SEABROOKES' CAVEAT: Or His warning piece to all his loving Countrymen, to beware how they meddle with the Eyes. In which is contained the exact and most certain remedies for all manner of infirmities, which shall happen unto the Eyes. Written for the general good of this whole Monarchy of great BRITAIN.  
By RICHARD SEABROOKE, practitioner in the Art of the Oculist.  
LONDON: Printed by Edw. Allde, dwelling near Christ's Church. 1620.   

To the Right noble and most virtuous Ladies (being the Nursing-mothers', and Comforters of many poore-afflicted people) The Lady SIDNEY of Walsingham, and the Lady STRANGE, wife to the Honourable Knight, Sir HAMON STRANGE of Hunston; RICHARD SEABROOKE wisheth the increase of God's good blessings in this life, and all graces leading to life eternal.  
Most noble and virtuous Ladies,  
WHen I called to remembrance the most just condemnation of that evil servant in the Gospel, who buried his one Talon: It did quicken my conscience and stir up my mind on the contrary, ere death should prevent me (according to that measure of knowledge in my profession wherewith God hath endued me) to communicate with my dearest Countrymen my skill (such as it is) by publishing in this small Treatise the principal observations of my whole practice. True it is, I have now attained to the age of seaventy and two years, being from my youth by profession an Oculist. In which course of life, as (to my great rejoicing in the Lord, through his blessings upon mine endeavours) I have helped very many (who have been long darkened) to their perfect sight, so have I seen by lamentable experience, not a few poor Christians, of both sexes, and all ages, by sinister means and applications made helpless, and utterly deprived of the most dear and delightful light of their eyes. The original of these mischiefs are sometimes to be imputed to the negligence of Mothers and Nurses: But for the most part, the Practitioners in this kind are to be taxed, and of them also the negligent, the unskilful, and the wilful, most of them more, studious to lighten the purses, rather than the pains of their grieved patients. All these sorts (after my plain manner) I have briefly touched in certain caveats: then I show the causes of Blindness, the several hurtful humours incident to the eyes, their qualities, and how to judge which be curable and which incurable: and lastly, I have annexed the most approved medicines and remedies which I have found by long experience to be most profitable.  
I foresee (most virtuous Madams) that these advertisements coming from myself a plain old man; shall not escape the detractions and scoffs of proud and malicious censurers; but having for the warrant of my doings the testimony of a good conscience (that I have sincerely, charitably, and upon known grounds proceeded herein) I cast behind me all the unjust aspersions they possibly can throw upon my name, I am a poor man myself, and my poor mite I freely cast into the poor man's treasury, wishing all them that are so humbly minded, not to despise what they not understand: But first to make trial, then to trust, and so to take in good part that which is tendered unto their good. And very sure I am that I cannot want good attestation of my cures performed by these means; and thankful acknowledgement also from such as (under God) have found help by mine applications.  
Now the reasons inducing me (most honoured Ladies) to present this my simple labour to your excellent selves, are the famous reports of your noble virtues, whose charity, and piety, like two goodly collumbs, support and hold up a world of poor distressed people, which otherwise would perish and fall to dust in the ruins of their afflictions and affirmities, as also that I know the excellency of your clement natures, will vouchsafe to accept a small present, being offered of great good will and affection: In which since I can find no distrust, because your goodness is my warrant. I humbly crave pardon for my boldness, and vow ever till this little sand of my life be consumed, to remain, The ever obliged servant and true admirer of your virtues;  
RICH. SEABROOKE.   

To the courteous and indifferent Reader, especially to all such who 〈◊〉 troubled with any disease incident to the eyes.  
I Have not here (courteous and indifferent Reader) entertained thee with fine phrases, and artificial method (things curious and becoming the curious) I leave that to those which are more ambitious of private fame, then studious for the common good. But I have truly and plainly shown thee how to beware of, and prevent certain grievous inconveniences: where the disease is curable, I have set down approved remedies for it, where it is incurable, I advice thee to comfort thyself in God, and save thy money: Read and practise, and as thou findest any profit, take in good part my pains, but give the whole praise unto God, to whose holy protection I commit thee and myself, and all the faithful in Christ jesus. Farewell.  
R. S.   

CHAP. 1. Of Blindness both curable and incurable in Infants, the cause, prevention, and cure.  
FIrst, because experience is the Mother and chief Nurse of all wisdom, and that by it we are led and conducted to the end of perfection, I will in this my small Treatise take her by the hand, and as she shall with the assistance of truth guide me, so both begin and finish this profitable labour which I hope shall be both to the glory of my God, and the general profit of my dearest beloved Country.  
Know then all to whom this (almost insupportable) infirmity of Blindness is burdenous and heavy, that it hath two great and eminent enemies, Ignorance and Negligence, and by them it is often made desperate and cureless, which otherwise would either not be at all, or if happening, yet rest within the easiest compass of speedy cure and prevention.  
To you Mothers then and Nurses 
〈…〉.  (for you are the first caretakers of children) I direct my first admonitions, because from you (when you prove the least remiss and careless) do proceed the greatest errors, let me earnestly persuade you by all means to beware of suffering your children to take cold in any part, especially on their heads by sitting with them long bareheaded, whether by the fire, in the Sun, or in the open air, especially whilst they are in their swaddling , or in the tender time of their Infancy; a fault much too common amongst Nurses, and a negligence so offensive; that the defect of blindness coming thereby, the disease is hardly or never to be cured: For the mould of the head not being then closed, the least offence of cold striking the brain, bringeth sudden and present blindness, which defect found, ere the cause be discerned, Ignorance presently gives out, that such children were borne blind: But I affirm it is nothing so, and for proof thereof call to witness mine experience, which I will show in a few instances.  
First, being in a place where my practice was known, there came to me two women, within very few hours the one of the other, and brought to me two very sweet Babes, one nineteen weeks old, the other one and twenty, both which had very clear and fair eyes, in all outward semblance, but absolutely so blind, that no blindness could be greater: Then I told the Mother of the first child, that questionless in mine opinion her child had taken cold whilst it was in the swadling-cloathes, to which the Mother made present answer, that I had spoken truth, affirming that her Nurse (within five or six days after her deliverance) had sat by the fire with the child bareheaded so long a time, that she took offence thereat, and making her dress up the child, the very next day after she found that her child was blind, which she was most certain had seen very perfectly before.  
Then came the other woman with her child, and I said to her as to the first, and she likewise consented with mine opinion, and only affirmed, that she was assured her child did see perfectly a month or five weeks after it was borne.  
Not long after this there came unto me (and one M. Surfleet, a very skilful Oculist) another woman with a child in the same manner, which child was not above fourteen weeks old, and both our opinions were (as of the former) that cold was the only cause of the disease, and she agreed with us showing circumstance, to lead her thereto; and only affirmed that of her certain knowledge her child did see perfectly eight or nine days after it was borne.  
Now it was M. Surfleets absolute opinion, that in these cases there was no cure in Art: but for mine own part I a little dissent therein, and do allow all virtuous industry to be applied; because it cannot bring the disease to a worse end than it is already arrived, and may by God's blessing recall that strength and vigour to the member offended, which may restore that which was but a little put by, not utterly forsaken; whereas to cease from all manner of application, were to embrace a distrust somewhat to near allied to desperation.  
When therefore this infirmity shall 
The 〈…〉  happen, and proceed of the causes before-said (which is easy to be known by argument, and the characters before mentioned (I would have you then carefully to rub and chafe the child's head continually with warm , and to keep it in a temperate warmness. Then take Eyebright (or red Sage if you cannot get Eyebright) Wood-Bettony, or Garden Bettony, Fenel (or Fenell-seed) and of the Fenel or Fenelseed a double quantity to either of the other two; stamp them & strain them, then infuse them in strong Ale, as to a quart or three pints of Ale, one small handful of Eyebright or Bettony, and a double quantity of the Fenell: and of this let the Nurse drink for the space of twenty, or four and twenty days together, and if it be too strong for her, let her allay and temper it with fine Sugar or well clarified honey, and doubtless (by God's permission) if any help at all be left in Nature, this will restore it, otherwise the expense of greater charges will be but the loss of your further labour. And herein by the way let me advice you to remember to gather these herbs (if it be possible) in May or june, & having dried them in the shadow, preserve them for your use all the year following, then having occasion to use them, beat them in a Mortar to fine powder, then searse it, & 
A 〈…〉  to one draught of new Ale, infuse of each of these several powders as much as you can well take upon a six pence; but of the Fenell a better quantity, all being compounded together. Now if you have not the herbs provided at this especial season, then know that in case of extremity, you may gather them at any time, & use them as was first of all prescribed, at least every morning and evening if not at other hours.  
And herein is an excellent observation to be observed, that the unskilful practitioners in this Art (who taking these desperate cures in hand) and not looking to the tenderness & delicacy of the eye, will only apply sharp medicines (causing a torment & pain where no pain is necessary) which is not only contrary to the charitable rules of Art, but utterly offensive to all good minds to behold any creature (especially weak Infants) so unmercifully afflicted by these unskilful and hardhearted tormentors, and so much the rather, in as much as their cruelty is extended upon the eye, being a member most quick, & of greatest sense and feeling.   

CHAP. 2. Of Cataracts in the eyes, their diverse kinds, signs cure and preventions.  
Having showed the imperfections generally happening unto Infants, with their preventions and cures, I will now proceed to the more substantial diseases of the eyes, and such as indeed are incident to all people of all ages, of which the most principal and most dangerous is that 
〈…〉  which is called the Catarack, being a thick, slimy and tough film, bred and engendered four elements within the eye, either naturally by the flux of gross and evil humours, or accidentally by the means of some stroke, bruise or wipe upon the eye, by which the member being offended, puts forth that ill and naughty substance, whereby the sight is not only hindered and impaired, but also wholly taken away, and deprived of all worthy use and benefit.  
To speak then generally of the Catharack, 
〈…〉  you shall understand that there be six several kinds thereof, as first the hazel coloured Catharack, the Catharack of the colour of the sky, the grayish Catharack, the black Catharack, the white Catharack, and the yellowish green Catharack; and of these the three first are curable, and the latter three utterly incurable.  
Now for as much as there may be a 
〈…〉  failing in the true knowledge, and discerning of these Catharacks, that you may be better enabled to judge which is curable and which is incurable; you shall understand, that if the Patiented grieved with any of these Catharacks, shall be able to discern or perceive the glimmering or shining, either of the Sun, fire, flame or candlelight, that then questionless all such Catharacks are curable, and by Art to be helped (the practitioner having knowledge in the same) but if he cannot discern any such brightness, and that all things seem black, cloudy, and without any apprehension of shining, then be assured that all such are utterly incurable, and a man may both save the consumption of his purse, and the torment of his body.  
As for those which are curable, they 
〈…〉.  are to be cured by the Catharack needle, the demonstration of which is speedless here to be expressed; because 〈◊〉 Artist or Professor in this Art, aught or should be ignorant in the true use thereof, and to set down in imperfect words, a thing of such exquisite perfection, whereby ignorance may be emboldened to adventure on that which is fare beyond his cunning, were to give courage to that from which my uttermost endeavours do daily seek to dissuade them, and therefore let every good man be careful not to meddle with the needle, till experience and long practise in matters of like nature, have made him an absolute Master in the true use of the needle.  
After the Catharack is couched, or taken away with the needle (by a skilful practitioner) the Patient must be exceeding careful of himself, that by no means he take any cold, for the least cold which shall enforce him to sneeses, cough, or otherwise to strain any of the optic nerves or members, will suddenly make the Catharact to rise again, and so bring on a mischief much greater than at the beginning; and therefore by all means the Patient must be contented to lie muffed and warm for eight or nine days, till all such danger be avoided.  
Now for the prevention of these Catharacks, that they may either not grow at all, or beginning to grow, that they may be taken away long ere they come to any dangerous issue, as also to prevent both the danger and torment, which cannot but necessarily depend upon the use of the needle; I would wish all sorts of persons of what sex or age so ever, whether old, young, or of middle estate, as soon as they shall perceive their sights to decline or grow dim without any pain, or much extraordinary watering, then to use this powder hereafter following, in such sort as you shall find it prescribed.   

CHAP. 3. An approved and most excellent receit both for the cure and prevention, of all sorts of Catharacks of what nature so ever.  
TO cure the Catharack of what nature so ever, which beginneth to grow, or to prevent the increasing or blindness, which proceeds from the same; as soon as you shall perceive the first offence, use this drink, and be sure you shall find the virtue and great perfection thereof: for it will not only take away mischief bred, but prevent the breeding and growth of mischief; and if casualty happen not, doubtless old age may bring a clear sight to the last minute; for it not only giveth strength to the weak eye, whether the weakness proceed from any defect of the brain, or other disturbance of humour or inflammation, but also fortifieth it against all other infirmity, which may any way annoy or trouble it, as my daily experience hath found to my own particular satisfaction, and many good men's comforts: the substance of which excellent receipt, is this which followeth: Take of the powder before rehearsed in the first Chapter, and in such manner prepared and gathered as is there spoken, together with the hours, times, and quantities, as is there set down, only with this difference, that whereas there the Nurse is appointed to use it for the benefit of the child (the medicine working from a secondary means, as from the milk▪ which the Infant sucketh) here the party must as the Nurse use it himself for his own profit, and not fail but morning and evening to take it, and the newer that the drink is (in which the powder is infused) the better it is, for it will enforce a man sooner to belch and break wind upward, which is much anailing in this cure, because the ascending of the fume purgeth and worketh great effect in the eyes, which the rather to increase, you shall when the fume and wind ariseth, keep your mouth close, and with your fingers stop your nostrils, that as near as you can the whole fume may assend into the head and eyes: whereby it comes that your new Ale or bottle Ale is thought most sovereign to be used with this powder: but where neither bottle Ale nor new Ale is to be gotten, if then you use to eat the same quantity of powder (before rehearsed) dry without any moisture, it is also very available. Neither must you fail morning nor evening after the taking of this powder (whether dry or in drink) but to walk at least an hour after up and down, that the medicine may work both the sooner, the better, and with more efficacy, neither need this walking up and down be limited to any certain place of special retiring, but may very well serve for the discharge of any outward or inward business, as your affairs shall move you: neither need you to stand too strictly upon the quantity, but after the use of it a little space, then either to increase or diminish the quantity, as you shall find your stomach apt, and able to receive it.  
Some may imagine because these simples are so little curious, that therefore they may carry but little virtue: but let not such folly deceive thee, for they are all of most singular worth and virtue, especially for the eyes, in so much that the Ancients affirm, that the Serpent which is the subtlest and wisest of all creatures, as soon as he waxeth old, and finds his sight begin to fail him, presently he goes to the root of the Fenell, or to the leaf, according to the season, and eateing thereof, he finds present ease and redress of his infirmity. And of like nature is your Bettony and the rest, so that no pen can write too much of their virtue, nor any tongue too highly extol the praise of this excellent compound, being used in such sort as is already prescribed, for otherwise the abuse of any thing turns the greatest virtue to the greatest viciousness. And thus much of the Catharacks and their cure.   

CHAP. 4. Of accidental wounds in the eyes by what means so ever, and of the cure thereof.  
Having spoken of Catharacks whether natural or accidental, and of the cures thereof, I will now proceed to other accidental wounds or hurts in the eyes, as are pricks with thorns, knives, needles, or any other sharp-pointed instrument, strokes with the ears of corns, stubble, briers, or any other bruise or wipe in the eye, which when at any time they shall happen, be most diligently careful (of what age or sex so ever thou be, whether young or old) not to apply any sharp or coroding medicine thereunto, either waters, powders, or other compounds which are of hot, fretting and sharp nature: but rather follow mine advice herein, and as soon as you shall receive any of these mischances, presently get one of wholesome and sweet breath to blow into your eye, to cool and assuage the pain thereof (for much good shall be found thereby) and be sure that the party so blowing, have not eaten Garlic, or taken Tobacco any small space before, for they inflame and make hot the breath, and so assuage not but increase your torment, whereas it should be cool, sweet, and wholesome breath, which should mollify and make less the pain you suffer; this done, take the white of an egg, and beat it to oil, and dipping fine round pleagants of flax or soft tow therein, as broad as an English shilling; apply it to the wounded eye, and renew it as it drieth, and this will not only draw away the corrupt or bruised blood, but also cleanse and cool the eye in such manner, that the cure will be made more safe and quickly; or if this cannot be had, take Parsly and sweet butter, and beat and mix them well together, and so apply them to the eye, and it will work the same effect as the former, whereas to apply any sharper medicine, whether water or powder, it is great odds that you not only lose that which is already wounded, but also perish the sound one also, and so lose the benefit, of the most comfortablest sense which man enjoyeth. If this assuage not the pain, and give case according to your expectation, then take white-bread crumbs finely grated, and of the best new milk, and boil them together till they be thick, then apply it to the eye lukewarm, and so renew it once in six or eight hours at the first dressing, and after in ten or twelve hours, as the eye shall amend, and there is no doubt but the cure will soon be brought to that perfection which your own heart can desire.   

CHAP. 5. Of red furious eyes, which are troubled with a hot scalding rheum, the cause, offences, and the cure.  
NExt to these accidental wounds in eyes, we will proceed to the red furious eye, which is troubled with a sharp, scalding, and fretting rheum, overflowing and annoying the same. And here you shall understand, that for these eyes in diverse cases, there are good & certain cures to be wrought, especially if you have a good practitioner in the same: But nowadays there are so many wilful and unskilful dealers with this Art, that many by their ignorance are made blind, which otherwise might enjoy the benefit of their sight to their life's end, nor doth this blindness fall upon them as the Parrot climbs (lento pede) by leisure or with slow steps, but suddenly and quickly, as within two or three hours or little more at the uttermost, which that you may the better perceive, and thereby the better avoid their ignorance, I will by instance show you how many unfortunate Patients are made blind.  
First, when the grieved Patient comes to the unskilful Practitioner, 
〈…〉  and desires his help, presently (ignorance being his guide) he opens a vein in the temples of his head, and another vein under the eye, close by the nose, and also a third in the roof of the mouth, or under the tongue, which blood is no sooner taken away, but presently blindness ensueth, as hath been experienced by diverse, as namely a young Gentlewoman of little Snoting in Norfolk, and one james Feyld of Broughton in Huntingdon Shire, both which, after the taking of their blood, fell instantly blind within two hours after, albeit both their sights were reasonable good before, only afflicted with some little pain, and the suspicion of dimness, nor was the blood which was taken from the latter much; for it was no more than was received into two little cupping-glasses placed on his neck, and yet notwithstanding presently he fell blind, nor could ever after be cured: and in like sort unto these, one Goodman Fletcher, dwelling in a little Town near Bourne in Lincoln Shire, having some small impediment in his eyes, and coming to an ignorant practitioner, had a vein opened in his temples, and another by his nose, but the blood was no sooner received, when as the sight was utterly lost for ever. And as these, I could cite a world of others, were not the circumstances too tedious, and the rehearsal needless for our present purpose; only this I collect from these instances, that every man troubled with these infirmities, should be exceeding careful in making election of his Artist: and every Artist religiously careful not to exceed his knowledge, or meddle with the taking away of blood, or weakening the eye by any application, than which there cannot be a greater mischief; for assuredly all these inevitable blindnesses happening to the parties before recited, might have been avoided, and the sight certainly both fortified and preserved, had they used the means only which here I will set down, without any other additions of greater torment.  
Whosoever therefore shall be troubled in his eyes with the infirmities before said, I would first wish him either by his own diet, or the counsel of the learned Physician to keep his body soluble: Then take of white Coperis, and of Bolearmoniack, of each the quantity of a good French Pease, and beat them to very fine powder, then take of rain water (if it may be got) or snow water; or for want of them fine clear running water, the quantity of a quarter of a pint, and put it into a glass viol suitable to the quantity, and then add to it the powder of the Coporis and Bolearmoniack, and shake and mix them very well together till they be incorporate, then dipping a fine feather in this water, wash your eyes therewith morning and evening, if your occasions draw you not abroad into the air, for than it will offend and make your eyes smart too violently, so that in that case when you must travail, you may then spare your morning dressing, but by no means the evening when you go to rest. Now if at the first dressing you find the water be too sharp and biting, so as you can hardly endure the torment, than you shall allay it by adding to a little more water, or a little more of the Bolearmoniack, provided that you make it not too gentle, for to take away all sense of smarting, is to take away all force, and strength of virtue.  
Now for as much as not any of these eyes thus afflicted with these sharp & scalding rheums, are void of much soreness, rawness, and bloodiness about the lids and closures of the eyes, and especially at the two extremest corners of the same, It shall therefore be meet for you for the cure of the same, to take of the thickest and best Cream you can get, and besmear and spread it all over the bottom of a copper or brass Pan, Kettell, or Basin, leaving it of a very reasonable thinness: then take another vessel of little less quantity, and fill it full of strong new made urine or chamber-lye; then take the brass vessel in which the Cream is spread, and whelm it over the urine (yet so as it may not touch the urine) and let it there rest the space of nine or ten days, then take it off and gather the Cream from the bottom of the vessel, and putit into a glass, and keep it close; with this ointment, anoint all the raw places of the eye lids every night when you go to bed, and it will not only take away the rawness and smarting, but also dry them up and skin them: and herein you must observe to let the ointment come as little into your eye as is possible, for it will cause smarting, though otherwise it doth not further hurt. And thus much of the red furious eye, which is troubled with a hot scalding rheum.   

CHAP. 6. Of the red fiery eye, which is oppressed with gross humours, and accompanied with a corrupt breath.  
THere is another sort of red eyes, which are full of contagion and gross humours, and though not altogether so moist as the former, yet fully as painful and troublesome; for the inflammation is more violent, and the rheum almost as sharp. These kind of sore eyes are very curious to be healed, for the party that is troubled therewith, hath ever for the most part a very strong and corrupt breath, which is so nourished and fed by the evil humours that accompany the disease, that it is very difficult, and requireth both much Art and care in the reformation.  
He therefore that is troubled with 
The 〈…〉  these inflamed fiery and corrupt eyes, let him first purge his body well, either with purgation, clyster, or vomit, according to the ability of the party which is diseased, and in this administration of Physic, I do advice every man that is careful of the health of his own body, not to take any but by the advice either of the reverend Doctor or learned Physician, and not to rely on the audacious boldness of ignorant Professors, for in these days there are a world of Empirics and Mountebanks, which will take upon them to give Physic, whose skill (God knows) can neither discern nor judge the true nature of the most ordinary simples; therefore let every man that love's himself, fly to the protection of the best, for it is best cheap, and brings with it the best safety; for none are more costly than the ignorant, because they hold great gain a great advancement to their glory and reputation, reckoning not with the good they have done, but the profit they have received.  
There are another sort of Professors, who because they have some insight in some of the liberal Arts, think they may as liberally deal with this particular Art, and thereupon will undertake to give Physic, yet not for your money but virtue's sake (as they pretend it) yet when you have reckoned with their Apothicaries, and summed up their bills and extravagant charges, as a bushel or two of corn, Hens, Capons, Chickens, and other such like gifts of gratuity (which cannot but ever accompany a thankful nature) you will find that the counsel of a truly learned and worthy Physician had been more easy, more cheap, and a million fold more availing for your health and preservation: Therefore as before I said, after the grieved party hath purged and made clean his body by the advice of learning and experience, he shall then take the water of Copporis and Bolearmoniack, which was at large set down in the former Chapter, and with it dress and wash his eyes in such sort (morning and evening) as was there declared, and with the same cautions, limits, and observations, as was there expressed. And if the eyelids (as before said) shall grow raw, sore, or bleared, he shall then with the ointment of Cream (mentioned in the last Chapter) anoint them therewith in the same manner, as hath likewise been mentioned, without alteration or augmentation.  
Now for as much as the distilling down of the rheum into those weak parts of the eyes, is both the greatest nourisher of the disease and infirmity, and also the greatest cause of the pain and anguish: to stay the flux thereof, and to make the member more apt, and fit to receive cure; you shall take half a handful of Bay-salt, and spreading it before the fire, dry it exceedingly, then having a little bag of linen cloth ready; put the salt so dried into the same, and being of a reasonable warmness, apply it to the nape of the neck in the hollow part, next to the juncture of the head; and there let it rest the space of four and twenty hours, and then renew it, and apply to another in the same manner: and thus do once in four and twenty hours till ease be found, and that the rheum cease to oppress you, which questionless will quickly be effected, if any true care be taken.  
Again, for the staying of the rheum, if you use to take of the Copporis water (before said) and therewith wash your eyes, the temples of your head, and behind your ears, suffering the water to dry in, and not to be wiped away, it is of great virtue and efficacy, for it not only stayeth the rheum, but is also very sovereign against the headache, and all pains of that nature, as toothache and the like; and it safely healeth both the watery eye, which smarteth sometimes, and itcheth other sometime, as also all other eyes that are inflamed.  
Now if it so fall out (as in great causes and corrupt bodies it may easily do) that these things before prescribed, work not in all points according to your expectation, than you shall for refuge fly to this receit which hereafter followeth, and doubt not but by the grace of God you shall with much safety and contentment arrive at the full end of your purpose.  
You shall take a quarter of an ounce of Cantharideses, & lay them to steep in the best wine vinegar, for the space of four or five hours; then take yellow Treat or green Treat, or any sticking plaster, and spread it on a linen  plasterwise, so as the quantity may be divided into three plasters; then take the Cantharideses, and on each plaster lay some of them, than lay one of the plasters to the nape of your neck, and to each wrist of your arm another, and do this at night when you go to bed, taking great care that you bind the plasters so fast, that they by no means fall away, until you remove them (which would be the next morning) than when you have taken them off, you shall see blisters (which the violence of the salve will raise) and those you shall presently let out, making the water evacuate, and with the same plaster without the Cantharideses heal the sores again; then use the first water as aforesaid, and no doubt by God's grace but the cure will be soon finished.  
This last receit is sharp and painful, and therefore I would not advice any man to use it, but only in cases of extremity, and where the cure is tedious and doubtful.   

CHAP. 7. For sore watery eyes proceeding of a cold rheum, or for such as begin to grow dark, and do ever present to the party a double object.  
THere is another sort of sore eyes which proceed of a cold rheum, & they are best known by their exceeding much moistness and continual weeping, putting the Patient to no pain more than private vexation; it is a disease of great danger and difficulty, and by most professors of the Art held almost incurable; yet certes, it seldom or never bringeth blindness, only the trouble and noisomeness is much worse than the danger, and therefore I would wish every one in this case, not to tamper too much with their eyes, or try the experiment of many medicines; for that may bring blindness perforce, only I would have them use the bag of dried salt, in such manner as hath been before declared in the former Chapter, for assuredly where it fails, other medicines will but work other worse imperfections.  
Now for the other sort of sore eyes, which beginning to grow dim and dark, present to the party grieved a double object; making every single thing he looks on, appear as it were two, or a double body; you shall for the cure thereof take the powder of Eyebright, Bettony, etc. mentioned in the first Chapter, and either drink it with new Ale, bottell-Ale, or the like; or else ear it dry, as hath been formerly declared in the third Chapter, with the same observations and cautions; and questionless there is no doubt of most speedy and easy cure, as experience hath found out, and I doubt not but all men shall find to their benefit and comfort.   

CHAP. 8. For the Pin and the Web, and the like infirmities in eyes.  
THis disease which is called the Pin and Web in the eyes, are little white spots in the eyes, which growing in or near unto the sight, doth by process of time increase and wear away the sight, leaving the party altogether blind and incurable; which to prevent, and take away these spots ere they come to the height of mischief, you shall take a little English honey, and a few Daisy leaves or roots (according to the season) and having stamped and strained the leaves or roots, mix with it the honey, then add to them a little woman's milk, and mix and incorporate all well together, then at night when you go to bed; and likewise in the morning when you rise, drop a drop or two thereof into your eyes; and thus do for the space of a week or thereabouts, and by the grace of God the cure will be finished to your comfort: also if to this receit you add a little of the juice of the true ground ivy, which by some is called Tunhoofe or Alehoofe; you shall find it very available, especially in great and dangerous cures, for it is more sharp and strong than the other, and worketh his effects with more strength and violence.   

CHAP. 9 For the imperfections which happen to eyes by means of the small Pocks, or for eyes that are troubled with worms.  
divers imperfections do happen to the eyes by means of the small Pocks, either to old or young persons, especially when the master Pock setteth in the eye, or in both the eyes (as it often happeneth) for cure whereof many do use to administer sharp biting waters, but in so doing, they take not away the blemish, but the sight for ever, therefore by no means meddle with those coroding medicines, but rather use these gentle receipts hereafter mentioned.  
Take a pretty quantity of white Sugar-candy, or else some of the thunderbolt stone, or for want of both a piece of the Cuttell-bone which the Goldsmiths do use, and having beaten any of them, and searst it to as fine a powder as is possible; with a small quill blow some of it into the offended eyes, & it is a most certain cure.  
For those eyes which are troubled with little worms, like those in men's hands but smaller, causing an extreme itching in the eyes, so that some rub them with their hands, some with clothes, and some with a piece of silk, all which is both unwholesome and offensive (for they should not be rubbed at all) because any rubbing doth provoke the rheum to distil and settel to that part: and much touching or handling of the eyes, causeth both tenderness and soreness; which to prevent and to kill those worms which annoy you, you shall take the Copporis water before mentioned, and with it wash your eyes morning and evening, and compel yourself to sneeses as much as is possible, and it is a present cure.   

CHAP. 10. For the film upon the eyes, or things of like nature, or for hurts with powder or shot.  
FOr such eyes as are troubled with films or thin scummes, growing and spreading over the sight, you shall take the marrow of a Goose wing, and Ginger beaten and searst to a very fine powder, and mix them very well together, then with a quill take up a good drop thereof, and put it into the eye which hath the film; and thus do every morning when you rise, and every evening when you go to bed, or for want of this you may use the powder of the thunderbolt stone before spoken of, in such manner as hath been before recited, and it is a cure both safe and certain.  
Now if any man shall happen either by shooting in a Piece, or by other casual means to receive any hurt in his eyes, either by the burning of the Gunpowder, or by having the same blown into his eyes, or if they be offended with the rust of the Piece, shivers or such like, you shall presently get one that hath a good sight, and a nimble steady hand, and taking a fine quill, make it as sharp as a needle, and with the same let them pick out the spots, corns, or shivers, and wipe them clean away with the fine tassel of a Handkerchief, then wash it with fair running water, and fine Sugar-candy well mixed together, and dropped gently into the eye, and the cure will soon be finished.   

CHAP. 12. For certain particular wounds in the eyes, as with door latches, cudgels, etc.  
IF any man of what age or degree so ever, shall by going in the dark, or other casualty, rush upon the latches of doors, bolts, nails, or the like, or by thrusts with cudgels, foils, or blows with cat go far, thorn, billets, or the like, receive any blow or stripe upon the eye, or have the eyeball thrust out, so that it lie upon the cheek; you shall then first put up the eye into the place, where before it was; and do it with great lenity and gentleness, then with a cloth stay the eye so placed for the space of two or three hours; then take whitebread crumbs finely grated and new milk, and seethe it till it be thick, and so apply it warm to the eye; or for want of it Parsley and Butter, as hath been before declared; but by no means any sharp waters, or smarting medicine, and the cure will in few days be finished.   

CHAP. 12. Of weak eyes, and the causes of their declining, the helps and preventions.  
THe sight is weakened two ways, that is to say, either naturally, or accidentally; if naturally, it is by means of old age, weakness of the brain, or else by the overflowing of gross and unwholesome humours, if accidentally, than it is by the means of ill diet; the use of naughty applications, disorder in exercise, wounds, rushes, bruises, and the like.  
Now that you may know when your sight declineth & waxeth weak, 
when 〈…〉.  observe ever that when you see better fare off then near hand (as when you look on a book or the like) that than your sight beginneth to wain, also such eyes as do never run, but are always dry, they are weak eyes, and very subject to Catharacks': again, if the eyes be clear as glass, but yet troubled, and that the sight of the eye doth shake and quiver like the needle of a Dial, holding a continual motion without ceasing, such an eye is also a weak eye, and declining.  
Now for the cure of any of these imperfections (for they are all natural) there is nothing more sovereign than the powder mentioned in the first Chapter, being prepared and used as is there set down.  
As for those weaknesses which come by accident, they are ever to be cured by their contrary, as if any proceed by riot and disorder, they must be amended by temperance, if by violent labour, then by moderate exercise: if by ill applications, then by wholesome receipts, and if by wounds, then by wholesome salves, to any of which if you add the benefit of the Coporis water before specified, the cure will be much sooner finished.  
Now besides these defects already spoken of, there is another as gross as any, and exceeding frequent amongst all young wives, maids, and women of each degree and quality, and that is the wearing of Mastic patches or plasters on the temples of their heads; which howsoever pride for fashion sake, or care for health sake do produce, yet can nothing be more hurtful or noisome: some will say they wear them for the headache; some for the toothache: yet I affirm except your eyes be too exceeding moist and dropping, you cannot use any thing more hurtful; for if the eye be dry and do not water, than the staying of that comfortable moisture which should quicken the eye, weakens it and the strength being taken away which should preserve it, there doth not follow Disease but Blindness, and therefore let this my Caveat warn you if you will preserve good fights, to cast away those plasters, and in stead thereof only take running water and wash the temples of your head therewith, and behind your ears, and wipe not the water away but let it dry of itself and thus doing every morning, it will take away all headache and toothache, and stay the Rheum and other griefs, for which your Mastic patches, and Gum plasters were used; for believe me it neither addeth Beauty to the face, nor health to the Body, but on the contrary taketh away all strength from the eyes and bringeth blindness ever too early, as I have found by experience, and for better proof I will repeat unto you one true instance.  
There was a young woman dwelling in Downham in Norfolk, which was troubled much with the headache, and sending for advice (as she thought to the skilful) was directed to take one of these plasters, and to wear it on her temples, but presently it took away her sight in few hours after, yet it cured her headache, now if this plaster had been applied to the nape of the neck, and not to the temples, it had prevailed, and no evil had ensued. The plaster which she applied was compounded of wine vinegar, a Rosecake, an egg roasted hard, and Commin-seede; all which ingredience are good if they had been applied to the right place; but being misplaced on the temples, it drew away the strength of the eyes, and brought blindness. Therefore I advice every 
〈…〉 for 〈…〉  one that is troubled with the headache or the like, only to take a little strong wine vinegar, and a little oil of Spike, and to mix them very well together, and then to bathe therewith those parts where the pain is, and it will not only give ease to the pain, but also add strength and comfort to the eyes, as I have found by most certain and infallible experience.  
There is another defect to which I must give a great Caveat, and especially to all you Schoolmasters & Schoolmistresses which have the charge of young Children, be they Boys or girls; that in any case you observe and note well the strength or weakness of your Scholar's eyes: and where you find imperfection or imbecility in the sight, there by all means to abstain from forcing them to look on very small Prints, or to sow on very fine Samplers, or in curious works, especially black works, for they are not only hurtful and bring exceeding much weakness to the eyes, but also the more they strive and endeavour to behold the object they look on, the more hurt they do to their eyes, and the weaker their sight groweth, Therefore in these cases where you see such weak sights besides reforming the faults before said, you must provide for them large brimmed Hats to shade their eyes, for they have not any greater enemy than the light: and also you must give them of the Powder (mentioned in the first Chapter) to drink in such sort as is there prescribed.   

CHAP. 12. An excellent and approved Cure for any Inflammation in the face, for the Corny face, the Rich face, and the like.  
Whosoever is troubled with any inflammation in his face, whether it be plain red which is heat, or pumples and red pustuls which is corny or universally over all the face pimples and pustuls both red and purple, which is called the rich face; let him know that all such inflammations, besides the noisomeness and unseemliness thereof, it is also hurtful and troublesome to the sight, therefore for the Cure of such an Infirmity, let him take running water, and roch Allome, and put them together into a Glass or viol, and by shaking and tossing, symbolise and incorporate them so as the Allome may be wasted, then at night when you go to bed, take a fine Napkin and wet it in the water well and apply it to your face, and let it there lie till the water soak in and dry on your face, and then renew it, and do thus as oft as you shall think good; and with all abstain (as much as you can) from strong drinks and hot Wines, and the cure will be more speedy; Now if the cure prove slow, you shall take of Brimstone, of large Mace, of Goose-grease or Capons-grease, of each alike, and mix and temper them well together, then put them into a galley pot and with this ointment, anoint your face as oft as you shall think good, and doubt not but the cure will be very speedy and certain: but if you find that this inflammation proceedeth from the livor only; if then besides these outward applications before said, you take the advice of a learned Physician, and now and then purge your body, there is no doubt but your face will be as clear and well complexioned as it was before.   

A caveat to all sorts of people for the truest use of the powder, and drink mentioned in the first Chapter.  
FOr as much as the powder compounded of Eyebright (or for want of it red Sage) of wood Bettony (or for want of it the garden Bettony) and of Fenell or Fenellseede, in such manner as is at large set down in the first Chapter, is of such excellent use and virtue, that a man cannot speak too much of it; nor be too careful to instruct how to apply it (whether it be for weak eyes, sore eyes, dim eyes, or declining sight whatsoever) I thought good therefore to conclude this my small Treatise with this Caveat, that whosoever shall have occasion to use this compound, they may freely choose whether they will use the powder in such sort, as is showed in the first chapter, or else take the herbs green, and infuse them in Ale, in such sort, as is showed before for the Nurse in the first Chapter also, provided that they fail not to continue the use of this drink, for the full space of twenty, or four and twenty days at the beginning, then after at pleasure.  
FINIS.   

Written by Richard Seabrooke, practitioner in the Art of the Oculist, and dwelling in Kings-Linne in Norfolk. 1620.   

A Table of all the principal things contained in this Book.  
OF blindness both curable and incurable in Infants, the cause, prevention and cure. Chap. 1. The sovereign powder. ibid. Of Catharacks in the eyes, their diverse kinds, signs, cure and prevention. Chap. 2. An approved receit for the cure of all sorts of Catharacks of what nature soever. 3. Of accidental wounds in the eyes by what means so ever, and of the cure thereof. 4. Of red furious eyes which are troubled with a hot scalding rheum, the cause, offences, and cure. 5. Of the red fiery eye, which is oppressed with gross humours, and accompanied with a corrupt breath. 6. For sore watery eyes proceeding of a cold rheum, or for such as begin to grow dark, and do ever present to the party a double object. 7 For the Pin and the Web, and the like infirmity ●