Pharmacologia anti-empirica, or, A rational discourse of remedies both chymical and Galenical wherein chymistry is impartially represented, the goodness of natural remedies vincidated, and the most celebrated preparation of art proved uncapable of curing diseases without a judicious and methodical administration : together with some remarks on the causes and cure of the gout, the universal use of the Cortex, or Jesuits powder, and the most notorious impostures of divers empiricks and mountebanks / by Walter Harris ...

Pharmacologia Anti-Empirica . OR A Rational Discourse OF REMEDIES , Both Chymical and Galenical , &c.

CHAP. I.

The Wars between Chymists , and Galenists , very fierce for some time ; but end at last in a Peace . The Design opened . Hippocrates , and Galen , wise , and excellent , but not infallible . A slavish Expression of a Venetian .

WHen Chymistry began to sound its Alarm , under the Banner of Paracelsus , and the noise became so great , as to shake the Foundations of Physick , divers eminent Physicians took their Weapons in their hands , and with a learned Pen , did sufficiently vindicate the Honour of Physick , from the bold attempts of their declared Enemies . But this angry Invader of the Galenick Art , did soon strengthen himself by a great many Followers , who all conspired together to carry Fire and Destruction whithersoever they went . Chymistry must be all with them , or nothing . And all the contemptible scandals , and marks of Ignominy , that Malice could invent , were very liberally bestowed on all that favoured Learning , or asserted the Ancient Principles of Physick .

So that there was no Parley between the two Parties , in order to a Peaceable and right understanding ; the Chymists , if it had been possible , would have massacred , and utterly cut off all the Galenick Professors , and the Galenists with the utmost indignation of injur'd Persons , decried and condemned all Chymical pretences ; and many Acts of Hostility and open War , were for a long time carried on between them . Insomuch , that there was no hopes of an Accommodation , no signs of Moderation , or Peace , till both Parties had sufficiently worried one another , till their Weapons were blunted with frequent Skirmishes , and both grew weary of their unreasonable Contentions .

And then the Foundations of Physick appeared firmer than was thought , and Chymistry was found to contain some Advantages , that were not to be despised . The Anger and Venom was pretty well spent on both sides , and after the violent Storms had continued as long as the Nature of Violent things would suffer , the Weather cleared up again , and every man leasurely considered what was the real Matter .

The Physicians of those dayes did not at last scorn to foul their Fingers with Coals , as well as Ink. They built them Laboratories , procured Vessels of all sorts , and were as busie at Chymical preparations , as the first Operators themselves . In the mean time the passionate Assertors of Chymistry took Books into their hands again , read , and leasurely considered , and at last found , those I mean that grew Sober , that a Judicious Administration of Medicines , would do the best no harm at all , that there was as much dexterity and Art , in the right use of Chymical Remedies , as in the very Preparations they so much delighted in . And thus by degrees the Physicians grew Chymists , and the Chymists became Physicians .

Great Beginnings are naturally imperfect , and attended with Faults ; and though the first undertakers are impatient of Contradiction , yet generally their Successors make Additions that were not at first thought of . We all know , that the first Projectors of any thing do seldom thrive , or perfectly attain their end , but the second Undertakers do often grow rich upon it , and avoid those manifold Inconveniencies that were not foreseen by the first .

Chymistry is now one necessary part of Physick , and a man can no more pretend to be a Physician without a competent knowledg in it , than a Mechanick work without his Tools . If it be not elevated beyond all degrees of Modesty , and arrogantly buoyed up above Sense and Reason , it will be found excellent in some no mean respects , and add both Pleasantness and Efficacy to some Medicines , that were more loathsom to the Palate , and more ineffectual in their Operation before . Out Modern Physicians are now the only Chymists in reality , and all other small dealers or ignorant Retainers to that Art , will prove Impostors and Pseudo-Chymists .

The Design therefore of this following Treatise is not to bid defiance to Chymistry , right or wrong , but to offer a fair Representation of things as they are in themselves , to give a check to all malapert Pretenders , and to vindicate Natural Remedies , that are very good as Nature provides them , from being swallowed up , or over-powred with a Scenical Parade , as if nothing were good for any thing that had not undergone the Test of Chymical Preparation .

And indeed Chymistry is so bewitching an Art , and so suits with the natural Fondness of Mankind , who are too apt to admire themselves , and the Works of their own Hands , that sometimes Ingenuous , and otherwise understanding men , run farther in it than they ought , and their Reason is often blinded , with giving too much way to their Affections .

The Subject therefore that I have undertaken , is so Noble , and really useful , that I wish with all my Heart , some abler Pen would have done it better . I have rather but hinted at what might have been well performed , than fully decided the Subjects of this Discourse . And I hope it will be no Disservice to my Faculty , to do the best that my small Capacity can for them , and to shew how much more is requisite to the constituting a good Physician , besides being conversant among Fires and Furnaces , besides the best Preparation of Remedies .

Hippocrates , and Galen , will be ever famous to after-ages , because their Works are full of sound sense , well digested Principles , and undeniable Truths . And those who keenly speak against them , and rail at their Labours with much earnestness , either do not understand them , or are very morose in their natural Tempers .

And yet I am not of Macrobius his mind , In Somn. Scipion. lib. 1. c. 6. who in a fond rant brake out into this hearty expression concerning our great Hippocrates , Quòd tàm fallere , quàm falli nesciat , that he was neither capable of teaching an Error , nor of being in an Error himself . Apol. 3. l. 3. disp. 3. cap. ult. And so Massarias passes the same Complement upon Galen , and Aristotle , Quòd nunquam , si rectè intelligantur , fallere , vel falli possint .

'T would be exceeding happy for the World , if it could have been furnished with such infallible Dictators in Physick . All Doubts and Questions would then have been laid aside , and an Ipse Dixit would have easily decided all Controversies that rise in our way . But though Quacks and Idiots can see so far into the Virtues of a Pill or Powder , that it shall infallibly do every thing they would have it , and can never be directed to a wrong Intention , yet Physicians we find , who ought in reason to be presumed to have as good Eyes and Brains , as conceited Fools , and illiterate Pretenders , are very unhappy men , that all their Knowledg and Observation should only serve to hinder them from discovering the Panacea's , and mighty Catholicon's , that lye open to every careless eye ; that they only should continue Pro-ing and Con-ing , whilst every Blockhead never fails to be in the right .

No , 't is the unavoidable condition of Humane Nature , of the wisest men , as well as Ignorant , to be often subject to Mistake , and much Care , Pains , and Application , if not Good Fortune too , are requisite to free the very best of us from being too too prone to our Common Fate .

And therefore that Noble Venetian deserves to be pitied for a poor-spirited man , who being shewed by an expert Anatomist , that the Nerves had their Origine from the Brain , and not from the Heart , as the great Philosopher Aristotle had maintained , brake out into that weak , and slavish Expression , If Aristotle had not said the contrary , I would have believed my own eyes .

CHAP. II.

Adam no Chymist . Nor Tubalcain , the Poets Vulcan , Hermes Trismegistus , in all likelihood the first Famous Chymist . No certainty of Moses being one , Solomon a Chymist in the best sense , and indeed the best Galenist . The loss of his Book of Simples never to be forgotten .

SOme to advance the Honour and Antiquity of Chymistry high enough , have thought fit to derive it from our first Father Adam , and would needs perswade us , that no sooner was he endowed with the Knowledg of Good and Evil , but he soon became a Chymist ; that he not only gave unto all Creatures their Proper Names , but also extended his Dominion over the Mineral Kingdom ; that he not only cultivated the Earth , and labour'd hard with the sweat of his Brows , but was profoundly skilled in the deepest Arts and Sciences . He that first found this out , was doubtless a notable man , and had an Imagination so keen and searching , that he seems very well qualified for the utmost attainments of Chymistry , for finding out the Philosophers Stone , wheresoever it lies hid .

Others have been a little shorter-sighted , and made Tubalcain to be the first Chymist , because the Holy Scripture tells us , he wrought cunningly every Craft of Brass , Gen. 4.22 . and of Iron . But it will hardly follow , to every mans understanding , that a good Brasier , or Smith , must of necessity be a curious Chymist . A Farrier may by degrees , 't is possible , arrive at strange Perfection ; but if he deserts his Trade , to set up in the ways of Alchymy , it is more than probable , that the man will at last make but a poor , and beggarly Conclusion . This same Tubalcain is thought to be the Poets Vulcan ; but though they were very well skill'd in the Art of Invention , and he was their God of Fire , and for that Reason might easily have been conducted from his Forge into a Laboratory , yet none of them ( that I know of ) have ascribed to him this Excellency .

Therefore those were somewhat the wiser , who were contented to make Hermes Trismegistus to be the Man ; for from him it is still called the Hermetick Art , Hermetick Vessels , and the Hermetick Seal . This Hermes , or Mercury was doubtless ancient enough . And though there were divers of this Name , the Aegyptian Hermes was the chief , that Diodorus Siculus , Lib 2. and others , do ascribe the Primacy of Learning to . And this man was as great , as Learning could make him , or his Name imports . He is said to have written an infinite Number of Books , and some of Physick . Cicero says , he was not only Governor of Aegypt , 3. De Nat. Deorum . and their Law-giver , but also their Philosopher in Chief .

Moses being skill'd in all the Learning of the Aegyptians , was therefore easily imagined to have no small skill in Chymistry . Exod. 32. v. 20. But the Text , that is brought for Proof of it , has but an uncertain , and forced Construction . He is said to have burnt the Golden Calf in the Fire , and after he had powder'd it , to have strown it upon the Water . Now the Hebrew Word that is interpreted , he Burnt the Gold , does also properly signifie he melted it . And there 's no such Mystery in that . But we must allow some Grains to the over-Admirers of any Art . A small Argument will be a good one , when they are resolved to make it out .

Solomon indeed was a Chymist to the purpose , having the right Philosophers Stone , not that which many have in vain sought for , and reduced themselves to the utmost degree of Pitty and Poverty in hopes to attain , but the inexhaustible Treasure of Gods extraordinary Blessing , the universal affluence of all that the Heart of man could covet , or Eye could behold . But his Miraculous Plenty was bestowed on him , as a Reward for his generous Election of Wisdom and Knowledg ; whereas commonly our foolish Philosophers by Fire do spend their time in quest of the Tincture , purely to gratifie a Covetous Mind , and to make themselves Princes in some new Vtopia , where they hope to take and enjoy a full swinge of Sensuality .

But again , this Great , this Wisest Man , was in effect a True Galenist ; he treated of the Virtues of Simples from the highest to the lowest , from the tall Cedar in Lebanon , to the Hysop upon the Wall . We are certain , he knew the excellency of all those Simple Medicaments , which lie every where ready to our hands , and our Eye cannot choose but see , but whether he ript up the Bowels of the Earth , and examined those Minerals that lye hid and covered in darkness , we have no such reason to conjecture .

And this very Consideration , that the Wisest man in the World did think fit to employ his thoughts , and write a Copious Treatise on purpose concerning the very same Simples which every Physician must , and does study and apply to , does very much weigh with me to think Metals , and Minerals are not so Properly , so Naturally , the Sphere of Physick , as Roots and Herbs , and what this Great and Wise Prince treated of . Not that I would willingly derogate from the real , and intrinsick value of any thing whatsoever , whether it be derived from the Mineral , Animal , or Vegetable Kingdom . There is not the meanest thing in Nature , the most odd , or seemingly improper , but inquisitive men have made tryals , and found some unquestionable Physical use to belong to it .

And now how shall we grieve enough , that a Book of this inestimable Worth was presently lost , that Mankind should be thus unworthy , of what would in an reason have conduced more to that great Blessing of mens Lives , Health , ( without which all Honours , Pleasures , and Plenty , become insipid , flat , and worthless ) than any the weaker endeavours of less than a Solomon . It is a sad reflection indeed , and must especially be so to that Physician , who is heartily of his Profession , and is concern'd in earnest at the good or ill events of Remedies . The loss of the Sybills Books , and a thousand other things long talk'd of , are but imaginary in comparison with this . I am apt to think sometimes , that the All-wise Providence , which orders things always for the best , but far above our reach and comprehension , thought fit to snatch these Leaves away for greater ends than we can fathom , and better Reasons than we ought to dispute . The Nature of Humane Life consists of a certain mixture of Good and Evil , as necessary and inseparable to every state of Mankind as their very Existence and Being . And the necessity of this Mixture , in point of Health , as well as other respects , is more Certain , than Explicable , as lying exceeding deep in the inscrutable ways of Providence . I know some men carry before them a much smoother Brow than others , and you shall hardly perceive any thing but sweetness and pleasantness constantly in their Looks ; but if they do not sometimes suffer inwardly ( more or less , according to the Temper of their Body , and the Philosophy or Moral Institutions of their mind ) either from some Corporal Infirmity , or some Temporal disadvantages in point of Esstate , or from the Envy and Misrepresentations of mischievous Men , in point of Reputation , or from some unexpected rubs , and disappointments in the prosecution of Ambitious desires , if there 's a man to be found that is never ( nay and to purpose too ) concerned in some of these Respects , I shall not only wonder how he comes to be thus priviledged above all his fellow-Creatures , that ever I knew or heard of , but without Pretensions to Prophecy , dare boldly bid him exspect his Turn in a short time , and prepare his Back to bear a Load somewhat proportionable to his hitherto undisturb'd Enjoyments . And he that will read that excellent Story of Polycrates in Herodotus , Lib. 3. §. 40. & Strab. lib. 14. will find that Man is not born to be always , and alike Fortunate throughout his whole Life .

CHAP. III.

Of Paracelsus . His Arrogance , and hard Words . His Debauchery , and his Railings . His Works in great part borrowed . His Cures of Incurable Diseases . His incapacity to reside abve a year in a place . A very remarkable Story of his Cures at Basil . Paracelsus not Immortal , and why . How far Physick may be said to prolong Life . Of Van Helmont , his Stoicism , his Dream , his Readings , and his Enthusiasm . His Works fitter to please Ill-natur'd , than Wise men . A Conclusive Passage of his own against Mineral Preparations , as not conducive to long Life . Sir Theodore Mayern recommended for a Chymist . And Quercetan for another .

PAracelsus , as much as he magnified himself for his great store of Arcana , and despised others for want of the same Pretensions , yet if we state things a little calmly , we shall find , that he did not so really promote the Honour and Glory of Chymistry , as he vainly boasted , or would have had the World believe . For though a Man should tell us a True Story in the main , but could not forbear interlacing divers palpable untruths , if we found him affect the most extravagant Nonsence , and Impertinence , if he delighted to talk as if he were stark Mad , and coined abundance of unintelligible words , as it were on purpose not to be understood , but by those who were as Mad as himself , and therefore imagine they hit his meaning , the mans Folly and Extravagance would be apt to prejudice us strongly against the Truth of the Whole , and the very telling would spoil all the Truth and Credit of the Story . It is not impossible , but a notorious Lyar may speak Truth sometimes , but when he does , he will hardly gain belief .

Paracelsus was born in Switzerland , Ann. 1493. After he had made a good Proficiency under the best Masters in Chymistry , that were to be found in Germany , he swelled so big with his Acquisitions in that Art , that the World could hardly contain him . He chose to write like a Heathen , Paramirum de 5 Entious Morbor . Numer. 10. and in an Ethnick Style , as he himself tells us in his Works . He called himself the ( most absolute ) Monarch of Arcana's , and commanded the World to follow him , as an unerring Leader . No less could serve to express him , than the Names , or Titles of Dn. Aureolus , Philippus , Theoplorastus , Bombastus ab Hoenhaim , or Paracelsus . His Works do all along answer the Conceitedness of his Name . He styled some of his Books , Paramirum , Paragranum , Pagoyum , Azoth , &c. He uses the Words , Iliaster , Cagastrum , Euestrum , Cherio , Relollaeum , Lorca , Tronossa , Zenda , Perenda , Chibur , Archeus , Trarames , Durales , Yleidus , Leffas , Stannar , and God knows how many more strained , affected , fantastical , unintelligible , and ill-coin'd Words , that there 's need of an Onomasticon on purpose , to apprehend , or rather guess at his meaning .

His Friend Oporinus , who kept him company two years together , and therefore ought to be throughly acquainted with his Qualifications , Epist. Opor . de Paracelso . and good Manners , speaks him to be one of the most drunken Debauche's that ever lived ; that he would tipple day and night , in the Company of Ostlers , Carmen , and Porters ; that he would dictate his Works to the best advantage , in the midst of his Cups ; lastly , that in all that time he never once said his Prayers , and yet would peremptorily deliver his judgment in the most abstruse points of Theology ; and always with strange Chimaera's , and conceits , that would hardly enter into a sober mans head . He set upon Reforming Physick , with all the Malice , and Ill-will , with all the hatred and Contempt , that a Beast and a Sot could possibly conceive against Sober men , whose Seriousness and Sobriety was the greatest Reproach , and declaration of Enmity to his dissolute and profligate Life . He therefore bestows on all Vniversity Men the Title of Confessores Mendaciorum , non Professores Veritatis . He calls them Materiales & Elementares Ambulatores , Aristotelicos tenebriones , Rabbinos , & Thrasones Athenienses , Philosophiae Ethnicae Sectatores , qui lucem tenebras , & tenebras lucem vocant , &c.

This Cacophrastus , or foul-mouth'd railer declares himself a Cursed Enemy to Avicenna , Praef. in lib. Paragr. Galen , Rhasis , Montagnana , Mesue , &c. to the Parisienses , Monspessulani , Suevi , Misnienses , Colonienses , Viennenses , to all that inhabit the Rhine and Danube , to Italy , Dalmatia , Greece , Athens , Arabia , Ibid. and to all Israel . He Condemns Galen to the Pit of Hell , Abysso Inferni , undè ad se literas amandàrunt , quorum datum erat , in Inferno ; to the Infernal Abyss , whence he received Letters from Galen , by such Messengers as were capable of bringing them . Nay he threatned no less than to make the Dogs Piss upon them all . But know bold Wretch , their Names will be Consecrated to after-ages , and had in good Reputation by Wise , and Sober men , when thy Bombastick Names shall perish and be despised , when thy frantick folly , and miserable vanity , and ill-nature , shall with thy Dust be trampled upon by all men .

Penotus , a good friend to Chymistry , In sine Libelli de denario Medici . and one that had beggar'd himself in pursuit of it , says that this man Borrowed the greatest part of his Works from former Authors ; that he had his Archidoxa from Raymund Lully , his Gradations of Medicines from Arnoldus de Villà Novâ ; and his Chirurgery from Lanfranc . He was not the first Chymist that ever was heard of , though he made more Noise than all that went before him . There were Books written in Chymistry , not only in Antient times , by Geber , Lully , Arnoldus , &c. but about his time , or a little before , by Isaacus Hollandus , Basilius Valentinus , and others ; and if he was more beholding to others , then he thought convenient to acknowledge , he had very good reason to Treasure up Arcana , which if Chymically Prepared , could not avoid being the most Perfect , and Vniversal Medicines , that ever were known before .

His Excellency consisted not only in Chirurgical performances , at which he had indisputably a very Happy Hand , but also in a supposed Expedite Cure of such as are commonly esteemed ( and that Properly too , when grown to a certain height ) by Learned and Understanding Physicians , to be Incurable Diseases ; which if he could really have wrought Miracles upon , we would have Admired him according to his Merit , and have Extoll'd him among the Demy-Gods , if he had not Scorn'd a Place among them . He pretended to Cure no less then the Leprosy , Inveterate Dropsies , Epilepsies , and Gouts , and to Dissolve the Stone . But if we may credit Crato , a professed Admirer of Chymistry in a Sober sense , and one who sate at the Helm of Physick , during three Emperors successively , and beyond question a most Excellent and Learned Physitian , as his Works do still declare him , Epist. ad cast . this Great Crato does speak of him with much indignity and contempt ; as that by his Medicines he sometimes caused Epilepsies in persons free from them before , that he Cured some into Absolute Blindness , who before saw tolerably well , and that he could make the Gout Perpetual , which came before he meddled , but now and then by Fits : But further , that his constant practise was , when he had committed any Notorious Errors , and hastned his Patients before their time , just to Death's door , he usually left 'em to themselves ( as the Devil is said to do Witches ) and fled away to seek his Fortune in some other Country .

And this is Confirmed by his Old Crony and Comerade , Oporinus , who left his Wife and Family to shift for themselves , purely for his Company , and to partake of his All-powerful Arcana . Oporinus tells us afterwards , that he could never stay above a Year in a Place . For either his Alchymical Fires had made the Place too Hot for him , Epist ejus ●itae inserta . or in that reasonable time the People knew his qualifications better then he desir'd .

Erastus says , Disp. contr. Paracels . there were divers persons then alive , of known veracity and reputation , who did maintain , that there being a Pestilential , or Malignant Feavour raging at Basil , when Paracelsus arrived there , it was observed , of all his Patients , that though they escaped present Death , by the activity of his Mineral Preparations , yet not a man of them out-liv'd a year ; whereas under the hands of the other Physicians of the Town , many Died of the Disease ; but those who were Cured had no after-reckonings to make , but lived many of them to a good Old Age. Renod. in Antidot . lib. 4. cap. 16. The Story more than one have taken notice of , and if True , he had reason enough never to stay above a Year in a place . And besides , if the Operation of his Medicines was no better than so , he was a very unlikely person to make a Man Immortal , as he sometimes vainly boasted . Whatever he could do to others , as being Monarch of Physick , and all Arts besides , in his own stile and fancy , yet he could not protract his own Life above the 47 , or 48th . year . His constant Intemperance in Wine had so Inflamed his Archeus , that neither his Laudanum ( of which he talk'd so many wonders ) nor any other of his Refined Arcanum's could make his Glass run longer . We are all born under the same Laws of Mortality , and whatever some Vain men may now and then pretend , in order to the recommending either themselves or their Medicines to the World , yet we are , and always shall be subject to the same certain Fate , and Conclusion of Life . Some men may Naturally have a larger Glass to run , and some may take good care that their Glass do'nt break too soon , and so their intended Course of Nature may not be intercepted in the middle ; but every one has an allotted time in his Natural Principles , beyond which time he cannot go , but before which time he may , by Accidents , or occasional Diseases . And therefore Physick is of exceeding good use , to the preventing of Untimely Deaths , which would often otherwise happen , if God in his Great Pity to our Infirmities had not appointed , and ordained Physicians . They are great Assistants to Nature , to help her forward , when she is unable , and to Comfort her when she is Weak , but they cannot long Strengthen Infirm , and Unsound Principles ; Hereditary Dispositions , and the first Impress of Nature will at last prevail . In short , an Original sound Constitution may with Physical Care , and the concurrence of other Circumstances , live to an Extream Old Age ; but where Nature is not kind at first , where the Foundation is but Weakly Built , the Structure must in due time Necessarily fall .

To Conclude of Paracelsus , he was a man of very great Natural Parts , as generally the most Notorious Debauches in all Ages have been esteemed . And if he could but have contain'd himself within limits , and not so Pragmatically Censured , and Proudly Despised all the rest of the World , he would doubtless have done Chymistry much greater service than he did .

Since him rose up , as another Terror to all Antient Learning , and with as foul a mouth as t'other , Van Helmont . And this man had an excellent faculty at finding Faults , Opposition , and Pulling down all that had been Built before ; but was not so good as Paracelsus at Building up New Notions , or at laying out Practical Platforms . S●dla A●ta●●s Sect. 7 , 8 , &c. It seems this Gentleman being once upon a time more than ordinarily disturbed with Hypochondriacal Fumes , and fallen into a violent fit of Stoicism , he Dream'd himself converted into an empty Bubble of a vast magnitude , whose Diameter reached from the Heavens down to the Earth ; and at the same time he beheld nothing but Darkness , an Abyss of Darkness below , and a Grave above him . When he Wak'd out of this Frightful Dream , ( in which he had seem'd to fall into a Trance , and forget himself , and all things else ) he was resolved to make all the World understand no more than himself . And so gave way to his Stoical Temper , that nothing in the World could please him , and he would needs Ridicule all Authors whatsoever , who had bore any sway in Physick . In order to refute , and baffle them , he says , he read the Medical Institutions of Fuchsius , and Fernelius , Galen twice over , Hippocrates once , all Avicenna , divers Arabians , and Greeks , and hundreds of Modern Authors . But they all proved very unsavoury to his delicious , or rather depraved Palate : He Concluded after all , that there was no Real Knowledge but by Inspiration , and Enthusiasm , and fancied he had no less than Raphael to Inspire him .

Indeed he writ like a man of more than ordinary Brains , but his Head was Heated too much , with his Over-Reading , insomuch that he shewed himself a True Morose Stoick , and the worst sort too , the Cynick , all along his Works .

But notwithstanding all his Bitter , and , I think , Malicious Invectives against Galen , and all his Followers , he will never perswade Sober men out of their Sense and Reason , though he may perhaps tickle and delight the Caprichios of Idle , Flashy , or Ill natur'd men , who would be glad to be freed from the Labour of Examining the prolix Works of our Famous Galen , and would fain become Physicians without Pains , Study and Head-ach , or such whose nature can incline them to rejoyce to see a Grave Philosopher pluck'd by the Beard , and a Fools-Coat forc'd on the back of a Serious and Judicious man .

It is very remarkable , what Helmont says in his Works , after all his Contemplations , and Censures , he even destroyed the very Foundation of his own New Ideas . He finally Concludes , Arcana Paracels . versus finim . that though Paracelsus his Arcana could Cure Diseases , yet that they did not conduce to the Prolongation of Life . He found , that Mineral Medicines , though wrought to never so great a Perfection , yet mere Heterogeneous or disagreeable to the Nature of the Aliment of our first constituent Principles ; because they still retain the nature of those Bodies they were prepared from : That they never can be made to part with their Mineral Temperature , and in that respect are contrary to the tenor of Long Life . Nay farther , that the very Philosophers Stone , ( the Panacea for all Diseases , so much talk'd of ) can have no Vital union to our Nature , by reason of its Immutable ( primitive ) substance , and the absolute impossibility of its Separation , Digestion , or Destruction : Thus , and more , Helmont , in the place aforesaid . And it is a greater Truth , then we could easily have expected from a man that was no small admirer of Chymical Mineral Preparations , in other places of his Works . The Heat of Youth indeed is apt to precipitate a man upon nothing but Mineral Preparations , but it is a rare thing to find an Old man , who is not cautious and timorous in their use .

Sir Theodore Mayern , and Quercetan were another-guess sort of Chymists , than Paracelsus , or Van Helmont . They were Dogmatical or Rational , as well as Chymical ; they did not account Galen a Fool , or Madman ; and though their first zeal transported them farther , in defence of this Art , than was absolutely necessary , yet they would not despise Reason , though it came from the Mouth of a Galenist .

Mayern is still flourishing in our own Memory , and his Eminency was sufficiently proved by an Argument that will easily perswade , I mean , by the greatest Estate that perhaps ever was got by Physick ; so that both Chymistry , and the Faculty of Physick , may be Proud of so Arch a Patron . His Treatise on the Gout , which he writ in his Natural French Tongue , is one of the best Attempts that has been yet made to the Knowledge , or Cure of that Disease ; and his Apology of Chymistry , and himself together , against the Prejudices of the Doctors of Paris ; and lastly his Favour with the Great Henry the 4th . of France , and his Royal reception here , do all speak loudly his Great Name .

But I would crave leave to Admire him for a Remarkable passage in his foresaid Apology , which did not speak a Foolish Hot headed Chymist , but a Serious , and most Excellent Physician . I shall give it you , and heartily recommend it , in his own words : Soleo ego in Magnis & Chronicis Morbis , qui nobis deliberandi horas relinquunt , non in arenâ sumere vel dare Consilium , sed singula meis Ephemeridibus consignare Symptomata , circa quae mutos meos consulo Doctores , ut omnibus ad calculum diligenter revocatis , firmam mihi comparen Affectùs Ideam ; ex his meas Indicationes sumo , quibus attentè perquisitis , Nocente cognito juvantis cognitionem adipiscor . A man of Parts that does betimes take such an effectual course as this , cannot choose but go deep in Physick ; and I do not find by his Consilia , writ most in the French Tongue , and since Translated into Latin , that he was any ways a Slave to Chymistry , but rather its Master and Comptroler .

Quercetan was one of the greatest , and most Rational Champions of Chymistry . He much delighted in it , even from his Youth , insomuch that when he was but a Young man , he writ a smart Book for his Age , De spagyricorum Medicamentorum praeparationibus , and afterwards when the Faculty of Paris fell out grievously with him , about his use of Chymical Medicines , that very few of them had then much acquainted themselves with , he writ an Excellent and Learned Treatise , called , Hermeticae Medicinae Defensio , shewing great Mistakes concerning him . His Pharmacopaea is a Work that shew'd him very well versed in Remedies , both Old and New , and that he had Discretion joyned with his Affection to Chymistry . And if such an Artist as he was did a little too much indulge to the over-nice Preparation of things , whose nature did not at all require it , we ought in reason to pass over it favourably , and as well to remember the good hints he has given us , as to look with Microscopes on what he has done too much .

CHAP. IV.

Chymistry Defined . Some of its Preparations Vseless ; some Vseful , and others Dangerous . Every man to judge as he finds Best . The most Beloved Notions to submit to Matter of Fact . Diseases to be Cured with Remedies , not with Eloquence . Fernelius a good Latinist , but not the most Fortunate Practiser . A Learned Physician at Padua , but a very sorry Practiser , and why . Philosophy good for a Student , but not to be dwelt upon , in the time of Practice .

CHymistry , as it relates to Physick , may properly be called art Art , that teaches us how to Separate the Principles and Virtues of mix'd Bodies . And according as it Separates the Virtues of things , either away into the Air , or into Proper or Pernicious Medicines , becomes Vseless , or Safe , or of Dangerous consequence . If we should make an Extract of Aromaticks , or things of a very Volatile Nature , we spend our time to no manner of purpose , and make a Preparation that is good for Nothing . If we draw out the Virtues of some Bodies , whether Mineral , Animal or Vegetable , in a suitable Menstruum , and by time and gentle degrees of Heat make an efficacious Tincture , we assist Nature with our pains , and furnish our selves with an Vseful Remedy . Lastly , if by violent force of Fire , and repeated Rectifications and Cohobations we render things Corrosive to the highest degree , and that which was Naturally Mild and Good we make destructive of the Principles of Life , our Remedy proves a Dagger , and the Experiment becomes Fatal .

So that certainly it is the True Interest of Physick , to have as right a notion as may be , of either the Goodness , the Vanity , or the Injuriousness of Chymical Preparations . We ought neither to be Slovens , nor over-nice . And because people are generally apt to run into one Extream , and some especially have Magnified the meer Curiosities of Preparation , so as to dazle the Eyes of most , that they cannot see the difference between Truths and Counterfeits , between Realities and Pretentions , I shall make it the design of the following Discourse to unvail some things that have been held Sacred , because Mysterious , and in every thing to deliver my self with as much Indifference , and as little Prejudice as possible .

And I am so far from offering to Dictate Magisterially , or peremptorily Imposing my own Thoughts , as a certain Rule in these matters , that I would ra-rather beseech my Reader not be of my mind , if he finds better Reason , or more sufficient Evidence to the contrary . Our main End , that all our Endeavours ought to aim at , must be the Health and welfare of our Country , and whatever Notions are contrary to that End , however Plausibly they may be drest up , how Learnedly soever represented , we ought to avoid them as so many Rocks , though the Sweetest Syrens sing , and allure us to them . And if men had more seriously adverted to this main End of Physick , they would not have been so zealous in the Justification of their little home-bred Hypotheses , they would not have called Heaven and Earth together to their assistance , and so impatiently have born any Civil Contradiction to their own Opinions and Mistakes . They would rather have delighted to be led into the Right way , than to Wander still on , though an Ignorant Clown should shew it . But it is the unhappy temper of Mankind in general , ( though some Countries , as well as persons , do partake of that Temper more generally than others ) that they are most unreasonably averse to the acknowledgment of an Error ; and they esteem it more Honourable and Glorious , obstinately to persist in an Error they have once Espoused , than to draw back their Foot into the Right , and hazard the Imputation of Levity . We often pass the Complement , Humanum est Errare , to others , but would by no means have it thought , we our selves can fall under a Mistake .

It is not Ornament , or Eloquence that can Cure Diseases ; Morbi non Eloquentiâ , sed Remediis curantur , Lib. 11 said the Latine Hippocrates , Celsus . Good Practical Observations of Matter of Fact , and not fine spun , curious Problems ; not the Trinkets of Rhetorick , but the Application of Remedies in a Proper Method , according as the subject requires , are the things that constitute a Physician . And I am much of the same Celsus's mind , ibid. Quod siquis Elinguis usu discreta remedia bene norit , hunc aliquantò majorem Medicum futurum , quam si sine usu linguam suam excoluerit . Fernelius writ Incomparable Latine , and his Institutions will for that reason , as well as the Intrinsick worth , be always the Admiration of Young Students in Physick . And yet I have heard it said , and not lightly neither , that he was no very Fortunate Practiser , that he made but few Eminent Cures , though he was the Glory and Ornament of the Schools . And indeed his Method of Curing Feavers , and other Diseases , is wholly Pathological , and seems to insinuate as if the Curative part of Physick , by the Application of Remedies , would e'en drop into a mans mouth , whether he would or no , if he has but well consider'd the Method of Talking Scholastically about Feavers , and other Diseases .

De vulg. error ▪ in Medic. And this brings into my mind a very strange , but possibly true Story , I have read somewhere in our Primrose , who speaks of a most Eminent Physician , and Professor at Padua , that was followed by more Scholars ( the greatest sign of Reputation there ) than any other Professor in the Vniversity . He taught è Cathedrà with the greatest Applause , and according to the most Learned Rules of Art : And yet ( I am sorry , and very sorry that it prov'd so ) this so great a Master , and Teacher of Physick , was so Vnfortunate in his Practise , that is was an exceeding rare thing for a Patient in a Feaver to escape under his hands . A sad Consideration indeed ! but what must necessarily infer , that something else was requisite at the Patients Bed-side , besides Scholastick Platforms , and well-couch'd Institutions , to wit , a very narrow Inspection into the Alterations of Nature there , and the making Method follow , as well as govern , the Events of Remedies . The Indications were not to be made before-hand in the Schools , but to be taken as they were , pro re natâ , with the Patient . He should not have scorn'd to decline his Beaten Roads , if he found they lead to the Grave . For the difference of Feavers in all places does much depend on the various Constitutions of the Air ; and according as the Season does alter its Constitution , it makes very different Impressions on our Bodies and Tempers , and consequently all Epidemical Feavers will be attended with New , or Unusual Symptoms ; and a those Symptoms do differ from one another , the Indications of Cure must be variously derived . And concerning the rise of Diseases from the Constitutions of the year , the Famous Cardan has writ an Excellent Treatise , called , De Providentiâ ex Anni Constitutione . Nor has Hippocrates been silent in this matter .

Notwithstanding what has been said , it is not to be imagined that Learning is any Prejudice to Practice , but rather the best Foundation to build success upon . Without this solid Foundation , a man can be no more capable of attaining the Art of Physick , than he can Travel without Eyes or Legs . He must begin with Philosophy , and School-Instructions , as the first steps he is to make ; but if his Head is always fix'd upon Rudiments , and his narrow , or lascivious mind can never Advance beyond them , he is like to make but a sorry Progress in Physick . Vbi desinit Physicus , ibi incipit Medicus . Where the Philosopher Ends , there the Physician does Begin . A Physician without Philosophy will ever be a raw , and fortuitous Practitioner ; and he that in Practice does not End with his former Philosophizing vein , and apply his mind to diligent Observations from Experience and Practice , will often find himself overcome in matter of Cure , even by Ideots and Women , who never understood Philosophy . He that intends for Sea , does well to Speculate the Principles of Navigation first ; but if after he has been some Voyages , and is appointed Pilot of a Ship , instead of minding his Duty , he shall rather enter into a deep Study concerning the Causes of the Tide , and thereby neglect Steering the Ship as he should do , every dirty Tarpaulin can easily decide the Controversy , what was best to be done by him , and what will be the Event of his Studious Folly .

CHAP. V.

Chymists given to hard words , and to affect Obscurity in their Writings . The more Popular Names are given to Remedies ; commonly the more Dangerous . Aurum Potabile , a kind of Panacea . Gold whether a Cordial , or no ; and why it has gain'd so great an Esteem , in point of Remedy . Some Conceits of its Physical Excellencies ; who for it , and who against it . The Best , or rather safest way of using it Physically is in Decoction . The Metals Mild and Innocent in themselves , but through Preparation become most violent . A Story of a Chymist with his Red Solar Precipitate . Libavius owns several Cheating Rascals to pretend to the Aurum Potabile . Aurum Fulminans spoken to ; and another Fulminating Powder . The Fulmination of Metals , no good commendation of them for Remedies .

IT has been a general humour with Chymists , to affect hard and strained Words , to deliver themselves with a Mysterious Obscurity , to turn every thing almost into Arcana , and when they do bring them forth , after much Labour and Travel , the World is hardly big enough to contain them ; they would be thought the most Charitable , and Kindest men alive ; and at last after abundance of Ceremony , it appears before us , with some ratling , new-coin'd Name . If any thing in nature be Dearer than ordinary , or accounted of greater value , because fetch'd from far , be sure that must be drawn in to constitute , or illustrate the Title . Aurum vitae , sive Hercules Bovii , Mercurius vitae , Aurum Argentum , & Bezoar Potabile , Vnicornu Minerale , Vnicornu Solare , Bezoarticum Joviale , Aquila Imperialis , &c. are some of their Illustrious Titles . But this I have often observ'd , that the more Precious and Thundring a Name is bestowed on the Preparation , commonly the more Dangerous and Dreadful it is in reality . If it be called a Liquor , or Powder of Life , you may the more certainly conclude it Deadly , as without dispute it will prove it self if you should chance to mistake the Dose .

A man would think that Aurum Potabile , no less than a Golden Draught , should be a fair invitation , and a sufficient recommendation to Patients , to Taste a little of its Goodness . And if you should read concerning it , Arnoldus de villâ novâ , Raymund Lully , Isaacus Hollandus , or Bombastical Paracelsus , you would find , that they did not ascribe more Virtues to all their Emeticks , Catharticks , Diaphoreticks , Diureticks , Anodynes , Stypticks , Alexipharmicks , &c. than they did to this single , but Rich Draught or Aurum Potabile . So that if any thing in nature ( the Tincture only excepted ) could have obtained the Reputation of a Panacea , this must in all likelihood have been the very thing . For Gold must have procur'd it , let it be what it will ; that which will open all Locks , that which will abate the Rigorous Principles of most Philosophers , and that which will open an entrance into the secretest Arcana , whether of Chymists , or others , may be very well allowed to do as many and as great things , as the best that can be named . This same Gold is the End , and Crown of Blessings , that our Fiery Philosophers do Labour , and Sweat for ; this is the Cordial they so earnestly contend for , to Comfort their drooping Spirits , after so many sereval disappointments in their broken Vessels , and fruitless repetitions of their Experimental Preparations of that nimble Proteus , Mercury .

And yet after all their Calcinations , Solutions , Extractions , Digestions , and I know not how many different Transmutations of the Glorious Metal ; what do they attain at last in this their Aurum Potabile , but a meer Solution of Gold , by Corrosive Spirits ( whether they do preserve their Corrosion entire , or it be a little abated by some Alkali Spirits , or Salts , it is no great matter which ) but the Gold is never the better for Physical Use , by this Artificial Corrosion , nor the Spirits the more Innocent , for being Impregnated with that Noble Metal .

I cannot easily conceive , what should cause them thus to torture their Invention upon this Royal Metal , unless basely to impose on the Vulgar , and adapt their Endeavours to the humours and prejudices of the Common people . For if an Ignorant poor man finds himself much out of order , what can he imagine will more Comfort his poor Heart , than what he so much wants , and works for , Gold ? The first thing that either he , or the people about him , can ever think of , is a Cordial immediately , or else he is quite undone . If they come to make Applications to a Doctor , or a Good Lady , on his behalf , it is for a Cordial to Comfort the poor man in his weakness ; and if he has but that before he dies , they are very well satisfied , that he wanted not the Means which were necessary to preserve him . Now it is easy to perswade most men , that Gold is a sufficient Cordial , but they are not all Competent Judges , whether it receives any further advantage from this Ostentation of Curious Preparation , or whether it be not made worse , that is , more dangerous , than it was before . It is but swimming against the stream , to tell them , Gold , any ways Prepared is not so much a Cordial , as it was in their Pockets . And the Apothecaries know very well , what great satisfaction they give in Gilding their Pille , Bolus's , and Electuaries , that it is no insignificant Ornament , that is contributed by that Customary Artifice .

Some persons will Boil Gold in Broths , for Consumptive people , and if a strong Fancy goes along with it , it may signify something more than a meer Chip in Porridge ; but otherwise unless a Fancy concurrs to help it , I cannot think it will work any very great Wonders . 〈◊〉 . 5 : cap. 7. Avicenna an Old Author , well known in the Schools , thought there were notable qualities indeed in Gold , more than every body knows of , as that it was good against Poison , that it would hinder a Woman from Miscarrying , and especially , that if it were put into the Mouth of an Infant newly born , it would hinder the Devil from exercising any power over the Babe : And hence , no doubt , it was that a Laudable Custom did arise , Of always keeping some Money in the Pocket , in order , they say , to keep the Devil out . Lib. de Medic. Cordial . But that same Author in another place does put the Excellency of Gold between the Emerald and Silver , not so Cordial as the Emerald , but more Cordial than Silver ; as if he had taken out the Virtues of it , and weighed them narrowly in a pair of Scales . Fernelius thinks fit to commend it , as wholly free from Metallick Impurities , and that consideration was doubtless no small one , to others who think no Remedy good for any thing , that is not Artificially Refined from supposed Natural Impurities . And yet as Pure as it is , Paracelsus thought it wanted abundance of Preparation , before he would believe it fit to Cure , as he pretended with it , both Gout and Leprosy . But of his way of Curing before . Brassavolus , Baccius , Fallopius , Erastus , Rondeletius , and divers other Eminent men were quite of another opinion , and thought it better for Coin , than Physical use .

And yet upon serious Consideration , if there be any way at all of using Gold Physically , this plain , innocent , and easy way of Boiling it , seems in my conception to be the very best , and I am sure , the safest , and that which I would therefore sooner recommend and put to the Trial , than the most ( vain ) Glorious Potable Preparation of it , by Paracelsus , Quercetan , Crollius , Libavius , Antony , or others . For all the Metalls are Innocent enough of themselves , and in Infusion and Substance , some of them have very Extraordinary Effects . But if we once come to unlock their Bodies , and by Corrosive Dissolvents to Change their Nature , the case then strangely alters , and instead of Mild , Gentle , and Innocent Medicines , we shall obtain the most Violent , and Dreadful , that Art can furnish us with . The Preparations of Antimony and Mercury will , in a few Grains be apt to Vomit , or Purge a man into his Grave , if there be not tender care taken with them ; whereas you may Boil , or Infuse in Water , a Pound of them at a time , as they are in their Natural Principles , and you shall perceive but little more sensible Difference , than from a Draught of fair water . Notwithstanding the latter is certainly a most Excellent Remedy in the Worms , and the first some do magnify for Sweetning the Blood , and other good effects , but I could never observe any great matters from it . The plain Infusion of Iron might likewise here be mentioned ; but of that more hereafter .

Andreas Libavius in a large account about the Aurum and Argentum Potabile , Apocal. Hermet . par. prior cap. 19. tells us a notable Story of a Physician he knew , who was so vainly transported with a Preparation ( of Gold , it is to be presumed ) or a Red Precipitate , which he called the Red Dragon , that with one Grain of it he would undertake to work Miracles , and Cure any Disease in Nature . But the World soon lost his Wonder-working Secret ; for within six Months at least , ( Semestre was the time ) this notable Chymist hapned to Die of an Apoplexy , which the Dragon could not Conquer ; and some of his Wise Admirers fell into such a Rage upon it , that they Blasphemously taxed the Goodness of God to Mankind , in taking away such Precious Artists , before they thought fit ; and yet perhaps it might be an Act of the Greatest Goodness to us , to prevent such Desperate men from doing further mischief ; nay , from downright Murdering and Destroying . Those they Kill , can't speak or accuse their Chymist , and they themselves are so far from acknowledging , or being sensible of the greatest Error , that they 'l put on a Face of Brass to defend their Miscarriages .

After all , this great Chymist , Libavius , a main asserter and defender of the Transmutation of Metals , does not forbear to own , that a great many Cheating Rascals made pretences to the Aurum Potabile , as well as those Chymists before-named . And if once Miracles come to be wrought by the meer virtue of Preparation , whether from Aurum , Argentum , Antimony , or Mercury , &c. without any Thanks to Methodical Application , Physicians do certainly spend their thoughts to fine purpose , and a Blockhead that blows the Fire , and learns how to Dress a great Remedy , may in time fairly come to succeed his Master Operator , and set up for a mighty Curer without any more to do .

But before I leave this Precious Subject , it may not be amiss to speak one word of Aurum Fulminans , a Precipitate of Gold from a Solution in Aq●e Regalis . This Powder is of that prodigious force , that a Grain or two of it , the least quantity of a thing imaginable , being set to heat in a Spoon near the Fire , will give a Bounce like unto a Musquet , and this in the open Air too without the advantage of any resistance ; and Crollius affirms , that a Scruple of this Powder will equalize the noise and force of half a pound of Gunpowder .

There is another Powder mentioned in Lemery , in his Remarks on the Aurum Fulminans ; it consists of 3 parts of Niter , 2 parts of Salt of Tartar , and one of Sulphur . This Powder being likewise heated in a Spoon to the quantity of a Drachm , will give as Thundring a Noise as a Cannon it self . But commend me rather to the Fulminating Gold . Course of Chymistry . For Metallick Preparations will be sure to do more than others , and if they do'nt sometimes appear to do more Good , they will be sure to do more Hurt , before you are aware . And if Metallick , even Solar Preparations , can thus Thunder it away , I humbly take it to be no very good Recommendation of them for Remedies , and where there 's occasion for Sweating , would much rather trust to Venice Treacle , and Sage Posset-drink , than to two or three or half a dozen Grains of this Dreadful Solar Powder .

CHAP. VI.

The Verity of Transmutation of Metals best judged of by Matter of Fact . Some Authors mentioned in Defence of it . Yet all pretended Transmutations thought to be meer Counterfeits . Adulterations to be cautiously treated of . The Philosophers Stone probably a meer Collusion and Trick . Wenceslaus's point examined . No one Alchymist ever yet so Rich as to be Envyed . An Argument against Projection , drawn from Providence . The baser Metals not Transmuted . That supposing the Truth of Projection , it is the greatest Folly to endeavour after it . The Process always undertaken different ways , though by the Rules of the same Author . Penotus a sad Example of what Alchymists ought to fear .

AS for the Metallurgia , or the Art of Transmutation of Metals , it is not a subject so properly to be decided by Argument and Reason , as by Tryal and Experience . Let our Reasonings be never so strong and cogent , yet if plain Matter of Fact evinces the contrary , we ought immediately to acquiesce , and submit to the Real Truth .

Now I must confess , I never was Alchymist enough , to try the utmost that is Possible to be done in these matters . Libavius , Penotus , Hogelande , &c. do stiffly maintain the Transmutation , as indubitable , both of Mercury , Lead , and the like Metals into Gold , and of the viler Metals into one another . Sennertus , a sober Author , De Chymic . cum Arist. & Galen . consens . ac Dissensu , cap. 2. is so well perswaded of the possibility , that he thinks it rash , and imprudent , to deny it . He says , there are Fountains at Smolnitium , a Town in Hungary , which will turn Iron into the best Copper . Nay , that not only Natural , but Artificial Vitriolick Waters are able to turn Iron into Copper , a Red powder sticking to the Iron , which being Melted , will become a good Copper . And therefore he taxes Nicolaus Guibertus with a greater Impudence than ordinary , for denying absolutely any Perfect Transmutation .

But notwithstanding we have had so many plausible Stories of this , and that mans having gotten the Tincture , and almost every body fancies he can Transmute the Viler Metals with ease , yet I cannot tell how to give up my full Assent , even to the Possibility in any one . I know things may be Counterfeited with great cunning and dexterity , but still the most that can be made of them is , that they are Counterfeits . And I never yet met with , or heard of any such Collusion , but that if it be brought to a narrow , and Critical Test , it may by an Able Artist be distinguished from the True kind . Separate two Likes , and you shall hardly resolve which is which ; but bring them together , and try the difference , according to Art , and you can't easily be mistaken , or imposed upon . And it is too well known , that Pseudo-Chymists , the Spawn , if not Legitimate Issue of the more Learned Alchymists , being bred up , and instructed under those Masters , have such an admirable faculty of Counterfeiting Medicines , that it is now become a set Employment , and there is hardly one that is worth a Counterfeiting , that can escape their Contrivances , and they are as busy as Bees , 'till they have found out a Cheat for it . I could here extend upon a great many things , and lay open their base Adulterations , in a great many particulars , that I cannot so much as think of without Indignation , and violent Transport ; and therefore I had rather pass by the particulars , than teach wicked men how to do Mischief . And indeed all Authors should be exceeding careful of shewing their Knowledge in those base Impostures . A hint how to discover the Adulteration does always well , but the other deserves to be buried in the deepest silence . And for this reason Galen was very averse to the Writing a History of Poisons , least the World might happen to receive from it more Harm than Good , and the Woolves , and Monsters of Humane Society might thereby improve their Art of Destruction .

The World sufficiently rings about Raymund Lully , Arnoldus de villà novâ , Roger Bacon , Kelley , Hogelande , Boethius , and several others here and there , as if they were all sanctified upon Earth , with the Power of Projection . And our Cotemporary Wenceslaus had the luck to find out a Treasure of this kind , very lately , being still alive . The Romantick Story was writ by John Joachim Becher , and said to be published at the request of the Honourable , and most Eminent Mr. Boyle . Magnalia Naturae Printed in Black-Fryers 1680. And yet we may observe of this Wenceslaus , that he was one of the greatest Libertines upon Earth in his Moralls , that notwithstanding he had a very large Pot of this Powder of Projection , enough one would think to have bought Empires with , yet his Pot had a Bottom in about two years time , and he grew to be one of the most Wretched Notorious Cheats that ever pretended to Alchymy . He was dip'd over Head and Ears in Debts of all sorts , and was fain to vend Poudred Cinnabar , Red Lead , and the Caput Mortuum of Aqua Fortis boiled , and such like Ingredients instead of the Genuine Powder , mixing also therewith some Filings of Copper , to make it appear the more Glittering and Gold-like . The Grand Elixir at first hearing of , and after having passed an Ordinary Test , strikes men with such Admiration and Reverence , that they are as unwilling strictly to Examine all its Natural qualifications , as to dispute the Existence of the Deity they pay Worship to , or the Power of a Mighty Monarch that they live under . If there be a true Transmutation , as I cannot but somewhat doubt , the Trade shall certainly make a man a Beggar instead of an Emperour , and the Expence that is employed about bringing it to a Tinging Perfection , shall abundantly over-weigh the Profit that it is to produce . We have had no small number of Alchymists in our own days , who were many of them born to fair Estates , and yet all after much Bragging , Counterfeiting , and Lying , have grown Contemptibly Poor and Miserable . If ever one of them had born up against the Stream , and surmounted the necessary consequences of Folly ; if one of them all had hapned to appear as Pompous as they aimed , in any other , than the Fools Paradice , it had been a better Argument for the Reality of Projection , than a thousand Tricks and Stratagems , that they have been certainly Guilty of , and which have at several times been discovered to the World .

I shall urge one Consideration more , upon the Supposition of the Philosophers Stone , that there may be , or has been such a thing unquestionably , and without disguise : I offer , whether it be consistent with the Established and Vnalterable Providence of God over the World , that one man should have that advantage over his Fellow-creatures , as to multiply Riches without end , as it must be supposed that man may , who is Perfect Master of this Secret . I never understood yet , but we are all born to Toyl and Labour , and all subject to the various Revolutions of Fortune . The Greatest Monarch is subject to the same Laws of Nature with Boors and Peasants ; he is not out of the Possibility of being Robb'd of all his Wealth , of being Despised , or overturned even by his Vassals . And there are Bounds determined by Providence , beyond which the most Ambitious Prince can never pass . But granting the conceit of All powerful Projection , the Laws of Nature are subject to be overwhelmed , by the Inexhaustible Purse of a Whimsical Philosopher Paramount . So that I cannot but necessarily conclude , that if the Tinger's Artificial Gold had been Con'd over again and again , some Flaw or other would have been discovered in the Wonderful Jewel , and the Philosopher would have been soon tumbled down from his imaginary Royalty in the Mineral Kingdom .

As to the Transmutation of other Metals into one another , though there 's no such danger of losiing Life or Liberty by being known to do such Feats , yet it is a rare thing to meet with an Alchymist that will offer to convince us throughly even in those matters . I know some will talk as if they could do every thing in nature , and say what they will , they will take it very unkindly to be Contradicted in their Bold Pretences . But I never heard of any yet , who offered to set up for the Merchant , and Traffick'd with Copper for Coals . Some of them perhaps have ventured their Neck to make Pieces of Eight , and will shew you a Medal or two which may pass off much as well , as a Gilded Brass-Ring . They will make you a Silver at Half a Crown an Ounce , and this Silver may be work'd into a Plate Vessel just as Wholesome as Copper it self . And after all , the Famous Artist had better have been bred to the Plough , and might that way have gotten a better , and I am sure , an Honester Livelihood .

But again , supposing the Truth of Projection , as largely as they would fancy , yet can such a Rarity in an Age , such a Phaenix as Paracelsus calls it , sufficiently encourage a Sober man to lay aside all other thoughts , and to dedicate his whole time to the vain hopes of attaining the Grand Elixir ? A Sorry Slovenly Fellow seeing my Lord Mayor in all his Pomp and Greatness , had much more reason to conclude , This we must all come to , than a fond Alchymist , because he has seen some Books , which offer to describe this Great Work , and because once in a long time , and one among an Infinite number of Labourers , is said to have gotten the Prize , that therefore he must needs be another of those Fortunate men . There be divers Books which Teach Magick , and how to Conjure , as there be also divers which would instruct us in the Process . And yet I am strangely misinform'd by others , who had as much mind to Conjure , as these to find out the Philosophers Stone ; if all the Arts of Conjuration , that are taught in Books , can help a too Inquisitive man to Practise Magick , as it is talk'd of . A man should no more Believe all that he Reads , than all that he Hears . A Lye , or a Mistake , is a Lye or a Mistake , whether it be Printed , or Told . And some Writers have been as Guilty of Falshood or Inadvertency , as those that do not Write , but Talk . And the same Al-Chymical Writers , who would pretend to Teach the World Great Improbabilities , if not Impossibilities on this subject , do , we find plainly , take a larger Liberty than ordinary , in recommending the Virtues of their long-winded and long-worded Magisterial Preparations . Lord , how Happy should the World be in Remedies , if the Hundredth part of what they aloud maintain , would upon Tryal prove Constantly True ! Is there ever a one Great Chymical Medicine , Great I mean in respect of its Preparation , that Wonders are not spoken of , and long Panegyricks made of , as if they were all to come within a hairs breadth of the Vniversal Medicine . And I cannot but here declare , that upon discoursing the most Eminent Practical Physicians , ( and in this Town we want not Opportunities to do it ) I never yet heard one man , whose Judgement I had reason to value , presume to own , that in any one Great Preparation he had found Experience fully to answer the pretended Virtues ascribed to it by Chymical Authors . For if a Remedy has its effect in some slight and indifferent case , it does not follow , that it must needs perform the same in greater cases of the like nature . And that which will agree very well with one sort of Constitution , shall as absolutely disagree with others under the same kind of Disease .

So that if the Grand Process were to be Learn'd by Books , it is of no small moment to be consider'd , that every Author varies his Hints after a Different manner , and takes care to wrap up his Information in such Clouds of Darkness , that I verily believe it is absolutely Impossible for Two Operators exactly to pursue the same Method from the same Author , without Confederacy , though both should as strictly as possible follow the Instructions of the same Book . And most of those very men , who are said to have gained the Tincture , do ascribe it rather to Chance than Cunning , and their Choicest Rules will hardly enable them a second time to perform , what upon a former Essay they stumbled upon by Chance .

Now for those that will not be perswaded , who will needs run gadding after Chimaera's , or Wills with a Wisp , before they are misled into forlorn inaccessible places , or fall into the Dirt , which they will never afterwards wipe off ; I would desire them to read , and consider well the sad Story of their Predecessor Penotus . He was an Alchymist , Hand and Heart , a man of no contemptible capacity in other respects , but most wretched and Vnfortunate in his Chymical Adventures . Senuertus tells us , De consens . & Dissensu Galen . & Perip . cam Chymicis , cap. 2. he received a Letter concerning him from a Friend of his in Berne in Switzerland , dated November 1617. who writ him word , that at Yverdon , a Town in that Canton , this Penotus had lately died in the Hospital . He had been a great Vindicator of Alchymy all his life , 'till towards his latter end ; he had spent all his Fortune , in quest of those Vain Treasures , and after all was reduced to that Extremity , that an Hospital was the best shelter he could find . A little before he died , which was in the 98 year of his Age , ( and if he had gotten the Philosophical Idol , that he Worshipped so long , I dare engage he would never have lived to near that Great Age , ) before he Died ; Fabritius ab Aquapendente , the Famous Chirurgeon makes him a Visit , and pressed the poor man now to impart his Secrets , for the Good of the Publick ; to which request he at length replyed , and 't is so true , that it is pity it should be a Secret : That if he had an Enemy he wish'd ill to , and did not dare to assail by force , he could wish him no greater a Curse , than that he would give himself up to the Study of Alchymy .

CHAP. VII .

Of Distillation . Distilled Waters wherein Vseful ; and how best drawn . Waters Distilled from Animals , as Capon-Water , Snail-Water , &c. and the D●stillata Restaurantia , insignificant or ineffectual Medicines . The Juscula Consummata much more Nutritive . Milk-Waters improperly Distilled , and apt to breed a Dropsy in Consumptive People . Divers Fruits , and Plants , &c. which yield not their Virtues upon Distillation in an Alembick . The Empyreumatical Distilled Oyls rather Creatures of Fire , than Natural Principles of the Plant. Zwelfer's best way of Distilling Waters ; and a Remark on the use of Distillation in Germany . Distillations in a Reverberatory much more liable to suspition , than a Sand-heat , or Balneum . The difference between a Real Physician , and an Empirick . A Solution of Sublimate Corrosive in Water , given by one for the Worms . Fire how far useful in the Preparation of Remedies . The Reverberatory Fire described . Acid Spirits to be tenderly used . Dismal effects from Acid Spirits recounted by Gaspar Hoffman . Acid Spirits to be given rather Dulcified . Chymical Oyls in some respects Suspitious . An instance in proof of it , from Sack and Claret ; and another from the Dissection of a Notorious Sack-Drinker . The Eleosacchara one of the best ways of giving Distilled Oyls . That Fire can increase the very Weight of some Remedies . Volatile Spirits are Blessings we owe to Chymistry , and why . How Volatile Salts do differ from the Spirits . The Fixing Volatile Salts , and Volatilizing Fixt Salts , are but time lost . No great difference between one Volatile , and another , nor between one Fix'd Salt and t'other . In what uses both sorts do agree . No Natural Alkali Salts ; but all produced by Fire . Natural Alkalis recommended , both in themselves , and in regard to their Dose . A Safe and Honest Rule .

DIstillation being the most Comprehensive Operation of Chymistry , and yielding singly a greater number of Preparations than all the rest united together , I shall be somewhat larger on this Copious subject , and speak both to the Nature of Distillation in its several branches , and to some of the Principal Medicines that are wont to be Distilled .

Distilled Waters , whether Compound , or Simple , if they are Fresh , and partake strongly of the Plant , are doubtless of very good use , in that they are ready on all sudden occasions , both for the Basis of Juleps , and to serve for Vehicles to Powders , Electuaries , &c. They will Preserve a good while , which Decoctions will not , and the Juyces , which are commonly more Effectual , yet are not so agreeable to the Palate .

Quercetan commends them , and justly enough , as much the better , when drawn in a Vaporous Bath , or in a Balneum , by which means the Empyreume that is apt to attend them is wholly avoided , and the Natural Virtues of the Plants are kindly communicated without any Impression of Fire . And if thus the Plants are Distilled , without addition of Water , they are things of excellent use .

Waters Distilled from Flesh , as the many sorts of Aqua Caponis , Hirundinum , &c. as they are commonly performed , the Destillata Restaurantia , Snail Waters , and the like , seem rather a shew of Art , then capable of answering their Intentions . Some Ingenious , or Leading men , have thought fit to flourish with their Pen , and shew how they can curiously expatiate , and leave the sign of an Artist behind them , upon every occasion that offers it self . But if they had Deliberately consider'd , they would certainly have found , that the Nourishment of Animals could not this way have been Communicated . An insignificant Elementary Water may indeed be Drawn off , and such as does sensibly enough partake of the Aromaticks , or other Ingredients , commonly added to the Distillation , but the Alimentary Juyce of Animals being of a viscous jelly nature , will not so easily rise , but remains at bottom ; and they that are used to the Distillation of Vrine , the Serum of the Bloud , or to that of the Bloud it self , will find , that the Spirits though Volatile , will not come , 'till forc'd at last by a good Fire , that abundance of Insipid water must first separate from the Vrine , before that Excellent Spirit will vouchsafe to shew its self . Nor will those Spirits free themselves from their Clogs , or be in a capacity to exert their Activity , to the best advantage , until they have undergone a second trial by Cohobation , and Rectification .

The Juscula Cousummata , or strong Expressions of Decocted Animals , will nourish to much better purpose and effect , than such fruitless , and improper Distillations .

There 's another thing grown into much request of late , and yet as insignificant as the former , Distilled Milk I mean . Some do prescribe it as familiarly as any other Distilled water , as if it would keep good for a year together , and every Apothecary were as well provided with it , as Rose , or Black-Cherry water . Whereas it is a thing that will be apt to sowre sooner than we are aware , and Apothecaries upon whose hands it has hapned to sowre , will be apt rather to use that , such as it is , which they have ready by them , than to Distil afresh upon every small occasion , or fancy . But if they did , I do'nt see what great benefit we should obtain . Nay perhaps the best of it does more harm than Good . For the Water , the meer Water that rises , is so far from being egregiously Nourishing , that I cannot esteem it so good as Whey , either in respect of the thin Nourishment , or the Detersive quality , which in some measure accompanies ordinary Whey . It is indeed a sort of Distill'd Water , but of very little or no advantage in Consumptive cases , and many are of the mind , that Milk fresh from the Cow , and especially Asses Milk , is another-guess sort of Jewel , than the Distilled Milk Waters . Besides , it is well known in Consumptions , and it is pity but it were more thought on , that Milk Waters have very often brought the Patients into a Dropsy , and so added one Great Inconvenience to another . From a Weeks taking of it , their Bodies have begun to Swell , and when a man 's once Declining and Pining away , a little help make the Disease Irrecoverable , but a great deal of care and caution is requisite to set them up again .

There are a great many sorts of things that will not communicate their Virtues and Properties , when Distilled in an Alembick , in a Balneum Mariae , the usual way of the Compound Waters of the Shops ; though sometimes they may be also Distill'd in the same Vessel in Sand , or else in a Copper-Vesica , remembring always then to add some Appropriate Liquor to the Ingredients . For example : Many Acid , or Sweet-Fruits , as Pears , Apples , Quinces , Dates , Figs , Almonds , Barberries , Myrobalans ; the Roots of Comfrey , Tormentill , Bistort , Burnett , or other Astringent Roots ; also the Roots of Succory , Sorrel , Bugloss , Marshmallows , and Liquorice ; Balaust Flowers , Sloes , Acacia , and Hypocistis ; likewise many Esculent Plants , and also Woods , &c. These upon Distillation in an Alembick , by pouring Liquors upon them , do yield out none of their Natural Virtues , and you can obtain nothing else in reality , besides a kind of Insipid Phlegm , though you should pursue the Distillation for a Week together . And the same may be said of Distilled Catharticks .

And for the other way of Distilling Vegetables in a Glass Retort Luted , with a great Fire , and driving out , after the Phlegm , first an Acid Empyreumatical Spirit , then a Yellowish , and at last a Blackish Oyl , I am apt to think they are rather Creatures of the Fire , than Natural Principles of the Vegetable , and are fitter for Hysterical Women to Smell to , and to make Frications withall outwardly , than to take inwardly as Common Medicines .

Zwelfer , an understanding , and through-paced Chymist in the most Rational Sense , Animad v. in Classs . 15 Pharmac . August . does after all sorts of trials recommend the most ordinary and common way of Distilling Waters , with a Body and Head in Sand , to be the very best of all . And in Germany indeed the Art of Distillation is now so well understood , that I have heard a Physician , who Travelled lately through it , should say , he was more certain to find in every House a Still and a Furnace , than a Kettle , or Frying-Pan . So that if ever we have fresh Intelligence concerning any Modern Philosophers Stone , it must be thence we are to expect it , and with very good reason too , where all Hands are at Work .

Distillation is usually performed either in a Balneum , or in Sand , or in a Reverberatory Furnace . The two first , and especially the first of all , are of exceeding benefit to the good improvement of Natural Remedies , and the first is therefore advisedly and judiciously recommended in abundance of places in our Dispensatory . The Reverberatory is the last , and Extreamest trial , that it is possible for the Ingenious Invention of mankind to contrive , in order to Torture mix'd bodies , and force them to Confess or Impart their Real , or Pretended Virtues . And I am afraid , that as people upon the Wrack do often Confess Vntruths , in hopes thereby to deliver themselves from that Extremity of Torture , so Natural Bodies though they have no Intelligence of the Chymists Cruelty to them , in thus Anatomizing or else Analysing them with the hottest Fire that can be made , yet that they often reward their pains with Disguises instead of Realities , and are forc'd by the Violent Fire to Communicate False , and supposed Principles , and such as are not Naturally in them , after the manner that we obtain them .

In a Sand-heat may be drawn Volatile Spirits , as of Vrine , Blood , Soot , Harts-horn ; and the Spirit of Sal Armoniack may be likewise so drawn , according to our Dispensatory , much better and more innocently in my opinion , than according to others in a Reverberatory . Such kind of Heats are not so Violent , nor do they contribute that strong Impression of Fire , which must needs be communicated by the way of a Reverberatory . And the interposition of Water or Sand , besides the Furnace wherein the Vessel is placed , are very considerable circumstances to preserve the Distilled Liquors from a too great Participation of Fire . And howsoever Fond Chymists , or Bigotted Operators may smile at the imagination , that their Adored , and all-powerful Vulcan can do any hurt to Remedies , yet upon calm thoughts , and an impartial consideration they will at length find , that Fire in its full force is a most Destructive Consuming Principle , and that we ought in Conscience to be very tender and timorous in the use of such Medicines , as have plentifully received , and I may say , Imbodied Fire into their very Substance , and Essential Composition .

The difference between a Real Physician , and a Quack-Pretender , does commonly appear in this , that the first is Cautious , Deliberate , and Prudently Timorous in all Doubtful cases , or Dangerous circumstances , he does generally to others , in their several degrees , as he would be content to be dealt withall himself under the same circumstances ; the Latter is Rash , Inconsiderate , and stifly heady in every thing he does , his Ignorance makes him Daring , and he always ventures to Promise Infallible success , from the nicest , most uncertain , and most Desperate Remedies that are known in Nature , or contrived by Art . If it were possible for him to give Fire in all its Terror and Flames , you may be sure he would not boggle at it . The more Suspitious a Medicine is to a Prudent Considerate man , the more Bold he is in the use of it ; as if he had a Priviledge to do what he lists , in no less a matter than Life and Death , from his Empirical qualification of Ignorance and Impudence inseparably mixed together . He never exhibits a Vomit with less than Mercurius vitae , Turbith Mineral , or some subtile Preparation of Antimony ; his Purge never fails to be deleterious , or Mercurial ; and as those men do often the utmost mischief by such Violent Preparations , so they sometimes happen to do marvels , which an Understanding man cannot , because he dares not safely venture . I have met with a Story of a Madman , who endeavouring to knock out his Brains , brought on himself such a Haemorrhage , as immediatly Cured him of his Madness ; and of another , who Stabbing a Daggar into his Breast , in Despair , Cured himself of an Impostume ; and yet if others should venture to try the same Experiments , I would not Promise them a bare Possibility of the like success .

An Vnlicensed Practitioner in Physick , in this Town , was once so free as to acquaint me , as an inestimable Secret too , that he used for a Remedy in the Worms , a Solution of a small quantity of Sublimate Corrosive its self in Water , and he seemed Transported with delight at the very mention of so notable a Remedy . Mercurius Dulcis , it s Younger Brother , by three or four Sublimations , was despised by him as nothing . And Wormseed , Aloes , Burnt Hartshorn , Savine , Corallina , &c. were fit to be Laught at as Childrens Remedies , not his . Sublimate Corrosive was his Delight and Glory , and he could hardly express the good he had observed from it . I could not but be very Serious , at the hearing such a Relation , and it affected me with Pathetical thoughts , that the Common Civility of Conversation made me forbear at that time to urge . For it is a most Sad and bewailing Reflection , that the Rankest Poisons in the World , without a mask , should be given inwardly to Innocent Children , whose tender condition can hardly bear the most Mild , and Gentle things of all , without a great deal of strugling .

But to return , Fire as bad as it may prove , is the Deity of Besotted Chymists . They can hardly allow a good Word to any kind of Remedy , that has not past through the Fiery Tryal . And perhaps it may be a main , though an unperceivable reason , why they so much admire all Metallick Preparations above others , because they do undergo the greatest degree of Fire . I am no enemy to Fire any otherwise than as it is an enemy to us . The Providence of God has so ordered the whole frame of this World , in every particular that I know of , that upon serious consideration every individual thing in nature will be found exceeding Vseful , in some respect or other , either to the whole in general , or some remarkable part of it . Fire it self , that is so terrible an Element , when exceeding its due bounds , when it is our Master , and not our Servant , is otherwise of as great use and service to mankind , as any one thing that can be named . And a Moderate Fire will as much help to improve Remedies , as an excessive one will serve to destroy them . When it is managed as it ought to be , it opens bodies , unlocks their faculties , and is a very great Assistant to Art in the right Preparation of divers Medicines ; but if it be driven to Extreams , and Artificially Reverberated upon Remedies with the strongest Vnion of heat that can be contrived , it shall entirely destroy the Radical and Natural virtues of mix'd bodies , and instead of those that Nature ingrafted in them , shall Create New ones , which whither they be upon second thoughts of greater service to the World , than what an Infinite Wisdom did , or was able to effect , I cannot but seriously doubt .

The Nature of a Reverberatory Fire is best considered in a Laboratory ; there you may see the Retort , which contains the Ingredients to be Distilled , placed in the midst of the most Violent Fire , that Chymical Art and Invention could tell how to contrive . For many hours , and days together the strongest force of Fire is experimented , the Retort and the Ingredients in it are all the while converted into as true a Fire , as the Wood or Coals themselves , only upon looking into the Furnace , you will see the Coals in form of burning Coals , and the Retort in form of a burning Retort .

Now there are but very few things in nature , which can endure such violent burnings , without considerable alterations , if not Transmutations into other kinds . There may be one Metal , Gold , and one Stone , the Asbestos , or Amianthus , which will not Consume from what it was , or yield out Chymical Principles , by this continuance of the greatest Fire ; but most of the others will yield out Spirits , Oyls , or Salts , which prove like Swords or Daggers , Fatal in the hands of Children or Fools , and ought to be used by the Wisest men with great caution , and circumspection . Those vehement productions of Chymistry have gained either Reputation or Contempt , according as the Brains of men have been either hotter or cooler . But in this last Age , the Bellows have been blown with fuller strength than ordinary , and Furnaces have become Schools , wherein some men of Parts and Understanding , as well as hot-spurs and flashes , have pleased to spend the greatest portion of their time , expecting by force of Art to bring Nature to what they please .

And yet the Paracelsian Phaenix , which liv'd in the Golden Age , and in the Kingdom of Vtopia , whither abundance of Alchymists have Travelled , is dead or wholly lost to Inquisitive Philosophers . The most zealous Chymists can only talk and write Miracles , but not perform them cleaverly ; the most Famed Preparations , which the Authors have bestowed large Panegyricks upon , and with a most peremptory assurance have represented as Infallible Catholicons , do upon trial in Faithful or Skilfull hands not answer Expectation , or make good the Promises concerning them .

As for the Distillation in a Reverbatory , it is found chiefly to produce , either Acid Corrosive Spirits , or Burning Empyreumatical Oyls . The Acid Spirits , which can so powerfully Corrode , and Dissolve the strongest Metalls , that they shall be reduced into a clear Liquor , will upon calm reflection to a considering man appear too too capable of destroying the Tender Principles of Life . And however they may be useful upon some very great occasions , and therefore ought not to be wholly Banished out of Apothecaries Shops , yet in ordinary or common cases , wherein they are now apt to be used much oftner than is really necessary , I should think it the duty both of a Good Man , and an Honest Physician , to be exceeding Cautious in the liberal use of these Acid Spirits , as they ought most certainly to be in all other things , which may in much Probability be of dangerous consequence .

Indeed for a small time Acid Spirits , ( where Acids are requisite , or properly Indicated ) will give a strange check to the violence of some Diseases ; but continue their use a little longer than is fitting , and the Stomach , or some Principal Part , or the whole Body in general will remarkably suffer in some respect or other . I shall instance particularly in Spirit , or Oyl of Vitriol , Libello de Thermis Hirsbergens . which Gaspar Hoffman maintains to have rendred divers of his Patients Cachectick , and very infirm , upon the continuance of it , though at first they did seem to receive sensible Benefit , from its strengthning the Stomach , creating an Appetite , and allaying the Defluxions ; and upon the grounds of his Particular Experience , he thinks fit to disswade people from being too Bold with this Acid Spirit , or from using it too long , least it should be found at last to destroy the Natural Heat , which is necessary for Concoction ; and least it should bring inconveniences to the Body , which are rather to be lamented , than afterwards The same Author in another place asserts , That he saw some men , who upon an unadvised long use of this Corrosive Spirit did at last ( seem to ) Vomit up part of their Lungs all Corroded and coloured like unto Vitriol ; that he saw one whose Liver seemed to come up in Bits ; that divers persons just before their Deaths did grievously bewail their Error in accustoming their Bodies to this Spirit , and that they felt their inward Parts all Burnt and Corroded , and did suffer intolerable pains thereby . Particularly he mentions a famous Limner , who would needs try an Experiment , and Cure himself of the Gout , by the use of the Oyl of Vitriol , but who instead of that had destroyed his Vitals , and a little before his Death complained of Pungent Pains , like the pricking of Needles all over his body . And hence you may see , that such Keen Spirits are not be play'd with upon every slight occasion , and when they may , or are to be used , they must not be insisted on too peremptorily or over-long . It will not be amiss to remember again and again , that Medicines which owe their existence to a strong Reverberatory Fire , are rather to be touch'd , than dwelt upon ; and I do not doubt , but it were much better for the World , if Physicians had known nothing at all of those Great Chymical Preparations , than for them to be so fondly in love with them , as never to part with 'em out of their thoughts , or to be using them without fear or wit .

Acid Spirits may indeed be Dulcified with Rectified Spirit of Wine , whether by a Digestive Circulation , or by a New Distillation in Sand , it matters not much . And when they are so Dulcified , they lose great part of their Sting , and are doubtless far better , and more Innocent as to Use , then with their Corrosion entire . So that Prudent men , who are concern'd in earnest about the good or ill consesequences of their Remedies , do now oftner advise the Acid Spirits Dulcified , of Salt , Vitriol , Niter , &c. than they will the simple Acids , in their full strength and power . Besides , not only the effects are safer from the Dulcified Spirits , but the Dose may be that way considerably enlarged , and hereby we receive the good of Acids without the mischiefs , and they are more adapted to the Tender Principles of Man .

The Nature of Distilled Chymical Oyls may be a little guess'd at by the very Dose they are given in . Two or three drops at a time are generally thought to be very fair , whither because they are loaded with more Fire than the Acid Spirits , and are therefore the more Inflamable , or else because of their sluggish motion out of the Stomach , and so Heating the Part the more vehemently ; Oyls being not so nimble as Spirits in dispersing themselves , but the Effects of Oyls are the more durable . 'T is certain that these Oyls are very Empyreumatical , and plainly enough discover , how nearly they are related to the Fire that brought them forth .

Liquors which are impregnated with great store of Chymical Oyls , are much more dangerous to accustom the Body to , than such as are more Spirituous . For example , the daily loading the Stomach with Sack will prove much sooner Fatal , then a longer and larger use of French-Wines . Sack is known to yield abundance of Oyl , and but little Spirit , whereas French-Wines yield a great many Spirits , and little or no Oyl . And hence our great Sack-Drinkers do seldom hold out long , for the Warm Oyl continuing some time upon their Stomachs , the Praeternatural Heat does by degrees Burn , and prey upon their Vitals ; whereas the Spirits in French-Wines do pass off nimbly into the Blood , and a good part of those Wines is soon evacuated by the way of Vrine , the burning force of the remainder being in a short time equally distributed through the whole body , and consequently the less pernicious .

To give an instance in proof of my assertion , I shall here offer a very remarkable passage that has hapned in my Practice . A Gentleman of about 36 years of Age had by degrees reduced his body to an insensible necessity of Drinking Sack for his constant daily Liquor . He was a Dead man , if he had not his Draughts of Sack several times every day . Nothing else at last could so much as Warm his craving Stomach , insomuch that he quickly brought himself into an Irrecoverable Consumption . After he had taken his Bed for good and all , he sent for me , who soon acquainted his Friends , that it was too late for Physick to do him any good . And when he was Dead , they desired me to Open his Body , and see what his Intemperance in Sack had there produced . And I found his Liver so throughly Boiled with the Constant Heat , that a Sound Liver could not well be more Boiled over the Fire , than his was by his use of Sack . It was in Colour and Brittleness the very same as a long-boiled Liver can be . And though Diet can qualifie the Heat of a Living Liver ; yet I am sure no Art can Vnboil it again , any more than make a new one .

Nevertheless I would not wholly condemn the use of Chymical Oyls , as altogether Unsafe in respect of inward use . The Eleosacchara Cinnam . Sassafr . Citr . Mac. Faenicul . &c. are not only pleasant and agreeable to the Palate , but both acceptable and beneficial to the Stomach , and in Delicate natures will be admitted kindly , where other Remedies breed an aversion . And I take that Form of giving Distilled Oyls to be one of the best that can be thought of ; for the Particles of Oyl are excellently well separated by the quantity of Sugar , an Ounce of Sugar commonly to a Scruple of Distilled Oyl ; so that hereby the exception on account of Fire is avoided , and their good safely and pleasantly in a proper Liquor communicated .

That Fire can really make a more than ordinary Impression upon Remedies , and that in Distillation even their Weight and Substance can be increased by admission of Fiery parts , may be seen in the Appendix to Monsieur Lemery's Course of Chymistry , Pag. 34 , 35 Remarks on Sal Saturni . a Book wherein Chymistry is discoursed of without Vanity , Obscurity , or Affectation , and I think I may say , a Chymical Book , that has never yet had its Fellow , for an unprejudiced account , both of Chymical Remedies , and Chymical Notions too .

Volatile Spirits are or may best be drawn in a more Mild and Natural Heat , than that of the Reverberatory . The Spirits of Vrine , Hartshorn , Sal Armoniack , &c. are Blessings indeed , which we owe to Chymistry , and are of excellent use , where the Spirits are spent or impoverished , or where the Blood is Soured by Acids , and in divers sorts of Obstructions . They come the nearest of any thing to our Conception of the Animal Spirits , the Principle of Motion and Sensation , and being of so exceeding fine and subtile a texture , that their Impression is wont to be communicated , as swift as Lightning , from the Nervous Coat of the Stomach to the Spirits dispersed in the other Nerves of the body , as in Faintings and Swoundings is most sensibly perceived ; without doubt these Volatile Spirits , so nearly related to the Animal , are the most proper Instruments in the World to restore and cherish the Animal , when either part of them are lost , or all weakned by too long duty .

Volatile Salts are of the same nature with the Spirits ; they are at first drawn confusedly together , and afterwards separated by Rectification , or Sublimation . The Spirits are only a Volatile Salt dissolv'd in Phlegm , and a throughly Rectified Volatile Spirit will not , or cannot dissolve those Salts , the Liquor must be Phlegmatick that is to receive them . They are both of an equal use , only they are a variety to please the different palats of patients , and the different conceits of Artists .

As for the Fixing a Volatile Salt , or Volatilizing a Fix'd Salt , with which Conceits some Authors and Ingenious men have abundantly pleased themselves , they will at last find that the Mysteries and Secrets have been far greater than the Effects , that the Mountains bring forth little more than a Mouse , and that the Preparation after all is nothing else but a meer Incorporation of a Fix'd and Volatile Salt together . Two contrary qualities have remitted their Contrariety , and by mutual consent have met one another half way , and by the result of this Coalition do at last compose a kind of Mix'd Medicine , that is neither Truly Volatile , nor Truly Fix'd , but Hermaphroditical and Adiaphorous . So that if you have occasion for a Volatile Remedy , here is an Imperfect Volatile ; and if you have occasion for a Fix'd Remedy , here is an Imperfect Fix'd , and if the virtue of Preparation will make an Imperfect Medicine ( Imperfect I say , in order to answer an Indication ) more effectual than a Perfect , it may in time make a stronger degree of Fire to be not so Hot , or not to Burn so much , as a less Intense degree , nay it may in time do the most Absurd , and most impossible things in nature . The Volatile and Fix'd qualities are perhaps to draw the Medicine into an Aequilibrium , one to draw it upwards , and t'other downwards , so that it shall neither rise nor fall , but hang in the middle , as Mahomet's Tomb is said to do , between two Loadstones . But it comes to be much the same thing , whether we Heat a Cold Liquor , or Cool a Hot , 't will either way become Tepid ; whether we make an Acid Sweet , or a Sweet Acid , 't will either way prove but Insipid . What a vain , but loud noise have some made about Fixing Mercury into Lead , or Volatilizing Lead into Mercury ? The Volatile Salt of Tartar has been a Jewel that hardly any thing less than the Philosophers Stone could equal . And yet after all , we buy Wind and Smoak , a Volatile will be a Volatile , whatsoever it is drawn from ; and though there may be some Difference between Volatiles , as also between Fix't , yet it will prove to be but a small Difference . They do both agree in helping to carry off serous humours , where they abound , by way of Sweat ; they do both agree in Sweetning the Humours of the Body , when they turn Acid ; both the Spirit of Sal Armoniack , which is a Volatile Salt , and the Oyl , or Salt of Tartar , which is a Fix'd Salt , will serve to precipitate Fluid Acid Salts , either without the Body in Vessels , or within the Body , by way of Sweat , or Vrine , after due preparations first made .

Fix'd Alkali Salts are made by burning the Plants into Ashes , or by Calcination , then making a Lixivium , which is to be Filtrated and Evaporated , 'till the Salt remains alone . They have a good use in Physick , on divers occasions , as before , but being Creatures of the Fire , and having no existence , as such , in nature , until Art and Fire have given them their Birth , as is at large proved by Monsieur Lemery in his foresaid Book ; a Prudent man ought always to remember their Original , and not to remain too long in the Continuation of them , no more than in the use of Fix'd Acid Spirits , for the same reason : For as the Acid Spirits , if obstinately urged , will Corrode and Burn the tender Principles of Life , so will the Fix'd Porons or Alkali Salts pall and weaken their Tone , if indiscreetly or over-long continued .

There are Natural Alkalis enough , which will very well serve to answer the Indication of Sweetning Acids , as there are also Natural Acids which will very well serve to repair the Laxness of the Blood , without an unnecessary recourse to those Creatures of Fire , Artificial Alkalis , or Acids . Pearl , Oriental Bezoar , Crabs-eyes , Chalk , Corall , &c. are Alkalis which deserve not to be neglected or forgotten ; and if we would sometimes mend , or fortifie our hand , by giving a Drahm at a time , instead of a Scruple , or a few Grains , I dare be bold to say , we should find the less need of Alkali Artificial Salts . And this may be a Rule of good use , not to be too Timorous in the use of Safe , Innocent , and Natural Remedies , as we cannot easily be Timorous enough in the use of Dangerous , Uncertain , or Great Artificial Preparations . Some have said , and perhaps well too , that Poison is not Poison in the hands of a good Physician , and so Fire , or Fiery Medicines , may not be Fiery , or of a destructive nature , in the management of a Cautious , and Understanding man . Yet still Poison , though Corrected , or under-dosed , though exhibited by a Son of Art , and by the best Physician in reality , will notwithstanding all our Care and Cunning , be apt to exert its Primitive Radical faculties ; and a good man ought always to remember the Essential qualifications of a thing in dispute , or justly liable to some Suspition . Too much Boldness in Suspitious Medicines , and too much Timerousness in those that are by all granted to be Safe and Wholesom , are equally Extreams , and deserve to be blamed . Experience , the true Touchstone of what is Reasonable , and what not , what is Safe , or Unsafe , will at last reduce a Considering Serious man from either Extream into the Middle way , which instructs us to lay aside that Passion and Prejudice by which men are apt to be led into Errors , and with an Impartial judgment , and mind grown steady in the Right , and Flexible from the Wrong , to weigh and determine the inherent Excellencies of Natural , and the adventitious Imperfections of Artificial Remedies .

CHAP. VIII .

Of Mercury , why used by Chymists more than Gold or Silver . Why it were to be wish'd that no Mercurial or Antimonial Preparations might be Bought or Sold without Publick Allowance . Mercurius Dulcis , a common Remedy , sometimes Prepared from Arsenick , instead of Sublimate . The way of distinguishing True Sublimate Corrosive from the Adulterate . The Quack-Pills universally Mercurial . Argentum vivum , or Quicksilver why so called ; and why Mercury . Chymists and Alchymists , why Lyars and Cheats . Mercury whither a Poison or not . The Universal Pox in all probability never throughly Cured without it . In what Diseases Mercury is now used . Six Great Remedies thought capable of answering the whole Design of Physick . Hippocrates his Six Nessaries in order to make a Physician , opposed to that Opinion . Vnprepared Mercury recommended both in Infusion and Substance . Hart-man prefers it before the Preparations . How it is injurious to the Nerves ; as also the Mineral Vapours to those who work in the Mines . Notwithstanding divers Sad Stories of Mercury , yet not concluded to be an Essential Poison . A Caution in the use of it .

ANd now I have thus spoken to the main Operation of Chymistry , Distillation , the Chymists Delight , and Theater , their chief Occupation and Trade , I shall immediately descend to some Particulars , the Subjects of their usual Labours and consider some of them as Impartially as I can , and with as much Brevity as may be .

The first that commonly recommends it self to a Chymists Trial is Mercury , the Materia Prima of Metals , nay if you 'l believe the Adeptists , the Materia Prima of the very Philosophers Stone . For though Gold and Silver are more Precious Metals , yet being very untoward as to Distillation , and yielding as good as no Chymical Principles of Spirit , Salt , and Sulphur , they are made to truckle under Mercury ; which pliant , tractable , but very uncertain Mineral is capable of undergoing more different disguises , and receiving more different Forms , than any thing else excepting Antimony , which two do in a manner equally divide the Regency of the Mineral Kingdom , yet in Subordination to their Solar King , to whom all the Philosophers by Fire do pay their Hottest Devotions , and submit as to the End of all their Labours . They hope indeed at last to find Mountains of Gold , which the Philosophical Mercury is to lead them to , but as to their Operations upon Gold and Silver , they can only Dissolve them with Corrosive Spirits , and then Precipitate them into Powders , of which how one will Thunder it , I have treated before . Mercury will find work enough for the most Curious , and Indefatigable Operator , it will yield divers sorts of Precipitates , and Sublimations , Salts , Spirits , Sulphurs , Oyls , Liquors , Tinctures , &c. which you may read , or satifie your Curiosity concerning , in Schroder , and divers other Authors .

Now although Mercury and Antimony , under the hands of Sober , and Expert Physicians , may be Prepared into Remedies of Greater Use than ordinary , and therefore may not deserve to be utterly Banished from the Province of Physick , yet being at best some of the most uncertain , strongest , and most Dangerous Medicines that are to be invented , and this when Prepared the most Artificially and Care fully that may be , it were much to be wish'd , that no Preparation of them were to be Bought or Sold , but what was derived from persons appointed to make them by Publick Authority , and that no Quacks , or Illegal Pretenders to Physick , should be allowed at all to deal in them . If our hand or thoughts are never so little Careless , either in the Dose , the Preparation , or the Administration of many of those Medicines , the consequence is no less than Certain Death , or the greatest hazard imaginable . There is hardly a man alive , who is conversant at all in the World , in places where they are commonly used , but he has met or heard of some lamentable instances of this nature , in Confirmation , and too true Testimony of what I say ; insomuch that I cannot but sometimes wonder , that the Publick Authority does not think this a matter worthy their most Serious Consideration , and that Apothecaries and Druggists are not as strictly prohibited from Dispensing or Selling Medicines of such Nice and Dangerous consequence , as they are or ought to be Cautious in the vending of downright Poisons . Mercurius Dulcis is now as commonly Sold , as Rhubarb and Aloes , and yet we all know that Mercurius Dulcis is a Preparation from Sublimate Corrosive ; nay farther , that Sublimate Corrosive is often counterfeited with Arsenick , one of the rankest and most dismal Poisons that is to be met with . The way of knowing the true Sublimate from Arsenical is by rubbing a little of it with Salt of Tartar , for if it then proves Yellow , it is true Sublimate , if it proves Black , 't is most Certainly an Adulteration with Arsenick . Now I am afraid , that all persons who deal in Sublimate Corrosive , in order to prepare Mercurius Dulcis , are not so throughly instructed in the way of distinguishing this Adulteration . So that if the sweet Sublimate , happens to be prepared from foresaid Arsenical Sublimate what a Pernicious and Destructive Remedy must this be for tender Children , or others , to whom it is often administred for the Worms , and many other Distempers ! But besides , the Town ever now and then rings with an account of some strange Accidents from a single Dose of Mercurius Dulcis ; they shall have the same Symptoms , as from Real Poisons ; and though the Dispensers of the Poison do always excuse themselves upon the account or a mistake of the Corrosive for the sweet Sublimate , yet I am apt to impute it to that other mistake of Preparing the Mercurius Dulcis from Arsenical , rather than True Sublimate . And now what a lamentable consideration must it be , that the whole herd of Quacks and Empiricks do conspire as one man to give some Preparation of Mercury in all their Pills that are exposed to Sale ! as if no Credit were to be got , no good to be performed , without throwing the Dye for All , without downright Killing or Curing upon a most uncertain , nay Dangerous Chance .

Argentum vivum , or Quicksilver is so called from its vivid motion , Quick in the old Saxon Language signifying Living , and its Colour approaching to that of Silver . Scaliger calls it the Tyrant of Metals , as Gold is said to be the Lawful King . Renodeus esteems it to be the Monster of Nature , as Fallopius does the Miracle . The Alchymists do call it the Sperma Metallorum , the Seed of Metals , the Seed from whose due Cultivation does spring that Blessed Stone , which is thought capable in convenient time of making an Adept as Rich as Midas : And hence in complement to their vain hopes they please to call it the Parent of all Wonders , as also Lac Virginis , Aqua vitae , Serpens semetipsum gravidans , Cervus Fugitivus , &c. Lastly it is called Mercury , from its Mercurial qualifications , being so active , unconstant , uncertain , and often mischievous in its Operation . Lyars , Thieves , and Cheats , are signified by the Caelestial Mercury ; and every man of Understanding and Experience is by this time too well satisfied , that not only Pseudo-Chymists , but even the most Celebrated Chymical Authors do often deliver to us many palpable untruths in setting forth the Praises and Virtues of many Elaborate Preparations ; and the generality of Alchymists , if not the whole Tribe , after spending their Fortunes in vainly refining and Philosophizing their Mercury , and in the most uncertain hopes of attaining Projection , do at last betake themselves , by the strong compulsion of an Absolute Necessity , ( whose Laws are commonly irresistable ) to the Art of Cheating and Counterfeiting , as thinking by that means in some measure to repair their Great and Certain Losses .

Not only Galen , Avicenna , Aetius , but most of our Modern Authors have esteemed Mercury to be a Poison , though indeed Galen does ingeniously declare , Lib. 9. de Simpl. Med. facult. he never made trial of it either inwardly or outwardly , whether it be effectually a Poison or not . Our later timer have been more competent Judges of that matter . For the Venerial Disease which was brought from far Countries among other Traffick about the year 1493. into Europe , has occasioned trials enough upon Mercury , whether it be a Poison or a Remedy . And happy it is for those who have unfortunately fallen into that Foreign Disease , that Europe is so plentifully furnished with such a Remedy as Mercury . I know that some persons of note have pleased to maintain , that they have Cured a Radicated Pox without Mercury , and that Sarsaparilla , Lignum Sanctum , &c. have throughly performed the Cure in these Countries , as they do in Guiny , and America ; but I am apt to think , upon the best inquisition I could make , that they are under a great Mistake , or have been guilty of too much Vanity in that Pretension . A Palliative Cure shall sometimes in this Disease impose upon men of judgment instead of a True one ; and it may sometimes happen , that persons who have been very Vngrateful to their Physician , and upon a Relapse have applied themselves to another , as is common enough , shall conceal their Relapse , and their second Application , from the First , whom they diligently avoid , and would perhaps have done so , though they had been never so throughly Cured , upon the score of Reward . 'T is hard to determine certainly , upon another mans Experience ; but whatever some Physicians , as well as Empiricks , may pretend , in order to ingratiate themselves with Patients , or make themselves appear to be some Body , I am sure that Physicians among one another will hardly ever pretend to such a Super-eminency in this Cure , or if they do , we may conclude them probably enough Mistaken for the Reason aforesaid .

But whatever may be Pretended , the great effects of Mercury in allaying , and powerfully conquering Venerial Symptoms , were doubtless a main and considerable reason for the Experimenting its Virtues upon many other occasions . And now it is not only exhibited in Venerial cases , but in the Worms , in inward and outward Vlcers , in divers sorts of Pains , and Defluxions , in the Iliaca Passio commonly called the Twisting of the Guts ; and especially the Preparation Mercurius Dulcis is now become with many persons a kind of Panacea , and is given often in Dropsies , Jaundies , Gout , Leprosy , Kings Evil , and in all Putredinous , or foul Humoural Diseases .

Nay farther , Mercury and a few other Medicines have of late gained such a Monopoly of Repute in Physick , above the rest of the Materia Medica , that an Ingenious Physician declared to me in Discourse , as his Opinion , that if Six only , of those many Medicaments which are recommended in Pharmacy , were to supply the the whole business of Physick , he thought the rest might well enough be spared . The six were these : Mercury , Antimony , Vitriol , Steel , the Cortex , and Opium . If those six Remedies could really have performed all that is expected from a Physician , I would heartily have thank'd God , and Him , for the Information , and would have been glad in earnest that so short a Cut had been found out for the Curing an Infinite number of Diseases , which miserably afflict Mankind . But I do not find that the most Popular and Eminent Practisers are any of them come over to that New Opinion . A great variety of Roots , Herbs , Woods , Barks , Flowers , Fruits , Seeds , Gums , Rosines , Balsoms , Concreted Juyces , Liquid Juyces , Fungus's , Animals , and their different Parts , and Excrements , Marine Productions , Salts , Stones , Metals , and other Minerals , have still , and in all likelihood ever will have a proper place in the Materia Medica . Let our Remedies , whether simple , or Compound , be as few , or as many as men please , the Cure of Diseases will ever to the Worlds end depend as much , if not more , upon Right Indications , and accurate Diagnosticks , as upon the best Remedies of whatsoever nature , or kind .

But because such Opinions are of more than ordinary consequence , to the animating Illiterate Empiricks with a few Receipts to all manner of Undertakings , and to the slackning the strings of Industry in the Study of Physick , I shall designedly treat of every one of those six Remedies , and with as much brevity , as the nature of this small Treatise does require .

And before I proceed farther , it may not be amiss to call to remembrance those six Necessaries which our Great Master Hippocrates very strictly requires , Hippocr . Lex . to constitute a Good Physician . They are these : 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . That is , Nature , Learning , a Proper Place to Study in , Education from a Child , Industry , and Time . And in another place he speaks much to our purpose : 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Lib. de veter . Medic. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 &c. The Art of Physick is a thing of great Antiquity , and the beginning and way are a long time chalk'd out to us ; by which many excellent things have come to be invented in divers Ages of the World ; and other things will still be found out hereafter , when an Able man , who is well acquainted with what we have already attained , does from those known rules proceed to farther enquiry . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , &c. But whosoever he be , who rejects and despises all those former things , who will needs try his skill after another way and method , and boasts as if he had found out Extraordinary matters of his own , he 's a meer deluder and Impostor . For it is utterly impossible , &c. Thus Hippocrates , whose incomparable works are like to the Worlds end to contain in reality , what we are of late made believe concerning Mercury , Antimony , and the like .

The truth on 't is , though I am no despiser of those six great Remedies mentioned before , so far as they are really useful to the Practice of Physick , yet I have in duty been a little concern'd , that all the Acquisitions and Observations of the Ancients should come to be so extravagantly undervalued , that half a dozen kinds of Medicines should be thought , even in the Opinion of an ingenious Physician , capable of answering so many several Indications , and of suiting to such variety of Diseases and Constitutions . And I did immedietely resolve within my self , that I would some time or other use my small endeavour to oppose the dangerous effects of such Opinions . If I have now but rather touch'd upon what might have been much more Excellently and more Learnedly performed , yet I hope it will be no Disservice to so Vseful a Faculty , to do a little in its Vindication . For if once the Profession it self degenerates into Empiricism , as the Pretension of a few Catholicons and Panaceas , if favoured too much , must make it , the Method will soon seem Dull , and the Diagnosticks , and Prognosticks will by degrees be laid aside ; and a man who mis-spends all his time in the Study of Insects instead of Mens Bodies , and in little Curiosities of no moment , instead of the Actual Cure of Diseases , shall with a few neat and plausible Preparations throw the Dye upon mens Lives , as a Spanish Empirick is recorded literally to have done . But whatever may be pretended , we shall certainly find at last , that all Authors are not therefore necessarily Dull , because they are Long , as Long as the subject might properly enough require ; that the Shortest Cutts are not always the Best , to inform an Inquirer in a Long Art , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 ; that the Ancient Principles of Physick are not now more Impertinent , or false , than they were in the days of old , for what is once True in its self is always True ; and lastly , that no man who has not throughly imbibed those Ancient Principles , can ever be properly esteemed to Cure any one Disease , unless meerly by Accident , by coming upon the Declination of the Disease , or after a Regular use of Vniversal Evacuations by some Legal Physician , or in some slight indifferent cases . Lib. de . vet. Medicin . For the same Hippocrates does take notice , that Ill Physicians , or Ignorant Pretenders to Physick , cannot be sufficiently discovered in Trivial Distempers , but that the Certain Test of a True or False Practitioner is only to be made in Great and Dangerous Diseases . A very sorry Pilot , and one that understands his business but little , can tell how to Steer a Ship in Fair Weather , and out of Danger ; but when the Winds blow violently , the Seas Roar , and Rocks or Sands are near , the Ignorance and insufficiency of the Pilot is then notoriously betrayed , when perhaps it is too late to redress their folly , in exposing their Precious Lives to the most uncertain Conduct of an Ignorant Pretender .

Lib. 5. cap. 110. edit . Saracen . But to return , Dioscorides , as those others before , did think Quicksilver taken inwardly was a Destructive Poison . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . And most of the first Opposers of Chymistry in later times did run into the same Extream . But we find upon better grounds , that they were under a great Mistake , and that Crude Mercury is often times a Good Remedy both in Infusion , and Substance . It s Infusion in fair Water , is not only a pretty and suitable , but an innocent , nay useful Remedy for Children in the Worms , as Baricellus recommends it , In hortulo geniali . and most Physicians are now convinced concerning . And in Substance , not only Brassavolus , Matthiolus , Horatius Augenius , &c. have thought fit to approve of it ; but a great many of our most Eminent Modern Practisers have concurred in its exhibition , upon the like , and other accounts . And therefore it a very odd Story , which Scholtzius communicated in a Letter to the Famous Schenkius of a certain person who had accustomed his Body to the use of Mercury ofner than ordinary , Schenk . Observ . Med. lib. 7. Observ. 6. and it seems upon lifting up , or letting fall his Arm , the Quicksilver did appear to slide up and down his Arm , as if it had been in a Tube-Galss . Now Scholtzius had given him great relief for a time with the Juyce of Burnett , but notwithstanding the man made a Tragical End with a violent Flux at the Hemorrhoids . Hartman a late Famous Chymist , who was sufficiently Skilled in the Preparations of Mercury , and would hardly have derogated from the virtues of such considerable Preparations , to recommend a Drug with all its Natural Impurities , if Experience as well as Reason had not taught him ; he treating of the Cure of Worms has this remarkable passage ; Praestantissimus est Mercurius , vivus , vel per se Crudus à Scrupulo uno ad Drachmas aliquot devoratus , vel cum succo Limonum prius Mortificatus ; sed dosis sit , minor , quia Mortificatus diutius in corpore manet .

That Mercury is injurious to the Nervs , and consequently to the body , if too much accustomed to it , may be more than imagined from the consideration of those who use to work in its Mines , who can live in that occupation not above four years at most , as Agricola relates . Lib. 9. de re Metall . And we know that those who work Quicksilver among us , can venture themselves at it but a few hours in the day . Tremblings , and Convulsions , and Palsies , and the like Nervous Diseases , are the certain concomitants of it ; let them hold as much Gold as they please in their Mouths , or take what quantity of Crystall Boett de Boodt prescribes , the Nervs will infallibly suffer in some degree or other .

Lib. 6. de re Metall . And Agricola is very full in recounting divers Diseases , both Asthmatical and Paralytical , that the Labourers are very subject to , who work in most Mines ; that the Women who dwell about the Hill Carpathus do some of them use to have no less than seaven Husbands successively , the Mineral Fumes either suffocating , or else vitiating their Vitals ; that upon making strong Fires to the rending or opening the hard Rocks , there perspires a most pernicious Fume , and Poison , that few can resist , from this rude Chymical Exaltation of the Mineral Vapours ; that at Aldebergum in Misena , there is a black Mineral Pompholix , which corrodes Iron so powerfully , that they are fain to have Wooden Locks and Keys to all the passages ; and lastly , that in the Silver Mines they are not only pestered with abundance of Batts , of which if they should chance but to sit upon one of them , they are presently smitten with the Pestilence , but that they are often terrified with dreadful Apparitions , and Spectres : Lib. de Animant . Subterran . as if the Infernal Spirits were enraged , that Covetous men should presume to disturb them in their own Kingdom of Darkness , or should come to Rob them of those Treasures which perhaps of right belong to their God Pluto , the God of Mineral Riches .

And yet notwithstanding that Petrus Apponensis , Cardan lib. 1. cap. 20. de venen . the Conciliator tells us a Story of a drunken Apothecary , who blundring in the night between sleeping and waking , and mistaking a Pot of Quicksilver for the Botle , drank his last in a too hearty draught of it ; Lib. 2. de venen . cap. 2. though Penzettus tells us of a Silly Chymist , who trying some curious Experiments upon Quicksilver , and keeping it close shut over the Fire for some Weeks , did upon the opening his Vessel take such a strong Whiff into his Nostrils , that he sunk down dead immediately , without speaking one word by way of repentance of his Folly ; though Fernelius tells us another lamentable Story of a Painter of Angiers , Lib. de Lue Vener . cap. 7. who had thumm'd the Cinnabar so carelesly in his Drawings , that it got in at his Fingers ends , made the Articles Paralytick , thence run to his Wrists , so to his Arms , and at last into his Stomach and Head , and made him a most miserable object of pity , and at length dispatch'd him into t'other World ; though he and divers others do muster up a whole bed-roll of Ill Accidents from an indiscreet use of Quicksilver different ways ; yet I cannot think it so Intrinsecally and Essentially a Poison , as some of them would thereby insinuate . The Irregular , or Accidental misuse of a thing , is always extraneous to its Intrinsical Nature . It may be bad enough , without being the worst of all ; with the help of Chymistry , indeed it may be Prepared , or Sublimed into a Poison as bad as the worst ; but unless you help it to prove Pernicious by Rules of Art , unless you presume to take it as boldly as Aliment , and forget that it is , or may be a Medicament , which is not to be played with ; lastly , if ignorant people do'nt venture upon it of their own head , without the Advice of some Able Physician , I cannot tell how to mark it with so black a Coal , or condemn it absolutely so much as some Worthy Authors have pleased to think fit . In the general , I conceive the same Rule may serve for the use of Mercury , as I said before of Acid Corrosive Spirits ; this , as those , may prove of good use upon some Great , and Proper occasions , if administred cautiously , and soon disused again ; nay Mercury shall upon many urgent Symptoms plainly enough work wonders , if its effects be not again spoiled by an unreasonable , and over-long continuation .

We all know , that Sublimate Corrosive , a Preparation of Mercury , is one of the Rankest Poisons that Art can furnish us with ; and though four parts of this Poison joyned with three parts of Crude Mercury , may be Sublimed into Mercurius Dulcis ; and this Mercurius Dulcis , otherwise called the Mild Dragon , or otherwise the White Devil , may be so often Sublimed , or Dulcified , 'till at last it shall lose all its Purgative quality , and will not so naturally tend downwards , as towards a Salivation ; yet let it be Prepared how we will , or Sublimed as often as we please , I am very apt to believe , it will never prove so Innocent , and perhaps Effectual a Medicine as the Vnprepared Quicksilver .

Paracelsus asserts concerning Mercury , Tom. 6. lib. 3. fragment . de vit. long . cap. 8. that he could Prepare an Elixir from it by the Spagyrick Art , which is able to make a man Immortal . And in the same place , that all Tinging Preparations by how much they are Exalted into the most Acute and Subtile degree of Poison , they become so much the more Excellent and Efficacious to the Prolongation of Life . Spoken like himself , and like a man of true Chymical Metal ! and without doubt those Tinging Preparations so Exalted will put a man into a state of Immortality , and Prolong Life to Eternity in another World , though not in this . And to this Metaphysical Exalted Fancy I only offer , whither he were not a very unhappy man that he would not spare so much time from his Cups , as to Prepare the foresaid Elixir , but would suffer himself to trip off at seven or eight and fourty : And whither such Refined Poisons were not much more proper for the Author , than for his Vnfortunate Patients .

The generality of Chymists do meerly scorn this , as all other Metalls and Minerals , in their own Nature , but can immediately believe the grossest Lyes that are told of their Preparations . Commend me therefore to those bold Fellows , who can venture to give a grain of Sublimate Corrosive in the Pilulae Barbarossae , as if not Mercury , but a Mercurial Poison , were to be the Antidote of the Venerial Poison . There is hardly a good Purgative , but they 'l make it Poison by over-dosing it ; for they despise all True , or Ordinary Cures , and think to perform Extraordinary things , by always using Extraordinary means .

As for Mercurius Dulcis , rightly Prepared , it is a Proteus at the best , and therefore ought not to be administred without good Advice , and Deliberation . For besides what I have urged already , Sennertus delivers us one remarkable passage , concerning its Uncertain Operation , which hapned in his time and knowledge . He says , he was acquainted with a very Learned Physician , De Medicam . & meth. med. cap. 18. who having given Mercurius Dulcis to divers of his Patients , without any visible harm , would needs at last try its effects upon his own body , and the very first Dose presently raised such a Salivation upon him , that his Throat , Face , and Gums did Swell beyond measure , his Tongue grew Black , and he was fain to feed upon nothing but Broths for a whole Month , before this 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , and 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 would give him any respite . In Praefat. de Lithetom . vestcae . And Fabritius ab Aquapendente writes of a certain Prince , who was so Bewitch'd with a French Chymist , as to believe that his Preparation of Mercurius Dulcis was so adapted to his particular Constitution , that it would prove to him a certain Panacea . The Prince upon his loud Commendations tried the Experiment , and though he was ready to Die upon every Dose , yet he persisted in following the Villains direction , 'till he brought himself from a Sound Habit of Body into an irrecoverable condition , and unfortunately in his Youth was thus Chymically Murdered .

But this Medicine more remarkably disagrees with some Bodies than others ; and commonly a Thin , Lean , Hot Temper of Body will not find it so Sweet and Gentle , as its Name does bespeak it . A Cold humid Constitution or Disease will be apt to blunt the edge of its activity , and not so easily rarify or Sublime it , as a Hot Complexion will do .

CHAP. IX .

Of Antimony . Quercetan and Paracelsus , their immense commendations of it . Others as much against it . It s use once a Case of Conscience . Those Physicians vindicated , who would formerly have absolutely rejected it . That Physick is indebted to the Preparations of Antimony and Mercury ; and yet considering all things , perhaps it had been better for the World , never to have known them at all . Other strong Emeticks and Catharticks besides Mineral or Metallick . A very remarkable difference between the strong Vegetable , and the strong Mineral Emeticks . That the Primitive Form of Minerals can't easily be destroyed by Art , so as to lose the power of Reduction . The nature of Minerals a very Serious Subject . Crude Antimony an Innocent Remedy . Minerals improperly called Crude , as we have them in the Shops . The Antimonial Cup , and the Perpetual Pill so famous heretofore , now laid aside for others . The Aqua , and Vinum Benedictum . Why some Remedies have been called Blessed . The other Antimonial Emeticks mentioned . Antimonium Diaphoreticum , the Cinnabar of Antimony , and Bezoar Mineral , how far to be esteemed Safe . A Remark out of Lemery concerning the Nitro-aerial Spirit . A case out of Sennertus to the praise of Antimonium Diaphoreticum . Vehement Remedies how or when to be used ; and decided by Hippocrates .

ANtimony is a Subject that has furnished entire Discourses , being that which produces a greater abundance of Chymical Remedies , In tatrad . cap. 51. than any thing else besides . But I shall confine my self to a few Considerations about it . Quercetan says , there are no less than Six Hundred admirable properties belonging to this Mineral ; De vit. long . lib. 3. cap. 6. & Fragment . lib. 3. ca. 6. and another may perhaps fancy at least Six Thousand . Paracelsus asserts its virtues to be inscrutable , and innumerable ; that the Archeus of the Earth could not bestow more upon it , than it has ; and that this is the only watry Mineral , which escaped the Destruction of the Floud , the vertues of all other Natural Bodies being considerably impaired by that Vniversal Deluge . And yet notwithstanding these flourishes of an admiring fancy , there were many Wise and Sober men , who thought it to be full as bad ; as these could think it good . Fernelius , Riolanus , Gesner , and all the Faculty of Paris , rejected the use of Antimony with great passion and indignation . Its Preparations were found to be such Violent Emeticks , and Catharticks , that most Good men did think it better , both in Prudence and Honesty , never to use them at all , than to experiment the effects of such Medicines , as might likely enough through their great strength and force have very Dangerous , if not Fatal consequences . And Sayrus therefore urges its total omission , Lib. 1. clav . reg. cap. 10 as matter of Conscience to his Readers ; and that we ought not upon any account to use such Vehement Medicines as are thence Prepared . And for this reason those Worthy Physicians , who upon the first great noise and Fame of Antimonial and Mercurial Preparations , were Zealous Opposers of them , and would not have admitted them at all into Practice , if they could have help'd it , are not to be blamed so much as some will rashly judge of them . They shewed themselves rather Honest , than Morose , and no doubt they did their Duty at that time , in shewing the Rocks and imminent dangers that men were likely to split upon . Can any man think it would have been proper for those Physicians , who were placed in the most conspicuous Posts , who were generally acknowledged by wise and impartial men to have deserved the highest station in Physick ? would it have been proper for them to have sate still and quiet , folded their hands and only sighed , when the first Violent Experiments were made on those Subjects ? No , it was time to Toll the Bell , when one Foot was in the Grave , when the strongest Emeticks , and Catharticks were cryed up upon all occasions . For those first Chymists , who brought Antimony and Mercury into Play , were as absolutely Opposite to all Galenical Remedies , as the Physicians were against the Chymical . The Chymists fancied all the Remedies , which had served the World before , to be Vnclean and Impure , and 'till they had been Purified , Refined , Distilled , Separated from gross parts , and the virtues some way or other Extracted , none of them were to be used . Now considering the amazing effects of Antimonial Preparations , that they did generally run into the most Vehement Emeticks , and that those Emeticks were recommended on all occasions , as if all former Remedies of that , or other kinds were dull , insignificant , unsavoury , and improper , we ought not to condemn too much those Learned and Eminent men , who stoutly defended the Antient Physick , and Zealously opposed Innovations of so great consequence .

It is not to be denyed , but that the Art of Physick is now very much beholding to the Preparations from Antimony and Mercury ; I mean , while they are confined to the hands only of men of judgment and understanding . For as for the use which Quacks and Empiricks do make of them , it is too too certain , that under their hands they do far more Mischief than Good . Nay farther , considering the frequent miscarriages which commonly happen from an Empirical use of Antimony , it is no Paradox to maintain , that it had been much better for the World , if that Mineral had still remained within the Bowels of the Earth , and had never been fetch'd out of the Darkness it was born in , than to have given it so Vniversal , and so Supream a place , not only in the Mineral , but the Physical Kingdom .

Nevertheless for the same reason that Extream Remedies are thought necessary to be used sometimes , Metallick or Mineral Medicines may seem to claim justly a place in Physick . Hellebore , Coloquintida , Elaterium , Scammony , &c. are Purgatives of sufficient strength ; and yet were known a long time before Mineral Preparations came into request ; and where strong Emeticks were requisite , and Carduus and Asarabacca were thought too Mild , the Decoction of Fox-glove would answer the most violent Indication . Now there is a very great difference between the Vegetable , and the Mineral extream Remedies : Though they are both dangerous in their Nature , and may be alike mischievously used , yet they are not both equally subject to do mischief . For it is to be noted concerning Minerals , that both as they are in their Natural Impurities , and as they are Purified by Chymical Preparations , they do perpetually ( some say ) or a long time at least communicate their Properties to such Liquors as they are put into : as in the Crocus , and Regulus of Antimony , in Quicksilver , and the Filings of Iron . Their virtue is not soon spent in Infusion , but will with much the same , some say with the very same force impregnate divers Liquors one after another , as they did at first . And thus all Antimonial or Mercurial Emeticks , being received into the Stomach , and fixing their Mineral particles within the Plicae or folds of that Part , though by frequent irritations or provocations to Vomit they may seem to have spent great part of their force , yet they will for that reason a long time continue their Spasmodical Irritations , until Nature has lost all her strength , and therefore ends in a final cessation from Action , and the Light is extinguished in irrecoverable Darkness . When the Body of a Mineral is throughly opened by Preparation , and the irritating Sulphurs let loose , and urged to do their worst , it will be harder then we are aware to Tame such Powerful Enemies , and the skill of the greatest Physician must be often forced to yield .

And that Minerals are not easily transformed into other kinds , nor can by Art be compelled to lose their Primitive Nature , may be plainly enough perceived by the assistance of Microscopes ; for though the Precipitates of Mercury , and the Sweet , and Corrosive Sublimate , do look more like fine Sugar than Quicksilver , and one would think the Acid Spirits had fairly divided the Mercurial parts , when they had quite disappeared in a clear Liquor ; yet upon view of those Preparations with Glasses , they plainly enough appear in their Primitive Natural Form , and discover that all that the Preparation could do , was to make them Dangerous Hypocrites . And besides , how easie is it to reduce all the Preparations of Mercury into Quicksilver as at first , those of Saturn into Lead again , and so of Antimony , and the rest ? There is great skill indeed required to destroy in them the power of Revification , but very little Art will serve to Revive them .

The bold and frequent use therefore of Mineral Medicines can never be too seriously considered and weighed . Even Tautology might be excused on so important a subject . For things of so great consequence will not , cannot sink equally deep into every mans head . One perhaps does regard but little what becomes of his Patients , all his thoughts may run along with his Profit or Ambition ; another enslaves his judgment to such Authors as agree best with his own Inclination , and this man can no more determine Truth in doubtful matters , than a man plunged in Love can give an impartial Character of his Mistresses Beauty ; a third perhaps has been bred up with strong and groundless Prejudices under such or such a Master , and at a venture he is passionately and unreasonably for or against Chymistry , or for or against Method , as he has happened to be taught . But I dare be bold to say , that London is now as happy in sincere , unprejudiced , and profoundly judicious persons in the Faculty of Physick , as any one place now in Europe , and consequently in the World . And therefore though an Empiricks Skull be thick , and his temper most obstinately perverse , though you may sooner knock out his Brains , than beat Reason into his Noddle , yet our Men of Art and Abilities are generally willing to receive a Rational hint , let it come from whence it will , whither from France , or Germany , or even from among our Selves .

But not to deviate too far : Crude Antimony is so far from being Emetick , Cathartick , or any ways deleterious , that both in Infusion and Decoction it has hardly any sort of sensible operation . Some do esteem it to be a Mild Diaphoretick , and others do conceive that it will serve to Sweeten the Bloud . It is probable enough , that it might make some good Alterations in bodies , if it were more frequently tried on some proper occasions . But the numerous Preparations from it have very much prevented a right judgment of the effects of Crude Antimony , and where it has been tried , it has commonly been among a Rhapsody of other Ingredients , so that no Certain Determination has yet been made concerning the thing simply in it self . Indeed some have magnified it as a very notable Arcanum in Venerial Cases . But Mercury has been so great a sharer with it in the Cures , that it is hard to distinguish truly how much , or rather how little it has contributed .

I call it Crude , rather in compliance to the vulgar acception of it , or in opposition to the Preparations from it , than in regard of a supposed real Crudity . For the Antimony of the Shops , such as only is used , is Melted down , and Separated from the Earth that is Naturally mix'd with it . A little of the Mineral Antimony may be sometimes found at the Druggists , and seen for a Curiosity , as likewise the Mineral Cinnabar , Iron , Vitriol , &c. But they do first generally undergo , a Fusion , Sublimation , Decoction , or Crystallization , before they are conveyed about for use .

The Regulus of Antimony is usually the first tryal upon it , and from the Regulus Melted again , and cast into Moulds , did proceed the Antimonial Cup so famous in former days , and the Perpetual Pill , so called because it was a Medicine for Life ; the Pill swallowed , and washed twenty several times , or as long as they pleased , was thought to lose nothing of its Emetick virtue : and so the Cup with a Glass of Wine fill'd into it for a few hours , was a ready and constant Vomit . But those days are now pretty well over ; it is now as rare to meet with the said Cup , or Pill , as heretofore it was common . Whither the Regulus was thought at last not to be Pure enough , for a delicious Chymical Palate ; or that it was not thought strong enough , after the Glass , the Flowers , the Sulphur Auratum of Antimony , &c. came to be better known . However it took its turn , and gave way to the Next , according to the Chymists pleasure .

From the Crocus Metallorum , or Liver of Antimony , we have the Aqua Benedicta , or Vinum Benedictum , the Water , or rather Wine , which has been found to produce Happy and Blessed effects in divers Stubborn and Chronical Distempers , especially when managed with that Caution and Tenderness which Good Physicians are wont to observe in the use of Remedies of this nature . The Ancient Physicians had their Hieras as well as our Modern Chymists ; but those of the Ancients , if they contained any stronger Purgative than ordinary , were Sanctified with excellent Correctives , Cordials , and Aromaticks , which served as much to keep up the Strength and Vigour of their Patients , as the Purgative was apt to Weaken them . Whereas those Chymists who first Christned Violent Emeticks with the Title of Blessed , and the like , did quite forget those Cordial Correctives , which were heretofore thought necessary , in order to deserve so Glorious a Name . Nor has our Dispensatory been wanting in this particular , in our Emetick Infusion , called Vinum Benedictum .

The Glass of Antimony , the Red Flowers , the Golden Sulphur , and the Powder of Algarot , or Mercurius vitae , deserve to be writ rather in Red than Golden Characters . But they are the chief Arcana of an Empirical Treasury ; the more Dangerous , and Violent a Medicine is in its self , the more acceptable it is to a heedless Empirick , and he shall set forth its Praises with the greater earnestness .

Antimonium Diaphoreticum , the Cinnabar of Antimony , and Bezoar Mineral are Diaphoreticks which have been highly commended . The first is the more Innocent , but the two latter have been more Celebrated , because they owe their Original to a most Corrosive Caustick , the Butter of Antimony . The two first , if carelessly kept , grown a little stale , and suffered to partake of the Nitro-aerial Volatile Spirit , will be apt to turn Emetick instead of Diaphoretick , as also the Cerusse of Antimony ; and the Bezoar Mineral I have sometimes known to turn Cathartick . For it is in a manner impossible to make a Mineral not to be a Mineral fundamentally , and to incapacitate it from returning into its Mineral nature . Nor is it a little remarkable , Course of Chymistry in Remarks on Spirit of Salt . what Monsieur Lemery assures us , that after he and Monsieur Seignette had Distilled Spirit of Salt from Common Salt , he exposed the matter remaining in the Retort after Distillation several times to the Air , and it re-impregnated with New Spirits , which were again Distilled off to half the quantity of the matter . And Seignette affirmed he had done it nine times one after another .

Now those Preparations of Antimony , which are only esteemed Sudorifick , and perhaps are little else , if carefully Prepared , may doubtless be used with greater liberty than others . And Sennertus tells us of a Girl , that he knew of 12 years of Age , who being sadly afflicted with Malignant Vlcers all over her body , and especially about the Joynts , he thought fit to order her 12 Grains of Antimonium Diaphoreticum to be taken almost every day for above a year together , and the Maid grew perfectly well again , notwithstanding that he had in vain tried divers other Remedies before . But a year was a great while , and the Maid but Young , and consequently her Infirmity the less Incurable . However I shall leave the Story to others to muse upon , and at leisure to pass their censures . The Preparation being made of Crude Antimony and Niter , I take to consist of more Innocent Principles , than the Bezoardick Mineral productions from Butter of Antimony , though that Bezoar ( as 't is called ) be much recommended by Excellent Authors , and particularly the Incomparable Riverius in many places of his Practice .

Notwithstanding what has been said , we must sometimes allow the use even of Vehement Remedies in Vehement Cases . And the Irregular , or Indiscreet use of them by Ignorant Empiricks will never be a sufficient Plea to Bar them , when there is Great occasion . In many Cephalick , Epileptick , and sometimes Arthritick Distempers , Lenitives will prove to be but ineffectual , and even the strong Antimonial Emeticks may with due Caution and Consideration have a remarkable place in Medicine . But wherever they may be thought needful , a Good Physician is a much more proper Judge , when , and when not , what , and what may not be used , than a Bigotted Pretender to Chymistry . We may conclude with our Great Hippocrates his Judgment in those matters , in his Excellent Book de Locis in homine , he thus delivers his mind : 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , &c. Versus finem . That we ought to administer strong Medicaments in strong Diseases , and that we must not think to make a strong Remedy weak , by giving it in a smaller quantity to tender feeble persons . That Medicaments are not suddenly to be judged of according to their Dose , but that both sorts ought to be administred according to the temper and condition of the persons ; to those that are Naturally weak , Remedies of a weak nature , and to those who are naturally strong , Remedies of a stronger nature .

CHAP. X.

Vitriol thought capable of supplying the Fourth part of the Materia Medica . Paracelsus his Vitriolick Riddle . Mayern's Praise of Vitriol , how to be understood . The unhappy Fate of many Chymists . Vitriol why so called . A great Mistake about the Crudity of Vitriol , and its Depuration . Native Vitriol hard to obtain . The Sal Vitrioli , and Vitriolum album Depuratum , how probable it is that they are confounded one for the other . The most Vnprepared White Vitriol that we have , no bad Vomit ; and in what respects better than others . Impure Native Vitriol not to be despised . Vitriolick and Martial Mineral Waters recommended . Mineral Waters , and Natural Remedies proved to be Blessings we owe to Heaven , from a considerable relation out of Brassavolus ; and some other matters of the like nature . Whether Vitriol be a Poison , or not . A Caution in the use of Vomits . White Vitriol how most safely exhibited . Although Vitriol be no Poison , yet it may be Prepared into a strong one . Spirit of Vitriol excellent in Haemorrhagies . Bovius his Panacea . And that of Rabel remembred . The Crudest Vitriol , we have again recommended . The Sympathetick Powder made of Vitriol described , with the manner of its use . Remedies , never the less to be esteemed , because easie to come by . The Simple , and Compound Sympathetick Powder , both described . The infusion of Green Vitriol in water . Our English Vitriol the best , and why ,

VItriol is the next of our six great Remedies , and was esteemed so great and excellent by Paracelsus , that he thought this alone with good Chymical management was able to supply sufficienly the Fourth part of the employment of Physick ; Tom. 7. de rebus Natur . cap. 8. and that its Preparations do throughly contain the Compleat Cure of the Jaundies , Gravel , the Stone , all sorts of Feavers , Worms , Falling-Sickness , &c. And that was a pretty fine-contrived Riddle of his , in order to recommend it the better to our Admiration : Lib. Auror. Philosoph . Visitabis Interiora Terrae Rectificando Invenies Occultum Lapidem Veram Medicinam , the first Lettesrs of all which words do form our present Vitriolum .

Sir Theodore Mayern says for the Honour of Vitriol ( and it was an Honour to Vitriol , that he should say so ) that we may find in it that which is Hot and Cold , Attenuative and Incrassant , In Apolog. Aperitive and Astringent , Coagulative and Dissolvent , and that which is Corroborative , Purgative and Sudorifick . But this must be understood of him , as he was a Chymist , and an Assertor of Chymistry , rather than as he was a Physician . And it must be remembred , that he said it in his Younger days , when his Fancy was praedominant , and his Passions had the government of his understanding . But when Practice and Experience had Fix'd his Volatile Imagination , he never Counselled any of his Patients to seek for an absolute relief in the Preparations of this Mineral . He chose rather to prescribe them a Regular and Proper Diet , and put the stress of his Cures on a Methodical Administration of different Medicines , both Chymical and Galenical , as he found the cases did require . Again , a man of Parts and Ingenuity may be apt sometimes to dote on Particular Preparations abundantly more than they deserve . And it is a certain Fate peculiar to Chymists ( and for ought I can see it may be so to the Worlds end , unless Preparations do strangely lose their credit ) extravagantly to admire , what they have taken great pains to compose , and their thoughts shall be far more intense in the Furnace and the Laboratory , than in the Sick body , or the house of Sickness .

Vitriol is so called from its Transparency , like unto Vitrum , Glass . There are several sorts of it , but the White is by all esteemed the Milder . And the White Crude , or as Crude as we have it from the Druggists , without any farther Preparation , is a very Excellent , because Mild and Safe Emetick . Physicians in general do rather chuse to Prescribe the Sal Vitrioli , and Vitriolum album Depuratum , as having a better opinion of them upon the account of their being Preparations , and possibly some may quietly go along with the stream , without much reflection on the matter . But whenever they are Prescribed , how properly and knowingly soever , they are rather a shot at random , as it happens , than any Certainty to the Prescriber . For most of our Apothecaries , if not all , who dispense these Medicines , are in a great Mist , uncertainty , and confusion about them . The Common , White Vitriol , as it is had from the Druggists , is accounted Crude , and therefore , as such , is but little esteemed for inward use ; although in reality , that , and all other Vitriols are Depurated , before ever they are Bought and Sold. It is a very rare thing indeed to meet with the Native , really Crude Vitriol of any sort ; it is digged out of the Mines in a Vitriolick Earth , and sometimes they meet with a Lump of Vitriol even as Pure as they Prepare it , and when they do , they keep it by them for a Rarity to shew to Strangers . Therefore all our Vitriol is made by Artificial Solution , Coction , Filtration , and Coagulation , and consequently it is Depurated before we have it , nor can we obtain any of the more Impure or Crude , unless we send on purpose for it .

The Sal Vitrioli is made either from the remaining Colcothar , after Distillation , or else by Calcination of our English , or the Hungarian Vitriol , in a Crucible , than Solution , Filtration , Evaporation , and Coagulation . And this same Salt is a stronger Emetick , than our Depuratum , or supposed Crudum . The Depuratum , which differs but a trifle from our foresaid Crudum , and is a second Purification , by Solution , Filtration , &c. But by that second Purification little more than actum ag itur , very little or no Earth is separated ; this Depuratum Vitriolum album is that which is commonly Sold to Apothecaries , and by them Dispensed , through mistake , for the Sal Vitrioli . The reason I have to think so , is this : I could name the place and Person , from whom a great many Apothecaries have bought up Pounds of the Depuratum for the Sal Vitrioli , and the Person who so vended it to them , did Confess it in my Ear. And besides I have enquired at some Eminent Apothecaries for the Vitriolum Album Depuratum , and they have , not many years since , acknowledged they never Sold any of it , but of the Sal Vitrioli they had enough . Whereas if I had demanded the Salt , it is probable enough they would readily have brought me the second Depuratum . And this being the state of our present Huddle about Vitriol , I hope it is not amiss to shew whereabouts we are , and what an uncertainty those are in , who Prescribe these Preparations of Vitriol .

Therefore that I might be sure what I do , and do no more than I willingly would , ( for the Sal Vitrioli , and the Depuratum , do not so little differ in strength as that it is not worth the while to mind it ) I have a good while confined my self to the Plain , Crudest we have , and among us Vnprepared Vitriol . For I would neither be imposed upon , with Calcined Salt for the Depurated Vitriol , nor willingly miss my aim , if I had occasion for a Vomit as strong as the Salt . The Vinum Benedictum is ready , where we cannot be sure of the Salt ; and in Bodies or Diseases , which do not require a strong Vomit , the plain White Vitriol is a very good one , and I apt to think abundanly the better , for being one of the Mildest in nature , at least of those that are Mineral . And it is not a little Material , that a Physician may manage Vitriolick Vomits , and especially this last , even how he pleases himself ; which is not so , of the stronger , those that are Mercurial , or Antimonial . He will hardly lose much time , if in ticklish cases he vouchsafes to stay with his Patient from the beginning to the end of its Operation . It may be urged with successive Doses , as he thinks it most convenient , or the Dose or Doses may be remitted , and the Operation made to desist in good time . And Vomits are a sort of Remedy , which requires more than ordinary care and caution . They are so exceeding Good a Remedy , where they are proper , and do in many cases so far excel the power of other Purgatives , that it is a very happy thing to have such Vomits in a readiness , as where they are needful , we never need fear the consequence of , and yet may reasonably expect no small Benefit from .

And that the very Native Vitriol , with its supposed Natural Impurities , and without any Chymical Purification , or Preparation , is no Bad Medicine , we may reasonably imagine , partly from the Mild Operation of the Vitriol that we have , and partly from those Admirable effects that are known and granted to proceed from Vitriolick Mineral Waterss , advisedly and properly taken . Those waters which partake of Martial , or Vitriolick Principles are generally by Physicians recommended above all others . And hence our Tunbridge-Waters are come to be so Famous . They are both of them very nearly related , Iron consisting of a Vitriolick Salt among its other Principles , and Vitriol being thought capable of turning Iron into Copper . Tract. de Consens . & Dissens . cap. 2. Sennertus maintains this last , with greater earnestness than ordinary ; as that there are ( Vitriolick ) Fountains in the Hill Carpathus near the Town Smolnitium in Hungary , into which if you put a quaintity of Iron , it will soon turn into the Best Copper . Nay , that not only Natural but Artificial Waters will do it , and that if you put but Iron into a made Vitriolick Water , a Red Powder will be found in it , which being Melted proves to be Copper . To the truth of those kind of Experiments I have spoken before , in Chap. 6. But as for the Mineral Waters which chiefly partake of Vitriolick , and Martial Principles , they are happily found to produce excellent effects in divers stubborn Chronical Distempers . And as they are Vnprepared by Art , according to Natures plain and often wholesom way , they are no despicable Medicine for the greatest persons among us ; whereas the Curious Preparations of the foresaid Minerals are rather said , than granted to work wonders on the generality , and Wise men have ever been tender and Suspitious at least of Experimenting their effects upon their own bodies .

And for the Excellency of Natural Remedies , and Natural Mineral Waters , that they are Blessings from Heaven , which good use may be made of , when directed to by Physicians , I shall here insert a very remarkable story out of Brassavolus , which we may the rather believe to be True , because he delivers with it the Royal Authority he had for the Relation . This Eminent Author speaking of Manna , In Exam. Simpl. de succ . praedens . & concretis liquor . pag. 432. the Calabrian Manna of the Shops , gives us an account that not long before his time , a King of Naples ( still called the Kingdom ) in a Covetous design did Fence in all that ground where the Manna did especially fall , and chiefly a part of Oenotria , which derives its Name from the delicate Wines that grow there , but where is also gathered the very best Manna of all ; when the King had thus Fenc'd it in , and set a Guard round about it , in order to raise thence a considerable Gabel , or Tribute , he says the Manna failed , and continued lost , until the Avenues were opened again to every body . Moreover , upon the return of the Manna , some Covetous Counsellor would needs advise the King to try once more whither this were not a thing of Chance ; so that the passages were again block'd up as before , and the Customs carefully appointed . Upon that , the Heavens with-held their Treasure as before , all the Manna was gone , and their base Infidelity a second time convinc'd . And yet when the Blockade was fully removed , and all things free as at first , they were not punished , as they deserved , with an absolute Deprivation of that Sweet Caelestial Dew ; but ( such was the Goodness of Heaven ! ) in the Morning towards Day-light it misled down again as before on the Leavs and Branches of the Trees , and upon the Herbs of the Field , where it soon becomes a Concrete , and hardens like a kind of Gum. Ibid. And this strange Story Brassavolus there says was seriously communicated to him by Isabella Queen of Naples , Wife to King Frederick , at a time when every body should be supposed to speak Truth , I mean on her Death-bed , he being her Physician , and she Dying of a Feaver , Ann. D. 1533.

I have been at a Well in France , where they confidently tell such another Story , of a certain Governor's Guarding it , and setting a Tribute on the Water , at so much a Gallon , that it immediatly dried up , and returned again upon a free passage . In some places in England they have much the same Tradition . And I have read somewhere of a Salt , in Epirus , which when Lysimachus had laid a Tax upon , it was not to be found ; when the Tax was taken off , it return'd again . But if any of them all be True , it will be an unanswerable Argument for the Goodness of Natural Remedies , as Providence provides them , and should a little check the Pride of a Chymist , who disdainfully scorns them as too Impure to be used , and as if his Art were above the Wisdom of Nature .

To return to our subject , Vitriol : Sennertus treading in the footsteps of many Ancient Authors , reckons it to be no less than a Poison , Lib. 6. Par. 5. c. 2. in his Catalogue of such Poisons as are taken from Minerals and Metals ; and because it moves a Nauseousness , and Vomiting , he thinks it to contain some Malignity in its nature . Whereas some of the most Innocent things of all , as Luke-warm water , will do the same . But if it be taken in an immoderate quantity , and happens not to work at all upwards , it may indeed , as he says , Corrode the Stomach , cause a Dysentery , and a great Thirst with it ; which rather shews , that care must be taken to provoke a Vomit after them , if they will not work of themselves ; and good store of Posset-drink , or at last a Feather in the Throat will easily enough enforce where there is occasion . For generally it happens , that the first Dose of Vitriol dissolved in Posset-drink is as soon rejected as swallowed ; but all Emeticks , and especially strong ones , ought some way to be provoked upwards , if in convenient time they do not move of themselves .

If the said white Vitriol be made up into Pills , about a Drachm , or four Scrupules of it with French Butter , and given upon a Stomach not too empty , it will work gently enough with most People , and we never need fear any Venomous Corrosion from it .

Or ℞ Aq. hord . ℥ iiij . Vititol . alb. ℈ iiij . Syr. viol . ℥ j. M. J. haustus .

But though Vitriol in its self be far from a notorious Poison , yet it may be prepared into a Poison of the first rank . Vitriol with Niter , both innocent in themselves , will with the help of a good Fire , and the Spagyrick Art , yield forth Aqua Fortis , which is able to destroy and Corrode into the most minute particles all the Mettals excepting Gold . The Caustick Oyl of Vitriol , and Spirit of Niter , are singly keen enough , but joyned together , and uniting their destructive forces , nothing but Gold , the King of Metals , can stand before them .

Spirit of Vitriol , though upon immoderate use ( as in Chap. 7. ) it may fire the Blood , and corrode the Vitals , yet upon great occasions , and for a certain convenient time , it may prove a most excellent Medicine . In dangerous . Haemorrhagies , &c. this Spirit dropt into Fountain water , is more effectual than can be easily imagined . And yet I am far from being of Bovius the Empiricks mind , who would needs have it be an unparrallel'd Remedy against all Diseases , only by mixing it with Appropriate distill'd waters , with Balm , Marjoram , or Bugloss water , it must be a certain Remedy for the Head-ach and Vertigo's ; with Rost-water it is to Cure Continued Feavers ; with Fumitory water , the Itch ; with Fennil water it must restore a decayed Memory ; with Plantain water it is to stop a Diarrhaea ; with Lettice water it is to be a Narcotick ; and lastly , with a Proper Water to any Disease , it must cure any , or all that the Empirick had a mind to . A rare Fellow beyond question , and one that deserv'd justly to be called not only Bovius Empiricus , but for his incomparable Impudence , or Ignorance , Bovius the Prince of Empiricks . For he found out abundantly more in this Spirit , than Paracelsus the Monarch of Arcana could do in all the Preparations from Vitriol . Paracelsus was Modest in ascribing but the Fourth part of Physical Remedies to the Preparations , or Arcana of Vitriol ; but Bovius was a Hercules indeed , who with the assistance of this one Spirit , instead of a Clubb , would undertake to Conquer the manifold Hydra of Humane Diseases . We had a prating illiterate Monsieur swaggering among us not long since ( the now forgotten Rabel ) who , if it were possible , would have put down Bovius , and did peremptorily pretend to Cure Pox , Plague , Scurvy , &c. with this same Spirit , or rather Caustick Oyl Dulcified , and exhibited in Appropriate Liquors , or Decoctions . But he soon quitted our English Stage , having over-Acted his Part ; for some of his Patients , from Adorers of the Harlot Venus , in whose Service they had been secretly wounded , became Sons of Mars against their New Undertaker , Monsieur Rabel ; and I have heard , if he had staid longer , would have revenged their Sufferings severely , which it seems they doubly underwent , both from the French Disease , and the French Pretender .

Again , Crude Vitriol is by the Germans and Hungarians esteemed a very good Remedy even in the Plague ; and perhaps to the Stomach may be a better Preservative , by freeing it from Offensive Humours , which often occasion the Sickness in Pestilential times , than Spirit of Vitriol in Conserves or Electuaries . The Emplastrum Diapalma , or Diachalciteos Galeni , of which Vitriol is a good considerable part , is a sufficient recommendation of its Use and Benefit outwardly , being certainly a Plaister not more common than excellent , and one that has few fellows in goodness .

And lastly , for the Praise of Vitriol in its more Natural , or less Artificial shape , the Sympothetick Powder , so famous and seemingly Miraculous among some does deserve to be remembred . It is only Green Vitriol Calcined , or rather set to Dry in the Hot Sun , until it becomes White . This plain , easie , untroublesome , and even Natural Preparation , powdered , and kept for use , is that which helpt to make Sir Kenelm Digby so Famous over Europe , and being to mankind so Useful and Extraordinary a Remedy , in the Cure of Wounds , by the easie care of a Bloudy Linnen-cloth dressed with this Powder , and preserv'd in a Temperate place , free from Air , and either wrapt up in Paper , or put into a Glass , or Box , and so carried , if you please , in your Pocket , it being , I say , so Easie , and probably enough effectual a Medicine , it is strange that more trials are not made with it . If men could be really cured of such imminent dangers as wounds do commonly cast them into , with a Whistle , with a touch , or a stroke , I think he 's a meer Wretch , that pretends to have any relation to Physick , and would not heartily rejoyce at so sudden a dispatch of mens misery and affliction . For what can a private man's little gain signifie , if compared with the unspeakable good and benefit of the generality ? Heathens could downright Sacrifice themselves , leap voluntarily into Gulphs , and boldly look through the face of Death it self , to serve or save their Countries or Cities ; and we that Profess such strict Rules of Morality , and have the most undeniable Rewards of another Life continually before our eyes , cannot , or can very hardly arrive to their Contempt of Superfluities . The efficacy of the Sympathetick Powder has been confirmed with other Authorities , besides those of Sir Kenelm . It is a Styptick even above our Wishes or Expectation , and it is great pity , that the easiness and efficacy of a Remedy should be the main , if not only Argument for its disuse . Some to spare their pains of Drying the Vitriol in the Sun , to a Whiteness , have chosen rather to Calcine it over a Fire , in an earthen Pot unglazed , as thinking the Fire of a Laboratory must needs be as good as the vivifying Heat of the Sun ; and perhaps the ineffectual or weak , or Antipathetical performances of that Calcination , has been one means to derogate from the real Sympathy . But as there are two sorts of Wounds , so there are two sorts of the Sympathetical Powder , the one Simple , in Simple Wounds , described before ; the other Compound , in Compound Wounds . The Compound is made of equal parts of the Simple Powder , and Gum Tragacanth mixed together ; only when divers other things are thought convenient to be added , there must be the more Gumm used , and the Wounds are to be treated with this , as with the other before .

The meer Infusion of Green Vitriol in Fountain Water , is none of the Worst Remedies that a Chyrurgion might use , or else the People themselves , in green Simple Wounds . But it is to be observed , that our English Green Vitriol is the very best that is to be met with . The German sort does draw towards a Blew , and contains more Copper , and is therefore the better for the making Aqua Fortis ; but our English Vitriol , which consists more of Iron , is therefore the better for inward use , and for making Spirit of Vitriol , as also for Infusions , and Sympathetical Preparations .

CHAP. XI .

Of Chalybeats . Iron preferred before Steel in Physick . A word of its Chymical Principles . Impurities , or the very Faeces of Metals , prove to be Good Remedies . The Excellency of Crude Mineral Iron , and Natural unprepared Remedies . Dr. Willis's Preparation of Steel , hitherto a great Secret , now communicated and described . Why Crude Tartar was preferred by him before the Crystals . The true state of the case of Cream , or Crystals of Tartar , as they are now used . Doctor Willis's Preparation how administred . How dangerous it is to meddle with Chalybeats without due preparation of the body . Whence some peoples Prejudice against Chalybeats has proceeded . A good Aperitive Crocus Martis , and preferred before the Sal or Vitriolum Martis . That Art imitates Nature , not Nature Art . The Sal Chalybis why so much esteemed ; and how used . That neither Iron , nor its Rust , do contain any Venomous quality . A word by the by concerning the excellency of Saffron . Why Iron might Mystically signifie Wisdom . The Physical Properties of Iron . During Chalybeate Courses , the Purging between whiles vindicated , so that a Condition be added .

CHalybeats are another of our six Celebrated Remedies , and perhaps not inferior to the best Medicine we have in the Cure of Chronical Distempers . A great part of lingring Chronical Diseases are reducible to Scorbutick , Hypochondriacal , or Hysterical Affections ; many Diseases in fieri , which are not yet perfectly formed in Regular , Distinctive , and Pathognomonical Symptoms , are soon determined to be either Scurvy , Melancholy , or Vapours , and in those cases powerful Alteratives and Aperitives , such as Chalybeats , are of no mean use .

The plain Filings of Iron powdered , or infused , though a much better Remedy than Steel , yet do usually go under the denomination of Chalybeats , or Steel , these last being more Popular Names , both among the Vulgar , and former Physicians . Steel is esteemed to be more Purified than Iron , and indeed it is abundantly more Pure , as to Common Vses , but as for Physick , it is more Refined than it should be ; for it is by Calcination dispossest of great part of that Aperitive Salt , which we are so very much beholding to for the powerful Opening of Obstructions .

A Critical cognizance of its Chymical Principles , is of no great consequence to the intrinsick efficacy of the Metal Simply in it self . And therefore though Albertus Magnus , Schroder , and others , do think it to consist of a more Impure Mercury , and Sulphur , yet this supposed Natural Impurity is no good prejudice to the Physical Excellency of Iron . If it had consisted of a Purer Mercury , it might possibly have been much the worse , because more Dangerous as to use , with its more Mercurial qualifications . But if I may give my opinion in this matter , it seems to consist of a Vitriolick Salt , and some Sulphur , and Earth , not ill Digested together .

And that Impurities themselves , or the very Faeces of Metals , are no such Contemptible things , the admirable endowments of Litharge , and its temperate Sarcotick nature , may sufficiently demonstrate . Hence the Vnguentum Nutritum , ( and de Minio ) the Emplastrum Diachylon Simplex ( too much neglected , or forgotten ) the Empl. de Minio Comp. and the Diapalma , are much beholden to our Impure Litharge . And in inveterate Vlcers I should rather suspect the Sal Lithargyrii , sive Alumen Saturni , or the Oleum Lithargyrii rubrum , than the plain recrement , Litharge . I could inculcate the same Argument with the virtues of Pompholix , another Recrement of Metals . But the present subject Iron , without any nice Preparation , besides its first Fusion , and separation from earth , will appear proof enough , how exceeding kind Nature has been unto us , in providing us even the best sort of Remedies ready Prepared to our hand , and whereof excellent use may be made , if we will not spoil them , to gratifie Fancy , or a Proud Wit , by unnecessary Preparations . Dr. Sydenham , Dissertat . Epistolar. p. 144. And a late Worthy Author has insinuated , that the Crude Mineral Iron , as it is digged out of the earth , is more efficacious in stubborn Diseases , than the Iron , which has undergone but the first Purification , or Preparation , Fasion . And in cases where Prepared Chalybeats do prove ineffectual ; the Tunbridge Waters , which do mainly partake of the Mineral Iron , are commonly recommended , and that properly and often effectually too , as a last and no mean Refuge . Id. p. 156. His enim Ferrum videtur inesse in principiis solutis , undè illarum virtus Chalybeata intimiùs sanguini permiscetur , & potentiùs morbos expugnat , quàm Ferrum quocunque demùm artificio nobilitatum , ut volunt Ciniflones imprudentiores . Again , the same Excellent Author , in justification of this subject , discourses thus : Quòd verò nativà quidpiam bonitate praestans & efficaciâ , mirandos edat effectus , quâcunque demum formâ ingeratur , testes hic adduco Par illud nobile , Papaveris lacrymam sive Opium , & Corticem Peruvianum . Neque enim tantum in medicamentis praeparandis medica cernitur peritia , quàm in iis seligendis appropriandisque , quae Natura , suo igne elaborata atque evecta , liberali manu porrigit , &c.

The best Preparation of any , and one of the plainest too , that Iron can yield us , is a Secret of Dr. Willis , hitherto a great Secret , and sold at a great Price , called his Preparation of Steel . Having had the good fortune to be acquainted not only with the Mystery of the said Preparation , but with its incomparable effects in Diseases which proceed from Obstructions , I hope it may be no unacceptable piece of Service to the Publick to communicate this Master-piece of that Eminent , and ever Famous Man . And yet here is no strained stately Magistery , no Sublimation , or Salification , no Calcined Crocus , and lastly no kind of Chymical Mystery ( in all which he was known to have been a most expert Artist ) but an easie , plain , and Natural way of Opening its hard body , in order to render it the fitter to Open ours .

℞ . Limatur . ferr . tartar , alb. crud. à p. ae . M. & redig . in pulverem , qui cum aq. pur . qs . formetur in Massam humidam , in vase terreo vitreato . Ponatur in leni calore , sive foci , sive arenae , stercoris equini , sive Solis ; vel etiam in loculo circumgeratur . Massa exiccata rursùm madifiat , atque exiccetur ut anteà ; idque repetatur quater vel quinquies . Thus you have the best Preparation of Mars , for your use , that perhaps is extant in nature .

He preferred Crude Tartar before the Cream , or Crystals , no doubt , for very good reasons . He could not be ignorant , what a Cheat the Cream of Tartar commonly is , when bought at the Druggists ; and especially of those circumforaneous Distillers , who make a livelyhood of Counterfeiting Medicines . Prax. Med. lib. 11. c. 3. And the Excellent Riverius mentions this imposture with a great deal of Emphasis and concern ; and his hearty complaint and full detection of the abuse , might well make his Successors wary and timorous about it . In short , the very Cream of Tartar may be bought of those accursed Pseudo-chymical Distillers at much the same price as Crude Tartar ; there is hardly two pence a pound difference between them . The Crude Tartar may be bought for six or eight pence the pound , and for eight pence the Crystals are bought of those Cheats . The Druggists sell the Crystals for twelve , fourteen , sixteen pence the pound ; but whence they have them , whither of those rake-shames , or else from about Montpellier , I can't determine . But if they came from France , we have as much reason to be apprehensive of them , as the French Riverius , bred up at Montpellier , and well acquainted with their wicked Preparations of them there . Ibid. He sayes the Cream of Tartar is sold in France , septem vel octo assibus the pound , and that it may be bought cheaper than made ; that Alom is used in the making them , more than Tartar , because the Alom shoots all into Crystals . Now the Apothecaries Laboratory being provided on purpose to furnish the Town with Faithful Chymical Preparations , and therefore a very Excellent and Honest design , the true Cream or Crystals may be obtained there ( unless we make a doubt of Publick Faith ) at three shillings , or three and six pence the pound . I have as nicely as I could , examined their Crystals , and those bought from the Druggists , and I cannot perceive any Sensible or Remarkable difference between them in the Taste . Therefore those that Counterfeit them , are to be supposed Artists in their Trade , and they choose an insipid sort of white Alom , to mix with their Tartar . And this farther you may know , that those at the Hall are very sensible , how little of their True Crystals they vend to the Company , in proportion either to the largeness of this City , or the use that is commonly made of Cream of Tartar .

Therefore for fear the Apothecary I happen to Prescribe to , may not be the Honestest in his Profession , I have commonly used , and thought it most convenient ( of two Evils , both being not evitable , choosing the least ) to order a drachm , or a drachm and a half of Crude White Tartar to be dissolved in hot Broath , or Posset-drink , when I judge it expedient to accelerate or whet the operation of a Purge . And although some may thence imagine me so Ignorant , as never to have heard of Cream of Tartar , yet I shall always in that , or any thing else , run the hazard of the Apothecaries good opinion , than let my Patient suffer a contrary effect from Astringent , Aluminous Crystals , either through their Error , or my Inadvertency .

Dr. Willis's foresaid Preparation of Mars , or Steel , may with White-nine , or some Proper Distilled Water , and Sugar , be made into a Chalybeate Syrup ; or with the Syrupus è 5. radic . aper . or Syrup . de absyn . be made into Pills ; or else given in Electuary , or Bolus ; or with Rose-water , and fine Sugar , adding a few drops of Oyl of Cinnamon , be made into Lozenges ; to be used , or continued , according to the judgment of the Physitian , after precedent Evacuations , and requisite Preparations of the Body .

For if the body be gross , or very full of Obstructions , which have been a long time a ripening , and are become Inveterate , a man may almost as properly take a Sword or a Dagger , as any sort of Prepared , or Vnprepared Mars , to Open them with . I have read of some , who upon Errors of that kind , upon a rash and unadvised use of Chalybeats , have immediately fallen into * * Rondel . meth. cur . morb . lib. 1. cap. 31. Palsies ; but those who escape best , under such irregular management , will suffer great Inflamations about their Hypochondria , violent Pains and Head-achs , and divers Feaverish Symptoms . Whereas if their Ignorant Undertakers had Prepared the bodies of their Unfortunate Patients with some dissolving Aperitives , and proper Evacuations , those miserable Accidents would easily have been avoided .

And it is to the terrible Consequences of those imprudent administrations of Chalybeats , that we must impute that violent and unreasonable Prejudice which some People have taken against the trial of a Chalybeate Course . The very naming a Steel Course shall frighten a sort of People from doing any thing which might be for their good , and they will presently think upon new measures in regard to Physick , and obstinately neglect the greatest , if not the only means to do them good . They had perhaps tampered before with some Ignorant Pretender , or had seen how ill their neighbour fared , from this desperate Adventure , and therefore they choose to keep themselves as they are , in a Cachectick and very Infirm disposition , rather than run hazards ( they think ) they had good reason to dread .

Next to the aforesaid Preparation of Steel , which for its freedom from affected artifice , and for the effectual assistance it receives from that excellent Aperitive , Tartar , as well as for the esteem so good an Author set upon it , does deserve no mean commendations ; next unto this , I shall recommend a yet plainer Preparation , if possible , than the former . It is only the Filings of Iron wetted with Water , rusted , and powdered . Lemery modishly stiles it a Crocus Martis , and perhaps for its Want of Art and Simplicity , it better deserves to be called Crocus in one sense , than the Astringent Crocus Martis does in another , being made by a strong Reverberatory Calcination for several days , until it comes to a most Red , and Saffron colour . And this easie , inartificial Medicine will prove much more Innocent , if not Beneficial to all , and especially to all Acid , Melancholick temperaments , than any Sal , or Vitriolum Martis , prepared with the Oyl of Vitriol , or Sulphur , although they be Dulcified . For let Sowrness , or Acidity , be contrary to the temper of a man , he shall be sure to find the effects of its Acid nature , though it be sweetned with good store of Sugar , or else with a Sweetning Spirit . And Acids , and Preparations with Acids , are very contrary to the depraved temper of Hypochondriacal and Hysterical persons , whose Bloud is too much Sowred already , and that makes it Stagnate in so many different places of the body , and consequently produce such an Infinite variety of Symptoms , as often use to puzzle very Able Physicians in the true nature of the Disease , unless they please to Examine it with all their Wits about them .

But the Salt , or Vitriol of Mars , is in far greater vogue among us , than such Despicable , because easie Medicines , as the Rust of Iron powdered . And how Willis's Preparation of Steel , one of his choicest Nostrums , may fare with some mens liking , now 't is freely exposed to their censure , it is not hard to guess . They would perhaps rather have admired it , if it had been really worse , and had partaked more of Art , than Goodness . But it is better those fond men should be sometimes disappointed , than have their fancies always tickled . Let them give themselves as much needless trouble as they please , and think nothing can withstand the Power of Alchymy . They will find at last , unless the light of their reason be strangely Eclipsed , that the power of Nature , and Natural Remedies , is much above Art , and Artificial Remedies ; and that non artem natura , Cardan . de simpl . med. nocument . sed naturam ars imitatur , it is not Nature that must imitate Art , but Art Nature ; and according as any Art comes nearest to a lively imitation of Nature , by so much we esteem it the more excellent ; which truth is palpably evident and indisputably notorious in a great many Arts. Why therefore should a Chymical Artist fondly imagine , that the more Natural any thing is , the more Impure it must necessarily be , and that the greater distance there is between Nature and his Preparations , they must needs be thought so much the more Refined , Purified , and Exalted ? but he that will prefer an Artificial before a Natural , a False before a True Diamond , meerly because it is the product of his own skill , will betray his folly sufficiently , and though he may be an Artist , will prove to be no Crafts-man .

The Sal Chalybis is in the greater request , both because it is a Chymical Preparation , and because it is a more palatable Remedy . Three or four or more grains of this Salt to a spoonful of Syrup , and this Chalybeate Syrup , exhibited in a pleasant Medicated Wine , Julep , or other agreeable liquor , must needs be more popular and acceptable to the generality of Patients , than any more gross , or sensible , though more effectual , Chalybeate . But because in some bodies the Sal Martis may be a good Medicine , and will sometimes have very good effects , I shall offer a Description or two that are none of the worst : ℞ . Aq. raphan . comp. lumbric . comp. à lb ss . sacch . alb . lb j . f. Syrupus sec. artem , addendo Sal. Chalyb . ʒiij . ℞ . Syrup . è 5. radic . aper . de Pom. alterant . Capill . ven. utriusvis ℥ x , vel xij . Sal. chalyb. à ʒ ij . ad ʒ iij. M. f. Syr. Chalyb . It may be likewise made into very Pleasant Electuaries , or given in a curious Bolus . But to proceed .

Sennert . l. 6. par. 5. c. 12. Aldrovand . lib. 1. c. 6. de serro . Some Authors , and those no mean ones , have been of the opinion , that in Iron its self , its Rust , and Scories , there is contained a Venomous quality , and they do reckon up for Symptoms of this Poison , vehement Pains , and Inflamations of the body , with Head-ach , Dry tongue , &c. But we may rather judge those grievous Symptoms to proceed from an irregular , precipitated , and unadvised Administration of them , than from the things themselves . The most Innocent , and some of the wholsomest Remedies we have , if plaid with at random , and indiscreetly taken , will alter their nature , and become destructive . Not to mention Wine , and strong Liquors , Lettice is esteemed justly to make an excellent Sallade , and yet four ounces of the Juice are said by Sennertus to become a Poison , as much a Poison as Hemlock and Henbane . Saffron , and especially our own English Saffron , is a Cordial of the first rank , and will effectually do the Heart more good , than a thousand Pretious , or not pretious Stones , whither they come from the Indies , or are trod under our feet . The Stones are said to be Cordials only Accidentally , and not Essentially ; as Natural and good Alkalies they serve to absorbe that Acidity in the body , which sometimes causes grievous Pains , and Oppressions . But Saffron is intrinsecally and in its proper nature an Admirable Cordial , and it is very unhappy that the Turks , and Barbarians , and most Nations abroad should generally as one man have a better opinion of Saffron , than we , who are beholding to Providence for the best Saffron in the whole World growing among us . Nay it is so exceeding good a Cordial , that Dodonaeus is of the opinion , it can bring back Consumptive People for several days to Sense and Life again , when they are just dying , and in their last Agony , if half a scruple , or a scruple of it be given in Wine . And yet notwithstanding , if it be taken immoderately , it will be very injurious to the head , and pervert the functions of the brain , and it will so dissipate the Spirits , River . Instit. Med. l. 4. c. 22. ut in magnà quantitate sumptus mortem inferre valeat , that it will Kill , like a Poison , when used beyond measure . Some say two drachms at a time will not fail to dispatch a man , and the common People think a small Sprig of Saffron will do the work , if it should chance to get to the Heart ; which is true enough in a sly sense , for when that which is impossible is done , when a sprig has pass'd through the Concoction of the Stomach , through the small passages of the Venae Lacteae , and the Ductus Thoracicus , into the Veins , and has slipt through such Valves , as will only receive a certain sort of Liquor , when all this is done , it will be a Poison sure enough , as also when the Sky falls , great matters may be done . The notion or many things , to which men have had great Prejudice , have by degrees cleared up , and lost their frightfulness : and divers Remedies have been found upon second thoughts , to be very Innocent and Vseful , which upon their first introduction to trial were condemned as hurtful or Pernitious , for want of a right understanding the manner of giving them , and the necessary circumstances which ought to be concomitant . And this is the knowledge which always distinguishes between an Artist and a Bungler , between a True Physician , and a Quacking Experimentator .

Iron among the Jews did Mystically signifie Wisdom , and the Poets Pallas , their Goddess of Wisdom , was usually Painted with Armour , and Iron accoutrements . Whither it were that Wisdom is Hard to attain , or that the Key of Knowledge , which unlocks all Mysteries , may have some Mysterious resemblance to this Metal , this being the most Vseful of all to the common offices of life , as Knowledge is the most Excellent of qualifications .

Neither is Iron of greater benefit to the Publick , than in the Province of Physick . It is both the greatest Aperitive , and the greatest Astringent , and in Scorbutick anomolous cases is one of the Chief Remedies we have . The Simple Infusion of it in Wine or Water , with some little assistance , is oftentimes as good a Medicine , as it is cheap , and easie . And if we would not haughtily overlook divers things , which always lye ready at our hand , I verily perswade my self , we should oftner , than we do , perform Cures which are otherwise Despaired of .

Before I leave this subject , I shall add one reflection more . Dr. Sydenham Dissert. Epist. p. 146 It has been of late observed by an Eminent Modern Author , that the usual custom of giving a Purge once in five or six days , during the time of Chalybeate Courses , has been rather mischievous to the design in hand , than any ways advantageous ; that the Purging between whiles does really undo as much in one day , as the Chalybeats could do good in a week , which if true , is a thing of no small moment . But I can hardly conceive , that all our Predecessors should in a thing so obvious trifle to so little purpose . Therefore to reconcile the matter a little , I offer to Consideration , whither it may not be better to mix Chalybeats with the Purgatives in those intermediate days , than wholly to decline Purging from the first beginning of Chalybeats to the end of all , and even then too to forbear it . For hereby the Chalybeate Intention is not at all intermitted , and that Vndoing things again is avoided , which is laid to the charge of Purging . And besides , if Patients were apt to be Regular in their Diet , and took such care as they should do as to Heats and Colds , during the progress of their Steel Course , there might probably enough be the less need of Purging between whiles ; but because they are generally apt to be Irregular , and Careless of themselves , it may in my opinion be more Proper , if not Necessary , to administer a Purge in those usual intervals , so that Chalybeats be mixed with it .

CHAP. XII .

The Cortex , or Jesuits Powder , now a kind of Panacea . That all Great Remedies have a Natural Succession in point of Reputation . The Cortex the Prince of Plants . In what Agues it is Admirable . The Reproach , that Physicians could not Cure Agues before the knowledge of the Cortex , examined , and refuted . Riverius his famous Febrifuge before that time . That Feavers and Agues are properly Cured different ways , in different places , and at different times . Whither Women could heretofore Cure Agues better than Physicians . Mens Partiality to Physicians . That the nice and exact knowledge of Riverius his Febrifuge , is of no great moment to us . The Authors way of Curing many Agues , with more Safety , and no less Certainty , than with the Cortex . This more properly adapted to some of the Autumnal Agues , rather than to any of the Vernal . Why other ways of Cure ought in Prudence to be sought . Some Old Febrifuges named , and recommended . Why the Cortex may not be so Proper , or Effectual a Remedy in all Agues , as only in some . Some ill Accidents from its liberal use . The difference between True , and Palliative Cures . That other Remedies have been as much in vogue as this ; and yet it has been but for a certain time . A true conclusion from it . The Fame of the Cortex not like to last for ever . How it came into Reputation . Divers Diseases wherein it has been tried . A considerable circumstance to advantage its use . A Distinctive sign to distinguish the True Cortex from Adulterates . A word to the old way of giving it . The Bark in Substance better than the Preparations .

THE Famous Cortex , or American Bark , commonly called the Jesuits Powder , because some of their Society first introduc'd the use of it here in Europe , is now grown into that request and reputation , that the supposed Physical Uses of the Philosophers Stone are hardly thought to be greater or more diffusive , than some would have us believe concerning this plain Simple Bark . It is now the greatest Catholicon , or Panacea extant , and is accommodated to more variety of cases , than the most Bezoardick , Solar , Jovial , or any ways Chymical Rhodomontade .

That man must be very Ignorant in Modern Practice , or very Sowre in his Natural Temper , or must wish but little to the good of People , who will still deny the Cortex to be a very Extraordinary Remedy , or would be willing to derogate from its Real Excellency . But it is , and ever has been , the Common Fate of all Great Medicines , to be lifted up for a certain time into greater heights of Admiration , and to run into more Vniversal Vse , than is consistent with the nature of any one Drug never so Good , or than deliberate Experience can truly confirm . If we had lived in former times , and seen how divers things successively were once the Wonders of the World , and yet at last gave place to New ones , notwithstanding the loud and full cry which for a time had raised them on high , we should now the less admire to see what a large and uncontroulable Empire this present Remedy has gain'd in Physick . That which is Past cannot affect us with that life and sense , as what is Present ; nor will succeeding Generations be more concerned at the Greatness of our Prevailing , or rather Ruling Remedy , than we are now at many of those which our Fore-Fathers were pleased to admire . Our Wisdom , Excellency , and Admiration , according to the course and revolutions of things , lies Naturally one way , as their Wisdom , Excellency , and Admiration did lye another , and our Childrens Faculties will as certainly lye some other . Vnicorn's Horn , the Oriental Bezoar , and other Pretious Stones , nay Betony among the Italians , Sage among the Spaniards particularly , Mercury and Antimony among the Chymists , many Preparations which lye scattered in ours , or other Dispensatories , and divers Arcana of Eminent Physicians , have for a certain time made such a Noise , that other Medicines could hardly be minded ; and yet by degrees every one draws off into a lower Station , to give way for its next Successor . At first when they appeared in their highest Exaltation and Splendor , the Eyes of men were apt to be Dazled , and they could not discover any faults ; but when afterwards the Curtain was drawn , and they could and would leasurely and attentively consider the Object before them , the true Dimensions were not so great , nor the supposed qualifications so conspicuous as they at first imagined . Do'nt we discover Spots even in the Sun , by the late invention of Telescopes , and why should we expect a durable Perfection in any thing under the Sun ? one man may indeed be much wiser than another , but if we once come to make an Idol of him , or think him to be more Infallible than is consistent with Humane Nature , we shall be found at last effectually to depretiate him , and occasion a lower esteem of him , than perhaps he really deserved .

The Cortex is now as much the Prince of Plants , as Gold the King of Metals . And therefore a man had need have a more than ordinary care , what he says concerning his Prince ; it is our Duty , as well as Wisdom , rather to hide , and pass by , than expose or magnifie his faults . Wherefore being conscious to my self of my own Loyalty , and Well-wishes to the Right Successor in Physick , I shall be very tender of derogating from its real , and justly admirable properties , but must hope to be excused , where Life and Death is concerned , if with due Respect and Deference I speak some Truths , which are of great consequence to us when well known and considered .

Divers excellent Discourses have of late been published concerning the Cortex , some to explicate its nature , and others to instruct us in its use . And yet we are all of us still in the Dark , more or less , as to a great many particulars about it ; neither Honest Physicians , nor Judicious Patients , are so clearly enlightned , or fully satisfied in several circumstances which do use to attend it , or in some cases wherein it is now administred , as we might fairly desire , or they ought in reason to wish .

In Quartans , and Autumnal Tertians , it is a Remedy of greater Certainty , and Specifick propriety , than perhaps Physick was ever furnished with before , either upon those , or any other accounts . Those Tedious and most Obstinate Diseases were generally esteemed to be Opprobriums , or just reproaches even to the Art of Physick , and every humoursome censorious person , who had not Grace to acknowledge the Mercies of God in providing so many Worthy men to be ready on the greatest exigencies of humane Life to succour and relieve them , who could willingly overlook all the other excellent and indisputable Cures dayly performed by Physicians , would be ever now and then throwing this Dirt on the Faculty , that Physicians could not Cure an Ague . And yet this very Reproach , if well considered , was an unworthy Taxation , and a most Notorious Vntruth . For there were thousands of instances , wherein Physicians did acquit themselves with good success , even in Autumnal Agues , before ever the Cortex was known amongst us . And yet it must be granted , that there were many persons , who miserably lingred a long time under Agues , notwithstanding the endeavours of the best Physicians . But of them who were so Unhappy , it may be considered , how many were very Irregular in point of Diet , and the use of Medicines , what unfair and disingenious dealings Physicians do too too often privately meet with , from fantastical Nurses , and conceited Attendants , who will needs mix , and often prefer their little skills , to very Rational and Advised Prescriptions ; how often those Assistants , or other pretended Friends , have shamefully prevaricated with the Physician in their false accounts of many Medicines being duly taken , which were officiously conveyed out at the Window ; and lastly , how many giddy Patients have been soon tired with a Course of Physick in one week , which might probably enough have had sufficient effect , if they had but persisted a Month , or two .

Again , there were divers Febrifuges , which Sober Authors have delivered with great assurance , that have performed enough and enough to vindicate the Reputation our Art deserves . I shall mention but one , and that was Riverius his famous Febrifuge , which consisting of manifest Evacuations both upwards and downwards , and being therein diametrically opposite to the Operation of the Cortex , which is imperceptible and insensible in its operation , this was enough to silence that common Opprobrium of unreasonable men , and to demonstrate what the Power of Art , and a Skillful hand could do , when together joyned . Moreover , Agues in all Countries will not admit the very same Method of Cure , nor would the same Medicine be to all alike effectual , any more than the same Method , or Medicine can be esteemed proper to all Countries in Continued Feavers . We may observe , that although Hippocrates , and Galen , and other excellent mens Works , be Studied , and taught in all places of the World , where Learning is esteemed , although the same Principles of Truth do every where prevail , yet every Country does very differently modifie and apply those very same Principles to each places particular Temper . The Method of Cure shall diversifie , as the places differ , and in one and the same Country , according as the Constitution of the Season does alter ; the nature of Epidemical Feavers will necessarily vary , and as the Feavers do alter , so must the Method also ; which successive alteration of Diseases , and even of Agues as well as others , might very well occasion a less Certain or Constant Cure of all sorts of Feavers , until the New Constitution were throughly understood .

And yet although Physicians were said to be so Unskillful , as not to be able to Cure a Quartan , before the arrival of the Cortex , all Illiterate and Ignorant people had abundance of Infallible Remedies ; one would lay a Plaister to the Wrists , another to the Feet , a third to the Belly or Stomach ; one would have a Charm , or Amulet , and Others other sort of Knick-knacks , all which would never fail to Cure Agues , if men had but Faith to believe it , the Mountains would then Certainly be removed ; and thus every place was well provided with Insurers , who could all Cure Agues , besides the Physicians . Only this was the difference ; if a Womans Remedy did happen at any time to do it , or did appear at least to do it , then all mouths were open to Proclaim it , and the Country must presently Ring of it from one end to the other , and for the present the Noise would prevail , and puff her a while up into Infallible Promises , 'till upon farther and frequent trials , her Courage comes to flag , her Remedy is known , or despised , and she found at last to be no more than a Woman . But if an understanding Physician is called upon in the like case , either he performs the Cure with expedition , and then 't is no more than another would have done as well , or it was but what ought to be expected from a man of his Abilities ; or if he misses the giving full satisfaction immediately , and the Disease is more untoward than to submit to a few Directions , then presently all Physicians are by general consent condemned , and to their shame be it spoken aloud , not one can Cure an Ague .

It is a sad thing to consider the Partiality and Ingratitude of a great many men to our Profession , and if the more Gentile and Judicious sort did not sometimes make amends for what we undeservedly suffer from the worse and lower sort , I believe few mens Zeal to serve the Publick , would sufficiently encourage them to take that pains and thoughfulness , and to be at that Expence which is Necessary to qualifie a man as is requisite for an upright and Conscientious discharge of this most Vseful Employment .

Observ . Centur. 3. Riverius , that Excellent Author , gives us so many instances of Certain and speedy Cures of Agues by his Famous Febrifuge , that one great part of his Observations is nothing else but Relations of that nature . He was a man of that Eminency and Integrity , and lived so lately , that we have no manner of reason to doubt the Truth of his repeated Experiences . He Printed his Observations while he was yet alive , and the Persons and Times being so exactly named , we must have easily discovered him , if he had given any false accounts . So that if his were not so Natural and notionally True a Specifick in the Cure of Agues as the Cortex , yet if his were made as Certain , we had good reason to be well contented . And his Cures being that way performed by Manifest Evacuations of the Febrile matter , and consequently not liable to those after-accidents and Exceptions , which now many Sober men , as well as the Ignorant , do sometimes urge against the Cortex , his Remedy may still deserve a very great Preheminence in Physick , and sufficiently baffle that unworthy Reproach to our Art , which was mentioned before .

There are several Descriptions extant of that Noble Medicine , but the effect being plain Purging , and sometimes Vomiting , I do not think there is any great necessity of being over-curious in the reaching to a hairs breadth the Particular Preparation in all its circumstances . If it were Mineral , and in part Mercurial , as we have reason to imagine , it was a greater Honour than ordinary to the Mineral Kingdom , and shews that Chymistry may be sometimes improved to very excellent purposes , under the hands of a Good Physician . The Mercurial part was no doubt sufficiently Dulcified , and if a less Elaborate Cathartick were Prepared to work as that did , with the addition or assistance of the Mercurial Sweetner , and this Purgative well timed in respect of the Paroxisms , and well applied in respect of the Patient , there is no reason to despair , but an Ague might still be Cured without an absolutely necessary , and constant recourse to the Cortex . The reason that I presume to say so , is not a bare supposition and ungrounded possibility ; for I have divers times Cured both Tertians and Quartans with the following Purge , and Potion , and that sometimes upon the very first exhibition ; only the Circumstance of Timing it is of no small moment . And yet this was no Hercules with his twelve Labours , nor any ways beholding to Mercury . It was thus , or to this purpose .

℞ . Antimon . diaphor . crystall . tartar . à ℈ j. diagryd . gr. xij . croc . opt . pulv . gr. iij. vel . iiij . Misc . f. Pulvis in cochleari vin. alb. vel aq. alicujus Cardiacae , v. vj. vel viij . horis ante Paroxismum exhibendus .

De Compos . Officinal . in specie . Sect. 4. You may read much the same sort of Powder in Margrave's Materia Medica contracta , and called Pulvis Febrifugus egregius , which he advises to give two hours before the Fit in Chicken Broth. But I have rather chosen five , six , or eight hours , before the time of the Fit , that the Purge might just have finished its Operation before the expectation of the Paroxism . The Pulvis Comitis Warvicensis , or Pulvis Cornachinus , are much of the same nature , and ingredients .

But not trusting to this Powder alone , and considering how requisite a Cordial often is , after a Purge of this strength , and especially at such a Critical time as that of the Paroxism , so soon succeeding , I have generally thought it Necessary to give some such Cordial , or Febrifugous draught , as is mentioned in the Notes of the Ingenious Deckers upon Barbett's Practice . Deckers his Potion is this :

℞ . Aq. card , bened. ℥ ij . theriacal . simpl . ʒij . sal. absyn . ʒss . spir. sal. armon . ℈ ss. syr. papav . errat . ʒiij . M.f. haustus .

This , or some such draught I do use to give about the time of the Fit , or an hour before . And I cannot remember , that I have once failed to Cure the Vernal Tertians , and Double-tertians , by this easie Method . And it is but seldom that it will fail in the Autumnal , especially if repeated two or three times . It is to be noted , that the Physical Spring and Autumn , in respect of Agues , must be so understood , as to divide the year equally between them ; from the beginning of February to the end of July , the Spring must be computed , and from the beginning of August to the end of January , does reach the Autumn .

The nature of the Cortex seems to be more properly adapted to the Melancholick temper of the Autumn ; and if other ways will be found to prove effectual , in the Vernal Agues especially , it is our part both in Prudence and Honesty , rather to use them oftentimes , than the Cortex . For the Cure by the Bark does contraindicate all Evacuations for a considerable time ; the Cure by it is a more than ordinary charge to many people , who cannot so well undergo it , and to them it is a second and very heavy Disease ; and lastly there are very strong Prejudices in many persons against this Bark , insomuch that if any odd accident does happen to those that are Cured by it , within six months after , or more , they are easily induced to believe , that all is owing to this Bark , and instead of acknowledging afterwards their grateful testimony of their Physician , they shall shake their heads at him , though very undeservedly , and be ready to repent both their knowledge of him , and the Jesuits Powder . Now where the Patient has a high opinion of his Physician , it is happy for them both ; and the Physick shall have the better effect ; but where the Patient is very much Prejudiced , whither justly or not , is not now the question , where he strongly imagines that his Physician is giving him Poison ( let the thing be never so good in its self ) and when nevertheless for fear of provoking his indignation , or in obedience to the importunity of his Physician , or his Friends , he at last forces himself to take it , with a heavy heart , and despairing mind , that Remedy must not only be an Incomparable , and Powerful , but even a Miraculous one indeed , that can do any great good against such Prevalent Prejudices . Nay as insignificant Charms and Amulets shall strangely impregnate the mind of those that wear them , and make them think they are Preservatives , when indeed they are very Ridiculous , so Prejudiced persons who are Cured by the Cortex , shall upon every occasion and fancy , revolve in their mind over and over , what an Enemy they now have within their own breast , and if some carelesness or other does not chance to bring a Disease upon them , their Sick Fancy , and dreadful apprehension of their ( safe ) condition , shall serve to disorder them again , and whatsoever happens must be sure to be imputed to this Jesuits Powder .

Therefore although this Powder be oftentimes a Safe and Innocent Medicine , and in Quartans the most Absolute and Certain Specifick that ever has yet been known , yet other Medicines also , which heretofore have been so Famous , and are still really Excellent in their kinds , ought in Prudence and Justice to have some place in our Memory . Succus Plantag. cum Methrid . vel Theriac . Androm . Succus Chamaedr . vel Quinquenervii cum eisdem . Spir. vin. succ . limon . cum aq. rosar . rubr . Aq. rosar . rubr . succ . aurant . cum sacch . alb. Rad. pentaphyll . gentian , caryophyllat , pulv . summit . centaur . min. ( quod Febrifugum veteribus dictum ) sem. card , bened. fol. chamaedr . pulv . Epicarpia , & Supplantalia , in Infantibus , vel teneris naturis , are all Febrifugous Remedies , which deserve not to be wholly forgotten in the Cure of Agues . The frequent Vomiturition does very properly Indicate Emeticks , and if they be given a convenient time before the Fit , and either Venice Treacle , Mithridate , or the like , or the Potion before mentioned , be administred about the time of the expected Fit , there will be the less need of a Precipitated , and often unwelcom recourse to the Cortex . Galen sayes he Cured divers Quartans , Lib. de Theriac . ad Pison . by this Method : the day following the Fit he gave a Vomit , the next day a draught of Juyce of Wormwood , in order to sweeten and contemperate the Choler , and two hours before the Fit , he gave them a dose of Theriaca Andromachi ; from the use of which Method , he found wonderful success , insomuch that divers of his Patients this way treated , missed the very first Fit , and were troubled with no more .

In Double-tertians , Quotidians , and Semitertians , some of which have been so frequent of late , I could never yet observe any such Excellent Effects from the use of the Cortex . On the contrary , as far as my small Observation has gone in those cases , I do verily believe , there is hardly a more Improper and Contrary Remedy to the nature of those Diseases . And as in Quartans , and Autumnal Tertians , we have reason to esteem it the best Remedy in the World , and where Proper Evacuations have preceded , or the Disease has pretty well spent its force by length of time , as really Safe as any , so in those other sorts of Intermittents , it is effectually one of the worst . And those who are of another opinon , I would calmly ask the reason , why one and the same Medicine should necessarily be thought more Proper , and accommodated to all sorts of Intermittent Feavors , than one and the same Medicine to all sorts of Continued Feavers . Are not there degrees of danger , and difference of Cure , between the Febris Ephemera , the Synocha Simplex , the Hectick , the Febris Putrida , Maligna , and Pestilens ? and why therefore should not that variety of Intermittents as well require some variety in their Medicines ? if there were in earnest as Vniversal a Medicine , as some men have lightly imagined , we should have reason to Bless God for it , and embrace it with open arms ; but considering that infinite variety which abounds in the World in all manner of respects , every individual of the same Species having some remarkable difference from others , and this being the necessary Law of every thing in the Creation , it may rather be wisht than expected , that one and the same Remedy should properly be subservient to a great many ends and purposes . And I doubt , if there were such things in reality as Vniversal Medicines , there would be but very little harmony between Providence and the Medicine , as might plainly enough be made appear , if there were occasion .

I know great loads of the Cortex will stop the course of many Feavers , almost in spite of Fate , and if it be given constantly for a Physical Diet , to the quantity of two or three ounces a day , for many days together , which I have heard an Ingenious Physician boast of , as a smart performance , it will be apt to force a stop to the nimble Circulation , but withall will be apt , if I am not strangely mistaken , to make a perfect Blockade in the Brain ; it may likewise cause a settled Coma , or Phrensie , or fix an untoward Headach , or prepare matter for some violent Defluxion ; all which whither they be consistent with a True and Perfect Cure , is easily enough decided . But again , it may sooner than ordinary remove the fears of Death , and so give present Reputation to the Physician ; its Vniversal and over-liberal use by men of understanding may encourage Ignorant , Illiterate meddlers to much greater undertakings , than they would otherwise presume to venture upon ; and lastly it may in divers cases Palliate , and Cloud strongly those Nitro-sulphureous particles , which being for a time closely imprisoned within the body , shall at last be apt to break out with the greater force , and raise grievous Tumults and Combustions , that are not easily to be appeased or extinguished .

But this is not the nature of a True , and Appropriate Cure . It is not enough to tickle , or divert an Enemy , or to lay him asleep , or to gain a short Truce . We ought to disarm him , or destroy him , or at least to Disenable him from rallying again . Aphor. Sect. 4. N. 43. And howsoever safe , and free from danger , Intermittents were all esteemed in Hippocrates his time , we do not find but they , as well as Continued Feavers , can sometimes Kill , when either left wholly to themselves ( which indeed very rarely happens ) or imprudently tamper'd with by trial of every Neighbors Remedy . Wherefore we must not think to secure men against the future Attacks of these Enemies , by only blunting their Weapons for the present . A Methodical treatment by throughly Eradicating the Efficient Cause , is like a Man , and like a Physician that understands his business ; but the putting the whole of the Cure , in great variety of cases , and without necessity , upon any one Empirical Remedy ( for Remedies as meerly such , whither they are administred by Physicians or Empiricks , are really and properly Empirical ) must argue a dissatisfaction in the Principles and Method of Physick , and will strongly insinuate , as if very much less than what is pretended , were sufficiently requisite to qualifie a man for Practice .

There are a great many Remedies described by Authors , whereof they have said as much to recommend their Certainty to our trial , as it is possible for men of Sense and Integrity any ways to contrive . One thinks the Length , and Curiosity of his Preparation has Refined it , and Exalted it above all before ; another has amassed a great number of Simples , and by taking something of every thing pleases himself to imagine , that his Medicine is good for all things ; a third has chanc'd to Experiment some New Conceit of his own , and this being a Child of his own working Brain , he fondly dotes on the sorry Child , and boldly vouches it for the most Absolute , and Perfect Pattern , that ever yet was Conceived . And yet after all , when the Mystery comes to be narrowly scanned , when the thing is leasurely and soberly examined , and Time has determined the truth of the point , the Project miscarries , the Building is esteemed Folly , and we come to be where we were before .

Now if any meer Remedy had been possibly capable of Curing Diseases , and a right application of one thing after another , and each thing with its due circumstances , according to the Rules and Principles of Physick , had not been full as Necessary as the things themselves , it is impossible , I say utterly Impossible , but by this time we should have been all as abundantly satisfied concerning the uncontroulable power of divers other Medicines , as some do now imagine concerning the Cortex . And forasmuch as we are not so throughly satisfied concerning the unlimited or irresistible power of other Medicines , of which divers have had as many Eulogies , and as eminent Patrons , as now the Cortex has , I must needs conclude , that whoever expects to conquer Great Diseases by meer Catholicons or Panaceas , or by any Simple , or Compound , never so Popular , and so to reduce Physick to a lazy and superficial performance , will certainly find himself deceived in his hopes , if he be either an Honest , or Judicious man .

And considering what has been said , I am very apt to imagine , that the Cortex , as Excellent a Remedy as it is , in some cases , may not flourish the Age of a man in that height of Reputation it has now manifestly gained . In its Infancy it was soon check'd and laid aside , by reason of ill effects from its Irregular Vse , but being brought into play again , and men understanding how to use it better , it has ripened so exceeding fast , and gain'd so High a Station above all other Remedies ever known before , that I cannot but much doubt it s very long continuance in so Supream a Place among us , it being the nature of all Bodies and Beings whatsoever , that the sooner they arrive to a state of Maturation or Perfection , the sooner they Decline again , and fall by the same steps they rose . We are now about the eight and twentieth year , since the Cortex was brought into Europe ; near the first twenty years , it either lay obsolete , or struggled against many difficult Prejudices , but about the latter end of that term , it happened to meet with more than ordinary Encouragement from the wisest Prince in Europe , our Great and most Judicious Sovereign , whose Word is enough to promote , and whose Will is not wanting to encourage , either the Improvement of Excellent Medicines , or whatsoever else does with reason appear to be for the Good of his Happy Subjects .

The Cortex has of late been used , or rather tried , in all sorts of Feavers , in Consumptions , Epilepsies , Periodical and Inveterate Head-achs , Rheumatisms , Gouts , Obstructions of Women , the Retention of their Menses , and to prevent their Abortion , being like Steel administred in the contrary Indications both of Opening and Binding ; it is likewise esteemed a Soveraign Remedy in Hysterical and Hypochondriacal Affections , which two do comprehend a great many Sub-divisions . It were endless to name all the several cases , wherein Curious and Ingenious men have essayed their skill with this Bark ; 't is harder perhaps to invent a Case , wherein it has not been tried , than to draw up a long Catalogue wherein it has .

The proper use of the Cortex in Agues has been excellently well delivered by a late Worthy Author of our own , Dr. Sydenham . partly in his History of Feavers , and especially in the first of his Epistolae duae Responsoriae , to which little can be added . Only one thing I have observed in the use of the Bark , perhaps of as much advantage to it in the allaying Febrile Fermentations , as Aperitive Salts are found to be convenient in order to promote the Energy of Catharticks . It is the addition of Acid Juices , of Lemmons , Oranges , or the like , to the Wines , or Liquors which are impregnated with the Cortex . Those Acid Juices were known long ago to the vulgar , to be oftentimes of very good use in the Cure of Agues , when mixed with Wine , Brandy , or Cordial Waters , and Sweetned to please the Palate . And the use of those Acids with the Cortex , being as yet known to very few Persons , I hope this hint will not be altogether unwelcome to the Publick .

Before I conclude this subject , it may not be amiss to give a Signum Pathognomonicum , or Distinctive Sign , by which the true Cortex may be discerned from Adulterates . For a Remedy cannot be very Good , and very Pretious , but there are a sort of Pseudo-Chymists , the Scum and Degeneration of Mankind , a sort of Poysoners which really deserve the utmost Severity of the Law , these Wretches , I say , use all their artifice and cunning to Counterfeit , and resemble it . And that very particular , when known , is of no small moment to the bringing the said Remedy , though very Excellent in its kind , into neglect and disuse with Considerate men . I have advised some Apothecaries , and others , whose Interest it is to Know well , what they pay so Dearly for , and whereupon oftentimes all hopes of Life do depend ( other Remedies being laid aside , and this used as a last Refuge ) that they should go to the Druggists while the Sun shines , and then choose a good quantity at a time , for their future use ; for holding it in the Sun , and breaking the Bark asunder , if they perceive Nitrous shining particles in the inward substance of the Bark , they need not then doubt the goodness of the Drug . Those shining Nitrous particles , or resemblances of Pure Niter , can only be seen in the Sun-shine , and though they may be Counterfeited without , and an English Bark can be Tinctured and Imbittered , yet it cannot by Art be thus impregnated within .

It is not out of our Memory , when two drachms only of the Cortex , given an hour or two before the Fit , would as certainly , or rather more certainly put off the Fit for a Month , than an ounce will now upon our Modern exhibition ascertain it off for a fortnight . Whither it be , that our Cortex is in great part , though not wholly Adulterated ; or whither the Timing of that Remedy could make such an alteration in the effects ; or whither we are yet fallen upon the Best Method of giving it , may perhaps be a Problem that deserves good consideration . I have tried but a drachm sometimes , mingled with a Purgative , to be given as before directed , and have found it Succeed . And I have known some Physicians promise and undertake as Certain Cures in Agues , with as few drachms as others would do with ounces .

'T is certain , that the Bark in substance is a Remedy of greater force , than any fine Preparation that an Artist can make of it ; the Extract , the Fix'd Salt , or the Tincture , are found to be much more Imperfect Specificks , than the Bark , as Nature provides it .

CHAP. XIII .

Of Opium . How it came to be esteemed a Cordial . An Advice of Sir John Micklethwait concerning Bleeding , and the use of Opium . Of the French way of Venaesection . Of the first qualities of Opium . Whither it be a Poyson , or not , largely debated . Crude , and Uncorrected Opium , more Narcotick , and also not so Safe , as the Prepared . A description , and recommendation of the Pilulae Pacificae . A Substituted Opiate , instead of our Laudanum , in some private , and particularly Hysterical cases . The Torrefaction of Opium vindicated . In what intentions Opiats may be Useful ; and in what respects . An admirable 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 in the Cholick . That Opiats have of late been extravagantly used . Idiosyncrasia's to be observed . Septalius his judgment of Narcoticks , and Galen's of Anodynes .

NAtural Sleep is so great a Refreshment in its self , and even that which is forced by Art , has oftentimes so good an effect towards the quieting great disorders of the unruly Spirits , that Opium , the chief and most powerful of all Soporiferous Medicines , is asserted by a late Eminent Author to be Optimum si non unicum Cardiacum in naturá , the best if not the only Cordial in nature , which whither it be in reality , I shall somewhat examine in the following discourse .

But before I enter into that disquisition , it may not be amiss here to relate a very remarkable piece of Advice of our late Worthy President of the Colledge , Sir John Micklethwait , to a Young Student in Physick . This Young man being recommended to him , Sir John soon gave him this wise , and wholesome advice , the effects of much Experience , and many Sober thoughts , to serve for a Foundation to his future Practice ; that he should always have a great care of Letting Bloud without good cause , and of being over-bold in the Vse of Opiats .

Venaesection upon very slight occasions , or as the French , and other Hotter Countries do now Practise it , would be a great Abuse here in England , if it were generally imitated . I have known some French-men agree with their Chirurgion , as they do with their Barber , to come so many times a year , and at a venture at certain times to let put some of their Hot Bloud . And the Ladies have so little apprehension of Bleeding , or put so great a value on a Good Face , that they will commonly be let Bloud , and take a Cooling Glister , for nothing else but to make 'em Fair. Now though even here in England , and every where else in some proportion , this be a most Excellent , and Absolutely Necessary Remedy , in all Inflammatory Diseases , in violent Defluxions , and the like , and is often a good Preliminary before Purging , and especially Vomiting , yet Bloud is said truly to be the Life of a man , and is the main store-house from whence Nutrition and Sensation do derive their continual supplies ; and therefore on every little ailment , every wandring Pain , or ordinary Hypochondriacal disturbance , which a Dose of Pills or Manna could have conquered , we ought to be exceeding Tender in exhausting that , whereon the Life of man does so very much depend .

As for Opium , I shall rather consider what relates to its Vse , and the Safety or Danger of it , as it now is , or may be used , than spend time in the explication of uncertain Suppositions , or Problematical Notions . Wherefore I shall leave the different Authors to enjoy their differing opinions about its first qualities , as whither it be Cold , or Hot , whither Galen , Dioscorides , Trallianus , Avicenna , Paulus Aegineta , Oribasius , Aetius , Garcias ab horto , and lately Olaus Borrichius in a Treatise , de Somniferis , who all held it was Cold , from its powerful fixing the Animal Spirits , and disabling them for a time from Duty , from the Stupefaction it causes , like other Narcoticks which are granted to be Cold , from its effects in Cold Sweats , and last of all in Cold Death , when taken but a little too liberally ; or else whither Matthiolus , Platerus , Bauchinus , Gesner , Sennertus , Doringius , Wedelius , &c. who held it was Hot , from its Bitter Taste , penetrating Smell , and Sudorifick effects ; whither of these two strong Parties be in the right , I shall not now determine ; or whither it may not be Cold in the fourth degree , and Hot also in the third , De morb . occult . & venen . l. ● . cap. 6. as Eustachius Rudius maintains , making Opium to consist of a Mixt and imperfect temperature , not uniform , and exact , as Lentils and Coleworts are said both to loosen , and bind the body , according to their different parts ; and as Roses , Succory , and the like , do consist both of Cool , Watry , and insipid , and Hot bitter parts , mixed together : Galen affirming that Nature , Lib. 1. & 2. de alim . facult. propr . as well as Art , does often Compound medicaments of Dissimilary , and Heterogeneous parts .

Opium has been numbred by Authors , with one consent , in their Catalogues of Poysons , and being of so very nice a nature , that a few Grains will dispatch most men as certainly as a Dagger , there seems to be some good reason for that Opinion , whatever now some Sober men may think to the contrary . Lib. 7. Observ. 3. Schenkius in his Observations ( a very Curious Collection ) delivers us several instances of Persons suddenly destroyed , not only by swallowing it into the Stomach , but by application of it to the Anus by way of a Suppository , in Cholick Pains , Tenesmus , the Inward Haemorrhoids , &c. Nay it has been known to Kill , upon an indiscreet application even in the Tooth-ach . Jacobus Justinianus , Alexand. benedict. lib. 6. c. 13. a Noble-man of Venice , died of that Experiment . So that I am afraid , more hurt would be apt to ensue , if Opium were removed into the number of Cardiacks , and thereby silly ignorant People should blunder upon trying it , when they wanted a Cordial to comfort their Spirits ; more hurt , I say , would be apt to happen from that Promotion of Opium , than can in probability , whilst it is ranged among the Poysons .

Wherefore because a very Considerable Author has lately pleased to represent it as the Greatest Cordial in nature , I shall more particularly consider it in that Great respect .

Our Famous Dr. Willis speaking how Opium does use to affect the Animal Spirits , when it causes Sleep , Pharmac . ration . Sect. 7. c. 1. says , that it does it , Non vapores in caput elevando , nec Cerebri poros , quò materies vaporosa , aut aliàs soporifera admittatur , aperiendo ; at solummodo spiritus quosdam animales perimendo , sive profligando , proptereà ut caeteri , aut consternati , aut interiùs compulsi , aut saltem ab effluxu in partes nerveas solito revocati , pensa sua derelinquant aut aliquantisper remittant . by killing or destroying some of the Animal Spirits , so that the rest do either in a Consternation fly , or are driven before it , or else being restrained from their usual excursions into the Nerves , do quite forsake their employment , or let it alone for some time .

And I do not doubt , but a moderate dose of Opium does as certainly kill some spirits , as a greater quantity will Kill them all , and lay their Master in an irrecoverable Sleep . According to the greatness of the dose , the Pulse diminishes , and shews a proportionable weakness , or diminution of the Spirits , which are to actuate and govern the Motion of the Heart , whose weak or strong performance of the Circulation of the Bloud does regulate and determine the Pulse of the Arteries , all which do derive the Bloud directly from the Heart . And hence there is a very great difference between Natural Sleep , and that which is provoked by Narcoticks . In the first , the Spirits are not Killed , but Quieted , they have a kind and agreeable Cessation from action , but the Vital Principle is not destroyed ; but in the latter many of the Spirits are absolutely deadned , all are Stupified , and many are truly Murdered . That the first is not Killing , our sudden and immediate lively Waking from a knock at the door , a call , or other outward accident , does sufficiently evince ; that the latter does Kill , the weakness and sudden imperfection of the Pulse is an irrefragable argument . And that therefore Opiats are far from being Cordials , must inevitably follow . For the nature of Cordials , is to enliven and invigorate the Pulse , to strengthen and magnifie the stroke , and to comfort and cherish the Spirits ; but the nature of Narcoticks does prove to weaken and infeeble the Pulse , to lessen and diminish each stroke , and , to say no worse , does render dull , and stupifie the Spirits . Nihil aequè cordi , Tract. propr . cap. 1 innatoque calori adversatur , ac magnus faetor , ob quem subito spiritus vitalis à corde recedit , said Avicenna . And Opium will give a sort of whiff to the nostrills , that is far from being pleasant and agreeable ; whereas Aromaticks , which are truly Cordials , do immediately raise up the dejected Spirits , and do rejoyce , and dilate them . But even ill , faetid , and loathsom smells have a good use too sometimes , not as Cordials to revive the Spirits ( which is the intention of Cordials in Syncopes ) but as instruments to repel their luxuriant motions , when they dilate too much , and threaten Suffocation through their immoderate expansion , as is evident in Hysterical cases .

The Turks liberal use of Opium will no more make it a Cordial , and will no less render it a Poyson , than the Psylli , Lucan . l. 9. a People of Africa , their feeding upon Venomous Serpents , can make the Serpents to be a Wholsome Food . Indeed their Opium is the first running of the Poppy , and this they esteem to be too good for Christians , and we can never have so much as a taste of that better sort . We must be contented with their Meconium , or the Expression of the Poppies . The Turks upon first using even their better sort , do find it to be much such a Cordial , as we do Tobacco . By degrees they can make Opium habitual to them , as we can do Tobacco . And both have a strange fascination upon mens inclinations , so that neither they can live contented without their Narcotick , nor most of us without ours , when either of them is once accustomed to . The Africans , and Asiaticks , who so habituate themselves to the use of this Juice , do always look Sottish , Stupid , and Furious , and in their eye it may plainly be perceived ; but use , a second nature , does cause them to take great quantities of it , without any considerable or very sensible harm . Garcias ab horto in his Book of Aromaticks , and Medicinal Simples which grow among the Indians , says he knew one man , who would make little or nothing of eating ten drachms or more of it , Lib. 1. c. 4. every day , & licet stupidus & dormitabundus semper videretur , aptissimè tamen & docte de omnibus disputabat ; tantum potest consuetudo . Although he always appeared to be Stupid and Drowsie , yet he could dispute pertinently and learnedly of any subject before him ; such a power is there in Custom .

But that even the Turks , and others , who from their youth do use their bodies to Opium , do not find it altogether Innocent , much less a Real Cordial , Prosper Alpinus may determine , De Medic. Aegyptior . lib. 4. cap. 1. who says that those who addict themselves to a customary use of Opium , have their ( Animal ) functions much depraved , that they appear drunken and sottish , that they become Comatosi , stupid , inconstant , that they lightly affirm a thing , then presently deny it , and behave themselves with that levity and inconstancy of mind , that few People will willingly converse , or have any thing to do with them .

But that the true cause why the Aegyptians and Turks do receive no more prejudice from , or are not absolutely Poysoned with it , Fallopius declares to be this , that they accustom their bodies to it , De Medic. purgant . simpl . c. 6 , even from their Childhood , beginning with a lesser quantity , and so by degrees rising to a greater ; that those who neglect the beginning betimes with it , cannot afterwards fall to it without imminent danger ; nay that even such who have accustomed to it from a Child , and have hapned to abstain from it for some years , if they should again venture to return to it , they receive great prejudice from it . Exercit. 175. And J. C. Scaliger asserts , that those who neglect it in their younger years , and in their adult or riper years do offer to use it , will find it Mortal .

And therefore Dioscorides , Galen , Avicenna , Pliny , Sennertus , and others , had no small reason to esteem Crude , and Vncorrected Opium , as a Poyson ; not by its manifest , but Occult properties , as most other Poysons , which have not so sensible an Excess as to Cold , and Heat , and yet prove most Destructive of our nature . The Bitterness of Opium shews it not to be so Cold , as to deserve the name of Poyson meerly upon that account ; the destructiveness of it in so small a Dose as will serve to Kill most people , does prove the best Demonstration of its Venomous nature . One grain will destroy an infant , and a few grains will destroy a man . And that which Johannes Leo in his Description of Africa tells us , of a certain Poyson in Nubia , was always esteemed as a very great and remarkable rarity ; that it was of so subtle , ( but Occult ) nature , that one only Grain of it divided into ten parts , and distributed to as many men , would in a quarter of an hours time dispatch them all into the other World ; but if the whole grain were given to one man , he would fall down Dead immediately .

I know Crude , and Vncorrected Opium has of late years gained a greater Reputation as a Narcotick , than any Preparations of Opium ; and indeed has deserv'd it in that respect . For one grain of the Crude is known to be equivalent to several grains of the Prepared . Chymia experiment . curiosa . And Jo. Helfricus Juncken in a late treatise measures the proportion , upon his Experience , to be one grain of the Crude to six grains or more of the Prepared . And yet notwithstanding this efficacy of Stupefaction in the Crude , the other has obtained a far greater Superiority of Title , being called Laudanum , quasi Laudatum vel Laudandum medicamentum ; as if it were the most Praise-worthy medicament of all others ; and this not only by Paracelsus , but by all Physicians with one consent . Nevertheless the Laudanum will keep its footing , though it cannot maintain it with that strength to mischief , as the Vnprepared Opium . The Saffron , Castor , Spirit of Wine , and the Aromatick Species will be apt to do as much good in one kind , as the Opium can do in another . And it should seem to me to be a very great convenience , if not advantage , to be able to give it in a greater quantity , and to keep the Enemy safe under a good Guard . And thus in the Pilulae Pacificae , I have observed the quantity of four or five grains of Opium , as it is corrected in that Pill , hardly to answer the Stupefaction of more than one grain of Crude Opium , at least not so suddenly . For in that Excellent , and perhaps Incomparable Narcotick Pill the edge of the Opium is blunted by the Salt of Tartar , its Volatility taken off by an indissoluble union with the Oyl of Turpentine , and its operation rather Fixed , or Precipitated downwards with the Hellebore joyned unto the others . The Pill is made thus .

℞ . Sal. tart . cum nitr . praep. ℥ iiij . affund . ol. terebin . ℥ viij . stent simul in loco humido ac frigido ad menses viij , ix , x , vel ampliùs ; tamdiu scilicet ( saepius interim agitando , atque plus Olei , quoties opus sit , addendo ) usquedum Sal plane triplum Olei absorbuerit , inque unam massam , instar Saponis , spissam ac homogeneam , conspiraverit . Tùm

℞ . Sapon . hujus perfectè incorpor . ℥ vj. Opii Theb. opt . ℥ ij . Helleb . alb. & nigr . subt , pulv , glycyrrh . à ℥ ij . M. exactissaddendo Ol. terebin . qs . ut f. Massa pilul . q. toties bumectetur ol. tereb . quoties exarescit .

And because the Laudanum of our Dispensatory , though an Excellent Composition , yet may be observed to disagree with the temper of Hysterical Women , by reason of the Musk and Ambergreese , I shall substitute for private use , or for such particular occasions the following Opiate , or Mass for Pills , as none of the worst .

℞ Opii opt . suprà laminam ferream parùm calefactum exiccat . & pulv . ℥ ij . myrrh . ℥ ss. Croc. opt . N.M. à ʒiij . f. pulv . subt . cui addend . ol. st. cinnam . N.M. à ℈ j. Sapon . cum sal . tart . & ol. tereb . praep. qs . f. Massa pilularis .

I know that the Torrefaction of Opium is now-a-days , much exploded , as being thought to deprive it of its Volatile parts , by reason of which it is said chiefly , if not only to be Narcotick . But the exhalation of the more faetid , Crude , and even more Narcotick , as well as Malignant Sulphur , does not so mightily deprive it of its Somniferous quality , as to render it any ways insignificant to answer those Indications wherein it is required . If it be not so very Stupefactive as it was before , if it will not so suddenly ascend up to the Brain , and inviscate the Spirits so powerfully , it is so much the better for use , the more Dangerous parts being separated , and those that remain being sufficient for our purpose .

Opiats are recommended in violent , and intolerable Pains ; in excessive Vomitings , and Diarrhaea's ; and in great Disorders of the Animal Spirits ; and in those three cases there is no doubt but they sometimes produce Extraordinary effects , and change the face of things , even in the midst of Despair . In Extream Diseases , Extream Remedies are most properly Indicated , and so Opiats may and do upon such Extremities prove strangely Successful . And it would be too partial , and disingenious to deny them the good they sometimes do in Physick . But still it must be remembred , that they are an Extream Remedy , and ought not to be used upon every slight account . It may be an Error of consequence , either wholly to disesteem them , or to magnifie them too much . But this last will prove most Fatal , if all things be rightly considered .

And I should have urged the less concerning the Danger of Opium , if the abuse , or over-use of it were not of late years grown more prevailing , than ever was known before , or than is , I conceive , consistent with the True and Rational Cure of Diseases . Opium has with some been made both the beginning and the ending , both the first and last thing in many cases , nay as much a Catholicon with some men , as the Cortex has been with others . And thus they have for a time allayed Symptoms to admiration , and conjured a Calm before it was necessary , or truly expedient . But the Patient notwithstanding remains crazy and chachectick , and it is seldom long but he relapses into as bad , or worse Symptoms than before . Where Proper Evacuations have not preceded , but immediate recourse has been made to the Opium , as if nothing could be done without it , and that alone were able to do all things , I have known , and experienced , five or six strong Doses , one soon after another , signifie as good as nothing ; whereas in the same Circumstances , or upon the very same persons , where Evacuations have led the way , one single Dose has attained the End designed .

In Cholick Pains , in Hypochondriacal and Hysterical distempers , frequent repetitions of great quantities of Opium have indeed , though with much struggling and difficulty , at last conquered the most Violent Pains , and reduced the disordered Spirits into Peace and Quietness ; but oftentimes in reality the Enemy is only laid asleep , or forced to give some respite , the Disease will soon again recollect its strength , in the same , or some other manner . But in the Cholick , a most grievous and Epidemical distemper , I must affirm , that I have often Experienced a thousand times more Success from a plain but strong Infusion of Choice Rheubarb in Cinnamon , or Aniseed Water , than from all the Opiats I ever had recourse to . And this Medicine being so excellent an 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , and being capable of proving so Extraordinarily Useful in this Town , where the Griping of the Guts does every year sweep away abundance of People , I shall farther declare , for the encouragement of those who have not tried it , that I never yet failed of Conquering the Gripes by it , with a most sudden , and seemingly Miraculous expedition . You may Infuse two , three , or four Ounces of Choice Rheubarb , a Remedy so Excellent in it self , that it has deserved the Name of Anima hepatis , the Soul of the Liver , you may Infuse of it , more or less , according as you would have the Infusion Stronger or Milder , in a Quart of one of the Waters before-mentioned . You may give five or six spoonfulls of it at a time , and repeat a second Dose an hour or two after the first . In the more Melancholick , and Phlegmatick bodies , I commonly use the Infusion of Rheubarb , and Gentian root together . I have given it to Women with Child , attended with Signs of Miscarrying , who have hapned to fall into the Cholick , and it has always given them Immediate Relief , more Safely and Suddenly , than ever I could find from the best Preparations that are known . And therefore though it be but an Infusion of some weeks , and a very plain one too , yet I dare recommend it over and over again , and I doubt not but the admirable Efficacy of the Medicine , will Apologize sufficiently for its Simplicity , and want of shew . And that Chearfulness of Spirit and Temper , which does usually attend a Cure by Proper Evacuations of the Turgid humours , is of no small moment , if compared with that Heaviness and Sottishness , that Stupidity and Disorder in the Eye , which do ever follow a plentiful administration of that Soporiferous Juice .

The Cure of Diseases by Opiats has Extravagantly prevailed in this Age , and whereas heretofore , when they were esteemed Malignant , and contrary to our nature , they were sometimes used towards the End of Diseases , but with due Correction of the reasonably appearing Pernicious quality , they are now commonly , but yet very improperly administred , even at the Beginning of Diseases , being esteemed not only Innocent beyond measure , but even Cordial super-eminently above all others . But whoever designs to force by a strong hand the Cure of Diseases , even in spight of nature , whither by Opium , the Cortex , or by the uncontroulable Power of any other Celebrated Remedy , he will upon calm reflection , find himself unhappily mistaken , if he be not too much addicted to his pre-conceived Opinions , and slavishly chained to his own thoughts . Besides , there are Idiosyncrasia's , inexplicable Antipathies in many bodies , both to Meats , and Medicines , and we ought with a great readiness , and flexibility of mind to attend unto the Juvantia , and Laedentia , upon all occasions . One hates the sight , and smell of an Apple , and to him it would be very Tyrannical to urge Pippin-posset-drink tool severely in a Feaver . Some have died outright with the smell of Roses ; I have known Rheubarb it self absolutely to disagree with the temper of some persons , Wormwood particularly with others , and so others have had very different , and unaccountable Aversions ; of which you may read divers Instances , both as to Diet , and Remedies in Schenckius his Observations . And it has been observed , that one sort of Opiate has absolutely disagreed with persons , to whom another sort has been as acceptable ; the Diacodium agreeing , or disagreeing with this man , and the Laudanum Liquidum with another . Wherefore we ought to be exceeding careful of urging an Opiate too far upon this account , as well as the other before , the Intrinsecal Danger from the thing it self . And a good Physician ought to be as really tender of what he does to his Patient , as he would desire to be served himself , if his own Life were at Stake . He must never give Dangerous , Empirical , or Vncertain Remedies , where he thinks Safe , Innocent , and Approved ones are able to perform the Cure . And above all , he must be very wary in the exhibition of Narcoticks . Animadv . medicar . Aphor. 43. Ludovicus Septalius gives excellent counsel about them . Narcotica quae stuporem sensui inferunt , ne temere in usum ducantur , sed non nisi in vehementissimis doloribus , ubi vires concidunt , ut cessantibus doloribus vires recolligant . Adulatoris vero Medici erit , aut auram popularem captantis , ea in levibus doloribus in usum ducere . De Methodo medendi l. xii . c. 1. And Galen does warn us to be exceeding careful , even in the use of Anodynes : Physicians ought to avoid Excesses , as in many other kinds of remedies , so especially in those that are called Anodynes , which are made of the Juice of Poppy ( Opium or Meconium ) or the Seed , or the Root of Mandrake , or from Storax . For those who desire to Gratifie their Patients ( more than is fitting ) do go beyond all bounds in the use of such Medicines , and those who are unseasonably , and beyond measure Timorous , do suffer their Patients to dye with the acuteness of their Pains , whilst they altogether neglect the use of these Anodynes . Wherefore as in every other action and concern of our lives , so in this matter let that wise Saying take place with us , Ne quid nimis , always proposing the Good of our Patients for our End , in all we do . And if we have any hopes or likelihood of Curing them by other means , we must be sure to abstain from Anodynes . But if , through immoderate watchings , or consumption of the strength , the Sick is threatned with danger of death , then indeed we ought seasonably to use this kind of Medicaments ; but then not forgetting that the habit of the body is like to be injured by it , and yet that hurt from the Anodyne must rather be born , than life lost for want of it . Thus Galen on this subject ; and thus I have finished my discourse on the Six Great Remedies mentioned before . I could have extended upon each of them , if the design of this small Treatise would have admitted it . At present it may be sufficient , thus to have shaken the Foundation of Chymical Babels , to shew that Nature has not been wanting , or unkind to us , in her Medicinal Provisions , and that an Empirical use even of the Best Artificial Preparations well never constitute a Perfect Practiser of Physick .

CHAP. XIV .

That it was a Custom heretofore , for Physicians to apply themselves more particularly to One Disease . That this Custom was not so absurd , as may at first be imagined . How the Genius and Opportunities of men do lie different ways . That Reputation , is procured by Artifices , as well as Merit . That the wisest men have had but a mean opinion of their own Knowledg . A more particular Application of the Author to the Cure of the Gout , why no hindrance to his other performances . This his Particular Application vindicated . A Hearty Profession of the Author hereupon . The Gout described , and distinguished from a Fitt . The Cure of the Gout , and the Cure of the Fitt , to be differently managed . The Pain why to be cured by Outward Applications . That the leaving the Pain to Nature is a gross mistakes , and why . How Topicks have come to be suspected by Prudent men . That Repellents and Astringents , and even Cold Applications , are justly to be suspected in all Gouts whatsoever . That Narcoticks are as bad as the others . The Quacks Oyls , Waters , and Plaisters for the Gout considered . Proper Topicks of what nature they ought to be . That in the Declination , whether suddenly procured by Applications , or leafurely attained according to the Course of Nature , Catharticks have a good use . Why Bayrus his Caryocostinum hapned to be so successful to him , even in the height of his Fitt . Venaesection in the Gout , to whom useful , and to whom extream dangerous . Emeticks why so Excellent a Remedy in the Cure of the Gout , as well as in other cases . A word of Sudorificks . The Cure of the Gout properly Prophylactick . How that is to be managed . The Cure by Nervous Medicines a long time continued , none of the best . That by Evacuations why preferred . Whither Bacchus and Venus be the common Causes of it . Three Aphorisms of Hippocrates in favour of Venery's causing it , distinctly considered , and explicated differently from Galen , and the Commentators . The preceding opinion , as to Wine and Women , proved unjust and uncharitable . The Cure by Diet examined . Some instances in favour of Diet afterwards answered . That those who are subject to the Gout , are seldom men of Common Understandings . The most Universal Cause of the Gout hardly yet taken notice of . The Milk-Diet oftner injurious , than beneficial .

HErodotus , an ancient Author , tells us that Physicians before his time were wont to apply themselves more particularly to the Study and Improvement of some one Disease ; his words are these : 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Lib. 2. Sect. 84. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Every Physician should have One Disease for his Province , and no more ; and in this respect there is no want of Physicians neither ; for some are Physicians to the Eye , others to the Teeth , and some to the rest of the Head ; others again take are of the Belly , and some apply themselves to occult Diseases . But every one chose some Particular Part or Disease , wherein he thought fit to employ his utmost Industry for the good and service of Mankind . And Baricellus to the same purpose : Hortulo geniali pag. mihi 170. Erat apud Aegyptios inviolabile decretum , ut singulis morbis singuli adhiberentur medici , &c.

Now this old Custom , as narrow as it may seem , and liable rather to our Censure and Merriment , than Imitation , yet was more commendable and beneficial to the Publick , at least in those times , than may appear upon first thoughts . Indeed it ought justly to be acknowledged , to the present Honour of the Faculty of Physick , that the Professors of this Art are generally men of as Vniversal Learning , and as Real-Learning in the best acceptation of it , as any Faculty whatsoever . And therefore it should seem very hard and improper , to confine men of so Vniversal Capacities , and diffusive abilities , to such narrow limits , as those Ancients could be well contented with . But notwithstanding , if in so large a place as London , which is so happily provided with great variety of most Able and Ingenious men in our Profession , every one would please to use a more particular diligence , in order to improve his Faculty in some one Disease above others , I cannot conceive any Absurdity , Ridiculousness , or even Derogation from their other performances , by this more Particular Application . And I do verily believe , that if Learned men , after a compleat acquisition of the Vniversal Method of Physick , and a necessary search into the Nature and Cures of those manifold Infirmities and Diseases , which , with a kind of infinite variety , do afflict Mankind , would with their utmost vigour and resolution prosecute the knowledge of some one Disease , eminently above others , they would most certainly find a Particular Providence attending and assisting them in so good and honest a Design .

Every mans Natural Genius must needs Incline him to make more absolute Observations , and to Delight especially in some kinds of Cures rather than others . As Complexions do notoriously differ , so must their Inclinations to this and that ; and they are not so easie to describe , as to observe , every man for himself , upon Sober Consideration . One man shall happen to have abundance of Patients in this Disease , and another in that ; and therefore after a reasonable Practice he will be able to determine , and suit his Observations best both to some Particular Disease , and some Particular Inclination . I have heard a very Eminent Modern Physician declare to me in discourse , that he never had a Patient in an Epilepsie all his life-time , and yet a man of as Vniversal a Practice , and deservedly too , as most that can be named . In the mean time some others of perhaps ten times less Experience may compute Scores of Patients that have been Epileptick . Time and Chance do happen to us all , and as the Wheel of Fortune turns round , it raises a man in some respects , and is apt to depress him in others , and it is our part in Prudence to submit our concerns peaceably and without frowardness to the irresistible and necessary Laws of Nature and Fortune , or rather Providence . It is in our power not to neglect our Duty , and to be careful that we diligently acquit our selves as we ought , but it is not in our power to regulate and oversway , as we think fit , the future determination of Contingents .

The Field of Medicine is as large as the Field of Nature ; and though a man may read , or write of all sorts of things in the general , yet it is as impossible for him to give an accurate and certain judgment of the vertues , uses , and real intrinsick faculties of all sorts of Natural Subjects , as it is for one and the same man to lay his foot upon every turf of the earth , or to number the sands on the Sea-shore . He may be diligent in the examination of one thing , and shall be negligent in the examination of others . No doubt but the Physicians of former times were sufficiently satisfied in their profound skill in Anatomy , and yet our Modern Anatomists , standing upon their shoulders , have seen a great deal farther in that Art , and Posterity , I do not doubt , will upon farther prying into those matters , discover more and more to the Worlds end . It is perhaps as convenient to the Designs of Providence , that one man should busie his head in Vseless , as that others should in Vseful things . There is as much need of Servile minds to perform Servile offices , and of Asses to carry Burthens , as there is of Liberal Spirits , and of Liberal Arts and Sciences . And therefore it is but Natural for some men , who pretend to Physick , to pursue Curiosities of no moment to Practice , with all the eagerness imaginable ; they had much rather be trying some fine and pretty Experiments to gratifie the Eye , or the Fancy , and to be highly admired by those that are altogether Ignorant in Nature , than spend any time or thoughts in the loathed habitations of Poor Sick people ; where nevertheless , if they were Wise , they would gain better Experience , and more to their true purpose , than from the little Experiments they took so much Delight in . Thus again others can dedicate the chief of their time , if not their whole time , to the Critical knowledge of the Figures and Descriptions of all sorts of Plants in nature , and of Exoticks especially ; and these shall ride . as many Miles to see a New Vnknown Plant , brought from the Indies , or elsewhere , as another man would to make a Good Purchase , or to gain a considerable Sum of Money ; whereas in the mean time they are but little concerned about the Vse and Application of our Domesticks ; the Cure of Diseases by the admirable endowments of our Commonly Known Plants , they altogether despise , as a subject too inferior for their Inquisitive temper . Others again do acquire a good hand at Dissections , and value themselves only thereupon ; there 's not a Fish in the Sea , or a Bird in the Air , or even a contemptible Insect that moves upon the ground , but these Gentlemen make it their Chief business to obtain , and Compare all the different fabricks which Nature has distinguished them by , but in the mean time do overlook the Alterations of Diseases in Humane Bodies , as if they were insignificant ; they had much rather be Curious Anatomists , than Expert Practicers .

Now I cannot deny but such men may make a considerable Figure in Physick , and may perhaps be admired with greater height , than those who better understand the Cure of Diseases . For men are more apt to gain esteem in the World , by Artifices , by Shew , and by Appearances , then by Real worth . Wise men , the best judges of things , are much fewer in number , than the weak , and half-witted . A competent and reasonable knowledge , even in Curiosities and Niceties , may not be amiss for any ; but a continual addiction to any sort of subjects , which do little relate to Vse , in a most Vseful and Practical employment , whatever some may think , does deserve a real Censure .

Where-ever a mans thoughts are intent and fixed , where-ever his Genius does Naturally incline , and all his aims and application do continually tend , whither it be to pertinent or insignificant matters , whither it be to Vseful , or else meerly Curious things , if he has but tolerable parts , and Education corresponding , he can hardly ever miss , it is hardly possible he should miss , the becoming Eminent , and in great measure Perfect ( I mean Perfect according to the Modulum of Humane Capacity ) in that one point . Do'nt we every day see many a dull heavy creature , who has only Wit to keep his Shop , and mind his business , only his business , and his Natural Inclination runs only that way he is pitch'd in , come to gain a very good Estate from nothing , in some ordinary Servile Trade , whilst a man more refined and accomplished , a man of far more Sense , and a more Liberal mind , who was by some accident Chained , or driven to a Trade he never fancied , takes no Delight in , this man can hardly keep things even , and instead of advancing , rather declines in the World , until some Accident or other at last Blows him up , and he disappears from the Station that he was very unfortunately placed in .

I should be very glad , if one man's head were able to contain all that Knowledge which is stored up with much luxuriancy in a very large capacious Library . Some Heads indeed are much larger than others , in Capacity , as well as Dimensions ; and Diligence , and Industry , vivacity of Apprehension , and strength of Memory , may fill one Head much fuller than others ; but after all , we must remember , that the most Eminent and Wisest Philosophers , who might justly have been thought the most Knowing of all others , were not ashamed to acknowledge , that they knew little , or Nothing in reality , Nothing , I say , not in companion with other men , but in regard to the multiplicity of things themselves , or what might possibly come under the Sphear of our Imperfect Knowledge . Nay if we state the Extent of Humane Knowledge upon the determination of the most Celebrated Wise men in former ages , we shall at last find , that the Proportion of mans Knowledge of Nature to the infinite multiplicity of Natural subjects , is not perhaps much greater , than the Proportion of our Body to that of the Globe of the Earth . A man that can speak and write great variety of Languages , shall sometimes prove but a very indifferent Head-piece in things of ordinary Discretion . We know that sometimes one and the same Author will furnish us with a whole Encyclopaedia , and set himself forth as if he were skilled in every thing imaginable in Nature . If he had as many Eyes as they say of Argus , and could read with every pair distinctly , and also Digest his Readings at the same time , he could hardly know more than some Empty men will pretend . And yet we say , and truly enough , Aliquis in omnibus est in singudis nullus . He that has a Smattering in every thing , is thought to be Good in Nothing . A few things well known , and to a mans proper purpose , are worth a great many more Superficially known , and extraneous to his real business . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 ; said Aeschylus well . A man is wiser in one Useful thing , than in a great many impertinent , or really Useless .

Now because the World is so wide , and a mans Knowledge cannot be so dextrously and so efficaciously applicable to all Infirmities which attend Humane Nature , as it may be more Particularly to some , whereto his Genius may Incline him , and his Fortune may have been most Assistant , it may be obvious enough to demand , whither I have any Particular Reason , or Experience , for the urging that obsolete , and unwelcome Custom of the Egyptians , and other Ancients , who took one Disease for their sole , or at least more Particular Province ? And I am not ashamed to acknowledge , that I have taken some more than ordinary Pains in one Particular Disease , which is now grown more General and Epidemical , than it was in former times , and does more especially afflict the most Vseful , and Eminent men in all Professions , Nor do I find that the time I have spent in searching more nicely than ordinary into the Nature and Cure of that Grievous Disease , has at all spoiled my hand in the treating of other Distempers . For as there is a Connexion of Virtues , in the Foundation of Prudence , as the Schools do determine , and a man can't therefore be truly said to have attained the Habit of any one Single Virtue , unless he has likewise Habituated himself to the Practice of all the rest ; so it may in some proportion be likewise said of the Cure of Diseases , that there is a Natural Connexion of Curing Diseases , in the Foundation of Method , and Prudent Management of Medicines ; and he that is not acquainted , as he should be , with the Vniversal Method of Physick , and is not thereby Prepared to obviate all Accidents which may happen , and to answer variety of Indications , with proper and suitable Medicines , can never be truly said to Cure any one Disease , let his Remedies or Receipts be never so choice and good . He may indeed happen to do what is the part of an Understanding Physician , though he be an Ignorant , or an Empirick , but then it must be considered , that the Cure was an effect of Chance , not this mans Skill ; and that although the Chance did then hit right , yet it must be expected that it will much oftner hit very wrong . And thus if a good Physician does prove so Fortunate as to Perfectionate his Method of Curing any one Great Disease , with more Accuracy and Certainty , than others , ( who nevertheless may in other things as much excell him , as he does them in this ) he shall be the better able , and not the worse , to steer his course in the prosecution even of other Distempers . Though it be reasonable enough to imagine , that if he did Absolutely Confine himself to the Management of no more than one only Kind of Disease , he would in all probability Adorn and Improve that Particular Province much better , than by letting loose between whiles into variety of other matters . Nor would one Kind of Disease be so narrow and small a task , as some may think . For every Kind has a great many different Species under it , and the various Constitutions of men , ways of living , circumstances of Age and Sex , the frequent Alterations of the Air , and consequential impressions on mens bodies , and lastly the Complications of it with other Diseases , do continually diversifie every Kind of Disease into a great many several sorts .

To be plain , I have for some years past applied my mind more particularly to unriddle the Nature , and , as much as lies in my small power , to perfectionate the Cure of that Opprobrium to most Physicians , the Gout . I beheld with much regret , that Worthy and Excellent men , the Prime and Glory of our Faculty , after all their Trials and Endeavors in this most lamentable Disease , have thought it prudent , if not necessary , to advise many of their Patients to let Nature take its free course , and remain as contented with their misery as they can , and so not to meddle with Physick , for fear of doing more hurt than good . But some Comfort being expected from the very Presence of their Physician , he is not altogether wanting in that point , to give them Joy very couragiously , as if they were now more surely entitled to the Happiness of a long , though in great part miserable , Life . And thus they come to pass over divers Fits as well as they can , doing nothing at all , until at last an habitual , knotted , and immoveably fixt Gout gains upon them , and they just live a life that is really worse than Death it self .

Now some may account it vain , others arrogant , or , if they will , ridiculous , that after the fruitless attempts of such Eminent and Able men , any one man of the Faculty , much less so indifferent a person as I have reason to acknowledge my self , should presume to make another Attempt , in a case that has baffled the Greatest Champions of our Art . To which I can without Arrogance , and with Truth enough answer , that the most Celebrated , and perhaps Best Physicians , may be sometimes overseen in a Particular Method , wherein another of less noted qualifications may either by a Particular Providence , or by a more intense application acquit himself with abundantly more Success ; that if it were not so , upon many occasions , the Excellent Observation in Diseases of many very Acute , and very Fortunate Physicians , must be neglected or despised , because forsooth they are not in the First and most Conspicuous Classis ; that if Great Diseases were not capable of Greater Improvements than we yet have from the most Eminent Ancient , as well as Modern Physicians , we should now without any manner of doubt have more Certain and more Compleat Methods in abundance of cases than we yet have ; and lastly that undeniable Matter of Fact , and the Observation of all ages ( and herein I appeal to the Present ) do unanimously testifie and evince , that the most Celebrated , and justly Famous Physicians have been commonly taken notice of , as more Eminent in some than other cases , and more Dangerous , or less Fortunate in some rather than others .

As I am in my Natural Temper far from being subject to the over-admiring my self , and my own slender performances , so I have no reason to Despair , but my hearty and earnest desire to be truly serviceable to Mankind in my Profession , may be attended with the doing something which I may Hope will not prove altogether unacceptable , or to no purpose at all , even in the foresaid Disease . And if I know my self a little , I can farther declare , that the very Act it self , of Doing some unexpected Good to those who are afflicted with it , will be a greater Comfort and Pleasure to my own mind , than any consequential Profit , Honour , or other Satisfaction . It is very true , that the Providence , which governs the World , does not leave us so destitute in the Cure of Diseases , as some mens fears may suggest . And if we would not haughtily overlook sometimes plain and obvious Medicines , which are not less Excellent than Common , and would but expect less from the ingenuity and subtilty of our own Preparations and beloved Contrivances , we should much oftner than we do find Admirable Remedies ready provided for our use , which when rightly managed by an understanding man , would do wonders that are often vainly expected from the Indies , and remote parts .

I shall not now design a full History of the Gout , or enter deeply into the Nature , the Causes , Signs , and Cure of this Disease , but content my self with making a few Transient Remarks , which are rather Practical than Notional , relating to it . And in the first place we ought diligently to distinguish , between the Gout , and a Fit of the Gout , as we do at other times between the Stone , and a Fit of the Stone . The Gout is an habitual , or long-contracted Disposition of nature to throw off offensive humours upon the Joynts , as often as upon any remarkable irregularity , or a gradual collection of such matter as is like to prove injurious to the Stomach , or the Vitals , the Principal Parts are threatned with danger . The Fit is a subsequent act , or present discharge of the offensive humours , upon either one , more , or even all the Joynts , according to their greater or lesser weakness , or else the greatness of the Prepared Disorder in the body . Now a man may have a Gouty Disposition of body , even when he is quite free from any Actual Fit ; and thus another may have a Stone lodging quietly in his Kidneys or Bladder , and may even then be properly said to have the Stone , though he is not at all troubled with any sensible Fit .

The Cure of the Gout , and the Cure of the Fit , are also two very different things , and ought in reason to be diversly managed according to their different circumstances . If therefore a Patient in a Fit of the Gout sends for a Physician , he must then only expect to be Cured of his Fit ; and if instead of a Fit that would according to the course of nature hold him six , or eight weeks in Pain , and weakness , he shall be relieved of his Pain in a few hours , and delivered of his weakness in a few days , he has reason to Thank God for this Assistance of Art , and to embrace it with Joy .

The first thing therefore , and the chief that is to be done of the Fit , is to take away the Pain each part , where the Defluxion has fallen , by Proper Outward Applications , and to free the parts as well as may be from that load which within swells and dilates preternaturally the Nerves , and which frets and exagitates the Spirits there inhabiting . For although the Defluxion does at first appear Spirituous , and Insensible , yet in a little time it turns to be Humoural , and palpably evident . And a great many little disputes about we know not what , and what we never can know , but only pass a Learned Guess concerning , are no ways material to the True Cure of the Gout any ways considered . We are certain of a precedent disorder in the body , we are certain of a subsequent Pain in the Joynts , and upon a Metastasis , or translation of the foresaid disorder from within the trunk of the body to the outward parts , we are certain , that the diseased persons do find themselves much relieved within , and as much aggrieved in the outward parts . And the settling Notions nicely , whither it be a vapour , or humour , wind , or spirit , either or neither , which is the Matter or Form of the translation from within outwarldly , would indeed make a divertive discourse , but will be very insignificant in reality to the laying a good Foundation for the Cure of this Disease .

The Pain being often so great as to cause a Symptomatick Feaver with it , we ought diligently to apply our selves to remove this Grievous Pain , and a man may as well maintain , that it would be injurious to the body to part with a Quartan Ague , before it has been shook with it for a full year , as that it would not be safe to lose the Pain , before so many weeks are over , and Nature it self has as it were in Pity to the Diseased at last given them a convenient respite . The Cause of the Pain being Conjunct in the Part , or Parts affected , why may not the removal of the Conjunct , and even Continent Cause , be a proper stroke to the Cure of the Pain , as well as the removal of the Antecedent Cause Prevent or Cure the Gout ? the same Natural Principle , which threw the disorder upon the Joynts , would doubtless , if it had been able , have throughly discharged it even from the Outworks of the body . Unless we will think , that it is delightful , and some ways convenient to Nature , to have an Enemy remain so near it , as the Hands , or Feet . Possibly it may , by way of a Spiritual Exercise , and to help Contemplation ; but whoever thinks himself altogether secure in the main Fort , because the Enemy is driven into the Outworks , may be surprized before he 's aware , and come to lose Possession of the whole .

The Benefit of Outward Applications , when properly and safety administred , in a raging Fit of the Gout , is a great , as the freedom from Pain in any other part is ease and comfort in respect of that part . But the unhappiness of them is , that they have been generally managed by Quacks and Ideots , rather than by Physicians ; that divers instances are to be met with , wherein Outward Applications have proved unhappy , and have perhaps directly threatned the Life of the Patient ; but still the irregular use of any sort of Medicine , is no just exception to the thing it self . For otherwise we must lay aside Vomits , and Purges , and Opiats ; nay we ought as well to abstain front every sort of Meat , and Drink , because Gluttons and Sots have abused the use of them .

Repellents and Narcoticks are favoured too much , as well by the generality of Authors , as by Women and Empiricks . And though abundance of Formulae are described by Excellent men , in this Disease , yet upon the Experience that I have had in it , I can hardly conceive any Arthritick case , which necessarily , or property requires them . Upon a considerable Declination of the Fit , they may happen to be used , when no great hurt may ensue , and some good may appear to follow , but the mischievous consequences will even then be durable , and in time convince them of their Error . It may suffice to give one instance out of Trincavellius , De Rat. curand . partic . hum . corp. affect . lib. 12. c. 1. concerning the Fatal effects of them in one , and the terrible danger of them in another Nobleman of Venice . The first upon the application of them to his Knees , and Hands , repelled the Arthritick humour into his body , and fix'd him into an irrecoverable Asthma , which soon concluded his life : the other by the same Method fell into a most grievous , and vehement Feaver , accompanied with a Paralytick Trembling of all the parts of his body , and Stupor of all his Senses , but his Gentleman had the good fortune to escape immediate Death , and with a great deal of difficulty , by the help of his Physicians , made a shift at last to recover . Repellents are so directly contrary to the Invention of Nature , that I cannot but Wonder , how Learned and otherwise Able men , could either recommend , or at any time have recourse unto them , in many other Defluxions , or Discharges , besides the Arthritick . For if Nature , or Art , in a Malignant Feaver , do happen to throw off great part of the Morbifick matter upon the Inguina , the Alae , or behind the Ears , or else into some other place which is not so proper an Emunctory of the Principal parts , use but Repellents a little to the Tumour , and strike it back upon the Vitals , and I dare leave the person to a Dismal , if not inevitable Prognostick . Nature does exceeding kindly in freeing the Vitals from a considerable part of that which caused the Feaver , and if we presume to return it upon her again , she will take it very unkindly , and is presently overcome , being not able to make a second Defence against an Enemy , that she had much ado to struggle with before .

But the use of Repellents and Astringentopicks , is rather recommended by Authors in Hot , never in Cold Gouts , called Hot and Cold , from the visible Complexion of the Parts affected , or else of the body in general . Now even in those Hot , Cholerick , or Sanguine Gouts , I can never approve of Repellents ; for though they may sometimes give great ease and satisfaction , in point of their Pain , and in the Declination , or after Evacuations ( a Method with some ) may happen to be attended with no sensibly ill consequences ; and though the Astringents may seem properly to answer to the Weakness of the parts , yet if we consider the nature of the Nerves and Tendons , whose weakness it is that primarily occasions the Pain , we shall find , that Cold Repellents and Astringents are very contrary to the nature of the Nerves , and consequently cannot be of such benefit in Arthritick cases as we ought to contrive . For Cold things are by all held to be injurious to the nature of the Spermatick parts . The Spermatick , exanguious , and Nervous parts are Cold in their Temper , and affected or hurt by Cold. In Arte parvâ , sive Arte Medicin . cap. 59. And Galen gives this as one common Sign of distinguishing the temper of any part , that if it be offended by Cold things , it is Cold , if by Hot things , then it is Hot. And so Hippocrates says , that Cold is most offensive of any thing to the Bones , the Teeth , the Nerves , the Brain , and to the Medulla Spinalis , because those parts are Cold. But on the contrary Hot things are acceptable to them . Aphor. Sect. v. n. xviij . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Wherefore I very much suspect even the affusion of Cold water upon the parts affected , which our Great Hippocrates does sometimes recommend in Gouts , Aphor. Sect. v. n. xxv . and from him Vander Heydon in his not contemptible Discourse of those three not contemptible things , Whey , Cold water , Synopsis Discursuum , &c. and Vinegar . And Bathings with Milk , or the like , do seem to be alike improper , notwithstanding that a person now and then may appear to have received sufficient Benefit from them . And upon these grounds , I cannot but admire that so Learned and Eminent a man as Fernelius was , should find out no better , nor more proper an Anodyne , for such a person as the Marquess of Brandenburgh , than the mucilag . sem. althaea cydon . Consil. 14. à ℥ ss. extract . in aq. stillat . Solan . & Plantag. à ℥ iij. Addendo si lubet , acet . ℥ j. to be applied , even at the beginning of the Fit , and before Purging .

As to the weakness of the Nerves in the Joynts , this chiefly depends upon an universal weakness of them , derived from the Brain , not as Fernelius maintains , in his Pathological considerations on the Gout , Patholog . lib. vj. cap , xviij . by bringing a Defluxion of thin phlegmatick humours from the outward parts of the Cranium , along under the Cutis down to the Joynts ( which may rather be accidental , and is not always perceived before the Fit ) but by the universal weakness of the Spirits , from Procatarctick Causes , as shall more fully be explicated in the following discourse . In order therefore to take a right Indication of Topicks , we must restore the weakness of the Spirits , not by Cold Astringents , but by such things as shall Comfort and Cherish the Spirits , and will that way Strengthen them Safely ; and the humours which the Pain has drawn thither must be rather let out , not driven back , nor Stupified with Narcoticks .

And as for Narcoticks outwardly applied , or inwardly given , they must certainly Fix the humours in the parts affected , and the Ease that the Patient for the present receives , can bear no proportion to the inconveniencies that he must afterwards be liable unto , when the Gout shall hereby come to be Knotted , when those Salts which were fluid and moveable before , shall hereby come to Fix and settle , and the Disease grows to be in a manner Perpetual , which had some reasonable Intermissions , before the Opiats were applied . Besides , I have sufficiently shewed in the precedent Chapter , that Opiats are in their natural tendency injurious to the Nerves , and for the reason that they are so injurious to the Pulse and Respiration , by diminishing and weakning them , if not extinguishing their functions , they will be found to communicate very easily their hurtful , if not Pernicious effects , unto the Nerves .

Among the Ignorant Retailers of Physick , those silly Ignorant people , who for want of something else to do , or because they could do nothing to purpose in their several Trades , and Employments , will needs be a trying their small Skills , some in one Disease , and some in another , in order to get a Penny , we have abundance of ordinary Creatures that run about , one with an Oyl , a second with a Water , and a third with a Plaister for the Gout . And these shall give strange , and absurd assurances from their several Receipts ; which all Physicians do know can never be rightly appropriated to all sorts of Gouts , any more than one sort of Purge to all Conplexions and Diseases .

As for the Oyl , it is to be remembred , that the Gout is chiefly occasioned from the weakness of the Nerves in general , and particularly in the Joynts . And this makes the Joynts so subject to receive Defluxions , when the body happens to be disordered . The Vitals being Strong , and the Limbs being rendred Weak , Nature like a Skilful Physician , throws the offensive humours from within ( the place of most danger ) to the Outward parts , where the danger is less ; and thus those parts are very subject to receive them , when men are Disposed to this Disease . And for the same reason it comes to pass , that persons who have any Natural weakness about them , whither it be in the Kidneys , the Glandules about their Throat , their Lungs , or in any other part , shall as Naturally receive into it the effects of any disorder , either by Intemperance , Colds , or the like , as those who have a weakness in the Joynts , do prove subject unto the Gout . Now the Parts being already weak , and the Joynts relaxed from their Primitive Tone , any Remedy which is of a Relaxing quality ( as Oyls most plainly are ) must of necessity do as much mischief , by its additional Relaxation , as the Ingredients joyned to it can be conceived to do good .

As for the Water , if the Basis of it be a Water , it must needs be near as bad as the Oyl , being also of a softning emollient nature , and thereby tending towards the farther Weakning of the already enfeebled Joynts . I know how famous the Aqua Antipodagrica Rulandi , described in that excellent Treatise of Loselius de Podagrâ , and in his Secreta Spagyrica , Printed lately Jenae ; the Aqua Quercetani Antipodagrica , and others , have formerly been . But there 's a great deal of difference between Waters of this , or any other kind , in the hands , and under the management of such Able Physicians , and the Waters of a Woman , or an Ignorant Empirick , who know not how to suit them to their proper uses , and who are continually subject to mistake , both in the quantities and the qualities of the Ingredients , which enter into them . One Water can be no more proper for all sorts of Gouts , than one Habit , and one kind of Diet , agree to all sorts of men . For there is a considerable difference in Gouts , according to the different Complexions of men that are afflicted with it , according to the recency , or inveterateness of the Disease , and according to the continual variations of nature in the same person , insomuch that Good Authors have described a great many kinds of Medicines , both Outward , and Inward , to be interchanged , and altered , according to Discretion , as they are observed to be Juvantia , or Laedentia , agreeable or disagreeable , upon Particular occasions . Nay the same Remedy has been observed to have admirable effects at one time , and to be insignificant at another , even in the same person .

Lastly as for the Plaister , I 'le grant it may be an Excellent one , as there are Formulae enough of some few Good , and many more Bad , and that this Plaister may be sometimes accommodated to very good purpose in one sort of Gout ; but when an Ideot comes to manage it , who can no more distinguish in reality between Gouts , than a Blind man between Colours , who uses his Plaister at random , as a Gamester throws the Dice , it must certainly happen to do as much hurt sometimes , as it may happen to do good at others . And therefore what a Blessed condition must those Gentlemen be in , who in such ticklish points as neither themselves , nor their Quacks can possibly understand , will run the hazard of a Plaisters , doing either Good or Hurt , as meer Chance directs it ! I have often observed the very Form of Plaister , though an Excellent sort , the very Form , I say , of Plaister , notoriously to disagree with this Disease . The Form of Cataplasm is much more likely to answer an intention throughly , and safely , than any other that I know of ; it may be impregnated with proper Medicines more Strongly , or Mildly , as the Physician judges it most convenient , and as the Case appears before him .

When proper Topicks , not Cold or Hot , according as the Gout is supposed to be either Hot or Cold , but Milder or Stronger ; more or less Searching and Evaporative ; and more or less Temperate in respect of Heat ; and more or less Strengthning , not by a Cold Astringency , but by a Comfortable , Nervous , and invigorating way of Strengthning , according to the weakness of the Parts , the duration of the Disease , and the frequency or fewness of Paroxisms : when , I say , Topicks thus proper have taken away the Pain , and thereby brought the Fit into a Sudden Declination , Inward Remedies may then as Safely and as Effectually be used , as if the Patient had , to his great Prejudice in divers respects , waited the Cessation from Pain , or Declination of the Disease , for divers weeks , according to the Course of Nature . Before the Declination is obtained , one way or other , Catharticks or the like , cannot be so Safely administred , although here and there an instance may be brought in defence of them . And though Solenander , Consil . Medicin . Sect. 4. Cons. 24. & 25. a very good Author , does allow of Catharticks , even at the beginning of the Fit , while the Pain is raging ; and Bayrus , one well acquainted with the Gout , maintains the same opinion , yet most Authors , and Experienced Patients are of another mind , and will not allow them so soon , by reason of ill accidents which do , or may often happen from that untimely administration of Catharticks . For whilst the Pain is much predominant , it is not an Easie Purge that will work at all , and Lenitives are generally granted to be more hurtful than beneficial in any sort of Arthritis , and if the Purge be of a Vehement kind , and should happen not to work , or to work but little ( which often happens , when exhibited in dolorifick Distempers ) the Symptomatick Feaver must needs be attended with additional danger , the Choler burn , or fret more violently , and the Thirst grow more intense . In Vehement Pains we know that an ordinary Dose of Opium shall have no operation at all , nay that it is sometimes requisite to give such a quantity of it , as would certainly Poyson the same man in Health and Ease , and yet at that time , under the circumstance of Vehement Pain , it might have a Good , at least no Bad effect .

Prax. Med. l. 18. c. 1. Bayrus gives us a very famous History of himself , how by the use of his Caryocostinum , an Excellent Purging Electuary , when he was brought so low with the Gout , that he could move neither Hand nor Foot , nor any part of his whole body , besides the Tongue , yet upon taking half an ounce of the said Electuary , after it had given him but four or five Stools ; he found himself so mightily relieved , that he was able to go of himself to and from his place of Ease , and could take a walk freely into his Study , although upon the first operation of it , he was fain to be carried , or lifted upon the Stool by no less than four men . Nay the very next day he was perfectly freed from his Distemper , which you may read more at large in his own Words , and was a just reason for his high Commendations of the Caryocostinum , Ibid. to be Electuarium mirabile ad auferendum dolores Juncturarum , subito solvens sine molestia , ignitum calorem extinguens , & contemperans membra patientis in tantum , ut à sella redeat ad locum proprium sine alterius auxilio . Bayrus does not arrogate to himself the intire invention of the Caryocostinum ; he acknowledges that the Species of it , in form of a Cathartick Powder , were mentioned by Galen , 2. ad Glanc . cap. de Podagr . cal . only he thought it convenient to alter the Form of it , from a Powder into an Electuary , with a Syrup made of Honey , and White-wine . Our Dispensatory retains it under the name that Bayrus gave to it , Caryocostinum , making it up with a triple quantity of Mel Rosatum , omitting the White-wine . But Daniel Horstius , I know not upon what grounds , Pharmacop . Galen . Chym. Cathol. l. 11. de Elect. & consec . liquid . calls it Electuarium Caryocostinum Horatii A●genii , described after the same manner as by Bayrus , But if we can have such excellent effects from it , as Bayrus asserts , both upon his own Experience , and what he found in others , it is no great matter to us , who was the Author of it in part , or in whole .

But now as for Bayrus his case , there is no such wonder that this Purge , or even a Purge in general should prove so Safe to him at that time , or that he from thence should take occasion of urging the benefit of Purging at any time of the Fit . For he had no Acute Pains in one or two Parts more remarkably , but his Pain , and Disease together , were in a manner equally dispersed all over his body . And when the Gout comes once to this Extremity , they seldom feel much Pain to complain of in one certain place , and consequently Pain was not capable of hindering , or much retarding the operation of a Purge , as it may be apt to do in other kind of Fits ; so that for reason it work'd as well with him , cum 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , as it would have done upon a less or another occasion . Wherefore it will not follow from this Famous Story , ( what I asserted at first ) that Purging about the Beginning , or in the heighth of the Fit ( while the Pain is very Acute ) is a safe and commendable Method . But bring the Disease into a Declination , that is truly , take away the Pain , let it be done in an hour or two , or in longer time , and there ought to be no farther dispute , but Proper and Judicious Evacuations may be as Beneficial , as if the Declination had been tediously expected , for divers long weeks , according to the Course of Nature .

And as for Bleeding , although in Younger persons , who are more than ordinarily addicted , or accustomed to a Glass of Wine , and in the First Fits , where there is a plain Plethora , and the Defluxion falls violently like a Torrent , it may sometimes be a Proper Preparative to other Medicines , yet this can only prove a Revulsion from the Parts affected , and it may qualifie the Heat and Ebullition of the Bloud , but must still leave the Parts ( if other Methods succeed not ) in a future weakness , or disposition to this Disease . Bleeding , where proper , may allay the present Symptom or Paroxism , but is apt rather to impair the tone or strength of the Nerves , than to take away their imbecillity . The Eyes , and the Optick Nerves are very sensibly weakned by Venesection , the very day that it is performed , and though in Younger people that weakness is soon enough repaired again , yet it plainly shews that in all Diseases which proceed especially from a weakness of the Nerves , this Remedy ought to be used with very great caution , and not without some Necessity , on account of the Feaver , or Inflamation .

In Elder persons , or in Habituated Gouts , the use of the Lancet is almost as much to be dreaded , as a Dagger stuck to the Heart . The loss , and inconvenience of one single Bleeding shall perhaps never be made up again as long as the person lives . Consil . Medicin . Sect. 4. Cons. 24 , 25. Solenander , a Sober and Good Author , reckons up two persons that he knew , who upon unadvised , or unfortunate Bleeding in the Fit , did one grow quite Paralytick , and lost the use of his Arm afterwards , and t'other made his Gout Knotted by that means . And Examples of that kind are not rare . Galen indeed advises Bleeding Spring and Fall , as a Preservative against the Gout . But they must be very Young , and Sanguine , and they must not have suffered the Gout long , to whom that Remedy can be safe and Good .

Emeticks indeed are a Noble Remedy , both by way of Preservative , and sometimes before the Fit is over . One Vomit shall oftentimes do more than divers Purges , as making a Strong Revulsion from the Parts affected ; as clearing the Stomach ( the depravation of whose Functions is a main original cause ) of those humours which pervert its Chylification ; as also freeing the Principal Parts adjacent to the Stomach , which do all by Consent unburthen themselves thither , during the operation of the Vomit ; and lastly as wonderfully freeing the Head , and the Nerves of Phlegmatick , or Serous matter for defluxions . And in many Cephalick Distempers , where the Nerves , or even the origine of the Nerves are threatned , every body knows that little is to be done without Emeticks , and that very strange things may be done with their help . It is an Eradicative Remedy , and I wish it were as easie to bear , and as easie to perswade unto , when Proper , as it is Excellent in its kind . The Great Effects from Vomits made the Chymists even Mad in their use , and because some Stubborn Chronical Diseases did beyond expectation yield unto their Vehement Antimonial and Mercurial Emeticks , they would needs be using the same , in Infirm persons , and in Mild Diseases ; and so the Credit they one while got , when they were rightly appropriated , they soon lost again by Apparent Miscarriages under their improper Administrations . For let ignorant men say what they will , and defend it with a Face of Brass , we and our Posterity shall always find it true , that only Extream Diseases require Extream Remedies , that Great Remedies are to be accommodated to Great Diseases , and so Mild to Mild. He that will think otherwise , let him try Beef and Pork to Infants , and Milk to Plow-men , and Labourers . For there is certainly as much difference between Medicines to strong and weak Diseases , as between Aliments to Men and Children . I have spoken more to the Matter of Emeticks before , in the Chapter of Vitriol , and elsewhere ; and the smallness of this Treatise will not admit that variety which this Particular Disease deserves .

Sudorificks may in some have a proper and good place , and in Phlegmatick natures , and Phlegmatick Gouts , may serve to consume any remaining superfluous humours about the internodia , where sufficient Topicks have not been used . † † De Curat . admirand . Cur. xv . Cardan would make us believe that he had done mighty things in Arthritick Diseases with the Decoctum ex Ligno cum Betonicâ , adding but the Pilulae ex Hermodactylis ; and * * Observ . l. 2 in habitûs corp. dolore . Platerus runs very much upon the same strain . But though these Sudorificks may seem to finish compleatly the Cure of the Paroxism ; yet they will be found to do but little towards a future Prevention of the Disease .

The Cure of the Gout is truly , and chiefly , if not only Prophylactick . And he that is once subject to this weakness of the Joynts , and Nerves , and when he finds himself hearty and stout , bids defiance to all Physical Care , and refrains now and then Medicè vivere , will as Certainly again Miserè vivere , and fall into the same woful condition he was in before , sooner or later , according to his course of life , and the prevalency of the former weakness , as the Tide ebbs and flows , or the Laws of Nature are Fix'd and Certain . Man's body is always in a fluxibility and motion , and either a good or ill habit is ever gaining ground upon him . Neque enim in humano corpore quicquam quiescit , Cardan de Curat . admirand . Cur. xvi . sed si non in melius proficiant , necesse est ut in deterius prolabantur . And therefore none of us have reason to think our selves too secure ; for when we are in the greatest Athletick vigour , then commonly we are in greatest danger . 'T is easie enough ( through the Blessing of God ) to Prevent Dangers , if we look to it in good time ; but when once Diseases have gotten a strong hold upon us , and fundamentally altered our Tempers , we must be contented to run greater troubles , and uncertainties too , than could before have entred into our thoughts .

The Prophylaxis of the Gout must be so managed , as to divert Defluxions from falling on the Joynts , by a timely care . According as the Distemper has gained , either by its inveterateness , or else by the frequency of Paroxisms , or by their Vniversal affection of the parts ( for I have known in some , near every Joynt in their body Sensibly affected , even in the first Fit , and not only a Toe , or an Instep ) I say according to those , or the like circumstances , Vniversal Evacuations must be more often , or seldom administred ; and oftner at first , afterwards more seldom , until at last Spring and Fall , or even one of them may be a sufficient Preservative . Among Evacuations , Emeticks will claim the first , and chiefest place ; neither always need we have recourse unto the Strong ones ; there are as many Degrees of them , and some in a manner as Mild , as of the Catharticks ; but where violent prejudices are taken against all the Kind of Emeticks , we ought not to force them too much , but rather make up the good we might have expected from them , by a more frequent administration of Proper Catharticks . The Dutch have a Natural , and Endemial aversion to all Emeticks , and if some of ours have a Sporadical Antipathy to them , we ought in prudence to avoid obtruding them with a Magisterial command , as much as we should this or that sort of Aliment , to which they have a Strong and Uncontroulable aversion .

All Authors do lay a great , if not an Absolute stress upon Nervous Medicines inwardly taken , and continued daily for a long time , no less than a Year or two together , in order to Prevent , or Cure the Gout compleatly . Aetius an old , Tetrabibl . 3. Serm. 4. cap. 47. but no bad Author , recommends several Electuaries of this nature , to be taken for a year together : his Antidotus ex Hyperico , Antidotus Anastasii , and Doari Episcopi , all three appointed for a full year ; his Tetrapharmacum , otherwise called Mysterium , for a short one , and Philagrius his long one , &c. Our Modern Practicers keep rather to the pulvis fol. chamaepit . salv . beton . and the like . Observat . l. 2. in habit . corp. dolore . Platerus tells us of an Antient Gentleman of 70 years of age , who had been Arthritick for divers years , and by the use of Betony alone , taken several ways , as in Conserve , infused in Wine , boiled with his Meat , &c. Cured himself so perfectly of his Gout , that he lived afterwards to 80 years , and free from it . And in my opinion it was a pretty Cure , and such as deserves not to be pass'd by in silence . But notwithstanding that Nervous Medicines inwardly taken for a long time be very Rational , and oftentimes Vseful at the long run , if other care goes along with them , yet it may be considered , that by reason of the Heat which attends Nervous Plants , and the other Hot Aromaticks and Spices , which are commonly added to the Recipe to make it appear with greater lustre to the eye , whither or no they may not in length of time have the effect of Wine immoderately drank . Wine in its self Soberly used , is perhaps the greatest Cordial in nature , and consequently a little of it may be as good for the Nerves , as Cordials are thought primarily to be for the Heart ; but if men cannot forbear overcharging their body with heavy loads of that Spirituous Liquor , or if once there grows a Thirst which nothing but Wine can quench , it will prove a Poyson instead of a Cordial , and by degrees burn , and consume the necessary Principles of life . And thus even Nervous Remedies imprudently , or over long used , may ( 't is more than possible ) with their attending Heat so fret and Inflame the Bloud , that the disorders from the very Remedy , upon this account , may in some occasion or accelerate an unexpected Fit .

Wherefore Evacuations , suitable to the temper of every person , or as the 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , the present circumstances of Particulars do require , do seem in my conception to claim a just precedence to Alterative Nervous Remedies , and will do abundantly more alone towards the Prevention of the Gout , than any Nervous Medicines can without Evacuations . The great use , and exceeding benefit of Evacuations , was not only Indicated , but Demonstrated , by the Natural Crises which have often determined Feavers , sometimes Critical Haemorrhagies at the Nose , at the Haemorrhoids , and by the Menses , at other times by Diarrhaeas , Vomitings , profuse Sweats , and Discharges by Vrine . Evacuations in Diseases have thus as Naturally been Indicated , as one Contrary has been by another . Indeed a due order both of Evacuations and Alteratives , is the part of a Good Physician , and if either Chymistry , or any fond whimsical Fancy does instigate a man to be at defiance with Bleeding in general , or with Purgations either upwards or downwards , as if they might altogether be spared , and other Remedies would do better without them , these men , let their pretences be never so Chymical , ought as strictly to be Banished from the Province of Physick , as a notorious Traytor from a well-governed State .

And now I have thus spoken to some of the most Material circumstances relating both to the Cure of the Paroxism , and the future Prevention of it , it may not be amiss to obviate one great Error , about the Cause of the Gout . Authors with one consent , and people in general , have favoured the Opinion , that immoderate or unseasonable Bacchus and Venus , are the only Legitimate , and Necessary Parents of the Gout , where it is not Hereditary . The Greek Poets have sung aloud , that the Gout is the Daughter of Bacchus and Venus , that the Gout is a Luxurious Goddess , and esteemed 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , a hater of Poverty , and Poor people . And it was a pertinent Apologue to this purpose , which Mouffet relates , Theatr. insect . lib. 11. cap. 13. of a Spider and the Gouts taking a small Journey together : That at night the Spider hapning to take her lodging in a Rich mans house , was quickly driven away , and spoiled in her weaving Cobwebs , that the Gour hapning to take up in a poor mans Cottage , was almost starved with his Brown Bread and Herbs ; that meeting the next day again , they agreed to change their Quarters , each complaining very much of their former Landlords , that the Spider was kindly entertained , and unmolested by the Poor , and the Gout upon coming to the Rich , Luxurious person , and falling at his Feet , was presently welcomed with Downy Pillows , rich Tapistrys , and all imaginable care and tenderness ; the Kitchin grew Hot , the Table spread with all manner of Dainties , and the best Wines that were to be had , went merrily about , &c.

Neither were Poets , and Merry men only of this opinion , but even our most Judicious Hippocrates hath Aphoristically dictated the same . Aphor. Sect. 6. n. 30. One of his Aphorisms is 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . That a Youth never has the Gout before the use of Venery : Ibid. Aph. 28. and another is , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . That Eunuchs are never troubled with the Gout : 29. and a third , 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . That a Woman never has the Gout , before her Menses have left her . After a word to these Aphorisms , I shall speak to the Rationality of the thing . Lib. de affectionib . Hippocrates makes a difference between the Morbus articularis , and the Podagra ; and grants that even Youths and Eunuchs , may be subject to the Dolor articulorum , before Venery , though not to the Podagra . For in the end of Feavers , Defluxions do sometimes fall upon the Joynts , either by reason of the moisture and relaxation of the Ligaments of the Bones ( the humours flowing to them , and a Dry Cough accompanying it ) or by reason of the exanguious macilent condition of the Junctures after Feavers ; and therefore Oxen , about the end of Winter , when they grow to be very Lean , are apt to slip the Bones in the Joynts . And thus to this sort of Arthritis , the Dolor articulorum , which is made per modum Puris corrumpentis , ( never so the Podagra ) even Youths and Evnuchs are subject as well as others . Ad Aphor. 30. lib. 6. And Brassavolus relates how Alphonsus Tasso , or Dassonius , and Claudius Rangonus , two very fine Youths , were troubled with the Gout at fifteen years old , in his time and knowledge . Hollerius says upon the same Aphorism , that he knew some at ten years of age troubled with it . Ad Aphor. 28. Brassavolus also tells us , that he saw at Venice an Eunuch Turk , forty years old , afflicted with it . And relations of Women are less rare .

To all which we answer , that Hippocrates must mean the Podagra , which so much differs from the Dolor articulorum ; and Cardan excellently well defends the truth of these Aphorisms , In Aphor. praedict. against the misinterpretation of Galen , and other Commentators , by allowing that they may , and are sometimes subject to the latter , but never properly to the former . I remember one Contemporary at Winchester School , who was very Arthritick , and whose case might probably be the same with Tasso , and Raengonus . If we will understand a sentence in a large sence , which is meant only in a strict sence , we may easily enough find a flaw in the truth of it . And this seems to me to be a much more genuine interpretation , than to say I can't tell what , that the time Hippocrates lived in , was so exceeding Temperate and Abstemious above ours . I don't doubt but they knew the taste of a Glass of Wine as well as our times , and as few of them were Women-haters as now . We may talk of Golden Ages , and Iron Ages , to comply with the humours of some men , whose temper inclines them to dislike and censure every body , and every thing that they see , and to admire all that is dead and gone ; but upon the best reflection that I can make , I am very well perswaded , that there ever was , is , and ever will be a Golden Age , in respect of some Particular persons , whose Virtues do preserve the very Being of the World , and an Iron Age in respect of others , I fear much the generality , whose Vices would overwhelm the Order of the World ; and bring a sudden dissolution upon it , if the first did not uphold it , by a powerful hand .

As for Eunuchs being now sometimes troubled with the Gout , notwithstanding Hippocrates his assertion to the contrary , we must know , that in all probability our Master did mean such Eunuchs only , as either were born without any Necessaries for Coition , or were intirely deprived of them soon after they were born , as is now the manner of the Turks , and not concerning those Eunuchs , who were deprived only of their Testicles , but had their Virga , and Scrotum remaining , upon which sort Martial was a little pleasant in his time , in that jocular Distich :

Cur tantum Eunuchos habeat tua Gellia , quaeris Pannice ? vult — Gellia , non parere .

And if they are still capable of doing in private such feats of activity , as gave occasion to the Grand Seignor to make a through Exection of their Generative Principles , and besides can swill a Glass as freely as those who are not Castrated , nay and can impair the tone of their Spirits upon other accounts , what should hinder them from becoming Arthritick as well as others ? There are four things requisite to breed the Gout , according to the opinion of the Antients ; an imbecillity of the Joynts , an expansion , or dilatation of the Veins about them , Crude matter to flow that way , and an impelling principle , chiefly a Flatus . Now if a young lusty Fellow happens to be made an Eunuch only in Martial's sence , after he has sufficiently known what 's what , and thereby , as well as other ways , weakned the Natural strength of the Joynts , and dilated the Veins about them , certainly he is afterwards capable of disordering his body with Intemperance , thereby furnishing Crude indigested matter , and Wine will provide him with an Impelling Principle .

The third Aphorism will likewise hold true , if we consider it a little attentively . No Woman is ever known to have the Gout , before her Menses have left her ; 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 is the word , and 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 does not only signifie derelinquo , leaving absolutely , and for good and all , but also desum , and deficio , to be wanting , and defective . So Xenophon takes the word when he says , In Oecon. 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . And so the Sun and Moon are said 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , deliquium pati , and there 's a great deal of difference between an Eclipse , and a Natural incapacity of ever shining again . And thus it is true , that a Woman is never known to get the Gout , before her Menses 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , have been wanting or defective to her , either in quantity or quality . This therefore seems to me to be a much more proper Interpretation of that Aphorism , than to say , that the Women were all Saints in Hippocrates his days , and that they are now-a-days all Beasts , and for that reason are now subject to the Gout more than formerly . Women were always Women , as well as Men Men. Wherefore I shall still have the same honour for Hippocrates his Judgment , in these Aphorisms , as well as his others . And I think it is better thus to understand his meaning , than to suppose him to be an Ideot in these Sentences , who is accounted an Oracle in the rest . A wise man may be mistaken in his Notions , as well as a Fool , but he would be very unwise , who would Determine so Positively notorious untruths in Matter of Fact , as those three Aphorisms commonly misunderstood must insinuate . An Aphorism is a final and well-weighed determination of a matter , in few words ; it is the result of long Experience , and a Wise man can never be so Ridiculous , as to lay down for a Rule , and a Conclusive Rule , what every half-witted body must needs know to be False , and this in Matter of Fact .

And now for the Rationality of that vulgar opinion , that Wine , and Women , are the adequate , and most general Cause of the Gout , it is very Censorious , uncharitable , injurious , and improbable , I do not doubt but it is in some the True , and main Cause , but in abundance of others has a very small , if any share in its production . Whatsoever is capable of weakning , and impairing the tone of the Animal Spirits , will claim properly a title to its Generation . A Sedentary life full of Study , and deep thoughtfulness , in persons who feed high , and Digest ill , by reason of a continual and unseasonable application of the mind , shall cause it in Sober persons , who drink but little Wine , and use little or no Venery ; sometimes too much Exercise , as well as in others too little , shall weaken the Spirits and Joynts ; the continual use of a Coach , and disuse of Legs , I do very believe is a more General Cause , than can be easily imagined . We may further observe , that many Sober , Temperate , and eminently Virtuous persons , upon whom Malice its self can hardly fix a Suspition of Debauchery , shall miserably labour under this Disease , whenas thousands of the rankest Libertines in nature , who never deny themselves any sort of Sensuality , do escape all their lives free from being Arthritick . Nay of those who are afflicted with it , sometimes the most Temperate , Regular , and Abstemious men shall happen to fare the worst ; and I have known some upon the stricted observance of Diet , fall suddenly into a Pit , and the same as soon recover again upon taking a little Liberty . So that there can be no adequate Cause of this Distemper , but this : whatsoever is capable of weakning , and impoverishing , or afterwards of disordering and irritating the Animal Spirits , in persons disposed to this Disease , whither it be by an Hereditary Necessity , or by a Luxurious , or Sedentary , or sometimes Laborious course of life .

In point of Diet , that Aphorism of Hippocrates ought to be well remembred , and especially in Arthritick cases . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , &c. Sect. 1. num. v. That Sick people are apt to do themselves injury , by following too spare a Diet , and this is the more injurious to them . For whatsoever Error is committed , is more considerable under a spare Diet , than under a liberal , and therefore very strict rules herein are of dangerous consequence to those that are in Health , because they suffer the more from it . And for this reason a most exact , and slender Diet is generally more dangerous , than that which is stronger and fuller than it should be . Thus the wise man . Notwithstanding which advice , the generality of Physicians have been apt to debar Arthritick persons more than is really requisite in point of Diet. And they have thought they have had good Authority for it . For Authors on this subject have recorded divers instances of persons desperately afflicted with the Gout , who by reason of Poverty , Imprisonment , a forced or voluntary abstinence from Wine , and the use of Women , have been as it were Miraculously Cured of it , to the astonishment of all who knew them . Porphyry tells us of Rogatianus a Senator of Rome , In vitâ Plotini . who upon hearing Plotinus a Platonick Philosopher , grew to an absolute contempt of the things of the World , forsook all his Honours , dismiss'd his Servants , and spent his time in Philosophical entertainments , and eat but once a day , and that very sparingly . And it seems by this change of life , he that by reason of the Gout could not go one step , but was at first carried every where in his Chair , got strength to his Legs again , and also recovered the use of his Hands , as well as ever , who before was absolutely disabled . In Appollinis radio primo in descript. elect . Diacorall . Franciscus Alexander of Vercellae , a Town in Piedmont , relates the Story of a Rich Gentleman there , who being privately surprized , and cast into Prison , and there living on the Bread and Water of Affliction , recovered so strangely of the Gout ( that he had been troubled with 'till fifty years old ) that when the Castle he was kept in was taken by the French , he had lost his Distemper quite , and could walk without a Staff , who before could not so much as walk with it . De rat . errand . partic . hum . corp. morb . l. 12. c. 2. Trincavellius relates of an old Physician at Venice , who had been exceedingly troubled with the Gout , that for five years he debarr'd himself from drinking so much as a drop of Wine , and by this means quite freed himself of his Distemper to a Decrepit old age , and even to his Death . And many places do ring of Hydropotae , or Water-drinkers , who by that means have got rid of their several sorts of Arthritis . Guainerius speaks of several Vxorious people , De aegritud . junctur . c. 27. who had been forced to keep their Bed the greatest part of their time through the violence of their Gout , and upon burying their Wives , were very seldom afterwards attacked by it , and when a Fit did come , they were very quickly rid of it .

To the substance of all which Stories I shall make some Answer , and shew , that notwithstanding these Relations , Diet is no adaequate , or certain Cure of the Gout , that though Temperance be good in all men , and especially in this Distemper , yet we ought to be very Cautious how we recommend it too strictly to persons who have habitually , and a long time indulged themselves to greater Liberties than they ought to take ; that it must needs be a matter of more than ordinary consequence for a man to grow exceeding regular , nice , and scrupulous , in eating or drinking many Innocent , and accustomed things , who had always used himself to a free Scope , and could or would never debar himself from indulging to the Dictates of his Appetite . For Sudden Alterations from things Accustomed to the contrary Extream , though to the better , ought carefully to be avoided .

It is to be observed , that of those who labour under this Disease , the generality , if not all , are men of great Sense and Brains , and their Spirits are much , if not always employed in very intense thinking . And if Fools do chance to come by it , as well as Wise men , it is to be imputed to their Foolish Extravagancies , whereof some will exhaust , and impair the Spirits , as much as Immoderate Studies , and long fixedness of thoughts . But I dare appeal to any man , who has known the World , whither it be not exceeding rare to meet a man of weak , or very ordinary intellectuals , much afflicted with this Disease . Now the Animal Spirits , which more immediately perform the functions of Reason , being in these thoughtful men upon very constant and hard Duty , do call in to their assistance those Spirits , whose part is properly designed to help the business of Digestion . So that the Stomach finding its self destitute of those necessary helps which it uses to receive in order to Regular Concoction , can therefore do its work only by halfs , and so heaps up Crude and indigested humours in the body , which Nature finding at last to grow very offensive , and threatning to attack the main Forts of Life , the Vital parts , does in great kindness to them , throw them off upon the Outward . We know that an Error in the first Concoction , cannot be rectified in the second or third . Let but the Spring of a Watch flag in its due force , and though the Wheels and other parts be never so curiously and exactly wrought , yet the Watch can never go right , because all the rest depends upon the first-Elastick motion of the Spring . And thus the Stomach being the main Spring of Digestion , and upon whose regular , or irregular functions , do absolutely depend all the subsequent acts of Sangnification in the Blood , and Assimilation in all the parts of the body , if the Spirits at due times are not sufficiently relaxed from intense Meditation , and the Stomach assisted with as many of them as are requisite to the first Concoction , or Chylyfication , there is like to be a most natural inlet to such Diseases as the Constitution of the body inclines to , and particularly the Gout in those whose other circumstances do concur towards its production . Hence therefore it is that the most Eminent and Vseful men in all Professions , and in all Stations in the World , are so subject to the Gout more than others . A continual hurry of business does fill their heads , they are neither before , after , nor even at their Meals sufficiently disingaged from Serious Thoughts ; their Industry and Application does commonly provide them with great plenty and variety of Food ; they Eat well , and Digest ill , for the reason aforesaid ; their Spirits with continual exercise , and fatigue , are as much tired , and therefore weakned , as Arms or Legs can be on other occasions , where there is not sufficient intermission . And therefore the having the Gout is very often a Good Sign , a Sign of Sense and Reason , a Sign of Industry , and a mans minding his business , as well as sometimes it is a Bad Sign , a Sign of Irregularities , and previous loosness in some respects .

Now though this may in all probability be a more general Procatarctick Cause , than others , yet no Author , that I know of , has made any words about it . They have all in general gone in a stream , and assigned the more Popular Causes mentioned before . Sir Theodore Mayern indeed , who has written a short but judicious Treatise of this Disease , makes the Stomach ( not the Head , or Liver ) to be the primary Fountain from whence those Defluxions are derived to the Joynts . And therefore Diaeteticks are in his opinion a main instrument in the Cure . The Stomach is doubtless first of all affected , and it very often comes to be so , by reason of the Spirits being too much employed in the Brain . For whither Wine , or Women , or Corporeal , or Mental Exercise of the Spirits do weaken their natural crasis , it is certain that they are weakned , and being so , the Nervous Parts must on that account be as subject to receive morbid impressions , as Infirmities and Weaknesses in other parts do likewise become attractive . But that a very Spare Diet is the most proper course to restore the strength of the Spirits , or to prevent disorders from falling on the Joynts , I cannot but very much question . For let immoderate Venery , or any other immoderate exercise , or consumption of the Spirits take place , and we shall find a strict Abstinence repair them again but slowly . Therefore the true Prophylactick Cure of the Gout must be so adapted to most people , as to let them live in great measure as they did before , and not to make a Baby of a man of Sense , and feed him with nothing but Milk and Spoon-meats . Crato , an Eminent and Learned Physician , was yet no wiser than to observe , Consil. 246. that Capons flesh is very injurious unto , and ought mightily to be avoided by Gouty people . Whereas if he had lived out of the Courts of Princes , where Capons are a Dish which comes under every days Animadversion , he would have found , or might as well have observed , that Mutton , and Veal , and any thing else that is taken for Nourishment , is apt sometimes , as well as Capons , to disagree with Arthritick crazy bodies . It is easie enough to misobserve , that the present Diet , let it be what it will , was a previous cause of the Paroxism . Though there is no doubt , but gross , hard to be concocted , Saline , and too Fermentative Food , is always more in fault , to a vitiated Stomach , than a clean , easie , agreeable , and Digestive sort of Aliment .

Now as to the Stories before-mentioned , in vindication of the power of Diet , I answer to the first , that of the Roman Platonist ; that he had separated himself from business , and had reduced his mind into a Philosophical Tranquillity , that his Animal Spirits finding ease from their hard labours , could now be more intent in contributing their assistance to the functions of the Stomach , and upon this new remission of them from continual and tiresome Cogitations , they could very well help the Stomach to perform exceeding well its Duty in elaborating or digesting the one Meal a day , much better than it could before frequent Meals , when their strength was enervated . The consequence of which change of life was naturally enough a change of Temper , a change from Sickness to Health . To the second , that of the Savoyard in Prison ; that though the Imprisonment might at first be attended with a great consternation of mind , yet in some time it grew easie enough ; and we may find abundance of Prisoners , after a little inurement to that unhappy life , grow very well contented in the condition which they find can't be help'd ; that there no multiplicity of Affairs , no cross disappointments in business , could wrack or distract his mind , so that Bread and Water , or any other ordinary Diet , sparingly allowed , could not choose but be well-digested , and so his Natural strength being recovered , was a necessary means to the strengthning his Animal . To the third , that of the Gouty Physician ; that if the loving a Glass of Wine too much , had been a main Cause of his Gout , he did very well in drinking a glass less than perhaps he needed . For after Sixty was no such proper time for him to renounce Wine indispensably . Wine immoderately , or unseasonably used , is remarkably injurious to the Nerves , and in general to bodies subject to Crudities and indigestion , is rather a hurtful vehicle of them , than a Cordial any ways beneficial . The benefit of Water to those that are Arthritick , cannot be enough recommended . And yet to such whose Brains are continually travelling with important business , there is no absolute necessity of debarring one Glass of Sack now and then . Consil . Medicin . Sict . 4. Cons. 24. Solenander considered well , when upon reflecting how hurtful Wine is to the Nerves , he says , Non tamen ego proptereà cuilibet temperamento , cuilibet constitutioni , aetati , consuetudini , suadere auderem , nec utile putarem , omnimodam vini abstinentiam . As for that Physician , we have not so very full an account of his case , as might require a more punctual Answer . His forbearance of Wine , and use of Water alone , might be no more the True and Compleat Cause of his losing the Gout , Plin. secund. Natur . Hist. l. 22. c. 24. than the eating of Honey might be the only true cause of Pollio the Roman's living to above a hundred years old , as it seems he affirmed to Augustus , when he was asked the question . To the last , the case of Vxorious Peoples finding so much relief upon surviving their Wives , that the being Vxorious , or keeping truly and constantly to their Wives , is a very unlikely means to procure the Gout , though when once it is Confirm'd upon a man , a small excess even of that kind , shall help very much to promote it , and so that Adjutant Cause being removed , the Disease may abate in its force ; that the greatest Rangers and Libertines in Town do often escape the Gout , being rather subject to Venerial than Arthritick Diseases ; that Women , as Wine , immoderately and unseasonably used , by enervating the Animal strength , do sometimes , but not always , cause the Gout ; and that when they do it , it is not so much in Sots , and Silly People , as in men that can be at other times over-thoughtful , serious , and melancholick .

Now we cannot deny but Diet is of great concern in so considerable a Chronick Distemper , and especially to those persons who think fit to quit themselves of their Physician , so soon as they are got a little rid of their Paroxisin , or those who over-wisely leave all to the Course of Nature . Seasonable and proper Evacuations carefully followed at certain times , will leave the less necessity , perhaps none at all , of being Curious in this respect .

Before I dismiss this subject , I cannot but speak one word to the Milk Diet , that being oftentimes the Last Refuge , and having gained greater Fame than any other . Some indeed have had the good Fortune to receive benefit from it , or to think so at least , for a time ; and the recommendation of this Diet , in some particular cases by Eminent and Worthy Physicians , where they have had sufficient Experience of the Idiosyncrasia , or peculiar Tempers of their Patients , has encouraged some others to venture upon it of their own head , and they have paid dearly for their Rashness , by its absolute disagreement . For Milk is a contrary to those men , whose Habit of body is Acid , and Melancholick , ( and Thoughtful men are very apt to degenerate into that State ) and as contrary to such who have inured themselves to the constant service of Bacchus , as Beef and Pork to the Stomach of a little Infant . These mens Stomachs shall sowre and curdle Milk , as certainly as Vinegar or other Acids , when set over the fire . Besides it is very unnatural , and heterogeneous to make Children of Men , and to accommodate the proper Diet of the one to the other , unless it be upon some particular occasions weighed and deliberated with the utmost care and nicety , and with the Advice of some Good Physician . And in this case the Aphorism of Hippocrates , respecting Diet , that was mentioned before , ought well to be remembred .

Thus I have been longer than I intended , upon this Disease , and I hope some Hints may not be altogether Vseless . If I have been guilty of the common Infirmity that attends Mankind , and have Notion'd it wrong , I shall be always ready to hearken to better Counsel . Though upon these Principles , such as they are , I could Magnifie my self , if it were proper , in Particular Performances , and could both as to the Fit demonstrate Experimentally how Suddenly and Safely the Pain can be , and has been quite removed beyond Expectation , and the consequential Cure made easie and soon dispatch'd ; and as to the Preservative part , could sufficiently evince how by Proper and Suitable Evacuations , the Gout , though confirmed by abundance of Fits , and many years continuance , yet may very well be kept off from time to time , untill the Nerves have regained their pristine strength , and the Habit of body altered into a better State . But I shall forbear .

CHAP. XV.

Simple Remedies preferred by some before Compounds . Why Compositions are as Necessary as Simples . Venice Treacle one of the first rank . That Venice Treacle ought to be administred in larger quantities than usual , in other Cases besides Poyson . How the True sort may be distinguished from the Adulterate , according to Galen . The benefit of Correctives with Catharticks strongly urged . Of Mithridate , and its Inventor . How little those Antidotes are used in France . Some account of the Old Hiera's , and more particularly the Hiera Diacolocynthidos . The Hiera's , not the better , or more Sacred , for the Aloes they contain . Aloes deservedly Censured .

AS it was a Custom in old times , for Physicians to apply themselves chiefly , if not solely , to one Kind of Disease , so there were others full as Zealous , that they should keep themselves strictly to one sort of Simple in their Cures . Nor were good women , and Country people the only persons , who had a great opinion of Cures being wrought by Simples , but even Physicians of the greatest note and honesty have very much favour'd it . Dioscorides , who liv'd in Julius Cesar's time , described the Virtues of Simple Plants , with an excellency that few have since imitated , and Matthiolus his justly admirable Comments upon him , writ a long time after , has improved , and is like to perpetuate our Necessary Knowledge of Simples . And the substance of both their works has been reduced into a most easie and applicable Method , by Justus Mollerus , in his Fasciculus Remediorum ex Diofcoride & Matthiolo . * * In Epistol. ad lib. de comp. medic . Seribonius Largus , who flourished in the times of Tibertus , and Claudius the Emperors , did prefer Simple Medicaments before Compounds . And Octavianus Horatianus † † Rerum Medic. l. 1. c. 1. , under Valentinian the Emperor , did condemn both Compounds , and all Foreign Remedies , and maintained , that in every Country Nature had provided a sufficiency of Simples to answer all Indications , and for every Age , Disease , lib. 24. c. 1. and Occasion whatsoever . Pliny , a little before Horatianus , a most eminent Naturalist , is more keen , than was requisite , on this subject . Galen , Oribasius , Paulus Aegineta , Aetius , and others both Antient and Modern , have trod in the step of Dioscorides , and delivered the Virtues of Simples much from , and after the same manner with Dioscorides ; only Galen was the first more particular weigher of the first qualities , and Author of the Graduations of Plants .

That Simple Medicaments have proved singularly Good in the Cure of divers Diseases , it would be unworthy to deny . For otherwise Kings and Princes would hardly have vouchsafed to Honour Plants with their Names . Telephium ( Orpine ) was so called from Telephus King of Mysia , whose wounds received from Achilles , and grown in a manner desperate , Pliny lib. 25. c. 5. were Cured by this Plant. Teucrium from Teucer King of Troy , and from whom the Trojans Teucri , but called also Chamaedrys , or Germander , by Dioscorides . So Lysimachia some say from Lysimachus , &c. And the Names of a great many Plants have been attributed , and setled , as it were , by the general consent of Mankind , for their eminent and appropriate Virtues .

Some Authors do make us to be very much beholding to Beasts for our Knowledge of Plants . And thus the Weazle being to encounter the Basilisk , is said by Natural Instinct , to defend it self with Rue . The Serpent , when grown old , is said to have learn'd the Cunning to apply its self unto Fennil , in order to clear her eye-sight . And the Swallows to Celandine , on the same account . The Stag , when wounded , is thought to run immediately to Dittany , as if the Arrow could stay no longer in his body , when touched with that Specifick . I could with more reason speak to the Cortex , to Gentian , Rhubarb , Eye-bright , and the like . But it is certain , that the right use , and application of Simples , is of as great consequence to the performing Great Cures , as the things themselves can be ; and Proper Evacuations will always have a due place , before the Remedy can be truly Specifick .

I have shewed before , that Nature does Compound Remedies , as well as Art , and as Diseases are Complicated , the Medicines must be so likewise . And therefore to decry all Compositions as Vnnecessary to use , seems to be rather a piece of Wit , or Gallantry , or Perverseness , or at least a Mistake , than founded either in Reason , or Experience . For the World does not feed upon Herbs , nor much like the drinking of Water ; the Abstemious Philosophers that are spoken of in Books , are now very rare to meet with ; Cookery is become no contemptible Art , and the days are gone and forgot , when Acorns was a Dish of Dainties , when Men and Pigs fed promiscuously together , and little else besides an articulate , and inarticulate note did serve to distinguish the one from the other . If the World were as good as it should be , there would be little need of Physicians , or of either Simple , or Compound Remedies . But because we must be contented to find it as it is , and not as we would have it , mankind is not a little beholding to those Excellent Physicians , who set their Wits to work to frame admirable Compositions , which have effectually served to answer the Prolifick , and multifarious results of a General Luxury .

Among the rest the Theriaca Andromachi , or Venice Treacle , a Composition of no less than sixty odd Ingredients , will claim a preference before most others . It was first contrived in the days of Nero , that inhumane Emperor , by his Chief Physician Andromachus , as if Providence had ordered that no Time should be so bad , but some General Blessings should make good amends to the World for what it must sometimes suffer from inhumane Wolves , and Destroyers , and from General Calamities . Vid. Galen . lib. 1. de Antid. The Composition so pleased the Author , that it Inspired him with a Poetical strain , and he presented a Copy of Verses to his Master , wherein he at large set forth the Praises , and Excellencies of this Incomparable Antidote . Lib. de Theriac . ad Pisonem . Galen , who lived not long afterwards , writ a Treatise on purpose concerning it , wherein he magnifies this Famous Antidote to be of such wonderful efficacy against the Venom of all sorts of Creatures , that he says it was never known to fail in the Cure of any of their Poysons . Ibid. Siquidem nullum à feris quae hominem solent interimere commorsum , hâc statim epotâ antidoto ; periisse memoriae proditum est . For at that time the World was not furnished with Aqua Fortis , Sublimate Corrosive , Oyl of Tobacco , and other such Chymical Preparations , but the Poyson of Beasts , Insects , and Herbs , was thought to be bad enough of all conscience . I shall not dispute , whither the Venom of many Creatures , does proceed from the Essential nature of the Creatures themselves , or from the inflamed Madness of their Rage and Passion . It is enough that we have so good a provision against it , and this Theriaca was so called from 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , Aeol . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , accus . 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 , unde fera , a wild Beast , either because it was so exceeding good against the Poyson of wild Creatures , or because of the Vipers flesh , which is a great and principal Ingredient in its Composition . And by the By it is a great deal of pity , that the common people should be so abused , as they often are , with Orvietans , and the like Quack-Compositions , as if the mingling great store of Honey , and a few Hot Spices , to a little of our present Theriaca , would answer the general occasions of Antidotes , better than this Great and a long time justly Approved Antidote . But if the people will needs be Deceived , there is no help , but they will always have such Deceivers ready . Galen asserts , that he Experimented the Alexipharmick nature of this Electuary upon wild Fowl , as being of a drier temperament than the Tame or Domesticks , and of those Fowl he made some to take liberally of it , and mingled others in their company , which had pot tasted of this Preservative . He then put Venomous Creatures among them , who assailed and Bit every one of the Fowl , and soon found , that all those who had not the fortune to take of this Antidote , perished immediately , but those who had , escaped free and found . Others before him , it seems , had tried the same Experiment upon Malefactors , and it proved alike Successful . So that we have reason to Bless God for so Admirable a Composition , and not to mind what Captious , or Fanciful men have indiscreetly vented against all manner of Compositions . Plin. l. 20. c. 24. And this , in my opinion , did deserve much better to be Cut at large in Stone , at the entrance of the Temple of Aesculapius , than that of the great King Antiochus , though a good one too against Poysons . But it must be remembred , that if we would have it Cure those many Diseases which Galen esteems it so good for , we must not think that the Tasting a small quantity of it will ever do such wonders . In divers cases , where there was no thought of Poyson , I have given three and four drachms at a time , and it has immediately stop'd the violence of the Distemper , and rendred the rest of the Cure as easie as may be . For this is always a Rule with me , and I wish it were with others more than it is , that we may Safely be sometimes Bold in the exhibition of such things as are Safe in their own nature , but that we can hardly be too Timorous in the prescribing or advising such things as are Dangerous in their Use , or Consequence . Nor is half an ounce of Treacle so Bold an enterprize as some may think . Zwelfer , a most Acute and Excellent Physician , whose ability in judging of the use of Remedies , is sufficiently evidenced by his Impartial Animadversions on the Pharmacopaea Augustana , as well as by his other works , this Eminent Modern Author affirms , Animadvers . in integram Classem xj . de Confec . aromat . that in the beginning of Feavers , or even when they are Confirmed , and in Diarrhaea's , and the like Diseases , he had taken himself , and had given to others , half an ounce , six draohms , or more at a time , of this Treacle , and never without great success , nunquam non faeliciter , & summo cum fructu . Nevertheless this ought to be understood with very great caution , even by Physicians , and especially as to Younger Patients , and in respect to Inflammatory Diseases .

The True Venice Treacle , Lib. praedict. ad . Pisonem . or the True Preparation of it , is said by Galen to be thus distinguished from Adulterates ; that if a man should take a solution of Treacle after a Purge , and the Purge does prove not to work at all , that this is a certain sign of the goodness of the Antidote , or it s not being Sophisticated , and by this Test , he says he was never deceived in distinguishing the true genuine sort from the Adulterate . Which if true , and we have so great a man's word for it , I conceive that from hence maybe urged a very good Argument in behalf of Correctives accompanying the Stronger Purgatives , which are generally esteemed to be in some sort Poysonous in their nature . For certainly the Poyson must do less harm to mens bodies , when its malignity is abated or conquered by the Corrective Antidote , than when it is intire , and in its full acrimony . We have hereby the Purging benefit , without the Poysonous effect . And the power of Correctives with Scammony , or the stronger Purgatives , I have so far experienced my self , that I have given twelve or fifteen grains of Scammony in substance , with Correctives , and it has not work'd more than the third part would in all probability have done without them . And hereby not only the Griping which attends ordinary Purging is avoided , but the Strength of the Patient strangely Preserved ; insomuch that oftentimes a man shall run less hazard of catching Cold , when he walks abroad , after Catharticks that way managed , than by keeping at home , when he takes them without Cordials or Correctives administred together . And farther , I do take this to be one reason , why the Elixir Salutis , and other Empirical Remedies , have gained so great a Reputation as they have among the Vulgar . For Spirit of Wine , and the like vehicles , or other Cordial Impregnations do manifestly agree with the generality of our English bodies , much better than other ways of Purging , let the contrary be maintained by never so great Authority .

Mithridatium Damocratis , or Mithridate is another Famous Composition , superior to most others , and second only to the former . It was first invented by Mithridates King of Pontus , a man that could speak readily no less than two and twenty Languages , solus mortalium , the only mortal that could do it , saith Pliny ; Lib. 25. c. 21 and of all the Nations which were subject to him , he never spoke to one of them by an Interpreter in fifty six years . This Great and Learned Prince , did particularly apply his mind to the Knowledge of Alexipharmicks ; and he did not , like Galen , make his trials on Inferior Creatures , but as he had by his Regal Authority abundance of opportunities , he tried the power of all manner of Poysons , and their several Antidotes on forlorn Malefactors , and after all did terminate his skill in this Famous and Excellent Composition . The Virtues of which he had so proved himself , by continual taking of it Fasting in the morning , that when he was overcome by Pompey , and like to fall into his hands , and so to be led Captive to Rome in Triumph , he endeavoured in vain to dispatch himself by Poysons , and Venomous Creatures ( his Constitution being rendred Poyson-proof ) and was at last forced to Command one of his Slaves to run him through , that he might not survive his Empire . More concerning this Excellent Prince may be read in Plutarch , Appian , and other Historians . But the Receipt of his Antidote , written with his own hand , it seems , was found and seized by Pompey searching among his Coffers , and Damocrates a Good Physician , but a little addicted to the Poetical strain , put it afterwards into Verses , Lib. 2. de Antidot . which you may read in Galen , with its Description , from whence our Dispensatories do receive it , with some little Variations . It is certainly a most Admirable Antidote against Poysons , and not Inferior to Venice Treacle , in a great many respects , but in the Bitings of Vipers the Treacle is to be preferred .

There are a great many other justly celebrated Compositions , derived from Antiquity . But it being the fate of all Remedies , though never so Good in themselves , to lose their Reputation in time , and others of an Equal , perhaps less Intrinsick worth , succeeding in their place , in order to please , and suit with that unavoidable humour of all Ages , the Love of Novelty ; their disuse , and neglect , must not be supposed necessarily to infer the introduction of what is really better , but what is more agreeable to the present humours and fancies of men . At this time in France , even Venice Treacle , and Mithridate , are so universally laid aside , that it is a rare and strange thing to see so much as a single Dose of them prescribed by any of the French Physicians . I remember whilst I lived at Paris with Monsieur Lemery , one of the Kings Apothecaries , I could not observe so much of those Compositions dispensed in a whole twelve-month , as many of our Apothecaries commonly do in one day . They do with one consent esteem them too Hot for their Warm Tempers , and do put a far greater value upon a Cooling Glyster , and a Cooling Purge of Cassia , or Tamarinds , than on those , or any other kinds of Hot Medicaments .

Nay the Blessed Hiera's that were thought do deserve so Sanctified a Name for their excellent qualifications , are many of them now laid quite aside , or rarely used , having given way , according to the course of things , to others whose turn it was to succeed . Our Dispensatory has retained only the Hiera Simplex Galeni , and cum Agarico , the Hiera Logadii , and Diacolocynthidos , and even some of them do prove rather an Ornament to the Book , and an effect of some Veneration to Antiquity , than Medicines now in use . Those Hiera's of Antiochus , Archigenes , Trallianus , Ruffus , Justus , Constantinus , &c. are in a manner devoured by time , their Monuments being only left in Antient Writings , and rather read privately , than publickly used . The Hiera Pachii ( the same with our Hiera Diacolocynthidos ) is an admirable Electuary , and I shall give it , what it deserves , a Good Character , that it may not be forgotten like the rest . It was so Famous , and esteemed of so highly in Pachius his time , that men would have given him any Money for the Receipt , and he had great offers for it , but whither in Covetousness , or because he was not the True Author of it himself , ( and that might be a reason with him , ) he refused them all . When Pachius was dead , where he Practised Physick , at Antioch , the Proconful under Tiberius the Emperor , upon searching his Library , found his True Receipt described in a Book Dedicated to the Emperor himself , which being transmitted to Tiberius , and by him imparted to Scribonius Largus his Chief Physician , it appeared to be much the same as the World had been acquainted with before . * * Lib. 7. cap. 8. Paulus Aegineta , and Mesue , do both refer it to Archigenes as the true Author . Nicholaus Myrepsus in his † † Cap. 22. Section of Antidotes , calls it Hiera Marrhubii . And * * In lib. de Comp. medic . cap. 23. Scribonius Largus gives a full account of this matter . Ruffus , and others do make it Purge a little more , and then call it by their Names , as Pachius did by his before them .

But this I shall say of most Hiera's , excepting this of Pachius , Tetrabibl . 1. Serm. 3. cap. 114. or rather Archigenes , Aetius also esteeming it to belong to Archigenes , that notwithstanding their Promising and Inviting Title , they are very mischievous to many people , by reason of the Aloes that enters into them . For Aloes , let it be the best Succotrina that can be chosen , I have known as absolutely to disagree with divers Peoples Temper , Schenck . Obs . Med. l. 7. de Idio syncrasia . as the smell of Roses did to Oliverius Caraffa , a Cardinal of great fame , who was fain in Rose-time to set a guard on the doors of his House and Gardens , that no Visitant , or Friend , might chance to bring a Rose into his Presence : or as Bernardus Bovius a Noble-man of Ragusa , Amat . Lusitan . curat . 20. cent. 6. had an universal aversion to all Sweet things , whither Honey , Sugar , Figs , Grapes , Pears , Apples , Quinces , Pomegranats , Peaches , Plums , or other Acid Fruits , which partaked of Sweetness . Aloes being of so Hot and Corrosive a nature , is as contrary to most Thin Macilent bodies , as any one Remedy which can be used . And therefore I should be glad to see that disagreeing Drug turned out of that Favour which it has so Eminently gained , both in ours , and other Dispensatories . For of Nine and twenty several sorts of Purging Pills , which are described in our London Dispensatory , there are but Two which have escaped Aloes , and those are the Pilulae Mechoacannae , and è Duobus , whereof the first is very seldom used , or Prepared by Apothecaries , and the other is too strong for many Constitutions , and for Mild occasions . It is now , and has been a long time reckoned , in the same Class of Purgatives with Rheubarb , whereas there is a very considerable difference between them two in many respects ; as much as between Mild and Corrosive , between a thing justly Excellent , and justly Suspitious . Nay Aloedaria or Aloeticks I have known to prove worse to some , than , ever I could observe Scammoniates carefully administred ( although , in Authors they have had so bad a name ) to any Constitutions . Indeed the Tincture of Hiera Picra , the Pilulae Ruffi , Elixir Proprietatis , &c. have oftentimes produced excellent effects , in some bodies that can well enough endure the Heat and Corrosion of Aloes , and perhaps Poyson it self so powerfully Corrected , might lose or abate its nature , and become in some measure Innocent . But this I must add , that whatsoever Remedy is of a destructive tendency to divers persons , although in some others it may be a good Medicine , yet it does not deserve so remarkable a place as Aloes has obtained in so many Common , and those otherwise Good Preparations . Which Consideration I shall with a fitting deference leave unto Better Judgments .

CHAP. XVI .

of Characters , Amulets , and Sigills . The true Method by which Charms do happen to perform divers Cures ; and that particularly in Agues . That Strength of Imagination is the Real Cause , proved by an apposite Instance . Some Charms mentioned . Sigills , and Magical Images considered . A remarkable Observation of the effect of Charms among the Moors . Paracelsus his Sigills fond Delusions . In what respect there is Virtue in Words , and in what there is none . The Impostures of Conjuration , why more prevalent heretofore , than now . Divers sorts of Superstition mentioned . All sorts of them , why most carefully to be avoided . The Power of Imagination ; and the Diseases caused by it , how Cured . How Roots worn about the neck , have performed Cures sometimes , and so how Bezoar , and the like , inwardly , have been esteemed Cordials of the first rank . That Conceits have their use in Physick , as well as Physical Remedies .

IT may not be amiss to speak something to the Physical , and other pretended , or accidental effects of Sigills , Characters , and Amulets . For it cannot be denied , but that many People , and especially the more weak and simple , have found strange , and , to their seeming , Miraculous Cures , from such really Ridiculous Artifices . It would be endless to name the Conceits , whereby Agues particularly have been removed . And the Mystery in reality is this ; a bold , impudent , or else strongly deluded person has got a Charm imparted to him with a great deal of Ceremony , and with wonderful assurance of its Infallible Power , and at last whispered for a Secret that is in its self worth both the Indies ; the man believes all that is told him , cracks it aloud immediately , and offers his assistance wheresoever he can find occasion ; his motion is rejected by the wiser sort of Patients , who have too much Wit to try such Knacks , and too little Faith to believe them , but at last he meets with some weak harmless Soul , who hearkens to him with both ears , and whose heart leaps for Joy , that he has met with such a Heavenly Doctor , who can Cure him without a Penny charge , and without the trouble of taking Slops ; the Empirick offers his life to his Patient , that he will certainly Cure him , and commonly uses desperate expressions to gain a full belief , the Sick man is throughly satisfied in his Imagination , makes trial of the Charm , and finds immediate Success , as he thinks from the Charm , but really and truly is beholding to the Strong Delusion of his own Imagination . Upon this the Empirick is more confident ( if possible ) than before , and another , and another Neighbour , all as wise as the first , do fall to try the same Experiment , and , to the Honour of the Charm , it has the same admirable effect in them all . And thus they shall go on a good while , until at last the Fame of this Easie Remedy flying far and near , a man of deeper sense and understanding , is over-perswaded by his Friends to try this Infallible Remedy , and he does it , but with such a desponding mind , and so many Doubts arising from the ordinary dictates of Reason , that the Charm becomes ineffectual , the Ague continues , and the Empirick begins to be confounded . Nevertheless others try their fortune , and the strength of Imagination losing its force , by degrees that Charm is silenced , and the Cure of Agues returns into the hands of Physicians , as they did before , until some other New Artifice , of the very same Virtue , and with the same Pretensions , for a while , amuses the minds of men . And in confirmation of what I say , I could name a remarkable City of England , where it is well known , and generally acknowledged , that for almost one whole year , a Silly Charm did Cure Agues with a kind of Infallibility , and yet the very next year was attended with so much Fallibility , that not one , as I have heard , was Cured by it .

Now that the Imagination , and Strength of Fancy , is the Real Cause , that the Charm , or be it what it will of the like nature , did at first prove successful in the Cure of Agues , might be proved from its great power in other respects , which I shall urge more anon , and at present will give one instance , that is not a little to our purpose . An Ingenious Gentleman of my acquaintance , making a visit to a Good Family , found the Beloved Daughter most sadly altered with a Long and Violent Ague ; he being a man of Address , and experienced knowledge in the World , was pleased , without hesitation , to deliver himself to this effect unto the Mother , in the presence of the Sickly Daughter : Madam , I am glad that I came so seasonably to serve you in this particular , it has been my fortune to be well acquainted with a certain Jew , who had one of the most Infallible Arts in Caring Agues that ever yet has been known , he learn'd it in the Indies , and after much Conversation and Kindness , and a great Sum of Money , that I paid him for the Secret , he imparted it unto me ; it is only the wearing a Powder that he brought from the Indies next the Heart . At this they all rejoyced , and consented immediately to try it ; he goes into another room , takes a little of the Ashes that he found in the Chimney , and Seals it up in a Paper , the young Lady did wear it next her Heart , and was thereby freed from her Ague , without any more ado . And thus , no doubt , upon the same operation of Fancy , not only thousands of Agues at different times , but other Diseases have hapned to be Cured , to the great astonishment of By-standers .

Authors do affirm , and possibly with truth enough , that this Amulet has Cured the Tooth-ach , Galbes , Galbat , Galdes , Galda : That Fluxes of Bloud have been stop'd by these wise words , Charat , Cara , Sarite , Confirma , Consona , Imaholite ; or otherwise by the word Socnon , Socnon , repeated seven and twenty times , or until the Bloud stops , and also touching the part with the Ring Finger . Who would think that a man should brag of being Cured of an Ague , by this Amulet , St. Peter and St. Paul Cure this Fool , and another by this , Rapiat eum daemon , & similes ejus . I could reckon up abundance of the like Ridiculous Characters in the Cure of Diseases , but shall rather refer you to Marcellus Empiricus , Trallianus , Albertus Magnus , Arnoldus de Villa nova , and of late years Fernelius in his Book de abditis rerum causis * * L. 2. c. 16. .

As Characters , so Sigills , Images , or Impressions of several sorts are thought to be wonderfully effectual , both in the Cure of Diseases , and on divers other accounts . Those Magical Images , or Sculptures in Stones , said to be derived from Ragiel , Chael , Thetel , Solomon , Hermes , and other Authors , are mentioned at large in Camillus Leonardus his Speculum Lapidum , and in Zimara's Antrum Magicum . But why the Image of an Ass , rather than any thing else , engraven in a Chrysolite , should impregnate the wearer's mind with a Prognosticatory and Predictory temper , and be so efficacious to the making a good Fortune-teller , I cannot well understand , if seriously put . That the Figure of a Frog cut in a Berill should be able to reconcile Enemies , and to beget Friendship ; that the Figure of a Bear in an Amethyst , should prove such a Bugbear , as to frighten or drive away the Divel , nay and besides should be able to preserve a Sot from being Drunk ; that the figure of a man sitting with a Candle lighted in his hand , in a Chrysolite , and set in the purest Gold , should necessarily make a man Rich , in spight of his teeth , whither he sits still , works , or Plays away his time ; that Galen should become so great a Physician as he was , by wearing a Ring with a Jaspar Stone , wherein was cut the figure of a man carrying a bundle of Herbs at his back , is very hard to conceive in the way of Natural Causes and Effects . But that these , or any of the like nature , may be able strongly to impregnate the Imagination of the wearer , and may accidentally advantage him ; in his affairs , by helping to give him that assurance and resolution of mind , which in many cases is requisite to the bringing things to a good Conclusion , I shall not dispute . And thus the Figure of Jupiter , or a Prince sitting in his Throne with his Crown upon his head , and with four men standing before him , and Jupiter's hands lifted up towards Heaven in a Jacinth , &c. may possibly help and encourage a man to make his Addresses to his Prince with such advantage and dexterity as may render him so highly acceptable , that he may obtain what he desires . And thus the Figure of a Lyon , an Eagle , or the like , may help to perswade some people , that upon an occasion they shall prove as strong as a Lyon among Beasts , and as fierce as an Eagle among Birds .

It is very remarkable , that of the Moors , and other Mahometans , among whom Charms and Amulets are as commonly sold , as among us Empirical Elixirs , Pills , Powders , Spirits , &c. whenever any of them are taken or do take Captive , their Custom is to search diligently about the wretch , whither he has not a Charm somewhere about him ; for whilst he has his Charm safe , he proves so stubborn and refractory , that there 's no possibility of Governing him , he 'll be as Dogged and Surly as the Master himself , and will almost defie him to beat out his Brains if he can or dares ; but find out once his Charm , and disarm him of that Defensive Weapon , and his Strength and Courage is gone , he proves as tame and gentle as a Lamb , and is as Humble as may be ; you may then do what you will with him , his Heart is changed , and he takes himself to be another Man .

Among the Germans there are many Pretenders who will undertake to make a man invulnerable , although neither Arnoldus de villa nova , nor Paracelsus himself , could find out a Sigill that was able to do it . Paracelsus was so great an assertor of the power of Sigills and Characters , that he writ his Archidoxa Magica , on purpose to instruct us in their use , at least he illustrated the Art from Arnoldus . He says there is as much reason that Sigills worn about the neck , should have a Medicinal effect on the body , as that Cantharides only held in the hand , ( he might rather have said , applied by way of Plaister ) should affect the Bladder , and make a man Piss Bloud . But whatever he thought , there 's as much difference between them , as between a Fancy and a Reality . Nevertheless for those who will be of his mind , and admire such Knick-knacks , he furnishes them with Words , or Figures , joyned with Metallick Preparations to be made according to the Rules of the Starry Science , upon which Magical Impressions are to be diligently wrought , and one of these Sigills , 〈…〉 ibid 〈◊〉 Magi 〈…〉 bound to the Head , is designed to Cure an Epilepsie , though of thirty years standing ; another will serve for divers Diseases of the Head and Brain , only worn about the neck ; a third for Palsies and Apoplexies ; others for the Stone ; for Impotency , a very pleasant description ; for the Gout ; Convulsions , Leprosies , Vertigo's ; and for Fractures of Bones ; nay and one to make a Horse live thirty or forty years longer than ordinary . He has Sigills also * * Lib. 2. for every Constellation of the Zodiack , all which are to do wonders in a great many respects . He is not wanting by the same Art to Preserve * * Lib. 3. Sheep , Oxen , Pigs , and all other Animals , from the casualties they are subject unto .

Helmont also maintains , in verbis , herbis , & lapidibus est magna virtus , that in Words , Herbs , and Stones , there is great ( Physical ) Virtue ; he joyns them together , as of an equal virtue , and puts words in the first place . Now as Words do prove Good Advice , I grant there is great virtue in them , but as they are a Dead Letter , as they are either Insignificant in themselves , or unintelligible , or as they are confined to a Paper , or a Bag , it will be very hard to give us clear satisfaction , as to their Virtue . And therefore the Story of Cornelius Agrippa's leaving a certain Book open in his Study , and a Friend of his prevailing upon his Wife to get the Key of the Study in his absence , though strictly forbid by Agrippa , and that the man's meer Reading in a Conjuring Book , should raise the Devil to come and choak him , Disquisit . Magic . l. 2. quaest. 27. Sect. 1. will be a Romance to me , however Martinus del Rio sets forth the relation . We ought to consider , that heretofore the World was involved in a dark and dismal ignorance , and then it was no strange thing for a thousand Stratagems to amuse Credulous people . Cunning Knaves could in those days do a great many tricks , which would astonish the vulgar , and even puzle wise men , but now the World is enlightned , those Arts are all certainly vanished , and nothing but Superstition , a deluge of gross Superstition can revive them again .

For although the World in general is as Naturally inclined to Superstition , as to any one Vice that can be named , yet it is never like to over-whelm Europe as it has done ; we have now greater advantages to discover double-dealing , than they had in former times , and it is now a very hard matter to contrive a Confederacy , which may avoid being discovered .

If the World did not love Superstition , as much as their very Meat and Drink , so many Pseudo-mancys as there are would never have prevailed upon the minds of men . Not only Negromancy has been an Art , but even Pyromancy , Hydromancy , Geomancy , Oneiromancy , Icthuomancy , nay Capnomancy , Alphitomancy , Belomancy , Axinomancy , &c. Predictions , and Prognostications have been made from Fire , Water , Earth , Fishes , Dreams , nay from Smoke , Meal , Arrows , the Ax ; from Birds , particularly Crows , from inspection of the vertebrae of a humane body , as well as from the Hand , the Face , &c. There have been Divinations by a Sieve , by the burning of Frankinsense , and lastly from the Stars . I do not think there can be a thing so Ridiculous in nature , let but Chance and Casualty ( a sure way of judging ! ) attend it , and men may reduce it into as Good an Art , as most , if not all those above-named . But if men ever expect to be Happy in this World , according to the Capacity that they may injoy Happiness in , if they desire to pursue their affairs vigorously , and without perplexity ; if they would avoid an aking heart , and a desponding mind ; lastly , if they would expect , or reasonably hope for the Blessing of God to attend them , they ought , and it is their Certain Duty , to avoid all kinds of Superstition , with as much care , as they would the Greatest Enemy they can propose .

But again , if we will but consider the sad effects of a meer Imagination , when perverted , or strongly agitated , how far it is capable of transforming the whole man , we ought in prudence to avoid as much as may be all occasions which may contribute to its perversion . Lib. 2. hist. med. mirabil . cap. 1. Marcellus Donatus tells us of one who Imagined his body to be grown so big , that it could not pass through the door of his Chamber , without squeezing him to death ; and his Physician was no better a Politician , than to order him to be drawn through the door immediately , in order to convince him of his brain-sick Error ; the man was drawn through the door by force , and complained of such an inward crushing of his poor body at that time , that he was not able to survive it , so in earnest he Died to convince them of their Folly . He that has to deal with a Melancholick Imagination , strongly perverted , may as well think to perswade them that they do not think at all , as that they are not Sick thus and thus , when once they are so perswaded . The Cure must be accommodated , and proportioned to the Case . If the Disease be meerly Imaginary and False , the true Cure must be likewise False and Imaginary . A False Imagination may also create , by degrees , a Real Disease , as the Sickness it self sometimes , and in those cases , the Imagination as the Cause , ought to be first , and chiefly dealt with . Sometimes Diversion of the mind , shall Prevent a Disease , and at other times a Compliance with , or good management of the Fancy , shall be able to perform a Cure . And the Story that Thomas à Vega tells us , In commentar. in artem Medic. Galen . c. 84 was more like an Artist of a Physician , than that other before of Donatus ; it seems a certain man was grown Delirious in a Causus , or Burning Feaver , and he most earnestly pressed his Physician to let him Swim in the Pond before him , pointing to the Floor of the room , that if he were suffered so to Swim , he should certainly escape his Disease ; the Physician granted him his desire , and after he had a while tumbled on the floor , he said the water was risen to his Knees , soon after he declared that it came up to his middle , and at last with very much Joy , said it was now risen up to his Chin , and that therefore now he was perfectly Cured . So the Feaver immediately left him , and he grew Really well , upon this satisfaction of his Delirious Fancy .

It would be endless to recite the strange Impressions of Pregnating Women on their Foetus in the Womb , by the force of Imagination . This may suffice to shew , what a power there is in meer Imagination to the Causing or Curing of divers Diseases . And therefore if Paeony root or Seed worn only about the Neck has been a Specifick to one person in an Epilepsie , and not to another , it is to be imputed to the different operation of their more or less strong Imagination . The same may be said of Viscus quercinus , and ungula Alcis in the like case , or of the ungula vel Calvaria asini , which Trallianus so much recommends for a Pretious Secret that he learn'd in Spain . This may make a Neck-lace of the root of Houndstongue to Cure the Canker of the mouth , and another of Solomons Seale to stop the Flux of the Haemorrhoids . This may make the Load-stone held in the hand to help the Chiragra , and the Podagra , and the Eagle's Stone worn about the Breast of a Breeding Woman , may thus be a means to Preserve her from Miscarrying . For if there were an Inherent Virtue really in the things themselves , why should this Virtue fail of its force in one person , rather than in another in the same condition ? a dose of Bezoar has been a Wonderful Cordial in some , and yet wholly insignificant in others . And so the Lapis è Goâ , and abundance of the like nature , brought from far , have gained great repute in one place , and lost it as soon in others . As Natural Alkalis they will be sure to absorbe Acid humours that are offensive to the Vitals , and especially if administred in a good quantity , a drachm at a time ; but whither they will prove Directly Cordial , and not by accident , on that account , must be left to the Event .

And because divers things of this nature have been known to do visible , and undeniable good , at certain times , and on certain persons , it would be very imprudent and indiscreet to deny them upon all occasions , and morosely to tell the very truth , where a person's Fancy is strongly impregnated on their behalf . We ought sometimes to do as we can , when we cannot , through mens Prejudices , do as we would . A depraved Fancy may have its Irregular Appetites , as Naturally as a depraved Stomach , and will as much expect to be satisfied , in its own way . Aetii tetrabib . 2. Serm. 2. c. 9. And therefore Philotimus did very perperly as well as cunningly consider the case , when a Patient of his could not be perswaded that he had his Head remaining upon his shoulders , but gave it over for lost , by advising a heavy Leaden Cap to be made for , and put upon his Head , the great weight of which Cap soon convinced the Melancholick person , that he had a Head on still . The Poyson of a Tarantula is more properly Cured with Musick than Medicine . And in many cases Dexterity and Artifice , Common Prudence and Discretion are much more requisite , and prove more beneficial , than the best Remedies which can be Prescribed .

CHAP. XVII .

The Excellency of Physick , and how it becomes Contemptible . Of the Honour ascribed to Hippocrates by Greece . Of Quacks in general . Mountebanks how despised in other Countries , and how Respected in this . How Pontaeus his Man took Aqua Fortis before the Physicians at Oxford ; and of the Mountebank in Covent-Garden , his taking Arsenick . The consequences of such Impostures . How Pontaeus his Man did wash his hands in Scalding Lead . Two Stories shewing the ridiculousness of the common Divinations by Urine . How far , and in what respect the Inspection of Urines is to be allowed . A Statute of the Colledge concerning Urines . Linacer's way of scoffing at the Urine-messengers . A Divination by smelling at the Shoe . Of the Polonian Quacks knowing the Pox by three hairs of the head . Of the Prognostication of Life and Death by an Astrological Figure . The Conclusion .

I 〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉〈◊〉 . Hippocr . Lex . Physick is ( in reality ) the most excellent Art that is ; but by reason of the Ignorance of many that ( pretend to ) Practise it , and by reason of the rude , and false estimation which the common people do make concerning its Professors , it is now ( in some Countries ) become one of the Vilest of all others . Since Hippocrates his time , that Great Hippocrates , Plin. Nat. Hist. lib. 7. cap. 37. who by his admirable Skill , foresaw a dangerous Pestilence like to fall upon his Country , and therefore did in good time disperse his Scholars over Greece , with instructions how to oppose it with seasonable Remedies , and for that remarkable Service , all Greece did consent to bestow the same Honours upon Him , as had been given before to Hercules , since that time , I say , the World has been pestered with many different broods of Empiricks , which have made greater Desolations of Mankind , than ever the Plague could have done to Greece . They have been not only a shame and scandal to the Profession of Physick , but even a Reproach to Humane Reason , that those who are esteem Rational in their nature , as they are Men , should nevertheless degenerate into a more than Brutish Stupidity , by not at all distinguishing between a True Physician , and a grosly Ignorant Quack , between the Real Preservers of their Health , and their both Secret and Open Murderers . No man can be Free of the most Servile Trade , but he must Serve an Apprenticeship for divers years , and yet there is not a Mechanick so mean , so ignorant , so simple , or so good for nothing , but when Idleness and Laziness have disenabled him from Living by his Trade , he shall in one Minutes time , without any other Preparation for his New Calling , besides a Receipt , and a Stock of Impudence , set up for some Retailer to the Art of Physick . His Extream Ignorance is his very best qualification , and that which shall more Certainly recommend him to the peoples Favour , than if he understood Greek and Latin , than any Laborious and Necessary Education to Physick . For the more grosly Ignorant the man is , the better ( they think ) his Receipt must needs be ; having nothing else to recommend him besides his meer Remedy , they will the less doubt the Intrinsick Goodness of that .

Mountebanks in other Countries are despised as the very Dirt , they are not only the Scum , but even the Scorn of the common People , and though possibly they may get Money enough abroad , and upon that account may be allowed to hold up their heads , yet their very Profession , being esteemed the most palpable Cheating and Lying , gives them a contempt , which they can never afterwards surmount . But here in England the case is altered , many a Mountebank has not only fleeced the poor people of their small Sums , which they most freely contribute for the pleasure of being thus deluded , but they have the peoples Hearts in kindness , and their Caps in reverence to them ; they shall Honour a pittiful Mountebank equally with a Physician , nay some are so Sottish as to give the Impostor even a precedency of favour .

Therefore that the World may know a little of these men , which they have not heard of perhaps before , I shall revive the Memory of our Famous Pontaeus ; Famous not only for the Sums he pick'd up by this kind of Artifice , but for the Reputation and Honour which he gained to the Mountebanks base Trade , and who alone may be thought to have had more Real Knowledge , as well as Cunning , than whole Shoals of our Modern Tribe . I shall describe both the manner of his giving Rank Poysons , and the Method of his Man's washing his hands in Scalding Lead , and leave you thereby to judge , whither his Antidote , which he recommended by the one Exploit , were in reality the better for it , and whither his Oyntment or Balsom , which he recommended by the other , were the more Excellent against Burns , for what he shewed upon the Stage .

It is known , that Pontaeus , the first Mountebank that ever appeared on a Stage in England , made a Challenge to the Physicians at Oxford , to prepare for one of his Servants , the Rankest Poyson that they could contrive , and he should venture to take it before them all , publickly upon his Stage . The Physicians upon Consultation agreed to give him a quantity of Aqua Fortis , as thinking that his Stomach must be a good one , which could resist so Powerful a Corrosive , a Corrosive that could dissolve all Metals besides Gold , and could eat through an inch-board . Pontaeus his man takes it cleaverly off , to the amazement of all Spectators , and to the unspeakable praise of his Masters thereby Popular Antidote .

Now the Mystery of all was thus : Pontaeus Prepares the Fellow , with forcing down no less than two or three pounds of the Freshest Butter that could be made , and after he had thus sufficiently greased his Gullet , and his Mouth was armed against the Poyson with a good gobbet of Butter , he swallows it down almost as Innocently as a Glass of Wine . But he was taught to fall down as Dead , and as such was carried off the Stage , to be put into a warm Bed , and to experience his Masters Antidote ; when he was once in private , he soon discharged up the Aqua Fortis ; for having good store of Warm Water , and more Butter ready provided , the first did serve to dilute , and the other to blunt sufficiently the force of the Corrosive Spirit ; and so after a few minutes Vomiting , the man was as sound , and heart-whole , as another , and had little need of other Antidotes , than what he had taken already . But nevertheless the next day he appear'd on the Stage again , the people behold him as a man Risen from the Dead , their hearts yearn to see him again , and joyfully congratulate his Recovery . The Antidote is then magnified with a stronger Argument than Reason can answer , and let Physicians say what they will against it , people will , and think they may safely enough believe their own Eyes . Whereas in reality this Antidote proves but a piece of Legerdemaine , and Black-cherry Water would have been as much a Preservative against the Poyson , as the Antidote its self . For the Butter and Water were the true Alexipharmick ; the one kept off , and the other wash'd off the powerful Corrosive Spirit . But he was not so dull a Hocus , as to let his Trick be seen through . It was the man's Part to Act and shew to the best advantage , it was the Peoples Part to See , and to Wonder .

Another Mountebank very lately in Covent-Garden , and Lincolus-Inn-Fields , did alarm the Wonderment of the common people , by the taking of Arsenick , in order to the vending an Orvietan . It seems he could not be perswaded to venture upon Aqua Fortis , as probably not understanding so well how to Prepare his body , as the Italian Pontaeus had done before him . But that this German did proceed in a like , though not so good a Method as Pontaeus , may be judged from this , that so soon as the Mountebank had taken his dose of Arsenick , and retreated to his Chamber , in order to take a Nap ( as he said ) during the rencounter of the Poyson , and his Orvietan ; so soon as the people were dismissed , the Neighbours in the next House heard such a noise in the Quacks Chàmber , as plainly discovered the Operation of an Emetick , rather than any design ( as he pretended ) of Sleeping .

Now it is a thing well worth the consideration of Publick Authority , whither such gross Delusions , upon the Simplicity of the common People , deserve to be rewarded with Countenance and Profit , and whither fatal consequences may not be apt sometimes to follow , if a Credulous , or Ignorant , or over-bold person , should in his Drink , or in a ridiculous Frolick , make trial of the Virtues of this man 's Orvietan , with a much smaller quantity of Arsenick , or if one that has hapned to take Poyson by some accident , should neglect the proper means of Physick , and put all to the trial of his Mountebank's Remedy .

Again , if a man should have seen Pontaeus Acting the following Force , who could have doubted the Goodness , and more than ordinary Excellence of his Oyntment against Burns , and Scaldings ? He causes a fire to be brought upon the Stage , and a Vessel placed upon the Fire , full ( they say ) of Melted Lead . One of his Fellow is appointed to wash his hands in the Lead , as 't is poured out upon them . The Fellow understands his Part very well , makes sower faces , and roars and squalls as if he were to be killed outright , but flinches not from the matter , until every body has seen enough ; and that he might be sure not to flinch from his Office , the man's hands are manacled together , that he might not , if he would , seem to draw off , but yet left in such liberty , that he might wash them freely . Then ( poor man ! ) he must appear a very lamentable Spectacle , but the Oyntment is soon applied to his Scalded Hands , and they are swathed up very deliberately , as if his Wounds were little less than Mortal . And yet after all , this Counterfeit is no more hurt than you are , and the Oyntment might as well have been applied Behind , as where it was put ; and the whole Mystery was thus ; a quantity of Quick-silver was just set over the fire , in a Ladle painted Red round about , as if it were Red-hot , and something added to raise a little steam , which was to appear to be derived from his Scalded Hands , the man holds Vermilion concealed in each hand to give them a Scalding Coulour , while he washes , and what through his trembling and woful behaviour , and what through the great consternation that appeared in the whole Crew , one would almost Swear the man were half killed . But every body minds his Office , the Oyntment being applied , the parts carefully swathed , and the Fire and Lead being taken off the Stage , Merry Andrew entertains the Spectators , and the rest of that day goes on at the usual rate . In the mean time the Counterfeit washes the Red off from his hands , he greases them a fresh with the Oyntment , and they are swathed up as they were before . Next day he appears again upon the Stage , mingles with the jovial Company , and truly finds himself much better already , which encourages his Master now to see how it does , when all of a sudden , a manifest Miracle is discovered to the people , the Green Oyntment has Cured his hands already . Proclamation is aloud made , and so now it is high time to recommend the Pretious Medicines , the like being never known to the World before , and all is meerly for the good of people , which all Mountebanks wish abundantly more to , than to what they ( good men ! ) despise , their own Profit and Interest . These two Relations an Inquisitive Friend of mine communicated unto me , and assured me , that he had them from Pontaeus his own mouth ; who being Antient , and uncapable of going on with his Old Trade , grew so free , as herein to open his mind without any Reserve . This he did privately unto two of his Familiar Friends , the one a Physician not long since deceased , the other a very Eminent Chirurgion now living .

Nor have Mountebanks on Stages been the only Physical Impostors , there have been as bad a race of Deluders , both Men and Women , who will , or have undertaken to tell all things from the Vrine , and the poor people , who hardly know , quid distant aera lupinis , are throughly convinced of their Skill , by some cunning Stratagem or other . Forestus writ an Excellent Treatise , De incerto ac fallaci urinarum judicio , to undeceive the World in this respect . I shall give you a Story or two out of that Good Author .

A couple of Quacks , De incert . urin . judic . lib. 2. c. 4. being grown very indigent , and wanting a present Sum to supply their extravagancies at Dort in Holland , agreed thus ; the one was to imitate the Doctor , and to give judgment upon Vrines , the other was to haunt the Taverns , and thus to proceed among the Tipling Companions ; he tells them of a rare Artist that was come to Town , who had such profound Skill in Vrines , that he could tell how many several people should piss in the same Pot , that if he did not do it exactly , he would willingly pay all the Reckoning , but if he did , he then desired to escape scot-free . They all agreed , and joyn their Symbola together in the same Pot , and while they were finding out an old woman to carry it , the Confederate Rogue makes six marks in the Pot , as signifying the number of persons . The Woman carries the Vrine to the trial , and the Piss-prophet very gravely declares the persons to have been Sir . The Fame of this egregious Skill soon fled round about the Town , and there was hardly a Person but had some question to ask over the Vrinal , his Chamber was flock'd to from morning 'till night , and in a few days they did the business they came thither about .

Lib. 2. c. v. A Country Fellow carries Vrine to a Physician , who presently inquires , whither it were not his Wives Vrine ; Yes , says the Country-man , but do you see nothing else in it ? look well Sir . The Physician peering upon it , and seeing it was sound and good , said he suspected some outward pain in the body . You have hit right , Sir , says the Country-man , but whence did she get the pain in her side , which is now black and blew with it ? the Physician hearing that , and imagining the part could not be so affected , but with some blow or fall , asked whither she had not fallen ? the man wondring how he should know that , says he , Master , if you can but tell me from what place she fell , I shall account you the bravest Doctor that ever I met with ; the Physician admiring the man's stupidity , and thinking what kind of Houses such dull Souls lived in , said that she fell from some Beam , or else down Stairs . Ay me , says the Clown , but if you could tell me how many Stairs she fell , I would cry you up above all the World . Here the Physician could not forbear smiling to purpose , at the man's Simplicity , and thinking such kind of Animals do'nt use to have Stairs very high , says he , she fell perhaps twelve Stairs . To whom the Clown , look well Sir , for there must be more . The Physician then recollecting himself , that the weather was very Frosty , told him , the way he came was slippery , did not he stumble as he came , and so spill some of it ? The man , wondring at the Skill of the Prophet , cried , Sir , I did fall by the way and spill some . The Physician then very gravely and stemely concluded : Friend , in the place where you fell , you must look the rest of the Stairs , for in the Pot I can't find 'em .

It would be too long to insist on the simplicity and folly of those who carry Vrines to and fro , and the Knavery of those Quacks , or Ill men , who give countenance to their fond opinions . The Inspection of Vrines in some Diseases , and in the Patients house , where other Signs and Symptoms can be throughly considered withall , is one part of a Good Physician , and what he ought not to be ignorant of ; but the meer Inspection of Vrines , carried about to Impostors and Diviners , without the concomitancy of other circumstances highly relating to the true knowledge of a Disease , is a gross Prevarication , and most unworthy of the Profession of Physick , and that sincere dealing which ought to be expected from men of such excellent understanding , and so Good an Education as our Art requires .

The Statutes of our Colledge are most Candid and Ingenious in this point : Cap. de Converfat . morali . Statuimus , & ordinamus , ut nemo , sive Socius , sive Candidatus , sive Permissus , consilii quidquam impertiat veteratoriis , & impostoribus , super urinarum nudâ inspectione , nisi simul ad aegrum vocetur , ut ibidem , pro re natâ , idonea medicamenta ab honesto aliquo Pharmacopola componenda praescribat .

And the Juglings and Artifices , by which Quacks and Empiricks do delude the Vulgar , in pretending to know all Diseases by the meer Inspection of the Vrine , have been excellently well laid open in a small , but smart Treatise , Printed for Ben. Thrale in Cheapside . called the Piss-Prophet , or certain Piss-Pot Lectures .

Linacer a famous Physician , David Edguardus de judiciis & praecognitionibus . who lived in the time of Henry the Eighth , was even then so much concerned at the ridiculous humour of Nurses , and other Women , who upon every ailment both great and small , were too too ready to carry about the Patients Vrine , expecting they should be told all things from the meer speculation of it , would often advise them in ridicule , to bring the Patients Shoe , instead of the Vrine , and he would Prophesie full as well over that . Nay farther , there were a sort of Knaves in his days , who considering how well the Vulgar would relish any thing of Novelty , though never so Absurd , would undertake to make Discoveries of Diseases from the Smell of the Patients Shoe , as Solemnly and Seriously as others from the Vrine .

But to manifest how grosly our present Age can be imposed upon by the most Absurd Pretensions , we may call to mind a late exploit of a certain Polander , as he called himself ; for he thought his own Country , Ireland , too near to be enough admired , and therefore than a Polish undertaker would sound better among us , because more Rare and New . This man for a short time , made Noise enough with his trudging to Westminster-Hall in a Scarlet Gown , with Outlandish Whiskers , and Red-ink Bills , cut after a new fashion . He pretended to tell people whither they had the Pox or no , by looking on three hairs of the Head . And this so grosly absurd , and most ridiculous contrivance , by the great virtue of its being New , did presently carry the day from the other Quacks , and he was followed by a great many people to know whither they had not what they had often , it seems , deserved . Nay , they say that divers Persons , who had escaped perhaps too well in their Adventures , were so over-wrought upon by this bold Impostors Lying , that they could venture themselves into a brisk Course of Physick , to Cure their deluded Fancy . Now I have hap'ned to be in company with some of those very persons , who set up this man with so strange a contrivance . It seems he being with others over the Bottle , complained very heartily that he must needs in a short time go for Ireland or Scotland , but had not Money to defray his Journey . Come , says a man of Cunning , I 'le teach thee how to get Money ; and with that this egregious Mystery was put into Mood and Figure , and too exactly suited to the humour of our People , some of which can love Novelty as much as their Meat and Drink .

The way of determining both Life and Death , by the uncertain Rules of an Astrological Figure , has sometimes more fatal consequences , than we are commonly aware . I have known some Patients of mine brought even to Death's Door , by a Bold Positive Sentence from the small evidence of an Ill Figure , who might otherwise have escaped sending for me , to know the event of their over-ruling Prognostick . The Artist , upon view of the Scheam , has Positively determined , that they must dye . And if they had not found the Heavens more Propitious , by Inclining them to send for Better Advice , they might fairly have quitted the Stage of the World , before the Stars did really intend it . I have dispossessed their foolish Fancies of the grounds of that False Sentence , and by the Application of proper Remedies , have set them up again as they were before , notwithstanding the Saturnine menaces , and malevolence of the Horary Questions .

Now it may properly be said to all these Deceivers , In Rudente Act. 5. Scen. 2. what the Comaedian Plautus did formerly in one of his Plays : Gr. Quid tu , num Medicus quaeso , es ? La. Imò aedepol unà literâ plus sum quam Medicus . Gr. Tum tu Mendicus es ? or if you will , Mendax . La. tetigisti a●●u .

Reason and Argument will never be able to silence the false Pretensions , or to hinder the Practices of the Emepirical Tribe . It is now their Trade , and they will follow it as long as they can ; for thus they can live lazily without Labour , in an Art that is in reality most difficult to attain , but which these men have acquired , like Beasts , by meer Instinct . Authority indeed may effectually interpose , and relieve the Publick in these Extream cases , with proper , and those Extream Remedies . And we have no reason to despair , but the due Execution of our Good Laws on all Offenders of this nature , which is now of late followed by our Colledge with a more than ordinary care and vigour , will in a short time sufficiently discourage all pretended Physical Impostures .