, if a little thereof be taken with three or four spoon­fuls of water gargarized and rubbed with the Finger. Note sharp Liquors are offensive to the Teeth, but Alkalies friendly to them.

CHAP. VI.

THe third Diaetetical necessary Support­ter of a happy life, and Restorer of it [Page 40] when impaired, is good Aire, which if con­gruous to the Lungs is as welcome to it, as some Food to a rightly disposed Stomach. What Famous Cures holsome Air, with Mi­neral Waters, have effected, is well known to those, whom the Galenists have left as de­sparate: for whereas they at first upon a false Supposition that the Air did chiefly conduce to the cooling of the Heart, and explosion of Fuliginous Particles generated from excessive Heat, did take their Indication of cooling more or less according as any Febrile Disease did invade the Patient (but all in vain having exhausted both the Strength and Purse of the Sick Person) thus missing a sanative End, they at length study to find out some pure Aire, to which they commit the Patient, although often too late to be Cured) yet is he some­times beyond expectation revived (even to their astonishment) who are ignorant of the true cause thereof. For those Coagulations, dreggy grosness in the Blood (rather augmen­ted than diminished by faeculent Medicaments Enemies to the Stomach) are by the subtil Ambient dissolved, rarefied, volatilized and sent packing without any filthy settling left behind. Hereby the Stomach recovers its Di­gestion, and the Blood runs freely in its pro­per Channels, so powerful is the Air with the Ferments to refine the Juices, attenuat­ing [Page 41] all tenacious Matter residing in them, or lurking about the Spleen or Stomach, whose Appetite and Digestion are much advanced or depressed, according as the Ambient is Thin or Thick, Defaecated or Dreggy. This great Separator of Moisture doth in some places so rarefie and consume the solid Nutri­ment of Mans Body, that although he eat plentifully, Quadruple to what he doth at o­ther times in some Regions, yet shall he con­tinue in perfect health, obtaining the same weight of Body, he had some weeks before: (few visible Excrements in comparison of those insensibly dissipated to be discovered.)

This is the happy effect of subtil, fresh, well clarified, often changed, cold, piercing Aire, grateful to the Lungs: on the other side, where this Ambient is gross, restagnant, stuffed full of foul corpuscles, to which one is confined, misty or foggy, many discommo­dities of Health ensue, as dull Appetite, In digestion, crudities, contamination of the of the Blood, flatness, heaviness of the Spirits, depravation of the Ferments, whence troops of Diseases invade us.

Where the Atmosphere is well qualified, and constituted, men enjoy length of days, as well as at present a sound Body, where 'tis otherwise disposed, the thread of Life is shortned.

[Page 42]In general, the Aire destitute of Noisome Exhalations from the Earth and endued with Benevolent Influences from the Heavens is profitable for the Lungs. In particular, that Air chiefly concerns the preservation from Sickness, and the Restauration of Sanity, which doth best agree with the Individual, whose approbation comes from Experience. For there is a Natural appetite in the Lungs of some, to embrace this or that Air above another, as it is inhaerent in the Stomach to be affected with certain peculiar kinds of meat.

Where the Aire is culpable, Art ought to amend it, which is done by imitating Nature, ventilating it when restagnant, heating and subtillizing it by good Fires when 'tis cold or gross, consuming or putting to flight stinking Particles by the diffusion of acceptable good Odours. If the Air abound with excessively Acid, or foul Nitrosulphurious Atoms it is to be rectified with the breath of the most re­fined Askali's and the Fumes of well cor­rected Sulphurs. By this means many Disea­ses may be prevented, and in some sort cured.

CHAP. VII.

THe fourth Assistanting to a Comfortable Life, is Exercise and Rest, which ought [Page 43] to succeed each other by turns, Quod caret alterna requie durabile non est. Now Motion is previous to Rest, for the first Symptoms of Life arise from a Loeo Motive Faculty.

We shall not here examine Aristotles Defi­nition of Nature, i. e. The Principle of Mo­tion and Rest; but rather insist upon the Modification or Regulation of Motion, as it tends to the Health of Man. Of so great use is Motion or Exercise, that the Wise Creator ordained Respiration, and Pulsation to con­tinue constantly for our Vital pre [...]ervati­on through the whole course of our Life; so that we Live no longer, when the Heart and Lungs do quite give over the faculty of Mo­ving. Every one then ought to take singular care that Circulation of the Blood may be in no wise intercepted, nor free Breathing be intermitted: for that purpose the Exercise of the Muscles of the Limbs, gentle and sweet Recreation of the Mind do avail.

Moderate Equal Diaphoretick, Alterative and duly Excitative Labor joyned with plea­sant, variable, admirable, rare and desirable Objects doth Expand and Dilate the Lungs and Arteries, whereby the Breast becomes [...], the Arteries Emicant.

Nothing promotes these Actions better than cheerfulness or temparate Joy, constant love of what is truly amiable, never to be repent­ed [Page 44] of, A probable hope of some good not long to be deferred, at length a sweet enjoy­ment of that which is durable, and capable to usher in better things: For I am of a very brave Man's Opinion; The Comfort of our whole Life depends upon expectation of bet­ter things. Also Magnanimity or Courage founded upon Virtuous Enterprizes, aspiring to Noble Designs, for a Publick as well as Pri­vate Interest, do sweetly enlarge the Spirits, quickning the Ferments, causing an expulsi­on of Superfluities: Yea just Indignation, kept within its due Limits, facilitates Respi­ration, Transpiration and Pulsation.

On the contrary, Fear, Sorrow, Melancho­ly, Hatred, Jealousie, Envy contract the Di­aphragme, and the Muscles of the Breast, hindering legitimate breathing, occasioning an Immature Importunate Systole, or a Su­pine Connivence in the Arteries.

It is not amiss sometimes to be transported beyond the common bounds of Moderation; to be agitated with some Extraordinary passi­on of the mind, and to sustain tedious Labor, that the sweeter composition of Mind, and most delightful rest of Body may follow; sith one constant strict tenor pertaining to Diet is hardly to be obtained, without greater damage, whensoever we offend, not to be avoided by any Man, who hath a Pub­lick [Page 45] Employment, or a secular Interest to look after: so that it is better to be accustomed to any Exercise or labour of Bo­dy and mind voluntarily, least we be surpriz'd unawares unwillingly to our notable hurt.

I advise those parts should undergo most gentle Exercise, which are weakest; to walk oftner upon the lower Limbs when they are somewhat feeble; to move rather the Arms and Hands when incident to a debility, lest the stronger by motion defraud the weaker, and so Alogotrophia or disproportion in the nourishment of parts follow.

I approve Frication of all parts, especially three noted Emunctories; the Groin, Arm­pits, and Neck with a course Cloath, with­out curious superstition of rigtht oblique or transverse Directions.

Combing the Head every Morning is an exercise profitable for the Brain and upper Limbs encreasing their vigour and opening the Pores for the emission of Excrements en­gendred in the sixt Digestion, which is not a little depraved by a superfluous covering, so that the Brain through too much Heat be­comes Effeminate, Soft and Imprudent.

Let every man make choice of that Exer­cise or Recreation he is most inclined, most agreeable to his Constitution, whereby he is most relieved.

CHAP. VIII.

THe fifth inseparable Companion of our Life neerly related to Exercise and Mo­tion is Sleeping and Waking. These make almost a Divident of the Life of this Mi­crocosm: And happy it is for Man, that the first was Instituted, sith great are the Cares of miserable Mortals, that he hath reason to bless his Creator that he can fall into a sweet Lethean Sleep, which, like a short Death, de­prives him of Sorrow and Anguish of Spirit. Pax Animi quem cura fugit. Albeit great is the comfort of a moderate Sleep, as to the re­freshment of Body and Mind, whereby they are enabled to execute their Faculties and Offices more vigorously awake; yet no small are the Discommodities brought upon us by excess therein, as an Indisposition to follow Ingenious Arts or Sciences, a Stupidity to comprehend the Truth of things, Forgetful­ness, Supinity, or Indifferences what be­comes of our future State, leaving Affairs in a confused condition, Indigested and Despe­rate. It heaps up Crudities, flats the Arche­us, hinders the Expulsion of Superfluities, makes the Body Woman-like, Delicate, Ten­der, Wanton, unfit for any Noble Enter­prize, accumulates Excrements, yielding a­bundant [Page 47] Matter for all sorts of Diseases, &c. Excess also in Waking is accompanied with multitude of ill Consequents, Impovrish­ment and Distraction of the Spirits, Absurd Idea's, Indigestion, an Augmentation of A-aids Hypochondriack Fits, Melancholy and Madness.

CAAP. IX.

THe last Inseparable Concomitant of Life to be Insisted upon, whereby our con­dition is made better or worse, according as we govern them well or ill, is our Passions; which, if they move regularly, produce a sweet Tranquility in the Mind, and a Salu­brity in the Body: but if extravagant, flying out beyond their bounds, they confound the whole Oeconomy of this Admirable Frame. The Stoicks seem to endeavour to deprive themselves of a Sensitive Life, when they would have a man to be [...]. This is all one as not to take notice of any thing ad­verse to Nature: for it is impossible for a Man Apprehensible and Imaginable, not to be moved by the Object, he apprehends or Ima­gines; as it is pleasing or distastful, so he de­sires it, or abhors it, the Affections hereby set on work, great reluctancy, effervescence [Page 48] perturbation arise in the Spirits which some­times strangly alter the Texture and Crasis of the Blood. The Idea's or Images of Sorow, Fear, Anger, Joy, Jealousie, Hatred, Emula­tion are sometimes so fixed in the Animals, that they become indeleble: hence vain Ima­ginations of the whole Man, Dotage, Melan­choly and Furie are Emicant: neither do the absurd Conceptions, and vain Imaginatiors of the whole Man only cause disturbance in the Stomack or Brain, Storms or Tempests in the Universal Archeus, but likewise the Spi­rit of every part frameth particular Images of Indignation, Fear, &c.

Any Spinous, acculeating, or pricking Matter in any particular part, presently puts the Vital Spirit there into a passion, the Ar­cheus of the Eye is forthwith put into an in­dignation, when an Extimulating Fretting Liquor is either injected into it, or engen­dred in it, through a fault in its peculiar De­gestion: whereupon the Lympha, Latex, or the Wheyish Humour is lured or summoned for the Ablution of this Blot, or Defect, which when it cannot perform, the Ocular Water, as well as the Nourishment thereof, is depraved, through the ringing Attrition of the Sensitive Spirit, which ought by all means to be pacified. The like Perturbation is observed to be raised in the Archeus of the [Page 49] Ear, Nose, Windpipe, &c. when any trou­blesome cause ariseth there. 'Tis certainly true, Omne Vivens Mortui impatiens esse so­let. Whatsoever is alienated from Life, en­gendred either within, assumed or injected from without, brings, sometimes sooner or sometimes latter, the Custos of the Whole or Part into an Inquietude. For this reason Cantharides applyed, raise Blisters in the Skin of a Living Body: from the same cause do vi­rulent Animals, Vegetables or Minerals, ta­ken inwardly, Purge violently; for as much as the Sensitive Spirit falls into an indigna­tion at the presence of that it abhors, so makes a confusion of the holsome Juices by Colliquating, and Putrefying them. Hereup­on so little benefit arises from things meerly loosening the Body: the Principal Agent be­ing exasperated by what is contrary to its Texture and Nature. After this rate did I be­gin my Practice, being taught no better, than to give many Stools or Vomits, with­out indulging or pleasing this great Presi­dent, which, as I have often proved, is the Supreme cause of Sanity and Infirmity. But afterward instructed by a far more able Tu­tor, than the Schools, I began to correct my former Traditional Error, following the sure Thread of repeated Experiments; so that at length I never gave any Solutive not fitting [Page 50] to Corroborate the Stomach, not friendly to the Ferments and Vitals. Before I took this course, all frequent Laxatives were fruitless, because they did anger and enrage the Ar­cheus, stirring up Storms and Tempest in the Microcosm, instead of a sweet Tranquili­ty. By this means the Idea's of the Phantasie ingeneral were rectified and clarified, after that the Spirits in particular places were com­posed aright. He that desires to be free from absurd Melancholy thoughts, furious passi­ons and perturbations, let him take Eustoma­chical Benign, Benevolent Remedies, suffici­ent always to cleanse away Impurities, with­out causing Hatred, Frowardness or high Displeasure in Nature, whose genuine course is to be observed without putting her to any violent stress, or compulsion.

CHAP. X. The Pharmaceutick, or upright Method of Cu­ring Diseases by Medicines in general.

HOw the Galenists have been mistaken concerning the Four Elements, their Mixture for the Composition of Bodies, their Contrarieties, Qualities, Complexions, de­duced from thence, how falsly they have de­livered [Page 51] them to be Principles of Natural Ex­istences, and the Causes of Sickness and Health, hath been perspicuously detected by our Philosophical Pyrotechnist: upon this foresaid rotten Foundation have they raised their Stately and Pompous Fabrick of Cu­ring, Obstinately endeavouring still to keep it up.

The Rule of Contraries derived from Ima­ginary Supposition of the Hostility and Re­luctancy of the the Four Elements (whence they say all Concretes have their Original by which they chiefly act, for the end to debel­late Mans Infirmities, hath been the bane of many Myriads. Where they find any notable heat in a Feaver, they presently take Indi­cation to cool the Body, in a degree propor­tionable to its Antagonist, in hopes thereby to reduce the Body to an Eucrasie. but still with unlucky success: For neglecting the Radical Cause, and aiming at the Abolitions of Accidents, Products or Symptoms, how can it be otherwise, but that they must needs miss the Mark, unless they hit it by casualty? A Faithful Knowing Physitian is uncon­cern'd and indifferent whether the Patient be Hot, Cold, or Temperate (as to the touch) in a Feaver; whether Thirsty or no. For as­much as he understands the same Agent that sends forth a hot Blas, doth also send some­times [Page 52] a Cold from the same Matter. He also frequently observes a Cold dead Splinter or Thorn doth Vex, Gaul, Fret the Archeus of the Finger in such a manner, that the Pulse becomes above measure Magnified, the Co­lour Rubified, the Blood incensed, the Heat Exalted: All which arise from the Material cause of the Thorn impacted: Likewise the Eye waters, smarts, abhors the Light, looks red or inflamed, from a mote or a small frag­ment of Glass, &c. Cold things; by reason of the Passion of the Ingenite Spirit, much provoked at the presence of the Guest so un­welcomed to life.

Moreover, a spark of fire, Essentially Hot, lighting upon the hand or elswhere causes a sudden shivering Coldness all over the Body. What is more frequent than to sustain a grie­vous Rigour or Coldness, even to chattering of the Teeth, from the abundance of a sup­posed humor called Choller, analogous to Fire (as they will have it) Hot and Dry. On the other side, how Hot and Dry have I known some Phlegmatick Bodies in Feavers, even beyond Cholerick? In this Case, how, without contradiction to their Theorems, can they without lethiferous Mistakes, give cooling things, for the encrease of Phlegm, and Hot for the advancement of Choller: were not this to augment the cause of the [Page 53] Disease? Is not this rather the very strait course to relieve the misaffected, to exempt the Thorn or Splinter out of the Finger? the Mote & Fragment of Class out of the Eye by proper Instruments? also to attenuate, rarifie Phlegm, to mitigate, Edulcorate, Retund and alter Choller, by what is adaequated opera­tive, for the ablution, abstersion, and carry­ing away both. Sospite Stomachi ac Naturae robore, through all the most requisite Sluces of the Body. This done (like a true Philo­sophical Artist) a sweet Tranquility appears in the Vitals, all evil Symptoms of Heat, Cold, &c. forthwith or in a very short time vanish. Neither in this case is it of Moment, whether the Remedies bringing this to pass be Hot or Cold, sith as substracting the Fuel from the Fire it will quickly be extinguished; so removing the occasional Matter of Heat, this is soon annihilated.

Did the Schools rightly comprehend, how Fire may be procured by the Rapid Collisi­on of two cold incombustible solid Bodies, as Stone and Steel, or by the long attrition of an accensible Matter, no whit hot to the touch, or by the Fermentation, Agitation, Conglomeration or Compression of Acids and Alkali's: also by Concentration of Light into a Cone, or Minute Compass, they would be better acquainted with the Cause [Page 54] of the Aestuation, Effervescence, and Accen­sion of the Vital Spirits in Feavers; hereby suitable Remedies might be provided.

When at any time the Genuine, Domestick Spirits of the Microcosm, and a Wild Exo­tick Gas meeting together do strike or grate one upon another in a confused whirled man­ner: there strait breaks forth a preternatural heat, to be corrected by Pacifying the Vitals enraged, and enabling them to profligate or subjugate this hardly tameable, both subtil Wild Spirit, and the matter from whence it emerges; which is never to be accomplish­ed by Cooling Prescriptions, but by that which pleases the Archeus, indulging it ex­ceedingly.

If degenerate Salts, Acid or Alkali couch­ed in a rotten Matter, create Thirst, or exces­sive Heat by framing a Tumult in the Ani­mals, whatsoever doth correct the same is to be embraced indifferently whether hot or cold. 'Tis enough if I can attain my Grand Intention, the ablation of the Nocuous Ther­mopoietick Matter, the Substance on which all Qualities, Accidents depend. If I can compass this Fundamentally, why do the Galenists wilfully blind, cavil and rail at my Elaborate Preparations, as violently Hot, Burning, Drying, Inflaming, when they can­not but be informed that I, spurning at their [Page 55] Silly, Insignificant Qualities of Heat and Cold (as to Essential Cures) I Extirpate all Feavers by amotion, and abandoning the O­riginal Exciter thereof: But in this state I renounce all Dreggy, Drossy, Indigested, Extimulating, Fretting Saline, Unclean, Malignant, Virulent Medicaments which frequently given by them, certainly do often positively disturb the Stomach, procu­ring unkindly Heat.

'Tis not that seeming to be Hot (because it penetrates, rarefies, and affects the parts by its glowing, Spirituous Particles, as if something fiery were applied) is rashly so to be censured in Effect: But what is Im­pure, Corrosive, or Venemous, is to be Condemned, as Burdensome caco-stoma­chical, Clogging, Fretting, Vexatious, Spinous, absolutely Hostile to our Princi­ples, Putrefactive, and so Consequently, Thermopoietick.

It Argues great Incogitancy in any, to Judge of the Inward Energie of an Elabo­rate Pharmacon by the Taste, or outward apposition before the Ingredients be right­ly understood; and the exquisite Manufact­ure discovered: Some things either taste not at all, or pleasantly, yet procreate Dyscrasies, deadly Intoxicating Consequents; there is also that whose Sapour, harsh, nauseating of an [Page 56] Excelling Gust, notwithstanding Vivi­fick, Alexitery, Salutary, Eucrate in Ope­ration.

'Tis the Calamity of our Art, that the World knows not how to distinguish be­tween the Adulterate and Legitimate Tra­ctation of Chymical Works. Hereby Oppor­tunity is given to the Enemies thereof, ly­ing in Ambush, to Sally out opportunely, and Charge it fiercely, with those Crimes that their own and Vulgar Pseudochymi­cal Medicaments are guilty of. Because the Officinal mixtures are inexpertly entred upon, ill-contrived, slubbered over, indis­creetly fabricated, for that respect are too Hot, Violent, hurtful to the Stomach, leav­ing sad Impressions behind of an Inflaming, Colliquating, Tabefying Condition; ought upon this Score, our Philosophical Polyacea's acquired by Sweat, long Experience, and true Sophy of Pyrotechnie, be Sentenced as Vile, and Pernicious? Certainly, the best Sack is not ere the less to be Reckoned a Noble Cordial, because some Vintners sell Sophisticated, depraved Liquor. What is more Common at this day, than to coun­terfeit the best in its kind, through Idleness, Self-love, Avarice, and wilful Inexperi­ence?

If the Galenists would take pains them­selves, [Page 57] not fearing the choaking fumes of Charcoal, nor the Arsenical Spirits of Mi­nerals, taking the Fruits of their Labour in­to their own Bodies, before they tendered them to their Patients: Would they spare no Cost to the purchasing the best Materials; or be willing to learn of those who are able to Instruct them, then would they soon be convinced of their Folly, that what I offer the Diseased, is neither too Hot, Dange­rous or Injurious to Nature, though taken in a Quintuple Dose. Assuredly were not the Galenists most disingenuous beyond Expres­sion, they would never discover their active Ignorance thus perpetually, to contradict, oppose, and malign the Method which they cannot but be Canscious, is the Down-right, Clear, Safe, Concise way of Healing by Sup­pressing, Taming, and Profligating what is really the Occasional Matter of the Disease, according to Hippocrates, Acide, Austere, Bitter, Pontick, not Cold or Hot. Those be­ing altered and discarded by means of pow­erful, effectual, Arcana, an Eutaxie, Eucrasie, and Symetrie in the Microcosm follows.

The Good Old Man also tells us of [...] in Diseases, which I find common to all great Feavers containing a venemous Nature more or less, acting in an Extraordinary Irregular manner, different from meer degenerate [Page 58] Matter, as Acid, Bitter, &c. This sometimes if not maturely prevented, stabs the Heart a [...] it were with a Cryptick Dagger, no manifes [...] Reason derived from the Elements to be al­ledged. So Spiritual, graduated Poison is hatched in our Bodies, that it pessundates, or knocks down Animals in the twinckling of an eye.

Dares any Humourist undertake by means of Heat or Cold to overcome Arsenical, R [...] ­algar, Aconital, Opiate, Sardonian, Taxea [...], Cicutarie, Viperine, Scorpionian, Tarantula like Poisons forged by the continually mo­ving Archeus, and specified according to its Fancy?

What a Childish Conceit is it to wave the oblation of what hath an Antidotal Virtue implanted in it sufficient to mortifie the fore­said Properties, least they be too heating? What grand Do [...]age, yea Madness even to Homicide, not to permit a Cure for the scru­ple of an Idle, Vain Qualitie.?

Doth any but a Dolt fear to give Aqua-Vitae, or any Spirituous Liquors to a Lipothy­mical Person whose Vitals Wanze and Wain, imagining it may heat too much. Were our Lukewarm Physitians but as well experien­ced as Sea Chirurgeons, yea even as some of the more knowing Mariners, they would ex­tirpate Feavers here, as Calentures at Sea, by [Page 59] [...]ubtil Spirits, corrected with better Judg­ment than their Punch. For I know no solid [...]eason why our Seamen should so frequent­ [...]y miscarry in their long Voyages heretofore [...]so that hardly a competent number were [...]eft to bring home the Ship) unless this, that [...]hey take and give in Causons or Burning Feavors, apply likewise to Inflammations, Spiritous Liquors, a thousand times to be preferr'd before their Flat, Dull, Vapid, Mor­ [...]iferous, Cold Juleps, and other Insipids. If these Spirits too Hot (as they will have them) do good beyond their [...] Spi­ritless Prescriptions, what will they perform in the hand of an Adeptus, who knows how to correct and free from Impurity, Acrimony, Tenacity, too much Famelick Praedatory fa­culty (the Real Cause oftentimes of the in­dignation, consequently the excessive Heat of the Archeus) the best of their Spirituous Preparations. This demonstrated ex facto without frivolous Controversies or Cavils, one would think should take these Humorists or [...] from their Jejune, Cold, Torpid, Barren Opinions, that this or that is too hot, because it seems so to their Ple­beian Rustick Taft: whereas in very deed it is only endued with a highly defecated Spi­rit, rectified beyond their vulgar Art, not a­ble to free from a Cacostomachick dross, or [Page 60] Fretting, Coagulating, Spinous, Salt and Malignant, Venemous Sulphur, the occasio­nal Causes of all Praeternatural Heat in the Body.

Let these Philosophical reasons suffice for the confutation of their Accidental Way of Curing, by Heat and Cold, and that Calum­niating Objection that the best Chymical Re­medies are too Hot.

Now shall I proceed in short, to detect how Maliciously as well as ignorantly, they im­peach our Salutary Manufactures of Danger of Evil Consequence, of sad Impressions left behind, causing [...] Antedating the Life, and bringing it to an Immature Period.

I confess what they make the World be­lieve in relation to our Instruments of Heal­ing, may be fitly applyed to the Medica­ments of their Dispensatory: for they are either clogged with Nauseating, Dirty, Foe­culencies, abound with Impure, Acrimoni­ous, Corrosive Salts and Sulphurs, or endued with some Deletery [...] Ill-conditioned, Intoxicating Concretes, very adverse to Na­ture.

The Chymical Preparations which they formerly inveighed against as [...] Le­thiferous, or dangerous, the Galenists have of late entertained into their Ill-compiled, Worse-managed Exemplar.

[Page 61]This Rhapsodie of Chymical Pharmacy tran­ [...]cribed out of the more Trivial Authors, is [...] Rude, Indigested, so slightly handled, more fitting the Laick, than any Sophical Clark, so uncertain, yea perilous in their [...]ffects. Some whereof are Virulent, leaving many times Stigma's of their Malignity be­ [...]ind, so that no Adeptus but will conclude: The greatest part of them ought to be ex­ [...]unged, with a supply made of better things, [...]nd what remains to be more discreetly or­dered in their Manufacture.

How do the Galenists impose upon us, first [...]o Cry down most Satyrically, even to the Persecution of certain Honest Ingenuous Friends to this Art, those Meaner sort of Pa­ [...]acelsian Remedies, now to make use of them [...]o the detriment of many a Patient, as well [...]s to the keeping up the Credit of their Tot­ [...]ering Dogmatical Structure, which must of [...]ecessity have fallen ere this to the ground, [...]ad they not closely foisted in upon a pinch [...]ome Spagyrical active Preparations stolen [...]rom us, at that time, when their most Dull Mixtures would take no place: then boast­ [...]ng they tell the Credulous that their own gross Compositions had the greatest share in [...]he Cure, whereas in reality, they did no o­ [...]her than hinder it.

Upon this account how subtilly do some [Page 62] pretend to be Chymists, stealing Theorem [...] and Chymical Notions out of Van Helm. di [...]guising, putting them into an Elegant dress concealing the Authors Name. Thus [...] these Plagiaries own that filched from him, whom in publick discourse they eithe [...] condemn or slight: were they any whit can­did, they would blush to do so. This Crime may justly be imputed to the Author De Fer­mentat. De Febri. and others, who make a great noise about Lac Sulphur. Spir. C. C. Spir. Vitri. Ens Vene. &c. enough (they think) to make them cryed up for rare Chymists; whereas were these Men, with their Prescrip­tions, brought to the Test of Practice, they would easily be discovered to be but smatter­ers in this Philosophical Science: then would their egregious Defects be obvious to any knowing Person. Hereby the Safety, Inno­cence and Vital Preservation of Manufact­ures would appear, as much transcending theirs in excellent Endowments, as a Torch in its Bright Beams surpassing a small Tallow Candle.

Moreover, we are able not only to justifie our Operations beyond theirs; as free from hazard or dangerous Consequences: but we dare maintain what we give to the Sick, con­duces to their future Welfare, and length­ning out their Life, according as Divine [Page 63] [...]ovidence is pleased to allow of the means [...] that end.

Having thus by solid Reasons offered to be [...]nfirmed by the true Touchstone of Expe­ [...]ence, acquitted our Chymical Pharmacy from [...] Slanders of our Enemies, viz. that our [...]ateria Medica is so ill handled, that it is [...]o Hot, Burning, Dangerous, &c. I shall [...]ow describe the direct Method of Curing [...]ifficult Diseases by help of a sincere Chymi­ [...]l Legitimate Learned Art.

The chief Indication or Scope, which the Well-instructed Physitian ought continually [...] have an eye upon is, to keep in vigour, [...]lso to pacifie, indulge, gratifie the Archeus [...] Vital Spirit, the Achitectonical contriver [...]f our first Being, the constant Conservator [...]f our Well-being, the Author of our Health [...]nd Sickness, Weal and Woe.

This [...] of Hippocr. by its Impulse [...]ets all the Wheels going. If a Dysphonie hap­pen in the Sphere of this Vital Aire there a­ [...]iseth forthwith a jarring in the Inferiour Orbs of the Microcosm.

The Second Principal Indication is the Ab­ [...]tion of the Inward Efficient Cause, and the Outward Occasional Irritating Matter which [...]isturbs the Archeus putting it into Enor­ [...]ous Passions and Perturbations.

These are the two Leggs, by which The­rapeutick [Page 64] or Healing Faculty is moved. [...] that is wanting in one of these is certainl [...] Maimed.

Whatsoever encreaseth the Eutonie o [...] Strength of the Vital Spirit, ought to have Similitude of Nature, and Symbolize wi [...] the same Spirit, seeing Like doth readily [...]nite with Like, embracing each other in [...]mately. That we may find out a Compe [...] with the Archeus, the Essential knowle [...] thereof is to be enquired after.

The Vital Spirit is a most thin Aehere ▪ Breathing, arising from the Blood, perpet [...]ally circulated in the Veins and Arteries ill [...] ­minated, framed by Virtue of a Vital Fe [...] ­ment in the left Ventricle of the Heart, of a Saline, Balsamical Constitution, by means o [...] whose Bright Beams all Spirits generated a new, diffused through the whole body re­ceive their Light and Vivacity.

The Original of this Ruddy Juice where the Spirits first begin to flash and glister is from the Stomach, where every thing in­gested is dissolved (by power of a Ferment, partly ingenite, partly derived from the Spleen or Arteries) into a Whitish Acide Chyle; This passing through the Pylorus or Neather Orifice of the Ventricle into the Guts called Duodenum, Iejunum, Ileon is there converted (by a Lixiviate like, property of [Page 65] the Gaul, mixed with the Acid into a saline Texture denominated Chyme. The more refined part of this Juice is conveighed through invisible Pores of the Guts into the Venae Lactae or Milky Vessels, both trained by them, and likewise impelled by the Peristal­tick Motion of the Guts. These Venae Lacteae carry the Milky Juice into the Liver Pancreas cava, through whose Channels it runs Ru­bified into the right Ventricle of the heart, thence it is driven out into Arteria Pulmon, divaricated into the Lungs, by means of the Centraction of the Heart, then taken up by the Vena Pulmonica, it falls into the left Ven­tricle, where it is Flavefied by the Vital Ferment of the Heart: by the force of whose Systole, this Spirituous Liqor springs into all parts designed for Nutrition, Procreation, Sense and Motion.

Sith then 'tis plain that the first Foundati­on of the Blood is laid in the Stomach accor­ding to whose [...] or [...], upon whose good and bad action future digestions depends: so that if the Chyle be once depra­ved in the first shop the Chyme and Milky Juice cannot be made in every respect appro­ved in the second or third Laboratories: Consequently very laudable Blood and Spi­rits can never be Fabricated. For as the Chyle is, such is the Chyme, Lacteous Li­quor, [Page 66] Latex, or Lympha, Cruor, Sanguis and Spirits. Sith then there is such a Concate­nation, Connexion, continued File of the Albified Mass in the Stomach, to the rubifi­ed Balsome in the Heart, and so to the ex­treme parts: every, knowing upright Phy­sitian ought to be sollicitous about the di­screet Oeconomy or Order of this Noble part▪ that defaecated Blood and Spirits may be crea­ted. Wherefore that thing ought not to be taken into the Body, which is any way offen­sive to the Archeal Ferment of the Stomach, or the weakening of its Tone. Whatsoever is Dull, Flat, Dreggy, Fretting, Rank, Cor­rosive, or Virulent must be avoided. Things Active well purified [...] in a just propor­tion [...] exquisitely mixed, endued with an [...] fragrant smell, Sympathizing with the Constitution of this Membrane, Be­nevolent, and Antidotal are to be assumed, that Clean, Bright Spirits may be multiply­ed springing from this Vital Balsame.

Well-rectified Spirits of Strong Liquors I have always found to perform much tend­ing to that end before proposed. For no soon­er are they received into the Stomach, but part of them are rapt into the Vessels, being suddenly carried into the Heart and Brain, whereby the whole Body is invigorated, the Vital Spirits in a Moment encreased and illu­minated: [Page 67] hereupon the Peccant Matter di­sturbed is profligated by Sneezing, Expecto­ration, Sweating, or Transpiration: by some Effloresence or Eruption in the Skin, as Pim­ples, Spots, Botches, &c. by Stool or Urine. The Truth of this, as I said before, is con­firmed by those who making long and dan­gerous Voyages, recover of grievous Mala­dies, as Calentures, Scurvie, &c. by force of a quickning Drink called Punch, made of Rack or Brandy: whereas formerly they were turned off as fast as rotten Sheep, through that Nonsensical Method of Healing, which the Doting Galenists taught the Credulous World, by Cooling, and Moistning Juleps. In such sort hath the Authority of these Dog­matists Domineered over Mankind for many Ages past; yea doth yet endeavour to up­hold the same amongst us, that Millions have perished by this Absurd Doctrine of Heating in Cold Diseases, as likewise Cooling in Hot. However many Intelligent Subtil Wits do discover the Falacy of their Corrupt Theo­rems, or Axioms in Physick, casting away their Slibbersauces, do rather chuse to trust to Holsome, Well-made Strong Liquors in Feavers, than their Ill-contrived Insalutife­rous Weak, Drossie Mixtures or Compositi­ons. I heard a Learned Gentleman of Note declare, that he was Cured of a Malignant [Page 68] Feaver by means of Brandy Wine well con­strued taken in a large quantity, when the Methodical Doctor of the Colledge, threat­ning his Ruine thereby, caused him to desist, but for one day, and take his more Tempe­rate Prescriptions, which had like to have cost him his Life, if he had not fallen to his for­mer Spirituous Liquor again.

For my part I am of this Judgment, that 'tis better (for the most part) to Cure Fea­vers after the Maritine Mode, than to walk in the Customary Road of Exhibiting Medi­cines according to the supposed Qualities de­scribed in the London Dispensatory.

Ile maintain Hippocr. [...], constant, moderate sumption of Strong Liquors (omit­ting Broath, Gellies, Water-Gruel, Spiritless Pos [...]et-crink, &c.) shall be more prevalent to rid away Feavers in general, than that [...], Hodg Podg of Supernumerary Ingre­dients jumbled together without Discretion, or serious consideration of the congruity of each one with another, without seperating the precious from the vile by a Pyrotectni­cal Analysis of every Concrete, whereby the violent Ferine powers of some things are mi­tigated, cicurated, and made Friendly to our Constitution: also the singular Medical Dowrie of other Concretes are explicated, exalted, graduated, the clog of their Terre­strial [Page 69] Impurities discharged, hindering their Activity.

Who that is experimentally Intelligent, would not in a sudden Lipothymie or Defecti­on of the Spirits, rather confide in the Ana­leptical or Refocillating Efficacie of good Wine, or well Distilled Brandy, than in Dia­scordium, Venice Treacle, London Treacle, or any of their Confections Elect. or divers of their Potions?

I cannot otherwise believe but that the Benign Creator, pitying the sad Condi­tion of Man, made worse by the Doct­rine of Galen (who never saw Aqua Vitae; therefore delivered to Posterity, this Gross, Fulsome, Fruitless Means of Curing) hath in this later Decrepit, Infirm Age of the World, detected by the mouth of Mariners and Rusticks, the use of those excellently well Distilled Spirits, which these Thermolo­gists, and Psychrologists (a company of Deli­rous Disputants about Hot and Cold Disea­seases, requiring, as they say, Instruments of a contrary quality thereto to be applyed, neg­lecting the Essential Nature, and Radical Cure of Diseases) have Suppressed, to the Infinite Detriment of Mortals, for many Centuries of years.

Now can the Indigent Sick-man without fear of over-heating his Blood, threatned by [Page 68] these Thermologists, confidently swallow a due Portion of vegetable Spirit potent to augment sometimes to admiration the pau­city of the Animals, enabling them to ex­clude some part of the Spurious Juice offending the Body like a Thorn in the side Now both Country-Men, as well as Sea Men, take these Spiritouus Liquors, withou [...] scruple that they may quench their thirst asswage Burning Feavers, keep off a fixe [...] Delirium, and procure rest, to the confusi [...]on of the rotten Precepts of these Ignorantly Learned Galenists. Away then with these idle fopperies of taking directions of curing from Heat and Cold: hereby fancying ap [...]plications contrary to those Accidents wil [...] prevail; seeing it is perspicuous, all those endeavours come to nought, unless the vital Spirit be animated to exterminate the occasional extimulating cause of Heat and Cold.

It being then demonstrable, that Spirits are best multiplied vigorously by Spirits, with which they symbolize; we ought to be solicitous concerning their preparation with a proportion to be allowed to the Archeus.

I find it frequent among the vulgar Chymists to boast, how they can make vinous Spirits, that in a considerable quan­tity will all burn away to the accension of [Page 69] Gunpowder in the bottome. Having at­tained thus far in this process, they think, there remains nothing more in our Philo­sophy▪ For all this, if any study earnestly to [...] as an able Physitian, those Spirits made according to the common tract, seem­ing to be re [...]ned contain in them an occult Impurity [...] some clandestine discommodity with some di [...]gustful tang, sensible by the tast of our Vitals. Although it be hard for the Plebeian to distinguish one from the other, yet an expert Distiller knows the difference, and happy effect, of that which is really mundified, above what seems to be so. That Spirit of vegetables may be hand­led knowingly, it behoveth the Natural­ist to anatomize it pyrotechnicoôs, that he may understand of what parts it consists, and how useful it is.

According to our Philosophy, an Aqua­vitae may be extracted out of all Herbaccous Plants, i. e. Grass, Blade, Leaf, Weed, &c. which contains an Alkali; a Sulphur and some particles of an occult sub-acid Salt, easily to be converted into Vineagar, when it floats with a Tartareous Matter. The vinous Alkali and Sulphur together exalted, become a Balsamical Spirit of great force to preserve things from corruption. Taken in­to our Bodies it is immediately changed part­ly [Page 72] into a vital Spirit, suddainly conveighed by the Vessels to the Head and Heart, part becomes Acid in the Stomach, for the recreation, or emendation of the Innate Ferment; as likewise for a previous Dis­position, in order to a future alteration in the Intestines into a volatile Alkali, by the eliquating, or scouring facultie of the Gaul [...] afterward transmitted to the Kidneys, it is turned into a Urinous Salt, by a peculiar Ferment there implanted. Lastly some portion runs into an Insipid Liquor, called Latex or Lympha. Thus is Salt and Sul­phur of Plants, which make up one Spirit pliable, subactil, or mutable (above other ingested things) into this or that form, according as the Ferments of every shop of digestion please. Moreover the Spirit of Plants, if dextrously exercised, is capable to be assimilated into all parts Continent and Conteining, leaving little or no excrement behind: cherishing, yea., in some measure, reducing aright exorbitant Ferments. The Digestive Fermenting Accid, in the Sto­mach, as well as the Alkali in other parts, (the Instruments of formal Transmutation) are exceedingly meliroated, and the Spirits forthwith augmented by the access of this seemingly Homogeneous Liquor.

That this compleatly purified Liquor so [Page 73] acceptable to the Vitals may be obtained, the prudent Artist is to make itirated Ablu­tions with what is of a saponary condition that the viscous clammy gummous mat­ter may be purged away. Secondly, he is frequently to Distill it with a convenient heat: Addition being made of those things, which in the bottome of the Glass de­tain ungrateful [...], inebriating, noxious Sulphur, letting out what is plea­sing to Nature, Innocent, strengthening the Head, Membranes, and Sinews. There is also to be injected that which may retund, or dulifie any Secret, unkindly Acid, lurk­ing in the Spirit, can lenifie, or introvert, any fretting quality latitant in the Alkali, tame the Gas Sylvestre, entangle or fetter it, that it may not too nimbly aspire: to laevigate, as it were Polish, any roughness in it. Whosoever hath acquired this Spi­rit, can tread under his Feet, all those slan­ders, back-bitings, malicious reports of the Galenists, that the Spirits of vegetables are too Hot, Inflaming, Consuming the Radi­cal moisture, causing Delirium, shortning the life; all which I am sure is verified, concerning some of their rude preparations of Aquavitae.

Poor Ignorant Souls (though Learned Men) that should be unacquainted with the [Page 72] right Manufacture of a Liquor so vulgarly known to be useful, sold in trivial shops, &c. How is it likely these vain Thermologists, i. e. Busibodies about Heat and Cold, shoull Judge of the Effects or Operations o [...] Chymical Enterprizes, sith they ar [...] unwitting of the due tractation of Spirit o [...] Wine. I appeal to any intelligent Philale [...]thes whether they are like to fabricate, o [...] hammer out the remedies of a Superiou [...] Class, who are thus egregiously to seek i [...] those of an Inferiour. 'Tis no wonder they are so timorous, in the offering to the Sick any thing of thin parts, Pungitive, Penetra­ting, or Exciting the natural faculties, for fear they should be overheated: for as much as they give the foul with the fair, the Real­ger with the Mineral, the poysonous Sting with the Hony; whereas a faithful well grounded Physiologer Sequesters, the Evil, reserving the Good; which he can securely tender the Infirm (without curious obser­vation of measure, or weight) from one to ten or more. The greatest misery I know accrewing to Man worse than the Plague, Sword, Fire, &c. is from these Galenists running upon false suppositions, to wit that their Galeno Chymical Pharmacy is suf­ficiently instructed with all endowments be­coming compleat Medicines.

[Page 73]This they rather wilfully than unwitting­ [...]y suggest to the World, most abominably [...]mposing upon the credulous, even For­ [...]unes Favorites (by whom they are too zealously imprudently protected to the dam­mage of Mortals) that they are the most ex­pert Chymists, vilifying all others, be they never so Legitimate Sons of Art. These are the Spurious Chymists, who I will main­tain are overwhelmed in Clouds of Dark­ness arising from their Covetousness, Am­bition, Malic [...], Laziness, Self-love, &c. that they cannot see the right way of ma­king a compleat vegetable Spirit.

Having purchased according to the best Rules of our Pyrotechnical Philosophy, a compleat Aquavitae: the next care, is to dispense it aright, to minister such a measure thereof proportionable to the Individual Crasis, Custome, and Course of Life, of the sick Body, the defection of Vitals, magni­tude, and duration of the Disease, the good or bad, condition thereof: Here by the way, I am bound to reprehend the Busie­bodies about Heat and Cold severely, who miserably titubate and express extream weakness in the just quantity of their own Remedies: For a president of the Galenists did not heretofore dare to prescribe above five Grains of Antimonium Diapho, in a Fea­ver: [Page 76] another of the same Society was doubt­ful whether he might with safety give four or five Grains of Bezoar. Orient. or above ten Grains of Coccus Baphic. Cochin. above two drops, of Spirit of Harts-horn, for fea [...] of overheating, &c. What is the reason of all this supercilious Nicety, but meer Igno [...]rance of the true principles of Nature mistakes in the causes of our Calamities, in discreet manufacture of Materia Medica ▪ fitting to subdue them. Did they tak [...] pains with their own Fingers, they would quickly learn the amplitude of the Por [...]tion of a well adorned remedy, that one small quantity of proper analepticks, or re [...]stauratives will do good, yet the same mul­tiplied to five six, or seven, to twelve parts▪ or rates, will really do no harm, but make a far greater improvement of natural vigour. For if they would be taught: These Male­volents would not so unworthily, rashly censure my Stomach Essence, my Elixir Balsamick Tinctur. Polyacea &c. to be pre­ternaturally Hot, &c.

Thus it evidently appears that none but an Adeptus, one that as his undoubted Right can say [...] i. e. I have found it out, can define and adaptate a just scantling, weight and Measure of meet Remedies to the lan­guishing Spirits, enabling them to destroy the Strong-holds of a Disease.

[Page 77]Wherefore a Patient having an Aversati­ [...]n to Vinous Liquors, ought to be more [...]ndulged, to be suffered to imbibe the less, [...]nd that mixed and disguised with somthing [...]ore grateful. He that hath accustomed [...]imself to smaller drinks, ought not to be ur­ [...]ed to assume so much, as one used to fre­ [...]uent compotation of Wine, &c. Above all, [...]et the Physitian give liberally these Vegeta­ [...]le, Active Particles to the sick, whose spi­ [...]its are weak, and the Maladie strong, very malignant, &c.

Five or ten times the portion of a reviving Medicine is but sufficient in some cases, when in another state, a single exhibition [...]oth help Nature to throw its Enemy spee­ [...]ily out of doors. Long fixed evils are to be [...]ollowed close with large quantities, often [...]epeated; likewise the Plague, Pestilential Feavers, whatsoever grief hath in it, much of the [...] of Hippo. i. e. a poisonous condition. In all respects 'tis better to pro­pose more copiously, than niggardly, when [...]he Instruments we work withal are safe, ad­mitting an extension not easily culpable. Or­ [...]inary strong spirits are not to be taken without notable caution plentifully, and that well corrected by some Adjuncts, as sugar, [...]nd with grateful Acids, for they contain much intoxicating stinking Sulpur, mixt [Page 76] with a fretting Salt injurious to the Stomach Nerves and Membranes, producing preternatural Heat: so that in conclusion, 'tis no the pure, well corrected Spirits of Plants that causes those great discommodities, as ex­cessive Heat, Inflaming, &c. which these Thermologists lay to their charge; but their heedless Preparation by A philosophical Ide­ots in our Art, as likewise the rash pouri [...]g into the Ventricle, much more than is fitting.

From Vegetables there may be Extracted; besides an Aqua-Vitae, certain Essential Salts holding close concordance with the Vitals, some of which harbour Specifik Gifts for the Cure of certain kinds of Griefs. In gene­ral, these Salts absterg glutinous Excre­ments, attenuating Viscosites, sweeten pre­ternatural Acidity, animate the Archeus, help Digestion, and strengthen all parts; causing Urine, Sweat, Expectoration. Now these ought to be accurately framed for Me­dical use, otherwise they will come short of what we expect. I find it the most Compen­dious Effectual way to Separate the Sulphu­rious or Oily part from the Concrete, than to change it into a pure volatile Alkali: This is done by Ablution, Digestion, repeated Di­stillation.

Thus much concerning the Iatrical Virtue of Spirits and Salts fetched from Vegetables, [Page 77] [...]s they have Affinity with our Vital Princi­ples: now I shall proceed to shew what pro­ [...]inquity there is between the Vital Spirits [...]nd Alkali's obtained from Animals.

I find, according to Pyrotechnical Trials, [...]hat all parts of Man, even his Excrements, [...]bound with Urinous Alkali's, especially the Bones, Blood and Urine. Each of which afford in Stilling an Alkali or Urinous Salt much alike, yet different in their Effects: for according to Van Helm. Spirit of Blood avails against the Epilepsie. The Spirit of Urine is of no force thereto. Likewise I find Spirit or Salt of Bones to Operate that which the other two fail in: yet may they all be so prepared, that neither Taste, Smell, Colour [...]hall distinguish them.

I have for many years much toiled with my Head and Hands, to find out what might directly match the Principal Agent in our Body, the only [...], Contriver of both Health and Sickness. After often and serious Contemplation, with strict Examination of divers Concrets by optical Analysis, I find nothing more like to do my business, than those subtil saline particles, drawn out of the Horny, Bony or Dental Concretions of cer­tain Animals, or got out of the Dung of some Creatures, abounding with Volatile Salts: But above all I found at length Vola­tile [Page 80] Salts or Spirits, allured out of divers Po [...] ­tions of Mans Body, were most to be prefe [...] ­red; for the Augmentation, Vigour of th [...] Archeus, to this I was induced by the u [...] ­doubted Authority of the Maxime in Phio [...]sophy, Simile simili gaudet, also Iisdo [...] nutrimur quibus constamus. Besides, my p [...] ­pose was confirmed by the Essential Consi [...]tution of the Vital Spirit; viz. Saline a [...] ­cording to our Philosopher: Est ipse Spirit [...] Vitae de Natura Salis volatilis & Salst. v. [...] 136. Sextup. Digest. The Vital Spirit is of [...] nature of a Volatile Alkali. Moreover, [...] Blas Humanum, p. 113. Per motum nempe [...] Sanguinis non quidem Acidi sed Salsi exte nu­tio, neque ideo in pinguedinem sive Butyru [...] vertitur, sed in Spiritum Vitalem de salis ad [...] ­oque de Balsami natura. Certainly by Motio [...] the Blood is rarefied into a Saline not Aci [...] Spirit: neither is it changed into a Fatty Bu [...]tynous Substance, but into a Vital Spirit o [...] the nature of a Sal, for that reason it is Bal­samical. Also Pa. 443. AuraVitae. Estque ide [...] Spiritus Vitalis Salsus, viciniorque Spiritui lo [...]tij quam Sali-petrae. The Vital Spirit is a Salt of nigher affinity to the Spirit of Urine than Salt-peter. Membro semel stupefacto, si sensus redierit, id sane cum sensibilibus stimulis & punctionibus fit quae & verae salsedinis sunt in­dicia. If at any time a member benummed, [Page 81] recovers its perfect sense, there is felt prick­ings, and thorny shootings, which are infalli­ble signs of a salt matter.

From the consideration of the saline Tex­ture of the Vital spirit, I laboured about the Alkali's of this Microcosm: divers parts whereof I Dissected, fetching out by Pyro­technie their Volatiles, which I studied to nobilitate by frequent scouring, iterated di­stillations, even to ten or eleven courses, ad­ding every turn a fitting Mundifier, keeping them in digestion three weeks or a Month: I then proceeded to correct any harsh, Acid quality lurking in them by that which blunts, lenefies, or mollifies the same by feeding their hungry appetite with a pleasing Nutri­ment, that they may not so eagerly prey up­on the Body, to entangle and clip their Wings, that they may not ascend too high, or fly away too nimbly to exalt them, and ad­vance them to a more lofty virtue, by the in­termixture of some small portion of Salt of Tart. volatile, united with a pure vegeta­ble Spirit.

Having thus prepared the highest clarified Liquor, I have found it to carry an admirable conformity with the Vitals, to symbolize with our Constitutes, so that the [...] taking it up greedily, forthwith strengthned, musters greater Forces for the expulsion of [Page 82] the Enemy that hath Invaded its Teritories. This is really a Polyacea: if further gradu­ated it may come nigh a Panacea. No sooner do the most defaecated Atoms in this active, fluid Body, arrive in the Stomach, but some portion is strait absorpt, or lickt up by the Archeus for its own Corroboration▪ Part is made use by the natural Archiater fo [...] the banishment of those burdensome, aculeat­ing, strange Apostate Juices, absolute enemie [...] to Life, through all the cleansing passages con­venient Quo natura vergit, whether she pleases by the Kidneys, Intestines, through Mouth, Ears, Nose, through the Pores of the Skin, o [...] by a vigorous extermination of some malig­nant cadaverous Excrements lodging in the Center, to the utmost bounds of the Body. Add to this the Archeus enabled makes use of this symbolizing Alkali, as an Instrument to edulcorate what is Acid, to make slick any roughness, to mitigate any biting, or fretting Liquor, to suppress, reduce to re­gularity or explode exorbitant wild Spirits, to correct the defects, or obliquities of the Ferments, that they may not continually engender the like vitiosity, to deobstruct the Vessels stuffed with any congealed Blood or viscous, calculous concrete, or Phlegm, by attenuating, dissolving, scouring away the same: lastly to polish and confirm the Tone of every part.

[Page 83]Thus can Nature Act rare feats, when it is animated by a Second, when it meets with that which is of the same Pedigree with it self: i. e. those saline particles first fra­med in the Stomach, and Intestines afterward more refined are destinated for diversity of uses in this mass of flesh. Now 'tis not the common Alkali's used by the Galeno-Chym­ists, that are sufficient to satisfie an able Chymist for the attaining the foresaid end. Although I acknowledge the best reme­dies they possess are volatile Spirits, drawn out of Harts-horn, Armoni. Ivory, &c. Yet I must tell them withall, if they would desire to be instructed in the Art as it is Sci­entifick indeed: I can demonstrate that their Spirit of Harts-horn and Sal. Armoni. are neither rightly Corrected nor Clarified as they ought: for that reason not so well em­braced by the Vitals. It is not without cause then that some pronounce it to be o­verheating, &c. Therefore to be given Scrupulously, seldom above a Scruple at a time: whereas if it be prepared by the hand of a Legitimate Chymist, it hath no ill pro­perty, but is fitting to be administred without the least danger in a large quanti­ty, to the debilitating strong, Acute, and Long Diseases.

For the confirmation of what I deliver, [Page 84] if Doctor Willis, who trusts much to this volatile, or any other, would please to be so Ingenuous to make the experiment there­of, I shall order Spir. C. C. so Technically, that without measuring or weighing it, I will undertake to cure Languid Person with more speed, security, and pleasin [...] gust, wholly trusting to this Alkali (al [...]though I have for many Years laid it aside Remedies of more excellent Form coming to my Possession) than they with their ow [...] unpolished, imperfect, Distilled Spirit o [...] the same kind.

The Alkali out of Mans Bones, I mus [...] commend as an admirable Medicine, usefu [...] both for Inward and Outward griefs of th [...] Body, if construed by a Philosophica [...] hand. Yet I have rarely met with any so compleatly regulated according to those Rules before described, but brought to the Test, it hath not been altogether so safe in­sisting upon an Ample Quantity, nor so ef­ectual respecting the Quality, or singular A­naleptick property, with which such vola­tiles ought to be endued.

Spirit of Sal. Armoniack, if elegantly pre­pared, that it move in the middle Sphere, not soaring wantonly too high; if its hungry Appetite be in some measure allayed, if freed from any impurity, if married intimately [Page 85] to a Vegitable Spirit, with which it hath similitude, abounding with an abstersive Salt, may challenge no small priviledge in strengthning and encreasing the Vitals. That Volatile Alkali's do match the Tex­ture of the Animal Spirits above any besides is certain. However Acid Spirits, if hand­somly framed, want not their eminent use in refreshing the Archeus; wherefore their keen corosive particles, are to be made blunt supple, their foul Sulphur cleansed, their fair extraverted, what is gross in them to be rarefied, whatsoever is extraneous savor­ing of an unkindly, Mineral condition, ought to be rejected, their ill odour to be amend­ed, all dross to be separated from them; and lastly, to be copulated by frequent Di­stillation with a defecated Alkali.

Such an Acid avails much in healing, for it is grateful to the Stomach raising a kind­ly Appetite: it reforms a preternatural Ferment, cherishing what is genuine; By it, rotten, stinking, spurious saline matter in the Stomach, producing extream thirst is tamed, altered, and cleansed away. The Vitals having Allured to themselves the Al­kali Atomes the Acid Corpuscles are stam­ped into another Form in the second digesti­on, where they become by the transmut­ing faculty of the Gaul injected on them, [Page 86] another Juice, loosing their Acidity, withall assuming an abstersive Salt, which easily passing through the Kidneys puts on an Urinous Nature, producing plenty of Urine In other shops they purifie the Blood and L [...]tex, penetrating deep, carry off superfluitie through the whole skin.

I admire the Galenists who proclaim them [...]selves Chymists should dare to give suc [...] Ill-prepared Acids in their Juleps or othe [...] Mixtures, such as are so far estranged from the constitution of the parts continent an [...] contained, that they carry no concordanc [...] with them. Of this sort are Oil of Vitriol Sulphur, or what they nominate [...] Spirits of the same: for those are fretting gnawing, biting mortifying: Thes [...] meerly acetous, rough, harsh, stiptick, un [...]pleasant, flat, dull, unprofitable Liquors▪ plainly detecting, that they were never made by a knowing Philochymist, as intended fo [...] that use which our Dogmatical Scribes put them to: For hereby they think to take of [...] Heat and Thirst in Feavers upon the account of their supposed cooling quality, attributed to them by these Thermologists: not consider­ing, that those effects of a few drops; eat­ting a Woollen or Linnen Cloath quite through in a very short time, cannot possibly arise from a cold Temperature, or any other [Page 87] primary quality; but from the abundance or conglobation of acute saline ponderous Par­ticles as it were connexed in a Cone, which thus concenterated tear, and rend in pieces any subject capable: wherefore as long as these Salts continue in this position or Tex­ture, I cannot allow them fitting to be exhi­bited by an able Healer: for being Salts col­liquated or melted, then forced over by a strong fire, they retain much of their pristine Original, easily prone to be reduced into Salt of a nauseous unpleasant taste.

He that desires to procure a Spirit of Vitri­ol or Sulphur of a grateful smell and taste, welcome to the Ferment of the Stomach, ca­pable without difficulty to be altered into an Alkali, apt to discharge [...]mpurities through all convenient sluces, must extravert the Sulphur, so then by a strong fire dilate their fiery beams, that they may become Lumi­nous, not burning; must farther take off their sharp edge, by intervening particles readily closing in with them, whereby their heavy corpuscles are allevated, their opacous consistence made nitid: hereby our Spirits comprehend them with joy.

Moreover, the Spirit of Salt so much dis­scoursed of, also applauded by some as made so Artificially, I find very deficient, scarse deserving the name of Spirit: for that vul­gar [Page 88] Liquor abounds with Phlegm, little Sa­line Matter, and that far from a genuine Spi­rit, sith it may by evaporation be brought to a corpulent Sal. What is really a Spirit is so volatile that it flyeth away (unless very closly stopped) incontinently: Distilled i [...] leaveth no gross residue, it is delectable to the taste, of the Stomach alike as to the Pa­late: hence it is very Medicinable. This re­quires labour with discreet Analysis of the Body of the Salt by a Golden Sulphur and an Alkali.

I shall here opportunely reprehend our Galeno-chymists, who affuse Oil of Sulphur to those three Species the matter of Elix. Propri. supposing hereby both to open their Body, correct any ill property, and advance their virtue, whereas they make by this means the excellent dowry contained in them more concluse, hardly to be communi­cated to their very homely Menstruum, they encrease the biting acride fretting quality of the Aloe or Myrrhe whereupon follows a Dyscrasie in the parts, geld or mutilate the Species, instead of raising them to be more masculine and compleat.

If we contemplate this rude Manufacture of Elix. Propr. 'tis no wonder those botching Chymists mist of their drift in curing by such imperfect Instruments. 'Tis no wonder they [Page 89] complain they are too Hot, unsafe, causing Cephalalgie, &c. Thus taking measure by their own deformed Practice, the Reason is plain why such Contumelies and disrespect is daily offered to this Salutary way by these Chymicophants, continually buzzing Falsities in the years of the Rich as well as the Poorer sort, unstable, credulous, admiring the Au­thority of a company of Outsides, who have nothing to plead for their Errors but Anti­quity. They have Impudently, Fictitiously suggested that the best Chymical Remedies, although fabricated by a most accurate Vul­can, are dangerous, excessively Hot, leaving a Sting behing, not to be prescribed but by the most precise Rules of their Method, ex­actly weighing or measuring them. Thus these Praevaricators impose upon the Simple, perswading them that they possess well-pre­pared Medicines above others: when in truth I can prove them to be but meer Phi­losophasters in our Sophy: that they are mi­serably involved in Darkness, not only to the handy work of the best Innocent means, but also in what belongs to the Oblation of them to the Patient, in a just quantity & time. These Chymicophants certainly (did they ra­ther chuse to be, than seem) would uncessant­ly make a severe Scrutiny by Protechny into the Essence and quiddity of Concretes, that [Page 90] having extracted their pure parts, they migh [...] advance them by adjuncts agreeable to Na [...]ture, avoiding all hurtful Acids, circumci [...]sing or empairing their Goodness. Where [...]fore the Mass of Aloe, Myrrhe, Saffron being recluded by a proper Alkalizate Liquor, wil [...] by digestion freely communicate its more re [...]fined particles, to a Spirit symbolizing with ours, of great efficacy in curing Dangerous Maladies if given proportionably to their de­gree of Malignity.

Note some Acids, wherein certain con­cretes pulverized very fine are infused, seem to dissolve them radically, to draw out high Tinctures in so much the Loborator is much affected therewith supposing he hath obtain­ed his wished desire: when at length upon a stricter test, it is really only a disguise in the Liquor arising from the piercing Salt of the Dissolvent, obsorbing the tenuious Corpus­cles of the Dissolutum, which closely combi­ned, produce this colour. These Salts keep­ing in a FIux, the particles of the Matter in­fused hide them that they are not discerned: till the activity of the Salts be somewhat ex­hausted or grown languid through Expirati­on, or a matter injected, suddenly embra­cing the Dissolvent, makes forthwith a se­paration of it and the Dissolutum, whereby a palpable Pouder is precipitated to the bot­tome, [Page 91] and the colour of the Liquor reduced to what it was before.

This I made trial of in Zwelfer his Spirit, of Venus pouered upon Crabs eyes, seem­ing to be brought into a Mucilage, their pri­mum Ens, till upon the coalition of an Alka­li they returned to their former shape of a Powder. The same deception may be disco­vered in Spirit of Bread affused to red Coral, as likewise in several other Acid Dissolvents.

This may suffice to shew that vulgar Acids do neither candidly deal with us, in dissolving Concretes radically, neither do they prefer them to higher dignities of efficacy in Heal­ing.

Van Helmont's advice is therefore strictly to be observed to endeavour to make the fix­ed Alkali of Tartar volatile, for the separati­on, and improvement of the better part of Bodies. Doubtless that great Segregatour of all Concretes into Salt, Sulphur, Mercury, that the pretious may be separated from the vile, and yet it self kept in its integrity with­out any diminution of its virtue, hath its o­riginal from an Alkali combined with pure Mercury: It behoveth then every Physitian to make a daily inspection into these Salts, both friendly to the Nature of Man, and so prevalent in the unlocking Materia Medica, that so we may carry away what is sanative, and leave the destructive.

CHAP. XI.

AS the Vital Spirits are to be multiplyed by their like, that they may be lusty to conquer their Enemy: so are they likewise to be pacified, lulled asleep, diverted, treat­ed gently, to be gratified with harmless Ano­dives, Sedatives, delightful Speculatives, the most lucid Objects, and most beautiful Idea's.

This Renowned Design is to be accom­plished by Vegetable Animal and Mineral Sulphurs. Nothing in this kind acts better than Mineral Sulphurs brought to an height of Entelechie; for no sooner are they taken into the Stomach, but the Vitals are refocilla­ted by their bright Rays, a sweet composure follows, their fury and rage taken off, black deformed Images of Mortality defaced, bright lovely Idea's of Health taking place.

Vegetable Sulphurs afford us excellent vir­tue in Healing, if freed from an Empyreuma­tick Tang, elaborated from an unkind Acid lurking in them, either to be altered to a sweetness by what is apposite, or abstracted from them by curious Art. Add to this, if they abound with store of volatile Alkali's, and of good odour: otherwise they put the Ferment of the Stomack to difficult labour, [Page 93] [...]n removing their unctuosity, that they may become fitting for sanguification.

Those volatile Salts which harbour a stink­ing Oleous Odour can never be grateful to the Vitals. Odores Oleosi abstracti a suis Con­cretis, inquinando potius afficiunt quam mate­rialiter in Arterias subeant. Helm. de F [...]br. p. 90. Wherefore I admire how some of our Learned Chymicophants can pretend to be so knowing in our Sophy, yet know not how to rectifie, or to give a better Odour to Spirits of Harts-horn, Soot, &c. that they may be more acceptable to the Animals. As long as any relique of faetid Oil lies couched in the saline Particles, it must needs contaminate the more elegant Crasis: Although some alledge the Medicine is robbed of part of its Medical endowment if this unpleasant hogo be sequestred: yet dispensing with the frequent employment of about some Graveolents, as likewise, what may be requisite in Histori­cal Affects without Controversies [...] Bene Olents are most agreeable to the Syn­thesis or Constitution of the Vitals: wit­ness the Essential Oils of Cinamon, Clove, Mace, Nutmegs, &c. which being odorous plentifully imbued with Saline Particles, im­mediately Refocillate, Illuminate and Com­pose Nature.

All caution therefore ought to be used, [Page 94] that the Fire may not give Vegetables or A­nimals an ill odorous Impress, scarce som­times to be expunged: also to exercise [...] manner of industry that the foul Sulph [...] may not rise with the clean Spirits or Sal [...] or if it so happen, it may by digestion and ma [...]nifold distillation with proper Adjuncts [...] divorced, at least much diminished.

There are several Sulphurs, Balsams o [...] Oyls extracted out of Vegetables, of good con [...]cernment in Healing, as Aromatick and ma [...]ny fragrant Plants: Oyl of Aniseed, Fennel [...] Marjoram, Rosemary, Thyme, Lavender, Sas­safras, Lemons, &c. are to be commended as they are if nitide and throughly polite (by reason of the auspicious benevolent aspect on the Archeus) yet if they shall be converted into benign Spirits or Salts, they far tran­scend the former, working strange Cures.

Oyl of Terebinth spiritualized by a right Spagyrical hand will get a Physitian credit by its splendid effluviums, but Oyl of Am­ber made serene will do better things: also Balsam Peruvian, and Balsam Capiviae, Ar­bor. Vit. rarefied, or set at liberty from their grosser matter, then changed into a sublime, Aethereal substance, will send forth some bright beams for the enlightning this mi­crocosm.

Oyl of Guaicum and Box Distilled without [Page 95] [...]aetid, unsavory, fiery smell, or tast, after­ward exalted to a highly volatile Spirit are delightful to the Archeus, and far to be approved before any Diet-drink bochet, &c. offered by the Galenists for the cure of the Lues Venerea, or other stubborn Disea­ses. Note, that we ought to be very studi­ous in the hebetating, or withdrawing the Acid latitant in most Oils, whereby their virtues may become more explicated, as likewise more capable to embrace Mineral Sulphurs, and fixed Alkali's, for their more easie transmutation into a spirituous Liquor. what a happy Comodity arises from the en­joyment of Oil Olive separated from its Acid is known to most.

The Sulphur of Wine changed into a saline nature serves for multitude of excellent uses, both as preparative and sanative. Oyl of Tartar Distilled dexterously that it may not be so graveolent, next altered into a volatile Saline Liquor, affords prosperous effects in grievous Calamities.

The essential Oil of Myrrh, Aloe, Saffran intimately united with a pure volatile Alkali deserves worthy applause in curing a Quar­tane, and other tedious Griefs▪ for it rarely Composes the disorders of the Archeus.

Observe that Oils or Sulphurs so gradu­ated, that they harbour good store of a [Page 96] kindly well Clarified Salt colliquated i [...] them, are more profitable for all intention of curing outward Affects then being so [...]litary. Hereby great Dolors are allaied pains mitigated, Aciditie in the part edu [...]corated, Asperities levigated, Contracti [...]ons exporrected, Tumours discussed, o [...] maturated, Inflammations qualified, Node and Schirrous concretions dissolved, Cor­ruption and Malignity in Ulcers mortified▪ but above all: the Archeus exceedingly de­lighted with the application.

Certain sulphureous Juices coagulated, as Aloe Opium Scam. Ixia, &c. artificial­ly handled, and duly corrected, that their Poisons may be destroyed, solace the Ar­cheus, enabling it to profligate the desea­sed matter, according as an orgasmus there­of directs. Gums and Resins used as To­picks afford great comfort to the part aflict­ed: yea some hung about the Neck emit a splendid virtue for the recreation of the Vitals.

CHAP. XII.

NExt to Vegetables, let us contemplate the efficacy of Animal Sulphurs, as they please indulge, and compose the [Page 97] Spirits; These are acquired from the parts of Living Creatures inward or outward con­tained within the verge of Vitality, or ex­communicated therefrom.

A great part of our Aliment is taken from the Sulphurious Juices of Animals, best main­taining Man in vigour, affording a very Ro­bust Nutriment for Augmentation and Pro­creation. I find generally the most able Bo­dies, Magnanimous Souls, and the stoutest Souldiers to be Sarcophagi: and the nigher of Consanguinity the Sulphurious Food is to the Crasis and Constitution of our Bo­dies, the more effectually it Corroborates. For this reason Swines Flesh doth copiously nourish, encreasing the strength of those in Health, and quickly restoring those who are emaciated, if the Ferment of the Stomach be by proper means rectified. The Broath of Pork, as I am informed, hath done notable things for the reparation of the decayed Strength of some, who have suffered an A­trophy for many Months. Doubtless were it by the Authority of Diaeteticks brought in­to more frequent practice, many would be better cured of Consumptions by help here­of, than by those Gummous, Clogging Gel­lies, and Lacteous Excrementitious Prescrip­tions of the Galenists. Anthropophagi or Can­nibals earnestly covet Mans flesh, esteeming [Page 98] it most delicate Food, pittying us as Ioh. Le [...]rius the Burgandian declares, that we in thi [...] part of the world are unacquainted with suc [...] dainty meat, for as much as they find thi [...] Humanum Sulphur so nigh kin to their ow [...] to be earnestly coveted by the Appetite, de [...]lectable to Nature: therefore easily convert [...]ed into their own substance. Hereby Sanity and longaevity are advanced.

Creatures of a Musculous Robust Consti­tution, though (more than others) remote from our Nature, yet through custome, and seminal participation become familiar, and most grateful: so that the Sulphur of the Flesh and Blood of Horses, yield strong Ali­ment to the Tartars whereby they are made more Fierce, Hardy and Valiant.

In general, the Sulphur of the Inward parts of Living Creatures are prized more for nourishment than Physick: yet some are not wanting to do us great service, as those taken from the Gaul, whose singular gifts in healing are often recorded. The Sul­phur of the Liver and Gaul of an Adder or Eel expedite a slow Birth. The Gaul of some Fishes clarifie the Eye-sight, remove a Fistu­la, Pin, or Web off the Eye: It killeth Worms, it openeth, cleanseth, attenuates gross matter. The Sulphur of the Blood of a Cat profits in the Rickets; of a Goat, in a [Page 99] Pleurisie; of a Mouse in the suffocative Cough.

The exactly purified Sulphur of the bones of certain Animals, are conducible for divers Diseases: did not their foetour annoy us, we should by often taking them find them far more profitable.

The Dung of Creatures, although proscri­led from having a share of Vitality, yet do their Sulphur afford us great relief in sickness: Horse dung against a Pleurisie whose acute dolour is asswaged thereby: Peacocks Ex­crement against an Epilepsie: Goose dung against the Jaundices, &c.

The Sulphur of the Outward parts of Ani­mals, as the horns, hair, skin, hoofs, nails, teeth, testicles, also various superfluous ex­crescences of Living Bodies is to be had in estimation for Physical use. All these if they be so ordered that no igneous stinking taste offend, nor any clammy viscous impurity re­main in them, if withal their seminal virtues be preserved, are of notable force to allay in some measure the tempest of the Archeus.

CHAP. XIII.

ABove all, the Sulphur of Metals and Mi­nerals challenge the greatest regard [Page 100] from us for their singular endowment i [...] Healing.

Mettaline Sulphurs are Solar, Lunar Mercurial, Saturnal, Iovial, Venereal, an [...] Martial.

What the Sulphur of Gold can act in diffi [...]cult cases is well known to all Legitimat [...] Philosophers. But hic labor hoc opus est: how t [...] fetch it out aright; not every Aurum potabile which some so boast of, ought to be repute [...] the Anima of this glorious Mettal. For tho i [...] may, after the example of Van Hel. be brought into the minutest Atoms by grinding it fine with Cinnaber, and Salt, afterwards by often distilling it with Sal Armoni. Stib. & Mercu [...] Subli. be turned into a red Oyl. Notwith­standing the tearing of this solid, ponderous most fixed body into the smallest particles possible, yet may it be easily reduced again to Gold, the same in every respect as before.

'Tis no wonder then that we are so fre­quently disappointed of the happy effect, which this Solar Sulphur might afford us, seeing so few are able to attain a Key fitting to unlock the Cabinet, wherein this preti­ous Jewel is contained.

By reason of ignorance herein, those at first great applauders of Van Helmont, for his profound knowledg in Metallurgie, have Apostatiz'd from his sincere Doctrine of Cu­ring [Page 101] the most Contumacious Maladies, by those compact Sulphureous Bodies, vaunting that they were furnished with Vegetable and Animal Preparations every way able to con­quer the most Monstrous Diseases in Nature with as much certainty activity, as the best instituted Metaline, or Mineral Sulphurs. This the Author of Vita Sana & Longa (I heard) asserted to the great disparagement of this Science, and to the discovery of his evident weakness in Pyrotechnie.

We dare Practically affirm for the defence of our Philosophy, that the exalted Sulphurs, derived from these most solid Concretes, do generally far transcend in Iatrical excellency, either Vegetable or Animal, whensoever a­ny fixed Disease comes to be eradicated, able to elude the best parts extracted out of Plants or living Creatures: yea I aver (challeng­ing any one of a contrary mind to the test thereof) that the Provision we make for the Cure of our Griefs, by means of this Ma­teria Subterranea, is every jot as safe, but of far more generous Issue than any desumed from the superficies of the Earth.

Well then, if this be true, let us in espe­cial manner put out our selves in the indaga­tion of that pretious Pharmacy which Na­ture hath with great care shut up in these close solid Bodies. Qui vult nucleum nucem frangat.

[Page 102]This Solar Sulphur no vulgar Aqua Regi [...] will reach, neither will the milder and corro­sive touch. They may make momentany Se­paration and rarefaction of the massie, close hard, firm Constitution of Gold taking into their bosome, and there obsconding from the eye, those small Pulviscles: yet for as much as no real dissolution is made, the dissolvent upon the contact of what is more desired, leaves the lacerated particles of Gold to it self, easily capable without the loss or dimi­nution of its Substance, to be reduced to the same ponderous solid constant matter it had before. Now the reason why it is so diffi­cult to separate a pure Tincture from Gold, arises from the Ignorance of destroying it; quod, qui novit Aurum destruere, noverit itidem construere, saith Van Helmont.

All these alterations it undergoes by usual Corrosives, moist, or dry, are but disgui­ses put upon this Solar Concrete. 'Tis not a harsh, boisterous, precipitate course, can make it yield a Tincture, but a calm, mild, mollifying, indulging, familiar means, car­rying a parity with it's Nature, will so work upon this Solar Genius, that it is prone to expire it's Soul or Sulphur.

The Menstruum to be made choice of, must be of a Sulphureous Nature, upon which Gold hath a Friendly aspect. This [Page 103] Liquor can insinuate into the close Compage of this Metal sweetly Elicitating a splendid Tincture.

I have always found well Mundified ☿ and Gold to Embrace each other intimately, which hath prompted me to Marry them, and keep them in a warm Bed together till a most Noble Issue hath come from them, of Excellent use to Compose the disorders in this Microcosm, and to heal its grievous Sores. The way of reserating the Body of Gold by long Triturtion, that the Acid Air may insinuate into it, and dissolve, is a rare Invention.

In the same manner I have dealt with Lu­na, though Inferior to the former (yet be­cause more tractable) hath recompenced my Labours with Medicines Polycrest, whereby the Tempest of the Archeus is al­layed.

Of Mercury, that fluent Metal, made nitide, I acquire by frequent sublimations, a Sulphureous Powder altogether fixed, ser­ving upon all Occasions to rally the Spirits, when brought into a Confusion, by the As­saults of Morbifick Enemies, whereby Ad­vantage is given to Nature to dis-possess them of their strong holds.

Of all the Manufactures belonging to Mercury, I could never yet see the like, being [Page 104] so admirably grateful to the Vitals, and s [...] safe in its Happy Operation. Three or fou [...] Grains of this Ruddy Pouder strengthens the Stomach, pacifies inward uproars, Causes sweet Rest, attenuates gross Matter, opens Obstructions, sweetens Acidity, mundi­fies the Blood, by profligating the Hostile Matter every way according to the im­pulse, Inclination of the [...] and the Commodity of the passages. This it Exe­cutes without leaving the least evil impress behind.

There are several laudable Preparations of Mercury, as Spirit of Mercury; Vigo's Powder in some measure to be made fixed. Although our Philosopher detests the praeci­pitations, Vitrifications, of Mercury: Yet for want of that which is truly fixed, the use of some of them handled dextrously, may be admitted. But I by no means allow of Ordinary Praecipitates and Sublimates of the shops, sith they are generally made meerly for Lucre, not for Cure. I admire our Galenists (otherwise very scrupulous and over-cautious in prescribing any thing, but what is very safe, as they pretend, en­deavouring upon that account to bring an Odium upon all Remedies in general Chy­mically framed, unless Instituted accor­ding to their Method, dare give Scamony, [Page 105] Colocynth, Elaterium, &c. very Poysons: Yea, offer to Children, for the Worms, in a large Portion, Mercur▪ dulcis, than which they know nothing better against the Lues Venerea, exhibited by them seldom with Happy event of totally Conquering the Malady, but often, with manifest Misery to the Patient. Would these Chymicophants contemplate how carelessly, rudely, this sweet Sublimate is forged, what mischie­vous mistakes have happened thereby; how at the best it is none of the most Generous Remedies, known to true Pyrotechnists; how easily it is remeable into running Mer­cury, they would lay aside this, and other of their In-sufficient, dangerous Chymical Medicaments, leaving them to Quacks, and Mountebanks, and entertaining the safe, prevalent, spagyrick Instruments wor­thy of a True Philosopher.

For my part, I have for many Years ago ablegated those Plebeian Workman-ships of Mercury, being conscious to my self how they did delude me, and my Patients, al­though I had then, yea, now possess some of the better sort, as Mercury Praecipitatus per se, cum Auro, cum Argento.

The Splendour, Purity, Homogeneity, Fugacity of Mercury, Unity, or Amity, Gravity, Duration, Indestructibility, Mul­tifarious [Page 106] Variety; yet a facile Retrogadati­on to the very same Numerical thing indu [...]ces us to believe, that there are Transcen­dent Iatrical Excellencies in it.

I am fully perswaded that great Dissol­vent, the Liquor Alkahest, is Fabricated by means of Mercury bereaved of its outward Sulphur, whereby it becomes Immortal, no [...] afterward to be laid hold of Radically, by any Sulphur. Reperitur namque Mercurius postquam est Spoliatus isto Sulphure nullo igne mutabilis, saith Van Hel.

The most Simple, pure, nitid, indivisi­ble, Primo Enti Metallico similis, embryo­nated Mercury, is that which is drawn out of Metals, according to our great Philoso­pher. E Metallo eductus ita simplex & in­divisibilis ut sit impossibile ex eo seperare sa­lem & Sulphur.

Of ☿ are made those singular Arcanaes of so general Use, as ☿ Diaphor. vel Aurum Horizont ☿ Corallat; which I ingeniously confess, I imitate, but not exactly match: every Atom of those Mercurial Polyacea's, send forth Lively Illustrious Beams wonder­fully affecting the Archeus, being infinitely delighted with the intuition of them, so that it layeth aside all morosity, Melancho­ly, Exhorbitant Passions, and the Entertain­ment of deformed Ideas: Then re-collect­ing [Page 107] strength, it putteth to flight whatsoever doth annoy the Life.

The Spirit, Oyl, or Sulphur of Saturn made Philosophically, applyed outwardly, or taken inwardly, gives much content to the Vitals.

Iupiter, or Tin, contains a double Sul­phur, the Cause why it is lighter than any other Metal: The one is Oyly, the other Harbours in it's bosom an odd kind of Salt, enclining it to be Coagulated. The Apo­rhaea, or Effluvium of which entring any Metal (except Lead) makes it frangible and friable. The Sulphur of ♃ tinges a Dia­mond, saith our Philosopher.

If so, doubtless the Beams coming from such a Sulphur must needs exhilarate the Vital Spirits in an extraordinary manner.

Out of Venus is got a Glorious Sulphur, Called Ens Veneris: I mean not the Plebe­ian Sublimation of Salt 🜹, and the Caput Mort of Vitriol, but the Philosophical adep­tion of a Golden Sulphur out of Venus by means of a benign dissolvent, and a Men­struum Sympathizing with it's Solar Na­rure.

But of Venus, floating in it's proper Cor­rosive, I extract by means of an Alkali, a sweet Sulphur, most acceptable to the Ar­cheus.

[Page 108] Mars affords an Illustrious clarified Sulphur which doth not only please the Animals by illuminating them, purifying the Blood, sweetning Acidities, but it also prepares ma­ny good Remedies: for those, not to be used of themselves with safety & efficacy, it nobi­litates; so that they may be assumed in larg [...] quantity with happy success. This Sulphur takes off the corrosive properties of Con­cretes, mortifies their poisonous condition, extraverts their benevolent Sulphur, that they become [...] Catharticks, without offering violence to the Vitals.

Amongst Minerals, none is to be had in greater estimation than Antimony, for yield­ing a bright Sulphur: either meerly Dia­phor. [...] altering, illuminating the Microcosm [...] a pacifier of the fury of the Archeus. [...] a destroyer of morbifick Idea's, according as you handle it that it may be made very sweet, nitid, splendid, free from cacoethie, any malig­nant property; or only gently purging [...] & [...] what's digested, sepa­rated, Orgastick, and Hormetick, quo max­ime natura viam affectat, which way Na­ture pleaseth [...] through commodious Conveyances: otherwise it de­sists, acting in another pleasing manner, o­pening the passages obstructed, digesting, [Page 109] attenuating, crude, gross matter, carrying off Peccant Atoms, profligating evil Spirits in­sensibly, without the least offence to the Fer­ments or Vitals.

The Cordial Diaphor. Sulphur of ♁ which doth difflate, scatter, alter bad Juices, cast­ing a lustre upon the Spirits is extracted out of it by Calcination, Distillation, Sublima­tion, By Calcination is made ♁ Diaphoret. which although an ordinary Medicine, I wish it were Fabricated technically, for it is either inperfectly fixed, crude, harbouring some portion of a foul Sulphur, or some exo­tick matter: otherwise it is not throughly exempted from the Peter, perhaps contain­ing many impurities in it self, so left behind in the Antimony: If these or the like Errors were corrected, it would appear one of the best Chymical Manufactures, the Galenists possess in their shops; and would perform great things for the Cure of Malignant Di­seases, Acute and Chronic, supposed they would be perswaded to give it in a large quantity, which they might do to a quintu­ple portion if made aright. The best in this kind, is that made by praecipitating the mat­ter calcined, although more difficult to be acquired, yet much to be preferred before the other.

Out of the Oar of ♁ is expedited by Cal­cination, [Page 110] and praecipitation, a Sulphureo [...] Pouder, of an Orange, or red Colour. Th [...] digested a considerable time in a Spirituo [...] Liquor, then combined with the Sulphur [...] ♀ become a bright Body, wherein the A [...]cheus takes pleasure to reflect it self. It clea [...]seth the blood powerfully.

Antimonie turned by Calcination into [...] Glass, of a Purple colour, according to B [...]silius Valentinus's Directions, affords a fit Su [...]phurious matter for distilled Vineger to wor [...] upon, that a Splendid deep coloured Tinct [...]ure may be communicated to a genuine Me [...]struum for exhilarating and quieting the Sp [...]rits. The dry Calcination of by ♁ the beam [...] of the Sun makes it disposed to yield an A­nodyne Sulphur for the setling the disorde [...] of the Archeus.

A Regulus made out of ♁, especially signed with a Star, by means of a dry Calci­nation is previous to the extraction of a very clean Sulphur, which brought to a Diapho­retick Pouder, or an Elegant Tincture de­lights the Vitals exceedingly.

A Regulus of ♁ and ♂ exceed the former▪ But the Electrum, i. e. ♁ conflated with ♂ ♃ and other Mettals is to be chiefly valued, as matter most fitting for the Elicitation of a cleer Sulphur, much vivifying the Animals.

By the power of a moist Calcination with [Page 111] Praecipitation, is made Bezoard Mineral, [...]olar, Lunar, Iovial, Sulphureous Reme­ [...]ies, which accurately handled, compose [...]he Archeus, animating it to the Extermi­ [...]f stubborn Maladies.

In a Humid way the Sulphur of ♁ is ex­ [...]racted by penetrative Corpuscles of divers Corrosive Liquors, whereby it is made ca­pable to impart its most defaecated portion to [...] Menstruum grateful to Nature.

The Flowers of ♁ prepared by a plain [...]imple Sublimation, are a Subject on which [...] good Artist working, is able to draw out [...]n approved Tincture, for the sufflaminating [...]he [...] when it is precipately hurried by immoderate Passions. It also expunges [...]oxious Imaginations.

Cinnabar of ♁ concreted in the neck of the Retort in distillation of the Butyrum, con­tains a Sulphur, whose finer Particles Enu­cleated by an amicable humid Substance, doth eminently clarifie the vital exhalation of the Blood.

These Flowers having imbibed a sublime Alkali elixerated, afterward united with the undefiled Sulphur of ♂, cleanse the Body by Spitting, Urine, Sweat, causing the Spirits at the same time to Triumph.

Out of ♁ is separated by Sublimation a Sulphur, not unlike to the Common, only [Page 112] hath somewhat a greenish cast. This exqu [...]sitly refined, maturated, then radically dis [...]solued, gives an odorous, pleasant, glorious high-coloured Tincture to an Alkali imbue [...] with Salt of Tartar volatile. This Remedy seldome deceives my Expectation in curing truculent Diseases. It sweetly condenses the Spirits, entertained by them with great de­light, finding thereby repast, after many toil­some hours: It helps Nature to dissipate pec­cant Matter, to thrust it out vigorously every way, it resists Poison, abates Inflammations, breaks Abscesses, healeth them, alters bad Juices to the better. It leaveth no place un­rigged or unransak'd, sweeping every cor­ners, making the whole Body polite and trim.

By the Art of Distillation, a Sulphureous Oyl of ♁ is forced over of excellent use in Topical Applications, to asswage the dolours of the Archeus, to mortifie the Corruptor in an Ulcer, to dissolve coagulated Matter, to discuss Tumours in the beginning. The same liquid Sulphur graduated may be taken in­wardly with good success.

From ♁ united with ☿ ♎ distilled is brought to light a Gummous Liquor, called Butyr. Antim. a commodious Matter in the hands of a Philosophical Pyrotechnist for Processes, leading to noble Remedies, favou­rable to Nature, bearing discord with the Morbifick Excrements.

[Page 113]There are multifarious Manufactures of Antim. besides what are set down, upon which the Archeus doth smile, whereby it is quickned to take heart, to subjugate Potent, Malignant Griefs. But what I have men­tioned here may suffice to justifie a Physiti­ans Diploma, if he be Industriously capable, likewise gratifie the Patient, if he be obedient.

Cinabaris Nativa, called of Paracelsus Metallus Primus sive Masculus comprehends, a most Radiant Solar Sulphur. This brought into a red Oyl, afterwards into a Mercurial Juice, named Vinum vitae, or dissolved in some Aromatick Oyl, Circulated with an Alkali in Spirit of Wine, doth not onely cleanse away, banishing what is hurtful in the Body, but also renovates the Strength, [...]mpaired in the whole, reducing the Tone and Vigour of every part to a just proporti­on and Equal Action. Hence it is deserved­ly conducible for the protelation of Life.

The Sulphureous Particles of Lapis Hae­matites extraverted by Sublimation, send forth a most fragrant smell like Saffron. These Flowers immerged in a Benevolent Menstru­uum, digested, often Distilled, give a Tin­cture no whit different to a dissolution of Gold. Great is the Power hereof to please the Vitals, to Illuminate the dark Corners of the Microcosm.

[Page 114]Out of Bismuth. Zink, Talk, Ludus Pa­racel. and divers other Marchasites are ex­torted good Sulphurs, which Elaborately Refined, United with Symbolizing Liquors, afford Remedies fitting to allay the pertur­bations of the Archeus.

There are also certain Precious Stones; as the Emeral'd Saphire, Granat, &c. whose rutilating Sulphurs, although they are fast locked up, yet may be recluded by means of penetrating Dissolvents, whereby (their shining Dowries being diffused in a Friendly Diaphanous Bath) the Rigour of the Ar­cheus may be made supple, compliant, and enlightned, when at any time it is obnubi­lated. For if Precious Stones be repu­ted to have a Happy Influence upon the Vi­tals, by those bright Beams darted outward­ly: Certainly they will perform it much better, when that Light imprisoned shall be set at Liberty from the grosser part, being United, as it were, in a Cone, shall be received into a fluid serene Matter, so taken inwardly.

Those Luminous Concretions Nature seems to have taken extraordinary pains a­bout, to free from Heterogene [...]ty or Alloy, namely, Unions, or Pearls, indigitate to us by their Clarified Signature, that such▪ shi­ning Sulphureous Remedies may be fabrica­ted by Analysis of them, which the Archeus [Page 115] may esteem as Vitae Deliciae, Feasting upon [...]hem with admirable delight. Now, this Dainty Morsel for the Archeus to Banquet on, is not to be acquired by a trivial affusion of Vinegar, (which doth onely imposie up­on our Eyes, representing them as truly dis­solved, whereas indeed they are no other­wise than Masked, no better than pulveri­zed: Moreover doth likewise fleece them, castrating these splendid Concretions of their real eminent Lustre they had before; but by means of such a dissolvent, able to make them retire to their Ens primum. This is verily a great Cordial sweetly imbibed by Nature, worthy to be called Elementum sive lac Margaritarum, because it is a great Re­storer of what is impaired, a disperser of those black Meteors darkning the Spirits.

Thus I have, I hope, pro modulo, confir­med one Leg of this spacious Body of Therapeutick Physick, viz. the [...] or Indication dedueed from the Necessary support, Augmentation, [...] Placa­tion, Moderation, Applause, Photism of the Vital Spirits.

CHAP. XIV.

THE other Leg to be insisted upon, or principal immediate Indication to be [Page 116] Considered, is the ablation of the Inwar [...] Efficient Cause of a Disease, and the Ou [...]ward Occasional, Irritative, Morbifick Matte [...] ▪

That the Archeus is the Prime Author [...] all Sickness, is an undoubted Truth. Ne­ther can any Malady Seat it self any where▪ but in the Life, as it's proper Subject; fo [...] the Body once extinct, all Diseases vanish.

Now, this Ens morbosum, as all othe [...] things, arises from a Seminal Principle, th [...] Quiddity, or Activity of which necessaril [...] depends upon an Idea impressed upon th [...] Spirit.

As soon as this Idea is formed by the Ar [...]cheus, invested therewith, it forthwith falls to Action, uncessantly Labouring to pollute part of the Vitals; hereupon an un­kindly Forreign Ferment emerges, which the Archeal Idea makes use of, to alienate the Life more and more from it's Integrity.

Thus from an Invisible Beginning a Real Morbous Ens, is Created, defined by our Philosopher, Vitalis Potestatis Actus Idealis, Efficiens, induens sibi Vestem ex Ideali mate­ria; atque a [...]quirens formam Vitalem & sub­stantialem, juxta differentiam Tarditatis & Celeritatis seminum Ide alum.

That this depraved Efficient Act of the Vitals may be hindred, frustrated, and de­prived of Ideal Matter to clad it self; so be [Page 117] disappointed from arriving to, or continuing in a Vital Formality; the Ideal Seed is to be defaced, blurred, and extinct by all means possible.

To bring this Intention home to a purpose Immediately, and speedily, requires the best of Van Helmont's Arcana: Yet I doubt not but some of those Medical Instruments, I have before proposed, will by Degrees in some reasonable space, at least Cancel, if not totally deface those black Preternatural Ideas, that the Archeus (disturbed with ir­regular Passions) hath delineated in the ve­ry Essence of Life.

Certainly when a supreamly clarified Salt and Sulp. shall be taken into the Body, then Conducted into the very Bed-Chamber of Life, shewing the Archeus, as in a Looking-Glass, the ugly shape of the Disease Pour­trayed; it cannot but after some Re-collecti­on Repent of Former Errors, exceed­ingly contented at the presence of so beau­tiful an Object offered to the view, whose salutiferous Idea causes a Composure in the [...] whereupon it falls to razing out the deformed Image of Mortality, instead thereof limns though rudely at first, the Picture of future Sanctity.

Pulv. noster Bezoard. vel Pestifugus. Tinct. Bals. Solar. Polya. Sulp. ♂ & ♀, most [Page 118] defaecated, destroy in some sort, Diseased Ideas, producing luminous instead of Ca­liginous Images.

I question not but there are Remedies to be purchased, as Active in framing Health [...]ful Characters on the Spirits, as there ar [...] things noxious framing (with admirabl [...] Agility) deadly Impresses.

Did we not too much acquiesce upo [...] Traditional Notions, prone to be rathe [...] Credulous through Idleness, than to make a narrow Indagation into the formal Essen [...]tial Virtues given to Concretes, we should without Question, be better Instructed con­cerning the specifick Properties of Animals, Vegetables, and Minerals: we should more directly understand what is to be adapted adequately immediately, for the abolition of contumacious, long Maladies: whose dif­ficulty of Curing consists in fixed Ideas, the [...] of which would quickly make a Cure. 'Tis, I say, for want of the know­ledge of the seminal Endowments of Crea­tures, able to wash away the foul Tinctures, or black Ideas of Evils, and in lieu to ting the Body with a Vital Balsom, Creating good Images in the Spirits, that our Cala­mities are so Grievous, and long.

How Vainly then, Foolishly, Obstinate­ly, yea, deceitfully, do the Galenists ob­trude [Page 119] upon their m [...]serable Patients: Faint Cordials, Insignificant Juleps, Destructive Bleeding, Pernicious Solutives, together with outward Butcheries, as Vesicatories, &c. for the Conquering those Radicated Maladies, whose Essence principally depends upon a Spiritual Morbifick Idea, which once expunged, salutiferous Images come in place, Nature flourisheth, it's Enemy short­ly withers.

I grant the Dogmatists own the use of Specificks, affirming that they substantially, and formally resist the Evils of Life: For all that, 'tis well known to the Faithful Philo­sopher, how little they trust to them, being conscious to themselves how ieiune, and barren they are therein, never profoundly to a purpose examining this Ideal Doctrine, or putting it to the Test of Solid, Learned, repeated Experiments, as they ought, but rather trusting to what Good-wives have Taught them (who Happily deprived of their false Methods, slighting their Hodg podg, Bolmong Non-sensical jumbling to­gether of multitude of Ingredients, looking Ninety nine ways at once, but in no wise at the right Mark) led by their own Genius put to some difficulties, moved to pity their Neighbours Languors, simply looked upon by them with a sincere Eye of Healing, [Page 120] without that chief Sordid, Mercenary End, our Galenical Hucksturs or Ingrossers drive at) have been by Divine Providence con­ducted to the knowledge of those Specificks, that have beyond expectation made a Meta­morphosis of the Infirmity into Sanity. To the Rude contingent Essays of the Plain, Candid, Immethodical People, are our Fine-finger'd, Disingenuous Methodical Galenists beholding, hardly affording a Mantissa of their own Experimental Discoveries, to the weight of Direct Immediate Scheme of Curing.

This is the Reason we have so few Pat­terns of Antidotes in this kind, sufficient to annihilate those Venemous Characters, made by multitude of dayly Occurrent Oc­casional Causes: such is the Laziness of these Antichymists, that they will neither labour themselves, nor encourage Industrious men. Their Main study is to disguise themselves, that they may rather seem, than be truly Philosophical; wherefore like the worst of Thieves, stealing Pretious Truths out of Van Helm. or his Legitimate Disciples, they con­ceal them by dressing them in a strang Habit, thus bring them upon the Stage of the world to be Admired, as the Off-spring of their own Head and Hand: whereas indeed they are but meerly Surreptitious, for which they [Page 121] ought severely to be animadv [...]rted, especially for Cavilling, and Carping at this Noble Philosopher, to whom they owe what Or­thodox Knowledge they have. Of this Crime I know some, cryed up by the Ignorant for great Spagyrists: who (as I can expressly shew) hath pillaged our Philosopher of Sub­stantial Physical Verities, changed their Name, cut out their Mark, put on a larg fine Coat of Rhetorick, to make them look more gaudy, so exposed them to Sale at the Phantastical Fairs of this Foolishly Affecting, willingly to be deceived World.

Now let us find out (if possible) some Rare Gifts Instilled into the Creatures by the Conditor of all things.

These are fitly to be divided into three Monarchies or Republicks, each one bound to act according to that Power they are sub­ject to, viz. Animal, Vegetable, Mineral, to which is added Marine.

CHAP. XV.

AMong the Tribe of Animals with their Parts, the Spirit of the blood of Man blots out the Idea of the Falling-sickness, which the Spirit of Urine (in every respect besides equal with the former) cannot effect.

[Page 122]The Pouder of the Skul of a Man strang­led, is reputed a Specifick in the Epilepsie. The Spirit of the Brain is valued after the same rate.

To drink his own Urine preserveth from the Image of the Pest.

The repeated Potation of Urine, cures the Tertian, and makes the Seminal Character to fade away.

The Uterine Blood of a Child-bed Wo­man drank, hath an excellent faculty to stop immoderate Fluxes of the Womb, arising from a furious Idea.

The Blood flowing from the Nose, stops excessive Haemorrhagies, Menstruum Virgi­nis extinguisheth Erysipelas.

Blood Extravsated or quitture hath a Sympathetical Sense, diffusing Beams at a great Distance towards the Vital Blood, cau­sing Idea's Sanative or Corruptive in Wounds or Ulcers, according as Moderate or Violent Impresses are made upon the Mat­ter removed from the Body.

The Gaul of Man correcteth Deafness.

The Mumy of Mans Body duly prepared, acts strangly upon the Innate Spirits, Ferments and Idea's, for, saith our Philoso­pher: Nec etenim tutum est satis Mumiarum ad invicem connexum & concordantiam expri­mere: inde nempe tota dimanavit Necroman­tia [Page 123] veterum. A man may presume to dive too far into this abstruse Philosophy to his own prejudice, imitating the Necromancy of the Antients. Without Controversie, the true Mumy operates notably upon the Morbifick Seal, enabling the Spirits to abolish it, to make salutiferous Images in place of the for­mer. But it is not to be purchased sincere at this day, nor a succedaneum thereto: for that liquor as it is described, was of a thick Mellaginous consistence, of good Odour, of singular Efficacy, proceeding from the Bal­some of Myrrhe, Aloe, Cinamon, with which they seasoned Mans Body. Ours at this day is of a different form to the right: Being only a Cadaverous Liquamen, or a piece of Flesh Condited, and dryed, very little signi­ficant for the cure of any great Disease.

The Fat of Man wants not its worth as a Topick, in removing weak, troublesome, tor­menting Marks made on certain parts of the Body. The Fat of Man enters into the Wea­pon Salve for the advancement thereof.

To what Nefarious, Impious uses, Witch­es put the parts of Mans Body, for the exe­cution of their horrid Enterprizes, is known to those who have enquired into Natural Magical Causes of things.

The same parts of Man differently hand­led, may destroy their wicked villanous, Be­witching [Page 124] Idea's, by introducing Good Moral Divine Religious Representations.

'Tis vulgarly known how Fasting-spittle doth take off some Griefs, not so much by power of a volatile Salt in it, as by a gift conferred of spoiling the Stigma in the part affected. Ear-wax cometh not short thereof in Energie.

The Spirit of Hair applyed, causeth Hair to grow.

Man's Dung is reported to be an Adae­quate Antidote for mortifying the terrible Idea of some Poysons.

The great Tooth of a Dead Body placed upon an aking Tooth, causeth it to fall out by bare contact.

Van. Hel. affirms, Morientium sudor miri­ficas vires mortificandi Haemorrhoides & ex­crescentias possidet. p. 233. The Sweat of a Dying Man destroys the form of the swell­ing of the outward Piles, and other Excre­scenscies. A Dead-mans hand caused to stroke the same, acts in like manner.

Lice swallowed alive diminisheth (as is confirmed by some experimentally) the Tincture of the Jaundice, and sometimes to­tally removes the steps thereof.

Intestinal Worms dried, poudered, taken inwardly, destroy the Figure of living Worms. Lice are said to rid away Lice.

[Page 125]Some declare the Stone of the Kidneys and Bladder, prudently Ordered by an Ex­pert Pyrosophist, marreth the fashion of the Duelech, loosening the Compage there­of, making it become Retrograde to the Principle of it's first Concretion.

There are some who have such an Idio­syncrasie, or peculiar Constitution of Body, that upon Contact, Palpation, or stroaking another Living Body they change the Tex­ture of the same, alter a valetudinary Me­lancholy stamp, to a wholsome, Chearful Image. And I doubt not but some Infected with the Venereal Poysonous sting of a foul Woman, have, making use of one peculi­arly wholsom, found them Antidotarie, giving interchangeably better for worse Ideas.

Thus great is the Benignity of the good Creator, who hath not suffered Man to be destitute of Excellent Remedies contained in his own Body, for the mitigation, pes­sundation of the sad Calamities, he hath, and doth daily bring upon himself through his Exorbitant, Lustful Phansie.

He hath also destinated other Creatures to be at his Service, to regulate, sufflami­nate, amend, consolidate, purifie, and per­sanate his wandring Precipitate, Maimed, Corrupt, Crasie, Absurd, Filthy, Mad [Page 126] Imaginations, turning Body and Soul con­tinually off the Hinges.

I wish those Specificks I deliver upon trust, were throughly explorated, and approved by Learned Authors, who, I fear, have taken up some of them too credulously for Truths, as they came from the mistakes of the Plebeian, without Examining them by the Test of Judicious iterated Trials.

I shall exhort therefore all hearty Lovers of Verity, that they would make a severe scrutiny into some of those Concrets, sup­posed to have a Gift bestowed upon them, of Acting in a Spiritual manner upon vitia­ted Ideas.

For my part, had I leisure; were I not Importunately turmoiled with the accurate facture of Pharmacie, I should, long e're this, have given a more satisfactory Ac­count of the Operation of things, sympa­thizing with our Nature, preserving good sound Imaginations, bearing an Innate ha­tred to those that are Morbous, Crasie, Vi­tiated, extinguishing them.

I have thought none more fitting for this Work, than those we call Virtuosi, if they would lay aside their wanton, little signifi­cant, somewhat Impertinent (as to the main matter of Sanity, without which no­thing can be done aright (Periergies, or [Page 127] over-busie Curiosities, seriously setling them­selves, (for the Well-fare of their Neigh­bour) to the Inspection and Anatomy of Essential Energies of Spirits, lodging in divers Bodies, as they delight, or are dis­pleased when they meet with those of their own Texture, nearly related, or strangers thereto: In that regard exert respectively their Ingenite Faculties producing Charact­eristical Effects of Health and Sickness.

If they will not vouchsafe to do this them­selves, let them encourage others thereto, making a Collection of such Observations, as other Practical Philosophers have really found true, being ready to exhibit plain Specimens thereof to their Senses.

This were the direct way to advance the Sophical Tractation of Materia Medica, and to rid us of that Lumber of Fruitless, Far­raginous, Absurd Compositions, which do but aggravate our miserable Condition.

Having shewn what Excellent Properties are comprehended in the Parts of Man, for the Regulation of Noxious Phansies: I shall now make a Progress of the Matter in hand, Mustering such Animals with their Continents and contents, reported either to sully, deface, blur, or quite abolish the Idea's of Diseases, whose Action in this kind is called Specifick, being destinated ab [Page 128] Origine, for that End, to produce such an [...] or Effect, no Rational Compu­tation of which can be given from the Prae­dicament of meer Qualities.

The Spiritual Endowments flowing from Animals, Vegetables, and Mineral Concrets, as they are simply, plain, rudely, or curious­ly prepared: I shall set down as most of them are delivered to me, ex fide, trusting to the bare Traditions of some, to the Authority, and Integrity of others.

Therefore let no man think all the Inge­nite Virtues, attributed here to the Principal Triple Common-weal of Bodies, to be al­together Authentick; but let them take no­tice of my Grand Design, viz. That they may come under (a certain Modification with all Circumstances observed) the Ex­amination of Ingenious Experimenters, who are able to testifie the falsity, or verity of the same, as they find them.

Swallows are commended as Powerful to obliterate by degrees the Falling Sickness: Also an Elks Claw, Castoreum. The Gaul of a Sucking Whelp.

The Liver of Froggs prepared. Casto­reum. Blood of a Turtle Dove. The stone in a Carps Head, are Specifick in the Appo­plexie, and Palsie. Likewise Fox Grease. The smell of a Fox. Water Distilled from Ants.

[Page 129]The Dung of a Black Cow taken while it is hot, then Calcined, and given to Infants newly Born, to half a dram, pre­serves them from Convulsion Fits, and the Epilepsie.

Peacocks Dung conduceth against the Vertigo or Diziness.

The Brain of a Swine avails in a Phrensie and a Weak Memory.

A small Bone found in Snails without shells, profits in Convulsions.

A Toad stops great Fluxes of Blood; also the Hair, or Downie substance about the Tail of a Hare, taken in March, blown in­to the Nostrils. Cats Tail, Asses, or Hogs Dung are used for that purpose.

The Fat of a Pike applied to the Tem­ples, Composes the Phansie to Rest. A Succedaneum to it is the Water drawn out of the Worms found in the spongy Balls of sweet Bryar.

The Juice extracted out of the Liver of a Weasil, instilled into the Eye, removes the Idea of a white spot, or Cloudiness in the Eye. The same is declared of the Gaul of a Weasil, or Hare. The Blood of a Mouse. And Water Distilled out of mans Dung.

The Inward Skin of Egg-shells newly Hatched, Powdered, and Applied, takes [Page 130] away the venemous Impress of a Cancer in the Eye.

Scarabees, or Beetles dryed, and pulve [...]rised, repose the starting out of the Eye.

The Chrystaline Humour of the Eye o [...] an Ox Distilled, Corrects the Infirmities o [...] the Eyes.

The Gaul of a Pike mortifies a Fistula.

The Gauls of most Fishes, instilled into the Eyes, change the dark Character of Blindness, into the Luminous bright Image of Seeing. The Gaul of a Pike is most fa­mous for that End.

A Headless Fly rubbed upon a Wheal, or Mattery swelling of the Eye-lid Cures it.

The Juice of Periwinckles instilled into the Ear, profiteth against the Impress of Deafness. The like is attributed to the Gaul of a Hare, mixt with a little Honey.

The Claw of a Toad, well dressed, and held to the aking Tooth, charms the dolo­rous pain. The Tooth of a dead Dog, Acts in the same manner, as they say. So doth (as some affirm) the Gum of Ivy and a Snakes Skin.

The Powder of Lizards put upon the Teeth, maketh them to fall out.

The Blood of a Cocks Comb rubbed on the Gums of Children breeding their Teeth, causeth them to break forth the sooner.

[Page 131]Oyl of Toads blot out Pimples and Wheals of the Face. The Menstruous matter per­forms the like.

An Egg boiled hard laid to the Crown of the Head, takes off the flaccidity and hang­ing down of the Uvula.

The Grease of a Pike rubbed into the Soles of Childrens Feet, afflicted with a tedious Cough, puts a stop to it.

Creatures fresh killed, applyed to the Head, have a Specifick Virtue to mitigate pains and watchings.

Crabs, Dogs Dung. Swallows, and Swallows Nest. Boars Tooth, marr the strangulatorie Image of the Quinzie.

Goats Blood, Mumy, Crabs Eyes, con­duce to the amendment of that deformed Figure of a Phthisis. The Heart, Liver, and Lungs of a Calf, distilled, are of some Use for that purpose (as they say) Vipers, River Crabs, Pearls Philosophically hand­led, are doubtless of great Force. So are Snails.

Ants Distilled with Honey in Spirit of Wine, afford an Excellent Liquor, appro­priated for an Atrophie, or Consumption; to be used both inward and outward. T'is delivered by some, that a New laid Egg boiled in the Urine of a Consumptive Body till it be hard; then perforated with a sharp [Page 132] stick, that abundance of holes may be made, reaching to the Yolk; afterward this very Egg boiled again in the same Urine, till it be quite evaporated: At length, buried in an Ant-Hill, is available in an Atrophie; for as it is consumed by the Ants eating it, so is the Idea of the Consumption of the Body ob­literated, and the strength restored. That frothy, slimy Water slipping out of the mouth of Horses, when they are Drinking, being taken inwardly, repairs decayed Na­ture

Millepedes Cheslips. Bezoar Orient. Cro­cus. The broath of an Old Cock, are ac­counted powerful to asswage an Asthma, or Tissick.

The Heart of a Partridge abates the Pas­sion of the Heart. The Heart of a Bird, called a Wag-tail, the Congelation of the Spirits.

The Arterial Blood of a Goat, the Pizzle of a Stagg, or Bull. Boars Tooth often given, cross out the sharp point­ed Character of a Pleurisie. Also the bright shining Pictures in a Peacocks Tail, cut into small pieces, and given to Drink. The fore-said spumous slippery Li­quor, gliding through the Horses mouths in Watering, imbibed, doth strangly alter the Pleuritical Impress.

[Page 133]The Skin of a Wolf, Vulture, Swan, worn for a Stomacher, help, as they say, Digestion.

Hard Eggs are reckoned for a Specifick in [...] the Dogs Appetite.

The Powder of a Secundine of the first Born, is recommended for prevention of mischief in the Pica, a strange Idea of Long­ing in Women with Child.

A stone found in an Oxes Bladder of Gaul, wipes off the Tincture of the Yellow Jaun­dies. Goose-dung, Earth Worms have the like Property. Outwardly a Tench ap­plyed alive to the Navil till it dye. Like­wise a Spider inclosed quick in a little Box, hung about the Neck upon the pit of the Stomack till it dye.

The fore-said stone in an Oxes Bladder of Gaul prevails against Sadness.

The Spleen of an Ox is a Specifick against the Evils of the Spleen.

The Worms in Dog Rose mortifie the Worms in the Belly.

A Living Toad applyed to the Region of the Loyns, cancels the Character of the Dropsie in the Kidneys.

The Gut of a Wolf dryed, and the pow­der taken, lulleth asleep the Torment of the Cholick. The same is reputed of the In­ward Ventricle of a Hens Craw, and whiter [Page 134] part of Hens Dung. Likewise the Testi­cles of a Horse. The powder of the Inward skin of the shell of Eggs. Portion of the Navil string of a Child new Born, carried about, certainly prevents, or mitigates the Torture of the Cholick.

The Blood of a Hare Cures the Dysentery or Bloody Flix.

Crabs Eyes. The Jaw Bone of a Pike, deface that ugly Petrifying Image in the Kidneys. Scorpions are applauded by some for that purpose.

Cheesils, Goats Blood produce the same Effect in the Stone of the Bladder. Chry­stal Glass often heated red hot, quenched in very pure Water, Acts rarely in this kind.

The Egg-shell of a Hatched Chicken powdered, profiteth in the stopping of the Urine. The Urine of a Lynx, or spotted Beast, give Relief in the Strangury; also Oyl of Wax. The like is said of the Pith in a Goose Quill. Anima Halecis. Goats Tal­low put into the Navil. Urine of a Goat. Earth-worms.

The Juice of River Crabs disturbs the Formal Cause of an Inflammation of the Kidneys. Not Inferior to the former is the Urine of a Goat newly made.

The Dung of a Yellow Coloured Hen, mortif [...]es an Ulcer in the Bladder.

[Page 135]The Wind-pipe of a Cock torrefied. The Bladder of a Goat. A Fish found in the Belly of a Pike. Invigorate the Retentive Faculty of the Bladder, hindring the invo­luntary coming out of the Urine.

The Pizzle of a Bull, or Stag, corrobo­rates the Atonie, or Flaccidity of a Man's Yard, stirring up Libidinous Images. Bole­tus Cervinus, or Stags Mushrom. Scincus, or Land Crocodile, promote Venery.

The Ashes of Horse-Leeches. The Ashes of a sucking Leveret, are apprehended pow­erful to Cure the Rupture of the Guts.

A Cuttle Fish bone. The Roe of a Red Herring are of force for the Running of the Reins.

Beetles infused in Oyl of Lin-seed, stop the Exorbitant Flux of the Piles, and the Falling down of the Fundament. Mumy hath the like Credit.

Sponges growing in Bathing places, The Ashes of Mouse-dung, Purple shell-fish cal­cined, applyed to the Fundament, reform the mishapen knaps thereof, Warts, and other Vexatious excrescences.

The powder of the Matrice of a Hen helps Conception.

The Fume of a Dead Tooth of Man, de­stroys the Idea of Sterility.

The Liver and Gaul of an Adder or Eel [Page 136] dryed, and taken in Drink, causeth speedy Delivery in Child-bed. A Girdle made of an Adders Skin, worn about the Loyns, hath the same Virtue.

The Secundine torrefied and drank, won­derfully dischargeth the After-Birth.

Powder of Cockle-shells, Powder of Mo­ther of Pearl, Crabs Eyes, Spiders Web, A Fish, called a Tench, do all help to raze out the Image of Feavers.

The Spawn of Froggs technically Orde­red, appease the pain of the Gowt.

Swines Blood, River Crabs, take off in some measure, the Impress of a Hectick Feaver.

Sal 🜹 seven times Sublimed, Powder of Vipers, The Heart of a Hare, spoyl by degrees the Figure, or Type of a Quartan. To that purpose conspires a Living Spider, Imprisoned in a little Box, placed about the Stomack.

A Red or Pickled Herring eaten, cures Hydrophobie from the Biting of a Mad Dog.

A Toad, rightly prepared, is a true Xe­nexton, Preservative, or curative in the Plague, mortifying Pestiferous Phancies. A Wolf's Tongue is extolled by Paracelsus, as endued with the same Virtue.

A Lizard assists Nature to kill the Venom of a Carbuncle.

[Page 137]The Fat of a Wolf obliterates the Picture of a Disease, called a Wolf, in Mans Body.

Vipers Flesh frequently assumed, doth overcome that filthy Species of a miserable calamity, the Leprosie.

The Blood of a Hare extinguisheth the fiery shape of an Erysipelas. The Fat of the same Creature extracteth a Thorn out of the Flesh.

A Living Worm applyed close to the fin­ger, afflicted with a Whitflaw, dissipateth it. The Blood and Skin of a Mole performs the same.

The Mouse, called a Shrew, or Ranny, cut up alive, forthwith put to the part bit­ten, heals the Wound.

Honey, or the Bee it self, cure the sting of Bees.

The Liver of a mad Dog eaten, is an An­tidote against his Poyson.

The Head of an Adder is Alexiterie against it's biting. A Scorpion against it's sting. A Toad stone agafnst the Venom of a Toad.

CHAP. XVI. The next Class of those things which make [...] are Vegetables, as follow.

THE Root of Male Piony, Missletoe of the Oak, A shrub of Elder growing on a Willow, taken Inwardly, or worn as a Periapton, are very prevalent for the de­letion of the deformed, Venemous, Epi­leptical Image.

Lilly conval, the Flowers of Linden, or Teil Tree, Black Cherries, Southern wood, Valerian, Oyl of the Wood of Hazel, Bal­sam of Palestina, Spirit of Tobacco, Spi­rit of Camphire, are according to tradition, Specificks against the Epilepsie, Appoplexie, and Palsie.

Balm, Black Hellebore prevail against mad Phancies.

White Poppy, Nutmeg, help to abate great Watchings.

Serpillum, or Wild Thyme, Vervein, Regulate the Disorders of the Head.

The Flowers of Succory. Rochet, appli­ed to the Nape of the Neck, Celandine, the green leaves of Tobacco, mitigate the In­flammation of the Eyes.

[Page 139]Hieracium i. e. Hawkweed, Eye-bright, Fennel, strengthen weak Eyes.

Wormwood, Vervain, diminish the ting­ling noise in the Ear.

An Onion, Pellets of Common Raddish, put into the Ear, have a property to help the difficulty of Hearing.

The Root of Gentian amends the Idea of an Ulcer in the Nose.

Majoram, Hors-mint, Restore the decay of Smelling.

The Juice of mil-foil, the mushrom of a Birch tree, the Flowers of Daisie the lesser, restrain Haemorrhagies, Flowers of Benzoe, stalks of Nigella Romana, or Gith, Dissolve Congealed Blood.

Oyl of Box, the Root of sharp pointed Dock, Burdock, are reckoned appeasers of the Tooth ach: the Fume of Henbane kil­leth Worms in the teeth.

A Decoction of Veronica mas, i. e. Flu­ellin the male, is said to Cure the Aphthae, the Thrush in Sucking Children.

The Root of Aron, Bryony, Valerian, are Specified against Diseases of the Lungs.

Ground Ivy is powerful to do good in those who are Empical, i. e. have Corrupt matter gathered in the Chest: the Seed of Roman Nettle, and the Root of Comfrey, are also proper.

Horse-tongue, Ladies Thistle, appease the pains of the Side.

[Page 140]Wild Cresses take off the mark of Hoars­ness upon the Lungs. Zizipha lenifie a Cough. Henbane-Seed, the Root of sting­ing Nettle, Fluellin, Bistort, Comfrey, Burnet, Sanicle, check spitting of Blood.

The Lesser Housleek is of great force a­gainst a Quinzie.

English Saffron, Scabious, Garlick, Hore­hound, Spirit of Tobacco, Benzoe, de­face the Character of the Tissick.

The Root of Mullein (before it comes to Flower) hinders the Impetuous Flux of the Latex to any part. The like Virtue is attributed to mother of Thyme and Ground­pine.

Zedoarie, Balm, Anacardium, give re­dress in Lipothymie, or Fainting Fits. Oyl of Cynamon in Palpitation of the Heart.

Hemlock, Gum of Juniper, afford suc­cour in the Inflammations of the Breast: Likewise Rhaeas or Wild Red Poppy, Daisie Roots, and Flowers.

The Juice of Ground Ivie, the Flower of St. Johns Wort, reform the mishapen figure of a Phthisis or Ulcer of the Lungs.

Hemlock, Mint, the Root and Seed of Fennel, hinder an overplus of Milk, and its curdling.

The greater Dragon, Aron, spoil the fil­thy shape of a Cancer.

[Page 141]Burnet, Bryony Root, Water of Vine branches, abate the Phantastical Longing of Women, hindering the mischief which com­monly coms upon it.

Zedoarie is applauded as an excellent pro­per Stomachick.

Essence of Bread helps Digestion admi­rably well.

The Seed of Columbine, Crocus, Hore­hound, Strawberry Leaves and Root, alter the Dye or Stain of the Yellow Jaundice.

Elder Berries lenefies the vehemence of the Bloody Flix.

Essence of Persicaria is excellent against the Diseases of the Mesentery.

Gladiolus, Sword-grass, Fox-glove, are of great importance in the Kings-Evil.

Black Hellebore, Tamarisk, Garlick, Fern, Epithymum, Polypodium, Seed of Roman Nettle are accounted Remedies for the Spleen.

Gratiola doth good in the Dropsie, Ana­sarcha, Tapsus Barbatus in a Tympany.

Garden Scurvy-grass well prepared, Brooklime, Lesser Celandine, Horse-Raddish Herb two Penny, the leaves of Pine, or Firr, help to Cancel the virulent Idea of the Scurvy.

Rupture wort, Hippoglossum, Pilosella, Semen Sophiae, Filicula, Perfoliata are ap­propriated for the Cure of a Rupture of the Guts.

[Page 142]Herb Paris reduces the Inflammation of the Scrotum to an Eucrasie.

The dead Nettle, Terebinth, Ebulus, much conduceth in a Gonorrhaea.

Satyrium, Boletus Cervinus, Cubebs, the Root of Dogs stone, Umbilicus Vene­ris, quicken Veneral Phancies.

Oyl of Rue abates the Priapism.

Sweet Bryar Balls, Alkekeng, Juniper Berries, Saxifrage, Lignum Nephriticum, Peach stones, Lachrima Job, the Liquor of Birch, drawn from the Tree in March, are commended for the stone in the Kidneys.

Decoction of Red Ciches avails▪ in the Strangury.

Agrimony, in Pissing of Blood.

Figg leaves, Juice of Onions, Aloe, open the Piles.

Linaria, the Ashes of Vine Branches, re­move the Warts and knubs of the Funda­ment.

Black Hellebore quilted with Cotten in form of a Girdle worn, stops the Excessive Flux of the Piles.

The Root of Sloe bush, restores the Fal­ling down of the Fundament.

Down upon Quinces, Maiden-hair, Thap­sia cause the Hair to grow.

Storks Bill, called Gratia Dei, Unites broken bones.

[Page 143]Persicaria, Celandine, the lesser Bryony, take away black and blew strokes.

Hypericon, Persicaria, are excellent vulne­rary Herbs.

The Root of Bryony steeped in Water with Oak Ashes, destroys Worms in the Skin.

Gladiolus applyed, fetches out Thorns and Splinters.

Mushroms of an Oak mortifie Carbun­cles.

Strawberries are accounted a Specifick against the Leprosie.

The Bark of Birch, Bladders on Elm leaves cleanse away Freckles.

A Bath made of Osier leaves, refresheth Consumptive Limbs.

Lunaria is a special Remedy for a Cancer.

An Apple applyed to Warts, and buried under ground, mortifies them.

CHAP. XVII. Lastly, Mineral and Marine Substances Act upon the Idea's of Diseases, by defacing, or expunging them.

THE Legitimate Spir. of Vitriol Amber, Terra Sigillata, Red Coral, Natural [Page 144] Cinnabar. Cinnabar of ♁. The Emeral'd, scatter those black Clouds arising from the horrid Spectrums of the Appoplexie, Epi­lepsie, introducing instead thereof a bright­ness and splendour in the Spirits. Our Be­zoartick powder with ☽ doth notable things to this purpose. It operates rarely well in Comatous Evils and Watchings.

Balsam of Saturn appeases the furious Commotion of the brain.

The Sulphur of Vitriol Cures the Vertigo or Diziness.

The pure Tincture of Tutia respects the Good of the Eyes, causing the Species of Objects to be seen more plain.

Sal Punella, Flowers of Brimstone, made as they should be, are doubtless, of com­mendable use in the Quinzie, and Tissick.

Tincture of Mars, Lapis Haematites, and Vitriol, stop excessive Bleeding.

Antimonium Diaphoreticum is conducible in Imposthumes of the Lungs. The Flow­ers of ♁ fixed, are so prized in an Empical Condition.

Bezoar, Mineral, dissolves blood congea­led, and is of great validity in a Phthisis; but above all, the Anodine Sulphur of Vitriol is to be preferred.

Coral Revives the Vital Image in Lipo­thymical Persons.

[Page 145]Powder of Crystal encreaseth Milk.

Spirit of ♄ amends the defects of the Stomack.

Emeral'd, Coral, Sulphur of ☉ are mag­nified for good Remedies in Cholera and Dysenterie.

Mars, Saccharum ♄ Clarifie the Spleen, Reforming it's peccant Idea's.

The Load-stone applyed to the Navil, causeth Cholick pains to cease by destroying the Image of the Disease.

The Sea Spong, Sal Gemm, is much com­mended in Schrofulous Affects.

Sal Gemm Artificially prepared, is extol­led in Bubonocele and Enterocele,

Mercury destroys all sorts of Worms.

Essence of Amber, Venice Borace, Re­vives the Image of Virility, extinguishing the ill-favoured type of sterility.

Ludus Paracels. reduces the Stone of the Kidneys or Bladder to it's first Principles.

Spirit of Mercury causeth the Corrupting Impress of the Sore in the Kidneys or Blad­der to fade away; revocating a Healing Fa­cultie.

The true tincture of Coral, purified Sul­phur of ♂ puts a stop to Diabetes.

Antimony fixed, restrains the virulencie of a Gonorrhaea.

The Emeral'd Red Coral, well ordered, [Page 146] gives succour in Pissing Blood.

Crocus Metallorum, easeth the blind Piles▪ but above all, Van Helm. Ring.

Aetites, or Eagle stone placed in the up­per parts above the Navil, hinders Aborti­on; Situate below about the Thighs, cau [...]seth timely Delivery.

Osteocolla, or Lapis Ossifragus taken In­wardly, helps to Unite broken bones.

Vitriol healeth Wounds at a distance.

The Stone, called a Saphire, wonderful­ly brings to naught the Poysonous form of a Carbuncle.

Arsenick after a peculiar manner, Cures Ulcers. Antimony the eyes.

If Hydrophobus be soused in Sea Water, the Image of the Dog pourtrayed in the Phancie of him, who is bitten, becomes annihilated.

Crystal dug out of the Earth, resists the Malignity of Arsnick, Auripigmentum, San­daracha.

Thus far have I pointed at that Pharma­cy, which having a Gift of Healing implan­ted in it, strikes immediately at the inward Efficient Cause of our Infirmities.

In the next place, I shall make a progress in Removing the Outward Occasional, Ir­ritating, or Exasperating Matter, which provokes, enrages the Archeus, causing it [Page 147] to fall into inordinate Passions, and Pertur­bations, whereby Diseases break forth, are encreased, become tedious, or lethiferous, if not timely prevented.

CHAP. XVIII.

THere is not any Faculty, or Profession hath more imposed upon the Credu­lity of Mankind, than Physick, considering how precious the Subject is to be handled, likewise how easily we might be Convinced of the grand Errors, and abominable Abu­ses, thrust upon us, to the loss of our Lives, yea, our very Souls, were we not obstinate, self-conceited unspeakably Idle, and Ma­licious.

In a Comedy, called the Cheats, an ad­dress is made to a Reverend Learned Doctor, a Galenist, for advice in a difficult Disease; who no sooner views the Urine, but forth­with gives Councel to Bleed and purge. I wish this were only Comical, and were not indeed Tragical.

What Cruelty, Tyranny, Torments hath been Exercised by the Galenists ov [...]r Mankind? What Butcheries and [...] hath been made of poor Mortals [...] ▪ by bleeding, and purging, is practically known [Page 148] to all Perspicacious Physitians every Week, yea, every Day.

How indirectly do these Men assume to themselves priviledges, who, I'le maintain to their Faces demonstratively, are not able to Cure any great Feaver Radically, with Judgment worthy of a Philosopher.

Can any deliberate, well advised Man think, that it was ever the intent of any Prince, to set up a Company of Men to de­stroy their Subjects, or at least, to suffer them to enjoy any Royal priviledge, if they perversely, against the perspicuous Light of Reason, and clear testimony of Fact, should persist in their male-praxis, their Active, wilful Homicide, at this day, when Van Helm. like a Prometheus, hath by means of Fire (blown up by a Heavenly Benediction) Discovered, and taught the World the Cure of those truculent Calamities, which that Epimetheus, or Protoplastes, by opening Pan­dora's Box, hath brought upon it.

I have in Haematia, offered Dr. Willis, or any other Semi-Chymist, or Chymicophant, to make it appear by Solid Experiments, that Bleeding (as there stated) is an indirect way to overcome any Grand Disease. Se [...] surdo narro dum sibi plaudunt. 'Tis all one, as if I should vociferate to Neptune that he would forbear to swallow up Ships, Passen­gers, [Page 149] and Treasure, sith 'tis the Nature of the Ocean agitated with the Fury of a Tem­pest, to Execute such mischief. So it is equally in vain, for me to cry aloud (if I had Stentor's Voice) that Dogmatists would forbear to destroy their Countrey-men; for as much as Nature, Education, Voracious Appetite of Gain, and Honour, hurry them to that End.

However I shall always discharge my Duty in reprehending their vitious Method, detecting how mischievous it is to the Life of Man. As I have deservedly declaimed against Phlebotomie, with Arguments, and Experiments, sufficient to perswade any in­telligent Person, that it is a Reprobate means of Conquering any great Infirmity. So I shall at this time make manifest for the sa­tisfaction of the Senses of all Judicious Men, that the common Instruments the Ga­lenists use in Purging, or carrying off the Occasional, Provoking, Morbisique Matter are unworthy to be prescribed by those, who own themselves Learned Doctors.

That I may therefore justly reprove those [...] who keep Men in Purgatory, without Expiation of the Errors of Life.

I shall (besides most clarified Reasons de­pending upon long Experience) alledge the Authority of Hippocrates, and Galen, for [Page 150] the Countenancing what I deliver.

That brave Heroe Hippocrates hath deli­vered to Posterity two Aphorisms, worthy to be Written in the Frontispiece of every Honest Able Physitians House.

The Sense of the first is mentioned five several times in divers places; as Aphor. 2. Lib. 1. [...] &c. Also Lib. 1. Aphor. 23. [...], &c. Again, Aphor. 25. of the same Book, [...], &c. Likewise Aphor. 3. Lib. 4. the same words are repeated. And Aphor. 2. of the same Book, [...]: Intimating by these Repetitions, that Physitians ought to have a singular care what they purged out of the Body.

The Second most useful Rule he gives, is Aphor. 21. Lib. 1. [...]. Denoting that in all Evacuations we ought to Observe the Motion, Orgasm, Inclination of Na­ture, and most convenient passages for that purpose.

If these Catharsists were Legitimate Di­sciples of a Master so excellently well Ver­sed in Healing, they would never thus promiscuously exclude good and bad Juices, by their colliquating Solutives, without any [Page 151] Euphorie or Profit to the Sick Man; giving Purging and Vomiting Medicines so often repeated, that their Patients have complain­ed they have emptied upward and down­ward 500. times; yea, some a Thousand, yet have found no melioration of their Health, but a decay of their Vitals.

Nothing is more Common than to meet with those, who (when for their Redress, I commend Vomiting, or Purgative Phy­sick) presently Reply, they have undergone too much of that, desiring me to forbear: When some, upon promise of Safety, and Efficacy, have taken my Emetick Tincture, Emeto Diaphoret, or Emeto Cathar, Pow­der or Pill with benefit: Yet having found little sensible Evacuation, they have mur­mured, fearing lest the Physick lay in their Body to their future hurt; supposing the same malignity to be in mine, as in the Ga­lenical Solutives; and that we were to judge of the Patients Restauration according to [...] the largeness and num­ber of Sieges.

The miserable Experience of Colliqua­ting Purgatives, taken into my own Body, the space of Seven or Eight Years, without any solid Cure, taught me that the uncor­rected Catharticks of the Dispensatory often­times [Page 152] carry off peccant Juices, without pro­fit, making as much as they discharge, wronging the Ferments, weakning the Tone of the Stomack, forcing Nature to move a way contrary to the stream of her own [...] and the [...] of the Morbifique Dross.

And when at any time there succeeds any Redress after plentiful Evacuations by this means, it is by Accident in Robust Bodies, where the Disease is trivial, Nature stand­ing upon her own Leggs, the Vessels per­meable; also an Impetuous motion in the Matter attenuated, ready upon an easie Irri­tation to be sent packing. However this Exploit will not Nobilitate a Physitian, or his Art, seeing (take one time with ano­ther) this way doth double the mischief to the Good. Neither is he upon this account able to promise the Radical Cure of any great Infirmity, very rarely, when [...] is sitting, but never when she is jacent. Then truly this is no more than the good Old Woman can perform by her simple Method; wherefore for Satisfaction of Ingenuous Lovers of Knowledge, let us a little contemplate a Beadrol or Register of their stronger and weaker So­lutives, with their Correctiors.

Can any one, who knows what belongs to poysons, believe that Gum Arabick, Tra­gacauth, [Page 153] Bdellium, are in any proportion fitting Mortifiers of the poyson of Colocyn­this, which hath proved Death in the Sto­mack of many a Man?

Is Vinegar sufficient to amend the viru­lency of the Roots of Esula, Lawrel, or Mezereum, &c. Can Milk tame the Caco­ethie of Elaterium, the Acid Gas of Sulphur, Scamony? Or the Juice of Quinces the Root of black Hellebore? Or Water wash away the Realgar of Lapis Lazuli? I could never find yet by repeated Essays, that San­ders, Violets, Ginger, Mastick, Anniseed, Cinnamon, Saffron, Daucus Seed, Almonds, Penidia, Pepper, Spikenard, with several Gums, have any power to take off, to a purpose, the Deleterie Nature of Grand, boysterous Catharticks; neither do they otherwise than Disguise the more gentle Poyson of Minoratives (as they call them) as Manna, Cassia, Reubarb, Sena, Agarick, My­robal, Carthamus, Mechoa, Soldan, Turbith.

I grant some have now and than a present ease by uncorrected Purgatives; but 'tis no other than what happened to the Doctors Servant, who, upon eating two or three Spi­ders, discharged her Stomack, had a stool or two, so was for a while freed from her Grief.

For all that, let me give a Caution to those, who without scruple swallow down [Page 154] Intoxicating Compounds, Electuaries, Po­tions, Pills, or Powders (far worse than a simple Spider) that at length by frequent sumption of the same, they make not an In­deleble Character or Impress upon the Sto­mack, never to be razed out by any Art (as I have known) the Thread of their Life be­ing cut short (according to Humane proba­bility) half in half: withal what they en­joyed had much feebleness and irksomness in it.

How can it indeed be otherwise, forasmuch their Oracle, Galen saith very true in this: Omne purgans Naturae Inimicum. Certain­ly, Naturae bellum inferre Odiosum. He that Offers violence to the Vitals, takes a course to dissolve the compage of his Body the sooner.

Neither do I charge their own proper Emeticks, or Catharticks, as Malefactors, but I moreover accuse those they have bor­rowed of the vulgar Chymists, viz. Infu­sio Croc. Metal. abusively called Vinum Be­nedictum, ☿ Vit. ☿ dul Sublimat, ☿ dul Praecipit. Turpet Miner. Vinum Antimo. Vinum Rubel. These are their scandalous Chymical Medicines, as bad, if not worse, than those which Mountebanks, cheating Astrologers, or those Quacks, who with their Ominous Bills, make a most doleful [Page 155] noise in the streets, and every corner, worse than scritch-Owls, or Night Ravens.

'Tis not strange then that the common sort of People, yea, even those of better Quality, know not how to distinguish be­tween Chymical Preparations, Real, or counterfeit; those safe and Hazardous: between Efficacious and Fruitless, Elabo­rately defaecated, Philosophically handled, and those slightly contrived, or rudely flub­bered over.

Herein lies the cheat, that the Galenists assuming to themselves the Name of Chy­mists; Incogitant, unwary Persons take it for granted (by reason of the Authority, prevailing credit, they have gained among Persons of Degree, by seeming to be what they are not) that Men of so many Letters, must needs be the only Legitimate Sophi in our Science; whereas through want of In­tegrity, Industry, Difficult Labour with their own Hands, Magnanimity, Arnauty, a Design of Noble Enterprizes, it is im­possible they should arrive to any pitch of Knowledge in Pyrotechnie.

So weak are the Judgments of some of our Academicks, even those who Rank themselves among Scholars of the higher class, that I am ready to blush, observing what [...] is in their Understanding, [Page 156] how dim sighted their minds are, to make a right Distinction of things, and to value them as they are in themselves.

These are they, who assent that Dr. Wil­lis, with certain others, are able Chymists, because having stolen a plat-form of more refined Philosophy out of Van Helmont, they have made a large spacious Rhetorical super­structure, most part Sermocinal, little pra­ctically Salutiferous.

Let me tell those, who covet to Learn, 'tis not a vast Library, profound speculati­ons in a Closet, an Eloquent Tongue, a dexterity in Writing Elegantly, a pretty slight in prescribing after the manner of their boasting Method, a concourse of mul­titude of Patients, the Applause of Great Men, Professors of the University, Virtuosi (who of all Men methinks, should be most cautious how they acquit Dogmatical Phy­sitians) nor the Vogue of certain altogether Interested Apothecaries, Chirurgeons, Mid­wives, or Nurses, can justifie a Man as an Authentick, Philosophical Chymist, unless he walk plainly, according to Helmontian Principles, viz. Renounce Phlebotomy al­together, according to the Indication of Evacuation or Revulsion; laying aside all ill-conditioned Vomiting, and Purging In­struments, Praedatorie Diaphoreticks, [...] [Page 157] Grating, Fretting Diureticks, and divers torturing palliating ways.

He then that will rid the body of those cadaverous, Foul, Out-lawed, Fretting Excrements, like Thorns or Splinters ex­timulating the Archeus, to make sundry Ideas of Calamities: Let him hunt after those Remedies that the Vitals have a plea­sing Gust for, which Obsecundate and fol­low the Genius of Nature in the propulsion of Impurities, wheresoever sited, what way soever tending, withal obtain a Faculty [...] to turn by meer contact any thing depraved in the Body to a better con­dition.

Seeing 'tis most difficult to attain, Para­celsus his, or our great Philosopher Van Hel­mont's Arcana's, e. g. Tinctur Lili ab Elect­ro Minera. Mercur. Vit stibii proles Integra. Tinctu Lili Antimon. Mercurius Diaphore. Element. Ignis e Cupro, ☿ Corallat, &c. Let him put out himself to the utmost, using all means possible to purchase such a Pharmacy, agreeable to the Doctrine of our Philoso­pher, Fabricated according to his Rules in­general, endeavouring [...] to imitate his Illustrious Spagyrical Secrets, so by de­grees let him aspire to greater things.

Let him study to defaecate throughly the Sulphur of ♁, that it may be at the Com­mand [Page 158] and beck of Nature, exterminating whatsoever annoys without blemishing the Ferments.

Let him Marry the well purified Sulphur of ♁, to the sweet Sulphur of a Vegetable, entertaining both into a delectable Bath.

He ought also to digest ♁ with an Alkali; afterward to extract a high Tincture, sub­servient to Nature, in cleansing, sweeping away filth or dregs in the Body, making a Happy alteration in the Texture of degene­rate Juices.

The Red and Citrine Sulphur of ♁ made by praecipitation, well sweetned with the Alcohol of Wine, afterward intimately joyned with a Solar Sulphur, fulfills the dict­ates of Nature, in proscribing per loca Com­moda, without damnifying the stomack, whatsoever is Rebellious, Conspiring against Life, stirring up the Archeus to Indigna­tion.

Bezoard, Mincra, Solar, Luna, Iovial, may be so coyned, and such a stamp set up­on them, that they may safely, and effectu­ally agitate the Morbifique Matter, Hunting, Chasing it every way, without offering In­jury to the Noble parts, or leaving an Evil Tang behind.

The Yellow Sulphur of ♁ like the Com­mon, likewise it's Cinnabar, worked upon [Page 159] Philosophically, will bring to pass the for­mer End powerfully.

Out of the Flowers, Regul, Glass of ♁, may be extracted harmless, gentle Eme­ticks, Cathart, Diaphoret, Diureti. always leaving an Euphorie and Euphrasie behind.

☿ Well nigh fixed with ☉ or ☽ doth assist Nature to disturb, Ferret, profligate, vitious, lentous, stubborn, coagulated foul­ness, [...] with Relevation.

Our Emetocathar, Emeto Diaphore Pow­der, or Pill; our Bezoar Powder, as I can fabricate it by the Adjunct of ☉ or ☽ take part with Nature to help it to Conquer great Evils, excluding the Nosopoietick Thorns and Bryars, those Goads in the sides of the Archeus, extimulating it to Extravagant Passions, through the Sluce, or Out-let most patulous and Convenient: Withal they sweeten [...], any extream Acid, mor­tifie malignant Idea's of the Scurvy, &c. taming great acute Griefs safely, generally affording Solace. This they Act whether they Vomit, Purge or no, keeping in it's Integrity, what is sound, and meliorating what is depraved.

Our Emetick Tincture is endued with the same Excellency with the former, but Ope­rates more insensibly, and with somewhat more Advantage to the Vital strength.

[Page 160]Our Pil. Polychrest causeth an Eutony in the stomack, helps Digestion, purifieth the Blood, dilates Coarctations, or Constricti­ons, opens Passages Obstructed, dam'd up with gross congealed stuff, which it attenu­ateth, abstergeth. It allays, Edulcorates sharp fretting Liquors: It sweetly dischar­geth any thing noxious through the Inte­stines, Kidneys, Gullet, Wind-pipe, and Skin, with Augmentation of the strength, without impairing the Ferments, or Of­fending the Parts. He that possesseth this Pill, need very seldom prescribe a Glyster. I my self have taken many Thousands, and given multitudes of them to others, to the dimi­nution of that stubborn Infirmity the Scur­vy, the Advancement of the Vital Faculty much suppressed thereby.

Common Sulphur Sublimed with ♂ is no contemptible cleanser away of Impurities, Lodged about the Hypochondries, [...].

Colocynth. Scamon. Elateri. The Root of Esul, Hellebo. Alb. digested with a most refined Mineral Sulphur, and Salt of Tart Volati; so that their Poysons become introverted, evade Friendly Catharticks, Diaphoret, Diureti, sufficient to assist the Archeus to subjugate Ferine Refractory Di­seases.