A moche profitable treatise against the pestilence translated into Eglyshe by Thomas Paynel Chanon of Martin Abbey.

REMEDY AGAYNST THE PESTILENCE .

FOr the conseruatyon of these that are in helth , & reformation and amendmente of these that are sicke . I intende vnder the correction of my auncyente maysters and doctours , to write and declare certayne profitable thynges for the common weale , and agaynst pestilence , the which dothe very often inuade , trouble , & vex mens bodys . And agaynst these thinges after my poore lernynge , I wyll ordinatly wryte , as here after dothe folowe .

Of the pronosticate sygnes of pestilence . cap. i.

THe signes , by the which a man may pronosticate , speke , and knowe the pestilence , are after this worke but .vii.

The fyrste is , whan that in the selfe same summers day , the wynde doth often tymes vary and chaunge : as when that in the mornynge hit appereth rayny , and afterwardes obscure and cloudy , and that doth principally procede and come of the south wynde .

¶ The seconde is , whan that in summer the dais do often tymes apere obscure and dark , and as thoughe hit wolde rayne , and yet hit rayneth not at all : the whiche disposition is to be feared : and if the wether do contynewe and endure longe so , it is a token of greatte pestylence .

¶ The third is , whan that in summer we do see vpon the erthe great abundaunce of flies : the whiche thynge betoknythe that the aire is infected .

¶ The fourthe is , whan that the starres do apere and seme to fall , and departe fro their places : the whiche thinge dothe also signifie , that the aire is infectyd & charged with infectyd and poyson vapours .

¶ The fyfte is , whan that it semethe to man that the cometes or blasynge starres do flee abrode . For as the philosopher dothe wryte in his Metero . the aperyng of a comete doth betokyn and bryng maruaylous sygnes : for why suche apperance dothe often tymes signifie furious deathe , rape , distruction , & spoysynge of cities and townes , danger of the see , darknes of the sonne , change of kyngdomes , & affliction of the people by pestilence & famine .

¶ The syxte is , when there is moche lyghtenynge procedynge out of the southe parte .

¶ The seuenth is , whan there bloweth moch wynde from the southe parte : the whiche is very noyfull and greuous to the people : in so moche , that none other medycyne can helpe and succour them , but onely the mercie of almyghtye god .

The causes of pestilence . cap. ii.

THe causes of pestylence are diuyded in thre . For at somtymes they procede fro beneth , and somtyme fro aboue , & other while from both . Pestilence may be caused & come from beneth , whan there is nyghe vnto our chambre some priuey , or stynkynge sinke , by the whiche the ayer may be corrupte and infectyd : & this pestilence is called a particuler pestilence : the which maye chaunce & happen dayly . And of this procedethe a pestilent feuer , by the which many a phisition is deceyuyd , not knowynge the sayde feuer to be pestiferous . And sumtymes such pestilence chancethe by the corruption of deed carreyne , the whiche dothe fortune oftentymes in corrupte places . This pestilence cometh very often fro aboue , and that through the vertue and operation of the celestiall bodies , by the whiche the lyuely spirite of man is corruptyd . Of this speaketh Auicenna in his fourth boke saying , By the ayre and influence of the celestiall bodies aboue , the bodies benethe ar oftentymes and very sone corrupted and infectyd . For the celestiall impression doth corrupt the aire , and by suche corruption the lyuely spirite of man is corrupted aswell by the inferior rote as by the superior : that is to saye , that the pestilence is caused as welle by the inferiour bodyes , as by the superiour impression , whan the ayre is through deed careyn so corrupted that it infecteth man , and ingendrethe siknes , as feuers and impostumes . For why , the ayre is then open , whose attraction is often venemons and corrupte , the whiche is ryght greuous for the harte , and nature is there with diuers maners of wayes feblysshed and sore greued .

¶ Apon these thynges before declared , two questions may be asked . Fyrst why that some do die and peryshe of the foresayde sycknesse , and some not : and beynge in the sayde same citie or howse , why one dothe dye , and a nother dyeth not ?

Vnto this fyrst question I aunswere and say , that hit maye so fortune and chaunce by two diuers reasones . And fyrste bycause that the action and operation of the bodis aboue , haue more respecte to one place then to a nother .

The second reason and cause commeth of the patient . For seinge it is so , that euery man is not of lyke complection , one may be disposed to that infirmitie and sicknes , wherevnto an other is nothynge inclined or dysposed . And ye shall note , that all suche as be disposed to the pestilences , are of a whotte complection , and their conduites are wyde and large , their poores open , and replenisshed with dyuers humours .

¶ Item all suche bodyes as be moche resoluyd , as these that do often tymes companye with women , and these that vse moche baynynge , and these whiche by great labour and vehement angre are chased and hotte : al such are moche more disposed to haue the pestylence than any other .

¶ The seconde question is , whether such pestilente sicknes be contagious or no.

¶ To this question I aunswere and say , that suche pestylente sicknes is contagious . For from suche infected bodies commethe infectious and venemous fumes and vapours , the whiche do infecte and corrupte the aire . And therfore it is very necessarie to auoyde and eschewe all suche as be infected with any suche infirmite : and also in tyme of pestilence to auoyde greate multitude and congregation of people . For in a greatte multytude maye be some one infectyd , the which may infecte many other . And therfore the wyse and experte phisitions , whan they vyset any suche infecte persones , stand farre from them , turnynge & holdyng their facys toward the dore , or some other wyndowe : and so shulde their seruantes do , and also they that kepe them .

¶ Ye shall also note , that yt is very good & profitable to recouer helthe , al sumtymes to change chambers , and to open the north and este wyndowes of the sickemans chambre , and to kepe the southe wyndowes therof close & shytte . For the southe wynde hathe two causes of infection and putrifaction .

¶ The fyrst is , that it feblyssheth as well the hole and sounde bodies , as the sycke .

¶ Secondely it is written in the thirde boke of the Aphorismie , that it inflatethe and can sethe a man to swell , and noyeth the hering , and doth hurte the harte . For it dothe open the pipes and conduites of man , and persethe vnto the harte . And therfore it is very conueniente and mete for a hole man , in tyme of pestilence , and whan the southe wynde dothe blowe , to kepe hym selfe within : or elles ( if a man muste nedes go forth ) that he departe not from his house , tyll the sonne be hotte , and of a good heyghte .

¶ The remedies agaynst the forsayd pestilence . Cap .iii.

FOr asmoche as we haue sene the causes of the pestilence , it is nowe conuenient to declare certayn remedies to withstande it . Wherfore ye shall note after the mynde of the supernatural phisition , spekyng by the mouth of Iheremie , that if a man wyll be surely cured , and haue a sure medecine , he muste leaue his synnes , and confesse hym selfe with humilitie and greate repentaunce . For in tyme of sykenes confession and penaunce shulde be preferred aboue al other medecines . But to kepe and conserue the bodye , the moste soueraynste thynge is to auoyde and fle suche places and persones as be infected . But yet for as moch as there be many that can not conuenientely , nor with their ease or profyte chaunge their habitation , I wolde counseyll them as moche as shal be possible , to eschewe and fle al suche thynges as maye ingendre or cause putrifaction , and to absteyne from moche bodely frequentation and companye of women .

¶ Also in suche daungerous season and tyme of sicknes , we shulde auoyde the southe windes , for naturally they cause moche infection and daungerous putrifaction . And therfore we haue tolde you before , that the south windowes of your house shuld be shut , til it were prime , and that they shuld be open northward . ¶ Also we haue sayde , that all maner of infection and stynch shuld be anoyded and fled , as the infection of stables , pryueys , and aboue all other the infection of deed carein , and of longe standynge waters , the infection of olde sinkes , that cause such corruptions , that the inhabitours of suche houses do die , theyr neyghbours continuyng in helth & prosperite . ¶ In lyke wyse we shulde flee those places , where that putrified ware is solde : for suche putrified thynges do ingender infection and sauers moch contrary vnto helthe . For as aromatike swete odours and sauours do comforte the harte , so dothe yll and infectious sauours greue the harte , and cause it to be weke and feble , wherfore it is ryghte necessary to withstande suche infections , and to beware , that they doo not perce and entre in to oure chambers , and that we haue good and clere fiers , and that these herbes here folowynge be not to seke , Bayberies , Ieneper , Vbery , Organy , wormwod , Isope , Rue , Muggeworte , and specially this wodde Aloes , the which is very dere , whose fumygations must be receyuyd by the mouthe and nose , for they do strengthe , fortifie , and comforte the hart , and the interyour parties of man .

¶ Also ye muste eschewe and fle the excesse of meates and drynkes : for suche repletion dothe cause and ingender ylle humours , the which are easely and sone corrupted & infectid . And therfore Aui . saith in his .iiii. canon , that all such as vse great repletion , do abrige & shorten their daies & the ende of their lyfe . ¶ In lyke wise a man shulde not bayne nor wasshe him amonge moche company , for the breth of one infectid person may infect a hole . ¶ Farthermore all maner of multitude and congregation of people is to be sled and auoidyd . But for asmoche as it is very harde for many a man to auoyde and absteyne fro company , let all suche receyue and vse these medicines that here after folowe .

¶ In the mornyng at your vprysyng , ye shal eate a lyttell Rue well wette & depte in clere water , with a lytel salte , and one or two walnuttes well pylde . If so be that ye can not haue these forsaid thinges , take a tofte wette in vineger , & specially whan the wether is clowdy . ¶ Also ye muste se and take hede , that your house be ouer sprincled with vineger of losis , & that in somer it be strewde with vine leues . ¶ Item it is very good for a man to washe his handes in water & vinegre , and than to smell to his handes .

¶ Also it is helthsome to smel to suche thinges , as be sharpe & tarte , wherof I had experience & prouyd it my selfe at Mountpeller . For through pouertie I was inforced & constraynyd to be amonge theym , and to goo frome howse to howse to helpe the sycke and dysesyd , and soo toke a sponge in my hande deped and wel wet in vinegre , or elles a toste , the whiche I helde vnto my mouth . For all that is sharpe and sower , doth replenyshe the pypes and conduites of the body , and lettethe the ylle ayre to entre into the bodye , and soo it is excluded .

The confortation of the harte and other principall membres of man . Capi. iiii.

THe thinges which do comfort the hart , are Saffron , Cherfile , and plantayne , the whiche do solide and confirme the interiour spirites .

¶ Also ye shall vnderstande , that the eies throughe the infection of the ayre doo waxe obscure and dimme , except a man carie about hym these foresayde thynges . It is a ryghte holsome thyng for a man to washe his handes , eies , & his mouth with rose water and wine . But if all these forsayde thynges can not be had , take aysel : for so ye maye bothe dwelle and haunte the more surely amonge moch companye : the whiche medicine is laxatyue , and moche profytable for the bellye . Or elles ye may take pylles named pestilētions , the whiche ye shall fynde at the potycaris . And as considering metes , I say that Triacle is very good : and therfore it is not yl to vse therof twyse a daye the quantitie of .ii. sponfulles wel mynglyd with clere wyne , or rose water , or ale . And after it is well myngled & beten together , and that ye haue receyued it , ye must absteyne from all other meates til it be none . ¶ Also it shal be very good ons in the day to eate good meates , and moderately to drynke good wyne , or elles it shuld putrifie and corrupt the humours . Men must beware of hot meates , as pepper , and garlyke , notwithstandynge that the pepper dothe purge the braine of fleme , and other principall members of al superfluous and vicious humours , nor that is not throughe his heate , the which hete ingendrethe putrifaction , whose bytternes plesythe me moche more than his sauour .

¶ And garlyke in lyke maner , dothe purge & auoyde fleme , prouokyng mans appetite , and chaceth awaye yll ayers . Yet for as moche as it troublythe the eies , and dothe hete their heades that do moche vse it , I thynke it therfore nother holsome , nor the vse therof very plesant . For the pestilence throughe naturall heate , is often tymes incresyd and augmentyd . All meates of lyght digestion are moste holsome . And it is good to vse boylde meate in the mornynge , and roste at nyghte . Suppynges and cawdelles , if they be tarte and sharpe , aare profitable . For in tyme of pestylence suche egre and sower meates are better for mans body , then any other medicine .

¶ Item all fruites at hurtful , except they be sowre & sharpe , as cheris , poumgarnades , or in stede and place of a medicine , a littel pece of an aple , or of a pere . For all maner of fruite ingender putrification . The most profitablest spice in tyme of pestilence are these , Cmamum , Gynger , Comyn , Nutmegges , and Saffron : of the whiche men do make sawses for ryche men : But if so be pouertie wyl not suffre you to bye these foresayd spyces , make your sauce of rue , sage , walnuttes , and parcely , depte in vineger . Yf so be they be of meane estate , let them take for their sawce saffron and cummyne , the which muste be put in vinegre .

This sawce is a very good sawce auoydyng all corruption , and with all this a man muste be merye and nothynge melaneolyous : For that is cause of good helthe . And therfore in tyme of pestilence a manne shoulde not feare to dye , but rather truste and hope to lyue longe .

Of lettynge of bludde .

FLeubothomye , that is lettynge of blud , maye be done and vsed ones in a monthe , if it soo be that iorneinge or no nother thynge do lette it : as in pylgrymmes , and other feble personnes , or they that are laxatiue . And whether that this fleubothomia be in the righte Basilyke , or in the lyste it muste be done fastynge . And after the incisyon , he that is lette bloudde muste be merye , and vse moderatelye good wyne , or elles good ale , and kepe hym selfe frome slepe that daye that his basilyke is cut .

And if a manne fele hym selfe to be greuyd with any impostume , he muste auoyde slepe , And seke for good merye companye , or elles walke : for by slepe the interyour and inward heate drawethe the poyson so vnto the harte and the other pryncypalle members of the bodye , that hardly a man shall eyther by herbes , or any other medycine restore the bodye to his fyrste condytyon and estate agayne , the whiche thynge shoulde not chaunce , yf he wolde eschewe slepe . And therfore slepe muste be differred for a whyle by walkynge in to some plesaunte feldes or gardeynes .

After suche walkynge a manne maye slepe the space of a good houre . And to this purpose Auicen saythe , that whanne we purpose to slepe , we shulde before drynke some good wyne , or elles some other good drynkes for by slepe a man gethereth yl humours , the whiche good drynke do expell .

¶ Here it maye be inquired , howe one shulde know , when he is smitten with the pestilence , where to I aunsere and say , that who so euer be infected , that daye he shall eate very lyttel meate : for he is fulle of ylle humours , and a none after he hathe eaten , he shall desyre to slepe , and vnder a spyce of colde , he shall fele a vehemente heate , in the fore parte of his hedde . The whiche thynge maye be auoyded and holpen by meane mouinge of him selfe , or walkynge . For the pondorosite of the body , wyll not suffre hym to walke , or to ryde moche at that tyme : for he shall couette to slepe at euery howre . For the poyson that is in his body dothe so trouble the lyuely spirites , that he shall require nothing els but slepe . ¶ And by these foresayd signes a manne shal welle perceyue whan he is infectyd with the sycknes . And he that wyll not beleue it , may tarye the space of halfe a day , and knowe it to be so by experience . For he shall fele the sores vnder his armes , or about his eres , his neck . and shulders , or elles aboue his reynes .

Therfore the moste souereynste remedy is in tyme of pestilence , to fle and refrayne slepe .

For whan the spirites of man be at reste , the venym and poyson dothe extende and sprede it selfe throughout all the bodye : of the whiche thynge I haue had experience and prouyd it by my selfe . And therfore whan any man doth fele hym selfe smytten and infectid with the pestilence , he shulde be let bloud in greate quantite . For the euacuation of a lyttell blud dothe onely moue and styrre the venym . And who so wyll not let hym selfe bludde by many veynes , muste be let bloudde by one , and that abundauntly . But whether he that is let bloudde be sycke or hole , he muste nedes ( for the reasones afore rehersyd ) eschewe and auoyde slepe . And if he haue a sore , he muste be let bloudde vpon he selfe same side that he hath his sore , and not vpon the contrary side , for suche causes as here after shall folowe . And therfore it the sore be vpon the ryghte arme , he muste be let blud vpon the veyne in the myddes of the selfe same arme : and lyke wyse it muste be done , if it be vppon the lefte arme . And if the postume be benethe towarde the priuey membres , he muste be lette bludde on the lefte syde , towarde his great too : But if the sore be in the necke , he muste be let blud in the hande vpon the selfe same syde , nyghe vnto the thumme , and nyghe vnto the lyttell fynger . But if the sore do appere nyghe vnto the eares of Cephalica , then he muste be lette blud vpon that syde where he dothe fele his grefe in the vaine that is betwyxt the thūme and the next fynger , whiche is called Basilica . If the sore do appere vpon the shulders , he muste be let blud with ventosities , & first in the veyn called mediane . If it appere on the backe , he must be let blud in the veine called perdica magna . And let al these thynges be done , yf the pacient slepte not before he knewe of the sore , for yf he fele hit after that he hathe slepte , then he must be let bloudde cleane contrary : that is to saye , yf the sore do appere vpon the ryghte arme , he muste be let bloudde vppon the lefte arme , in the veyne of the lyuer , or in the veyn named Basilica mediana . And yf hyt appere vppon the lefte arme , ye muste do as ye dyd when it appered vpon the ryghte arme , and so consequently where so euer it doth appere .

¶ If the patient after suche diminution of bloudde be weyke and seble , then he maye slepe and take his rest at after none : for vntill it be none he must nedes be in continuall and moderate motion . And if the sore do increce , yet a man shulde not feare it , for the soore is the cause of helthe . And to rype and to breake the sore , make this medicyne that here after folowethe .

¶ Bruse the leaues of Ellerne with a lytle mustarde , and make a plaster therof , to laye vpon the sore . Some Surgiens wyll put triacle vnto it , the whiche thynge in no maner of wyse I wolde ye shulde do : for the nature of triacle , is to repell poyson , and therfore it were better that the paciente shulde drinke it to auoyde out the poyson .

¶ Another medicine to ripe a pestilence sore . Take an herbe called herbaiouis , pellytory , plantayne , and a lyttellrye , and stampe them together , vntyll there come water from it : after that wete it in womans mylke , & drinke thereof fastinge , & before ye go to your reste : for so it shall haue the better operation .

¶ Also he that hath a soore , may take hasell nuttes , fygges , and rue , and make a playster to lay to his sore .

¶ To knowe vrines .

IF ye wyll knowe vrines , ye muste fyrste of all marke , whether the vrine be scummye , ye shall see a cercle aboute it , and therby ye shall knowe , that there are greatte ventosyties in the guttes and reygnes .

¶ Whan ye se that the vrine is as thoughe it were full of bloudde , it betokenethe grefe & peyne throughe out all the body , and yf it be in the botum of the water , yt sygnyfiethe peyne in the reygnes .

¶ Whan ye se that there is moche vryne , and that it is as clere as water , it signifieth the virginitie of a mayde .

¶ Whan ye se in any vryne lytle bryghte and flamynge sparcles , as appere in the sonne beames , in a man it signifieth yll humours : in a woman it betokeneth that she is with chylde , and yf those sparcles be redde , it is a shrewde token .

¶ Whan ye se the vryne redde , and in colour lyke vnto wyne , & as there were smal bubles in the botome , it signifieth that the patient dothe suffre great peyne through out all his body . ¶ Whan ye se the vryne discoloured , & darke in the myddes , it signifieth that the pacient is full of fleme , but yet without any feuer : and that he hath a swellyng in the belye , and that he is peyned in the raynes , in the syde , and in the heed . And if it be a womans water , she is peyned in the nauyll , in the raynes , and in her knees , and that the suffreth colde in her handes , and in her feete .

¶ To all suche persones , ye may gyue good stronge wyne , well mengled with hoote water : in the whiche water ye muste put sodden sage , wherof ye muste gyue them euery mornyng halfe announce . Also ye must make them a bathe of Peny reall , Camamyll , and baye leues : and whether it be men or women , they must be therin a longe season , and anoynte theyr raynes & theyr bellyes with the same , and with oyle of bayes .

¶ A remedy for the frenche pockes .

I Fynde that this sickenes began in the yere of the creation of the worlde .MM. . And nowe I say , that the infortunate coniunction of Saturne and Mars ( in the whiche this disease had his begynnynge and course ) the coniunction & yll respect of those planets was the begynnynge therof . In the yere a . M. cccc.xcvi . re .vi. of Ianuer , in the thirde face called Piscis : the whiche infortune and yll respecte of the forsayde planettes impressyd in mannes body , disposed to corruption , this forsayde disease . For Saturne is the cause of the passion and peynefulnes of the legges and other membres : and Mars is the cause of the ingendryng therof , as it is noted in the boke intitled Initium sapientie . cap. 4 . of the nature and sygnification of planets . And therfore I saye , that the dede of the forsayde coniunction , is the cause of this sikenes : the whiche coniunction is paste , and shall come no more . For in the yere . M. cccc . xc . vii . the forsayde planettes dyd holly conioyne them selfe all in theyr contrarye signe . And therfore if any man chaunce to be infected agayne with this syckenes , it is not by the influence of any constellation , nor by the influence of any yll respecte of the forsayde coniunction : but bicause it is of his propre nature very contagious . And therfore yet suche as kepe good dyet , may be sone eased .

¶ This malady is cronique , longe sence , and extendyd through the nature of Saturne , whose scabbes , pusshes , and inwarde & outward goutes , whiche ar of the nature of Mars shal be shortely in Aries . But as touching this matter , ther are foure thynges to be considerid . ¶ Fyrst that they , which be infected with this sycknes , must vse no great abstinence in meates nor drynkes . For abstinence causethe greate debilitie of nature , & feblenes of body . They must ete suche meates as be light of digestion , and drinke swete wynes with rayne water .

¶ Secondarily they must be purged ones or twyse in the weke with pylles conuenient and mete to purge the heed : bicause that this malady , whiche is of Saturnus , procedeth from the heed . ¶ Thyrdly to remoue this sycknes and the peynes therof , ye muste anoynte hym with oyle made of swete almandes , and with terpentine : the whiche two must be mengled well together . ¶ Fourthly he muste drynke euery mornynge womans mylke , and sucke it from the dugge , for that is most conuenient : or els he must take asses or gotes mylke , and that the forsayd bestes be norished after the vse and forme of phisicke . The maner of receyuynge of this mylke , is by the dugge : and the cause is this . In this sickenes there are thre thinges , sores , bledyng , and consumtion . Vlceration must be healed , bledynge must be mundified , & consumption recouered & restored . ¶ There is a medicine , in the whiche are these thre , that is mylke , the whiche naturally doth clense , the chese doth fasten , & the butter dothe nouryshe , and restore the forsayde consolidation . And therfore I saye , that who so wyll vse this thynge euery mornyng fastyng , shall by the grace of god recouer his helthe , and so I praye god he may .

To the reder .

¶ It may be , that this remedy for the frenche pockes before wryten , was at the begynnyng the beste that men had by experience proued : but I thynke it is nothyng nowe comparable to that that Hutten wryteth de ligno guaiaco , yet not withstandynge we haue put it to , that men may se what thynges are good , if the other coulde not be had .

Finis .