Physick for the sicknesse, commonly called the plague With all the particular signes and symptoms, whereof the most are too ignorant. Collected, out of the choycest authors, and confirmed with good experience; for the benefit and preservation of all, both rich and poore. By Stephen Bradwell, of London physician.

PHYSICK FOR THE SICKNESSE .

THe word Plague in English , signifieth , The Names of the Contagious Sicknesse . A Sharpe Punishment of what kind soever . As we may reade many were the Plagues inflicted on the Egyptians : and some of us in Indignation wil threaten to plague those that highly offend us . But it is usually and most properly taken for that dreadfull affliction which in Latin is called Pestis , or Pestilentia ; in Greeke 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , which signifies A Deadly Fretting , and it is the same with 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 a 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , quod efficiat Defectum Hominum . Or 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Pernities seu Exitium . Hippocrates gives it a name of distinction , calling it 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Morbus Communis , a Common or popular Disease .

But we must understand that there are two sorts Two sorts of Plagues . of Plagues that be Epidemicall . Viz. A Simple , and a Putrid Plague .

The Simple Plague , The Simple Plague . ] is The very Influence of the striking Angell executing the vengeance of God upon the Bodies of Men. This kind of Plague ariseth from no distemper of Blood , putri●action of Humo●s , or influence of Starres ; but falleth meerely from the immediate stroke of Gods punishing Angell ( Such were the Plagues , Exod. 12 Num. 11.16.25 . Also , 2 Sam. 24. and 2 Kings , 19. ) whereof some dye suddenly without any precedent complaint or conceit of Infection . Others againe , though they be sicke before they dye ; yet their first taking hath beene after an extraordinary manner . For I observed in the last great Plague heere in London , ( Anno 1625. ) That some felt themselves manifestly stricken , being sensible of a blow suddainly given them , on the Head , necke , backe , or side : Sometime so violently , that they have been eyther almost , or altogether over-turned : and after these and such like stroakes some have dyed , and those that recovered , escaped without humane helpe : For this kind of Plague , as it is rare , so it is also by all Art of Man incurable . The Remedy Therefore no Method but Repentance , no Medicine but Prayer , can avert , or heale this stroake : Of all Antidotes for the Body , that Triacle which is made o● the Flesh of earthly Serpents , is the best esteemed : But for the Soule , that only which is made of the Bloud of that Brazen Serpent that was lifted vp on the Crosse for our sinnes . Hee that by a lively Faith applyeth the benefit of our Blessed SAVIOURS Sufferings to the sicknesse of his Soule , shall undoubtedly recover ( if not health here ) heaven hereafter .

The Putrid Plague , The Putrid Plague . ] is a Popular Feavor venemous and Infectious , striking chiefly at the Heart , and for the most part is accompanied with some Swelling , which is eyther called a Blayne , a Botch or a Carbuncle , or else with Spots called GODS Tokens . This comes of Putrifaction of the Bloud and Humors in the Body , which it pleaseth God sometimes to make the Instrument of his punishing Iustice , mixing it with the Simple Plague before mentioned .

This Putrifaction may be caused by the Influence of the Starres , The Causes . who doe undoubtedly worke upon all sublunarie bodies . For Astrologers are of opinion , that if Saturne and Mars have dominion ( especially under Artes , Sagitarius , The Starres and Capricorn , ) a Pestilence is shortly to be expected . Or if these two ( the most Malevolent ) be in Opposition to the gentle Planet Iupiter ; as the Poet singeth : — Caelitús imbuitur tabe ●ifflatilis aura Mars quando obijcitur Falcitenensque Iovi .

The Windes The Windes . likewise are led into theyr motions by the motions of the Starres ; The Planets ( especially the Sunne ) by extracting the earths exhalations ( which are the substance of the Winds ) doe set them so on worke . And the Windes are some by nature wholsome , and some unwholsome . The South-wind blowing from the Meridian is of nature hot and moyst , and full of showers . Now when by the influence of the Planets this Wind bloweth long and bringeth continuall raine , it causeth much moysture in all Airie and Earthy bodies , and so much the more by how much the milder it is . This moysture being in such abundance cannot be digested nor attenuated by the Sunnes heat ; and therefore setling together it must needs putrifie ; and that so much the sooner , because the heate of the Sunne ( not being able to extract all ) does inflame the remnant , by which inflamation the putrifaction becomes the greater . In this manner are the windes in cause : and moreover they doe sometimes transferre the Contagion from one region to another ; as Hippocrates affirmes the Plague to be brought over the Sea from Aethiopia into Greece , by the South-wind .

The Cure of these Causes is the same with the former . Now if the Starres be pestilently bent against us , neyther Arts nor Armes , Perfumes nor Prayers , can prevaile with them , who have neyther pitie nor sense , nor power to alter their appointed motions . But Hee that commandeth their course , and altereth them at his pleasure : Hee that made the Sunne and Moone to stand still for Iosuah , yea drew the Sunne tenne degrees backe for Hezekiah , and caused the Starres to fight in their courses against Sisera . He , and He onely is able to heale all infections that can arise from their influences . The Cure of this Cause therefore is the same with the former .

Common Causes . Other Causes there be also of this Putrid Plague . Namely , corrupt and unwholsome Feeding , stenches of unsavorie and rotten Dung-hils , Vaults , Sinckes , Ditches and dead Carions ; as the Poet affirmes ; — Corpora faeda iacent , vitiantur adoribus aurae .

These are the Maintaining Causes of the Contagion after it is begun . So is likewise the unseasonablenesse of the Weather : Quum tempestiva intempestivè redduntur : as sayth Hippocrates , When the weather is unseasonable for the season of the yeare ; being hot when it should be cold , moyst when it should be dry : and on the contrary .

This kind of Plague is by Art curable in as many as it pleaseth GOD to send and sanctifie the right meanes unto .

The former is most properly called The Plague , The Putrid Plague , is rightly called the Sicknesse . being the immediate Stroke of Gods hand . This , The Sicknesse , because infectious , and many times Curable .

For this therefore doe I intend to prescribe a course of Physicke , such as both my much reading , and also my manifest Experience in the last great Visitation , have preferred to my best approbation .

Wherein I will first open the way of Preservation , The Method of this Treatise . after that , shew the Signes of being Infected , and then the Course of Cure .

In the way of Preservation , Preservation . it is first necessary to be considered , whether it be Infectious or no : And then who are most or least subject ( according to naturall reason ) to receive this Infection .

This Putrid Plague , The Plague is Venemous . is ( as I have sayd i●●he Definition ) venemous , which is granted of all both Physitians and Philosophers . Now by Venom or Poyson , we commonly understand some thing that has in it some dangerous subtle quality that is able to corrupt the substance of a living body to the destruction or hazard of the life thereof . This working is apparent in this Sicknesse , by his secret and insensible insinuation of himself into the Vitall spirits , to which as soone as hee is gotten , he shewes himselfe a mortall enemy , offering with suddaine violence to extinguish them . His subtle entrance , his slye crueltie , his swift destroying ; the unfaithfulnesse of his Crisis , and the other Prognostick signes ; and the vehemencie , grievousnesse and ill behaviour of his Symptomes , all being manifest proofes of his venemous quality . For in this Disease the Seidge , Vrine , and sweat , have an abhominable savour , the breath is vile and noysome : Ill coloured Spots , Pustles , Blisters , swellings , and vlcers full of filthy matter arise in the outward parts of the Body : Such as no superfluitie or sharpnesse of Humors , nor any putrifaction of matter ( without a venemous qualitie joyned with it ) can possibly produce .

But though it may thus by the Learned be acknowledged to be Venemous ; yet is it by many of the Ignorant sort conceited not to be Infectious . It is Infectious .

To satisfie such , I define Infection or Contagion to be That which infecteth another with his owne qualitie by touching it , whether the medium of the touch be Corporeall or Spirituall , or an Airie Breath . Of this kind there are divers Diseases that are infectious , though not so deadly as the Plague . As for Example , Itch and Scabbinesse , Warts , Measels , small Pox , the Veneriall Pox ; these by rubbing , and corporeall touches doe infect : Also soare Eyes doe by their Spirituous beames infect other eyes : And the Pthisick or putrified Lungs doe by their corrupt breath infect the lungs of others . But the Plague infects by all these waye● , and such sicke bodies infect the outward Aire , and that Aire again infects other Bodies . For there is a Seminarie Tincture full of a venemous quality , that being very thin and spirituous mixeth it selfe with the Aire , and piercing the pores of the Body , entreth with the same Aire , and mixeth it selfe with the Humors and spirits of the same Body also .

For proofe of this , we see by daily experience , that Garments , Coffers , nay walls of Chambers will a long time retaine any strong sent , wherwith they have beene fumed . Now the Sent is meerly a Qualitie , and his substance is the Aire , which is also the Vehiculum wherein it is seated and conveighed . So does the Pestilent Infection take hold , though not sensibly ( for the strongest Poysons have little taste or smell ) yet certainly ; as experience testifies : for Garments , and Houshold-stuffe have beene infected , and have infected others . As Fracastorius tels of a Furred-Gowne , that was the death of 25. Men in Verona , Anno 1511. who one after another wore it , thinking still they had ayred it sufficiently . And if Alexander Benedictus may be beleeved , Feather-beds will keepe the Contagion seaven yeares . Other experiences we have also of live Poultry , which being applyed to the soares , are taken away dead , having not been wounded , crushed , nor hurt any whit at all . And many that have beene Infected , have plainly perceived where , and of whom they tooke it .

Object . But ( say some ) then why is not one infected as well as another ? I have eaten of the same dish , dru● in the same cup , and lyen in the same bed with such sicke ones , and that while their Soares were running : yet never had so much as my finger aking after it .

Answ. To this I answer , there may be Two speciall Causes for this . The first and Principall Cause is the Protection of the Almighty , which preserves some as miraculously as his Iustice strikes others . Thus through his Mercy he often preserves those that with faithfull and conscionable care doe Christian offices about the Sicke ; being warrantably called thereto , and not thrusting themselves eyther presumptuously , or rashly into the businesse without a just , and reason-rendring Cause . For GOD has given his Angels charge over vs , to keepe vs in all our wayes , as the Psalmist sings .

And secondly , every pestilent Contagion is not of the same nature , nor hath equall conformity with every Constitution , Age , or manner of Living : For some Contagion is apt to infect onely the Sanguin complexion , some the Cholericke , some the Phlegmaticke onely : Some Children , some Youths , some those of Ripe age , some Antient people ; some the Rich , and other the poore onely : And where the Seminarie Tincture hath no Analogie , there is none , or verie flight Infection .

And first those are most apt to be Infected , Who are most apt to be Infected . that have thin Bodyes and open pores ; and whose hearts are so hot , that they need much attraction of Aire to coole them .

Also , they whose Veynes and Vessels , are full of grosse humors , and corrupt juyces ( the venemous matter being thicke , and therefore unapt to breath through the pores ) their putrefaction is increased by the inward heat , and so driven to malignitie ; and thence onward to a Pestilent qualitie . Hence those bodies that are moist and full of Phlegmaticke humors , whose veines are straight ( and therefore apter to intercept then entertaine those well well concocted juyces that would make the purest Bloud ) and the thicknesse of whose skin denies the transpiration of excrements : these are easily poluted and infected .

And such are Women , especially women with childe ; for their bodies are full of excrementitious humors , and much heat withall , which is as oile and flame put together . Also Virgins that are ripe for marriage , are apt to receive infection , and being once stricken , seldome or never escape without great meanes . Quia spirit●osum semen in motu cùm sit facilò succenditur ; vel quia intus detentum facilè corrumpitur , & in veneni perniciem abit . Mindererus de Pestilen . c. 10.

Also young Children , in regard of their soft , tender , and moist bodies ; and likewise because they feed on moister meats , and feed with more appetite then judgment .

Likewise , the more Pure and delicace Complexions , whose bloud is finer and thinner then others , is so much the more apt to receive mutation : and the Contagion insinuates it selfe into all the humors ; But first and most easily into Bloud ; Choler next , more slowly into Phlegme , and most rarely into Melancholy .

Those that are fearefull likewise , as I shall prove anon , when I treat of Passions of the Minde .

Those that are very Costive , or have their water-stop'd ; the noysome vapours that are by these excrements engendred , make the body apt to infection . And such as in former times have had customary evacuations by sweat , Haemerrhoids , Vomitings , Menstrua , Fontanels , or other like vents for noxious humours ; and have them now stopped .

Those that Fast too long ( their bodyes being emptie ) receive more ayre in then they let out : and ( their spirits being weakned for want of due nourishment ) they have lesse strength to resist the contagion .

On the other side Gluttons and Drunkards ( let them argue what they will for the filling of the veynes , as they use to say , to keepe out the evill ayre ) can never be free from crudities and distemper'd bloud ; which easily takes infection : As Hippocrates testifies , when he sayes : Corpora impura quo magis aluntur ; eò magis laeduntur . Impure bodyes the more they are nourished the more they are endangered .

Poore people ( by reason of their great want ) living sluttishly , and feeding nastily and unwholsomly , on any food they can with least cost purchase , have corrupted bodyes , and of all others are therefore more subject to this Sicknesse .

And yet the Rich are also as subject in too much pampering dyet , bringing themselves thereby to an Athleticke habit , which Hippocrates in the third Aphorisme of his first hooke , proves to be very dangerous at all times .

Furthermore , nearenesse of Bloud or Kinred , by Sympathy of nature , is another aptnesse .

And lastly , those that are continually conversant with the sicke , are in greatest danger , though many escape through Gods mercifull protection .

But Old folkes , whose bodyes are cold and dry , Who are least subject to bee Infected . Confident Spirits , whose very courage is an Antidote , if they keepe their bodyes cleane by a regular course of life . And those that have the Gout , in whom the nobler parts of the body doe expell the noxious humors to the ignobler .

Milch-Nurses because their Children sucke the evill juyces from them with their milke . These are in the way likely to escape : but if the Nurse be infected , the childe cannot recover it .

Also those that have Fontanels , or any other kinde of Issue ; as Vlcers , Haemerrhoids , or plenty of other evacuations , whereby the hurtfull humors are dreyned away .

And lastly , those that keepe themselves private ; using good Antidotes and meanes praeservative : such are least subject to Infection . Diogenes Laertius lib 2. sayes , that Socrates ( by temp●rate and discreet 〈◊〉 lived in Athens divers Plague-times , yet was never touched with it .

〈…〉 Now what this Dyet Preservative is , I will b i●fly shew you .

Dyet consists of Sixe Points . viz. Ayre . Meate and Drinke . Repletion and Evacuation . Exercise and Rest . Sleepe and Wa●ching . Passions of the Minde .

They are composed also in these two Verses .

Aër , Esca , Quies , Repletio , Gaudia , Somnus : Haec moderata juvant , immoderata nocent .

These indeed are the sixe Strings of Apollo's Viall , wherein consisteth the whole harmonie of health . If these be in tune , the body is sound : But any of th●se too high wrested , or too much slackned ( that is immoderately used ) makes a discord in nature , and puts the whole body out of tune .

For Ayre first .

〈◊〉 Ayre 〈…〉 . Ayre is that which we draw in with our breath continually , and wee cannot live without it one minute ; for it is the food of our Spirits , and therefore we had need take heed that the ayre we draw be pure and wholsome . The whol● streame of Opinion runnes upon a cold and dry Aire , so commending the North and East windes , as most wholsome : What most unwholsom . and condemning the Hot and Moist Aire engendred by the South and West windes , as the fittest matter for infection , because most apt to putrefaction . So Hippocrates ( in the 2d. of his Epidem . ) saith , that in Cranon a Citie of Thessalie , there arose putrid Vlcers , Pustuls , and Carbuncles , through the hot and moyst constitution of the ayre . And Galen ( in 1. de Temperam . c. 4. ) affirmeth , that the hot and moyst constitution of the ayre , doth most of all breed pestilent diseases . And from these mouthes , a multitude of late Writers have learnt to speake the same thing . Yet we know that the hot and dry weather also , may cause a contagious ayre . So saith Avenzoar in his 3. Booke , 3. Tract . and 1. chap. And Titus Livius ( in lib. 1. decad. 4. ) recordeth , that Rome was infected with the Plague by a Hot and Dry distemper of the Aire . Wee also may remember , that the Summer 1624 was an extreame dry and parching Summer : and we cannot forget that this last Summer was not much unlike like it . The Contagion indeed this yeare was begotten beyond Sea , and was rock'd hither in sicke bodyes ; but our Ayre I feare will prove a Nurse though not a Mother to it : This Spring answering to the sore-past Summer in heate and drouth .

Now to avoyde the mischiefes of unwholsome ayre ; Hippocrates the Prince of Physitians , H w we may guard us from unwholsome Aires . ( in his Booke de Natura humana ) gives this counsell . Providendum est ut quàm paucissimus aëris influxus corpus ingrediatur , & ut ille ipse quam peregrinus existat : Regionum etiam locos in quibus morbus consistat , quantum ejus fieri potest permutare oportet .

Others advise in threee words . Citò , Longè , Tardè , which Iordanus calls an Antidote made of 3. adverbs , thus versifying upon them .

Haec tria tabificam pellunt adverbia Pestem ; Mox , Longè , Tardè ; Cede , recede , redi .

But I will not teach to flee ; for too many with Dedalus put on wings the last great visitation , that with Icarus dropt downe by the way . Onely my counsell is this . The Authors counsaile for without doores . Let every one keepe himselfe as priuate as he may : Shun throngs of people , and all wet , close , and stinking places . Walke not abroad before , nor after Sunne . Keep moderation between heat and cold in all things ; yet rather encline to heate a little , because of drying up superfluous moystures . Let the streets bee kept cleane ; washing the channels every morning and evening , and sweeping away all durt , leaves , stalkes , and rootes of hearbes , and offals ; leaving no dunghils nor other noysome matter in the streets . But the water is most to be vsed in hot and dry , the fire in hot and moyst weather chiefly . Also in the evenings it is good to purifie the ayre with Bonefires , but especially with Fire-workes : or rather with discharging of peeces : for Gunpowder is exceeding drying by reason of the Salt peeter and Sulphur with which it is made , and by the crackes that it gives , the Ayre is forcibly shaken and attenuated , and so opened to let in that purification , which is immediately made by the fire that goes along with it . This way is commended by Levinus Lemnius , de Ocultis Naturae Mirac . lib. 2. cap. 10. Also by Crato in consilio 275 By Raymundus Mindererus lib. de Pestilentia cap. 20. and all the late Writers .

Within doores observe , For within doores . that little houses must not be pestered with many Lodgers , for it is best ( for those that are able ) to have shift of Beds and Chambers to lie in , that the ayre in them may be kept free and sweet . Keepe every roome daily very cleane , leaving no fluts corners . Let not Water stand so long in any vessell as to putrifie ; which in hot weather it will soone doe . Make Fires every day in everie roome , in quantitie according to the largenesse of the roome , and the temperature of the weather . Perfume them and all the houshold-stuffe in cold and moist weather with Frankinsense , Storax , Benjamin , Pitch , Rosin , Lignum alöes , Lignum Rhodium , Iuniper-wood , or the Berries . In hot and drie weather with Rose-water on a hot Fire-shovell , or some such like coole fume in a perfuming-pot . Strew the Windowes and ledges with Rew , Wormwood , Lavender , Marjoram , Penyriall , Costmary , and such like in cold weather ; but in hot with Primroses , Violets , Rose-leaves , Borrage , and such cooling scents .

For Garments , Garments best guarding the vitall parts . avoide ( as much as may bee ) all leather , woollen , and furres : also velvets , plush , and shagge . Choose such as may be watered , as chamlets , grograms , paropas , philip and chenyes , and such like : for their gumminesse excludeth the infectious aire best . Have shift , and shift often ; and still as cloathes are left off , perfume them well .

Beware of buying old clothes , Bedding or such like stuffe : for if they have beene used by the infected , they are verie dangerous , as I told you before in the authoritie of a furr'd Gowne , and Feather-beds .

What to hold in the mouth Carrie in your mouth a peece of Citron-pill , or for want of that , of Lemon pill ; a Clove , or a peece of Tormentill Root . Or if any will resort to me in Golding lane , I will soone provide for them Lozenges to hold in their mouth , sit for their constitution , and such as I have had good experience of , the last great Plague time .

What to 〈…〉 . Carry in your hand a Lemon stucke with cloves , sweet Marjoram , Lavender , Balme , Rew , or Wormwood ; as the constitution of your braine shall require . For beleeve by my experience , that many did enflame their braines , and so fell into the Sicknesse they shunned in the last great Contragion , by smelling to , and carrying things in their mouthes too hot for their complexion . Camphor . Camphor also , though it be accounted an excellent coole fume for ill aires , yet those that have cold and weake stomacks are very much weakned by the use of it .

But beware of unsavourie smels and stinking odours . For though Dioscorides commends Galbanum , and Cardan the burning of Leather , Averroes a potion of Vrine , and others the smelling to Horse-dung : yet I stand to it , that sweet and pleasing odours are more proper ; because they dilate , restore and comfort the Spirits ; whereas the contrary doe contract , and repugne them ; and so weaken the faculties . I intend to have also preservative waters to dip Spunges in for severall Constitutions , to be carried in Boxes to smell to : As also , preservative Pomanders of choyse vertue .

The next point of Dyet , is Meat and Drinke . Meate and Drinke . Let your meate be alwayes good and sweet , temperate betwixt hot and cold , and not too moyst or fl●shie : easie of digestion , and such as makes the best Bloud .

Such are Beefe , Mutton , Lambe , Kid , Flesh . and Cony . Turkey , Capon , Pullet , Partridge , Pheasant , Pigeons , Turtles , Larkes , Black-birds , Thrushes , and Finches . All Water-fowles are naught . The Hearts of Red and Fallow Deere , are speciall good : so also are those of young Steeres , Calves , Kids , and Lambes : beeing cordiall , both by reason of Sympathy , and solidnesse of the flesh , which causeth them to be the lesse corruptible .

Of Fish , ( which should be eaten but seldome , Fish . though it be of the best kinde ) the elected are fresh Salmon , Trout , Barbell , Shrimps , Playse and Flounders , ( when they are firme , not flashy ) Smelts , Makarell , Gudgion , Mullet , Soale , Gurnard , Lobster , and Cray-fish . But Eeles , Lamperns , and Lampreys , with all such as delight in Mud , are to bee avoyded .

Egges Egges . of Hennes and Turkeys , are good .

Oyle and Butter , Oyle and Butter . are kindes of Antidotes against venome ; and Butter-milke may now and then be used by hot Constitutions .

Fruites Fruites . must be eaten but sparingly .

Those that wee may be most bold withall , are sowre Cherries ; Plums , and Gooseberries before they be full ripe , having a sowre taste . Also Peaches , Quinces , Pomgranads , Oranges , Limons , Medlars , Services , Mulberries , Raspes , Strawberries , and Currans , which being not full ripe are astringent , but ripe doe loosen the body . But of Walnuts , Filbers , and Small-nuts , the elder are the better Dryed Fruits also are good , whether they bee Peares , Plums , Cherries , Figs , Raisons , or Prunes . Moreover , Pease , Beanes , and Artichokes , may be used sometimes by leane and spare Bodies . If other Fruits that are colder and moyster bee longed for ; eate after the man Orange with a little fennell and salt .

The best Rootes Rootes . are Onions , Leekes , and Radishes , for these are vertuous against venome . But they offend hot heads , and weake eyes .

Of Herbes ; Hearbes . Rue , Wormwood , Balme , Mints , Pennyryall , Rosemary , Sage , sweet Marjorum , and Time . For Sallets and Sauces , Burrage , Buglosse , Violets , Fennell , and especially Sorrell ; Olives also , and Capers .

Sharp Sauces . Vineger , Verjuice , juice of Limons and Oranges ; which for their drynesse resist putrifaction , and for their coolnesse , Feavors . But those colder stomackes that are offended with them , may temper them with Wine and Spices . Yet there must be cautious usage of hot spices , and all salt meates , lest they inflame the Bloud ; though in regard of their drying and heating quality they be usefull in some bodies , and at some times ; especially for cold and waterish stomackes : Others must mixe them with Vineger , Verjuice , or the juice of Limons or Oranges .

Note here , That Vineger Vineger good . is of a speciall vertue against putrifaction , as AMBROSE PAREY in the 8. Chapter of his Booke of the Plague proveth , by the use of it in washing dead bodies with it before they are Embalmed , that they may keepe sweet the longer . But it is not so good for Women , But not for Women . because it offends the Mother ( as CRATO affirmeth , Consil. 275. ) therefore they must allay it with white Wine and Sugar .

Note also , that Cabbages , Coleworts , Lettuce , Dangerous things . Pompions , Musk-Mellons , and Coucumbers , are very dangerous meates in contagious times ; neither doe I approve of any other rootes , then Garlicke , for rusticke bodies ; and for others Onions , Leekes , and Radishes ( as I said before ) onely .

Roasting is the best way of dressing Flesh , Dressing of Meates . and Frying or Broyling of Fish .

Broths Broths . are but for Sicke and weake ones fit : And then they must be sharpned with a little Vineger , or juice of Lemmons . For ( as MANARDUS sayes , lib. 5. Epist. 3. ) the body ought rather to be dried then moystened .

And so then for Drinke , Drinke . it must be as little as may well be borne ; good and pure , whether it be Beere , Ale , or Wine , ( for Mede , Vsqubaque , Bragget , &c. I account them rather Medicines then parts of Food ) But neither heady , too sweet , nor too small . To a weake stomacke and a feeble Nature , Wine is an Antidote against all Poysons ; Wine for whom fit . as CELSUS lib. 8. de Re Medica cap. 27. affirmeth . And Senectutis summa est medicina , as A●TIUS teaches , Tetr . 1. serm. 4. cap. 30. But let not those that are young and strong , make a common use of them in Contagious times : For it must needs breed Inflamation , after which followes Putrifaction , which is a fit host to entertaine such an ill guest as the Pestilence .

Wheaten-Bread Bread . of a Day old , and a little leavened is absolutely the best for healthy people . Light Biskets also with Anise-seeds is very good .

Quantity of Meate and Drinke . For the strict Quantitie of Eating and Drinking , I cannot stint every mans stomacke ; but must conclude with HIPPOCRATES , Aph. 17. lib. 1. Concedendum est aliquid Tempori , Regioni , Aetati , & Consuetudini . The Season , Place and Custome , must beare some sway in these things . Only beware of Sacietie or Glutting : For the same Hippocrates in his 17th . Aphorisme , in the 2 , Booke . Sayes , that Meate and Drinke immoderately taken , causeth Sicknesse . For from thence arise Crudities , which ( sayth GALEN , in Comm. 2. in Hippocr . de Natur. Humana ) breed new Diseases . Therefore hearken to AVICEN , Who adviseth alwayes to rise from Meate with some remainder of appetite : for within halfe an houre , or thereabouts , as soone as the meate first eaten beginneth to digest , our hunger ceaseth . lib. 1. Fen. 3. Doct. 2. cap 7. And hence it is , that some ( greedily following the sense of their appetite-onely ) over-charge their stomackes even to vomiting , before they feele themselves satisfied : because though the vessell be over-full , yet appetite is not app●ased till Concoction have begun her worke upon some part of that which is already received .

And here I cannot but justly taxe those that give up themselves to disorderly Dyet . Gluttony & Drunkenesse For the lives of many are so monstrous , that HELIOGABALVS was but a pingler to them .

The Dutch may yeeld up theyr seas of Drinking , and strike sayle to the English . Men loose theyr good names , and are faine to get new ones , as to bee called Blades and Roarers , as if they had beene begotten by drunken Cutlers , or bruitish Bulls . There was one DIOTEMVS of Athens , that was called the Tunnell , for his filthy delight in Drinke , and drinking in a Tunnell . What doe many in this Land ( too too many in this Citie ) but rise to Drinke , drinke to fall , fall a sleepe of necessity , and ere they are halfe sober , fall a drinking drunke againe . That as VALERIVS AVRELIANVS the Emperor was wont to say of BONOSVS , a Spaniard , Such are borne , not to live , but to drinke .

If any of that Luxurious sect beate this time sober , The dangers of Surfetting . let them but listen to the testimonies of learned Experience , and they will tell them into what bodily dangers they plunge themselves by this detestable disorder .

HIPPOCRATES has an Aphorisme to this purpose , Lib. 2. Aph. 17. that Meate and Drinke immoderately taken causeth Sicknesse .

PAVLVS AEGINETA goes yet further , saying ; De Re Medica lib. 1. c. 32. That the Veynes being filled too full , are afflicted , distended , or else broken : obstructed , filled with winde and over-charged . And of all diseases , hee affirmeth , That over-charging of the vessels is the worst .

In com . 2. Hipp. de Natis . 〈◊〉 . GALEN affirmes , that Drunkennesse , and Crudities ( which arise from intemperance ) doe breed new diseases .

Li. de Causis Morborum , cap. 3. And in another place , he sayes , Whereas Wine moderately taken increaseth Naturall heate ; as being his proper aliment : by Drunkennesse commeth Astonishment of the Braine , Falling sicknesse , or some maime either to sence or motion . And so , the best meates which afford most nourishment , being immoderately eaten , ingender cold Diseases .

De R●movendis Nocumentis in Regimina Sanitatis Tract. 4. cap. 1. But AVICEN more particularly layes downe the dangers that follow this over-repletion , in these words . Eating much nourisheth not ; but fills the Body with Crudities , and raw humors , stops the pores , weakens the powers of Nature ; causes putrifaction , mixed feavors , short breath , Sciatica and joynt Aches .

Ibidem , cap. 19. Againe , in another place hee speakes Drinking , thus : Much drinking of Wine in Sanguine and Chollerick Complexions , over-heats the bloud , and causeth Choller to superabound ; and by too much repletion of the veynes and Vessels , there may follow a hot Apoplexie , and suddaine death . In Cold Complexions , it breeds diseases of the Sinewes ; and that for two causes . The first is the over-moystning of the Nerves ; the other the turning of the drinke into Vineger before it it can passe through the Body . So the Nerves are by the former relaxed , and by the latter corroded , whereupon followes the cold Apoplexie , Astonishment , Senslesnesse , Lethargie , Palsey , Trembling of the Limbes , and convulsions of the Mouth .

And what these have said of Wine , the same is true likewise of all other strong Drinkes . I hope these lines will keepe such men the soberer in this dangerous time ; and in that sober tune , the time may touch their hart strings so , that Sobrietie may let in Religious meditations ( which continuall Drunkenesse has lock'd out of doores . ) And then Repentance may draw them to GOD , and him neerer to them ; and so they may become new Creatures . Which the Father for his Sonnes sake grant .

In the meane time , Restorative Diet for sick ones . let those that are in health eate Flesh ; but the Sicke the Iuices of them rather , because aliment must be made more easie and quicke for their supply . And for such weake ones , Veale , Chicken , Caponet , Partridge , and Pheasant , are to be boyled till all the vertue of the meat be boyled out , and then the Broth to be strained hard , that the flesh may be left juicelesse , so will all the strength of the meate be in the broth ; which you may spice with some of these powders following :

Take of Red Saunders halfe an ounce , Cynnamon iij. drains and halfe , Saffron halfe a dram . Make them into fine Powder .

Or else

Take of Cynamon halfe an ounce , Cloves and Saffron , of each halfe a dram , Red Corall ij . Scruples . And the weight of all in Sugar . Make of them a fine Powder .

But Women ( dum Menses effluunt ) must not use Saffron so much . For such therefore this Powder is better .

Take Harts-horne , red and yellow Saunders , of each ij . drams , Cloves and Cynamon , of each one dram .

Make a fine Powder .

Let all be more sparing in Dyet now , then at other times : Eate little , and Drinke lesse . But never goe out of doores Fasting .

Take therefore first of some Antidote , Antidotes . of which kind the Apothecaries shops are ( or ought to bee ) alwayes stored with these : That is , Theriaca Andromachi , Theriaca Londinensis , Venice Triacle . London Triacle . Mitridate . Mithridatium Damocratis , Electuarium de Ovo Imperatoris , Antidotus magna Mathioli , Confectio Liberans ,

Dioscordium . Of any of these , take the quantity of a Nutmeg .

Confectio Alkernes , Confectio de Hiacyntho .

Of eyther of these , take the quantitie of an Hazell nut .

If you would choose to take a Powder rather ; Pulvis Contra Pestem Montagnanae . halfe a Dram.

Of Waters , there is —

Aqua Angelicae ,

Aqua Theriacalis . Of eyther of these halfe an Ounce , either with white Wine and a few drops of the juice of a Limon ;

Or , Aqua Bezoartica Langii . Aqua Calestis Mathioli , for the richer sort , with a drop of Oyle of Vitriol , in halfe an ounce of eyther .

But for such as abhorre the taste of Physicke , and had rather take their Antidote in forme of Pills then otherwise ; let a skilfull Apothecarie make this masse of Pills .

Pillula Marsilii Ficini .

Rs. Zadoariae , ligni aloes , agrimonia , croci , Aristolochia rotunda , Dictamni , gentianae , cort. citri , sem. citri , anascrup . 1. Coriandri praeper . tormentillae , santali rub . corallii , r●b . spodii , Myrobalan . Emblic . ana drach . 2. Terrae sigill . drach . ij . Boli Armeni drach . 3. Cum Syrupo ex Acetositate citri fiat Massa .

Of which ten , fifteene , twenty , or two shillings graines may be taken at once in one , or two , or three Pills , as the party can swallow them in bignesse .

Those that are offended with the heate of Triacle , or other of the hot Antidotes above named : may use this Opiate made by an Apothecarie ; which is excellent for hot complexions .

Opiata frigida Palmarii :

Rs. Flor. buglossi , borraginis , cariophyllorum , rosrub , horum separatim conditorum ana . unc . 1. Terra Lemniae , boli Armeni , scobis cornu cervim , una drach . ij . Margarit . praepert . drach . 1. ambari grisei , scrup . ss. Syr. de succo Bugl●ssi , q. s . Fiat Opiata , s . a.

The dose is the quantity of a Nutmeg .

For Women with childe . Neither must women with childe be over-heated with common Antidotes . Therefore theirs must be onely of Terra Lemnia , Bole Armoniack , Harts-horne ; Conserves and Syrups of Roses , Violets , and Betony . Or a little Mithridate , with twice , as much conserve of Borrage or Buglosse . Likewise , the species de gemmis frig . or of Diamargar . frig . in Borrage , Buglosse , and Carduus water . Or else such may have this Antidote made for them .

Rs. Cornu carvi , Cynamonni , nucis moschatae , santalorum omnium , ana drach . 1. Rad. Angelicae , tormentillae , Enulae , camp . ana drach . ss. f. Pulvis subt . Dein . Accipè Conservae buglossi , & borraginis , ana drach . iij. cum aquali quantitate Syr. ê Limonibus & rosis siccis . Fiat Conditum . s . a.

For young Children , For young Children . there is nothing better or fitter then Bole Armoniack , or Terra Lemnia , with a little Tormentill roote , or Citron pills , made into fine Powder , and mixed with their meates , butter , and broths ; for their breakfasts . And because they are not much to be tampered with by internall medicines , annoint the region of their heart with oyle of Hypericon , every morning and evening : or with oleo Scorpionium , or oleo corcino : or else let them commonly weare next their skin over their heart , such a Quilt as this .

Take of red Roses 2. drams , red saunders , red corrall , & spodium , of each one dram , Zedoarie , lignum aloes , cynnamon , cloves , citron pill , saffron , of each halfe a dram . Sew it up in a peece of red Sarcenet or Calico , moysten it with a little Rose-vineger ; so heat it and apply it warme . And when it waxeth dry moystit , and heate it so againe

And take this note Note . by the way .

When you suspect a Childe to have the wormes in a contagious time , use not Wormseed , nor those common trifles ; but order him as in danger of Infection : for that disease comming of so much putrefaction as it does , is apt to receive contagion , as tinder to take fire . Give it ( therefore ) ten or twenty graines of this Powder following .

Take of Harts-horne one dram , citron pill , rootes of Angelica , and Tormentill , Rheubarb , and Coralline , of each halfe a dram .

Make all into a fine powder ; and give the aforesaid quantity in a little Carduus water , sweetned with some sugar .

After the taking of any of these Antidotes , Breakfasts . abstaine from all meat and drinke for two or three houres . And then eate a piece of Bread and butter strewed with a little grated Nutmeg . Or Bread and Sallet-oyle , spiced with the powder of Tormentill rootes . Or a piece of Bread sopped in White-wine , allayed with a little Vineger .

Let your Dinner be about high noone , Dinner and Supper . and then eat not of above two or three several dishes . Your Supper at five or sixe a clocke in the evening , and then let one dish suffice . For it is a pretty saying , and worth the noting . In the Morning a little is enough , at Noone enough is but a little , but at Night , a little may be too much .

Bed time . Goe not to bed till three or foure houres after Supper , lest sleeping upon a full stomacke , you hinder digestion . And so I bid good night to the second Point of Dyet .

The third Point , is Repletion , and Evacuation . Repletion & Evacuation . When you arise in the morning rub your sides , armes , thighes , and legs downward gently , your clothes being on , combe your head and rub it . Hake , spit , and blow your nose , to evacuate the excrements of your head and stomacke . Then assay to make water , and to goe to stoole , and labor to bring your body to this dayly custome . For The body ought especially to bee kept free from superfluities : saith Galen . lib. 1. de Differ . Feb. cap. 4. Therefore if you be costive , use some supposistory or Clyster ; and suffer not two whole dayes to passe without such evacuation .

It is necessary that every one that hath so much understanding , doe learne to know whether he be Phlethorick For Phlethoricke people . or Cacochymick ; If Phlethorick ( that is full of bloud , as those that live in high feeding ) it will appeare by his high colour , full veynes , pulse greater and more frequent then it used ordinarily to be , pursinesse , heavinesse and dulnesse of body , and such like signes . If you bee costive , take a common Clyster first ; then be let bloud , according to the appointment of some skilfull Physitian , and so ordered afterwards according to Art .

If Cacochymick , For Cacochymick . that is , full of grosse and corrupted humors , ( which will appeare by the palenesse and ill colour of the face , defective strength , and the like . He must be well purged , which none but a Physitian can safely prescribe , and that upon examination of his Body and Vrine .

But as a generall Generall purgings for all sorts . rule , all doe appoint some purging medicine twice or thrice in a weeke , to keepe the Body free from the increase of superfluous humors . To this purpose the Pills of RUFFUS ( which are common in every Shop ) are very apt and good . Or , if you please use these of mine , whereof I had happy experience in the last great Visitation .

Rs. Aloës Rosatae , unc. 1. Bradwels Pilles . Rhabarbari , Croci , ana drach . 3. Myrrhae , drach. 6. Santali citrini , drach. 1. Ambari grisei , scrup. 1. Cum syrupi de succo citri , q. s . fiat s . a. Massa Philularum .

Make Pils of 8. 10. or 12. graines a piece ; and take 2 or 3. at a time ; either at bed time , or after the first sleep : you may take them in Syrup of Roses , or conserve of Violets : or if you will , in the yolke of a reare egge . And it is good to drink after them when you rise in the morning , in cold weather a little draught of white Wine mixed with Balme-water . In hot weather , white-Wine and Succorie-water , with a drop or two of oyle of Vitrioll in it .

But those that cannot take Pills , may have this Syrup made for them . which for his excellent vertue in this case , is called Syrupus Divinus , the Diuine Syrup .

Syrupus Divinus Sancti Ambrosii . Rs. Cort. citri , rad cappar . berber . santal . rub . & citrin ▪ spodii , ana drach . 1. Carryophyll . borrag . buglossi , mellissae , cichorei , ana unc . 1. Acetosae , Hepaticae , marrubii , ana unc . ss. Thymi , Epithymi , Scariolae , Rhabarb . fol. senae , rad. polypodii , ana drach . 1. Succorum absynthii , fumariae , ebuli , Plantagenis , Myrobalanorum Chebul . & citrin . ana. drach . 6. Cum sacchari li. 2. ss. fiat Syrupus s . a. & Cum aceti succi cydoniorum q. s . reddatur dulcè acidus .

Take two or three spoonefuls of this , more or lesse as it workes : But keepe very warme , for it causeth sweat as wel as seidge . In a Manuscript of my Grandfather BANISTERS , I finde this called St. AMBROSE his Syrup . The same a little altered is in RENODAEVS his Disponsatorie ; and hee hath added two drams of Diagredium . Let men of judgment doe as they please ; I like it best as I have set it downe . RENODAEUS gives it this Title ( not acknowledging any Author ) Syrupus qui reddit corpus mundum à superfluitatibus ; & per consequens , cor , cerebrum , hepar et omnia alia membrae confortat . Which commendations agrees with my Title : for it is worthy of all commendations .

That Morning that you take your Purging Medicine , you must forbeare your other Antidote .

Women with childe , What Purge for women with Childe . must be kept solluble onely with mild Suppositories , and gentle Glysters , wherein a little new drawne Cassia is to be used . Or else a milde Potion made with some Pectorall Decoction , and a little Cassia : for stronger purgatives , will endanger abortion . But these ought to be directed by a good Physitian .

Young children For young Children . also with a Violet comfit , ( for a Suppository ) dipped in sweet sallet oyle : or else a little Cassia newly drawne , dissolved in a small draught of Chicken-broth ; or a little Manna in the like broth , or in posset-drinke .

Beware of Bathings , Bathings . especially in open standing waters , within the Region of the Aire infected .

If Vrine or Menstrua stop , Courses stopped . repaire speedily to the Physitian for counsaile .

Fly Venus Venus . as farre as you may , for in these times she has but an ill name .

Sweat Sweat . comming easily of it selfe ; and within dores ( the house being well aired ) is good , so it exceed not . But abroad it is dangerous .

Lastly , it is good to keepe open all Issues , Issues . and running sores ; because Nature will labour to expell any venom to such a Common-sewer .

The fourth Point , is Exercise and Rest .

Lazinesse encreaseth superfluous humours , and over-violent labour , wasteth away the nourishing ones . But moderate exercise Exercise how . ( ad ruborem non ad sudorem ) stirreth up and nourisheth Naturall heate , helping Concoction and Evacuation ; if also it be used in seasonable times and convenient places . What. The best Exercise is walking with a little stirring of the armes . Where . The Time , in the morning : and the place , eyther in a pure ayre abroad , or in a purified ayre at home , in some large roome , where is little or no company , by the heate of their bodies and breaths , to distemper the Aire . But at all times beware of taking cold ; for great colds and rheumes doe easily putrid Feavors , and they as easily prove Pestilent .

Sleepe and Watching is the fifth point .

Sleepe eyther immoderate or unseasonable , hindereth digestion , and causes crudities , quels the vitall and dulls the Animall Spirits . Watching also over-much , dries up and inflames the good Bloud , and weakens all the powers of Nature .

Let your sleepe therefore be seasonable , and not superfluous . Not upon your dinner , unlesse custome commands it ; and then take it but vapping for halfe an houre or so , sitting in a Chaire upright .

Three houres at least after a light Supper goe to Bed ; where let five or sixe houres suffice for sleepe . Lye conveniently warme , the Chamber dores and windowes being shut to exclude the night ayre . But beware of sleeping or lying on the ground or grasse : for the nearer the earth the more deadly is the Aire . And the immediate stroake of the cold vapors rising from the ground is dangerous at all times .

The Sixt Point of Diet , is Passions of the Mind .

All kindes of Passion , Passions . if they be vehement , doe offer violence to the Spirits ; yea though they be of the better and more naturall sort .

As Laughter Laughter . ( if unbridled ) doth runne even life out of breath , and greatly perplexeth the Body : in so much as the brest and sides are pained , the breath is straitned , and sometimes the Soule it selfe , is ( as I may say ) laughed out of her skin .

For so it is recorded of CHRYSIPPVS , Examples . That onely upon the sight of an Asse eating Figges , he brake into such an unmeasurable laughter , that he fell downe and dyed .

And XE●XIS that excellent Painter ( who made a most curious beautifull Picture of the Spartan HELEN ) upon the sight of a very ill-favoured old woman , burst out into such a profuse laughter , that he laugh'd himselfe to death .

Now this is a disease of the Spleene , called Risus Sardonius , with which I have knowne some of my acquaintance not long agoe grieved .

But sometimes immoderate Ioy , Ioy . lives not to the age of Laughter , when it bindes the vitall Spirits so close together that it choakes the heart instantly : For so SOPHOCLES the Tragedian , receiving a wonderfull applause of the people for the last Tragedy he wrote ; was so over-joyed at it , Examples . that he became a Tragedy himselfe and dyed upon it .

The like is recorded of one RHODIAS DIAGORAS , who when he saw his three Sonnes all at one time crowned with victory at the Olympian games , ranne to meet them : And while hee embraced them in his armes , and they planted theyr Garlands on his head , hee was so overcome with joy , that he turned theyr Ensignes of victory into the penons of his Funerall .

Sorrow Sorrow . on the other side afflicts the Heart , disturbes the Faculties , melts the Braine , vitiates the humours , and so weakens all the principall parts ; yea , sometimes sinkes the Body into the grave .

Examples . As ADRASTVS King of the Argives , beeing told of the death of his Sonne , was taken with so violent a Sorrow , that he fell downe and dyed immediatly .

And so IULIA the Daughter of Iulius Caesar , and wife to POMPEY , when shee heard the tydings of her Husbands death , made that houre the last witnesse that she had liv'd only to heare it .

Anger Anger . is also so furious a Passion , that it violently disturbes the Spirits and Faculties ; as appeares by the shaking and tossing of the Body too and fro ; the fierie sparkling of the Eyes , the colour comming and going , now red , now pale ; so that all the humours appeare to be enflamed ( especially Choller , ) and the Spirits hurried this way and that way : sometimes thrust outward , and presently halled in againe . By which violent motions an unnaturall heat in the Spirits , and corruption in the humours are ingendered . Hereupon many times follow Burning Feavors , Palsies , violent Bleedings , losse of Speech , and sometimes Death it selfe .

Examples . NERVA the Emperour being highly displeased with one REOVLVS , fell into such a fury against him that he was stricken therewith into a Feavor , whereof he dyed within a few dayes after .

WENCESLAVS King of Bohemia , in a rage conceived against his Cup-bearer , would needs kill him presently with his owne hand ; but his endeavour was his owne deaths man , striking him with a Pa●sey , that shooke him shortly after into ashes .

VALENTINIANVS the Emperour , in a fierce fury would needs destroy the whole Country of Sarmatia ; but his unruly rage brake a veyne within him , and his owne life-bloud ended his bloudy designe .

In the yeare of our Lord 1523. A poore old man in the North part of Devonshire ( dwelling in a part of a little Village called Little Podderidge ) came to a Worthy Knights house ( Sir THOMAS MONKE by name ) dwelling in the same Parish , ( which was called St. Merton ) in whose house I at that time was . And the old man standing at the Buttery hatch to receive some Beere : because the Buttery mayd did not presently fill his Tankerd at his call , he fell into such a fury against her , that with the very passion , hee presently fell downe , was taken up for dead ; was with much a doe by me recovered to life and sence , but never spake againe , and dyed within two dayes after .

Feare Feare . likewise gathers the heat and Spirits to the heart , and dissolves the Brayne , making the moysture thereof shed and slide downe into the externall parts , causing a chilnesse and shaking over all the Body ; and falling upon the gullet , makes one to swallow when they should speake : It abuses the Fancie and Sences , brings a Lethargie upon the Organs of motion , and condemnes the heart to deadly suffrings .

Examples . As CASSANDER the sonne of Antipater upon the sight of ALEXANDER the Great's statue , was stricken with such a terrour , that he could hardly make his legs leave trembling so farre as to carrie him out of the place .

Nay to come nearer to our purpose . In the last great Plague-time here in London , in Anno Domini 1625. One George Bicker-staffe a Taylor dwelling in Silver-Street , having charge of the house of the Right Honourable the Lord WINDSOR in Mugwell-streete , ( where I then Lived ) and comming thither one Evening in the twilight ; as he was standing all alone in the Parlour , sudainly a great noyse came ratling downe the Stayres , from the upper roomes . At which ( although my selfe have beene eye witnesse of manly valour in him at other times ) hee was so beyond reason affrighted , that hee ran out of the house into the Street , halfe breathlesse , and almost speechlesse , looking very ghastly ; which made many inquire the cause ; which as soone as hee could make them understand , some boldly ventur'd in , and found nothing but a Fawne , that had been tyed up in the Garden , and was now got loose , and ( the Hall doore being left open ) had got up into the great Chamber . The neighbours made themselves merry with the Taylors manhood : But hee went home ( it being the Fifteenth day of October ) fell into a Feavor , which turned within a few dayes into the Plague , whereof hee dyed on the Six and twentieth day of the same moneth : having continued in perfect health from the beginning of the Contagion to this fore-mentioned houre of his mis-informed feare . Now this Feare did not arise from danger of Infection , and yet it drew it on . How much more then does the feare of the same cause worke it ? I need bring no Examples for proofe : for in every place I heare living witnesses of such as dyed of the Plague , stricken onely with the feare of it : And therefore I cannot thinke any mans ignorance can plead against it .

Yet I will give a reason for it ; How Feare brings Infection . because of all Passions , Feare is the most pestilently pernicious : And this it is : Feare enforces the vitall Spirits to retire inward to the heart : By which retyring they leave the outward parts infirme , as appeares plainly by the palenesse and trembling of one in great feare . So that the walls being forsaken ( which are continually besi●ged by the outward ayre ) in comes the enemy boldly ; the best spirits that should expelled them having cowardly sounded retreat : In which with-drawing , they draw in with them such evill vapours as hang about the outward pores ; even as the Sunne drawes toward it the vapours of the Earth . And hence is it , that Feare brings Infection sooner then any other occasion .

This therefore ; The way of curing Passions . and all other Passions must ( by a wise watching over our selves ) be beaten off , whensoever they but offer to set upon us . But these are diseases of the Soule , whose Physicians are Divines . They must Purge out the Love of this World , and the distrust of GODS Providence , minister the Cordials of Faith , Hope , Patience , and Contentednesse ; and Ordaine the strict Dyet of Holy Exercises . Wee that are Physitians to the Body , are but Chyrurgians to the Soule ; wee can but talke of Topicall remedies ; as to apply Mirth , Musicke , delightfull businesse , good Company , and lawfull Recreations ; such as may take up all time from carefull thoughts and passionate affections : Then have wee done . And so have I now with the sixe Points of Dyet ; and likewise with the first part of my Method , which is the way of Preservation .

The Manner of taking Sicke . The second Part ( which now succeeds ) discovers the Manner and Signes of being Infected .

It strikes first at the Heart . The Manner is , that It strikes chiefly at the Heart , ( as I sayd in the Definition : ) which is apparent by this , that at the first Infection or instant of being taken , the vitall Faculty sinkes , and languishes , the whole strength of the Body is suddainly turned to weaknesse ; the vitall Spirits are greatly oppressed and discouraged . Whereas the Animall Facultie commonly remaines ( for a while ) in good plight , and perfect in the use of Sense , Vnderstanding , Iudgement , Memory , and Motion . The Naturall Facultie also is not so presently hurt , but there is Concoction and all other functions performed by the Liver , Stomacke , Guts , Reynes , Bladder , and other parts , as Nature requireth . Though indeed in a little time ( the Venome being very strong ) these and the Braine also are overcome . As appeares by the Symptomes that follow ; as Lethargies , Frenzies : Vomitings , Fluxes , &c. which I shall reckon up in the Conclusion .

Take notice therefore , That as soone as the venemous matter strikes to the Heart ; that the Contagion has now found out the Prince of the Vitall parts : who if hee want armour of proofe to resist ( eyther of Naturall strength , or forged out by Arts Cyclops , the Physitian ) is presently taken prisoner by his venemous enemy ; Signes and Symptomes . who soone after takes possession of the Arteries , and Veynes .

In this conflict ; the Pulse The Pulse . ( which useth to be the truest intelligencer of the Hearts well of ill-fare ) becomes now languishing , little , frequent , and unequall . Languishing , by reason that Native heate lessens , and a heate contrary to Nature increases : Little , because oppressed : Frequent , from Natures strife : Vnequall , partly from the Feavor , and partly from the Malignant vapour that besiedgeth the Heart . Concerning the Pulse also , Rodericus à Castro ; de Peste Hamburgensi , has this Signe in these very words . Manus , dum Medico porrigunt Pulsum , quodam modo retrahuntur cum tremore ; quod à veneno fit cor ipsum pungente , & Signum mihi diutina experientia indubitatum est , ut eo solo saepissimè Pestilentem affectum cognoverim . This have I also tryed and found true .

And from this ground did I find another that never fayled me ; If in reaching out the hand the former signe appeared not ; then if I suspected it to be the Plague●● , I would touch the Pulse something hard , and if it were the Plague it would not fayle Cum tremore manum retrahere . The reason is , the stopping of the course of the Pulse drives the venome something back to the heart , by which is caused a kind of suddaine Passion .

The Eyes . The next Signe is , the enemies Ensigne hung out at the windowes ; The Eyes are various in turning , and sometimes fiery shining ; the lookes sad , and the Face changing colour : which shew that the radicall humour begins to waste , and the Spirits to waxe dry and enflamed .

Then followeth Lightnesse or Giddinesse of the Head ; Giddinesse . Drouth , and Bitter tast in the mouth , which proceed from the superfluitie of Choller , aggravated by the mixture of the venemous vapours .

Vomiting Vomiting . likewise of vitious matter , being ( according to redundancie of any of the humours ) sometimes waterish , of Flegme ; sometime yellow or greenish , of Choller ; sometimes leaden or blackish , of Melancholy . But this is from the virulencie of the Venome , vexing the veynes and fibres in the coate of the Stomacke : not from any strength of Nature to expell the poyson ; as appeareth in that no ease , but increase of accidents succeedeth the exoneration .

After which , followes a painfull Hicket , or Yexing ; Hicket , or Convulsion in the Stomack . by the progresse of the venome working convulsively on the fibres of the Stomacke .

Shortnesse of breath also , Short breath and sighing . and often sighing shew the heart is enflamed , and would faine exchange the over-heated ayre within the body , for that which is coole without .

Then begin the Spirits to sink , Sinking of the Spirits , and Feaver . through the fierce gripe of the venemous vapour that now insults over the yeilding heart . The externall parts become cold and shake-ripe , while the internall are over-hot with the inflammation of the Bowels .

By this time the venom is gotten up into the watrish humors of the Braine , and infecting them , Paines in the Head . causeth Head ache : while the hot vapours ( getting betwixt the two mother membranes ) cause painefull prickings there , whereupon follow restlessenesse of the Body , and Lacke of Sleepe , Lacke of Sleepe . and upon these Frenzie , except the Braine be full of moysture ; and then the head is over-heavie and Lethargick . Extreame Drowsinesse .

Sometimes also the Venom workes it self from the substance of the Braine into the Sinewes , causing Cramps , and Convulsions . Cramps and Convulsions

The Vrine is altogether untrue , therefore unworthy the fellowship of faithfull signes . Vrine utterly false . And the most faithfull , are the Soares , and Spots ( if they be right ) called Gods Tokens .

But before we describe them , The Authors observation . let me expresse my sorrow for what I had dayly observation of , in the last great Visitation . Many undertooke the cure of the Plague then , who knew no more then to sweat the Patient , and apply outward drawing medicines to the Soares : nay the Chyrurgerie worke was well performed by some , and yet I dare say many dyed for the lacke of skill to encounter these symptomes now specified . And yet there are many moe such ; all which I will reckon up , to see if I can shake the consciences of such impudent Quack-salvers , as dare without learning venture to enrich themselves by filling Graves .

There is commonly , 1 Trembling of the heart , fainting or sowning . 2 A Feavor , though not easily discerned at first . 3 Cardialgia , commonly called Heart-ache . 4 Vomiting , and Loathing in the stomacke . 5 Extreame Thirst , and vile taste in the Mouth . 6 Head-ache , and pricking paines there . 7 Swimming , or Vertigo . 8 Losse of Memorie , and Foolish behaviour . 9 Want of sleepe . 10 Delirium , or Frenzy . 11 Convulsions , or Cramps . 12 Lethargie , or extreame Drowsinesse . 13 Sharp paines in the Eares . 14 Opthalmia , or inflamation of the Eyes . 15 Bleeding at the Nose . 16 The tongue and mouth enflam'd and furr'd . 17 Spitting of Bloud . 18 Squinansie . 19 Pleuresie . 20 Very short Breath , and continuall sighing . 21 Drye Cough . 22 Iaundise . 23 Swelling of the Belly with externall paine . 24 Colick , and Iliak Passions . 25 Extreame Costinesse . 26 Wormes . 27 Flux of the Belly : eyther Lieuteria , or Diarrhaea . 28 Bloudy Flux . 29 Swelling of the Testicles very painefully . 30 Suppression of Vrine . 31 Extreame heate , and paine in the Backe . 32 Swelling of the Feet and Legges with intollerable paine . 33 And sometimes , Such immoderate Sweat horribly stinking , that it affrights the Physitian from his course of sweating the Patient , and yet for all this sweat the deadly danger increaseth .

And not one of these Symptomes can bee cured by the common Method of such cases : Because of the venemous quality that is mixed with them .

When I had well informed my selfe of these things , and saw how little they were regarded of others . I was stricken with wonder to see , with what peaceable consciences some men went a killing . And I began to doubt whether it were not better for a man to be at peace with Ignorance , then to carry his trembling heart in his hand , as I did al that time . Yet then it pleased God to blesse my labours and counsailes , and to let a very small number faile under my advice .

But to goe forward , The faithful Signes . I must enlarge my selfe a little in the discovery of the most faithfull and apparent Signes ( which are the Botch , the Blayne , the Carbuncle , and the Spots called Gods Tokens : ) because the Searchers doe sometimes mistake .

The Botch , The Bubo , or Botch . is a hard Tumor , rising in the glandulous parts called the Emunctories : which are in three places on each side of the Body : viz. under each eare ( or sometimes under the Lawes or Chin ) in the Arme-pits and in the Groynes . This Tumor lyes sometimes very deepe in the flesh , onely to bee found by feeling , nay sometimes also scarcely to be felt ; but if you touch the place there is paine . But for the most part it swelleth out to the bignesse of a Nutmeg or a Wall-nut , yea even to the size of a mans fist , or a penny loafe . Also sometimes it is round , sometimes ovall ; sometimes long and slender as ones finger . I saw a Boy of ten yeares old in Seething-lane , that had one risen in his left arme-pit , which ranne from thence backeward upon the shoulder blade , making a Semicircle thereon , and so turning downward toward the backbone : as if under the skin had been layd a good big cord in the forme almost of a Sickle . The Boy was not heart-sicke but at the first taking , and by Gods blessing and good meanes , this tumor sunke againe , and vanished without any suppuration .

But some againe are flat , broad , and spreading even over halfe the Thorax , ( as I have seene one . ) They are of colour various , according to the humour praedominant . At the first it is commonly somthing moveable , but grows afterward more indurate and fixed . It rises for the most part with a pricking paine ; and as it growes greater is more dully painefull ; and seemes to the Patient as a weight or burthen .

It commeth of a venemous matter , putrifying and poysoning the bloud which is thicke , grosse , and excrementitious of it selfe , and something flegmaticke . Nature therefore labours to drive forth this venom into the e●unctories , which are the sinkes and receptacles of excrementitious humours .

When they rise under the Iawes they shew the strength of the Braine ; in the Arme-pits of the Heart ; and in the Groines of the Liver . According to the quantitie of the humors infected , so the Botches are bigger or lesse , and moe or fewer in number ; and according to the malignancie of the humour are their colours whiter , redder , more blewish or blackish ; whereof the latter is still the worse .

The Blayne , The Blayne . is a kinde of Blister , somewhat like one of the Swine-pocks , of a Straw-colour for the most part ; but sometimes of a blewish or leaden colour , ( but then it is apt to turne to a Carbuncle ) and when it runneth affords filthy matter of the like complexion . Round about the Blister , there is a red fierie circle ( yet nothing so fiery as that of the Carbuncle ) the whole taking up the breadth of a groat , sixe pence , or nine-pence : I have seen the breadth of a large shilling ; but very rarely . These will rise in any part of the Body or limbes ; sometimes one alone , sometimes two or three , but never many . When the matter is runne out , the hoven skin falls and dryes up to a crusty scab , and so falls off .

These shew , that Nature is strong to expell the venom speedily , and that the humors infected are not superaboundant . For many that have these , are not sicke at all : and the most recover with good looking to .

The Carbuncle , The Carbuncle . is a little venemous pustle with a broad compasse of a deepe rednesse about it , wonderfull angry , and burning like a fire-coale ; thence comes his name Carbunculus . It rises like a little Blyster , producing an ash-coloured , or else a blackish crust . Sometimes it rises in many pustles like burnt blysters on the outer skin ; which being broken and the matter runne out , the like crusty escar growes over it till it fall off . It appeares in any ●●rt of the Body or Limbs ; many times on the Breast , sometimes in the face , I have seene one on the very tip of the nose . With it goes alway these evill companions , Itching , Inflamation , and Irrosion ; for it is so full of burning poyson , that it consumes the flesh , and will in a short time ( if it be not well looked to ) eate so deepe and large a hole , as if the flesh were hollowed with a hot iron .

It ariseth from the same cause with the Botch , but the Bloud is more hot , blacke , thicke , and faeculent ; proceeding for burnt Choler , or adust Melancholly .

The Spots ( otherwise called Gods Tokens The Tokens . ) are commonly of the bignesse of a flea-bitten spot : sometimes much bigger . Their colour is according to the praedominancie of the humor in the body : namely Red , or reddish if Choler ; Pale-blew or Darke-blew if Flegme ; and Leaden or Blackish if Melancholy abound . But they have ever a circle about them . The Red ones a purplish-circle , and the others a redish circle . They appeare most commonly on the the breast and backe : and sometimes on the neck , armes , and thighes . On the Breast and Back , because the vitall Spirits strive to breath out the venom the nearest way . In some bodyes there will be very many , in some but one or two , or very few ; according to the quantity of the venom , and the strength of the Spirits to drive them out . They usually shew themselves on the 3. 4. 5. or 7. day ; Sometimes not till death , the venom yet tyrannizing over the dead carkas . Somtimes they appeare together with the sores ; but for the most part without . The cause is the venemous matter condensed and hardened in the act of penetrating the the pores of the skin ; if they be skilfull dissected in the dead body , you may finde some halfe way deep into the flesh , & some in muskles of the Brest have bin followed with the incision knife even to the rib bones . The reason why they are thus congealed is , the thicknes of the venemous matter , and the coldnesse of it : for it is the most Phlegmaticke part of the bloud , yet mixed also with the other humors according to the colors . They appeare in dead bodies most , because Nature fainting in her labor to thrust out the venom through the skin , lifes heat going out , the privation therof , and the nearnesse of the outward aire do congeale them presently : & because many times at the last gasp nature gives the stoutest struggle , it comes to passe they are not so far thrust forth as to appeare , til death .

All these Symptomes must be looked to very diligently and skilfully . As for the Sores , there are many good and known medicines , and hands skilful enough in Chyrurgical way . And I understand the Colledge of Physitians have a Booke now comming forth full of good Medicines . Whether the Tokens bring alwayes certain Death , as is believ'd Therefore I will here desist . But me thinkes one puls mee by the sleeve , and askes me what I meane , to say that all these Symptoms must be looked to ; Doe I meane the Tokens ? ( for they were the last of them . ) Yes , even the Tokens ; Mr. IOHN BANISTER . my Grandfather in a Manuscript of his of the Plague , affirmeth that he recovered some that had the best colored of them , and those but few also . And I have often heard my Father ( who was an honest true tongu'd man , and a skilfull full Physitian ) say : that in the yeare 1593. my Mother ( being then visited with this sicknesse ) had ( besides a Carbuncle under the tip of her left left eare ) two Spots on her breast . And shee was recovered , and lived till the yeare 1629. yet the spots appeared together with the Carbuncle , which is accounted a prognosticke to have no hope of curing the soare , or caring for the life of the Patient . To this , let mee joyne an experience of mine owne , in the last dreadfull Visitation , Anno 1625. My selfe did in Golding-lane recover a woman that was sicke of the Plague in Childe-bed , ( and that very case alone is rarely cured ) who besides other Symptomes , as her suddaine taking , faintings , and Pestilent Feavor ; had two Spots on her breast of a reddish colour with purple circles . I discouraged not those about her , because I meant to try what might ( by Gods assistance ) be done , the Childe dyed , but she recovered , and is alive at this day .

Now if any man shall say , these last were spots of a Malignant Feaver onely . I answer , they were not Purple but Red ones , and circled with purple Circles , so are not the faint Spots .

But if my skill in these Spots shall yet bee doubted . Know that this was when there dyed betwixt Foure and five Thousand of the Plague that weeke : And I will beleeve no man that shall tell mee , that any Malignant Feavor must not needs turne to the Plague it selfe within the ayre of London at that time .

Thus much for the Signes of the Pestilence in them that Live .

There remaine also some few other Signes besides these , Other signes of the dead of the Plague● by which you may know a Body to be dead of the Plague , though neyther Soare , nor Token appeare .

HEURNIUS sayes , Heurnius de Peste . they are knowne from others that dye of the Plague , by these Markes . The Nose lookes blew , sometimes blackish blew , as if it had beene beaten or bruised . The like Colour is in the Eares and Nailes . And their Bodies are ever worse coloured then other dead bodyes bee . But adde to this one Signe more , approved by Experience and standing with good reason . viz. That whereas other dead Bodies must bee layed out straight while they are warme , or else when they are cold they will bee too stiffe to be streightned : In those of the Plague ( or Poysoned eyther ) the flesh is soft , and the joynts limber and flexible , after the Body is cold . Which shewes the vilenesse of Putrifaction in all the humors , and moyst parts of the Body .

And now having found out ( by certain Signes ) the way to know this Sickness● from all others : It will not be amisse out of learned Authoritie to teach you how to know , whether a man at the first taking or soone after , be likely to be recovered or no.

To know whether a man taken with the Sicknesse , may be likely to recover or no. If one be taken with the first Signes of Sinking of his Spirits , causlesse Sadnesse , shortnesse of Breath on the suddaine , that hee cannot forbeare Sighing , yet knowes no cause why ; Sick heartednesse , &c. If this happen at his Meate , or presently after ; let him if hee can , Vomit : If he offer and cannot : Helpe him with a little Warme-water and Oyle : Or dip a feather in Linseed oyle ; or Oyle of Scorpions , and thrust it into his throat . Then : or if he be taken betwixt Meales or Fasting . Make this Draught for him : Take of Bole-Armoniack , j. dram , powdred . Iuice of Oranges , halfe an ounce . White Wine , an ounce . Rose-water , ij . ounces .

Mixe them together , and give it .

If hee Vomit it vp againe , it is a Signe the venome is aboundant , and has gotten great power over the vitall parts . Therefore wash his mouth with a little white Wine , and give him the same Potion againe . If hee againe cast it up , repeat the Wine lotion , and this Potion againe , three times . This is taken out of the second Canon of Avicen , by Guaynerius , who testifies upon his owne knowledge , that never any that at first kept it without Casting it up againe , dyed of that Sicknesse .

GUANERIUS was an excellent skilfull Physitian ; And AVICENNA was accounted a Prince of Physitians , they may therefore be beleeved . Yet I would have none so superstitious in the certainty of this safetie ; as generally all are in the deadlinesse of the Tokens : Of which , I am perswaded any might recover that have the best coloured of them ; but that the custome of Ignorance hath driven away all use of meanes upon the very appearance of the Spots . This I durst not hide ; yet perhaps like Cassandra , I may bee but laugh'd at for telling the truth . But this is no time to laugh , Let every Man rather bee to his owne Soule and Family an AARON , to take with speed his Censor of Repentance , and fill it with fire from the Altar ( of the exceeding great and precious Promises of CHRIST ) 2. Pet. 1.4 . and put the Incense of faithfull Prayer thereon ; and runne quickly , Num. 16.46 . and make an Attonement : for there is wrath gone out from the Lord ; The Plague is begun .