THE BATHS OF bath: OR, A NECESSARY COMPENDIOUS TREATISE CONCERNING THE Nature, use and efficacy of those famous hot waters: PUBLISHED FOR THE BENEFIT OF all such, as yearly for their health, resort to those Baths: With an Advertisement of the great utility that cometh to man's body, by the taking of Physic in the Spring, inferred upon a question moved, concerning the frequency of sickness, and death of people more in that season, then in any other.  
Whereunto is also annexed a censure, concerning the Water of Saint Vincents Rocks near Bristol, which begins to grow in great request and use against the Stone.  
By To. Venner, Doctor of Physic in bath.  
LONDON, Printed by Felix Kyngston for Richard Moor, and are to be sold at his shop in Saint Dunstan's Churchyard in Fleetstreet. 1628.   


Effigies Tobiae Venner Med. Dr. Anno Dom: 1660. Aetatis suae 85.    

SERENISSIMAE PRINCIPI MARIAE, ANGLIAE, SCOTIAE, FRANCIAE, ET HIBERNIAE REGINAE,  
HOC DE THERMIS BATHONIENSIBUS OPUSCULUM HVMILlimè dedicat & consecrat  
THO. VENERUS Med. Dr.   

TO THE READER.  
GOod Reader, seeing in the few years that I have exercised Physic at the Baths, the yearly concourse in the Spring, and Fall, of people of all sorts, and from all parts of this Kingdom, to those famous Waters, and the little benefit that many after great expense and trouble receive thereby: I was induced to publish this ensuing Treatise, wherein I have very briefly showed the nature and efficacy of those Waters, touched the causes that many find not comfort, but oftentimes rather hurt, that resort to them; with such advertisements concerning the use of the said Waters: which if they be rightly observed, I am persuaded, few will hereafter complain that they have been at the Baths in vain, and so the Waters regain that esteem which in respect of their singular Virtues they are worthy of. But here you must take from me this one advertisement, which is, That Sickness is a Symptom of Sin: And therefore first, Poenitentiam agendo, before your departure from home, make peace betwixt God and your conscience, and then repair to the Baths, quò te faustum ducat, atque sanum reducat, qui solus id potest. Vale.   

THE BATHS OF bath.  
bath, so called from the Baths in it, is a little well-compacted City, and beautified with very fair and goodly buildings for receipt of strangers. Although the site thereof, by reason of the vicinity of Hills, seem not pleasant, being almost environed with them; yet for goodness of air, nearness of a sweet and delectable River, and fertility of soil, it is pleasant and happy enough; but for the hot waters that boil up even in the midst thereof, it is more delectable and happier, than any other of the Kingdom.  
There are in it four public Baths, so fairly built, and fitted with such conveniency for bathing, as the like (I suppose) is not elsewhere to be found; besides a little Bath for Lepers, called The Lepers Bath.  
They all have the original of their heat from one matter, namely, Sulphur, burning in the cavities of the earth, thorough which the waters flowing receive their heat. They partake of no other mineral that I can find: what may lie hid in visceribus terrae, I know not: of this I am sure, that such diseases as cannot receive cure elsewhere, here do.  
These Baths as they differ in their heat, 
King's Bath.  so in their operations and effects. The King's Bath is the hottest, and it is for beauty, largeness, and efficacy of heat, a Kingly Bath indeed, being so hot as can be well suffered. This Bath is of strong-heating, opening, resolving, attracting, and exiccating faculty, and therefore only convenient for cold and moist bodies, and for cold and moist diseases.  

Hot Bath.  Next to the King's Bath for efficacy of heat, is the Hot Bath, and the difference in their heat is so little, that it is scarcely to be discerned. This Bath is good for the same infirmities that the King's Bath is, and for the effects which it worketh, I cannot find it to be inferior unto it. They are two excellent Baths for cold and moist diseases, and for very cold and moist bodies.  

Queen's Bath.  The Queen's Bath is a member of the King's Bath, a wall only going between them, with a passage therein to go from one to the other. This Bath is not altogether so hot as that, and therefore the use of it is convenient for them that cannot well endure the heat of the King's Bath.  

Cross Bath.  The Cross Bath is for heat the mildest, being very temperately warm: it is a dainty Bath for young, weak, and tender bodies, that cannot endure the heat of the hotter Baths, or for whom the hotter Baths may not be convenient. It is an excellent Bath for temperate bodies, by way of preservation, because such the hotter Baths may soon distemper, and occasion hurt: Neither is this Bath good only for such as are of a temperate state and constitution of body by way of preservation; but for them and others also by way of curation, in some cases, where the hotter Baths are not fit to be used. This Bath, by reason of the mildness of its heat, is of a notable mollifying and relaxing faculty: good therefore in contractions of any member, in obstructions of the breast, spleen, liver, and kidneys; and effectual also for Aches, when it is in its prime and vigour of heat, especially for such, whose temper or habit of body shall prohibit the use of the hotter Baths. This Bath attains not to its perfection of heat, till the weather grow to be constantly hot, and when the other Baths, by reason of the fervour thereof, cannot be used, but by such whose diseases, and state of body are impensively cold.  
I cannot, in regard of the diversity of bodies, insist upon every particular in the use of these Baths: wherefore I will only for your better instruction and direction herein, give you some special advertisements, and thereupon leave you to some Learned Physician, that can accordingly guide you in the use of them.  
These famous hot Waters are of singular force, 
The virtue of the Baths in general.  not only against diseases gotten by cold, or proceeding from a cold and moist cause, but also bring, in time of health, exceeding comfort and profit to all cold, moist, and corpulent bodies: for they open the pores, resolve, attenuate, digest, consume, and draw forth superfluities, and withal strongly heal and dry the whole habit of the body.  
They are of excellent efficacy against all diseases of the head and sinews, proceeding of a cold and moist cause, as Rheums, Palsies, Epilepsies, Lethargies, Apoplexies, Cramps, Deafness, Forgetfulness, Trembling, or weakness of any member, Aches, and swellings of the joints, etc.  
They also greatly profit windy and hydropicke bodies, the pain and swelling of any part of the body, so that it proceed not from an hot cause, the sluggish and lumpish heaviness of the body, numbness of any member, pain in the loins, the gout, especially the Sciatica, cold tumours of the Milt and Liver, the Yellow jaundice in a body plethoric or phlegmatic.  
They are also very profitable for them that have their lungs annoyed with much moisture; and to make slender such bodies as are too gross, there is nothing more effectual, than the often use of these waters. Wherefore let those that fear obesitie, that is, would not wax gross; be careful to come often to our Baths: for by the use of them, according as the learned Physician shall direct; they may not only preserve their health, but also keep their bodies from being unseemingly corpulent.  
They are also singularly profitable to women; for they help them of barrenness, and of all diseases and imperfections of the Matrix, proceeding of a cold and moist They also cure all diseases of the skin, as Scabs, Itch, old Sores, etc. All which to be true, we daily find with admiration, to the exceeding great comfort of many, who with deplored diseases, and most miserable bodies, resort to these Baths, and are there, by the help of wholesome Physic, and virtue of the Baths, through the blessing of Almighty God, recovered to their former health.  

Hot Baths hurtful to hot and dry bodies.  But Baths naturally hot (as these our Baths are) to bodies naturally hot and dry, are generally hurtful; and so much the more, as the body is drier, and the Bath hotter, because it distempereth and consumeth the very habit of the body, and maketh it carrion-like lean.  
Wherefore seeing that these our Baths are not indifferently agreeable to every constitution and state of body, I do advice, that not any one go into them rashly, or upon a preposterous judgement; but that he be first advised by some faithful, judicious, and expert Physician; and to him expose the state of his body, whereby he may understand, whether or no it may be expedient for him to attempt the same. And whereas there are in bath diverse Baths, as I have showed; and they differing in their heat, and accordingly in their effects, he must also from the learned Physician be directed in which to bathe: neither must he only understand which Bath to use, as most convenient for his state of body; but also when and how often to use the same, and how long to abide therein at a time. Besides this, he must take special care, not to go into the Bath without fit preparation, (which is a gross error of many) but must be first purged, as his state of body shall require; and be also directed in other things how to order himself, before he go into the Bath, 
As not to go thereinto upon a full stomach, etc.  while he is in the Bath, and after that he is come out of the Bath, and when he leaveth the Bath: and must also with his bathe and sweeting use such physick-helpes, as may work with the Baths, according as his disease and present state of body shall require; not relying wholly upon the use of the water for his cure, as many ignorantly, and some basely do, to save their purse. The neglect of all these, or of some of them, either through ignorance, or voluntary wilfulness, is the cause, that some that take great pains to come to the Baths, are not by them healed of their infirmities, but oftentimes never return to their homes again; or if they do, it is most commonly with new diseases, and the old worse than ever they were: whereas of a generous and religious understanding, using the true helps of physic with the Baths, are of their diseases perfectly cured.  
Here I may not omit a special reason, why many receive little benefit by the Baths, but oftentimes much hurt; and that is, because they take not the aid and directions of a Physician present, in the use of the Bath; but bring their physic and directions with them from some Physician in the Country where they abode; perhaps, one that well understands not their state of body, much less the nature and true use of the Baths. But admit that they have their directions from an understanding Physician, yet I must tell them, that many accidences fall out oftentimes in bathing, that require the help of a present Physician.  
Another special reason why many find little good by the Baths, is, because they make not such stay at them, as in regard of their infirmities, or state of body, is meet: for some go away before the Bath (in regard of a dense habit of body) hath wrought any manner of effect at all on them: others even then when the Bath begins to show its force and efficacy on their bodies: and some too soon upon much benefit received: by means whereof they easily incur a relapse. Wherefore my counsel herein unto you is this, that you limit not your stay at the Baths, before you depart from your homes; but in that be advised and ruled by your Physician, when you are at the Baths, according as he shall find to be meet for your infirmities, and state of body: and think not to receive in four, five, or six weeks an absolute cure for an infirmity, which perhaps you have borne two or three years, notwithstanding all the helps and means you have used for the same in your own Country. Wherefore let your abode at the Baths be, as it shall be requisite for your state of body, and limit not the time, no, not to a Spring, or a Fall; for it may be needful for you to reside there the whole year, it may be more: for otherwise by your untimely departure, you may lose the good that you have gotten by the Bath, before the time come that you shall think to be fit for the use of the Baths again.  
But here I know you will object against me, saying, Is it good to make use of your Baths in the Summer and Winter? Are not those times by all learned and judicious Physicians prohibited for bathing in hot Baths? Whereupon grew the custom of frequenting them in the temperate seasons of the year, namely, in the Spring and Fall?  
Whereunto I answer, and first, that bathing in our Baths in Summer▪ taking the cool of the morning for it, if the season shall be hot and Summer-like, brings much more benefit to the body, the disease being of a cold nature, and proceeding from a cold and moist cause (for so you must conceive me) then in the Spring or Fall, when oftentimes the coldness and variableness of the air takes away the benefit of your bathing: for cold, or vaporous air entering into your body after bathing, the pores being open, doth not only very greatly annoy the spirits, and principal parts, occasion wind and tortures in the bowels, but also induce oftentimes irrecoverable effects to the sinews and joints. But if seasons that are constantly warm, be best for bathing in our Baths, and cold times hurtful, why should any reside at them in the Winter? I answer, That it is good for them that are in the way of cure, by reason of their former bathe; and that the waters are in their nature as effectually hot in the winter, as in any other time of the year; only the superficies, or upper part of the Bath is cooled by the winds. But in the Winter there are some calm days, in which the diseased body lying near to the Baths, may well and safely bathe, without any offence or danger in taking of cold after: for he may keep himself in a warm chamber, having nothing else to do, or take care for, but for his health.  
And here I cannot but reprehend the error of most people, that at the end of May depart from our Baths, and after that month, I know not out of what prejudicate opinion, altogether refrain to come to them, till the Fall: perhaps they do this, supposing, that after the Spring, till the Fall come again, the Baths lose their virtue. I must tell them, if this be their conceit, that they are in a great error; for the waters lose not their virtue at any time, only the disposition of the ambientaire may make them less fit to be used at one time then at another. But I would have you to know, and as I have aforeshewed, that our Baths, may as profitably be used in Summer, as in the Spring, and most commonly with far better success in the whole month of june, then in any of the former months, and that in regard of the constant temperature of this month, and the variable disposition of the months preceding. I am persuaded, that this untimely going from the Baths at the very approach of Summer, hurts many, and overthrows the good they have received by them. Wherefore my advertisement herein is this, that they which resort to the Baths for prevention of sickness, or such hereditary diseases, as they fear will befall them, depart from the Baths about the end of the Spring: but such as go to them for diseases already fixed, abide there the whole Summer, and longer too, if there shall be occasion.  
And admit that after the month of june the weather be too fervently hot to bathe in the hotter Baths; yet the Cross bath, which for heat is the mildest, being, as I have said, in its nature temperately hot, attains not to its efficacy and perfection, till the weather be constantly warm, which for the most part happens not till towards the end of May, or the beginning of june. The use of which Bath is of excellent efficacy, not only in the month of june, but after also, yea, all the Summer, according as the state of the body, and disposition of the season shall permit: wherein I leave you to the counsel and direction of some learned Physician resident at the Baths.  
And now also I must advertise such, as in the declining, or Fall of the year, which we call the Autumn, shall for the health of their bodies repair to our Baths, that they defer not their coming till the middle of September, or after, as many ignorantly do; but that they rather be there shortly after the middle of August, that they may have time sufficient for bathing, before the air grow to be too cold, as commonly it is in October, especially towards the end thereof. But, perhaps, some out of an ignorant timorousness will object; That to come to the Baths before the Dog-days are gone, or too soon upon them, is hurtful? Herein they are more scrupulous, then judicious: but to yield them some satisfaction, I answer; Besides the alteration of seasons from their ancient temperature, in this decrepit age of the world, that though the middle part of the day in the latter part of August shall be hot, yet the mornings and evenings (which are the times for bathing) begin then to be cold, and decline to a temperature; and the heat of the day growing on upon the bathing, is that which we specially respect for the health of our patients, for whom we approve the use of the Baths. Wherefore such as for the health of their bodies repair to our Baths, shall (if they be there in the latter part of August) receive a double commodity: for first, they shall have the whole month of September very convenient for bathing, and Physic also, as shall be occasion; yea, and part of October, as the disposition of the season shall permit: next, sufficient time for their return to their homes, before the air grow too cold, or the weather distempered: for to take cold betwixt the bathe, or to expose the body to travel in foul and intemperate weather, upon the use of the Baths, induceth (the pores being open) besides Feverous distemperatures and ventosities, oftentimes very great and dolorous affects of the Brain, Breast, Sinews and joints.  
I may not let pass how certain accidences now and then befall some in their bathing; as weakness and subversion of the stomach, faintness, and sometimes swoon; and these the Physician must take special care to prevent, which maybe occasioned by means of the Sulphurous vapours of the Bath: yet I must tell you, that these, or the like accidences our Baths do seldom occasion, especially the cross Bath, but in them that are weak by Nature, that are subject to swooning, or go into them preposterously, without fit preparation and direction. And the reason is, because our Baths being large, & having not sulphur in them, not in the cavities near adjoining, the vapours are the less noisome, not so gross and adusted; and therefore not quickly offensive, but to them that are very weak by nature, or as I have said, go into them without fit preparation, or make longer stay in them then is meet.  
And here I cannot but lay open Baths Technologie, 
Baths Technologie with them that resort to those Baths.  with such as for the health of their bodies resort to those Baths, wherein I am sure to gain little thank. But I pass not for it, my purpose being to discharge a good conscience, and to do my Country good. The thing therefore that I would have you to take notice of, is, how the people of that place that keep houses of receipt, 
bath being a place, in regard of the Baths, that many resort unto for cure of infirmities, that cannot receive help elsewhere; it were to be wished, that Empirics, and all other whatsoever they be, being not Graduates in the faculty of Physic, were utterly prohibited to practise in the City, or near to the confines thereof, idque sub poena gravissima.  and their Agents (for such they have in every corner of the streets, and also before you come to the Gates) press upon you, importuning you to take your lodging at such & such an house, near to such and such a Bath, extolling the Baths near which they dwell, above the rest, respecting altogether their own gain, not your good or welfare. And when they have gotten you into their houses, they will be ready to fit you with a Physician (perhaps an Emprick or upstart Apothecary, magnifying him for the best Physician in the Town) that will not cross them in removing you to another Bath, though the Bath near which you are placed, be altogether contrary to your infirmities and state of body, or at least, not so convenient as some other. And this is also a special reason, why many oftentimes receive rather hurt then good by the use of the Baths.  
My counsel therefore to the learned Physicians shall be this, that they so tender the good of their Patients, and their own worth and reputation, as that for base gain they subject not themselves to these kind of people, in hope to get Patients by their means; and to the Patients, that they fall not by any means into the hands of Empirics, who, by their ill qualified Physic, will spoil their bodies, and by reason of their pragmatical nature, persuade and put them to unnecessary and preposterous courses, which cannot but produce disastrous effects.  
But seeing that no calling is more disgraced, then by the men of the same calling, I wish all professors of Physic to carry themselves worthy of their calling, to be faithful and honest in their courses, not to insinuate with any, or after the manner of our Bath-guides, press upon them to be retained. If an Empiric or Mountebank seek about for work, I blame them not; let them deceive those who will be deceived; but for such as are graduated in the noble faculty of Physic to do so, it is Fiddler-like: a note, if not of some unworthiness in them, I am sure, of a base mind. Let those therefore that are Physicians indeed, strive to maintain the reputation of their Art, and not by a base insinuating carriage, or Mountibank-like tricks, to get a note and repute, vilify their own worth, or disgrace so noble a faculty.  
But to draw to an end, when you shall for your health repair to the Baths, be cautelous, and suffer not yourself to be taken up by such as will press upon you; but rest yourself at your Inn, and be well advised by a Physician that knows the nature and use of the Baths, and can well judge of your infirmities and state of body, what Bath shall be fitting for your use, and then up your lodging accordingly: which course if it were observed, and the Physician carefully and learnedly perform his part, I am persuaded that many more than now do, would, for their infirmities, find remedy at the Baths, to the great honour of the place, and that scarcely any would depart thence, but much eased and bettered in their state of body.  
Thus much I thought fitting to advise and publish, concerning the nature and use of our Baths, and the rather, that such as preposterously use them, as the greater part, I suppose, do, that resort unto them, may not erroneously detract from the admirable virtues of them: for unto us it doth yearly appear, by the miraculous effects they work, of what excellent efficacy they are, if they be rightly and judiciously used. And seeing that in the true use of them, there are many things to be considered; I do therefore again advise all such as are respective of their health, that they enterprise not the use of them, without the counsel and direction of some honest and learned Physician resident at the Baths: which if they do, the incommodum may be maius commodo. And so I conclude this Treatise.   

AN ADVERTISEMENT OF THE GREAT UTILITY THAT COME to man's body, by the taking of Physic in the Spring, inferred upon the ensuing Question.  
The Spring being the most reviving, flourishing, and temperate season of the year; whence is it, that sicknesses are more frequent in the same, and people sooner dye therein, then in any other season?  
THere may be two reasons yielded for the same: the one taken from the Winter preceding, which, by reason of its moisture, filleth the body with crude and excremental humours, and by its coldness, thickening, and compacting the same, quieteth them from fluxion. But the heat of the Spring approaching, and working on those humours, rarifieth and dissolveth them; which thereupon fluctuating and putrifying in the body, are the cause of sickness, unless they are expulsed by the force of nature, or timely help of Physic.  
The other reason may be taken from the inconstancy of the Spring itself, which sometimes is cold, sometimes hot, sometimes moist, and sometimes dry: which sudden alterations cannot but produce feverous distemperatures, and other infirmities, according to the disposition of the matter congested in the body, the Winter preceding. From which it may be concluded, that the sicknesses and death of people, which happen more frequently in the Spring, then in any other season of the year, are not so much to be attributed to the Spring, as to the Winter which hath filled the body with superfluities, and prepared it for sickness.  
Wherefore whosoever will be so provident, 
The utility of Physic taken in the Spring.  as by the timely help of Physic, to free his body, as his state and constitution shall require, of the superfluities congested in it by means of the winter going before, he shall be sure to be far more lively, healthy, and free from sickness in the Spring, then in any other season of the year, so as he err not overmuch in other things. And this purging of the body, and purifying of the blood in the Spring, will not only preserve from sicknesses that commonly reign in the Spring; but also be a means to keep the body in a perfect integrity the whole year after: and therefore I commend the taking of Physic in the Spring to all generous people, to them that lead a genial sedentary kind of life, especially to such as are subject to obstructions or any yearly disease.  
You may here demand of me, 
What time of the Springbest for Physic.  what time of the Spring is fittest for Physic by way of prevention? I answer, that for them that are wont to be affected with sickness in the Spring, and whose humours are too choleric and thin, and consequently subject to fluxion, it is best to take Physic at the very beginning thereof; but for others, about the middle, or after, especially if the precedent time shall be cold, and not Springlike.  
You may also here demand of me, 
Whether it be so requisite to take Physic in the Fall, as in the Spring.  whether it be not so necessary to take Physic in the Autumn, which we commonly call the Fall, as in the Spring? Whereunto, in regard of a generality, I must answer no: because the Summer prepareth not the body for sickness, filling it with superfluities, as doth the Winter; yet for some bodies it is, as for them that naturally abound with crude and phlegmatic humours, that are subject to obstructions, to cold winterly diseases, or any melancholic affects, as necessary to take Physic by way of prevention in the Fall, as in the Spring; and that for avoiding the superfluities before the Winter, for opening the obstructions, and freeing the body of superfluous melancholy, which then, by reason of the season increaseth. And the fittest time for the doing thereof, for such as are subject to melancholy and Autumnal diseases, is soon after the beginning of the Fall; but for others, towards the middle thereof.  

Advertisement to beware of Empirics.  But here I must advertise you that you expose not your body to the unlearned Empiric, that can neither find out the peccant humours, nor parts affected; but to such as are learned in that Art, that can well judge of your state of body, and accordingly prescribe you remedies, as your constitution and affected parts shall require. Many men think, yea some of a generous note, wherein they bewray their carelessness, if not their stupidity to, that whilst they are in health, they may for prevention, take Physic from any one, it matters not from whom it be, nor what Physic it be, so it work with them. I must tell you that many overthrow their bodies hereby, and that there is no less art and judgement required for preserving the body in health, then for curing of it being sick, if they did but know how the four humours are or aught to be proportioned in their bodies, for enjoying according to their constitutions a sound and healthy state, they would, I am persuaded, be more cautelous then to commit themselves into the hands of the unlearned, who, by their inconsiderate courses, take humours from them at an adventure, so well those which are not offensive, as those which are, to the utter subversion of the Oeconomie of the body: whereof though, perhaps, in regard of their strengths, they are not by and by sensible, which is that which only cloaketh the errors of Empirics, and as a veil, masketh many men's eyes and understanding herein: yet they will, as I have in diverse observed to their peril, by little and little incur a lapsed state of body.  
It is strange to see the ignorance of most people, how backward they are to give to the learned Professors of Physic their due, ready to lay scandals upon them; but forward to magnify Empirics, their Physic, their honesty, their care, willing to excuse and pass over their gross slips and absurdities. O mira hominum stupiditas! But proceeds this altogether out of ignorance? I suppose no: for doubtless many seek unto them, and magnify their Physic, because it is cheap: but such are fools and Gulls indeed, for they wrong, and even poison their bodies with gross and ill-qualified Physic, to save their purse.  
But to answer the reasons, or rather the words which they produce and allege in the favour and behalf of Empirics: To what purpose is the working of that Physic which respecteth not the peccant humours nor parts affected, but to the overthrow of the body? What is a supposed honesty in a Physician without learning, but a snare wherein the ignorant do voluntarily entrap themselves? I say supposed: for I cannot think that man to be honest, that usurps a calling, which with a good conscience he is not able to discharge. Or to what purpose is the care that Empirics take about their preposterous and ill-composed medicines, but to the utter ruin of the patient's body, as it too too unluckily happened of late to a Gentleman of good worth and note, who taking Physic by way of prevention of a Pil-boasting Surgeon, in a short space, by his ill-qualified and preposterous Physic, incurred an incurable and mortal lapse of his stomach and Liver, being in his constant age and perfect strength of body. Vain therefore and very absurd is that conceit, which many have in favour of Empirics, viz. If they do no good, they will do no harm. Admit that sometimes by their trivial petty medicines, they do no harm; yet nevertheless for that, I must tell you that they do much harm: for the sick body relying upon their skill, and they being not able to direct and execute such courses as shall be fitting and effectual to impugn the disease, while there is time fitting for the same, the sickness gets the mastery, and then (perhaps) when the strengths are too much weakened, and the disease become incurable, they seek help of the learned Physician. So basely verily are most of our people affected to their health, that until some practical Minister, Parish Clarke, Apothecary, Chirurgeon or the like, have done their utmost hurt, they seek not to the Physician.  
And here to vindicate our Art from calumny, I cannot but tax the most sort of people, that being affected with any great or difficult disease, which by reason of the nature thereof, or contumacy of the peccant humours, will have such progress, as that it cannot in a short time, by the medicines and best endeavours of the learned Physician, how forceable so ever, be evicted, will reject their Physician, and betake themselves, which is an absurdity, super omnem absurditatem, to some ignorant sottish Empiric, and every good wife's medicine, to their great hurt, and oftentimes utter overthrow. But if it happen, that they recover thereupon, they lay an imputation upon the Physician, and grace their Empiric with the cure; whereas in very deed the matter of their disease was wholly, or at least the greatest part thereof, eradicated by such fit and powerful remedies, as the learned Physician had formerly administered unto them: whereupon the residue of the cure was effected by the force of Nature, not by the weak endeavours of the Empiric, or trivial medicines of any other whatsoever.  
I have of purpose enlarged this Advertisement, and do leave it for a memorial and Caveat to all posterity, especially to the Gentlemen of this our age, who, for the most part of them, very greatly wrong their judgements and understanding, in taking Physic of the unlearned; and wherein they do not only wrong themselves, but also give occasion of hurt unto others: for the meaner sort of people following their example, do the like, whereby it comes to pass, that in all likelihood, more untimely perish (which I believe to be true in the Western parts of this kingdom) under the hands of Empirics, then die otherwise▪ Such as will not take notice hereof, in Empericorum manus incidant. And if any Asinus Cumanus, or Terra filius shall object, that diverse recover under the hands of Empirics; I answer in a word, that the recovery is not to be attributed to their Physic, but to the strengths of Nature, that bears up, both against the disease, and their preposterous courses.   

A CENSURE CONCERNING THE WATER OF SAINT Vincents Rocks near Bristol, 
* Vrbs pulchra, & Emporium celebre.  which begins to grow in great request and use against the Stone.  

The substance and temperature of the Water.  THis water of Saint Vincents Rock, is of a very pure, clear crystalline substance, answering to those crystalline Diamonds and transparent stones that are plentifully found in those Cliffs. It is no less commendable for smell and taste, then delectable for colour and substance, and for its temperature, excels any other of this kingdom, being almost of a mean between heat and cold: I say almost, because it is a little more inclined to cold, then to hear, which maketh it the more effectual for allaying the burning heat of the bowels, and yet by reason of its good temperature, not quickly offensive to the stomach, if it be not lapsed by cold.  
But before I deliver my censure and opinion concerning the nature and use of this water, 
From what Minerals it receives its medicinable faculties.  it is fitting that I declare unto you the matter from whence it receives its medicinable faculties, and that is (for I have twice made probation thereof) from Sulphur and Niter, and from both but in a small measure: for the water at its issuing forth, carrieth with it but an obscure heat, being scarcely lukewarm, and the reason thereof is, because the heat of the water, & strength of the sulphurous vapours are qualified and abated in the passages thorough the earth; or else it is, because this water issueth but from a small vein of sulphur. And the note that it hath but little Niter in it, besides the probation thereof, is, because it can hardly, or not at all in the taste be discerned, but by a curious and skilful palate for the purpose, I suppose that this water partakes of other good minerals: but I leave that for a farther search, or to such, as shall hereafter live more conveniently for that purpose, than I do. But whatsoever minerals shall lie hid in the passages of this water, it is sufficient, that it partakes of two so good as Sulphur and Niter, and that in such a mixture, as it makes it to be of an excellent temper, and medicinable faculty in potable uses for diverse cases, as shall be hereafter showed. It were to be wished, that the water issued forth in a more convenient place, aswell for access unto it, as for conserving the heat thereof.  
This water is frequented for no other use, but for the drinking of it against the Stone: it hath also other excellent faculties; but I suppose (such is the vanity of our time) that the fame thereof will not long hold, but will in a short time have an end, as some other waters of good force and efficacy against sundry infirmities, in diverse places of this kingdom have had, and that by reason of the absurdand preposterous use of it: for upon notice and experience that this water hath done some good against the Stone, people of all sorts repair unto it, so well such as have not the stone, as those that have, or stand in fear thereof, and abundantly glut and fill themselves therewith, till they vomit and strut again, scarcely one of fifty, I dare say, having the opinion of a judicious Physician for the taking of the same, or preparing their bodies for it as is meet; which cannot but bring a disgrace to the water: for admit that a few chance to receive benefit thereby, some will not, 
The hur'st that are occasioned by the unadvised use of the Water.  but many much hurt. Neither can the water be good for all bodies that are troubled with the Stone, or subject thereunto: and therefore I would have you to know, that the ill and preposterous use thereof will weaken the stomach, subvert the liver, annoy the head and breast, occasion Cramps, pain in the joints, breed crudities, rheums, Coughs, Cachexies, the Dropsy itself and Consumption.  
But I will proceed to show you the faculties and true use of the water. It notably cooleth the inflammations of all the inward parts, and yet, as I have said, not quickly offending the stomach, as other Waters do; and it is withal of a gentle mundifying faculty. 
The Virtue and Faculties of the Water.  It is therefore very effectual against the burning heat of the stomach, inflammations of the liver and reins, and adustion of the humours, being taken with fine Sugar in this proportion, as half an ounce of Sugar or thereabout to a pint of the Water. In such as have had hot livers, red pimpling faces, and adusted humours, I have caused a Tincture of Roses and Violets to be taken therewith, and that with singular success. It may be given with other good convenient Adjuncts, which will not only make it the more grateful to the stomach, but also more effectual for the cases aforesaid, which I leave to the Physician to find out, and direct as shall be best fitting for his patient's body. In inflammation and siccity of the intestines, it is good to give with this Water, syrup or mel Viol. Sol. In inflammation of the kidneys with obstruction also in them, I have given it to such as had withal hot livers, with Chrystallo minerali, with wished effect: for the distemper of the kidneys was not only quickly allayed therewith, but also abundance of sand and other drossy matter stopping in them purged forth.  
That this Water is good against the Stone, Strangury, and purulent ulcers of the kidneys and bladder, it is evident, by reason of its mundifying and cleansing faculty, to be taken with Sugar as aforesaid, or with some good and effectual Adjunct, for the speedier carriage of it to the affected places, etc. which by reason of the diversity of bodies, I cannot here describe, but must leave you therein to the advice and counsel, not of a vulgar, but of some learned judicious expert Physician, and that with this Caution, that if you be not sure of the accurate judgement and skill of your Physician, that you take the Water only with Sugar, without any other mixture with it. This Water is also good in the ulcerations of the intestines, with this Proviso, that it be taken with some convenient Adjunct, as Mell Rosat. etc. to occasion the passage thereof thorough the belly, diverting it from the veins.  
As concerning the use of this Water, 
The use of the Water for inward inflammations.  and first, for inward inflammations: The time of the year best for taking thereof by way of cure or prevention, is in the months of April, May, and june, and that in the morning fasting, the body being first prepared thereunto, that is, gently purged, according as the constitution thereof shall require; but in case of necessity, it may be taken at any other time, respect being had of the season, age, and present state of the body. As for the quantity that is to be taken every morning, and how long to be continued, in that, because of the diversity of bodies, I must leave you to the discretion and judgement of your Physician.  
As for the taking of this Water against the Stone, 
Ten Rules to be observed in taking of the Water against the Stone.  ten Rules are to be observed in the use thereof. The first is the preparation of the body, that is, that it be exquisitely purged, before you attempt the use thereof: for the passages being cleared, and the ill matter diverted by Stool, the Water will the more freely, and with greater force penetrate unto the reins. The second is, that it be taken in the morning fasting, the excrements of the belly being first deposed, and that at diverse draughts, allowing betwixt every draught or two draughts taken the one after the other, the space of a quarter of an hour, or some what more, till you have taken the whole portion of Water that is intended to be taken each morning, walking and stirring gently your body between every taking: for that will cause the Water to be the sooner distributed thorough your body, refraining to go abroad in the air between and upon the take thereof, if the weather shall be any thing cold; for cold will hinder the distribution of the Water.  
The third is, the quantity of the Water that is to be taken every morning, which must be directed by your Physician that knows your age and state of body. The fourth is, how many mornings together it is to be taken, as eight or ten more or less, according to the ability of the stomach, strenghts and state of body, wherein you must likewise be directed by your Physician.  
The fifth thing to be observed in the taking of the Water, is, to take it so near as you can, in the same temper of heat as it issueth forth, or else so hot as you shall be well able to drink it: and herein every one may gratify his own stomach. But seeing that the place is unfit for the taking of it, and that the Water seems, by reason of the rawishnesse of the place, to be colder at its issuing forth then it is otherwise: for being taken into a stone jug, it warmeth the same; I advice that the water be taken into stone jugges, or other convenient bottles, and the jugges or bottles to be immediately stopped, to keep in the vapours, and so the water to be taken while it reserveth its heat; but if the water shall wax cold before you take it, you may heat the jug in a kettle of hot water, till it shall be so hot as you shall like to take it, keeping the jug close stopped all the while: and so you may do such mornings when you cannot have the water, it being all overcovered by that part of the Severne that floweth to the City. If you demand of me, whether the water loseth any thing of its virtue, being so kept? I must answer you, that it is likely that it loseth somewhat, of its sulphurous, but not any thing of its introus quality, and therefore it may be well reserved, and used in manner as aforesaid.  
The sixth is the time of the year that is best for the taking of this Water, and that is, in a season that is not cold, or rainy; but hot, or inclining thereunto, as from the beginning of May, to the middle of September; but after that, in regard of the alterations of the air, and Winter approaching, this Water is not good to be taken, because it will weaken the stomach and liver, annoy the breast, breed crudities, Coughs, &c, as I have already showed.  
The seventh is the diet, that is to be observed all the time of the taking of the Water, which is, that it must be but slender, and that of meats of good juice, and easy digestion, the dinner not to be taken, till the greater part of the Water be avoided, and the supper must be always less than the dinner, that the Stomach may be the next morning empty for receiving of the Water again.  
The eight is, that the body be purged immediately after the taking of the Water, that is, when an end is made of taking it, for avoiding some relics thereof, which perhaps may abide in the body after the use of it, which the Physician must be careful to do with a fit medicine. Afterwards a moderation in diet and all other things is to be observed.  
The ninth is, that it be not given to children that are subject to the Stone, under twelve years of age, unless they shall be naturally of a very hot constitution, and that, to them in quantities proportionable to their age. Neither is it to be admitted to them, that are entered within the limits of old age, because it will abbreviate their life, calorem innatum extinguendo.  
The tenth and last thing to be considered in the use of this Water, 
For what bodies the use of the Water not convenient, but hurtful.  is, that it be not given to such, as by reason of the smallness and straightness of their veins, cannot extreate and pass it away by urine, though the infirmities of the Stone, Stranguries, etc. may otherwise require the use thereof. Neither is to be given to such, as have cold stomaches, weak livers, feeble brains, and subject unto Rheums; in a word, not to phlegmatic, not to any that abound with crudities, or have a cold and moist habit of body: for in all such it will soon infringe the natural heat, breed Rheums, annoy the breast, occasion Cramps, and diverse other infirmities, as I have afore showed.  
The same observations must be kept in taking of this Water against the Strangury and ulcerations of the bladder and kidneys, as is directed in taking thereof against the Stone. In which affects it is good to give therewith some lubrifying, cleansing extract, or the like. And here note, that if the Water in all the aforesaid cases be given with a fit and convenient Adjunct, it will not only be the more effectual, and sooner conveied to the affected parts, but less quantities also may serve to be taken; and then the stomach will not be so overpress and charged therewith, as it is in the common manner of taking it. But if it be at any time fit to overcharge and press the stomach therewith, it is in cases of the Strangury and purulent-ulcers of the bladder and kidneys.  
I may not omit to give you notice, that diverse symptoms or perilous accidences may happen oftentimes in the use of this Water, which, because they cannot be well rectified or prevented without the presence of a Physician, I here omit to nominate or treat of, and in stead thereof, as also for diverse reasons afore nominated, do advice you not to adventure the drinking thereof, without the advice and presence of a judicious Physician; which if you do, you may haply in stead of the good you expect thereby, receive much hurt. As for outward uses, this Water may sometime assuage the Itch, mundify and palliate old Sores; but no matter of moment is to be expected from it this way. And thus much concerning the nature and use of this Water, whose Virtues will be better known, if people make a right and good use thereof.  
FINIS.