CHAP. I. The Antiquity and first Origine of this Disease , the Name of it , and the Derivation of the Name .

THAT some new Diseases altogether unknown to the Ancients , have , for some Ages lately past invaded divers parts of Europe , is a known & undoubted truth ( whether we attribute it to the vicissitude of things , or impute it to the Sins and Impieties of men , and their corrupt manners ) as the French-pox , the Scurvy , the * * A most loathsome and horrible Disease in the Hair , unbeard of in former times , bred by modern luxury and excess : It seizeth specially upon Women ; and by reason of a viscous venimous humour , glues together ( as it were ) the hair of the head with a prodigious ugly folding & entanglement : somtimes taking the form of a great Snake , sometimes of many little serpents : full of nastiness , vermine , and noysome smel : And that which is most to be admired , and never eye saw before , pricked with a needle , they yeeld bloody drops . And at the first spreading of this dreadful Disease in Poland , all that cut off this horrible and snakie hair , lost their eyes , or the humor falling down upon other part of the body , tortured them extreamly It began first , not many years ago , in Poland : It is now entered into many parts of Germany H Saxo ▪ Professor of Physick in Padua . Plica , and the like ; in which number this very affect we are now about to handle may be justly Registred . For if we examin al the diseases of Infants & children described either by the Ancients or Modern Writers in their Books of the Diseases of Infants , we shall meet with none which with a sufficient exactness doth delineate the condition and Idea of this evil . For although it may seem to hold a correspondence , or to have some affinity with a chronical Feaver , a Consumption , the extenuation or leannesse of Infants , and the ‡ ‡ A Disease in the head , coming from Rhewm . Hydrocephalos ; yet to speak truth it is an affect evidently different from them in the Species . For you may observe many to be vehemently afflicted with this Malady without any Feaverishdistemper , or any cause of such suspition : in like maner although a Consumption doth frequētly supervene upon this Disease before the dissolution of the Patient , yet is it seldome seen to accompany the first invasion thereof , as for the meagerness or leanness , although some parts are perpetually observed in this affect to be made lean , yet this doth not happen in all alike , as in a right and true leanness , but you may perceave the parts about the head and face to be in a thriving condition as to outward appearance , and well complexioned , even to the last day of life . Finally , The Hydrocephalus is very frequently complicated with this affect , yet we have dissected some whose Brain hath been sufficiently firme , and not over-moistned with this superfluous humour . Some have conjectured that this Disease is an imp or fruit of the French-pox or Scurvy , descending from the viciated Bodies of the Parents upon the Children : For we deny not but the Parents , being infected with the Scurvy or the venerous Pox , may propagate and bring forth an Issue , not only affected with that Pox & Scurvy , but likewise infected with this evil , and this even hath also faln under Observation : yet for the most part this Disease in the propriety of its Essence , hath neither affinity nor familiarity with those affects , and besides it requireth a different progress of cure ; we have sometimes likewise observed a strumatical and swelling Malady to be complicated with this ; but we have also many times beheld this to be well distinguished from that , and that from this .

But why do we dwel so long upon this inquisition ? seing that he , who wil accurately contemplate the signs of this affect , as in their due places they shal be propounded , may most easily perswade himself , That this is absolutly a new Disease , and never described by any of the Ancient or Modern Writers in their practical Books which are extant at this day , of the Diseases of Infants .

But this Disease became first known ( as neer as we could gather from the Relation of others after a sedulous enquiry ) about thirty years since in the Counties of Dorset and Somerset , lying in the western part of England ; since which time the observation of it hath been derived unto other places , as London , Oxford , Cambridge , and almost all the Southern and Western parts of the Kingdom : in the Nothern Counties this affect is very rarely seen , and scarcely yet made known among the Vulgar sort of people .

The most receaved and ordinary Name of this Disease is , The RICKETS : But who baptiz'd it , and upon what occasion , or for what reason , or whether by chance or advice it was so named , is very uncertain ▪

However it obtained that Name , yet in so great a variety of places through which it hath ranged , it hath not to this day been known by any other Denomination .

But it is an accident well worth our admiration , That this Disease being new , and not long ago nameless , at least not known by this Name , neither spreading so much in remote as in adjacent places , yet no man hitherto could be found out , who knew , or could shew , either the first Author of the Name , or the Patient to whom the appellation of the Disease was first accommodated , or the peculier place where it was don , or the maner how it cam to be dispersed among the common people : for the inhabitants having gotten a Name for the Disease , receave it with acquiescence as a thing done with diligence and deliberation , and are not at all further solicitous either about the Name , or the Author of the Name .

But because they which are expert in the Greek & Latin tongues , may peradventure expect a Name from us , wherof some kind of Reason maybe given , we have made fit together divers Names to this Disease , yet we conceave it somewhat unnecessary to make a particular rehearsal of them in this place : Nevertheless it may perhaps be proper and profitable to commemorate the Rules which we propounded to our selves in the designation of the Name : The First therefore was , That the Name should comprehend some notable condition of the Disease . The Second was , That it should be sufficiently distinct from the Names of other Diseases and Symptoms . The Third was , That it should be sufficiently familiar , easie of pronounciation , accōmodated to the Memory , of no undecent length , and not studiously , and laboriously compounded .

Whilest we bend our employments to the satisfaction of these Rules , One of us by chance fell upon a Name which was complacenceous to himself , and afterwards pleasing to the rest ; now this was 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . or indeed 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 ( for that termination is not altogether abhorrent from the common Gender ) the Spinal Disease , also 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , the disease of the Spine of the Back : For the Spine of the Back , is the first and principal among the parts affected in this evil . Then no other Malady or Symptom did by the prerogative of time vindicate this appellation from it ; besides the Name is familiar and easie . And finally , The English Name Rickets , receaved with so great a consent of the people , doth by this Name seem to be excused , yea , justified from Barbarism . For without any wracking or convulsion of the word , the name Rickets ▪ may be readily deduced from the Greek word Rachitis , or Rachites ; provided , That we will but allow that consideration of change , which in vulgar pronounciation usually happeneth to words transplanted from one Language to another .

Object . You will say , That they which imposed first the English name Rickets , were peradventure altogether unskilful in , and ignorant of the Greek tongue , or that they never thought of the Greek word Rachites , at least understood not that the Spine of the Back was the principal among those parts which were first affected in this Disease ?

Answer . We Answer , It concerns not us whether they were ignorant of , or thought not upon the Greek word , or whether they did not understand the principal part that was first affected ; yet are thes things freely asserted . For we knew many at that time when the Disease did first spring up , and the Name was imposed , indeed learned men and skilful in the Greek tongue , to have their Residence in those places , to whom it was not perhaps any difficulty to observe that conspicuous debility of the Spine in this affect , and thereupon they might assign this Name unto it ; although t is very possible , yea probable , That the common people by the error of pronounciation might somewhat pervert the Name so given , and expresse it , as to this day they retain it by the word Rickets . But whether it were , or were not so , we are not at al solicitous . If the matter were so , the imposed Name will ( as is manifest ) be altogether congruous , and perhaps also at the last will most fitly correspond with it . For suppose you should fall upon some Name , received not so much by choice as chance , yet so fit , that a more comodious Name could scarce be devised by councel and deliberation , nor one more consonant to Reason ; in such a Case , What would you do ? Would you extirpate and banish the receaved word , to introduce one that was new and nothing better ? This practice would usurp upon the priviledge of Conversation , and be injurous to the custome of Speaking : Words contract a value by their use , and ought not to be denizen'd with rashness , or innovated by timerity : Or would you not rather confirm the Name receaved , yet as a new one , and from that time to be deduced from a new Origine : for this would be at the least like a chosen Science inoculated upon a new stock , which by reason of the affinity with the Root , would without any difficulty receave strength and nourishment : Or if this please you not , suppose if you please , That we now newly devised the English name of this Disease , and deduce it from the Greek word Rachites : the English word resulting from hence would be the Rachites : and how little is the difference between that and the ordinary word Rickets ? Certainly so little , That the vulgar pronounciation is not wont to be greatly solicitous about so smal a difference : But we trifle too much in staying so long upon these trifles . Let the Greek Name therfore of the Disease be nósos Rachitis , or Rachites ( if the word may be allowed to be of the common Gender ) or tes Rácheos ; in Latin Morbus Spinali● , vel Spine Dorsi : and by coyning a Latin Substantive out of the greek Adjective Rachitis — idis let the ordinary English name Rickets be retained , or in stead of it , to gratifie more curious ears , you may substitute the Rachites . And thus much , if not too much , of the Name .

CHAP. II. Anotomical Observations collected from the Dissection and Inspection of Bodies subdued and killed by this Disease .

BEfore we attempt an enquiry into the Nature and Causes of this Disease , we hold it convenient to premise some few certain and undoubted things , as being obvious to the Senses , which both demonstrate the real existence of this Disease , and may also be cast for a foundation , whereon to build the Superstructure of our judgment & opinion concerning this new Disease . For we would not have any man to imagine that we here treat of some Fictitious & Imaginary Evil , much less to expect that our Opinion should be credulously embraced without examination . But this we rather aim at , That the matter of our Discourse to all possibility may be known and preconceived in the very entrance , that we may confirm those things which we shall propose , by those things that are obvious to the Senses , as occasion shall require ; and that the Reader being instructed in these , may become a competent judge of our Reasons , and with the more facility be able to interpose his judgment concerning each of them . We attest therfore that many of us have been present at several Dissections of Bodies which have been separated by this Disease , and that we will in this Chapter briefly and faithfully declare those things which we have hitherto Observed by long experience and frequent Dissections , namely , Those things which we have seen with our eyes , and have handled with our hands .

In the mean time Two things are here to be premonished : The former is , That the Reader carry in his memory , That the dead Bodies which we opened were most vehemently afflicted with this disease whilest they were animated , for they are supposed for the most part to have yeelded to the very magnitude of the Disease , and therefore he must not expect that magnitude of the Affect or Symptoms which we here describe , in other Bodies yet living or newly besieged . For every Disease is moved to a Consistence , and then also Nature being oppressed and unable to maintain the conflict groweth worse and worse . The latter is that the Reader take notice , That almost all Diseases in processe of time , do unite unto themselves other affects of a different kind , and therefore that chronical Diseases are for the most part complicated before death : Let him not therfore imagine that every preternatural thing that is found in dead Bodies , though destroyed by this affect , must of necessity belong to this evil ; for perhaps it may rather have reference to some other Disea●e supervenient upon this before death , then to this very Malady : And the truth is , Anatomists through inadvertency , and want of due regard to this Caution , have fouly ered in their Observations , whilest they ascribe those things which concern another Disease , to another wherewith it was complicated before the dissolution . The best prevention therefore or rectification of this error is , Not to make a rash judgment from the inspection of one or two bodies , but first by a reiterated and sedulous experiment , to be able to distinguish what things perpetually occur , what for the most part , what frequently , and what but seldome , in the dissected bodies that have perished of the same Disease : for you must know , That whatsoever is not perpetually conspicuous in the opened Bodies dissolved by the same Disease , cannot appertain to the intimate and chief Essence of it : for neither the Disease it self can have an existence being separated from its Essence , nor the Essence being separated from the Disease . But enough of these things ; let us now proceed to the Observations themselves .

These our Anatomical Observations are distinguished into those which do extrinsecally occur , the Body being not yet opened , and those which present themselves only upon the Dissection of the Body .

I. These of the former kind are they which are outwardly visible upon the first appearance of the naked dead Body . 1 An irregularity , or disproportion of the parts ; namely , The Head bigger then ordinary , and the Face fat and in good constitution in respect of the other parts . And this indeed hath appeared in al those whom hitherto we have beheld to perish by this affect , one only excepted , who together with this Disease had suppurated Lungs , and was pined and disfugured with the Physick . Yet he also throughout the whole progresse of the Disease , was full faced , and had his head somewhat big ; but for about fourteen dayes before he Deceased , on a sudden all the fleshy parts about his head consumed away , and his face was like the picture of Hippocrates , not without the just wonder of all those who beheld so sudden a change . 2 The external members , and the muscles of the whole Body were slender and extenuated , as if they had been wasted with an Atrophy , or a Consumption . This ( for so much as we know ) is perpetually observed in those that die of this Disease . 3 The whole Skin , both the true , and also the fleshy and fattish Membrane , appeareth lank and hanging , and loose like a Glove , so that you would think it would contain a far greater quantity of flesh . 4 About the joynts , especially in the wrests and ankles certain swellings are conspicuous , which if they be opened , not in the fleshy or membranous parts , but in the very ends of the bones , you may perceave them to be rooted in their appendances ; and if you will file away those prominencies of the bones , you will easily perceive them to be of the same similary substance with the other parts of the bones . 5 The articles or joynts , and the habits of all the external parts are less firm and rigid , and more flexible then at another time they are observed to be in dead bodies ; and in particular the Neck after death is scarce stiffe with cold , at least much less then in other Carkasses . 6 The Brest is outwardly lean , and very narrow , especially under the arms , and seemeth on the sides to be as it were compressed , the ‡ ‡ That part of the brest where the ribs meet . Stern also is somwhat pointed , like the Keel of a Ship , or the breast of a Hen. 7 The top of the ribs to which the stern is conjoyned with gristles , are knotty , like unto the joynts of the Wrest and Ankles , as we have already said . 8 The Abdomen indeed outwardly in respect of the parts continent is lean , but inwardly in respect of the parts contained it is somwhat sticking out , and seemeth to be sweld , and extended . And these have been our Observations before the opening of the bellies . II. The Abdomen being opened , we have Noted these things : 1 The Liver , in all that we have dissected , hath exceeded in bignesse , but was well coloured , and not much hardned , nor contaminated by any other remarkable vice . We desire som bodies should here be excepted , in which other Diseases before death were complicated with this , as in a Dropsie & an extream Consumption we remember to have hapned . 2 The Spleen ( namely so far as hitherto it hath been lawful for us to observe ) for the most part is not to be contemned , whether you consider the magnitude , the colour , or the substance of it ; notwithstanding we do not deny but it may otherwise happen in regard of a complication with other Diseases . 3 We have sometimes espied a wheyish water to have glided into the cavity of the Abdomen , but indeed not often , nor in any great plenty . 4 The Stomach and Guts are somewhat more infected with flatulent humors , then sound bodies usually are , which partly may be the cause of that extension of the hypochondriacal parts above mentioned . 5 The Mesentery is sometimes faultlesse , and sometimes affected with glandulous excrescences bigger then ordinary , if not with swelling bunches : But concerning the sweet-breadwe declare nothing for a certainty ; only we suspect that obstructions , if not a schirrhus , may sometimes invade that part . But thus we delegate , to the enquiry of others . 6 The Kidneys , Ureters , and Bladder , unlesse there be a concomitancy of some other Disease , are laudably sound . We observe in general of all the Bowels contained in this Belly , that although the parts containing them , as we have noted above , are very much extenuated and emaciated , yet are they as large and as full , if not larger and fuller , then those seen in sound bodies , as hath been said of the Liver . III. The Sterne being with-drawn , these things have presented themselves in the breast . 1 A certain adherence or growing to of the Lungs with the ‡ ‡ A thin and smooth skin which cloatheth the ribs in the inner side . Pleura which hath been more or lesse discernable in all the Bodies which hitherto we have cut up . Yet we suppose that this affect may happen without any such nourishment , although in the advancement of the Disease for the most part it cometh before the Patient die . 2 The stopings or stuffings of the lungs are no less frequent , especially in those coadhering parts . Hard humours also engendered by a thick , viscous , and blackish bloud , sometimes in one , sometimes in many of the strings of the Lungs , yet are not these alwayes conspicuous , many times also Imposthums and Ulcers . 3 One amongst us doth attest , That he once saw glandulous knobs and bunches , so numerous , That they seemed to equallize , if not exceed the magnitude of the Lungs themselves ▪ They were scituated on both sides between the Lungs and the Mediastinum ( that is the Membrane that divides the middle belly ) and were extended from the Canel-bone to the Diaphragma . 4 In the cavity of the Breast we have sometimes seen a collection of wheyish waters , & indeed more frequently then in the cavity of the Abdomen , but not in all . 5 One amongst us hath likewise seen this affect complicated with a great Impostume , and with the Ptysick : the Stern being removed , all the Lungs on the left side were infected with an Impostume , and on every side growing to the Pleura , and the humour being lightly crushed , a copious , thick and stinking Matter of a yellowish colour , flowed out thorow the sharp artery into the very mouth : The outward Membrane of the Lungs whereby they firmly adhered to the Pleura , appeared thicker then ordinary , and by the mediation of it , the strings on that side did so grow together , that you could scarce distinguish them ●or such : the same Membrane also , involved both the Lungs and also the Impostume it self ▪ which being opened the magnitude of the Imposthume was discernable , which by the estimation of those that were present , contained at the least two pound of water . 6 The kernel in the Canel-bone in Childhood is alwayes observed to be great , and perhaps greater yet in those who have died of this Disease . IV. The Skull being sawed thorow in a circular Figure , and the little cover being removed , we have observed these things : 1 The Dura Mater hath been more firme , and adhered to the Skul in more places then is usual in men of ripe years : perhaps the same may be observed in other Children not affected with this evil , although , as we suppose , not in so great a manner : for certain it is , That in new born Infants there are many and straight connexions between the Pericranian and the Dura Mater which are afterwards broken off and are scarce discernable . 2 In some Bodies that we have dissected , between the Dura and the Pia mater , and in the very ventricles of the Brain , we have found wheyish and waterish humours ; from whence it is manifest , That this affect is complicated with the Hydrocephalus . 3 We have found the Brain in others that we have opened , to be firm and inculpable , and not overflowed with any waterish congestions .

4 Lastly , We have observed in some Bodies lately opened , That the Carotides have exceeded their just proportion , and so also have the jugulary Veins ; but the Arteries and the Veins which are delated to the outward parts , were of an unusual slendernesse .

But whether or no this be perpetual in this affect we cannot yet witnesse by an occular testimony ; yet we conjecture , That it happeneth so perpetually , but it came not sooner into our minds to examine it , since the beginning of our Anatomical enquiries into this subject .

These things being premised , our next Disquisition shall be to find out the Essence of the Disease .

CHAP. III. Certain Suppositions are proposed for the easier finding out of the Essence of the Disease . First of the Essence of Health . Secondly of the Essence of a Disease . Thirdly of a threefold Division of Health and Diseases . The Explication of the third Division , and the Vse of the same . The Description of a natural Constitution , and the exaltation of it . The Fourth Supposition of the Combination of three Constitutions in the same parts .

THat we may proceed the more distinctly and clearly in the finding out of the Essense of this Disease , we judged it very advantagious to premise these subsequent Suppositions :

I That the Essence of Health doth consist in some Constitution of the Body according to Nature . But seing this is twofold in the kind , one Essential and necessary , respecting the tò esse simply , which during life continueth immoveable and immutable under various affections , and is indivisible : The other Accidental , having reference to the tò bene esse , which in respect of the whole Animal , is both moveable and mutable ▪ and hath a great latitude , and can be present or absent without the dissolution of the whole . Health consists not in the former , but in the latter Constitution .

II. That the Essence of a Disease in like manner consisteth not in the Essential Constitution : For so the dissolution of the whole would by and by follow : But in the Accidental Constitution , namely such an one , as in respect of the whole can be present or absent without its dissolution . We have said ( and not without reason ) that this Constitution wherein Health and Sicknesse are founded , is moveable and accidental in respect of the whole ; for even this also in respect of some part may be essential : as for example , a finger being cut off , a Disease ariseth in the defective number of the parts , which in respect of the whole , is founded upon an accidental Constitution ; for that finger may be present or absent without the dissolution of the whole ; but in respect of the lost member it is founded upon an Essential Constitution , for this Disease being supposed , the Essence of that finger perisheth .

III. That the Constitution wherein the Essence both of Health and Sickness consisteth , admits a threefold manner of division or distinction in the method of Discipline . The first is somewhat thick , and is resolved into parts altogether Concrete , namely , It proceedeth Kata topous , according to the division of the parts from head to heel . The second is purely abstracted , and searcheth out all the Elements of the moveable Constitution , from whence cometh the division of Diseases into similar , organical , and common ; and then again those various subdivisions into distempers , faults of figure , superficies , cavities and passages , of magnitude , number , site and continuity . The third is as it were a middle manner , and although it hath been hitherto neglected , yet we dare avouch , That it may have its use , and that no contemptible one , in the handling of Diseases , and the finding out of the causes of the Disease ; and it is divided into a Constitution Natural , Vital , and Animal .

The first is proper to , and inherent in every part , absolutely competible to it , and without any dependance upon the other parts according to the Essence of it simply : This remaineth a while after death , till it be resolved by Putrefaction , Ambustion , simple Exiccation , Mummification , Petrification , and the like violent Causes . This Constitution in respect of its simple Essence , doth not depend upon those Members which minister an Influx , but it dependeth upon them both in respect of its Conservation , and likewise of its Operation . For the vital influx ceasing after death ( which is as it were the salt and condiment of it ) quickly perisheth , and as long as the creature liveth , this is variously affected by the influxes , and thereupon the actions are either promoved or interupted .

The Second is the Vital Constitution , which is produced by that continual influx from the heart thorow the arteries into the parts of the whole Body . This also it admitteth degrees , and is often subject to variations more or lesse , and sometimes also seemeth to suffer a kind of eclips , as in a swouning , a syncope , &c. yet it persevereth from the beginning to the last period of life ( at least in its fountain , and in some other parts .

The Third is the Animal Constitution , which is derived from the Brain thorow the Nerves into the Organs of Sense and Motion . This is many times totally wanting in many parts , the life notwithstanding remaining ; yea it might for a long time together be defective in several parts , or all the parts , did not respiration , which is absolute necessary unto life , depend upon it . These Constitutions therefore keep such a connexion between themselves , that the second doth eternally and continually presuppose the existence of the former , and the third of the second ; but there is not back again so absolute a dependance between them , because ( as we have even now said ) the former can for some time subsist without the second , and the second commonly altogether without the third : And these three Constitutions may in most bodies be manifestly perceived , yet we affirm not that they may be found in all . The Natural indeed and the Vital are wanting to no part : but the Animal is defective in the Bones ( though the teeth will admit some doubt ) gristles , perhaps ligaments , and some substances as of the Liver , Spleen , &c. we assert therefore this threefold Constitution to be in all those parts , to whom the Natural , Vital , and Animal Faculty is communicated . For although these Faculties as to the first act may be said to depend upon the Soul ( which relation hath indeed no relation to the Medicinal art ) yet in respect of the second act they are necessarily rooted in some material Constitution of the parts to which they belong . For whereas some say that the Vital Faculty is derived from the Heart , and the Animal from the Brain unto the other parts , that must not so be understood , as if the Faculties themselves in a wandring manner were transient from part to part ( for the passing of an accident from subject to subject cannot be conceived by any understanding ) but that the Vital Faculty is derived with , and in the vital Spirit from the Heart unto the parts , or at least is excited by some motion of the Heart and Arteries in the parts themselves , and in like manner the Animal Faculty doth descend in and with the Animal Spirit by the Nerves , or is produced in the parts by some motion of the Nerves in the Brain . Which way soever it comes to passe , we must needs confesse that some alteration is imprinted in the part it self receiving it either from the said Spirits , or from their motions . Which alteration as it is here granted to be the root of the Faculty , either Vital , or Animal in the respective parts , so is it a moveable Constitution , because it can be variously changed , remitted , and intended without the dissolution of the whole ; and it is the Constitution wherein either Health or Sicknesse may consist , seeing that whensoever alteration is deficient unto the parts wherein it ought to be , or any other wayes administred then is requisite , the action will thereupon be unavoidably depraved ; but if it be rightly performed , then sound and perfect health is said to be present from the part of that Constitution . Considering therefore that there are two kind of Alterations besides the natural and inherent Constitution , one from the influx of the Heart , another from the influx of the Brain in most parts ; and seeing the said alterations , as they themselves are more perfect or more imperfect , do render the Faculties in the respective parts ( at least as to the second act ) more perfect or imperfect , and that the actions are thereupon depraved or sound , it is necessary that this threefold Constitution reside in most of the parts , and that the said kind of alterations be medical constitutions whereon Health and Sicknesse may be grounded .

That this Division or Distinction is not frivolous or altogether unprofitable , appeareth from hence , because the practical Physitians in their Methods do rightly admonish , that in obscure Diseases the Faculties must be accurately observed , when their actions are seen to be depraved , which diligence may serve as it were for a Manuduction to guide us to the Origine of the affect ; now if it be a consideration of so just importance to note the interupted Faculties in Diseases , certainly it will be an exercise of no lesse moment to take cognizance of the Constitutions themselves , upon which those Faculties have an immediate and strict dependance .

Now least any man should conceive that there is almost a coincidence between this third Division and the second , he may observe , if he will diligently weigh the matter , That every member of this division doth in some manner include al the members of the next precedent , namely that the natural Constitution doth comprehend primarily indeed the similar Constitution , but that secondarily and in order to the whole creature , it containeth in a sort the conformation and continuity ; in like manner that the Vital and Animal Constitution do in their way so clearly participate of all the Members of the said Division , that to offer proofs of it were an unnecessary undertaking : Only we desire the Reader to take notice ( which also we even now intimated ) That the natural Constitution primarily and principally hath respect unto the temperament , the common qualities , the plenty of the Spirits , and the peculiar disposition of them ( which by some are refered to the form and the whole substance ) but that it hath respect unto the manner of the Organe and the continuity as it were secondarily , and in order to the whole creature , and that it can scarce be otherwise hurt or vitiated by them . Yet we must not deny but that the natural Constitution is sometimes vitiated as it is meerly Organical , for thus it falleth out in the obstructions of the natural passages ; as for example , when a stone is impacted or grown to hardnesse in the passage of the Meter or the yard , and in the like cases : but this happeneth unto it especially in as much as the passage is ordained for the use and conservation of the whole ; but for the most part the Organical vices in the natural Constitution are of lesse note and consideration then the similar .

These things may suffice to be spoken in a general way of this triple Constitution . We will now in particular speak a few things of them in few words .

The Natural Constitution which is proper unto and inherent in every part , may be known by this discription , That it is the manner of the natural Being , setled in the parts , competible to them , in as much as they are aptly constituted by their temperament , and common quallities , by their sufficient portion and convenient disposition of ingenerated Spirits , and by their just conformation and continuity , to a perfect performance of natural actions , together with the concurrence of the Vital ( and perhaps the Animal ) influx . Therefore when there is in any part a just temperament , convenient common qualities , an exquisite proportion , and harmonious disposition of inherent Spirits . Finally , when there is a laudable conformation and unity , and yet notwithstanding all this , the natural action is depraved , we may well conclude that it is not vitiated by the natural Constitution , but by reason of the concurrent cause , namely the vital or natural influx , or of both together ; for the natural actions in creatures in regard of the union and wedlock of life , are exalted to a more eminent condition then otherwis they would attain unto by the natural Constitution alone . And from hence it comes to passe , That although the natural Constitution in slain Creatures remaineth after death undepraved for a while , yet the attractive and retentive Faculty , the concoction of the aliment , and the expulsion of the exctement do altogether cease : And in Diseases also many times the natural Constitution is at first untoucht , yet the natural action is vitiated meerly by the defect of the due concurrence of the vital influx : after the same manner somttimes the natural and vital Constitution being sound and healthful , yet some natural action is depraved by reason of the defect of some animal influx and concurence : but this for the most part happeneth only in the Nervous , Fibrous , and Membranous parts , especially where they make a hollownesse , but seldom or not at all in the substance of the parts : As in the Palsy the excrements are many times unduly retained , by reason only of the astonishment and insensiblnesse of the guts , the other constitutions being sound . Therefore in these cases , when some natural action is hurt , we must not presently conclude that the natural Constitution is first vitiated , but we must with dilligence enquire out that Constitution which is first vitiated , for that is to be looked upon as the root and first essence of the evil ; in like manner if some vital action be depraved , we must not presently infer that the vital Constitution is primarily vitiated ; because sometimes the first Origin is more rightly deduced from the natural , or perhaps the animal Constitution : as for example , Through the intensivenesse of cold , a finger is mortified by inflamation : in this case it is true that the influx of the vital bloud is plainly intercepted ; yet the beginning of that interception must be sought out in the natural Constitution of that very part so benumned : So also in a Convulsion the circulation of the bloud is perhaps something disturbed and interupted ; but the first depravation must be ascribed to the animal , not to the vital Constitution . On the contrary , in a Feaver the Head is invaded , but the source of the evil will peradventure be found out in the vital Constitution : so perhaps the Flesh is wasted , and al the natural Spirits are decayed ; yet the root of the evil wil be found out in the vital , not in the natural Constitution : So that any Constitution of the three before named may be in several Diseases , sometimes the first , sometimes the second , and sometimes the third cause of vitiated actions .

Not only many other parts of the body ( yea simply al the sensible ) which exhibit not an influx , neither are subservient as delatory parts , do naturally admit this threefold Constitution , but besides also even the Heart it self , and all the arteries , and the Brain and al the nerves , so that the Brain ( excepting the fault in its natural Constitution ) may be cherished and helped by the vital Spirit which is transmitted thorow the veins and the arteries , being wel affected , or vitiated and hurt if that be ill affected : And after the same manner also may the Heart by the animal Spirit which hath an influx thorow the recurent nerve of the sixth pair , the arteries also by the animal influx thorow the nerves by a way perhaps not yet found out : And Finally , The Nerves also by the vital Spirit deduced thorow the Arteries .