CHAP. I. Of the Nature of Physick .

THE word Medicina , The name of Physick . sithence it is derived 〈◊〉 Medendo , that is , helping such as are sick ; doth properly belong indeed to the Therapeutical part only ; which part being the most necessary , was first invented and garnished , and in this sense the word was formerly taken . The Definition of Physick . Yet afterwards when that part was added , which shewed the preservation of present health ; the same ancient Appellation was still retained , and is now attributed to the whole Art . Physick is an Art ( as far as it is possible ) of preserving mans present health , and restoring it when it is lost .

Physick is most properly set down amongst the Arts , The Genus of Physick . because it propounds to it self , not knowledge onely , but effecting somewhat ; namely , gaining of health . For the distinction betwixt Disciplines are taken from their next end : neither doth Physick observe the other principles that are requisite in a Science .

The Subject of Physick is mans Body , The Subject of Physick . as it is indued with health , and obnoxious to diseases . And this Subject hath one excellency peculiar to it self , beyond the Subjects of all other Arts ; in that they do nothing , onely they perform obedience , and undergo the operation of the Artificer ; but this hath a certain in-bred power striving for health of its own accord .

The End of Physick is Health ; The End of Physick . and that is the true and last aim of it , the first mover , and that for which it is ; but the scope or means , and that to which it aims is to heal , as J. C. Scaliger in his first Book of Plants teacheth ; for although the Physitian do not alwaies obtain his chief end , since it is impossible to cure all that are sick , yet the ●hysitian hath performed his Office , if he have omitted none of those things that are in the power of Nature and Art .

For out of those two the Excellency and Dignity of Physick is manifested ; The Excellency of Physick . for it is imployed about mans Body , of all natural Bodies the most noble . The end it aims at is health ; then which ( amongst all things that may be called good by Mortals ) nothing is better ; and that which alone is sought by it self . Whereas all the rest of the Arts aim at nothing themselves ; but perform all things because of some outward end .

CHAP. II. Of the Division of Physick .

SEEing that the end of Physick , The division and parts of Physick . is to preserve present health , and to restore it when it is lost ; it is properly divided into the Preserving and Curing part ; yet there are also higher things pertaining to these parts which are necessary to be known by the Physitian , and they are to be added . For sithence a Physitian cannot heal unlesse he know the Subject whereon he ought to work , and since all Arts begin from the knowledge of their end : first he should acquire the knowledge of mans body , wherein he ought to work , and wherein health doth consist , 't is necessary he should understand ; and since that a disease is repugnant to health , he ought to know the nature , differences , causes and effects of a disease ; and by what rules to find these in every individual . And so Physick is conveniently divided into five parts , the Physiological , Pathological , Semeiotical , Hygieinal , and Therapeutical .

Physiologie handles the subject and end of Physick ; Physiologie and so treats of mans body , and shews the constitution thereof , and all its parts , their uses and actions , and the faculties of the mind .

Pathologie teacheth the nature of diseases and Symptomes , Pathologie their differences and causes , and explains all things whatsoever , by which mans body recedes from a natural constitution .

The Semeiotick part shews the Signs , Of signs of sickness and health . whereby we may know whether a man be sick or well , and by which we may discover diseases and causes that lie hid in mans body , and the events of diseases .

The Hygieinal part shews , by what rules present health may be preserved , Of preservation of health . and how a man may beware before-hand ( as much as is possible ) lest he should fall into a disease .

The Therapeutical part teacheth , by what means health is to be recovered ; and how diseases with their causes and symptomes may be repelled and taken away . Of curing diseases .

If there be any other besides these which are counted parts of Physick , they are not principal , but lesser , into which these are sub-divided , such are the Diatetical , Chirurgical , and Pharmaceutical parts , and such like .

CHAP. III. Of Health .

FIrst , as for the Physiological part , indeed very many dispose of it , and place it otherwise , What Physiologie handles . Of things called Naturals . and in that comprehend things called Naturals , without which our bodies cannot subsist whole , and they accompt them seven , Elements , Temperaments , Humours , Spirits , Parts , Faculties , Actions ; but since the handling of them as they are such , is properly the work of a Physitian ; they are considered by a Physitian in this place , as they conduce to the knowledge of the subject , which is mans body ; to the explication of the end , which is health : to which also we are willing to order the handling of them . And indeed , to it belongs , principally the description and knowledge of all the parts of mans body ; which since it is more copious then to be contained in a Compendium , that is to be sought in Anatomical books ; but especially by seeing bodies dissected : afterwards followeth the explication of the end of Physick which is health .

But since that all men do then think themselves wel● , The defin●tion of health . when they can rightly perform the natural and necessary actions of life , Health is defined fitly to be a power of mans body to perform those actions which are according to nature , depending on the natural constitution of all the parts : for health doth not consist in the action it self , since that those who sleep , or are quiet in what manner whatsoever , and cease from certain actions , are sound , and as Galen hath it in the 2 cap. of the differences of diseases ; not to operate , is to be well , but to be able to operate : nor is he onely well who performs his natural actions ; but also he that doth them not , so that he be able to do them : And so the formal reason of health is , a potency of body to perform natural actions ; but because Galen in the place above-mentioned , makes health to be a natural constitution of all the parts of the body , and in the first Chapter of the Differences of Symptomes , a framing made according to nature fit for operation , or a natural constitution of all the parts of the body , having power to undergo those things which are according to nature ; therefore it comes to passe , that that position or constitution is rather subject to the actions of a Physitian , then to the power of acting .

The subject of health is a living body , The Subject of health . or the parts of a living body , as to that , to which alone the power of acting belongs ; but those which live not , and have no power to perform natural actions , those are neither said to be sick nor well .

But the cause of health , The efficient cause of health . or that whereby a body and its parts are said to be sound , is a natural constitution of them : But seeing there is a twofold constitution of a body , and of all its parts , the one Essential , which consists of matter , and substantial form ; the other accidental , which follows the former , and is such a disposation of qualities and other accidents in the several parts of the body , by which the essential form may exercise all its actions , and according to its diversity , it acteth variously : Health doth not consist in the essential but accidental constitution ; for the mind cannot be hindred or hurt , but remains alwaies the same and unchanged ; so that it have instruments constituted in the same manner . The Essential constitution also , so long as a man lives , is immutable , and at length is changed by death ; but the accidental constitution of the body is subject to many alterations , whence the same soul in the same body acts one way and another way .

And because the parts of the body are several , the natural constitution of them also is not the same . The definition of similar and dissimilar parts . The parts of the body are two-fold , similar , and dissimilar . Similar parts are such whose particles have the same form , and are alike to the whole , and to one another ; and indeed , some are truely and exactly such , wherein no difference can be found , neither by accurate sense , nor by reason : such are a Bone , a. Gristle , simple flesh , a very small vein , Fat : Others are so onely to the sense , which although at the first sight they seem such ; yet if they are viewed more diligently , they are perceived to be composed of more , as flesh of muscles , substance of Veins , Nerves , Arteries .

Dissimilar , are such as are compounded of more , Of a Dissimilar . Whether a similar part be opposite to an organick . which are also called for the most part organick . For although , if we may speak properly , an Organick is not opposite to similar , but a dissimilar or compound , and similar may be organick also , as you may see in bones , which have their organick constitution : Yet because singular parts , for the most part , do not perform a whole and entire action , which Galen requires in an organick part strictly so taken , hence it comes to passe the Physitians , for the most part , oppose an organick to a similar .

But the constitution of similar parts , The constitution of similar parts milar parts even as of those which consist of Elements , and other mixed bodies , consists in the lawful mixture of the four primary qualities .

But besides that temperature of primary qualities , Occult qualities . other qualities also are in them which are more occult , arising from their forms , which parts all of them possesse , as is manifest by their sympathy and antipathy with other natural bodies , and by several actions , and kinds and manners of actions , which are beyond the force of Elements .

The natural constitution of organick parts , The constitution of dissimilar parts . consists in a composition fit to perform actions ; namely in number , magnitude , conformation , composition or scituation .

There is a common unity in them both , as well similar as dissimilar and organick : for not onely the whole body , but every part thereof , whether similar or organick , ought to be whole and entire . And if our bodies obtain these three things , it is sound , if either be wanting , it becomes sick .

Yet , there is a certain latitude of health , The latitude of health . nor do all men acquire the same perfection of performing actions ; but in regard of age , sex , and other circumstances , some do perform all or certain actions better then others , yet all of them neverthelesse are sound ; but Physitians call all those that deviate from perfect health , Whether there be a Neutral disposition . and yet are not sick , Neuters ; and place a neutral constitution , as it were , in the middle betwixt the sick and well . For although , if we rightly weigh the matter , there is no such thing as middle disposition , differing from health and a disease , and every man is either sick or well ; yet Physitians consider Neuters , not as the mean betwixt sick and wel ; but as differing from perfect health peculiarly , and distinguish Neuters from those that are sound , not as differing in kind , but in respect of more or lesse .

CHAP. IV. Of Temperaments .

BUT that the nature of health may be the more manifest , something shall be spoken particularly of this three-fold constitution of a body which is necessary to health ; What a Temperament is . and first , for what belongs to the constitution of similar parts , as they are such , that is a Temperament , which is a quality arisen from the mutual action and passion of primary qualities , and resulting out of them separated and joyned together . But not the form it self of a mixt substance ; sithence it is subject to the senses , acquired by change ( or motion ) subject to alteration , and hath its rise from the primary qualities ; Nor is it onely a harmony ( although there be a certain proportion of qualities in a Temperament ) since it is the immediate instrument of actions , which doth not belong to a bare proportion which is an accident .

But from the Temperament , A Temperament of a mixt body two-fold . things are said to be temperate or intemperate ; and indeed , any thing is said to be temperate two wayes , either simply and absolutely , and in its own kind , or in relation to some other ; for if there be that proportion of qualities , that they wholly concur in equal strength , such a Temperament is said to be simply and absolutely such , and such a Temperament is commonly called a Temperament ad pondus , To weight . or according to weight , ( as if it were weighed in a ballance ) and is of an Arithmetical proportion ; But if there be a certain inequality of qualities in relation to their strength , To Justice . it is called a Temperament to Justice , and this is called a Geometrical proportion ; although , if you strictly regard the proportion of the qualities amongst themselves , it is then an Intemperament , not a Temperament .

Now this Temperament ( as we call it ) wherein there is not an equality of primary qualities , takes its denomination from that quality , which doth exceed the rest , whether it be one or two . And the action which proceeds from the Temperament , is ascribed to the quality that doth predominate ; although the rest are no wayes to be excluded from having a share in the action .

Of these Temperaments some are simple , Temper te to Justice two-sold . Simple . others compound ; Simple , is when one quality onely exceeds its contrary , and therest are equal , whereof there are four kinds , according to the number of the primary qualities ; Hot , wherein heat doth rule over cold the moisture and drowth being equal ; Cold , where cold overcommeth the heat , but the moisture and driness are equal ; Moist , wherein moisture exceeds drinesse , the heat and cold being equal ; Drinesse , wherein drowth dryes up moisture , the heat and cold as before being equal .

But when two qualities exceed their contraries there ariseth a compound Temperament : Compound . The latitude of Temperament . whereof there are likewise four kinds according to the combinations , ( as far as possibly they may combine ) of the four primary qualities : to wit , Hot and Moist , Hot and Dry , Cold and Moist , Cold and Dry. In every one of these there is a great latitude , and in the simple Temperament some have more , some lesse of heat or cold by much then other . In compound Temperaments some one , sometimes both qualities , exceed the rest in an extraordinary , yet different manner .

Any thing is said to be Hot , Cold , Moist , or Dry , How many wayes any thing is said to be hot , moist cold , and dry . not only simply regard being had to the universal nature of mixt bodies , wherein if you consider a middle sort of body exceeding in neither , and in respect of this you accompt all others that differ from it Intemperate , and from the quality excelling is called , Hot , Cold , Moist or Dry ; but besides this , there is made a comparison to three : First , the comparison is made to the next Genus , or kind in nature , as if in the whole sort of living Creatures , you appoint one living Creature to be temperate , all others in respect of that , are called intemperate ; Secondly , a comparison is made with a middle sort of the same kind , so a Boy is said to be hot , an old man cold ; Thirdly , respect is had to every individual , that so this compared to that as being Hotter , is Cold , but compared to a colder is hot .

Man , for whose sake these things of Temperaments are spoken , In man there is a twofold Temperament . since his body is not simply mixed but organick and living , there is required in him a double Temperament , one of the body , as it is absolutely and simply mixt ; The other as it is living . This is lost by death , and is often changed by old age ; but that remaineth sometimes in the dead carcass after death ; yet at length by putrefaction and corruption of that which is mixed t is dissolved . In that also , according to Heat , Cold , Drowth and Moisture , there is a great diversity of parts . But the matter which is proper to living Creatures in all , is Heat and Moisture .

Again the Temperament of a living man is twofold , Temperament , Innate , Influent . the one Innate , the other Influent . Innate , is that which is imbibed in the living parts of man , & by reason of the Innate heat is inherent in him from his first being . Influent , is that which floweth from the principal parts , and is communicated to the whole body . And that it is not the same with Innate , is manifest from those that fall into a Swoun ; when the body becomes extreme cold , and yet the Innate Temperament is not changed . These three Temperaments though they may be considered severally : Yet they concur to constitute one Temperament of a sound man . And , therefore although without all doubt , amongst all other living Creatures man is of the most temperate , so that other living Creatures , as also medicines compared to him , are said to be Hotter , Colder , Moister , or Dryer ;

Yet simply and absolutely he is not temperate ; The Temperament of a man , of what sort it is . for common-sense tels us , that Heat in man is predominate over the other qualities ; for the Temperature of a man to perform his actions best is Hot and Moist , and our lives consist of Heat and Moisture : on the contrary , coldness and driness lead us to death , and by how much sooner a man is cooled and dryed , by so much sooner he grows old and dyes .

Yet , The differences of the Temperaments of man . that heat and that moisture have their degrees . For if the heat exceed the cold and the moisture the drowth moderately , that Temper is best and is accompted Temperate . All others differing from this are called either Hot and Moist , Hot and Dry , Cold and Moist , or Cold and Dry ; although all in general are Hot and Moist .

These differences of Temperaments are commonly explained by the names of Sanguine , Sanguine , Cholerick , Phlegmatick , Melancholy . Cholerick , Phlegmatick and Melancholy Temperaments . These differences and appellations may be admitted of , if they are not taken from the diversity of excrementitious humours , in various bodies ; but from the variety of blood , which is the nutriment of the body .

For those whose Blood is temperate , Occult qualities . or moderately hot and moist , are called Sanguines : Those who have hotter and dryer blood , and their bodies from thence become hotter and dryer , are called Cholerick Persons : Those who have colder and moister , and their bodies from thence grows colder and moister , are called Phlegmaticks : Those who have cold and dry blood , and their bodies from thence become cold and dry , are Melancholians .

But we must not rest at the Primary qualities ; for there are others more noble and more abstruse , the causes of many actions , and of Sympathy , and Antipathy , with other alterations that must be granted ; although in this humane imbecillity , for the most part , they are unknown to us .

The Astrologers , The opinions of the Astrologers . that they may some way expresse the various Constitutions of Bodies , according to the occult diversities of Stars , call some Solar bodies , born under the influence of the Sun ; so Jovial under Jupiter ; others Martial , Venereal , Mercurial , Saturninal , as being born under one of those ; and also admit of mixt constitutions born under several Planets ; nor indeed absurdly altogether , since there is a great agreement and consent betwixt Superior and Inferior bodies .

But since there are divers parts of a body , and each part hath its peculiar Temperature , not onely proceeding from the mixture of Elements ; but some are hotter , some have lesse heat in them ; neverthelesse they agree together , to make the Temperament of the whole , which is hot and moist ; and so heat with cold , moisture with dry things are equal'd . So that from thence there proceedeth a certain Harmony , and the Temperament of the whole , is moderately hot and moist .

But to constitute that Temperament of the whole , The Temperament of the whole wherein it depends . the noble parts of the body perform more then the rest , and most especially the Heart , the Fountain and Treasury of the native heat , and vital spirits . From whence all the parts of the body receive the influent spirits and heat . Next to it the Liver , which furnisheth the whole body with aliment , namely bloud ; afterwards the Stones ; then the Brain , the shop of Animal spirits ; last the Stomack , the place for the first Concoction .

Concerning the Temperament of several parts , The Temperament of the parts of the body . The Hot Parts . the most Temperate is the skin ; especially that in the Palm of the hand , to which as to the mean , the other parts being compared , tend to heat , cold , drowth or moisture .

The Hot parts are the Heart , of all the parts the hottest , the Fountain of native heat , and Closet of vital spirits . Also the Liver , flesh of the Muscles , Spleen , Reins , Lungs , Veins and Arteries , Fat also and fatness .

The Cold , are Bones , Gristles , Ligaments , Tendons , Nerves , Cold. Membranes , Spinal Marrow , the Brain .

The Moist parts are Fat , the marrow of the bones , the Brain , Moist . the marrow of the back , the Duggs , the Stones , the Lungs , the Spleen , Reins , flesh of Muscles , the Tongue , Heart and softer Nerves .

The Dry , are Bones , Gristles , Ligaments , Tendons , Membranes , Dry. Arteries , Veins , hard Nerves .

There is a certain difference of Temperaments in mans body by reason of Sex and Age : As for what belongeth to Sex , The Temperament of Sex . Females are colder then Males , as having contracted a colder nature from their principles of generation , lest that the blood necessary for future generation by a stronger heat should be consumed .

The Temperament is also changed according to age ; to wit , The Temperament of ages . the age which is principally ordained for certain internal changes by heat and moisture . Authors for the most part divide mans life into three ages , Child-hood , Manly-age , and Old-age ; or Youthful , Age of perfection , Declination ; or if you please , into the first , middle , and last age ; to which differences other ages , spoken of by Authors , may be referred .

The first age therefore is our Infancy , which remaineth till the seventh year ; the second our Child-hood , which for the most part continueth to the fourteenth year of our age : then our youthfull age from the fourteenth to the five and twentieth , when our growth for the most part in stature ceaseth . And sometime Hippocrates in his first Book of Aphorisms and fourteenth chap. accompts these ages before mentioned , ages of growth . From thence to the five and thirtieth is our manly of flourishing age ; from thence to the forty eighth year is our prime or most principal age , then begins old age ; which hath its degrees also , for each age hath its Temperament , Infants and Boys are hot and moist ; youthful age is most Temperate , and obtains the most convenient temper for humane actions ; the flourishing manly age , or prime Viril age is hot and dry ; lastly old age by reason of the wasting of the Radical moisture , and defect of the promigenial Innate heat is cold and dry ; and by how much the older , by so much the colder and dryer .