A TREATISE OF THE PESTILENCE: Wherein is showed all the causes thereof, with most assured preservatives against all infection: and lastly is taught the true and perfect cure of the pestilence, by most excellent and approved medicines.  
Composed by THOMAS THAYRE Chirurgeon, for the benefit of his country, but chiefly for the honourable city of London.  
Altissimus creavit medicinam super terram, vir prudens non contemnit illam.  
Imprinted at London by E. SHORT, dwelling at the sign of the star on breadstreet hill. 1603.   

TO THE RIGHT Honourable Sir ROBERT LEE Knight, Lord Maior of the renowned City of London, and to the right Worshipful the Sheriffs, and also to all the right Worshipful the Aldermen their brethren, THOMAS THAYRE wisheth all spiritual and temporal blessings from the Lord in this life, and in the life to come eternal salvation, through Christ jesus our Saviour.  
COnsidering with myself, Right Honourable, and right Worshipful, that nothing is more necessary, nor more desired in the time of dangerous sickness and peril of death, then to present unto the person so standing, the means to preserve him from the violence of the same, and to restore the sick from imminent peril of death, unto his former estate of health; and perceiving, right Honourable, that no man had as yet written any treatise, wherein was contained such special and excellent medicines, that might be able to resist, and also cure this dangerous and contagious sickness; and likewise to give sufficient instruction & direction unto the inhabitants of this City, for their preservation in this infectious time: I was moved in conscience (my Lord) for the duty I owe, and for the love I bear unto this honourable city, to communicate unto them such preservatives, as are, through God's grace, given unto them able to resist and defend from infection of this sickness all such as use them. And also I have set down most excellent & approved medicines, such as I have practised and approved unto the great utility of many, being able, through God's mercy, speedily to cure the most and greatest part of all such as shall be infected with this sickness, being used in time, before the sickness hath utterly overcome nature. And although my insufficiccy to write any public matter, persuaded me to relinquish my intended purpose in publishing this treatise, I being the meanest of so many in this land, and unable to write any plausible style: yet the truth & plainness of the matter, the excellency of the medicines, & the utility that many should find thereby, being used, overcame that doubt of mind, and animated me to proceed in my intended purpose; not doubting, but assuredly trusting in the Lord, from whom cometh all health, that this being used, many shall be preserved, and cured thereby, to God's glory and our comfort: he it is on whom we must depend. The Lord hath created medicine 
ne open divina ●il valemus.  of the earth, and given great virtue unto trees, herbs, gums, stones, and minerals, and all for the help of his people in the time of their sickness. God make us thankful unto him for them, & give us grace to be warned by others punishment, and to use thankfully and diligently, the good means for our health: and then I trust assuredly that the Lord will bless our endeavours, unto his glory, and our health ' and comfort. And for as much as I have written this treatise chiefly in respect of the city, I have presumed to dedicate the same unto your Honour, & unto the right Worshipful the Sheriffs and Aldermen your brethren, as a pledge of my love and humble duty towards you: which if it shall please you to accept in good part, and vouchsafe to patronize mine endeavours, I doubt not but that many shall find the benefit thereof to God's glory & their great comfort: and I shall be encouraged some other time, as occasion shall be offered, to perform a work no less needful: Thus beseeching the Almighty to bless your Honour, & the right Worshipful your brethren, with all happiness your hearts can desire, I humbly take my leave.  
Your Honours and Worships to command, THOMAS THAYRE.   

To the loving Reader grace and health from the Lord.  
CAlling unto mind (courteous reader) the saying of TULLY, Non nobis solùm nati sumus, etc. we are not born unto ourselves alone, but we owe a duty and service unto our country, our parents, & our friends, and considering with myself unto my grief, the sickness, the which it hath pleased God to visit us withal, is greatly increased, dispersing itself into many places of this city to the grief of many: I having duly considered thereof, thought it my duty to use the small talon that the Lord hath lent me unto his glory, and the good of my brethren: which moved me to write this Treatise showing the causes of the pestilence: the means to preserve us from the infection of this contagious sickness: and the way and method to cure such as shall be infected therewith, using the remedy in time, I mean in the beginning of the sickness, before nature be overcome, observing the order of this book. And for as much as this is God's visitation for our iniquity, we must therefore first fly unto him with contrite hearts, fixing our whole trust in his mercy: And then we must with all diligence and thankfulness of heart, use the good means that the Lord hath ordained for our health. For to neglect the means, is to contemn God's gifts; and we make ourselves guilty of our own death, and before God we are no better than murderers, because we have despised the means of our help that he hath ordained for us. But I trust there are none so wilful and obstinate in this city. This Treatise (gentle Reader) I have penned, and present unto thee, plain and simple, barren of eloquence and filled phrase to delight thee: yet herein is contained most excellent and approved remedies, and as effectual for the curing of this sickness, as are, or have been known. Use them in God's name, and do not trust unto light and trifling medicines, considering the strength and danger of this sickness: These have power and virtue, through God's grace, to expulse and speedily to cure this infectious sickness: and for preserving a person from infection I have set down many preservatives. And for curing the sickness I have set down four principal medicines, and three others of less strength, to be used when the aforenamed cannot be had. All which you may have ready or speedily made at every good Apothecaries. Use them I counsel thee in the beginning of this sickness, for delay breedeth danger: and death commonly followeth, and medicine comes too late when nature is overcome by the sickness. And for as much as I have written this Treatise for the benefit of all men in general, that think good to use it, & have done it in love & good will, so I hope the well disposed will censure it. And no godly and virtuous minded Physician will be herewith offended, or envy my endeavours, considering it is for the benefit and help of many in this or such like dangerous time, wherein many perish for want of counsel and help in their sickness, at the beginning thereof. And where any oversight or defect hath passed in my book, as I doubt not but that there are some, having so short time, and so little opportunity to overlook it, I desire the learned Reader to correct and amend the same: and in so doing I shall be unto him beholding. And so now taking my leave, I beseech God of his great mercy to bless the means that we shall use for our health, unto the honour, glory and praise of his holy name, and unto our health & comfort. Farewell luly the ninth.  
Non quaero quod mihi utile est, sed multis.  
Thine in all friendly love and good will, Thomas Thayre.   

A Treatise of the Pestilence: wherein is showed all the causes thereof, with most assured preservatives against all infection.  
THis contagious sickness which is generally called the Plague or Pestilence, is no other thing then a corrupt and venomous air, deadly enemy unto the vital spirits: most commonly 
What the Plague is. Aerem vitiati ac putridum.  bringing death and dissolution unto the body, except with speed good remedy be used. I mean not that the air of itself is a very poison, for then consequently all persons (for the most part) that live within the air so corrupted, should be infected, and few or none escape the danger thereof: but my meaning is, that the air hath in itself a venomous quality, by reason whereof those bodies wherein there is Cacochymia, corrupt and superfluous humours abounding, are apt and lightly infected, those humours being of themselves inclined and disposed unto putrefaction. Now I will proceed to show the causes of this dangerous sickness, and also the cure thereof.  
Now having briefly defined what the Pestilence is, I will (God assisting me) prosecute mine intended purpose. First, in showing all the causes thereof, and the cure, and remedy for every cause.  
Entering into due consideration of the causes of the Pestilence that now reigneth, Christian Reader, I find there are three causes thereof.  
The first and chiefest is sin. 
sometimes the ● is corrupt by natural ●ses, & som●●●es by evil ●its com●ded by God   
The second is the corruption of the air.  
The third and last cause, is the evil disposition of the body, bred by evil diet, and the abuse of things called Res non naturales, things not natural: not so called, for that they are against nature, but because through the abuse of them nature is debilitated, corrupted, and oftentimes utterly destroyed.  
The first cause, I say, is sin. The holy Scriptures sufficiently proveth the same, and giveth many examples 
●●e first cause.  how the Lord oftentimes punisheth his people for their sin and impiety of life with the Pestilence. Read the 14. chapter of the book of Numbers, and the 11. and 12. verses: where the Lord speaking unto Moses, saying: How 
●●mb. 14. 11.  long will this people provoke me? and how long will it be ere they believe me, for all the signs I have showed among them? I will smite them with the pestilence, and will destroy them, and will make thee a greater & mightier nation than they.  
Why doth the Lord here threaten the children of Israel his chosen, to strike them with the Pestilence? the reason is showed in the same chapter: because (saith he) they have murmured against me, and have rebelled, not keeping nor observing my laws. And as the Lord spoke unto the children of Israel by Moses, so speaketh he unto us daily by his ministers and preachers of his word.  
Also read Deuteronomy the 28. chap. the 1. 2. 3. and 4. verses, and there you shall see the blessings that the Lord promiseth unto them, that walk in his ways and 
●ut. 28. 1. 2. ●.  keep his commandments: And it followeth in the same chapter: But if thou wilt not obey the voice of the Lord thy God, and keep and do his commandments: The Lord shall make the pestilence to cleave unto thee. And many more curses he pronounceth against them that continue in their sin and iniquity of life. And further, The Lord shall smite thee with a consumption, & with a fever, and with a burning ague, and so forth. This spoke the Lord unto the children of Israel his people, and this speaketh the Lord daily unto us: but we are slow to repentance and amendment of life.  
Read Leviticus the 26. chap. and the 21. verse. And if you walk stubbornly against me (saith the Lord) and 
Levit, 26. 2●  will not obey my word, I will bring seven times more plagues upon you, according unto your sins. And in the third verse following he saith: I will send the pestilence among you, and you shall be delivered into the 
Vers. 3.  hands of your enemies. This spoke the Lord unto the inhabitants of jerusalem, and this speaketh he unto us oftentimes by his Ministers, whom we ought with all reverence to hear, and with all diligence to follow. Many more places could I cite and infer out of the sacred Scriptures, to prove sin to be a cause of the Pestilence, and sometime the only cause thereof: example in David: example in Pharaoh, and divers other, which for prolixity I omit, hoping this may suffice to prove sin to be a cause of the Pestilence, which is indeed as a messenger or executioner sometimes of God's iustire. Many and great plagues hath this our land tasted of in times past, and it is not yet ten years since this City of London was visited and afflicted with this sickness, dispersing itself into divers and many places of this land, cutting off and taking away a great multitude of people: and I doubt not but sin was a great cause thereof. O that man would therefore remember the inconstancy and srailtie of this life! And consider the end of his creation was to serve and glorify God: but we daily dishonour him by committing of sin, and not giving unto him that honour and service that is due unto the Lord: But placing all our affections upon the vain delights and inconstant pleasures of this alluring and deceitful world, which do as it were bewitch us, and withdraw us from that Christian care that we ought to have of our salvation, abusing God's mercy and long sufferance with our delays and procrastination to turn unto him, being misebly deluded by satan, and enticed by the glittering shows of this world, to the love thereof; and God knows how soon we must leave it. I pray God infuse his grace and holy Spirit into our hearts, that sin may be mortified in us, and that it may work in us a reformation and amendment of life: & that we may henceforth walk in this our short pilgrimage, as Christians and servants of the Lord, serving him in all holiness and piety of life, contemning the vain pleasures of this fraudulent world, which are but snares to entrap our souls, and the baits of Satan to draw us unto destruction: then shall we not need to fear death, but say with Saint Paul, Mors mihi lucrum, Death unto me is gain, saith he: so is it indeed unto all the godly: but unto the wicked it is an entrance into a continual and eternal punishment: from the which Christ that hath died for us, deliver us. Amen.  
Now having showed sin to be one cause of the Pestilence, and sometimes the only cause, when it pleaseth God to punish the impiety of his people, using it as the executioner of his wrath: it followeth that I show the other causes, whereof the Pestilence may arise. The second cause, is the corruption of the air.  
Galen the most excellent and famous Physician in his book de Differentijs Febrium, saith, there be two causes 

●en. de diff ●rium cap 8. ●ocrat. de ●hus.  
2. cause is corruption he air. third he is the e●disposition ●e body.   of the Pestilence: unam, aërem vitiatum ac putridum: alteram, humores corporis vitio so victu collectos, & ad putreso endum paratos; The one cause is (saith he) an infected, corrupted, and putrefied air: the other cause is, evil and superfluous humours gathered in the body through haughty and corrupt diet, which humours be apt and ready to putrefaction. And this is most true, and not only the opinion of Galen and Hypocrates, the Fathers and princes of Physic, but of all the learned and judicial Physicians of latter time, and at this day. Now let us consider how, and by what means the air may be corrupted and altered from his wholesome quality unto a venomous disposition. Entering into due consideration thereof, I find many causes that may corrupt the air, all which I will compose or include in these two.  
The first cause whereby the air may be corrupted, is through the unwholesome influence of that planets; who by their malicious disposition, quality, and operations, distemper, alter and corrupt the air, making it unwholesome unto human nature.  
When the temperature of the air is changed from his natural estate, to immoderate heat and moisture, 
Note.  than it corrupteth and putrefieth, and engendereth the Pestilence. I emit to write what I have read concerning the 
Gal. de diff. febrium lib. 1. cap. 5.  alterations and mutations, that are sometimes caused by the superior bodies or planets here below upon the earth: for unto the learned it were superfluous, and unto the vulgar or common sort, it would rather breed admiration then credit: but this every man is to understand, Deus regit Astra, GOD rules the stars: and yet I doubt not, but through the Eclipses, Exaltation, Conjunctions, and aspects of the Planets, the air may be corrupted, and made unwholesome sometimes, in somuch that divers griefs are bred thereby.  
The second cause, whereby the air may be corrupted, 

The second cause of the pestilence.  
Rotten exhaltions may corrupt the air.  
The air tha● cometh from such stinking places corru●● the blood.  
The third cau●● of the pestilend is the evil disposition of the body.   is a venomous evaporation arising from the earth, as from fens, moors, standing muddy waters, and stinking ditches and privies, or from dead bodies unburied, stinking channels and mixsones, and multitudes of people living in small and little room, and uncleanly kept: all these are causes and means whereby the air may be corrupted.  
The third cause of the pestilence, is the evil disposition of the body, which is bred by evil diet: the body being replete with corrupt and superfluous humours, which humours bereadie to putrefy and rot upon any light occasion: And when such a person doth but receive into his body by inspiration, the corrupted and infections air, he is therewith by and by infected, his body being disposed thereunto through superfluous and corrupt humours abounding: whereas contrary wise, a body of a good disposition, I mean a body free from gross, corrupt, and superfluous humours, is not easily or lightly infected, because there is not that matter for the infectious air to work upon. And again, nature is more strong to repel the infectious or corrupted air, if it be received: and 
perfected ●n an●.  this is the cause why one person is rather infected then another; namely the disposition of the body.  
Now having showed all the causes of the pestilence; I will (GOD assisting me) set down the cure and remedy for every cause, which causes being taken away, the effect which is the sickness, must needs cease.  
The first cause, I say, is sin: and this aught first to be taken away, and then I dare undertake (by God's assistance) 
●ritudi●●m est.  my corporal medicines shall soon stay this furious sickness. Sin is a sickness of the soul; the cure thereof doth consist in these two points. The first, is true, hearty, and faithful repentance, with all contrition of heart confessing thy sins unto the Lord, with faithful prayer unto Christ jesus, that it will please him to be an advocate and mediator unto the Lord for the forgiveness of thy sins. Do this, and thou shalt find GOD merciful, he is readier to forgive than we to ask forgiveness of him. He would not the death of a sinner, but with all mercy, patience, and long suffering waiteth and expecteth our conversion unto him.  
The second point, is newness of life: for what shall it avail us to have forgiveness of our sins, if we fall into the same again, and walk in our former evilness of life? This will but increase God's wrath and indignation against us, and exasperate him to punish our impiety of life with all severity. Therefore, I counsel thee, as thou tenderest the salvation of thy soul, fly from evil, and do the thing that is right; walk uprightly before him in newness and holiness of life: for the Lord seeth all thy ways, and knoweth the thoughts of thy heart long before. Remember thy time here is but short, and death will summon thee (thou knowest not how soon) to give an account how thou hast spent thy time, and used the talon that the 
Remember this whilst th● livest here.  Lord hath lent thee here on earth. Then shalt thou stand before the tribunal seat of the Almighty & just judge, where all thy whole life shall be laid open, and all thy actions, and thoughts of thy heart made manifest and known. Then happy and ten times happy are they, unto whom the Lord shall say: Come ye blessed of my Father, receive ye the Kingdom prepared for you before the beginning of the world. But how unhappy, and in what miserable estate are they, unto whom the Lord shall say: Go you cursed into eternal darkness, a place of punishment appointed for you: where there is horror, weeping and gnashing of teeth. This is the place appointed for the ungodly worldlings that wallow and continue in their sin, neglecting the service of the Lord: for which end they were created. Consider this (good Christian Reader) and defer no time to turn unto the Lord: for this life of ours is frail, unconstant, and very uncertain. We have examples daily before our eyes of the uncertainty thereof, to day a man, to morrow none. Homo natus Muliere paucorum dierum est, & repletur inquietudine, saith job: Man that is borne of a woman his days are few, and is full of misery.  
For thy further instruction, I refer thee unto the godly and learned Divines, hear them: for they are the messengers and ministers of the Lord, appointed to teach his people, and in me it might be noted for presumption, to take upon me the office of another man, having in this point more need to be taught myself, then able to instruct others. The cure of the soul belongeth unto them, and then cure of the body unto me. I will now hasten unto the second cause, which is the corruption of the air.  
I have showed before all the causes that may corrupt the air: it followeth now that I teach the correction, purging and altering of the air corrupted, which is the second cause of the pestilence.  
And first I would counsel you, that all the streets, lanes, and allies be kept clean and sweet, as possible may be, 
ovations.  not suffering the filth and swéeping to lie on heaps, as it doth, especially in the suburbs, but to be carried away more speedily: for the unclean keeping of the streets, yielding as it doth noisome and unsavoury smells, is a means to increase the corruption of the air, and giveth great strength unto the pestilence.  
Also, that all the ponds, pools, & ditches about the City, if they yield any stinking and noisome smells, that they be scoured and cleansed: for there ariseth from them an evil and unwholesome air, which furthereth the corruption of the air, and worse will do in hotter weather.  
Also, that you suffer no mixsons to be made so near unto the City as they are, but to be carried far off: neither any dead carrion to lie unburied, as I have seen, but to be 
●e good ●ers were in the of all ●ishes in●● & good  carried forth and buried deep.  
Also, that every Evening you make small and light fires with Oaken wood, in those streets where the infection is, either two, or three fires, according unto the length of the street or place infected; the wood being consumed, cast in some sticks of juniper; and therewithal, two, three or four rolls of perfume that I have here set down in my book, which I would wish were used through the whole City in your chambers and houses, cast in upon some coals in a chafing-dish or fuming pot, in the Morning and Evening. This fumigation hath a most excellent and singular property, to purge and alter a corrupt and unwholesome air.  
But peradventure some men for want of judgement, will think this my direction over curious & of small validity: but I do and will affirm, that the use thereof is very requisite, and of great force & utility, and the best means for the purging and altering the evil quality of the air, that is known unto man.  
This fumigation is to be used where the infection is, in the evening, and also in the morning; & is of great force for the purging of the air, and altering the evil quality thereof: which I wish were daily used through the City, in their houses and chambers, for the excellent virtue thereof.  
R. Storax, Calamint, Labdanum, Cypresse-wood, Myrrh, Benjamin, Yellow Sanders, Ireos, red rose-leaves, Flowers of Nenuphar, of each one ounce; liquid Storax one ounce, Cloves one ounce, Turpentine one ounce, Withy coal five ounces, Rose-water as much as will be sufficient to make them up in trochis, & let them be two drams in weight.  
The wood being consumed, cast in some sticks of juniper, and after it cast in two or three of these trochis, which will yield a comfortable smell and purge the air.  
Another more sweet and delectable for the better sort, to use in their houses and chambers daily.  
R. Storax, Calamint, Labdanum, Cypresse-wood, Frankincense, Benjamin, of each of them half an ounce; red rose-leaves dried, yellow Sanders, of each two drams; Cinnamon, Cloves, wood of Aloes, of each of them one dram; flowers of Nenuphar one dram; liquid Storax half an ounce, gum Dragagant two drams, and musk six grains, Withy coal three ounces, Rose Water as much as will suffice to make it up in Trochis.  
This I would counsel Gentlemen, and Citizens to use daily in their houses and chambers, for the excellent operation it hath.  
Also it is good for want of these, to burn in your houses and chambers juniper, Frankincense, Storax, Baylaves, Marierom, Rose marry, Lavender, and such like.  
Now having showed the remedies for the two first causes; it followeth, that I teach the cure of the third and last cause, which is the evil disposition of the body, through superfluous, corrupt, and evil humours abounding. Here is the cause, and these corrupt and superfluous humours must be taken away before the body can be in any good estate of health. And this is the reason that divers persons living together in one air, that one is infected and not another, namely, the disposition of the body: for those naughty, corrupt, & superfluous humours, are of themselves apt and disposed unto putrefaction, and if it so chance that they do putrefy of themselves, than there arise dangerous fevers, according unto the nature of the humour that corrupteth. As for example, If choler do putrefy within the vessels, it engendereth febris arden's or febris causon, a hot and a dangerous fever, working his malice in the concavity of the liver and lungs and about the heart, & except remedy be administered the person dieth. And so when any of the other humours do putrefy, there springe fevers, according unto their nature, as the learned knowe. Now such bodies (I say) wherein there is such superfluous humours abounding, in the time of any infection, receiving into their bodies the corrupt 
persons ●t to be ●ed.  and venomous air, are thereby infected: And these humours turned not only into putrefaction, but into a venomous quality, by the operation of the infectious air Whereas in bodies void and free from such superfluous humours, there the infectious air hath not such matter to work upon: and again, nature is more strong and forcible to resist and expel a corrupt and infectious air although received.  
Here the reason is apparent why one person is infected and not another. And very niedfull it is especially in this time of sickness, that this evil disposition of the body be taken away and amended, by purging and evacuating of the perccant humours. For which purpose I will set down a very excellent and approved potion, which purgeth the blood and disburdeneth the body of superfluous humours both choler, phlegm, and melancholy, opening attracting and evacuating the corrupt and vicious humours of the body, to the great comfort, help and ease of those that use it with discretion, as I shall direct 
Yet it were good to take counsel of some Doctor.  them: the making or composition whereof I have here set down.  
But first taking this syrup three mornings before you purge, two spoonfuls every morning, fasting after it two or three hours, and use your accustomed diet as before.  
R. Oximell two ounces, sir. de quinque radicibus two ounces, misce. 
To prepare the body.   
R. Good Rhubarb two drams, spicknarde six grains, Seen half an ounce, Fenill seed, and aniseed 
The potion purging.  of each half a dram, flowers of Borage and bugloss, of each half a little handful; Water of Endive and fumitarie of each of them five ounces, and so make your infusion.  
Let this infusion be made in some earthen stupot close covered and paasted that no breath or vapour go forth, and let it stand seven or eight hours upon some embers, or small coals, and but warm: after which time strain it forth and put thereunto of Diacatholicon one ounce, Diaphenicon half an ounce, Electuarium Succo rosarum half an ounce, mix these with the infusion above written, and this will be a sufficient quantity for three days, taking the third part the first day, and on the second day the half of that which was left, and the other part the third day: take it early in the morning, and sleep not after the taking of it, neither eat, nor drink until it hath wrought his effect, & then take some broth made with a chicken or a capon, and for want thereof with veal or young mutton, as you can be provided, with 
What is to be observed in the ●aking of this ●otion.  resins of the sun stoned, two or three dates, a little parsley put thereunto, and thickened with some crumbs of bread. When your potion hath done working you may take of this broth, and also a little of your meat sparingly, and in the evening make a light supper with a chicken, or a rabbit, or such like meat that is light and easy of digestion, yielding good nutriment: The next day early, take another part of your drink, and use yourself as the day before. And likewise the third day, take that part of your potion that remained, and use yourself as before taught. This being done, rest a God's name, & use a good and a moderate diet, and beware of excess and superfluity; for he that useth it shall fall into the hands of the Physician, but he that dieteth himself prolongeth his life.  
Now if it so happen that your potion do not work within two hours after the receiving thereof, which is very seldom seen in any body, then take a little of your broth, or if it be not ready a little thin alebrue, either of which will cause it to work forthwith. Or if you fear through weakness of your stomach, you shall vomit after the taking thereof, then as soon as you have received your potion, let there be made ready a brown tossed, which being dipped and sokened in good vinegar, hold it unto your nose, and smell thereunto sometime. You ought to keep your chamber during the three days, that you take your potion.  
And it is very requisite also, that you keep your house the day after your purging: because the pores of the body will be opened thereby. This potion is of great virtue, and not only delivereth the body from a disposition to be infected with this sickness; but also from many other griefs and diseases springing and arising by repletion, and corruption of humours, and very gently and easily purgeth both choler and phlegm from the stomach without molestation 
And draweth from all parts superfluous humours.  of the body, or weakening of nature. And this is especially good for such as want appetite unto their meat, and such as feel an unweildinesse, and slothfulness in themselves, having no delight in exercise, dullness of the wit and senses, more sleepy than accustomed to be, shivering of the body, mixed with 
These are the signs of repletion.  heat, as if they should have an Ague.  
And if any think this a tedious course, and therefore loath, or unwilling to use it, let them consider that health is not obtained without some means be used, and let them not think much to take a little pains for the gaining of so precious a jewel, without the which although abounding in worldly wealth, yet we can take delight, pleasure, or contentation in nothing: As for healthy bodies, such as are free from corrupt and superfluous humours, using a good diet and exercise of body, such (I say) are not lightly infected as others are, in whom there is repletion: it shall be sufficient for them without purging to use any of the preservatives I have set down in this book. And let them be assured by the use thereof, and by God's assistance, from all infection, although the sickness were more strong and powerful than it is: And although I assuredly know, that this potion being used may suffice to take away the evil disposition of the body, yet because I know many would be loath to be enjoined to keep their chamber four days as they ought to do, that use this potion or any other purging potion, I have for their benefit set down a most excellent pill that purgeth all corrupt, and superfluous humours, and is with all a very good preservative, defending the body from all infection.  

The Composition of the pill.  
R. Good Rhubarb one dram and a half, Saffron two scruples, Trochis of Agarick one dram; of chosen Myrrh one dram, Aloes the best two drams, syrup of Roses solutive as much as will suffice to make them in pills.  
Take a dram of these pills early every morning, for five or six days together, taking two or three hours after them a little thin broth, and use a sparing diet for these five or six days, and let your meat be light and easy of digestion: you shall have two or three stooels daily or four in some bodies. Notwithstanding you may safely go abroad about your business, without any inconvenience at all.  
And having now showed how the evil disposition of the body may be amended, and taken away by gentle purging and evacuating of the peccant humours, bred by evil diet, and the abuse of the six things called, Res non naturales, whereof I will briefly speak, teaching what ought to be avoided, as hurtful and prejudicial unto your health.   

In receiving of the air.  
The air is one of the Elements whereof our bodies are composed; and without the inspiration, and respiration thereof we cannot live: and therefore it standeth much with our health, that the air which we receive into our bodies, be sweet, wholesome and uncorrupt. And I counsel all men that they avoid all places of infection, all stinking and noisome smells; and when they are disposed to walk, that they walk in gardens, or sweet and pleasant fields: but neither early nor late at night. I have set down the making of a good pomander, the which I would wish to be worn not only of Gentlemen, but of others also for the good property it hath both in resisting a corrupt, noisome, and stinking air, and in comforting the senses. I do not intend in this place to write of the nature of airs and the election thereof; it would be over tedious, who so desireth it, let him read Hypocrates de flatibus: also Avicen, and Rasis have written copiously thereof. And you ought to observe air as meat, cold sicknesses require warm air, dry sicknesses moist air: & so in the contraries, to them that be long sick, change of air is very commodious; & to 
Both in fevers dropsies, rheums falling sickness.  such as be in health, a temperate air is most wholesome. And where the air is infected and corrupted, I have set down most excellent perfumes, for the correcting and purging thereof both for the streets, houses and chambers, and by the use thereof the evil quality of the air shallbe taken away.   

In eating and drinking.  
In eating and drinking, we ought to consider that the meats that we eat and receive for the nourishment of our bodies be sweet and wholesome, yielding 
Galen de humoribus.  good juice: for such as the meat is, such humours it breedeth in the body: if it be hard of digestion it doth debilitate and weaken nature, and overcharge the alterative virtue of the stomach: if sweet, it breedeth oppilations, whereof dangerous fevers arise; sower cooleth nature and hasteneth age: moist doth putrefy and hasten age, dry sucketh up natural moisture, salt doth fret, bitter doth not nourish, so that in diversity of meats is great diversity of quality. A man that is in health ought to use 
Quality.  a temperate diet, and feeding sparingly upon one, two or three dishes at the most, and if we mean to live in any health of body all superfluity, & repletion of meats is to be abhorred. Consider with thyself, thou art a man endued with reason, and therefore in thy diet and all other thy actions let reason and temperance 
Quantity.  govern thine appetite & affections: through surfeiting many one hath perished, but he that dieteth 
Eccl. 7.  himself, prolongeth his life. The variety of meats at one meal bringeth pain unto the stomach, offendeth nature, and doth engender and beget many diseases, as Galen witnesseth, reason teacheth, 
Galen iwent. nembrorum lib. 1. cap. 4.  and experience approveth. Therefore whoso is in health, and desireth to continue therein, let him observe this rule. Let his meat that he useth be wholesome & nourishing, such as best agreeth with his nature and complexion: for unto some men béese is more wholesome and better than chickens, or such like fine meats: the reason is, digestion is strong through heat, as in choleric persons, in whom light and fine meats are rather burnt then digested: therefore grosser meats are for them more wholesome and better. And let him also note what meats do offend, or disagree with him, and let him refuse it as hurtful: and in so doing he shall be a Physician unto himself. Note also that thou mayst eat more meat 
Heat is the cause, of digestion.  in winter then in summer, because digestion is more strong, by reason that natural heat is enclosed in the stomach, but in summer universally spread abroad into the whole body: so the stomach wanting this natural heat, digestion is thereby more weak. Choleric persons and children may eat oftener than any other, by reason of their heat and quick digestion. Time and place will not permit me to write what I would concerning diet, the observation whereof is a very special means for the preservation of health: & many times sicknesses are cured by the benefit of diet. In hot sickness use a cold diet: in a moist sickness use a drying diet, Contraria contrariis curantur: all distemperatures are cured by 
Avicen. Hippocrat. in Aphoris.  their contraries. I will here end of diet: wishing thee to remember this saying of Hypocrates, Studium sanitatis est non satiari cibis, the means or study to preserve health, is to eschew fullness or superfluity of meats and drinks. So is it indeed, and especially in a time of sickness, as this is. And it is now exceeding good with all your meats to use sharp sauces made with vinegar, or rose vinegar, Oranges, Lemons, Pomegranates, and a little Cinnamon and Maces. But forbear and refuse all hot spices, and strong wines, Onions, Garlic, leeks, Cabage, Radish, Rocket, and such like: the use of them is very 
Except one draft for a cold and weak stomach.  hurtful and dangerous. But these are good and wholesome: Borage, bugloss, sorrel, endive, chicory, violets, spinach, betony, agrimony, they are good both in salads, sauces, and broth: and your diet ought in this time of infection to be cooling and drying.   

Of sleeping and waking.  
God hath created the day for man to labour in his 
Arist. de some. Somnus causatur ex vapore cibi, qui vadit ad cerebrum.  vocation and calling, and the night to rest and sleep, which is so natural and needful, that without it we cannot live. In sleep our senses have their rest, the powers animal are therewith comforted & strengthened, the mind quieted, digestion furthered, and finally the strength of the body maintained: and without sleep wise men should be soon changed 
Moderate sleep is good, and greatly comforts nature.  into idiot fools. And sleep is no less needful for the preservation of our lives then food. These are of themselves good, but we, through the abuse of them, change their natures, and make them hurtful unto us. Immoderate sleep, and sleeping in the day is very evil: it dulleth the wit, it repleats and fills the body with evil humours, it engendereth rheum, and maketh the body apt unto palsies, apoplexies, falling sickness, impostumes; and finally, slow and unapt unto any honest exercise.  
Note also that we ought not to sleep immediately after meat before it be descended from the mouth of the stomach, for thereby digestion is corrupted, and pains, and noise in the belly engendered: Also our sleep is made unquiet and troubled by evil vapours ascending: therefore I counsel all men that are in health, and desire the continuance thereof, that they avoid sleeping in the day time, especially 
keep in the ●y makes the ●dy apt to inaction in this ●●e of sickness.  lying upon a bed: and if they must needs sleep, being accustomed so to do, let them take a nap sitting in a chair. And in many sicknesses sleep is dangerous: so is it after the receiving of any poison, or unto a person infected with the pestilence: the reason is, sleep draweth the blood and spirits inward, & therewithal attracteth the venom unto the nutrimental or vital parts: therefore if a person doubt that he is infected, let him refrain from sleep, and let him take without delay some good medicine set down against the sickness, and sweat therewithal.  
And as I have showed the inconvenience of too much, or immoderate sleep: so I say overmuch watching is no less hurtful unto nature. It doth debilitate the powers animal: it weakeneth the natural 
●ne nimium ●●turae inimicum.  strength of the body, bringeth consumptions, breedeth melancholy, and oftentimes the frenzy. Therefore both in this and all other things, we must use temperance, sobriety and moderation.   

Of exercise and rest.  
Galen counseleth us, if we desire to preserve health, that we use exercise of body: it makes digestion 
Galen. in regim. sanitat.  strong, and more quick alteration, and also better nourishing: it strengtheneth the body, it increaseth heat, drieth rheums, it openeth the pores of the body, whereby humours offending nature are expulsed: it is indeed the preserver and maintainer of health, as Galen, Avicen, and Corn. Celsus teach, and experience approveth.  
Idleness and rest is a contrary unto exercise: it is the mother of ignorance, the nurse of diseases, it corrupteth the mind, it dulleth the body, filling and repleating it with superfluous and evil humours, which breed many sicknesses. And as exercise and labour is a preserver of health, so idleness is the shortner of life, enemy unto the soul and body, and very unprofitable in a Commonwealth, and also hurtful in a private house. And remember this, that vehement exercise be not used presently after meat, for it will convey crude and undigested juice unto each part, which is very evil & hurtful. But exercise is good before meat, and two or three hours after meat, being moderately used. Exercise is best and most convenient, when the first and second digestion is complete, as well in the stomach, as in the veins. But in such a time of infection as this is, I cannot commend exercise, because it will too much open the pores, and the pores being opened, the body is apt to receive the infectious air. Much more would I say of the benefit of exercise, and the inconvenience of idleness, but that I should be over-tedious in this place.   

Of fullness and emptiness.  
All fullness and superfluity of meats are to be eschewed, for as much as they make repletion: And all bodies in whom there is repletion, are apt to be infected. And such bodies must endeavour to keep themselves soluble: All evacuations are good for them, as purging and bleeding, except some special cause doth forbid it: And let them use a sparing and frugal diet. And they may safely, and with great profit use the pill I have set down before in my book. And as I have said, repletion is an enemy unto health, bringing and begetting sickness, and sometime sudden death: so is too much fasting and emptiness, no less hurtful: it weakeneth the brain, and drieth the whole body, consuming the radical moisture in man, and shorteneth life.  
And as repletion is to be abhorred and avoided, so 
also increa●h wind, ●oler, & me●choly.  is too much emptiness to be eschewed: and as I have said, we must use a mediocrity in all things.   

Of affections of the mind.  
Affections of the mind are called by M. Cicero, Perturbations. Galen calleth them Pathemata vel affectus anims, and nothing is more hurtful in this time of sickness, nor greater enemy unto life, then fear, sorrow, anger, heaviness and grief of mind. Anger is a dangerous passion: it chafeth the blood, and disquieteth the heart: it inflameth the spirits: which ascending up into the head, annoyeth the animal powers 
●hese passions the mind are dangerous.  or faculties. This passion choleric persons, tyrants and fools are much troubled withal, and oftentimes in their wrath perform wicked and unlawful actions, Fear, sorrow, and grief of mind are no less hurtful unto the body: for they waste the natural heat and moisture, wherein life consisteth; making the body lean and dry, whereupon consumption followeth: it dulleth the wit and understanding, and draweth the spirits and blood inward to the heart: and withal attracteth the venomous and infectious air, if we live within the compass thereof. If I should here stand to write of all the perturbations for the mind, defining and distinguishing them one from another, showing the wonderful effects of them, and the inconvenience thereof, I should be over tedious in this short Treatise, and it might seem impertinent in this work: only this I wish thee to remember, Sub te erit appetitus tuus, & tudominaberis illi: Under thee shall be thine appetite, and thou shalt bear rule over it, saith the Lord. We must therefore master our affections: for if they be not overruled and governed by wisdom, they will exceed, and prove dangerous enemies both unto soul and body. And in this time of sickness we ought specially to avoid these perturbations of the mind, and to use all virtuous and commendable mirth, sweet music, good company, and all laudable recreation that may delight you, and use the perfumes in your chambers, and in other rooms of your houses that I have set down, being cast into a fuming pot or chafing dish upon a few coals. Do this evening and morning: the charge thereof is small, but the utility is great. It purgeth the air, and taketh away the evil quality thereof.  
Now having showed what ought to be avoided, it followeth, that I set down preservatives that may resist all infection: which God assisting me, I will do.  
First of all, I counsel all men in whom blood doth abound, the which they may easily know themselves, by the heat of their bodies, colour, largeness and fullness of their veins, that they be let blood in the liver vain in the right arm: and let the quantity be according unto the strength of the person.  
Also that all men in general avoid all baths and hotehouses, and all vehement exercise, that may overheate the body, and inflame the blood.  
Also the company of women this hot and contagious time is very hurtful, and therefore aught to be used with great moderation.  
Also walking very early in a morning, and very late in the evening, is hurtful and dangerous. Also avoid all press and throng of people where a multitude are assembled, & all noisome & unsavoury places.  
Now having showed all the causes of the pestilence, and set down the cure and remedy for every cause: I will by God's assistance, for the care I have of the preservation of the inhabitants of this honourable city, and for the love I bear unto them and my country, communicate unto them most excellent and approved preservatives and of singular virtue: which whose useth them, shall not need to fear the infection of this contagious sickness. First, with an humble and contrite heart desire mercy of the Lord: and then commend thyself unto his protection: which being done, use the good means he hath ordained for thy health.   

Pills of especial virtue in preserving all that use them.  
R. Good Aloes half an ounce washed in rose-water: of good myrrh, of saffron, of each two drams: bolearmoniac. praep. one scruple: seed pearl one scruple: sir. of lemons as much as will suffice to make them in pills, or in a mass.  
Take half a dram hereof made in pills every second or third day in the morning; fast after it three or four hours: but it shall be good for you to take a little thin broth, or a little alebrue, or six or eight spoonfuls of wine within an hour after, and use your accustomed diet, as before.   

Another pill that doth more move the body, and giveth two stools, or three in some bodies, and this is good for such as are costive, and in whom humours abound.  
R. Good Rhubarb, chosen myrrh, of each one dram; chosen aloes two drams: zedoary root one scruple: saffron one scruple: syrup of Roses solutive as much as will suffice to make the mass.  
This pill purgeth gently, and preserveth the body from all infection.  
Such bodies in whom humours do abound, and are most commonly costive, may use these pills, taking half a dram every morning, for three, four, five, or six days together, as they please. Take after it either a little thin broth, or of an alebrue, or a draft of wine, if it be not too hot for your complexion, and use your ordinary diet as accustomed, if it be good.   

Another very good preservative, and worthy of much commendations.  
R. Of good Mithridatum half an ounce, Angelica root in powder two drams, of Theriaca andro, half 
Take a little o● this every morning.  an ounce, Bolearmoniac. praep. two drams, conserves of Roses and Borage half an ounce, seed of Citrons two scruples, syrup of Lemons one ounce, mix them, make half this receipt.   

Or this which is very good.  
R. Good Mithridatum half an ounce, Conserves of Roses half an ounce, Bolearmoniack praep. two drams, mix them.  
Take as much of this every morning as a nut, and fast after it two or three hours.   

A good pill and an assured preservative.  
R. Aloes optima four drams, lota in aqua Rosarum; 
●●ld wish to use dai●me one of ● preserua● and when ●ake no ●se some o● preserua●  Myrrh elect. two drams, Croci two drams, rad. Zedoariae one scruple, Boli armeni one scruple, sir. limonum Q. S. fiat massa.  
Take half a dram of these pills in the morning, you may mix it if you will with a little white wine this summer, and drink it, and be free from infection. 
●●t commons with ●e and ● water.    

Another of most excellent virtue, and an assured preservative.  
R. Boli armeni praep. half an ounce, Dictamni albi two drams, Cinamoni three drams, Rosarum one dram, rad. Angelicae two drams, rad Turmentillae, 
●ncely preative.  rad. Gentianae of each two drams, sem. Limonum one dram, Santalorum omnium ana one dram, Cornu cerui rasurae, flo. Buglossae. fol. scabi, rad. turmentillaes, rad. Zedoariae ana one dram, oxyaloes, nucis muscatae, Granatum juniperi, ossis de cord. 
●he Apo●rie make for you.  cerui ana half a dram, Saphiri, hyacinthi, smaragdi, rubini, Granati praep. ana one scruple, Margaritarum two scruples, foliorum Auri one scruple, puluerizantar & cum sir. exacetosa Q. S. fiatelectuarium.  
This is to be taken every morning, a scruple or two scruples daily, and is a most excellent and an assured preservative against all infection.   

Another that defendeth all men that use it, from the infection of this contagious sickness.  
R. Theriaca Andromachis, mithridatum optimum ana two drams, conser Rosarum three drans, Boli armeni 
A good preservative.  praep. two scruples, sem. vel rad. Angelicae two scruples, sem. citri half a dram, sir. Limonum half an ounce, misce.  
Take of this every morning, the quantity of a hazel nut, or any other time of the day if you go among any throng of people, or where the sickness is, but you ought to fast after it a while.   

The common pills against the pestilence, that defend all them that use them from infection.  
R. Good Aloes half an ounce, Myrrh, saffron of either of them two drams, let them be beaten in a mortar, and put to them a little white Wine or sweet wine, & incorporate it together, make them 
Rufi cont. pest. Avicen in lib. 4. Take these pills every second day.  in pills, & so take them if you will, half a dram in the morning, and drink after them an hour a draft of white wine: these although plain, are very good: & I would they were more used for their virtue. But women great with child may not take of these pills, neither of the other pills set down before: let them content themselves to eat in a morning, some conserves of sorrel, roses, or borage, wherewith they may mix some syrup of Lemons, and let them be merry and use a good diet, and good company to pass the time away, and this is the best medicine I can advise them.  
The use of Oranges, Lemons, and pomegranates, is very good; so is Vinegar, cloves, maces, saffron, sorrel with your meat, or 
* ●hat is, O●●●ges, Lemons, ●●mgranats.  either of them in a morning with sugar is good. Let all your meats be dressed and saused with vinegar, Oranges, and Lemons, maces and saffron, and a little cinnamon, and avoid all strong wines, and hot spices.  
Now having set down most excellent preservatives for the Gentilite, Citizens and better sort, it followeth, that I likewise teach the commons how they may preserve themselves in this time of infection: but first of the Pomanders, which are apreseruative against this infection for the Gentlewomen and Citizens of this place.   

A very good Pomander to be worn of all the better sort against this infection, and stinking and noisome smells when they go abroad.  
R. Labdanum, of the rinds of Citrons ana one dram; of the three kinds of Sanders ana half a dram; wood of Aloes, flowers of bugloss, and Nenuphar, Rose leaves ana two scruples, alipta muscatae half a 
● good Po●ander.  scruple; Cloves, Marieron ana one scruple; Zedoary root one scruple, Benjamin one dram, Storax Calamita one dram and a half, Camphor half a dram; Musk, Amber grease ana four grains; make your simples in fine powder and mix them with Rose water, wherein gum dragagant hath been dissolved as much as will suffice to make your pomander.  
This is a singular good pomander, sweet and comfortable, to be worn in this time of sickness against corrupt airs, stinking and noisome smells.   

another good Pomander, though not all thing so costly, to be worn against the infection of the air.  
R. Of the rinds of Citrons one dram; Storax, Calamint two drams, Labdanum one dram, of all three kinds of Sanders, ana two scruples; flowers of Roses, Violets, and Nenuphar ana half a dram; liquid Storax, Benjamin, ana one dram; Camphor one scruple, Musk and Ambergris ana three grains, with Rose water, & gum Dragagant a little quantity make your Pomander.  
But here I had almost forgotten one preservative which many men commend, and is good indeed, but especially for fearful persons, such I mean as live in fear of this sickness, and although I have placed it last, yet not the least to be regarded: Citò, long & tarde, we must fly away speedily, and we must go far off, and return again slowly, it is good for those that can conveniently so do. Let us put our whole trust in the Lord, from whom cometh all help, and with contrite hearts for our iniquity use the good means that the Lord hath ordained and created for us, and cast away all fear, & I doubt not, but by God's assistance this sickness shall be taken away.  
To eat every morning as much as the kernel of 
A preservative.  a nut of Electuarium de ovo, is a good preservative.  
So is treacle of Andromachus description, which you shall have at the Apothecaries, mix with it as much Conserves of Roses.  
Three or four grains of Bezoar stone taken in the morning in a spoonful of scabious, or sorrel water, is a good preservative.  
So is a little Diascordium taken in the morning the quantity of two white peason.  
Also to use the root of Angelica, steeped in vinegar to chew in your mouth as you go in the street is good, and to eat a little thereof.  
Gentian, zedoary, Turmentill, chewed and kept in your mouth are good.  
Sorrell eaten in the morning with a little good Vinegar like a salad, is very good: the use of Oranges and Lemons is very good, Pomegranates and Vinegar.  
It is good every morning betime, to take some good preservative, and before you go abroad, it shall not be amiss to eat something to your breakfast that is wholesome, as bred, and swéet-butter, a potcht egg with vinegar, or some other thing as you are provided, & use alway in going into any infected place a root of Angelica to chew upon in your mouth, a little sponge dipped in Rose-vinegar to smell unto often times is good, put into a pomander box of ivory.  
Also to wear a Pomander about your neck and smell to it oftentimes, is very good.  
Let your chamber be dressed with sweet flowers as these, sweet mints, time, penerial, carnations, rose-leaves: and let your chamber be strued with green rushes, Vine leaves, Oaken leaves, and Willow leaves & Mints.  
If you have any windows towards the North or North-east keep them open in clear days; your chamber ought also to be presumed oftentimes, with the perfumes taught in this book; you may use juniper Benjamin, Storax and wood of Aloes.   

For your diet.  
Young Mutton, Veal, Kid, Capors, Hens, Chickens, Rabbits, Partridge, pheasant, Quail, Plovers, small birds of the fields, Pigeons, sweet butter, potched eggs with vinegar, but not in hot complexions.  
Water-fowles are not good, neither is Pork, or old powdered Beef.  
But Fishes from fresh rivers is very good eaten with vinegar, and good sauce, they cool the blood well.  
Let your drink be small beer, and well brewed, and sometimes a cup of white wine mixed with water for hot complexions, with borage, and bugloss, but eschew all hot and sweet wines.  
Herbs that be good to be used, Sorrel, Endive, Succory, Borage, bugloss, Parsely, Marigolds, Time, Marierom, Betonie, Scabious, Isope, Mints, Purslane, Pimpernell, Rue, Angelica, Cardus Benedictus, Lettuce.  
Make your sauce with Cytrin, Lemons, Orange, Sorrell, Vinegar, Maces, Saffron, Barberies, and such like.  
Raw, & young fruit is hurtful, so is Garlic, Onions, leeks, Radish, Rocket, Mustard, Pepper, and hot spices, and all hot wines, and all these are hurtful, & so are all sweet meats: let your diet be cooling & drying.   

preservatives for the Commons and Countrymen, who have not an Apothecary at hand.  
Take of Rue or Herb grace two ounces, of the young buds of Angelica, two ounces; or for want thereof, of the root or seed one ounce, Bolearmoniacke prepared one ounce, of juniper berries one ounce, of walnuts clean picked from their skins two ounces, Good figs in number six or seven, of Saffron six pennyworth, of good wine vinegar that is sharp four ounces. Let these be well beaten together in a mortar the space of one hour, and then put in your vinegar, and incorporate them together. Which being done, put it into some sweet galley pot or glass, and cover it close: and take thereof daily in the morning the quantity of a nutineg. Or you may eat thereof at any time going near, or in any infectious place.   

Another good preservative of no less virtue in resisting all infection.  
R. Of holy Thistle, or for want thereof, our Lady's Thistle so called, Betonie, Angelica, Scabious, Sorrell, Pimpernell, Turmentill, of either of these a handful, Gentian roots also, if they may be had.  
Bruise all these in a stone mortar a little, and put thereto a pint of good vinegar, and half a pint of white wine, and put them into a still, and draw forth the water, and take two or three spoonfuls thereof every morning fasting, and be free from all infection.  
The root of Angelica laid or steeped in good vinegar all night, and a little thereof taken in the morning is a good preservative. The seeds are of the like virtue.   

Another good preservative that defendeth all from infection.  
Take of the kernels of walnuts three ounces, rue one 
●he com●●s.  ounce and a half, fine bowl armoniac one ounce, root of Angelica & Turmentill of either an ounce, good figs three ounces, Myrrh three drams, Saffron four pennyworth.  
Let these be beaten a good space in a mortar, than put thereto two or three spoonfuls of good unegar, and as much rose-water, and incorporate them well together, eat hereof as much as a hazel nut in the morning, and at any other time of the day going where the infection is, and be free from all infection.  
Now such as desire to live in safety, and yet would bestow no cost for their preservation, let them use this.  
R. Figs seven or eight in number Rue one handful, 
For the Commons.  the kernels of ten or twelve walnuts clean picked from their skins, four or six spoonfuls of good vinegar, beat these together in a mortar, and keep it close in a box, and eat thereof every morning, and it is good to defend thee from the infection.  
Galen commendeth Garlic, calling it the poor man's treacle, but undoubtedly it is too hot to be eaten of choleric persons, or sanguine, or in a hot season, and therefore I cannot commend it, except in cold, moist and rheumatic bodies, for whom it may be good.  
I have set down, courteous Reader, divers and sundry preservatives that you may take your choice: use them in the name of God. And this I dare boldly affirm, there are in my book as good as are known and sufficient for thy preservation by God's grace.  
Now it followeth, that I write of confections, electuaries, and potions, required in the cure of the pestilence.   

An Electuary of great and singular virtue in curing of the pestilence, being taken in time before it be settled at the heart, and nature utterly over come.  
R. Bolearmoniack prepared two ounces, terra sigillata one ounce, Myrrh six drams, roots of Gentian, Zedoary, Angelica and Dictamni, of each three drams red coral, red sanders of each a dram and a half, saffron one dram & a half, yellow sanders one dram, turmentil, scabious, leaves of Cardus benedictus or holy thistle of each a dram & a half, flowers of marigolds one dram, the bones of a Heart's heart half a dram or two scruples, Basill seed half a dram, good seed pearl two scruples, unicorns horn two scruples, leaf gold two scruples, heart's horn one dram. Let all these be made in fine powder every one by itself. Then take syrup of Lemons and sorrel, as much as will be sufficient to make it in an electuary. Add hereunto good Mithridatum one ounce.  
He that is infected with the pestilence, let him take one dram or one dram and a half of this medicine, according to his strength with water of Scabious, Angelica, or Cardus benedictus the quantity of nine or ten spoonfuls, it must be taken warm, and procure the patient to sweat after two, three or four hours: which if he cannot easily do, then use the means, as I have taught in this book, by putting in 
●or want of ●ese waters ●●ke posset ●ink made white wine.  of bottles filled with hot water, & if it should so chance the patient should vomit, then give him as much more; and if he vomit again, let him wash his mouth with Rose water and vinegar, and receive his medicine again, the quantity before taught, and undoubtedly by this means the venomous infection shall be expulsed, the heart comforted, and the life preserved through God's mercy and goodness.   

Another Electuary curing the pestilence, being taken within twelve, sixteen or eighteen hours, after the person is infected.  
Electuarium de ovo.  
R. Ouum gallinae recens, & educto per apicem albumine, id quod vacuum est, croco orientali imple, 
A medicine of singular virtue in curing this sickness.  vitellum non auferendo: postea cum alio putamine iterum occlude, ne quid transpiret, & lento igne tamdiu assa in ollula, donec tota oui testa ad nigredinem deveniat, exempta è testa materia exsiccetur ut in mortario exquitissimè contundi & in pulverem redigi queat, addendo pulueris sinapis albi quantum praedicta omnia ponderant, postea,  
anaʒ ij. anaʒ iij. anaʒ i. anaʒ myrrhaeʒ ij. ossis de cord cerui scrup.. ij. Margaritarumʒ i. camphuraeʒ ij. anaʒ i puluerizentur omnia sing. per se, misc. omnia simul in mortario, & tandem appone Theriaca Andromachi ad pondus omnium, & iterum pistillo fortiter contunde & commisce per tres quasi integras horas, agitando fiat electuarium.  
When any person is infected, let him take a dram 
A dram and a scruple is sufficient for a any man.  or somewhat more, according unto his strength, mix and dissolve it in water of Scabious, Roses, or Endive, as you can have, or in them altogether the quantity or measure of eight spoonfuls, & make it warm, and drink it in God's name, sweat well thereupon, and thou shalt be delivered from danger of the sickness, and is a most approved medicine and speedy remedy, if it be taken in time: for herein censisteth the danger, namely delay, in which time the venom pierceth unto the heart, and there settleth, and vanquisheth the vital spirits. For this is most certain, as I have often seen and approved, that those that take and use in the very beginning of their sickness, some good means, scarce two in ten die, but very speedily recover their former health.  
And truly I cannot but lament the folly of many people, who feeling themselves sick, drive forth and delay the time, some trusting to their strength and 
●elay in this ●knes is very dangerous, and ●mmonly ●ngeth death  youth: other some take some light and trifling medicine to no purpose, and many other blinded with a foolish opinion, that physic can do them no good: and this is the cause why so many die of this sickness, as they now do.  
Note this, that if a person do vomit up his medicine, that then you cause him to wash his mouth with rose-water and vinegar, and give him as much more, if he cast it up again, do as before until he keep it.   

A singular confection for the cure of the Pestilence.  
R. Rad. Angelicae, rad. Gentianae, rad. Zedoariae, rad. Turmentillae, rad. Dictamni, rad. Valerianae, rad. 
3 good confe●on for cu●●●g the pestilence.  anaʒ ij. anaʒ●j. Cinamomis, myrrhae, boli armeni praeparati, terrae anaʒ iiij. anaʒj. succi scordii, succi calendulae ana unc. 1. Commisceantur omnia cum syrupo acctositatis citri q. s. incorporentur ad formam opitatae, add mithridatum Andromachi unc. iii & theriacae opti. unc. i. & semis. aqua angelicae unc. two. misc.  
Take one dram and a half, or two drams of this confection, or two drams and a half, according to the age and strength of the patient, with water of Scabious, Cardus benedictus, or Angelica nine or ten spoonfuls, made warm and mixed well together, let him drink it and sweat well thereupon.   

Another that cureth the Pestilence, and expulseth all venomous infection.  
R. Bolearmoniack prepared half an ounce, Cinnamon two drams, root of gentian, angelica, zedoary, 
4 Electuarium contra pestem cum gemmis.  turmentil ana two drams; seed of citrons, red rose leaves, heart's horn razed, of the three kinds of Saunders of each one dram; juniper berries, half a dram; nutmeg, the bone of the dears heart, two. scrup. seed pearl and orient one dram; saffron one dram, red coral two scruples, rinds of citrons two scruples, fragments or pieces of the five precious stones, Saphiri, Hyacinthi, Smaragdi, Rubini, granati praep. ana one scruple, leaf gold one scruple, bezoar stone one scruple.  
Make these into most fine powder severally, which being done, put thereto as much syrup of lemons as will make it in form of an electuary, making it something thick, & putting thereto of good Mithridatum three ounces, mix them. This being taken the weight of one dram or a dram and a half, or two drams for a strong person in water of Scabious, Angelica, or Cardus benedictus, sweeting therewithal, cureth the person speedily of the pestilence, expulsing it by sweat & urine.   

Another for the commons and countrymen, where these aforesaid set down cannot be had.  
R. Good Mithridatum Andromachus a dram & a half, good Treacle, I mean not the common treacle sold at the Mercers, but at the Apothecaries, called theriaca Andromach. one dram. Mix these together, and take it in a little posset drink made with white wine, and sweat well therewith, and this cureth the pestilence. If any sore do arise, then use the means, as I have taught in this book, to ripen or suppurate the sore: which being done, let it be opened and drawn forth.   

Another medicine or remedy for the Commons and countrymen, very good and effectual.  
Take a great white Onion, cut off the top, and with your knife pike forth the core, and make a wide hollowness in the middle, which you must fill up with good treacle, from the Apothecaries called Theriaca Andromachis, or Andromaches treacle, let it be in weight one dram and a half: this being put into the Onion, cover it with that you cut off before, and paste it over and roast it in the embers, and being soft stamp it in a mortar, and strain it through a cloth, and with two or three spoonfuls of posset drink mixed with it, take it and sweat thereupon as long as you can, and this will expulse it from the heart.   

Or this which is very good.  
R. Mithridatum two drams, Venice treacle one dram, mix them with water of Angelica, Cardus Benedictus, or Scabious, or for want thereof posset drink made with white wine, and sweat well.  
These three last medicines I have set down for them that cannot have speedily the other aforesaid; and although they seem mean, yet are they of great virtue in this sickness, and cure them that take it in time in the beginning of their sickness, observing the order of this book therewithal.   

The signs that signify and declare a person to be infected with the pestilence.  
The first is, a great pain and heaviness in the head. 
1.   
The second is, he feeleth great heat within his body, and the outward parts cold and ready to 
2.  shake, and is thirsty and dry therewithal.  
The third sign is, he cannot draw his breath easily, 
3.  but with some pain and difficulty.  
The fourth sign is, he hath a great desire to sleep, 
4.  and can very hardly refrain from sleeping, but beware he sleep not. And sometimes watching doth vex and trouble him as much and cannot sleep.  
The fifth sign is, swelling in the stomach with 
5.  much pain, breaking forth with stinking sweat.  
The sixth sign is, divers & heavy looks of the eyes, 
6.  seeing all things of one colour, as green or yellow, and the eyes are changed in their colour.  
The seventh sign is, loss of appetite, unsavoury taste, bitterness of the mouth sour and stinking. 
7.   
The eight sign is, wambling of the stomach, and a desire to vomit, and sometime vomiting humours 
8.  bitter and of divers colours.  
The ninth sign is, the pulse beateth swift and deep.  
The tenth sign is, a heaviness, and dullness in 
9  all the body, and a faintness and a weakness of the 
10.  limbs.  
The eleventh sign is, the urine most commonly is 
11.  troubled, thick & like beasts water, & stinking, but 
●se are ma●est signs ● the heart ● drawn ●venim unto ●y attraction ●he air by inspiration ●he arteries the heart.  smell to it not if you love your health: but oftentimes the water doth not show at all, especially in the beginning of the sickness, therefore trust not unto the water, but look unto the other signs here above set down.  
The twelfth and last sign, and surest of all other, is, there ariseth in the neck, under the arm, or in the flank, a tumour or swelling, or in some other part of the 
12.  body there appeareth any red, greenish, or blackish coloured sore, these are most apparent signs to the eye, that this person is infected with the pestilence.  
But take heed, be not deceived: for oftentimes a person is strongly infected with the Pestilence, and hath neither Apostume, Carbuncle, nor botch appearing, in two or three days, by which time he is near his death: therefore when a botch doth not appear speedily, it is always an evil sign and dangerous. The reason hereof is, nature is weak, and the infection and poison is strong and furious: and nature being weak as in children, and in aged persons, and in others also, through the evil disposition of the body, is not able to make resistance against so furious, and puissant an enemy, and to expulse the infection or poison. And this is the very reason and cause, why 
●e reason ●y no sore ap●reth in som●sons.  in some persons there appeareth no botch, or sore, but other certain marks, or spots, as I may call them.  
Now chose, when the infection or poison is more mild and weak, and nature strong, than she gathering her power and force together strineth and resisteth the infection, and expulseth the poison from the heart, and other the principal members unto some emunctory or cleansing place, where it may be best purged & avoided. Now this is a good sign, that 
●e reason of appearing sore or ●●ch.  nature is strong, and hath prevailed against the infectious poison; so is it indeed, if the sore arise not near about the heart, or throat, or some such dangerous place. And again nature must now forth with be 
The heart ought with all speed to be comforted.  aided; lest the venom gathering strength, by the putrefaction of the humours within the body, return again unto the heart. Therefore I say the heart must be strengthened with cordials, and also speedily comforted: and the other principal members likewise. For we commonly see notwithstanding the botch be thrust forth by nature, yet the person often and most commonly dieth, whereof the greatest and most part might live, if help in due time were administered. And sometimes the infection is so strong, and 
No help in some persons but death followeth.  the Body so weak through corrupt and vicious humours, that nature is suddenly overcome, and the spirits of life expulsed. And this infection naturally flieth with all possible speed to the heart, as the principal member of life, to surprise it, & pierceth sooner unto 

Venena Principes partes petunt. Gal.  
What bodies soonest infected I showed your before.   the heart of choleric persons than any other complexion; although the sanguine be more apt to be infected by reason of their heat and moisture, and phlegmatic are also apt through humidity, that is in them: the melancholy are not apt to be infected, but hardly cured being infected  
Now forasmuch as this sickness is swift, fierce, and dangerous, and speedily expulseth life, if it be not prevented in time by good medicine: Let us I say leave our folly, in delaying to use the means for our help, remembering this good counsel   

Principijs obsta, sero medicina paratur etc.  
We must stop the beginnings, medicines come too late, nature being overcome through the long suffering of the evil. And what is the reason that so many die ofthiss sickness as they do, I think you will answer me it is God's hand and visitation, & contra mortem non est remedium: I grant indeed it is God's visitation, and so is all other sicknesses. And this is the difference, this sickness is strong, swift, and dangerous, and killeth many through his violence, and venomous quality: some other more mild, yet killeth also in some short time, if it be not prevented: and some other so mild & weak, that nature being strong doth 
hot fevers  overcome herself with good diet without the benefit of medicines. The very causes indeed that so many die of this sickness are two. The first is the strength, power, and venomous quality of this sickness, speedily surprising the vital spirits.  
The second cause is, our delay to use medicine in time, and not using good and effectual medicines, such as have virtue by God's grace given unto them 
●he cause so ●any die of ●s sickness.  for the curing and withstanding of this violent sickness. We must rely upon God, fixing our whole trust in him, and thankfully and diligently use the good means that he hath ordained and created, for our health and help in time of sickness.  
And against this contagious sickness, I have set down good preservatives, which being used, will by God's grace prevent the danger. And also most excellent and approved remedies for this sickness, that whoso useth them in time, shall undoubtedly by God's grace and mercy be speedily cured. Now it followeth, that I teach the use of them, and the true and perfect cure of the pestilence, and what is to be observed in the cure thereof.  
And first, I will teach the cure of the pestilence when no botch or sore appeareth, and how to prevent the rising of any botch or sore most commonly in all persons.   

The cure of the Pestilence, when no botch, or sore appeareth, and how to prevent the rising of any botch or sores most commonly in all persons.  
In the cure of this sickness there are three intentions especially required. The first is to aid and help nature, to expel the infection and venomous poison. 
3. Intentions required in the cure of this sickness.  The second is to comfort the heart, and other the principal members of the body. The third is a good observation in diet, afterward to be used. And at the first when any person feeleth himself sick, let him well consider, whether any of the signs before set down, that signify a person infected, be in him or no: & if he find any of them at all in himself, then let him be assured it is the sickness. But here he must not defer the time, doubting, and making farther trial, whether it be or no: For in this time when the pestilence 
Beware you sleep not until you have taken your medicine, & eight hours after.  reigneth, there are few other sicknesses. The nature of this venomous and corrupt air is to alter and convert other sicknesses into the pestilence, as we find most true by experience. And again, the nature and quality of this dangerous sickness, is, ever with all swiftness to approach and assail the heart the principal member and fountain of life. Here may it appear, how dangerous delay is in this sickness, in not using some good and approved medicine, that hath virtue through God's gift to withstand the force thereof, and power to expel the venomous infection 
Use help in the first beginning  of this contagious sickness. Now to prevent this lion of his prey, note what is to be done.  
First, when any feeleth himself sick or evil at ease, if the sickness begin hot with pain in his head, 
Who ought to bleed.  if he be of a sanguine or choleric complexion, or hath a plethoric body, that is, a body full of humours, large veins and full: let every such person in any wife be let blood in the liver vain & right arm. And if there should be felt any foreness in any side of the body more than the other; then let him bleed in that arm on the side grieved; which being done, let the chirurgeon decently bind up his arm: and if the person be weak, then let this be done in his bed, and with speed let him take one of the four medicines set down before in this book for the cure of the pestilencé, the quantity and the manner is there set down. Let him receive his medicine warm, and procure him to sweat: which if he cannot easily do, then must you fill some bottles with hot water, and set them in the bed about him, by which means you shall cause him to sweat speedily. Let him continue sweeting three, four, or 5. hours, or according to his strength, as he can endure it, giving him, if he be very dry in 
●e him in ● sweeting, if be very dry, ●n of the corell syrup set twne in this ●oke half a moanful, or a moanful at a ●e.  his sweat, a little of one of the cordial confections set down in this book, to be used to a person after his sweat. And the keeper must take great heed that the sick person sleep not: For whosoever is infected with the sickness, must carefully be kept from sleep, until they have bled, if they may bleed, and taken their medicine, and sweat five or six hours after, and in so doing all for the most part shall be speedily cured of this sickness. The patient having sweat well, dry his body with warm and soft clothes, and if the sheeets be wet with sweat, then pull them away, and let him rest in God's name, so he sleep not. And give him to eat sometimes of one of the confections, that comforteth the heart, that giveth great comfort and strength unto the body and principal members thereof, and therefore not to be omitted. Two hours after his sweat give him to eat some broth made with a chicken or a capon. In which broth boil Endive, Borage, bugloss, and a little parsley, raisins of the sun, and two or three dates, and a little whole mace. Let his drink be good, stale, and middle ale, wherein you must boil whole mace and some sugar. 
What drink the patient aught to use. To mitigate and take away his dryness and thirst.  And if he be very dry, as commonly in this sickness they are, then give him a spoonful of one of the syrups set down in this book for that purpose, which doth both assooage thirst and dryness, and comforts the heart withal, he may use to take a spoonful when he is dry.  
His diet must be chickens, capon, rabbit, partridge or such like: but for want thereof young mutton or veal: and let him use with his meat lemons, oranges, pomegranates, good vinegar, grains of paradise, mace, a little saffron. Let his chamber be perfumed with the balls or trochises set down in this book before for the purging and amending of the air. Use them three or four times in the day, and for want thereof take Benjamin, Storax calamita & liquid, 
But my perfumes set down are far better to be used.  wood of Aloes, and burn it in some chafing-dish or fuming pot for the purging of the air in the chamber. And divers times sprinkle his chamber with vinegar, or water and vinegar together. Now within five or 
Let him sleep one or two hours to prevent pain and lightness of the head.  six hours after his sweat, or if it be longer it is the better, let him sleep in God's name, and remember that you give the patient oftentimes in the day one of the confections set down in this book, to comfort the heart, & give him his broth and meat a little at a time, and the oftener, and give him sometimes a cake of Manus Christito cate. And above all things, let him be of good comfort, fixing his hope above in the Almighty, from whom cometh all help, health, and 
God is the author of health.  comfort: for observing what I have taught, there is no danger of death: and for the most part all they that use this order and direction, recover and be free from all danger within two or three days, except some very few, that have unsound and very corrupt bodies before the infection. And this will I undertake by God's leave and his holy assistance to perform, and that not one in six persons shall die that taketh a good medicine, and that useth this order and followeth my direction: for by this means of taking away of blood, evacuation by sweat and purging the body, the infection and poisoned matter is expelled: insomuch that seldom riseth any botch or sore, because the matter whereof the botch ariseth is otherwise cast forth. And if any do arise, as sometimes there doth, by diligent foresight and good application it may speedily be brought to suppuration, and drawn forth. But if no botch do arise within two days after his sweat, then doth none arise at all, doing as I shall 
●e purging is ●od, & ought be used.  show you. The third or rather the second day, if he be any thing strong, and no botch appearing, give the patient this potion underwritten, which will purge forth the rest or remnant of the venomous infection.   

A purging potion of great virtue, that expulseth all venomous and corrupt humours from the body.  
Here I warn all men that they meddle with no purging medicine when the botch or carbuncle appeareth, and groweth towards ripeness: for so shall they draw the venom in again, which nature hath put forth before.  
R. Leaves and flowers of holy Thistle, Scabious, Turmentill, three leaved grass, of each a little handful, 
purging po●●n to be ta●●n the second ●y after sweat no botch or ●●e appear.  Gentian, Tamarims, of each two scruples: good Rhubarb one dram: water of Bugloffes and endive, of each an ounce and a half, Seen three drams: water of Scabious one ounce, flowers of Borage a little handful: make your infusion, which being done, put thereto diacatholicon half an ounce, Manna half an ounce, sir. Ros. solutive one ounce.  
This potion hath a most excellent property in purging the body from venomous and corrupt humours, as the learned may judge at the sight thereof. 
If it be not on the change or full of the Moon.  This potion must be taken of the patient the second or third day at the furthest after his sweeting, when no botch appeareth. And let him forbear to eat, drink, or sleep, until it hath wrought his effect, which is in giving five, six, or seven stools. Afterward let him receive some broth, and use a good diet, and also use his cordial confection for three, four or five days, and rest in health in God's name, for he shall need no further physic: if he be disposed he may take the potion above written another day, for the thorow-purging of his body, and it shall be good so to do.  
This is the true and perfect cure of the pestilence, being used in time, I mean in the beginning of the sickness, within four, or six, or in some within twelve hours: the sooner the better, for in a little time this venomous infection gathereth strength, by the evil humours which it turneth into putrefaction, and swiftly assaulteth the heart, and without speedy and good remedy, as we see daily, death followeth.  
Now it followeth that I teach the way or means to cure such in whom the botch appeareth, which (God assisting me) I will do.   

The way or means to cure such in whom the botch appeareth.  
This sickness (the pestilence) is a fierce, swift, and dangerous disease, and very quickly destroyeth nature: therefore I counsel all men again, to use at the first some speedy help: for giving it sufferance but a little time it resisteth all cure, neither is it in humane power to help it, as we daily see. Here I cannot but lament the folly of many people, who neglect 
Great folly in many men, to ●suse the means of their ●ealth.  the use of good means in time: Some foolishly conceited, that physic can do them no good: Some other using some light and trifling medicine to no purpose: some other using none at all, standing unto the mercy of the sickness, which is merciless, and thus many perish daily: not perish neither, therein I said not well: Beati mortui qui in domino moriuntur, Blessed are the dead that die in the Lord. God give unto us his grace, that we may learn to contemn this vain world, and be ready when he doth call, and while we live here, to use thankfully his good creatures unto his glory and our comfort. Now unto the cure of the pestilence, which is my purpose.  
When any person feeleth himself infected, and that 
When the botch sore growth toward benesse, bear ye neither ●rge nor ●eede, but use ●rdials, and outward medicines to ripen it.  the sore beginneth to arise or appear, if the sickness begin hot, and that he feeleth in himself any great heat above nature, being of a sanguine or choleric complexion, strong, and blood any thing abounding, then would I have that person with speed let blood, if it be within twenty four hours of his sickening, and that the sore or botch be not yet in way of ripening, but newly risen. For you must note that blood is to be taken at the beginning of the sickness, and before the botch be growing to suppuration, or not at all: For at this time the botch having been forth, and growing to suppuration, you should greatly hinder nature, and weaken the person, and endanger his life.  
But in the beginning of the sickness, it is a special good thing in all persons, in whom blood doth abound. But these persons I do except, women with child, or lately delivered; old men that grow towards 
Who may not ●eed.  threescore, and children, also weak & feeble persons, wherein is Cacochymia and little blood: these persons may not bleed, but must receive some medicine before set down for the cure of the pestilence, and sweat therewith, and take cordials as I will show them. But such as may bleed must observe this rule in bleeding, according unto the place where the sore or botch is placed or appearing.  
If the sore or botch appear in the throat, neck, or under the ears, then open the head vain Cephalica 
Where to bleed, in what place or vain.  in the arm, on that side, whereon the sore or botch is. And if the sore or botch arise in the armepit, then open the vain mediana, which is between the head vain and the vain coming from the liver. If the sore or botch arise in the flank, then open the vain Saphena in the inner side of the foot: alway remembering this note, that you let blood on that side whereon the botch appeareth: For on the contrary side it is dangerous and evil, drawing the venom overthwart the spiritual members, to the great danger of the patient. The quantity must be according unto the strength of 
The quantity.  the patient, in those that be young, strong, and full of blood, it is good to take much away, and in others according unto their ability of body. And in this time of necessity, when it may not be deferred, you must neither regard time, neither sign nor aspect or conjunction of Planets, but in the name of God do it.  
Quovis tempore & hora mittere sanguinem necessitas 
Any time or hour in necessity let blood.  concedit & jubet: two hours delay in bleeding may be the cause of death. This being done, or not done, in those persons above named, who may not bleed: let there be given unto the sick person, of one of the medicines set down for the cure of the plague before in this book, and procure the sick to sweat well: which if they cannot speedily do, than you may use the means before taught with bottles, whereby a sweat shall speedily be brought forth: and let the patient endure it as long as he is able. And remember that you keep the sick from sleep in his sweat, and five or six hours after, if he be very faint, give him of one of the cordial confections to eat of sometime: and if he be so thirsty that he must needs drink, then give him of the syrup set down in this book for that purpose. But you ought not in any wise to give him drink after his medicine, until he hath sweat well: and that which you give him, must be warm and comfortable. And having sweat well, dry his body with warm and soft clothes: and so let him rest, keeping him from sleep. Within two hours give him some good broth to eat made with a chicken, in which broth boil a little whole mace, dates, raisins of the sun, Endive, Borage, bugloss, & rings or some pieces of gold. Let him have oftentimes to eat of one of the cordial confections, set down in this book: and let his drink be the first day Betonie water, Scabious and Borage water, of each of them half a pint, boiled a little with sugar and whole mace. After you may give him ale, if not strong, boiled with Mace and sugar. Let his meat be chickens, capon, rabbit, young mutton, or veal, and let him use oranges, lemons, pomegranates, grains of paradise, 
The diet the ocke ought to keep.  and all thing that doth comfort the heart and cool. You must perfume the chamber oftentimes in the day with the perfumes set down in this book, which will purge the air of the chamber; and sprinkle the floor of the chamber with good vinegar, and give 
Or rose-water ●● vinegar together.  him to smell unto oftentimes a cloth wet in rose vinegar. Now must the sore or botch be looked unto. And to ripen and bring it to suppuration, you shall find medicines set down in this book. If the sore do arise near the heart, I have set down means to defend the heart, and to draw the sore or botch further off: or if the botch appear in the throat, than likewise draw it further for fear of suffocation, or choking the patient. If watching or raving trouble him, I have set down means to help it. If thirst and dryness vex him, I have set down comfortable sirrupes to remedy it, or whatsoever he shall need in this cure, if advisedly you follow my direction.  
The patient aught to change his chamber sometimes, 
Change of chambers is good.  and to use often the perfumes before set down: and to keep the house all the time of his sickness until his sore be well, changing himself in fresh apparel well aired, and presumed before.  
And those that are about him must have care of themselves, and eat daily every morning some good preservative. And above all, let them take heed of the air or breath of the sore when it is opened: alway holding some root of Angelica steeped in vinegar in their mouth, or some other strong and good preservative, and let them eat sometimes a little good mithridatum, or any one of the confections preservative set down in this book against the pestilence: and also let the keeper take heed how to bestow the plasters that come from the sore.  
Well now remember what I have said aught to be done in this cure of the pestilence.  
First, that with all speed you use remedy without delaying the time, for therein chiefly consisteth the danger.  
Secondly, that you bleed, if no cause forbid it, as afore is taught.  
Thirdly, that you take one of the medicines before set down in this book, and sweat therewithal, and refrain from sleep.  
Fourthly, that you use the cordials to comfort the heart set down, and that you eat of them oftentimes in the day.  
Fiftly, that if the patient be faint, you must use the Epithymum, and cpithymate the heart therewith. 
●nd apply an ●pithymum ●nto the heart.   
Sixtly, that if the sore or botch appear, and rise near unto the heart, that then you use upon the heart a defensative, and with speed draw the botch further off.  
The seventh observation is, that with speed you apply medicines to suppurate the sore, and draw it forth.  
The eight is, that the chamber be oftentimes perfumed, 
●nd it were ●ry good that ●es were ●ade through ●ut the city, & you think the perfumes too ●ere, then ●e frankin●nse, rosin, and turpentine. ●y sleep the ●oud and ●rits vital are ●awne inward ●d attracteth ●th itself the ●nome unto ●e heart, and ●taineth it in.  that the air thereof may be purged, and made wholesome: and that the patient change his chamber oftentimes.  
The ninth is, that he use the diet before taught, eating a little at a time, and the oftener. And to use the syrups and consections to cool and comfort.  
The tenth, which should have been the first, is, that the patient in any case be kept from sleep, from his first sickening until he have taken his medicine, and sweat, and sire or eight hours after, and then to sleep but one hour, and the next day let him sleep three hours at times, but not above one hour at a time: and after the third day you may give him more sleep. But in the beginning of his sickness, it is most dangerous: for by sleep the spirits are drawn inward, and therewithal the venom is attracted unto the heart, and also the fever made more vehement and sharp. And this is the cause that many die, that might live if they were kept from sleep, and therewithal take some good medicine.  
The eleventh is, that the patient keep his chamber during the time of his sickness, and refrain all company, that he hurt not others.  
The twelfth is, that being well, he give humble thanks to God, and then let him change his apparel, being well perfumed, and in the name of God go abroad.  
And if the botch arise near unto the heart, then before you sweat, it were good to apply this defensative unto the heart, being thin spread upon a fine cloth, as broad as will cover the heart.  
R. Good Mithridatum one dram, Andromachus treacle 
A defensative for the heart, in sweeting to be used.  half a dram, red sanders, terra lemna half a scruple, with water of Roses and vinegar, as much as will suffice, make it in form of an unguent in a mortar.   

A good Cordial comforting the heart and cooling, to be used after the patient hath sweat or purged, and oftentimes in the day to take of it as much as a good hazel nut at a time.  
R. Conserves of Roses, Borage, and bugloss, of each one ounce: Diamargariton frigidum, Diarrhodon 
A very good cordial confection to be eaten oftentimes in the day of the sick patient.  abbatis, of each half an ounce: seeds of Citrons two scruples or a dram: Manus christi three drams: fol. auri number 6. bolearmoniack prepared two scruples. Mix them, and let the sick eat hereof many times in the day.   

A good potion giving five or six stools gently, which purgeth venomous filthy humours from the body, to be taken the third day after sweat, if no sore or botch appear, or when a sore or botch hath run, and is growing well, then is it good to use this.  
R. Flo. & fol. Card. benedict. one handful: fol. Scabi, 
A purging potion to be used the second day after sweat, if no sore appear  Betonicae one handful: root of Gentian one dram: good Rhubarb one dram; water of bugloss, Scabious & Borage, of each an ounce: let there be made an infusion thereof. Then add unto it Diacatholicon half an ounce, Cassia with Manna half an ounce: syrup of Roses solutive one ounce, misce.  
This aught to be taken in the morning, and neither 
●t work not thin two ●ures take a atle broth five ●● six spoone●s.  eat, drink, nor sleep until it hath wrought his effect, in giving five, six, or seven stools, and use yourself as is before taught in purging.   

Another good Cordial greatly comforting the patient after his sweat to be eaten oftentimes, a little at a time, and to continue the use thereof three or four days, until he be strong, and all danger past, or in his sweat a little, if he be weak, faint, and apt to swoon.  
R. Conserves of Roses, Borage and bugloss of each half an ounce: spe. Diagem. call. & frig. of each one 
This Cordial confection ●oth greatly comfort the ●eart.  scrup. bolearmoniack prepared two scruples: spe. diamargarit. call. & frig. of each one scruple: diarrhodon abba. half an ounce: syrup of lemons and sorrel, of each half an ounce, misce.  
Within two hours after the patient hath sweat, give him a little good broth, made of a chicken or capon, and let him eat a little at a time, and the oftener, according unto his strength and stomach: and let him be of good comfort, and eschew all fear & doubt, fixing his hope above in the Almighty, from whom cometh all help and comfort. Let his meat be chickens, or some light and good nourishing meat, as 
The diet that ●●ust be used.  young pullets, capons, partridge, rabbits, or such like: but for want of these, young mutton, or veal, and let it be given him with sauce made with an orange, a limon, and a little good vinegar with mace and Saffron: and make unto all his meat these cool and sharp sauces: and use no hot spices, neither strong wines in any wise. Let his drink be middle ale, clean brewed and well boiled with maces and sugar: also you ought to keep him from sleep the 
His drink.  first day until it be toward night, & then let him rest in God's name one hour. And if the patient be very dry and thirsty, as most commonly they are, then give him of this julep three or four spoonfuls at a time to drink.  
R. Water of Roses, Endive and bugloss of each three ounces, sorrel water four ounces, good vinegar 
A julep to help dryness and thirst.  four ounces: juice of lemons four ounces: sugar one pound, boil them a little over a soft fire: which done, and cooled again, give him a little thereof to drink, the quantity of two or three spoonfuls at a time.  
Also a ptisan made with barley, liquorice, and cool herbs, is good to assuage his thirst. But use this, which I do most commend for the assuaging of thirst and dryness.  
R. Syrup of Endive comp. sir. of sorrel of each three ounces: Water of Roses, and bugloss, of each one 
Against thirstiness a syrup.  ounce: syrup of lemons two ounces, mix them.  
Let the patient have sometimes, or as often as he is dry, one spoonful of this syrup, which is very good: and this shall suffice, for the amending of his heat and dryness. Give him to eat sometimes of a limon with sugar, or of a pomegranate, which are both very good.   

Or this assuageth and taketh away all thirst, and dryness in this case.  
R. Water of Roses, and bugloss of each three ounces: syrup of Endive and lemons, of each two ounces, 
julep against ●st & dri●e.  oil of Vitriol one scruple. Mixc them.  
The taking of this one spoonful at a time, taketh away dryness and thirst.  
And if the patient be very faint and weak after his sweeting, or before his sweeting, then apply this quilt upon the region of the heart: and let him wear it continually for a while.   

A Quilt for comforting and strengthening the heart, when the patient is weak, to be worn after his sweeting.  
R. Flowers of water lilies, borage and bugloss, of each half a dram: red Rose leaves one dram: 
●uilt com●ing the 〈◊〉.  flowers of balm & rosemaric, of each two drams: maces one dram: ofred and yellow sanders, of each one dram: wood of aloes, cloves, of each one dram: seeds of citrons, juniper berries, of each one dram: saffron six grains: of the bone of the Deeres heart one scruple. Let them be made in gross powder, & quilt it in crimson or scarlet coloured taffeta, or fine cloth.  
This quilt being made by the Apothecary, use it over, or upon the heart of the sick, in such manner as it may avide without falling away.   

An Epithymum that doth much comfort the heart, when a person is weak.  
R. Water of Roses, borage, and bugloss of either three ounces: vinegar one ounce: forrell water 
An Epithymun for the heart to be used to a weak and fainting person.  two ounces: wood of aloes, red sanders, barks of citrons, of every one of them two drams: saffron six grains: Electuarium de gemmis one dram: Diamargariton two scruples. Mix them together, and make an Epithymum.  
A little of this must be made warm in some pewter dish, and then take little clothes of fine linen, which fold up two or three double. Then moisten one of your clothes and wring it forth lightly, & apply it unto the heart, keeping it there a while, until it begin to be cold: then take another, and so a quarter of an hour together, and this you may do two or three times in the day, applying afterward the quilt aforetaught. This is to be done when a person is weak and faint.   

A Potion purging gently all venomous and corrupt humours from the body.  
R. Scabi. Card. benedict. Mors. diaboli ana pu. i. betonicae pu. i trifoliis pu. i. rad. gentianae scrup. i flo. boraginis, buglossae ana pu. i. sem. citrini scru. i. rhubarb. clectae ʒ i. Seen ʒ iij. aqua scab. endiniae & buglossae ana unc. i. & semis. fiat infusio. Deinde add Diacatholicon unc. i. manna calab. unc. semis. sir. Rosarum solutiu. unc. i. misce & fiat potio.  
Take this potion the second or third day after your sweeting, so it be not on the changing or full of the moon, and the sooner the better, no botch or sore appearing. This will work gently in all bodies, and purge strongly and effectually, and cleanseth and purgeth the body of the remnant of the venomous infection, and corrupt humours. Take the other part the second day after early in the morning, you must 
●xing it with infusion ●t was left.  neither eat, drink, nor sleep until it hath wrought his effect, which is in giving you seven or eight stools. Within an hour after the taking of it, or thereabout it will work: Have therefore in readiness your stool with warm water. If after the taking of it you fear casting it up, then use a browne toast and vinegar to your nose, and smell thereto oftentimes. Within four or five hours you may take a little good broth made with a chicken, veal, or mutton, with herbs as afore taught. And when it hath wrought his effect, which will be within five hours, or thereabout, then may you eat some of your meat, and take your rest 
●member to often in ●ur chamber ●t perfumes down be●e.  a while after, if you have any disposition to sleep. Make a light supper, and keep and observe a good diet, keeping yourself within your chamber or house ten or twelve days.  
They that would have it less purging, may take the third part before set down. And although it work strongly, yet is it gentle, easy and hurtless. It purgeth choler, phlegm, and all corrupt and superfluous humours. I could set down many for the purging of the body, but none better, or to be preferred before it in this case: and this will suffice. At other times, we commonly give sirrupes bnfore, opening, extenuating 
●ppocrat. cum ●isque purgare.  and preparing the body, but in this case, where the matter aboundeth, and requireth speedy evacuation, we stand not upon it.  
Oftentimes and most commonly in this contagious sickness the patient is troubled with lightness in his head, and cannot sleep: the reason hereof is, Note the brain is distempered by heat: Hot vapours ascending and flying up from the stomach. And this is the reason they sleep not: and the cause of their raging is want of sleep, and a distemperature of the brain. When a person is so troubled, then use this underwritten.   

An unguent to anoint the temples and brows of him that cannot sleep through heat, and distemperature of the brain.  
R. unguentum popillion unc. semiss. unguentum rosarum unc. semiss. unguentum alabastra unc. 
An unguent to cause sleep in watching and raving.  anaʒ ij. opium scrup.. i. or scrup.. ij. in aqua rosarum dissol. misce.  
With this anoint his temples, and the for part of his head sometimes, when you would have him to sleep. And give him to eat this, which is exceeding good to cause sleep, and stay raging.  
R. Conserve of Roses half an ounce: Diascordium two drams: syrup of poppy half an ounce: syrup 
A confection causing sleep.  of lemons two drams: mix them.  
Give him the half of this to eat, which will greatly further and provoke sleep. Or this will also greatly provoke sleep.  
R. Syrup of violets, syrup of lemons, syrup of poppy of each one ounce: diascordium three drams: mix them.  
Give the patient sometime of this in a spoon to drink, for it is good to provoke sleep and stay raging.   

A frontal to be applied unto the fore part of the head, to cause sleep.  
R. Flowers of Roses, violets, and water Lilies, of each a little handful: of the seeds and heads of poppy, 
because sleep ●ntlet to be ●ied unto ●rowes.  one dram: of the three kinds of Saunders, of each one dram: Flowers of Camomile, betony, & melilote, ana pu. ss. beat them into gross powder, and let a frontal be made thereof.  
Apply this frontal unto his head, as afore taught. I have set down these means to cause and provoke sleep, and stay the raging that is oftentimes in this sickness. But you must note, that this is not to be used in the beginning of his sickness: For in the beginning of the sickness the person ought in any wise to be kept from sleep. For as through sleep the spirits are drawn inward, and the venom therewith attracted unto the heart: so the heat is also exceedingly increased through sleep.  
Therefore this means that I have set down for causing of sleep or any other to sleep, may not be 
●ote this.  used until the Patient hath sweat, and two or three days after his sickening. And the sore forth, then may you safely use them to his great comfort & ease.  
Through the great interior heat, the patient his tongue, throat and mouth will be sore, as I have often seen, then make this gargarism.   

A Gargarism to heal the mouth, throat & tongue in this sickness, if it be sore through the heat of the stomach.  
R. Barley excoricated or common barley a handful, 
● gargarism.  Plantain leaves, strawberry leaves, violet leaves, sinckfoile leaves, of either of these a handful: briar tops half a handful: woodbine leaves and collumbine leaves, half a handful: shred and bruise these herbs a little, and then boil them in a quart of fair water, which being well boiled, strain it forth, and put thereto Diamoron two ounces, syrup of Roses two ounces, mel Rosarum or honey of Roses two ounces: mix these, and let the patient use it often to wash and gargarize his mouth.  
The use of a little white wine sometimes is good with Rose-water, and a little vinegar to wash his moth withal.  
To vomit at the beginning of the sickness is good: 
Note this, when vomit is good.  for if a person fall sick at his meat, or within a while after his meat; then ought he to provoke vomit, and when he hath vomited, then to take a medicine set down for the cure of the pestilence, and sweat therewithal, and do as I have taught 
Cordials and sweat will stay vomiting.  in this book before: but if he be much troubled with vomiting in his sickness, then let him use this that I shall teach him.  
gariphilarumʒ ij. syr. limonum unc. semis. diamargariton 
To stay vomiting.  frid. ʒ ij. misc.  
And if his vomiting should not stay, than were it good for him to take some gentle purging potion to expulse these corrupt humours that sucketh up that disposition to vomit.  
I doubt not but what I have written is sufficient for the interior part. Now will I come to the external and outward application, and show what is to be done in suppurating and opening the sore.  
Having taken one of the medicines afore taught, and sweat, using the cordial appointed, apply unto the sore this underwritten, which will draw it forth, and ripen it: and you must have special care that with speed you draw forth the sore, aposteme or carbuncle, lest it return again into the body.   

A plaster to suppurate, draw forth, and ripen the sore or botch, although common, yet very good and commended of all that use it.  
Take a great white Onion, & cut off the head of it, & with your knife pick out the core or middle part, and fill that hollow place full of good treacle, not common treacle, but Theriaca Andromachis, which you shall have at the Apothecaries. Put on the head of the Onion, and past it with a little dow or leaven, and set it to roast in the embers, and being soft roasted, take it forth and pill it, and stamp it in a mortar, and lay it hot unto the sore upon some double cloth, and roll it softly that it fall not off, & renew it and lay on fresh, every six hours.  
And here I must needs commend the use of a young cock to be used in this manner unto the sore. Pull away the feathers from about the fundament of the cock, and place the fundament upon the sore, and hold his bill sometime to keep in his breath, he shall the better draw the venom: & if he die, then take another, and do so again. Then lay on this Cataplasma, which I have often used, and approved to be very good to draw forth and suppurate the sore.  
R. One Lily root, young mallows, one handful, let them be bruised in a mortar: linseed two or three spoonfuls beaten grossly, boil them together in sufficient water, or as much as will cover them, boil them until they be very soft and thick, than put thereunto Figs six or seven: half a good handful of raisins stoned, mix these together, and put unto it oil of Camomile two spoonfuls, and being very warm lay it to the sore, and bind it softly that it may abide on, change it every twenhoures.   

Another that ripeneth the botch and bringeth it speedily unto suppuration.  
R. Onions and Garlic heads, of each of them in number four: roast them in the embers, then stamp them in a mortar, and put thereto of fenegreeck and line seed of each a good spoonful, snails with their shells four or five, figs in number four: leaven as much as a Walnut, barrows liquor as much as two walnuts, mix them in a mortar, and warm it & apply it unto the sore.   

An Implaister that ripeneth the sore or botch.  
R. Galbanum Ammoniacum, Bedelium ana j ounce, dissolve them in vinegar at the fire and strain them and put thereto diachilon magnum ij. ounces, mix them and spread it upon a thick cloth, and lay it to the sore and change it every xvi. hours.   

Another plaster that draweth forth the sore and ripeneth it speedily.  
Take a white Lily root, young mallows two handful, scabious one handful: shred them and bruise them, and boil them in a sufficient quantity of ale grounds, and put thereto of line-séede two or three spoonfuls beaten, and as much fenegréek beaten likewise, sour leaven as much as two walenuts, mix them, and lay it warm unto the sore, changing it every sixteen hours, two or three times using it, ripens the botch.  
By using any of these poultices, or cataplasms, you may speedily ripen the botch or sore, and being 
break not selfe by means dily.  ripe, it ought to be opened by the Chirurgeon in the lower part thereof, that the matter may be the better avoided. And remember this note, that whatsoever you apply or lay unto the botch must not be cold, I mean cold in quality and operation. For cold medicines would drive back again that venomous matter true hath expelled, to the great danger of the that napatient.  
And if you fear the opening of it, which is indéeds nothing to suffer, then let the Chirurgeon use a potential instrument, I mean a caustic, and being done use this digestion.  
R. Clear Turpentine washed one ounce, a yolk of a new laid egg, as much: oil of Saint john's wort half a dram, of good Mithridatum half a dram.  
Mix all these together and use it unto the wound until it be well digested, which you may know by the whiteness, thickness, and great quantity of the matter. And notwithstanding it is now running, yet shall it be good for you to use one of the pultise afore taught, it will ripen and bring forth the rest. This is dangerous for those that are about you, therefore be careful to keep your chamber, and also how you bestow the plasters that you use unto your sore, that others be not infected thereby. You ought to use daily in your chamber the perfumes before set down three or four times a day, to use a good diet, and to eat of some of the cordials before set down, and your sore being near well, then ought you to purge with one of the potions before set down.   

What is to be done when a sore or botch lieth deep and comes not forth.  
You must take one of the medicines afore set down for the cure of the plague, and sweat therewithal: but 

Use cordials to comfort the heart.  
The cause why the sore comes not forth, is weakness of nature.   if the Apostume or sorely deep, notwithstanding your sweat, then must you fasten cupping glasses over or upon the sore, first scarifing the place, and when you have used your cupping glasses, then use a young cock or pullet, as before is taught, pulling the feathers from about the rump and tail, putting a little salt into the fundament of the cock or pullet, set it unto your sore holding the bill of him sometime to retain his breath: and if he die take one more, and do as before, and then apply the plaster of onions and treacle set down before: and then apply some one of the other which will bring it to suppuration, then let it be opened as before taught.   

What is to be done when the botch will not come to suppuration, but continues hard.  
If a botch come not to suppuration within three or four days, as most commonly it doth, but resisteth your application continuing hard, then must you use some caustic or strong vessicatorie, or insition which I like not of, the matter being unripe or not altered into corruption: the continuance of a botch unsuppurated and not drawn forth is very dangerous: the reason is, the venom gathereth strength by putrefaction within the body and returns unto the heart again. Then farewell life. This I have known, and I am persuaded may die that might live, if this were seen unto. Therefore to prevent danger, rather open the botch before it be full turned unto suppuration, and use cataplasms and poultices to ripen the rest that remains. But being still hard, than I say you must use the counsel of a chirurgeon, and open it with a caustic, as I before said, how and wherewith I 
〈◊〉 with a 〈◊〉.  would teach, but it would be too long in this place.  
First, before it be opened, let it be well epithymated: and use some cordial set down in this book, two or three times a day. And then use digestions and salve to heals.   

What is to be done when a botch strikes. in again.  
Sometimes I have known the botch to appear, and yet suddenly to fall in again, and this is ever a dangerous and deadly sign. But I will show you all that may be done: and many have by this means been relieved from death.  
First, with all speed give him some one of the four Electuaries set down in this book for the cure of the plague, the quantity is there set down: and procure him to sweat as long as he can endure it. Then dry him with warm clothes. And give him cordials to eat of, set down in this book. Then ought he to have a glister, the which I will set down, and the next day early give him my purging potion set down before: the which is good in this case: and give him often cordials to eat. And by this means (by God's grace) the patient shall be delivered from death.   

The Clyster.  
R. Maluae, Althaeae ambarum cum radicibus ana m. ss. Mercurialis, Hipericonis, Meliloti ana m. ss. Scabi m. ss. sem. limb, & fenigraeci unc. i. fiat decoctio, m huius libra dissolve butyri unc. i. mellis rosarum unc. two. olei violacei unc. two. Catholici unc. semiss. Succhari rub. unc. i. Misce & fiat clyster.  
Take four ounces less of the decoction, for that it will be too much in quantity. Let this glister be given to the patient: And then the next morning receive the potion set down before, that purgeth venomous matter from the body, and observe what I have written.  
When a botch ariseth near unto the heart, or in the throat: then must you desire help of the Chirurgeon, 
When a botch ariseth in a dangerous place what we must do.  who with cupping glasses may draw the sore or botch farther off. To set down the manner here it were needless, every chirurgeon that hath any judgement and practice knows how to do it. I will here end, beseeching God to be merciful unto us, forgive our sins, and make us thankful for his great blessings bestowed upon us, bless our labours, and cease this sickness. Amen.   
FINIS.