RIght welbeloued Coosin & deere friend , these are to certifie you , that I haue receiued your letters dated the third of Marche , wherein I perceyue you seeme to be sorowful , for that I am so much addicted to this new sect of Physicians , called by the name and title of Paracelsians : a more odious and contemptible name ( I perswade my selfe ) you could not haue bestowed vpon it , then to intitle it A new sect . But sith you cannot iustlie prooue it , I can the better brooke the accusation ; it seemeth that you neuer read many of Paracelsus his workes , nor yet that booke lately set forth by Master B. in our mother tounge : which if you had done , I hope you would not haue called it the New Phisicke . For in those authors you shall find this proposition truely and manifestly confirmed , that it had his beginning with our first father Adam , and so from time to time hath continued vntill this day : but indeed so amplified and enlarged of late , and brought vnto euery mans sight ( that hath both his eies ) by the long labour and infinite paines of Paracelsus , that it seemeth to be borne a new with him . I cannot therefore be a little grieued at you , nor take small offence at your scandalous and slanderous termes , which from the corrupt coller of your angrie mind you haue giuen forth against him . For haue you not called him Heretike , Coniurer , Dronkard , Iugler , Tospot , Aleknight , & c ? Ah deere Coosin , did you euer read any heresie in his bookes ? if you had , then were it your dutie to haue named where ; but if you speake it onely vpon hearesay ( as many of your coate do commonly ) then are you greatly to be reprehended . I assure you , I haue read so many bookes of his as are extant and find not any spot of heresie in him , but contrariwise a pure and true Christian , a friend and fauourer of the flocke of Christ , & a great enemie to the enemies of Iesu , as the deuil , pope , & turke . And who euer wrote more against coniuring then he did , against Nigromancie , sorcerie , witchcraft , gluttony , and suche like abhominations : repayre to his bookes De occulta Philosophia , and De Magia , there shall you finde it . Iudge him not then good Coosin by the mouth of his enemies ( who speake of enuie ) no more then you would by the verdict of his friendes , but trie him by his owne wordes .

Me thinkes you goe very neere him to find fault with his drinking , I think you haue forgotten what Countryman hee was . Can you giue the Dier leaue to quaffe , & the Smith to carrowse , and will you grudge Paracelsus to drinke measurably and with reason ? remember with your selues ( for I speake to you and all your companie and fauorites ) that Paracelsus sate not all day on a cushion with a pen in his hand , but was occupied both night and day in distilling , subliming , calcining , melting , fixing , resoluing , coagulating , reuerberating , digesting , & cementing , which things could not be performed without great horrible and strong fires , which must needes cause a man to haue a iust quarrell to the cuppe . But that hee was a drunkard , or tooke more then he could beare away , you cannot prooue , neither doo his workes declare . As for his learning , you say he had none , if you count knowledge of diuers tounges , learning , as I thinke you doo , he had the knowledge and vse of as many as any author you haue , and wrote in more . Galene wrote but in one tongue , & that his mother tongue , no more did Hippocrates or Aristotle , neither can you certainely say that they had any more : but hee wrote as well in the Latine tongue , as in the Germane tongue , which you may perceiue if you please to peruse his booke De Tartaro . Hee was also a reader in Basilia , which hee could not performe without great learning , aske Erasmus , he will say the same .

Moreouer you lay to his charge that his medecines were nothing but poison , wherof you nominate some particulars , viZ. Oile of Vitriole , the glasse of Antimonie , the precipitate of Quickesiluer , and the rust of Iron ( as you terme it ) . As for the glasse of Antimonie , if it doth otherwise then well you doo him great wrong to burthen him with it , for you shal not finde in all his works that he did once name it . I denie not but you may find in diuerse places of his workes where he maketh mention of prepared Antimonie , and what great vertue it hath in curing many diseases , if you suppose that he meant the glasse thereof , you are farre deceaued , there is great oddes betweene that & the Magisterie essence , or tincture thereof . If you account and esteeme Mathi : Gesnerus , Andernacus and such like for Paracelsians , as I thinke they would haue prooued if they had liued a litle longer : I confesse that at that time the glasse of Antimonie was had in great estimation : so that some of them so oft as they named it , would terme it Stibium nostrum , others would not sticke to call it the Philosophers stone : yea they auouched that they would do more good with it ( in three dayes ) in any desperate disease , then they could with their Methodicall medicines in a whole moneth . And so often as any great griefe came to their handes , whether would they runne for succour but to the same glasse ? What would they haue done thinke you if they could haue obtained the perfect preparation therof , that is to separate him quite from his impurities , which is nothing performed in vitrifiyng him ? For in this glasse , the earthly sulphur is so mingled with his Mercurie , that he is made rather worse then better , and so of force he must do more harme then good . And you Galenists cannot so much disprayse it , but we doo as much & euer did abhor it , for our Master hath taught vs a farre better order how to vse it .

The oile of Vitriole , if so be it be wel drawen , rectified , and with the spirite of wine well circulated , vntill it come to a pleasant tartnes : not onely we haue found great commoditie therin , as oft as wee had neede to asswage thirst , open obstructions , or withstand the malignitie of feuers , but a great many of your opinion haue highly commended the same , and will not giue it a Paracelsian name ( for they thought it not good enough for such an excellent extraction ) but they haue giuen it a new name , and termed it their artificiall Melancholie . If Dioscorides durst minister a dramme thereof vnprepared , why should wee feare to giue a scruple of it , when it is purged from his venome by the fire . As by the contrary effect it doth appeare , for he gaue it to prouoke vomite , we bring it to such a passe , that it becomes a singular medecine to stay vomite . He saith it heateth , and wee make it a great cooler . It appeareth therefore that hee ( as he commonly did ) respected onely the venemous qualitie thereof .

You seeme also greatly to reprooue vs for the powder of Iron , & terme it the rust . What ayle you ? what doo you ? what meane you to be so partial in dispraising of that in vs , which you allow in your owne authors ? you can not inuey against vs therein , but you must include them also . And is there no difference betweene Crocus Martis reuerberated into an inpalbable powder and the drosse of Iron . If you had euer seene them together , you would say there is not so much difference betweene fine flower and course branne : and yet Dioscorides may be permitted to vse the one , and poore Paracelsus blamed for occupiyng the other , though he made as small account of it ( as if you read him diligently you shall perceaue ) as you haue done or can doo for your liues , because he knew a far better and more perfect preparation of the same , viZ. first to dissolue it , then to separate his impurities .

Now you must be answered concerning Precipitate , to speake what I thinke and not to flatter you , I tell you plainly that you are so ignorant in these medecines , that silence were the best answere I could giue . But were you not my very freend & louing Coosin , I should shape you an answere accordingly , for it were too much to prouide you good meate , and to force it vpon you . If you do meane that Precipitate which is commonly vsed and to bee sold at the Poticaries , fixed wi●h the spirite of Allome Coperose , and Salt Peter ; you mistake the matter : for Paracelsus neuer durst minister it outwardly , albeit Mathiolus with diuerse other haue done it , and that with singular good successe as they affirme . I pray you bestow a little looking on , and perusing of Paracelsus his bookes , and there shall you find Mercurie prepared three manner of waies . The first is fixed , the second seperated from his impurities , the third and chiefest brought whole to a perfect ripenesse . Concerning the first , if it be so fixed that it will abide the fire , which your common Precipitate will not doo , then shall you finde him a singular good medecine in sundry grieuous diseases , but there are diuerse wayes to doo it , and after it be done it requireth to bee dulcerated and washed from his Aqua fortis , I doo not meane your common Aqua fortis . Notwithstanding if it be fixed without any liquor , onely in the sunne , which hath bin brought to passe , then neede he not any dulcerations , but of himselfe is so sweete as hony . In all these fixings there is no separation of his poyson , but it is so bound that it cannot worke his will so fully as he did before , although somewhat hee doth , as by vomiting and spitting it doth appeare . Therefore if hee be seperated from his venome , as seperation may be made , then were he more of value then all the compositions and drugges in the Apothecaries shops , then should the french disease be quickly cured without stiffenesse of the ioynts , and losse of teeth ▪ Then should these woodden Physicians lacke worke which crie out the diet , the diet , and nothing but the diet , to the diet , to the diet . The third and last way whereof Paracelsus maketh mention , is performed not onely by separation of his impuritie , but afterward also to exalt him , by adding thereto a fitte Sulphure , and placing him in a reasonable clymate for a certaine space , that hee becomes as an Eagle , that is , expelleth all venemous impurities of mans body , euen as the Eagle deuoureth the venemous beastes : hee becommeth a Lion able to vanquish all impurities , whatsoeuer we receaue from the Animals .

Thus much I haue thought good to answere you , concerning such medecines as you obiected in your letters against vs : now ( if you will giue me liue a little ) I will be so bold as to examine your medecines , whereof you make such boastes , and what cures you haue done with them . If you did any , I am perswaded it was through the Lord his blessing of that bad medicine , rather then by certaine skilfulnesse or any cunning , as by that which hereafter followeth ( if you will with patience reade it ) shall plainely appeare vnto you . And first to beginne with your decoctions , conserues , and syrrupes , all which are compounded eyther of hearbes , fruites , flowers , rootes , or iuyces , by adding eyther honye or sugar . As for example , if a conserue of flowers be to bee made , then you prescribe that vnto each pound of flowers there be added two pound of sugar ▪ if iuices or decoctions you put equal waight , and sometimes more or lesse as you thinke good . Then are they put vp in paynted potts till the sicke sende for them , and ( selie soule ) many times he giueth a noble for that , which doth him not two pennie woorth of good . No , you will say , are not these excellent good simples , as roses , rosemarie flowers , stecados , mints , violets , and such like . Yes , wee confesse that the hearbs are good and wholesome , but as they are ordered by you they little auayle . Is not wheat , rye , and barlie good and wholesome too ? and yet they being taken into the body , nature findeth two substances in them , the one good , but little in quantity , which she retaineth , the other drosse and great in quantitie , which shee expelleth : part by siege , part by vrine , & part by sweate . If then nature findeth two substances in euery thing , the one good the other bad , why should not you doo the like , who ought in all your doings to imitate her ? And yet contrary to her rules you doo not onely not seeke to separate these impurities , which euery thing , seeme it neuer so wholesome , is ioyned withall , but like vndiscreete and vnreasonable men you adde more vnto it , for to a pound of flowers , hearbes or rootes , whereof sometimes 15. ounces and an halfe , and somtimes more is baggage , you adde as much sugar therevnto to help afterward . But your answer is ready , for you will say that sugar and honie are added for to preserue those and other things from putrifaction . I will aske you againe what that is which putrifieth , & which of the two parts , whether is it that which nature retayneth , or that which shee expelleth ? I thinke you will answere according to truth and reason , that the things which nature driueth out by excrement are especially subiect to putrifaction . But it may bee that you will make an other answere and more fit for your purpose , saying that they both do both of them corrupt and putrifie together . Then would I demaund which of them putrifieth each other ? I know you will be loth to giue iudgement against your selfe . Well then let separation be made , let arte imitate nature . Let there be an artificiall stomacke deuised , let 4. bushels of roses be put thereinto , and after digestion & separation , you shall find in one side halfe an ounce of pure Sulphur or oile , wherein all the vertue of that great quantitie consisteth , and on the other side all the rest drossie matter & impuritie . Now which of these two doo last longest I think you do not doubt , but wil affirme it to be that which is small in quantity : for that is knowen to last many yeares , the other not many houres . The like may be said of all the rest of your sirrupes whatsoeuer , whether they be made of hearbes , flowers , rootes , iuices or fruits , in that there is not any of all these but they abound with impuritie , which must be preserued , or els they tend not onely to putrifaction , but do also destroy that essence that is ioyned with them . Thus may you perceaue that your indeuour is and alwaies hath beene , to preserue that which nature abhorreth : to pound or pouder that which she by al meanes expelleth : for you see that your preparation is cleane contrary to her : for she worketh by substraction and diuision , but you labour to adde & multiply : you are very expert in addition and multiplication , Natura paucis contenta , Nature is content with a little or a few things , haue you forgotten this rule ? doo you deale well with her , in that when she sendeth to you for ayd , telling you that her stomacks are weake and not able to digest and separate as they were woont to doo , to send her iuices of hearbes or flowers , laden both with their owne impurities , and burdened with the filth of hony or sugar , make separation of either of them , & you shall find such store of filth that you would bee loth to looke vpon it . Oh in what estate is nature in now , that when shee was well & strong she digested but one pound of substance for an ounce of sustenance . And now she must , beyng weake and feeble , digest three pound for asmuch ? is this to helpe her or to hinder her ? doth shee not abhorre your aide euer after ? doth shee not rise so oft as she sees it ? Let the sicke be iudge , which once hauing tasted of it , must winke when she should receaue it againe . How much then is nature , the sicke man , and all other diseased persons bound to prayse God for Paracelsus & all his disciples , who haue deuised stomacks to prepare and separate for them as oft as they haue neede of Phisicke . They haue in store Salia olea and Mercuries , wherof one scruple doth more delight her than an whole pound either of sirrupes , conserues or Iuleps . Yea I haue seene that 9. graynes of a vegetable salt hath more quenched the burning heat of an ague , then 9. drams of the sirrupe of Violets , Cichorie or Limons could haue done , which thing I know you will scarsly beleeue , because your maister Galene saith that euery salt is of an heating and drying nature : of which opinion I was once , vntill I came vnto another schoole , where beholding the Anatomie of saltes , I found not only Salia mundificantia , coagulantia , consolidantia , diaphoretica , diaretica , but also Sitim & calorem resoluentia . So likewise there are Mercurij mitigantes , clarificantes , exhilarantes , consumentes , confortantes & regenerantes , and Sulphura somnifera , narcotica , mitigantia , concoquentia , anodyna , attrahentia and sistentia , are in like manner to be found in hearbes , parts of beasts minerals , &c.

Thus deare Cosin , you see that I haue proued your conserues , condites & sirrupes to be of no force , & compounded contrary to nature , that they are rather sawces then medecines , and more meete for Cookes then Physicians , & haue shewed you that the salts , oiles and liquors of hearbes , rootes , seedes , fruits , & flowers , are far more excellent in strength and operation , but in during also and easines of ministring to the partie , in that they are purged of their impurities , and quite deliuered from their lothsome sauour and ill tastes , which must needes be a great comfort to the sicke and diseased . Make triall and you shall find that three drops of the oile of Stecados , or three drops of the oile of Roses , or three drops of the oile of Nutmegs , will doo more good in strengthning the braine , then 6. ounces of the sirupes prepared with the same simples . Likewise three drops of the oile of Poppie , or of the oile of Nenuphar , will more auayle in causing sleepe and rest , then three ounces of their sirrupes . Moreouer three graines of the salt of Radish rootes , Eringus roots , or Restharrow rootes will more profite in diseases of the raines & bladder , then 6. ounces of their sirrupes . Also three drops of the oile of mints in strengthening the stomacke , three drops of the Mercurie of Buglosse in comforting the heart is of more force then six ounces of their sirrupes , &c.

Now will I indeuour diligently to take a view and suruey of your purgations , to see whether you are wiser in preparing of them , then of your other confections . I thinke it will fal out according to the Welchmans prouerb , Droth in gooth : one bad the other worse : you perceiued by the euill accidents which did ensue , that there was not almost any of them but had an ill qualitie ioined with him , as the Poet saith : Omnis commoditus sua fert incommoda secum . As for example , Sena did breed winde , Rubarb did drie the body ouermuch , Agarick ouerthrew the stomack , Scammonie weakened the liuer and intrailes , Cassia feebled the raines , Colocinthis bred the bloodie flixe , Euforbium inflamed the whole body , &c there is not one of them to be found without fault . What order tooke you then , did you purge any of these from their euill qualities ? not one , but by al meanes went about to hide and beguile nature , as for ilsample , to beguile the nose ( for many of them haue a very ill sauour ) you went to the perfumers & bought Muske , yee went also to the Cookes for hony and sugar , that you might betray the tast therof : and least the sight and ouglines thereof should bewray it , you ran to the goldsmithes to buy gold leaues to couer it .

Thus were these poore watchmen betrayed beyng placed as porters of nature to see that no enemy come in . After the same manner you thought to flatter the stomacke , liuer , and hart , with Mastick , Ginger , oile of sweete Almonds , quinces , long pepper , gumme Tragaganth , commin , & spike , but in vaine : for they would see a litle neerer to it , although their watchmen were beguild , the stomacke would by al meanes assay to cast it vp againe , and oftentimes doth , and neuer would misse , were not these varlets Mastick Tragaganth &c. ready to take these traytors parts . The heart riseth , falleth sendeth forth cold sweats , wherby you may plainely perceaue that he is not pleased with these naughty ghests , albeit they bring in their hands , roses , cloues , spikenard , lignum aloes , cinnamon and such like trifles , hee will not haue his head broke , and his cap put on . And as little account makes the liuer of your three kindes of Saunders . What is the cause if you be asked the question , you make a sleeuelesse answere ? But go amongst the common people where a man may better be instructed by Lady experience , then by reading and reuoluing your methodicall volumes , the vulgar sort I say , will tell you that euery purgation is a poyson . At which saying ( when I was in your predicament and opinion ) I haue oftentimes laughed : but since the time that I came to the knowledge of the art of separation , I finde it the truth , and no ridiculous matter which they haue set downe . For not onely Colocinthis , Eleborus , Turbith , Scammonie , Hermodactily , Euforbium , and such like haue their impurities , but Polipodie , Sene , Manna , Tamarinds , Cassia , Rubarbe , haue also their filthines , though not in that extremitie . This could the simple and vnlearned find out : & yet you great clarkes with al your learning & skill could not espy the same , which tendeth to your great discredite , & hath brought you & your art into such contempt , that they had rather stand to the mercy of the disease then to meddle with your slubbered & polluted medecines . Yea , the wise herby are brought into this opinion and conceyt , that whosoeuer vseth much physick can not be very healthie euer after . And I haue heard diuerse say , that they haue marked , & sundry times obserued , that if a man had taken a purgation confected after your accustomed manner , & the same had not wrought & taken effect in his body : if that he did not shortly after breake out into itch or scabs , he should feel such an inward weakenes , that a long time after he should not be his owne man againe . The cause wherof may be gathered by that which we spake before , in that these your adulterate medecines , are confected only by addition without separation of that which is hurtfull , for then the pure not working , but the vnpure getting the mastrie hath his effect , and worketh his will , to the great hurt of the patient , & slander of our honorable science of physicke . But you to saue your owne credite wil make a sluttish excuse , & say the party would not be ruled , & hath either taken colde or kept an ill diet , and so leaue him oftentimes in worse case then you found him . Alas good Cosin , why are you then displeased & out of charitie with such persons as do aduise , and of good will exhort you , not to couer the venome of Scammonie with Quinces , the windines of Sene with ginger , the drinesse of Rubarbe with succorie , the fretting of Colocinthis with gum Tragaganth , the burning and firie qualities of Euforbium with the iuice of lillies , the stinking sauour of Sagapenum with muske , the bitternes of Aloes with sugar ? but haue brought to light the manner how to take quite away these incommodities : that whether they worke or worke not there can no hurt come to the party . Which that you may bring to passe , you shall not need to send vnto Atticum for fine hony , nor into the East for Saunders , nor into Spain for sugar , nor into Italy for Anniseeds , but only bestow a litle mony with the poore Collier , & as much at the Glashouse , & with these two things of small cost you may draw the pure spirit of wine , which in few daies will seperate the good from the bad , the vertue from the venome , the pure from the vnpure , without any hinderance at all to the operation of the good . Neither need you to feare this , that your medecines will take any heat thereby , to cause any annoyance to the sicke , in that the menstrue being rightly drawne will with euery small heat euaporate quite away . But if there be any heat left it will be nothing so much as is in yours , by adding Ginger , Cinnamon , &c: the which notwithstanding you are woont to giue in hote feuers . Now your simples being prepared in manner aforesaid , you may giue Colocinthis , Euforbium , Eleborus , Elaterium , & Scammonie so safely , as you may minister the whole substance either of Sene , Manna , or Cassia . Thus hauing drawen & extracted the essence of each simple purger , then may you compound if you list Cholagoga , Phlegmagoga , Melanagoga , Hydragoga , yea & Panchimagoga , whereunto if you adde also the essence either of Stecados , Mintes , Betonie , Nutmegs , Cloues , Mastick , Cinnamon . &c: not that you may correct the medicine , but that thereby you may obtaine a double commoditie , for your purgation shall both euacuate and strengthen . In triall whereof you shall finde halfe a scruple of the essence either of Colocinth , Euforb , Hermodact , Turbith , Lapidis , Cyaney , &c. to be more auailable and effectuall in Hemicrania , Cephalalgia , Hydrope , Paralysi , Lepra , Melancholia , Arthritide ophthalmia , then two drams either of pillulae aureae , pillulae Cochiae , pillulae sine quibus esse noli , pillulae ex Esula , ex hermodactilis or pillulae è lapide Cyaneo & ceteris , & one scruple of the essence either of Rubarbe , Agarick , Sene , Scammonie ( whereof your Diagredium is prepared ) to be vsed in Febribus colica Nephritide , then an whole ounce either of Catholicon Benedicta or Diaphaenian , & not onely more profitable to the partie , but more pleasant , in that they are small in quantitie , pleasant in tast , and without any lothsome smell . And besides al this more ease and profite will ensue to the Apothecarie , in that he shall not euery yeare be driuen to search his boxes , and throw away so much as he findes euill ( which must be done in your purgations . ) But our extractions wil be as perfect 20. yeares after , as they were at the beginning when they were first drawen . In so much as we doo not only finde fault with that which is ill , but we bring also that which is better in place , why should you be angrie or grieued with vs at all ? If you were but reasonable men , you would in some measure requite our pains , at the least with good words . Thus much concerning your purgations .

Concerning your Comfortatiues , as elect de gemmis , Dia ambrae , dia Margarit : de cocco Daphn : and such like , wherwith you are commonly accustomed to strengthen such parts as you see weakened , I am very loth to say my mind , for that I am assured that I haue not a litle mooued you with that which before I haue spoken ; notwithstanding , in that the commoditie & vse thereof shall redound to the good of the common-wealth , and publike safety of all , which things both you & I ought to seeke being both of vs subiects & members thereof : I hope it shall neither be from my purpose , no new fangled toy , nor to be reprehended , though I do lay open before your eies those errors which haue bene & are daily committed in preparation of these also . And that I may in breefe manner make demonstration therof , you know that these are commonly compounded of hearbes , rootes , spices , stones , and sometimes of mettals , which by ancient experience haue bene found to haue some vertue in them , to comfort this or that principal part . As for the hearbes & rootes , you may gather by those pointes which haue beene before set downe concerning your sirrupes , that first of al before they be ministred , there must be seperation made of the vertue from the venome , the vicious & bad from the pure excellent & good : which being done you shall find Melissa in Doronico , & contrariwise Doronicum in Melissa , although Melissa is not so manifestly to be seene in Doronico , nor Doronicum in Melissa . If Mathiolus had seene this secreet coniunction of nature , hee would neuer haue called Doronicum , Daemoniaecum . Likewise Been album & rubrum haue their impurities , which in any case must be taken away before they bee brought to composition . Moreouer if fiue pound of Cinnamon haue but one ounce of vertue , two pound of Nutmegs as much , three pound of Cloues no more , what should all the rest do in the receipt , which is nothing worth , but tendeth onely to putrifaction . Consider wel with your self , must not that needs be a singular balme , one ounce whereof will preserue & whole pound of drosse from putrifaction a dozen yeare , it is not so in Cinnamon , for take a dram out of the pound , and the rest will indure iust two dayes : the like is to be sayd of all your spices whatsoeuer . Now for the stones and mettalline leaues , as leafe gold , leafe siluer , &c: there is an other thing worthie of reproofe therein ( wherof we haue not yet spoken ) which is Coagulation . We denie not but consent with you in this , that there is great vertue in gold to comfort the hart , so is there in pearels , corrall , in the Saphire against poison , likewise in the Hiacinth & Smaragd against the Epilepsie and Melancolie , in the Iaspis to help digestion , in Christall against the stone , in Lapide linceo Iudaico , of Lapide Spongiae the like vertue is found . But except you can prooue that the stomacke of man is able to digest them , that is , dissolue them ( which is alwaies performed in digestion ) which I am sure you can neuer doo : we will neuer grant vnto you that the body can receaue any helpe of them seeme they neuer so good & wholesome . For daily experience teacheth vs , that though a man eate good and nourishing meate , yet if the same digest not in his stomack , it doth not onely hinder the vertue nutritiue in the body , but putteth that partie so affected , in danger of his life : so that when you are called to such a patient , you make that a very dangerous matter , & not without cause : Euen so do we affirme that these stones which are taken into the body & vndigested , do not onely denie comfort & helpe thereunto , but ( though they 〈…〉 quantity ) if they were not expelled by 〈…〉 would greatly hurt the partie : yea it hath beene seene that the leaues of gold haue so sticken in the ssdes of the stomack , that digestion hath bin hindered therby a long time after-And as litle is eyther gold , pearles , corrall , christall , the rubie , saphire , smaragd , &c. digested & diminished in the stomacke , as it is dissolued in boyling either in coollis or broth : which thing you haue often attempted but vnto smal or no profit . Thus may you see deare Cosin the watchfulnes & charines of nature , for that the cofers wherin she hath put these cures of most dangerous diseases , as Epilepsia , Melancho : Ietharg , Paralicis , Lepra , Mania , and such other , are by her as by a faithfull keeper , so fast locked & bound by coagulation , that it is vnpossible for the stomack of an healthy man to picke them open , much lesse of him that is sicke . Yet if you will well behold , you shall see that with this her neernes and warines , there is ioined liberalitie : for though she hath locked these cofers , yet hath she left the keyes with vs : but you are so slouthful that rather then you wil take any pains to seeke them , you wil cause your patients to eat cofers and all and bid nature vnlocke them if she will , when ( alas poore wench ) shee hath not the keies her selfe , but is inforced to throw them out again to smal or no profit , & to her great disconfort . Can we then sufficiently recompence the infinit 〈◊〉 of these Vulcanists & painful smiths , which 〈◊〉 ●…d day take paines to blow the coles , to file vs fit keies for euery locke , one for Christall , another for Corrall , one for Pearles , another for the Adamant , one for Siluer , another for Gold , & so for sundry lockes sundry keies . And as a cunning smith makes diuers locks one like another , & to euery locke a seuerall key , yet he will make one key so curiously that it wil open them all : euen so nature imitated of many , but surpassed of none , though she hath for diuerse lockes made sundry keies , yet hath she one key that will vndoe them all . These keies ought euery expert & true Phisician to haue alwaies hanging at his girdle , that as oft as neede requireth hee might goe to the chests of nature , & fetch Magisters , Essences , Tinctures , Elixirs , & such like : Then would you soone shew your Diamargariton , your Aromatica , your Exhilerantia , in that you should find more vertue in an ounce of the essence of Pearle or Corrall , then in the whole composition either of Coccy Bapliuy , or Mithridati & more strength in one scruple of the solution of the Smaragd , Hiacinth , Sardi or Granate , then in an whole pound of your Diamargar : or Elect. de gem : and more vertue in two drams in the solution of Lapis Linceius iudaici spongia Christallorum , then in the whole receit of your Elect , iustini , or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Thus may you see the force of your medecines according to their composition : you may perceaue by that which hath beene , spoken that your sirrupes be but sauces , your purgations for the most part poisons , and that your Confertatiues , Exhileratiues , & Regeneratiues , are by nature so fast fettred that they cannot once moue against their enemies . I haue tolde you that the remedies for the two formost is separation , and for the other solution .

Yet you haue one sorte of medecines which you are wont to minister when al the rest will do no good , wherof a word or two & so an end . These are called Anodina and Narcotica , of which sort are Philonium , Requies , Esdra , & others ; the chiefe actors therein are Opium , Mandrake & Poppie , which are most manifest poysons , which is argued not onely by the terrible & dangerous operations which they effect , but to your curious corrections with Castorie , Mirrhe , Saffron , &c: and by your wordes , for you aduise men not to vse them but in great necessitie , yea neuer to vse them without wise forecast & deepe considerations . But if men would be ruled by that counsaile which is more safe , they should neuer meddle with them at all , vnlesse they knew a better way to correct them then that before specified . For as I haue said before , these corrections by additions are no true mitigations of the venome , but by palliations to deceaue the outward sences , but euery true correction is done by seperation and substraction . The like is to be done in Opium , Mandrake and Popie : for if you let the stinking Mercurie of Opium flee away , and lay aside his Diaphoreticall salt for another purpose , you shall then haue a pure Narcoticall Sulphure , which by himselfe may be safely giuen inwardly to asswage any paine whatsoeuer , In like manner may you vse Mandrake and Popie , whereunto as vnto the rest , you may adde the tinctures of Corrall , Cinnamon , Cloues , and such like : so shall you haue Anodina comfortātia & Exhilarantia in one medecine . So shall you not neede to stay a long season for the mellowing of them , but may minister them presently if need require .

These few lines I trust will perswade you , and cause you to confesse that you haue a long time erred in the preparation of al your medecines . But I feare you are so deepely grounded in the principles , the foggie mists and bogges of Aristotle , Galene , &c. that you are fully resolued that these simples which we cal venemous , are so compounded of the foure Elements into one substance , that there ought not to be any separation made , but they must be corrected by additions . O what impietie is this , that such as are called to the knowledge & profession of God and his word , should giue more credite vnto these wicked Infidels , then to his sacred & blessed word ? why should wee be Infidels in our philosophie and Christians by name , only in respect of matters concerning eternitie ? why should we be as Christians in matters of the soule , & as Infidels in things belonging to the body ? why should we be as professors of holy religion in our meeting together after the manner of Christians on the Lords day , and all the daies of the weeke after be as Infidels in the things concerning the bodie , which God hath framed as the house of the soule ? Dooth not Moses that heauenly philosopher record that God beheld al things which he made , and loe they were exceeding good . How dare you then affirme , that Opium , Mercury , Arsnick , or any thing els is except . If they were good then doth that goodnesse still remaine in them : how then commeth it to passe that they are such strong poysons ? if you seeke the cause thereof in Aristotle or Galene , you shall neuer finde it : for herein they were as blind as beetels , being altogether depriued of such knowledge , vnto whom God vouchsafed not to impart the same , & yet left them inexcusable against the day of their appearing before the dreadfull Maiestie of that great God , euen our Sauiour Iesus Christ . But let vs take our way vnto the worde of God ( which will fully resolue all men that beleeue it ) which telleth vs that for the transgression of one , not onely death was enioined vnto him , but for his fault , euery creature hath a deth inflicted vpon him , each creature had an euill ioyned to his good , but like vnto like , vnto strong life was added strong death or venome , for the death of Roses is not so strong as the death of Arsenicke ; which may bee perceaued hereby , in that the balme of Arsenick is far stronger then the balme of roses , as the life or balme of roses is inferiour to the balme of Arsenick , which is of such force that he is able to preserue from death & dissolution many yeares , that most strong poison which is ioyned with him , whereby wee may perceiue that in the strongest poysons are the most pure & sweetest balmes to be found . But of this you shal heare more in my Anatomy of death . Now we may see that before the fall of Adam all thinges were good , all things came vnto him and were bred vnto his hand without his labour . But afterward part of it was ioyned to poison , part of it so fast lockt vp , that without great sweate of browes he should not eat of it . And in these our latter dayes sloth is growen so strong ▪ & idlenes hath gotten such maisterie , that there are very few which will let one drop fal from their browes to seeke this bread , but indeuour by all methodicall meanes to maintaine this idlenes , and to continue it after their accustomed manner , that they may sit in their chambers on a soft cushion , & take pen & inke & a litle paper , setting downe their prescriptions to their Poticaries . ℞ rad. flores Semina , &c. These men do not onely neglect their dutie themselues , but with might & maine they seeke to deface those ( which spare for no costes or labour to earne their bread in this manner ) by raising of ill reports against them , whispering in the eares of the Honorable , & telling them that we are mad men , that we do & say we know not what , & are not worthie to liue in a common-wealth , Howsoeuer other men be affected , I pray you be not angry , I haue a better opinion of you , I doubt not but you thinke as wel of Paracelsus as his great friend Erasmus doth , which could not choose but commend his diligence in preparation of his medecines , & iudged them farre to exceede those which were commonly vsed . At this time I craue no more at your hands , but patiently to heare me , and read that which I haue here set you downe : neither will I at this present trouble your head with any further declaration of the matters before spoken of , nor in prouing vnto you how farre you haue erred in bringing in your humors intemperie & obstructions to be the causes of all diseases , that they be but fantasticall inuentions of an idle head , hauing no foundation or ground in nature , I know I should but anger you , or tell you paradoxes to proue , that neither Apoplexia , Epilepsia , Melancolia , Mania , Paralycis , Lithargas , Pleuritis , Peripneumonia , Pestis , Sincope , Colica , Iliaca , Dysenteria , Diarhaea , Gonorrhaea , Nephritis , Stranguria , Dissuria , Cachexia , Hydrops , Icterus ater & flaum , Febris , Diaria , Quotidiana , Tertiana , Quartana , Hectica , Lepra , Vlcera , Apostemata , or any other disease whatsoeuer , are the proper death or sicknesses of Microcosmi , but are the sicknesses and death of the fruit of Microcosmi , & that by transplantation they growe in Microcosmus . Hardly would you beleeue that Estis is the deth of Arsnick . Pluritis the death of Antimonie . Prunella the death of Brimstone . Epilepsia the death of Vitriole . Colica , Podagra , Gonagra , Chiragra , Ischias . Arthritis , Hemicrania , the death of Tartar . Morbus gallicus , the death of Mercury . Lethar , the death of Opium . Febris , the death of Nitroci sulphuris . Vlcera , the death of Saltes , &c. And if you had bestowed but half your studie in the first booke of Moses , which you spent in the foolish Philosophie of Aristotle , you had espied your errors long agoe . I haue told you already , & yet I grieue not to tel you againe , that for the offence of our first parents , death was not onely laid vpon them , but for the same transgression God planted a death in euery thing he had made , in euery thing he put a death able to destroy such a life . And these deaths were not , nether are they dead deaths , but quicke & liue deaths , & they tooke power both of multiplication and transplantation of him which sent them . This is the cause that man dieth such sundry deaths , because hee eateth in his bread the death of all other things , which when perfect separation is not made , bringeth foorth fruit according to his kinde . Ouer these deaths hath the Physician power , and not ouer that which was inioyned to the body of man particularly . Therfore we affirme that neither Podagra , Hidrops , Lepra or Epilepsia , are vncurable diseases , the reason is , for that ( as I sayd before ) they are the death of the fruites of the great world , & not of man , & that they grow not naturally in man but come in by transplantation , & therefore may be seperated . But soft a litle , I thinke I haue angred you before I was aware , wherefore I will imitate the wise & skilfull Chirurgion , who when hee seeth a great deale of proude flesh in an vlcer , will not apply a strong corosiue to take it away at once , although need should so require , but will by litle & litle apply his corrosiue , as well to keepe the good will & fauour of his patient , as to prefer his owne profite . Euen so I seing these cancred opinions grafted & rooted in you , thinke it best rather to diminish it by litle & litle , then violently at once to pull it away , least thereby I should purchase your displeasure , which I am very loth to doo . But if I shall perceaue that you will giue these my simple letters the second or third reading ouer , you shall not onely encourage mee in my next labours , to set out particularly and plainly that which I haue now hastily trust vp hard in a bundell ( cutting it as shorte as possibly I could , doubting how you would take it ) but it will prouoke me to reueale vnto you the true and perfect preparation of such rare medecines which are found out by this arte of separation , so called because it doth shewe the way how to seperate the good from the bad , & not to make that which is e●… , as some haue falsly vnderstood . And the more perfect that the seperation is , the more worthy name it receiueth : as for example , if Antimonie be so purged , that without any euident annoyance it may be inwardly taken , then is he said to be in his magister , but if he be further purged one degree higher , then is he in his essence . Nowe if you leaue him not there , but do purifie him more , then doth his tincture appeare : and if you can purge him throughly and perfectly then shall you haue his Arcanum , & so of others . There are also these degrees in solucion , whereby the essence of gold surpasseth the Magister , & both are expelled by his tincture .