THe Plague which is called of the Greekes Epidemia , and in Latine Lues pestis or pestilentia , and I a stranger and a German who many times haue beene imployed in this sicknes , as at Cullen , Ostend , Amsterdam and many other Townes more , may with great credit beare me witnesse of it ; so I can say & write of this fearefull disease more then any other can . The cause is euident , that it is a punishment from God , whereof many examples may be set downe , which I leaue for breuity sake : for it is a matter which belongs to Diuines ; the other cause is , that the vpper parts haue infected the Astris with a Distemperature where through the Plague hath his domination into our bodies , whereof we leaue this besides to our learned Philosophers . Now to come to my intent which is out of loue , more then for gaine , for to take such a dangerous matter vpon me in mine old age ( The which God be thanked haue no great need of , but beeing first mooued to it , by diuers of this City , for to do something in this time of sicknesse , I haue sayd nothing all this while ( but finding the sicknes increasing more and more , do determine to shew my best skill for it , thus through my experience , where I haue in former times ( putting my trust in God & with his helping hand ) saued many a mans life . First , pray to God to forgiue your sinnes , and after vse the naturall meanes which God hath ordained to euery sicknes , and as well for this sicknes , as for any other , I haue a preseruatiue which euery body shall find by me . Also a certaine precious Pill , to keepe in your mouth , when you goe abroad or perceiue any danger .

1. First seuerall Antidotes for the preseruation of mans body from the Plague with certaine directions .

2. Secondly a certaine Elixar , or a water for them that are infected , besides certaine orders and directions for the perfuming of their houses , chambers & roomes ; for to alter the ayre , to preserue their houses ; besides for those houses that are already Infected to cleanse them , with certaine directions , washing them with waters wherein certaine hearbs are boyled , and after stroying the house with hearbs , fitting for this sicknes , and perfume . Now after many and seuerall medicines both in Physicke and Chirurgery , which are necessary in this sicknes , as Cordials , Iulips , cooling waters Conserues , Oyles , Oyntments , smelling or smooking balls , as Pomanders , Quilts , with other Chirurgicall medicines for Carbonckles , Antraxs or other swelling as Byles , and Impostumes . The Professor hath Poultesses , Balsomes , Oyles , Plaisters & all things else belonging to this dissease , besides it is necessary for euery one to be solible in his body , or to take some conuenient purge by directions from the Physitions . Likewise Fountenell or Issues , are very commendable , the which I haue made in Germanie and other places , in vehement Plagues , as a preseruatiue against Infection . Such people are not apt to be Infected that haue any running sores , as Vlsers , nor those which are troubled with other maladies which run . There are certaine rules to be obserued , as to forbeare to go in stinking places , & not too goe abroad till the Sun be vp , principally in moist and foggy weather ; in the euening auoyd the streets , & goe not to late abroad , which is principally hurtfull for Children , and yong people , ouerfill not your bodies with meat which is hard of disgesture , for it breeds ill humors . All these medicines euery body may haue in his owne house for a reasonable price , with certaine directions in print . This I take out of ancient writers , which haue bin many times approoued ; this I do through & with counsell of diuers learned Physitions , some of the Kings Maiesties , & others of my friends , although there will be some Calumniating night-Oules , perhaps , will speake against my intent . Let them show a better or else let this alone .