Historie naturall and experimentall, of life and death. Or of the prolongation of life. Written in Latine by the Right Honorable Francis Lo. Verulam, Vis-count St. Alban

Imprimatur .

THO. WYKE R. P. Episc. Lond. Cap. domest. Decemb. 29. 1637.

HISTORY NATURALL And Experimentall , Of Life and Death . OR Of the Prolongation of Life .

Written in Latine by the Right Honorable FRANCIS Lo. Verulam , Vis-Count St. ALBAN .

LONDON , Printed by Iohn Haviland for William Lee , and Humphrey Mosley . 1638.

TO THE READER .

I AM to give Advertisement , that there came forth , of late , a Translation of this Booke , by an unknowne PERSON ; Who though he wished well to the propagating of his Lordships Works , yet he was altogether unacquainted with his Lordships Stile , and Manner of Expressions ; And so published a Translation , Lame , and Defective , in the whole . Whereupon , I thought fit , to recommend the same , to bee translated anew , by a more Diligent , and Zealous Pen ; which hath since travailed in it : And though it stil comes short of that Lively , and Incomparable Spirit , and Expression , which lived and died with the Authour ; yet I dare avouch it , to bee much more warrantable , and agreeable , than the Former . It is true , this Booke was not intended to have been published in English ; But seeing it hath beene , alreadie , made free of that Language ; Whatsoever Benefit , or Delight , may redound from it ; I commend the same to the Courteous , and Judicious Reader .

W. R.

To the present Age , and Posteritie , GREETING .

ALthough we had ranked the Historie of Life and Death , as the last , amongst our six Monethly Designations ; yet wee have thought fit , in respect of the prime use thereof ; ( In which the least Losse of Time ought to bee esteemed precious ; ) to invert that Order , and to send it forth in the second place . For we have hope , and wish , that it may conduce to a Common Good ; And that the Nobler sort of Physicians will advance their Thoughts ; And not employ their Times wholly in the Sordidnesse of Cures ; Neither bee Honoured for Necessitie only ; But that they will become Coadjutours and Jnstruments of the Divine omnipotence and Clemencie , in Prolonging and Renewing the , Life of Man ; Especially seeing we pre scribe it to be done by Safe , and Convenient , and Civill wayes , though hitherto un-assayed . For though wee . Christians doe continually aspire , and pant afterthe Land of Promise ; Yet it will bee a Token of Gods Favour towards us , in our Journeyings thorow this worlds wildernes , to have our Shooes , and Garments , ( I meane , those of our Fraile Bodies ) little worn , or impaired .

FR. St. ALBAN .

THE History of Life and Death . The Preface .

IT is an ancient Saying , and Complaint ; That Life is Short , and Art Long. Wherefore , it behoveth us , who make it our chiefest Aime , to perfect Arts ; to take upon us , the Consideration , of Prolonging Mans Life ; God the Author , of all Truth , and Life , prospering our Endevours . For though the Life of Man bee nothing else , but a Masse , and Accumulation , of Sins , and Sorrowes ; And they that looke for an Eternall Life , set but light by a Temporarie ; Yet the Continuation of workes of Charity , ought not to be contemned , even by us Christians . Besides , the Beloved Disciple of our Lord , survived the other Disciples ; And many of the Fathers of the Church , especially of the Holy Monkes , and Hermits , were long liv'd ; which shewes , that this Blessing of Long life , so often promised in the old Law , had lesse Abatement after our Saviours Dayes , than other Earthly Blessings had . But to esteeme of this , as the chiefest Good , we are but too prone . Onely the Inquirie is difficult , how to attaine the same ; And so much the rather , because it is corrupted , with false opinions , and vaine Reports . For both , those Things , which the Vulgar Physitians talke , of Radic all Moisture , and Naturall Heat , are but meere Fictions ; And the Immoderate praises 〈◊〉 Chymicall Medicines , first puffe up with vain hopes , and then faile 〈◊〉 Admirers .

And as for that Death , which is caused by Suffocation , Putrefaction , and severall Diseases , wee speake not now ; For that pertains to an History of Physick ; But onely of that Death which comes by a totall Decay of the Body , and the Inconcoction of old Age. Neverthelesse , the last Act of Death , and the very Extinguishing of Life it selfe ; which may so many wayes bee wrought , outwardly , and inwardly ; ( which notwithstanding have , as it were , one common Porch , before it comes to the point of Death ; ) will bee pertinent , to be inquired of in this Treatise ; But wee reserve that for the last place .

That which may bee repaired by Degrees , without a Totall waste of the first Stocke , is potentially eternall ; As the Vestall Fire . Therefore , when Physicians , and Philosophers saw , that Living Creatures were nourished , and their Bodies repaired ; But that this did last only for a time ; And afterward came old Age , and , in the end , Dissolution ; they sought Death in somewhat , which could not properly bee repaired ; Supposing a Radical Moisture incapable of solid Reparation ; And which , from the first infancie , received a Spurious Addition , but no true Reparation ; wherby it grew daily worse and worse ; And , in the end , brought the Bad , to None at all . This conceit of theirs , was both ignorant and vain . For all Things , in Living Creatures , are , in their youth , repaired entirely ; Nay , they are , for a time , increased in Quantitie , bettered in Qualitie ; so as the Matter of Reparation might be Eternall , if the Manner of Reparation did not faile . But this is the Truth of it : There is , in the Declining of Age , an unequall Reparation ; Some Parts are repaired easily , others with Difficultie , and to their losse ; So as , from that time , the Bodies of Men begin to endure the Torment of Mezentius ; That the Living die in the Embraces of the Dead ; And the Parts easily reparable , through their Conjunction with the Parts hardly reparable , doe decay . For the Spirits , Bloud , Flesh , and Fat , are , even after the Decline of yeares , easily repaired ; But the Drier , and more Porous parts , ( As the Membranes ; All the Tunicles ; The Sinewes , Arteries , Veines , Bones , Cartilages ; Most of the Bowels ; In a word , almost all the Organicall parts ; ) are hardly Reparable , and to their losse . Now these hardly Reparable Parts , when they come to doe their office , of Repairing the other , which are easily reparable , finding themselves deprived of their wonted Abilitie , and strength , cease to performe any longer , their proper Functions . By which meanes , it comes to passe , that in processe of time , the whole tends to Dissolution ; And even those very Parts , which in their owne nature , are , with much case , Reparable ; Yet through the Decay of the Organs of Reparation , can no more receive Reparation ; But decline and , in the end , utterly fail . And the cause of the Termination of Life , is this For that the Spirits , like a gentle Flame , continually preying upon Bodies ; Conspiring with the outward Aire , which is ever Sucking , and Drying of them ; Doe , in time , destroy the whole Fabricke of the Bodie ; As also the particular Engines , and Organs therof ; And make them unable , for the worke , of Reparation . These are the true wayes , of Naturall Death , well , and faithfully , to bee revolved in our Mindes . For He that knowes not the wayes of Nature , how can he succour her , or turne her about ?

Therefore , the Inquisition ought to bee two-fold : The one touching the Consumption , or Depredation , of the Body of Man ; The other , touching the Reparation , and Renovation of the same : To the end , that the Former may , as much as is possible , be forbidden and restrained ; And the Latter , comforted . The Former of these , pertaines especially , to the Spirits , and Outward Aire ; By which the Depredation , and Waste , is committed ; The Latter , to the whole Race of Alimentation , or Nourishment ; whereby , the Renovation , or Restitution , is made . And as for the Former part , touching Consumption ; This hath many Things common , with Bodies Inanimate , or without Life . For such Things , as the Native Spirit , ( which is in all Tangible Bodies , whether Living , or without Life ; ) And the Ambient , or Externall , Aire , worketh upon Bodies Inanimate ; The same it attempteth , upon Animate , or Living Bodies ; Although the Vitall Spirit super added , doth partly breake , and bridle , those Operations ; Partly exalt , and advance them wonderfully . For it is most manifest , that Inanimate Bodies , ( most of them , ) will endure a long time , without any Reparation ; But Bodies Animate , without Food , and Reparation , suddenly fall , and are extinguished ; As the Fire is . So then , our Inquisition shall be double ; First we will consider the Bodie of Man , as Inanimate , and not Repaired by Nourishment ; Secondly , as Animate , and Repaired by Nourishment . Thus having prefaced these Things , we come now to the Topick Places of Inquisition .

The Particular Topick Places : Or , Articles of Inquisition , Touching Life and Death .

1 FIrst inquire , of Nature Durable , and Not Durable ; In Bodies Inanimate , or without Life ; As also in Vegetables : But that , not in a large , or Just Treatise ; But , as in a Briefe , or Summary , onely .

2 Also inquire diligently , of Desiccation , Arefaction , and Consumption , of Bodies Inanmate ; And of Vegetables ; And of the wayes , and Processes by which they are done : And further of Inhibiting , and De laying , of Desiccation , Arefaction , and Consumption ; And the Conservation of Bodies , in their proper State : And a gaine , of the Inteneration , Emellition , and Recovery of Bodies to their former Freshnesse , after they be once dried and withered .

Neither need the Inquisition , touching these Things , to be full , or exact ; seeing they pertaine rather , to their proper Title , of Nature Durable ; seeing also , they are not Principals , in this Inquisition ; But serve onely , to give Light , to the Prolongation , and Instauration of Life , in Living Creatures . In which , ( as was said before , ) the same Things come to passe , but in a Peculiar manner . So from the Inquisition touching Bodies Inanimate , and Vegetables ; Let the Inquisition passe on to other Living Creatures , besides Man .

Inquire , touching the Length , and Shortnesse of Life , in Living Creatures ; with the due Circumstances , which make most , for their long , or Short , Lives .

4 But because the Duration of Bodies , is twofold ; One in Identitie , or the selfe-same substance ; The other , by a Renovation , or Reparation ; whereof the Former , hath place onely , in Bodies Inanimate ; The Latter in Vegetables , and Living Creatures ; And is perfected by Alimentation , or Nourishment ; Therefore it will be fit to inquire of Alimentation ; And of the wayes , and Progresses thereof : Yet this , not exactly ; ( because it pertaines properly to the Titles of Assimilation , and Alimentation ) But as the rest , in progresse only .

From the Inquisition , touching Living Creatures , and Bodies repaired by Nourishment , passe on to the Inquisition touching Man . And now being come to the principall Subject of Inquisition , the Inquisition ought to bee , in all points , more precise , and accurate .

5 Inquire , touching the Length , and Shortnesse of Life , in Men , according to the Ages of the world ; The severall Regions , Climates , and Places , of their Nativity , and Habitation .

6 Inquire , touching the Length , and Shortnesse of Life , in Men , according to their Races , and Families ; As if it were a Thing Hereditary : Also according to their Complexions , Constitutions , and Habits of Body ; Their Statures ; The Manner , and Time , of their Growth ; And the Making , and Composition , of their Members .

7 Inquire , touching the Length , and Shortnesse , of Life , in Men , according to the Times of their Nativitie ; But so , as you omit , for the present , all Astrologicall Observations , and the Figures of Heaven , under which they were borne : Onely insist upon the vulgar , and manifest Observations ; As , whether they were borne , in the Seventh , Eighth , Ninth , or Tenth , Moneth ; Also , whether by Night , or by Day ; And in what Moneth of the yeare ?

8 Inquire , touching the Length , and Shortnesse , of Life , in Men , according to their Fare , Diet , Government of their Life , Exercises , and the like . For as for the Aire , in which Men live , and make their Abode , we account that proper to be inquired of , in the above-said Article , touching the Places of their Habitation .

9 Inquire , touching the Length , and Shortnesse of Life , in Men , according to their siudies ; Their severall Courses of Life ; The Affections of the Minde ; And divers Accidents befalling them .

10 Inquire apart , touching those Medicines , which are thought , to prolong Life .

11 Inquire , touching the Signes , and Prognosticks , of Long , and Short Life ; Not those which betoken Death , at hand ; ( for they belong to an Historie of Phisick ; ) But those , which are seene , and may bee observed , even in Health ; whether they bee Physiognomicall signes , or any other .

Hitherto have beene propounded , Inquisitions touching Length , and Shortnesse of Life , besides the Rules of Art , and in a confused manner ; Now wee thinke to adde some , which shall be more Art-like , And tending to Practice , under the name of Intentions . Those Intentions are , generally , three : As for the particular Distributions of them , we will propound them , when wee come to the Inquisition it selfe . The three generall Intentions are , Toe Forbidding of Waste and Consumption ; The Perfecting of Reparation ; And the Renewing of Oldnesse .

12 Inquire , touching those things , which Conserve and Exempt the body of man , from Arefaction , and Consumption ; At least , which put off , and protract the inclination thereunto .

13 Inquire , touching those things , which pertaine to the whole Processe of Alimentation ; ( By which the body of man is repaired ; ) that it may bee good , and with the best improvement .

14 Inquire , touching those things , which purge out the old Matter , and supply with New : As also , which do Intenerate , and Moisten , those parts , which are already Dryed , and Hardned .

But because it will be hard , to know the wayes of Death , unlesse you search out , and discover , the Seat , or House , or rather Den of Death ; It will bee convenient to make Inquisition of this Thing ; yet not of every kinde of Death , but of those Deaths , which are caused , by want , and Indigence of Nourishment , not by violence : For they are those Deaths only , which pertaine to a Decay of Nature , and meere old Age.

15 Inquire , touching the point of Death ; And the porches of Death leading thereunto from all parts : so as that Death be caused , by a Decay of Nature , and not by violence .

Lastly ; Because it is behoovefull , to know the Character , and Forme , of Old Age ; which will then best be done , if you make a Collection , of all the Differences , both in the State , and Functions , of the Body , 〈◊〉 Youth , and Old Age ; That by them , you may observe , what it is that produceth such manifeld Effects ; let not this Inquisition be omitted .

16 Inquire diligently , touching the Differences , in the State of the Body , and Faculties of the Minde , in Youth , and old Age ; And whether there bee any , that remaine the same without Alteration , or 〈◊〉 , in old Age.

Nature Durable , and Not Durable .

The Historie .

MEtals are of that long To the I Artic. lasting , that Men cannot trace the Beginnings of them . And when they doe decay , they decay through Rust , not through Perspiration into Aire . Yet Gold decayes neither way .

2 Quick-silver , though it bee an Humide , and Fluide Body : And easily made volatile by Fire ; yet , ( as farre as wee have observed ) by Age alone , without Fire , it neither wasteth , nor gathereth Rust.

3 Stones , especially the harder sort of them , and many other Fossiles , are of long lasting : And that , though they be exposed to the open Aire ; Much more , if they bee buried in the Earth . Notwithstanding Stones gather a kinde of Nitre ; which is to them , in stead of Rust. Precious Stones , and Crystals , exceed Metals in long Lasting ; But then , they grow dimmer , and lesse Orient , if they be very old .

4 It is observed , that Stones , lying towards the North , doe sooner decay with Age , than those that lie towards the South ; And that this appeares manifestly , in Pyramids , and Churches , and other ancient Buildings : Contrariwise , in Iron , that exposed to the South , gathers Rust sooner ; And that to the North , later ; As may be seene , in the Iron Barres of windowes . And no marvell , seeing in all Putrefaction , ( as Rust is ) Moisture hastens Dissolution ; In all simple Arefaction , Drinesse .

5 In Vegetables , ( wee speak of such as are feld , not Growing , ) the stocks , or Bodies , of harder Trees , and the Timber made of them , last dive Ages : But then , there is Difference , in the Bodies of Trees Some Trees are , in a 〈◊〉 Spongie ; as the Elder ; In which the pith , in the Midst is sost , and the outward part harder ; But in timber trees as the Oake , the inner part , ( which they call , Hart of Oake lasteth longer .

6 The Leaves , and Flowers , and Stalks , of Plants , are but of short Lasting ; But dissolve into Dust , unlesse they putrifie : the Roots are more durable .

7 The Bones of living Creatures last long ; as we may see it , of mens Bones , in charnell Houses : Hornes also last very long ; so doe Teeth ; as it is seene in Ivorie ; and the Sea . horse Teeth .

8 Hides also , and Skins , endure very long ; as is evident in old Parchment Books : paper likewise , will last many Ages ; though not so long às Parchment .

9 Such Things , as have possed the Fire , last long ; as Glasse , and Bricks : Likewise , Flesh , and Fruits , that have passed the fire , last longer , than Raw : And that , not onely , because the Baking in the Fire , forbids putrefaction ; But also , because the watrie Humour being drawne forth , the oyly Humour supports it selfe the longer .

10 Water , of all Liquors , is soonest drunk up by Aire ; Contrariwise , Oyle latest : which wee may see , not onely in the Liquors themselves ; But in the Liquors mixt with other Bodies : For Paper wet with water , and so getting some Degree of Transparency , will soone after wax white , and loose the Transparencie again the watrie vapour exhaling : But oiled Paper will keepe the Transparencie long , the 〈◊〉 not being apt to exhale : And therefore they , that counterfeit Mens Hands , will lay the oiled Paper upon the writing they meane to counterfe 〈◊〉 and then assay to draw the lines .

11 Gummes , all of them , last very long ; The like doe , Wax and Honey .

12 But the Equall , or Vnequaliuse , of Things , conduceth no lesse , to long Lasting , or short Lasting , than the Things themselves . For Timber , and Stones , and other Bodies , standing continually in the Water , or continually in the Aire , last longer than if they were sometimes wet , sometimes drie . And so Stones continue longer , if they be layed towards the same coast of Heaven , in the Building , that they lay in the Mine . The same is , of Plants removed , if they be coasted just , as they were before .

Observations .

1 LEt this be laid for a Foundation , which is most sure ; That there is , in every Tangible Body , a Spirit , or Body Pneumaticall , enclosed , and covered , with the Tangible parts ; And that , from this Spirit , is the Beginning of all Dissolution , and Consumption : so as the Antidote 〈◊〉 them , is the Detaining 〈◊〉 this Spirit .

2 This Spirit is detained 〈◊〉 wayes ; Either by astraigh Inclosure , as it were in Prison ; Or by a kinde 〈◊〉 Free , and voluntarie Detention . Again , this voluntarie stay is perswaded 〈◊〉 wayes : Either if the Spirit it selfe , be not too Moveable , or Eager to depart ; Or if the Externall 〈◊〉 importune it not too 〈◊〉 to come forth . So then , 〈◊〉 sorts of substances are Durable ; Hard Substance and Oyly : Hard Substance bindes in the spirit close , Oyly , partly enticeth the Spirit to stay ; partly , is of that nature , that it is not 〈◊〉 by Aire : For Aire is Consubstantiall to Water , and Flame to Oile . And touching Nature Durable , and Not Durable , in Bodies Inanimate , thus much .

The Historie .

13 HErbs , of the Colder sort , dye yearly , both in Root , and Stalk ; As Lettice , Purslane ; Also Wheat , and all Kinde of Corne. Yet there are some Cold Herbs , which will last three , or foure yeares , As the Violet , Strawberrie , Burnet , Prime-rose , and Sorrell But Borage , and Buglosse , which seeme so alike , when they are alive , differ in their Deaths ; for Borage will last but one yeare , Buglosse will last more .

14 But many Hot Herbs , beare their age , and yeares , better Hyssope , Thyme , Savourie , Pot Marjoram , Balme , Wormewood , Germander , Sage ; And the like , Fennell , dies yearly in the Stalk , Buds againe from the Root . But Pulse , and sweet Marjoram , can better endure age , than Winter ; For being set , in a very warme place , and well senced , they will live more than one yeare . It is knowne that a Knot of Hyssope , twice 〈◊〉 yeare shorne , hath continued forty yeares .

15 Bushes , and Shrubs , live threescore yeares ; and some double as much . A Vine may attaine to threescore yeares , and continue Fruitfull in the old age . Rose mary , well placed , will come also to threescore yeares . But White Thorne , and Ivie , endure above an hundred yeares . As for the Bramble , the age thereof is not certainly knowne ; Because bowing the head to the Ground , it gets new Roots ; so as you cannot distinguish , the Old , from the New .

16 Amongst great Trees , the longest Livers are ; The Oake , the Holme , the Wild-Ash , the Elme , the Beech-tree , the Chestnut , the Plain-tree , Ficus Ruminalis , the Lote-tree , the Wild-olive , the Olive , the Palme-tree , and the Mulberrie-tree : Of these , some have come to the Age of eight hundred yeares ; But the least Livers of them , doe attaine to two hundred .

17 But Trees Odorate , or that have sweet woods ; And Trees Rozennie , last longer , in their Woods , or Timber , than those above said , but they are not so long liv'd ; as the Cypresse-tree , Maple , Pine , Box , Iuniper . The Cedar , being borne out , by the vastnesse of his body , lives well-neare 〈◊〉 long as the former .

18 The Ash , fertile , and forward in Bearing , reacheth to an hundred yeares , and somewhat better ; which also , the Birch , Maple , and Service-tree , sometimes doe : But the Poplar , Lime-tree , Willow , and that which they call the Cycomore , and Wall-nut-tree , live not so long .

19 The Apple-tree , Peare-tree , Plum-tree , Pomegranate-tree , Citron-tree , Medlar-tree , BlackCherrie-tree , Cherrie-tree , may attaine to fiftie , or sixtie yeares ; Especially , if they be cleansed from the Mosse , where with some of them are cloathed .

20 Generally , Greainesse of Body , in Trees , if other things be equall , hath some congruitie , with Length of Life : So hath Hardnesse of Substance : And Trees , bearing Mast , or Nuts , are commonly longer livers , than Trees , bearing Fruit , or Berries : Likewise , Trees putting forth their Leaves late , and shedding them late againe , live longer than those , that are early , either in Leaves , or Fruit : The like is of Wilde trees , in comparison of Orchard Trees : And lastly , in the same kinde , Trees that beare a Sowre Fruit , out-live those that beare a sweet Fruit.

An Observation .

3 ARistotle noted well 〈◊〉 difference between Plants . and living Creatures , in 〈◊〉 of their Nourishment , and Reparation ; Namely , that the Bodies of living Creatures , an confined within certain Bounds and that after they bee come to their full Growth , they are continued and preserved by Nourishment , but they put forth nothing New , except Haire and Nailes ; which are counted for no better than Excrements ; so as the juyce of living Creatures , must , of necessitie , sonner wax old : But in Trees , which put forth yearly , new Boughes , new Shoots , new Leaves , and new Fruits ; It comes to passe , that all these parts in Trees , are once a yeare young and renewed ; Now it being so , that whatsoever is fresh and young , drawes the Nourishment more lively and cheerfully to it , than that which is Decayed and Old ; It happens withall , that the Stock and Body of the Tree , through which the Sap posseth to the Branches , is refreshed and 〈◊〉 , with a more bountifull and vigorous Nourishment , in the Passage , than otherwise it would have beene . And this appeares notably , ( though Aristotle noted it not ; Neither hath bee expressed these things so clearly , and perspicuously ; ) In Hedges , Copses , and Pollards , when the plashing , shedding , or lopping , comforteth the old Stemme or Stock , and maketh it more flourishing , and longer liv'd .

Desiccation ; prohibiting 〈◊〉 Desiccation ; And Inteneration of that , which is desiccated and dried .

The Historie .

1 FIre , and strong Heats To the 2 Artic. dry some things , and mels others :

Limus ut hic durescit , & 〈◊〉 Cera liquescit , Vno eodemque Igne .

How this Clay is hardned , and how this wax is melted , with one , and the same thing , Fire ; It dryeth Earth , Stones , Wood , Cloth , and Skins , and whatsoever is not liquefiable ; and it melteth Metals , Wax , Gums , Butter , Tallow , and the like .

2 Notwithstanding , even in those things , which the Fire melteth , if it bee very vehement , and continueth , it doth at last dry them . For Metall , in a strong Fire , ( Gold onely excepted , ) the volatile part being gone forth , will become lesse ponderous , and more brittle : and those Oyly , and fat Substances , in the like Fire , will burne up , and bee dried , and parched .

3 Aire , especially open Aire , doth manifestly dry , but not melt : as High wayes , and the upper part of the Earth , moistned with showers , are dryed ; 〈◊〉 Clothes , washed , if they bee hanged out in the Aire , are likewise dried ; Herbs , and Leaves , and Flowers , laid forth in the shade , are dryed . But much more suddenly doth the Aire this ; If it bee either inlightned with the Sun-beames , ( so that they cause not putrefaction ; ) Or if the Aire bee stirred ; as when the Winde bloweth ; Or in Roomes open , on all sides .

4 Age , most of all , but yet slowest of all , dryeth ; as in all bodies , which ( if they be not prevented by putrefaction ) are dryed with Age. But Age is nothing of it selfe ; being onely the measure of time : That which causeth the Effect , is the native Spirit of bodies , which sucketh up the moisture of the body , and then , together with it , flyeth forth ; and the Aire ambient , which multiplieth it selfe , upon the native Spirits , and jayees of the body , and preyeth upon them .

5 Cold , of all things , most properly , dryeth ; for Drying is not caused , but by Contraction ; Now Contraction is the proper work of Cold. But because we Men have Heat in a high Degree , namely that of Fire ; but Cold in a very low Degree , none other than that of Winter ; Or perhaps of Ice , or of Snow , or of Nitre : therefore the Drying caused by Cold , is but weak , and easily resolved . Notwithstanding wee see the Surface of the Earth , to bee more dryed by Frost , or by March windes , than by the Sunne ; seeing the same winde , both licketh up the moisture , and affecteth with Coldnesse .

6 Smoak is a Dryer ; as in Bacon , and Neats Tongues which are hanged up in chimneys : and perfumes of Olibanum , or Lignum Aloes , and the like , dry the Braine , and cure Catarrhs .

7 Salt , after some reasonable continuance , dryeth ; not only on the outside , but in the inside also ; as in Flesh and Fish salted , which if they have continued any long time , have a manifest hardnesse within .

8 Hot Gummes , applied to the skin , dry , and wrinkle it : and some Astringent waters also doe the same .

9 Spirit of strong wines , imitateth the Fire in Drying : For it will both potch an Egge , put into it ; and toast Bread .

10 Powders dry like Sponges , by Drinking up the Moisture , as it is in Sand , throwneupon Lines , new written . Also Smoothnesse , and Politenesse of Bodies , ( which suffer not the Vapour of Moisture , to goe in by the Pores , ) Drie by accident , because it exposeth it to the Aire ; As it is seene in Precious Stones , Looking-Glasses , and Blades of Swords ; Upon which if you breathe , you shall see at first a little Mist ; But soone after it vanisheth , like a Cloud . And thus much for Desiceation , or Drying .

11 They use at this day , in the East parts of Germany , Garners , in Vaults under Ground ; wherin they keepe wheat , and other Graines ; Laying a good Quantity of Straw , both under the Graines , and about them , to save them from the Danknesse of the Vault : By which Device , they keepe their Graiaes twenty , or thirtie yeares . And this doth not only preserve them from Eustinesse , but ( that which pertaines more to the present Inquisition , ) preserves them also in that Greennesse , that they are fit , and serviceable to make Bread . The same is reported , to have beene in use , in Cappadocia , and Thracia , and some parts of Spaine .

12 The placing of Garners , on the Tops of Houses , with Windowes towards the East , and North , is very commodious . Some also make two Sollars ; An Upper , and a Lower ; And the upper Sollar hath an Hole in it ; thorow which the Graine continually descendeth , like Sand in an Houre-glasse ; And after a few dayes , they throw it up againe with Shovels ; That so it may be in continuall Motion . Now it is to bee noted , that this doth not onely prevent the Fustinesse , but conserveth the Greennesse , and slacketh the Desiccation of it : The cause is that Which we noted before ; That the Discharging of the watry Humor , Which is quickned by the Motion , and the Winds , preserves the Oily Humour in his Being ; Which otherwise would fly out , together with the Watry Humour . Also in some Mountaines , where the Aire is very pure , Dead Carkases may bee kept for a good while , without any great Decay .

13 Fruits ; As Pomegranates , Cytrons , Apples , Peares , and the like . Also Flowers ; As Roses , and Lilies ; may bee kept , a long time , in Earthen Vessels close stopped . Howsoever they are not free from the Injuries of the outward Air which will affect them , wit . his unequall Temper , thorow the sides of the Vessell ; As 〈◊〉 is manifest , in Heat and cold Therefore it will bee good to stop the Mouthes of the Vessels carefully , and to bury them within the Earth . And it will be as good : Not to bury them in the Earth , but to sinke them in the Water , so as the place be shady ; As in Wels : Or Cisternes placed within Doores : But those that bee sunke in Water , will doe better in Glasse vessels , than in Earthen .

14 Generally , those Things which are kept in the Earth , 〈◊〉 in Vaults under Ground , or in the Bottome of a Well , will preserve their Freshnesse longer , than those Things that are kept above Ground .

15 They say , it hath been observed ; That in Conservatories of Snow , ( whether they were in Mountaines , in Naturall Pits , or in Wells made by Art , for that purpose ) an Apple , or Chest-nut , or Nut , by chance falling in , after many Moneths , when the Snow hath melted , have beene found in the Snow , as fresh and faire , as if they had been gathered the day before .

16 Country people keep Clusters of Grapes in Meale ; which though it makes them lesse pleasant to the taste , yet it preserves their Moisture , and Freshnesse . Also the Harder sort of Fruits may bee kept long , not onely in Meale , but also in Saw-dust , and in 〈◊〉 of Corne.

17 There is an opinion held ; That Bodies may be preserved Fresh in Liquours of their own kind ; As in their proper 〈◊〉 As to keepe Grapes in wine , Olives in Oyle .

18 Pomegrants , and Quinces , are kept long , being lightly dipped in Sea water , or Salt-water ; And soone after taken out againe ; and then dryed in the open Aire , so it bee in the Shade .

19 Bodies put in Wine , Oyle , or the Lees of Oyle , keepe long ; Much more in Honey , or Spirit of Wine ; But most of all , as some say , in Quick-silver .

20 Fruits enclosed in Wax , Pitch , Plaister , Paste , or any the like Case , or Covering , keep green very long .

21 It is manifest , that Flyes , Spiders , Ants , or the like small Creasures , falling by chance into Amber , or the Gums of Trees , and so finding a Buriall in them , doe never after corrupt , or rot , although they be soft and tender Bodies .

22 Grapes are kept long by being hanged up in Bunches ; The same is of other Fruits . For there is a twofold commodity of this Thing ; The one , that they are kept without Pressing , or Bruising ; which they must needs suffer , if they were laid upon any hard substance ; The other , that the Aire doth encompasse them , on every side alike .

23 It is observed , that Putrefaction , no lesse than Desiccation , in Vegetables , doth not 〈◊〉 in every part alike ; But chiefly in that part , where , being alive , it did attract Nourishment . Therefore some advise , to cover the Stalkes 〈◊〉 Apples , or other Fruits , with Wax , or Pitch .

24 Great Wiekes of Candles , 〈◊〉 Lamps , doe sooner 〈◊〉 the Tallow , or Oyle , than 〈◊〉 Wiekes : Also Wieks of Cotton sooner than those of Rush , 〈◊〉 Straw , or small Twigs : And in Staves of Torches , those of Iuniper , or Firre , sooner than those of Ash : Likewise , Flame , Moved , and Fanned with the Wind , sooner than that which is still ; And therefore Candles , set in a Lanthorne , will last longer , than in the Open Aire . There is a Tradition , that Lamps set in Sepulchers , will last an incredible time .

25 The Nature also , and Preparation of the Nourishment , conduceth no lesse , to the Lasting of Lamps , and Candles , than the Nature of the Flame : For Wax will last longer than Tallow ; And Tallow a little wet , longer than Tallow dry ; And Wax Candles old made , longer than Wax Candles new made .

26 Trees , if you stir the Earth about their Roots , every yeare , will continue lesse time ; If once in foure , or perhaps in ten yeares , much longer : Also Cutting off the Suckers , and Young Shoots , will make them live the longer : But Dunging them , or laying of Marle about their Roots , or much Watring them , addes to their fertility , but cuts off from their long Lasting . And thus much , touching the Prohibiting of Desiccation , or Consumption .

The Inteneration , or making Tender , of that which 〈◊〉 Dryed , ( which is the chiefe Matter , ) affords but a small Number of Experiments : And therefore some few Experiments which are found in 〈◊〉 Creatures , and also in Man shall be joyned together .

27 Bands of Willow , wherewith they use to bind Trees , laid in water , grow more Flexible . Likewise , they put Boughes of Birch , ( the ends of them ) in earthen Pots filled with water , to keepe them from withering ; And Bowles cleft with Drinesse , steeped in water , close againe .

28 Boots , growne hard and obstinate with age , by greasing them before the Fire with 〈◊〉 , wax soft ; or being only held before the Fire , get some softnesse : Bladders , and Parchments , hardened also , become tender , with warme water , mixed with Tallow , or any Fat Thing ; But much the better , if they be a little Chofed .

29 Trees growne very old , that have stood long without any Culture , by Digging , and Opening the Earth , about the Roots of them , seeme to grow young againe , and put forth young Branches .

30 Old Draught Oxen , worne out with labour , being taken from the yoke , and put into fresh Pasture , will get young and tender Flesh againe ; In so much , that they will eat , as Fresh and tender , as a Steere .

31 A strict Emaciating Dyet , of Guaiacum , Bisket , and the like ; ( wherewith they use to cure the French Pox , old Catarrhs , and some kinde of Dropsies , ) doth first bring men to great Povertie and Leannesse , by wasting the Juyces and Humours of the Body ; which after they begin to be repaired againe , seeme 〈◊〉 more vigorous and young : Nay , and we are of Opinion , that Emaciating Diseases , afterwards well cured , have advanced many in the way of Long Life .

Observations .

1 MEn see clearly , like Owles in the Night , of their owne Notions ; But in Experience , as in the Day-light , they winke , and are but halfe-sighted . They speake much , of the Elementary Quality of Siccity , or Drinesse ; And of Things Desiccating ; And of the Naturall Periods of Bodies , in which they are Corrupted , and consumed : But meane while , either in the Beginnings , or Middle Passages , or Last Acts , of Desiccation , and Consumption , they observe nothing , that is of Moment .

2 Desiccation , or Consumption , in the Processe thereof , is finished by three Actions ; And all these , ( as was said before , ) have their Originall , from the Native Spirit of bodies .

3 The First Action is , the Attenuation of the Moisture into Spirit ; The Second is , the Issuing forth , or Flight of the Spirit ; The third is , the Contraction , of the Grosser Parts of the Body , immediately after the Spirit issued forth : And this last , is that Desiccation , and Induration , which we chiefly handle ; The Former Two consume only .

4 Touching Attenuation , the matter is manifest . For the Spirit , which is enclosed in every Tangible Body , forgets not his Nature ; But whatsoever it meets withall in the Body , ( in which it is enclosed , ) that it can disgest , and master , and turne into it selfe ; That it plainly alters , and subdues , and multiplies it selfe upon it , and begets new Spirit . And this is evicted , by one Proofe , in stead of many ; For that those Things , which are 〈◊〉 Dryed , are Lessened in their Weight ; And become Hollow , Porous , and Resounding from within . Now it is most certaine , that the Inward Spirit of any Thing , confers Nothing to the Weight ; But rather Lightens it ; And therefore it must needs be , that the same Spirit , hath turned into it , the Moisture and Juyce of the Body , which weighed before ; By which Meanes the Weight is lessened . And this is the first Action ; The Attenuation of the Moisture , and Converting it into Spirit .

5 The second Action , which is the Issuing forth or Flight of the Spirit , is as manifest also . For that Issuing forth , when it is in throngs , is apparent even to the Sense ; In Vapours , to the Sight ; In Odours , to the Smelling : But if it issueth forth slowly ; ( As when a Thing is decayed by Age , ) then it is not apparent to the Sense ; But the Matter is the same . Againe , where the Composure of the Body , is either so Strait , or so Tenacious , That the Spirit can finde no Pores , or Passages , by which to depart , Then , in the striving to get out , it drives before it the grosser Parts of the Body ; And protrudes them beyond the Superficies , or Surface of the Bodit ; As it is in the Rust of Metals ; And Mould of all Fat Things . And this is the second Action ; The Issuing forth , or Flight of the Spirit .

6 The third Action , is somewhat more obscure , but full as certaine : That is ; The Contraction , of the Grosser Parts , after the Spirit issued forth . And this appeares first , in that Bodies after the Spirit issued forth , doe manifestly Shrinke , and 〈◊〉 a lesse Roome ; As it is in the Kernels of Nuts , which after they are dryed , are too little for the Shells ; And in Beames , and Planchers of Houses , which at first lay closo together , but after they are dryed , gape ; And likewise in Bowles , which through Drought , grow full of Cranies , The Parts of the Bowle contracting themselves together , and after Contraction must needs be emptie Spaces . Secondly , it appeares by the Wrinkles of Bodies Dryed : For the Endevour of Contracting it selfe , is such ; That by the Contraction , it brings the Parts nearer together , and so lifts them up ; For whatsoever is Contracted on the sides , is lifted up in the Midst ; And this is to be seene , in Papers , and old Parchments ; And in the Skins of Living Creatures ; And in the Coats of Soft Cheeses ; All which , with Age , gather wrinkles . Thirdly this Contraction shewes 〈◊〉 selfe Most , in those Things , which by Heat , are not only wrinkled but ruffled , and plighted , and , 〈◊〉 it were , rowled together ; As it is in Papers , and Parchments , and Leaves , brought neare the Fire . For Contraction , by Age , which is more Slow , commonly causeth wrinkles ; But Contraction , by the Fire , which is 〈◊〉 speedie , causeth Plighting . Now in most Things , where it 〈◊〉 not to Wrinkling , or Plighting , there is simple Contraction , and Angustiation , 〈◊〉 Straitning , and Induration 〈◊〉 Hardning , and Desiccation ; As was shewed in the first place : But if the Issuing forth of the Spirit ; and Absumption , or waste of the Moisture , bee so great ; That there is not left Bodie sufficient , to unite , and contract it selfe ; Then , of Necessitie , Contraction must cease ; And the Bodie 〈◊〉 Putride ; And nothing else , but a little Dust , cleaving together , which with a light touch , is dispersed , and falleth asunder ; As it is in Bodies that are Rotten , and in Paper burnt ; And Linnen made into Tinder ; And Carkaises Embalmed , after many Ages . And this is the Third Action ; The Contraction of the Grosser Parts , after the Spirit issued forth .

7 It is to be noted ; That Fire , and Heat , dry only by Accident . For their proper Worke is , to attenuate , and dilate the Spirit , and Moisture ; And then it followes by Accident , that the other Parts should contract themselves ; Either for the Flying of Vacuum alone ; Or for some other Motion withall ; Whereof we now speake not .

8 It is certaine that Putrefaction , takes his Originall , from the Native Spirit , no lesse than Arefaction ; But it goeth on a far different way ; For in Putrefaction , the Spirit , is not simply vapoured forth ; But being detained in Part , workes strange Garboises ; And the Grosser Parts , are not so much locally contracted , as they congregate themselves to Parts of the same Nature .

Length , and Shortnesse of Life in living Creatures .

The Historie .

TOuching the Length , To the 1. Article . and Shortnes of Life , in Living Creatures , the Information , which may bee had , is but Slender ; Observation is Negligent ; And Tradition Fabulous : In Tame Creatures , their 〈◊〉 Life , corrupteth them ; In wilde Creatures , their Exposing to all weathers , often intercepteth them . Neither doe those Things , which may seeme Concomitants , give any Furtherance , to this Information , ( The Greatnesse of their Bodies ; Their Time of Bearing in the Womb ; The Number of their Young ones ; The Time of their Growth , And the Rest ; ) In regard that these Things are Intermixed , And sometimes they concur , sometimes they sever :

1 Mans Age , ( as farre as can be gathered by any certaine Narration , ) doth exceed the Age , of all other Living Creatures ; Except it be , of a very few only . And the Concomitants in him , are very equally disposed ; His Stature , and Proportion , large ; His Bearing in the Wombe , nine Moneths ; His Fruit , commonly , one , at a Birth ; His Pubertie at the Age of Fourteen yeares ; His Time of Growing , till Twenty .

2 The Elephant , by undoubted Relation , exceeds the Ordinary Race of Mans life : But his Bearing in the Wombe , the space of ten yeares , is fabulous ; Of two yeares , or at least , above one , is certaine : Now his Bulke is great ; His Time of Growth , untill the thirtieth yeare ; His Teeth exceeding hard : Neither hath it beene unobserved ; That his Bloud is the coldest of all Creatures : His Age , hath sometimes reached , to two hundred yeares .

3 Lions are accounted long Livers , because many of them , have been found Toothlesse ; A signe not so certaine ; For that may bee caused , by their strong Breath .

4 The Beare is a great Sleeper ; A Dull Beast , and given to ease ; And yet not noted for long Life : Nay hee hath this signe of short Life ; That his Bearing in the Wombe is but short ; scarce full forty dayes .

5 The Fox seemes to bee well disposed , in many Things , for long life ; He is well skinned , feeds on Flesh , lives in Dens ; And yet hee is noted not to have that propertie . Certainly , hee is a kinde of Dog ; And that kinde is but short liv'd .

6 The Camell is a long Liver : A lean Creature , and Sinewy : So that he doth ordinarily attaine to Fifty ; And some . times to an hundred yeares .

7 The Horse lives but to a moderate Age ; searce to fortie yeares ; His ordinarie Period is Twentie yeares . But perhaps , he is beholding , for this shortnesse of his Life , to Man : For we have now no Horses of the Sunne ; That live freely , and at pleasure , in good pastures . Notwithstanding the Horse growes , till hee bee six yeares old ; And is able for Generation , in his Old Age. Besides , the Mare goeth longer with her young one , than a Woman ; And brings forth two at a Burthen more rarely . The Asse lives commonly to the Horses Age ; But the Mule out-lives them both .

8 The Hart is famous amongst Men , for long Life ; yet not upon any Relation , that is undoubted . They tell of a certaine Hart , that was found with a Coller about his Neck , and that Coller hidden with Fat . The long Life of the Hart , is the lesse credible , because hee comes to his perfection at the Fifth yeare ; And not long after , his Hornes , ( which hee sheds , and renewes yearely ) grow more Narrow at the Root , and lesse Branched .

9 The Dag is but a short Liver : He exceeds not the Age of Twentie yeares ; And for the most part lives not to fourteen yeares . A Creature of the hottest Temper , and living in extremes ; for he is commonly , either in vehement Motion , or Sleeping Besides , the Bitch , bringeth forth many at a Burthen , and goeth nine weekes .

10 The Oxe likewise , for the Greatnesse of his Body , and Strength , is but a short Liver ; About some sixteen yeares : And the Males live longer than the Females : Notwithstanding , they beare , usually , but one at a Burthen , and goe nine Moneths . A Creature dull , and fleshy , and soone fatted , and living onely upon Herby substances , without Graine .

11 The Sheep seldome lives to ten yeares ; Though hee bee a Creature , of a moderate size , and excellently clad : And , that which may seeme a wonder , being a Creature with so little Gall , yet hee hath the most curled coat of any other ; For the Haire , of no Creature , is so much curled , as Wooll is . The Rams generate not before the third yeare ; And continue able for Generation , untill the eighth : The Ewes beare young , as long as they live . The Sheep is a diseased Creature ; And rarely lives to his full Age.

12 The Goat lives to the same Age , with the Sheepe ; And is not much unlike in other Things ; Though hee bee a Creature more Nimble , and of somewhat a firmer Flesh ; And so should bee longer liv'd : But then hee is much more lascivious ; And that shortens his Life .

13 The Sow lives to fifteen yeares , sometimes to twentie : And though it be a Creature of the Moistest Flesh ; yet that seemes to make nothing to Length of Life . Of the Wilde Boare , or Sow , we have nothing certaine .

14 The Cats Age , is betwixt six , and ten yeares . A Creature nimble , and full of spirit , whose seed , ( As Aelian repotteth ) burneth the Female . Whereupon it is said ; That the Cat conceives with paine , and brings forth with ease . A creature ravenous in eating ; Rather swallowing downe his Meat whole , than Feeding .

15 Hares and Conies attaine scarce to seven yeares : Being both Creatures Generative , and with young ones , of severall conceptions , in their bellies : In this , they are unlike , that the Coney lives under Ground , and the Hare above Ground ; And againe , that the Hare is of a more duskish Flesh.

16 Birds , for the size of their Bodies , are much lesser than Beasts : for an Eagle , or Swan , is but a small Thing , in comparison of an Oxe , or Horse ; And so is an Estrich , to an Elephant .

17 Birds are excellently well clad ; For Feathers , for warmth , and close sitting , to the Body , exceed wooll , and Haires .

18 Birds , though they hatch many young ones together , yet they beare them not all in their Bodies at once ; Butlay their Egges by turnes ; whereby , their Fruit hath the more plentifull nourishment , 〈◊〉 it is in their bodies .

19 Birds chew , little , or nothing ; but their Meat is found whole in their crops ; Notwithstanding they will breake the shels of Fruits , and pick out the Kernels : They are thought to bee , of a very hot , and strong concoction .

20 The Motion of Birds , in their Flying , is a mixt Motion Consisting , of a moving of the Lims , and of a kinde of Carriage , which is , a most wholesome kinde of Exercise .

21 Aristotle noted well , touching the Generation of Birds ; ( But hee transferred it ill to other living Creatures ; ) That the seed of the Male , confers lesse to Generation , than the Female . But that it rather affords Activity , than Matter : so that Fruitfull Egges , and unfruitfull Egges , are hardly distinguished .

22 Birds , ( almost all of them , ) come to their full Growth , the first yeare , or a little after : It is true , that their Feathers , in some kindes , and their Bils , in others , shew their yeares ; But for the Growth of their Bodies , it is not so .

23 The Eagle is accounted a long Liver ; yet his yeares are not set downe . And it is alledged , as a signe of his long life ; That he casts his Bill ; whereby hee growes young againe . From whence comes that Proverb ; The Old Age of an Eagle . Notwithstanding , perchance , the matter may be thus ; That the Renewing of the Eagle doth not cast his Bill ; But the casting of his Bill , is the Renewing of the Eagle : For after that his Bill is growne , to a great crookednesse , the Eagle feeds , with much difficultie .

24 Vultures also are affirmed to bee long Livers ; Insomuch , that they extend their Life , well-neare to an hundred yeares : Kites likewise , and so all Birds that feed upon Flesh , and Birds of prey , live long . As for Hawkes , because they lead a degenerate , and servile life , for the Delight of Men ; The Terme of their Naturall Life is not certainly knowne : Notwithstanding , amongst Mewed Hawkes , some have beene found , so have lived thirty yeares . And amongst wilde Hawkes , forty yeares .

25 The Raven likewise , is reported to live long ; Sometimes , to an hundred yeares . Hee feeds on Carrion ; And flies not often , but rather is a se dentarie , and Melancholy Bird ; And hath very black flesh . But the Crow , like unto him in most Things ; ( Except in Greatnesse , and voice ; ) lives not altogether so long ; And yet is reckoned amongst the long Livers .

26 The Swan , is certainly found , to bee a long Liver ; And exceeds , not unfrequently , an hundred yeares . He is a Bird excellently plumed ; A Feeder upon Fish ; And is alwayes carried ; And that in Running Waters .

27 The Goose also may passe amongst the Long-livers ; Though his food bee commonly Grasse , and such kinde of Nourishment : Especially , the Wilde-Goose ; whereupon , this Proverb grew amongst the Germans ; Magis senex quam Anser Nivalis ; Older than a Wilde-Goose .

28 Storks must needs bee Long-livers ; If that bee true , which was anciently observed of them ; That they never came to 〈◊〉 because that Citie was often sacked . This if it were so ; Then either , they must have the knowledge of more Ages than one ; Or else the old Ones , much tell their young , the Historie . But there is Nothing more frequent , than Fables .

29 For Fables doe so abound , touching the Phoenix ; That the Truth is utterly lost , if any such Bird there be . As for that , which was so much admired ; That shee was ever seen abroad , with a great Troope of Birds about her , it is no such wonder : For the same is usually seene , about an Owl flying in the Day time , or a Parret , let out of a Cage .

30 The Parret , hath been certainly knowne , to have lived threescore yeares in England ; How old soever hee was , before he was brought over . A Bird , eating almost all kinde of Meats , chewing his Meat , and renewing his Bill ; Likewise , curst , and mischievous , and of a black Flesh.

31 The Peacock lives Twentie yeares ; But hee comes not forth with his Argus Eyes , before he be three yeares old : A Bird slow of pace , having whitish Flesh.

32 The Dunghill Cock , is venereous , Martiall , and but of a short life ; A cranck Bird ; Having also white Flesh.

33 The Indian Cock , commonly called , The Turkey-Cock . lives not much longer , that the Dunghill-Cock : An Angry Bird ; And hath exceeding white Flesh.

34 The Ring-Doves , are of the longest sort of Livers ; Insomuch , that they attaine , sometimes , to fiftie yeares of Age : An Aëry Bird ; And both Builds , and Sits , on high : But Doves , and Turtles , are but short liv'd , not exceeding eight yeares .

35 But Pheasants , and 〈◊〉 , may live to sixteen yeares : They are great Breeders ; But not so white of Flesh , as the ordinarie Pullen .

36 The Black-Bird is reported to be , amongst the lesser Birds , one of the longest livers : An unhappy Bird , and a good Singer .

37 The Sparrow is noted to be of a very short Life ; And it is imputed , in the Males , to their Lasciviousnesse . But the Linnet , no bigger in Body , than the Sparrow , hath beene observed , to have lived twentie yeares .

38 Of the Estrich , we have nothing certaine : Those that were kept here , have beene so unfortunate , that no long life appeared by them . Of 〈◊〉 Bird Ibis , wee finde only , 〈◊〉〈◊〉 long ; But his yeare are not recorded .

39 The Age of Fishes is 〈◊〉 uncertaine , than that of Terrestriall Creatures ; Because living under the water , 〈◊〉 are the lesse observed . 〈◊〉 of them breath not ; By 〈◊〉 meanes , their vitall 〈◊〉 more closed in : And there fore , though they 〈◊〉 some Refrigeration , by 〈◊〉 Gils ; yet that Refrigeration is not so continuall , as 〈◊〉 it is by Breathing .

40 They are free , from the Diccation , and Depredation , 〈◊〉 the Aire Ambient , 〈◊〉 they live in the water : 〈◊〉 there is no Doubt , but the Water Ambient , and piercing and received into the pores of their Body , doth more Hurt , to long Life , than the Aire doth .

41 It is affirmed too , that their 〈◊〉 is not Warme : Some of them : are great Devourers , even of their owne kinde . Their Flesh is softer , and more tender , than that of Terrestriall Creatures . They grow exceedingly fat ; Insomuch , that an Incredible Quantitie of Oyle will be extracted out of one Whole .

42 〈◊〉 reported to live about thirty yeares : Of which Thing , a Triall was taken , in some of them , by cutting off their Tailes : They grow untill ten yeares of Age.

43 That which they report , of some Fishes , is strange ; That after a certaine Age , their Bodies will waste , and grow very slender ; Onely their Head , and Taile , retaining their former Greatnesse .

44 There were found , in Caesars Fish-ponds , Lampreys to have lived threescore yeares : They were growne so familiar , with long use , That Crassus the Orator , solemnly lamented One of them .

45 The Pike , amongst Fishes living in fresh water , is found to last longest ; sometimes 〈◊〉 forty yeares : He is a 〈◊〉 of a Flesh , somewhat Dry , and Firme .

46 But the Carp , Breame , 〈◊〉 , and the like ; Are no held to live , above ten yeares

47 Salmons are Quicke of Growth , short of Life ; So are Trouts : But the Perch is slow of Growth , long of life .

48 Touching that monstrous Bulk , of the Whale , or Orke ; How long it is wielded by vitall Spirit ; Wee have received Nothing certaine : Neither yet , touching the Sea-calf , and Sea Hog , and other innumerable Fishes .

49 Crocodiles are reported to be exceeding long liv'd ; And re famous , fer the Time of their Growth ; For that they , amongst all other Creatures , are thought to grow , during their whole life . They are of those Creatures , that lay Egges ; Ravenous , cruell , and well fenced against the waters . Touching the other kindes of Shell . Fish , wee finde Nothing certaine , how long they live .

Observations .

To finde out a Rule , touching Length , and Shcrtnesse , of Life , in Living Creatures , is very difficult ; By reason of the Negligence of Observations , and the Intermixing of Causes : A few Things wee will set downe .

1 There are more kindes of Birds , found to bee long liv'd , than of Beasts ; ( As the Eagle the Vultur , the Kite , the Pelican , the Raven , the Crow , the Swan , the Goose , the Storke , the Crane , the Bird called the Ibis , the Parret , the Ring Dove , with the rest ; ) Though they come to their full Growth , within a yeare ; And are lesse of Bodies . Surely , their Clothing is excellent good against the Distemperatures of the wether ; And besides , living , for the most part , in the open Aire , they are like the Inhabitants of pure Mountaines , which are long liv'd . Againe , their Motion ; which , ( as we else where said , ) is a mixt Motion ; Compounded of a Moving of their Lims , and of a Carriage in the Aire ; doth lesse wearie , and weare them ; And is more wholesome . Neither doe they suffer any Compression , or want of Nourishment , in their Mothers Bellies ; Because the Egges are laid by Turnes : But the chiesest cause of all , I take to be this ; That Birds are made more of the substance of the Mother , than of the Father ; whereby their Spirit is not so eager , and hot .

2 It may bee a position ; That Creatures , which partake more of the substance of their Mother than of their Father , are longer liv'd ; As Birds are ; which 〈◊〉 said before . Also that those which have a longer time of Bearing in the wombe , doe 〈◊〉 more of the substance of the Mother , lesse of the Father ; And si are longer liv'd : Insomuch 〈◊〉 wee are of opinion , that even 〈◊〉 mongst Men , ( which wee 〈◊〉 noted in some , ) those that resemble their Mothers most , are longest liv'd : And so are the children of old Men , begotten upon young wives ; If the Fathers be sound not Diseased .

3 The First Breeding of Creatures , is ever most Materiall , either to their Hurt , or Benefit And therefore it stands with Reason ; That the lesser Compression , and the more liberall Alimentation , of the young one , in the wombe , should conferre much to Long Life ; Now this happens , when either the young ones are brought forth successively , as in Birds ; Or when they are single Births ; As in Creatures bearing but one at a Burthen .

4 But long Bearing , in the wombe , makes for Length of Life , three wayes . First , for that the young one partakes more of the substance of the Mother ; As hath beene said . Secondly , that it comes forth , more strong , and able . Thirdly , that it undergoes the predatorie Force of the Aire , sater . Besides it shewes , that Nature intendeth to finish her periods , by larger Circles . Now though Oxen , and Sheepe , which are borne in the wombe , about six Moneths , are but short liv'd : That happens for other Causes .

5 Feeders upon Grasse , and 〈◊〉 Herbs , are but short Livers ; And Creatures , feeding upon Flesh , or Seeds , or Fruits , long Livers ; As some Birds are . As for Harts , which are long liv'd ; They take the one Halfe of their Meat , ( As men use to say , ) from above their Heads . And the Goose , besides Grasse , findeth something in the water , and stubble , to feed upon .

6 Wee suppose , that a good Clothing of the Body , maketh much to long Life : For it Fenceth , and Armeth , against the Intemperances of the Aire , which dot wonderfully Assaile , and Decay , the Body : which Benefit Birds especially have . Now that Sheep , which have so good Fleeces , should bee so short 〈◊〉 ; That is to bee impated to Diseases , whereof that Creature is full ; and to the bareeating of Grasse .

7 The Seat of the Spirits , without doubt , is principally the Head : Which though it bee usually understood , of the Animall Spirits onely , yet this is all in all . Againe , it is not to bee doubted , but the Spirits doe , most of all , waste , and prey upon the Body ; so that , wher they are either in greater plentie ; Or in greater Inflammation , and Acrimonie ; There the life is much shortned . And therefore wee conceive , a great Cause of long life , in Birds , to bee ; The Smalnesse of their Heads , in comparison of their Bodies : For even Men , which have very great Heads , wee suppose to be the shorter Livers .

8 We are os opinion ; That Carriage , is of all other Motions , the most helpfull to long life ; which we also noted before . Now there are carried ; Water-fowles , upon the water ; As Swans ; All Birds in their flying , but with a strong Endevour of their Lime ; And Fishes , of the length of whose Life , wee have no certaintie .

9 Those Creatures which are long , before they come to their perfection ; ( Net speaking of Growth in stature onely , but of other steps to Maturitie ; As Manputs forth , First his 〈◊〉 Next the Signes of Pube , tie ; Then his Beard ; And so forward ; ) are Long-liv'd . For it shewes , that Nature finisheth her Periods , by larger Circles .

10 Milder Creatures , are not long-liv'd ; As the Sheepe , and Dove : for Choler is as the Whetstone , and Spur , to many Functions in the Body .

11 Creatures , whose Flesh is more Duskish , are longer liv'd , than those that have white Flesh : for it sheweth , that the Iuyce of the Body is more firme , and lesse apt to dissipate .

12 In every Corruptible Body , Quantitie maketh much , to the Conservation of the whole : For a great fire is longer in Quenching ; A small portion of water is sooner evaporated ; The Body of a Tree withereth not so fast as a Twig : And therefore generally ; ( I speak it of Species , not of Individuals ; ) Creatures that are large in Body , are longer liv'd than thos that are small ; unlesse there be some other potent Cause , to hinder it .

Alimentation , or Nourishment ; And the way of Nourishing .

The Historie .

1 NOurishment ought to To the 4. Artile . bee of an Inferiour nature , and more simple substance , than the Thing Nourished . Plants are nourished with the Earth and Water ; Living Creatures with Plants ; Man with Living Creatures : There are also certain Creatures Feeding upon Flesh ; And Man himselfe , takes Plants , into a part of his Nourishment : But Man , and Creatures feeding upon Flesh , are scarcely nourished with Plants alone . Perhaps , Fruits , or Graines , baked , or boyled , may , with long use , nourish them ; But Leaves , of Plants , or Herbs , will not doe it ; As the Order of the Foliatanes , shewed by Experience .

2 Over-great Affinity , or Consubstantiality of the Nourishment , to the Thing nourished , proveth not well : for Creatures , feeding upon Herbs , touch no Flesh ; And of Creatures feeding upon Flesh , few of them eat their owne kinde . As for Men , which are Cannibals , they feed not ordinarily upon Mens Flesh ; But reserve it as a Dainty , either to serve their Revenge upon their Enemies , or to satisfie their Appetite at some times . So the Ground is best sowne , with Seed growing else-where ; And Men do not use to Graft , or Inoculate , upon the same stocke .

3 By how much the more the Nourishment is better Prepared , and approacheth nearer in likenesse , to the Thing nourished ; By so much the more , are Plants more Fruitfull ; And Living Creatures in better liking , and plight . For a young Slip , or Cions , is not so well nourished , if it bee pricked into the Ground ; As if it be grafted into a Stecke , agreeing wich it in Nature ; And where it findes the Nourishment alreadie disgested , and prepared : Neither , ( as is reported , ) will the Seed of an Onion , or some such like , sown in the bare earth , bring forth so large a Fruit , as if it be put into another Onion ; Which is a new kind of Grafting ; Into the Root , or under ground : Againe it hath beene found out lately ; That a Slip of a Wilde Tree ; As of an Elme , Oake , Ash , or such like , grafted into a Stock of the same kind , wil bring forth larger Leaves , than those that grow without Grafting : Also Men , are not nourished so well with Raw Flesh , as with that which hath passed the Fire .

4 Living Creatures are nourished by the Mouth ; plants by the Root ; Young ones in the Womb , by the Navill : Birds , for a while , are nourished with the Yolke in the Egge ; whereof some is found in their Crops , after they are hatched .

5 All Nourishment moveth , from the Center , to the Circum cumference ; Or , from the Inward , to the Outward : yet it is to be noted ; That in Trees , and Plants , the Nourishment passeth , rather by the Barke , and outward Parts , than by the Pith , and inward parts : For if the Barke be pilled off , though but for a small bredth , round , they live no more : And the Bloud , in the Veines of Living Creatures , doth no lesse nourish the Flesh beneath it , than the Flesh above it .

6 In all Alimentation , or Nourishment , there is a two-fold Action ; Extrusion , and Attraction : whereof the Former proceeds from the Inward Function , the latter from the Outward .

7 Vegetables assimilate their Nourishment simply , without Excerning : For Gums , and Teares of Trees , are rather Exuberances , than Excrements : And knots , or knobs , are nothing but Diseases . But the substance of Living Creatures is more perceptible , of the like ; And therefore it is conjoyned with a kinde of Disdaine ; whereby it rejecteth the Bad , and assimilateth the Good .

8 It is a strange Thing , of the Stalkes of Fruits ; That all the Nourishment , which produceth , sometimes , such great Fruits , should bee forced to passe thorow so narrow Necks : For the Fruit is never joyn'd to the Stock , without some stalke .

9 It is to be noted ; That the Seeds of Living Creatures , will not be fruitfull , but when they are new shed ; But the Seeds of Plants , will be fruit , full , a long time , after they are gathered . Yet the Slips , or Cions of Trees , will not grow , unlesse they be grafted green ; Neither will the 〈◊〉 keepe long Fresh , unlesse they be covered with earth .

10 In Living Creatures , there are Degrees of Nourishment according to their Age : In the Wombe , the young one is nourished with the Mothers Bloud ; when it is new borne , with Milke ; Afterward , with Meats , and Drinks ; And in old Age , the most Nourishing , and Savourie Meats , please best .

11 Above all , it maketh to the present Inquisition ; To inquire diligently , and Attentively ; whether a Man may not receive Nourishment from without ; At least some other way , beside the Mouth ? Wee know , that Baths of Milke are used in some Hectick Fevers , and when the Body is brought extreme low ; And physitians doe prescribe Nourishing Clysters : This Matter would be well studied ; For if Nourishment may be made , either from without , or some other way , than by the Stomach , Then the weaknesse of Concoction , which is incident to old Men , might be recompenced by these Helps ; And Concoction restored to them , intire .

Length and Shortnesse of Life in Man .

The Historie .

1 BEfore the Floud , as the To the 5 , 6 , 7 , 8 , 9 , and 11. Article . Sacred Scriptures relate , Men lived many Hundred yeares : Yet none of the 〈◊〉 attained to a full Thousand . Neither was this Length of Life , 〈◊〉 only to Grace , or the Holy 〈◊〉 For there are reckoned , of the Fathers , untill the Floud , eleven Generations ; But of the Sons of Adam , by Cain , only eight Generations ; So as the Posteritie of Cain may seeme the longer liv'd . But this Length of Life , immediately after the Floud , was reduced to a Moitie ; But in the Post-Nati : For Noah , who was borne before , equalled the Age of his , Ancestours ; And Sem saw the sixth hundred year of his life . Afterward , three Generations being run , from the Floud ; The Life of Man was brought downe , to a Fourth Part of the Primitive Age ; That was , to about two Hundred years .

2 Abraham lived an hundred seventie and five yeares : A Man of an High Courage , and prosperous in all Things . Isaac came to an Hundred and eightie yeares of Age ; A chaste Man , and enjoying more Quietnesse , than his Father . But Iacob , after many Crosses , and a numerous Progenie , lasted to the Hundred fortie seventh yeare of his Life : A Patient , Gentle , and wise Man . Ishmael , a Militar Man , lived an Hundred thirtie and seven yeares . Sarah , ( whose yeares only , amongst women , are recorded , ) died in the Hundred twentie seventh yeare of her Age : A Beautifull , and Magnanimous Woman ; A singular good Mother , and Wife ; And yet , no lesse Famous , for her Libertie , than Obsequiousnesse towards her Husband . Ioseph also , a Prudent , and Politicke Man , Passing his youth in Affliction , afterwards advanced to the Height of Honour and Prosperitie , lived an hundred and ten yeares . But his Brother Levi , elder than himselfe , attained to an Hundred thirty seven yeares ; A Man Impatient of Contumely , and Revengefull . Neare unto the same Age , attained the Sonne of Levi : Also his Grand Child ; The Father of Aaron , and Moses .

3 Moses lived an Hundred and Twenty years : A Stout Man , and yet the Meekest upon the Earth ; And of a very Slow Tongue . Howsoever Moses , in his Psalme , pronounceth ; That the life of Man is but seventie yeares ; And if a Man have Strength , then eighty ; Which Terme of Mans Life standeth firme , in many particulars , even at this Day . Aaron , who was three yeares the Elder , died the same yeare , with his Brother : A Man of a readier Speech , of a more facile Disposition , and lesse Constant. But Phineas , Grand-child of Aaron , ( perhaps , out of extraordinary Grace , ) may be collected , to have lived three hundred yeares ; If so be , the War of the Israelites , against the Tribe of Benjamin ; ( In which Expedition , Phineas was consulted with , ) were performed , in the same order of Time , in which the Historie hath ranked it : He was a Man of a most Eminent Zeale . Ioshua , a Martiall Man , and an excellent Leader , and evermore victorious , lived to the Hundred and Tenth yeare of his Life . Caleb was his Contemporany ; And seemeth to have beene of as great yeares . Ehud the Judge , seemes to have beene no lesse than an hundred years old ; In regard , that after the Victory over the Moabites , the Holy Land had rest , under his Government , eightie yeares : He was a Man Fierce , and undaunted ; And one , that in a sort , neglected his Life for the good of his People .

4 Iob lived , after the Restauration of his Happinesse , an Hundred and Fortie yeares ; Being , before his Afflictions , of that Age , that he had sons at Mans Estate : A Man Politick , Eloquent , Charitable , and the Example of Patience . Eli the Priest , lived Ninetie eight yeares ; A corpulent Man , Calme of disposition , and Indulgent to his children . But Elizeus the Prophet , may seeme to have died , when he was above an hundred yeares old ; For he is found to have lived after the Assumption of Elias , sixty yeares ; And at the Time of that Assumption , he was of those yeares , that the Boyes mocked him , by Name of Bald-head ; A Man vehement , and severe , and of an Austere life , and a Contemner of Riches . Also , Isaiah the Prophet , seemeth to have beene an Hundred years old : For he is found , to have exercised the Function of a Prophet , Seventie yeares together ; The yeares , both of his Beginning to Prophecie , and of his Death , being uncertain : A Man of an Admirable Eloquence ; An Evangelicall Prophet ; Full of the Promises of God , of the New Testament , as a Bottle with sweet Wine .

5 Tobias the Elder , lived an Hundred fifty eight yeares ; The younger , an Hundred twenty seven ; Mercifull Men , and great Almes-Givers . It seemes , in the time of the Captivitie , many of the Iewes , who returned out of Babylon , were of great yeares : Seeing they could remember both Temples , ( there being no lesse than seventie yeares betwixt Them ; ) And wept for the unlikenesse of Them . Many Ages after that , in the Time of our Saviour , lived old Simeon , to the Age of Ninetie yeares : A Devout Man , and full , both of Hope , and Expectation . Into the same time also , fell Anna the Prophetesse ; who could not possibly bee lesse than an Hundred yeares old : For shee had been seven yeares a Wife ; About eighty foure yeares a Widow ; Beside the yeares of her Virginitie ; And the time that she lived after her Prophecie of our Saviour . Shee was an Holy Woman ; And passed her dayes in fastings and Prayers .

6 The Long Lives of Men , mentioned in Heathen Authors , have no great certaintie in Them : Both for the Intermixture of Fables , whereunto those kind of Relations were very prone ; and for their false Calculation of yeares . Certainly , of the AEgyptians , we finde nothing of Moment in those workes that are extant , as touching Long Life ; For their Kings , which reigned longest , did not exceed fifty , or five and fiftie yeares , which is no great matter ; Seeing Many at this Day , attaine to those yeares . But the Arcadian Kings , are fabulously reported to have lived very long . Surely , that Country was Mountainous , Full of Flocks of Sheep , and brought forth most wholesome Food . Notwithstanding , seeing Pan was their God , wee may conceive , that all Things about them were Panick , and vaine , and subject to Fables .

7 Numa , King of the Romans , lived to eightie yeares ; A Man peaceable , Contemplative , and much devoted to Religion . Marcus Valerius Corvinus , saw an hundred yeares compleat ; There being betwixt his First and Sixth Consulship , Forty six yeares ; A Man Valourous , Affable , Popular , and alwayes Fortunate .

8 Solon of Athens , the Law-giver , and one of the seven Wise Men , lived above eighty yeares ; A Man of an High Courage , but Popular , and affected to his Country : Also Learned , given to Pleasures , and a soft kind of Life . Epimenides the Cretian , is reported to have lived an hundred fifty seven yeares : The Matter is mixt with a Prodigious Relation ; For fifty seven of those yeares , he is said to have slept in a Cave . Halfe an Age after , Xenophanes the Colophonian , lived an hundred & two yeares , or rather more ; For at the Age of Twenty five yeares , he left his Country ; Seventy seven compleat yeares he travelled ; And after that returned : But how long hee lived after his Returne , appeares not : A Man , no lesse wandring in Mind , than in Body ; For his Name was changed , for the Madnesse of his Opinions , from Xenophanes to 〈◊〉 A Man , no doubt , of a vast Conceit , and that minded nothing but Infinitum .

9 Anacreon , the Poet , lived eighty yeares , and somewhat better : A Man Lascivious , Voluptuous , and given to Drinke . Pindarus , the Theban , lived to eighty yeares ; A Poet of an high Fancie , singular in his Conceits , and a great Adorer of the Gods . Sophocles the Athenian , attained to the like Age ; A lofty Tragicke Poet , given over wholly to Writing , and Neglectfull of his Family .

10 Artaxerxes , King of Persia , lived ninety foure yeares : A Man of a Dull wit , Averse to the Dispatch of Businesse , Desirous of Glory , but rather of Ease . At the same time lived Agesilaus , King of Sparta , to eighty foure yeares of Age : A Moderate Prince ; As being a Philosopher amongst Kings ; But not withstanding Ambitious , and a Warrier ; And no lesse stout in Warre , than in Businesse .

11 Gorgias , the Sicilian , was an hundred and eight yeares old ; A Rhetorician , and a great 〈◊〉 of his Faculty ; One that taught Youth for profit , Hee had seene many Countries ; And a little before his Death said , That hee had done nothing worthy of Blame , since he was an old Man . Protagoras of Abdera , saw Ninetie yeares of Age , This Man was likewise a Rhetorician ; But professed not so much to teach the Liberall Arts , as the Art of Governing Common-wealths , and States : Notwithstanding , he was a great Wanderer in the World , no lesse than Gorgias . Isocrates , the Athenian , lived Ninety eight yeares : He was a Rhetorician also , but an exceeding modest Man , One that shunned the publike Light ; And opened his Schoole only in his owne House . Democritus of Abdera , reached to an hundred and nine yeares : Hee was a great Philosopher ; And , if ever any Man amongst the Grecians , a true Naturalist : A Surveyour of many Countries , but much more of Nature ; Also a diligent searcher into Experiments ; And , ( as Aristotle objected against him , ) One that followed Similitudes , more than the Laws of Arguments . Diogenes the Sinopean , lived ninety yeares : A Man , that used Liberty towards Others , but Tyranny over Himselfe ; Of a course Diet , and of much Patience . Zeno of Citium , lacked but two yeares of an hundred : A Man of an High Minde , and a Contemner of other Mens Opinions ; Also of a great Acutenesse , but yet not Troublesome , choosing rather to take Mens Mindes , than to enforce them : The like whereof afterward was in Seneca . Plato the Athenian , atrained to eighty one yeares : A Man of a great Courage , but yet a Lover of 〈◊〉 In his Notions Sublimed , and full of Fancie : Neat and D I eate in his Life ; Rather Calme , than Merry ; And one , that carried a kinde of Majestie in his Countenance . Theophrastus the Etesian , larrived at eightie five yeares of Age ; A Man sweet for his Eloquence ; Sweet also for the Varietie of his Matters ; And who selected the pleasant Things of Philosophy ; And let the Bitter and Harsh goe . Carneades of Cyrene , many yeares after , came to the like Age , of eightie five yeares : A Man of a fluent Eloquence ; And one , who by the acceptable , and pleasant Varietie of his Knowledge , delighted , both himselfe , and others . But 〈◊〉 who lived in Cicero's time ; No Philosopher , or Rhetorician ; But a Grammarian ; Attained to an hundred yeares of Age : He was first a Souldier , then a Schoole-master ; A Man by nature tart , both in his Tongue , and Pen ; And severe towards his Schollers .

12 Quintus Fabius Maximus , was Augur sixty three yeares ; which shewed him to bee above eighty yeares of Age , at his Death : Though it bee true , that in the Augurship , Nebilitie was more respected , than Age. A wise Man , and a great Deliberatour , and in all his proceedings Moderate , and not without Affabilitie severe . Masinissa , King of Numidia , lived ninetie yeares ; And being more than eightie five , got a Sonne : A Daring Man , and trusting upon his Fortune ; who in his youth , had tasted of the Inconstancie of Fortune ; But in his succeeding Age , was constantly Happy . But Marcus Porcius Cato , lived above ninetie yeares of Age : A man of an Iron Body and Minde ; Hee had a bitter Tongue , and loved to cherish factions : Hee was given to Husbandry ; And was to Himselfe , and his Family , a Physician .

13 Terentia , Cicero's wife , lived an hundred and three yeares : A woman afflicted with many Crosses ; First , with the Banishment of her Husband ; Then with the Difference betwixt them ; Lastly , with his last Fatall Misfortune : Shee was also oftentimes vexed with the Gout . Luceia must needs exceed an hundred , by many yeares ; For it is said , That shee acted , an whole hundred yeares , upon the stage ; At first , perhaps , representing the person of some young Girle ; At last , of some Decrepit old Woman . But Galeria Copiola , A Player also , and a Dancer , was brought upon the Stage as a Novice , in what yeare of her Age , is not knowne ; But ninetie nine yeares after , at the Dedication of the Theater , by Pompey the Great , shee was shewne upon the Stage againe ; Not now for an Actresse , but for a Wonder ; Neither was this all ; For after that , in the 〈◊〉 , for the Health and Life of Augustus , she was shewne upon the Stage the third time .

14 There was another Actresse , somewhat Inferiour in Age , but much Superiour in Dignity , which lived well-neare ninety yeares : I meane Livia lulia Augusta , wife to Augustus Cesar , and Mother to Tiberius . For if Augustus his Life were a play ; ( As himselfe would have it ; when as upon his Death-bed , hee charged his Frineds , they should give him a Plaudite , after hee was Dead , ) certainly this Lady was an excellent Actresse ; who could carry it so well with her Husband , by a dissembled Obedience ; And with her Sonne , by power and authoritie : A woman Affable , and yet of a Matronall Carriage , Pragmaticall , and upholding her power . But Iunia , the wife of Caius Cassius , and sister of Marcus Brutus , was also ninetie yeares old ; For shee survived the Philippick Battaile , sixty foure yeares : A Magnanimous woman ; In her great wealth Happy ; In the Calamity of her Husband , and neare Kinsfolkes , and in long widowhood , unhappy ; Notwithstanding much Honoured of all .

15 The yeare of our Lord seventie six , falling into the Time of Vespasian , is Memorable ; In which wee shall finde , as it were , a Calender , of long liv'd Men : For that yeare , there was a Taxing ; ( Now a Taxing , is the most Authenticall , and truest Informer , touching the ages of men ; ) And in that part of Italie , which lieth betwixt the Apennine Mountaines , and the River Po , there were found , an hundred and foure and twenty persons , that either equalled , or exceeded , an hundred yeares of Age : Namely , of an hundred yeares just , fiftie foure persons ; Of an hundred and ten , fiftie seven persons ; Of an hundred and five and twenty , Two onely ; Of an hundred and thirty , foure men ; Of an hundred and five and thirtie , or seven and thirtie , foure more ; Of an hundred and fortie , three men . Besides these , Parma in particular , afforded five , whereof three fulfilled an hundred & twentie yeares ; and two , an hundred and thirty : Bruxels afforded one , of an hundred and twentie five yeares old : Placentia one , aged an hundred thirty and one : Faventia , one Woman , aged one hundred thirtie and two : A certaine Towne , then called Velleiacium , scituate in the Hils , about Placentia , afforded ten ; whereof Six fulfilled an hundred and ten yeares of age ; Foure , an hundred and twentie : Lastly , Rimino one , of an hundred and fiftie yeares ; whose Name was Marcus Aponius .

That our Catalogue might not be extended too much in length , wee have thought fit , as well in those whom we have rehearsed , as in those whom we shall rehearse , to offer none under eighty yeares of Age. Now wee have affixed to every one a true and short Character , or Elogie ; But of that sort , whereunto , in our Iudgement , Length of Life , ( which is not a little subject to the Manners and Fortunes of Men , ) hath some Relation : And that in a twofold Respect : Either that such Kinde of Men , are for the most part long liv'd ; Or that such Men may sometimes bee of long Life , though otherwise not well disposed for it .

16 Amongst the Roman and Grecian Emperours ; Also the French and Almaine ; To these our Dayes ; which make up the Number of well-neare two hundred Princes ; There are only foure found , that lived to eightie yeares of Age : unto whom we may adde the two first Emperours ; Augustus , and Tiberius ; whereof the latter fulfilled the seventie and eighth yeare , the former the seventie and sixth yeare of his Age ; And might both perhaps have lived to fourescore , if Livia and Caius had been pleased . Augustus ( as was said ) lived seventie and six yeares : A Man of a Moderate Disposition ; In accomplishing his Designes , vehement , but otherwise Calme , and Serene ; In Meat and Drink sober ; In Venerie Intemperate ; Through all his Life time Happy : And who about the thirtieth year of his Life , had a great and dangerous sicknesse ; Insomuch that they despaired of Life in him ; whom Antonius Musa the Physician , when other Physicians had applied Hot Medicines , as most agreeable to his Disease , on the contrarie cured with cold Medicines ; which perchance might bee some Help , to the prolonging of his Life . Tiberius lived to bee two yeares older : A Man with Leane chaps ; As Augustus was wont to say ; For his speech stuck within his Jawes , but was weightie , Hee was Bloudy , a Drinker , and one that tooke lust into a Part of his Diet : Notwithstanding , a great Observer of his Health ; Insomuch , that hee used to say ; That hee was a Foole , that after thirtie yeares of Age , tooke advice of a Physician . Gordian the Elder , lived eightie yeares ; And yet died a violent Death , when he was scarce warme in his Empire : A Man of an High Spirit , and Renowmed ; Learned , and a Poet ; And constantly happy , throughout the whole course of his Life , save only , that he ended his dayes by a violent Death . Valerian the Emperour , was seventie six yeares of Age , before hee was taken Prisoner , by Sapor King of Persia : After his Captivitie hee lived seven yeares in Reproches ; And then died a violent Death also : A Man of a poore Minde , and not valiant ; Notwithstanding lifted up in his owne , and the opinion of Men , but falling short in the performance . Anastasius , surnamed Dicorus , lived eightie eight yeares : He was of a setled Minde , but too abject , and superstitious , and fearefull . Anicius Iustinianus , lived to eightie three yeares : A Man Greedy of Glorie ; Performing Nothing in his owne Person , but in the valour of his Captaines Happie and Renowmed ; Uxorious : And not his owne Man , but suffering others to lead him . Helena of Britaine , Mother of Constantine the Great , was four-score yeares old : A Woman , that intermedled not in Matters of State , neither in her Husbands , nor Sonnes 〈◊〉 ; But Devoted her 〈◊〉 wholly to Religion , Magnanimous , and 〈◊〉 Flourishing . Theodora the 〈◊〉 ; ( who was Sister to 〈◊〉 , wife of Monomachus ; And reigned alone after her Decease ; ) lived above eightie yeares : A Pragmaticall Woman ; and one that tooke 〈◊〉 in Governing ; Fortunate in the Highest degree , and through her good 〈◊〉 Credulous .

17 We will proceed now from these Secular Princes , to the Princes in the Church . S. Iohn , 〈◊〉 Apostle of our Saviour , and the Beloved Disciple , lived ninetie three yeares : He was rightly denoted under the 〈◊〉 of the Eagle , for his piercing fight into the Divinitie ; And was as a 〈◊〉 amongst the Apostles in 〈◊〉 spect of his Burning Love Saint Luke the Evangelist , fulfilled fourescore and fouryeares : An Eloquent Man And a Traveller ; Saint Paul inseparable Companion ; And a Physitian . Simeon the Sonne of Cleophas , called the Brother of our Lord , and Bishop of His rusalem , lived an hundred and twenty yeares ; Though he was cut short by 〈◊〉 dome ; A Stout Man , and Constant , and full of Good works . Polycarpus , Disciple 〈◊〉 to the Apostles , and Bishop Smyrna , seemeth to have 〈◊〉 his Age , to an hundred yeares , and more Though hee were also cut 〈◊〉 by Martyrdome : A Man 〈◊〉〈◊〉 High Minde , of an 〈◊〉 patience , and unwearied 〈◊〉 Labours . Dionysius 〈◊〉 Contemporany to the Apostle S. Paul , lived ninetie cares : Hee was called The 〈◊〉 of Heaven , for his High lying Divinitie ; And was famous , as well for his Holy Life , as for his Meditations . Aquila and Priscilla , first Saint Paul the Apostles Hosts ; Afterward his Fellow-Hel-bers ; lived together , in an happy and famous wedlock , at least , to an hundred yeares of Age , a peece : For they were both alive , under Pope 〈◊〉 the First : A Noble paire , and prone to all kinde of Charitie ; who amongst other their Comforts ; ( which no doubt were great , unto the first Founders of the Church ; ) Had this added ; To enjoy each other so long , in an 〈◊〉 marriage . Saint Paul , the Hermite , lived an hundred and thirteen yeares : Now hee 〈◊〉 in a Cave ; His Diet was so slender and strict , that was thought almost Impossble , to support Humane Nature therewithall : He 〈◊〉 his yeares onely in Meditations , and Soliloquies ; yet he was not Illiterate , or an 〈◊〉 but Learned . Saint 〈◊〉 the first Founder of Monks , or ( as some will have it , ) the Restorer onely ; 〈◊〉 to an hundred and five yeares of Age : A Man Devout , and Contemplative Though not unfit for Civil Affaires ; His Life was Austere , and Mortifying ; Notwithstanding hee lived in kinde of glorious solitude ; and exercised a Command ; or he had his Monks under 〈◊〉 ; And besides , many 〈◊〉 and Philosophers 〈◊〉 to visit him , as a living mage , from which they 〈◊〉 not without some 〈◊〉 . Saint Athanasius exceded the Terme of eightie 〈◊〉 : A Man of an 〈◊〉 Constancie ; Commaning Fame , and not yeelding 〈◊〉 Fourtune ; Hee was free towards the Great Ones ; With he people Gracious , and 〈◊〉 ; Beaten and 〈◊〉 to Oppositions ; And in 〈◊〉 himself from them , out , and wise . S. Hierome , 〈◊〉 the consent of most 〈◊〉 , exceeded ninety yeares of Age : A man powerfull in is Pen , and of a Manly Elequence ; quence ; variously learne both in the Tongues and 〈◊〉 Also a Traveller , 〈◊〉 that lived strictly towards 〈◊〉 old Age ; In an estate 〈◊〉 and not dignified , hee 〈◊〉 high Spirits ; And shined 〈◊〉 out of Obscuritie .

18 The Popes of Rome , are 〈◊〉 Number to this Day , 〈◊〉 hundred fortie and one : 〈◊〉 so great a Number , five one have attained to the Age 〈◊〉 fourscore yeares , or upward But in many of the first 〈◊〉 their ful Age was intercepte by the prerogative and 〈◊〉 of Martyrdome . Iohn the 〈◊〉 ty three , Pope of Rome , 〈◊〉 the ninetieth yeare of 〈◊〉 Age : A Man of an 〈◊〉 Disposition , and one that 〈◊〉 died Noveltie ; Hee 〈◊〉 many Things , some to the Better , others onely to the New ; A great 〈◊〉 of Riches and Treasure . Gregorie , called the twelfth , created in schisme , and not fully acknowledged Pope ; Died at ninetie yeares ; Of him , in respect of his short Papacie , wee 〈◊〉 Nothing , to make a judgement upon . Paul the third , lived eightie yeares and one : A temperate Man , and of a profound wisdome ; He was Learned , an Astrologer ; and one that tended his Health carefully ; But after the Example of old Eli the Priest , over-Indulgent to his Family . Paul the fourth , attained to the Age of eightie three yeares : A Man of an Harsh Nature , and severe ; Of an Haughtie Minde , and Imperious ; prone to Anger ; his speech was Eloquent , and Ready . Gregorie the thirteenth , fulfilled the like Age , of eightie three yeares : An absolute good Man ; Sound in Minde , and Body ; Politick , Temperate , full of good workes , and an Almes-giver .

19 Those that follow are to be more Promiscuous in their order ; More doubtfull in their faith ; And more barren of Observation . King Arganthonius , who reigned at Cadiz in Spaine , lived an hundred and thirtie ; Or , ( as some would have it , ) an hundred and forty yeares ; Of which he reigned eightie . Concerning his Manners , Institution of his Life , and the Time wherein hee reigned , there is a generall Silence . Cyniras , King of Cyprus , Living in the Island , then termed the Happie and Pleasant island , is affirmed , to have attained to an hundred and fifty , or sixty yeares . Two Latine Kings in Italy , the Father and the Son , are reported to have lived , the one eight hundred , the other six hundred yeares : But this is delivered unto us by certain Philologists ; Who though otherwise Credulous enough ; yet themselves have suspected the Truth of this Matter , or rather condemned it . Others record some Arcadian Kings to have lived three hundred years : The Country , no doubt , is a place apt for long life ; But the Relation I suspect to be Fabulous . They tell of one Dando , in Illyrium ; That lived , without the Inconveniences of old Age , to five hundred yeares . They tell also 〈◊〉 the Epians , a Part of AEtolia That the whole Nation 〈◊〉 them were exceeding long liv'd ; In so much , that many of them were two hundred yeares old : And that one principal Man amongst them , named Litorius , a Man of 〈◊〉 Giant-like Stature , could have told three hundred yeares . It is recorded , that in the Top of the Mountaine 〈◊〉 anciently called Tempsis , many of the Inhabitants lived to 〈◊〉 hundred and fiftie yeares . We reade that the Sect of the Esseans , amongst the Iewes , did usually extend their Life to an hundred yeares : Now that Sect , used a single , or Abstemious Diet ; After the Rule of Pythagoras . Apollonius 〈◊〉 exceeded an hundred yeares ; His Face bewraying no such Age ; Hee was an Admirable Man ; Of the Heathens reputed to have something Divine in him ; Of the Christians , held for a Sorcerer : In his Diet Pythagoricall , A great Traveller ; Much Renowmed ; And by some adored as a God : Notwithstanding , towards the end of his life , he was subject to many Complaints against him , and Reproaches ; All which he made shift to escape . But lest his Long Life should be imputed to his Pythagoricall Diet , and not rather that it was Hereditary , his Grandfather before him , lived an hundred and thirty yeares . It is undoubted , that Quintus Metellus lived above an hundred yeares ; And that after severall Consalships happily administred ; In his old Age he was made Pontifex Maximus ; And exercised those Holy Duties , full two and twentie yeares ; In the performance of which Rites , his Voice never failed , nor his Hand trembled . It is most certaine , that 〈◊〉 Caesus was very old , but his yeares are not extant ; The most part whereof he passed , after he was Blinde : Yet this Misfortune no whit softened him , but that hee was able to governe a numerous Family , a great Retinue and Dependance , yea , even the Common-wealth it selfe with great Stoutnesse . In his extreme old Age , he was brought in a Litter into the Senate-House ; And vehemently disswaded the Peace with Pyrrhus : The Beginning of his Oration was very Memorable , shewing an Invincible Spirit , and strength of Minde ; I have , with great Griefe of Minde , ( Fathers Consript , ) these many yeares , borne my Blindnesse ; But now I could wish , that I were Deafe also ; when I heare you speake to such Dishonourable Treaties . Marcus Perpenna lived ninety eight yeares ; Surviving all those , whose Suffrages he had gathered , in the Senate House , being Consul ; I meane , all the Senators at that time . As also all those , whom a little after , being Censour , hee chose into the Senate ; Seven only being excepted . Hiero , King of Sicely , in the time of the second Punick Warre , Lived almost an hundred yeares ; A Man Moderate , both in his Government , and in his Life ; A Worshipper of the Gods , and a Religions Conserver 〈◊〉 Friendship ; Liberall , and constantly Fortunate . Statilia , descended of a Noble Family , in the Dayes of 〈◊〉 Lived ninety nine yeares . 〈◊〉 , the Daughter of Ofilius an hundred and Fifteene . Xenophilus , an Ancient Philosopher , of the Sect of Pythagoras . attained to an hundred and six yeares : Remaining Healthfull , and vigorous in his old Age ; And Famous amongst the Vulgar , for his Learning . The Islanders of Corcyra were Ancienely accounted Long liv'd ; But now they live after the rate of other Men. Hippocrates Côus , the Famous Physician , lived an hundred and foure yeares ; And approved and credited his own Art , by so long a life : A Man , that coupled learning and wisdom together ; Very conversant in Experience and Observation ; One that hunted not after Words , or Methods ; But severed the very Nerves of Science , and so propounded them . Demonax , a Philosopher , not only in Profession , but Practice , lived in the Daies of Adrian , almost to an Hundred yeares : A Man of an High Minde , and a Vanquisher of his owne Mind ; And that , truly , and without Affectation , A Contemner of the World , and yet Civill and courteous : when his Friends spake to him , about his Buriall , he said ; Take no Care for my Buriall ; For Stench will bury a Carleaise : They replyed ; Is it your Minde then , to be cast out , to Birds , and Dogs ? He said againe , Seeing , in my life time , I endevoured to my uttermost , to benefit Men , what hurt is it , if , when I am dead , I benefit 〈◊〉 Certain Indian People , called Pandorae , are exceedingly long Liv'd ; Even to no lesse than Two Hundred yeares . They adde a Thing more Marvellous ; That having , when they are Boyes , an Haire , somewhat whitish ; In their old Age , before their gray haires , they grow coale blacke : Though indeed this be every where to be seene ; That they which have white 〈◊〉 whilest they are Boyes , in their Mans estate , change their Haires into a Darker colour . The Seres , another People of India , with their Wine of Palmes , are accounted Long Livers ; Even to an hundred and thirtie yeares . Euphranor , the Grammarian , grew old in his Schoole ; And taught Schollers , when he was above an hundred yeares old . The Elder Ovid , father to the Poet , lived Ninety yeares : Differing much from the disposition of his Son ; For hee contemned the Muses , and disswaded his Son from Poetry . Asinius Pollio , intimate with Augustus , exceeded the Age of an Hundred years : A Man of an unreasonable Profusenesse , Eloquent , a Lover of Learning ; But Vehement , Proud , Cruell ; And one that made his Private Ends the Center of his Thoughts . There was an Opinion , that Seneca was an extreme Old Man ; No lesse than an Hundred and fourteene yeares 〈◊〉 Age : Which could not 〈◊〉 be ; It being as 〈◊〉 that a Decrepit old 〈◊〉 should bee set over 〈◊〉 Youth ; As , on the contrary it was true , that he was able to manage , with great 〈◊〉 the Affaires of State : Besides , a little before , in the Midst of Claudius his Reigne , hee was banished Rome , 〈◊〉 Adulteries committed with some Noble Ladies ; which was a Crime , no wayes competible with so extreme old Age. Ioannes de Temporibus , amongst all the Men of our latter Ages , out of a common Fame , and vulgar Opinion , was reputed Long-liv'd , even to a Miracle ; Or rather , even to a Fable ; His Age hath been . counted , above three Hundred yeares : He was by Nation a French Man ; And followed the Warres , under Charles the Great . Gartius Aretine , Great Grand-Father to Petrarch , arrived at the Age of an Hundred and foure yeares . He had ever enjoyed the Benefit of good Health ; Besides , at the last , He felt rather a Decay of his strength , than any Sicknesse or Maladie ; which is the true Resolution , by old Age. Amongst the Venetians , there have been found , not a few long Livers ; and those of the more eminent sort : Franciscus Donatus , Duke ; Thomas Contarenus , Procuratour of Saint Marke ; Franciscus Molinus , Procuratour also of Saint Mark ; Others . But most Memorable is that of Cornarus the Venetian ; who being in his youth of a sickly Body , began first to eat and drink by measure , to a certaine weight ; Thereby to recover his Health ; This Cure , turned , by use , into a Diet ; That Diet to an extraordinary Long Life ; Even of an Hundred years and better , without any Decay in his Senses ; And with a constant Enjoying of his Health . In our Age , William Postell , a French-Man , lived to an hundred , and well nigh twenty yeares ; The Top of his Beard , on the upper Lip , being black , and not Gray at all : A Man crazed in his Braine , and of a Fancie not altogether Sound ; A great Traveller , Mathematician , and somewhat stained with Heresie .

20 I suppose there is scarce a Village , with us in England , if it be any whit populous , but it affords some Man or Woman of Fourescore yeares of Age : Nay , a few yeares since , there was in the Countie of Hereford , a Maygame , or Morris-Dance , consisting of Eight Men , whose Age computed together , made up eight hundred yeares ; In so much , that what some of them wanted of an hundred , others exceeded as much .

21 In the Hospitall of Bethleem , corruptly called Bedlam , in the Suburbs of London , there are found , from time to time , many Mad Persons , that live to a great Age.

22 The Ages of Nymphs , Fawns and Satyres , whom they make to be , indeed , Mortall , but yet exceedingly Long-Liv'd ; ( A Thing , which Ancient Superstition , and the Late Credulitie of some , have admitted ; ) we account but for Fables and Dreames : Especially , being that , which hath neither Consent with Philosophie , nor with Divinity . And as touching the Historie of Long-Life in Man , by Individuals , or next unto Individuals , thus much : Now we will passe on to Observations , by certaine Heads .

23 The Running on of Ages , and Succession of Generations , 〈◊〉 to have no whit abated from the Length of Life ; For wee see , that from the Time of Moses , unto these our Dayes , the Terme of Mans life hath stood about Fourescore years of Age ; Neither hath it declined , ( As a man would have thought ) by little and little . No doubt , there are Times , in every Country , wherein Men are longer , or shorter liv'd . Longer , for the most part , when the times are barbarous , and Men fare lesse deliciously , and are more given to Bodily Exercises : Shorter , when the Times are more Civill , and Men abandon themselves to Luxury and Ease . But these Things passe on by their Turnes ; The Succession of Generations alters it not . The same , no doubt , is in other living Creatures ; For neither Oxen , nor Horses , nor Sheep , nor any the like , are abridged of their wonted Ages at this Day . And therefore , the Great Abridger of Age was the Floud : And perhaps , some such Notable Accidents ; ( As particular Inundations , Long Droughts , Earth-quakes , Or the like , ) may doe the same again And the like Reason is , in the Dimension and Stature of Bodies ; For neither are they lessened , by succession of Generations ; Howsoever Virgil , ( following the vulgar Opinion , ) Divined , that After-Ages would bring forth lesser Bodies , than the then present ; whereupon speaking of Plowing up the Emathian and Emonensian Fields , He saith ; Grandiaque effossis mirabitur ofsa sepulchris ; That After 〈◊〉 shall admire the Great Bones digged up in ancient Sepulchers . For wheras it is manifest , that there were , heretofore , Men of Gigantine Statures , ( such as , for certaine , have beene found in Sicely , and elsewhere , in ancient Sepulchres , 〈◊〉 Caves , ) yet within these 〈◊〉 three Thousand yeares ; A Time , whereof we have sure Memory ; Those very Places 〈◊〉 produced none such : Although this Thing also hath 〈◊〉 Turns and Changes , 〈◊〉 the Civillizing of a 〈◊〉 no lesse than the Former . And this is the rather to be 〈◊〉 , because Men are 〈◊〉 carried away with an 〈◊〉 ; That there is a 〈◊〉 Decay by succession of Ages , as well in the Terme of Mans life , as in the Stature and strength of his Body ; And that all Things decline , and change to the worse .

24 In Cold , and Northerne 〈◊〉 , Men live longer , 〈◊〉 , than in Hot : which must needs be , in respect ; The Skin is more Compact 〈◊〉 close ; And the Juyees of the Body lesse dissipable ; And the Spirits themselves lesse Eage to consume , and in better 〈◊〉 position to repaire ; And the Aire , ( As being little 〈◊〉 by the Sun-Beames , ) 〈◊〉 Predatory . And yet , under the AEquinoctiall Line , 〈◊〉 the Sunne passeth to and 〈◊〉 and causeth a double Summer , and double Winter And where the Dayes and Nights are more Equall ; 〈◊〉 other Things be concurring they live also very long : 〈◊〉 Pern , and Taprobane .

25 Islanders are , for the 〈◊〉 part , longer liv'd , than 〈◊〉 that dwell in Continents : 〈◊〉 theylive not so long in Russia as in the Orcades ; Nor so long in Africa , though under the same Parallel , as in the 〈◊〉 and Tercera's ; And the 〈◊〉 , are longer liv'd , 〈◊〉 the Chineses ; Though 〈◊〉 Chineses are madde upon Long Life . And this thing is 〈◊〉 Marvell ; Seeing the Aire 〈◊〉 the Sea doth heat and 〈◊〉 in cooler Regions , and 〈◊〉 in hotter .

26 High Situations , doe rather 〈◊〉 long Livers , than Low ; Especially , if they bee not Tops of Mountaines , but 〈◊〉 Grounds , as to their 〈◊〉 Situations : Such as was 〈◊〉 in Greece ; And that Part of AEtolia , where we 〈◊〉 them , to have lived so 〈◊〉 . Now there would be the same Reason , for 〈◊〉 themselves , because of the purenesse and clearenesse of the Aire , but that they are corrupted by accident ; Namely , by the Vapours , 〈◊〉 thither out of the Vallies , and Resting there . And therefore in Snowy Mountaines , there 〈◊〉 not found any Notable long Life ; Not in the Alps , not 〈◊〉 the Pyrenean Mountaines , 〈◊〉 in the Apennine : Yet in the Tops of the Mountaines , running along towards 〈◊〉 and the Abyssines ; where by reason of the Sands beneath little or no Vapour riseth to the Mountains , they live long even at this very Day ; Attaining , many times , to an Hundred and fifty yeares .

27 Marshes , and Fens , are Propitious to the Natives , 〈◊〉 Malignant to Strangers , 〈◊〉 touching the Lengthning and Shortning of their lives : And that which may seeme more Marvellous , Salt Marshes , where the Sea ebs and flowes , 〈◊〉 lesse wholesome , than 〈◊〉 of Fresh water .

28 The Countries , which have beene observed , to produce Long Livers , are these ; 〈◊〉 , AEtolia , India on this side 〈◊〉 , Brasil , Taprobane , 〈◊〉 , Ireland , with the Islands of the Orcades , and Hebrides : 〈◊〉 as for AEthiopia , which by one of the Ancients , is 〈◊〉 to bring forth long 〈◊〉 ; It is but a Toy .

29 It is a Secret ; The 〈◊〉 of Aire , especially in 〈◊〉 Perfection , is better found by Experiment , than by 〈◊〉 Or Coniecture . You may make a Triall by a Locke of Wooll , exposed , for a few dayes , in the open Aire ; If the weight be not much increased : Another by a peece Flesh , exposed likewise , 〈◊〉 corrupt not over-soone : other by a Wether-Glasse the water interchange 〈◊〉 suddenly . Of these and like , enquire further .

30 Not only the Goodnesse , Purenesse of the Aire , but 〈◊〉 the Equality of the Aire , Materiall to long Life . 〈◊〉 mixture of Hils and Dales , pleasant to the fight , but spected for Long Life . Plaine , moderately dry ; 〈◊〉 yet not over-barren , or 〈◊〉 nor altogether without 〈◊〉 and Shade ; Is very 〈◊〉 for Length of Life .

31 Inequality of Aire , ( as 〈◊〉 even now said ; ) in the 〈◊〉 of our Dwelling , is 〈◊〉 But Change of Aire by Traveling , after one be used unto good : And therefore great Travellers have beene Long Liv'd . Also those that have 〈◊〉 perpetually in a little Cortage , in the same place , 〈◊〉 been Long Livers : For Aire Accustomed , consumeth esse ; but Aire changed , 〈◊〉 , and repaireth more .

32 As the Continuation , and Number of Successions , ( which we said before , ) Makes nothing to the Length or Shortnesse of Life ; So the Immediate Condition of the Parents , as well the Father , as the Mother , without doubt , availeth much . For some are begotten of Old Men , some of Young Men , some of Men of Middle Age ; Againe , some are begotten of Fathers Healthfull , and well Disposed , Others of Diseased and languishing : Againe , some of Fathers , immediately after Repletion , 〈◊〉 when they are Drunke ; Others , after Sleeping , or in the Morning : Againe , some after a long Intermission of 〈◊〉 Others upon the Act 〈◊〉 : Againe , some in the 〈◊〉 of the Fathers Love ( As it is commonly in 〈◊〉 ; ) Others after the Cooling of it , as in long Married Couples . The same Things may bee considered on the Part of the Mother : Unto which must bee added , the Condition of the Mother whilest shee is with child ; 〈◊〉 touching her Health ; As touching her Diet : The Time 〈◊〉 her Bearing in the Wombe To the Tenth Moneth , or earlier . To reduce these Things to a Rule , how farre they may concerne Long Life , 〈◊〉 hard : And so much the Harder , for that those Things , which a Man would conceive to be the best , will fall out to the contrary : For that Alacrity in the Generation , which begets lusty and Lively Children , will bee lesse Profitable to long Life , because of the Acrimony , and Inflaming of the Spirits . We said before ; That to partake more of the Mothers Bloud , conduceth to long Life . Also , we suppose all Things in Moderation , to bee best ; Rather Conjugall Love , than Meretricious ; The Houre for Generation to be the Morning ; A state of Bodie , not too Lusty , or Full ; And such like . It ought also to be well observed ; That a strong Constitution in the Parents , is rather good for them , than for the Childe ; Especially in the Mother . And therefore Plato thought ignorantly enongh ; 〈◊〉 the vertue of Generation halted , because the women used not the same Exercises , both of Minde are Body , with the Men : The contrarie is rather true . For the Difference of 〈◊〉 betwixt the Male , and the 〈◊〉 male , is most profitable for the Childe ; And the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 women , yeeld more to wards the Nourishment 〈◊〉 the Childe ; which also hold in Nurses . Neither did 〈◊〉〈◊〉 women , which 〈◊〉 not before twentie two , 〈◊〉 as some say , twenty five ( And therefore were 〈◊〉 Man-like women ; ) Bring forth a more Generous , or Long-liv'd Progenie ; Than the Roman , or Athenian , or Theban women did , which were ripe for Marriage , at twelve , or fourteene yeares . And if there were any Thing eminent in the Spartans ; That was rather to bee imputed , to the Parcimony of their Diet , than to the late Marriages of their women . But this we are taught by experience ; That there are some Races , which are long liv'd , for a few Descents ; So that Long Life , is like some Diseases , a Thing Hereditarie , within certaine Bounds .

33 Faire in Face , or Skin , or Hoire , are shorter Livers ; Black , or Red , or Freckled , longer . Also too Fresh a Colour in youth , doth lesse promise long Life , than Palenesse . A hard Skin , is a signe of long Life , rather than a Soft : But wee understand not this of a Rugged Skin , such as they call a Goose Skin , which is , as it were , Spongie , but of that which is Hard , and Close . A Forehead with deep Furrowes and Wrinkles , is a better Signe , than a smooth and plaine Forehead .

34 The Haires of the Head hard , and like Bristles , doe betoken longer Life , than those that are soft , and Delicate . Curled Haires betoken the same Thing , if they bee Hard withall ; But the Contrarie , if they bee Soft and Shining . The like , it the curling bee rather thick , than in large Bunches .

35 Early , or Late , Baldnesse , is an Indifferent Thing ; Seeing many which have beene Bold betimes , have lived long . Also early Gray Haires , ( Howsoever they may seeme Forerunners of Old Age approching , ) are no sure Signes ; For many that have growne gray betimes , have lived to great yeares . Nay , Hasty Gray Haires , without Baldnesse , is a Token of long Life ; contrarily , if they bee accompanied with Baldnesse .

36 Hairinesse of the upper Parts , is a Signe of Short life ; And they that have extraord narie much Haire on their Breasts , live not long : But Hairinesse of the Lower Parts , as of the Thighes , and Legs , is a Signe of long Life .

37 Talnesse of Stature , ( if it be not Immoderate , ) with a convenient Making , and not too slender ; Especially if the Body bee Active withall ; Is a signe of long Life . Also on the contrarie , Men of low stature live long , if they be not too Active , and stirring .

38 In the proportion of the Body ; They which are short to the Wastes , with long Legs , Are longer liv'd than 〈◊〉 , which are long to the Wastes , and have short Legs : Also they which are large in the Neather parts , and streight in the upper ; ( The Making of their Body , rising , as it were into a sharp Figure ; ) Are longer liv'd than they , that have broad Shoulders , and are slender down-wards .

39 Leannesse , where the Affections are setled , calme , and peaceable ; Also a more Fat Habit of Body , joyned with Choler , and a Disposition stirring , and peremptorie , signifie long Life . But Corpulencie in youth , fore-shewes short Life ; In Age , it is a Thing more Indifferent .

40 To bee Long , and Slow , in Growing , is a signe of long Life ; If to a Greater Stature , the Greater Signe ; If to a lesser Stature , yet a signe though : contrarily , to grow quickly , to a great Stature , is an evill Signe ; If to a small Stature , the lesse evill .

41 Firme Flesh ; A Raw-boned Body ; And veines lying higher than the Flesh ; Betoken long Life : The contrarie to these , short Life .

42 A Head some what 〈◊〉〈◊〉 an to the proportion of the Body ; A moderate Neck , nor long , nor slender , nor fat , nor too short , wide Nostrils , what soever the Forme of the Nose be , A large Mouth , An 〈◊〉 Gristly , not Fleshy ; 〈◊〉 strong , and contiguous , not small , or thin-set ; Foretoken long Life : And much more , if some new Teeth put 〈◊〉 our elder yeares .

43 A broad brest , yet not Bearing out , but rather Bending Inwards ; shoulders somewhat crooked , and ( as they call such persons ) Round-Back'd ; A 〈◊〉 Belly ; A Hand large , and with few Lines in the Palme : A short , and round Foot ; Thighes not Fleshy ; And Calves of the Leg not hanging over , but neat ; Are signes of long Life .

44 Eyes somewhat large , and the Circle of them inclined to Greennesse ; Senses not too quick ; The pulse in youth slower , towards old Age quicker ; Facilitie of Holding the Breath , and longer than usuall ; The Body in youth inclined to bee bound , in the Decline of yeares more Laxative ; Are also Signes of long Life .

45 Concerning the Times of Nativitie , as they referre to long Life , nothing hath beene observed worthy the setting downe ; save onely Astrologicall Observations , which wee rejected in our Topicks . A Birth at the eighth Moneth , is not only not Long-lived , but not likely to live . Alos winterBirths are accounted the Longer liv'd .

46 A Pythagoricall , or Monast call Diet , according to 〈◊〉 Rules , and alwayes 〈◊〉 Equall , ( As that of 〈◊〉 was ) seemeth to be very effectuall for long Life . Yet 〈◊〉 the contrarie , amongst those that live freely , and after the common sort , such as have good Stomacks , and feed more plentifully , are often the Longest liv'd . The Middle Diet which wee account the Temperate , is commended , and conduceth to good Health , but not to long Life ; For the Spare Diet , begets few Spirits , and dull ; And so wasteth the Body lesse : And the Liberall Diet , yeeldeth more ample Nourishment ; And so repaireth more : But the Middle Diet doth neither of both : for where the Extremes are Hurtfull , there the Meane is best ; But where the Extremes are Helpfull , there the Meane is Nothing worth . Now to that Spare Diet , there are Requisite , Watching , lest the Spirits being Few , should bee oppressed with much sleep ; Little Exercise , lest they should Exhale ; Abstinence from Venerie , lest they should bee exhausted : But to the Liberall Diet , on the other side , are Requisite , Much Sleepe , frequent Exercises , and a seasonable use of Venerie . Baths , and Annointings , ( such as were anciently in use , ) did rather tend to Deliciousnesse , than to prolonging of Life . But of all these Things , wee shall speak more exactly , when we come to the Inquisition , according to Intentions . Meane while , that of Celsus , who was not only a Learned Physician , but a wise Man , is not to be omitted . Who adviseth Interchanging , and Alternation of the Diet , but still with an Inclination to the more Benigne : As that a Man should sometimes accustome himselfe to watching , sometimes to sleepe ; But to sleepe 〈◊〉 Againe , that hee should sometimes give himselfe to Fasting , sometimes to Feasting ; But to Feasting oftenest : That hee should sometimes inure himselfe to great Labours of the Minde , sometimes to Relaxations of the same , But to Relaxations oftnest . Certainly , this is without all question ; That Diet well ordred beares the greatest part in the Prolongation of Life ; Neither did I ever meet , an extreme long-lived Man ; But being asked of his course , hee observed something peculiar ; Some one Thing , some another . I remember an old Man , above an hundred yeares of Age , who was produced as a witnesse , touching an Ancient Prescription ; when hee had finished his Testimonie , the Iudge familiarly asked him , How he came to live so long ; He answered , beside Expectation , and not without the Laughter of the Hearers ; By Eating before I was Hungrie , and Drinking before I was Drie . But of these Things , wee shall speak hereafter .

47 A Life led in Religion , and in Holy Exercises , seemeth to conduce to long Life . There are in this kinde of Life , these Things ; Leisure ; Admiration and Contemplation of Heavenly Things ; Joyes not sensuall ; Noble Hopes ; Wholesome Feares ; Sweet Sorrowes ; Lastly , continuall Renovations , by Observances , Pennances , Expiations ; All which are very powerfull to the Prolongation of Life . Unto which if you adde that austere Diet , which 〈◊〉 the Masse of the Body , and humbleth the spirits , no marvel , if an extraordinary length of life doe follow ; Such as was that of Paul the 〈◊〉 , Simeon Stilita the 〈◊〉 Anchorite ; And of many other Hermites , and Ancherites .

48 Next unto this , is the Life led in good letters ; Such as was that of Philosophers , Rhetoricians , Grammarians . This life is led also in feisure ; And in those Thoughts , which , seeing they are severed from the Affaires of the world , bite not ; But rather delight through their Varietie , and Impertinencie . They live also at their pleasure ; Spending their Time in such Things , as like them best ; And for the most part in the company of young Men ; which is ever the most cheerefull . But in Philosophies , there is great Difference betwixt the Sects , as touching long Life . For those Philosophies , which have in them a Touch of Superstition , and are conversant in High Contemplations , are the best ; As the Pythagoricall , and Platonick : Also those , which did institute a perambulation of the world ; And considered the Varietit of Naturall Things ; And had Retchlesse , and High , and Magnanimous Thoughts : ( As of Infinitum , of the Stars , of the Heroicall Vertues , and such like ; ) were good for lengthening of Life ; Such were those of 〈◊〉 , Philolaus , Xenophanes , the Astrologians , and Stoicks : Also those , which had no profound speculation in them ; But discoursed calmly on both sides , out of common sense , and the Received Opinions , without any shapr Inquisition ; were likewise Good ; Such were those of Carneades , and the Academicks ; Also of the Rhetoricians , and Grammarians . But contrarily , Philosophies conversant in perplexing subtilties ; And which pronounced peremptorily ; And which examined and 〈◊〉 all Things , to the Scale of Principles ; Lastly , which were Thornie , and Narrow ; were Evill ; Such were those commonly of the Peripateticks , and of the Schoolemen .

49 The Countrie Life also , is well fitted for long Life : It is much abroad , and in the open Aire ; It is not slothfull , but ever in Employment : It Feedeth upon Fresh Cates , and unbought ; It is without Cares , and Envie .

50 For the Militar Life , wee have a good opinion of that whilest a Man is young : Certainly , many excellent 〈◊〉 riers have beene long liv'd Corvinus , Camillus , 〈◊〉 Agesilaus ; with others , 〈◊〉 Ancient , and Moderne : No doubt , it furthereth long life . to have all Things from our youth , to our Elder Age , Mend and Grow to the Better ; That a youth full of Crosses may minister sweetnesse to our Old Age. Wee conceive also , that 〈◊〉 Affections , inflamed with a Desire of Fighting , and Hope of Victorie , doe infuse such a Heat into the Spirits , as may be profitable for long Life .

Medicines for long Life .

THe Art of Physick , which To the 10. Article . we now have , lookes no further , commonly , than to Conservation of Health , and Cure of Diseases ; As for these Things , which tend properly to long Life , there is but slight mention , and by the way onely . notwithstanding , we will propound those Medicines , which are Notable in this Kinde ; I 〈◊〉 those , which are called Cordials . For it is consonant to Reason , that those Things , which being taken in Cures , doe defend and fortifie the Heart ; or , more truly , the Spirits ; against Poysons , and Diseases ; Being transferred with judgement and choice , 〈◊〉 Diet , should have a good effect in some sort towards the prolonging of Life . This wee will doe , not heaping them promiscuously together , ( as the manner is , ) but selecting the best .

1 Gold is given in three Formes ; Either in that , which they call Aurum potabile ; Or in Wine wherein Cold hath beene quenched ; Or in Gold , in the Substance ; such as are Leafe Gold , and the Filings 〈◊〉 Gold . As for Aurum 〈◊〉 . it is used to bee given in desperate or dangerous Diseases ; And that not without good successe . But wee suppose , that the Spirits of the Salt , by which the Gold is dissolved , doe rather minister that vertue , which is found in it than the Gold it selfe : Though this Secret be wholly suppressed . Now if the Body of Gold could be opened , without these Corrosive waters ; Or by these Corrosive Waters , ( so the venemous Qualitie were wanting , ) well washed , wee conceive , it would bee no unprofitable Medicine .

2 Pearles are taken , either in a fine powder , or in a certaine Masse , or Dissolution , by the Juyce of sowre and new Limons : And they are given sometimes in Aromaticall Confections , sometimes in Liquour . The Pearle , no doubt , hath some affinitie , with the Shell , in which it groweth ; And may be of the same qualitie , with the Shels , of Crey-Fishes .

3 Amongst the Transparent precious Stones , two onely are accounted Cordiall ; The Emeraud , and the 〈◊〉 which are given under the same Formes , that the Pearles are ; Save only , that the Dissolutions of them , as farre as wee know , are not in use . But wee suspect these Glassy Iewels , left they should be cutting .

Of these which we have mentioned , how farre , and in what manner , they are helpfull , shall be spoken 〈◊〉 .

4 Bezear Stone is of approved Vertue ; For refreshing the Spirits , and procuring a gentle sweat . As for 〈◊〉 Horne , it hath lost the Credit with us , yet so , as it may keep Rank with Harts Horne ; And the Bone in the Heart of a Hart ; And Ivorie ; And such like .

5 Amber Grise , is one of the best , to appease , and Comfort , the Spirits . Hereafter follow the Names onely , of the Simple Cordials , seeing their Vertues are sufficiently knowne .

Hot. Cold. Saffron . Nitre . Folium Indum . Roses . Violets . Lignum Aloes . Straw-berrie leaves . Citron-Pill , or Rinde . Straw-berries . Balme . Iuyce of sweet Limons . Basill . Clove Gilly-Flowers . Iuyce of sweet Orenges . Orenge Flowers . Iuyce of Permaines . Rosemarie . Borrage . Mint . Buglosse . Betony . Burnet . Carduus Benedictus . Sanders . Camphire .

Seeing our Speech now is of those Things , which may be transferred into Diet ; All Hot Waters ; And Chymicall Oyles ; ( which 〈◊〉 a certaine Trifler saith , are under the Planet Mars ; And have a Furious , and Destructive Force ; ) As also all Hot , and Biting Spices ; Are to be rejected : And a Consideration to bee had , how Waters and Liquours may bee made of the Former Simples ; Not those Phlegmatick Distilled Waters ; Nor againe those Burning Waters , of Spirit of Wine ; But such as may be more temperate , and yet lively , and sending forth a Benigne Vapour .

6 Wee make some Question , touching the Frequent Letting of Bloud , whether it conduceth to long Life or no ; And wee are rather in the Opinion , that it doth , if it be turned into an Habit , and other Things be well disposed : For it letteth out the old Juyce of the Body , and bringeth in new .

7 We suppose also , that some Emaciating Diseases , well cured , doe profit to long Life ; For they yeeld New Juyce the old being consumed ; And , ( as he saith , ) To recover a sicknesse , is to renew youth : Therefore it were good to make some Artificiall Diseases ; which is done by strict , and Emaciating Diets ; Of which wee shall speak hereafter .

The Intentions .

HAving finished the Inqusition , To the 12 , 13 , and 14. Artic. according to the Subjects ; As Namely , of Inanimate Bodies , Vegetables . Living Creatures , Man ; Wee will now come nearer to the Matter , and order our Inquisition by certaine Intentions ; Such as are true , and proper , ( as wee are wholly perswaded ; ) And which are the very paths to Mortall Life . For in this part , Nothing that is of worth , hath 〈◊〉 beene inquired ; But the Contemplations of Men have beene , but simple , and non-proficients . For when we heare Meren the one side , speak of Comforting Naturail Heat , and the Radicall Moisture ; And of Meats , which breed good Bloud ; Such as may neither be Burnt , nor Phlegmatick ; And of the Cheering and Recreating of the Spirits ; Wee sappose them , to be no bad Men , which speak these Things : But none of these 〈◊〉 effectually towards the end . But when , on the other side , wee heare severall Discourses ; touching Medicines made of Gold , because Gold is not subject to Corruption ; And touching Precious Stones , to refresh the Spirits by their Hidden Properties , and Lustre : And that , if they could be taken , and retained in Vessels , the Balsames , and Quint-essences of Living Creatures , would make Men conceive a proud hope of Immortalitie : And that the Flesh , of Serpents , and Harts , by a certaine consent , are powerfull to the Renovation of Life ; Because the one casteth his Skin , the other by Hornes ; They should also have added the Flesh of Eagles , because the Eagle changeth 〈◊〉 Bill : And that a certaine Man . when he had found an Ointment hidden under the Ground ; And had annointed himselfe there with from Head to Foot ; ( excepting only the Soles of his Feet ) Did , by this Annointing , live three hundred yeares , without any Disease , save onely some Tumours , in the Soles of his fect : And of Artefius , who when bee found his Spirit , ready to depart , drew into his Body the Spirit of a certaine young Man ; And thereby made him Breathlesse , But Himselfe lived many yeares by another Mans Spirit : And of Fortunate Houres , according to the Figures of Heaven , in which Medicines , are to bee gathered , and compounded , for the prolongation of Life : And of the Seales of Planets , by which Vertues may be drawne , and fetched downe from Heaven , to prolong Life : And such like fabulous , and superstitious Vanities ; Wee wonder exceedingly , that men should so much dote , as to suffer themselves to bee deluded with these Things . And againe , wee doe pittie Mankinde ; that they should have the Hard Fortune , to bee besieged with such frivolous , and senselesse Apprehensions . But our Intentions , doe both come home to the Matter ; And are far from vaine and credulous Imaginations : Being also such , as wee conceive , posteritie , may adde much to the Matters , which satisfie those Intentions ; But to the Intentions themselves but a little . Notwithstanding there are a few Things , and those of very great Moment , of which we would have Men to bee fore-warned .

First , wee are of that Opinion , that wee esteeme the Offices of Life , to bee more worthy than Life it selfe . Therefore , if there be any Thing of that kinde , that may indeed exactly answer our Intentions , yet so , that the Offices , and Duties of Life , bee thereby hindred ; whatsoever it be of this kind ; wee reject it . Perhaps , wee may make some light Mention , of such Things , but wee 〈◊〉 not upon them . For wee make no serieus , nor diligent Discourse ; Either of hading the life in Caves , where the Sunne-Beames , and severall changes of the Aire , pierce not ; Like 〈◊〉 his Cave ; Or of perpe tuall Baths , made of Liquour , prepared ; Or of Shirts , and Seare-cloathes , so applied , that the Body should bee alwayes , as it were , in a Box ; Or of thick Paintings of the Body , after the manner of some Barbarous Nations ; Or of an exact Ordering , of our Life , and Diet , which aimeth onlyat this , and mindeth nothing else , but that a Man live ; ( As was that of Herodicus , amongst the Ancients ; And of Cornarus the Venetian ; in our Dayes , but with greater Moderation ; ) Or of any such prodigie , Tediousnesse , or Inconvenience : But wee propound such Remedies , and 〈◊〉 , by which the Offices of Life may neither be deserted , nor receive any great Interruptions , or Mo'estations .

Secondly , on the other side , wee denounce unto Men , that they would give over 〈◊〉 ; And not imagine , that so great a Works as the Stopping , and Turning back , the powerfull Course of Nature , can bee brought to passe by some Morning Draught , or the Taking of some precious Drug ; But that they would bee assured , that it must needs be , that this is a work of labour ; And consisteth of many Remedies , and a fit Connexion of them amongst themselves ; For no Man can bee so stupid , as to imagine , that what was never yet done , can bee done , but by such wayes , as were never yet attempted .

Thirdly , we ingenuously professe ; That some of those Things , which we shall propound , have not been tried by us , by way of Experiment ; ( For our Course of life doth not permit that ; ) But are derived , ( as wee suppose ) upon good Reason , out of our Principles and Grounds ; ( of which , some we set downe , others we reserve in our Minde ; ) And are , as it were , cut , and digged out of the Rocke , and Mine of Nature Her selfe . Neverthelesse , wee have been carefull , and that with all Providence and Circumspection ; ( Seeing the Scripture saith of the Body of Man ; That it is more worth than Raiment ; ) To propound such Remedies ; as may at least be safe , if peradventure they be not Fruitfull .

Fourthly , we would have Men rightly to observe , and distinguish ; That those Things which are good for an Healthful Life , are not alwayes good for a Long Life . For there are some Things which doe further the Alacrity of the Spirits , and the Strength and Vigour of the Functions , which , notwithstanding , do cut off from the summe of Life . And 〈◊〉 other Things , which are 〈◊〉 ble to Prolongation of Life ; 〈◊〉 are not without some Perill 〈◊〉 Health , unlesse this Matter 〈◊〉 salved by fit Remedies : Of 〈◊〉 not withstanding , as occasien shal bee offered , wee will not omit , 〈◊〉 give some Cautions , and 〈◊〉 .

Lastly , we have thought good to propound sundry 〈◊〉 according to the severall Intentions ; But the choice of those Remedies , and the Order of them to leave to Discretion . For to so downe exactly , which of them agreeth best , with which Constitution of Body , which with the severall Courses of Life ; which with each Mans particular Age And how they are to be taken , out after another ; And how the whole Practicque of these Things be administred and governed ; would both be too long ; Neither it fit to be published .

In the Topicks , we 〈◊〉 three Intentions . The 〈◊〉 of Consumption ; The Perfecting of Reparation ; And the Renewing of Oldnesse . But , seeing those Things , which 〈◊〉 be said , are Nothing lesse 〈◊〉 words ; Wee will deduce 〈◊〉 three Intentions , to Ten Operations .

1 The First is , the Operation upon the Spirits , that they may 〈◊〉 their Vigour .

2 The Second Operation is , upon be Exclusion of Aire .

3 The Third Operation is , upon the Bloud , and the Sanguifying Heat .

4 The Fourth Operation is , upon the Juyces of the Body .

5 The Fifth Operation is , 〈◊〉 the Bowels , for their 〈◊〉 on of Aliment .

6 The Sixth Operation is , upon the Outward Parts , for 〈◊〉 Attraction of Aliment .

7 The Seventh Operation upon the Aliment it selfe , 〈◊〉 the Insinuation thereof .

8 The Eighth Operation is , 〈◊〉 on the last Act of Assimilatioc

9 The Ninth Operation is , up on the Inteneration of the Part after they begin to be Dried .

10 The Tenth Operation is , on the Purging away of 〈◊〉 Juyce , and Supplying of 〈◊〉 Juyce .

Of these Operations , the 〈◊〉 first belong to the First Intention ; The foure next to the 〈◊〉 Intention ; And the two last , the Third Intention .

But because this Part , touching the Intentions , doth tend to Practice ; under the Name of Historie , we will not onely comprise Experiments and Observations ; But also Councels , Remedies , Explications of Causes , Assumptions , and whatsoever hath Reference hereunto .

The Operation upon the Spirits , that they may remaine youthfull , and renue their Vigour .

The Historie .

1 THe Spirits are the Master-workmen of all Effects in the Bodie . This is manifest by Consent And by Infinite Instances .

2 If any Man could procure that a young Mans Spirit : could be conveyed into 〈◊〉 Mans Body ; It is not unlikely , but this great Wheele of the Spirits , might turne 〈◊〉 the lesser wheele of the 〈◊〉 And so the Course of 〈◊〉 become Retrograde .

3 In every Consumption whether it be by Fire , or by Age , the more the Spirit of the Body , or the Heat , preyeth upon the Moisture , 〈◊〉 lesser is the Duration of the Thing . This occurres every where , and is manifest .

4 The Spirits are to be 〈◊〉 such a Temperament , and Degree of Activitie ; 〈◊〉 they should not , ( as He 〈◊〉 Drinke or Guzzle the 〈◊〉 of the Body ; But Sippe them onely .

5 There are two Kinds of Flames ; The one Eager and weak , which consumes slight Substances , but hath little power over the Harder ; As the Flame of Straw , or small Sticks ; The other strong , and constant , which converts Hard and obstinate substances ; As the Flame of Hard wood , and such like .

6 The eager Flames , and yet lesse Robust , doe drie Bodies , and render them exhaust and Baplesse ; But the stronger Flames , doe 〈◊〉 and melt them .

7 Also in 〈◊〉 Mediines , some vapour forth the 〈◊〉 part of the Tumours , or Swellings ; and these 〈◊〉 the Tumour ; Others potently discusse , and these Soften it .

8 Also in Purging and Absterging Medicines ; some carry away the Fluide Humours violently ; others draw the more Obstinate and viscous .

9 The Spirits ought to be invested , and armed with such a Heat ; That they may choose rather to stirre and 〈◊〉 Hard and obstinate Matters ; Than to discharge , and carry away the thin and prepared : For by that meanes , the Body becomes Greene and Solide .

10 The Spirits are so to be wrought and tempered ; That they may be ; In Substance , Dense , 〈◊〉 Rare ; In Heat , Strong , 〈◊〉 Eager In Quantity , Sufficient for the Offices of Life , 〈◊〉 Redundant , or TurgideIn Motion , Appeased ; 〈◊〉 Dancing , or Unequall .

11 That Vapours worke powerfully upon the Spirits , it is manifest ; By Sleepe ; by Drunkennesse ; by Melancholy Passions ; By Laetificant Medicines ; By Odours calling the Spirits back againe , in Swounings , and Faintings .

12 The Spirits are condensed foure wayes ; Either by Putting them to Flight ; Or by Refrigerating and Cooling them ; Or by Stroaking them ; Or by Quieting them . And first of their Condensation , by putting them to Flight .

13 Whatsoever putteth to Flight on all parts , driveth the Body into his Center ; And so condenseth .

14 To the Condenfution of the Spirits by Flight , the most Powerfull and Effectuall , is Opium ; And next , Opiates ; And generally , all 〈◊〉 Things .

15 The force of Opium , to the Condensation of the Spirits , 〈◊〉 exceeding strong ; When as perhaps , three graines thereof will , in a short time , so Coagulate the Spirits , that they returne no more , but are extinguished , and become Im moveable .

16 Opium , and the like , put not the Spirits to Flight , by their Coldnesse ; For they have Parts manifestly Hot ; But , 〈◊〉 the contrary , coole , by their putting the Spirits to Flight .

17 The Flight of the Spirits , by Opium , and Opiate Medicines , 〈◊〉 best seene , by applying 〈◊〉 same outwardly ; For the 〈◊〉 straight withdraw themselves ; And will returne 〈◊〉 more ; But the Part is Mortified ; And turnes to a Gangrene .

18 Opiates , in Grievous Pains , as in the Stone , or the Cutting off , of a Lunme , mitigate paines ; Most of all , by putting the Spirits to Flight .

19 Opiates obtaine a good Effect , from a bad Cause ; For the Flight of the Spirits is Evill ; But the Condensation of them , through their Flight , is Good .

20 The Grecians attributed much , both for Health , and for Prolongation of Life , to Opiates ; But the Arabians , much more . In so much , that their Grand Medicines , ( which they called , the Gods Hands ; ) Had Opium , for their Basis , & principall Ingredient , other Things being mixed , to abate and correct the Noxious Qualities thereof : Such were Treacle , Mithridate , and the rest .

21 Whatsoever is given , with good successe , in the curing of pestilentiall and Malignant Diseases ; To stop and Bridle the Spirits , lest they grow Turbulent , and Tumultuate , May , very happily , be transferred to Prolongation of Life : For one Thing is effectuall unto both ; Namely , the Condensation of the Spirits : Now there is nothing better for that , than Opiates .

22 The Turkes finde Opium , even in a reasonable good quantitie , Harmelesse , and Comfortable ; In so much , that they take it , before their Battell , to excite Courage ; But to us , unlesse it be in a very small Quantity , and with good Correctives , it is Mortall .

23 Opium , and Opiates , are maaifestly found to excite Venus ; Which shewes them to have force , to corroborate the Spirits .

24 Distilled mater of wilde Poppie , is given with good successe , in Sursets , Agues , and divers Diseases . Which , no doubt , is a Temperate kinde of Opiate : Neither let any man wonder at the various use of it ; For that is Familiar to Opiates ; In regard that the Spirits , corroborated and Condensed , will rise up against any Disease .

25 The Turkes use a kinde of Herb , which they call Caphe ; which they dry , and powder ; And then drinke it in warme water ; Which they say , doth not a little sharpen them , both in their Courage , and in their Wits ; Notwithstanding , if it be taken in a large Quantity , it affects , and disturbs the Minde ; Whereby it is manifost , that it is of the same Nature with Opiates .

26 There is a Root , much renowmed in al the Easternparts , which they call Betel ; Which the Indians , and others , use to carry in their Mouths , and to champ it : And by that champing , they are wonderfully enabled , both to endure Labours , and to overcome Sicknesses , and to the Act of carnall Copulation : It seemes to be a kinde of Stupefactive , because it exceedingly blacks the Teeth .

27 Tobacco , in our Age , is immoderately growne into use ; And it affects Men with a secret kinde of Delight ; In so much , that they who have once inured themselves to it , can hardly afterwards leave it : And , no doubt , it hath power to lighten the Body , and to shake off wearinesse : Now the vertue of it , is commonly thought to be , because it opens the Passages , and void . Humours : But it may more rightly bee referred to the Condensation of the Spirits ; For it is a kinde of Henbane ; And manifestly troubles the Head , as Opiates doe .

28 There are sometimes Humours engendred in the Bodie , which are , as it were , Opiate themselves ; As it is in some kinde of Melancholies ; With which if a Man be affected , it is a signe of very Long Life .

29 The Simple Opiates , ( which are also called Stupefactives , ) are these ; Opium it self , which is the Juyce of Poppy ; Both the Poppies , as well in the Herb , as in the Seed ; Henbane ; Mandrake ; Hemlock ; Tobacco ; Night-shade .

30 The Compound 〈◊〉 are , Treacle ; Mitbridate ; Trifera ; Ladanum Paracelsi ; Diacodium ; Diascordium ; Philonium ; Pills of Hounds-Tongue .

31 From this which hath been said , certaine Designations , or Councels , may be deduced , for the Prolongation of Life , according to the present Intention ; Namely , of 〈◊〉 the Spirits by Opiates .

32 Let there be therfore , every yeare , from Adult yeares of Youth , an Opiate Diet ; Let it bee taken about the end of May ; Because the Spirits in Summer , are more Loose , and Attenuated ; And there is lesse Danger from Cold Humours : Let it bee some Magistrall Opiate , weaker than those that are commonly in use , both in rtspect of a smaller Quantity of Opium , and of a more sparing mixture of extreme Hot Things : Let it be taken in the Morning betwixt sleeps . The Fare for that time would bee more simple , and sparing , than or linary , without Wine , or Spices , or Vaporous Things : This Medicine to be taken onely each Other Day ; And to bee continued for a Fortnight . This Designation , in our Judgement , comes home to the Intention .

33 Opiates also may bee taken , not onely by the Mouth , but also by Fumes ; But the Fumes must bee such , as may not move the Expulsive Facultie too strongly , nor force downe Humours ; But only taken in a Weft , may worke upon the Spirits , within the Braine : And therefore , a Suffumigation of Tobacco , Lignum Alce ; Rose-Mary Leaves dr ed , and a little Myrrhe , snuffed up in the Morning , at the Mouth and Nosthrils , would bee very good .

34 In Grand Opiaces ; Such as are Treacle , Mithridate , and the rest ; It would not bee amisse ( especially in Youth , ) to take rather the Distilled Waters of Them , than themselves , in their Bodies : For the Vapour , in Distilling , doth rise ; But the Heat of the Medicine , commonly , 〈◊〉 : Now Distilled Waters , are good , in those vertues , which are conveyed by Vapours , In other Things , but weake .

35 There are Medicines , which have a certaine weak , and hidden Degree ; And therefore safe ; Toan Opiate Vertue . These send froth a Slow , 〈◊〉 Copious Vapour , but not 〈◊〉 , as Opiates doe : Therefore they put not the Spirits to 〈◊〉 ; Notwithstanding they congregate them , and somewhat thicken them .

36 Medicines in Order to Opiates , ate : Principally Saffron ; Next Folium Indum ; Amber-Grise ; Coriander-Seed prepared ; Amomum , and 〈◊〉 ; Lignum-Rhodium ; Orenge-Flower Water ; And much more , the infusion of the same Flowers , new gathered , in Oyle of Almonds ; Nutmegs pricked full of Holes , and macerated in Rose water .

37 As Opiates are to be taken very sparingly , and at certaine times , as was said ; So these Secundaries may be taken familiarly , and in our daily Diet ; And they will be very effectuall to prolongation of life . Certainly , an Apothecarie of Calecute , by the use of Amber , is said to have lived , 〈◊〉 hundred and sixtie yeares ; And the Noble Men of Barbarie , through the use thereof , are certified to be very long liv'd ; whereas the meane people are but of short life : And our Ancestours , who were longer liv'd than wee , did use Saffron much ; In their Cakes , Broathes , and the like . And touching the first way , of Condensing the Spirits , by Opiates , and the Subordinates thereto . thus much .

38 Now we will inquire of the second way , of Condensing the Spirits , by Cold. For the proper worke of Cold is Condensation ; And it is done , without my Malignitie , or adverse Qualitie ; And therefore it is a fafer Operation , than by Opiates ; Though somewhat lesse powerfull , if it bee done by Turnes only , as Opiates are : But then againe , because it may bee used familiarly , and in our daily Diet with Moderation ; It is much more powerfull for the Prolongation of Life , than by Opiates .

39 The Refrigeration of the Spirits , is effected three wayes ; Either by Respiration ; or by 〈◊〉 ; or by Aliment . The first is the best , but , in a sort , out of our power ; The second is potent , but yet ready , and at hand ; The third is weake , and somewhat about .

40 Aire cleare and pure ; And which hath no Fogginesse in it , before it bee received into the Lungs ; And which is least exposed to the Sun-beames ; Condenseth the Spirits best ; Such is found , either on 〈◊〉 Tops of Drie Mountaines , or in 〈◊〉 , open to the windes , and yet not without some shade .

41 As 〈◊〉 Refrigeration , and 〈◊〉 of the Spirits , by Vapours ; The Root of this Operation wee place in Nitre ; As a Creature purposely made , and chosen , for this end ; Being thereunto lead , and perswaded , by these Arguments .

42 Nitre is a kinde of Coole Spice : This is apparent to the sense it selfe ; For it bites the Tongue , and Palate , with Cold , as Spices doe with Heat : And it is the onely Thing , as 〈◊〉 as wee know , that hath this propertie .

43 Almost all cold Things , ( which are cold properly , and not by Accident , as Opium is , ) are poore , and jejune , of Spirit ; Contrarily , Things full of Spirit , are almost all Hot : Only Nitre is found amongst Vegetables , which 〈◊〉 with Spirit , and yet is Cold. As for Camphire , which is full of Spirit , and yet performeth the Actions of Cold , it cooleth by Accident onely ; As namely , for that by the Thinnesse thereof , without Acrimonie , it helpeth Perspiration , in In flammations .

44 In Congealing , and Freezing . of Liquours ; ( which is latel growne into use ; ) By Laying Snow , and Ice , on the Outside of the Vessell ; Nitre is also added ; And , no doubt , it exciteth , and 〈◊〉 , the Congelation . It is 〈◊〉 , that they use also , for this worke , ordnarie Bay-salt ; which doth rather give Activitie , to the Coldnesse of the Snow , than coo'e by it selfe : But , as I have 〈◊〉 in the Hotter Regions , where snow fals not the Congealing is wrought by Nitre alone ; But this I can not certainly affirme .

45 It is affirmed , that 〈◊〉 , which consisteth principally of Nitre , being taken in drink , doth conduce to Valour ; And that it is used oftentimes , by Mariners , and Souldiers , before they begin their Battels , as the Turks doe Opium .

46 Nitre is given , with good successe , in Burning Agues , and Pestilentiall Fevers , to mitigate , and Bridle , their per. nicious Heats .

47 It is most manifest , that 〈◊〉 , in Gunpowder , doth mightily abhorre Flame ; From whence is caused , that Horrible Crack , and Puffing .

48 Nitre is found to bee , as it were , the Spirit of the Earth ; For this is most certaine ; That any Earth , though pure , and unmixt with Nitrous Matter , if it bee so laid up , and covered , that it be free from the Sun-beames , and putteth forth no Vegetable , will gather Nitre , even in good Abundance . By which it is clear , That the Spirit of Nitre , is not only inferiour to the Spirit of living Creatures , but also to the Spirit of Vegetables .

49 Cattell , which drink of Nitrous water , doe manifestly grow Fat ; which is a Signe , of the Cold , in Nitre .

50 The Manuring of the Soile , is chiefly , by Nitrous Substances ; For all Dung is Nitrous : And this is a signe , of the Spirit , in Nitre .

51 From hence it appeares , that the Spirits of Man , may be cooled , and condensed , by the Spirit of Nitre ; And bee made more Crude , and lesseeager : And therefore , as strong wines , and spices , and the like , doe burne the Spirits , and shorten life ; So , on the contrary side , Nitre doth compose , and represse them , and furthereth to long Life .

52 Nitre may be used ; In Meat , mixed with our Salt , to the tenth part of the Salt ; In Broaths , taken in the Morning , from three Graines to ten ; Also in Beere ; But howsoever it be used , with Moderation , it is of prime Force , to long Life .

53 As Opium holds the preheminence , in Condensing the Spirits , by putting them to Flight ; And hath withall his Subordinates ; lesse potent , but more safe ; which may bee taken , both in greater Quantitie , and in more frequent use ; Of which wee have formerly spoken ; So also Nitre , which condenseth the Spirits by Cold and by a kinde of Frescour . ( as we now adayes speak ) 〈◊〉 also his Subordinates .

54 Subordinates to Nitre are All those Things , which yeeld an Odour , some what Earthy ; Like the smell of Earth , pure , and good , newly digged or turned up : Of this sort , the chiefe are ; Boragi Buglesse , Langue de Boe uf , Butnet ; Strawberrie Leaves , and Strawberries , Frambois , or Raspis ; Raw Cucumbers ; Ram Permaines ; Vine-leaves , and Buds ; Also Violets .

55 The next , in order , are those , which have a certaine Freshnesse of smell , but somewhat more inclined to Heat ; yet not altogether void , of that vertue , of Refreshing by Coolenesse : Such as are Balme ; Greene Citrons ; Greene Orenges ; Rose-water distilled ; Roasted Wardens ; Also , the Dimask , Red , and Musk Rose .

56 This is to bee noted ; That Subordinates to Nitre , doe , commonly , conferre more , to this Intention , Raw , than having passed the Fire ; Because that Spirit of Cooling , is dissipated by the Fire : Therefore , they are best taken , either infused in some Liquour , or Raw.

57 As the Condensation of the Spirits , by Subordinates to Opium , is , in some sort , performed by Odours ; So also that , which is by Subordinates to Nitre : Therefore , the smell , of new , and pure Earth , taken , either by following the plough , or by Digging , or by Weeding , excellently 〈◊〉 sheth the Spirits : Also , the Leaves of Trees , in Woods or Hedges , falling towa 〈◊〉 the Middle of Autumne , 〈◊〉 a good Refreshing to the 〈◊〉 ; But none so good , 〈◊〉 Strawberrie Leaves Dying Likewise , the smell of 〈◊〉 or Wall-flowers , or 〈◊〉 , or Sweet Briar , or 〈◊〉 , suckles , taken , as they grow , 〈◊〉 passing by them only , is of the like Nature .

58 Nay , and we knew a certain great Lord , who lived long that had , every Morning , inmediately after Sleepe , a 〈◊〉 of fresh Earth , laid in a 〈◊〉 Napkin , under his Nose , 〈◊〉 he might take the smell them of .

59 There is no doubt , but 〈◊〉 Cooling , and Tempering , 〈◊〉 the Bloud , by Coole Thing Such as are , Endive , Succourie , Liver-wort ; Purslaine , and the like ; Doth also , by Consequent , coole the Spirits : But this is about , whereas vapours coole immediately .

And as touching the Condensing of the Spirits , by Cold , thus much : The Third way , of Condensing the Spirits , wee 〈◊〉 to be , by that which wee call , Stroaking the Spirits : The fourth , by Quieting the Alacritie , and Vnrulinesse of them .

60 Such Things , Stroake the Spirits , as are pleasing , and friendly to them , yet they allure them not , to goe abroad but rather prevaile , that the Spirits , contented , as it were , in their owne societie , doe enjoy themselves ; And berake themselves into their proper Center .

61 For these , if you 〈◊〉 those Things , which were formerly set down , as Subordinates , to Opium , and Nitre , there will need no other Inquisition .

62 As for the Quieting , of the Vnrulines , of the spirits , we 〈◊〉 presently speak of that , when we inquire , touching their Motion . Now then , seeing we have spoken , of that Condensation of the Spirits , which pertaineth to their Substance , we will come to the Temper of Heat , in them .

63 The Heat of the Spirits , as wee said , ought to bee of that kinde , that it may be 〈◊〉 not Eager , And may delight rather , to master the 〈◊〉 and Obstinate , than to carrie away , the thin , and light Humours .

64 We must beware of Spices , Wine , and strong Drinks ; That our use of them be very Temperate , and sometimes discontinued : Also of Savorie , Wilde-Marjoram , Pennie-royall ; And all such , as bite , and heat the Tongue . For they yeeld unto the Spirits , an Heat , not Operative , but 〈◊〉 .

65 These yeeld a Robust Heat , Especially Elecampane , Garlick , 〈◊〉 Benedictus , Water-Cresses , while they are young ; Cermander , Angelica , 〈◊〉 , Vervin , Valerian , Myrrhe , Pepper-mort , 〈◊〉 , Garden-Chervile ; The 〈◊〉 of these things with 〈◊〉 , and judgement , sometimes in Sallets , sometimes in Medicines , will satisfie this Operation .

66 It fals out well , that the Grand Opiates , will also serve excellently for this Operation , In respect , that they yeeld such an Heat by Composition , which is wished , but not to be found in simples . For the 〈◊〉 of those Excessive 〈◊〉 Things ; ( Such as are ; Euphorbium , Pellitory of Spain Stavis-acre , Dragon-mort , 〈◊〉 Castoreum , Aristolochian Opoponax , Ammoniacum , 〈◊〉 , and the like ; which of themselves , cannot bee taken inwardly , ) To 〈◊〉 and abate the 〈◊〉 Vertue of the Opium ; The doe make such a constitutia of a Med , cament , as we 〈◊〉 require , which is excellent seene in this ; That 〈◊〉 and Mithridate , and the rest , are not sharp , nor bite the Tongue ; But are onely somewhat bitter , and of strong seat ; And at last manifest their Heat , when they come into the stomack ; and in their subsequent Operations .

67 There conduce also , to the 〈◊〉 Heat of the Spirits , 〈◊〉 , often excited , rarely performed ; And , no lesse , some of the Affections , of which shall be spoken hereafter . So touching the Heat , of the 〈◊〉 , Analogicall to the Proongation of Life , thus much .

68 Touching the Quantitie of he Spirits , that they bee not 〈◊〉 , and 〈◊〉 ; But other Sparing , and within a Meane , ( seeing a small flame , 〈◊〉 not devoure so much , as a great flame , ) the 〈◊〉 will be short .

69 It seemes to bee approved by Experience ; That a 〈◊〉 Diet , and almost a 〈◊〉 ; Such as is either prescri bed by the strict Rules of Monasticall Life , or practised by Hermites , which have Ne cessitie , and Povertie , for their Rule ; Rendreth a Man long liv'd .

70 Hitherto appertaine ; 〈◊〉 king of water ; A Hard Bed Abstinence from Fire ; A 〈◊〉 Diet ; ( As namely , 〈◊〉 Herbs ; Fruits ; Flesh , and 〈◊〉 rather powdred , and 〈◊〉 , that Fresh , and Hot ; ) An 〈◊〉 Shirt ; frequent Fastings ; frequent watching ; few 〈◊〉 pleasures ; And such like : 〈◊〉 all these diminish the Spirit and reduce them to such Quantitie , as may be sufficient only for the Functions of life ; whereby the Depredation is the lesse .

71 But if the Diet shall not bee 〈◊〉 so Rigorous , and 〈◊〉 ; yet notwithstaning , shall bee alwayes equall , 〈◊〉 constant to it selfe , it 〈◊〉 the same effect . We see in Flames ; That a Flame somewhat bigger , ( so it bee alwayes alike , and quiet , ) 〈◊〉 lesse of the Fewell , 〈◊〉 a lesser Flame , blowne with Bellowes ; And by Gusts 〈◊〉 , or weaker : That which the Regiment , and Diet , 〈◊〉 Cornarus the Venetian 〈◊〉 plainly ; who did eat , and 〈◊〉 , so many yeares 〈◊〉 , by a just weight , 〈◊〉 hee exceeded an hundred yeares of Age , strong in Lims , and entire in his senses .

72 Care also must bee taken that a Body , plentifully Nourished , and not emaciated by any of these aforesaid Diet omitteth not a seasonable use of Venus ; lest the Spirits increase too fast , and soften , and destroy the body : So then touching a Moderate 〈◊〉 of Spirits , and ( as we may say ) Frugall , thus much .

73 The Inquisition , touching Brideling the Motion of the Spirits , followeth next . 〈◊〉 Motion , doth manifestly 〈◊〉 , and Inflame them . 〈◊〉 Brideling is done , by 〈◊〉 Meanes : By Sleepe ; By Avoiding of vchement 〈◊〉 Immoderate Exercise , and , a word , all Lassitude ; And by Refraining Irksome 〈◊〉 And first , touching Sleep .

74 The Fable tels us , that 〈◊〉〈◊〉 many yeares together , in a Cave ; And all that 〈◊〉 needed no Meat ; 〈◊〉 the Spirits waste not much in sleep .

75 Experience teacheth us , 〈◊〉 certaine Creatures , as 〈◊〉 , and 〈◊〉 , Sleepe , in 〈◊〉 close places , an whole Winter together ; Such is the Force of Sleepe , to restraine all 〈◊〉 Consumption . That which Bees , and Drones , are also thought to doe ; Though sometimes destitute of 〈◊〉 : And likewise Butterflies , and other Flies .

76 Sleepe after Dinner , ( The Stomack sending up no unpleasing Vapours to the Head , as being the first Dewes of our Meat , ) is good for the Spirits , but derogatorie and hurtfull , to all other points of Health . Notwithstanding it extreme Old Age , there is the same Reason , of Meat , and Sleepe ; For both , our Meales , and our Sleeps , should be then frequent , but short , and little : Nay , and towards the last Period of Old Age , a meere Rest , and , as it were , a perpetuall Repasing , doth best ; Especially in Winter time .

77 But as Moderate Sleepe , conferreth to Long Life ; So much more , if it be Quiet , and not Disturbed .

78 These procure Quiet Sleep Violets , Lettuce , especially boiled ; Syrupe of Dried Roses : Saffron ; Balme ; Apples at out going to Bed ; A Sop of 〈◊〉 in Malmesey , especially wherein Musk Roses have beene first 〈◊〉 ; Therefore , it would 〈◊〉 be amisse , to make some 〈◊〉 , or a small Draught , of 〈◊〉 things , and to use it 〈◊〉 . Also those Things , 〈◊〉 shut the Mouth of the 〈◊〉 close ; As Coriander 〈◊〉 prepared ; Quinces ; and 〈◊〉 , roasted ; doe induce 〈◊〉 Sleepe : But above all things , in youth , and for those that have sufficient strong Stomacks , it will bee best , to take a good Draught , of Cleare , Cold , Water , when they goe to Bed .

Touching voluntarie , and procured Traunces ; As also Fixed , and Profound Thoughts , so as they be without Irksomenesse ; I have nothing certaine : No doubt , they make to this Intention ; And condense the Spirits ; And that more potently , than Sleepe ; Seeing , they lay asleepe , and 〈◊〉 the senses , as much , or more . Touching them , let further Inquiry be made . So farre touching Sleepe .

79 As for Motion , and Exercises ; Lasfitude hurteth ; And so doth all Motion , and Exercise , which is too Nimble , and Swife ; As Running ; Tennis ; Fencing ; And the like : And againe , when our strength is extended , and strained , to the uttermost ; As Dancing ; Wrestling ; and such like : For it is certaine , that the Spirits , being driven into streights , either by the swiftnesse of the Motion , or by the straining of the Forces ; Doe afterward become more Eager , and Predatorie . On the other side , Exercises , which stirre up a good strong Motion ; But not over swift , or to our utmost strength , ( such is are Leaping , Shooting , Riding , Bowling , and the like , ) doe not hurt , but rather benefit .

We must come now to the Affections , and Passions of the Minde ; And see , which of them are Hurtfull to long Life ; which profitable .

80 Great joyes attenuate and diffuse the Spirits , and shorten Life : Familiar Cheerfulnesse strengthens the Spirits , by calling them forth , and yet not resolving them .

81 Impressions of joy in the sense , are naught ; Ruminations of joy in the Memory ; Or Apprehensions of them , in Hope , or Fancie , are good .

82 Ioy suppressed , or communicated sparingly , doth more comfort the Spirits , than Joy powred forth and published .

83 Griefe and Sadnesse , if it be void of Feare , and 〈◊〉 not too much , doth rather prolong Life ; For it contracteth the Spirits , and is a kind of Condensation .

84 Great Feares shorten the Life ; For though Griefe and Feare doe both streighten the Spirit , yet in Griefe there is a simple Contraction ; But in Feare , by Reason of the Cares taken for the Remedy , and Hope , intermixed , there is a Turmoile and Vexing of the Spirits .

85 Anger soporessed , is also a kinde of Vexation , and causeth the Spirit to feed upon the Juyces of the Body ; But let loose , and breaking forth , it helpeth ; As those 〈◊〉 doe , which induce a Robust Heat .

86 Envie is the worst of all 〈◊〉 ; And feedeth upon the Spirits ; And they againe upon the Body ; And so much the more , because it is perpetuall , And as is said , Keepeth no Holy-dayes .

87 Pity of another Mans Misfortune , which is not likely to befall our selves , is good ; But Pity , which may reflect , with some similitude , upon the Party pitying , is naught , because it exciteth Feare .

88 Light Shame hurteth not , seeing it contracteth the Spirits a little , and then straight diffuseth them ; In so much , that Shamefast Persons commonly live long : But 〈◊〉 for some great Ignominie , and which afflicteth the Minde long , contracteth the 〈◊〉 , even to suffocation ; And is Pernicious .

89 Love , if it be not unfortunate , and too deeply wounding , is a kinde of Ioy ; And 〈◊〉 subject to the same Lawes , which wee have set downe touching Ioy .

90 Hope is the most Beneficial of all the Affections ; And doth much to the Prolongation of Life , if it bee not too often Frustrated ; But entertaineth the Fancie , with an Expectation of Good : Therefore they which fix , and propound to themselves , some End , a the Marke and Scope of their Life ; And continually , and by Degrees , goe forward 〈◊〉 the same ; Are , for the most 〈◊〉 , long Liv'd : In so much , that when they are come to the Top of their Hope ; And 〈◊〉 goe no Higher therein ; They commonly droope , and Live not long after : So that Hope is as a Leafe-Ioy ; Which may be beaten out , to a great Extension , like Gold .

91 Admiration , and Light Contemplation , are very powerfull , to the prolonging of Life ; for they hold the Spirits , in 〈◊〉 Things as Delight them ; And suffer them not to tumultuate or to carry themselves unquietly , and waywardly . And therefore , all the Contemplatours of Naturall Things , which had so many , and so eminent Objects to admire ; ( As Democritus , Plato , Parmenides , Apollonius , ) were long Liv'd : Also 〈◊〉 , which tasted but lightly of Things ; And studied rather Exornation of Speech , than profundity of Matters , were also long Liv'd ; As Gorgias , Protagoras , I socraetes , Seneca : And certainly , as old Men are , for the most part , Talkative ; So Talkative Men , doe often grow very old : For it shewes a Light Contemplation ; And such as doth not much straine the Spirits , 〈◊〉 them . But Subtill , and Acute , and Eager Inquisition . shortens Life ; For it tireth the Spirit , and wasteth it .

And as touching the Motion of the Spirits , by the Affections of the Minde , thus much Now we will adde certaine other Generall Observations touching the Spirits , beside the former ; Which fall not 〈◊〉 the Precedent Distribution .

92 Especiall Care must be taken , that the Spirits bee not too often Resolved ; For 〈◊〉 goeth before Resolution ; And the Spirit once 〈◊〉 , doth not very easily retire , or is Condensed : Now Resolution is caused , by Over-great Labours ; Over-vehement Affections of the Mind ; Over-great Sweats ; Over-great Evacuations ; Hot Baths , And an untemperate , and unseasonable use of Venus : Also by Over-great Cares , and Carpings , and Anxious Expectations : Lastly , by Malignane Diseases , and Intolerable Paines and Torments of the Body ; All which , as much as may bee , ( which our Vulga Phyficians also advise , ) must be avoided .

93 The Spirits are delighted , both with Wonted Things , and with New : Now it makert wonderfully to the Conservation of the Spirits , in 〈◊〉 That wee neither use 〈◊〉 Things , to a Satiety , and 〈◊〉 Nor New Things , before a quick , and strong Appetite : And therefore , both Customes are to be broken off with Judgement , and Care , before they breed a Fulnesse , And the Appetite , aster New Things , to be restrained for a Time , untill it grow more Sharp and jocund : And , moreover , the Life , as much as may be , so to be ordered ; That it may have many Renovations ; And the Spirits , by perpetuall Conversing in the same Actions , may not wax Dull . For though it were no ill 〈◊〉 of Seneca's ; The Fools doth 〈◊〉 begin to Live ; Yet this Folly , and many more such , are good for long Life .

94 It is to bee observed , 〈◊〉 the Spirits ; ( though the Contrary useth to be done ; ) That when Men perceive their Spirits to be in a good , 〈◊〉 and Healthfull State ; ( That which will be seene , by the Tranquillitie of their 〈◊〉 and cheerefull 〈◊〉 ) That they cherish them , and not change them : But when , in a Turbulent , and untoward State ; ( Which will also appeare by their Sadnesse , Lumpishnesse , and other Indisposition of their Minde ; ) That then they straight overwhelme them and alter them . Now the Spirits are contained in the same state ; By a Restraining of the Affections ; Temperatenes of Diet ; Abstinence from 〈◊〉 ; Moderation in Labour ; Indifferent Rest and Repose : And the Contrary to these , do alter and over-whelme the Spirits ; As Namely , Vehe ment Affections ; Profuse Feastings ; Immoderate Venus ; Difficult labours ; Earnest Studies , and prosecutions of Businesse . Yet Men are wont when they are Merriest , and best disposed , then to apply themselves to Feastings , 〈◊〉 Labours , Endevours , Businesses ; whereas , if they have a regard to long Life ; ( which may seeme strange , ) they should rather Practise the Contrary . For wee ought to 〈◊〉 and preserve good Spirits ; And for the evill disposed Spirits , to discharge and alter them .

95 〈◊〉 saith not unwisely ; That Old Men , for the Comforting of their Spirits , ought often to remember , and 〈◊〉 upon the Acts of their Childhood and Youth . Certainly , such a Remembrance , is a 〈◊〉 of Peculiar 〈◊〉 , to every Old Man : And therefore it is a Delight to Men , to enjoy the Societie of them , which have beene brought up together with them ; And to visit the places of their Education . Vespasian did attribute so much to this Matter ; That when hee was 〈◊〉 , hee would , by no meanes , bee perswaded to leave his Fathers House , though but meane ; Lest bee should lose the wonted Object of his Eyes , and the Memory of his child-hood : 〈◊〉 besides , he would drinke , 〈◊〉 Woodden Cup , tipped with 〈◊〉 which was his Grandmothers , upon Festivall Dayes .

96 One Thing , above all , gratefull to the Spirits ; 〈◊〉 there be a Continuall Progresse to the more Benigne . Therefore , wee should lead , such Youth , and Manhood , the our Old Age should find 〈◊〉 Solaces ; Whereof the 〈◊〉 is , Moderate Ease . And there fore , Old Men , in Honourable Places , lay violent Hands up on themselves , who retire 〈◊〉 to their Ease : whereof 〈◊〉 be found an Eminent Example in Cassiodorus ; who was 〈◊〉〈◊〉 Reputation amongst the 〈◊〉 Kings of Italy , that he 〈◊〉 as the Soule of their 〈◊〉 : Afterwards , being neare 〈◊〉 yeares of Age , he 〈◊〉 himselfe to a 〈◊〉 ; Where he ended not his 〈◊〉 , before he was an 〈◊〉 years old . But this Thing 〈◊〉 require two Cautions ; 〈◊〉 , that they drive not off , 〈◊〉 their Bodies bee utterly 〈◊〉 out , and Diseased ; For 〈◊〉 such Bodie , all Mutation , 〈◊〉 to the more Benigne , 〈◊〉 Death : The other , 〈◊〉 they surrender not themselves to a Sluggish Ease ; But 〈◊〉 they Embrace something , which may entertaine their Thoughts , and Minde , with Contentation : In which 〈◊〉 , the chiefe Delights , are Reading and Contemplation ; And then , the Desires of 〈◊〉 ding , and Planting .

97 Lastly ; The same 〈◊〉 Endevour , and Labour , under taken Cheerefully , and with good will , doth Refresh 〈◊〉 Spirits ; But , with an 〈◊〉 tion and Vnwillingnesse , 〈◊〉 Fret , and Deject them . 〈◊〉 therefore , it conferreth 〈◊〉 long Life ; Either that a 〈◊〉 hath the Art , to institute 〈◊〉 Life so , as it may be Free , 〈◊〉 Sutable to his owne 〈◊〉 Or else to lay such a Command upon his minde , that whatsoever is imposed by Fortune , it may rather lead him than drag him .

98 Neither is that to be 〈◊〉 ted , towards the Government of the Affections , That espe ciall care bee taken , of 〈◊〉 Mouth of the Stomach ; Espe cially , that it be not too much 〈◊〉 ; For that part hath a greater Dominion over the Affections ; Especially the Daily Affections ; Than either the Heart , or Braine : Only those Things excepted , which are wrought by potent Vapours ; As in Drunkennesse , and Melancholy .

99 Touching the Operation upon the Spirits , that they may remaine Youthfull , and Renew their Vigour , thus much . Which wee have done the more accurately , for that there 〈◊〉 , for the most part , amongst Physicians , and other Authors , 〈◊〉 these Operations , a deepe silence : But especially , because the Operation upon the Spirits , and their Waxing 〈◊〉 againe , is the most Realy , and Compendious way , to long Life : And that , for a two-fold Compendiousnesse ; One , because the Spirits work compendiously , upon the Body ; The other , because Vpours , and the Affections , 〈◊〉 compendiously upon the Spirits : So as these attaine the end , as it were , in a right line : Other Things , rather in lines Circular .

The Operation upon the Exclusion of the Aire . 2.

The Historie .

1 THe Exclusion of the Aire , Ambient , tendeth to Length of Life , two wayes ; First , for 〈◊〉 the Externall Aire , next 〈◊〉 the Native Spirit , ( 〈◊〉 the Aire may be said to 〈◊〉 the Spirit of Man ; 〈◊〉 conferreth not a little to 〈◊〉 ; ) Doth most of all 〈◊〉 upon the Juyces of the 〈◊〉 ; And hasten the Desiction thereof ; And 〈◊〉 , the Exclusion of it , is effectuall to Length of Life .

2 Another Effect , which followeth the Exclusion of Aire is much more subtill and profound ; Namely , that the Bedie closed up , and not perspring by the Pores , detaineth the Spirit within , and turneth it upon the Harder Parts of the Body ; Whereby the Spirit Mollifies , and Intenerate them .

3 Of this Thing , the 〈◊〉 is explained in the 〈◊〉 of Inanimate Bodies , And it 〈◊〉 an Axiome almost infallible That the Spirit Discharged and Issuing forth , dryeth Bodies , Detained , melteth , 〈◊〉 intenerateth them : And it further to bee assumed ; 〈◊〉 all Heat doth properly 〈◊〉 nuate and moisten ; And cotracteth , and Drieth only Accident .

4 Leading the Life in Dens and 〈◊〉 , where the Aire receives not the Sun-beams , may be effectuall to long Life : For the Aire , of it selfe , doth not much towards the Depredation of the Body , unlesse it be stirred up by Heat . Certainly , if a Man shall recall Things past to his Memory , it will appeare , that the Statures of Men , have beene anciently much greater , than those that succeeded ; As in Sicely , and some other Places . But this kind of Men led their Lives , for the most part , in Caves . Now Length of Life , and largenesse of Lims , have some Affinity . The Cave also , of Epimenides , walkes amongst the Fables . I suppose like wise , that the Life of 〈◊〉 Anchorites , was a Thing Resembling the Life in Caves ; In respect , the Sun-beams could not much pierce thither ; Nor the Aire receive any great changes , or Inequalitles . This is certaine ; Both the Simeon Stylita's , as well Daniel , as Saba ; And other Columnar Anchorites , have been exceedingly long Liv'd . Likewise , the Anchorites in our dayes , closed up , and immured , either within Walls , or Pillars , are often found to be long Liv'd .

5 Next unto the Life in 〈◊〉 is the Life on Mountaines : For as the Beames of the Sun , doe not penetrate into Caves ; So on the Tops of Mountaines , being destitute of Reflexion , they are of small force . But this is to be understood 〈◊〉 Mountaines , where the 〈◊〉 is cleare , and pure ; Namely whether , by reason of the Drinasse of the Valleyes , Clouds , and Vapours , doe not ascend : As it is in the Mountaines , which encompasse Barbary ; Where , even at this day , they live , many times , to an Hundred and fifty yeares ; As hath been noted before .

6 And this kinde of Aire ; Of Caves , and Mountaines , of his owne proper Nature , is little or nothing Predatory : But 〈◊〉 such as ours is , which is Predatory through the Heat of the Sunne , ought , as much 〈◊〉 is possible , to be excluded from the Body .

7 But the Aire , is prohibited , 〈◊〉 excluded two waies ; First , 〈◊〉 Closing the Pores ; 〈◊〉 , by Filling them up .

8 To the Closing of the Pores , 〈◊〉 Coldnesse of the Aire ; Going Naked , whereby the Skin is made Hard ; Washing in Cold Water ; Astringents applyed to the Skin ; Such as are , Mastick , Myrrhe , Myrtle .

9 But much more may we satisfie this Operation , by 〈◊〉 yet those rarely used , ( especially in Summer ; ) which are made of Astringent Mineral waters , such as may safely be used ; As Waters participating of Steele and Coppera ; For these do potently contract the Skinne .

10 As for Filling up the Pores ; Paintings , and such like 〈◊〉 ous Dawbings ; And , ( which may most commodiously be used ) Oyle , and Fat Things ; Do nolesse conserve the Substance of the Body , than 〈◊〉 colours and Vernish doe preserve Wood.

11 The Ancient Britons painted their Bodies with Woad , and were exceeding long Liv'd : The Picts also used Paintings ; And are thought , by some , to have derived their Name from thence .

12 The Brasilians , and Virginians , Paint themselves , at this day ; Who are , ( especially the former , ) very long Liv'd . In so much , that five yeares agoe , the French Iesuites had speech with some , who remembred the Building of 〈◊〉 ; which was done an hundred and twenty years since : And they were then at Mans estate .

13 Ioannes de Temporibus , who is reported to have extended his Life to three hundred yeares ; Being asked , How he preserved himselfe so long ; Is said to have answered ; By Oyle without , and by Honey within .

14 The Irish , especially the wilde-Irish , even at this day , live very long . Certainly , they report , that within these few yeares , the Countesse of Desmond lived to an hundred and forty yeares of Age , and bred Teeth three times . Now the Irish have a fashion , to chafe , and , as it were , to baste themselves with old Salt-butter , against the Fire .

15 The same Irish , use to weare Saffroned Linnen , and Shirts ; Which though it were , at first , devised to prevent Vermine , yet , howsoever , I take it , to be very usefull for Lengthening of Life : For Saffron , 〈◊〉 all Things that I know , is the best Thing for the Skin , and the Comforting of the Flesh ; Seeing it is both notably Astringent ; And hath besides , an Oseosity , and subtile Heat , without any Acrimony . I remember a certaine English-Man , who , when he went to Sea , carried a Bagge of Saffron next his Stomach , that he might conceale it , and so escape Custome ; And whereas he was wont to be alwayes exceeding Sea-sick ; At that time he continued very well , and felt no provocation to vomit .

16 Hippocrates adviseth , in Winter to weare cleane Linnen ; And in Summer , fonle Linnen , and besmeared with Oyle : The Reason may seeme to be , because in Summer , the Spirits exhale most ; Therefore , the Pores of the Skinne would bee filled up .

17 Hereupon wee are of Opinion , that the use of Oyle , either of Olives , or sweet Almonds , to annoint the skin therewith , would principally conduce , to long Life : The Annointing would bee done every Morning , when we rise out of Bed , with 〈◊〉 , in which a little Bay-salt , and Saffron , is mixed . But this Annointing must bee lightly done , 〈◊〉 Wooll , or some soft Sponge , Not laying it on thick , but gently touching , and wetting the skin .

18 It is certaine , that 〈◊〉 , even the Oyly themselves , in great Quantities , draw some what from the Body ; But contrarily , in small Quantities , are drunk in by the Body ; Therefore the annointing would bee but Light , as we said ; Or rather the 〈◊〉 it selfe , would be besmeared with Oyle .

19 It may haply bee objected , that this Annointing with Oyle , which wee commend ; ( Though it were never in use with us ; And amongst the Italians is cast off againe ; ) was anciently very Familiar , amongst the Grecians , and Romans ; And a part of their Diet ; And yet Men were not longer-liv'd , in those dayes than now . But it may rightly be answered ; Oyle was in use , only , after Baths ; unlesse it were , perhaps , amongst Champions . Now Hot Baths , are as much contrarie to our Operation , as Annointings are congruous , Seeing the one opens the passages , the other stops them up . Therefore the Bath , without the Annointing following , is utterly bad ; The Annointing without the Bath , is best of all . Besides the Annointing amongst them , was used onely for Delicacie ; Or , ( if you take it at the best ) for Health ; But , by no meanes , in Order , to long Life . And therefore they used then withall precious Ointments ; which were good for Deliciousnesse , but Hurtfull to our Intention , in regard of their Heat ; So that 〈◊〉 seemeth , not to have said amisse ; Nec Casiâ liquidi corrumpitur usus Olivi .

That Odoriferous Casia , 〈◊〉 not supplanted the use of 〈◊〉 Oyle-Olive .

20 Annointing with Oyle , 〈◊〉 to Health ; Both in Winter , by the Exclusion of the Cold Airc ; And in Summer , by Detaining the spirits within ; And prohibiting the Resolution of them ; And keeping off the force of the Aire , which is then most predatorie .

21 Seeing the Annointing with Oyle , is one of the most potent Operations to long Life ; wee have thought good , to adde some Cautions , lest the Health should bee endangered . They are Foure , according to the Foure Inconvience , which may follow thereupon .

22 The First Inconvenience is ; That by repressing Sweats , it may engender Diseases , from those Excrementitious Humours . To this a Remeby must be given , by Purges , and Clysters ; That Evacuation may bee duely performed . This is certaine , that Evacuation by Sweats , commonly advanceth Health , and derogateth from long Life : But Gentle Purgers , work upon the Humours , not upon the Spirits , as Sweat doth .

23 The Second 〈◊〉 is ; That it may heat the 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 , in time , inflame it : For the Spirits shut in , and not Breathing forth , acquire Heat . This Inconvenience may 〈◊〉 prevented ; If the 〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉 nsually , 〈◊〉 to the Colder part ; And that at times some proper Cooling 〈◊〉 bee taken , of which , wee shall straight speak , in the Opertion upon the Bloud .

24 The Third is , That it may 〈◊〉 the Head : For all 〈◊〉 from without , strikes back the Vapours , and sends them up unto the Head : This Inconvenience is remedied , by Purgers ; Especially , Clysters ; And by shutting the Mouth of the Stomach , strongly , with Stipticks ; And by Combing , and Rubbing the Head , and washing it with convenient Lyes , that something may exhale ; And by not omitting , competent , and good Exercises , that something also may perspire , by the Skin .

25 The Fourth Inconvenience , is a more subtile Evill ; Namely , that the Spirit , being detained by the Closing up of the Pores , is likely to multiply it selfe too much : For when little issueth forth , and new Spirit is continually engendred , the Spirit increaseth too fast , and so preyeth upon the Body more plentifully . But this is not altogether so ; For all Spirit , closed up , is dull ; ( For it is Blowne , and Excited , with Motion , as Flame is ; ) And therefore , it is lesse Active , and lesse Generative of it selfe : Indeed , it is thereby increased in Heat , ( as Flame is , ) but slow in Motion : And therefore the Remedy to this Inconvenience , must be by Cold Things ; Being sometimes mixed with Oyle ; Such as are , Reses , and Myrtle : For wee must altogether disclaime Hot Things ; As was said of Csia .

26 Neither will it bee unprofitable , to weare next the Body , Garments , that have in them , some Vnctuosity , or Oleositie , not Aquositie ; For they will exhaust the Body lesse : 〈◊〉 are those of Woollen ; rather than those of Linnen ; 〈◊〉 it is manifest in the Spirits of Odours ; That if you lay sweet-powders amongst Linnen , they will much sooner lose their smell , than amongst Wollen . And therefore , Linnen is to be preferred , for Delicacie , and Neatnesse ; But to bee 〈◊〉 for our Operation .

27 The Wilde Irish , as soone as they fall sick ; The first Thing they doe , is to take the sheets off their Beds ; and to wrap themselves in the woollen cloathes .

28 Some report , that they have found great Benefit in the conservation of their Health , by weating Scarlet Wast-coats , next their skin , and under their shirts ; As well downe to the nether parts , as on the upper .

29 It is also to be observed ; That Aire , accustomed to the Body , doth lesse prey upon it , than New Aire , and often changed . And therefore poore people , in small cottages , who live alwayes within the smell of the same chimney ; And change not their seats ; Are commonly longest-liv'd : Notwithstanding , to other Operations , ( especially for them whose Spirits are not altogether dull , ) wee judge change of Aire to bee very profitable . But a Mean must be used , which may satisfie on both sides ; This may bee done by Removing our Habitation , foure times a yeare , at constant and set Times , unto convenient seats ; That so the Body may neither be in too much Peregrination , nor in too much Station . And touching the Operation , upon the Exclusion of Aire , and Avoiding the predatorie force thereof , thus much .

The Operation upon the Bloud , and the Sanguifying Heat . 3.

The Historie .

1 THe two Following Operations , answer to the two precedent ; And are in the Relation of Passives to Actives : For the two precedent , intend this ; That the Spirits , and Aire , in their Actions , may bee the lesse Depredatorie ; And the two latter , that the Bloud , and Iuyce of the Body , may be the lesse Depredable . But because the Bloud is an Irrigation , or Watering , of the Juyces , and Members ; And a 〈◊〉 to them ; Therefore 〈◊〉 will put the Operation upon the Bloud , in the first place . Concerning this Operation , we will propound certain Counsels ; Few in number , but very powerfull in vertue . They are three .

2 First , there is no doubt , but that if the Bloud be brought to a cold Temper , it will bee so much the lesse Dissipable . But because the Cold Things , which are taken by the Mouth , agree but ill , with many other Intentions ; Therefore it will be best , to finde out some such Things , as may be free from these Inconveniences . They are two .

3 The first is this . Let there be brought into use , especially in youth , Clysters ; Not Purging at all , or Absterging ; But onely Cooling , and some what Opening : Those are approved , which are made of the juyces of Lettuce , Purstaine , Liverwort , Houseleek , and the 〈◊〉 of the Seed of Flea-wort , with some temperate opening Decoction ; And a little Canphire : But in the Declining Age , let the 〈◊〉 , and Purslaine , beo left out ; And the Juyces of Borrage , and 〈◊〉 , and the like , bee put in their Roomes : And let these Clysters be retained , if it may be , for an houre , or more .

4 The other is this . Let there be in use , especially in Summer , Baths of Fresh water , and out Luke-warme ; Altogether without Emollients ; As Mallowes , Mercurie , Milk , and the like ; Rather take new Whey , in some good Quantitie ; And 〈◊〉 .

5 But , ( that which is the Principall in this Intention , and New , ) wee advise ; That 〈◊〉 the Bathing , the Body be 〈◊〉 with Oyle , with some Thickeners ; whereby the Qualitie of the Cooling may bee received , and the water excluded : yet let not the pores of the Body , bee shut too close ; For when the outward Cold , closeth up the Body too strongly ; It is so farre from Furthering Coolenesse ; That it rather forbids it , and stirs up Heat .

6 Like unto this , is the use of Blodders , with some Decoctions , and Cooling Iuyces ; Applied to the Inferiour Region of the Body ; Namely , from the Ribs , to the privie parts : For this also is a kinde of Bathing where the Body of the Liquour is for the most part excluded ; And the Cooling Qualitie admitted .

7 The Third Counsell remaineth ; which belongeth not to the Qualitie of the Bloud , but to the Substance thereof ; That it may be made more Firme , and lesse Dissipable ; And such , as the Heat of the Spirit , may have the lesse power over it .

8 And as for the use , of the Filings of Gold , Leafe-Gold , Powder of Pearle , Precious stones , Corall , and the like ; wee have no opinion of them , at this day ; unlesse it be only , as they may satisfie this present operation . Certainly , seeing the Arabians , Grecians , and 〈◊〉 Physicians , have 〈◊〉〈◊〉 such vertues to these Things ; It cannot be altogether Nothing , which so great Men have observed of them . And therefore omitting all 〈◊〉 Opinions about them , we doe verily beleeve ; That if there could bee some such Thing conveighed into the whole Masse of the Bloud , in Minute , and fine Portions ; Over which the Spirits , and Heat , should have little , or no power ; Absolutely , it would not onely resist Putrefaction , but Arefaction also , And be a most effectuall Meanes , to the prolongation of Life . Neverthelesse , in this Thing , severall Cautions are to bee 〈◊〉 . First , that there be a most 〈◊〉 Comminution . Secondly , that such Hard and solide Things , be void of all Malignant Qualitie ; Lest while they be dispersed , and lurk in the veines , they breed some Inconvenience : Thirdly , that they be never taken together with Meats , nor in any such manner , as they may stick long ; Lest they beget dangerous Obstructions , about the Mesentery : Lastly , that they be taken very rarely , that they may not congregate , and 〈◊〉 together , in the veines .

9 Therefore let the manner of Taking them , be Fasting ; in White wine ; A little Oyle of Almonds mingled therewith ; Excrcise used immediately upon the Taking of them .

10 The Simples , which may satisfie this Operation , are ; In stead of all , Gold , Pearles , and Corall : For all Metals , except Gold , are not without some Malignant Qualitie , in the Dissolutions of them ; Neither will they bee beaten , to that exquisite Finenesse , that Leafe-Gold hath : As for all Glassie , and Transparent 〈◊〉 wee like them not , ( as wee said before , ) for feare of Corrosion .

11 But in our judgement , the 〈◊〉 , and more effectuall way , would be , by the use of Woods , 〈◊〉 Infusions , and Decoctions ; For there is in them sufficient , to cause Firmnesse of 〈◊〉 ; And not the like danger , for breeding Obstructions : But especially , because they may bee taken , in Meat , and Drink ; whereby they will finde the more easie Entrance into the veines ; And not be voided in Excrements .

12 The Woods , fit for this purpose , are ; Sanders , the Oake , and Vine : As for all Hot Woods , or something Rosennie , wee reject them : Notwithstanding , you may adde the Wooddy Stalks of Rose-Marie dried ; For Rose-Marie is a Shrub , and exceedeth , in Age , many Trees : Also , the Wooddy Stalks of Ivie ; But in such quantitie , as they may not yeeld an unpleasing taste .

13 Let the Woods be taken , either boiled in Broathes ; Or infused , in Must , or Ale , before they leave working : But in Broathes , ( as the custome is , for Guaiacum , and the like , ) they would be infused a good while , before the Boyling ; That the firmer part of the Wood , and not that only which lieth loosely , may bee drawne forth . As for Ash , though it be 〈◊〉 for Cups , yet wee like it 〈◊〉 . And touching the 〈◊〉 upon the Bloud , thus much .

The Operation upon the Juyces of the Body . 4.

The Historie .

1 THere are two kindes of Bodies , ( As was said before in the 〈◊〉 , touching Inanimates ) which are hardly consumed ; Hard Things ; and Fat Things ; As is seene , in Metals , and Stones ; and in Oyle , and Wax .

2 It must be ordered therefore , that the Iuyce of the Body , be somewhat Hard ; And that it bee Fattie , or Sub-roscide

3 As for Hardnesse ; It is caused three wayes ; By Aliment of a firme Nature ; By Cold condensing the Skin , and Flesh ; And by Exercise Binding , and Compacting , the Juyces of the Body , that they bee not Soft , and Frothy .

4 As for the Nature of the Aliment , it ought to be such , as is not easily Dissipable : Such as are , Beefe , Swines-Flesh , Deere , Goat , Kid , Swan , Goose , Ring-Dove ; Especially , if they bee a little powdered ; Fish likewise Salted , and Dried ; old Cheese ; And the like .

5 As for the Bread ; Oaten Bread ; Or Bread with some Mixture of Pease in it ; 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Or Barley Bread ; Are more solide , than Wheat 〈◊〉 And in wheat Bread , the course Cheat Bread , is more solide , than the pure 〈◊〉

6 The Inhabitants of the Or cades which live upon Salted Fish ; And generally , all Fish-Eaters , are long-liv'd .

7 The Monks , and Her mites , which fed sparingly , and upon dry Aliment , attained commonly to a great Age.

8 Also Pure Water , usually drunk , makes the Juyces of the Body lesse Frothy ; unto which , if for the Dulnesse of the Spirit , ( which , no doubt , in Water , is but little Penetrative ; ) you shall adde , a little Nitre , wee conceive it woold be very good . And touching the Firmnesse of the Alimens thus much .

9 As for the Condensation , of the Skin , and Flesh , by Cold : They are longer liv'd , for the most part , that live abroad in the open Aire , than they that live in Houses ; And the Inhabitants of the Cold Countries , than the Inhabitants of the Hot.

10 Great Store of Cloathes , either upon the Bed , or Back , doe resolve the Body .

11 Washing the Body in Cold Water , is good for length of Life ; Use of Hot Baths , is naught . Touching Baths , of Astringent Minerall Waters , we have spoken before .

12 As for Exercise ; An Idle Life , doth manifestly make the Flesh Soft , and Dissipable : 〈◊〉 Exercise , ( so it be , without overmuch Sweating , or Wearinesse , ) maketh it Hard , and Compact : Also Exercise , within Cold water , as swimming , is very good : And generally , Exercise abroad , is better than that within Houses .

13 Touching Frications , ( which are a kinde of Exercise . ) because they doe rather call forth the Aliment , than Harden the Flesh ; wee will inquire hereafter , in the Due place .

14 Having now spoken , of Hardning the luyees , of the Body ; we are to come next to the Oleositie , or Fattinesse of them : Which is a more perfect , and potent Intention , than Induration ; Because it hath no Inconvenience , nor Evill annexed : For all those Things , which pertaine to the Hardning of the Iuyces , are of that nature , that while they prohibite the Absumption of the Aliment , they also hinder the Reparation of the same : Whereby it happens , that the same Things , are both propitious , and adverse , to Length of Life : But those Things , which pertaine to making the Iuyces Oyly , and Roscid , help on both sides ; For they render the Aliment , both lesse Dissipable , and more Reparable .

15 But whereas we say , that the Iuyce of them Body , ought to be Roscide , and Fat ; It is to bee noted , that we meane it not , of a visible Fat , But of a Deminesse dispersed , or ( if you will call it ) Radicall , in the very Substance of the Body .

16 Neither , again , let any Man thinke , that Oyle , or the Fat of Meats , or Marrow , doe engender the like , and satisfie our Intention ; For those Things , which are once perfect , are not brought backe againe ; But the Aliments ought to be such , which after Disgestion and Maturation , doe then in the end , engender , Oleosity in the Iuyces .

17 Neither , again , let any Man thinke ; that Oyle , or Fat by it selfe , and Simple , is Hard of Dissipation ; But , in Mixture , it doth not retaine the same Nature ; For as Oyle , by it s lfe , is much longer in Consuming than Water ; So in 〈◊〉 , or 〈◊〉 , it sticketh longer , and is later dried ; As we noted before .

18 To the Irroration of the Body , Roasted Meats , or Baked Meats , are more effectuall than Boiled Meats : And all Preparation of Meat , with Water , is Inconvenient ; Besides , Oyle , is more plentifully extracted out of Dry Bodies , than out of Moist bodies .

19 Generally to the Irroration of the Body , much use of Sweet Things is prositable ; As of Sugar , Honey , sweet Almonds , Pine-Apples , Pistaccio's , Dates , Raisins of the Sunne , Corrans , Figs , and the like . Contrarily , all Soure , and very Salt , and very Biting Things , are opposite to the Generation of Roscide Iuyce .

20 Neither would wee bee thought to favour the Manichees , or their Diet ; Though wee commend the frequent use of all kindes of Seeds , and 〈◊〉 and Roots , in Meats , 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ; Considering all Bread , ( and Bread is that , which maketh the Meat Firme ) is made either of Seeds , or of Roots .

21 But there is Nothing makes so much to the Irroration of the Body , as the Quality of the Drinke ; Which is the Convoy of the Meat : Therefore , let there be in use such Drinks , as without all Acrimony , or Sourenesse , are notwithstanding subtill ; Such are those Wines , which are , ( as the old Woman said in Plautus : ) Vetustate Edentula ; Toothlesse with Age ; And Ale of the same kinde .

22 Mead , ( as wee suppose , ) would not bee ill , if it were strong and old : But because , all Hony hath in it some sharp Parts ; ( as appeares by that sharp water , which the Chymists extract out of it , which will dissolve Metals ; ) It were better to make the same Potion of Sugar ; Not lightly infused in it , but so incorporated , as Honey useth to be in Mead ; And to keepe it , to the Age of a yeare , or at least , six Moneths , whereby the Water may lose the Crudity , and the Sugar acquire subtiltie .

23 Now Ancientnesse in Wine or Beere , hath this in it ; That it engenders subtilty in the Parts of the Liquour , and Acrimony in the Spirits ; Whereof , the First is Profitable , and the second Hurtfull : Now to rectifie this Evill Commixture ; Let there be put into the Vessell , before the Wine be separated from the 〈◊〉 , Swines-flesh , or 〈◊〉 , well boyled ; That the 〈◊〉 of the Wine may have whereupon to ruminate , and seed ; And so lay aside their Mordacity .

24 In like manner , if Ale should be made , not onely with the Graines of wheat , Barly , Oats , Pease , and the like ; But also , should admit a part , ( suppose a third part , to these Graines , ) of some Fat Roots ; ( such as are Potado Roots , Pith of 〈◊〉 , Burre-Roots , or some other sweet and Esculent Roots ; ) we suppose it would be a more usefull Drinke , for long Life , than Ale made of Graines only .

25 Also , such Things as have very thin Parts ; Yet not withstanding , are without all Acrimony , or Mordacity , Are very good in Sallets : Which vertue , we finde to be , in some Few of the Flowers ; Namely , Flowers of Ivy , which infused in Vineger , are pleasant even to the Taste ; Marigold leaves , which are used in Broaths ; And Flowers of Betony . And touching the Operation , upon the Iuyces of the Body , thus much .

The Operation upon the Bowels , for their Extrusion of Aliment . 5.

The Historie .

1 WHAT those Things are , which comfort the Principall Bowels ; Which are the Fountaines of 〈◊〉 ; Namely , the 〈◊〉 , Liver , Heart and Brain ; To performe their Functions well ; ( whereby Aliment is distributed in to the Parts , 〈◊〉 are dispersed , and the 〈◊〉 of the whole Body is accomplished ; ) May be derived from Physisians ; And from their Prescripts and Advices .

2 Touching the Spleene , 〈◊〉 Kidneyes , Mesentery , Guts , and Lungs , we speake not ; For these are Members , Ministring to the Principall : And where as speech is made touching Health , they require sometimes a most especiall Consideration ; Because Each of these have their Diseases , which unlesse they be cured , will have Influence upon the Principall Members ; But as touching the Prolongation of Life ; And Reparation by Aliments ; And Retardation of the Inconcoction of Old

3 And as for those Things , which according to the different State of every Mans Body , may bee transferred into his Diet , and the Regiment of his Life ; He may collect them out of the Bookes of 〈◊〉 which have written of the Comforting and Preserving the Foure Principall 〈◊〉 For Conservation of Health , hath commonly need of no more , than some Short Courses of Physicke ; But Length of life cannot be hoped , without an orderly Diet , and a Constant Race of 〈◊〉 Medicines : But we will propound some few ; And the House ; And whose Strength and Goodnesse , 〈◊〉 fundamentall to the other Concoctions ; ) ought so to be guarded and confirmed ; That it may be without 〈◊〉 Hot ; Next Astricted or Bound , not Loose : Furthermore , Cleane , not surcharged with Foule Humours ; And yet , ( in regard , it is nourished from it selfe , not from the Veines , ) not altogether Emptie , or Hungry : Lastly , it is to be kept , ever , in 〈◊〉 Because Appetite ; sharpens Disgestion .

5 I wonder much , how that same 〈◊〉 bibere . To drink 〈◊〉 Drinke ; ( which was in use amongst the Ancients , ) is laid downe againe . I knew a Physician , that was very Famous , who , in the Beginning 〈◊〉 Dinner and Supper , would 〈◊〉 eat a few spoonfuls of very Warm Broath , with much 〈◊〉 And then would presently wish , that it were out againe ; saying , He had no 〈◊〉 of the Broath , but onely of the Warmth .

6 We doe verily conceive it good , that the First Draught , 〈◊〉 of Wine , or Ale , or any other Drink , ( to which a Man 〈◊〉 most accustomed ) be taken at Supper , Warme .

7 Wine , in which Gold hath been quenched , we conceive , would be very good , once in a Meale : 〈◊〉 that we 〈◊〉 the Gold conferreth an Vertue thereunto ; But that we know , that the 〈◊〉 of all Mettals , in any kinde of Liquour , doth leave a most potent Astriction : Now we chuse gold , because besides that Astriction , which we desire , it leaveth nothing else behinde it , of a Metalline Impression .

8 Wee are of opinion , that Sops of Bread dipped in Wine , taken at the Midst of the Meale , are Better than Wine it selfe ; Especially , if there were infused into the Wine , in which the Sops were dipped , Rose-Mary , and Citron-Pill ; And that with Sugar , that it may not Slip too fast .

9 It is certaine , that the use of Quinces is good to strengthen the Stomach : But we take them to be better , if they be used , in that , which they call Quiddeny of Quinces , than in the Bodies of the Quinces themselves ; Because they lie heavie in the Stomach . But those Quiddenies are best taken after Meales , alone ; 〈◊〉 Meales , dipped in 〈◊〉

10 Such things as are good for the Stomach , above other Simples , are these ; Rose-Mary , 〈◊〉 , Maslicke , 〈◊〉 , Sage , Mint .

11 Wee allow Pills of Aloes , Mastick , and Saffron , in Winter-time , taken before Dinner ; But so as the Aloes be not only oftentimes washed in Rose-Water , but also in Vineger , in which Tragacanth hath been infused ; And after that , be 〈◊〉 for a few Houres , in Oyle of Sweet Almonds , new drawne , before it be made into Pills .

12 Wine or Ale , wherein 〈◊〉 hath been infused , with a 〈◊〉 Elecampane , and Yellow 〈◊〉 , will doe well , taken at times ; And that especially in Winter .

13 But in Summer , a Draught of White-wine , allayed with Strawberry-water ; In which Wine , Powder of Pearles , and of the shells of Crey-fishes , exquisitely beaten ; And ( which may perhaps seeme strange ; ) a little Chalke have been infused ; Doth excellently refresh and strengthen the Stomach .

14 But generally , all Draughts in the Morning , ( which are but too frequently used , ) of Cooling Things ; ( As of Juyces , Decoctions , Whey , Barley-waters , and the like ; ) Are to be avoided ; And Nothing is to be put into the Stomach , Fasting , which is purely Cold : These Things are better given , ( if need require , ) either at five in the afternone : of else , an Houre , after a light Breakfast .

15 Often Fastings are bad for Long Life ; Besides , all Thirst 〈◊〉 to be avoyded ; And the 〈◊〉 is to be kept Cleane , 〈◊〉 alwayes Moist .

16 Oyle of Olives , new , and good ; In which a little Mithridate hath been dissolved , 〈◊〉 upon the Backbone , just against the Mouth of the 〈◊〉 , doth wonderfully 〈◊〉 the Stomach .

17 A small Bagge filled with Locks of Scarlet Wooll , steeped in Red-wine ; In which Myrtle , and Citron-Pill , and a little 〈◊〉 , have been infused , may be alwayes worne upon the Stomach , And , touching those Things which Comfort the Stomach , thus much ; Seeing many of those Things also , which serve for other Operations , are Helpfull to this .

18 The Liver , if it bee Preserved from Torrefaction , or 〈◊〉 ; And from Obstruction ; It needeth no more : For that Loosenesse of it , which begers Aquosities , is plainly a Disease ; But the other two , Old Age approaching induceth .

19 Hereunto appertaine , most especially , those things which are set downe in the Operation , upon the Bloud : wee will adde a very few Things more , but those selected .

20 Principally , let there be in use , the Wine of Sweet 〈◊〉 ; Or if that cannot be had , the Iuyce of them , newly expressed ; Let it be taken in the Morning , with a little Sugar : And into the Glasse , into which the Expression is made , put a small peece of Citron-pill , greene ; And three or foure whole Cloves : Let this be taken from February , till the end of April .

21 Bring also into use , above all other Herbs , Water-cresses ; But young , not old : They may be used , either Raw in Sallets , or in Broaths , or in Drinkes ; And after that , take 〈◊〉 - wort .

22 Aloes , howsoever washed , or corrected , is hurtfull for the Liver ; And therefore it is never to bee taken ordinarily : Contrariwise , Rhubarbe is Soveraigne for the Liver ; So that these three Cautions be interposed . First , that it bee taken before Meat , lest it dry the Body too much , or leave some Impressions of the Stipticitie thereof . Secondly , that it be macerated an Houre or two in Oyle of sweet Almonds , new drawne , with Rose-water , before it bee infused in Liquour , or given in the proper Substance . Thirdly , that it be taken by turnes , one while Simple , another while with Tartar , or a little Bay-Salt ; That it carry not away the lighter Parts onely , and make the Masse of the Humour more obstinate .

23 I allow Wine , or some Decoction , with Steele , to be taken three or foure times in the yeare , to open the more strong Obstructions ; Yet so , that a Draught , of two or three spoonfuls of Oyle of sweet Almonds , new drawne , ever goe before ; And the 〈◊〉 , of the Body , especially ; of the Armes and sides , constantly follow .

24 Sweetned Liquours , and that with some Fatnesse , are Principally , and not a little effectuall to prevent the 〈◊〉 , and Saltnesse , and Torrefaction , and in a word , the Oldnesse of the Liver ; Especially , if they be well incorporated with Age : They are made of sweet Fruits and Roots ; As namely , the Wines , and Julips , of Raisins of the Sun , new ; Iujuba's , Dried Figges , Dates , Parsnips , Potado's , and the like ; with the mixture of Licorish , sometimes : Also a Julip , of the Indian Grain , ( which they call Maiz , ) with the Mixture of some sweet Things , doth much to the same end . But it is to be noted , That the Intention of preserving the Liver , in a kinde of Softnesse and Fatnes , is much more powerfull , than that other , which Pertaines to the Opening of the Liver ; which rather tendeth to Health , than to length of Life ; Saving , that that obstruction , which induceth Torrefaction , is as opposite to long Life , as those other Arefactions .

25 I commend the Roots of Snecory , Spinage , and Beets , cleared of their Piths , and Boiled , till they be tender , in Water , with a third part of white-wine , for ordinary Sallets , to be eaten with Oyle and Vinegar : Also Asparagus , Pith of Artichoakes , and Burre-Roots , boiled , and served in , after the same manner ; Also Broaths , in the Spring-time , of Vine 〈◊〉 , and the greene Blades of 〈◊〉 . And touching the preserving of the Liver , thus much .

26 The Heart receiveth Benefit , or Harme , most , from the Aire , which we breath ; From Vapours ; And from the Affections . Now many of those Things , which have been formerly spoken , touching the Spirits , may be transferred hither : But that Indigested Masse of Cordials , collected by Physicians , availes little to our Intention : Notwithstanding , those things , which are found to be good against Poysons , may , with good Judgment be given to strengthen and fortifie the Heart ; Especially , if they be of that kinde , that they doe not so much resist the particular poisons , as arme the Heart and Spirits against poison in generall . And touching the severall Cordials , you may repaire to the Table , alreadie set downe .

27 The Goodnesse of the Aire , is better knowne by Experience , than by signes . We hold that Aire to be the best , where the Countrey is levell and plaine ; And that layeth open on all sides : So that the Soile be dry , and yet not barren , or sandy : Which puts forth Wild Thime , and Eye-bright , and a kinde of Marioram , and here and there Stalks of Calamint : Which is not altogether void of wood but 〈◊〉 set with some Trees , for shade : where the Sweet-Brier-Rose , smelleth something Muskie , and Aromatically ; If there be Rivers , we suppose them rather 〈◊〉 than good , unlesse they bee very small , and cleare , and Gravelly .

28 It is certain , that the Morning Aire , is more Lively and Refreshing , than the Evening Aire ; Though the latter bee preferred out of Delicacie .

29 We conceive also , that the Aire , 〈◊〉 with a Gentle wind , is more wholesome than the Aire of a Serene and 〈◊〉 Skie : But the best is , the Wind blowing from the West in the Morning and from the North in the Afternoone .

30 Odours , are especially profitable for the Comforting of the Heart ; yet not so , as though a good Odour , were the Prerogative of a good Aire : For it is certaine , that as there are some Pestilentiall Aires , which smell not so ill , as others that are lesse hurtful ; So , on the Contrary , there are some Aires , most wholesome , and Friendly to the Spirits , which either smell not at all , or are lesse Pleasing , and Fragrant to the Sense . And generally , where the Aire is good , Odours should be taken but now and then : For a continuall Odour , though never so good , is burthensome to the Spirits .

31 We commend above all others , ( as wee have touched before ) Odour of Plants growing , and not Plucked , taken in the open Aire ; The Principall of that kinde are Violets ; Gilly-Flowers , Finkes , Bean-Flowers , Lime-Tree-Blossomes , Vine-Buds , Hony-suckles , Yellow 〈◊〉 , Musk-Roses ; ( For other Roses growing , are fast of theirSmels ; ) Strawberry-leaves , especially Dying ; sweet Briar , principally in the early spring ; Wilde-Mint , Lavender Flowred : And in the Hotter Countries , Orenge-Tree , Citron-Tree , Myrtle , Laurell : Therefore to walk , or sit , neare the Breath of these Plants , would not bee neglected .

32 For the Comforting of the Heart , we preferre Coole smels , before Hot Smels : Therefore the best perfume is , either in the Morning , or about the Heat of the Day , to take an equall portion , of Vineger , Rose-water , and Claret Wine ; And to poure them upon a Fire-pan , somewhat heated .

33 Neither let us be thought ; to sacrifice to our Mother , the Earth ; Though wee advise , that in Digging , or Plowing the Earth , for health , a good quantitie of Claret Wine , be powred thereon .

34 Orenge-Flower Water , pure and good , with a small portion of Rose-Water , and Brist Wine , snuffed up into the 〈◊〉 ; Or put up into the Nosthrils , with a Syringe , after the Manner of an Errhine ; ( but not too frequently , ) is very good .

35 But Champing , ( though wee have no Betel ; ) Or Holding in the Mouth only , of such Things as cheere the Spirits , ( even daily done , ) is exceeding comfortable . Therefore , for that purpose , make Grains , or little Cakes , of Ambre-Grise , Marke , Lignum Aloes , Lignum 〈◊〉 , Orris powder , and 〈◊〉 ; And let those Grains , or 〈◊〉 , be made up , with Rose-water , which hath passed through a little Indian Balsame .

36 The Vapours , which arising from Things inwardly taken , doe fortifie , and cherish the Hart , ought to have these three properties ; That they be Friendly , Cleare , and Cooling . For 〈◊〉 Vapours are Nought ; And Wine it selfe , which is thought to have only an Heating Vapour , is not altogether void , of an opiate Qualitie . Now we call those Vapours : Cleare ; which have more of the Vapour , than of the Exhalation ; And which are not Smoakie , or Fu liginous , or Unctuous ; But Moist , and Equall .

37 Out of that unprofitable Rabble of Cordials , a few ought to bee taken into daily Diet : In stead of all , Ambre . Grise , Saffron , and the Graine of Kermes , of the Hotter sort ; Roots of Buglosse , and Borrage ; Citrons , Sweet Limons , and Permaines , of the Colder sort . Also that way , which we said , Both Gold , and Pearles , work a good effect , not onely within the veines , but in their passage , and about the parts neare the heart ; Namely , by Cooling , without any Malignant Qualitie .

38 Of Bezoar Stone , we beleeve well , because of many Trials : But then , the Manner of Taking it , ought to bee such , as the vertue thereof , may more easily be communicated to the Spirits . Therefore we approve not the Taking of it , in 〈◊〉 , or Syrrupes , or in Rose-water , or any such like ; But only in Wine , Cynnamon - 〈◊〉 or the like distilled water ; But that , Weak , or Small , not Burning , or Strong .

39 Of the Affections we have spoken before , we only adde this ; That every Noble , and Resolute , and , ( as they call it , ) Heroicall Desire , strengtheneth , and enlargeth , the powers of the Heart ; And , touching the Heart , thus much .

40 As for the Braine ; where the Seat , and Court of the Animall Spirits , is kept ; Those Things , which were inquired before , touching Opium , and Niter , and the Subordinates to them Both ; Also touching the procuring of placide Sleepe , May likewise be referred hither . This also is most certaine ; That the Braine is in some sort , in the Custody of the Stomach ; And therefore those Things , which comfort , and strengthen the Stomach , doe help the Braine , by Consent ; And may , no lesse , bee transferred hither . We will adde a few Observations ; Three Outward , one Inward .

41 We would have Bathing of the Feet , to be often used ; At least , once in the week ; And the Bath to be made , of Lye , with Bay-salt ; And a little Sage , Camomile , Fennell , Sweet . Marioram , and Pepper-wort ; With the Leaves of Angelica , green .

42 We commend also , a Fume , or Suffumigation , every Morning of dried Rose-Mary , 〈◊〉 dried , and Lignum 〈◊〉 : For all Sweet Gums , oppresse the Head .

43 Especially Care must bee taken , that no Hot Things , bee applied to the Head , outwardly ; Such are kindes of Spices , the very Nutmeg not excepted : For those Hot Things , wee debase them , to the soales of the Feet , and would have them applied there onely : But a light annointing of the Head , with Oyle , mixed with Roses , 〈◊〉 and a little Salt , and Saffron , we much commend .

44 Not forgetting those Things , which wee have before delivered , touching Opiates , Nitre , and the like ; which so much condense the Spirits ; wee think it not impertinent to that Effect ; That once in fourteen dayes , Broath be taken in the Morning , with three , or foure , Graines of Castoreum , and a little 〈◊〉 Seed , and Calamus ; Which both fortifie the Braine ; And in that aforesaid Density , of the Substance , of the Spirits ; ( so necessarie to Long Life ; ) Adde also a Vivacitis of 〈◊〉 and Vigour , to them .

45 In Handling , the 〈◊〉 , of the foure Principall Bowels , wee have propounded those Things , which are both proper , and choice , and may safely , and conveniently , be transferred into Diet , and Regiment of Life : For Varietie of Medicines , is the Daughter of Ignorance ; And it is not more true ; That Many Dishes have caused many Diseases ; As the Proverb is ; Then this is 〈◊〉 , That Many Medicines have caused few Cures . And 〈◊〉 the Operation , upon the principall Bowels , for their 〈◊〉 , of Aliment , thus much .

The Operation upon the Outward Parts , for their Attraction of Aliment . 6.

The Historie .

1 ALthough a good Concoction , performed by the Inward Parts , bee the principall , towards a perfect Alimentation ; yet the Actions , of the Outward Parts , ought also to concurre ; That like as the Inward Facultie , sendeth forth , and extrudeth the Aliment ; So the Facultie of the Outward Parts , may call forth , and attract the same : And the more weake the Facultie of Concoction , shall be ; The more need is there , of a Concurring Helpe , of the Attractive Facultie .

2 A Strong Attraction , of the Outward Parts , is chiefly caused , by the Motion , of the Body ; By which , the Parts being Heated , and Comforted ; Doe more cheerfully , call forth , and attract , the Aliment , unto themselves .

3 But this is most of all , to be foreseen , and avoided ; That the same Motion , and 〈◊〉 , which cals the new Juyce to the Members ; Doth not againe despoile the Member of that Juyce , wherewith it had beene before refreshed .

4 Frications , used in the Morning , serve especially , to this Intention ; But this must evermore accompany them ; That after the Frication , the Part be lightly annointed with Oyle ; Left the Attrition , of the Outward Parts , make them by Perspiration , Dry , and Juycelesse .

5 The next is Exercise , ( by which the Parts confricate , and chafe themselves ; ) so it bee Moderate ; And which , ( as was noted before , ) be not Swift , nor to the utmost Strength , nor unto wearinesse . But in Exercise , and in Frication , there is the same Reason , and Caution ; That the Body , may not perspire , or 〈◊〉 , too much : Therefore , Exercise is better in the open Aire , than in the House ; And better in Winter , than in Summer : And againe , Exercise is not onely to be concluded with Vnction , as Frication is ; But in vehement Exercises , Vnction is to bee used , both in the Beginning , and in the End ; As it was anciently to Champions .

6 That Exercise , may resolve , either the Spirits , or the Juyces , as little as may be , it is necessarie , that it be used , when the Stomach is not altogether Emptie . And therefore , that it may not bee used , upon full Stomach , ( which doth much concerne Health ; ) Nor yet upon an Emptie Stomach , ( which doth no lesse concerne Long Life ; ) It is best , to take a Breakfast in the Morning ; Not of any Physicall Drugs , or of any Liquours , or of Raisins , or of Figs , or the like ; But of plaine Meat , and Drink ; yet that very light , and in moderate Quantitie .

7 Exercise , used for the Irrigation of the Members , ought to be Equall , to all the Members : Not , ( as Socrates said , ) that the Legs should move , and the Armes should rest ; Or , on the contrarie ; But that all the Parts may participate of the Motion . And it is altogether requisite to long Life , that the Body should never abide long in one posture , But that every halfe houre , at least , it change the posture ; Saving only in Sleepe .

8 Those Things , which are used to Mortification , may bee transferred to Vivification : For both Haire Shirts , and 〈◊〉 , and all vexations of the outward parts , doe fortifie the Attractive Force of them .

9 Cardan commends Netling : Even to let out 〈◊〉 ; But of this we have no Experience ; And besides , we have no good opinion of it , lest through the venemous Qualitie of the Nettle , it may with often use , breed Itches , and other Diseases of the Skin . And touching the Operation , upon the Outward Parts , for their Attraction of Aliment , thus much .

The Operation upon the Aliment it selfe ; for the Insinuation thereof . 7.

The Historie .

1 THe vulgar Reproofe , touching many Dishes , doth rather become a severe Reformer , than a Physician ; Or howsoever it may be good , for preservation of Health , yet it is Hurtfull to length of Life : By reason , that a various Mixture of Aliments , and somewhat Heterogeneous , findes a passage into the veines , and juyces of the Body , more lively and cheerfully , than a Simple , and Homogeneous Diet doth : Besides , it is more Forcible , to stirre up Appetite ; which is the Spur of Disgestion . Therefore we allow , both a Full Table , and a continuall changing of Dishes , according to the Seasons of the yeare , or upon other occasions .

2 Also that Opinion , of the Simplicitie of Meats , without Sawces , is but a Simplicity of Judgement : For good , and well chosen , Sawces , are the most wholesome preparations of Meats ; And conduce , both to Health , and to Long Life .

3 It must bee ordered that with Meats , hard of Disgestion , be conjoyned , strong Liquours ; And Sawces , that may penetrate , and make way ; But with Meats more easie of Disgestion , smaller Liquours , and Fat Sawces .

4 Whereas wee advised before , that the first Draught at Supper , should bee taken warne ; Now wee adde , that for the preparation of the Stomach , a good Draught of that Liquour , ( to which every Man is most accustomed , ) be taken warme , halfe an Houre before Meat also ; But a little spiced , to please the Taste .

5 The Preparation , of Meats , and Bread , and Drinks ; That they bee rightly handled , and in order to this Intention ; Is of exceeding great Moment ; Howsoever it may seeme a Mechanicall Thing , and savouring of the Kitchin , and Buttrie : yet it is of more consequence , than those Fables , of Gold , and Precious Stones , and the like .

6 The Moistning , of the Iuyces , of the Body , by a Moist preparation of the Aliments , is a childish Thing : It may be somewhat availeable against the Fervours of Diseases ; But it is altogether adverse , to a Roscide Alimentation . Therefore , Boyling of Meats , as concerning our Intention , is farre inferiour , to Roasting , and Baking , and the like .

7 Roasting ought to bee with a quick fire , and soone dispatched ; Not with a dull Fire , and in long time .

8 All Solide Fleshes , ought to be served in , not altogether Fresh , but somewhat powdered , or Corned : The lesse Salt may bee spent at the Table , with them , or none at all : For Salt , incorporated with the Meat before , is better distributed in the Body , than eaten with it at the Table .

9 There would bee brought into use severall and good 〈◊〉 , and Infusions of Meats , in convenient Liquours , before the Roasting of them ; The like whereof are sometimes in use , before they bake them ; And in the Pickles of some Fishes .

10 But Beatings , and as it were Scourgings , of Flesh Meats , before they bee boiled , would work no small Matter . Wee see , it is confessed , that Pertridges , and Pheasants , killed with an Hawke ; Also Bucks , and Stags , killed in Hunting ; ( If they stand not out too long , ) eat better , even to the Tast. And some Fishes , Scourged , and Beaten , become more tender , and wholesome . Also Hard , and Sowre Peares , and some other Fruits , grow sweet with Rowling them . It were good to practise some such Beating , and Bruising , of the Harder kindes of Fleshes , before they bee brought to the Fire . And this would bee one of the best preparations of all .

11 Bread , a little leavened , and very little salted , is best : And which is baked in an oven , thorowly heated , and not with a faint Heat .

12 The Preparation of Drinks in order to long Life , shall not exceed one precept . And as touching Water Drinkers , wee have Nothing to say ; Such a Diet , ( as wee said before , ) may prolong life to an Indifferent Terme , but to no Eminent length : But in other Drinks , that are full of Spirit ; ( Such as are , wine , Ale , Mead , and the like , ) This one Thing is to bee observed , and pursued , as the summe of all ; That the parts of the Liquour , may bee exceeding Thin , and Subtile ; And the Spirit , exceeding Mild : This is Hard to be done , by Age alone ; For that makes the Parts a little more subtile ; But the Spirits much more sharp , and eager : Therefore of the Infusion in the vessels , of some Fat Substance , which may restraine the Acrimonie of the Spirits , counsell hath beene given before : There is also another way , without Infusion , or Mixture : This is , That the Liquour might bee continually agitated ; Either by Carriage upon the water ; Or by Carriage by Land ; Or by Hanging the Vessels upon Lines , and daily stirring them ; Or some such other way : For it is certaine ; That this 〈◊〉 Motion , doth both subtilize the parts ; And doth so Incorporate , and Compact the Spirits , with the parts ; That they have no leisure to turne to sowrenesse , which is a kind of Putrefaction .

13 But in extreme old Age , such a preparation of Meats , is to be made , as may be almost in the Middle-way to Chylus And touching the Distillations of Meats , they are meere Toyes ; For the Nutritive part , at least the best of it doth not ascend in Vapours .

14 The Incorporating of 〈◊〉 and Drink , before they meet in the Stomach , is a Degree to Chylus ; Therefore let Chickens , or Pertridges , or 〈◊〉 , or the like , bee taken ; And boiled in Water , with a little Salt ; Then let them be cleansed , and dried ; Afterward , let them be infused in Must , or Ale before it hath done working , with a little Sugar .

15 Also , Gravies of Meat , and Mincings of them small , well seasoned ; Are good for old Persons ; And the rather , for that they are destituted of the Office of their Teeth , in chewing ; which is a principall kinde of preparation .

16 And as for the Helps of that Defect , ( Namely , of the Strength of Teeth , to grinde the Meat , ) There are three Things , which may conduce thereunto . First , that New Teeth may put forth ; That which seemes al together Difficult , and cannot bee accomplished , without an Inward , and powerfull Restauration of the Body . Secondly , that the Iawes be so confirmed by due Astringents , that they may in some sort supply the office of the Teeth ; which may possibly bee effected . Thirdly , that the Meat bee so prepared that there shall be no need of chewing ; which Remedy 〈◊〉 ready , and at Hand .

17 We have some Thought also , touching the Quantitie of the Meat , and Drinke ; That the same taken in larger Quantitie , at some times , is good for the Irrigation of the Body . Therefore both Greas Feastings , and Free Drinkings , are not altogether to be inhibited . And touching the Operation upon the Aliments , and the Preparation of them , thus much .

The Operation upon the Last Act of Assimilation . 8.

TOuching the last Act of Assimilation , ( unto which the three Operations , immediately preceding , chiefly tend ) our Advice shall be briefe , and single . And the Thing it selfe , rather needs Explication , than any various Rules .

1 IT is certaine , that all Bodies are endued with some Desire of Assimilating those things which are next them : Tuis the Rare , and Pneumaticall Bodies ; As Flame , Spirit , Airt performe generously , and with Alacritie ; On the contrary , those that carrie a Grosse , and Tangible Bulke about them ; Doe but weakly : In regard , that the Desire , of Assimilating other Thing , is bound in , by a stronger Desire of Rest , and Containing themselves from Motion .

2 Againe , it is certaine , That that Desire of Assimilating , being bound , as wee said , in a Grosse Body , and made 〈◊〉 ; Is somewhat freed , and stirred up , by the Heat , and Neighbouring Spirit ; So that it is then Actuated : which is the onely cause , why Inanimates Assimilate not , and Animates 〈◊〉 .

3 This also is certaine , That the Harder the Consistence of the Body is , the more doth that Body stand in need , of a Greater Heat , to prick forward the Assimilation : Which fals out ill for old Men ; because in them the Parts are more Obstinate , and the Heat weaker : And therefore , either the Obstinacie of their Parts , is to be softned , or their Heat increased . And as touching the Malacissation , or Mollifying of the Members , we shall speak afterward ; Having also formerly propounded many Things , which pertaine to the prohibiting , and preventing , of this kinde of Hardnesse . For the other , touching the Increasing of the Heat , wee will now deliver a single precept ; After wee have first assumed this Axiome .

4 The Act of Assimilation , ( which , as we said , is excited , by the Heat circumfused , ) in a Motion exceeding Accurate , Subtile , and in Little . Now all such Motions doe then come to their Vigour , when the Locall Motion wholly ceaseth , which disturbeth it . For the Motion of Separation , into Homogeneall parts , which is in Milke ; That the Creame should swim above , and the Whey sink to the bottome , will never work , if the Milk bee never so little agitated : Neither will any Puterfaction proceed in Water , or Mixt Bodies , if the same be in Continuall Local Motion . So then , from this Assumption , we will conclude this , for the present Inquisition .

5 The Act it selfe , of Assimilation , is chiefly accomplished in Sleepe , and Rest ; Especially , towards the Morning , the Distribution being finished : Therefore , we have nothing else to advise , but that Men keep Themselves Hot , in their Sleepe : And further , that towards the Morning , there be used some Annointing , or Shirt 〈◊〉 with Oyle , such as may gently stir up Heat ; And after that , to fall asleep again . And touching the Last Act of Assimilation , thus much .

The Operation upon the Inteneration of that , which begins to be Arified ; Or the Malacissation of the Body . 9.

WEe have inquired formerly , touching the Inteneration from within ; 〈◊〉 is done by many Windings , 〈◊〉 Circuits , as well of 〈◊〉 , as of Detaining the Spirit from Issuing forth ; 〈◊〉 therefore is accomplished Slowly . Now we are to inquire , touching that Inteneration , which is 〈◊〉 without ; And is effected , as 〈◊〉 were , Suddenly ; Or , touching the Malacissation , and 〈◊〉 of the Body .

The Historie .

1 IN the Fable , of Restoring Pelias to Youth againe ; Medea , when the Faigned to doe it , 〈◊〉 this way , of 〈◊〉 the same , That the 〈◊〉 Mans Body should be cut into severall Peeces ; And 〈◊〉 Boyled in a Cauldron , with certaine Medicaments . There may , perhaps , some 〈◊〉 bee required to this Matter ; But the Cutting into 〈◊〉 , is not needfull .

2 Notwithstanding , this Cuting into Peeces , seemes , in some sort , to be usefull ; Not 〈◊〉 a Knife , but with Judgement . For whereas the Consistence of the Bowels , and 〈◊〉 is very divers ; It is needfull that the Inteneration of them both , be not effected the same way ; But that there be a Cure designed of each in particular , Besides those Things , which pertaine to the Inteneration , of the whole Masse of the Bodie ; Of which , notwithstanding , in the first place .

3 This Operation , ( if perhaps it bee within our power , ) is most likely to bee done , by Baths , Vnctions , and the like : Concerning which , these Things that follow , are to be observed .

4 We must not be too forward in Hoping to Accomplish this matter from the Examples of those Things which we see done , in the Imbibitions , and Macerations of Inanimates : By which they are intenerated : whereof we introduced some Instances before : For this kinde of Operation , is more Easie upon Inanimates , Because they attract , and suck in the Liquour . But upon the Bodies of Living Creatures it is Harder ; Because , in them , the Motion rather tendeth outward , and to the Circumference .

5 Therefore , the Emollient Baths , which are in use , doe little good , but on the contrary , hurt ; Because they rather draw forth , than make entrance ; And resolve the Structure of the Body , rather than consolidate it .

6 The Baths , and Vnctions , which may serve to the present Operation ; ( Namely , of Intenerating the Body , truly and really , ) ought to have three properties .

7 The First and Principall , is ; That they consist of those Things , which in their Whole Substance , are Like unto the Body , and Flesh of Man ; And which have a Feeding , and Nursing Vertue , from without .

8 The Second , is ; That they be mixed with such Things , as through the Subtilty of their Parts , may Make Entrance ; And so insinuate , and conveigh their Nourishing Vertue , into the Body .

9 The Third , is ; That they receive some Mixture ( though much inferiour to the rest , ) of such Things as are Astringent ; I meane , not Sowre or Tart Things ; But Unctuous , and Comforting ; That while the other two do operate , the 〈◊〉 out of the Body , which destroyeth the Vertue of the Things Intenerating , may ( as much as is possible , ) be prohibited ; And the Motion to the Inward Parts , by the Astriction of the Skin , and Closing of the Passages , may be promoted and furthered .

10 That which is most Consubstantiall , to the Body of Man , is Warme Bloud , either of Man , or of some other living Creature : But the Device of Ficinus ; Touching the Sucking of Bloud out of the Arme of a wholesome young Man ; For the Restauration of Strength in Old men ; is very Frivolous ; For that , which nourisheth from within , ought no way to be Equall , or Homogeneall to the Body nourished ; But in some sort , Inferiour , and Subordinate , that it may be converted : But in Things applyed outwardly , by how much the Substance is Liker , by so much the Consent is better .

11 It hath been anciently received ; That a Bath made of the Bloud of Infants will cure the Leprosie , and heale the Flesh already putrified : Insomuch , that this Thing hath begot Envie towards some Kings , from the Common people .

12 It is reported , that Heraditus , for cure of the Dropsie , was put into the Warme Belly of an Oxe , newly slaine .

13 They use the Bloud of Kitlins , warme ; To cure the Disease called Saint Anthonies Fire ; And to restore the Flesh and Skin .

14 An Arme , or other Member , newly cut off ; Or that , upon some other Occasion , will not leave Bleeding ; Is , with good successe , put into the Belly of some Creature , Newly ripped up ; For it worketh potently , to Stanch the Bloud ; The Bloud of the Member cut off , by consent sucking in , and vehemently drawing to it selfe , the Warme Bloud of the Creature Slaine ; whereby it selfe is Stopped , and retireth .

15 It is much used in Extreme and Desperate Diseases , to cut in two young Pigeons , yet Living , and to apply them to the Soles of the Feet , and to shift them one after another ; whereby , sometime 〈◊〉 followeth a wonderful case . This is imputed vulgarly , as if they should draw downe the Malignitie of the Disease ; But howsoever , this Application goeth to the Head , and comforteth the Animal Spirits .

16 But these Bloudy Baths and Vnctions , seeme to us Sluttish and Odious ; Let us search out some others , which perhaps have lesse loathsomenesse in them , and yet not lesse Benefit .

17 Next unto Warme-Bloud , Things alike in Substance , to the Body of Man , are , Nutritives ; Fat Fleshes ; Of Oxen , Swine , Deere : Oisters amongst Fishes ; Milke , Butter , Yolkes 〈◊〉 Egs : Floure of Wheat , Sweet Wine : Either Sugred , or 〈◊〉 it be fined .

18 Such Things as wee would 〈◊〉 mixed , to make 〈◊〉 , are ; In stead of all , 〈◊〉 Especially , Bay-salt ; Also Wine , ( when it is full of Spirit , ) maketh Entrance ; And is an excellent Convoy .

19 Astringents of that Kinde , which we described ; Namely , Vnctuous , and Comfortable Things , are ; Saffron , Mastick , Myrrhe , and Myrtle-Berries .

20 Of these Parts , in our judgement , may very well be made such a Bath , as wee designe : Physicians , and Posteritie , will finde out better Things hereafter .

21 But the Operation will bee much better & more powerfull ; If such a Bath , as we have propounded , ( which we hold to be the Principall Matter , ) beattended with a Foure-fold Course and Crder .

22 First , that there goe before the Bath , a Frication of the Bodie ; And an Annointing with Oyle , with some Thickning Substance : That the Vertue , and Moistning Heat of the Bath , may pierce the Body , and not the watry Part of the Liquour . Then let the 〈◊〉 follow , for the space of some two Houres : After the Bath , let the Body bee Emplaistrea with Mastick , Myrrhe , Tragacanth , Diapalma , and Saffron ; That the Perspiration of the Body , may ( as much as is possible , ) be inhibited ; Till the Supple Matter be by degrees turned into Solide : This to be continued , for the space of twenty foure houres , or more Lastly , the Emplaistring being removed , let there be an Annointing with Oyle , 〈◊〉 with Salt , and Saffron . 〈◊〉 let this Bath , together 〈◊〉 the Emplaistring and Vnction , ( as before , ) be renewed every Fifth day : This Malacissation , or Suppling of the Body , to be continued for one whole Moneth .

23 Also during the Time of this Malacissation , we hold it usefull , and proper , and according to our Intention ; That Men nourish their Bodies well , and keep out of the Cold Aire ; And drink nothing , but Warme Drinke .

24 Now this is one of those Things , ( as wee warned , in generall , in the beginning , ) whereof wee have made no Triall by Experiment ; But only set it downe , out of our Aiming and Levelling at the End . For having Set up the Marke , we deliver the Light to others .

25 Neither ought the Warmths and Cherishings of Living Bodies , to bee neglected . Ficinus saith , and that seriously enough ; That the laying of the young Maid in Davids Bosome , was wholesome for him , but it came too late . He should also have added ; That the Young Maid , after the manner of the Persian Virgins , ought to have been annointed with Myrrhe , and such like ; Not for Deliciousnesse , but to increase the Vertue of this Cherishing by a living Body .

26 Barbarossa , in his extreme old Age , by the advice of a Physician , a Iew , did continually apply Young Boyes , to his Stomach and Belly , for Warmth and Cherishing : Also some Old Men , lay Wholps , ( Creatures of the Hottest Kind , ) close to their Stomachs , every Night .

There hath gone a report , almost undoubted ; And that under several Names ; Of certaine Men that had great Noses ; who being weary of the Derision of People , have cut off the Bunches , or Hillocks of their Noses ; And then making a wide Gash in their Armes , have bold their Noses in the place , for a certain time ; And so brought forth faire and comely Noses : Which if it be true , it shewes plainly , the Consent of Flesh unto Flesh , especially in Live Fleshes .

28 Touching the Particular Inteneration , of the Principall Bowels ; The Stomach , Lungs , Liver , Heart , Braine , Marrow of the Backbone , Guts , Reines , Gall , Veines , Arteries , Nerves , Cartilages , Bones ; The Inquisition and Direction , would bee too long ; Seeing we now set not forth a Practique ; But certain Indications to the Practique .

The Operation upon the Purging away of old Iuyce , and Supplying of new Iuyce ; Or of Renovation by Turnes . 10.

The Historie .

ALTHOUGH those Things , which wee shall here set downe , have been , for the most part , spoken of before ; yet because this Operation , is one of the Principall , wee will handle them over againe , more at large .

1 It is certaine , that Draught Oxen , which have been worne out with working , being put into Fresh and Rich Pastures , will gather tender and young Flesh againe ; And this will appeare , even to the Taste and Palate ; So that the Inteneration of Flesh , is no hard Matter . Now it is likely , that this Inteneration of the Flesh , being often repeated , will in time , reach to the Inteneration of the Bones and Membranes , and like Parts of the Body .

2 It is certaine , that Diets which are now much in 〈◊〉 Principally of 〈◊〉 And of 〈◊〉 , China and 〈◊〉 If they be continued for any time , and according to strict Rules ; Doe first Attenuate the whole Iuyce of the Body ; And after Consume it , and Drinke it up . Which is most manifest , because that by these Diets , the French Pox , when it is growne even to an Hardnesse ; And hath eaten up , and corrupted , the very Marrow of the Body ; may be assuredly cured . And further , because it is as manifest , that Men , who by these Diets , are brought to be extreme Leane , Pale , and as it were , Ghosts ; Will soone after become Fat , well-coloured , and apparantly Young againe . Wherefore , we are absolutely of opinion , 〈◊〉 such kind of Diets , in the 〈◊〉 of Age , being used every 〈◊〉 yeare , would bee very useful to our Intention ; Like the old Skin , or Spoile of Sarpents .

3 Wee doe confidently affirme ; ( neither let any Man reckon us amongst those Heretikes , which were called Cathari ; ) That often Purges , and made even Familiar to the Body , are more availeable to long Life , than Exercises and Sweats . And this must needs be so , if that be held , which is already laid for a Ground ; That Vnctions of the Body ; And Oppletion of the Passages from without ; And Exclusion of Aire ; And Detaining of the Spirit , within the Masse of the Body ; Doe much conduce to long Life . For it is most certaine , that by Sweats , and Outward Perspirations ; not onely the Humours , and excrementitious Vapours are Exhaled and consumed ; But together with them , the Juices also , and good Spirits , which are not so easily repaired ; But in 〈◊〉 , ( unlesse they be very Immoderate , ) it is not so ; Seeing they worke 〈◊〉 upon the Humours . But the best Purges for this Intention , are those , which are taken immediately before 〈◊〉 ; Because they Dry the Body lesse ; And therefore , they must be of those Purgers , which doe least trouble the Belly .

These Intentions , of the Operations , which wee have Propounded , ( as we conceive , ) are most true ; The Remedies Faithfull to the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 is it credible to 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ( Although not a Few of these Remedies may seeme but 〈◊〉 with what Care , and Choice , they have beene examined by us ; That they might be ( the Intention not at all empeached ) both Safe , and Effectuall . Experience , no doubt , will both verifie , and promote , these Matters . And such , in all things , are the works of every prudent Counsell ; That they are Admirable in their Effects , Excellent also in their Order , but seeming vulgar in the Way and Meanes .

The Proches of Death .

WE are now to inquire To the 15. Article . touching the Porches of Death ; That is , Touching those Things , which happen unto Men , at the point of Death ; Both a little before , and after . That seeing there are many Paths , which lead to Death , it may be under stood , in what Common-way , they all end ; Especially , in those Deaths , which are caused by Indigence of Nature , rather than by violence ; Although something of this Latter also , must be inserted , because of the Connexion of Things .

The Historie .

1 THe Living Spirit , stands in need of three Things , that it may subsist : Convenient Motion ; Temperate Refrigeration ; And Fit Aliment . Plame seemes to stand in need , but of two of these ; Namely , Motion , and Aliment : Because Flame is a simple substance , the Spirit a Compounded : Insomuch , that if it approach somewhat too neare to a Flamie Nature , it overthroweth it selfe .

2 Also Flame , by a greater , and stronger Flame , is extinguished , and slaine ; As Aristotle well noted ; Much more the Spirit .

3 Flame , if it be much compressed , and straitned , is extinguished ; As wee may see in a Candle , having a Glasse cast over it ; For the Aire being dilated by the Heat , doth contrude , and thrust together the Flame ; And so lesseneth it , and in the end extinguisheth it : And Fires on Hearths will not Flame , if the Fewell bee thrust close together , without any space for the Flame to break forth .

4 Also Things Fircd , are extinguished with Compression ; As if you presse a Burning Coale hard with the Tongs , or the Foot , it is straight extinguished .

5 But to come to the Spirit ; If Bloud , or Flegme , get into the 〈◊〉 of the Braine , it causeth sudden Death ; Because the Spirit hath no Roome to move it selfe .

6 Also a great Blow on the Head , induceth sudden Death ; The Spirits being straightened within the Ventrides of the Braine .

7 Opium , and other strong 〈◊〉 , doe coagulate the Spirit ; And deprive it of the Motion .

8 A Venemous Vapour , totally abhorred by the Spirit , causeth sudden Death : As in deadly poisons , which worke ( as they call it , ) by a Specificall Malignity : For they strike a Loathing into the Spirit , that the Spirit will no more move it selfe , nor rise against a Thing so much Detested .

9 Also Extreme Drunkennesse , or Extreme Feeding , sometime cause sudden Death : Seeing the Spirit is not only Oppressed with overmuch Condensing , or the Malignity of the Vapour ; ( As in Opium , and Malignant Poysons ; ) But also with the Abundance of the Vapours .

10 Extreme Griefe , or Feare , Especially , if they be sudden ; ( As it is in a sad and unexpected 〈◊〉 ) cause sudden Death .

11 Not only over-much Compression , but also over-much Dilatation of the Spirit , is Deadly .

12 Ioyes excessive , and sudden , have berest many of their lives .

13 In great Evacuations ; As when they cut Men for the Dropsie , the waters flow forth abundantly ; Much more in great and sudden Fluxes of Bloud oftentimes , present Death followeth : And this happens by the meere Flight of Vacuum , within the Body ; All the parts moving , to fill the Emptie places ; And amongst the rest , the Spirits themselves . For as for slow Fluxes of Bloud , this Matter pertaines to the Indigence of Nourishment , not to the Diffusion of the Spirits . And touching the Motion of the Spirit , so farre , either Compressed , of Diffused , that it bringeth Death , thus much .

14 We must come next to the Want of Refrigeration . Stopping of the Breath , causeth sudden Death ; As in all Suffocation , or Strangling . Now it seemes this Matter is not so much to be referred to the Impediment of Motion , as to the Impediment of Refrigeration : For Aire over-hot , though attracted freely , doth no lesse Suffocate , than if Breathing were hindred : As it is in them , who have beene sometime suffocated , with Burning Coales ; Or with Char-coale , Or with Wals newly plaistered , in close chambers , where a Fire is made : which kind of Death , is reported , to have beene the end of the Emperour Iovinian : The like happeneth from Dry Baths , over-heated , which was practised in the killing of Fausta , wife to Constantine the Great .

15 It is a very small Time , which Nature taketh , to repeat the Breathing ; And in which she desireth , to expell the Foggie Aire , drawne into the Lungs , and to take in new ; Scarce , the third part , of a Minute .

16 Againe , the Beating of the Pulse ; And the Motion , of the Systole , and Diastole , of the Heart ; are three times quicker , than that of Breathing ; Insomuch , that if it were possible , that that Motion of the Heart could be stopped , without stopping the Breath ; Death would follow more speedily thereupon , than by Strangling .

17 Notwithstanding , Vse and Custome prevaile much in this Naturall Action of Breathing ; As it is in the Delian Divers , and Fishers for Pearle ; who by long use can hold their Breaths , at least ten times longer , than other Men can doe .

18 Amongst Living Creatures even of those , that have Lungs , there are some that are able to hold their Breaths a long time , and others that cannot hold them so long ; According as they need , more , or lesse , Refrigeration .

19 Fishes need lesse Refrigeration , than Terrestriall Creatures ; yet some they need , and take it by their Gils : And as Terrestriall Creatures , cannot beare the Aire , that is too Hot , or too Close ; So Fishes are suffocated in waters , if they be totally , and long Frozen .

20 If the Spirit be assaulted by another Heat , greater than it selfe , it is dissipated , and destroyed . For if it cannot beare the proper Heat without Refrigeration , much lesse can it beare another Heat , which is farre stronger . This is to bee seene in Burning Fevers , where the Heat of the Putrified Humours , doth exceed the Native Heat ; Even to Extinction , or Dissipation .

21 The Want also , and Use of Sleepe , is referred to Refrigeration . For Motion doth attenuate , and 〈◊〉 the Spirit ; And doth sharpen , and increase the Heat thereof ; Contrarily , Sleepe settleth , and restraineth the Motion , and Gadding of the same . 〈◊〉 though Sleepe doth strengthen and advance , the Actions 〈◊〉 the Parts , and of the livelesse Spirits ; and all that Motion , which is to the Circumference of the Body ; yet it doth in great part , quiet , and still the proper Motion of the Living Spirit . Now Sleepe , regularly , is due unto Humane Nature , once within Foure and Twentie Houres ; And that for Six , or Five Houres , at the least : Though there are , even in this kinde , sometimes Miracles of Nature ; As it is recorded of Mecaenas , that he slept not , for a long time , before his Death . And as touching the Want of Refrigeration , for Conserving of the Spirit , thus much .

22 As concerning the third Indigence ; Namely , of Aliment ; It seemes to pertaine rather to the Parts , than to the Living Spirit . For a Man may easily beleeve , that the Living Spirit 〈◊〉 in Identitie Not by succestion , or Renovation . And as for the 〈◊〉 Soule in Man , it is above all question ; That it is no engendred of the Soule of the Parents ; Nor is repaired ; Nor can dye . They speake of the Naturall Spirit of living Creatutes ; And also of Vegetables , which differs from that other Soule , essentially , and formally . For out of the Confusion of these , that same Transmigration of Soules , and Innumerable other Devices , of Heathens and Hereticks , have proceeded .

23 The Body of Man , doth regularly require ; Renovation by Aliment , every day . And Body in Health , can scarce endure Fasting , three dayes together ; Notwithstanding , Use , and Custome , will doe much , even in this Case ; But in Sicknesse , Fasting is lesse grievous to the Body . Also Sleepe doth supply somewhat to Nourishment ; And , on the other side , Exercise doth require it more abundantly . Likewise there have some beene found , who have susteined themselves , ( almost to a Miracle in Nature , ) a very long time , without Meat or Drink .

24 Dead Bodies , if they bee not intercepted by Putrefaction , will subsist a long time , without any Notable Absumption ; But Living Bodies , not above three dayes , ( as wee said , ) unlesse they be repaired by Nourishment : rishment : which sheweth , that quick Absumption , to bee the work of the Living Spirit ; which either repaires it selfe ; or puts the Parts into a Necessitie , of being repaired ; Or both . This is testified , by that also , which was noted a little before ; Namely , that Living Creatures may subsist somewhat the longer , without Aliment , if they Sleepe . Now Sleepe is Nothing else , but a Reception , and Retirement , of the Living Spirit , into it selfe .

25 An abundant , and continuall , Effluxion of Bloud ; which sometimes happeneth in the Hemorrhoides ; sometimes in Vomiting of Bloud , the Inward Veines being unlocked , broken , sometimes by Wounds ; Causeth sudden Death ; In regard , that the Bloud of the Veines ministreth to the Arteries ; And the Bloud of the Arteries , to the Spirit .

26 The Quantitie of Meat and Drink , which a Man , eating two Meales a day , receiveth into his Body , is not small ; Much more , than he voideth againe , either by Stoole , or by Urine , or by Sweating : You will say ; No marvell ; Seeing the Remainder goeth into the Juyces , and Substance , of the Body : It is true ; But consider then , that this Addition is made twice a day , and yet the Body aboundeth not much : In like manner , though the Spirit be repaired , yet it growes not , Excessively , in the Quantitie .

27 It doth no good , to have the Aliment ready , in a Degree removed ; But to have it of that Kinde ; And so prepared , and supplied , that the Spirit may work upon it : For the Staff of a Torch alone , will not maintaine the Flame , unlesse it be fed with wax : Neither can Men live upon Herbs alone . And from thence comes the Inconcoction of old Age ; That though there bee Flesh , and Bloud ; yet the Spirit is become so Penurious , and Thin ; And the Juyces , and Bloud , so Heartlesse , and Obstinate , that they hold no proportion , to Alimentation .

28 Let us now cast up the Accounts , of the Needs , and Indigences , according to the Ordinarie , and Usuall Course of Nature : The Spirit hath need , of Opening , and Moving it selfe , in the Ventricles of the Braine , and Nerves , even continually ; Of the Motion of the Heart , every Third part , of a Moment ; Of Breathing , every Moment ; Of Sleepe , and Nourishment , once within three Dayes ; Of the Power of Nourishing , commonly till Eighty yeares bee past . And if any of these Indigences bee neglected , Death ensueth . So there are plainly three Porches of Death ; Destitution of the Spirit ; In the Motion ; In the Refrigeration ; In the Aliment .

It is an Errour , to think , that the Living Spirit , is perpetually generated , and extinguished , as Flame is ; And abideth not any notable time . For even Flame it selfe is not thus , out of his owne proper Nature ; But because it liveth amongst Enemies . For Flame , within Flame , endureth . Now the Living Spirit , liveth amongst Friends , and all due Obsequiousnesse . So then , as Flame is a Momentany Substance ; Aire a Fixed Substance ; The Living Spirit is betwixt both .

Touching the Extinguishing of the Spirit , by the Destruction of the Organs , ( which is caused by Diseases , and Violence , ) 〈◊〉 inquire not now ; As wee foretold in the Beginning ; Although that also endeth in the same three Porches . And touching the Forme of Death it selfe , thus much .

29 There are two great Forerunners of Death ; The one sent from the Head , the other from the Heart ; 〈◊〉 , and the Extreme Labour of the Pulse . For as for the Deadly Hiccough , it is a Kinde of 〈◊〉 . But the Deadly Labour of the Pulse , hath that unusuall Swiftnesse ; Because the Heart , at the point of Death , doth so tremble , that the Systole , and Diastole , thereof , are almost consounded . There is also conjoyned in the Pulse , aweaknesse , and Lownesse , and oftentimes a great Intermission ; Because the Motion of the Heart faileth ; And is not able to rise against the Assault , stoutly , or constantly .

30 The Immediate preceding Signes of Death , are ; Great Vnquietnesse , and Tossing in the Bed ; Fumbling with the Hands ; Catching , and Grasping hard ; Gnashing with the Teeth ; Speaking hollow ; Trembling of the Neather Lip ; Palenesse of the Face ; The Memory confused ; Speechlesnesse ; Cold Sweats ; The Body shooting in Length ; Lifting up the White of the Eye ; Changing of the whole Visage ; ( As , the Nose sharp , Eyes Hollow , Cheekes fallen ; ) Contraction , and Doubling of the Tongue , Coldnesse in the Extreme Parts of the Body ; In some , shedding of Bloud , or Sperme ; Shriking ; Breathing thick , and short ; Falling of the Neather Chap ; And such like .

31 There follow Death ; A Privation , of all Sense , and Motion ; As well of the Heart , and Arteries ; As of the Nerves , and Joynts ; An Inability of the Body , to support it selfe uprigh ; Stifnesse of the Nerves , and Parts ; Extreme Coldnesse of the whole Body ; After a little while , Patrefaction , and Stinking .

32 Eeles , Serpents , and the Insecta , will move a long time , in every part , after they are cut asunder ; Insomuch , that Countrey People think , that the Parts strive to joyne together againe . Also Birds will flutter a great while , after their Heads are pulled off : And the Hearts of Living Creatures will pant a long time , after they are plucked out . I remember , I have seene the Heart of one that was bowelled ; As suffering for High Treason ; That being cast into the Fire , leaped , at the first , at least , a Foot and Halfe in Heighth ; And after , by degrees , lower and lower ; For the space , as we rememher ber , of seven , or eight Minutes . There is also an ancient , and credible Tradition , of an Oxe Lowing , after the 〈◊〉 were plucked out . But there is a more certaine Tradition , of a Man ; who being under the Executioners Hand , for High Treason ; After his Heart was plucked out , and in the Executioners Hand ; Was heard to utter , three or foure words of Prayer : which therefore , we said to be more credible , than that of the Oxe in Sacrifice ; Because the Friends of the partie suffering , do usually give a Reward to the Executioner ; To dispatch his Office with the more speed ; That they may the sooner bee rid of their Paine ; But in Sacrifices , wee see no Cause , why the Priest should bee so speedy in his Office .

33 For Reviving those againe , which fall into sudden Swownings , and Catalepses , or Astonishments : ( In which Fits , many , without present Help , would utterly expire ; ) These Things are used ; Putting into their Mouths , water , distilled of Wine , which they call Hot Waters , and Cordiall Waters ; Bending the Body Forwards ; Stopping the Mouth , and Nosthrils , hard ; Bending , or Wringing the Fingers ; Pulling the Haires , of the Beard , or Head ; Rubbing of the Parts , especially , the Face , and Legs ; sudden Casting of Cold Water upon the Face ; shreeking out aloud , and suddenly ; Putting Rose-water , to the Nosthrils , with Vinegar , in Faintings ; Burning of Feathers , or Cloth , in the Suffocation of the Mother ; But especially , a Frying Pan , heated red hot , is good in Apoplexies ; Also a Close Embracing of the Body , hath helped some .

There have beene many Examples of Men , in shew , Dead ; Either laid out upon the Cold Floare ; Or carried sorth to 〈◊〉 ; Nay , of some Buried in the Earth ; which notwithstanding have lived againe ; which hath beene found , in those that were buried ; ( The Earth being afterwards opened , ) By the Bruising , and Wounding of their Head , through the strugling of the Body , within the Coffin : Whereof the most Recent , and Memorable Example , was that of Ioannes Scotus , Called the Subtile , and a Schooleman , who being digged up againe by his Servant , unfortunately absent at his Buriall ; ( And who knew his Masters Manner in such Fits ; ) Was found in that State . And the like happended in our Dayes , in the Person of a Player , buried at Cambridge . I remember to have heard of a certaine Gentleman ; That would needs make Triall , in Curiositie , what men did feele that were hanged ; So hee fastened the Cord about his Necke , raising himselfe upon a Stoole , and then letting himselfe fall ; Thinking it should bee in his power , to recover the Stoole at his pleasure ; which he failed in ; But was helped by a Friend , then present . He was asked afterward , what he felt ? He said ; Hee felt no paine ; But first , he thought , he saw before his Eyes , a great Fire , and Burning ; Then hee thought , he saw all Black , and Darke : Lastly , it turned to a pale Blew , or Sea-water-Greene ; which Colour is also often seene by them which fall into Snownings . I have heard also , of a Physician , yet Living ; Who recovered a Man to Life , which had hanged Himselfe ; And had hanged halfe an Houre ; By Frications , and Hot Baths : And the same Physician did professe , that he made no doubt , to recover any Man , that had hanged so long , so his Neck were not broken with the first Swing .

The Differences of Youth , and Old Age.

1 THe Ladder of Mans Bodie , To the 16. Article . is this . To be Conceived ; To be Quickned in the Wombe ; To bee Borne ; To Sucke ; To be Weaned ; To Feed upon Pap ; To Put forth Teeth , the First time about the Second yeare of Age ; To Begin to goe ; To Begin to speake ; To Put forth Teeth , the Second time , about seven years of Age ; To come to Pubertie , about twelve , or fourteene yeares of Age ; To be Able for Generation , and the Flowing of the Menstrua ; To have Haires about the Legges , and Arme-holes ; To Put forth a Beard ; And thus long , and sometimes later , to Grow in Stature ; To come to full years of Strength and Agility ; To grow Gray , and Bild ; The Ceasing of the Menstrua , and Ability to Generation ; To grow Decrepit , and a Monster with Three Legs ; To Die . Meane while , the Mind also , hath certaine Periods ; But they cannot be described by yeares ; As to decay in the Memory , and the like ; Of which hereafter .

2 The Differences of Youth and Old Age , are these . As Young Mans Skin is Smooth , and Plaine ; An Old Mans , Dry and Wrinkled ; Especially about the Forchead and Eyes : A young Mans Flesh is Tender and Soft ; An old Mans , Hard : A young Man hath Strength , and Agilitie ; An old Man , feeles Decay , in his Strength , and is Slow of Motion : A young Man hath good Disgestion ; An old Man , Bad : A young Mans Bowells , are Soft , and Succulent : An old Mans , Sale , and Parched : A young Mans Body is Erect , and Straight ; An Old Mans , Bowing , and Crooked ; A young Mans Limbs are steady ; An old Mans , Weake , and Trembling : The Humors in a young Man , are Cholerick , and his Bloud inclined to Heat ; In an old Man , Phlegmatick and Melancholick , and his Bloud inclined to Cold nesse : A young Man Readie for the Act of Venus ; An old Man Slow unto it : In a young Man , the Iuyces of his Bodie are more Roscide ; In an old Man , more Crude , and watrish : The Spirit , in a young Man , Plentifull and Boyling ; In an old man , Scarce and Iejune : A young Mans Spirit is Dense , and Vigorous ; An old Mans Eager and Rare ; A young Man hath his Sens's , Quicke , and Entire ; An old Man , Dull and Decayed : A young Mans Teeth , are Strong , and Entire ; An old Mans Weak , worne , and Falling out : A young Mans Haire is Coloured ; An old Mans , of what Colour soever it were , Gray : A young Man hath Haire ; An old Man Baldnesse : A young Mans Pulse , is Stronger and Quicker ; An old Mans , more Confused , and Slower : The Diseases of young Men are more Acute , and Curable ; Of old Men , Longer , and Hard to Cure : A young Mans Wounds soone Close ; An old Mans , Later : A young Mans Checkes , are of a Fresh Colour ; An old Mans , Pale , or with a Black Bloud : A young Man is lesse troubled with Rbeumes ; An old Man , More : Neither do we know in what Things old Men do improve , as touching their Body , save only sometimes in Fatnesse : Whereof the Reason is soone given ; Because old Mens Bodies doe neither Perspire well , nor assimilate well ; Now Fatnesse is Nothing else , but an Exuberance of Nourishment , above that which is voyded by Excrement ; Or which is perfectly Assimilated . Also , some old Men improve in the Appetite of Feeding , by reason of the Acide Humours ; Though old Men Disgest worse . And all these Things , which we have said , Physicians , negligently enough , will referre to the Diminution of the Naturall Heat , and Ridicall Moisture ; Which are Things of no worth for use . This is certaine , Drinesse in the Comming on of yeares , doth foregoe Coldnesse : And Bodies , when they come to the Top , and Strength of Heat , doe decline to 〈◊〉 ; And after that followes Coldnesse .

3 Now we are to consider the Affections of the Mind . I remember , when I was a young Man , at Poictiers , in France , I conversed familiarly , with a certaine French-man ; A witty Young Man , but something Talkative ; Who afterwards grew to bee a very eminent Man : Hee was wont to inveigh against the Manners of Old Men ; And would say , That if their Mindes could be seene , as their Bodies are , they would appeare no lesse deformed . Besides , being in Love with his owne Wit , he would maintaine ; That the Vices of old Mens Minds , had some correspondence , and were Paralell , to the Imperfections of their Bodies : For the Drinesse of their Skin , hee would bring in Impudence ; For the Hardnesse of their Bowels , Vnmercifulnesse ; For the Lippitude of their Eyes , an Evill Eye , and Envie ; For the Casting downe of their Eyes , and Bowing their Body towards the Earth , Atheisme ; ( For , saith he , they looke no more up to Heaven , as they were wont ; ) For the Trembling of their Members , Irresolution of their Decrees , and Light Inconstancie ; For the Bending of their Fingers , as it were , to catch , Rapacitie , and Covetousnesse ; For the Backling of their Knees , Fearfulnesse ; For their Wrinkles , Craftinesse , and Obliquity ; And other things , which I have forgotten . But to be serious . A young Man , is Modest , and Shamefast ; An old Mans Forehead is Hardned : A young Man is full of Bounty and Mercie ; An old Mans Heart is Brawnie : A young Man is affected with a Laudable Emuletion ; An old Man , with a Malignant Envie : A young man is inclined to Religion , and Devotion , by reason of his Fervencie , and Inexperience of Evill ; An old Man Coolerb in Piety , through the Coldnesse of his Charity , and long Conversation in Evill ; And likewise , through the Difficultie of his Beleefe : A young Mans Desires are Vehement ; An old Mans , Moderate : A young Man is Light , and Moveable ; An old Man , more Grave and Constant : A young Man is 〈◊〉 to Liberality , and Beneficence , and Humanitie ; An old Man to Covetousnesse , Wisdome for his owne selfe , and Seeking his owne 〈◊〉 : A young Man is Confident , and Full of Hope ; An old Man Diffident , and Given to suspect most Things : A young Man is Gentle , and Obsequious ; An old Man Froward and Disdainfull : A young man is Sincere and Open-Hearted ; An old Man Cautelous , and Close : A young Man is given to Desire great Things ; An old Man , to Regard Things Necessary : A young Man thinkes well of the Present Times ; An old Man , Preferreth Times-past before them : A young Man Reverenceth his Superiours ; An old Man is more Forward to tax them : And many other Things , which pertaine rather to Manners , than to the present Inquisition . Notwithstanding , old Men , as in some things , they improve in their Bodies , so also in their Mindes ; Unlesse they be altogether out of Date . Namely ; That as they are lesse apt for Invention , so they excell in Iudgement ; And prefer Safe Things , and Sound Things , before Specious ; Also they improve in Garrulity , and Ostentation ; For they seeke the Fruit of Speech , while they are lesse able for Action ; So as it was not absurd , that the Poets fained , Old Tithon , to be turned into a Grashopper .

Moveable Canons , of the Duration of Life , and Forme of Death .

Canon 1.

COnsumption is not caused , unlesse that , which bet departed with by one Body , passeth into another .

The Explication .

THere is , in Nature , no Annihilation , or Reducing to Nothing : Therefore that which is consumed ; is either resolved into Aire , or turned into some Body Adjacent . So wee see a Spider , or Fly , or Ant , in Amber , ( Entombed in a more stately Monument than Kings are , ) to be laid up for Eternitie ; Although they bee but tender Things , and soone dissipated . But the mattter is this ; That there is no Aire by , into which they should be resolved ; And the Substance of the Amber is so Heterogeneous , that it receives Nothing of them . The like we conceive would be , if a Stick , or Root , or some such thing , were Buried in Quicksilver . Also wax , and Honey , and 〈◊〉 , have the same Operation , but In part only .

Canon II.

THere is in every Tangible body a Spirit , Covered and encompassed with the Grosser Parts of the Body ; And from it , all Consumption , and Dissolution , hath the Beginning .

The Explication .

NO Body known unto us , here in the Vpper Part of the Earth , is without a Spirit ; Either by Attenuation , and 〈◊〉 , from the Heat of the Heavenly Bodies ; Or by some other way . For the Concavities of Tangible Things , receive not Vaccum , But either Aire , or the proper Spirit of the Thing . And this Spirit . where of we speak , is not some Vertue , or Energie , or Act , or Trifle ; But plainly a Body , Rare and Invisible ; Notwithstanding , Circumscribed by place , Quantitative , Reall : Neither againe , is that Spirit Aire , ( no more than Wine is Water ; ) But a Body Rarified , of kin to Aire , though much different from it . Now the Grosser Parts of Bodies , ( being Dull Things , and not apt for Motion , ) would last a long time ; But the Spirit is that , which troubleth , and plucketh , and undermineth them ; And converteth the Moisture of the Body , and whatsoever it is able to disgest , into new Spirit : And then , as well the Prae-existing Spirit of the Bodie , as that newly made , flye away together by Degrees . This is best seene by the Dimination of the Weight , in Bodies dryed , through Perspiration . For neither , all that , which is issued forth , was Spirit , when the Body was Ponderous ; Neither was it Not Spirit , when it issued forth .

Canon III.

THe Spirit Issuing forth , Dryeth ; Detained , and working within , either Melteth , or Putrifieth , or Vivifieth .

The Explication .

THere are Foure Processes of the Spirit ; To Arefaction ; To Colliquation ; To Putrefaction ; To Generation of Bodies . Arefaction , is not the proper Worke of the Spirit , but of the Grosser Parts , after the Spirit issued forth : For then they contract themselves , partly by their Flight of Vacuum , partly , by the Vnion of Homogeneals ; As appeares in all Things , which are Arified by Age ; And in the Drier Sort of Bodies , which have passed the Fire ; As 〈◊〉 , Charocoales , Bread . Colliquation , is the meere Work of the Spirits ; Neither is it done , but when they are excited by Heat : For then , the Spirits , dilating themselves , yet not getting forth ; Do insinuate , and disperse themselves , amongst the Grosser Parts ; And so make them Soft , and apt to Run , As it is , in Metals , and Wax : For Metals , and all Tenacious Things , are apt to inhibite the Spirit , that , being excited , it iffueth not forth . 〈◊〉 is a Mixed work of the Spirits , and of the Grosser Parts : For the Spirit , ( which before restrained . and bridled the Parts of the Thing , ) being partly issued forth , and partly Enfeebled ; All things in the Body doe Dissolve , andreturne to their Homogeneities ; Or , ( if you will , ) to their Elements : That which was Spirit in it , is congregated to it selfe ; whereby things Patrified , begin to have an ill Savour : The Oyly Parts to Themselves ; Whereby Things Putrified , have that Slipperinesse , and Vnctuositie : The Wairyparts also to themselves : The Dregs to Themselves : Whence followeth that Confusion , in Bodies putrified . But Generation , or Vivification , is a Worke also mixed , of the Spirit , and Grosser parts , but in a far different Manner : For the Spirit is totally detained , but it swelleth , and moveth locally ; And the Grosser Parts are not dissolved ; But follow the Motion of the Spirit , and are , as it were , blowne out by it , and extruded into divers figures ; From whence commeth that Generation , and Organization : And therefore , Vivification is alwayes done in a Matter Tenacious , and Clammie : And againe , Yeelding and Soft ; That there may bee both a Detention of the Spirit ; And also a gentle Cession of the Parts , according as the Spirit formes them . And this is seene in the Matter , as well of all Vegetables , as of Living Creatures ; whether they be engendred of Putrefaction , or of Sperme : For in all these Things , there is manifestly seene a Matter , hard to breake thorow , easie to yeeld .

Canon . IV.

IN all Living Creatures , there are two Kindes of Spirits ; Livelesse Spirits , such as are in Bodies Inanimate ; And a Vitall Spirit superadded .

The Explication .

IT was said before ; That to procure long Life , the Body of Man must be considered ; First , as Inanimate , and not Repaired by Nourishment : Secondly , as Animate , and Repaired by Nourishment : For the Former Consideration , gives Lawes touching Consumption ; The latter , touching Reparation . Therefore we must know ; That there are in Humane Flesh , Bones , Membranes , Organs ; Finally , in all the parts , such Spirits diffused in the substance of them , while they are alive ; As there are in the same Things ; ( Flesh , Bones , Membranes , and the Rest ; ) Separated , and Dead ; Such as also remaine in a Carkase : But the Vitall Spirit , although it tuleth them , and hath some Consent with them , yet it is farre differing from them ; Being integrall , and subsisting by it selfe . Now there are two especiall Differences , betwixt the Livelesse Spirits , and the Vitall Spirits : The one , that the Livelesse Spirits , are not continued to Themselves ; But are , as it were , cut off ; And encompassed with a Grosse Body , which intercepts them ; As Aire is mixt in Snow , or Froth : But the Vitall Spirit is all continued to it selfe , by certaine Conduit Pipes , through which it passeth , and is not totally intercepted . And this Spirit is twofold also ; The one Branched onely , passing through small Pipes , and , as it were , Strings : The other hath a Cell also ; So as it is not onely continued to it selfe , but also Congregared in an Hollow Space , in reasonable good Quantity , according to the Analogie of the Body ; And in that Cell is the Fountaine of the Rivulers , which branch from thence . That Cell is , chiefly , in the Ventricles of the Braine ; Which , in the Ignobler sort of Creatures , are but Narrow ; Insomuch , that the Spirits in them , seeme scattered over their whole Body , rather than Celled : As may be seene in Serpents , Eels , and Flies ; whereof , every of their parts move long after they are cut asunder . Birds also leape a good while after their Heads are pulled off ; Because they have little Heads , and little Cels : But the Nobler sort of Creatures , have those Ventricles larger : And Man the largest of all . The other Difference betwixt the Spirits , is ; That the Vitall Spirit , hath a Kinde of Enkindling ; And is like a Winde or Breath , compouuded of Flame and Aire , As the Juyces of Living Creatures , have both Oyle and Water . And this Enkindling ministreth peculiar Motions and Faculties : For the Smoke , which is inflammable , even before the Flame conceived , is Hot , Thin , and Moveable ; And yet it is quite another Thing , after it is become Flame : But the Enkindling of the Vitall Spirits , is , by many Degrees , gentler than the softest Flame ; As of Spirit of Wine , or otherwise : And besides , it is in great part mixed with an Aeriall Substance ; That it should be a Mystery or Miracle , both of a Flammcous , and Aereous Nature .

Canon V.

THe Naturall Actions , are proper to the Severall Parts ; But it is the Vitall Spirit , that excites , and sharpens them .

The Explication .

THe Actions , or Functions , which are in the severall Members , follow the Nature of the Members Themselves , ( Attraction , Retention , Disgestion , Assimilation , Separation , Excretion , Perspiration . Even Sense it selfe ; ) According to the Proprietie of the severall Organs ; ( The Stomach , Liver , Heart , Spleene , Gall , Braine , Eye , Eare , and the rest . ) Yet none of these Actions would ever have beene actuated , but by the Vigour , and Presence , of the Vitall Spirit , and 〈◊〉 thereof : As one Iron would not have drawne another Iron , unlesse it had beene excited by the Load-stone ; Nor an Egge would ever have brought forth a Bird ; unlesse the Substance of the Hen had beene actuated by the Treading of the Cock.

Canon VI.

THe Livelesse Spirits are next Consubstantiall to Aire ; The Vitall Spirits , approach more to the Subsiance of Flame .

The Explication .

THe Explication of the precedent Fourth Canon , is also a Declaration of this present Canon : But yet further , from hence it is ; That all Fat , and Oyly Things , continue long in their Being ; For neither doth the 〈◊〉 much pluck them ; Neither doe they much desire to 〈◊〉 Themselves with Aire . As for that Conceit , it is altogether vaine ; That Flame should bee Aire set on Fire . Seeing Flame , and Aire , are no lesse Heterogeneall , than 〈◊〉 and Water . But whereas , it is said , in the Canon , That the Vitall Spirits , approach more to the Substance of Flame , It must bee understood , that they doe this more , than the Livelesse Spirits ; Not that they are more Flamy , than Airy .

Canon VII .

THe Spirit hath two Defires : One , of Multiplying it selfe ; The other , of Flying forth , and Congregating it selfe with the Connaturals .

The Explication .

THe Canon is understood of the Livelesse Spirits : For as for the second Desire , the Vitall Spirit , doth most of all abhorre , Flying forth of the Body ; For it findes no Connaturals , here below , to joyne withall . Perhaps , it may sometimes flye to the outward Parts of the Body , to meet that which it loveth ; But the Flying forth , as I said , it abhorreth . But in the Livelesse Spirits , each of these two Desires holdeth . For to the I ormer this belongeth ; Every Spirit , seated amongst the Grosser Parts , dwelleth unhappily ; And therefore , when it findes not a Like unto it selfe , it doth so much the more labour , to create , and make a Like : As being in agreat Solitude ; And endevours earnestly ; To Multiply it selfe ; And to prey upon the Volatile of the Grosser Parts ; That it may be increased in Quantitie . As for the Second 〈◊〉 of Flying forth , And Betaking it selfe to the Aire ; It is certain , that all Light Things , ( which are ever Moveable , ) doe willingly goe unto their Likes , neare unto them : As a Drop of water is carried to a Drop ; Flame to Flame : But much more is this done , in the Flying forth of Spirit , into the Aire Ambient ; Because , it is not carried to a Particle , like unto it selfe , but also as unto the Globe , of the Connaturals . Meane while , this is to be noted ; That the Going forth , and Flight , of the Spirit into Aire , is a redoubled Action ; Partly , out of the Appetite of the Spirit ; Partly , out of the Appetite of the Aire : For the Common Aire is a Needy Thing ; And receiveth all Things greedily ; As Spirits , Odours , Beams , Sounds , and the like .

Canon VIII .

Spirit Detained , if it have no possibilitie of begetting new Spirit , intenerateth the Grosser Parts .

The Explication .

GEneration of new Spirit , is not accomplished , but upon those Things , which are , in some Degree , neare to Spirit : Such as are Humide Bodies . And therefore if the Grosser parts , ( amongst which the Spirit converseth , ) be in a remote Degree , although the Spirit cannot convert them , yet , ( as much as it can , ) it weakeneth , and softeneth , and subdueth them ; That seeing it cannot increase in Quantitie , yet it will dwell more at large , and live amongst good Neighbours , and Friends . Now this Aphorisme is most usefull to our End ; Because , it tendeth to the Inteneration of the Obstinate Parts , by the Detention of the Spirit .

Canon IX .

THe Inteneration , of the Harder Parts , commeth to good effect , when the Spirit neither Flyeth forth , nor begetteth new Spirit .

The Explication .

THis Canon , solveth the Knot , and Difficultie , in the Operation of Intenerating , by the Detention of the Spirit . For if the Spirit , not flying forth , wasteth all within , there is Nothing gotten , to the Inteneration of the Parts , in their Subsistence ; But rather they are dissolved , and Corrupted . Therefore together with the Detention , the Spirits ought to bee cooled , and restrained , that they may not be too Active .

Canon X.

THe Heat of the Spirit , to keepe the Body , Fresh , and Green , ought to be Robust , 〈◊〉 Eager .

The Explication .

ALso this Canon pertaineth , to the solving of the knot 〈◊〉 ; But it is of a much larger Extent . For it fetteth downe , of what Temporament , the Heat in the Body , ought to be , for the 〈◊〉 of Long Life : Now this is usefull , whether the Spirits bee 〈◊〉 , or whether they be not . For howsoever , the Heat of the Spirits must bee such , as it may rather turne it selfe , upon the Hard Parts , than waste the Soft ; For the one Desiccateth , the other Intenerateth . Besides , the same Thing is available , to the well perfecting of Assimilation ; For such an Heat , doth excellently excite the Facultie of 〈◊〉 ; And withall , doth excellently prepare the Matter , to be Assimilated . Now the Properties of this kinde of Heat , ought to be these . First , that it bee Slow , and heat not Suddenly : Secondly , that it be not very Intense , but Moderate : Thirdly , that it be Equall ; Not Incomposed ; Namely , Intending , and Remitting it selfe : Fourthly , that if this Heat , meet any Thing to resist it , it bee not easily suffocated , or languish . This Operation is exceeding subtile , but seeing it is one , of the most usefull , it is not to be deserted . Now , in those Remedies , ( which we propounded , to invest the Spirits , with a Robust Heat ; Or , that which we call , Operative , not Predatory ; ) wee have , in some sort , satisfied this Matter .

Canon XI .

THe Condensing , of the Spirits , in their Substance , is available to long Life .

The Explication .

THis Canon is subordinate to the next precedent : For the Spirit Condensed , receiveth all those foure properties of Heat , whereof wee spake : But the wayes of Condensing them , are set downe , in the first , of the Ten Operations .

Canon XII .

THe Spirit , in great Quantity hasteneth more to Flying forth , and preyeth upon the Body more , than it small Quantitie .

The Explication .

THis Canon is cleare , of it selfe , Seeing meer Quantitie , doth regularly increase Vertue . And it is to be seene in Flames ; That the bigger they are , the stronger they breake forth , and the more speedily they consume . And therefore , over great 〈◊〉 , or Exuberance of the Spirits , is altogether Hurtfull to Long Life : Neither need one wish a greater store of Spirits , than what is sufficient , for the Function of Life , and the Office of a good Reparation .

Canon XIII .

THe Spirit equally dispersed , maketh lesse Haste to flye forth , and preyeth lesse upon the Body , than unequally placed .

The Explication .

NOt onely Abundance of Spirits , in respect of the whole , is hurtfull to the Duration of Things ; But also the same Abundance , unevenly placed , is , in like manner , hurtfull : And therefore , the more the Spirit is shred , and inserted by small portions , the lesse it preyeth : For Dissolution ever beginneth at that part , where the Spirit is looser . And therefore , both Exercise , and Frications , conduce much to Long Life ; For Agitation , doth fineliest diffuse , and commix Things by small Portions .

Canon XIIII .

THe Inordinate , and Subsultorie , Motion of the Spirits , doth more hasten to Going forth , and doth prey upon the Body more , than the Constant , and Equall .

The Explication .

IN Inanimates this Canon holds for certaine ; For Inequality is the Mother of Dissolution ; But in Animates , ( Because , not only the Consumption is considered , but the Reparation ; And Reparation proceedeth by the Appetites of Things ; And Appetite is sharpened by varietie ; ) It holdeth not rigorously ; But it is so farre forth to be received ; That this Varietie , bee rather an Alternation , or Enterchange , than a Confusion ; And , as it were , Constant in Inconstancie .

Canon XV.

THe Spirit , in a Body , of a Solide Composure , is detained , though 〈◊〉 .

The Explication .

ALl Things doe abhorre a Solution of their Continuitie , But yet in proportion , to their Density , or Rarity : For the more Rare the Bodies be , the more doe they suffer Themselves , to be thrust into small , and narrow Passages ; For Water will goe into a passage , which Dust will not goe into ; And Aire , which Water will not goe into ; Nay Flame , and Spirit , which Aire will not goe into . Notwithstanding , of this Thing , there are some Bounds : For the Spirit is not so much transported , with the Desire of Going forth , that it will suffer it selfe to be too much discontinued ; Or be driven into over-strait pores and passages : And therefore if the Spirit bee encompassed with an Hard Body ; Or else with an Vnctuous , and Tenacious , ( which is not easily divided ; ) it is plainly Bound , and , as I may say , imprisoned ; And layeth downe the Appetite of Going out : Wherefore wee see , that Metals , and Stones , require a long Time , for their Spirit to goe forth ; Unlesse either the Spirit bee excited by the Fire ; Or the Grosser Parts bee dissevered with Corroding , and Strong waters . The like Reason is there , of Tenacious Bodies ; Such as are Gums ; Save only that they are melted by a more gentle Hear . And therefore , the 〈◊〉 of the Body hard , a Close and Compact skin , and the like ; ( which are procured , by the Drynesse of the Aliment , and by Exercise , and by the Coldnesse of the Aire ; ) Are good for long Life ; Because they detaine the Spirit in close Prison , that it goeth not forth .

Canon XVI .

IN Oyly , and Fat , Things , the Spirit is detained willingly , though they be not Tenacious .

The Explication .

THe Spirit , if it be not irritated , by the Antipathy , of the Body enclosing it ; Nor fed by the over-much Likenesse of that Body ; Nor sollicited , or invited , by the Externall Body ; It makes no great stir , to get out : All which are wanting to Oyly Bodies : For they are neither so pressing upon the Spirits , as Hard Bodies ; Nor so Neare as Watry Bodies ; Neither have they any good Agreement with the Aire Ambient .

Canon XVII .

THe Speedy flying forth of the Watry Humour , conserves the Oyly , the longer in his Being .

The Explication .

WE said before , that the Watry Humours , as being Consubstantiall to the Aire , flye forth soonest ; The Oyly , later , as having small Agreement , with the Aire : Now whereas these two Humours are in most Bodies , it comes to passe , that the watry , doth , in a sort , betray the Oyly ; For that Issuing forth insensibly , carrieth this together with it . Therefore , there is Nothing , that more furthereth the Conservation of Bodies , than a gentle Drying of them ; which causeth the Watry Humour to expire , and inviteth not the Oyly ; For then the Oyly enjoyeth the proper Nature . And this tendeth not only to the Inhibiting of Putrefaction , ( Though that also followeth , ) but to the Conservation of Greennesse . Hence it is , that Gentle Frications , and Moderate Exercises , causing rather Perspiration , than Sweating , conduce much to long Life .

Canon XVIII .

AIre excluded , conftrreth to long Life , if 〈◊〉 Inconveniences be avoyded .

The Explication .

WEe said a little before ; That the Flying forth of the Spirit , is a Redoubled Action ; From the Appetite , of the Spirit , and of the Aire : And therefore , if either of these bee taken out of the way , there is not a little galned . Notwithstanding , divers Inconveniences follow hereupon ; Which , how they may bee prevented , wee have shewed , in the second , of our ten Operations .

Canon XIX .

YOuthfull Spirits iuserted into an Old Body , might soone 〈◊〉 Natures Course back againe .

The Explication .

THe Nature of the Spirits , is as the uppermost wheele , which turneth about the other wheeles , in the Body of Man . And therefore , in the Intention of Long Life , that ought to be first placed . Hereunto may bee added ; That there is an Easier , and more Expedite way , to alter the Spirits , than to other Operations . For the Operation upon the Spirits , is twofold ; The one , by Aliments , which is Slow , and , as it were , about ; The other , ( and that Twofold , ) which is sudden , and goeth directly to the Spirits ; Namely , by Vapours , or by the Affections .

Canon XX.

JUyces of the Body , Hard , and Roscide , are good for long Life .

The Explication .

THe Reason is plaine ; Seeing wee shewed before ; That Hard Things , and Oyly or Roscide , are hardly dissipated . Notwithstanding , there is this Difference , ( As wee also noted in the Tenth Operation , ) That Iuyce somewhat Hard is indeed lesse Dissipable , but then it is withall lesse Reparable . Therefore a Convenience is interlaced with an Inconvenience ; And for this Cause , no wonderfull Matter will be atchieved by this . But Roscide Iuyce , will admit both Operations . Therefore this would be principally 〈◊〉 .

Canon XXI .

WHatsoever is of Thin Parts , to penetrate ; And yet hath no Acrimonie , 〈◊〉〈◊〉 ; Begetteth Roscide Juyces .

The Explication .

THis 〈◊〉 is more Hard to Practise , than to understand . For it is 〈◊〉 ; Whatsoever 〈◊〉 well , but yet with a sting , or 〈◊〉 ; ( As doe all Sharp , and Soure , Things , ) It leaveth behinde 〈◊〉 wheresoever it goeth , some Mark , or Print , of Drynesse , 〈◊〉 Cleaving ; So that it 〈◊〉 the Iuyces , and 〈◊〉 the parts . Contrarily , whatsoever Things penetrate through their Thinnesse meerly , as it were by stealth , and by way of Insinuation , without violence ; They bedew , and water , in their passage : Of which sort , wee have recounted many , in the fourth , and seventh Operations .

Canon XXII .

ASsimilation 〈◊〉 best 〈◊〉 when all Locall Motion , is suspended .

The Explication .

THis Canon , we have sufficiently explained in our Discourse , 〈◊〉 the 〈◊〉〈◊〉

Canon XXIII .

ALIMENTATION from without , at least some other way than by the Stomach , is most profitable for long Life , if it can be done .

The Explication .

WE see , that all Things , which are done by Nutrition , aske a long time ; But those , which are done by Embracing of the like , ( As it is in Infusions , ) require no long time . And therefore , Alimentation from without , would be of principall use ; And so much the more , because the 〈◊〉 of 〈◊〉 , decay in old Age ; So that , if there could be some ; Auxiliary Natritions ; By Bathings , Vnctions , or else by Clysters ; These Things , in Conjunction , might doe much , which Single , are lesse Available .

Canon XXIIII .

WHere the Concoction is weake , to thrust forth the Aliment ; There the outward Parts should be strengthened , to call forth the Aliment .

The Explication .

THat which is propounded in this Canon , is not the same Thing with the former ; For it is one Thing , for the Outward Aliment , to bee attracted inward ; Another for the Inward Aliment , to bee attracted Outward : yet herein they concur , that they both help the weaknesse of the 〈◊〉〈◊〉 though by divers wayes .

Canon XXV .

ALL sudden Renovation of the Body , is wrought ; Either by the Spirits ; Or by Malacissations .

The Explication .

THere are two Things , in the Body ; Spirits , and Parts ; To both these , the way by Nutrition , is long , and about ; But it is a short way , to the Spirits , by Vapours , and by the Affections ; And to the Parts , by Malacissations : But this is dillgently to be noted ; That by no meanes , wee 〈◊〉 Alimentation from 〈◊〉 , with Malacissation : For the Intention of Malacissation , is not to nourish the Parts ; But onely to make them more fit to bee nourished .

Canon XXVI .

MAlacissation is wrought , by Consubstantials ; By Imprinters ; 3 And by Closers up .

The Explication .

THe Reason is manifest ; For that Consubstantials doe properly supple the Body ; 〈◊〉 doe carry in ; Closers up doe retaine , and bridle the Perspiration , which is a Motion opposite to Malacissation . And therefore , ( as we described in the Ninth Operation , ) Malacissation cannot well be done at once ; But in a Course or Order . First , by Excluding the Liquour , by Thickners ; For an Outward , and grosse Infusion , doth not well compact the Body ; That which entreth , must be Subtile , and a Kinde of Vapour . Secondly , by Intenerating , by the Consent of Cousubstantials : For Bodies , upon the touch of those Things , which have good agreement with them , open themselves , and relax their Pores . Thirdly , Imprinters are Convoyes , and insi nuate into the Parts , the Consubstantials ; And the Mixture of Gentle Astringents , doth somewhat restraine the Perspiration . But then , in the 〈◊〉 place , followes that 〈◊〉 Astriction , and Closure up of the Body , by 〈◊〉 ; And then afterward , by 〈◊〉 ; Untill the Supple be 〈◊〉 into Solide ; As wee said in the proper place .

Canon XXVII .

FRequent Renovation of the Parts Reparable , watereth and reneweth the lesse Reparable also .

The Explication .

WE said in the Preface to this History ; That the Way of Death , was this ; That the Parts Reparable , died in the Fellowship of the Parts lesse Reparable ; So that in the Reparation of these same lesse Reparable Parts , all our Forces would bee employed . And therefore , being admonished by Aristotles Observation , touching Plants ; Namely ; That the putting forth of new Shoots and Branches , refresheth the Body of the Tree , in the Passage ; Wee conceive , the like Reason might be ; If the Flesh and bloud , in the Body of Man , were often renewed ; That thereby , the Bones themselves , and Membranes , and other Parts , which in their owne Nature , are Lesse Reparable ; Partly by the cheerefull Passage of the Iuyees ; Partly by that new Clouthing of the young Flesh and Bloud ; Might be Watred and Renewed .

Canon XXVIII .

REfrigeration , or Cooling of the Body , which passeth some other wayes , then by the Stomach , is usefull for Long Life .

The Explication .

THe Reason is at hand ; For seeing a Refrigeration , not Temperate , but Powerfull , ( especially of the Bloud , ) is above all Things , necessary to long Life ; This can , by no means , be effected from within , as much as is requisite , without the Destruction of the Stomach and Bowels .

Canon XXIX .

THat Intermixing , or Entangling ; That as well Consumption , as Reparation , are the workes of Heat , is the greatest Obstacle to long Life .

The Explication .

ALmost all great workes are destroyed , by the Natures of Things , Intermixed ; when as that , which helpeth in one respect , hurteth in another : Therefore Men must proceed herein , by a sound Judgement , and a discreet Practice : For our Part , wee have done so , as farre as the matter will beare , and our Memory serveth us ; By Separating , Benigne Heats , from Hurtfull ; And the Remedies , which tend to both .

Canon XXX .

CUring of Diseases is effected by Temporary Medicines ; But Lengthening of Life requireth Observation of Diets .

The Explication .

THose things , which come by Accident , as soone as the Causes are removed , cease againe ; But the Continued Course of Nature , like a Running River , requires a continuall Rowing , and Sayling against the Streame . Therefore , we must worke regularly , by Diets . Now Diets are of two Kindes ; Set Diets , which are to be observed at certaine times ; And Familiar Diet , which is to be admitted into our Daily Repast : But the Set Diets are the more potent : That is ; A Course of Medicines , for a time : For those Things , which are of so great Vertue , that they are able to turne Nature backe againe ; Are , for the most part , more strong , and more speedily Altering , than those , which may , without danger , be received into a Continual use . Now in the Remedies , set downe in our Intentions ; You shall find only three Set Diets : The Opiate Diet ; The Diet Malacissant , or Suppling ; And the Diet Emaciant , and Renewing . But amongst those , which wee Prescribed for Familiar Diet , and to be used daily , the most efficacious are these that follow : Which also come not farre Short of the Vertue of Set Diets . Nitre , and the Subordinates to Nitre ; The Regiment of the Affections , and Course of our Life ; 〈◊〉 which passe not by the Stomach ; Drinkes Roscidating , or Eng ndring Oyly Iuyces ; Besprinkling of the Bloud with some Firmer Matter , as Pearles ; certaine Woods ; Competent Vnctions , to keepe out the Aire , and to keepe in the Spirit ; Heaters from without , during the Assimilation after Sleepe ; Avoiding of Those Things , which Enflame the Spirit , and put it into an Eager Heat , as Wine , and Spices : Lastly , a Moderate and Seasonable use of those Things , which endue the Spirits with a Robust Heat ; As Saffron , Cresses , Garlick , Elecampane , and Compound Opiates .

Canon XXXI .

THe Living Spirit is instantly extinguished , if it be deprived either of Motion ; or of Refrigeration ; Or of Aliment .

The Explication .

NAmely , these are those three , which before we called the Porches of Death ; And they are the Proper and Immediate Passions of the Spirit . For all the Organs of the principall parts , serve hereunto ; That these three Offices be performed ; and againe , all destruction of the Organs , which is Deadly , brings the Matter to this point , that one or more of these three faile . Therefore , all other Things are the divers Wayes to Death , but they end in these three . Now the Whole Fabricke of the Parts , is the Organ of the Spirit ; As the Spirit is the 〈◊〉 of the Reasonable Soule ; which is Incorporeous and Divine .

Canon XXXII .

FLame is a Momentany Substance ; Aire a Fixed ; The Living Spirit , in Creatures , is of a Middle Nature .

The Explication .

THis Matter stands in need both of an higher Indagation , and of a longer Explication , than is pertinent to the present Inquisition . Meane while , we must know this ; That Flame is almost every Moment generated and extinguished ; so that it is continued onely by succession : 〈◊〉 Aire is a Fixed Body , and is not Dissolved ; For though Aire begets new Aire , out of watry Moisture , yet notwithstanding the old Aire still remaines ; whence commeth that Super-Oneration of the Aire , where of we have spoken , in the Title , De Vent is : But Spirit is participant of both Natures ; both of Flame and Aire ; Even as the Nourishments thereof are ; Aswell Oyle , which is Homogeneous to Flame ; As Water , which is Homogeneous to Aire : For the Spirit is not 〈◊〉 , either of Oyly alone , or of Watry alone , but of both together ; And though Aire doth not agree well with Flame , nor Oyle with Water ; yet in a mixt Body they agree well enough . Also , the Spirit hath from the Aire , his Easie and Delicate Impressions , and yeeldings ; And from the Flame , his Noble and Potent Motions and Activities . In like manner , the Duration of Spirit , is a Mixed Thing ; Being neither so Momentany , as that of Flame ; Nor so Fixed , as that of Aire . And so much the rather it followeth not the Condition of Flame ; For that Flame it selfe is extinguished by Accident ; Namely , by Contraries , and Enemies environing it ; But Spirit is not subject to the like Conditions and Necessities . Now the Spirit is repaired , from the Lively and Floride Bloud of the small Arteries , which are inserted into the Braine ; But this Reparation is done by a peculiar Manner , of which we speake not now .

FINIS .

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