CHAPTER I. Of Water in generall .

ALbeit my maine scope in this following discourse , be concerning Tunbridg water , yet will it not be altogether fruitlesse , or vnpleasant , I hope , to the Reader , if I say something , as it were by way of Preface , touching water in generall . Water is a substance so absolutely necessary , that no living creature can subsist without the benefit of it , nor no tree bring forth its leaues and fruit , nor any plant its seede , if they be deprived of that vivificall moisture , which maketh them all to grow and prosper . That this is true , you may obserue it in Summer , for if Raine be wanting but a few weekes , how hinderly be all things ? How doe all plants wither in that season , when they should chiefly flourish ? For this cause perhaps it was , that Hesiodus thought water to be the most ancient of all the elements . Of this opinion also was Thales Milesius one of the seaven wise Grecians , who made water the sole principle of all things . Empedocles likewise jumping with them , sayd that all things were made of water ; and Hippon in a a Lib. 1. c 2. de anima . Aristotle termes the soule water . Hippocrates goeth not so farre , but yet he calleth water and fire the two principles of life . True it is , that by water Hippon doth vnderstand our seede , and Hippocrates our radicall moisture . The Latins vpon the Etymologie of the word Aqua , water , doe derive it from à et qua , quasi à qua vivimus , vel à qua omnia fiunt , by which we liue , or out of which all things are made . Others will haue it quasi aequa , because there is nothing more equall and smooth then water , when it is not tossed with the winde . But b b Exercit. 745. Iulius Caesar Scaliger disliketh these Etymologies , and will deriue aqua from the obsolete Greeke word 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , which anciently did signifie water . This Element seemeth to challenge a kinde of rule and dominion over the rest , for it easily transmuteth ayre into it selfe , extinguisheth fire , and devoureth earth . And to goe no higher , then our grand-fathers memory , nor farther then our neighbours , the Ocean Sea swallowed vp aboue one hundred thousand Acres of ground at one clap in Holland . Nay it aspireth even vnto the heavens , and which is strange , it doth not onely get vp thither in it selfe alone , but carrieth with it whole sholes of fishes , heapes of stones , and divers other heavy substances , which afterwards fall down with it . Most creatures liue without fire , without water none ; & with water onely , without any other sustenance , a c c Cael. Rhod. Lib. 13. c. 23 Spanish mayden is reported to haue lived a long time ; and Albertus writeth of a Melancholy man , who by the space of seven weekes lived with water onely , one draught of which he tooke but every other day . The d d d. Lord Verulam also hath produced his opinion of late , and holdeth that Trees and Plants liue and are nourished meerely by water , and that the earth is as it were , but a Stabilimentum vnto them , to keepe them steadie , and from being beaten downe by the winde . Hee proveth it by Rose bushes , which being put into water , without any earth , & kept vpright in the same , not onely brought forth leaues , but faire Roses also , And the e e Psal. 1. royall Prophet sayth , that a tree planted by the rivers of water , bringeth forth his fruit in due season . Much more might be sayd concerning water , but because I intend to be briefe , let this suffice .

CHAPTER II. Of the differences of water .

IN the Creation God sayd , f f Gen. 1.4 , 5. let there be a firmament in the middest of the waters , and let it divide the waters from the waters . And GOD made the firmament , and divided the waters , which were vnder the firmament , from the waters , which were aboue the firmament . g g Psal. 29.10 . And David saith , that the Lord sitteth vpon the flood , that is vpon the Orbe of the waters ; and where he exciteth the creatures to laude the Lord , he speaketh thus , h h Psal. 148. v. 4 Praise him ye heavens of heavens , and the waters that be aboue the heavens . Those waters are likened in another place to a i i Ezech. 1.24 . terrible chrystall , and sayd to be , as it were , k k Exod. 24.10 . a paved worke of Saphir stone . l l Rabbi Levi Ben Iarehij in Gen. c. 1. And some go so farre , as to define the place and seate of those waters , and say , that they are as much aboue the primum mobile , as the primum mobile is aboue the elementary waters , but whether they ever were there to take the iust distance , I doe not know . That there should be water aboue the firmament , many men thinke it strange , and yet the deluge , besides the expresse word of God , proved it to be true . For if all the water of all the Seas , Lakes , Ponds , Rivers , & Fountaines in the world , had been drawn vp into the heavens , in like manner , as we doe in distillations , yet would not their quantitie haue increased , but there would haue returned back againe , by raine , no more , then was ascended vp , nor so much neither perhaps , because though you be never so carefull in your distillations , and vse Glasse vessels neuer so well luted , yet will you still receiue some losse ; and so the flood had not gone fifteene cubits aboue the highest mountaines . But why this should be stranger , then all the rest of the wonderfull works of God , there is no reason . The massie and heavy Globe of the earth and water standeth , as it were , in aequilibrio in the center of the world , suspended by the omnipotencie of God . Nay all his workes are vniversally so admirable , that there is no lesse wonder in the smalest Gnat , then in the biggest Elephant , in the least weede , that creepeth vpon the ground , then in the tallest Cedar . But of those waters , which are aboue the firmament , and of those , which were gathered together vnder the firmament , namely the Seas , wee speake here but by the way , though concerning the Seas divers curious and pleasant questions might bee handled , as touching the saltnesse of it , the ebbing and flowing of the same , why it can endure no impure things , and the like . These things I say , might bring some delight to the Reader , but they are beyond our scope , and therefore I will onely speake briefly of those waters , which are potable , and in common vse amongst vs , either for dyet or Physicke .

They are commonly divided into Fountaine-water , River-water , Well-water , raine-water and pond-water . The preheminence thereof is commonly given to Spring-water , but in generall that water is accounted best and wholesomest for dyet , which is pure , and without any tast , but such as water should haue . For most water retaineth some savour of the ground through which it runneth , and albeit to those , who doe not vse to drinke water , it be imperceptible , yet divers of those , who drink nothing but water , will as easily perceiue a difference betwixt water and water , as wee doe betwixt beere and beere , or wine and wine . The best water also is lightest , but that lightnesse is not to be considered by waight ( for snow-water is most light , and yet vnwholesome ) but by the thinnesse of the parts thereof , and by the speedy heating and cooling of the same , as Hippocrates well observeth . Let this suffice to haue beene briefly touched concerning the differences of waters in generall , and let vs now say something with like brevitie concerning the originall of Springs and Rivers .

CHAPTER III. Of the originall of Springs and Rivers .

IT is a common received opinion , derived from Aristotle , that the generation of water proceedeth from ayre condensated into the same , in the bowels of the earth , and distilling , as water doth with vs from a Limbicke . But it is hard to imagine how the nature of ayre should bee so speedily corrupted , and turned into water , and in that quantitie too , that should maintaine the continuall course of so many Springs , and so great a number of Rivers as are in the world , divers of which are of such vastnesse , and of so swift a course , that a man might justly thinke , that the whole element of ayre , which in its owne nature is but very thinne , should scarcely suffice to maintaine the course of that aboundance of water one only day . And as for the reason they alledge , that ayre is retained within the concavities and porosities of the earth , ad vitandum vacuum , which nature doth abhorre , and afterwards is converted into water , it is but a very weake one ; For those concavities are still full of ayre , as well else-where , as where Springs and Rivers doe flow . But if the transmutation of ayre into water , were the only cause of the flowing of all Springs and Rivers , surely their streams must needs be but narrow , & their course slow , and of small continuance . Besides , if this were true , how could the Sea , thinke you , containe that excessiue aboundance of water , which perpetually runneth into the same ? The ancient opinion then is the truer , that all fountaines and rivers come from the Sea , and are transcolated through the veines and porosities of the earth , where in their passage they leaue their saltnesse . Plato Aristotles Master was of this opinion , and before him Thales Milesius ; as also m m In Libro de mundi opificio . Philo , n n Lib. 3. c. 9. Nat. quaest. Seneca , and o o Lib. 1. de ortu subterran . Georgius Agricola , which without question they had learned from the Hebrewes . For thus speaketh the Preacher , p p Eccles. 1. All the Rivers runne into the Sea , yet the Sea is not full , vnto the place from whence the Rivers come , thither they returne againe . This is a most cleare and expresse text , and which alone shall suffice to proue this point , especially seeing the rule and law of Nature doth suffragate vnto the same ; For wheresoever there is a repletion , there must needs an evacuation bee . But some perhaps may say , wee see indeed all Rivers runne into the Sea , but we doe not see how they come from it . True , but when wee see that for all the abundance of water , which runneth continually into the Seas , the same are not increased thereby , but remaine still the same , we must needs imagine that they disburthen themselues some where . For otherwise , the waters had long agoe overwhelmed the world , and reached vp even vnto heaven , seeing that the g g Gen. 7. Flood , caused bin by raine of forty dayes , ascended fifteene cubits aboue the highest mountaines . Besides our very senses may perswade vs , that the originall of Springs and Rivers is from the Sea ; for divers Springs of fresh water are in sundry places , which seeme to sympathize with the Sea , and to imitate the motion thereof by a kind of ebullition . And which is strange , and yet a thing avouched by divers good Authors , those things which were cast into the River of Alpheus in Grecia , were afterwards found in the fountaine called Arethusa , neere Syracusa in Sicilie , though there bee a great distance of Sea and land betwixt them , which gaue occasion to the ancient Poets ( who did vse to involue all the secrets of nature in their fables ) to faine that Alpheus and Arethusa were a couple of lovers , which were transformed , the one into a River , and the other into a fountaine , and of them speaketh r r Lib. 5. Metam . Ovid , saying

In latices mutor , sed enim cognoscit amatas , Amnis aquas , positóque viri , quod sumpserat , ore , Vertitur in proprias , quo se mihi misceat , vndas .

But whereas I said before , that for all the water , which runneth into the Seas , they remaine still the same , I would not be mistaken , for I know that the Seas haue somtimes gone beyond their ordinary bounds and limits , but it hath beene when they were , as it were commanded so to doe by their Creator for the punishment of mens wickednesse , or whensoever men haue gone about to alter the naturall seate and state of the same , and the ordinary course of Rivers .

Of Gods judgements there are diverse examples , as s s Lib 2. Of Polybius that excellent Greeke Authour , whose works I lately finished to translate into English , my translation being readie for the Presse , if it can finde any roome there . And as for Polybius , I dare boldly say here by the way , that there is not any better or more necessary Author extant in his kinde , especially for three sorts of men , Princes , Statesmen , and Souldiers . And whereas the Emperour Charles the fift was wont to say , that there were but three Bookes necessary for a Prince , Polybius for Warres , Machiavell for State-matters and policie , and Castiglio for behaviour , if he aymed at a compendium he might very well haue left out the second , seeing for State-matters and honest policy , enough of it may be found in Polybius , who for judgement , sufficiencie , vertue , and honestie ( though but an Heathen ) went farre beyond Mach●●vell ; ●nd f●● more 〈◊〉 ●●●loy●●●t & ex●●●●●ce , ha●ing beene in great pla●●s ●f au●hori●●ie , both in c●vill and marshall affa●res , and fam●l●●rly acqua●nted wi●h that great Romane Scipio ●fricanus . & with Caius Laelius . Whereas Machiavell was but a pettie Secretarie or Towne-Clarke o● th● Citie of Florence , growne famous onely through the wicked Maximes and Positions contained in his writings , and especially in his Prince , where he setteth forth that Monster ●f Men , Caesar Borgia , bastard-sonne to the like father , Alexander the sixt Pope of Rome , as a patterne to be imitated by such , as desir● to get rule and dominion to themselues . And it seemeth by a passage of the seventh Chapter of his Prince , that he was acquainted with him , and perhaps a Counsellor of his in his murders , po●son●ngs , and other devilish exploits . But Polybi●● 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 farre from doing the like , that there are infinite digr●s●ion● in his workes , in which he reprehendeth the vicious act●ons of men more sharply , then some other Authors , which profe●● themselues Christians . Olenus & Helice , two of the 12. Cities which made the Common-wealth of the Achaeans , which a little before the battell of Leuctra were drowned by the sea . Antissa , Tindaric , Burrha had the like fortune also , being swallowed vp by the Sea , together with all their Inhabitants . And that it might the better appeare that the finger of God was in it , all such , as thought to haue escaped by shipping , perished as well as the rest , being drowned & overwhelmed by the waues . And of those who haue endevoured to contract and pin vp the Sea into narrower limits , by wrlls , dikes , and other workes , diverse of them haue often sustained great dammage by the same ; as for example , the Hollanders , who , as we said before , lost aboue 100000. acres of ground by such meanes , which the Sea , after the overthrow of all their dikes and strong workes , tooke away from them , as it were by Letters of reprisalls . This were enough to teach men that it is but in vaine to goe against the order established by God , and the ordinary course of Nature ; yet it is worth the noting also , and a thing not to be considered without admiration , that all those Princes , who purposed to cut the Isthmus of Peloponesus , which is a necke of land betwixt two Seas , containing according to Mercator in his Atlas Major , some fiue miles in breadth , dyed all before the worke was begun , as Caligula , C. Caesar , Demetrius , Nero , and Domitianus .

CHAPTER IIII. Of waters of strange nature and effects .

ALL Springs of Waters are actually , either hot or cold . Of those hot Springs some are of so excessiue heate , that a man would thinke it were water boyling vpon the fire ; and amongst other there is a veine of it running vnder a streete in a village called Porcet neere the City of Akin in Germanie . In the middle of this streete there is a hole , which they call Hell , with three or foure barres of yron over it , in which the neighbours round about , in the Sommer time , when they haue no fire , doe vse to seeth their egges , letting them downe with a Net into the water , and in a small space of time they may be boyled hard ; of which I was twice an eye-witnesse , being there first in the yeare 1610. after the siege of Gulick , and the yeelding of the Towne to the States , with that braue Souldier , Sir Horace Vere , now Lord of Tilbury , & the second time with that worthy Knight , Sir Henry Palmer , now Controller of the Navie . The cause of those hot Waters is commonly ascribed to Mines of Sulphur or brimstone inflamed within the bowells of the earth . But few of those hot waters , as at Akin , Porcet , in the Pyrenean Mountaines , at Bathe in Sommersetshire , and elsewhere , haue any great or extraordinary taste of brimstone , as they should of necessitie haue , if brimstone melted and burning were the cause of their heate , that minerall being of so piercing a nature , and of so entensiue a facultie , that never so little of it burning vpon a few coales , when our women dry their tiffanies , filleth a whole room with the strong sent of it . Besides , such a great quantitie of water running continually , and so many yeares and ages together , had long since extinguished those fires ; or if there were such flames within the bowells of the earth , the same would long agoe dryed vp the water , and reduced the earth into ashes . Another reason there is , that you shall finde no hot Springs where fires doe breake our , and albeit the hill Vesuvius & Mount Aetna burne continually , yet are there no hot Springs about them , though they be environed by the Sea . And for all the late wonderfull and extraordinary eruption of fire out of the said hill Vesuvius , or Monte de Soma , as they call it now ; which hath beene so violent , that the houses of Naples , which are eight or as others say twelue miles from the same , were all covered very thicke with the ashes thereof , yet doe they not write that the water which gushed out at the foote of the said hill was hot .

Besides , albeit there be many hot waters in Italie ( for those that haue written of them , reckon few lesse than threescore ) yet shall you see no where a mixture of fire and water in those parts . Which makes me thinke with some , that the cause of the heate of those waters proceedeth from their motion and agitation in the bowels of the earth , falling from Cataracts and broken Concavities in the same .

That this may be true , it may be proved by the Sea , for though it be actually cold , yet if it be tossed by a Tempest but of three or foure dayes ( and it is seldome that a storme lasteth longer ) the water thereof will sometimes become very hot . Besides , we haue many very sulphurous Springs , which are never but cold ; as for example , one of the foure Springs vsed at the Spa called Geronster , which tasteth so strong of the brimstone ( as my selfe can speake by experience ) that diverse of those , who drinke of it , are constrained to hold their noses whilest they are a drinking , and the Sulphurous fumes of it are so piercing , that they doe speedily intoxicate the braine , and cause drunkennesse , though it be but for a little time , being soone discussed away . * * Since the writing of this Treatise , & when I was come to London about the Printing of it , I lighted by chance vpon Dr. Iordans learned & elaborate Discorse of Naturall Bathes and Minerall waters ; wherein he hath a peculiar opinion concerning the actuall heat of Minerall Water , which he ascribeth to the fermentation of Mineralls , and illustrateth the same with reasons and examples . I am so farre from disliking it , that I applaud it , and leaue both his and mine opinion to the choice of the Reader , for in those abstruse things we haue no certaine knowledge , but onely probable conjectures . Howsoever , the least probable of these two opinions is farre more likely , then those imaginary actuall fires , which the vulgar opinion holdeth .

Now for the other Springs , which are actually cold , there are sundry differences of them , according to the severall substances they doe run through , and the nature and effects of some of them are very admirable . Some doe turne into stone whatsoever is cast into them , especially if the things cast in be or a loose and porous substance , as leather , balls , gloues , and such like ; and Plinie and others describe diverse Springs of that nature .

But not to goe out of this Island for examples , there is a Spring of that nature in Wales in a peece of ground belonging to Sir Thomas Middleton . And the quicke activitie of some of those Springs is wonderfull , and almost incredible ; for Bodinus doth t t Lib. 2. The. at . Nat. affirme , that , he hath seene stickes of wood , strawes , and such like small things converted into stone in Lacu Piceno et Alliensi fonte Avernorum , within the space of two or three houres . So that Plinies assertion , who u u Lib. 35. c. 13. saith , that earth is turned into stone in a fountaine of Gnidus within the space of eight moneths , is no more to be wondred at . The same Author , namely , Plinie , x x Li. 31. c 2. maketh mention of two fountaines , the one called Cerone , which maketh the sheepe , that drinke of it , to beare blacke wooll , and the other Melan , which maketh the wooll of the sheepe , which drinke of it white , and if they drinke of both , their wooll will become of two colours ; And of another called Crathis , which procureth whitnesse , and of a fourth called Sibaris , which causeth blacknesse in the sheepe and Oxen , which drinke of the same . Nay , the same effect is seene also in men , which drinke of them , for those that drinke of Sibaris , become blacker , harder , and of a curled haire , and such as drinke of Crathis waxe whiter , softer , and of a smooth haire . He bringeth in also other Waters , which haue the like effect in changing the colour of such as vse them . He saith likewise , that there are two Springs in Baeotia , neere the river of Orchomenus , whereof the one strengtheneth memorie , and the other causes oblivion . A fountaine in Arcadia called Linus preserveth conception and hindreth aborsement , and on the other side , the river called Amphrisus maketh women barren . Cydnus , a river of Cilicia helpeth the Gowt in the feete , as appeareth by the Epistle of Cassius Parmensis to Marcus Anthonius ; and contrariwise by the vse of the Water , which is in Traezenen , all men get the Gowt in their feete . All such as drinke of a lake called Clitorius , beginne thereby to hate wine . Polyclytus relateth , that the water of a fountaine in Cilicia serveth in steade of Oyle ; And Theophrastus , that the like is done by the water of a Spring in Aethiopia ; and Lycus , that the water of a fountaine in India burneth in a Lampe . The like is also at Ecbatana . Iuba speaketh of a Lake amongst the Troglodytes , which for the hurt it doth , is called the mad-lake , and saith that it is bitter and salt thrice in a day , and then fresh , and so againe at night . The same Author also maketh mention of a Spring in Arabia , which bubbleth vp with such force , that it casteth forth whatsoever is throwne into it , though it be never so waightie . There are two fountaines in Phrigia , the one called Claeon , and the other Gelon , having those Greeke names from their effects , for the first maketh men cry , and the second makes them laugh . There is an hot Spring at Cranon , and yet without excessiue hear , which being mingled with Wine , and kept in a vessell , keepeth the same hot by the space of three dayes . There is a river in Bithynia called Olachas , into which if perjured persons be throwne , they feele as much heate , as if they were in a flaming fire . In Cantabria there are three Springs but eight foote asunder , which running together make a goodly river , and every one of them by turnes becommeth dry twelue times , and sometimes twentie times a day , so that a man would thinke there were no more water in it , whilest in the meane time his next neighbours be full , and flow continually . There is a brooke in Iudea , which is dryed vp every Sabbath . In Macedonia , not farre from the sepulcher of Euripides , there are two brookes running together , the one having very wholesome water , and the other poisonous and deadly . Quod si quis , saith y y Lib. 31 c. 2. Plinie , fide carere ex his aliqua arbitratur , discat in nulla parte naturae majora esse miracula . If any man thinke , that some of these things are past beliefe , let him learne that there are no greater miracles in any other part of nature , than in Waters . But if any man desire to know more concerning the various nature and effects of Springs and Rivers , let him reade the thirteenth dialogue of Simon Majolus , Bishop of Vultuaria , in that Tome of his Workes , which he intitleth Dies Caniculares , and there he will finde wherewith to satisfie his curiositie . I passe now to mineral and medicinable springs , which vse to be drunke .

CHAPTER V. Of Minerall and Medicinable Springs .

MInerall waters , by their manifold turnings and windings vnder the ground , are as it were impregnated with diverse vertues and faculties of the severall mineralls , through which they run , and draw with them , either the faculties , or substa●●e of the same , and sometimes both . And therefore as meere purenesse commendeth ordinary Springs and Wells , so doth the various mixture of severall things , though somtimes of a contrary and repugnant nature , procure commendation to medicinable waters . Some of them are beholding for whatsoever they haue to the severall kinds of earth , which they passe through , and licke , as it were , by the way , as Bole , Ocre , Rubricke , Chalke , and the like ; Others to liquors or congealed juyces , as , Allum , Bitumen , Brimstone , Nitrum , Coperose ; And others againe to Mettalls , as gold , silver , Iron , Copper , Tinne , Lead . There are some also , which owe their vertues to stone , as Crystall , Marble , Pumice stone , Lapis Haematites , and the like ; and others to the roots of trees & plants , though these be rare , either because trees doe not roote so deepe , or by reason that medicinable springs are commonly in barren soyles , as on the contrary wheresoever there is a fruitfull soyle , there are no minerall or medicinable springs to be found . Out of all these subterraneall substances diverse springs draw sometimes contrary faculties , or at least such as haue but small affinitie one with another , and from hence it happeneth that oftentimes one & the same medicinable spring cureth diverse diseases , which are either contrary one to another , or at least haue but small affinitie together . It is of this as it is of Theriake or Mithridate , which are compositions consisting of a great number of simples of contrary and repugnant natures , as it were hudled together by chance ; and yet when those compositions haue had their due fermentation , and that those severall simples haue wrought one vpon another , and become to be incorporated together , there resulteth afterwards an vniversal forme in the composition , which maketh it excellent for most diseases , and as it were a generall Panpharmacon . And in that regard some doe merrily call Mithridate the father , and Treacle the mother of all medicines . But that we may the more accurately distinguish betwixt minerall Springs , we must consider the nature of the mineralls , and looke which of them haue affinitie together , & which not . Bitumen , Salt , Sulphur , Coperose Copper , are hot , and therefore they haue a facultie to cut , cleanse , open , dry , extenuate , and disperse . z z Lib. 5. de Metallici● . Albertus Magnus , and after him Andernacus and others , doe reckon Sal nitrum with these , and hold it to be hot , which might be granted them , if by nitrum they vnderstood that nitrum , whereof a a Lib. de aere locis et aquis . Hippocrates , b b Lib. 5. c. 89. Dioscorides , c c Lib. 31. c. 10. Plinie , d d Lib. 9. Simp. Medicam . Galen doe speake ; But I doe not thinke that either Albertus or Andernacus ever saw it , because it began to be scantie & hard to be found in the time of those ancient Authors before cited after Hippocrates . But our Saltpeter , which is now called Nitrum amongst vs , is as farre from that ancient Nitrum ,

Quantum Hipanis veneto dissitus Eridano .

For if gunpowder were not enough to proue the coldnesse of Nitrum , in which its opposition and contrarietie to Brimstone is so manifest , yet were the Sal prunellae of the Chymists ( which is nothing but Nitrum purified from its dregs with Flores sulphuris ) sufficient to evince it , a very little of it put into a glasse of Wine , making it so cold , that one is scarce able to drinke it . And to this purpose I remember that when I was in Holland , the Prince of Orenge , Maurice , was wont alwayes in the Summer time to haue some of it throwne into the water , where his Wine lay a cooling . That Sal prunellae also is the best remedie against the heate , drinesse , & roughnesse of the tongue in all feavers , and especially in that Hungarian-feaver called Prunella , from that symptome , which gaue likewise the name of Sal prunellae to that purified Nitrum , by reason of the excellency of it in asswaging the same . And the more to confirme this , one of the foure springs of the Spa called Tounelet , and consisting chiefly of Nitrum , is so very cold , both in the mouth , and in the stomacke , that few can endure it , and in that regard it is very little frequented ; and during my stay there I doe not remember that I ever saw at it more then a Capuchin friar , and another Clergie man , who vsed it for the heate of their livers ; in which case it may doe good , if the stomack be not too weake .

Silver , Iron , Tinne , Lead , are accounted cold , and by reason of their astringencie , to be at least in the second degree . Gold is likewise placed amongst these , though a man might perhaps with better right account it temperate . Now in regard of this varietie , some springs are called Nitrous , Sulphurous , Bituminous , Aluminous , &c. according to the onely or predominant minerall , of which they doe participate . But yet some there are , in which it is a very difficult matter to know the same . So the Vberlingunians in Suevia doe dispute to this day , whether their minerall Spring proceed of Lead or Copper . In like manner , the Italians are not well agreed whether the vertue of the mineral water about Lucca commeth from Iron or from Allum . And a great man , that was one of the chiefest Chymists of this age , doubted whether he should call the Empsenses Aquae Aluminous or Nitrous ; so hard a thing it is exactly to distinguish in things , that are compounded and permixt . But it is now time we should goe to Tunbridge water .

CHAPTER VI. Of Tunbridge Water .

THe water commonly knowne here amongst vs by the name of Tunbridge water , are two small Springs contiguous together , about some foure miles Southward from the towne of Tunbridge in Kent , from which they haue their name , as being the nearest Towne in Kent to them . They are seated in a valley compassed about with stony hills , so barren , that there groweth nothing but heath vpon the same . Iust there doe Kent and Sussex meete , and one may with lesse than halfe a breath runne from those Springs into Sussex .

It pleased our gracious Queene Marie to grace this Water by her presence two yeares agoe , so that those Springs may justly be called , as some doe call them now , Queene Maries Wells . The taste of the water is not vnpleasant to those , who haue a while beene vsed to it , and it is a sure thing , that no man is able to drinke halfe so much of any other liquor , though never so pleasant vnto him , as he may of this . What other mineralls it runneth through , besides Iron and the rubrick of Iron , which is seene on the ground , over which the water runneth , is not yet well knowne , for there hath beene as yet no digging neare about the same . The greater part of those that drinke of it , are purged by stoole , and some by vomit , as well as by vrine , which perhaps should argue some other mineralls , besides Iron . The same may peradventure be discovered in after times . Howsoever though there were no other mineralls thereabout , besides Iron , yet Iron being a mettall , and all mettals , according to the Chymicks , proceeding of two principles , Sulphur and Mercury , wheresoever there are any mettalls bred , there must also of necessitie their principles be .

Besides this , all mettalls haue also their peculiar salts , and Iron in particular hath a great deale of volatill salt , which is it that dissolveth in the Chalybeate wine now so much in vse . Now Iron is of an astringent and corroborating facultie , and hath an opening vertue withall , as may be seene by the powder of steele ( steele being nothing but a defecated Iron ) which is vsed with good successe in the greene sicknesse , and in all other diseases proceeding from obstructions . But here I shall seeme perhaps to some to contradict my selfe , in making Iron both astringent and opening , which the vulgar thinke to be two qualities incompatible in one subject , and yet they are deceived , for to open and corroborate haue no such repugnance , but that they are together in many Simples . Now concerning those two Springs , a question doth often arise amongst those who are there a drinking , which of them should be the better and stronger , but being so contiguous and neare together , certainly there can be no manifest ods betwixt them , and though I often tasted of both immediately one after the other , yet can I not say , that I ever found any perceptible difference betwixt them . Yet will I not denie , but that it may so fall out , that at some times the one may appeare stronger than the other , according as the Water may participate more of the vertue of the mineralls at one time , than at another ; But I thinke that there can be nothing constant in it , though they may alternatiuely something differ one from another . This shall suffice to haue beene spoken concerning those Springs . It followeth now that we make an enumeration of the chiefest diseases their water may be vsed for , wherein wee will chiefly follow experience , seeing it is an empiricall remedy , & yet so , as we shall not exclude reason . For albeit it be empericum remedium , yet must we not vse it altogether empirically , nor make it a Panpharmacon , or a Panacea , a medicine for all diseases , and send thither promiscuously all sorts of Patients , as some Physitians doe to the like Springs , when they are at a nonplus with them , and after a long time can doe no good vpon them in Chronicall diseases ; For then they send them to those minerall waters , tanquam ad sacram anchoram . Which causeth those Springs to become infamous , and to loose the credit they justly deserue ( the common people ordinarily judging of things by the event ) when some miscarry after the vse of the same , either because they were alreadie too farre spent when they were sent thither , or by reason their diseases were not to be cured by that remedie .

CHAPTER VII . The chiefest diseases , against which Tunbridge water may be vsed with good successe .

BEing now to reckon vp the chiefest diseases , which Tunbridge water is good for , wee will not goe a capite ad calcem , from the head to the heele , but beginne at that , which it is most generally good for , and that is obstructions , which are the causes of infinite diseases . This water then doth effectually open all manner of obstructions , wheresoever they be lurking , and especially the obstructions of the mesaraicall veines , of the spleene , and of the liver , and that better , then any Apozemes or other physick whatsoever . For those obstructions being stubborne , and requiring a great deale of Physick to be removed , and Physicke being both loathsome and chargeable , people grow weary of it , before a Physitian shall haue run a quarter of the course , which is necessary for the remooving of those obstructions ; and that is the reason that so many are troubled with chronicall lingering diseases , which in their owne nature are not incurable ; but onely remaine vncured , either because the Patient is not able or willing to vndergoe such a course of Physicke , as is requisite for his recovery , or because hee loveth his purse too well . But these Waters bring no charges , and after one hath beene vsed a little while to them , the taking of them is not troublesome at all , but the longer a man continueth the vse of them , the more he may , and being taken in a large quantitie , they cannot chuse but open effectually . Wherefore they are of excellent vse for all diseases , which haue their dependencie vpon obstructions , as all long and tedious agues , quartanes , and the like ; for a dropsie , the blacke & yeallow jaundise , the Schirrhus Lienis , or hard swelling of the spleene , which the common people call an ague cake , the scurvie , the greene sicknesse , the whites in women , and the defect and excesse of their courses . And albeit this last assertion seemeth to haue some repugnancie , in that we ascribe two contrary effects to one and the same agent , yet there is no such matter , for the one is done by opening of obstructions , and the other either by cooling the bloud , when it is too hot and sharpe , and so provoketh nature to expulsion , or by corroborating & strengthning the retentiue facultie . And it is the propertie of all equivocall agents to varie their operations according to the varietie of their objects , and of the matter they worke vpon ; so the Sunne melteth Waxe , and hardeneth Clay . This water doth also cut and extenuate tough , clammy , and ( if I may so speake ) Tartarean flegme , and in that regard it may be much available for those , who are vsed to be troubled with the Colicke , when such an humor is contained in their gutts .

It scowreth and cleanseth all the passages of vrine , and therefore is good against the gravell & the stone in the kidneyes , Vreteres or bladder , where also it dissolveth and washeth away a kinde of clammy flegmatick excrement bred in the bladder , which sometimes stopping the passage of ones water , maketh him beleeue that he is troubled with the stone ; as happened to one , that was himselfe a very skilful and famous stone-cutter , who being fully perswaded that he had a stone in his bladder , gaue himselfe to another of the same profession to be cut at Namurs ; But when he was cut , nothing was found in his bladder , but such a tough humour , which might haue beene dissolved and voyded with facilitie by the helpe of the Spa water , which was but a dayes journey from him . It is good also ( in regard of the astringent and healing facultie it hath ) for all inward vlcers , and especially for those of the kidneyes and bladder , and of the Musculus sphinater , which openeth and shutteth the same . And in confirmation thereof divers haue bin cured of a bloudy vrine , which had long troubled them , & amongst the rest a worthy Kentish Gentleman , with whom I went thither the last yeare .

It is good also against all inveterate Dysenteries or bloudy Flixes : as also all other Fluxes of the belly , whether it be Leienteria , Diarrhaea , or Fluxus hepaticus . It doth likewise extinguish all inward inflamations and hot distempers , and yet for all that the stomacke is no whit hurt by the actuall coldnesse thereof , but rather corroborated and strengthned , and appetite provoked , yea in some but too much , as in my selfe for one ; For whensoever I dranke either at the Spa or at Tunbridg , I was never able to fast with patience vntill noon , but must needs offam latranti stomacho offerre , cast a bit to my barking stomack , before the rest of my company went to dinner . For this cause when I was at the Spa , a Spanish Physition , who was come thither with the yong Prince Doria ( who was then but a youth ) would not let him take the water aboue two or three dayes , when he saw such an effect in him , fearing that he would receiue more hurt by the excesse of his appetite , than benefit by the water ; and so after a long and troublesome journey from Italy thither , he returned home without any profit . The nerues or sinewes , and the originall of them , the braine , are strengthened by the vse of this water , and consequently it is good against the palsie , inclination to an apoplexy , lethargie , and such like diseases of the head .

And some Paralyticks haue beene seene , who sometimes voyded all their water by vrine , and at other times were as effectually purged , as if they had taken a strong potion , and withall sweated aboundantly all their body over . All these evacuations , and vomitting also , are sometimes seene in other diseases , as well as in that ; Nay besides that in some women you shall haue an evacuation by vrine , & per menses simul & haemorrhoidas . The cause of all Rheumes and Distillations is likewise remooved by the helpe of this water , and all diseases cured , which haue their dependencie vpon the same , for all that verse of Schola Salernitana , Iejunes , vigiles , sitias , sic rheumata cures .

Convulsions also , Head-ach , Migraine , & Vertigo , are driven away by the vse of the same , if the patient be constant and not too soone weary . Against vomitting and the hickot , it is vsed with good successe . Those that are troubled with hypochondriacall melancholie find a great deale of ease by this water . It helpeth also the running of the reines , whether it be Gonorrhea simplex or Venerea , and the distemper of the Parastatae arising from thence , as likewise a certaine carnositie , which groweth sometimes in the conduite of the vrine , nay and the Poxe also , the water having a notable potentiall drying facultie . It driveth away besides all manner of wormes , whether they be ordinary ones , or ascarides or taeniae . It may be vsed also for the Gowt , but it must be with some caution , and the body must be extraordinarily well prepared and purged before , because it hath somtimes brought the fit vpon some , who were well when they came thither . Outwardly applied it doth helpe sore eyes , red pimples , and other externall infirmities . More diseases , which haue affinity with these , it may be vsed for , but I will content my selfe with this enumeration of the aforesaid ones , and passe to the time , manner , and order of taking the water . Yet must I not forget in the behalfe of women , to tell them that there is nothing better against barrennesse , and to make them fruitfull , if other good and fitting meanes , such as the severall causes shall require , be joyned with the water .