ΠΙΔΑΞ ΠΕΤΡΕΙΑ OR, The disc●●erie of S. Peter's Well, ●t Peter-head, in SCOTLAND, being in latitude 57 d. 43. m. and in longitude 22. d. 40. m.  
Showing the admirable virtues thereof, against many deplorable diseases.  
BY A. M. Student in Medicine.  
Visitavimus Interiora Terrae, Rectificando Invenimus Occultum Lapidem, Veram Medicinam.  
EDINBURGH, Printed by the Heirs of Andrew Hart, Anno Dom. 1636.   

TO THE TRVELY NOBLE, AND Virtuous Lady, D. MARRY ERSKEINE, Countess of Mareshall, etc.  
MADAM,  
THese my travels, upon the medicinal water of Peter-head, are yours, as the Well is, and many miles about: neither ar● my travels only, but myself am, and many of my progenitors, parents, and kindred are, and were yours, as receiving first breath under your L. most noble and famous house of Martial. Wherefore I have taken the bold 〈◊〉 to publish them to the world under your L. name, that whosoever shall be benefited hereby, may, next to God, bless your L. for that blessed instrument of their health. What I have written, I have not written at random, but by infallible grounds of reason and experience. And if neither the Well, nor the Writer were yours, yet the singular virtues and graces wherewith your L. beautiful mind is richly adorned, should have furnished reason sufficient for this dedication, and for much more than 〈◊〉 spring of my years could possibly produce. Receive herefore, Noble Lady, these first fruits of my small engine, as an earnest of a greater harvest of service: which, if it please God, may be after reaped, for your L. and your most noble Family, and hopeful progeny: whom God continue in felicity and honour, so long as the Sun and Moon shall last.  
Your L. devouted servant, AN. MURE.   

To the Reader.  
GOD by his wise, mighty, and wonderful providence, in such fashion governeth the world, that he doth furnish every nation, with what he knows to be most necessary and convenient for them. This our nation of North Britain, in all former ages, was esteemed and known to be as wise and valiant in mind, so health full in body; while now that by intemperancy, the gut, gravel, the diseases of the spleen, the hypochondriak melancholy, with many other terrible uncouth, cruel and monstruous maladies are come in ready to undermine and destroy us, if God of his great mercy, had not revealed to this nation that excellent spring, and water of health, which I thus discovered, being at London, with that hopeful gentleman james Scot, son to my L. of Scots-tarvet, who was he avily troubled with a disease, which the chiefest and greatest Physicians in that place, called a carnosity in the urinal passage, (though it proved in end to be a very hard one, and turned in a stone) the which to cure, they applied many good and laudable medicaments, without prevailing any thing against his disease. At length despairing of health: he is sent to the waters of Tunbridge, as t●●●s last refuge. With whom amongst others I went: where, by the use of these waters, his pain was mitigate and abundance of slimy humours voided: from thence he went to Paris, where he was cured, and ordained to go to the Well of Spa in Germany, and from thence to Knesbrough in England: by the use of all which waters, he is come to be expert, and to have full knowledge, of the nature and virtues of such mineral waters.  
In the mean time of these voyages, my study was of that kind of fountains: remembering from my childhood, in some kind, the affinity of the taste of the Well of Peter-head, with that which I did find in those Wells, whereof now I have spoken, I resolved to come and try the virtues and operation, of that Well. Which first the inhabitants of that town of Peter-head manifested to me, by their relation of its curing of sore eyes, losing of the belly, if bound, & stopping the immoderate course thereof, serving to them for a cup of preparation before dinner, with many other such like experiences: as one, which I think not amiss to insert in this place of an old, ancient, grave man of 76. years' experience, yet living, who divers and often times hath told me, that he himself being usually troubled with sand and stones in the kidneys, used many kinds of drogues, to free him from this fearful and consuming disease: at last being vehemently vexed with pain, took some 5. or 6. draughts of this water, after which, there burst out with his urine, great quantity of sand and stones. Which water thus he did drink 8 days altogether, every morning, with the like effects, and hath never been troubled hithertils, with so vehement pain.  
Another in that same town, who voided his stomach of a stone, bigger than a tennis ball per anum, and I think it was, the great antipathy which this water hath against stones or sand, in all places of the body, that made him so evacuate such a monstrous thing as this.  
Yet not content to know the truth hereof, and that the virtues of this water were great by some experiences: I intended to dive in the deepest of this fountain, by the ordinary trials of such waters: as the drawing of the tincture of a nutgall, which it will do in the twinkling of an eye, with many other pretty little trials of that sort: as in all of them it proved excellent.  
Neither yet confident of my own trials, I carried the water of this source, to the source and fountain, from whence my first knowledge in medicine did slow: and from whom, many in this nation have received the most part of their knowledge, both divine and Philosophical, which water was kept half year, then tried and found neither changed in taste nor smell, as yet it remaineth in that same state after two years: and by his advice, information, and ordinance I caused pur this clear, pure wholesome water in a vessel, which after a little boiling, was coagulate in a red or brownish tincture. (like that of Plin. chap. 2. lib. 3, Tungria, civitas Galliae, fontem habet insignem, plurimis bullis stillantem, ferruginei saporis, quod ipsum non nisi in fine potus intelligitur. Purgat hic corpora, tertianas febres discutit, calculorumque vitia. Eadem aqua igni admota, turbida fit, ac postremo rubescit.) In the bottom of which vessel, after evaporation remained a red kind of matter, like unto colcothar, which was calcined, pulverised, and dissolved with common water: the water being separate from the sediment by inclination, and evaporate there remained in the bottom a perfect vitriol, of a greenish colour, and of taste sharp and sweet: the vitriol by concoction within the earth, having turned its corrosive acrimony, in a good sweet acidity, ideo aquae thermales omnes, qua solutam vitrioli materiam fixam, eamque coctan & subdulcem, sine suo humido complectuntur, caeteris omnibus praestant: quod materia illa fixa vitrioli, humido radicali fixo auri & argenti respondeat, cui infinitas occultas virtutes inesse tota credidit antiquitas. inquit Fabet. Cap. 17. Pallad. spag.  
The sediment which remained after separation of the water by inclination, being again tried in the fire, proved to be a confused mass of not perfectly cancocted metals.  
But none can speak more by experience, of the goodness and virtue of this fountain, than the gentleman, I have named, and another gentleman of good worth, M. Thomas Aikinhead, Commissar of Edinburgh, who in August last, An. 1635. did find in this Well, as much worth, as they found in any of the forementioned exotic Wells, having tried both. And not only those, but many other gentlemen of good respect can testify these things to be true, which in this book, I have written, concerning the medicinal virtues of this fountain: which, good reader, I hope you may patiently read, and thank God; if, diseased, you reap any benefit from hence.  
Neither had I intention to have published this treatise being conscious of my own weakness, if I had not been animated and encouraged thereto by a letter, which I received from my learned Master, whom I shall reverence, with a filial respect so long as breath shall delay to expire.   

Io: Adamsonus An. Moro S. D.  
PErgratae fuerunt tuae ad me literae; pergratus libellus: utraque vel quod à te: ex utrisque amorem, satis antea perspectum; sed ex hoc & industriam, quà scrutinio quodam accurato nobis videris 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 thesaurum, à nemine hactenus ved quaesitum, vel inventum, demonstrasse. O te felicem, cui coelitus obtigit tam eximium thesaurum invenisse, in salutem humani generis prodidisse! Sed & ego hujus felicitatis non vacuus abiero, cui contigit discipulum habuisse tam industrium, tam doctum, & disertum; qui talis thesauri vires & usum tam eruditè & concinnè patriae suae aperuerit. Tu perge, ut facis, virtuti litare, & amantem me tui redamare.  
Vale. Edinb. Cal. Mart 1636.   

De Fonte Petraeo, ejusque reclusore, ANDREA MORO.  
Cùm gelidus, fons est nitidis argenteus undis,  
Vulcanum admoveas, aurea lympha siet.  
Est auro argentoque simul praestantior omni,  
Quâ reparent vires languida membra suas.  
Ergo, aegri, vivis libate è fontibus undas,  
Et manibus puris sumite, sultis, aquas  
Atque Deo coeli grates persolvite dignas,  
Qui facit ut tantas petra refundat opes.  
Et Mori ingenium voto laudate benigno,  
Qui facit ut tantas penna recludat opes.  
I. A.   

Ad Andream Morum, Petraei fontis detectorem, 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉  
PEtraei laticis gratas languentibus undas  
Detegis, & tanti quae sit origo boni.  
Si tanta utilitas insit vulgaribus undis,  
Hasce sibi ut vulgus commoda prima putet;  
Quanta o Petraeo debetur gloria fonti;  
Omnigenis obstat quae Panacèa malis!  
Nymphae monstratis meruerunt Orgia lymphis:  
Quanta erit inventi gloria; More; tui?  
T. CRAFORDIUS.   

S. PETER'S WELL, OR THE WELL OF Peter-head.  
Medicinal waters differ much in savour and taste: some of them being sulfureous, some vitriolate, some saltish: yet all of them communi nomine are called acidi, from the taste: which acidity or sharpness comes partly from vitriol and partly from the salt of minerals: or they are called mineral waters because passing through the concavities of the earth, they carry with them the tinctures of what they renconter, and are impregnate with the quintessence of those minerals by which they pass whether it be terra lemnia, bol. armen. chalk: or congealed liquors an juices, as allome, succin, sulphur, nitre, vitriol etc. or metals, as gold, silver, iron, etc. or stones as crystal, marble, loadstone &c: they are also called medicinal waters for their rare and admirable virtues in curing diseases and preserving of health. Many of these waters are found out by the diligent searching and industrious labour of the learned, endeavouring to find out the secrets of nature most easy for the help of mankind; as the well of Spa in Germany, the wells of Bourbon, of Pouges, of Forges in France, of Porrecta in Italy, of Tunbridge, and Knesbrough, in England with many others of infinite virtues, as Plinius recordeth in many passages of his books, especially in the 2. chap. of his 31. book. And I would that any reader who doubts of the excellent virtues of infinite diversity of waters should read that chapter: And now our waters of Peter-head called be our forefather's Saint Peter well thinking that it was S. Peter that sent from Rome a faculty of curing diseases to these waters, because he himself could not come, being employed about more necessary affairs at Rome, for the time Pope. Wherefore to gratify this holy Apostle they have built a temple, which to this day is called S. Peter's church. They used to come to the well on S. Peter's day, assembling themselves in great mulitudes; on which day as yet we have a great fair at this place. But this is mere superstition, like that of the heathen, who as Plinius testifieth lib. 31. chap. 2. denominate their rare and medicinal waters from divers of there gods.  
S. Peter's well may be compared with Spa waters, being nothing inferior to them in medicinal virtues, and far excels any other as yet found out, in Europe.  
It is certain that this Petrean water (for so hereafter shall it be called) passes through minerals: but with what proportion they are mixed in these subterranean cells, it is impossible to know, or whether it be hot or cold, moist or dry, some things from whence it flows being hot, some cold, some temperate, seeming rather that it is temperate, well mixed, as its effects shows: yet always this water while it is drunken humectates and refrigerates, incontinent, being daunted through the heat of the stomach, heats and dries.  
For the virtues of our water: it cleanseth and wasteth viscide & Tartareous humours, extenuats pituite, it voids the liver, melt, mesaraicks, and other our entrails, of whatsoever obstructions is troublesome to them: it strengthens the stomach so, be its astriction, that none can complain of harm by its actual coldness: It gives strength to the nerves, tempers the heat of the kidneys, cleansing and expelling their gravel, sand and stones more forceably than any other medicament, because it is diuretic, simple, natural, void of all art, made by the hand of God alone, and most gracious to the taste it hinders the concretion or coagulation of sand, resisting the generation of confirmed stones; and if confirmed, diminishes them: it purgeth the bladder and mundifies the stone of viscide pituit and mucositie wherewith it is environed, prepairing it to be easily taken out by cutting, it is most profitable for the ulcer of the reins and carnosities in the urinal passage, cast in be injection: it certainly helps the venerean & Virulent Gonorhea and all other diseases of that sort, applied with out for their ulcers, chancres, poulanes, pustules, within by injection, and potion, it helps the concoction of the stomach, quenches thirst, appeases dolours, throwing of the belly, with Colic and Iliack passions: it purifies the blood, kills and expels all kind of worms, chases away all fevers, cleanses the skin of pustles and skabs, be lotion & bathing, it lice the belly, if bound, taking away the obstructions from the gall, which sends forth its choler or bilis the only stimulus foecum in jejunum intestinum, wherewith being sharpened, casts out the feceses therein contained, it restrains the fluxes of the belly, by corroborating the retentive faculty, drying the intestins, and makes them slow to expel the humours being drawn by the force of the water to the reins and bladder, and so it works proportionably according to the necessity of nature, as an excellent instrument appointed by God's providence for the health of mankind.  
They also carry with them out of the body divers ways, the cold and watery blood with other excrementitious humours of choler, pituite, melancholy. Our Hydropotae piss much their expulsive faculty being helped through the diuretic quality of our water, their gross excrements are black or greenish: because the salt of minerals be its precipitating virtue facit deseendere terrestreitatem ad fundum: some vomits, voiding their stomach of superfluous humours, some sweats sending forth their obstructions by the pores: for all diuretic things are also diaphoretic, the urine and sweat being of nature's little different.  
These clear pure waters gracious both to palate and eyes provoke so many and diverse evacuations, which scarce any medicament, grievous to the smell, horrible to the sight, and loathsome to the taste, could effectuate: they agree with both sexes, all ages: restoring health lost: preserving in integrity the present.  
We have used all kind of trials for examination of the Petrean water; and have found (as we are able to demonstrate) that these waters carry with them the tincture of vitriol and of metals not perfect nor altogether ; but crude begun, growing to a  mettle if every day a part were not carried away with the waters.  
As for the virtues and qualities of vitriol, they are so renowned by many of the ancients and all our modern writers, that purposely I omit them to a more fit occasion then the brevity of this piece can permit. And if I shall but point at the generation of vitriol, within the earth the understanding reader shall quickly perceive its nature and operation, which is thus.  
There ariseth a sulfureous exhalation be the action of the subterranean heat: which mixed with water makes a sharp corrosive juice, proper to corrode and drink up a part of copper and iron, and to collect and coagulate itself in one; which we call Vitriol. So that the principles and elements of vitriol are sulphur, water, the two metals of iron and copper, and some little portion of the mineral clay adhering either to the metals, as seldom they remain in the bowels of the earth without some slimy matter: or else in the water with which was mixed the sulfureous salsuginous exhalation, which things we see in the anatomy of vitriol be distillation First the watery part being volatile, ariseth in making of Colcothar, than that sulfureous salsuginous exhalation, which being by cold condensed in the recipient, turns in oil: the hypostasis or sediment being puluerised, washed dried and liquified with borax, secundum artem, shall produce a metallic substance. Out of which considerations A. Guntherus hath defined it to be sulfureae salsuginis aeratae ferrataeque coagulum.  
And albeit evidently add sensum we can see no more metals but copper and iron, yet certainly it is coagulum omnium metallorum autcorum sal. Whence some have taken occasion to make an allusion to the letters of Vitriolum, Visitando interiora terrae rectificando invenies occultum lapidem veram medicinam.  
As for the metals, the Chimique Philosophers say that their proxima materia Mercury engendered of the first matter of minerals well mixed: to wit, that viscous humidity subtly incorporate to incombustible earth equally mixed with the least parts in the mineral concavities of the earth. And seeing that kind of matter can not produce self, nature hath given it a proper agent sulphur, a certain fatness of the earth, engendered in its own bowels by temperate coction, for concocting, digesting and converting the foresaid Mercury in form of mettle, the sulphur having relation to the mercury, as the male to the female, and as the proper agent to its proper matter: this is proximae materia metallorum. As in the generation of man, the aliment is a nearer matter than the elements, the blood than the food, the seed then the blood, and in end after a long and continual digestion the matter receaves humane form: so in the generation of metals there ariseth vapours of the elements, these vapours being condensed turn in a viscous and ponderous liquor mixed with subtle and sulfureous earth, which is called mercury, whereof as of its proxima materia, be the mixtion and action of sulphur, is made gold, silver, iron, or any other mettle according as nature hath digested it less or more: for there is no difference betwixt gold and iron, but that gold hath happened to be better and longer concocted than the other.  
Some striving to imitate nature in perfecting of metals, meaning to bring them to their perfection, Gold, have used many artificial operations in making their Philosopher's stone so much searched.  
First they calcine the matter without diminishing the body, they attenuate the grossness and solidity of the calcined matter by solution, and reduce it to its prima materia, which they call mineral water, whereof gold is the father, silver the mother, and quicksilver the proxeneta, that makes the marriage and union: this done they separate the four elements in two parts, one superior and celestial, which is the spirit that quickens, another inferior and terrestrial which must be enlived by the spirit making the combination with the soul and body, for that first part is a soul inspired: they conjoin the water and air with the earth, and fire, they putrify the matter be a moist heat, after putrefaction comes coagulation, cibation, sublimation, fermentation, exaltation, augmentation, and lastly projection upon imperfect metals, changing them into perfect gold and silver.  
It is certain that the chief end of the ancient Philosophers, who traveiled and laboured about this stone, was to compose an universal balsamic medicine to roborate and conserve the radical balsam and nectar of our life, in a good and laudable temperament: which great and incomparable medicine they searched in minerals: and knowing that gold, the perfection of minerals, could not have action in our bodies: be reason of its compact and firm composition: they have endeavoured to break its hardest bonds, and to reduce it to its first matter, that it may be dissolved in all liquors, and communicate to them that excellent and balsamic perfection of our life and nature.  
The transmutation of metals in the concavities of the earth appears evidently; but be artificial projection many imaginations are not strong enough to conceive, though some too strongly conceive them, & by thus conceaving have deceived many of the world and themselves: and it is thought be many that gold is not so dissolved be any preparation as yet found out, that it renders any tincture worthy of the least and smallest part of the praises it receives. For in auro potabili, essentia auri, sale auri, there are other excellent things of more worth nor the gold, lurking in another form reducible to the metallic substance, neither perchance is it to be denied, but there is in gold excellent virtues and specific remedies for all kind of diseases: yea, more than in any other thing else, if the right and true preparation thereof were known, as it may be future ages, more happy than we shall find, and I pray GOD they that spend their spirit and expense herein, may better themselves, and the world.  
And it may be thought, if the ancients, or moderns had known that the tinctures of minerals were carried from the concavities of the earth, with water, as in our Petrean fountain, they had never so perplexed themselves to have tried so many solutions, calcinations, coagulations, fixations, sublimations, etc. As they have done, evaporating their spirits, and exhausting the humiàum radical of their substance.  
Within the earth from whence our Petrean water flows, is a concavity, a great vessel, ampullare matratium capacissimum, wherein is contained materia proxima metallorum: which sends forth its tincture with our water. In this natural operation there is no need of calcination, solution, reduction to its prima materia: and separation of the four elements, which are the most difficile operations in the composition of the stone. And where many may err, for here as yet the matter is not coagulate, neither is mercury united to its salt and sulphur: but nature finding the salt, sulphur, and mercury of minerals, as yet not united, conjoins them by digestion and cohobation, sublimating and subtilizing the earthly part, rendering the mercurial fixed, going on naturally with all the operations requisite to the perfection of the work, as coagulation, cibation, sublimation, fermentation, exaltation, augmentation, as certainly it would increase, grow, and fill up, the whole concavities where our water is contained, if there were not a continual projection of this natural elixir, this magisterium this quintessence of all metals, in our water dissolving itself therein, the water being impregnate with this admirable yet natural medicine, bursts out dancing, bringing with it the cure of all diseases, crying and calling all those who are troubled and loadned with infirmities, to come and buy without money what may restore them to their health. And truly I may speak of this source what sweetly the prince of French Poets did sing of the tree of life: neither let divins take exception that we symbolise from one earthly thing to another, from the tree of life to the water of life, for what is called the tree of life in the old testament is called the water of life in the new: both pointing out the lively virtue of our life which is hid in Christ: yet from the tree of life to the water of life let me subsultim pass, as birds do from sprays to brays and from mountains to fountains, saying of this water what he spoke of that tree, Du Bartas. pag. 174.  
O holy, peerless, rich preservative!  
Whether wert thou the strange restorative  
That suddenly did age with youth repair?  
And made old A Aeson younger than his heir?  
Or holy Nectar that in heavenly bowers  
Eternally self-pouring Hebe pours?  
Or blessed Ambrosia (gods immortal fare)  
Or else the rich fruit of the garden rare?  
Whereof three Ladies as assured guard  
A fire armed dragon day and night did ward?  
Or precious Moly which joves' pursuivan  
Wing footed Hermes brought to th' Ithacan  
Or else Nepenthe enemy to sadness  
Repelling sorrows, and repealing gladness?  
Or Mumie or elixir that excels  
(Save men and angels) every creature else.  
And it may be thought that a more ancient (I will not say a better) Poet, when he said 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 comparing water with the rest of the elements, meant of this and such other medicinal waters, and not of common rivers & fountains which have no taste, not being impregnate with barley or beef or some such like good commendable ingredients.  
Nature hath here prepared an universal medicine by many, divers, long and natural preparations, which for its perfect temperament and purity, is able govern, conserve and increase the radical humour, and enliving nectar, sympathising be its spiritual nature with our spirits. He that useth this water aright and in season, shall be restored, corroborate, and so armed with strength, that he may afterwards more easily and readily shake of diseases: of whose comforting help nature being destitute may sooner succumb. For if our natural balsam, the shining torch and lamp of our life fail either through defect of proper aliment, or be confined and retrenched by dregs and ashes obstructing, or impeded be any other cause from exercing its lively flame, for the conservation of our life, then and in that case it must be restored, fortified & enlarged with this balsamic medicine, the true and natural tincture of such wholesome minerals, that it may afterwards absolutely, exerce its functions, which come from a friendly harmony which this balsamic medicine hath with our natural balsam: And from this sympathy and similitude of nature this our water is endued with great activity, spiritual and penetrative, for it attenuats, digests, dissolves and evacuats these feculent oppilations which threaten danger to our health and life. If there be any impurity or corruption offending nature, by what better and more safe way can it be extirped then be so excellent and pure a thing as this? If any ardent fever invade us, with what sharp julep, with what more convenient and efficacious syrup of lemons shall you extinguish it, then with the balsamic acidity of our medicinal water? is their pain to quench, let this be your Anodyn, this your only and safe Nepenthes, this your safest treacle, your wholesome Alexipharmacum and Antidote to abolish and extirpate poisonable, pestilent and malign qualities; no Bezoar natural nor artificial, animal, mineral or metallic: no Alkermes comparable to this for corroborating the heart, that our bodies may by its comforting help continue in lively strength and vigour: these and many more virtues are proper to this Panacea and universal medicine, these are the virtues of our medicinal balsamic water, working together with our natural balsam: which natural balsam is the only governor and conserver of life, the only preserver of health, and expeller of diseases: for if morbus be affect us contra naturam actiones laedens, altogether contrary to our natural balsams, and nectar of life, which is nothing but nature, or an assisting instrument so conjoyneds; that without its help nature can perfect or do nothing: then if the functions be weakened, corrupt or altogether abolished, it must necessarily follow that our natural balsam in some part is hurt, since it it is certain that all the laudable functions flow from it: This it that 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 of Hypocrates: this is that dispensator making attractions, expulsions, mixtions, coctions of aliments. This natural balsam is not subject to alterations in its own substance, since it is of an aethereal and heavenly nature, and somewhat incorruptible, but its action is retarded or hindered by impediments, lurking in our internal members and entrailes, breading trouble and labour to that balsam. Hence it the occasion, the generation, the chief foundation of diseases:  
Inextirping of diseases nature is to be restored to its entire and pristine estate, to which end all our cogitations should tend, having first taken away the impediments: which intentions are perfected by the only restauration of our natural balsam, (from which all healthful Crises depends) by the help of the medicinal balsam, which is in nothing else more powerful and operative then in this our S. Peter's well, being pure separating, correcting, roborating, expeling: exercing the rest of its functions, as the nature of the patiented requireth, without violence or perturbation of the body. Which watery may use as the proper vehiculum of all medicines for all diseases: for its salt is detersive, purgative, diuretic, an universal voider and corrective of all impurities and corruptions its sulphur a general and spiritual Anodyne, its mercury an universal confortative and nutritive, which being all conjoined in our water by the industrious working of nature, can furnish us means, not only for defence, but also for expulsion and suppression of diseases.  
Now since this water brings with it the salt, sulphur, and mercury of minerals, it must also be able to cure all diseases, bred from a regression of these three principles from their natural state in our bodies: as first the diseases of resolved salt, which are Tumours, or excrescences, enlarging the whole or a part of man's body more nor the natural constitution and competency requireth by the resolution of salt into liquor: unto which are referred the leucophlegmatick kind of dropsies, anasarca, ascites, the uterinedropsy, hydrocephalum, diabetes, cachexia, the dissolution of salt throughout the whole body, ficus, psidracus, all soft phlegmatic tumours.  
A disease of coagulate salt is Tartar, containing all kind of calculs or stones, whatsomever part of the body they be bred into, as sand and stones in the head, stomach, kidneys and bladder, the Tartar of the hypochondres, begetting the hypochondriack melancholy, the Tophes and knots bred in the gut and joints etc.  
This Tartar is the nearest and immediate cause of the stone and gut, as the acrimony or some other quality of the salt, noxious to the sensible parts of the joints is the cause and action of less or greater pain, according to the diversity of the Tartar or salt contained in the jointures, since some salt is more sharp and mordicant than another, some bitter, some sweetish, and some insipid.  
A disease of reverberate salt is a defiling of the skin: to which pertains the venerean diseases, the french pox, leprosy, scurvy, etc.  
A disease of inflamed sulphur is called 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 which is nothing but an inflammatition or kindling of sulphur in the whole body or in some certain part thereof, whence the heat of all the body is augmented, and is found and known unnatural to the touch without, in the whole or in some part of the body. To which are referred all kind of agues, burnings, and intermitting, putrid and not putrid, hectic, ophthalmick, inflammations, phlegmons, erysiples or Rose, wildfire, or ignis persicus, the english peste, squinance, gangrene, etc.  
A disease of resolved sulphur is a flux, and resolution of the sulphur in the parts of our body, as dysenteries, diarrhes, lienteries, vomits and all unnatural excretions.  
A disease of coagulate sulphur is called coma, or sopor, containing under it all kind of sleeping and drowsy diseases, as the thargie, giddiness of the head, somnolentia, cataphora, caros, myopia etc.  
Mercury makes regression from its natural state by a dry or humid distillation.  
The diseases of the first is an inflammation, when some part of the body suffers pain by flatus included, or flowing thereto, as all kind of flatulent phlegmatic tumours, scrofules or crowels, mellicerias, myrmecia, flatuous throwing of the colic, Tympany, piercing pains etc.  
The disease of an humid distillation of mercury, is a convulsion, when mercury resolved into liquor molests the nervous parts: hence come apoplexies, palsies, epilepsies, tetanus, emprostotonos, trembling of the heart, the night mare, cramps, tenesmus, yexing, which is a convulsive motion of the stomach, etc.  
The disease of sublimed mercury comprehends under it all these diseases which pierce the membranes with fervour, as madness, frenzy, migraine, peste, pleurisy, consumptions with exulcerations of the pulmons, apostemes, charboncles, etc.  
The disease of precipitate mercury is, arthritis, and all diseases which hurt the extremities of bones & ligaments, as chiragra, podagra, scriatick, the doggish appetite etc.  
Which diseases, proceeding from a digression of salt, from its natural state by sosolution, coagulation, reverberation: of sulphur, by its inflammation, resolution, coagulation: of mercury by its dry and humid distillation, sublimation, precipitation, unde actio partis necess; ario laeditur, are cured by the salt, sulphur, & mercury of minerals, conveyed to us from the innermost parts of the earth by our Petrean waters, to the glory of GOD, and our particular comfort.  
And thus have I spoken anent the medicinal virtues of this water in curing of humane diseases, which are common to men and women: and now I must tell you that its virtues are not confined within the compass of this generality, that do not reach to the particular diseases of the infirmer sex, which as it is more lovely and delicate than the other, so is it more opportune to the own defects, and is obnoxious to some proper diseases, as far different from those of men, as the sex is from the sex.  
This water helpeth, as other common diseases, so barrenness in both: but in the weaker sex the pale colours, theimmoderate evacuation or retention in their desired sickness, insurrection, precipitation, suffocation and other diseases of the mother: and in a word by removing all impediments of beauty (for diseases impair the beauty with the health) makes them look clear, fair, beautiful rather like angels than mortals: in such sort that I do not admire that many of the ancient divins affirm that the sons of GOD, that is the angels, loved the daughters of men, and begat with them giants. For at that time before the flood, the custom was to drink waters, and I warrant you, the choicest: which made women look so fair, that the angels were taken with their love: and if Angels were, it is no uncouth thing to see men taken with the same beauty.  

When the Petrean waters are to be taken.  
GEnerally all seasons, when the weather is good, and the air dry, and clear, are convenient to drink of this water, abstaining when the air is full of hanging clouds, threatening us with rain, or foggy mists. In winter there is more strength in our water then any other time, because then the subterranean heat is greater, per antiperistasin, sending forth in greater abundance, the tinctures of what is there included. But because in May, june, july, August, ordinarily their is fairest and hottest weather, and longest days, giving opportunity to walk, and use exercise for helping the digestion of the waters, these months are thought fittest for drinking: notwithstanding that all kind of medicine in the canicular days with many be odious, founding on that aphorism of Hypocrates, exoriente cane & ante canis exortum, perdifficiles sunt purgationes: meaning that the great and burning heat of that time, is able to cast us in fevers, after any kind of immoderate evacuation, by medicine. Yet Hypocrates doth not altogether forbidden the use of medicine, about that time, but tells us only that it is difficult. The medicaments used in his time, were Hellebore, without any good preparation, or some such other violent medicament, which we in this our age will use in no time of the year, without great and exquisite preparation. For if he had known the use of Cassia, manna, Rhubarb, syrup rosat, etc. he had never mentioned any danger in the canicular days. You must also distinguish the place, he lived in a hot country, we in a cold. The most part of physicians affirm, that the spring and automne are the most proper times for medicine, because then the air is most temperate, without piercing cold, or scorching heat: we in Scotland are troubled at no time with heat, the summer distinguished chief from the winter, by the longer sojourning of the sun in our horizon, wherefore it is most agreeable with reason to take medicine in Scotland in our hottest season. When the air is too hot remain in a cold chamber: if cold, cause it become warm with fire, and in so doing you may safely purge, phlebotomise, sweat, bath and so forth any time or season in the year.   

How the Petrean waters are to be taken.  
HE who is to drink of this water, either for curing disease, restoring health lost: or to preserve it being present, avoiding future inconveniences: shall come to this Well in a convenient time of the year, whereof now I have spoken, resting the first day after arrival: the next day purge with fit and convenient medicines, either powders, potions, pills, syrups, juleps etc. cum regimine, by the advice of some Medicine, because diversity of diseases require divers medicaments, since some have their stomach and intestines oppressed with tough and gluey phlegm: some their liver and gall obstructed: some their melt hardened with melancholy juice: some their reins and bladder burdened with sand, stones, pituite, viscide and tartareous humours, and so forth. Therefore let the medicament be proper having respec to the humour which is peccant. The day following purgation, let him come to the Well, (neither fear any Hypercatharsis) early in the morning, yet after the sun rising, and drink so much even the first day, while he find his stomach full, not loadned, walking a little betwixt every two or three glasses, taking in the mean time, some confected anise, coriander, cinnamon, or some good tablets proper for the disease: or tobacco to help the stomach to daunt and vanquish the actual coldness of the water; which done walk, ride, or exercise yourself with goafing, bowling, or some such other exercise, (for the Petrean fields are as the Elysian, for such exercises) whilst the most part of the waters be voided, which will be so soon as the urine doth begin to be coloured. Then dine with meats of good digestion: let the better sort drink wine moderately, others ale or beer. Afternoon beguile the time, with reading, talking, walking, dancing, singing, dicing, carding etc. Then sup lightly with a tosty of bread, some raisins of the sun, or some such other thing, of good and easy digestion. Use this kind of doing 20. 30. 40. 50. days or so long, as the disease requireth, or affairs can permit. Aday after you leave off the drinking of water, take some other good purgative medicine, resting aday after, then take journey to go whither you list.  
Live temperately a long time after the drinking of the water in a clear, pure, wholesome air to breath on: eating meats of good digestion to suffice nature, not greedy appetit: sleeping to refresh, not to dull your spirits: waking to drive away stupidity, dulness, and drowsineesse from your brains, not to waste, consume, and dry your bodies: using exercise for recreation, not to weary: taking rest for a remeed to your weariness, restoring strength, that your bodies may be made more fit, to endure new travels and labours: avoid repletion of the belly, intestins and veins, by moderate evacuation of nature, and if slow, make help by art: neither violent, to resolve your spirits, or to evacuate with excrements your souls. Flee perturbations of the mind: and in so doing, by the grace of God, you shall continue healthful, even to your lives end. To which I pray GOD happily to bring us all, through JESUS CHRIST, Amen.    

We have thought good to insert in this place, some approved receits, fitto be taken before, after, and in the mean time, of drinking of our Petrean waters.  

A potion.  
R. of seen unc. ss. cinnamon. drag. ss. of the marrow of Cassia fistula, vnc. 1. salt of tartar. drag. ss. which infuse in lib. ss. of the Petrean water, cold, 12 hours, strain it, and dissolve therein of suggar rosat. vnc. 1. syrup of pale roses unc. ss. which give discretly to all kind of persons, young men and maids, old men and babes. It is harmless, pleasant to the taste, and purges well and strongly.   

Another.  
Take of manna, syrup of pale roses an. Vnc. 2. crystal tartar, drag. 1. dissolve them in abroth.   

A good electuary.  
Take of electuar. lenit. vnc. 2. pull. sen, unc. ss. christ. tartar. drag. vi. mix them with the syrup of pale roses.   

A potion.  
Take of the cold infusion of cassia fistula in the Petrean water, unc. vi. mix with it of pull. sen. laxat. Ruland. drag. 1. ss.   

Syrup. benedictus.  
Take of the whole Cichory, of Celidone an. manip. iij of lig. vitae of sarsa parill. ana. vnc. 2. of sassafras, of crystal tartar, pull. nostri emetici, & benedict. an. vnc. 1. boil these things, in agood sufficient quantity of the Petrean water, to the consumption of two parts: wherein put sufficient quantity of suggar. Add thereto of Venice theriack. vnc. 1. confect. alkerm. drag. 2.  
The effects of this blessed syrup, are mo●● nor ordinary, in extirping the roots of deplorable diseases: it purgeth up and down without violence and may be given safely to all ages and sexes, with discretion.   

For expelling the stone.  
Take of the bark of the ash three lib. 2. juniper feed lib. 3. Venice turpentine lib, 2. ss. mix them with three pints of the Petrean water, and distil it after the manner of other oils. This oil being taken in the mean time or before the drinking of our waters, breaks and expels the stone.   

Another.  
Take of tartar vitriolate unc. ss. of julep rosat unc. iij. cannel water vnc. 1 mix them and you shall find an efficacious and profitable detersive of the reins.   

For the jaundice.  
Boyl in the Petrean water, of Rad. & Flor. Chelid. Hyperic an. M. 1. ebor. of 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉 〈◊〉. an. drag. 3. of safran drag. ss. of suggar-candi. vnc. 1. whereof make 3. doses for 3 days together.   
FINIS.