The arraignment of vrines vvherein are set downe the manifold errors and abuses of ignorant vrine-mongring empirickes, cozening quacksaluers, women-physitians, and the like stuffe ... Collected and gathered as well out of the most ancient, as the moderne and late physitians of our time: and written first in the Latine tongue, and diuided into three bookes by Peter Forrest D. in Physicke ... And for the benefit of our British nations newly epitomized, and translated into our English tongue by Iames Hart Dr. of the foresaid faculty, and residing in the towne of Northampton.

THE ARRAIGNMENT OF VRINES : WHEREIN ARE SET downe the manifold errors and abuses of ignorant Vrine-monging Empirickes , cozening Quacksaluers , women-physitians , and the like stuffe : Confining the vrines within their owne lists and limits ; and adding such Caueats and Cautions to the inspection and iudgement of Diseases by the same , as haue not hitherto by any beene obserued . And for the Readers recreation , illustrated with many pleasant and delectable Histories . Collected and gathered as well out of the most ancient , as the moderne and late Physitians of our time : and written first in the Latine Tongue , and diuided into three Bookes by Peter Forrest D. in Physicke , and natiue of the Towne of Alcmare in Holland . And for the benefit of our British Nations newly epitomized , and translated inte our English Tongue by IAMES HART Dr. in the foresaid Faculty , and residing in the towne of Northampton .

Fingunt se medicos omnes , Idiota , Sacerdos , Iudaeus , Monachus , Histrio , Rasor , Anus . Each dunce would diue in Physicks depth , both parish Priest and Iew : The Barber bold , Monke , Stage-player , and eke the women crew .

OR ,

Physitians all men faine themselues ; Priests , Monkes , Iewes , Barbers , Fooles , Stage-players , Women , multitudes , that neuer learn'd in Schooles .

LONDON , Printed by G. Eld for Robert Mylbourne , and are to be sold at his shop at the great South doore of Pauls . 1623.

TO THE HIGH AND MIGHTY PRINCE CHARLES PRINCE OF WALES .

IT was the saying of the wisest among men , ( high & mighty Prince ) In the multitude of people is the Kings honor , but in the want of people is the destruction of a Prince . And for this cause as well the Law of God , as the constitutions of men haue hembd in the furious affections of vnruly and disorderly persons , lest to the detriment and danger of their neighbour , they should runne at randome beyond the rules of reason , in murthering and massacring him whom the Almighty had made according to his owne image and holinesse . Now as there is no crime so enormious , but it may be masqued with the mantle of some vertue : so is there a sort of people who purchasing to themselues credit , with the too-too credulous multitude , doe vnder a plausible pretence of health , not onely sucke the substance from the deluded multitude , but often precipitate their bodies into Charons boat . Of whom a learned late Writer said well , that these people were more pernitious to a Common-wealth , then the common cut-throats by the high-way sides . All which offenders are not a little encouraged , by the ordinary inspection of vrines , as it is at this day not without great preiudice to the publique , euery where practised .

Amongst many who haue stood in the gap against this abuse , none hath handled this subiect more plainly and to better purpose , then this present Author , whom for this cause I haue of a stranger vndertaken to make a Free-denizon , and to speake the language of this Land . As for my selfe , silence had beene more secure , and more safe for me to haue kept within the harbor , then to launce out into the deep and tempestuous Sea of mens censorious humours . But all the barkings and snarlings of the most enuious Momes & Zoiles being weighed in the scales against the publique good , will bee found too light , being especially shrowded vnder the wings of so mighty a Maecoenas as your selfe .

Neyther is it any new thing that great Princes haue beene affectioned fauourers of Physicke , and Physitians . Hence haue we the name of Mithridates daign'd vnto a noble Physicall compounded Antidote : of Gentius the Illyrian king to the hearb Gentian : of Lysimachus to the hearb Lysimachia , &c But that I may come yet a little neerer , it is recorded that one of your Highnesse Ancestors , and sometimes King in the Northerne part of this Iland , composed certaine physicall Canons . And another King of the same descent is recorded to haue attained to that skill in curing of wounds ( a branch of Surgery , being it selfe one of the parts of Physicke ) that many noble Families of that Kingdome hauing from him acquired this skill , haue with their inheritances transmitted the same to their Successors . But hath not our bright morning starre , the purchaser of our peace , of whom your Highnes hath his being , and on whom the eyes of the European Princes are now set , as in other Arts and liberall Sciences , so likewise in this Profession , manifested so profound knowledge , as one would thinke the oracle of Aesculapius had beene committed to his custody ? And as the great Commander of this Vniuerse hath singled you out for a Successor to so great Countries and Kingdomes ; so doe I not doubt but he will make you such a patterne of pietie , and endue you with so noble and heroicall vertues , fit for so high and mighty a calling , as the after-ages shall haue cause to blesse the memory of your name .

And if names ( howsoeuer of no validity in themselues ) doe yet often call to minde the noble vertues and heroicall exploits of our Predecessors , and incite vs to a laudable imitation of the same : of what name shall we finde more magnanimous and couragious Champions , and better acquainted with the affaires of Mars and Minerua ? Amongst many I will single out but three , which shall serue in stead of many moe .

The noble and heroicall exploits of that euer-renowned worthy Champion Charles Martell deseruing eternall memory , the famous Tours can yet testifie ; whereas aboue three hundred and seuenty thousand of the miscreant Saracenicall nation , did affright not onely France , but euen Italy it selfe , and the Pope notwithstanding his triple Crowne , with all his Clergy , was not a little amazed ; and yet were by this valiant Champion vtterly ouerthrown , leauing their dead carkeises for a testimonie of his triumphant victory . It would be too tedious to relate the rest of his heroicall acts and exploits , as well against the fore-named Nation , as many others also .

But if I should enter vpon the acts of him who descended lineally out of his loynes in the second generation , that noble Charles , called , and that not without cause , Great , as he was not in word but in very deed also , I scarce should know where to beginne . And howbeit his famous acts against the Saxons and Saracens , and sundry other nations , together with the managing of the Westerne Empire , were great and glorious : yet were they farre inferiour to his other acts in planting and propagating true pietie ; witnesse the foundation of so many Churches and religious places , with rents and reuennues alotted for the maintaining of the seruice of the Almighty . So farre did this magnanimous Monarch differ from the iudgement of the ascrilegious Church-robbing Great-men of our dayes . What shall I say of his singular loue to letters and learned men ? witnesse the founding of the two famous Vniuersities of Paris and Pauie . As for his religious life in priuate , his constant and carefull performance of the duties of pietie , they are but seldome to be seene in Princes of that eminency and might . So that of him I may iustly say that he deserueth to be paralleld with the greatest Princes , and to be enrolled among the Worthies of the world .

Another great and mighty Charles the Christian world hath of later dayes produced : I meane that famous Emperour , the fift of that name , the glory of the Austrian House . Whose valiant exploits against both Christians and Infidels , together with the captiuating of the French King had made his name and fame immortall : if hee had not too basely abandoned himselfe to the performance of the will and pleasure of the Pope and his Shauelings , especially those lawlesse Locusts , I meane the Loiolites , the Pharisies of our age , and in blind zeale bathed his Blade in the blood of his most faithfull and trusty Subiects : whom therefore God suffered to be pursued by his owne Subiect Maurice Duke of Saxony , by whom also hee was forced to yeeld to such conditions as did much offuscate the splendor of his former victories . And would to God that great Henry of France of famous memory , hauing taken warning by the attempt which lighted on his teeth , and not being circumuented by the soft and woolly words of that cunning Coton , had not suffered those infernall Furies euer to take footing any more in that famous Kingdome of France , then perhaps , had wee not had these fires of dissention kindled , nor heard that one Subiect should vnsheath his sword to bath it in his Christian brothers blood . And I hope that the Princes and Potentates of the Christian world will now learne to be wise , and to bee warned by other mens harmes . But to our Charles againe , I thinke it may well bee said of him as of Dauids Worthies , that he was honourable among many , yet attained not to the former two . But one thing yet worthy remembrance in this worthy Prince I cannot passe by ; that when as that scarlet Whore , by her fawning and flattering demeanor , had drawne the affections of this Prince towards her , & according to her accustomed changeablenesse and mutability ( especially when greater gaine is offered ) shewing him a tricke of her old trade , in entertaining another louer : this generous Prince not able to digest so hainous iniuries , did captiuate the triple Crowne , sacking the seat and City of this abominable Beast , and discharging the Papall authority through all the Spanish Dominions , left worthy president to all posterity , that the Kingdome of Spaine , as well as her neighbour Nations , could make a pretty shift without the Papall power .

In these three Worthies all manner of morall vertues , as also whatsoeuer concerneth either military or Martiall discipline , together with the practices of piety and peace are liuely pourtraied and painted forth vnto vs. And our vndoubted hopes & presages of your Highnesse are such , that one day the very extract and quintessence of such heroicall vertues shall plainly bee seene to haue taken vp their seat and habitation in your selfe ; the ripe fruit whereof shall be reaped not by this Iland only , but by the whole Christian world , when God in his owne appointed time shall call you to sway the Scepter of these hereditary Kingdomes . Now your Highnesse accustomed clemency and courteous entertainment of learning with the labours of the learned , haue emboldned me , howbeit the meanest among many more able and sufficient then my selfe , to present vnto your Highnesse these my rude labours ; the which not my selfe alone , but many more of refined iudgement , haue thought fit to publish for the good of the publique .

Let it therefore please your Princely patience to accept of this first part of the first fruits of my labours , vntill the second part may see the light of the Sunne , which likewise longeth for , and relieth vpon the patronage of so great a Prince ; beseeching your Highnesse to accept of it , not according to the worth , but the will and good affection of him who doth present it . Thus did our gracious God in the building of the Tabernacle , accept as well of Goats haire and Badgers skinnes , as of siluer , and gold , and precious stones , scarlet , purple , blew , and fine linnen . And the poore Widowes mite was accepted of according to the bountifulnesse of her mind . The mighty Monarch Artaxerxes also accepted kindly at the hand of Sinetas the Persian his entertainment with a cup of cold water taken out of the Riuer Cyrus .

Now being conscious to my selfe , that my good and forward affection is nothing inferior , hauing no better gift for the present , I hope this my paines shall find no worse entertainment at your Highnesse hands . And thus shall I pray for your Highnesse happy and prosperous estate ; with the abundance of all good things in this life , and endlesse happinesse in the life to come : and shall euer remaine

Your Highnesses most humble , affectionate and dutifull seruant , for euer to be commanded , I. HART .

To the courteous READER ,

GEntle Reader , if euer errors in any Art proued pernicious , I thinke none of meane capacity will deny that in the faculty of Physicke they are not of the least annoyance . Amongst many others , the abuses committed in the iudgement of diseases by the inspection of the vrine onely , haue beene so great and so many , that for the subduing of the same is required the helpe of some mighty Hercules . Amongst diuers others who haue opposed themselues against the sayd errors and abuses , none haue more fully , and more pertinently handled this subiect then this our Author . And because the vulgar sort of people is most subiect to be ensnared , and most obuious to euery error , my chiefe ayme and end therefore hath beene , as much as in me lyeth , to free them from imposture and cozenage , by communicating to them this Treatise in our owne vulgar tongue . It cannot indeed be denied that vrines haue for many yeares beene most basely abused . If I should say that in this Kingdome this abuse hath not a little beene improued , I thinke I should say nothing besides the truth . Witnesse so many ignorant Empirickes , women-physitians , with a many of our saucy Surgeons , and many moe , who by their pretended and supposed skill in the inspection of vrines , doe assume vnto themselues a lawlesse liberty of encroaching vpon that profession wherein they were neuer instructed nor trained vp . But at this I doe not so much maruell , but rather to see some of the Tribe of Leui , who should sound out with their voyces like Trumpets against all sinnes , to be themselues inuolued in this sinne of Couetousnesse . For whatsoeuer other pretence they make , it may plainly appeare , that it is nothing else but a ●arment of figge leaues which will neuer couer their nakednesse . Is it not apparent that many of our Parsons and Vicars in this Kingdome , as though they were of the secret counsell of Aesculapius , or had digged out of the graue the ghost of that famous Hippocrates , or else with some Pythagoricall translation of the soules of all the most famous Physitians , the skill were conueyed vnto them ; they haue like vsurpers , intruded vpon other mens right ? Now that preaching of the word , with the dependances of the same , and practising of Physicke , are in the word of God two seuerall distinct callings , I thinke cannot be denied . And in the second place , that the practice of the one hindreth the performance of the other as it ought : those that well weigh the weight of both callings , their seuerall subiects , large extents , paines , and labour to be imployed about either of them , must needs confesse , that whosoeuer will conscionably performe the worke of the Ministery as hee ought , shall therein finde worke enough without medling with the health of the body . And besides , the preiudice to the common good , may hence euidently appeare , that often at one and the same instant , each of these callings demandeth his personall presence .

All the charge our Lord and Sauiour gaue to Peter , was to feed his flocke , and that reiterated three seuerall times . And this was the charge committed to all the Apostles and other Ministers of the word . As for the curing of Diseases , it was both miraculous and lasted but for a time , they being as free from couetousnesse and pecuniary traffique , as ours at this time are addicted vnto the same . The holy Apostle Paul willeth euery man to abide in the same calling ( not callings ) wherein hee was called : and in another place ; Ministers must wait on the Ministery : and , Let euery man meddle with his businesse with quietnesse . Now how small account soeuer these men make of the ministeriall function , the charge is so great , and the account so strict , that Saint Chrysostome saith , He wondreth that any Bishop or Minister can be saued . Ammonius also being vrged with a Bishopricke , cut off his right eare , that such deformity might be a Canonicall impediment . May it not then plainly appeare that Ye take too much vpon you , ye Sonnes of Leui .

Their colourable excuse of doing good to their neighbour , is to small purpose : for then were it lawfull for euery man to meddle with another mans profession , then might the Lawyer become a Physitian , the Physitian a Diuine , and the Diuine all three . Indeed the Lawyer hath likewise some cause to complaine : for some of our Parsons , I heare , are busied with making Wils and Testaments , Deeds , and Conueyances , and what not ? But the Lawyer is old enough to plead his owne cause . But God is the God of order , not of confusion ; and neuer did allow of this confused Chaos of callings .

Now a● these men are iustly to be blamed , so in like manner such as are occasions of their distractions must needs also deserue some reprehensions . It is not the part of an honest man either to incourage or countenance so pernicious distractions and confusions in a Christian Common-wealth . The Princely Prophet Dauid would not drinke of the water that was purchased with the perill of mens liues . And is it not apparent that these mens negligence endangereth the soules of their flockes , while they care most for their fleeces .

But it is easier for me to reprehend this disorder , then to amend it . Would to God those that haue the salue would apply it to this sore ; to the end that this foule Vlcer spread it selfe no further to the annoyance both of Church and Common-wealth . As for my selfe , the loue and respect I beare vnto the publique good , together with the vindicating of our Aesculapian Art from abuse as much as in me lyeth , haue beene the chiefe meanes which moued me to impart these my paines to the publique , being not a little animated hereunto by the Author himselfe , who towards the latter end of this Discourse hopeth for the publication thereof in vulgar tongues . Howbeit I doe not deny but I haue euer beene as auerse as any from the publication of any such Physicke bookes in our vulgar tongue , as might giue the least incouragement to ignorant Droanes and Dunces , wherewith this Kingdome doth so abound . And I haue euer wished that some of our profession would employ their paines to some better purpose . For as the inspection of Vrines , as it is now practised is one ; so is the writing or translating of Physick practicall books in the English tongue another band which much emboldneth this kind of people to proceed in their erronious course . As for that idle and more then threed-bare obiection of the pleaders for this abuse , it is of no force nor validity ; to wit , that the abuse ought not to take away the right vse of the same : For while as the Booke prescribeth a remedy for the disease in generall , yet can the ignorant Reader neuer thereby collect the seuerall circumstances in such a case to be obserued ; as the constitution of the patient , the manifold causes which may either inhibit the exhibiting , or yet indicate the altering thereof in quantity , quality , or both , with many moe circumstances , which are so many and so diuers , that they require no vulgar vnderstanding to find them out ; howsoeuer , such remedies , how absurd soeuer , may at sometimes be seconded by a prosperous and wished for successe : which being but casuall , the cleere sighted vnderstanding will neuer trust to And therefore it may plainly appeare that there can be no right vse of such Bookes . Besides , that they proue often occasions of procrastinating and putting off the time and opportunity of asking sound and learned aduice , vntill such time as irrecouerable occasion be past , and He that would not when he might , now may not when he would . And whereas the pleaders for this practice would seeme to haue gotten ground on vs by sheltring themselues vnder the shield of the ancient Greeke Physitians , to wit , that they follow the footsteps of the famous ancient Fathers , Hippocrates , Galen , and his Apish imitator Paulus Aegineta , with many moe : It is true that these worthy ancient Writers to propagate to posterity the precepts and rules of Art , together with manifold remedies , did couch them in the Greeke tongue , the which howbeit it was their vulgar and common speech , yet neither was it their intent that they should be diuulged abroad amongst the vulgar people , neither yet could it then be so preiudiciall as now adayes . Good reason had they to write them in the Greeke tongue , as being very famous , and by reason of the Macedonian Monarchy vnder Alexander and his successors , besides Europe , it was farre spread in Asia , and the copiousnesse and elegancy gaue it no small grace and estimation among many Nations . Now that it was neuer the intent of these learned men that those Bookes which contained the whole mysteries of this Art should be diuulged abroad , may plainly appeare to all such as will not be obstinately ignorant , by the carefull keeping of them in their Temples and Oratories , their Priests and Southsayers taking charge of them : as likewise that all who did professe and practise this profession neere the space of a thousand yeares , were descended of the linage of old Aesculapius ; and therefore their intent and purpose was onely to haue them inuiolably kept for their successors to be trained vp in the same profession . And againe , that there was no such danger of diuulging them abroad in those dayes is manifest , in that the vse of printing was not many hundreds of yeares after this knowne , by which means ( saith a learned man ) more may be in one day dispatched , then by more mens writings in a whole yeare .

Now among many other Physicke practicall Bookes some of our vrine bookes written in the English tongue , haue not a little emboldened a many ignorant busie-bodies to thrust their sickle into another mans haruest . Hence comes it to passe , that any idle old trot , Cobler , or Costardmonger , vpon the reading of such a booke will seem to pronounce some Delphian oracle by the vrine . The greatnesse of which abuse so much encreased in this Kingdome , hath occasioned me to take this cause in hand . And because it doth chiefly ayme at the informing and rectifying of the iudgement of the deluded multitude , I am so farre from affecting a high and strained style , that I haue euen accommodated my words as much as I could to the capacitie of the meanest . And if this finde kinde entertainment at thy hand ( kinde Reader ) then shall I be incouraged to publish vnto thy view another part concerning the same subiect , which I haue my selfe collected out of a great number of ancient and late Writers , the chiefe contents whereof shall be these :

The Tractate being diuided into two bookes , in the first shall be contained the authorities of some learned Physitians against this abuse in generall , and then shall the vncertainty of this signe be seene in some infirmities where it is thought to be of greatest force . Then shall follow a confutation of the vulgar opinion of discerning of women with childe , as also of the sexe by the vrine : all illustrated by the authorities of the learned at large , with pregnant proofes , and vnanswerable arguments , wherunto are added some things desumed from mine owne experimentall knowledge . In the second I proceed to a more particular suruey first of the regions of the vrine , then to the substance , quantity and qualitie : and in the qualities , first to the smell , then the chiefe colours of vrines , together with their manifold seuerall strange contents : not omitting the circle or garland , spume or froath , and bubbles , with other contents swimming on the top . And before the Conclusion shall follow the fond and foolish conceit & opinion of some doating Alchymists of our times concerning the distillation of vrines . All which shall be prosecuted after the foresaid plaine and perspicuous Method .

I intreat thee therefore ( courteous Reader ) that thou wouldest be pleased to accept this my paines in as good part , as I haue beene willing to impart the same vnto thee for thy vse and profit . And if thou wilt set partialitie and by-respects aside , I make no doubt but thou shalt see , and plainly perceiue , that the great enquest here mentioned shall finde it billa vera . And because I would take away all excuses from the delinquents , and lest with the Iewes they shall say Doth our Law condemne a man before he be heard , I will therefore deferre the further prosecuting of this businesse vntill another Assize , to see if the offenders can say any thing for themselues . So ceasing to abuse thy patience any longer , and entreating thy charitable censure of this my rude labour , I will here take my leaue of thee vntill the next occasion .

Thy well-wishing Friend , IAMES HART .

THE CONTENTS . THE FIRST BOOKE . CHAP. 1. WHat Urine is . CHAP. 2. Of the engendring of Urine , as also of the preparing of the blood , and the residue of the humours . CHAP. 3. Of the superfluities sequestred and set apart in each concoction , as also of that Vrine , which is in euery respect of a meane temperature , and therefore the best , and the cause of the same . CHAP. 4. That the iudgement of diseases had by the sole inspection of the Vrine is vncertaine , yea oftentimes dangerous , and that we ought not to repose any trust in the same . CHAP. 5. That the Urine and the iudgement of diseases by the same , is not in it selfe sufficient to giue vs full notice and satisfaction of the whole state and nature of diseases . THE SECOND BOOKE . CHAP. 1. OF the diuers and sundry causes which doe hinder the iudgement by vrine . CHAP. 2. After what manner it commeth to passe that sometimes famous Physitians , not a little skilled in their profession , may in the iudgement of Vrines be deceiued . CHAP. 3. That Empiricke-Vrine-mongers , Mountebankes , Quacksaluers , Women-physitians , and the rest of that rabble , by the inspections of Vrines , doe rather tell lies then truth , the which notwithstanding they perswade the too-too credulous , and simple , vnlearned , and ignorant people , to be as true as sacred Oracles . CHAP. 4. Of the imposture , fraud , deceit , and cunning trickes which wandring Water-mongers , roguing Empirickes , and such like cogging cozeners , doe vse in deliuering their opinion concerning Urines . CHAP. 5. Of the peruerse , preposterous , and too-too credulous simplicity of country people , ignorant idiots , and diuers others of that stampe , together with their too great trust and foolish confidence which they repose in this diuining and coniecturing by Urines . THE THIRD BOOKE . CHAP. 1. HOw and by what meanes this error of inspection of Vrines in the Physitians house hath had the first beginning , being notwithstanding nothing else but an vncertaine coniecture , and by the which doth redound more dammage and danger then profit to the patient , and hath made this so noble an Art , base and contemptible in the eyes of most men . CHAP. 2. How necessary and needfull a thing it were , that the Urine of such as be sicke be no more carried to the Physitians house , but that rather they are to view them and giue out their iudgement vpon them in the patients owne house , and that onely . CHAP. 3. That vpon the sole inspection of the Vrine , remedies ought not to be prescribed to the sicke , except the Physitian being present by thē , first obserue all the rest of the signes , which doe in like manner belong to the perfect knowledge of the disease . CHAP. 4. That there is a certaine method & order of signes and causes , as also of diseases , together with the accidents of the same , that there is also Scopes and ends , from the which againe the indications of curing are deriued , by meanes whereof , and not the bare inspection of the Urine onely , the cure it selfe is performed : by all which , as well the vtility as the necessity of the presence of the Physitian with his patient , is proued . CHAP. 5. That remedies ought to be sought from certaine scopes and indications , for the which cause such Physitians are to be blamed , who do vnaduisedly vpon the sole sight of the vrine prescribe their remedies . CHAP. 6. Against such as doe prescribe and appoint remedies in their owne vulgar tongue , making the same common to euery one .

COurteous Reader , the principall faults escaped , eyther by the negligence of the Copier out of this Discourse , or otherwise ; the Author himselfe likewise being absent and busied about other imployments , I doe here present to thy view : and what thou shalt yet further , either in points or otherwise obserue omitted , they shall be so small , that I hope they shall not deserue too sharpe a censure .

PAg. 2. line 11. reade Gordonius . p. 4. l. 4. r . into its owne , &c. l. 14. and elsewhere , for miseraicall r . alwayes mesaraicall . p. 5. l. 33. r . into the guts : p. 8. l. 5. r . conioyne , for containe . p 11. l. 4 r . subiect of , &c. p. 13. l. 21. r . on the top . p. 15. l. 4. r . Leennius . p. 20 l 6. r . Taregua , as also in the marginall note , l. 25. r . principally . p. 24. l. 29. r . melancholicke . p. 26. l. 32. and elsewhere , for premises , r . alwayes premisses . p. 33. l. 28. r . incident therevnto . p. 34 marg . note , r . vrines by the powring , &c. p. 49. l. 22 and elsewhere , for Cologue r . alwayes Cologne . p. 55. l. 12. r . Pauye . l. vlt . r . counsaile or in . p. 69. l. 12. r . the manner . p. 74. l. 28. r . renew . p. 80. l. 18. r . hand into . p. 82 l. 35. r . any vlcer . p. 83. l. 19. r . it is . p. 85. l. 6. r . ingenuously . p. 86. l. 3 , & 4. r . ignorant of the state and nature of the disease . p. 93. marg . note 2. r . killed by vnskilfulnes . p. 96. marg . note 2. r . Ingenuous .

THE FIRST BOOKE .

THE ARGVMENT .

IN these three bookes the Author taketh great paines to demonstrate by solid and vnanswerable arguments , of whom , and what manner of Physitian it is best and safest to aske counsell , if at any time we shall be seazed with sicknes : to wit , not of base ignorant Empirickes , vrine-mongers , water-prophets , women-physitians , and such like : but rather of the learned , skilfull and iudicious Physitian , trained vp and well experienced in his Profession . In the first Booke therefore is declared that the iudgement of diseases by the sole inspection of the vrine , is very vncertaine and deceitfull , as also sometimes not without great danger . And to the end that this may more plainly appeare to the eyes of euery one , it is declared in the first place , what vrine is , and of what manner of substance it is engendred : as also , after what manner the humours are sequestred in the preparation of the blood . Afterwards also are described , the superfluities that are ingendred of the same . The causes of Vrines in euery respect of the best and most laudable note , are afterwards set downe . In the last place is proued and concluded , that the iudgement had by the inspection of Vrine onely , is not sufficient to giue vs full notice of the whole nature and circumstances of the disease , as ignorant people are for the most part ( though falsly ) perswaded .

THE ARRAIGNMENT of VRINES . CHAP. I. What Vrine is .

WHatsoeuer matter is propounded ( saith Cicero in his Offices ) which a man doth take in hand to handle , together with the reason of the same , ought to beginne with the description or definition of the same thing , to the end we may the better vnderstand the nature of the subiect about the which the dispute is conuersant . And for this cause before wee determine this question , Whether the iudgement of diseases by vrine be certaine or vncertaine ; it is requisite that first of al we know what vrine is , of what manner of substance it is engendred , of what vse , or profit it is in mans body , as also by which wayes and passages it issueth out of the same . It is not therefore sufficient for a iudicious and learned Physitian with the Empyricke-vrine-mongers , to know , that Vrine is that which is pissed , which doth not at all declare the nature and essence of the vrine .

Urine , therefore properly , Definition of Vrine . is the superfluity of blood contained in the great veine , conueyed by the kidneis and other vrinary vessels into the bladder . But Theophilus , who after Hippocretes , Galen , and Magnus , hath written in Greeke a very compendious and succinct booke of Vrines , defineth Vrine after this manner : Vrine is the straining through of the blood and the rest of the humours . Some for this cause call it a superfluity like vnto whey : some call it a watrish superfluity : and others , the putr●faction or rottennesse of blood : But we will not wrangle about words , as better befitting some Sophister , then a good and learned Physitian . And therefore following the footsteps of these our famous Physitians ; Urine is nothing else but a straining of the blood and the rest of the humours , which proceed from the worke of nature . Of this opinion are Isaacus , Gorclonius , with whom also doth agree Actuarius ( not inferior to any that hath written of this subiect ) calling it the straining or draining of the blood . And therefore well said Galen in these words : Gal lib . 5. de vsu p●rt . To the end that the rest of the thin and watrish superfluity ( which we call vrine ) may be separated , nature hauing made the Kidneis , hath placed them hard by the Liuer , and to the end it might be well expelled , it hath created first a receiuer , to wit , the Bladder , as it were a bottle , and at the end of the Bladder a muscle or little piece of flesh to keepe the same from vnseasonable passing away .

Now as concerning the manner how the same is engendred in our bodies , it is not to be imagined with the vulgar and ignorant sort , that all that which wee drinke is conuerted into vrine , no more then all that which we eate turneth into nourishment , howbeit moist things taken in great quantity are an occasion of much vrine , and yet of humide and moist diet doth often also proceed good nourishment . This I haue heard to be verified in a Country fellow called Scermer , who vsed no other meat or drinke all his dayes , saue milke onely , A country fellow liuing all his life time on milke onely . and was a lusty man notwithstanding , hauing his vacuations by stoole as orderly as other healthfull men , voiding no greater store of vrine , then any other ordinary man , all this milke-moisture notwithstanding . Now to the end wee may the better be enabled to iudge of the vncertainty of these coniectures by vrine , it is requisite in the next place to know the manner of the engendring of the same , of the which we doe now entend to speake .

CHAP. II . Of the engendring of Vrine , as also of the preparing of the blood , and the residue of the humours .

TO the end that these things may be the better by vs vnderstood , wee are to consider in the first place , that euery part of the body of man hath an attractiue or drawing power , The attractiue faculty . by vertue of which it doth naturally draw vnto it selfe such nourishment as is proper and peculiar for the same . This office is performed sometimes by meanes of some small straight fleshy haires , or threeds as in the stomacke : sometimes againe this office is performed by the sole temperature of the part onely , as commeth to passe in the rest of the parts of the body : and sometimes againe for the delight and pleasure of the part ; and thus the mouth of the wombe draweth the seed of the man vnto it selfe . Moreouer , in the next place , the part is also endued with a retentiue or retaining facultie , The retentiue facultie . to the end it might retaine the same vntill such time as the concoction be finished , if it be nourishment , or if excrements , vntill such time as streching and reaching out the said part by the great quantity , or else by the sharpe and biting quality , or both iointly , it doth grieue and annoy the part , as manifestly is to be seene in those parts which containe a great hollownesse ; such as bee the stomacke , ●he guts , the mother , and the bladder : and after the same manner is the infant contained in the wombe , as is the meat in the stomacke , vntill such time as either by the bignesse , the waight , the sharpnesse of the sweat , or vrine of the infant , the cotyledons , or mouthes of the small veines being burst , or yet any other causes vrging or prouoking the same , it bee forced to let goe the poore prisoner .

The third is the concocting faculty , The concocting faculty . which changeth the nourishment into the owne proper substance , but yet after diuers and sundry wayes ; for blood is speedily conuerted into flesh , but the bone as being cold and dry hath need of many moe alterations and changes . Hence also it commeth to passe that there are two sorts of helps and aydes assisting nourishment ; Two sorts of helpes and aydes to nourishment . the one which draweth the nourishment , conueyeth , containeth , and concocteth it , and then as too heauy a burthen expelleth the same . The helpes seruing to conuey or carry the nourishment to the the first concoction , are the mouth , the w●zand , the stomack , the guts ; to the second , the miseraicall veines , the liuer , the hollow veine ; to the third , euery similar part , as also some of the organicall and small threedy veines , the which as also the greater veynes , doe prepare the food and nourishment , fitting the same for the nourishing of euery part . The other sort of ayd and helpe , is that which in drawing the excrement vnto it selfe , doth separate , conuey , retaine , and in due and conuenient time expell the same ; such are the Spleene , the Kidneis , both the Bladders , together with their orifices and concauities , the Guts , especially the greater , the two muscles called Sphyncters , the eight epigastricall muscles , those muscles also which keepe in the breath , being of no small vse and profit , yea and sometimes necessary also , both in regard of the excretion of the ordure and vrine , as of the birth also . That which by this nourishing alteration doth glide vnto such parts as are already framed and made , is assimilated or made like vnto the same ; and for this cause properly called assimilation . Assimilation . But by an engendring alteration , such parts are made and framed as were not before .

The fourth and the last , is that which wee commonly call the expelling faculty . The expelling faculty . Now when as it doth naturally expell such things as cannot be ouercome , concocted , perfectly changed and conuerted into the substance of that part , especially such as are too-too burdensome , and doe distend and stretch out the part by too great a quantitie , or yet by their sharpe quality , or both together , are noisome and offensiue , it is then said well and handsomely to expell the same . This expulsion is likewise furthered by meanes of the ouerthwart fibres or fleshy haires in such parts as they are found , as namely in the stomacke , the guts , both the bladders , as well that of the gall , as of the vrine , the veines and arteries . Expulsion being contrary to Attraction , is oftentimes notwithstanding performed by the same passages , as casting and swallowing by the throat ; the seed of generation and the birth by the necke of the mother ; the distribution of the food and nourishment , the attraction of purging physicke , and the naturall voluntary expulsion of that superfluous humour into the guts , by the miseraicall veines . Now these foure faculties , together with their seuerall functions , being vnderstood aright , the manner of the generation of the bloud will bee more plaine and conspicuous . The food being first well bruised by the teeth thereto appointed , is drawne downe into the stomacke or maw , by the throat ; and being there for a certaine space retained , it is afterwards concocted into the substance of a cream-like humour called chylus , and from thence doth it expell the same into the guts , which in some part doe retaine it , altering , changing , and conuerting some part of the same into a substance fit for their owne nourishment , and afterwards doe expell the superfluities , when as they are ouercharged with the abundance , or yet annoyed with the acrimony and sharpnesse of the same . In the meane while the miseraicall veines hauing their originall from the liuer it selfe , by meanes of the branchy or porter veine , and are implanted in the guts themselues , doe sucke , and as it were , milke or straine from them this concocted nourishment , ( which Physitians doe call chymus ) drawing and conueying the same vnto the hollow parts of the liuer , presenting the same to the sanguifying or blood-making quality , and if there come no rub or let in the way , the same is conuerted and changed into blood , and that afterwards more exquisitly elaborate and refined by the blood-making power of the liuer , as is at length to be seene in Galen and diuers others after him . Being thus then conueyed to the liuer , then ariseth as it were , a boyling , digestion , and generation of the seuerall humours . This Galen illustrates by a familiar example , Gal. lib . 4. de vsu part . & lib . de natur . facul . euen as in the new wine is the spume or froth swimming aboue , the dregs , the watrish humour , and that which is properly called blood : so likewise in the humours there is a spume or froth called by the name of choler , another crud , yet halfe concocted humour ( to speake Physically ) yet in election to bee blood , commonly called phlegme . There is yet moreouer another thicke and dreggy , commonly called melancholy . Now that which wee properly call blood , answering to the proper substance of wine , doth differ from the foresaid humours . That waterish humour which we call vrine , being produced by the sole and long separation of the humours , ( witnesse Galen ) some doe call a thin and waterish humour , Gal. lib . 1. de crisib . being like to that substance which wee see swimme aboue the blood after the opening of a veine . The manner of the separation of the same is thus brought to passe : The blood being now prepared , and the motion and agitation or perturbation of it being finished , the little bag appointed to receiue choler , The vsed vtility of the gal-bag . and adhering close to the inner lap or lobe of the liuer , draweth vnto it selfe that which is lightest and thinnest , to wit , choler , so called , and that for diuers needfull and necessary vses ; as first , to ease and free the body from that superfluous humour ; next , to wash and clense the guts , the better and easilier to expell the fecall excrements .

The manner of the engendring of the Iaundise . This choler or gall-bag , hath a passage descending from the liuer , implanted into the orifice of the guts , by the which conueying the choler into the same , the greatnesse of the action is furthered , as also the phlegme adhering to the same , is expelled : and for this we see that the excrements of a sound and healthfull man are for the most part of a reasonable yellowish colour , Gal lib . 5. de vsu partium . as Galen at length declareth .

When therefore there is any obstruction in that place , in such sort is this choler cannot haue a free passage into the guts , it returneth backe speedily into the gall-bag , from thence to the liuer , after that to the veines proceeding from the liuer , and then consequently passing through the same , and like sweat , piercing through the pores , or little holes of the skinne , dyes the same all ouer with a yellow colour ; and then are the excrements , for the most part , whitish , costiuenesse being likewise ioyned with the same , for the reason before alledged .

That which in the ebullition or concoction of blood is terrestrious , and as it were the very dregs and lees of the same , the spleene drawes wholly to it selfe , The vse and vtility of the Spleene . by a certain naturall attraction , ( euery member by a naturall instinct drawing that which is proper and peculiar vnto it selfe ) partly to the end the body may be clensed from that superfluity of melancholy , and partly also that the spleene may be nourished with the same .

And finally , from the spleene is stretched forth a little veiny vessell ( called by the Anatomists vas breue ) vnto the mouth of the stomacke , which conueyes thither some part of this melancholicke humour , to the end that the appetite may thereby be quickned , and the stomacke bound vp and strengthned .

As for th●t whey-like liquor , which remained behind , The separation of the vrine from the blood , and the man-of the same . it is drawne by the kidneis , by meanes of the emulgent or sucking veines , and so passing through the kidneis as it were through a colender , is straight-wayes receiued into the bladder as it were a receiuer or bottle , hauing passed first those passages fitted and appropriated for this purpose , called from this effect {αβγδ} . And ( which seemeth yet more strange ) those pipes or passages are inserted and implanted into the bladder by a crooked and winding way , lest any part of the vrine should from thence returne back againe into the kidneyes : and in the bladder it is reserued vntill such time , as either by the abundance , or acrimony and sharpnesse of the same , it be forced to expell it . And most fit and conuenient it was that for the foresaid reasons the kidneis should be placed neere vnto the liuer , and from the kidneyes these crooked vrinary passages should be produced , to vnite and containe by this meanes the kidneyes with the bladder , the which in like manner was most fitly and conueniently placed in the lowest place , neere vnto the which also the superfluity and excrementitious part of the food is voided forth .

The vse of the muscle sphyncter . Now lest this watrish excrement should be vnseasonably voyded , which might proue very preiudiciall to the party , therefore was there placed a musculous flesh called sphyncter , as a porter to let this guest forth whensoeuer necessity should so require , and at other times to keepe him close prisoner . Neither yet is this whole watry humour sequestred and drawne by the kidneyes , but some part of the same reserued to further the distribution of the blood , otherwise so thick of it selfe , that it could not passe through the thinne and hairy veines , for the conuenient nourishment of the body . Now the hollow-veine ( so called in regard of the greatnesse ) runneth all along the whole body , hauing the originall from the crooked and backe part of the liuer , as the porter or branchy veine from the hollow part of the same ; by meanes of which two as purueyors , the blood is conueyed through the whole body for the nourishment thereof . N●w this blood which is so carried to the inward parts of the body , is by that we call the fourth concoction , changed into the substance of flesh , and then doth it lose some part of the perfect rednesse which before it did enioy , but declining into a diminished kind of whitenesse , or colour participating both of white and red , as best agreeing both with the colour of the flesh and of the blood ; the residue is performed afterwards by the similar parts , each part drawing vnto it selfe , and changing into its owne substance that which doth best befit the nature of the same ,

When therefore any part of this waterish humour being left in the veines with the blood , when a veine is opened , and the blood afterwards cold , on the top of the same swimmeth that watry humour , the which being powred into an vrinall will be like vnto vrine , as being both of one and the same substance .

All these workes of nature must one well vnderstand , to the end he may the better giue assured iudgement concerning the vrine ; all which is at great length laid before vs in the workes of the learned Galen . Gal. lib . de natural fac . & de vsu partium . And of all that which hath beene said are our ordinary Empirickes , water-mongers , and peticoat-physitians altogether ignorant , yea most of them being so void of vnderstanding , that they are of opinion , that whatsoeuer quantity of drinke descendeth into the stomack is in the same quantity voyded forth by vrine , the which is most false , the drinke being appropriated by reason of the liquidity of the substance , to conuey and distribute the food through the whole body , as hath beene said : the meat as also the drinke descending both by one and the same passage , are welcomed and entertained both in one and the selfe same lodging , to wit , the stomacke or maw , and not , as many idiots imagine , the meat descendeth by one , and the drinke by another passage . For daily experience doth teach vs , that when the least portion either of meat or drinke descendeth into the wind-pipe , which the vulgar call the wrong throat , it bringeth present danger of suffocation . Hence commeth this custome , that when in this case they cough , lest they should bee strangled , very fitly they strike them on the backe , to the end that that which is that way descended may the more easily be expelled . I deny not but that sometimes some pot-companions may voyd as much drinke as they powre downe their euer-thirsting throats : the like whereof also commeth to passe in the disease called Diabetes , Diabetes . the which haue their owne particular reasons , the which I doubt would proue too tedious here to relate , my purpose being not too much to abuse the Readers patience : but that it is not so , ordinarily and vsually with those who liue a temperate and sober life , and enioy their perfect health , of which sort of people this present Discourse is to be vnderstood , I thinke it were but superfluous and needlesse labour to declare .

CHAP. III . Of the superfluities sequestred and set apart in each concoction : as also of that Urine , which is in euery respect of a meane temperature , and therefore the best : and of the cause of the same .

NOw because that oftentimes in diseases the Physitian is forced to haue recourse to the superfluities or excrementitious parts of the ordinary concoctions , and that partly by necessity and partly by importunity of the vulgar , and sometimes of the better and more vnderstanding sort of people also in a manner forced thereto ; therefore will it not be amisse to discourse somewhat of the same .

There are then foure seuerall concoctions , performed in the foure seuerall parts of the body . Foure concoctions in mans body . The first in the stomacke or maw : the second in the branchy veine , in the miseraicall veines , and in the hollow part of the liuer : the third , in the gibbous or crooked part of the same , and the veines which come from thence : the last is in the vtmost parts of the body . The superfluities of this first concoction Superfluities of the first concoction . are as well those which are voided by the mouth , as the faecall excrements descending into the guts . Of the second Of the second . concoction which is conuersant about the blood , Hippoc . lib . de elem . Gal lib . 2. de facul . natur . Auic . lib . 1. fen . doct 4 cap . 1 de humor . diuis . &c. comprehending vnder this name the rest of the humours also ; the superfluities are phlegme , choler , blacke and yellow . Now as concerning the qualities of all the foresaid humours , their manifold diuisions , as also their dominion and reigne , according to the seuerall seasons in the body of man , is not my purpose here to discourse , as being at great length handled in many great volumes of the ancient and moderne Physitians . The superfluity of the third concoction Of the third concoction . is the vrine , ( the proper substance of this discourse , and cause of the vndertaking of this taske ) as also such things as are contained in the substance of the same : of the which hereafter , so farre forth as they shall make for our purpose , we will speake . Of the fourth concoction . Now in the fourth and last , do superabound as well such vapours as do by insensible transpiration issue out of the body , as the other seene sensibly , sometimes more , and sometimes lesse , to burst forth of the body , called commonly by the name of sweat . Of all the premisses , as also of many other things belonging thereto , are altogether ignorant our ordinary vrine-mongers , Empirickes , and women-Physitians , and many ordinary Practitioners of Physicke , who haue perhaps attained to some small smattering of learning , and yet haue neuer beene instructed in this profound faculty .

But to come now to the marrow of the matter : if all these former concoctions be performed as they ought , then hath the vrine the right and proper colour and substance , the contents in like manner doe keepe their owne proper place , the residence being white , smooth , Hippocr . 2. praedictionar . praedic . 26. and of an equall substance . And this manner of vrine is best to be discerned , when it commeth from a man in euery respect temperate , and of a pale-golden , or Orange colour , and answering in proportion of quantity , to that he drinketh . If it shall so come to passe that any of the foresaid concoctions doe erre , then is the vrine also altered , teaching and instructing vs to find out by what causes the same is changed . For the superfluity of the humour that passeth through the whole body , being sequestred in the vrine , may be often seene in the vrinall . The errors committed in this kind may easily be conceiued of by the like in Vlcers : An example from Vlcers . for if the matter which commeth from the same be white and smooth hauing little or no ill smell at all , Gal. lib . 1. de differ . sch . cap . 6. as also if it containe no substance of another kind , it doth demonstrate a good concoction or ripening of the same . If any of the foresaid conditions be wanting , it argueth that the concoction hath missed of its perfection : in so much that hence we may guesse if any malignity be crept into the Vlcer , if the concoction be hindred , if it grow black , or suffer any thing more or lesse , answering alike to the fault of the concoction . The like also we may see in the vrines ( witnesse Galen , with whom doth Actuarius also agree ) that according to the concoction of the humours , the substance , colour , and contents , doe change .

But let vs yet more exactly set downe the nature and properties of an vrine in euery respect laudable and of a meane temper , that so we may the more easily discerne of such as in any respect decline from the same : Euen as a Rule & Square when it is applied to any peece of wood , maketh it perfectly appeare to the eyes of euery one how crooked and bowed it is . Properties of the best and most laudable vrines . Suppose therefore a man in the he●ght of his health , in the flourishing spring of his age , of a mean and most temperate constitution of body , liuing on food of a good and moderate substance , exceeding neither in quantity no● quality , exercising himselfe neither too much nor too little , liuing in a healthfull Climate or Country , and season of the yeare temperate ; and ( as summarily I may say ) in euery thing obseruing a mediocrity without the least either excesse or defect . Such a mans vrine I say vseth most commonly to be of a light or pale-golden , or orange-colour , of a meane or middle substance , answering in proportion to the quantity of that which hee hath drunke , in the which swimmeth no bubble , nor spume , in the which no lumps fall to the bottome , nor any thing sticketh to the side of the vrinall , the residence being white , smooth , equall , and euery where like vnto it selfe : prouiding also that no substance like vnto haires , shauings , or such like , be mingled therewith . This vrine then of all others being the best , and in euery respect keeping the meane , betokeneth perfect health . But when in any sort it declineth and swerueth from the same , we may easily vnderstand that in so farre the body is fallen from the best and perfectest health . Neither are wee ignorant of the great latitude and extent of health , as also that some of the foresaid conditions reiected from the Square and Rule of the best vrine , may sometimes appeare in the vrine , of such a man as may be said in some sort to be in health .

But our meaning is in this place not of any such health as admits the least latitude or extent , but of that which is absolutely perfect , and in euery respect compleat . This being by vs well vnderstood , wee may certainly know how farre any one is fallen from the highest degree of health , Gal. lib . de crisp . cap . 12. and so likewise of the vrine of such a man as Galen witnesseth . By that which hath beene spoken may easily be discouered and detected , the ignorance and error of the Empirickes and vrine-mongers of our time , who being altogether ignorant of that whereof wee haue lately spoken , doe most commonly shake the vrine to and fro , making as it were a confused Chaos of all the parts of the same : whereas the learned and iudicious Physitian , as well by the colour , contents , sediment , as that which swimmeth in the top ( all which this base brood doth by this meanes confound ) giueth forth setled and deliberate sentence . But hauing thus farre discoursed of the premises , without any further repetition , it is now more then time that we come to the discussing of this question , Whether the iudgement of Urines be certaine , and to be trusted to or not : the which this next Chapter shall at greater length declare and set forth .

CHAP. IIII . That the iudgement of Diseases had by the sole inspection of the Vrine , is vncertaine , yea oftentimes dangerous , and that wee ought not to repose any trust in the same .

SInce there is nothing so hard and difficult , which wee ought not to vndertake for the loue we beare to the truth , and the attaining to the knowledge of the most worthy things : It seemeth a strange Paradox to the most , but especially most ignorant , to broach any thing against Vrines . and howsoeuer this bee a burthen too heauy for my weake shoulders to beare ; yet haue I notwithstanding vndertaken this taske , being e●pecially rauished with the extraordinary affection I beare vnto so noble and excellent an Art , howsoeuer perhap● I shall broach some such points as shall little please some relishes , especially of such as are chiefe offenders in this ki●de , as also of all such as are so blinded , and their eye● so d●zeled with their old inueterate errors , that they cannot see the truth , how bright soeuer the same doe shine in the noone-tide of the day . It is likewise to be supposed that it will be hard to free my selfe from the hatred and indignation of a many euill-willers , while as I endeauour to free this so noble an Art from this most vncertaine , most vaine and vnprofitable coniecturing by Urines , the which not without great preiudice to the Patients health is dayly practised in the Physitians houses . But without any longer circumstance , let vs come now to the matter in hand . If wee carry in our minds such things as haue beene lately declared , it shall be easie for vs to conceiue of such things as shall now be spoken . By the Vrine then are chiefly knowne the disposition of the Liuer , of the Veines , and by consequent of the whole body also . We must vnderstand also that since the Blood taketh the substantiall forme from the forming power and vertue of the Liuer , it commeth to passe that it answereth in equall proportion to the quality of the blood , of the which the Urine is a superfluity strayned from the same by meanes of the Kidneyes , according to Theophilus , which Aegidius also confirmeth .

And hence it is also manifest ( as the learned Leeninus witnesseth ) that not onely the state of the Kidneyes , Diseases of which parts may chiefly be discerned by the Vrine . but that also of the Liuer principally , together with the infirmities thereof , as also of the Veines , may be discerned by the Urine . Howbeit this is not alwayes vndoubtedly true , since that by accident it commeth to passe ( as hereafter shall appeare ) that vpon many occasions the same is altered and changed , and by consequent the Physitian deceiued . And if this may befall a learned and iudicious Physitian , how much more one without Art or skill , and neuer trayned vp in this Profession . Neither yet , notwithstanding the abuses committed about the same , is it wholly to be reiected , but with great discretion the right and moderate vse of the same to be imbraced . And howbe●t some Authors seeme sometimes to giue a great preheminence to this signe , as Actuarius ; Actuarius lib . 1. de dis. Vrin . cap . 1. Cap. 7. yet if thou lookest narrowly into their works , thou shalt finde that liberty else-where much limited and restrained and the Pulse the fecall instruments , with diuers other excretions taken into that society and fellowship . Now that Vrines are deceitfull in many diseases , were no hard matter for mee to proue , as well by reason and experience , as by authority . But if wee shall begin and instance in some particular diseases , I thinke it will make the case more plaine . The Urine then is very deceitfull in the Plague and pestilentiall Feuers , Vrines deceitfull in the plague . deceiuing often the most learned and skilfull practitioners . And this I found to be too true in that memorable Plague , whereof some few yeares agoe a great number dyed in the Towne of Delfe : for when as the Vrines seemed to promise the Patients all safety and security , then were they suddenly conueyed into Charons boate . The cause that the Vrine in so dangerous a case , The reasons of the same . seemeth of so laudable a condition and quality , may bee this , that the matter of this disease being venomous and maligne , nature dare not freely assault the same , and therefore the Urine ( as I haue my selfe found by experience ) will appeare to the eye of as laudable a condition , as that which wee haue heretofore set downe for the rule and square ( as being the best ) of all other● .

Others , not admitting of this reason alledge another , to wit , that putrefaction hauing now seased on the heart , and nature being now much weakened , is not able to expell the excrements by Urine , for the which cause it remaineth thin and of a good colour , nature it selfe being also weake , by reason of the putrefaction now confirmed in the substance of the heart : and for this cause , these Feuers could neuer bee discerned or knowne by the sight of the Vrines , but rather by their euill-fauoured smell , and stinking of their breath . Praedictions more certaine by the Pulse then by the Vrine in such like Diseases .

Wherefore , I aduise the wise and iudicious Physitian to bee circumspect , lest hee be deceiued herein ; and if it be possible , rather to haue recourse vnto the Pulse , which doth euidently declare the vigour and the weaknesse of the vitall power which vpholdeth the life . And for this cause wee may more assuredly pronounce of the issue and euent both of life and death , by the same , then by the Vrine .

Vrines deceitfull in quartanes and other intermitting Agues . Not onely is the Vrine deceitfull in the aforesaid diseases , but euen in the Quartane or any other intermitting Ague , especially if the diseased vse a good dyet ; so that from the very beginning of the disease , signes of concoction doe appeare : for here the Physitian desirous to distinguish the seuerall times of the disease , might easily goe beside the marke . And not in these onely doth the same leaue vs without a certaine guide : but the vncertaintie hereof is in like manner discerned in all other diseases which haue their originall without the veynes , In diseases without the Veines . and that in the iudgement of all the learned Physitians which haue written of vrines . Oftentimes ( as is to be seene in our daily practice ) the same will appeare in outward appearance indued with all the properties of a sound and healthfull mans , both in substance , colour , and contents : when as notwithstanding vnavoidable Death strikes his boisterous blowes against the weake and feeble patient . This may be obserued also for the most part , whensoeuer in acute , or very acute diseases , ( such as are a Pleuresie , Inflammation of the lungs , the Squinsie , and others of the like nature , all which haue , as an inseparable accident , a burning Feuer conioyned with the disease ) the vrine seemeth to be of a laudable condition and qualitie , the distressed party notwithstanding being liker to dye then to liue ; and so it comes to passe , that simply in it selfe being a good and laudable signe , that yet oftentimes it proueth to be mortall : and so it is apparent to any that hath eyes , how deceitfull a signe it is .

In like manner daily experience doth teach , that one and the selfe-same vrine , in substance , colour and contents , doth declare diuerse , yea and sometimes also quite contrary diseases , One and the selfe-same Vrine doth often declare diuers and contrary diseases . being quite opposite one to another . As in an indifferent healthfull man , the vrine may be thin , crude , and vndigest or raw , and in such a one it doth argue euill digestion of the stomacke : the like vrine againe in acute and burning Feuers , shall signifie a Deliration and Phrensie , and is then an infallible signe of Death , as wee haue elsewhere sheweth forth by examples . This is also the iudgement of learned Hippocrates , in these words ; Obseruat . medic . lib . 2. obs . 15. &c Hipp . Aphor . 72 lib . 4. & Gal. Comment . When the vrine is white and cleere , especially if the same appeare in Delirations . Galen also following the same foot-steps ; I neuer did see a phrenticke person with such an vrine to haue recouered . Now if such an vrine should be carryed to a Physitian who had not before seene the party , hee would neuer so much as dreame of such an aecute burning Feuer .

The like also commeth to passe in a Dropsie , Vrine deceitfull in a Dropsie . the vrine like a strumpet attyring her selfe in her brauest aray , when as the patient is suddenly suffocate by meanes of the sudden inundation of water ouercomming the noble parts .

No lesse doth this impudent harlot deceiue vs in most diseases of the Chest , In diseases of the Chest . in which we giue more credit to the spittle then to the vrine : so likewise in those who doe cast vp choler , In casting of blood , choler , &c. phlegme , blood , &c. the vrin● will giue vs no notice of the decaying and perishing of the strength .

No lesse deceitfull it is also in the vlcers of the throat , In vlcers of the throat . in the Inflammation of the palate of the mouth , the Tonsils , and Squinsie which doe sometimes strangle the sicke and distressed Patient .

Neyther yet can it giue vs any notice of the Piles or Haemorrhoides , In Piles & haemorrhoides . the swellings or risings of the fundament , as also any outward Ulcers , In outward diseases . or Impostumes , Itch , Scabs , French-pox , all sorts of Lasks , In Lasks . as likewise the bloody Flux , passing the finding out by the same .

Contractions , palsies , gout , ruptures , diseases of the muscles and externall griefes . Besides all these , the vrine can giue vs no notice of the contraction of the sinewes , palsies , diseases of the ionts , the Sciatica , or Hip gout , the Gout in hands , or feet , all the sorts of Ruptures , the diseases of the muscles , and the outward annoyances which afflict the skinne , as also all outward tumors , risings , or swellings . All which it is not hard to declare out of Galen himselfe , Gal. in comment lib . 4 Hippoc . de vict . acut . ( whereas Hippocrates maketh mention of Conuultions , and other diseases of the Sinewes , ) who teacheth vs , that the danger or securitie of the disease , cannot well be discerned by the concoction of the Urines .

Vrins somtimes not answerable to the nature of the disease . This may also be added , that oftentimes in diseases the Urine is of a remisse and low colour , when as it ought to be of an high ; and contrariwise of an high , when as it ought to be of a low colour : the which I am able to proue both by reason , and examples .

Deceitfulnesse in the iudgement by the inspection of Vrines , illustrated by examples . Suppose therefore a man of a cholericke temperature , being sicke likewise of a cholericke and hot disease , whose Urine seemeth to be of a low colour ; when as neuerthelesse both in regard of the nature of the disease , and of his temperature , it ought to be of an high and deepe dyed colour . For if there be any obstruction in the crooked and gibbous part of the Liuer , then is the like also in the veynes , & other parts , In diseases proceeding of choler . which goe directly to the kidneyes . Now in like manner , if the other passage by the which Choler is conueyed from the Gall-bag to the Guts , to the end it may stirre vp nature to the better expulsion of the fecall excrements contained in them , ( as wee haue already said ) be enlarged , then the choler which before was accustomed to passe into the bladder with the Vrine , passeth to the Guts , and there oftentimes causeth a flix & excoriation of the guts , for the which cause the Vrine also seemeth then to be of a remisse colour . Or if perhaps Choler shall take his way towards the Stomacke , ( as sometimes it commeth to passe ) it procureth both a distaste and loathing , as also casting and reaching . In like manner if it shall happen to be dispersed and spread ouer the whole body , it produceth that diseease which we commonly call the Iaundise . But if it shall flye vp into the braine , ( as in hot and acute Feuers is vsuall , as hath beene said ) it causeth a phrensie . In which and the like cases , it is more then manifest that the Physitian may be deceiued easily in the iudgement of the Urine : and moreouer , if hee should rashly vpon the view of such an Vrine , prescribe hot remedies , might be a meanes of shortning the Patients dayes .

In a phlegmaticke constitution againe we see the case quite contrary , the vrine often in a cold disease , In a phlegmatick constitution , & cold diseases . being of an high and intense , when as it ought rather to be of a low and remisse colour . This commeth often to passe in the weake and feeble disposition of the Liuer , the separating power thereof being then much weakened , and the humors then being confusedly melted together without any separation , in the which case the vrine wil be of a reddish colour , l●ke vnto the water wherein raw bloody flesh hath been washed .

The Urine also is not a little dyed and coloured by reason of some great paine , In great griefes and paines . howsoeuer it come of a cold cause , especially if the same doe incline towards the passages of the Urine , Nature in all grieuances and paines sending blood and spirits to succor the same , by which meanes it commeth to passe , that the vrine receiueth from hence some alteration in color , as in the Colicke proceeding most commonly of a cold cause . It is no hard matter to proue the same by authorities of the most learned , ancient and famous Physitians , as hath beene already said . Auicenna himselfe doth confirme the same in these words ; Avicen . 2. prim . cap . 2. We must not giue credit ( saith he ) to the knowledge of the disposition of the disease , which the vrine affordeth vs , vnlesse some certaine conditions , ( which he himselfe afterwards reckoneth vp , ) first be obserued . And Gabriel de Taregna , a follower of Auicenna , after many arguments , at length concludeth thus ; The signe taken from the vrine is deceitfull , Gab . de Taregna quaest. 30. and therefore doe not Physitians rashly iudge by the same onely , but doe likewise diligently enquire after other signes . For about the same manifold errors are committed , by reason the iudgement o● the same is easily altered and changed , by the quantity or qualitie of dyet , or any other thing which may colour the same . With him agree Sauonarola , Petrus Aponus , or Aponensis , called Conciliator , & all other who haue written concerning Vrines . And that it may appeare that this is not the opinion of the Arabian Physitians alone , and their followers , but of the Greeke Physitians also , heare the learned Galen pronounce his opinion , Gal. lib . 1. de cris . cap . 7. which all others doe imitate and follow : We must therefore determine , that the signes of concoction in the instruments of respiration is the spittle ; of that in the veines , the Vrine ; of that of the stomacke and nether belly , the grosse , or fecall excrements . And in all manner of Feuers , because they are passions , or grieuances of the veynes , ( for in this kinde we doe likewise comprehend the Arteries ) wee must princially haue a regard to the vrines .

And let it not seeme strange that here we comprehend the Arteries . Gal. lib . 1. de differ F●br . For as Galen saith very well , that by the mediation of the veynes and arteries , the heart is set on fire , as also , that there can be no Feuer , vnlesse the heart be thus ouer-heated , no other member hauing this prerogatiue , to communicate so great a distemper to the whole body , as wee haue else-where at large declared . Forest . obseruat . medic . lib . de . Feb And because the matter of the same may be as well in the arteries as in the veynes , hence it commeth to passe , that Galen speaking of the iudgement of Urines , doth amongst the veines comp●●● and the arteries . And howbeit it be a more pure and refined blood in the arteries , then in the veines : yet doth the vrine notwithstanding declare the disposition of the blood contained in the same , and so consequently of the Feuer it selfe .

Moreouer , The Pulse as well as the Vrine to be considered in all diseases . since the Arteries do containe the most pure and refined blood , together with the vitall spirits , by the motion therefore of the same , commonly called the Pulse , no lesse then by the vrines , do we know & discerne a feuer , together with the disposition of the heart and arteries ; as also some other grieuances , which by the vrine , ( and that for diuers causes already declared ) cannot be iudged of , as Galen himselfe doth most amply and sufficiently declare . Gal. lib . de Puls . cognit . differ . & causis .

And howsoeuer it be now more then manifest to the iudicious Reader , that the iudgement by vrines is for the most part deceitfull in other diseases then such as belong to the Liuer , veynes , together with such places , In diseases of the liuer , veins , & vrinary passages the vrine often deceiueth our iudgments . as are appointed for the separation and conueyance of the vrine : yet is not the same , euen in such diseases as it doth most manifestly lay open , alwayes to be trusted to . For oftentimes it commeth to passe , that the diseases of the Liuer and of the veynes , as also Feuers , are confusedly intermingled one with another , hauing a certaine connexion , and as it were knitting together with other members : hence it commeth to passe that the vrines , for diuers causes ( which in the owne place we will relate ) are easily subiect to alteration , and doe no lesse here deceiue vs , then they doe in other diseases , which they impertinently & weakly sometimes lay open . Comment . lib . 4. de vict . r●tiene in morb . acut . And therefore well was it said of Galen , as we haue said already , that the security of the disease cannot well be foretold by the concoction of the vrine onely . And for this cause in all his bookes , as well concerning Feuers , as the diseases of the Liuer , he putteth downe a number of other signes besides the vrine . Of the same opinion is Hippocrates , as in his books is largely to be seen : Hipp . in prognost . Actuarius . Rhasis . so also is Actuarius in his bookes of Urines : Rhasis also , and many moe .

But hauing now partly by examples , and partly by strong and firme reasons and authorities of the learned , declared that the iudgement of diseases by vrines onely , is vncertaine , and full of fraud and deceit , and not in it selfe sufficient to giue vs notice of the whole nature and estate of the disease , we will now at greater length declare and lay open the same : this being discussed , it will euidently appeare that we haue need of other signes for the better attaining to the full knowledge of the same . The which being confirmed , it shall be much more easie afterward to amend such abuses as haue since crept in and incroached vpon this iudgement by vrines .

CHAP. V. That the vrine and the iudgement of diseases by the same , is not in it selfe sufficient to giue vs full notice , and satisfaction of the whole estate and nature of diseases .

NOw , to the end we may the better conceiue this matter , wee must fetch some things from afarre , and repeat the same more particularly concerning the differences of the parts of a mans body : by this meanes we shall the more easily vnfold the question we haue in hand . Let vs heare therefore Galen himselfe speaking , as followeth : Galen in arte medic . cap . 9. Now of the parts of a mans body there are in the whole foure differences ; some of them being principall , and some againe hauing their originall and beginning from them : Diuision of the parts of a mans body . some haue neither the rule and gouernment of others , neither yet are they gouerned and ruled by others , as hauing from nature inbred powers , by vertue whereof they are gouerned : and lastly , some haue both inbred powers , as also some flowing from others . Now the principall parts are the braine , The principall and more noble parts . the heart , the liuer , and the stones . Now from these haue others originall and beginning , and minister vnto them : first from the braine are deriued the sinewes and marrow of the backe , which doe also minister vnto the same ; Parts hauing their beginnings from the same , and ministring vnto thē . likewise the arteries vnto the heart ; the veines to the liuer ; the seed vessels to the stones : the first three being so absolutely necessary , as without any of them the life of a man is not able to subsist ; howsoeuer our idle vrine-mongers doe prate strange things to the ignorant and rude multitude , as namely that these principall members may be diminished , or quite wasted away , without preiudice to the life : A bold and impudent beast . And thus did a Braggadosho cozening knaue make his bragges , that hee had cured a wound in the head , out of the which he had taken in a spoone a great portion of the patients braines , ( and good reason , for I thinke he needed some himselfe ) who did notwithstanding recouer . These lying prophets will also perswade you that they can see by the vrine , that the Liuer is wasted away to the bignesse of a beane , or else quite consumed away , without any portion thereof remaining .

As for the stones , Answer to an Obiection . howbeit they bee not absolutely necessary for the subsisting of the life of man ( witnesse these lusty and insatiable in lust , gallants , who haue payed deare for their pleasure , hauing many of them both them and their yard quite rotted away with the French pox , and yet liued . ) yet because they are a meanes of preseruing mankind , therefore doth Galen reckon them vp among the noble parts .

The braine then is the fountaine and well-spring of sense and motion , imparting the same to the whole body , The proper & peculiar vse of each of the noble parts . by meanes of the sinewes : the heart the treasure of life , of naturall heat , and strength it selfe , which by meanes of the arteries it doth communicate to the whole body : the liuer the originall and well-spring of nutrition or nourishment , and containing in it selfe some part of the naturall heat which floweth from the heart , and hath againe a participation with the whole body by meanes of the hollow veine : the same is the spring and fountain of all the veines , and an instrument framed by the first founder Nature , ( as we haue already said ) for the better furtherance of the blood-making power . The stones containe in themselues an engendring power ; they haue certaine vessels annexed vnto them , which likewise minister vnto the same , called by our Anatomists , Praeparantia testium , the which doe cleaue fast vnto them by crooked turnings and windings . Now the particles which are gouerned by themselues , Parts or particles gouerned by themselues . such as are the cartilages or gristles , the bones , ligaments , membranes , kernels , the fat , and the flesh it selfe , haue from Nature inbred powers , by vertue of the which they gouerne themselues . Now to gouerne the selfe , is ( as well hath obserued Ammonius Agricola ) to retaine and keepe fast the powers , Ammonius Agricola in comment . in art . Gal. by vertue of which the nourishment is concocted , for to them it doth belong to draw the nourishment , to retaine and keepe , to alter and change , to ioyne , vnite , and assimilate and make the same like to the substance of our bodies , as also to expell the superfluities : the which faculties and powers they receiue , not from any other , but are inbred with themselues .

The parts which both haue inbred powers , and some againe which doe flow and spring from others , Parts which haue both inbred powers , & some againe which doe flow & spring from others . are these : the lungs , the stomacke , the mother or womb , kidneyes , spleen , and such others . And thus the lungs both receiue in and expell forth the ayre ; the wombe draweth vnto it selfe the seed of generation , as also retaineth the same , and it doth also retaine the birth for a time , and in due and conuenient time againe expelleth the same ; the stomacke likewise digesteth and concocteth the food , the Kidneyes draw vnto themselues the Vrine , the spleene , the melancholicke humour , & therefore is defined , The organ or instrument appointed for the clensing & refining of the melancholy blood . Besides these they haue yet some powers flowing from other parts , for they had need of the arteries , that by means of the same the influence of life from the heart by vertue of naturall heat and the spirits might bee conueyed vnto them : they had likewise need of the Veines to conuey nourishment vnto them from the Liuer : and of the Sinewes , that by the same , sense and motion might bee deriued vnto them . The Heart , which by the common consent as well of Physitians as Philosophers , is holden to be the beginning and originall of the Arteries , had need of no Artery for it selfe , but for the benefit of others ; for from the left ventricle or hollow part thereof , there spring two Arteries called Arteria venosa , or Vein-like Artery , and Aorta . Arteria venosa . The former is conueyed into the Lungs , furnishing them with some of the purest refined blood , and expelling fuliginious excrements from thence : it hath obtained the substance of a Veine , to the end it might more easily suffer dilatation with the Lungs , as likewise because in the birth yet being in the wombe , it supplyeth the place of a Veine for the nourishment of the Lungs . The Artery called Aorta , Aorta . doth plentifully furnish and supply with vitall spirits the whole body : as soone as it hath passed out of the Heart , it produceth in the vppermost Circle of the same the Artery called Coronaria , which sometimes is double : immediately after , the trunke of this Aorta is diuided into two branches of vnequall bignesse , the vppermost being the lesser and the nethermost the bigger , &c. On which diuisions with many moe subdiuisions we will not here insist , nor yet on the seuerall diuisions of Veines , proceeding from the Liuer , and Sinewes proceeding from the Braine , referring the Reader desirous of the knowledge of the same , to the great and many volumes of our ancient and later Anatomists .

Now all these members doe communicate one with another , and by a certaine Sympathy or fellow-feeling , as by a certaine harmony and accord amongst themselues are mutually affected one by another . As concerning the haire and nailes , they are not properly parts of the Body , The hayre and nayles properly no parts of the body . as being depriued of life ; ( for the soule doth not gouerne these parts , but engendreth onely the matter of the same , expelling it out of the body , as being superfluous ) yet doth the haire adorne and couer some parts of the same : the nailes likewise doe take hold of the smallest things , they scratch and take away the filth from the body . And besides , both Hippocrates and Galen doe in many places witnesse of diuers Predictions taken from the nailes and haire in some dangerous and desperate diseases , Forrest . obseruat . medic . lib . de febre Hectica . as in a Consumption of the Lungs by vlcer , or other putrefaction , &c. as wee haue at length set forth else-where by liuely examples .

Since therefore there is not one and the same difference of all the members or parts of a mans body , and there being likewise diuers receptacles of these superfluities , it must of necessity follow that there must needs bee likewise a diuers and seuerall manner of iudging of the diseases of the aforesaid parts . As since the Arteries , ( a● wee haue already said ) haue their originall and beginning from the heart ; so likewise by their perpetuall and restl●sse motion , which wee commonly call the Pulse , the diseases of the Heart from whatsoeuer cause they arise , are laid open vnto vs. The which is at great length and most learnedly set downe vnto vs in those worthy bookes written by that famous Galen concerning this subiect . Gal. lib . de pulsib

The diseases also of the blood , and namely such as come by putrefaction of the same , the vrine hauing taken her originall from the masse of blood , and that againe from the liuer , it may declare the quantity and quality of the humours , as also the chiefe infirmities both in the liuer and blood . So in like manner the vtterance and deliue●ance of our speech doth witnesse the action of the reasonable power , and by the weaknesse of the senses and motion , the defects of the braine are knowne ; and yet not by these only , but also by the spittle and excrements which proceed both out of nose and eares ; these being two notable passages in the palate of the mouth , that by these meanes the braines might the better be clensed from those oppressing excrements , &c.

Diseases of the head , eares , eyes , &c cannot bee discerned by the Water . Now from the Premises it may easily bee collected and deducted , that neither the diseases of the eyes , eares , giddinesse of the braine , memory lost , a Lethargie , Apoplexie , falling-sicknesse , madnesse , and other infirmities of the braine , can properly by the vrine be discerned : howsoeuer ignorant Empiricks and such like would faine perswade vs the contrary . To attaine therefore to the right knowledge of the issue of the disease are many moe things to bee considered of , yea euen in some such diseases oftentimes , in the which the vrine may seeme most to bee trusted to . And for this cause the famous Hippocrates doth not alwayes build his iudgement vpon the vrines onely ; but before all ( as is to bee seene in his Predictions ) taketh information from the face it selfe , considering whether the nostrils bee sharpe , Many things carefully to be considered of in diseases besides the Vrine , which require the personall presence of the Physitian . the eyes hollow , the temples fallen flat , the eares cold and drawne together , the skin of the browes hard , stretched out , or dry , the colour of his whole face blacke , pale or lead-coloured , or like vnto it . The same Author draweth also and collecteth some signes and tokens from the eyes themselues , the eye-lids , the nose and lips ; so doth hee in like sort from the manner of lying , from the teeth , the mouth and sleepe , from the expiration and inspiration or breathing , from vlcers , and the carriage of the hands , as to snatch and pull the naps of the couerlid , motes and strawes , all which are vsually seene in acute diseases , being for the most part dangerous , if not deadly signes . He taketh also notice of the sweat , the sides of the belly , tumours , and suppuration . And againe in another place he is very circumspect in obseruing the state of the belly , loynes , and flanckes , swellings of the feet , the cold and heat of the vtmost parts , the waight of the hands , feet , and the whole body , the nayles and stones , manner of sleeping , the fecall excrements ; and finally , the vrines , casting and spitting it selfe , suppurations and abscesses . And in his third Booke of Predictions he obserueth many things in feuers , the which are to be conceiued of by the eye and presence of the Physitian , and not by the vrine sent to his house . And what doth he else in his books called Porrheticks . Many other things yet hee giueth in charge in another booke De probitate , which for breuities sake we will here omit . Neither yet is any disease of the body knowne absolutely and solely by ●●y one kind of excrement : but also by the place affected , the nature and property of the paine , together with such proper and peculiar accidents as are incident thereunto . And we may plainly perceiue that in the members of a mans body there is not one onely passage appointed for the vnburdening the selfe of such superfluities as doe annoy it , but moe : for some diseases are discerned , as likewise ended and brought to a happy and hopefull issue by hawking and spitting vp , some by vomits , stooles , vrine ; and some by bleeding at the nose , by the hemorrhoides or pyles , as in men : and some by their monthly flux , as in women : some againe by sweat , by breakings forth in the skinne , by pimpels , whelkes , blisters , and the like : and some yet after another manner . Hence also well said our foresaid most renowned Hippocrates elsewhere ; Hippoc . aphor . 12 lib . 1. & Gal. 1. de crisp . cap . 7. As well the seasons of the yeare , as the successiue encreasing of the fits , whether they come daily , euery other day , or by longer distance of time , shall declare vnto thee the approaching of the fits , together with the nature and state of the disease also , &c. In the which places both of them make mention of diuers other signes besides the vrine , which the learned Reader may there see at great length .

It is then apparent by the premisses , that euery seuerall part of the body hath the owne proper and peculiar conduits , pipes , and passages , not onely for this end and purpose , that by these excrements and superfluities which do superabound in them , wee may giue iudgement of the nature of the disease : but also to the end that the same matter ( whensoeuer need requireth ) may by those passages more commodiously and conueniently be conueyed and expelled out of the body , as is at length to be seene both in Hippocrates and Galen , Hippoc . lib . de vict . acut . Gal. lib . 11. meth . whose words for breuity I will not rehearse . The conclusion will then be easie to be deduced from the premisses , that since there are so many seuerall parts of the body which haue their seuerall passages to vnburden their seuerall superfluities and excrements ; all diseases canno● s●fficiently be discerned not taken notice of by the inspection of the vrine onely : and therefore whosoeuer doe boldly and peremptorily maintaine and auouch the same ( as commonly do vrine-monger-empiricks , and a number of other such cogging knaues , women-physitians , &c. ) are , as most dangerous and pernicious members , to bee suffered in no well ordered Commonwealth .

Now since it is so hard a thing to giue sure and setled iudgement by the vrine , let vs proceed to declare the sundry causes of the alterations and changes in vrines , which are the chiefe occasions of the vncertainty of this signe .

ThE SECOND BOOKE .

THE ARGVMENT .

IN this second Booke are layd open and declared vnto vs the causes hindring and changing the true and right iudgement by vrines , the which also doe now and then deceiue the most learned and best skilled in their profession : who here haue warning giuen them , not to be deluded by such things as haue some resemblance with the vrine , by which also the vncertainty of the same is concluded . In the next place are made manifest and laid open the impostures , fraud , craft , and cunning quillets and trickes , as also the notorious lies of these Empiricks , wandring water-mongers , &c. by which meanes they notably cozen the common and ignorant people . And in the last place is set downe the simplicity , trust , and confidence , which these poore ignorant idiots doe repose in these vaine babling , and more then sottish water-prophets : into the which snare , not only the ruder and ignorant sort of people , but euen some such also , as to the eyes of the world carry a shew of better breeding , haue to their great preiudice beene inuolued .

THE ARRAIGNMENT of VRINES . CHAP. I. Of the diuers and sundry causes which doe hinder the iudgement by Urine .

NOw to the end that this matter may be the more iudiciously handled , many things are of vs duly and deliberately to be considered , or else we may easily goe besides the marke , as doe these ignorant asses , who giue their peremptory iudgement of any vrine that commeth at them . In the first place then we will beginne with the Vrinall it selfe , The substance and colour of the Vrinall . in the which we are to behold the vrine , whereof we are to giue forth our iudgement . As concerning therefore the colour and substance thereof , the Urinall ought to be of a very thin , white , cleane and cleare glasse , to the end that the colours and contents of the vrine may the more exactly bee discerned and seene therein . And this is the opinion of Actuarius also , Actuar . lib . de iudiciis vr . n●rum . cap . 1 de dif . matularum . and likewise of Auicenna . Such therefore as are of a greenish , yellowish , or yet of any other colour , as also such as haue any rough spots or prints in them , how cleere or thin soeuer the vrinall it selfe be , are altogether to be reiected , for all the aforesaid defects may bee a meanes to alter and change , as well the colour , as the contents of the vrine . Of no lesse moment , is the shape , fashion or forme of the Urinall , Of the diuers shapes and fashions of Vrinals . the which doe much differ and vary , and therefore the iudgement of the vrine is also by the same in some sort hindred . For in Vrinals which are very wide , and the quantity of vrine but small , the same by reason of the widenesse of the Vrinall , is so dispersed that we cannot well discerne what height the contents doe take vp , the whole vrine it selfe with all the contents being so little eleuated in the same . Urinals also too long , narrow at the top and wide at the bottome , are not to be allowed of . Some again are vsed in some parts of France plaine and flat bottomed , without any sphericall roundnesse , but rise vp all alike , not vnlike to some wine cups which we vse to drinke in , and such are altogether vnfit for this end and purpose . The best then and most commodious , The best fashion of Vrinals . and fit for this purpose , are ( according to Actuarius ) such as haue narrow and not flat bottomes , rising vp wider and wider , much like the fashion of a pine apple turned vpside downe : and of this fashion as being most commodious euery way , doe the Italian Physitians for the most part vse . And of this same opinion is Michael Savonarola , following in this also the authority of Avicenna . As for Empiricks , women-physitians , and such other , they little regard the forme or fashion , colour , or any thing else which concerneth the vrinall , their aduice being all one whether the vrinall bee thicke or thinne , greene , red , or yellow , or yet of any other colour .

Now from the vrinall let vs come to the houre , proper and fit time for the inspection of the vrine . The fit & proper time of inspection of vrines . According to the vncontrolled custome therefore of all Physitians , that vrine is to be viewed which was made in the night time , after the first sleepe : for then ordinarily and in most people , is the first concoction , which is performed in the stomacke and liuer , accomplished ; the which in the most part of people vseth most commonly to be finished in six or seuen houres after the houre of supper , howbeit in some sooner , as in children and such as are lusty , and in the prime of their age ; but in old men and the weaker sort , later . The vrine then made about this time doth commonly retaine its owne proper vigour and force , for if it be longer kept , it is parched vp and dried with heat , from whence it commeth to passe that the liuely colour of the same is changed . Besides , in the night time the concoction is much better performed then in the day , the body being then freed from immoderate and violent exercises , as also the mind more free from cares and all manner of perturbations . Hence also it commeth to passe that wee may more easily and euidently know either security or danger by that vrine which is made in the morning then by that which was made either after or yet a long time before . We may notwithstanding reserue and keepe each vrine made in the night by it selfe in seuerall vrinals , and so looke vpon each of them seuerally , to the end we may the more easily discerne the changes and alterations of each one from the other . The custome of the Italian Physitians . This the Italian Physitians doe for the most part obserue in their common practice with their patients : neither yet doe they view those onely made in the night and in the morning , but also such as are made in the day time : and that by reason as well feuers as other diseases doe trouble and molest vs sometimes more in the day , and sometimes more in the night time : and this custome I could wish all other Physitians to imitate and follow , to the intent they might see all the alterations and changes incident therein .

Notwithstanding , as well in sicknesse as in health , make choice chiefly of such as are made towards the morning , Actuar . lib . de iudiciis vrinae . Cap. 3. Auicen . lib . 1. Fen . 2. cap . 1. de vrinis . Gordonius cap . 3. tr●ctatu de vrinis . as Avicenna also willeth . Of this matter Actuarius giueth vs large and ample instructions , whose words for breuity I will here omit . Now the time of inspection of an vrine , ( according to Avicenna ) ought to be within the space of an houre or little more after it is made . Of this opinion also was G●rdonius , who wished that as soone as the vrine was made it should presently be put into a glasse vrinall , and in the patients owne house shewed vnto the Physitian , as also that after a little while he should againe view the same , to see whether it had setled any residence or not : and not yet with this content , reuiew the same the third time , or oftner if need be , and that the better to obserue and discerne the diuision of the regions and contents thereof . All these things likewise would hee haue done within the space of an houre , for after the aforesaid space , euen according to Avicenna himselfe , scarce can one giue any certaine iudgement thereby , by reason that commonly in a little time the colour is somewhat changed , and the substance thereof more thickned , for the heat of it being changed , the residence is disioyned and dissolued , which maketh the substance thicker .

This vulgar & base manner of inspection of vrines vnknowne to the ancients . This vulgar & ordinary manner of inspection of vrines is not at all therefore to be regarded , the which none of those ancient Physitians , Hippocrates , Galen , & the rest did vse and practise . The best and most iudicious and ingenious Physitians of our time also , howsoeuer custome like a tyrant hath so preuailed , that sometimes euen against their wils they are forced thereunto : yet it is much displeasing to them , and doe ingenuously acknowledge that they can better discern of the state of their Patient by once viewing of him then by ten or twenty seuerall inspections of his vrine . The powring forth of one vessell into another are harder to be iudged . The powring forth of the vrine from one vessell into another , may alter and marre the iudgement thereof , if the vrinall or pot our of the which it is powred , were neuer so cleane , which is yet but seldome .

The reason of this vncertainty is , because the contents , bubbles , or spume and residence , are so shuffled out of their owne proper places , and so confounded , that they cannot well be discerned . If moreouer a thicke vrine shall be offered to thy consideration , which shall need to be dissolued by the heat of the fire or warme water , thou must not pronounce thy iudgement thereon , vntill such time as it be setled againe : and besides , being once changed or altered by the fire , the iudgement by the same becommeth then much more suspected . Moreouer , such powred out vrines , although they were not thicke , but very thin , yet cannot on a sudden be considered of , vntill such time as the residence be gathered together againe , hauing also endured some dammage by meanes of the powring forth .

Againe , The place proper for the inspection of Vrine . we must well consider of the nature of the place , wherein we are to passe our iudgement of vrines , for neither must the light be too great , as where the Sun shineth with his bright beames , for this might make the colour of the vrine seeme more remisse then it is indeed ; as also too darke a place may produce the contrary effect : wherefore the surest and safest is , to make choice of a place neither too darke nor yet too light .

Some things there are also from the which the vrine must be kept , The Vrine must be kept from shaking and motion , as also from cold . to the end thou mayest giue the more assured and setled iudgement concerning the same . In the first place , it must bee carefully kept from great motion , shaking , or agitation , as hath beene already touched . In the next place , it must be also well kept from cold , especially from frost , which causeth the same sooner to thicken , destroying in such sort the naturall heat thereof , that howsoeuer it bee dissolued by the heat of the fire , yet neuer commeth againe to the owne perfect nature and consistence which first it had . Alike carefull must we be ( witnesse Avicenna , and diuers other Physitians ) in keeping it from the heat , It must be kept from heat . as being a like inconuenience procured by the same , in that it hindreth the gathering together of the residence , making a great disturbance and halfe ebullition therein , for the which cause it ought to be kept from the fire . Hence also is euinced the error of such as dissoluing a thicke , muddy , and corrupt vrine by the heat of the fire or warme water , doe immediatel● giue iudgement thereof before it be fully setled . Euery thicke vrine is not to be dissolued by the heat of the fire or warme water . And oftentimes it commeth to passe , that such vrines rather bubble vp then are truly indeed dissolued . But if thou wilt let them without warming settle to the bottome , thou shalt there see a certaine thickish matter like vnto ashes settle downe , which yet notwithstanding is no proper residence , and in the vpper part of the Vrinall all will be cleare .

Such Urines therefore as at the first making are thicke and muddy , it were best to let settle of themselues ; for seldome are such Vrines dissolued with the fire , or at least very hardly , as we haue already said .

Now such againe as when they are first made are thin , and after a little space by meanes of the cold ayre doe againe thicken and congeale , such I say it were farre better to view before they thicken ; yet if this cannot bee so conueniently effected , then may the same againe be dissolued , and yet this inspection will neuer be freed from suspition , as wee haue lately said . Not onely ought the Urines carefully to be kept from the Premises , but euen from the wind From the winde . also , lest they bee troubled , and the residence seuered and dispersed &c.

Besides the former Caueats , wee must likewise looke that the Urine we are to giue iudgement vpon bee whole . It must bee whole . This argueth the error of such , as making a great quantity of Urine doe not shew it all to the Physitian , but a part of the same onely , which often commeth to passe in such as are troubled with the disease called Diabete . Neither yet are they without blame , who doe offer vnto the view of the Physitian diuers Vrines in stead of one and the same , made a little space one after another , as especially our Countrey people are accustomed sometimes to doe , and such especially as make but a little quantity at seuerall times : for their opinion is , that the greater quantity of Vrine there is , the more setled and assured iudgement may bee giuen thereby . The vrinal must in like manner bee cleared The Vrinall must be cleane . & wel s●●●red from all ordure and filth , and not as the custome of the Country people is , to put their Vrines in old stincking bottles , lying it may be in the dust or smoake a twelue-month , and in the which haue beene contained oyle , incke , vinegar , veruice , neuer so much as once washed out of them .

There bee yet many moe causes as well inward as outward , which make the iudgement of the Vrines vncertaine , which may be a sufficient proofe and witnesse of the vncertainty thereof , as being subiect euery houre and moment to so many changes and alterations . The quantity of dyet alte●e : the iudgemen● of the Vrine . The Urine then is very much altered and changed by the excessiue quantity of food which wee vse : for if any one shall with too great a quantity of meate or drinke ouercharge his stomacke , naturall heat being oppressed , and crude and raw humours engendred , such a ones Vrine shall bee white and pale-coloured . If againe one shall content himselfe with a small portion of meate and drinke , naturall heat shall bee more liuely and quicke , by which meanes also it commeth to passe that some small quantity of that which shall nourish the body , is turned to Choler , and so coloureth the Urine : and for this cause the Urine of such as fast is of a fiery saffron-colour , thin withall , hauing but a small residence .

The vrine of such as are oppressed with famine , according to Actuarius , is thin , white , and without residence , and may withall be seene a certaine bright shining in the same . No lesse doth the quality of the food alter and change it ; for hot things inflame the same , making it appeare of a high colour ; cold things on the contrary doe abate and diminish it , which may most manifestly be seene in those who drinke water abundantly . The like altera●ion commeth to passe by taking inwardly any substance which dyeth or coloureth the vrine ; and thus doe Rhubarb and Saffron dye the same of a yellowish colour , Cassia with a blackish , Sallets with a greenish colour ; salt meates make it also of a blackish . Auicenna therefore giues vs warning that wee giue no iudgement of the Vrine of one that drinketh water , vseth long abstinence , that in his meate or drinke vseth any colour ng medicine , or yet that had taken any attractiue medicine , as purging choler , phlegme or melancholy ; for those doe in like manner colour the vrine : but such Physicke especially as doth purge and clense by the vrine . It may then easily appeare that hot things , such as are Garlicke , Onions , Pepper , Ginger , and the like spices , as also Aqua-vitae , and other such strong waters , as Wine also , doe somewhat alter and change the colour of of the vrine : Hot or cold things doe change and alter the Vrine . cold things againe , as Lettice , Purcelane , Fish , &c. doe abate the colour of the same . Dantzicke Beere will engender so high and intense a darke yellow colour in the Vrine , that any one ignorant of their drinking thereof , would easily bee induced to beleeue the party were mightily oppressed with the Iaundise . It is therefore very requisite , diligently to enquire out the causes of this change and alteration in the Vrine , or else wee may easily bee deceiued in our iudgement .

I haue knowne some who in their perfect health had naturally their vrine so red and high coloured , that any man would haue iudged them to haue beene vexed with a Feuer . It were best therefore , if it were possible , that the Physitian should before in the time of thy health be acquainted with thy ordinary Vrine ; so should hee bee more able in time of sicknesse to iudge of the fayling and declining thereof from that it was wont to bee in health . And for this cause it is not amisse that one should bee well skilled and exercised in the seuerall Constitutions , which doe produce diuers and differing Vrines . The seuerall Constitutions produce seuerall sorts of Vrines . Cholericke persons and Sanguine therfore , haue their vrines of a high , but the phlegmaticke and Melancholicke of a paler colour . For if in a cold complexion the Urine bee high coloured , it may signifie a Feuer , by reason it differeth much from that which is ordinary at other times , when as in a hotter Constitution it might signifie no such swaruing or failing from the naturall course . Strong and violent exercises , watching , passions of the minde , repletion and inanition doe alter both the colour and substance of the Vrine . In like manner also , if with a hot Constitution a Feuer bee conioyned , and the Vrine bee pale coloured , it is a signe that the disease is like to be long , as also it scarce proues to be a good signe , in regard the Vrine doth so farre swarue and decline from the own proper and naturall colour .

Besides all the premisses , strong and violent exercises doe inflame the humours and spirits , and by that meanes colour the Urine , making by consequence the iudgement of it more hard and difficult . Watchings , passions of the minde , repletion and inanition doe alter also as well the colour as the substance thereof . The Urine is also altered according to the profession or course of life , The Profession or course of life . vnto the which a man betaketh himselfe . And thus Scriueners , Shoo-makers , Taylors , Fishermen , and such as lead a sitting life , haue for the most part their vrine of a lighter and paler colour then others . On the contrary , Smiths , Husbandmen , Day-labourers , Wrestlers , & the like , haue it most commonly of a higher colour .

The Sexe likewise doth produce no lesse alteration and change : The Sexe cannot be by the Vrine discerned . for a mans Urine is for the most part of a higher colour , and the womans of a paler , with a more compact and better gathered together residence then a mans . And howsoeuer some haue laboured to teach how a womans Vrine may bee discerned from a mans , and on the contrary a mans from a womans ; yet in regard of the mutability and manifold hinderances which may occurre , it is a very hard and difficult matter , ( whatsoeuer ignorant Empiricks , Women-Physitians , and the rest of the like rabble would seeme to perswade ) to bring to passe : but that he shall often bewray his error and ignorance .

The Vrine is no lesse altered in regard of the age , The Vrine differeth according to age . a young sucking childs vrine being of all others most inconstant , by reason that naturall heat in that age is almost drowned vp with superabundant moysture : but when they grow to riper yeares then doth the vrine still alter according to their age , each age often differing somewhat from another both in colour and contents . And in generall , the neerer one growes to his consisting age , the higher in colour is the vrine , vntill it attaine vnto a perfect and bright golden colour , and the fewer contents it hath : againe , after that time beginneth it to decline towards the white colour , the contents also increasing as the party goeth backwards towards old age .

And therefore it is requisite to know the proper vrine of euery age , to the end wee may the better know in sicknesse how farre it doth differ from that it was in health : for if a childe hauing an ague , hath with the same a watrish vrine , it is dangerous , especially if the concocting power bee strong . In an old man an high coloured vrine is very dangerous , in regard it argueth an excessiue heat , The seasons of the yeare . which so much moisture cannot quench . The seasons of the yeare also carry with them some stroke in the alteration of the vrine ; for in Summer the vrines are high coloured , and in Winter againe lower ; in other seasons of the yeare more temperate . Lib de Iud . Vri . Cap 8. Of this doth Actuarius discourse at great length .

The like may be said of the Country or Climate The Country and Climate . wherein one liueth ; for such as dwell in hot Countries , haue commonly high-coloured vrines , in cold Countries contrariwise . The dyet The Dyet . likewise according to the quality of the same , hot or cold , moist or dry , may breed some alteration in the vrine . And thus meats of a good and laudable substance and easie of digestion , doe engender such vrines as a temperate complexion vseth to produce : and on the contrary , meates of euill quality and hard of digestion doe engender vrines of diuers colours , and thin , with strange contents , &c.

And finally , the structure and composition of the body The structure and composition of the body . breedeth some alteration in this businesse : for such as are thicke , fat , and corpulent , haue most commonly very pale and low-coloured vrines , such almost as they who are pampered vp and liue in pleasure and idlenesse : But such as are leane and slender haue it high coloured .

All the Premises then being duely obserued , wee may the more easily conclude that the iudgement had by the vrine is very inconstant , and oftentimes also very vncertaine : but rightly to obserue the former conditions doth require a Physitian of excellent wit and extraordinary iudgement . If the case stand thus , what shall wee say not onely of Empiricks , Women-Physitians , but also of many others , who were neuer trained vp in this skill , and therefore must of necessity faile farre more then the former , as walking without any guide in a great wildernesse : and therefore whatsoeuer such people performe is but onely casuall , not proceeding from eyther skill or knowledge . But leauing a little while , these cogging and cozening Impostors , vntill such time as we meet with them againe , and talke with them at more length ; let vs proceed to declare how that oftentimes the best skilled Physitians may be by the vrine deceiued , if they shall chance too much to relye vpon the same .

CHAP. II . After what manner it commeth to passe that sometimes famous Physitians , not a little skilled in their profession , may in the iudgement of vrines be deceiued .

THat the most expert and skilfull Physitians may be easily deceiued in the iudgement of an vrine , may easily appeare in the Plague or Pestilence ; in the which the vrine often offereth it selfe to the eye , like a faire painted strumpet , where no danger at all is to be discerned , if all the eyes of Argus , or of the sharp-sighted Linceus , Vrine may deceiue the best Physitian in the Plague . were looking on , when notwithstanding , often in an instant , the poore patient payeth that debt which the greatest Monarchs must in their owne persons satisfie , whensoeuer it shall please the creditor to call for the same . The ignorant Empiricke and the like , will be straight confounded , as making no question of the parties recouery , whereas the learned Physitian may haue as yet recourse to the Pulse , as a more certaine signe ( if hee dare aduenture his person , especially in diseases of the like nature and kinde ) whereas the other is not able to giue any iudgement thereby .

The Pulse therefore , as well here , as in many other diseases , hath a greater prerogatiue then the vrine , especially in all such diseases , wherein the vitall powers are endamaged , giuing vs perfect notice of the strength or weaknes of the Patient , the which the vrine will neuer performe . Hence this verse , Urinae fraudes , aperit discretio Pulsus . The skill which Urine doth conceale , The Pulse the same to vs doth reueale .

The Pulse in ●any diseases of ●reater moment then the vrine . The Pulse then doth more certainly informe our iudgement concerning the nature and state of some diseases : the vrine againe of some others ; yet so as both ought to concurre together , as also diuers other signes , whereof wee haue said somewhat already .

Now to our purpose : the vncertainty of the Vrine did plainly appeare to my selfe , History . the other day in a Patient I went to visit at the Hage . At my comming thither , and entring into the Hall , before I came at himselfe , I viewed his water , and found it to be very thin , white , and cleare like well-water : Insomuch as I would neuer haue dreamed of any burning Feuer , of the which neuerthelesse they told me he lay sicke . Comming afterwards within the roome wherein he lay , hauing also touched his Pulse , as likewise well viewed his face and euery part of the same , and after narrow inquiry of all that passed about the sicke , by meanes of the other Physitian then present , and the rest of his friends : I did there declare vnto them , that not onely he was sicke of a burning Feuer , but that likewise on the same day , being the seuenth and criticall , he would fall into a deliration ; then considering againe his strength , I foretold them , that not onely would he fall into a deliration and rauing , but that also on the next day following he would dye rauing , and that by reason of his thinne and crude vrine , Aphor . 72. lib . 4. according to the prediction of Hippocrates . All the which accordingly came to passe , which purchased me no small praise and credit in that place and Countrey round about . Now had I trusted to the vrine onely , I should haue iudged nothing else , same some indigestion or cruditie in the stomach , which such an vrine may also signifie ; but my personall presence , by meanes of the pulse and other signes , discouered that vnto mee which no vrine could euer haue reuealed .

Beasts also make sometimes vrines not vnlike vnto a mans , witnesse the famous Hippocrates , in these words , Aphor . 70. lib . Whosoeuer maketh a troubled and thicke vrine , like vnto a horse , mare , &c. such eyther are , or shortly shall be troubled with head-ach . If any then would be so malitious or perverse ( as sometime it hath beene obserued ) as to offer the same to a Physitian to passe his opinion vpon the same in stead of a mans or womans , this might indeed redound to the confusion of an impostorious Empiricke , woman-physitian , or such ordinary vrine-mongers , as doe peremptorily pronounce that they are able to discerne any thing by the vrine : but I see not how this can impeach the credit and reputation of the learned and iudicious Physitian , who doth not leane vpon this broken Reed , but comparing all the signes together , giueth sure and solid iudgement concerning the state and nature of the disease .

But if these ignorant Idiots were narrowly pryed into , one might take them often tripping after as grosse a manner as was a certaine woman in Holland . Imposture of a woman-physitian . A certaine man dwelling in Saint Eliges village fell sicke , vpon which occasion his wife posted away her maid to a woman physitian forsooth , dwelling a little way from thence ; the maid mistaking , for the vrine carryeth with her some fayre water to this famous Physitian . Shee to play her part handsomely , with a sober cariage , and stayed countenance tels wonders by this water : but the good woman the sicke-mans wife , perceiuing the maid mist●●en , followes after her apace ; but all too late , this wise-woman hauing already giuen out her verdict , and passed her opinion vpon this supposed vrine : and now seeing the true vrine arriue , all confounded and ashamed ( for she might well enough ) she most earnestly entreated this woman that shee would not discouer this her so notorious imposture and cozenage .

But as concerning beasts vrines , we haue no intent here to discourse of them : but who so would see more of that matter , Gordon . de vrinis , cap . 2. & cap 5. Avicen lib . 1. fen . 2. cap . 11. 12. Bertrut . in compend . Medic . cap . 2. de Inform . medic . &c. let him looke Gordonius , and there he may see somthing of that subiect ; as also concerning honey , syrops , and such other liquors mingled with the vrine , and that onely with a purpose and intent to deceiue : but these people thinking to deceiue others , are often deceiued themselues , the harme returning homewards vpon their owne heads .

If any one would yet obiect , that the inspection of Vrines is then of no vse at all : let it be answered such a one , that the abuse doth not take away the totall and right vse thereof , being especially practised as we haue said . But whosoeuer would well be skilled in the true contemplation of vrines , together with the predictions belonging thereunto , setting aside all fraud and imposture , I thinke it very requisite for h●m to reade ouer such Authors as haue learnedly written of this subiect , the which are not a few . Amongst the rest , Actuar . lib . 7. de vrinis . Ambrosius , Leo , Nolanus latinitate denavit . Iacobus Gopylus recognovit . in my opinion , Actuarius in regard of Greeke Writers , hath done so worthily in this point , that few sure haue exceeded him , and many since haue seconded him , who all were here too tedious to relate . Of the which knowledge these people of whom we haue lately spoken , being altogether ignorant , as also of the seuerall signes of diseases , together with their proper significations , hauing neuer beene trained vp in the nurseries of good learning , vnder learned and iudicious Physitians ( in this case absolutely necessary ) it followeth of necessity , that their pretended inspection of vrines , and iudgement : thereby , is nothing else but impostorious coniecture , and their seeming knowledge nothing else but notorious ignorance masked with this vizard .

A sharpe sight requisite to iudg well of vrines . Now besides all the premisses , he that will excell in this skill and knowledge , must be endued with a good sharpe sight , to the end he may be the better able to discerne as well the seuerall colours as contents thereof . The generall and maine conclusion therefore abideth firme , stedfast , and vnmouable , that the iudgement and skill of the nature of diseases attained vnto by the sole inspection of Urines , ( especially as it is now generally vsed or rather abused ) is of no force or validity at all , but the occasion rather of innumerable dangers and inconueniences .

CHAP. III . That Empiricke-Vrine-mongers , Mountebankes , Quackesaluers , Women-Physitians , and rest of that rabble , by their inspections of Urines , doe rather tell lies then truth , the which notwithstanding they perswade the too-too credulous , and simple , vnlearned and ignorant people , to bee as true as sacred Oracles .

NOw hauing hitherto declared the vncertainty of this Signe , and that especially such are deceiued in the iudgement of Urines , as doe not marke and obserue , or at least slightly passe ouer such rules as wee haue declared already , which learned and iudicious Physitians haue set down to be obserued ; It is now requisite that wee insist a little vpon the cozenage , cogging and imposture of our ordinary Empirickes , and such others as belong to that fellowship and society .

This scumme and off-scouring of people , The cunning knaueries of impostorious Empiricall Watermongers . without conscience and honesty , yet seeking by all craft and cunning as well to attaine to some credit and reputation amongst the people , as to conuey vnto themselues some part of ●heir wealth and riches , and that vnder some faire counterfeit colour of skill in the Profession of Physicke , being withall conscious to themselues of their owne insufficiency , and ignorant of the signes , causes , and consequently of the right cure of diseases , to the attaining of the which the most learned Physitians bestow no small labour and paines , then haue they recourse to the Sanctuary of vnlearned fooles , to wit , the iudgement or rather imposture by Urines .

This cozenage costs them but little labour , and easily become they maisters in this Mystery ; for if they can but by their tricks and cunning iuggling imposture fish out any thing of these poore Country ignorant Asses , they will like Parrats prate of the same againe at great length , perswading by this meanes the silly and simple ignorant multitude ( apt euer to bee carried away more with shadowes and shewes then substances ) that they farre exceed the most learned and experienced Physitians , all their skill notwithstanding being nothing else but meer coniectures & impostorious deluding of the simpler sort . One of this crew the other day perswaded a woman a neighbour of ours vpon the sight of her vrine , that her heart was al ouergrowne with certaine small wheales like the small Poxe , the impostor pointing notwithstanding to the place of the stomach or maw , ( so ignorant was hee of Anatomy ) which hee pretended to be the sole and onely cause of her paine and misery . And yet it is well knowne to the learned and iudicious Physitian , that the heart can endure and suffer neither wheales , tumours , vlceration , abscesse nor impostume , but presently procureth the dissolution of the creature ; so noble and necessary a member is this Princely part . Gal. lib . 5. cap . 1. de locis affectis . Galen indeed did obserue in an Ape which died of a Consumption , that in the pericardium or skin which enuironeth and compasseth the heart round about , was a certaine rising or tumour , containing in the same such a watrish humour , as the wheales doe commonly containe , the sole and onely cause which procured this languishing disease and death to this vnreasonable creature . Neither yet was this in the body and substance of the heart it selfe , the which also as other such diseases , no Vrine was euer able to lay open vnto thee . The goodman Woodcocke this womans husband hauing had the opinion of an honest and learned Physitian concerning her disease , and the true cause of it , as being a crudity & indigestion of her stomack , yet gaue more credit to this notable impostor , who giuing her a violent medicine to scoure vpwards and downwards ( as is their vsuall manner ) left her in a worse case then he found her .

This sort of sottish people are not content to abound in their owne ignorance , Sottish and ignorant people are not able to iudge aright of the truth . and willingly walke in blindnesse and error , but are also ready for the most part to blame and disgrace the best and most learned Physitians , who if they had the hundreth eyes of Argus , could see no such matter in the Vrine , as they sottishly imagine . Such a one was that Countrey Lob , Cap. 1. de Vrinis . of whom speakes Michael Sauonarola , who hauing fallen off his Cart and bruised his body , did much reproach a skilfull and very learned Physitian , Blockish stupidity of a Country Lob . because hee could see neither Cart nor Oxen in his Urine . So blockish and so sottish is this vulgar sort of people , Quid distent aera Lupinis . Horat . that ( as Horace saith ) they scarse know chalke from cheese , not able to discerne truth from falshood , or to distinguish betwixt that which is vpright , and that which is sophisticate and adulterate : they still delight like Swine to lye wallowing in the mire ; their common custome being to fauour Impostors , Empiricks , and cozening knaues , praysing and extolling them aboue the skyes , how be it often and most commonly deluded & grosly abused by them : on the other side debasing and contemning the skilfull and learned Physitian who sticks to the truth , and that as seemeth , for no other reason but because hee will not alone relye vpon the vncertaine signe of Urine , being desirous to compare all the signes together , and from thence deliuer certaine and sure iudgement concerning the future euent of the disease .

And what dare not these fool-hardy iuggling knaues babble out in the presence of the ignorant and vnlearned people ? For if perhaps in giuing of their graue aduice forsooth concerning the vrine , they shall haue forgotten any thing , or haue not hit the naile on the head , then straight haue they recourse to their cogging and lying , essentiall properties belonging vnto them . Then mayest thou heare them tell wonders by the Water : The wonders which Empiricks see by the Vrine . sometimes that the stomach is fallen out of the owne place , which they will make no doubt to restore againe into the same : somtimes againe that there are certaine little wheals full of water growne vpon the body or substance of the Liuer , or else some little stones about the bignesse of beanes growne within the same , or the substance thereof to bee quite wasted away with Venery or too much drinking . Sometimes thou maist heare them prate that the braines are fallen close together ; that the pipes of the lungs are stuffed vp , and that hence it commeth to passe that they are able to vtter no sound ; that the heart likewise is full of watrish wheales ; that the spleene is wasted away to nothing ; that the kidneyes wast apace and are voyded by vrine ; that the bladder is burst , so that it can no more containe the vrine ; and finally that the guts are burst , which causeth the voyding of the excrements vpwards . And who can reckon vp all their Lies ?

All these former defects notwithstanding , will they promise to repaire with great facility , new braines , hearts ; liuers , lungs , ( O noble and famous , infamous I had almost said , Physitians ) and what not .

Horat . Parturient montes , nascetur ridiculus mus . The hideous hils in labour and paine shall bee , A silly mouse brought forth then shall wee see .

But of all these faire flourishes and golden promises , what findeth the poore Patient but scarce leaden effects ? To make this more plainly appeare to the ingenuous and iudicious Reader , History of the Imposture of an vnskilfull Physitian , affirming that the Liuer was wasted to the bignes of a beane . it shall not be amisse here to insert some certaine stories which haue hapned here of late among our neighbours .

Not long since came to mee a maid-seruant bringing to mee her Mistrisses vrine , the which was thicke , troubled and muddy , enclining to the colour of wine , of a reddish colour , being also in a small quantity ; the which hauing a little viewed , I demanded of the maid , whether the woman were loose in her body or bound ? she answered that for many dayes together she had beene very loose . The which hauing heard , I iudged straight that this flux came by reason of the weaknesse of the liuer . And because such an vrine ( according to the opinion of Actuarius ) doth often signifie blood mingled with choler , Actuar . lib . de praeuid . ex vrin . cap . 7. I told that shee was troubled with a bloody flux proceeding from the liuer : Not that I would peremptorily maintaine that such an Hepaticall flux , or yet of any other sort or kind , can or may bee assuredly knowne by the vrine onely , it being so deceitfull and vncertaine a signe . But first the small quantity , as also the colour of the same , made mee more confident , yet not certaine and assured , vntill such time as I enquired first of the flux , and then of the continuance thereof : The maid then admiring my iudgement , did confesse that the case stood iust as I had declared vnto her : and that moreouer another Physitian ( whom she called a Doctor , and that not without cause , for he gaue himselfe forth for no lesse , both in his beard , apparell , and fashion of cariage , hauing liued a long time in the Vniuersity of Cologue , and now being returned home , practised Physicke apace ) had hitherto , but all in vaine , laboured to cure her of her disease , but that in her iudgement since she had refrained from his Physicke , shee found her selfe much better , howbeit the former flux were not as yet quite stopped . This Physitian moreouer ( saith she ) affirmed that her liuer was already wasted away to the bignesse of a beane , and that now it groweth againe . The which when I heard I could not refraine from laughing , answering her after this manner : It is an easie matter for this famous Physitian to perswade thee , and thy mistresse also , but not so mee : for if thy mistresses liuer were thus wasted , she could neuer haue liued vntill this time . A priest water-prophet perswaded one that his Liuer was wasted away .

The like did a certaine Priest , a famous water-prophet , ( who is here in so great account for his supposed iudgement of Urines ) perswade one of my acquaintance , that his liuer was quite wasted away with excessiue drinking : the vulgar sort holding a certaine opinion , that great drunkards waste away both their liuer and lungs . A woman-physitian perswading a Gentleman that his Liuer was wasted away . No lesse ridiculous and absurd then the former , was that which Valerius Cordus relateth concerning a woman-physitian ; I know ( saith he ) a certaine infamous iugling witch , which perswaded a certaine Gentleman that his liuer had beene by too much lechery exceedingly decayed , and at last quite wasted away by little and little , and in conclusion wrested out of this Gentleman 80. Florins , Neere 10. li. sterling . for the which she promised to make him a new Liuer againe . These and the like are very ordinary and vsuall amongst them ; the which notwithstanding , any that is iudicious may know to be farre otherwise . For neither can the liuer nor the lungs bee wanting in the body of man , the one being the instrument of sanguification , wherein the blood is prepared , and from thence distributed ouer the whole body ; the other also as with a bellowes refreshing the feruent heat of the heart ; and both being so necessary and needfull , as without them we can scarce liue a minute of an houre . Seuerer punishment due vnto such people then to counterfeiters of the Princes coyne . Such as counterfeit or clip the Kings coyne , are ( and that most worthily ) punished after a most seuere and exemplary manner : And yet these vile and wicked wretches commit a more heynous crime in defacing , yea and often in quite marring the image of that great and mighty Monarch , the blessed God himselfe , marryring and torturing the sicke bodies with their violent , dangerous , and imprepared drugs , such as are Colocynthis , Scammonec , Stibium , Hellebore , or sneesing powder , ( the which altogether vnprepared they doe most commonly vse ) that oftentimes after the bare sight of an vrine onely , hauing administred the same vnto them , they shortly after change this crasie life for a better . And yet so farre are they from punishment , that the multitude admire them , yea oftentimes such cozeners are in no small account ( the greater pitty ) amongst some great men , who ought rather to detest and reiect out of their companie such varlets . And yet giue they not ouer so , but doe yet continue and deuise grosser lies then the former , affirming that trees grow in peoples bellies , and that by inspection of the vrine onely . I will therefore relate something of mine owne knowledge concerning this matter .

When as I practised physicke in the Towne of Alcmar in Holland , I was sent for into Thessaly , an Iland in Holland , to a Gentleman there diseased : and amongst other vrines which were then ( according to the old inueterate custome ) brought vnto mee to behold , a certaine woman brought me an vrine also . This vrine was white and thin , Notable imposture of a cogging knaue , perswading people that trees grew in their bellies . transparent and cleere , crude , and without any residence : all which doe euidently demonstrate crudity , and euill digestion and concoction of the stomacke , together with great obstructions of the liuer : the belly being also withall exceedingly swelled , it was no hard matter to discerne that her disease was a Dropsie . I demanded therefore whether she had beene long thus or no ? Who answered me that she had beene of a long time troubled therewith , as also that certaine yeares agoe she sent her vrine to a very skilfull Physitian , as they commonly reputed him : this cogging knaue ( after he had heard of the swelling of her belly ) told her that a great tree was growne in her belly , the which now did so swell it vp that she was scarce able to stirre vp and downe : yea and moreouer , that there was no small danger lest very shortly her belly should burst by the extraordinary encrease of the same : this villane withall did brag of a medicine hee had , by the which hee could quite rid her of this tree , and restore her to her former health againe : the which if this potion did not performe , the Rascall did constantly auouch , that the best and skilfullest Physitians in all the Country could neuer cure her : This pretious potion which cost 4. Florins , Neere 10. shillings sterling . being swallowed downe , came farre short of this Rascals promise , but yet did answer their vsuall performance , that is , did no good at all , if not hurt . But after a few moneths her ●●●uell burst of it owne accord , and by that meanes great store of water was voyded out of her belly , and shee , as was her conceit , perfectly cured . But after a certaine time , the cause not being remoued , she fell againe in a relapse , and now the disease being inueterate , and shee carelesse , and perhaps somewhat neere and too couetous withall , made at length exchange of this life with another . This woman if she had obserued that golden rule , that occasion and opportunity ( according to Hippocrates ) is swift and speedy : when as Nature it selfe opened a passage , might perhaps haue found helpe : as likewise if she had been as bountifull to a learned and skilfull Physitian as to her Empirick . The like opinion of a tree was likewise had of a Printers wife in the Towne of Delfe , A Printers wife of Delfe thought to haue a tree in her belly , cured . and that not by the more common sort , but euen by many of those who were thought to be of better vnderstanding . There being diuers opinions concerning her disease , I was of opinion that shee was not with child ( as a certaine Midwife and some others were ) neither yet that she had either trees or shrubs in her belly , but rather that shee had conceiued a confused lumpe of flesh , conioyned with some wind , the which my opinion was by the issue and successe confirmed , she being by my meanes throughly cured . Now before we depart out of this thicket of trees , let vs yet adde one story more touching this matter .

A woman of Alemare in Holland supposed to haue a tree in her bellie . A certaine woman dwelling in the Towne of Alcmare in Holland , was both with child and troubled with a dropsie . But fiue dayes after this woman was brought to bed , she died , her belly being not at all fallen . Hence arose this rumour of some ignorant sots , altogether ignorant of our Art , auouching that yet a tree remained behind ; others that there was yet another child behind ; others , a false conception ; and finally some others perswaded the friends that some watrish wheales like pox were growne vpon the liuer , and that from thence this water had distilled into the belly . As for my selfe I maintained that shee was with child , & withal her belly swelled vp with wate● the which the issue afterwards made manifest , when as t●● dead corps being opened , there issued forth of the same diuers gallons of water : But as for either tree or wheales , as falsly was supposed , was there none to be seene , howbeit both liuer & spleen were become schirrous & hard as stones . But these ignorant asses wil not here yet giue ouer , The ridiculous iudgement of an old Nunne concerning a woman with child . but confidently affirme that they are able to tell thee by the vrine , whether a woman be with child or no . Thus of late a certaine old Gran-dame ( whom I know well ) perswaded some of her neighbours , that she did euidently see in an vrine brought to her , a woman with child : and yet was this good gossip her selfe so old and blind , that she could scarce know him that brought her the vrine , he being notwithstanding one of her old acquaintance . This good old woman was neuer a whit ashamed , howbeit a Nunne , and a religious person by profession , to broach so grosse and palpable lies . Another ridiculous coniecture by vrine . This same renowned and worthy woman bragged often that she could see the coffins wherein the dead are laid , swimming in the vrine of such as were likely to dye . But these are but trifles in comparison of such peoples rare and admirable skill in discerning by the vrine the age of the patient , the time when he fell sicke , and how long hee hath thus continued , what he hath eaten and drunke , what hath beene the occasion of his disease , what is done about him , both at that instant and at other times : and to conclude , euery outward thing , ( the which according to Galen are infinite ) as the barking of dogs , noyses , cryings , and great clamours ; and to be briefe , all externall and outward diseases , as the French pox , and many others . Now further , Auicen . lib . 2. fen . 2. howsoeuer Auicenna and some others seeme to be of opinion that a mans vrine may be discerned from a womans : yet it is a thing altogether impossible , assuredly without failing to discerne the one from the other : The sexe cannot alwayes & absolutely be discerned by the vrine . for as well may a womans vrine sometimes be thin and of a good & laudable colour , proceeding of some other cause , as a mans ; and againe on the contrary , a man may some●●●es haue a thicke , white , and not so faire an vrine to looke vpon , as a woman ; but especially if he bee seased with any disease . And for this cause the Physitians of best note and fame , being wholly addicted vnto the truth , are not ashamed to confesse as much , to wit , that such coniectures are oftentimes idle and vncertaine , and therefore not to be trusted vnto . That casually and by chance they may sometimes hit home , as the blind man throwes his staffe , I doe not deny : but that any can assuredly and without all faile declare the one from the other , shall neuer be proued . But such coniectures proue often such as was that of a certaine impostor , who deluded his Host very cunningly , which came thus to passe .

An Apothecary cunningly deluded by an Empiricke . A certainc Empiricke of Groningen was lately receiued and entertained in an Apothecaries house , on condition that hee would after a while teach him by what Art and skill he could discerne the sexe , whether a mans or a womans vrine . After that this cunning knaue had liued a long while at the Apothecaries cost , and fared as well as his Host , the Hostesse beganne to grumble seeing so vnprofitable a guest haue so long entertainment at her house without any profit to their purses ; and was very earnest with her husband , to giue him his pasport , and send him packing . The poore Apothecary beganne at length to hearken vnto his wiues request , and now at his guests departure intreated him that he would performe his promise long since made vnto him , expecting at his guests hands a full reward of his so liberall and long hospitalitie . This cunning Cheater answered him thus : Take good heed whensoeuer any one bringeth thee an vrine , for if entring into thy chamber he or she set the right foot formost , then is it a mans vrine ; if the left first , then is it a womans . The poore woodcocke all ashamed of himselfe , was forced to sit downe with the losse : yet did his wife so bestirre her tongue against her deluded husband ( and some cause she had ) that he was forced to put vp a petition to her for a quiet life .

As the vrine onely cannot giue vs sure and vndoub●●● knowledge of the sexe , no more certainty doth it affo●● vs concerning a womans being with childe . And howsoeuer Avicenna in the afore alledged place seemes to say otherwise : That a woman is with childe , cannot be discerned by the vrine onely . yet Savonarola explaining this text in his Booke of Urines , giues vs warning not to relye too much on these vncertaine signes onely , the which may as well appeare in a womans vrine that is not with childe , as namely in the retention of their monethly disease , and in a false conception , insomuch that in such cases the most learned , and of the best note and reputation , haue beene deceiued , and so exposed themselues to ignominy and disgrace .

Thus it hapned to two of the most famous Physitians of that time , both of them belonging to the Vniuersity of Parye , to wit , Marsilius de sancta Sophia , and Petrus Tusignanus , who both being too-too confident in so vncertaine a signe ( howsoeuer otherwise endued with singular skill and learning , as their learned workes doe yet beare witnesse to the world ) in this point did erre and were deceiued . Their error should make vs looke better about vs , and not rest vpon this so vncertaine a signe alone , but to consider likewise of all such signes as doe commonly accompany women with childe , at great length described in the large volumes of ancient and later Physitians . And for this cause the most iudicious and learned Physitians are most sparing in this point : but the ignorant Empiricke , woman-physitians , and such , are most confident and assured in this so vncertaine and deceitfull a signe , which oftentimes turnes to the great preiudice and hurt of many a one : as of late the sonne of a Iew being an Empiricke , hauing sent to him the vrine of a womans in the towne of Delfe , and not so much as once suspecting the woman to be with child , so farre was this runnagate from the true knowledge of the same , that hee administred vnto her a most violent purge , which wrought so violently both vpward and downward , that in a short time not onely was she deliuered of two dead children , but shee also her selfe immediately after went the way of all flesh . But wee will prosecute this argument at greater length hereafter , and therefore we will here breathe a little .

CHAP. IIII . Of the imposture , fraud , deceit , and cunning trickes which wandring water-mongers , roguing Empirickes , and such like cogging cozeners doe vse in deliuering their opinions concerning vrines .

HOwbeit heretofore we haue in some sort laid open some of these impostures and deceits of such as doe abuse the world in this kind : yet will wee now in this Chapter proceed to lay open some more ( for all , it were hard for any one ) and that more fully then heretofore . This kinde of people seemeth to haue cast off not onely all honesty , and sold themselues to worke all manner of wickednesse with greedinesse : but euen to haue denyed all Diuinity and diuine prouidence . For they are not content to vse some ordinary slights and trickes to entrap and ensnare the more meane and simple sort of people , Diuers actions of Vrin●mongers whereby they abuse the more simple sort . as viewing their vrines at a looking-glasse ; sometimes running to and fro with the same , sometimes lightning a candle at the noonetide of the day , powring out now and then some drops of the same , and againe sometimes shaking it in the vrinall , smelling now and then to it ( and I could wish they would taste it to ) setting sometimes their vrinals , their cases , or both , before , or at the entry of their doores , to the view of the world , and all to the end they may , like cozening raskals , draw more water to their mils , and custome to their shops : But yet ( which is most wicked and abhominable both before GOD and man ) these imps of Satan doe to their former impostures , when they will not serue their turnes , adde such vnlawfull and damnable practices , as the Enemy of mankinde , that old Serpent hath taught them .

And thus are they not onely iniurious to themselues , and their owne soules , but doe endanger many a silly soule also , which commeth vnto them for this Diabolicall counsell . This some of them doe performe by meanes of a ring , Coniecture of vrines by meanes of a ring applied to the care . holding neere to their eare their finger with this ring vpon it , as though the Diuell did first round them in the eare the opinion and coniecture , which afterwards they deliuer to such as come to them to that end and purpose . And to the end more credit may be giuen to them , they doe openly professe , that such rings are in Venice openly to be sold . It was told me also that an Empiricke-Surgeon had such a Ring , who told wonders by the water , to the great wonder and amazement of many : to him I once also my selfe went with a water , who holding his Ring neere his eare , told me strangely in order the circumstance of the disease .

And yet this manner of coniecturing by vrines is flatly forbidden vs in the Law of Moses , where it is said , All manner of commerce or c●mpact with familiar spirits forbidden in Gods word . Leuit. 20.27 . Deut . 18.10.11.12 . A man or woman that hath a familiar Spirit , or is a wizzard , shall surely dye , &c. So likewise in Deuteronomy : There shall not be found among you one that vseth diuination , or an obseruer of times , or an inchanter , or witch , or charmer , or consulter with familiar Spirits , or wizzard , or Necromancer . For all that doe these things are an abhomination to the Lord . Therefore dyed Ahaziah King of Israel , 2 King . 1. because in his sicknesse , contemning GOD and good meanes , to wit , true Physitians , he sent to consult with Beelzebub the god of Accaron . And Saint Ierome vpon Ieremiah , Ier . cap . 11. 1 ●am . witness●th the same . The like cariage furthered King Saul to that most miserable end .

Hence therefore wee learne this , that howsoeuer the LORD doe not presently hearken vnto our prayers , and grant our requests , yet ought we not to haue recourse vnto the deuill , who can neuer minister true helpe to those that worship him : but rather still instantly wee ought to implore and beg for the help of our most gracious GOD .

The deuill likewise being a most cunning craftsmaster , What people are most vsually employed in such impostures . makes choice of such vncleane and wicked persons , receiuing them into his seruice , to the end hee may by their meanes more easily deceiue and intrap others : as namely , a perfidious Iew , an apostate and runnagate Monke , an ignorant Parish-priest , Vagabonds , cheating and cogging Knaues , busie bodies , charming old wiues , with all the rest of such rakehels : being inticed and induced ( rather seduced ) hereunto eyther by a certaine selfe-loue , that they may be by this meanes more esteemed of : or else by their owne malice and wickednesse , that by such meanes they may defraud and cozen others : or finally , by couetousnesse and auarice the mother of all mischiefe . Poysoning and witchcraft cannot be discerned by the vrine . And some of these Villaines are yet fraught so full of this wickednesse , and brazen-faced impudency , that they dare goe yet further , by the vrine to promise to detect such as are guilty of theft or any other grieuous crime : yea , and of witchcraft it selfe .

I my selfe also know such vrine-mongers ( I thinke he rather deserued to be an Iron-monger ) and conterfeit Physitian , who would tell very confidently by the vrine , that the diseased were eyther poysoned or bewitched : and to the end that by his cogging and iugling hee might get a double reward , he would promise without any doubt to cure him . And if by any meanes , eyther from the messenger that bringeth the same , or yet otherwise , they can once learne that the diseased hath of a long time beene visited by sicknesse , then straight will they discerne in the vrine that the party is bewitched , making no question to cure the same . Another stratagem . And often also they will confidently affirme , that there are some strange things , perhaps some liuing creatures , as frogs , &c. within their bodies , and if it shall happen that these Cheaters be sent for to the Patient , they will presently giue him some violent medicine , as Stibium , Colocynthis , &c. the which working excessiuely vpwards and downewards , they secretly shuffle and conuey into the vrine such things as before they affirmed to haue been within the body : the which this so cunningly cozened Patient beholding , admireth the skill of this new Aesculapius , who deserued rather to haue beene whipt for his paines , and his eares nailed to the Pillory . Of many other trickes besides the former , these impudent Rogues are not ignorant .

And thus it was reported vnto me concerning a certaine Empiricke , Notable sleight of an Empirick . who had an artificiall Looking-glasse made , containing within it fayre water : in the which were liuing frogs swimming vp and downe , as though they had beene little deuils suggesting to the knaue what hee should say concerning the vrines which were brought vnto him , as also concerning things stollen .

Some likewise there are , Iudgement of vrines by Geomanticall points . who onely by Geomanticall prickes , hauing looked vpon the vrine , will giue out their verdict of the disease , as also concerning the life or death of the party , the which impious diuination wee referre to witchcraft .

And some there be againe , who by erecting the figure By erecting o● the Figure . of the Heauen , as they call it , will seeme to performe the same , which would seeme to be great Physitian-astrologers ,

Some againe I know liuing at this day , Geometricall measuring of the vrine . who doe of set purpose apishly imitate Geometers , first measuring the vrine with a compasse , and then deliuering , I know not what oracles concerning the same . But whosoeuer doth vse any of the aforesaid Diabolicall , Geomanticall , or Geometricall coniectures , besides the heinous fault hee committeth , he maketh moreouer this Semioticall part of Physicke , concerning the signes of diseases , to depend altogether vpon coniecture .

But some yet vse a farre fayrer shew and colour to cloak their knauery , Coniectures of Vrine by the colour painted on papers . hauing certaine papers or bookes before their eyes , in the which are liuely represented all the seuerall colours of vrines , hold their vrinall neere vnto the same , and then not without great admiration and sterne countenance , like some learned clerkes ( being notwithstanding but ignorant asses ) pronounce their Urinall-oracles .

Some also haue their Studies in some corners fitted for imposture , performing their coniectures by cunning suggestion , or such like sleight . This kinde of imposture practised a certaine old trot , Notable sleight and cozenage of an old woman-physitian . who for her cunning in casting of vrines ( as they call it ) was esteemed not to haue her fellow in all that Country . This goodly gran-dame fa●e in her chamber hard by the street doore , when any came to call for her , the daughter questioning in the meane time with the party , ( and that with so loud a voice that her mother might easily heare all their talke ) and learning of them as well the disease it selfe , as also all the accident ▪ thereof : the daughter runneth afterwards to a doore in another corner of the house and calleth out this wise woman , she then like some Sibyllaes Oracle , declares and tels on with great confidence that which before she had heard from her daughter .

Most of these villaines to aduance themselues , doe most commonly contemne and backbite the most learned and skilfull Physitians , extolling and aduancing themselues and those of their owne society . And to get yet more fame and reputation among the vulgar sort , they delight in the name of trauelling Physitians , as also to be called Iewes , Mahometans , and Turke-physitians : bragging also that they had great Doctors for their fathers , and yet perhaps are they Coblers or Tinkers sonnes , or else it may bee of some bastardly breed , hauing fled their owne Country for some infamous crimes .

Suborning of old women vsuall to Empiricks . These cozening knaues haue a custome when they come to any Towne or Village , to suborne and hire some poore old woman , who knowing well where sicke folkes lie , resort to their houses , and tell them that there is lately come to towne some worthy and famous Physitian ( a Doctor at least ) Iew or Turke out of Turky , bringing with him most rare and exquisite remedies , yea and such as the best furnished Apothecaries shop in the best City of the Land cannot afford the like : and that besides all this there are none like them in the Land for iudgement of an vrine . The patient thus abused , sendeth his vrine by this trusty old trot to this new come Aesculapius , and returning back againe from him , aduanceth his skill aboue the skies , affirming with great asseuerations that hee hath hit the naile on the head , and not onely hit right on the disease , but on euery circumstance thereof . Then mayest thou see the people flocke apace to the Impostor , vntill such time as his skill waxe stale , and his knauery be discouered : then the gallant remoues the Campe , trussing vp bag and baggage , and goeth to some other place , where he practiseth the like imposture . And when it commeth to passe , ( as too often it doth ) that their patients dye vnder their hands , then are these foresaid women ready to plead their cause , affirming that it was no want of skill in them , but that their time was now come : that in the Hospitals where learned Physitians practise their best skill , there sicke and diseased doe likewise die . But on the contrary , if any patient shall happen to dye vnder the hand of the most skilfull Physitian , they will not faile to exclaime vpon him , that he hath killed him , to make him more odious among the vulgar sort . Now to the end their knauery may the better be laid open to the view of the world , I will here set downe the story of two notable cozening knaues , who liued not long since in Dordrecke a famous towne in Holland .

These two lusty gallants hauing both of them spent that small stocke left them by their parents legacy , Notorious impostu●e of two coz●ning kn●ues in Holland . began to bethinke themselues of a new inuention to gather together some money . At length one of them , who was the master contriuer of the new tricke , speaketh to his fellow after this manner : I will play the Physitian and will hang out an vrinall to draw on the people , thou in the meane time get thee into some Al●house where there be good store of company drinking , play the good fellow with them , drinking thy pot to theirs ; now when as thou shalt see them merry , and perceiue them well wet within , take thou occasion to brag and boast of the comming to towne of one of the rarest and most cunning Physitians that euer they knew , who can tell the most secret and hidden things by the vrine , yea and that so farre doth his skill and cunning extend , that if diuers persons should make water in one pot , he is able to tell t●● same : and further thou maiest also lay a wager , that vnlesse he be able to performe it thou wilt pay for all that hath beene spent amongst them that day : but if he shall happen to hit the mark , that thou thy selfe shalt then goe scot-free : but mark narrowly , I pray thee , how many there be that make water into the pewter pot , and make thou so many small scores vnder the side of the same , that I may perfectly know the number . These his pot companions accept of the wager , being altogether ignorant of the collusion of these two cogging knaues , and so deliuer the pot to the Hostesse , who carrieth the same to this other impostor , being altogether ignorant of the whole businesse . The cozener knowing perfectly all the premisses , hauing powred it forth into a great vrinall , lookes vpon it ; then with a sterne , awfull , and disdainfull countenance , turnes himselfe to the Hostesse , saying : What is the cause that thou shouldest after this manner come to vndermine me , and thus to trie and sift out my skill ? thou malepert woman , what a mischiefe brought thee hither ? what base rogue hath suborned thee thus to cozen and deceiue me ? Looking againe on the vrine with a certaine counterfeit grauity , they were sixe in number ( saith the Impostor ) who pissed in the pot , ( the which he had secretly learned by the aforesaid scores ) and for them all thou must pay me ere thou departest hence . This woman at the hearing hereof , as being ignorant of the whole matter , was not a little amazed , but yet spake to him mildly after this manner : I know not what you meane by these words , but , my friend , if the case stand thus as you say , I pray you pardon me , for they deliuered me the pot , as you see , I being altogether ignorant of any such matter . At length after many words , she payed him for all the sixe vrines , and at her returne she told her guests the whole circumstance of the matter . They admiring his so great skill and cunning , praised this his imposture aboue the skies : & after they had payed the Hostesse their shot , they repayed her also that which she had layed out for their vrines . The fame of this was so noysed abroad , that the people came flocking to this Impostor , as it had beene to some Fayre or Mart : but yet within a few dayes , for feare of being discouered , they both remoued their Campe to another place , where they might more cunningly and safely practise their imposture and cozenage . But we see how farre imposture taketh place , and how hard it is to beat reason into the blockish braines of the vulgar sort , which giueth sometimes occasion to some learned Physitians to betake them to their sleights and shifts , seeing this kind of dealing best welcomed of the vulgar .

Thus at my first returne out of Italy , I came into France , and practised for a little space in the Towne of Pithiers : the Apothecary of the Towne told mee that there dyed there lately a Physitian , who was for his supposed skill in the inspection of vrines , of no small account and fame ; A Physitian telling of nothing but Rheumes by the Vrine . and yet hee told euery one most commonly that they were troubled with the Rheume , the which hee some times affirmed to be fallen downe vpon the lungs , sometimes on the stomacke , liuer , spleene , the mother , kidneyes , bladder , or the whole body : But this is but a trifle in comparison of their greater errors .

It is yet a great deale grosser , that if they can by any meanes hearken out that any one is troubled with madnesse , deliration , or melancholy , they straight iudge by their vrines that they are possessed , and so proue often an occasion of hauing recourse to Coniurers , Witches and Wizards , forsaking by this meanes the true and euer-liuing GOD , and good meanes .

All long and lingring diseases likewise , as also all such as are accompanied with any strange or vncouth accidents , and such as are not obuious to the meane and shallow capacity of the more rude and ignorant sort of people , doe they by the inspection of the vrine , referre to Witchcraft , or the illusion of the Diuell : such bee besides the former the Epilepsie or falling sicknesse , the Apoplexie , Incubus or night-mare , convulsions , especially the turning awry of the mouth or necke , the disease called Catalepsis , the Lethargie , or such like sleepy diseases , together also with consumpti●ns , dropsies , la●ks , bloody-fluxes , hystericall passion , commonly called the mother , &c.

A lamentable thing it is to see the world so oppressed with these Impostors ; but the greatest mischiefe , is that some yet colour their knauery with the cloake of Religion , the which I will instance in a liuely example .

Notable Imposture of a coniuring rrest , affi ming a woman with child to bee bewitched . My wiues Brothers wife dwelling at Amsterdam , and liuing at this instant , was vpon a certaine time much oppressed with a great fit of sicknesse , and so farre as I could collect , Melancholy hypochondriacke . This woman hauing beene not very long married , was in doubt whether shee was with child or no , and by reason of her extremity , inclining rather to beleeue that she was not . For this cause shee sent vp and downe to diuers places of the Countrey ( as is the common custome , especially in long and lingring diseases , howbeit a very bad one ) to know of Physitians their opinion concerning her Vrine , thinking this sufficient to free her from her disease . Now lately was come to the Towne a notable new cozener being a wandring Priest , giuing himselfe out for some great Doctor ( as these knaues most commonly doe ) especially amongst the vulgar sort . This womans Vrine then amongst many others was carried to him : after hee had a little looked there on , he asked the maid that brought it certaine questions , by the which he had learned that she had been sicke a long time , as also that she had had the opinion & aduice of diuers Physitians , who all notwithstanding had giuen her no ease . Hence the cunnicatching knaue takes occasion to promise wonders of himselfe , and that moreouer there was neuer a Doctor of them all able to cure this woman , the Impostor adding yet moreouer that she was bewitched . The maid asked moreouer whether shee were not with childe ? He answered her , that she was not at all so much as conceiued with childe , but that for certaine she was bewitched , and that by such a one , as hee would haue sworne would neuer haue committed so wicked a fact : and did moreouer protest with great Oathes , that none besides himselfe was able to cure her . In the Cure he was very desirous to haue ioyned with himselfe a certaine Coniurer , who should daily mumble and mutter I know not what ouer the sicke womans head . Then would he himselfe administer vnto her certaine Physicall Potions , after the vse whereof shee should so perfectly recouer , that there should not the least remainder of her disease afterwards appeare : And if thou wilt ( saith the Villaine ) I will goe with thee to see thy Mistrisse . The maid hauing her wits about her , said , that this was beyond her commission , but that shee would first know her Mistrisses pleasure . The sicke woman being seasoned with true Religion and piety , would in no wise admit of any Coniurer , resoluing rather to commit her selfe vnto the hands of God & good Physitians , then to haue any dealing with such iugling knaues , and yet some of her friends were very instant with her to vse the counsell of this cozener . A few dayes after her Husband my Cousin commeth to mee to Alcmare , where I then practised Physicke , bringing with him his wiues vrine , and withall acquainted mee with the whole manner of her disease , together with all the accidents and circumstances thereof vntill that present time . After I had well viewed the Water , perceiuing it to bee thin and cleare , with a leaden coloured circle , and small residence , I was of opinion there was great crudity in the stomacke , occasioning bad concoction therein ; for such an vrine doth most commonly argue some obstruction of the spleene , giuing notice also of melancholy : for this cause I did so much the more suspect that shee was oppressed with melancholy , hearing especially that shee had in her all the signes which Galen writes to accompany this hypochondriacke melancholy . Gal. lib . de locis affect . cap . 5. & 6 So both by the vrine and Husbands narration , I did collect that shee was troubled with this disease .

After many words to and fro betwixt vs , hee asked of mee whether I thought it meete they should follow the Empiricks counsaile or no : I answered , that in any case they should beware of the same , and did further by many strong and forcible arguments and reasons , disswade him from suffering his wife to vse any such strong violent purging Physicke , prescribed either by Empiricke or yet any other , how skilfull and learned soeuer he were , there being especially some suspition of being with childe . Wherefore my counsell was that shee should for a certaine time abstain likewise from any thing which might prouoke any loathing or distast to her stomacke , and to bee very circumspect for feare of procuring aborsion . But in case she was troubled with the violence of any fierce and sharpe accidents , I wished him to aske the opinion of some learned and iudicious Physitian , and yet to beware of offering any violence to Nature . I appointed her therefore a good and wholsome forme of Dyet , as also some milde and gentle remedies fitted well for the purpose notwithstanding , and without any feare of offending her childe , with the which I sent her husband home .

Not very long after his returne homewards , shee was brought to bed of a faire daughter , and immediately after was wholly freed from her former infirmity . Where was now I pray you this bewitching which this wretched iugling Priest did prognosticate by the vrine ? What if this woman had vsed his desperate remedies ? had not this Rakehell killed as well the Mother as the Childe ? which now through God his goodnesse haue escaped this bloudy Butchers hands .

Many more examples could I produce concerning the grosse errors in this kinde committed by these Sycophant-water-prophets ; but this for the present shall suffice , lest the Booke should grow to an excessiue bignesse , if stusted too full of such trash . But still this holdeth firme and vnanswerable , that the water-guessing which Empiricks and such others vse , is nothing else but meere imposture and cozenage .

CHAP. V. Of the peruerse , preposterous , and too-too credulous simplicity of Countrey people , ignorant idiots , and diuers others of that stampe , together with their too great trust and foolish confidence which they repose in this diuining and coniecturing by Urines .

NOw who I pray you can but laugh to scorne this foolish and simple sort of people , who being by these cozening knaues quite besotted , or rather ( as I thinke ) bewitched , are certainly perswaded that there is nothing in a mans body so secret and hid which may not by the vrine be discouered . Wherefore they thinke they haue sufficiently played their parts , when as they haue sent their vrines to diuers Physi●ians , whether they be learned or vnlearned , roguing Empirickes , or toothlesse old-wiues , and whosoeuer amongst these can guesse or coniecture best , him or her doe they preferre , and relye vpon aboue all others . And this is the tryall whereby they vse to finde out the sufficiency and learning of a Physitian , being altogether ignorant what is to be performed by a true and learned Physitian . But it is hard to tell whether these Impostors themselues be more blame-worthy , or the simple & too-too credulous people , who do repose such trust & confid●nce in these lying and cogging Coniecturers by the same . If there were no such people to be found , then would these villaines also vanish away .

It is a wonder that the blockish stupidity of people should be such , Finding out of the age by the vrine after a strange maner History . as to beleeue that any thing whatsoeuer may be coniectured by meanes of a stinking water thrust to our noses . Thus of late a foolish woman came to mee , and was very earnest with me to tell by the inspection of the vrine the sicke parties age : but after I had told her plainly that no such matter could by the vrine be discerned , she replyed , that she had beene otherwise perswaded by a very learned wandring Physitian ; and that there were to be seene swimming in the vrine as many crosses as the party was tens of yeares old . I turning againe to this silly woman , told her , that I could perceiue no crosse at all in the vrine , and therefore by this reason thy husband as yet should not be tenne yeares old ; but if thy sight be better then mine , put on thy spectacles , and see whether the crosses be swimming aboue , or fallen downe to the bottome of it . Shee gaping and staring a pretty while thereon , was at length forced to confesse that she could see none at all .

These people are so bewitched with these iugling and lying knaues , that oftentimes they will confesse to see that which they see not at all , Blockish assentation . as I haue heard them tell of Ulispiegle , who at a certaine time perswaded a many people gathered together , that the wals of the house were all painted , when as yet there was no such matter , and yet none of all the company contradicted him saue one silly simple woman reputed for a foole . So blockish shalt thou sometimes finde this sort of people , that they will not bee ashamed to enquire of you whether you can see by the vrine , that the diseased hath falne off his horse , or off a cart ; and whether hurt of a pistoll or other weapon .

Now to make this more plainly appeare , I will here relate a ridiculous , but yet true story which was told mee by an Apothecary in France . A pretty merry story of a country Clowne demanding to know by the vrine how many rounds his wife had falne off a ladder . A Country Clowne at a certaine time brought to a Physitian , an vrine to looke vpon , and it being then winter and hard frost , he first dissolued it at the heat of the fire . The Physitian obseruing the fellowes simplicity , demanded of him whether it were not his wiues water . The fellow answered that it was so indeed , but yet wished him to take a narrow view , and to tell him what he could further see in the same . The Physitian looking narrowly , obseruing it to be of a reasonable good colour , beganne to suspect some outward paine or ache . The Country Lob hearing of a paine , applauded the Physitians iudgement for the same . But from whence proceedeth ( said he ) this great paine of a leaden and blackish colour , which doth so vncessantly torment her sides ? The Physitian hearing mention made of a leaden blackish colour , it was no hard matter for him to coniecture that it came eyther by some fall or blow : wherefore he asked the fellow whether his wife had not fallen off some height . The woodcocke wonders at the Physitians cunning coniecture , and turning to him againe , saith ; Master , i● you can tell mee where she fell , I will euer esteeme you for the best Physitian in all the Countrey . The Physitian perceiuing the exceeding blockishnesse of this Clowne , and withall calling to mind the manner of their country cottages , did coniecture that his wife was fallen off some beame or ladder . The Asse sweares a great oath , and ( saith he ) if you can tell me how many rounds high she is fallen , I will thinke you a craftsmaster indeed , and will extoll you aboue all others . At this the Physitian had much adoe to forbeare laughter , yet biting all in , he began to consider with himselfe that the roomes in such houses are not very high , it may be ( quoth he ) she fell twelue rounds high . The Clowne bids him looke againe on the water , for sure there must needs bee some more . The Physitian looking downe towards the ground , bethought himselfe of some new stratagem ; then with a stayed countenance turning to the Clowne , saith thus ; The way is very slippery by reason of the great frost , hast thou not fallen by the way and spilt some part of the vrine vpon the ground ? I fell indeed ( quoth the fellow ) and spilt part of it by the way . The Physitian hauing fished this out of him , with a graue and awfull countenance answereth him thus : My friend , looke for the rest of the rounds of the ladder in the place where thou spilt thy vrine , for I can find no more then I told thee . This simple sot did admire and wonder at this Physitian , as some great Prophet , and was rauished with an admiration of his extraordinary skill and experience , and giuing him exceeding great thankes for his paines , returning home to his cottage with some few remedies , did at length , and that not without great wonder and admiration , relate and tell the whole circumstance of the matter as it fell out , among his fellowes and companions .

This sort of people is so full of blockish stupidity , that they will require to know by the vrine , not onely such things as we haue lately mentioned , but will moreouer be inquisitiue to know thereby whether the vrine which they carry be a Citizens or Strangers , as also where the party dwelleth : concerning the which I can tell yet as pretty a story as the former .

History . There dwelt once at Bruxels a certaine Physitian of no small account and fame for his supposed vromanticall skill : to the which Physitian at a certaine time a country-woman carrying her husbands vrine , goes in by the way to a Gentlewoman , whose tenant the country-fellow her husband was . This Gentlewoman seeing now so fit an opportunity ( which she had hitherto expected ) offered her to deceiue this Physitian , desired this country-woman , that she might carry the vrine her selfe to him . The woman yeelding , she did as she desired . The Physitian narrowly marking the pot wherein the vrine was brought to him , and withall obseruing that it was stopt with a certaine hearbe which he knew grew no where but in one place , looking stedfastly on the Gentlewoman , whom he knew to be full of craft , did suspect some cozenage ; wherefore studying to preuent the same , when the vrine was powred forth into the vrinall , with mature deliberation hee said thus ; This is neither the vrine of a Gentleman or Townesman , but rather of some country Farmer , and further it was brought in at such a Gate . The Gentlewoman hearing this speech was not a little amazed , and of her owne free accord did lay open to him the poore Farmers case , and could not wonder enough at the Physitians skill and iudgement : for this foolish woman did certainly perswade her selfe that he had found out all this by the vrine onely .

This vaine babbling and coniecturing by vrines is so pleasing to the people , that they giue commonly most credit to him that lyeth and prateth most . It was told me once that Gissibertus Longolius of Colen , A worthy speech of G●ssibertus Long●lius of Co●en . a most learned and famous Physitian , at a certaine time was so vexed with the curious questions of a clown concerning his vrine , that he threw vrine and vrinall both at once out at the window , vsing these words ; I am a Physitian appointed to cure diseases , & not a water-prophet to tell lies by an vrine . That famous Physitian also , Helideus Paduanus of Forly in Italy , And of Helideus Paduanus of Fo●ly in I●aly . my much respected Master , with whom ( when I liued at the Vniuersity of Bologue ) I was wont to visit the sicke ; was wont to reproue such country people as came to him with their vrines at a certaine houre to the Hospitall called of life , ouer the which he was set as their ordinary Physitian ; he would I say checke these Country people when as they stood like blockes without answering his demands , expecting onely his oracle concerning their vrines , saying ; that he was not within the sicke parties body , but that it was fit for them likewise to declare and lay open their owne infirmities , and then for him to consider of the vrine ; and lastly , hauing thoroughly attained to the full knowledge of the disease , to cure it accordingly . And therefore would he not alwayes giue credit to their owne report ( being but poore people that came thus with their vrines to the Hospitall , as not being the custome in Italy to carry the vrine to the Physitians house , neither yet will they then vouchsafe so much as once to looke vpon it ; ) but sent vs his Scholers oftentimes vnto them , that wee might obserue and marke diligently , as well the disease , as the Symptomes and circumstances thereof , and relate them to him againe : which being done , then did hee appoint them such physicke as he thought fit .

But at my comming home into mine owne Country againe , I found this foolish fashion of inspection of vrine in the Physitians owne house to bee euery where practised , and found moreouer the people so peruerse and froward , that when as I asked them concerning the manner of their diseases , with the accidents thereof , they would reply , That is the thing we desire to know of thee .

This foolish and vnaduised popular applause which the vulgar sort yeeld to these vnskilfull and vnlearned Physitians ( for the more learned and honester sort of Physitians they most commonly contemne ) giues occasion to them to kill the simple people without any punishment . It is a thing worth the wondring at to see what care the poore reasonlesse creatures haue of preseruing their liues , and on the other side the small account man ( appointed Lord and Ruler ouer all the rest of the creatures ) maketh of it , while as hee committeth it to euery idle Empiricke , some of which haue beene trained vp in the mechanicall trades of shoo-maker , mason , &c. and such like , and in three or foure dayes making profession of this new trade of water-monging , are afterwards accounted famous and good Physitians , to whom thou shalt see the people flocke as to some Fayre or Market . Would we not account such a one for a very foole and idiot , who being now ready to dye of thirst , would refuse to drinke of a cleere sweet spring running hard by him , and would rather make choice of a foule stinking slimy puddle , it may be also further infected likewise with some noysome venemous vermine ? And are they not to be reputed as foolish , who hauing skilfull Physitians hard at hand , seeke to such as haue neuer learned scarce their A. B. C ? Is it not a great madnesse to seeke for helpe at the hands of women , Women altogether vnfit to practise physicke . who are for the most part altogether vncapable of any serious businesse , they boasting onely of some certaine remedies which they haue had perhaps from their husbands , or some body else , and tryed rather by experience in diuers particulars , then by any art or reason .

Some may here , it may be , reply and say , that howsoeuer it may be that they doe no good , yet are their remedies sometimes so mild and gentle , that they may safely be administred . But is not this more then madnesse thus to trifle away the time , and to neglect that golden opportunity of doing good , which perhaps may neuer againe bee recalled ? Is it not better then at the first to haue recourse to the skilfull and learned Physitian ? If thy shooes be torne wilt thou send them to a Carpenter to mend ? If thy house bee cracked and like to fall , whether is a shooe-maker or a Carpenter the fittest man to vnderprop the same ? And yet the life of a man farre exceedeth either of them . If a house be not well vnderpropt and fall , it may be built againe ; and if a payre of shooes be spoiled , it is but the losse of the leather and the labour : but in the curing of a man , a small errour may send him to his graue . Neither is this noble Science attained vnto in a yeare or two , ( manie of the mechanicall trades of farre inferiour note and condition , often requiring a longer time ) bur requireth a longer time to the attaining vnto the perfection thereof .

But the vulgar sort are so blinded , that they cannot see the truth , the old prouerbe being true , that the blinde cannot iudge of col●urs : and yet doe these people sometimes falsifie the very literall sense thereof . And to this purpose I remember that Euretius Cordus maketh mention of a perfidious and blinde Iew , A blind Iew iudging of vrines . who not without the great admiration and wondring of many people ( fooles sure they were , according to the prouerbe , Stultorum plena sunt omnia , ) all ouer richly ar●yed ( like a silken Iack-an-apes ) in silkes and S●tan , I would say satten , sitting in his chaire , deliuered his graue oracles concerning the vrines : his maid sitting by him , and suggesting diuers things vnto him . And howbeit they finde themselues d●ily gulled by such cozening knaues , yet do they daily wittingly and willingly rush into the snares of these Impostors . And in this are they ( as wee haue said ) farre inferiour to vnreasonable creatures , both in the knowledge and prouidence of that which is good , and likewise hurtfull for themselues , being also well acquainted both by what meanes their aduersary may doe them harme , as in like sort not being ignorant of all the occasions and aduantages they may finde out against them . And thus doth the Lizzard being deadly wounded by the venemous Viper , recouer the former strength againe , by eating of a certaine hearbe called amongst the Italians Graliga , or Gralega , the which was first found out by meere hazard and chance , as was related to me when I was a student at Bologue , the which because I thinke it will bring some delight to the Reader , I will here set downe .

A certaine old man vpon a time perceiuing a Viper fighting with a Lizzard , The cruel combate betwixt a Viper & a Lizzard . laid himselfe down vpon the ground , to the end he might the better without their perceiuing of him , behold this battell . The Lizzard as being farre inferiour in force to the Viper , receiues from the same a most dangerous and deadly wound , insomuch that the poore creature , being scarce able to stand on the feeble legs , was almost ready to fall downe dead , but comming a little againe to it selfe , it beginnes to creepe along by the Riuer side through long grasse , ( the Viper in the meane time not at all perceiuing the secret retrait ) to a certaine herbe growing not farre from thence , of the which hauing eaten a little , returning againe to this cruell aduersary , maketh againe a new onset vpon him as before . But this poore creature fared no better then before , receiuing as dangerous a wound for welcome as at the first , but yet hath againe the second time recourse to the former , and so well approued remedy , and with like successe as before . This old Father did much admire as well this cruell combat , as this rare and strange herbe , with the vertue thereof , and yet to the end hee might more assuredly know whether this herbe had in it such secret and hidden vertues , as hee beganne now to conceiue , in the meane time that this poore Lizzard went to reuew the combat againe with the old aduersary , he pulled this herbe vp by the very rootes . The which when this desolate creature ( hauing now the third time receiued the foile from this venomous vermine ) missed , Galega vulgo , seu ruta Capraria , de qua vide Matthioli comment . in Dioscor . cum addit . Casp . Baul . cap . 46. lib . 3 & cap . 136. lib . 4. & alios . as her onely Antidote , being all bathed in blood , by her death makes an end of their quarrell . The old man hauing had this tryall of this herbe , relateth the same to the Physitians , with all that hee had seene . This herbe is now well knowne , not in Bologue alone , but in most shoppes in Italy , being ordinarily vsed against all manner of poysons , the Plague , and wormes .

By many other stories could I proue the like care and industry of beasts , which might also conuince and reproue the carelesnesse of men for their safety and securitie : but that fearing to tyre out the Reader , I labour to bee briefe . It resteth now to declare , that it is neither fit nor expedient to carry the vrine to the Physitians house , and farre lesse for him then by the bare inspection thereof , rashly to prescribe remedies without the sight of the party : but because this will require a more large and ample Discourse , we will referre the same to the next booke , together with all the dependances vpon the same . Let it suffice vs therefore , that hitherto it remaineth firme and sure , That the sole inspection of the vrine is very deceitfull , and for this cause not at all to be trusted to .

THE THIRD BOOKE .

THE ARGVMENT .

IN this third Booke is declared by what meanes the errour of inspection of Vrines in the Physitians houses had the first originall , the which vncertaine coniecturing hath beene a cause of no small damage to the diseased : hauing beene also a meanes , to make this part of Physick coniecturall , and so the more to be despised and contemned . For this cause it is declared , that neyther are Vrines to be viewed in the Physitians hous● , nor yet to be sent thither to that end and purpose , but rather where the Patient dwelleth , the Physitian being there present himselfe . Afterwards is declared that Physicke ought not by this sole , improfitable , and inconstant diuination , to be prescribed , vnlesse the Physitian haue before seene the Patient : the right Method of curing diseases being drawne from certaine scopes and indications , and not from the sole fallacious inspection of vrines . And finally is added , that Remedies are not to be prescribed in the vulgar tongue , and that by reason of the manifold errors and abuses which doe hence arise : and so at length is concluded , that the inspection of vrines ( especially as it is now adayes for the most part practised ) is very deceitfull and vncertaine , neuer able to reueale and lay open vnto vs , the whole nature and circumstances of the disease .

THE ARRAIGNMENT of VRINES . CHAP. I. How , and by what meanes this error of inspection of vrines in the Physitians house hath had the first beginning , being notwithstanding nothing else but an vncertaine coniecture , and by the which doth redound more damage and danger then profit to the Patient , and hath made this so noble an Art , base and contemptible in the eyes of most men .

SO farre ought an honest , learned , and iudicious Physitian The duty of a learned and honest Physitian . be from patronizing of any errour , how old and inueterate soeuer it be , that it is his part rather to reproue by all meanes possible , according to his power , and labour to suppresse the same , at which when they winke , they not onely inuolue the more simple sort ( alwayes apt to be deluded ) into manifold dangers and misery : but doe in like sort incourage these cozening knaues to continue in their wickednesse . Therefore I hold it is the duty of all honest , and conscionable Physitians , not to winke any longer at thi● most erronious and dangerous vromanticall diuination , so grosly abused vntill this present , to the great preiudice of a many . Of the which hauing discoursed at large already , it is now time to beginne to lay open to the world by what meanes this Monster at first crept into this noble Profession .

The vulgar sort doth ordinarily ayme at an Apish imitation of their betters , By what means this abuse crept first into the Profession of Physicke . and being destitute of true vnderstanding , doe too much for the most part relye vpon the outward senses : and hence came it to passe , that seeing Physitians view the vrine in the Patients owne house , who hauing likewise by diuers interrogatories , together with the sight of their Patients , collected the nature and essence of the disease , from whence the cure as it were of it selfe , did voluntarily follow : the vulgar I say did presently beleeue that the euent of such a cure was to bee ascribed vnto the inspection of the vrine : thus being too-too much carried away by the outward sense , they began to adhere to this manner of inspection of vrines . Vnto this also were ioyned as great helps and furtherers , the prescription of remedies , and the description of Vrines in the vulgar tongue . Boldnesse did incourage them in their attempts , it being seconded by impunity ; for all men by too great liberty ( as saith the Comicall Poet ) doe waxe worse and worse . Omnes licentia deteriores sumus . Terent . Afterwards they were so confirmed therein , that they thought they had performed their parts , if at any time being amisse they sent their vrines to the Physitian , as being of opinion that he could by the same know both the disease and the place affected , the strength of the Patient ; and finally , all that which belongeth to the Art of Physicke : and that moreouer hee was able to prescribe by the sight thereof , such fit and wholsome remedies as the state and nature of the disease did require .

They were further conceited , that whosoeuer had read any Booke of Urines in the vulgar tongue , or yet scraped together any remedies euer vsed by any , were hee or shee the most wicked villaine , a runnagate rogue , a drunken Midwife , a stewes Strumpet , or of the like stampe , might safely and to good purpose practise this Profession , beginning euer with the inspection of the vrine , a thing so deceitfull , onely to be trusted to , that oftentimes in stead of health it hath beene the occasion of the death of many . Thus hath this peruerse and wicked custome ( a most cruell Tyrant ) so incroached vpon this noble Profession , that now wee feare it is become like the Law of the Medes and Persians , which could not be reuoked .

This custome so preuailing that cogging knaues & euery Rascal that could prate of an vrine , began to be praised and extolled aboue the most skilfull Physitian ; not by the vulgar sort onely , but euen amongst some of the better sort ; gaue first occasion to some of the better sort of Physitians to imbrace this grosse abuse ; some of them being hereto induced lest they should bee in lesse account then these Impostors .

Others no doubt were hereto induced by Couetousnes the mother of all mischiefe , Couetousnes a great & chiefe occasion of this Abuse . both to practise this manner of inspection of Vrines at home , and to prescribe remedies also for the sicke . But this was not all , for some were not content with this , but to giue further content to the vulgar sort , some of them , and that not of the meanest ranke , wrote Bookes concerning the wiles and Caueats which are to be obserued in deliuering their iudgement by vrines , called of them by a faire and plausible word , cauteles , or caueats : so that by these meanes not onely ministred they matter of cozening and deceiuing to all such as would imploy their wits that way , but did moreouer confirme the more simple sort in this so foule and detestable errour : some likewise yet blowing these bellowes by translating such bookes in the vulgar tongues to the great mischiefe of Mankind . And that this error is very ancient , doth plainly appeare , in that wee haue yet extant something written concerning this subiect by Gordonius , who liued about 300. yeares agoe . But more praise-worthy had it beene for these famous Physitians to haue stood in the gap , and in the beginning , like that renowned Hercules , to haue cut off this Hydra's heads . But Auarice , enemie to all goodnesse , what will it not doe ? or rather make men doe ? Great gaine which a certain Physitian got by inspection of vrines . This made a famous Physitian of my acquaintance , dead a few yeares agoe , howbeit trained vp in the Uniuersity , and skilfull in his Pofession , so much to addict himselfe to the practising of this Imposture , that hee got most mornings ( as was reported to mee by one of good worth ) for the inspection of Vrines brought to his Chamber sixe Florins . About 15. shillings sterling , much in that Countrey , and in that time .

This so sordid and base lucre and gaine , made Vrines to yeeld a most sweet and fragrant smell to that mighty Emperour Vespasian . But such Physitians are much more to bee blamed then Empiricks , or any others who haue neither conscience nor honesty . This was not practised in the dayes of Hippocrates and Galen , neither is yet vntill this day in vse amongst the Physitians of best note in Italy ; howbeit as Poggius maketh mention , it hath beene vsed amongst Empiricks and such Impostors : Notable imposture of an Italian Empiricke . Such a one I know my selfe there , who sate vp oftentimes very late , writing out billes or receits for diuers and sundry diseases , the which afterwards hee put all in a bagge together , and in the morning when as people brought him their Vrines , and withall demanded his counsell , hee would thrust his had into the bagge to take out such a bill as by chance did first offer it selfe , saying in the meane time in the Italian tongue , Prega Dio telamandi bona , Pray to God thou mayst draw good lucke . Miserable and vnhappy was then their estate and condition , to whom in their need , not right , reason , and iudicious vnderstanding , but blind chance and fortune did minister aid and succour . The like haue I heard of a certaine water-guessing Empiricke , who had alwaies written in a readinesse three seuerall formes of Receits , and gaue vnto such as came to him for counsell , sometimes one of them , sometimes two , and somtimes all three , ( and that after hee had told them wonders by the Water , ) which were afterwards carried to the Apothecary , and there prepared for the Patient . But to returne to our purpose againe , The Physitians of best note & fame in Italy , contemne this manner of coniecturing by Vrines . the Physitians of any note in Italy do contemne still this manner of inspection of Vrines in their owne houses , as I haue my selfe seene in the two famous Vniuersities of Padua and Bologne , whereas neither would the Doctors of the Chayre themselues , nor yet any other Physitian of note or credit , vouchsafe once to looke vpon any Vrine brought to their owne lodgings , in this maintaining still their ancient authority , and prerogatiue ; the which also the learned Langius Langius . doth witnesse . And would to God our Physitians had also retained the like authority ; then had not these cozening knaues , ignorant Empiricks , women-Physitians , and the like , crept in so audaciously without any sufficiency into this Profession . Sed venter non habet aures . The belly is a cunning craftsman . And as Couetousnes was the cause that Physitians at first gaue way to this preposterous and peruerse custome ; so the same Couetousnesse hath beene and is still the cause of continuance thereof vntill this day . Hence also commeth it to passe that such people doe so euery where abound , and are also so much accounted of in euery place , who being altogether ignorant of the Arts and all manner of literature , vphold their credit onely by this so vncertaine and deceitfull a signe . And so ignorant are they of the signes and causes of diseases , that if they heare of any paine in the side , it must needs in their opinion be a Pleurisie , whether the grieuance be in the externall parts or in the Muscles , whether also fixed about the liuer , spleene or kidneyes : and thus is it an easie matter for any ignorant Idiot or old wife to become a Physitian .

Now howsoeuer this old , inueterate and tyrannicall custome hath hitherto so preuailed , that euen the most famous and learned Physitians by reason of the Peoples importunity are often forced to giue way to this inspection of Vrines in their owne houses ; yet doth it very much differ from others manner of dealing , both in that they refraine from these fooleries , lyes , pratling and babbling , which these Impostors doe practise , as also they will somtimes confesse that it were a great deale better to see the Patient , then thus by the sole and vncertaine inspection of the vrine to giue forth a doubtfull Oracle . And yet further , the most carefull and diligent Physitians are not ashamed to inquire into the state and nature of the disease before they will giue out their iudgement concerning the same . And if at any time they shall happen to meet with some folkes more nice then wise , who will not accordingly answere their demands , they will bee the more sparing in prescribing them any remedies , vntill such time as they be better acquainted with the state and nature of the disease . The most of them also and the honestest would willingly that this so wicked and peruerse custome were quite abolished , to the end they might more readily and assuredly proceed in their cures . The Impostors on the other part trusting to their Vrinary coniecture only , and catching at that they can lay hold on from the mouth of another , thus dallying with the precious life of man , doe administer to the silly people their most dangerous and deadly poysons , making tryall of their most dangerous remedies vpon so noble and worthy a Subiect . And to such doth properly belong that Picture of a water-prophet , or water-guesser , which thou mayst see set downe by the aforesaid Langius , whose Goddesse may well bee Moria , ●angius Epistol . lib . 2. Epist. 41. or foolishnes , as is there to be seene . These rude and ignorant sots therefore are in no case to bee compared with our learned Physitians , as being altogether ignorant as well of the causes and signes , as of the seuerall symptomes , and so consequently of the right cure of the disease : whatsoeuer disease is in the belly , is vnto them the Chollicke ; whatsoeuer disease in children , to them must needs bee the Wormes ; and whatsoeuer disease troubleth a woman , it must needs bee the Mother . If the sicke bee troubled with a Cough , then must it needs bee of some great cold congealed inwardly ; howbeit it may often proue a Pleurisie , inflamation of the lungs , or a Consumption . If any complaine of a paine in the ioynts , by the vrine they will guesse that the party is plagued with the French-Poxe , as most Women who take now vpon them both Physicke it selfe , and that part thereof which is called Surgery , call an Vlcer a Canker : as of late a certaine Impostor being asked of what disease his Patient lay sicke ; answered , hee was not able to expresse it in the vulgar tongue ; and yet the villaine had not so much as one mouth-full of Latine . It is therefore the part and duty of all honest , ingenuous , and conscionable Physitians , to aduance and set forward the truth , and to labour and indeauour our selues , that not onely this part of Physicke , but also all the rest may be freed from all manner of fraud and imposture .

Now vntill such time as this foolish and water-monging Trade ( which maketh the Art of Physicke coniecturall , contemned and exposed to the mockage of the most ) be amended , Physicke I doubt will neuer bee restored to her ancient grace and dignity .

I confesse indeed , that Old Dogs are hardly brought to the tye ; yet must wee not cease to do our best to purge our Profession from all errors crept thereinto , and namely this : and if wee cannot preuaile , yet I am perswaded that all honest people will take this our paines in good part . But concerning this matter we will discourse more largely in the Chapter following .

CHAP. II . How necessary and needfull a thing it were , that the Urines of such as be sicke , be no more carried to the Physitians house , but that rather they are to view them , and giue out their iudgement vpon them in the Patients owne house , and that onely .

NOw , by that which hath beene spoken already , it is more then manifest , that it is not possible to declare or finde out euery seuerall disease in a man or woman by the sole inspection of the vrine : for what else is this vaine coniecturing by vrine , then to commit the whole Art of Physicke to bare hazard and fortune ? the which being carried as with the winde , doth encline somtimes to one side and sometimes to the other , floating vp and downe vpon the deepe Sea , in danger euery way of drowning .

Causes mouing this abuse still to bee maintained and continued . One chiefe and principall motiue of this is Couetousnes and Auarice , together with a sottish ignorance . For when as these people did once perceiue that for a small trifle they might haue their vrines viewed , and some remedies appointed them , they were certainly perswaded there was no more to be done , being especially vnwilling to be at any further charges : by which meanes it often commeth to passe , that neglecting the fit and conuenient time and opportunity of doing themselues good , they wish ( but alas too late ) they had been wiser . And others againe are so obstinate in their idle opinion , and high conceit they haue conceiued of the vrine , that thou canst neuer driue this fond and foolish conceit out of their muddy braines , not if thou wouldest bray them with Salomons foole , in a morter .

As for our own Physitians ( howsoeuer I am perswaded it be sore against many of their willes ) yet can I not altogether excuse them for conniuing and winking at so grosse an error , Good and learned Physitians ought not to winke at common errors . it being a meanes of maintaining the multitude in their erroneous opinion . Neither yet is this sufficient that in their assemblies and meetings they raile against Empiricks , and these Water-mongers , since this their speech keepes within doores , and breakes no further forth .

And howbeit it bee not in our power to punish the delinquents in this kind , yet is it our part and duty to lay open to the view of the world the errors and grosse abuses committed by these deceiuers . I doe not indeed deny but vpon sight of the vrine carried to some discreet and learned Physitian , the Patient hath now and then attained to his former health againe ; yet hath this beene when the Physitian hath by his seuerall interrogatories learned the whole nature and circumstances of the disease : Casuall euents not to be trusted to . for otherwise they were but casuall , and not to be attributed to the meanes so vnaduisedly prescribed : but nature it selfe being in good plight , was able of it selfe to encounter with the disease , as also to ouercome the same ; the victory whereof , this vnaduised and rash remedy at that same time and instant exhibited to the Patient , doth appropriate vnto it selfe . And yet the same Physitians if thou shouldest aske them , would ingeniously confesse that it were farre better for them once to see the Patient himselfe , The bare inspection of the Vrine only is to small purpose . then his vrine twenty times brought to him , and would willingly wish that this manner of viewing Waters were quite banished out of the common-wealth , which I make no question hath cost many a man and woman their liues .

But it may bee some will reply that wee plead for our owne profit , Obiection . and that by this meanes our Fees grow the greater .

To these people I answere , Answere . that if they make so small account of their health , which is to bee prized farre aboue Pearles or Precious-stones , they deserue to smart for their sordid and base niggardly Couetousnes : howbeit the honest and conscionable Physitian doth alwayes ayme chiefly and principally at the health of his Patient , preferring it before any sordid lucre or gaine .

But put yet the case that the intention were such as they most falsly lay to their charge ; yet would this neuer ouerthrow the necessity of the presence of the Physitian with his Patient , or yet giue any more strength or authority to this Water-prophesying Profession . The vulgar sort ordinarily more liberall to Impostors and cozeners , then to honest and learned Physitians . Most of those people notwithstanding thou shalt see so liberall & open-handed to any runnagate Raggamuffin , that will prate of his owne sufficiencie in this Profession ; who would grudge to bestow a Fee on an honest Physitian , who besides that hee would giue them good and fit remedies according to the state and nature of the disease , not omitting or letting passe ouer the fit and proper opportunity of doing good ; they might often also saue some charges in their purses , which they first bestow vpon such cozeners , and are forced afterwards to bee at a new charge againe with a learned and honest Physitian , when perhaps it is too late , and yet might easily haue beene effected at the first .

Story of a rich Miser sending his vrine to the Physitian , and smarting for his couetousnesse . The same may also come to passe in sending the vrine to a learned and skilfull Physitian , yet ignorant of the state and disease , as it hapned of late to a rich man here in the Towne of Delfe , who being assaulted with an intermittent tertian ague , sent his vrine to a Physitian , otherwise of sufficient skill and learning , who immediately appointed to him a purge , which he tooke in his fit , and vpon the taking thereof fell into great extremity , whereupon he sent presently for another skilful Physitian from the Hage . Being come , the sicke begins to raile on the other Physitian , and physicke he had giuen him . Anthony Harwer ( for so was he called who came from the Hage , ) desired to see the bill wherein the others remedy was set downe , the which hauing seene , he commended it , and withall asked whether the Physitian had beene with him or no . Hee answered , that he had not beene with him . The other smiling , replied ; Blame not your Physitian ( learned enough as appeareth ) neither yet his physicke , which was by him to good purpose appointed ; but thou thy selfe art to be blamed , who didst not take it in due and conuenient time . It is well , thou hast counsell according to thy pay , for if thou hadst called thy Physitian to thee , hee would easily haue ouercome a Feuer so easie to bee cured , and would on thy good day being free from thy fit , haue giuen thee thy physicke , and so shouldest thou not haue needed for so small an accident to haue beene at this cost to haue sent for me , the which is occasioned by thine owne fault and ouersight .

Another obiection . But I heare some say , Admit that it is fit that the richer sort , and such as are of meanes and ability , send for the Physitian , to haue his counsell and presence ; what if the Physitian , by reason of distance of place , or otherwise of his manifold employments , and losse which it might be to him , cannot conueniently afford the sicke his personall presence ?

Answer . In this case it is the part of the country and neighbours about them , to conuey such poore people , before the disease grow strong vpon them , to some Towne or City whereas good Physitians make their abode , to the end they may be daily visited and cured as well as the richer sort : and in this case I thinke no honest and religious Physitian will deny them his aduice . If this cannot bee effected , they ought to be sent to the Hospitals , whereas are appointed Physitians of purpose freely to cure such silly poore sicke people . Or yet if such Hospitals bee not alwayes to be found , or if they haue no friends in a Towne , nor any acquaintance , at least it is to bee hoped they will find some compassionate people , who will extend the bowels of compassion , in prouiding lodging , with other things necessary for them . And no doubt but they shall likewise find some honest Physitians , who in such cases will afford them their counsaile , as Hippocrates commands in his precepts . Laudable custome of such places as maintaine publike Hospitals , where also Physitians are entertained to looke to the poore when they are sicke For this cause and purpose such Cities and Common-wealthes are much to bee commended , which haue in them such publike Hospitalls , vnto the which in time of need , as vnto some place of succour and refuge , the sicke and distressed people may haue their refuge and recourse . No lesse praise-worthy is such a City or Common-wealth , which doth maintaine at their owne cost and charges some Physitians , to the end they may in time of need more easily be helpfull to the poore , sicke , and diseased people .

But it may bee yet further demanded , what if none of the former can bee performed , the disease perhaps being so hot and acute , that neither will it admit transportation to the place of the Physitians abode , neither yet is it safe to delay the matter any longer ? When and with what caueat the vrine may be sent to the Physitian . In such a case I confesse , if no better may be , the vrine may be sent to the Physitian , prouiding it be sent by a discreet messenger ▪ declaring by him the whole circumstances of the disease , both the beginning and encreasing , together with the time of the continuance , and all the accidents thereof , and then it might bee perhaps to some purpose . And thus might the Physitian rather vse some remedy then none at all : Howbeit yet , as we haue said , it were much better we did see the patient himselfe , and then to consider both of his vrine and all other circumstances of the disease .

The vncertainty of this coniecturing by vrine hath beene often obserued , not by my selfe alone , but by many other honest Physitians also , so that when as I had well viewed the vrine , as also afterwards appointed such remedies as in my iudgement were then fitting for the disease : that being immediatly after called to some of the same patients , I haue found the same remedies to be quite contrary to the disease , and haue beene hereupon forced to alter and change againe the said formes of remedies ; and this I dare sweare , that a number of other Physitians are of the same opinion with me , if they beare any loue to the truth .

The foolish custome of some people to try the Physitians skill by the vrine . Some are also of this foolish and idle humour , that they will come with their water to the Physitian , and that onely to heare what he will say concerning the same , not demanding any remedy for their disease : now this is the highest degree of folly ; for what is this else , but as if one should say , I would willingly know my disease , and yet it is not my purpose to part from it ; euen as if a man which hath receiued some dangerous wound , would shew the same to the Surgeon , and yet would not haue it cured . But let such people beware , lest thus dallying with their diseases , the time and opportunity of doing themselues good passe not away .

It may be yet perhaps demanded , but what if one be amisse , yet not so extreamly sicke , but that yet he is able to trauell abroad ; In such a case , I say , may not such a one carry his vrine to the Physitians ? I doe not deny it , if hee obserue such cautions as are in this case to bee obserued , and that withall he acquaint the Physitian with the whole circumstances of his disease . And how I pray thee can the Physitian giue thee sound and good counsaile for thy disease , vnlesse he vnderstand throughly the originall and ground of it , together with all that concerneth it ; for better it is to deny thy helpe to the sicke , then by thy temerity and rashnesse to precipitate him into extreame danger , or yet ( as Empirickes , women-physitians , and such like ) to cure him casually and by meere chance and hazard . This is then the summe of that which hath beene said , that if any shall bee so sicke that they are not able to come in their owne person to the Physitian , The Physitian ought to see his Patient . they shall not send their vrines to the Physitians houses , much lesse to these cogging and cheating Empiricks , &c. but shall with all speed and diligence send for a Physitian both learned and well skilled in his profession , who shall not then onely view their vrines , but shall in like manner well weigh and consider of all the rest of the signes , being present himselfe with the patient , and so shall be more able to cure the disease . This seemeth the Wiseman to command in these words : Giue place to the Physitian , Eccles . 38.12 . for the Lord hath created him : let him not goe from thee , for thou hast need of him . He saith not , Send thy water to the Physitian . Let vs not then like the Physitians of Alexandria , followers of Erasistatus ( who attained to all their skill in curing diseases by the onely reading of bookes , Against booke-physitians . and were so idle loytering lubbards , that they were perswaded they might attaine to the perfect knowledge of herbes by the pictures of them onely ) by the sole coniecture of vrine brought to our studies , aduenture on the practice of this so noble a profession , & our Galen very fitly calleth such {αβγδ} , A pretty comparison . that is , Saylers by their booke only ; who learning all their Art of Nauigation by some Geographicall Cards , doe suddenly with their ship rush vpon some Rocke , vnto themselues altogether before vnknowne : euen iust so fareth it not onely with our cozening Empirickes , but with all such Physitians also as doe too much relie vpon this so vncertaine coniecture by vrines .

And for this cause also did Heraclides Tarentinus not vnfitly compare such counterfeit Physitians to Praetors publike Cryers , Another . who in the Market-place among the great p●ease of people did liuely set forth any fugitiue slaue , both in his apparell , stature , feature , colour of haire , &c. whom notwithstanding if he had beene sitting hard by their elbow , they could hardly discerne . After the same manner doe our water-mongers also , who not hauing seene the party , yet will they by the vrine liuely set him forth in his colours : yea so Lynceus-like cleere-sighted are these Impostors , that not onely doe they presume to take vpon them to discerne by it the temperature and state of his body , but the disease it selfe also , or whatsoeuer is amisse within him , although they neuer haue seene the party : yea and if they should meet him in their way yet would they neuer know him , much lesse his disease , and that for very good reason , in regard they would find the case farre otherwise , then they had by the deceitfull vrine heretofore iudged . But howsoeuer it will proue a hard matter , and full of difficulty totally to abrogate this so inueterate error , yet shall the danger of this manner of coniecturing by vrines plainly appeare to the eyes of the most iudicious . And if this abuse were reformed , then would no more trust be giuen to these malepert , iugling , and cheating knaues . But we will now proceed to lay open and declare how dangerous a thing it is by the sole inspection of the vrine , without the sight of the patient , rashly to prescribe any remedies , especially such as be most generous , to wit , purging and bleeding , the which wee will proue as well by reasons as examples .

CHAP. III . That vpon the sole inspection of the vrine , Remedies ought not to be prescribed to the sicke , except the Physitian being present by them , doe first obserue all the rest of the signes , which doe in like manner belong to the perfect knowledge of the disease .

OF the vncertainty of this signe of vrine , in diseases , together with the manifold errors committed by Empirickes and others , as also the beginning and occasion of the same , we haue said sufficiently already : Now let vs yet proceed & declare how vnfit a thing it is , vpon the sole sight thereof , without weiging the rest of the signes by the sight of the Patient himselfe , to proceed to the cure of the disease : let it not therfore seem strange , if we instruct the ignorant , and discouer the fraud and imposture of couetous and cozening knaues , vsurping to themselues ( but falsly ) the name of Physitians . Neyther yet doe we find fault with their impostures and cozenages , for any hatred or ill will we beare them , as being of the same profession with vs , according to the common prouerbe , Figulus figulum odit : One begger is woe , when another doth by the doore goe : the which I thinke no honest vpright hearted man will iudge . For , this we doe onely out of that feruent affection wee beare to our neighbour whom wee see so to be gulled .

Is it not fit to cleanse the Wheate from the Tares ? Errors ought to be reproued & banished out of the Commonwealth . Is it vnseemly to defend and maintaine honest and simple people from the impostures of cozeners and deceiuers ? When the Iudge punisheth offenders , is it not to maintaine honest men in their right , and that not for any grudge or malice he beareth to the party , but to defend the innocent , the widow and orphanes from oppression . The Father in like sort chastiseth his sonne , to reclaime him from his disorderly courses , and that when he commeth to yeares of discretion he may liue an honest man : wherefore while as wee see that errors and abuses haue crept in into this noble Profession , shall wee not be thought to haue betrayed our profession , and with it mens liues , if wee giue no warning of the same ? Is it not our parts , when we see a stumbling blocke , or a stone , laid in our blinde neighbours way , to remoue , or at least to doe our best to remoue them out of his way .

As for our selues , if all things were well weighed , it may be , Great gaine commeth often to good Physitians by the errours of Empiricks & others . our gaine would not proue so great as thou imaginest , in regard there commeth often to vs no small profit by the errors of Empirickes , and such like scumme and offscowrings . As for my selfe , I may boldly auouch , that I haue reaped as much or more gaine and commodity by them which haue at the first beene preposterously cured by those abusers , then by them to whom I was my selfe at first called . This will many moe besides my selfe , I thinke , confesse . Now if we had beene called to them at first , then might they haue beene more speedily , with lesse danger , and paine to their purses , cured at first .

And wheras it may be obiected , that some of our learned , iudicious , and as they call them , dogmaticall Physitians , do still vse this coniecturing by vrine after the manner wee haue declared , prescribing likewise some Remedies , which if they help not the Patient ; yet doe they doe him no hurt , and that onely lest they should seeme to doe nothing : such I say doe in this as absurdly as the Mariner , who in the greatest storme and tempest committeth his ship to the discretion of the boysterous windes and raging waues of the Sea . Neyther ought the Physitian to entertaine this base and beggarly custome , fearing lest if they goe from him , they should carry the same to some Empiricke : but this should rather be a motiue to make them warne the Patients to beware of being bewitched with this so dangerous and tyrannicall a custome .

It is the part of the Patient to send for the Physitian , who shall then best be able to obserue his disease , with all the signes and circumstances thereof : Now if any will come to vs , and not lay open their disease , it were better to send such Asses home without any counsell ; for sending Physicke to parties whose diseases thou knowest not , thou maist be a meanes of furthering them to their end , being vnprepared , and so likewise endanger their soules .

But admit the Physitian be present , yet is it not sufficient that he play his part , but likewise the sicke , and such as assist , and minister vnto him , as also other outward things , which might much hinder the cure , as our renowned Hippocrates doth teach vs , Hipp . aph . 1. lib . 1 the which things the vrine will neuer be able to shew vs. The danger which may ensue vpon the vnaduised prescribing of remedies vpon the sole sight of the vrine , we haue already declared by the example of a white vrine in a phrensie . Instances in some cases , wherein the vrine may deceiue vs. If also the choler be carried vpwards , and by casting and reaching voyded away , it will come to passe that the vrine will be crude , and of a whitish coloor : and yet if in this case thou shouldest appoint hot remedies in this hot disease , it is apparent into what danger thou castest thy Patient . In like sort if the sicke shall lye long languishing of a Dropsie , proceeding of a cold and weake Liuer , the vrine being for this reason of a reddish colour , and shall send his vrine to the Physitian , and he thereupon shall presently prescribe Phlebotomy , shal he not by the same meanes hasten this crazy carkeis to the graue ? No man of vnderstanding , I thinke , will deny it . Now of the disposition of such a liuer ( howsoeuer the body was not swolne ) I will here relate a true story .

At my first comming out of Italy , Of a Priest sick of a Feuer hecticke , with a long continued loosnesse , killed by misskilfulnes and too much trusting to th● vrine . I came to the towne of Pithiers in France , whereas I practised Physicke for a while , and among diuers other Patients whose cure I had vndertaken , there was brought to me the vrine of a certaine Priest , who had now a long time lyen very weake , all naturall strength and vigor almost fayling him : now the vrine was very red coloured and thicke withall , insomuch as I had no small suspition that the sicke was diseased of some hot acute disease proceeding from an extreame heate and ebullition of the blood . I enquired therefore of him that brought the vrine , whether his Master had been long sicke or no ? He answered that he had kept his bed these three moneths at least . The which hauing heard , I could not but wonder at the vrine , and the strangenesse of the same . Wherefore I enquired of him againe , whether he felt not some paine , and as it were some weight vnder his right side ? The Seruant auouching that it was so , I enquired whether hee was not troubled with some loosnesse , as likewise if his feet were swollen ? The Seruant answered , That hee voyded by stoole great abundance of bloody excrements , that his belly was very lancke and flat , his body dry and withered , and that his feet were not at all swollen . Hauing vnderstood all the premisses , I said I thought it fittest to see the sicke before I should administer any Physicke to him , lest trusting too much to the false flattering vrine , I should let him blood , which might perhaps be an occasion of great mischiefe to the sicke . The Seruant acquainted his Master with my message , and vpon that occasion the next day being sent for , when as I came to him , I found death written in his face already , Facies Hippocratica . Hippocr . prognost . lib . 1. hauing such a face as is commonly called Hippocraticall , described by the famous Hippocrates in his predictions , to wit , a sharp nose , his temples fallen , hollow eyes , &c. and withall , his excrements were bloody , like the washing of raw bloody flesh , the which doe most vsually come to passe by meanes of the imbecility and weaknesse of the liuer . The Pulse was small , weake , and somewhat quicke , such as doth most commonly accompany a Feuer hecticke , or Consumption . I enquired of him what had beene the originall cause thereof , and how long he had beene troubled with it . He told me among many other things , That at first hee had vsed the counsell of a certaine Empiricke , who had most grieuously tortured and tormented his poore carkeis with most strong and violent remedies , The Impostor goeth about to cure him as sick of the French-pox . confidently maintaining that his disease was the French pox . He said moreouer , that he had laboured to cure him ( rather kill him ) with such remedies as doe violently loosen the belly , from whence hath proceeded this extraordinary fluxe , continuing with me now these two moneths at least : neyther yet haue I sent this fellow away , howbeit , as I am now much afraid , the Author of my mischiefe : and for any thing I can as yet perceiue , I waxe daily worse and worse , my whole strength being now almost quite decayed , wherfore I am now purposed to send him away packing . Moreouer , as concerning the signes of the pox , I found none at all , and so farre as I could collect by his owne relation , there were neuer any at all .

In the meane time while we were thus talking our Empiricke came in . This worthy Knight ( call him knaue if you please ) was a Baker by profession . This saucy Iack , like some proud Thraso , did maruellously expostulate with the Patient for sending for me : a great cause indeed to chide poor Pamphilus . Some certaine big words did this Braggadochio breathe out , as is the manner of these men , howbeit to small purpose : adding moreouer , that none could cure him besides himselfe . Sometimes he said he was sicke of the pox , prating of many other idle things not worth the rehearsall : and presently againe would he affirme , that hee had a stone in his bladder as big as an egge , and that hee would be content to be hanged if it were not according to his words . Wherefore perceiuing it would be to small purpose to vse reasons against one , who could be little bettered by the same , or by any sharpe reproofe , I only answered him thus briefly , My Friend , I came not hither of mine owne accord , but being sent for : and now so farre as I can perceiue , the patient hath need of present help ; wherefore I thinke it fittest to administer vnto him such things as may by little and little stop the flux , or else in a very short time his vigor and strength will quickly perish and decay . As for any signes eyther of the stone , or of the French pox , I find none at all .

Whiles I was thus talking , he betaketh him to his heels in a great chafe and rage . After I had appointed his dyet , and such gentle remedies as I thought fittest , I departed homewards . The third day after , the seruant came to me againe , acquainting me that his Master was now much better then heretofore , I still wishing him to continue in that course I had appointed him . Phlebotomy prescribed without the sight of the party , by the vrine only , hastneth the sicke to his end . But yet not resting content with my counsell , sends yet his vrine to another Physitian , who vpon the sole sight thereof , without any further , appointeth Phlebotomy . These blockish people , ( notwithstanding I had strictly charged the contrary , & disswaded from bleeding , whatsoeuer incouragement they might seeme to haue from the vrine ) did with speed put the same in execution . Whereupon hee was like to haue yeelded vp the ghost . Of which being aduertised by the seruant sent againe vnto me , I told him that the vrine had deceiued the Physitian , & withall vndone the patient , wishing they had better followed my directions , & that now his only course was to prouide himselfe for another world . The seruant was scarce come within the doores , when his master verified my prediction . The friends desirous to know whether the varlets words concerning a stone in the bladder , would proue true , caused him after his death to bee opened , but no such matter was found , howbeit this Rogue had pledged his necke on the same .

Not safe alwaies to let blood when the vrine is red . Wherefore here we may learne , that it is not safe vpon the sole inspection of a red vrine , presently to appoint bleeding , since the same may proceed sometimes of a crudity and weaknesse of the liuer : and in this Priest was such an imbecillity conioyned with a Feuer Hecticke , and therefore his bleeding proued to bee his bane . And that wee ought not rashly vpon the sight of a red and thicke vrine , prescribe Phlebotomy ( whatsoeuer Auicen and the Arabian Physitians do hold ) it is a thing not to be doubted of . It is then apparant how dangerous it is to prescribe remedies vpon the sight of the vrine onely , as also how deceitfull a signe this is .

And to this purpose is not impertinent a pretty Story which Langius relateth in his Epistles , where hee maketh mention of a certain Apothecary being a Iew , hauing at the very entry of his shop set a carued Image of a foole , apparelled with a party-coloured coate , A pretty description of a water-prophet . and a red hat on his head , who holding out an Urinall in his hand , fleering as fooles vse to doe , seemed to shew the same to the beholders . A Physitian being there by with Langius , maruelling what this might meane , entring within the shop asked the Iew concerning the meaning of this matter . Ingenious confession of a Iew The Iew answered , that he had heard both from his Father and Grand-father hauing both beene Physitians , that such Physitians as by the fallacious iudgement of Urine doe attempt to know and discerne the disease together with the causes of it , and the place affected , are fooles like vnto him , who did mocke and laugh to scorne their rash iudgement of the same , whom for this cause hee had set for a Signe before his shop dore . So free and ingenuous a confession of the truth in this matter , may one seldome heare among our Christian Water-prophets , before whose doores such Signes were very fit to be set vp .

It is not then sufficient to content our selues with the bare inspection of the vrine sent to vs ; but it is our part to visite the Patient , yea often if it bee possible , Lib . de Praecept . and Hippocrates himselfe giueth vs warning of the same , as also to inquire of the most ignorant Idiot such things as may helpe forward the Cure . The same Author in another place saith thus : Come often at the sicke , visite diligently , Lib . de centi . ●ornatu . withstanding such things as might be done ignorantly , and changing them if they be already done . And thus thou shalt more easily attaine to the knowledge of the same , and shalt bee the readier for euery occurrent , &c. Now yet further if the inspection of the vrine only were sufficient to giue vs ful notice as wel of the disease as of the signes and symptomes thereof , what needed Physitians to haue written so many volumes with so great labour and toyle concerning other signes and tokens whereby they are discerned . And we read that Galen himselfe findeth out diseases , and distinguisheth them by the pulse , which requireth of necessity the presence of the Physitian , as well to iudge of it by the touching , as of diuers other excretions by the sight .

Hence also commeth it to passe , Galen hath written of set purpose diuers bookes concerning the pulse , not so concerning vrines . that neither Hippocrates nor Galen haue of set purpose so curiously set downe this Doctrine of vrines ; howbeit they haue here and there as occasion serued made mention of the same , as willing vs not too much to rely vpon it , but to conioyne all the rest of the signes , which he shall neuer be able to doe without the sight of his Patient . Iohannes Damascenus & Rhases in Aphorismis . This is also the opinion of Iohannes Damascenus , in his Aphorismes , and Rhases doth likewise confirme the same . And it cannot bee denyed but many by reason of the inconstancie of this signe ( which often deceiueth the Physitian ) haue had their dayes much shortened , whom it had beene perhaps an easie matter to haue saued , if they had had a skilful Physitian by them . And of this I will set downe as lamentable an example as was the former . Vpon a time an honest man being troubled with a carnosity , Story of an vnskilfull Surgeon , who pierced a carnosity in the passage of the Yard , procu ing by this meanes the death of the Patient . growne in the passage of the vrine , at the bottome of his Yard , a certaine fool-hardy Barbar giuing himselfe forth for some skilfull Surgeon , thrusting vp a Catheter into his Yard , burst through the passage , thinking there had beene some stone in the bladder ; whence it came to passe that a fluxe of blood ensuing , together with an inflamation and burning feuer , the diseased through the vnskilfulnes of this wicked wretch was cast away . When death was now knocking at the doore , and ready to breake it open in her Soueraignes name , they send his vrine to me , this being the custome of the common people , and of some others also . The vrine was thin and cleere , with a small residence , ( for the Fluxe of blood had ceased but a little before ) of a golden colour , inclining somewhat to Saffron , insomuch that neither could any haue discerned any inflamation , nor acute Feuer by the same ; howbeit it was somwhat coloured : but vnderstanding by the seruant that his stones were exceeding swollen ( the which no man by the vrine could euer haue discerned ) I went to him my selfe , and found that his priuy members and stones were so exceedingly swollen , that scarce had I at any time knowne the like ; and at length the vrine was quite stopt , that not so much as one drop could come forth . There was this braue Barbar stifly maintaining that this was nothing else but the stone in the bladder , and was resolued to haue cut him , the breath being now ready to depart out of his body if I had not disswaded him . He had also administred vnto him very hot and sharpe medicines for breaking of the stone , which had increased as well the Feuer as the inflamation , and consequently killed him before wee could bethinke vs of any fit remedies . His dead body being opened to see if they could finde any stone , they could finde none , neither in the kidneyes , pipes of the vrine , nor yet in the bladder ; so that then they gaue credit to my speeches .

I could relate a many like Stories of such as haue beene diseased of Pleurisies , inflammation of the lungs , and the like , deluded to their great dammage by this so deceitfull a signe : but these shall now suffice to proue that which we haue vndertaken . Now since it hath beene lately declared that the Physitian can by the inspection of the vrine onely , neither finde out the infirmity nor yet the place affected , much lesse the causes and symptomes of them : now it resteth to declare that the vrine cannot indicate or demonstrate the cure it selfe ; but that besides the vrine there are certaine scopes and ends , from which the indications of curing are deriued , which doe no lesse require the Presence of the Physitian then the former , the which also in the next place wee will set downe ; In libris obseruat . Medicinal . de febribus . howbeit I haue elsewhere handled the same as occasion was offered .

CHAP. IIII . That there is a certaine Method and order of signes and causes , as also of diseases , together with the accidents of the same : that there are also certaine scopes and ends from the which againe the indications of curing are deriued , by meanes whereof , and not of the bare inspection of the Vrine onely , the cure it selfe is performed : by all which as well the vtility as the necessity of the presence of the Physitian with his Patient is proued .

NOw as concerning the signes of diseases , and the finding out of the same , our learned Physitians haue laboured nor a little . And as concerning the fountaine and spring from whence they doe proceed , our Physitians haue set downe diuers ; the which first of all that euer-praise-worthy Hippocrates found out , who layd also the first foundation of this rationall Physicall Profession , as it is now practised , Rationalis sectae Author Hippocrates . worthy the admiring in this one poynt , that hee proceeded so farre in this Profession , that hee hath beene euer highly esteemed , not onely by those who liued in his time : but euen in the succeeding ages also . This rationall sect , as wee may call it , doth proceed from the nature of the thing it selfe , to finde out the signes , the causes , and remedies . Hence also commeth it to passe that a Physitian professing the same , must vnderstand the temperature and constitution of mens bodies , as also to be well exercised in finding out the seuerall infirmities of the parts of the body . After Hippocrates Galen , and after him many learned men haue handled this Method . After many other famous and learned men succeeded Galen , who hath herein gotten himselfe so much glory , that hee hath left but little for his Successors to gleane after him . Of late diuers learned men haue well manured this Method , as namely Montanus . Fernelius also refined this faculty , publishing it to the view of the world . The same hath lately beene illustrated with a new and easie Method by Heurnius , and Argenterius hath also attempted the same ; and many others haue taken no small paines in this matter . Now howsoeuer they may seeme somewhat to vary and differ in the enumeration of the particulars ; yet they are all deriued from a true and sound Method . And thus Donatus with Galen , Donatus ab alto mari . search out first of all the place affected and grieued : to wit , whether it be so of it selfe , or by consent of some other part : the which notwithstanding without the knowledge of Anatomy , no man can euer finde out . The place affected or grieued therefore hee searcheth and inquireth into , from fiue seuerall springs and fountaines : from the hurt the action hath receiued , from the manner of the excretions , the position or situation of the part , the nature or manner of the paine , together with the propriety of the accidents . So in like manner doth hee finde out the disease it selfe , from the excretions , the propriety of the paine , the propriety of the accidents , the nature of the part it selfe , and from such things as haue preceded and gone before ; such as are the manner of dyet , custome , age , the constitution of the Ayre , or the Heauens , together with the disposition of the whole body . Leonhardus . Iacchinus cap . 1. in 9. Rhas . ad Almans . Montanus Met . vniuersa . cap . 56. & 57 And besides this , such a disease as properly pertaineth to the part , doth continue without intermission , but that which commeth by consent hath some intermission . After this manner also proceedeth Leonhardus Iacchinus . Montanus collecteth all his from two fountaines or springs , to wit , from the actions & passions of the whole body . Hee doth therefore obserue whether the action vitall , naturall , or animall bee quite decayed and perished , or any wayes depraued or marred . The naturall actions are considered from the change of excretions of the said parts : the animall actions from the excretions or superfluities of the braine , the vitall from the pulse . After the same manner doe we consider of the passions as we haue done of the actions . Thus doe wee first of all consider the passions of the braine , such as are watching , sleepe and deliration . The vitall are distrust , feare and shamefastnesse ; the last whereof being once lost , that party seldome recouereth the health . The naturall passions are pleasure & delight , hunger , thirst , and the like , being referred to the stomacke . There maist thou see a many mo things concerning this Subiect , which of purpose I passe by , & that for feare of being too tedious . Argenterius lib duobus de offici Medici , praesertim . cap . 18. lib . 2 Argenterius also hath a large field tending to this same purpose , which I will also here omit . All which do intimate so much vnto vs , that the vrine only cannot bring all this to passe . Now next let vs proceed to the causes of diseases .

Briefly therefore of the causes , some are internall , called {αβγδ} , being bred within the body of man , such as are blood , phlegme , yellow and blacke choler , exceeding their owne bounds and limits . Other causes are externall , called primitiue , and by the Greeks {αβγδ} , being without the body of man , as heat , cold , poyson , with innumerable others , &c. Now of these , some againe be necessary , as the ambient ayre , our meate , drinke , rest , sleepe , watching , perturbations of the minde ; as feare , sadnesse , anger , &c. Others againe are not so necessary but that wee may well auoid the same : such are hot stewes , bathes , vnctions , apparell , smels , carnall copulation , externall motions , whether by horse , waggon , as also falles , with a number of other things , which doe suddenly assault vs : all or any of which , who so would seeke for in the vrine , deserued to be begged for a foole , or to be allowed vrine for his ordinary drinke . The internall causes haue their originall and being from the primitiue , euident , or externall , concerning which thou maist see many famous auncient and later writers . Gal. de caus . morb . & . sympt . Fernel de causis morber . &c. As for the finall cause it is not to be obserued in the Art of Physicke . The efficient cause is that which altereth and changeth the state of the body from an equality and good temper , to an inequalitie and distemper : the same is againe either internall , externall , or primitiue , within the body do alter it , the meate , drinke , and medicines : without the bodie , the affections of the mind , anger , motions , carnall copulation , sleepe , and watching . The materiall cause may also become the efficient cause of the disease , being also two-fold ; the one , the matter of which , as are the humours ; the other , the matter in the which , as are the members of the body , receiuing the diseases and infirmities of the same . The formall cause , as in a Feuer , an externall and outward heate . Now how be it much more might be said concerning the causes , yet will wee not insist any longer vpon them , but referre the curious Reader to the aforesaid authors with many others .

Now as neither the signes nor causes of diseases can be discerned by the vrine , it followeth now in order that the indications of curing , or that part of Physicke called Therapeutica , can no more be found out by the vrine , but it is to be found out by certaine scopes or ends , from whence are afterwards deriued certaine indications of curing . But to the end wee may more easily attaine to our purpose , wee will first of all declare what is meant by these foure , Indicatio , coindicatio , contra indicatio , correpugnatio , beginning first to tell what is meant by this word Scope . A Scope what it is . A Scope then is the tearme , or end whereunto the action is directed . Indication Indication . is the reason or Motiue of doing such a thing , which looking vpon the Scope , doth point out to vs : or thus , Indication is the knowledge of that which may either help or hurt : Coindication Coindication . is that which sheweth vs the same that the Indication , but not primarily of it selfe , but by accident , and as it were in another place . Thus the strength of the patient is said to indicate Phlebotomy , or a proper diet , but the temperature of the body , the age , the sexe , the custome do coindicate the same , because they declare in what state the strength of the body standeth , and consequently doe declare and point out the dyet , not of themselues , but by others mediation and comming betwixt them . Contraindication Contraindication . is that which primarily and principally doth hinder that which was suggested by the indicant : as the abundance of humours do indicate a plentifull euacuation ; the Contraindicant is the want of vigour and strength , hindering this worke , and opposing the selfe against it , as being more by the same ouerthrowen then any thing else within the body of man according to the course of nature . Correpugnation Correpugnation . ( if so I may say ) or Correpugnantia , are such things as doe secondarily oppose themselues to the Indication , and as one might say opposing themselues together , or ioyning with the other in opposition , such as are in euacuation , the age , the sexe , the temperature of the body , and the rest of this nature and kinde : all which when they shew the imbecillitie and weakenesse of naturall strength , doe either not admit any euacuation at all , or else do insinuate the apt and due moderation of the same . Now such things as do neither indicate nor contra indicate , neither perswading , nor disswading ; such I say as if they were not at all , are not of vs considered , or taken notice of , but of these things see at great length Donatus , Argenterius , and Montanus , with many others , the which the learned , if they be desirous , may there see set downe at great length , and so it doth plainely appeare that the indications of curing are not taken from the inspection of the vrine , as many most falsely haue hitherto conceiued , but yet we will set downe in the next Chapter the chiefe Scopes from whence Indications are taken , and so shall the vncertaintie and deceitfulnesse of this signe of Vrine be made more manifest .

CHAP. V. That remedies ought to be sought from certaine scopes and indications , for the which cause such Physitians are to be blamed , who doe vnaduisedly vpon the sole sight of the vrine prescribe their remedies .

NOw then to acquit my selfe of my former promise , and to the end this matter may more manifestly appeare , I will out of the former famous Physitians briefly set down the chiefe scopes from whence the indications of curing are taken . 1 Scope . Whether wee are to vndertake the Cure or no . The first scope of all therefore shall be , whether that wee would take in hand ought to be vndertaken ; for if it be possible , then may wee boldly goe about it ; if impossible , then not to attempt it . Now to the end the Physitian may vndertake or not vndertake a cure , two things are to be considered , the efficient , and the matter or instrument on the which the Physitian is to worke . Then come wee next to the manner of curing . Now then if wee meane to proceed in it , two things must concurre , the power , and the matter ; if either bee wanting wee can doe nothing to any purpose ; as if any member of the body be deficient , eye , nose , &c.

The Physitian himselfe may in like manner be deficient , in regard of his ignorance and insufficiencie , such as be Empiricks , women-physitians , &c. who are fitter for baser imployments then for so weighty a calling . The skilfull and learned Physitian may yet be deficient also in regard of some operations set downe by some famous auncient Physitians , as being in those dayes vsuall , now disused and discontinued ; as for example , the incision of the diseased of a Dropsy , the which perhaps may be either in regard of the difficultie thereof , or in regard of the decaying of the strength , it not beeing then safe to administer the same . Sometimes also it commeth to passe that although as well the matter as the instrument be fitted for the operation , that yet notwithstanding it is not safe to goe about the cure , in consideration of some other circumstances which doe internally or externally happen and befall the subiect wee are to deale withall . The internall may bee the temperature of the body , perturbations of the mind , age , and sometimes the self-wilfulnesse of the sicke . For if we should appoint a strict and thin sparing dyet , the temperature of the body not beeing able to beare the same ( as commonly wee see in cholericke bodyes ) then may it rather doe harme &c. So must wee be sparing with Phlebotomy either in yong children , or yet in women with child , especially towards the beginning and later end of their time , the like circumspection is to be vsed in purging remedies . Neither yet are wee to neglect the perturbations of the mind , as in faint harted people wee are to vse these remedies sparingly , as also in Laskes , and in the menstruous flux of women , and in the Piles or Hemorrhoids . Such things as doe externally befall vs , are first the ayre , and therefore in soft and foggy bodies , in any great excesse of Summers heat or Winters cold the same ought to bee restrained if not wholly inhibited : the like being vnderstood of an exceeding hot or cold region . Custome also must not be contemned , for some accustoming themselues to feed 3. or 4. times a day , falling sicke must be more liberally dyeted ; and such as are accustomed to purging and bleeding , sustaine lesse hurt by the same . In like sort we are to consider whether we are to attempt any thing at all , or to commit the whole worke to natures wise disposing , according to the opinion of Argenterius : or yet if we see the disease so farre gone that there is no good to be done , not to attempt to do any thing , but to foretell the dangerous issue of the same . Second scope choyce of that which is fittest to be done . The second scope followeth vpon the first , for hauing in the first place considered whether we are to go in hand with the cure or no , in the next place we are to consider what is to be done , for being many things to bee done , it is not a thing of small moment to vnderstand what he is to doe , whether to vse euacuation or repletion , digestion , nutrition , alteration , refrigeration , with infinite other things more ; or whether some thing besides all these yet is to be done , of the wh●ch whosoeuer is ignorant going about one thing in stead of another , must needs bee the author of great mischiefe . The cause then doth indicate and declare vnto vs what wee are to doe , ( as Montanus well obserueth ) but the efficient cause doth especially indicate preseruation from future infirmities : the materiall cause being corporeall or incorporeall , belongeth properly to the curing or curer of the said infirmities . Now these two sorts of materiall causes doe differ , the materiall corporeall cause ascribing vnto it selfe euacuation ; the other being incorporeall only alteration . Or yet this indication ( according to the opinion of Argenterius ) is taken from the number and difference of the infirmities , &c. Galen defumeth the same from the dignity of the part or member , the nature of the action , from the substance and scituation thereof , whom other Writers do also imitate . So doth Iacchinus defume and take the indication of this scope from the temperature of the part , the excellency of it , the seat or scituation , & the connexion or knitting therof with some other . Donatus in like manner draweth the first indication from the temperature of the part it selfe , affirming that the substance together with the infirmity it selfe doe both demonstrate this , ( as 5. Meth ● . Meth . ) and the manner how to vse the same is taken from the forme and scituation . And thus doth Galen appoint to preserue and keepe the naturall temperature , with things alike in quality to the same , as to appoint dry remedies to dry parts , and moyst to the moyster , &c. Secondly , Donatus taketh his indication after Galens minde , from the action , and therefore willeth vs to purgc the liuer , and stomacke with great caution and circumspection , by reason of the noblenesse of their actions , and the necessary vse of them to the whole body : thirdly , from the shape and figure of the part affected . By this meanes are we warned by which way and passage we are to euacuate , to wit , the stomacke by vomit and stoole , the guts by stoole only , as also the hollow parts of the liuer , the kidneyes , the backe-part of the liuer , and the bladder by the passages of the vrine , &c. The fourth indication he takes from the scituation of the part . Thus are wee to apply to outward distempers remedies iust of the same degree of contrary qualities , and such as the distemper requireth . But againe the inward and farre remote parts of the body being distempered require remedies a great deale stronger then the distemper in its owne nature , and that in regard of the remotenesse of the part , the Physicke losing some of the force in the passage , &c. The fift indication he taketh from the sensiblenesse of the part , such as be of an obtuse and dull feeling contemning for the most part the most effectuall meanes , although they were of a corroding and eating quality . Such parts againe as be very sensible their strength is quickly ouerthrowne . It is very meete and expedient therefore to remedy the same not all at once in one instant with strong and forcible meanes , but for the more safety by degrees : but where the feeling is duller thou maist safely vse such remedies as thou shalt finde fitting all at one time . And thus it now appeareth plainly that this second scope is not to bee taken from the viewing of the water , as these ignorant Urine-mongers doe most falsly suppose , who vpon the bare inspection of it appoint their most dangerous and strong medicines , yea rather most deadly Poysons , as doe in like manner our Alchymists with their most dangerous metall-medicines , they being both alike ignorant in the Principles and rules of Art. The third scope is by what meanes Third scope by what meanes . wee ought to bring that to passe which we intend . This scope then requireth the furniture of such stuffe as Physicke is able to afford vs , the which either the disease or the cause of the same doth indicate . If the disease , then it cannot be sufficiently knowne without the Physitians presence , much lesse cured vnlesse he be either alwaies present , or at least doe often visite his Patient . This scope then is indicated from the disease , the cause , together with the accidents of the same . And therefore old inueterate obstructions doe indicate strong and forcible medicines for the opening of them : the abundance of humors , such Physicke as may be fit for the euacuation of the same . The disease which yet is crude admitteth no euacuation before the concoction thereof . They are not therefore without blame who presently vpon the sight of the vrine onely , appoint the Patient strong and violent Purgations , whether there bee concoctions or none at all , and that quite contrary to the minde of Hippocrates and other learned Physitians .

And thus doth euery one of these indicate the owne proper remedy , whether the cause , disease , or accidents of them . Distemper doth indicate alteration ; the multitude of humours euacuation ; crudity , concoction ; paine , mitigation of the same ; any violent Fluxe , astringent and binding remedies , &c. The fourth scope considereth the quality of the matter , that is , a choyce of the fittest meanes , especially when they are many , together with the quantity of the same . The fourth scope the selection and choyce of the fittest meanes , and the quality of the same . And therefore it is not sufficient for vs to know what doth euacuate choler or any other humour , but what effecteth it to best purpose , The quality of the remedy is taken according to Galen , from the action which it bringeth forth , taking the name from the part to the which it is appropriate , and the infirmity which it helpeth . The first qualities such as are heat , cold , drought and moysture , are the Authors of the action , and such as are deriued from them , as those which do soften , harden , loosen , extend or stretch ; and such likewise as doe follow the solidity of the substance , to wit , those that doe attenuate , that doe cut , and such as doe thicken and stuffe vp the passages , and are called properly enplasticae , as in like sort such as are engendred of the two former sorts of qualities , as are astringent , repelling , digesting , opening , thickning , clensing , together with others of the same nature and kinde . Secondly , the quality of remedies is taken according to Galen , from the similitude or likenesse of the whole substance , from whence doth proceed the purging quality , which doth draw the humours of the body , some purging one humour some another . Thirdly , it is taken from the infirmity and the part affected ; as for example , Bechica bee such remedies as are appropriate for the cough ; Stomachica , hepatica , such as befit the stomacke and liuer . Now the infirmity it selfe doth indicate the applications of the first qualities , thus ; the heat that which is cold , and the cold againe that which is hot , &c. The temperature againe doth indicate the application of the like , as a cold temperature requireth a cold quality , &c. The same may bee said of all the aforesaid qualities .

Now which of the qualities , that take their names from the place and the infirmity of the same , ought to be applyed vnto it , is indicated or declared as well by the nature of the part it selfe , as of the disease also . And for this cause the stomacke & liuer do require such medicines as may strengthen them , as wormewood , &c. Each part also doth craue her proper and peculiar remedy : and so also are some diseases thought to be helped by some peculiar remedies ; as the falling sicknesse by Peonie , &c. The fift generall scope is the quantity of the remedie : The fift scope the quantity of the remedy . and in nothing whatsoeuer doe Empiricks and ignorant Physitians erre more then in this poynt , it being notwithstanding so dangerous . It is not then sufficient to know that the disease is to bee cured by contraries ; but the exact quantity of the remedy is also to be found out : for if we shall happen to ouer-coole a hot disease , we may cast the sicke into a cold disease , the which to preuent we ought to be acquainted both with the state of the body of the sicke , the disease it selfe , together with the nature and faculties of the remedies . Now that I insist not vpon the opinions of Montanus Argenterius , and others , I will shew onely from whence Galen taketh his indications of the quantity of the remedies , whom Akakia also ( my sometimes kind and louing friend , when as I practised Physicke in France ) doth imitate . Hee taketh his indication of the quantity ; first from the greatnesse of the infirmity , vnder which name I comprehend both the disease , the cause , and accidents of the same . A great infirmity therfore doth not only require a great quantity of the remedy , but also a competent power and force in the same : the smaller infirmity , smaller in quantity , and remisser in force : and finally the excesse of nature is to bee driuen away by the like excesse of the remedy . In the next place Galen taketh his indications from the obstinacie and stubbornnes of the disease ; for when the same may easily bee remoued , then are we to exhibite our remedies seldomer and more sparingly : but if they be hard and vneasie to be remoued , then may we more freely , more copiously , and oftner exhibite our remedies . Thirdly , from the strength , for if it decay and wast , then must we exhibite our remedies sparingly and seldome : but if the case bee otherwise , then may wee oftner and frequently vse the same . Fourthly , from the proper and peculiar nature of the Patient : for according as they differ , so must the remedies in like manner vary . Some constitutions there are to whom any Physicke will presently turne into nourishment , and such may take the same more liberally . Others there are againe who are annoyed with any Physicke whatsoeuer , so that oftentimes the very smell of it will incite them to casting ; and to such thou oughtest to giue the same more sparingly . Fiftly , from the nature and condition of the part : & this doth comprehend also vnder it the exquisite sense and feeling , together with the dulnesse thereof , the solidity , the office , &c. And therefore an acute sense and feeling doth reiect a strong and copious medicine , which a more obtuse and dull sense admitteth willingly . Likewise a thin and spongious part requireth much milder then that which is thick , hard and compact . So in like manner the noble parts , and such as performe a common duty to the whole body , ( such as are the stomacke , liuer , heart , and braine ) require the same more mild , and withall sparingly . On the contrary such as be obscure , ignoble , and performe no such publike and common office , may easily indure it somewhat quicker and in greater quantity . Sixtly , Galen taketh the indication of the quantity of the remedy from the shape or fashion of the part . And therefore such parts as haue within and without large and wide passages , through the which the medicine may be easily conueyed to the place affected , and the matter of the disease digested , require the same more gentle and more sparing : but such againe as are destitute of the same , or haue their passages narrower , require it both more copious and more quicke . Seauenthly , from the situation and connexion of the part with others ; for such as bee outward hauing any society with the stomacke and guts , require the same both gentle and little in quantity : but such as bee more remote from the former , demand it in greater abundance and stronger withall .

The sixt generall scope is the limitation of the quantity , The sixt scope . The manner or limitation of the quantity . or the manner of administring it according to the seuerall occurrents and occasions . And therefore it is not without cause that Montanus saith , wee are well to consider how and after what manner we go about that we take in hand : for we proceed after one manner when it is a maligne disease , and otherwise when it is secure and void of danger : as also many dangerous accidents require a course farre differing from that disease where there is no such thing to be seene . Now the materiall cause also , or the subiect in the which the disease is inherent doth indicate the same , as that the cure must proceed after one manner in the braine , & after another in the liuer . Vale Gal. ad Glam . Montanum . And to the former may be also added the sicke parties custome , state of life or calling , the time of the yeare , age , temperature , or constitution of body ; the motion of the disease , or the resting or staying of the same , and the nature of the place affected .

A number of other indications for breuities sake I of purpose passe by , howbeit these may sufficiently declare vnto vs that which the stinking vrine will neuer doe . Now notwithstanding all the premises , we shall yet remaine in great doubt and suspence , vnlesse things bee done conueniently and in due time . And therefore the seauenth scope considereth the due & conuenient time The seuenth scope . The fit & conuenient time . for that we take in hand . Thus the motion of the disease doth indicate when to doe or not to doe , and the time likewise of the disease . And therfore if the motion of the disease be quick & speedy , we must with all speed helpe and succour the same : wherefore we must helpe very acute and sharpe diseases on the very selfe same day they begin vpon , enioyning a most exquisite and sparing dyet withall , delay being here most dangerous . If the disease goe on slowly , the matter of the same not swelling , nor yet in very great abundance , but still and quiet , then are wee to expect the concoction of the same . The time of the disease doth indicate that we ought not to attempt any euacuation at the beginning , but in the increase , when as the signes of concoction do manifestly appeare . In the beginning of inflamations we are to abstaine from such medicines as doe digest and discusse . In the increase , and when it is now come to a stand and stay , we are to vse the same . So according to the minde of Galen the fit and conuenient time is taken from the times of the disease , the violence of the accidents , and from the concoctions . So likewise the sicke parties proper and peculiar disposition , as also the remedies which haue gone before or ought to follow , as also the preceding or following infirmities , do often further or hinder the exhibiting of any more Physicke . And for this cause if the nature of the infirmity require Phlebotomy , and yet the selfe same day the sicke haue taken a purging potion , we must of necessity deferre the remedy howbeit in it selfe very necessary . Now such things as doe commonly indicate , are the infirmities themselues , together with the state and condition of the body . Such things againe as doe hinder , are sometimes the disorder and vnrulinesse of the sicke , the frowardnesse of the Physitian , the perturbations of the minde , as also the manners and disposition of the sicke . The particular occasion hath in like manner the own proper and peculiar indications : but such as in regard they are conuersant about particulars , are rather to be learned by experience then by reason .

Now these seuen foresaid scopes being common to other actions , we will yet adde two more , to wit , the eighth and ninth , concerning the place and order , the which are more peculiarly appropriated to this Profession . The eighth scope teacheth vs to apply our remedies to the proper place . The eight scope The proper place . And therefore the great guts demand glisters , as fit remedies ; the small guts , some purge taken at the mouth ; the stomacke or maw , a vomit , and sometimes a purge ; the backe-parts of the liuer , by such means as prouoke vrine , as hath been said already , and so in many others , &c.

But as in other the former scopes , so in this also , some things do sometimes occurre , which doe often hinder that wee cannot hansomely bring to passe that which is by the indications suggested vnto vs. As for example , the mouth of the stomacke being much perplexed by reason of hot distemper , and demaunding some actually cooling remedy to bee applyed thereunto , the scituation of the midriffe doth prohibite vs from applying any such outward remedy . The ninth scope is the order . The ninth scope . The order . For when as in a disease there be diuers things to be done , it concerneth vs not a little to know what is to be done in the first place , what in the second , and so consequently in order . Thus are we forced sometimes in burning feuers , first of all to coole the whole body , then next we remoue the obstructions . As also when the strength of the body is almost quite wasted away , and the spirits neere spent , before we either set vpon the disease or the cause thereof , wee are constrained to administer some such comfortable nourishment and other meanes as may best nourish and comfort feeble & distressed nature . In like manner we doe first clense a distempered vlcer from the matter and corruption of it , before wee attempt to cure the distemper of the same . And therefore I thinke this axiome worthy the remembring , which may also direct vs what to doe , to wit , Vide Argent . lib . 2. de offic . Medici . cap . 18. Donat . 1. part . de febr . Heurn . Meth . ad praxin . lib . 3. &c. that wee are to begin with that which most presseth and vrgeth vs , to wit , that first of all we remoue the same , and in the next place that which supplyeth the place of the efficient cause : Lastly , wee are to come to such things , without the which the rest cannot be accomplished . But of these things thou maist at great length see the learned volumes of diuers famous Physitians .

And now I hope it is apparant to the eyes of euery one , that such Physitians proue fooles who doe from the inspection of the vrine , affirme that they are able to finde out any one , much lesse all these foresaid scopes , which is as impossible , as if they would containe all the water of the Sea in a few spoones . Whence it commeth to passe that these water-prophets plunge themselues in a world of errors , if omitting and passing by these scopes and indications vpon the bare sight of the vrine they shall happen to prescribe Physicke for their Patients : when as these former indications do more then sufficiently declare , that the presence of the Physitian is also required to assist his Patient . And some are not content rashly and boldly vpon the bare sight of the vrine , ( as is said ) to prescribe their remedies , but doe withall , publishing the same in their vulgar tongue to the great damage of many , prostitute the same to euery ones idle braine and fancie , to abuse them at his pleasure . But of this wee will now speake at greater length in this next Chapter .

CHAP. VI . Against such as do prescribe and appoint remedies in their owne vulgar tongue , making the same common to euery one .

NOw as we haue hitherto sufficiently conuinced the errors of such as vpon the bare sight of the Urines , without any other indications , doe prescribe their remedies to the sicke without any sight of them : so must wee yet say somthing of another error depending vpon the former . And this is the prescription of remedies in the vulgar tongue . And therefore the renowned Hippocrates leaueth vs this instruction , that high and great mysteries are not to be communicated to the ignorant multitude , but onely to such as are initiate & trained vp in the grounds & principles of the same . And it doth manifestly appeare , that if the mysteries and secrets of nature be laid open to wicked people , to Impostors and deceiuers , or yet to the vnlearned , they doe exceedingly abuse the same . And therefore the foresaid Hippocrates , vpon the admission of such as he found worthy to enter into this profession ; tyed them to the oath of obseruing such precepts & ordinances as are set downe in that science , most prouidently foreseeing what great calamity and vnexpected mischiefe might befall men , if the secrets and mysteries of this Art were made common to knaues and ignorant people . But this cursed custome is growne so common , that the vulgar sort of people seeme to haue this noble Art of Physicke to sell and dispose of at their pleasures . This disorder occasioned by the sordid couetousnes of the patient . Now this commeth to passe in part by means of the sordid and base niggardlinesse of many , who either do obtaine through importunity or otherwise , the prescription of their remedies in the vulgar tongue , to the end they may againe if need so require , vse the same in the like case , or yet communicate the same to their friends or acquaintance ; and sometimes also after the seruing of their bill , get the same againe from the Apothecary to serue for the same purpose , not considering with themselues the manifold alterations and changes which may fall out in a short time , insomuch that that which before proued to be a most soueraigne remedy for thy health , may now by reason of some circumstances , be the cause of thy vtter ouerthrow and ruine . And thus haue I sometimes seene the billes of a Physitian dead twelue yeares before , carried to the Apothecaries shop to be made againe . And moreouer now of late I met with a bill wherein was set downe the description of a purging Potion , being communicated from house to house , and so sent to the Apothecaries shop to be prepared , and was indifferently exhibited to euery one which demanded it , and that without any regard either of age , sexe , temperature of body , or season of the yeare , &c. Againe in the next place , As also by meanes of the Apothecary . this commeth also to passe , by reason of the couetousnesse and auarice of the Apothecary , who is ready ( ayming onely at his owne gaine and profit ) at all times , and to all sorts of persons , to prepare and make ready such billes as are prescribed either in the Latine , or yet in the vulgar tongue : the which neuerthelesse ought not to be done , vnlesse the Physitian out of his discretion , shall thinke it fit for that indiuiduall party . This the Poet Sophocles wittily reprehended in these words

Dulce lucrum etiam ex mendacio . Sophocles . Lucri bonus odor ex re qualibet . Iuuenalis . Profit and gaine thou ioyest my heart , Though thou from lyes proceeded art .

And this was the song of that sordid Emperour Vespasian , The smell of gaine is alwayes good from whence soeuer it doth come , &c. Now howbeit at my first comming out of Italy , finding this peruerse custome to haue crept in amongst my Countreymen , and therefore at first I also , howbeit against my will , gaue way for a season to this inueterate custome ; yet after a while well weighing with my selfe the manifold abuses and inconueniences of this so peruerse a custome , I began to shake this burthen off my shoulders , refusing to write any billes at all either in the Latine or vulgar tongue . A laudable custome of the Italian Physitians , in writing all their billes in paper-books , kept by the Apothecary . And therefore I gaue the Apothecary a paper-booke to keepe by him , in the which I wrote downe all my notes and receipts , as is the laudable custome of the Italian Physitians : this booke I charged him to keepe , and to suffer none to write out any receipt or note out of it ; nor yet to prepare any of them without my knowledge and priuity .

But if any will yet obiect that this is for our owne priuate commodity , let him know that the honest , carefull , and conscionable Physitian doth not so gape after gaine as doe the multitude of these mercenary counterfeit Physitians , being such in name onely ; but aboue all things aymeth chiefly at the health of his Patient , preferring it euen before his owne priuate gaine and commodity , ready to redeeme their health , if it were with dammage and detriment to himselfe . The which what other profession I pray thee will thus put in practice . And yet ought not the Patient to be so miserable and base-minded as to bee vnthankfull to his Physitian : howbeit when he hath been most bountifull in this kind , The Physitian can neuer bee sufficiently recompenced for his paines . yet is he neuer able to requite him for so worthy a thing as is the health of the body : for whatsoeuer is giuen in this kinde is nothing else but a signe and token of a thankfull minde for so great and inestimable a benefit receiued . And this may plainly appeare if wee shall but consider the equall intercourse and commerce amongst men , on the which the whole streame of Iustice and equity is founded ; for then it will plainly appeare , that howsoeuer money and wealth may counterpoyse and match things of their owne ranke and nature ; yet will it neuer bee able ( as being of a farre inferiour and baser ranke and degree ) condignly to recompence or reward the same . And in this may the difference bee seene betwixt this noble Profession and other inferiour mechanicall Arts , in the which it is apparant that the labourer may sufficiently be recompenced for his bodily labour and paines , as equity , long custome , or yet mutuall couenant shall agree vpon . And put yet the c●se that health doe not ensue ( as it often pleaseth the Almighty otherwise to dispose ) who can giue the Physitian a sufficient competent recompence for all his toyle , labour and paines ; Whatsoeuer is bestowed vpon the Physitian for his paines , is but a token of the Patients thankfulnesse , called properly honorarium not salarium , as in the mechanicall Arts. but especially for his anxiety of minde , his great solicitude and care which hee day and night vndergoeth , for the misery , calamity , and perplexed estate of his distressed Patients ? Can any man of vnderstanding think that a small summe of money can sufficiently requite the same ? No ; if thou wert as rich as Craesus all thy wealth were not sufficient to recompence them condignly .

But to returne to our purpose againe , I hope that honest and ingenuous Physitians will not follow this vulgar and corrupt custome : but will not onely themselues abstaine from divulgating abroad their billes or bookes in the vulgar tongue , as also from this preposterous and peruerse manner of inspection of vrines in their owne Chambers ; but will also as much as in them lyeth , labour to reclaime others from this error . And if yet they shall perhaps not attaine to their intended end and purpose ; yet shall they in this poynt performe the part of honest and carefull Physitians . If any will yet further obiect , that if the vrine doe neither demonstrate and shew forth the infirmities nor yet the indications of the same , to what end and purpose haue you heretofore referred the inspection thereof to so necessary and profitable a part of Physicke , as that which the Physitians call commonly semeioticall , or handling the signes of diseases ? To this I answer , that none of our best Physitians doe deny the necessary and lawfull vse thereof ; but yet after a farre other manner then most men haue hitherto conceiued . My minde and purpose therefore is not , nor euer was , to take away the right vse , but to reforme the abuse of the same , and taking away that which hath beene by it vsurped , and now for a long time vniustly detained , to make knowne to the world what of right and due belongeth to the same , as hath been at great length declared already . And thus I thinke it fitting that the Physitian bee present with his Patient there , not onely to view his vrine , but also narrowly to consider of all other such signes as do offer themselues to his view . For if wee thinke the presence of the Surgeon necessary for the curing of any outward wound receiued in the body , if hee will cure the same according to Art as he ought : much more is it requisite that the Physitian be present with his Patient , being sicke of any internall disease , to the end that both hee may consider of all such things as we haue heretofore spoken of , as also that hee may obserue and marke all such things as may further or yet hinder the cure of the same , as hath beene already at great length declared and set downe . Now it may perhaps be replyed , this is not a thing like to be reformed , since it is not vnlikely that the greatest part will still retaine their old inueterate custome , and will not free themselues from imposture and cozenage . To them I answere , that I beleeue this to be true , all men are not of one minde , neither yet can wee alone amend all errors which are crept into this noble profession ; diuers others hauing before our times ( although not with the expected issue ) attempted the like . In the meane time this shall giue the world a sufficient testimony of our diligence and care , in that wee haue here opposed our selues against some such errors , as haue somewhat darkened the bright splendour of this Profession , and for the benefit of the sicke , laboured and indeuoured to remoue out of the society of the best approued Physitians , this vaine babbling and coniecturing by the Urine : and some I hope there will be not onely ready to approue and think well of these our endeuours , but will also translate the same in their vulgar tongues , to the end that the most simple and ignorant may by this meanes , if they will , free themselues from the imposture and cozenage of these deceiuing Water-mongers . For this cause also are we to pray to the great and mighty God of heauen , that he would touch the ignorant consciences of these Sycophants , iuggling and cozening Empirickes , woman-Physitians , and all the rest of that rabble , that yet at length they may repent them of their cozenages and impostures . I doe in like manner most earnestly intreat and request all learned Physitians that they would ioyne with mee and others of my minde in these our so honest endeauours ; and wee againe will not be wanting on our parts : and further if at any time by meanes of the importunity of some wee shall bee forced to giue way to this inspection of vrine in our owne Chambers , we shall neuerthelesse giue warning to euery one who shall thus come to aske counsell at our hands , that it were a great deale better that we were conducted to the place where the sicke party lyeth , that so both more easily and more safely we might doe our best for the restoring of him againe to his former health . But if on the other side they will not hearken to this our wholsome admonition , the fault shall lye vpon themselues .

Now at length to draw this our Discourse to an end , I hope it doth plainly appeare , that the generall conclusion whereabout we haue so much bestirred our selues in this whole Discourse , as being the maine subiect thereof , to wit , that the iudgement of the nature and essence of diseases by the sole inspection of the Vrine , is very full of danger and deceit , is plainely and conspicuously laid open to the view of euery one that will not shut vp his eyes that hee may not behold manifest truth . And certainly the very loue we ought to beare vnto our neighbours might bee a sufficient motiue to induce vs to lay open to the view of the world all such errors whereby our neighbour might be any wayes indangered or indammaged , to the end hee may auoid and shun the same .

Now GOD of his great goodnesse grant that this labour and paines which I haue so willingly vndertaken for this end and purpose bee not frustrate of the due effect .

FINIS .

THE ANATOMIE OF VRINES . CONTAINING THE CONVICtion and condemnation of them . Or , the second Part of our discourse of vrines . Detecting and vnfolding the manifold falshoods and abuses committed by the vulgar sort of Practitioners , in the iudgement of diseases by the vrines onely : together with a narrow suruey of their substance , chiefe colours , and manifold contents , ioyning withall the right vse of vrines . Wherein is contained plentie of profitable and delectable Histories concerning this subiect . Collected , as well out of the ancient Greeke , Latine , and Arabian Authors , as out of our late famous Physitians of seuerall Nations : their authorities quoted and translated out of the originall tongues , together with some of the Authors owne obseruations . By IAMES HART of NORTHAMPTON . Neuer heretofore published .

LONDON , Printed by Richard Field for Robert Mylbourne , and are to be sold at his shop at the South doore of Pauls . 1625.

TO THE HIGH AND MIGHTIE PRINCE , CHARLES PRINCE OF WALES .

SO manifold are the miseries ( high and mightie Prince ) incident to mortall man , that it may seeme not ill said of Cicero in Calce lib . 1. Tusc . quaest. Silenus , who being taken prisoner by king Midas , for his ransome taught the king , that it was best for a man not to be borne ; and being once borne , to dye speedily . And in like sort , that the Lang . epist. medicin . lib . 2. epist. 2. ex Herodoto & Lactantio . Thracians had some reason to mourne and lament at the birth ; but on the contrarie , to feast and reioyce at the funerals of their friends . The manifold infirmities following him from his birth to his buriall , seeme to pleade for this opinion . And therefore no lesse wittily and wisely then truly was it pronounced by the heathen Poet : Viuere quid est nisi val●re v●ta . Martial . To liue , I call to leade a life free from infirmities . And this was the cause why the De his vide Pol●d . Virg . de inuent . rerum lib . 1. cap 20 ex Pl●n . & ●lijs . ancients ascribed the inuention of Physicke to no meaner author then their gods , as they called thē . The Hippocr . in epist. Grecians gaue the famous Hippocrates such honours as were due vnto their supposed deities , erecting him a stately statue next vnto Hercules . The Plin . lib . 29. cap . 1. Romanes for recouering their Emperour Augustus out of a dangerous disease , celebrated the memoriall of his Physitian Antonius Musa , in erecting for his perpetuall praise a statue of brasse next vnto Aesculapius , besides the libertie this Emperour allowed him in his life time to weare a ring of gold ; whereby he promoted him to the order of Nobilitie . Critobolus was likewise highly honored for curing king Philips eye without any deformitie . King Ptolomee for curing of his sonne Antiochus , bestowed on his Physitian Erasistratus a thousand talents of siluer . De magnifico Pand●lfo Malatesta Brixiae , Bergami atque Fani domino , hec Iohannes Michael Sauonarola in pr●oemio ad lib . de balneis . And a learned late writer maketh mention of an Italian Noble man , who hauing at a certaine time inuited some Marquises and great Lords to dinner , and hauing disposed of euery one of his guests according to his greatnesse , and a sumptuous chaire yet standing emptie at the vpper end of the table , his guests guessing it was reserued for himselfe ; he suddenly taking his Physitian Iacobus Rheginus by the hand ( to the great amazement of these Nobles ) placed him in this sumptuous seate ; adding likewise these words : Sit thou here , the meanes and instrument of my health , whom thus all Princes ought to respect and honour . These few instances among many ( mighty Prince ) I haue of set purpose set downe , to the end it may the more plainly appeare , how highly both this Art & the professors of the same haue bene in former times honoured ; and how much it is , by meanes of ignorant and vnsufficient practisers now adayes debased . The which as it is by diuers meanes occasioned , so is this impostorious coniecturing by vrines ( I meane as most do vse it ) none of the least . In the former discourse I aduanced the auantguard of my forces against this vsurper on another mans right : and in this I now set forward the whole forces of the maine battell , not onely to batter , but to beate downe , if it be possible , this so enormous abuse . And as the former , so was this last birth , in the very first conception , consecrated to your Highnesse . As therefore it pleased your Highnesse with your Princely protection to grace my former labours , and kindly to accept of the same ; so do I now most humbly intreate you , with a gracious aspect to countenance these my latter paines . The gift , I grant , is farre inferiour to your greatnesse ; but the saying of Plinie doth somewhat comfort me , affirming that Lacte dijs multae gentes supplicant & mola falsa litant . Plin . prooem lib . 1. natur . histor . some nations vnfurnished of frankincense , offer vp milke and cakes made of meale and salt to their gods . And the same deities ( saith the Poet ) are pacified with the poore farmers turfe and corne . Saepe deis hos inter honores , cespes & exigui placuerunt sacra coloni . Stat. syluar . lib . 1. And it hath bene a grace for greatnesse , to accept of small gifts at meane mens hands , and thought no vnbeseeming thing for great Princes to fauour learning and the louers of the same . But fearing to offend your Princely eares with prolixitie , the weight of matters now in hand requiring greater breuitie , I will here surceasse , beseeching the mighty God of Iacob , who hath deliuered you from the dangers of the deepe , and manifold perils by land , and brought you safe home to English soile , to the great comfort and content of all true hearted British ( not Babilonish ) subiects , heape and multiply vpon your Highnesse his mercies and blcssings , both externall , internall , and eternall . Amen .

Your Highnesse in most humble obseruance , IAMES HART .

To the kind and courteous Reader .

IT is not vnknowne to thee , kind Reader , that the last yeare I published in our English t ngue a Called the arraignement of vrines . discourse concerning this same subiect of Vrines ; wherin were contained the manifold abuses committed by diuerse sorts of persons , builded only vpon this rotten foundation of inspection of Vrines , as is ordinarily vsed , there at great length prosecuted , with the originall of this error , and many instances of such errors there at length related , the vnsufficiencie of this signe alone set forth , and prouing the necessitie of the Physitians presence with his patient , if it be possible . Afterwards also were set downe diuerse scopes and indications requisite for the cure of the disease , prescription of remedies vpon the bare inspection of the vrine onely , reproued , together with diuers other things there at great length to be seene . In the Prefaee thereof I engaged my selfe for t●e publication of a second part concerning this same subiect , after a more particular manner . And of this I purposed to haue made thee partaker about a twelue moneth ago , according as the catalogue then made mention , but that some rubs haue vntill now robbed me of the effecting my purpose .

Summe and substance of this whole discourse In this therefore I enter into a narrow suruey of all the seuerall parts of vrine , which for this cause I call the Anatomie of vrines . Now whereas for breuitie I haue passed by the seuerall significations , and vncertaintie of some colours of vrines , to wit , such as do decline from any one extreame , what concerneth the same , may easily , by that which hath bene said of the same extreame , be vnderstood . Now if any shall enquire what is the cause I spend so much time about this subiect : I answer , it is by reason of the old inueterate opinion , or rather errour , which most people haue conceiued concerning this strumpet ; whom for this cause I haue here vnmasked , and layed open to the view of euery one that will not shut his eyes in the cleare Sunne-shine ; and that to the end that none may be circumuented by the fraud and cozenage of such as abuse her for their owne benefit . But lest any should imagine these things to be but fancies fetcht from mine owne braine , therefore not contented to set down mine owne positiue opinion , I haue both backt , fortified and flanked it with the bulwarks of the best writers of ancient and later times , whose owne words I haue truly translated , directing thee likewise , learned Reader , to the marginall quotations , where for thy recreation and better satisfaction , not the names of the authors onely , and the particular places , but the very words of the originall are often set downe , that so it may more euidently appeare , that this latter iurie finds her guiltie , as the former great enquest after the inditement found Billa vera . The condemnation must then of necessitie follow , since the parties offending hauing had these three last assizes allowed them to pleade for themselues , haue said nothing . This sentence I referre to this The honorable Court of Parliament . sage assembly , who , as I hope , will take this publicke businesse , as a matter of no small moment , into their serious considerations . But me thinkes I heare some say , what is then the vse of vrines in discerning of diseases ? or serueth it for no vse at all ? I answer , that so farre am I from abrogating this so ancient and necessarie a signe , receiued by all our ancient and late writers , which I do highly esteeme , and account of the same being rightly vsed , howbeit as it is commonly vsed , it is most shamefully abused .

The right vse of vrine The right vse of vrines . then is , together with all the rest of the signes and seuerall circumstances of the disease ( in such diseases I meane where it is of any force or validitie , in some diseases being of no vse at all ) to giue vs notice of the nature , together with the changes and alterations , as likewise what is like to be the issue of the same . The Physitian is therefore first to enquire diligently into the nature of the disease , together with all the other signes and circumstances thereof : and then , comparing all together , to giue forth his best and most assured iudgement . Most foolish therefore and absurd is the sottish custome of the countrey people Foolish custom of the countrey people . now a dayes , bringing the vrine to the Physitian , it may be in some old oylie or inkie bottle , and then to demand of him as of some Delphian oracle , the whole nature of the disease , the patients age , and diuerse other things wherewith they ought to acquaint vs , as also with all the other signes and circumstances of the disease : euen as the client is to lay open his cause to the Lawyer , how learned soeuer , and skilfull in his profession . It is yet not vnworthie the obseruation , that one and the same vrine hath often diuers and seuerall significations , and therefore vnlesse by diuerse other signes and circumstances limited , can neuer affoord vs any certaintie , as hereafter both in the colours and contents the ensuing discourse shall make manifest . And thus may the right vse to the wise and vnderstanding easily appeare ; especially to such as haue bene or yet shall hereafter be admitted vnto such mysteries . And therefore ignorant Empiricks , women , and many other such , haue no share or interest in these affaires , as not being able to diue into the depth of the premisses . And as for cleargie men , they cannot be ignorant , that they ought to be employed about businesses of an higher nature . And if they will haue a care of the soules entrusted to them , they need not trouble themselues with their bodies . Now that one signe , in some diseases onely to be obserued to be of any vse , should with a Papall prerogatiue assume all authoritie vnto it selfe , is both against common sense , daily experience , The pulse in many diseases to be preferred before the vrine . and the authorities of the learned . The pulse will pleade for a preheminence aboue the vrine : and to iudge of this , as of a number of other signes , it will of necessitie require the Physitians presence . Now that the vrines in many diseases , and those of vndoubted danger , do often shew thee no more then the ground thou goest on ; and that many other signes besides are of necessitie to be obserued , hath bene at great length related in the former tractate , and shall yet more plainly and particularly in this which followeth appeare . And for thy more particular information , I haue set downe the seuerall significations of vrines , and that according to the opinions of such Authors as haue written of them ; together with some particulars which haue neuer yet bene published by any English writer that I haue as yet seene , as by the contents of the bookes and chapters may appeare . Some things also which haue bene by others written and auouched for vncontrolled truths , I haue confuted as false and erronious : and that , as I thinkt , by vnanswerable arguments , illustrating the same with varietie of ancient and recent authorities , together with plentie of pertinent examples , being true historicall relations , obserued both by my selfe and other Authors : the which howsoeuer they do not simply proue ; yet do they not a little illustrate the matter in hand , and make it more perspicuous to the meaner sort . Now whereas I sometimes insert something of the ignorance and vnsufficiencie of some offenders , some may , perhaps , reply , that it may sometimes befall a good Physitian to faile as well as any of them . I confesse Indeed , Bernardus non videt omnia : He is a good horse that neuer stumbled . Neuer to faile is a priuiledge denyed to any of the ofspring of sinfull Adam : Quandoque bonus dormitat Homerus . Horat . howbeit the learned Physitian building vpon reason and experience , keepeth alwayes an orderly and methodicall course in all his proceedings : and if he may sometimes erre ( as being a man and not a God ) how much more then an ignorant Empiricke , a shee-Physitian ( such a one as now liueth in Northamptonshire , and in whom I wonder that any that hath any braines in his head can see any sufficiencie ) that I say nothing of a medling Minister that neuer was trained vp in that profession ; shall they I say be obnoxious to error in so intricate an Art , wherein they haue no interest , as being meere vsurpers vpon other mens right ? Besides , the vulgar not being able to iudge of the sufficiencie of the learned Physitian , preferreth often the paines of some ignorant Empiricke , ( soothed vp it may be by the successe of some casuall cure ) before the labors of the most learned & honest artist . But my meaning is here of an ordinary erronious course of practising , euen against the rules of art , & the very grounds & principles of this physicall profession . Of such errors I could haue set downe a multitude , besides those few which I had by relation , either from the patients themselues , or else from some of their most familiar friends and acquaintances , who haue protested , that they will be readie to iustifie the same vppon their oathes . Casuall cures sometimes succeeding , do not proue a sufficiencie in the parties thus practising . Neither yet let this suffice , that some of their proctors pleade for them a number of happy and successefull euents ; since that thus we may often magnifie the most vile wizard , and most ignorant old wife in the countrey : this argument taken from issue and euent being a meere Paralogisme , a fallacie and deceit , taking that often for a true cause which is no cause indeed , as in the conclusion of this discourse shall more plainly appeare . And in this I appeale to the learned and honest Artist , not to such a persons parasite , who taketh for good and current coyne what soeuer commeth out of his mint , nor yet their otherwise honest , yet in this point , too partiall patients , in this particular blinded with the mist of ignorance , or a preiudicate opinion of such mens supposed sufficiencie , they themselues not being able herein to discerne betwixt right and wrong .

Now that this hath bene no An vsual & ordinarie custome to browbeat & ouerthrow errors and imposture , and to pleade for truth . vnusuall custome to browbeat and ouerthow errors , euen in this profession , and for the maintaining of truth to pleade against imposture , might easily , as well by ancient as later authorities , be euinced , which would be too tedious here to relate . But amongst many , one late writer I cannot passe by ( the learned Libauius I meane ) who hath wrestled with many such monsters ; as namely Michelius , Hartmannus , Scheunemannus , the impudent Priest Gramauus , and that famous , I meane infamous impostor Ambaldus , author of that counterfeit This Panacaea was a certaine medicine made of saffron , quick siluer , vermilion , antimonie , and certaine seashels made vp in fashion of triangular lozenges , stamped and sealed with certaine strange characters , and sold at a very deare rate , the very name importing as much as a medicine against all diseases ; and was in as great , or greater esteeme among the Germanes , as euer Aurum potabile once here amongst our selues . Liban . contrae Ambald & defens . syntagm . a●can . chym . contra H●nuingum Scheunem . Panacea , like our Aurum potabile , supposed good against most , if not all infirmities ; who notwithstanding , for his ignorance not being able to vndergo the triall and examination of the Physitians of the Citie of Ausburg , was most iustly by the Magistate banished the same , and so his fame after a while turned to fume or smoke . And haue we not of late dayes had here at home D. Gwin . & D. Raleigh against aurum potabile , D. Cotta against this and diuers ignorant erronious practisers . some maintainers of truth and opposers of imposture , some liuing euen at this day ? And against this same abuse in particular , besides Forest , Euritius Cordus published in Latine a learned booke : so did likewise Guilielmus Adolphus Scribonius , the learned Langius in some of his Epistles , and many others also , as hereafter shall appeare . But I am not ignorant , that whosoeuer will publish any thing in this last and learned age , cannot chuse but vndergo the censure of many iudges , as witnesseth the worthie Hieron epist. 132. partis tertia referente Langio . Ierome . Some will perhaps say the stile is too meane and plaine : and others , if there were any elegancie in it , would cry out , he playes the Orator ( perhaps odious in handling vrines ) not the Physitian . And some preoccupied with a partiall and preiudicate opinion , like the diseased of some cholericke feauer , to whom the sweetest things seeme bitter : so whatsoeuer fruite groweth in some mens gardens , be it neuer so good , will giue no content to some mens ouer curious & nice relishes : so hard a thing is it to practise this one point , Omnibus placeto .

Howsoeuer , kinde Reader , if thou come with a desire to submit thy selfe to the rules of reason , to haue thy iudgement rectified if erronious , and with an earnest desire to be fully informed of the truth , let not my labour be lost , but peruse , I pray thee , this tractate , wherein thou mayest perhaps finde something for thy satisfaction . And howsoeuer , perhaps , the cookerie may not giue thee full content , yet remember the matter is but meane , in the which I haue had a greater regard to the matter it selfe , then to the curious manner of deliuering the same ; and a greater care to satisfie the simplest vnderstandings ( for whose cause I haue principally published these my paines ) then with the ornaments of an Orator to please the eares of the most learned . Optimum condimentum fames : A good appetite needeth no sauce . The Germanes in diuerse places of Saxony , in stead of currants bake their cakes with blacke Poppy seeds : and in stead of stewed broth boyle wilde or horse radishes with their beefe . The French findeth a good rellish in his soure sauces : and a Spaniard maketh often as great account of a Lemmon , as an English man of a peece of powdered beefe . Whatsoeuer it is , and howsoeuer liked , yet my principall purpose was and is to profit the publicke . If I should pleade a priuiledge from backbiters , and immunitie from malignant tongues , I should sue for that which hath bene denyed the greatest and worthiest personages of ancient and later times . And some varlets haue bene found , who would rather fire the famous temple of Diana , then not minister matter to talke of them . And as for my selfe , I deny not but I shall find some of the offenders here mentioned , who will snarle and grumble at my so plaine and vnpartiall reprouing of their faults . Some , who should haue shewed better example , conscious to themselues of their owne guiltinesse , haue broken the ice already , & as I am informed , haue much repined at the Preface of my former tractate . Iohn 18.23 . * If I haue spoken euill beare witnesse of the euill : but if well , why smitest thou me ? If they can iustifie their actions , let them publish their apologie , and let the Reader iudge . But if they can do nothing else but maligne other mens labours , and themselues loyter , I wish them to be filent .

Carpere vel noli nostra vel ede tua . Martial . Bring forth thy birth , or barke not thus at mine .

But all they can say , moueth me no more then the barking of a dog , or the yelping of a foxe , as knowing that ,

Obsequium amicos , veritas odium parit . Terent . Flatterie gets friends , but truth oft enuie finds .

It is for thy sake therefore , kind and vnpartiall reader , who hast learned to value vertue at her highest worth , that I haue vndertaken this taske : which I acknowledge to be so far from perfection , that I confesse I haue but with a rude pencill pourtrayed out the lineaments of this picture , giuing hereby fit opportunity to some cunning Apelles to perfect the same hereafter . Homo sum , humani à me nihil alienum puto : Terent . A man I am , and as all the sonnes of Adam , subiect to error . But let the righteous reproue me , Psal . 141.5 . it shall be as a precious ointment , and shall not hurt my head . So intreating thy patience to take these my paines in good part , not to be too sharpe and censorious , nor yet too open eared to hearken to enuious inuectiue speeches of any whose sores are here lanced , and to keepe one eare open for thy friends iust apologie , I rest ,

Thy euer vnfained , well-wishing friend , a fauourer of the publicke good , and a profest enemie to all fraud and imposture , IAMES HART .

THE CONTENTS OF THE Chapters contained in this whole Tractate . IN THE FIRST BOOKE . CHAP. 1. THe Introduction , where some thing of the antiquitie , excellencie , and eminencie of Physicke , and of the lawlesse intrusion of some ignorant persons vpon the profession of Physicke , with the absurditie of the same . CHAP. 2. Of the vncertaine iudgement affoorded vs by vrines in generall , together with their limitation to certaine diseases , & that out of a manie learned and approoued Authors . CHAP. 3. That euen in diseases of the Liuer and within the veines , the vrine doth often deceiue the most skilfull Physitian . CHAP. 4. That by the vrine onely it cannot absolutely be knowne whether a woman be with child or no , contrary to the vulgar opinion . CHAP. 5. That the sexe cannot be discerned by the vrine . IN THE SECOND BOOKE . CHAP. 1. THat the regions of the vrine are not answerable to the regions of the body of man , as also concerning the substance of vrines thicke and thin ; their manifold significations , and vncertaintie of iudgement by the same . CHAP. 2. Of the accidents of vrine , the quantitie , smell , &c. And that no certaine and assured truth can by them be presaged or knowne . CHAP. 3. Of the colours of vrines , how deceitfull they prooue , and first of the colour commonly called palew , & light saffron . CHAP. 4. Of red vrines ; how easily one may thereby be deceiued : of pissing of bloud . CHAP. 5. Of blacke vrines , and that they are not alwayes so dangerous as they are deemed . Of blew , ash-coloured , leaden and greene coloured vrines , together with their seuerall significations and vncertainties . CHAP. 6. The manifold significations of white vrines , as also the great vncertaintie of iudgement by the same . CHAP. 7. Of the circle or garland , spume , and froth , bubbles , smoke , or vapour , and fat in the ouermost region of the vrine , and what certaintie from thence can be collected . CHAP. 8. Of the cloud , swimme , or sublimation , together with diuerse sorts of residences , and the vncertaintie of their significations . CHAP. 9. Of the manner of pissing : the retention or stoppage of vrine , totall or in part : of inuoluntarie pissing , both in sicknesse and in health . CHAP. 10. Of the fond and foolish opinion concerning distillation of vrines . Of the water of separation , together with the vncertaintie of iudgement by such meanes . CHAP. 11. The conclusion of the whole discourse , where something concerning issue and euent , and of causuall cures .

THE NAMES OF SVCH FAMOVS Physitians as are alledged in this present Tractate . Actuarìus . Aëtius . Ancient Greeke Physitians . Alexander Benedictus . A learned Italian Physitian . Alexander Trallianus . An ancient Greeke Physitian . Amatus . A learned Portugall Physitian . Ambrosius Paraeus . Surgeon to three French Kings . Andreas Laurentius . Physitian to King Henry the fourth . Andreas Libauius . A very learned Germane Physitian . Antonius Valetius . A learned French Physitian . Archigenes . An ancient Physitian of Syria . Aretaeus Cappadox : or of Cappadocia . Beniamin Lobshuts . A learned Germane Physitian . Chrystophorus à Vega . A Physitian to the high and mightie Prince Charles , Prince of Spaine , and D. of the chaire in the Vniuersitie of Complutum . Claudius Galenus . Diomedes Cornarius . Physitian to Maximilian Archduke of Austria , and brother to Rodolphus and Matthias late Emperours . Duncanus Liddelius of Aberdene in Scotland , Physitian to Henricus Iulius , the late and last Duke of Brawnswicke , and D. of the chaire for Physicke and the Mathematickes in the Vniuersitie of Helmstadt . Felix Platerus . Physitian to the illustrious Duke of Wirtemberg , and one of the D. of the chaire in the famous Vniuersitie of Basil in Switzerland . Franciscus Emericus , D. in Physicke , and practicall professor in the Vniuersitie of Vienna . Franciscus Valleriola . A learned French Physitian . Gasper Bauhinus . Physitian to the late mentioned Duke of Wirtemberg , and D. of the chaire in the aforesaid Vniuersitie of Basil . Guilielmus Adolphus Scribonius . A famous Germane Physitian . Guilielmus Rondeletius . D. of the chaire in the famous Vniuersitie of Montpeliers in France . Hieronymus Cardanus . A learned Italian Physitian . Hieronymus Mercurialis . A learned Italian Physitian , and D. of the chaire in the Vniuersitie of Padua . Hieronymus Montuus . Physitian to Frances the 1. French King . Hieronymus Reusnerus . A learned Germane Physitian . Hippocrates . Iacobus Douinetus . A Germane Physitian . Iacobus Holliricus . A famous Physitian of Paris in France . Iacobus Syluius . A French Physitian of good account . Iean Marinello , of Forli in Italie , an Italian Physitian . I. Flesher . A learned English Physitian . Iodocus Willichius . D. of the chaire in the Vniuersitie of Franckford on the Oder in Germanie . Iohannes Anglicus , or Gatesden , the Author of Rosa Anglica , a famous English Physitian , who liued in anno 1320. Iohannes Belfortis . Iohannes le Bon . A French Physitian of good note . Iohannes Caius . A learned English Physitian . Iohannes Crato a Krafftheim . Physitian to three Emperours of the house of Austria . Iohannes Damascenus . Iohannes Fernelius . Physitian to Henry the 2. French King . Iohannes Heurnius . A learned Low countrey Physitian , and D. of the chaire in the Vniuersitie of Leyden in Holland . Iohannes Langius . Physitian of fiue Electors , Princes Palatines of Rhene . Iohannes Michael Sauonarola . Physitian to Borsius sometimes Duke of Ferrara in Italie . Iohannes Montanus . A learned French Physitian . Iohannes Renodaeus . A famous Physitian of the same nation . Iohannes Schenckius . A learned Germane Physitian . Laurentius Ioubertus . Physitian to Henry the 3. French King , Chancellour in the Vniuersitie of Mont-peliers , and D. of the chaire there . Leo Roganus . A famous Romane Physitian . Leonardus Turnheisserus . A Germane Physitian . Leuinus Lemnius . A learned Physitian of Zeland . Ludouicus Mercatus . Physitian to Philip the 2. and 3. kings of Spaine , and D. of the chaire in the Vniuersitie of Vallad'olid in Spaine . Marcellus Donatus of Mantua in Italie , a Physitian of good account , Knight and D. in Physicke . Martinus Akakia . A learned French Physitian . Matthaeus de Gradi . Nicolus Florentinus . Paulus Aegineta . Petrus Forestus . A famous Physitian of Holland . Petrus Sphaererius . Physitian to the Archbishop of Mentz . Rembertus Dodonaeus . Physitian to the Emperour Rodolphus 2. Rhases . An Arabian Physitian . Rufus Ephesius . Timotheus Bricht of Cambridge . A learned English Physitian . Thomas Rodericus à Vega . A learned Spanish Physitian .

Besides these , many moe might haue bene to the same purpose , not impertinently produced , which I thought might well be spared , these being to an indifferent and vnpartiall Reader sufficient .

SOME OTHER AVTHORS . Aelianus . Aristoteles . Bible . Carion . Catullus . Cicero . Henricus Ranzouius . Herodotus . Homerus . Ierome . Iosephus . Iuuenalis . Lactantius . Martialis . Nicetas . Plinius . Polibius . Sabellicus . Statius . Terentius . Zonaras .

THE FIRST BOOKE OF THE ANATOMIE OF VRINES .

THE ARGVMENT .

IN these two bookes is a continuation of the discourse concerning the vncertaintie of iudgement in diseases by the sole and bare inspection of the vrine onely , without the concourse of the rest of the other signes ; whereunto the sight of the patient is altogether necessary . In the first booke and first Chapter , by way of introduction , something is said of the antiquitie , excellencie , and eminencie of physicke ; as also concerning the lawlesse intrusion of some ignorant persons vpon this profession , with the absurdities of the same . Then in the next place follow certaine authorities of some famous Physitians against this abuse in generall : and afterwards also in some such diseases where it is thought to be of greatest force and validitie . And after shall fully be confuted that foolish , absurd , and inueterate opinion , of discerning whether a woman be with child or no , by the bare inspection of the vrine onely : and that by vnanswerable arguments , together with some instances , both of mine owne and other ancient and late Physitians of no small note . And lastly shall be plainly demonstrated , that the sexe cannot by the vrine onely be discerned , contrary to the vulgar opinion .

CHAP. I. The introduction , where some thing concerning the antiquitie , excellencie , and eminencie of physicke , and of the lawlesse intrusion of some ignorant persons vpon this profession , with the absurditie of the same .

OVr most great and omnipotent God , of his great goodnesse , hauing first created and framed these glorious globes and orbes of the vniuerse , together with the earth and all the ornaments and furniture of the same , at last made man , that microcosme , or little world , as it were an epitome or abridgment of this great vniuersall world : and that according to his owne likenesse , and placed him in earthly paradise . But not long after being by the serpent that old inueterate enemie of mankind , seduced to sinne , he became a map of miserie , obnoxious to death and eternall damnation ; and euen in this life subiect to innumerable sicknesses . So farre notwithstanding , did his makers bountie abound , that not onely sent be him a Sauiour to redeeme him from damnation , but furnished him with innumerable remedies against his manifold infirmities . Ioseph . antiquit . Iudaic . l. 1. cap . 4. Zonaras annal . lib . 1. These Adam taught his sonne Seth ; and he againe ( lest water or fire should destroy them ) wrote the principles of physicke in hieroglyphicke letters , vpon two pillars ; one of stone , against the rage of the water , the other on bricke against the furie of the fire . Thus came the art to be propagated to posteritie : and Abrahams seed soiourning in Aegypt that vnthankfull nation , yet for their hospitalitie to Gods people reaped this benefit , that they were by them instructed in the principles of this profession , and many moe besides . The Greeks gained this knowledge of the Aegyptians , who were not idle , but improuing the same , would willingly haue assumed all the honour to themselues . High account of physicke amongst the Graecians . In great honour and reputation was it amongst this nation for many yeares , and the professors of the same in great credit and account with the mightiest Monarches : witnesse the honour exhibited to Hippocrates and his posteritie , by the Athenians in particular . And the account the Persians made of it , may from hence euidently appeare , Amongst the Persians . Hippocr . in epist. that the great Artaxerxes sendeth to Histanes gouernour of the Hellespont this message . The fame and renowne of the noble Hippocrates , of the race & linage of Aesculapius , borne in the I le of Cos , together with his great skill and sufficiencie , are come to mine eares : bestow thou therefore vpon him as much gold as he shall demand of thee , and whatsoeuer he shall haue need of , bestow it vpon him in most plentifull manner , and haue a care to send him to me : for he shall be equall in honour and dignitie with the greatest Princes of Persia . And moreouer , if there be any other wise learned man in Europe , let him be enrolled amongst the Kings domesticke & familiar friends , not sparing for any cost whatsoeuer : for such men are not euery where easily to be found . After many yeares , Vide Sabell ennead . 9. lib . 2. Zonar . annal . tomo . 3. aliosque neoter . the Turkish tyrannie like a violent inundation ouerflowing the most part of Asia , together with no small part of Europe , this profession being now banished out of Greece its owne naturall soile , together with the rest of the Muses , it sought for shelter and succour amongst the rude Arabians , Entertainment amongst the Arabians . where it was welcomed with such entertainment , as such a countrey could affoord it : where howbeit it was enlarged by many such simples as India and Arabia would yeeld , yet haue their bookes bene so branded by barbarous translators , that they are not euen vntill this day freed from the same . Amongst the Romans Amongst the Romans . likewise it was not a little respected , where that worthy Emperour Augustus hauing among many others , some intelligence of the great abuses committed by ignorant intruders vpon this profession , together with the great dammage redounding to the subiect , by meanes of this l●wlesse libertie , made a law as followeth . That no person , The law of Augustus Caesar against ignorant and vnskilfull practisers of physicke . of what estate or degree soeuer , within the Romane Empire , should either teach or practise physicke , vndertaking the cure of any sicke persons , vnlesse he were first licensed and authorised by the Emperor himselfe , or by such as should by him be deputed or appointed for this purpose . This law was long inuiolably kept by the succeeding Caesars , vntill such time as the barbarous Vide supra , & inter neoter . Chronic . Carion . aedit . 1608 , in 8. Saracens & Turks , vnder the conduct of that monster of mankind Mahomet , did with fire & sword waste and destroy a great part of Asia , especially Syria , together with Greece and the countrey about Constantinople : the Goths , Huns , & Vandals omitting no kind of crueltie in the other parts of Europe , Mars enemie to Minerua . Italie in particular . These , besides many other miseries , did also subuert and destroy most of the Vniuersities and schooles of good learning , burning the bookes they could come by , and bringing in by this meanes meere barbarousnesse and ignorance . This great inundation and deluge gaue no small encouragement to all manner of cozeners to practise their imposture , sparing neither the persons nor the purses of the oppressed people . This wofull calamitie continued vntill Lotharius Duke of Saxonie was crowned Emperour at Rome . Lotharius first Emperour of the house of Saxony restored learning and learned men in the west . De his vide orationem doctoris Beniamin Lobschuts impressam cum obseruat . medic . Diomedis Cornarij medicinae Doctoris . This worthy Emperour both erected a number of new nurseries of good learning , and repaired such as were founded before his time , adding and increasing meanes for the maintenance of these new erected schooles and Vniuersities . Moreouer , he caused to be sent for out of euery countrey and kingdome , the most famous and learned men that were to be found , and such as did most excell in euery art and science . And for the better furtherance of this his purpose , he granted many priuiledges and immunities to the aforesaid Vniuersities & schooles , the whole Professors and Students in the same . And thus physicke with the rest reuiued againe ; and being healed of her former wounds , was drawne out of the darke dungeon and prison wherin she had so long lien in thraldome and captiuitie , and by meanes of this noble Emperour restored to her former dignitie and libertie againe . Now to adde more grace and dignitie to this noble profession , he renewed againe that worthy law of Augustus , inhibiting and discharging any person whatsoeuer , either to practise or professe this or any other art or science , vnlesse he were first licensed from the Emperours court . But well foreseeing the inconueniences which might from hence arise , if all such businesses should depend vpon his court ; for this cause he granted this priuiledge and authoritie to the aforesaid Vniuersities throughout the whole Empire . This so wholesome constitution of Lotharius all the succeeding Emperours to this day haue continued . First originall of Doctors and other degrees in the Vniuersities . And thus came first in these titles of Doctor , Master , &c. not by the appointment of any priuate man , but by the lawes of Emperours and Kings of Christendome . Now besides the premisses , I would easily euince both the eminencie and excellencie of this profession from the vtilitie and necessitie , Vtilitie and necessitie of this profession . as being of necessarie vse for euery age , estate and degree ; as also the worthy subiect thereof , to wit , the body of man , so farre foorth as diseases are expelled , and health preserued ; it being also the shrine of the soule , & the costly coffer wherein it is contained , do conciliate no small authoritie vnto the same . Neither yet is the skill in this profession so easily attained vnto , as many ignorant people do perswade themselues . But that there are many things required in him who is to be called natures darling , and great Secretarie of state , at all times to helpe and assist her , when oftentimes she cannot helpe her selfe ( vnto which this confused multitude neuer hath attained , and therefore vnworthy to be admitted vnto such mysteries ) hath euer bene receiued for an vncontrolled truth . The causes of the disease must be exactly knowne before the cure , and many other things besides . And thus it is recorded of Aristotle , that at a certaine time falling sicke , his Physitian there by him prating apace , answered very wittily after this manner . {αβγδ} . Aelian . lib . 9. cap . 23. Polib . lib . hist . 2. & 3. indeque Lang . epist. medicin . lib . 2. epist. 48. Hippoc . lib . 2. de lege . Neither cure me like a cowheard , nor yet like a plowman ; but first of all let me know the cause , then shalt thou find me obsequious to thy prescriptions .

The euer praise worthy Hippocrates , howbeit in few , yet in effectuall words , setteth downe such things as are requisite in a true Physitian . Whosoeuer will exactly and diligently purchase to himselfe a firme knowledge in this profession , must of necessitie be furnished with these which follow . Nature ( that is , a potentiall aptnesse , wit and vnderstanding , with a certaine pronenesse and inclination to this profession ) precepts of art , a fit and conuenient place for studie ; instruction in the same from younger yeares ; diligent and painefull studie , together with a competent and conuenient time . This likewise did the ancients paint foorth vnto vs in the armes or enseignes of Aesculapius , The armes or enseignes of Aesculapius . to whom were attributed all the badges and enseignes which do of right belong to a true Physitian , and do all argue assiduitie and painfull industrie .

The first was an Owle , to giue him warning of the watchfull paines and care the learned Physitian ought to take in finding out the seuerall signes and circumstances of the disease , to the end he may be the more able to foretell the seuerall issues and euents of the same . A crooked staffe A crooked staffe . in his hand ; which intimateth vnto vs , that he ought with great care and diligence bestirre himselfe , to attaine to the right and perfect knowledge , not onely of the structure of mans bodie , and euerie part of the same , as well inward as outward : but also the seuerall qualities and vertues of all manner of remedies appropriated for the vse of mankinde ; whether they be aboue the earth , enclosed in the intrals thereof ; or yet contained in the vast dominions of the endlesse ocean : as also with carefull circumspection , to obserue and marke the strength of his patients , and their seuerall natures and constitutions ; applying to each and euery one of them in due and conuenient time , such proper and peculiar remedies , as may best befit them ▪ and that alwayes hauing a watchfull eye vpon the seuerall indications in such cases required . In his right hand he held a Dragons head , A dragons head in his right hand and a dog hard by him . coming from the Greeke word {αβγδ} , signifying a sharpe and cleare sight : and next vnto the same was a watchfull dog ; both of them declaring vnto vs , that the Physitian ought with a certaine promptnesse of dexteritie of vnderstanding foresee the issue and euent of diseases , and then with as great ease and facilitie as is possible , and without sparing any paines , ease the patients griefe ; preseruing likewise and maintaining , as much as in him lyeth , his present healthfull state of bodie , and preuenting to the vttermost of his power , the imminent danger of dolefull diseases . In his left hand a pine apple , A pine apple in his left hand . thereby letting vs to vnderstand , that the outward shell of this profession is very hard , the inward fruite and marrow , notwithstanding , being most pleasant , delectable and profitable . At his right side was the winged picture of health , with a pullet in her hand : The winged picture of health with a pullet in her hand . & that to the end the Physitian might know , that he ought to aime at the health and happie estate of his patient principally , and not to become the slaue of base and filthie lucre and gaine : in like manner manifesting vnto vs , that by the paines and industrious skill of the learned Physitian , health is oftentimes maintained ; as by his carelesse negligence , ignorance , & insufficiencie it is easily ouerthrowne . A pullet , to shew foorth the Physitians care , in prescribing fit and conuenient diet , according to his patients nature and constitution , as also the qualitie and motion of the disease . How carefull the Physitian ought to be in prescribing diet according to the nature of the disease and diseased . For in acute diseases , and such as are of a sudden and speedie motion , as the remedies must be speedie , so must the diet be sparing , answering both to the strength of the patient , and nature of the disease ; not being in the meane time vnmindfull of his former custome , countrey or place wherein he liues , with many more circumstances in such cases required . In diseases againe of a long and lingring nature , we must not be so close fisted , but allow them more liberall allowance ; yet keeping alwayes in mind the former caueats and cautions . In the end he must be armed against all occasions and sudden occurrents , not forgetting to gratifie the sicke , so farre foorth as may stand with conueniencie . And lastly this Aesculapian pourtraict was pictured with a beard : Aesculapius bearded . signifying hereby , that such as medled with such abstruse mysteries , hauing first bene trained vp in the grounds and principles of this profession , ought to be of a reasonable mature iudgement and vnderstanding , to the end they may proue so much the fitter to mannage such weightie matters .

But to what end and purpose ( will some perhaps say ) tendeth this long discourse ? Euen to the end it may more euidently appeare , into what disgrace and contempt this noble profession is now growne , and that by meanes of the lawlesse and vncontrolled intrusion of ignorant and vnsufficient persons . Let the Reader iudge ingenuously , whether the offenders be furnished with any such sufficiencie , and let this touch-stone trie them all . Professions farre inferiour to this , haue a number of yeares allowed them to serue and learne , before any be suffered to exercise the same . But here , Liberty allowed ignorant Physitians , cause of great mischiefe . howsoeuer the Vniuersities be not depriued of their priuiledges , in granting the degrees to the well deseruing : yet is there no restraint of the most ignorant and vnsufficient persons , of whatsoeuer sexe or calling . An ignorant Empiricke that knoweth scarce the propertie of pepper , whether it be hote or cold , yet may practise publickly . Now that I say nothing of ignorant Apothecaries , Surgeons , &c. the other sexe will needs haue a share in these businesses also : and yet in holy writ they are tyed to their houswiuerie . Prouerb . 31 , Terent . in Andr. And the heathen Poet bringeth in women medling with their spinning and carding . Their fraile sexe is both vnfit and vnfurnished with sufficiencie for managing of so great matters . It is no wayes sutable to the modestie which ought to be seene in that sexe , to meddle with so publicke a profession . And besides , there being no small commerce betwixt the Physitian and his patient , Hippocr . lib . de medico . Women altogether vnfit to practise physick . as witnesseth the worthy Hippocrates , who seeth not the absurditie of this their practise ? And as for their sufficiencie , it may easily , by that which hath bene said alreadie , appeare . My purpose is not to dwell vpon this subiect , nor yet to vrge many arguments against it , the thing being so absurd in it selfe . I will relate but one tragicall storie out of a late writer , of a mother who made away her owne child , with an intent , as she thought to cure him . A tragicall storie . Alexand . Bened . de curand . morb . lib . 15. cap . 25. A countrey woman ( saith mine author ) hauing a young sonne of cacheoticall disposition , and now entring into a dropsie , by the aduice of her women-gossips , thrust him , sore against his will , his head foremost , into an ouen , immediatly after the drawing of the bread , stopping vp againe immediatly the mouth of her ouen . Her gabling gossips were officiously attending a better euent then they found , as also helping her to bring to passe this braue exploit . He being once in , was presently suffocated with the smoke for want of fresh aire . The mother within a little space calleth to her sonne oftener then once in an audible voyce , enquiring what benefit he found ; who answered her no more then Baal did his Priests . 1. King . 18.26 27.28 . These pratling gossips perswaded this simple woman , that his silence was an assured signe of the benefit he thereby receiued : the which this credulous woman , still hoping where no hope was , easily beleeued : but at length found that which she least looked for ; drawing out of the ouen her dead sonne , cured not onely of this , but of all other diseases also ; and then ( but all too late ) blameth as well her owne too too credulous simplicitie , as the malapert boldnesse of the she-physitians , inducing her to vse a remedie farre worse then the disease it selfe . As for you , Ladyes and Gentlewomen ( with your good leaues let me be so bold as to tell you my mind in a word or two ) howsoeuer I cannot but much commend your great charitie and loue , in affoording both your paines and your purses for the relieuing of sicke distressed people : yet let me intreate you , not to be too officiously busie , the life of a man being no matter of small importance , and which being once lost , Soles occidere & redire possunt : nobis cum semel occidit breuis lux , Nox est perpetua vna dormienda . Catull . can neuer till the resurrection be recouered . And remember , that there may be an ouersight as well in neglecting a fit and conuenient remedie in due time , as in exhibiting a dangerous and desperate remedie . And whereas often it cometh to passe , that either your necessitie or importunitie doth extort from the learned Physitian good and wholesome remedies either for your owne or others infirmities : yet I intreate you , not to be so indiscreete , as to make one salue serue for euery sore . The remedie indeed may be good , but ( as often cometh to passe ) ill vsed , or rather abused . A good remedy ignorantly or out of season exhibited , may yet proue dangerous to the diseased . And that which you haue sometimes tried to be a soueraigne medicine for your selues ; yet another time , by reason of a number of new occurrents , the same remedie may produce an effect farre differing from the former : how much more then in another ? The constitution of the partie should be considered , the sexe , age , time of yeare , yea and of the disease it selfe ; as whether it be in the beginning , in the increase , in the height , or declining , with many moe circumstances are here to be considered . But put yet the case the remedie be good against such a disease ; yet may many other circumstances crosse this iudication in any indiuiduall person , which were here too tedious to relate . It may then easily appeare , that this is a businesse of an higher straine then many do well consider : but of this matter no more . Now howbeit this fretting canker ( I meane of vnsufficient , vnlearned , and vnskilfull Phisitians ) hath crept ouer the whole Christian world , yet the inconuenience is not in all alike . For howbeit in Germanie Empiricks do so abound that they haue begun of late yeares ( supposing it may be that we are here vnfurnished ) to come and visit vs here in this Iland , The laudable custome of the Germane nation in prouiding fit and learned Physitians , and allowing them good maintenance . yet can I not but much commend and praise their care and industrie in prouiding for the maintenance of the honest and learned Physitian . There each seuerall Citie , towne , or corporation , hath certaine Physitians entertained by stipends out of the chamber stockes ( which there by reason of their admirable industrie , as being much addicted to the publicke good are very rich ) a dwelling house being likewise allowed them for their liues : and each Citie or towne according to the proportionable bignesse , hath moe or fewer of those stipendiarie Physitians : and none among them admitted , but such as for their sufficiencie , and long time spent in the studie of that profession , haue taken their degrees in some famous Vniuersitie . All the Apothecaries and Surgeons within the place where they liue are subiect to their censures , and by them to be controlled ; and the midwiues likewise by them must be admitted . They often visit the Apothecaries shops , and take a suruey of his drugs . And of all the Apothecaries drugs , as well simples as compounds , they take a narrow suruey twice a yeare ; to wit , euery Spring and fall : besides the viewing of their drugs immediatly after the buying of them ( which commeth most commonly to passe twice a yeare , at Lerpzig or Franckfort faire ) not being lawfull for them to make vse of any of them vntill such time as they be first visited and allowed by the aforesaid Physitians . At the viewing and visiting of their wares , is appointed one from the chiefe Magistrate of the Citie , commonly called the Burger maister , to sit in commission with the Physitians . If the Apothecarie shall be found faultie , or his drugs any wayes vnsufficient , the aforesaid persons fine him at their pleasures ; as also set a reasonable rate or taxe vpon all his drugs and compositions , and that according to the rising or falling of the prizes of the drugs . Neither yet may the Apothecarie of himselfe make , mixe , or compound any great composition of many seuerall ingredients , vnlesse the Physitians , one or more being present , first see all the seuerall ingredients , and then allow of the same . He can likewise take no apprentice into his seruice , but such as first shall be sworne faithfully to make and compound according to the Physitians prescriptions , not altering any thing in his bill without his knowledge and allowance : the which oath the Physitians haue power to exact of the aforesaid apprentices . The great commoditie of this so laudable a custome . Of this so laudable and praise-worthy a constitution this benefit they reape , that first of all , the inhabitants are neuer vnfurnished of fit and sufficient Physitians , to whom in time of need they may haue recourse for good and wholesome counsell : as also that the inhabitants in their extremitie are preferred before strangers . The moderation of fees likewise , in regard of their standing stipends , is some ease to the purses of priuate men , but especially to the poorer sort , to whom by this meanes they are the betrer enabled to affoord their counsell for little or nothing . The countrey round about findeth likewise euery where learned Physitians to aduise with , as also good and sufficient stuffe , neither fustie nor sophisticate , and that at a reasonable rate . Now how farre we come short of this so laudable and worthie pollicie , those that know any thing are not ignorant . We are apt enough to imitate that which is naught in our neighbour nations , and why make we not vse of such things as deserue praise and commendation ? From the aforenamed nation we haue so well learned quaffing and carrousing , together with their vnhappy healths , indeed hinderers of all health , that it seemeth now to be naturalized amongst vs : and why are we not as forward for this an● such other laudable constitutions as tend to the benefit of the commonwealth ? But now to our purpose .

One thing which doth principally encourage all manner of cozeners , and euery ignorant and vnsufficient person , The idle inspection of vrine , as it is at this day practised , openeth a gap to euery cozener & impostor . to aduenture vpon this profession , is the vaine and idle inspection of Vrines , as it is at this day euery where practised ; by meanes whereof most people are perswaded that the Physitian is able to find out , not onely the disease in generall , but euen euery signe and circumstance of the same . I my selfe haue often bene importuned to tell that by this signe , which the wits of all the wisest Physitians in the world could neuer assuredly and certainly find out . To instance but in one thing , to wit , the discerning of the conception , whether a woman be with child or no : there is not an Empiricke or quack-saluer in the countrey , that will not make thee beleeue he can tell thee that assuredly . Our she-physitians ( for such monsters now this countrey yeeldeth ) will say no lesse . Iohann . le bon . de therap . puerp . But heare the iudgement of a learned French Physitian concerning this point : To abuse the inspection of vrine , to know whether a woman be with child , or no , belongeth to a cozening impostor , and not to an honest Physitian ; howsoeuer some haue not bene ashamed to vent such vanities . But of this at more length hereafter : now let vs proceed to the maine matter , to wit , to handle this subiect in order .

CHAP. II . Of the vncertaine iudgement affoorded vs by Urines in generall , together with their limitation to certaine diseases , and that out of many learned writers .

IT is growne now adayes a common custome , by the sole and bare inspection of the vrine to vndertake to declare and lay open the whole disease , It is impossible to iudge of the disease , & what concerneth the same , by the inspection of the vrine onely . together with the state and constitution of euery part of the body , without any regard had to such things as the most wise and circumspect Physitians haue left vs in this case to be considered : the which notwithstanding , is as impossible to bring to passe , as by the heat or cold of an house to iudge of the perfection of the same , together with the soundnesse of the walles and timber thereof : or yet by the rubbish of any house carried to some other place , to find out the statelinesse of the former building . To this end and purpose besides the authorities produced in the former Discourse , I will yet bring in a cloud of witnesses to confirme this mine opinion . And in the first place , I will set downe some famous authors condemning this vromantical coniecture , and limiting and confining it within its lawfull lists and limits . Afterwards also shall appeare how our iudgement may erre and mistake , euen in some such diseases as may sometimes by the same be discerned : proceeding afterwards to instance in some particular diseases : where shall not be omitted the confutation of the erronious opinion of the vrines of women with child , as also of finding out of the sexe thereby . Then will we proceed to a particular confutation of all the parts of vrine ; whereby shall be set downe the true vse of the same . Now the first author that shall march in the auantgard of this batallion shall be the learned Langius ; and that both in regard of his great worth and learning , as also because our former author ( Forest I meane ) had singled out these two following Epistles , as making for the same purpose to set downe at the end of his discourse of vrines , which I haue thought good with some other authorities to insert into this place .

Concerning Physitians who by the inspection of the Urine onely , do rashly and vnaduisedly pronounce their opinion concerning the nature and substance of any disease .

It seemeth not a little strange to thee ( kind gossip ) how it should come to passe that the fame and reputation of Germane Physitians should be so little set by either at home or abroad , Langius tomo . 1. epist. 11. since notwithstanding , praised be God , Germanie is a very fruitfull soile , stored with most excellent wits , where the liberall Arts and sciences do not a little flourish ( insomuch as that most noble and illustrius Picus Earle of Mirandole , truly praise-worthie and euer to be admired , as well for his high pedegree and noble descent , as for his excellent and admirable gifts in good learning , did witnesse that the riuer of Tiber had now of late runne into the Rhene : ) and yet for all this , the noble facultie of Physicke lyeth contemned and despised . In symposio . de republica . The causes of the same I haue elsewhere declared to be diuers , whereof this is the chiefe , to wit , that the chiefe and principall part of Physicke diagnosticke or semioticke , which teacheth vs to know the nature , causes , and substance of the disease by the signes and grounds of the same , is either not knowne at all , or at least altogether , in regard of their idlenesse , neglected ; while as the ordinarie sort of Physitians do onely labour to know and discerne the nature and substance of the disease by the sole and fraudulent indication of the stuckring vrine . But it is acknowledged of all true Physitians , that the ground and beginning of finding out aright the true method of curing diseases , is the knowledge of the disease , together with the place seised with the same , which is not knowne by the bare inspection of the vrine onely , being but a doubtfull signe ; but ( as Galen saith well ) the knowledge of the disease is collected by meanes of the place affected , together with the disposition of the same besides nature : which being the internall cause of the disease ( or the disease it selfe ) annoying the action , it is no maruell if the signes of each be common to both : and thus is the disease and place affected discerned and knowne , both by the parts of the substance therof , the contents , adherents , the action interessed , together with the accidents of the disease , from the parts of the substance of the part affected : as if we shall perceiue any gristle of the windpipe to be spit vp with coughing , it doth argue and indicate to vs an exulceration of the lungs , together with a consumption of the same . From the contents ; as if thou shalt perceiue the chyle ( that is , the meate receiued into the stomacke and a little altered ) or the ordure issue out of a wound , thou mayest from thence safely collect that either the stomack , or guts are wounded . Such things also as do adhere or grow to the part , do both declare the disease and the part annoyed therewith . For if vpon a fracture of the scull there grow out little round lumps like vnto little mushromes , it doth argue the dammage and hurt of the membrane or skin couering the braines . No lesse doth the hurt of the action bewray as well the hurt of the organe and instrument of it , as the disease it selfe : as the retention of the vrine doth argue an obstruction in the pipes conueighing the vrine from the kidneyes to the bladder : or the excessiue fluxe of the same being crude and not concocted , doth argue the indisposition of the kidneyes . Ioyne yet with the former , as most pregnant proofes and testimonies of the disease , these inseparable accidents of the same , commonly called pathognomonica , the which the disease it selfe doth procure and beget : as a stinging and pricking paine in the side , ioyned with a burning feauer , doth argue not onely a Pleurisie , but also that the skin or membrane which enuironeth the ribs is inflamed . And vnto all the aforesaid signes thou mayest , if thou wilt , adde the intricate knowledge of the pulse of the arteries , rather then the vncertaine iudgement by vrine : the which as we do not altogether reiect , The great care of the ancient Physitians in searching out the signes of diseases . so do we not attribute so much thereunto as these impostors do . Now what extraordinarie paines some of the ancient Physitians tooke in searching out any thing which might affoord them any knowledge or insight in the nature of the disease , thou mayest from hence collect , that to the end they might more easily find out the nature and qualitie of the humour faulty and abounding in the bodie , they did tast of the very sweate that was rubbed off the bodie in the hotehouses , as also of that superfluous matter found in the eares : like as the horse-leaches were wont to taste of the horses dung , whom for that cause that pleasant Poet Aristophanes calleth {αβγδ} , what if by the authoritie of Hippocrates I should prooue , that the colour of the tongue , and the rest of the bodie , giueth vs more assured and certaine knowledge of the state of the humours contained in the body and inward bowels , then the vrine ? And yet this the ordinarie sort of vrine-monging Physitians will neuer be able to discerne , as not being present with the patient . For as in the yellow Iaundise , a yellow and saffron like colour of the skinne doth better declare any obstruction of the gall-bagge , and an ouerflowing of choler ouer the whole bodie , then the vrine : so doth in like sort the leaden colour of the face , and the rest of the bodie , demonstrate better vnto vs some indisposition of the Liuer and spleene then the vrine . No lesse also doth the colour of the tongue and tast , it findeth & performeth the like . For such as is the humor abounding in the stomacke or veines , especially when it groweth fierce and vnruly , with such a colour and tast is the tongue most commonly imbrued . Wherefore well and learnedly said the worthy Hippocrates {αβγδ} , that is , the tongue giueth vs notice , as well of the state and nature of the vrine , as of all the rest of the humours of the body . But if thou wilt yet further contend and contest with me , behold I will appeale to Galen , who ought to be as our common Maister , so Iudge also in such cases of controuersie . Lib . 4. salub . The sweat a more generall signe then the vrine . The sweate ( saith he ) giueth vs notice of the humours superabounding in the whole bodie , but the vrine onely of such as are contained within the veines . And howbeit these be the chiefe elements and grounds of the most principall part of physicke , called diagnosticke , without which the other part called therapeuticke , or handling the cure of diseases , cannot subsist , and that they be conuinced by most pregnant proofes and testimonies ; yet will they neither giue place to the same , nor yet obserue and marke them : but trusting to the vrine onely , De Alexandrinorum medicorum desidia . Gal. lib . 2. de natura humana . lib . 6. epid . & passim alibi . loytering idle at home like the Physitians of Alexandria , and sitting in their chaires like Apolloes Priests , or some old wise fortune-teller by her crystal looking-glasse , it is a wonder to heare how doubtfully and perplexedly , without any sight of the sicke , but looking on the vrine onely , they will with brazen faces prate of the patients sicknesse : yea further yet , will pronounce of life and death thereby ; and that for so small a gaine , as scarce would the most common hedge-whore be hired for the same . What great ambiguitie and doubtfull speeches ( good Reader ) need they here to vse , lest they be taken tripping ? Now if it shall happen that any old wife that bringeth the vrine shall find them out , thou wouldest wonder to see the Victu Quintiliane colorem . changes of their countenances . But as if this were yet a small matter , to prate by the sight of the vrine onely , Thus do most of our practising Parsons and Vicars become suddenly Physitians . they are not ashamed to prescribe physicke to the parties ( whom they haue neuer seene ) and that by reading of bookes , of the which experiments they haue neuer made any triall at all : to whom thou mayest most iustly obiect the ancient Prouerbe . {αβγδ} . A mariner by his booke or sea card . But Hippocrates and the ancient Physitians of the race of Asclepiades , not superficially , but solidly learned , did neuer settle their iudgements concerning the substance of the disease vpon the vrine alone : no nor yet if some contents had proceeded from the substance of the kidneyes , bladder , or parts contained in them , and so issued out with the vrine : but did rather by the colour , contents , swim or sublimation , obserue the strength of the naturall parts about the liuer and stomach , as likewise the concoction of the humours in the veines ; to the end that in feuers they might find out the times of the same ; and so might more easily foretell the time of the future crise , whether the same were like to be hopefull and healthfull , or dangerous and deadly ; and withall to find out the fittest time for purging . The which Galen , Hippocrates his true interpreter , doth intimate vnto young Physitians in these words . The vrine giueth notice of these parts , to wit , the liuer , kidneyes , bladder , and the strength of the vessels which containe the bloud , and the weakenesse of the same , as also that facultie which engendreth the humors : but as concerning the infirmities of the braine , the chest , and lungs , there be other signes and symptomes of the same , whereby their diseases are discerned . All these things therefore the wise Physitian is to enquire , search , and find out , from the sicke himselfe , and not from the vrine . Damascenus in Aphorism . For this cause well said Damascenus in his Aphorismes : Concerning diseases pronounce not rashly thine opinion , neither yet looke thou vpon the vrine , vntill such time as thou hast first seene the sicke , and of him demanded and found forth euery circumstance belonging to the disease . Rhaz . in aphor . With him doth Rhazes an Arabian Physitian agree in his Aphorismes , in these words : It becometh the Physitian to aske diuerse questions of his patient , to the end he may attaine to the internall cause of the disease , that by such meanes he may afterwards be able to pronounce sound iudgement according to reason : neither yet let him be ashamed to aske of the patient , whether the disease be within or without the veine . But our Physitians , being like vnto the lazie sedentarie Physitians of Alexandria , lest they should be by the vulgar people ( who do commonly beleeue , that the Physitian knoweth all by the vrine ) taxed of ignorance , are ashamed to aske of the patient the causes and symptomes of his disease . And to the end they may the better accommodate themselues to the foolish humor of the simple and more ignorant sort , they are not a whit afrayed to prate of diseases by the inspection of the vrine onely . But would to God the truth were with them in greater esteeme then any popular applause , and that they would be warned by the Poet Persius : Si quid turbida Roma eleuar●t , &c. Pers . sat . 1. If troubled Rome do too much dispraise any thing , then not to rest and relie vpon her iudgement : and that they would both ingenuously confesse , and tell the people how fraudulent and deceitfull , pernicious and lying , is this manner of inspection of the vrine , brought in by some Physitians and impostors of later dayes , to the great mischiefe of mankind . Then for certaine would they be more carefull and diligent in searching out the natures of diseases by their causes , the hurt and hinderance of the action , as also by the Pathognomonicke signes : and then without all doubt should they cure a great many moe , as also by this meanes should their names become a great deale more famous , both among their owne friends and acquaintance , and among strangers . And by this meanes also should these wandring and cozening rogues , impostors , apostaticall monks , perfidious Iewes , enemies to all Christians , the ignorant Parish-Priests , alchymists , and all the rabble of such rake-hels , ( but I had almost forgotten those old trots , fortunetellers ) be thrust out from professing physicke : all the which offenders not hauing learned so much as the first grounds and principles of naturall Philosophie or Physicke , do without controll or punishment trie their desperate remedies , by the death of many a man . Wherefore there could nothing be deuised more profitable and beneficiall for the good of the commonwealth , then that at length all Christian people were freed from the tyrannie and mischiefe of these cruell impostors , who by meanes of the secret obseruation of the vrine , vnknowne to the vulgar sort , do conceale their owne ignorance , and haue , as drones do into the Bee-hiue , crept into this profession . By the premisses , I hope thou hast heard what is the cause that Physicke and the Professors of the same are not of so high an esteeme in these our countries at this time .

Of the differences of signes , by the which Physitians do discerne and know diseases , and do presage the future issue of the same .

Epist. 83. As I heare , these barbarous and wicked persons , falsly assuming vnto themselues the name of Physitians , do mutter and grumble against me , because of condemning their mad , rash , and foole-hardie finding out of diseases , by meanes of the vrine onely , for whose slanderous backbiting I care not a rush . For such as cannot helpe , I see not how they can hurt me . No more can I conceiue what the Physitian can performe , as concerning the cure of the disease , being ignorant of the nature and estate of the same . For this cause the ancient Physitians did with great labour , trauell , and industrie , search out the cause , the nature and substance of the disease , from the which the indications of remedies are deriued , and not from the vrine onely , but from the signes called Pathognomonicke , and from the whole concourse of the symptomes or accidents : who did likewise deuide Physicke principally into two parts , to wit , that which we commonly call Therapeuticke , whose most large and common scope , is to cure diseases by contrary remedies : and into that part which we call Diagnosticke ; whose most common scope is to discerne the whole and sound from the like , and the sicke and infirme from the whole , being vnlike the one to the other . And this part of Physicke doth farre excell the other , to wit , the Therapeuticke , the which without the Diagnosticke is of small vse or profit . And because it did lay open the perfect and absolute knowledge of the disease , by meanes of the signes Pathognomonicke , proper and peculiar to euery disease , together with the concurrence of accidents , which the Empiricks called {αβγδ} ( which were nothing else but the collection by obseruation of certaine accidents and circumstances of diseases ) the later Physitians therefore gaue it the name {αβγδ} , or that part of Physicke which handleth the signes of diseases . Wherefore we cannot but much wonder at Galen , a man of so great learning , who besides two hundreth and fiftie bookes written of diuerse sciences , and of all the other parts of Physicke aboue foure hundreth ; all being likewise written in so good order and method , that notwithstanding he hath not brought to full perfection this so noble a part of Physicke , called Diagnosticke , but onely dispersedly here and there , especially in that booke called the Constitution or ordering of the Art of Physicke , hath as it were sowne some seeds of the same . But yet Auicenna , Rhazes , and other Arabian Physitians , and such among the Greeks as haue written of late after Galen , as Paulus , Aegineta , Aetius , Actuarius , and Alexander Trallianus , following the footsteps of the ancient Empiricks , did collect and gather together in euery seuerall Chapter which did discourse of the disease , a great number of the signes and seuerall accidents of the same : but so confusedly and indistinctly , that hardly couldest thou discerne one manner of signe from another : insomuch as thou mayest , not without cause , call their Diagnosticke Physicke , the confused chaos of Democritus . And further they do not instruct vs sufficiently what signe of the disease doth argue or shew foorth the greater or smaller strength . But there is in Germanie at this day , And in England also . a sort of idle prating fellowes , more foolish then any others , who , as if all the signes of euery disease were to be seene in the vrine , are not ashamed , by the sole and bare inspection thereof , to prate and pronounce sentence concerning the substance of the disease , and the life and death of the diseased , as hath bene said alreadie . To the end therefore that their impudencie may be made manifest , and layd open to euery one , I purpose to insert something in this Epistle concerning the differences of signes , to the end that I may minister occasion to some others more learned then my selfe , to handle the same by an absolute & exquisite method : the which taske I will also willingly vndertake for the good of the sicke , if I may obtaine so much time and leisure , that at length this so hainous a fault , and worthy of no small punishment , may be banished from among the companie of all honest and ingenuous Physitians , and a right and perfect method , as well for discerning as for curing , Diuision of the signes . may be set downe . Now it is granted , as well among Phylosophers as Physitians , that the effects and accidents do indicate and declare their causes . It is likewise well knowne , that the accidents are nothing else but the effects of the disposition of the disease . No man therefore can deny , that the accidents ( of which number are also the actions interessed , and some things which essentially do adhere thereunto ) do indicate and declare , as well the disease as the place affected , as being the harbour and receptacle of the same , and vnto which the remedies ought to be applyed . Now as concerning the accidents , some of them are called by the Greekes Epiphaenomena , that is , such as do appeare indeed , but vanish away againe before the disease be at an end : others againe called Pathognomonica , which being of the essence of the disease , do both begin and end with the same . And these be inseparable and certaine signes of the disease , the concourse of which doth more certainly and truly declare vnto vs , the nature , manner , and kind of the disease , then any vrine can do . As a continuall feauer , together with a pricking and stinging paine in the side , a great cough and shortnesse of breath , when as they concurre together , and come as it were all at one instant , are euident and certaine signes of a Pleuresie . But other accidents which do after succeed , are called Epiphaenomena or Synedreouonta , as if thou shouldest say , assessors or assi●tants to the disease , vnto the which also they are not inseparably annexed , nor yet haue their originall together with the same ; but for the most part , either seldome , or after a doubtfull manner , do accompanie the disease , not making vp the substance , but certaine differences of diseases . As in a Pleuresie a red , bloudie , or yet yellowish spittle , a paine extending it selfe to the breast bone or neather part of the midriffe , watching , deliberation , and terrible dreames : these accidents are called assistant or accompanying , and do declare either the difference of the disease ; or else the mildnesse or malignitie of the same . Now it behooueth the Physitian to ponder and expend with himselfe in such a concourse of accidents equally , the strength of euery accident apart , and to compare together such as be dangerous , with the other which do promise greater securitie . For if those which are dangerous do vanquish and ouercome the strength and vigour of nature , either by their force or number , then mayest thou boldly pronounce , that danger is not farre from the doore . And againe on the contrary , if such as do promise securitie be of greater power then the former , then shall the sicke escape out of the deepe danger of Scylla and Charybdis , and by the vertue and power of a happy Crisi● , saile forth into the hauen of health : and that yet more assuredly , if in the meane time perfect signes of concoction shall appeare . Amongst such signes some are called Decretorie , or Iudicatorie ; other signes of cruditie and concoction ; others againe do foretell the securitie or danger of the disease . Now the signes of concoction , Signes of concoction . after the beginning of the disease is past ouer , and the humours by meanes of the naturall heate , well concocted , sequestred , and separated from that which is putride and corrupt , do appeare about the time of the increasing or vigour of the disease , in the vrine , spittle , suppuration of Impostumes , ( which is not vnlike vnto concoction performed in the veines ) as also in other excretions : for the excretions of euery part of the body , as also of the humours , which are nothing else but the superfluities and relickes of concoction , do shew foorth the indisposition of the same . Wherefore in the infirmities of the chest , and instruments of respiration , a spittle white , euen of an equall consistence , is alwayes a good and laudable signe of concoction . But if the sicke be not at all able to spit out any thing , then doth it shew foorth absolute cruditie ; and if he should chance to spit a spittle without any mixture , being thin , waterish , & of a leaden colour , or of the colour of verdigrease , it doth not onely argue cruditie , but doth also portend the vtter ouerthrow of the patient . But the vrine being an excretion of the second concoction , doth certainly shew foorth the crudity and concoction of the humours contained in the veines , guts , liuer , and places adioyning , the said parts being annoyed , either with feauer , inflammation , Scirrhus , or yet any other distemper whatsoeuer . For if the same both in colour and substance be like vnto such vrines as are vsually seene in perfect health , hauing a residence white , euen , and like vnto well concocted matter , it doth truly witnesse vnto vs , not onely the concoction of the disease , especially in feauers , but also that the naturall force and power is a great deale stronger then the disease , and therefore that it is like to obtaine the victorie in the conflict with the crisis . Vrine no Pathognomonick signe of concoction , and yet to be obserued . But by this meanes the vtine is no Pathognomonicke signe , and yet a necessarie signe of concoction and cruditie , and worth the obseruing in feauers , diseases of the neather belly or intrails , and places adioyning to them . Wherefore Galen in the exposition of the predictions of Hippocrates , doth grant , that the vrine doth shew foorth and demonstrate the state and disposition of the parts of the liuer , kidneyes , and bladder ; as likewise of the strength or weaknesse of the vessels containing the bloud , and of the naturall power and vertue which is the ingenderer of the humours : howbeit the same Galen againe affirmeth , that there are other Pathognomonicke signes belonging to the braines , lungs , mother , sinewes , &c. And yet notwithstanding , might one , not without cause , auouch , that the vrine giueth notice of some infirmities of the place through which it passeth , not primarily and principally , but by accident , to wit , by reason of the contents thereof , which are nothing else but excretions proceeding from those parts which do conueigh and carrie the vrine . Wherefore Hippocrates witnesseth , that if any do void by vrine , either grauell , Praenot . lib . ex edit . Pres . vel prognost . 2. ex edit . Heur . & lib . de natura hominis circa finem . or little thinne scurfe , or matter like vnto scales , or coursest dressings of bran , little gobbets of flesh , congealed bloud , matter or small haires or threeds , like vnto the small veines knit together vnder the creuices taile ; these things declare that the bladder is annoyed with a scab , and the kidneyes with the stone , suppuration , the rupture of some veine , or some other infirmitie . But lest any should rashly apply the signes of vrine to any other then the aforenamed diseases , this famous father of Physitians doth adde immediatly : Take heed therefore lest thou be deceiued , the party making such an vrine when the bladder is amisse ; for then such vrines belong not to the whole body , but ought to be referred to the bladder onely . There is yet another fearefull and dangerous disease belonging to the kidneyes , called Diabete Diabete . or Poldropsy ; being an extraordinarie fluxe of the vrine , called of the Greekes by reason of this vnsatiable desire of drinking Dipsacus . This disease is answerable to the disease called Lienteria : and for this cause they are continually forced to drinke , all which being nothing at all changed , in colour , substance , or in smell , they do voide forth againe as they receiued it , and that by reason of the imbecillity of the returning and altering powers and faculties of the kidneyes . Now that such an vrine is the proper and pathognomonicke signe of this disease , no man of vnderstanding , I thinke , will denie . Followeth now the third sort of signes of concoction of superfluities , to wit , the excretions of the bellie , belonging to the first concoction ; the which being soft , fashioned according to the concauitie of the guts , and somewhat fastened or stiffe , being also voyded at the accustomed time , and answering in proportion to the food receiued : then , as saith Hippocrates , they do shew forth and declare the strength of the naturall faculties of the stomacke , together with the good digestion thereof . These three sorts of superfluities then giue particular notice of the proper state and disposition of such parts of the bodie as they passe thorow , together with the strength of the naturall powers : and first the superfluities of the meate do argue and declare the force and strength of the stomacke . For this cause the Emperour Antoninus his groomes of his stable did daily both taste and smell to the ordure of his stately horse , knowne by his greene furniture , to know whether he had well digested his food or not . Now the vrines are signes of the state of the bloud in the veines , and disposition of the Liuer , which is appointed to be the hote harth or kitchin for concoction of the humours . The spittle in diseases of the chest , is vnto vs a signe and token of concoction or cruditie : and those of the first sort , to wit , of cruditie , are for the most part euill , and often proue very dangerous : the others againe are often messengers of an healthfull and long looked for crisis : whence is this saying of Hippocrates : Concoction doth portend and signifie both the speedinesse of the crise and assured health : but on the contrarie , cruditie doth menace and threaten either the breaking forth of some tumour , or great swelling , or else some great paine or griefe , or yet a relapse into the same disease againe . There are yet many moe decretorie signes which concerne the future crise , as also diuerse prognosticke signes foreshewing life or death , the full explication of which would rather require a great volume then an Epistle ( the which haue bene exactly described by Hippocrates , ) but especially the intricate signes of prediction by the pulse , as also the signes both of the disease it selfe , and of the place affected or interessed ; the which also I willingly passe ouer , by reason that their power , force , efficacie , and signification , doth depend vppon the signes of concoction ; neither are there any amongst all the signes of concoction more necessarie for the Physitians vse , then these pathognomonicke signes . And tell me , I pray thee , how shall the Physitian euer be able to cure vncouth and vnknowne diseases , vnlesse the pathognomonicke signes first lay them open to his view and consideration ; in the finding out of which , the ancients tooke so great paines , as hath bene said alreadie . But since it is not the worke of the Physitian , but of nature , to concoct and cure diseases , it shall be very needfull for the Physitian to know assuredly the vigor and strength of the naturall power and force , whether it be like to ouercome the disease , or to faint vnder the burden of it ▪ by which meanes we shall attaine vnto more certaine and assured signes of life and death , then euer did those soothsayers and wizards , whom the Romanes did maintaine for the benefit of their sicke people ; whose prophecies and predictions no man of sound iudgement will euer beleeue to containe any matter of truth . But such prognosticke signes as are collected from concoction , are so firme and sure , that Galen doth boast and brag , that he was neuer by them deceiued . Now our pisse-prophet Physitians are either vtterly ignorant of them , or else notwithstanding set light by them : who , notwithstanding , sitting idle at home , are nothing at all ashamed , by the vrine alone to deliuer their Delphian oracles concerning all diseases : who neuerthelesse , haue neuer so much as tasted of this so noble part of Physicke called diagnosticke , without the which the other , to wit , therapeuticke , can neuer subsist : yet are they neither ashamed to assume vnto themselues the cure of vnknowne diseases , nor yet to arrogate and vsurpe the name of Physitians . Farewell , and write backe vnto me againe , after what method and order this diagnosticke part of Physicke ought to be both written and taught . Thus farre Langius .

We will now proceed to some moe authorities , prouing the imposture committed by some , assuming to themselues the skill of discerning any disease by the inspection of the vrine onely ; and then will we produce some authorities to tell vs what diseases may by the vrine be seene , and how in the verie same we may sometimes be deceiued .

From the premisses it may plainly appeare , Iohann . Michael . Sauonar . lib . de vrin . cap . 1. how easily such Physitians are deceiued , who trust too much to the iudgement of the vrine onely : for such may well be compared to the vulgar sort of people , who are of opinion that not onely the disease it selfe , but euen the primitiue or externall cause may also be seene in the same : as did appeare by that clowne who reproched a very learned Physitian , because he could not discerne his cart and oxen in his vrine . Now that this our assertion is true , it may easily appeare , in that the vrine may alter and change vpon diuerse occasions : as by the quantitie and qualitie of diet : by reason of excessiue motion : by plentifull euacuation , &c.

Of the erronius and preposterous iudgement of diseases by vrine .

Historie . Diomedes Cornarius , lib . consil . medicinal . de histor . admirand . raris . Georgius Rithamer a Gentleman of Vienna , being incited by the great concourse of people which did daily in so great abundance flocke about this base roguing and cozening Empiricke ( who came hither of late ) to heare his opinion concerning their vrines , woulds needs likewise in some matter heare his opinion . Hauing discoursed a little with this Scoggin concerning the errand he came for , casting his eyes vpon the table , he espied a Greeke booke lying vpon the same , whereupon he began presently to smell out his knauerie . Of such base stuffe we are not vnfurnished here at home . For this cozening varlet was altogether ignorant of all manner of learning and good literature , insomuch that he could scarce speake two Latine words : and as for the Greeke , so farre was he from vnderstanding the same , that he knew not so much as one letter of that language , as being brought vp vnder an Empiricke as ignorant as himselfe . He afterwards confessed vnto vt , that the stoue where he lodged had two doores , at one of the which people ordinarily entred to talke with him : the other ioyned close to the kitchin , at the which a blind woman went out & in , who asked people before they came to speake with the Impostor , what their errand was : and then hauing learned what she would , returned againe by the same way , acquainting the villaine with the whole matter and seuerall circumstances : by which meanes he did exceedingly abuse the simpler sort of people . It came to passe another time , that a certaine graue matrone did most earnestly require that she might haue accesse to him ( for he would not easily admit euery one to his presence , to the end his credit might seeme the greater ) affirming likewise to this blind woman , that her husband was now readie to dye by reason of his excessiue bleeding at the nose , vnlesse he had some present remedie prouided . She being at length let in , he told her presently without asking her any question , thy husband bleedeth at the nose , and so wrote her downe some thing in a paper , with the which she departed , & euery where did magnifie and extoll the great skill of this notorius cozening raskall . O most execrable fraud and imposture ! And yet now adayes , not a few , not without great hurt and preiudice to the poore distressed patients , do thus increase their meanes , and by the like imposture purchase to themselues no small gaine . Such a one is that notable impostor , the Iew I meane , practising his imposture at Vienna , these many yeares by past . But heare againe the cunning imposture of another of these knaues , recorded by the same author .

It is not vnknowne to many , Another . Idem ibidem . how that a few yeares ago there liued here a certaine cozening knaue , who by the bare inspection of the vrine onely did most boldly and confidently affirme , that euery one whose vrine was brought to him was either surprised with that feauer commonly called Synochus ; or else would tell them some strange and more then ridiculous and monstrous tales : as that some drop of bloud was fallen downe from the heart into the neather belly , & so had produced the disease ; or else that the heart was enuironed about , as it were with some bonds , which did bind it hard , with many other such ridiculous conceits . After the deliuerie of this his so ridiculous vrinarie oracles , he prescribed most commonly for euery one to sweat ; administring to this end and purpose this medicine following , well knowne to euery Apothecaries apprentice : to wit , a litle Venice treacle , mingled with a litle Campher : and after their sweating , he caused them bleed abundantly . In this age wherein we liue , there is euery where in these our countries so great and so frequent a number of them , which without any controll or punishment , euen in the best Cities and townes , both whores and Iewes , as also any desperate villaine , and bold ignorant Empirickes , do kill and destroy the simple and ignorant people . And all of them by meanes of this so necessarie a signe doth nothing else but practise their imposture . Surely such rogues ought most seuerely and exemplarily to be publickely punished , and to be banished out of all well gouerned Cities and commonwealths ; like as we see robbers and theeues by the high wayes to be driuen out of the thickets and forrests to be punished . But alas , so farre are we from banishing this abuse , that many of good worth amongst our selues , haue required , and do yet require , not of my selfe alone , but of many others also both iudicious and learned Physitians , that by the sole inspection of the vrine , without any further inquisition or artificiall coniecture going before , we should Prophet-like tell them , whether the vrine be a mans or a womans ; of what age the partie is , what is the nature of the disease ; as also what the antecedent and primitiue cause of the disease may be : and whether they haue contracted the same by drinking of bad wines , by eating too many puddings , or any such like thing . Now if thou shalt herein professe thy selfe ignorant , and canst not Lyncius-like see all this and more in the vrine , thou shalt heare them reply , thou art a dunce , knowing nothing , and that they haue bene with them who haue told them wonders by the water . Thou seest then how absurd an opinion is crept in , not among the vulgar sort onely , but euen among many others also , who would seeme to be of a more refined vnderstanding ; as also what great danger doth from hence arise . But yet when as in some cases , with certaine cautions , we do attribute some certainty to the vrine , in giuing vs some notice either of the securitie of the disease , or yet the danger of the same : we are so farre from maintaining and vpholding such base bold varlets , that we desire nothing more , then the driuing of such dunces out of all well gouerned countries and commonwealthes .

But now let vs proceed to declare the vncertainty of this signe , together with the limitation of the same to some certaine diseases , wherein it giueth vs best satisfaction : and we will begin with the famous Fernel .

Fernel . Pathol . lib . 3. cap . 8. Now the vrine if it be neither mingled with too much drinke , or with some other mixture , giueth vs cleare and euident notice of the qualitie of the humours contained in the Liuer and great veines : but more obscurely of such as are contained in the small veines and euery part of the bodie . And a little after .

It doth in like manner euidently declare and set forth the infirmities of such parts as it passeth through : as of the kidneyes , the vrine-pipes , the bladder and the yard . For although it make no long abode nor stay in those passages , yet doth it cleanse away any filth or vncleannesse if any there be . For this cause doth it shew forth the infirmities of such parts as it doth immediatly touch . And againe afterwards .

But now because the custome hath so preuailed , that besides the premisses , many there are who like Prophets will seeme to diuine and coniecture by the sole inspection of the vrine , many things which concerne the disease : whosoeuer therefore for gaining of a little vaineglorie and popular applause , will accommodate himselfe to imitate them , let him first of all reckon vp at once whatsoeuer he knoweth by the vrine . For by the exchange of many words foolish wits are easily entrapped , &c. And then concludeth thus : Whosoeuer then shall vrge the Physitian , as if he were some Prophet , by rash aduenturing , to deliuer his iudgement concerning the sicke by the sole inspection of the vrine , shall carrie backe but vncertaintie ; and for the most part nothing but doubting for their paines . But he or she who after a wise and discreete maenner doth craue the counsell of an vnderstanding Physitian , shall reape for his paines the fruite of good and wholesome aduice .

Now let vs heare againe what the Italian Sauonarola sayes to this businesse .

From the premisses then we may conclude , Sauonarolo loco supra citato . that the knowledge we haue of the vrine doth principally concerne the Liuer ; and the gibbous or backe part of the same chiefly . Next , and in the second place , concerning the infirmities of the veines : thirdly , and last of all , the infirmities of the other parts of the bodie . And a little after . From whence we may inferre , that the iudgement taken from the vrine onely , but especially of most other parts of the bodie , excepting the Liuer , is not of any power or efficacie . Mercatus a learned Spanish Physitian attributeth as much to the sweat as to the vrine . But heare himselfe speake .

Now comming to the infirmities of the Liuer , Mercatus tom . 2. lib . 3. pag . 25. edit. Palih . 1608. we must declare and lay open such predictions as are taken from the vrine and the sweat : for these two do giue vs certaine notice and knowledge , not onely of this part and the veines , but sometimes also they prooue to be certaine signes of the state of the nourishing or vegetable power ouer the whole bodie . Tom . 2. pag . 492. The same author in another place giueth the pulse a great preheminence aboue the vrine in many diseases , but especially in such as concerne the vitall facultie ; which place , as many others to the same purpose out of many learned and approued authors , for breuitie I will here passe by . But Liddel , howbeit a late , yet a learned Physitian , and borne in our owne Iland , because he speaketh so to the purpose in this point of vrine now in hand , I could not nor would not passe by .

Wherefore since the vrines do chiefly proceed from the superfluitie of the parts of the bodie , Duncan . Liddel . art med . ib . 4. cap . 8. they can giue vs but a generall knowledge of the disease , giuing vnto vs most euident notice of the good or bad disposition of the Liuer , the veines , the bloud , and humours contained in them , as likewise of the concoction or cruditie of the humors within the veines . Next , they shew forth the disposition of such parts as they passe by , to wit , of the kidneyes , vreters , or vrine-pipes , and the bladder : together with such parts whose superfluities they carrie with them : but do nothing so well set foorth the state and disposition of such parts as they do not touch , and from the which they receiue no excretions or superfluities . Againe in the end of the Chapter : But we must not rashly pronounce our opinion concerning the disease , or yet of the euent thereof , trusting solely to these signes of the vrine , except we be first acquainted with the state and constitution of the partie , and other accidents and occurrences which do concerne him . For sometimes in diseases void of danger , the vrines are farre vnlike to them which do appeare in perfect health , and do shew themselues in a most hideous and fearefull forme , especially vpon the approaching of the crisis ; or when as vpon the sudden , by the vigour and strength of nature , the obstructions being opened , a great part of the faultie matter is expelled forth by the vrine . On the other side againe , in dangerous and deadly diseases , as in Pestilentiall and Hecticke feauers , the vrines cannot be discerned from those that are made in perfect health : by reason that the malignitie of the disease hath seized vpon the solid substance of the heart , and therefore the whole matter of the disease hauing the course thither , there is no portion nor part of the same to be seene in the vrine .

It were no hard matter for me to make an enumeration of many moe authors , tending all to the same purpose , and so to fill vp many moe pages , the which , I thinke , would be but to small purpose , since these few may suffice in stead of many moe , all being of the same mind . Now howbeit the vncertaintie of this signe hath sufficiently bene proued by the preceeding discourse , and it were easie for me to make vp a large volume concerning this particular onely , the which howbeit it be not my purpose , yet before I proceed to the vncertaintie of the same in diseases of the Liuer , and within the veines , I will instance in two or three particular diseases . The first shall be of an impostume in the head .

Historie . In the yeare 1617. in the beginning of Ianuarie , a young Gentlewoman vnmaried , and daughter to a Gentleman of worth dwelling not farre from NORTHAMPTON , the season being very cold , Deceitfulnesse of the vrine in an impostume and paine of the head . and she before of a crasie constitution , was suddenly surprised with swounding fits , which ended with an extreame paine , especially about the crowne of her head , being accompanied with a suppression of her monethly disease . The paine was for certaine dayes without intermission , howsoeuer sometimes some remission might be obserued : as likewise both in her pulse and vrine signes of a feauer did plainly appeare . After I had vsed diuers meanes of diuersion , as well by Phlebotomie and attractiue glisters , as by other meanes , not neglecting hypnoticke , cordiall , and deoppilatiue medicines , according to the seuerall occurrences , the disease gaue her some reasonable time of intermission , with some alleuiation of the accidents . The vrine also after a few dayes , began to flatter vs with a faire and laudable colour , shortly seconded with contents answerable . The pulse played his part also , and dissembled as well as his neighbour . The Gentlewoman to any outward appearance , the very day before her death , was like to haue liued many , not onely dayes but yeares also : mouing and stirring with great alacritie and chearefulnesse vp and downe her chamber , busied about her ordinarie employments . When behold , he who spareth not the mightiest Monarchs , on an euening knocking suddenly , demands his debt long before his day , and would scarce allow her full two houres respit for the payment of the same . After death issued out of her mouth and nose great abundance of corrupt bloud and matter , as was afterwards told me ; giuing vs intelligence of an Impostume in the head , which had occasioned , not the former accidents onely , but euen death it selfe also .

About the same time in this towne and countrey about vs , diuerse were surprised with Impostumes , both in the head and other parts , whereof diuerse died , among the rest my counsell was craued for a maid about twentie yeares of age , suddenly suffocated by an Impostume in her stomach , which after her death did appeare , by the great abundance of bloud and matter cast out of her mouth . At my coming to her , I found her depriued as well of speech , as of sense and reason , and scarce liued aboue 2. houres after my departure . But I will now relate a true historie of the deceitfulnesse of the vrine in a consumption of the Lungs .

Another . In an vlcer of the Lungs . In Aprill 1622. my counsell and personall presence for a Gentlewoman in Bedfordshire being desired , I repaired thither , where I found her infirmity to be a Quotidian feauer , accompanied with some accidents which did somewhat amaze her . During my abode in that place , there was brought to me the vrine of a young Gentleman dwelling hard by , to haue my opinion of the same . Hauing well viewed it , I found it both in colour and contents , answerable to the most healthfull mans vrine . But after certaine interrogatories , I found that he had bene for a long time troubled with a cough . Being desired to see the partie , I found that he had bene for a long time vexed with this cough , accompanying an vlcer in the lungs : and seeing in him strength now decayed , with an Of the Hippocraticall face see our arraignm●nt of vrines . lib . 3. cap . 3. Hippocraticall face , deaths trustie messenger , I left him to the Prognosticke , which within lesse then the space of three weeks was verified .

Now would I willingly demand of the most cunning Pisse-prophet , what could he haue found out by either of these vrines ? or could he euer haue attained to the height and depth of these diseases , by the bare inspection of the vrine onely ? And if he had bene beholden to the vse of the best perspectiue glasse that euer was made , could he euer haue seene any such matter in the vrine ? But concerning this point we will here surceasse , and proceed to the diseases within the veines .

CHAP. III . That euen in diseases of the Liuer , and within the veines , the vrine doth often deceiue the most skilfull Physitian .

NOw it may seeme a small matter to instance in diuerse diseases without the veines , the vncertaintie of iudgement in diseases by the vrine onely ; but it will , perhaps , seeme more pertinent to declare , that the like vncertaintie sometimes is found in some such diseases as seeme to affoord vs greater certaintie , as in feauers , &c. Now that the vrine is not alwayes a certaine signe in euery feauer , may from hence appeare , Leo Rogan . lib . 3. de prouid . ex vrin . cap . vlt . that often in that feauer commonly called Synochus cum vel sine putredine , that is , that kind of continuall feauer which proceedeth from the abundance of bloud , with or without putrefaction , the vrine differeth little or nothing from the vrines of such as liue in perfect health , Paulus Aegineta lib . 2. cap . 27. as witnesseth Paulus Aegineta . The reason why such vrines proceeding of so hote a cause , yet do not appeare of so high a colour , is because of the same immoderate and excessiue heare , which being increased by meanes of the feauer , conuerteth the bloud it selfe into the nature of choler : and thus are such vrines not of so high intense a colour , as those which proceed of choler . Hence also may the error of such Physitians easily appeare , Dangerous errors . who neuer admit of Phlebotomie , but when the vrine is of high and intense red colour ; thinking that this doth alwayes argue abundance of bloud , which neuerthelesse is most false , as hath bene said . And besides , in that the vrines affoord vs but some generall notice of the cruditie and concoction of the disease , they can neuer informe our iudgement , whether the feauer be primarie or a principall guest , or symptomaticall accompanying the disease as the shadow doth the bodie , as is to be seene in Pleuresies and diuers other internall inflammations : which is , notwithstanding of no small moment for the methodicall curing of the disease . And yet moreouer , how canst thou euer tell whether it be an intermittent or continuall feauer by this vncertaine signe ? Neither Hippocrates nor Galen did euer presume to know so much ; howsoeuer Actuarius in this , as in many other things concerning this point , hath troubled himselfe more then he needed . But againe , what if the feauer be composed of diuers humours , melancholy being one , which will not alwayes colour the vrine ? Galen lib . 2. de cris . cap . 3. & 6. Galen himselfe instructing vs what vrines accompanie a Quartane in the beginning of the same , saith , they are thin , white , and waterish : and a little after , he ascribes the like vrines to the beginning of a Quotidian . And I know for certaine , that sometimes in the beginning of a Quartane , the vrine cannot be discerned from a sound and healthfull mans . And handling hereafter the colours of vrines , I shall make it appeare , that these thin , white , waterish vrines , do often accompanie other diseases . It is also worth the obseruation , that Galen himselfe , where as of set purpose he handleth both the differences and signes of feauers , maketh so small account of the vrine , that he neither nameth it among the signes of the Quotidian , Tertian , Quartane , nor yet of such as are continuall or without intermission . Timoth . Brichius Cantabrig . lib . de med . the. the 1. aph . pag . 94. And a learned Physitian borne in this kingdome , setting downe all the signes of a Tertian , not omitting the pulse , yet maketh no mention of the vrine . But what if any malignitie be ioyned with a feauer , may it not marre thy iudgement ? It hath euer bene so agreed vpon by the learned , and daily experience teacheth vs this truth , that when greatest danger is nearest , it is then there least of all to be discerned . But concerning this point , heare yet the authoritie of a learned man borne within this land , Iohannes Caius Britannus de Ephemera Britannica , pag . 136. speaking of that fearefull and terrible feauer , called commonly the sweating sicknesse .

The vrine in this disease was somewhat coloured , thicke in substance , variable and inconstant in the swimme and sublimation ( for nature kept no certaine rule or order by reason of the violence of the venome ) and in all other parts kept within compasse .

Now to any vulgar eye , so great danger in the like vrine could neuer haue appeared . I my selfe haue viewed many more dangerous to the outward appearance , and yet neither death nor danger was to be feared . The vrines in maligne and pestilent feauers The vrines in maligne and pestilent feauers very deceitfull . are very variable and hard to lay hold on . In some the vrine differeth nothing from a healthfull mans : sometimes againe but a little , as in this last instance . Againe , in others it followeth the nature of the humour , shewing onely the abundance and putrefaction of the humours ; as I my selfe obserued 1610. at London in a lustie young fellow , seruant to a Gentleman a friend of mine , and dwelling in the Strand neare to Charing-crosse .

Historie . This fellowes vrine was very high coloured , with a copious residence of red and some yellow contents : and the feauer kept the period of an intermittent Tertian ague , as was related vnto me ; and was accompanied with a painefull swelling in the throate : his bodie plethoricke and cacochymicke , and of a strong constitution , and in the Aprill of his age . For this cause I prescribed both phlebotomie and other euacuations . But the noise of the neighbours about , affirming it to be the Plague ( as it proued indeed , many of them dying shortly of the same disease ) was the cause that meanes were by his friends neglected , and he after a few dayes dyed of this disease .

But before we go out of our owne Iland , Iohannes Anglicus , vulgo Gatesden , in epere practico communiter Rosa Anglica nuncupato . What the vrines do here declare vnto vs. let vs yet heare the authoritie of another learned Physitian , who liued in this land aboue 300. yeares ago . Heare therefore his owne words concerning Quartanes and other diseases .

Now because the Quartane ague is engendred of diuers humors , therefore the vrine is many wayes changed . And thus saith Richardus concerning the predictions by vrines : I take God and all the Saints in heauen to witnesse , that neither by skill and art , nor yet by vse and long experience in practise , I could euer attaine to any certaine knowledge of the vrine , either in the conception , a Quartane ague , the Falling sickenesse , &c.

Now although I might be a great deale larger in this point , yet will I content my selfe with that which hath bene alreadie said . Let it then not any more be doubted , that the vrine is not alwayes a certaine and infallible signe of the estate of diseases contained in the vrine , as feauers , &c. But what then ( may one reply ) doth it declare ? The cruditie or concoction of these diseases , together with the length or shortnesse of the same , according to the appearance , and the early or late appearing of the signes of the one or of the other ( I meane cruditie or concoction ) in the vrine . Now omitting also many things which might be said concerning diseases proceeding from the same , I will instance onely in one , to wit , that loathsome disease of Leprosie . Now as our senses do teach vs , that in all the sorts of the same , the {αβγδ} , id est , vitiligo , {αβγδ} siue pruritus aut prurigo , {αβγδ} , id est , impetigo , {αβγδ} , nomina sunt affectionum , in quibus omnibus male afficitur cutis , à vinoso aliquo succo , qui nescit assimulari , &c. Holler . schol . ad cap . 64. lib . 1. de morb . intern . skin is euer infected : so whether thou vnderstandest that which the Greekes or yet the Arabians so called , In quouis horum affectuum ( lepra scilicet & morbo Gallico ) membra nutrimentalia ( praecipue recur , à quo omnes corporis partes suum recipiunt alimentum ) fere habitualiter laborant . Mercat . oper . praedict . tom . 2. pag . 126. it is agreed among all our Physitians , that as well the Liuer , which is the fountaine and roote , as the masse of bloud , which is as the branches or streames proceeding from the same , are much interessed and endammaged in this disease : and therefore by right the vrine here should carrie a great stroke , it being also the opinion of diuers Physitians , that as well the bloud as the vrine of such as are infected with this loathsome disease do much differ from other mens . And yet heare I pray thee what a learned late writer of no small experience witnesseth concerning this matter .

Felix Plater . oper . pract . tract . 3. cap . 4. But as for my selfe , who haue these thirtie yeares and vpwards , most diligently viewed , and carefully obserued and marked the bloud of a great number of such as were infected with this loathsome plague of Leprosie , I do most constantly and assuredly auouch , that neither I my selfe , nor yet such Surgeons as assisted me , could euer in the bloud find out any assured marke or infallible token of Leprosie : but in euery respect like vnto the bloud of such as enioyed their perfect health : or if at any time it hapned to swerue from the foresaid perfection , that it then appeared no more corrupted or infected then ordinarily we do behold it in the Iaundise , feauer , or any such like disease . The like also I may truly pronounce of the vrine , on the which the vulgar sort doth so much dote . In the same ranke may I also with good right place the pulse , whose change and alteration to enquire after , were to search for a knot in a rush , &c.

But now let vs proceed to a point surpassing vulgar capacitie , and which will seeme to many a strange Paradox , or a tale of Robin Hood : my meaning is concerning women with child , whether by the vrine onely conception may be discerned : the which point , howbeit it hath bene touched in our former discourse ; yet because this is so inueterate an error that hardly can it be expelled out of the minds of many , I will insist a little the longer vpon the same , intreating a little thy patience ( gentle Reader ) and I hope thou shalt not afterwards repent thee of this paines .

CHAP. IIII . That by the vrine onely , it cannot absolutely be told , whether a woman be with child or no , contrary to the vulgar opinion .

AS in many other things , so in this point also concerning the conception , ignorance and error haue so farre preuailed , that he who cannot vpon ●he bare inspection of the vrine onely , tell whether a woman be with child or no , and whether of a male or female , is thought by many not to merit the name of a learned and skilfull Physitian . The which hath made many , lest they should be discredited among the vulgar , cunningly sometimes to learne what they could concerning other signes of conception , and vpon the sight of the vrine , make them beleeue they had found out the whole truth by meanes thereof : and others againe , when as they could learne nothing , haue vpon some presumptions and probabilities put all to the venture , and told them that which they most longed after : and if the prediction happened right , then was this person admired as more then a mortall man : but if otherwise , then might he looke for a mocke or flout for his paines , besides the imputation of ignorance and insufficiencie . Howbeit some are yet more cunning then others , to impute the fault to some other accident , by this meanes still maintaining the ignorant in their former error . This hath bene a great meanes that hitherto the people hath bene gulled , hauing conceiued a sinister and wrong opinion of the honest & learned Physitian , who would not sooth them vp in the same errour . For the better confutation of this point , my purpose is , Arguments euincing that by the sole inspection of the vrine , it cannot be discerned whether a woman be with child or no . first to propound some reasons against the same : and in the next place shall march some authorities of the learned : and in the last place something shall be added out of mine owne experience . Now in the first place , according to the common rule set downe , and confirmed by a number of learned writers , That the vrine ordinarily giueth vs notice of such diseases as are contained within the veines , as also of such places through which it passeth , it is apparent , that the conception participateth of neither . For in the first place , it is apparent and manifest , that the matrix or wombe is none of those parts contained within the veines : neither yet in the next place , doth the vrine passe through the same . How then is it possible to perceiue any infirmitie of this part by the vrine ? Now besides , the bladder and the wombe are two distinct and seuerall parts , appropriated to seuerall ends and vses . And put yet the case that sometimes something might be , by reason of the nearenesse of the two orifices , conueyed through the common passage , yet this would but seldome come to passe . And moreouer in women with child this conueyance could not be granted , in regard of the exact shutting vp of the aforesaid passage during the whole time of this burden , insomuch that the least superfluitie can then haue no passage , In aphor . 51. & 54. lib . 6 & 3. de natur . facult . cap . 3. 6. de locis affect . cap . 5. 15. de vsu part . as witnesseth Galen in diuers places . Now if any will deny the truth of this point , in the first place I answer , that as I grant that sometimes there may be , notwithstanding that which hath bene said , some euacuation during that time , and that some part of the same matter might be conueyed into the bladder , yet this cometh to passe but very seldome , and in a few . And againe , this would make more against them : for all that is by the learned at the most granted in this case is , that the vrine may sometimes declare a retention and stopping of the menstruous fluxe , whereof if any part during their being with child is voyded foorth ( as sometimes some women haue some to spare ) the vrine can no more declare any stoppage of this fluxe , and by consequent nothing concerning the conception , vnlesse thou wouldest imagine that there be certaine ideas or shapes and pictures of young children conueyed at that time into the vrines of women with child . And yet if this were true , who told these vrine-mongers that the wombe daunced attendance on the bladder , to voyde their seuerall excretions at one and the same time ? But put yet the case that some part of this menstruous fluxe , now and then issuing out at the common conduit with the vrine , might shew vs something , yet could it not follow , but that a number of other signes were also necessarie , as hereafter shall appeare . Their chiefe ring-leader Actuarius himselfe , confesseth that the vrine alone is not able to leade vs vnto this truth . Moreouer Aristotle acknowledgeth , Arist . 4. de gener . anim . cap . 6. that the vrines of women with child do differ according to the time that is past since the conception ; so that there is not one certaine vrine whereon to repose our iudgement . And according to the opinion of diuerse others , the vrines of women with child alter almost euery day . One of these vrines therefore shall neuer giue notice of the conception , although it might be sometimes discerned by the vrine . And is not this absurditie , to presume to know that by one signe , which many ioyned together can hardly declare vnto vs ? Diuerse contents are set downe by some authors following Auicenna , which are said to be found in such vrines , which neuerthelesse , haue bene often obserued as well in the vrines of citizens as countrey people of the malekinde , who I am sure , were neuer so much as suspected to be with child . A certain practicall Professor of the vniuersity of Pisa in Italie ( saith Scribonius ) a graue ancient Physitian , was wont to say , Guil . Adolph . Scribon . lib . de vrin . inspect . that such as trusted most to this prediction , were most of all deceiued ; and yet he neuer yet in his life time had obserued any such vrines in women with child , as Auicenna describeth : and that moreouer he had often obserued such contents in mens vrines . Adde yet this argument to the former , that the conception , as also the further growth of the child in the wombe , is properly a naturall action , and no disease at all : for this cause their vrines ought to differ little or nothing from other healthfull womans waters , especially in the first moneths , as I haue my selfe often obserued . Againe what if a woman with child be surprised with some acute disease , as commeth often to passe , will this then thinke you , make no alteration in the vrine ? And if there were any certainty in this signe alone , what needed our Physitians trouble themselues with so many ? and oftentimes all will not serue the turne . Let it therefore remaine firme and stable , that no certainty can be collected by the sole obseruation of this signe , and that to maintaine the same , is nothing else but meere imposture and cozenage . But that this is not mine owne priuate opinion onely , I will now make it appeare : heare therefore some of our learned Physitians deliuer their owne minds , that out of the mouth of many witnesses this truth may be confirmed . Let Rondeletius first speake .

Rondel . lib . de vrin . cap . 40. de vrina praegnantium . It would seeme ( saith he ) iustifiable , as well by reason as by experience , that the vrine may giue vs certaine and assured notice of a womans being with child . And D. Gabride said , he knew it as assuredly as if he had seene a child in the vrine . But of another opinion are all the ancient Physitians , who haue left vs no signes of the same in the vrine : as also reason it selfe teacheth vs no lesse . For since the birth or conception is without the veines , and the vrine chiefly giueth vs notice of such diseases as are contained within the veines , it can giue vs no certaine assurance of this matter , vnlesse we ioyne therewith all other signes , as the retention of her monethly disease , swelling of her bellie , she , notwithstanding enioying her perfect health . &c.

Heare now the opinion of some of our Italian Physitians , and first of all let the learned Mercuriall vtter his mind .

Mercur . lib . de vrin . cap . 7. Be it knowne , notwithstanding , that I am not altogether of the Arabian Physitians mind , who haue deuised certaine contents which are not to be found in vrines , to wit , certaine grounds like vnto carded wooll , little motes , &c. No more am I of that opinion , that a Physitian may assuredly know by the vrine whether a woman be with child or no ; by reason that of all the signes which Hippocrates hath in diuers places set downe , there is not one that we can certainly trust to .

The same opinion is by his countrey man Sauonarola yet seconded .

Sauonarola libr . de vrin . cap . 2. rubr . 0. de vrin . praegnantium . But here we must be very circumspect , in regard that all these signes of conception may sometimes be without the same , as in the stoppage of her monethly course , ioyned with a false conception ; in which case many famous Physitians haue bene deceiued , and their too forwardnesse hath turned to their great disgrace and infamie : as it befell two learned and skilfull Physitians in the Uniuersitie of Pauie , Marsilius de sancta Sophia , and Petrus de Tussignano , both in my time . Let yong Physitians therefore be carefull , that with the vrine th●y ioyne all the other signes belonging to conception ; amongst which one is chiefe , which belongeth to the midwife to find out , &c.

And Leo Roganus , a learned Romane Physitian , is of no other opinion .

The vrines of women with child ( saith he ) differ nothing but by accident from other womens , to wit , that then in such women , Leo Roganus lib . 2. de caus . vrin . cap . 15. de vrin . vtero gerentium . as well the action of the stomacke , as the appetite and concoction vse ordinarily to be troubled . And yet such is the blockishnesse and stupiditie of some Physitians , that they are perswaded women with child make vrines differing from other womens . It is true , that in women with child , that bloud which was wont to be voyded monethly , is now stayed and kept in , wherefore because the same in the first moneths especially , not being wholly spent on the nourishment of the child , as being then but small , it commeth to passe that the action of the stomacke , as likewise the appetite , together with the concoction are not a litle troubled . And therefore being often , by reason of their longing desires , carried away with a desire of such things as engender little good nourishment , they engender great store of crudities , which may plainly be seene by their vrines , the which are also common to all such as abound in crudities .

To the former we will adde yet a late writer of the same nation , because he speaketh so plainly and to the purpose . Iean Marinello de Formie lib . 3. chap. 5. de maladie des femmes . The booke was first written in the Italian tongue , and since translated into French , out of the which I haue translated this parcell .

Truth it is , that we must not altogether relie vpon the vrine , to know whether a woman be with child or no . For the vrine can giue thee no further assurance of the same , then by the retention of her accustomed monethly course , and by the which we do commonly collect some presumption of conception . Now it may easily come to passe , that a woman may be surprised with many infirmities , which may hide and darken the principall signe of conception ( if any there were ) in the vrine : such as be headach , any cold , especially being accompanied with a cough , cruditie , or indigestion of the stomacke , great paine in the kidneyes , &c. And which is yet more , the eating of raw fruite , sallets , milke , porke , pease , sperage , cabbage , artichocks , mushromes , and many other such kind of food , not being ordinarie or vsuall to the partie , are sufficient to alter and change , not the colour onely , but the contents of the vrine also . Moreouer the vrine doth most properly and assuredly declare vnto vs , the infirmities of the parts from whence it commeth , and through the which at length it passeth . For the which cause it is more then manifest , that there is no assured knowledge to be had by the vrine concerning the conception , no more then by the retention of her monethly course , since that without conception the foresaid retention and stopping is found , as well in maides as in married women . The last and most certaine signe of conception is , when as the child beginneth to stirre and moue .

2. Mercat . tomo . 3. lib . 3. pag . 669. Mercatus a learned Spaniard , after he hath set downe a number of other signes , at length addeth these words .

As concerning the vrine , howbeit in this case it doth affoord vs but a very vncertaine iudgement , yet may we sometimes draw some certainty out of the same . But how I pray thee ? By obseruing her seuerall vrines at diuerse times , beginning with the first moneth of supposed conception , and so obseruing the seuerall alterations vntill the time of her deliuery approach . Then withall setteth he downe all the seuerall trials which the famous Hippocrates hath left vnto vs , all which were needlesse and superfluous , if the vrine of it selfe were sufficient for this purpose . Now let vs adde yet one storie of the deceitfulnesse of this signe in conception , recorded by a learned Germane Physitian .

Historie . Diomedes Cornarius in lib . consil . medicin . inter historias admirandas , historia tertia , & prima de peruerso vrin . iudicio . Franciscus Emericus Doctor in Physicke , and of the chaire in the Vniuersitie of Vienna , in his discourse entituled , whether the obseruation of the pulse or of the vrine doth affoord vnto the Physitian more certaine and assured foreknowledge of the life or death of the patient , and printed anno 1557. relateth , that in the yeare 1555. in the Citie of Vienna , a certaine friend of mine ( saith he ) called Georgius Rithamerus , a man of singular learning , being very desirous of issue , came to one of the Physitians of the Colledge of best note , bringing with him his wiues vrine , to know whether she were with child , as he deemed , or no . The Physitian vpon the bare sight of the vrine onely , did peremptorily affirme , that she was for certaine with child , and that of a boy . After the which time Rithamerus began quite to distaste me ; and that onely by reason that vpon the sight of her vrine , together with diuers other signes and circumstances thereto belonging , I had deliuered my opinion , that she was not at all with child . And besides , he prouided with all expedition both midwife , nurse , and all other things belonging to that businesse . It was afterwards constantly and confidently euery where noysed abroad , that she was with child . The women her attendants , by reason of some accidents wherewith she was now and then troubled , appointed her diuerse baths , by meanes whereof being surprised with the falling sicknesse , she was in a very short time freed from all the miseries of this mortall life . Of whose death being aduertised , I did very earnestly intreate the aforesaid Rithamerus , that both in regard of that ancient bond of loue and amitie betwixt him and me , as likewise to finde out the whole truth of this matter , he would be pleased to giue way to the opening of the dead corps . The which at length , being ouercome , as well by my earnest suing vnto him , as for the great and earnest desire he had to be resolued of the truth of the matter , he did willingly yeeld vnto . In making the incision , we began first with the muscles of the neather bellie , discouering such parts as before were hid , & afterwards ripping vp the peritonaeum , we proceeded to the place where the wombe was situate ; and although we did perceiue it to be but very small , and to containe nothing within it ; yet to the end we might the more clearly see the truth with our eyes , we ript it vp also , and found it cleane , and empty of any thing within it . Now in her life time she was of a whitish bleake colour , and of a cachecticall disposition , and had neuer in all her life time borne any child : from whence I did by very probable coniecture collect , that she was troubled with some other infirmitie . For the which cause we proceed still in our incision towards the stomacke ; whereas betwixt the peritonaeum , and the guts we found good store of water , which did according to the motion of the body , fall sometimes to the right and sometimes to the left side ; and from hence arose this erronius opinion of the supposed motion of a liue child . This being after this manner finished , I spake after this manner , My good friend George , you see now after what manner your wife proueth with child . And he , seeing the case so plaine , did ingenuously acknowledge , that he had wrongfully and vndeseruedly bene offended with me , and withall did freely acknowledge his errour . Witnesses with me at this incision , were Doctor Iacobus Walch , companion with me in my Italian studies ; as also Andreas Perlachius , a great Mathematician , being also the onely man who had so stedfastly maintained that she was with child .

Now with two instances of mine owne experience I will finish this point . Historie of a woman with child in the first moneths .

A Gentlewoman dwelling neere Northampton some yeares ago , sent me her vrine , which in euery respect , as well in colour as contents , resembled the vrine of an healthfull yong man . Hauing found out by some circumstances that it was a womans , I began to suspect that which afterwards proued true , that she was with child . The messenger demanding whether she was not entred into a Dropsie : I replied , I rather enclined to the opinion that she was with child , the which proued to be true . The seruant confessed , another Physitian had before put her in needlesse feare of a Dropsie . The Gentlewoman afterwards conceiued a better opinion of my skill in this point , then I confesse it deserued .

Another of one in the latter moneths . The same Haruest , within seuen miles of this towne of Northampton , a Lady great with child , being now within two moneths at most of her deliuerie , sent me first her vrine , and then desired mine owne personall presence for fome infirmitie whereof she then complained . The vrine sent resembled , as the former , the vrine of a lustie young man in the Aprill of his age : I obserued it very narrowly , and yet could I discerne none of those Arabian contents , neither carded wooll , flaxe , nor huswiues cloth . Being afterwards with her , I found no alteration in her vrine , saue that it was paler coloured which was made in the night , and higher coloured which was made in the day timc , contrarie to that which we commonly obserue ; and yet neither of them exceeding the colour of a cholericke mans vrine . The Gentlewoman had bene for a long time , euen before her being with child , much troubled with a hote and feauer-like distemper .

This point then being cleared , we proceed now to the sexe , where we shall find no lesse vncertaintie then in the former .

CHAP. V. That the sexe cannot be discerned by the Urine .

Absurditie of this opinion proued . NO lesse absurd an opinion then the former , is it to hold that the sexe may absolutely by the vrine be discerned . As for the sexe in the wombe , the same reasons which were brought against the discerning of the conception by the vrine , will here take hold also . As for the discerning of the sexe in those of riper yeares , the reason would seeme to be more fauourable . The chiefe and principall reason alledged for this is , because men are commonly of an hoter constitution then women , which is the cause that their vrines are dyed of an higher colour ; and moreouer , that the contents in womens vrines , in regard of their idle and sedentarie life , do often exceed mens in quantitie . But this must not simply be considered , but as we commonly say , caeteris paribus : that is , a man of a good and laudable constitution of body , vsing diet answerable both in quantitie and qualitie , and auoiding idlenesse : a woman likewise of a colder complexion , as often they are , vsing moderate diet , a sedentary and lazie life , auoyding hote diet . If , I say , one should bring thee two such vrines , demanding to know which were the mans and which the womans , then without great difficultie mightest thou giue out a right verdict . But if one shold bring vnto thee two vrines , the one of a man , the other of a woman , the one not differing from the other , and the womans perhaps higher in colour and thinner in substance , ( which may by diuerse meanes come to passe ) thou shouldest giue wrong sentence , then being thus gulled , thou mightest be made a gazing stocke to thy neighbours , by reason of thy peremptorie opinion . Now that some women are of an hoter constitution of bodie then some men , Some women of an hoter constitution then men . I thinke who so denieth , deserueth rather to haue his pate purged , then to be dealt with with by any reason . I my selfe haue also knowne many a man make paler vrines , with greater quantitie of contents , then women : which may easily come to passe , by reason of great quaffing , daintie fare , and abundance of ease and idlenesse , the engendrers of all manner of crudities . Haue we not now adayes more then a good many whose God is their guts , Fruges consumere nati , on whose vrines thou mightest long looke , before thou couldst discerne any thing materiall or to the purpose ? As for our women , what if their Liuer and Kidneyes be hote , as I haue not seldome obserued , may not this bring forth an high water ? and will not obstructions easily depriue it of contents . But especially if these women be well acquainted with a pipe of Tobacco , a cup of good sherry Sacke , Malago , or Canary , or yet a cup of good nappy Ale well brewed with sugar , nutmegge and ginger , may it not now and then not onely colour the vrines , but make their faces flourish with some orientall carbuncles and rubies ? Besides the former reasons , will not fasting , watching , perturbations of the mind , diet in quantitie and qualitie , with diuerse other things moe , alter the vrine as well in man as in woman ? It were , perhaps , an easier matter to obserue this difference in some hoter climat then our owne , to wit , in France , Spaine , or Italy , where women drinke more water then with vs ; especially in Italie , where the women are caged vp like linnets to sing , and are not so busie with the fruite of the grape , nor with the strong barley water as our British women . If I should instance also in our virgins , more man-like then many men , how were any able to contradict it ? But if I should send to the cunningest pisse-prophet in this kingdome the vrine of some Hermaphrodite or man-woman , what would or could they say ? and to which of the sexes would they ascribe the vrine ? Now that some such are to be found , cannot be denied . It hath bene holden for a truth in all ages : and of late yeares a learned Physitian hath written a booke concerning that subiect , Gaspar . Bauhinus de Hermaphroditis . where he bringeth in a number of histories of ancient and later times . I haue bene also credibly informed of some such who haue liued here in these parts of the countrey . But if the woman shall be surprised with any hote and acute disease ( as the vrine is seldome sent to the Physitian but in sicknesse ) will not these confound thy iudgement ? Now if the sexe cannot be discerned by the vrine in persons of yeares , what absurditie is it to demand the knowledge hereof in a woman with child , where the conception it selfe cannot be thereby discerned ? as also where there are so many rubs in the way . It is also worth the obseruation , that whereas that learned . Mercatus discourseth of all the signes whereby one may know whether a woman be with child of a male or female , where he omitteth not so much as the blowing of the wind , yet speaketh he not so much as one word concerning the vrine : no more do many other authors of best note .

Iean Marinello among many moe , setteth downe many signes to discerne the sexe in the wombe , yet speaketh he not so much as one word of the vrine . Other authors for breuitie I will passe by . I cannot but wonder what should moue our vrine-mongers to be so peremptory in this their opinion of discerning the sexe by the vrines , as though there were some specificall difference alwayes to be obserued in these vrines : are not the humours alike , and the parts as well semilare as organicall alike in both these sexes ? But I will acquaint thee with one historie concerning the prediction of a Parson-physitian , who would certifie a Gentlewoman with child of what sexe it was .

A Gentlewoman dwelling within a few miles of Northampton , Historie . Of a peremptory Parson determining of the sexe in the wombe . left with child of her late deceassed husband , was very desirous to be certified of the sexe if it were possible . The reason was , because that if a sonne , then was he to be heire to great lands and possessions , which otherwise were entailed to the next heires male . This Parson being by many reputed famous in vromancie , this Gentlewoman had recourse to his oracle . The Parson is peremptorie that she is with child of a sonne . The Gentlewoman and her friends reioyce not a little . But the worst is yet behind : the Parsons prediction proues false , and he a lying Prophet : she is brought to bed of a daughter , and her mirth turned into mourning . If he had euer learned his Phylosophie , he might haue learned that , De futuris contingentibus non est determinata veritas : Of future things not yet come to passe , being contingent , no man can assuredly foretell the issue and euent . But thou mayest here see ex vnguibus Leonem : what manner of men these be .

The yeare 1622. a patient of mine of good account dwelling in Northampton , Historie . Of a womans vrine higher in colour and contents then a mans . purposing ( according to his vsuall custome ) to take some preuenting Physicke in the Spring of the yeare , wished his vrine to be sent to me . The vrine which was sent was of an high and deepe dyed red colour , of a meane substance , a copius red residence . Meeting with him the same day , I asked him whether he complained not of some heate : who replyed , he felt no manner of distemper at all . I wished him yet once againe to send me his vrine , which if it should so continue , I doubted Phlebolomie would be requisite . The next vrine was of a pale st●aw coloured yellow , with some whitish residents , such as sometimes accompanie crudities . Enquiring afterwards into the cause of this diuersitie of vrines in so short a space , his wife told me , that her vrine had the first day bene sent in stead of her husbands . I required of her , whether she did not complaine of any inward distemper of heate ; who replyed , that she complained of no distemper at all . But within a few dayes she found that distemper in such a measure , as she was glad to admit both of Phlebotomie and other fit and necessarie remedies . The constitution of her bodie is hote , and her vrine answerably high coloured , vnlesse it be accidentally hindered . And this I dare boldly affirme , that during her husbands sicknesse , being a long and tedious , first Tertian , then double Tertian feauer , yet neuer saw I his vrine of so high and intense a colour as that of hers lately mentioned .

And now I hope it doth plainly appeare , that neither the conception , nor sexe can be by the vrine onely discerned . Let vs now proceed to the examination and Anatomie of the vrine it selfe , together with the seuerall parts of the same .

THE SECOND BOOKE OF THE ANATOMIE OF VRINES .

THE ARGVMENT .

IN this second booke is set downe a more particular suruey or Anatomie of vrines , & their seuerall parts in particular : beginning first with the common diuision of the vrines into three or foure regions , with the idlenesse of that supposed correspondencie thought to be betwixt them and the regions of a mans bodie . Then followeth the vncertaintie of iudgement by the substance , and afterwards by the accidents of the vrine , and first of the quantitie : the smell followeth , and if any be in loue with the last , he may trie it in the next place . Then follow the chiefe colours , their seuerall significations , and doubtfull predictions thereby . The confutation of the crowne or garland is handled in the next place , and after it in order , the bubbles , spume , fat and froth , fume and vapour in the vrines . The great varietie of other contents challenge to themselues the next place , where we will begin with the cloud , swim or sublimation , then proceed to the grounds or residences of vrines : where besides varietie of contents commonly called difforme , are also contained diuers prodigious histories of seuerall sorts of wormes reiected by vrine . The obstruction and stopping of the vrine , either totall or in part , the seuerall causes of the same , and diuers predictions , as also the inuoluntarie excretion of vrine , shall not be omitted : and then a word with the Alchymists concerning distillation of vrines . And finally shall follow the conclusion , where shall be answered the obiection concerning euent and casuall cures , with some instances of this error . And for the confirmation of my opinion , I proceed on still in my former method of reasons and authorities both of ancient and late writers , adding here and there some of mine owne obseruations .

CHAP. I. That the regions of the vrine are not answerable to the regions of the body of man ; as also concerning the substance of vrines , thicke and thinne , their manifold significations , and vncertaintie of iudgement by the same .

Actuarius the first inuenter of these regions , &c. IT hath bene an inueterate opinion , and which hath taken deepe roote in the minds of many , and first brought in by Actuarius , that the seuerall regions of the vrine , are answerable to the principall regions or parts of a mans body . Of these regions in the vrine some make three , the highest part answering in proportion to the highest part of the body , to wit , the head and such other parts as adioyne to it : the middle region representing the middle parts of man , as the breast , the bowels , and the parts about them : the neather region of the vrine , the lowest parts from the bowels downewards . Others againe make foure , appropriating the circle in the vppermost part of the vrine , called otherwise a crowne or garland , to the animall parts contained in the head : the ouermost part or superficies to the pectorall parts , heart , lungs , &c. the middle region to the parts seruing for nutrition or nourishment , to wit , the stomach or maw , the liuer , spleene , guts , &c. the lowest or neathermost part in the bottome of the vrinall , to the parts appropriate to generation . Iodochus Willichius de probat . vrin . part . 4. c . 1. But this opinion ( saith one ) is more curious and superstitious then true . Meaning of the foure regions of the vrine , &c. And yet the same Author maintaineth the three regions of the vrine to be answerable to the three principall regions of the bodie , which I will here confute as most false and erronious . Now to this purpose I thinke it will not be amisse , to set downe the words of his interpreter , Hieron . Reus . schol . ad cap . praedict . prope finem . which may serue sufficiently to ouerthrow this error : Hence may it euidently appeare , in how great an error those Physitians are inuolued , who hold a proportion betwixt the height of the vrine and of a mans bodie . Hence also cometh it to passe , that they affirme that the contents of the vppermost region do declare and lay open the griefes of the head , &c. Did those men euer see fat fall to the bottome or middle region of the vrinall ? Doth not oyle and any fat thing commonly and of its owne accord swim vpon the top of the vrine ? Neither yet doth it therefore necessarily follow , that the head is principally affected ; but doth declare and shew foorth , either the wasting of the whole bodie , or some diseases of the kidneyes . Let them shew vs the residence called hypostasis , in the garland or vppermost part of the vrine . The like may be said concerning the bubbles which do alwayes stay vpon the top of the vrine , Aphor . 34. lib . 4. and according to the doctrine of Hippocrates , do Prognosticate some long and lingring disease of the kidneyes . To what end and purpose then keepe they such a prating , that the bubbles which do in order compasse the whole crowne or garland about , do declare some great paine in the whole head : and if they compasse and enuiron but the halfe of the circle or garland , then do they argue a paine but in one side of the head ? How often are such people pained with the wind Colicke or Hypochondriacke melancholy ? In which case howsoeuer some wind may ascend vp into the head ; yet is not this axiome alwayes of vndoubted truth . The like iudgement may we pronounce concerning other things of the like nature , which most commonly follow the condition of their owne naturall inclination and matter , and not the altitude or situation of this or that part of a mans bodie . Thus farre our Author . And the troubled vrine so continuing , of the which shall be spoken in the next Chapter , may serue to ouerthrow the supposed proportion betwixt the regions of the vrine and the body of man ; this headach being discerned by the whole body of the vrine , and neither by the circle or garland , nor yet by any bubbles , spume , or froth in the top of the same . But concerning the vncertainty of these particulars , as also concerning the crowne and garland , hereafter when we shall speake of the contents of vrines , I purpose to discourse at greater length . It is now time we come to the substance of vrines , and then to all the parts of the same .

Diuision of the vrine . I will with the learned Mercuriall , diuide the whole vrine into three parts , the substance , the accidents , and the contents . In the substance againe we are to consider , whether the vrine be thicke or thinne , Of the substance of vrines . and whether cleare , or troubled and muddie . And this we vnderstand of the whole bodie of the vrine . Thin vrines according to Vasseus haue manifold significations . Diuerse significations of thin vrines . Iohannes Vasseus Meldens . lib . de vrin . iudicijs . pag . 30. &c. First a failing of naturall heate . Secondly , a stoppage of the Liuer , kidneyes , and the vrinarie vessels . Thirdly , weaknesse of nature . Fourthly , that the attractiue power of the passage or pipes of the vrine is endamaged . Fiftly , extreame coldnesse ioyned with drought . In acute diseases it argueth : First the weaknesse of the concocting facultie . Secondly , the cruditie of the disease , and of the humours contained in the veines . Thirdly , if it thus continue for a long time , death , if nature be not able to hold out : & if strength continue , some abscesse or Impostume in the neather parts . And in a Crisis threateneth a relapse , as in Hermocrates 3. Epid . Hippocr . 3. Epid . Now how shall any by the bare inspection of these vrines , be able to know whether it hath long thus continued or no , which neuerthelesse maketh much for a true prediction ? The partie seldome taketh notice of it , vntill such time it be sent to the Physitian . The messenger employed , oftentimes hath not seene the partie since the beginning of his sicknesse , much lesse his vrine . Thinne vrines which afterwards turne thicke in an acute disease , Sauonar . lib . de vrin . cap . 3. saith Sauonarola , without any ease or alleuiation ensuing , signifieth a wasting away of the whole bodie , &c. But concerning thinne vrines , which afterwards turne thicke , something shall be further said , when we shall speake of thicke vrines . And concerning thinne vrines in generall , because I shall haue some further occasion to speake hereafter when I shall handle the colours , I will not dwell so long vpon this point . But now come we to the thicke vrines .

The same Vasseus giues vs fiue seuerall significations of thicke vrines in generall . Of thicke vrines Idem Vasseus ibidem . First the combat or fight betwixt nature and the humour . Secondly , abundance of humors . Thirdly , the thickening slime and the other parts next vnto it , by reason of cold , if thinne vrine went before . Fourthly , Significations of thicke vrines . the beginning of concoction , such in the fit of an Ague so continuing . Fiftly , the weaknesse of the strength , and no small store of humours . The same Author againe diuideth these thicke vrines into two sorts : Diuision of thicke vrines . into thicke transparent , pellucide , and troubled , called by him turbida . This first sort signifieth ( saith he ) a dissoluing or melting os glassie phlegme , as we see in the vrines of Epilepticke persons proceeding of phlegme . If it be of a citrine or yellowish colour , it signifieth choller , like the yolkes of egges . Of thicke troubled vrines . But because the other sort of thicke vrines called turbida , or troubled and muddie , is more obuious to the eye , and easilier discerned , I will insist a little the longer vpon the same . Their seuerall significations . The same Author assigneth three significations to such vrines . First , a great agitation and stirring of crude and vnconcoct humours , together with no small store of windinesse . Secondly , abundance of humours , which neuerthelesse are by nature expelled . Thirdly , the great trouble and encombrance nature hath in the expelling and sequestring such humours . Diuision of thick troubled vrines . But these troubled thicke vrines are yet diuided into three seuerall sorts . First , some being thinne at the first making , do afterwards thicken : others are made thicke , and after a while settle : and finally , some are made thick , and do so continue , being like vnto horse-pisse . Such vrines ( saith Ranzouius ) as are made thinne , Henricus Ranzonius lib . de conseruanda valetud . cap . 19. sometimes suddenly thicken and grow troubled : this in health cometh often to passe after exercise , and to others after sicknesse . And after I haue drunke hard ( saith the same Author ) I make a cleare vrine , which in a very short time groweth thicke , and so setleth to a great residence . Others hold that it signifieth , that nature now beginneth to set vpon the humor , and to concoct it . I haue often obserued such an vrine , both in perfect health and before and after sicknesse . Cold winter weather also often altereth thinne vrines into thicke . Such as are made thicke at first , and after settle to a thicke residence , and become cleare , signifie and declare vnto vs , that the disease wasteth away ; as declaring nature now to make a separation , after which it expelleth at a place conuenient . Vrines made thicke at the first , and so persisting , are generally accounted , Aph. 10. lib . 4. and that not without cause , the worst of the three : which according to Hippocrates , argue great headach , either present or imminent , being especially ioyned with a feauer . But this is not perpetuall , In lib . 1. Prorrh . comment . 1. ( saith Galen ) for a troubled vrine generally is an accident of the abundance of raw humours , either concocted or turned into wind , and not of a phrensie ; and yet such an vrine may both accompanie a phrensie , and be without it , as all other such accidents as neither are contrarie to phrensie , nor yet proper thereunto . Leo Roganus de prouid . ex vrin . lib . 3. cap . 2. Of these vrines which do not settle ( saith a learned Author ) but yet much more of such as being at first made thinne do afterwards thicken , we can giue no certaine prediction : for such vrines do sometimes onely signifie cruditie , and sometimes againe they are very bad . But the diligent and carefull Physitian may by other signes distinguish the same . Hieron . Reusn . in cap . 6. part . 1. Iodochi Willich . de probat . vrin . Another Author maketh vrines so persisting to be alwayes very dangerous . Such an vrine ( saith he ) doth declare vnto vs , that naturall heate is so weake , that it cannot separate the good from the bad . But yet must not this be absolutely vnderstood , but with a caution and limitation , common to many such other speeches : to wit , that with strength persisting , they signifie that the disease is like to be of long continuance , and without the same to signifie death . In such thicke vrines therefore ( saith Roganus ) we must not alwayes be afrayed , Loco nuper citato . as some ordinarie Physitians are , but must likewise obserue some other signes . In young children ( saith Reusner ) if these vrines be exceeding thicke , Loco iam citato . ( which oftentimes cometh to passe , howsoeuer seldome obserued ) besides the head-ach proceeding of windinesse , they do also signifie the paine of the heart , ( as they call it commonly ) that is , of the mouth of the stomach . Such an vrine may proceed also from the windinesse of the passages . Thinne vrines afterwards becoming thicke and troubled , if strength decay , it is an infallible token of death : and that by reason of the agitation and motion of the matter within the bodie , and the abundance of windie vapours from thence , which nature is not able to ouercome . But before I proceed any further , Confutation of an erroneous opinion of the vulgar sort concerning the staining of the vrinall . I cannot passe by a common error , which many as well in towne as countrey do hold , to wit , that when they see such a thicke vrine staine the vrinall , they are incontinent conceited all the danger of the disease is past . But this to be most false , I haue often my selfe obserued , and no doubt so haue a many moe besides my selfe . Reusner maketh this one of his signes to know whether the vrine were thinne at the first making or no : for if it were so , then when it thickeneth , it commonly staineth the vrinall . Now when the strength holdeth out , the patient may recouer , and not otherwise . I will instance in one onely , in whom I obserued the vanitie of this opinion , and shall serue in stead of a many to iustifie my assertion .

Some nine or ten yeares ago , Historie . I was sollicited to affoord my presence and best counsell to a Parson , dwelling within some foure miles of the towne of Northampton , surprised with a burning feauer . Hauing diligently enquired what remedies he had hitherto vsed ( for if I remember right , it was the tenth day of his disease ) and by whose prescription , I learned that no lesse then three at least , if not foure Parson-Physitians had administred to him , and then the most famous for Uromancie of all the countrey about : howbeit since that time some others are also crept into that societie . I enquired moreouer whether Phlebotomie had bene as yet vsed . They replyed that Phlebotomie had not bene so much as once mentioned by any of them , but that they had purged him , as I thinke with Diaprunum , and I remember not what else , and appointed him some cooling drinkes . His wife added moreouer , that one of them thinking to purchase himselfe some praise beyond his fellowes , would haue bribed Death with foue pounds worth of Aurum Potabile , which she willingly payed for , in hope of her husbands recouerie . But this importunate suter would haue no nay ; This Parson a chiefe proctor for aurum potabile in Northamptonshire . but vrged still the payment of the debt he came to demand . I told them that Phlebotomie , in due and conuenient time administred , had proued a more soueraigne medicine for this disease , then all the gold of Ophir and both the Indies . I being by them much importuned to let him bloud , absolutely refused , his strength being now well nigh spent , and some ill signes ( the vndoubted harbingers of death ) offering themselues to my eyes , administring onely some cordials . The next morning I find all waxe worse and worse ; howbeit his wife , shewing me his vrine , which before had bene thinne , and now setled to a thicke residence , a part whereof did sticke to the sides of the vrinall and staine the same , which she , beleeuing her neighbours , began to conceiue some better hope of his recouerie , and that onely vpon this false ground . I assured her of the contrary , which shortly afterwards proued too true , and the same day , being Saturday I departed . The Monday after comes one of his former Physitians ( not the Parson who ministred Aurum Potabile ; for after the same he had no moe arrowes left in his quiuer ) who , if faire buttered speeches and peremptorie promises could cure diseases , he might cure more then euer did the Apostles : who then all too late letteth his patient bloud , who suruiued not long after the losse of this liquor of life , but dyed either that night , or the next morning very early , being about the fourteenth day from the beginning of his disease . One thing I must yet adde concerning the signification of thicke vrines , which deserueth reprehension : Absurd opinion of a Physitian , affirming one to be bewitched by the vrine onely . to wit , That a Physitian maintained , that he could know by the vrine that any were bewitched : to wit , that such a ones vrine was thicke and muddie , and could not by any heate be turned , as they terme it . To whom it was no lesse learnedly then truly replyed , Did you neuer reade in Hippocrates of vrina confusa ? I cannot but much maruell , that any man that had euer suckt in the principles and grounds of Physicke , should be so farre ouerseene , this being a peculiar propertie of such vrines , that they will not be turned by any heate whatsoeuer . It is then apparent , how little certaintie is to be collected concerning the iudgement of diseases , by the sole inspection either of thick or thinne vrines : to wit , that after many cautions and diuers interrogations , if thou meete with an vnderstanding messenger , and the vrine sent at a conuenient time , and all other circumstances obserued ( which neuerthelesse , seldome or neuer concurre altogether ) and thou thy selfe being wise and vnderstanding , mayest perhaps , learne something concerning the state of the disease , as cruditie and concoction ; and it may be , some moe circumstances , and yet the strength of the patient ( which is most materiall , and the vulgar neuer able to iudge of the same ) together with many other circumstances , not to be neglected shall be concealed from thee : many of our countrey people , being so ignorant that they thinke their neighbour not a whit amended , vnlesse he be able , as at other times , to fill his bellie with bag-pudding & bacon . And moreouer the ordinary sort of people are seldome able to lay open either their owne or their neighbours infirmitie , they taking chiefly notice either of some accident common to many others , or else of some griefe most affecting them . But besides the premisses , Many things alter the iudgement of the vrine . may not the thicknesse of the vrinall , the dimnesse of thy sight , the excesse or defect of light , or yet if it be brought to thee at candle light ( so sottish and absurd is the vulgar sometimes ) make thee to faile in thy iudgement ? That I say nothing of the time of the yeare , according to the which as well the substance as the accidents do often alter in one and the same indiuiduall partie . Others adde also the sexe , the age and many moe , which I here omitting , will hasten to the accidents of vrine .

CHAP. II . Of the accidents of vrine , the quantitie , smell , &c. and that no certaine and assured truth can by them be presaged or knowne .

THe accidents of vrine are all reduced to two generall heads , the quantitie and the qualitie . Accidents of vrine twofold . The quantitie is either great , small , or meane , which is the best . Diuerse significations of great abundance of vrine in health . Abundance of vrine in health signifieth , 1. that the partie hath drunke store of Rhenish or other searching wine . 2. abundance of moist meats . 3. little euacuation by stoole . 4. too liberall vse of diuretickes , or such things as prouoke vrine . 5. the concoction of crude and vndigested food . 6. the retention of sweat , menstruous fluxe , or other moisture detained within the chest or stomacke , vnburthening themselues this way . Concerning the retention of the like humidities , it may not seeme so strange that they may be turned towards the passages of the vrine , but it may seeme stranger that the faecall excrements should produce this effect ; A●hor . vltimo lib 4 . ●●b . 4. de generat●one an●m cap . 4. and yet Hippocrates witnesseth the truth hereof : and besides , Aristotle relateth , that in Pirinthus there was a cow , which neuer had the passage for her excrements open , but that the same were conuerted into a flatuous or windie substance , and then into vrine , and so expelled . In sicknesse In sicknesse . this abundance is likewise diuers wayes produced . 1. By meanes of the excessiue heate of the kidneyes , which draw abundantly such humidities , as in the Diabeticall disease , called by some a Pot-dropsie . 2. Great euacuation of superfluous moisture . 3. The wasting away of the whole bodie , which commeth to passe in burning feauers , and which was obserued by that famous Physitian Marcus Gatinaria in that maide of Milla● about some eighteene yeares of age , Historie . Mercur . lib . de vrin●● cap 6. ex Marco Gatina ria . who voyded euery day for fortie dayes together , fifteene pounds of vrine , whereas the quantitie of euery dayes meate and drinke ioyntly did neuer exceed the weight of foure pounds . 4. The ending of the disease . And in acute diseases , the abundance of vrine is procured sometimes , 1 by meanes of the feauers relenting . 2. By the change thereof into an Hecticke . 3. By a Conuulsion . And besides the premisses , it may be yet procured by diuerse other meanes : as I remember a yong woman then vnmarried , who in the disease called the mother , voyded abundance of vrine , especially during the time of her fits , b●ing in the afternoones , and that for the space of foure dayes together , as hereafter shall appeare when we shall speake of the colours of vrines . And often in the crises of acute diseases the vrine is multiplied . G●il . Adolph . Scribon . de vrin . inspect . pag . 41. 42. Another . A man of Sena ( saith Scribonius ) euery day did pisse foure or fiue iugs of vrine , who scarce dranke halfe an English pint all the said space : what could a Physitian haue iudged by this quantitie ? Thus then when thou seest so many causes of one and the same effect , to which of them canst thou ascribe it , vnlesse thou be well acquainted with the particular circumstances from the patients owne mouth ? Small quantitie of vrine Small quantitie of vrine by diuers meanes . is likewise procured , 1. By dry diet . 2. By the vse of tough and slimie meates . 3. By reason of obstructions . 4. By reason of plentifull euacuation . 5. By meanes of a violent feauer . 6. By some hurt of the vrinarie vessels , as commeth sometimes to passe by reason of the cold distemper of the bladder , procuring a palsie to that part . 7. By the decay of naturall heate , as commeth sometimes to passe in such as are readie to dye . 8. Because the moisture is detained in some other part , as commeth to passe in a Dropsie . 9 By reason of some impostume in the fundament , the necke of the bladder , or in the wombe , which may straiten the said passage , that the vrine cannot come away in any great quantitie . 10. The abundance of crude and raw humours may be a meanes of this so small a quantitie . But I will yet adde some more out of the aforenamed Scribonius , Idem ibidem . because his words are so sutable for our purpose , The like verdict may we also giue forth ( saith he ) concerning the small quantitie of vrine , taking often its originall cause from the defect or scarcitie of meate and drinke ; as also by meanes of some other euacuations : such as are sweat , excretions by stoole , and such like , which carrying the matter of the vrine another way , hinder the passage thereof into the bladder , and by consequent the expulsion from thence . For this same cause such as be troubled with any laskes or fluxes do voide but a small quantitie of vrine , as Galen himselfe declareth . Againe a little after , Aphor . 83. lib . 4. he addeth these words : In the obstruction of the Liuer and mesaraicke veines , experience it selfe doth often teach vs , that a very small quantitie of vrine is voyded . Now if any ones seruant should bring vnto thee such an vrine , not acquainting thee with any other circumstance , why wouldest thou giue sentence for an obstruction rather then a laske ? or for a laske rather then an obstruction ? Besides the premisses , in the Stone , the Dropsie , and such other diseases which hinder the generation of v●ine , no certaine iudgement can be collected from the small quantitie of the same . Another . And that thou mayest yet be more rauished with admiration , Rufus Ephesus in his booke of the infirmitie of the reines , maketh mention of one , who ( as saith Praxagozas ) aboue the space of twelue yeares voyded all his vrine by the bellie , and not by the ordinarie passage . What then could a man haue iudged concerning this mans bladder , and the other parts depending thereupon ? And this shall suffice for the quantitie of vrines , with the vncertaintie of the same : now come we to the qualities obserueable in them .

The next accident of vrine is the qualitie : and the qualities , as witnesseth Mercuriale , Mercur . l●b . de vrin . cap . 6. Of the smell of vrines . Vrines without smell . according to the doctrine of the Arabian Physitians , are fiue : the smell , the tast , the sound , the touch , and the colour . As for the smell , vrines haue little or no smell , or else a sweet and pleasing smell , or finally a stinking smell . No smell , saith Mercuriall , proceedeth from no other cause then from the extinguishing of naturall heate : howbeit it may sometimes proceed from drinke of a cold qualitie , like as we see in cold countries , and the like complexions , the smell of the vrine is not so much to be discerned . Urines smell well , Vrines smelling well . either in regard of diet or drugs : but especially by meanes of a temperate heate concocting well . Stinking vrines come by foure seuerall meanes . Stinking vrines with their seuerall significations . 1. By meanes of cruditie and indigestion of the food . 2. By reason of putrefaction . Galen witnesseth , that whatsoeuer thing is putrified hath an euill fauoured smell . Ga●en lib . 5. de simplic . med . facult . Wherefore in Pestilentiall feauers the vrines are most commonly of a stinking smell . As also if the vrines passe through any place oppressed with putrid vlcers ; or yet if any purulent matter be mingled with them , they become stinking . 3. The too long retention of vrine in the bladder may make it to stinke . 4. The qualitie either of diet or drugs , ( as hath bene said of the good smell of vrines ) may likewise procure vnto it an euill smell . Lib . de vrin . cap . 3. rub . 1. Looke at large what Sauonarola saith of this point , if thou be disposed to see further . But what certaintie doth the smell of the vrine affoord vs ? whosoeuer shall thinke to helpe his vncertaine coniectures by the same , should leape out of the frying pan ( as the prouerbe saith ) into the fire . In the first place it is to be obserued , that as well in sicknesse as in health , vrines may offer no pleasing smell to the nose , and yet the party may be free from any danger at al. But because healthfull folkes seldome send their vrines to the Physitian , we will let them passe , Loco prius citato . and come to the sicke . I will let Scribonius speake for me . Concerning the sicks vrine ( saith he ) most do teach vs that stinking vrines signifie putrefaction of humours , in so much that by the difference of the smels , they take vpon them to iudge of the seuerall humours so putrified . O wise woodcockes ! I willingly yeeld to them , that stinke or strong smell doth argue putrefaction in such vrines : but of which parts shall this putrefaction be ? whether of the bladder onely , or of the Liuer also , of the chest , or other members ? Nay so farre off is the stinking smell from giuing vs any particular notice of the disease , that it cannot so much as affoord vs any certaine generall knowledge of the same . For many sweet smelling simples ( saith Montanus ) may cause a most stinking vrine . Cholericke and hote complexioned men void often very strong smelling vrines , howsoeuer free from any disease , as I haue often obserued in my selfe . And by what meanes , I pray thee , shouldst thou from the stinking smell of the vrine know putrefaction ? or how can this putrefaction procure this stinking smell ? If this were so , then would it necessarily follow , that whosoeuer were seised with a feauer proceeding from putrefaction of humours , should voyd stinking vrines , the which is most false . The truth of this assumption may from hence appeare , that for the most part among an hundred sicke of such feauers , scarce shalt thou find one of their vrines so to smell , nor yet their bloud at the opening of a veine . And for this cause well said Sauonarola in his treatise of Vrines , that there are other signes also to be obserued in the annoying of putrified members , if we purpose well and orderly to examine , trie and finde out any skill concerning vrines . And indeed a thousand causes there are which may alter and change their smell . By the smell then onely there can neuer be any certaintie collected to informe our iudgements concerning any disease . But I am afraid the Reader will take it ill , that I so long detaine him among so vnpleasing smels ; Medici certe de hac iudicandi ratione scribentes digni essent , qui in dies lotium potare cogerentur . Vpuparum potius quam Medicorum haec tractatio erit . Idem ibidem . and my selfe begin to waxe wearie of so vnworthie a thing , and as I neuer tooke any pleasure in the same , so here I leaue it to them that like it better . But if I should yet enter vpon the tast , I feare I should be worse taxed . I can tell no man their tast by mine owne experience . Salt they haue alwayes bene counted , as the teares likewise : If any be incredulous I will not hinder him . If our vrinemongers had no better beere allowed them , they would not so much adore the pissepot as some of them do . But yet if any purpose to practise this point , I wish him to go to the Arabians , who haue written so curiously concerning this point ; and it may be , in regard of their aromaticall drugs , their vrines may be of better taste then those of our Europaeans , who feed on grosser food . As for the other two qualities , the sound and touch , we will send them all in one ship to Arabia with their fellowes : and now we come to the colours .

CAAP . III . Of the colours of Urines , how deceitfull they proue , and first of the colour commonly called palew or light saffron .

Vrina meretrix . IF euer vrine proued a strumpet , it is of all other parts of the vrine most apparently to be seene in the colour . For as sometimes some of the most infamous stewes strumpets , infected it may be , with the poxe , do most curiously decke and adorne , by curious painting , sumptuous apparell , and such other enticing trickes , their lothsome and filthie carkasses , to the end they may more easily deceiue such as will be caught in their snares : doth it not often fare euen so with the colour of the vrine ? For oftentimes when they make the fairest shew , doth not euen death knocke at the doore ? My purpose is not here to make any phylosophicall discourse concerning the causes of colours in generall , and then to apply the same to vrines in particular , and so to insist vpon each seuerall colour : for this might proue too tedious , and perhaps , not so pertinent to the purpose we haue in hand . And yet , notwithstanding , I will say something of each of the chiefe and principall colours ; by the which it may more easily be conceiued , that the like deceit may be seene in the others like vnto them . Palew and light saffron colour . Now my purpose is to begin with that colour which is the best of all others , being as it were the rule and square whereby we do discerne and iudge of the failings and defects of all the rest . This colour is called in Latin Subrufus , subaureus , or subcroceus : and in English , palew , or light saffron . This colour our Physitians do generally account the best of all others , and that it best betokeneth exact concoction . Neither yet must this first and best colour arguing good concoction , be simply and in it selfe so considered , but restrained to flourishing age . For in old men , women and children , ( whose vrines , especially childrens , do commonly decline towards white and pale ) it doth betoken that their bodies are too hote , either by reason of diet , exercise or some other meanes . But if one should bring vnto thee such an vrine , how couldst thou tell whether it were an old or a yong mans , a womans or a childs , the messenger not acquainting thee with the particular circumstances ? It may be thou wilt say , the contents will make the case cleare . I answer , that many causes may depriue them of contents in part or altogether , as hereafter shall appeare in the contents : and how the substance may alter , hath bene said alreadie . The common opinion is , the higher the colour is , the greater heat is argued ; which opinion to be most false & erronious , shall hereafter in other colours appeare . Besides , may not a little extraordinarie watching , fasting , rheubarb , saffron , madder roots , or such like , colour the vrine without any excesse of heat ? And will the seuerall seasons of the yeare produce no alteration in the vrine ? that I say nothing of an infinite number of other causes , which may in like manner alter them . But one signification of such a coloured vrine I cannot here passe by , which I remember I once read in an English vrine booke : to wit , Called the key of vnknowne knowledge , or a shop of fiue windowes . that a maide which maketh an vrine of this colour , desireth the companie of a man . Doth not our maister vrine-monger now diue into the depth of the matter ? But good man , I know what , I can assure thee that Tom and Dicke in the countrey can tell as well , that Maud the dairy maide would be married , by the reflected rayes and benigne aspects of her superiour orbs vpon their hemisphaers , and the suffering some syllibubs and some other commodities committed to her custodie , now and then to come into their possession ; by this meanes hindering her mistresse to further her selfe in her suite : as the most cunning pisse-prophet in all the countrie shall do by the vrine , if he had as many eyes as euer had that watchfull Argus , or his nose weighed downe with spectacles . The sanguine and best complexioned ( which by consequence should produce the best vrines ) are not alwayes the most amorous . Many as ill coloured drabs as euer any hath seene , haue not sometimes bene behind the best complexioned Gentlewoman in the land in such a case . And it is held by many that such are for the most part solaces . But now let vs proceed to some instances of these outward glorious appearances of vrines of the best note , Leuinus Lemnius de occultis nature mirac . lib . 2. cap . 37. which neuerthelesse falsified the trust reposed in them . And first I will instance in one taken out of a learned Germane author , Historie . Ia●ob . Douinetus apol . lib . 1. cap . 8. and then I will adde one of mine own experience .

The iudgement of diseases by the sole inspection of the vrine , is hard to attaine vnto , and of great difficultie : for sometimes it commeth to passe that the vrine , as well in colour as in all other points , doth shew it selfe of a very laudable condition to the view of any iudicious eye , when , notwithstanding , death standeth at the doore : the reason of this being , that all diseases are not easily discerned , nor yet the dangers of them perceiued by the vrine alone ; but such especially as haue their being in the bladder , veines , kidneyes and Liuer . As it came to passe anno 1581. in a yong man about 24. yeares of age newly married . This yong mans vrine being , as well in colour as contents , most like vnto an healthfull vrine , he being neither depriued of his accustomed appetite , either to meate or drinke , neither troubled with excessiue headeach , thirst , watching , anxiety and tossing of his body too and fro ; nor yet distempered with any noysome heate which might by feeling be discerned . The pulse notwithstanding , being weake , frequent and swift with great inequalitie and feeblenesse , gaue vs some coniectures of I know not what kinde of feauer , the which now and then was not without some exacerbations . Hence was I of opinion , that the vitall facultie did then by little and little decay ; the vse and necessitie whereof in euery action of this life is , not without great cause , thought to be of such weight and moment , that not onely doth it suffice as matter for the rest , but doth also stirre vp and perfect the same , in cherishing them after a most kinde and effectuall manner , in so much as no part of the body can enioy the benefit of nourishment without the influence of this vitall facultie . This yong man therefore , b●ing now wholly depriued of the said spirits , it was no maruell if nature now decaying , and wine , by the counsell of a certaine Physitian , being denied him now for certaine dayes , he did vpon the eight day make an exchange of this cottage of clay for a farre better and happier inheritance ,

But to omit many other stories by my selfe and others obserued , In the yeare 1617. many dangerous maligne feauers . which would yet most pregnantly prooue and confirme the same , yet especially in the yeare 1617. did this most manifestly and plainly appeare . In the foresaid yeare , being generally moist for the most part ; the Winter not Winter like , furnished with such frosts and tempestuous stormes , as are not vnseasonable for that time of the yeare : it came to passe that besides the small poxe , measels , and diuers other diseases , there reigned not onely in Northamptonshire , but in many other places of the kingdome , a certaine kind of maligne , if not pestilentiall feauer , the which , by reason it sweept away the lustiest people of either sexe , we may , and that not without good reason , call it Stoup gallant . In this disease , as cometh often also to passe in others of the like nature , the vrines of some , such as liued not long after , did appeare to the eye , both for colour and contents , of as laudable a condition as the vrine of the soundest and healthfullest man in this kingdome . But among many I will mention but one , whereof I my selfe was an eye-witnesse .

These foresaid feauers in the towne of Northampton , Another . and places adioyning , in the Spring of the yeare were very frequent , fierce and furious : towards Sommer they began somewhat to relent , reassuming their former fiercenesse towards the Haruest quarter . In the aboue named yeare and quarter , about the latter end of September , a married woman of good account and reputation , liuing within this towne of Northampton , was surprised with the foresaid feauer : of the which , because at the first it assaulted her after the manner of an intermittent Tertian ague , she made but small reckoning but after the space of three or foure dayes , fearing that which afterwards came to passe , being also hereunto perswaded by some of her friends , she vsed the aduise of another Physitian and my selfe . In a few dayes were by vs administred all such meames , as either in reason or our daily experience we thought fittest to expell the cause of her disease , and restore her to her former health againe . But contra vim mortis , non est medicamen in hortis . Wherefore at length discharging that debt which all the sonnes of Adam owe , she was freed from the miseries of this mortall life , and entred into the possession of a better . Two or three dayes before her death , her vrine might both for colour and contents , haue giuen such satisfaction and content to the most eagle-eyed Physitian , that none by the sight of the same could euer haue suspected any imminent danger . In like manner if any one had felt her pulse , without due consideration of the former dangerous accidents , which could not be concealed from a iudicious eye , obseruing withall sensibly approach the dissolution of this crasie cottage , he would no doubt with old Agag haue concluded : 1. Sam . 15.32 . Surely the bitternesse of death is past .

CHAP. IIII . Of red vrines , and how easily one may thereby be deceiued , and of pissing bloud .

PAssing by many other colours of vrine which Authors do here mention , attributing to each of them a seuerall signification ; of all which , it were too much this short Treatise should take vpon it to discourse ; considering also that the vncertaintie of the same may be partly collected from that which hath bene said alreadie , and partly by some things yet to be handled hereafter : now I will cleare this point concerning red vrines . This colour of vrine , howbeit it hath many degrees , some being of an higher , and some againe of a lower coloured red : yet ( saith Galen ) all are coloured with a greater or smaller portion of bloud therewith mingled . Neuerthelesse , that this same colour of vrine is procured by the mixture , more or lesse , not of bloud alone , but also of an high coloured choller , ioyntly or seuerally according to the greater or smaller quantitie thereof , is not by a small number of learned Physitians maintained : as also that this same colour of vrine is often and vsually seene in hote and acute diseases , is not vnknowne to the very vulgar and vnlearned sort of people . Now a many causes may bring foorth this effect : this colour of vrine higher or lower appearing in a many hote and acute diseases ; which would puzzle a good Physitian , by the bare sight of such an vrine , Dangerous to let bloud vpon the bare sight of an high red coloured vrine . to know what disease it were . But yet is not this rule so infallibly true , that it admitt●th of no exception , as is the opinion of many . And therefore most erroneous and dangerous is the practise of such , as vpon the bare sight of an high coloured vrine , presently without any further deliberation or enquiry of circumstances , both prescribe Phlebotomie , and administer all maner of cooling medicines , to the great & ineuitable danger and preiudice of the patient : from the which errour also the learned Arabian Auicenna is not free , as our learned late writers haue well obserued . And as I deny not but that this may often prooue true ; so on the other side , it is most certaine , that the vrine may be of such a colour , and yet either proceed from a cold cause , or else from some imbecillitie and weakenesse , as cometh somtimes to passe in Dropsies , &c. But lest this should seeme stuffe of mine owne braine , and hatched at home , heare from the mouth of a worthie Author , Rhemb . Dod . obseruat . medic . cap . 32. something concerning the same purpose . It is not seldome obserued , that the vrine , by reason of a commixtion of bloud with it , doth appeare of a red colour : but by reason that it is either thicke or clotted , it is no great difficultie to discerne the same . But that so thinne a bloud should be mingled with it , that not the substance of the vrine , but the colour onely should be altered , is but seldome seene . Such a case befell a young man of 28. yeares of age or neare by .

This young man voided an vrine of an high red colour , Historie . and thinne substance for many dayes together , being very like to the vrines made in hote acute feauers . The aforesaid patient had vsed the aduice of diuers ancient learned Physitians , who had appointed him such meanes as are vsed for the cooling of hote Liuers . At length he repaired to my selfe , at that time but a young Physitian . Looking on his vrine , and withall seeing it of so high a red colour , as also perceiuing him , who was there present , free from any feauer , I asked him whether heretofore he had complained of any : which he denyed , adding moreouer , that for some moneths by-past he had felt a chilnesse and coldnesse , together with a great extenuation or leannesse , and shortnesse of breath , ioyned with a generall decay of strength ; as also that hitherto he had found no benefit by such meanes as he had vsed . All which hauing attentiuely heard , I thought good to keepe by me the said vrine vntill the next day , and then to view the residence thereof , the which was of a colour like vnto bloud , as being indeed nothing else but bloud , the vrine aboue it , being but very little , dyed with a pale yellow colour ; shewing no signe or token at all of any feauer . For the which cause I did then collect , that there was no exorbitant heate in his Liuer , but a great weakenesse in the kidneyes , by reason whereof the ends of the small veines being opened and loosened , let some part of the bloud passe away . And therefore I tooke a new course for curing of the same , by vsing such meanes as were fit for the corroborating and strengthening of the kidneyes and veines , not omitting fit And conuenient diet , and among other things , goats milke . And so at length the vrine came to its owne naturall colour againe , his bodie also enioying the benefit of nourishment as it was wont informer times : and thus in a short time recouered his vigour , strength , and former perfect health againe .

Idem Dod . in schol . Such an excretion of bloud , which cometh thus to passe by reason of the loosenesse and widenesse of the mouthes of the small veines , or yet of the thinnesse of bloud , is commonly called Diapedesis : that is , as much as a streining through . It cometh also to passe , that some bloud is voyded by vrine many other wayes : sometimes some great stone fre●ting the passages betwixt the kidneyes and the bladder , called Vreteres , bloud doth also accompanie the vrine , but withall it is blacke and clotted . The stone continuing for some certaine space in the bladder , prooueth likewise sometimes the cause of this inconuenience , and that especially after riding , or some other violent motion of the bodie . In women also some part of their menstruous fluxe is sometimes intermingled with it . Sometimes againe the bloud issuing out of the gummes , being suddenly stopt , doth search for it selfe a passage through the bladder . The kidneyes being wounded , first doth bloud issue out by the vrines , and afterwards matter mingled with it : as it befell that woman which was stabbed in the loynes with a dagger , first voyding blouddie vrines , then afterwards mingled with matter , vntill such time as both the wound and the kidneyes were cured . And that this was a wound in the kidneyes , did plainly appeare , by some portion of the same taken out of the wound . The exulceration of the kidneyes is also accompanied with bloudie vrine , after the which ( vnlesse remedie be in due and conuenient time procured ) matter doth follow . It is likewise sometimes seene , that decrepit old men do voyd vrines mingled with bloud , which are of a blackish colour , accompanied with some red , the which doth declare , that the vigour and power of the kidneyes is almost quite abolished .

But I wish thee yet to lend thine eare a little to the same Author , yet againe in a storie or two more , Idem obseruat . medicin . cap . 31. which will adde not a little light to this matter .

The vrine doth appeare of a reddish colour , not onely when the Liuer is surprised with a Gangrene , or the bodie with any hote or acute disease , such as are Tertian agues , burning feauers inflammation of the internall parts : but often also in the debilitie , weakenesse , and coldnesse of the Liuer or stomach , proceeding from long and lingring diseases . The like tincture it receiueth now and then in the extreame pinching Collicke passion , when as some tough and clammie humours possessing the guts , do hinder the passage of the faecall excrements .

A Gentleman of account ( saith he ) voyded vrine of a very high red colour , howbeit free from any feauer : Historie . being at the same time much tormented with the Collicke , accompanied with a retention of the faecall excrements . After the iniection of an anodine , or mitigating glister , the paine was much eased , and withall the vrine became of a remisse and light colour , such as it was wont to be in his former health . After a short space his vrine reassumed againe its former high colour , vntill such time as by frequent reiteration of glisters , the vrine at length persisted in that laudable state and condition once before begun , the bodie also without any artificiall meanes performed its ordinarie functions .

A Citizen of good account , about fiftie yeares of age , Another . Idem Ibidem . being freed from a Quartane ague , which had held him for the space of foure or fiue moneths , fell into that kind of laske which we commonly call Lienteria . His excretions by stoole were very liquid and crude , and no remainder of the heate of the Ague to be discerned . His vrines also were of as high a red colour , as is at any time to be seene in the most violent burning feauers , or inflammations of the inward parts . But yet did I not build vpon any so rotten a foundation , but hauing a more watchfull eye on other matters , I thought it necessarie in the first place to haue a care of the stomach , and in the next place of the Liuer , both being by meanes of the former Quarterne ague , not a little weakened . For this end and purpose I prescribed his diet in qualitie hote and drie , allowing him for his drinke the best and strongest wines , such as are Sacke and Canarie . Physicall meanes were Diagalanga , Diatrion-pipereon , and such like . By continuance of which meanes , this much at length was obtained , that the faecall excrements did now shew forth good concoction , the vrines also as in his former perfect health . After all the premisses the aforementioned patient assuring himselfe of perfect health , did secretly fall againe to the too liberall drinking of beere . Immediatly after this disorder , the colour of his vrine was againe altred into an high deepe red , vndoubtedly declaring vnto vs , that sometimes the vrines receiue an high and deepe colour , by reason of the cruditie and coldnesse of the stomach . Vrine sometimes red by reason of the cruditie of the stomach . After that time therefore he refrained againe from beere , vpon the which his vrine returned to its former laudable condition , neither did he after that vse any beere , vntill such time as he had perfectly recouered his former health againe .

These things haue I related , because of the ignorance and error of many , who are perswaded , that the vrine cannot be died with so high a colour , any other way then by heate , who whensoeuer they see such an vrine brought to them , the patient being tormented with the Collicke , they very vnaduisedly and rashly haue recourse to the cure of a feauer , neglecting the cure of the Collicke , which by these meanes they are so farre from curing , that they do rather much increase the paine of the same . But if these men had read Galen to Glauco , Lib . 1. cap . de signis quotidianae intermitt . they could not be ignorant that vrines sometimes do appeare of a reddish colour in cold diseases , or at least such as are not very much distempered with heate . For writing of the Quotidian ague , which hath for materiall cause , crude and raw humours , thus he writeth : In Quotidian agues the vrines are either white , or thicke and muddie , or else of a red colour . In comment . in praedict . locum . Martinus Akakia in his Commentarie addeth , that the vrines then become of a reddish colour , when as by weaknesse of the Liuer or the veines , the red waterish substance issueth out with the vrine . Hieron . Reusner . in schol . ad cap . 22. Ioh . Willich . de prob . vrin . Fernelius also , lib . 6. pathol . cap . 13. writeth that they are not a little deceiued , who do ascribe bloudie vrine , or that which is of a red windie colour , resembling the washings of raw bloudie flesh , vnto the imbecillitie and weaknesse of the Liuer : for he cannot conceiue how that bloud can come from any other part of the bodie without some indisposition of the kidneys . But yet ( by the leaue of so learned a man ) many things there be which make against this assertion . For oftentimes by experience we see many plethoricke young men , feeding on abundance of daintie dishes , & liuing in ease and idlenesse , to pisse bloud by meanes of a relaxation of some veine , Per {αβγδ} . who by the onely meanes of Phlebotomie , together with the application of some Emplasticke remedie to the region of the Liuer , ( about the which place they say , they find some weight ioyned with some distention , reaching vp to the right shoulder ) are perfectly cured . And who can here I pray thee , accuse the kidneyes , there being no paine nor trouble at all felt in the making of his vrine ?

And thus may the deceit and vncertaine iudgement had by the varietie of these red vrines in hote or cold diseases easily be conceiued , for the which cause I will here surceasse from insisting any more vpon them : but now , because mention hath bene made of some small quantity of bloud issuing foorth with the vrines , we will say something of the abundant pissing of bloud , illustrating it by some authorities , as heretofore we haue done .

Now as these vrines of an high and intense red colour , Of pissing of bloud . do strike a terrour often in the beholders , much more doth this liquor of life ( the bloud it selfe I meane ) issuing out of the vrinarie pipes and passages , cause no small amazement to the eyes of the ignorant , and sometimes of the more iudicious beholder of it . And yet doth not this alwayes portend so infallible and vndoubted danger , as by many is deemed . Sometimes indeed the danger is so great , that not onely a meane and ordinarie vnderstanding , but a more refined iudgement , may iustly feare the future danger : as in the rupture of some great veine neare the Liuer , or the kidneyes , after which doth an vlcer often ensue , and after a long torturing and tormenting paine , Death most commonly maketh an end of their so miserable and painfull life . Sometimes againe this fluxe prooueth very safe and secure , as in criticall and periodicall excretions . But heare , I pray thee , Aretaeus Cappadox . lib . 4. cap . 3. diuturn . morb . an ancient Author deliuer his opinion concerning this point .

Some men there are , who by certaine turnes , and at certaine times do pisse bloud abundantly , being a disease not vnlike to the haemorrhoides or piles . The state and constitution of their bodie also is not vnlike : for they are very pale , dull , sluggish , and lumpish : they loath their food , and after this excretion of bloud , there followeth a certaine resolution and faintnesse of their ioynts , their head notwithstanding becometh much lighter and better . But if at this accustomed and wonted period of time , there shall happen a suppression or stoppage of the aforesaid fluxe , they are presently surprised with a great head-ach , their eye-sight waxing dim , seconded with a giddinesse and swimming in the head . Vpon which occasion it commeth to passe , that many of them fall into the falling sicknesse : some of them againe being puffed vp and swollen , with their eye-sight somewhat darkened , do resemble Hydropicke persons : others are oppressed with melancholicke diseases , and some againe with Paralyticke passions . All these inconueniences do follow vpon the suppression of any former fluxe of bloud .

Holler . Schol . ad cap . 52. lib . 1. de morb . Vde ibidem plura , vt & apud Schenck . obseruat . medicin . lib . 3. Tit . de sang . mictu . Sometimes pissing of bloud ( saith Hollerius ) is criticall , and commeth by certaine turnes and set times : and with such a one was troubled a certaine Nun mentioned by Musa , who euery moneth vpon the suppression of her monethly disease , did pisse bloud in abundance . Archembault the Counseller , by turnes did sometimes cast vp by the mouth , and sometimes did voyd it downewards by stoole , and againe at other times by the yard . Some at the passing away of the Spring do pisse bloud ; and this I find written by Archigenes , that some do by certaine turnes voyd great store of bloud by the yard , being first collected in and about the kidneyes , and that they find themselues much eased thereby .

Historie . Marcell . Donat . lib . 4. cap . 29. hist . med . I am very familiarly acquainted with one Donatus Arrigonius , a merchant of our towne , who in his iourney to the faire of Bohan , which is held three or foure times a yeare , in his iourney obserued , that he was surprised with the Iaundise . Afterwards as he was vpon his iourney homewards to Mantua , and fast asleepe in his Inne , being accompanied with another friend , who lay in the same bed with him , vpon the sudden there issued out at his yard , of its owne accord , great store of blackish bloud ; inso much that his companion being all wet with the bloud wakened him , being almost halfe dead ; and with much ado , at length brought him home to Mantua againe ; but withall quite freed from his Iaundise .

A certaine yong man , after the eating of great store of garlicke , Another . pissed afterwards great abundance of bloud ; and after a little while signes of an impostume in the kidneyes might be obserued : to wit , some matter issuing forth from the same : from whence I did collect , that the sharpnesse of the humour had caused an excoriation in these parts , by meanes of the opening of some veine .

I did see at Mothon a man who with a fall off a ladder filled halfe a chamber pot with the bloud he pissed ; Another . who immediatly after the taking of a little Lemnian earth did recouer : the bloud came without any vrine ; and that , perhaps , because the contusion was not farre distant from his yard .

About some nine or ten yeares ago , Another . an Inne-keeper of Northampton , a fat and corpulent man , hauing now and then voyded some small quantitie of bloud with his vrine did , notwithstanding but little regard the same ; vntill such time as he fell into a totall suppression of vrine ; the paine whereof made him cast forth such pitifull cries and complaints , that his sorrowfull neighbours did much commiserate his distressed estate . His wife no lesse perplexed then amazed , at this so sudden and vnexpected accident , at his desire sent to intreat my ayde and counsell in this his so great extremitie . Some halfe an houre or lesse after the administration of a diureticke drinke inwardly , and a Cataplasme outwardly applyed to his share , he filled almost a chamber pot with bloud , some small quantitie of vrine being mingled with the same : whereupon followed immediatly ease and alleuiation of all his former annoyance . The same night , about an houre after , he sent me a little wooden dish almost halfe full of gobbets of congealed and clotted bloud , resembling the substance of the Liuerie selfe . The next morning againe he sent me an vrinall almost full of bloud voyded at the same place , no vrine to the iudgement of the eye at the first to be discerned mingled with the same I caused him bleed oftner then once , besides other fit and conuenient remedies , as well in diet as otherwise ; and yet this fluxe continued lesse or more for some few dayes after . In the space of one weeke he lost in all aboue a gallon of bloud . For preuention I wished him , besides good diet ( hard to be obserued by people of that profession ) with corroboratiue and other medicines fit for that purpose , with speciall regard to the Liuer , not to neglect Phlehotomie , at least euery Spring and Fall , which he duely put in practise for the first yeare : and , for any thing I could euer heare , was litle or nothing troubled after that time with this infirmitie . After this he liued at least three yeares , and then dyed suddenly ; of the cause whereof here to discourse , were besides my present purpose . Diuerse others haue now and then by me bene obserued , troubled with the like euacuation , without any great hurt or hinderance to their health ; whom to auoide prolixitie and tediousnesse , I here willingly passe by : onely one I will touch but in two words .

Another . A little child aboue fiue yeares of age , vsed at diuerse times to pisse pure bloud , not keeping any certaine times or turnes . This the Gentlewoman her selfe the childs grandmother , dwelling not farre from the towne of Northampton told me ; who did likewise affirme , that she had not discerned any hurt he had sustained by the same : yet notwithstanding for feare of some future inconuenience , and after ensuing danger , was desirous to vse some meanes for preuention : which being by some occasions then deferred , the child afterwards departed out of these quarters into another countrey , where what since befell him I cannot tell .

But now let vs proceed to some other colours of vrines ; for here I thinke hath bene found as small certaintie as in the former .

CHAP. V. Of blacke vrines , and that they are not alwayes so dangerous as they are deemed : as also of blew , ash-coloured , or leaden and greene coloured vrines , together with their seuerall significations and vncertainties .

THe highest and intensest of all other colours , {αβγδ} . is the blacke ; the which when it presenteth it selfe to the view of the eye in any vrine , it striketh no small feare and terror in the minds of most men ; yea and sometimes of those of no ordinarie vnderstanding . That this feare was not altogether without some ground ,

Hippoc . prognosi . lib . 2. aph . 29 . {αβγδ} .

Idem in coac . sect . 27. aph . 16. 1. de cris . cap . 12. & alibi .

Comm . 3. in lib . 3. epid .

may be seene by some passages of our old father Hippocrates , who doth peremptorily affirme , that as well in men as in women , blacke vrines are alwayes dangerous . And of the like opinion and iudgement was once his trustie interpreter Galen , confidently auouching that he neuer knew any one recouer whose vrine was altogether blacke ; howbeit the danger was the lesser if the residence onely were blacke : lesse againe if the middle part or swimme , and least of all if the cloud onely were of this colour . Howbeit the same Galen in another place affirmeth , That if there be a retention of a womans monethly fluxe of melancholicke bloud , there is no cause of feare , if in such a case the vrine appeare blacke to the eye . And againe , Comm . 3. in lib . 1. epid . in the storie of that woman who being surprised with sicknesse the second day after she was brought to bed , the third day she voyded thinne blackish vrines . Galen speaketh of no further inconuenience to ensue vppon the same , but maketh onely mention of a certaine commotion and agitation of the humours of the body , ioyned with a a certaine conflict : and yet of all sorts of blacke vrines this thin blacke is counted the best .

Of blacke vrines .

Historie .

Iohann . Bel . fort . comm in lib . de vrin .

Gal. attrib . pag . 72.

Blacke vrines may be voyded both in health and also in sicknesse , especially by way of criticall excretion . And first in health let this ensuing historie speake .

I cannot well approue of the opinion of Christophorus a Vega , who maintaineth that it is altogether impossible that any liuing in perfect health should voyd a blacke vrine : his reason is , because so great a quantitie of that humour as may thus colour the vrine , can hardly be collected within the veines of an healthfull man . But howsoeuer in a laudable and healthfull constitution of body , it doth not so much abound in the veines as do the other humours , yet is it on the other side most cer●aine , that this humour doth abound in that temperature of body which is cold and drie , since that from thence the cold and dry constitution taketh its name . And this did I my selfe obserue in a certaine Monke of the order of the Carmes , and Spaniard by nation , of the coldest and driest constitution of body that euer I did yet know , who for the space of sixe whole yeares , during his abode here with vs , and that in perfect good health , made alwayes a blacke vrine : and being yet further demanded of vs concerning the continuance of it , did confidently affirme vnto vs , that so had he done the whole course of his life . And why not ? May not a blacke and melancholicke bloud , supplying the place of the haemorrhoides or piles , being expelled by vrine , dye the same with the aforesaid colour ? As also the like excretion of vrine so colored hath bene obserued in one Tardanellus an Italian , who did all his life time ( liuing notwithstanding in perfect health ) continually voyd such an vrine . Neither yet is it without reason , that the noysome humour is so scoured away , to the end that the state and constitution of the body , composed of , and cherished by such an humor , may be preserued sound and in perfect health .

Another . Guil . Adolph . Scriben . lib . de vrinar , inspect . I did once see a Knights vrine of a very blacke colour , who notwithstanding , was not sicke at all , and much lesse in danger of death . Againe a little after . There was also a yong scholler , who being free from any disease , voyded sometimes vrine of so blacke a colour , that whosoeuer did see it , did suppose it to be inke .

Actuar . lib . 2. cap . 20. de iudic . vrin . The storie of Actuarius his seruant , doth also confirme , that in perfect health the vrine may be died with a blacke inkie colour without any further danger , as it came to passe in this partie , whose vrine after the drinking of a medicine against melancholie , at first was of a blackish colour like vnto inke comming afterwards to a blewish , and at last to its owne naturall colour againe .

Another . I was my selfe very familiarly acquainted with a reuerend and graue Diuine , who liued sometime in this towne of Northampton , who did at diuers times , yet liuing in perfect health , voyde great abundance of blacke vrine . And yet a long time before his death , nor yet during the time of his sicknesse , I neuer knew him voyd any of that colour .

That this blacke vrine may prooue a criticall excretion , Blacke vrines critical in diuers diseases . not in acute diseases , but euen in such as are not partakers of that violence ; as in diseases of the spleene and kidneyes , cannot be denied , &c. But I produce my authorities . Thomas a Vega comm . ad lib . 6. Gal. de loc . affect . pag . 342. We must not vnaduisedly and without any limitation , iump with the iudgement of Galen in condemning of blacke vrines . For howsoeuer he did neuer perhaps see any saued after the voyding of such an vrine , yet haue diuerse other of no small note and fame since his time seene and obserued the same : for the which cause it ought not so much to be condemned ; nay not if thou wouldest euen tye thine assertion to acute diseases : yea though thou shouldest yet further suppose many other bad and dangerous signes to concurre with the same . For besides Rhases , Auicenna , and Actuarius , Hippocrates himselfe , in his epidemicall histories , did obserue , that some with such vrines did recouer . The vrine therefore may be often of that colour without any imminent danger to the patient , and that vpon the taking of any meate , drinke , or medicine , of a blacke colour , & perhaps indued with a diureticall qualitie ; concerning which there is a prettie storie in Actuarius . It proueth also often a criticall excretion in Quartane agues , in diseases of the spleene , as also in the suppression of womens menstruous fluxes , and of the Hemorrhoides or piles in both sexes . And yet moreouer according to the minde of Auicenna , it cureth sometimes feauers of long continuance , whether they take their denomination from the day or from the night . And yet further , in some infirmities of the kidneyes , Nocturnae vel diurnae febres . or yet a stone congealed in the bladder , the vrine sometimes presenteth it selfe in the foresaid habit and colour . And finally , it doth sometimes presage the happie issue and euent of feauers by bleeding at the nose or sweating . Since therefore sometimes it is a forerunner of extreme danger , to wit , when it doth proceed from extreme heat or cold , and sometimes againe secure and without any danger at all , Rhases and Auicenna do thus accord them . If the foresaid vrine be voyded in a great quantitie and thinne , succeeding a cleare and waterish vrine , as also if ease and all●uiation do follow vpon the voyding thereof , it doth presage nothing but good : and on the contrarie , without the foresaid circumstances , a blacke vrine is very dangerous ; and in the stoppage of womens monethly disease , it is an vsuall and accustomed , howbeit not a perpetuall and certaine signe . But now I will instance in some histories the proofe of these criticall euacuations .

Another . Anton . Valet exercit . 40 ad Holler . de morb . intern . I am very familiarly acquainted with a Church man , who ordinarily three or foure times a yeare complaineth of the swelling of his spleene to an excessiue bignesse , especially towards the Spring and Fall : and vpon the approaching of the foresaid disease , then doth he complaine of great griefe and paine in his sides , his bodie becomming all ouer of a leaden colour , and in this case daily waxing worse and worse , vntill at length by voyding abundance of vrine blacke like vnto inke , and that during the space of sixe or seuen dayes , the foresaid swelling , as also his great paine vanishing quite away , he recouered againe his wonted and accustomed health . It is now twelue , if not fifteene yeares since he was first acquainted with this criticall excretion by vrine , hauing before that time bene troubled with the piles or hemorrhoides , which notwithstanding did yeeld but little matter .

Another . Andr. Laurent . anat . lib . 1. quaest. 38. I haue of mine owne experience obserued ( saith the learned Laurentius ) such as haue bene troubled with the Spleene , by meanes of a plentifull euacuation by blacke vrine to haue bene cured . Now it is also to be obserued , that such vrines were blacke , not by generation , by reason that such vrines in Hippocrates his Prognost . Praedict . and Aphorism . are alwayes deadly . For such vrines do shew forth and declare , either an extraordinarie great parching heate , or else a totall extinction or ouerthrowing of naturall heate . But these vrines were blacke by permixtion of a melancholicke humor , the which the Spleene did send forth through the kidneyes into the bladder .

Francisc . Valer . comm . ad libr . Gal. de constit . art . med . pag . 355 Howbeit blacke vrines be by Hippocrates condemned as deadly ( saith Valeriola ) or at least very dangerous , especially in acute diseases ; yet doth experience teach vs , that this manner of vrine may proue criticall in some diseases ; as namely , in inflammations , or inueterate obstructions of the Spleene : as I did my selfe obserue in a yong youth called Iohn Ruffus , Another . sonne to our Apothecary Anthonie Ruffus , who being once ( as was supposed ) readie to yeeld vp the ghost , by reason of an inflammation of the Spleene , did vpon the twentieth day , by way of a crisis , voide aboue twelue wine pints of vrine as blacke as inke , the which I haue often also obserued in Quartane agues .

But now I will instance in some agues , and some other infirmities .

Vpon a time I went to a Canon who lay sicke of a triple Quartane ague , Another . Iacob Douinet . apol . lib . 3. cap . vlt . being troubled also with a scirrhus or hardnesse both of his Liuer and Spleene , who neuerthelesse did recouer of the foresaid infirmities , and that by meanes of thicke blacke vrine , together with such fit and proper remedies as are appropriated to the Spleene , exhibited and applyed both outwardly and inwardly . Syluius hath seene diuers who haue had euery yeare such fluxes of vrine , and that without any griefe or molestation whatsoeuer .

But I will instance in a Tertian ague , such vrines being more seldome obserued in this disease then in Quartanes and the like : in the which my selfe being the patient , I cannot much be mistaken .

After I had continued about the space of two yeares in France , Another . Of a bastard Tertian in my selfe . and liuing at that instant in the towne of Fontenay le compte , in the Prouince of Poictou , about the latter end of Iuly , I was surprised with a bastard Tertian ague , which thus continuing for the space of three weekes , yet without any violent accidents , I did at the first contemne . After the foresaid space , the enemie assaulting me more fiercely then at first , and that by redoubling of the former fits , being now of a single Tertian become a double , I armed my selfe with such weapons as were fit to encounter with so furious an aduersarie . After the vse of diuers fit and proper remedies for the extirpation of the foresaid infirmitie , I voyded for the space of three or foure dayes together great store of thicke blackish vrine like vnto inke , at the first sight whereof ( hauing read something before in Hippocrates , concerning the danger of such vrines ) I was something afraid ; but after more mature deliberation I rested better satisfied . I remember I had for certaine dayes together drunke of an infusion wherein was some quantitie of Sene leaues , which as it seemeth by the attraction of the humour of that colour did dye the vrine therewith . Unto this criticall excretion was shortly after added another : to wit , a violent taske , not without the mixture of some bloud , which lasted at least for the space of a full forthnight , and which did at length wast away the m●teer of the disease before the approching of Winter ; howbeit the imbecillitie of my bodie was such that I recouered not my full former strength againe vntill the Spring following .

Another . Iohann . Crato consil . medicin . col. 446. aedit . Hanou . in fol. 1612. I gaue vpon a time to a patient of mine ( saith Crato ) much troubled with the blacke Iaundise , some Bezoar stone , and after a little while he voided great store of vrine as blacke as inke ; by which meanes the patient found great ease .

Rhases reporteth an historie of a woman that came to him , who voyded blacke vrines , and withall complained much of a paine in her loynes , and alwayes vpon the voyding of such an vrine she found immediatly ease . But after a while she fell into a night feauer accompanied with some shiuering . This woman was of a melancholicke complexion , whom I perfectly cured by such meanes as prouoke vrine .

Another . Amatus Lusitanus centa● . 5. turat . 54. The sonne of Angelus borne at Ancona ( as relateth Amatus ) being but fiue yeares of age , somewhat fat of body , being , as his parents supposed , carefully looked vnto both for diet and other things called not naturall ; became notwithstanding full of hard scabs , accompanied with an vlcer-like matter all ouer his head and necke , and for diuerse dayes did runne great store of this putrid matter from the foresaid sores . But after a moneths space , this child voyded abundance of thicke blacke vrine for the space of three dayes together , not without some acrimonie and sharpnesse , accompanied with a paine in his yard , yet without any feauer . This child did in a very short time after recouer ; neither would I suffer any thing to be applyed to his head for curing of his scabs , which did very shortly heale of it selfe . Now this vrine proued to be in this child criticall for the remouall of this infirmitie .

It may then plainly appeare , how little trust we are to repose in these vrines more then any other , either in sicknesse or in health ; and how easily the Physitian may be deceiued , who shall giue too much credit thereunto . And who can tell by the sight of such a blacke vrine onely , whether it be criticall as we say , or symptomaticall , denouncing danger in an acute disease ? This the other circumstances , especially the sight of the patient , ( whereby thou mayest more easily consider of his strength then by the sight of a thousand vrines ) must bring to thy consideration . And besides all the premisses . Mercur . lib . de vrin . cap . 6. Mercuriall mentioneth out of Rhases and Auicenna , that if any annoint his bodie with the iuyce of the berries of the hearbe Halcana , he shall vndoubtly voyd blacke vrines . The same Author affirmeth , that blacke vrine after great trauell and exercise , doth prognosticate a conuulsion , and that a glister made of the decoction onely of high coloured red wine , hath produced a blacke vrine . And againe , out of Rufus Ephesius , who liued about the time of the Emperour Traian , that blacke vrine , voyded for a long time together in the time of health , prognosticateth the ingendring of a stone in the kidneyes . But I proceed now to some other colours of vrines , which by our Authors are all referred to the former colour , and not much also disagreeing in signification .

Blew vrines , called commonly veneta & caerulea , Of blew vrines . being as it were a more remisse blacke , and not dyed with so great a quantitie of that humour , hath also diuerse significations . For being thicke withall , it signifieth that blacke choller , proceeding first from yellow choller very adust , doth colour the vrine : or else so great cold of the inward parts , that they are almost quite mortified . It signifieth moreouer , extraordinarie exercise of the bodie by running . In such as do recouer out of any disease , it is a signe of a laudable crise , especially if it come in any great quantitie : for by this meanes the adust parts are voyded foorth . In old men , if such an vrine persist long , it argueth that the naturall constitution of the bladder is altered and changed by bad and corrupt humours . In such as are subiect to the stone , it is a signe of the approching of the Strangurie . The same vrine is also sometimes obserued to be thinne , then signifying the melting of melancholy , which doth but a little colour the vrine . And sometimes also it signifieth blowes and stripes , howbeit not in any violent or excessiue manner , and in such a case it is a laudable and good signe .

As concerning greene vrines , Of greene vrines . of them our Physitians commonly make two sorts : one properly so called , and the other called greene oylie vrines . As for the first , it signifieth according to our writers , abundance of choler adust , and of a maligne qualitie , and almost readie to be turned into blacke , being daily more and more parched and burnt vp . And commonly in the best signification it signifieth adustion of the humours , long continuance and perseuerance of the same . And sometimes cold in extreamest degree , as was said before of blacke , and then is mortall : especially if leaden colour and blacke follow successiuely at diuers times , pulse feeble , with thirst or short breath . Sometimes againe a Quotidian ague and yellow Iaundise , especially with an ague . And howbeit these vrines often proue dangerous , yet is not the case alwayes alike : for sometimes this colour may be also seene in sound & healthfull bodies . 3. de rat . vict . acut . Galen doth willingly confesse the same . Cholericke people ( saith he ) which fast long , do oftentimes make greene and fierie coloured vrines . And that feeding vpon certaine kinds of foode , may produce such an vrine , this ensuing historie may easily declare .

Historie . Guil . Adolph . Scribon . de inspect . vrin . propefinem . There was a certaine Physitian , who hauing fed on some nourishment of that colour , did afterwards voyd an vrine of the same colour , which he sent to another Physitian , to fish out his opinion concerning the same . This other Physitian gaue out his verdict concerning the great danger this vrine did threaten the owner . But the other sending him backe word againe , that vpon the feeding on such and such food it was no vncouth thing for him to voyd such an vrine : and withall aduised him not to pronounce his opinion so peremptorily vpon the colour of the vrine onely .

Of popiniay greene , oylie vrine . The other sort of greene vrines is a light popiniay greene , called also an oylie vrine : that is , such whose substance is clammie and thicke , as oyle or fat molten . It commonly signifieth colliquation , and wasting of the fat within man or woman , as proceeding from excessiue heate . And yet such vrines , if blacke vrines went before , signifieth health at hand . If it come suddenly and in a short time , it argueth the colliquation or wasting of the kidneyes only . The higher this colour is , the worse they commonly hold it . But I will dwell no longer vpon this colour , since the vncertaintie thereof may be collected by that which hath bene said alreadie .

As for ash-coloured or leaden coloured vrines , Of ash-coloured , or leaden coloured vrines . they haue not alwayes one and the same signification more then the former . If an vrine of this colour be thicke , and greene coloured vrine went before , it signifieth extreame heate and burning : if pale coloured vrine went before , it doth portend extreame cold and mortification . This kind of vrine may also proceed from the affluxe of melancholicke humours , or else by reason of great blowes or stripes : and then it may prooue a good signe , the expulsiue power expelling such residence towards the bottome . In feauers an vrine of this colour without any setling or residence , is a signe of death . But in a burning feauer it doth portend a Strangurie . The same causes which did produce blew vrines , do also bring foorth this colour , but that in this all things are more violent . Sometimes such an vrine is a signe of the blacke Iaundise proceeding from melancholy . But then it portends health , especially if it be voyded in any great quantitie and thicke in substance , by reason of the euacuation of such thicke humours . It is then apparent that these colours signifie not alwayes one certaine thing , but sometimes quite contrary . For the which cause it is no maruell if a Physitian who should settle his iudgement solely thereupon , might easily be deceiued .

CHAP. VI . The manifold significations of white vrines , as also the great vncertaintie of iudgement by the same .

WHite vrines , Of thin white vrines . as also all other colours , are either very thinne and cleare , or else thicke in substance , and accompanied often with a copious residence . Thinne white cleare vrines like vnto faire spring water , haue diuers significations , as witnesseth the learned Rondeletius , Rondelet . lib . de vrin . cap . 15. with whom are ioyned in iudgement the rest of our learned Physitians . And first of all this vrine is sometimes seene in indifferent good health , Their diuers significations . and doth now and then signifie some cruditie of the stomach . Sometimes againe it signifieth obstructions of the Liuer , Spleene , and Kidneys , which must be discerned by other signes also : to wit , such as be proper and peculiar to each part . In old age , as also in long lingring diseases , it argueth weakenesse of the naturall faculties . Some likewise who do voyde such vrines , are from their very cradles of a weake and crasie constitution . A thinne and cleare vrine , made often , and in great abundance , doth accompanie the disease called Diabete . In an obscure lurking or lingring feauer , it signifieth either the Iaundise , or a resolution or dissolution of the strength . A thinne white vrine accompanied with other good signes , doth declare the decaying and decreasing of a Quotidian ague , and if it do long persist , being depriued of any smell , especially if strength be much decayed , it portendeth either death , or else the long continuance of the disease . And finally with a burning feauer and phrensie , Forest . obseruat . medic . tomo . 1. lib . 2. schol . ad obseruat . 25 . {αβγδ} . Hippocrat . prognost . lib . 2. aph . 30 it is a most deadly signe , as may be seene elsewhere . As concerning the ages , as they are accounted dangerous in many , so especially in little children , as may be seene in seuerall places of the workes of the famous Hippocrates . Wherefore we had need to consider many things before we proceed to deliuer our iudgement concerning such vrines . If therefore such an vrine were brought to the Physitian , whether would he thereby pronounce a weakenesse of the stomach , or obstruction of the Liuer , Spleene or Kidneys ? And why not a phrensie in a feauer ? And howsoeuer Hippocrates pronounceth this to be a most dangerous vrine ; yet haue I my selfe often obserued the same without any danger to the party , as I doubt not but so haue many moe besides my selfe .

Historie . About some eight or nine yeares ago , there came to me a yeoman of Northampton shire , bringing with him his vrine which well nigh filled the vrinall , being as cleare as any crystall , without any contents at all , except some few motes , such as they say are found in the vrines of women with child . And because I did see so great ods betwixt his complexion and his vrine ( he being indifferent well coloured in regard of the vrine , howbeit neare fiftie yeares of age ) not suspecting this vrine to be his owne , began to enquire some circumstances concerning the same , as namely the time of continuance . At length he freely and of his owne accord confessed , that the vrine was his owne , and that aboue the space of sixe yeares by-past his vrine had not altered nor changed from that I did now see it . He added moreouer , that he felt neither griefe nor trouble in his bodie , as being able to go about his ordinarie employments and workes of his calling ; that he was now and then troubled with some wind in his stomach , and that he himselfe wondered not a little at the long continuance of his vrine after this manner . I gaue him directions against obstructions and crudities , with some things for the strengthening of his stomach , and neuer since heard any more newes of him .

The like vrine haue I often obserued in many other cases , and will instance but in one : to wit , an hystericall passion , commonly called the mother .

Some ten yeares ago I had in cure a young maid , Another . much molested with that disease which is commonly called the Mother . For foure dayes together , from twelue of the clocke at noone till night , her fits were so violent and tedious , and the intermissions so short , that both her father and other friends tooke ( as they thought ) their last leaue of her . In her time of intermission , or rather remission , when she was most sensible of her selfe , she voyded almost a chamber pot full at a time of thinne cleare vrine , like vnto spring-water , without any manner of contents discernable to the sharpest eye-sight , and this commonly foure or fiue times in an afternoone , and that during the dayes of the fouresaid fits . But being afterwards freed from this infirmitie , she was likewise freed from the aforementioned accident . Neither did I euer since that time know her troubled with this disease , saue once since she was married , and yet was nothing in regard of the former extremitie .

If any Argus had bene there with his hundreth eyes , or yet the sharpe sighted Lynceus himselfe , where such vrines had bene brought in two seuerall vrinals ( I meane the mans last mentioned , and this womans ) they had neuer bene able to discerne any difference betwixt these two vrines : much lesse then the ignorant Empiricke , the peticoate or woman-physitian , or the cunningest pisse-prophet among them all : and if thou wilt , put in master Parson-practiser to make better weight . And if any had brought such an vrine , so often , in so great quantity , to any Physitian , was there any reason why he should not rather haue coniectured a Diabete , or pissing euill , then any other infirmitie ? And this I thinke may suffice to prooue the vncertaintie of iudgement by thinne white vrines : now something of thicke white vrines .

Of thicke white vrines . Hippocrates , in the late alledged place , doth include very thicke vrines , of whatsoeuer colour they be , within the same degree of danger . And Galen himselfe seemeth to second this opinion , auerring that the thicker an vrine is , the more danger hath he most commonly obserued in the same . Rondeletius affirmeth , that white vrines which are not transparent , but thicke almost like vnto milke , do signifie abundance of phlegme , and secondarily wormes , the falling-sicknesse , head-ach , palsie , conuulsions , great coldnesse of the naturall parts : and finally , all manner of diseases proceeding from phlegme . If such an vrine then were offered to thy view and consideration , good master vrine-monger , for which of these diseases wouldest thou giue out sentence ? There being many moe phlegmaticke diseases besides the last rehearsed ; and many of them proceeding from other causes , must by consequent be accompanied with other vrines : yea and in the same cause the vrine may by diuers meanes not be the same . And these thicke vrines sometimes accompanied with a copious residence , and sometimes againe without the same . I will now proceed to some instances of both , where it shall appeare that sometimes some such vrines are not so dangerous as they are deemed .

Historie . Nichol . Florent . serm . 3. tract . 10. cap . 21. I did see in the Castle of Itrum in the Countie of Sundoz , a young man about thirtie yeares of age , who did euery day make an vrine in great abundance , wherein did settle a white residence , like vnto curdled milke , filling the vrinall halfe full , howbeit aboue the same did swim a small quantitie of whitish vrine like vnto whey . This young man notwithstanding felt no inconuenience by the same , but still enioyed his perfect health .

But a woman voyding the like vrine , yet was not blessed with so great a benefit , which notwithstanding for the strangenesse I thought good here to mention .

In the yeare ( as I remember ) 1613. a woman of middle age , Another . dwelling in the South suburbe of Northampton , commonly called Cottonend , sent me an vrine , if so it might be called , which was nothing else , as one would haue iudged by the eye , but thicke curdled milke , which did very neare fill the vrinall , onely on the top of it did swim a little liquor like vnto white posset drinke , being not halfe an inch thicke aboue the foresaid contents . And howbeit I did twice or thrice see her vrine afterwards , yet could I neuer againe see these curdled contents , it being onely like the aforesaid white posset drinke , howbeit she had sometimes before voyded such an vrine , as I was informed . She died about two moneths after : and as it seemeth , of a consumption and wasting of the kidneyes and other vrinary passages , as by some signes did appeare . And what if the spermaticall parts did participate with the former ? The woman had lyen long languishing , neither was I euer called to see her , and for any thing I know , had few or no meanes administred vnto her , being but of poore and meane estate .

A thicke and milkie vrine hath also by others bene obserued in the exulceration of the kidneys , A Petro Sphaererio medico referente Schenck . lib . 3. obseruat . medicin . lib de vrin . namely in a certaine Polonian in the Hospitall of the holy Ghost , the which ( saith the Author ) I often beheld . There are yet other white vrines , the which howsoeuer they are to the eye somewhat transparent , some more and some lesse , some of them being of a more bright & shining colour , drawing neare to the color of molten glasse , and some againe more darke , and not so transparent a colour , yet may they all most iustly be reckoned among the number of thicke white vrines , and that in regard of their tough and slimie substance , which may easily be both felt and seene to be such . This sort of vrine doth often argue great store of crudities , and tough phlegmaticke matter , with such diseases as are engendred of the same : but most commonly diseases of the bladder , as namely the Strangurie or the Stone , howsoeuer it cometh sometimes otherwise to passe .

I was these yeares by past ( saith Schenckius ) familiarly acquainted with a certaine Noble man , now dead , Another . Iohann . Schenck . ibidem . whose name was Vdalrichus , and brother to George master of the order of the Knights of Germanie , called Ioannitae , being descended of the noble familie of H●henheimes , surnamed Bombest , who without any hinderance to his health , did oftentimes , yea during the greatest part of his life time , voyd a thicke muddie vrine , and so tough and ropie , that any might haue drawne it an ell long , as if it had bene some glue or birdlime . He neuer in his life was troubled with the stone , and himselfe shewed me this vrine , offering the same to my triall .

Another . Holler . inter raras obseruat . num . 2. Another voyded by vrine a certaine matter like vnto molten pearles being of a fine bright colour , of whom Hollerius maketh mention , the same partie againe voyding a matter of thicker substance much like vnto the white of an egge boyled .

Another . Idem schol . ad cap . 30. lib . 1. de morb . intern . The same Author maketh mention in another place of another , who voyded by vrine , not without great paine and torment , little peeces of phlegme , round like little bullets , cleare like vnto crystall , cleare glasse or fine gellie .

Another . An ancient Gentleman and acquaintance of mine dwelling in London , being at least threescore and ten yeares of age , at that time 1611. had for a long time voyded great store of such tough phlegmaticke matter , most like vnto birdlime or gellie , and on the top of the same some vrine was to be seene of a darke colour , not vnlike to transparent horne . His paine was exceeding great , prouoking him almost euery minute of an houre to this vntimely excretion of his vrine . The counsels of the best Physitians were not wanting , some being of opinion it was a stone in the bladder , others iudging otherwise . My opinion being demanded , I told him I was not of their opinion , who held that there was a stone in the bladder , moued hereunto by some probable coniectares . But seeing him much macerated and weakened by much Physicke , exhibited both by the learned Physitian , and by the ignorant Empiricke also , my aduice was , that he should abstaine from all manner of laxatiue medicines , except it were now and then some gentle glister or lenitiue to procure the benefit of nature . I appointed him also fit and conuenient diet : and all his Physicke was nothing saue some certaine Emulsions , as also some Iuleps composed of some syrupes and distilled waters , most proper and conuenient for his disease , and that not for a weeke or a moneth , but for three or foure moneths together . After two moneths were past he found sensible ease and alleuiation , but yet much more the next Spring , this being towards the beginning of Winter : and hath since that time scarce euer complained at all of this so tedious and tormenting infirmitie . And this last Spring his strength spent , and the oyle in the lampe failing , being full of dayes , payed that debt which admitteth no baile nor suretiship . This then may appeare that the vrine here could giue vs no assured knowledge of the certaintie of the disease , whether the Stone or strangurie . And thus the vncertaintie of this colour , as well as of the rest , cannot be concealed from the iudicious and vnderstanding Reader : whose patience I must yet intreat to giue eare to some things yet to be said concerning the contents of vrine : concerning the which , howbeit here and there , and namely in this last colour , something hath bene said , yet was not this my principall purpose and intent ; but is as it were thrust in by head and shoulders . Now shall something be said of set purpose , whereas I will forbeare to repeate any thing which hath bene said alreadie .

CHAP. VII . Of the circle or garland , spume and froth , bubbles , smoke or vapor , and fat in the ouermost region of the vrine , and what certaintie from thence can be collected .

THese contents are most commonly distinguished according to the three regions of the vrine . The ouermost vrine , as it claimeth the first place in the vrinall , so shall it haue here the preheminence aboue the other two Now as concerning the circle , ring or garland , Of the circle , ring or garland . Not mentioned by the ancients . Lib . de vrin . cap . 31. de circulo . The originall of it . it hath bene well obserued by some of our late writers , that neither Hippocrates nor yet Galen euer made any mention of them , as being in their iudgements a thing not worth the consideration . Rondeletius maketh Auicenna and Isaac Arabian Physitians , the first founders thereof : howbeit ( saith he ) some do attribute the first inuention of it to the Vniuersitie of Salerna , either perhaps , because since Actuarius his time they had tried some conclusions by the same , or else did repose much trust and confidence in this circle or crowne . It is twofold . Two sorts of these circles or garlands find we mentioned by Actuarius , which notwithstanding few authors that I haue read do remember . The first is that commonly so called , being nothing else but a certaine circle or round line in the ou●rmost part of the vrine , enuironing it round about like a ring ; and is so called by reason of the roundnesse of the vrinall , the like whereof may be likewise seene in any other liquor . The other circles or garlands are no such round rings or circles as haue bene mentioned , Le● Roganus de differ . vrin . lib . 1. cap . vlt . but onely some ouermost parts of the vrine which swimme in the liquor of the same , and for the same reason , of the roundnesse of the vrinall , called crownes or garlands . Of the former of the two do our Physitians most commonly make mention , and many things do many men prognosticate by the same , Posteriores eiusdem ( coronae ) iuditia subiecerunt veteribus non vsitata , & in quibus iustae saepe causae desiderantur : verum vt scenae inseruiamus eadem iudicia subdere placet . Villich . de probat vrin . part . 4. cap . 39. which neuerthelesse some of their chiefe ringleaders and vpholders do in a manner confesse to be but a nouelty , not practised by the learned ancient Physitians : and yet lest they should seeme to controll the inueterate and common receiued custome , they must needs say something as well as their neighbours . Hence haue we the proportion betwixt the regions of the bodie of man , and the regions of the vrine violently thrust vpon vs ; and as they will haue the other parts of the vrine answerable to the rest of the parts of the body ; so must the crowne or garland answer proportionably to the head , or some part of it at least . And not with this content , they ascribe seueral colours of these circles , not to seuerall humours onely , but to seuerall parts of the head also ; sometimes to the right , sometimes to the left : and againe sometimes to the hinder part , and sometimes to the fore part ; diuing sometimes into the verie ventricles or inward concauities thereof . And yet to discerne these circles or garlands aright , a sharpe and very quicke sight is very requisite . Moreouer , may not thine owne sight , together with the qualitie or quantitie of the light , the diuers manners of situation of the vrinall , one or all of these , easily alter the colour of this thy circle , making it appeare sometimes of one , sometimes of another colour ? Besides , these circles or garlands are supposed to be seene in such vrines onely as are not of one colour , and the ouermost part thinner then the other . On the seuerall significations of the supposed seuerall colours thereof , with their proportions to the humours of the head , if I should particularly insist , and confute them , as some might perhaps expect , I thinke it would prooue but a needlesse and superfluous labour , the thing being so idle in it selfe , and of so small account . The learned Rondeletius , I am sure , made but small account of them , and where he mentions them , Loco proxime citato . whatsoeuer he saith is but the relation of the opinions of others , most of which he doth afterwards confute . His manner of speech intimateth no lesse vnto vs in these words following .

Wherefore we shall pronounce that a red circle ( if it signifie any thing at all ) doth signifie abundance of bloud in the whole head , &c. Another learned author lately mentioned , Idem Roganus de prouid . ex vrinis lib . 3. cap . 8. would also willingly haue them banished out of all the Hippocraticall commonwealth , in these words following : But perhaps in vaine do I labour to roote out this so inueterate and inbred opinion ( meaning concerning froth , spume and bubbles ) out of the minds of our ordinarie Physitians . The like may I say concerning the crownes or garlands in vrines , the opinion whereof hath now almost so deeply possessed euery mans mind . It is most certaine that Actuarius himselfe neuer did prognosticate any such thing by this circle or line compassing round about the ouermost part of the vrine , hauing onely brought it in , to the end he might prognosticate by the bubbles when as they do appeare in it . And who is so blind , that doth not see how ridiculous a thing it is to prognosticate by a certaine circle or roundring , which may be as well obserued in any other round vessell filled with any liquor , as in an vrinall ? Idem lib . 2. de caus . vrin . cap . 9. As concerning that crowne or garland which is the superficies or ouermost part of the vrine , which Actuarius seemeth to haue borrowed from Hippocrates , we haue by the authoritie of Galen , alreadie reiected . Wherefore in my opinion these crownes and garlands shall be banished farre from vrines . So farre our author . It is not also vnlikely , that if they had bene of such vse and necessitie , but Hirpocrates or Galen would haue mentioned them , together with their seuerall vses in Physicke , they both being so curious in searching out the seuerall significations of this signe . If any will yet obiect , that our moderne Physitians haue added many things to former inuentions ; I could reply , it is true indeed , and might well come to passe in such things as neuer did present themselues to their senses , or else in such things whereof they had no experimentall knowledge : but I suppose they were as eagle eyed in Asia and other parts , and could see as farre into a milstone as any of our late Europaean Physitians . And this shall now suffice concerning circles or garlands , we now proceed to the rest .

Bubbles , spume , or froth , Of bubbles , spume or froth . are all accounted to proceed from one and the same cause , differing in some circumstances onely . Now if we shall narrowly obserue and marke what can be said of them , we shall find no lesse vncertaintie in the predictions by them , Idem lib . 2. de caus . vrin . cap . 9. then in the former . Actuarius ( saith our aboue named author ) maketh mention of many things concerning this matter which neither Galen nor Hippocrates haue obserued , and that in my opinion ( saith he ) because they were not worth the obseruing . And againe a little after : Such things as Actuarius hath set downe concerning the spumes and bubbles , are nothing to be regarded . For who seeth not , that as well the spume as the bubbles stay longer in the crowne or garland of the vrine , and in the middle part of the superficies or ouermost part they are sooner dissolued . For the case is not here alike as in the garland , where the solid body of the vrinall is an occasion that they sticke longer and more firmely to the same . And this not in vrine onely , but in any other liquor in like manner may easily be obserued , to wit , that such froth and bubbles do longer persist in the circle ioyning to the vessell then in the rest of the ouermost part of the same , &c. This foundation then being rotten , the rest of the building must needs fall to the ground . They tell vs in the first place that bubbles which stand round about ouer the garland onely , and continue without parting , if they be of the same colour the vrine is of , they declare that there is great paine in all the parts of the head . But if they occupie onely the one halfe of the garland , then is that paine in one halfe of the head . But I assure thee , such bubbles may be seene , and thou not able to discerne whether the wind be in the head or taile . And besides thou mayest sometimes finde a good fellow who could quickly fill a baggepipe with his bum , and yet in his vrine see neither bubble nor any other such babble . See before in the beginning . But concerning the vncertaintie of these things , something hath bene said alreadie in another place , whereas mention was made of the regions of the vrine answering to the parts of mans body , which was proued most false . It is granted , that sometimes these bubbles do not appeare at the first in the beginning of the disease , howbeit after a while they begin to shew themselues : and then is it an argument that nature waxeth strong to concoct and ouercome the bad humours . In feauers therefore such do signifie the declining or decaying of the same . But if they haue bene from the beginning still so continuing , then is the danger greater , howbeit better with a thicke then with a thinne vrine . Now put the case that in an vrine brought to thee from afarre thou mightest discerne some such bubble or froth , yet how shalt thou be able to discerne whether any were in the vrine at the beginning of the disease , or no ? The messenger for the most part can tell thee no more then the ground he goeth on : and it may be , that neither the patient nor any about him are able to obserue such nice curiosities , as often not obseruing matters of greater moment . But put yet the case thou couldst discerne some headach by the aforesaid contents , how shalt thou euer be able to discerne whether it come , as we say , per sympathiam , by consent from the neather parts ( which is most common ) or per idiepathiam : that is , be primarily seated in the head ? And if thou knowest not this , thy knowledge is to small purpose , the cure differing according to the seuerall causes . Of this the patient will giue thee better satisfaction then a thousand vrines . If bubbles do appeare in the vrine ( saith Reusner ) together with the signes of defluxion or distillation of humours , Schol . in cap . 30. part . 4. Iodoci Willich . de probat vrinar . especially if a feauer be therewith conioyned , they do portend a Pleuresie , as also the Gout : and great store of spume or froth appearing in the vrine without the shaking of it , besides wind in generall , it doth presage that the wind collicke threatneth such a partie . The same Reusner affirmeth , that Rhases writeth , that round bubbles do prognosticate bleeding at the nose ; and that such as be of a colour yellow like saffron with a little whitenesse , do portend some infirmitie of the Lungs . But I beleeue he were a cunning Physitian , that could tell or name the disease by the vrine onely . Comment . 3. libri prorrh . Againe these frothie vrines according to Galen , do signifie a certaine melting or wasting away of the bodie , or an vnequall perturbation of the same by reason of some windinesse : the first of these being dangerous , but not so the other , but rather prognosticating the long continuance of the disease . Such frothie vrines with some bubbles are to be seene in feuers proceeding from the abundance of crude or raw humours . And not so onely , but in the infirmities of the kidneyes also ; Hippocrates in his Aphorismes affirming , Aph. 34. sect . 7. that such vrines do both signifie infirmities of the kidneyes , and the long continuance of the disease . But from the froth we come to the smoke or vapor in the vrine , Sauonarola de vrin . cap . 3. rubr . 17. of the which an Italian Physitian maketh mention ; and is forced to be beholden to the Arabians for the same .

Smoke or vapor ( saith he ) is sometimes to be seene in the vrine , Of smoke or vapour in the vrine . and cannot be by euery one conceiued . It is engendred , sometimes of a thicke adust matter ; and then with the continuance of strength signifieth the long continuance of the disease : sometimes of an hote adust matter , and with the decaying of strength prognosticateth death : sometimes also of raw phlegme somewhat adust , and signifieth the prolonging of the disease . And if it continue all the time of the disease , it portendeth death , or raw phlegme ; which may be discerned from matter by the stinking smell . But because our sight is not so sharpe in this Iland , we will leaue these smokie vrines to the sharpe sighted Italians and Arabians . But if any such smokie stuffe be found in any English vrines , it must needs be best obserued in our common Tobacconists , whose vrines it is a maruell that they are not wholly conuerted into smoke . But of this frothie and smokie stuffe sufficient , this being likewise so idle an opinion , that of its owne accord it vanisheth away into smoke : howbeit I thought good to acquaint the Reader with all the hid mysterie of the imposture , and abuses concerning vrines . But now something concerning the fat swimming on the top of vrines .

Such vrines haue this fat swimming on the top , Of fat swimming on the top of vrines . sometimes in a greater , and sometimes in a smaller quantitie : and sometimes againe like oyle , and sometimes also couering all the ouermost part of the vrine , like a spiders web . These fat vrines also signifie sometimes a wasting of the whole bodie , if there be a feauer ioyned with the same ; or of the kidneyes onely , if without it . Gai . Comm . 3. in lib . 3. epid . This feauer is sometimes very speedy and swift in operation , wasting suddenly not the fat onely , but the solid substance of the body also ; called therefore by our Physitians , Febris colliquans ; and such are often Pestilentiall feauers . It is againe sometimes an Hecticke , which endeth in a Marasme , vnlesse it be first preuented . But how shall one be able by the bare sight of the vrine onely , to discerne all these seuerall circumstances and differences ? De prouid . ex vrinis lib . 3. cap . 6. But this is yet worth the obseruing ( saith Roganus ) that when as these wasting or consuming feauers haue welnigh wasted away the whole bodie , then are no more such wasting excretions , which he calleth syntectica excrementa , either fat vrines or faecall excrements to be seene . For the fleshie parts being hardned and dried vp , that which melteth and wasteth away falleth now no more into the guts or the passages of the vrine , but passeth away like a vapour . Lib . 1. meth . med . cap . vlt . This Galen setteth downe by a very prettie and pertinent comparison , taken from flesh broyled on a gridiron . Now if any one should conceiue some better hope by reason that this fat matter did no more appeare , should he not misse the marke , the case being now farre more dangerous then before ? Guil . Adolph . Scrib . de inspect . vrinar . prope finem . The words of Scribonius make not a little to cleare this point in hand . By these fat vrines ( saith he ) some do teach vs that we may easily discerne and know all the kinds of a feauer Hecticke , by reason it signifieth a wasting and melting of the parts of the bodie . 3. de praesagit . ex puls . But whatsoeuer reason we render of the same , Galen notwithstanding in expresse words affirmeth , that the vrine of such as are surprised with a feauer Hecticke hath no certaine signification . Experience also doth teach vs , that some being of a cholericke constitution of body , as also such as haue eaten fat meates , or haue fat kidneyes , vse often to make fat vrines . What reason is there then to pronounce either a feauer Hecticke , or yet any wasting or consumption thereby ? This is not erronious onely , but full of temeritie also . The truth of this assertion may also in this more plainly appeare , that many haue dyed of such consumption and wasting , who neuer , notwithstanding had any fat swimme on their vrines . Sometimes it hath bene also obserued , that the vessell wherein the vrine hath bene carryed to the Physitian , hath before contained either oyle or some other fat matter , which ha●h by this meanes bene communicated to the vrine . It is therefore the Physitians part diligently to enquire concerning all the circumstances of the disease , and not by the inspection of the vrine onely peremptorily to pronounce any thing . Thus farre our author . Many of my friends and patients haue voyded vrines with this far like a spiders web floting on the top for diuerse yeares together , and yet were neuer subiect to any consumption or wasting , either in the whole bodie or their kidneyes . And how easily one may be deceiued in these fat vrines , may by this which followeth appeare .

Historie . It is not yet full three yeares since I had vnder my cure in Northampton towne a countrey woman diseased of that infirmitie which we call Lienteria , or the fluxe of the stomacke , whom one day visiting , and viewing her vrine , I perceiued some fat like vnto some drops of oyle swimme on the top of it , which was againe the next day after to be seene after the same manner : she then seeing me narrowly view the same , told me that the vrine was vnaduisedly made both the dayes in a vessell wherein some oyle had before bene contained . What then if such an vrine had bene brought out of the countrey , either to my selfe , or yet to any other Physitian , without any further information ? But we proceed now to the rest .

CHAP. VIII . Of the cloud , swimme or sublimation , together with diuerse sorts of grounds or residences , and the vncertaintie of their significations .

IN the first place we are to obserue , that all vrines are not accompanied with contents , All vrines are not accompanied with contents . but many depriued of them ; which may proceed from diuerse causes . As namely , in case of cruditie , and the concoction being good , yet may some obstruction hinder any contents to passe . And may proceed from diuers causes . The like may be by fasting procured , and want of food , which may also make the vrine of an higher colour . The inflammation of any part of the bodie , by drawing of the humours thither , may produce the like effect . In lasks also or fluxes of the bellie , as the vrine shall be the lesser , so shall the contents be few or none at all . Some certaine constitutions also gather no setlings in their vrines : and such as are in present health , and eate much , haue a more copious residence , and in Winter it doth more abound then in Sommer . Laborious and very painfull people may also haue little or no contents at all in their vrines . The time of the sicknesse in which this cometh to passe , is also narrowly to be obserued : for in the beginning and increase of acute diseases , then this want of contents argueth great defect of naturall strength and vigour . In the declining of the disease it is not a messenger of so bad newes , yea although it were in the vigour and strength of it . And moreouer that many diseases are brought to a happie and expected issue without any contents at all , is no vncouth thing . What certaintie then can be collected , either by the presence or yet by the absence of the contents ? Now howbeit heretofore some contents on the top of the vrine haue bene mentioned , yet are these last mentioned , most commonly and constantly to be seene ordinarily in vrines ; and therefore are more properly called contents , and so to be vnderstood by that name . Now all these three , cloud , swimme , and grounds , haue one and the same materiall cause , and their generation is also alike , differing onely in place and situation , according to the weight of the matter and the concoction of the disease . When the disease is yet crude and not concocted , yet in some forwardnesse thereunto , then appeareth that which is commonly called a cloud , The cloud . for the proportion and analogie it seemeth to haue with the clouds of the aire . When the disease is yet in a better forwardnesse , then is to be seene in the vrine , that which is commonly called the swim The swimme . or sublimation , hanging as it were betwixt the ouermost and neathermost region of the vrine . But when nature hath now gotten the vpper hand of the disease , then doth this which we call ground , The ground . settle to the bottome of the vrinall . My purpose is not here to enter into a large discourse concerning the engendring of this substance , and farre lesse yet the controuersies about the same , which I leaue to be discussed in the schooles , my intent here being onely to discouer the vncertaintie of iudgement which these contents do affoord vs. Now when thou seest the cloud , swim , or residence , what canst thou pronounce but some generall and indefinite verdict concerning the cruditie or concoction of the disease ? but what this thy disease is , thy vrine will neuer reueale vnto thee , nor any of the rest of the signes and circumstances to be obserued in diseases . And howsoeuer the materiall cause of all these three be one and the same , differing onely in circumstances , yet may sometimes the one be without the other . Whersoeuer there is a swim ( saith Scribonius ) there is also a ground or residence , Loco proxime citato . which may also be vnderstood of a cloud : howbeit the ground may be without the former : to wit , if it do not containe such a flatuous matter as raiseth the same vp , according to the testimonie of Galen . Moreouer , the best and most healthfull vrine is accounted such as hath no such cloud nor swim in it , as witnesseth the same Galen . 2. Prorrh . 1. & 2. in 6. epid . 37. And moreouer , if they be present , the iudgement by them is yet vncertaine . For who can tell whether this cometh to passe by way of crisis or otherwise , vnlesse he weigh in the ballance diuers other circumstances , according to the which criticall dayes are accustomed to be tried . Seuerall times to be assigned for the setling of vrine . And besides the premisses , all vrines do not suddenly settle , and they assigne vs seuerall times for the vrine to settle in : some assigne vs halfe an houre , some the sixt part of an houre , &c. But better it were when they are setled , then to giue out our iudgement of them . For I haue often let vrines stand by me , and could see no setling till the next day . Now what couldest thou haue iudged of such an vrine the first day , especially if the messenger , according to the common custome , had hyed him home ? What couldest thou haue said concerning the same ? And yet is this a case which cometh not seldome to passe . Moreouer , these contents do sometimes suddenly vanish away , and that after an houre or two after the voyding of the vrine . It may then plainly , Et ex his proinde vniuersis optime facillimeque intelligi posse opinor , quantus f●cus , quanta deceptio , quanta denique malignitas , sit omnium illorum qui absque alijs coiudicantibus vllus nude & simpliciter ex allata sibi vrinae aliquas corporis male affecti causas & originem , subiecta , adiuncta & sic deinceps , vel exploratissime se cognoscere posse aeutumant . Idem . Seribon . ibid . Of yellow contents or grounds by the premisses , appeare ( saith the same Author ) what counterfetting iuggling and deceit they vse , and how wicked their practise is , who without any other coiudicant signes , do by the vrines onely , giue out sentence concerning the infirmities of the bodie of man , their causes and beginning , their subiects , adiuncts , &c. Now something concerning the seuerall sorts of grounds or contents in the vrine , must likewise be said , that the errours and impostures in this point , as well as in other parts of the vrine , may be layd open to the capacitie of the most ignorant .

As in the colours , therefore so in the contents , we will begin with the best of all others . That then is accounted the best sediment , setling , or ground , which is white , duly knit and stable , and that continually all the time of the sicknesse : and that which declineth from the foresaid laudable conditions , is accounted worse , and that so much the more as it doth decline from them . It is generally agreed vpon among Physitians , that great store of yellow grounds argueth great store of yellow choler in the bodie ; and the lighter coloured it be , it argueth the lesse , the higher coloured the greater excesse . Now besides that thou canst not tell what particular disease proceeding from choler ( there being diuers ) it may signifie , as whether an Ague , or some other disease : and againe , if an Ague , of what sort or kind , continuall or intermittent : so much lesse art thou able to tell the time of it , which notwithstanding maketh not a little to informe thy iudgement concerning the vrine . For if at the first there be either small quantitie of choler , or yet none at all , and then it after increase abundantly , which is knowne by changing from a white thin to a saffron coloured ground ) it is a signe and token that nature doth vnburden it selfe of this heauie ballast of choler , and so consequently that health is like shortly to ensue . But if after a saffron colour it change to a white , it is a bad signe , especially without signes of concoction : for the which cause it will be requisite that thou obserue the seuerall alterations of the vrine , and then be well acquainted with the state and nature of the disease of the patient . The like may be said of red residence , Red residence . the which in the beginning of diseases doth not portend any good , and that by reason it argueth great store of cruditie , which hindereth the concoction of the bloud ; and such are commonly seene in bastard Tertian & Quotidian Agues . But yet such Feuers as are incident to Plethoricall and Catechymicall constitutions , oppressed with abundance of bloud and bad humors , if they attaine to their expected issue , must needs be accompanied with such or the like residence . The bare inspection of the vrine onely will neuer acquaint thee with the particular . Sometimes both the afore-mentioned contents are to be seene in one and the same vrine , which is sometimes deadly , and sometimes againe proueth a fore-runner of safetie and securitie : I will instance in two examples of mine owne experience , to make the truth of this appeare .

Historie . About some three yeares ago , or a little aboue , a young Gentleman in the countrey , to mine owne knowledge , voyded such an vrine for a quarter of a yeare together , and by appearance had so continued long before my sight of the same : and yet notwithstanding all the euacuations were vsed , it continued so more or lesse vntill his dying day . His disease was a Dropsie , and with the same was ioyned the yellow Iaundise , which did outwardly shew it selfe to the view of the eye . His Liuer hote , and the whole constitution of his bodie participating of the same distemper .

Another . But in the yeare 1613. a woman of Northampton of good account , being with child , voyded an vrine with the like residence , and that for as long a time at least , and yet did their diseases farre differ . For besides her being with a liue child ( for vntill that time was not my counsell craued ) she was for a many weekes together neuer free from a Tertian , Quotidian , or both agues conioyned : the which were accompanied with a continuall cough , proceeding from a thinne salt rheume , with spitting of bloud , reaching and casting , as also a great laske , all which accidents , or the most of them , did not forsake her till neare the time of her deliuerie . Phlebotomie for diuerse considerations I durst not then attempt . Other euacuations , both vpwards and downewards , came in greater abundance then was wished . It was now deepely imprinted , not in her owne onely , but in the conceits of her neighbours and others also of good vnderstanding , that ( in regard of her spitting of bloud ) she was now farre spent in an irrecouerable consumption . Vpon the relation of others I inclined to the same opinion . But at my first sight of her , together with the sight of the bloud she spat vp , I changed my opinion . And so , God adding his blessing to the meanes she vsed by my directions , she brought foorth at the time appointed , a liue manchild , which neuerthelesse liued not aboue the space of a moneth . The mother two or three dayes after her deliuerie was surprised with the Measels , and afterwards recouered her health againe , the which at this present day she yet enioyeth .

Here was no Dropsie at all , nor yet could I euer perceiue any signe of a hote Liuer , and the matter of the laundise was voyded both by stoole and vrine . It may then plainly appeare , how farre the diseases may sometimes differ , the residence being still alike in two seuerall bodies , sexes , &c.

As concerning bloudy residence , Bloudie residence , and the seuerall causes of the same . as was before said of bloudy vrine , it may come either of abundance of bloud in a plethoricall body , or else by weaknesse of the retentiue power , and of the Liuer ; the which rightly to discerne , wee must be acquainted with diuers other circumstances , which the vrine can neuer make knowen . It hath beene likewise already related , that sometimes great quantitie of bloud it selfe hath beene voyded without any danger : and sometimes againe after the voyding of a very small quantitie thereof , death hath not long deferred his approaches .

In the yeere 1614. about the beginning of Ianuary , Historie . my counsell was demanded for a Gentleman dwelling neare Northampton , about fiftie yeares of age or vpwards . In his vrine at my first comming at him , was to be seene great store of yellowish contents , cleauing to the bottome of the vrinall , wherewith were intermingled some red streakes of bloud . And howbeit I often earnestly intreated him to admit of Phlebotomie , as the onely remedy to preuent a greater inconuenience , yet could I not preuaile , vntill such time as bloud now issuing out in great abundance , both vpwards and downewards , his strength now decaying , and hairy irrecouerable occasion ouer past , with a too late repentance , he would willingly haue paied a good fine for the renewing of the lease of his life , but all too late .

As concerning white , blacke , leaden , or ash-coloured ; See somewhat in the colours heretofore . as also greene and blew contents , the vncertaintie of these may be in some sort collected from that we haue already said of such vrines , and many other matters I willingly passe by , and hasten to the rest : to wit , diuers other sorts of residences or strange contents , called by some , difforme contents .

Purulent or mattery residence , Purulent or matterie residence . doth much resemble a white residence or ground , which is so much commended for the best of all others ; and therefore requireth some iudgement to discerne the one from the o●her : and yet is there a crude and vnconcocted residence not vnlike this purulent matter to bee seene , as well in whole as in sicke bodies . This purulent or mattery residence , againe proceedeth either from the kidneyes or the bladder , as is most commonly receiued . But heare what the learned Hollerius saith concerning the same . Schol . ad cap . 50. lib . 1. de morb . intern .

Neither yet doth this mattery stuffe alwaies proceed from the kidneys or bladder . For it proccedeth almost from euery part of the vpper region of the body , by the great and admirable industry of nature , and by meanes of the body euery where made passable for such a purpose , doth disburden it selfe sometimes into the guts , and sometimes againe into the bladder . Historie . A certaine woman voyded , not without great paine and torment , such purulent and mattery vrines , who foure moneths after dyed , and the dead corps being opened , two stones were found in her heart , with many little impostumes , the kidneyes , together with the other vrinary passages , being free from any other hurt .

Lib . de vrin . cap . 38. Galen ( saith Rondeletius ) did see an impostume of the Lungs purged by vrine , by meanes of the emulgent or sucking arteries . The gibbons or backe part of the Liuer , the kidneyes , bladder and yard , make vse of the same passage . Now which of these places are affected , the griefe and tumor of the part giueth vs notice , and not the vrine onely .

Red vetches or fitches . Now red Vetches or Fitches in the residence , called therefore Hypostasis orobea , or eruarea , are recorded by our Authors , to signifie either great inflammation of the Liuer , or colliquation of the whole body , or of the kidneyes onely . And so branny contents , Brannie and scalie contents . signifie sometimes consumption of the whole body , or of the bladder onely with concoction , no Ague ; and great heat wasting the substance of the Liuer , and burning the bloud if it be red . So do fine branny contents signifie a collequation or wasting of the solid parts : sharpe sicknesse , and for the most part mortall , and some adde yet that it is sometimes seene in the vrines of women with child . And if this residence be red , they attribute it to extreame adustion of the bloud . Scales , Scales . called Lamine , Squame , differ not much in signification .

To Haires or small filaments in the vrine , Haires in the vrine . are attributed also diuers significations : as namely , a consumption of the whole body , a Feuer then being ioyned therewith , or else of the kidneyes onely , and then is no Feuer to be seene . Comm . 1. ad aph . 76. sect . 4. They are according to Galen , engendered of a tough Phlegme , proceeding from the vse of grosse diet . Sometimes also they are said to signifie exulceration of the reines or bladder : and sometimes also fluxe of seed from seuerall causes . And finally , womens white fluxe , from the matrixe or wombe . Galen is of opinion , that such contents come neuer without a thicke vrine . But experience hath taught vs the contrary , saith Hollerius . Loco proxime supra citato . Historie .

A certaine man voyded such hairy excrements , with a golden coloured vrine , aboue the space of twenty yeares , it not being thicke , but keeping a meane : and howbeit his constitution and state of body inclined to choler , yet was he of a reasonable square and corpulent body . The like commeth also to passe in many others , howbeit to others a thicke vrine is more frequent .

If the Reader please , Schenck obseruat . medic . lib . 3. Tit . de vrina . he may yet reade a strange Story in Schenckius of a great quantitie of true and naturall haire , voyded by a woman with her vrine for a long time , the which the Author tried , by burning a parcell of it in the fire .

Sand or grauell in the vrine affoordeth vs yet no greater certaintie . It is recorded by that famous Hippocrates , Sandie or grauelly residence . Aph. 79. sect . 4. that in whatsoeuer vrine a grauelly matter setleth to the bottome , it betokeneth a stone either in the kidneys , or in the bladder . It is likely he had most commonly obserued it so in the place where he liued : but we find often the contrary in our climate . I haue my selfe often obserued , both in old age and younger yeeres , such grauelly vrines without any stone . The widenesse of the vrinary passages , as also diureticall expelling medicines , may be a meanes of expelling such contents . And this disease may sometimes be accompanied with a thinne vrine without any grauell at all , as in the obstruction of the aforesaid passages . The Physitian being present , is often encombred , notwithstanding the concurrence of all the signes together , to discerne a stone from some other disease , as hath heretofore appeared : what certaintie then can be expected from the sole deceitfull signe of the vrine ?

Historie . Ibidem . The Admirall Annebault ( saith Hollerius ) being much tormented in making his vrine for the space of eight moneths together , both Physitians and Surgeons being in doubt whether there were a stone in the bladder or no , at length it was concluded to m●ke incision for the stone . No stone notwithstanding was found , but a lumpe of flesh growne to the necke of the bladder , hindering the free passage of the vrine , which was cured by conuenient remedies , and the pattent restored to his former health againe .

Flesher . Some also are of opinion , it signifieth adustion of humours , as in diseases coming of choler , such as be burning Agues , Tertian Agues , single and compound , and sometim●s in diseases of melancholie , as Quartaine agues long continuing . Likewise the Gout , paine of the ioynts and reines , Leprosie , French poxe confirmed , Emeraudes , costiuenesse , and heate of the Liuer : if there be no paine nor heauinesse about the reines .

Worms reiected by vrine . But besides all the former contents , wormes haue sometimes bene voyded by the vrine , the which because it may seeme some thing strange , therefore I will walke with my guides . Rondeletius maketh it plaine . Rondel . de vrinis , cap . 38. Gilbert Griphon first of all shewed me worms in the vrine when I was but yet young , who was also the chiefe inciter of me to this profession . The wormes might be seene to mooue without any motion of the vrine .

Montuus . Idem Rondel . lib . de morb . cognos . cap . 17.

Historia Didymi Obrechti ad finem libri Rondel . de vrinus adiecta .

Loco iam supra citato .

Againe . I haue seene wormes in the vrine as large as Gourd seedes , flat and aliue . Argenterius hath seene the forme of a winged ' Dragon come foorth with the vrine . The historie also annexed to the foresaid Rondeletius his Tractate of vrines , of foure wormes voyded by vrine at two seuerall times , do plainly witnesse the same . His countreyman Hollerius maketh also mention of one Beaucler a Counseller , who after great paine in the kidneys , voyded a great worme . And of another , who after the voyding of some stones and grauelly matter , voyded two euill fauoured wormes .

Ibidem . The same Author againe . One demanded counsell of a Spaniard by letters , and helpe for one that was troubled with grauell , who hauing voyded some stones and much sand , did also put foorth at his yard two little wormes , hauing pointed beckes , two hornes vpon the head like a snaile , the backe and bellie was as it were couered with scales , blacke like a Tortoise , but vnder the bellie which was red .

I haue wondered to see ( saith another Author ) in mine owne vrine a great number of wormes , short and little , like vnto small lice .

H●eron . Cardan . comm . in aph . 76 lib . 4.

Ambros . Par. Chirurg . lib . 19. cap . 3.

Monsieur Duret a Physitian hath assured me ( saith Ambrose Pare ) that he did voyd at his yard , after a long and grieuous sicknesse , a little beast aliue , very strange and wonderfull to behold , which was of a reddish colour . Charles Earle of Mansfield being very sicke of a continuall Feauer , cast foorth at his yard a worme of the very forme of a blacke Pye .

Leuinus Lemnius reporteth that he hath seene in the vrines of diuerse that haue bene sicke of the French poxe , De occult . nat. mirac . lib . 2. cap . 40. wormes like vnto Antes .

One being troubled with difficultie of making water ( saith Schencleius ) voyded by his yard a little liue Scorpion . Obseruat . medicin . l. 3. sect . 312.

And as another author affirmeth , Alexand . Bened . anat . lib . 2. c . 22. in the bladder of some persons wormes do breed , and little beasts like to Cockles of the sea .

But now would I willingly demand of the cunningest pisse-prophet in the countrey , what would or could he presage by such a wormie vrine ? Putrefaction thou wilt say , it may be . But of what part , I pray thee ? whether in the bloud or the bladder , the stomacke or maw , or in the guts ? I haue often administred meanes both to yong and old against this disease , euen against all the sorts of wormes commonly recorded by our Physitians , yet could I neuer perceiue any in such persons vrines . And in how many young childrens vrines haue they found any such creatures ? But what if such creatures were conueyed from the stomacke through the mesaraicke veines into the great porter veine , and from thence into the great hollow veine , and so from thence distributed into the rest of the bloud , or else by the kidneyes into the bladder ? If thou wilt denie this long and tedious iourney , I will againe demand of thee , Iohann . Renodaeus de mat . med . lib . 3 cap . 33. & antidot . lib . 1. sect . 1. cap . 20. circa finem . Motes in the vrine , together with their seuerall significations . how come wormes into the bloud , as may appeare by this which followeth .

In a certaine citizen at Paris , the basilica or Liuer veine being opened , in mine owne sight and presence came forth a worme about a spanne long . Thus then thou seest what certaintie may be collected by the sight of wormes in the vrine . There are yet sometimes motes to be seene in the vrine , which according to our writers signifie diuerse things : as namely , putrefaction , as in the Plague and French poxe , being accompanied with stinch . Againe great agitation and commotion of the humours , as in the small poxe and measels . They are said likewise to signifie rhewme , the gout , diseases of the mother , and finally conception . Let the vnpartiall Reader iudge what assurance one can learne from such an vrine , concerning the particular circumstances of the disease .

Of dust in the vrine . But we must not yet omit the very dust , which they will haue to signifie diuerse and sundrie matters ; and that according to the seuerall colours of the same , vpon the which I will not long dwell , but yet say something of the blacke , which may seeme to threaten greatest danger . Such dust falling to the bottome , either blacke or of a leaden colour , proceeding of melancholie , is thought to signifie fluxe of the Emeraudes , present , or shortly to follow : and sometimes vomiting of bloud . As also sometimes paine in the reines , loynes , &c. and stopping of the Flowers , and at other times paine and diseases of the Spleene , &c.

Historie . In the beginning of the yeare 1623. my counsell and personall presence was craued for a Ladie in Northampton-shire of good account . In the bottome of the vrinall wherein her vrine was put , for certaine dayes together , some such blacke dust might be seene ; which a graue Diuine there present thought to be so dangerous , that he told me he had seldome seene them liue many dayes after the sight of such contents in their vrines . And howbeit some strange and troublesome accidents did terrifie the spectators who beheld her with vulgar eyes , yet did her pulse put me in better hope , which was shortly seconded by a happie and prosperous issue , the Ladie recouering her former health againe . Neither heard I any complaint of such things as these contents are said to signifie .

But hauing now finished both colours and contents , with other things belonging to this subiect , it is perhaps now exspected I should say something of the manner of pissing , as concerning not a little the matter in hand .

CHAP. IX . Of the manner of pissing : the retention or stoppage of vrine , totall or in part , as also of inuoluntarie passing , both in sicknesse and in health .

THe manner of pissing , is either hard and vneasie , or else inuoluntarie . As for the first , the action is interessed three manner of wayes , as witnesseth Hollerius and others . First , there is a great desire to pisse , but cannot be effected without force and hard straining , & sometimes not without paine . Secondly , there is the like desire , but the vrine passeth away but by drops . Thirdly , there is a stoppage or obstruction of the vrine , that it is not voyded at all , or else so little that it is to small purpose . Painefull and vneasie pissing , may come to passe , Of painfull and vneasie pissing . either by the acrimonie and sharpnesse of the humour , or by the imbecillitie or weakenesse of the retentiue facultie , proceeding for the most part from cold : the which painfulnesse may in like manner be procured by reason of some inflammation , clotted or congealed bloud , an vlcer , a stone , &c. Suppression of vrine Suppression of vrine . proceedeth from diuerse causes : sometimes by meanes of the obstruction or stoppage of the guts , and sometimes againe by meanes of the emulgent or sucking veines : and that againe two manner of wayes : to wit , either by reason of the weakenesse of the drawing or sucking qualitie , or else by obstruction . The seuerall causes of the same . This suppression is likewise procured by the obstruction or stoppage of the Kidneys and Vrine-pipes , and by meanes of the weakenesse thereof . By reason of the obstruction of the aforesaid passages , it cometh also diuerse wayes to passe : as either by meanes of an inflammation , knob or bunch of either of these parts , or others adioyning : or else by reason of a stone , clotted or congealed bloud , or some tough phlegme impacted and cleauing fast to the place : as also sometimes , howbeit seldome , by reason of some holes in the kidneyes , De internor . morb . curat . tomo . 3. lib . 4. cap . 12. and that after the voyding of some stones , as Mercatus hath obserued . Suppression of vrine is likewise sometimes caused by meanes of the bladder or parts thereto adioyning , Suppression of vrine by meanes of the bladd●r diuerse wayes procured . it being also thereby interessed . And in the first place , by reason of the want of the sense of feeling , the sinew descending from the loynes and the hucklebone being loosened . Secondly , by reason of the failing of the expelling power of the bladder , &c. Thirdly , the exceeding great quantitie of vrine distending and stretching out of the bladder , detained longer then is conuenient , may bring this sometimes to passe . Fourthly , the resolution or loosenesse of the muscles of the neather bellie , which haue likewise some interest in the furtherance of this excretion . Fiftly , by the totall ouerthrow of the expelling facultie : as we see sometimes come to passe in burning Feauers , as witnesseth Hippocrates . Sixtly , by the defect and fault of the vrine-pipes , and that diuerse manner of wayes : for sometimes the muscle which shutteth vp the bladder is clinged together by a conuulsion : the passage is likewise stopt , either by the meanes of some tough clammie humours , some clotted bloud , matter , knob or bunch , or any tumour , the outgrowing of some peece of flesh , some wart or scarre , and finally , by reason of a stone stopping vp the passage by the neck of the bladder . Seuenthly , by the consent of the places adioyning , the bladder and the vrine-pipes are sometimes so shut vp , that they cannot freely deliuer the vrine , which cometh often to passe in women , by reason of the nearenesse of the wombe . Eightly , by meanes of a Palsie or resolution of the bladder . The vncertaintie therefore of the vrine in diseases of this nature and kind , may as euidently appeare as in any of the premisses . And there being so many causes producing paine and difficultie in making of vrine , to which of them wilt thou ascribe it ? Againe , if there be a retention of the vrine , what wilt thou send to the Physitian ? And if such an accident come to the cure of some Empiricke or vnskilfull Physitian , his conceit will straightway leade him to some stone , and so , according to their ignorance in this art , exhibite strong diuretickes , or medicines prouoking vrine , as I haue sometimes obserued : Calculus renum rare aut nun . quam diuretica huius aut illius sortis citra damnum admittit , &c. which are so farre from procuring the intended good , that they produce rather a contrary effect . Of a suppression of vrine by meanes of clotted bloud I haue instanced alreadie .

This last Spring a young Gentleman of Leicestershire , Mercat . Tomo . 1. lib . 3. par . 3. class . 3. quaest. 217. Historie . of good worth , trauailing towards London thorow this Towne of Northampton , was suddenly surprised with a suppression of vrine . Being afraid of a stone in his bladder ( howbeit he had neuer heretofore complained of this infirmity ) yet tried he what the art of Surgerie could doe , by meanes of a Catheter thrust vp thorow his yard towards the necke of his bladder , together with some other meanes , which notwithstanding tooke no effect . The next morning , about eight of the clocke , I was sent for to the patient , whose belly began to swell , and some fumes to ascend into his head . By meanes of a gentle opening iulep , together with a Cataplasme applied to his share , it pleased God to accomplish his desires : howbeit a messenger had bene already sent away to bring with him an expert Surgeon to make incision . He voyded that day abundance of vrine of a laudable colour , and answerable contents , so that none could find any fault in the same , and the next day he went forward in his intended iourney towards London .

The passage of the vrine in this patient was somewhat narrow , as seemeth , and that by reason of some former infirmity ; and perhaps some wind gathered in the great gut might make some compression of the necke of the bladder . Now that suppression of vrine in acute diseases is dangerous , Aphor . 62. lib . 4. Hippocrates doth not deny ; other Physitians also haue obserued it , and my selfe not long since , in one who died not long agoe . And because this History for diuers reasons is worth the relating , I will intreate the courteous Reader that he would be pleased a while to lend his eyes and eares .

This last yeere 1623. Another . August the 28. an Alderman of Northampton , a man of good account in this Corporation , neare fiftie yeares of age , subiect of late yeares to a great paine in his head , and sometimes my patient : riding abroad in his corne-field , about some three miles off this Towne , was suddenly surprised with a chilnesse in his legges , and shortly after complained of the like in his backe , bones , and vpper parts of his body : vpon which occasion he hyed him home , and im●gining it to be some cold , continued ill that night , and the next day and night following . The Satterday after , and the third day of his disease , by perswasion of some of his friends , his vrine with a letter was carried to a Parson-practiser , dwelling about a dozen of miles hence , one of our chiefe Calculators of Natiuities in all the countrey . The Parson sent backe word , it was a blind Ague , and withall sends him a vomit , and prescribes Phlebotomie . The Surgeon being sent for , perceiues a Iaundise , and the patient complaines of some faintnesse ; vpon which occasion he refuses to let him bloud , wishing his friends to acquaint the Parson with these occurrents . The Parson repeales his former sentence , and commends the Surgeon for being so sparing . And indeed he dealt honestlier then the Parson : for he trusted none but his owne eyes , and so told his mind freely to his friend : but the Parson both saw with other mens eyes , and heard with other mens eares ; and building vpon this sandy foundation , sent his Oracle to the absent , which he as easily recalled againe vpon the first information , and sends him another Oracle written now in a peece of paper , and withall sends him an Electuary and Iulep for his laundise , and some directions for a drinke . But let vs heare the laudable effects of this vomit . It wrought vpwards effectually , and something downewards : and while the patient was able to take any sustenance , it returned backe by the same way it went in . And besides , after the operation of this vomit , the Iaundise appeared , a suppression of vrine and ordure , together with a troublesome and tedious Hicket , which neither day nor night forsooke our patient . To the former accidents was shortly added a difficulty in swallowing , with an extreame sorenesse in his mouth , which like a Canker spread it selfe ouer all the parts of the same , with an vlcer ( as appeared ) in the Almonds or parts adioyning , which yeelded such abundance of white corrupted matter at first , and afterwards coloured , as I neuer did obserue the like in euery respect . The Parson being earnestly intreated to affoord his patient his presence in this his so great extremity , no prayers would preuaile ; but sent him backe word , that the Iaundise now appearing , he hoped the worst was past . The patient seeing himselfe forsaken now in his greatest need , hauing learned by a too late repentance , that his Parson proued not so trusty a friend as he supposed ; Cum nemini obtrudi potest itur ad me . On the Thursday after , about two a clocke in the morning , and the beginning of the eight day since the beginning of his disease , he sent for me , most earnestly intreating me that I would be pleased to affoord him my presence with what speed I could . I preferring Christian charitie and loue of my old friend before any late ingratitude , repaire presently to his house , where I find him in that case I haue alreadie related . Hauing acquainted his wife and friend●●●th the extreame ●anger I then found him in , yet being both by him●elfe , his wife and all his friends earnestly intreated to do my vtt●●most endeauour to helpe him in this extremitie , and at least to ease him of ●hese troublesome accidents ; so much by glisters and other mild meanes in two dayes space I preuailed , that most of the aboue-named accidents vanished quite away : his vrine also came in great abundance , of a laudable colour , without any bad contents , and the other egestion obserued now a good and orderly course : the hicket came but seldome , and with small annoyance . But the pulse played not his part so well as I wished , and the sorenesse of his mouth increased so fast , that it began to get ground vpon his lips . The which I then perceiuing , as likewise that he was not as yet free from his Feauer , willing to trie if Phlebotomie would any thing auaile , I gaue way to the vsing of this remedie . About sixe ounces of very corrupt bloud were taken from him on Saturday morning , ( his nose hauing made some offer twice or thrice before , and once after his Phlebotomie ) not without alleuiation , whereupon ensued reasonable good rest the night following . On Sonday morning was little alteration to be discerned , but that he complained much of faintnesse , and yet was better able to swallow then before : the sorenesse of his mouth began likewise to amend , being duly dressed diuerse times of the day : his hicket also was no more to be heard . Not full two houres after our departure , Death sends him new summons by some change and alteration to the worse , which could not be concealed from the most vulgar eye . In the afternoone visiting him , I found no further hope or encouragement to proceed , and yet farre lesse on Monday morning , saue that I wished them still to continue the giuing of him a Cordiall Iulep there in a readinesse , and so left visiting him any more , and he ere nine of the clocke at night , obeying Deaths last summons , discharged that debt which we haue yet to pay .

But now Master Parson , our patient resting in peace , I would willingly expostulate a little concerning your carelesse ( and as I thinke ) irregular and ignorant proceeding in this businesse , which concerned no lesse then a mans life : the life , I say , not of an ordinary man , but of a magistrate , whom this corporation could not so well at this time haue spared ; besides the interest his wife and children and other friends had in him . In the first place your Oracle being asked , it answered , His disease was a blind Ague . Raro aut nunquam eisdem accidentibus & conditionibus insignata apparet huiusmodi febris , sed pro varietate corporei apparatus & aliarum rerum , quae corpus humanam mutare habent , variari subinde ipsam contingit . Mercat . tom . 2. lib . 7. cap . 2. Of maligne Feauers I haue both read , and knowne them possesse now and then some of my patients ; but as for blind Agues , we leaue them to Parsons that cannot see . And what be the Pathognomonicke signes of a blind Ague , and what Authors write of it ? The vrine told you no such matter , and I dare say , the messenger was much amazed at so blind an Oracle . But this is no new practise of your selfe and others of your cloth , lest you should seem to be ignorant of any thing , to coyne new names for diseases , whereof you are altogether ignorant . And thus another of your double profession , some few yeares ago , his iudgement by a Gentleman concerning his disease being demanded , answered , It was a disease in his spirits . The Gentleman died within a few dayes after of a Feauer , which tooke possession of the whole bodie ; and a Physitian that came afterwards to him , thought it to be a Squinancie , and that the Parson had wronged him in deferring Phlebotomie too long , by the which he gaue the patient some ease for the present . If this Parson had euer learned the grounds of Physicke , he could haue told that that Feauer which we call Ephemera , Gal. 1. de differ . febr . cap . 1. not exceeding foure and twentie houres , is properly said to be in the spirits , being commonly free from danger : but if it exceed this terme , then turneth it to some other Feauer , and so loseth the former name . But what remedies were by you appointed for this patients blind Ague , as it pleaseth you to call it ? If a blind Ague , it had as blind a remedie , a vomit was exhibited , Phlebotomie prescribed . As for your vomit , although I neuer did see it , yet I am not ignorant of the matter and nature of it . But be what it would , that it was then vnseasonable , I thinke any of common sense cannot deny . For in the first place he had not long bene sicke , neither yet came his sicknesse by any surfet , to induce you at first dash to prescribe him such a vomit before any other remedie . Againe , you ought not to be ignorant , that in most diseases ( acute especially ) the appetite faileth at first , and yet vse we not alwayes to begin with strong stibiate vomits . But what were the effects of your vomit we haue heard , and the patient fared the worse for it . He was subiect to an old paine in his head , and with this vnseasonable vomit the torrent of those sharpe and maligne cholericke humours wherewith his bodie abounded , were drawne vp towards the throate , and other parts adioyning : hence had he that exulceration in his throate and mouth , the hicket , &c. I know your grauitie would disdaine the name of an Empiricke , but pardon me good master Parson , this course was too Empiricall , I wish both your selfe and some of your brethren to be more circumspect in exhibiting your vomits . It is too well knowne in the countrey , Strong stibiate vomits ordinarily vsed by our Parson-practisers in most diseases , and for the most part without the sight of their patient . that strong stibiate vomits are vsed by many of you , almost in euery disease , as some famous Panacaea or Aurum Potabile , falsly supposed good against all diseases . The other Parson lately mentioned , within these few yeares gaue two vomits in one day , the one to a woman dwelling seauen miles off this towne , who died presently : the other to a woman of this towne of good account , and since my patient , at that time being big with child , and the vomit wrought with great violence from seauen a clocke in the morning till foure a clocke in the afternoone , and hardly escaped she the like danger , or abortion at least .

Some few yeares ago my presence was required for a Gentlewoman at a Knights house within seauen miles of Northampton . Historie . Her disease was a Squinancie , and had bene before my comming , by the aduice of a neighbour Parson ( for such are in most corners of the countrey to be found ) at least twice Phlebotomised , howbeit without any successe , and then had this cunning Aesculapius left her a stibiat vomit , as his last anchor of hope , At my coming I found her not able to swallow any thing at all , the drinke which she assayed to swallow coming out at her nostrils againe . The Ladie asking me whether she might take the Parsons vomit or no , I replyed , it was absurd both in Si igitur valenter etiamnum fluxio irruat , ad contraria reuellere studebimus : vtique si in superioribus vicus consistat , per inferna purgantes : sin autem in inferioribus sit , superiorem ventrem p●●gantes . Gal. Meth . med . lib . 4. reason and common sense , and that both in regard it could not descend into the stomach , as also for feare of attraction of the humour towards the place affected . In three dayes space , by meanes of attractiue glisters , which the Parson had omitted , and some other meanes I vsed , the patient , by Gods helpe recouered againe her former health . But to our purpose againe . The next remedie by you prescribed was Phlebotomie . I denie not the necessitie thereof , howsoeuer your prescription was but by ayme , as being ignorant of his strength , wherein the messenger might easily be mistaken , as it often cometh to passe . Within these two yeares past , I tooke aboue fiftie ounces of bloud from a man of middle age in this same towne , being seised with a burning Feauer , accompanied with a strong deliration , whom his friends supposed to be so weake , that after I had seene him , & acquainted them with the truth , scarce could I perswade them to yeeld to this remedie . And this was performed in a weekes space , the patient taking nothing in the meane while but a little drinke , or milke and water , being both then and a long time after depriued of his naturall rest , by his owne vnrulinesse , and his friends carelesnesse , and yet recouered he his health . But why was not this remedie administred to our patient ? Because the Parson was informed of the appearing of the Iaundise . But did the Iaundise crosse the former indication of bleeding The Icte●us triplex est , selleus , hepaticus & criticus . Felleus si● vel ab immodica pleni tudine vesiculae fellis , vel paruitate eius , aut ab imbecillitate facultatis attractricis eiusdem , aut à m●atuum obstructione ; siue corum sit per quos bilis allicitur , siue eorum per quos pellitur ad intestina , quo regurgitat ad venas bilis , & praedictum gignit affectum . Hepaticus efficitur icterus ab hepatis obstructione , scirrho , inflammatione , aut calida distemperie : ad quod etiam membrum reducitur venarum caliditas exurens , & totius etiam corporis , siue etiam corrumpatur in venis & vniuerso corpore sanguis ob earum intemperamentum citra hepatis affectum , aut à veneno assumpto , aut eiaculato à fera , vel assumptis cathar●ticis non purgantibus . Criticus duplex existit : salutaris vnus , qui rursus sit dum sano existente homine molestatur natura , aut in morborum iudicationibus , quae septimo die aut post septem , diebus criticus incidit , antegressis coctionis fignis , &c. Alter verò est criticus à motu maligni morbi , quem etiam symptomaticum dicere possumus , qui semper antè septimum incidit , &c. Mercatus de intern . morb . curat . tomo . 3. lib . 4. cap . 5. Iaundise proccedeth of diuerse causes , and therefore the cure is accordingly to be accommodated . It cometh sometimes solely and of it selfe , without any other disease , and sometimes prooueth nothing else saue a symptome or accident of some other disease , as of a Scirrhus , or inflammation of the Liuer , &c. It is also sometimes occasioned by poyson , and sometimes by meanes of some Aliam adhuc addit causam Hollerius , calculum vnum , vel plures in vesica fell-a saepe concretes De morb . intern . lib . 1. cap . 37. stone or stones growne within this gall-bagge . And againe , the learned are not ignorant that it is sometimes a criticall excretion : safest after the seuenth day in acute diseases , more dangerous , or at least doubtfull before the same . Our patients Iaundise appeared in an acute disease , before the seauenth day . That Phlebotomie in this Multis rationibu● sanguis in hac affectione vtiliter mitti potest , primo quidem malo incipiente retractionis gratia : ob id Paulus statuit consilium esse venam in dextro cubito secare , vbi meatus vesicae bilis vtrique sunt obstipati , vel alter duntaxat . Item si simul sanguis abundet , aut sit praecipua obstructionis occasio : quapropter dixit Aetius duo maxima esse in hoc affectu remedia , nimirum , venae sectionem , & purgationem , &c. & paulo post . Si ex morbo acuto ante septimum prodeat sanguinem mittes , &c. Idem Mercatus ibidem . case is required , our Authors do witnesse , and in many other sorts of the same : yea euen when the Iaundise is but a beginning , saith a learned Spaniard , and that according to the opinion of Paulus Aegineta and Aetius , two famous ancient Greeke Physitians : especially in the abundance of bloud , with a concourse of choler , which was manifest to the eye-sight in this our patient . And this same Author approoues of it in this disease , euen after it hath continued a long time , and that by meanes of inueterate obstructions , as also in the suppression of any wonted euacuation . This then was no contrarie indication to dehort or hinder you from so methodicall a course . And as for some faintnesse , it is not vnusuall in this disease , where there is neither Feauer nor danger of death . The vomit was a great deale worse then the opening of a veine . Fiue dayes after , when by reason of hote and sharpe humors towards his throate , procured by your vnseasonable vomit , this remedie brought alleuiation , with some rest after ensuing . What then might it in probabilitie haue procured , if at the first , and in due time administred ? And why was there no mention of a purge or glister for this Iaundise ? It had bene but according to the Verum si suspitio aliqua est excrementi in ventre & primis venis Cassiae aut Catholici ℥ j . ex sero lactis imperabis . Et quia in hoc morbo aluus fere astricta est , vtilissimus est clyster , cuius materia sit ex ijs quae stercus durius emolliunt , &c. Sic enim placuisse veteribus Aphrodisaeus scriptum reliquit . Holler , loco nuper citato . rules of reason and precepts of art . And those who artended him can testifie that one glister by me prescribed , gaue him more ease then all your Physicke . But let vs come to your Prognosticke : you hoped the worst was past . Vpon what ground ? Because now the Iaundise came foorth . Cuius contrarium verum est . The case is quite contrarie : you ought therefore to haue deemed some danger . Fie master Parson , such a Rabbi as you thinke your selfe , whom the vulgar adore like the Acts 19.35 . Image of Diana , which the foolish Ephesians thought came downe from Iupiter . Old Aphor . 62. lib . 4. Hippocrates could haue told you , that such a Iaundise seldome portended securitie . And howsoeuer he and some others make mention of some who in such a case haue recouered : yet do all our Authors hold the case to be very dangerous . Medicum arbitror operae praetium esse prouidentiam consectari ●praesentiens enim atque praedicens apud aegros res praesentes , praeteritas atque futuras , & etiam quas ipsi aegri praetermittunt explicans , existimabitur facile percepisse notitiam singularem rerum ad aegros pertinentium : eoque fiet vt confidentius credant homines seipsos Medico Medicinam autem optime faciet Medicus , si ante praesenserit quid euenturum sit cuique affectui . Hippocr . Prognost . lib . 1. aph . 1. At my first coming to our patient I found apparent danger , not onely by reason of this accident , but of diuerse other dangerous and deadly signes , wherewith I at that instant acquainted his friends . And if you please to reply , that your absence could not see so much as my presence might discouer , I do not denie it : yet was not this Iaundise concealed from you , nor that it succeeded or came after a blind Ague , as you call it , and that before the seauenth day , as hath bene prooued . And the messenger was an vnderstanding young man , able to relate some other dangerous accidents , and besides he had no small interest in our patient . But what was wanting by information , might haue bene supplyed by your owne presence : the which howbeit earnestly desired , yet could not be obtained , saying , that your directions were sufficient . And yet it was told me , that coming to his house to speake with some at the Assises , you promised him great kindnesse . Now is the time of triall : your friend in danger of his life , requesteth and earnestly intreateth your ayde and best assistance , with your personall presence : he entrusts you with his life , and yet will you not affoord him your presence ? Your golden promises produce scarce leaden effects . 2. Sam . 16.17 . Is this the kindnesse to your friend ? Why vndertooke ye the cure of him , whom you had no purpose to see if intreated ? Besides , the patient was of sufficient abilitie to giue you satisfaction . If there be hope of a good bootie , your presence will not be wanting : witnesse your voyage into Leicestershire in Sommer 1623. to a patient of yours , who howbeit he died before your coming , yet were your sees more then doubled : and yet master Parson must not be called couetous . Now besides the Iaundise , the Singultus in febre periculosus nisi sit criticus & signa coctionis manifestae appareant . A vomitu quoque malum : cum enim vomitus qui remed●ū esse debet singultum gignit , ab inflammatione cerebri vel stoma●hi metuendum . Holler . lib . 1. de morb . intern . cap . 33. Hicket in acute diseases , euen in the iudgement of the vulgar and most ignorant , but especially after so vnseasonable a vomit , must needs presage some great euill to ensue . And suppression of vrine concurring with S●gna saeg●●s mem●rand● & obserua●da in aegrotantibus . Nam ex continua inspect●●ne , exquisitam eorum potestatis habemus notitiam . Semper mente reuoluere oportet , ac considerare quaenam signa sunt optima quae pessima , & quae in medio confin●o horum veluti gradus quosdam habentia , nonnulla quidem optimis , nonnulla vtro deterr●mis proximiora , & quae quidem minus , quae vero sunt magis proximiora vel remotiora , & quaenam exquisite media ponenda sint inter bona & mala signa . Deinde considerandum quaenam semper mala sunt , & quae continuo bona , &c. Gal. 1. de cris . cap 13. other dangerous signes , maketh the danger yet apparent . And yet the Parson hopeth the worst is past But how came it to passe , that all your twelue houses in the heauens forgot you at this time , and made you become a lying Prophet ? Where were all your maligne aspects ? Terent . in Andr. Luno Lucinafer opem . Will neither Mercurie nor the Moone , who are nearest , come to your aide ? And where was old frostie father gray-beard ( Saturne I meane ) and angrie Mars ? I adhere to none of your iuggling Genethliacks , and yet besides the former signes , I could reade death in our patients eyes , yea and in some motions of his hands , &c. better then the vrine and all the caelestiall Orbes could tell you . Sexcenta licet eiusmodi proferre . But many other such pranks are played by your selfe , and others that are partakers with you in the same offence , wherewith I would be loth to enlarge this Treatise . But master Parson , make more account of mens liues , and discharge more conscionably that calling from which you take the denomination , and yet busie your selfe too little about it . I haue neuer heard much commendation of your diligent preaching ; not so much as in season , farre lesse yet out of season : And as for your care in this other profession , this our Patients friends , and this whole Corporation haue no great cause to magnifie it . But it is not much to bee maruelled at , that he who setteth so light by the soule , makes as small account of the body , but for his owne benefit . And how many of yours and others such beneficed mens Quot Themison aegros a●tumno occiderat vno . Iuuen . errors are buried in the bosome of the earth ; howsoeuer your adherents may cry out , Great is Diana of the Ephesians . Let the iudicious Reader iudge then , whether all Physicks sufficiency be couered vnder a Clergy mans Cassocke . But we hope the Reuerend Fathers of the Church will confine you within your owne Orbes ; or at the least enforce you to resigne the one wholly , and betake your selues to the other . A Prelate of prime note of late yeares ( as I am informed ) and yet liuing ( and long may he liue ) gaue one of these Pragmaticall Ministers his choice , to which of the two he would betake himselfe : and he hauing found in his owne experience this to be true , Dat Galenus opes , being forced , forsooke his Pastorall charge , which affoorded him not aboue fiftie pounds yearely comming in . But now to the maine matter in hand againe .

Of inuoluntarie pissing . The second branch of the manner of pissing , is inuoluntary pissing , which commeth to passe either in sicknes or in health . And in sicknesse it commeth to passe , by reason of the hurt , weaknesse , or decay of the retentiue facultie of the passages of the vrine ; as kidneyes , bladder , &c. as commeth to passe in the Palsie , It is produced by diuerse causes . Apoplexy , and Falling sicknesse . And in the pissing euill , called Diabete , this commeth likewise to passe . And againe , when the Muscle Sphincter shutting the necke of the bladder or sinewes helping thereto , are hurt , either by a fall , a wound , or some such other occasion : and sometimes againe in reasonable good health , they are weakned by meanes of some cold distemper , or too much moisture ; as commeth to passe in children , and moist constitutions . Drinesse sometimes is likewise said to produce the like effect in old age . And some perturbations of the mind , as great and sudden feare and astonishment make men often void , not the vrine onely , but other excrements also against their will . And yet were our Pisse-Prophets neuer able by any such vrine onely to finde out the true cause of any such infirmitie . Dangerous in acute diseases . That this proueth also often a dangerous , if not deadly signe in acute diseases , I could by many instances both of my owne and other mens obseruations make it appeare , but that now I feare I haue too much abused thy patience courteous Reader ; and therefore I hasten to the conclusion , if thou wilt giue me leaue to talke a word or two by the way with Master Alchymist .

CHAP. X. Of the fond and foolish opinion , concerning the distillation of Urines : of the water of separation , together with the vncertaintie of iudgement by such meanes .

THE Alchymists well perceiuing this vecertaintie affoorded vs by this signe , haue set their wits a worke another way . One of their great Masters , Lib . de disti●lat . vrinar . Thuenheuserus by name , to the end that Paracelsus and his Disciples might be thought to surpasse all other Physitians , deuised a new way to iudge of diseases by Vrines : to wit , by diuiding it into three seuerall principles , Mercury , Sulphur , and Salt : and so by distillation to finde out that which we demanded . Est aqua quadam que dicitur ALKALI secreta● cuius vsus ad febres , ad foetum mortuum & alia . Inter haec est etiam separatio succorum . Nam si tantum vna gutta proij●iatur in vrinam agroti , statim fieri dicitur elementerum separatio , adeo vt praedominans elementum aperte inconspectum prodeat , & causam mortificum manifestet . Liban . in Alch. pharmac . cap . 8. ex Penoto . Libanius mentioneth a certaine water of separation , which besides diuers other effects hath this also , that one onely drop of it being mingled with the Patients vrine , it maketh a present separation of the aforesaid Elements , insomuch that the predominant Element shall apparently lay it selfe open to the sight of the eye , and shall withall declare and lay open the cause of the disease . Parturient montes nascetur ridiculus mus . Great cry and little wooll . Our Paracelcists would faine feed vs with many such smoaky promises . Then come they to weigh the vrine , which they will ordinarily in a healthfull and sound man , not to exceed eight ounces and a halfe : If it exceed this weight , they thinke it argueth great abundance of a tartareous or terrestrious substance : esspecially if this be to be seene after the separation ; from whence they do inferre a great number of such tartareous diseases , as they call them : and yet the wisest of them cannot tell which . But let vs heare Cap. de Spagiricorum noua prorsus vrinae prolat . Reusner speake . After the separation of the aforesaid Elements ( saith he ) the vapors ascending sticke to some part of the Still , answering in situation to that part of the body of man in the which lyeth hid the very fountaine and spring of the disease , and doth withall so plainly and clearely represent vnto vs , both the kind and the nature of the disease , that it may easily appeare to what element and principall part it is to be referred . So farre Reusner . But let vs now see whether there be any hold to be taken of these more then hyperbolicall promises . If we shall narrowly pry into this point , I doubt we shall find the old Prouerbe true , Out of the frying pan into the fire . But heare the confutation out of the mouth of a learned Physitian , often quoted in this Discourse . This doctrine of Thurnheusers ( saith Guil . Adolph . Scribon . de inspect . vrin . sub finem . he ) cannot by any sound argument be demonstrated . For admit that the vrine be separated into seuerall elements , according to the seuerall parts thereof , yet can nothing but the elementarie qualities ( as they call them ) heat , cold , &c. be discerned by the same . And by this meanes shall we onely be able to iudge of the diseases of the solid parts ; as of obstructions , exulcerations , and the like . And is not the vrine an excrement of the bloud contained in the veines , that is of one body ? What vtilitie or profit therefore can come by this separation into seuerall parts ? Thou shalt thus onely obserue the number of the parts which are in the substance of the bloud , and of what nature and kind it is . Thou mayest perhaps perceiue it either to bee caused of Mercurie , Sulphur , or Salt . But wilt thou straight-waies maintaine , that all Mercuriall diseases are seated in the head onely ? &c. If this bee true , then will it follow , contrary to that which thou and Paracelsus maintaine , that these three grounds or elements are not common to all diseases . For I am of opinion , that if we will needs vse the names of these three ; as well such diseases as haue their originall from this Sulphureous and salt matter , as any that proceed from a Mercuriall cause , haue their root and originall from the head , Absurditie of this opinion . &c. Thus farre our Author . And may not this opinion seeme so absurd in it selfe , that it needeth no further confutation ? For if when thou hadst vsed all thy art and cunning , a countrey-man should aske thine opinion concerning his vrine , and thou shouldst tell him hee were troubled with some sulphureous , Mercuriall , or saltish and tartareous disease , would he not laugh thee to scorne , and thinke , it may be , thou hadst beene that day too well acquainted with some pots and pipes of Tobacco ? And if hee should desire to know what were his particular disease , and where or what particular part of the body it had taken vp for its abode ; would it seeme strange if he looked for some extraordinary skill after so great an outward oftentation ? And if he should go home and tell his wife of a Tartareous , Sulphureous , or Mercuriall disease , who knowes but she might call him Good-man Wood cocke for telling her such a tale of Robin-hood ? But put the case thou mightest yet see some Sulphureous disease ( as they terme it ) by meanes of this separation and distillation ; yet amongst many such Sulphureous diseases , vpon which of them wouldst thou fasten thy coniecture ? As if a Feauer might be found out , how may the kind be knowne , whether a continuall or inmittent ; and whether symptomaticall or dependant vpon some other disease ; or else be it selfe a principall guest , with many moe circumstances ? The like may be said of the other two principles . So that it may euidently appeare , there is greater vncertaintie in this then the other way . But if they will be so skilfoole , I wish they would distill the other excrement also ; for I am sure they may learne of both alike . But yet wish I them to take this Prouiso with them , that the ioynings of their stils and Alembicks be well luted with lutum moschatum , or ambarinum , that none of this fragrant smell be carried away with the wind , and so some part of this precious liquor lost . But it may be , when the patient had cast vp his account , he would find this manner of casting of waters , as they terme it , more costly then the ordinary . But for my part , I wish our vrine-mongers would vse it : for by this meanes this great abuse might the better be suppressed . But this opinion being so absurd in it selfe , needeth no further confutation . But fearing some infection , or at least annoyance to my nose by such Mercuriall and Sulphureous smels , I thinke it is more then time to withdraw my selfe out of so stinking a place . The like libertie is allowed thee , kind Reader , to whom I am afraid I haue now bene too tedious ; but yet I must once againe intreat thy patience to heare the conclusion , and then mayest thou quietly depart in peace .

CHAP. XI . The Conclusion of this whole Discourse , where something concerning issue and euent , and casuall cures .

BY the premisses then , I hope , doth plainly appeare the absurditie of this erroneous and inueterate opinion of magnifying the vrine , and the iudgement concerning diseases which may from hence be collected . And therefore I hope the iudicious and vnpartiall Reader will with me subscribe to the generall conclusion ; to wit , that there is no certaintie or assurance to be collected for the information of the iudgement , either concerning the disease it selfe , together with the particular symptomes and seuerall circumstances ; and yet farre lesse for the cure of the same , by the bare inspection of the vrine onely . And therefore I cannot see any iust cause why it should not bee pronounced guiltie of man-slaughter at the least , if not of murther ; and therefore is not a thing so slightly to be passed ouer , as many may idlely imagine . Obiection . But me thinkes I heare some of the vulgar sort , who thinke it a prettie thing to heare one prate ouer an vrine , obiect , That our censure seemeth too sharpe , since that daily experience doth not deny , that some haue from the inspection of the vrine , often attained to the knowledge of that they desired . Answer . Now as I denie not , but that sometimes one may through hap ( as we say ) hit the naile on the head : so on the other part , that this manner of casuall coniecture hath euer bene allowed of by the learned and more iudicious , I do vtterly denie . If Christians would hold their peace , yet will the heathen pleade on my side . Careat successibus opto quisquis ab euentu facta notanda putat . Ouid . in epist. The Poet wished them a bad successe , whosoeuer iudged of an action according to the issue or euent . Besides , that it is often a fallacie , a non causa pro causa , making the ignorant beleeue , they see that in or by an vrine , which neuer had allowance of any learned authoritie . And may not any ignorant Empiricke , a cozening Quacksaluer , or any old woman , now and then guesse aright at an vrine , and by cunning interrogatories and some other shifts , learne of the vnwarie messenger , as well the substance as the circumstances of the disease , at least as farre as they are able to relate ? And this to be true , hath bene sufficiently prooued alreadie . Besides , that oftentimes the messenger himselfe cannot sufficiently informe the Physitian concerning the particular circumstances of the disease : and againe , his owne ocular inspection often bringeth that to the eyes of his vnderstanding , which neither the messenger nor yet the patient himselfe were euer able to relate , and farre lesse the vrine make knowne . What hast thou then gained , when one of these vnsufficient persons hath told thee some truth by the vrine ? To wit , that then thy conceit carrieth thee ( howbeit most erroniously and falsly ) to apprehend some extraordinarie sufficiencie in that person , as being best able to free thee from thine infirmitie . Thus then we see , Uno dato absurdo multa sequuntur : One errour draweth on another . The prospe●ous euent sometimes seconding their bold attempts , inuolueth the vulgar daily in this dangerous errour . Arguments taken from issue or euent , not to be trusted to . But arguments taken from euent haue neuer had allowance , where the rules of reason might take place . And if this argument from euent may take place , then will this absurditie thereon ensue , that we shall be forced to allow of many vnlawfull things . Many Witches and Wizards haue sometimes performed such cures as haue often astonished some of great vnderstanding : that I say nothing of our Spelmongers , curing by characte●● , figure-casting , with a world of other forbidden trash . Are we therefore warranted by these actions to turne our backe vpon God , and make a couenant with his enemie ? The diuell himselfe no doubt , as well in the ancient Oracles as of later dayes , hath sometimes told truth . I should be too tedious to instance in examples . But did not that counterfeit Samuel , to wit , the diuell himselfe , 1. Sam . 28.18 . tell Saul the whole truth , both concerning the euent of the battell and his owne wofull and wretched end ? But who will notwithstanding maintaine the lawfulnesse of asking counsell at the diuels Oracles , but he who meaneth to haue his habitation with him in hell ? L H. Howard of blind Prophets . Far●e sounder was the opinion of a Noble man of this kingdome , in these words . Examples which fall out by chance were neuer currant where the cause is to be iustifyed by reason . And therefore till a man can as readily produce a certaine ground to make his guesses good , as score vp a register of blind euents , we may rather commend his lucke then his learning . Argumentis & rationibus oportet quare quicquam it a sit docere non ruentis . Cicer . de diuin . lib . 2. Reasons and arguments ( saith a Heathen ) must be produced for the confirmation of mens courses , and not examples of euents both casuall and vncertaine . So farre were the ancient Aegyptians from maintaining this opinion , and so carefull of mens liues , reiecting this coniecturall , casuall , and Empiricall manner of curing diseases , and iudging of the sufficiency of the Physitian by the euent or issue of the disease ; Medici ex publico victum sumunt , aegros secundum legem curant , ab antiquis medicis comprobatisque scriptoribus traditam . Si quis normam libri sequutus infirmum sanare nequiuerit omni caret crimine . Si praeter ea quae libris continentur , curauerit illum , morte punitur . Lang . epist medicin . l●b . 1. epist 80 ex Diodoro Siculo . That at their owne cost and charges they maintained many sufficient and skilfull Physitians : and moreouer , set downe an inuiolable law and ordinance , That if any Physitian following the precepts and rules of art , recorded in the bookes of the learned in that profession , yet could not attaine to the height of his hopes ; the Patient through the violence of the disease yeelding to fatall necessitie , he was then freed from all danger of law . On the other part , if he recouered his Patient , yet neglecting the aforesaid rules and meanes , his punishment was no lesse then the losse of his life . What if ( saith mine Author ) this wholesome law were brought in amongst vs ( as it were good reason it should ) where could we find so many executioners condignely to punish such Impostors , Empiricks , Women-Physitians , busie-bodies , &c. Thus farre our Author . Now as concerning such remedies thus casually and vnskilfully ●dministred , howsoeuer at sometimes they may either doe , or at least seeme to doe some good , which I will not deny : yet I am sure they do often more hurt then good ; & more hurt then on the sudden is perceiued , many often praising them for the Authors of their health , who haue bene the instruments of their vtter ouerthrow & ruine : for howbeit the Patient reape some present ease , yet is his body by meanes of such medicines vnskilfully exhibited , left more infirme , and becommeth afterwards more crasie : their cure being imperfect , accidentall , vncertaine , and voyd of rule and reason . And howbeit I could make this small Tractate swell vp into a big and voluminous booke , if I should instance in a many of these casuall cures , performed by Empiricks , and such others , which for feare of tediousnesse and prolixitie I am loth to go about : yet before I make an end , I will offer to the Readers view , two or three Stories . During my abode at Paris , one Master Robin , ouer-seer of the Garden of Simples , related vnto me this which followeth . A few yeares agoe ( saith he ) the plague of Pestilence preuailing daily more and more in this famous Cittie of Paris , Historie . whereof no small numbers , especially of the meaner sort , died daily : the learned Physitians did their best endeuours when their counsell was craued , and the ignorant Empiricks also were not idle . Amongst the rest was a certaine countrey Clowne carried on the wings of Fame , for his extraordinarie supposed skill in curing this disease , who was said to haue cured more then some of the most expert Physitians . The Duchesse of Longueuille being acquainted with these occurrents , sendeth for her Physitian , desirous to know the cause of so happie successes by so meane a person performed : which howbeit alwayes aymed at , yet are not alwayes attained vnto by men of greater merit . The Physitian well knowing the insufficiencie of this fellow , yet not fully acquainted with the particulars and withall knowing how much is commonly attributed to these casuall euents , answered onely in generall at that instant , that many things seeme often otherwise then they are indeed : and false fame maketh some men famous , whose names deserue rather to be buried in obliuion : and after some further discourse concerning that subiect ( all which notwithstanding , would not satisfie her more then nice curiositie ) he taketh his leaue for the present . A few dayes after , causing carefully to watch and obserue the actions of this Aesculapius , he was obserued to go to a certaine place within two little leagues of Paris , called Bois de Vincennes , that is , Vincence wood , and there to dig vp certaine rootes . The Physitian therewith acquainted , resorteth thither with speed , and finds that it was nothing else but a certaine kind of Spurge ( whereof there grew in that place and about no small store ) whereof this Clowne had at seuerall times digged vp great store , easily discerned by the holes there round about that place , some being but new digged . After a narrow search , he found that most of those whom this new Aesculapius was said to haue cured , either died after a certaine time of a bloudie Fluxe , this violent medicine hauing procured an excoriation in their guts , being especially exhibited without any preparation of the ill qualitie , or obseruation of the due dose or quantitie : or else that they liued a languishing life , worse then a speedie dispatch by a sudden death , from whose mercilesse clawes notwithstanding this former Purgatorie was not able to free some of them . The Physitian repairing againe to the Duchesse , acquainteth her Grace with these seuerall circumstances : as also that it seemed most of those people were able , strong , and cacochymicall bodies , who would preferre the counsell of this Clowne , before that of the learned and indicious Physitian . The issue notwithstanding did make it appeare , that if any did recouer , it came not to passe through his skill or sufficiencie , which as seemeth , was none at all , but by the strength of nature , able to expell both the Plague and the poyson of the medicine . The learned and iudicious Physitians againe met for the most part with thin and tender bodies , brought vp in ease and idlenesse , and for this cause aptest to receiue the poysoned impressions of the pestilentiall aire , and therefore the disease prouing greater then the meanes were able to ouercome , the patients were often forced to faint vnder the burthen . Neither were such dangerous , or rather desperate meanes , as this Empiricke vsed , in their opinions to be administred to any , much lesse to persons of qualitie and weake constitution . The Noble woman hauing heard the Physitians apologie , was afterwards better pleased with her Physitian , and after that time conceiued a better opinion . both of the Art and the professors of the same . I was likewise informed during my abode at Leua in Germanie , Dangerous medicines exhibited by Paracelsists . of many rare cures seemed to be performed by that medicine which they call the Philosophers stone , Aurum potabile , and many other such hyperbolicall medicines , exhibited by the Paracelsists of those parts . And yet most of them to whom they were exhibited , before the full period of a twelue moneth , went to visite their friends in another world : and little better successe for the most part had their maister Paracelsus himselfe .

Another . Some few yeares before my coming to this towne of Northampton , a certaine Empiricke , and Irish by nation , was accounted one of the most famous vrine-mongers in all the countrey about , but especially in telling whether women were with child or no . And yet his skill in Physicke was confined to one forme of purge , composed of a certaine portion of the Electuarie Diaphoe●icō , mingled with so much powder of Diagridium as he could take vp betweene his finger & his thomb , which were his ordinary weights and sca●es , as I was since by our Apothecarie informed : by which his butcherlike boldnesse he cast many into most dangerous laskes , accompanyed sometimes with diuerse other euill accidents , as I haue heard since from some of themselues : and this chiefly was then to be seene , when this medicine was exhibited to thinne and weake bodies .

Now howbeit I could instance in a number of other examples , all tending to the same purpose , yet fearing too much to offend the Readers patience , referring them to some other opportunitie , I thinke it is now high time to turne my sailes towards the shore , and to cast anchor for the present . And the assembling of so many sage Senators , according to the ancient and laudable custome of this kingdome , to apply fit salues to the festered sores of the same , putteth me in good hope of some redresse , as well of the abuses here complained of , as of diuers other disorders . I am not indeed ignorant , that affaires of high consequence , are to be handled in this honorable assemblie . And yet I hope the life of man is not a matter of smallest moment . Agitur de corio humano . Skinne for skinne , Iob 2.16 . and all that a man hath will he giue for his life . Let this Gangrene therefore in time be looked to , lest it grow to a greater euill . Since therefore errors of this kind are so full of danger , as hath bene both in the precedent , & now in this present discourse plainly prooued , both by a great and smaller enquest , of such persons with whose worth the delinquents I am sure dare not compare , I wish it may not be forgotten . Sed verbum sat sapienti . A word , yea a nod , is enough to a wise man . And therefore I leaue it to your Honourable considerations . CONSIDER THE MATTER , CONSVLT , AND GIVE SENTENCE .

FINIS .

Faults escaped .

Pag. 5. line 2. for would reade could . p. 13. l. 29. r . stincking vrine . p. 16. marg . note l. 8. r . victu . p. 21. l. 12. r . deliration . p. 23. l. 17. r . pot-dropsie . l. 29. r . retaining , and marg . note l. 2. r . Fors . p. 33. l. 13. r . of a high . p. 33. marg note . l. 20. r . à vitiosa . p. 39. r . an absurditie . p. 55. l. 29. r . foure pounds . p. 70. l. 36. r . winie colour . p. 77. l. 5. diseases alone .