The haven of health Chiefly gathered for the comfort of students, and consequently of all those that have a care of their health, amplified upon five words of Hippocrates, written Epid. 6. Labour, cibus, potio, somnus, Venus. Hereunto is added a preservation from the pestilence, with a short censure of the late sicknes at Oxford. By Thomas Coghan Master of Arts, and Batcheler of Physicke.

THE HAVEN OF HEALTH .

CHAP. 1. What labour is , the commoditie thereof , the difference of labours , the preparation to labour , the time , the measure of labour .

THE first word in order of that golden sentence proposed by Hippocrates , is labour , Epid. a. which in this place signifieth exercise . For so is the word Labour commonly taken of Hippocrates , as Galen witnesseth , saying : Epid. 6. com . 6. Hoc nomen labor saepius consuevit Hipp. pro exercitatione accipere . Labor then , What labor is . or exercise , is a vehement moving , the end whereof is alteration of the breath or winde of man . Of exercise doe proceed many commodities , but especially three . The benefit of Exercise . The first is hardnesse and strength of the members , whereby labour shall the lesse grieve , and the body be more strong to labor . And that exercise or labour doth strengthen the body , beside the witnes of Galen , where he saith , Li. 1. de Sa. tuen. Exercitationibus etiam firmitas quaedam membris accidit , cum & naturalis ipse calor accenditur , & ex partium inter se attritu duritia quaedam indolentiaque comparatur , it is proved by experience in labourers , who for the more part be stronger than learned men , and can endure greater toyle . Whereof we have a notable example in Milo Crotoniates , Milo Crotoniates . who by the use of carrying a Calfe everyday certaine furlongs , was able to carrie the same being a Bull. The second commodity of labor is increase of heat . Whereby happeneth the more alteration of things to be digested , also more quick alteration and better nourishing . The third is more violence of the breath or winde , whereby the Pores are cleansed , and the filth of the body naturally expelled . These things are so necessary to the preservation of health , that without them , no man may bee long without sicknesse . For as the flowing water doth not lightly corrupt , but that which standeth still : Even so bodies exercised , are for the more part more healthfull , and such as bee idle , more subject to sicknesse . According to that saying of the Poet Ovid :

Carnis ut ignavum corrumpant otia corpus , Vt capiant vitium ni moveantur aquae . Lib. de ponto .

Cor. Col. lib. 1. Which also is affirmed by Cornelius Celsus , saying : Ignavia corpus hebetat , labor firmat . Illa maturam senectutem , hic longam adolescentiam reddit . Yea Galen himselfe is of the same minde , for thus he saith : Siculi quies corporis deses prorsus maximum est ad tuendam sanitatem incommodum , Lib. de Suc. non. & vitio . cap. 3. sic plane maximus fuerit in mediocri motione usus . Difference of exercise . But there is great difference of exercises . For some are swift , as running , playing with weapons , throwing of the Ball. Some are strong or violent , as wrastling , casting the barre . Some are vehement , as dancing , leaping , football play . Againe , some are exercises only , as those now rehearsed , and other mentioned of Galen , not used among us . Some are not onely exercises , but workes also , as to digge or delve , to eare or plow land , or to doe any other work appertaining to husbandrie , or whatsoever Crafts men of any occupation are wont to doe for the use and commoditie of mans life . For these as they are labours , so are they exercises , and make a good state or liking of the body , 1. Aphoris . com. 3. as Galen declareth , and is found true by common experience in England . For Husbandmen and Craftesmen , Labourers more healthfull than learned men . for the more part doe live longer and in better health , than Gentlemen and learned men , and such as live in bodily rest . Wherefore Galen himselfe sometime used rusticall labors , especially in winter : as to cleaue wood , Lib. 2. de Sa. Tuen . cap. 8. to punne Barly , and such like . Againe , The proper exercises of all parts of the body . some exercises are appropriated to the parts of the body , as running , and going are the proper exercises of the Legges , Moving of the armes up and downe , or stretching them out , as in shooting and playing with weapons , serveth most for the armes and shoulders . Stooping and rising oftentimes , as playing at the Bowles , as lifting great waights , taking up of Plummets or other like poyses on the end of staves , these doe exercise the back and loynes . Of the bulke and lungs the proper exercise is moving of the breath in singing , reading , or crying . The Muscles and together with them the sinewes , veines , arteries , bones , are exercised consequently , by the moving of the parts aforesaid . The stomacke and entrals , and thighs , and reines of the backe are chiefly exercised by riding . As for sitting in a boat or barge which is rowed , riding in a horse Litter , Coach or Waggen , is a kind of exercise which is called gestation : and is mixt with moving and rest , and is convenient for them that be weake and impotent , or in long and continuall sicknesse . Tenis play is the best exercise of all other . Galen de pravae pilae exercitatione . But above all other kindes of exercises , Galen most commendeth the play with the little ball , which we call Tenise , in so much that he hath written a peculiar book of this exercise , and preferreth it before hunting , and all other pastimes . Because it may be easily used of all estates , as being of little cost . But chiefly for that it doth exercise all parts of the body alike , as the legges , armes , neck , head , eyes , backe and loynes , and delighteth greatly the minde , making it lusty and cheerfull . All which commodities may be found in none other kinde of exercise . For they strein more one part of the body than an other , as shooting the armes , running the legs , &c. wherefore those Founders of Colledges are highly to be praised , that have erected Tenis-courts , for the exercise of their Schollers : and I counsell all Students as much as they may to use that pastime . Notwithstanding I restraine no man from his naturall inclination , Eglo . 2. Li. . 2. Ser. Sa. 1. for I know that to be true which Virgil writeth , Trahit sua quemque voluptas . And as Horace saith , Castor gaudet equis Ivo prognatus eodem Pugnis , quot vivunt capitum totidem studiorum Millia —

The games of Olympos . For in the Mount Olympus in Greece where the most principall playes and exercises of all the World , were solemnlie kept and used every fift yeare , first ordained by Hercules the Champion ( as it is thought ) all men did not practise one onely kinde of activitie , but every man as he was minded so hee applyed himselfe . There was wrastling , running with Horses , and on foot , turning , leaping , coarsing with Charriots , contentions of Poets , Rhetoricians , Musicians , disputations of Philosophers and others . So I restraine no man from his naturall inclination , but I shew what exercise is best by the judgement of Galen . But least that by the violence of heate kindled by exercise , The preparation to exercise . any of the excrements should hastily bee received into the habit of the body , also least some thing which is whole should by heavinesse of excrements or violent motion bee broken or pulled out of place , or that the excrements by violence of the breath should stop the Pores or Conduits of the bodie , the old Greekes and Romanes were wont to use fricacies or rubbings before exercise , in this manner . First , Frications . to rubb the body with a course linnen cloth softly and easily , and after to increase more and more to a hard and swift rubbing , untill the flesh doe swell and bee somewhat ruddie : then to annoint it with sweet Oyle , stroking it every way gently with bare hands . Three sorts of rubbings . And of fricacies they have made generally three sorts , first hard rubbing to bind or consolidate , then soft rubbing to loose or mollifie , and lastly meane rubbing to augment and increase flesh . But this kinde of preparation whereof Galen hath written abundantly in his second Booke De Sa. Tuen . is not used in England , and therefore I will end it with a merry tale of Augustus the Emperour , and an old Souldier . On a time as the Noble Emperour Augustus came to a Bath , A merry tale of rubbing . hee beheld an old man that had done good service in the Warres rubbing himselfe against a Marble Piller , for lacke of one to helpe him . The Emperour moved with pity gave an annuity , to finde him a servant to waite upon him . When this was knowne , a great sort of old souldiers drew themselves together & stood where as the Emperour should passe by every one of them rubbing his backe against the stones ; the Emperour demanded why they did so , because Noble Emperour say they , we be not able to keepe servants to doe it . Why ( quoth the Emperour ) one of you might clawe and rub anothers backe well enough . So wisely did hee delude the practise of Parasites , according to the old Proverb , Illi mutuum scabunt . Notwithstanding Master Eliote reporteth of himselfe , that hee found great commodity in one kind of fricacie , which is thus : A kinde of rubbing good for all men . In the morning after we have beene at the stoole , with our shirt sleeves or bare hands , ( if our flesh be tender ) first softly , and afterward faster to rub the breasts and sides downward and overtwhart , not touching the stomacke and belly , and after to cause our servant sembably to rub overtwhart the shoulders and backe , beginning at the necke bone , not touching the reines of the backe , except wee doe there feele much cold and wind and afterward the legges from the knee to the ankle , last , the armes from the elbow to the hand-wrest . And for those that cannot exercise their bodies at convenient times , either because they are letted with necessary businesse , or else by reason of utter weaknesse , this kinde of rubbing may well bee used in stead of exercise . Supplet enim fricatio exercitium , as Georgius Pectorius writeth . But leaving all kinde of fricacies to such as have leasure , Exercitatio alvi & vesicae praerequirit . I prescribe none other preparation to bee used before exercise , but onely evacuation of excrements from all such parts as nature hath appointed thereunto . That is , when you are risen from sleepe , to walke a little up and downe , that so the superfluitie of the stomacke , guts , and liver , may the more speedily descend , and the more easily bee expelled . That done , to wash your face and hands with cleane cold water , Washing of the face , and bathing of the eyes . and especially to bath and plunge the eyes therein : For that not onely cleanseth away the filth , but also comforteth , and greatly preserveth the sight , ( as Avicen writeth ) whereof Students should have a speciall care . Moreover to extend and stretch out your hands , and feet , and other limbes , that the vitall spirits may come to the utter parts of the bodie . Also to combe your head ,

Caput pectore a fronte cervicem versus optimum est .

Rubbing of the teeth .

that the pores may bee opened to avoid such vapours as yet by sleepe are not consumed . Then to rubbe and cleanse the teeth . For the filthinesse of the teeth is noisome to the Braine , to the breath , and to the stomacke . They may bee clensed ( as Cornelius Celsus teacheth ) by washing the mouth with cold water , Lib. 1. cap. 2. putting thereto a little Vineger . And with the same ( if you list ) you may gargarize or guddle in your throate , and after rubbe them hard with a drie cloth . Some use to rubbe their teeth and gummes when they wash , with a Sage Leafe or two , which is good to preserve them from corruption and abateth the rank savour of the mouth . All these things ( which are sixe in number ) are briefely comprehended in Schola Salerni , as followeth . Lumina mane , manus surgens gelida lavetunda , Hac illac modicum pergat , Cap. 2. modicum sua membra Extendat , crines pectat , dentes fricet , ista Confortant cerebrum confortant caetera membra .

After this preparation , as occasion shall serve , you may fall to exercise , yet first you must diligently consider where and when ( that is to say ) the place and time . The place and time of exercise . The place where exercise is to bee used doth chiefly concerne the aire , which among all things , not naturall , as in habitation , so in exercise is greatly to bee regarded , for as much as it doth both enclose us about , and also enter into our bodies , Aire . especially the most noble member which is the heart , and wee cannot be separate one houre from it for the necessity of breathing . Foure properties of wholesome aire . Wherefore exercise must bee used in a good and wholesome aire , which consisteth in foure points , first that it be faire and cleare without vapours and mists . Secondly , that it bee lightsome and open , not darke , troublous and close . Thirdly , that it be not infected with carraine lying long above ground . Fourthly , that it be not stinking or corrupted with ill vapours , as being neare to draughts , Sinks , Dunghils , Gutters , Channels , Kitchings , Churchyards , or standing waters . For the aire so corrupted , being drawne into our bodies , must of necessitie corrupt our bodies also . These foure properties are briefly contained in two verses in Schola Salerni : Lucidus & mundus sit ritè habitabilis aer , Infectus neque sit , nec oleus faetore cloacae .

The fittest time of exercise . Epid. 6. Sect. 4. Now for the time when you should exercise , that Divine Physitian Hippocrates teacheth us plainly saying , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Whose authority Galen following saith ; Sanitatis tutelam a labore est auspicandum , quem excipere debeat , Lib. 2. de Sa. Tuen . cap. 2. cibus , potio , deinde somnus , mox venus , in iis videlicet quibus venere est utendum . We must beginne the preservation of health with labour , after that take meat , drinke , and so forth . The time then most convenient for exercise , is when both the first and second digestion is compleat , as well in the stomacke , as in the veines , and that the time approacheth to eat againe . For if you doe exercise sooner or later , you shall either fill the body with raw humours , or else augment yellow choller . The colour of the Vrine sheweth when we should exercise . The knowledge of this time is perceived by the colour of the urine ; for that which resembleth unto cleare water , betokeneth that the juice which commeth from the stomacke is crude in the veins , that which is well colored not too high or base , betokeneth that the second digestion is now perfect . Where the colour is very high or red , it signifieth that the concoction is more than sufficient : wherefore when the urine appeareth in a temperate colour , not red nor pale , but as it were gilt , then should exercise have his beginning . By this meanes doth Galen trie out the time most fit for exercise . But because every man hath not skill to judge of urine , or hath not leasure or opportunity to view his water in a glasse as often as he would or should exercise , for the time most convenient , it shall be sufficient to remember that golden sentence of Hippocrates , Inst lib. 2. cap. A. Labores cibos antecedant . Let exercise be used before meat . Which rule ( as that famous Physitian Fuchsius noteth ) is unadvisedly neglected in the Schooles of Germany . For there the Schollers never exercise , An abuse of exercise touching the time . but forthwith after meat either leaping , or running , or playing at the ball , or coyting , or such like . And the same abuse is ripe among us here in England , both in Universities , and in the Grammer Schooles . Wherefore it is no marvell if Schollers oftentimes bee troubled with scabs , and other infirmities , growing of corrupt humours , because by that meanes great store of raw humours are ingendred and brought forth to the skinne : ( according to the saying of Hippocrates ) Si impurgatus laboraverit , ulcera erumpent . Wherefore I counsell all Students not to exercise immediately after meat , Epid. 6. Sect. 5. Apho. 33. for by that meanes the meat is conveyed into all the members , before it be concocted or boyled sufficiently . Yet to rise up after meat , and to stand upright for a while , Rise up after meat . or to walke softly a little is very wholsome : that so the meat may descend to the bottome of the stomack , where ( as Avicenna writeth ) resteth the vertue of concoction , and is one of the first lessons in Schola Salerni , Surgere post epulas . But hasty moving driveth the naturall heat from the inward parts , and causeth ill digestion . As for craftsmen , and labourers , if any demand the question , how they can have their health , and fall to work straight after they have eaten , I answer with Virgil ; Geor. 1. De San. Tu. lib. 1. Labor omnia vincit improbus . And as Galen writeth ; Nos neque Germanis , neque aliis agrestibus , aut Barbaris hominibus haec prodimus , non magis equidem quàm Vrsis , Apris , aut Leonibus aut aliis id genus : sed Graecis , & iis qui tametsi genere sunt Barbari , Graecorum tamen aemulantur studia . So I write not these precepts for laboring men , but for students , and such , as though they be no students , doe yet follow the order and diet of students . The exercise of the Emperour Antonius . Antoninus the Roman Emperour , who lived in Galens time , and had a speciall care of his health , was wont to come to the wrestling place about Sunne-setting when dayes were at the shortest , and about nine or ten of the clocke when they were at the longest . Palestra . Whose example if any list to follow ( as Georgius Pictorius doth interpret ) hee should exercise in Summer six houres before noone , and in the Winter , in the after-noone at Sunne going down , and in the Spring time neare by noone . But I restraine no man to the houre , so it bee done according to the rules aforesaid , Three things to be observed touching the time of exercise . that is , briefly to conclude , Excrementis expulsis , In aere salubri , & Ante comedendum . Yet it is not sufficient in exercise to observe the time , the place , the things proceeding , except wee keepe a measure therein : which also is taught by Hippocrates in the word ( mediocria . ) And although every man doth know ( as Cicero saith ) that In omnibus rebus mediocritas est optima , Offic. 1. that measure is a merry meane , yet few can hit that meane , as well in other things , as in this , unlesse they bee directed by a certaine rule . Wherefore Galen , who leaveth nothing unperfect , Lib. 1. de San. Tuen . cap. 12. The measure of exercise . setteth downe foure notes by the which wee may know how long wee should exercise , and when wee should give over . The first is , to exercise untill the flesh doe swell . The second is , untill the flesh bee somewhat ruddie . The third , untill the body bee nimble , active , and ready to all motions . The fourth is , untill sweat and hot vapours burst forth . For when any of these doe alter , we must give over exercise . First , if the swelling of the flesh shall seeme to abate , we must give over forthwith . For if wee should proceed , some of the good juyce also would bee brought forth , and by that meanes the body should become more slender and drier , and lesse able to increase . Secondly , if the lively colour stirred up by exercise shall vanish away , wee must leave off , for by continuance the body would wax colder . Thirdly , when agility of the limbs shall beginne to faile , we must give over , lest wearinesse and feeblenesse doe ensue . Fourthly , when the quality or quantity of the sweat is changed , wee must cease , lest by continuance , the sweat be greater or hotter , and so the body become colder and drier . But of these foure notes , sweat and swelling of the flesh , are the chiefest to bee marked in exercise , as Hippocrates sheweth ; In exercitationibus signum extenuationis est sudor , guttatim emanans , Epi 6. Sect. 3 : Aphoris. 4. quique tanquam à rivulis egreditur , aut à tumore contractio . As who should say sweat and abating of the flesh , are two of the chiefest signes to know when wee should give over exercise . This measure Pythagoras , that was first named a Philosopher , though no Physitian hath yet defined in his golden verses .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 .

Thus Latined by Vitae Amerbachius : Corporis & debes non intermittere curam , Inque cibo potuque modus sit , gymnasiisque . Hoc Died lasses si te non illa gravabunt .

The same in effect is uttered by the excellent Greek Oratour Isocrates , in his Oration ad Demonicum . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Thus Latined by Violent , Eas corporis exercitationes amplectere , quae valetudini potius quám quae ad robur prosunt : quod ita consequere , si laborare desinas , dum adhuc laborare queat . The remedy of immoderate exercise . Now as I have shewed what time we should give over exercise , so here I will end my treatise of exercise , if first I shall declare what remedy is to bee used against wearinesse which commeth by immoderate labour , either voluntary or necessary , for wee cannot alwayes keepe the meane , but wee must doe as cause requireth . Wearinesse , as all other infirmities of the body , is cured by the contrary : that is to say , Lib. 2. Apho. 42. by rest . According to the saying of Hipp. In omni corporis motu , quum fatigari coeperit , quies confestim lassitudinis est remedium . For when the body is tired through over-much labour , and the strength faileth , and naturall moisture decayeth , then rest for a time recovereth the strength , reviveth the spirits , and maketh the limmes able to endure labour , whereas otherwise they would soone languish and pine away . Which thing Ovid well perceived , as appeareth where hee saith ; Quod carry alterna requie , durabile non est . Lib. 2. Epist. . A. Haec revocat vires , fessaque membra levat .

Where the Poet hath worthily added the word ( Aeterna ) that is to say ( done by course ) for as it is not convenient alwayes to labor , so is it not good alwayes to rest . For that were idlenesse or slothfulnesse , which corrupteth both the body and soule . For in the body through immoderate rest , is ingendred cruditie , and great store of noysome humors . Lib. de morb. cau . ca. 3. Wherfore Galen reckoneth Idlenes or immoderate rest , among the causes of cold diseases . And what inconvenience doth grow to the soule thereby , Christ himselfe doth teach in his Gospell , where he saith , It is better for a man to rip his Coate and sow it againe , than to be idle . But moderate rest doth comfort both the body and minde , Li. 1. de pont . as Ovid writeth : Otia corpus alume animus quoque pascitur illis : Immodicus contra , carpit utrumque labor .

Wherefore I will conclude with that notable sentence of Galen : De Suc. bo . & vi . ca. 3. as sluggish rest of the body is a very great discommoditie to the preserving of health , so no doubt in moderate motion there is very great commoditie .

CHAP. 2. Of study or exercise of the minde in what order we may study without hinderance of our health .

AS man doth consist of two parts , that is of body , & soule ; so exercise is of two sorts , that is to say , of the body , and of the minde . Hitherto I have spoken of exercise of the body , now I will entreat of exercise of the minde , which is Studie : that is ( as Hugo de Sancto Victore defineth it ) Assidua ac sagax retractatio cogitationis aliquid involutum explicare nitens , What study is . vel scrutans penetrare occultum . This kinde of exercise ( as Tullie writeth ) is the naturall nourishment of the minde and wit , Acad. 4. for so he saith , Est animorum ingeniorumque nostrorum naturale quasi quoddam pabulum , consideratio contemplatioque naturae , doctoque homini & erudito cogitare est vivere . And likewise , Tantus est innatus in nobis cognitionis amor & scientiae , ut nemo dubitare possit quin ad eas res hominum natura multo emolumento invitata radiatur . Which thing may well be perceived even in little children ; for as soone as they have gotten strength to goe of themselves , they are as busie as flees , and they devise a thousand toyes to be occupied in . Which motions no doubt proceed from the minde : For ( as Tullie saith ) Agitatio mentis nunquam acquiescit . Offi. 1. Idlenesse is against nature . Idlenesse therefore is not onely against nature , but also dulleth the minde , as Ovid worthily writeth : Lib. 5. de Trist .

Adde , quod ingenium longa rubigine laesum , Torpet , & est multo quam fuit ante minus . Fertilis assiduo si non renevetur aratro Nil nisi cum spinis gramen habebit ager .

Wherefore notable is that counsell of Isocrates ad Demonicum , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Thus Latined by Volgius : Da operam ut corpore sis laboriosus , animo studiosus : Nam ut moderatis laboribus corpora , sic honesta doctrina mentes augeri solent . Which lesson Publius Scipio who first was named Aphricanus , well followed , as Tullie alleageth by the witnesse of Cato ; whose saving , because it is worthy and most fit for students , Offic. 3. Scipio his saying to be followed of students . I will recite verbatim : Dicere solebat Scipio , Nunquam se minus otiosum esse quam cum otiosus , nec minus solum quam dum solus esset . Of this saying Tullie speaketh as followeth ; Magnified vero vox ac magno viro ac sapiente digna , quae declarat illum & in otioo de negotiis cogitare , & in solitudine secum loqui solitum , vt neque cessaret unquam , & interdum colloquio alterius non egeret . Itaque duae res quae languorem afferunt caeteris , illum acuebant , otium & solitudo . Leasure then and solitarinesse are two of the chiefest things appertaining to studie ; which two who so hath obtained , and is φιλομαθὴς > , ( as Isocrates speaketh ) that is to say discendi cupidus , let him him observe these rules following : Mane cito lectum huge , mollem discute somnum : Templa petas supplex , & venerare Deum .

Those things presupposed which I have spoken of in the preparation of exercise of the body , How to begin our study . this golden lesson of Lillie is next to bee observed . And if you goe not to the Church , yet forget not ( venerare Deum . ) And for this purpose no time is more convenient than the morning . The morning most fit for prayer . Which the Prophet David every where witnesseth in his Psalmes , namely Psalme 5. saying : Quoniam ad te orabo domine mane exaudies vocem meam , mane astabo tibi , & videbo , quoniam non Deus volens iniquitatem es tu . And for studie how much better the morning is than other times of the day , the reasons following may declare . First of all there be three Planets ( as the Astronomers teach ) most favourable to learning ; that is , Sol , Venus and Mercury ; these three in a manner meeting together when night approacheth , depart from us , but when day draweth neare , they returne and visit us againe . The best time for study is the morning . Wherefore the best time for studie is early in the morning , when the Planets be favourable to our purpose . Againe , when the Sunne ariseth , the aire is moved , and made more cleare and subtill , and the blood , and spirits of our bodies doe naturally follow the motion and inclination of the Aire . Wherefore the morning or sunne rising , A good counsell for students . is most fit for study . Aristotle therefore in his Oeconomikes , not without great cause biddeth us to rise before day , and saith that it prevaileth greatly both to the health of the body , and to the study of Philosophy . Whose counsell that famous Oratour of Greece Demosthenes , diligently followed ( as Tullie reporteth of him ) Dolere se aiebat Demosthenes , Tuscu . 4. si quando opificum antelucana victus esset industria ; whose good example I wish all students to follow , having alwaies in minde this short sentence , Aurora Musis amica : and not to imitate the practise of Bonacius a young man , of whom Poggius the Florentine maketh mention . This Bonacius was wont to lie long in bed , and when he was rebuked of his fellowes of so doing , An example of a slothfull Scholler . he answered smiling , that hee gave eare to certaine persons who contended and disputed before him . For as soone as I awake , said hee , there appeareth in the shape of women , Solicitudo and Pigritia ; Carefulnesse and slothfulnesse : Carefulnesse biddeth mee to rise and fall to some work , and not to spend the day in my bed . Contrariwise slothfulnesse biddeth me lie stil , and take mine ease , and keepe me from cold in my warme Couch . Thus while they vary & wrangle , I like an indifferent judge inclining to neither part , lie harkening and looking when they will agree : and by this meanes the day is overpassed or I beware . This young mans practise I leave to loytering Lurdaines , and returne againe to diligent students , How long we should studie without intermission . who having used the preparation aforesaid must apply themselves earnestly to reading and meditation for the space of an houre : then to remit a little their cogitation , and in the meane time with an Ivory Combe to kembe their head from the forehead backwards about forty times , and to rub their teeth with a coarse linnen cloth . Then to returne againe to meditation for two houres , or one at the least , so continuing , but alwayes with some intermission , untill toward noone ; and sometimes two houres after noone , though seldome , except we be forced to eate in the meane season , for the Sunne is of great power at the rising , and likewise being in the middest of the heavens : And in that part also which is next to the midst , which the Astronomers call the ninth part and the house of wisedome , the Sunne is of great vertue . Now because the Poets doe account the Sunne as Captaine of the Muses and Sciences , if any thing bee deeply to be considered , wee must meditate thereon especially the houres aforesaid . As for the residue of the day is convenient rather to revolve things reade before , than to reade or muse of new : Afternoone study not very good . Alwayes remembred that every houre once at the least wee remit a little while the earnest consideration of the minde ; neither should we meditate any longer than we have pleasure therin ; for all wearinesse is hurtfull to health ; wearinesse of the body is evill , but wearinesse of the minde is worse , and wearinesse of both worst of all : For contrary motions draweth as it were a man in sunder and destroyeth life . But nothing is more hurtfull than studying in the night : Lucubratio nocturna studiosis inimica . for while the Sunne shineth over us , through the power thereof the pores of the body are opened , and the humours and spirits are drawen from the inner parts outward . And contrariwise , after the Sunne setteth the body is closed up , and naturall heate fortified within . Wherefore to watch , Why study is better by day than night . and to be occupied in minde or bodie in the day time is agreeable to the motions of the humours and spirits ; but to watch and to study in the night , is to strive against nature , and by contrary motions to impaire both the body and minde . Againe by continuall operation of the aire , opening the Pores , there followeth exhalation and consumption of the vitall spirits , wherby the stomacke is greatly weakned , and requireth a renewing and repairing of the Spirits , which may best be done in the season when naturall heat returneth from without to the inward parts . Wherefore whosoever at that time shall begin long and difficult contemplation , shall of force draw the spirits from the stomake to the head , and so leave the stomack destitute : whereby the head shall be filled with vapors , and the meat in the stomacke for want of heate , shall be undigested or corrupted . Well therefore saith Erasmus , Nocturnae lucubrationes longe periculosissimae habentur . Notwithstanding I know that such as bee good Students indeed , having alwayes in minde that notable saying of Plinius , Omne perire tempus quod studio non impertias ; doe spare no time neither night nor day from their bookes . Whereof Plinie himselfe hath given a goodly example , Plinie his diligence to be followed of Students . in that by his owne testimonie , he wrote that most excellent work called the Historie of nature , Noctibus et succisivis temporibus . Yea Galen in his old age ( as hee writeth ) was faire to care Lettuse boyled ; Lib. 2. de ali. fa. cap. 40. of purpose to make him sleepe , Quod in juventute ( saith hee ) †meap●e† sponte vigiliis a●uever●m . And againe he saith , Vrgebam ego studia supra condiscipulos omnes non interdiu solum De. Succo . non. & vi . cap. 1. sed etiam noctem . As for poor Students they must follow the example of Cleanthes , who in the night time , by drawing of water , got wherewithall to finde himselfe in the day to studie Philosophy under Chrisippus , or the example of that Noble King Alured or Alfrede , the first Founder of the Vniversitie of Oxford , who divided the day and the night into three parts , and spent eight houres in eating , drinking and sleeping , and eight houres in hearing and deciding of causes , and eight houres in study : Or as that excellent Poet Plautus , Plautus painfulnesse . who was faine for his living to serve a Baker in turning a Querne or Hand-mill , that hee might yet sometime apply his studie . Wherefore let not poore Students disdaine to doe service in the day , that they may yet imploy sometime in the night . Better to be pale with study than love . And if they waxe pale with overmuch study , it is no reproach but a very commendable signe of a good student . Yet would I have none to study so much , that thereby they should fall into sicknesse , or become melancholick , as Homer writeth of Ajax and Bellerophon : Mediocritas semper optima : satietas enim omnium rerum . But I would have all students alwayes to remember 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , as Isocrates writeth . And if it happen that wee bee cloyed with studie , then must we fall to recreation and use some honest play or pastime , yet so as Tullie prescribeth , Offic. 1. How play is to bee used . Ludo et joco uti illis quidem licet sed sicut somno & quietibus caeteris tum cum gravibus seriisque rebus satis fecerimus . Ipsumque jocandi genus non profusum , nec immodestum , sed ingenuum & facetum esse debet . Whereof wee have have a notable example in Valerius Maximus , of Scevola that learned Lawyer , Lib. 8. cap. 8. who being wearied with law matters , was wont to recreat his minde with Tenis-play , and therein is said to have excelled : Yet sometimes hee played at Dice and Tables , when he had bin long busied in well ordering the lawes of the Citizens , and Ceremonies of the gods . For so he saith , Vt in rebus seriis Scevolam , ita & in scurrilibus lusibus hominem agebat , Scevola optime pila lusisse tradunt . Cic. 1. de . Orat. quem rerum natura contiunt laboris patientem esse non sruit . Likewise we reade of Socrates the Philosopher , who notwithstanding hee was adjudged by the Oracle of Apollo , to be the wisest man in the world , yet for recreation hee blushed not to ride upon a Reed among his little children : And when hee was laughed to scorne of Alcibiades for so doing , A wittie answer of Socrates made to Alcibiades . he answered him very prettily , tell no body ( sayth he ) that thou sawest me , untill thou have children of thine owne . As who should say , Such is the affection of Parents towards their children , that they are not ashamed oftentimes to play the children with them . But of recreation of the body I have spoken sufficiently before , and now I will speake somewhat of recreation of the minde : for there bee some pastimes that exercise the minde onely , Vnlawfull games . as Dice , Tables , Cards , and such like , which because they are accounted unhonest games , and forbidden even by heathen writers , as by the sage Cato in his morall precepts , Troco ludi , alias †●age† . I will omit them ; and if any Student will use them , he shall not doe it ( me authore : ) yet I will rehearse one example of Dice playing , because it is famous . Caligula the Emperour ( as Erasmus reporteth ) when hee played at Dice , lib. 6. Apoph . got more by lying and forswearing , than by true play ; and upon a time yeelding his turne of casting unto his next fellow , The dice play of the Emperor Caligula . going forth to the doore , he espied two rich gentlemen of Rome passing by , whom straightway hee commanded to bee taken , and their goods to bee seised to his use : And so returning againe into the house very joyfull , hee boasted that hee never had a more luckie cast at the Dice . As Caligula got those Gentlemens goods , so thinke I all is gotten that is wonne by dicing . Therefore I let it passe , and returne to my purpose . There is an ancient game called the Chesse , which was invented after Polidorus Virgilius , in the yeare of the world , 3635 , by a certaine wise man called Xerxes , Play at the Chesse . to mitigate the minds or hearts of Tyrants . For it declareth to a Tyrant , that Majeestie or authority , without strength , helpe , and assistance of his men and subjects , is casuall , feeble , and subject to many calamities . This game is an earnest exercise of the minde , and very commendable and convenient for students , and may easily be provided to be alwayes ready in their chambers . But for a mind wearied with study , and for one that is melancholike , ( as the most part of learned men are ) especially those that be excellent , as Arist. witnesseth , Probl. Sect. 30. quest. 1. Omnes homines qui ingenii claruerunt , melancholici fuerunt . there is nothing more confortable , or that more reviveth the spirits than Musicke , according to that saying of Hessus ; Nam nihil humanas tanta dulcedine mentes Afficit , ac melicae nobile vocis opus .

And because it is one of the liberall sciences , it ought the more to bee esteemed of students . And that for good cause . For by the judgement of Aristotle , Politi . 8. cap. 3. Musicke is one of those foure things that ought to be learned of youth in well governed Commonwealths : and in the fourth chapter of the same Book , The commodities of Musicke . he declareth that Musick is to be learned , not only for solace and recreation , but also because it moveth men to vertue and good maners , and prevaileth greatly to wisdome , quietnes of mind , and contemplation . But what kinde of Musicke every student should use , I refer that to their owne inclination . Howbeit the examples following may declare , The Harpe the most ancient instrument . that the Harpe of all instruments is most ancient , and hath bin in greatest price and estimation . Orpheus that ancient Poet , and Harper most excellent , ( as the Poets surmised ) did with his musicke delight wilde beasts , as Lions and Tigers , and made them to follow him , and with his sweet harmonie drew stones and woods after him , that is to say , moved and qualified the grosse hearts , and rude minds of men . The Prophet David delighted in the Harpe , and with the sweet melody thereof , delivered King Saul from the vexation of the evill spirit . Sam. 1. Cap. 16. Lib. 1. de Stu Sa. tuend. Marsilius Ficinus speaking of himselfe , sayeth , Ego etiam si modo †Lysinia† licet componere summis , quantum adversus atrae bilis amaritudinem , dulcedo lyrae cantusque valeat , domi frequenter experior . And if every student could play upon instruments , it were the more commendable . Tuscu. 1. For Themistocles ( as Tully writeth ) Quod in convivio recusaret lyram est habitus indoctior . And Socrates when he was old , so much esteemed of Musicke , Eras. 3. Apoph . that hee was not ashamed being old , to learne among boyes to play upon instruments . And how comfortable Musicke is to all sorts of men , wee may plainly perceive by labourers ; for the Gally-man , the Plough-man , the Carter , the Carier , ease the tediousnesse of their labour and journey with singing and whistling : yea , the brute beasts be delighted with songs and noyses , as Mules with bels , Horses with Trumpets and Shalmes , are of a fiercer stomacke to their appointed ministerie . Wherefore I counsell all students oftentimes to refresh their wearied minds with some sort of melody . For so shall they drive away the dumps of melancholy , and make their spirits more lively to learne . And so I end this Treatise of labour .

CHAP. 3. Of Meat .

AFter labour ; there followeth in the sentence of Hippocrates , Cibus , whereby he giveth us to understand , that meat must bee taken after we have exercised . The necessity whereof needeth no proofe , considering that nature hath taught all living creatures to seeke by sustenance to maintaine their lives . The necessity of meats . The infant new borne seeketh to sucke . The Lamb , the Calfe , the Colt , yea , the whelpe yet blinde , gapeth for the dugges of the Damme . For such is the state of man and beast touching the body , that the spirits , humours , yea , the sound substance of all parts doe continually waste and weare away ; so that unlesse by nourishment other like bee restored , of necessity the whole must shortly be consumed . For life may well bee compared to the match of a Lampe , which if it bee not continually fed with sufficient oyle , is soone extinguished . Against this necessary and naturall imbecillity and mortality of mankinde . God of his infinite providence and goodnesse hath provided food whereby to repaire , to restore and countervaile so long as his good pleasure is , the continuall impairing and decaying of our flesh . Wherefore it behoveth us to have a speciall care and regard that wee use such meats as may best nourish our bodies , and in no wise hinder our health . Which to performe , it is necessary , that in meats we consider six things : First , Six things to be considered in meats . the substance . Secondly , the quantity . Thirdly , the quality . Fourthly , custome . Fifthly , time . Sixthly , order . These six are briefly set downe in Schola Salerni , though not in like order as followeth : Quale , Quid & Quando , Quantum , Quoties , vbi dando : Ista notare cibo debet medicus bene doctus .

These six I shall briefly handle as they are proposed .

The substance of meats .

Concerning the substance of meats , some are good , which make good bloud , and some are ill , which engender ill bloud . Which difference may easily be perceived by the view of the Treatise following divided into three parts , Lib. 1. de Ali. fa. according to Galen First I shall speake touching Corne or Graine ; next touching Herbs and Fruits ; lastly , touching living and sensible creatures , and their parts pertaining to died .

CHAP. 4. Of Wheat .

OF all Corne or Graine used in diet , Wheat is the chiefest . Triticum . Theophrastus describeth divers sorts of Wheat , but the greatest difference in my judgement is in the colour , for some is browner or blacker , and other is whiter and fairer . The best kinde of Wheat was called in old time Siligo , whereof was made the finest bread , called Panis Siliginius , which we call Manchet , and was plentifull among the Romans and other Nations also subject to the Roman Empire . And although Plinie preferre the Wheat of Italy before all other , Ga. li. 1. de Ali. ca. ca. 2. confirming the same by the saying of the ancient Poet Sophocles , Et fortunatam Italiam frumento carere candido : Lib. 18. cap. 7. yet as I thinke , we have as good Wheat in England , both red and white , as may be found in any Countrey in all Europe , and as good bread is made thereof , especially that of Yorke , which they call Maine bread . Wheat in nature is manifestly hot , Maine bread of Yorke . Ga. li. 1. de Ali. la. ca. 9. and being laid to outwardly as a medicine , is hot in the first degree , without any manifest moisture . And touching the choice of Wheat , which is best to make bread withall , Matthiolus perfectly describeth , Lib. 2. Dios. 1. cap 78. What Wheat is best . Triticum ex quo omnium optimus fit panis , eligi debet fractu contumax , densum , grave , colore aureum , lucidum , leve , trium mensium , maturum , mundum , pinguique terra ortum . And if wee cannot conveniently provide Wheat that hath all the foresaid properties , yet let it bee such as Galen requireth . Lib. 1. de Ali. fa. cap. 2. Let it be hard Wheat that will not easily be broken betweene the teeth , let it be thicke or close together , not loose or open : Let it be heavie or weighty ; let it be of yellow colour . Of such Wheat as this may be made that bread which is best and most wholsome for youth and age , Wheat bread ought to have five properties . Gal. li. 1. de Ali. ca. ca. 2. which ought to have five properties First , it must be well leavened , Nam panis qui fermento caret , nemini prorsus est accommodus . Howbeit in England our finest Manchet is made without leaven . Next it ought to be light , for thereby it is knowne that the clamminesse thereof is gone . Thirdly , it ought to bee well baked , for bread that is ill baked is of ill digestion , and sore grieveth the stomacke . Fourthly , it must be temperately salted , for bread over sweet is a stopper , and bread over-salt is a drier . The fifth thing is , that bread should be made of the best Wheat , such as I have spoken of before . These five properties are briefly comprised in two verses in Schola Salerni ; Panis non calidus , nec sit nimis inveteratus , Sed fermentatusque oculatus ; sit bene coctus , Et salsus modicè , & frugibus validis selectus .

But the first verse containeth two other notes touching bread . The one is , that it ought not to bee eaten hot , The smell of new bread very wholsome . because it stoppeth much , and swimmeth in the stomack , by reason of his vaporous moisture , yet is the savour of new bread very wholsome , and reviveth one out of a swoone , as Arnoldus saith . The other is , that we ought not to eat bread that is very stale or mouldie , for it drieth the body , and ingendreth melancholy humours . What bread is best . Whereupon it followeth that bread to bee best , which is made of pure flower of good Wheat , sufficiently leavened , somewhat salted , well moulded , well baked , neither too new nor too old : that is to say , after Doctor Boord , that it be at least a day and a night old , and not past foure or five dayes old , except the loaves be very great , which definition Galen himselfe uttereth in these words ; Lib. 1. de Ali. ca. ca. 2. Concoctu inter panes sunt facillimi , qui plurimum sunt fermentati , & pulcherrimè subacti , quique in Clibano igne moderato fuerunt assati . Whereby it appeareth that all kinde of bread made without leauen is unwholsome , Lib. 1. de Ali. fa. cap. 4 : Vnleavened bread is very unwholsome . and after Galen , descendeth slowly from the stomack , engendreth grosse humours , causeth oppilations of the liver , increaseth the weaknesse of the spleene , and breedeth the stone in the reines . Wherefore cakes of all formes , Simnels , Cracknels , Buns , Wafers , and other things made of wheat flowre , as Fritters , Pancakes , and such like , are by this rule rejected . Ga. li. 1. de Ali. ca. ca. 7. Quando ne tritici quidem sumpta farina , concoctu sit facilis , nisi per salem , fermentum , misturam , triturationem , clibanumque elaborata fuerit . Processe of time doth alter mens stomacks : Howbeit now adayes common experience proveth in mens stomacks , that bread much leavened is heavie of digestion , and no bread is lighter than Manchet , which is made of fine flowre of Wheat , having no leaven . And by the foresaid definition , all loaves that are not baked in an Oven , but upon irons , or hot stones , or upon the hearth , or under hot ashes , are unwholsome , because they are not equally baked , but burned without , and raw within . And of such loaves as are baken in an Oven , the greatest loaves doe nourish most , after Master Eliot , The greatest loaves do nourish most . because the fire hath not consumed the moisture of them But whether bread be made in forme of Manchet , as is used of the Gentility , or in great loaves , as it is usuall among the Yeomanrie , or betweene both , as with the Franklings , it maketh no matter so it be well baked . Burned bread , and hard crusts , and Pasticrusts , Burned crusts ill . doe engender adust choller , and melancholy humours , as saith Schola Salerni : Non comedas crustam , choleram quia gignit adustam .

Wherfore the utter crusts above and beneath should be chipped away . Notwithstanding , after Arnold , Crusts good for some . the crusts are wholesome for them that bee whole , and have their stomacks moist , and desire to bee leane , but they must eat them after meat , for they must enforce the meat to descend , and doe comfort the mouth of the stomacke . Browne bread , made of the coarsest of Wheat flower , having in it much branne , Browne bread . and that bread which Galen calleth Autopyros , that is , when the meale wholly unsifted , branne and all is made into bread , filleth the belly with excrements , and shortly descendeth from the stomacke . And beside , that it is good for labourers , ( Crassa enim crassis conveniunt , ) I have knowne this experience of it , Browne bread looseth the belly . that such as have beene used to fine bread , when they have beene costive , by eating browne bread and butter , have beene made soluble . But Wheat is not only used in bread , but being sodden , is used for meat , as I have seene in sundry places , & of some is used to be buttered . Buttered Wheat . Lib. 1. de Ali. la. Ca. 7. And Galen himselfe ( as he writeth ) travelling into the Countrey , for want of other food was faine to eate sodden wheat in an husband mans house : but the next day after , he and his mates that had eaten with him , were much grieved thereby both in the stomacke and head . Whereby hee concludeth that it is heavy and hard of digestion , but being well digested , nourisheth strongly , and strengthneth a man much : wherefore it is good for labourers . Of wheate also is made Alica and Amylum mentioned of Galen , things not usuall among us . Yet Amylum is taken to be Starch , the use whereof is best knowne to Launders . Frumentie . And Alica Saccharata is taken for Frumentie , a meat very wholsome and nourishing , if it be well made , yet in digestion much like to sodden Wheat . As for Turkie Wheat , French Wheat , and such like strange graine , I will over-passe them , because they bee not usuall in our Countrey of England . Yet of French Wheat I can say thus much by experience , French Wheat . that in some parts of Lancashire and Cheshire they use to make bread thereof for their houshold , being mingled together with Barley , but for the Winter time only . For when the heat of the yeare increaseth , it waxeth ranke of savour . Also therewith they fat their Swine , for which purpose it is greatly commended , and in my judgement it is more fit to feed Swine than Men. More of bread shall bee spoken hereafter , when I intreat of other graine .

CHAP. 5. Of Rye .

SEcale , commonly called Rye , a graine much used in bread , Rie bread . almost thorowout this Realm , though more plentifull in some places than in other : yet the bread that is made thereof is not so wholesome as wheate-bread , for it is heavy and hard to digest , and therefore most meet for labourers , and such as worke or travaile much , and for such as have good stomacks . There is made also of Rie mixed with Wheate , a kind of bread named misseling or masseling bread , What Misseling or Masseling is . much used in divers Shires , especially among the family . Which being well made after the order prescribed in the Treatise of Wheate , is yet better than that which is made of cleane Rie , but that which is halfe Rie and halfe Barly is worse . Rie laid outwardly to the body , The temperature of Rie . is hot and drie in the second degree after Dodonaeus , whose authoritie I alledge , because Galen hath written little or nothing thereof , except Typha be Rie , as Master Eliot judgeth it ; then is it in a meane betweene Wheat and Barley .

CHAP. 6. Of Barly .

HOrdeum , Barlie , whereof also bread is used to bee made , but it doth not nourish so much as wheat , and after Matthiolus , troubleth the stomack , maketh cold and tough juice in the body , In li. 2. Dios. ca. 79. Barlie bread good for gowty folkes . Ga. li 7. de simp. li 1. de Ali. ca. cap. 9. nourisheth little and ingendreth winde , yet some affirme that it is good for such as have the Gout . Barlie is cold and drie in the first degree , and ( as Galen saith ) howsoever it be used in bread , or ptisan , or otherwise , it is of cooling nature , and maketh thinne juyce , and somewhat cleansing . And in the tenth Chapter of the same book , he saith , that Barley bread passeth very soone from the bellie . As of Wheate , so likewise of Barley there is great choice to bee had , for some is better and some is worse . Males . Yet all Barley generallie considering the nature thereof is more meet for drink than bread , What Malt is made of . and thereof is made the best Malt to make Ale or Beere . And though Barly be cold , yet it maketh such hot drinke , that it setteth men oftentimes in a furie .

CHAP. 7. Of Oates .

AVena , Oates , after Galen , have like nature as Barlie , Lib. 6. Simp. for they drie and digest in a meane , and are of temperature somewhat cold , also something binding , so that they helpe a laske , which I my selfe have proved in Cawdales made with Oatemeale : Lib. 1. de ali. la. cap. 14. Yet Galen affirmeth , that Oates are Iumentorum alimentum non hominum , whose opinion in that point must be referred to the Countrey where hee lived : For if he had lived in England , especially in Lankashire , Chesshire , Cumberland , Westmerland , or Cornwale , hee would have said , that Oates had beene meat for men . For in these parts they are not onely Provender for Horses , but they make Malt of them , Malt made of Oats . and therof good Ale , though not so strong as of Barly Malt. Also of Oates they make bread , Oate bread . some in Cakes thicker or thinner , as the use is ; Ianock bread . some in broad Loaves which they cal Ianocks of which kinde of bread I have this experience , that it is light of digestion , but something windie , while it is new it is meetly pleasant , but after a few dayes it waxeth drie and unsavorie , it is not very agreeable for such as have not been brought up therewith : for education both in diet & all things else is of great force to cause liking or misliking . Oats are bread , drinke and meate . In Lankashire as I have seene , they doe not onely make bread and drinke of Oats , but also divers sorts of meats . For of the greats or groats , as they call them , that is to say of Oats , first dried , and after lightly sealed , being boiled in water with salt , Sundry sorts of meats made of Oates . they make a kind of meat which they call water-Pottage , and of the same boyled in Whey , they make Whey-pottage , and in Ale , Ale-potage : meats very wholsome and temperate , and light of digestion ; and if any man be desirous to have a taste of them , let him use the advise of some Lankashire woman .

CHAP. 8. Of Beanes .

FAba , Beane , Ga. lib. 7. Simp. in cooling and drying is very neare in a mean temperature . Green Beans before they be ripe are cold & moyst , but when they be drie they have power to binde and restrain . The substance of Beanes is something cleansing , The nature of Beanes . and the Huske is somewhat binding . Pythagoras the Philosopher gave forth this saying : Faba abstineto , as some interpret , abstaine from Beanes ; because they make the sight dull , and raise up ill dreames ( as Plinie saith . ) But howsoever Pythagoras meant it , true is that saying of Galen , Lib. 1. de Ali. Fa. cap. 19. Flatulentus est cibus etiamsi elixatus diutissime fuerit , ac quovis modo paratus . And againe he saith , Lib. 7. Simp. Beanes are windy and hard of digestion . Faba ut edulium flatulenta est , ac coctu difficilis si quid aliud . Wherefore they are meate for Mowers , as the Proverbe is , and for Ploughmen , but not for Students . Being sodden they are used to bee eaten as well greene as drie : the greene Beanes they use to butter , the other they eate with salt unbuttered . Of greene beanes Galen giveth his judgement , Greene Beans . Si virides priusquam maturae Wilt atque exiccatae edantur , idem eis accidet quod fructibus omnibus , Lib. 1. de Ali. fa. cap. 19. quos ante perfectam maturitatem mandimus : humidius scilicet alimentum corpori praebebunt , ob idque excrementosius , non in intestinis modo , sed in toto etiam habitu . Also of Beanes in Leycestershire they make bread ; I meane not hors-bread ( which is commonly done throughout England ) but for their family : but it can in no wise bee wholesome , because it filleth the body full of winde : Notwithstanding I know that such as have beene brought up therewith doe like it well . Adeo a teneris assuescere multum est .

CHAP. 9. Of Pease .

Lib. 1. de Ali. fa. cap. 21. Pease are better than Beanes . PIsum , Pease , after Galen , are like in substance to Beanes , and eaten after the same manner , yet they differ in two things . First in that they are not so windie as Beanes : and next because they bee not so abstersive or clensing , and therefore they passe more slowly from the belly . There bee three sorts of Pease common among us in England . Three sorts of Pease . The first Garden Pease or hasty Pease . The second sort is called Gray Pease . The third greene pease ; both growing in the fields . The two first sorts are used to bee eaten greene before they bee full ripe . First they are sodden , then buttered , How Pease or beanes should be eaten . The seasoning of windy meats . salted , and peppered . But if any student list to eate greene Beanes or greene Pease , let him spare no pepper upon them , for this is a generall rule in Galen , for meats that be windie , Quicquid in omnibus cibabariis inest flatulentum , id per calfacientia & tenuantia corrigitur . Pease are commended in Schola Salerni , on this wise : Pisam laudandam delegimus ac reprobandam : Pellibus ablatis sunt bona pisa satis . Sunt inflativa cum pellibus atque nociva .

That is , they be wholsome to eate when the Husks be taken away , for if they be eaten in the Husks , they be hurtfull , and doe inflate . But how they should bee eaten without the huske I doe not know , except it be in pottage ; for they are not wont to bee blanched as Almonds , but there is made of them a kinde of broth or pottage called Pease-pottage . Pease pottage . Some make it with Pease boyled whole , but that is not good ; Other strein the pease after they bee boyled , and that is best . Pease pottage good . And this kinde of pottage is commended of Arnoldus , upon the said verses , for it maketh ( saith hee ) the belly laxative , and procureth urine , and unstoppeth the veines ; wherefore it is wholesome at such times as folkes use grosse and oppilative meates , as on fasting dayes ; At what time pease pottage is most wholesome . and in England it is used accordingly , for commonly pease pottage is most eaten in Lent . If pease be unwholesome , then the bread which is made of them is unwholsome , yet it is much used in Leicestershire . But I leave it to rusticks , who have stomacks like Ostriges , that can digest hard yron ; and for students I allow no bread but that which is made of wheat , as before is mentioned .

CHAP. 10. Of Rice .

O Risa , Rise , after Galen , is something binding , Lib. 8. Simp. and therefore stoppeth or bindeth the belly . And againe he saith : Ga. li. 1. de Ali. ca. ca. 17. All men use this graine to stop the belly ; and they boyle it as Alica , yet is it more hardly digested and nourisheth lesse , and is not so pleasant in eating . But we use to make a kinde of Pottage with Rise called Rise-pottage , Rise pottage , and their property . which being wel made with good Milke , and spiced with Sugar and Cinamon , is verie pleasant and easie of digestion and restorative . For thus writeth Matthiolus , Sunt qui Orisam quoque dicunt genitale augere semel , Lib. 2. Dios. c. 88. in bubulo lacte decoctam , additis Saccaro & Cinamome . And in the same place he saith , that it is very good to be eaten in any kinde of lack or flixe , especially being first dryed and after boyled in Milke wherein hot stones have beene quenched . Rise pottage good for a flix , how they should be . But if any list to make Rise pottage properly for a flix , they may be made in this maner . Take a good handfull of Oaten barke and boyle it in a gallon of running water to the halfe or more ; then streine it and let it coole , then take halfe a pound of Iorden Almonds , and beate them in a Morter with the holy and all on , after streine them with the foresaid water , & so with Rice make Rice potage . Rise may be eaten also with Almond Milk , and so it doth restore and comfort nature . Hitherto I have entreated of such graine as is usuall among us in bread and meates as for other sorts named of Galen legumina , The Preface to the hearbs . in English Powis , as Fitches , Eares , Fengreeke , and such like , I overpasse them , because they are not used as sustenance for man , but for medicine , or else as fodder for beasts . And now shall I speake of hearbs and fruits , I meane of those that appertaine to diet , and as they be used pro alimentis , and not pro medicamentis . For that belongeth to another part of Physicke , though I know that there may be , as Hippocrates saith ( it cibo medicamentum ) which thing as occasion shall serve , I will brieflie touch for the behalfe of Students . And of hearbs I shall declare first such as be hot , and after those that be cold .

CHAP. 11. Of Sage .

OF all garden hearbs none is of greater vertue than Sage , in so much that in Schola Salerni , Hot hearbs . it is demanded , Cur moriatur homo cui salvia crescit in horto ?

As who should say , such is the vertue of Sage , The nature of Sage . that if it were possible , it would make a man immortall . It is hot and drie in the third degree , and hath three speciall properties , conteined in these verses following : Salvia confortat nervos , manuumque tremorem Tollit , & ejus ope , febris acuta fugit .

Now because it is good against palsies and comforteth the sinewes and Braine , Sage is good for students . it must needs bee good for Students , who are commonly cumbred with diseases of the head : It may be used in way of meat , as in the spring time with bread and butter , especially in May : An old mans dyet . as I my selfe have knowne a man of 80. yeares and upward , who for his Breakfast in Summer used to eate sixe or seven Sage Leaves minced small with a little salt , and in winter as many blades of unset Leekes , drinking alwayes a draught of good Ale after it , by which meanes he preserved himselfe long in healthfull state . Sage is used commonly in sawces , as to stuffe Veale , Porke , roasting Pigges ; Why Sage is used in sawces . and that for good cause , for it drieth up superfluous moysture , and stirreth up appetite . Sage wine . Also of Sage is made a kinde of wine , which they call Sage wine , in this manner . Put a little bagge full of Sage bruised in a Quart of new Wine , and let it stand so a night , then wring it out and use it . This wine is good to consume fleame and to comfort the braine and sinewes . Much after the same manner is made Sage Ale ; Sage Ale . yet some use onely Sage Leaves , whole as they grow , being first cleane washed they put them in the bottome of a Vessell , and tunne up new Ale upon them , so letting it stand for three or foure dayes , untill they draw it : for every gallon of Ale two handfuls of Sage will suffice , in operation , it is like to Sage wine . I my selfe have proved it very good for a rewme . Moreover Sage is used otherwise to be put in drinke overnight close covered , Sage and Rue put in drinke , are good against infection . or two or three houres before wee drinke it , for so it is good against infection , especially if Rew bee added thereto , as witnesseth Schola Salerni ; Salvia cum Ruta faciunt tibi pocula tuta .

CHAP. 12. Of Rosemary .

NExt in vertue to Sage is Rosemary and of much like qualitie . For it is both hot and drie . Fernelius saith , Lib. 5. cap. 18. Meth. 〈◊〉 . Vna cum cerebro & nervis , cor , sensus omnes & memoriam confirmat , tremori atque paralysi salutaris , and therefore excellent good for students any way used . Rosemary good for students . Lib. 3. Dios. c. 73. Beside that ( as saith Matthiolus ) Visum acuit , si toto tempore quo floret , quispiam jeiunus flores una cum circumstantibus foliis cum pane & sale quotidie voraverit . Praestat etiam ad frigidos ventriculi affectus , ad coliacas passiones & vomitum ibi , si cum pane devoretur , aut bibatur in pulverem contritum ex meraco . The use of Rosemary in Kitchin , is well knowne to all men . I would the hearbe were as plentifull among us in England , Plenty of Rosemary in one part of France . as it is in that part of France which is named PROVANCE , where it groweth of it selfe without setting , and is used for a common fuell . Such as have not the Herbe , may yet have the flowers preserved of the Apothecaries , called Conserva Anthos , Conserva of Rosemary flowers . Lib. 1. p. 80. like in operation to the Herb , which I wish to be often used of students . Such as have the Herbe , may use it now and then , as Alexis prescribeth , to cleanse and comfort the stomacke , and to make a sweet breath in this manner : A good decoction of Rosemary for the stomacke . Take Rosemary , with the flowers , or without , a handfull , or more , seeth it in white Wine a good space , and put thereto if you may , a little Cinamon , then drinke it , and wash your mouth therewith . The same Wine without Cinamon is good to wash the face and hands , for it maketh a very cleare skinne . Another . I was wont to put a handfull of Rosemary in a quart of white Wine , and to suffer it to boyle in the quart untill it were ready to be burned , and then to use it , or halfe a handfull in a pint of Wine , and sometimes a few Cloves withall . Which drinke by experience I found greatly to comfort both my stomacke and braine . This maketh sweet breath , and killeth Wormes . Or if you like not to be at the cost of Wine , seeth it in Ale , or pound it and straine it with Ale or Wine . For being so drunke , it is very good to open the obstructions of the Liver and spleene , which is a speciall way to preserve health : Good therefore to be used at the spring or fall of the leafe , for a weeke together . And so I was wont to use Agrimony to prevent a dropsie . If any man list to make a perfect Electuary of Sage & Rosemary , An excellent Electuary of Sage and Rosemary . to comfort the stomacke and braine , and to make a sweet breath , hee may compound it after Alexis , in this manner : Take of Sage two ounces , of Rosemary flowers halfe an ounce , of Cloves five drammes , of Cinamon one dramme and a halfe , of Nutmegges one scruple , bray every thing , and with honey or Sugar make an Electuary , and give thereof in the morning halfe a spoonfull : then drinke a little red Wine , wherein is boyled a little Sage , and this doe every day , untill you have your purpose .

CHAP. 13. Of Borage .

The temperature of Borage : BOrage , which of Galen is named Buglosse , is hot and moist in the first degree . But in Gardens there is found another Herbe commonly called Buglosse , differing from Borage both in leafe and flower . Borage is good for students . And after Dodoneus , Buglosse , and Lange de Beefe , are cold and dry , not farre from the meane temperature . No Garden Herbe is more convenient for Students than Borage or Buglosse , because of those five things which be enemies to studie , Lib. 1. cap. 7. de Stud. sani. tu. . Five great enemies of students . as Marsilius Ficinus writeth , that is to say , Pituita , Atrabilis , exitus , Sacietas , Matutinus somnus , two of them , that is , Pituita and Atrabilis , are well holpen by the use of these herbs . For thus writeth Galen of Buglosse , Lib. 6. Simp. which is to be understood likewise of Borage . Buglossum humidae calidaeque temperiei est , itaque vinis injectum , laetitiae ac hilaritatis causa esse creditum est , sed & iis qui ob supremi gutturis asperitatem tussiunt , coctum in melicrato convenit . Whereby it appeareth , Why Borage leaves are used in wine . that to put Borage leaves in Wine , is no late invention , and is done for good cause , and to bee frequented of Students . Such as have not the Herb ready , may yet have Conserva of Borage flowers , Conserva of Borage , and how it is to be made . or Buglosse flowers , which may be made as followeth . Take Borage flowers , or Buglosse , when they are full ripe and may easily bee pulled from the stalks , pound them small , then take for one ounce of the flowers , three ounces of Sugar : put in your Sugar by little and little , and incorporate them well together , put it up in a Gally pot , and Sunne it for twenty or thirty dayes , and keepe it for one yeare . Borage water . But hee that will not bee at such cost , may yet distill the Herbe with the flowers when it flowreth , How to drinke a distilled water . and use to drinke the water with Wine , or of it selfe with a little Sugar , if need bee , which also is a good way to take any distilled water . The water of Borage or Buglosse being drunke with Wine , doth comfort the braine and the heart , and increaseth memory and wit , and engendreth good bloud , and putteth away melancholy and madnesse .

CHAP. 14. Of Baulme .

BAulme , after Avicen , The temperature of Baulme . is hot and dry in the second degree , an herbe greatly to bee esteemed of Students : For that by a speciall property it driveth away heavinesse of minde , sharpneth the understanding and the wit , and increaseth memory : other vertues it hath also , which bee declared at large by Gesnerus in his Booke of distillations , where hee teacheth to draw a water from this Herbe , as followeth : Baulme water , and the properties thereof . Take Baulme with the whole substance , shred it small , and brag it , and lay it to steepe a whole night in good white Wine , in an earthen vessell , well covered and stopped , on the morrow distill it . This water hath the properties aforesaid , and may be drunke of it selfe with Sugar , or mingled with good Gascoigne Wine . And if any list to make a perfect water , An excellent water for students . and expert against melancholy , let them take Buglosse , Borage , and Baulme , and distill them together , for this water is highly commended of Marsilius Ficinus , Lib. 1. cap. 10. de Stud. sani . tu . in atrae bilis remediis .

CHAP. 15. Of Hysop .

HYsop is hot and dry in the third degree , whose vertues are briefly comprehended of Schola Salerni , Gal. lib. 8. Simp. in these verses : Hyssopusque herba est , purgant è pectore phlegma , Ad pulmonis opus cum melle coquenda jugata . Vultibus eximium fertur praestare colorque .

Of Hysop is made a Wine named Hysop Wine , which helpeth by drinking thereof diseases of the breast , the sides , the Lungs , the shortnesse of wind , and an old cough , all which effects may be wrought by the use of the sirrup . When I was much troubled with cough and cold , Sirrup of Hysop . Hysop Ale . I was wont to make Hysop Ale , after the manner prescribed of Sage Ale , saving that I put to an ounce or two of good Liquorice , thin cut in slices , whereby in that case I have beene much eased . Also for the same purpose you may distill the Herbe , and use the water distilled after the manner aforesaid .

CHAP. 16. Of Mint .

MInt is hot and dry in the third degree . Whereof bee divers kinds , Gal. lib. 6. Simp. both of the Garden and field , but one most fragrant in savour , which is called Spere Mint , and is used to be put in puddings , and is found by experience to comfort the stomacke , and helpe digestion , beside that , it giveth a pleasant verdure in eating , and one passing property it hath , and that very profitable for Students , Quod animum olfactu excitat , Lib. 3. Dios. ca. 35 as Matthiolus writeth . Therefore of it may bee made a good posie for Students , to smell to oftentimes : and if any be troubled with ill savour of the mouth , A good Lotion for the teeth and mouth . and rottennesse of the gummes , they may boyle of these Mints in white Wine , with a little Vinegar , and when it is cold , wash their mouth and gummes therewith , and after rub them with powder of dry Mints . Powder of Mint good to kill wormes . The same powder also is very sweet , and an approved Medicine for the Wormes in children or old folkes , Si detur in lacte tepido sorbendum jejuno . Which thing also is confirmed by Schola Salerni : Mentitur Menta si sit depellere lenta Ventris lumbricos , stomachi vermesque nocivos .

CHAP. 17. Of Time .

TIme is hot and dry in the third degree , Gal. lib. A. Simp. the use whereof in the Chollicke & Stone , is well known to the Physitians , and the use of it in Kitchin is well knowne to all men . Beside that ( as Aetius reporteth ) it may bee dried and made in powder , and used for sundry good purposes , but one way especially it serveth our turne : That is , three drammes of this powder , mixed with a draught of Oximell , Powder of Time good for Students . doth purge melancholy humours , and dulnesse of the senses , proceeding of melancholy , & the same potion also giveth clearnesse of sight , and helpeth the paine of the eyes , if it be taken fasting , or before supper . The same powder is good also for the Gowt , for swelling of the belly and stomacke , for paine of the bowels and loynes : and for want of Oximell , it may be taken in a draught of white Wine .

CHAP. 18. Of Saverie .

SAvery , after Master Eliot , purgeth flegme , helpeth digestion , maketh quicke sight , provoketh urine , and stirreth up carnall appetite . It is hot and dry in the third degree , and one good property it hath , whereby it is good for students , in that it doth quicken the braine by smelling thereto , Et lethargicos olfactu excitat , as saith Fernelius . Beside that , it doth strengthen the stomacke that is prone to vomit , it may bee taken , as I have said of Time , being dried and made in powder , How Savory may be taken . and supped off in a reare egge , or else boyled in wine .

CAP. 19. Of Penyroyall .

PEnyroyall is hot and dry in the third degree , and doth extenuate heat , and decoct , it reformeth the stomacke oppressed with flegme , it doth recover the faint spirit , and expelleth melancholy : by siege it may be taken , as I have said of Time and Savery .

CHAP. 20. Of Towne Cressis .

TOwne Cressis , or Garden Cressis , is hot and dry in the third degree . It may not be eaten alone , but with cooling Herbs , as Lettuce , Sorrell , or Purslane . For so is the heat qualified , and that is the best way to make Sallets , to mingle hot herbs and cold together , except a man doe it of purpose to coole or heat . The often eating of this Herb in Sallets , doth give a sharpnesse and readinesse of wit . And one medicine I will write , which I have read in an old written Booke of this Herbe , that if any have an extreame Laske , For a Laske . if he drinke but a dramme of the seeds thereof in powder , in a draught of red Wine , or cold water , six or seven mornings together , not receiving any thing in two houres after , he shall be holpen , if it be curable .

CHAP. 21. Rue .

RUe , or Herbe Grace , is hot and drie in the third degree , Gal. lib. 8. simp. cap. 61. the vertues whereof are pithily set forth in Schola Salerni .

Ruta facit castum , dat lumen , & ingerit astum , Cocta facit Ruta de pulicibus loca tuta .

Which verses containe foure properties of Rue : The first is , that it sharpneth the sight , Foure properties of Rue . which effect is wrought either by eating of it greene , as it is there mentioned .

Ruta comesta recens , oculos caligine purgat .

Or else the juyce of Rue , together with the juyce of Fennell and Honey being clarified , and made up into an ointment , and used to be put into the eyes . The second propertie is , that Rue abateth carnall lust , which is also confirmed by Galen , where he writeth of Rue ; Quin & tenuium est partium flatusque extinguit , quare ad inflationes competit , ac Veneris appetitum cohibet , digeritque atque exsiccat sane strenue . Yet Schola Salerni in this point maketh a difference betweene men and women : for they say ; Ruta viris coitum minuit , mulieribus anger .

Because the nature of women is waterish and cold , and Rue heateth and drieth , therefore ( say they ) it stirreth them more to carnall lust , but it diminisheth the nature of men , which is of temperature like unto the aire , that is , hot and moist . The third propertie is , that Rue maketh a man quicke , subtill , and inventive ; by reason that by heating and drying , it maketh a mans spirits subtill , and so cleareth the wit . The fourth is , that the water that Rue is sodden in , being cast and sprinkled about the house , riddeth away Fleas , and killeth them . Beside these foresaid properties , which bee all very profitable for Students , Rue is good against poyson and the pestilence . Rue hath a speciall vertue against poyson , in so much that the very smell of Rue keepeth a man from infection , as is often proved in time of pestilence : for a Nose-gay of Rue is a good preservative , but being received into the body , it is of much greater force . For as Dioscorides writeth , Lethalium medicamentorum antidotum est si semen ex vino acetabuli mensura ebibatur , Lib. 3 cap. 45 . folia per se sumpta , aut cum nucibus , jugandibus , aridisque ficis inefficaces venenorum vires reddunt , contra serpentes simili modo sumere convenit . Arnoldus affirmeth , that the eating of Rue , in the morning with figges and sweet Almonds , preserveth one from poyson : And true is that medicine , and approved of king Mithridates , that if any doe eate fasting two drie Walnuts , King Mithridates medicine . as many figs , and twenty leaves of Rue with a graine of Salt , nothing which is venomous , may that day hurt him , and it also preserveth against the pestilence .

CHAP. 22. Of Dill.

DIll is hot and dry in the second degree : the seeds be chiefly occupied in medicine , Ga. lib. 6. Symp. & of the green hearbe Galen writeth , that it procureth sleepe ; wherefore in old time they used to weare Garlands of Dill at their feasts .

CHAP. 23. Of Sperage .

SPerage is temperately hot and moyst , the seeds , hearbe and roots are used in medicine chiefly for the stone and strangury . Nam semen aut radix aut herba ipsa in vino albo cocta & pota plurimum prodest calculosis . Sperage is used also to be eaten , as appeareth by Galen , where he saith : Omnes Asparagi stomacho utiles sunt , Lib. 1. de ali. la. . urinam cient , & parum praebent nutrimenti . Fen. ult. lib. 4. And as Avicen writeth ; the eating of them doth amend the sight , soften gently the belly , purgeth the breast , the bowels and the reines , and maketh a good savour in all the body , but the Vrine then stinketh . Medicine for the stone . By mine advice such Students as be troubled with gravell or stone , shall use Sperage , Alisander , Gromell , and such like hearbs in Sallets , at their first budding forth , or else make pottage with them .

CHAP. 24. Of Lonage .

LOnage is hot and drie in the third degree , the seeds and rootes be most used in medicine , and bee of like operation to Percely and Fenell . Semina sumi possunt totam noctem in vino albo infusa , aut etiam decocta , sed adhibito pari pondere anisi & seniculi , nam alioquin vehementer corpus perturbant , purgant enim utrinque valide .

CHAP. 25. Of Grummell .

Lib. 3. cap. 141. GRummell is hot and drie in the second degree , not used in meats but in medicine , especially the seeds have this operation , after Dioscorides , Lithospermon , quod a seminis duritia nomen accepit , hanc vim habet , ut semine cum vino albo poto , An easie medicine for the stone . calculos frangat , pellatque urinam . An easie and a necessary remedie for many Students .

CHAP. 26. Of Coriander .

COriander commonly called Coliander . The seed is most in use , and is moderately hot and drie , which is proved by that it breaketh winde , and resolveth impostumes , Lib. 3. cap. 62. though Dioscorides think it to be of cooling nature . It is thought to be very hurtfull and to cause madnesse , and therefore reckoned of Dioscorides , among poysons ; which is to bee understood ( as Matthiolus upon the same place noteth ) of the immoderate use thereof , and especially when it is prepared ; Lib 6. for it should never bee used neither in meate nor medicine , except it have beene first steeped in Vineger by the space of three dayes : Coriander Confits good for students . it is used to bee made in Confits , which in my judgement are most wholesome for Students of all other sorts ; for being eaten after meate , they doe not onely strengthen the stomacke , but also represse the vapours ascending to the head , and therefore good to stay a rhume , a common and a continuall adversary to Students ; Coriander Confits good for a Rume . and Simeon Sethi affirmeth , Semen Coriandri stomacho bonum esse & eundem corroborare , cibum in ventriculo retinere , donec probe concoquatur . Which last property is verie good to helpe a Rhume , because that commonly it proceedeth of indigestion . Wherfore I advise al such as be much troubled with Rhumes , to use after their meales , some Coriander Confits .

CHAP. 27. Of Charvaile .

CHarvaile is very profitable unto the stomacke , but it may not sustaine very much boyling ; being eaten with Vineger , it provoketh appetite & also urine . The decoction thereof drunken with wine cleanseth the bladder . In Schola Salerni I reade three properties of Charvaile . Cap. 67 . First that if it bee stamped and laid plaisterwise to a Cankar , it helpeth it . Next that if it be drunken with wine , it easeth the belly . Thirdly , that it ceaseth vomiting and the laske , which properties are briefly contained in these verses : Appositum cancris tritum cum melle medetur . Cum vino potum , lateris sedare dolorem , Saepe solet , tritam si nectis desuper herbas Saepe solet vomitum ventremque tenere solutum .

CHAP. 28. Of Senuie .

SEnuie which bringeth forth that seed whereof mustard is made . After Galen Mustard seeds bee hot and drie in the fourth degree , Lib. 8. Simp. and are much used in medicine , especially to purge the head . The vertues of them are briefly set forth by Schola Salerni : Ect modicum gramen siccum calidumque Sinapi : Dat lacrimas , purgatque caput , tollitque venenum .

The force of the seed is well perceived by eating of Mustard , for if it be good in licking too deepe , we are straightway taken by the Nose , & provoked to neese , which plainely declareth that it soone pierceth to the braine . Mustard for whom it is good . Wherefore as it is a good sawce , and procureth appetite , so is it profitable for the Palsie , and for such Students as be heavy headed , and drowsie , as if they would fall asleepe with meate in their mouthes : and if any be given to musick , and would fain have a cleare voice to sing , A medicine to cleare the breast , good for fingers . let them make Mustard seeds in powder , and worke the same with honie into little bals , of the which they must swallow one or two downe everie morning fasting , and in short time they shall have very cleare breasts . And for a Tettar or a Ring-worme a little Mustard laid upon it within few dayes will cure it . For a tettar or Ringworme .

CHAP. 29. Of Mercury .

MErcurie is not that hearbe which is called in Latine Mercurialis , but ( as I thinke ) it is that which of Matthiolus is named Bonus Henricus , of hot and drie temperature , and is found by experience to loose the belly , and to purge choller and fleame , insomuch that divers who have beene grieved with the ague , Pottage of Mercurie good to loose the belly . by often using of pottage , made chiefly of Mercurie , Beets and Orages , have been delivered by that means in short time . And it is a common proverb among the people : Be thou sicke or whole , put Mercurie in thy coole .

CHAP. 30. Of Mallowes .

Mallowes are hot and moyst in the first degree , being used in pottage they loose the belly , and are good for such as be costive , for so saith Schola Salerni : Dixerunt Malvam veteres , quod molliat alvum .

The rootes of wilde Mallowes , or Garden Mallows , being made cleane from the earth , and washed , and at the one end first a little scorched with a knife , and then rubbed hard upon the teeth , taketh away the sliminesse of them , and maketh them very white . But of all things that I have prooved to make the teeth white , To make white teeth . and to preserve the gums from putrefaction , Mastick is best : which must be beaten to powder , and laid upon a linnen cloth , suppose a corner of the towell , that you drie your face withall , & rubbed hard for a space upon the teeth , & the mouth after washed with clean water . this practice used once in a moneth , keepeth the teeth faire , and marvellously preserveth the gummes from corruption .

CHAP. 31. Of Perselie .

PErsely is hot in the second degree , and drie in the third : It is of piercing and cleansing nature and thereby dissolveth winds , provoketh urine , and breaketh the stone . The vertues of Perselie . The chiefe vertue of perselie is in the roote , the next in the seed , the leaves are of least force , yet of most use in the Kitchin ; and many use to eate them not onely with flesh or fish , but also with Butter in a morning , and that for good cause , for by the judgment of late writers , Perselie is very convenient for the stomacke , and stirreth up appetite , and maketh the breath sweet : yet I reade in Fernelius , that Perselie should bee ill for the Falling-sicknesse , Lib. 5. Meth. me. . cap. 7. Perselie , why it is evill . for young children , and for women that give suck ; for so he saith , Sed epilepticke , ( ut quorum paroxismes irritet ) & faetus , & mulieri lactanti infensum .

CHAP. 32. Of Fenell .

FEnnell is hot in the third degree and drie as it were in the first . Whether it bee greene or red of color , I think there is no difference in operation , though the common people judge otherwise , as they doe also of Sage , for the red fennell or red sage ( as they thinke ) is of greater vertue . Schola Salerni setteth forth foure properties of fennell in two verses : Foure properties of Fennell Bis duo dat Marathrum , febres fugat atque venenum , Et purgat stomachum , lumen quoque reddit acutum .

The seeds of Fennell are of greatest vertue , and most in use ; being eaten they break winde , provoke Vrine , The vertues of fennell seeds . and open the stopping of the Liver and spleen . And in women they bring downe their termes , and increase milke in their breasts ; and therefore good to be used of Nurses . Students may use them being made up in Cumfits , Fennell Cumfits . wherein I my selfe have found great commodities , as being often grieved with windinesse of the stomacke .

CHAP. 33. Of Anise .

ANise is hot and drie in the third degree : The hearb is little used , but the seeds altogether . They may bee either eaten or drunke whole , or made in powder . Schola Salerni compriseth two speciall vertues thereof in one verse , Emendat visum , stomachum confortat Anisum .

Beside that it maketh sweet breath , procureth Vrine , cleanseth the reines , causeth abundance of milke in women , & encreaseth sperme it it is used to bee made in Cumfits , and so is it best for students : Anise seeds Cumfits . and if any be grieved with the Collick or stone , it shall be good to put Anise seeds or Fennel seeds in their bread , whole , Bread for such as have the Collicke . or being made in powder , it may be easily wrought up with the Dough.

CHAP. 34. Of Cummine .

CVmmin is hot and drie in the third degree , the seed is chieflie used and not the hearbe , nor root ; It is little used in meates , but often in medicines , to provoke Vrine , and breake winde . For one that hath a stinking breath , if it proceed of corrupt fumes , rising from the stomacke , it may bee used thus : Take two handfuls of Cummin and boyle it in a Pottle of good white wine , For an unsavory breath . till halfe bee wasted , then streine it , and drinke it first in the morning and last at night fifteene dayes together , halfe a Pinte at a time , hot or colde . The same wine also is good for the Collick , & for the Cough ; and Cummin seeds sodden in water , if the face be washed with the same , To beautifie the face . doe cause the face to be clearer and fairer , so that it be used now and then , for the often & much using of it doth make the face pale : good therfore for such as be high coloure . In Matthiolus I reade a practise to bee wrought with Cummine seeds and ( as I thinke ) hath beene used in time past of Monkes and Friers . Lib. 3 Dios. c. 60. Cumino ( saith he ) frequenter utuntur in cibis , & eo saepe sufficiuntur qui facies suas exterminant , ut sanctitatem & corporis macerationem admentiantur .

CHAP. 35. Of Carawaie .

CAraway the seed which is most used in medicines is hot and drie almost in the third degree . Gal. lib. . 7. Simp. The vertues whereof are well set forth by Dioscorides : Vrinam concitat , Lib. 3. cap. 57. stomacho utile , os commendat , concoctionem adjuvat . Wherefore they are much to be used of students , who commonly doe need the foresaid helps . The Herbe and root be also in use , for so saith Matthiolus , Herba pro olere comeditur , Estur radix cocta perinde ac Pastinaca . Moreover he saith , that in Germany , they use to put Careway seeds whole in their bread , and to spice their meats therewith , as they doe in Italy with Anise and Fennell . Wherefore I advise all students that be troubled with wind in the stomacke or belly , Good bread for such as be troubled with wind to cause Fennell seeds , Anise or Careway to bee wrought up in their bread . And if they list they may boyle any sort of them in white Wine , as I have said of Cummin and use the decoction in like manner , and in mine opinion these are the better . For the same purpose Careway seeds are used to be made in Comfits , and to be eaten with Apples , Careway Comfits . and surely very good for that purpose , for all such things as breed Wind , would bee eaten with other things that breake wind . Quod semel admonuisse sat erit . And if they bee eaten alone , they be very wholsome .

CHAP. 36. Of Coleworts .

COleworts are hot and dry in the first degree , they are used to bee eaten , especially the Cabage Cole . Which being boyled are very good with Beefe , together with Vinegar and Pepper . The vertues of Cole are well described by Schola Salerni .

Ius caulis solvit , cujus substantia stringit . Vtraque quando datur , venter laxare paratur .

Arnoldus affirmeth , that Coleworts engender melancholy humours , and ill dreames , and that they hurt the stomacke , nourish little , dull the sight , all which qualities be very noysome to Students . Wherefore I counsell them not much to use Coleworts . Diosc. writeth , Lib. 2. cap. 113. that if they be eaten last after meat , they preserve the stomack from surfetting , and the head from drunkennesse . Yea , some write , that if one would drinke much Wine for a wager , A practise to preserve a man from drunkennesse . and not bee drunke , but to have also a good stomacke to meat , that he should eat before the banquet , raw Cabbage leaves with Vinegar , so much as hee list , and after the banquet to eat againe foure or five raw leaves , which practise is much used in Germanie , The contrariety betweene the Vine and the Colewort . as Matth. upon the Preface of Diosc. noteth , where he saith , that the Vine and the Coleworts be so contrary by nature , that if you plant Coleworts neare to the roots of the Vine , that the Vine of it selfe fleeth from them . Ideo nil mirum ( saith hee ) si tantum Brassicam contra temulentiam pollere credant , quodque Germani quotidianis mensis idolus semper apponant , ut vini noxam effugiant . But I trust no Student will prove this experiment , whether he may be drunken or not , if he eat Colewort leaves before and after a feast .

CHAP. 37. Of Basill .

BAsill is hot in the second degree , and somewhat moist . Gal. lib. 8. Simp. For the which cause it is not good to receive it inwardly , but outwardly applied it doth digest and concoct . Yet Galen saith , that many doe eat it with oyle and Vinegar . Lib. 2. de Ali. Fa. With us in England it is not used to bee eaten , but yet greatly esteemed for the sweet savour thereof , which of some is thought to comfort the braine , and to open and purge the head : yet to a weake braine it is hurtfull by reason of the strong savour , and causeth head-ach , as I my selfe have proved . And one thing I read in Hollerius of Basill , Lib. 1. cap. 1. which is wonderfull : Cuidam Italo ex frequenti odoratu Basilicae herbae , natus Scorpio in cerebro , vehementes dolores , A strange tale of Basill . & longos , mortem denique attulit .

CHAP. 38. Of Majoram .

MAjoram is hot and dry in the third degree , an Herb much esteemed of all persons for the pleasant smell thereof . Ga. lib. 8. Simp. I meane that which is called Majoram-gentle . The Herbe being made in powder , and given with meat , or drunke in Wine , doth heat the coldnesse of the stomacke , and comforteth digestion . And the powder of Majoram , with a little Ginger drawne up into the Nose , To provoke neesing , and purge the head . or the greene Herbe a little bruised , and put into the nostrils , doth provoke neesing , and gently purgeth the head .

CHAP. 39. Of Spike and Lavender .

SPike & Lavender be both of one nature , both hot and dry in the second degree compleat . Matth. lib. 1. Diosc. cap. 6. That which we call Lavender , is thought to be the female of this Herbe , and Spike the male . The chiefe use is of the flowers , which being of fragrant savour , be dried and laid among linnen , or else they are distilled , and a very sweet water is drawne from them . Which water being sunned for a time , is not onely sweet of smell , and therefore comfortable to the braine , but also is good for the Palsie , A Lotian for the Palsie . and all other infirmities of the braine proceeding of cold , if the Temples , the hollownesse under the eares , the nape of the necke bee washed therewith . Yea , two or three spoonfuls of the water being drunke , recovereth the speech being lost , To recover the speech being lost . and reviveth one from a swoone . Wherefore not without cause the Herbe is reckoned of Schola Salerni , among those things that cure the Palsie .

Salvia , Castoreumque Lavandula , Primula veris , Nasturt . Athanas . haec sanant paralytica membra .

That is to say , Sage , Castory ( that is , the stones of the beast Castoreum ) Lavender , Primrose , Water Cresse , and Tansie , cure and heale members infected with the Palsie .

CHAP. 41. Of Lilly .

LIlly is hot and dry of quality ; both the flowers , leaves , and roots are used in medicine , but not in the Kitchin . The flowers are commended in the Gospell for beauty , and preferred before the royalty of King Salomon . Wherefore they are a great ornament to a Garden or house , yet the smell of them is discommended , and accounted ill for the plague . They be of two sorts , white and red . As for wood Lillies , called in Latine , Lilium connvallium , so much used and esteemed in Germany , Lib. 3. Diosc. cap. 120. as Matth. writeth , or water Lillies , called in Latine , Nymphea aquatica , I say nothing of them , because they are not usuall in Gardens .

CHAP. 42. Of Flower Deluce .

FLower Deluce is hot and dry in the third degree . The root is onely used in Medicine , the flowers in adorning the house . One Medicine I have read to be made with this Herbe , which I will set downe for the behoofe of Students . Take a new laid egge , A Medicine for the Dropsie . powring out the white , put into the yolke so much of the juyce of the root of Flower Deluce , as was of the white , after set the same egge a while in hot embers , which being sufficiently warmed , sup off fasting in the morning , and the patient shall after send forth a marvellous abundance of water , and so be eased of the dropsie . Or else you may take a dram or two of the dry root made in powder , and drink in Whey clarified , for so it is good also to purge the dropsie water . Ad Gonorrheam . And if you put a little Cinamon to the juyce of Flower Deluce in the egge yolke , it is a very good Medicine for the shedding of nature , as hath beene often proved .

CHAP. 43. Of Pionie .

PIonie is of two sorts , male and female , the male is of more effect in Medicine , and is hot and dry in the second degree . The leafe , root and flowers are in use . The root being made in powder , Fer. lib. 5. meth. cap. 18. and drunke in Wine , doth ease the paines of the reines and bladder . And the powder of the seeds of Pionie , being ministred in meat and drinke to children , For the stone in old folks or children . doth send forth the stone beginning in them , good therefore to be used in youth , of such as have the stone by inheritance from their parents , by a tenure called ex vitioso semine : Or else have gotten it by purchase , Two generall wayes that diseases doe grow by . ex intemperantia : By which two wayes the most part of diseases doe grow .

CHAP. 44. Of Giliflower .

GIliflower is of sundry sorts and colours , the purple flowers are of greatest vertue , and are of hot and dry temperature . As they are in beauty and sweetnesse , Gilliflowers good for sundry diseases . so they are in force and wholsomnesse , they may be preserved in Sugar as Roses , and so they are very good against the plague , or any kinde or venome . Also for the falling sicknesse , Palsie , giddinesse , crampe : but for the pestilence Matthiolus saith , succus ex universa planta expressus , quatuor unciarum pondere haustus , ubi morsus invaserit , liberat .

Lib. 2. Dios. cap. 153. An easie Medicine , and excellent for the plague .

Vinegar of Gilliflowers excellent for divers purposes .

Moreover , the leaves of the flowers put into a glasse of Vinegar , and set in the Sun for certaine dayes , doe make a pleasant Vinegar , and very good to revive one out of a swoone , the nostrils and temples being washed therewith : And is good also to preserve from the pestilence , being daily used in like manner . As for Winter Giliflowers of all sorts , they are of much like temperature , and used in Medicine , but not in meats . Yet for their sweetnesse they are worthily cherished in Gardens .

CAP. 45. Of Germander .

GErmander is hot and dry in the third degree . It is much used in Medicine , Gal. lib. 8. Simp. but not in meats . Yet if the greene leaves cleane washed be eaten fasting , it is a good preservative against the plague , A preservative for the plague . Lib 3. Dios. c. 96. as Matthiolus reporteth : Because it is somewhat bitter , it may best bee eaten with great Raisins cleane washed , and the stones first taken out . A good Medicine for a Tertian Fever . It is called of some Febrifuga ( saith he ) Eo quod spots ejus decocto diebus aliquot , tertianas fuget & finiat . And no marvell if it helpe Tertian Agues , for it openeth the Liver & Spleene , and avoideth choller . For which purpose this decoction may greatly helpe . Take a quart of white Wine , and boile therin an handfull of Germander , halfe an ounce of Seane , An excellent Medicine for any kinde of Fever . a quarter of an ounce of Fennell seeds , and if you put as much Persley seed thereto ; it doth not onely open the stopping of the Liver and Milt , but also helpeth the Strangury & Stone . Boile it to the halfe , straine it , and drinke it fasting in two mornings , and abstaine two houres after . Also one Medicine I have read of this Herb , which is very profitable for students . A passing good Medicine for a rheume . The Herbe being made in powder , and put in a linnen bagge , and applied hot to the head , is a speciall remedy against the rheume .

CHAP. 46. Of Blessed Thistle .

CArduus Benedictus , or Blessed Thistle , so worthily named for the singular vertues that it hath . The perfect use of Carduus Benedictus . It is hot and dry of temperature , and may bee used sundry wayes , either in the greene leafe eaten with bread and butter , as wee use Sage and Persly in a morning , or it may bee boiled in Pottage among other Herbs , or it may be used in the juice , strained with Wine or Ale , or the Herb may be boyled in Wine or Ale and strained , and a little Sugar put in to make it sweet , or it may bee drunke with Ale or Wine , being made in powder , or it may be used in the distilled water drunke by it selfe alone , or with white Wine before meat , or with Sacke after meat , or you may use it in a decoction on this wise ; ( Take a quart of running water , seethe it and scum it , then put in a good handfull of the Herb , and let it boile untill the better part of the liquour be consumed , then drinke it with Wine , and if you list , with Sugar , to make it the more pleasant . Howsoever it be used , it strengthneth all the principall parts of the body , it sharpneth both the wit and memory , The vertues of Carduus Benedictus . quickneth all the senses , comforteth the stomacke , procureth appetite , and hath a speciall vertue against poyson , and preserveth from the pestilence , and is excellent good against any kind of Feaver , being used in this manner : Take a dram of the powder , An excellent Medicine for any kinde of Fever . put it into a good draught of Ale or Wine , warme it , and drinke it a quarter of an houre before the fit come ; then goe to bed , cover you well with clothes , and procure sweat , which by the force of the Herbe will easily come forth , and so continue untill the fit be past . Or else you may take the distilled water after the same manner . By this meanes you may recover in short time , yea , if it were a pestilentiall Feaver ; so that this remedy bee used before twelve houres be past after the disease felt . For which notable effects this Herbe may worthily be called Benedictus , or Omnimorbia , that is , a salve for every sore , not knowne to Physitians of old time , but lately revealed by the speciall providence of Almighty God .

CHAP. 47. Of Wormwood .

WOrmwood is hot in the first degree and drie in the third . Go. Lib. 6. Simp. Two sorts of wormwood are well knowne to many , that is our common wormwood , & that which is called Ponticum , now sowen in many gardens , and commonly called French wormwood . And while it is young it is eaten in Sallads with other hearbs , to the great commoditie of the stomacke and Liver ; for it strengtheneth a weake stomack , and openeth the liver and spleene : which vertues are chiefe , for the preservation of health , as Galen witnesseth , Iecoris Beatus per quos fertur alimentum , apertos esse , non aegrotis modo , sed sanis etiam est tutissimum .

Lib. 2. de Ali. la. cap. 8. The chiefe meanes for the preservation of health .

Wormewood wine .

For which purpose there is to bee had in the stillyard at London a kinde of wine named wormwood wine , which I would wish to be much used of all such Students as be weake of stomacke ; they may easily have a Rundlet of three or foure gallons , or lesse , which they may draw within their owne chambers , as need requireth . I was wont when appetite failed , to steep a branch or two of common wormwood in halfe a pinte of good white wine , close covered in some pot all night , and in the morning to streine it through a cleane linnen , Wormewood wine easie to be made . and to put in a little Sugar and warme it , and so drinke it ; or sometime to burn the like quantity of wine with sugar and a branch or two of wormwood put into it ; wherin I have found many times marvellous commodity , and who so shall use it now and then , shall be sure of a good stomack to meat , & be free from worms . I read yet another way to make wormwood wine , prescribed by Eramus , as followeth . Take of Aqua vitae and Malmsey , of each like much , put it in a glasse or bottle , and put to it a few leaves of wormwood , especially when it is dried , let it stand certaine dayes , and when you list straine out a little spoonfull , and mixe it with a draught of Ale or wine , it may be long preserved .

CHAP. 48. Of Sothernwood .

Gal. lib. 6. Simp. SOthernwood is hot and drie in the third degree , it is not used in meats , the smell of it is so strong that it will make some mens heads to Ake , yet the hearbe something dried and put in a linnen bagge , and laid as a Stomacher next the skinne , comforteth a cold Stomack well . That which is commonly called Sothernwood after Matthiolus , is the male kinde of this hearbe , Li. a. Dios. ca. 25. Lavender Cotten . and that which we call Lavendercotten , is the female , named in Latine Cypressus and Santolina , and are both of like temperature : yet Lavender Cotten , beside the beautie that it beareth in a Garden , is commonly given of women to young children for the wormes , being first punned and strained with milke , and taken fasting , warmed , which effect it surely worketh ( as I have prooved by often experience ) which it doth through the bitternes . A proved medicine for the wormes . For this is a generall rule , that all bitter things kill wormes , as Centory , wormwood and such like : But the setting of Sothernwood or Lavender Cotten within the house in flower pots , must needs bee very wholesome , for Dioscorides writeth , that Sothernwood , Serpentes & substratu & nidore fugat , Sothernwood good to be set up in the house & in vino potum exitialium venenorum antidotum est .

CHAP. 49. Of Artichokes .

ARtichokes ; reckoned of Matth. among the number of Thistles , Li. 3. Dios. c. 14. Lib. A. de 〈◊〉 . cap. 51. is hot and dry in the second degree : It is called of Galen , Cinara , and thought to make evill juice , especially when the flowers begin to shed : they have beene used to be eaten raw , but our use is to boyle them , and so they are best , by the witnesse of Galen in the same place . They are now proved to be restorative , The vertues of Artichokes . & being well sodden and eaten with Vineger and Pepper , they doe not onely strengthen the stomack , but also they procure a more earnest desire both of man and woman to the venereal act . They that eate them onely for that purpose , I would they might eate the innermost part onely , and not those leaves which bee plucked off round about , nor yet the bottome which groweth next the stalke .

CHAP. 50. Of Leekes .

LEekes are hoat and drie in the third degree , and as Arnoldus affirmeth in Schola Salerni their nourishment is nought , they hurt the eyes , Cap. 13. Raw Leekes unwholesome . and ingender blacke melancholy blood , and cause terrible dreames , they hurt the sinewes through their sharpnesse , they hurt the teeth and gummes , and cholerick and melancholy folkes should not use to eate them , and especially raw , yet if they be boyled and eaten with Hony , Leeks boyled , and eaten with honey good for flegme . they cause one to spit out easily the fleame which is in the breast , and open and ease the Lungs . In some Shires of England they use in Lent to eate raw Leeks , and Honey with Beanes or Pease sodden , but what Rusticks doe , or may doe without hinderance of their health , is nothing to Students , Crassa enim ( ut aiunt ) crassis conveniunt . If any student be desirous to eate Leeks , Leeke pottage very wholesome . let them be first boyled , or else made in pottage , for Leek potage be very wholsome , not only for such as be cumbred with flegme , but also for those that have the collick or stone . Vnset Leekes are best : And one notable experiment I will set downe for the comfort of those that be troubled with the said diseases , how by this hearbe which is so common in use , they may bee greatly eased . A good plaister for the Cholick For the Collicke take unset Leekes , blades and all , chop them small , boyle them in good white wine , with May Butter or fresh Butter , untill the wine be in a manner wasted away , then lay them abroad betweene a cleane linnen cloth plaister-wise on the belly , so hot as the patient may well abide it , and at the cooling of that , apply another hot plaister , and thus doe the third or fourth time together , if need shall so require . And for the stone , take unset Leekes in the moneth of Iune , A medicine for the stone . shread them small and distill them , sunne the water for a moneth or two , and drinke morning and evening a good draught ; for this helpeth the costive belly , helpeth the paine of the Hypps , purgeth the Kidnies and Bladder , causeth Vrine , and sendeth forth the stone . For which purpose also I have knowne some to cut Leeks in small peeces , and to drie them in an Oven , or against the fire , and to make them in powder , which powder they would use in their drinke oftentimes . Beside the qualities aforesaid , Leekes have two effects mentioned in Schola Salerni : Cap. 74 . Reddit faecundas mansum persaepe puellas , Manantemque potest naris retinere cruorem . Cap. 80.

And againe , they say , that Leekes seed & Henbane seed burned together , A good medicine for the toothache . & the smoak received through a funnell into the mouth on that side which aketh , helpeth the tooth-ache .

CHAP. 51. Of Onyons .

ONyons are hoate and drie almost in the fourth degree : Schol. Sa. ca. 13. Raw Onyons unwholesome . Being eaten raw ( as Arnoldus saith ) they engender ill humours and corruptible putrifactions in the stomack , and cause fearfull dreames and headache , and if they bee much used , they marre the memory and trouble the understanding . Yet we see that husbandmen and labourers are nothing hurt by eating of Onyons , but rather holpen both in appetite & digestion . The reason whereof ( as I thinke ) is that which the Poet Virgill writeth , Labor improbus vincit omnia . Yet experience teacheth that Onyons sliced & served to the Table with sufficient water , with a little salt , is a good sawce to stirre up appetite to meat , and to put away lothsomenesse of the stomacke , and cause good digestion , and their hurtfulnesse is thereby something diminished : and the water or broth of them may be well used of Students , with Mutton roasted , or Capon , or Woodcock , and the Onyons themselves , may be eaten also of such as be flegmatick : But Onyons , if they be sodden , especially in the broth of good flesh , and so eaten , they comfort a cold stomack , and cause good digestion , and are not hurtfull ; wherefore being used in pottage , or otherwise boyled for sawces ( as cooks best know ) or baked in a pie , Onyons sodden be very wholesome . as I have seene in some places , they be not hurtfull but wholsome , especially for flegmatick persons , or at such times as flegmatick meats be used , as in Lent , or upon fish dayes : And if any be troubled with the cough , & bee over-laid with abundance of flegme in the breast , so that they cannot easily draw their winde , A medicine for the cough . let them roast Onyons under hott imbers and eate them with Honey and Pepper , and Butter , morning & evening , and within few dayes they shall feele their breasts loosed , and the flegme easily to bee avoided , as I my selfe have often proved . And for any burning or scalding Fernelius writeth , Porri illita folia praesenti sunt ambustis remedio ; Me. lib. 6. ca. 20. For burning or scalding . For the plague & Cepae cum sale contusae ambustae parti impositae miraculo persanant . And for one infected with the Pestilence take a great Onyon , and cut him overthwart , then make a little hole in each peece , the which you shal fill with fine Triacle , and set the pieces together againe , as they were before ; after this wrap them in a wet linnen cloth , or wet paper , putting it so to roast covered in the hot imbers , and when it is roasted enough , presse out all the juyce of it , and put to it a little vineger and Sugar , and give the Patient . Hereby it appeareth , that Leekes and Onyons are not only good in meats , but also in medicines . As for Scallions , they are much of the Nature of Onions .

CHAP. 52. Of Garlicke .

GArlick is hot and drie in the fourth degree ; Gal. lib. 8. Simp. if it be eaten raw it hurteth the sight , and breedeth Headache , yet is it good for them that have flegmatick , grosse and clammy humours , being moderately taken and in the cold time of the yeare ; For whom Garlick is good , and for whom not . but chollerick folkes should abstaine from it , especially in hot seasons , for it doth inflame and drie much , and engendreth red choller and adust humours ; but in the body wherein there is grosse matter , or much cold enclosed , it heateth all the body , and openeth the places which are stopped , it cutteth grosse humours and slimie , and dissolveth grosse winds ; wherefore it is good for the Cough , and maketh one to spit well ; it may be sliced thinne as Onyons are , and put in water with a little salte , or as commonly they use , to punne it , and put to it a little water , or the broth of flesh ; but if it be sodden , it hath somewhat lesse force , and yet loseth not his propertie : The like is said of Onyons and Leekes of Galen , Lib. 2. de ali. fa. cap. ult. Who may best eate Garlick , Onyons , Leeks , and who not . where hee giveth a generall judgement of eating of Garlicke , Leekes , Onyons , and such like sharpe things for whom they be wholesome , and for whom not , as followeth . Abstinendum ab assiduo usu omnium acrium , & potissimum , cum is qui ipsis vescitur , natura fuerit biliosus . Solis enim qui vel succum pituitosum , vel crudum & crassum ac lentum acervarint , cibi ejusmodi sunt accommodati . Moreover , Garlick hath a speciall property against poyson , as appeareth in Schola Salerni , Allia , Ruta , Cap. 13. &c. and is thought of some a good preservative against the Pestilence ; But especially , it is good for them that travaile over divers countries , Sundry vertues of Garlick . and use divers drinkes , or if they happen to drinke naughty corrupt water , as it is alleaged in the same place out of Macer .

Allia qui mane jejuno sumpserit ore , Hunc ignotarum non laedet potus aquarum , Nec diversorum mutatio facta locorum .

Also Garlicke is named of Galen , Theriaca rusticorum , Lib. 12. Me. c. 8. Garlick is the countrey mans Triacle . where he saith , Est allium ex eorum ciborum genere qui & flatum discutiant , & minime sitim inferant . Ac si quis vel , Thracos vel Gallos , vel denique qui frigidam regionem incolunt , vesci alliis vetuerit , non leviter iis hominibus nocuerit : and if Frenchmen may eate Garlicke , because of the coldnesse of the Countrey , English men may eate Garlick by Galens rule . then may English men much more eate it , because they dwell in a colder Region , as I have shewed in my description of Britaine . Also in the same place Galen saith , that to eate Garlicke and drinke Triacle ( as I gesse ) in Ale or wine , Garlick is good for the Collicke . is good for the Collick , if it come without an Ague , Quia omnium eduliorum maxime flatum discutit : And one thing I reade in master Eliot very profitable for such as be troubled with a rhume falling down to the stomacke , A medicine to drie up a Rheume , falling to the stomack . whereby their stomacks be over-moist , as mine was many yeares together . The medicine is thus , to boile certaine Cloves of Garlick in Milke , and to straine it and drinke it fasting , for that dryeth up the moysture of the stomack . A good medidicine for wormes . The same medicine is also very good to kill Wormes , as I have often proved .

CHAP. 53. Of Radish .

RAdish is hot in the third degree , Gal. lib. 8. Simp. and drie in the second : The rootes are much used to bee eaten with Mutton roasted at supper , & those are best that bee whitest , as they crie in London , white Radish white ; and the sweetest Radish say they , doe grow in the sowrest places , videlicet , in Sterquiliniis . Master Eliot by his owne experience would disprove Galen touching the use of these roots , Lib. 2. de Ali. fa. cap. 70. for Galen findeth fault with those Physicians that eate Radish rootes raw after other meats , to comfort digestion , whereas all others following their example have beene by that meanes grieved . So saith Galen , Galen defended against M. Eliot touching the use of Radish . Lib. 2. cap. 106. though Master Eliot write the contrary ; whose opinion though it be ancient and grounded upon Dioscorides , where hee saith , Summo cibo sumi debet , quo magis ejus distributionem adjuvet , cum autem praesumitur , cibum suspendit : yet this proofe I have had in my selfe , and I dare say not one among an hundred is otherwise , but if they eate Radish rootes last , they shall belch much , by reason that they breake winde , or rather breed it , and they shall feele their stomacks oftentimes turned up ; And as before meales , if they bee eaten first , they let the meat that it may not descend , Radish neither good before meate , nor after meate . so eaten after other meates they will not suffer the meate to rest in the stomack , but as the Countryman said , that had eaten fish fried with Lampe Oyle , they will make the meat eftsoones to rejolt ; but our common manner in England is not to eate them before meate or after meate , but together with meate as sawce . And for that purpose they are not onely served whole , but also sliced thinne , How Radish may best be eaten . and with salt strowed upon them , beaten betweene two dishes untill they be somewhat soft , and the salt hath pierced through them , which indeed is the best way to use them : but they are unwholesome any way , especially for such as have weake stomacks and feeble digestion ; for they engender raw humours , and cause lothsomenesse , and breed such corruption in the stomacke , that by much using them they make a stinking breath , Radish corrupt the breath . Lib. problem. 40. which qualitie is well declared by Alexander Aphrodissaeus , where hee saith , that they are deceived that thinke Radish by a naturall propertie to make the breath unsavorie ; for then ( saith hee ) Omnes qui eam edissent , faetidum eructarent . But this is the reason why it worketh it in some , and not in others ; The very cause of a sweet breath or of the contrary . Quorum ventriculus non vitiosis excrementis , maximeque pituitosis redundat , eorum eructus purior est ; quorum autem illis redundat , impurus & male olent . Radix enim vim calefaciendi incidendi extenuandique materiam obtinet . Flatusque ex humoribus movet , quos per ructum retrudit ac rejicit . The like reason is to bee given of Turneps , and roasted Cheese , why they should corrupt the breath .

CHAP. 54. Of Turneps .

TVrneps are of hot and moist temperature ; if they bee first well boiled in water , and after in the fat broth of flesh , and eaten with Porke or Beefe , they nourish much , they augment the seed of man , and provoke carnall lust ; The vertue of Turneps . They bee windy , wherefore they should be eaten with Pepper : They breake flegme in the brest and cause one to spit easily , but being much and often eaten , they make raw juyce in the stomack , and corrupt the breath ; the seed of it is put in Triacle , as good against poyson .

CHAP. 55. Of Parseneps and Carets .

PArsenips and Carets are hot and drie , Parsenips and Carets good for the Collick and stone . but Carets are hot and drie almost in the third degree ; they both have vertue to breake winde and expell Vrine , which properties be very profitable for such as be subject to the Cholick and stone . The rootes are used to be eaten of both , first sodden , then buttered , but especially Parsenips , for they are common meat among the common people all the time of Autumne , and chiefly upon fish dayes : But they that abstaine from flesh , and eate Parsenips or Carets , meaning thereby partly to subdue their lust , are deceived , by the judgment of Matthiolus , where he saith : Pro jejunantium instituto , essent potius eorum cibis abdicandae ; Li. 3. Dios. ca. 5.2 . Parsenips and Carets provoke Carnall lust . venerem enim non obscure stimulant : wherein hee agreeth with Diosc. in the same Chapter ; for so Dios. writeth of Parsenips ; Radix urinam pellit , venerem stimulat . And of Carets , Galen writeth , 6. Simp. Radix flatuosum quiddam obtinet ac venereum : Wherefore they are both good for such as bee weake and in a consumption . Parsenips and Carets be restorative . And if students doe eate them , I meane those that bee Students indeed , which follow the lesson of Plinie , Omne perire tempus quod studio non impertias , except they use other provocation , they need not greatly to feare Cupids force ; for Pythias said to Chremes in Terence , Sine Cerere & Baccho friget Venus . But of Parsenips and Carets Galen writeth , Vrinam citat , & si quis ipsis copiosius utatur vitiosum succum mediocriter gignent , Lib. 2. de Ali. fa. cap. 67. Carets are better than Parseneps . Cari Radix melioris est succi quam Pastinacae .

CHAP. 56. Of Capers and Sampere .

CApers be hot and dry in the second degree ; they are brought to us from beyond the Sea , and as Galen writeth , Lib. 2 de Ali. fa. cap. 34. they nourish nothing after that they be salted , but yet they make the belly loose , and purge flegme which is therein contained . Also stirreth appetite to meate , Capers be very wholesome for the preservation of health . and openeth the obstructions or stopping of the Liver and Spleene , which is a speciall vertue in the preservation of health . They should bee eaten with Oximell before other meate , but our custome is to eate them with meate . Sampere . Sampere is of much like nature , and used as a sawce with meats after the same manner : It is a weed growing neare to the Sea side , and is very plentifull about the I le of Man , from whence it is brought to divers parts of England , preserved in Brine , & is no lesse wholesome than Capers .

CHAP. 57. Of Tansie .

TAnsie is hot in the second degree , and drie in the third . It is one of those sixe things which are reckoned in Schola Salerni to be good for the Palsie . The reason is ( as I thinke ) for that it avoideth flegme , Cap. 60 . and by the heate thereof dry the sinewes : Also it killeth wormes , and purgeth the matter whereof they be engendred : Why Tansies are to be used about Easter . Wherefore it is much used among us in England about Easter , with fryed Egges , not without good cause , to purge away the flegme engendred of fish in the Lent season , whereof wormes are soone bred in them that be thereto disposed , though the common people understand not the cause , why Tansies are more used after Lent , than at anie other time of the yeare . The hearbe is good also for the Stone , and stopping of Vrine , as Matt. reporteth . Lib. 3. Dios. cap. 138.

CHAP. 58. Of Feverfew .

FEverfew is hot in the third degree , and drie in the second : it is not used in meats , but in medicine : It is called of Matthiolus Matricaria , and is onely to bee used in womens diseases . Yet this experience I have of it , An experiment for a Feaver . that being punned small and tempered with a little salt , and laid to the pulses of both wrests , it cureth Agues in children ; and sometime in the elder sort too , so that it be renued once in 24 houres , and used continually for the space of nine daies .

CHAP. 59. Of Fumitory .

FVmitory is hot and dry almost in the second degree ; though it grow wild , yet because it is found in some gardens and is very profitable for Students , I have here mentioned it . Galen sheweth how a Countrie-man was wont to use it , Lib. 7. Simp. both to strengthen his stomack , and to loose his bellie : How a man of the Countrey used Fumitory . First he made the hearbe into powder , Et cum uti volebat subunctionis gratia , melicrato inspargebat : at roborare volens stomachum , vino nimirum diluto . But Students may distill the hearbe , and use to drinke the water by it selfe with a little Sugar or with white wine fasting , for it doth strengthen the stomack , open the Liver , purifie the blood by purging humours adust , Great vertues of fumitory . and by that meanes helpeth itching and scabbinesse , and Morphew , and giveth a lively and fresh color to the face ; To make a fair colour in the face . good therefore for such as would be faire , and hurtfull to none . Some use to boyle Fumitory in clarified Whey , and so it is very good also to bee drunke for the purposes aforesaid . Syrup of Fumitory is of the same effect , and may be drunke being mixed with white Wine , three spoonfuls of the Syrup to a quarter of a Pinte of the Wine .

CHAP. 60. Of Filipendula .

FIlipendula is hot and drie not fully in the third degree : it is highly commended of Physitians for the Stone , and Strangurie , and stopping of Vrine : Wherefore such as be grieved with the like infirmities , may use the hearbe in pottage or brothes , or otherwise by the wise counsell of the learned Physitian .

CHAP. 61. Of S. Iohns Woort .

SAint Iohns Woort is hot and drie in the third degree : Beside that , it is a very good Pot-hearbe , it is used both in Physick and Surgerie . In Medicines , as Matthiolus writeth , Li. 3. Dios. c. 156. Epotum semen ex vino calculos ejicit , & venenis adversatur . Aqua stillatitia florescentis jam herbae , maxime quibusdam praefertur comitialibus et resolutis . And in Surgerie there is made thereof a Balme which is excellent good for wounds , after Alexis , in this manner : Take of S. Iohns Wort the flowers , and of the flowers of Rosemarie , of each one a handfull , put them together into a glasse , & fill it with perfect Oile , Lib. 2. par. 4. and close well the mouth of the glasse , that no Aire goe out , An excellent Balme to heale any wound . then let it stand in the Sunne the space of thirty dayes , and in cleare nights also , and when the Oyle shall have gotten the colour of the flowers , straine it , and put to it Ginger one dramme , and a little Safron , dissolved in good wine , then set it in the Sunne againe the space of 18 dayes , and annoint the wounds with the said Oyle , luke warme twice a day , and you shall have your effect .

CHAP. 64. Of Cinckfoile .

CInkfoile is drie in the third degree , & hath very little heate : it is much used in Surgerie , when need requireth to binde and consolidate , and is a very pot hearbe .

CHAP. 63. Of Avens .

AVens is hot and drie in the second degree , an hearbe sometime used in Medicine , but most commonly for the Pot.

CHAP. 64. Of Hartes-ease .

HArts-ease or Panses are dry & temperate in cold and heate : the flowers are beautifull for varietie of colours , but not used in meates , yet the hearbe is commended for a rupture . And the distilled water , the hearbe and flowers is thought good for the falling evill in children , For the falling sicknesse in Children . if they drinke it oftentimes .

CHAP. 65. Of Marigolds .

MArigolds are hot and dry , an hearb well knowne and as usuall in the Kitchin , as in the hall ; the nature wherof is to open at the Sun-rising , & to close up at the Sunne-setting : It hath one good property , and very profitable for Students , that is , as Matthiolus writeth ,

Lib. 4. Dios. cap. 186. For rednesse of of the eyes .

For the Tooth-ake .

Hujusce herbae usu acui indies oculorum acies . And againe , Constat stillatitiam floridae plantae aquam , oculorum ruborem et inflammationem arcere , si in oculis instilletur ; aut si linteola in ea macerata superponantur . Siccatae pulvis cavis dentium immissus dolorem levat . But it is of greater force in womens diseases , as hee writeth in the same Chapter . Constat sexcentis faeminarum factis periculis , eandem valere plurimum ad menses ducendos , et praesertim epoto ejus succo , aut herba ipsa recente diutius devorata .

CAP. 66. Of Larks claw .

LArks claw , or Larks heele , is temperately warme , and is of small use in meat or Medicine .

CHAP. 67. Of Columbine .

COlumbine is temperate in heat and moisture : the flowers onely are used to adorne the house . An easie medicine for the Yellow Iaundies Semen ( ut scribunt quidam rei herbariae authores ) drachmae pondere potum ex Cretico vino addito croci momento , icteritiam sanat , sed aegros in lecto subinde sudare oportet .

CHAP. 68. Of Chamaemell .

CHamaemell is hot and dry in the first degree An Herb in great estimation among the Aegyptians , and was thought a remedy for all Agues , Lib. 3. Sim. as Galen reporteth . And this Medicine I learned of a Countrey man , for an Agew , A good medicine for a Fever . which I have proved true in many , though it failed in some . Take a handfull of Chamaemell , wash it cleane , and bruise it a little , and seethe it in a pint of Ale , till halfe be wasted , scum it well , and straine it , and drinke it an houre before the fit , and if you thinke it bitter , put in Sugar , cover you warme , and procure heat , so doing three dayes together fasting . The smell of the Herbe is comfortable to the braine , and therefore to be frequented of Students .

CHAP. 69. Of Saffron .

SAffron is hot in the second degree , and dry in the first ; though it be reckoned among spices , yet because it groweth in many Gardens , and is so usuall in meats , I thought good to mention it in this place . Fernelius writeth , Lib. 5. Meth. cap. 21. that Saffron , Cor imprimis , deinde alias partes roborat , emendatque earum putredines : sed extra modum sumptus lethalem vim inferre perhibetur . Which thing is proved true by experience : for if a man use much Saffron , it will make him very fainty : but being moderately used , Stomacho utilis est , ciborumque concoctionem juvat .

CHAP. 70. Of Oke of Hierusalem .

OKe of Hierusalem is hot and dry in the second degree . The chiefe use of it is in Physicke for shortnesse of wind , and avoiding of bloud and flegme by spitting , as in Plurisies and Impostumes . It may be boyled with Liquorise thinne cut , or else by it selfe in pure water , and after sweetned with a little honey or Sugar , and so drunke . But Students may cut the Herbe when it is full growne , and dry it a time in the Sunne , and after lay it among their cloaths , for so it will keepe them from Moths , and give them a good savour , which Wormwood will not doe , To preserve cloths from Moths . though Wormwood being used in the like manner , preserve garments from Moths .

CHAP. 71. Of Alecoast .

ALecoast is hot and dry in the second degree . Alecoast Ale . If you list to make a pleasant drinke , and comfortable to the stomacke , put certaine handfuls of this Herbe in the bottome of a vessell , and tunne up new Ale upon it , after the manner of Sage Ale before prescribed . The Herbe Maudlin is of the same nature , Maudlin . and much like of smell .

CHAP. 72. Of Clary .

CLary is hot and dry almost in the third degree . It is found by experience very good for the back , and restorative in a waste . For which purpose they use not onely to boile the leaves whole in broths , tied together in one bunch or handfull , A good Medicine for the backe grieved , or for a waste in man or woman . but also they frie the leaves with the yolks of egges , and so serve them up to the table . And thus much I can say by proofe , that who so shall use this Herb often , shall finde great ease for the griefes aforesaid .

CHAP. 73. Of Betayne .

BEtaine , though it grow wilde , yet it is set in many Gardens , and is hot and dry in the second degree . The vertues of it are innumerable , ( as Antonius Musa , who hath written a peculiar booke of this Herb , Lib. 5. Meth. cap. 18. doth testifie , For diseases of the braine . but especially it is good for the braine , so that ( as Fernelius writeth ) Cerebrum vel odore solo recreat , hinc Comitialibus furiosisque medetur , Paralysis , torpentiaque membra persanat . For which vertues it is greatly to be esteemed of Students . And one thing I have often proved , To purge the head . when I was a Student my selfe , that if you put a leafe of it up into the nostrils , it will provoke neesing , and purge the head of flegme .

CHAP. 74. Of Angelica .

ANgelica is hot and dry almost in the third degree . It is a rare herbe , and of singular vertue , but chiefly commended against the Pestilence , as well to preserve a man from it , as to helpe him when he is infected . After Matthiolus , Pestilentiam arcet hausta , Li. 4. Dios. c. 111. aut frequenter commansa . And so was I wont to use it at Oxford in time of Plague , to grate of the dry root into drinke , A good Medicine to preserve from the Pestilence . and to carry a little peece of the root in my mouth when I went abroad . And for such as be infected , Datur radicis semidrachma unà cum Theriacae drachma è sua ipsius aqua , iis qui peste laborant , & deinde sudore coguntur , repetiturque eodem modo post septem horas , aliqui enim hoc tantum antidoto sanati sunt . Beside the vertues aforesaid , For one infected with the Pestilence . the decoction of the root in water or wine , is excellent good for those that be short winded , through abundance of cold flegme stopping the Lungs . And the same decoction is wonderfull good to dissolue and avoid any inward impostume , For shortnesse of wind and an impostume . or congealed bloud , and greatly strengthneth the stomacke , yea , the powder of the root being taken in drinke , comforteth the heart , and strengthneth such as bee subject to swooning , and for the biting of a mad dog , or stinging of any venomous worme : pound the leaves of this Herbe and Rue together , For biting of a mad dogge , or stinging of a venomous Worme . and apply them to the place , and give the Patient to drinke inwardly the decoction of the leaves or roots . Moreover the root chewed , or a little peece thereof put into the hollownesse of the tooth , helpeth the tooth-ach , For the tooth-ach . and amendeth the ill savour of the breath : in so much , that it will in a manner take away the smell of Garlicke . Wherefore every Student that hath a Garden , should provide to have this Herbe .

CHAP. 75. Of Pellitory of Spaine .

PEllitory of Spaine is hot in the third degree fully , and dry in the second . To purge the head . The chiefe use thereof is in Medicines to purge the head . Which effect it worketh , if a man cut but a little peece of the root dried , and chew it betweene his teeth for a time . For so it draweth abundance of flegmaticke and waterish humours , which must be avoided by spitting , holding downe the head . It may best bee done fasting , or at night a little before we goe to bed . And this practise I have proved good , nor onely to ease the tooth-ach , For a rheume . ( which is a paine most intollerable ) but also for a rheume & griefe of the head , proceeding of a rheume , which is a common calamity of Students . Also Matthiolus saith , that this roote Oris halitum commendat , Lib. 3. Dios. c. 65. & omnes roborat sensus , and that in pulverem contrita , vinoque subinde pota frigidis occurrit morbis : Quamobrem resolutis , comitialibus , convulsis auxilio est .

CHAP. 76. Of Dragons .

DRagons is hot and dry in the third degree : The chiefe use whereof is against the plague . For which purpose we use to distill the Herb , and preserve the water , which may be used as need requireth . A little fine Treacle being mixed withall , Non solum valet ad praeservandum , For the plague . verum etiam ad liberandum infectos .

CHAP. 77. Of Elecampane .

ELecampane is hot in the third degree , and drie in the second . The chiefe vertue thereof is to open the brest , and to helpe shortnesse of wind , caused by tough flegme stopping the Lungs . Also it openeth opilations of the Liver and Spleene , and comforteth the stomacke , as saith Schola Salerni . Cap. 68. Enula Campana , haec reddit praecordia sana .

And for this purpose , who so listeth may make Conserva of Elecampane roots , in this manner . First wash the roots cleane , slice them in peeces as bigge as your thumbe , seeth them in faire water untill they be tender , take them up and pound them , and draw them thorow a haire Sieve or strainer , Conserva of Elecampane . then set them againe over the fire , and put to them the double or treble weight of Sugar . And when it is perfectly incorporated , take it off , and keep it in a glasse or gally-pot . Also of the roots of Elecampane is made a kind of Wine called Vinum Enulatum , much used in Germany , as Matthiolus writeth ; Lib. 1. Dios. c. 12. Quod vinum in potu sumptum mirifice visum acuit . Beside that , it hath like vertue as the conserve . The best time to gather the roots , is when the leaves fall . The best season to gather roots in . Which time also is best to take all other roots that are to be used in Physicke , except it be for present necessitie .

CHAP. 78. Of Setwall .

SEtwall , or Capons-taile , is hot and dry in the second degree . Thereof bee two sorts , commonly knowne and set in Gardens . The one small , which is called Valerian , and is a good pot-herbe , and beside that , is very good to heale a cut , as every Kitchin maid knoweth . The other is named of some , great Valerian , whose vertues are very great and very many , after Matthiolus , where he saith : Lib. 1. Dios. c. 10. Praestat Phu ad venenosorum ictus ex vino potum , & adversus pestilentiam , non modo haustum , sed etiam olfactum , valet ad stranguriam ejus decoctum potum . Datur quoque utiliter anhelosis , & tussientibus , praesertim si coquatur cum dulci radice , uvis passis & semine anisi . Devorata radix flatus pellit . Tota planta virens una cum radicibus contusa , & capiti dolenti illita , dolores & punctiones mulcet . Facit & ad oculorum vitia , ubi albo vino decoquatur , & deinde vinum in oculum instilletur . Additur in potionibus vulnerum intrinsecorum , magno juvamento . And one thing I will note of this Herbe for the pleasure of Students , that the roots thereof being dried and laid among cloths , they give a sweet smell to them .

CHAP. 79. Of Galingale .

GAlingale , or rather Cipresse roots , though it bee rare , yet is it found in some Gardens , and is hot and drie in the third degree . Beside that , the roots are good in Medicines ; if they be laid among cloths , they make them to savour well . Lib. 1. Dios. c. 4. Matth. setteth downe an easie Medicine to bee made of this root for the Dropsie , For the Dropsie . in this manner ; Ciperi radicum farina , addita baccharum lauri eadem mensura , urina impubis pueri excepta & illita , hydropicos mirifice juvat .

CHAP. 80. Of Skirwort .

SKirwort is hot and dry in the second degree . The roots thereof are used of skilfull Cooks for Salads , as Burre roots when they are young .

CHAP. 81. Of Prickmadem .

PRickmadem is one kinde of ( Sedum . ) Another is Housleeke , Cold Herbs . and the third is Stone crop . All three doe grow commonly upon the slates of houses , but Prickmadem is planted in Gardens , and is used for a Pot herbe , and is cold in the third degree .

CHAP. 82. Of Lettuse .

LEttuse is cold and temperately moist in the second degree : The hearbe is much used in Sallads in the Summer time with vineger oyle , and sugar or salt , and is found both to procure appetite to meate , and to temper the heate of the stomack and Liver . But in one point we differ from the use of old time . For wee eate Lettuse in the beginning of our meales , The old custome of eating Lettuse . whereas they were woont to be eaten last , as the Poet Martial writeth : Claudere quae caenas lactuca solebat avorum , Dic mihi cur nostras inchoet illa dapes .

Galen giveth Lettuse this commendation , Lib. 2. de Ali. fa. cap. 40. that of all hearbs it breedeth lest evill juice ; it may bee eaten raw ( as I have said ) in Sallets , yet because of it selfe it is waterish and cold , Cap. 52. eius . lib. as Galen writeth Non modo suavior sed utilior etiam redditur , si acrium olerum quoddam assumpserit , ob eam certe causam nonnulli Erucae ac porri follia , alii Ocimi lactucae admiscent . It may be also eaten being first boiled , as we use in Broths , Li. 2. de . Ali. fa. cap. 40. or as Gal. used in clean water , for so he saith ; Aetate juvenili cum mihi ventriculus bile assidue infestaretur , lactuca quo ipsum refrigerarem utebar : cum vero ad aetatem declinantem perveni , hoc olus fuit mihi adversus vigilias remedio : How Galen used to eate Lettuse , and why . tunc enim contra ac in Iuventute , somnum mihi dedita opera conciliabam , grave enim mihi erat praeter voluntatem vigilare , quod mihi accidebat partim quod juventute meapte sponte vigiliis assueveram , partim quod declinantium aetas ad insomnium est propensa . Itaque lactuca vespere commansa , unicum erat mihi insomniae αλεξιφαρμακον : Whose example I wish all Students to follow , because they are commonly in youth and age even as Galen was : For whom Lettuse are ill . Yet one thing I warne all men of out of Matth. Cavendus est lactucarum usus , suspiriosis , sanguinem excreantibus , pituitosisque , sed iis maxime qui procreandis liberis dant operam . And if any Student list to live honestly unmarried , let him use oftentimes this medicine , set forth by Dios. Epotum semen lactucae libidinum imaginationes in somno compescit , For one that would live unmarried . Lib. 6. Simp. & veneri refragatur . And as Galen saith , Geniturae profluvium cohibet : sumi potest in Cervitia , prius contritum mane & vespere .

CHAP. 83. Of Endive and Succorie .

The vertues of Endive and Succory . ENdive and Succory are cold & drie in the second degree ; because they are much like in operation , I joyne them both together . The leaves especially of white Endive are not onely used in medicines , but also in meates , either raw in Sallads , or boyled in Brothes . Both Endive and Succorie any way used doe coole the heate of the liver , and by a speciall property doe strengthen it , and open the obstructions thereof . For which vertues they are worthy to bee greatly esteemed : For it is a great preservation of health , to have the liver temperate and unstopped , considering that it is the place where all the humours of the body are first wrought , and therefore called Officina sanguinis .

The Liver is the work-house of blood .

The heate of the Liver .

Students that have hoate stomack or hoate livers , may cause their Cookes to boile them in a broth with a chicken : Or they may distill them in the Summer season and keepe the water , and when they are disposed , drink a good draught fasting with a little Sugar , or else by the advise of some learned Physitian , they may use the syrup of Endive , or Succorie . I was wont to lay certaine handfuls of the greene hearbs , cleane washed in the bottome of a vessell , and to tunne up new Ale to them , not over strong : and so to make Endive Ale , after the manner of Sage Ale , Endive Ale . shewed before , wherein I found great commodity being troubled with inflammation of the Liver . Dandelion and Sowthistill , Dandelion and Sowthistill . are of much like effect to Endive and Succory ; for they are both cooling and very good to bee used in pottage , or boyled whole in Broths , or eaten in Sallads : They have one good property , very profitable for Students , ( who for the more part have ill stomacks ) for of Sowthistill Matth. saith , In vino decoctus stomachi fluxionibus medetur : and of Dandelion he saith , Li. 2. Dios. c. 124. Cocta herba stomachum dissolutum adstringit .

CHAP. 84. Of Bleet .

BLeet is cold and moist in the second degree : It is used for a Pot-hearbe among others , and is sometime eaten being first boiled in water , and then fried with Oyle and Butter , and after that seasoned with Salt and Vinegar , or Verjuice : yet the often eating of it is disallowed by Matth. Quia vomitiones movet ventriculi , & intestinorum termina facit , & alui fluxiones ciet excitata bile .

CHAP. 85. Of Spinage .

SPinage not mentioned in Galen is colde and moist in the first degree , being used in brothes or pottage it maketh the belly soluble , and easeth paines of the backe , and openeth the breast , and strengtheneth the stomack .

CHAP. 86. Of Orage .

ORage is moist in the second degree , and cold in the first , being used in pottage it doth both loose the belly , & ease the pain of the bladder . The seed of Orage is a vehement purger , as Matt. writeth ; novi ego Pharmocopolam quendam , Li. 2. Dios. c. 112. Orage seed purgeth extremely both wayes . ( saith hee ) qui ad ructicos purgandos , Atriplicis tantum semen exhibebat . Quod iis non sine molestia magna , abunde aluum ciebat , atque etiam simul crebros provocabat vomitus .

CHAP. 87. Of Beets .

BEtes are cold in the first degree , and moist in the second , they be abstersive and looseth the belly . But much eaten they annoy the stomacke , yet are they right good against obstructions or stopping of the liver , and doe greatly helpe the splene .

CHAP. 88. Of Violets .

VIolets , the flowers are cold in the first degree , and moist in the second : Conserva of Violets how to be made . Of them is made Conserva in this manner . Take the flowers of Violets , and pick them cleane from the stalke , and cut off all that which is greene . Punne them small , and put to them double the weight of Sugar , to the weight of Violet Flowers ; But to all other Flowers , The vertues of Conserva of Violets . put three parts of Sugar to the weight of the Flowers , incorporate well together the Violets and Sugar , and keepe it in a glasse or Gallipot , it will last one yeare , it is very good , to bee used of such as have hot Stomacks or hot Livers . Also it cooleth the head , and procureth sleepe , it tempereth the heart & all other parts of the body . The leaves may be boiled in a broth with other cooling hearbs , as Endive , Succory , Orage , Beets , Sorrell , What hearbes are good for a cooling broth . Strawberry Lettuce ; For so they make the belly soluble & avoid choller and doe bring the parts inflamed to good temper .

CHAP. 89. Of Sorrell .

SOrrell is cold in the third degree and drie in the second ; For the Pestilence . the leaves being sodden do loose the belly . In a time of Pestilence , if one being fasting do chew some of the leaves , and suck downe some of the juice , it marvellously preserveth from infection as a new practiser called Guainerius doth write ; and I my selfe have proved in my houshold , saith Master Eliot in his Castell of health . Which practice proveth that greene sawce is not onely good to procure appetite , but also wholsome otherwise against contagion . The seeds thereof brayed , and drunk with wine and water , are very wholesome against the Collicke , and fretting of the Guts ; it stoppeth the laske and helpeth the stomack annoyed with repletion : If any bee grieved with heate of the stomacke or inflammation of the Liver , they may easily make a good Conserva for the purpose in this manner : Conserva of Sorrell . Take the leaves of Sorrell , wash them cleane , and shake off the water , or else tary untill the water be dried cleane ; then beat them small in a marble Morter if you have it , if not in some other , and to every ounce of Sorrell , put three ounces of Sugar and incorporate them well together , putting in the Sugar by little and little then put it in a glasse or Gallipot , How to make Conserva of any hearbe . and stop it close ; and so keepe it for one yeare . After the same manner you may make conserva of any hearbe .

CHAP. 90. Of Rose .

ROse is cold in the first degree and drie in the second , Fer. lib. 5. me . c. 3. somewhat binding , especially the white Rose : but the red is lesse cold and more drie and binding , as for the damask and musk rose is hot & moyst withall . Beside the beauty and fragrant savour of Roses , which is very comfortable to all the senses : of Rose leaves is made a conserva , passing good to be used of Students , The vertues of Conserva Roses not onely to coole , but also to comfort the principall parts of the body , namely , the head , heart , How to make Conserva Roses stomack , liver , spleen , reynes ; it may bee made thus : Take the buds of red Rose , somewhat before they bee ready to spread , cut the red part of the leaves from the white , then take the red leaves and beate them very small in a stone Morter with a pestell of wood , or otherwise , as you may conveniently , and to every ounce of Roses put three ounces of Sugar in the beating after the leaves be smal , and beat all together , untill they be perfectly incorporated , then put it in a glasse or Gallipot , stop it close , and set it in the Sunne for a season , Conserves should be sunned . for so teacheth Iacobus Weckerus in all Conserves . It my bee kept for a yeare or two . Of Rose leaves likewise may be made a water of like operation to the conserva and may be drunk as other distilled waters , either of it selfe with Sugar , or mixed with wine . Red-rose water or damaske . The red Rose water pure without any other thing mingled , is most commended for wholesomnesse , but the damaske Rose water is sweetest of smell : And the best way to distill Roses or any other flower or hearbe , Li. 1. Dios. c. 113. after Matth. is in a Stillatory of glasse set over a pot of boyling water , which they call Balneum Mariae , for those waters which be distilled in Lead or Brasse , receive some smatch of the mettall and be not so wholesome for mens bodies : But our common manner of distilling in England is in Lead or Tynne , and so we draw very good waters , which keep their strength for a yeare or two ; and if any list to draw a very sweet washing water , he may draw it as followeth . Take the buds of red Roses ; Spike flowers , and Carnation Gilophers , or others , A very sweet washing water . but most of the Roses , let them dry a day and a night , put to them an ounce of Cloves grosse beaten , and so distill them , after that Sunne the water certaine dayes close stopped ; and if you will yet make it more sweet , take of Musk and Civet , of each a graine or more , tie it in a fine linnen cloth by a thred , Damask powder to make sweet water to strow among clothes . so that it may soke in the wares , & so let it stand in the Sun for a time . Or else you may make a very sweet water thus . Take of Cipresse roots , of Calamus aromaticus , of Arris of Cloves , of Storax , Calamite , of Benjamin , of each a quarter of an ounce ; make them in powder , and when you will distill your Roses , fill your Still with Rose Leaves , and a few Spike Flowers , and upon the topp strow some of your Powders , and so distill them : These Rose-Cakes will bee very sweet to lay among clothes . And if you list you may hang Muske and Civet in it , and Sunne it , as I have said before , for twenty or thirty dayes ; and if you will not be at cost upon Spices , you may make a very sweet water thus : Take Damaske Roses or red-Roses , A sweet water good cheape . Spike Flowers , Rosemary , Gilo-Flowers , Mynte , Majerom , Balme , Bay-Leaves , of each alike , and distill them . Also Spike Flowers distilled alone doe make a very sweet water . These waters , The use of sweet waters for students . I counsell all Students that bee able , to have , at the least some one of them , and to sprinkle themselves therewith sometimes , and wash their temples , Nostrels , and Beards , for the savour of sweet waters and perfumes doe greatly comfort the Braine , and revive the senses ; but pure Red Rose water is not onely good to be drunk , but it is good also to wash the eyes ; and if any Student be dimme of sight , he may make an excellent water for the eyes , A good water for dimnes of sight , or for any other impediment of the eyes . in this manner : Take three Spoonefuls of Red-Rose water , one spoonefull of White Wine , of Tutia a dramme , of Aloes Epaticke , of white Sugar-Candie , of each the weight of two pence , make all in Powder , and mixe them together , let them settle in a glasse for two or three dayes , whereof drop as need requireth into the eyes , for it doth clense , dry , and strengthen the sight , and helpeth all exulceration and rednesse , proceeding of heat . And for such as have a care to preserve their sight , as all good students have , Another good water for eyes . ( for it standeth them upon ) they may make a water after the prescription of Schol. Sal. as followeth : Feniculus , Verbena , Rosa , & Chelidonia , Ruta , Ex istis fit aqua quae lumina reddit acuta .

Take of each of these five alike , gather them when they are dry cut those herbs short that be long , distill them , and Sunne the water as before is said , and use now and then to wash your eyes therewith .

CHAP. 91. Of Purslane .

PUrslane is cold in the third degree , and moist in the second . The leaves are used to bee eaten in Sallets with Vinegar , by themselves , or with Lettuce in the Summer season . And surely very good for such as have hot stomacks , for it doth mitigate the great heat of all the inward parts of the body , likewise of the head and eyes . Also it represseth the rage of Venus : Against Venus . wherefore it is much to bee used of such students as will live honestly unmaried . Being eaten , it helpeth the teeth that be set on edge with sowre things . Some use to preserve it in salt and brine , but so it heateth and purgeth the stomacke .

CHAP. 92. Of Strawberrie .

STrawberrie is cold in the first degree , and dry in the second . The leaves and roots are used in Medicines , The vertues of Strawberries . but the fruit is used to be eaten . And beside that it is very pleasant in taste , it qualifieth the heat of the stomake and Liver . In some places where they are plentifull , they use to distill them , and draw a very cooling water , which is good to drinke for such as have cholericke stomacks , or inflamed Livers , and being dropped into the eyes , helpeth the itch , rednesse , and inflammation of them , Strawberry water , wherefore it is good . as I my selfe have proved . They may be made in a Conserva in like manner , as I shall shew afterward of Berberies .

CHAP. 93. Of Poppie .

POppie , whereof be three kinds , white , red , and blacke . The red is wilde , and groweth among corne , the white & blacke are commonly in Gardens , it is cold & dry in the first degree . The seeds of white Poppie and blacke , are used to be eaten , as appeareth by Diosc. and Matth. yea , the Countrey folks about Trident , Lib. 4. Dios. c 60. ( as saith Matth. ) take the leaves of wilde Poppie , at their first budding forth , and boile them as they doe other Herbs , and eat them with butter and Cheese . And one goodly experiment I learne out of Matth. in the same place , that the red leaves of Poppy which grow among corne , For a Stitch or Plurifie . being dried and made in powder , and given in drinke , should marvellously helpe a Pleurisie , and the women of Salerne give their children the powder of white Poppie seeds with milk to cause them to sleep ; it may also be given otherwise for the same purpose , as in Posset-drinke , To procure sleepe . in an Ale-berry , or best of all in a Cawdale made of Almonds and Hemp-seed .

CHAP. 94. Of Orpine .

ORpine cooleth in the third degree . It is proved good to heale a cut , being pounded and laid to it . It is wonderfull to see how long this herbe wil continue greene , being hanged up in the house as I thinke , through the abundant and firme moisture that is in it .

CHAP. 95. Of Burnet .

BUrnet is dry in the third degree , and cold in the second . It is very astringent , and partly cooling , and therefore good to put in Wine , to confirme the stomacke . And being used in pottage , Lib. 4 Dios. c. 45. Burnet good for any flux of man or woman . it bindeth the belly . And as Matth. reporteth , Muliebre profluvium efficacissime sistit , dyssenteriam , & caeteros alvi fluxus cohibet , & biliosas vomitiones reprimit . And as hee saith in the same place by the authority of Matthaeus Curtius , it is also very good in the plague . For which purpose I have knowne some to distill the Herbe , Burnet good for the Plague . and to keepe the water all the yeare . Which thing may easily bee done , for the Herbe is very plentifull , and is commonly greene , Winter and Summer .

CHAP. 96. Of Deysies .

DEysies are of nature cold and moist , whether they be red or white , double or single . They be of like vertue , they are used to be given in Potions in fractures of the head , and deepe wounds of the breast . And this experience I have of them , that the juyce of the leaves and roots of Deysies being put into the nostrils purgeth the braine , To purge the head . Lib. 3. cap : 139. they are good to bee used in pottage , for Matth. writeth , Herba ipsa recens in acetariis devorata , alvum adstrictam lenit , id quod etiam praestat ex jure pinguium carnium decocta .

CHAP. 97. Of Gourds , Melons and Cucumbers , which though they bee fruits , yet because they are commonly set in Gardens , be here specified .

GOurds are cold and moist in the second degree . Being eaten raw , they be unpleasant in taste , and ill for the stomacke , and almost never digested . Therfore hee that will needs eat them , must boyle them , roast them , or fry them . Every way they be without savour or taste , and of their proper nature they give to the body cold and moist nourishment , and that very little , but by reason of the slipperinesse of their substance , and because all meats which be moist of nature be not binding , they lightly passe forth by the belly , and being well ordered , they will bee meetly concoct , if corruption in the stomacke doe not prevent them .

CHAP. 98. Of Melons and Pepons .

MElons and Pepons , commonly called pompions , be cold and moist in the second degree , they bee almost of one kinde , saving that the Melon is round like an Apple , and the innermost part thereof where the seedes are contained is used to be eaten . The Pepon is much greater and somewhat long , and the inner part thereof is not to be eaten . The vulgar people call both by the name of Melons , and they use to boyle them and to eat them with fat Beefe , or frie them with Butter , and to eat them with vineger & pepper . They both are very cold and moist , and do make ill juice in the body , if they be not well digested , but the Pepon much worse than the Melon . They doe least hurt if they be eaten before meales . Albeit if they do finde flegme in the stomacke , Melons and Pepons be like the Chameleon . they bee turned into flegme , if they find choler , they be turned into choler , Notwithstanding there is in them the vertue to clense and provoke urine , and if any bee troubled with heat of the stomacke or liver , or reines , with the Strangury , they may take ripe Melons , and shred them into small pieces , and distill them , An excellent water to coole the reynes and to helpe the stone . and sunne the water for a moneth , then drinke thereof every morning tempered with a little Sugar , the quantitie of three or foure ounces , for the space of a moneth : for besides that , this water cooleth all the inward parts , it doth greatly helpe the stone , provoketh urine , and clenseth the kidnies .

CHAP. 99. Of Cucumbers .

CVcumbers bee likewise cold and moist in the second degree , they are pared , sliced thin and served to the table with vineger and pepper in the Summer season , and eaten with Mutton , and proved to be cooling and comfortable to such as labour with their bodies , or have hoat and strong stomackes . But for flegmaticke and delicate persons which do no labour , they bee unwholesome , and ingender a cold and thick humour in the veines , which seldome or never is turned into good bloud , and somtime bringeth in fevers . They are good to abate carnall lust . And the seeds as well of Cucumbers as of Melons and Gourds , beeing dried and made cleane from the huskes , are very medicinable against sicknesses proceeding of heat , and the difficultie or let in pissing , as Physitians prove daily in their practise .

CHAP. 100. Of Nettle .

AFter all garden herbes commonly used in kitchin , I will speake somewhat of the Nettle , that Gardeners may understand , what wrong they doe in plucking it up for a weed , seeing it is so profitable to many purposes . Whether it be cold or hot , may well be perceived by touching : for who so handleth it without some defence for his hand , shall feele that it is hot in the third degree , and drie in the second , according as Avicen affirmeth . Cunning cookes at the spring of the yere when Nettles first bud forth , Nettle potage / can make good potage with them , especially with red Nettles , very wholesome to cleanse the breast of flegme , to breake winde , to provoke urine , and to loose the belly . All which properties with other moe are briefely comprehended in Scho. Sa. cap. 6● .

Aequis dat somnum , vomitum quoque tollit & usum , Compescit tussim veterem , Colicisque medetur , Pellit Pulmonis frigus ventrisque tumorem , Omnibus & morbis sic subvenit articulorum .

CHAP. 101. Of Fruits .

NOw that I have spoken sufficiently of garden herbes , it followeth that I intreat of fruits , which is the second part of my division proposed before , touching meats . For such is the providence of God toward mankinde , that hee hath not onely provided corne and herbes for our sustenance , but also fruits , Herbes and fruits were the first meats of mankinde . flesh and fish . Howbeit , herbes and fruits were the first food that ever was appointed to man , as appeareth by the commandement of God given to Adam . And from the time of Adam untill after Noahs floud , Gen. 1. ver 29. he use of flesh and wine was altogether unknown : for before the floud they neither eat flesh nor dranke wine . Gen 9 Ver . 3. But now by the change of dyet of our progenitors , there is caused in our bodies such alteration from the nature which was in man at the beginning , The alteration of mankinde touching dyet . that now al herbs and fruits generally are noyfull to man and doe engender ill humors , and be oft-times the cause of putrified Fevers , if they be much and continually eaten . Notwithstanding unto them which have abundance of choler , they be sometime convenient to represse the flame , which proceedeth of choler . And some fruits which be stypticke or binding in taste , eaten before meales , do binde the belly , but eaten after meales they be rather laxative . Wherefore it shall be expedient to write particularly of such fruits as bee in common use , declaring their noyfull qualities in appeyring of nature , and how they may bee used with least hurt .

CHAP. 102. Of Apples .

OF all fruits , Apples are most used amongst us in England , and are cold and moist in the first degree , as M. Eliot alleageth . Howbeit there is great difference in apples , as in forme , so in taste : for some be sweet , The difference of Apples . some be soure , some bitter , some harrish or rough tasted Apples , some be of a mixt temperature both sweet and soure , &c. The sweet and bitter Apples are inclining to heat , the soure & harrish are cooling , and therefore good , where the stomack is weake by distemperance of heat . But all Apples generally are unwholesome in the regiment of health , especially if they bee eaten raw or before they bee full ripe , or soone after they bee gathered . For ( as Avicen sayth ) they hurt the sinewes , they breed winde in the second digestion , they make ill and corrupt bloud . Wherefore raw apples and Quodlings are by this rule rejected , Raw Apples & Quodlings . though unruly people through wanton appetite will not refraine them , and chiefely in youth when ( as it were ) by a naturall affection they greedily covet them , as I have knowne in my daies many a shrewd boy for the desire of apples , to have broken into other folkes orchards . But apples may be eaten with least detriment , How Apples may be eaten with least hurt . if they be gathered full ripe , and well kept untill the next Winter , or the yere following , and be eaten rosted , or baken , or stewed . For so they are right wholesome and do confirme the stomacke and make good digestion most properly in a cholericke stomacke , yea raw apples if they bee old , being eaten at night going to bed , Cold Apples for whom they are good . without drinking to them are found very commodious in such as have hot stomackes , or bee distempered in heat and dryth by drinking much wine , & are thought to quench the flame of Venus , according to that old English saying , Hee that will not a wife wed , must eat a cold apple when he goeth to bed , though some turne it to a contrary purpose . And this experiment I have knowne , that a rosted apple suffered untill it were cold , and then eaten last at night to bed-ward , hath loosed the belly , and is therefore good for such as bee commonly costive . A cold rosted Apple what it worketh . Lib. 2. de Ali. fa. cap. 21. But what time is best to eat apples Galen declareth . Caeterum post cibum statim dare ipsa conveniet , nonnunquam autem & cum pane ad ventriculum & stomachum roborandum iis qui deiecta sunt appetentia , tardeque concoquunt : quique vomitu , diarrhaea ac dysenteria infestantur . Which saying is diligently to be noted , The English use of eating Apples proved by Galen . for this is a confirmation of our use in England , for the serving of Apples and other fruits last after meales . Howbeit wee are woont to eat Carawayes or Biskets , or some other kinde of Comfits , or seedes together with Apples , The best way to eat apples . thereby to breake winde engendered by them : and surely this is a verie good way for students . The best Apples that wee have in England are Pepins , Costards , Duseannes , Darlings , and such other . They that will not eat Apples , may yet eat Apple tarts , Apple tarts . How to preserve apples a long time . which be very wholsome for cholericke stomackes , if they be well made . Who so will preserve apples long , must lay them in honey , so that one touch not another .

CHAP. 103. Of Peares .

PEares are much of the nature of Apples and of the same temperature , that is to say , cold and moist in the first degree . The difference of Peares must be discerned , by the taste even as of Apples . For some are sweet , some soure , some both , some drier , some more moist , &c. But they are heavier of digestion than apples . And all manner of fruit generally fill the bloud with water , which boyleth up in the body , as new wine doth in the vessell , and so prepareth and causeth the bloud to putrifie , and consequently bringeth in sicknesse . How raw pears may be eaten with least hurt . So Peares eaten raw make waterish and corrupt bloud , and beside that they ingender winde , and so cause the Cholicke . And therefore if any be so greedie of them , that needes they will eat raw Peares , it shall bee good to drinke after them a draught of old wine of good savour , as sacke or Canary wine . And this is the reason ( as I thinke ) of that saying which is commonly used , that peares without wine are poison , that is to say , hurtfull to mans nature , as it is sayd , in Scho. Sal. cap. 39.

Adde pyro potum sine vino sunt pyra virus .

Peare baken , rosted or stewed . But if they be rosted baken , or stewed , they are not unwholesome . And eaten after meat being rype and well gathered , they doe restraine and knit up the stomacke and fortifie digestion , which also is approved by Schola Sal.

Cum coquis , antidotum pyra sunt , sed cruda venenum . eodem . Cruda gravant stomachum , relevant pyra cocta gravatum .

But to avoid all inconvenience that may grow by eating of Pears , Apples , and other fruits , Cordus giveth a very good caveat in this manner . How Peares & other fruit may be eaten without hurt .

Vt pyra non noceant , extra mundentur & intra , Mox immerge sali projice deinde foras .

The great peares which Virgil nameth Gravia volema , in English peare-wardens , Georg. li. 2. may be longest preserved and have chiefely the foresaid vertues . As for other sorts of peares , though they be more pleasant in taste ; yet they are but 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , as Galen speaketh , that is to say Summer fruits .

CHAP. 104. Of Peaches .

PEaches be cold in the first degree , and moist in the second . Dios. saith , Lib. 1. cap. 131. that ripe peaches be wholsome both for the stomacke and belly . But they should bee eaten before meales , as Galen sheweth , and not after meat ( as our manner is in England ) for beeing eaten after meat , they swim above , Li. 2. de ali. fa. cap. 19. and both corrupt themselves , and also the other meats . But eaten before , Peares should be eaten before meat . they mollifie the belly , and provoke appetite , and qualifie the distemperature of choler in the stomacke . And after Peaches we should drink wine , Wine to be drunke with Peares . to helpe the coldnesse of them , as it is in Scho. Sal.

Persica cum musto , vobis datur ordine iusto .

But for such as can rule themselves and refrain their appetite according to reason , it is best of all to forgoe both apples , peares and peaches , together with other things which ingender melancholy , and are unwholesome for sicke folkes , and are briefely contained in these verses following taken out of Scho. Sal.

Persica , poma , pyra , & lac , caseus & caro salsa , Et caro cervina , & leporina , bovina , caprina , Atra haec bile nocent , suntque infirmis inimica .

CHAP: 10. Of Plummes .

PLummes are cold and moist in the second degree . Though there be diverse sorts of Plummes both of the garden and field , and of sundry colours , yet the Damasins are counted most wholesome : and beeing eaten before meats they coole a hot stomacke and soften the belly , cap. 41 . as it is in Schola Sal.

Frigida sunt , laxant , multum prosunt tibi pruna .

Damasins The Damasin Plummes are woont to be dried and preserved as figges , and are called in English , Prunes . Howbeit the Latine word Prunum signifieth any kind of plumme : yea Sloes and Bullase which grow wild . Our Damasins in England be so small , What Prunes are best . Lib. 2. de ali. fa. cap. 31 and so soure , that they will make no good Prunes . But our Prunes are brought from beyond the sea . The best are called Damaske Prunes , because they grow in a citie of Syria called Damascus , as Galen noteth , and are brought out of Syria to Venice , and from thence to other parts of Europe . The next in vertue to Damaske prunes , be Spanish prunes . They are used divers waies in Physicke , as in Syrrups , electuaries , Conserves to loose the belly , and to avoid choler . But for meats , though they nourish little , they be chiefely used in Tarts , or stewed in water or in wine , and so if they be eaten before meales , they dispose a man to the stoole . I say before meals , because we are wont to eat them after meales . And some ( as I have knowne ) being costive and using them after meales , purposely to make them soluble , have missed of their purpose . Which errour may bee holpen by eating them before meat . For so saith Math. speaking of Prunes stewed . Primis mensis devorata praeter id quod esui placent , commodissimè aluum citant . Stewed Prunes should be eaten before meat to loose the belly . Whose judgement I my self following having a cholerick stomacke , and a costive belly , was woont sometime to breake my fast with a dish of prunes stewed , contrary to the use of other men who commonly eat them last . I have written the more of Prunes , because it is so common a dish at Oxford . As for Sloes and Bullase , they are more meet for swine , than men . Sloes and Bullase .

CHAP. 106. Of Cherries .

CHeries be cold and moist in the first degree , they be divers in tast and commonly of two colors , either blacke or red . The red Cheries , if they be soure or sharp , be more wholesome . And if they be eaten fresh and newly gathered , & fasting , or at the beginning of dinner , their nature is to scoure the stomacke , and to provoke appetite ( as saith Arnoldus ) upon Sch. Sal. whose authority I alledge , Cheries should be eaten before meales . cap. 40. because peradventure it may seem strange to some , that I prescribe them to be eaten before dinner , whereas our common use is to eat them after dinner . The vertues of Cheries are briefely set downe in the same Chapter , as followeth ; Si Cerasum comedas , tibi confert grandia dona . Expurgat stomachum , nucleus lapidem tibi tollit , Hinc melior toto corpore sanguis inest .

That is to say , Cheries purge the stomacke , and the kernels of the cherry stones , The vertues of cheries . eaten drie , or made milk , breaketh the stone in the reines or bladder , and that which no fruit in a manner else doth , the substance or meat of Cherries , engendereth very good bloud , and comforteth and fatteth the body . But yet let no student be too bold hereupon , to take any surfet of Cheries , as I have knowne some do , but alwaies to remember that golden lesson of Pythagoras 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . And if you would eat Cherries or plummes , without all danger , then may you preserve them after this manner . How to preserve cheries . Take a pynt of faire running water , halfe a pinte of Rose-water , halfe a pound of Sugar , seeth all together upon a soft fire of coles , till the one halfe be consumed , then take it from the fire , and when it leaveth boiling put therein your cherries or plummes , if they be cherries cut off halfe the stalks , and let your fruit bee the like weight as of the Sugar . Set it againe on the fire , and keepe it in the like heate , till they be soft , the space of an houre , if need be . Then put into it some Cloves bruised , and when it is cold keepe it in a glasse or gallipot , the stronger the syrrup is with sugar , the better it will continue . Some put to the syrrup Cinamon Sanders , Nutmegs , Cloves , and a little Ginger . Seeth them not hastily for feare of much breaking .

CHAP. 107. Of Quinces .

QVinces be cold in the first degree , and dry in the beginning of the second . They are not used to be eaten raw , for so they are both unpleasant and unwholesome . And in my judgement no better for a students stomacke than raw beefe , but beeing rosted , stewed , or baked , and eaten after meales , they close and draw the stomacke together and helpe digestion , and mollifie the belly , if they be abundantly taken : for this is Galen his rule : Qui stomachum habent imbecillum , ventrem iis dejici , Lib. 2. de Ali. fa. cap. 22 . cum postrem is epulis astringentium quippiam sumpserint . Wherefore students having commonly weake stomackes , may ( if they be costive ) ease themselves , by eating after meat something which doth binde and restraine the stomacke , as Galen telleth of one Protas a Rhetoritian , on whom the like practise was proved . But Quinces may be otherwise used very wholesomly , as being made in conserva , or preserved in syrrup condite , or made in Marmalade . And because the making of Marmalade is a pretty conceit , and may perhaps delight some painefull student , that will bee his owne Apothecarie , partly to spare cost , and partly to be sure that it be rightly made , I will here set it downe as plainly as I can . How to make marmalade of Quinces . Your Quinces beeing full ripe , and very yellow , as in Lent season , or thereabout , first pare them , and take out the cores , then seeth them untill they be tender and soft . That done , beat them small in a woodden mortar , or marble , with a pestill of wood , then with some of the liquour wherein they were sodden , draw them through a strainer , as you would doe a tart , then set it over the fire to seeth softly , and in seething , strew in by little & little white Sugar made in powder , the weight of the Quinces or more , as your taste shall tell you , stirre it continually and put therto some pure Rose-water or Damask-water , let it seeth on height , untill it bee wall standing . Which thing ye may know by taking some of it upon a knife , and letting it coole . For if it be stiffe , then take it off and box it , while it is warm , and set it in a warm and drie ayre . And if you will not have your Marmalade so binding , you may put some ripe Apples of good verdure among your Quinces , when you boile them with Sugar . The Apples must first be sodden or rosted , and then drawne through a course boulter , as a tart . After the same manner you may make Marmalade of Wardens , Peares , Apples , Medlars , Cheries , Strawberries , yea , of Prunes or Damasins , or other plummes . First to boyle them upon a soft fixe with a little faire water , To make any kinde of marmalade . till they be soft , then to draw them , as yee doe a tart , after to boyle them againe with sufficient sugar , to dash them with sweet water and box them .

CHAP. 108. Of Grapes .

GRapes be divers in taste , and so are they in qualitie , for soure grapes are cold and moist , and sweet grapes are hot and moist . The like is to be said of other sorts . All grapes , if they be eaten newly gathered doe trouble the belly , and fill the stomacke with winde . But if they be kept two or three dayes after they bee gathered , till the huske be somewhat asswaged , they nourish the better , and are lesse laxative : neither doe they inflate so much , as saith Arnoldus . Ripe Grapes and sweet doe nourish much , and make one fat , Lib. 2. de Ali. fa. cap 9. as Galen proveth by experience of those which keepe vineyards , who feeding two or three moneths upon grapes and figges onely , become very grosse . But the flesh so gotten , soone weareth away againe , because it is not firme and fast , but loose and over-moist . And Schola Salerni reckoneth grapes that be sweet , cap. 9. for one of the twelve things that nourish and make fat . And well I wote that who so eateth many of them , they will make him fat with an R. you know what I mean . Grapes make one fatte with an R. Grapes are used to be eaten after meat as other fruits ; but Arnoldus saith , upon the same chapter , That if they be eaten upon a full stomacke , they both bee corrupted in the stomacke , and they corrupt other meat .

CHAP. 109. Of Raysons .

OF Grapes dried through the heat of the Sunne , are made Raysons , which bee therefore named in Latine uvae passae , and they be hot in the first degree and moist in the second . Among us in England , they bee of two sorts , that is to say , great raysons , and small raysons , otherwise called Corans . The greatest sort are called raysons of the Sunne , the other are commonly to be had , and be much used in meats , and that for good cause , for beside their pleasantnesse in taste , they doe make the stomacke firme and strong , and do provoke appetite , and do comfort weak bodies being eaten before meales . But some question is made of raisons , whether they be binding or loosing , which Galen himselfe doth answer , Whether Raysons be binding or loosing . Lib. 7. & 8. de com . ●edi . Li 5 , Dios. cap. 4 where he saith , that Raysons without kernels doe open the brest and liver , but eaten with the stones they binde . Whose opinion Matthiolus confirmeth in these words , Vuae passae quae vinaciis carent , vel quod ita natura producantur , vel quod ii arte fuerint exempti , si dulces sint , adstringente facultate adeo privantur , ut etiam mirifice leniant . Quamobrem pectoris angustiae , tussi , exasperatis faucibus , & renum vesicaeque vitiis maxime conveniunt . Raysons by nature are good for the liver . Beside this , Raysons are Secundum totam substantiam visceri ipsi , hoc est iocinori familiares ac propriae . And they concoct raw humors , and withstand putrifaction , Lib. 7. de Comp. med . as Galen writeth , and for this purpose they may well be eaten fasting , the stones being first taken out . And for cruditie or rawnesse of the stomacke , master Eliot by his owne report never found any thing better , than fine rubarbe chewed with raysons of Corans , yet raysons of Corans , by the judgement of Arnoldus , doe cause oppilations of the spleene , though they be good for the brest and reins , and so saith Schola Sal. cap. 4● .

Passula non spleni , tussi valet , & bona reni .

But Rubarbe may be better eaten , as I thinke , with great raysons .

CHAP. 110. Of Figges .

FIgges , if they be new , are hot and moist , if they be old , they be hot in the first degree , and drie in the second , if they bee ripe they doe least harme of any fruits , or almost none . Yet beeing much eaten , they make ill bloud , whereof lice are ingendred . By reason of their sweetnesse , they anoy the liver and spleen inflamed , and they fill the belly with winde , but by their quicke passage the winde is soone dissolved . In Sch. Sal. are set forth two operations of figges , cap. 43. as followeth , Vermiculos veneremque facit , sed cuilibet obstat .

After Avicen , figges are best eaten fasting with nuts or almonds , for so they breed better juice in the body , and open and prepare the way for meat . And he more commendeth the eating of them with nuts than with almonds . But our use is to eat figges and almonds together , which ( in my judgement ) is better . For so they may better clense the brest and lungs , which is a speciall vertue that figges have . And though wee eat them commonly after other meats , or upon fasting daies for want of other meats , yet , as it appeareth by Galen , Lib. 2. de . Ali. fa. cap. 8. Figs to be eaten before meales . Physitians were wont to give them longe ante cibum , with ginger or pepper , or powder of Time or peniroyall , to such as had oppilations of the liver or spleene , or had any hard congealed matter in the inward parts of the body , or any distillations or rheums falling into the breast and stomacke , for in all these cases figges doe profit much ; beside that they make the belly soluble , and do clense the reins of the back . And one easie medicine I wil set downe for the comfort of such students as be short winded , Lib. 1. de Dios. c. 1 4 6 For a cough● cap. 43 taken out of Math. Caricas duas aut tres , nocte una in aqua vitae maceratas , asthmaticos juvare qui mane eas devoraverint . Also in Sch. Sal. it is shewed that a plaster made of figges first sodden in water and a little vineger , and after beaten smal in a mortar , are good for the swines evill , for kernels , for swellings , as appeareth in the verses following , For swelling in the necke . Scrofa , tumor , glandes , ficus cataplasmate cedunt .

CHAP. 111. Of Almonds .

ALmonds be hot and moist in the first degree , they doe extenuat and clense without binding . Wherfore they purge the brest and lungs , and bee good to be eaten with figges , Bitter almonds of such as be short winded . As for bitter Almonds , I omit , because they are not used to be eaten , though in medicines they be of great vertue . Of sweet Almonds is made by skill of Cookes , Almond milke , Almond milke how to be made Cawdales of Almonds . a very temperate meat in hot diseases . Also cawdales of Almonds , both comfortable to the principall parts of the body , and procuring sleepe : also almond Butter very delicate and good for a stuffed breast . Almond Butter The making of which things I referre to cunning cookes , or to the learned Physitian , who is , or ought to be a perfect cooke in many points . Yet because all students be not of habilitie to have a cooke , or a Physitian at their pleasure , I will set downe an easie way , which I was wont to use my selfe in making of almond milke . Take a pottle of faire water , boile in it two handfuls of violet leaves , or if you list , one handfull of violet , and another of strawberrie leaves or the like quantitie of Endive and Succorie or other cooling herbes ; take also an ounce of good Liquorice , cut in thin slices , if you would make it for flegme , let the herbs and Liquorice boyle in the water leasurely untill halfe be wasted , then straine it , and let the liquor coole . Then take a quarter of a pound of almonds and blanch them , To blanch almonds . that is to say , put them into water boyling hot , and let them steepe therein a while , then get off the huskes , as you shale nuts , that done , punne them small in a morter of Marble ( if you have it ) until they waxe moist , then put the Almonds into the liquor , and stir and blend both together with a spoone , after that draw the liquor and all through a streiner , pressing the Almonds well with the back of a spoone . And of that which is strained when you will occupie more or lesse , you may put in sugar and set it over the fire , untill it boyle , then take it off , and use it as please you . Divers sorts of Almond milke Some draw their almonds after they be blanched and strained , with faire water onely , making it neither too thick nor too thinne , which way also is good : or to draw them with any distilled water , as rose-water , Endive or Succory water . As for Almond Cawdales are made with ale , strained with almonds , Cawdales of Almonds how they are made blanched and brayed , as before , then lightly boiled and spiced with Nutmeg & Sugar , as before is said , or otherwise , as pleaseth the party .

CHAP. 112. Of Dates .

DAtes new gathered are hot and moist in the first degree , but if they be old , they be hot and drie in the first degree . Dates being much eaten , Galen . Lib. 2. de Ali. fa. ca. 26. and not well digested , annoy the head and cause gnawing in the stomack , and make grosse iuice , and somtime cause obstructions or stoppings in the liver and spleene : wherefore they are not wholesome for students . Yet they are commonly used at delicate feasts , to set forth other meats , and are counted restorative . But their chiefe vertue is , that if they be well digested , and temperatly used , they nourish and make the flesh firme , and binde the belly . And for this last property they are much used in medicines , when it is requisite to binde or restraine , Lib. 1. cap. 126. and so saith Diosc. Decoctum Palmarum , per se potu & gargarizatione magnopere astringit & cohibet . For any laske or waste . Good therefore in any laske or waste in man or woman . And for that purpose they may be used , sodden in milke or in Muskadine . Yea the very stones of Dates beeing beaten to powder , and used together with sanguis Draconis , in Raspis or red wine , is passing good in the sayd cases , as by experience I have often proved .

CHAP. 113. Of Pomegranates .

POmegranates be of good juice , and profitable to the stomack , especially they which are sweet . But in hot fevers , they that are soure bee more expedient and wholesome , for then the sweet doe incend heat and puffe up the stomacke . They are found by experience to be very comfortable and restorative in long sicknesse , and specially they are good in any consumption or flixe . Lib. 8. Simp. Because as Galen saith , Malum granatum omne , adstringentem qualitatem obtinet . Insomuch that the very pill of a Pomegranate , being made into powder and drunke in red wine or Raspis , together with a little Cinnamom , A good medicine for a laske Lib. 1. Dios. c 1 : 7 is a singular remedie for any laske or flixe , as I have often proved . Yet Matthiolus prescribeth the whole Pomegranate to be used , as followeth , Punicum malum ●ictili vase inclusum , cooperculo argilla circumlito & in furno combustum , dysentericos , & ●orminosos , praesentane● remedio juvat , ubi ipsius sesquidrachmam in pulverem contriti , ex vino potandum propinabis . And as for the kernels of soure pomegranates , hee writeth in the same place , For a waste in women . that Ossiculi punicorum malorum acidorum uncia una cum thuris drachme , in tenuissimum pulverem contrita , auxiliantur faeminis albis uteri profluviis laborantibus , si quotidie rosarum stillatitia aqua , huiusce pulveris binas hauserint drachmas .

CHAP. 113. Of Medlars .

MEdlars are cold and dry in the second degree , they straine or binde the stomacke , and therfore they are good after meales , especially for such as bee over laxative : being much eaten they ingender melancholie , and be rather medicamentum than alimentum , as Galen saith . Yet of the stones or kernels of Medlars , may be made a verie good medicine for the stone , Lib. 2. de ali. fa. cap. 25. as Matth. writeth . Mespilorum ossicula , in pulverem contrita , calculos e renibus pellunt , ubi cochlearis mensura , Lib. 1. cap. 136. Li. 1. Dios. c. 133. A good medicine for the stones . ex vino in quo vulgaris petroselini radices decoctae fuerint , ebibantur .

CHAP. 114. Of Services .

SErvices are much of the nature of Medlars , saving that they are not so binding . Yet they are more pleasant in eating . They are likewise to be eaten after meat , to constraine and close up the stomacke . They are plentifull about Oxford . Manduntur , ut alvum sistant , as saith Dios. Lib. 1. cap. 136.

CHAP. 115. Of Berberies .

BErberies are cold and moist in the second degree . Because of their sourenesse they are not used to be eaten alone , but made in conserva , or else put in other meats . Conserva of Berberies is very good for a hot stomacke , or hot liver , to provoke appetite , to restrain vomit , The vertues of Conserva barberies , and how it is to be made as I have often proved in hot diseases . It may be made in this maner : Take of Berberies a pint full , cleane washed and picked from the stalkes , let them seeth leasurely in a quart of water , or more , untill they be soft , then poure out the water , and draw them through a strainer as you doe prunes , then take all that is strayned , and put to it three times so much sugar , and let them seeth together , untill the sugar be incorporate with the Berberries , then take it off , and put it in a glasse or gallipot . Also this experiment I will disclose for the behalfe of students . For the yellow Iaundise That the inner rinde or Barke of the Berberry tree , being laied in ale or white wine close covered and drunk the next morning after , is a sufficient medicine to cure the yellow jaundise , if it be used foure or five times fasting in a morning , abstaining two houres after it , and if any list to preserve Berberries whole , for a banquetting dish , they must bee used as I have declared before of Cheries . And if you would keepe them all the were for saucing of other meats , then take them , and picke the leaves cleane from them and put them in a pot of earth and fill the pot full of verjuice , How to keepe berberies all the yere . or cover them over with salt , and take them out as you occupie them .

CHAP. 116. Of Olives .

OLives , if they be ripe are temperately hot , they which be greene , are cold and drie . They are brought into England from Spaine , being preserved in salt liquor , and are used as a sauce , and so they doe not onely stir up appetite , but also strengthen the stomacke , and being eaten with vineger , they loose the belly . Of Olives is made our salet oyle , and that which is commonly called oile Olive , the mother or ground of many other oils , & is most properly called by the name of oyle , as Galen writeth , wherwith as Matth. reporteth , may be made a very good medicine to ease the paine of the cholicke and stone . Lib. 6 Simpl Li. 1 Dios. .. cap. 31. Which I will recite for the behalfe of students . Oleum si cum pari pondere vini Cretici calidum bibatur , aut clystere infundatur , Colicos , Iliacos , & Calculosos dolores mirifice mulcet . A good medicine for the colicke and stone . And this commodity I note in this medicine , that it may be received at both ends or tone or tother , as best shall like my brother . The salet oyle , which is indeed the purest oile olive , Salet oyle and the operation thereof . is wholesom to be eaten with sops of white bread , & is like in operation to butter , yet some deale stronger in loosing . And this proofe I have of it , that if you would procure an easie vomit , and without all danger , to clense the stomacke and inward parts , Sacke and salet oile to procure a vomit take but foure spoonefuls of Sacke or white wine , and as many of salet oyle , and mix both together , and warm it and drinke it , and you shall have the effect .

CHAP. 115. Of Orenges .

ORenges are not wholly of one temperature , for the rinde is hot in the first degree , and drie in the second , the juice of them is cold in the second degree , and dry in the first . They are colder and hotter as they are in sourenesse or sweetnesse . For the sourer the juice is , the colder it is , and the sweeter , the more hot . With the juice of Orenges is made a syrrup , and a conserva very good and comfortable in hot fevers , and for one that hath a hot stomackes . Also with the juice putting to a little pouder of Mints , Sugar , and Cinomon may be made a very good sawce for a weake stomacke , to provoke appetite . The rindes are preserved condite in sugar , and so are the flowers of the Orenge tree . Either of them being taken in a little quantity , doe greatly comfort a feeble stomacke . The substance of the Orenge is used to be eaten raw with rosted flesh , as a sawce , yet Matth. doth not commend it , Quia cruda non facilè coctioni obediunt , L. 1. Dios c. 131. & crassum generant succum . But Lady Gula hath not onely commended them to be eaten with meats , but also devised a banquetting dish to be made with sliced Orenges and sugar cast upon them .

CHAP. 118. Of Limons .

Limons are like in nature to Orenges , saving that as they are sourer , so are they colder . Neither is the pil of them bitter as the pil of an Orenge , but may be eaten together with the substance , though it bee of harder digestion . Of the juice is made both syrrup and conserva , and the whole Limon is preserved condite with sugar . Yea , the juice of a Limon is very good against the stone , Lib. 1. Dios c. 131 for so saith Matth. Limoniorum succus ex vino Cretico potus , mirifice calculos pellit . Wherefore a cup of Rhenish or white wine , An easie medicine for the stone . with a Limon sliced and sugar is a pleasant medicine next a mans heart in a morning . And I would every good student might be hurt so thrise in a weeke .

CHAP. 119. Of Hasill Nuts and Filberts .

HAsill Nuts be hot & drie in the first degree , they be hard of digestion , they fill the stomacke and belly with winde , they incline one to vomit , Hasill nuts very unwholesom and as experience proveth , they stuffe the brest full of flegme , and cause a cough . Wherefore I advise all students not to use them much , especially after they be drie for the dry nuts are worse than the new and moist , because they are more drie and oilie : by reason whereof they turne soone to choler , and ingender headache . Yet if any be come of a Squirrels kinde , and loveth well to eat old nuts , let him eat raysons together with them . For raisons through their moisture will qualifie the drinesse of the nuts , as Scho. Sal. teacheth , Sumere sic est mos nubibus sociando racemos . cap. 4 .

Yet in another place , cap 38. drie nuts are commended to be eaten after fish in stead of cheese saying , Post pisces nuces , post carnes caseus adsit .

Because nuts by reason of their drinesse , let the ingendring of flegme that is woont to come of fish . But otherwise nuts are discommended , as in the verse following , Vnica nux prodest , nocet altera , tertia mors est .

Meaning , that the Nutmeg is wholesome , the Hafill nut hurtfull , and the Nut which the Arabians call Nux Metel is venomous . Filbers are of much like nature , Filbers . saving that they are more pleasant in eating , longer in forme , thinner in shale , and sooner ripe , Matth. setteth downe a medicine to bee made of nut shales in this manner : Li. 1. Dios c. 142. Putamina ipsa cruda , in tenuem pulverem contrita , A medicine of Nut shales , for a laske . & ex vino austero hausta drachmarum duarum pondere , diarrhaeam cohibent , & alba faeminarum profluvia .

CHAP. 120. Of Walnuts .

WAlnuts be hot and dry in the second degree . If the pills be taken off , they are thought to be good for the stomacke , and somewhat loosing the belly , and mixt with sugar they doe nourish temperately . cap. 13. They are reckoned in Scho. Sal. for one of those six things which are good against poison .

Allia , Ruta , Pyra , & Raphanus cum Theriaca Nux , Haec sunt antidotum contra mortale venenum .

King Mithridates medicine agaynst poyson . And true it is , that dry Walnuts , and Rue , and Figs and salt , were king Mithridates medicine , against venome , which after he had long used , when hee sought to dispatch himselfe with poyson hee could not . And no marvell , for the water of greene Walnuts taken about Mid-summer beeing drunke two or three ounces , A sure medicine against the pestilence taken out of Euonymus . cooleth and resisteth the Pestilence . And the water of the outer huskes of Walnuts , being not rotten distilled in September , is given to drinke against the pestilence with a little vineger , as a certaine experiment .

CHAP. 121. Of Chestnuts .

CHestnuts are commended of Galen of all wilde fruits to yeeld best nourishment . Lib. 2. de ali. fa. cap. 38. Yet elsewhere he saith , that whether they be rosted , fryed or boiled , they be hurtfull ; but much more if they be eaten raw . But if any man desire to eat them , let him first pricke them through the huske with a knife , and then roste them under the embers or hot ashes . And if they bee eaten with hony fasting , they will helpe a man of the cough . But their chiefe force is in binding the belly . For so saith Matthi . Castaneae vehementer sistunt , tum alvi , Li. 1. Dios. c. 122. tum ventriculi fluxiones , idque maxime siccae : quin & sanguinem excreantibus prosunt . For a laske or flix . Acornes of the Oke-tree are like in operation , which being likewise rosted under ashes , and eaten will soone stay a laske , as I learned of an old woman , which therewith did great cures in the flix .

Of Spices , which because they are for the most part fruits of certaine trees growing out of this Realme , yet much used in meat and drinke among us , I have here annexed to the Treatise of fruits .

CHAP. 122. Of Pepper .

cap 75. Three sorts of pepper . Lib. 8. Simp. PEpper after Arnoldus upon Schol. Sal. is hot and dry in the fourth degree . There be three sorts of pepper , that is black , white , and long pepper , al growing upon one tree , as Galen reporteth . And that is white pepper which is gathered very green & moist . And that long Pepper , which is a little dried , but not perfectly ripe . And that blacke pepper which is gathered full ripe . But the Spaniards and Portingales , which have travelled the East and West Indies , report the blacke Pepper to grow upon long bushes , and the long pepper to bee the blowings of a certaine tree , much like those blossoms which the Hasill trees bring forth at the fall of their leaves . But in operation all sorts of pepper differ little , though the white Pepper be best for the stomack , L. 4 , de Sa. Tuen . as Galen writeth : for all kinds of Pepper generally do heat the body , contrary to the vulgar opinion , which is , that pepper is cold in operation . The vulgar opinion of pepper disproved . But who so receiveth it into the body , shal feele it hot in operation , for through the heat and drinesse that it hath , it dissolveth flegme and winde , it helpeth digestion , expulseth urine , and availeth against diseases of the breast , proceeding of cold . All which properties are briefely and pythily set forth in Schola Sal. cap. 75i

Quod piper est nigrum , non est dissolvere pigrum . Phlegma purgabit , digestivamque iuvabit . Leucopiper stomacho prodest tussique dolorique Vtile , praeveniet motum febrique rigorem .

In which verses , the chiefe commendation is given to white pepper , and that it hath five vertues : first to comfort the stomacke , secondly to help the cough , thirdly to helpe the colicke or any paine comming of winde , fourthly to withstand the causes of a cold fever being given before the fit , fiftly to ease the shaking of fevers . All which properties notwithstanding may be ascribed to the other kindes of pepper . For which causes there is an excellent confection made of all three peppers , Diatrion piperion . and is thereof called Diatrion piperion , passing good for a cold and windie stomacke , and may be taken at any time of the day . And such as have not that confection , may take a few cornes of blacke pepper grosse beaten in a draught of ale fasting , or take a little of the pouder of any of the three sorts together with meat , for nothing is better for winde and flegme .

CHAP. 123. Of Cloves .

CLoves are hot and dry almost in the third degree They have vertue to comfort the sinewes , also to consume and dissolve superfluous humours , they are good for the stomacke , liver and heart , they helpe digestion , and stay a laske . And beeing sodden whole in milke or made in powder , and so taken in milke , they comfort the debilitie of nature , and stir up Venus . Beside this , they are sundry waies used both in meats and medicines , and to give a sweet savour to distilled waters and powders no spice is of more force , they are the fruit of a certaine tree growing in the East Indies .

CHAP. 124. Of Maces .

MAces are hot in the second degree , and dry in the third . They are found growing close about the Nutmeg , covering it as it were an huske , they are to the stomacke very commodious and restorative , beeing used in meats . And for this purpose they are boiled whole in broths or coleyses , or milke . Beside that , they bee very good to bee drunke against spitting of bloud , and bloudy fluxes , and excessive laxes , and the cholicke .

CHAP. 125. Of Nutmegs .

NVtmegs bee hot and dry in the second degree . They are the fruit of a tree in India like unto a peach tree , they strengthen the stomacke and liver , they abate the spleene , they provoke urine , they stay a laske , they breake winde . And that which is best for students , they make the mouth to savor wel , they comfort the braine , the sight , the liver , the spleene , & specially the mouth of the stomack . Yea as I have proved in many that had weake heads , Nutmegs is the best spice for students . beeing taken last at night in a cawdell of Almonds or hempseed , they procure sleepe . And in my judgement it is the best spice for students of all other . And I would advise them to grate often of it into their drinke , and if they can get nutmegs condite , which must be had of the Apothecaries , that they would have alwaies by them halfe a pound or more to take at their pleasure .

CHAP: 126. Of Ginger .

GInger is hot in the second degree , and dry in the first . It is the root of a certaine herbe , Li. 4· de Sa. Tuen· as Galen writeth . It heateth the stomacke , and helpeth digestion , and is good for the sight . For this experience I have of Ginger , that a penny weight thereof together with three penny weight of white sugar both made very small in powder and searsed through lawne or a fine boulter cloth , and put into the eie , A certaine experiment to take away a flegme or perle from the eye . hath within short time worne away a flegme growne over the eie : also with two ounces of sugar , a quarter of an ounce of ginger , & half a quarter of an ounce of Cinamon , al beaten smal into powder , you may make a very good blanch powder , to strow upon rosted apples , Blanch powder Quinces , or Wardens , or to sauce a hen . But that ginger which is called greene Ginger , or ginger Condite , is better for students : for being well made , if it be taken in the morning fasting , it comforteth much the stomacke and head , and quickneth remembrance , and is very good for a cough . Greene ginger

CHAP. 127. Of Cinnamom .

CInnamom is hot and dry in the third degree : that which we have is the barke or rinde of a certaine tree growing in the Indies , & is the right Cassia , as Mathio . thinketh . The use thereof is great as well in meats , Li. 1. Dios. ca. 13. as in medicines , & found to be very comfortable to the stomacke , and principall parts of the bodie , insomuch that I have read in an old Authour of Physicke , this meeter following , Cur moriatur homo , qui sumit de Cinamomo ?

An excellent cinamom water There is made a water with Cinamom , very good for many purposes , in this manner . Take a pound of good Cinamom , and beat it grosse , then take a pottle of perfect rose-water , and as much of good wine , sacke or Canary wine , or else take a galon of the wine onely without rose-water , steepe all together close covered in some cleane vessell the space of foure and twenty houres , then still it in a Limbecke , you may keepe that which commeth first if you list by it selfe about a pint , for the later will be weaker . Some put a pound of Sugar Candie to steepe with the Cinamom , and so they make it very pleasant . And I have proved the best way to be to take a gallon of Sacke , a pound of Cinamom grosse beaten , and a pound of sugar candie , and to steepe all together , and so distill them . This water hath innumerable vertues , but especially to restore and preserve the debility of nature . And as Matthiolus saith in the Chapter aforesaid , Ventriculum , iecur , lienem , cerebrum , nervosque iuvat , & roborat . Wherefore I reckon it a great treasure for a student to have by him in his closet , to take now and then a spoonefull .

CHAP. 128. Of Graines .

GRaines are hot and drie in the third degree : they are good for a cold stomacke , and are much like in operation to Pepper . Old folkes use them oft in their drinke , either for some speciall propertie , or else because they are better cheape than other spices . Doctor Boorde in his Dietarie saith , it is a good spice for women .

CHAP. 129. Of Sugar .

VNto this treatise of spices , Sugar may be added , because it is commonly ioyned with spices , both in meats and medicines . It is the juice of certaine Canes or Reeds , which grow most plentifully in the Islands of Medera , Sicilia , Cyprus , Rhodus , and Candie . It is made by art by boyling of the Canes , much like as they make their white salt at the wiches in Cheshire . Sugar is not so sweet as honie , nor so hot , and therefore causeth not so great thirst . It may be given in agues , as Galen affirmeth , because it doth not inflame the body as honey doth . Lib. 8. cap. 4. Meth. Meden. . Sugar & hony compared together in wholesomnesse And this I can say of experience , that Sugar agreeth with all ages , and all complexions but hony contrariwise anoyeth many , especially those that be cholericke or ful of winde in their bodies : yet I grant that honey is very wholesome to some , especially our English honey , if it be pure and unmixt , for in my iudgement it is comparable with Mel Atticum , which was in Galens time most commended . And honie is the more wholesome if it be clarified : How to clarifie hony . that is to say , a little water being put to it , gently boiled , and scummed while any froth ariseth . For by this meanes ( as Galen sheweth ) Melli acrimoniam adimemus , Lib 3. de Ali. fa. cap. 39. ipsumque efficiemus ad distributionem & coctionem accommodatius . And if you would know briefely for whom honey is wholesome , For whom hony is wholsome and for whom not wholesome . and for whom not wholesome , Galen in the end of the foresaid Chapter declareth in these words , Senibus quidem ac in universum frigidi temperamenti corporibus est accommodum : aetate autem florentibus , & calidis in bilem vertitur . And this is the reason why honey agreeth with some natures , and not with others . Wherefore sugar is generally more wholesome . And although it be not so strong in operation against flegme as honey , yet it purgeth flegme well . Sugar and water , good to cleare the brest and stomacke of flegme . And for that purpose , some use to drinke white sugar and water brewed together , and thereby have found great ease . And if a branch or two of Rosemary bee put to it in brewing , it will be much the better . Yet white sugar is not so good for flegme , as that which is called Sugar Candie , Sugar candy . whether it bee white or browne , for both sorts are exceeding good in this case . And the ginger , which is named ginger Condite is passing good both to digest flegme , and to comfort the stomacke and head , Ginger condite . and is to bee used of Students that bee much cumbred with flegme .

CHAP. 130. Of Biefe .

NOw that I have spoken sufficiently of corne , herbes , and fruits , it remaineth that I prosecute the third and last part of my division before set down , which is touching living and sensible creatures , and their parts pertaining to diet . And because biefe of all flesh is most usuall among English men , I will first intreat thereof . I neede not to shew how plentifull it is throughout this land , before all other countries , Biefe and the commoditie thereof and how necessary it is both by sea for the vitailing of ships , and by land for good house keeping , insomuch that no man of honour or worship , can be said to have good provision for hospitality , unlesse there be good store of biefe in readinesse . And how well it doth agree with the nature of Englishmen the common consent of all our nation doth sufficiently prove . Yea , that it bringeth more strong nourishment than other meats , may plainely be perceived , by the difference of strength in those that commonly feed of biefe , and them that are fed with other fine meats . Notwithstanding , Galen affirmeth , that biefe maketh grosse bloud and engendereth melancholy , Lib. 3. de Ali fa. cap. 1 Biefe is a melancholy meat . especially if it be much eaten , and if such as doe eat it be of melancholy complexion , for in those , ( saith he ) it breedeth melancholy diseases , as cankers , scabbes , leprie , fevers , quartaines , and such like . And Isaak Iudaeus is of the same judgement . For which cause , Par. 4 de diaetis universalibus . c. 7 Sco. Sal. reckoneth biefe among those ten sorts of meats , that ingender melancholy , and be unwholesome for sicke folkes : the verses are these .

Persica , poma , pyra , & lac , caseus & caro salsa , Et caro cervina & leporina , bovina , caprina , Atra haec bile nocent , suntque infirmis inimica .

But all these authors ( in mine opinion ) have erred in that they make the biefe of all countries alike . For had they eaten of the biefe of England , or if they had dwelt in this our climat , which through coldnesse ( ex antiperistasi ) doth fortifie digestion , & therfore requires stronger nourishment , I suppose they would have iudged otherwise . Yet do I not thinke it wholesome for sicke folkes , but for those that be lustie and strong . Or els we may say , that those famous Physitians ment of old biefe , or very salt biefe . For there is great difference of biefe touching age , for young biefe is tender and pleasant in eating , Great difference of biefe . and old biefe is more tough and unsavorie . Againe Oxe biefe is better than Bull biefe , except it be for those that would looke big . And cow biefe if it be young ( as Irish men thinke ) is better than both . But by master Eliotes judgement , Oxe biefe not exceeding the age of foure yeare is best of all . As for veale is greatly commended in Schola Sal. because it doth nourish much , Veale . cap. 28. for so they say , Lib. 3. de al. fa. cap. 7. Sunt nutritivae multum carnes vitulinae .

Whose judgement Galen approveth , where he saith , that the flesh of a sucking calfe , of six or eight weekes old , being rosted doth nourish much , and is easily digested . But our use is to kill calves at three weekes or a moneth old , at which time they must needs bee full of superfluous moisture : yet that superfluity is very well abated by rosting . Therefore veale is better rosted than sodden . Rosted meat is dryer than boiled . And should be rather little ouer rosted than under . For this is a generall rule in Philosophie and Physicke , that meat rosted is drier than boiled . Lib 3. de ali. fa. cap. 2. Salt biefe . Which is confirmed by Galen in these words , Quae assantes aut in sartagine frigentes mandunt , ea corpori siccius dant alimentum : quae vero in aqua praecoquunt , humidius . As for salt biefe which is much used in some places of England , whether it be kept in brine or hanged up in the smoke , called Martlemas biefe , because it is commonly killed about that time of the yeare , is in the verses before alledged out of Scho Sal. reckoned unwholesome , and to breed grosse and melancholie bloud . And as I have often proved in my selfe , is very hard of digestion . Yet biefe light poudered , is more wholesome than fresh biefe . Because by the salt it is purified and made more savorie . And this much I know that in cholericke stomackes , as it is commonly in youth , biefe is more conuenient than chickens , and other like fine meats . Because fine meats in hot stomacks , be as it were over-boiled , when the grosser are but duely concocted . The good ordering of Biefe and other victualls , I refer to good Cookes .

CHAP. 131. Of Mutton .

MVtton is commended of the most part of Physitians , save Galen , who saith , that it maketh il iuice for so he writeth of lambe and mutton jointly . Lib. de Ali· fa. cap. 1 Galen disproved concerning mutton . Agni carnem habent humidissimam ac pituitosam : Ovium vero excrementosior est , ac succi deterioris . But how much Galen is deceived if hee speake generally of the Mutton of all countries , experience proveth here in this realm , for if it be young , and of a wether , it is a right temperate meat , and maketh good juice . And therefore it is used more than any other meat , both in sickenesse and in health . Yet is it not like good in all places in England . Nor the sheepe which beareth the finest wooll , is not the sweetest in eating , nor the most tender . But as Galen speaketh of all kindes of flesh , so of mutton , Carnes castratorum sunt praestantiores , Senum autem pessimae , tum ad coquendum , tum ad succum bonum generandum , The best Mutton . tum ad nutriendum . Wherefore Rammes mutton I leave to those that would be rammish , and old mutton to butchers that want teeth . Lambe flesh . As for lambe is moist and flegmaticke , and not convenient for aged men , or for them which have in their stomackes much flegme , except it be very dry rosted . But mutton contrary to veal should be rather under rosted than over . For it is seldome seene that any man hath taken harme by eating raw mutton , so light and wholesome it is in digestion .

CHAP. 132. Of Swines flesh .

SWines flesh is most commended of Galen above al kinds of flesh in nourishing the body , Li. 3. de ali. fa. c. 1. so it be not of an old swine , and that it be well digested of him that eateth it . And that it giveth more stedfast and strong nourishment than other meats , he proveth by experience of great wrastlers , who if they eat like quantity of any other meat , and withal use like exercise , shal feele themselves the next day following more weake than they were , Swines flesh in many points like to mans flesh . when they fed of Porke . Moreover , the flesh of a swine hath such likenesse to mans flesh , both in savor and tast , that some have eaten mans flesh in stead of porke . Yea swines bloud and mans bloud , be so like in every thing , that hardly they can be discerned . And the inward parts of a swine ( as is proved by Anatomie ) be very like to the inward parts of a man . But notwithstanding this similitude and strong nourishment , yet I thinke swines flesh no good meat for students , and such as have weake stomacks , to be commonly used . For as that worthy Arabian Rhazes writeth , Lib. 3. c. 9. ad Alman . Crassa caro multum sese exercentibus convenit , iis vero qui vitam in maiore otio ac quiete degunt , subtilis & extenuans . So then it followeth , that swines flesh is good & wholsom for their bodies that be yong , whole , strong occupied in labor , and not disposed to oppilations , and for them that desire to be fat . But for students that flesh is better which is temperate of complexion , easie of digestion , and ingendereth good bloud . Neither is al swines flesh so commendable , but that which is yong and best of a yeare or two old . Also better of a wilde swine than of a tame , because as Galen saith , the flesh of swine fed at home is more full of superfluous moysture for want of motion , Lib. 3 de . ali fa. cap. 13. beside they live in a more grosse ayre than those that live wilde . Wilde swine better than tame . But our use in England is for the more part to breed our swine at home , except it be for the time of mast falling , for then they feed abroad in the woods , which kinde of feeding in my judgement is most wholesome : wherefore brawne , which is of a bore long fed in a stie , can in no wise be wholesome meat , although it be young . Brawne . For beside that it is hard of digestion ( as common experience proveth ) it must needs breed ill iuice in the body , considering the want of motion and grosse feeding thereof , for which cause wee use commonly to drinke strong wine with brawne , to helpe digestion . And we eat it before other meats , that it may lye lowest in the stomacke where digestion is strongest , and we eat it in the cold time of the yeare , when wee are best able to digest grosse meats , as Hip. saith , Ventres hyeme ac vere natura calidissimi , & somni longissimi . Aphoris. 1. Which use of England is confirmed in Schol. Sal. on this wise , Est caro porcina sine vino peior ovina , cap. 15. Si tribuis vina , tunc est cibus & medicina .

Which is to be understood ( as Arnoldus affirmeth in his commentarie upon the same ) especially of rosting pigs and brawne . For young pigs commonly called rosting pigges , though they be commonly eaten , and accounted light meat , yet they are not very wholesome , Rosting pigs . by reason of their overmuch moisture , and they breed in our bodies much superfluous humors , wherefore they need good wine as well as brawne , the one because it is over hard and grosse , the other because it is over moist and slimy . But physicke teacheth the cooke , that flesh which is inclined to drienesse should be sodden :

What flesh should be boyled , and what rosted .

Potage to make one soluble .

& the flesh which is inclined to moisture should be wel rosted . Wherefore porke , pig , veale and lambe , is better rosted than boyled . Yet if a man be costive , and would saine be soluble , let him make potage with fresh porke , and none other herbe but Mercurie , and by eating thereof ( as I have often proved ) hee shall be easily loosed . Bacon . As for Bacon is in no wise commended as wholesome , especially for students , or such as have feeble stomackes . But for laboring men it is convenient , according to the Latine proverb , Crassa crassis conveniunt . For the country woman when her sicke husband would eat no fat bacon , thought he was past all eating : for when the Physitian advised her to dresse him a chicken : What master Doctor ( sayd shee ) doe you thinke hee will eat of a chicken , when as he will eat no bacon as yellow as the gold noble ? And indeed in such kinde of men , it forceth not much how wholesome meat be , so it fill the belly , and keepe strength . For as the Poet Virgil writeth , A gamond organon . Labor improbus vincit omnia . Yet a gamond of bacon well dressed is a good shooing horn to pull down a cup of wine . But all sorts of swines flesh were , and are abhominable to the Iewes , because it was forbidden by God to be eaten of them , Levit 11 . cap 7. vers . as being unclean . In so much that seven brethren and their mother were most cruelly put to death , Mac. 2.7 . chap. because they would not eat swines flesh . Act , 10 , 15 Rom , 14 , 2 , 3.14 . But it is lawfull for the faithfull to eat all kinde of meat . And although swine be uncleane beasts , yet their flesh maketh cleane nourishment , as Galen thinketh .

CHAP. 133. Of Goats flesh .

GOates flesh either of male or female is dispraised of Galen . Li. 3. de . ali. fa. cap. 1. Quia praeter succum vitiosum acrimoniam etiam habet . Kydde . Yet kid is commended of him next unto porke . But Avicen and the sect of the Arabians , prefer kid flesh before all other flesh , because it is more temperate , and breedeth purer bloud : as being in a meane betweene hot and cold , subtill and grosse . So that it can cause none inflammation nor repletion . And is therefore a good meat for those that have weake stomackes , and use meane exercise . But it is not convenient for labourers , because great labors would soone resolve the iuice engendered thereof . Isaak Iudaeus maketh foure differences in age as well of goats , par 4. de animalibus . as of other kindes of beasts . That is to say , Lactens , adolescens , Iuvenis , & decrepitus . And hee most commendeth sucking Kids . For this rule is generall , that flesh of a drie complexion , The difference of beasts concerning age . is better neere calving time than farder from it . Wherefore Kids and calves be better than Goats and Oxen , because their drinesse is abated with the moisture of their youngnesse . But flesh of beasts of moist complexion , is better and more wholesome in age than in youth , for a great part of their over much moysture , is dried away as they doe increase increase in age : wherefore weathers of a yere old , are lesse clammy and more wholesom than sucking lambs . And likewise porkes of a yeare or two old , are better than young pigs . But generally all beasts and birds that be in the fourth age before mentioned , that is decrepiti , are tough and unwholesome . For most true is that English proverb , yong flesh and old fish doth men best feed . Againe generally Castrati sunt meliores .

CHAP. 134. Of Hare .

HAre flesh , beside that it is hard of digestion , maketh grosse and melancholy bloud , and is one of the foure kindes of flesh which breed melancholy , mentioned before in the chapter of biefe : wherefore it is not for the goodnesse of the flesh , that this silly beast is so often chased with hounds and hunters , but for pastime . The manifold commodities of the hare . Yet thus much I will say to the commendation of hares , & for the defence of the hunters toile , that no one beast , be it never so great , is profitable to so many & so divers uses in Physicke as the hare & parts therof , Lib. 2. Dios. c. 18 as Math. sheweth . For the liver of the hare dried and made in powder is good for those that be liver sick , and the whole hare skin and all , put in an earthen pot close stopped , and baked in an oven so drie that it may be made into powder , beeing given in white wine is wonderfull good for the stone , as well in the raines as in the bladder . The gaule of the hare mingled with sugar , doth take away Flewmes of the eyes , and helpeth dimnesse of sight . The kidnies of the hare eaten raw , especially while they are hot , doe marvellously helpe those that have the stone , and beeing boyled they are of like force . The stones of the Hare are wholesome to bee eaten of them that have griefes of the bladder . The bloud of the Hare while it is warme , boyled with barly meale and eaten helpeth the flixe presently . The dung of the Hare is good for the same purpose . The haires of the Hare burned and applyed doe stanch bloud , but chiefly the haires that grow under the belly , pulled off while the Hare is alive , and put into the nostrilles , doe stop bleeding at the nose . The ancle bone of the foot of an Hare is good against the crampe . This much touching medicine . Now concerning diet , Lib. de 60. anim . Rasis that famous Arabian saith that Hares flesh being rosted is wholesome for them that have any kinde of flix . But our use is to rost the hinder parts and to boyle the fore parts , or to bake the whole . But howsoever it be used , Galen saith , Lib. 3. de Ali. fa. cap. 1 that Caro leporum sanguinem quidem gignit crassiorem , sed melioris succi quam bubula & ovilla . The opinion which some hold that every hare should bee of both kindes , that is male and female , is disproved by Matth. in the chapter aforesaid as untrue .

CHAP. 135. Of Conie .

COnie , which is so plentifull a meate in this land , and proved so light in digestion , is little spoken of by Galen and other ancient writers . But it is well proved among us , that there is no meat more wholesome , or that more cleanely , firmely and temperately nourisheth than Rabbets . A digression touching hospitality . And what commodity a good warraine of Conies bringeth toward the keeping of a good house , men of honour and worship that love hospitality doe well know . Which vertue being acceptable to God , and a singular benefit of all the country round about them ( the more it is to bee lamented ) is every day more and more neglected in England . The chiefe cause thereof ( as wise men thinke ) is wastefull and sumptuous apparell now commonly used in every degree farre otherwise than William Rufus did , who being a kings sonne and the second king of this land after the conquest , was thought to exceed , when he bestowed a marke upon a paire of hose , using commonly to bestow but three shillings . Whose example may well bee a condemnation to gentlemen in these daies , who bestow as much upon one paire of hose , as the king did upon twenty .

CHAP. 136. Of Venison .

VEnison , whether it bee of red deere or fallow , maketh ill iuice , engendereth melancholy , and is hard of digestion , as Galen witnesseth . Wherefore it is no wholesome meate for students , Li. 3. de . ali. fa. cap. 1. Why Venison should be drowned in wine . no though it be drowned in wine , as the best manner is to eate it . Which way no doubt was first devised to amend the noysomnesse thereof , because wine is of contrary nature to that humour which venison most of all breedeth . For wine is hot and moist , and melancholy is cold and dry . A wonder it is to see how much this unwholesome flesh is desired of all folkes . In so much that many men rashly will venter their credit , yea , and sometime their lives too , to steale Venison , when they cannot otherwise come by it . But I would advise them as Demosthenes said by the strumpet Lais , Non tanti emere paenitere . And I could wish ( saving the pleasure of honorable and worshipfull men ) that there were no parkes nor forrests in England . For a good part of the best pasture in this Realme is consumed with deere which might otherwise be better imployed for a commonwealth . And when with great travaile and perill they have gotten a peece of flesh , then the dressing and eating is more costly , than would provide many other dishes of meate a great deale more wholesome . And concerning red deere , Simeon Sethi writeth , Redde deere . that stagges in the sommer season eate vipers and serpents , whereby their flesh is made venemous and noysome , and therefore is in no wise to bee eaten . Yet master Eliote thinketh the flesh of gallow deere more unwholesome and unpleasant than of red deere . And I thinke there is more vertue in the stagges hornes than in the flesh . For I know the horne burned and made in pouder , is given with great successe in al kinds of tasks , spitting of bloud and iaundise . Virgill writeth that the Crow liveth nine times the age of a man , De aetatibus animalium . accounting the age of man to bee an hundred yeares . The age of a Stagge . And that the Hart or Stag liveth foure times the age of a Crow . Whose opinion how true it is , I refer to keepers of Parkes and rangers of forrestes . The verses of Virgill be these .

Ter binos deciesque novem superexit in annos , Iusta senescentum quos implet vita virorum , Hos novies superat vivendo garrula cornix , Et quater egreditur cornicis secula cervus .

CHAP. 137. Of strange beasts used for meates .

Li. 3. de ali. fa. c. 1 . GAlen maketh mention of divers other kindes of beasts which some nations use to eat , as the flesh of Asses , Lyons , Dogges , Wolves , Beares , and such like . To the which he might have added the Canibals who feed on mans flesh , as sometime the Scots did , as Saint Hierome witnesseth of his owne knowledge . For so hee saith , what shall I say of other Nations ? Since that , when I was a boy , I saw in France , Scots a people of Britaine eate mans flesh . The Scots were sometime Anthropophagi . And when they found in the forrests heards of swine , beasts and cattell , they would cut off the buttocks of the boyes which kept them , and also the womens paps , and tooke that to bee the most dainty and delicate meate . And snailes are a common dish among the Grecians , as Galen writeth in the second chapter of the booke aforesaid . Much like as I have heard tell of a bishop of this land , that would have eaten fryed frogs . Rookes. And some have I knowne to eate hedge-hogs , and as for Rookes , if they be fleaed , perboyled and well rosted or baken , are good meate for poore folkes , and ( as I have heard ) be medicinable for an agew . But the other sorts aforenamed are more meete for hogs than men . Wherfore I will let them passe , and will speake of the parts and members of such beastes as be usually eaten in England .

CHAP. 138. Of the head of beasts .

THe flesh of the head of any beast is slow of digestion , and annoyeth the stomacke . Yet after it is digested it nourisheth much and augmenteth seed . Some say that every part doth best nourish his like . Which if it were true , then should the head of a calfe or a sheepe , best nourish the head of a man . But I thinke otherwise , for I know that the flesh of heads is very hurtfull to them that have the falling sickenesse , which is a disease of the head . Wherefore I thinke that reason proceeded first out of a Calves head , or a sheepes head .

CHAP. 139. Of the Braine .

THe braine is flegmatike , of grosse iuyce , slow in digestion and noysome to the stomacke , causeth loathsomenesse and taketh away appetite . But where it is well digested it nourisheth much , and is reckoned in Schola Sal. for one of the twelve things which greatly nourish and make fat mans body , cap. 9. as appeareth in the verses following .

Nutrit triticum & impinguat , lac , caseus infans , Testiculi porcina caro , cerebella , medullae , Dulcia vina , cibus gustu iucundior , Twelve things that breed fatnesse . ovi Sorbilia , & ficus maturae uvaeque que recentes .

Notwithstanding if any man list to eate braines , he should in no wise eate them last after other meates , because so they procure vomit , and beside they should be well sodden , and after well spiced with pepper , or such like . But the preparing of meates I referre to skilfull Cookes . The Calfe which is not the wisest beast , hath yet the most braines and most used to bee eaten . Yet some wise gentlewomen set more store by the braine of a Conie or a woodcocke . And in some mens opinions , ( as Arnoldus reporteth upon the verses aforesaid ) the braines of Chickens and Capons is good for the memory and comforteth the wit . But I thinke the braine of a Calfe will make a man as wise as the braine of a Capon . The Hares braine is good against the trembling and shaking of the limmes , which is commonly called the Palsie .

CHAP: 140. Of the Tongue .

THe tongue is of a spungie and sanguine substance , and is of good nourishment , especially about the rootes , if it be well digested , if not , it breedeth flegme Esop being sent to the market by his master to buy the best meate , bought a tongue : and being sent the second time to buy the worst meat , bought a tongue likewise . As who should say , a tongue is both the best meat and the worst , according to that saying of Saint Iames the Apostle : The tongue can no man tame . It is an unruly evill full of deadly poyson , &c. But of mans tongue I have not to speake , but I wish all men to use that Physicke which the wise man Cato prescribeth .

Virtutem primam puta esse compescere linguam .

Yet it is very hard for women to observe it , as hee knoweth best that is troubled with a shrew . But a neates tongue well dressed is best to be eaten , and if it be pricked with cloves , it is the better , because thereby the moysture is diminished . But the well dressing I referre to good cookes , whom I mention oftentimes , because cookery is a part of Physicke , and a good cooke ( as Doctor Boord saith ) is halfe a Physitian . The kernels which are in the rootes of the tongue or elsewhere in the body , Kernels of the tongue . are of much like nourishment to the tongue . For so Galen writeth , Lib. 3. de ali. fa. cap. 6. Alimentum quod ex iis probe quidem in ventriculo concoctis provenit , prope sane ad carnium alimentum accedit : quod si minus quam sat est , sint confectae , succum crudum aut pituitosum generant .

CHAP. 141. Of the Eares .

THe Eares are nothing else but gristill and skinne , and therefore hard to digest , and nourish little . The gullet or weasand is of like nature .

CHAP. 142. Of the Eies .

THe Eies be of divers substances , of skins , humours , fat and filth . Yet they are light of digestion , and being of a fat beast they are pleasant , as of a calfe or samon , for these two have best eyes to eate , though the beast Linxe have best eyes to see .

CHAP. 143. Of the Heart .

THe Heart is of hard flesh and therefore is not soone digested , nor passeth shortly from the stomacke . But where it is well digested , the iuice that it maketh is not to be dispraised . Nay ( as Isaak Iudaeus saith ) Multum & bonum praestat corpori nutrimentum . Par. 5.

CHAP. 144. Of the Lunges .

THe Lunges or lights are easie of digestion , and soone passe throughout the body by reason of their naturall softnesse . Yet their nourishment is little and unwholsome , for it is flegmatike . Albeit the lungs of a Fox are medicinable for them which have sickenesse of the Lungs , being used in this manner . Take the lungs of a Fox and dry it to powder , The lungs of a Fox good for the lungs of a man . and put a quarter of a spoonefull in a little almond milke , or broth , and eate it , for it is very good to preserve the lungs . Or else you may take it with syrope of Hysope . Or you may have an electuary at the Apothecaries called Loche de pulmone vulpis , excellent for the same purpose .

CHAP. 145. Of the Stomacke .

THe stomacke or maw is of ill digestion , and hardly passeth the body , and maketh ill bloud by reason that it is a sinewy member and gristly , yet the extreame parts of the maw , as the bottome and brimme are better digested , because those parts are more fleshie and fat . cap. 48. Which is approved in Scho. Sal. as also that which I have written touching other parts as followeth ; Egeritur tarde cor , digeritur quoque dure , Atque itidem stomachus , tamen exteriora probantur . Reddit lingua bonum nutrimentum medicinae . Concoctu facilis pulmo est , cito labitur ipse , Est melius cerebrum gallinarum reliquorum .

CHAP. 146. Of the Liver .

THe liver of beastes is ill to bee digested , passeth slowly and maketh grosse blood . But it is strong in nourishment , and is best of those beastes that sucke , as of calves and lambes .

CHAP. 147. Of the Splene .

THe Splene or milt , maketh ill iuice and melancholy bloud . For it is the very place where melancholy is made . Isaak Iudaeus saith : Splenporcinus melior est caeteris propter substantiae suae subtilitatem & raritatem . But with us in England , Par. 5. the milt of a swine is not used to be eaten .

CHAP. 148. Of the inward of beasts .

THe intrailes or inward of beastes , as tripes , and chitterlings , bee hard to digest , and therefore although they be well digested , yet make they nor iuice naturally sanguine or cleane , but raw juice and cold , and requireth a long time to be converted into bloud : thus saith master Eliote . Yet common experience proveth that a fat tripe well rosted or fryed , is easily digested . And that shall any man finde that eateth tripes at supper . Tripes and other souse are used to be broyled upon coales , or fryed . But neither way is commended in Physicke , for broyled meate is hard of digestion and evill for the stone , Broyled meat and fryed meat unwholsome . and fryed meat is harder of digestion and breedeth choller and melancholie .

CHAP. 149. Of Puddings .

OF the inward of beasts are made Puddings , which are best of an hog , as Schola Sal. saith : cap. 25. Ilia porcorum bona sunt , mala sunt reliquorum .

For the bloud of swine is most agreeable in complexion to mans nature . Yet puddings are used to bee made also of the inward of sheepe , and of kine , which though they bee not so good , doe yet serve well to fill up the belly of those that be hungry , and have strong digestion , for as the Poet Horace writeth : Ser. lib. 2. Sa. 2. Ieiunus stomachus raro vulgaria temnit .

A hungry dog will eat thirty puddings , as the Irish man saith .

CHAP. 150. Of the Reynes .

THe Reynes or Kidneys make grosse and ill bloud , Par. 5. as Isaack Iudaeus writeth , both for the hardnesse of their substance , and also because that nourishment which is in them , passeth away with the urine . Yet at Oxford the Scullion is glad of the Kidneies of loynes of Mutton , and many poure scholler is glad to receive them well rosted at the Scullions hands .

CHAP. 151. Of the Stones and Vdders .

THe stones and udders of beastes being well digested doe nourish much , but the stones are better with their moystnesse , the udders cold and flegmaticke , they both doe increase seed of generation . But the bloud made of the udder , is better than that which commeth of the stones , except it bee of Calves and Lambs , which be very good baked . And the stones of Cockes are best of all , Lib. 3. de ali. fa. cap. 7. if they be fat and young as Galen witnesseth . And stones are reckoned of Scho. Sal. for one of those twelve things which greatly nourish and make fat mans body , as appeareth by the verses before alleaged , where I have spoken of the braines of beasts , wherefore they may be accounted among meates restorative .

CHAP. 152. Of Marrow .

MArrow of all beasts is hot and moist , and where it is well digested , it nourisheth much , yet it doth mollifie the stomacke , and taketh away appetite , it is best , How Marrow may best be eaten . if it be spiced with pepper and salt . And the marrow of Biefe is best to bee eaten . If it bee of a Deere , it is good to annoint any place where ach is . This also is one of the twelve things that maketh fat , as appeareth in the verses aforesaid . The Marrow that commeth downe the backe bone is of like nature to the braine .

CHAP. 153. Of the Fat

THe fat of flesh alone without leane is unwholesome , and cloyeth the stomack , and causeth lothsomenes , & better is leane without fat , than fat without leane . Yet have I known a countryman that would feed onely of the fat of Bacon , Beefe , or Pork , without leane , but that is not to bee marvelled at , considering that many of them have stomackes like the bird that is called an Ostridge which can digest hard Iron .

CHAP. 154. Of the Feet .

THe feet being well boyled and tender in a whole stomacke digest well , and doe make good iuice , and passe forth easily . Galen commendeth the feet of Swine . But I have proved ( saith M. Eliot ) that the feet of a young Bullocke tenderly sodden , and laid in souce two dayes or three , & eaten cold in the evening , have brought a cholericke stomacke into a good digestion and sleep , and therwith hath also expulsed salt flegme and choler . And this I have found in my selfe by often experience , alway foreseene that it be eaten before other meat , & without drinking immediately after it . All this I have taken out of M. Eliot , because hee hath written most pithily of this part . Yet one thing will I note of mine owne experience , that the fat which is left upon the water of the seething of Netes feet , called commonly foot seame , For stifnesse of the Sinewes and for the Crampe . is passing good for the stiffenesse or starkenesse of the Synewes or joynts , for the Crampe and such like . And if you mix a little Aqua vitae withall , it is a very good oyntment for any ache , for the Sciatica or cold goute , as I have often proved .

CHAP. 155. The Preface to Foule .

HItherto I have spoken of the flesh of Beastes , and their parts usually eaten . Now I will intreat of Birds and their parts concerning dyet . And if comparison bee made between both generally , whether is lighter of digestion , I say that the flesh of birds is much lighter than the flesh of beasts . And again that the flesh of those foules which trust most to their wings , and doe breed in high countries , is lighter then the flesh of such as seldome or never flye , and be bred at home . Par. 5. Yet the tame birds ( as Isaack saith ) do nourish more than the wylde , and be more temperate .

CHAP. 156. Of Capons , Hennes and Chickins .

THe Capon being fat and young , is praised above all other foules , because , as it is easily digested , so it maketh little ordure , and much good nourishment . The flesh will bee more tender if it be killed a day or two before it bee eaten , it is commodious to the brest and stomacke . Hens in winter are almost equall to the Capon , but they doe not make so strong nourishment . The flesh of them is without superfluity , as Haly and Mesues write , and is soone turned into bloud . And they have a marveilous property , Consiliator dissert. 68. to temper mans complection and humours , and their broth is the best medicine that can bee for Leapers . Canon . 2. c. 296. And Avicen affirmeth that the flesh of young Hens augmenteth understanding , and cleareth the voice , and encreaseth the seed of generation . That hen is best which as yet never layed egge . And a fat hen ful of egges is not the worst . The Poet Horace in the person of the Epicure setteth forth a way to make a hen tender upon the sodaine in this wise . Ser. li. A. la . 4. How to make a Henne tender upon the sodaine .

Si vespertinus subito te oppresserit hospes , Ne gallina minus responset dura palato , Doctus eris vivam misto mersare Falerno . Hoc teneram faciet . If guestes come to thee at unwares , In water mixt with wine , Souce thou thy henne , she will become short , tender , nesh and fine .

Chickens . Chickins in Sommer especially if they be cockrels , are very convenient for a weake stomacke , and nourish well , neither is there any flesh lighter of digestistion than a chicken , or more agreeable with all natures , as well in sicknesse as in health : yet would I wish those that bee in good health , A caveat not to use much fine meats . not to use themselves much to such fine meats , but rather accustome to feed on grosser meates til need require . As for chickens upon sops , they are no meat for poore schollers , unlesse they can get them .

CHAP. 157. Of Cocke .

THe flesh of a Cock , especially if it be old , is hard of digestion : but the broth wherein it is boyled looseth the belly , and if you boyle therewith Polipodium or Cartamus , it purgeth ill humours . Galen saith , Lib. 11. Simp. Gallinarum ius simplex retinendivim possidet , vti gallorum veterum subducendi . If you list to still a Cocke for a weak body that is in a consumption , through long sicknesse or other causes , you may doe it well in this manner . Take a red cocke , that is not old , dresse him , and cut him in quarters , and bruse all the bones , To make a Coleise of a cocke or capon . then take the rootes of Fennell , Parcely and Succory , Violet leaves and Borage , put the Cocke into an earthen pot which is good to stew meates in , and betweene every quarter lay of the rootes and herbes , Corans , whole Mace , Annise seeds , liquorise being scraped and slyced , and so fill up your pot . Then put in halfe a pint of Rose water , a quart of white Wine or more , two or three Dates made cleane and cut in peices , a few prunes and raysons of the Sunne , and if you put in certaine peeces of Gold , it will be the better , and they never the worse , and so cover it close and stop it with dough and set the pot in seething water , & let it seeth gently for the space of twelve houres , with a good fire kept still under the brasse pot that it standeth in , and the pot kept with liquor so long . When it hath stilled so many houres , then take out the earthen pot , open it , streine out the broth into some cleane vessell , and give thereof unto the weake person morning and evening warmed and spiced , as pleaseth the patient . In like manner you may make a coleyse of a capon , which some men like better .

CHAP. 158. Of Fesaunt .

FEsaunt exceedeth all foules in sweetnes and wholsomenesse , and is equall to a Capon in nourishing but is somewhat dryer , and is of some men put in a meane betweene a henne and a partrich . It is a meate for Princes and great estates , and for poore schollers when they can get it .

CHAP. 159. Of Partrich .

Partrich most light of digestion . PArtrich of all foules is most soonest digested , and hath in him much nourishment . It driveth away the dropsie , it comforteth the stomacke , it maketh seed of generation , and encreaseth carnall lust , and it is said that customable eating of this flesh comforteth the memory . Wherefore it were a convenient meat for students , & such as be weak , and I would that every good student twise in a weake instead of his commons might have a Partrich to his supper . A good wish for students . Neither doe I marvell considering the goodnesse of the flesh , that Gentlemen be at such cost to keep hawkes , Hawking commended . and take such toyle to kill Partriches and Fesants . For beside the pleasant pastime in hawking , the flesh of these birds is very precious , and every morsell worth gold .

CHAP. 160. Of Woodcocks .

WOodcocks are of a good temperature , & meetly light in digestion , and the flesh of them is very wholesome . They come into England at the fall of the leaf , and depart againe at the spring , but whence they come or whither they goe , it would trouble a good Doctor to define . When the woodcocke goeth , The Woodcocke compared with the Swallow . the Swallow commeth , but the Swallow is like a feined friend that forsaketh us in adversity : for when cold beginneth , she returneth againe over the sea into hot Countries , and as Plinie iudgeth into Affrica . So may we guesse likewise that Woodcockes come out of cold Countries , as Denmarke , Norway , Swetia , or else from those regions which have summer when we have winter , and contrarywise .

CHAP. 161. Of Pigeons .

PIgeons are very hot and moist , wherefore they are not good for those that be cholericke , or inclined to any fevers , but to them that be flegmatick and pure melancholy , they are very wholesome , and bee easily digested . They should be taken when they be ready to flie , & so killed that they may bleed wel . Arnoldus saith that they be better baked , being stuffed with soure grapes , than rosted , because the soure grapes doe qualifie and temper the heat of them . Wherefore cunning cookes have devised to stuffe them with grapes also when they bee rosted . The old doves for their very great heat . drought and hardnesse of digestion , are to bee eschewed , yet the Turtle dove is commended in Scho. Sal. and is said to nourish well , cap. 29. Canon . 2. ca. 146 and to engender good bloud . Which Avicen also affirmeth , where hee saith , that there is no foules flesh better than a Turtles or a hens , nor more subtile : but I thinke hee meaneth of young Turtles .

CHAP. 162. Of Quailes .

QVailes are commended in Scho. Sal. to be wholesome , yet Isaak Iudaeus affirmeth that they are worse than any other foule , and that they engender the crampe , & experience proveth them to encrease melancholy , therefore they are no good meate for students , although they were the meate that God rained from heaven to feed the Israelites withall in the desert . But God gave them a sowre sauce to their meat , for while the flesh was yet betweene their teeth , Num. 11.7.31 . before it was chewed , even the wrath of the Lord was kindled against the people , and the Lord smote the people with an exceeding great plague . God defend this Land from such a sauce for all the sweet meates that be so plentifull in it .

CHAP. 163. Of Blacke Birds .

BLacke birds or Ousiles are greatly commended for lightnesse of digestion , and that they make good nourishment and little ordure , and they be one sort of the fourteene kinds of wilde foules reckoned most wholesome in Schola Salerni , where also are named certaine other sorts of birdes , Cap. 29. as the Stare or Shepstare , which unlesse it be taken before it flie from the neast , is bitter in taste . Also the Moore hen , the Wagtaile , the little Robin red brest , all these aforesaid are briefely contained in the verses following .

Sunt bona Gallina , & capo , turtur , sturna , columba , Quiscula , Phasiades merulae simul ortygometra , Perdix , frigellusque orex , tremulusque amarellus .

CHAP. 164. Of Larkes .

LArkes , as they bee delicate in eating , light of digestion and of good nourishment , so are they medicinable , for as Dios. writeth , Assa , Lib. 2. cap. 48. & in cibum sumpta caeliacos adiuvat , which Master Eliote expoundeth to be the collicke .

CHAP. 165. Of Sparrowes .

SParrowes bee hard to digest , and are very hot , and stirre up Venus , especially the cocke sparrowes . Being boyled in broth , they are restorative , and good for weake and aged persons , Mulieres nonullae salaces , hos parant in cibis maritis suis , ut sint procliviores ad libidinem .

CHAP. 166. Of Goose .

GOose is hard of digestion , but being yong and fat the wings be easie to digest in a hot stomack , and nourish competently , but the greene goose is better than the stubble goose , and I speake of tame geese , for wilde geese are much worse , yet a Lankashire man will finde fault with neither , being fat and well rosted . The swan is much like in nature to the goose . Swanne .

CHAP. 167. Of Ducke and Mallard .

DVcke and Mallard , wild or tame be hard to digest and make ill juice , saving that the braunes on the brest bone , and the necke is better than the remnant . They feed oftentimes of frogs and todes , wherefore their flesh must needs be unwholesome .

CHAP. 168. Of Plover .

PLover is thought to bee a dainty dish , and right wholesome , yet it is slow of digestion , nourisheth little , Lapwing and Teale . and encreaseth melancholy , likewise is to bee said of the Lapwing . The Teale is some deale better .

CHAP. 169. Of Peacocke .

PEacockes if they be old , be hard of digestion , and so are Turky cockes likewise , but the chickens of either of them about halfe a yere old , are good and wholesome .

CHAP. 170. Of Crane .

CRane is hard of digestion , and maketh ill iuice , but being hanged up a day or two before he bee eaten , he is the more tender and lesse unwholsome .

CHAP. 171. Of Bustard .

BVstard being fat and kept without meat a day or two before he be killed , to expulse his ordure , and then drawn and hanged as the Crane , and after rosted or baken , is a good meat , and nourisheth well if he be well digested .

CHAP. 172. Of Heron.

HEron , Byttour or Shovelar , being young and fat bee lighter digested then Crane . And the Byttour , sooner than the Heron , and the Shovelar sooner then any of them . But all these foules must bee eaten as venison , with much spice , and have good old wine drunke after them , and so shall they bee more easily digested , and the iuice comming of them be the lesse noyfull . Other foules also are used to be eaten , which I omit , because I finde little written of them , and these which I have mentioned be most common , therfore now it remaineth that I speake of the parts and members of the birds aforesaid .

CHAP. 173. Of the Wings .

THe wings , braines and neckes of Geese , Capons , Hens , Fesant , Partrich , and small birds being fat , are better than the legges in digestion , and lighter in nourishing . Of wilde foule and Pigeons being fat , the legs are better than the wings : The braines of Ducke , Teale and Wigeon except , which is better to digest than the residue .

CHAP. 174. Of the Gysar .

THe gysar or stomacke of a Goose or Henne , being made fat with wheat , branne and milke , or water , and wheate branne made in powder , or else well sodden , is good for the stomacke , in making it strong to digest , and nourisheth competently .

CHAP. 175. Of the Liver .

THe liver of a Capon , Hen , Fesant , or Goose , being made fat with milke , mixt with other meat , is not onely easie to digest , but also maketh good iuice , and nourisheth excellently .

CHAP. 176. The Preface to Fish .

THus much of flesh . Now concerning fish which is no small part of our sustenance in this Realme of England . And that flesh might be more plentifull , and better cheap , two dayes in the weeke , that is Friday and Saturday , are specially appointed to fish , and now of late yeares , by the providence of our prudent princesse Elizabeth , the Wednesday also is in a manner restrained to the same order , not for any religion or holinesse supposed to be in the eating of fish rather then of flesh , but only for a civill policy as I have said . That as God hath created both for mans use , so both being used or refrained at certaine seasons , might by that entercourse be more abundant . And no doubt if all daies appointed for that purpose were duely observed , but that flesh and fish would be much more plentifull , and beare lesse price then they doe . For accounting the Lent season , and all fasting dayes in the yeare together with Wednesday , Friday and Saturday , you shal see that one halfe of the yeare is ordeyned to eat fish in . But here I must crave a pardon of the divines , that they will give mee leave to utter mine opinion touching abstinence from meates , I confesse that meat maketh us not acceptable to God , Corint. 1. cap. 8. Rom. 14. and that there is nothing uncleane of it selfe , and that every creature of God is good , and nothing ought to be refused , if it bee received with thanksgiving : Ti. 1. cap. 4. yet this much I will say that if a man would refraine from such meats , as do most nourish and cherish his body , ( which indeed is the exercise of fasting ) he should rather forgoe the eating of flesh than fish , because as Cornelius Celsus saith , Plus alimenti est in carne quam in ullo alio cibo , which thing peradventure was the occasion why people were prohibited in time past to eat flesh or any thing els having affinity with flesh , Lib. 2. upon the fasting daies . Which order ( as it is thought ) being first established by Gregory the great bishop of Rome , was afterward superstitiously abused . But now that superstition is abandoned among us , and all men doe know that whatsoever goeth into the mouth , defileth not the man , but that which commeth forth , Math. 15. me thinke for orders sake , all people should be obedient to good lawes , and bee aswell contented to forbeare flesh upon the dayes appointed , as to use it at their pleasure at other seasons . But such is the selfewill of some , and voluptuousnesse of many in this our owne licentious time , that without any reasonable cause , or sufficient authority , onely to satisfie their fleshly lust , they will eat flesh at all times and seasons , yea some in contempt of all good order , and as it were despising all kinds of fish , as though God had not created fish for our food as well as flesh , wilfully misorder themselves in this behalfe . But this kind of people had need to saile to the Island Antycyra , according to the old proverbe , to have their melancholy strongly purged , least in processe of time they become starke mad . But the reformation hereof I referre to the godly magistrates , and returne to my purpose . And this generally I say of fish , that if it bee compared to flesh , it is of lesse nourishment than flesh , and the nourishment thereof is full of flegmatike superfluities , cold and moyst . And of fish generally I say , A comparison betweene flesh and fish , betweene sea fish and river fish . that sea fish is of better nourishment , then fresh water fish of the same sort , because it is not so superfluously moist , by reason of the saltwater which dryeth and purifieth . Yet I grant that fresh water fish is sooner digested than sea fish , and therfore better for sicke folks , because of their feeble digestion . And again of sea fish that is best which swimmeth in a pure sea , and is tossed and hoysed with windes and surges . And therfore the fish that is taken in the North sea , which is more surging , and tempestuous , and swift in ebbing and flowing is better than the fish that is taken in the dead or south sea . Wherefore , the fish that is taken about this our country of Britaine , must needes bee very wholesome . And true it is , as Doctor Boord witnesseth in his Dietary , who was a great traveller , The felicity of Britaine for fish . that no nation under the sunne is better served with all manner of fish , both of the sea , and the fresh water than Britaine . And as I have said of sea fish , so I say of fresh water fish , that to bee best which is bred in the deepe waters , running swiftly toward the north , What fresh water fish is better stonie in the bottome , cleane from weeds , whereunto runneth no filth nor ordure comming from townes , or cities . For that which is taken in muddy waters , in standing pooles , in fennes , motes and ditches , maketh much flegme and ordure . And here occasion is offered to speake somewhat of the old English proverbe touching the choise of fish , The English proverbe expounded touching the choise of fish . which is : That yong flesh and old fish doth men best feed How it is verified in flesh I have declared before . Now concerning fish I say , that old fish is not alwayes the best : for if fish be of a firme and hard substance , then it is better yong than old , as a young Pike or a young Perch is better than an old . But if it be of a soft and open substance , then the elder is the better , as an old Eele is wholsomer than a young as some say , which my interpretation is approved in Sco. Sal.

cap. 30. Si pisces molles sunt , magno corpore tolles , Si pisces duri , parvi sunt plus valituri .

But now what sorts of fishes bee most wholesome for mans body , may well appeare by the verses following , where are reckoned ten sorts as principall in the preservation of health .

Lucius & perca , & saxaulis , & albica , tencha , Sonus , plagitia , & cum carpa , galbio , truta .

CHAP. 177. Of the Pike .

OF which tenne sorts , the first is a Pyke , which is called the king and Tyrant of other fishes , because he not only devoureth fishes of other kinds , but also of his owne kinde , as it is in the verse following .

Lucius est piscis rex atque tyrannus aquarum .

The Pickerell or Pyke is of firme and hard substance , yet giveth cleane and pure nourishment . The dressing as well of this fish , as of all others , I referre to the art of Cookery .

The second is a Perch , so called by the figure Antiphrasis , quia nulli piscium parcit , but woundeth other fishes with his sharpe sinnes . The Perch is likewise of hard and fast substance , and therefore is of more pure nourishment .

The third is a sea fish called a Sole , whose commendation Arnoldus uttereth in these words : Est inter pisces marinos saluberrimus .

The fourth is a Whiting , which for wholesomenesse is well entertained in the court of England , and is now become an old Courtier .

The fifth is a Tench , which is commonly called the Physitian of other fishes , because when they are hurt , they are healed by touching of the Tench , and as he is medicinable to fishes , so is he wholsome to mans body .

The sixth is a sea fish called a Gurnard , which is of diverse colours , some red , and some gray , both very toothsome and wholesome .

The seventh is a Playce , which if it be well growne and some deale thicke , is a passing good fish , and may seeme to be so called a placendo , quia palato valde placet . Flounders or Floukes bee of like nature to a playce , though not so good .

The eighth is a Carpe , a fresh water fish greatly desired of great estates , and no marvaile , for it is in wholsomenesse of great value . And the tongue of a Carp is very pleasant to carping Ladies .

The ninth is a Gogion ( as I understand ) which fish is found as well in the sea as in fresh waters & is of sundry sorts , as Dioscorides declareth . And of Gogions , Lib. 2. cap. 29. Lib. 3. de ali. fa. cap. 29. as Galen writeth , Prestantissimus ad voluptatem , coctionem , simul ac distributionem , & succi bonitatem est is , qui in arenosis littoribus , aut saxosis promontoriis vivit .

The tenth is a Troute , which is so sound in nourishing , that when we would say in English , that a man is throughly sound , wee use to say that hee is as sound as a Trout . This fish by nature loveth flattery : for being in the water it will suffer it selfe to bee rubbed and clawed , The nature of a Trout . and so to bee taken . Whose example I would wish no maides to follow , lest they repent after claps .

CHAP. 178. Of other fishes very wholesome .

BEside those tenne sorts aforesaid , there be diverse other of the sea and fresh water , which bee very wholesome , as Breame , Bret , Turbut , Holibut , Cod , Hadocke , Tunie , Mullet , which is a fish of this nature , that being afraid hideth onely his head , and thinketh that then all his body is hid . Also Barbill , a fish in such estimation among the Ancient Romans , that in the time of Claudius the Emperour , A strange nature of a fish . Asinius Geler one that had bin Consull , paid for one of the said fishes 8000 Serstertios , which after Tonstals account , is forty pound sterling . Forty pound given for one fish . Also Roch , Loch , Base , Smelt , are very wholsome fishes . And generally all fish that hath skales and fins , for many skales and fins betoken the purenesse of the fishes substance . Likewise Shad and Mackerel are both sweet in taste and soft in substance , yet not very wholesome . Of which the one is out of season and full of bones , except it be at the spring of the yeare , that is the Shad. And the Mackerell , as in colour it doth resemble the Edder , so is it not lightly taken , but when thunder and lightning , or some tempestuous weather ariseth .

CHAP. 179. Of other fishes much used though not so wholesome .

Among all fishes that bee pleasant in taste and not wholesome , the Eeles are most in use , Of Eeles . which as they bee engendred of the very earth , dirt or myre without generation , or spaune , so bee they of a slimy substance , clammy and greatly stopping , whereby they are noysome to the voyce , as it is recorded in Scho. Sal. in these words : Vocibus anguillae pravae sunt si comedantur . cap. 31. Also they are ill for such as bee given to the stone : for their sliminesse will cause the gravell sooner to congeale , and gather to a stone , and they dispose a man to the gout , breeding such like matter as bringeth paine of the joynts . Wherefore Arnoldus saith prettily upon the said verse : Inique natura fecisse videtur , quae tam suavem refutandis expuendisque piscibus indiderit saporem .

CHAP. 180. Of Lamprayes .

LAmprayes or Lampurnes bee partly of the nature of Eeles , yet somewhat wholsomer , and lesse jeopardous , for that they be not so clammy and so grosse as Eeles , yet they are thought in some part venomous , because they engender as Serpents doe , or as some say with Snakes . Wherefore the heads and tailes , and the string within , should in no wise bee eaten . After eeles and Lamprayes , wee should drinke good strong wine , as saith Arnolde , and generally with all kindes of fish wine is very wholesome . The French proverbe of wine to be used with fish . For as the French man saith ( Poisson sans vin est poison ) that is to say , Piscis sine vino venenum .

CHAP. 181. Of Conger .

Lib. de Ali. fa. cap. 31. COnger is of hard substance , as Philotimus thinketh , whose judgement Galen alloweth , and therfore hard of digestion : For this rule is generall and alledged in the same place , A generall rule touching choise of fish . Tum concoctio quae in ventriculo fit , tum in singulis corporis partibus alendis assimilatio , in mollioribus quidem facilius , in durioribus vero aegrius fit .

CHAP. 182. Of Salmon .

SAlmon though it be a pleasant fish , and very sweet , especially the belly thereof , yet is it not so wholesome as many other before mentioned , but much grosser , more clammy , harder of digestion and fuller of superfluity . And that it is not simply wholsome is proved hereby , for that it is not used to bee eaten hot or immediatly after it is boyled . The mort is of like nature , for it is the young Salmon . The nature of the Salmon is to spawne in the fresh water , and after useth both fresh and salt .

CHAP. 183. Of Raie or Thornebacke .

RAie or thornebacke is a fish of soft substance , saving that it is ful of bones , like unto gristles . This fish also is thought unwholsome , if it be eaten hot , and to dispose a man to the falling evill . Which noysome quality ( as I thinke ) doth rise thereby , for that it is so moyst a fish and ful of superfluity . Yet the pricks therof which grow without upon the skinne , pulled up by the rootes , and dryed and made in powder , and drunk in white wine or Renish wine fasting , A good medicine for the stone . is an excellent medicine to avoid gravell and to breake the stone , as it hath beene often proved .

CHAP. 184. Of Porpus and Sturgeon .

POrpose and Sturgeon are fishes of hard substance , ( and in my iudgement ) not much better than bacon and brawne . Although for the rarenesse they be esteemed of great estates . But that fish is best which breedeth best juice in the body , and the best juice is that which is in a meane betweene thicke and thin . Qui fit ex pane optime praeparato , Optimus succus . et animalibus volucribus perdice scilicet atque id genus : quibus ex marinis piscibus Pelagij sunt propinqui , as Galen writeth . Lib. 3. de ali. fa. . cap. 26. The best flesh & the best fish . Where I note that he putteth a partrich for example of the best flesh and such fishes as live among rockes , to be best , and to approch neerest to the nature of wholesome flesh . Which fishes afterward he calleth Saxatiles , Alocis in quibus versari comperiuntur , as he himselfe expoundeth , Non enim in laevibus aut arenosis aut terreis littoribus , cap. 28. sed in petrosis promontoriis & ubi saxa sunt , delitescunt & pariunt , among which he reckoneth the whiting , the perch the gilthead or goldnie .

CHAP. 185. Of Herring .

HErring is a fish most common and best cheap . Yet it is not very wholesome . As it is often proved by them who through eating of fresh herring , fall into fevers , yet they may not well be spared , of poore folks , who regard not so much the wholesomnesse of meats , as that they fill up their hungry bellies . For as the Poet Horace writeth , Cum sale panis , latrantem stomachum bene leniet . Ser. li. 2. Sa. 2. Pilchards bee of like nature to herrings , which kinde of fishes as they be small in quantity , so be they small in value . As for red herrings and sprattes they be much worse , and they give as good nourishment to the body , as restie bacon .

CHAP. 186. Of Shell-fish .

GAlen giveth this generall property of shell fishes , Quod salsum in carue succum contineant qui aluum subducit . Li. 3. de ali. fa. cap. 33. Wherein he preferreth Oysters before others of the same sort , because they have a very soft substance . Oysters with us are eaten raw . Which Galen also mencioneth in the same place . Oysters . They bee used also in brothes , boyled , or rosted upon coles . One good property they haue , in that they doe not lightly corrupt in the stomacke , But if they be eaten raw , they require good wine to be drunke after them , to helpe digestion , I thinke red wine or sacke is best for that purpose . They bee not good for any that have an itch or breaking forth of a hot liver .

CHAP. 187. Of Muskles .

MVskles are worse to bee digested raw than Oysters . Wherefore they be most used being rosted or boyled , they are very noysome to such as be disposed to fevers , gout or dropsie . Ther is a kind of Muskles in which Pearles are found , and though the Indian pearles be greatest and more desired as being far fetched , Pearles . yet certaine it is ( as Matth. writeth ) that pearles doe grow and are gotten , Lib. 2. Dios. ca. 4. in the west Ocean about England and Scotland . With which kind of pearles Iulius Caesar adorned a breast plate and offered it up in the temple of Diana , as Plinie reporteth . Good pearles gotten about Britaine .

CHAP. 188. Of Cockles .

COckles bee lighter of digestion than muskles or oysters , yet are not to bee eaten raw . But being rosted upon coales , as soone as they open they may be eaten without danger , neither doe they breed like inconvenience as Muskles doe . When shell fish is at the best . Lib. 2. Ser. Sa. 4. Shell fishes be at the best when the moon increaseth , as the Poet Horace noteth .

Lubrica nascentes implent conchilia lunae .

CHAP. 189. Of Crevis and Shrimpes .

AMong shell fishes may bee numbred these also which follow . Howbeit Galen calleth them Crustata and not Testacea , but the name is not materiall , and the Crevis is chiefe of them . For it is very nourishing , and doth not lightly corrupt in the stomacke . Yet is it hard of digestion , as Arnoldus saith upon Scho. Sal. Cap. 30. The Crab , the Lobster , and the Shrimpe are of the same nature . At Oxford ( as I remember ) upon festivall dayes , they are wont to eat Crevices , last after flesh . And commonly at great feasts in London and elsewhere , they use to serve up sturgeon last , as it were to make up the mouth . And this they name a feast royall . But this kinde of service is dispraised by Arnoldus in the same Chapter , A feast royall . Flesh and fish should not be eaten together at one meale . where hee saith , that fish and flesh together should not be eaten , nor fish and white meat , nor fish should not bee eaten after other meates .

CHAP. 190. Of the Puffin .

THere is also a kind of fish called a Puffin , which in respect that it liveth altogether in the water , may be accounted a fish : whereas otherwise considering that it is feathered and doth flie , as other foules doe , it may seeme to be flesh , except you would account it as a Syren or mermayden , that is halfe fish , and halfe flesh . They be eaten as well fresh as powdered , and as they be in a meane as it were betweene flesh and fish , so be they in wholesomnesse , neither best nor worst . A Carthusian may eat them and never breake his order .

CHAP. 191. Of Saltfish .

DIverse sorts of the fishes beforesaid , are used to be eaten salt as well as fresh , as Salmon , Conger , Cod , Eeles , Herrings , and such like . Beside these , there bee some other which are used no way but salt . Whether fresh fish or salt fish be more wholsome . Now if comparison bee made betweene fresh fish and salt fish , whether is more wholsome , to speake generally in my iudgement , fresh fish is to be preferred . For as Arnoldus saith upon Scho. Sal. fresh fish doth moysten the body , and increaseth milke and seed of generation , Cap. 30. and is very wholesome for cholericke folkes . Fresh fish good for chollericke folkes . Cap. 52. But salt fish contrariwise , dryeth the body , diminisheth seed of generation , and is hurtfull to those that be cholericke . Beside this , if it be much eaten , it hurteth the sight , and causeth itch and scabbinesse , by reason that it engendreth a sharpe , biting , and burnt humour . All which discommodities are briefly comprised of Scho. Sal. in two verses , as followeth .

Vrunt res salsae visum semenque minorant , Et generant scabiem , pruritum , sive rigorem .

Which inconveniences although they grow as well by much eating of salt flesh as of salt fish , yet I thinke they are rather bred by salt fish . Notwithstanding I grant that somekind of fish , a little salted , is better than the same fresh . Because it taketh away lothing , and maketh a good appetite . But fish of long time salting ( as is the most part of our salt fish ) is unwholsome .

CHAP. 192. Of Stockefish .

THere is yet a kind of fish which may be doubtful , whether it should be reckoned among salt fish or fresh fish , because it is in taste fresh , yet brought to us dryed from Island and other countries Northward . Concerning which fish I will say no more than Erasmus hath written in his Colloquio . Est genus piscis , quod vocatur Anglice Stockfish , non magis nutrit quam lignum . Yet I have eaten of a pie made onely with Stockfish , which hath beene very good , but the goodnesse was not so much in the fish as in the cookery , which may make that savoury , which of it selfe is unsavoury . And as it is said , a good Cooke can make you good meat of a whetstone , even so it may bee that such fish and flesh as is of it owne nature unwholesome and unpleasant , by the skill of dressing may bee made both wholesome and pleasant . Therefore a good Cooke is a good iewell and to bee much made of , modo sit vir bonus .

CHAP. 193. Of White meates .

THere remaineth yet a third kind of meats , which is neither fish nor flesh , commonly called white meates , as egges , milke , butter , cheese , which notwithstanding proceed and come of flesh , as egges from the hen , and milke from the Cow . Yet because they are not plainely flesh , they are permitted to be eaten upon the fish dayes , among which foure sorts , egges is the chiefest and most nourishing . Egges . For egges bee of that kind of meat , which in a little quantity nourish much , as Avicen writeth . Ca. 4. cap. 1. Cap. 8. Wherefore they are reckoned in Scho. Sal. together with other two very nourishing things , as followeth , Ova recentia , vina rubentia , pinguia iura , Cum simila pura , naturae sunt valitura .

That is to say , new layed eggs , chiefly the yolks , red wine , & pottage or broth of good flesh , as of mutton , veale , capon , or chicken , especially being made with fine flower or grated bread , these three are very comfortable and restorative for mans body , & these three would I wish to bee much used of students , for they most need nourishing meats . But touching the choise of egges , first I say , that henne egges , as they be most used so are they best . Yet egges of Fesants and Partriches be not unwholsome : but egges of ducks , geese , Hen Egges are best . turkeis and other foules should be eschewed . And of henne egges the choise standeth in three points , How to chuse an egge . that they be white , long , and new : as it is in Sch. Sal.

Filia presbyteri iubet pro lege teneri Quod bona sunt ova haec , candida , longa , nova . Ser. lib 2. Sat. 2.

Which is approved in the Poet Horace .

Longa quibus facies ovis erit illa memento , Vt succi melioris , & ut magis alba rotundis , Ponere .

Now concerning the dressing of egs , The difference of eggs in dressing . there is great difference . For either they be sodden , rosted or fryed . And they be sodden two wayes ; either in the shels , or else the shels being broken , the egges are put into seething water , Sodden egges Poched egges . the first is called seething of egges , the second poching of egges . Both waies are good , but egges poched are best and most wholesome . Yet egges sodden in their shels , Rosted egges . are better then rosted , because the moystnesse of the water , Fryed egges . tempereth the heat of the fire which dryeth up the substance of the egges , overmuch . And fryed egges be worst of all , for they engender ill humours , annoy the stomacke , & cause corrupt fumes to rise to the head . Collops and egges . Wherefore collops and egges , which is an usuall dish toward shrovetide , can in no wise be wholsome meat , yet it is , the lesse unwholsome , if the egs be not fried hard . For in the regiment of health , egges should in no wise be eaten hard . But being in a meane between rere and hard , Hard egges . Soft egges . Rere egges . which Galen calleth Ova tremula , yet rere egges , named Ova sorbilia , that is to say little more than through hot , are good to cleare the throte and brest , and they do ease the griefs of the bladder and reines made with gravell , so that they bee taken before any other meat . A fine breakfast for a weak stomacke . And if a man would break his fast with a light and nourishing meat , then I say there is nothing better , then a couple of egges poched , or the yolkes of two egges sodden rere and put into one shell , seasoned with a little pepper , butter , and salt , and supped off warme , drinking after it a good draught of Claret wine . This I know to bee very comfortable for weak stomacks , and is often used of the wisest men in England . And this rule is generally to be observed , to drink a good draught of wine , ale or beare , after we have eaten an egge , as it is taught in Schola Sal. Cap. 38.

Singula post ova , pocula sume nova .

If hens be slack in laying of egges , give them hempseed enough , and they wil become fruitfull . For as Mat. saith , Canabis sativae semen in cibis sumptum , Lib. 3. Cap. 48 . plane contrarium efficit in gallinis & in nobis . Siquidem largius com manducatum nobis genituram extinguit , Hempseed hath contrary effects in men and in hen . gallinas vero oviferaciores reddit . There is great difference in the parts of an egge , for the yolke is temperately hot , the white is cold and clammy , and hardly digested , and the bloud thereof engendred is not good . Yet it is of great use in bruises , wounds , and sores : as skillful surgions doe know . The chicken is ingendred of the white and nourished with the yolke , though some bee of a contrary opinion . Alexander Aphrodissaeus hath a pretty saying of an egge . Orbis vniversi quem mundum vocamus , Lib. 2. proble 84 . speciem in ovo dixeris demonstrari : An egge resembleth the whole world . nam & exquatuor constat elementis , & in spherae faciem conglobatur , & vitalem potentiam obtinet . The shell hee likeneth in qualities to the earth , that is cold and dry : the white , to the water that is cold and moyste the some or froth of the white to the ayre , that is hot and moyst : the yolk to the fire , that is hot and dry . So he maketh the egge as it were 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , a little world .

CHAP. 194. Of Milke .

MIlke is made of bloud twise concocted , or as Isaak Iudaeus defineth it , Par 5. What milke is . Lac non est aliud nisi sanguis secundo coctus in uberibus : For untill it come to the paps or udder , it is plaine bloud : but afterward by the proper nature of the paps it is turned into milke . Diosco . giveth this commendation to milke generally , Lib. 2. c. 6 4. Lac generatim omne boni succi est , corpus alit , aluum emollit , stomachum & intestina inflatione vexat . But this last inconvenience may bee holpen , as he teacheth afterward : minus inflat quodcunque semel fervefactum est . How the windinesse of milk may be holpen . And I was wont to helpe it by putting in a little pepper , Cloves and Mace . Milke , notwithstanding that it seemeth to be wholly of one substance , yet it is compact or made of three severall substances , that is to say in effect , Three substances in milke . of Creame , Whey and Cruds . Of Creame is made Butter , and of Cruds Cheese , of which I shall entreat afterward . But of milke there is great difference , not onely concerning the kindes ; but also touching the time of the yeare . For Cow milke is thickest and the milke of a Cammel is thinnest , Three sorts of milke . and the milke of a Goate is betweene both . Wherefore in the governance of health , Goats mylke is best . Goats milke is best , and Cow milke is next . Yet the goodnesse of the pasture helpeth much to the goodnesse of the milke : for ill pastures make ill mylke , and good pastures make good milke : for such as the food is such is the bloud , and such as the bloud is , Lib. 3. de Ali fa. cap. 15. such is the milke , as Galen excellently proveth , by example of Goats which fed on Spurge and Scammony , whose milk was very laxative . Also by example of a Nurse ; who having fed much of wilde herbs after she gave sucke to a childe , infected the same with many sores and byles . And touching the time of the yeare I say , that in the spring time , mylke is thinnest , and at the fall of the leafe it is thickest and best according to that old saying , What time of the yeare milk is best . when ferne waxeth red , then is milke good with bread . And how naturall and nourishing a meat , Mylke is , may be perceived not onely by children , who live and like better with that , than with any other thing : but also men and women , who being used from their childhood for the most part to Milk , and to eat none or little other meat but milk and Butter , appeare to be of good complection and fashion of body . And no marvaile : for where milke is well digested , it engendreth good bloud , and giveth great nourishment , yea , it is a restorative for them that bee wasted or in a consumption , or be leane , as appeareth in Scho. Sal. in these words . Cap 34.

Lac hecticis sanum , caprinum , post camelinum , Ac nutritivum , plus omnibus ast asininum , The degrees of milke in goodnesse . Plus nutritivum vaccinum , sic & ovinum , Ad sit si febris , caput & doleat , fugiendum est .

Whereby it appeareth that Goats Milke is principall in a consumption , Quia mediae est consistentiae , Lib. 3. de ali fa. cap. 15. as Galen saith , because it is not so thinne as Camels milke or Asses milke , nor so fat and thicke as Cow milke or Sheepes milke , yet common experience proveth that womens milke sucked from the breast is without comparison best of all in a consumption , Wherof a notable example was shewed of late yeares in the old Earle of Cumberland , The Earle of Comberland cured of a consumption by womans milke . who being brought to utter weakenesse by a consuming Fever , by meanes of a Womans sucke together with the good counsaile of learned Physitians , so recovered his strength , that before being destitute of heires male of his owne body , he gate that most worthy gentleman that now is inheritour both of his fathers vertues and honour . But in the last verse it is said that milke hurteth them that have the ague or the head ach : the reason is , Why milke is unwholsome in Agues or Head ache . because in bodies that bee distempered , it is lightly corrupted in the stomacke , and is turned into cholerick fumes , which both inflame the body and grieve the head . Milke is ill for the Collick or stone , and causeth obstructions . Also milke is hurtfull to them that have the Cholicke or stone , or obstructions of the Liver or Splene . But it is especially good for them which be oppressed with melancholy , which is a common calamity of students . Milke good against melancholy And for this purpose it should be drunke in the morning fasting abundantly , new milked warme from the udder . But who so would use it , should cause the beast to be milked into a vessell wherein are first put a few leaves of Speare Mynt , a little Sugar or pure Hony . For by this meanes it shall neither rise in the stomacke afterward , nor yet turne into cruds , and after it should abstaine both from other meats and exercise for three or foure houres , for so doing it may purge the belly , which is one good property that milke hath : Whether milke be loosing or binding . for because it is buttery , it washeth and cleanseth the intrailes , and is good against pricking paynes of the Lungs , guts , reynes , and bladder . But otherwise if the Whey bee consumed by any meanes , Milke rather bindeth the belly than looseth , and may be used as a medicine for a laske in this manner . Take Milke warme from the Cow , A medicine for a laske . or else new milked , and heate a gad of Steele or Iron glowing hot in the fire , and quench it therein , so doing nine or tenne times , together , then drinke it fasting and it will helpe . Yet some I have knowne almost growne to a flix , that by drinking of milke well boyled without salt , and well spiced with cinamome , or with chalke shaven into it , have beene eased in short time . Whey . But so long as the Whey is in it , it is rather laxative : for Whey of it selfe is very laxative , and may well be used of such as be costive , because it looseth the belly gently . And for this cause ( as Galen writeth ) Veteres ad alvum subducendam ; Lib. 3 de . ali. fa. cap. 15. hoc potu plurimo uti videntur . And this I can say of experience , that if it be commonly drunke at the spring of the yeare , and especially in May , it bringeth the body to good temper , and is good against itch , skabs , Morphew , and other impediments , without the skinne , and maketh a good colour in the face , ( as I suppose ) for that it purgeth Choler and Melancholy , and qualifieth the heat of the stomacke and liver : all which properties are briefely set forth in Scho. Sal. in one verse . Cap. 36.

Inciditque lavat , penetrat , mundat quoque Serum .

Some use to boyle Fumitory , Hartstong , Endive , or Succory , Scabiouse , Violet leaves , Sorell , and such like cooling herbes in the Whey , A cooling decoction of whey good for many purposes . and so it is made more effectuall for the foresaid purposes , and who so needeth may use this decoction , for it is of great force .

CHAP. 195. Of Creame .

CReame is one part or substance of milke , and is indeed the very head or heart of Milke : and is of two sorts , that is to say , raw Creame which is gathered of the milke without fire after it hath stood a time , and clouted Creame which is made by setting the milke ouer an easie fire , untill it come to a thicke head . Both these kinds are used as a delicate dish in the summer season , either with Sugar , or with Strawberries . But how wholesome a dish it is Matth. teacheth upon Dios. saying : Lib. 2. ca. 66. Ob pinguedinis copiam , praeterquam quod ventriculum relaxat , & cuncto supernatat cibo , nutrimentum eijcit , & crassum generat succum . Wherefore they that go from Oxford to Botley , or from London to Islington to eare Creame , make but a sleevelesse errand , yet raw Creame well boyled with a little Sugar , is a good nourishing meate , and good for a weake student , so it be used according to the conditions aforesaid in the treatise of Milke .

CHAP. 196. Of Butter .

OF both sorts of creame is made Butter , which if it be fresh and new made , is very wholesome , especially if it be eaten in the morning ; but afterward it is not so good , according to the old English proverb , butter is Gold in the morning , and Silver at noone , and lead at night . The meaning whereof because it is so common , I will here omit . The chiefe properties of Butter are reckoned to bee three in Schola Salerni as followeth . Cap. 35.

Lenit & humectat , soluit sine febre butyrum .

Butter mollyfieth and moysteneth and looseth the belly ,

An experiment of butter to make one soluble .

The vertues of butter .

which effects are wrought chiefely by reason that it is oyly and slippery . Wherefore it is good for such as be commonly costive : and this experience I have of it , that some which have beene wonted to a fine dyet , and to eat no bread but manchet , by the eating of browne bread and butter in a morning fasting , ( which is a Country mans breakfast ) have beene made as soluble as if they had taken some purgation . Also Paracelsus writeth in his booke named Paramirum , The Flemmings little troubled with the collicke . that the Flemmings are little troubled with the collicke , because they use to eat much Butter . But in one respect they are reproved by Arnoldus upon Scho. Sal. in the Chapter aforesaid , for that they eat it last after other meates , for Butter ( saith hee ) should in no wise , as meat bee eaten in great quantity , and especially it should not bee eaten after other meate . But to use it with other meat it is very wholesome . Beside this , it profiteth them much that be stuffed in the brest or lungs , with superfluous humours , and bee short winded , especially if it bee eaten with Sugar or Hony . Yet it is not good for them that have any fever or hot livers , for the fatnesse thereof doth augment the heat of the fever or Liver . The necessity of Butter in dressing of meates , in making of salves and oyntments , I overpasse , yet would I wish that such as have children to bring up , May Butter . would not bee without May Butter in their houses . It is to bee made chiefly in May , or in the heat of the yeare , by setting Butter new made without salt , so much as you list in a platter , open to the Sunne in faire weather for certaine daies , untill it bee sufficiently clarified , and altered in colour , which will be in twelve or fourteene daies , if there be faire Sunne shining . This is of marvellous vertue in any exulceration , and I have knowne the wilde fire healed therewith , To heale the wilde fire . being incorporate with Sage leaves . And for the ease of Infants to bring forth their teeth , To bring forth teeth in children . Lib. 10. Simp. Galen adviseth us to rubbe their gummes oftentimes with fresh Butter , and thinketh it of no lesse force than Hony , for that purpose . Of the making of Butter is left a kinde of whey , which they commonly call Butter milke , or soure milke , which after it hath stood a time , becommeth soure , and is much used to bee eaten either of it selfe , or with sweet milke , especially in the Summer season , because it is cooling , and no doubt but that it is both moyst and nourishing , and cleanseth the brest and is shortly digested . Also with it is made together with sweet milke , A posset of two milkes . a kinde of posset , which is called a posset of two milkes , or a soure milke posset , which is a very temperate and cooling drinke , and is used in hot diseases with great successe , and doth coole more than any other drinke , as is proved daily in Lankashire , where it is most usuall . The way to make it is to take a quantity of Butter milke after it is soure , and to use that as you are wont to use Ale or Wine to make other possets . This kinde of posset , and the other made with Ale and sweet milke , are so usuall in the Country aforesaid , that they supply a great part of Physicke . And the one sort that is made with Ale , Possets used at breakfast in Lankashire . is commonly used in the morning and at breakfast for their servants , and found by experience to be as good in health , as in sicknesse , but every Country hath his fashion according to the old adage . There is yet an other kinde of butter made of Almonds with Sugar and Rose water , Almond Butter called Almond Butter : which being well made and eaten with Violets especially in Lent , when Violets bee most fragrant , is very wholesome and commodious for students , for it rejoyceth the heart , it comforteth the braine and qualifieth the heat of the Liver .

CHAP. 197. Of Cheese .

CHeese generally in Physicke is reckoned unwholsome , and is thought to annoy the stomacke , to cause oppilations , to engender ill humours , to breed the colicke and stone . Wherfore it is no good meat for students , though labouring men commonly use it without harm . The nature of Cheese standeth chiefly in three points , as it is in Schola Salerni . First in that it is colde , which is to be understood of new Cheese . Cap 37. Secondly in that it bindeth the bellie , and maketh one costiue . Thirdly in that it breedeth grosse humors , which is the propertie of all sortes of Cheese as Galen writeth , saying , Lib. 3· de Ali. fa· cap. 17. Vitium omnium Caseorum est commune , crassum generare succum . The foresaide three properties are briefely expressed in this maner .

Caseus est gelidus , stipans , crassus quoque durus .

Where durus and stipans haue one signification , yet of all sortes of cheese , that which is soft being well made , doth least harme , yea as it is in Schola Salerni , cap. 9. it both nourisheth and maketh far , for so it is saide , Nutrit triticum & impinguat , lac , caseus infans .

Now what Cheese is well made or otherwise may partly be perceiued by this old Latine verse . What cheese is best .

Non nix , non Argos , Mathusalem , Magdalanaeue , Esau non Lazarus , caseus ille bonus .

That is to say , Cheese should not be white as snowe is , nor ful of eyes as Argos was , nor olde as Mathusalem was , nor full of whey or weeping as Marie Magdalen was , nor rough as Esau was , nor full of spots as Lazarus . Master Tusser in his booke of husbandrie addeth other properties also of Cheese well made , which who so listeth may reade . Of this sort for the most part is that which is made about Banburie in Oxford shire : for of al the Cheese ( in my iudgment ) it is the best , though some preferre Cheshire Cheese made about the Nantwich , and other also commend more the Cheese of other Countries , but Banburie Cheese shall goe for my money , for therein ( if it be of the best sort ) you shall neither tast the renet nor salt , which be two speciall properties of good Cheese . Now who so is desirous to eat cheese , Cheese should be eaten after meat . must eate it after other meate , and in a little quantity , A penny weight according to the old saying is enough , for being thus used , it bringeth two commodities . First it strengtheneth a weake stomacke . Secondly it maketh other meates to descend into the chiefe place of digestion , that is the bosome of the stomacke , which is approved in Scho. Sal. in these words .

Cap 37. Languenti stomacho caseus addit opem , Si post sumatur , terminat ille dapes .

But old and hard Cheese is altogether disallowed ; and reckoned in Schola Sal. among these ten manner of meates which ingender melancholy , Cap. 7. and bee unwholesome for sicke folkes , as appeareth before in the Chapter of Beefe , yet an old hard Cheese is good for something , Lib. 10. Simp. for Galen sheweth , that an old Cheese cut in pieces , and sodden with the broth of a gammon of Bacon , A good playster for the gout made of an old cheese . and after stamped with a little of the broth , and made in manner of a plaster , and laid to the ioynt where the gout is , will breake the skinne , and dissolve those hard knots which the gout causeth , which experiment hee first proved himselfe , and was afterward used of others . Whereby it appeareth that old Cheese , though it doe no good within the body , yet it may doe good without . And surely for students I think an old and hard Cheese is better in their coffers , than in their bellies : yet I know that labouring men eating it daily , feele no inconvenience thereby . But that is not to be mervailed , cap. 37. for ( as I say often ) Labor improbus vincit omnia , and that sort of men have commonly good stomacks , and so saith Scho. Sal.

Caseus & panis bonus est cibus bene sanis . Si non sunt sani , tunc hunc non iungito pani .

And surely the state of body that many labouring men have , is very sound and perfect , and is named of Galen absoluta ευεξια . And contrariwise the state of students , I meane of those which be students in deede , Apho 3 com . 1. and not loytering Lurdeines , I say the state of their bodies is rather κακεξια . For they bee commonly valetudinarii , that is sickely , and therefore they have more need to forbeare such meates as be of hard digestion , and of evill nourishment , as hard Cheese and such like . The welch folkes of all other use to eate much Cheese , and oftentimes rosted , Rosted Cheese . which they thinke to be a good meat . But I thinke , rosted cheese is more meet to bait a trap , to catch a mouse or a ratte , than to be received into the body , for it corrupteth in the stomacke both it selfe and other meates , and sendeth up ill vapours and fumes , which corrupt the breath . Wherefore let students let Caus bobi alone . Some folkes by nature doe abhorre Cheese which commeth of a naturall propertie of the stomacke , Why some by nature abhor cheese . Lib. 1. de temp. Lib. 1. de Consu . by reason of the temperature therof , for that reason Galen yeeldeth , Cuilibet corpori proprietas quaedam temperamenti est , quae huic naturae consentit , ab hac vero dissentit . And againe , Omnibus animalis partibus inest desiderium quoddam , &c. Hitherto of white meates .

CHAP. 198. Of Sauces .

NExt after meates I have thought good to speake somewhat of Sauces , because weake stomacks , as commonly of students , doe need oftentimes to be provoked . Yet I will not say much thereof , because the making of Sawces doth belong to the Cooke and not to the Physician , and divers meates require divers sawces , and divers men have divers appetites , so that it were an infinite matter to discourse fully therein . But I will briefly set downe some things very profitable in this behalfe , which if students shall follow , they shall finde thereby great commodity touching their health . Two principall Sauces . Lib. 5. Tus . Of all Sawces , those two are the best , which were commended by Socrates , as Tully reporteth . That is , Cibi condimentum fames , potionis sitis . And thereof Tully giveth two notable examples in the same booke , which I will recite in Latine , because my English is in no wise able to countervaile Tullies Latine . Two notable examples in two Kings , of hunger and thirst . First of hunger , that it is the best sauce for meate , hee proveth by Ptolomaeus king of Aegypt in this manner , Ptolomaeo peragranti Aegyptum , comitibus non consequutis , quum cibarius in casa panis datus esset , nihil visum est illo pane iucundius . And that thirst is the best sauce for drinke , he proveth by the example of Darius the great king of Persia , as followeth , Darius in fuga cum aquam turbidam & cadaveribus inquinatam bibisset , negavit unquam se bibisse iucundius : nunquam videlicet sitiens biberat . To these may be added that worthy apophthegme of Dionysius King of Sicilie , mentioned by Tully in the said booke , Cum Tyrannus caenavisset Dionysius , These Lacedemonian sauces are good for such as feed at full . negavit se iure illo , quod cenae caput erat delectatum , is qui illud coxerat , minime mirum , condimenta enim defuerunt . Quae tandem ? in quit ille , labor labor venatu , sudor , cursus ab Eurota , fames , sitis . His enim rebus Lacedaemoniorum epulae condiuntur . So that hunger and thirst are the best sawces for meat and drinke , and the meanes to get hunger and thirst , are exercise and abstinence for a time . This did Socrates well perceive , the author of this golden sentence , for as Tully writeth in the foresaid booke , How Socrates procured hunger . Quum usque ad vesperum contentius ambularet , quaesitumque esset ex eo quare ita faceret , respondisse , quo melius caenaret , obsonare ambulando famem . But this kind of sauce is naturall , and every man doth bring it with him to the table : but there bee other sauces that be artificiall , of which I will set down those that be most usuall .

CHAP. 199. Of Salt .

THe sauce most common of all other is Salt , which is so necessary that we cannot well live without it , and therefore it is the first thing that is to set on the Table , & should be last taken away , according to those old verses mentioned by Arnoldus upon Schola . Sal.

Sal primo poni debet primoque reponi , Omnis mensa male ponitur absque sale . cap. 52.

The necessity of salt in seasoning of meates , and preserving of meates is such , that almost it is used with every kinde of meate . The vertues thereof be chiefly two , in the Chapter aforesaid . Two vertues of Salt . The first is that salt resisteth venome , by reason that it is a dryer . The second is , that salt maketh a mans meate savourie , which needeth no proofe . These two properties are thus expressed in meeter in the said Chapter : Sal virus refugat , recte insipidumque saporat , Nam sapit esca male quae datur absque sale .

There bee two kindes of Salt in use among us in England , that is , Bay salt and whitesalt , Two kindes of salt used in meates . which is chiefely made in Cheshire , at the townes called the Wiches , where there be certaine pits or Wells of salt water , whereof by boyling they make the white salt . And the same water is as good to powder any kind of flesh , as brine : for ( as I have heard them say that dwell about the wiches ) within 24. houres it wil powder Biefe sufficiently . A great blessing of God to raise up such Springs for our use so farre within the land . There be also other sorts of salt used in Physicke , but not used in meats , wherefore I let them passe : and although salt doe make the meat more savourie , yet I advise all students not to eat much salt nor salt meats , for much salt eaten ( as it is said of old ) will make one to looke old soone , and salt meats breed the discommodities aforesaid in the Chapter of salt-fish : and this experiment I have of my selfe , which peradventure may doe others good , that beeing troubled with an itch divers yeares at Oxford , by forbearing salt altogether and salt meats , I was cured thereof throughly within one yeare , and I was so precise in that point , that I would eat no salt with an egge , which at the first I thought unsavoury , but afterward by use it waxed pleasant enough .

CHAP. 200. Of Vineger .

THe second sort of sauce which is in common use , is Vineger , whose nature is to coole and binde , as Dioscorides writeth . It is good for the stomacke , provoketh appetite , Lib. 5. cap. 17 and is very wholesome to bee used in time of pestilence . cap. 46. For ( as Avicen saith ) to use Vineger with meat in time of pestilence , is a good preservative . cap : 46 In Scho. Sal. there bee five properties ascribed to vineger . First , that it dryeth . Secondly , Five properties of vineger . that it cooleth . Thirdly , that it maketh leane . Fourthly , that it engendreth melancholy . Fiftly , that it diminisheth seed of generation , all which properties are contained in the verses following .

Frigidat & modicum : Sed plus desiccat acetum , Frigidat emaceratque Melanch. dat , sperma minorat , Siccos infestat nervos , & pinguia siccat .

The last verse sheweth , that Vineger hurteth the sinewes , and maketh one leane , which is to be understood , if it be taken fasting , A practise to make one leane and low coloured . as I have knowne some maidens to drinke Vineger next their heart to abate their colour and to make them faire , and sometime to eat tostes dipped in Vineger : but if it be often used , it will breed many inconveniences . A good water to cleanse the mouth . One spoonefull of Vineger mingled with three spoonefulls of Rose water , or for want of Rose water with well water , is a good lotion to cleanse the mouth and gummes from filth which corrupts the breath . There bee two sorts of Vineger in common use , that is to say , white and red . For the colour it maketh no matter , so that it bee rightly made : for some use to mingle Ale and Wine together , and so to make Vineger , and some make it of Ale onely , giving it a colour afterward with Turnsall , or such like : but that is rather Aliger than Vinegar , for right Vineger is made of Wine onely . And if any list to make a perfect kind of Vineger , that is not onely toothsome but wholesome also , Rose vinegar . let him take a gallon or two of good Vineger , in some little barell or glasse , and put into it , for every quart of Vineger , one handfull of Rose leaves , gathered before they be fully budded forth , and withered halfe a day before upon a faire boord , put them into the Vineger , and stop up the barrell or glasse very close with corke and clay , and set it so that the sunne may have power upon it , but yet defended from the rayne , and let it stand so a moneth or six weekes or longer , and at the end of Sommer straine the Vineger from the Roses , and keepe it for your use . Or if you would have it stronger of the Roses , straine forth the old Roses , and put in fresh oftentimes , or if you suffer the Rose leaves to remaine all the yeare in the vineger , it is not amisse , for they will not putrifie . After the same manner you may make Vineger of Giloflowers , Vineger of Giloflowers . which I have spoken of before where I intreated of that flower . Likewise of Violets and such like : but the Vinegar of Roses and Giloflowers is best , and is indeed of great vertue , Preservatives from the Pestilence . aswell in meats as in medicines , specially against the Pestilence . And if a man cannot abide to drinke it , yet to drench an Handkerchiefe , or such like cloth in it , and to smell to it , is a good preservative , or to heate a slate stone or other stone in the fire , and to powre vineger upon it , and to receive the smoke or fume thereof with open mouth . Verjuice , which is made of Crabbes pressed and strained , Veriuice . is like to Vineger in operation , saving that it is not so strong . A posset or Selibub made of Verjuice , is good to coole a cholerick stomacke , and I have knowne some to use them in hot Fevers with good successe . With Vineger also is made Oximel , Oximel . which is very good to open obstructions of the inner parts of the body , wherby Fevers may bee prevented which commonly proceed of obstructions . It is to be made in this manner : Take a quart of faire water , and a pinte of pure Hony , boyle them both together leasurly , alwayes scumming as froth ariseth . And when they are boyled to the third part , that is to a pint , then put in of strong white Vineger ( if you can get it ) halfe a pinte , boyle them againe a little , and scumme it cleane with a Fether , then take it off , and use it at your pleasure . This is named Oximel simplex . Some put in Rosemary at the first boyling , and so they make it more pleasant . But if you put in roots of Persely & Fenel and their seeds , it is then Oximel compositum , and is more effectuall in opening obstructions . Lib. 7. de Meth. Fernelius prescribeth asmuch Honie as water . Anti. lib. 2. Weckerus appointeth a pottle of Hony a quart of water , and another of Vineger , to be made as afore is said , so that you may follow whether author you will .

CHAP. 201. Of Mustarde .

THe third sauce which is in common use is Mustard , which as it procureth appetite , and is a good sauce with sundry meates both flesh and fish , so is it medicinable to purge the braine , as I have shewed in the treatise of herbes , which effect may easily be perceived , by that , if the Mustard bee good , if a man licke too deepe , it straightway pierceth to the braine , and provoketh neesing , How neesing proceeding of Mustard may be holpen . which extremity maybe soon holpen by holding bread at your nose , so that the smell thereof may ascend up to the head , for that killeth immediatly the strength of the Mustard . The best Mustard that I know in all England is made at Teuksbery in Glocester shire , and at Wakefield in Yorkeshire . Of the three foresaid sauces , Salt and Mustard are hot : but Mustard much hotter than Salt , and Vineger is cold , which difference must bee applyed to seasons of the yeare : for in hot seasons we should use cold sauces , and in cold seasons contrariwise .

CHAP. 202. Of a Common sauce .

IN Scho. Sal. is set forth a common sauce , to be made with six things , Cap. 22. that is to say , with Sage , Salt , Wine , Pepper , Garlicke , Percely , as appeareth by these verses : Salvia , Sal , vinum , piper , Allia , Petrocelinum . Ex his fac salsa , ne sit commixtio falsa .

But I doe not thinke that all these together should be made in one sauce , for that were a mingle mangle indeed , and a sweet sauce for a sicke Swine : but I take it , that all these are good to be used in common sauces , especially for the Winter season , because they be hot . Yet I know one sauce which is common , and very good for divers sorts of meates , and that is Onions sliced very thinne , faire water and grosse pepper , for this sauce will serve wel for Capon , Hen , Fesant , Partrich , Woodcocke . The Onions will doe the lesse harme if they be boyled in water , untill they be in a manner dry , then may you put some of the dripping to them , and Pepper grosse beaten , for so it will serve also for a Turkye . But I will enter no further into the art of Cookery , lest some cunning Cooke take me tardy , and say unto me as the Tayler said to the Shoomaker , Ne sutor ultra crepidam . Wherefore of the goodnesse or substance of meates this much . It followeth now that I speak of the quantity of meates .

CHAP. 203. Of the quantity of meates .

THe second thing that is to be considered in meats ( as appeareth by my division ) is the quantity , which ought of all men greatly to bee regarded , Cap. 1. for therein lyeth no small occasion of health or sicknesse , of life or death . For as want of meat consumeth the very substance of our flesh , so doth excesse and surfet extinguish and suffocate naturall heat wherein life consisteth . So that the word Mediocre which Hippocrates applyeth to all those five things , spoken of in this booke , must especially bee applyed to meats , that is to say , that the quantity of meate be such , as may be well digested in the stomacke . That it be according to the nature of him that eateth , and not alwayes according to appetite . For the temperate stomacke only ( which is rare to bee found ) desireth so much as it may conveniently digest . Three differences of stomackes . Contrariwise the hot stomacke doth not desire so much as it may digest . The cold stomacke may not digest so much as it desireth . Wherefore , the surest way in feeding , is to leave with an appetite , according to the old saying , and to keepe a corner for a friend . Which also is approved by Hippocrates , where hee saith , Sanitatis studium est non satiari cibis , & impigrum esse ad laborem . Epid. Sect. 4. Apho. 20. Two chiefe points of preserving health . Cap. 31. The same also is taught in Ecclesiasticus after this manner . How little is sufficient for a man well taught , and thereby he belcheth not in his chamber , nor feeleth any paine . A wholsome sleepe commeth of a temperate belly , he riseth up in the morning , and is well at ease in himselfe : but paine in watching and cholericke diseases , and paines of the belly are with an unsatiable man . This rule although it be very hard , ( for hardly may a man withhold his hands untill his belly be full ) yet I advise all men as much as they may , to follow it , and to beare well in minde these two latine verses following : Two verses to be followed of all that would live in health . Pone gulae metas , ut sit tibi longior aetas , Esse cupis sanus ? sit tibi parca manus .

But the greatest occasion why men passe the measure in eating , is variety of meats at one meale . Which fault is most common among us in England farre above all other Nations . For such is our custome by reason of plenty ( as I thinke ) that they which bee of hability , are served with sundry sorts of meat at one meale . Yea the more we would welcome our friends , the more dishes we prepare . And when wee are well satisfied with one dish or two , then come other more delicate , and procureth us by that meanes , to eate more than nature doth require . Thus variety bringeth us to excesse , Variety of meates , breedeth excesse and surfet . and sometimes to surfet also . But physicke teacheth us to feed moderately upon one kinde of meat onely at one meale , or at the least wise not upon many of contrary natures . Which the Poet Horace notably declareth in this manner , Ser . li. 2. Sa. 2. Accipe nunc victus tenuis quae quantaque secum Afferat , inprimis valeas bene , nam variae res , Vt noceant homini , credas , memor illius escae , Quae simplex olim tibi sederit , at simul assis Miscueris elixa , simul conchilia turdis , Dulcia se in bilem vertent , stomachoque tumultum Lenta feret pituita .

And thus much I can testifie of mine owne experience , that a man , who was before very grosse and fat , An experiment to make one slender . by feeding upon one dish onely at one meale , and drinking thereto but small drinke , within a yeare or two became slender . Also another I knew , that by eating one meale only in one day , though divers sorts of meates , was made thereby much smaller . But hereof wee have no better a proofe than is in the Vniversities of Oxford and Cambridge , where the Students have commonly but one kinde of meate at a meale , and doe live and like very well therewith , and be for the most part as cleane men of personage , as lightly may be seene . Yet I condemne not variety of meates , especially with us in England that bee daily accustomed thereto , so that there be no great contrariety betweene them , as there is betweene fish and flesh , betweene Martlemas biefe and chickens , and so that we exceed not the meane in eating : for excesse bringeth surfet , and surfet bringeth sodaine death oftentimes , as Galen sheweth . Lib: 1. Apho. 3. The reason is alledged in the same place . Quum vasa cibo ac potu fuerint supra modum repleta , periculum est , ne aut ipsa rumpaniur , aut calor ipse nativus suffocetur atque extinguatur . This disease , ( I meane surfet ) is very common . For common is that saying and most true , Plures mori crapula quam gladio . And as Georgius Pictorius saith , Omnis repletio mala , sed panis pessima . Dialo. 3. And if nature bee so strong in many , that they bee not sicke upon a full gorge , yet they are drousie and heavy , and more desirous to loyter than to labour , according to that old meeter , Distentus venter vellet dormire libenter . Yea the minde and wit is so oppressed and overwhelmed with excesse , that it lyeth as it were drowned for a time , A full belly is unfit for study . and unable to use his force . Which thing the Poet Horace worthily setteth forth in the foresaid Satyre as followeth : Vides ut pallidus omnis , Caena desurgat dubia , quin corpus onustum Hesternis vitijs , animum quoque praegravat una , Atque affigitit humo divinae particulam aurae . Alter vbi dicto citius curata sopori Membra dedit , vegetus praescripta ad munia surgit .

Wherefore I counsaile all students to follow the advise of the Poet Osellus , mentioned by Horace in the said Satyre , in these words , Discite non inter lances , mensasque nitentes , Dum stupet insanis acies fulgoribus , & cum Acclivis falsis animus meliora recusat . Verum hic impransi mecum disquirite cur hoc ? Dicam si potero , male verum examinat omnis Corruptus iudex .

Lib. 5. Tus . Two notable sayings of Tully touching the quantity of meate .

Three sorts of diet .

And Tully himselfe is of the same minde , where hee saith : Mente recte vti non possumus , multo cibo & potione completi . And in Cato maior he saith , Tantum cibi & potionis adhibendum est , ut reficiantur vires , non opprimantur , But that the quantity of meat may be fully declared , it is necessary that I propose three sorts of diet prescribed by Physitians as well in health as in sickenesse . Which bee , Plena , moderata , tennis : a full dyet , a meane dyet , a slender dyet . Or if you will apply it to meates , much enough , enough in a meane , and little enough . The full dyet doth not onely susteine the strength of the body , but also encrease it . The meane dyet doth onely preserve the strength and maintaine it , The slender dyet abate and diminish it . The full dyet ( for example sake ) may bee such , as is used at Oxford upon gaudy dayes . The meane dyet , such as is used commonly . The slender dyet , such as is used upon fasting nights , as a little bread and drinke and a few raysons or figges . Now as the meane is best in all things , so in dyet , Lib. 2. Apho. 4. as Hippocrates teacheth , Non satietas , non fames , neque aliud quicquam quod naturae modum excedat bonum . Nam omne nimium naturae est inimicam . Yet if a man shall decline from the meane toward either of the extreames , for it is very hard alwayes to hold the meane , it is better in health to decline to a full dyet than to a slender , so it bee not a plaine surfet . For so teacheth Hippocrates . Quoduis peccatum , grauius in tenui , quam in paulo pleniore victu esse solet . 1 Apho. 5. Eadem de causa sanis etiam valde tenuis , stataque & exquisita victus ratio , parum tuta , quia errata gravius ferunt . So that in health wee should keepe no precise diet , but alwayes seeke to augment the strength of the body , by a full dyet , or at the least wise to maintaine it by a meane dyet , and in no wise to diminish it by a slender dyet . And this is the cause ( in my iudgement ) why some men observing no dyet at all , bee more healthfull and stronger , than those who tie themselves continually to certaine rules in dyet . Quia videlicet , natura in illis fortior nulli non morbo resistere valet , materiam morbi mire expellenda . But yet in sickenesse sometimes a slender dyet is necessary , especially in morbis acutis , Diet in sickenesse . 1 Apho. 4. as Hippocrates teacheth . And in long sickenesse the meane dyet is to bee used , as well as in health . For otherwise the strength of the patient were not able to endure till the end of the sickenesse . But in a sicknesse that will end within three or foure dayes , wee should use a dyet which Galen calleth in his commentary upon the aforesaid Aphorisme , Summe tenuis victus , that is to eat nothing at all , or else , but a little melicrate : and surely this kinde of dyet is good in some diseases , Fasting driveth away sickenes . and I have knowne many that have driven away sickenesse by fasting . That is to say , by eating nothing for a time , which is named in latine Inedia And for this cause ( as I thinke ) that ancient Physitian Thessalus , mentioned of Galen , first devised this Diatriton , Lib. 4. de meth. med . cap. 4. that is to say three dayes abstinence , for his patients , whom notwithstanding Galen refuteth in the same place , because hee used it in long diseases , and by that meanes brought his patients to utter weakenesse . Wherefore hee concludeth , that the Physitian in dyeting should regard chiefly two things . That is to say , the force of the sickenesse , and the strength of the party that is sicke , and thereafter to prescribe lesse or more to be received . More shall bee said touching this point , where I shall entreat of custome , time , and order . Now if a man being in health , take more than nature may well beare , let him follow the counsaile of Iesus Sirach . If thou feele that thou hast eaten too much , cap. 31. arise , goe thy way , cast it out of thy stomacke , How surfet may be eased . and take thy rest , and it shall ease thee , so that thou shalt bring no sickenesse unto thy body .

CHAP. 204. Of Qualitie .

THe third thing that is to be considered in meats , The quality of meates . is the quality , that is to say , the temperature or state thereof : As whether it bee hot or cold , moyst or dry , grosse or fine , thicke or thinne , which is greatly to be regarded both in health and sickenesse , for in health such meates should be used as be like in temperature to the body . As to them whose naturall complection is moist , as is of children , ought to bee given meates that be moist in vertue or power . And to them whose naturall complection is dry , ought to be given meates drie in vertue or power . Contrariwise to bodies untemperate and in sicknesse , such meates or drinks are to be given , which bee in power contrary to the distemperance . As to them which bee very cholericke or sicke of a fever , should bee given moyst meates and cooling . For true is that saying of Galen , Augetur quidque ac nutritur a similibus , De inequ●inte . cap. 6. perimitur ac corrumpitur a contrariis . Itaque etiam sanitatis tutela per similia perficitur : morborum sublatio per contraria . Whereof springeth that common Maxima , contraria contrariis curantur . But here wee must take heed that the meates doe not much exceed the distemperature of the body : As those doe which bee named Cibi medicamentosi , as hot wines , pepper , garlicke , onyons , and such like . For these being hot and dry , farre above the meane , if they be given to a cholericke person , they be very noysome , because they exceed the just temperature of mans bodie in that complexion . But to them which be flegmaticke they be oftentimes wholesome . Contrariwise cold water , cold herbes , and cold fruits moderately used , be wholsome to cholericke bodies , by putting away the heate exceeding the naturall temperature . But to them which be flegmatike , they bee unwholesome , and doe bring into them distemperature of cold and moyst , but what meates bee hot or cold , moyst or dry , grosse or fine , thicke or thinne , may he learned by perusing the treatise before , concerning meates of all sorts .

CHAP. 205. Of Custome .

THe fourth thing that is to be considered in meates is custome . Which is of such force in mans body both in sickenesse and in health , that it countervaileth nature it selfe , and is therefore called of Galen in sundry places , Lib. de Con. Acquisititia , siue altera natura . Whereof he giveth a notable example , Lib. 3. Simp. Two merveilous examples of poyson eaten without hurt . Lib. de Secret. where he sheweth that an old woman of Athens used a long time , to eate hemlocke ( whch is a rancke poyson ) first a little quantity and afterward more , till at length shee could eate so much without hurt as would presently poyson another . The like story is told by Albertus magnus , where hee declareth that a childe by long use and custome would eate spiders out of the wall without any harme : Notwithstanding that spiders ( as all men doe know ) are a present poyson . So that custome in processe of time may alter nature and make that harmelesse , which is otherwise hurtfull . And in meate and drinke every man feeleth in himselfe , Custome in meat and drinke . that whereunto hee hath been of long time accustomed , though it bee not so good as other , yet doth it lesse harme than that whereunto he is not used . And this is approved also by Hippocrates , 2 Apho. 50. Quae longo tempore assueta sunt , etiam si deteriora sunt , minus iis quae insueta sunt molestare consueverunt . Convenit igitur etiam ad insueta permutari . Custome also bringeth liking , and liking causeth good concoction . For what the stomacke liketh , it greedily desireth : and having received it , closely incloseth it about untill it bee duly concocted . Which thing is the cause that meate and drinke wherein wee have great delight , though it bee much worse than other , yet it doth us more good . 2 Apho. 38. Which Hip. also teacheth , Paulo peior , sed suavior cibus ac potus , meliori quidem at ingrato preferendus . Which is not so to bee taken as many Phisicians doe thinke , as if it were lawfull for them to suffer their patients to have whatsoever they desire , although it bee contrary to their disease : But it is meant conditionally as Hipp. teacheth , to wit : Si parum nocent , & noxa quae infertur reparari facile potest . Epid. 6. Sec. 4. Apho. 7. And of what force custome is in labour , Hip. teacheth , Quotidianis laboribus assueti , etiamsi invalidi sint aut senes , insuetis quamvis robustis & iuvenibus , 2 Apho. 40. Custome in labour . facilius consueta ferunt exercitia . And this is the cause that Craftsmen and Husbandmen , although they bee old and weake , can doe that which stronger and younger men , being not so inured , may not doe . As a feeble old milner to lift a great weighty sack , an old smith to wield and labour with a great hammer , than a younger man not thereto accustomed . Wherefore whosoever will be strong and endure labour , must accustome himselfe to labour . Custome likewise is of great force , in sleeping and waking , and other things called not naturall , which I shall intreate of hereafter . Good therefore is that counsaile in Sch. Sal. cap. 55.

Omnibus assuetam jubeo servare dietam , Approbo sic esse , ni sit mutare necesse .

Where it is to be noted , that sometime custome is to be changed if necessity so require . A dyet for healthy men . Neither is it good for any man that is in perfect health , to observe any custome in dyet precisely , as Arnoldus teacheth upon the same verses in these words : Quisque corpus suum sic disponere debet , ut caloris & frigoris patiens esse possit , & ad motiones & cibaria sibi necessaria aptum reddat , & ut somni & vigiliarum horas , atque mansiones & domos sine laesione permutare possit . Fortassis enim ex necessitate hoc aliquando agere cogetur . Quod quidem fieri poterit , si consuetudo non observetur ad unguem , sed interdum ad inconsueta transeamus , which sentence of Arnoldus agreeth very well to that of Cornelius Celsus , Lib. 1. Men in perfect health should keepe no precise order in dyet . Sanus homo qui & bene valet , & suae spontis est , nullis obligare se legibus debet , ac neque medico , neque alipta egere . Hunc oportet varium habere vitae genus , modo ruri esse modo in urbe , saepiusque in agro , navigare , venari , quiescere interdum , sed frequentius se exercere . But some man may demand of me how this may agree with that saying of Scho. Salerni . Cap. 1.

Si tibi deficiant medici , medici tibi fiant Haec tria , mens hilaris , requies , moderata dieta .

Whereunto I answer , that a moderate dyet is alwayes good , but not a precise dyet : for a moderate diet is as Terence speaketh in Andria , How a custome in dyet may bee changed without harme . Vt ne quid nimis , which alwayes is to be observed . But if a man accustome himselfe to such meates or drinkes , as at length will breed some inconvenience in his body , or to sleep or to watch , or any other thing concerning the order of his life , such custome must needs bee amended and changed , yet with good discretion , and not upon the sodaine , 6 Epi. Sect. 3. quia repentinae mutationes noxam imbecillitatemque pariunt , as Hip. teacheth . He therefore that will alter any custome in dyet rightly , must doe it with three conditions , which are expressed by Hip. Mutatio ipsa quidem non parum conducit , si eius recta fit translatio , hoc est st fiat sanitatis tempore , & per otium , Lib 2. Vict. acut. cap. 18. nec fit repentina , and this much of custome .

CHAP. 206. Of Time .

THe fifth thing that is to be considered in meates is the time , which standeth chiefely in three points , that is to say : Time of the yeare : Time of the day : Age of the party . Concerning times of the yeare , no better counsaile can be given , than that of Schola Salerni , Temporibus veris , modicum prandere juberis , Cap. 19. Sed calor aestatis dapibus nocet immoderatis . Autumni fructus , caveas ne sint tibi luctus . De mensa sume quantum vis tempore brumae .

For the better understanding whereof , it is necessary , that we know the foure seasons of the yeare , and their temperature . That is to say , the Spring time , Summer , Autumne , or fall of the leafe , and Winter . The foure seasons of the yere The spring time beginneth in March when the Sunne entereth into Aries , and is in temperature , not hot and moyst after the old opinion but in a meane without all excesse , as Galen proveth , Lib. 1. de temp. cap. 4. and the equall mixture of the foure qualities in it , to wit , of heate and cold , moyst , and drith , is the cause both of the meane temperature , and also of the wholesomenesse thereof : for of all seasons of the yeare , the spring time is most wholesome . as Hip. teacheth . 3 Apho. 9. Ver saluberrimum & minime exitiosum . Yet it cannot bee denyed , but that the beginning thereof doth participate with Winter , and the end with Summer . Wherefore in the beginning of the Spring , the dyet should bee according to Winter . And in that sense Hip. ioyneth Winter and the spring together in like dyet Ventres hyeme ac vere natura calidissimi , 1 Apho. 15. & somni longissimi , per ea igitur tempora , plus cibi dare oportet , si quidem plus nativi caloris habent . Quo fit ut copiosiore alimento egeant . But Scho. Sal. in the first verse aforesaid , meaneth the latter part of the Spring , The dyet of the Spring time . wherein wee should eate but a little meate much like as in Summer , yet not so much as in Winter , nor so little as in Summer . But as the time is temperate : so then to use a temperate dyet . And that which we doe eate at that time especially , should bee of good nourishment , because then bloud chiefely encreaseth , and such meates such bloud , and such bloud , such state of body . Now what meats be of best nourishment , I have declared before , and here againe I say , that generally flesh is of greater and better nourishment than fish , Lib. 2. insti . Sect. 2. cap. 9. Quia piscium alimentum est frigidum & humidum , as Fuchsius teacheth .

CHAP. 207. Of Summer .

SVmmer beginneth in Iune , when the Sunne entreth into Cancer . This season is naturally hot and dry , because therein heat exceedeth cold , and drynesse moysture . In this time of the yeare by reason of the heat of the ayre without , the pores of the body are more open , whereby the spirits and naturall heat are the more resolved and wasted , and by that meanes the vertue digestive is infeebled , so that the stomacke and inner parts then are not so well able to digest as at other times . The best dyet in Summer . Wherefore to eate much meat in Summer is hurtfull according to the second verse , 1 Aph. 17. Aestate saepe & parum dandum . Sed calor aestatis , &c. But wee must eate a little at once and often as Galen teacheth : Quia & accessione alimenti majore indigent , vt pote per id temporis cute perspirabili exhausti , & quia vires exolutae sunt ac dejectae . And that which wee eate should bee rather boyled than rosted . Pottage or brothes made of cold herbes , as Lettuse , In Summer drinke much and eate little . Endive , Succory , Violets , are then good to bee used . Drinke in more abundance , Wine allayed with water , to hot complexions much , to cold natures lesse .

CHAP. 208. Of Autumne .

AVtume or the fall of the leafe beginneth in September when the Sun-entreth into Libra . This season of the yeare is variable , and the ayre changeable in heat or cold . Sib. 1. de temp. cap. 4. Wherefore it is not cold and dry after the old opinion , but of unequall temperature as Galen proveth . And the distemperature thereof is the very cause , Quae maxime Autumnes morbiferum facit , as hee avoucheth in the same place . The dyet most convenient for this season is to eat somewhat more in quantity than in Sommer , and more often rosted meates , Dyet in Autumne . and to drinke some deale lesse and a little stronger . And especially wee must beware of Sommer fruites , which are most plentifull at this time of the yeare , for as much as they make ill juice and winde in the body . But how they may bee eaten with lest hurt , I have shewed before in the treatise of fruits .

CHAP. 209. Of Winter .

WInter beginneth in December , when as the Sunne entereth into Capricorne . This season by nature is cold and moyst , for therein cold doth surmount heat , and moysture drought , by reason wherof , the heat of our bodies within is greater and the vertue digestive stronger , for the coldnesse of the aire without , environing our bodies about , must needs keepe in , and unite and fortifie the inward heate , ( ex antipe ristasi ) as the Philosopher speaketh , that is to say by position of the contrary . Wherefore digestion being stronger , one may eate as much as he will , that is to say , more than in other seasons , and not onely more but also meats of grosser substance : as Biefe , Pork and such like , Quia vires validae sunt . And this also is approved by Hip. Ventres hyeme & vere natura calidissimi , &c. alledged before in the spring . And meates rosted are more convenient for this time than sodden , and flesh and fish powdred , is now better than in Summer . As for herbs and fruits especially raw , at all times are to be refused . Drinke in Winter should bee stronger , yet taken in little quantity , because of the moistnesse of the time . Hip. briefely setteth downe the dyet of all foure seasons of the yeare . 1 Aph. 18. Aestate & Autumno cibi copiam ferant difficillime , Hyeme facillime , Vere minus . This much concerning times of the yeare .

CHAP. 210. Of the times of the day .

COncerning times of the day usuall to eate and drinke which wee call meales , they are divers in divers Countries . But here in England commonly three , that is , Breakefast , Dinner , and Supper , which I shall speake of in order as they bee proposed , if first I give forth that notable Caveat , cap. 6. which is in Schola Salerni , alwayes to be observed before we take any sustenance : So that it is , as it were a preparative to meate .

Tu nunquam comedas , stomachum ni noveris esse Purgatum vacuumque cibo , quem sumpseris ante . Ex desiderio id poteris cognoscere certo . Haec sunt signa tibi subtilis in ore diaetae .

In which verses , two things are chiefely to bee noted . First if the stomacke bee oppressed with ill humours , that we eate nothing untill they bee avoided . And whether or no there bee corrupt humours in the stomacke , it is to be knowne Enidoribus & ructibus , Lib. 1. cap. 4. de locis . aff. . as Galen teacheth , and such ill humours as bee in the stomacke , may best bee avoided vomitione ac ventris solutione , as Galen sheweth . And for the one practise , Lib. 1. de Sa. tu. cap. 9. that is by vomit , what ease it worketh to a cholericke stomacke . I my selfe have prooved these many yeares , following therein the counsell of Galen , where hee alloweth the advise of ancient Phisitians touching vomit to be used once or twise every moneth , Lib. 5. cap. 4. de usu par . not fasting but after meate , yea and such things eaten before , as bee acres & abstersoriae . But I use it commonly at the Spring or fall of the leafe , and no oftner , except great occasion offered , because often vomiting weakeneth the stomacke , and filleth the head with vapours . And how vomit may most easily bee procured , I have shewed before where I spake of Olives . The second thing to bee noted in the verses aforesaid , is , that wee eate not againe , untill the meate eaten before , bee first concocted , and avoyded out of the stomacke : for otherwise the one will let the concoction of the other , and breed great crudity in the body , which is the originall of the most part of diseases . Now to know when the stomacke is voyde of the meat before eaten ,

Hunger is the best token of an empty stomacke .

What hunger is and how it commeth . Insti . lib. 1. Sect. 7. cap. 5.

the chiefest token is hunger , which if it be a true hunger , riseth by contraction of the veynes , proceeding from the mouth of the stomack , for want of meate , for , so Leonhartus Fuchsius teacheth in these words , Vera fames a penuriae sensu fit quum venae ex ipso ventriculo veluti emulgentes sugentesque trahunt . Also an other signe of emptinesse of the stomack is shewed in the last verse , to bee slender dyet before going . For when appetite followeth upon small sustenance taken before , it is a plaine token that digestion is ended . These things being observed , and exercise used according to the order set down upon the word ( labour ) I say with Master Eliot that worthy and worshipfull Knight , English folks may eate three meales a day . that in England men and women , untill they come to the age of forty yeares , may well eate three meales in one day , as breakefast , dinner and supper , so that betweene breakfast and dinner bee the space of 4. houres at the least , for 4. houres is the due time assigned to the stomack for the first concoction : And betweene dinner and supper six houres , and the breakefast lesse than the dinner , and the dinner moderate , that is to say , lesse then satiety or fullnesse of belly , and the drinke thereunto measurable , according to the drynesse or moystnesse of the meate . But touching breakefasts , Whether breakfasts are to be used in England . whether or no they are to be used , it may bee some question , because they are not mentioned in Galen and other antient authors of Physicke , neither are they appointed by order of the Vniversities , but onely two meales of the day spoken of , which bee dinner and supper . But to this question the answer of Hippocrates may suffice : Quibus etiam semel ne an bis , & plus minusve & gradatim praebere cibum conveniat , spectandum . 1 Aphor. . Dandum vero aliquid tempori , regioni , aetati , & consuetudini . And doubtlesse the temperature of this our Country of England is such , ( as I have shewed in my Preface ) that our stomacks for the more part , are hotter by reason of the coldnesse of the Clime , and therefore may digest better , and naturally require more meate , and sooner , than other nations that inhabite hotter Countryes : wherefore I thinke it good for Englishmen not to be long fasting , if their stomackes be cleane and empty , least that happen to them which Galen speaketh of . Lib 3. cap. 13. de natu. fa. That the stomacke for want of meate draw unto it corrupt humours , wherby hapneth head-ach , and many perillous diseases , for true is that saying of the physicians Diutius tolerare famem , ventriculum malis complet hu moribus . But if the stomacke bee uncleane , it is better to refraine than eat , for true is that saying of Hip. Impura corpora quo plus nutriveris , eo magis laeseris . 1 Apho. 10. But when the stomacke is cleansed after the manner before mentioned , then may you eate safely And for breakfast ( as I thinke ) those meates be most convenient , especially for students , Break fast meats for students . which be of light digestion , as Milk , Butter , Egges , and such like . Howbeit herein appetite and custome beare great sway , as they doe in every part of dyet . And if nothing else be to bee had , I thinke it better to take a little bread and drinke , that the stomacke may have somewhat to worke upon , than to be altogether fasting untill noon . Yet I know there is great difference among men in this respect , and some may better bide without meat than others may , which Hip. notably setteth forth . Iejunium senes non decrepiti ferunt facillime secundum hos , 1 Apho. 13 . Who may best abide fasting . qui constantem aetatem agunt : minus adolescentes , minime omnium pueri , at que inter eos maxime qui acriore sunt & vividiore ingenio praediti . Children then and young men untill they come to the age of 35. may not be long fasting without inconvenience . Men of middle age , that is from 35. to 49. yeares , may better beare it , for so constans aetas is to bee taken in Hip. and Galen as Fuchsius sheweth , Lib. 1. Instit. Sect. 3. cap 5. Old men being not decrepit , that is to say , from 50 to 70. yeares , may best of all abide fasting , but after seventy yeares they are to be dieted as children . Nam bis pueri senes , as the old proverbe is . But some doubt may be made what the word ( Ieiunium ) should signifie in Hip. whether or no it be to be taken as the Divines use it , that is , for abstinence from flesh , taking but one meale a day , and in the morning and evening instead of breakefast and supper , to use bread and drinke , which kinde of fasting is some punishment to the Body , and subdueth the flesh ( as I thinke ) if it bee rightly used , and the right use is this ; Vt non nisi id quod convenit & quantum ad virium conservationem satis est , How fasting is to be used . ingeratur . They therefore that fill their bellies with bread and drinke , or with fish , or with white meates , or with other things being nor flesh , yet perchance more delicate , doe not fast , but breake their fast according to that saying of S. Augustine , Qui sic se à carnibus temperant , In Ser de do 4 in ad . ut alias escas difficilioris praeparationis , & pretii majoris inquirant , multumerrant , non enim est hoc suscipere abstinentiam , sed imitari luxuriam . Hee therefore that will fast indeed , let him fast after the manner that Gregory hath described . Abstinentia est quae edendi horam non praevenit , In Hom. ut fecit Ionathas in favo mellis : non lautiora quaerit edere , ut Israelitae in deserto , non accuratius parare , ut filij Eli in Silo : non ad superfluitatem , ut Sodomitae : non vile quodlibet , ut Esau edulium in fame concupit . This kinde of fast may be well called Parsimonia and is in a family Magnum vectigal , and must be observed aswell in drinke as in meat . For he that doth abstaine from the one and not from the other , doeth fast no more than a swine , that leaveth not drinking untill the belly be ready to breake . Wherefore this fast is well defined by Fernelius in this manner , Parsimonia non cibi duntaxat , sed & potus , Lib. 2. meth. me . cap. 22. The definition of a true fast . qui magis promptiusque quam cibus , tum viscera , tum venas implet , iisque negotium facessit . But in the foresaid , Aphorisme ( as I suppose ) Hip. meaneth that abstinence , which the Latines call Inediam or Famem , which is a forbearing to receive any meate or drinke at all , Inedia . which sometime is necessary aswell in sickenesse as in health , and is named of Hip. Summe tenuissimus victus , and is to bee used in morbis peracutis , and not onely preventeth , but helpeth many maladies . For if it be moderately used , and according to age , time of the yere and custome , it is next in force to bloud letting , and worketh like effect in processe of time , as Fernelius declareth at large , for it abateth the bloud , it concocteth raw humours , Lib. 2. meth. me . cap. 20. it expelleth all manner of excrements , and is especially good for them which have very moist bodies , cap. 20. Quia inedia siccat . And for that cause is reckoned in Schola Sal. for one of those seven things that cure the rhume .

Iejuna , vigila , caleas dape , tuque labora , Seven things good for a rheume . Inspira calidum modicum bibe , comprime flatum . Haec bene tu serva , si vis depellere rhuma .

Beside all this ( Inedia ) is a present remedy for repletion or satiety , when more meate is received , than the nature of the body may beare , for it is one kinde of evacuation , A remedy for surfet . 2 Apho. 17. as Galen sheweth upon Hip. yet it avoydeth ( ex accidente ) and not ( per se . ) For nature by this meanes being disburdened as it were , from all other actions , and set at full liberty , useth all her power in digesting and expelling , whereby sometimes it commeth to passe , The commodities of Abstinence . that the belly is loosed of it selfe , and vomit breaketh forth , and the urine is more abundant , and the superfluities of the braine fall downe , and such excrements as bee farre off from the usuall wayes of evacuation , be dispatched per insensiles corporis meatus . All these benefits aforesaid wee may receive by moderate abstinence , but if it bee above measure , the moysture of the body is thereby withdrawne and consequently the body dryeth and waxeth leane , and naturall heate by withdrawing of moysture is too much incended , and not finding , humor to worke in , turnes his violence to the radicall or substantiall moysture of the body , and exhausting that humour bringeth the body into a consumption . Notable therefore is that saying of Hip. Non satietas , non fames neque aliud quicquam quod naturae mo lum excedat , 2 Apho. 4. bonum . And so I end touching fasting and breakfast .

CHAP. 211. Of Dinner .

WHen foure houres bee past after breakefast , a man may safely take his dinner , Dinner time . and the most convenient time for dinner , is about eleven of the clocke before noone . Yet Diogenes the philosopher , when hee was asked the question what time was best for a man to dine , he answered , Diogenes answer touching dinner time . for a rich man when he will , but for a poore man when he may . But the usuall time for dinner in the universities is at eleaven , or else where about noone . At Oxford in my time they used commonly at dinner , boyled beefe with pottage , Oxford dyet for dinner . bread and beere and no more . The quantity of beefe was in value an halfe penny for one man , and sometimes if hunger constrained , they would double their commons . This dyet , To eate one onely kinde of meat at a meale prooved to be the best dyet . Lib. 11. cap. 52. to eate but one kinde of meate at a meale , and that lesse than fullnesse of belly , though it seeme very slender , yet it is very wholsome , and good students like well therewith , and indeed it is the dyet that Physicke most alloweth . For ( as Pliny writeth , ) Homini cibus utilissimus simplex , acervatio saporum pestifera & condimenta pernitiosiora . And reason may perswade a man that sundry meates being divers in substance and quality , that is to say , some grosse and hard to digest , some fine and easie to digest , some hot , some cold , some moyst , some dry , must needes worke great trouble to the stomacke . Neither may they bee well digested at one time , for as much as they require divers operations of nature , and divers temperatures of the stomacke . Notable therefore is that saying of Avicen . Nihil deterius est , quam si multa simul ac varia ciborum genera conjungantur , atque justo longius , in comedendo tempus protrahatur , quum enim postremum accedit nutrimentum , primum jam aliquo modo consectum est , partes ergo in coquendo non assimilantur atque inde sane morborum scaturigo , qui ex repugnantium sibi humorum discordia nascuntur . Hereby we may understand , that it is not onely hurtfull to feed on sundry meats at one meale , but also to prolong the time in eating two or three houres , An houre is a sufficient time for dinner . Schol. Sa. cap. 6. with talking and telling of tales , as our manner is here in England at great feasts . But an houres space , by the judgement of Arnol. is a sufficient time for one meale . And in the Universities commonly lesse time will serve , for as it is in the old Proverbe , A short horse is soone curried . But the Archbishop of Yorke , of whom D. Wilson speaketh in his Rhetoricke , farre exceeded this time , for as the Italian merrily construed it , this great Prelate sate three yeares at Dinner . And in time past , when Prelates were as Princes , I meane before the suppression of Abbeys , as their fare was great , so they sate a great while at meat . And at this day , Long sitting at meat is hurtfull such as be of great estate , Ecclesiasticall or Temporall , they may by authority sit so long in the glorious chariot of Intemperantia , untill they be carried as prisoners into the dungeon of Crapula , where they shall be fettered with gowts , racked with fevers , pierced thorow with plurifies , strangled with Squinances , and finally , cruelly put to death many times in youth , or in the flower of their age , when they would most gladly live . But herein I speake against mine owne profit , and the commodity of all them that professe Physicke . Nam intemperantia medicorum nutrix . But for my part , I had rather be without sucke , than that any man through his intemperate feeding should have cause to fee mee or feed me , and to that end I have with my great travell written this whole booke . Wherefore I advise all men not to linger the time long in eating and drinking superfluously , but to have alwayes in minde that golden verse : Esse decet vivas , vivere non ut edas .

Man feeds to live , and liveth not to feed . Yet a reasonable time to eat in is necessary , for to eat over-greedily , and to snatch up our meat hastily , is hurtfull , and hindereth concoction ; and to chew our meat well , and to swallow it downe leasurely , is a great furtherance to the well digesting of the same . And indeed , it is the very end and purpose why the teeth were ordained . For as there be three concoctions , Three concoctions , & three preparations of the meat receiued . the first , in the Stomacke , the second , in the Liver , the third , in every part of the body . So there bee three places of preparation ; the mouth to prepare the meat for the stomacke : the veines called ( Miseraicae ) to prepare for the Liver : and the uttermost veines of every member , to prepare for nourishment of the parts themselves . Wherefore a dinner while must needs be had . And to sit a while after dinner is not unwholsome , according to that old English saying ; After dinner sit a while , and after supper walke a mile . Yet in Schol. Sa. it is counted wholsome , Surgere post epulas , Cap. 1 that is , to stirre or walke a little after meat , that thereby the meat may descend to the bottome of the stomacke . Both may be done conveniently : To sit a while after meat , how it is to be taken for it is no good manner to rise up from the table eating , or to rise up by and by after meat is out of the mouth .

CHAP. 212. Of Supper .

ABout foure houres or six after that we have dyned the time is convenient for Supper , which in the Vniversities , is about five of the clock in the afternoon . But in the country abroad they use to sup at six , and in poore mens houses , when leisure will serve . The dyet most wholsome to be used at Supper is set down in Schola Salerni , Caenato parum , and againe in this manner . Cap. 1. Cap. A.

Ex magna caena stomacho fit maxima poena , Vt sis nocte levis , sit tibi caena brevis .

So that in both places , wee are counsailed to make a light Supper , because much meat eaten at night , grieveth the stomack , and letteth naturall rest , wherefore of good policy ( as I thinke ) was it provided at Oxford , that upon festivall dayes , when as they fared sumptuously at dinner , yet at supper they should have little more than ordinary commons . But here riseth a great question , whether a man should eate more at dinner or at supper . Conciliator , a famous Physitian is of that minde , Whether dinner or supper should be greater . Diff. 121. that more meate should bee eaten at dinner than at supper , because the heat of the day , joyned to the naturall heate of the body may digest more , and for that nature in the night season hath enough to do to digest the superfluities of meat eaten before , and should not therefore be letted with much meat taken in the evening . Institut. li. 2. Sect. 4. cap. 3. Leonhartus Fuchsius contrariwise proveth that the Supper for the most part should bee greater than the dinner , because the coldnesse of the night and sleepe doe greatly helpe concoction , and the time from Supper , The question answered touching more meat or lesse to be eaten at dinner or Supper . to Breakfast or Dinner , is much longer than betweene dinner and supper . But this question may easily bee determined , and these great Clerks reconciled after this manner . They that be lusty and strong of nature , and travell much , may eat more at Supper than at Dinner , because in them there is no need of digestion of superfluities but onely to strengthen their bodies , which may best bee done in the night time when the senses are at rest . But they that be diseased or aged , or troubled with rheumes ; as the most part of students bee , and others also , ( Qui sedentariam vitam agunt , ) these I say , should eat little at Supper , because nature in the night following should not bee hindered in the concoction of raw and superfluous humours . Quos somnus maxime conficit , & benignus reddit . And to these men , the verses aforesaid of Scho. Sal. must bee applyed . And for as much as the whole booke of Scho. Sal. was written specially for English men , as appeareth by the Preface , it shall be hurtfull for none to follow the said precepts , considering that there is not any one more annoyance to the health of mens bodies in this Realme of England , than distillations from the head , commonly called rheumes , the occasion whereof some impute to much drinking of Beere . The cause of rheumes in England . but I thinke that the great moisture of the aire of this Realme , for wee have pluvium & nebulosum coelum , ( as Iulius Agricola saith ) and the continuall gourmandize , and daily feeding on sundry meats at one meale , is the very cause why English men be so rheumaticke above other nations , for repletion breedeth crudity , and of crudity proceed rheumes , and of rheumes Gowts , Dropsies , Palsies , and other innumerable maladies . Wherefore it behoveth every man that would live in health , to feed moderatly , whether it bee at Dinner or Supper , and moderate feeding is according to the strength of the stomacke , to take more or lesse , so it be without griefe . 2. Apho. 17. For as Hippocrates writeth , where meat is received much above measure , that maketh sicknesse . Yet because it is hard alwayes to hold the meane , and divers occasions may make a man to forget himselfe at meat , if he misse the marke , and shoot over at Dinner , yet let him withdraw his hand , and hit the marke at Supper . Wherefore let Students avoid that Epicurisme , which is too too much used in England , and especially of Merchants , to make great Suppers , and to sit eating and talking for the space of three or foure houres . Yea , and after Supper , for feare lest they bee not full gorged , to have a delicate banquet , with abundance of Wine , not leaving nor scant rising ( excepts it bee for necessities ) untill it bee time to goe to bedde no nor then neither oftentimes , but so continuing in carowsing and quaffing untill mid-night , or after , except they happen to fall a sleepe at the boord , or to fall downe under the boord . But let Students remember , that summum bonum is in virtute , Cap. 38. non in voluptate . Yet one lesson remaineth in Schola Salerni , concerning Supper , which is this ; To drinke before supper or dinner , used of some . Vt vites poenam , de potibus incipe caenam . Which is not so to bee taken , as the words doe seeme to import , that one ought to beginne his Supper or meale with drinke , though I have knowne some to use that order , drinking a draught of Wine before they eat thereby the better to stirre up appetite , and to fortifie concoction . And as good drinkers use to say , it is great cleanlinesse to wash the pot before wee put in meat to bee boyled . But the true meaning of the verse is , ( as Arnoldus expoundeth it in the same place ) that we should beginne our Supper with meats moist and easie of digestion , as Pottage , Broths , and such like ; which interpretation , whosoever shall thinke strange , hee may reade the like in Galen upon Hippocrates , where he saith ; Facilius est impleri potu quam cibis . And when Supper is ended , 2. Apho. 11. wee must not forthwith goe to bed , but according to the old English Proverbe , after Supper walke a mile : or at the least wise , refraine from sleepe two or three houres , What time the stomacke requireth for concoction . and if wee make a great Supper , then foure houres is but a sufficient time for the consuming of the vapours which ascend from such meat as hath beene plentifully received : for , In Medi. li. 2. Sect. 4. cap. 3. Quatuor horarum spacium ventriculo ad concoctionem ingesti cibi ascribitur , as Leonhartus Fuchsius writeth . Yet I know this time is longer or shorter , according to the temperature and strength of the stomack . And if wee walke abroad after Supper , which is the common guise of the Universities , then it shall bee good to follow the counsell in Schol. Sal. annexed to the second Chapter , as followeth ; Where wee should walke after supper . Fons , Speculum , Gramen , haec dant oculis relevamen , Mane igitur montes , sed serum in quirito fontes .

Or after the old Meeter ; Mane petas montes , post caenam flumina , fontes .

Which verses I wish all Students to beare well in minde , not onely for walking after Supper , but that in walking they may have a double commoditie , as well in preserving their sight , as in digesting their meat . And now to conclude with the saying of Arnoldus , if a man could bee contented with one meale a day , it were better to take it at supper than at dinner , so that we be not diseased in the eyes or in the braine , for then it were better to take it at dinner , for the repletion of the supper hurteth sore the braine and eyes . Wherefore I conclude , that generally , whether a man make but one meale , or two in a day , it is more wholesome to take more at noone than at night . One meale a day were better taken at noone than at night . Great suppers then , and late suppers , must bee banished from all healthfull houses .

CHAP. 213. Of the age of the party .

THe third thing appertaining to diet , is the age of the partie , which may the better be perceived , if first I define what age is , and what difference there is in age . What age is , and what difference in age . Inst. lib. A. Sect. 3. cap. 5. Age after Fuchsius , is that race of life , wherein manifestly the state of the body of it selfe is changed . And in the same Chapter , according to Galen , he maketh five parts or differences of age , to wit , Childhood from our birth to fifteene yeares , hot and moist . Adolescencie , from fifteene yeares to five and twenty , of a meane & perfect temperature . Lustie Iuventus , from twenty five to thirty five , hot and dry . Middle age or mans age , from thirty five yeares , to forty nine , declining to cold and dry . Old age from forty nine yeares , untill the end of life , naturally cold and dry , as touching the substance of all parts of the body though accidentally by excrements , as spittle , flegme , & such like , it may seeme to be of moist temperature . In all this course of life , there is a continuall change of the body , but especially every seventh yeare , which of the Philosophers is called , Annus Criticus . Annus Criticus , the yeare of judgement , at which time ordinarily ( as they say ) we are in greater danger touching life and death , than in other yeares . How be it evermore that saying of Iob is true , Homo natus de muliere , brevi vivens tempore , repletur multis miseriis : qui quasi flos egreditur , & conteritur , Cap. 14 . & fugit velut umbra , & nunquam in eodem statu permanet . Which Hippocrates also confesseth in the very first Aphorisme saying , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , vita brevis . And if we consider well the state of mankinde in this life , Man beginneth to die as soone as he is borne . wee may see that a man beginneth to die as soone as hee is borne into this world , for that the radicall moisture , which is the root of life , can never bee restored and made up againe , so good as it was at our nativity , but continually by little and little decayeth untill the last time of our life . Yet by that moisture which commeth of nourishment , through meat and drinke , How meat and drinke do preserve life . it is preserved and prolonged , so that it is not so soone wasted and consumed as otherwise it would bee . Like as in a Lampe , by powring in oyle moderately , the light is long kept burning , yet it goeth out at the last . And this is it which Hippocrates speaketh ; Interficit nos calor ille qui corpora produxit . Ga. de mar . ca 3. One cause of life and death in man . Yet in the beginning of our age , while nature is yet strong , more of the nourishment is converted into the substance of the body , than is consumed : And that while the body increaseth and groweth . Afterward , so much onely is restored as is wasted , and then the body is in perfect growth : at length nature waxing weaker , is not able to restore and repaire so much as is wasted and decayed , whereby the body beginneth to decrease , and the powers and strength thereof bee more and more diminished , untill such time as life , even as the light of a lampe , bee cleane extinguished . Naturall death what it is . And this is called naturall death , which few attaine unto , but are prevented by death casuall , when by sicknesse , or otherwise , the said Humidum radicale , or Primigenium , is overwhelmed and suffocate . Now the meanes to preserve this naturall moisture , and consequently to preserve life , is to use meats and drinks , according to the age of the person . A divers diet requisite in youth and age . 1. Apho. 14. For the diet of youth is not convenient for old age ; nor contrariwise , as Hippocrates teacheth ; Qui crescunt , nativum calidum habent plurimum ; itaque copioso quum egeant alimento , abunde ipsis suppeditare oportet , alioqui corpus consumitur . In senibus vero inest calidi parum , paucis propterea succendiculis , egent : siquidem multis extinguitur . Wherfore in youth especially , while we are in growing , we should feed more largely , and nature it selfe doth crave , as it appeareth in children . For ( as it is said ) children and chicken , would bee alwayes picking . And the nourishment that is most convenient for children , should be of hot and moist temperature . The naturall diet of all ages . For in sicknesse and in health , this Maxima is generally to be observed , Sani similes semper postulant cibos , aegri autem contrarios . And therefore young men from 14. yeares , untill they be 25. yeares old , as they be of most temperate complection , so do they require food of equall and like temperature . But young men above 25. untill they draw toward 40. yeares , as they be hot & dry of complection far above the meane , so do they require a contrary diet . Diet of lustie youth . And the contrary diet must be understood in substance and quality . And the degrees , as well of the temperature of the body , as of the meats , ought to be equall and like , as neare as may be . For where the meats do much exceed in degree the temperature of the body , they anoy the body , in causing distemperance , as I have shewed before , where I have spoken of the quality of meats . Wherfore in lusty youth we should eat meats more grosse of substance , Diet of old men . colder & moister . Also salads of cold herbs , & to drink seldome wine , except it be allayed with water . Old age is naturally cold and dry , and therefore requireth a hot and moist diet . And because naturall heat & strength is decayed , restorative meats are then most convenient , and such as bee easie to digest , often bathing , hot wines , and much sleepe , is good for old men . According to that verse wherein the diet of old age is prescribed ; Vt lavit sumpsitque cibum ; det membra sopori .

Aged men should not feed so largely as the younger sort , but to eat often , and but a little at every time . As I have declared in the diet for Summer , for the Summers diet is most fit and agreeable for old age . For it fareth by them as it doth by a lampe , the light whereof is almost extinct , which by powring in of oyle by little and little , is long kept burning , and with much oyle powred in at once , it is cleane put out . But here I thinke it good to set downe some particular examples of diet of old men in time past , Sundry examples of old mens diet . which notwithstanding every man may follow as he thinketh good Terence in Andria , setteth forth the Supper of old Chremes , in this manner ; Chremes supper in Terence . Olera & pisciculos minutos obolo in caenam senis . But such a supper were more meet for Ash-wednesday , or good Friday , than for Shrouetuesday . And I would wish all loytering students to fare no better . Antiochus a Physitian , as Galen reporteth , De Sa. tu. lib. 5. cap 4. Antiochus diet . A good breakfast for old men above 80. yeares of age , used three meales a day , with frication , bathing , and exercise accordingly . His breakfast commonly was , Panis cum Attico melle , plerunque cocto rarius crudo . His Dinner was , Primum iis sumptis quae alvum dejiciunt , post haec maxime piscibus , vel quos saxatiles vocant , vel qui in alto mari degunt , rursus in caena a piscium esu abstinuit , & boni succi aliquid , ac quod non facile putresceret , sumpsit . Vtique aut far mulso , aut avem ex jure simplici . Telephus the Grammarian , as it is in the same Chapter , who lived almost a hundred yeares , used this diet following ; Is hyeme his mense lavabatur , aestate quater , Telephus diet . mediis harum temporibus ter . Quibus vero diebus non lavabatur , iis circa tertiam horam unctus est cum exigua frictione : mox mel optimum crudum alicae in aqua coctae permistum esitabat , eoque solo contentus pro jentaculo fuit . Prandebat septima hora & paulo citius , primum oleribus sumptis , deinde piscibus gustatis , aut avibus , vespere autem tantum panem ex vino misto edebat . In these two examples I note that these old men brake their fast commonly with honey . For whom hony is wholsome and for whom not . Lib. 1. de Ali. Fa. cap. 1. And that for good cause , for honey is very wholsome for old age , and such as bee flegmaticke , and unwholsome for youth , & such as be cholerick , as Galen proveth , where he telleth a story of an old man and a young man , who contended about honey , by experience of their owne bodies , the one affirming that he had proved it wholsome in himselfe , and the other avouching the contrary . Which controversie Galen determineth in this manner : Mel calidis & siccis est adversissimum : frigidis vero ac humidis utilissimum . But the benefit of honey in old mens diet , may likewise bee perceived by the examples following : Pollio Romulus . Pollio Romulus , who was above an hundred yeares old , ( as Plinie affirmeth , Lib. 22. being demanded of Augustus the Emperour , by what meanes he lived so long , and reteined still the vigour or livelinesse of body and minde , hee answered , that he did it inwardly with Meade , which is a drinke made with honey and water , and outwardly with oyle , meaning friction and unction , which were used in Greece and some other countries in old time , as I shewed in my treatise of exercise . Democritus also the great Philosopher , Democritus . being demanded how a man might live long in health , he answered , if hee wet him within with hony , and without with oyle . The same Philosopher when he was an hundred yeares old and nine , prolonged his life certaine dayes with the evaporation of hony ( as Aristoxenus writeth . ) To these may bee added the example of Galen himselfe , Galen . whose dyet principally should be followed of students . Galen ( as hee saith of himselfe ) by meanes of his good order and dyet , was never vexed with any sicknesse , Lib. 5. de Sa. tu . cap. 1. after he was 28 yeares old , untill the time of his death , except the grudge of a fever of one day , and that happened only by too much labour . Auten . Lect. Lib. 30. cap. 12. He lived ( as Caelius Rhodiginus writeth ) 140 yeares , and dyed only for feeblenesse of nature , which , ( as I have shewed before ) is called mors naturalis , when a man dyeth as an apple that falleth from the tree when it is ripe . The order of his life was thus , He used such abstinence in meat and drink , that he left off always before satiety or fulnes of belly , Galens dyet . which we commonly call , to rise with an appetite , and is indeed the principall point in preserving of health . Againe , he never eat any crude or raw thing , as fruits , herbs , roots and such like . Which may be a second caution for all men to observe . Whereby he had alwayes a sweet breath . Moreover as leysure would suffer , he used bathing , frication and exercise . Yea sometimes in the winter season when he was in the country , he refused not to cleave wood , and to punne barly , and to doe other country works only for the exercise of his body , Lib. 2. de Sa. tu . cap. 8. Galeni valetudo . as himselfe witnesseth . Whereof at length arose this Proverbe , Galeni valetudo , and is as much to say , as a most perfect state of health , which I wish to all good Students , and the way to attaine it , is to keepe Galens diet . And for a conclusion of this point , I will here recite the diet for old and weake folks , prescribed by master Securis , in his Almanacke 1580. They must make ( saith he ) in Winter , Securis . two or three meales a day , according to their appetite and custome . They should eat either a soft rosted eggs to their breakfast , or a peece of a toste and butter , or a messe of hot milke , with crums of white bread and Sugar , or a cawdale , or Almond milke , or such like thing , that may bee soone digested before their dinner . I have knowne ( saith hee ) some old men would eat in the morning a peece of a taste dipped in Muskadell in the Winter , and in Claret Wine in the Summer , drinking after it a draught of the same Wine , which thing , his father , a Doctor of Physicke , was wont to doe many yeares in his old age , who was above 80. yeares when he died , being in his life time seldome on never sicke . And thus much touching diet of all ages .

CHAP. 214. Of Order .

THe sixth and last thing to be considered in meats is order in eating ; which greatly helpeth or hindereth a mans health ; for good order in diet is of no lesse force than it is in life and conversation . Whereof we need no better proofe , than the example of Galen himselfe , whose words be these , Post octavum & vigesimum annum , Lib. 5. de Sa. tu . cap. 8. quum persuasissem mihi esse conservandae sanitatis rationem quandam , praeceptis ejus per totam deinceps vitam parui . Ita ut ne minimo morbo post laborarim , nisi forte ( quae tamen rarius accidit ) diaria febri : quum alioqui liceat hanc quoque in totum effugere , si quis liberum vitam sit nactus . The benefit of an orderly diet . Hereby it appeareth that there is an order in diet , which if a man duly observe , hee may preserve himselfe from sicknesse all his life long . But some peradventure will disprove mee by their owne experience , and by the example of others , who keeping no diet at all , nor observing any order in receiving of meat and drinke , are yet more healthfull , and more lustie and strong , than they that keepe a precise diet , and eat and drinke as it were by weight and measure . Whereunto I answer , that a sound body , and strong of nature , may for a time suffer surfet , and beare immoderate diet , without any manifest maladie : but yet at length it will fall out according to that principle of Physicke which never faileth Intemperanter acta juventus effetam parit senectutem : A riotous youth breedeth a loathsome age . For as the Lawyer saith , Quod defertur non aufertur . If you sow ill seeds in a Garden , they shew not themselves by and by , but yet in processe of time they bud forth . Even so diseases are bred in mens bodies by little and little , and at length they are perceived . Notable therfore is the saying of Auicen , Ille cui mala nutrimenta concoquuntur no gaudeat ex hoc , noxa enim , etsi ad tempus fortasse delitescit , 3.1 doct. 2 . c. 7. temporis tamen successusese exerit . Et gravissimam certissimamque neglectae artis medicae poenam affert . With whom Galen agreeth also , where he saith , that evill meats . Desucco . boni . & vitio cap. 2. Quamvis protinus nullam juvenum corporibus sensibilem laesionem inferant , sensim tamen occulteque crescente vitio , cum jam aetas progressu temporis inclinarit , articulos , nervosque & viscera iis morbis vexant , qui vel difficulter admodum , vel omnino tolli non possunt . And commonly so it falleth out , that they which lead a disordered life , either live not untill they be old , or if they come to age , they are tormented with sundry diseases , as gowt , stone , dropsie , leprosie , fevers and such like . Wherefore it is better to preserve health by sobriety , and temperance , than by surfet and misorder , to make the body weake and sickly , and odious both to God and the world . Yet I thinke it not convenient for a man in perfect health to observe a precise rule in dyet . But yet where the stomacke is feeble , as is of the more part of citizens , and well nigh of all them that be studious in learning , or weighty affaires , there ought to bee more circumspection , that the meate may be such , as that either in substance , or in quality , or quantity , or time , or order , nature being but feeble , be not rebuked or too much oppressed . And the due order in receiving of meats is thus , The due order of receiving of meats . that such things as bee of light digestion , bee taken before those things that bee hardly digested . Also that such things as mollifie and loose the belly be taken before other meates , as pottage , brothes , milke , rere egges , butter , and such like , before flesh , and boyled flesh before rosted . And cheese and fruits , which be stipticke and binding , as Quinces , Medlars , Peares , should be eaten last after all other things . And this is the due order in eating , and most wholesome for all men , ( in my judgement , ) which notwithstanding some men following their owne appetite , doe pervert , as I have knowne an honourable person , who upon fish dayes , would eat Egges last after cheese : and one worshipfull that would eat milk last , which is a common use in Lancashire : for there the servants thinke they have not well dyned or supped , unlesse they have a sope of colde milke after all , as they use to speake . And the Flemings use to eate Butter last after other meates . So that almost a man may say : as divers men desire divers meates , so use they divers orders in eating . But here in England where we feed on divers sorts of meates at one meale , the order commonly is thus : that first wee eate pottage or brothes , then boyled meates , after that rosted or baked , Whether fine meate or grosse should be eaten first . and in the end cheese and fruits . But here riseth a question , which I have heard oftentimes moved at the table : that it were better to eate fine meates first , and grosser meates afterward , if perchance any corner were left unfilled . For now wee fill our selves before with grosse meates , so that when fine meats and the best meats indeed come to the boord , we can eate little or nothing for want of appetite , but not for want of will , as I thinke . Wherefore it were better ( say they ) to beginne our meale where we make an end . And if wee leave any for the Servitors , to leave of the worst meates , and not of the best . This is a strong argument in some mens opinions , and greatly grieveth those that bee disciples of Epicurus . But this question in mine opinion may be very well answered in this manner . First I say that one manner of meat agreeable with the person that eateth it , were the most sure dyet for every complexion . And next I say , that for as much as our stomacks in England most commonly be hot and cholericke , The English custome defended , to eat grosse meates first , and fine after . that grosse meats be most convenient to be eaten first , for in a hot stomacke fine meats if they were first taken , would be burned before the grosse meates were digested . Contrariwise in a cold stomack the little heat is suffocate with grosse meate , and fine meate left raw for lacke of concoction : whereas , if the fine meat be first taken moderately , it stirreth up and comforteth naturall heat , and maketh it more able to concoct grosse meats , if they be eaten afterward , so that it be in small quantity . And this is the best reason that I can yeeld of our English custome , to beginne our meales with grosse meats , and to end with fine . And so I end my treatise of meats .

CHAP. 215. Of Drinke .

NExt after the word Cibus , there followeth in Hip. ( Potus ) which is the third word of the sentence , and is to be used according as it is in order proposed , that is to say , first exercise , then meat , and thirdly , drinke , and not contrariwise . Wherefore , they that drinke before they eat , We should not beginne our meale with drinke . Cap 38. keepe not the due order of diet . And the order of England is ( as it is noted by Arnoldus upon Schol. Sal. ) Communiter quacunque diei hora bibere voluerint Angli , bolum sive morsum panis praesumunt . And the very order of service doth confirme the same : for commonly we use to set bread & meats upon the table before drinke , Yet many good Malt-wormes , setting all order aside , beginne strait to cut their meat with the spigot . I deny not but occasion in some may so serve , that they must needs drinke before they eat . But I speake of the common order which is commonly to be observed . The chiefe causes why drinke is necessary , Drinke is necessary , for two causes . be two : First , to preserve naturall moisture . Secondly , to make the meat that is eaten to pierce and descend the better into the places of digestion . The desire of drinke and the best sawce to season it , and to make us to like it , whether it bee better or worse is , Sitis , which after Aristotle is , What thirst is and how it is caused . Lib. 1. Simp. cap. 32. Appetitio frigidi & humidi , and is caused , à calore & siccitate , as Galen sheweth : for hear working upon moisture , for the nourishment of the body , causeth the drinesse , whereof commeth thirst , the remedy whereof is drinke , which is to be used as Galen prescribeth ; Potionis modus erit , ut nec in ventriculo innatet , Lib. 7. Meth. cap. 6. nec fluctuationis ullius sensum invehat . And Dioscorides much after the same manner sheweth the use of drinke , saying , Lib. 5. cap. 7. Non sitire & module cibos prolui , optimum est praeceptum , So that to quench thirst , and moderately , The right use of drinke . as it were to water the meat , whereby it may be the more easily conveighed to the places of digestion , is the right use of drinke , and whatsoever is more than this , is superfluous . The same lesson is taught in Schola Salerni . De qua potetur , stomachus non inde gravetur . Cap. 18. That is to say , we ought to drinke moderately , so that the stomacke be not hurt thereby , nor drunkennesse caused : for much abundance of drinke at meales , drowneth the meat eaten , The discommodities of much drinke used at meat . and not onely letteth convenient concoction in the stomacke , but also causeth it to passe faster than nature requireth , and therefore engendreth much flegme , and consequently rheumes , and crudenesse in the veines , debility and slipperinesse of the stomacke , continuall flux , and many other inconveniences to the body and members . To drinke little and often , is better than to drinke much at once . And after the better opinion of Physitians , the drinke would rather be mixt with the meat by sundry little draughts , than by one great draught at the end of the meale . For the mixture well tempereth the meat without annoyance , and a great draught with much drink , drowneth the meat , rebuketh naturall heat , which then worketh in concoction , and with his waight driveth downe the meate too hastily . Yet some I know count it a jolly matter and princelike to forbeare drink unto the end of their meales , and then to carouse lustily , a whole pinte or a quart of Wine , Ale or Beere . But this custome is beastlike rather then princelike : for what doth a bruit beast other than eate his fill of meat , and drinke abundantly , afterward ? Better therefore is that counsaile of Scho. Sal. Cap. 38 .

Inter prandendum sit saepe parumque bibendum . Vt minus aegrotes , non inter fercula potes .

That is to say , at meate , whether it bee breakefast dinner , or supper , wee should drinke little and often . And betweene meales we should forbeare drinke , Drinke betweene meales not good . except very great thirst doe require it , especially if the meate that we have eaten , bee yet undigested in the stomacke , and not past the first concoction . For then to drinke interrupteth the office of the stomacke in concoction , and causeth the meat to passe faster than it should doe , and the drinke being cold , it rebuketh naturall heat that is working , and the meate remaining raw , it corrupteth digestion , and maketh crudenesse in the veynes . But after the first concoction is ended & a little before we take other meat we may drinke a little Wine , Beere , or Ale , yea , though we be not thirsty , Cap. 32. Drinke dilative . as Arnoldus teacheth upon Sho. Sal. for this drinking ( saith he ) prepareth the stomack to receive other meate , and causeth the meate that is once concocted to depart more easily from the stomacke to the liver , where it must be the second time concocted , yet always foreseene that the drink be in a little quantity , and if thirst procure it , let it also be smal . And this kinde of drinking he calleth Potum dilatiuum , for so he distinguisheth of drinke , Notandum triplicem esse potum , permixtivum scilicet , delativum , & sitis sedativum . The first is to be taken at meales , though we be not thirsty : The second betweene meales : Three sorts of drinke . The third at the meals end of such as be in good temper . And if any of these three uses of drinke be omitted , the drinke delative may be best spared , for it is most wholsome either not to drinke betweene meales , or else to drinke but little , and that small . But some I doubt will abuse this distinction , and drinke more often then they need , and will alleadge that they doe it for one purpose or other , and so will all day bee occupied in permiscendo , deferendo , or sitim sedando . But I advise them rather to follow the counsaile of Cato , Quod satis est bibe . And concerning drinke at meales , What drinke should be used in the beginning of meales , and what after . at the beginning the drinke would bee strongest , and so toward the end more small , if it bee Ale or Beere , and if it bee wine , more and more allayed with water , and if wee have both Ale and Wine , cap. 18. it is better ( saith Arnold ) upon Schola Sal. to drinke Ale or Beere in the beginning of dinner or Supper than wine . For if wee begin with wine , by reason nature greatly desireth it , the superfluities gathered together already in the stomacke , together with the wine , shall be drawne off the stomack , and conveyed into all the parts of the body , but nature doth not so desirously draw Ale . And againe , the grosser , dryer , and colder meat is , the stronger should the drinke bee , and the more subtile , hot and digestible the meat is , the weaker the drinke ought to bee . Wherefore wee ought to drinke stronger wine with Beefe , than with Chickens , and stronger wine with fish than with flesh , yet very strong Ale or Beere , or hot wines and sweet , as Muskadell or Malmesey , or made with spices as Hippocras , are not commended at meales , Strong drinke or spiced , is not good to be used with meat . except it be for a draught or two at the beginning of grosse meats , for the meat by them is rather corrupted than digested , and they make hot and stinking vapours to ascend up to the braine , yet if the stomacke be very windy , or so cold and feeble that it cannot concoct such a quantity of meat as is required to the sufficient nourishment of the body of him that eateth , or hath eaten raw herbs or fruits , whereby hee feeleth some annoyance , then may he drinke last incontinent after his meale , a little quantity of Sacke or good Aqua vitae in small Ale . Sack or aqua vitae when they may be drunke after meat . But if he have much choller in his stomacke , or a headfull of vapours , it were much better that he did neither drink the one nor the other , but rather eat some coriander comfits , or a peece of a Quince rosted or baked , or in a marmalade , and after rest to amend the lacke of nature with sleep , moderate exercise , and playsters provided for comforting of the stomacke . This much generally of drinke , and the use thereof . Now I shall particularly handle all such sorts of drinkes as be commonly used with us in England , which be as I Iudge seven in number , to wit , Water , Seven sorts of drinke used in England . Wine , Ale , Beere , Cyder , Metheglin , and Whey .

CHAP. 216. Of Water .

WAter is the chiefest of all liquors , not onely because it is one of the foure Elements , but also for that it was the very naturall and first drinke appointed by God to all manner of creatures . And as it appeareth by the holy Scriptures in Genesis , there was none other drinke used nor knowne but water , Water is the most antient drinke . from the creation of the world untill Noah his floud , during which time men lived eight or nine hundred yeares . Also after the floud of Noah , both Princes and people in all ages dranke water , especially in Asia and the East Countries , as appeareth by the history of Moses , and the children of Israel in Exodus . And in Greece likewise it was used for a common drinke , as Galen declareth in diverse places of his works , but especially in the first booke , where he affirmeth , De Sa. tu . c. 11. What water is best after Galen . Aquam puram omni aetati utilissimam esse . And that water to be best , cujus ad orientem solem fons erumpit , quaeque permeatu aliquem mundum , aut puram colatur terram , eademque calefit ac refrigeratur ocyssime . But leaving Asia and Grecia aside , and returning home to England , if any shall demand whether or no it bee as wholsome for English men to drinke water , Whether it be good for Englishmen to drinke water . cap. 18. as for them that dwell in other Countries , M Eliot in his Castill saith , that if men from their infancy were accustomed to none other drink but water onely moderately used , it should bee sufficient to keepe naturall moysture , and to cause the meat that is eaten to pierce and descend into the places of digestion , which are the purposes which drinke serveth for . As in Cornewall although that the country be in a very cold quarter , yet many of the poorer sort , Cornish men drinke much water . which never or very seldome drinke other drink than pure water , be notwithstanding strong of body , and live and like well untill they be of great age . Adeo a teneris assuescere multum est . But otherwise except the custome of drinking of water , I thinke as it is in S. Sal. cap. 27.

Potus aquae sumptus comedenti incommoda praestat . Hinc friget stomachus , crudus & inde cibus .

That is to say , the drinking of water with meate , cooleth the stomacke over much , and so letteth digestion , and maketh the meat that is eaten to bee raw . The like effect it hath , if it be drunken after meat , except it bee after a great surfet , When cold water may be drunke . or when thirst happeneth after drinking of much wine . For in these cases , cold water drunken is a generall remedy , and I have knowne many by drinking a good draught of cold water to bedward , have thereby had quiet rest all night after , and in the morning also it is right wholsome for him that dranke too much overnight , to drinke fasting a cup of cold water , especially if hee bee thirsty : for that will cleanse the stomack , and represse the vapours and fumes , and dispose it to reteine new sustenance . Some also have I knowne that would oftentimes in a morning fasting , Cold water and Sugar good to coole and cleere the stomacke . drinke a draught of cold water with a little white Sugar , of purpose to cleare and coole the stomacke , and have by that meanes ( as they thought ) avoided much flegme . But herein alway respect must bee had to him that drinketh it , for to young folks , and them that bee hot of complection , it doth lesse harme , and sometime it profiteth . But to them that are feeble , old , flegmaticke or melancholy , it is not convenient , for it destroyeth naturall heat , it grieveth the brest , and taketh away the appetite of the stomack , and is very hurtfull to all the sinewy members , and this caveat I will give to all such as be thirsty through great labour and travaile , What drinke is best when one is hot . that they drinke not much cold water in their heat or thirst , for thereby I have knowne many fall into sickenesse , and I thinke it better to drinke a draught of Sacke or good wine , or as they use in Lankashire , a hot posset at such times , than small drinke or cold water . For though small drink or cold water seeme to quench thirst better than wine because it moystneth and cooleth more , yet wine being more agreeable with nature , and of more subtile substance & operation , is sooner drawne off the members , and consequently sooner satiffies and fils the veines , and so quencheth thirst without any great alteration of the body : whereas water or small drinke by the great coldnesse thereof , sodainely changeth the body from heat to cold , which is a dangerous thing , as Hip. testifieth . Semel multum & repente vel vacuare vel replere , 2 Apho. 51. vel calefacere vel refrigerare aut alio quovis modo corpus movere , periculosum , omne si quidem nimium naturae inimicum . And as Galen teacheth , Si cum vino bibatur aqua , sitim efficacius , extinguit , quam si sola , Simp. li. 1. ca. 31. scilicet vino ipsam ad distributionem promovente . But whether you drinke water with wine or of it selfe ,

Water mixt with wine quencheth thirst the better .

How a man may prove which water is best .

you must alwayes provide that it be of the best sort , which may be knowne by Galens description aforesaid , and by these notes also . First by the lightnesse , for the lightest is best . Secondly by little skim or froth in boyling . Thirdly by drenching of linnen clothes in the water , and laying the same to dry , for that which is soonest dry , sheweth the best water . But how water may be drunke without any inconvenience aswell in sickenesse as in health , Fernelius declareth . Lib. 5. meth. ca. 5. Vt aqua tutius & citra viscerum offensionem pro potu , ac vice vini sumi possit , in ea integrum hordeum coquitur , dum crepuerit , vel Glycyrrhiza , vel pruna Damascena , How water may be drunke without harme Liquorise water . vel Saccharum , cum praesertim ulla est pectoris affectio , adiecto sub finem Sinamomi momento , si ventriculi robur servandum est . And in places where I have been , the common people have used to cut liquorise very thinne , and to lay it in cold water , and after it had steeped a time , to drink of the water in hot agues , or in stuffing of the brest with flegme , and this they call liquorise water , and account it very wholesome .

CHAP. 217. Of Wine .

NExt to water in antiquity and use is wine , which liquor ( as it is in Ecclesiast. ) was made from the beginning to make men glad and not for drunkennesse . Cap. 31. v 28. Howbeit Noah as it appeareth , who was the first that ever planted a vineyard , Gen. 9. ver. 20. soone after he had drunk of the fruit of the grape , was drunken . So that wine and drunkennesse , that is to say , the use and abuse began in a manner both together , Wine and drunkennesse be of like antiquity . much like as Adam soone after he was placed in Paradise , fell through disobedience . So ready is Sathan to turne Gods blessing into a curse . But of the abuse afterward , when I shall have declared the use . Wine after Galen is hot in the second degree , Simp. 8. The temperature of wine . and if it bee very old , it is hot in the third , and must , or new wine is hot in the first , and it is dry according to the proportion of heat . But this limitation of the temperature ( in my judgement ) cannot be generally applyed to all wines , for who doth not know that sacke is hoter than white Wine or Claret , and Malmsay or Muskadell hotter than Sacke , and Wine of Madera or Canary to bee hottest of all ? Wherfore I thinke rather that Galen meaneth of some one sort of Wine , Lib. 3. de vict . re. in mor. acu . com . 6. and of one country , for so he speaketh , saying , that white wine inflameth or heateth least of all wines . Which saying is true , if comparison be made betweene white wine and wine of other colours of one Country , and not otherwise , as to say , the white wine of France is not so hot as the Claret or Red of the same Country . For otherwise the red wines of France are not so hot nor so strong , as the white wines of some other countries . The diversities of wines and the countries that bring them forth . France yeeldeth those wines that be most temperate , as White , Claret , and Red : Spaine bringeth forth wines of white colour , but much hotter and stronger , as Sacke , Rumney and Bastard . Italy giveth wines most sweet and pleasant , as Muskadel , and such like . And in Galens time the chiefe praise was given to the wine of Italy , as now it is by Mathiolus , but especially to that wine which was named Vinum Falernum , most commended among all Nations . Yet the wine of the Iland of Creta , now called Candy , which I suppose to be Malmsey , is of greatest force in Phisicke , Malmsey killeth wormes in children . for by a certaine naturall property it killeth wormes in children , if they drinke it fasting . As for wine of Madera and Canary , they beare the name of the Ilands from whence they are brought , likewise as Rhenish wine beareth the name of that famous river Rheine of Germany , because the Vines whereof it is made , grow thereabout . But this our Country of England for the coldnesse of the Clime wherein it is situate , England bringeth forth no wine , and why . bringeth no vines to make wine of , though in other things more necessary , it farre surmounteth all other Countries . So God hath divided his blessings , that one Nation might have need of another , one Country might have entercourse with an other . But although wine bee no necessary thing , ( that is to say ) such as Englishmen cannot live without , ( for there is , and hath beene many a one in this our Realme that never tasted wine ) yet is it without doubt a speciall gift of God , for as it is in Deuteronomy God giveth wine unto those that love him . Cap. 11. v. 13.14 And those that obey not the commandements of God , Deut. 28.39 . shall not drinke wine of their vineyards . And as it is in Ecclesiast. Wine soberly drunken , cap 31.27.28 . is profitable for the life of man . Wine measurably drunken and in time , bringeth gladnesse and cheerefulnesse of the minde . The commodidities of wine . Of it selfe it is the most pleasant liquor of all other , and a speciall benefit and comfort of mans life : a great encreaser of the vitall spirits , and a restorer of all powers and actions of the body : and so cheereth and comforteth the heart . So that ( vitis ) may seeme as it were vita , quia vitam maxime tuetur . And no marvaile , considering that vita , as Aristotle affirmeth , standeth chiefly in calido & humido . Which two qualities are the very nature of wine . Life and wine agree in nature . So that life and wine for the likenesse of nature are most agreeable . And this is the cause , ( as I thinke ) why men by nature so greedily covet wine : except some od Abstemius , one among a thousand perchance degenerate , and is of a doggish nature , for dogges of nature doe abhorre wine . Whereof hath growne that Latine proverb Caninum prandium , a dogs dinner , where is no wine at dinner or supper . But the commodities of wine are briefly and pithily gathered by Avicen , 3.1 . doct. 2. ca. 8. Five vertues of wine used moderately . where hee reckoneth five benefits of wine moderately drunken . First that it easily conveyeth the meat that it is mingled with , to all the members of the body . Secondly that it digesteth and resolveth flegme , openeth the wayes , and stirreth up nature to expell it . Thirdly that it avoids red choler by urine , and other insensible evacuations , which is to bee understood of white wine or Claret , and such like weake wines , and not of strong wines , for they inflame the liver and breed choler . Fourthly it expelleth melancholy , and through contrariety of nature amendeth the noysomenesse of that humour . For wheras melancholy , engendreth heavinesse , faintnesse of heart , and covetousnesse ; Wine ingendreth ioy , boldnesse , stoutnesse of stomacke and liberality . Fiftly it resolveth and caseth all sorts of lassitude and wearinesse , for it reviveth the resolute spirits againe abundantly , and comforteth naturall vertue , and taketh away or diminsheth such superfluous moysture as remaineth in the muskles , sinewes and joynts . Also the commodities of wine are well set forth by the Poet Ovid as followeth , Vina parant animos , faciuntque caloribus aptos . Lib 1. de arte amandi . Cura fugit , multo diluiturque mero . Tunc veniunt risus , tunc pauper cornua sumit , Tunc dolor & curae , rugaque frontis abit . Tunc aperit mentes , aevo rarissima nostro , Simplicitas , artes excutiente Deo .

And now to turne my talke to students , I think ( as it hath beene said of old ) that vinum moderate sumptum acuit ingenium . The reason is alleadged by Arnoldus upon Sch. Sal. Because of good Wine more than of any other drink ,

Cap. A. Why wine moderately taken sharpneth the wit .

Divines love wine , and why .

are engendred and multiplied subtile spirits , cleane and pure . And this is the cause ( saith hee ) why the divines that imagine and study upon high and subtile matters , love to drinke good wine : wherein he erred not much in mine opinion from the custome of the old Clergie , for they loved a good cup of wine , as well as any men alive . But I advise all students , such as bee students nomine , & re , because they have commonly feeble braines , if not by nature , yet through study , to refraine from strong wines , Strong wines ill for students . because they distemper the braine , and cause drunkennesse ere a man bee ware . Besides that strong wines are hurtfull to them whose Liver and stomacke is hot , because they inflame and burne their bodies inwardly : wherfore they are utterly to be eschewed , or not to be used except they be well allayed with water . But such as have strong braines , that is to say , not lightly overcome by the vapours and fumes which ascend from the stomacke , may boldly drinke any kinde of wine that they like , so they keepe a measure , for otherwise they fall into drunkennesse as well as they that have weake braines , which vice , as it is odious to God , and without repentance disheriteth us from his heavenly kingdome : 1 Cor. 10 10.3.1 . Doct. 12. Cap. 8. so it is most hurtfull to our bodies , and if it bee often used causeth chiefely six inconveniences , as Avicen teacheth . First it weakneth and corrupteth the Liver , Six inconveniences of drunkennesse . making it unable to change the nourishment into bloud , whereof ensueth commonly either Drowsie or Leprie . Secondly , it marreth the braine , and killeth the memory , whereof commeth madnesse or forgetfulnesse , therefore it is said , Vinum memoriae mors est . Thirdly , it weakneth the sinewes , which is the cause that drunkards tremble both with head and hands , as well in youth as in age . Fourthly , it breedeth diseases of the sinewes , as the Crampe and Palsey . Fiftly , it engendreth Apoplexies , and the falling evill , through overmuch moysture of the braine , stopping the wayes of the spirits to the inferiour members . Sixthly , it bringeth oftentimes sudden death , Propter nimiam vasorum repletionem . Notable therefore is that counsaile of Isocrates in his Oration ad Demonicum , Isocrates against drunkennesse . & diligently to be followed of al students . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Thus latined by Antonius Schorus : Maxime fugias comptoationes . Si tamen interesse te aliquando contingat , ante ebrietatem surgas & abeas . Quum enim mens vino opprimitur idem prorsus facit , quod currus qui suis agitatoribus dejectis , nullo ordine vltro citroque feruntur , propterea quod rectoribus destituantur , according to that saying of the Antient Poet Theognis . Theognis , against drunkennesse .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 .

Thus translated by Iacobus Schegkius .

Immodico cuicunque mero praecordia servent , Haud linguam & mentem continet ille suam . Turpia quae loquitur , recidunt sine pondere verba , Ebrius ac nullo cuncta pudore facit . Diceret haud quae sobrius , haec effert bene potus , Si sapis a nimio disce cavere mero .

So that the excesse of wine is to be avoided , and not the Wine , for so he writeth in another place .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Pocula quae cavere modo , mihi crede nocebunt , Vina tamen modice sumpta iuvare solent .

And the excesse of Wine is the cause as Leonhartus Fuchsius writeth , Insti . li. 1. ca. 10. why few young men that bee students , come to profound knowledge and ripenesse in these dayes : for first immoderate drinking of Wine maketh them disordered and unruly : next it weakneth and dulleth the strength & force of the wit and mind . Why students in these dayes come not to such perfect knowledge as they have done in time past . Wherefore he adviseth all students to have those golden verses of Eobanus Hessus not onely imprinted in their minds , but also ingraved in some table in their chambers or closets , to the intent that they may have them alwayes before their eyes . Ita enim crebra horum lectione & inspectione forte fieret , ut ebrietatem tanquam immanissimam bestiam , & certum illis exitium afferentem evitarent . The verses be these , Immodici sensus perturbat copia Bacchi : Hessus , against drunkennesse . Inde quis enumeret , quot mala proveniant , Corporis exhaurit succos , animique vigorem Opprimit , ingenium strangulat atque necat .

Wherefore Plato that divine Philosopher utterly forbiddeth Wine in youth untill they be past two and twenty yeares of age , 2. de logi . Young men should drinke no wine . Lib. 1. de Sa. tu. cap. 9. because saith hee 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 Non oportet ignem igni addere . And Galen not onely forbiddeth children wine , because they being of hot and moyst temperature , should thereby become over hot , and their heads filled with vapours , whereof sometimes ensueth the falling sicknesse ( as Aristotle affirms , ) but also he forbids young men wine untill they bee 35. yeares of age , Quod videlicet , & ad iram & libidinem praecipites facit , & partem animi rationalem , hebetem turbidamque reddit . But to old men , wine is as sucke to young children , Wine is good for old age . and is therefore called of some Lac senum and the strongest wines for them are best , except they be cholerick : for old folks are cold , and good wine heateth : they are heavy and full of melancholy , and wine maketh them merry and represseth melancholinesse , they commonly sleep ill , and wine maketh them to sleepe well : they are disposed to oppilations , and Wine openeth . So that Wine to old folks is most commodious , although to youth it be hurtfull , unlesse it bee temperately taken . Yet I read in Arnoldus upon Schola Sal. that surfetting and drunkennesse is sometime expedient , cap. 15 . To be drunken once in a moneth allowed of some Physitians . because thereby wee fall to vomit , whereof ensueth cleansing of the stomacke , and preventing of many ill diseases of long continuance , and this opinion is fathered upon Hip. for so saith Arnoldus , Consulit Hip. semel in mense inebriari ut ex ebrietate provocetur vomitus . But I will not say that Hip. counsaileth us to be drunken once in a moneth , that thereby may come vomit , for I rather think it the counsaile of some Arabian Physitian : but this I know to be true , Lib. 51. de usu par. cap. 4. Cap. 107. that Hip. biddeth one to vomit every moneth , two dayes one after another , that the second day may avoid that which the first could not , and this is approved by Galen , and Scho. Sal. is of the same judgement , where it is said : Quolibet in mense & confert vomitus , quoque purgat , Humores †n●c●os† stomacho , anfractus levat omnes .

But to procure vomit through excesse and drunkennesse , as it is ungodly , so it is beastly : and doth more hurt the stomacke , the braine , the brest , and all parts of the body , than it doth profit by evacuation of flegm and choller : wherefore if any be desirous to vomit , let them rather goe to the Sea , or drinke Salet oyle ( as I have shewed before in the chapter of Olives ) or use Assarabacca , or Helleborus , by the advise of some discreet Physitian , and let Wine bee used according to the first institution , that is , to make men merry , and not to make men drunke . And if any bee disposed to drinke Wine after this manner , they may learne to choose good Wine by five properties : How to choose good wine , by five properties . First by the colour , as white , red claret . Secondly by the taste as sweet , soure , rough , lyth . Thirdly by the savour or smell as fragrant or otherwise . Fourthly by the substance , as thick , thin , cleare or muddy . Fifthly by the age , as new or old . All these properties saving the last , are set forth in Scho. Sal. as followeth : cap. 10. Vina probantur odore , sapore , nitore , colore , Si bona vina cupis , quinque haec laudantur in illis , Fortia , formosa , & fragrantia , frigida frisca .

The choise of wine standeth chiefly in three senses . So that three senses are the chiefe iudges of wine . The eye for the colour and consistence , the tongue for the taste , the nose for the savour . And all these must be applyed to wine in it kinde , as for example , if Claret wine have a right claret colour , if it bee in savour , in taste , in thinnesse , or thickenesse , in age accordingly , then may you be bold to call it good Claret . And so of all other sorts in suo genere . But it shall bee necessary that I speak somewhat more of these properties . And first touching the colour I have this lesson in Galen Ex vinis albis nullum valenter calfacere potest : Li. 3 de vict . ra. in amor . acut . com . 6. quod enim summe calidum est , id continuo & flavum existit : veluti & quod ab ipso est fulvum , mox ab his rubrum , & deinde dulce , album autem minus quidem his omnibus calfacit . Whereby I learne that white wine inflameth or heateth least of all wines , White wine least hot . which is to be understood of one kinde and of one country , as I have shewed before . Beside this white wine is lesse fumish and lesse vaporous then other , and therefore lesse annoyeth the head . And it provoketh or causeth one to pisse more then other , White wine procureth urine . whereby it is proved to bee more piercing , than other wine , and to have greater strength to open . And for these properties I thinke white wine more convenient for students than any other . Also this kinde of wine is good for those that would be leane or slender , White wine good for those that would be leane . because it nourisheth little . But red wine and Claret nourish more , because they are soone converred into bloud : & especially red , for that is hotter than white wine , and nourisheth more than claret . Wherefore it is reckoned in Scho. Sal. for one of those three things which be most nourishing . cap. 8. as Ova recentia , vina rubentia , pinguia iura .

So that Claret wine for nourishing may seeme to be in a meane betweene white and red . Yet red wine , if it bee a deepered inclining to black as Raspis , being much drunken causeth two inconveniences as it is in Scho. Sal. cap. 12.

Si vinum rubeum nimium quandoque bibatur , Venter stipatur , vox limpida turpificatur .

It bindeth the belly and maketh hoarsenesse . Red wine bindeth , Yet sometime it is necessary , especially for such as by debility of stomacke are laxative , and can hold nothing . And I have cured many of a laske , growne in a manner to a flixe , onely by giving them first in a morning and last in the evening , A good medicine for a laske . a good draught of red wine well spiced with Cinamome , and the pouder of the pill of a pomegranade . But wines that bee yellowish , and sweet withall , as Malmsey , Muskadine , and such like , as they are most hot , so bee they very nourishing , as it is in Scho. Sal. cap. 11.

Corpora multum angent tibi dulcia candida vina .

The reason is because the sweet wines through their sweetnesse , Sweet wine for whom it is good . are greedily drawne of the members . Wherefore they are good to bee used of such as bee leane , and weake and low brought , and so have I proved muskadine excellent in a wast or consumption . Now concerning the age of wine , Dioscorides writeth , Lib. 5 cap. 7. Vino vetere nervi laeduntur , & reliqui sensus . Novum inflat , aegre coquitur . Aetate medium utraque vitia fugit . And this must be applyed to wines after their kinde . For some will abide longer in their strength and verdure , and others will sooner pall . But new wine or must is in no wise wholsome . For as it is in Schola Salerni , it breedeth five inconveniences as followeth : cap 26. New wine unwholsome . Impedit urinam mustum , soluit citoventrem , Hepatis emphraxim & splenis generat lapidemque .

Whether wine be good fasting And now to discusse this question , whether or no it be good to drinke wine fasting , I know there be many that in a morning for their breakfast , in the cold time of the yeare use to drinke a draught of strong wine , as Muskadine or Malmesey , and to eate tostes dipped therein , and that they thinke to bee very wholsome and restorative , especially for old folks . But they are reproved by Fuchsius , saying : Cavendum autem unice ne matutino tempore , Insti. li. 2. c. A. ventriculo adhuc vacuo & jeiuno , vinum forte , aut offae vino maceratae , ( quod magnates tamen facere consueverunt ) ingerantur Quod inde maxima coporis mala , ac gravissimi morbi oriantur . Yet I read in Scho. Sal. cap. 54.

Bis duo vipa facit , mundat dentes , dat acutum Visum , quod minus est implet , minuit quod abundat .

That is to say , Tosts dipped in wine wherefore they are good . tosted bread dipped in wine clenseth the teeth , sharpneth the sight , digesteth that which is undigested , and reduceth superfluous digestion to a meane . And master Securis affirmeth in his Almanacke anno 1580. that his father who was a Doctor of Physicke , used in a morning a peece of a toste dipped in Muskadell in the winter , and in Claret wine in sommer , drinking after it a draught of the same wine . So that it is not altogether unwholesome to drinke wine next the heart , so there bee respect had to the time , to the country , to the age , to custome . Some I have knowne to steepe a branch of wormwood all night in a cup of Claret or white wine close covered , An easie practise to clense the stomacke . and the next morning after to streine it , and warme it and drinke it fasting : others to cleanse their reines and bladder , use to steep over night a root or two of persly slit and somewhat brused , and a little liquorise in white wine or racked renish , An easie medicine for the stone . and to streine it in the morning after , and warme it , and drinke it for their breakfast . But these bee rather medicines than simple drinkes , the first to cleanse the stomacke , the latter for the stone .

CHAP. 218. Of Ale and Beere .

CErvisia or Cerevisia is latine as well for Ale as Beere howbeit in quality these drinkes differ greatly . For though both ale and beere be made of like matter and substance , that is to say , of barly , wheate or otes , yet there is great difference in the making , as good brewers can tell . And one thing more is used in the making of beere than ale , The difference betweene ale and beere . which is hops . So that ale requireth two ingrediences , that is , water and malt , and beere is made of three things , that is water , malt & hops , of which the first two bee cold of nature , and the third is hot . These two drinkes are not mentioned in Hippocrates and Galen , ( as I suppose ) because they are used onely in these north parts of the world . And as for ale , I can neither heare nor reade , ( saith master Eliote ) that it is made and used for a common drinke in any other country , than England , Scotland , Ireland , and Poile . And in England no doubt ale was the more auncient drinke and more usuall , as it is at this day in the north parts of the Realme , where they cannot yet tell how to make beere , except it bee in cities or townes , or in men of worships houses . And touching ale which is best , in Schola Salerni there be five properties noted as followeth : cap. 17 . Non sit acetosa haec cervisia , sed bene clara , De validis cocta granis , satis ac veterata .

That is to say , good ale must not be soure , it must be cleare , and made of good corne , well sodden , stale and well purged . How to know where the best ale is . But if you come as a stranger to any towne and would faine know where the best ale is , you neede doe no more but marke where the greatest noyse is of good fellowes , as they call them , and the greatest repaire of beggers . But withall take good heed that malt bee not above wheat before you part . For it is worse to be drunke of ale than wine , and the drunkennesse indureth longer : by reason that the fumes and vapours of ale that ascend to the head , are more grosse , and therefore cannot bee so soone resolved as those that rise up of wine . Whether ale or beere be better . If you aske me the question whether ale or beere bee more wholesome , I say that ale generally is better , namely the small ale , which is used as well in sickenesse as in health , and that for good cause , considering that barley , whereof it is made , is commended and used in medicine in all parts of the world , and accounted to bee of a singular efficacy in reducing the body to good temper , specially which is in a distemperance of heat . And for this purpose that kinde of ale which at Oxford is called sixteenes , is principall , Sixteenes . as by common experience is proved both in hot seasons of the yeare and in hot diseases . But beare for the heat thereof by reason of the hops , is not so commendable in sickenesse , and therefore generally not so wholsome . Howbeit in health it is a very profitable drinke ( so it be not strong ) for such as bee chollericke and have hot stomacks . For beside the vertue of nourishing , which it hath of the corne whereof it is made , it hath also a medicinable property of the hoppes , whereby it provoketh urine , The vertue of beere . and expelleth some choller by siege . Wherefore in them that use it moderately , it increaseth strength , as appeareth plainely by the view of those nations that use it most , for they be strongest and fairest . Beside that it doth not so soone hurt the sinewes , nor cause ake of the joynts as wine doth . But Schola Salerni , reckoneth eight properties which may bee indifferently applyed to ale or beere as followeth , cap. 46. Eight properties of ale and beere . but chiefly to beere .

Crassos humores nutrit cerevisia , vires Praestat , & augmentat carnem generatque cruorem , Provocat urinam , ventrem quoque mellit & inflat , Frigidat & modicum .

Of which eight ( in my judgement ) the first foure belong chiefly to ale , and the latter foure to beere . For beere doth more provoke urine , and more mollifie and inflate the belly , The vertues of beere . and coole more then ale . Yet it cooleth more or lesse , as it is stronger or smaller , and according to the malt whereof it is made . For beere or ale being made of wheate malt enclineth more to heat , for wheate is hot . If it bee made of barly malt , It enclineth more to cold , for barly is cold . And if it bee made of Barly and Otes together , it is yet more temperate and of lesse nourishment . Yet if a man would exactly scanne the temperature of beere . Fuchsius saith : Cum magna ex parte in cerevisiis non levis fentiatur amaritudo , Lib. 2. insti . Sect. 2. cap. 11. non dubium est has omnes esse temperamento calidas . Et quo quaevis amarior , eo quoque calidior existit . But notwithstanding I thinke that hoppes in beere maketh it colder in operation , because ( as I said before ) it purgeth choler . And to mee verily it is much colder than ale of like strength , Beere more cold in operation than ale , and better for cholericke folkes . having a cholericke stomacke , and liver inflamed . Neither doe I thinke that beere more ingendereth rheumes and distillations than ale , although I know many to bee of a contrary opinion . But by experience of mine owne body I can testifie , Whether beere breed rheumes that after I left Oxford and dwelled in the country , where ale is the more common drinke , I was no lesse troubled with a rheume , but rather more , than when I continued at Oxford and dranke nothing else but beere . Wherefore I thinke rather that the chiefest cause why wee are now more disquieted with rheumes than our forefathers were , is our excesse , and surfetting , and delicate feeding , whereof commeth crudity , and crudity breedeth rhumes , and rhumes are the occasion of the most part of diseases that happen to men . The very cause of rheumes . Wherefore the Greeke Poet Theognis most truly hath written .

〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 .

That is to say , surfet hath destroyed mo than famin . Yea I dare say , that moe dye through surfet than by the sword . Wherefore I thinke that of rheumes as Galen writing upon Hip. thinketh of gout . Hip. saith , Eunuchi podagra non laborant , nec cale fiunt . com . 6. Apho. 28. A plaine patterne of our time . Whom Galen expoundeth in this manner : Hippocratis quidem temporibus pauci omni no laborabunt podagra propter vitae temperantiam & moderationem summam , vestra vero aetate in tantumauctis delitiis , & luxu & voluptatibus , vt nihil supra addi posse videatur , infinita est podagra laborantium multitudo : nonnullis nunquam se exercitantibus , Wine and women great occasions of the gout . nulloque praesumpto cibo fortia vina potantibus & Venere immoderata utentibus , aliis vero et si non in omnibus , in uno tamen aut altero iis quae retulimus delinquentibus . Even so I say of rheumes , that in time past , when men used more frugality and temperance than now they doe , they were not so much troubled with distillations . Two chiefe causes of rheumes , otium & intemperantia . But now by reason of too much idlenesse and intemperance , rheumes doe more abound , and the gout also . For the goute is the daughter of a rheume . And those things that breed rheumes , doe likewise breed the goute in such as bee given thereunto , as Desidia , Crapula , Venus immodica , multa & potentia vina potata , The chiefe causes of the gout . maximeque si quis ante praesumptum cibum ipsis utatur . He therefore that will be free from rewmes and gout , must avoid idlenesse , surfet , Lechery , much wine , Who invented beere , and when . and strong , especially fasting : and not condemn Beere as hurtfull in this respect which was so profitably invented by that worthy Prince Gambrivius anno 1786. yeares before the incarnation of our Lord Iesus Christ , Fol. 25. p. 2. as Lanquette writeth in his Chronicle .

CHAP. 219. Of Cyder .

THe fifth kinde of drinke usuall here in England is Cyder . Howbeit Cider is not in so common use any where within this land as in Worcester shire , and Glocester shire , Worcester shire and Glocester shire most fruitfull where fruits doe most abound . And marvaile it is to see how plentifull apples and peares are in those countries , in so much that every hedge almost in the common fields ; and by high way sides are full of good fruites . And if a man travaile through that country , when they be ripe , hee shall see as many lie under his horse feet , as would in some places of England bee gladly gathered up , and layed in store under locke and key . Cyder is for the more part cold in operation , and is better or worse , according to the fruit whereof it is made : in respect of the coldnesse it is good for them that have hot stomackes , or hot livers . Yet if it bee used for a common drinke ( as master Eliote reporteth ) it maketh even in youth , the colour of the face pale , and the skinne riveled . It cannot bee very wholesome in any condition , considering that fruites doe ingender ill humours . Yet it is best after Christmas and about Lent . I remember when I was a student at Oxford one mistris , G. sold Pery insteed of Rhenish wine , Perie . and so beguiled many a poore Scholler . And indeed that Cyder which is made of pure peares , being drunke after winter is like in taste , to a small white or Rhenish Wine , but yet differeth much in operation . Sed caveat emptor .

CHAP. 220. Of Whey .

THe sixt sort of drinke usuall , is whey , the nature whereof I have declared before in the chapter of Milke . And thus much more I will adde , that if it bee clarified , it is passing good for such as have hot stomackes , or hot Livers , specially in May , and for them that be costive . Whey for a hot Liver . And if you would use it to coole the Liver , then boyle it in Endive , Succory , Violet leaves , Harts tongue , Sorrell , Dandelion . Whey forme itch . And if you would use it for an itch , or breaking out , then boyle in it , Fumitory , Scabious , Liverwort , Hop leaves . Also Fumitory and Agrimony boyled in clarified Whey , and often used , do not onely kill an itch , but also preserve the Liver from corruption . You must boyle it to the halfe , and then straine it and drinke it fasting , and fast two houres after it .

CHAP. 221. Of Metheglin .

THe seventh kinde of drinke is Metheglin , which is most used in Wales , and in the Marches of Wales . How to make Metheglin . It is made of hot herbs , Hony and Water . And if any list to make it , he may take of all sorts of garden herbs a handfull or two , and let them boyle in twise so much water as hee would make Metheglin , and when it is boyled to the halfe , and cooled , and strayned from the herbs , then take to every two galons of the water , one galon of Hony . Let it boyle well and scum it cleane , then put it up into some vessel , and put Barme upon it , and let it stand three or foure dayes , then clense it up as you doe Beere or Ale , and put it into some barrell , and so let it stand three or foure moneths , then draw it and drinke it at your pleasure . If it be perfectly made and not new , it is a very good drinke for Winter season , chiefely for old folks , and such as be flegmaticke , or have cold stomacks , or be troubled with the cough . It is best in a morning well spiced with ginger . Mervaile it is to see how the Welchmen will lye sucking at this drinke , sometime untill they bee as Chremes was in Terence , Vt neque pes , neque mens satis suum officium faciat . It is as naturall a drinke for them , as Nectar for the gods . And I haue heard some of that nation defend , that it is the very Nectar which Iupiter and Iuno drank . There is also another kinde of drinke like to Metheglin , Mead or Meath . which is called Meade or Meath , and is made of one part of Hony and fouretimes so much of pure water , and boyled untill no skum doe remaine , and is much commended of Galen , drunke in Summer for preserving of health . For if it bee well made , it clenseth the brest and lungs , causeth a man to spit easily , pisse abundantly , and purgeth the belly moderately . This much concerning those seven sorts of drinkes which be in common use among us , which may well bee called simple drinkes , for of these sundry others are as it were compounded or made for our necessities , but yet rather used as medicines than with meates : such is Aqua vitae , Aqua composita , Rosa Solis , Doctor Stevens water , Cinamom water , Hippocras , Bragger , Butterd Beere , and such like , of which I shall speake particularly , for the behalfe of students , who need now and then such comfortable drinkes .

CHAP. 222. To make Aqua vitae .

TAke of strong Ale , or strong Wine , or the Lees of strong Wine and Ale together , a gallon or two , as you please , and take halfe a pound or more of good Liquorise and as much Anis seeds : scrape off the barke from the Liquorise , and cut it into thinne slyces , and Punne the Annis grosse , and steepe al together close covered twelve houres , then distill it with a Limbecke or Serpentine . And of every galon of the liquour , you may draw a quart of reasonable good Aqua vitae , that is of two galons two quarts . But see that your fire be temperate and that the head of your Limbecke be kept cold continually with fresh water , and that the bottome of your Limbecke be fast luted with Rye dough , that no aire issue out . The best Ale to make Aqua vitae of is to be made of Wheat malt . and the next of cleane Barly malt , and the best Wine for that purpose is Sacke .

CHAP. 223. To make Aqua composita .

TAke of Sage , Hisope , Rosemary , Mint , Spike , or Lavander leaves , Maierom , Bay leaves , of each like much , of all foure good handfulls , to one galon of liquor . Take also of Cloves , Mace , Nutmegs , Ginger , Cinamome , Pepper , Graynes of each a quarter of an ounce , Liquorise and Anise , of each halfe a pound : beate the spices grosse , and first wash the herbs , then breake them gently betweene your hands . Vse the Liquorise and Anise as is said in Aqua vitae , then put all together into a Galon or more of good Ale or Wine , and let them steep all night close covered in some vessell of Earth or Wood , and the next morning after distill them as you doe Aqua vitae .

CHAP. 224. To make Rosa Solis .

FIrst , because this drinke beareth the name of a certaine herbe called Rosa Solis , which is not every where , nor at all times to be found , it shall be necessary to speake somewhat concerning the gathering of the same . I finde by experience that it groweth most plentifully in marish grounds and fennes , The growing of Rosa Solis . and is most flourishing in Iune , Iuly , and August . In Lankashire in their mosse grounds where they dig their turnes , there is great store of it , and there the common people doe call it youth grasse , & they think that it rotteth sheep , howsoever it preserveth men . If it be gathered about noone , you shall finde upon it like as it were an oyle or dew , and if you touch it with your fingers , they will be slymy . When you would occupy it , gather it in dry weather , and about the mid time of the day , How to make Rosa Solis . and picke it cleane from dyrt and pelfe , and cut off the rootes , or if it be rancke , you may cut it hard by the roots in gathering . Now when you have prepared it in this order , and would compound Rosa Solis , take a pot of good Aqua vitae , or Aqua composita , and put into it two good handfulls or more of the herbe called Rosa Solis , and halfe a pound of fine Sugar , halfe an ounce of whole Mace , of Ginger pared , of Nutmegs , of Cinamome , of Anise seeds , all grosse beaten in a morter , of each halfe an ounce , Liquorise an ounce , first made cleane from the barke , then cut in small peeces and a little punned , Dates foure ounces , cut small , and the stones , and the white skinne that is within taken out , put all together into a large pot or bottle , and stop it close , and so let it stand for three moneths shaking it , or stirring it together now and then , afterward ( if you list ) you may straine away the stuffe , or let it remaine in all the yeare , and when you would occupy some of it , cast a cloth over the mouth of the bottle to keep in the spices . Some doe put in red rose leaves also in the making .

Another way to make Rosa Solis .

I Learned also another way to make Rosa Solis , of an honest Gentlewoman , in this manner : Take of strong Ale or wine two galons , of Annis seeds and Liquorise , of each halfe a pound , beat them grosse . Take also of Rosemary , Sage , Time , Camamel , Majerom , Mint , Avens , Fenel , Dyll , Pelitory , Lavander or Spike , Hysope , Roses , of each a handfull , of Rosa Solis three or foure handfull , and put all into the Ale or wine , then take of Cinamom , Cloves , Mace , Nutmegs , Ginger , Graynes , Long pepper , Galingale , of each a quarter of an ounce , beat them grosse , and put them to the other , and let all steepe together twelve houres , in some vessell of wood or earth close covered , then distill them , and of the two gallons , you may well draw two quarts ; and it will be as Aqua composita , which after you may colour in this wise , put it into one glasse or two , and put to it for either quart , two ounces of browne Sugar Candy , and as much of Dates dressed as I have shewed before , and put in every weeke fresh Rosa Solis as much as may goe into the glasse untill it have the colour of the herbe , and if they will have it quickely to receive colour , you may set the glasse warily within a stillitory , upon such things as you distill , and still neverthelesse , neither will the glasse lightly breake , especially if it be full .

CHAP. 225. To make Cinamom water .

HOw Cinamom water should bee made , I have partly declared before in the Treatise of Spices . Notwithstanding I will here set forth other wayes to make it , drawne out of Gesner . Take of Cinamom one pound grossely beaten , on the which poure a wine quart of pure water , which being close covered , let stand to steepe eighteene houres , after distill it as ye doe Aqua vitae .

Another way .

TAke of the best Cinamom finely brought to powder in a morter , but not searsed halfe a pound , this so charily powre into the distillitory body , that none cleave to the sides falling in , on which powre three quarts of cleare conduit water , then set on the head close to the body , after distill it in the beginning with a very soft fire , and encrease the fire by little and little , as you see the drops come either quicke or slowly . But the best way to make Cinamom water , is that which I have shewed where I spake of Cinamom it selfe .

CHAP. 226. To make Doctor Stevens water .

TAke a galon of good Gascoyne wine , then take Ginger , Galingale , Canel , Cinamom , Nutmegs , greyns , cloves , mace , annis seeds , fenel seeds , caraway-seeds , of every of them a dram . Then take Sage , Mint , red Roses , Time , Pellitory of the wall , wilde Maierom , Rosemary , wild Time , Camamel , Lavander , Avens , of every of them one handfull , beat the spices small , and bruse the herbs , and put all into the wine , and let it stand 12. houres , stirring it divers times , then still it in a Limbecke , and keepe the first pinte of the water , for it is the best : then will come a second water , which is not so good as the first .

The sundry vertues and operations of the same many times proved .

THe vertues of this water be these . It comforteth the spirits , and preserveth greatly the youth of man , & helpeth inward diseases comming of cold against shaking of the palsey , it cureth the contraction of sinewes and helpeth the conception of women that be barren , it killeth wormes in the belly , it helpeth the cold gout , it helpeth the tooth ach , it comforteth the stomacke very much , it cureth the cold dropsie , it helpeth the stone in the bladder and reynes of the backe , it cureth the canker , it helpeth shortly a stinking breath , and who so useth this water now & then , but not too often , it preserveth him in good liking , & shal make one seeme young very long . You must take but one spoonfull of this water fasting but once in seven dayes , for it is very hot in operation . It preserved Doctor Stevens that he lived 98 yeare , whereof twenty he lived bed-ridde .

CHAP. 227. A Censure upon Doctor Stevens water .

THis much I finde written both touching the making and touching the vertues of D. Stevens water . But how true it is I referre to every mans owne experience . I for my part having made it right according to the prescription , found the water so weake of the wine , so strong of the herbs , so unpleasant in taste , that I was faine to distill it againe , and to make it after an other manner . So taking double the spices aforesaid , that is of every sort a quarter of an ounce , and of every kinde of herbe but halfe a handfull , and not Cascoyne wine but Sack or very strong Ale , I made a water very strong in taste , and as I suppose of great vertue in all the properties aforesaid . This who so list to trie shall finde true , and let no man condemne me untill he have proved .

CHAP. 228. To make Hipocras .

TAke of Cinamon two ounces , of Ginger halfe an ounce , of Graines a quarter of an ounce , punne them grosse , and put them into a pottle of good Claret or white wine , with halfe a pound of Sugar , let all steep together a night at the least close covered in some bottle of glasse , peuter or stone , and when you would occupy it , cast a thinne linnen cloath , or a piece of a boulter over the mouth of the bottle , and let so much runne through as you will drinke at that time , keeping the rest close , for so it will keepe both the spirit , odor and vertue of the wine and spices , and if you would make but a quart , then take but halfe the spices aforesaid .

CHAP. 229. Another way .

TAke a galon of wine , an ounce of Cinamom , two ounces of Ginger , a pound of Sugar , twenty cloves bruised a little in a morter , twenty cornes of Pepper grosse beaten , let all these steepe together a night or more , in a bottle or pot close stopped as before . To halfe the wine take halfe the stuffe .

CHAP. 230. Another way excellent for a weake stomacke .

TAke Cinamom halfe an ounce , Ginger a quarter of an ounce , Cloves , long Pepper , Nutmegs , of each halfe a quarter of an ounce , beate them all grosse , and with halfe a pound of Sugar mix them together in a pottle of pure white wine or Claret . Let all soke twelve houres , or all night in a close pot or bottle , and when you would occupy of it , cast a cloth over the mouth of the pot , and streine it and use it at your pleasure , and if you list to make but halfe the quantity , then take but halfe the spices and Sugar , and use it as before .

CHAP. 231. Another .

TAke an ounce of Cinamom , halfe an ounce of Ginger , Galingale and Greynes , of each a quarter of an ounce , Cloves halfe a quarter , beat them grosse , White Sugar halfe a pound , of the best wine a pottle , use it as before .

CHAP. 232. To make Nectar after Arnold , which is a notable restorative .

TO a pint of Malmsey or Muskadell take of Ginger pared , Cloves , Cinamom , of each a quarter of an ounce of Greynes halfe a quarter , Sugar two ounces , Muske a grayne , use it as before .

CHAP. 233. Sugredwine for such as be in a consumption .

TO three pintes of good wine take two pounds of Sugar , let it boyle untill it come to the thicknesse of Live Hony , the use whereof is with liquid meates or drinkes . It may stand in stead of meat and drinke , and will refresh nature sufficiently . Or else take one pound of the best Sugar to three pintes of wine , let them be so sod with a soft fire in manner of a syrupe , keepe it and use it with two parts of water or otherwise , as need requireth . It is good for old persons , cold and feeble , and in whom naturall moysture and heate are diminished .

CHAP. 234. Hippocras made with water .

TAke of chosen Cinamom two ounces , of Ginger scraped halfe an ounce , long Pepper , Greynes , Galingale , of each a dramme , Nutmegs , Cloves , Mace , of each halfe a dramme , Spring water three quarts , let it boyle to the halfe or to one quart , then straine it hard through a cloth , and put to it halfe a pound of Sugar , boyle it a little againe and skimme it , then put it into some close pot and use it . To make Hippocras of Aquavitae , excellent for one that is very weake . Take a quart of Aqua vitae , and put it in a glasse , then take two ounces of Cinamom , one ounce of Ginger , two pennyworth of Cloves , as much of Greynes , a peny worth of Nutmegges , beat them all grosse , and put them to the Aqua vitae , and shake it together every day often for nine daies together , then drinke it with wine or ale , halfe a spoonefull or a quarter , with halfe a pinte of Ale .

CHAP. 235. Hippocrat to preserve in time of pestilence .

TAke of the best wine a pottle , halfe an ounce of Angelica , Nutmegs two drams , Galingale , long Pepper , Coriander , Ginger , Bole Armoniacke , of each a dram , Cinamom three quarters of an ounce , Sugar halfe a pound , use them as before is said , and drinke thereof alwayes fasting a good draught .

CHAP. 236. Hipocras laxative for any fever .

TAke of Sena an ounce , of Rubarb and Agaricke , of each two drams , Cinamom halfe an ounce , Cloves , Mace , Greynes , of each a quarter of an ounce , Ginger , Anise , Coriander , Nigella Romana , of each a dram , Sugar halfe a pound , white wine or claret a pottle , make it as before is said .

CHAP. 237. To make wormewood wine upon the sodaine to comfort a weake stomacke .

TAke Aqua vitae and Malmsey like much , and steep in it some leaves of wormewood dryed . Of this you may take a little spoonefull , and so mixe it with a draught of wine , and so give it to drinke .

CHAP. 238. To make Bragget .

TAke three or foure galons of good Ale or more , as you please , two dayes or three after it is clensed , and put it into a pot by it selfe , then draw forth a pottle thereof , and put to it a quart of good English Hony , and set them over the fire in a vessell , and let them boyle faire and softly , and alwayes as any froth ariseth , skumme it away and so clarifie it , and when it is well clarified , take it off the fire , and let it coole , and put thereto of Pepper a penny worth , Cloves , Mace , Ginger , Nutmegs , Cinamom , of each two penny-worth beaten to powder , stir them well together , and set them over the fire to boyle againe a while , then being milke warme , put it to the rest , and stirre all together , and let it stand two or three daies , and put barme upon it , and drink it at your pleasure .

CHAP. 240. To make Buttered Beere , which is good for a cough or shortnesse of winde .

TAke a quart or more of double Beere , and put to it a good peece of fresh Butter , Sugar Candie an ounce , of Liquerise in powder , of Ginger grated , of each a dramme , and if you would have it strong , put in as much long Pepper and Greynes , let it boyle in the quart after the manner as you burne wine , and who so will drinke it , let him drinke it as hot as hee may suffer . Some put in the yolke of an egge or two toward the latter end , and so they make it more strengthfull .

CHAP. 241. Of sleepe .

THe fourth thing to be regarded in preserving of health , is Somnus , Sleepe , which after Aristotle is defined to be Impotentia sensuum . Lib. de Som. & vigilia . Because in sleep the senses be unable to execute their office , as the eye to see , the eare to heare , the nose to smell , the mouth to tast , and all sinowy parts to feele . So that the senses for a time may seeme to be tyed or bound , and therefore Sleepe is called of some ligamentum sensuum . And for this imbecillity , for that Sleepe after a sort maketh a man senselesse , and as it were livelesse , it is called in Latine Mortis imago , as Ovid writeth .

Stulte quid est somnus , gelidae nisi mortis imago ? Lib. 2. Elegi . Sleepe the image of death and the brother of death . Longa quiescendi tempora fata dabunt .

And in Seneca , in Hercule Furente , Sleepe is said to be the Son of Astrea , that is to say , of Iustice , and the brother of death , as Volucer matris genus Astreae , Frater durae languidae mortis .

And the holy Scripture in sundry places doth call death by the name of sleepe , Death called by the name of sleepe . which is meant in respect of the resurrection : for as after sleep we hope to wake , so after death wee hope to rise againe . But that definition which Paulus Aegineta maketh of sleepe , in my iudgement is most perfect , where hee saith , Somnus est animalium facultatum quies , Lib. 1. cap. 97. What sleepe is . ab utili humore cerebrum malefaciente proveniens : for here is shewed by what meanes sleepe is caused . That is , by vapours and fumes rising from the stomacke to the head , How sleepe is caused . where through coldnesse of the braine , they being congealed , do stop the conduits and wayes of the senses , and so procure sleepe , which thing may plainly be perceived hereby : for that immediately after meate wee are most prone to sleepe , because then the vapours ascend most abundantly to the braine , and such things as bee most vapourous do most dispose us to sleepe , as Wine , Milke , and such like . The benefit of sleepe , or the necessity rather needeth no proofe , for that without it no living creature may long endure , according to that saying of the Poet Ovid.

Quod caret alterna requie durabile non est .

The commodities of sleepe For sleepe helpeth digestion and maketh it perfect , it recovereth strength , it refresheth the body , it reviveth the mind , it pacifieth anger , it driveth away sorrow , & finally , if it be moderate , it bringeth the whole man to good state and temperature . Wherefore Ovid in another place , Metamor . 11. calleth sleepe a god , as : Somne quies rerum , placidissime somne deorum , Paxanimi , quem cura fugit , tu pectora duris Foure things to be observed in sleepe : Fessa ministeriis mulces , reparasque labori .

But that I may fully declare the order of sleep , & how it is to bee used in preserving of health , foure things are to be observed therein . First the time , secondly the place , thirdly , the lying of the body : and fourthly , the quantity of sleepe . Concerning the time , Hip. following the very order of nature , Presag . 2. giveth forth a generall rule : Quod ad somnos attinet , quemadmodum secundum naturam consuetum nobis est , interdiu vigilare oportet , noctu vero dormire : Si vero hoc fuerit transmutatum , peius est . Minime vero laedi aeger poterit , si dormiat mane ad tertiam partem diei : qui vero ab hoc tempore fiunt somni , deteriores sunt . Wherefore in sleeping and waking , we must follow the course of nature , that is , to wake in the day , and sleepe in the night , meaning by the day , that space which is from Sunne rising to Sunne setting , and by the night , from setting of the Sunne to the rising againe of the same . And if you demand a reason why the night should bee more convenient for sleepe than the day , Why the night is better to sleepe than the day . I answer Quoniam nox naturali humiditate silentioque animum in somnum deducens , absolutam molitur concoctionem : non solum alimenti , sed humorum etiam superfluentium . And if this order bee changed ( saith Hip. ) it is worse : for the naturall heat , spirits and humours in the day time draw to the outward parts of the body . Wherefore if we sleepe then , wee violently resist the motion of nature : for sleepe draweth naturall heat inward , and the heat of the day draweth it outward , so there is made as it were a fight and combat with nature . Yet one that is sicke or weake , and can take no rest in the night , may well sleepe in the morning Ad tertiam partem diei ( as Hip. saith ) that is , three houres after the Sunne is risen : Afternoone steep unwholesome . cap 1. cap. 3. but afterward sleepe is not so wholesome , especially at after noone . Profitable therefore is that counsaile of Schola Salerui . Somnum fuge meridianum . And againe .

Sit brevis aut nullus tibi somnus meridianus , Febris , pigrities , capitis dolor , atque catarrhus , Haec tibi proveniunt ex somno meridiano .

For afternoone sleepe maketh undigested and raw humours , whereof groweth oppilations , which oppilations ingender Fevers . Also it maketh a man slothfull , by reason that superfluous humours , remaine still in the muskles , veines and ioynts . Againe , it causeth head ach , because grosse and undigested meate , remaining yet in the stomacke , sendeth up grosse vapours to the braine . And last of all it breedeth rhumes , by reason that the stomacke is full of raw humours , whereby vapours and fumes , rise up to the head , which being ingrossed by coldnesse of the braine , distill to the lower parts . All which discommodities might have beene dissolved and consumed by watch . Yet notwithstanding : How sleepe in the day may be used with least harme . if any will needs sleepe in the day time , it is lesse hurtfull ( as Bertrucius saith ) if these five conditions therein bee digently observed . First , if it bee customably used . Secondly , if it be not taken immediately after meat , but halfe an houre , or an houre after . Thirdly that one sleepe not lying , but rather sitting with his body upright . Fourthly , that he sleepe not overlong . Fifthly , that hee bee not waked sodainely and fearefully , but with good moderation . But after Fuchsius , Dormiendum a prandio , In Li. 2. Sect. 4. cap. 3. si nequii evitari somnus , aut minimum aut plurimum : minimum , ut calor solum colligatur , & vires recreentur ex negotijs & vigilijs dissolutae . Plurimum , ut perficiatur concoctio . Is enim qui eam inchoat , nec absoluit , illa parit incommoda quae paulo ante commemorata sunt . And hee that will sleepe quietly in the night , must put in practise that notable precept of Schola Salerni , mentioned before , where I have spoken of supper .

Vt sis nocte levis , sit tibi caeca brevis .

And moreover to take heed that wee goe not to bed straightway after supper , but to tarry the time untill the meat be well mingled and gone downe to the bottome of the stomacke , which may the better come to passe , if we walke softly an houre or two after supper : for as Fuchsius writeth in the same Chapter : Duabus minimum a caena horis vigilandum est , How long we should wake , after supper . priusquam nos quieti mandemus . Or if we walke not abroad , then it shall bee good to heare the noyse of instruments , songs , mirth , and pleasant histories , and to conferre and talke with our friends of merry matters untill such time as the meate bee setled . As concerning the place most convenient for sleep , What place is most fit to sleepe in . it must be somewhat dark , defended from the Sunne beames , and from the light : it must be temperate in heate and cold , yet rather inclining to cold than heat , for so saith Hippocrates , Somnus in frigore vestibus contecto : Epid. 6. com : 4. for if wee sleepe in a place very hot , we are in danger to fall into a swoune by reason of the contrariety of sleepe and heat . For naturall heat , which by meanes of sleepe is drawne inward , through the heat without is contrariwise drawne outward . Wherefore the place where wee sleepe , should not bee very close , neither should wee sleepe upon the ground , nor upon cold stones , nor neere the earth , for the coldnesse of stones , and the dampe of the earth , are both very hurtfull to our bodies . But let your lodging be in an upper chamber , yet severed from the roofe with some small floore , Chamber Bed let the bedsted bee large and long , and no higher than a man may easily fall into it standing upon the chamber floore . Let the bed be soft , well shaken , The making of the bed . and made rising up toward the feet , so that the bulke or chest of the body may bee lowest . I remember when I was at Oxford in the second yeare of the reigne of her highnesse , one M. Atkins being for disobedience put in prison at London had a chamber to himselfe but no bed , and at length waxing weary of the bare boords , upon a night , A merry tale of beating a bed . having gotten a cudgell or two fell to beating and knocking of the floore , so long and so loud , that his keeper awaked , who in a rage comming to him , and demanding of him whether he were mad or no , that made such a noyse ? No forsooth master keeper ( quoth he ) I doe but beat my bed to make it soft if it would bee . For it is so hard that it maketh my bones to ake . Such beds have prisoners and souldiers now and then , but I pray God send all good students soft lodging . Concerning the manner of lying , while we sleep , Praefa . cap. 5. How we should lie while we sleepe . Hip. saith , Optimi sunt decubitus qui sanorum decubitibus similes existunt . And sanorum decubitus is , as he sheweth in the same place , in latus dextrum aut sinistrum , & manus , & collum , & cura modice inflexa habere , & totum corpus flexibile situm . And Galen affirmeth that Hippocrates Vtrunque damnat , Lib. 2. de motu mus. cap. A. & supinum iacere , & hiare dormientem , decubitus autem in alterum laterum laudat . Where he concludeth , that Supinum jacere , & hiare dormientem , non absque actione stertendi , aut exolutionis , aut ebrietatis , aut ignaviae sunt signa . Yet Alexis saith , that hee that sleepeth with his mouth close , Lib. 4 Shires . hath commonly an ill breath , and foule teeth . Hereby it may bee gathered , that to lie on either side , is good . But to lie upright upon the backe , or groveling upon the belly is unwholesome . And it is most wholesome to sleepe first on the right side , that the meat may the better descend to the bottome of the stomacke , and be nearer to the liver . Which is to the stomacke as fire to the pot , and after to turne to the left side . For this change doth greatly ease the body , and helpeth concoction . But to lie upon the backe , causeth flegme and other humours to fall into the hinder part of the head , where is the originall of the sinewes , and by that meane the spirits being stopped , the nightmare ( as they call it ) and palsie , and such like maladies be engendred . Again to lie on the belly , draweth the humours to the eyes , and so hurteth the sight . Yet it helpeth them that have feeble digestion . And we must not onely regard that wee lie on the tone side , but also that wee lie with our heads somewhat high , well bolstered up , having sufficient clothes upon us , least that while naturall heate is within about digestion , the outward parts be grieved with cold . It is good also to weare a kerchiffe , or some such like thing in the night on our heads . But to have the feet covered with shoes or otherwise , is very hurtfull to the sight and memory , and distempereth the whole body with heate . How long we should sleep . Concerning the quantity or time , how long we should sleepe , it cannot bee certainely defined a like for all men , and for all seasons . But it must be measured by health and sickenesse , by age , by time of the yeare , by emptinesse or fulnesse of the body , and by naturall complections . For such as bee healthy and strong , need lesse sleepe than they that bee sickely and weake . Children and old folkes need more sleep than youth and middle age . In winter longer sleepe is requisite than in sommer . Cholericke persons need lesse sleep than flegmaticke , yet in health for the most part , 7.8 . or 9. houres at the most is a sufficient time for the continuance of sleepe , as it may be gathered by Galen . Lib. 6. de Sa. tu . cap. 5. And as moderate sleepe doth help digestion and confirme the body , and comfort the minde : So contrariwise , immoderate sleepe maketh the body slow , and unapt to honest exercises , and subject to many diseases , and the wit dull and unable either to conceive or to retaine . Wherefore they that sleepe a great part of the day , and doe as it were strive with the Dormouse , who shall sleepe longest , it is no mervaile if they be both unhealthy in their bodies , and in wit , like the horse and mule in whom there is no understanding . Notable therefore is that common sentence , and to bee followed of all students , Sanctificat , sanat , ditat quoque surgere mane .

And the Poet Ovid most worthily hath written , Infelix tota quicunque quiescere nocte Sustinet , & somnes praemia magna putat .

Wherefore I trust that all good students will rather follow that example of Demosthenes , mentioned before in the treatise of exercise , than learne of Thraso in Terence stertere noctesque & dies , least they bee likened to Epimenides , Epimenides and Endymion how they slept and what is meant by it . who slept forty seven yeares continually , or Endymion , who slept alwayes ( as the Poets feine . ) Yet I would they would prove like unto these two . For the first became a noble Philosopher , and wrote of the nature of things , and of the divine generation , and had the gift of prophesie as some suppose . And Endymion first found out the course of the moon . Wherfore the Poets feined , that the moone loved him , and descended downe to kisse him while hee slept . So they both for their continuall and earnest contemplation , were feined to sleepe , But I would all good students would so sleepe , or at the least wise take a little nap after their manner . For as the Poet Horace saith : Est aliquid prodire tenus , si non datur ultra ,

And this is Impallescere chartis , Inhaerere libris , which never yet was reprochfull to a student . And if wee sleepe but at ordinary times , yet wee sleepe halfe the time of our life , for as Aristotle writeth ; Lib. 1. ethi. ca. ult Man sleepeth halfe his time . Bonus ab improbo in somno minime internoscitur . Hinc negant inter beatos ac miseros , per dimidiatum vitae tempus quicquam interesse . And Seneca saith in Her. fu .

Tu O domitor Somne malorum , requies animi Pars humanae melior vitae .

But the naturall time of sleepe is Durante concoctione , and the naturall time of waking is when concoction is finished . For so saith Aristotle , Expergiscitur animal cum concoctio absoluta , ad finemque deducta fuerit . De Som. & vi . cap. 3. How to know when sleepe is sufficient . Now to know when all concoctions are compleat and ended , it is to bee discerned by the sensible lightnesse of all the body , specially of the braine , the browes , and the eyes , the passage downe of the meat from the stomacke , the will to make urine , and to goe to the stoole . Contrariwise heavinesse in the body and eyes , and savour of the meat before eaten , signifieth that the sleepe was not sufficient . Also the colour of the urine to those that bee skilfull declareth the perfection or imperfection of digestion , for if it bee whitish or pale , it betokeneth that digestion is not yet compleate . If it bee yellow like pure gold , then it signifieth that digestion is sufficient . But the judgements of urines I referre to the Physitian . And as digestion is divers in divers men , for some digest sooner than others , so the times of sleeping and waking , are likewise divers according to the complexion , strength , age of the party , time of the yeare , &c. And for waking , what time students should rise , and how they should order themselves first in the morning , I have shewed before in my treatise of exercise . So this may suffice for sleepe .

CHAP. 242. Of Venus .

NOw that I have spoken sufficiently of labour , meate , drinke , and sleep , it remaineth onely that I speake of Venus , which in Galen is reckoned the fifth and last thing to bee regarded in the preservation of health . Lib. 2. de Sa. tu . cap. 1. And as it is the last in order of the words , so ought it to be the last in use . For so he saith , Hippocrates in proposing that sentence , Labor , Cibus , Potio , Somnus , Venus , omnia mediocria , hath not onely declared the measure in using , but also the due time of using every thing by the very order of his words . Quippe sanitatis tutelam a labore est auspicandum quem excipere debent cibus , How Venus should be used & in what age . potio , deinde somnus , mox Venus , in iis videlicet , quibus Venere est utendum . Nam reliqua certe omnia cuiusque aetatis sunt communia , Venus aetate tantum florentium est utique quo tempore etiam ejus usus est . Quae enim hanc vel praecedunt aetates , vel sequuntur , aut plane semen non effundunt aut certe infecundum , aut male fecundum effundunt . By the which words of Galen we understand not onely the time most convenient for the use of Venus , ( that is after sleepe ) but also what age is most fit for that purpose , videlicet aetas florens : Which after Galen beginneth at 25 yeares , Apho. 3. com . 30. & Apho. 5. com. . 6. and continueth untill 35 yeares . But some man will say , is Venus requisite to the preservation of health ? How then lived Priests in health in time past unmarried ? Whether Venus be requisite for all men . Or how live students at this day in the Vniversities that be of any society , who may not marry while they have interest in their Colledge ? To this I answer , Commune animantium omnium est coniunctionis appetitus procreandi causa . And this appetite or lust , was given by God to mankinde from the beginning , as appeareth in Genesis . So that none , neither male nor female is cleane without , Cap. 1. ver. 28. although it burne more in some than others , according to age and complection : although some can better bridle it and subdue it than others , according to their gift and grace . How lust groweth in mankind . Now to enter more deepely into the nature of mankinde , and to consider from whence this concupiscence doth arise , you shall understand , that as every living creature doth feed , and as the meat received is altered and changed three times , that is to say , in the stomacke , liver and parts before it nourish the body , and as every concoction hath his superfluity , or excrement , as the stomacke ordure , the liver urine , the veines sweate : So after the third and last concoction , which is done in every part of the body that is nourished , there is left some part of profitable bloud , not needfull to the parts , ordeyned by nature for procreation , which by certaine vessels or conduits , Semen est quaedam pars utilis excrementi . serving for that purpose , is wonderfully conveighed and carryed to the genitories , where by their proper nature , that which before was plain bloud , is now transformed and changed into seed . Neither is this any strang alteration , for the breasts of a woman by a like speciall property , doe change that into milke which before was very bloud , for milk whether it be of woman or beast , is nothing else but bloud twise concocted . Semen emittunt tam faeminae quam viri . Li. 1. Inst. cap. 5. And in the seed or nature of man and woman resteth the whole hability of procreation , as saith Leonhartus Fuchsius . Procreatrix facultas in semine tota posita est , quod quidem prolificum cum suapte natura sit , unius cujuspiam sibi similis procreandi , insitam vim habeat omnino necesse est . And as bloud is daily ingendred of such nourishment as wee receive , so likewise of bloud is nature bred continually , and needeth therefore sometime to bee abated . For otherwise , it is an occasion of many grievous maladies , Lib. 6. de lo. aff. cap. 5. as Galen declareth . And if it be not sometimes avoyded by other meanes , of it selfe , Ad sui excretionem ui quadam stimulat , as every man almost doth feele in himselfe now and then . And the commodities which come by moderate evacuation thereof are great . The benefits of Venus . For it procureth appetite to meate , and helpeth concoction , it maketh the body more light and nimble , it openeth the pores and conduits , and purgeth flegme , it quickneth the mind , stirreth up the wit , reviveth the senses , Venus morbis a pituita natis utilis est Hip. Epid. 6. Sect. 5. Apho. 23. driveth away sadnesse , madnesse , anger , melancholy , fury . Finally it delivereth us utterly from lecherous imaginations , and unchast dreames . Which although in some mens opinions they seeme none offence , because they proceed onely of abundance of nature , Yet I am of an other minde , for that I read in Deuteronomy , cap. 23 . If there be among you any that is uncleane , by that which commeth to him by night , he shall goe out of the host , and shall not enter into the host . But at even hee shall wash himselfe with water , and when the sunne is downe , hee shall enter into the host . But to returne to my purpose , Venus is worthily reckoned of Hippocrates one of those five things that chiefely preserve health . But in the use thereof wee must have a speciall regard , Ne quid nimis , The discommodities of immoderate Venus . for to exceed the meane in labour , in eating and drinking , in sleeping or waking doth not so greatly impaire a mans health , as Immoderatus coitus . For upon the sodaine it bringeth a man to utter weakenesse , and bereaveth him ( as it were ) of all his senses . And therfore is likened by Hippocrates to the falling evill ; and Avicen in his Booke de Animalibus saith , Si quid spermatis supra quam natura tolleret , coitu profluat , obesse magis , quam si quadragies tantundem sanguinis emanarit . And no mervaile , considering that the very roote and foundation of our life , doth consist in semine & sanguine , as Galen teacheth in his booke written against Licus : And this is the cause why such as use immoderate Venus , be short lived , and as the Sparrowes , through incontinency consume themselves . But GOD of his infinite goodnesse , who from the beginning ingraffed in mans nature this carnall appetite , to the end , that by procreation the world might bee replenished with people , hath yet notwithstanding bridled the same , and restrained it by speciall commandement , that mankinde should not couple together without difference , after the manner of bruit beasts , but being joyned in lawfull marriage , Deut. 5.18 . Exod. 20. which estate was established betweene man and woman , as holy and undefiled by God himselfe in Paradise ; Gen. 2.22 . and that for three causes chiefly : First for procreation of Children , to bee brought up in the feare and nurture of the Lord , and praise of GOD. Secondly , for a remedy against sinne , and to avoid fornication , that such persons as have not the gift of continency , might marry and keepe themselves undefiled members of CHRISTS body . Thirdly , for the mutuall society , helpe and comfort that the one ought to have of the other , both in prosperity and adversity . So that marriage is the onely lawfull meanes to remedy this infirmity of Nature , and all other meanes are abominable in the sight of GOD ; as Fornication , Adultery , Buggerie , incest , and that practise of Diogenes mentioned of Galen , De lo. ass. cap. 5. Genitalia contrectando semen ejicere . And now to the question proposed before , touching Priests and Students , how they have lived or doe live unmarried . Saint Matthew in his Gospell setteth downe two estates of men in generall , Cap. 19. ver. 12. both good and godly : the one married , The difference of men concerning chastitie . the other unmarried . And of the unmarried hee maketh three sorts as followeth . For there are some chaste ( saith he ) which were so borne of their mothers belly . And there be some chaste , which be made chaste by men , and there bee some chaste , which have made themselves chaste for the kingdome of heaven . He that is able to receive this , let him receive it . Here the Holy Ghost uttereth that some by nature are impotent and unable to fulfill the duty of marriage ; others by Art ( as by gelding , or so ) are made unable ; and the third sort is of them which have the gift of continency , and use it to serve God with more free libertie ; which gift notwithstanding is not common to all men , but is very rare and given to few ; whereupon I gather , that some may and do live honestly unmaried ; and so I judge of Priests , Students , and all other degrees of men or women whatsoever . Yet I doe not thinke the gift of continency so generall , as it was supposed in time past , when all the Clergy were restrained from mariage ; for it is said in Matthew , All men cannot receive this thing , save they to whom it is given : wherefore mariage ought to bee free to all that are so disposed , even as it is honourable among all , by the judgement of the Apostle Paul to the Hebrewes : Ver. 11. For how hard a matter it is , and how rare a gift to live continently , the greater part of a mans age , I referre it to every mans own conscience . Nam quis potest dicere , mundum est cor meum ? Cap. 13. ver. 4. And ( as the Poet Virgil writeth ) Omne adeo genus in terris hominumque ferarumque , Et genus aequoreum , pecudes , pictaeque volucres , Pro. 20. ver. 9. Amoris & libidinis insania omnibus animalibus est communis . In furias ignemque ruunt , amor omnibus idem .

And this rage is called of the Physitians Ερατικος furor quo fere omnes correpti , per adolescentiam iuvenculas depereunt ; and as the Poet Mantuan saith , Res vulgaris amor , semel insanivimus omnes .

Yet I know there is great difference among men and women in this respect , not onely touching thought , but also touching deed ; for of all complections , the sanguine , which is indeed the best complection , is yet most inclined to Venus , What complection is most given to Venus Lib. 6. de lo. aff. Cap. 5. by reason of abundance of blood , hoat and moist ; and so saith Galen , Non parva est hominum differentia . Sunt enim nonnulli , quos protinus a iuventute concubitus imbecilliores efficit : alii nisi assidue coeant , capitis gravitate molestantur , cibos fastidiunt , ac febribus obnoxii fiunt , atque ut deterior est ipsis appetentia , ita & concoctio minor , hos Plato arboribus immodice fructiferis comparat . Againe he saith ; Innoxia Venus iis tantum est , qui calidi humidique sunt , Lib. 6. de Sa. tu. . ca. 4. tum vero qui genitura naturaliter abundant . As for those that bee of drie temperature , as the chollerick sort , or cold and drie as the Melanchollick , to them Venus is most hurtfull by Galens judgement in the same place . But although the most part of men and women be naturally given to this infirmity , especially in youth , yet there bee certaine meanes whereby to abate it , even in the lustiest complexions . Three principall meanes to abate concupiscence 2 Cor. 12.7 , 8 , 9. The chiefest is that which was given to Saint Paul , after hee had prayed to the Lord thrice , that the pricke of the flesh might depart from him ; that is , Sufficit tibi gratia mea , nam virtus in infirmitate perficitur . The next ( in my iudgement ) is for a man to keep himselfe out of the company of women . For as it is in Ecclesiasticus , Qui tetigerit picem , inquinabitur ab ea . ca 13. ver. 1. And S. Paul saith : Bonum est homini mulierem non tangere : for certainely , the nature of women is such , that a man by their company shall be greatly inflamed .

Lib. 3. Georg. Carpit enim vires paulatim , uritque videndo

Femina , as Virgil writeth , is much like to a wilde beast called a Panther , Women compared to a Panther . to whom it is said , that heards of cattle do resort , being marveilously delighted in the sweet savour that commeth from him , and in beholding of him . But when the Panther hath them within his reach , he easily preyeth upon the poore cattell , being utterly dismayed with his fierce lookes : or as the Mermaydens whom Poets faigne with their sweet melody to draw such unto them as passe by , Women compared to the Mermaydens Syrenes were Sea monsters , halfe a woman and halfe a fish . and then to devour them . But if students must needs bee in company with women , as occasion oftentimes requireth , yet let them doe as Vlisses did , who sayling that way , where these monsters abode , stopped the eares of all his company , to the intent they should not heare the Songs of the Syrenes , and caused himselfe to bee bound to the mast of the ship , and so escaped . Even so should students that would lead a single life , either forgoe the company of women , or if they be in company with them , stop their eares , that is to say , bridle their senses , or binde themselves to the mast , that is to say : pray unto God for grace , lest they be intangled ere they be ware . And the like counsaile is given by Ovid. Li. 1. de reme. . amo.

Manat amor tectus , si non ab amante recedas , Turbaque in hoc omnes ingeniosa sumus . Proximus a tectis ignis defenditur aegre : Vtile finitimis abstinuisse locis . Non facile esuriens posita retinebere mensa , Et multum saliens incitat unda sitim .

The third meane whereby to abate this carnall appetite , is that which is mentioned in Saint Paul : 1 Cor. c. 9 v. 27. Ordinary meanes to subdue the flesh . Castigo corpus meum , & in servitutem redigo , which may bee done divers wayes : As by earnest study and meditation , by often fasting , by much labour , by hard fare , by hard lodging , and such like : for as it is in Plato , when Lady Venus threatned the Muses , that unlesse they would follow her Sacrifices , shee would arme her sonne Cupid against them , they answered , Marti O Venus , Marti talia minitare : tuus enim inter nos Cupido non volat . And Terence saith in Eunucho . Sine Cerere & Baccho friget Venus . And Diana flying the company of men , to the intent that shee would not bee moved with carnall lusts , did continually exercise her selfe in hunting wilde beastes , and for her chaste life was honoured of the Paynims for a goddesse : which fable declareth unto us , that exercise of the minde or body driveth away fleshly phantasies , and that idlenesse is a great occasion of Lecherie , Idlenesse a great occasion of lechery . Lib. 1. dere . amo . and so saith the Poet Ovid well experienced in such matters .

Finem qui quaeris amoris , Cedit amor rebus , res age , tutus eris . Quaeritur Aegistus , quare sit factus adulter , In promptu causa est , desidiosus erat .

And againe he saith : Otia si tollas periere Cupidinis arcus , Contemptaeque iacent , & sine luce faces .

Lib. 1. de Sa. tu . cap. 14. Divers practises to abate concupiscence . There bee also other meanes to extinguish carnall lust , partly mentioned in Galen , as to annoint the reynes with some cooling oyntment , which may bee made of Wax , Oyle of Roses , and the iuyce of some cooling herb , as Houseleek , Lettuce , Purslain , Nightshade , or to use plates of leade upon the reynes , or to apply Rose leaves , or Agnus Castus leaves to the backe by night or by day , or to vse daily to eat the seed of Agnus Castus , or the seed of Rew , or the herbs themselves : As once I knew an old Priest that lived chastly unmarryed all his life , that would daily put Rew in his drinke , and sometime eate it with bread and butter , and make it in a posset , and use it in posies , and all to destroy nature the originall of lust . To these may bee added the practises of Arnoldus . Si voluptatem Veneris volueris extinguere , The practises of Arnoldus to abate lust inungantur genitalia ex succo Apti vel Rutae & praedicti succi in potu sumantur . Item odorare Camphoram multum valet . Sedere etiam supra lapidem marmoreum , vel supra lapidem multum frigidum , vel supra terram humidam , & infunde testiculos & virgam in aqua frigida , vel a ceto forti , & iisdem lavare Peritoneum & renes . Last of all to conclude these meanes whereby to abate carnall lust , I will recite certaine examples gathered out of our English Chronicles of some men in time past , who supposed all chastity to consist in single life . Elphlegus Bishop of Winchester , put upon him Dunstanes a Monkes apparell , that hee might thereby avoid both the fire of concupiscence and the fire of hell . Iohn Bale . S. Petrock an hermit of Cornewall , was faine every night from the crowing of the cock , to the spring of the morning to stand naked in a pit of water to abate the movings of his flesh , yet could he never have remedy of that disease , untill he went on pilgrimage to Rome and Ierusalem . S. Aldelme Abbot and Bishop of Malmsbury , when hee was stirred by his ghostly enemy to the sinne of the body , Fabian . lib 6. cap. 141. would hold within his bed by him a faire maiden so long time as hee might say over the whole Psalter , to the intent to doe the more torment to himselfe and his flesh . These men ( as you see ) as holy as they seemed , were yet captives to Cupid , and could hardly get loosed out of his bands , or whether they were loosed at all , it may be doubted , yet would they not follow Saint Pauls counsaile , Melius est nubere , quam uri : But rather the contrary . Vri potius quam nubere maluerunt . But if I had beene their Physician , Corin. 1. c. A. they should have had the same remedy that Master Smith a canon of Hereford practised upon himselfe in the beginning of the raigne of the Queenes Maiesty that now is , The translator of Salust into English . videlicet abscissionem testiculorum . For this is the surest remedy that can bee devised for Cupids colts . Notwithstanding , for such as can abstaine , I thinke it much better for themselves , and for the common wealth , especially if they bee of the Clergy that they should live unmarryed . For as S. Paul saith . The unmarryed careth for the things of the Lord , how hee may please the Lord : But hee that is marryed , careth for the things of the world , 1 Cor. cap. 7. ver. 3 , 33 , 34. how he may please his wife . There is difference also between a virgin and a wife . The unmarryed woman careth for the things of the Lord , that she may be holy both in body and spirit : but she that is marryed , careth for the things of the world , how shee may please her husband . So that the state of man or woman unmarryed is more free from the cares of the world , The single life more convenient for Divines . and consequently more free for the service of God , then of the marryed sort , and therefore more to be desired of all them that would wholly dedicate themselves to serve the Lord . For as Basilius Magnus writeth to Gregorius 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Devi . in som. agen. The discommodities of marriage . Coniugio mancipatum curarum agmen excipit . Inorbitate desiderium prolis , uxoris custodia , domestica procuratio , servilium officiorum constitutio , damna civilibus in contractibus accepta , digladiationes cum vicinis , forenses concertationes , negotiationis alea , agriculturae labores , unaquaeque dies suam adfert animo caliginem , noctes vero diuturnas curas excipientes , per easdem rerum species imposturam menti factitant . And Demea in Terence saith in Adelphi . Duxi uxorem : quam ibi miseram vidi ? Natifilii , alia cura . So the first dish that is served up at the marriage feast , Two of the first dishes that be served up at the marriage feast . is Miseria , and the second is Cura . Which both if they be well weighed , are but soure sawces to sweet meate . Neverthelesse , let every man doe according to his gift . For every man hath his proper gift of God , one after this manner , and an other after that . I exempt no estate nor degree from marriage , 1 Cor. ca. 7. v 7. De sanct. vi. yet I say with Saint Augustine , Bona pudicitia coniugalis , sed melior continentia virginalis vel vidualis . And if any be disposed to marry , if they would follow the rule of Aristotle , Lib. 7. cap. 16. How man and woman should marry after Arist. in his Politiques , they should so marry that both the man and the woman might leave procreation at one time , the one to get children , and the other to bring forth . Which would easily come to passe , if the man were about eight and thirty yeares of age , when he marryed , and the woman about eighteene for the ability of getting children in the most part of men ceaseth at seventy yeeres , and the possibility of conception in women commonly ceaseth about fifty . So the man and the woman should have like time for generation and conception . But this rule of Aristotle is not observed of us in England , nor else where now adaies , that I wote of , but rather the liberty of the civill Law put in practise , that the woman at twelve yeares of age , and the man at fourteene , are marriageable , Rathe marriage is the cause why men bee now of lesse stature then they have been before time . which thing is the cause that men and women in these dayes , are both weake of body , and small of stature : yea in respect of those that lived but forty yeares agoe in this land : much more then in comparison of the ancient inhabitants of Britaine , who for their talenesse of stature were called Gyants . Which thing also is noted by Aristotle in the same place . Est adolescentium coniunctio , improba ad filiorum procreationem . In cunctis enim animalibus , iuveniles partus imperfecti sunt : & faeminae crebrius quam mares , & parva corporis forma gignuntur : quocirca necessa est hoc idem in hominibus evenire . Hujus autem coniectura fuerit , quod in quibuscunque civitatibus consuetudo est , adolescentes mares puellasque coniugari , in iisdem inutilia , & pusilla hominum corpora existunt . And the best time of the yeare to marry in after Aristotle , What time of the yere is best to marry in . is the winter season : because in the sommer time naturall heat is dispersed , and digestion feeble : But contrariwise in winter , by reason of the cold without , closing up the pores of the skinne , naturall heate is made stronger and digestion better , and therby the body is more able for generation . The same reason may serve also for the spring of the yeere , and I think that the better time of both , for that crescite and multiplicamini , is then in greatest force . But Diogenes was of another minde : for to one demanding when best season were to wed a wife , Diogenes opinion concerning the time of marriage . for a young man ( quoth he ) it is too soone , and for an old man overlate . So that no time by his judgement was fit for that purpose . But Diogenes was μισογυνης , being moved peradventure with that reason which Bias , one of the seven wise men of Greece made against marriage . Bias argument against marriage out of Aulus . Gel. lib. 5. ca. 11. Socrates wife . Non est ducenda uxor , nam si formosam duxeris , habebis communem †m●sin† deformem , molestam , or else was afraid lest hee should have as ill lucke as Socrates had in marriage , whose wife Xantip had all properties of a shrew , videlicet ware a kerchiefe , had a long nose and a longer tongue . But if Diogenes , or that Timon of Athens , who was for his hatred of mankind named 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , had used the company of a woman , perchance hee would have thought as the Hermit did , whom Poggius the Florentine montioneth in his fables , A Hermits repentance . who by the advise of his Physitians , having used the company of a woman for a certaine disease which he had , not otherwise to bee cured , when he had done , fell a weeping . And being demanded why he wept , considering that it was done for his health sake , and not for any voluptuousnesse , that God would easily forgive it : No no ( quoth the Hermit ) I weepe not for that cause , but I weepe because I never felt how sweet a woman was before this time . But if that Hermit had so small experience in Venus Court , yet I thinke many others of the same profession were better practised . As Iohn Bale in his Chronicle merrily telleth , how that at York the Monkes of Saint Mary Abbey , and the Nunnes of Clement Thorpe , met together at hey making , the Abbots foole being with them . A merry battaile betweene Monkes and Nunnes . And as the Abbots enquired of him at supper for pastime where hee had beene all that day , he fell into a great laughter , and declared before all the Abbots guests , that a sore battell had beene fought that afternoone , betwixt his Monkes , and the Nunnes of Clement Thorpe . Nunnes . But hee thanked God that his monkes had the best , for they were ever aloft . Such battailes ( I doubt ) were fought very often , by those that had made a vow to the contrarie . But if the Law of God had then prevailed , or might now prevaile among us , which punisheth adultery with death , and simple fornication by dowry and recompence of marriage , Levit. cap. 20. ver. 20. both they would have beene , and wee should bee more fearefull to offend in that behalfe ; or if the Law of Iustinian were in force , Quae temeratores alienarum nuptiarum gladio punit , & paenam irrogat stupratoribus , si honesti sunt , Iustin lib. A. Titulo . 18. leg. 2. publicationem partis dimidiae bonorum : si humiles corporis coertionem cum relegatione . And untill some streighter punishment be ordeyned , that sinne will never be reformed . For standing up in a sheet is not much greater punishment than the Nunne was enjoyned to , The Nunnes penance . that had trodden her shooe awry , videlicet , that she should say every day the first verse of the 55. Psalme , Misere mei Deus , quoniam conculcavit me homo , with great threatning , that if she should doe so againe , she should be bound to say over the whole Psalme . But such flea-bitings as these will not restraine us from that sinne , whereunto we are so prone by nature , except we have this continually before our eies , that our bodies are the members of Christ , that they are the temples of the holy Ghost , consecrated to God , 1 Cor. 6.15 . 1 Cor. 6 13.19 . Ephe. 4. 4 . 1 Cor. 6.18 . and not unto fornication , and therefore that wee will keepe the vessels of our bodies in holinesse and honour , to the end God may bee glorified thereby , as S. Paul willeth us , and for them which cannot live chaste otherwise , God of his goodnesse hath appointed the holy estate of matrimony , from the which none was exempted , except hee will himselfe . 1 Cor. 7.12 . But yet as Saint Paul saith , it were good for a man not to touch a woman : Because marriage , through mans corruption , and not by Gods institution , bringeth cares and troubles . And for this difficulty ( as I suppose ) Metellus Numidicus a Censor of Rome , Aulus Gel. l. 1. cap. 6. making an exhortation to the people to move them to marry , because the citty could not otherwise be preserved , used this reason , which may seeme as well against marriage , as with it , Si sine vxore possemus esse , omnes ea molestia careremus . Sed quoniam ita natura tradidit , Metellus argument to perswade marriage ut nec cum illis satis commode , nec sine illiis ullo modo vivi possit saluti perpetuae potius , quam brevi voluptati consulendum . And for this cause ( as I thinke ) Aristotle counteth a woman Necessarium malum . Necessary , because a man cannot be well without her : Evill , because women are commonly shrewd . Howbeit ( as I have heard say ) there is but one shrew in all the world , but every man thinketh he hath that one . As old Laches in Terence saith , a man of great experience , In eorum omnes mihi videnter ludo doctae ad malitiam , Heci . act . 1. †S●† . 1. & ei ludo ( si ullus est ) magistram hanc esse satis scio , meaning his owne wife . But if any have so ill lucke as to marry a shrew , let him learne this lesson of Marcus Varro , Vitium vxoris aut tollendum , Au. gel . lib. 1. cap. 17. Varro his counsaile how to deale with a shrewd wife . aut ferendum est . Qui tollit vitium , uxorem commodiorem praestat , qui fert , sese meliorem facit . This then is Varro his counsaile , Vitiam uxoris si corrigi non possit , ferendum esse . And this was the best remedy that Socrates had against Xantippe . And this was the onely helpe that Iob had in all his afflictions , therefore let no married man looke to speed better , for he that will not marry a shrew , must marry when the signe is not in Coelo . Vnder what signe a man man avoid the marriage of a shrew . And now to such as be married , to whom God hath granted the liberty of Venus , I say , Imprimis provideant , ut ne quid nimis . And ne quid nimis after Arnoldus is expounded in this manner : The right use of Venus standeth in three points . Quidam dixerunt quod vti coitu semel in hebdomada satis est : Alij bis , alij ter , & hoc concordo , & si homo ulterius procedat , ille coitus est immoderatus . But how ( Concordo ) is here to bee applyed , I referre it to every mans owne discretion . The second caution in Venus is : Vt non a cibo statim , & ante somnum , sed cibo jam confecto , ac jam fere sub auroram Venere utantur , & mox se iterum somno & quieti dent . Tum ut aestate , praesertim vero Iunij & Iulij mensibus , vel nunquam vel raro Autumno etiam parceac sobrie coeant . Hieme vero & maxime vere liberius . Tutissima enim est Venus temporibus & naturis calidis simul & humidis , hoc est vere ac iuventute . But these precepts , and all other before given , must bee applyed particularly to every mans owne estate , or constitution of body . AEthi . 5. cap. 10. For as Aristotle speaketh of Lawes , Because they bee generall , therefore they cannot provide for every particular case that may fall out , yet is there no fault in the Law , nor Law maker , but in the uncertainety of matters , which bee altogether casuall and variable . So I say , notwithstanding that every rule prescribed in this booke , cannot agree with every mans complection , yet the rules , are not to bee disallowed , but to bee followed accordingly as every man shall finde them good and wholsome in himselfe . And this is the best Physicke of all for every man , to know throughly the state of his own body , and to mark diligently what things are wont either to doe him good or harme , which also is given out by Tully in this manner , Valetudo sustentatur notitia sui corporis , Ossi . 2. in sine . Tullies Physicke . & observatione quae res aut prodesse soleant aut obesse , & continentia in victu omni atque cultu , corporis tuendi causa , & praetermittendis voluptatibus : postremo arte eorum quorum ad scientiam haec pertinent . And the same likewise is taught by Galen himselfe , Lib. 6 de Sa. tu. cap. 14. Galens counsaile to every man touching the observation of his owne body . which I will adde as a conclusion of this worke , even as he hath made it the end of those excellent bookes . His words bee these , Omnibus qui haec legent , communiter illud suasum velim : praesertim qui tamet si medicinae artis sunt ignari , cogitationem tamen habent exercitatam , ne veluti vulgus , ita ipsi quoque pecorum ritu , victus ratione utantur , quin potius usum explorent quinam ipsis cibus , potusve sit noxius , quae praeterea quantaque dimotio . Pari modo & de Venere observent , num noxia sibi innoxiave sit : tum ex quanto intervallo utentibus , noxia innoxiave sit : Nam sicut retuli , non nulli immodice laeduntur , alij citra noxam usui ejus ad senium usque sufficiunt . Verum haec ambo genera rara , nempe eorum qui magnopere laeduntur , & qui nullum sentiunt incommodum . Totum vero quod in medio est , id cum majoris minorisque discrimine , ad magnum hominum numerum se extendit : quorum qui non rudes sunt , sed ratione probe exercitata , ( non enim quorum libet est haec noscere ) iis suadeo observent ex quibus laedi se iuvarique sentiant , The authors phisicke to preserve health very good for a cholericke stomacke . The quantity of Aloes was a quarter of an ounce . ita enim fiet , vt in paucissimis medicorum opera indigeant , quoad in sanitate sunt . Hereunto I will adde that Physicke which I my selfe was wont to use for preservation of my health . Every yeare in the spring when the signe was in Pisces , I tooke two mornings together Aloes Hepatike , shaven with a knife into halfe a pinte of white wine , or Beere , or Ale , with a little Cinamon grated , fasting two houres after it , and the third morning I tooke seven leaves of Assarabacca a little punned and steeped all night in like quantity of white wine , with a little Cinamon , then strained and warmed .