Ortho-methodoz itro-chymikē: or the direct method of curing chymically Wherein is conteined [sic] the original matter, and principal agent of all natural bodies. Also the efficient and material cause of diseases in general. Their therapeutick way and means. I. Diætetical, by rectifying eating, drinking, &c. II. Pharmaceutick. 1. By encreasing and supporting the vital spirits. 2. By pacifying and indulging them. 3. By defacing or blotting out the idea of diseases by proper specificks. Lastly, by removing the extimulating or occasional cause of maladies. To which is added, The art of midwifery chymically asserted. The character of an ortho-cymist, and pseudochymist. A description of the sanative virtues of our stomach-essence. Also, giawo-mempsiz: or a just complaint of the method of the Galenists. By George Thomson, M.D. Thomson, George, 17th cent. 1675 Approx. 278 KB of XML-encoded text transcribed from 108 1-bit group-IV TIFF page images. Text Creation Partnership, Ann Arbor, MI ; Oxford (UK) : 2004-08 (EEBO-TCP Phase 1). A62438 Wing T1029 ESTC R222195 99833411 99833411 37887 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. A62438) Transcribed from: (Early English Books Online ; image set 37887) Images scanned from microfilm: (Early English books, 1641-1700 ; 2199:04) Ortho-methodoz itro-chymikē: or the direct method of curing chymically Wherein is conteined [sic] the original matter, and principal agent of all natural bodies. Also the efficient and material cause of diseases in general. Their therapeutick way and means. I. Diætetical, by rectifying eating, drinking, &c. II. Pharmaceutick. 1. By encreasing and supporting the vital spirits. 2. By pacifying and indulging them. 3. By defacing or blotting out the idea of diseases by proper specificks. Lastly, by removing the extimulating or occasional cause of maladies. To which is added, The art of midwifery chymically asserted. The character of an ortho-cymist, and pseudochymist. A description of the sanative virtues of our stomach-essence. Also, giawo-mempsiz: or a just complaint of the method of the Galenists. By George Thomson, M.D. Thomson, George, 17th cent. [14], 220 [i.e.200] p. printed for B. Billingsley at the Printing-press in Cornhill, & S. Crouch at the upper end of Popes-Head-Alley, London : 1675. With errata at foo of A8v. P. 200 misnumbered p. 220. Copy tightly bound. Reproduction of the original in the British Library. Created by converting TCP files to TEI P5 using tcp2tei.xsl, TEI @ Oxford. 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Medicine -- Early works to 1800. 2004-02 TCP Assigned for keying and markup 2004-03 SPi Global Keyed and coded from ProQuest page images 2004-05 Rachel Losh Sampled and proofread 2004-05 Rachel Losh Text and markup reviewed and edited 2004-07 pfs Batch review (QC) and XML conversion ορθο-μιθοδοσ ιατ●-χεμικη OR THE DIRECT METHOD OF Curing Chymically . Wherein is conteined the Original Matter , and Principal Agent of all Natural Bodies . ALSO The Efficient and Material Cause of Diseases in General . Their Therapeutick Way and Means . I. Diaetetical , by Rectifying Eating , Drinking , &c. II. Pharmaceutick . 1. By Encreasing and supporting the Vital Spirits . ● . By Pacifying and Indulging them . 3. By Defacing or Blotting out the Idea of Diseases by Proper Specificks . Lastly , By removing the Extimulating or Occasional Cause of Maladies . To which is added , The ART of MIDWIFERY Chymically Asserted . The CHARACTER of an ORTHO-CHYMIST , And PSEVDO CHYMIST . A Description of the Sanative Virtues of our STOMACH-ESSENCE . Also , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 : or a Just Complaint of the METHOD of the GALENISTS . By GEORGE THOMSON , M. D. Plurimi Morbi cedunt per Simplicia : ●st ubi Morbus in Gradum surrexit altiora exiguntur Remedia . V. Helm . London , Printed for B. Billingsley at the Printing-press in Cornhill , & S. Crouch at the upper end of Popes-Head-Alley . 1675. The Epistle Dedicatory To the Most Illustrious PRINCE RUPERT , DVKE of Cumberland , EARL of Holderness , KNIGHT of the most Noble Order of the Garter , and one of His MAIESTIE 'S most Honourable Privy Councel , &c. May it please your Highness , IT was once my Happyness in the late Wars to be under the MARTIAL CONDUCT of your Renowned BROTHER , PRINCE MAVRICE , Beloved by all Loyal Generous Spirits for his Valour and Prudence . Now I bless the Heavens that promise me the Benevolent Aspect of your Candid Mercurial Genius upon these Chymical Labours , which I humbly present to the View of your Piercing Eye , most able to make an In pection into the Verity of Things arising from Pyrotechnie and Manufacture . My Thoughts did heretofore seem to be settled never to Dedicate , for the future , a Writing of mine to any whomsoever : yea , I had continued in that mind , to expose Truth abroad solitary to shift for it self ( conceiving it best able to maintain her own Propriety ) but that hearing it frequently discoursed in most Company I met with ; how ardently your Highness was devoted to serve the Nation for Publick Good : What a Philomathes and Philalethes , Sincere Lover and Defender you were of Essential Truths and Ingenious Arts in General , especially Mechanical Pyrotechnical Operations , an Assertor of Experimental Optical and Sensible Effects , Fruits and Products of things , and that for this Reason you had an extraordinary Kindness for our most Excellent Philosopher Van Helmont , your Country-man ; I fortwith , affected with these Rare Endowments , altered my former Intentions , resolving now to make my Address to such a Mecaenas ( for the discussion of these our Chymical Problemes by Fact ) whose Head is known to be endowed with Subtil Inventions , Indefatigable Inquiry after Rarities and Arcana's , whose Heart is full of Integrity , Heroick Designs , Magnanimity , and Hands most active in contriving Exquisite Works , and Daedalean Mechanicks . Wherefore , Truly Noble SIR , be pleased to accept of this Oblation , which hath its chief Original from Pyrotechnie ; And according as you find it bear the Test Entertain or Reject it . The Sum of this Physical Tract is a Practical Discovery of the Notable Errours of the Galenists , Avouching that their Principles in Physiologie are False ; that they are Ignorant of the Quiddity , Essence , or the True Radical Essential Cause of all Diseases : That they are grosly to seek in the Direct Method or shortest Way of Curing them : That the Indications or Measures they take from Heat and Cold , applicating upon that ground ( according to the Rule of Contraries ) their Indicata or Remedies are both Fraudulent , and Pestilent to Mortals . That their Unacquaintance with the Synth●sis or Constitution of the Vital Spirit , the Cause of its Rage and Perturbation from somthing very offensive to it ( wherepon the Image of a Disease is delineated ) is the Reason why they thus neglect to support Nature as they ought , to allay its Tempests , to deface Morbisick Idea's by Specificks . Lastly , being altogether Occupied about the Cutting off the Accidents Qualities , Epigenomena , Symptoms and Products of Evils , by Bleeding and Purging , they are insufficient to Cure Directly , Immediately and Radically any great Malignant Feaver , Pleurisie , &c. The Boon I beg of your Highness is , not to suffer the Truth to be abused through the Collusions , Sophistical Evasions , Equivocations , Supplantations , Scurrilous Language and Affronts of our Antagonists : but that there may be a plain Judicious Determination of these Controversies according to the clear Evidence of Fact , and the Reality of Experiments : For which the Genuine Professors of this Philosophical Chymical Art will be bound to Celebrate your Praises to all Posterity . Your Highness Faithful Servant , George Thomson . THE EPISTLE TO THE READER . Dear Countrey-man , IF thou beest a hearty Lover of truth , and a Solid Genuine English-man , no Phantastical Affecter of the Levity of this Age , enter upon the Reading of this Treatise without Prejudice or Partiality : Having perused it , give the World freely thy Iudgment concerning it . Object what thou canst ( like a Candid Philalethes , no Caviller , or Wrangler ) but still let thy most rectified Reason , and firm Experience be as inseparable as Hippocrates his Twins , always giving place to the Latter . If thou censure me harshly , not giving me leave to clear my self by the assured Evidence of Action , I shall absolutely deny thee to be one , called a Virtuosi pretend it never so much ) or a Friend to the Lord Bacon . Here is no Hot , Fruitless Disputation about things Indifferent in Religion . No subtil Pleading by Covin , or Collusion , as often happens in the Law. Nothing Historical , or Traditional to be subscribed to for Antiquity , or Authority sake . Here is no deceitful Conclusions , or Captious Argumentations fitting for the Schools : Nor Acribology an exact discussion of Matters , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 little Serviceable or Vseful in the General , becoming some Virtuosi at this day . No Logomachie , an Idle Velitation , or Contention about Words , the Exercise of Pedanticks : But in this Enchiridium is cortained that which will Teach you directly to enjoy Health of Body , and , Consequently , more Integrity and Clarity of Mind : For , Animi Actiones Spirituum Synthesin , Eupathiam vel Dyspathiam Eutoniam vel Atoniam sequuntur . By this means you will Learn to be Cautious , how you impair Nature , either for the present , or future , by the false Method of Bleeding , Caco-stomachick Purging , &c. If you be capable to receive this Doctrine , not onely your self , but your Posterity will fare the better . By Virtue of this Goddess Sanity , thou mayst Atchieve Noble Exploits , either keeping off , or bearing more Couragiously all the Adverse strokes of Fortune ; enjoying hereby a far more Happy Life in the Lowest Condition , than they in the most Prosperous State , Tormented with the Stone , Gout , &c. In this Paper I Counsel thee to keep up thy Spirits ( the Principal Efficient Cause of Health and Sickness ) by multiplying them with what is most nigh their Texture , by Pacifying their Rage and Fury with pleasing Objects , indulging their frowardness , gratifying their Ardent Appetite , Illuminating their obscurity . Next , I put thee upon the search of proper Specificks , having a Dowry bestowed upon them able to fully , marr , or quite expunge the Idea , or Image of a Disease . Lastly , I give Directions how to Banish , Exterminate , Exclude through the Proper door with Euphorie , and Benefit succeeding that Irritating , Aculeating , Peccant Matter , which causes those manifold Tumults and Disorders in the Archeus of the Microcosin . All which is to be performed without wronging the Ferments , or Altering the Instruments of any shop of Digestion , especially the first . In avouching these substantial Verities , thou mayst , perhaps conceive , I have too severely reprehended the Galenists , to the Eclipsing the Illustrious Fame of such Learned Clerks , whom both Great and Small in all Ages have Admired . To which I reply , I am fully satisfied within my own Breast , that I have in no wise wronged them ( although they have me often-times ) in laying to their Charge what they are not guilty of , being ready upon all fair Opportunities , to demonstrate what I have here declared . Besides , so weighty and Precious is the Praedicate , or Subject we handle , that it would be an Offence more hainous in me above others , Indangering my Immortal Part , if Conscious what Slaughter of Mankind is daily made by their Pseudo-Method of Curing , I should be silent , Indulge , Connive at , Extenuate , or Palliate such Capital Crimes : This considered , with their delight in the darkness of Galenical Falsities ; also their Active , Obstinate Ignorance : Now , when the splendid Beams of Chymical Truth appear , they deserve to be handled with far greater Rigour than I have expressed . I wish my Antagonists would behave themselves as Candidly , and Ingenuously to me as I to them , they would soon find me alter from an Acid to an Alkali Nature ; from a Tart , to a sweet Disposition . If they would please to put me to the Tryal , they will find me really what I profess , a Lover of my King and Countrey , upon the Foundation of Verity and Virtue ; a Hater of Vice , Debauchery , Lewdness , all Irreligion in any whatsoever ; a Resolute Promoter , to my Power , of all good Arts and Sciences , especially that of Healing Man's Infirmities ; a Defender of Learning , and an Admirer of great Abilities and Integrity . Farewel , expecting , as soon as I can get it well Printed , a Tract in Latine , viz. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 De Splenectomia . Lithocolo & Loimotomiae Synopsi . Novemb. 4. 1674. From my House at Soper-Lane , alias Queen-street , in Well-Court , nigh Cheapside . Geo. Thomson . An Explanation of Some Terms of Art. CHymist , is one who imitates Nature in the Separating the Pure Juice from the Dross and ●ilth for the use of Medicine Mechanicks , and the ●dvancement of Mettals , Spagyrist is the same . Therapeutick , i. e. a Healing Faculty . Iatrical , pertaining to Physick , Healing . Chymicophant , one who seems to be a Chymist , but is not really . Philomathes , a Lover of Learning . Philalethes , a Lover of Truth . Caco-stomachick , hurtful to the Stomach . Pyrotechnist , in general any Workman by the Fire , in particular , by way of Excellency a Chymist . Pharmaceutick , Physick which Cureth by Medicines . Ortho-method , a direct upright short way . Ortho-chymist , the True Artist . Pseudo-chymist , the ●alse . Physiologie the Reason of the Nature of Things , and a Searching into their Cause . Idea , the Figure , Seal or Pattern of things conceived in the Imagination . The Idea of a Disease is the Essence of it . Archeus of Paracel . and Enormon of Hippo. is the Seminal Vital Spirit , the Principal Impetuous Agent , or Spiritual Contriver and Supporter of every Thing , the Arch Preeminent Author of Health and Sickness . Gas , is a wild invisible Spirit , not to be imprisoned or pent up , without damage of what conteins it , arising from the Fermentation of the Concourse of some Bodies , as it were eructating or rasping this untamable Matter . Thermologists and Psychrologists , are they who principally treat of Heat and Cold , neglecting Essential Properties . Ferment ( according to Van Helm . ) is a Formal Ens , neither Substance , nor Accident , but Neutral as Light , Fire , &c. stored or laid up from the beginning of the World in certain determinate places , for the preparing and exciting the Seeds o● Things . It carries some Allusion or Similitude wit● the Leaven or Ferment , Bakers or Bruers use , whic● is of a Contagious Diffusive Odour , Rarefying● Dissolving Nature , rousing up the Spirit to fall t● action , to Digest and make Separation . Alkali , is properly a Salt from the Herb Kali● Potash . any Lixjviate Salt extracted by Calcination● or whatsoever Volatile Salt , having Concordanc● or affinity with the former . Alcohol Vini , is its Spirit totally depriv'd of Phlegm Xeuexton , an Amulet against the Pest. Relollaeu● is a bare Quality without a Seminal Being . Liqu● Alcahest is the Universal Dissolvent preserving th● Seed of Things inviolated . Nosopoietick , that causeth a Disease . Anadrom● a running back . Phaenomena , Appearances . Epig●nomena , supervenients , whatsoever succeed . ERRATA PAge 10. line 15. read Helmontian p. 12. l. 5. r. Provocati●● p. 16. l. 5. r. Signature . p. 17. l. 8. r. Stomach chiefly . p. 18. l. dele the. p. 26. l. 11. r. quot . p. 3. l. 3. r. be careful . p. 32. l. 6. r. Dig●●stions . p. 33. l. 7. r. Those . l. 8. are . p. 35. l. 18. r. to the. p. 39. l 25. r. de●●ceent . p. 38. l. 6. r. draining . p. 38. l. 22. r. light p. 42. l. 30. r. Assista●● p. 49. l. 2. r. and rest . p. 47. l. 6 r. Acids . p. 60. l. 24. r. Concrete . p. 65 〈◊〉 9. r. Channel . l. 13. r. Contraction . p. 67. l. 24. r. Theorems . p. 68. l. ●● r. Pyrotechnical . p. 69. l. 17. r. Pyrotechnicôs . l. 29. r. Balsamical . ●● 72. l. ●● r. Acid Meliorated . p. 72. l. 8. r. Philalethes . l. 20. r. Physio●●ger . p. 73. l 2. r. iterated . l. 14. r. dulcifie . p. 80. l. 11. r. Salsi . l. 21. r. ●●tyrous . p. 88. l. 30. r. miss . p. 9. l. 29. r. imbued . p. 103. l. 12. r. Tritu●●●tion . p. 110. l. 15. r. of ♁ by the. p. 111. l. 4. r. Extermination . p. 21 〈◊〉 l. 9. r. Rutilating . l. 21. r. and being . l. 23. r. Empyical . p. 116. l. 27 〈◊〉 Idealium . p. 118. l. 1. r. defaecated Sulphurs . p. 125. l. 16. r. found 〈◊〉 p. 139. l. 27. r. Empyical . p. 152. l. ult . r. Corrector . p. 157. l. 26. r. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . ps 166. l. 4. r. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . p. 173. l. 6. r. Intestinal . p. 174. l. 15 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . p. 181. l. 8. r. Learned Chymical . THE DIRECT METHOD OF CURING Chymically . CHAP. I. A Brief Examination of the Original Matter of Natural Bodies , with their Dissolution . I Shall first declare what Nature is , according to our Philosopher ; viz. A Power implanted in the Creature , to act in such a manner and measure according to the will of the Creator , for ends best known to himself . The Course and Order of producing Effects suitable to the first Seminal Cause , is constant , unless hindered by cross Accidents intervening , or by some extraordinary stop put thereto by Him , who is the chief Mover of all Essences . I look upon the Materia Prima of Aristotle as impossible , a meer Chimaera . Galen and his Sectaries are much mistaken in delivering the Four Elements : Earth , Water , Aire , Fire , the Material Cause of all things : which being ( as they say ) variously mixt and tempered by power of an Active Form , bring forth Bodies of different Shapes , and Kind , one from another . The late Chymical Philosophers reject the former Opinion , and being frequently conversant in Opening all sorts of Bodies by the Fire ( which they will by no means allow to be an Element ) and meeting frequently with Salt , Sulphur , Mercury , have confidently taught , that these are the Beginning Matter of all things tangible . Others add two more ; i. e. Water and Earth : all which ( as is Asserted ) they can at their pleasure demonstrate , or lay open to View when they make Separations . This Discovery by Fire indeed seems far more plausible , and favourable for the Foundations and Principles of all Bodies , than the former Conceit ; yet , upon severe Search , it will not hold true . For as I have published in Haemati . directed by Helmonts Doctrine , these which they call Principles , are made by the Fire , not actually existent before in the Compound Body : Neither can Salt , Sulphur , Mercury be extracted by any Art whatsoever out of all things tractable . Moreover , their unsteadfastness shews them to be no Principles , for they are easily changed one into another , contrary to the Nature of what ought to be the Beginning of things . Wherefore Dr. Willis his Doctrine taken from Bened . Valent. or Paracelsus , and trimly polished for Sale , is to be rejected , as being not only false in the first Instructions concerning Nature , but also dangerous and destructive if made use of , according to what he hath delivered for the Cure of Diseases . Learned Helmonts discovery of Acidum , i. e. Sharp , of a binding rough Condition , and an Alkalie of a lixiviate smooth Nature , either volatile or fixed , having a property to scour or loosen , is by Tachenius , and some excellent Philosophers owned to be the best of Sensibles ; whereby we can most experimentally , and effectually , derive the nighest Origination of all things endewed with a Corporeal Being : into which Acidum , and Alkali , Art is able to bring back the same . Besides these two Luminaries in Physick , afford the clearest Directions for the Cure of the worst Maladies ; the only chief End , for which the upright Physitian is to put out himself : notwithstanding these ( how specious soever Principles reputed ) are not really so ; for they as well as the former may be reduced into Water , which by the Authority of Acute Van Helmont , and my own Proof in some measure , I set down as the Principle , and Ultimate Matter , the Beginning , and End of all Elementarie Bodies . For according to the diversity of Ferments , the Activity of the Seminal Spirit , and the peculiar Image delineated by it , this Liquid Matter is moulded into those infinite number of various kinds of Creatures . This is that Abyss , or Deep on which the Spirit of God moved at first , now successively the Spirit of the World , which out of this never failing Treasure of Water , frames those innumerable Kinds of things obvious to our Senses : Now of all Tangible Essences , Nothing is more similar or freer from Alloy & Mixture than Water , nothing more capable of impress , nor susceptible of a Seminal Spirit , and so easie to be brought to this or that Form. Hence 't is manifest , there is not any thing chiefly more requisite for the production of all Corporeal Beings , than this Material Subject , namely Water : and an Efficient cause , viz. a Spirituous Seed working ( by means of Ferments , or a certain Volatile , Spreading , Swelling , Chafing Scent ) according as it frames that Idea , or Picture of the thing it intends to bring by degrees to Perfection : till which time , the same Agent ( if not impeded by some Accidents ) which began makes a constant progress , till the whole be finished , bringing it to the highest State ; from whence , by little and little it declines , at length returning to that , from which it took its first Being . What I have here delivered , The sensible Seed of Animals , Plants and Minerals Confirm : for they all consist of a Jelly-like Substance , easily to be brought into Water . The Corporeal Seed of all Animals are as it were a Mucilage , or the White of an Egg : the Seed of all Vegetables may by digestion be turned into the like Consistence . As to Minerals , The best Inquirers into them affirm , that a certain green , glutinous , slimy Water flowing in peculiar places of the Earth , gives them their first Birth . So that an able Chymical Philosopher hath no reason to doubt what Helmont hath set down ; to wit , that all Bodies have their Beginning from Water ; that he could by means of his Liquor Alkahest , cause them to return again to the same . This is that Proteus which being altered by an odorous Ferment peculiarly inherent in the Seminal Matter , or the place where it resides , invites such a portion of the universal Spirit ( according as it is capable ) to mould it by degrees into such a Species , or individual Being , proportionable to the Plat-form laid at first . ( All outward Conveniencies concurring . ) Withal , as Concretes or Bodies are generated from VVater , so are they likewise chiefly nourished thereby : For the Experiment of our Philosopher confirms it thus . He took an Earthen Vessel , filling it with 200 weight of Earth dried in an Oven , in which , moistened with Rain-water , he set the Stem of a VVillow of five pound weight . This being for the space of five Years irrigated , was nourished only with Rain or distilled water as there was need , ( the vessel being covered over with a Plate of Tin full of holes lest any dust from without should fall into it ) after five years growth the Plant put into the Scales , weighed 169 pound , besides the quantity of Leaves four years every Autumn left out . Then at last he weighed the foresaid Earth dried , and it wanted of the former weight not above two ounces : upon this account 164 pound of VVood , Bark , and Root sprang from VVater alone . This Experiment of Van Helm . did that excellent Searcher into Nature , the Lord Bacon confirm , by the encrease of a Shrub kept a considerable time in VVater . The same VVater feedeth 40 distinct Plants growing on one bed . Also divers Animals do plainly arise from a waterish Matter : they are likewise preserved Principally therewith . In the Stomach of the Salmon is seldome any solid matter found : neither can the Sturgeon take into the Stomach any gross matter for nourishment , the passage belonging thereto being so small , that scarse any thing but VVater can enter . Some Men and VVomen have been reported to live with VVater alone for many dayes . That Pretious and Viler Stones are generated by VVater , and encreased by the same , is manifest , according to the Tryal of Van Helmont . Touching those Existents which the Chymists call Principles , they are not really such ; for they have their rise from VVater , and may be specified , yea although they seem to be Singular , yet may they be severed into diversity of parts . E. G. Sulphur , which to the eye appears to be all of one Frame , may be brought into a sharp corroding Liquor : the same also may be brought into liquid Balsome , or into an Earthy Pouder . Out of Sallad Oyl a Corrosive Liquor may be made ; besides , it may without any difficulty be altered into VVater . Salts may be turned into an Oyly Substance , then after become Insipid : Mercury doth ( as Van Helmont , and Experience testifie ) consist of a double Sulphur Inward , and Outward ; This being capable to be separated from it by Art ▪ CHAP. II. Of the Efficient Cause , or Primary Agent of all Sublunary Bodies . THe Best Philosophy teaches us , that al● Constitutes have their Material Beginning from VVater . How this Liquor comes to be diversified into innumerable kind of Substances , is further to be enquired . The first alteration of this fluid Body is made by a Sulphureous Ferment , giving a Hogo to it , whereby a Seminal Spirit is excited to dispose and mould the Matter into a Form agreeable to that Image or Type i● hath laid . That which doth chiefly occasion and further the Fermentation of VVater is , some secret Acide , or Sharpness proceeding from the Aire , or elswhere . This insinuating closely , unites with the Alkali in the VVater whence ariseth an Agitation or VVorking commonly observed , when these two meet together : consequently the Watery Particles are exceedingly rarified , acquiring a certain peculiar scent , which they carry along with them , infecting the whole Mass , wherein they reside : hereupon the Archeus or Vital Spirit breaks forth into Act , containing in it the true Seminal Idea , or Picture of the thing capable to receive its Form , and Perfection . CHAP. III. Concerning the Aitiologie , Efficient , Immediate and Material Cause of all Diseases . WHat the Antients generally , and some at this day call the Conjunct , or immediate Cause of Diseases , I shall ( with most knowing Helmont ) assign to be the Occasional , Provoking , or Incensing . Forasmuch as , whosoever desires to enquire into the Nature of things aright , ought to be informed , concerning the very Being of the same , as it relates to that which made it so . Now no Disease can have any Subsistence , Mansion or Lodging place , but in a Body endued with a Vital Spirit ( albeit in the Dead the Four Humours of the Galenists , and the three Principles of the Chymists be not wanting . ) For this Reason the Archeus or Spirit must of Necessity be the nighest Fundamental Beginning of all Maladies whatsoever . For as our Health depends upon this Living Spirit , when it is in all respects duly constituted , without any considerable defect in it ; so Sickness ariseth when the same Preserver of Strength , is depraved or estranged from that Clearness , Proportion , and Regularity , which ought to be in it . Those Degenerate , or Bastard Juices engendered through manifold Errors in the Helmontion six Digestions , especially the First , are only means to put the Living Spirit into Perturbation , Vexation , and Inordinate Motions , whereby it frames Images of Evils , according to the Condition of the Troublesome , Abusive Intruding Guest : So that in short , the Seed of this , or that Disease , with an absolute Pattern how it is to be acted , is planted in this first Founder of the whole Fabrick : the Grief being as inseparable from the Vital Spirit , as Life it self ; yea it is even concentrated or seated in the very middle point thereof , and never to be separated therefrom , till the Kernel , wherein this Diseased Image is drawn , be extinct , and quite abolished . This Doctrine may seem strange to those , who are unacquainted with the Writings of our Profound Philosopher ; however so great is the Truth thereof , that 't is impossible any one should either Prevent or Cure Diseases to a purpose , unless he be well Disciplined in this Solid Knowledge . Hence it is that Opinionative Doctors do so often blunder and mistake in Healing any Rooted Infirmities ; because they either insist upon their four Aristotelian Elements and Humours , Analogous to them , as Choler , Phlegm , Melancholy , Blood , with the Distemper coming from thence , or take their false Measure of Curing from the Principles ( I mentioned before ) borrowed of the Chymists , which some will have to be the next Cause of Diseases ; whereas they being present , only vex , gaul , bring into divers Passions , the Archeus : whereupon that which before did perform all things requisite in the Body , decently and in order , is now become tumultuous , acting in an inconvenient preposterous manner . By this means the Ferment or Dissolvent in the Stomach produces many Raw Juices , Fretting Liquors , which congeal the Blood , or melt it into filthy Matter , then follows a detention of Excrements , or a profuse indiscreet throwing out good and bad ; also a Specifick Poison is created proportionable to those without : hence a Crowd of sad Symptoms appear . Wherefore I repeat , the great cause why the Galenists have been so unsuccessful in their Curing is , because they did not truly distinguish between Prevocative , Occasional , and the Essential inseparable Cause between the Concomitants , Accidents , Products , and Consequents of Humane Calamities . For while they conclude a Feaver to be principally Heat , they have thereby taken a false Indication or Instructions , to free the Body from that Affliction ; neglecting to blot out the Image of the Sickness , to appease the enraged Vitals , and to remove the Vexatious , Thorny , Degenerate , Dead Juices , without empairing Nature , wronging the Stomach , or offering any Violence to any shop ordained for Digestion . They may plainly perceive ( if Sordid Gain did not blind them ) 't is labour in vain to Purg Bucketfuls of Choler , and Melancholy , ( which they suppose to be the Conjunct united Cause of the Evil ) to let out great quantity of Blood from the Limbs for the Cure of the Scurvie , &c. sith generally the Patient is more weakened , and his Evil oftentimes more confirmed hereby . Assuredly did they set Nature upon her Legs , when she is either sitting , or prostrate under any Calamity , she would soon conquer her Enemy , which kept her in Subjection . Would they but follow Hippocrates , who taught them that Naturae sunt Morborum Medicatrices , they would speedily renounce Bleeding , and Feeble , Hurtful Purgatives , to be looked upon as Contrivers , and Factors of filthy Matter , which the Expulsive Power stirred up , casts out with the Poison : So that in reality , the Common Way of Purging is only like Pumping , without stopping the Leak . For as Hippo. delivers , 't is not how much , but what is cleansed away doth good ; the Occasional , Exciting , Peccant , Fermenting Matter being often very small as to its bulk . Humane Sickness hath a Spiritual beginning , Progress , State , and Declination , arising from a Seed , as all other things ; therefore they have a Real Entity , consisting of an Efficient and Material Cause , both seated ●n the Spirit of Life , Active and Passive in Contriving its own Ruine , when at any time it is disturbed through any outward Accident . When any thing very injurious to Nature approaches from without , or is engendered within our Bodies , the Archeus , or Vital Aire takes notice of it , and being incensed , it frames in it self some Ill-favoured Dark Images , agreeable to the Cause Offensive . According to this Model or Proportion it Acts , never ceasing to follow the Copy or Draught of the Malady made by its own Activity , in a certain determinate quantity of it self , even to its own great damage and destruction , unless the Character of the Disease be blotted out , or the Archeus pacified ; and diverted by some pleasing Object , or the External Vexing Occasion removed . Those Defunct Excrements , or Superfluities separated from Life , never to be rconciled to it , are most tedious and noisome to the Vital Spirits : wherefore becoming impatient , they Rage , Fret , Chafe at the presence of so unwelcome Guests . Hereupon they stir upon the Ferments , or Instrumental Transfigurators , to become disordered , sometimes to cause a Confusion , Tumult , Boiling , and Huffing in the Juices , whereby a Feaver is kindled ; sometimes to produce Congelation of the Blood , otherwhile to turn it into sharp gauling Liquor , causing many long Calamities . Now the Filth or Dregs lodging in our Bodies , are not Diseases themselves , but stir up the Archeus to create those Evils , we are liable to . These are either Antecedent Causes of our Maladies ; or they are Products , and Consequents , stirring up Secondary Calamities , accompanied with various Symptoms , Accidents , Dispositions , and Alterations . Moreover , the Miseries of our Bodies , do now and then begin from an Invisible , Immaterial Occasion , imprinting in our Phansies , a lively Character of a Disease , which converting the Good Juices into Bad , both Foment the present Evil , also excite the Vitals to procreate more Mischiefs through the Contagion of a Seed implanted in the Life . That the Phansie can out of a Non Ens , or Nothing , frame Hoc Aliquid , or something of this or that Species , is evident in Women with Child , who upon earnest longing after Fruit , &c. or some sudden Terrour , make the Idea , or Figure of what they greatly Covet , or are terrified at in their Spirits , which conveied to the Womb , is absolutely conformed in that part of the Child , which answers to the place , the Woman at that instant touched , when she was so passionately affected . Withal , this Plant or Living Creature pictured in the Skin , shall express all those remarkable Alterations , Defections , Vigour , and Maturation that the Real Type , or Example of what is shaped is subject to , at certain times of the year . Thus 't is plain , that the Spirits being exalted , excited , or put into a vehement Motion , through any notable Passion can fashion that , ( bringing it to visible Light on the Superficies of the Skin ) which before lay hid within . Wherefore I doubt not there is as perspicuous a Signaturi of every Disease in the Spirits , as the Platform of the Plant to be produced in a Bean divided . The Principle Difference being , that the one is more Spiritual , the other Corporeal . The Seminal Figure then of all Diseases made in the Spirit of Life is , the only Efficient , Active Cause of their Being . Likewise some Degenerate Portion of the Spirit , wherein the Calamitie is as it were stamped ( separated from that which remains in its Integrity ) becomes the Material Subject thereof . That 't is the Blast of Life which conceives and brings forth all manner of Evils is most evident , seeing no Dead Body is capable of Sickness ; this being the true only Reason to be given , that the Principal Contrive● thereof , viz. the Archeus or Vital Spirit is wanting . For the Forbidden Fruit which Adam took into his Stomach , having a Power inserted into it of stirring up Lust , or Concupiscence ( The Omnipotent for that Reason giving Advertisement to Man not to meddle with ) was appropriated ; and applicated by means of the Animal Spirits to the Immortal Soul ; whereby it presently sets up Images of filthy Diseases , forthwith entertaining the Sensual Soul common to all Beasts ; being then , so continuing to this day the Fundamental Cause of all Calamities . I assert ; the Irregular Imagination of the Living Spirit of Man in the Stomach , chiefly the Brain , and every Part besides , doth first set on work every Infirmity seizing upon us ; which at first seems very inconsiderable , but in process , through the uncessant Motion of the First Mover , it arrives to a great Height of Malignity , as appears by various sad Symtoms , Accidents , and Products to be distinguished precisely from the Substantial Being of Diseases . For Example , A Stone in the Kidneys , Bladder , or elsewhere , likewise any congealed Matter , or Cancrous hollowness are not Diseases , but the Products , Effects , or Fruits thereof . The Petrifying Imaginary Seed , closely seated in the Archeus , is that which first laid the Foundation of the Stone , carrying the same on , as it began , to full growth : so that although the Stone be removed out of the Kidneys , as long as there remains that stonifying Seed , or invisible Beginning , the Person before rid of this hard Concretion , may ere long ( if the Idea , the Principle of the Congealing be not absolutly brought to naught , or blotted out ) be vexed , tortured or crucified with the like deformed Matter again . That the Archeus should be put into such a disturbance or Passion through any disorders in Diet , &c. as to frame within its own Bowels such a dreadful , unhandsome Substance , is to be lamented , but that the Seminal Character of the Stone should be contrived , fomented , born with us , taking deep root , as we grow up , is far more deplorable . For Diseased Seminal Ideas derived from the Matrice are hardly to be razed out : they are so incorporated with our Constitutes , challenging as great priviledge to act their part upon the Stage of this Little World in an uniform Manner , and Dress ; though depraved , as Nature in its Integrity , directed by wholsome Images , performs all things orderly , according to just proportion and approved Rules of Sanity . At that very time , when the chief Author moulds the Seed , containing the shadowed Likeness of what is to be made capable of a perfect Form , doth the same Workmaster draw the Pourtraiture of those manifold Mischiefs , which happen to Body and Mind many years after . So fixed are those Hereditary Miseries , that although the whole Mass of every Numerical Part of the Body be changed again and again , yet the Radical Tincture or dye of the Congenite Disease shall remain , ready to put forth it self , flourish , spread into various Branches , and Fruits , when the full time is come that it meets with an Outward Cause to stir it up . This is demonstrable in the Gout , the Stone , Consumption , Madness , Small Pox , &c. whose Images for some years lie as it were asleep , till they be roused up through some Provocative Occasions . The Idea's of Evils , which the Archeus contrives when we are come out of the Womb abroad in the open Aire are flitting , may easily be blurred , wiped off by a stronger Figure : these often interfeering each other , at length clash together , and both become annihilated . Infinite are the Number of Idea's or Representations made by a Working Phansie , some of which are no sooner framed , but strait vanish , becoming Non Entia : for they are momentany , and easily thrust out by the next Successour . But when any Object shall often savourly and seriously affect us ; then the Representation of the same doth take deep Roots in the Spirit , altering the Texture of the Blood , Latex or Lympha ; so that according to the Species of the Immoderate Passion , and the Picture thereof drawn either in the Innate Archeus , or that continually repaired , different Accidents , Symptomes , Signs and Effects arise . That all Diseases have a Type , Copy , or Example set , ( according to which the Archeus that first moulded it , acts ) may be confirmed by the Uniformity , Regular Motion , Inseparable Appearances or Signs belonging to them , from which they receive a Name proper to their Nature : Those tell us of what kind the Sickness is , insomuch a Judicious Physitian is able as well to make distinction , between one Maladie and another , as between a Pippin and a Pearmain ; an Almond and a Chesnut ; likewise to sort them into several Kinds , Classes , Forms , Degrees ; a thing never to be done , if there were not a certain Director , Informer , o● first Mover , that laid a Platsom of whatsoever Grief , depending upon an Efficient and Material Cause , as all other Sublunaries . Again that the Archeus doth first make a draught of the Evil in self , working afterward accordingly to its own Hurt or Destruction , may be proved by that Intermission , Silence , we find in Feavers , Falling-sickness , Gout , Stone , Convulsions Tissick , &c. which as it were sleep for some time , then awake , repeating their former Tragical Act exactly . Certainly if there were not an Agent lead by a strict Rule , it were impossible such a constant Mode and Method could be observed in the Beginning , Progress , Height , Declension , and Determination of Maladies . Briefly therefore the true Efficient with the Material Cause of all Diseases is , not any Distemper of the Elementary Qualites , not any of the supposed four Humours derived from the four Elements , not Salt , Sulphur , Mercury , &c. not any thing meerly Excrementitious , Vexatious , Ambient : but the Vital Spirit stirred up to Indignation , Fear , &c. by some loathsome tedious Object present : whereupon it makes the very shape , planting the Seed of the Maladie in some Portion of that Aetherial Blast , separated from that in Integrity : upon which Matter , as a Patient , the Seminal Ideal Agent works shooting forth those Manifold Fruits or Appearances in Sickness . CHAP IV. Of the Therapeutick , or Healing Method . 1. Of Diet in General , respecting the Prevention , and Sanation of Mans Infirmities . THe Immediate Undoubted Cause of all Diseases made Manifest , their Cure will become more Easie , to the Purpose , Speedy , with less Danger , and Loathsomness . There are two Capital principal Indications , Ends or Marks , which ought to direct us in the ordering our Diet as well as Pharmacy . 1. The Support of the Strength or Vital Spirits . 2. The Declining , or Eschewing whatsoever is an Enemy to Nature , that Incenses , and puts it into inordinate Passions . Laudable Diet then both Supports the Vitals , encreasing them , also Clarifies , Pacifies , and Diverts them from making Hurtful Images ; yea in some proportion Duls , Defaces , and Eclipses those already framed . Now by Diet are comprehended all those Necessary Succours , Requisites , or Concomitants , without which , the Life of Man cannot Subsist . Namely , 1. Ingestion or taking into our Bodies , whatsoever is Alimental , or Nourishable . 2. The Egestion , or Discharge of Superfluities arising from our Food , and the Retention of what is agreeable to our Nature . 3. The Rectification of the Aire . 4. The right ordering of Rest and Motion by Turns , in due Measure and Time. 5. A just Allowance of Sleep and Watching . Lastly , The Moderation , or Regulation of the Passions , aed Perturbations of the Mind . In the first place , the direct way to uphold , increase the Spirits , to keep them Clear , Bright , and free from unreasonable , Sickly , Turbulent , Melancholy Idea's , or Impressions , is to have an especial Care of the Fountain , from whence these subtil Particles spring , i. e. the Stomach . This Noble Part is with Care and Tenderness to be respected above any other : for this purpose nothing is to be taken , offending it , either in Quality or Quantity . Neither is the Substance and Quality of any Nourishable , to be insisted upon so much , as the just Quantity we are to observe : for if the Stomach earnestly desire what is generally Reputed to be hard of Digestion , or to afford bad Aliment ; notwithstanding if there be an eager Appetite to the same , this Noble Part is to be indulged , or favoured in such a Case ; only allowing a lesser Quantity . Doubtless this most sensible Membrane , of Exquisite Gust doth for the most part best prompt u● to what is for the Good of the whole : so that giving a Repulse or Check to a vehement Appetite , hunting after any thing eatable , or drinkable , we oftentimes cause a cloudiness , dulness , sullenness , and darkness in the Vital Spirits , bringing them into such a disorder , that they Coin many foul , black Images , whereas , if the Archeus of this eminent Ventricle were gratified and humoured , in what it extreamly desires , there would be a serenity and lustre in the Spirits , and then al● Actions executed with more strength . The severity of some Physitians in forbidding their Patients to eat that to which their Appetite is exceedingly addicted , hath caused no small discommodity . Neither do they less offend who strictly impose upon them such a Diet , as they , according to some general Rules , apprehend most fitting , derived from bare Qualities of Heat and Cold , &c. not considering that in all Diseases , especially those of long duration , enquiry ought to be made to what Diet the Sick is most naturally inclined to , and accustomed , what his Gust doth best relish , then according to that account to grant him some small Portion of what he eagerly covets , although usually reckoned amongst Food of hard Digestion , of ill juice , of bad quality , or very Hot , &c. For none can give better Arguments of a Diet , more proper for the satisfying the Appetite , than a Man himself , especially if he be of years , carefully taking notice what doth most agree with the Genius of his Stomach . I have known Posset-drink , out of an intent to cool , prescribed by some Doctors , Humorists , ( without farther Examination of an Antipathy thereto ) even to the endangering the Life , in Malignant , ill-conditioned Feavers . Such Darkness hath forthwith seized upon their Spirits , and such Loathsome foul Shapes have been delineated thereby : that they have approached the shadow of Death , undoubtedly perishing , had not prevalent Art blotted out speedily those deformed Figures . So hazardous it is to withhold what Nature doth most Sympathize with , or to offer what it bears an inbred Hatred to . This certainly is to be known by a Man 's own Experience , whether he have an absolute dislike to Honey , an Egg , Sider , any Spice , &c. For this Reason ( methinks ) 't is great vanity in those , who will undertake to be Magisterial , and over-rule Persons in Diet , more able to judge of this Matter than Physitians : who presume , no less ridiculously , than ignorantly , to enjoyn Iohn , Thomas , William , the same Food , Order , Season , and Measure , of taking it alike , without having respect to any Individual or Peculiar Stamp made upon the Spirits in the Womb , whence Qot Homines , Tot Diaetae observendae : As many Men as there are in the World , so many inseparable Properties are to be indulged as to the election of Eating and Drinking this or that . If our Galenical Physitians ( who stand so much upon their bare Qualities of Heat and Cold in the Cure of Griefs , according to the Rule of Contraries , directing them as they say , but upon false grounds , to extinguish one by another ) did rather aim at the Cancelling and blotting out these perverse , deformed , crooked Impresses or Characters born with us , and in process growing up to such a height , insomuch that they become unconquerable , Mortals would certainly enjoy both a sounder Body and Mind , be free from Melancholy , enjoying far more clearness of Spirit . I am Confident that the Stomach , whose Digestive properly is utterly estranged by a Feaver , or long Imbecillity , being whetted by a strong affection may alter a Red-herring , Oysters , a Lobster , &c. better than Veal , Chicken , Broth , Gellies , or any such contrived Cookeries . Therefore to urge the Sick to Eat Sodden , when he lusts after Roasted ; or Liquid , when he requires Solid , is to cross Nature , supposed either can be made fit for nourishment . In all those states wherein I find the Infirm Person 's Stomach uncapable to make a formal chang of the Food , for want of a kindly Ferment or Dissolvent ( as for Example , in all Feavers , and very ill habits of Bodies ) there I generally injoyn the best Liquors , abounding with good Spirits , easily to be altered into the Vitals , leaving no considerate foulness or dross behind ( the watrish part entering into the Vessels carrying off some Superfluities it meets with , by Urine and Sweat ) so that my Practice hath taught me many years what Hippo. hath delivered , Facilius est refici potu quum cibo . The Vital steam is with more speed refreshed , and longer maintained by Spirituous Liquors , than by Flesh , or its Juices , which for want of , a Living Dissolvent , requisite for this chief Cook-room , become Degenerate , Dead , and stinking ; whereupon a Feaver is added to a Feaver , the Archeus being encreased in its Fury , makes Idea's of Weakness , Despair , and Confusion , according to the Truth of the Old Man , Siquis in febre cibum de derit , valenti Robur Aegrotanti Morbus . Yet the custome and Authority of Malepracticants is so powerful , that the Sick thinks he must be weakned , if he eat not Broth of Flesh , Caudels , Water-gruel , &c. which those Diet-mongers have justified ( contrary to the Aphoris . ) will turn into Nourishment whereas the Stomach hereby becomes more weakened , Excrements engendered abundantly , the rage of the Archeus advanced hence arise Misty , Gloomy Representations , eclipsing the Sun of Life , raising as it were a filthy fog in the Archeus , so that it cannot see how to rectifie its Erroneous Idea's , suffering them to become more fixed . No less Mischievous is the Galenical Doctrine of Cooling Liquors in Feavers , viz. their Maukish , Spiritless , Dull , Flat Posset-drink , Small-beer , Barly-water , loathsome Decoctions of cooling crude Herbs , Pippin Liquors , and the like , which starve the Vital Spirit , bringing a numness upon it , that it cannot do any thing effectually for the expulsion of its Enemy : They likewise wedge in the ill Juices , so that either Nature is totally oppressed , yielding to its Fate , or led Captive by a long Disease , the Common Event of their Mortiferous Method . Whosoever then falls into a Feaver , or any other Calamity , I advise him ( upon Fundamental Trials made many years ) to avoid the aforesaid poor Starvling Liquors , to apply himself to the drinking of that , which will enable the Archeus strongly to resist its Enemy , to frame benign , clear , lightsome Imaginations tending to Health , to subdue the detestable filthy Matter , holding no communion with Life , by Sweat , Urine , Spitting , Vomiting , or Stool : Yet still let Moderation be the Guide in all things , for the most Commendable things may be abused , witness those to whom I allowed to drink now and then a Glass of Sack in a high Feaver , who unadvisedly fortewith poured down a whole Quart-bottle to their Prejudice . As I never forbid any in a Feaver good Strong Liquors , to quench Thirst , to strengthen the Stomach and Spirits : So I admonish all to make use of Temperance : Neither do I prohibit Broaths , Collises , Eggs in any Maladie , &c. upon any other account , but that they become corrupt in a Stomach , whose Ferment cannot turn them into a nourishable Juice . He that will take a course to obtain Iuventutem in Senectute , to be young and chearful when Old , must have respect to Senectutem in Iuventute , careful to be Temperate , Sober , and Discreet , as some Old Men are . Could we but know our selves aright so far , as to command our greedy Appetite , not to devour more than the Ferment of this 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is able to conquer , we should frustrate the Common Saying ; Plures Gula quam Gladius : Multitude of Evils of Body and Mind might be prevented and remedyed . For sith Natura paucis contenta est ; 't is far better in Eating and Drinking to subsist on this side the Golden Rule of Mediocrity than to transgress beyond : that being more easily corected . A peculiar Robust Constitution ; the course of Life we follow ; the Exercise we use ; the Region or place we inhabit ; the Air we suck into our Lungs ; the Agility or Dulness ; the Alacrity or Indisposition , we find the morning following the foregoing days Diet , Dictate what Quantity of Food , of what Quality , and at what time we ought to Eat : thus accordingly we are to Regulate and Reform what is amiss . One of an Athletick Body labouring hard , living in a Mountainous , Clear , Temperate Aire , or much conversant at Sea , Lively , Airy and Spiriteful after Sleep , may justly challenge a greater share of Aliment than a Weakly , Lumpish , Drousie Habit , addicted to a Sedentary Studious Life , in a Populous City , or any Fenny Foggy Countrey , remote from the Sea : For I find ▪ generally that , Aqua praecipue Marina promovet Digestionem . The Agitation of the Body by Neptune's Ebullition , the Recentation of the Aire , those Copious Volatile Particles of Acid and Alkali in the Ambient , do powerfully corroborate the Ferments of Digestion , carry off insensibly any Recrements without any Coagulation or Dreggy Settling left behind : so that many can eat without Discommodity Quintuple the portion at Sea , above that at Land. Large Morning Draughts are for the most part very injurious , likewise frequent Drinking between Meals ; for the kindly Dissolution of the Food is retarded hereby , the Fibers of the Stomach by degrees made Flaccid , and the Tone Debilitated . One Meal a day discreetly modefied , and with one or two short snaps beside , may 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 very well suffice most men , using but gentle Motion , and living in places where the Aire is saturated with abundant Exhalations . Let him beware to eat unless his Appetite invites him , then not till he be glutted ; Commedat non quidem ad repletionem cavitatis Stomachi ▪ nec ad voluptatis sive gustus dictamen . 'T is the misery of many to have better Appetites , than Nigestions , which is the frequent cause that many raw Juices are contracted , the Body becoming more clogged , ponderous and indisposed to stir ; for if no more Food be taken in than can be throughly altered ( Excrementitious Superfluitie● being sent packing insensibly ) one will continue the same weight , or little different many mornings togehter : if otherwise any Caput Mort or Dreggy substance remain behind indigested , the Spirits become Dull , Cloudy , and Obscure , and the whole Mass Lumpish and Heavy . Mastication an exact chewing of what we eat , doth exceedingly avail to a happy Digestion : for he that hastily gobleth in his Food , had need to have a Cormorants or an Ostritch's Dissolvent in his Stomach . Variety of Dishes is a Lure to make us Eat more than ordinary , and a means to pester the Stomach with more than it can Digest , to make a confusion in the separation : so that which is raw being blended with what is duly changed , both are thrown off without Distinction . The plainest simple , Home-bred Food is generally to be preferred for holsomness , before the fine , pampering , curiously-dressed , far-fetched Dainties . Beef , Mutton rightly prepared before Partridges , Pheasants , &c. Brown Bread Leavened before White . That Tyrannical , Severe . Overbusie Precepts the Galenists enjoyn their Patients , is to be rejected , for misere vivit qui medice vivit . To be rigidly kept from what is Lawful and Useful ( for want of fitting Remedies ) is little better than a Turkish Slavery . Celsus his Rule , Not to be much solicitous or curious in Diet ( supposed some measure be observed ) is to be embraced by every man who enjoys a competent Health : Yea sith they who are oppressed with any great Sickness ( Nature becoming prostrate , subject to the Dominion of the Enemy ) can never be cured by the strictest Government in their Food : Therefore even those ( when the Maladie shall meet with Remedies able to over power it , ought to take liberty to gratifie their Appetite , and sometimes to indulge their Genius more liberally than ordinary , with what it is greatly affected : For how often hath it been known the thing the Physitian hath sternly forbidden upon pain of Death , that the same being either secretly stoln by the Patient , or privately offered by the Nurse , or some Friends , hath proved the unexpected Means to make Nature Mistress of the Disease , the Vital Spirits hereby highly exalted at the presence of that which doth so match their Inclination and vehement Longing , in so much that they have taken Courage , and scattered those black clouds of mischievous Idea's , entertaining instead thereof , clear , bright Images tending to health . It is no small prudence in a Physitian , to examine to what Diet the sick person hath accustomed bimself , for saith Hippo. Quarum rerum inveteravit Consuetudo , quamvis deteriores sint illae , minus tamen insuetis male afficiunt . Aphor. 5. lib. 2. In this case we ought sometimes not so punctually to stand upon what is Holsome , as what is Customary : nor is this any Argument to allow of Poison , Chaulk , Tobacco , Tiles or Coles which some to Admiration have frequently devoured in great quantity , without a mortal Event . But the question is what Indifferent Food may be commended , dispensed , and afforded to the Infirm in relation to custome , and a strong desire , with a capacity of digesting it : for these Considerations laid aside , it were by no means to be granted . In Conclusion I advise that Curiosity , Severity , Nicety in Diet be laid aside ; that the Physitian , as well as the Patient , insist upon what the Importunity of the Appetite dict●tes , the Custome of any Food doth urge , ●nd the largness of Digestion may permit : ●or what is earnestly desired , doth conduce to ● better Alteration ; what is well Altered , doth encrease the Vitals , otherwise it doth ●ut strengthen the Disease & weaken Nature . It is as possible that flesh thrown into the ●ennel should not corrupt lying there long , ●s that food taken into a stomach deprived in greatest part of its Dissolvent or Ferment , ●hould not Cadaverate or Putrifie ; whereupon the former Calamity is augmented by ano●her . Not how much we eat , but what is accu●ately prepared in this Vital Kitchen , is chief●y to be considered . Veins , Arteries , Nerves , Ligaments , Gristles , Bones are all beholding ●he Blood and Spirits for their happy subsist●nce , and those to the Stomach . Wherefore 〈◊〉 any aim at a comfortable life , ut sit mens sa●a in corpore sano , let him avoid excess in ●o●d and liquid Diet , but especially the first . ●et him endeavour so far to understand him●elf , or be governed by those who are know●ng her in ▪ that no more ought to be put in●o this Membranous Body , than what it 's able ●o convert into a laudable substance for the ●ood of the whole . Neither let any one ●hink to be rightly instructed by the Galenists , sith they prescribe a Diet according to false Suppositions of Heat and Cold , Recollae● nowhere active of themselves in the producing any vital Ens : But let the upright Philosophical Chymist be heard , who gives Counsel according as the Spirits and their Instruments shall dictate . Hereby no considerable Eerror can be committed in the Superstructure as long as the Foundation is so strong . CHAP. V. THe next thing Diaetetical to be considered , tending to the bene esse , or Wellfare of mans life , is Evacuation of what is Superfluous or Excrementitious , and the Retention of a Salubrious and Friendly Matter , for the Sustentation of a commodious prosperous Health . That all Foulness ( in no wise to be taken into the custody of the Vitals ) may be discharged , Secretion or Separation is to be made of Good from Bad , of Pure from Impure , by the Active Separator the Archeus : for when any thing rejectaneous is thrown off promiscuously with any laudable Sudstance fitting to be conserved , many inconveniencies follow , as is frequently observed by the more acute Physitians in Haemorrhagies , or Fluxes , both natural , and Artificial ; for what can be more absurd than ●o cast away the Wheat with Chaff , the Spirit of Wine with the stinking dreggy Sulphur . Now Superfluities the more they are rarefied , and volatilized by kindly Ferments , the ●ooner they are difflated or sent packing by Respiration , and Transpiration through the habit of the Body , without the least remainder of a gross Dregg , in which if it fail , there forthwith follows a declination from Integri●y , a brisk sound constitution of body , becoming , according to Statica Medicina , a little more dull and ponderous ; if then a considerable quantity of this filthy setling be accumu●ated , the occasional cause of a disease is hatching , which if not timely prevented , breaks forth actually , disturbing the Oeconomy of ●his admirable Frame . Wherefore due caution is to be taken that we ingest not any thing not capable to be digested , that Excrements be strictly egested , or voided by Stool ( for ventris torpor omnium confusio ) Urine , Expectoration , sometimes easie Vomiting or Universal Cutaneous Breathing : For the promo●ion of which , where Nature is difficient , Art ought to supply . A Soluble Belly , and easie transpirable Skin doth much conduce to a Healthful Life . For want whereof , Pil. Polychrest and Tinctur . Polychrest , not omitting sometimes Glysters , and Bathing , do much conduce . In Women the Monthly Terms ought to have their just course : If they come short , Elix . propri . Sulphur . Mar. Philosophically prepared do much avail . Also the Inward Haemorrhoides or Piles opened are to be indulged : for the draning of these , a gentle frication to and fro with a Tuft of Grass , when the Fundament is open , is of singular use where there is any propensity in Nature to evacuate foeculent , fretting blood , from the Mesentary or Spleen ; I look upon this as a most noble Emunctory to disburden each . Neither ought a supurfluity of Seed to be kept too long in peculiar Bodies , especially if there be danger it may contract an ill odour to the Annoyance of the Kidneys , Spleen , Head : for seeing the Testicles have no small influence upon the parts tending to their happiness , if they be in their right Tone , certainly then if out of order they dart hurtful beams to the notable damage of that Organ where they lights . Have a care of transgressing herein too much , for that confounds all . One thing I must by the way urge , that Physitians have a special care , how they make a Retention of any Degenerate , Malignant Impurities by Astringents , or Opiates , without removing the Cause , from whence they flow . The only way to perform this aright , is to pacifie the Arci●●s , to amend the exorbitancy of the Ferments , to strengthen Nature to carry off at the same time that in a larger quantity with succeeding ease , which before came away by little portions , in a dribling manner , without any redress to the debilitating the Vitals . Then no doubt the Fibers of the Stomach , and other parts , will be corroborated , ( the Morbisick occasion of their weakness being sequestred . ) To cleanse away every morning with a Linnen course cloath any cl●mmy soulness from the three notable Emunctories , as the Groin , Armpits , Neck , doth somewhat help to preserve from Sickness . The scraping the tongue fasting , ridding it from a viscous impurity , doth not only profit for the keeping from a Squinsie , but also other Inconveniencies . Salt of Pot-ash calcined , mixed with five or six times the quantity of Almond Cake poudred fine , doth scour the Mouth , if a little thereof be taken with three or four spoonfuls of water gargarized and rubbed with the Finger . Note sharp Liquors are offensive to the Teeth , but Alkalies friendly to them . CHAP. VI. THe third Diaetetical necessary Supportter of a happy life , and Restorer of it when impaired , is good Aire , which if congruous to the Lungs is as welcome to it , as some Food to a rightly disposed Stomach . What Famous Cures holsome Air , with Mineral Waters , have effected , is well known to those , whom the Galenists have left as desparate : for whereas they at first upon a false Supposition that the Air did chiefly conduce to the cooling of the Heart , and explosion of Fuliginous Particles generated from excessive Heat , did take their Indication of cooling more or less according as any Febrile Disease did invade the Patient ( but all in vain having exhausted both the Strength and Purse of the Sick Person ) thus missing a sanative End , they at length study to find out some pure Aire , to which they commit the Patient , although often too late to be Cured ) yet is he sometimes beyond expectation revived ( even to their astonishment ) who are ignorant of the true cause thereof . For those Coagulations , dreggy grosness in the Blood ( rather augmented than diminished by faeculent Medicaments Enemies to the Stomach ) are by the subtil Ambient dissolved , rarefied , volatilized and sent packing without any filthy settling left behind . Hereby the Stomach recovers its Digestion , and the Blood runs freely in its proper Channels , so powerful is the Air with the Ferments to refine the Juices , attenuating all tenacious Matter residing in them , or lurking about the Spleen or Stomach , whose Appetite and Digestion are much advanced or depressed , according as the Ambient is Thin or Thick , Defaecated or Dreggy . This great Separator of Moisture doth in some places so rarefie and consume the solid Nutriment of Mans Body , that although he eat plentifully , Quadruple to what he doth at other times in some Regions , yet shall he continue in perfect health , obtaining the same weight of Body , he had some weeks before : ( few visible Excrements in comparison of those insensibly dissipated to be discovered . ) This is the happy effect of subtil , fresh , well clarified , often changed , cold , piercing Aire , grateful to the Lungs : on the other side , where this Ambient is gross , restagnant , stuffed full of foul corpuscles , to which one is confined , misty or foggy , many discommodities of Health ensue , as dull Appetite , In digestion , crudities , contamination of the of the Blood , flatness , heaviness of the Spirits , depravation of the Ferments , whence troops of Diseases invade us . Where the Atmosphere is well qualified , and constituted , men enjoy length of days , as well as at present a sound Body , where 't is otherwise disposed , the thread of Life is shortned . In general , the Aire destitute of Noisome Exhalations from the Earth and endued with Benevolent Influences from the Heavens is profitable for the Lungs . In particular , that Air chiefly concerns the preservation from Sickness , and the Restauration of Sanity , which doth best agree with the Individual , whose approbation comes from Experience . For there is a Natural appetite in the Lungs of some , to embrace this or that Air above another , as it is inhaerent in the Stomach to be affected with certain peculiar kinds of meat . Where the Aire is culpable , Art ought to amend it , which is done by imitating Nature , ventilating it when restagnant , heating and subtillizing it by good Fires when 't is cold or gross , consuming or putting to flight stinking Particles by the diffusion of acceptable good Odours . If the Air abound with excessively Acid , or foul Nitrosulphurious Atoms it is to be rectified with the breath of the most refined Askali's and the Fumes of well corrected Sulphurs . By this means many Diseases may be prevented , and in some sort cured . CHAP. VII . THe fourth Assistanting to a Comfortable Life , is Exercise and Rest , which ought to succeed each other by turns , Quod caret alterna requie durabile non est . Now Motion is previous to Rest , for the first Symptoms of Life arise from a Loeo Motive Faculty . We shall not here examine Aristotles Definition of Nature , i. e. The Principle of Motion and Rest ; but rather insist upon the Modification or Regulation of Motion , as it tends to the Health of Man. Of so great use is Motion or Exercise , that the Wise Creator ordained Respiration , and Pulsation to continue constantly for our Vital pre●ervation through the whole course of our Life ; so that we Live no longer , when the Heart and Lungs do quite give over the faculty of Moving . Every one then ought to take singular care that Circulation of the Blood may be in no wise intercepted , nor free Breathing be intermitted : for that purpose the Exercise of the Muscles of the Limbs , gentle and sweet Recreation of the Mind do avail . Moderate Equal Diaphoretick , Alterative and duly Excitative Labor joyned with pleasant , variable , admirable , rare and desirable Objects doth Expand and Dilate the Lungs and Arteries , whereby the Breast becomes 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , the Arteries Emicant . Nothing promotes these Actions better than cheerfulness or temparate Joy , constant love of what is truly amiable , never to be repented of , A probable hope of some good not long to be deferred , at length a sweet enjoyment of that which is durable , and capable to usher in better things : For I am of a very brave Man's Opinion ; The Comfort of our whole Life depends upon expectation of better things . Also Magnanimity or Courage founded upon Virtuous Enterprizes , aspiring to Noble Designs , for a Publick as well as Private Interest , do sweetly enlarge the Spirits , quickning the Ferments , causing an expulsion of Superfluities : Yea just Indignation , kept within its due Limits , facilitates Respiration , Transpiration and Pulsation . On the contrary , Fear , Sorrow , Melancholy , Hatred , Jealousie , Envy contract the Diaphragme , and the Muscles of the Breast , hindering legitimate breathing , occasioning an Immature Importunate Systole , or a Supine Connivence in the Arteries . It is not amiss sometimes to be transported beyond the common bounds of Moderation ; to be agitated with some Extraordinary passion of the mind , and to sustain tedious Labor , that the sweeter composition of Mind , and most delightful rest of Body may follow ; sith one constant strict tenor pertaining to Diet is hardly to be obtained , without greater damage , whensoever we offend , not to be avoided by any Man , who hath a Publick Employment , or a secular Interest to look after : so that it is better to be accustomed to any Exercise or labour of Body and mind voluntarily , least we be surpriz'd unawares unwillingly to our notable hurt . I advise those parts should undergo most gentle Exercise , which are weakest ; to walk oftner upon the lower Limbs when they are somewhat feeble ; to move rather the Arms and Hands when incident to a debility , lest the stronger by motion defraud the weaker , and so Alogotrophia or disproportion in the nourishment of parts follow . I approve Frication of all parts , especially three noted Emunctories ; the Groin , Arm-pits , and Neck with a course Cloath , without curious superstition of rigtht oblique or transverse Directions . Combing the Head every Morning is an exercise profitable for the Brain and upper Limbs encreasing their vigour and opening the Pores for the emission of Excrements engendred in the sixt Digestion , which is not a little depraved by a superfluous covering , so that the Brain through too much Heat becomes Effeminate , Soft and Imprudent . Let every man make choice of that Exercise or Recreation he is most inclined , most agreeable to his Constitution , whereby he is most relieved . CHAP. VIII . THe fifth inseparable Companion of our Life neerly related to Exercise and Motion is Sleeping and Waking . These make almost a Divident of the Life of this Microcosm : And happy it is for Man , that the first was Instituted , sith great are the Cares of miserable Mortals , that he hath reason to bless his Creator that he can fall into a sweet Lethean Sleep , which , like a short Death , deprives him of Sorrow and Anguish of Spirit . Pax Animi quem cura fugit . Albeit great is the comfort of a moderate Sleep , as to the refreshment of Body and Mind , whereby they are enabled to execute their Faculties and Offices more vigorously awake ; yet no small are the Discommodities brought upon us by excess therein , as an Indisposition to follow Ingenious Arts or Sciences , a Stupidity to comprehend the Truth of things , Forgetfulness , Supinity , or Indifferences what becomes of our future State , leaving Affairs in a confused condition , Indigested and Desperate . It heaps up Crudities , flats the Archeus , hinders the Expulsion of Superfluities , makes the Body Woman-like , Delicate , Tender , Wanton , unfit for any Noble Enterprize , accumulates Excrements , yielding abundant Matter for all sorts of Diseases , &c. Excess also in Waking is accompanied with multitude of ill Consequents , Impovrishment and Distraction of the Spirits , Absurd Idea's , Indigestion , an Augmentation of A-aids Hypochondriack Fits , Melancholy and Madness . CAAP. IX . THe last Inseparable Concomitant of Life to be Insisted upon , whereby our condition is made better or worse , according as we govern them well or ill , is our Passions ; which , if they move regularly , produce a sweet Tranquility in the Mind , and a Salubrity in the Body : but if extravagant , flying out beyond their bounds , they confound the whole Oeconomy of this Admirable Frame . The Stoicks seem to endeavour to deprive themselves of a Sensitive Life , when they would have a man to be 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . This is all one as not to take notice of any thing adverse to Nature : for it is impossible for a Man Apprehensible and Imaginable , not to be moved by the Object , he apprehends or Imagines ; as it is pleasing or distastful , so he desires it , or abhors it , the Affections hereby set on work , great reluctancy , effervescence perturbation arise in the Spirits which sometimes strangly alter the Texture and Crasis of the Blood. The Idea's or Images of Sorow , Fear , Anger , Joy , Jealousie , Hatred , Emulation are sometimes so fixed in the Animals , that they become indeleble : hence vain Imaginations of the whole Man , Dotage , Melancholy and Furie are Emicant : neither do the absurd Conceptions , and vain Imaginatiors of the whole Man only cause disturbance in the Stomack or Brain , Storms or Tempests in the Universal Archeus , but likewise the Spirit of every part frameth particular Images of Indignation , Fear , &c. Any Spinous , acculeating , or pricking Matter in any particular part , presently puts the Vital Spirit there into a passion , the Archeus of the Eye is forthwith put into an indignation , when an Extimulating Fretting Liquor is either injected into it , or engendred in it , through a fault in its peculiar Degestion : whereupon the Lympha , Latex , or the Wheyish Humour is lured or summoned for the Ablution of this Blot , or Defect , which when it cannot perform , the Ocular Water , as well as the Nourishment thereof , is depraved , through the ringing Attrition of the Sensitive Spirit , which ought by all means to be pacified . The like Perturbation is observed to be raised in the Archeus of the Ear , Nose , Windpipe , &c. when any troublesome cause ariseth there . 'T is certainly true , Omne Vivens Mortui impatiens esse solet . Whatsoever is alienated from Life , engendred either within , assumed or injected from without , brings , sometimes sooner or sometimes latter , the Custos of the Whole or Part into an Inquietude . For this reason Cantharides applyed , raise Blisters in the Skin of a Living Body : from the same cause do virulent Animals , Vegetables or Minerals , taken inwardly , Purge violently ; for as much as the Sensitive Spirit falls into an indignation at the presence of that it abhors , so makes a confusion of the holsome Juices by Colliquating , and Putrefying them . Hereupon so little benefit arises from things meerly loosening the Body : the Principal Agent being exasperated by what is contrary to its Texture and Nature . After this rate did I begin my Practice , being taught no better , than to give many Stools or Vomits , without indulging or pleasing this great President , which , as I have often proved , is the Supreme cause of Sanity and Infirmity . But afterward instructed by a far more able Tutor , than the Schools , I began to correct my former Traditional Error , following the sure Thread of repeated Experiments ; so that at length I never gave any Solutive not fitting to Corroborate the Stomach , not friendly to the Ferments and Vitals . Before I took this course , all frequent Laxatives were fruitless , because they did anger and enrage the Archeus , stirring up Storms and Tempest in the Microcosm , instead of a sweet Tranquility . By this means the Idea's of the Phantasie ingeneral were rectified and clarified , after that the Spirits in particular places were composed aright . He that desires to be free from absurd Melancholy thoughts , furious passions and perturbations , let him take Eustomachical Benign , Benevolent Remedies , sufficient always to cleanse away Impurities , without causing Hatred , Frowardness or high Displeasure in Nature , whose genuine course is to be observed without putting her to any violent stress , or compulsion . CHAP. X. The Pharmaceutick , or upright Method of Curing Diseases by Medicines in general . HOw the Galenists have been mistaken concerning the Four Elements , their Mixture for the Composition of Bodies , their Contrarieties , Qualities , Complexions , deduced from thence , how falsly they have delivered them to be Principles of Natural Existences , and the Causes of Sickness and Health , hath been perspicuously detected by our Philosophical Pyrotechnist : upon this foresaid rotten Foundation have they raised their Stately and Pompous Fabrick of Curing , Obstinately endeavouring still to keep it up . The Rule of Contraries derived from Imaginary Supposition of the Hostility and Reluctancy of the the Four Elements ( whence they say all Concretes have their Original by which they chiefly act , for the end to debellate Mans Infirmities , hath been the bane of many Myriads . Where they find any notable heat in a Feaver , they presently take Indication to cool the Body , in a degree proportionable to its Antagonist , in hopes thereby to reduce the Body to an Eucrasie . but still with unlucky success : For neglecting the Radical Cause , and aiming at the Abolitions of Accidents , Products or Symptoms , how can it be otherwise , but that they must needs miss the Mark , unless they hit it by casualty ? A Faithful Knowing Physitian is unconcern'd and indifferent whether the Patient be Hot , Cold , or Temperate ( as to the touch ) in a Feaver ; whether Thirsty or no. For asmuch as he understands the same Agent that sends forth a hot Blas , doth also send sometimes a Cold from the same Matter . He also frequently observes a Cold dead Splinter or Thorn doth Vex , Gaul , Fret the Archeus of the Finger in such a manner , that the Pulse becomes above measure Magnified , the Colour Rubified , the Blood incensed , the Heat Exalted : All which arise from the Material cause of the Thorn impacted : Likewise the Eye waters , smarts , abhors the Light , looks red or inflamed , from a mote or a small fragment of Glass , &c. Cold things ; by reason of the Passion of the Ingenite Spirit , much provoked at the presence of the Guest so unwelcomed to life . Moreover , a spark of fire , Essentially Hot , lighting upon the hand or elswhere causes a sudden shivering Coldness all over the Body . What is more frequent than to sustain a grievous Rigour or Coldness , even to chattering of the Teeth , from the abundance of a supposed humor called Choller , analogous to Fire ( as they will have it ) Hot and Dry. On the other side , how Hot and Dry have I known some Phlegmatick Bodies in Feavers , even beyond Cholerick ? In this Case , how , without contradiction to their Theorems , can they without lethiferous Mistakes , give cooling things , for the encrease of Phlegm , and Hot for the advancement of Choller : were not this to augment the cause of the Disease ? Is not this rather the very strait course to relieve the misaffected , to exempt the Thorn or Splinter out of the Finger ? the Mote & Fragment of Class out of the Eye by proper Instruments ? also to attenuate , rarifie Phlegm , to mitigate , Edulcorate , Retund and alter Choller , by what is adaequated operative , for the ablution , abstersion , and carrying away both . Sospite Stomachi ac Naturae robore , through all the most requisite Sluces of the Body . This done ( like a true Philosophical Artist ) a sweet Tranquility appears in the Vitals , all evil Symptoms of Heat , Cold , &c. forthwith or in a very short time vanish . Neither in this case is it of Moment , whether the Remedies bringing this to pass be Hot or Cold , sith as substracting the Fuel from the Fire it will quickly be extinguished ; so removing the occasional Matter of Heat , this is soon annihilated . Did the Schools rightly comprehend , how Fire may be procured by the Rapid Collision of two cold incombustible solid Bodies , as Stone and Steel , or by the long attrition of an accensible Matter , no whit hot to the touch , or by the Fermentation , Agitation , Conglomeration or Compression of Acids and Alkali's : also by Concentration of Light into a Cone , or Minute Compass , they would be better acquainted with the Cause of the Aestuation , Effervescence , and Accension of the Vital Spirits in Feavers ; hereby suitable Remedies might be provided . When at any time the Genuine , Domestick Spirits of the Microcosm , and a Wild Exotick Gas meeting together do strike or grate one upon another in a confused whirled manner : there strait breaks forth a preternatural heat , to be corrected by Pacifying the Vitals enraged , and enabling them to profligate or subjugate this hardly tameable , both subtil Wild Spirit , and the matter from whence it emerges ; which is never to be accomplished by Cooling Prescriptions , but by that which pleases the Archeus , indulging it exceedingly . If degenerate Salts , Acid or Alkali couched in a rotten Matter , create Thirst , or excessive Heat by framing a Tumult in the Animals , whatsoever doth correct the same is to be embraced indifferently whether hot or cold . 'T is enough if I can attain my Grand Intention , the ablation of the Nocuous Thermopoietick Matter , the Substance on which all Qualities , Accidents depend . If I can compass this Fundamentally , why do the Galenists wilfully blind , cavil and rail at my Elaborate Preparations , as violently Hot , Burning , Drying , Inflaming , when they cannot but be informed that I , spurning at their Silly , Insignificant Qualities of Heat and Cold ( as to Essential Cures ) I Extirpate all Feavers by amotion , and abandoning the Original Exciter thereof : But in this state I renounce all Dreggy , Drossy , Indigested , Extimulating , Fretting Saline , Unclean , Malignant , Virulent Medicaments which frequently given by them , certainly do often positively disturb the Stomach , procuring unkindly Heat . 'T is not that seeming to be Hot ( because it penetrates , rarefies , and affects the parts by its glowing , Spirituous Particles , as if something fiery were applied ) is rashly so to be censured in Effect : But what is Impure , Corrosive , or Venemous , is to be Condemned , as Burdensome caco-stomachical , Clogging , Fretting , Vexatious , Spinous , absolutely Hostile to our Principles , Putrefactive , and so Consequently , Thermopoietick . It Argues great Incogitancy in any , to Judge of the Inward Energie of an Elaborate Pharmacon by the Taste , or outward apposition before the Ingredients be rightly understood ; and the exquisite Manufacture discovered : Some things either taste not at all , or pleasantly , yet procreate Dyscrasies , deadly Intoxicating Consequents ; there is also that whose Sapour , harsh , nauseating of an Excelling Gust , notwithstanding Vivifick , Alexitery , Salutary , Eucrate in Operation . 'T is the Calamity of our Art , that the World knows not how to distinguish between the Adulterate and Legitimate Tractation of Chymical Works . Hereby Opportunity is given to the Enemies thereof , lying in Ambush , to Sally out opportunely , and Charge it fiercely , with those Crimes that their own and Vulgar Pseudochymical Medicaments are guilty of . Because the Officinal mixtures are inexpertly entred upon , ill-contrived , slubbered over , indiscreetly fabricated , for that respect are too Hot , Violent , hurtful to the Stomach , leaving sad Impressions behind of an Inflaming , Colliquating , Tabefying Condition ; ought upon this Score , our Philosophical Polyacea's acquired by Sweat , long Experience , and true Sophy of Pyrotechnie , be Sentenced as Vile , and Pernicious ? Certainly , the best Sack is not ere the less to be Reckoned a Noble Cordial , because some Vintners sell Sophisticated , depraved Liquor . What is more Common at this day , than to counterfeit the best in its kind , through Idleness , Self-love , Avarice , and wilful Inexperience ? If the Galenists would take pains themselves , not fearing the choaking fumes of Charcoal , nor the Arsenical Spirits of Minerals , taking the Fruits of their Labour into their own Bodies , before they tendered them to their Patients : Would they spare no Cost to the purchasing the best Materials ; or be willing to learn of those who are able to Instruct them , then would they soon be convinced of their Folly , that what I offer the Diseased , is neither too Hot , Dangerous or Injurious to Nature , though taken in a Quintuple Dose . Assuredly were not the Galenists most disingenuous beyond Expression , they would never discover their active Ignorance thus perpetually , to contradict , oppose , and malign the Method which they cannot but be Canscious , is the Down-right , Clear , Safe , Concise way of Healing by Suppressing , Taming , and Profligating what is really the Occasional Matter of the Disease , according to Hippocrates , Acide , Austere , Bitter , Pontick , not Cold or Hot. Those being altered and discarded by means of powerful , effectual , Arcana , an Eutaxie , Eucrasie , and Symetrie in the Microcosm follows . The Good Old Man also tells us of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Diseases , which I find common to all great Feavers containing a venemous Nature more or less , acting in an Extraordinary Irregular manner , different from meer degenerate Matter , as Acid , Bitter , &c. This sometimes if not maturely prevented , stabs the Heart a● it were with a Cryptick Dagger , no manifes● Reason derived from the Elements to be alledged . So Spiritual , graduated Poison is hatched in our Bodies , that it pessundates , or knocks down Animals in the twinckling of an eye . Dares any Humourist undertake by means of Heat or Cold to overcome Arsenical , R●algar , Aconital , Opiate , Sardonian , Taxea● , Cicutarie , Viperine , Scorpionian , Tarantula like Poisons forged by the continually moving Archeus , and specified according to its Fancy ? What a Childish Conceit is it to wave the oblation of what hath an Antidotal Virtue implanted in it sufficient to mortifie the foresaid Properties , least they be too heating ? What grand Do●age , yea Madness even to Homicide , not to permit a Cure for the scruple of an Idle , Vain Qualitie . ? Doth any but a Dolt fear to give Aqua-Vitae , or any Spirituous Liquors to a Lipothymical Person whose Vitals Wanze and Wain , imagining it may heat too much . Were our Lukewarm Physitians but as well experienced as Sea Chirurgeons , yea even as some of the more knowing Mariners , they would extirpate Feavers here , as Calentures at Sea , by ●ubtil Spirits , corrected with better Judgment than their Punch . For I know no solid ●eason why our Seamen should so frequent●y miscarry in their long Voyages heretofore ●●so that hardly a competent number were ●eft to bring home the Ship ) unless this , that ●hey take and give in Causons or Burning Feavors , apply likewise to Inflammations , Spiritous Liquors , a thousand times to be preferr'd before their Flat , Dull , Vapid , Mor●iferous , Cold Juleps , and other Insipids . If these Spirits too Hot ( as they will have them ) do good beyond their 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Spiritless Prescriptions , what will they perform in the hand of an Adeptus , who knows how to correct and free from Impurity , Acrimony , Tenacity , too much Famelick Praedatory faculty ( the Real Cause oftentimes of the indignation , consequently the excessive Heat of the Archeus ) the best of their Spirituous Preparations . This demonstrated ex facto without frivolous Controversies or Cavils , one would think should take these Humorists or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 from their Jejune , Cold , Torpid , Barren Opinions , that this or that is too hot , because it seems so to their Plebeian Rustick Taft : whereas in very deed it is only endued with a highly defecated Spirit , rectified beyond their vulgar Art , not able to free from a Cacostomachick dross , or Fretting , Coagulating , Spinous , Salt and Malignant , Venemous Sulphur , the occasional Causes of all Praeternatural Heat in the Body . Let these Philosophical reasons suffice for the confutation of their Accidental Way of Curing , by Heat and Cold , and that Calumniating Objection that the best Chymical Remedies are too Hot. Now shall I proceed in short , to detect how Maliciously as well as ignorantly , they impeach our Salutary Manufactures of Danger of Evil Consequence , of sad Impressions left behind , causing 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Antedating the Life , and bringing it to an Immature Period . I confess what they make the World believe in relation to our Instruments of Healing , may be fitly applyed to the Medicaments of their Dispensatory : for they are either clogged with Nauseating , Dirty , Foeculencies , abound with Impure , Acrimonious , Corrosive Salts and Sulphurs , or endued with some Deletery 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Ill-conditioned , Intoxicating Concretes , very adverse to Nature . The Chymical Preparations which they formerly inveighed against as 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Lethiferous , or dangerous , the Galenists have of late entertained into their Ill-compiled , Worse-managed Exemplar . This Rhapsodie of Chymical Pharmacy tran●cribed out of the more Trivial Authors , is 〈◊〉 Rude , Indigested , so slightly handled , more fitting the Laick , than any Sophical Clark , so uncertain , yea perilous in their ●ffects . Some whereof are Virulent , leaving many times Stigma's of their Malignity be●ind , so that no Adeptus but will conclude : The greatest part of them ought to be ex●unged , with a supply made of better things , ●nd what remains to be more discreetly ordered in their Manufacture . How do the Galenists impose upon us , first ●o Cry down most Satyrically , even to the Persecution of certain Honest Ingenuous Friends to this Art , those Meaner sort of Pa●acelsian Remedies , now to make use of them ●o the detriment of many a Patient , as well ●s to the keeping up the Credit of their Tot●ering Dogmatical Structure , which must of ●ecessity have fallen ere this to the ground , ●ad they not closely foisted in upon a pinch ●ome Spagyrical active Preparations stolen ●rom us , at that time , when their most Dull Mixtures would take no place : then boast●ng they tell the Credulous that their own gross Compositions had the greatest share in ●he Cure , whereas in reality , they did no o●her than hinder it . Upon this account how subtilly do some pretend to be Chymists , stealing Theorem● and Chymical Notions out of Van Helm . di●●guising , putting them into an Elegant dress concealing the Authors Name . Thus 〈◊〉 these Plagiaries own that filched from him , whom in publick discourse they eithe● condemn or slight : were they any whit candid , they would blush to do so . This Crime may justly be imputed to the Author De Fermentat . De Febri . and others , who make a great noise about Lac Sulphur . Spir. C. C. Spir. Vitri . Ens Vene . &c. enough ( they think ) to make them cryed up for rare Chymists ; whereas were these Men , with their Prescriptions , brought to the Test of Practice , they would easily be discovered to be but smatterers in this Philosophical Science : then would their egregious Defects be obvious to any knowing Person . Hereby the Safety , Innocence and Vital Preservation of Manufactures would appear , as much transcending theirs in excellent Endowments , as a Torch in its Bright Beams surpassing a small Tallow Candle . Moreover , we are able not only to justifie our Operations beyond theirs ; as free from hazard or dangerous Consequences : but we dare maintain what we give to the Sick , conduces to their future Welfare , and lengthning out their Life , according as Divine ●●ovidence is pleased to allow of the means 〈◊〉 that end . Having thus by solid Reasons offered to be ●●nfirmed by the true Touchstone of Expe●●ence , acquitted our Chymical Pharmacy from 〈◊〉 Slanders of our Enemies , viz. that our ●ateria Medica is so ill handled , that it is ●o Hot , Burning , Dangerous , &c. I shall ●ow describe the direct Method of Curing ●ifficult Diseases by help of a sincere Chymi●●l Legitimate Learned Art. The chief Indication or Scope , which the Well-instructed Physitian ought continually 〈◊〉 have an eye upon is , to keep in vigour , ●lso to pacifie , indulge , gratifie the Archeus 〈◊〉 Vital Spirit , the Achitectonical contriver ●f our first Being , the constant Conservator ●f our Well-being , the Author of our Health ●nd Sickness , Weal and Woe . This 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Hippocr . by its Impulse ●ets all the Wheels going . If a Dysphonie happen in the Sphere of this Vital Aire there a●iseth forthwith a jarring in the Inferiour Orbs of the Microcosm . The Second Principal Indication is the Ab●●tion of the Inward Efficient Cause , and the Outward Occasional Irritating Matter which ●isturbs the Archeus putting it into Enor●ous Passions and Perturbations . These are the two Leggs , by which Therapeutick or Healing Faculty is moved . 〈◊〉 that is wanting in one of these is certainl● Maimed . Whatsoever encreaseth the Eutonie o● Strength of the Vital Spirit , ought to have Similitude of Nature , and Symbolize wi●● the same Spirit , seeing Like doth readily ●●nite with Like , embracing each other in●●●mately . That we may find out a Compe● with the Archeus , the Essential knowle●● thereof is to be enquired after . The Vital Spirit is a most thin Aehere ▪ Breathing , arising from the Blood , perpet●●ally circulated in the Veins and Arteries ill●minated , framed by Virtue of a Vital Fe●ment in the left Ventricle of the Heart , of a Saline , Balsamical Constitution , by means o● whose Bright Beams all Spirits generated a new , diffused through the whole body receive their Light and Vivacity . The Original of this Ruddy Juice where the Spirits first begin to flash and glister is from the Stomach , where every thing ingested is dissolved ( by power of a Ferment , partly ingenite , partly derived from the Spleen or Arteries ) into a Whitish Acide Chyle ; This passing through the Pylorus or Neather Orifice of the Ventricle into the Guts called Duodenum , Iejunum , Ileon is there converted ( by a Lixiviate like , property of the Gaul , mixed with the Acid into a saline Texture denominated Chyme . The more refined part of this Juice is conveighed through invisible Pores of the Guts into the Venae Lactae or Milky Vessels , both trained by them , and likewise impelled by the Peristaltick Motion of the Guts . These Venae Lacteae carry the Milky Juice into the Liver Pancreas cava , through whose Channels it runs Rubified into the right Ventricle of the heart , thence it is driven out into Arteria Pulmon , divaricated into the Lungs , by means of the Centraction of the Heart , then taken up by the Vena Pulmonica , it falls into the left Ventricle , where it is Flavefied by the Vital Ferment of the Heart : by the force of whose Systole , this Spirituous Liqor springs into all parts designed for Nutrition , Procreation , Sense and Motion . Sith then 't is plain that the first Foundation of the Blood is laid in the Stomach according to whose 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , upon whose good and bad action future digestions depends : so that if the Chyle be once depraved in the first shop the Chyme and Milky Juice cannot be made in every respect approved in the second or third Laboratories : Consequently very laudable Blood and Spirits can never be Fabricated . For as the Chyle is , such is the Chyme , Lacteous Liquor , Latex , or Lympha , Cruor , Sanguis and Spirits . Sith then there is such a Concatenation , Connexion , continued File of the Albified Mass in the Stomach , to the rubified Balsome in the Heart , and so to the extreme parts : every , knowing upright Physitian ought to be sollicitous about the discreet Oeconomy or Order of this Noble part ▪ that defaecated Blood and Spirits may be created . Wherefore that thing ought not to be taken into the Body , which is any way offensive to the Archeal Ferment of the Stomach , or the weakening of its Tone . Whatsoever is Dull , Flat , Dreggy , Fretting , Rank , Corrosive , or Virulent must be avoided . Things Active well purified 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in a just proportion 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 exquisitely mixed , endued with an 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 fragrant smell , Sympathizing with the Constitution of this Membrane , Benevolent , and Antidotal are to be assumed , that Clean , Bright Spirits may be multiplyed springing from this Vital Balsame . Well-rectified Spirits of Strong Liquors I have always found to perform much tending to that end before proposed . For no sooner are they received into the Stomach , but part of them are rapt into the Vessels , being suddenly carried into the Heart and Brain , whereby the whole Body is invigorated , the Vital Spirits in a Moment encreased and illuminated : hereupon the Peccant Matter disturbed is profligated by Sneezing , Expectoration , Sweating , or Transpiration : by some Effloresence or Eruption in the Skin , as Pimples , Spots , Botches , &c. by Stool or Urine . The Truth of this , as I said before , is confirmed by those who making long and dangerous Voyages , recover of grievous Maladies , as Calentures , Scurvie , &c. by force of a quickning Drink called Punch , made of Rack or Brandy : whereas formerly they were turned off as fast as rotten Sheep , through that Nonsensical Method of Healing , which the Doting Galenists taught the Credulous World , by Cooling , and Moistning Juleps . In such sort hath the Authority of these Dogmatists Domineered over Mankind for many Ages past ; yea doth yet endeavour to uphold the same amongst us , that Millions have perished by this Absurd Doctrine of Heating in Cold Diseases , as likewise Cooling in Hot. However many Intelligent Subtil Wits do discover the Falacy of their Corrupt Theorems , or Axioms in Physick , casting away their Slibbersauces , do rather chuse to trust to Holsome , Well-made Strong Liquors in Feavers , than their Ill-contrived Insalutiferous Weak , Drossie Mixtures or Compositions . I heard a Learned Gentleman of Note declare , that he was Cured of a Malignant Feaver by means of Brandy Wine well construed taken in a large quantity , when the Methodical Doctor of the Colledge , threatning his Ruine thereby , caused him to desist , but for one day , and take his more Temperate Prescriptions , which had like to have cost him his Life , if he had not fallen to his former Spirituous Liquor again . For my part I am of this Judgment , that 't is better ( for the most part ) to Cure Feavers after the Maritine Mode , than to walk in the Customary Road of Exhibiting Medicines according to the supposed Qualities described in the London Dispensatory . I le maintain Hippocr . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , constant , moderate sumption of Strong Liquors ( omitting Broath , Gellies , Water-Gruel , Spiritless Pos●et-crink , &c. ) shall be more prevalent to rid away Feavers in general , than that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Hodg Podg of Supernumerary Ingredients jumbled together without Discretion , or serious consideration of the congruity of each one with another , without seperating the precious from the vile by a Pyrotectnical Analysis of every Concrete , whereby the violent Ferine powers of some things are mitigated , cicurated , and made Friendly to our Constitution : also the singular Medical Dowrie of other Concretes are explicated , exalted , graduated , the clog of their Terrestrial Impurities discharged , hindering their Activity . Who that is experimentally Intelligent , would not in a sudden Lipothymie or Defection of the Spirits , rather confide in the Analeptical or Refocillating Efficacie of good Wine , or well Distilled Brandy , than in Diascordium , Venice Treacle , London Treacle , or any of their Confections Elect. or divers of their Potions ? I cannot otherwise believe but that the Benign Creator , pitying the sad Condition of Man , made worse by the Doctrine of Galen ( who never saw Aqua Vitae ; therefore delivered to Posterity , this Gross , Fulsome , Fruitless Means of Curing ) hath in this later Decrepit , Infirm Age of the World , detected by the mouth of Mariners and Rusticks , the use of those excellently well Distilled Spirits , which these Thermologists , and Psychrologists ( a company of Delirous Disputants about Hot and Cold Diseaseases , requiring , as they say , Instruments of a contrary quality thereto to be applyed , neglecting the Essential Nature , and Radical Cure of Diseases ) have Suppressed , to the Infinite Detriment of Mortals , for many Centuries of years . Now can the Indigent Sick-man without fear of over-heating his Blood , threatned by these Thermologists , confidently swallow a due Portion of vegetable Spirit potent to augment sometimes to admiration the paucity of the Animals , enabling them to exclude some part of the Spurious Juice offending the Body like a Thorn in the side Now both Country-Men , as well as Sea Men , take these Spiritouus Liquors , withou● scruple that they may quench their thirst asswage Burning Feavers , keep off a fixe● Delirium , and procure rest , to the confusi●on of the rotten Precepts of these Ignorantly Learned Galenists . Away then with these idle fopperies of taking directions of curing from Heat and Cold : hereby fancying ap●plications contrary to those Accidents wil● prevail ; seeing it is perspicuous , all those endeavours come to nought , unless the vital Spirit be animated to exterminate the occasional extimulating cause of Heat and Cold. It being then demonstrable , that Spirits are best multiplied vigorously by Spirits , with which they symbolize ; we ought to be solicitous concerning their preparation with a proportion to be allowed to the Archeus . I find it frequent among the vulgar Chymists to boast , how they can make vinous Spirits , that in a considerable quantity will all burn away to the accension of Gunpowder in the bottome . Having attained thus far in this process , they think , there remains nothing more in our Philosophy ▪ For all this , if any study earnestly to 〈◊〉 as an able Physitian , those Spirits made according to the common tract , seeming to be re●ned contain in them an occult Impurity● some clandestine discommodity with some di●gustful tang , sensible by the tast of our Vitals . Although it be hard for the Plebeian to distinguish one from the other , yet an expert Distiller knows the difference , and happy effect , of that which is really mundified , above what seems to be so . That Spirit of vegetables may be handled knowingly , it behoveth the Naturalist to anatomize it pyrotechnicoôs , that he may understand of what parts it consists , and how useful it is . According to our Philosophy , an Aqua-vitae may be extracted out of all Herbaccous Plants , i. e. Grass , Blade , Leaf , Weed , &c. which contains an Alkali ; a Sulphur and some particles of an occult sub-acid Salt , easily to be converted into Vineagar , when it floats with a Tartareous Matter . The vinous Alkali and Sulphur together exalted , become a Balsamical Spirit of great force to preserve things from corruption . Taken into our Bodies it is immediately changed partly into a vital Spirit , suddainly conveighed by the Vessels to the Head and Heart , part becomes Acid in the Stomach , for the recreation , or emendation of the Innate Ferment ; as likewise for a previous Disposition , in order to a future alteration in the Intestines into a volatile Alkali , by the eliquating , or scouring facultie of the Gaul● afterward transmitted to the Kidneys , it is turned into a Urinous Salt , by a peculiar Ferment there implanted . Lastly some portion runs into an Insipid Liquor , called Latex or Lympha . Thus is Salt and Sulphur of Plants , which make up one Spirit pliable , subactil , or mutable ( above other ingested things ) into this or that form , according as the Ferments of every shop of digestion please . Moreover the Spirit of Plants , if dextrously exercised , is capable to be assimilated into all parts Continent and Conteining , leaving little or no excrement behind : cherishing , yea . , in some measure , reducing aright exorbitant Ferments . The Digestive Fermenting Accid , in the Stomach , as well as the Alkali in other parts , ( the Instruments of formal Transmutation ) are exceedingly meliroated , and the Spirits forthwith augmented by the access of this seemingly Homogeneous Liquor . That this compleatly purified Liquor so acceptable to the Vitals may be obtained , the prudent Artist is to make itirated Ablutions with what is of a saponary condition that the viscous clammy gummous matter may be purged away . Secondly , he is frequently to Distill it with a convenient heat : Addition being made of those things , which in the bottome of the Glass detain ungrateful 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , inebriating , noxious Sulphur , letting out what is pleasing to Nature , Innocent , strengthening the Head , Membranes , and Sinews . There is also to be injected that which may retund , or dulifie any Secret , unkindly Acid , lurking in the Spirit , can lenifie , or introvert , any fretting quality latitant in the Alkali , tame the Gas Sylvestre , entangle or fetter it , that it may not too nimbly aspire : to laevigate , as it were Polish , any roughness in it . Whosoever hath acquired this Spirit , can tread under his Feet , all those slanders , back-bitings , malicious reports of the Galenists , that the Spirits of vegetables are too Hot , Inflaming , Consuming the Radical moisture , causing Delirium , shortning the life ; all which I am sure is verified , concerning some of their rude preparations of Aquavitae . Poor Ignorant Souls ( though Learned Men ) that should be unacquainted with the right Manufacture of a Liquor so vulgarly known to be useful , sold in trivial shops , &c. How is it likely these vain Thermologists , i. e. Busibodies about Heat and Cold , shoull Judge of the Effects or Operations o● Chymical Enterprizes , sith they ar● unwitting of the due tractation of Spirit o● Wine . I appeal to any intelligent Philale●thes whether they are like to fabricate , o● hammer out the remedies of a Superiou● Class , who are thus egregiously to seek i● those of an Inferiour . 'T is no wonder they are so timorous , in the offering to the Sick any thing of thin parts , Pungitive , Penetrating , or Exciting the natural faculties , for fear they should be overheated : for as much as they give the foul with the fair , the Realger with the Mineral , the poysonous Sting with the Hony ; whereas a faithful well grounded Physiologer Sequesters , the Evil , reserving the Good ; which he can securely tender the Infirm ( without curious observation of measure , or weight ) from one to ten or more . The greatest misery I know accrewing to Man worse than the Plague , Sword , Fire , &c. is from these Galenists running upon false suppositions , to wit that their Galeno Chymical Pharmacy is sufficiently instructed with all endowments becoming compleat Medicines . This they rather wilfully than unwitting●y suggest to the World , most abominably ●mposing upon the credulous , even For●unes Favorites ( by whom they are too zealously imprudently protected to the dammage of Mortals ) that they are the most expert Chymists , vilifying all others , be they never so Legitimate Sons of Art. These are the Spurious Chymists , who I will maintain are overwhelmed in Clouds of Darkness arising from their Covetousness , Ambition , Malic● , Laziness , Self-love , &c. that they cannot see the right way of making a compleat vegetable Spirit . Having purchased according to the best Rules of our Pyrotechnical Philosophy , a compleat Aquavitae : the next care , is to dispense it aright , to minister such a measure thereof proportionable to the Individual Crasis , Custome , and Course of Life , of the sick Body , the defection of Vitals , magnitude , and duration of the Disease , the good or bad , condition thereof : Here by the way , I am bound to reprehend the Busie-bodies about Heat and Cold severely , who miserably titubate and express extream weakness in the just quantity of their own Remedies : For a president of the Galenists did not heretofore dare to prescribe above five Grains of Antimonium Diapho , in a Feaver : another of the same Society was doubtful whether he might with safety give four or five Grains of Bezoar . Orient . or above ten Grains of Coccus Baphic . Cochin . above two drops , of Spirit of Harts-horn , for fea● of overheating , &c. What is the reason of all this supercilious Nicety , but meer Igno●rance of the true principles of Nature mistakes in the causes of our Calamities , in discreet manufacture of Materia Medica ▪ fitting to subdue them . Did they tak● pains with their own Fingers , they would quickly learn the amplitude of the Por●tion of a well adorned remedy , that one small quantity of proper analepticks , or re●stauratives will do good , yet the same multiplied to five six , or seven , to twelve parts ▪ or rates , will really do no harm , but make a far greater improvement of natural vigour . For if they would be taught : These Malevolents would not so unworthily , rashly censure my Stomach Essence , my Elixir Balsamick Tinctur . Polyacea &c. to be preternaturally Hot , &c. Thus it evidently appears that none but an Adeptus , one that as his undoubted Right can say 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 i. e. I have found it out , can define and adaptate a just scantling , weight and Measure of meet Remedies to the languishing Spirits , enabling them to destroy the Strong-holds of a Disease . Wherefore a Patient having an Aversati●n to Vinous Liquors , ought to be more ●ndulged , to be suffered to imbibe the less , ●nd that mixed and disguised with somthing ●ore grateful . He that hath accustomed ●imself to smaller drinks , ought not to be ur●ed to assume so much , as one used to fre●uent compotation of Wine , &c. Above all , ●et the Physitian give liberally these Vegeta●le , Active Particles to the sick , whose spi●its are weak , and the Maladie strong , very malignant , &c. Five or ten times the portion of a reviving Medicine is but sufficient in some cases , when in another state , a single exhibition ●oth help Nature to throw its Enemy spee●ily out of doors . Long fixed evils are to be ●ollowed close with large quantities , often ●epeated ; likewise the Plague , Pestilential Feavers , whatsoever grief hath in it , much of the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Hippo. i. e. a poisonous condition . In all respects 't is better to propose more copiously , than niggardly , when ●he Instruments we work withal are safe , admitting an extension not easily culpable . Or●inary strong spirits are not to be taken without notable caution plentifully , and that well corrected by some Adjuncts , as sugar , ●nd with grateful Acids , for they contain much intoxicating stinking Sulpur , mixt with a fretting Salt injurious to the Stomach Nerves and Membranes , producing preternatural Heat : so that in conclusion , 't is no the pure , well corrected Spirits of Plants that causes those great discommodities , as excessive Heat , Inflaming , &c. which these Thermologists lay to their charge ; but their heedless Preparation by A philosophical Ideots in our Art , as likewise the rash pouri●g into the Ventricle , much more than is fitting . From Vegetables there may be Extracted ; besides an Aqua-Vitae , certain Essential Salts holding close concordance with the Vitals , some of which harbour Specifik Gifts for the Cure of certain kinds of Griefs . In general , these Salts absterg glutinous Excrements , attenuating Viscosites , sweeten preternatural Acidity , animate the Archeus , help Digestion , and strengthen all parts ; causing Urine , Sweat , Expectoration . Now these ought to be accurately framed for Medical use , otherwise they will come short of what we expect . I find it the most Compendious Effectual way to Separate the Sulphurious or Oily part from the Concrete , than to change it into a pure volatile Alkali : This is done by Ablution , Digestion , repeated Distillation . Thus much concerning the Iatrical Virtue of Spirits and Salts fetched from Vegetables , ●s they have Affinity with our Vital Principles : now I shall proceed to shew what pro●inquity there is between the Vital Spirits ●nd Alkali's obtained from Animals . I find , according to Pyrotechnical Trials , ●hat all parts of Man , even his Excrements , ●bound with Urinous Alkali's , especially the Bones , Blood and Urine . Each of which afford in Stilling an Alkali or Urinous Salt much alike , yet different in their Effects : for according to Van Helm . Spirit of Blood avails against the Epilepsie . The Spirit of Urine is of no force thereto . Likewise I find Spirit or Salt of Bones to Operate that which the other two fail in : yet may they all be so prepared , that neither Taste , Smell , Colour ●hall distinguish them . I have for many years much toiled with my Head and Hands , to find out what might directly match the Principal Agent in our Body , the only 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , Contriver of both Health and Sickness . After often and serious Contemplation , with strict Examination of divers Concrets by optical Analysis , I find nothing more like to do my business , than those subtil saline particles , drawn out of the Horny , Bony or Dental Concretions of certain Animals , or got out of the Dung of some Creatures , abounding with Volatile Salts : But above all I found at length Volatile Salts or Spirits , allured out of divers Po●tions of Mans Body , were most to be prefe●red ; for the Augmentation , Vigour of th● Archeus , to this I was induced by the u●doubted Authority of the Maxime in Phio●sophy , Simile simili gaudet , also Iisdo● nutrimur quibus constamus . Besides , my p●●pose was confirmed by the Essential Consi●tution of the Vital Spirit ; viz. Saline a●cording to our Philosopher : Est ipse Spirit● Vitae de Natura Salis volatilis & Salst . v. ● 136. Sextup . Digest . The Vital Spirit is of 〈◊〉 nature of a Volatile Alkali . Moreover , 〈◊〉 Blas Humanum , p. 113. Per motum nempe 〈◊〉 Sanguinis non quidem Acidi sed Salsi exte nutio , neque ideo in pinguedinem sive Butyru● vertitur , sed in Spiritum Vitalem de salis ad●oque de Balsami natura . Certainly by Motio● the Blood is rarefied into a Saline not Aci● Spirit : neither is it changed into a Fatty Bu●tynous Substance , but into a Vital Spirit o● the nature of a Sal , for that reason it is Balsamical . Also Pa. 443. AuraVitae . Estque ide● Spiritus Vitalis Salsus , viciniorque Spiritui lo●tij quam Sali-petrae . The Vital Spirit is a Salt of nigher affinity to the Spirit of Urine than Salt-peter . Membro semel stupefacto , si sensus redierit , id sane cum sensibilibus stimulis & punctionibus fit quae & verae salsedinis sunt indicia . If at any time a member benummed , recovers its perfect sense , there is felt prickings , and thorny shootings , which are infallible signs of a salt matter . From the consideration of the saline Texture of the Vital spirit , I laboured about the Alkali's of this Microcosm : divers parts whereof I Dissected , fetching out by Pyrotechnie their Volatiles , which I studied to nobilitate by frequent scouring , iterated distillations , even to ten or eleven courses , adding every turn a fitting Mundifier , keeping them in digestion three weeks or a Month : I then proceeded to correct any harsh , Acid quality lurking in them by that which blunts , lenefies , or mollifies the same by feeding their hungry appetite with a pleasing Nutriment , that they may not so eagerly prey upon the Body , to entangle and clip their Wings , that they may not ascend too high , or fly away too nimbly to exalt them , and advance them to a more lofty virtue , by the intermixture of some small portion of Salt of Tart. volatile , united with a pure vegetable Spirit . Having thus prepared the highest clarified Liquor , I have found it to carry an admirable conformity with the Vitals , to symbolize with our Constitutes , so that the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 taking it up greedily , forthwith strengthned , musters greater Forces for the expulsion of the Enemy that hath Invaded its Teritories . This is really a Polyacea : if further graduated it may come nigh a Panacea . No sooner do the most defaecated Atoms in this active , fluid Body , arrive in the Stomach , but some portion is strait absorpt , or lickt up by the Archeus for its own Corroboration ▪ Part is made use by the natural Archiater fo● the banishment of those burdensome , aculeating , strange Apostate Juices , absolute enemie● to Life , through all the cleansing passages convenient Quo natura vergit , whether she pleases by the Kidneys , Intestines , through Mouth , Ears , Nose , through the Pores of the Skin , o● by a vigorous extermination of some malignant cadaverous Excrements lodging in the Center , to the utmost bounds of the Body . Add to this the Archeus enabled makes use of this symbolizing Alkali , as an Instrument to edulcorate what is Acid , to make slick any roughness , to mitigate any biting , or fretting Liquor , to suppress , reduce to regularity or explode exorbitant wild Spirits , to correct the defects , or obliquities of the Ferments , that they may not continually engender the like vitiosity , to deobstruct the Vessels stuffed with any congealed Blood or viscous , calculous concrete , or Phlegm , by attenuating , dissolving , scouring away the same : lastly to polish and confirm the Tone of every part . Thus can Nature Act rare feats , when it is animated by a Second , when it meets with that which is of the same Pedigree with it self : i. e. those saline particles first framed in the Stomach , and Intestines afterward more refined are destinated for diversity of uses in this mass of flesh . Now 't is not the common Alkali's used by the Galeno-Chymists , that are sufficient to satisfie an able Chymist for the attaining the foresaid end . Although I acknowledge the best remedies they possess are volatile Spirits , drawn out of Harts-horn , Armoni . Ivory , &c. Yet I must tell them withall , if they would desire to be instructed in the Art as it is Scientifick indeed : I can demonstrate that their Spirit of Harts-horn and Sal. Armoni . are neither rightly Corrected nor Clarified as they ought : for that reason not so well embraced by the Vitals . It is not without cause then that some pronounce it to be overheating , &c. Therefore to be given Scrupulously , seldom above a Scruple at a time : whereas if it be prepared by the hand of a Legitimate Chymist , it hath no ill property , but is fitting to be administred without the least danger in a large quantity , to the debilitating strong , Acute , and Long Diseases . For the confirmation of what I deliver , if Doctor Willis , who trusts much to this volatile , or any other , would please to be so Ingenuous to make the experiment thereof , I shall order Spir. C. C. so Technically , that without measuring or weighing it , I will undertake to cure Languid Person with more speed , security , and pleasin● gust , wholly trusting to this Alkali ( al●though I have for many Years laid it aside Remedies of more excellent Form coming to my Possession ) than they with their ow● unpolished , imperfect , Distilled Spirit o● the same kind . The Alkali out of Mans Bones , I mus● commend as an admirable Medicine , usefu● both for Inward and Outward griefs of th● Body , if construed by a Philosophica● hand . Yet I have rarely met with any so compleatly regulated according to those Rules before described , but brought to the Test , it hath not been altogether so safe insisting upon an Ample Quantity , nor so efectual respecting the Quality , or singular Analeptick property , with which such volatiles ought to be endued . Spirit of Sal. Armoniack , if elegantly prepared , that it move in the middle Sphere , not soaring wantonly too high ; if its hungry Appetite be in some measure allayed , if freed from any impurity , if married intimately to a Vegitable Spirit , with which it hath similitude , abounding with an abstersive Salt , may challenge no small priviledge in strengthning and encreasing the Vitals . That Volatile Alkali's do match the Texture of the Animal Spirits above any besides is certain . However Acid Spirits , if handsomly framed , want not their eminent use in refreshing the Archeus ; wherefore their keen corosive particles , are to be made blunt supple , their foul Sulphur cleansed , their fair extraverted , what is gross in them to be rarefied , whatsoever is extraneous savoring of an unkindly , Mineral condition , ought to be rejected , their ill odour to be amended , all dross to be separated from them ; and lastly , to be copulated by frequent Distillation with a defecated Alkali . Such an Acid avails much in healing , for it is grateful to the Stomach raising a kindly Appetite : it reforms a preternatural Ferment , cherishing what is genuine ; By it , rotten , stinking , spurious saline matter in the Stomach , producing extream thirst is tamed , altered , and cleansed away . The Vitals having Allured to themselves the Alkali Atomes the Acid Corpuscles are stamped into another Form in the second digestion , where they become by the transmuting faculty of the Gaul injected on them , another Juice , loosing their Acidity , withall assuming an abstersive Salt , which easily passing through the Kidneys puts on an Urinous Nature , producing plenty of Urine In other shops they purifie the Blood and L●●tex , penetrating deep , carry off superfluitie through the whole skin . I admire the Galenists who proclaim them●selves Chymists should dare to give suc● Ill-prepared Acids in their Juleps or othe● Mixtures , such as are so far estranged from the constitution of the parts continent an● contained , that they carry no concordanc● with them . Of this sort are Oil of Vitriol Sulphur , or what they nominate 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Spirits of the same : for those are fretting gnawing , biting mortifying : Thes● meerly acetous , rough , harsh , stiptick , un●pleasant , flat , dull , unprofitable Liquors ▪ plainly detecting , that they were never made by a knowing Philochymist , as intended fo● that use which our Dogmatical Scribes put them to : For hereby they think to take of● Heat and Thirst in Feavers upon the account of their supposed cooling quality , attributed to them by these Thermologists : not considering , that those effects of a few drops ; eatting a Woollen or Linnen Cloath quite through in a very short time , cannot possibly arise from a cold Temperature , or any other primary quality ; but from the abundance or conglobation of acute saline ponderous Particles as it were connexed in a Cone , which thus concenterated tear , and rend in pieces any subject capable : wherefore as long as these Salts continue in this position or Texture , I cannot allow them fitting to be exhibited by an able Healer : for being Salts colliquated or melted , then forced over by a strong fire , they retain much of their pristine Original , easily prone to be reduced into Salt of a nauseous unpleasant taste . He that desires to procure a Spirit of Vitriol or Sulphur of a grateful smell and taste , welcome to the Ferment of the Stomach , capable without difficulty to be altered into an Alkali , apt to discharge ●mpurities through all convenient sluces , must extravert the Sulphur , so then by a strong fire dilate their fiery beams , that they may become Luminous , not burning ; must farther take off their sharp edge , by intervening particles readily closing in with them , whereby their heavy corpuscles are allevated , their opacous consistence made nitid : hereby our Spirits comprehend them with joy . Moreover , the Spirit of Salt so much disscoursed of , also applauded by some as made so Artificially , I find very deficient , scarse deserving the name of Spirit : for that vulgar Liquor abounds with Phlegm , little Saline Matter , and that far from a genuine Spirit , sith it may by evaporation be brought to a corpulent Sal. What is really a Spirit is so volatile that it flyeth away ( unless very closly stopped ) incontinently : Distilled i● leaveth no gross residue , it is delectable to the taste , of the Stomach alike as to the Palate : hence it is very Medicinable . This requires labour with discreet Analysis of the Body of the Salt by a Golden Sulphur and an Alkali . I shall here opportunely reprehend our Galeno-chymists , who affuse Oil of Sulphur to those three Species the matter of Elix . Propri . supposing hereby both to open their Body , correct any ill property , and advance their virtue , whereas they make by this means the excellent dowry contained in them more concluse , hardly to be communicated to their very homely Menstruum , they encrease the biting acride fretting quality of the Aloe or Myrrhe whereupon follows a Dyscrasie in the parts , geld or mutilate the Species , instead of raising them to be more masculine and compleat . If we contemplate this rude Manufacture of Elix . Propr . 't is no wonder those botching Chymists mist of their drift in curing by such imperfect Instruments . 'T is no wonder they complain they are too Hot , unsafe , causing Cephalalgie , &c. Thus taking measure by their own deformed Practice , the Reason is plain why such Contumelies and disrespect is daily offered to this Salutary way by these Chymicophants , continually buzzing Falsities in the years of the Rich as well as the Poorer sort , unstable , credulous , admiring the Authority of a company of Outsides , who have nothing to plead for their Errors but Antiquity . They have Impudently , Fictitiously suggested that the best Chymical Remedies , although fabricated by a most accurate Vulcan , are dangerous , excessively Hot , leaving a Sting behing , not to be prescribed but by the most precise Rules of their Method , exactly weighing or measuring them . Thus these Praevaricators impose upon the Simple , perswading them that they possess well-prepared Medicines above others : when in truth I can prove them to be but meer Philosophasters in our Sophy : that they are miserably involved in Darkness , not only to the handy work of the best Innocent means , but also in what belongs to the Oblation of them to the Patient , in a just quantity & time . These Chymicophants certainly ( did they rather chuse to be , than seem ) would uncessantly make a severe Scrutiny by Protechny into the Essence and quiddity of Concretes , that having extracted their pure parts , they migh● advance them by adjuncts agreeable to Na●ture , avoiding all hurtful Acids , circumci●sing or empairing their Goodness . Where●fore the Mass of Aloe , Myrrhe , Saffron being recluded by a proper Alkalizate Liquor , wil● by digestion freely communicate its more re●fined particles , to a Spirit symbolizing with ours , of great efficacy in curing Dangerous Maladies if given proportionably to their degree of Malignity . Note some Acids , wherein certain concretes pulverized very fine are infused , seem to dissolve them radically , to draw out high Tinctures in so much the Loborator is much affected therewith supposing he hath obtained his wished desire : when at length upon a stricter test , it is really only a disguise in the Liquor arising from the piercing Salt of the Dissolvent , obsorbing the tenuious Corpuscles of the Dissolutum , which closely combined , produce this colour . These Salts keeping in a FIux , the particles of the Matter infused hide them that they are not discerned : till the activity of the Salts be somewhat exhausted or grown languid through Expiration , or a matter injected , suddenly embracing the Dissolvent , makes forthwith a separation of it and the Dissolutum , whereby a palpable Pouder is precipitated to the bottome , and the colour of the Liquor reduced to what it was before . This I made trial of in Zwelfer his Spirit , of Venus pouered upon Crabs eyes , seeming to be brought into a Mucilage , their primum Ens , till upon the coalition of an Alkali they returned to their former shape of a Powder . The same deception may be discovered in Spirit of Bread affused to red Coral , as likewise in several other Acid Dissolvents . This may suffice to shew that vulgar Acids do neither candidly deal with us , in dissolving Concretes radically , neither do they prefer them to higher dignities of efficacy in Healing . Van Helmont's advice is therefore strictly to be observed to endeavour to make the fixed Alkali of Tartar volatile , for the separation , and improvement of the better part of Bodies . Doubtless that great Segregatour of all Concretes into Salt , Sulphur , Mercury , that the pretious may be separated from the vile , and yet it self kept in its integrity without any diminution of its virtue , hath its original from an Alkali combined with pure Mercury : It behoveth then every Physitian to make a daily inspection into these Salts , both friendly to the Nature of Man , and so prevalent in the unlocking Materia Medica , that so we may carry away what is sanative , and leave the destructive . CHAP. XI . AS the Vital Spirits are to be multiplyed by their like , that they may be lusty to conquer their Enemy : so are they likewise to be pacified , lulled asleep , diverted , treated gently , to be gratified with harmless Anodives , Sedatives , delightful Speculatives , the most lucid Objects , and most beautiful Idea's . This Renowned Design is to be accomplished by Vegetable Animal and Mineral Sulphurs . Nothing in this kind acts better than Mineral Sulphurs brought to an height of Entelechie ; for no sooner are they taken into the Stomach , but the Vitals are refocillated by their bright Rays , a sweet composure follows , their fury and rage taken off , black deformed Images of Mortality defaced , bright lovely Idea's of Health taking place . Vegetable Sulphurs afford us excellent virtue in Healing , if freed from an Empyreumatick Tang , elaborated from an unkind Acid lurking in them , either to be altered to a sweetness by what is apposite , or abstracted from them by curious Art. Add to this , if they abound with store of volatile Alkali's , and of good odour : otherwise they put the Ferment of the Stomack to difficult labour , ●n removing their unctuosity , that they may become fitting for sanguification . Those volatile Salts which harbour a stinking Oleous Odour can never be grateful to the Vitals . Odores Oleosi abstracti a suis Concretis , inquinando potius afficiunt quam materialiter in Arterias subeant . Helm . de F●br . p. 90. Wherefore I admire how some of our Learned Chymicophants can pretend to be so knowing in our Sophy , yet know not how to rectifie , or to give a better Odour to Spirits of Harts-horn , Soot , &c. that they may be more acceptable to the Animals . As long as any relique of faetid Oil lies couched in the saline Particles , it must needs contaminate the more elegant Crasis : Although some alledge the Medicine is robbed of part of its Medical endowment if this unpleasant hogo be sequestred : yet dispensing with the frequent employment of about some Graveolents , as likewise , what may be requisite in Historical Affects without Controversies 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Bene Olents are most agreeable to the Synthesis or Constitution of the Vitals : witness the Essential Oils of Cinamon , Clove , Mace , Nutmegs , &c. which being odorous plentifully imbued with Saline Particles , immediately Refocillate , Illuminate and Compose Nature . All caution therefore ought to be used , that the Fire may not give Vegetables or Animals an ill odorous Impress , scarce somtimes to be expunged : also to exercise 〈◊〉 manner of industry that the foul Sulph●● may not rise with the clean Spirits or Sal● or if it so happen , it may by digestion and ma●nifold distillation with proper Adjuncts 〈◊〉 divorced , at least much diminished . There are several Sulphurs , Balsams o● Oyls extracted out of Vegetables , of good con●cernment in Healing , as Aromatick and ma●ny fragrant Plants : Oyl of Aniseed , Fennel● Marjoram , Rosemary , Thyme , Lavender , Sassafras , Lemons , &c. are to be commended as they are if nitide and throughly polite ( by reason of the auspicious benevolent aspect on the Archeus ) yet if they shall be converted into benign Spirits or Salts , they far transcend the former , working strange Cures . Oyl of Terebinth spiritualized by a right Spagyrical hand will get a Physitian credit by its splendid effluviums , but Oyl of Amber made serene will do better things : also Balsam Peruvian , and Balsam Capiviae , Arbor . Vit. rarefied , or set at liberty from their grosser matter , then changed into a sublime , Aethereal substance , will send forth some bright beams for the enlightning this microcosm . Oyl of Guaicum and Box Distilled without ●aetid , unsavory , fiery smell , or tast , afterward exalted to a highly volatile Spirit are delightful to the Archeus , and far to be approved before any Diet-drink bochet , &c. offered by the Galenists for the cure of the Lues Venerea , or other stubborn Diseases . Note , that we ought to be very studious in the hebetating , or withdrawing the Acid latitant in most Oils , whereby their virtues may become more explicated , as likewise more capable to embrace Mineral Sulphurs , and fixed Alkali's , for their more easie transmutation into a spirituous Liquor . what a happy Comodity arises from the enjoyment of Oil Olive separated from its Acid is known to most . The Sulphur of Wine changed into a saline nature serves for multitude of excellent uses , both as preparative and sanative . Oyl of Tartar Distilled dexterously that it may not be so graveolent , next altered into a volatile Saline Liquor , affords prosperous effects in grievous Calamities . The essential Oil of Myrrh , Aloe , Saffran intimately united with a pure volatile Alkali deserves worthy applause in curing a Quartane , and other tedious Griefs ▪ for it rarely Composes the disorders of the Archeus . Observe that Oils or Sulphurs so graduated , that they harbour good store of a kindly well Clarified Salt colliquated i● them , are more profitable for all intention of curing outward Affects then being so●litary . Hereby great Dolors are allaied pains mitigated , Aciditie in the part edu●●corated , Asperities levigated , Contracti●ons exporrected , Tumours discussed , o● maturated , Inflammations qualified , Node and Schirrous concretions dissolved , Corruption and Malignity in Ulcers mortified ▪ but above all : the Archeus exceedingly delighted with the application . Certain sulphureous Juices coagulated , as Aloe Opium Scam . Ixia , &c. artificially handled , and duly corrected , that their Poisons may be destroyed , solace the Archeus , enabling it to profligate the deseased matter , according as an orgasmus thereof directs . Gums and Resins used as Topicks afford great comfort to the part aflicted : yea some hung about the Neck emit a splendid virtue for the recreation of the Vitals . CHAP. XII . NExt to Vegetables , let us contemplate the efficacy of Animal Sulphurs , as they please indulge , and compose the Spirits ; These are acquired from the parts of Living Creatures inward or outward contained within the verge of Vitality , or excommunicated therefrom . A great part of our Aliment is taken from the Sulphurious Juices of Animals , best maintaining Man in vigour , affording a very Robust Nutriment for Augmentation and Procreation . I find generally the most able Bodies , Magnanimous Souls , and the stoutest Souldiers to be Sarcophagi : and the nigher of Consanguinity the Sulphurious Food is to the Crasis and Constitution of our Bodies , the more effectually it Corroborates . For this reason Swines Flesh doth copiously nourish , encreasing the strength of those in Health , and quickly restoring those who are emaciated , if the Ferment of the Stomach be by proper means rectified . The Broath of Pork , as I am informed , hath done notable things for the reparation of the decayed Strength of some , who have suffered an Atrophy for many Months . Doubtless were it by the Authority of Diaeteticks brought into more frequent practice , many would be better cured of Consumptions by help hereof , than by those Gummous , Clogging Gellies , and Lacteous Excrementitious Prescriptions of the Galenists . Anthropophagi or Cannibals earnestly covet Mans flesh , esteeming it most delicate Food , pittying us as Ioh. Le●rius the Burgandian declares , that we in thi● part of the world are unacquainted with suc● dainty meat , for as much as they find thi● Humanum Sulphur so nigh kin to their ow● to be earnestly coveted by the Appetite , de●lectable to Nature : therefore easily convert●ed into their own substance . Hereby Sanity and longaevity are advanced . Creatures of a Musculous Robust Constitution , though ( more than others ) remote from our Nature , yet through custome , and seminal participation become familiar , and most grateful : so that the Sulphur of the Flesh and Blood of Horses , yield strong Aliment to the Tartars whereby they are made more Fierce , Hardy and Valiant . In general , the Sulphur of the Inward parts of Living Creatures are prized more for nourishment than Physick : yet some are not wanting to do us great service , as those taken from the Gaul , whose singular gifts in healing are often recorded . The Sulphur of the Liver and Gaul of an Adder or Eel expedite a slow Birth . The Gaul of some Fishes clarifie the Eye-sight , remove a Fistula , Pin , or Web off the Eye : It killeth Worms , it openeth , cleanseth , attenuates gross matter . The Sulphur of the Blood of a Cat profits in the Rickets ; of a Goat , in a Pleurisie ; of a Mouse in the suffocative Cough . The exactly purified Sulphur of the bones of certain Animals , are conducible for divers Diseases : did not their foetour annoy us , we should by often taking them find them far more profitable . The Dung of Creatures , although proscriled from having a share of Vitality , yet do their Sulphur afford us great relief in sickness : Horse dung against a Pleurisie whose acute dolour is asswaged thereby : Peacocks Excrement against an Epilepsie : Goose dung against the Jaundices , &c. The Sulphur of the Outward parts of Animals , as the horns , hair , skin , hoofs , nails , teeth , testicles , also various superfluous excrescences of Living Bodies is to be had in estimation for Physical use . All these if they be so ordered that no igneous stinking taste offend , nor any clammy viscous impurity remain in them , if withal their seminal virtues be preserved , are of notable force to allay in some measure the tempest of the Archeus . CHAP. XIII . ABove all , the Sulphur of Metals and Minerals challenge the greatest regard from us for their singular endowment i● Healing . Mettaline Sulphurs are Solar , Lunar Mercurial , Saturnal , Iovial , Venereal , an● Martial . What the Sulphur of Gold can act in diffi●cult cases is well known to all Legitimat● Philosophers . But hic labor hoc opus est : how t● fetch it out aright ; not every Aurum potabile which some so boast of , ought to be repute● the Anima of this glorious Mettal . For tho i● may , after the example of Van Hel. be brought into the minutest Atoms by grinding it fine with Cinnaber , and Salt , afterwards by often distilling it with Sal Armoni . Stib . & Mercu● Subli . be turned into a red Oyl . Notwithstanding the tearing of this solid , ponderous most fixed body into the smallest particles possible , yet may it be easily reduced again to Gold , the same in every respect as before . 'T is no wonder then that we are so frequently disappointed of the happy effect , which this Solar Sulphur might afford us , seeing so few are able to attain a Key fitting to unlock the Cabinet , wherein this pretious Jewel is contained . By reason of ignorance herein , those at first great applauders of Van Helmont , for his profound knowledg in Metallurgie , have Apostatiz'd from his sincere Doctrine of Curing the most Contumacious Maladies , by those compact Sulphureous Bodies , vaunting that they were furnished with Vegetable and Animal Preparations every way able to conquer the most Monstrous Diseases in Nature with as much certainty activity , as the best instituted Metaline , or Mineral Sulphurs . This the Author of Vita Sana & Longa ( I heard ) asserted to the great disparagement of this Science , and to the discovery of his evident weakness in Pyrotechnie . We dare Practically affirm for the defence of our Philosophy , that the exalted Sulphurs , derived from these most solid Concretes , do generally far transcend in Iatrical excellency , either Vegetable or Animal , whensoever any fixed Disease comes to be eradicated , able to elude the best parts extracted out of Plants or living Creatures : yea I aver ( challenging any one of a contrary mind to the test thereof ) that the Provision we make for the Cure of our Griefs , by means of this Materia Subterranea , is every jot as safe , but of far more generous Issue than any desumed from the superficies of the Earth . Well then , if this be true , let us in especial manner put out our selves in the indagation of that pretious Pharmacy which Nature hath with great care shut up in these close solid Bodies . Qui vult nucleum nucem frangat . This Solar Sulphur no vulgar Aqua Regi● will reach , neither will the milder and corrosive touch . They may make momentany Separation and rarefaction of the massie , close hard , firm Constitution of Gold taking into their bosome , and there obsconding from the eye , those small Pulviscles : yet for as much as no real dissolution is made , the dissolvent upon the contact of what is more desired , leaves the lacerated particles of Gold to it self , easily capable without the loss or diminution of its Substance , to be reduced to the same ponderous solid constant matter it had before . Now the reason why it is so difficult to separate a pure Tincture from Gold , arises from the Ignorance of destroying it ; quod , qui novit Aurum destruere , noverit itidem construere , saith Van Helmont . All these alterations it undergoes by usual Corrosives , moist , or dry , are but disguises put upon this Solar Concrete . 'T is not a harsh , boisterous , precipitate course , can make it yield a Tincture , but a calm , mild , mollifying , indulging , familiar means , carrying a parity with it's Nature , will so work upon this Solar Genius , that it is prone to expire it's Soul or Sulphur . The Menstruum to be made choice of , must be of a Sulphureous Nature , upon which Gold hath a Friendly aspect . This Liquor can insinuate into the close Compage of this Metal sweetly Elicitating a splendid Tincture . I have always found well Mundified ☿ and Gold to Embrace each other intimately , which hath prompted me to Marry them , and keep them in a warm Bed together till a most Noble Issue hath come from them , of Excellent use to Compose the disorders in this Microcosm , and to heal its grievous Sores . The way of reserating the Body of Gold by long Triturtion , that the Acid Air may insinuate into it , and dissolve , is a rare Invention . In the same manner I have dealt with Luna , though Inferior to the former ( yet because more tractable ) hath recompenced my Labours with Medicines Polycrest , whereby the Tempest of the Archeus is allayed . Of Mercury , that fluent Metal , made nitide , I acquire by frequent sublimations , a Sulphureous Powder altogether fixed , serving upon all Occasions to rally the Spirits , when brought into a Confusion , by the Assaults of Morbifick Enemies , whereby Advantage is given to Nature to dis-possess them of their strong holds . Of all the Manufactures belonging to Mercury , I could never yet see the like , being so admirably grateful to the Vitals , and s● safe in its Happy Operation . Three or fou● Grains of this Ruddy Pouder strengthens the Stomach , pacifies inward uproars , Causes sweet Rest , attenuates gross Matter , opens Obstructions , sweetens Acidity , mundifies the Blood , by profligating the Hostile Matter every way according to the impulse , Inclination of the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and the Commodity of the passages . This it Executes without leaving the least evil impress behind . There are several laudable Preparations of Mercury , as Spirit of Mercury ; Vigo's Powder in some measure to be made fixed . Although our Philosopher detests the praecipitations , Vitrifications , of Mercury : Yet for want of that which is truly fixed , the use of some of them handled dextrously , may be admitted . But I by no means allow of Ordinary Praecipitates and Sublimates of the shops , sith they are generally made meerly for Lucre , not for Cure. I admire our Galenists ( otherwise very scrupulous and over-cautious in prescribing any thing , but what is very safe , as they pretend , endeavouring upon that account to bring an Odium upon all Remedies in general Chymically framed , unless Instituted according to their Method , dare give Scamony , Colocynth , Elaterium , &c. very Poysons : Yea , offer to Children , for the Worms , in a large Portion , Mercur ▪ dulcis , than which they know nothing better against the Lues Venerea , exhibited by them seldom with Happy event of totally Conquering the Malady , but often , with manifest Misery to the Patient . Would these Chymicophants contemplate how carelessly , rudely , this sweet Sublimate is forged , what mischievous mistakes have happened thereby ; how at the best it is none of the most Generous Remedies , known to true Pyrotechnists ; how easily it is remeable into running Mercury , they would lay aside this , and other of their In-sufficient , dangerous Chymical Medicaments , leaving them to Quacks , and Mountebanks , and entertaining the safe , prevalent , spagyrick Instruments worthy of a True Philosopher . For my part , I have for many Years ago ablegated those Plebeian Workman-ships of Mercury , being conscious to my self how they did delude me , and my Patients , although I had then , yea , now possess some of the better sort , as Mercury Praecipitatus per se , cum Auro , cum Argento . The Splendour , Purity , Homogeneity , Fugacity of Mercury , Unity , or Amity , Gravity , Duration , Indestructibility , Multifarious Variety ; yet a facile Retrogadation to the very same Numerical thing indu●ces us to believe , that there are Transcendent Iatrical Excellencies in it . I am fully perswaded that great Dissolvent , the Liquor Alkahest , is Fabricated by means of Mercury bereaved of its outward Sulphur , whereby it becomes Immortal , no● afterward to be laid hold of Radically , by any Sulphur . Reperitur namque Mercurius postquam est Spoliatus isto Sulphure nullo igne mutabilis , saith Van Hel. The most Simple , pure , nitid , indivisible , Primo Enti Metallico similis , embryonated Mercury , is that which is drawn out of Metals , according to our great Philosopher . E Metallo eductus ita simplex & indivisibilis ut sit impossibile ex eo seperare salem & Sulphur . Of ☿ are made those singular Arcanaes of so general Use , as ☿ Diaphor . vel Aurum Horizont ☿ Corallat ; which I ingeniously confess , I imitate , but not exactly match : every Atom of those Mercurial Polyacea's , send forth Lively Illustrious Beams wonderfully affecting the Archeus , being infinitely delighted with the intuition of them , so that it layeth aside all morosity , Melancholy , Exhorbitant Passions , and the Entertainment of deformed Ideas : Then re-collecting strength , it putteth to flight whatsoever doth annoy the Life . The Spirit , Oyl , or Sulphur of Saturn made Philosophically , applyed outwardly , or taken inwardly , gives much content to the Vitals . Iupiter , or Tin , contains a double Sulphur , the Cause why it is lighter than any other Metal : The one is Oyly , the other Harbours in it's bosom an odd kind of Salt , enclining it to be Coagulated . The Aporhaea , or Effluvium of which entring any Metal ( except Lead ) makes it frangible and friable . The Sulphur of ♃ tinges a Diamond , saith our Philosopher . If so , doubtless the Beams coming from such a Sulphur must needs exhilarate the Vital Spirits in an extraordinary manner . Out of Venus is got a Glorious Sulphur , Called Ens Veneris : I mean not the Plebeian Sublimation of Salt 🜹 , and the Caput Mort of Vitriol , but the Philosophical adeption of a Golden Sulphur out of Venus by means of a benign dissolvent , and a Menstruum Sympathizing with it's Solar Narure . But of Venus , floating in it's proper Corrosive , I extract by means of an Alkali , a sweet Sulphur , most acceptable to the Archeus . Mars affords an Illustrious clarified Sulphur which doth not only please the Animals by illuminating them , purifying the Blood , sweetning Acidities , but it also prepares many good Remedies : for those , not to be used of themselves with safety & efficacy , it nobilitates ; so that they may be assumed in larg● quantity with happy success . This Sulphur takes off the corrosive properties of Concretes , mortifies their poisonous condition , extraverts their benevolent Sulphur , that they become 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Catharticks , without offering violence to the Vitals . Amongst Minerals , none is to be had in greater estimation than Antimony , for yielding a bright Sulphur : either meerly Diaphor . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 altering , illuminating the Microcosm 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a pacifier of the fury of the Archeus . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a destroyer of morbifick Idea's , according as you handle it that it may be made very sweet , nitid , splendid , free from cacoethie , any malignant property ; or only gently purging 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 & 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 what 's digested , separated , Orgastick , and Hormetick , quo maxime natura viam affectat , which way Nature pleaseth 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 through commodious Conveyances : otherwise it desists , acting in another pleasing manner , opening the passages obstructed , digesting , attenuating , crude , gross matter , carrying off Peccant Atoms , profligating evil Spirits insensibly , without the least offence to the Ferments or Vitals . The Cordial Diaphor . Sulphur of ♁ which doth difflate , scatter , alter bad Juices , casting a lustre upon the Spirits is extracted out of it by Calcination , Distillation , Sublimation , By Calcination is made ♁ Diaphoret . which although an ordinary Medicine , I wish it were Fabricated technically , for it is either inperfectly fixed , crude , harbouring some portion of a foul Sulphur , or some exotick matter : otherwise it is not throughly exempted from the Peter , perhaps containing many impurities in it self , so left behind in the Antimony : If these or the like Errors were corrected , it would appear one of the best Chymical Manufactures , the Galenists possess in their shops ; and would perform great things for the Cure of Malignant Diseases , Acute and Chronic , supposed they would be perswaded to give it in a large quantity , which they might do to a quintuple portion if made aright . The best in this kind , is that made by praecipitating the matter calcined , although more difficult to be acquired , yet much to be preferred before the other . Out of the Oar of ♁ is expedited by Calcination , and praecipitation , a Sulphureo●● Pouder , of an Orange , or red Colour . Th●● digested a considerable time in a Spirituo●● Liquor , then combined with the Sulphur 〈◊〉 ♀ become a bright Body , wherein the A●cheus takes pleasure to reflect it self . It clea●●seth the blood powerfully . Antimonie turned by Calcination into 〈◊〉 Glass , of a Purple colour , according to B●●silius Valentinus's Directions , affords a fit Su●●phurious matter for distilled Vineger to wor● upon , that a Splendid deep coloured Tinct●ure may be communicated to a genuine Me●●struum for exhilarating and quieting the Sp●●rits . The dry Calcination of by ♁ the beam● of the Sun makes it disposed to yield an Anodyne Sulphur for the setling the disorde● of the Archeus . A Regulus made out of ♁ , especially signed with a Star , by means of a dry Calcination is previous to the extraction of a very clean Sulphur , which brought to a Diaphoretick Pouder , or an Elegant Tincture delights the Vitals exceedingly . A Regulus of ♁ and ♂ exceed the former ▪ But the Electrum , i. e. ♁ conflated with ♂ ♃ and other Mettals is to be chiefly valued , as matter most fitting for the Elicitation of a cleer Sulphur , much vivifying the Animals . By the power of a moist Calcination with Praecipitation , is made Bezoard Mineral , ●olar , Lunar , Iovial , Sulphureous Reme●ies , which accurately handled , compose ●he Archeus , animating it to the Extermi●f stubborn Maladies . In a Humid way the Sulphur of ♁ is ex●racted by penetrative Corpuscles of divers Corrosive Liquors , whereby it is made capable to impart its most defaecated portion to ● Menstruum grateful to Nature . The Flowers of ♁ prepared by a plain ●imple Sublimation , are a Subject on which ● good Artist working , is able to draw out ●n approved Tincture , for the sufflaminating ●he 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 when it is precipately hurried by immoderate Passions . It also expunges ●oxious Imaginations . Cinnabar of ♁ concreted in the neck of the Retort in distillation of the Butyrum , contains a Sulphur , whose finer Particles Enucleated by an amicable humid Substance , doth eminently clarifie the vital exhalation of the Blood. These Flowers having imbibed a sublime Alkali elixerated , afterward united with the undefiled Sulphur of ♂ , cleanse the Body by Spitting , Urine , Sweat , causing the Spirits at the same time to Triumph . Out of ♁ is separated by Sublimation a Sulphur , not unlike to the Common , only hath somewhat a greenish cast . This exqu●●sitly refined , maturated , then radically dis●solued , gives an odorous , pleasant , glorious high-coloured Tincture to an Alkali imbue● with Salt of Tartar volatile . This Remedy seldome deceives my Expectation in curing truculent Diseases . It sweetly condenses the Spirits , entertained by them with great delight , finding thereby repast , after many toilsome hours : It helps Nature to dissipate peccant Matter , to thrust it out vigorously every way , it resists Poison , abates Inflammations , breaks Abscesses , healeth them , alters bad Juices to the better . It leaveth no place unrigged or unransak'd , sweeping every corners , making the whole Body polite and trim . By the Art of Distillation , a Sulphureous Oyl of ♁ is forced over of excellent use in Topical Applications , to asswage the dolours of the Archeus , to mortifie the Corruptor in an Ulcer , to dissolve coagulated Matter , to discuss Tumours in the beginning . The same liquid Sulphur graduated may be taken inwardly with good success . From ♁ united with ☿ ♎ distilled is brought to light a Gummous Liquor , called Butyr . Antim . a commodious Matter in the hands of a Philosophical Pyrotechnist for Processes , leading to noble Remedies , favourable to Nature , bearing discord with the Morbifick Excrements . There are multifarious Manufactures of Antim . besides what are set down , upon which the Archeus doth smile , whereby it is quickned to take heart , to subjugate Potent , Malignant Griefs . But what I have mentioned here may suffice to justifie a Physitians Diploma , if he be Industriously capable , likewise gratifie the Patient , if he be obedient . Cinabaris Nativa , called of Paracelsus Metallus Primus sive Masculus comprehends , a most Radiant Solar Sulphur . This brought into a red Oyl , afterwards into a Mercurial Juice , named Vinum vitae , or dissolved in some Aromatick Oyl , Circulated with an Alkali in Spirit of Wine , doth not onely cleanse away , banishing what is hurtful in the Body , but also renovates the Strength , ●mpaired in the whole , reducing the Tone and Vigour of every part to a just proportion and Equal Action . Hence it is deservedly conducible for the protelation of Life . The Sulphureous Particles of Lapis Haematites extraverted by Sublimation , send forth a most fragrant smell like Saffron . These Flowers immerged in a Benevolent Menstruuum , digested , often Distilled , give a Tincture no whit different to a dissolution of Gold. Great is the Power hereof to please the Vitals , to Illuminate the dark Corners of the Microcosm . Out of Bismuth . Zink , Talk , Ludus Paracel . and divers other Marchasites are extorted good Sulphurs , which Elaborately Refined , United with Symbolizing Liquors , afford Remedies fitting to allay the perturbations of the Archeus . There are also certain Precious Stones ; as the Emeral'd Saphire , Granat , &c. whose rutilating Sulphurs , although they are fast locked up , yet may be recluded by means of penetrating Dissolvents , whereby ( their shining Dowries being diffused in a Friendly Diaphanous Bath ) the Rigour of the Archeus may be made supple , compliant , and enlightned , when at any time it is obnubilated . For if Precious Stones be reputed to have a Happy Influence upon the Vitals , by those bright Beams darted outwardly : Certainly they will perform it much better , when that Light imprisoned shall be set at Liberty from the grosser part , being United , as it were , in a Cone , shall be received into a fluid serene Matter , so taken inwardly . Those Luminous Concretions Nature seems to have taken extraordinary pains about , to free from Heterogene●ty or Alloy , namely , Unions , or Pearls , indigitate to us by their Clarified Signature , that such ▪ shining Sulphureous Remedies may be fabricated by Analysis of them , which the Archeus may esteem as Vitae Deliciae , Feasting upon ●hem with admirable delight . Now , this Dainty Morsel for the Archeus to Banquet on , is not to be acquired by a trivial affusion of Vinegar , ( which doth onely imposie upon our Eyes , representing them as truly dissolved , whereas indeed they are no otherwise than Masked , no better than pulverized : Moreover doth likewise fleece them , castrating these splendid Concretions of their real eminent Lustre they had before ; but by means of such a dissolvent , able to make them retire to their Ens primum . This is verily a great Cordial sweetly imbibed by Nature , worthy to be called Elementum sive lac Margaritarum , because it is a great Restorer of what is impaired , a disperser of those black Meteors darkning the Spirits . Thus I have , I hope , pro modulo , confirmed one Leg of this spacious Body of Therapeutick Physick , viz. the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or Indication dedueed from the Necessary support , Augmentation , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Placation , Moderation , Applause , Photism of the Vital Spirits . CHAP. XIV . THE other Leg to be insisted upon , or principal immediate Indication to be Considered , is the ablation of the Inwar● Efficient Cause of a Disease , and the Ou●●ward Occasional , Irritative , Morbifick Matte● ▪ That the Archeus is the Prime Author 〈◊〉 all Sickness , is an undoubted Truth . Nether can any Malady Seat it self any where ▪ but in the Life , as it 's proper Subject ; fo● the Body once extinct , all Diseases vanish . Now , this Ens morbosum , as all othe● things , arises from a Seminal Principle , th● Quiddity , or Activity of which necessaril● depends upon an Idea impressed upon th● Spirit . As soon as this Idea is formed by the Ar●cheus , invested therewith , it forthwith falls to Action , uncessantly Labouring to pollute part of the Vitals ; hereupon an unkindly Forreign Ferment emerges , which the Archeal Idea makes use of , to alienate the Life more and more from it's Integrity . Thus from an Invisible Beginning a Real Morbous Ens , is Created , defined by our Philosopher , Vitalis Potestatis Actus Idealis , Efficiens , induens sibi Vestem ex Ideali materia ; atque a●quirens formam Vitalem & substantialem , juxta differentiam Tarditatis & Celeritatis seminum Ide alum . That this depraved Efficient Act of the Vitals may be hindred , frustrated , and deprived of Ideal Matter to clad it self ; so be disappointed from arriving to , or continuing in a Vital Formality ; the Ideal Seed is to be defaced , blurred , and extinct by all means possible . To bring this Intention home to a purpose Immediately , and speedily , requires the best of Van Helmont's Arcana : Yet I doubt not but some of those Medical Instruments , I have before proposed , will by Degrees in some reasonable space , at least Cancel , if not totally deface those black Preternatural Ideas , that the Archeus ( disturbed with irregular Passions ) hath delineated in the very Essence of Life . Certainly when a supreamly clarified Salt and Sulp. shall be taken into the Body , then Conducted into the very Bed-Chamber of Life , shewing the Archeus , as in a Looking-Glass , the ugly shape of the Disease Pourtrayed ; it cannot but after some Re-collection Repent of Former Errors , exceedingly contented at the presence of so beautiful an Object offered to the view , whose salutiferous Idea causes a Composure in the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 whereupon it falls to razing out the deformed Image of Mortality , instead thereof limns though rudely at first , the Picture of future Sanctity . Pulv. noster Bezoard . vel Pestifugus . Tinct . Bals. Solar . Polya . Sulp. ♂ & ♀ , most defaecated , destroy in some sort , Diseased Ideas , producing luminous instead of Caliginous Images . I question not but there are Remedies to be purchased , as Active in framing Health●ful Characters on the Spirits , as there ar● things noxious framing ( with admirabl● Agility ) deadly Impresses . Did we not too much acquiesce upo● Traditional Notions , prone to be rathe● Credulous through Idleness , than to make a narrow Indagation into the formal Essen●tial Virtues given to Concretes , we should without Question , be better Instructed concerning the specifick Properties of Animals , Vegetables , and Minerals : we should more directly understand what is to be adapted adequately immediately , for the abolition of contumacious , long Maladies : whose difficulty of Curing consists in fixed Ideas , the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of which would quickly make a Cure. 'T is , I say , for want of the knowledge of the seminal Endowments of Creatures , able to wash away the foul Tinctures , or black Ideas of Evils , and in lieu to ting the Body with a Vital Balsom , Creating good Images in the Spirits , that our Calamities are so Grievous , and long . How Vainly then , Foolishly , Obstinately , yea , deceitfully , do the Galenists obtrude upon their m●serable Patients : Faint Cordials , Insignificant Juleps , Destructive Bleeding , Pernicious Solutives , together with outward Butcheries , as Vesicatories , &c. for the Conquering those Radicated Maladies , whose Essence principally depends upon a Spiritual Morbifick Idea , which once expunged , salutiferous Images come in place , Nature flourisheth , it 's Enemy shortly withers . I grant the Dogmatists own the use of Specificks , affirming that they substantially , and formally resist the Evils of Life : For all that , 't is well known to the Faithful Philosopher , how little they trust to them , being conscious to themselves how ieiune , and barren they are therein , never profoundly to a purpose examining this Ideal Doctrine , or putting it to the Test of Solid , Learned , repeated Experiments , as they ought , but rather trusting to what Good-wives have Taught them ( who Happily deprived of their false Methods , slighting their Hodg podg , Bolmong Non-sensical jumbling together of multitude of Ingredients , looking Ninety nine ways at once , but in no wise at the right Mark ) led by their own Genius put to some difficulties , moved to pity their Neighbours Languors , simply looked upon by them with a sincere Eye of Healing , without that chief Sordid , Mercenary End , our Galenical Hucksturs or Ingrossers drive at ) have been by Divine Providence conducted to the knowledge of those Specificks , that have beyond expectation made a Metamorphosis of the Infirmity into Sanity . To the Rude contingent Essays of the Plain , Candid , Immethodical People , are our Fine-finger'd , Disingenuous Methodical Galenists beholding , hardly affording a Mantissa of their own Experimental Discoveries , to the weight of Direct Immediate Scheme of Curing . This is the Reason we have so few Patterns of Antidotes in this kind , sufficient to annihilate those Venemous Characters , made by multitude of dayly Occurrent Occasional Causes : such is the Laziness of these Antichymists , that they will neither labour themselves , nor encourage Industrious men . Their Main study is to disguise themselves , that they may rather seem , than be truly Philosophical ; wherefore like the worst of Thieves , stealing Pretious Truths out of Van Helm . or his Legitimate Disciples , they conceal them by dressing them in a strang Habit , thus bring them upon the Stage of the world to be Admired , as the Off-spring of their own Head and Hand : whereas indeed they are but meerly Surreptitious , for which they ought severely to be animadv●rted , especially for Cavilling , and Carping at this Noble Philosopher , to whom they owe what Orthodox Knowledge they have . Of this Crime I know some , cryed up by the Ignorant for great Spagyrists : who ( as I can expressly shew ) hath pillaged our Philosopher of Substantial Physical Verities , changed their Name , cut out their Mark , put on a larg fine Coat of Rhetorick , to make them look more gaudy , so exposed them to Sale at the Phantastical Fairs of this Foolishly Affecting , willingly to be deceived World. Now let us find out ( if possible ) some Rare Gifts Instilled into the Creatures by the Conditor of all things . These are fitly to be divided into three Monarchies or Republicks , each one bound to act according to that Power they are subject to , viz. Animal , Vegetable , Mineral , to which is added Marine . CHAP. XV. AMong the Tribe of Animals with their Parts , the Spirit of the blood of Man blots out the Idea of the Falling-sickness , which the Spirit of Urine ( in every respect besides equal with the former ) cannot effect . The Pouder of the Skul of a Man strangled , is reputed a Specifick in the Epilepsie . The Spirit of the Brain is valued after the same rate . To drink his own Urine preserveth from the Image of the Pest. The repeated Potation of Urine , cures the Tertian , and makes the Seminal Character to fade away . The Uterine Blood of a Child-bed Woman drank , hath an excellent faculty to stop immoderate Fluxes of the Womb , arising from a furious Idea . The Blood flowing from the Nose , stops excessive Haemorrhagies , Menstruum Virginis extinguisheth Erysipelas . Blood Extravsated or quitture hath a Sympathetical Sense , diffusing Beams at a great Distance towards the Vital Blood , causing Idea's Sanative or Corruptive in Wounds or Ulcers , according as Moderate or Violent Impresses are made upon the Matter removed from the Body . The Gaul of Man correcteth Deafness . The Mumy of Mans Body duly prepared , acts strangly upon the Innate Spirits , Ferments and Idea's , for , saith our Philosopher : Nec etenim tutum est satis Mumiarum ad invicem connexum & concordantiam exprimere : inde nempe tota dimanavit Necromantia veterum . A man may presume to dive too far into this abstruse Philosophy to his own prejudice , imitating the Necromancy of the Antients . Without Controversie , the true Mumy operates notably upon the Morbifick Seal , enabling the Spirits to abolish it , to make salutiferous Images in place of the former . But it is not to be purchased sincere at this day , nor a succedaneum thereto : for that liquor as it is described , was of a thick Mellaginous consistence , of good Odour , of singular Efficacy , proceeding from the Balsome of Myrrhe , Aloe , Cinamon , with which they seasoned Mans Body . Ours at this day is of a different form to the right : Being only a Cadaverous Liquamen , or a piece of Flesh Condited , and dryed , very little significant for the cure of any great Disease . The Fat of Man wants not its worth as a Topick , in removing weak , troublesome , tormenting Marks made on certain parts of the Body . The Fat of Man enters into the Weapon Salve for the advancement thereof . To what Nefarious , Impious uses , Witches put the parts of Mans Body , for the execution of their horrid Enterprizes , is known to those who have enquired into Natural Magical Causes of things . The same parts of Man differently handled , may destroy their wicked villanous , Bewitching Idea's , by introducing Good Moral Divine Religious Representations . 'T is vulgarly known how Fasting-spittle doth take off some Griefs , not so much by power of a volatile Salt in it , as by a gift conferred of spoiling the Stigma in the part affected . Ear-wax cometh not short thereof in Energie . The Spirit of Hair applyed , causeth Hair to grow . Man's Dung is reported to be an Adaequate Antidote for mortifying the terrible Idea of some Poysons . The great Tooth of a Dead Body placed upon an aking Tooth , causeth it to fall out by bare contact . Van. Hel. affirms , Morientium sudor mirificas vires mortificandi Haemorrhoides & excrescentias possidet . p. 233. The Sweat of a Dying Man destroys the form of the swelling of the outward Piles , and other Excrescenscies . A Dead-mans hand caused to stroke the same , acts in like manner . Lice swallowed alive diminisheth ( as is confirmed by some experimentally ) the Tincture of the Jaundice , and sometimes totally removes the steps thereof . Intestinal Worms dried , poudered , taken inwardly , destroy the Figure of living Worms . Lice are said to rid away Lice . Some declare the Stone of the Kidneys and Bladder , prudently Ordered by an Expert Pyrosophist , marreth the fashion of the Duelech , loosening the Compage thereof , making it become Retrograde to the Principle of it's first Concretion . There are some who have such an Idiosyncrasie , or peculiar Constitution of Body , that upon Contact , Palpation , or stroaking another Living Body they change the Texture of the same , alter a valetudinary Melancholy stamp , to a wholsome , Chearful Image . And I doubt not but some Infected with the Venereal Poysonous sting of a foul Woman , have , making use of one peculiarly wholsom , found them Antidotarie , giving interchangeably better for worse Ideas . Thus great is the Benignity of the good Creator , who hath not suffered Man to be destitute of Excellent Remedies contained in his own Body , for the mitigation , pessundation of the sad Calamities , he hath , and doth daily bring upon himself through his Exorbitant , Lustful Phansie . He hath also destinated other Creatures to be at his Service , to regulate , sufflaminate , amend , consolidate , purifie , and persanate his wandring Precipitate , Maimed , Corrupt , Crasie , Absurd , Filthy , Mad Imaginations , turning Body and Soul continually off the Hinges . I wish those Specificks I deliver upon trust , were throughly explorated , and approved by Learned Authors , who , I fear , have taken up some of them too credulously for Truths , as they came from the mistakes of the Plebeian , without Examining them by the Test of Judicious iterated Trials . I shall exhort therefore all hearty Lovers of Verity , that they would make a severe scrutiny into some of those Concrets , supposed to have a Gift bestowed upon them , of Acting in a Spiritual manner upon vitiated Ideas . For my part , had I leisure ; were I not Importunately turmoiled with the accurate facture of Pharmacie , I should , long e're this , have given a more satisfactory Account of the Operation of things , sympathizing with our Nature , preserving good sound Imaginations , bearing an Innate hatred to those that are Morbous , Crasie , Vitiated , extinguishing them . I have thought none more fitting for this Work , than those we call Virtuosi , if they would lay aside their wanton , little significant , somewhat Impertinent ( as to the main matter of Sanity , without which nothing can be done aright ( Periergies , or over-busie Curiosities , seriously setling themselves , ( for the Well-fare of their Neighbour ) to the Inspection and Anatomy of Essential Energies of Spirits , lodging in divers Bodies , as they delight , or are displeased when they meet with those of their own Texture , nearly related , or strangers thereto : In that regard exert respectively their Ingenite Faculties producing Characteristical Effects of Health and Sickness . If they will not vouchsafe to do this themselves , let them encourage others thereto , making a Collection of such Observations , as other Practical Philosophers have really found true , being ready to exhibit plain Specimens thereof to their Senses . This were the direct way to advance the Sophical Tractation of Materia Medica , and to rid us of that Lumber of Fruitless , Farraginous , Absurd Compositions , which do but aggravate our miserable Condition . Having shewn what Excellent Properties are comprehended in the Parts of Man , for the Regulation of Noxious Phansies : I shall now make a Progress of the Matter in hand , Mustering such Animals with their Continents and contents , reported either to sully , deface , blur , or quite abolish the Idea's of Diseases , whose Action in this kind is called Specifick , being destinated ab Origine , for that End , to produce such an 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or Effect , no Rational Computation of which can be given from the Praedicament of meer Qualities . The Spiritual Endowments flowing from Animals , Vegetables , and Mineral Concrets , as they are simply , plain , rudely , or curiously prepared : I shall set down as most of them are delivered to me , ex fide , trusting to the bare Traditions of some , to the Authority , and Integrity of others . Therefore let no man think all the Ingenite Virtues , attributed here to the Principal Triple Common-weal of Bodies , to be altogether Authentick ; but let them take notice of my Grand Design , viz. That they may come under ( a certain Modification with all Circumstances observed ) the Examination of Ingenious Experimenters , who are able to testifie the falsity , or verity of the same , as they find them . Swallows are commended as Powerful to obliterate by degrees the Falling Sickness : Also an Elks Claw , Castoreum . The Gaul of a Sucking Whelp . The Liver of Froggs prepared . Castoreum . Blood of a Turtle Dove . The stone in a Carps Head , are Specifick in the Appoplexie , and Palsie . Likewise Fox Grease . The smell of a Fox . Water Distilled from Ants. The Dung of a Black Cow taken while it is hot , then Calcined , and given to Infants newly Born , to half a dram , preserves them from Convulsion Fits , and the Epilepsie . Peacocks Dung conduceth against the Vertigo or Diziness . The Brain of a Swine avails in a Phrensie and a Weak Memory . A small Bone found in Snails without shells , profits in Convulsions . A Toad stops great Fluxes of Blood ; also the Hair , or Downie substance about the Tail of a Hare , taken in March , blown into the Nostrils . Cats Tail , Asses , or Hogs Dung are used for that purpose . The Fat of a Pike applied to the Temples , Composes the Phansie to Rest. A Succedaneum to it is the Water drawn out of the Worms found in the spongy Balls of sweet Bryar . The Juice extracted out of the Liver of a Weasil , instilled into the Eye , removes the Idea of a white spot , or Cloudiness in the Eye . The same is declared of the Gaul of a Weasil , or Hare . The Blood of a Mouse . And Water Distilled out of mans Dung. The Inward Skin of Egg-shells newly Hatched , Powdered , and Applied , takes away the venemous Impress of a Cancer in the Eye . Scarabees , or Beetles dryed , and pulve●rised , repose the starting out of the Eye . The Chrystaline Humour of the Eye o● an Ox Distilled , Corrects the Infirmities o● the Eyes . The Gaul of a Pike mortifies a Fistula . The Gauls of most Fishes , instilled into the Eyes , change the dark Character of Blindness , into the Luminous bright Image of Seeing . The Gaul of a Pike is most famous for that End. A Headless Fly rubbed upon a Wheal , or Mattery swelling of the Eye-lid Cures it . The Juice of Periwinckles instilled into the Ear , profiteth against the Impress of Deafness . The like is attributed to the Gaul of a Hare , mixt with a little Honey . The Claw of a Toad , well dressed , and held to the aking Tooth , charms the dolorous pain . The Tooth of a dead Dog , Acts in the same manner , as they say . So doth ( as some affirm ) the Gum of Ivy and a Snakes Skin . The Powder of Lizards put upon the Teeth , maketh them to fall out . The Blood of a Cocks Comb rubbed on the Gums of Children breeding their Teeth , causeth them to break forth the sooner . Oyl of Toads blot out Pimples and Wheals of the Face . The Menstruous matter performs the like . An Egg boiled hard laid to the Crown of the Head , takes off the flaccidity and hanging down of the Uvula . The Grease of a Pike rubbed into the Soles of Childrens Feet , afflicted with a tedious Cough , puts a stop to it . Creatures fresh killed , applyed to the Head , have a Specifick Virtue to mitigate pains and watchings . Crabs , Dogs Dung. Swallows , and Swallows Nest. Boars Tooth , marr the strangulatorie Image of the Quinzie . Goats Blood , Mumy , Crabs Eyes , conduce to the amendment of that deformed Figure of a Phthisis . The Heart , Liver , and Lungs of a Calf , distilled , are of some Use for that purpose ( as they say ) Vipers , River Crabs , Pearls Philosophically handled , are doubtless of great Force . So are Snails . Ants Distilled with Honey in Spirit of Wine , afford an Excellent Liquor , appropriated for an Atrophie , or Consumption ; to be used both inward and outward . T' is delivered by some , that a New laid Egg boiled in the Urine of a Consumptive Body till it be hard ; then perforated with a sharp stick , that abundance of holes may be made , reaching to the Yolk ; afterward this very Egg boiled again in the same Urine , till it be quite evaporated : At length , buried in an Ant-Hill , is available in an Atrophie ; for as it is consumed by the Ants eating it , so is the Idea of the Consumption of the Body obliterated , and the strength restored . That frothy , slimy Water slipping out of the mouth of Horses , when they are Drinking , being taken inwardly , repairs decayed Nature Millepedes Cheslips . Bezoar Orient . Crocus . The broath of an Old Cock , are accounted powerful to asswage an Asthma , or Tissick . The Heart of a Partridge abates the Passion of the Heart . The Heart of a Bird , called a Wag-tail , the Congelation of the Spirits . The Arterial Blood of a Goat , the Pizzle of a Stagg , or Bull. Boars Tooth often given , cross out the sharp pointed Character of a Pleurisie . Also the bright shining Pictures in a Peacocks Tail , cut into small pieces , and given to Drink . The fore-said spumous slippery Liquor , gliding through the Horses mouths in Watering , imbibed , doth strangly alter the Pleuritical Impress . The Skin of a Wolf , Vulture , Swan , worn for a Stomacher , help , as they say , Digestion . Hard Eggs are reckoned for a Specifick in 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the Dogs Appetite . The Powder of a Secundine of the first Born , is recommended for prevention of mischief in the Pica , a strange Idea of Longing in Women with Child . A stone found in an Oxes Bladder of Gaul , wipes off the Tincture of the Yellow Jaundies . Goose-dung , Earth Worms have the like Property . Outwardly a Tench applyed alive to the Navil till it dye . Likewise a Spider inclosed quick in a little Box , hung about the Neck upon the pit of the Stomack till it dye . The fore-said stone in an Oxes Bladder of Gaul prevails against Sadness . The Spleen of an Ox is a Specifick against the Evils of the Spleen . The Worms in Dog Rose mortifie the Worms in the Belly . A Living Toad applyed to the Region of the Loyns , cancels the Character of the Dropsie in the Kidneys . The Gut of a Wolf dryed , and the powder taken , lulleth asleep the Torment of the Cholick . The same is reputed of the Inward Ventricle of a Hens Craw , and whiter part of Hens Dung. Likewise the Testicles of a Horse . The powder of the Inward skin of the shell of Eggs. Portion of the Navil string of a Child new Born , carried about , certainly prevents , or mitigates the Torture of the Cholick . The Blood of a Hare Cures the Dysentery or Bloody Flix . Crabs Eyes . The Jaw Bone of a Pike , deface that ugly Petrifying Image in the Kidneys . Scorpions are applauded by some for that purpose . Cheesils , Goats Blood produce the same Effect in the Stone of the Bladder . Chrystal Glass often heated red hot , quenched in very pure Water , Acts rarely in this kind . The Egg-shell of a Hatched Chicken powdered , profiteth in the stopping of the Urine . The Urine of a Lynx , or spotted Beast , give Relief in the Strangury ; also Oyl of Wax . The like is said of the Pith in a Goose Quill . Anima Halecis . Goats Tallow put into the Navil . Urine of a Goat . Earth-worms . The Juice of River Crabs disturbs the Formal Cause of an Inflammation of the Kidneys . Not Inferior to the former is the Urine of a Goat newly made . The Dung of a Yellow Coloured Hen , mortif●es an Ulcer in the Bladder . The Wind-pipe of a Cock torrefied . The Bladder of a Goat . A Fish found in the Belly of a Pike . Invigorate the Retentive Faculty of the Bladder , hindring the involuntary coming out of the Urine . The Pizzle of a Bull , or Stag , corroborates the Atonie , or Flaccidity of a Man's Yard , stirring up Libidinous Images . Boletus Cervinus , or Stags Mushrom . Scincus , or Land Crocodile , promote Venery . The Ashes of Horse-Leeches . The Ashes of a sucking Leveret , are apprehended powerful to Cure the Rupture of the Guts . A Cuttle Fish bone . The Roe of a Red Herring are of force for the Running of the Reins . Beetles infused in Oyl of Lin-seed , stop the Exorbitant Flux of the Piles , and the Falling down of the Fundament . Mumy hath the like Credit . Sponges growing in Bathing places , The Ashes of Mouse-dung , Purple shell-fish calcined , applyed to the Fundament , reform the mishapen knaps thereof , Warts , and other Vexatious excrescences . The powder of the Matrice of a Hen helps Conception . The Fume of a Dead Tooth of Man , destroys the Idea of Sterility . The Liver and Gaul of an Adder or Eel dryed , and taken in Drink , causeth speedy Delivery in Child-bed . A Girdle made of an Adders Skin , worn about the Loyns , hath the same Virtue . The Secundine torrefied and drank , wonderfully dischargeth the After-Birth . Powder of Cockle-shells , Powder of Mother of Pearl , Crabs Eyes , Spiders Web , A Fish , called a Tench , do all help to raze out the Image of Feavers . The Spawn of Froggs technically Ordered , appease the pain of the Gowt . Swines Blood , River Crabs , take off in some measure , the Impress of a Hectick Feaver . Sal 🜹 seven times Sublimed , Powder of Vipers , The Heart of a Hare , spoyl by degrees the Figure , or Type of a Quartan . To that purpose conspires a Living Spider , Imprisoned in a little Box , placed about the Stomack . A Red or Pickled Herring eaten , cures Hydrophobie from the Biting of a Mad Dog. A Toad , rightly prepared , is a true Xenexton , Preservative , or curative in the Plague , mortifying Pestiferous Phancies . A Wolf's Tongue is extolled by Paracelsus , as endued with the same Virtue . A Lizard assists Nature to kill the Venom of a Carbuncle . The Fat of a Wolf obliterates the Picture of a Disease , called a Wolf , in Mans Body . Vipers Flesh frequently assumed , doth overcome that filthy Species of a miserable calamity , the Leprosie . The Blood of a Hare extinguisheth the fiery shape of an Erysipelas . The Fat of the same Creature extracteth a Thorn out of the Flesh. A Living Worm applyed close to the finger , afflicted with a Whitflaw , dissipateth it . The Blood and Skin of a Mole performs the same . The Mouse , called a Shrew , or Ranny , cut up alive , forthwith put to the part bitten , heals the Wound . Honey , or the Bee it self , cure the sting of Bees . The Liver of a mad Dog eaten , is an Antidote against his Poyson . The Head of an Adder is Alexiterie against it's biting . A Scorpion against it's sting . A Toad stone agafnst the Venom of a Toad . CHAP. XVI . The next Class of those things which make 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 are Vegetables , as follow . THE Root of Male Piony , Missletoe of the Oak , A shrub of Elder growing on a Willow , taken Inwardly , or worn as a Periapton , are very prevalent for the deletion of the deformed , Venemous , Epileptical Image . Lilly conval , the Flowers of Linden , or Teil Tree , Black Cherries , Southern wood , Valerian , Oyl of the Wood of Hazel , Balsam of Palestina , Spirit of Tobacco , Spirit of Camphire , are according to tradition , Specificks against the Epilepsie , Appoplexie , and Palsie . Balm , Black Hellebore prevail against mad Phancies . White Poppy , Nutmeg , help to abate great Watchings . Serpillum , or Wild Thyme , Vervein , Regulate the Disorders of the Head. The Flowers of Succory . Rochet , applied to the Nape of the Neck , Celandine , the green leaves of Tobacco , mitigate the Inflammation of the Eyes . Hieracium i. e. Hawkweed , Eye-bright , Fennel , strengthen weak Eyes . Wormwood , Vervain , diminish the tingling noise in the Ear. An Onion , Pellets of Common Raddish , put into the Ear , have a property to help the difficulty of Hearing . The Root of Gentian amends the Idea of an Ulcer in the Nose . Majoram , Hors-mint , Restore the decay of Smelling . The Juice of mil-foil , the mushrom of a Birch tree , the Flowers of Daisie the lesser , restrain Haemorrhagies , Flowers of Benzoe , stalks of Nigella Romana , or Gith , Dissolve Congealed Blood. Oyl of Box , the Root of sharp pointed Dock , Burdock , are reckoned appeasers of the Tooth ach : the Fume of Henbane killeth Worms in the teeth . A Decoction of Veronica mas , i. e. Fluellin the male , is said to Cure the Aphthae , the Thrush in Sucking Children . The Root of Aron , Bryony , Valerian , are Specified against Diseases of the Lungs . Ground Ivy is powerful to do good in those who are Empical , i. e. have Corrupt matter gathered in the Chest : the Seed of Roman Nettle , and the Root of Comfrey , are also proper . Horse-tongue , Ladies Thistle , appease the pains of the Side . Wild Cresses take off the mark of Hoarsness upon the Lungs . Zizipha lenifie a Cough . Henbane-Seed , the Root of stinging Nettle , Fluellin , Bistort , Comfrey , Burnet , Sanicle , check spitting of Blood. The Lesser Housleek is of great force against a Quinzie . English Saffron , Scabious , Garlick , Horehound , Spirit of Tobacco , Benzoe , deface the Character of the Tissick . The Root of Mullein ( before it comes to Flower ) hinders the Impetuous Flux of the Latex to any part . The like Virtue is attributed to mother of Thyme and Ground-pine . Zedoarie , Balm , Anacardium , give redress in Lipothymie , or Fainting Fits. Oyl of Cynamon in Palpitation of the Heart . Hemlock , Gum of Juniper , afford succour in the Inflammations of the Breast : Likewise Rhaeas or Wild Red Poppy , Daisie Roots , and Flowers . The Juice of Ground Ivie , the Flower of St. Johns Wort , reform the mishapen figure of a Phthisis or Ulcer of the Lungs . Hemlock , Mint , the Root and Seed of Fennel , hinder an overplus of Milk , and its curdling . The greater Dragon , Aron , spoil the filthy shape of a Cancer . Burnet , Bryony Root , Water of Vine branches , abate the Phantastical Longing of Women , hindering the mischief which commonly coms upon it . Zedoarie is applauded as an excellent proper Stomachick . Essence of Bread helps Digestion admirably well . The Seed of Columbine , Crocus , Horehound , Strawberry Leaves and Root , alter the Dye or Stain of the Yellow Jaundice . Elder Berries lenefies the vehemence of the Bloody Flix . Essence of Persicaria is excellent against the Diseases of the Mesentery . Gladiolus , Sword-grass , Fox-glove , are of great importance in the Kings-Evil . Black Hellebore , Tamarisk , Garlick , Fern , Epithymum , Polypodium , Seed of Roman Nettle are accounted Remedies for the Spleen . Gratiola doth good in the Dropsie , Anasarcha , Tapsus Barbatus in a Tympany . Garden Scurvy-grass well prepared , Brooklime , Lesser Celandine , Horse-Raddish Herb two Penny , the leaves of Pine , or Firr , help to Cancel the virulent Idea of the Scurvy . Rupture wort , Hippoglossum , Pilosella , Semen Sophiae , Filicula , Perfoliata are appropriated for the Cure of a Rupture of the Guts . Herb Paris reduces the Inflammation of the Scrotum to an Eucrasie . The dead Nettle , Terebinth , Ebulus , much conduceth in a Gonorrhaea . Satyrium , Boletus Cervinus , Cubebs , the Root of Dogs stone , Umbilicus Veneris , quicken Veneral Phancies . Oyl of Rue abates the Priapism . Sweet Bryar Balls , Alkekeng , Juniper Berries , Saxifrage , Lignum Nephriticum , Peach stones , Lachrima Job , the Liquor of Birch , drawn from the Tree in March , are commended for the stone in the Kidneys . Decoction of Red Ciches avails ▪ in the Strangury . Agrimony , in Pissing of Blood. Figg leaves , Juice of Onions , Aloe , open the Piles . Linaria , the Ashes of Vine Branches , remove the Warts and knubs of the Fundament . Black Hellebore quilted with Cotten in form of a Girdle worn , stops the Excessive Flux of the Piles . The Root of Sloe bush , restores the Falling down of the Fundament . Down upon Quinces , Maiden-hair , Thapsia cause the Hair to grow . Storks Bill , called Gratia Dei , Unites broken bones . Persicaria , Celandine , the lesser Bryony , take away black and blew strokes . Hypericon , Persicaria , are excellent vulnerary Herbs . The Root of Bryony steeped in Water with Oak Ashes , destroys Worms in the Skin . Gladiolus applyed , fetches out Thorns and Splinters . Mushroms of an Oak mortifie Carbuncles . Strawberries are accounted a Specifick against the Leprosie . The Bark of Birch , Bladders on Elm leaves cleanse away Freckles . A Bath made of Osier leaves , refresheth Consumptive Limbs . Lunaria is a special Remedy for a Cancer . An Apple applyed to Warts , and buried under ground , mortifies them . CHAP. XVII . Lastly , Mineral and Marine Substances Act upon the Idea's of Diseases , by defacing , or expunging them . THE Legitimate Spir. of Vitriol Amber , Terra Sigillata , Red Coral , Natural Cinnabar . Cinnabar of ♁ . The Emeral'd , scatter those black Clouds arising from the horrid Spectrums of the Appoplexie , Epilepsie , introducing instead thereof a brightness and splendour in the Spirits . Our Bezoartick powder with ☽ doth notable things to this purpose . It operates rarely well in Comatous Evils and Watchings . Balsam of Saturn appeases the furious Commotion of the brain . The Sulphur of Vitriol Cures the Vertigo or Diziness . The pure Tincture of Tutia respects the Good of the Eyes , causing the Species of Objects to be seen more plain . Sal Punella , Flowers of Brimstone , made as they should be , are doubtless , of commendable use in the Quinzie , and Tissick . Tincture of Mars , Lapis Haematites , and Vitriol , stop excessive Bleeding . Antimonium Diaphoreticum is conducible in Imposthumes of the Lungs . The Flowers of ♁ fixed , are so prized in an Empical Condition . Bezoar , Mineral , dissolves blood congealed , and is of great validity in a Phthisis ; but above all , the Anodine Sulphur of Vitriol is to be preferred . Coral Revives the Vital Image in Lipothymical Persons . Powder of Crystal encreaseth Milk. Spirit of ♄ amends the defects of the Stomack . Emeral'd , Coral , Sulphur of ☉ are magnified for good Remedies in Cholera and Dysenterie . Mars , Saccharum ♄ Clarifie the Spleen , Reforming it's peccant Idea's . The Load-stone applyed to the Navil , causeth Cholick pains to cease by destroying the Image of the Disease . The Sea Spong , Sal Gemm , is much commended in Schrofulous Affects . Sal Gemm Artificially prepared , is extolled in Bubonocele and Enterocele , Mercury destroys all sorts of Worms . Essence of Amber , Venice Borace , Revives the Image of Virility , extinguishing the ill-favoured type of sterility . Ludus Paracels . reduces the Stone of the Kidneys or Bladder to it's first Principles . Spirit of Mercury causeth the Corrupting Impress of the Sore in the Kidneys or Bladder to fade away ; revocating a Healing Facultie . The true tincture of Coral , purified Sulphur of ♂ puts a stop to Diabetes . Antimony fixed , restrains the virulencie of a Gonorrhaea . The Emeral'd Red Coral , well ordered , gives succour in Pissing Blood. Crocus Metallorum , easeth the blind Piles ▪ but above all , Van Helm . Ring . Aetites , or Eagle stone placed in the upper parts above the Navil , hinders Abortion ; Situate below about the Thighs , cau●seth timely Delivery . Osteocolla , or Lapis Ossifragus taken Inwardly , helps to Unite broken bones . Vitriol healeth Wounds at a distance . The Stone , called a Saphire , wonderfully brings to naught the Poysonous form of a Carbuncle . Arsenick after a peculiar manner , Cures Ulcers . Antimony the eyes . If Hydrophobus be soused in Sea Water , the Image of the Dog pourtrayed in the Phancie of him , who is bitten , becomes annihilated . Crystal dug out of the Earth , resists the Malignity of Arsnick , Auripigmentum , Sandaracha . Thus far have I pointed at that Pharmacy , which having a Gift of Healing implanted in it , strikes immediately at the inward Efficient Cause of our Infirmities . In the next place , I shall make a progress in Removing the Outward Occasional , Irritating , or Exasperating Matter , which provokes , enrages the Archeus , causing it to fall into inordinate Passions , and Perturbations , whereby Diseases break forth , are encreased , become tedious , or lethiferous , if not timely prevented . CHAP. XVIII . THere is not any Faculty , or Profession hath more imposed upon the Credulity of Mankind , than Physick , considering how precious the Subject is to be handled , likewise how easily we might be Convinced of the grand Errors , and abominable Abuses , thrust upon us , to the loss of our Lives , yea , our very Souls , were we not obstinate , self-conceited unspeakably Idle , and Malicious . In a Comedy , called the Cheats , an address is made to a Reverend Learned Doctor , a Galenist , for advice in a difficult Disease ; who no sooner views the Urine , but forthwith gives Councel to Bleed and purge . I wish this were only Comical , and were not indeed Tragical . What Cruelty , Tyranny , Torments hath been Exercised by the Galenists ov●r Mankind ? What Butcheries and 〈◊〉 hath been made of poor Mortals 〈◊〉 ▪ by bleeding , and purging , is practically known to all Perspicacious Physitians every Week , yea , every Day . How indirectly do these Men assume to themselves priviledges , who , I 'le maintain to their Faces demonstratively , are not able to Cure any great Feaver Radically , with Judgment worthy of a Philosopher . Can any deliberate , well advised Man think , that it was ever the intent of any Prince , to set up a Company of Men to destroy their Subjects , or at least , to suffer them to enjoy any Royal priviledge , if they perversely , against the perspicuous Light of Reason , and clear testimony of Fact , should persist in their male-praxis , their Active , wilful Homicide , at this day , when Van Helm . like a Prometheus , hath by means of Fire ( blown up by a Heavenly Benediction ) Discovered , and taught the World the Cure of those truculent Calamities , which that Epimetheus , or Protoplastes , by opening Pandora's Box , hath brought upon it . I have in Haematia , offered Dr. Willis , or any other Semi-Chymist , or Chymicophant , to make it appear by Solid Experiments , that Bleeding ( as there stated ) is an indirect way to overcome any Grand Disease . Se● surdo narro dum sibi plaudunt . 'T is all one , as if I should vociferate to Neptune that he would forbear to swallow up Ships , Passengers , and Treasure , sith 't is the Nature of the Ocean agitated with the Fury of a Tempest , to Execute such mischief . So it is equally in vain , for me to cry aloud ( if I had Stentor's Voice ) that Dogmatists would forbear to destroy their Countrey-men ; for as much as Nature , Education , Voracious Appetite of Gain , and Honour , hurry them to that End. However I shall always discharge my Duty in reprehending their vitious Method , detecting how mischievous it is to the Life of Man. As I have deservedly declaimed against Phlebotomie , with Arguments , and Experiments , sufficient to perswade any intelligent Person , that it is a Reprobate means of Conquering any great Infirmity . So I shall at this time make manifest for the satisfaction of the Senses of all Judicious Men , that the common Instruments the Galenists use in Purging , or carrying off the Occasional , Provoking , Morbisique Matter are unworthy to be prescribed by those , who own themselves Learned Doctors . That I may therefore justly reprove those 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 who keep Men in Purgatory , without Expiation of the Errors of Life . I shall ( besides most clarified Reasons depending upon long Experience ) alledge the Authority of Hippocrates , and Galen , for the Countenancing what I deliver . That brave Heroe Hippocrates hath delivered to Posterity two Aphorisms , worthy to be Written in the Frontispiece of every Honest Able Physitians House . The Sense of the first is mentioned five several times in divers places ; as Aphor. 2. Lib. 1. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 &c. Also Lib. 1. Aphor. 23. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , &c. Again , Aphor. 25. of the same Book , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , &c. Likewise Aphor. 3. Lib. 4. the same words are repeated . And Aphor. 2. of the same Book , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 : Intimating by these Repetitions , that Physitians ought to have a singular care what they purged out of the Body . The Second most useful Rule he gives , is Aphor. 21. Lib. 1. 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Denoting that in all Evacuations we ought to Observe the Motion , Orgasm , Inclination of Nature , and most convenient passages for that purpose . If these Catharsists were Legitimate Disciples of a Master so excellently well Versed in Healing , they would never thus promiscuously exclude good and bad Juices , by their colliquating Solutives , without any Euphorie or Profit to the Sick Man ; giving Purging and Vomiting Medicines so often repeated , that their Patients have complained they have emptied upward and downward 500. times ; yea , some a Thousand , yet have found no melioration of their Health , but a decay of their Vitals . Nothing is more Common than to meet with those , who ( when for their Redress , I commend Vomiting , or Purgative Physick ) presently Reply , they have undergone too much of that , desiring me to forbear : When some , upon promise of Safety , and Efficacy , have taken my Emetick Tincture , Emeto Diaphoret , or Emeto Cathar , Powder or Pill with benefit : Yet having found little sensible Evacuation , they have murmured , fearing lest the Physick lay in their Body to their future hurt ; supposing the same malignity to be in mine , as in the Galenical Solutives ; and that we were to judge of the Patients Restauration according to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 the largeness and number of Sieges . The miserable Experience of Colliquating Purgatives , taken into my own Body , the space of Seven or Eight Years , without any solid Cure , taught me that the uncorrected Catharticks of the Dispensatory oftentimes carry off peccant Juices , without profit , making as much as they discharge , wronging the Ferments , weakning the Tone of the Stomack , forcing Nature to move a way contrary to the stream of her own 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 and the 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of the Morbifique Dross . And when at any time there succeeds any Redress after plentiful Evacuations by this means , it is by Accident in Robust Bodies , where the Disease is trivial , Nature standing upon her own Leggs , the Vessels permeable ; also an Impetuous motion in the Matter attenuated , ready upon an easie Irritation to be sent packing . However this Exploit will not Nobilitate a Physitian , or his Art , seeing ( take one time with another ) this way doth double the mischief to the Good. Neither is he upon this account able to promise the Radical Cure of any great Infirmity , very rarely , when 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is sitting , but never when she is jacent . Then truly this is no more than the good Old Woman can perform by her simple Method ; wherefore for Satisfaction of Ingenuous Lovers of Knowledge , let us a little contemplate a Beadrol or Register of their stronger and weaker Solutives , with their Correctiors . Can any one , who knows what belongs to poysons , believe that Gum Arabick , Tragacauth , Bdellium , are in any proportion fitting Mortifiers of the poyson of Colocynthis , which hath proved Death in the Stomack of many a Man ? Is Vinegar sufficient to amend the virulency of the Roots of Esula , Lawrel , or Mezereum , &c. Can Milk tame the Cacoethie of Elaterium , the Acid Gas of Sulphur , Scamony ? Or the Juice of Quinces the Root of black Hellebore ? Or Water wash away the Realgar of Lapis Lazuli ? I could never find yet by repeated Essays , that Sanders , Violets , Ginger , Mastick , Anniseed , Cinnamon , Saffron , Daucus Seed , Almonds , Penidia , Pepper , Spikenard , with several Gums , have any power to take off , to a purpose , the Deleterie Nature of Grand , boysterous Catharticks ; neither do they otherwise than Disguise the more gentle Poyson of Minoratives ( as they call them ) as Manna , Cassia , Reubarb , Sena , Agarick , Myrobal , Carthamus , Mechoa , Soldan , Turbith . I grant some have now and than a present ease by uncorrected Purgatives ; but 't is no other than what happened to the Doctors Servant , who , upon eating two or three Spiders , discharged her Stomack , had a stool or two , so was for a while freed from her Grief . For all that , let me give a Caution to those , who without scruple swallow down Intoxicating Compounds , Electuaries , Potions , Pills , or Powders ( far worse than a simple Spider ) that at length by frequent sumption of the same , they make not an Indeleble Character or Impress upon the Stomack , never to be razed out by any Art ( as I have known ) the Thread of their Life being cut short ( according to Humane probability ) half in half : withal what they enjoyed had much feebleness and irksomness in it . How can it indeed be otherwise , forasmuch their Oracle , Galen saith very true in this : Omne purgans Naturae Inimicum . Certainly , Naturae bellum inferre Odiosum . He that Offers violence to the Vitals , takes a course to dissolve the compage of his Body the sooner . Neither do I charge their own proper Emeticks , or Catharticks , as Malefactors , but I moreover accuse those they have borrowed of the vulgar Chymists , viz. Infusio Croc. Metal . abusively called Vinum Benedictum , ☿ Vit. ☿ dul Sublimat , ☿ dul Praecipit . Turpet Miner . Vinum Antimo . Vinum Rubel . These are their scandalous Chymical Medicines , as bad , if not worse , than those which Mountebanks , cheating Astrologers , or those Quacks , who with their Ominous Bills , make a most doleful noise in the streets , and every corner , worse than scritch-Owls , or Night Ravens . 'T is not strange then that the common sort of People , yea , even those of better Quality , know not how to distinguish between Chymical Preparations , Real , or counterfeit ; those safe and Hazardous : between Efficacious and Fruitless , Elaborately defaecated , Philosophically handled , and those slightly contrived , or rudely flubbered over . Herein lies the cheat , that the Galenists assuming to themselves the Name of Chymists ; Incogitant , unwary Persons take it for granted ( by reason of the Authority , prevailing credit , they have gained among Persons of Degree , by seeming to be what they are not ) that Men of so many Letters , must needs be the only Legitimate Sophi in our Science ; whereas through want of Integrity , Industry , Difficult Labour with their own Hands , Magnanimity , Arnauty , a Design of Noble Enterprizes , it is impossible they should arrive to any pitch of Knowledge in Pyrotechnie . So weak are the Judgments of some of our Academicks , even those who Rank themselves among Scholars of the higher class , that I am ready to blush , observing what 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is in their Understanding , how dim sighted their minds are , to make a right Distinction of things , and to value them as they are in themselves . These are they , who assent that Dr. Willis , with certain others , are able Chymists , because having stolen a plat-form of more refined Philosophy out of Van Helmont , they have made a large spacious Rhetorical superstructure , most part Sermocinal , little practically Salutiferous . Let me tell those , who covet to Learn , 't is not a vast Library , profound speculations in a Closet , an Eloquent Tongue , a dexterity in Writing Elegantly , a pretty slight in prescribing after the manner of their boasting Method , a concourse of multitude of Patients , the Applause of Great Men , Professors of the University , Virtuosi ( who of all Men methinks , should be most cautious how they acquit Dogmatical Physitians ) nor the Vogue of certain altogether Interested Apothecaries , Chirurgeons , Midwives , or Nurses , can justifie a Man as an Authentick , Philosophical Chymist , unless he walk plainly , according to Helmontian Principles , viz. Renounce Phlebotomy altogether , according to the Indication of Evacuation or Revulsion ; laying aside all ill-conditioned Vomiting , and Purging Instruments , Praedatorie Diaphoreticks , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Grating , Fretting Diureticks , and divers torturing palliating ways . He then that will rid the body of those cadaverous , Foul , Out-lawed , Fretting Excrements , like Thorns or Splinters extimulating the Archeus , to make sundry Ideas of Calamities : Let him hunt after those Remedies that the Vitals have a pleasing Gust for , which Obsecundate and follow the Genius of Nature in the propulsion of Impurities , wheresoever sited , what way soever tending , withal obtain a Faculty 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to turn by meer contact any thing depraved in the Body to a better condition . Seeing 't is most difficult to attain , Paracelsus his , or our great Philosopher Van Helmont's Arcana's , e. g. Tinctur Lili ab Electro Minera . Mercur. Vit stibii proles Integra . Tinctu Lili Antimon . Mercurius Diaphore . Element . Ignis e Cupro , ☿ Corallat , &c. Let him put out himself to the utmost , using all means possible to purchase such a Pharmacy , agreeable to the Doctrine of our Philosopher , Fabricated according to his Rules ingeneral , endeavouring 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to imitate his Illustrious Spagyrical Secrets , so by degrees let him aspire to greater things . Let him study to defaecate throughly the Sulphur of ♁ , that it may be at the Command and beck of Nature , exterminating whatsoever annoys without blemishing the Ferments . Let him Marry the well purified Sulphur of ♁ , to the sweet Sulphur of a Vegetable , entertaining both into a delectable Bath . He ought also to digest ♁ with an Alkali ; afterward to extract a high Tincture , subservient to Nature , in cleansing , sweeping away filth or dregs in the Body , making a Happy alteration in the Texture of degenerate Juices . The Red and Citrine Sulphur of ♁ made by praecipitation , well sweetned with the Alcohol of Wine , afterward intimately joyned with a Solar Sulphur , fulfills the dictates of Nature , in proscribing per loca Commoda , without damnifying the stomack , whatsoever is Rebellious , Conspiring against Life , stirring up the Archeus to Indignation . Bezoard , Mincra , Solar , Luna , Iovial , may be so coyned , and such a stamp set upon them , that they may safely , and effectually agitate the Morbifique Matter , Hunting , Chasing it every way , without offering Injury to the Noble parts , or leaving an Evil Tang behind . The Yellow Sulphur of ♁ like the Common , likewise it 's Cinnabar , worked upon Philosophically , will bring to pass the former End powerfully . Out of the Flowers , Regul , Glass of ♁ , may be extracted harmless , gentle Emeticks , Cathart , Diaphoret , Diureti . always leaving an Euphorie and Euphrasie behind . ☿ Well nigh fixed with ☉ or ☽ doth assist Nature to disturb , Ferret , profligate , vitious , lentous , stubborn , coagulated foulness , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 with Relevation . Our Emetocathar , Emeto Diaphore Powder , or Pill ; our Bezoar Powder , as I can fabricate it by the Adjunct of ☉ or ☽ take part with Nature to help it to Conquer great Evils , excluding the Nosopoietick Thorns and Bryars , those Goads in the sides of the Archeus , extimulating it to Extravagant Passions , through the Sluce , or Out-let most patulous and Convenient : Withal they sweeten 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 , any extream Acid , mortifie malignant Idea's of the Scurvy , &c. taming great acute Griefs safely , generally affording Solace . This they Act whether they Vomit , Purge or no , keeping in it's Integrity , what is sound , and meliorating what is depraved . Our Emetick Tincture is endued with the same Excellency with the former , but Operates more insensibly , and with somewhat more Advantage to the Vital strength . Our Pil. Polychrest causeth an Eutony in the stomack , helps Digestion , purifieth the Blood , dilates Coarctations , or Constrictions , opens Passages Obstructed , dam'd up with gross congealed stuff , which it attenuateth , abstergeth . It allays , Edulcorates sharp fretting Liquors : It sweetly dischargeth any thing noxious through the Intestines , Kidneys , Gullet , Wind-pipe , and Skin , with Augmentation of the strength , without impairing the Ferments , or Offending the Parts . He that possesseth this Pill , need very seldom prescribe a Glyster . I my self have taken many Thousands , and given multitudes of them to others , to the diminution of that stubborn Infirmity the Scurvy , the Advancement of the Vital Faculty much suppressed thereby . Common Sulphur Sublimed with ♂ is no contemptible cleanser away of Impurities , Lodged about the Hypochondries , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Colocynth . Scamon . Elateri . The Root of Esul , Hellebo . Alb. digested with a most refined Mineral Sulphur , and Salt of Tart Volati ; so that their Poysons become introverted , evade Friendly Catharticks , Diaphoret , Diureti , sufficient to assist the Archeus to subjugate Ferine Refractory Diseases . Syrma Ortho Chymicum . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 THE ART of MIDWIFERY Chymically Asserted . WHat Calamity , Exorbitant Passions , and dreadful Pains of the Womb succeeded the depravation of the Stomack by Lustful Fruit : How at this day each Membranous Body darts Benevolent , or Malevolent Aspects one upon another reciprocally , according as they are well or ill affected , is known to the Theological Physitian . These two Membranous Vessels contain the Seminal Cause of those innumerable Infirmities belonging to Woman-kind double to Man ; sith according to Plato , she harbours , as it were , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . To find out Remedies adequately effectual to amend the Irregularities and Extravagant Motions of this Uterine Animal , requires a most expert Philosopher ; but to appease or tame sometimes it 's furious Raging Commotions , will put one upon the search of something Magical . He that thinks any Galenist 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 professing Midwifery , Exercising a Function herein to be sufficiently furnished with Abilities for that purpose , is meerly led by the Opinion of the World , not by solid Reasons , and Repeated Experiments . For I can prove it in the General Impossible ex Facto ( if I were put to it ) that any but the Legitimate Chymist , can Relieve , or Cure Uterine Calamities safely , gratefully , effectually , and speedily . The truth of what I here deliver time will make perspicuous . When I was first called to this Science of Physick , I was Advised to apply my Studies in especial manner to the Art of Midwifery , which I easily listned to , being captivated with considerable gain amounting thereby , apprehending it principally a Manual Operation not difficultly to be attained . But my modesty , and second thoughts of aspiring to a more ample Knowledge in Physick , took me off . And well it so happened according to Divine Providence , sith had I insisted upon that Subject , I had neither been any whit an Experienced Physitian , nor skilful in the Feat of obstetricating . For I plainly discovered afterward , that to one 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in Child-bed Labour , who justly called for the Hand of any Man with his Chirurgical Instruments , upon the Account of a Dead Child , or the preposterous indirect Position of the Living , Hundreds required the help of a Learned Chymist ; affording proper Remedies for the Assistance of the Vitals of the Mother and Child , to the End , that this great Work of Happy partitude or Delivery might be performed as it ought . Wherefore the accomplished Chymist , who can Vindicate his Analeptica , Antipyreta , Antihysterica , and Anodyna far transcending the Galenical Preparations in all stubborn Maladies whatsoever , ought to be especially consulted with , when sorrows of bringing forth infest the Miserable Woman . Many remarkable Histories to this purpose could I relate , the space of Eighteen years , wherein I have observed a constant redress of those grievous unprofitable pangs , to follow the Oblation of our Pharmacie , without the production of preter-natural Heat , or any other bad Symptom . Moreover , most Parturients , or Child-bed-Women Miscarry , by reason of Irregular Dyet , through Malignant Feavers arising from the Scurvy , retention of the Lochia , rash restriction of Enormontick sweats , indiscreet Management of the Milk , as happened to my own Wife , who after the Pestilential Feaver was Mastred by proper Antidotes , was destroyed by the Ignorance of a Midwife , applying to the Mamillary Emunctory a Topick , which in a dozen hours caused a total Anadrome of the virulent Milk toward the Center , whereupon a great Coagulation of the Blood followed , Haemoptysis the privation of a commodious Universal Sweat , Dyspnaea , and other direful Accidents . In all these Exigents the Learned Iatrical Chymist , not the Noso-Poietick Galenist , ought to be sought unto for Advice . Had I Opportunity to enlarge , which I may hereafter , I could demonstrate how insufficient these Galenical Opinionative Men-Midwives ( as they call them ) are to prevent Abortion in Gravids ; to remove the deep Impressions of Futious unbridled Passions and Perturbations , the evil consequences of Bruises by Falls , or Strokes ; to rectifie the depraved Appetite , to prescribe a Salutiferous Dyet , before , and after Lying in ; to Administer competent Corroboratives for the welfare of Mother and Child , and the Auspicious promotion of her bringing forth . I could also make it apparent by our Theory and Practice , how Ignorant the Galenical Obstetricatio●s are of the Right Method and Means of Curing the manifold Diseases incident to poor Infants ; how Thousands of Children have suffered through the unadvised Administration of Diascordium , and other Opiats . But studying concisenes I must desist at present , being ready upon all Occasions to maintain by Fact what I have here asserted . The Character of a Legitimate Ortho-Chymist . THE Legitimate Philosophical Chymist hath laid his Foundation in Learning . The Institutions , Notions , Axioms , and Theorems in Natural Philosophy delivered to him , he doth not take up on meer trust , without a severe scrutinie into the Truth of the same by the Test of Experience . His Theory , and his Practice , His Ratio and Exploratio go hand in hand . He is able to give an Account of the Beginning , Progress , Entelechy , Declension , and Retrogradation of Physical Bodies ; the Aitiologie of the Defections , Interpositions , Eclipses , Alterations in Nature , principally of the Infirmities , and Maladies belonging to Man's Body , according to whose Indications , Phaenomena , Symptoms , Fruits , and Products , he finds out , and applicates appropriate Remedies . He works with his own hands , taking into his own Body first for tryal 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 his Manufactures , that he may understand whether they be Authentick , or Apocrypha before he dares offer them to his Patients . He is furnished with some prevalent Polyacea's , which he carrieth along with him whithersoever he goeth , ready to be exhibited upon all Occasions , either for the sufflaminating , or putting a stop to the full Carreir of an acute Disease ( till a more eompleat provision of Medical Instruments can be brought forth ) or for the forthwith breaking the Egg , and suffocating the Embryon of any Ferine Calamity . His most preheminent Intentions in Curing is to uphold Nature , to pacifie the fury and perturbation of the Archeus , to expunge Morbifique Idea's , for which purpose he studies by all means to remove the Occasional cause of all Griefs , without annoying the Ferments of the shops of Digestion . He is not deficient in a competent necessary knowledge of Anatomicks and Botanicks , so far as they manuduct him to the Cure of miserable Man ( being satisfied that the Life of Mortals , if it were far longer , is too short to Anatomize Materia Medica , that the Essential Virtues of Concrets may be Elicitated ) but he deservedly sets at naught , and derides the Galenical Theatrical periergies , Curiosities , in dissecting Bodies of little use , unless for Ostentation , to get Practice and Applause among the Ignorant Vulgar . He Operates not according to the express Letter of a Tyrocinium Chymicum , nor gives credit to it further than General Philosophical Rules ; his own Intellect and former Iterated Experiments direct him . He claims , as his just Right , the Cure of outward , as well as inward corporal Evils . He is seldom but as a Man mistaken in the Prognôsis , or Prediction of Life and Death . His promises and performances generally accord . He stands not gaping for a Critical day , but forthwith falls to his business of Animating the Vitals , for the Expulsion of the Enemy without Truce . He hates to do any thing wilfully as unworthy of a good Moralist , and an Elected Physitian ; but studies by all means possible , to keep up the Credit of the Art , without prostituting it to Lucre or Lust ; and he is indifferent whether he enjoy the favour of Great Men , unless out of a candid respect for Truth ; chusing rather to be then to seem a Healer of Man's Infirmities Fundamentally : Wherefore he detests an Hermaphroditical Chymist , & his Linsey-Woolsey Texture halting ( for his unworthy by-Ends ) between two Opinions , one that by surreptitious means raises his Fame , adorned like the Jack-daw , with other Birds Feathers , making the World believe they are his own by Birth-right . His Integrity makes him daring , the precious value of the Subject he works upon zealous , the thoughts he entertains how far short he yet comes of the height of this unlimitted Science , makes him humble , ready to Learn of any who offers a Demonstration : Neither doth himself desire to be Credited farther than Reason and Sense shall induce . He rather diminisheth , than enlargeth the Virtues of his Remedies , by no means attributing to them what they are not able to effect , brought to the Touch-stone of Iterated Tryals ; neither doth he magnifie those as Elaborate Medicinal Arcana's , Mustering up a long Scheme of them , when in all probability not one deserves that Title . He is ready to meet any one of Literature to confer with him about the well-fare of a Patient , to be informed what is most fitting to be done , supposed all Animosity , and all confused Passion be laid aside , withal allowing Matter of Fact to determine the controversie . He hates to supplant another Physiitian , by using unworthy means to get a Patient out of his hands , or to pass a censure more than he can prove : yea , were not the Contest about matters of the highest importance , whose indifferent lukewarm or Conniving Defence would endanger the Soul , he would scorn to hurt or attaint the Fame , Reputation and Honour of his greatest Antagonist : however , upon a cordial resipiscence would be the first would cover his Lapses , and set him right . A Character of the Pseudo-chymist or Counterfeit . THe Pseudochymist is an Upstart thing , as it were a Mushrome , suddenly sprung up , receiving , for the most part , his Seminal Being from the Publick Prescriptions of the Galenists , their disrespect to the Chymical Orthomethod of Healing , and their gross Ignorance in handling Materia Medica . Hereby this Fungus animated , having by Accident , Contract , or another By-way purchased some ordinary Medicaments , which he prodigally giving without any precise Method at a venture in difficult Diseases , becomes more cryed up for his notable feats in Physick by the Multitude than the Dogmatists , both conspiring alike to ruine man. Thus farther emboldned , he rusheth in at the back-door disguised , strait falls to act his part on the Scene of this Microcosm , with a full design to cheat all that he can draw to him . Then from a Mechanick , as a Gunsmith , Tailer , Shoomaker , he is by the bewitching Tongue of Nurses Midwives , or the like Gang perhaps ravished with his jugling Astrological Prodictions metamorphized into a Formal Doctor , who created by the rabble at first , and clambring higher by vulgar steps , at length insinuates by his Imposture , Wiles , Craft , Impudence , and Flattery into some great Mens Favour : upon this he forthwith passes currant for an approved Chymist ; although , if he should be put to the Test , he would turn all into dross . To advance his base enterprize the more , he hath in readiness , his Emissaries , whom he hires or Bribes to trumpet out , magnifie , and extol his rare Cures : he endeavours to prostitute this Chast Art , to make it a very Whore to his Lusts , Pimp or Pander to compass his vile Ends. He is Impudent beyond expression , and because Stupid and Ignorant , a most sworn Enemy to Learning : yet will admire Van Helm . although he never read him , nor is in least able to understand him , though Translated into his Mother Tongue . He boasts of his Specious Furnaces : but seldome handles a retort himself , yet will tell you what Herculean Labours he hath undergone ; what he hath atchieved : making comparisons with the Best . He and the Galenist are herein well met for Subtlety , for like Apes , they know how to take Nuts out of the fire with the Paw of the Cat. This Foul Bird such as the Poet speaks of ( contactu omnia foedans ) hath a strang faculty by the enchanting melodious Tune of his Long Bill , setting out his wonderful Cures , to draw one into his Net , hiding the rest of his ugly body , till he hath picked your Pocket , wronged your Health , or mortally wounded you . He Counterfeits the true Chymist ( as the Hyaena a Mans voice ) tempting unwary people to come unto him , and then worries them . He , and the Chymical Galenist , like Davus , confound the whole World , so that few know how to chuse the Right , and leave the Wrong Way of Curing . He is still sowing his Pseudochymical Tares so thick , that Orthochymical Wheat is in danger to be strangled thereby . Although he be really of no Religion , yet sometimes he , as well as the Galenist , will profess to be of some Congregational Church , or of some Fanatical Conventicle , to the end , being changed into an Angel of Light , he may set a specious gloss of Piety upon his fraudulent ways , hereby gaining more reputation amongst the Brethren , he may cozen his Patients more plausibly . At his first entrance upon Pseudochymical Devices , he pretends to be a great Astrologer , thereby to determine whether the Sick shall live or die : yea to make him more notoriously famous , he undertakes to tell Fortunes , to instruct the people how they may come by their stolen Goods again , whether Mariners shall make prosperous Voyages , whether men shall meet with good or bad success in Marriage , Women with the like , &c. But afterward having pretty well feather'd his Nest , by plucking those Credulous Gulls who have stooped to his Call , also now his Art of casting Figures becoming more and more suspected , likewise conscious to himself the Heavens will not suffer any longer his Impostures ; he begins to lay aside Ouranoscopie , thinking it best non altum sapere , sith quae supra nos nihil ad nos , and betakes himself to Ouroscopie , where he fixes , pretending to be a notable Pispot Prophet , to tell by bare inspection of the Urine , without farther enquiry , what 's the Disease , whether the Party may recover , and how long , &c. To this Hocus Pocus Women of all Sorts and Degrees flock to know whether they be with Child ; yea supposed Maidens to be resolved whether their Tympany be Intestineal or Uterine , how they may be rid of the last with privacy , whose expectations he says , upon good Terms , he is ready to satisfie to all intents and purposes , by means of a secret knack he hath attained . I could acquaint my Countreymen if I had leisure , with multitude of Gins , Traps , and Snares this Bastard Chymist lays to catch the simple harmless man , that he make a Prey of his Body and Purse . In short , he is a most Pestilent Animal , no more fitting to be tolerated by the Magistrate , than Wolves and Foxes amongst Sheep . A Short Description , or Explanation of the Happy Efficacy , and Sanative Virtue of Our STOMACK ESSENCE . THE Grand Opposers of the Ortho-Chymical way did put me hard to it at first , by reason of the Implicite belief most Men have Supinely , and in a blind manner of Obedience ( without further Scrutinie , yielded to their Authority and Antiquity ) to preserve this most Useful , Florid , Splendid Remedy , Ess. Stom . from being blasted , or extinguished by their malignant Breath , more mischievous to the Truth of Direct Healing than any Mephitical damp to the Life of Man. However 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 crescit sub pondere Virtus , the more they have endeavoured to suppress it by fastning false weights of Defamation to it , viz. that it was too hot , inflaming , burning , too strong , violent , consuming the Radical moisture , shortning the Life , withal under-valuing it , that it was no better than Pepper drops , and that it might be made in half a dozen hours , which Dr. Merret unworthily Reported behind my back , who ( when I came to face him offering to give it under my Hand presently to be bound to reward him with a Hundred pounds the next Morning , if he would teach me to make it in twenty four hours ) replyed by way of Collusion , that he could counterfeit it in that time . I say , the more these Chymicophants have laboured to sink down this Noble Remedy , the more it hath sprung up , and flourished to their grand shame : Yea , I dare averr upon Reasonable Experimental grounds , this Polyacea will be esteemed by Posterity one of the best Medicines for it's general Utility to the Life of Mortals , Innocent Nature , Pleasant Gust , and easie purchase that ever yet came to light . He that will may read the just Vindication of it , Published formerly , none of my Adversaries daring to oppose it openly , unless a tergo sneakingly below a Generous Man. What Excellency I have here Attributed to it , rather comes short , than transcends it's desert . This Medicine is not with little Labour Fabricated , being brought over in Glasses above twenty several times , and digested many days . It consisteth of three pure Volatiles , United , fetched out of the Store-House of Animal , Vegetable , and Marine Substances , which produce these Salutary Effects following . It exceedingly strengthens the Stomack , helps it's Digestion , encreaseth and maketh Active the Vital Spirits , and their Instruments by which they work ( called Ferments ) rectifies the Spleen , scatters and expels Wind , Vapours , or any wandring wild Spirit , which flies in a moment from one place to another , vexing the parts . It sweetens in some measure the sharpness of the thin Liquors in the Body , which often-times causes pains , Feavers , &c. It subtilly enters the Veins and Arteries , being carried about with the Blood , which it very much cleanses . It carries off to the out-side whatsoever is impure , causing a kindly breathing in the Skin . It also causeth Urine , conveying Gravel from the Kidneys , hindring that it may not be engendred and fixed . It is helpful in difficulty and pain of making Water , coming forth sometimes by drops . 'T is of great Service against pains of the side , the Colick , Griping of the Guts . It is a very great Cordial , preserving from fainting , and restoring those who are surprized with loss of Vital Spirits . It is very effectual to keep one from , and to Cure Surfeits . It is very powerfully good against the Scurvy , or any poysonous , ill-conditioned , infectious Evils . It prevents , and helps to Cure all kind of Feavers . It quencheth the Thirst to an Admiration , above all supposed cooling things whatsoever . It bringeth Preternatural heat or coldness to a due moderation , by removing the Efficient Cause thereof , reducing the parts to their former strength . It is available against Fits of the Mother ; the Whites . It dissolves Congealed , Curdled Matter ; ripeneth raw Juices , bringing them either to a better Condition for the Use of Nature , or preparing them to be sent packing out of the Body , by convenient ways and Medicaments . It abates a nauseons Disposition , or Vomiting , by confirming the Membranes of the Stomack , and by promoting the throwing off that which disturbs it . It cutteth , and cleanseth away slimy Birdlime-like Flegm , giving ease in difficulty of Breathing , mitigating the violence of the Tissick . It is admirably useful against Melancholy Imaginations , passions from the Spleen , &c. called Hypochondriak : an evil state of body arising for want of proportionable Nutriment , or from Galenical Medicaments . It availeth against the Dropsie , or Consumption . The frequent use thereof strengthens the Brain , Sinews , Loyns , Memory , and all the Senses . Stom . Ess. outwardly applyed , challengeth noble effects : For 't is very Healing , Balsamical , curing green Wounds and plain Soars , being often touched therewith . I have hitherto found it constant in happily Curing Burnings , Scorchings or Scaldings ; some drops being frequently distilled thereon , and forced inward by the bottom of a smooth Glass . I cannot but experimentally commend it as one of the best asswagers of the pain of the Teeth , I have hitherto met with . It is also of great force to preserve them from corruption , likewise in part to restore them ; resisting the putrifaction of the Gums . Neither is it to be contemned for the mitigation of the pains of any part , strengthning and quickning the Vital Spirit thereof . With many more laudable properties is Stom . Ess. or Alexi flomachon endued , which the frequent use thereof , and a longer strict observation , will bring to light . The quantity to be given , is measured by the greatness and st●bborness of the Disease : for sometimes ten or twenty times as much as the common portion , ought to be offered : neither is it to be feared that any hurt will arise therefrom . The ordinary Dose , or extent of giving it , is twenty , thirty , forty , fifty , sixty drops in a draught of any Liquor , as Beer , Ale , separate or mixt ; sometimes Wine , as Sack , or whatsoever doth best relish with the person . It may be taken at any time when the Stomach is out of orde● , troubled with Indigestion , Wind , Pains , Gripes , or any of the foresaid vexations ; then let them take liberally thereof . He that constantly takes every morning thirty or forty drops , shall prevent many mischiefs in reference to his Health . I doubt not but the Galeno-Chymists , or the Pseudo-chymists will like Apes endeavour to imitate and counterfeit this experienced Essence ( which before I am convinced by Fact , I shall presume to prefer before any Medicament of its rank , yet visibly extant among us . ) Of such I shall advise my Countreymen to beware , for these Adulterators will but disgrace and degrade it ; for I am sure none can find out the true way of making it , unless he be a knowing Philosopher , working with his own hands , and taking Preparations into his own Stomach . Thus much I advertise ; He that dextrously can volatilize Salt of Tart. may do something tending to this purpose , otherwise not . He that desires to be farther instructed concerning the defence of the Virtues of this Essence , and the disproving of what is spoken against it by Mal●volents , ; let him read with integrity the just commendation of it in Haematiasis , &c. Indefatigable perseverance in opening Bodies ●y the Fire , and the repeated Assumption of what was thence produced , hath brought me to the knowledge of a Pill I call Polychrest , which consists of three Golden Sulphurs from Minerals well purified , and friendly to Nature ; whose innocence , as well as effectual Operation , is remarkable , and upon tryal to be justified by any who understands a good Remedy . They are conducible in most Diseases . They act by cleansing , opening , corroborating and purifying the Blood , without leaving the least ill impress behind , for they contain no laxative so noxious as Senna or Rewbarb . they are of great force to conquer the Scurvie : also prevalent against the Dropsie . They prevent the Stone , and carry off Gravel . They sweeten sharp Liquors in the Body . They overcome the Venereal or foul Disease , if taken a considerable time : neither is it to be suspected , that one may be weakned by the long frequent use of them ; for they , contrary to other purging Concretes , make one more lusty and vigorous , as I have found in my having taken many thousands of them with an advancement of my strength . They reform the Spleen ; help to cure Feavers , prevent relapses and long Maladies . They may be swallowed at any time of the day or night ; neither will they cause injury , but rather benefit , if they loosen not the body in twenty four hours , which is rare , for usually they give a stool or two in that space . The Dose is two or three Pills a little before Supper , or early in the Morning . The Patient proceeding thus for three or four days , and resting a day or two , and then repeating them . Tinct . nost ▪ Emetica , is profitable in all Malignant Feavers , in the griping or loosness of the Belly , difficulty of Breathing ; pain of the Sides , Headach , Diseases of the Stomach & Spleen . It leaves the Vitals more cheerful and active . It matters not whether it work or no by vomit or stool ; however , it will do good by Sweat , or causing Urine . If the party be capable , it may be given a week together , at any time of the day or night , I often give it in bed . Pul. Emeto Catharticus is profitable in many Diseases , ( as Emetica Tinctur . ) It searches out the Morbifick matter , leaving wholesome Juyces untouched : when other Vomits are given in vain this Profiteth . Pil. Emeto Cathart . are useful for the same Diseases , as Pulvis Emeto , Cathar . Polyacea , Tinctura Solaris , or Balsamica , are great supporters of Nature , the tamers of Malignant Feavers ; they go into all parts , illuminate and augment the Archeus or Vitals . They carry off by Sweat , Urine and Expectoration . There are few Diseases which will not somewhat yield to these Cordials , if exhibited in a just proportion . Elixi . Proprietat . nost resists Putrifaction , opens the Spleen , helps Digestion , purifies the Blood : It is very cordial , expels Menf●r●a stopped , and gives a check to them flowing excessively . It is most efficacious to cause an easie and speedy delivery in difficult labour of Women . Its Dose is from ten to an hundred drops or more in strong Liquor . With several other salutary Remedies could I acquaint the World ; but now I must desist , hoping God may spare my life till the Edition of my Physical Observations : the history , cause , & cure of 3 Cholick-stones , of a vast unwonted magnitude : also the History of the Exection of the Spleen out of a Dog , that lived two years and a quarter after very lively and well ; with sufficient reasons to back the Experiment : the Diseases of the Spleen , with preservative and Curative Instructions of the same . Lastly , a Synopsis , or Abridgment of Loimotomia , the dissection of a Pestilential Body ; all in Latine , wherein Materia Medica and its Philosophical management shall be more amply examined . From Queen-street , formerly called Soper● lane , in Well-court , nigh Cheapside . 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 : OR A just Complaint of the Deceitful , Dangerous and Pernicious Method or Way of Curing , obstinately insisted upon by the Galenists at this day , when a far better means is found out by the Philosophical Chymists : Also the Advantage or Benefit arising from a Legitimate Learned Colledge established by Authority : Moreover , an Invitation to the Galenists to become Ortho-Chymists . TO offend , when a man , neither knows nor is taught better , deserves Pity . To act amiss through an Importunate Imperfection , with an earnest desire to reform , argues Ingenuity , and a Noble Spirit : But wilfully to persist in a Capital Errour , to the Ruine of aur Neighbour , when one is Advertised thereof , and may have better things indigitated to the Senses , makes one guilty of abominable Wickedness . The time was 26 years past , that following those Dogmatical Rules received from Antiquity , I did help for two or three years to fatten the Churchyard , howsoever with many anxious thoughts , much regret and checks of my Soul , that I neither did , nor could tell how to perform my Duty with more ability in this Weighty profession . So disquieted was I night and day upon consideration ( how being sent for in the beginning of an Acute Evil I suffered a young Man in the very 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 or Flower of his Strength to be cut off for want of due Medicinal Provision ) that I resolved to take some other course of life , to get a Subsistence , rather than thus Conscious of my own Insufficiency , to be accessary to the Death of my Patients : Yea I did believe , persevering in this common road of Malepractice , I might contract the guilt of plain Homicide , to the utter undoing my Soul. Thus , after many an Agony or Conflict of Spirit , I fell off by little and little from that great Dictators Method and Pharmacie ( reputed by me at first Oracular . ) Having acquired some Furniture of ordinary Chymical Medicaments , I exhibited them though with a trembling Hand and Heart ( partly through Prejudice , partly through fear of being Adulterated ) to those tired out with long Sickness , as the Scurvie , Q●artane , Hypocondriak Passions , &c. yet with a success happy beyond my expectation . The Galenical Doctrine becoming at first suspected , and at length less reputed , incited by my Tutor and another Friend , an excellent Chymist , I was fully bent without wavering to purchase Van Helmont ( one formerly slighted by me for inveighing without cause as I foolishly thought against the Schools ) to read him intirely , impartially with a single Eye , and a Marginal Note . In the upshot , after a serious rumination of those Physical Verities relating to the Radical Essence and Cure of Diseases communicated by this incomparable Searcher into Nature , I forthwith took out a new Lesson of Theory and Practice , renouncing my former mistakes , imploring an Influence from Heaven that I might be farther informed . Wherefore nauseating a Hundred Treatises of Feavers and other 〈…〉 nothing but Cramben millies coctam , the same obsolete stuff over and over , I rid my self of the Impediments or luggage of a fruitless Library , wholy addicting my self to the Lecture of Initia Physicae inaudita , and other of the most Authentick Authors , coadjuvant to the understanding of the more obscure places delivered by our Philosopher . Then according to his Advice I bought Glasses , erected Furnaces , fell to labour with my own hands , prepared according to his general direction the Materia Medica , which I first took into my own body for Tryal , afterward tendred it to my Patients . In this manner making a progress twenty years compleat from that time to this . Having maturely received a farther Illumination and Confirmation of the solid Principles of Chymical Physiologie , and the rotten Foundation of the Galenical , abominating Bleeding ( as rightly stated ) uncorrected Purgatives , &c. I have with convincing predictions been able , Auspice Deo , to relieve the Calamities , Languors , and grievous Wounds of poor Mortals , to the infinite satisfaction of my own Spirit . A proof whereof I have tendered to Dr. Willis , Dr. Merret , Dr. Goddard , and divers others of our London Colledge ; and am now ready to make good by Fact in a publick Hospital or private Families , that the Galenical Design of Healing is Fraudulent , Dangerous and Deadly : As likewise that our rightly Instituted Fabrick of Pharmacy , with the Method of dispensing and distributing it , is Upright , Safe and Sanative : withal , that those Allegations of excessive preternatural Heat , Virulency , Violence , consuming the Humidum Radicale , or shortning the Life , imputed to our Remedies , are Malicious Slanders , False Accusations , Detractions , Cavils , and subtil Devises contrived by these Traders in Men's Skins , on purpose to keep up their Interest , though Myriads perish . Any but one obstinate , rash , self-conceited , will judge Charitably of my proceedings in this kind , sith deserting the Galenical usual manner of prescribing I incurred the displeasure , yea , hatred of most Apothecaries , a dis-repute among the Galenical Chirurgeons , because I condemn Phlebotomy , and the common way of Healing Wounds , Sores , &c. The rash , Incogitant censures , and Raillery of Midwives , Nurses , or such like Creatures , with the Huffings , s●ibs , tepulses of Fortunes Favourites ; and the Abuses , Sarcasms , opprobrious Language of the ruder sort . Moreover , hereby I haue lost my Ease , outward Applause , Riches and Honours , and many secular Respects , laid hold by the Galenists in Oliver's Days , and since , without the least touch or scruple of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 . Besides upon Consideration , that had I then plaid my Game Craftily ( which I could easily have done as well as the best of them ) I should have enjoyed no less Temporal Advantages than they . But seeing I had more sublime thoughts , esteeming nothing too dear , so that I might attain the Gift of Healing , as I ought : Therefore in all Equity and Reason I ought to be listned to , who request nothing more than that the Helmontian Doctrine ( which I assert ) may be accepted , so far as I can make it appear true by repeated Experiments . Once more I shall entreat those Learned Galenists , they would be pleased , out of Respect to their own Souls , Commise●ation to miserable Mortals , for the Dignity , Glory , and Promotion of this Divine Science , to put a stop to their profuse Effusion of Blood , Consumption of the strength of the Body by tabefying Purgations , withal to abandon fruitless , cooling Julebs , Pusillanimous Cordials , Poysonous Vesicatories . If the Galenists ( whose Estimation I should abhor to blemish , did not the Life of Man stand in Competition ) still persist to deny me this kindness , of explaining things as they are in themselves , they will constrain me to set forth a Catalogue of those Patients , with the Names of the Physitians attending them , whom ( as I 'le make appear by Analogism , Examples , or Instances agreeing ( in every respect possible to the Type of the Disease Ordered by them ) they have sent packing into the other World. If they can as justly accuse me , producing the same Evidence , that I am guilty of such indirect Practice ( these 16 years I have here resided in London ) I shall willingly submit to be severely Animadverted . Moreover , I shall detect what a Considerable number of Sick brought to the brink of the Grave by their Galenical Orders ( some whereof I have urged to try further , if they were able to relieve them ) utterly despairing of their Recovery , Divine Goodness hath Cured by his weak Spagyrical Agent . I hope his Majesty , for the Love he bears to Chymical Truth , the Benefit redounding thereby to himself , and his Subjects , out of a kindness to one , who sincerely and Constantly suffered for his Royal Father , will indulge this Honest , Profitable Enterprize so far , that if I can make good to the Senses , that our Philosophical way is able ( according to Judicious Providence and Predictions ) to preserve his Subjects in Health of Body and Mind , to prevent mischiefs to come , and to restore them to Sanity , better than formerly , for many Centuries past : Withall if it can be proved plainly by iterated Essays , and Equal Tryals , that the Galenical , and Galeno-Chymical Method is an Imperfect , Palliating , Treacherous , and Pernicious means to overcome , or eradicate any great fixed Malady , will be pleased to Erect a Learned Chymical Society , which may be a President to Foreign Nations to imitate ; for which , present and Future Ages will be bound to bless him . The admirable Commodity and Benefits accr●ing to Mankind by this Heroick Enterprize of a Chymical Colledge , are sufficient to move the Magistrate to force these Anti-Chymists to desist from their Evil Practice . 1. Religious . 2. Moral . 3. Political . 4. Medicinal . 5. Mechanical . I should not question by means of wholsome Chymical Physick to make Men of more sound 〈◊〉 Religion . Atheism , Hypoctisie , Prophaness , Debauchery , might in some measure be lessened , quailed , and restrained , by power of a Mastring Discipline of the Intellectual Soul made more apt to understand the Truth of things , by means of the Organs of the Body , Blood , and Spirits well Clarified . By Virtue of our Hermetick Physick , the Head , Heart , and Hands of Hierophants , might be purified ▪ Their Exemplary Dumb and Deaf Preaching up of Vice throughout all the World , be Corrected ▪ Circumstances and Punctilio's in Religion lovingly , calmly proposed , debated , and Accepted ▪ And those fierce Eager Altercations about Adi●phora laid aside . By the powerful Operation of this 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 Quakers , Catabaptists , Independents , Separatists , Schismaticks , and multitudes of Phanaticks , might be brought to more Integrity of mind in Religion , be reclaimed far better than by any rigid Persecuting-Course whatsoever . We should Entertain more frequent serious Contemplation , or Divine Idea's of a Future World , were not our Bodies consequently our Souls clouded by black Hypochondriack Me●eors , and depraved by bad Physick . In my Minority I have been a little amazed to hear the Religion of Physitians indifferently , yea , slightingly , Ironically spoken of : So that I have not without some indignation , Vindicated it ; perswading my self , that there were many , who , like Dr. Brown , were able to assert it practically . But coming to greater Maturity in the Observation of Things , I found , for the most part , that really True , which before I apprehended was precipitately spoken by the vulgar . For I dare averr , if a Man may judge of a Tree by it's Fruits , or of the Nature of any Corporeal Existent by Signatures , Impresses , and Accidents , Products , Phaenomena , and Effects ; so certainly may a Man censure most of the Galenical Tribe , sitting to be Ranked among Plato's Classes of Atheistical , Hypocritical Wretches ; not only Poysoning others by their Deletery , virulent , intoxicating Physick , but also by their 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 their Profane , Loose , voluptuous , Intemperate , Covetous , Proud , Blasphemous behaviour , both in word and deed , and most Obstinate , Active , Perseverance in their Lethiferous Method of Curing . How in Truth can it be otherwise , sith their Minds are Corrupted by their malignant Physick , Through the want of a True Benign mundifier of their Vitals . Besides , how is it possible they should be acquainted in the least mith a Deity , who are so grosly ignorant of the Aitiologie of things in Nature . Needs must they be stone Blind as to any right apprehension of an Omnipotent Creator , a Wise Supporter , Disposer ; and Governor of all things : Sith their Understanding is so extremely to seek concerning the Material , Efficient Cause of all Corporeal Beings . How can they who are so much mistaken concerning the Essence of Fire , approach him infinitely transcending any consuming Fire . ) How is it possible they should have any Understanding of the Father of Lights , who know not whether Light be Accident or a Substance . Had they been better acquainted with Nature , the first Mover of all things , would have Communicated himself more clearly . Now , sith they have wilfully blinded themselves through Vile Interest , at the presence of that which is obvious to the Senses , 't is but just they should continue in Cimmerian Darkness , without the true Discovery of things invisible . It hath been a Curse upon the Galenists 1600 Years , not to be capable to Cure Radicated Diseases , because they slighted him who is the great Healer of all our Infirmities , Nam Deus creavit Medicum non Homo . This considered , 't is no wonder they are thus accused of Atheism . If so , the only way to make them Religious Proselytes , and to bring them to 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 is to convince them of their Errors in Philosophy , to demonstrate how miserably they are out of the way of Curing their own , as well as others Evils . What imperfect , yea hurtful means they use to remedie their own Laesam Imaginationem by Bleeding , Tabefying , Colliquating , Carharticks and duil Cordials , &c. and to indicare to them Ortho-Methodus fanandi Chymica , that there may be an 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 in the Stomach , Spleen and other parts , 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a purity in the Blood , and an 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 a firm Activity in the Spirits : thus the Soul obtaining compleat Organs , will act as it ought ( for aceording to Galen , Animi Actiones sequntur temperamentum Corporis , which is verified of the Spirits . ) Thus when the Doctor is convinced , many Discidles will follow his Example : this will be the most assured way to make a Reformation in the World , and to take us off from unprofitable Disputes in Religion . The Abuses and extravagant Practices in Divinity , and Physick being Chymically redressed , the Corruptions , Prevarications and unjust Dealings in the Law are like to be quickly voted out of doors : For the Irregularities in Divinity and Physick confound the whole world . Moreover , I have observed more Ingenuous Favourers of Chymical Philosophy among the Students and Practicers of the Law , than any other Profession whatsoever , therefore more inclinable to be taught better things . Next our Ethicks or Morality may by wholsome Chymical Physick be meliorated : One Reason why we are at this day so depraved in our Manners , may with plausible reason be attributed to New feral Diseases , which rage among us as the Scorbutum , Lues Venerea , single & complicated : likewise to the increase of the Cacoethie , or Malignity of former Diseases now graduated , and guarded with more cruel Symptoms , aggravated by Cacost●machical Medicaments . Hereby our Off-spring is born Valetudinary , sickly in Body , and vitious in Mind , the Seminal Idea of those Infirmities which lay couched in our Body being imprinted Iure Hereditario on the miserable Infants . 'T is not to be admired , why we are at this day so Melancholy , Discontented , Distracted with inordinate Passions and Perturbations , so Malicious , Perfidious , Falshearted , dishonest , full of Hatred , Pride , Vain-glory , Hypocrisie , Covetousness , Faction , Rebellion , Lightness and Phantastical Aemulation of Forreign Nations , unworthy of an English-man : For as much as most of the Galenical Compositions 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 corrupt Body and Soul. Again , 't is singular Policie in the Magistrate to promote and cherish this Chymical Method of Curing : for his own and the peoples sake . He being by this means enabled to enjoy sounder Body and Mind , to Govern long , making Good Laws ; and his Subjects hereby multiplyed will be ready to embrace them and obey him : both using a direct way to clarifie the Organs of the Soul for the Reception of Truth , and the right discretion or election of what is best . By vertue of this Art , his Subjects will be more Magnanimous , Valiant , empowered the better to defend him and his Territories , to vindicate his Rights , to make enquiry abroad for New Plantations , and Colonies , to prevent Sicknesses incident to the Climate , to oppose any Enemies stoutly that shall invade us , to heal their Wounds , to save many Limbs from being mutilated or cut off . Doubtless had his Majesty been throughly acquainted with the excellent Efficacie of the Stomach Essence in Healing both Inwardly and Outwardly , injoyning a large Quantity to be made for the use of his Fleet against the Dutch , many Hundreds of those brave Men might have been preserved , who perished for want of true Chymical Remedies . Neither would this or the like have only Cured their Scorbutical Infirmities , Healed their grievous Soars , but also have maturated their Stratagems , magnified and animated their Spirits for the execution of far greater Actions . Were there not some among us , who envie that the Nation should enjoy such a time of Iubilee , or Halcyonian days , wherein the state of Body and Soul might be amended , they would suggest to his Majesty the extraordinary Emolument or Commoditie would arise to Him , His Posterity and the People , if this Enterprize were set on foot . It would appear Honest and Noble Policy to Purg the Schools by Paracelsian Physick from Capital Galenical Errours , at this day predominant in Physick , to eradicate those Corruptions so deeply grounded tam frequentes foedasque in Philosophia nundinationes ( as an Antient Academical Antesignanus of Learning expresses ) those unworthy respects of conferring Degrees on those who deserve to be termed no better than Philosophastri , Theologastri , Idiotae , Nugatores , Sycophantae , Otiateres , Compotores , Indigni libidinis voluptatumque ministri , Hinc Rude vulgus , Inops , Sordidum , Leve , Melancholicum Rebelle , Contumax , Refractarium ac Miserandum . If the Magistrate be pleased to cause the Helmontian Institutions to be introduced into the Academies instead of Aristotelian , according as one shall be found experimentally true , and the other false , the whole Kingdome will by degrees be brought into a far more flourishing Condition than formerly : Hereupon Able Physitians will be sent into all parts to keep men in Sanity ( the direct way to Prosperity in the General ) which before was empaired by Galenists , Mountebanks , Quacks , who giving Medicaments noxious , as Hemlock instead of Parsley , have made the Nation Brain-sick , Phantastical , Scorbutical , Unconstant , Rebellious , Idle , full of Beggars , Querulous , prone to extreams , Innovations , affected with Outsides and Appearances rather than solid Worth. Thus the trading for Mens Skins might be abolished , Physick , Chirurgery and Pharmacopoie united , Materia Medica better improved , better attendance given to the Sick in time of the Plague , and a prevention made of Fugitive Physitians in our greatest extremity , whose Courage may be encreased by appropriate Antidotes against so great a poison . Let us but turn over to the Chymical Page ; His Majesty will always enjoy Virtuous , Prudent , Sage , Valiant , Upright Counsellours : Good Men will still be encouraged with just Rewards , and Evil punished ; those who have Real Intrinsical Worth preferred , those making an Outward seeming shew rejected : for assuredly the reason why we do not esteem things as they are in themselves , proceeds from Laesa Imaginatio , a crasie Phansie to be corrected principally by powerful Chymical Physick . Moreover , the Consideration how ready at hand our Remedies are upon all occasions , safe and effectual , may plead for their protection by the Magistrate : Suppose a Prince or any Great Man be surprized with a Lipothymie , Epilepsie , Lethargie , Vertigo , in a place remote from any Appothecarie , certainly he may himself , or his Physitian attending him , carry a few light Paracelsian Remedies , which may in a moment relieve him ; whereas should he send a Prescription so far as the unsupportable bulk of an Apothecarys Pharmacy resideth there to be dispensed , this Noble Person might in the mean time perish . I add to this , 't is no small politick Satisfaction to a great Man , who prizes his Life , to see a Physitian , or any other in Health , to take some Chymical Arcana without any Nocument , which is tendred to the Patient for his Restauration , which I 'le undertake to make good upon my own Body , or anothers . I shall not omit how satisfactory 't is to one , who in his Prosperity , loves to breath in this Atmosphear , to hear a plain comfortable Prediction from an Adeptus , that he is capable of Recovery , or if not , that he may settle his Affairs , while he hath Mature Judgment . In the mean time the Dogmatical Guessers , boggle , blunder , juggle , speak as amphibologically , as the Orac●e of Old at Delphos , or else are quite mistaken , altogether over-shoot themselves , as appeared by their Prognostick , in Mr. Colwel , the Great Banker , his Case , and many other , whom I shall make mention of , annexing a large Comment on the miscarriages of these Improvident Galenists , if they do not forthwith endeavour 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 to forsake their destructive paths . Lastly , Princes encouraging Pyrotechnie may obtain far more Active Antidotes against poyson , than hath hitherto been known , whereby the thread of their Life may be protracted ; they may also discover how , not only vain , but injurious the Common Catharticks are in stubborn Maladies , studying to avoid them as Poysons either manifestly hurting at present , or privily shortning their days for the Future . 4. The Medicinal Profit , Advantages , and Service that will attend a Chymical Society , established by Law , is most remarkable , which the Reader shall find described in Ortho-Methodus Iatro Chymica . That Catalogue of Incurable Diseases , given in by the Galenists , will be Cancelled , and an appropriate means found to Remedy the most Truculent Sickness , and Atrocious virulent Malady . Deus Omnes Nationes fecit sanabiles . The Powerful Benign Father of every good and perfect Gift hath Created a Salve for every Sore ; onely ungrateful , sloathful , supine Man will not exert his Faculties , for the Indagation , or narrow search of such precious latrical Pearls to be valued above any thing in this World ; yea , so indifferent he is , so Paralytical in his desires towards the Summum Bonum , Sanity of Body , and Soul , so wilfully miserable , that he is loath to put out his Hand to receive so great a favour , though he may have it gratis , rather Envying , retarding , than furthering those who labour for a publick good . Were this Iatro Chymical Exploit indulged and quickned by those in Authority , such Polyacea's might be brought to light , enriched with Virtues abundantly sufficient to Conquer , and quite cut off those complicated Evils , which like Hydra's Heads elude the Vulgar Medicaments . If Artists were animated , the Epilepsie Appoplexy , Gout , Quartan , Lues Venerea , Scorbute Radicated , yea , and the Itch ( which I wondred they omitted amongst the List of their Incurable Diseases , for I am sure their Method cannot Cure Directly ) would not thus Tyrannize in this Microcosm . An Adaequate Lithontribon might be detected Potent to dissolve the Stone in the Bladder without Cruel , uncertain Lithotomie . Were the World furnished with Compleat , Learned Pyrotechnists , no Man would fail to be Cured in due time of a Pleurisie , by Anti-Pleuriticks , ( not Bleeding ) expeditely , radically , without relapse , or future danger of being obnoxious to the like pungitive vexation again . All Feavers might in a few days be strangled . The Measles and Small Pox might be Cured without Scandal , in the same manner as other defaults in Nature , to the Contempt of Ignorant and Presumptuous Nurses , Midwives , and the like Gang , who in this stare fear to meddle ( not without just Reason ) with Opinionative Physitians , having been so notoriously un-successful in the management of this Malignant Disease : Neither let any one think that their Method is more prevalent to Cure other malignant Feavers , no such Matter ; onely their unlucky dealing is more obvious to the common People in this Cutaneous affect , who cannot in more obscure passages so easily pry into their egregious Imperfections . Were there frequent consultations of Philosophical Spagyrists receiving mutual Assistance one from another ; the Liquor Alkahest and Butler's stone might in all probability be enucleated , and set on work for Mortals Good : The Magical , Magnetical , and Sympathetical Mystery of Healing might be improved and confirmed . The Feat of Obstetrication might be far more advanced , to the Grand disgrace of certain Men , who profess it ; and to the Regulating of some self-conceited , rash Women . Chirurgery made appear to belong principally ( setting aside Manual Operation ) to the Skilful Chymists , who have in their Custody such mortifiers of the Idea's of Cacoethick Sores , Fistula's , Cancers , Herpete's , &c. Such Vital Balsoms , and Sanatives to be taken inwardly and outwardly , that the Chirurgion should be forced to confess , that in most Cases the Physitian is to be sought to ; and that in long Voyages , none are to be compared to Spagyrical preparations , for duration ; with which being accurately Fabricated , he and the Apothecary should be furnished upon Occasions : A Legitimate , Substantial , Efficacious Pharmacy being introduced , the Supposititious , AAdulterated , Trivial , Insufficient Factures rejected . Then will the promiscuous , indifferent , confused comprehension at this day , of the Counterfeit , and Real ; the Apish , and Manly Chymical Exercitations be made plain to mean Capacities : How our Colluding Galenists have imposed upon the World , by owning themselves the best Chymists , though worse than the greatest Adulterators of Sack , for which none can plead but the impudent Sophisticator , or Compounder . Then will the Thermologist be either ashamed so much as to mention Hot and Cold for the cause , or C●re of Diseases ▪ Or if he should , he might , perhaps , be ridiculously discarded by the Friends of the Patient , to his detestable shame , as a singular Fool. If once the Omnipotent encline the Hearts of our Governours to cherish , and resolutely protect this Divine Science , cutting holes in the Skin will grow out of fashion : Epispasticks , Blysterings , Scarifications will be thought fitting for none but Malefactors : Common Purgation and Bleeding , with their dreggy Decoctions ( little better than Drenches ) will be confined to the Cure of Horses . If Prometheus Fire were throughly kindled among us , our eyes would be opened that we might understand , how those very Galenists who have declaimed undeservedly , railed at and condemned Chymical Remedies in General , have been forced at length ( unless they ventured to come off with unsufferable disgrace ) to minister closely the same sleight Preparations of the Shops , altogether renounced by the Spagyrical Sophist . Yea , it will appear , how in time of their greatest Ignorance they have advised their Patients to the Sumption of Mineral Waters , thereby implicitly and tacitly denoting against their wills , that Natute taught them to be Chymists , if they had not been obstinately blinder than Bats and Owls . Lastly , if such a Philosophical Chymical Company be Authorized and Countenanced , Mechanicks will be much promoted , their Manual faculties will be more dextrously carried on : The Art of Gilding , Painting , Writing , Artillery may be wound up to a higher pitch . Metals might be more intimately purged , refined , volatile made more fixed , the terrestrial parts more sublimed , their colour and sound exalted , those friable made Ductile , the Ignobler provected , and Generous augmented . Mercury precipitated , coagulated , &c. then combined with multiplicity of Bodies with which it will shew variety of Shapes useful for divers Mechanical Factures . Antimony likewise technically prepared might be employed for the advancement of many Handycrafts , Sulphur Anreum Fulminans might be made in greater quantity and cheaper for the atchievement of many rare Designs . Such Electrums might be made which would perform Stupendious things . A clearer Light of the Lapis Chrysopoeus might be given . Doubtless Artificers would find that the compleat Learned Spagyrist would be able to instruct them for the contriving of several Mechanies to his advantage , never to be attained by Ideot-Chymists . I hope these Important Motives and Persuasive Reasons will excite the Magistrate to Constitute with all Expedition , such a Learned Society of Ortho-Chymists , that they themselves , and these Nations may gather the delicious fruits thereof , and Forreigners may be lured to follow their good Example . Withal , I Supplicate the Omnipotent to put it into the Hearts of the more Generous and Refined Spirits of the Galenists , to take for the future Right Measures for the Cure of Humane Griefs , to wave ( when they are to aim at Essential Sanation ) those Childish Fopperies of Heat and Cold , and to abdicate and proscribe their indiscreet , either secretly noxious or openly lethiferous Bleeding , Purging , &c. to lay down those Pernicious Instruments , and to take up Salutary . If the Juniors ( leaving the Old Doting Fellows to themselves , as a very Learned Man calls them . who will no more be brought to learn better things in Healing , than an Old Dog to Fetch and Carry ) will couragiously , and resolutely bend their endeavours to carry on this Heroical Pyrotechnical Enterprize , they shall find me ready to serve them ( according to that little Talent I have ) in the detection of those Physical Verities which have cost me nigh 30 years Labour of Brain and Sinews , besides the Hazzard of my Life by Assassinating Realgars of Metals and Minerals , together with the treacherous Gas of Charcole ▪ also the dangerous Essayes I have made upon my own Stomach , for the discovery of the Operation of my own Manufactures : add to these the continual Opposition , the Obloquies I have sustained , Abuses , Slanders , Disrespects thrown upon me undeservedly , enough to deter any man from being a Sceptick in Physick , or to digress from the Common Road of Healing . I shall , I say , communicate Real Arcana to a certain number of Literate Candid Persons , fitting to lay the Foundation of a Salutary Colledge . Then for my part I shall be willing to sequester my self out of Secular Tumults , Uproars and Turmoils , thinking it the happiest Condition in the world to live privately . I question not but other Ortho-Chymists will follow this Pattern , and contribute to the Honour and Enlargment of such a Scientifick Society . The POST-SCRIPT . IF the Galenists find any Substantial remarkable Errors in this Syntagm , or a late Tract , Called Epilogis . Chymic . I am willing to be Rebuked as sharply as they please , but not scurrilously : However , I ought to be convinced by Matter of Fact , as well as Reason , which those of the Royal Society are bound to grant me , without Favour , Affection , Partiality , or Obligation to each other . This denyed me , they still persisting to set at naught Essential , Medical verity , back biting and vilifying us and our Remedies : Let them be assured I shall in general publish in lively Colours a Character of them . Next in particular I shall attack J. G. J. K. J. B. H. B. T. C. H. G. D. W. J. L. J. D. W. D. T. C. All reputed Learned Doctors , whom I can undoubtedly Charge ex Facto , with an Indirect Method of Curing . Moreover , the Cause of the Death of Mr. Colwel , the great Banker , Mr. Edw. Viner , Mr. Parker , Mr. Scot , Sir George Viner and his Lady , Lord Conwallis ; yea , the Reason of the shortning the Life of divers other Great Persons ought to be strictly Examined , and a History of the management of their Sickness to be exposed to Publick view for Caution to others . I shall especially take to Task Dr. C. M. who deserves to be handled according to the Rigour of the Law , for positively slandering me ; That I had Killed three Patients in one House : Neither will his bare denial serve his turn , sith I have sufficient Witness to cast him , upon Oath . I shall in good time match the Cock of our Anatomical Boasters , who accused me of Presumption , for cutting up a Pestilential Body , when they , for want of a stock of Powerful Prophylacticks , and Therapeuticks , never attempted it but with loss of Life . I shall farther Vindicate ( as the first ) the Credit and Propriety of Splenectomia , i. e. the cutting the Spleen out of a Dog ( the Animal surviving the Operation two years and a Quarter ) Vsurped by Dr. C. S. appropriated by the Virtuosi , now set down in the List of their Transactions . I shall , in convenient time , call to a Reckoning a Galenical Doctor ( whose Name is Consonant with Stults , a proper Etymon for an Ignorant Physitian ) Correcting him to a purpose , for maligning my Practice , and offering abuses to this Innocent Art. I may likewise , in time , comment , and make Animadversions on Pharmaceutice Rationalis sive Diatriba , and instruct the World concerning the Authors great mistakes , relating to the Aitiologie of Diseases , Method and Instruments of Healing . FINIS .