OPIOLOGIA. OR, A Treatise concerning the Nature, properties, true preparation and safe use and Administration of Opium.  
For the comfort and ease of all such persons as are inwardly afflicted with any extreme grief, or languishing pain, especially such as deprive the body of all natural rest, and can be cured by no other means or Medicine whatsoever.  
Dedicated to the Illustrious, High and Mighty Lords, the Estates general of the united Provinces in the Netherlands.  
By ANGELUS SALA VINCENTINUS VENETUS. And Done into English, and something enlarged by THO. BRETNOR. M. M.  
LONDON, Printed by NICHOLAS OKES. 1618.   

To the Learned, and my worthily respected friends, D. BONHAM, and Master NICHOLAS CARTER Physicians.  
be not offended, worthy Doctor, if I presume to parallel you with a Physician, which neither is nor willbe dubbed Doct. for any man's pleasure, nor cares a whit for any clothing in Bysse, how worthy soe●er. For the which I blame him the less, sithence neither Aesculapius, Hypocrates, Galen, Avicen, nor any other of the old stamp ever assumed any such title, though better given them. But tempora mutantur, and therefore now adays for distinction and decorum sake it is very convenient and necessary to give such attributes, especially to men endowed with so excellent a quality as the true knowledge of Physic, and gift of healing is. But how vilely this worthy Science and profession is traduced and abused! Witness the multitude of Mountebanks, Quacksalvers, Horseleeches, Cunning-women, Impostors and Upstarts, who having learned (my chance) the Calcining of Mercury, the preparation of Antimony, or the composition of some homespun medicine, and having scraped together some trivial experiments out of some old Manuscripts, or from some brazenfaced Bragadotio, will presently forsooth set the Physician at open defiance, boasting and protesting that they have saved the life of twenty, whom such and such a Physician had quite forsaken and given over for dead. Nay I have heard a good fellow (I will not say a Pharmacopaean, and that no simple one neither) boldly affirm that if he should not now and then add or diminish something from the Physicians Bill, the fat were in the fire, and 'ttwere as much as the Patient's life were worth, aggravating the matter in such manner that my very ears have glowed to hear it, seeing that by this their scandalous detraction, they arrogate to themselves and impose upon the simple people, bringing them into fools paradise! But the Physicians are well enough served, for if they would expulse one pack of these, snaffle another, and take a little pains with Fernelius, to prepare or see prepared their principal Medicines, and not to be so idle as to give too much credit to the Druggist, nor let each giddy-headed fellow be partaker of their secrets, it were doubtless better for the Common wealth, more profitable unto themselves, and more pleasing unto God: but of this enough. There resteth nothing now (my worthy friends) but that you would vouchsafe to stand betwixt me and such malicious detractors; for if they dare baspheme the tall Cedars, what will they not do unto the lower shrubs. The subject of this treatise is so well known unto you, that howsoever some nice and scrupulous persons may make question of the verity of the passages, or of the safety and excellency of the medicine, you are so well instructed in the composition and virtue thereof, that no wise man will oppose you, some may imagine that I might have made better choice of some famous and remarkable Collegians for my patrons, but unto you only, and unto that worthy Doctor Gwin am I obliged, whose multiplicity of learning, judgement and discretion, accompanied with affability, humanity and courtesy is more than apparently known to all your acquaintance; Let me therefore crave this boon at your hands, that you would accept this simple translation as a testimony of my loving remembrance towards you, and that you would defend it from the obtrectations of scandalous tongues, and you shall ever make me  
Yours, THO. BRETNOR.   

To the ingenious and indifferent Reader.  
THE cause moving me (courteous Reader) to translate and publish this small Pamphlet, was not only the scarcity of the French Copies, but the especial want of such a Treatise in our own mother-tongue: for not only the rude multitude and men of some judgement through vain delusion and superstitious fear, but many Physicians themselves through a galenical persuasion, make no small question and scruple whether Opium may be taken inwardly or not; Nay, I have known men of good discretion so far infatuated by conceit and hear say as they have rather chosen to endure intolerable pains than they would take three poor grains of well prepared Laudanum: but I cannot greatly blame them, for the naked truth is, many modern Physicians know not well what to make of it. Forestus Montanus and many others with Galen absolutely conclude, that it is stupefying and cold in the fourth degree at least, and therefore not fit to be inwardly taken at all, but in Syncopes and extreme necessity; Mercatus is indifferent. Capiuaccius is forced by common experience to grant with Avicen, that for its four degrees of coldness it is furnished with three of heat in operation.  
But Platerus, Bauhinus, Zwingerus, Scaliger, Quercitanus and others affirm with Rhasis, that Opium is rather hot then cold, seeing that in tasting thereof it doth Palatum & linguam urere, caput tentare, Sudorem provocare, venerem promovere, sitim excitare, pruritum insignem parere, animositatem fi●e potius furorem inducere, and being outwardly applied doth (contrary to all cold things) blister the skin, discuss and mollify hard tumours and nodes. But whether it be hot or cold it skills not much, seeing it is confessed of all true Physicians, that it doth ex forma specifica, naturally resist putrefaction and wonderfully and speedily release the body from intolerable pains: for, let the torments or grief proceed from what cause soever, either hot or cold, inward or outward it worketh the same effects, so that this only Medicine well prepared would doubtless save many thousand men's lives that travail or fail, sub aequatore vel polo Arctico, into the East Indies or Northern discoveries, under the hottest or coldest climes in the world, seeing it resembles much the oil of Vitriol, Vinegar, Chemical salts and such like, which are given with good success as well in cold as hot diseases: but what needs many words seeing the Author himself hath sufficiently discovered the benefit hereof, I only wish you to have great regard to its preparation: for as in most Physical Drugs there remaineth some bad quality or other which needeth correction, so doth Opium require Vulcan's help, and other specifical means to drive away its sulphurous malignity: you may read in Quercetane his answer to Anonymous Cap. 2. and in Sennertus his Institutions Lib. 5. part. 3. Sect. 2. Cap. 1. that the ancient fathers of Physic made their chiefest Medicines with their own hands, and entitled them after their own names, which many retain to this day, but now the case is altered; The Merchant he will have his Factor, his Casher and his Broker too, the Grocer his Garbler, the Vintner his Cooper, the Goldsmith his Forger, the Draper his Cloath-worker and Drawer too, the Physician his Apothecary, The Apothecary his Druggist and his Workman too: for few of them make all their own Medicines. In brief john willbe a Gentleman at least. But me thinks, the life of man (so precious a thing in the sight of God) should not be so little esteemed of as I fear it is in posting over hither and thither, I would be loath to be mistaken, or have any man think I go about to correct magnificat, or teach others having need of instruction myself, but ingeniously (as any conscionable man ought) declare my opinion, and to let the friendly Reader know how he may be abused if he look not about him; for mine own part, I willbe so bold, if able, as to prepare the chiefest Physic I use myself, and for the Medicine handled in this book, they may have it well done of my friend Harbert Whitfield in Newgate-Market, of Master Bromhall, who hath conferred with the Author and some others, no doubt about this town. And so entreating thy gentle patience for these rude lines, and thy kind acceptance of this homely translation while better is abreeding, I ever rest,  
Studious of thy health, THO. BRETNOR.   

The Author his Preface to the Reader.  
I Make no question (Courteous Reader) but as soon as this little Pamphlet shall come abroad, there willbe some which will presently begin to tax me; saying, what fellow is this Sala? will he (like a Master) teach us what Opium is, and how we should prepare an excellent Medicine thereof called Laudanum, which will presently appease all griefs of the body, extinguish all extreme heats in Fevers, stay all Fluxes of the belly, provoke quiet rest to the diseased, etc. are not these only two things, the one whereof hath been disclosed to the world many ages ago, the other revealed to us of late by sundry modern Physicians, so that we stand not in need of his instructions, he might well enough have spared his breath, to have cooled his pottage.  
To whom I answer first (concerning the natural property of Opium) by demanding of them what ancient Physician was there ever, who hath written of, or declared the nature and use of this Medicine so well, or so amply given such infallible and true reasons of its virtue and energy, but there may remain some gap open, or some subject or other to work upon, wherein they may be controlled, and whereto or from whence a man may add or diminish something more or less: believe me (I think) they would have much ado to find me such an Author; for if it were so, to what end should they dispute so often in their public Academies and private consultations of the natural qualities of Opium? were it not a notable argument of vain curiosity rather than of solid judgement or discretion to dispute against a doctrine already reduced into necessary and irreproveable Maxims as they imagine? But the naked truth is, that the use of Opium is yet doubtful among the greatest part of Physicians: which being granted, I know no reason but that if it be lawful for an other to argue and dispute of many things beside the common conceit and apprehension of the Ancient: it cannot be accounted idleness or vanity in me to utter my opinion also being grounded upon rational terms, and agreeable to the authority as well of ancient and modern Sages as mine own peculiar experience and observations, collected and gathered for the instruction and benefit of such only as shall have occasion to make good use of them, not taking upon me in this tract or any other to teach any man; much less those which think they know already much more than myself.  
Secondly (concerning that objection that divers Physicians have written and made mention already of the Chemical preparation of Opium as a principal ingredience into that excellent Medicine called Laudanum) I deny not their assertion, but rather rely upon their authority, and am partly satisfied with such things as they have already divulged, as may appear hereafter, yet notwithstanding the whole world can bear me witness that neither Laudanum nor the use thereof have been things commonly known; for it is a thing most certain, that among a hundred Physicians and Practitioners in Europe, a man can hardly find fifty that will take pains to read over the works of Paracelfus, or any other Spagitique which hath written of this subject; much less can the thing itself be common or familiar unto them: among those fifty a manshall hardly find twenty which make use of it: among those twenty it were strange to find ten which are able to prepare it with their own hands, and among those ten it were rare to find three which durst freely publish or manifest its virtues to the world, or propound the use thereof in their private and particular consultations for the benefit of the diseased; or maintain the same for such a sovereign thing as it is indeed.  
I am very well assured that although the most part of our Physicians here at the Hage do sometimes make use of this Medicine, yet a man may travail into a hundred Cities in Christendon● where the Physicians neither use it nor make any more account of it then of a thing altogether strange unknown and of no use in the world.  
Furthermore, if we come to a popular examination thereof, I am persuaded that in this very City (notwithstanding the aforesaid) among a thousand men and women which know the name and use of Treacle, Mithridate and other ordinary Medicinal compositions, and can apply them to their best use and behoof when they are diseased or sick, yet a man can hardly find twenty of them which have once in their lives heard one speak of Laudanum, the knowledge whereof no question had been as requisite and necessary as of either of the aforenamed. What great matter is it then if james, Martin, Francis, etc. knew what Laudanum is, and the use thereof, when so many thousand men know nothing at all, many of them in the mean time languishing and complaining of extreme pains and want of sleep even to death, and can find no ease at all, unless by means of this excellent and precious secret, or such like: Well then, Let us put the case that this my Treatise were good for nothing else but to enlarge and make known the name of Laudanum among the rude multitude to give them occasion (when time and opportunity shall serve) to inquire and demand for it of their Physicians, or of others which shall have the same by them, whereby they may be assisted and fortified against sundry dangerous accidents which by no other means can be so quickly, safely or easily avoided; so that if it were for no other reason then this, my labours (me thinks) were not unworthy regard; but the profit which may redound to many persons by this discovery is not small, as the discreet Reader may easily perceive hereafter. To conclude with the common proverb, As he cannot spit sweet whose throat is full of gall, no more can such as are stuffed with their own passions (thinking themselves only wise) ever speak well, or commend others labour or knowledge than their own, yet notwithstanding, neither these nor any other obstacles whatsoever, either aught or can hinder the good will and entire affection of him which desires the advancement of Art to God's glory, the benefit of his neighbour and his own private joy and contentment. Whether Chemical Medicines in general are more violent and dangerous than other ordinary Medicines are; and whether in respect thereof a man may lawfully administer them except in desperate diseases only as some imagne?  
A man shall find some Physicians in the world which (having no skill in Chemical art) being demanded of their patients and other people, what they imagine and think of Chemical Medicines and their use in general, will not altogether blame and reprove them (as not long since many d●d) but in answering perhaps will say, the Medicines are indifferent good, but are always more violent and dangerous in their operations then other ordinary Medicines are, in regard whereof they ought not to be used but in desperate disease's only.  
Therefore before we speak any more of Opium, or the Chemical preparation thereof (for the better purging of chemical Medicines and such as use them from suspicion and blame) I think it fittest to resolve this question on this fashion.  
First, it may be easily perceived, that these Learned M. M. by this manner of answering fall into a double error, and are therefore worthily taxed in two principal points which makes their consequence unsavoury and idle. First, that they judge and censure of things whereof they have no skill, nor exact experience at all, so that what they answer in this point, is either by some vain conjecture, blind tradition, or idle report; secondly, by making no distinction between general and particular, they condemn all Chemical Medicines without exception to be such as a foresaid.  
But leaving to reprove the former of these two points, as a thing exploded by each discreet man's conceit, let us insist a little to confute the later: in pro●ing that they wrongfully impose violence and churlishness to chemical Medicines, seeing that under this generality they do not only condemn those excellent Vomiteries and Cathartickes of Antimony and Mercury, but also all other kind of Vomitives, both mean and gentle, all kind of Vegetable, Deiectories or Purgatives from the strongest to the weakest, even from Scammony to Aloes and so the very Rose, as also all other forms and degrees of Medicines, whether they be Diaphoretic, Diuretic, vulnerary, Be●oardicke, Cordial, Anodyne, Somniferous, Roborating or Specifically approp●i●tted to divers parts of the body, or resisting diseases of divers natures, and finally all other kind of wholesome and necessary Medicines, used generally as well among the Spag●riques as other ordinary Physicians, differing only in manner of their composition and preparation.  
Hereby you may at first dash perceive that if they would speak any thing against the vehemence which may subsist in any Chemical Medicine whatsoever, they should change this general enuntiation into a more particular, and say, among Chemical Medicines there be some which be vehement and not to say absolutely and generally that all Chemical Medicines are so in performance whereof we will do them right, and presently draw them to confess that we only have not some vehement and churlish medicines, but that they themselves also have the like, no man can deny.  
Seeing therefore we accord in this (as we cannot choose) if they will further aggravate the former accusation, they must of necessity prove that chemical medicines of a vehement nature are more churlish and dangerous than their ordinary Medicines of the same nature are, as also that their mild and gentle Physic Chemically prepared, becometh more dangerous than before, but (alas good men) they can prove no such matter.  
For primarily touching those Chemical Medicines, which they pretend to be vehement (as those of Antimony and Mercury vomitive) there is no question made among understanding Physicians (besides daily experience) that being compared with those vehement vomits which the ancient Physicians have prescribed, as those of white Hellebore, Tythimalls, Spurges, etc. they would be found as gentle and familiar in their operations, a● Sena and rhubarb are in comparison of Scammony, Colocynthis, and other vehement and alterative purgatives.  
And furthermore, if they should say that they neither use white Hellebore, nor tithymals in regard of their venomous proprieties, or because they are found dangerous in working, this is the thing we look for at their hands, for they can never make it appear, that either Antimony or Mercury well prepared cause any such Symptoms in the body as these do: or if they esteem it a thing fit and requisite to desist from the institutions of ancient Physicians, exploding the use of such Medicines which they find to be dangerous; we think it far●e more rational on the other part, (observing the main end of the foresaid intentions, and so cutting off quite the usage of evil things,) to appoint and ordain in their room such as are more gentle and familiar.  
Here they may find fault (but nothing to the purpose) and say that they custom to make sick people to vomit is very daungerus, and therefore to that intent they ought to use no Medicine at all▪ etc. But having sufficiently answered this objection, and proved the contrary in my Treatise entitled Emetologia, concerning the nature and use of vomitive Medicines, I think it needless to repeat the same in this place.  
If notwithstanding what is said these M. M. persist in their opinion, saying that Antimony and Mercury, are Medicines not so free from Malign quality as I pretend, but that that they in-here and cleave to the guts, and leave some secret infection in the blood or Radical humours, the which in continuance of times comes to manifest itself. And these are those common nuisances which many object, thinking thereby to draw men's, affections after their own fantasies.  
But this vain opinion is quickly confuted by plain and evident demonstration when they please, for most men which take either Antimony or Mercury well prepared, evacuate or cast the same out into the vessel, whereinto they vomit even at the very first operation of the Medicine either upward, or downward, so that it hath been often found in the excrements, when nature did work that way first, as sometimes it falleth out.  
Secondly, these (being mettallicke and fixed bodies) cannot be concocted, or brought into chyle or natural nutriment by any means, whence it consequently followeth that they cannot intermix themselves with the blood, or any other substance of the body, as all other vegetable and animal Medicines may easily do, in regard of that Symbolisation they have with the foresaid substances, so that the stomach may reduce them into chyle at pleasure, which is the cause also that the poisons of evil plants, serpents and other venomous creatures are more active, sudden and piercing then Arsink itself or Realgar mineral.  
I could produce a number of other reasons to demonstrate that Chemical Medicines of a vehement nature, as principally the two before named (against which all this controversy doth particularly arise) are more gentle than any violent vomitive Medicine which our Ancients prescribed, yea far more safe than any vomitorie under Hellebore or any above named: but to avoid long discourse let these suffice at this time.  
Now let us come to resolve ourselves whether those ordinary Medicines which be naturally gentle and without any offensive quality, after chemical preparation change their natural mildness, into that which is evil, and so become vehement and dangerous.  
Concerning which point we have in this discourse already spoken some thing in defence of purgative Medicines, as those of more frequent use than others among diseased persons, and therefore willbe contented to determine the whole matter in the general defence of Diaphoretickes, Diuretics, Alexiteries, etc. chemically prepared.  
First, therefore it must of necessity be granted of all opponents that every Medicine in general bereaved of its earthiness and seculencie▪ and made pure clean and well digested by fire must of consequence be less hurtful, less dangerous, and less offensive, and is also far more apt to work, ci●òtutò & miundè (as the Physicians wish) than any crude, earthy, impure or ill prepared Medicine may or can do by any means ' possible; the reason is, that when such ill-prepared stuff is once gotten into the stomach of any diseased person, nature (already struggling against the disease) becometh thereby more wearied, over-cloyed and oppressed in concocting and separating the pureness from the impureness of such drugs than it was before, and therefore can receive very little or no comfort at all by such Medicines, whereas on the contrary part other medicines (made subtle, active, pure and well prepared by art) do begin to disperse and dilate themselves gently into all parts of the body as soon as they are received thereinto, and being never so little exagitated or moved by natural heat assist nature herself without any alteration or disturbance at all, and like a good friend aid and promone her; whereas the other wearieth and tormenteth the body like a Tyrant. Moreover we may consider that Chemical Medicines being pure and neat, as aforesaid, leave no feculent residence or corruption in the body at all, as others commonly do.  
But if it cometh to pass (as it is not unlikely) that some should deny these reasons, objecting that Chemical Medicines being subtle and pure, can more easily disturb nature, and move the body more suddenly than other Medicines do; to whom we answer, that although among our Chemical Medicines, there be some of a subtle Nature, as our distilled oils, the quintessence of wine, and other vegetables: and as there be divers liquors (we acknowledge) very sharp and piercing; so in like manner be there some diseases, wherein such Medicines be very requisite and necessary, whereas others of a cross, seculent, and clammy substance can yield no ease or comfort at all; in regard whereof we ought not to account them dangerous or hurtful, but rather very beneficial and wholesome, especially being well applied and used a● all Medicines of what nature soever aught to be.  
But under colour of these no man ought to comprehend other Chemical Medicines, or proclaim them to be of such a piercing nature, for coming to purgative Medicines extracted (being of a sappy, thick, and condense form) we know well that they are not nor cannot be so subtle or piercing as oils, nor are called subtle in regard of their penetrative virtue, but rather because they are far more easily converted into Liquors, than the substances from whence they are extracted, and therefore ought in no ease to be called irritatives.  
Experience herself teacheth us that the extract of Mechoacan, rhubarb, or Sena (being gentle Medicines) duly administered, show themselves far more mild, gentle and effectual then when they are exhibited after an entire and gross preparation.  
But what need many words? do we not plainly see that our Chemical Art bringeth Colocynthis and Scammony (acrimonious and venomous purgatives) ●o be so gentle and mild in operation, that a man may as safely and freely administer them as rhubarb, having only regard to the quality of the disease, and the humour they naturally purge? as namely that of Scammony whereof a man may boldly give to one of a strong constitution twenty grains at a time, in sugar rosat, or any other conserve; And this will work easily and well, without any touch of pain, perturbance or inflammation in the bowels, as otherwise it would surely do.  
And this is a Maxim that not only Scammony, but every other purgative Medicine of such venomous and vehement nature as Hellebore, tithymals, etc. lose their acrimony and malign quality, and by means of this Art become gentle and effectual in the extirpation of all such diseases as they naturally concern or respect, without any inconvenience or danger at all: and this is no vain conjecture of mine own brain, for I can produce a hundred sage and learned Physicians which can & will testify and make this good as well as myself.  
And this is all which I purposed to speak at this time in defence of Chemical Medicines, against the suggestions of scandalous tongues, not meaning or intending hereby to disgrace or vilipend those ordinary Medicines, wherewith the world is and hath been furnished and served for so many ages together; for both the one and the other may be found good or evil according to the diversity of their usage, notwithstanding I have at all times endeavoured myself to the uttermost of my power, to amplify and illustrate the Art of Physic for the comfort of the diseased (as every one ought) without any passion or malice in condemning things newly invented for Paradoxes and Heresies before due examination and trial.   

Ad Authorem.  

EXcuse me worthy Sala if I chance  
For want of judgement thy intent to miss,  
In fitting that for England which for France:  
Thou pains hast ta'en and labour to Iwis,  
For which and others thou deservest bliss:  
I wish I were thy neighbour, or that I  
With such a one might spend my days and die.   

But now the world is such, we cannot find  
A man with whom we freely may converse,  
Some proud, some stately, others so unkind,  
That't grieves my heart their manners to rehearse:  
Or talk of such selfe-lovers in my verse,  
When men by nature friendly creatures borne,  
Dote on themselves and others foully scorn.   

But thou, Patavian-like, I hear dost joy  
To do poor scholars good, and to impart  
Thy secrets best to him thou art not coy,  
That's of an honest and a friendly heart,  
What wight from such a one would ever part:  
Witness thy books abroad and notes beside,  
For which to thee some private friends are tied.   

For what's in Physic more to be desired,  
Then knowledge how to use a Medicine well  
What in that worthy art to be required:  
More then o'th' virtue and safe use to tell?  
Wherein then others many dost excel,  
For how to strengthen vomit, sweat and rest  
Is taught by thee as well as by the best.   

Let Carping Critics, that in corners lurk,  
Blaspheme, detract and utter what they can  
Let some of them divulge me such a work:  
And I will say he quits him like a man:  
If not I wish him hold his peace till then.  
For sure I am that he that fault doth find,  
Will come at least a bow and half behind.   
THO. BETNOR. M.M.   

Mod●s extrahendi papaveris succum.  
 

AMong those powerful gifts to man infused,  
What better is than knowledge of those plants,  
Which for two thousand years were only used:  
As meat and sustenance to humane Saints  
For neither flesh, nor fish, the Highe● grants:  
Till cataclismed world so weak wa● grown,  
That fruit and herbs could not suffice alone.   

And yet we find in basest plants that grew  
(Amongst those accounted weeds of witless men)  
Such strange effects that far surpass we know:  
The sense and reason of the learned'st pen,  
(More is the blindness of our nature then▪)  
Witness the Poppy whereby Greeke and Turk  
By planting profit, and do wonders work.   
T.B. M.M.   

OPIOLOGIA.  

CHAPTER. 1. The opinion of Ancient Physicians, concerning the natural propriety and virtues of Opium.  
OPIUM (as ancient Physicians testify and modern confirm) is a certain juice or viscous liquor which one time of the years destilleth or ●sue●● from the tops of white or black Popp●e, by me●nes of a little gash or incision made in the outermost rind of them (as witnesseth Discords in his fourth book of Simples Chap. 60.) the which liquor after due condensation is reserved and laid up for necessary uses, as may not only appear by the History aforesaid, but by that of Peter Bellon hereafter recited.  
Good Opium (as Diescordes and other Ancient Physicians affirm) is weighty and ponderous, bitter in taste, and is quickly dissolved in water, it is smooth and whitish and not rugged or lumpish, and being strained it doth not like wax melt against the sun, being kindled it causeth not a blackish flame, and being quenched or put out, it always retaineth its natural smell.  
They▪ use many times to sophisticate or mix Opium with Glaucium, Gum, or the juice of wild lettuce, but that which is sophisticated with Glaucium is easily discerned, for being cut into small pieces, it becometh yellow; in like manner, if it be mixed with the juice of wild Lettuce it becometh more rugged and tart, and hath little or no smell at all; but if it be counterfeited with Gum, it will be bright & shining in colour, but weak in operation.  
Opium taken crude and raw, as aforesaid, to the quantity of an Orobus or wild Fitch, appeaseth all Aches or pains, helpeth digestion, stayeth all Coughs and distillations or Rheums, which fall from the brain into the stomach, it is excellent against all kind of Headache if the temples be anointed and chaffed with the same and oil of roses: being dropped or instilled into the ears with the oil of bitter Almonds, Myrrh and Saffran, it healeth and recovereth Hearing, and the sooner being applied with the yolk of an egg hard roasted in the embers: it availeth much against inflammation of the eyes, and being mixed with vinegar is very good against Saint Anthony's fire, and healeth old ulcers: with saffran and woman's milk it is singular in gouts, and being mixed with Supposatories, it provoketh sleep.  
Diagoras, Aetius and Mnesidemus disprove and find fault with the usage of Opium in the diseases aforenamed, by reason of its stupefactive quality, but Diescordes (affirming the lawful use thereof) maintaineth the contrary, and proveth their opinion to be idle and false; seeing that the property of Opium is quite of another operation; yet he ingeniously elsewhere confesseth, that the indiscreet and superfluous usage thereof produceth no small detriment to the patiented, making him fall into a Lethargy, whereby death commonly ensues; the which he further confirmeth in his sixth Book and seventeenth Chapter of Poisons, and their remedies, where he reckoneth up the Symptoms which it causeth in those bodies which have eaten too much thereof.  
Nicander and Aetius have written of the great annoyances that come thereby; and Galen also in his second and third books D● Comp. Med. describeth Opium to be a dangerous Medicine, saying, that it mortifieth the senses, and causeth deadly Symptoms, in regard whereof he wisheth that no man should use it, unless his Patient be in danger of death, through the extremity of his pain, and, hereunto assenteth Pliny and divers others: notwithstanding there be no small number of modern Physicians quite of another mind.  
The cause of those dangerous effects and Symptoms, which crude Opium by its too much use is said to procure, is attributed to its exceeding coldness; for most Physicians hold, that it is not unfitly ranged among things that are cold in the fourth degree.  

A Small Tract of Opium, taken out of the 13 Book and 15 Chapter of Peter Bellon his History of the singularities of some memorable things found in Greece, Asia, and other Countries.  
A Man can hardly find (saith he) any thing more worthy of observation than Opium, which they prepare now a days in Turkey, and especially at Achara, Carachara, Spartade, Emetelinde, and in other Cities bordering upon Cappadocia, Paphlagonie and Cilicia.  
They sow their fields with white Poppy, as we do with corn, and are so circumspect in the sowing thereof, that every Paysant or Husbandman shall sow no more than he can procure people to gather the same in due time, for when the Poppy is grown to be headed, they cut a small hole or make incision therein, whence issueth forth certain milkish drops which they suffer to thicken or congeal: some one of these Peasant's will gather (may chance) ten pounds, another six, another more, or less, according to the number of people he sets awork, for it boots nothing to sow a great deal of ground, unless he can get people enough to gather it. We verily believe that unless the Turks used it much themselves, it would be as unusually vended among Merchants, as other unknown drugs are, but it is so common among them, that there is not a Turk but buyethmore or less thereof, for if he be worth but an Asper in all the world, he will bestow half thereof in Opium, and carry the same at all times about as well in Peace as War.  
A certain jewish Merchant, of the country of Anatolia, assured us that there passed no years wherein there were not fifty Camels laden out of Paphlagonia, Cappadocia, Galatia & Cilicia, to transport the same into Persia, India and Europe, and other parts of the Great Turk's Dominion in Africa and else where; the which we should have hardly believed if he had not related to us by piece-meal (as it were) what quantity might be made and brought from each several Village about the Confines of Carachora, and the Villages of Paphlagonia, Cappadocia, Armenia the less, and Gall●grecia, he told us moreover that the Persians used it more abundantly than the Turks.  
We desired one day to make an experiment, and try how much Opium a man could take at a time without any offence or hurt, and we found that a certain janisarie of our acquaintance did use to eat thereof every day, who took at one time in our presence the weight of half a dram, and meeting with him the next day at a Mercer's shop, we caused him to weigh us out a whole dram, which we gave him, and he swallowed it up all at once without any danger or hurt at all, saving that for a while he seemed like a drunken man.  
To ●ate Opium in Turkey is no new thing, and the reason why it is used so amongst them, is because they persuade themselves that it maketh them more adventurous and less fearful of dangers in war, so that when the Turk assembleth or mustereth any great Army together, they make such havoc of their Opium, that they almost disfurnish the whole Country. They take it in as great snuff amongst them, and account it as great an injury when one upbraids another with eating of Opium, as another Countryman would do if one should call him a drunkard.  
A Christian-Armenian, with whom we lodged long time, used many times to eat Opium in our sight, and proving the same ourselves, we found no other accident, saving that it heated our stomachs, troubled something the brain, and caused us to sweat in our sleep. We think that if men were disposed they might as easily plant and sow Poppy in France, Germany, Italy, and some other places of Europe, as well as in Asia, if they would but take the pains to dress and gather it as they should do, for surely the Climate of Anatolia is as cold as that of France. It is made in the same manner as Authors do describe, but I am afraid if we have any brought over hither it is sophisticated & mingled, for the Merchants do questionless multiply it before they vent it abroad into the Countries, and therefore because we know some marks and tokens how to choose the best, it is not amiss to set down the same.  
The best Opium is that which is very bitter, and so hot in taste that it will almost scorch and inflame the mouth, it is in colour something yellowish or like to a lions skin, and being form into a lump, it seems speckled as a mass of divers colours, for in gathering the said Opium, the seeds are found clustered upon the Poppie-heads, which being amassed cleave together like a cake, its smell is fulsome and strong, and although it be accounted but of a cold temprature, yet it many times scaldeth the mouth.  
Opium is form into cakes in the Country of Anatolia, which exceed not above four ounces or half a pound at the most, but the Merchants to make the greater profit by their sophistication double the aforesaid quantity, for the subtle Venetians make the Cakes in their shops to weigh a pound at least, and this is the report of Bellon concerning Opium.  
Now considering that in his time a man could hardly get any in Christendom that were good, how should we find any now adays either in the Apothecaries or Druggests shops which hath these tokens, or is so effectual or precious in its operation, letting pass the seeds or grains as the only difference in gathering.  
It is called ordinarily Opium Thebaicum, in respect of the Province of Thebes where the best is made.    

CHAP. II. Of the assurance we have that Opium may be used, and taken crude or mixed in Medicines without any prejudice or endangering the Patient's life at all.  
A MAN shall find some Physicians now a days who adhering too much a conscience to the opinion of old Leeches (capital enemies to Opium its use) do not only believe it as an article of their Creed, that whatsoever any Author hath said in detraction and disgrace of Opium is an undoubted truth: To whom I answer and say, that we ought not to submit ourselves to their judgement altogether, nor to believe the opinion or saying of any Physician, whether ancient or modern otherwise then daily observation of the use of things & our Grandam experience confirm in our understanding for truth: for seeing that the ancient Physicians, as well Grecians as Arabians, how great or learned soever they were esteemed, yet being all but imperfect men and subject to error, had their own proper passions, and were full of contention and jealousy one against another, as we are now adays; whence it follows that we ought not to receive all their works for gospel, without condition as aforesaid: for as for example Galen, Pliny, and others, put the world in fear and suspicion of Opium, and contrariwise Oribasius, Diescorides and others commend it, and assure and affirm it to be profitable and necessary for the cure of many diseases: who then in this case can give us better knowledge and satisfaction of truth of these things than Experience herself? Now she tells us that a man may safely use Opium inwardly in men's bodies, Oribasius therefore and Diescorides, have spoken truly, whereas the error and abuse of others is manifest: which howsoever it falls out, it hinders us nothing at all to search into these things, seeing that neither cause nor reason can prejudice or hinder the authority of daily experience.  
That the use of Opium deserveth to be applauded of all Physicians, we have two principal and certain assurances; whereof the former is not only the certification of Peter Bellon aforesaid, but of a hundred honourable personages, who have been in Asia, and affirm that the Turks eat thereof in great quantity almost every day ordinarily without any mischance or hurt to their bodies at all, which may in part be a sufficient demonstration that Opium is not a thing so venomous and dangerous to the life of man, as some give out and proclaim it to be.  
But here some (to small purpose) may tell me that the Turks may easily digest Opium, how cold soever in regard of the hot Clime they live in, whereas the Christians dwelling under a colder in Europe can do no such matter: to whom I answer, that if it were granted that Opium were of such quality as aforesaid: yet whether a man could digest it or not, cannot be Physicallie attributed to the temprature of the Climate, but rather to the strong constitution, or natural vigour of the people; for the Turks being from their very cradle more grossly brought up and said then the Christians are in general, become not only more able bodied and stronger thereby, but also more apt and able to eat and digest divers things which the tender and nice Christians cannot iudure: and that the truth is so, Let us but consider a little the difference of natural toughness and strength between a Christian Paysant or Carle here amongst us, and a Gentleman or Citizen; do not we see (I pray you) that the Paysant can more easily endure a purgation made of White Hellebore, tithymals, Euphorbium or Colocynthis (which are accounted violent and venomous Medicines) than these tender sparks aforesaid can brook rhubarb, Mechoacan, Sena, Aloes or the Damask rose.  
But why the Turks devour Opium on this fashion, ought rather to be imputed unto an ordinary custom, and common usage among them, then to any other cause whatsoever; even as the Indians are accustomed to take Tobacco, which is a plant not only Narcoticke and stupefactive, but of a violent and extreme vomitive quality also. Notwithstanding we see that Christians, all Europe over, by little and little have brought themselves into such a custom and habit thereunto, that they feel no alteration or prejudice at all (as they think) by the use thereof.  
I make no question but a man might find a number of people among Christians that if they cannot already, could easily accustom themselves to eat Opium as familiarly, as they take Tobacco: although they could not use ●t in such quantity, nor so often in regard it is a pure essence and extract, which Nature hath separated from its plant: For essential things are always far more effectual than gross be, for confirmation whereof we need not doubt, that if a man should separate the rosinous and sulphurous substance of Tobaccao, and bring it into such a consistence as Opium is, and afterwards give it unto such as usually take Tobacco, they could not possibly endure the tenth part so much of this as of the leaves, as hath been already practised and tried.  
There be some Empirics (I know) which give crude Opium to their Patiens in as great or greater quantity at a time than Discorides hath limited, and that without any great danger or hazard of life at all, only correcting it a little with the powder of Carawayseed; and in case of necessity I myself would not stick, or make any scruple to use it, yea I durst, if need were, take two or three grains thereof at a time myself; for although I never did eat thereof hitherto indeed, yet have I often tasted the same, and also received great quantity of the sulphurous vapours, both into my stomach and head in time of the preparation thereof without any perceivance, or the least touch of any offence in the world: nevertheless it is not my counsel that any Physician should use it crude in this manner, seeing we have Art and means to prepare it otherwise.  
The second assurance that we have concerning the use of Opium, is in that we find and see that the most expert and wisest Physicians of old, found it good, and therefore prescribed this Medicine as a principal ingredient, and as one of the most important bases in their chiefest compositions, Alexiteries, Diaphoretickes, Anodynes, Cordials, which naturally resist the most grievous and violent diseases that can any ways happen to humane bodies, for which cause they usually call them Opiate Confections, as that of their Treacle of Andromachus, their Mithridate of Danocrates, their Triphera magna, Aurea, Alexandrina, Philomuim romanum, Requies Nicholai, and others, which they have used as principal Medicines for these many hundred years and yet do; for they are indeed the most precious and necessary compositions their ordinary Apothecaries have.  
The causes which moved Ancient Physicians to put Opium unto the foresaid confections are not few, seeing that its properties are to assuage all inward pains, strengthen the passages & conduits which are open, lose, & disbanded: precipitate, disperse and consume these venomous vapours which are raised from one part to another: incrassat and thicken all subtle corrosive & humours, by correcting their malignity and acrimony: stop and stay all fluxes as well Dysenterick as Menstrual: appease and extinguish all extremities in burning Fevers: provoke natural rest and sleep to Distressed and Lunatic persons: and finally, like a Balm defend the parts from corruption, which operations and effects are required in all compositions, which are generally ordained to resist the violence of diverse diseases, in appeasing and repelling whereof some of these properties before named are ordinarily desired, as Quercetanus in his Pharmacop●a (entreating of the vetues of Opium) affirmeth in these words, saying, Pauci en●m sunt morbi qui non simul complacentur vel ardoribus, vel inflammationibus, vel inquietudinibus, commotiomibus, la●guoribus, oppressionibus, vigilijs, de●luxionibus vel var●● generis doloribus, capitis, pectoris, ventricul●, ventris vel cu●scunque alterius Patris: ad quorum omnium Symptomatum ferociam compescendam Opium specificam & peculiarem quandam habet proprietatem, qua vel unum exhis Symptomatis seorsim, vel plura cum malo coniuncta, Simul cum admirabili astantium, & ipsorum aegrorum admiratione evincit ac subigit, unde saepeumerò in e●usmodi casibus tam mirandos sanationum effectus prodere videmus Theriacam, Muhridatium, Antidotos Esdrae & similes, quae Opium exciiunt, etc.  
For there be very few diseases which are not either accompanied with heats, inflammations inquietude, perturbation, languishing, oppressions, watching, fluxes etc. for mitigating and ●epressing of which Symptoms Opium hath a specifical and a certain peculiar propriety etc.  
And this may serve to assure us that we may boldly use Opium inwardly without any prejudice to life, yea rather for its better conservation being administered with judgement and discretion as all other Medicines whatsoever ought to be.   

CHAP. III. Concerning the good and evil affects which Opium may produce in men's bodies.  
THat Opium (as aforesaid) being wisely administered to the diseased, produceth in them many good effects, and contrariwise abused exciteth divers dangerous and mortal accidents, is in no sort doubted among discreet Physicians; but touching the cause why Opium doth work these effects in men's bodies is disputable: for most Physicians impute it to that extremity of the fourth degree of coldness wherewith it is endowed, and for proof and confirmation hereof they produce an argument drawn from the effects of its operation in this manner: Opium (say they) provoketh a vigilant or watchful man to sleep, and incrasseth thin and subtle humours: vigilancy, then proceeding (for the most part) from a hot and dry cause with matter or without, and the dissolution also of the humours from the like distemperature, Opium therefore contrarying and impugning the causes of these effects must needs be of the quality aforesaid, and for the further confirmation hereof they allege Galen, Plini●▪ and others, who in like manner witness, that when Opium is undiscreetly used, it causeth Lethargic sleep, privation of sense, stupe● faction of members, suffocation of naturals heat, and death in the end.  
But although I cannot like a cunning Logician, frame sophistical Syllogisms, or give such lustre to my reasons, as many would do, which take greater pleasure in the Flo● of words, then in the verity and reality o● things, notwithstanding if it be lawful for mere Naturalists in plain and simple terms to discourse of such things, whereof they have sufficient experience, I may (under correction of those which know these things better than myself) deliver my opinion also.  
Opium then is not such a cold thing as they would have it, as I can prove both by reason and experience; by reason in regard it is not only bitter, but inflaming and excoriative, which are evident tokens of its hot quality and complexion; for so the wisest Physicians in the world judge of bitter things: and the light of Nature itself teacheth us that none of the four elements do corrode, inflame, or heat, but that of fire. Again, its nature is known by its colour, for being of a darkish yellow, when it is dried and powdered, it must needs be hot, as Aloes and Myrrh, and all things of like colour be, especially if they have any bitter taste adjoined.  
By experience we may well approve that Opium is not cold in two respects▪ first that when the Turks eat thereof, they become cheerful, courageous and fierce in war, secondly that when one giveth two or three grains thereof to any sick person, and cover him warm in his bed, it will make him sweat more than any other Diaphoretic, which operations can by no means proceed from any cold quality it hath.  
But if a man should object amongst both. these reasons, saying, first the Turks being of a hot constitution, and living in a hot clime, become more fainthearted and cowardlike than those of colder temperatures, and therefore Opium tempering that heat maketh him more frolic and cheerful accidentally; secondly, that if a man give but a cupful of cold water only to a sick man to drink, it will questionless make him sweat etc. Whereunto I answer, that if the Turks do acquire force and courage by tempering their heat with cold things, they might very well spare that great labour and toil they take in sowing their Poppy, and gathering their Opium, seeing that spring and river-water might stand them in as great stead, being a cold liquor, and dispiercing itself into all parts of the body, as soon as it is drunk, but it is so far short of Opium in quickening the spirits, and raising the courage, that it worketh quite contrary effects.  
And whereas they affirm that a cup of water (which is apparently cold) will cause any sick person to sweat, I answer, that if it cause one that is in a Fever, or pestered with some other hot disease to sweat, as many times it doth, it proceeds not from any diaphoretical or sweeting quality, inherent in it, but cometh to pass rather, per antiperistasim, and accidentally, for like as water cast upon a hot anvil or burning stone, immediately raiseth up vapours and fumes, ●uen so doth water given to such a body, which after condensation, nature either expelleth by urine or sweat, nor hath it this operation in all diseases or tempratures, whence it is manifest that water naturally cannot procure sweat but by accident only, as is said.  
Now let us return to their arguments, which go about to prove that Opium is cold in respect it provoketh sleep, thickneth the humours, and taken too liberally causeth dangerous Symptoms and doubtful events, which reasons (I affirm) are of no force in this behalf, for first as Opium provoketh sleep to all those which are afflicted with hot diseases, so doth it also provoke the same in all other causes without exception, yea although they be of different qualities, as witnesseth Avicen and others, who have diligently noted the same: and as for the humours, Opium doth not only incrafsate and thicken th●se which are of a hot quality, but those also which are coldest of all, as that white and crystalline humour which floweth and distilleth from the brain unto the other parts, whence it appeareth that a man cannot produce such a necessary consequence of the operation of Opium, as those men go about to do, for it we were tied of necessity to adhere and stand to the sense of the former arguments, it would consequently follow that all cold things would procure sleep to the diseased, where no other thing could effect the same: Item, that they only appeased all inward griefs, incrassed every humour, hot, cold or how subtle socuer, and in brief had the very same virtues that Opium before is described to have, whereas ou the contrary part no hot things could effect the same; but experience proveth it far otherwise, for if Quicksilver, the magistery of Lead (compared to Saturn) saltpeter, or Allome (salts of a cold temprature) or the water de Sperato: Run, which is thought to coagulate or congeal the blood by its extreme frigidity, if none of these (I faith) perform those effects which Opium doth, nor Ice nor Snow themselves rationally administered in never so large a dose, can procure sleep, or cease pains, but rather for the most part cause more vehement fits. Yet I will not deny that cold things may sometimes, and upon some occasions procure rest, though not always when need is, nor so surely at any time as Opium well prepared.  
And as for hot things, they are for the most part so far from causing disquietness to men's bodies, or subtilizing gross humours that quite contrary a man may find many that will provoke sleep, and thicken subtle and virulent humours, rather and sooner than other of a colder quality, as we may plainly perceive by Myrrh, Aloes, Storax, Olibanum, Wormwood, Betonie, Safran and such other, yea & Sulphur itself (the very fire of nature) doth not only provoke sleep in some reasonable measure, but doth also in such wise coagulate and condense the subtle and hot humours, that it availeth much the Pthysicall in staying their defluxions, and it is a thing most manifest amongst Spagirists that Sulphur can coagulate water, wine or Aquavitae in such sort that a man may beat them to powder in a mortar, and after reduce them to that natural form they were in before.  
I am not ignorant, that a man may tell me that things of a cold or hot nature, do work diversely in bodies according to the diversity of the subject they light upon, as the fire which hardeneth clay, and softeneth wax, and so of cold things, in like manner that Opium being extremely cold, by that extremity worketh in bodies, where other things of an inferior degree cannot in any wise; but neither of the two reasons reach to the depth of our dispute, for first Opium (the subject of our discourse) worketh not in men's bodies in this or that manner by election, according to the diversity of their tempratures and complexions, but doth indifferently provoke sleep, and causeth all pains to cease of what nature or quality soever as aforesaid.  
Secondly, putting the case that Opium were the coldest thing in the world, yet that small Dose, which we commonly use to give at a time, cannot exceed the great frigidity of those things aforenamed in their larger Doses.  
Were it not a great absurdity, to believe that one grain or two of Opium were colder than a dram of Allome, prepared or crude, or one scruple of the magistery of Lead, or an ounce of the water of the Sperm● of frogs, or two ounces of the water of Nymphaa, or as an ounce or two of Quicksilver, which some have used to give against the worms and other maladies, all which pass through the body as cold as any ice, and manifestly cool the mouth, and other conduits where they pass, which one small Dose of Opium cannot do, but rather contrarily heateth both mouth and stomach; whence you may gather that these reasons, and the like, are mere palliative and stuperficiall arguments, and fine gloss to entertain long chat, rather than to prove any coldness in Opium.  
Now touching the Symptoms which Opium causeth being inordinately taken, Experience herself teacheth us, that Aquavitae (which is of a hot and subtle essence) being too abundantly ingurged, causeth semblable effects, for many being drunk with Aquavitae have died, seized as it were with Stupidity, privation, of sense, Trembling, Lethargy; and indeed ended their lives in such manner, as if they had swallowed to much Opium, and became benumbed and stiff, as if they had died in the very ye and snow.  
Wine itself also causeth divers Symptoms of Opium in them which abuse it, as we may plainly see by the lamentable examples used in divers parts of the Papacy, where they commonly make those people drunk which are condemned to any violent death, of whom some go singing, and some railing thereunto, and others as dull and senseless as bruit beasts, none of them having any understanding or memory of their imminent slaughter, and which is worse, have no true feeling of their sins, nor solid judgement or discretion to recommend themselves to the mercy of their Creator.  
Wine (as all Authors affirm, and Experience herself declareth) being abused, doth cause in process of time Frenzy, Madness, Rage, Fury, Stupidity, Lethargy, Palsy and other dangerous diseases, even as Opium doth, and is notwithstanding an hot liquor, as all the world knoweth. We may then conclude that Opium maketh not the Turks fierce and courageous in war, nor maketh the diseased to sleep, nor appeaseth all inward griefs of the body, because of its cold quality, or by reason of its heat (although it manifestly appear to be hot) but in regard of his operations, which doubtless proceedeth from a specifical and hidden propriety wherewith it is endowed, even as we see in deiectorie Physic, which purgeth neither by reason of any heat or coldness therein, but rather by a certain specifical quality as is said.  
Now as purgative Medicines rightly used, do not only evacuate Nature's excrements, and bring the body to an excellent temprature, but being abused do mightily offend and bring dissolution to the same; even so Opium well administered, endoweth the body with singular benefits, but abused and untemperatly given, worketh the contrary, whence it followeth that in the usage of either of them, it behoveth the Physiti●n to be ruled by reason and experience, walking in a good conscience, and practising his Art in the best manner to God's glory and his Patient's comfort.   

CHAP. FOUR Wherein is showed the Counsel and advise of Theophrastus Paracelsus, concerning Medicines narcotical or Anodynes, and in particular that of Opium.  
Having generally declared the opinion of ancient Physicians concerning the nature, virtue and use of Opium, and the controversies which are among modern Physicians touching the quality thereof, it is not amiss to see now what Theophrastus Paracelsus (that great searcher and diver into nature) saith in this behalf.  
This Author hath generally the usage of Anodyne Medicines in such high esteem and reverence, that he recommendeth them unto his disciples as a principal pillar of the whole body of Physic, assuring them that they are the most important remedies of all others to cure the bodies of men of the most grievous diseases they are subject unto: In the seventeenth book of his Archidoxes and Chap. De Specifice anodyno, he saith thus, that we should speak with great reverence, and regard of the Anodyne or Specifical appeasor, we are moved by divers reasons, for in particular, we have met with some diseases, for cure whereof (finding no help or relief among our best secrets) the Specifical Anody●● not without great admiration accomplished our desire, and this fell not out casually o● without reason, seeing it is the nature of Anodynes to extinguish diseases, even ●● water quencheth fire. And in his first book of Natural things and Chapter D● Sulphur F●brionato, speaking generally in praise of those things which naturally provoke sleep, and are Anodynes, he saith what greater secret would a Physician desire to possess, then that which can cause all pains to cease, and extinguish all internal heat? having this, doth not his skill pass that of Apollo, Machaon or Podalyrius? Let a man consider a little this sentence, and mark with good judgement the subject thereof, and he shall find no jesting matter of it, In his Commentary upon the second Aphorism of the second Section of Hypocrates, vb● somnus delirium, etc. Paracelsus speaking in the end of that exposition, concerning the benefit of wholesome sleep, saith that sleep is such a great secret in Physic, that being spoken without disgrace of other things, ●ee would gladly have any man tell him wh●re he can in all the world find such a remedy, which can manifest such sudden and active ease and relief, to the health of man's ●odie as it doth.  
Hence you may perceive why these Ano●ynes (of what kind socuer) ought to be so well regarded, esteemed and made account of among all Physicians▪ for seeing sleep ●s a Medicine far surpassing all gems, & ●ewels in the world, he that knows how to apply this Somniferous secret, conveniently ●nd in good season, aught to be held in great account and estimation among diseased people.  
That Theophrastus doth also commend the usage of Opium among his Anodynes, and Somniferous Medicines, it may easily appear in the forenamed Chapter De Specifico Anod. wherein he proposeth Opium only without addition of other Somniferous things, to make that composition which he calleth his Anodynum Specificum, and attributeth unto it this excellent propriety, saying, that it causeth not the whole body of man to sleep, but the diseases only. In his book De Morbis amentium, where he writeth of those that be Mad, Lunatic, Frantic, epileptic, etc. he putteth the quintessence of Opium in the rank before Aurum Potabile, Argentum Potabile, the magistery of Pearls, and all other precious Medicines which be ordained for these maladies.  
Here some envious Critick● (beside the purpose) will hit me a blow on the blind side, saying how comes it to pass that these brave Spag●riques heal not all the patients that fall into their hands, seeing they brag of such singular secrets as these? of whom I demand the cause also, why they cure not all theirs, having such grave institutions, solid grounds and principal Medicines used ordinarily amongst them? This is not to prove that although Chemical Medicines work more citò, tutó & iucundè, by reason of their better preparation, and exaltation in power then other ordinary Medicines, that therefore they can surely overcome and cure all hereditary, inbred and incurable diseases, or such others which God for the exercise of his justice, hath inflicted and confirmed upon the bodies of men in such sort, that no Medicine nor skill in the world can cure. For,  

Ni Deus affuerit, viresque in fuderit herbis,  
Quid, rogo dyctamnus quid pauacaea invent?   

If God help not, and into herbs infuse,  
A working power, in vain we Medicines use▪   
In his book De morbis resolutis, In his first book of Mineral diseases, and in divers other passages of his works, he maketh mention of Opium, with such great honour and respect as any ancient Physician in commendation thereof ever did: afterwards concerning its usage he meaneth not that any man should administer it simple and crude, or grossly tempered and mixed with other Medicines before the due preparation, for in his first Chapter De Sulphur Embryonato, and his first book de Reb. not. he aff●●neth that Opium, Mandrake, and Henbane, contain in them some malign substance, in regard whereof no man ought to use them (if he work warily) before he have reduced them into a quintessential f●rme, which indeed hath been the principal occasion, that the Spagiricke Physicians (putting their hands to the plough) have found the m●anes to prepare Opium into such a precious and profitable Medicine that in all Spagi●icall and ordinary practice whatsoever, none other can be comparable either for speedy or wonderful operation, for w●ich only Medicine all Christian Physicians and people, which know it, are eternally bound to give the fountain of all goodness, thanks, for his gracious gifts inspired into men.   

CHAP. V Of the invention or means how to prepare Opium well, and wherein it generally cons●●steth.  
Having hitherto diversly discoursed of Opium, in demonstrating its precious and necessary use in Physic, we 〈◊〉 now go about to show th●● effectual manner of preparation, which the Spagirists use, to the end we may more fre●l● and safely administer the same, than the ancient Physicians did, who commonly put the same into their Medicines unprepared, which Quercetanus (in his Pharm. Dog. R●st. p●● 186.) treating of the composition of Tre●kle, mightily complaineth of in these words, saying, De plorandus enim error est nobilis hui●●, alexipharmaci compositioni in tam magna, trium scilicet unciarum dosi ad miscere tantum ven●num quale Opium crudum & minus praeparatum esse constat. The error of them is greatly to be lamented, etc. Which Quercetanus avoucheth not to blame the invention of ancient Physicians, nor the virtue of Treacle, which ●ath been, and yet is daily used with great success, but rather to insinuate and show ●ow much more warily & safely they should ●aue dealt in the usage of Opium, than they ●aue done heretofore, if they had as truly known the Art Spagiricke, as we do now ●d●ies; how be it we ought notwithstanding to take these things in good part which ●hey have revealed unto us according to their experience, although the invention of the ●rue preparation of Opium, aught by all ●eanes to be ascribed to Theophrastus Para●elsus, as principal and chief of the natural Philosophers and Spagirists, who have generally written of the Chemical preparation of all things in a manner, which are used in Physic: where others on the contrary (increating of the Philosophers-stone) have bu●●ed themselves to besot and fool the world, ●nd by that means have rather seduced men's understandings, than produced any ●●od fruits or works of worth.  
Now the best preparation of Opium, con●●steth in three principal practices; the first 〈◊〉 depriving, or taking from it its Oleaginous, or sulphurous substance, wherein principally consisteth the evil, narcotical and ●upefactiue quality; the second in correcting and mitigating its caustic and ad●●ing acrimony, wherein it is almost parallelled unto tithymals, Spurges and other lactiferous corrosives; and the third in accompanying or mixing there with some suc● good additaments, and furtherers, as shalb● described hereafter.   

CHAP. VI Containing three manners, or ways to depri●● Opium from its narcotical, stupefactive an● nuisible Sulphur, which must be done before its essential extract can be drawn.  
IT is formerly said that Opium is deprived and freed from its malignity three manner of ways, the first (as Paracelsus in his second book D● morbis amentium saith) is by taking Opium, and mixing therewith certain Aromatical things, and reducing them into a Ma●● with the rob or juice of Quinces, and afterwards putting them, into a Quince, whose core is first taken out; and lastly, having covered or enfolded the same in past, bak● it in an oven like bread, and being taken out reduce or beat it into powder, and infuse i● in some convenient liquor, whereby the essence or tincture thereof may be extracted, to which purpose he taketh the spirit of Vitriol (composed against the Epilepsy) as a specifical furtherer in this case.  
The second means, is to take Opium, and to cut it into small slices, and to put it into ●a clean Frying-pan, or upon a Lamine or broad plate of iron, and with a gentle fire evaporate away its Sulphur, which will exhale or fume away like a gross and stinking smoke, from which smell it is no● amiss to abstain as much as may be: some in the interim sprinkle it with a little rose Vinegar, and stir it together with a Spatula or slice as it melteth like Aloes, and after spread it abroad upon the said Lamine of iron, and so let it evapour away as long as any fume will arise, and until it become so dry that it may be powdered, always bewaring that it burn not.  
This manner of preparation is approved for good of Quercetane, and many other modern Physicians, and I myself also always observe the same method when I have occasion to make any Laudanum for mine own use.  
The third way is to dissolve the crude Opium in some convenient liquor (as is said) and letting it digest and boil easily, still scumming away the froth, and unctuous Cremor swimming aloft, which indeed is its sulphurous malignity, and reserve the rest for use.  
This manner of preparation is highly commended of Crollius in his Basilica Chymica, in the Chapter entreating of Laudanum.  
Of these three manners of preparing Opium before it be brought to an extract, let every Physician make his own choice.   

CHAP. VII. How the ●incture, quintessence or (as some call it the substance of Opium) is to be extracted, wherein his manifold virtues consist, and how to deprive or take away his malign acrimony.  
THE tincture of Opium (purified from its sulphurous malignity as before) is ordinarily extracted with Aquavitae rectified, or else with Vinegar, juice of Citrons, Oranges, Quinces or other eager and tart liquors, but of all these I make continual choice of Vinegar, for eager things generally have a natural propriety to correct all venomous things, and to qualify and mitigate all those which have any great acrimony, or any caustic or aduring faculty, which a man cannot find that Aquavitae can by any means do, and this is the reason that the most sage and ancient Physicians have ordained that scammony ●●ould be corrected with the juice of Quixces, which is an eager liquor: Euphorbium, the Hellebores, Esula, and other corrofive and venomous Medicines, are commonly corrected with Vinegar, being therewith sprinkled or totally drenched: Antimony (which is both of a vomitive and purgative faculty as modern Artists know) being extracted in distilled Vinegar, instead of any alterative or nauseall quality, becometh only a Bezoardicke Medicine naturally provoking sweat: Arsenic (that great poison) and Mercury sublimate (that violent corrosive) may be so corrected by digestion with Vinegar, that a man may safely use them in Chirurgery.  
Vinegar and other sour and tart things are of such high esteem among Physicians, that (in a manner) no man doth administer either Bezoar-stone, Vnicornes-horne, Terra-lemnia, Treacle, or any other preservative to any sick person, unless they be mi●ed with Oximel-simplex, Syrup of Quinces, juice of Citrons, Pomegranates, Berberies, Sorrell or some other tart liquor; the which thing they do not without great reason, considering that eager things in general comfort the stomach, resist poisons, qualify inward heats, and defend the parts from corruption; the which thing indeed Vinegar doth above all other vegetable things whatsoever, as may plainly appear by its safe conservation of all things from any corruption that are put therein, which neither the juice of Citrons, Oranges, Pomegranates, nor any other thing can do, unless a man cover them with oil and keep them close from the air; and for my part I have made sufficient experiment that the essence of Opium extracted with Vinegar is of greater efficacy, and more comfortative than that which is drawn with Aquavitae, which liquor notwithstanding I mesprise not in regard it is a subtle and very excellent essence serving many Medicinal operations, yet in this particular I do in no wise approve or allow thereof, for many reasons which every discreet Physician can manifestly yield.  
The means then to extract the Tincture of Opium (after it is prepared and powdered as aforesaid) is to put the same into a convenient glass body having a straight or narrow mouth, and that for every ounce of Opium you pour thereunto eight ounces of liquor at the least, be it Aquavitae, Vinegar or what other things soever the Physician pleaseth, and being well and close luted or stopped, let it be put in B. M. or set in the Sun, or by a furnace, or near the fireside where it may remain warm in digestion for the space of thirty or forty days together, for by that means the Opium will begin to alter & change its acrimonious churlishness altogether; for this manner of digestion doth much resemble the Sun's operation, in concocting & ripening tart and crude things, & changing them into a sweet, pleasant & delectable taste, as nature hath manifested by the example of Figs, which at first have such a corrosive and caustic kind of Milkinesse in them, which (as soon as it but toucheth any part of the body) raiseth pustules and blisters thereupon; which milkinesse notwithstanding is afterward converted by the Sunnes-heate into a delicate and sweet juice.  
Having thus accomplished the digestion of the Opium, his subtle part is easily separated from the gross by inclination or filtering; And his essence is afterwards easily brought into a required and due consistence by evaporation in B.M. and so may be well reserved for use, as shallbe declared hereafter.   

CHAP. VIII. Concerning the diversity of those opiating compositions, which the Spagirists call Laudanums.  
THE Spagirists (imitating Paracelsus, who in divers passages of his works, termeth Anodyne and mitigating Medicines Laud●nums) have ever since retained that name of Opium so composed: which word signifieth nothing else but a Medicine endowed with noble and singular virtues, and therefore deserveth wonderful commendations, which moved Croll●us to blazen it in this manner: Laudabile med●camentum, quod pl●ne suo nomine respondet si Laudanum dicas.  
But the preparation thereof is diversly handled, for every Spagirist (for the most part) differeth from another, in one thing or other: For direction wherein I have principally made mention of four principall-ones, according whereunto a man for his use may comprehend all other whatsoever.  

The first Laudanum or specifical Anodyne is that of Theophrastus Paracelsus, which he thus describeth in the seventh book of his Archidoxes.  
℞ opij Theb. ℥ j succi pom. aurant. Suc. Citon. ana. ℥ vj. Cinamo. garyoph. ana. ℥ ss. Contus. perquam opt. simul omnia mixtaque ponantur in vitrum cum suo coopertorio caeco: digerantur in ☉, vel simo per mensem, postmodum exprim. & imponant. iterum cum seq.  
℞ mosch. ℈ ss Amb. gr. ℈ iiij. croci ℥ ss sueci coral magist. perlar. ana. ℈ j ss. Comisco, postquam digestionem eorum uno mense fact. Add quintess. auri ℈ j▪ ss quae permixt. caeteris, Anodinum specificum erit ad auferendum quosc●nque dolores internos & externos, ut nullum tor queatur vel arripiatur membrum latius.  
Here you may behold Paracelsus his Specifical Anodyne, wherein he ordaineth only Opium as its principal base, which is the more remarkable in regard he doth reckon and esteem it as a powerful Medicine to assuage and cease all griefs by its Specifical form, which ought to confirm us no little in our opinion concerning his qualities aforesaid.   

The second Laudanum is that which Quercetanus appointeth in his Pharmacopaea. pag. 203.  
℞ essent. Opij, a suo dissoluente per B. vaporosum ut supra separatae, ℥ ij. essent. croci, cum aq. limo. extract. ℥ j Hae duae essentiae confundantur invicem in parvo quodam vasculo argenteo: his add Gemmarum, Magist. Hyacinthorum, & Corallo. ana. ʒ j ss. ter. sigillat. verae ʒ j pull. Bezoard. veri, Vnicor. Ambr. gr. ana. ℈ ij.  
Hi pulveres sufficient ad bonam consistentiam Laudano indu●endam: miscendo & agitando omnia continuò ad ignem lentum, donec ex materia frigefacta pilulae formari possunt: sufficit exhibere de hoc Laudano magnitudine piperis gr. & insignes a● suspiciendos perc●pies huius Anodyni effectus, quod te spe tua numquam fi ustrabit: nam confert citra molestiam & cerebi ullam perturbationem adversus omnis generis dolores á quacunque causa subortos: contra omnes Haemorrhogias sive fluxus sanguinis in quacunque corporis part fuerint: contra omnes defluxiones & fluores ventris, dysentericos, Hepaticos, lientericos & similes: & ad adducendam grat●m tranquillitat●m in febribus ardentissimis, in quibus ipsis rationis sensus laeditur, & in phrenesim aeger plerumque delabitur. After this he describeth an other, whereunto he adjoineth Henbane, and almost an hundred Bezoardick and cordial things: which whosoever is curious, and desireth to know may find them written in his said book, for I am unwilling to set then down in this place, in regard they require a long and tedious kind of preparation, and this may serve instead of all.   

The third Laudanum is that of Oswaldus Crollius, according to his description in his Basilica Chymica.  
BEfore Crollius describeth his Laudanum, he commendeth the usage of all Anodynes generally in this manner. Multi sunt morbi, qui absque Anodynis sanari non possuns: Ergo in omnium morborum curationibus, ubi dolorum comites vigiliae, viriumque resolutiones adfuerint, Anodyna intrinseca appropriata possunt administrari, ut ablatis symptomatum ipsis radieibus pernitiosorum cruciatibus, amica quies naturae roddatur. Afterwards setting down the composition of his Laudanum (which he calleth Laudanum paracelsi) he describeth it thus.  
℞ Opij Theb. ℥ iij. suc. Hyoscyam. deb. tempore collect. & in ☉. prius inspissat. ℥ j ss. Spec. Diamb. & Diamosch. fideliter dispensatorum ana ℥ ij. ss, mumivae transmarinae select. ℥ ss, Salis Perlarum, Corallorum ana ʒ iij. liquor. succini albi per Alcohol vin● extract. Oss. de Cord. Cervi ana ʒ j lap. Bezoad. unicorn. animalis vel miner. ana ʒ j Mosch. Ambr. ana ℈ j  
In defectu auri potab. nullis corrosivis coniq●inati addantur oleorum anisi, carvi, aurant. nuc. myrrh. caryoph. cinamo. succ. ana gut. 12.  
Fi. ex his S. A. chym. massa seu extranctum, ● quo ad necessarios usus possint pillulae eff orman And proceeding forward he noteth certain observations concerning the Antepreparation of Opium and Hyosciamus and other circumstances, as also in particular the manner and way of their composition: the Dose hereof according to the Author, is from two grains to four, and touching its virtues shallbe declared hereafter.   

The fourth Laudanum is the Authors Nepenthes Aurea.  
℞ Essens. Opij, per spir. aceti cardiaci extract. ʒ iiij. tincturae croci more Quercetani extract. ʒ ij. Lap. Bexoard. Regij seu auri puriss. mor● Spagirorum purpurizat. & in veram medicina● cardiacam redact. ℈ ij. resinae lig. Aloes, Ambr. gris. opt. ana ℈ j  
Let these things be well incorporated together in a small glass vessel, and afterward keep the composition very close.  
But because all these Medicines are both very costly, and curious to compound, and perhaps of no greater efficacy than some others which I make, and participate to my friends, I have made bold for the good of my country to set down two, the one whereof was communicated to me at a second hand, from the learned and eminent Physician Io. Hartmannus of Marpurge in Germany, and the other by the no less worthy and my much respected friend▪ Master Dr. Bonham of London, which are as followeth.   

Laudanum sive philonium nostrum.  
℞ Opij cum spir. vini extract. ℥ vj. cui add seq. tincturam uz. ℞ croci ℥ j cinamo. nuc. myrist. garyoph. mac. torment zedoar bistort. ●na ʒ ij. ss galang. angel. zz. ana. ʒ ij. florum cord. ●n●, ●. i. pulver. omnia s●bt. & cum aq. Cinamomi q. s. F●. extract. & m●sce cum supradict. opio. tunc add Oss. de cord cervi, coral. alb. & rub. praepar. succin▪ a●b. coru. unicor. lap. Bezoar. lig. aloes; solut ●erlarum ana. ℈ ij. santal. alb. & cit. ana. ℈ j fol auri pull. ℈ ss ter. lem. verae gr. Xiiij amb. gris. gr. X. mosch. gr. viii. omnia opt. pulver. & sub●il●ss. cribrat. in fi●e add ol. anisi gut. Xij ol. nuc. myrist. gut. viii. ol. cinamo. gut. vj. Dosis a. gr. iij. ad v. cum corn. unicor. & lap. Bezoar. ana. gra. ij. & cons. ros. rub. ℈ j cum itur cubitum.   

Laudanum p●aestantisse. D. Bohami.  
℞ Opij Theb. laminatum conscissi & poste● exiccati ℥ i ss. gum. hyosc. ℥ iij. sem. hyosc. alb. ℥ j mummiae ℈ j garioph. Cinamo. Turrian. ℥ ij. rad. levistic. call. arom. gallon. ʒʒ. ana ℥ j castor. pip. nig. carpesiorum croci sinceri ana ℥ ss. labdan. belzoin. ana ʒ ij. pull. pull. & ponantur omnia in vitro angusti orificij cun● spir. vini opt. q.s. ita ut quatuor digitos superemineat, ac bene claudatur ter quaterue in die agitando dum tincturam nigram obtineat, deinde tinctura effundatur, & nou● spiritus addantur donec tota virtus sit educta, tum in B.M. fiat evaeporatio S. A. dum ad extracti consistentiam pervenerit, fiatque Laudanum approbatum & tutissium.   

Vsus huius est.  
In saevis dolorum implacabilium paroxysmis ut pote colicis, podagricis, arthriticis, pleuriticis, stomachicis, Nephriticis. Item in vigilijs, destuxionibus, haemorrhagijs & dysenterijs in expugnabilibus & praesertim in vomitu pestilenti & phrenitide summum arcanum.   

Cautio.  
Puellis tamen & senibus, quibus etiam vires vel magnitudine morbi v●l doloris saevitia prostratae sunt, non confert. Quod si pulsus strenuns satis & vehemens appareat, sive periculo uti possis.   

Extractio gum. hyosc.  
℞ cort. rad hyosc. in mense Mart. vel septemb. circa plenilunium collect. exiccentur in umbra postea purgentur & contundantur opt. & in vase vitreo cum q. s. vini alb. arctisses. includantur, tum in B. M. coq. per horas 12. vel amplius & rubicundam inuenes tincturam, quam exprimes è rad. fortiter, dein omnem hunc liquorem per filtrum transactum euaporato super carbones vivos donec tinctura remanet instar mellus, etc.   

Advertisements.  
1 My meaning is that Opium should be first freed and quit from his sulphurous Malignity, by means of its exsicration aforesaid, and afterwards digested for the space of a month in distilled Vinegar, wherein good store of white Saunders, Balm, Red-roses roses and Cinnamon have been infused, and lastly brought unto the consistence of liquid Pitch, or somewhat thicker.  
2 For Bezoar-Regall, I mean fine Gold, reduced into the form of powder, by the Philosophers dissolving balsam, and so brought unto such a true, real, comfortable, and Bezoardick Medicine, that one grain thereof shall far exceed six, or eight grains of the best oriental Bezoar; which (if need be) is very demonstrable.  
3 That the (Saffron being pure and neat.) be infused after Quercetans-maner in Limon-water, and so the tincture drawn, let the water be evapored with an easy and gentle fire, lest the more excellent and subtle spirit of the Saffron fly away.  
4 To conclude, I put no Magistery or tincture of Pearl, Pretious-stones, Coral, nor of any other Cordial things in my Laudanum than you see, not only because I find the foresaid tincture of Gold to be as sufficient and available as all the rest, but for some other rational considerations, which here I spare to speak of.  
5 And for the Ambergris put therein, I never knew any woman troubled with the suffocation of the Mother, feel any manifest nuisance, alteration or offence thereby, ●s some imagine, but if any man doubt thereof, let him but only touch the Pill intended ●o be given upon such occasion with a little ●yle of Charabes or Amber.  
These are the Laudanums, or Opiating compositions which I have been contented to describe in this book, which indeed are all ●ery good and excellent in their operations, although they differ something one from another in composition, and diversity of ingrediences, yet the principal base common to them all, is merely Opium.  
The reason why I ●aue not set down the preparation of this Medicine in so ample and plain a manner and form, as every particular Reader might desire to make himself Master of the Mystery, is in regard I would not wrong any private person, who by his great ●abour, cost and industry, hath purchased and gotten a more peculiar interest therein, as having sufficient understanding, knowledge and experience in the whole Art of Physic. For although I am willing to make every man, that shall read this Treatise acquainted with the utility and profit which may redound and accrue by the use of such a Medicine, yet is it not my intention for all that, to give occasion to many presumptuous persons, which rashly, and without any true ground other than their own private gain● making practice in Physic, will take in hand with a thing of so great consideration and importance as Laudanum is. And this is the reason also wherefore I do so freely admonish and counsel every one that loves his own life, or the preservation of his health, more than the sparing of a sew scald pence, not to take this Medicine for any inward use at any man's hand, but only of such as have good knowledge therein, and will faithfully communicate the same, not giving quid for quo, as some unworthy Mercenaries do, who commonly gape after their own benefit and commodity, rather than the good and safety of their sick patient.  
Furthermore, I am not ignorant though a man may find many Spagirists vaunting, and bragging they have this and that La●danum, and other excellent Anodynes composed without any Opium at all, some saying they can make Laudanum with mixtion only of certain Cordials, others would make the world believe they have a certain embryonated Sulphur of Vitriall, which is a most rare precious medicine, and Somniferous Anodyne; but these are nothing but vain ostentations, seeing that without Opium or some other things of equivalent and semblable faculties it is impossible for ●ny man to prepare any general, true or certain Anodyne; how be it I deny not, but by permixtion of certain things differing one from another in taste, smell and quality, a man may compose a handsome counterfeit Laudanum, seeing that I myself can prepare such a Medicine of Nutmegs, Mace, Myrrh, Saffron, Amber, Mask, Aqua-vita, Quintessence, of Sulphur, etc. without any Opi●●, the only smell whereof will provoke sleep, and being administered will appease divers griefs, yet for all that it is nothing so general or available an Anodyne, that it may be compared in any sort with that prepared of Opium, or if it were a man might doubtless make as great scruple to take that as the other; for if Opium can endanger the body by its natural somniferous quality, why should not another Aromatical Cordial do the same, which by art hath acquired the like faculty.  
Moreover concerning the foresaid sulphurous Anodyne, although Paracelsus tells wonders of such a one, in the seventh Chap. of his book De re●. nature. wherein he discourseth of divers mineral Sulphurs, it is so (ingeniously with Crollius I confess) that I never saw any such medicine; for having try●d conclusions, and wrought long time upor▪ Vitriol, I could never perceive it had any such substance in it, which had like operation to that of Opium, as I have plainly manifested in my book entitled Anatomia Vitriol, divulged five years since; in regard whereof those are much deceived which by means of its precipitation with salt of Tartar, by boiling in an iron pot, or by means of sublimation do separate a greenish powder from Vitriol, calling it Sulphur ●mbryonatum Vitriol, which being put to Vulcan's Test, a man may quickly find it to be nothing but Copper, or being administered altereth the stomach, and rather provoketh vomit, than either comfort or disposition to sleep: it is therefore apparent that Paracelsus, intended some other thing in this project than he vouchsafed to discover to us.  
Hence you may behold the reasons, wherefore we ought not to mis-prise, and vilipend certain things for uncertain, but content ourselves with the aforesaid Laudanums, or such like, with thanksgiving to the Author of all goodness, not suffering our understandings to be abused by the vain flourishes or idle fantasies of any other.    

CHAP. IX. Concerning the virtues and use of all opiating Laudanums, aswell in general as particular.  
Having already set down the manner how to prep●●e Opium well, and to make excellent compositions thereof called Laudanums, it behoveth us now to declare their virtues and use for the better direction and advertisement to them which shall have occasion to use the same.  

The properties of every Laudanum, which is well prepared and corrected, as beforesaid, are principally six.  
1 The first is to give ease, or to cease all inward pains proceeding of what cause soever, and that at all times, and to all persons without exception of what complexion, temprature, age, or constitution of body soever, only having regard to the Dose, and other circumstances which are requisite for the Physician to observe.  
2 To provoke those to sleep which are destitute thereof by reason of any corporal disease, or alteration of spirit, which things it effecteth without dulling or benumbing the senses, weakening the members, constipating the body, or producing any evil accidents at all in them, as other Somniferous things do which are naturally cold, and il prepared.  
3 To stop all vehement, subtle and corroding Cathurrous distillations falling from the brain upon the lower parts, thickening them by little and little, strengthening the brain, and repressing the gross vapours which rise from the stomach upwards, which are ordinarily the causes of such defluxions.  
4 To stay naturally the haemorrhagy, dyssenterie and menstrual fluxes, as also the Dyarrhaea and flux of the belly, proceeding from the great distemperature of inward heat, or some sharp and biting humour.  
5 To consummate and cease all burning Fevers and praeternatural heat, proceeding from any wound or ulcer, or from the fermentation or ripening of any choleric humour, or any caustic or venomous matter.  
6 To roborate and strengthen the bowels and all the relaxed and feeble conduits, and those whose virtue retentive is weakened, by reason of some long sickness, or by the too much use of purgative medicines.   

Laudanum is more particularly used with good success in these diseases following.  
1 Against all manner of headache, as inveterate Migraines, Cephalalgia, or any other kind of excessive pain, having regard that the stomach be first cleansed from all gross and corrupt humours, the Dose is one small Pill to be taken at bedtime, some two hours after supper, either in the water or syrup of sweet Maioran, B●tony, or some other Cephalick liquor, as the Physicians shall think good: or otherwise a man may take it in ale or broth, or swallow it dry as it is, continuing the same as long as need shall require, that is until the pain be so tamed, that Laudanum is needless, which order must be observed in all other diseases, wherein it is used.  
2 Against all subtle Catarrhons, distillations which fall from the brain unto the eyes, teeth, or ears, or upon the inferior parts, as the lungs, breast, stomach, etc. wherein Laudanum is used, as aforesaid, keeping the Patient's head in the mean time neither too hot, nor too cold, nor suffering him to drink any wine, stolen beer, or other strong drink, as also to forbear eating of mustard, garlic, onions, all spices and other things of a hot and dry quality, which further and provoke too much the foresaid distillation. If it be convenient to open the body you must use no other purgative then that of Aloes, washed in rose-water, and thickened with the juice of rhubarb, Manna, Syrrupe of Roses, or with a convenient Clyster, which indeed is much better, for all other kind of purgative, dry and attractive medicines are very dangerous in such accidents.  
3 Against all pains of the ears with noise and flatulent tingling, be it by reason of certain wind enclosed in the brain, or of any other vapours arising from the stomach: this medicine is best taken in the water of Fennel, Sage or a little white wine going to bed as aforesaid.  
4 Against the airy Epilepsy (I speak unto Naturalists) whose sits happen with great ebullition of blood, and afflict the Patient with an Haemorrhagic and great headache, we use to give Laudanum in the water of paeony, wild Poppy or other appropriate liquor before or after the fit, and this must be given once every quarter of the Moon in the morning before sunrise, causing the patiented to keep a good diet, and to be let blood in due season and opportunity.  
5 Against toothache caused through any hot and subtle distillation, we use to dissolve a little Laudanum in Vinegar, a few drops whereof the sick patient must take and hold in his mouth a while, and after spit it out, and so take more and more in that fashion, until the pain cease.  
7 To those which cannot sleep by any means, we commonly give a little La●danum with a spoon-ful of the water of Hypericon or Balm, some twice or thrice a week, as long as need shall require.  
7 To those which have any great flux of blood at the nose, or mouth, after due inquisition of the precedent cause, to the end Phlebotomy, Cupping-glasses, or other means for revulsion-sake may be used, which taking no effect, we should instantly give the patiented a little Laudanum in the water of Plaintaine, bursa pastoris Tormentill, or rather (as most effectual) in Aqua spermatis ranarum per descensum distillat. And if the blood issue from the nose, we put a little lint therein, that is soaked in the said water and Laudanum mixed, and also apply some dipped therein to the forehead, by means whereof the flux will immediately stay: But if the party hath bled much already, use no more Phlebotomy, but presently have recourse to this remedy.  
8 To those which are subject to too much vomiting and cannot brook any meat on their stomach, by reason of some offensive matter there heaped & congealed, it is necessary that expulsion of the aforesaid matter be first made by the fittest Emunctory, either upward or downward, as occasion shall require; or if the vomiting proceed through the abudance of wind, or vapours enclosed in the bowels by reason of some obstruction in the reins (as often it falleth out) or of some other part in such case these obstructions should be opened with some good Diuretic, Diaphoretic & other convenient medicines, otherwise if the vomiting proceed from the particular debility of the stomach, from some ulcer, or any other cause then those aforenamed: In such case a man may administer Laudanum in the Syrup of Quinces or Betony, reiterating the same as often as need shall require.  
9 Against burning, malignant and pestilent Fevers (after convenient use of vomits, Bezoardicks and other remedies fit to evacuate gross humours, or purify the blood, if it be needful) a man may give the Patient Laudanun in the water of Carduus-benedictus, Veronica, Celondine or suchlike, for in such cases it doth precipitate and consume the venomous vapours which arise from the centre of the body to the brain, causing madness, rage, frenzy, and divers other dangerous accidents, which by this means may be prevented, for it assuageth the extreme heat in Fevers, comforteth the body and recreateth the spirits.  
10 In intermitting Fevers after due evacuation of the offending and gross humours, by vomit or siege appropriate, and the subtle and thin by convenient Diaphoretickes, as also by giving respiration to the star of Microcosmick-fi●e by Phlebotomy, if need require, after which intentions (if the Fever cease not) a man may boldly administer Laudanum in the water of Centory, Carduus-benedictus, Mouseare, or others appropriate an hour or two before the fit, by which means twice or thrice used, I have seen many Aguish people cured when no other remedy prevailed, yet I will not affirm this to be an infallible cure in all, for intermitting Fevers fall out to be such many times, that the best Physicians in the world know not what to say unto them, seeing they mock and scorn (as it were both them and their medicines.)  
11 Against the Colic, and all griping in the belly (having regard that the body be always kept soluble by some Clyster or Laxative Medicine, we commonly give Laudanum in a spoonful of good white-wine; but the pain falling out too violent and intellerable we stay for no other remedies, but use this at the very beginning, and the grief being ceased, the Physician may happily proceed in his cure by removing the offending cause, otherwise if he shall see occasion.  
12 In extreme pains and pinches which proceed from the small guts called Iliaca p●ssi●, we administer Laudanum in the oil of sweet Almonds, or Mucilage of Quince-seed.  
13 Against pains of the Matrix, we give Landanum in the water of Chamomill or Mugwort, but if the pains do particularly proceed from retention of the menstrues, then must the cause be taken away by provoking them with convenient medicines, nevertheless the grief being intolerable, Laudanum may be first used, for it ceaseth all pains, represseth and consumeth all noisome vapours, which mount to the brain, and afflict women with privation of Sense, Strangulation, Epileptic fits, etc. without fear of any prejudice, by neglecting the cause, which the Physician may better meddle withal when the Symptoms are stayed.  
14 When a woman is delivered from Childbirth, and her pains fall out afterwards to be insupportable, causing want of Sleep, Sounding, a burning Fever, and great debility. In such a case Laudanum is found to be the most sovereign remedy that can be, and hath no less virtue in the restraining the too much effusion of blood after birth, by giving only one small Pill as aforesaid.  
15 In all dangerous Fluxions of the Menstrues, we use to give Laudanum twice or thrice, or as need shall require, and it will doubtless stay them, so that the Patient use a convenient diet and rest, and refrain from anger and other violent passions, altering and troubling the blood, I have cured divers that have lost (in a manner) all the blood in their bodies, by giving them only Laudanum, and after taking a course to restore nature with convenient Viands, and to comfort the heart, cause them to take the magistery of Pearl, Coral, the Cordial Elixir, commonly called the Philosophers Aurum Potabile, etc.  
16 In Dysenteries, and also in great ●luxes of the belly without blood, having first evacuated the offending matter with rhubarb or other convenient medicines, according to the quality of the ma●●er, & the part affected, we use Laudanum with the Syrtupe of Quinces, once, twice or thrice, as need shall require, omitting in no wise expedient Phlebotomy, or any other outward means, whether they be Unguents, Plasters, or whatsoever.  
17 To those which (having taken some naughty purgation) are fallen into a violent flux of the belly with no little danger of life (as by many examples is apparent) we give Laudanum in a spoonful of Red-wine once, twice, etc. until the flux cease.  
18 In exceeding grief in the Reins (called Nephritis) as also when the urine distilleth by drops, scalding and corroding the urinary passages, much like to a strong-lee, Laudanun is given mixed with a little conserve of Roses, or with some Syrrupe of Violets.  
19 Laudanum is likewise given to those which are dangerously afflicted with the stone, after the giving of a mollifing & carminative Clyster, if the body be bound, and then it is best exhibited in Meath, or the Syrrupe of Liquirise.  
20 To those which are exceedingly pained by reason of some inward rapture, Laudanum is usually given in a spoonful of good wine, anointing them outwardly with a little oil of Nutmegs, and causing them in the mean time to keep themselves very warm.  
21 Against all Gouts, or pains in the joints, whether it be in the Feet, Hands, Knees, Hips, etc. conjunct with inflammation, and when the offending matter is windy and unconstant shifting from one place unto another, in such cases to ease the pain, digest the matter, and thicken it so that it may be more easily expelled by purgative means, or that Nature-selfe may consume it by insensible transpiration) laudanum is certainly worthy great commendations, especially when it is given from the hand of a skilful Physician, that is with reason, understanding and in fit time, for in such occurrences where the matter is so vagant and uncertain, purgative Medicines do more ham then good by stirring the humour over much, and causing inanition of the parts when the inflammation grows more vehement, and the sick persons far worse afflicted then before. To arthritical persons, in whom the offending matter is not so vagant, but constant and resident in one place, who suffer not only great pain, but an extreme Fever with debilitation, loss of natural rest and such like cases and Symptones, Laudanum is very convenient at the instant to stay the violence, after which you may use purgative medicines to take away the cause with far better success than before, for if you should tamper and purge during these fits you would raise sundry others of greater danger, for such strong purgations as those which are able to exhale the offending matter from the joints, would be used when nature is quiet, rather than at such times as she is vexed, dejected & cast down through violent pains and grief.  
22 To a wounded person, which is assaulted with a burning Fever, Inquietude, Haemorrhagia, or some other accident, whereby the wound is incensed and in danger to gangrene: in such a case that Chirurgeon is worthy double honour, who knows well how to use Laudanum, for the good success which undoubtedly follows.  
23 If any person afflicted with intolerable great pain by reason of any inveterate ulcers in the legs, arms, or other parts of the body, as many times it falleth out, by giving a little Laudanum some two hours after supper, the pain will cease without fail. I had once in Switzerland a certain patiented about 90. years of age in cure, who had two great ulcers, which in 15. years did so torment him, that he could take no rest, night nor day, so that he was constrained to seek about for some man to give him case; to whom having but begun to administer a little Laudanum, he immediately recovered his natural rest, and shortly after was able to walk all the town over, the which he could not do of long time before, so that only by means of Laudanum he preserved himself for the space of one year and a half together, at the end whereof he died for very age, the ulcers in the mean time, neat, clean and open, and that without application of any other outward thing more than a linen rag dipped in the water of Spotted Pers●●aria, and so laid to the soar handsomely as I had directed.  
24 Lastly when any person is tormented with any malady whatsoever, and having tried all ordinary remedies that can be devised to take away the cause, and being not able to be helped thereby, but remain in continual torments, Dolour, Vexation & Watching, whereby the Radical moisture is suddenly exhausted, natural heat extinguished, etc. In this case Laudanum doth merit to be called the only sovereign salve for languishing people, seeing it ceaseth all their grief strengtheneth their inward parts, maintaineth natural heat, and produceth such miracles in nature, that none can imagine, but such as have experience of the same, for I have observed many examples very remarkable, as that having myself, with good discretion and advice administered Laudanum to some persons, when they have been struggling with death, and assaulted with intolerable Agonies, Pain and torments, they have had such comfort and ease, that presently after they have in far better sense recommended themselves unto God, given order concerning their worldly estate, and yielded their spirits into the hand of their Maker with quietness, great comfort and edification of all them that were present about them; But the contrary hath often fallen out and still doth for want of such a Medicine, in whose stead there can be found no parallel, as experience doth plainly declare, which ought to move and stir up every Physician, which neither knows how to procure nor use the same to acquit himself so much the more carefully of his charge before God and his neighbour, for there is no reason, particular opinion, nor any disputation ought to prevail against charity, by means whereof the whole universe doth stand and continue, and whereupon all good Arts and Sciences are founded, so that we halt in our duty, when we neglect to search out and procure such things as are wholesome, good, and comfortable to sick people, albeit they were invented and found out by Pagans or Christians, ancient or modern, Galen or Paracelsus or any other Author, whose opinion we hold for Oracles, we cannot render ourselves excusable before God the very searcher of the heart and thoughts: for experience being the great fundamental book of Physicians, which is daily read unto us by the light of nature, we should continually endeavour ourselves, not only to understand but observe, also her mo●ions and directions, considering that (as Paracelsus saith) all the means and remedies which naturally cure sicknesses, are thetrue Canons and rules of Physic, which I would ●aue to be construed with all convenient exception, attributing unto reason that which ●s agreeable, and unto Authors the honour ●ue unto them.   

Certain Cautions and advertisements for the better and more safe use of Laudanum.  
WE may all understand that there is nothing in the world (be it never so good) it for medicine, wherein good judgement ●nd discretion for its safe exhibition is not to ●e required, which indeed is the chiefest rea●on that moveth me to give further Causon and advertisement concerning the use 〈◊〉 Laudanum.  
1 First although in the former passages i● hath been decreed, that ●his Medicine should be used with di●ers Vehicles in every disease, yet there may happen some particular occurrence, that in one or other, the distilled waters and syrups aforesaid may not be conveniently taken as well in respect of their qualities, smells and taste, as other particular properties antipathizing the sick Patient, whereof we have seen divers examples, as some that cannot endure the smell or taste of roses, others of Quinces, some loving sweet things, others not able to endure them, to some distilled waters are pleasant, to others they cause vomit, and other accidents, so that the Physician ought to look unto all these things, and because such occasions may often fall out, it is best to administer Laudanum in Wine, Beer, Chicken-broath or some other Vehicle, agreeable as well to the Patient's nature as his disease, whereunto great regard must be had.  
2 You must not give Laudanum twice in one day, unless in great extremity of pains for once will suffice, nor you ought not to exceed ordinarily the weight of three or four grains at a time, yet unto a person of strong constitution a man may give from four to ●ix. I● is best administered at night two hours after supper, as aforesaid, unless great occasion fall out otherwise, for then any time of the day must serve, according (to the old saying) necess●●ie hath no law.  
3 You must also have great regard that the body be free from superfluous excrements, which must be procured with some convenient Laxative Medicine, mollifying Clifter, or Suppositorie, but in lean and megre bodies, and such as feed very little, and such as are slender, full of heat and destitute of necessary humidity and radical moisture, having withal their veins full of blood, with such you must deal very warily, for they have more need than a man would think to have their heat cooled, and humected, rather than by purging the body, where no excrements are to dry the same more and more, for by diminishing the humours, heat must needs increase, and so will the body pine and consume away to nothing.  
4 To Asthmatical people, whose Breasts, Lungs and other Organs are stuffed with Viscous and clammy phlegm, you must take heed of giving any Laudanum, for in such cases you must use Medicines to dissolve and cleanse away the said matter, which Laudanum cannot do being a medicine of a corroborating and indifferent thickening nature:  
5 Laudanum is not good or convenient for Hydropical persons, which for the abundance of water contained in them have much ado to breath and dare not sleep in their beds for fear of suffocation, yet after the watery matter is evacuated, the Liver and other parts unstopped with convenient medicines, and delivered from the foresaid Symptoms, than a man may be bold to give them Laudanum to Roborate the bowels, defend the body from subtle Des●uxions and finish the whole cure.  
6 Finally, Laudaunum is not convenient for them, whose stomach is full of gross humours which should be evacuated with vomitory or Cathariticke medicines, nor for those which have the Small-pocks, which Symptoms should be taken away with appropriate remedies: In brief, no man ought to undertake the cure of any disease with Laudanum, which hath need of mitigation or help, either by Vomitories, Cathartickes, Diaphoretickes, Diuretickes, Alexitaries, Vulneraries, Phlebotomy, Diet, or any other appropriate remedy: And contrariwise it is idle to go about to cure any disease with an other medicine, which of necessity must be cured with Laudanum: for every medicinal rule, and every Section of medicines have under them their proper maladies for whose cure they are especially appropriated, yet notwithstanding we are constrained many times upon occasion to mix one thing with another, not only in regard that two or three diseases do often jump together in one body, but also for the variety of Symptoms, and effects that one only diseases may sometimes produce, so that one while one Medicine, another while another may be found to be most convenient, and agreeable. And this is the reason why I propose not Laudanum for a universal Medicine.    

CHAP. X. Confuting three erroneous objections which may be proposed against the use of Laudanum.  
SOme 8. years since, obeying in consultation with certain Physicians, about a man which was troubled with a flux of the belly a month together, & at that time together with the same had a continual Fever, was deprived of natural rest and mightily tormented with bellyach, so that notwithstanding the use of a great number of medicines, yet he was become exceeding weak and feeble: upon which occasion when it came to my turn to speak, I proposed Laudanum, for an excellent medicine in that case: but they utterly disliking the same, came upon me with these three objections following, which notwithstanding were not able to renverse or overthrow my opinion. To prevent therefore a mischief which may happen to some sick persons for want of Laudanum, being denied the use thereof upon so slight reasons, I thought good for conclusion of this Treatise, to set down their objections and my refutation of them in manner as followeth.  

The Objections.  
1 First that Laudanum, being principally composed of Opium, and still retaining its Somniferous property, might consequently suffocate natural heat, and benumb and stupefy all the senses.  
2 Seeing Laudanum doth incrassate & thicken the subtle humours, it followed that although it did cease pain for the time, yet afterwards it made the cause of the sickness malignant, fixed and incurable.  
3 That it hath been observed, that some sick people have died some few hours after the taking of Laudanun, inconsideration whereof we should abstain from its use altogether.   

The Answer.  
Concerning the first objection, I am of opinion, that if such men as go about to propose any such thing, would either give place to the authority of great Physicians, or experience-self (both which assuring us that c●ude Opium, taken in small quantity, neither suffocateth natural hea●e, nor dulleth the senses, as hath been already sufficiently proved in the beginning of this discourse) they would neither blame, nor so basely esteem of it; but suppose that a very small Dose of crude Opium did produce such effects, must it therefore do the same when it is deprived of the superfluity of its narcotical Sulphur, his acrimony corrected, and after mixed with such Bezoardick and Cordial things as aforesaid? No man of judgement, or of any experience in the Mysteries of nature, can deny that Opium (the principal ingredience or Basis of Laudanum) being thus altered both in form and substance, becometh likewise changed in its virtues and operations, and therefore can with no reason censure so hardly thereof as when it is crude: And notwithstanding that Laudanun doth provoke the diseased to sleep, yet daily experience teacheth us that it doth not suffocate natural heat, but rather preserve it when it is about to consume, and in danger to be suddenly extinct by reason of its violent motion, extreme pains, and extraordinary watching, whereby it is as rudely handled as a lamp or burning-torch is in a mighty tempest, which causeth a greater wasting of oil, and loss of light than it would do if it were defended from such an accident.  
2 For the second objection: Laudanum is so far from aggravating, impairing or making worse the causes of the disease by reason of its incrassating faculty, that quite contrary it prepareth some offending humours, and maketh them far more apt and easy to be expelled, as in the 21. passage before concerning Gouts we have something declared; For is it not the consent and verdict of the best Physicians in the world, that the preparation of humours before purgation doth chief consist in two operations, that is in subtilizing and attenuating of those which are Viscouse thick and clammy, and incrassating and thickening indifferently those which are too subtle, virulent, windy & vagant in the body? Now the greatest part of extreme pains and inward heats proceeding from some dissolved matter, that is either salt, sharp or corroding, or from such as doth excoriate, inflame and alter the member affected, whereby malignant vapours arise, which passing unto the adjoining parts, do by consent produce sundry torments, & many evil accidents as by experience is manifest: what better course can a man observe, then by means of Laudanum to thicken and digest the said humours & sequestering & consuming the aforesaid vapours in such sort, that they can by no means exercise their cruelty as before? And in case of superfluity (if it be any ways requisite to be purged, a man may do it afterwards far more warily and safely then in the former estate: is not this represented to any man's understanding, by sundry outward ulcers, which being inflamed and distilling from some subtle and corrosive humour, cause great Pricking, Dolour and pains and oftentimes by consent a Fever to the Patient, so that the true remedy in such a case to take away such accidents is some excellent Anodyne, which may mitigate and assuage that unnatural heat, and suddenly ripen and indifferently thicken the offending humour which was so subtle and corrosive, which being done, all other Symptoms cease whatsoever; Laudanum then (not only producing these effects by its natural property, but also mundifying, resisting putrefaction, and healing, and comforting the weakened parts as it were Balsam) may by good consequence take away or extinguish the cause of many evil Symptoms, rather than impair and make them incurable: for although it doth moderately incrassate, yet notwithstanding it doth not coagulate the blood, nor fix the substances, which in their own proper nature are liquid in stone, nor solder or glue the parts together as Gypsum doth, for which cause only men should blame it in such manner as before.  
3 Thirdly, we will not deny, but that some sick person may chance to die soon after the receipt of Laudanum, but that Laudanum was the cause of their death, & that in regard thereof its use is utterly to be abandoned and forsaken is the matter now in question.  
First therefore it is very apparent by our former discourse, that Laudanum is not a thing of such a venomous quality, as will cause death to the receiver, for albeit the observation be true that some have died soon after the taking thereof, yet that ought not to supersede all other reasons, attestations & experience concerning the good effects, and safe use of Laudanum, for as it is an absurd and foolish thing for a man to say, ● did see certain grains of Bezoar-stone, Vnicornes-horne, Pearls, or such like precious Cordials given to a sick person who died not long after, ergo, that was the cause of his death, and therefore take heed of using any such thing hereafter: or I saw one give a Clyster to such a sick person who died soon after, Ergo, Clysters are dangerous remedies, and ought not to be used, as many simple people are accustomed to argue; Even so it is as absurd a thing to hold Laudanum in suspicion, because such a one took it & after dy●d, for although it do principally and speedily cause all torments to cease, and provoke the diseased to sleep, yet that is no consequence that it can preserve a man from death, when by God his secret decree his hour is come, for neither that nor no other Medicine in the world can do: sleep and exemption from pains are necessary things, as well for sound as sick men, the one with distinction, the other without all exception; but that these two do sometimes serve for the maintenance and strengthening of man's life, and other sometimes are unnecessary, and of no use, this proceeds not through any fault in themselves, but in nature which doth not receive them for her own good and benefit, as other times she useth to do, which thing is lively represented unto us by the use of meat, drink and all other things called Medicines not natural, which sometimes are good and profitable to the body, and sometimes quite contrary, even as nature disposeth of them for our good, or evil, howsoever in themselves they are always good, seeing without them no man can live, we may easily perceive the v●ritie hereof by the example of any man, who having watched, and travailed moderately until at last he become drowsy and faint, who after a little sleep, and repose being awakened, becometh as lively and frolic as at first. But if this man return to his labour, and redouble his pains & watching in such sort, that he surpass the limits of his strength, and so long until his vital animal and natural functions be utterly disbanded and weakened, making such an exceeding alteration in his body and turning it quite upside-down, so that a dangerous and mortal disease ensue: Now in this case, if he betake himself to this Medicine for rest and sleep, thinking to find like benefit and comfort, as before, he shallbe so far from enjoying the same, that quite contrary he must needs pay the price of his life for his vain excess and intemperance. After the very same manner may we judge of such a sick person as hath wanted sleep beyond measure, endured intolerable pains, taken no food or nourishment, and become extreme weak and at point of death, who afterwards falling into a little sleep of himself, or by means of a little Laudanum, or a spoonful or two of some restaurative liquor to comfort him; instead of recovering his life by any of these, he doubtless dies; the cause of his death notwithstanding ought not to be imputed to the little sleep he had, nor to the taking of the Cordial (seeing that sleep and nourishment are two necessary things for the preservation of life) but rather in regard that death having seized upon them, these things could not produce those good effects, which by nature's intention they were ordained and appointed for. Let this suffice then to confute the third objection aforesaid, in defence of well prepared and discreetly administered Laudanum. For if any man using Opium as the Turks do, or Henbane, Mandrake, or any other Narcotiall thing so crude, raw, il-prepared or uncorrected hath or doth commit any notable error in that behalf, it is far from my scope or intention to defend any such abuse; my desire is rather that Physicians should beware how they deal with simple people, and lest the Art should be slandered, there ought to be a fit time elected for the giving of Laudanum, that is at the first encounter of the disease, when there is good hope of cure, considering that we must not only have regard to purge Phlebomize, prescribe a Diet, etc. to our Patients, but also to comfort and restore, to advance and bring them to their natural rest, and to cease and qualify their torments. Moreover we should omit no occasion at any time, to ease and secure our neighbour, even until the point of death, in all things we may or can possibly, even as, we would be served ourselves in the like ●ase, and that with all convenient exceptions and protestation for the reason aforesaid; And this shall suffice for conclusion of this present Treatise.  
Now I protest to every one that shall read this same, that I have no pretension in this discourse, to injure, or detract from those which worthily make profession of Physic, but only desire to amplify the knowledge of this medicine, for the benefit of such persons as are ignorant thereof, as I have before said in my Preface. And also to manifest the pains which I take, and the diligence I bestow to find out the properties, preparation and true use of such things as are especially convenient and necessary in Physic, and consequently to make it appear, that those which (moved with their own proper passions) shall speak any thing against me, deceive themselves, and derogate from that Noble name whence they are called Christians, thinking it no wrong to detract from another's honour, so they may by that means or any other augment their own, which I would have construed with all modest exception, intending not to touch any one man's name more than another, if their own tongues be not their own accusers, whereby if they chance to manifest themselves they shall have no occasion to blame me, and therefore I commit my right to him which only knows the hearts of men, and who administereth justice, Equity, Mercy and Grace, unto all his Creatures, to whom be glory for ever and ever. Amen.  
FINIS.     

Faults escaped in the Printing.  
IN the Epistle Dedicatory Pag. 12. line 10. read Calcining. In the Author's Preface p. 12. l. 6. r. iucundé. In the treatise p. 2. l. 1. r. Dioscorides, p. 11. l. 12. r▪ nuisance p. 15. l. 1. r. Complicentur, p. 19 l. 17. for amongst r. against, p. 49. l. 16. r. Mellis.   

LICENCED,  
Feb. 21. 1669.  
Roger L'Estrange.