Monthly observations for the preserving of health with a long and comfortable life, in this our pilgrimage on earth; but more particularly for the spring and summer seasons. By Phylotheus Phystologus. With allowance. Tryon, Thomas, 1634-1703. 1688 Approx. 85 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 52 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2003-07 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A63801 Wing T3186A ESTC R219418 99830892 99830892 35354 This keyboarded and encoded edition of the work described above is co-owned by the institutions providing financial support to the Early English Books Online Text Creation Partnership. This Phase I text is available for reuse, according to the terms of Creative Commons 0 1.0 Universal . The text can be copied, modified, distributed and performed, even for commercial purposes, all without asking permission. Early English books online. (EEBO-TCP ; phase 1, no. A63801) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 35354) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 2083:33) Monthly observations for the preserving of health with a long and comfortable life, in this our pilgrimage on earth; but more particularly for the spring and summer seasons. By Phylotheus Phystologus. With allowance. Tryon, Thomas, 1634-1703. 95, [1] p. printed, and sold, by Andrew Sowle, at the Three Keys in Nogs Head-Court in Grace-Church Street, over-against the Conduit, London : 1688. Phylotheus Phystologus = Thomas Tryon. Pages stained. Reproduction of the original in the British Library. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. Re-processed by University of Nebraska-Lincoln and Northwestern, with changes to facilitate morpho-syntactic tagging. Gap elements of known extent have been transformed into placeholder characters or elements to simplify the filling in of gaps by user contributors. 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Copies of the texts have been issued variously as SGML (TCP schema; ASCII text with mnemonic sdata character entities); displayable XML (TCP schema; characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or text strings within braces); or lossless XML (TEI P5, characters represented either as UTF-8 Unicode or TEI g elements). Keying and markup guidelines are available at the Text Creation Partnership web site . eng Health -- Early works to 1800. 2003-02 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2003-03 Apex CoVantage Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2003-05 Judith Siefring Sampled and proofread 2003-05 Judith Siefring Text and markup reviewed and edited 2003-06 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion Monthly Observations For the preserving of HEALTH , WITH A Long and Comfortable LIFE , In this our Pilgrimage on EARTH ; But more particularly for the Spring and Summer Seasons . By Phylotheus Physiologus . With Allowance . London , Printed , and sold , by Andrew Sowle , at the Three Keys in N●gs H●●d-Court in Grace-Church Street , over-against the Conduit , 1688. Monthly Observations , For the preserving of HEALTH , &c. 1. OBserving the multitudes of Distempers and Torturing Diseases People bring upon themselves for want of a due regard to proper Foods and Drinks , hastning Death by the Errors of their Lives , and digging their Graves with their own Teeth ; I thought it might be no worthless Service to present the Publick with a few homely Notes and Directions . 2. Not that I would invade the Learned Physicians Province , to whom it appertains to prescribe Diet for particular Persons according to each ones Constitution , Exercise and Disease , that he may happen to labour under , or be inclinable unto ; but that which I aim at is , only to lay down some General Rules and Animadversions , which well practised would render most Persons Lives abundantly more Comfortable then now they are , and conduce not a little to the prolonging of their Days . 3. 'T is strange that any that boast themselves Rational Creatures , and pretend to wear Brains in their Skulls , should be so inquisitive after , and affected with remote matters , that nothing concerns them , spending precious time in Tales and Stories , Smoaking Tobaco , Drinking and finding their Neighbours Faults out , and a Thousand other Impertinances ; whilst ' at the same time they neglect matters that highly imports their own Lives and Healths , the nearest Concern ( next that of their Soul ) which all wise People will , and those that are otherwise ought to regard . 4. 'T is evident that as States subsist by Importation and Exportation , so our Bodies by Aliment or Food received , and gross Evacuations ▪ or insenciable Transpirations , which carry off those Drugs and Fumes that remain after Nature ( the best Chymist ) has separated the pure nourishing Particles of what was Eat or Drunk , from what therein is Impure , Useless , and consequently Prejudicial . 5. Hence it follows , that as the only end of Eating and Drinking is but to furnish or Replenish Nature , under her continual Expences , with apt materials to suport our Bodies , in a due healthful Posture , such as may render them fitest Instruments for our Souls to exert their noble Functions by ; so if we ingurge too much Food or Liquor in quantity , more then can be regularly digested , or such as is Inimical to our Natures or particular Constitutions in quallity , either of th●se must needs disturb the Harmony and mutual Traffick which ought to be in the Microcosm ( or Little World , the Humane Body ) whence will follow Crudities , Obstructions , dark ●●nemous Vapours , and a whole Troop of cruel Diseases , brought up in the Rear by that Meager , but resistless King of Terrors , Death . 6. This being obvious to every Bodies Reason and Sences , one would think there should need no great pains be taken to perswade People to be kind to themselves and not violate their Healths ; and accelerate their Deaths by immoderate feeding , especially on Meats Improper or Pernicious ; but such is the Tyrany of Custom ; such the Contagion of ill Examples ; so powerful the Thorns of a debauched Pallet ; and so gross the Ignorance , or obstinate Folly of the greater part of Mankind , that no Remonstrances of Reason , no Tortures of Diseases , neither the Fear of God , who injoyns us Temperance , and to subdue or keep under ( not pamper ) our Bodies ▪ nor respect to our own wel-being , nor the Terrors of Death it self , can restrain them from their dear Excess ; so that if things were rigorously Examined , unless the plea of non compas mentis shall satisfie the Inquest , most of our Graves might have Stakes drove into them . 7. And tho the Beastly ( and yet why Beastly , some Beasts are not naturally inclinable to it , but by Accident , rather therefore the Odious ) Sin Drunkenness be deplorable , rife & frequent amongst us , yet I dare say her demurer Sister Gluttony destroys an Hundred Persons to her One , and therefore ought the more strictly to be watch against . But my Business is not Satyre , yet I thought necessary to premise thus much to Rouz People , if possible , out of their Stupidity , that they may hearken to the Voice of Wisdom , and not devinate from the paths of Sobriety and Moderation , which is the first Precept towards the attaining Health both of Body and Mind . 8. Such therefore as would be Wise , ought to beware of all those things which their irregular Appetites too earnestly desire and pursue , and upon which they cannot Feed without being afterwards convinced that they were grateful to them only for their Hurt , of this sort are all Costly , Compounded , Luscious , Meats and Strong Drinks ; therefore frequent use of Flesh , and such Liquors , must be Hurtful rather then Beneficial to Health ; of which this may be a very good Argument , viz. Since Health is undoubtedly best preserved by those means which must naturally restore it when Lost ; therefore since Abstinance from Flesh and strong Liquors , is generally prescribed by the Learned in most Diseases , the Consequence then to conserve Health must be a spare , thin , clean Diet , and no Flesh , for Temperance and Cleanness in quantity and quality of Meats and Drinks not only make People Healthful , but Ready , Vivacious and Quick in the discharge of all the Actions necessary to Life , and conserves the Mind in Serenity , Accuteness and Vigour , and all the Offices of the Body in a due Tone , Strength and Agillity . But on the contrary , Intemperance and Superfluity beclouds the Mind , dulls the edge of the Apprehension , and brings upon it an unmanly Languor , bearing down all the noble Faculties of the Soul into Ignorance and Stupidity , and the Body it renders Diseased , Feeble , Unactive and Burdensome , and what great matters can be expected from the Imtemperate ; whose Members are Oppressed , Joynts Infeebled , Sinews Relaxed , and Brains Beclouded with Fumes and Vapors , and all by reason of their Eating and Drinking strong Drinks and rich compounded Foods to Excess . 9. But to approach somewhat nearer our present Subject ▪ In those Months of March , April and May , all People , both Young and Old ought in a especial manner to consider the Crudities , Obstructions , Coughs and Stopages the Winter , and the disorders in Foods and Drinks then used , may have caused by the Humidity of the Air , Closeness of the Season , want of the warming and sweet Influences of the Sun ; and especially the free and frequent feeding on Fat Gross Succulent Foods and Strong Drinks , that have Wounded so deep , that the best of Medicines prove ineffectual , and the rather , because the same course of Life & Intemperance is continued , as was the Original of the Disease ; therefore these following Rules will be of great use , not only to prevent Diseases , but also to make those Distempers more tollerable and easie to be cured that have invaded Nature already . 1. Of the Opperation of strong Drink , Wine and Spirits on such People as are Naturally apt to be Fat , and subject to Stoppages and Coughs , and how pernicious such Drinks will prove to most People . All that find themselves naturally subject to Diseases of the Breast , proceeding from Fatness or Flegmatick Gross Humors , as Coughs , Stoppages and Narrowness of the Passages , whose Bodies are apt to be Swell'd , and puffed up with Phlegm and evil Iuces ; all such People , I say , ought to be very moderate in the quantity they take of strong spirituous Drinks ; for the frequent use thereof does mightily increase the fore-mention Diseases , and indeed that Constitution is rare , that it does not hurt , for these Liquors so highly prepared by Art , not by Nature , and by the several Artificial Operations , the spirituous parts are made Volatile , by which means the Stomach and natural Heat or separative Quality hath nothing to do when such Drinks are poured into the Vessels , the Work being done to their Hand , so that the spirituous parts do with a quick & powerful motion penetrate , and force their way through all parts of the Body , and dry up that fine , sweetning , cooling , moist Liquor , or Radical Humidity ; by which means the pure Spirits become thick , and as it were suffocated , and hindered in their free Egress and Regress , as is also the Circulation of the Blood , that Chariot wherein the Life of Nature Rides , and if once stopt , the whole must needs fall into great Disorders ; and on the other side , the Gross , Sharp , Keen , Astringent Juces and Particles of such strong Drinks do by their weight force their way downwards into the Passages , as into Uiriters and Bowels ; but before they pass away they do for the most part occasion some signal Evil in the Body , if they find any matter or quality there capable to be wrought on , whence many times proceed Fluxes , Griping Pains , Gravel Stone , and many other Inconveniences , according to each Mans Constitution ; so that it does not only weaken all the Faculties of the Stomach ; but ( which is worst of all ) the common drinking thereof does powerfully contract the Breast and Vessels thereof , because they separate so soon , and pass away , whereby it makes Nature Idle , which is an Infirmity not to be removed by Medicines , but only by regular Order , and proper Meats , Drinks and Exercise , which are great supports to the Health and good Condition of Nature . 2. All gross succulent Foods do deprave Nature , and increase Crudities and Obstructions . For Flesh and Fish are Foods not only Gross , and liable to Corruption , but in their own Natures are Moist , Cold and Flegmatick , and therefore they generate in the Body , not only the Diseases , and promote the Passions the Creature was sub●ect unto in its Life , but fill the Body with Venemous Juces , to the great prejudice of Nature ; and they do require a stronger , sharper and brisker natural Heat , to separate and digest them , then is necessary for Vegitations ; for all fat Foods that proceed from Flesh , are not only harder of Concoction , but they Fur and Obstruct the Passages ; for Oyly Bodies are not so easily dissolvable as the Bodies of vegitations , neither do they afford such a brisk Cordial Spirit , as all Skill'd in Chymistry , can tell you ▪ do not all the Noble Liquors and Excelerating Cordial Juces proceed from Vegitations , or from Fruits , Corn and Seeds ? not from the Fat of Flesh or Fish , for their juces presently Corrupt , Putrifie and Stink , nor can Art long preserve them ; therefore such food does by degrees generate Obstructions , dull the edge of the Appetite , and help to contract the Vessels : For this cause those that make Flesh and Fish their common Food , are for the most part dull , and of heavy lumpish Dispositions , Especially when they grow in Years ; and are apt to be short Winded , or on any little accasion or exercise , to fetch their Breath with difficulty . Now this Fouling and Contracting the Passages of the Stomach , which too high & Unnatural Food ▪ and Drinks 〈◊〉 the occasion of , are far greater Evils then most imagine , being the true original of most Griping Windy Distempers , both in the Bowels and Stomach ▪ for all sorts of Natures and Constitutions do continually generate Airy Windy matter , without which Nature cannot subsist nor continue in Health ▪ being as necessary as Food ▪ and these windy Dispositions of Nature do never injure or distemper any , except the Passages are obstructed and contracted which hinders their Circulating , and free Egress and Regress , not only downwards and upwards ; but through the whole Body , and all parts thereof . 'T is also to be noted that Rich Compounded Foods , and the common use of strong Drink do not only Generate Compounded . Diseases , but put nature as it were on a firment , as if it were in a Feavor ; which does mightily Burn up and Consume the sweet moistening Dews , which are Natures Balsamick Oyle of Life ; and this does not only thicken and stagnate the Humours , but dull and render the Spirits Heavy and Impure , which is the original cause of the generation of Gross , Fat , Flegmatick Juces and Matter ; for those Gross Fat Paunches are seldom caused from the quantity of Foods , but cheifly from the Quality , and the frepuent use of Exhilerating Drinks , and want of proper Exercise in agreeable Airs , for the narrow Vessels and Passages in a little time do weaken the natural Heat , and then a great part of the Food turns to Gross Juces , for want of a quick Fire to separate them : Hence it is that most Fat People are subject to go to Stool often , which is a sign of a weak Heat , and if such happen to be bound in their Bodics , then their Heads are frequently troubled with Fumes and other Disorders , which do also show that the Passages and Vessels of the Stomach , are not only narrow , but many Crudities and Obstructions , that the windy substance , that is continually generated , are occasioned ; which does rarely happen to Persons that have strong natural Heats , in whom the Passages and Vessels of the Stomach are large enough for all sorts of Humours , both Good and Bad , to pass in and out , and circulate freely from one part to another , which renders all such Persons Healthful , Active and Lively . 'T is also to be known that the Radix , or true cause of the Diseases , called Vapours , and Fainting or Trembling Fits , is the forementioned Disorders in Meats , Drinks and Exercises , which will better appear if we consider what sort of People , viz. Women are most subject to such Diseases ; for we generally find them to be not only naturally of tender weak Spirits , small Vessels , narrow Passages , and but weak Constitutions ; but such whose Education and bringing up has been Foolishly Nice , and Irregular ; such as Live Easily , Fare Deliciously , without Labour or proper Exercise ; such as scarce can get themselves Drest before Dinner , and snort out more then half their Life in soft and over-warm Beds , which course cannot but contract the Vessels , and mightily infeeble all parts of the Body ; so that then the Blood ( Natures Balsamick Fountain ) is thickened , their Spirits dull and impure , and each part sympathizing in the Mischief on every petty Accident , as Love , Hate , Fear , Anger , Grief , &c. the Spirits being so debilitated are I resently Wounded , and all the Salliports of Nature Swells , or seems to be Closed , which hinders Transpiration and Breathing , and then in a moments time they fall into wild agonous Fits , and all the parts tremble and are disordered ; which Diseases Country Women of Exercise , that live on mean simple Foods and small Drink , are very rarely afflicted with ; but when I consider how Impurdently most People Live , what Disorders they commit , how Hetrogenious their Foods and Drinks are , together with the many other idle Habits and secret Wounds they give Innocent Nature , by visiting too frequently the Shades of Venus , which quickly makes the strongest Nerves to Bow , and is the chief Cause and Original of most Consumptions , especially in the Males . I say , when we consider all this we need not wonder at the multitude of Torturing Diseases abroad in the World ; but rather admire People are so Well and Healthful as they appear to be . What an Hodg-potch do most that have Abilities make in their Stomachs , which must wonderfully oppress and distract Nature : For if you should take Flesh of various sorts , Fish of as many , Cabbages , Parsnops , Turnops , Potatoes , Mustard , Butter , Cheese , a Pudden that contains more then ten several Ingredents , Tarts , Sweet-meats , Custards , and add to these Churries , Plums , Currans , Apples , Capers , Olives , Anchovies , Mangoes , Caveare , &c. and jumble them altogether into one Mass , what Eye would not loath , what Stomach not abhor such a Gallemaufry ? yet this is done every Day , and counted Gallent Entertainment . To teach this mischievous Art Books are Written , and to practise it French Cooks are Imployed , as if we had not natural Folly and Vanity enough at home , but must learn it by Art , and from forreign Nations ; in the mean time how is poor Nature Captivated ? how doth she Groan in a Language , severely to be felt , tho not heard ? Therefore if you would avoid those Torturing Diseases and Inconveniences , observe the following Rules ; always remember , that most Distempers are contracted through Excess and inordinate Living , nor does any thing preserve the Body in Health , or the Mind in perfect Freedom , so much as Sobriety and Temperance . 1. Let not a little Trouble , thwarting your unruly Appetites , or fond Humours , depraved with ill Customs and Wantonness , divert you from getting your selves possest of this Jewel Temperance , that true Phylosophers-Stone , which turns all into the Golden Elixir of Health , Content and Serenity ; since we see none of the little perishing Goods of this World are to be had or obtained without Trouble and Difficulty . 2. Neither Meats nor Drinks are to be taken that are too strong for each Mans particular Nature or Constitution , which for the most part are such as are compounded of many Ingredients of contrary qualities ; but let Nature always be stronger then the Food , which will be sure to prevent Surfeits , and a Thousand other Inconveniences . 3. As you are not to accustom your selves to the frequent eating of Foods that are over Fat , for the Reasons aforesaid ; so neither ought you at any time to Eat or Drink of any thing whatsoever to Dulness , especially if compounded with rich Ingredients ; for the same will certainly sow the Seeds of Grievous Diseases : Therefore if any healthy Person feel himself oppressed after Meat , he ought to consider the reason thereof , and thenceforth make abatement in the quantity , or alter the quality ; do not most People find themselves before Eating and Drinking Quick , Lightsome and full of Spirits , provided they have not fasted too long ? but after their Meales ( because they make them Immoderate ) they are generally sensible of a cloging Heaviness and dull Indisposition , which is a certain Index , that the necessity and conveniency of Nature is exceeded either in quantity or quality , since the true intention of Food is to Refresh and Support Nature , and not to Oppress and Incommode her . 4. But the greatest Snare in Eating and Drinking ( and therefore the Psalmist teaches us to pray , That our Tables may not be our Snare ) is when Meats and Drinks are not Simple but Compounded , whereby the liquorish pleasures of the Pallate is prolonged many degrees beyond the necessities of Nature , and indeed beyond the concoctive ability of the Stomach , whence many People over-charge This , whilst wantonly they gratifie That , and so heap up Crudities , Noxious Juces , Torturing Diseases , and in the end Death it self . 5. Moderate Fasting is an excellent means to preserve both the Body and Mind in Health and Serenity , for it cleanseth the Stomach by digesting and removing the Obstructions that lie in the Passages , and also purifie the Blood ; and then how sweet , how agreeable is every mean wholsome thing to the well prepared Stomach ? such sober Persons feel and taste the most pleasant opperation of the divine hand in all things , their Bodies are delight ed with that which is Natural , Clean and Innocent , their Minds satisfied , their Beds easie , their Sleep Sound ; they are not subject to dull Indispositions , nor molested with Feavours , nor are their Stomachs or Bowels oppressed with Fainting Fits , or Windy Griping Humours ; they rise as Early , and no less Fresh then the Morning Sun , Blyth and Merry as the Lark , and are fit for all Exercise , either of the Body or the Mind ; their radical moysture flowes freely through every part , like a pleasant gale of Wind over the Sun-parcht Mountains , which moderate the central Fires , that they burn not violently : In a word , proper Fasting is the best Physician , & preserves Health far beyond their Evacuations , it has an accult quality , for the digestive faculty and natural heat is never Idle ; therefore when the Stomach and Vessels thereof are not filled with superfluity of Food , and often Eatings and Drinkings , it draws away all the superfluous matter that furs and stops the Passages , and which otherwise is apt to cause Coughs and shortness of Breathing , and sends troublesome Fumes and Vapours into the Crown . 6. Therefore be careful that you do not Eat or Drink between Meals ; or before the former Foods and Drinks be perfectly Concocted ; nothing more obstructs Nature and hurts the Blood , keeping the Body as it were in a continual Feavour , for the fresh Juces of those too frequent supplies of Foods and Drink do obstruct the Passages and dulls the Spirits , that they cannot pass freely in their due order and circulation , whence Windiness and Crudities are generated , which is the principal cause of the common Indispositions many People are troubled with . 7. Foods ill dressed destroys Health , especially Flesh , whilst some will wantonly eat it half Raw , and all Bloody , which looks Inhumane ; and others will have it so over-prepared that no good Nourishment can be drawn from it , both which doth generate bad Blood , and cause a lumpish heaviness to possess the whole Body , because the lively , brisk , aiery , fine Spirit in such Foods is destroyed in the Preparation . 8. Meats and Drinks ought not to be taken together , that are of a contrary Nature in themselves , or disagreeable to any Mans particular Constitution , because such Foods do secretly , yet powerfully , wound simple Nature with many Diseases and Infirmities before she is aware , or can arm her self against their Assaults ; but let them be simple in their kind , agreeable to the Complection , and as near as may be equal in their parts , which will breed good Blood , and pure brisk Spirits , and they always make the Body Lightsome and Agile . 9. Forbear the frequent eating of Flesh and Fish without distinction , and regard had to the Season , and to their Cleanness or Unclaenness at that time , and to the manner of their being killed after they are taken , whether it be a Wound which may cause the free Evacuation of the original Properties of Saturn and Mars , which is seldom done , especially in Fish and Fowles , but the same are for the most part Suffocated or Strangled , or Die themselves , whereby the pure Spirits and sweet Vertues ( by the Agony the poor Creatures are at the departure of their dear Lives ) are fixt or overcome ; for the orginal Venoms in which al Life consists , are then so terribly agitated that they immediately suffocate and swallow up the pure Spirits and sweet Oyle , if there be not a Wound made whereby those raging Poysons may freely pass away in the vehicle of the Blood ; for this reason , experience shews that all Flesh , as of Fowles or Fish , or the like , that are Strangled will not eat so Sweet and Pleasent as others that have a Wound made and Bleed plentifully , but will have a stronger and grosser Taste and Smell , nor will it breed so good Blood or Nourishment as the other , but the best of them is much inferior to that of Vegatations , which are more easily and more friendly obtained . 10. Let your ordinary Drinks be mild and friendly to Nature , neither Strong , Stale , Hard , or Sour , nor yet too new , nor such as most of the small or nine Shilling Beer is , that is Brewed in London , viz. that runs off those Grains that the strong Ale and Beer has drawn forth all the sweet Qualities and good Vertues , and there remains only a Sharp , Sour , Astringent , Stinking Quality behind , which the hot Water or Liquour extracts ; and then to give it a Taste , they Boyle it Lustily with the Hops that have been boyled several hours in the strong Beer , which have drawn forth all wholsome qualities , and there are no better Vertues Extracted from them then the Water or Liquor did from the Graines , and tho they do put some Ale amongst this small Beer , to help it , or to hide the ill Taste or Qualities ; but when such Drinks come into the Stomach those Sharp Sour , Stinking Properties cannot be hid from Nature , nor their pernicious opperations , the frequent use of such Drinks do hurt the Blood , and Generate the Scurvy , and many other Diseases that are breed by improper and unnatural Drinks , especially taken in too great quanties ; for it not only heats the Blood , when strong ; but it keeps it as it were in a continual firment , precipitating People into Feavors , Dropsies , Griping pangs of the Bowels ; and it also contracts the Vessels of the Stomach and Passages , dulling the Appetite , by weakening the Natural heat , as woofull experience doth daily testifie to the great ruin of the Body , Soul , Estate , and Reputation , and many times Starving a Wife and poor innocent Children . Of all Drinks , Water hath the first place , even as Bread of Foods , the Creator of all beeings having endued this Element with many secret and admirable Vertues , it being pure and clean in its own Nature , and the chiefe thing by which all Exterial things are Purified , Purged and Cleansed ; and tho Weak as Water be a vulgar Proverb , yet I must tell you , that Water is more strong & sublime then most imagin , for it contains a most Ravishing and Excellent Spirituous Balsamick Vertue , whence proceeds that pure , sweet refreshing quality , whereby it hath power by its innate Vertue to digest and purifie all sorts of Foods . Likewise in Preparations it is so innocent and friendly that it dissipates the gross flegmatick Bodies , and preserves and keeps living the more essential spiritous parts , it is not only the most plentiful and truly pleasant of all Drinks , but supplies with its friendly Moysture , and relieves Thirst beyond all other Liquors or Juces ; it is simple and endued with such equallity , that it insinuates its Virtues into all parts of the Body in an insensible way , it makes no noise , nor causes any Tumults in the Brain , nor awakens any Inequallity in the Body , but imparts its meek Life as it were in Silence , and may deserve the Name of Concord , a thing that God and his Hand-Maid Nature have befriended with all the united Vertues both in the Vegitable and Animal Kingdoms , it being the Radix of all moist Nourishment , which mixt or incorporated with any kind of Juces renders them fit and profitable for Mankind . The best and most agreeable sorts of Water for common use and Drinking are Rain , River and Spring , but especially the two first , because they are not only impregnated with the sweet Influences of the Celestials and airry motions of the Elements ; but their running through and upon the Surface of the Earth , does thereby draw forth a saline Vertue of a mild opening Quality , which renders it more Homogenial then Pump-Water , or such as stand without motion ; and altho it be our custom to drink Beer , Ale , Wine , and other strong Liquors , yet it would be very beneficial and Profitable to most People to accustom themselves to the drinking of a Pint , or half a Pint at Night , a little before going to Bed , and likewise in the Morning ; it is good to cool , wash and refresh Nature ; it is also good for some Complexions to drink after Meals , especially for those that are subject to Fumes and Vapours , if Bread be tosted hard and put into it , letting it stand a quarter of an hour , and then drunk off , there being no sort of Drink made by Art so friendly and capable to digest and cleanse the Passages from Obstructions as Water , and I am confident , if People use themselves every Morning to drink half a Pint , a Pint , or a Quart of good Water ( such as each Person shall find most agreeable , because Waters have various opperations on several Constitutions ) they would find as much Benefit , if not more , then by going to the various Wells so much cried up for their Vertues . 11. Bad Air does further and increase all Distempers , for that being an Element , which we continually Suck and Feed on , when it is corrupt conveys unwho some fumes into the Body impairs the Longs , those Bellows of Life ; and infects the whole Mass of Blood ; therefore proper and good Airs are of great benefit to Health ; I say Proper as well as Good ; for every sort of Air , tho in its self good , is not healthfull , for some People ; because there is as great a variety Air , as there is in Complexions , and what is profitable for one , is not so for an other , and to find out this Secret , there is no better way then for such as want agreable Air to Travel out of one place into an other , by which they may be capable to find out that which is most sutable for them , for as in the best Airs some People Languish under various Diseases , for want of a change , so in the worst of Airs many are very Healthful , and perhaps better then they would be in finer or thinner Airs , as many that Live in the thick Sulpherous steems of London , are very Healthy ; and Live to great Ages : And as every bad Air is not prejudicial to all Persons , so on the other side all good Airs are not profitable to some sorts of Constitutions ; but change of Airs to most People proves beneficial . And therefore Travelling is very Healthful and good , especially for some People , whose qualifying Properties and Spirits of Nature are unequal ; but this not being known , many remove out of one Air into an other in vain , or to their Prejudice . 12. Forget not to use proper Exercises in open Airy places which will prevent many Diseases and Weaknesses , especially in Fat , Corpulent , Phlegmatick Persons , that are for the most part troubled with Coughs , and Stoppages of their Breasts and Lungs . Let such walk as much as they can by running Rivers two or three hours Morning and Night , for the Air by such running Water is more penetrating , discipating and digesting all superfluities then elsewhere ; nor are there any Persons more Strong , Healthly or of better Stomachs then those whose Imployments are near Flowing Streams , especially if the Banks and Ground adjacent be dry and somewhat elevated , as in many places it is . Let the fattest Punchenelloes but use to exercise themselves as aforesaid , and eat clean Foods , with middle Ale or Bear , and once or twice a day drink a good draft of Water , especially Morning and Night , and it will in a little time level their Mountainous Paunches , and waste all superfluous offending matter , so great is the power of clean , simple , natural Meats , Drinks , Exercises and Airs . 13. When you eat any sorts of strong Fat Foods , as Bread and Cheese , Bread and Butter ; Pudden , Pancake , or any solid Foods , especially Flesh , remember that you eat Herbs with them , simply without either Salt , Vinegar or Oyl , only wash them , viz. Parsly , Sorrel , Spinage , Sage , Corn-Salet , the Leaves of young Colworts , you may mix two or three sorts together , or any one of them , they mightily cleanse and help Concoction , warm the Stomach , and cheer the Spirits much better then if you put Oyl , Salt and Vineger to them , a little custom will render them pleasant and delightful . Of which clean simple Foods we come now to Discourse of more particularly , and since those that are Liquid , commonly call'd Spoon-meats , are chiefly to be regarded , I shall here set down such of them as are most proper for the Spring-Season , viz. in the Months March , April , and May , of all Liquid Clensing Foods or Spoon-meats Water-Gruel deservedly claims the first place , and is without doubt the best of all others , either simple or compounded with any particular Herb or Herbs ; at this time or season it hath the most powerful Opperation , because the Sun now increases in Strength and Power , and endues all things not only with a brisk lively Motion , but great Vertue and Life . The Winter is the Rest or Sabbath of the Earth , in which time she recovers Strenght and Vertue , because she does then as it were cease from all her Labours , and the Vegetative Quality stands as it were still . This is manifested by the goodness and great increase of all Herbs , Fruits and Grains , being all filled with a brisk lively Spirit and Vertue ; therefore in the first Spring and Rising of the Sun every thing rejoyceth and becomes very Fragrant , by Vertue of the sweet Influences of this Celestial Body , and the Power of the Earth , so that at this time all things seems to strive with a most lively motion to manifest its most inward Vertue ; this is the time for most People to eat Herbs both Boyl'd and Raw , Salats and Pottages made thereof , such Food at the rising of the Sun are endued with a brisk lively Vertue and Strength , and of an opening and clensing Nature , Purging the Blood , and are good against all the Obstructions which the Intemperances of the Winter have occasioned , Diseases being easier cured at this time then any other , especially if Temperance and Sobriety be observed . Of plain Water-Gruel . PLain Water-Gruel is in its own Nature of a sweet , mild and friendly Opperation , and as Bread hath the first place of all dry Food , and may justly be called Concord , being befriended with all the good Vertues of the Vegetable Kingdom , so this fine thin Gruel is the King of all Spoon-meats , and the Queen of Pottages , for it gratifies Nature beyond all others , being most equal in its parts , it stands nearest the Unity , for this cause the frequent , or daily Eating or Drinking of it will not weary nor tire Nature ; 't is both Food and Physick , Nourishes , and withal opens and cleanseth , and serves both for Victuals and Liquor , for you may either Eat or Drink it , and at the same time that it satisfies your Hunger , it allays your Thirst ; you may for need , with Bread make a good Meal of it , or you may Drink it before or after Meals without Bread , or with , after or before any sort of Foods whatsoever , it has a universal tendency ; for let your Food be Sweet or Sour , or Salt or Bitter , Plain Gruel shall be agreeable to each of them , being of an allaying , softning , dissolving and digesting Quality ; and that Complection is rare , either in Young or Old , that it does not agree with , and tho it be of a moyst Nature , yet it is not at all Phlegmatick , but the contrary , it being easie of Digestion , opens Obstructions , expells and hinders Fumes from flying into the Head ; it powerfully begets Appetite , makes the Blood thin , causing a free Circulation , and thereby Cheers and Comforts the Spirits . 'T is the best Spoon-Meat Women can Drink when they Ly-in , for it breeds curious Milk , keeps the Body Cold , and free from Feavors and Vapours , which other compounded Hetrogeneous Spoon-meats do occasion ; it is likewise admirable for Young Sucking Children , for it Washes and Cleanseth the Passages , which many sorts of Milk and sweet Spoon-meats do Fur and Obstruct , and prevents Windiness ( the great Torture of the tender Age ) by opening the all Salliports of Nature , that the airy matter may pass away freely in their right Channels : In a Word nothing can be more friendly , if it be made as followeth . Take Water , as you please for quantity , make it boiling hot , then have ready some ground Oatmeal , which first temper with a little cold Water , and then put it into your Vessel , stir it about , and let it stand on the Fire till it rises up , or begins to boyl , then keep stiring or lading it on the Fire half a quarter of an hour , and so it is done , only season it with Salt , and let it stand till it be cool , and by that time the Oatmeal , viz. the bigger parts thereof will be settled to the bottom , then drink a pint or a quart , as you think convenient , either before or after your Food , or in a Morning , and in such case Fast till Dinner . It is also very good to be Drank after Labour , Travel , Sweating , or the like , to prevent Surfeits , no sort of strong Drink being comparable to it in that respect , for whilest People do endeavour by drinking Wine and strong Drink to allay Heat and Drought , or Extinguish it , frequently encrease it , but this Gruel by its friendly Nature , quallifies all such disorders , and presently brings Nature into a state of Harmony ; and as it is commendable and beneficial at all seasons of the Year , so more especially in Spring and Summer , for it allays Heat and Drought far beyond any Beer or Ale ; and performs it in Natures own way . Another very commendable way of making Water Gruel . TAke what quantity of Water you please , make it just Boyle up , then put in your Herbs , and let it stand till it begins to boyle again , then take it off and let it stand two or three minuits with the Herbs in it , then take the Herbs out , and having some Oatmeal ready tempered with cold Water , put that into it , and so brew it too and fro out of one Pot into another , as you do Buttered-Ale , a dozen or twenty times without putting it any more on the Fire , but if you desire to eat Butter in it , then let the Butter and Salt be brewed too and fro in the Gruel , and the Oatmeal will give forth its vertue and incorporate with the water so as to make it the sweetest , best colour , and wholsomest of all other Gruels ; if you would have it plain without Herbs , brew only the boyling Water and Oatmeal togather , and it is done , adding a little Salt , thus likewise you may make Milk Pottage , by putting your Milk and Water on your fire together and when it boyles up , take it off , and brew that and your tempered Oatmeal as aforesaid ; and the like of Flowered-milk . Of the best and most Natural way of making Water-Gruel compounded of Various Ingrediences . TAke a Quart of good Water , into which put half a quarter of a Pound of Currans washed , ser it on the Fire till it be ready to boyl , then move it to a more moderate heat for three or four Minuits , then in another Vessel have a Quart of the like Water , made to a boyling , then have your tempered Spoonful of Oatmeal ready , brew your Oatmeal and Water together , as you were taught before , very well , then take your infused Currans out of the hot Water and put them into your brewed Gruel , with some Sugar , Butter and Salt , throwing your Water the Currans was infused in away , then brew it again as you did before , the Butter , Salt , Currans and Crums of Bread altogether very well , and if you think convenient to add Spice to it , then put it into the water you make your Gruel off when you set it on the fire , for it is best to put both the Currans and Spice into the water when cold , the water does then draw out the vertue of them best , this way of making of it is far before any others that is in practice amongst the Houswives ; the Currans will be soft , and eat much more pleasent then when boyled , this Gruel will have a curious white brisk , lively colour , Fragrant smell , and curious Cordial Taste , affords a better Nourishment and easier of Concoction then any made the common way , for this way is far more Natural , and does draw forth the fine spirituous friendly quallity of the Ingrediences ; and the brewing of it does keep and preserve the brisk , lively spirits of the Butter which gives a curious flaver to the whole , and makes all incorporate as one Body , also the Infusing of the Currans in the water does wash away a foul gross quality , which cold water cannot do , which renders them more Homogenial , and easier of Digestion ; you are also to take notice by the way ; that your brewing or mixing of it off the fire , in the pleasant sweet Air , does not only give Life , and a curious Colour , but of better Taste and Smell , more agreeable to the stomach , and easier of digestion ; not so apt to obstruct the Vessels of the Stomach , as that which is done otherwise ; for the boyling and stiring those fine thin Gruels or Pottages on the fire , does give great advantage ro the thick , gross , smooky , poysonous Vapours , which the Coles or Wood , when stired , sends forth , which fulsome Vapours are by the Air drawn forth up the Chimny , which are so very pernicious , that if any Persons should hold their Heads over them , it would stifle or destroy them in a little time , for the fire is not only the opener of all Bodies , but the separating power of Nature , and penetrates to the very Root of each thing , and manifests the vertues and vices of each thing ; therefore forthese , and many other reasons , too tedious for this place , the mixing or brewing these Gruels and Pottages off the fire , are highly commendable , and they do as far exceed the common Preparation as Light does Darkness , but Practice is the best Master , and Experience the best Doctor . Of purging Gruel . TAke Water , what quantity you please , make it boyling hot , then put into it a good quantity of any of these Herbs following , or others that you shall best like , viz. Scurvy-Grass Spinnage Corn-Sallet , Parsly , Smalage Elder-Buds . Take your Water off your Fire , cover it , and let them infuse one hour , then take your Liquor from your Herbs , and brew it with some tempered Oatmeal , you may drink it with Salt , or without , from a Quart to three Quarts in a Morning , and fast till Dinner , this is a brave Cordial Gruel , it will move gentily to stool , more natural then most sorts of Physick ; and wash and cleanse the Stomach from all superfluous matter , thins the Blood , and open all the Passages , by which the Humours will freely circulate , carrying away all Windy , Watery , or Flatulent Juces ; this sort of Gruel is not only good in the Spring , but at all Seasons of the Year , when the Herbs can be procured ; if the natural and proper use of Herbs were known and practised , there would be but little need of Physick , especially if Order and Temperance were observed . How Herb-Gruels , for the Spring , ought to be made , and their Respective Vertues , and first of Elder-buds in Gruel . TAke Water what quantity you have occasion for , make it boyling hot , then have your Oatmeal ready tempered with cold Watter , and your Elder-buds , and put both into your boyling Water , and keep it stirring , letting it be as it were on the boyl , but not boyl up , a little while , then take it off the fire , and let it stand two or three minuits more , then take the Herbs out , or strain it , and add only a little salt , and when cold drink a Pint , or a Quart , as your Stomach serves , a little use will make it familiar , this Gruel is a great cleanser and opener of all sorts of obstructions that offends the Breast and Passages , and moves gentlel to Stole ; 't is very good for Fat Pussy People , especially , if they joyn Exercise therewith . But probably some may object — What good can there be in such poor Watery slip-slop ; give me Pottage made of Cocks-Combs , and Knucles of Veal , and Necks of Mutton , and Shins of Beef , Boyled three or four hours , till it becomes thick as a Ielly ; and then put in Plums , Suger , Spice and twenty other good things , and this is like to be somewhat Nourishing and Comfortable indeed . Well , let the Objector enjoy his fancy , and his Rich chargeable Slop , still I will not change my Plain Water Gruel with him ; for I must tell him ( were he capable of hearing Reason ) all such mighty compounded Pottages , how much soever they may be cry'd up as Nutritive and Restorative , and indeed Destructive , for they obstruct Nature , stagnate the Blood , becloud the Spirits , and ruin the Appetite : Moreover the much Boyling of Pottages , and especially Gruels made of Flowre , does in a manner destroy all the wholsome , cleansing , opening , cooling , exhilerating Vertues ; because it too violently opens the Body of the water , and sends the fine spirits flying to Iapan , or else suffocates them , for this Reason , Water once boyled , and then put into a Vessel , and kept , will Stink , and never be sweet nor good for any use afterwards , whereas Water that has never been at the fire , being put into a like Vessel , will indeed stink , as well as the other , but then it will recover its self , and be sweet again afterwards , and as good as ever ; this shews , that in boyling , Water loses its fine Spirituous preservative quality , nor does the boyling less impair the lively vertues of the Flowre ; therefore we conclude it not fit nor convenient to boyl Pottages or Gruels after the common manner such being good neither for Food nor Physick ; whereas one main end of Gruels is to fit and prepare Nature for Food , that is to wassi , cleanse and free the Passages of gross obstructive matter . Others may say , How is it possiblh that this infusion , or small boyling , can draw forth , or endue the Gruel with the Vertues of such Herbs as shall be put into it ; for we ( they will say ) have been taught otherwise , viz. to boyl them an hour or two at least — Now this is as great an error as the former , for boyling of Herbs , especially in this particular case , does as it were totally extinguish and destroy those fine , pleasant , opening , Cordial Vertues , which all Men seek to obtain in all preparations either of Food or Physick ; if your Reason be too weak to apprehend this , yet you cannot blind your Nature , viz. your Palate and Stomach , for will not all Pottages and Gruels , wherein various sorts of Herbs are long boyled , taste strong and fulsome , and do not they lie gross and heavy on the stomach ? and do not you find that they are hard of Concoction ? besides , you are to know that in all hot infusions , the hot or boyling Water does first seize , or draw forth the milde , sweet , cleansing , pleasant Vertues ; and if such Liquors are drawn off from the ingredients , in a convenient time , they shall be endued with all the good pleasant Vertues of the Vegetation infused ; but if they lie too long in the hot Liquor , then those good properties first extracted becomes suffocated ; for the boyling Liquor continuing still its opperation on the things Infused , after it has suckt out the sweet friendly Properties , does awaken the Harsh , Bitter , Stinking , Poysonous , Sharp , Astingent , Qualities , and draws forth that too , whereby the former becomes spoyled or turned into the foremention'd evil qualities ; thus Brewers , or any good Houswives will tell you , that the best vertues of the Mault is first drawn forth by the hot Liquor , and the oftner they put up , the meaner is their Wort , and if they let their first infusion stand too long before they draw it off , it will become of a strong , sharp , keen , sowre , quality , not fit to make either Beer or Ale of ; for by long standing , the hot Liquor continuing its opperation , does penetrate even to the Center , and stirs up the harsh , bitter , sowre , properties of the Mault , which evil Juces does in a moments time swallow up , or turn all the sweet , pleasant , mild , friendly , Vertues into its own Nature , for which Evils there is no cure or bringing of it back again ; but it will still continue its progress into the harsh , bitter Astingency , or its original Properties . Note also , that the better , or more Skilful Brewers will not boyl their Liquor or Water at all ( whatever Custom , and Vulgar noise may clamour to the contrary ) but only heat it to a convenient degree , because they are taught by Doctor Experience , that boyling does not only fix or harden the Liquor , but causeth it to lose its opening soft quality , so that it will not so kindly draw forth the good vertues of the Mault ; but if these Reasons , backt by Experience , which are truly Natural , will not satisfie you , you have Liberty to follow your old blind Guide Ignorance and Tradition . There still remains an other Objection , viz. What Vertue can there be in one simple herb alone , we are advised by the Learned , that for Spinnage Gruel or Pottages we must put into the same Mess Elder-buds , Nettle-tops , Clivers , Brook-lime Water-cresses , and as many more as we can think off that it may cleanse us bravely — But let me tell you ( and I will tell you nothing but naked natural Truths ) that wherever such a multiplicity of Ingredients are jumbled together , you may be sure there are as many various Natures and Qualities , and 't is more then probable that some of them at least are contrary to each other , so that their distinct Vertues are thereby confounded , and you have neither the true Vertue of one nor the other , but a meer Gallimaufry , which will be irksome for nature to receive , and burdensome unto the Stomach to digest , being both of an ill Taste and Savour ; therefore the surest , and most natural way is to take such a simple Herb as you conceive most proper for that infirmity you are subject unto ; and such simple Gruels will prove more pleasant to the pallate ; Secondly , more agreeable to the Stomach ; Thirdly , they do to a better degree , Answer the end for which they are taken . Of Gruel , with that gallant Herb , Balm . The making of this Gruel , as to the manner of preparation is exactly the same , with what we taught you of Elder-buds , and so it is of all the other Herbs herein after mentioned , or any other that you please to make use of ; and therefore we refer you back thereunto , being as unwilling to write unnecessary repetitions as you can be to Read them . The Vertues of Balm-Gruel , are that it cleanses bravely , and is very profitable for all People both Young and Old ; but especially for those that have but weak heats and tender Spirits , or are subject to Wind and Vapours , as also for Fat , Gross , Dropsical People , it mightily removes Obstructions that lies in the Passages , and cheers the Natural Spirits , making them fine , which all such People want ; I recommend it therefore to be drank every Morning during the Spring , viz. in March , April and May. The Vertues of Scurvy Grass Gruel . This being made as before directed , I may safely Affirm is more Effectual against all the Distempers which this universal Herb is appropriated unto , then either the Spirits of it , which are so much cry'd up for their manifold vertues , or the Gross Juces of it , which some force forth of the Herb , and put into Ale , which way is not at all to be approved of , because the terrene , Gross , fulsome , quality comes out with the more fine , it will gallantly correct and refines the Blood , begets Appetite , purge by Urin , and sometimes by Stool , being a great Evacuator of those gross , heavy , dull Humours which indispose both Body and Mind . Gruel made of Alehoof or Ground Ivy. This is a great Cleanser of the Stomach and Bowels , wholsom for all Ages , and for those that are Healthy , as well as those that are Infirm . Smallage Gruel . Purifies the Blood , and powerfully opens Obstructions , begets Appetite , and is profitable against Shortness of Breath . Sage Gruel . Is a Noble useful preparation and good against the infirmity which the Antients have appropriated that Herb unto . So is Gruel made of Penny-Royal or Spinage , respectively each in its kind ; & after the same manner you may use what other Herbs you have occasion for ; this being one of the best and most natural ways to draw forth the fine spirituous vertues of any Herbs . — Only remember to make your Gruel of any sort thin , and let your fire be clear and brisk , else you will fail of your ends . There are many other Pottages proper to be Eaten in the Spring , as Milk-Pottage , Milk and Flowre , Milk and Rice , and the like ; but remember that Milk-Pottage ought to be made after the same manner with small ground Oatmeal , viz. put in your Water and Milk together , make it almost boyling hot , on a clear brisk fire , then temper your Oatmeal with a little cold Milk or Water , and add that , and stir it about , and let it stand till it begins to boyle up , but then stir or lade it to keep it from boyling half a quarter of an hour , and then take it of the fire , and when it is cool eat it with Bread or without as you like best ; the like is to be observed in making flowred milk . There are many other brave wholsome foods ( far better then either Flesh or Fish ) to be eat in the Spring , as Sallads , both Boyled and Raw ; this being the principal time of the Year for the eating of Herbs , viz. in the Month of March April and May , for by the Approach of the Sun , and the sweet Influences he now scatters through our Hemisphere , all the vegitations are endued with lively and powerful vertues , more then at any other time of the Year , and it would be the happiness of English people , if they did eat more of them , and less Flesh and Fish , nor is it to be doubted , but the first Instituters of Lent might probably ( amongst other things ) have this in their eye , to appoint a time of Abstenance and Temperance from gross succulent Foods in the Spring , to remove and Remedy the mischiefs that might arise to their Healths from the too large Feeding on such Victuals all the fore-going Winter , during which time what through their gross Foods , strong Drinks , and the uncertain Weather , viz. sometimes close , rainy , and cold , and then presently warm again , together with their broyling themselves by Cole or Turf-fires , whence arises thick sulpherous Airs , and smoky Vapours , their lying over-long in Bed , & neglecting due & proper exercises , they cannot but have Treasured up a vast fund for future Diseases and Calamities , no way to be so happily prevented , as by a strait and spare Diet , in the beginning of the returning Year , for in these Three Months the Sun ( which is the Fountain of central heat in all things ) has a powerful Influence , and gives a lively motion to all being capable thereof , so that if we will but put to our helping Hand , and observe the good Rules of Temperance , Cleanness and Order in Meats , Drinks and Exercises , many great Evils and Diseases may by the blessing of the Lord be avoided . The Foods most proper for this season are the Gruels and spoon-meats before mentioned , with Bread Butter and Cheese , but the two fast ought to be eaten sparingly , because they are Fat Strong Bodies , too great quantities thereof may do injury to many Constitutions . I have as little occasion as inclination to advise English People to the eating of Flesh and Fish , for that they are already too apt to indulge themselves therein , but this I must say , that this is the best Season , because the Food of most sorts of Cattel , that are now killed by the Butchers , having been for some time past either Hay or Corn , which does generate better Blood in the Creatures , and firmer Flesh , besides the Season is brisk and cool which drives the natural heat more central , and gives great strength to the digestive faculty , whereby their Foods is better separated and the Creatures becomes stronger , of good Heart , and full of brisk airy Spirits ; add to this that they are not so subject to be surfeited by over driving , which renders their Flesh better in all respects , and more healthful . An other way of making water Gruel , without being put on the Fire , which is a Summer Gruel . Take one spoonful of good Oatmeal , temper it with a little Watter , then take a quart more of Water , put the Oatmeal into the other quart , and brew it very well together in too Pots , that are fit for that purpose , and then it is done ; the Oatmeal will mixt or incorporate with the Water ; of this sort you may drink a pint or a quart at a time , it is very good at all times of the Year , but more especially in Summer and hot weather ; it is so friendly and Homogenial , that it allays Thurst the best of any others , by refreshing the Spirits bedewing the Body with a most pleasant and more natural moysture then either Beer or Ale , or any fermented drinks , the common use thereof in hot Seasons does strengthen the Body , and all the Members thereof , begets a natural Cheerfulness , extinguisheth all kinds of inward flushings and vapours that comes for want of a strong natural Heat , and large passages ; it opens and frees the Stomach from gross matter that obstruct the digestive Faculty , purges by Urine , as all sorts of Gruel do , if made as we have Taught ; the frequent eating of this , and other sorts before-mentioned do mightly assist Nature in all her opperations ; in particular , it is profitable against griping pains of the Bowels helps Concoction , disburthening the Stomoch of superfluous Juces , and cleanseth the vessels which are generally stopt and furred by Intemperance , either in Meats or Drinks ; for all Gruels and Pottages do naturally prevent fumes and vapours ; by carrying the offending windy matter into the Bowels , causing it to pass away with case its proper way , neither shall those whether Young or Old , that often eat this Gruel , be subject to shortness of Breath , or other ill habits of the Stomach and Breast , and if Children do eat frequently of it in quantities , it will prevent those evil sharp windy Juces that falls into their Joynts , which do cause the Disease called the Rickets ; it hath also a powerful opperation against the Scurvy and Dropsie , by opening the obstructions of the Liver and Spleen , begets appetite ; it cheers and comforts the Spirits , it is in every respect friendly to Nature , and assists her in all her Opperations ; for as most distempers are contracted by excess and Inordinate living ; so on the other side , nothing hath so much power , not only to prevent . Diseases , but also to throw them off when they have invaded Nature , neither can the best of of Medicines prove Effectual , when disorders , and the same intemperance , in Meats , Drinks , Beds and Exercises are continued , that was the original of the Diseases ; it is also very profitable to Woman in Child-Bed , the frequent use thereof would prevent those feavorish indispositions , vapours , windy fuming Humors , that most are subject to in that conditions , which is for the most part occasioned by their ill conduct , and by their hot thick compounded Spoon-Meats ; but I do not call them h●● from the firy heat they are tenged , with in their preparation ; which also is injurious to Nature , if not cool before it be taken into the Body ; it being a contrary heat both to the natural heat of the food , and Stomach too ; but from the innate heat the ingrediences of those Spoon-meats are endued with ; also those Gruels are very profitable for all Children , especially those that suck ; for many Womens Milk is defective , besides Milk naturally furs the passages and stomach , and often heats the Blood , whence Feavers and indispositions proceeds , which generally is attributed to the breeding of Teeth , but many are mistaken ; now this Gruel does cool and cleanse all the passages , and refresh the Spirit , and thin the Blood. Of moyst Airs . WHen the Fountains of water in the upper Chambers of Nature are stirred or awakened by the motions of the Elements and Celestial Configurations , all things , presently become dewy , or fill'd with humidity , for heat and moisture naturally opens all Bodies , exerting their inward qualities , and makes them defusive , whether they be Good or Evil , and renders them capable to mixt or incorporate with the Air , for so great is the power and efficacy of this Element of Water , that all or most productions are attributed thereunto , as that whereby they are Generated , Nourished and increased , so that it seems a prime natural cause of all things that grow in the Earth , and when it obtains the Goverment , or Dominion over the other Elements , it opens the Gates of nature , & then all properties do breathe or send forth their innate qualities , intermingling with the Air of that place ; which if it happens to be low , morish fenny Ground , near Lakes Ponds , Jakes , Close Towns , or great Citties , as London , where various sorts of Filth and Uncleanness are heaped up , then the Air is fill'd with foul fulsome vapours of pernicious qualities ; but on the other side , when the Air is humid , if the Ground be dry , or amongst Gardens , Corn Fields , open Heaths , Running Rivers , or where Springs trickle down from the Breasts of a rising Plain or Hills , where Hedges and Trees do not stand too thick , all such places do naturally exhale pleasant , and fragrant Smells which Impregnating the Air , renders it both delightful and wholsome . Hence it appears that Water is the great Menstrum of the World , the opener of all bodies , and the aawakener of Qualities , making all things penetrable , whence Motion & vegetation doth arise ; so that when Water and Air are incorporated , the latter is rarified , and it becomes more penetrating , moystening , digesting and cooling ; for when the sweet dews of Heaven are withheld , all things are lockt up in the hot , harsh , astringent Chamber , which threatens all things with death , the Air becoming Sultry and Sulpherous , which consumes the radical moisture in all Creatures , and so renders them not only more unfit for Labour or Exercise , but also more subject to Diseases , then in moyst Seasons , making them droughty hot and feavorish by stopping up the pores , which frets all the inwards parts both of Men and Beasts , and parches up the Earth , but where Water and Air do kindly embrace or inbibe each other , that place or Climate gains a brisk , spiritous refreshing property , that it sucks in on all parts of the Body ; for the pure natural and Animal Spirits in man are not altogether a terrene thing , or Body nourrished only by gross Alement received through the Organs , by the Concoction of Meats and Drinks only , but draw in a more refined nourishment , like spunges at every pore of the Body , from the thin vapours that encompass , and penetrate it on all sides ; for the Air being plentifully ; endued with a salnitral vertue , does furnish and refresh Nature with a curious , brisk Airy Spirit ; and for that reason Rain Water being Impregnated with a greater quantity of that Good vertue , does naturally advance Vegetations beyond all other sorts enriching the Earth , and making it hollow or Plumplike , a ferment or leven , whereas other Waters ; bind and close-up the Pores thereof , but still the moyst Air of Woods are not commendable as to health , because such places do naturally attract Humidity and retain it ; so as it became thick , hot and sulpherous , because the Sun , Wind &c. has not free passage to refine it ; but all Airs by , or near Springs or running-Water are more commendable in the Summer then in the Winter , and wonderfully refreshes the natural Spirits ; and therefore Imployments or Exercises near unto , or on the Waters are both pleasant and healthful , so that its a very vain Apprehension in many People so much to fear the dwelling near Rivers , tho possibly the same may not agree with all Constitutions . And as moyst Airs are most wholsome and healthful in hot Seasons of the Year : The like is to be understood of our Homogenial Water-Gruel , and other Pottages , tho the contrary is practised by most . Gruels and Pottages , being mostly eaten in Winter ; but they are far more agreeable in Summer or hot Seasons , for our Winters are for the most part cold and moyst , which does naturally drive the heat more central , which does strengthen the Stomach , and digestive faculty , that Nature can the better dispose and digest , stronger , fatter , harder , drier Foods and Drinks , then in Summer or hot Weather ; besides , Airs then are cold , humid and dewy , which do powerfully penetrate the Body , and the thin spiritous parts thereof are drawn or sucked in on all sides as by Spunges which do not only quicken , and make the natural Spirits brisk and lively , but it helps to dissolve and digest the Meats and Drinks , and makes that Food easily digested that would prove burdensome in Summer ; besides tho spoon-meats , viz. Gruels & Pottages , are not hot in their natures and innate qualities : Their heats are accidental , viz. received from the fire , the continuation thereof , is no longer then they become cold ; for no Foods nor Drinks can be counted hot , but what have an innate natural heat , the heat received from the fire in preparations is Accidental , and forc'd , and not natural , it being contrary both to the natural heat of the Food and Stomach too , and tho these Pottages and Gruels are good in all seasons , yet they are most beneficial to Health and Pleasure in Summer , for in hot weather most People are apt to Sweat , also the Sun which is the Central heat , does then by its Influences powerfully attracts and draws forth the natural heat , opening the pores , by which the Spirits are on all occasions or exercises apt to evaporate , from whence proceeds hot , droughty , fainty , Indispositions , Small and imperfect Appetites , and weak Digestions , which evils are very much increased by unproper Meats and Drinks , viz. Salt Flesh , or Fish , much Cheese and too strong Drinks ; and also by all other Foods that are Fat Succulent or hard of concoction , or that which lies long in the Stomach before they digest , therefore our sweet , moystening , mild , clean , easie simple Gruels and Pottages , if frequently eaten , will prevent many inconveniences , and supply nature with its dewy moystening vertues , which will not only dilate the vessels of the Stomach , but they will beget Appetite , and mightily help concoction , moderately cool the Body and gentlely move to Stool , open all sorts of Obstructions that lie in the passages , and prevent the Generation of Wind in the Stomach ; besides those that daily accustom themselves to the eating of those Gruels and Pottages , will rarely be afflicted either with the Griping Pains of the Bowels , or Wind-Collick , for those simple Spoon-Meats do not generate any Crudities , nor sowr short saltis matter , as grosser Foods do , especially compounded foods and strong stale sharp , drinks ; but they sweeten the Blood thin the Humours of the Body by which means the Blood and the natural Spirits circulates freely , whence proceeds a lively ; brisk , pleasant , Harmonious Temperament of Body and Mind , a little Physick will serve your turn , and as few Guineys , for Mr Doctor ; for the true happiness of Mankind consist chiefly in this , that he keeps his Body and Mind as neer the Tempeature as is possible , which cannot be done , except he make a due choise in the qualities and quantities of his Meats , Drinks , Imployments , Airs , and Communications , and apply himself to those that are the most simple and Innocent , viz. that stands neerest equality , because each things do imposs its own property both on the Body and Mind ; and the Blood and natural Spirits , inclinations and dispositions are not only supported by these things we Eat and Drink , but also continually made as it were new . And if such Meats and Drinks be too highly graduated in any particular property as in Sweetness , Bitterness Sourness or Astringency , then they do awaken , stir up , and strengthen their like quality by Simule , but if the foods be Flesh or Fish , then remember that all Beasts are not only endued with sences equal with Man , but also with all kinds of Passions as Love , Hate , Wrath , and the like , which their Flesh and Blood is not freed from , for in the Blood consists the high Life of every Creature , therefore the Illuminated Prophet Moses Commanded that it should not be eaten , because the more noble human Nature should not pertake , nor be infected with the Beastiality , for Killing and Eating the Flesh and Blood of Beasts , cannot be accounted human , for men have no Example in all the Creation , but only the cruel , fierce , Savage Beast of the Desart , in which Creatures fierceness and wrath have the Ascendent . Of the Seasons of the Year , in which all sorts of Flesh are most Unclean , and aptest to contract and breed Diseases , as also the danger of Eating much Green-Fruits . THe season which most People are most apt to contract Diseases , by the frequent Eating of Flesh , is from the middle of Iune to the last of October , for 1st this season is hot , which openeth the Pores causeth Sweating , and as it were a continual Evaporation of the Spirits , which causeth Fainty Indispositions to possess the whole Body , for all heat that exceeds the medium , whether it proceeds from Meats , Drinks or Exercises , doth gradually waste and consume the Spirits and natural heat , which does dull the edge of the attractive , digestive and retentive faculties of the Stomach , for this reason all superfluity and intemperances , are tenfold more dangerous , and Men are apter to contract Distempers in the one then in the other , as experience manifests ; we see that the Natives in all hot Climates are naturally more temperate in Meats , Drinks and Exercises , then they are in cold , which is one cause why English People , and others , that Travel into the East and West Indies are so Unhealthy . 2dly . In this Season most People eat great store of Green Foods , as Beans , Peases , Cabbages , Colliflowers , and the like , all which things do contain great store of gross phlegmy matter , especially in cold Countries , where the Sun ( which is the central heat in all things ) has not the power to prepare such Foods as in hot . 3dly . It is likewise to be observed that a great part of that Green Food before mentioned , does often lie a considerable time before they are eaten , especially in great Cities and Townes , by which means they lose their pure brisk lively Taste , & Smell , which renders them nothing so quick of Concoction ; as those that are boyled fresh , for they presently lose their fresh lively Spirits and Tinctures whence do proceed the pleasant taste with the most fragrant Smell and natural Colour . 4thly , All this time of the Year , the Air ( which is the Life of the Spirit in all Cities and great Towns ) is thick and sulpherous , full of gross Humidity , which has its source from many uncleannesses , such places do plentifully afford , more especially in this season , which is Inamicable to the pure spirituous vertues of all such Foods , for all green food is naturally subject to Putrifaction by reason of their Phlegmatick Body ; this makes them more unhealthy and dangerous then otherwise they would be if fresh and lively . 5thly . In this season the Sun also declines in strength and vigour which being the central Power and Life of all things , they do proportionably decline as appeares in Herbage ( also the Earth , which is the Mother of all things , in this Season ) is weakand impotent because she hath already put forth her strength and manifested her lively vertues in the first spring or rising of the Sun ; therefore in the first spring and rising of the Sun every thing rejoyeth , and becomes very flagrant , by vertue of the sweet influences of their celestial Body , and the power of the Earth . 6thly . In this Season , viz. from Iune to the last of October , most sorts of Cattel breed many Diseases , first from the heat and gross humid Air which in this Season is more thick & sulpherous , the pleasant Influences and Spirits of the Air are dull and thick , which causes a fainty Indisposition to possess the Bodies and Spirits of most Creatures ; Men themselves can witness the Truth of this ; likewise the foods of most Creatures is Grass , which is of a phlegmatick Nature , & generates not only an unfirm Nourishment , but fills the Body full of evil Juces , for this cause it will not take Salt as at other times of the Year . In this Season the weather being hot the Spirits of most Creatures are quickly evaporated by driving , and other accidents , which most Beasts are subject to , especially such as come from remote Parts to great Cities ; besides it is the time of their uncleanness , therefore it was not without great reason and Wisdom , that the Antients commanded , that Flesh should be eaten sparingly , and that there should be a particular care taken about the good state of the Bodies of such Cattel , viz. that they were Sound Healthy , free from Uncleannesses ▪ and Surfits , for whatsoever inconveniences attend the Creature before killed , the Flesh does still retain ; and therefore the Eaters thereof cannot but pertake of the evils ; for the causes before mentioned , Flesh in these Months ought to be eaten sparingly , is any at all , there being many other sorts of Food that do far exceed Flesh and Fish , more especially in this Season , as Bread , Butter , Cheese , Gruels , Pottages of various sorts , Eggs , Herbs , and many others that are after a little use more pleasant , healthier , & generate firmer Nourishment , and greater Strength , if Sobriety and Temperance were observed ; and other Circumstances belonging to Health , a little Flesh would serve ; in this Age a man may speak and write of Temperance , and an orderly choise of Food , which can never be understood nor believed without practising , which makes all notions essential , few do or can immagine , how little and mean things will every way fully contribute to all Natures wants and necessities . There are two or three other things , which ( having the oppertunity , tho they may seem not so pertinent to the present Subject ) I would advertise my Country Men of . 1. That Diseases are transferred from one to another several ways , but especially , by lying in Beds with , or after Diseased People ; which all Persons ought to take notice of , there being scarce any sort of Learning more necessary , and yet none more neglected ; for these secret conveyances of Vertue and Venome , or the transfering of Distempers from one to another is done after an hidden inpreceptible manner , by way of Spirits , Gleams , Rays and Glances , the natural Spirits being so subtle and penetrating as they powerfully search into all things , so that a Man cannot touch any thing tho it seem never so impassible or hard , as Iron , Stone , or the like , but those nimble Scouts , do not only penetrate it , but are more or less retained in it ; if this were not so , the Dog could not find the Individual Stone his Master throws amongst a Thousand others ; nor could he follow him unseen by his Foot-stops ; nor could the deep mouth'd Hounds trace the light heel'd Hare in all her doubles and winding , and tho she runs so fast and swift , as she scarce seems to touch the surface of the Earth , or bend the topes of the Grass , over which she mounts ; yet she leaves such real Effluviums and impressions , enough to betray her to those pursuing Enemies . Indeed nothing can hold or withstand the natural Spirits , they are so thin , quick and piercing , no Iron Stone or Wood can resist them , and if they will incorporate with those hard substances as is most manifest , how much more must they be imbib'd by soft Beds , where People lye long , Warm and Sweating , and where the Air cannot come with its refreshing Influences , to cleanse & purifie those grosser Excrements , the Vehicles ( or Lodging ) of malignant Spirits , that are continually breathed forth by infirm Persons , and of all others Feather-Beds are more dispossed to entertain and welcome such unclean fulsome Vapours ; therefore it concerns all People , especially such as are Young , to be careful who they lye with , or after , all Diseases being catching at one time or other ; moreover hot , soft Feather Beds are for the most part in themselves . Unwholsome , because they keep the Body too hot , and infeeble the Loyns ; whereas hard clean Beds , viz. Quilts , or Straw , or Flock-Beds ( but especially Straw ) are much more commendable as to Health . 2. The principal Cause that so many Children , especially Young Virgins in London , and other parts of this Nation , are deformed by crooked and disorderly growing , is , 1st , By reason of their hard Swathing in their Infancy , for who ever saw a Black ( who use no such binding ) Crooked . 2dly , This is encreased when they grow up by the tyrany of foolish pernicious Fashons , over strait Lacings , hard Bodies and stiff Stays ( invented only for Mischief , and the consumption of Whale-Bone ) all which their weak Bones and tender Nerves cannot endure without great prejudice ; besides it straitens the Breast and the Vessels of the Stomach , and lays Foundations for Asthmas , Phtysicks , shortness of Breath , Green sickness , and forty other Malladies . 3dly , When they come to be about six or seven Years old , they are generally put to sowing or working of Samplers , as they call it , where most of them are kept by an Ignorant Impertinent Mistriss , as hard to it , as if they were to get their Bread before they eat it , five , six , seven or eight hours in a Day , are they there keep sitting in a mopish still Posture , with their Heads downwards , leaning on their Breasts , and all their Limbs crumpled up almost like a Hedge-Hoggs . This makes many of them dull , Sleepy and Heavy all their Life after , by that base , early contracted Habit ; others to ease themselves lolling or leaning on one side , hold their Necks awry , get a trick of lifting up one Shoulder half a Story higher then the other , and a Thousand other ridiculous Postures , which by time becomes natural , and then the Swing is thought of , and the Steel-Bodices sent for , which certainly concludes the Work , & renders their Crookedness yet worse , and indeed altogether incurable ; whereas , had these Children been Educated with change of Imployments or Learning , viz. one hour , or an hour and an half to Sew , the next to Read , or Write , or learn Languages ; after that to play on the Musick , Sing or Paint , to go in a handsom Posture , their Schooling would not only be much more pleasant and delightsome to them , but they would be more Airy , Brisk and Healthy , and learn more in one hour , then they do in several Days by being kept thus dully to one thing so long day after day , as it were stupifiing there Sences , procuring many other Diseases , besides Crookedness which is always accompanied with many other inconveniences , which all careful prudent Mothers ought to consider , and study to prevent . 3. The best Exercises that I have observed against Consumptions , shortness of Breath , and all kind of Obstructions of the Stomach and Breast are those that most Imploy the Arms , and open the Chest ; therefore for Women to rub Tables for one hour every Morning tell they sweat would not be amiss ; for Men any sort of Labour on the Water , but especially Rowing in Boats with Water men , does effectually open and remove all Impediments & Diseases of the Brest and Stomach , at once it strengthens the Muscles , and opens the Passages , or if any find themselves inclinable to it , the Exercise of Shooting at Butts , in a long Bow is very commendable , such Exercises have cured many Consumptive Asthmatical People , when they have been given over by the Doctors , for as the walking in proper Airs gets a good Appetite so the drawing the Bow dilates the Breast and removes Obstructions . But I have already exceeded the limits I proposed to my self in this Paper : Those that shall observe the Rules herein laid down of Temperance , choice of Diet & due preparation , will , I am more then confident , find great benefit thereby ; therefore I shall not Trouble my self to make any Apology to any , who having their Eyes blinded by the Dust of Custom , and Tradition , may be apt to condemn or flight these Advices as useless Chymeras ; sure I am what I have deliver'd is agreeable to undisguised Nature , and whosoever shall Act accordingly will find the benefit , but without practice all precepts are vain , or at least fruitless ; unless it be to remain as Monuments to reproach those conceited Fools that dispise and neglect them . What I have here candidly , and in a simple plain familiar manner delivered , I leave to Gods Blessing and the practice of all prudent Lovers of their Health , and humble Followers of Nature in her easie and Innocent Methods . FINIS