THE dignitie and worth of Physicks skill consisteth not ( as is imagined commonly ) in the excellence and preheminence of remedies , but in their wise and prudent vse . It is an ancient true saying , that wholesome medicines by the hands of the iudicious dispenser , are as a a Remedia si ab indoctis Medicis vsurpentur sunt venena , si verò à doctis & exercitatis , Deorum sunt auxiliares manus . Herophil . Angels of God sent for the good of men ; but in the hands of the vnlearned , are messengers of death vnto their farther euill . Good medicines are in themselues excellent instruments of health and life , but require a learned workeman iudiciously to guide them vnto their destined end . It is order and not confusion , that is euer safe and happie ; and knowledge ( which worketh by election , and b b 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Aristot : true reason , and not rash boldnesse , which doth good by chance c c Homo inconsultus & temerarius futura non videt . Cicero . and vncertaine euent ) that is the light and safe guide of vnderstanding mindes . Who knoweth not how much d d Id solum bene fit quod fit opportunè . Plato . opportunity aduanceth in all performances ? how descreete obseruation of smallest e e in alijs 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in alijs 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . circumstances aduantageth ? how wise and learned f f Omnes intellectus mentisue habitus ad vnius prudentiae complementum desiderantur , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , &c. Aristot . cunctation , and sometimes anticipation , make fortunate an action ? Who seeth not in euerie dayes experience , how necessarie it is by a mature and iudicious eye to foresee in all attemps the after vnauoydable g g Fronte capillata , post est occasio calua . hinderances ? Who discerneth not that without prudent circumspection and prouident forecast , blinde rashnesse and ignorance do alwaies hazard , & oft vnrecouerably ouerthrow all good successe . Through want of knowledge to mistake h h 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Aristot . time , is losse of labor and of time . Ignorant slownesse doth come too late , and rash haste doth stumble : he that knoweth not the danger , doth easily runne vpon the rocke . Thus is it easie for the vnlearned to erre , and those that want vnderstanding to fall into the snare . If then all enterprises prosper by wise aduice , & it is wisedome in matters of meanest moment to consult with a wise and iudicious friend , in cases of health and life certainly euery man is not a sufficient counsellor . He that considereth the multitude of causes in diseases , their infinite kindes , manners , and natures , the varietie of accidents , their sodaine and variable mutations , the soone lost occasions , and hardly gained i i 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . &c. Hippoc. Aph 1. opportunities , the wisedome which circumstances require , the care and vigilance which the subiect exacteth , the doubts which repugnances bring , the resolutions which necessities vrge ; shall find the most exquisite powers of vnderstanding , iudgement , wit , discretion , and learning herein exactly sifted . From the varietie of k k Principium medendi cognitio morbi , minimusue error in illius ignoratione commissus est maximus in fine . Galen . de Meth. med. causes of diseases , what varying differences arise in the manner , quantity , qualitie , and times of remedies : euery one requiring a separate and distinct respect and dispensation , euen in the same disease and person ? The immediate cause from the mediate , the antecedent from the continent , the necessarie from the casuall and contingent , require both a diuers handling , and also a distinction in order of handling : neither is there a like consideration of the externall and internall , the positiue , the priuatiue , the materiall , the immateriall , those that are single and alone , and those that are ioyntly and with others . Sometimes many causes are coincident in one effect , sometimes many diseases from one cause . Sometimes the same cause receiueth a difference from it selfe , and exacteth an exact difference in his owne remedies . Sometime the same cause is so farre vnlike it selfe that it seemeth not it selfe , being either more then it selfe in quantity , or a monster to l l Accessu qualitatis pestiferae & deleteriae . it selfe in malignant quality . As causes & diseases ( according to their causes : ) so no lesse materiall are accidents to be distinctly knowne and considered . Some of them bring m m Hinc alia 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in quibus 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , alia 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . &c. certaine knowledge , some artificiall coniecture , some matter of presumption and probability . Some are manifest , some anxious and ambiguous , some significant by themselues , some consignificant with others . Some are of vertue in singularitie , some in multitude : some are considered as signes and causes , some as neither , some as both . Some accidents go before the disease , some accompany , some follow after . Ordinarily the disease doth draw all attendance vnto it selfe , sometimes the n n Symptoma crudeliter saeuiens à morbo auocat . Hinc curatio duplex habetur , haec regularis , illa coacta . accident doth obscure the disease . Some accidents alone are ciphers , but added vnto other make vp a iust account ; some prognosticate , some iudicate , some are idle : some iudicate the constitution of the sicke , some the humour , some the diseased part , some the disease it selfe , and some the issue . Sometimes diseases are discouered by no signes at all , but by an exact and exquisite o o Haec est illa 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 acerrime coniectans , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 intuens summa ingenij sagacia . disquisition of a sound and p p AEgritudines aliae manifestae , aliae occultae , aliae difficiles cognitu , aliae faciles , aliae incōprehensae nisi exquisita & subtili aestimatione . Auicenna tract . de horis AEgrit . solert iudgement . So that according to the kindes , places , courses , changes and courses of accidents , varie significations , iudications and prognostications , and follow safe administration and application of apt remedies , vnto the more speedy q q Summè haec spectanda in Medico vt tutè , iucundè , celeritèr salutem expediat . benefite of the sicke , facilitie of cure , and securitie of after health . Diseases , their causes and circumstances wisely distinguished and knowne , do point a discreete knowing workman to a more certaine issue ; without which as the beginning of cure must necessarily be rash , so must the end be doubtlesly vncertaine . Hence it must needs be apparent , that by the common neglect and ignorance herein , the monopolizing of cures vnto the prerogatiue of this or that secret , and thereby the contempt of the due permutation of medicines , according to requisite circumstances and necessities , and the omission & reiection of the wholesome administration of the generall r r Quemadmodum duae sunt primae & communissimae morborum causae , Plethora & Cacochymia , sic totidem oportet esse communissima remedia purgationem debitam , & idoneam opportunamue sanguinis missionem , &c. remedies ( without which the particular are vaine and preposterous ) do commonly turne to the common perdition of most valetudinary men . From hence also it doth come to passe , that many disea●es , beyond their owne nature , and besides the constitution of the sicke , grow so commonly , so easily rooted , and vnobseruedly confirmed in mens bodies , that oft they can neuer haue end , which by due ordering should neuer haue had beginning . Hence grow so frequent the multitude of strange and vnnaturall changes , and new fashions of fits , euen through the too common vse of wholesome remedies in vulgar and prophane hands . For through this presumption , either by idle trifling and vaine flattery of ease , dangerous diseases quickly & in short time grow too proud for any medication : or else in the other s s Aegritudines in alias aliae facilè mutantur . Auicen . de dispos . Aegrit , extreme , by too much haste and violence are hunted out of their owne course , t t 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Hippoc. Aphor. l. 2. and so metamorphize themselues into wilde and vnaccustomed shapes . Hence likewise it cometh to passe , that diseases in their owne kind easie and of small continuance , by the wrong and iniury of remedies ( without aduice admitted and celebrated ) are not onely extended , to a lingring age of many daies : but from daies to weekes , from weekes to yeares , yea oft vnto a longer life then the sicke himselfe , after him inheriting his children and posteritie . It is a verified and true saying , Worse are the bad after-consequences of ill applied medicines , then diseases themselues . Although this be often apparent , euen vnto the common sence of vulgar sight , yet much more infinite are the impeachments and ruines of health by the learned seene and discouered daily , whereof a common eye is not u u 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Non est cuiusuis malum in initio exo●iens dignoscere . A●stot . in Polit. capable ; while vnperceiued mischiefes stealingly x x 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Latet corruptio quia non tota simul fit , decipiturque mens ab illa . Aristot . in Polit. & insensibly enter with vnpriuiledged remedies , and by some present benefite or ease for a time , gayning credit and entertainement , by litle and litle secretly vndermine the verie frame and foundation of life . We may instance in Tobacco : with what high fame and great renowne was it at his first arriuall here in England entertained as an incomparable iewell of health , and an vniuersall antidote and supersedeas against the force , and capias of all diseases , euery man with the smoke thereof in his nosthrils , breathing the prayles and excellencies thereof in his mouth ? But now hath not time and many a mans wofull experience giuen testimonie to right reason and iudgement , from the first suspecting , and vntill this prouing time suspending the too great name thereof ? Is not now this high blased remedy manifestly discouered ▪ through intemperance and custome , to be a monster of many diseases ? Since the riotous vse of this strange Indian , let it be noted how many strange & before vnknowne diseases haue crept in vnnaturally , besides the former custome and nature of the nation , prouing now naturall and customary to the follies of the nation . Is it not apparent that the aire of this vapor and smoke by the subtility therof , doth sodainly search all parts with a generall distresse oft times to nature ? And is it not thence probable , that by aduantage in the weakest , it may oft leaue behinde it ( especially where it is any time vsed ) such impression and print , besides painefull distention through his inclosed vapour , that no time of life , no remedies , oft times , are euer after able to blot y y A vaporosae & aereae substantiae occulto subtiliue seminario imperceptibiliter nouos & inauditos ob●epe●e humano generi affectus ignotum non est . Hinc Galenus lib. 1. praedictionum interpretatur illud 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Hippocratis , ambientis aeris efficaciam ▪ quod insensibili ratione , ideoue miris modis corpora immutare soleat . Hoc non modo in aere pestilenti conspicuum , sed & in pluribus exhalationum generibus per aerem diffusis clam , & celeriter quasi syderantibus . out ? And from this Nicotian fume grow now adaies , doubtlesly , many our frequent complaints , and euerie day new descriptions of z z Hinc febres catarrhosae , & ab his latentes 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , cachexiae etiam occult● obrepentes , tota ●aepe sanguinis massa à catarrho contaminata dum in venas delabitur , saepe diuersis corporis partibus imperceptibiliter lacessitis , saepe manifesto maleficio oppressis , prout per arterias , musculos , neruos , aut occultos & latentes meatus praecipitata à capite fertur pituita . paines , according haply to the diuersitie and difference of the parts it chiefly affecteth , or the more or lesse extreme vse thereof . And men haply led by some present bewitching feeling of ease , or momentarie imagined release from paine at some time , hereby vnaduisedly with such meanes of their ease , drinke into some weake parts , such seede of future poison , as hauing giuen them for a time supposed pleasing ease , doth for time to come secretly and vnfelt settle in their bones and solid parts , a neuer dying disease ( while they liue . ) How many famous patrons and admirers of this simple , haue senselesly died in the very time of the idle vse thereof , while it yet smoked in their teeth ? and others liuing in the immoderate a a I condemne not a plentifull and liberall vse thereof when any necessitie or neede with reason and iudgement conduct thereto , but the ordinary , fond and needelesse custome therof , led by no perswasion of any foreseene good or benefite , must needes fall into the common errors and harmes of vseles and needelesse actions . burning loue therein , haue with the fierie zealous gluttonie thereof ( as the badge of his mastership in them ) sensibly stupefied & dried vp their euer after , foolish and besotted braines ? I might giue other instance in these well knowne and vulgar remedies of the named French disease , which by a present benumming of the sense , cousining , and easing of paine , do withall , for after time , inure and leaue behinde them such a rottennes , and weaknesse ofttimes of the bones and sinewes , as suffereth few of our Mercurials to liue , to know b b Rato antecedentem scelestum Deseruit pede poena claudo . Horat. their age in health , especially who throughly knew the siluer-salue in their youth . Hence toward declining age ( if not before ) some fall into consumptions and marasmes , some lose their teeth , some haue the palate of the mouth rotted , some the very bones of their head eaten , some by conuulsions their mouthes and faces set awry . And it is ordinary with most of this sort , long before haruest to leaue no grasse grow vpon their paued tops . I do not altogether condemne these smoakes , but feare their fire , and with the Ancients sparingly commend their kinde of remedies , knowing their pernicious danger in their ignorant and rash ouervse , with their singular seruice in some rare exigents , God and nature haply leauing a sting and poyson in them , for their too common vitious neede and custome . I might here yet farther insist in all other diseases , how the vse of the most excellent , proper , and apt remedies being vnaptly applied , either too little or too c c Quot sunt qui solo victu competenti citra vllum discrimen ab affectibus liberari possint , qui praeter rem pharmacis contunduntur ? Brudus de vict. febricit . much , too soone or too late , before their season or after , in some cases at any time , or in any maner , bring in corrigible and helpeles harmes , being in their owne nature d d Vidi quos in pemiciem traxerit solum simplex apozema ex numaria cum senae folijs temerè exhibitis : nam corpus totum in colliquantem fluxum traxit . Heurnius in Aphor. Hippocr . harmeles , but in their vnskilfull vse pernicious and mortall . It is apparent in all mysteries and faculties whatsoeuer , that the excellencie of the toole without the excellencie of the workeman , doth not bring forth excellencie in the workmanship . Hence it must needes come to passe , that medicines though wholesome in themselues , and of a sauing and soueraigne power , without any touch of harmefull quality at all , yet being ignorantly or indiscreetly out of time or place disposed or dispensed , must likewise bring forth mischiefe , in steade of expected good . And although many hardened by custome vnto a boldnes of transgressing in this kind , prouoke oft reuenge of their follie , ( for a time without harme or punishment ) yet do they not alwayes escape : for though happe oft passe by , it lights at e e Quem saepe transit casus , aliquando inuenit , Senec. last , and not seldome heauily . Cassia is esteemed for a delicate , wholesome and harmelesse lenitiue vnto old men , children , babes , women with child , and the weakest amongst the sicke ; yet the learned know it in some f f Graues affert mutationes & perniciosas saepe Cassia , perturbat , distendit , distorquet cum molestis deliquijs in naturis & temperamentis biliosis . Quercit . de tot . capit . Affectib . cases not onely vnprofitable , but of maine mischiefe . Rhabarb is said to be the life of the liuer , yet in some conditions thereof it is an g g In lienteria , in ventriculi imbecillitate in flatibus , in renum vlceribus & vesicae notissima sunt mala . enemie ; And for the generall remedies , phlebotomy , purging , vomite , sweating , bathing and the like , reason and experience daily giue demonstration , that oft in the same body , and the same disease , they are variablie , sometime necessary , sometimes profitable not necessary , sometimes neither profitable nor necessary , but accursed . Sometimes bleeding doth ventilate and refresh the spirits aboue , and beyond all other remedies , and is the onely key vnto health ; sometimes againe it doth exhaust and spend their vigour , sometime being both profitable and necessary , yet vsed out of time or quantity doth no good , or vsed vnseasonably doth much hurt . Purgations in some estates with h h Siccis corporibus non parum nocet . preparatiues , and in some without i i In humoris turgescentia , nimia tenuitate ▪ ichore susque deque fluido . preparatiues are harmefull : in some either k k 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Hippoc. Aphoris . with preparatiues , or without l l Haec sunt 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Communem materiem educentia . preparatiues they are necessary and neuer to be omitted . And as there is infinite danger in errour and ignorant dispensation , so is there vnspeakable good in the prudent prescription according to the nature , quality and seate of each humor ; according to which it is wisdome sometimes to quicken , sometimes to alay , sometimes to hasten , sometimes to moderate their effects , discreete stayes oft making more speedy iourneys . m m Aph. 18. lib. 4. Aph. 17. lib. 4. Vomits in some diseases are altogether banished and not admitted , and in some contrariwise they haue onely priuiledge . The like may be said of outward remedies , plaisters , vnguents , cereclothes , fomentations , and baths , which also according to wise and discreete administration , or a rash and heedlesse abuse , are good or euill . And this is the reason , that so many famous and renowned remedies now adaies bring forth effects vnworthy themselues ; for ( being with such dissolute licenciousnesse euery where and in all places permitted to breake forth , out of the prudent awe of vnderstandings guidance ) how shall they choose but become wild and irregular in the hands of vnskilfull raines that want true art , and the methode of their right dispensation ? There is no place nor person ignorant with what confusion of good order ( either by abuse of immunities , or impunitie , ill prouision , or ill execution of good lawes ) through all parts of this kingdome , all sorts of vile people and vnskilfull persons without restraint , make gainefull traffique by botching in physicke ; and hereby ( besides many wicked practises , iuglings , cousinages & impostures , which maske vnespied vnder the colour and pretence of medicining ) numbers of vnwotting innocents daily in thrall , and betray themselues , their liues and safetie , to sustaine the riot , lusts and lawlesse liuing of their enemies & common homicides . It is a world to see what swarmes abound in this kinde , not onely of Taylors , Shoemakers , Weauers , Midwiues , Cookes , and Priests , but Witches , Coniurers , Iuglers , and Fortune-tellers . It were a wrong to exempt any that want wit or honestie in a whole country , yea and many that haue too much of either , must be priuiledged by an old prouerbe , to be Physitions , because it is no manners to call them fooles . And hereby not onely the simple and vnlettered , but oft times men of better sort and qualitie , casting their eyes vpon some attempts of these barbarous medicine-mongers , ( good oft in their euent ) and not considering the dangerousnesse of such habite and custome , desirously oft times entertaine the messengers and ministers of vnrecouerable n n Perdere quos vult Iupiter , hos dementat . Senec. miserie vnto their after life . For as in militarie designes , oft times a bold and foole-hardy enterprise aboue and besides reason , and beyond expectation , produceth an excellent and admired good in the happie issue , yet is it not commended , or in any case permitted ( as being verie dangerous ) in ordinarie practise or custome of warfare : so likewise diuers euents of medicines proue good , whose bold vse and rash prescription is dangerous and vnskilfull . I do not onely herein pittie the meane capacitie , but wonder also at the madnesse of men in their wits , who in other kinds of knowledge reuerend , yet herein , with desire of life , seeme oft to haue so little care of their liues . It is strange to obserue how few in these dayes know , and how none almost labour to know with election and according to reason , or reasonable likelihood , to bestow in cases of their liues the trust and care of their crased healths , but for the most part wanting a right notice of a iudicious choice , take counsel either of common report which is a common lier , or of priuate commendations , which are euer partiall . The vnmindfulnesse hereof , and the more minde of mindlesse things , do steale from men the minds of men . Hence euery where preposterous intrusion doth disorder the right and propriety of euery thing , and the generall forgetfulnes of that which to euerie one is most pertinent , doth beget an itching businesse in that which to euerie one is most impertinent ; and selfe conceited and presuming ignorance doth pricke forward rash spirits to become more bold & busie , then modestie doth permit discreete mindes , soberly limited within their owne bounds . This is the cause , that vnwottingly to the poore patient , vnwittingly to the vnskilfull workeman , and generally for the most part vnobserued of all , is the thread of many a mans life ordinarily , by vnskilfull hands intangled in such inextricable knots of sicknesse , paines and death , as no time nor art are euer able to vnfold . Vnproper remedies are for the most part worse then diseases , and vnlearned Physitions of all bad causes of diseases themselues the worst . That therefore men continue not in this generall confusion ( through voluntarie ignorance , euer ignorantly vnfortunate ) it is not a needlesse learning , more studiously to know and discerne o o 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Euripid. good from ill , and ill from good , beginning with the last first .

RIght a a Quae sub sensum non cadunt mentis vis & ratio percipit . Gal. reason and true b b Mente perspecta & ratione generatim comprehensa , sensuum fide cognoscimus magis & stabilimus . Gal●● . de sect. experience are two the sole inseparable instruments of all humane knowledge : the Empericke trusting vnto experience alone without reason , and the Methodian vnto the abuse of right reason ; the Ancients haue deuided all sorts of erronious Physitions into these two c c Duplex ignorantium medicorum genus . Alterum eorum qui sola experientia nituntur , aiuntue nullius rei naturam posse ratione inueniri . Alterum eorum qui sibi nomen sapientiae vindicant , & licet parem habeant cum prioribus ignorantiam , opinionem tamen scientiae sunt aucupati . Sed eorum inscitia inde habet initium quòd in rationalibus scientijs nequaquam sunt exercitati , quae nos ritè distinguere & secernere docent ●as propositiones quae demonstrandi vim habent , ab ijs quae probabilitatem quidem continent , nihil autem veri possunt aut demonstrare aut inuenire . Gal. lib. 1. de different . febr . . For ignorant experience and without reason , is a false d d Ideo impositum est iudicium tanquam praetor quidam ad inuentorum & obiectorum perpensionem . Sensus enim apprehensio est simplex , non iungit aut disiungit , neque iudicat , sed aliavis interna per sensum intellectum promouet . Scalig. de Sbutil . sense , and mistaking reason is deniall of reason . As therefore vnto these two , other ages before , so we now may reduce all the faultie practitioners of our time , beginning with the Empericke . The Empericke is he who reiecteth e e Empiricir ati●nem negant , sensum recipiunt . Galen libr. de Sectis . the disquisition of diseases and remedies , their causes , natures & qualities according to iudgement and vnderstanding , and the carefull perpension and ballancing of his action and practise vnto a iust proportion with reason ; but onely informeth himselfe by such things as oft appeare euident & manifest vnto sense and experimentall proofe , carrying his heart and vnderstanding ( for the most part ) in his hands and eyes , taking nothing sure but what he sees or handles ; and from the differing maners of experience , are numbred seuerall and diuers kinds f f Hinc 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . &c. of experience . The defect in the Empericke hence appeareth to be want of true methode & the habite of right operation and practise according to reason , ( which is art ) through which defect his actions must needs oft be reasonlesse , g g Ars vsus rerum incertos certis legibus coercet , Scalig. de Subt. and by consequent as blind in their intention , so likely to be foolish in their issue and execution . For there must needs be in all actions want of much more necessary knowledge then sense and experience canne aduance vnto : and experience must needes witnesse against it selfe , that the longest age of experience doth nothing so fully furnish and instruct in many things , as much more speedily doth prudent inuention ; which though occasioned and helped by bookes and reading , which are both keyes vnto all knowledge , and also rich storehouses of experiences , not onely of one age and countrie , but of all times & nations ; yet do they only glut the sense with stories of experiences past , but reason and iudgement truly enrich the mind , and giue daily new increase and light in before vntried & vnexperienced truths . Indeede particular experience , if it be accompanied with vnderstanding h h Omnibus in rebus prudenter agendis ratio pro suasore habenda , vsus pro duce . Scalig. and right reason ( which is the touchstone of truth and right in nature ) establisheth and confirmeth knowledge ; but if experience be no more but experience , it must needes proue in many cases a slow guide to lame instruction . For as it is with the souldier in the field , let his owne speciall experience in armes be neuer so ancient , so true , so sound , yet without a more generall i i Prudentia est habitus qui deducit omnia sua facta è rationibus ad fines suos sine offensione . Dicimus enim prudenter factum ab Imperatore vbi rectè partes exercitus disposuerit , tametsi similes ordines acierum nunquam antea notos habuerit . Scalig. in Poet. vnderstanding or theorie , and a more enlarged knowledge then his particular and limited experience can bring forth , he must be lamely fitted vnto many suddaine and oft before vnseene occurrents , which the perpetuall mutabilitie and change of circumstances in warfare must needes produce . The field , the enemie , the time ( not alwaies the same ) require a diuers and oft a contrarie consultation , designe and manner , wherein one particular experience by it selfe cannot but be much wanting , because the same thing or action seldome or neuer happens againe the same in all circumstances ; & one circumstance k k Ad eundem modu● non potest quidquam saepe videri . As●lepiad . alone commonly altereth the whole condition . As it is in military affaires , so is it in the assaults of diseases , where the fight & wrestling of nature is not alway in the same part , nor in the same forme or maner , nor with the same disease , nor of the same period : all which circumstances in the same subiect cannot happen alwaies to anie sight or sense the same , ( which maketh experience ) yet are euer present in the generall notions of the vnderstanding , whereby the prudent and wise man doth make supplie though experience faile . Besides the differences which circumstances make , many diseases in themselues and their owne kinde are such as are scarce seene in a mans l l Galenus morborum saepe meminit quos à se nunquam visos profitetur , alios quos semel autbis . life , some in many yeares , some in an age , some in many generations ; & therein how can experience giue prescription for those things whereof it hath not had experience ? for experience is of things m m 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Arist. in Eth. oft seene . If then the same things be in all circumstances seldome or neuer seene , and some at sometime seene which a life or age shall not see againe , and there can be no true experience where there is not sight and sense , how blinde an helpe must oft experience be ? Doth not euerie day bring forth somewhat new or strange vnto the day , and worthy denomination of the day ? The French , Spanish , Neapolitane , Italian disease was a stranger sometime in old Albion , which now is an English denison . The Scorbut not maine yeares since was vnnamed of writers ; now commonly knowne vnto a common eye . The English sweating n n Sudor Anglicus tam laethalis vt vix cētisimus quisque correptus euaderet . Qui euadebant in morbum bis terque relabebātur , & tandem concidebant . Correpti intra 24. horas animo deficiebant & moriebantur . Hollerius ex Polydoro Virgilio . sicknesse very seldome ( if more then once ) here seene , nor at all , or at least not oft elsewhere . To wander yet farther into some more wonder , Ruland with other reporteth a tooth of gold naturally o o Rulandus de Dente aureo . growing with the common ranke in the mouth of a child : Hollerius p p Hollerius in ratis obseruationibus . witnesseth a child in the wombe to thrust forth the hand at the nauill of the mother , and so continuing the space of fifteene daies , in the end the child borne liuing , and the mother saued . Brasauolus q q Brasauol . in Aph. Hipp. 18. s . 6. mentioneth his cure of a soludier who liued after 3 yeares , hauing almost halfe his head cut away with a portion of his braines , onely thereby losing his sense and memory , neuer eating nor hauing memorie to require at any time to eate , but as it was put into him ; nor redeliuerage at the posternes , but insensiblie . Albucasis knew in his time a woman carrying one dead child in her wombe , notwithstanding to conceiue and quicken of another , the dead child in the meane season rotting and falling away by parcels at seueral times . But to passe these and many the like infinite receiued vpon credite and report , my selfe haue met some accidents in my owne practise , & for the most part within the space of these eight last yeares , worth their memorie . In the yeare 1608. an ancient gentleman r r Of Thingede● in Northamptonshire . being neither sicke nor much pained , and onely molested with a cough and shortnesse of wind ( from which his health was neuer free ) requested my aduice for the preuention of the increase of the former accidents ( in which also he found , vnto the generall seeming vnto his owne sense and some other learned counsaile , very chearfull and comfortable amendement ) my selfe onely suspecting and signifying vnto his friends my despaire . Betweene his pulses on the right side and the left in generall manifestly appeared a wondered ods , so continuing the space of 12. or 14. daies together . On the left side no position s s Pulsibus manum applicand● tres modos tradit Galenus lib. de Pulsib . palpationem , compression●● , modum medium . of touch , no search could finde any pulse at all . On the right side the pulses were constantly & continually , as in his best health , manifest , strong , equall , in good order , with full distention vnto all the dimensions . In the same parts where the pulses on the other side seemed dead , all other faculties perfectly liued in naturall heate , color , vigour , sense & motion . This was then witnessed by certaine honorable gentle women present , whom well vnderstanding & more then sufficient for such a taske , I therto intreated , & it cold by no sense be denied . It was imagined by some learned dissenting from my first howres dislike , that it was no other but an imperceptibilitie t t Tale quiddam narrat Struthius in arte Sphygmica , propter vulnus acceptum , in brachij arteria pulsationem fieri posse imperceptibilem . of his pulse , and without danger , as supposed vsuall vnto him in his health by reason of diuers deepe wounds tenne yeares before receiued vpon that side . My experience of the contrarie oft in his former health , and also in diuers other his sicknesses , confirmed by owne doubt , & death which determineth all things , sodainly and vnexspectedly determined this , in so faire a visard so many dayes deceiuing many . In the yeare 1604. my paines was solicited vnto a vertuous Lady honorably both in her Knight , and her selfe allied , and no lesse eminent in their owne worth , then lying neare Grafton in Northampton shire . I found her left by a former u u A Parson-Physition . Physition to verifie his prediction by her death . She was miserably perplexed with the doubtfull deliuery of a dangerously begunne abortion , her owne strength failing , and the ordinarie assistance of women in those cases shrinking from her , and a deepe die of a mixt and diuers coloured iaundies , with extreme paines of her stomacke ( giuing no rest nor intermission ) adding feare and sorrow ; the substance also of her vrine continually troubled , confusedly thicke , the colour altogether resembling the strained iuice of the grenest hearbe . In the terrour of her abortion my indeuour proued vnto her speedily happy and succesfull . Afterward according vnto the second indication from the iaundies ( necessity vrging , and her strength then fauouring the worke ) I commanded her to bleede in the arme ; which done with good ease and felicitie , nature , in spite of all indeuour to the contrarie , kept the orifice after still open , running daily and continually the space of three weekes together , and then healing and closing x x Hollerius inter raras obseruationes virum memorat cui è regione Hepatis vena per interualla dehiscebat , quae sanguinem fundebat , posteà sanguine sponte restitante vestigium nullum apparebat . it selfe with her perfect amendment . At the same time ( a sodaine sharpe paine giuing a speciall distinct sense thereof ) she disburthened of a round white hard stone full of little holes , that part which giueth the name and seate vnto the Colike . In the yeare 1607. a young y y Of Hac●leton in Northampton shire . woman of 30 yeares age , with another graue gentlewoman accompanying her , came vnto me requiring aduice in her wondered estate and condition . The skin or membrane of her belly ( from the nauill downeward withered , dead , and gathered together , in likenesse of a rotten bladder or a wet leather bag , and in that forme falling flagge from the former close setting vnto the guts and bellie ) lay continually loose vnto the one side . In the yeare 1601. a barbers z z Apprentis● vnto one Iohn Frende . boy of Northhampton auoided wormes , besides other ordinary passages , by a a Simile quiddam inter raras obseruationes ●arrat Hollerius , & Medicus Argentoratensis Didymus Obrechtus de se ipso idem refert . vrine . In the yeare 1600. a shoomaker of Northampton sometime a bayliffe of the towne , falling dangerously sick , called my counsell together with an Empericke . The other accused the hypochondriaca passio , my selfe made knowne my suspition of an abscession in the bulke : vaine hope gaue credite to that it rather desired , and the patient trusted himselfe with the other . Shortly after he was surprised with sodaine frequent swoundings & feare of imminent suffocation , but by cough and spitting escaped , and with wonder in short space filled diuers large b b Simile quiddam narrat Reolanus de aegro qui simili materia plures pelues impleuerit , & expurgatus perfectè , liberatus est . Addit praeterea huiusmodi abscessus primarios non esse sed epigenematicos , nec verum aut legitimum pus , sed potius 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , dum pituita in thoraeis capacitatem destillatione lapsa morâ coquitur , & fit puri simile . basins with foule purulent stuffe ( one paroxysme at once , sometime before intermission , making vp the said measure . ) In this feare and terrour vnto himselfe and the beholders , he earnestly sued , and againe obtained my aduice . He perfectly recouered ( the purulent collection after the c c A Principio saniei expurgetionis numerando , non generationis . 40 day exhaust ) and he yet liueth free d d Non praeclsè necessarium est intra 40 dies vel expurgari , velin pthisin transire , nam & post 40 diem & expurgari & liberari quis potest proculdubio , modò 40 diem non multum excedat . Brasauol . in Aph. Hipp. from the sequeles of any other manifest disease or danger . In the yeare 1607. a woman e e Wife vnto Maister Langham of Thornby in Northamptonshire . vexed with a palpitation of her heart , together with an oft intermission of her pulse , by an inward presention mouing from a so daine troubled agitation of her minde , would vsually vnto my selfe ( with others present ) foretell when her pulse should stand and intermit , sometimes two , sometimes three or foure pulsations , before the intermission . The pulse in theiust knowne number and time did euer keepe time with her prediction , herselfe nor then nor euer wotting how to feele a pulse by her hand or touching . She in this manner continued by vncertaine fits and times the space of 2 mon●ths or thereabouts , while sometime myselfe resorted vnto her , being for that and other accidents by her husband called & consulted . It is reported vnto me by diuers well knowing gentlewomen , and others of good worth , that a f f Wife vnto one Tiplar of Harding stone in Northamptonshire . woman dwelling within a mile of Northampton was brought to bed first of one childe , and within twenty weekes after of another , quickening of the latter the same day shee was churched of the first . It is testified by many now inhabitants of Northampton , that from within the wombe of a woman with child ( then dwelling in the towne ) her child was audibly heard to cry , vnto her owne amazement , and the wonder of diuers hearers of credite & vnderstanding . Anno 1610 a woman of Northampton g g Of Woolaston in Northamptonshire . shire being with child and growing neare the time of her deliuery , was extraordinarily diuers dayes pained in the bellie an inch distant from the nauill , vntill at length diuers wormes , each equalling in length a quarter of an ell , sodainly at two distant places did eate themselues a passage through the skinne of her bellie ; and so came forth and gaue her ease . A gentlewoman my late patient , and now dwelling in Northampton , reporteth vnto me from her owne sight with many other eye witnesses ; that among her owne children a male child , being then fiue weekes of age , a fortnight together had the breasts full of milke , as readily & plentifully flowing and spouting out milke as the breasts of a suck-giuing nurse . These few instances are sufficient to proue the like contingence of other the like , which other times in other manner , may and do oft bring forth . Neither is euer nature so great a niggard ( though not to euery eye alike bountifull ) but euery day almost may pose bare and naked experience . He therefore that seeth not but with his eyes of his owne experience ; where he hath no experience , hath no eyes h h Per artis exercitationem comperi eam remediorum inuentionem quae ex vera demonstratione procedit in his quae rarò accidunt longè praestare : vnde multos curaui morbos medicamentis ab experientia alienis . , and therefore there is blind and cannot see . Since then many things fall out beyond the compasse of experience , which by experience make experince blind , how then where are no eyes shall an Empericke borrow eyes ? Galen●de Locis affect . It is againe answered , Though the Empericke haply haue not seene the same with that which seldome , or once onely doth happe , yet very seldome hath he , not oft , or at least sometime seene the * * Hinc ille En●piricorum transitus ad simile 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . like , and thence vnto the like he fits the like disposing . But with the wise the like is much vnlike the i i Similitudo non affert identitatem . same . Their confusion is onely proper vnto the foole , and the dangerous issue his deserued punishment . It is a chiefe point in all learnings truly to discene k k Vnum est ex Principijs humanae sapientiae rerum differentium similitudines & similium differentias ritè dignoscere . Aristot in Top. betweene differing similitudes and like differences . Many accidents commonly fall out seeming like , yet haue no affinitie ; and againe in shew the same , yet indeede contrarie . Contraries haue oft in many things likenesse , and likenesse contrarieties easilie deceiuing the vnwotting and vnleamed . It is therefore of no small moment or consequence for a Physition truly by a discerning eye to put iust difference . This he that cannot do , must either through the deceiuablenesse of likenesses confound repugnant remedies , ( which cannot be without great harme and hazard of life and health ) or by mistaking parities for imparities disioyne helpes better vnited , which cannot be without both hinderance and hurt vnto the sicke , their safetie and securitie . Many diseases ofttimes so liuely mocke one the other , that a good eye may easily deceiue it selfe . The vlcers of the baldder and the reynes , a mole and a true conception , a ruptu●e and a relaxation , plurisies and some kindes of inflammations of the liuer ; the Colike and some other kinde of the same inflammations , diuers kinds of l l Hinc Hectici pulmonarij & hectici à iecore retorrido . &c. consumptions according to diuers m m Pauci febrem spuriam duplicem à quotidiana distinguunt ; nam licet facilè sit febrem cognoscere , difficile est hanc ab illa distinguere Synochus putris & non putris facilè decipiunt ab eadem materia antecedente natae , cum materiae similitudo similia producat accidentia vt & partium vicinitas , continuitas , situs . feauers with infinite more in their intricate ambiguities , dissemble themselues and deceitfully resemble one the other , much thereby oft times perplexing the best vnderstanding . Somtimes the most vnlike will put on likenesse , and the most like weare contrarietie . What more vnlike then death and life , death to life , and life to death ? Yet sometimes life appeareth in the shape of death , terrifying the beholders with frightfull shewes of inquietude & anxietie , deliquation , sodaine and violent euacuations and exagitations n n Aegri febriunt , vehementius vigilant , grauiter se habent quando sunt propinqui crisi . Galen . of the whole body , n n Semper grauia symptomata crisim antecedunt . Hippo. doctr. Aphor. when the healthfull crisis is at hand , and the victorie of nature in the masterie of her enemie the disease . And sometimes death cometh smiling in a visar of life with cheerefulnesse and ouer-pleasing lightsomenesse , when the last houre is now already runne , n n Vigor morbi est vehementissimum totius aegritudiois tempus , quod sequitur crisis . and the Sun for euer setting . Hence the vnconsiderate and vnlearned to distinguish , are easily induced , sometimes by vaine hope deceiued to physicke death , sometime too fearefully despairing with exequious offices to comber life and the recouerie of death . Gal. de Cris . lib. 1. Hence are oft sound parts vexed with needelesse remedïes , and the comforts of life o o Cogimur à gratis animum suspendere rebus , atque vt viuamus , viuere desinimus . Maximian . Historia . imprisoned for an vntimely death . It is now the sixth yeare since I was solicited for a woman by the opinion of the dysenterie or abrasion of her guts , miserably held for the space almost of a quarter of an yeare vnto the continuall vse of eueryday-glysters and other astringent medicines , vntill it was my fortune coming vnto her , by good reason to discouer the supposed membranous deiections to be nothing else but skinnes of wormes , which first dead , after putrified & dissolued into small parcels descended with some torment in the similitude of little skinnes . The skinnes being found it was an easie matter by a new warrant to fetch the skinners , whose thereto appearance confessed the euidence , & gaue the suspition of the dysentery for euer after free discharge and perfect deliuery . In this one instance he that is wise may conceiue many more without number , which therfore as vnnecessary and troublesome I will not farther here trouble or awake now sleeping with time past . In these like cases , sometimes the best perfection p p Similitudines non modò vulgares sed etiam M●dicos eruditosa iquando decipiunt . Galen . in Apho. 2. lib. 4. Hippo. , the ripest vnderstanding doth and may mistake . And therefore the ignorant Empericke who professeth confusion and vseth no light , or helpe of iudgment or reason at all , but the onely q q 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Sensuum nullum existimamus sapientiam . Aristot . Metaph. 1. sense of his owne experience , how shall he do otherwise , but oft and continually mistake manifoldly much more ? And thus we haue briefly discouered the Empericke in matters requiring extraordinarie counsell , ignorant , in cases of his best experienced knowledge yet vnto some circumstances vnfurnished , in many matters of substance altogether vnexpert , in rare accidents and before vnseene at a maze , in true & right discerning wanting the eye of right reason , in confounding things differing , & in separating things in their owne nature inseparable , dangerous . Now as we haue pointed out the Empericke himselfe , so it remaineth that with him and in him , we note all that by institution , education , tradition , instruction , or stolne obseruation deriue their rule , example & custome from him . In this number are all that vsually professe themselues in confidence of their choyce secrets and excellent medicines , commanders & maisters of all diseases . Such also are they who in all places proclaime open defiance against all maladies , & with vehement remedies vpon euery light occasision needelesly , & vnprouoked ( if diseases presently cannot away ) either fire them out or pull their hold about their eares , with the fall of the disease needelesly hazarding the diseased . Oft times a good euent may authoritse it for skill , & their friendly offer call it good will ; but their kinde care is too oft seene and proued a keene weapon to wound their friend , and the sicke are nor seldome oppressed with being so loued . I would it were a slander in these dayes , that good will and excellent medicines put to death more liues then open murther . For as the most complete armour , engins , and forts of warre , the excellent munition and rich prouision vnto a man without knowledge to mannage them , are but instruments without life , vntill some better skill put life into them : so good medicines being the Physitions instruments and weapons , either defensiue for nature , or offensiue against the forces of diseases , in other hands then his must needes proue as but dead in themselues , so ofttimes deadly vnto others . To square and leuill their right vse requireth more vnderstanding then is to be found in reasonlesse medicines , or yet their senselesse maisters . For as in all other affaires , where knowledge , prudence , and discretion r r Sapientis consilium vnum multorum manus superat . Gal. in Suasor . ad Artes. haue prerogatiue , the attempt is commendable , and the issue likely to be happy ; so also in cases of health , wherin wise & iudicious dispensation , or in rash & erroneous , the vertue and efficacy of medicines doth liue , or die in vse and power . It is strange notwithstanding in these dayes to behold , with what senselesse madnesse , men are become worshippers of medicines : and so great ofttimes is their idolatrous folly herein , that ( as if they had gotten some rare good in a boxe , I meane some rare secret ) they presently inflamed with the furie and opinion thereof , dare vpon the confused notice of a disease commend with as sacred secrecie and intolerable vsurped titles of infallible , absolute , and irresistable vertue & force , as if any particular excellencie were able to coniure the generall casualty whereunto all earthly things must needes * * Casus & tempus omnibus rebus accidunt . Ecclesias●e● 9. 11. be subiect . For God hath set downe a law of mutability and changeablenesse to all things ; Galen . lib. 1. de Aliment . facult. created according to diuersitie of circumstances , by which all things vnder heauen are continually altered , changed , and gouerned s s Consi●ium docto resque locus●ue dabunt . Ouid. . There is no creature , medicine or t t 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 &c. Affectuum cog nitio est materia remediorum , non ipsorum remediorum cognitio . herbe that hath any such boundles or infinite power as to keepe the same inchangeable or infallibe , but there shall be a diuers and manifold consideration and u u Occasio est Domina rerum agendar . coaptation of the same thing . There can be no endeauor , meanes , way , or instrument of neuer so complete perfection or tried proofe directed to what effect , issue or end soeuer , that receiueth not ordinarily x x Neque doctorum hominum sed Empiricorum sunt singulares illae quae circumferuntur ●egulae . Fetrerius de lue Vener . impediment , opposition , and contradiction , whereby those things which in themselues might haply seeme certaine and good by accident and circumstance , are againe very vncertaine y y Exhibenda remedia pro re nata & semper pro circunstantijs variare aliquid oportet . Galen de puero epilept . and euill . All ignorants therefore whatsoeuer ( such are whosoeuer are not Artists ) had they for all diseases the most choyce and excellent medicines knowne euen vnto God and nature , aboue and beyond all knowledge of men , yet except therewith they know their due dispensation , they cannot but peruert their right vse , be they neuer so soueraigne . The generall z z Generalia remedia semper praemittonda particularibus . Galen . de Loc. affect . 4. remedies against the common causes of diseases ordained , except first rightly administred , shall continually and necessarily forestall and hinder the good and benefite from any particular . There are no materiall diseases wherein the common remedies are not requisite . Such are phlebotomy , purgation , vomite , and the like . And wheresoeuer these are requisite , if they be not rightly administred , all other medicines be they neuer so excellent and incomparable , must needs lose their excellent and incomparable vse . And none can rightly dispence the generall remedies , but those that are more generally learned then the best acquaintance and familiarity which particular medicines can afforde . From hence it cannot but be manifest , how infinitely blinde good will and zeale do herein daily erre to the destruction of many . It were happy if at length the common inconuenience and publike scandall might beget a law , and law bring forth restraint . For illustration of that which hath bin said , it were indifferent to instance in any disease , but I will make choyce of some few onely , to satisfie for all . It is an ordinarie custome in those daies with women to giue medicines for the greene sicknesse ; & other stoppages in young women . In which practise if it so happen that no inward impediment frustrate the indeuour , they casually ofttimes do seeming present good , and blaze the excellencie of their medicine : but if ofttimes ( which they cannot distinguish or obserue ) the generall cause of the obstruction be not first by the generall remedy remoued or diminished , or the immediate cause setled within the stopped parts , be not first fitted and prepared to yeeld , all their medicines of neuer so great force , yea though commonly as strong as steele or iron , do not onely no good or small good , but ofttimes incorrigible hurt and mischiefes neuer after able to be reformed , or by the most learned counsell to be redressed ; while from the plenty or ill disposition of humors in the body these searching and piercing medicines carry with them into the stopped parts either more or worse matter then was before , and thereby there leaue a disease which shall neuer after die except by exchange for a more pernicious . In the common knowne disease of the stone likewise many and famous medicines are at this day in many common hands , and perhaps truly celebrated ; yet if sometimes bleeding a a Si metus sit inflammationis , sanguis mittitur tum è basilica partis affectae ad minuendam plenitudinem , tum de vena poplitis ratione partis & materie coniunctae . haue not a first place , ( namely where is present or imminent danger of inflamation of the reines ) sometimes if vomit be omitted ( namely where the stomacke is stopt and full , & vnto euery thing impenitrable , ) sometimes if glysters or lenitiues be not premised , ( namely where the fulnesse of the belly doth presse the passages , the bladder and the vreters ) all other excellent medicines whatsoeuer for the stone do not onely in vaine exasperate the disease , but hazard the party much more then the omission of meanes . Likewise in a continuall feauer , if sometimes present and immediate opening of the b b Vbi in synocho ob ebullientis sanguinis copiam , ex leui occasione irritatam adest suffocationis periculum . veine without delay or intermission haue not precedence , all other meanes are not onely preposterous but pernicious . Likewise in the small pocks , a disease so well knowne and common to children and other : whatsoeuer other fit and good medicines and Cordinals be administred , sometimes if bloud-letting go not before c c Perpetuum non est abstinere phlebotomia cum iam papulae in superficie corporis extitere . Etenim fit aliquando prae copia vitij vt plurimum reliquum sit in corpore , vrgeat vehementer difficultas spirandi , grauis sit febris , quo tempore vena secanda est . Hollerius de Morbillis . their breaking out , sometimes if not vsed d d Vbi iam malum in habitum corporis euasetit , periculosa est plebotomia . Hollerius . after , all other good meanes are frustrate . And at another time if there be any bleeding at all , it is hazard , danger , and death it selfe . There are no medicines so commonly well knowne as such as are euery where in vse , and at euery mans hand prouided for the paines and diseases of the stomacke , and for that vse haply speciall good ; yet ofttimes we see how long and vainely those meanes without benefite are applied , vntill the true cause by a generall remedy be haply remoued , and that remedy perhaps the most vnlikely in a common iudgement , and seldome in common practise , prescript or custome vsed for that purpose . When all other trials are waste and lost in this case , and paine doth nothing stoupe , sometime the opening onely of a veine e e Mulier in vehementissimo dolore stomachi nullis ●●luta remedijs ducto tandem sanguine ex vtraque basilica seruata est . Hippocrat . Epidemion 5. in the arme , e e In magno dolore ventris , secanda interna vtriusque brachij , & hoc magis si dolor grauis , si repentinus , si difficilis ructus & spiritus , si febris est , si dolor in dorsum & scapulas extenditur . Hollerius de compos . Medic. tractat . de stomachicis . being reckoned amonst the most vnusuall and commonly harmefull for that vse , doth prooue the sole helpfull refuge and author of case . And as in this case is sometime said of bleeding , so at another time may be said of purging and vomite . In the apoplexie sometime bleeding f f In Apoplexia pituitosa cerebrum magis magis●ue sangunis priuatione refrigescit . is present death , sometime the onely g g In Apoplexia sanguinea vincun & singulare remedium à phlebotomia expectandum . hope of life . In pestilent feauers and in the plague it selfe , all the most choyce Cordials and Antidotes are made frustrate , sometime by h h Si pestis cum ephemera aut hectica analogiam habeat . bleeding , sometime for i i Si pestis sit synocho putri similis , & corpus plethoricum . want of bleeding . And from hence growe our so great disputes & differences amongst Physitions themselues , some chiefly and aboue all magnifying it , some with execrations detesting it : which groweth in them for want of right distinction of the seuerall causes , and differences of the pestilence . In the same disease the like may be said of vomite , if at sometime k k Vbi magnae cacoethiae ratione si conturbaueris naturam , praecipitas . vsed at all , at another time if l l Vbi humor qui venenum aut contagium conceperit in primis venis substiterit aut in ventriculo . omitted . The common generall remedies vsed against the dropsie are purging , vomiting , sweating , and the like ; yet sometime the most m m Si hydropis origo à mensium suppressione aut sanguinis multitudine calidum innatum suffocante manifestò ducatur , à sanguine detracto curandi ratio necessariò est auspicanda . vnusuall and seldomest safe , is onely necessary and helpfull vnto it . Sometime if a woman with child be let bloud she suffereth n n 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Hippocrat . Aph. lib. 5. abortion , saith Hippocrates . Sometime if she omit o o Noui quam plurimas quarum aliae abortiunt , aliae foetus edunt parum firmos aut vitales nisi intermedijs mensibus phlebotomia plenitudo minuatur Reolanus . letting bloud she cannot escape abortion , o o Multae nisi ▪ 4. mense releretur vena abortiunt . Foetus enim copia obtuitur . Ferne●ius de Meth. Med. saith Fernelius . o o Mulieri grauidae si menses fluxerint liberius sanguinem mittas . Hollerius . Many and innumerable more might instances by , but these may suffise for light and illustration to all the rest , as also for sufficient caueat for putting any trust or confidence in the excèllencie of any particular remedies without aduice , for right dispensation of the generall . And here by may be iudged and discouered the indiscreete thoughts of light braines and vnderstandings in these dayes , of men , that so preposterously diuulge in all places so many bookes and paper-Apothecary-shoppes of secrets and medicines , better iudgment and learned soath teaching the wise and discreete , that things without reason in themselues are by reason and wisedome to be guided and ordered ; lest in ignorant handling and vnwotting abuse their faire promising seemings proue gilded poysons . If any man want wit to see or know this or knowing will not consider , let the danger proue it selfe vnto him , and let such experience be euer the mother of fooles . And for those that herein make mercy and commiseration apologie for their rash violating the rules of wisedome , sobrietie and safe discretion in ignorant intermedling , I wish them consider how dangerous are the harmes and consequences of good intentions , and charitable indeauors , where they runne before knowledge and proprietie in the agent . Euery honest function is not euery honest mans , but vnto euery man is distributed and allorted the action of his owne calling : which also must be made his and appropriate , not onely by approued sufficiencie in himselfe , but authorized approbation in others : whereby the action being good in it selfe , lawfull in the doer , fitting and accommodate vnto the circumstance , it is blessed of God , commended of men , seasonable in it selfe , harmelesly profitable , and euery way without reproch .