The whole aphorismes of great Hippocrates, prince of physicians translated into English for the benefit of such as are ignorant of the Greek & Latine tongs ; vvhereunto is annexed a short discourse of the nature & substance of the eye, with many excellent & approued remedies for the cure of most the diseases thereof ; with an exact table shewing the substance of every aphorism.

The Argument of the 1. Section .

THis first Section of Aphorismes dooth handle for the most part the Dietarie part of Physicke ; prescribing not onely the measure & obseruation in meates and drinks for sound bodies , but also for those bodies that are sicke and diseased , with a moderation also of labour and exercise .

Aphorisme . 1.

THe life of man is short , the Arte of Physicke long , occasion suddaine , experience vncertain , iudgement difficult . Neither is it sufficient that the Physicion do his office , vnlesse also the Patient , and those which are attendants about him doe their dutie , and that outward things bee as well ordered as those that are giuen inwardly .

[ 2 ]

In distempratures , loosnesse , flux of the bellie , and vomitings , which do come of their owne accorde ; if those things bee purged which ought to be purged , they are easily suffered , & are profitable : but if it bee otherwise it falleth out contrarie . In like sort if such an emptying of vessells be done as should be , it is well suffered : but otherwise it is hurtfull . Wherefore , discreet consideration is to be had , both of the region & the time , as also of the age and the qualitie of the disease for which such things ought to be euacuated , or else not .

[ 3 ]

The full habit and state of the bodies of wrestlers and Champions if it come to the highest degree of fulnesse is dangerous , for it cannot continue or remain in the same state : and when it cannot so remaine , nor growe into a better habit , it remayneth that it must needs decline into a worse . Wherefore that ouer-full plight of body must be speedily dissolued , to the end it may take a beginning of new nourishment : Neither must we proceed so far that the vessells be quite empty & voyd ( for that is dangerous ) but we must proceed so farre as Nature wil beare & tolerate . So , extream euacuations are perilous , & so again extream repletions are likewise dangerous .

[ 4 ]

A small & slender diet , in long & lingering diseases is alwaies dangerous : & so in sharp sicknesse when it is not conuenient . And againe diet reduced to extream slenderness is as ful of peril as extream repletion & fulness is laborious & painfull .

[ 5 ]

The sick may offend in a slender diet : for thereby it hapneth that they growe worse ; for euery error in this case is wont to prooue more daungerous , then should be . Wherfore a very slender diet and too precise is somwhat dangerous to a sound & healthfull bodie , because they endure the errors therof with more difficultie . Wherefore a thin & exact maner of diet for the most part is more dangerous then that which is a little more full and plentifull then should be .

[ 6 ]

To extream diseases extream and exquisite remedies are the best .

[ 7 ]

When therfore the disease is sharpe , & hath forthwith most extreame paines and passions , we must vse a most exceeding slender dyet when it is so : but in the contrarie wee may minister a fuller , and giue more nourishment : and as the disease shall decline wee may remit the manner of thinne dyet , by little and little , & giue the patient more meat .

[ 8 ]

When the force of the disease is greatest , then a most sparing diet is to bee kept and obserued .

[ 9 ]

But we must coniecture by the sicke-man , whether he be able to hold out , and persist with the prescribed diet , euen to the state and vttermost extreamitie of the disease , or may faint or faile , and being too weake with such diet may yeelde the victorie to the disease , before it retire & be quayled .

[ 10 ]

In diseases which shall come instantly to their state , we must instantlie administer slender diet , but in the which shal not come so soone to state , wee must a little diminish dyet : both in the time of the vigor , & extremitie , and also a little about the time of the fit : but before wee may allow more liberall diet , that the sicke man may bee able to holde out .

[ 11 ]

In fits and their fierce inuasions , we must take away meat ; for then to giue it , it is hurtfull : and when diseases do returne by circuit , or course , in the recourse of those fits wee must vse abstinence .

[ 12 ]

The diseases themselues , & the seasons of the yeer , & the obseruation of the proportion of the periods beween themselues , whether they bee made daily or by certaine daies returning by course , as the second or euery other day , or by greater distance of time , wil shew the sharp inuasions & state of the diseases . Likewise , signes & tokens are taken from those things which doe appeare afterwards . As for example , in a Plurisy , if the corrupt matter auoided by spitting doe presently appeare in the beginning , it declareth the disease shall be but short ; but if it bee longer before it do appeare it declareth to continewe longer . Moreouer vrines , the excrements of the belly and sweats doe declare and shew the diseases to proue either easie or difficult , short , or long .

[ 13 ]

Verie olde men do most easilie in dure fasting , and next to them those of middle age , young men not so wel , children worst of all ; and amongst them chiefly those which are of the more chearefull , quicke and liuely nature then the rest .

[ 14 ]

They which growe and increase haue great store of naturall heate : therfore because they neede plentifull and copious nourishment , we must aboundantly supply the same : otherwise the bodie is consumed . But in olde men there remaineth but little heate : therfore , they need not so much norishment to kindle the same , for a small fire is extinguished with aboundance of fewel : for that cause feuers which happen to olde folk are not so sharpe because their bodies are not so hoat .

[ 15 ]

The venters by nature are most hoat in winter and the spring time & the sleeping most long : wherfore at those seasons wee ought to afford most meat , because they haue most naturall heate : wherby it commeth to pass that they need more aboundant and plentifull food . Of which thing the differences of ages and the bodies of Champions and wrestlers are manifest arguments .

[ 16 ]

A moist diet is profitable to all perplexed with agues ; but especially to children & others which haue accustomed to vse such diet .

[ 17 ]

We must consider whom it may bee conuenient to feede once or twise , more , or lesse , and by little & little : we must attribute something to the season , region , ages and custome .

[ 18 ]

Sickely folke doe most hardly brook store of meat in sommer , in winter most easily , in the spring time not so easily .

[ 19 ]

Nothing must be giuen to them , neither must they bee constrayned to take meat which haue fits returning at certaine determined courses : but we ought to diminish foode before manifest tokens appeare to iudge of the disease .

[ 20 ]

We ought not to moue , alter , or change those things which are , or haue beene iustly determined by nature , either with medicines or other procurements , but to let them alone .

[ 21 ]

Carry those things which are to be drawne out , thither whither they shall seeme to incline , and bend , by such wayes and places fittest for conueiance & expulsion .

[ 22 ]

We must moue with medicine those things which are concocted & digested ; and not those things which are rawe and vndigested : Neither in the beginning of diseases vnlesse they be prouoked by their owne force and violence , which verie seldome commeth to passe .

[ 23 ]

Things euacuated and purged are not to be estimated by the multitude , but aduisedly to be considered if those things be auoided & sent forth which should & ought to be , and if also the Patient doe easily indure it . Also when it is needfull we must euacuate euen to souning & fainting of life , if the Patient be Meaning bloud-letting . able to indure it .

[ 24 ]

In sharpe diseases , and in their beginning we ought seldome to vse a purging medicine : Neither must it be done without great aduise & iudgement .

[ 25 ]

If those things be auoided and purged which should be , it doth good & the sick can easily suffer it : but if the contrarie be euacuated , they do painefully indure it .

The end of the first section of the Aphorisms . Now foloweth the second .

The Argument of the se cond Section of Aphorisms .

THIS second Section , of which the vniuersal and ful scope , or intention cannot well be assigned and set downe , hath many things appertayning to the Doctrine of Ages , Signes , Nature & purgation .

[ 1 ]

IF sleepe bring paine and labour in the disease , it is a mortall signe : but if it bring ease and mitigation of paine the signe is not deadly .

[ 2 ]

When a Delirium & rauing , is appeased by sleep it is a good signe .

[ 3 ]

Sleepe and watching , if they be immoderat & shal exceed a mean , are euill .

[ 4 ]

Neither satietie , neither hunger , neither anie other thing which shall exceede the measure of nature , can be good or healthfull .

[ 5 ]

Wearinesse and dulness proceeding of their owne accord do signifie diseases to come .

[ 6 ]

They which suffer pain of any part of the bodie , and doe not almost feele the paine haue their vnderstanding distempered and diseased .

[ 7 ]

Bodies extenuated and wasted with long sickness are to bee restored and refreshed by little and little : but those which haue been brought lowe quickly and in short time are sooner to be restored .

[ 8 ]

If any man eating meate after a sicknesse , doth not recouer strength ; it argueth his bodie is burdened and oppressed with too much store of food : But if the same happen to one feeding meanely , we must vnderstand that he hath need of euacuation .

[ 9 ]

By how much the more thou shalt nourish & cherish impure & corrupt bodies , by so much the more thou shalt harme and hurt them .

[ 10 ]

He which will purge bodies must make them fluxible and apt to flowe before .

[ 11 ]

It is more easie to be restored with drink than with meate .

[ 12 ]

Those things which are left behind after the Crysis in the bodie after sickness , they are wont to bring forth back-sliding diseases againe .

[ 13 ]

The night which goeth before the fitte and inuasion is wont to bee tedious and grieuous to them to whom the Crysis is caused , but the night following is wont to be more easie and light .

[ 10 ]

The alteration of the excrementes not made to the worse part , in the fluxes of the bellie is good .

[ 15 ]

When the vpper parts of the throate or gullet are sore , or a breaking out of wheales do arise in the bodie , it behooueth vs to look vpon the excrements : for if they shall be cholericke the bodie is also sick : but if they shall be like the excrements of sound persons the bodie may bee cherished without danger .

[ 16 ]

When hunger beareth swaie , wee must rest from much stirring or labour .

[ 17 ]

When ouermuch meate is receiued against nature , it causeth sicknesse : as the manner of curing diseases , proceeding from repletion doth declare .

[ 18 ]

The excretions and auoydings of excrements are wont to bee quick , if they come of those things which doe nourish speedily and plentifully .

[ 19 ]

Praedictions and foretellings of death or health in sharp diseases are not altogether certaine .

[ 20 ]

They which in young age haue their bellie moist and loose , in old age haue it drie and hard : and contrariwise they which beeing young men haue their wombe or bellie drie and costyue , being aged haue the same moyst and laxe .

[ 21 ]

Drinking of strong wine putteth away hunger .

[ 22 ]

Diseases which are bred of sacietie and surfeting are cured by euacuation : and those which proceed from emptiness are cured by fulness : and in other things , contraries are the remedies of contraries .

[ 23 ]

Acute and sharpe diseases are iudged and determined within fourteen daies ( and haue their Crysis . )

[ 24 ]

The fourth daie is the Index of the seuenth : the eightth daie the beginning of the week following . Also the eleuenth daie is to be considered , for that is the fourth day of the second week . And againe , the seuenteenth day is to be considered , for that is the iiij ▪ from the fowrteenth , and the seuenth from the eleuenth .

[ 25 ]

The Quartan feuers of the summer are for the most part short : but the Autumnal long ; especially those which remaine vnto the winter : which are most long .

[ 26 ]

It is better that a feuer should succeed a conuulsion , then that a conuulsion should succeed a feuer .

[ 27 ]

We ought not to be too confident , if anie thing more easie & light do happen in sharp diseases without any great reason : neither to be troubled if anie thing more greeuous doe suddenlie fall out . For , manie such things are vncertaine , neyther are they wont to persist ▪ and continew long .

[ 28 ]

If the body of them which haue a sharpe feuer ▪ doe abide all at one stay , & nothing abated , or else is melted and wasted awaie beyond reason , it is a very euil signe : for the first doth signifie a continuance of the disease , and the latter a great weaknesse and imbecillitie of nature .

[ 29 ]

In the beginnings of diseases , if any thing seeme good to be moued for euacuation , moue it : but being in their state it is far better to let it alone .

[ 30 ]

About the beginnings and ende of diseases , all things are more calme and remisse : in the vigour and state more vehement .

[ 31 ]

If the body thriue not to him that after a disease feedeth well , it is euill .

[ 32 ]

Those which in the beginning of sicknesse doe feede much , and doe not prosper therewith , all such for the most part do at last fall into a loathing of meat . On the contrary , those which in the beginning do vehemently abhorre food , & afterwards desire much meat , are more easily freed from their sickenesse .

[ 33 ]

In any disease ( similar , instrumental , or common ) if reason be not weakened nor hurt , but that they are desirous of those things which are offered , it is good : but if it be otherwise it is an euill thing .

[ 34 ]

They are not so dangerously sicke , to whose nature , age , habit , or season , the disease in familiar and agreeable , as they to whom the disease is not agreeable in any of those proportions .

[ 35 ]

It is better in any disease that the partes adioyning to the Nauell and nethermost bellie bee somewhat thicke and grosse : for the extenuation and consumption of them is euill : and then it is not safe to minister purgations working downwards .

[ 36 ]

Those which are indued with health of bodie , doe quickely faint , drinking a purging potion : and so in like maner those are impaired which do vse naughtie and corrupt nourishment .

[ 37 ]

Those which are of sound and perfect health of body doe painefully and grieuously indure purging medicines .

[ 38 ]

Those meats and drinks which are worse yet pleasant , are to bee preferred before those which are better , but yet vnpleasant and distasting .

[ 39 ]

For the most part olde men are not so often sicke as the young are . But beeing once taken with long diseases they most commonly die of them .

[ 40 ]

Rheums descending down to the mouth , and falling downe to the throat , doe not come to concoction in those which are very olde .

[ 41 ]

They die suddenly , which doe often and exceedingly sowne and faint without anie manifest cause .

[ 42 ]

Thou shalt neuer cure a strong apoplexie ▪ and also a weake one very hardly .

[ 43 ]

Strangled and suffocated folk , being not as yet dead , doe not returne to themselues , if about their mouth there shall appeare spume or fome collected and gathered togither .

[ 44 ]

Those that are very gross by nature , doe inioy shorter life then those which are leane .

[ 45 ]

Change and alteration of place and diet , then also most especiallie of age , doth deliuer children from the Epilepsia & Falling euil .

[ 46 ]

Of two paines at one time not possessing the self same place , that which is the more vehement , doth dull the sense and feeling of the other which is not so vehement .

[ 47 ]

Whiles the filthy and corrupt matter is digesting , paines , and agues doe rather happen , then when it is digested and brought to maturation .

[ 48 ]

In euerie exercise of the body , when it beginneth to bee wearied , straightwaies rest doth mitigate the wearisomnesse .

[ 49 ]

Those which are accustomed to dayly labours , although they bee weake or olde men , doe more easilie indure accustomed exercises : then those which are not accustomed to them although they be strong and young men .

[ 50 ]

Things accustomed a long time , although they be worse , are wont to bee lesse grieuous then those thinges vnaccustomed : wherefore also a change is to bee made to vnaccustomed things .

[ 51 ]

It is dangerous , at one time much and suddenlie either to emptie , fill , heare , or to coole , or by any other meanes to mooue or stirre the bodie : for any thing passing the bounds of mediocrity is an enemie to nature : for that is safe which is done by little and little , both at other times and also most especially when an alteration and change is to be made from one thing to an other .

[ 52 ]

He must not passe forthwith from one medicin to an other , when all things , fall not out so well as they should to him which doth proceed by good reason , so that remaine still which seemed to him to bee so from the beginning .

[ 53 ]

Those which haue a moist wombe or belly , doe passe their youthfull age more easily then those which haue the same drie : but they passe their olde age more hardly & with more difficultie ; for when they waxe old for the most part it is dried .

[ 54 ]

As greatnes & talness of of body is comelie to the state of young age , so it is more vnprofitable than littlenesse , & lowe stature , in old age .

The end of the second Section of the Aphorisms of Hypocrates .

Here followeth the third Section . The Argument .

THis third book is almost reduced to the discourse of ages or times , expressing vnto vs two Common places , that is to say the strength and the forces of ages , and the diuersity of diseases throughout those ages and times .

[ 1 ]

Alteration and variableness of the seasons do most especiallie bring foorth diseases , and likewise great alterations of colde and heate in those seasons , and of other things answering to them in proportion .

[ 2 ]

Some natures are well , or ill in the summer season , and others are well or ill in the winter .

[ 3 ]

Some diseases are well or ill affected , some more to one time , and some to an other ; & some ages more to some one time , place , & kind of dyet , then they are to an other .

[ 4 ]

Autumnall diseases are to bee expected in these seasons , when on the selfe same day , it is some times hot , and some times colde .

[ 5 ]

The South wind dulleth the hearing , obscureth and darkneth the sight , offendeth the head with aches and rhumes , procureth & causeth heauinesse & faintnesse in the members . When therefore it is frequent and bloweth often , such things happen and are incident to the weak and sicklie . Contrariwise ▪ the North wind causeth coughs , exasperateth and excoriateth the iawes , hardneth the bellie , suppresseth vrine , stirreth vp colde shiuerings , and shakings , ingendreth pains of the side and breast . Therfore when this wind beareth swaie , those that are weake and feeble , must expect and looke for such accidents .

[ 6 ]

When sommer is like the spring time , we must expect much sweating in agues .

[ 7 ]

Sharpe Agues are ingendred with great droughts and dryness : and if the yeer proceed to bee such as the state of the season is , which it hath affected , wee must expect such kindes of diseases .

[ 8 ]

In certaine and moderat times , obseruing their seasonablenesse , certaine and seasonable diseases hauing a happy determination , are ingendred : But in vncertaine , wauering , and vnseasonable times , vncertain diseases are ingendred ( whose Crysis is accompanyed with grieuous accidents .

[ 9 ]

In Autumne vniuersally there are most sharpe and pernicious diseases : but the spring time is most wholesome and not dangerous .

[ 10 ]

Autumne is hurtfull to such as are in a consumption .

[ 11 ]

Amongst the parts of the yeere , if the winter shall bee dryer and the winde northernly , and the spring much raining and the wind southernly it must of necessitie fall out , that in sommer sharpe agues , rhtums in the eyes , bloudy fluxes doe happen , especiallie to women and to men being moist by nature .

[ 12 ]

Contrarilie , if winter shal be southernly , full of raine , and warme , and the spring drie & northernly , women whose childebirth and deliuerance hapneth neere the spring doe vpon the least occasion suffer aborsment and vntimely birth : or if they be deliuened at their due time , they bring forth such weak and diseased children , so that either they die quicklie , or liue but leanly and sicklie . To others there hapneth bloudy fluxes and hoat inflammations of the eyes , and to old men rhumes which do quicklie bring destruction .

[ 13 ]

Sommer being drie and the wind northernly , Autumne full of raine and the winde southernlie , vehement paines of the head are to be expected in the winter following . Also , coughs hoarsnesse , and rhumes , distillings at the nostrills , & to some pining consumptions .

[ 14 ]

A northernly and drie Autumne is profitable and good to men which are moist by nature , and also to women : to others , it causeth hot inflammations in the eies , and feuers partly sharp and partly long , and some also are troubled with melancholy by 〈◊〉

[ 15 ]

Of all the seasons thorough-out the whole yeer , drynesse and droughts are more wholsome and lesse dangerous to mans life , then daily showers of raine and moisture .

[ 16 ]

When much raine showreth downe , these diseases for the most part are ingendred , that is to saie , long continuing agues , fluxes of the belly , corruption of the humors , falling sicknesse , apoplexies , or the dead palsies , the squinances in the throat : but when there is much drynesse and drought there happeneth consumptions , rhumes in the eyes ●●●ines of the ioints , difficultie in making vrin , and the passion of the Intestins .

[ 17 ]

Daily seasons of weather being northernly doe close and strengthen the bodies , they make them more mouable and nimble , better coloured , and more strong and able in hearing : they dry & harden the belly , but they bite & offend the eies : and if any paine haue before possest the brest , they make it more fierce and grieuous . Contrarily , southernely constitutions doe loose and moysten those bodies , they dull the hearing , they bring giddinesse of the head , they bring mistinesse , and dimness of the eyes , dulnesse and laziness to the body , they make the bellie loose and laxatiue .

[ 18 ]

As touching Seasons of the yeere , in the spring and prime of sommer , children and those which are neerest to them in age , do liue best in health . But in sommer & in some part of Autumn olde men liue best : but in the rest of Autumne and winter they which leade a middle age .

[ 19 ]

Any diseases are ingendred in anie times of the yeer : yet many are rather caused and stirred , in someone more then in an other .

[ 20 ]

In the spring there hapneth madnesse , Melancholy , the falling euill , fluxes of bloud , the Squinancie , rhumes , distillations of humors , coughs , leprosies , dry scabs , Morphues and many vlcerous wheales , pushes , and paines of the ioints .

[ 21 ]

In sommer there are some of those specified before in the spring : also continuall feuers and burning agues , and manie Tertians also and Quartan agues , & vomitings , fluxes of the belly , inflammations of the eyes , paines of the eares , vlcerations of the mouth , rotting and putrifying of the priuie members , and sweatings .

[ 22 ]

Also many summer diseases are in Autumn , both Quartans & also vncertain and wandring agues , swellings of the splene , hydropsie , consumptions , strangurie , loosnesse and excoriation of the bowels , aches of the huckle bone , the squinancie , shortness of breath , a streight pressing or drawing together of the bowels in some part of them , the falling sickenes , madnes & melancholy .

[ 23 ]

In winter are ingendred plurisies , inflammation of lungs , lethargie , rheume in the nostrels , hoarsnesse coughs , pains of the breast sides , and loynes , headaches , swymming and gyddinesse of the head , ( causing dimnesse to the eyes ) Apoplexies ( or suddaine depriuation of the senses . )

[ 24 ]

But as concerning ages , these diseases do happen to little children , and lately borne ; vlcers in the mouth , vomiting , coughs , want of sleepe , great feares , inflammations of the nauill , moist running at the eares .

[ 25 ]

The time of teeth-breeding comming , there hapneth itching of the gums , feuers , convulsions , fluxes of the bellie ; especially when they bring forth their teeth , and most principallie to those children which are most fatte and grosse and haue their belly hard and bound .

[ 26 ]

To those children which are a little bigger there doth happen inflammations of the almondes of the mouth , disioynting & dislocation of the turning ioynts in the nape of the neck inwardly , shortnes of wind , breeding of the stone round worms , gut worms , long hanging warts , vnnatural erection of the Yard , difficultie ▪ in making of water , Scrophulus in the necke , and other risings , especially those before declared .

[ 27 ]

Moreouer , to those which are greater and comming to ripe age , there happen many of those former diseases ▪ but more often , long continuing agues , and flux of bloud issuing out of the nostrells .

[ 28 ]

The diseases of children for the most part , some of them do attaine to the Crysis , or alteration within 40. daies : some within seauen moneths : some within seauen yeeres , others when they come to ripe age . But those which shal continew longer , and shal neither be dissolued , to men children when they come to ripe age , nor to may den children when their monthly tearmes breake forth , Hi consenescere consueuerunt .

[ 29 ]

To young men ▪ there dooth happen spytting of bloud , consumptions , sharpe feuers , falling sicknesse , and other diseases , but chiefely these now rehearsed .

[ 30 ]

To those which haue passed beyond this young age , there dooth happeu shortnesse of breath , impostumes of the lungs , lethargies , phrensies , burning feuers , long fluxes of the bellie , cholericke passions , or flowing of the gall , bloudy fluxes , fluxes of the stomach and belly of meates indigested , the Haemorrhoides and such like .

[ 31 ]

To olde men doth happen difficultie & hardness of breathing , Rhumes , with the cough , strangurie or auoyding of vrin by drop-meale , Disuria & difficultie of making vrin , aches of the ioints , the stone in the kidnies , gyddinesse of the braine , Apoplexies , or dead palsies , an euill habit or disposition of the body called Cachexia , itching of the whole bodie , watchfulnes & want of sleep , moistnesse and humidities of the bellie , eyes , and nostrills , dimnesse of the sight , Glaucoma , and dulnesse of hearing .

The end of the third Section of the Aphorisms of Hypocrates .

Here followeth the iiij . Section . The Argument .

THis fourth Section is variable ; but for the most part is reduced to euacuation and prognostick signes of future euents .

[ 1 ]

Thou shalt purge child-bearing women if it bee needfull , at the fowrth moneth after conception , and so vnto the seauenth , but those more sparingly : but the conception being yong or elder thou shalt abstain .

[ 2 ]

Such things are to bee drawn out of the body , by the vse of purging medicines , as they are which issuing forth of their own accord do helpe the same : but those which issue forth in a contrarie manner are to be stopped .

[ 3 ]

If such things be purged as should be , it doth good , and the patient doth easily indure it : but if otherwise it be done , the patient doth indure it painfully .

[ 4 ]

In sommer it is more conuenient to purge the vpper venters , in the winter the inferior by stoole .

[ 5 ]

Vnder the Canicular or or dog-star , and before the dog-starre , purgations are painfull anp difficil .

[ 6 ]

Leane and slender men are easie to vomit , & therefore must be purged by vomit , vnlesse it be in winter .

7 ▪ Purge those which do not vomit easilie , and being in good plight , downwards by stoole , so it be not sommer .

[ 8 ]

Do not purge them vpwards which are subiect to the phtisick or a consumption .

[ 9 ]

Thou shalt purge melancholicke folke strongly by stoole . In like manner beginning the contrarie waie of purging . ( For , light matter bending vpwards must be drawne out by the vpper parts : But the heauier and grosser matter by the lower parts . )

[ 10 ]

We must purge in verie sharpe sicknesses , if the matter do moue to the purging of it ; and that the very same daie wherein the sicknesse doth begin : for delaie in such diseases is very hurtfull and dangerous .

[ 11 ]

Those which haue gripings & wringings in the belly , and horrible paine about the Nauell and the loynes , and cannot be eased and dissolued by medicin or otherwise , they shall fall into a drie dropsie called , aqua inter cutem sicca ( which is a Timpanie . )

[ 12 ]

Those are not to be purged in winter by vomite without hurt , whose stomach and belly cannot retaine meate vntil it be digested .

[ 13 ]

Their bodies are to bee made moyst before hand with abundance and plenty of foode and also with ease and rest , which taking a potion of veratrum or hellebor , do hardly and painfully vomit .

[ 14 ]

Elleborus being drunke , the bodie ought rather to be moued , then to be yeelded to sleepe , or rest : for the sayling in a ship , doth manifest that our bodies are stirred and prouoked by motion .

[ 15 ]

When you wil haue Elleborus or veratrum to work more forcibly , mooue and stirre the bodie : but when you will staie it , procure sleepe , and doe not moue .

[ 16 ]

Elleborus is very dangerous to them which haue sound flesh , for it ingendreth convulsion .

[ 17 ]

When hee which is not sicke of an ague doth loath his meate , hath a gnawing of the mouth of the stomache , a darksome gyddinesse of the braine , and bitternesse of the mouth , hit signifieth that he had need to be purged vpwards .

[ 18 ]

Whosoeuer hauing need of purging hath paines about the myddryffe , it is a signe that hee must be purged vpwards : but the pains which are vnder the same doe note a purging downwards to be needfull .

[ 19 ]

Those which doe not thirst whiles they are purged with a medicinall potion , shall not leaue purging vntill they shall thirst .

[ 20 ]

If there be wringings and gripings of the guttes without a feuer , heauinesse of the knees , and paine of the loynes , they : signifie that there is neede of purging downward .

[ 21 ]

Blacke excrements of the bellie like vnto blacke bloud , comming forth of their owne accord , either with a feuer or without a feuer are most euill : and by how much the more those euill colours shal be , by so much the more those excrements shall be the worse : But such things to bee expelled out by a medicin , is farre better , and that by how much the more colours there shal be of them .

[ 22 ]

In the beginning of anie disease if blacke ▪ choler come forth either aboue , or beneath , it is dangerous & pernicious .

[ 23 ]

Those which are pyned and brought low by sharp or long diseases , or by woundes , or anie other meanes , and doe auoyde blacke choler , or as it were blacke bloud : doe die the next daie following .

[ 24 ]

A bloudy flux if it proceed from blacke choler is mortall .

[ 25 ]

For bloud to be caried vpward of what kinde soeuer it be , is an euill signe : but if blacke bloud be egested & auoided downwards , it is good .

If any man being afflicted with a blouddie fluxe doe auoide as it were little peeces of flesh , it is a mortall signe .

To those which haue store of bloud flowing , from what part soeuer in feuers : their bellies become moist , after they haue beene refreshed .

Those which auoid cholericke excrements downwardes , if deafeness come vpon the same they do then cease from auoiding of them : and on the other side , those which are affected with deafnes are deliuered from the same , by the auoiding of cholerick excrements .

[ 29 ]

If cold shakings happen to them which are sicke of an ague the sixt daie , they haue a difficult Crysis , and we cannot wel iudge of the disease .

[ 30 ]

In them which are afflicted with fits of Agues , howsoeuer the ague shall leaue them ; if it returne againe the same hower the next day , it is wont to haue a difficult Crysis and determination .

Apostumes are caused neare the ioints , and especially nigh the iawe bones , or mandible , to them which feele wearinesse , and lassitude in feuers .

[ 32 ]

Those which recouering and amending from a disease , and haue some place grieued with payne , shall haue apostums , or botches in the same place .

[ 33 ]

But if anie part shall be pained before the disease , the seate and abiding of the disease is there .

[ 34 ]

If a suffocation or stopping of the breath do happen vpon a sodaine to one afflicted with a feuer , no swelling appearing in the iawes , or gullet , it is deadly .

[ 35 ]

If to one afflicted with a feuer the necke be suddenly turned awrie , and he can scant swallowe , and there be no swelling , it is deadly .

[ 36 ]

Sweats are good to those sicke of an ague , which begin to issue forth the third day , fift , seuenth , ninth , eleuenth , fowreteenth , seuenteenth , one and twentith , seuen and twentith , thirtie one , and thirty fower : for those sweats worke the dissolution of the disease : those which happen otherwise , signifie paine , and length of the disease , or a returne of the same .

[ 37 ]

Cold sweats with a sharp feuer , doe verily betoken death : but with a more mild & gentle ague , length of the disease .

[ 38 ]

In what part of the bodie the sweat is , there is the disease .

[ 39 ]

And also in what part of the bodie there is heate , or colde , there the disease is setled .

[ 40 ]

And when alterations do happen in the whole bodie so that the bodie bee cooled , and heated againe by turns , or one colour arise after an other , they signifie continuance of the disease .

[ 41 ]

Much sweating ▪ caused thorough sleep , doth signifie that the body is sed with store of meate : but if this happen to one feeding sparingly , we must know that there is neede of euacuation .

[ 42 ]

When there is much sweat , colde , or hot , alwaie issuing forth , the cold doth signifie the disease to bee more grieuous : and the hot sweat doth note the disease to be lesse grieuous .

[ 43 ]

Feuers continuall which afflict euerie third daie more vehemently and doe not cease , are the more dangerous : but by what manner soeuer they shall cease , and pause , they signifie that ther is no present danger .

( 44 )

Swellings and paines about the ioints are caused to them which are afflicted with long agues .

[ 45 ]

Those which haue swellings and paines of the ioints after agues , do feede ouer liberally .

[ 46 ]

If a colde shiuering fit , the feuer being without intermission , doe assaile the sicke man beeing alreadie weake , it is a deadly signe .

[ 47 ]

Excrements auoided in feuers not intermittent , by vomit or spitting , if they be of a leaden colour , blodie , cholericke , or stinking , are all euill : but if they come forth conueniently , and easilie , they are good . Also , the same consideration is to bee had of those things auoided by the bellie , and vrins . But if anie thing be auoided by those places , which dooth not helpe , it is euill .

[ 48 ]

In continuall feuers , if the outward parts are cold , the inward do burne , and the patient be thirstie , it is a deadly signe .

[ 49 ]

In continuall feuers , if the lippe , eye , browes , or nose , bee peruerted or turned awrie , if the sickeman do not see , nor hear , which-so-euer of these shall happen the bodie being weak , death is neare at hand .

[ 50 ]

If there happeneth in a continual feuer , difficulty and hardnes of breathing , with delirium , and doting , the signes are deadly .

[ 51 ]

Apostumes in feuers which are not dissolued in the first Crysis , or iudgements , they signifie length of the disease .

[ 52 ]

It is not absurde to weep and shedde teares in feuers and other diseases , voluntarilie : but to weepe against the will is verie absurde , & inconuenient .

[ 53 ]

They haue fierce & vehement feuers , which haue a tough & clammy moisture about their teeth in those feuers .

[ 54 ]

Those which haue drie coughs prouoking little , are not wont to bee verie thirstie , in burning feuers .

[ 55 ]

All feuers proceeding from the tumors in inguine and other adenosus parts , are euil , except those feuers which are called Ephemerae , and last but one daie .

[ 56 ]

Sweate comming ▪ vpon one sicke of an ague , the ague not ceasing , is euill : for the disease is prolonged , and it signifieth that there is much moysture .

[ 57 ]

If a feuer happen to the crampe , Spasmus , or Tetanus : then it dissolueth the crampe .

[ 58 ]

If a colde shaking fit do com vpon him which hath a burning feuer , then a deliuerance from the disease is procured by it .

[ 59 ]

An exquisit , and perfect Tertian feuer , commeth to his Crysis or state in seauen circuits or fits , at the vtmost .

[ 60 ]

Those that waxe deafe and thicke of hearing thorough feuers ▪ are deliuered from that disease by fluxe of bloud at the nose , or by flux of the wombe .

[ 61 ]

Vnlesse the feuer shall leaue the patient in the odde daies , it is accustomed to returne againe .

[ 62 ]

Those which haue the yellow Iaundis happening vnto them vpon agues , before the seauenth day , haue an euill signe .

[ 63 ]

Those feuers which haue their colde shaking fits returning at a certaine daie , are dissolued the same daie .

[ 64 ]

It is a good thing for them which haue the yellow iaundes comming on them in feuers on the seuenth day , ninth , eleuenth , or fourteenth day : vnlesse the right hypocondrium bee hard : for then it is not good but euill .

[ 65 ]

In feuers , a vehement heat about the stomach , & a gnawing about the heart , is an euill thing .

[ 66 ]

Convulsions in sharpe feuers , and vehement pains about the bowels , are euil .

[ 67 ]

In feuers , great feares through sleep , or convulsion , doe prognosticate euil .

( 68 )

The breath not keeping due course is euil : for it doth signifie convulsion .

( 69 )

Vrins with a feuer being thicke , clotted , and little in quantity , do profit them which make them , if afterwards thin vrins , and much in quantitie be auoided of them : but those vrins most commonly become such in which the Hypostasis or sediment , shal appear straight after they are made , or not long after .

[ 70 ]

Those which haue their water troubled or vnclean in agues , such as are the waters of Cattell , haue or shall haue headache .

[ 71 ]

Those which shall haue their Crysis or alteration of the disease the seauenth day , haue a little red Cloude in the vrine the 4. daie , and other things therunto belonging accordingly .

[ 72 ]

Vrins verie cleare and white are verie euill , especially if they appeare in those which are afflicted with phrensie .

[ 73 ]

Those which haue an inflation of the Hypocondria , and a rumbling pain of the loynes succeeding , haue their belly moystned and loosned , except the windes breake forth downwards , or store of vrine doe issue forth : and these things happen in feuers .

[ 74 ]

To those that doubt of apostumations to come about the ioints , much vrin thick , and white , doth deliuer from the apostum , such as is wont to be auoided in painfull feuers , the fowrth daie : when also bloud shal issue forth of the nostrels there shall be a dissolution and a deliuerance speedily .

( 75 )

If anie pisse bloud or filthy matter , it signifieth an exulceration of the kidnies or bladder .

[ 76 ]

Those which haue small pieces of flesh , and as it were haires , issuing forth togither with thick vrine , do auoid those excrements from the kidneies .

( 77 )

Those which auoid with thicke vrin certain branny contents , haue their bladder infected with an vlcer , or scabbednesse .

( 78 )

It is signified to them which piss bloud vpon the sodaine , that there is some veine of the kidnies broken .

( 79 )

They in whose vrin ther appeareth an Hypostasis or sediment full of sand , haue their bladder or kidneies diseased with the stone ; but especially the bladder , because it hath a verie spatious hollownesse or cauity .

[ 80 ]

If anie one pisse bloud or clotts of bloud & make his water by drops , hauing paine in that part of the belly ( which is betweene the nauell and the secret parts ) named hypogastrion , or at the seame-line of the skinnne of the coddes , called perinaeum , and at the place called pecten ▪ ( where the haire about the priuie members groweth ) then the places about the bladder are diseased .

[ 81 ]

If any one pisse bloud or filthy matter , or little scales , and there bee also a stinking or strong smell , it doth betoken an exulceration of the bladder .

[ 82 ]

Those which haue an apostume bred in the vrinarie passage , or conduit of the water , they are deliuered from it , the same being brought to suppuration & broken .

[ 83 ]

Voiding of much vrin in the night , doth signifie finall euacuation of excrements by the fundament .

The end of the fourth Section of the Aphorisms of Hypocrates .

Here followeth the 5 ▪ Section . The Argument .

THe fift Book or Section is variable yet almost it doth wholly intreat of the diseases of women , & of the good and badde dispositions of the wombe .

[ 1 ]

A Conuulsion by taking Elleborus is deadlie .

( 2 )

A Convulsion after a wound , is pernicious and deadly .

[ 3 ]

The hicket or a convulsion , after a copious flux of bloud , is euill .

[ 4 ]

After an immoderat purgation ( which the Greeks call Hypercatharsis ) a convulsion or hicket is euill .

[ 5 ]

If any drunken man do suddainly waxe dumbe , he shall die with convulsion , vnlesse hee be taken with a feuer , or presently recouer his speech at that hower in which the surfet is dissolued .

[ 6 ]

Those which are taken with the cramp or distention , named Tetanus , do die within fowre daies : but if they shall ouerpasse them , they recouer their health .

( 7 )

The falling sicknesse which is before ripenesse of age , is remoued awaie : but that which hapneth after the 25. yeer of the age doth for the most part accompany vs vnto death .

[ 8 ]

Those which are sick of a plurisie , vnlesse they bee purged vpwardes , within fowrteene daies shall haue the disease turned into an impostume .

[ 9 ]

A consumption most especially hapneth in those ages which are fro the 18 ▪ yeere to the thirty and fift yeere ▪

[ 10 ]

Those which haue the euill cause of the squinancie conuerted into the lungs , do drie within seuen daies : but if they escape them , they are affected with corrupt and filthy matter ( called empiema ) ▪

( 11 )

If the spittle which they auoid by coughing that are affected with a consumption , doe stinke strongly being cast vpon the coles , and the haires of the head doe fall off , it is a pernicious & deadly signe .

( 12 )

If a flux of the belly happen to them which haue their haire falling awaie by a consumption , death is neare at hand .

( 13 )

Those which cough forth frothy bloud , do ●etch and drawe the same out of the lungs .

( 14 )

If a fluxe of the bellie come vpon him which is in a consumption it is a pernicious signe .

( 15 )

Those which are infected with an impostume by a plurisie , if they be purged from the corrupt matter within fortie daies after the breaking of the apostume , are cured , or otherwise they passe into a consumption .

( 16 )

Hot water too often vsed bringeth these discommodities ; tendernesse of the flesh , distemperature of the sinewes , heauinesse & drowsinesse of the minde , fluxes of blod , swounings , & faintings of life to which death is incident .

( 17 )

But the vse of colde water bringeth convulsions , the crampes called Tetani , blackness & cold shakings vsuall in some feuers .

( 18 )

Colde water is hurtfull to the bones , teeth , sinews , braine , and marrow of the backe : but that which is hot is good and profitable .

[ 19 ]

Wee must heate those things which are ouercold ; except those which powre forth bloud , or are inclined to powre forth bloud , in short time ▪

[ 20 ]

Colde water biteth and nippeth vlcers , hardneth the skinne , hindreth the sorenesse from maturation of the corrupt matter , causeth , blacknesse , bringeth forth colde shiuering fittes of ▪ agues , convulsions , crampes , and distention of the sinewes .

[ 21 ]

Notwithstanding , ther is some time , when in the crampe without an vlcer in a well flesht young man in the middest of sommer , plentifull powring out of colde water doth call back the heate , and so the heate doth dissolue the crampe .

( 22 )

Hot water yeeldeth vnto vs a great token of security , and safety in that vlcer and sore in which it causeth ripe and wel digested matter : it softneth and mollifieth the skinne , it maketh it thinne , it dooth appease paine , it mitigateth and asswageth colde shakings , convulsions , & the cramps ( named Tetani ) it dissolueth heauinesse and paine of the head , it profiteth broken bones very much , especially if they bee bare without flesh ; and principally in the head : also it profiteth those things which are mortified & exulcerated through colde . Lastly , it is profitable to eating vlcers in the sundament , priuie members , wombe , bladder : to all those , hot water is a friend and comforter , but cold water is an enemie and a destroyer .

[ 23 ]

We must vse cold water to those sores from whence bloud dooth issue , or is about to issue , and not to be applyed in the same place by which it issueth but to those places from whence it floweth . And if anie inflammation or burning of the parts , do incline to a red and bloudie colour with fresh cleare bloud , apply colde things , or cold water vnto them : but if the inflammations bee inueterate and old , it maketh them black . Also it helpeth the fiery inflammation , named Erysipelas , if it be not vlcerated . For , being vlcerated it hurteth .

( 24 )

Things that are verie colde , as snowe , and yee , are hurtfull to the breast , they procure coughs , they cause ruptures of the veins , and also rhumes .

( 25 )

Cold water powred forth aboundantly , doth ease and diminish the tumours and paines of the ioints , which are without vlceration , & also gowty swellings and pains and convulsions for the most part , & dissolueth dolour and pain : for a smal benumming hath the force of dissoluing and putting awaie of paine .

( 26 )

Water that is quickely made hot , & quickly cold , is most light .

( 27 )

It is good for them which haue great desire to drinke in the night to fall a sleepe , being verie thirstie .

( 28 )

A fumigation , or perfume , of odoriferous spyces dooth bring forth the terms . It would also be profitable for manie other things if it did not breede heauinesse and pain of the head .

[ 29 ]

Thou shalt purge a woman with childe if it bee needful , the fowrth month after conception , and so forwards vntill the beginning of the seuenth month : but those that come neere the seauenth , month not so much : but the foetus ▪ being yonger or elder thou shalt abstaine .

[ 30 ]

A woman with child , a veine being opened , aborteth & is deliuered before due time : and so much the rather , if the foetus bee of any bignesse .

[ 31 ]

It is pernicious & deadlie if a woman great with childe bee taken with anie sharp disease .

[ 32 ]

A woman is cured from vomiting bloud , her monthly tearms issuing forth .

[ 33 ]

A flux of bloud at the nose is good and healthfull to a woman , her flowers failing contrarie to the due course of nature .

[ 34 ]

If the wombe bee verie laxatiue and loose to a woman with childe , there is danger of aborcement .

[ 35 ]

Sneesing hapning to a woman grieued with suffocation of the wombe , or hauing a painfull and difficult deliuerance is good .

[ 36 ]

The monthly courses being discoloured , neyther comming forth alwaies in the same maner , and time , do declare that a purgation is necessarie for the woman .

[ 37 ]

If the paps be suddenlie extenuated and become lanke to a woman with childe , aborcement dooth follow .

[ 38 ]

If one of the dugs be extenuated and become lank to a woman conceiued with child with twins , she bringeth forth one of them before due time : And if the right dug becom slender she bringeth forth the male childe before due time , but if the left dug becom lank she maketh aborcement of the female .

[ 39 ]

If any woman neither with child nor hauing bin deliuered of childe , haue milke in her breasts , her monthly courses haue failed her .

[ 40 ]

Madnesse is signified to happen to those women in whose dugs or paps there is bloud collected and heaped together .

[ 41 ]

If you will know whether any woman haue conceiued or no : giue her a potion of hony & water mixed togither going to sleep : & if she feele gripings and wringings of the belly she hath conceiued ; if she doe not , shee hath not conceiued .

[ 42 ]

If a woman conceiued with childe doe beare a manchilde shee is well and fresh coloured : if she beare a maide childe , she is ill coloured .

[ 43 ]

If the inflammation called Erysipelas be bred in the womb or mother , it is a perniuous and deadly thing .

[ 44 ]

Those women which are verie leane contrarie to nature and doe beare children ; do suffer vntimelie deliuerance ; vntill they come to better plight and be fatter .

[ 45 ]

Those women which being reasonable fat & making abortion the second , or third month , without anie manifest cause , haue acetabula vteri plena mucoris , neither are they able to containe the foetus because of his heauy weight ( but those Cotylidons being broken ) it falleth downe .

[ 46 ]

Those which are fatter then Nature requireth and doe not conceiue childe , haue os vteri compressed , & closed togither by the omentum and cal of the guts , and therefore they cannot conceiue vntill they waxe leaner .

[ 47 ]

If the wombe shall apostumate in that part where it lieth neer the hip , or huckle bone , it is necessary to cure it with tents lipped in liquid medicines such as the Greekes do call Emmota . )

( 48 )

Men children doe lie & are carryed on the right side of the womb , and women children rather on the left side .

[ 49 ]

A medicine procuring sneesing , put into the nostrills , doth driue and force out the secundine ▪ so that you stop the nostrils & mouth close with the hand .

[ 50 ]

If it please a woman to restraine her accustomed courses , apply a very great cupping glasse to her brests .

[ 51 ]

Those women which are conceiued with child , haue the mouth or gate of the mother shut and closed vp .

( 52 )

If milke flowe plentifully out of the dugs of a woman bearing a child in her wombe , it signifieth that the childe is weake : but if the paps be hard and stiffe , they declare a stronger conception .

[ 53 ]

The dugges and pappes becom slender and limber to those women which shal loose their foetus . But contrarilie , if the pappes become hard , paine shall eyther molest the pappes , hips , eies , or the knees , but they shal not suffer aborcement .

[ 54 ]

Those women haue the mouth or gate of the womb closed or shut vp ▪ which haue the same hard .

[ 55 ]

Childe-bearing women which are taken with feuers , or are brought to a lowe state without a manifest cause , doe bring forth the birth painfully , and with danger , or are in hazard of life by vntimely & vnseasonable deliuerance .

[ 56 ]

If a Convulsion or swouning happen to a flux of a womans flowers , it is an euill thing .

[ 57 ]

Womens terms flowing immoderately , diseases are ingendred : & being supprest , & stopt of their due course , diseases do likewise happen from the wombe .

[ 58 ]

The strangurie or dropping out of the vrin dooth happen by the inflammation of the straight gut , & likewise of the wombe or mother , to the reins that be exulcerated : also if the liuer be inflamed , the hicket or yexing doth happen in the meane while .

[ 59 ]

If a woman doe not conceiue , and thou wouldest know if she shall conceiue at all , let her be wrapt and lapped round about with clothes , and make a sume vnder the lower parts : and if the sent bee perceiued to passe through her bodie , to her nostrills , & her mouth ; knowe that shee is not barraine , by any default in hir selfe .

[ 60 ]

If the monthly purgations doe keepe their course to a woman with child , it is impossible that the foetus should be in health .

[ 61 ]

If a womans monthly courses stop , and she haue neither shiuering cold , nor ague comming vpon her , and shee loath her meate , make account that shee is conceiued .

Those women which haue their wombe cold & drie , doe not conceiue : and such as haue them ouer moyst ▪ cannot bee conceiued , for the seede is extinguisht & perished in them . Also , those women cannot conceiue , which haue those places ouer drie , and hot ; for the seed becommeth corrupted for want of due n●●rishment . But those women which haue obtained a moderate temperature of the places in respecte of both the oppositions and contrarieties , doe excell in fruitfulnesse .

( 63 )

The same consideration and reason is likewise to be respected in men : for either through the spoungy and poery substance of the body the spirits are dissipated and scattered abroade , so that they cannot cast forth seede , or else the moisture dooth not issue forth because of his grossenesse & thicknesse , or else because of coldnesse it doth not conceiue any heat , that it may be collected in his proper place : or the verie same thing doth & may happen through heate .

( 64 )

It is not good to giue milke to them which are troubled with headach , or with agues , nor to those which are troubled with the disease called status Hypochondriacus , nor to those which are troubled with thirst . It is also nought for them which auoide cholericke excrements downewards , or to those which haue sharpe feuers , or haue had some copious euacuation of bloud . But it is good for those which are in a consumption , so they be not troubled with any vehement feuer . It is also good for long lingring and milde agues , so that none of the signes before spoken be present . It is good also for them which are brought lowe without any apparant reason or occasion .

[ 65 ]

They are not much trobled with convulsions or with madnesse , which haue apparant and euident tumors with their vlcers or sores : But convulsions , and the crampes ( named Tetani ) doe happen to them to whome the tumors shall suddenly vanish awaie , if it shall happen on the hinder part of the bodie : but if they happen in the forehead , or forepart , there hapneth madness , vehement paine of the side , Empiema and spitting of matter , Dysenteria , if the tumors or swellings shall be red .

( 66 )

If no tumour nor swelling appeare in great and badde wounds , it is a great euell .

( 67 )

Soft tumore aregoods but those which are hard and vndigested are euill .

( 68 )

To one which hath pain in the hinder part of the head , the venarecta in the forehead beeing opened doth profit .

( 69 )

Colde shakings and shiuerings for the most part doe begin to women from the loines , and through the back do come to the head : But to men they doe rather beginne in the backe part then in the forepart ; as from the hinder parte of the thighes and from the elbowes : the raritie and thinnesse of the skinne is a token ther of ▪ which thing the hayre there growing dooth declare and manifest .

[ 70 ]

These which are taken with a Quartane ague , are not much assaulted with convulsions : but if before they haue bin assayled , vpon the comming of the Quartan they are deliuered and freed .

[ 71 ]

Those which haue their skinnearid , withered , and drie , doe dye without sweate : but those who haue their skinne loose , and open , do end their life with sweate .

[ 72 ]

Those that are diseased with the Iaundis , are not much molested with windinesse .

The end of : the fift Section of the Aphorisms of Hypocrates .

Here followeth the 6. Section . The Argument .

THIS sixt Section dooth almost altogether concerne that part of the Art , which foretelleth good and euill things to happen in diseases .

[ 1 ]

In a long lubricitie , and slipperinesse of the guts , if a sowrish belching do happen , which was not before , it is a good signe .

[ 2 ]

Those which haue their nostrils more moist then others by nature , and their seede also , doe inioy their health but badly : but those which haue the contrarie properties , doe leade their life more healthfully .

[ 3 ]

In long difficulties , pains or fluxes of the bowelles a loathing of meate is euill : and with a feuer it is more euill .

[ 4 ]

Vlcers or soares which are smooth and glaber , are maligne , and euill .

[ 5 ]

In the paine of the sides , and of the breast , and of the other parts , wee must learne if the sicke do differ much , or keepe at a staie .

[ 6 ]

The diseases and infirmities of the kidneies and bladder , are of hard & difficult curation in old men .

[ 7 ]

Dolours and paines of the bellie being aloft & in the vpper part , are more light and easie ; not being aloft are more tedious and forcible .

[ 8 ]

Vlcers or sores arising in the body of those which are diseased with the dropsie , are not easily cured .

( 9 )

Wheales being broade , are not very full of itching .

[ 10 ]

Corrupt matter , water , or bloud issuing out by the nostrils , mouth , or eares , dissolueth and cureth a vehement & grieuous headache .

( 11 )

The Haemorrhoids happening to those which are troubled with melancholy and paine of the kidneies , are good and profitable .

( 12 )

Vnless in the cure of the Haemorrhoids which haue long continued , there be one veine kept open , it is to bee feared that a dropsie or consumption will shortly follow .

( 13 )

The hicket or yexing trobling or vexing vs , is put away by sneesing .

( 14 )

If water flowe , from the veines of him which is diseased with the dropsie , to the bellie , the disease is dissolued ( if nature it selfe make euacuation . )

( 15 )

Vomiting comming by the benefit of nature , dissolueth and riddeth away a long flux or loosenesse of the bellie ( by reason of the retraction & drawing back of the humours which did bend downwards . )

[ 16 ]

A loosenesse of the belly happening to one afflicted with a pleurisie , or the disease of the lunges named peripneumonia , is an euill thing .

( 17 )

It is a good thing for him which is troubled with a watrish running of the eies called lippitudo , to be taken with a flux and loosenesse of the bellie .

( 18 )

It is a deadly thing when the bladder is wounded , or the braine , or the heart , the midriffe , anie small gut , the stomach , or the liuer .

[ 19 ]

A bone perished or cut off , or a cartilag , gristle or sinew , or any little parcell of the eye lid , or the praeputium beeing diminished , doe not growe or ioine together .

[ 20 ]

If bloud flowe into the belly contrarie to nature , it corrupteth and is putrified of necessitie .

[ 21 ]

If the swelling of veins in the legs , named varices , or the Haemorrhoids , shall happen to them which are madde and frantick , then the disease of madnesse is dissolued .

( 22 )

Breaches or fluxes of humors which do descend from the backe to the elbow , are dissolued by opening of a veine .

[ 23 ]

If feare and sadnesse doe continéw long , it is a signe of melancholie .

[ 24 ]

If anie small or slender gut bee wounded or pearced , it dooth not close or grow togither againe .

[ 25 ]

If the cholericke tumor Erysipelas , being outwarde be returned inwards , it is euill : but if being inward it be turned outwards it is a good thing .

[ 26 ]

Those burning feuers are dissolued with dotage , or rauing , in which there are trembling shakings .

[ 27 ]

If the corruption , matter , or water , do flowe out altogether at once , from them which are burnt , by catire , or cut , by the Chirurgion for the cure of the inwarde apostumation betweene the lungs and the breast , or of the dropsie , them the diseased shall die without all doubt .

[ 28 ]

Eunuches or gelded men are not diseased with the gout , neither do wax bald .

[ 29 ]

A woman is not troubled with the gout , vnlesse her monthly termes doe faile her .

( 30 )

A young stripling is not troubled with the gout , before he hath vsed venerie .

[ 31 ]

Drinking of strong wine , or a bath , a fomentation , phlebothomy ( or letting of bloud ) or a purgation doth cure paines of the eies .

[ 32 ]

Those which slammer , are taken most commonly with a long flux of the bellie .

( 33 )

Those which haue sower belchings , are not much subiect to a plurisie .

[ 34 ]

Great swelling veins , named varices , are not incident to them which are balde : but yet they haue their haire growing againe on their head , to whom the swellings & veins do happen being balde .

( 35 )

If a cough come vpon them which are diseased with a dropsie , it is an euill thing .

( 36 )

Phlobotomie , or bloud-letting , cureth the difficultie of making vrine , but we must open the inward veins .

[ 37 ]

If a tumour appeare in the neck to him that is diseased with angina , it is a good thing .

[ 38 ]

Those which haue hidden or deepe Cancers , are not to bee healed or cured of them : for they which are healed die sooner ; and those which are not cured of them liue the longer .

( 39 )

A convulsion is caused either by repletion , or by euacuation : so is also the hicket or yexing .

[ 40 ]

Those which haue paine at the Hypocondrium without an inflammation , are cured by a feuer hapning to them .

( 41 )

If corrupt matter giue forth no signification , nor signe of it self in the bodies of the diseased , the cause that it dooth not disclose it selfe nor appeare , is either for the grossenesse and thicknesse of it selfe , or of the place .

[ 42 ]

If the liuer waxe hard to them which are affected with the yellow iaundis , it is an euill thing .

[ 43 ]

The spleneticke , which are taken with a bloody fluxe of the bowels , do die of a dropsie , or a slipperinesse of the bowells , called a lientery , following a long fluxe .

[ 44 ]

They die within seauen daies , to whom the disease named Ileos , or pain in the small guts , shall happen after a strangurie , vnlesse a feuer comming vpon them , store of vrine shall issue forth .

[ 45 ]

If vlcers continew a yeer or longer , the bone of necessitie must growe fowle , and bee corrupted , and so hollow cicatrizes are caused .

[ 46 )

Those which become crookt backt by shortness of wind , or a cough ▪ before they attaine to ripenesse of age , doe die quickly .

[ 47 ]

Those are to be let bloud or purged in the spring time to whome opening of a veine or purging may do good .

[ 48 ]

The difficulty of the intestins , and guts , comming vpon them which are diseased with the splene ( viz. with hardnesse ) is good .

[ 49 ]

Goutie diseases , the inflammation beeing asswaged , within fortie daies do cease .

[ 50 ]

It must needs bee that a feuer , vomiting , and perbraking of choler must come vpon them which haue their braine diuided , or wounded .

[ 51 ]

Those which are in health being sodainly taken with headache and thereupon presently become dumbe , and snort , doe die within seauen daies , vnlesse a feuer come vpon them in the meane while .

[ 52 ]

But we ought to behold in their sleepes also , if anie part of the eies do appeare vnderneath the liddes : for if anie thing appeare of the white of them , the eye lids not being fast closed , if it doe not happen by a fluxe of the belly or by som medicinall potion , it is an euil and a verie deadly signe .

( 53 )

That doting which is done with laughter , is not so daungerous : but that which is done with earnest sadnesse is more daungerous .

( 54 )

Painefull breathings in sharp diseases with a feuer , as it were , of such as sigh , & mourne , are euill .

( 55 )

Paines of the gowt doe most commonly afflict & are prouoked in the spring and autumn .

( 56 )

The falling down of humors are very dangerous in melancholicke diseases , at these seasons , and do declare an apoplexie , or a convulsion , madness , or blindnesse .

[ 57 ]

Also apoplexies are caused most especially from the fortith to the threescore yeers .

( 58 )

If the Call Omentum shal hang forth of the bodie it putrifieth of necessitie .

[ 59 ]

Those that are afflcted with long pain of the hips , hauing the huckle bone comming forth & returning in again into his place , haue clammy flegme collected and gathered together in the hollownesse of that part .

[ 60 ]

Those which haue the huckle bone ( being the hed or vpper part of the thigh ) comming out , and tormented with the ache called sciatica , shal haue the thigh of feeblished and consumed : and they doe halt and are lame , vnlesse they are burned ( with hot iron instruments . )

The end of the sixt Section of the Aphorisms of Hypocrates .

Here followeth the 7. Section . The Argument .

THIS seauenth booke is altogether prognosticall and foretelling things to come in which he intreateth of the presagements and foretokens of health and death .

[ 1 ]

Coldness of the extream parts in sharpe diseases is euill .

( 2 )

Flesh black , and blew , because of a fowle diseased bone , is an euill thing .

[ 3 ]

The hicket after vomiting , and also rednesse of the eyes , are euill .

[ 4 ]

After sweate , colde shiuerings , and shakings , are not good .

[ 5 ]

After madnes which the Greekes call mania , a blodie fluxe , the dropsie , or an extasie or traunce is good .

[ 6 ]

Abhorring of meate in a long disease , and the excrements auoided downwards without mixture of humors , are euill .

[ 7 ]

Cold shakings , and fond doting , after much drinking , is euill .

[ 8 ]

After the eruption of an impostume inwardly , faintnesse , and loosenesse of the parts of the bodie , vomiting & swouning doth ensue .

[ 9 ]

After a fluxe of bloud , Delirium , or a convulsion is euill .

[ 10 ]

After the Iliack passion , vomiting , the hicket , doting and convulsion , are euill .

[ 11 ]

An impostume of the lungs , named peripneumonia , after a pleurisie is euill .

[ 12 ]

A phrensie with a peripneumonia , is euill .

( 13 )

A convulsion or the crampe ( Tetanus ) because of hot burnings , is euill .

( 14 )

Astonishment , and doting called Delirium , thorough some blowe of the head , is an euill signe .

[ 15 ]

The spitting out of corrupt matter after the spitting of bloud , is euill .

( 16 )

A consumption , or pthisis , and a flux of the bellie , comming after spitting of corrupt matter , are euill signs : for when the spitting is stopped the diseased doe die .

[ 17 ]

The hicket , or singult comming through an inflammation of the liuer , is euill .

[ 18 ]

A convulsion or delirium caused through watching , is an euill thing .

( 19 )

After the laying bare of a bone , the inflammation and hot tumor Erisipelas is euill .

[ 20 ]

Putrefaction , or impostumation from the inflammation Erisipelas , is euill .

[ 21 ]

A fluxe of bloud after a strong pulse , in vlcers is euill .

[ 22 ]

After a long paine of the parts belonging to the belly , an impostumation is euill .

( 23 )

After auoyding of vnmixed excrements downewards , a bloody fluxe is euill .

( 24 )

Delirium , or foolishness doth insue after the wound of a bone , if it shall penetrate into the hollowe or voide space .

( 25 )

A convulsion after the taking of a purging potion bringeth death .

[ 26 ]

A great coldnesse of the extreame and vtmost parts through vehement pain of of the parts , pertaining to the belly , is euill .

( 27 )

If the disease , called tenasmus , shall happen to a woman with childe , it is the cause of aborcement .

[ 28 ]

If either a bone , cartilag or sinew shall be cut in the bodie , it doth neither increase nor growe togither againe .

[ 29 ]

If a strong flux or loosenesse of the bellie shall come vpon him that is diseased with the dropsie named leucophlegmatia , it dissolueth and cureth the disease .

( 30 )

They haue a falling downe of flegmaticke humors from the head , which doe auoide frothie and fomie excrements out of the belly in their laxnesse and loosenesse of the same .

( 31 )

Sediments in vrins made in the time of agues , like vnto course wheate meale , do signifie that the sickness shall continuew long .

[ 32 ]

Cholericke Sediments appearing in vrins , but being before thinne , and waterish , do signifie a sharpe disease .

[ 33 ]

Those which make diuers vrins , haue a vehement disturbance , and vnquietnesse in the bodie .

[ 34 ]

The vrins , in which bubbles doe swimme aloft , do signifie the disease of the reines , and that the infirmitie and weakenesse shall indure long .

[ 35 ]

It is a signe that the disease is of the reines , and a sharp disease to be present , to them in whose vrin a fattie and thicke superficies appeareth .

( 36 )

If also paines be caused to those which are diseased with the griefe of the kidnies about the muscles of the backe bone , and haue the signes abouesaid ; if they be felt towardes the outward parts , looke and expect that the Apostume shall also bee outwardly : but if the paines bend and incline rather to the inwarde parts , wee must then feare that the apostume shal be inwardly .

( 37 )

Vomiting of bloud is wholsome to them which doe it without a feuer : but if it be with a feuer it is an euill thing ; and the cure and remedie of the same is to bee performed with things that haue a cooling and a binding qualitie and virtue .

[ 38 ]

Distillations vpon the vpper bellie , doe come to suppuration and ripenesse within twentie daies .

( 39 )

If anie one pisse bloud , or clots of bloud , and bee diseased with the disease named the stranguria , the paine attaining to the part of the bellie , called Abdomen or Hypogastrion , & the place named pecten ( and also to perinaeum ) the places and partes aboue the bladder are diseased .

[ 40 ]

If the tong be sodainely become feeble , or anie part of the bodie being astonished , be benummed without feeling , it is a sign of melancholie .

( 41 )

If the hicket do happen to olde men purged aboue measure , it is not good .

( 42 )

If the feuer be not caused of choler , store of warme water powred vppon the head doth dissolue the feuer .

[ 43 ]

A woman hath not the vse of both hands alike .

[ 44 ]

If cleare and white matter doe issue out from them which are affected with corrupt matter betweene the breast and the lunges when they suffer cauterising or incision , they do escapes but if bloodie , stinking , & filthy matter do issue forth , they die and cannot escape .

( 45 )

If cleare and white matter doe issue from them whose liuer is corrupted or apostumated with filthy matter , and burnt , they recouer health and become sound : for the corrupt matter is contained in the coat : but if that which commeth forth bee like the lees and dregs of oyle , they die .

( 46 )

Cure and heale pains of the eyes which proceede from drinking of strong wine , and bathing in hot water , by opening of a veine .

( 47 )

If a cough come vpon one diseased with the dropsie , he is without hope of recouerie .

( 48 )

Drinking of nete strong wine , and the opening of a veine , dooth dissolue the diseases stranguria , & disuria : but the inward veines must be opened .

( 49 )

A swelling and rednesse arising on the breast of him which is grieued with angina , it is good : for the disease bendeth and inclineth outwardlie .

[ 50 ]

They die within three daies whose braine is corrupted & benummeds but if they ouerpass them they shall recouer their health .

( 51 )

Sternutation or sneesing is prouoked out of the hed , the braine being much heated , or the voide and wide space of the head beeing much moistned ; for the air inclosed within doth break forth : but it maketh a noise because it passeth through a narrow place .

[ 52 ]

Those that are grieued with vehement pain of the liuer , are deliuered from the paine , if an ague come vpon them .

[ 53 ]

Those which haue occasion to haue bloud taken from them , must be let bloud in the spring .

( 54 )

Those which haue fleagm inclosed between the ventricle and the midriffe , and the same also painefull vnto them , hauing no passage into either of the bellies , are deliuerd from the disease , the fleagme being turned and conuaied through the veins into the bladder .

[ 55 ]

Those haue their bellie filled with water , and doe die , whose liuer replenished with water , shal make a breach , and eruption of the same into the belly named , Omentum .

[ 56 ]

Wine being drunk with an equal proportion of water , doth put awaie sorrow , yawning , and colde shaking .

( 57 )

For this , looke in the 4. Section , and 82. Aphorism , where it is expounded .

( 58 )

They must of necessitie become dumbe forthwith , which haue their braine vehemently shaken , and troubled by some outward occasion .

( 59 )

Hunger and fasting is to be endured of bodies consisting of moist flesh : for fasting dryeth the bodie .

[ 60 ]

Where there is an alteration in the whole bodie , & the body becommeth cold and hot againe , and changeth from one colour to an other , the continuance of the disease is signified .

( 61 )

Much sweate , hotte , or cold , alwaies issuing forth , doth declare , that the moisture in a strong bodie is to bee euacuated , and purged vpwards : but in a weak body , downwards .

[ 62 ]

If agues become more fierce and vehement euerie third daie without anie intermission , they are dangerous . But in what manner soeuer they shall cease , it signifieth that they want danger .

( 63 )

Those which are afflicted with long feuers , haue little swellings or aches in the ioynts .

[ 64 ]

Those which haue long swellings or paines in the ioints after a feuer , doe vse too plentifull a dyet .

[ 65 ]

If anie giue the meate to one sick of a feuer , which hee giueth to a sound and healthfull person , he shall strengthen the whole person , and increase the maladie of the sicke partie .

[ 66 ]

Wee must looke vpon those things which passe through the bladder , whether they bee such as issue forth in prosperous health . For those which are vnlike them , are vnhealthful signes : but those which are like them are healthfull signes .

[ 67 ]

Also when the sediments if thou shalt suffer them to rest , & shalt not moue them , doe sinke downe into the bottome like shauings , or parings of guttes : or such like matter : which if they shal befew , do signifie that the disease is little : but if they shall be many doe signify that the disease is great ; then it is necessarie that euacuation & purgation be made downewards : otherwise if the belly being not purged , thou shalt giue broaths and nourishment , the more thou shalt giue , the more thou shalt hurt .

( 68 )

Crude , rawe and vndigested excrements , voided downwards , doe proceed from blacke choler : if they be manie they proceed from a more copious quantity , if they be few they proceede from a lesse quantitie .

( 69 )

Spittings in feuers not intermitting , ash coloured , bloodish , cholerick , stinking , are all euil . Yet if they come forth conuenientlie and easilie , they are good . Also if any thing issue out through the bellie , & bladder , or from any other part of the bodie whatsoeuer , which shall not restore him to health which is purged , then it is euill .

[ 70 ]

When any one goeth about to purge vnclean bodies , he must make the bodies soluble and fluxible ; and if hee will purge vpwards , the belly must be constipated & hardned : but if he wil purge downewards , it must be softned and loosed .

[ 71 ]

Sleepe and watch fulness if they exceede a measure , are a disease .

[ 72 ]

In feuers not intermitting , if the exterior partes bee colde and the inwarde be burning , and the patient verie thirstie , it is a deadly signe .

[ 73 ]

In a feuer not intermitting , but continuall , if the lip , nose , eye , or eye-brow , bee peruerted & turned awrie , if the sicke man doth not see , nor heare , whatsoeuer of these things shall happen to a weak sick man , death is neare at hand .

( 74 )

A dropsie is ingendred by white fleagme .

( 75 )

From a laxness & loosenesse of the bellie named diarrhoea , doth proceed the bloudy flux dysenteria .

[ 76 )

The flux named Lienteria , dooth come vpon the bloody flux , named dysenteria .

[ 77 ]

After the corruption or putrefaction of the bone ( called in greeke Sphacelismus ) ther followeth an impostumation of the bone .

[ 78 ]

After vomiting of bloud , a consumption , & an euacuation of purulent & filthie matter doth follow and insue .

( 79 )

Wee ought to beholde what things they be which passe out by vrines , by the belly , or womb , and what things issue out thorough the flesh : And we must also consider and beholde if the bodie do decline or degenerat in any other thing from nature . For if little be auoided , the disease is little , if much be auoided the disease is great , and if verie much then it is a deadlie thing .

The ende of the 7. Section of the Aphorisms of Hypocrates .

Here followeth the 8. Section . The Argument .

THE intention and scope of this eight book which is the ▪ last , cannot be assigned : because the Aphorisms be variable & different ; yet almost all are reduced to that part of physicke , which foretelleth things to come .

[ 1 ]

Men aboue 40. yeeres of age , being troubled with a phrensie , are not cured at all : for they are in lesse perill and daunger whose disease is agreeable to their nature and age .

( 2 )

It is a good thing in what disease soeuer , when the eyes doe shed teares for some cause or occasion : but when they weep without a cause , it is an euill thing in anie diseases whatsoeuer they be .

[ 3 ]

In what Quartan feuers so euer blood shall issue forth of the nostrils , it is an euill thing .

[ 4 ]

If sweats be caused in the iudiciall daies they are dangerous , especially such as issue forth from the forehead like drops of water , and bubling water pipes , beeing verie colde and aboundant : for it must needs bee that such sweate commeth forth with much force long labour and strayning .

[ 5 ]

Depression of the bellie after a long disease is euill .

[ 6 ]

Incision doth cure those vlcers which are not cured by medicines : and those which are not cured by incision , are cured by cauterizing : but those which are not cured by the cautier , are iudged incurable .

[ 7 ]

Consumptions are ingendred , from the , 18. yeer of the age , vnto the thirtie and fift yeere .

( 8 )

The tongue blacke and bloudish , when anie of these signes are absent , then the euill and maladie is not forcible , and signifieth lesse paine .

[ 9 ]

The right testicle being cold and hauing a convulsion , is a messenger of death .

[ 10 ]

The nailes blacke , the toes of the feet colde , hanging downe , or stooping forwards , doe declare that death is verie neere .

[ 11 ]

Also the extreame parts of the fingers being colde , are a signification of death drawing neare .

( 12 )

Also , the lips ashe coloured , resolued , and effeeblished , disordered and peruerted , are deadly signes .

[ 13 ]

If the eyes bee darkned or cannot abide the light , also he which is oppressed with much sleepe , & great heat , is without hope .

[ 14 ]

If anie one become raging by little & little , with furious madnesse , if anie one doe not knowe them with whom he hath beene familiar , if he doe not hear nor vnderstand , it is a deadlie signe .

[ 15 ]

Those are more euident signes to them which shall die a little while after , if the ventricles , or cauities bee lifted and heaued vp , swel , and bee puffed vp with winde .

Finis Aphorismorum .

A BRIEFE discourse vpon the nature & substance of the Ey .

Definition of the eye . AN eye is a member , of substance , round , whol and hard as a ball ( which may aptly be resembled to a bright bason , full of cleer resplendent water ) fixed in the wel or spring of the hed to minister light to the liuing body by influence of the visible spirit , sent from the Cell of phantasie , or common wits by a sinew , that is called Nervus Opticus , with helpe of a greater light ministred without . Right well may the place wherin nature hath placed the eye bee tearmed the fountaine or spring of the eye , in respect of the abundance of waterie humidities , and teares which are often seene to issue & flow thereat ; which happeneth vpon diuers occasions : as The cause of teares . somtime of inward sorrow and heauinesse of the disstressed heart , sometimes of ioy and gladnesse immoderate : yea , and otherwhiles it proceedeth of the onlie superfluitie & abundance of humours ingendred of vnnaturall and distemperate coldnesse . And this may suffice to declare briefly what an eye is . It The partes of the eye . resteth now , that we shew of what parts it doth consist . Touching which matter a certain learned writer called Iohannicius in his introduction affirmeth , that the eie hath seuen tunicles , or coates , fowre colours , and three humours . The first of the said tunicles , or coats , he calleth Retina : the second Secondina , the third Sclerotica , the fourth Aranea , the fift Vuea , the sixt Cornea , the seauenth and Fowre colors of the eye . last , Subiunctiua . Of the colours , he saith , the first is blacke , the second Subpallidus , that is whitish , the thirde Niueus , the fowrth 3. Humors of the eye . Glaucus . Now of the humors , according to his mind , one is called , vitreus humor . i. a glassie humour : the second is called albugineus . i. resembling the color of the white of an egge : the third is called Crystallinus , that resembleth the clearenesse of Crystall .

And this as I haue expressed is the iudgement & opinion The Authors opinion . of Iohannicius . Neuerthelesse , I my selfe vpon knowledge attayned by cutting dead bodies , am moued to dissent from him both in coats , and also in colours . Therfore you shal vnderstand my minde also in this matter . I find in the studious dissection of the eye , the tunicle called salua trix , which saueth and keepeth the humors ordeined naturally , to be in the member ; of which duetie it hath that name . Secondly , the tunicle or coat , called discolorata ; so named because that while it remains in the eye , in it self it hath properly no colour , but is varied and diuersly affected according to the diuersities of colours which appeare in the eye . For , when the crystalline humour is neere the tunicle of the eies , then loe they seem of no colour . But when it is deep within them , it giueth a shew of 3. colours : wherfore I may well conclude , that the eie of it selfe it discoloured , and of no colour properlie .

Yet this by obseruation is found to be verie true : they which haue the humours very lowe and deepe set in Black eies the bodies of their eyes ( by reason whereof they seeme to be of black colour ) haue their sight best for a time : but when they approache vnto thirtie yeeres and vpward , it beginneth to faile and appaire . And such as haue the humours placed in the middle or meane region of the eye , commonly are indued with good sight Gray eyes . both young and olde : the colour of their eyes is menable black , which is gray . Howbeit , it is seene that this sort of eies is more subiect vnto Opthalmies , Pannicles , with diuers other euell affects then those that be of other colours .

Moreouer , I say , those that haue the humors more outwardly , vnderneath the tunicles , as their eyes appeare vnto sight more various and diuers coloured , inclining much vnto whitenesse , Whitish eyes . so their visible facultie is not very good , neyther in youth nor in age . The reason is , because in such maner of eyes aboundeth humours and teares more then in others . For when the visible spirits descend down , by the hollow optique sinewes , & find about the tunicles of the eye abundance and plentie of vicious humours , they be Note this reason . the sooner scattered & dissolued from the humours , by occasion whereof the sight is more weak & feeble in them then in gray Gray eyes sure of sight . eyes , which before we called menable blacke . And they that haue the sayde graie eyes may seeme to haue their sight more durable , for that the crystalline humour being resident in the midst , maketh the visible spirits to rest and staie there ; which by the glasen humour and the saide tunicle are so preserued and kept , that they may not readily be dispersed . But in them which haue the humours depressed , and kept Black eyes ●erfect of ●ight . down ( which as we said before ) maketh the eie to look blacke , the sight is better then in other , because the crystalline humour is deep within : and therfore the visible spirit comming from the Optique nerue at hand , findeth the larger space , & possesseth plentifullie all the cauitie and hollowness of the eies , before it passeth out from the glasen humor and the vppermore tunicles . But as I said , it dureth not in manie folke vntill age . For oftentimes in such manner of eyes are ingendred * Catharactes , yet more in som sorts of them , then in other . As concerning the humor I willinglie subscribe vnto the opinion of Iohannicius and make therein no variance .

Hereafter followeth the manner of helping the catharact by the needle , out of the same author .

Definition of a Catharact . A Catharact is nothing else but a water corrupt or congealed like a curde , engendred of humours distempered in the eye , betwixt the tunicles , and ●et before the sight of Diuision of Catharacts . the eye , and the crystalline humour . And of the manner of Catharactes be noted seuen kindes , whereof fowre be curable . And the first of the curable sort is light , euen like vnto white The first curable kinde . chaulke or alablaster , well polished . This hapneth oftentimes with a stroake in the eye , with a sticke or a stone , or anie other outward The second kinde . violence . The second kind curable is somewhat white , and much resembleth the skie colour . It proceedeth from the stomacke ; and is commonlie caused of euill meats , wherof a grosse fumositie resolueth and ascendeth vp vnto the braine , from thence falling downe againe into the eyes . The third kinde The third kinde . curable is also whitish , but enclining vnto the colour of ashes ; and is commonlie ingendred of paine in the head , as megrime and such others . Also it is caused sometime thorough great sorrow and heauinesse prouoking great lamentation & weeping . And somtime of much colde , immoderat watching , and such like . The 4. kinde . The fourth kinde of Catharactes curable is of citrine colour , and is commonly engendred of excesse in meate and drinke , euill digestion , great labour , and sometime of melancholick humours . And these which wee haue remembred bee the fowre kindes of Catharactes curable , but not vntill they Tokens of ●penesse . be ripe & confirmed . And the time of their ripenesse , is when the patient cannot see at all anie longer , except it bee the brightnesse of the sunne by daie , and the light of the moone , or a candle by night . Now for the cure to proceed orderly The cure first you must purge the braine , with these pills ordained for that purpose , called Pillulae Hierusolymitanae . And giuing the patient this on the one daie , on the next following about nine of the clocke , while he is yet fasting , cause him to sit ouerthwart a stoole in ryding fashion , and sit thou also on the same stoole face to face , & make the patient holde his whole eye close with his hand , and in that state charge him so to sit stedfastly not starting in any wise .

This done , first with thy owne hand lifting vp the ouer eye lidde , with thy other hand put in thy needle made for that purpose , on the side further from the nose ; and finely thrilling the tunicle called Saluatrix , writhe alwaies thy finger to and fro , till thou touch with the point of thy needle the corrupt ▪ water , which indeede is the Catharacts and then begin to remooue downewarde from aboue , with the point of thy needle , the sayde water which lyeth before the fight : and driuing it downe to the neathermost partes , keepe it there still with the point of the needle , as long space as may serue thee to say fowre or fiue times the Lords Prayer .

Then remooue easilie thy needle there from , and if it happen to rise vp againe , bring it eftsoones to the cordes of the eye to the earwarde .

But heere you must beware that after the needle hath touched the Catharact , in anie wise you wryth no more your fingers to and fro till it bee out .

And after when it is all out , cause him to shut his eye , and anone make a playster of cotten or flaxen hardes , with the white of an Egge , and laie it vpon the sore eye , & cause him to lie downe in his bed , vntill the 9. day , giuing him in straight charge that during all that time he stirre not his eye : & thrise in the daie , and thrise in the night , remoue his plasters , and make him to lie in a darke place ; namely , Dyet . all that time . For his dyet within the sayd nine daies , let him eate reare egs with bread : and if he be young , & strong of body , let him drinke water , and keepe straight dyet during the time . But being in age , permit him the vse of wine , but well watered . Now The subtance of he needle . for the substance of the needle wherewith you worke , let it be of gold , siluer , or at least spanish latten , and in no wise of yron or steele : for yron and steele is hard , and with the hardnesse it dissolueth the substance which it toucheth . Or else for this cause , if the Catharact be hard , it might peraduenture breake in the drawing downe thereof at the point : for vron & steele be free and brittie , and the breaking therof remaining therein , might be cause of consumption of the same through the aboundance of teares , and greatnesse of paine .

Furthermore , I giue you to vnderstand , that the first kinde of Catharacts curable , The first kinde of Catharacts . are easie and soone holpen : but yet they that bee cured thereof recouer not their sight perfectlie , for as much as the humours in the eye bee vnperfect , disgregate and dissolued , by the bruise and stroake , which at the first caused the Catharact .

The 2. kinde . The second kinde of Catharacts curable , if they bee well cured with a cunning workeman , in this feate , the sight returneth again to his former goodnesse , because of the purenesse of the humors which bee not dissolued , and also for the aboundance of visible spirits reserued in the eye : for these causes , I say , they bee better then other .

The 3. kinde . The third kinde of Catharacts curable after they bee holpen , in manner aboue sayde , and the sight restored , it endureth not long time in that estate , vnlesse it bee holpen with medicines , as with our Electuarie , which is called Dia Olibanorum Hierusolimitanum , and by wholsom regiment of diet , wherein he must refrain from goats flesh , Eeles , & such other● but especiallie those that might engender rawe humours : for certainly I haue proued by experience , the same to bee verie euill and noysome in this wise ; for diuerse haue come vnto me with Catharactes not fully confirmed , to whome I haue giuen rawe onyons , by eating whereof in short space they haue become ripe and readie to the needle . Whereupon I gather that rawe Onyons be noysom vnto the sight , and inducers of Catharacts . Furthermore , let not the patient in the winter season ( if it may be otherwise ) drink any hot wines , in the which bee put sage and rue . Let him forbeare ( as much as may be ) the companie of women , forbid him the vse of all common bathes and stewes . But if he will bathe him , let it be with a vessell ordained with the decoction of Camomill , and other sweete smelling hearbes : but in any wise let him keepe his head without the vessell that the fume come not into his eyen , for that were noysome . The Electuarie The vertue of Olibanum . of Dia Olibanum is also good to auoide teares , and to dry them vp , as likewise it is right profitable for all manner paine of the megrime which is caused of fleagme . The fourth kind The 4. kinde . of Catharactes curable is , those that bee of colour citrine more harder then the other , and of forme round : wherefore , it may not be laid right downe in the eie , for it will not abide there , because of the said roundnesse and hardnesse of it : therefore it must be laide in the corner of the eie to the eare ward , & there be kept with the needle a great while as is aforesaid . And thus to conclude . I do you to vnderstand , there needeth not anie abstinence from meats which be clean and healthsome , after the cure is perfectly atchieued ; saue only in the third kind : which thing to be true experience hath taught mee . Neuerthelesse , it behoueth oftentimes to vse comfortatiues , & nutritiues for the visible spirits in the eye afterwarde .

Of the three kindes of Catharacts The first kind of catharacts vncurable . vncurable .

THe first kinde of Catharactes vncurable , is that which the Physicians of Salerne in Italie doe call Guttam serenam , and these be the signes whereby yee may knowe it : when the pupil of the ey . i. the place of the middest of the eye , hath the depth of the visible part , blacke and cleare as though it had no spotte , and the eyes are alwayes moouing their lids , trembling , as though it were quickesiluer .

Verilie , this kinde of Catharact is ingendred & caused of a corruption in the mothers wombe : and therfore they that haue these kinds of Catharactes , bee blinde euen at their natiuity ; of which sort I haue seen many , and haue assaied by many waies and medicines to cure them : but the successe was not worthy my labour , neither yet haue I heard that any other haue sped better in dealing with that sort . Neuerthelesse , in processe of time , I perceiued that of this manner of Catharact , ther were diuersities of kinds . For som of those persons which had them might see the brightnesse of the sunne , & went by the way with open eies , as though they had perfectly seene : yea moreouer som of them might see the stature of a man , or a beast or anie other thing , and some enioyed this little portion of sight vnto their liues end , whereas in othersome it doth vanish awaie , and they become starke blinde . Therefore assure your selues , they that haue such maner of Catharacts , be deplorat and without al possibilitie of cure by mans hand . For why ? the nerue optique is deplorate and mortified , so that there is no manner of helpe in power of hand , or medicine for them : and this aforesaide kinde is called Gutta serena , because it is engendred of a corruption , comming downe from the braine , like a droppe of water , which one droppe corrupteth and dissolueth all the humour naturall in the eye : in so much that from thence forwards the concaue & hollow nerues be oppilat and ouerlaid , in that the visible spirits may no more passe downe by them into the eye .

The 2. kinde . The second kinde of Catharact vncurable , is that which doth appeare in the eye , of greene colour like water standing in watrie places , not much mooued with running . This sort is yet worse then al the other , and springeth of the immoderate and excessiue coldenesse of the brayne with great beating and diseases of the head , with vnmeasurable fasting & such like .

The 3. kinde . The third and last kind of curelesse catharacts , bee those in which the circles may not bee seene within the tunicles of the eye ; but the eye appeareth all ouer blacke ▪ or all ouer white : and who so busieth himselfe to cure anie of these three kinds of Catharacts , he abuseth his time and labour , more worthie to bee reproued for his ignorance , then any wayes commended for his fruitlesse diligence .

Here followeth the cure of Ophthalmia and other diseases of the eies .

THis Ophthalmia is an inflammation of the whol eye , hapning by som great diffluxion from the brain , and in the tunicle of the eie which is called coniunctiua : this infirmitie is somtimes cured by dropping into the A good medicin . eye womans milke , with the white of an egge , and especially if it shall happen from some outwarde cause , or from bloud . If it chance to happen by some blowe , or through colde , then the yolke of an egge boyled hard and mixed with oyle of roses and a little saffron must be applyed , If it shall happen through dust or smoak , wash the eie Bloud-letting . with colde water : if from repletion , or fulnesse , open the head veine , which is a present remedie : if the humors be grosse and thicke , administer an euaporation of the decoction of lentiles with water , also wash the eye with sponges intincted in a decoction of foenugraeck . In this disease it is verie good to vse abstinence from meate and drinke , the dyet must incline to colde and moysture . Wine , egs , and all sweete things are hurtfull .

An excellent Collyrium , which doth mitigate , re presse and beat backe heat , & inflammation .

Collyrium TAke the muscelage of psyllium , of gum dragant , of quinces , being prepared in rose water , of either 3. drams , of womans milk giuing sucke to a girle fiue drams , of the white of an egge well beaten , two drams : mixe them and instill thereof into the eye .

Emplaster . Or else vse this emplaster against an hot fluxe of the eye .

Take of the iuyce of the hearbe vermicularis , of virgapastoris , of plantaine , of nightshade , of endiue , of purslan , & such like ▪ with the flowre of barley and oyle of roses make an emplaster ; which must bee applied to the temples of the forehead : or dippe linnen clothes in the iuyces and applie them to the forehead .

The face may be washed with running water , rose-water mixed with a little vinegar : so that will alter the biting humor , flowing to the eye .

If the eye happen to bee hurt , or wounded with a thorne , needle , or knife , we must presently make repercussion .

A water against in inflammamation of the eye . Take bole armonick , sanguis draconis , tutia prepared gum arabick , & dragant , of either a dram , make a powder & mix therwith 6. ounces of rosewater in a glasse viol , then let it stand in hot water the space of an howr , them afterwards add 1. ounce of the wine of pomgranats ▪ & so let it stand for 1. whol daie , & then straine it , & of that straining put a little into the eie Morn , & Euen ; and for to lay ouer , you shall frame an emplaster with the iuices of houslike & niteshade , of either two Emplaster . ounces : or in their place take rosewater , bole armonicke , myrrh , gumdragant and araback ; of either one ounce : make it into pouder and so apply it in the form of an emplaster to the eyes , for it doth both beat back , and cure .

For spots or webs in the eie beeing remaining after the cure , we must presently vse this remedie . Take young Pyes out of the nest a little before they are readie to flie , let them bee cleane puld and cut in peeces , and then distilled : of which water put into the eyes an houre before supper , and in the morning it remoueth away al redness , spots , and cataracts : this remedie is confirmed by experience : some doe affirme the same virtue to be in Consolidaregalis .

Weeping eyes . Sometimes the eyes do weepe and water against the will , which is caused by the debilitie of the braine , beeing weake and ouer-moist : for which cause thou shalt do no more but drop into the eye for xv . dayes togither , two drops of the water of Tapsus barbatus , called in english Hagtaper .

Againe , Rue being dryed and beaten into powder , and mixed with hunny and vineger , and boyled and after strained through a linnen cloth and the eyes therewith anointed will restraine the weeping and teares thereof : the patient must auoide all things that do euaporat & fly vp to the braine : if the cause proceed from choler or from bloud , it shall bee diuerted by bloud-letting : if the cause proceede from fleame , it is good to purge with pilles of aureae , and imperiales ; take heede of gargarisms , Bathes . masticatories , and apophlegmatismes . Bathes of warme water are verie conuenient so they bee vsed in the morning fasting : for that draweth the matter to the vtter parts .

If the matter be sharpe , applie a repercussiue about the forehead framed with the white of an egge . and bolearmonicke , and so applyed vpon a peece of linnen cloth .

If the cause haue proceeded from fulnesse or much drinking of wine , let him vse a spare dyet , and open the head veine , and let him purge with the pils of the 5. kindes of myrobalans : his dyet must bee drie ; for hee must auoid all broaths and liquid things : sower grapes and vnripe , beeing burnt in an earthen pot to powder , and searced verie finelie and put into the eyes , doe remoue awaie the teares and rednesse of them .

A singular remedie for the eyes , is to take true frankincense , and melted at the fire , and so seauen times extinguished in red rosewater , and thereof instill into the eye that weepeth .

An excellent medicin for the eyes that weep , for a pearle , and dimnesse , is this .

Take halfe an ounce of tutia , one dram of red corrall , burne them in a vessell of earth , then adde thereunto halfe a dram of sine A powder for the eies pearle , and then beat them small into verie fine powder in a stone mortar , and then searce it finely thorough silke , and then put therof into the eye , this is a great secret .

How to cure debilitie & weaknesse of the sight .

HIs dyet must be good as in ophthalmia , let Weake sight . his head bee well combd with an iuorie combe , let him behold things that are greene , and beholde himselfe in a steel glasse : the vse of triphera dooth comfort very much , because it hindreth euaporations by reason of the myrobalans . Let him take after his meals Diacitoniton , the confection of Coriander prepared , Diapliris , and sugar of roses , in an hot cause . Venerie & lust is hurtfull , and all things that are vaporous . Rapes either rawe , or boiled are very good . Wine vnlesse it be in small quantitie , is verie hurtfull . There must not be made any strong euacuation , least the spirits be dissolued .

An excellent water An excellent water to preserue the sight . which dooth preserue the sight , and good against all manner of spots , is in this manner . Take Celendine , rue , endiue , betonie , roses , Silermontaine , mallows , maiden haire , of euery one three handfuls , let them be infused in pure white wine for the space of 24. howers and then distilled .

A Collyrium for the eies which hath bin approued , is to take tutia prepared , 2. scruples , aloes hepaticke one scruple , cloues halfe a scruple , white vitriol sixe graines , and make a fine powder .

A Collyrium for the eyes . Then take rosewater & fenell water of eyther two ounces , let it warme vpon the hot imbers , then mixe the powder therewith , and after a while straine it and put therof into the ey in the mouing .

Electuarie to comfort the sight . An Electuarie which dooth cleare and comfort the sight . Take the flowers of eye-bright and of betony , of either one ounce , fenelseed three drams , cubebs , maces , cinamon , and cloues , of either one dram , long peper halfe a dram let all be made into fine powder : then take of the iuice of Rue clarified one ounce and a halfe , clarified hony one pint , boyle the iuyce with the honie to a perfection , and then adding three drams of zedoarie to the former powder make an Electuarie .

A powder to comfort the sight .

TAke betonie , veruin , eyebright , celendine , hysop , penny rioll , sage , all these being dried in the sunne , of euerie one halfe an ounce , horehound , fenel-seed , wild time , Coriander prepared ▪ the seed ▪ of maiotā of euerie a dram , ginger , saffron , cloues , cubebs , nutmegges , cinamon , long peper , galengall , of euery one halfe a dram , rosemary flowers , the citren rynde , of euerie one a scruple , and of fine white sugar three times the weight of all the rest : make all into fine powder , or into lozenges with the water of fenell , eyebright and betony .

An houshold receipt for the remouing of any spot or pin and webbe of the eye .

TAke the iuice of houslick the quantitie that will goe ▪ into an egge shell , then put therein 3. graines of pure white vitrioll , let them boile togither on the hot ashes , and then scum the top thereof awaie , and drop thereof into the eye morning and euening , and close vp the eye with a boulster of linen .

For all inflammations & bloud shotten eies , take the iuyce of a limon , and drop thereof into the eyes at the entrance into the bed , and close vp the eies as is aforesaide : and remember that for all inflammations proceeding of an hot cause bloudletting , to be the present remedie .

FINIS .