A vvatch-man for the pest Teaching the true rules of preservation from the pestilent contagion, at this time fearefully over-flowing this famous cittie of London. Collected out of the best authors, mixed with auncient experience, and moulded into a new and most plaine method; by Steven Bradvvell of London, Physition. 1625.

A WATCH-MAN FOR THE PEST .

TVLLY ( whose Method was as pleasing as his Matter ) sets this downe as a savoury Maxime in Method ; Proëmium . Omnis quae à ratione suscipitur de aliqua re institutio , debet à Definitione proficisci , vt intelligatur quid sit id de quo disputatur . l. 1. de Officijs . To follow him therefore , though ( but as Ascanius followed his Father Aeneas ) non passibus aequis ; Him , I say , whom hardly any hath happened to goe along with foote by foote in fluent sweetnesse : I will begin this Discourse with the Definition of the Pest ; And while I lay open the severall points of the Definition , I will discover the Causes , the Kinde and Qualities , and the Signes and Symptomes of it . And withall ( in their severall places ) I will lay downe the Rules of Preservation , with good Medicines ; whereby the further spreading of the pestilent Infection may ( by Gods blessing ) be prevented .

¶ The Definition .

The Name . The Plague , is a popular Disease : sent immediatly from God ; The Causes . wrought by the Constellations of the Heavens , the Corruption of the Aire , and the Disorder of Mans Diet : At the first striking to the Heart , The Qualities . is Venemous , Deadly , and Infectious : And for the most part accompanied with a Feavor ; The Symptoms and Signes . As also with Spots called Gods-Tokens , or with a Blayne , or Botch , or Carbuncle .

The Name . This word Plague ; in Latine Pestis ; in Greeke 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 : signifieth a deadly fretting . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 being the same with 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , à 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , quod efficiat defectum hominum ; or 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Pernicies , seu exitium . Hippocrates giues it a stile of distinction , calling it 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Morbus communis : a common or Popular Disease . That it is a Disease , needeth no proofe at all , since it manifestly affecteth the body contrary to nature , and hurteth the actions thereof . That it is Popular is also apparent , in this , that when it once entreth into a Countrey , Cittie , or Towne ; it over-runneth the same like a torrent , and few escape at least a scratching with it , if they be not deeply bitten by it : yea more are stricken and slaine by it , many times ( especially in the place where it hath gotten full strength ) then of all kindes of diseases else what-soever . And so much for his Title .

Now , That It is immediately sent from God , The first and principall cause is God . it is evident by many proofes of holy Scripture . As Deut. 28.21 . and in the same Chapter at the 22. verse , he saith ; The Lord shall smite thee with a Feavor , and with a Consumption , with an Inflamation , and with an extreame burning . In which words are expressed the painfull Symptoms of the Plague : viz. a Feavor , ( which I shall proue hereafter ) a Consumption ( which being vnderstood of Calor naturalis , the heat and life of nature , is apparent ) an Inflamation , by which the swelling called the Botch is signified ; and by an extreame Burning , the deadly Carbuncle is liuely described . If we desire examples ; the Botch is plainly specified in the plague of Pharaoh and his servants ; Exod. 9. Chap. 10. and 11. verses , and in the Sicknesse of Hezekiah , Isaiah 38.21 .

Seeing then the All-mightie God of Heaven and Earth in wrath & justice sendeth this Plague vpon vs , The way of Cure . let vs know that as the Triacle for our bodies is consected of the flesh of earthly Serpents : so the Triale for our soules must be made of the blood of that brasen Serpent , which was lifted vpon the Crosse for our sinnes . Let every man be to his owne soule and familie an Aaron to take with speed his Censor of Repentance ; fill it with fire from the Altar ( of the exceeding great and precious promises of God in Christ . 2 Pet. 1.4 . ) and put the Incense of faithfull Prayer thereon ; and runne quickly and make an atonement : for there is wrath gone out from the Lord ; the Plague is begun .

Somtimes the Constellations of the Heavens are the second cause by which God worketh and bringeth these Iudgements on men . For Astrologers are of opinion , The influence of the Starres , the second cause . that if Saturn and Mars haue dominion ( especially vnder Aries , Sagittarius , and Capricornus ) the Pestilence is shortly to be expected . Or if those two ( the most maleuolent ) be in opposition to the gentle Planet Iupiter ; the effect of that opposition is the Plague . As the Poet singeth : Coelitus imbuitur tabo difflatilis aura , Mars quando obij●itur Falcitenensque Iovi .

I know there be many learned men that thinke the starres because they are good and pure creatures , can bring forth no evill , nor impure effects : And amongst these Valeriola ( in Append. ad loc. com . cap. 2. ) thinks he hath so absolutely satisfied the point , that no obiection may ever be made more : yet I am of Mercurialis his opinion , that though of themselues primarily they doe no evill ; yet accidentally , they may and doe .

For the Sunne of it selfe being the purest of them all , by drawing the vapours out of dunghills and other corrupt things , causeth a noysome stench by accident . But I intend not this Treatise for disputation .

The cure of this Cause , is the same with the former . If the Starres be pestilently bent against vs ; neither Arts , nor Armes ; perfumes , nor prayers , can prevaile with them , who haue neither pittie nor sense , nor power to alter their appointed motion . But He that commandeth their course , and altereth them at his pleasure ; He that made the Sunne and Moone stand still for Iosuah : yea , drew the Sunne backe ten degrees for Hezekiah , and caused the Starres to fight in their courses against Sisera . He is able both to hinder and heale all Infections can arise from their Influences . The cure of this cause ( therefore ) is the same with the former .

The Corruption of the Aire , the third cause . The third cause of the Pestilence , is ; The corruption of the Aire . Which corruption ariseth as well from sublinarie accidents , as from the Influences of the Starres . For noysome vapours arising from filthy sincks , stincking sewers , channells , gutters , privies , sluttish corners , dunghils , and vncast ditches ; as also the mists and fogs that commonly arise out of fens , moores , mines , and standing lakes ; doe greatly corrupt the Aire : and in like manner the lying of dead rotting carrions in channels , ditches , and dunghills ; cause a contagious Aire . As the Poet affirmeth :

Corpora foeda iacent , vitiantur odoribus aurae .

And even without these vapours , The Aire is corrupted by the windes and weather . the Aire sometimes is corrupted by the vnseasonablenesse of the weather , Quum tempestiva intempestivè redduntur , as sayth Hippocrates : when the weather is vnseasonable for the season of the yeare ; being hot when it should be cold ; moyst when it should be drie ; and contrarily . These preposterous orders , or rather disorders in the constitution of the Aire , render it vnholesome , and infectious . And this is caused chiefly by the Aspects of the Planets , and many times also by vnholesome Windes ; as especially the South winde , who ( being of temperature moyst and warme ) fills the Aire with such a corrupt qualitie , as is soone turned into putrefaction , and many times doth easily transport a contagion from one coast to another .

Now for the Temperature of the Aire , What Constitution of the Aire is most Contagious . the whole streame of opinions runneth vpon hot and moyst , as the fittest matter for infection , because most apt to putrefaction . So Hippocrates ( in the second of his Epidem . ) saith , that in Cranon a Cittie of Thessalie , there arose putrid Vlcers , Pustuls , and Carbuncles ; through the hot and moyst constitution of the Aire . And the same he vrgeth againe in the third Booke of the same Treatise . And Galen in 1 de Temperam . cap. 4. affirmeth , that the hot and moyst constitution of the aire doth most of all breed pestilent Diseases . And from these a multitude of later Writers haue learned to speak the same thing . But for all this we know that the hot and dry weather also may cause a pestilent Aire . And so saith Avenzoar in his third booke , third tract . and 1. chap. And Titus Livius in li. primo , decad . 4. recordeth that Rome was once infected with the Plague by a hot and drie distemper of the Aire . And wee cannot forget what a hot & dry parching Summer we had this last yeare ; most fit to be the vnfortunate forerunner of this yeares pestilence : which now being seconded with such abundance of moyst weather all this Spring and Summer hitherto ; we may well doubt that a deluge of destruction is comming vpon vs .

Hence we may see the misery of man , The necessitie of the Aire . that ( be the Aire never so corrupt ) he must draw it in with his breath continually , for without it we cannot liue a moment : for as meate and drinke are the nourishments of our bodies , so is the Aire the nourishment of our Spirits : As therefore by corrupt meats our bodies are corrupted and diseased ; so by corrupt Aire our Spirits are easily infected , and soone extinguished . Therefore we haue great cause to take heed that the Aire we draw be pure and wholesome .

The Cure of this Cause . And this may be effected two wayes : either by flying into a good , or by purifying the euill Aire .

Flight . The surest way to safetie is to flie from the impure into a pure Aire . Those therefore ( that haue meanes , and no speciall Calling to hinder them ) doe well to take hold of this counsell . Which 1. Nature teacheth in giving Man two legs , as well as two armes , that if his enemy be too fierce for resistance , he may escape by running . Now Nature hath no worse enemy then Death ; nor Death a better 〈◊〉 then the Plague . Secondly , the holy Scripture teacheth it . 〈…〉 verse . Come my people enter into thy secret place , shut thy dores about thee , hide thy selfe as it were for a season , vntill the indignation be over past . So Pro. 22.3 . The prudent man foreseeth the plague , and hideth himselfe . And David was this Prudent man , for ( 1 Chron. 2● . last ) he durst not goe to the Tabernacle to offer at Gibeon , because he feared the sword of the Angell . And thirdly , Physicke adviseth it . For Hippocrates , the Prince of Physitions ( in his Booke de Natura humana ) counselleth it in these words ; Providendum est vt quàm paucissimus Aeris influxus corpus ingrediatur , et vt ille ipse quàm peregrinissimus existat : Regionum etiam locos , in quibus morbus consistit , quantùm eius fieri potest permutare oportet . By which he intendeth that a man must be carefull to let into his body as little Aire as can be possibly ; and that that Aire which he doth entertaine , be a stranger to the Infected . And this be interpreteth in the clause following , where he saith , He must ( as farre as he may ) change the place of the Region in which the Sicknesse raigneth , for some other that is free from it . And this is that which is meant by Citò , Longè , and Tardè . Which Iordanus calleth an Antidote made of three Adverbs : and thus versifieth vpon them .

Haec tria tabificam pellunt Adverbia Pestem : Mòx , longè , Tardè ; cede , recede , redi .

I will be bold a little to Comment vpon these words , in this wise .

Fly with speed from the infected place , Citò Cede . lest by a little lingering , that infection ( which you would leaue behinde you ) goe along with you . And nothing can be more dangerous then for one to travaile with his humors already corrupted by an infected Aire . For with the motion of his body , those humors are stirred , disturbed , and heat ; which causeth them to putrefie presently : by which putrefaction of the humors , the vitall Spirits are instantly enflamed and infected , and life it selfe soone extinguished . Besides that , in their going forth , before they are gotten beyond the limits of the evill aire ; in the labouring of their body , they fetch their breath oftener and deeper then at other times ; whereby they draw in a greater quantitie of the corrupt Aire to minister more matter to the putrefaction begun . Therefore flie quickly , and in flying goe softly , till you be quite out of the contagious Aire .

And flie not a little way , but many miles of , Longè recede . whither there is no probabilitie of common trading , or recourse of people from the place forsaken : and where there are high hills betwixt you and the infected coast ; which may breake of those blasts of wind that would at somtimes blow that corrupted Aire from thence vpon you . Moreover , if you be able , choose your habitation well and health-fully scituated .

A house is well scituated that stands on high ground , Choice of habitation . farre from fennes , moores , marishes , and mines : having the dores and windows opening to the North and East ; not to the West , for that is not wholsome ; nor ( by any meanes ) to the South , for that being hot and moyst , is most subiect to contagion in sickly times . Let the house be large , and the roomes many and spacious . How to let in fresh Aire . In hot weather , open those windows that are toward the North ; in cold , those that are to the East . If there be dores or windows toward the other coasts , keepe them for the most part very close shut . In the night , leaue no window open at all . If the weather be moyst , open your windows toward the good coasts two houres after Sunne-rising , and let them not stand open aboue two houres space : and so againe , for two houres before Sunne-set .

Tardè redi . Lastly , be not hasty to returne , so soone as you heare that the heat of the Contagion is abated ; but keepe away as long as any signe of the Sicknesse remaineth ; taking this for a sure rule , That it is lesse danger to tarry still in the infected Aire , then to come into it from that which is pure and wholesome : for a fresh commer is aptest to catch the least contagion , and the very reliques of infection are sufficient to kill him . Learne therefore of the Wolues of Thracia , who in Winter , when the rivers are covered with ice , will not venter over for their prey ( though they be never so hungry ) till they haue layd their eare close to the ice ; then if they heare no noyse of water vnder it , they know the ice is thicke enough to beare them , and over they goe ; otherwise not . Let the space of three moneths passe vpon the last infected person in that quarter whither you desire to resort : and let the house all that time ( and all the stuffe therein ) be throughly well aired , and perfumed before you returne . For the infection will cleaue to the walles and stuffe a long time , and will hardly be purged out of them : especially garments and bedding , if they haue beene vsed by the sicke of the Plague . Woolen cloaths will retaine the infection three or foure yeares , except they be well and throughly aired . Blankets , Coverlets , and Ruggs must haue much airing before they may be trusted . Furres also retaine it long , and it is hardly gotten out of them ; as appeareth by a story which Fracastorius telleth of a Furred Gowne that was the death of fiue and twentie men in Verona , in the yeare 1511. who one after the other wore it , thinking they had still aired it sufficiently . Featherbeds will remaine seaven yeares infected , if Alexander Benedictus may be beleeved ; and these are best to be purged by opening the Tikes , and spreading the feathers abroad very thin , perfuming them very often , and ever as they are airing , let them be turned with staues or stickes ; and let this be so done for many dayes together . As for Mattrises , Mats , and such like , it is best that they be burnt , for that is the surest way to free them from infection .

But now , Some men cannot , and some must not flie . Who must not flee . Some through povertie , and want of friends in the Countrey ; or by reason of the dependance of their living vpon the Towne infected , cannot leaue it . Others whose calling and learning hath set them apart for the common good , must not goe . As Maiestrates and other officers who are called to see the peace and good orders kept . Ministers that haue pastorall Charges , and are commanded of GOD to preach in season and out of season , and to administer the Sacraments to those which are able to repaire to the church . Also Physitians , Chyrurgians , Apothecaries , Midwifes , Keepers , and Searchers , whose callings are to be helpfull to the sicke and weake ( though not of the Plague , yet of other griefes ) they ought ( at least a convenient number of them , for the number of people remaining ) to tarry and follow those Christian employments which they haue vndertaken , not for their owne benefit only , but for the Common-wealth chiefly .

Such therefore as must tarry , let them obserue these rules following .

First , flie from company , How those that tarrie are to order themselues . and be contented to liue as solitarily as your calling and buisinesse will giue leaue . Let those that come to speake with you , come no nearer you then they must needs ; and if you stand to talke with another , be distant from him the space of two yards . But if you suspect the party to haue the infection , let the space of foure yards at the least part you . Let the sound man be carefull also to giue the other the winde ; that is , so to stand that the winde may blow from the sound to the suspected , and not contrarily : and let the sound man turne away his face from him , holding and champing also some fit thing in his mouth , and smelling to some odour all the while he is in discourse with the other , or neare vnto him : ( which things in particular I will prescribe hereafter . ) Shunne all places that are moyst and wet . In Summer keepe you temperate , but alwayes drie : in Winter keepe warme , and as much as you can , neare the fire . At all times avoyd all close alleys and lanes ( especially to lodge in them ) or neare common sewers , ditches , or such like noysome places . And keepe out of crowds and assemblies of people as much as you may . Dwell not in an house that is pestred with much company in little roome . It is good also for those that are able , to shift beds , and chambers often , airing them every day .

When the Aire is cloudy , thicke , moyst or misty , goe not forth but vpon necessitie ; and in such weather , keepe the dores and windows shut . Walke not abroad in the morning ( if you can choose ) till two houres after Sunne rising ; nor at all after Sunne-set , vnlesse vrgent occasion enforce . And in the heat of the Sunne in Summer ( especially about noone ) tarry not abroad ; neither sit , stand , nor walke in the heat of the same . For then is the braine more full of excrementitious humors & the whole bodie aboundeth more with moysture ; therfore more apt to entertaine putrefaction . Purging of the impure Aire . In the full of the Moone , goe not forth in the night , and keepe your head somthing warmer at that time then at other times . Keepe moderation betweene heate and cold in your lodging and bedding . Last of all , whatsoever you receiue from the hands of another ( especially if suspected ) touch it not before it haue beene cleansed , by boyling , or at least by washing in warme water ; if it may not spoyle or deface the thing : otherwise , aire and perfume it well . And thus much for flying into a pure Aire .

Now we are to purifie the purified Aire . And herein first I must distinguish Aire into two kindes , viz. Generall and Speciall . By Aire generall , I meane the whole open Aire of the Region . By Speciall , I intend , either that which is inclosed in houses ; or that which is immediately next the person of every one , for the space of some few yards compasse round about the Body , whether within doores or without , wheresoever it goeth or abideth .

And first for the generall Aire of the Region . Purging of the Generall Aire . That is to be purged and rectified , first by cleane sweeping and washing of the streets , lanes , courts , allyes and other wayes and passages of the Cittie ; leaving in them no durtie puddles , dunghills , or dead carrions . Also by often casting out the mudde of the Towne ditches , and other standing waters . Every morning and euening sweep cleane the streets before every mans doore : Wash downe the channells to keepe them sweet . But I like not that slabbering of the pavement before the house , which I see many vse in moyst wether ; for it increaseth the dampishnesse of the Aire : excpt it be before the stalls of Butchers and Cookes : or except the durt can no other-wise be purged away ; and then let it be swept drie againe , except the Sunne doe shine so cleare and hot , that it is likely to be soone dried thereby .

But indeed there is no way of purging the Aire like to the making of Fires in the streets : Fire purgeth the Aire best . so it be done with good discretion ; that is , In the evenings ; when the weather is moyst ; and not soultry hot . We read that Hippocrates freed the Cittie of Cranon ( before mentioned ) and Athens also ( as Galen testifieth li , 1. de Theriaca ad Pisonem cap. 16. ) by making great bonefires , & burning sweet odours and costly oyntments in them . Aëtius also ( li. 5. cap. 94. ) reports the like to haue been done by Acro Agrigentinus , whereby he delivered the greatest part of Greece from the Pestilence .

Some Physicians that they may be singular , invent strange wayes by themselues to purifie the Aire . Strang counsels of Some learned Physitions . As Cardan perswades to burne leather , or any thing that smells strong though never so stinking ; But for my part I am of opinion with Rodericu à Castro , and Laurentius Ioubertus , that stinking smells cannot make a wholsome purgation of the Aire . Therefore I leaue his conceite to accompany that of Alexander Benedictus , who would haue the dogs that are killed , to be strewed in the streets , that the vapours of their putrefying carcases , might expell the venom of the putrefied Aire . With which may also be exploded Averroës his potion of vrine , which he esteemes an excellent Antidote : I thinke that which is odious to the nostrills , by which way aliment is conveyed to the Spirits : And that which is noysome to the stomach , by which nourishment is brought to the Body ; can be no Cordiall . But for the purging of the Aire , Rodericus à Castro hath another way , and that easy and cheap ( if it be as good . ) He affirmeth that it was wont to be much vsed in Spayne in pestilent times : and that is , to drive a great droue of Oxen or Kine through all the streets every day ; that their sweet wholsome breath may cleanse the impure Aire . It is true , that the breath of those Cattell are very sweet and wholsome : But it is to be doubted , that the impure Aire being much more in quantity then their breath , will sooner infect them , then they purifie it ; which if it doe , then surely all their flesh will proue but vnholsome meat , and may infect more bodies after they haue bene at the Butchers ; then they haue purified streets while they went before the drovers . But the Spainards eate so little Beefe , as they needed the lesse to feare such poysoning .

The Authors opinion . Now for my opinion what way is best to purge the Generall Aire of the Region . I must needs say that of Hippocrates ( before mentioned ) is the best , but too costly to be received of our Cittizens . Therefore I would advise that Muskets and such like peeces might be discharged in every street , lane , and corner of the Cittie every morning , and every euening . This way ( in hot weather ) doth not enflame so much as bonefiers doe by their continued heat , but purifie as much , or rather more . For by the blow , the Aire is first forcibly moued , shaken , devided and attenuated , and so prepared for purification ; & then immediatly ( by the heat of the fire ) purified : and that kinde of fire purgeth it better then others , for ( by reason of the Sulphur and Sault-peeter ) it is exceeding drying ; and very wholsome . And that this opinion is not any conceit of mine owne ; let those that will , Read Levinus Lemnius de Occultis Naturae Miraculis , or Crato in Consilio 275. lib. 2. cap. 10. Or Raymundus Mindererus li. de Pestilentia cap. 20. The Heathens could be at great cost in contagious times ; as appeares by the precious odours and sweet oyntments that Hippocrates consumed in the fires for those Citties before mentioned . Why may not Wee be at a lesser cost , for the safety of a greater Cittie . GOD is nearer to vs , then he was to them ; we haue his promises to keepe vs in all our wayes ; and to prosper our handy workes ; they had no such comforts to rest vpon ; Yet they endevoured and obtained : wee obtaine not , onely because we endevour not .

And now I come to the Fourth Cause of the Pestilence , which is

The Disorder of Mans Diet.

In the name of Diet are included six things , Diet in six Poynts . wherein a man ought always to be moderate and regular .

1. The Aire , and I mean the Speciall Aire . 2. Meate , and Drinck . 3. Repletion , and Evacuation . 4. Exercise , and Rest . 5. Seepe , and Watching . 6. Passions of the Minde .

These are the six Strings of Apollos Violl , wherein consisteth the whole harmonie of health . If these be in tune , the Body is sound ; but if any of these , be either too high wrested , or too much slackened ( that is , immoderately vsed ) then is the Body put out of tune , and made subiect to any sicknesse . As one saith well , who hath thus composed those six points , in these two verses .

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

Let every man ( therefore ) be carefull in these things , and if his owne skill be not sufficient to teach him what is temperance ; let him observe these rules following .

First for the Aire .

The Disorders of Diet in respect of Aire , or ill choyce of habitation ; walking , running or riding at vnseasonable times , The Disorders in the Point of Aire . as in fogs , mists , dewe , rayne &c. And in vnholsome places , such as haue bene reckoned already : as also in drawing into the Body too much of such Aire as is Pestilent and contagious .

To cure this point of Diet , we must proceede in purging the Aire ; and hauing done with the generall , let vs now goe to purifie the Speciall , The Cure of the Speciall Aire in Houses . and first of all that which is inclosed within the House .

Let every roome be kept continually very cleane ; leaue no sluttish corners ; let no water stand in any vessell so long as to putrifie , which in a corrupt Aire ( especially in hot weather ) it will soone doe . Cleanse all your vessels often ; wash those roomes that are in continuall vse ( both floores and wainscoting ) every morning ; and ( those which are able , wash the Windowes , Tables , Cupboards , Stooles , Benches , and all wainscotings , in summer with rose-water , and vineger : and in winter with the Decoction of Rew , Worme wood , Balme , &c. And after these are washed , wipe them allwayes drie againe : ( for as I said before of slabbering the streets ; so , much more vnholsome is it to leaue the roomes of the house wet ) & hauing wiped them as drie as you can , aire them also presently with fire . A pan of fire set on the floore in the midst of the roome is the best & quickest way of aireing it . In the meane time let the windows and doores be shut . Observation . But obserue this : Enter not into the roome , ( at least to tarry ) till it be aired , and the fier taken away : because then the heat and moysture are buisily working together , which for the time of working ( till the heat haue prevailed ) is vnholsome . And if you must needs goe in , during that time ; make hast out againe ; and set the doore wide open while you tarrie ; for such vapours kept close , haue suddenly depriued some of life , before they haue felt themselues offended : as Skenckius ( in his observ. li. 2. De Partibus vitalibus : If you must needs be in the ●ome , let the fire be in the chimney . observ. xix . ) proveth by diuerse examples . And I could name some also of mine owne knowledge , if need were . Moreover while these roomes are thus aireing , you may cast into these fiers , in Cold weather ; Iuniper , both the wood and the berries ; Pitch , Turpentine , Franckencense , Storax , Beniamin , Oken-leaues , Airing in Cold weather . Bay leaues , &c. Also at such a season , you may strew your windows , shelues , & ledges ; with Balme , Mints , Lavender , Worme-wood , Rew ; and such like warming smells . And if the heat of them offend , steep them in Vineager six houres , and then strew them as before .

In hot weather . Take a tile , or a fier-shovell heated hot , In Hot weather . and poure into it an equall quantitie of whitewine vineager and Rose-water wherein a little camphor hath been dissolued , & with this perfume the roomes . At such a time likewise , strew the roomes with Primroses , Rose-leaues , Violets , or some such coole or temperate smelling hearbs , as the season will afford .

In temperate weather , Rosemary and Bay-leaues , in Rosewater , heated in a perfuming pot is very sufficient . Or take Pitch , In temperate weather . Tarre , Turpentine , Rosin , of each a like quantitie , melt them together on the fier , and to every pound put in a pinte of vineager . Boyle them to the consumption of the vineager . Burne some of this daily at all seasons , and in all weathers . And if you adde to it the wood of Iuniper made into powder : It will bee excellent .

If any vault or vnsauory sincke be so neere as to offend any roome of the house : Aire that roome most , and vse it least .

The other kinde of Speciall Aire is sayd to be that which is immediatly next to the person of every one . Cure of Speciall Aire about the Body .

This is to be purged Foure wayes . 1. By things held in the mouth . 2. By odours held to the nose . 3. By Apparell . 4. By Amulets .

For the first . Of things held in the mouth , Things held in the mouth . some be Simple , and some Compound .

Simple , are Cloues , Citron pills , Roots of Tormentill , Angelica , Zedoarie , and such like .

Compound , are such as these following .

Take of London Triacle halfe an ounce ; mix it with the muscilage of Gumm , Dragagant & Rose water , and a little sugar . So make it vp into Rowles or Lozenges , hold one in your mouth ; and let it dissolue therein , all the while you are neare any place or person suspected to be infected .

You may also , hold Mithridate in your mouth , if the heat offend you not .

But a peece of a Citron pill alone is best of all in sommer ; And in winter , a slice of Angelica roote .

Likewise generally at all seasons Iuniper berres steeped all night in whit-wine Vineager . Or Cloues steeped in Rose vineager .

And in like manner may you steep slices of the Roots of Angelica , Enulacampane , Zedoarie , Tormentill &c. In Rose-water and vineager ; for they are too hot of themselues .

And for those that haue cold stomachs , greene Ginger is exceeding good .

Odours , Simple . Secondly . Odours that are to be carryed in the hand and held to the nose , are also Simple and Compound .

Simple , are Balme , Mints , Rue , Worm-wood , Penniroyall , Myrtles , Lauender , &c.

But these hot hearbs are not fit for any but cold and flegmaticke complexions to vse them Simply and alone . And it is a strange thing to see how all sorts of people play the fooles with their owne noses ; all carrying Worm-wood , and thrusting it vp into their nostrills . Wherein ten doe themselues iniurie , for one that doth good . For though they perceiue not the danger presently ; yet it must needs inflame their braine : which being over heat , will send downe such iuices to the heart , as shall inflame that also , and so bring them into a burning Feauor , which is the high way to that Sicknes they most desire to shunne . For the Brayne is the continuall spring that cooles the heart ; which office if it performe not ; the heart will soone over heat it selfe : how much more will it be over heat then when that which should temper it bringeth distemper to it ? But people will be so skilfull , that they thinke they need aske no counsell in these matters : but like a flocke of sheep leap one after another , they neither know whether nor wherefore .

It is good therefore to take the iuices of such hearbs as these and mix them with Rose-water and vineager , and so carrie a sponge , or handkercheif dipped therein . And obserue this .

Allwayes mix cold smells with hot ; and ( even for cold constitutions also . ) Let the cold odours be most praedominat : for the greatest danger is in over-heating . For hot things though they purge the Aire , yet they inflame the Bloud and humors . Therefore temper them according to the constitution of the body and weather . Let them likewise be something Sweet . For vnsauory smells doe dissolue the Spirits , and weaken the faculties . It is a sure rule , that those things which nature abhoreth , will alwayes hurt her , but neuer help her : except it be to euacuate in some case of repletion only .

Now for Compound Odours . Compound Odours .

Take of London Triacle halfe an ounce , Vineager an ounce , Rose-water two ounces . Mixe them together till the Triacle be well dissolued .

Then dip a peece of a Sponge in this liquor ; and carry it in some little box peirced full of holes , to smell through .

Or , Take liquid Storax , wash it well in Wine-vineager and Rosewater , wherein some Camphor hath beene disolued . Then mix with it , of the powder of Cloues , and yellow Sanders , as much as will make it thick like Tarre ; carrie it in some Sevit or Pomander-box .

As for Pomanders ; which are the best , both for handsome carriage and continuance of sent . If any will resort to me , I will fit them at diuers prices .

To wash the face . Furthermore , It is good also to wash the face , mouth , and nostrills often with strong Vineager , Rose-water and a little Wine , wherein hath bene steeped ( for six houres together ) some thin shavings of Zedoarie or Angelica , or Tormentill roots .

The poore people may wash them with Faire water and Vineager , and the iuice of Rue .

Apparell . Thirdly . Apparell is to be a defence against the infectious Aire . Which becommeth so , by being well made , and well kept .

To the well making of garments in this respect , there goe two points ; the Stuffe , and the Fashion . For the Stuffe , all woolen cloth would be avoided , because it retaineth the infection long : Buffe also , Shamoys , and such kinds of leather are naught , because they ( through their sponginesse ) doe draw and keep it much more then other wearings : Feathers likewise and Fans ; being the most needlesse ornaments , should now be layd aside , for they are also of a nature that retaineth infection long : and so are all kinde of Furrs ; therefore weare none of these if you may choose . But if your purse will serue , buy Grograms , Chamlets , &c. Such as may be watred : for the watering of stuffes through their gumminesse , doth best exclude the Aire from entring or taking vp any loging in the stuffs so dressed . And let the doublets & hose be lined rather with Linnen then Fustian , because the woolinesse of Fustian is of kin to the other allready found fault with-all . As for silkes , as Grograms , Taffaties , Sattins , they are also very good , but Veluets , Plush , Shag and such like are not so good . Let them be also fitted with linings according to the weather , that they occasion not the Body to sweat through heat , to bee tired with waight , nor to catch cold with thinnesse . For these inconveniences may be occasions of much harme ; But taking of cold is the most dangerous of all ; for there vpon follow putrid Feauors : and all of them are friends to the Plague . For the Fashion , avoyd much Quiltings , and stuffing with Bombast and Haire , for into such things the infected Aire will easily get , and hardly forsake them .

Women vsually haue Whale-bone bodies which are as good armour as any other . Let the greatest care be to guard the vitall parts : But withall there must be some care of all the body : which to guard the better , it is good to weare long Cloakes of such watered stuffes as I haue mentioned ; which being outermost , excludeth well the outward Aire while one is abroad ; and when one is come home , they may be layd by , till they haue beene aired . But for Physitians and Chyrurgians , and such as come among the sicke : it is good for them to haue long Gownes of such stuffes ; which as soone as they come forth of the sicke Chambers , they may throw off to be aired . And so much for the Well-making . Now for the Well keeping of Garments ; this is done by keeping them cleane and sweet . To keepe them cleane , requires varietie and often shifting . To keepe them sweet is required much airing and perfuming . As when you put them on , or lay them by , and that according to the Weather .

As in cold Weather .

Take Iuniper slices , Iuniper berries bruised ; Rosemarie , Perfumes for Apparell . Bay-leaues , and Wormwood cut small ; and Franckincense grossely powdered .

Burne them together on a chafing dish of coales , and so perfume your Cloaths .

In hot Weather .

Take dried Rose-leaues steeped in Rose-water , wherein Camphor hath been dissolved , and adde to it a little vineager .

Vpon a hot fire-shouell make a fume : and perfume your apparell .

In temperate Times .

Take Iuniper berries , gum Dragagant , and Franckincense , all grossely powdered ; of each a like quantitie . Steepe them in vineager and Rose-water , six houres .

Then spread the same on a hot tile or fire-shouell , and perfume your Cloaths therewith .

Fourthly , Amulets , Amulets . are things made to hang about the necke , to touch the naked skin next the heart . These are of some with a kinde of superstition esteemed . But though Carpus the Chirurgian of Bononia perswaded himselfe and others , that he was preserved from the Plague by wearing Arsenicke in a clout vpon the region of the heart ; yet many in London haue died of the Plague with those bables about them : and as for Arsenicke and other such poysonous stuffe , I could speake enough against them ; Dr. Herring . but a learned Dr of Physicke hath saued me that labour . But for some cordiall things ; I will for the Readers satisfaction giue a taste of them . They may be of two sorts , Simple , and Compounded . Simple , as Vnicornes horne , Bezoar stone , ( which is the best of all , if a man can get it ) the Hiacinth also and Smaragdus , and such like ; but how the influence of such stones may be conveyed out of their hard bodies to the heart , is hard for me to vnderstand . The former are more likely ; for Galen reports ( li. 6. de Simp. Medic. facult . ) that he cured a boy of the Falling-sicknesse , by hanging a Paeonie roote about his necke . Yet I thinke he could never say so but that once : Therefore I would wish none to put any confidence in such disputable things . Neverthelesse , since I haue divided them into Simple and Compounded ; I will giue you a Composition , which may be vsed in stead of an Amulet , and that to good purpose .

A good Quilt to be vsed in stead of an Amulet . Take the leaues of red Roses dried , two drams , all the Saunders , Lignum , Aloes , Zedoarie roote , Angelica roote , Sage , white Dittanie , Baulme , Citron pills , of each halfe a dram .

Make them into powder , and sew them vp in a peece of red Taffarie or Calico ; and make a Quilt thereof . Heat it on a pewter dish vpon a chasing dish of coales ; and sprinckle it with Rose-vineager : so apply it warme to the place , and renew it once in six houres .

I cannot but let thee know ( good Reader ) that even now while I was writing vpon this subiect , there hath beene a patient with me , who is poysoned with with a venemous Amulet . Be warned therefore by the harmes of others to take heed of such pernicious things .

Thus haue I finished the first part of Diet ; concerning Aire . The second part followeth .

Which consisteth of Meate and Drinke . Meate and Drinke .

Disorder in meate and drinke is chiefly committed either in regard of the Qualitie , or Quantitie of them .

In Qualitie , when that meat or drinke which is vsed , Disorder in their qualitie . is either generally vnwholsome for all men ( as venemous Mushroms ; stincking or raw meate ; musty , or new , or dead drinkes ; these breed venom in the humors , and so a iust occasion for infection ) or els particularly naught for the proper constitution of him that eats or drinkes it . As meat of hard digestion to a weake stomach , ( for that denyeth nourishment ) meate of easie concoction to a strong stomach , ( for that putresies in the stomach , and so corrupts the bloud ) hot spices and inflaming drinkes to a hot constitution , &c. these breed many diseases in the purest aire ; and in a contagious , they easily make way for the Plague . Therefore we are to be carefull what we eat or drinke .

And our Care must be two fold ; first , to refuse things noysome ; secondly , to choose things wholsome .

In refusing things noysome take these rules .

Beware of piercing and attenuating things ; Qualities of meates generally to be refused . for they are heating ; and by opening the body , they expose it to the corruption of the Aire . On the contrary also thicke and slimie things are stopping , breeding crudities and putrefaction ; by reason of that crassitude , moysture , and accidentall heat which is in them . Sweet and fatty things likewise are to be avoyded ▪ because they easily turne to choller , and so kindle hot feavors . Very moyst meates , as wee see they are hardly kept sweet in hot weather , so by the heat of the stomach , they easily turne to putrefaction ; especially to hot and chollericke constitutions . But of all things those that are both moyst and hot ( especially wherin the moyst is predominant ) are most dangerous , because they are as it were the very seed of putrefaction . Cold mixed with moyst is not so ill , because not so apt presently to putrefie ; but wheresoever the moyst is stronger , the blood is made watrish and weaker ; and therefore not so nourishing as Nature needs it . Also meats of hard digestion , melancholicke , salt , and windie are to be eschewed . Beware of all things that are hot and enflaming . Much vse of very sharpe things , are very hurtfull . Shunne also all things that increase much blood , for the body must be kept low in contagious times . Also all things that are loathsome to the pallat or stomach must be reiected ; for that which nature abhorreth , dissipateth the Spirits .

Particular meats to be forborne . Having thus taught by their Qualitie in generall what meates and drinkes are to be forborne : Now I will more particularly reckon vp such as are most commonly known and vsed : being most to be avoyded in times of Infection .

And first for your Bread . Bread . Be carefull that it be not mustie , nor mouldie : neither eat it hot , nor before it be a day olde . It is best for them that can haue Ouens at home , not to send their bread to other houses to be baked : nor to receiue any continually from the hand of common Bakers that serue to many severall houses .

Flesh of beasts . Very salt and long powdered Beefe ( though never so much watered afterward to get out the salt ) is not good ; yea all that watering and moystening makes it worse . Also Bacon , and Porke , especially boyled : the Hare , especially when he is olde . Venison both of fallow and red Deere , that liue in a corrupted aire , are vnwholsome : not alone for the reason that some giue of their liuing alwayes in the open aire ; and much running & heating their bodies therein ( which makes them apt to be corrupted by the contagion ) but also in regard of the manner of killing them ; which is by hunting them to death : for in that action they poyson their flesh very much by tyring their bodies and weakening their spirits to the death ; and by the infinite working of the passion of feare in them : which how apt that is to poyson any body ; I shall shew in his place .

Fowles : Foules that liue in fens or waters , are all naught , as the Goose , Ducke , Mallard , Teale , Hearon , &c.

Inwards . Meats made of the Inwards of Beasts , are not good , as Puddings , Tripes , Chitterlings , Kidneys , Livers , Lights , Milts , &c.

Of Fishes , Fish . such as liue in standing Pooles and Ponds , ( especially in muddy waters ) are very evill ; as , Carps , Eeles , Lampreys , and such like : for they corrupt the humors and breed obstructions . Salt-fish and Sea fish , sharpen the humors . Oysters , Cockles , Muskles , Peruinckles , are hurtfull . Grisly fish ( as Mayds , Thornbacke , and such like ) are to be avoyded .

Egges of Geese , Ducks , Pigeons , &c. are to be reiected . Egges .

Milke , Milke . ( because it is of all meates most easie of digestion ) soone corrupteth in the stomach , and therefore is disallowed . So is Creame , because it makes grosse blood . Likewise Cheese , because it is stopping . And also Whey , because it is opening , and not nourishing .

Of Fruits , Fruits . all such as are Worme-eaten , are to be accounted corrupted and naught . All sweete and luscious fruits ; as Cherries , Plums , greene Figs , sweete Grapes , Black-berries , &c. Also Melons , Pompions , Pomcitrons , &c. Forbeare generally all Summer fruits ; because they breed crudities and grosse humors . Among the rest also Beanes and Pease are accounted vnfit meats .

Roots , Roots . such as are watrish , are to be refrained ; so also is Garlicke ; ( for all it is called , the Poore-mans Triacle ) because it openeth and heateth too much ; therefore it is seldome fit in these times .

Hearbs that are hot are not to be vsed but with good advise , and tempering them with such as are cooling . Hearbs . And beware of Cabages , Coleworts , Lettice , and Rocket ; and all moyst and cold hearbs ; for they breed obstructions and crudities .

Let not your Sauces be sweet ; for such increase choller ; Sauces . nor too full of taste , for that whets the appetite beyond the desire of nature , & provokes to too liberall feeding . Among other sauces , Mustard is chiefly to be forbidden , because it openeth , and discusseth .

Beware of hot Spices , Spices . vse them sparingly ; and then well allayed with cooling things .

Pottage and Broths , Broths . are no fit food for these times : because if they be thicke and strong , they nourish too fast : or if they be thin and not nourishing , they fill the body with moysture more then needs . For Manardus ( li. 5. epist. 3. ) saith , The body ought rather to be dried then moystened .

Mushroms . Some haue ( from strangers ) taken vp a foolish tricke of eating Mushroms or Toadstooles . But let them now be warned to cast them away ; for the best Authors hold the best of them at all times in a degree venomous , and therefore in time of Pestilence much more dangerous .

What manner of dressing meates are worst . Now for the manner of dressing your meat , briefly obserue ; that baked meats ( because their vapours are restrained within their coffins ) are not so well purified by the fire , as meats otherwise cooked : therefore they are suspected to haue in them a degree of venom ; especially , if the meat haue beene kept any long while in the infected Aire : much more if it be Venison , for the reasons before-named . But if any be earnestly desirous of Baked meats , let them first take heed they be not too full of taste and gluttonous : and also let the pie or pastie , be opened as soone as it comes out of the Oven , and so let it breath it selfe till it be cold .

Also sowsed and pickled meats are not good ; neither are boyled meats so good as rosted .

What drinkes are vnfit ▪ Of Drinkes . Beere or Ale that is new , strong , heady , and fuming ; also bitter , fl●t , dead , or fusty , are to be avoyded .

Compounded drinkes . Likewise such as are sophisticated with Lemons , Spices , &c.

And those that are made with Sage , Worm-wood , Scorby-grasse ; and other such Ingredients : vnto which may be added Metheglin , Mead , Bragget , Vsquebath , Hippocras , Aqua-Vitae , Rosa solis , Aqua Composita ; and all strong and Compounded waters . As these are indeed no other then Medicines , so neither are they otherwise to be vsed ; that is , alwayes with good Caution , vpon good cause , and with skilfull Counsell

Pery and sweet Cyder , Pery and Cyder . are to be refused for their sweetness and coldness .

Wines , Wines . though they are frequently vsed among sober people ; yet they are not so fit for the constitution of English men , as Beere and Ale . And this is evident in that the onely wise God ( who knoweth best what is fittest for every Region ) hath forbidden this Soyle to bring forth such things ; because they are either needlesse or not naturall to the Inhabitants . Therefore it were good if all kindes of Wines were vsed of vs , but as so many kindes of Medicines also ; that is , onely to helpe Nature when shee is too weake to helpe her selfe in Concoction , Retention , and Excretion . And among Wines ( in regard of the Sicknesse ) those that are new , sweet , blacke , and troubled , are forbidden . Piercing Wines ; such as White and Rhenish ( for the reasons already alleaged in Piercing and Attenuating things ) I cannot allow of for ordinary vse : though some Physitions doe . As for Muskadell and Malego , their sweet taste , and that dullnesse of Spirit which is caused by them , betrayes their vnfitnesse in times of Contagion .

And before I leaue this point , let me leaue with you this Caveat . Good Caveats . Take heed into what houses you enter to drinke with your friend : lest in stead of a health , you drinke your death . Let euery man drinke in his own cup , and let none trust the breath of his Brother . Also take heed of all drinkes that smell or taste of the Caske .

Now me-thinkes I heare one whisper in mine eare , hee would faine know what I thinke of Tobacco ; he takes it to be the onely Antidote against the Plague .

I cannot stand to dispute the case deepely : Tobacco . But I will briefly shew my opinion . Tobacco hath these manifest Qualities : It is Heating and Drying ; it evacuateth grosse Humors ; it draweth away Rheums ; it provoketh Vrine , and keepeth the belly soluble . There may be some times , and some bodies wherein a Medicine having these opening qualities may be vsed ; as namely , to a Cold and Flegmaticke complexion , full of grosse humors ; the partie for the time keeping himselfe warme , and within dores . But for the common fashion of taking it , by every man , every day ( yea almost every houre ) in shops and open places , without consideration of constitution , or iust cause ; I cannot approue of it at all : much lesse as any Antidote . But let vs examine it a little further , for their sakes that would vse it more orderly : and see whither it may be accounted a Preservatiue Medicine or no. I haue already reckoned the best qualities it hath , being taken in the Pipe ( for so onely I discourse of it ) and the first of those qualities indeed shews a faire countenance to the case : But the foure latter talke too much of penetration , and evacuation : wherewith it opens the pores , and makes the body fit to receiue the contagious aire ; it also dissolues the braine , and causeth the humors thereof to fall downe into all parts of the body distempered with a heat contrary to nature ; wherupon it enflames the blood , turns it to melancholy , and resteth not till it haue also turned Blacke Choller into Burnt Choller . And in all this doing , his heat carries no cordiall to the spirits ( which must never be absent from an Antidote ) for it is mixed with a nauseous qualitie , noysome to the stomach , and offensiue to nature ; as appeares by the violence it offers in vomiting , when a little of the iuice is given to that purpose . These things considered , I thinke Tobacco hath very little good vse in Pestilent times . And thus much for noysome things to be avoided .

The Cure of this Cause . Qualities of meates and drinkes generally to be chosen . Now we come to reckon vp holsome things to be elected .

Let the Qualities of your meats and drinkes be temperate betwixt hot and cold , and rather drie then moyst . And ( if the stomach may endure it ) let them for the most part haue a sharp or sower smacke with them . Let them be of easie digestion , breeding good blood , and sincere humors in the body .

Bread . Let your Bread be made of the best and purest Wheat ( which alone maketh the best Bread ) or mixe it with some Rie . Let the Corne be such as harvest hath housed before the Aire became infectious . Leauened bread is the most holsome , because of the sowernesse . Let those that may , bake their bread at home .

Flesh of beasts . Rosted Beefe may be eaten with Vineager . A rosting Pigge is not to be denyed , if his belly be stuffed with Sage , sweete Marioram , Spinach , Parsley , and Mints : the sauce also made sharpe with Vineager and spiced with a little Pepper , or Ginger . Veale , Mutton , Lamb , Kid , and Coney are very holsome : but let them not be very fat .

Of Fowles , Fowles . such as fly neerest the Sunne , and build their nests on high , feeding on sweet and holsome graine , are best approved by the best Authors : because they receiue lesse infection from the lower aire , which is the most contagious . But if we examine which are they , we shall finde but a few that keepe all these conditions . For the Hearon flies high , and builds high ; but feeds in fenny and moorish places , and on moyst meates . The Kite , Hawke , Raven , and such like , feed on carrion , and are never counted worthy to be served as a dish at the Table . The Larke flies high and neare the Sunne , but hath his nest on the earth . The Rookes in deed flie somthing high , build high , and feed on the best Corne ; and their young ones are esteemed daintie food : but these are not for every ones dish . Therefore we may not be so over-curious in the choice of these creatures . Let these suffice as most holsome , viz. Capon , Turkey , Henne , Pullet , Chicken , Partridge , Pheasant , tame Pigeons , yong wilde Pigeons , Turtles , Larks , Black-birds , Thrushes , and Finches .

Some Inwards of Beasts and Fowles also , Inwards . are very good and holsome : as the Gizards and Livers of Hens , and Capons : the Hearts of Veale , Mutton , and Lambe : also Lamb-stones , and young Cock-stones are excellent meat , and fit for the state of some bodies . But whosoever he be that makes choice of them for the nourishment of his lust , let him remember the Israelites Quailes , and tremble ; lest while the meat is in his mouth , the hand of God be at his heart ; Numb. 11 33. and in the messe of his sinne , the Plague salute him with the message of death .

Fishes that are of Rivers , and cleare running waters are best : Fish . as Plaise , Flounders , &c. Fresh Salmon , Trouts , Barbels , Shrimps &c. Of Sea-fish there are but a few fit to be vsed in these times : and those are Gogions , Mullets , Soales , Gurnards , Lobsters , and Cray-fishes : But fish must be seldomer vsed then flesh ; and onely for change of diet to weake and longing stomachs . For all kindes of fish breed but a watrish kinde of blood .

Egges of Hens ( if they be eaten new and reare dressed ) are good , whither they be rosted , boyled , fried , or poached ; Egges . and eaten with Veriuice , or Vineager , and the iuice of a Lemon . Also Turkey Egges so vsed are good : but eate them seldomer , because they afford a little too rancke nourishment . In Summer time , eate flesh and egges more sparingly then in Winter , lest you increase blood too much , or turne it to choller ; which also turneth to inflamation , and putrefaction .

Butter . Butter is very good , and so is Buttermilke : ( if moderately vsed ) but they doe easily inflame a chollericke stomacke : and send vp hot fumes into the head . The milke also purgeth some bodies : such therefore are the more to forbeare it .

Fruits may be allowed ( but seldome and in little quantitie to be vsed ) the sower and sharpe are best ; Fruits . as sower Cherries and Plums ( but these preserved , or in tarts , or at least scalded , rather then raw ) the Norwich , and Katherin Peares : the Peppins , Pearmains , & Harvie Apples being growne old ; are counted Cordialls . Also Peaches , Quinces , Pomgranets , Oranges , Lemons , Medlars , Sarvices , Strawberries , Gooseberries , Barberies , Raspes , Mulberries ; likewise dried fruits , as dried Peares , Plums , Cherries , Figs , Raisins , Damask proins , &c. Those that haue hot stomachs , and desire Cucumbers , may eat them beaten with an Onion and Salt , and sauced with Vineager , and a little sprinckled with Pepper . French Beanes also ( called à formâ , Kidney Beanes ) may now and then be vsed , as the best sort of pulse for meate . So may Hartichokes with Butter and Vineager , or the iuice of a Lemon . If you earnestly desire sometime to eate of the moyster fruits : eat after them an Orange with a little Fennell and Salt . And if you feele your stomach over-cooled with such kinde of moyst fruits ; drinke also a draught of good white Wine : at such a time ; that Wine is good to warme the stomach , and carrie away the crudities .

Of Roots , Roots . these are the best , Turneps , Carrots , Parsnips , Hartichokes of Ierusalem . Also Onions , and Radishes , for they are esteemed of great vertue against venoms . And so are Leekes , because they cleanse the blood .

Of Hearbs ; Hearbs . the warme and drying are of greatest vse , as Rue , Wormwood , Baulm , Mints , Peni royall , Rosemary , and many such like ; with which you may stuffe and temper moyst meats . But for Sallets and Sauces : Fennell , sweet marior●m , Sage , Time , Parsley , Succorie . But of all ; sharpe and sower hearbs are best : and therefore Sorrell is in good request , and Endiue or Succorie mixed therewith ; because of themselues they are opening .

Hot Spices may be vsed in moyst meats , Spices . and to temper cold and sower fruits . Also in Winter time , and to a cold stomach , they may be allowed simple ; or with little qualification : otherwise there is no vse of them , but to mixe with sauces . What Spices I meane , are easily knowne : viz. Pepper , Cloues , Mace , Nutmegs , Ginger ; and to these I adde Saffron , and the roots of Enula Campane , Zedoarie , Angelica , and Tormentill ; which are very vsefull .

The fittest Sauces are sharpe and sower ones . Sauce● As Sorrell and Vineager , or Veriuice , or the iuice of Lemons , or Oranges . Also Capers and Vineager , are very good . When the weather is cold & your stomach craues it , you may mixe them with Spices to make them warmer ; and in these cases if you doubt the weaknesse of your stomach , & the binding in of your spirits , by cold sower Sauces ; then temper your meats with Sugar , a little Salt , Cinnamon , Pepper , Safron , and some Fennell : or with Egges , Butter , and the iuice of Lemons , and a little Fennell and Saffron .

Broths must be very thin , Broths . and something sharpened with Lemons , or Vineager . In stead of them also you may somtimes vse Posset-ale turned with Vineager , or a Lemon ; and after boyled with some of these hearbs before commended . Or Aleberries for those that cannot away with flesh . And let those that feed on these things , forbeare drinke .

Gellyes also are good for weake bodies , Gellyes . if they be not intemperately Spiced .

As for the manner of dressing : Rost is better then boyled ; What manner of Dressing Meates is best . Fish is beft ●● fried then boyled . But if any desire boyled meat rather , then let it be flesh of the drier sort : or if yet it must needs be of the moyster , let it be well sauced with sharpe and sower things , with a little Pepper , Cinnamon , prepared Coriander seeds and salt . Sorrell and Marigold flowers may be added at your pleasure .

Vineager his vertues . I haue still prescribed Vineager as a thing of generall vse , because being cooling and drying , it resisteth all kinds of poyson , and repelleth putrefaction . Which is apparent ( as Ambrosius Paraeus li. de Peste . cap. 8. testifieth ) in the embalming of dead bodies , who are washed in Vineager , to keepe them from putrefying . Not so good for Women . But here I must giue a Caveat to women : for ( as Crato in Consil. 275. saith ) it hurteth the Mother : therefore they must allay it with white Wine and Sugar .

Beere and Ale . Now for Drinke . Middling Beere or Ale is generally best for common vse : But the constitution of every one must fit it selfe . Onely take heed of extremities ; very strong enflames : and very small makes watrish blood . Let your drinke be well boyled , and stale ; but quicke and fresh .

Cyder made of sharpe Apples is not amisse to be vsed somtimes , Cyder . to refresh the pallat with varietie .

Wine . Those that haue need of Wine to helpe their stomachs , let them vse good Claret , Sherries sacke , or Canarie : and now and then a draught of White Wine . But if your stomach doe not much require them simply : allay them with water . Let your wine be cleare , briske , old , and pleasant .

Who are fit to vse Wine . To a weake stomach , and a feeble nature , Wine is an Antidote against all poysons ; as Celsus li. 8. de Re Medica . cap. 27. affirmeth . And Senectutis summa est Medicina : it is the best Medicine for Old age , as Aëtius teacheth in Tetr . 1. serm. 4. cap. 30. But let not youths , and men of strength thinke they may be so bold with Wine in these contagious seasons , as they haue bin wont to be at other times . For it must needs inflame their bloud , and inflamation is certainly seconded with putrefaction ; and putrefaction is no lesse then a degree of poyson in the humors , which will easily turne to the Pestilence .

Quantitie . And so much for the Disorder of Mans Diet in Qualitie of Meat & Drinke . Now we come to Quantitie . And herein ; The disease is Surfeiting , and the Remedie must be Sobrietie . I will therefore lay open , first the Danger of the Disease , and then the Course of the Cure .

In this Disorder of Quantitie , Gluttonie . I cannot but admire at my Countrey men : for if Heliogabalus were now among the liuing , he might finde enough companions among Englishmen . It was wont to be said , The Drunken-Dutchman : but the Dutch haue playd the God-fathers , & haue too kindly , bestowd their names vpon our men , such names I meane as Diotemus of Athens had ; who was intituled the Tunnell , for his filthy delight in drinking and drinking in a Tunnell . For the liues of many are so monstrous , that a man might say of some among vs , as Valerius Aurelianus the Emperour was wont to say of Bonosus , a Spaniard : That he was borne ; not to liue , but to drinke . These riotous abuses of Gods good gifts , are a maine cause why the Lord at this time striketh this Land with Sicknesse , and threatneth it with the Famine . And if any of that Luxurious Sect be at this time sober , let them but listen to the testimonies of learned experience , The dangers of Surfeiting . who will tell them into what bodily dangers they plunge themselues by this detestable disorder .

Hippocrates hath an Aphorisme to this purpose , Li. 2. Aph. 17. that Meat or drinke immoderately taken causeth sicknesse .

Paulus Aegineta goes yet further , saying , De Re Medicae ▪ li. 1. cap. 32. That the veynes being filled too full ; are afflicted , distended , or els broken : obstructed , filled with winde , and over-charged . And of all diseases , he affirmeth , that the over-charging of the veines is the worst .

Galen affirmeth ,

In Com. 2. Hipp. de Natu. Humana .

Li. de Causis morborum . cap. 3.

that Drunkennesse and Crudities ( which arise from intemperance ) doe breed new diseases .

And in another place , he sayth , Whereas wine moderately taken increaseth naturall heat ; as being his proper aliment : by Drunkennesse commeth astonishment of the brayne , the Falling sicknesse , or some mayme either to Sense or Motion . And so , the best Meats , which afford most nourishment , being immoderately eaten , ingender cold Diseases .

But Avicen more particularly layes downe the dangers that follow this over Repletion , in these words : Eating much nourisheth not ; De Removendis Nocumentis in Regimine Sanitatis . Tract. 4. cap. 1. but fills the body with crudities and raw humors stops the pores , weakens the powers of nature ; causes putrefaction , mixed feavors , short breath , Sciatica , and ioynt-Aches .

Againe , in another place he speakes of drinking , thus : Much drinking of Wine in sanguine and chollericke complexions , Ibidem . cap. 19. overheats the bloud , and causeth choller to superabound ; and by too much Repletion of the veynes and vessells , there may follow a hot Apoplexie , and suddain Death . In cold Complexions it breeds Diseases of the sinews ; and that for two causes : The first is the over moystening of the sinews ; the other , the turning of the drinke into Vineager before it can passe through the body : So the Nerves are by the former relaxed , and by the latter corroded . Whereupon follows the cold Apoplexie , Astonishment , Senslesnesse , Lethargie , Palsey , Trembling of the limbs , and convulsions of the mouth .

These are the fearefull mischiefs that befall their bodies ; besides the miserable wants that grow like eating Cankers into their Estates , and the hideous Hell-torments which attend their Soules .

And note this also , that what these haue said of Wine , the same is true likewise of all other strong Drinkes .

The Cure . Now to Cure this bruitish Disease , there is no better way then Prevention ; and Gluttonie is prevented by Sobrietie . Therefore againe hearken to Avicen , who adviseth alwayes to rise from meate with some remainder of Appetite : for within halfe an houre , or as soone as the meate ( first eaten ) beginneth to digest , our hunger ceaseth . li. 1. Fen. 3. Doct. 2. cap. 7.

And hence it is , that some ( greedily following the sense of their appetite ) overcharge their stomachs even to vomiting , before they feele themselues satisfied ; because , though the vessell be over-full , yet the Appetite is not appeased till Concoction haue begun her worke vpon some part of that which is already received . These things are especially to be regarded in a contagious time . For Repletion is the originall of all mischiefs that Crudities can produce , and they can cause speedy putrefaction , & that speeds them with the Pestilence .

But as for a strict Quantitie of eating and drinking , I cannot stint every mans stomach ; but must conclude with Hippocrates , Aph. 17. li. 1. Concedendum est aliquid Tempori , Regioni , Aetatt , et Consuetudini . The Time , Place , Age , and Custome , must beare some sway in these things . Onely in these times , I would wish all men , women , and children to be so moderate ( as Avicen counselleth ) that they still keepe in the fire of their appetite ; Be sparing in eating . and how sparing so ●ver they are wont ( naturally or customarily ) to be ; let them be now somthing more sparing . Make sewer and shorter meales . I would wish those that haue not very weake and windie stomachs , to eat but twice a day : that is , Breakfast and Dinner : to goe to bed without a Supper is very holsome ; thereby we giue Sleepe leaue to supply the evenings nourishment , which it will better performe when neither the stomach troubles it with vapours ; nor it hinders the stomach from digestion .

Let your drinke also be lesse then your meat : Be more sparing in drinking . And drinke not betweene meales , if you can forbeare .

Laertius li. 2. saith , that Socrates liued in Athens in divers Plague times , and was never sicke of it : and the reason was , his great temperance in diet .

In Winter and cold Weather , eate your meat hot from the fire . In Summer eat it for the most part cold . Let the times of eating be ; for your breakfast two houres after you are vp , and haue taken some Antidote . And your dinner fiue houres after that againe . Your Supper also ( if the weaknesse of your stomach craue it ) fiue houres after your dinner .

Frame not to your selfe an Antidote without skill : Antidotes must be first taken in the morning . but take advice of the Physition : who will consider what will best agree with the particular temper of your body : for Mithridate and Triacle , are generally good for all ; but not particularly for every one .

But because every one will not be brought to breake their old customary times of meales ; as dinner at twelue , and supper at seaven : I am content to yeeld to custome in these cases . Onely let them never goe forth without their breakfast : that they may be armed against Winde and Emptinesse . And their Antidote taken two houres before ; that they may be armed against evill Aires .

Breakfasts . Now for those that must therfore make three meales a day ; let their breakfast ( if they be of a cold constitution ) be some bread and butter with Nutmeg grated , and a little Citron pill powdered , and strewed vpon it . Or els bread and sallet Oyle ( for such as loue it ) spiced with the powder of Enula campane roote . Or els ( especially in cold and moyst weather ) eate a few figs with a little Penniroyall and salt . But for hot stomachs and chollericke complexions ; let such dip some bread in Beere and Vineager , and eat it . Or take good Wine Vineager , steepe in it ( for three dayes together ) the powder of Brimston and a few Fennell-seeds , soppe your bread in it , and make it your break-fast And for those that must make three meales a day , let their breakfast be little in quantitie . At other meales , eat the lightest meats first , and then those that are more hard of digestion : Eat no butter last , and drinke not last after your meate . Neither is Cheese so commonly to be eaten at these times , for if it be full of Butter , it is fuming ; if not , it is binding : and both these are faults ; except the inclination of the body require it at sometimes .

After dinner also , if you haue a cold stomach , close it with a bit of bread , and a few Coriander seeds prepared . And this likewise will doe well for breastfast , if you be troubled with winde and gripings .

Varietie of meats are naught a●● one meale . Eate not of aboue two or three dishes at Dinner , and at Supper , let one suffice you . Quercitavus ( in Diaetet : Polyhist . Sect. 2. cap. 8. ) proues , that the eating of varietie of meates , and drinking of divers kindes of drinkes at one meale , makes such a confused heape in the stomach , as turneth to infinite tumults in Concoction ; while some are sower , and some speedier in softening , digesting , and distributing into the parts of the body .

To conclude ; Let Custome somthing prevaile in all points of diet , with those that haue vsed temperance in former times ; and onely pare it somthing thinner in respect of the present pestilent time . As for those that never knew the rules of order yet : let them learne shortly , if they desire to liue long . And so much for the second part of Diet : Meate and Drinke .

The third Poynt of Diet , is Repletion , and Evacuation .

Galen ( li. 1. de Differ . feb . cap. 4. ) sayth , that the body ought especially to be kept free from superfluities . The Cause . And Hippocrates ( in the third Aph. of his first Booke ) proveth that Plethoricke bodies are subiect to great dangers : wherefore he counselleth Evacuation ; and yet withall to goe no further therein then Nature will safely beare . For as too much Repletion is hurtfull , so too long fasting makes the stomach languish ; therefore suffer not too much emptinesse . Hunger sharpens the humors and weakens the Spirits : And Thirst makes the heart hot , and enflames the Spirits ; who therefore desiring to be cooled , doe draw in more quantitie of the evill Aire by breathing , then they should , and that I haue alreadie proved to be dangerous . Therefore it is better to eate the oftener , so it be the lesse at once .

When you rise in the morning rub your sides , armes ,

The way of Cure .

What is to be done when one riseth in the morning .

and legges a little : your cloths being on ; comb your head , and rub it ; hauke and spit ; and blow your nose , to evacuate those excrements . Then wash your hands and face with faire water first , in regard of cleansing ; but afterward ( in respect of preservation ) wash your face , nose , mouth , and eye-lids ( closing your eyes ) with Rose-water and Vineager and white Wine . Or with faire water and a little Vineager , wherein Rue hath shred and steeped all night . Assay also to make water , and goe to stoole . Be carefull to bring your body to a custome of evacuation at that time . And after that eat your Antidote .

If you be costiue , vse some Suppositorie , or Clyster ; Keepe the bodie soluble . if such slighter meanes ( whereof every man can prescribe one or other ) will not prevaile , consult with the Physition : and suffer not two whole dayes to passe without such evacuations .

Be Cleanly . Be carefull likewise to keepe your selfe neate and cleanly at all times . Wash your feete once a fortnight in warme water , wherein are boyled Rose-leaues ( either fresh or dried ) Vine-leaues , Bay leaues , Rosmarie , Fennell , Camomill , and some Bay Salt . Flee all other Bathings , and especially washing and swimming in Rivers , Ponds , and such open places , ( as the Thames , and such like ) within the region of the Aire infected : for it is most dangerous .

Vrine and Menstrua . If Vrine stop , or Menstrua flow not as they should ; seeke remedie of the Physition speedily .

Venus . Fly Venus as much as you may , for shee hath an ill report in times of Pestilence .

Prevention of ill Humors . In a Pestilent Aire , every disease becommeth somthing Pestilent , and more deadly then ever before : And any kinde of Feavor easily turneth to the Plague it selfe . Therefore if any perceiue blood , or any other humor to abound , or to be corrupted ( what time of the yeare , or what weather soever it be ) let him begin to abate it by moderate Abstinence ; or els take the advise of a Physition ; for opening a veine , or some other course , such as the Artist shall thinke fit . And let them not put it off till they be worse , in hope of growing better by their owne strength : For Nature for the most part struggles in vaine without helpe : and contagious cases are not to be trusted to .

Sweating . Naturall Sweating , that commeth easily , and of it selfe is good ; hinder it not therefore , and yet embrace it not too earnestly .

Issues . To conclude ; If a man or woman haue an Issue , or Fontanell in arme or legge ; or haue any running soare ; heale it not vp , for it is a good meanes to keepe safe from infection ; because Nature will ( lightly ) be strong enough to expell any venom by such a common sewer . But yet make not this thy sheild of confidence , for though few such haue beene stricken ; yet I can name some that haue died of the Plague , for all that they had issues , and those at that time well and plentifully running .

The fourth Poynt of Diet , is Exercise and Rest .

Some are so lazie as they will not stirre their bodies at all ; The Cause . these suffer superfluous humors to increase , because they doe not breath them out by exercise . Ovid. de Ponto , resembles such to standing Pooles , which corrupt for lacke of purging themselues by motion .

Cernis vt ignavum corrumpunt otia corpus ? Vt capiunt vitium ni moveantur Aquae ?

Others againe are so violent in their labour and exercise , that they prodigally waste the treasure of those good humors that should nourish them . Of these againe the Poet singeth ;

Otia corpus alunt , Animus quoque pascitur illis . Immodicus contra carpit vtrumque Labor .

Such exercises as Running , wrestling , much leaping , What Exercises are not good . violent dancing , hard riding , foot-ball-playing , tennise , and the like ; which cause a man to swear in open aire , are very dangerous . For thereby the pores are opened to let in that aire which bringeth poyson with it . Also the lungs fetching short and deepe breathing ( as I haue else where sayd already ) draw it as fast into the vitall parts .

Moderate exercise stirreth vp and nourisheth naturall heat ; What Exercise is best . fills the members thereby with activitie and aptnesse to motion ; also it helps concoction and evacuation of excrements . Therefore let your exercise be Walking , and gentle stirring , ad Ruborem , non ad Sudorem : till you be warme , not till you sweat .

Let the time of Exercise be the morning fasting , The best time for Exercise . two houres after the Sunne is vp ; for by that time , his beames will haue dispelled and dispersed the night vapours .

The fittest Place , is some large roome , The Place for Exercise . enclosed from the common Aire ; and where is little or no company , that their breaths distemper not the Aire wherein you are ( by motion ) to breath somthing more largely . And it is good to perfume the roome also before hand , that the Aire may be the purer .

Beware of taking Cold. At all times , beware you take no cold . For great Colds and Rheums doe easily breed Putrid Feavors , and they as easily turne to the Plague .

The fifth Poynt of Diet , is Sleepe and Watching .

Inconveniences of much sleepe . If Sleepe be immoderate or vnseasonable , it hindereth concoction , it heapeth vp many crude and superfluous humors , it extinguisheth the vitall Spirits , and taketh away the liuelinesse of the Animall faculties .

Inconveniences of much watching . Overmuch Watching also and want of Sleepe , dries vp the good humors , and sets them in a heat , and ( which is most dangerous ) weakens the Naturall Forces .

Times for sleepe . Therefore obserue due Times for Sleepe . Goe to bed betimes , and rise betimes ; for that is holsomest .

Sleepe not vpon meate , or after dinner ; especially if you haue fed any thing liberally : and by no meanes giue way to sleepe at such times lying along : but if you must needs take such repose , sit in a Chaire vpright , and doe but take him napping ; let not such a sleepe be aboue halfe an houre long ; for a little yeelding satisfieth ; and by further indulgence the head will grow the more dull and drowsie . I counsell therefore rather to yeeld a little in this aforesayd manner , then by striving too much against it , to make the head ake ; But let some friend or servant ( within the time limited ) awake you gently , not sodainly to make you fright or start ; for that would disturbe those spirits and humors which your nap had setled . The night is the naturall time for Sleepe . But let it be two houres at the soonest after Supper ( if you must sup ) that the stomach may haue made some good progresse in Concoction , before Sleepe make holiday with the Functions of Nature . And then Sleepe not aboue fiue or six houres at the most .

Let the Chamber wherein you lie , be conveniently warme , The place to sleepe in . the dores and windows close shut , to keepe out the evill aire of the night ; and before-hand perfumed to expell the Pestilent . Sleepe not without dores ; neither sit , nor lie vpon the ground or grasse in the fields or garden plots ; for the nearer the earth , the more deadly is the Aire : and the immediate stroke of the cold ground is very dangerous .

The sixt and last Poynt , is the Passions of the Minde .

All kindes of Passions if they be vehement doe offer violence to the Spirits . Yea though they be of the better , The dangers of violent . Passions . and more naturall sort . As , Ioy and Laughter , if they be vnbridled and too profuse , doe exceedingly enervate and resolue both the Spirits and Body ; in so much as the breast and sides are pained , the breath is streightened , and many times the Soule it selfe is ready to depart . So also Care , Suspition , Enuie , Iealousie , and such like vnquietnesses , doe ouer-heat the Spirits , and drie vp and consume the good humors .

But there be foure Passions more violent then the rest . viz. Immoderate Ioy , Sorrow , Anger , and Feare .

Immoderate Ioy , Immoderate Ioy . by suddaine and violent dilatation of the heart , le ts the Spirits fly forth so abundantly , that naturall heat is left naked and so is sodainly extinguished . If it breake forth into laughter , the danger is as I haue alreadie said .

It is recorded of Chrysippus , Examples of vnbridled laughter . that onely vpon seeing an Asse eate figs , he fell into such an vnmeasurable laughter , that he fell downe and died .

And Zeuxis that excellent Paynter ( who made a most curious beautifull picture of the Spartan Helen ) vpon the sight of a very ill favor'd old woman , burst out into such an vnmeasurable laughter , that he laughed himselfe to death .

But somtimes this Immoderate Ioy killeth before it venteth it selfe in laughter . Examples of immoderate ioy without laughter . For so Sophocles the Tragedian receiving a wonderfull applause of the people for the last Tragedy he writ ; was so over-ioyed at it , that he fell downe and died presently . And it is recorded of one Rhodius 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 he embraced them in his armes , and they set their garlands on his head ; he was so overcome with Ioy , that he fell downe dead in the midst of them ; and so turned their Triumphs into a Funerall .

Sorrow . Sorrow on the other side afflicts the heart , disturbs the faculties , melts the brayne , vitiates the humors ; and so weakens all the principall parts ; consumes the nourishments of the Spirits and naturall heate ; and somtimes brings sodaine death .

Examples . As Adrastus King of the Argiues , being told of the death of his Sonne , was taken with so sodain a Sorrow , that he fell downe and died presently .

And so Iulia the daughter of Iulius Caesar , and wife of Pompey ; when she heard the newes of her Husbands death , fell downe also suddainly and died .

Anger . Anger is so furious a Passion , that it worketh wonderfully vpon the spirits and faculties ; disturbing them exceedingly , as appeareth by the shaking and tossing of the body too and fro ; the fiery sparkling of the eyes ; the colour comming and going , now red , now pale : so that the humors appeare to be inflamed ( especially choller ) and the spirits hurried this way and that way ; somtime haled outward , and presently driven inward againe . By which violent motions an vnnaturall heat in the spirits , and corruption in the humors are ingendred . Hereupon ( many times ) follow Burning and cholericke Feavors , Pulseys , Iaundis , Pleurisies , and all kinds of Inflamations ; violent bleeding at the nose which can hardly be stanched ; and somtime death it selfe .

Examples . Nerva the Emperour , being highly displeased with one Regulus , fell into such a fury against him , that he was stricken therewith into a Feavor , whereof he died shortly after .

Wencestaus King of Bohemia , in a furious anger conceived against his Cup bearer , would needs kill him presently with his owne hand ; but in the endevour he was stricken with a Palsey , whereof he died in few dayes after .

Valentinianus the Emperour in a great rage would needs destroy the whole Countrey of Sarmatia ; but he breathed forth his menaces with such vnbridled fury , that he burst out into bleeding and died .

In the yeare of our Lord , 1623. A poore olde Man in the North part of Devonshire ( dwelling in a part of a little Village called Little Poderidge ) came to the house of Sr Thomas Monck ( where I at that time was ) and standing at the Buttery dore to receiue some Beere ( which , together with other victualls , was every day given very liberally to all the poore thereabouts ) because the Butler did not presently fill his tanckerd ; the olde Man fell into such a furious rage against her , that with the very Passion , he presently fell downe ; was taken vp dead , was with much adoe ( by me ) recovered to life and sense ; but never spake more , and died within two dayes after .

Feare also gathers the Spirits to the heart , Feare . and dissolues the Brayne , making the humors thereof to shed and slide downe into the externall parts , causing a chilnesse , and shaking over all the body : It abuseth the Phantasie and Senses , brings a Lethargie vpon the organs of motion , and depriues the heart of all spirit and vigour : somtimes also it makes a Mans Will for him , and vnkindly bequeaths his estate to Death .

As Cassander the Sonne of Antipater vpon sight of Alexanders statue , fell into such a terror and trembling , Examples . that he could hardly shift himselfe out of the place , and had much adoe to recover his spirits againe .

I could relate a story of one who ( receiving but a slight wound in the arme , in a place of no danger , and with very little losse of blood ) died presently with the very feare of being killed . But I should be too tedious if I should reckon vp more examples .

Now , if these Passions could be so deadly in pure Aires , Feare , how it is most apt to bring Infection . and holsome seasons ; how much more ( thinke we ) are they pernicious in pestilentiall times ? But in respect of Contagion , there is no Passion so dangerous as Feare . For by it the Spirits are enforced to retire inward to the heart , to guard that Prince of life from the danger feared . By this retiring they leaue the outward parts infirme , as appeareth plainely by the palenesse & trembling of one in great feare . So that , the walls being forsaken ( which are continually besieged by the contagious Aire ) in come the enemies without resistance ; the Spirits which are the Souldiers that should repell them , having cowardly sounded a Retrait . And hereby there is not onely way made for the evill Aire to enter , but also the Spirits ( wherein is all our heat ) being all drawne inward , doe draw in such vapours after them as are about the body ; even as the Sunne draweth towards it , the vapours of the earth . And here-hence it is , that Feare brings Infection faster and sooner then any other occasion .

The Cure . Now for Remedie against these Passions , we must know that they are diseases of the Soule , and the cure of them belongeth chiefly to Divines . They are the Phisitians to deale inwardly with these diseases : To purge out the Loue of this World , and the distrust of Gods Providence and Mercies , as also to minister the Cordialls of Faith , Hope , Patience , Contentednesse , &c. and to ordaine the strict diet of holy Exercises , a good Conversation , and Walking with God . Wee that are Phisitians to the Body , are but Chirurgians to the Soule : wee can but talke of Topicall remedies , as to apply Mirth , Musicke , good Company , and lawfull Recreations ; such as may take away all time and occasions for carefull thoughts and passionate affections .

Thus haue I brought you through that part of the Definition , wherein are the Causes of the Plague discovered . Now we are to lay open the Qualities of it , described before in the Definition , thus

The qualities of the Plague . Which at the very first Striketh to the Heart , is Venomous , Deadly , and Infectious .

How the Sicknesse striketh first . At the very first it striketh to the Heart . Therefore it is called Morbus Cordis , A disease of the Heart . And that this is first stricken , is apparent by this , that at the first infection the vitall facultie 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 remaineth ( for a while ) in good plight and perfect in the vse of sense , vnderstanding , iudgement , memorie and motion . The Naturall facultie also is not so presently hurt , but there is concoction and all other actions performed by the liver , stomach , reyns , guts , bladder , and other parts , as Nature requireth . Though indeed in a little time , these and the brayne also are overcome , as appeareth by the Symptoms that follow , as Lethargies , Frenzies , Vomitings , Fluxes , &c.

That it is Venomous , The Plague is Venomous . is graunted of all both Physitians and Philosophers . And it is apparent by his secret and insensible insinuation of himselfe into the vitall Spirits ; to which as soone as he is gotten , he shews himselfe a mortall enemie , with suddain violence choking and extinguishing them . Therefore , his subtle entrance , his sly crueltie , his swift destroying ; the vnfaithfulnesse of his Crisis , and other Prognosticke Signes ; and the vehemencie , grievousnesse , and ill behaviour of his Symptoms , are manifest proofes of his venomous Qualitie . For in this disease , the Seidge , Vrine , and Sweat , haue an abhominable savour ; the Breath is vile and noysome ; evill 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 no putrefaction of matter ( without a venomous qualitie ioyned with it ) can possibly produce .

It is Deadly . Deadly . This needs no proofe , the weekly Bills argue it , and our owne eyes witnesse it , while we see continuall Burialls , and some die in the very streets : and while we finde also that few of those that are stricken doe recover againe .

But that It is Infectious , Infectious . is among many of the common ignorant sort more disputable , then among the learned . Yet is it apparent enough by much experience ; For Garments and Houshold-stuffe haue beene infected , and haue infected many , as I haue shewed alreadie in the examples of a Gowne and a Feather-bed . Now though this Infection be not apparent to sense ( as indeed the deadliest Poysons haue neither taste nor smell ) yet their lurking qualitie may be plainely demonstrated by such as are sensible . For we know that garments will a long time retaine any strong or sweete sent wherewith they haue beene fumed , or with which they haue beene layd vp ; now the Sent is meerely a qualitie , and his substance is the Aire , which is the vehiculum or seat of the Sent wherein it is carried , & by which it is made permanent . Other experiences we haue also ; as liue Pageons being laid to the soares , are taken away dead , having not beene wounded , crushed , nor hurt by any hand at all . And lastly , many that are infected , can directly tell where , and of whom they tooke it .

Obiection . But say some againe , then why is not one infected as well as another ? I haue eaten and drunke , and lyen with them that haue had it , and the soares running on them . And yet I was not infected .

Answer . I say they haue the more cause to magnifie the Mercy of God to their particular ; and not to obscure it , by saying it is not infectious . This argument is not vnlike that of the Mountebanks , who tell you that such and such haue beene cured by his Medicines , but conceales how many haue died by the misapplication . If one should aske this man , I pray you , how many haue so conversed with the infected and haue so escaped ? I am sure they cannot name one of twentie .

A new Opinion . Yea but sayth Another , I hold the Plague to be nothing els but the very Influence of the Striking Angell , sent of God to destroy here one and there another , as Hee hath particularly fore-poynted them out .

Answer . Such kindes of Plagues indeed we reade of in sacred Scripture , as Exod. 12. Numb. 11. v. 33. Numb . 16. Numb. 25. and 2 Sam. 24. But there is great difference betwixt those Plagues and these of ours . For in those , Great multitudes suddainly , and all at once ( as one would say ) in a very short space of time were both smitten and slaine . The longest time of Striking being but three dayes , namely that for Davids numbering the people . In those plagues therefore the cause was onely supernaturall : for there was no time allowed for corruption and putrefaction of the Aire . But in these of ours ( and in very many moe in all Countreys and Kingdomes , and in all Ages of the World ) there hath beene sufficient time to breed and increase the Contagion in the Aire : in which time of breeding also , the antient naturall observations haue beene found true from age to age ; for many noysome things haue apparently discovered themselues , as fruits of the Aires putrefaction , and Prognosticks of the Plague threatened . And when it hath begun , it spreads but by degrees ; first striking one man onely ; then two or three ; after that a few more ; and so multiplying the succeeding number , as it evidently groweth more contagious by the number of bodies already infected . Besides those Plagues before mentioned , doe discover a stroke , but no sicknesse ; but that of Hezekiah discovered a sicknesse and no stroke of any Angell . For it is plainly sayd , that Hezekiah was sicke . Isaiah 38. And that his sicknesse was the Plague , appeares by the Soare which was vpon him , and the Medicine by which that soare was cured . This to the reasonable is reason sufficient .

But ere I part with this Poynt of Infection ; What bodies are most apt to be infected . I thinke it good to discover what bodies are most , or least apt to be Infected .

And to finde this we must first know that bodies are infected two wayes ; first , from without , in regard of the Aire ; and secondly , from within , in respect of the present state of the bodie .

From Without , those are most subiect to it , Who are apt to receiue infection from Without . who haue thin bodies , and open pores ; and whose hearts are so hot , that they need much attraction of Aire to coole them .

From Within , they are most apt , whose veyns and vessells are full of grosse humors , and corrupt iuices ; Who from Within . the evill matter ( being thicke , and therefore cannot breath out through the pores ) increaseth her putrefaction ( by the heat within ) vnto the greater malignitie , and so becommeth Pestilent .

Therefore those bodies that are moyst , and full of iuice ; whose veines are streit ( and therefore apter to intercept then intertaine the iuices ) and the thicknesse of whose skin denies the transpiration of the excrements ; these are easily poluted and infected .

And such are Women ; especially women with childe , for their bodies are full of excrementitious iuices , & much heat withall ; which is as oyle and flame put together .

Also those that are very Costiue , or haue their water stopped ; the noysome vapours that are by these excrements ingendered , make the body subiect to infection .

Young children , in regard of their tender and soft bodies are apt to admit of any alteration vpon the lightest occasion : and because they fetch their breath short ( having but little roome for respiration ) they draw in much Aire , with which the seed of Contagion is attracted : and so are apt to be infected from without . And likewise because they are naturally moyst , and feed vpon the moyster kindes of meates ; and feed also with more appetite then iudgement ; they are therefore the more subiect to pestilent infection from within .

Likewise , the sanguine and delicate faire complexion , ( whose bloud and iuices are finer and thinner then others , and therefore more subiect to mutation ) are quickly infected : for the Plague is able to insinuate it selfe into all the humors ; but into some more easily then others ; as into Bloud first , Choler next , Fleam after , and Melancholie last .

Poore People , ( by reason of their great want ) living sluttishly , feeding nastily on offals , or the worst & vnholsomest meates ; and many times too long lacking food altogether ; haue both their bodies much corrupted , and their Spirits exceedingly weakened : whereby they become ( of all others ) most subiect to this Sicknesse . And therefore we see the Plague sweeps vp such people in greatest heapes . Indeed in regard of the Aire , the rich are as subiect as they ; for both breath the same : and delicacie of feeding makes the rich as apt to corruption : But then they haue meanes to get holsome food , good attendance , and precious Antidotes to preserue them ; for we see by experience that ordinary things doe little prevaile . And this is the reason also why fewest of the Rich doe die of the Plague .

Great Eaters and Drinkers ( who can never be free from crudities ) as also Luxurious idle livers , and Whore hunters ( who spend the strength of their bodies prodigally ) are very apt to be infected .

Also such as in former times haue had customary evacuations by sweat , haemorrhoids , vomitings , menstrua , fontanells , or other like wayes of expelling noxious humors ; and haue them now stopped .

Those likewise that fast much ( their bodies being emptie ) receiue more Aire in , then they let out .

Those also that are Fearefull ; as I haue alreadie shewed in the point of Passions .

Furthermore , nearenesse of bloud or kindred , by reason of the sympathy of natures , maketh men very apt to receiue infection from one of their owne bloud .

And so those that are neare the sicke in body , being continually conversant with them , or often comming about them ; as Chirurgians , Keepers , Searchers , and such like .

Lastly , Virgins that are ripe and marriageable ; are apt to receiue infection , and being once stricken , seldome or never escape , without great and precious meanes . Quia spirituosum semen in motu cum sit , facilè succenditur ; vel , quia intùs detentum facilè corrumpitur , & in veneni perniciem abit . Mindererus de Pestilentia . cap. 10.

But some thinke by the strength of Nature to prevaile against against this infection . But wee see strong and well nourished bodies die as fast as others : and that not because it is safer to be weake ; but as Hippocrates sayth , Corpora impura quò magis aluntur , eò magis laeduntur . Their taking of the infection proues their body to be impure ( though strong ) and the more an impure body is nourished , the more it is endangered .

Who are the most likely to escape . But those are most likely to escape Infection , that are troubled with the Gout ; in whom the nobler parts of the body doe expell the noxious humors to the ignobler .

Those that haue Fontanells , or any other kinde of issue , as vlcers , haemorrhoids , or plentie of other evacuations ; whereby the hurtfull humors are drayned away .

Olde folkes , whose bodies are dry and cold .

Also bold and confident Spirits , whose courage can resist all feares , are to themselues an Antidote ; if their body be withall kept cleane and pure by the common rules of preservation .

Lastly , those who keepe themselues private , and vse Antidotes and meanes preservatiue , reposing themselues in God with David in the fourth Psalme , and last verse . He will giue his Angells charge over them , to keepe them in all their wayes , &c. Psal. 91.5.6.7 . and 3. verses . But they must then walke in the Way that God hath set before them , and that is , the vse of Physicke . For , The Lord hath created Medicines out of the Earth , and he that is wise will not abhorre them . Ecclus. 38.4 . And with such doth he heale men , and take away their paynes . vers. 7. And in the sixt verse , He hath given men skill , that he might be honoured in his marveilous workes . Then forsake not the Physitian ; neither by thy scorning of his skill , force him to forsake thee : for as St Paul said of the Marriners in his Ship . Acts. 27.31 . so may I say of Physitians in this Cittie ; Except these tarry , wee cannot be saved .

And so much for the Qualitie of the Plague .

Now I come to the last Part of the Definition , discovering the Signes and Symptoms of it , The Signes & Symptoms of the Plague . in these words : And for the most part is accompanied with a Feavor ; as also with Spots called Gods-Tokens , or with a Blayne , or Botch , or Carbuncle .

I say , for the most part it is thus accompanied ; but not alwayes . For some are suddainly stricken , and die before they haue any acquaintance , either with distemper or outward paine .

Some haue thought there may be a Plague and yet no Feavor : But Mindererus proues that to be an idle conceit . li. de Pest . cap. 6.

Some also , haue died of the Plague , and yet nothing hath appeared outwardly : and such as die suddainly , haue seldome any Spots , or such like outward signe : and are therefore lesse infectious then others , if they be not too long kept vnburied .

But to come to the severall Points , which haue two Generalls , to wit , Inward Signes , and Outward Signes . The Inward is a Feavor , and his Symptoms . The Outward are , The Tokens , the Blayne , the Botch , and the Carbuncle .

The first and Inward Signe , is a Feavor . Feavor . As soone as the Heart is stricken with the putrid vapour , the Spirits grow distempered and inflamed . And this distemperature is a Feavor ( not Proper , but Symptomaticall or Accidentall ) and this Feavor is not of one kinde in every one ; but diverse , and such are his Symptoms also . As sometime Pleuriticke , sometime Squinanticke , sometimes Cholericke , sometimes Continuall , and sometimes Intermitting .

These distempers relate the cruell Combate begun betwixt Nature and her M●●●all Enemie .

The outward Signes bring Newes of the Hopes or Feares to which side the Victorie is like to fall . For , if Nature expell any part of the venom outward , it is a signe of some strength in her .

If the Tokens appeare , either the Enemie is but weake ; What kinde of fight is discouered by the Tokens . or els Nature is but weake , and shews her good will more then her power . For except the assault be but slight ; those repulses will not get the Conquest .

If there be a Blayne or Blister , Blayne . it shewes Nature is a little stronger , and the enemy not a little curs●er .

If the Botch or great Apostumation rise . Botch . Then hath Nature a crowd of corrupt matter to encounter with ; an Armie of Enemies , against which shee stoutly bestirres her selfe . If shee driue forth a great quantitie of matter , and withall be well fortified ( within by Antidotes , to maintaine her Spirits , and strength : and without by perfumes ) that while the Body of the Battalion is driven out , the skouts of straggling vapours that arise from it , steale not in againe by the mouth , nostrills , and other outward passages ; then is she like to winne the day .

And by the places where she driues them out ; it appeares , against which of the three Castles of Nature the greatest assault is given and continued .

What part is most affected . For if the Swelling arise in the Armepits , it shews that the the Seidge is continued ( where it first begun ) at the Heart . If in the necke , then is the Battery layd at the Brayne . And if in the Groyne , then is the Liver beleaguered . But sometimes these Princes are all at once assaulted ; and then is it altogether vnlikely that Nature can recover . For though both she and they be never so stout , and seeme for a time to prevaile , by expelling abundance of matter ( in the breaking of the Botches ) yet Nature may be so over-charged ; and the enemie ( whose venome is sly and subtle ) may shew himselfe such a Machavilian , as one way or other he weakens her forces , puts her braue Spirits to flight , and tyrant-like demolisheth all her beautious Buildings .

Carbuncle . If the Carbuncle arise . Then we may say , Nature playes the Lion , but alas shee hath to deale with a fiery Dragon : this of all venoms being the most malicious and cruell .

But that the colours of these bloudy Ensignes , may the better be discovered , I will play the Herald , and blazon every Signe by himselfe . So many ( I meane ) as are most inseparable from the Plague , & therfore chiefly to be respected . As for the rest , ( though they be many ) they belong as well ( and more properly ) to other diseases ; and are more deceitfull , and lesse vsefull to any but the Physitian onely .

The Signes of the Plague ( therefore ) are commonly these .

Signes of being Infected . First , a secret sinking of the Spirits and Powers of Nature , with a painfull wearinesse of the bones , and all without any manifest cause . Then follows great trouble and oppression of the heart , that the partie vnquietly rowles vp and downe for rest from one place to another ; sighing often , and either offering to vomit , or vomiting filthy stuffe of divers colours , yellow , greene , and blackish ; then come paines in the head , which still increase ; and faintnesse . But after these come the surest Signes , which are the Tokens , Blayne , Botch , and Carbuncle .

The Tokens are Spots of the bignesse of Flea-bitings , The Tokens described . some bigger , some as bigge as a penny . They shew themselues commonly in the brest and backe ; but they will sometimes appeare in other places also . In some they will be many , in some but a few , in others but one or two . In colour they are for the most part of a pale blew , but somtimes also purple or blackish , circled with a reddish circle .

The Blayne is a little Blister somwhat like one of the Swine-Pocks ; and many times of the same colour ; The Blayne . but somtimes , of a blewish or leaden colour ; and being opened , affordeth filthy matter of the like complexion . Round about the Blister , there is a rednesse the breadth of a groat , six-pence , or nine-pence : These will rise in any part : somtimes one alone , somtimes two or three ; but never very many . And these will breake , and fall , and leaue a dry crust , which will scale off .

The Botch is a hard swelling , The Botch . rising as I sayd before in the necke , vnder the eares , or vnder the chinne ; in the armepits ; & in the groynes . It swelleth somtimes no bigger then a Nutmeg ; somtimes as bigge as a Wall-nut ; others as a Hens egge , and some as bigge as a Mans fist . Also in some it swelleth out very fully to be seene plainly , and becommeth so soare that it can endure nothing to touch it ; in others it lieth low and deepe in the flesh , onely to be found by feeling ; and somtimes also scarcely to be felt ; but if you touch the place , it is painfull . Those that lie high and plaine to be seene , are more hopefull ; the low lurking ones are very ominous and pernicious .

The Carbuncle riseth like a little push or pustle , The Carbuncle . with a prettie broad compasse of rednesse round about it . It is wonderfull angry , and furiously enflaming , as if a quicke coale of fire were held to the place : whence it hath his name Carbunculus , a little coale of fire . It creepeth secretly in the flesh next vnder the skin , and is full of such a furious malignant poyson , as it will quickly consume and eate out so great a peece of flesh ( for the capacitie it is in ) as a man would wonder how it could so suddainly be done : being as if one did burne a hole with a hot iron . And it is strange to see that so small a tumor should be so devilish and dangerous to life : for if it be not with great care , and exceeding good meanes attended , it bringeth speedy death .

How to know if one be dead of the Plague , when neither Spots , Blayne , Botch , nor Carbuncle appeare . Mr. Iohn Banister . But moreover obserue this . Somtimes ( as I said before ) a man dies of the Plague , when neither before nor after he is dead , there appeareth any Tokens , or Blayne , Botch , or Carbuncle . And yet there will be a signe which few haue observed ; My Grand father ( who was a famous man , and of great experience ) hath taught it me ; and my Father ( a Physitian of aboue fortie yeares practise and experience ) hath confirmed it vnto me . That is , that after such a body is dead , in one place or other the flesh will grow softer then the rest : and the whole body will also grow softer & softer , and the longer the body lies , the softer will be the flesh . Which shews the vilenesse of the putrefaction within . Heurnius mentions this also among his signes in his booke De Peste ; and addeth also these . Heurnius his signes of a body dead of the Plague . That in a Body dead of the Plague , The nose lookes very blew , or blackish blow ; as if it had beene beaten or bruised . The like colour is in the eares and nayles : and ever worse coloured then other dead bodies vse to be .

Thus haue I displayed those Signes which are least fayling : that the Searchers may rightly informed themselues ; and not mistake ( as many haue done ) calling the purple spots of the Pestilent Feavor Gods Tokens . And somtimes letting Bodies passe as not dead of the Plague , because they had neither Tokens , Botch , nor Carbuncle . I haue done it also to teach people how they may know when they are stricken with this infection ; that they may presently haue recourse to some skilfull man , and good meanes to recover them before it be too late . An houre is a precious space of time , and cannot be let slip but with hazard .

And having thus shewed you what this dreadfull Sicknesse is , what are the Causes , Qualities , and Signes of it . Before I leaue you , I will leaue with you a short generall direction to keepe your body safe from infection : and also ( if you feele suspicious signes of being taken ) how to begin to driue the venome from the heart , till such time as you may haue some more speciall meanes ( particularly fitting your present constitution and state of body ) by the counsell of some skilfull Physitian .

While Health continueth ,

It is necessary that twise in the weeke , Preservatiue Medicines . the body be evacuated with some gentle purging Pill , to keepe the humors from superfluous increase . For Men and Women generally to be vsed . And in this case the Pills of Ruffus ( which are to be had in every Apothecaries shop ) are very apt and good . Or take of these Pills of mine twice or thrice in a weeke .

Rs. Aloës Rosatae , vnc . j. Pillulae Bradwelli . Rhabarbari , Croci , ana drach . iij. Myrrhae , drach . vj. santali citrini , drach . j. ambrae grifiae , scrup . j. Cum syr. de succo Citri , q. s . fiat Massa Pillularum .

Make Pills of 8. or 10. grains a peece . Take ij . or more of them in the morning fasting , foure or fiue houres before meate ; They may be taken best in Syrup of Roses solutiue , or in Conserue of Violets . And presently after them drinke a little white Wine mixed with a little Balme-water ( in cold weather ) : with Rose water , and a little Rose-Vineager ( in hot weather ) : and with Carduus , or Scabious water in temperate weather .

On the other dayes wherein you take no Pills . Take every morning fasting a dram or two ( or the quantitie of a Nutmeg ) of London Triacle , with as much conserue of red Roses : this is for a temperate Constitution .

A cold constitution may take the Triacle alone , onely sweetening it with a little sugar .

And a hot complexion may mixe both the Triacle and Conserue in a few spoonefulls of Rose-water and Vineager .

These Powders following are good to cast into the Broths of such as are sicke , or haue weake stomachs .

Take of Red Saunders , halfe an ounce , Cynamom iij. drams and halfe , Saffron , halfe a dram .

powder them fine , and mixe them together .

Another .

Take of Cynamom , halfe an ounce . Cloues , halfe a dram . Red Corall , ij . scruples . Saffron , halfe a dram . And the weight of all in Sugar .

Make these into Powder , and mixe them together .

Some giue this .

Take of Pearle prepared , ij . drams . Corall red , and white , of each halfe a dram . Red Rose leaues dried , Saffron , Spodium , of each a scruple . Cynamon a dram .

Make them into fine Powder , and mixe them .

This is my counsell for those of ripe age , and for Women that are not with Childe .

But for those Women that breed Childe , and also for Infants or young Children , there ought to be another way of preservation : in whom Diet , must be most intended , and no purging vsed .

For Women , therefore ,

Let them keepe their bodie soluble , For Women with Childe . by some gentle and familiar Suppositories ; or gentle Clysters , made of Posset-ale with Camomill flowers , and a little new-drawne Cassia . Take these in the afternoone : now and then .

Let them also every morning take the quantitie of a Nutmeg of this Medicine following .

Take Harts-horne , Cynamon , Nutmegs , all the Saunders , of each a dram . Roots of Angelica , Zedoarie , Enula-Campane ; of each halfe a dram . Powder all these .

Then take Conserue of Bugloss and Borage , of each iij. drams . With an equall quantitie of Syrup of Citrons , and of dried Roses .

Mixe all together , and make a Conserue .

Take it ( as is sayd ) fasting , and fast two houres at least after .

Or els , Take Harts horne , red and yellow Saunders , of each two drams . Cloues and Cynamon , of each one dram .

Beat them into fine Powder , and mixe them together .

With some of this , spice your Meate , Broth , or Cawdell ; or whatsoever you haue to breakfast : and squeez into them a little iuice of a Lemon . You may adde also some Sugar as you please . Let this be your Break-fast .

For young Children .

There is nothing better then Bole armoniake , For young Children . with a little Tormentill roote , and Citron Pills made into fine Powder : which you may mix with their meats , or cast into their Broths : for their breakfast .

If they be costiue , put vp a violet comfit or two for a Suppositorie . Or mix a little Cassia , newly drawne , in some broth of a Chicken , and giue it them now and then in a morning fasting . Let them fast two houres after . And that day vse not the powder , before prescribed .

Observation . And note this . When you suspect a Childe to be sicke of the Wormes , in a Contagious time ; vse not Wormeseed and those common trifling things : but order him as if you suspected he had the Plague ; for that disease ( comming of so much Putrefaction , as it doth ) is as apt to receiue the infection of the Plague , as is Tinder to take fire . It must not therefore be dallied with .

But at such a time , you may giue twentie or thirtie graines of this Powder following , for two or three mornings together .

Take Harts-horne , j. dram . Citron pill , Rootes of Angelica , and Tormentill , Rhubarb , and Coralline , of each halfe a dram .

Make these into fine Powder , and giue it as is said in a little Carduus water , sweetned with some sugar .

Thus much for Preservation in Health .

What course is to be taken with him that is Infected . But if there be Suspicion of Infection , you must then looke about for a new course .

In which case generally I condemne both Purging and Bleeding : for I know no vse of them in resisting or expelling the Venom ; which is no other way effected but by Sweating and Running of the Soares .

Yet I confesse Phlebotomie hath his vse in Sanguine and Strong bodies ; so it be at the very first , while the Spirits are strong and able of themselues to make good resistance . But if that first opportunitie be let slip ; I thinke it better to let it alone altogether ; then to doe it out of season ; and so to impaire naturall strength , which in this case ought most especially to be preserved and augmented .

Againe , though Sweating be the true way , yet it must not be violent ; for that also weakens the Spirits , and makes the body faint , therefore those Sweating Medicines must be mixed with Cordialls .

As for example .

Take Mithridate , or London Triacle , one dram . Myrrh , Enula Campane root , and Butter burre roote , of each ten graines .

Mixe these in a quarter of a Pint of Posset-ale and white Wine mixed together ; to which you may adde some sugar to make the taste somthing gratefull .

Goe into your warme bed , then drinke this draught prescribed , and cover you with a reasonable weight of cloths ; and so sweat two or three houres , or somewhat more , as your strength will beare . But take heed you sleepe not in this while . Then by degrees let the clothes be taken away , first one , and then another ; when you haue sweat sufficiently , or as much as you can endure . And let some one with warme Napkins wipe you drie , and shift your linnen ; being very carefull of taking cold .

Then presently take this Iulep .

Take of Carduus water three ounces . Syrup of Lemons one ounce . Bole armoniake , Tormentill , Angelica roote , of each one scruple .

Mixe all together , and drinke it off .

Doe this once in twelue houres , if you finde strength to beare it , till you haue performed it at the least three times : and at the second and third times , before you beginne to sweat , binde vnder either arme-hole , and to eyther groyne , some thin slices of Radish roots , beaten with a little bay-salt , and sprinckled with a little Vineager and Rose-water : wrap them vp in foure little thin rags , and apply them .

Also , apply to the region of the heart , that Quilt which I haue prescribed in stead of an Amulet .

When this is done , and the Soares beginne to shew themselues ; follow the advise of those that are appointed to that purpose . For I must not enter into the infected house . Therefore farewell .

And the LORD in Mercie looke vpon this afflicted CITTIE . FINIS .